Two Upstate manufacturers of fiber and paper products are expanding. Fibertex Nonwovens, Inc. is adding to its Laurens County manufacturing facility to create "a second spunlace production line for rolled nonwoven fiber products," according to a coordinated news release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and numerous other agencies. The material produced in Laurens is primarily used for wipes. Fibertex will also purchase an additional 84 acres of adjacent land. The $49.5 million in improvements will yield an additional 39 jobs. The expansion, which should be finished in 2023, also drew a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Grant for Laurens County from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development. The facility is located at 100 Iso Parkway in Gray Court. Spunlace is made using entangled fibers, which are combined under pressure rather than woven in a traditional fashion. The process results in a strong, flexible and durable material. In Anderson County, First Quality Tissue is expanding. A new paper machine will add 70,000 tons of capacity annually, according to a news release from Anderson County Economic Development and the Upstate SC Alliance. The international company, which was founded in Pennsylvania, specializes in hygiene and paper products. The Anderson facility makes "ultra-premium towel and tissue products," according to the release. On the move Greenville County Schools will hold a job fair on March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Golden Strip Career Center, 1120 East Butler Road in Mauldin. The positions are for bus drivers, bus aides, custodians and food service personnel. Pay ranges from $10.43 to $19.06 per hour. Information is available at greenville.k12.sc.us or by calling 864-355-3100. Juniper, a new bar and restaurant located on the rooftop of the recently opened AC Hotel Greenville Downtown at Camperdown Plaza, hired Will Ruwer as lifestyle ambassador. The 16,000 square foot space at 315 S. Main Street is opening soon. Straight from the release Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! "The Duke Endowment approved $1.5 million to support South Carolinians impacted by the coronavirus crisis. This is the second gift from The Duke Endowment to the One SC Fund: COVID-19 Response, a fund housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation, bringing their total contributions to $2.75 million. The gift from The Duke Endowment is the single largest gift the One SC Fund has ever received." The fund serves all 46 counties in the state, according to the release. "Bob Jones University earned a bronze level designation from the Exercise is Medicine On Campus program. BJU is one of only 153 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine for its efforts to promote campus health." "United Way of Greenville County celebrated and recognized the generosity and impact of its donors and volunteers during the organizations 2021 Stronger United Community Awards Celebration, held virtually on March 18 from the Peace Center." The rundown 7-figure home sales Recent million dollar real estate transactions in the Upstate. Back for more next week. Email your tips, releases and newsy bits to rgilchrest@postandcourier.com and amitchell@postandcourier.com. China has ramped up its retaliation towards nations accusing it of genocide and serious human rights abuses in Xinjiang, delivering a daunting threat they will "pay a price" for their "shameful" stance. On Monday, the US, the EU, the UK and Canada imposed sanctions on Chinese officials as they continue to push for Beijing to be held accountable for its actions imposed on more than one million Uyghur muslim minorities in the western province. The move was followed by a joint statement from Australia and New Zealand reiterating their "grave concerns" regarding what they called clear evidence into human rights abuse. "Australia and New Zealand welcome the measures announced overnight by Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. We share these countries' deep concerns," the statement read. There have been multiple in-depth reports and investigations from western academics and media organisations that claim people sent to Xinjiang's internment camps are subject to forced labour, torture, sexual abuse and sterilisation. Hua Chunying was unrelenting on Tuesday night when addressing allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Source: FMPRC On Tuesday evening, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying delivered a fiery warning to Western countries intent on defaming China by spreading lies. "There are a few countries obsessed with lecturing others on human rights. But facts in the past have proved that they are neither qualified or capable of doing so," she said. "We urge them not to underestimate Chinese people's firm determination to defend national interests and dignity. It's a courtesy to reciprocate what we receive. "They will have to pay a price for their ignorance and arrogance." Chinese embassy scolds Australia Her remarks follow a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Canberra which rejected Australia's latest comments on Xinjiang. Story continues "The allegations, in disregard of facts and based on disinformation and lies, are unwarranted attacks against China and out of pure political manipulation," an embassy spokesperson said on Tuesday. The statement once again pointed to a perceived hypocrisy of Australia, previously levelled by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the outspoken editor of state-run Global Times, Hu Xijin. "We call on Australia to reflect upon and address its own problems, in particular the killings of innocent civilians by Australian overseas military personnel, the worsening situation of racial discrimination, the long-standing insufficiency in the protection of the rights of aboriginal peoples as well as the inhumane treatment of detainees in the off-shore detention centres," the statement said. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Hua issued similar barbed remarks to the US, EU and UK saying that with their own notorious reputation on human rights, they are in no position to blame China. "It must be pointed out that these countries and bloc regard themselves as 'the judge of human rights' and act as 'lecturers on human rights'; however, they themselves have a bad reputation on human rights. They have no right to accuse China or even impose on China the crimes they have committed themselves," she said. Hua listed the atrocious actions that the colonists committed in history, including the slave trade, racism, genocide, slaughter and launch of wars for example in Iraq. She also pointed to the US response to Covid-19 where Washington "turned a blind eye to their people's rights to life". "The United States and the West have been trumpeting protecting human rights, but who and what right on earth are they protecting? In what way are they respecting and protecting human rights? Shouldn't they feel shameful?" she asked. Canberra has repeatedly been criticised by Beijing for its position on Xinjiang. Source: Getty When pressed whether China believed the actions alleged to have occurred in Xinjiang were acceptable because of previous nation's ill treatment of people, Hua refuted such a suggestion. She said previous human rights violations from Western countries are "plain facts", while the accusations levelled by Western countries was "based on lies and disinformation". China 'not worried' by US-led alliance The US has vowed it will only cooperate with China if it stops its economic sanctions against Australia, a stance Canberra has welcomed. Australia has been hit hard by sanctions targeting its main exports to China in the wake of a series of disagreements over matters including Xinjiang as well as national security threats, Chinese investment in Australia and stances on Hong Kong and Taiwan. Hua said China was undeterred by a growing alliance of nations believed to be counter-acting Beijing and its bullying. Earlier this month Quad members Australia, Japan, India and the US had a successful first summit where they agreed to work towards an Indo-Pacific free of coercion. "I can tell you with absolute confidence that we are not worried at all," Hua said. "While politicians in these countries are busy wooing voters, the Chinese government is busy serving the people wholeheartedly. "If these countries want to talk about democracy, they are more than welcome to come and talk to us. "However, if we try to preach human rights or democracy, reprimand China in a condescending way, interfere in China's internal affairs on the basis of rumours and lies, or even imposed arbitrary sanctions on China, we will have to reciprocate." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. handed over the second batch of Covid-19 vaccine donation to Chinese Ambassador to Liao Liqiang and Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed held a press conference at the headquarters of the health ministry, during which Liao signed a certificate to confirm the handover with Egyptian Assistant Health Minister for Financial and Administrative Affairs Wael El Saaey, Xinhua news agency reported. has given great support and assistance to through the joint efforts of the Chinese government and enterprises, reflecting the friendship between the leaders of the two countries, and the strong relations between Egypt and China, Zayed told the press conference. "The Chinese Covid-19 vaccine is safe, effective and has played an important role in Egypt's vaccination system. Egypt is willing to continue to cooperate with in various fields such as vaccines, epidemic prevention and control," Zayed said. For his part, the Chinese ambassador said that when Egypt is most in need, China has always provided sincere help as soon as possible, which is a profound portrayal of the in-depth development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines provided by China for Egypt and the General Secretariat of the Arab League arrived in Cairo on February 23. --IANS int/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 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. WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland accused Belarus on Wednesday of persecuting its Polish minority, calling on its government to stop "taking hostages", after Polish and Belarusian media said the head of a group representing the Polish diaspora had been arrested. In a worsening diplomatic standoff following tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions this month, the Polish foreign ministry said it had summoned a Belarusian charge d'affaires for discussions on Tuesday evening but gave no further details. Andzelika Borys, head of the Association of Poles in Belarus, was arrested in the city of Grodno on Tuesday and sentenced to 15 days in prison, Polish media said. Belarusian media said Borys was being held on charges of violating mass gathering rules, citing the interior ministry. The Association of Poles in Belarus said it feared further "repressions" of the diaspora but would continue its work. The Belarusian interior ministry was not available for comment and the government issued no statement on her arrest or on reports of several other Poles in Belarus being detained. "I want to express my absolute condemnation of Andzelika Borys' arrest...we cannot condone taking hostages in this way. That's what you can call this sort of large scale action that the Belarusian authorities are taking," Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a televised statement. Poland has criticised the Belarusian leadership under President Alexander Lukashenko, and has hosted Belarusian opposition politicians. Warsaw has also called for coordinated action to help the protest movement in Belarus, where Lukashenko's opponents say a presidential election last August was rigged to hand victory to him. The president had denied electoral fraud. The prosecutor's office in the Belarusian city of Brest has also opened a criminal case into suspected glorification of war criminals, following a memorial evening in a Polish school in Belarus dedicated to Poles who fought against the Soviet Union. Poland expelled two Belarusian diplomats last week after a Polish diplomat was expelled this month. (Reporting by Joanna Plucinska, Anna Koper and Alicja Ptak in Warsaw, Matthias Williams and Pavel Polityuk in Kyiv, Editing by Timothy Heritage, William Maclean) Share This: The COVID-19 pandemic may be subsiding, but for many small businesses in Nebraska, a certain amount of uncertainty remains, Bryan Slone, president of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, told The Center Square. One issue is the liability businesses might face for COVID-19. Congress did not pass any COVID liability protection, Slone said. As businesses reopen and re-engage over the summer and they are bringing their employees back, there is still this concern about litigation over COVID. States, including Nebraska, are considering liability protection legislation but a national bill is also needed, Slone said. Since so many businesses operate in multiple states, it would be even better to get federal legislation, he said. Two of the hardest industries, retail and travel, are nervous about getting consumers to return to shopping in stores and staying in hotels, Slone said. Thats really a question of how soon the consumers feel safe, Slone said. Thats really important to the recovery. Businesses are going to do everything they can to make their places safe for consumers. I do believe consumers will come back. Its a question of how fast. Nebraska businesses had lower expectations for the economy in February than they did the month before, according to a survey by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Businesses' expectations index dropped from... Vehicles carrying the North Korean military's weapons presumed to be cruise missiles are unveiled a military parade in Pyongyang on Jan.14 to mark the eighth congress of the country's ruling Workers' Party of Korea in this photo released by the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency the following day. Yonhap By Jung Da-min The belated confirmation from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on North Korea's firing of two cruise missiles last Sunday has brought criticism that the South Korean government is failing to gain public confidence in its national security policy. The JCS said Wednesday that North Korea fired two cruise missiles off the west coast from the country's western port county of Onchon early Sunday, confirming related reports made hours earlier in the U.S. media, which citied two senior officials with the Joe Biden administration. A JCS official told reporters that South Korean and U.S. authorities have been analyzing the situation and closely monitoring related moves but refused to disclose other details such as type, flight range or apogee of the missiles. Defense watchers said the government's silence on the North Korea missiles is seen as its efforts to keep the momentum for dialogue with North Korea by not provoking the reclusive regime. They said it was likely that the South Korean and U.S. authorities had agreed earlier not to announce Sunday's missile launches by the North, but with different intentions. "While it is widely believed that the South Korean government did not want to give a North Korea an excuse to engage in a hostility toward the South, the Biden administration had been intentionally ignoring the North as part of a negotiation strategy," said Park Won-gon, a professor with the Ewha Womans University's Department of North Korea Studies. "Many members of the Biden administration had worked previously for the Barack Obama administration and have experienced negotiations with the North. They have a strong idea that they should not be dragged into the North's pace and this has led to the Biden administration's intended silence over North Korea issues until this time." Following the reports on Sunday's missile launches by Pyongyang, Biden told reporters Tuesday local time that "nothing much has changed" despite the firing of rockets and it was not considered to be a provocation. Park said while the Biden administration has been avoiding publicly discussing its North Korea policy, it has instead been sending its messages to the reclusive regime indirectly through media reports. "The message from the Biden administration to the reclusive regime this time was that Pyongyang should not conduct further provocations, although it would not take the cruise missile tests as a provocation," Park said. But defense watchers said the South Korean government should have announced the North's latest missile launches regardless of diplomatic reasons. They said the government could have avoided unnecessary controversy if it had made an announcement once after detecting the missile launches and said the cruise missile launches were not in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. "The government made the situation worse by not announcing the North's missile launches when it first detected them as it has offered a reason for the country's opposition bloc to attack the Moon Jae-in government's security policy," said Shin Jong-woo, a senior researcher with the Korea Defense and Security Forum. Shin said the event could not be a "secret" in the first place when many officials with South Korean and U.S. authorities have been informed of it. Meanwhile, the Biden administration is expected to present outline for its North Korea policy soon, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin holding meetings recently with their East Asian counterparts. According to a Reuters report citing U.S. officials, the Biden administration is close to completing its review of North Korea policies and U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan will hold a meeting with his counterparts in South Korea and Japan next week to discuss them. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-23 22:58:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SINGAPORE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Two men were arrested and 2,117 cartons of duty-unpaid cigarettes were seized in Singapore recently, Singapore Customs said in a press release Tuesday. Singapore Customs made the arrest and seizure during an operation at a multi-storey car park in north-west Choa Chu Kang on March 16. While the cigarettes wrapped in black trash bags were being transferred from a Singapore-registered van to a Singapore-registered car parked beside it, officers moved in to conduct checks and found 2,117 cartons and 126 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes. The duty and Goods and Services tax (GST) evaded amounted to about 250,000 Singapore dollars (185,000 U.S. dollars) and 17,600 Singapore dollars (13,000 U.S. dollars) respectively. Two Singaporean men, aged 33 and 38, were arrested, and investigations are ongoing. In Singapore, buying, selling, conveying, delivering, storing, keeping, having in possession or dealing with duty-unpaid goods are serious offenses. Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty and GST evaded and jailed for up to six years. Enditem AS the nation continues to mourn the fallen Head of State, Dr John Magufuli, Tanzanians have more reasons to celebrate his life and achievement recorded during his tenure. Speaking during the state funeral event at Jamhuri Stadium in the country's capital Dodoma, on Monday, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi highlighted major achievements registered during the leadership of the brace son of Africa, Dr Magufuli. He recalled some of Dr Magufuli's achievements include relocating government headquarters to Dodoma region in 2016, a move that could not be fully implemented since 1973. Dr Magufuli is also applauded for restoring discipline and integrity in the public service by discarding unethical and inefficient public servants as well as the removal of ghost workers from public sector payroll in a crackdown on corruption. "Dr Magufuli also enhanced the fight against corruption and embezzlement of public funds through his famous slogan 'Hapa Kazi Tu'," he said Dr Magufuli will also be remembered for endorsing a bill that established the High Court's Division to deal with graft problems in the country and speed up timely dispensation of justice. To address the problem of delaying cases, Dr Magufuli made another bold decision of signing a certificate to strengthen the Attorney General's Office and the National Prosecutions' Office and also to establish the Office of the Solicitor General. The signing of the certificate has increased productivity and brought about greater efficiencies in the supervision and management of cases in courts as well as in the Arbitration Tribunals both domestically and abroad. During President Magufuli's tenure, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) continued to grow at an average of 6.8 per cent in 2019, largely due to the strengthening of govern Under his leadership, Tanzania was declared a middle-income status country, a feat that has been achieved five years ahead of schedule. There has been an increase in economic and business opportunities for various groups, especially for low-income Tanzanians. Another milestone decision initiated by ex- President Magufuli's administration is the coming of the Mining (Local Content) R egulations, 2018, which were included in the Written L aws (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No. 7 of 2017. These Regulations were enacted following the Amendments of the Mining Act, 2010. These regulations have to be followed by contractors to ensure that local content rules adhere to all persons or companies involved in the mining industry. A committee has been established to oversee the implementation of these regulations in the mining industry. The regulations clearly state that priority has to be given to qualified Tanzanians in employment and on the job training. Furthermore, the regulations provide that preference has to be given to local service providers and goods which are manufactured locally. Companies that will be given first preference in the grant of mining licence are indigenous Tanzanian companies. The former president further ensured the setting up of mineral trading hubs in various regions of the country, construction of the 24km perimeter wall surrounding the mines in Mirerani in the northern Manyara region to curb smuggling of Tanzanite the rare gemstone and increasing ownership of government shares in mining companies from 16 per cent to 5 0 per cent. In the manufacturing sector, he expanded the industry by encouraging the construction of small, medium and large scale industries in the country where the number of new factories built during his reign topped 8,4 77. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Another achievement recorded during his tenure includes the adoption of Kiswahili as the official language for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC). In terms of energy, the late Dr Magufuli initiated the implementation of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) in R ufiji as well as the R egional R usumo Falls Hydroelectric Project (R R FP) in the Tanzania- R wanda border. He also terminated the leasing of power generation generators which cost the government a lot of money. The ex -president initiated a free education policy to enable all children to have access to education in the country, renovating old secondary schools and building teachers' houses, as well as addressing the needs of special groups. Guerrillas with the Philippine communist New Peoples Army stand in formation in the Sierra Madre mountain range, east of Manila, July 30, 2017. Eight suspected communist rebels died in a gunbattle with government forces in the central Philippines, the military said Wednesday, weeks after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered troops to kill rebels and end the 52-year-old Maoist insurgency. The three-hour clash erupted on Tuesday in a remote area of Guihulngan, a city in Negros Oriental province, after residents alerted authorities about the heavy presence of New Peoples Army guerrillas near them, official said. The NPA is the armed wing of the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines. The CPP-NPA terrorists in Negros Oriental suffered heavy losses as eight of their members died in an encounter with the troops, the Army said in a statement. The rebel unit involved was 40-strong, and at least 11 high-powered firearms and homemade bombs were recovered from the scene after the firefight, officials said. The bodies of the slain rebels were also recovered, they said. There were no reports of casualties on the Army side. This armed group has been planning to wage terror in the area as part of the NPAs anniversary celebration this month of March, said Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the Armys 3rd Infantry Division. The killings of the insurgents should serve as an urgent warning to their comrades to surrender, he said, adding that government forces would be relentless in their efforts to go after NPA rebels. The firefight in Negros Oriental came four days after communist rebels killed five police officers and wounded two others in Camarines Norte, another province in the central Philippines. In early March, President Duterte ordered security forces to end the communist rebellion, which began in 1969 and remains Asias longest-running insurgency. Ive told the military and the police that if they find themselves in an armed encounter with the communist rebels, kill them, make sure you really kill them, and finish them off if they are alive, he said. Shortly after he made that announcement, government security forces carried out raids in Manila and nearby provinces that allegedly targeted communist insurgents. Instead, nine unarmed activists were killed, drawing strong protests from human rights advocacy groups. Duterte has since ordered an investigation into the activists deaths. Froilan Gallardo contributed to this report from Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. North Augusta, SC (29841) Today Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 85F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight A few isolated thunderstorms developing overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 71F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. New Delhi: A group of men allegedly thrashed a 22-year-old man for speaking in English with his friend at a five-star hotel in Delhi's Connaught Place on Monday, police said. Police said the incident was reported in the early hours of Saturday, We have arrested three people in connection to the incident, a senior police official said. According to police, one Varun Gulati, a Noida resident, had been to the five-star hotel in Connaught Place to drop his friend. While, Gulati was returning after dropping his friend at the hotel, a group of men in inebriated condition thrashed him. While thrashing Gulati, his attackers regularly questioned him what was he speaking in English, added the police officer. He added that after thrashing Gulati the five had fled from the area. Police said the three were nabbed on the basis of the vehicle registration number provided by Gulati. Gulati had managed to note down the registration number the accused had used to escape added the police officer. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Rikki Olds was a vivacious strong, and independent young woman who worked as a front-end manager at a King Soopers grocery store. "She was so energetic and charismatic and she was a shining light in this dark world," her uncle Bob Olds said. Rikki Olds was one of 10 victims of Monday's shooting rampage at the grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. "There's a hole in our family that won't be filled," the uncle said at a news conference Wednesday. Rikki Olds, 25, has a little brother, who is "taking it really tough," Bob Olds said. Bob Olds said he will always remember his niece's independence. "Rikki lived life on her own terms," he said. "She didn't care about if people judged her on her hair color or what kind of tattoos she had." He added, "When Rikki showed up at the house, we never knew what color her hair was going to be. We never knew what new tattoos she may have." Olds recalled his niece's dreams and ambitions. The young woman "wanted to be a nurse, but that plan got altered, so Rikki had a backup plan," Olds explained. "Rikki was pursuing her dream of being a store manager at King Soopers." She had planned to come over to his house for a family gathering this week, he said. He can't shake her last words to him: "See you Thursday." On Monday, as news of the shootings spread, her family panicked when they couldn't reach her. "We had to wait and agonize over her fate for several hours," Bob Olds said. "After calls to the police department and every local hospital and the coroner's office, we finally received a call back from the coroner's office." Two other associates of the store -- Denny Stong, 20, and Teri Leiker, 51 -- were among the victims, according to Kroger, which owns King Soopers. The first police officer to arrive on the scene, Eric Talley, was among those killed, Boulder police Chief Maris Herold said. Stong and Olds were graduates of the Boulder Valley School District, Superintendent Rob Anderson said in a statement. "Several of the other victims were parents of our graduates and given the fact that this is a close knit community, there will likely be many other connections to BVSD schools both amongst those who were killed and other victims," Anderson said. "While we cannot fathom what would cause such an evil, we know that many in our community acted bravely when faced with unspeakable violence," the superintendent said. Anderson pointed to the actions of first responders and of King Soopers employees who "acted courageously" in trying to get others to safety during the shooting. "We are eternally grateful for their quick thinking and bravery," Anderson said. 'A wise young man' Stong graduated from Fairview High School in 2019, and Olds graduated from Centaurus High School in 2013, he said. One coworker described Stong as a "wise young man." "Denny was like an annoying little brother to me. I loved him, we picked on each other but respected each other," said 20-year-old Logan Ezra Smith, who worked with Stong at King Soopers. "I want people to remember Denny as wise young man, me and him were both big Second Amendment supporters and would go shooting on the weekends, every weekends was a highlight. "I will miss his smile and his laugh but as well as his honesty. He put you in your place." 'A bright light' Suzanne Fountain, 59, was the sort of person who made those who met her feel they "already knew her," friend Helen Forster told CNN's Erin Burnett. If you were having a bad day, Fountain's smile would cheer you up, said Forster, who had known Fountain since the late 1980s. "She just would light up the room, and she was a bright light," Forster said. "It's a terrible loss of an incredible human being." Fountain, an actress who had performed with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, worked for a nonprofit financial education program, signing seniors up for Medicare, according to Forster. "All her life really she was about doing service, helping others," Forster said. "All you had to do is be around her or her give you a hug, and everything was better." Martha Harmon Pardee, an actress, told CNN on Wednesday that she met Fountain on stage more than 30 years ago while performing in a show. "I loved her immediately," Pardee said. "That's just what happened when people met her. She was a bright light, a peace lover, a strong feminist." Pardee said she and Fountain acted together only twice -- "but I never missed a show she was in because I loved to watch her, always learned something." "It was a joy and an honor to work with her onstage because she was so connected, and so present and so generous," she said. 'The most loving person I've ever met' Flowers, photos, balloons and messages formed a memorial for Tralona Bartkowiak, 49, outside Umba, the Boulder yoga and accessories shop she managed. Matisse Molina, a friend who worked at Bartkowiak's store, described her as "the most amazing person I ever met in my life." Molina said "she would rather make friends than sell stuff from her store." "There aren't any words that could describe her to who she really was, because she was so amazing," Molina said. "She touched so many lives, I can't even tell you. She has brought people from very dark places up to their highest points. She helped me as a person grow tremendously," Molina added. Bartkowiak had recently gotten engaged for the first time, a friend told CNN's Kyung Lah. Her cousin, who went only by David, told CNN affiliate KCAL that his family watched hours of footage covering the shooting when they found out her car was parked in the King Soopers parking lot Monday. Then, at 3:30 a.m., her mother called to say Bartkowiak -- who lived in the same home in which David grew up -- was among those killed. "She helped raise me, she was always there for me," he said. "She was the most loving person I've ever met in my whole life." Four other victims The chief identified the names and ages of the other victims: Neven Stanisic - 23 Kevin Mahoney - 61 Lynn Murray - 62 Jody Waters - 65 Victim was fixing espresso machine at store When Logan Ezra Smith, 20, arrived for work as a barista at the store's Starbucks on Monday, Neven Stanisic was working to fix the espresso machine. "Me and him immediately clicked and were talking the whole time," said Smith, who has worked at the store about a year. "I got to know a good part of his life in just a short period of time." Smith said he and Stanisic were about the same age and had a lot in common. "He seemed like a person I would want to hang out with outside of work," Smith said, adding that now that "would never happen." Smith recalled speaking with Stanisic for more than two hours while the young man worked on the coffee machine. "He had one of the strongest work ethics of any young person I've ever met," Smith said. "He loved what he did. He loved his friends. H loved his family. He was a great man, even knowing him for three hours total." Rev. Radovan Petrovic said Stanisic and his family left Bosnia as Serbian refugees and settled in Lakewood, Colorado. Petrovic met the family in 2006 when they started attending Saint John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Church. The family is filled with hard workers and Stanisic was no exception. "They always carry a profound memory from the old country but love it here as well," he said. "To them, it's beyond comprehension that they fled war and were forced out of their homes and came here for a better life and then have this tragedy happen." Petrovic described Stanisic as a "really good boy" who was brought up to respect others. He loved snowboarding and basketball, which he played with church members. When Stanisic graduated from high school, he decided it was best for him and his family if he joined the work force. He was a technician who worked on coffee and juice machines. Petrovic said the family is trying to understand why their son's life was cut short, but to describe in detail how they're feeling is difficult. "You have to be there to see the agony and the sadness that they have and carry with this tragic loss," he said. "The cries and the screams -- that can't be described. They can't stop wondering why. And why their son -- as probably all the other victims are wondering the same." A father of 7 was among those killed Officer Talley ran into danger as the first officer to respond to a call "about a possible person with a patrol rifle," the police chief said. "I have to tell you the heroic action of this officer when he responded to the scene," Herold said. She said Talley, 51, had been on the force since 2010. The veteran officer is survived by his wife and seven children, his father, Homer Talley, told CNN affiliate KUSA. "He loved his family more than anything," Homer Talley said. Officer Talley's bravery was obvious on his last day of duty, his family said. "Didn't surprise me he was the first one there," his father said. (Natural News) An Anonymous poster recently wondered if 1/3 of mankind perishes in the book of Revelation. No, the number is much larger. But, how large? I dont know, as Ive never done the math. Now is the time to do the math. The carnage in Revelation starts in chapter 6. I will calculate the death total in the order in which it appears. (Article by Stucky republished from TheBurningPlatform.com) [This note written AFTER I did the calculations. Surprisingly, while there is massive carnage and death, only three verses give the total actual deaths of humans, as a percentage!] If youve never read Revelation, or its been a long time, you might enjoy reading this summary. You will have a basic, but solid, understanding of what Christians are talking about regarding End Time events. Except for one or two snarky comments, I offer no commentary when reviewing each chapter. Its a Sgt. Joe Friday presentation; Just the facts, Maam. I do present Conclusions and Observations afterwards. This is presented on purpose to be a quick read (about 15 minutes), a revealing of the main themes of each chapter, while ignoring fluff-stuff. I think you will be shocked at the level of bloodshed and violence, including torture. I titled this GODS Great Reset because thats exactly what it is. A great many people believers, and non-believers alike achingly long for the Judgement of God. We ache for Gods vengeance and justice to be meted out to what we see as Great Evil consuming our world. Who can blame them? Those who suffer have been crying out for thousands of years. But, to such people I ask; Do you have any idea how gruesome that judgment will be? What makes you think YOU will survive? Be careful what you wish for! =============== Starting Wiki Population: 7,674,000,000 (The remaining population after each carnage will be in parenthesis) REVELATION 6 Seal 1: White horse. The rider has a bow, a crown, and is bent on conquest No deaths Seal 2: Red Horse, takes away peace and makes people kill each other Deaths not given Seal 3: Black Horse, economic ruin (a days wages for a loaf of bread) Deaths not given. Seal 4: Pale Horse. Rider named Death. Hades follows him. Death comes via sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth- 25% die (1,918,500,000 die / 5,755,500,000 left) Seal 5: Souls of martyrs in heaven. They cry out in a loud voice to God to avenge our blood No deaths. Seal 6: Massive earthquakes all over the glove. Sun turns black. Moon turns blood red. Stars fall from heaven. The heavens recede like a scroll being rolled up. EVERY mountain and island was removed from its place Every human on earth begs for death. Deaths not given REVELATION 7 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel get seals on their foreheads. Billions of people (a multitude that no one could count) clothed in white robes wave palm branches and tell God how great He is. ALL the angels., elders, and four living creatures do likewise.- No deaths. REVELATION 8 Seal 7: Seal opened. Silence in heaven for 30 minutes. Then 7 angels with 7 trumpets appear. An angel appears with a golden censer which contains the prayers of all Gods people. The angel hurls the censer on the earth which results in thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.- No deaths. Trumpet 1: Hail and fire mixed with blood. One third of earth, trees, and all green grass burned up. Deaths not given. Trumpet 2: Huge burning mountain thrown in the sea. One third of sea turns to blood. One third of everything living in the sea dies. One third of ships sunk . Deaths unknown. Trumpet 3: A star named Wormwood crashes into one third of the rivers and springs. One third of the rivers turn bitter. Deaths unknown but, Many people died Trumpet 4: One third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck and are turned dark. An eagle appears and cries out that the next three trumpets (three woes) will be even worse. Deaths not given. (But, Im guessing that if one third of the sun goes dark say, at noon, that by 12:15 the entire population of the world would be Frozen Popsicles.) REVELATION 9 Trumpet 5: The first woe. An angel falls to earth and is given the key to the Abyss which produces smoke like from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky are darkened. Again. A legion of truly scary and fearsome locusts (like scorpions) come forth from the smoke, led by the Destroyer. They have hair like a woman and teeth like a lion. (Nancy Pelosi?) They are not allowed to harm anyone having the seal of God on their foreheads. They may harm, but not kill, everyone else. The locusts Marching Orders; only to torture them for five months. Once again, people pray for death but, it wont be given. No deaths. Trumpet 6: Four angels who have been hanging out for eons at the great river Euphrates are finally released. There are two hundred million enemy mounted troops stationed by the Euphrates.- One third of humanity dies (1,899,315,000 die / 3,856,185,000 left) .The people left alive still refuse to repent. REVELATION 10 Interlude: A mighty angel comes down from heaven. This is an interesting angel. [The angel is robed in a cloud, has a rainbow above his head, a face like the sun, legs like fiery pillars (one foot on the sea and one on land), roars like a lion (which results in seven thunders speaking but were not allowed to know what they said). The angel is holding a little scroll. The narrator eats the scroll, which is sweet to his tongue but bitter in his stomach.] The most important takeaway in this chapter is this; the angel reveals that when the 7th trumpet sounds the mystery of God will be accomplished. - No deaths. REVELATION 11 Two witnesses prophecy in Jerusalem for 42 months. They have power to cause droughts, turn water into blood, and strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. They are like Superman they kill anyone who tries to harm them via fire [which] comes from their mouths. After 42 months the Beast kills them. [First mention of the Beast. It is the same as Beast #1 in Rev. 13.] For three and a half days all the inhabitants of the earth rejoice and give each other gifts because these two witnesses caused all people great torment. Then they are resurrected and go up to heaven in a cloud. Immediately, a great earthquake rocks Jerusalem and 7,000 die. - Deaths (7,000 die / 3, 856,178,000 left). This time the survivors gave glory to the God of heaven.. REVELATION 12 This chapter opens with heavy symbolism dealing with Israel and Jesus. The reader is introduced to a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. Shes about to give birth but an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads tries to prevent it, and fails. The dragons tail also sweeps a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. Then war breaks out in heaven. Satan loses. Satan is hurled to Earth, along with his angels. Satan is really pissed off. The dragon (Satan) tries to kill the woman and child. He fails. The dragon decides to wage war against the womans offspring, which are those who keep Gods commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus- No deaths. REVELATION 13 The Dragon is standing by the seashore when a Beast with 10 horns and 10 heads arises from the sea. The Beast blasphemes God and wages war against Gods people. All the rest of the people love the Beast and the Dragon. The beast suffers a fatal wound on one head. A second Beast rises this one out of the Earth. It is even more powerful than the first Beast. It heals the fatal head wound of the first Beast. The second Beast makes everyone get a 666 mark on their foreheads. The number represents a man. The 2nd Beast gives power to the 1st Beast so that the 1st beast can kill people who dont worship it. - Deaths unknown. REVELATION 14 144,000 worship God on Mt. Zion.They sing a song. No one else knows how to sing this song. The 144,000 are all virgins. One angel flying in midair was shouting that people need to fear God for judgment is coming, Another angel flying around announced that Babylon has fallen. A third angel announces that anyone who took the mark is really screwed being tormented with burning sulfur forever. This endless torture is done in the presence of angels and the Lamb. - Total deaths unknown. An angel sitting on a white cloud tells one like the son of man to Take your sickle and reap. Another angel with a sickle joins in. Another angel in charge of fire also joins in. They reap. One angel swings his sickle and throws the grapes (people) into the great winepress of Gods wrath. The blood rose as high as the horses bridles for a distance of 180 miles - Deaths unknown. [One author calculated that that amount of blood would require almost 12,000 times the current population of the planet Earth! Read here, Thats A Lotta Blood! REVELATION 15 Announces 7 more angels are coming with 7 more plagues bowls of wrath. Read more at: TheBurningPlatform.com New Delhi: Commenting on Rohingya Muslim refugees, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Centre has adopted a humane approach towards migrants and displaced people, but the government is strongly against illegal immigration. Singh said the government allows refugees to stay in country on the basis of humanity, but it is strongly against illegal immigration. He said the government will take stern action if a person infringes geographical lines illegally. He informed that government has also allocated a package of Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir migrants. Adopted a humane approach towards migrants and displaced people. But we are strongly against illegal immigration: HM Rajnath Singh ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 He said the government has decided to give 3000 jobs to migrants from Kashmir valley, and Rs 1080 crores sanctioned to the state in this regard. Govt has also allocated a package of Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of POJK migrants. The disbursal has been linked to AADHAR: HM ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Actor Hina Khan seems to be enjoying her vacation in the Maldives. The actor has been posting pictures of her svelte body clad in bikinis on the beaches of the Maldives. On March 24, 2021, Hina Khan took to her Instagram handle once again to share a picture of herself in a blue bikini. The actor wore a white bikini top with blue flowers printed on them. She also wore a matching set of high-waisted bikini bottoms with blue patterned fabric patched on them. She styled her look with a pair of white retro sunglasses and dainty gold jewellery layered around her neck. She kept her hair open and wore a large sun hat that completed the beachy look. She also showed off the pristine clean beaches in her post. Hina Khan chills in blue bikini The carousel of posts quickly gained fans' attention and love. The post received more than 200,000 likes within an hour. Fans dropped hearts and fire emojis for the actor in the comment section. The actor has flown to the Maldives with her boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal. According to her videos and pictures posted on her Instagram handle and her Instagram Stories, she is staying at the Kumarathi Maldives Resort. Hina Khan's photos from 'The Maldives Vacation' Hina Khan flew to The Maldives on March 17, 2021. She has been posting many pictures clad in bikinis from the sunny tourist spot. On March 21, 2021, She posted a picture of herself in a colourful bikini top and a skirt. She chose to style her look with dainty gold necklaces. She also wore a pair of brown sunglasses and a straw hat with a red ribbon on it. The picture garnered more than 540,000 likes. One of Hina Khan's photos from her vacation in the Maldives also consisted of an underwater picture. She wore a colour block bathing suit with zip detail in the front. The bikini also had a bow detail in the back. Hina Khan was clicked swimming on the deep end of a swimming pool in her hotel. The picture received more than 620,000 likes. Hina Khan claimed to be a "toes in the sun kinda girl" in her post on March 23, 2021. She playfully posed on the beach as she wore a bright orange ensemble. She wore a bright orange bikini top with a pair of loose pants and a shrug. She styled her look with a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses and a straw hat. The picture garnered more than 470,000 likes. (Image Courtesy: Hina Khan Instagram) 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. A West Virginia man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for child exploitation involving a teen from Huntsville. Andrew Scott Davis, 37, pleaded guilty in December to one count of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Protecting our children will always be a top priority of my office, sais U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. In todays world of technology, it is important that parents educate their children about safe and appropriate online behavior and immediately report inappropriate contact between an adult and their child to law enforcement. Davis was booked into the Madison County jail on Jan. 24, 2020, where he orginally faced eight charges. According to Huntsville Police, Davis contacted the 15-year-old victim back in 2019 and continued that communication on an ongoing basis. Investigators said he was using Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Snapchat for that communication. The victim had also met with him in person, according to police. Investigators said one of the victim's parents recently caught the communications and contacted police. Davis will have to register as as a sex offender. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Wednesday said it will develop wayside amenities along the national highways at 600 locations across 22 states in the next five years, including 130 such amenities in financial year 2021-22. NHAI has already invited bids to develop 120 such wayside amenities. As per the plan, wayside amenities will be developed every 30-50 km along the current and upcoming highways and expressways, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a release. "The amenities will include numerous facilities for passengers such as fuel station, electric charging facilities, food court, retail shops, ATM, toilets with shower facility, children playing area, clinic, village haat for local handicrafts etc.," it said. Also read: At 34km per day, 12,205km of national highways built in FY21 NHAI plans to develop the wayside amenities across a combined area of over 3,000 hectares across the country, which will also provide opportunities for investors, developers, operators and retailers. "Currently, NHAI is offering wayside amenities on public private partnership model for development and operation on existing highways." Taking into consideration the requirements of truckers, separate 'Truckers Blocks' will also be developed at large amenities that will include truck and trailer parking, auto workshop, truckers dormitory, cooking and washing area, toilets with shower, clinic, eateries, among others. "All upcoming greenfield/brownfield national highway projects will be provisioned to have wayside amenities and logistic parks. NHAI has started land identification and monetization plan for development and real estate consultants have been engaged for designing of the amenities after studying the local suitability," the release said. While electric charging stations will promote usage of electric vehicles, the wayside amenities will also promote local economy by generating employment opportunities, and make travel by road more convenient for commuters. Also read: No toll booths in highways! Govt to launch GPS-based toll collection system The Prince of Wales will hail the strong and vital ties between the UK and Greece during an official two-day visit to Athens. Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are attending the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations, following an invitation from Greeces Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The couple will attend an official state dinner and reception at the presidential mansion on Wednesday evening, where Charles will give a speech to mark the 200-year anniversary. Charles, who has previously described Greece as the land of my grandfather, is expected to say: Your Excellency today, as in 1821, Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom. The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures. On Thursday, the couple will attend a wreath laying at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Independence Day Military Parade which marks Greeces uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a previous visit to the Knossos archaeological site in Crete (Andrew Matthews/PA) In previous years, thousands of people waving Greek flags have lined the main streets of central Athens to watch the March 25 parade. The brief tour will be Charles third official visit to Greece following his first in 1998 and a further trip in 2018 with Camilla her first official visit to the country. The couple have already travelled overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the countrys National Day of Mourning. Clarence House announced the visit to Athens last week in a statement which said: At the request of the British Government, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations in Athens from 24th-25th March. This follows an invitation from the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Bicentenary Events Independence Day celebrations will take place from the evening of Wednesday 24th March and will conclude on Thursday 25th March, 2021. Last July, Charles said he hoped to visit Greece again after the pandemic. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a previous visit to the Commonwealth War Graves in Athens (Andrew Matthews/PA) In an opinion piece for Ta Nea, a daily newspaper in the country, he sent his heartfelt wishes to the people of Greece at this very difficult time. He added: The resilience of Greece and her people has been tested before, and I hope that the country will once again emerge with renewed vigour and optimism. When that moment comes and the world has made its way through this challenging time, my wife and I do so hope to visit Greece and to see you all again. Until we meet again. Charles described Greece as the land of my grandfather and recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a vivid impression on him. Greece was hit by devastating fires which ravaged the Attica region shortly after Charles and Camilla visited in 2018. Charles wrote: The tragic loss of life and distressing aftermath caused by these fires compelled me to offer some assistance, however small, to help the region take its first steps towards rebuilding. His charitable fund has helped develop a masterplan for the town of Mati focused on fire resistance, the coastline, public and green spaces, and rainfall capture through a sustainable urban drainage system. 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 24 : The Delhi government is all set to roll out its mega solar project in 225 acres of agriculture land aiming to enhance the capital's power production and contribute to the income of farmers. The Solar project, which was announced in 2018 under 'Mukhyamantri Kisan Aay Badhotri Yojana' was expected to start in 2020, but it got delayed due to farmers' objection. The power department officials in Delhi government told IANS that farmers across nine villages have given their consent for the project and the tendering process will be done soon. "The project was delayed as the farmers had raised some quarries and we could manage to convince them. We have got consent from 9 out of 16 villages which are earmarked for solar project and the tendering process for installation of solar panel of its first phase is underway which likely to be finalise within a week," said A.K. Jha, a senior official in Delhi Power Department, who is supervising the project. He said that the most common concern of farmers was that the land would lose fertility after the solar panels are installed. According to officials, for setting up 1 MW solar project, around six acres land will be needed, which would be capable of generating around 1.2 million units of electricity per year. "Land would be taken on rent for the period of 25 years and there will be an agreement between land owner and the private firm authorised by the Delhi government for installing solar panel. The land owners would be paid Rs 1 lakh per acres a year and the rent would increase by 6 per cent compounded annually. The farmers would also get 1,000 units of energy produced by the plant each year for every acre they rent out for the project," Jha added. The official further stated that farmers would be able to continue with agriculture even after the power plants are set up as the solar panels to be installed at a minimum height of 3.5 metres from the ground, allowing for farming activities, tractors to ply on the fields and other agriculture-related machinery to be used. In January 2020, the government had set up a demo of the project at the campus of an agriculture institute in Kirari village after getting consent for 150 acres of land, however, the project got delayed because of the Covid pandemic. According to the Delhi government's records, Delhi has a total of 34,750 hectares the total area under agriculture in the national capital is, which roughly translates to 85,870 acres. But, most of the land is scattered and that turned out to be a big problem for implementing the project, according to the official. The lands are located at villages in areas such as Alipur, Lampur and Narela. "It took more than two years to convince farmers for getting their consent. Now, are heading for tendering process which we are finalising keeping farmers concerns in mind. We are hopeful that once the fi9rst phase of the project starts, more farmers would come to adopt the policy," Jha added. INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nations Lending, a leading national full-service mortgage lender, today continued to grow its presence in the Denver Metro Area. The company has tapped the decades-long lending experience of Matthew Collett and Andrew Scripter to lead the branch. The new branch marks the 5th Denver-based location for Nations Lending, having recently expanded its footprint with additional locations in Boulder just two months ago. Collett and Scripter join Nations having worked together previously. Originally the two joined forces at Fairway Independent Mortgage, Cherry Creek Mortgage, and, most recently, SWBC Mortgage. Prior to that, Collett spent nearly seven years with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage while Scripter put in 14 years of his own effort there as well. "As Nations continues to grow rapidly and serve borrowers all across the country, it's important we bring people like Andrew and Matthew into the fold and into the family," said Nino Saso, Divisional Sales Manager at Nations Lending. "I'm confident both will enjoy many years of success at Nations, and we look forward to providing them with the marketing and technology support they need." The two branch managers will be focused on building their team and serving borrowers from their local community with a variety of loan products, including but not limited to refinances, conventional loans, and government programs including FHA, VA, and USDA loans. "Nations really does feel like a family, and that gels nicely with my personal commitment of providing the highest level of customer service in this industry," Collett said. "It's great getting the band back together," Scripter said. "Matt and I are once again going to be building something amazing here." For more information, visit NationsLending.com. About Nations LendingNations Lending Corporation is one of the fastest-growing mortgage lenders in the U.S. Headquartered in the Cleveland, Ohio area, it is licensed to lend in all 50 states and employs more than 1000, combined, at corporate headquarters in the Cleveland, Ohio area and throughout more than 90 branches across the U.S. The company makes its mission of "home loans. made human." an integral part of its mortgage experience, offering tailored customer service and a variety of programs to suit any home buyer's needs: FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, USDA, etc. Nations is an agency-direct lender with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae and retains mortgage servicing rights on 96 percent of the loans it originates. Inc. 5000 recognized Nations Lending as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the country in 2018, and the company was named a top-100 lender by National Mortgage Professional Magazine and Scotsman Guide in 2019. For more information, visit www.NationsLending.com. Media Contact: Cheryl Lieber 216-503-6828 press@nationslending.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nations-lending-continues-colorado-expansion-with-addition-of-denver-branch-301254356.html SOURCE Nations Lending Corporation Appeals for clarity on access to tax extension scheme After the government spent many months researching policies to support businesses to overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, tax reductions are receiving wide support from businesses. Last month, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) proposed to extend the deadline for paying taxes and land rents to further remove difficulties for businesses. The ministry proposed to extend the timeframe for VAT for an additional five months and offer an additional three months for corporate income tax payments. Business households and individuals could thus enjoy a deadline extension for VAT and personal income tax payments for tax payable in 2021. As for land rents, the MoF requests an extension of the payable land rent in the first period of 2021 for enterprises, organisations, business households, and individuals that are eligible for this support. If this proposal is approved, the total amount expected to be postponed or deferred is estimated at VND115 trillion ($5 billion), according to the ministry. Vu Tien Loc, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that most businesses are trying to find ways to survive and retain their workers jobs, with only a few larger ones remaining relatively unscathed. According to a survey conducted by the VCCI and the World Bank at the end of 2020, more than 80 per cent of Vietnamese businesses have been negatively affected by COVID-19, and more than 72 per cent of businesses have been experiencing a decrease in revenue. For instance, the pandemic forced Pearl Garment JSC to narrow down its production scale to ensure a speedy capital turnover, safe production indicators, and the salary for employees. Phan Anh Tuan, deputy director of Pearl Garment, hoped that the governments tax rescheduling will maintain production and business. Up to now, the company has not been able to restore production, and its output is facing difficulties as customers in importing markets such as Europe, South Korea, and the US were responding with fewer orders amid the pandemic. If approved, this would not be the first time that the government has provided assistance to businesses affected by COVID-19. Last year, it provided about VND130 trillion ($5.65 billion) to companies and household businesses by postponing taxes, fees, and other payments. Pham Thi Tuyet Lan, deputy director of the Tax Revenue Estimation Department under the General Department of Taxation, said that this support created a fair recovery option in revenue, helping 2020s budget revenue exceed the estimate. Lan said this is a good experience to implement budget collection tasks for this year. However, some economists disagree. Assoc. Prof. Dinh Trong Thinh of the Academy of Finance said that it is necessary to specify subjects entitled to tax payment extensions. In essence, an enterprise is only obliged to pay income tax if it actually has income. When there is no income, there is also no income tax, Thinh said, which means that if the proposal is applied on mass, some businesses will enjoy tax extensions despite doing well in recent months. According to Thinh, it is necessary to learn from the support policies in 2020, which were much less effective than other efforts of the government in supporting the economy. For example, with the credit support package, when businesses wanted to access this support, they were met with complicated procedures and large costs such as audit reports, damage assessments, and liquidity proofs. With such a design of the supporting policies in 2020, many small and medium-sized enterprises that needed support the most were the ones that had trouble accessing them, Thinh said. Moreover, the policy for direct support to employees have also been ineffective, according to him. By the end of August, only over 16 million people from different groups of workers received support with a disbursement rate of only over VND17 trillion ($739 million), accounting for 19 per cent. In which, the majority of workers belonged to sponsored groups, workers with meritorious services, and poor households. Meanwhile, those most affected are freelancers and disadvantaged workers in the informal sector that do not have access to this support package. These shortcomings, Thinh said, need to be addressed when implementing the new supporting policies in 2021. Many aid advocates in organisations said that lawmakers should turn to a more focused and efficient approach to support small businesses, until widespread vaccination takes place and helps to open the economy entirely. Nguyen Thi Cuc, chairman of the Vietnam Tax Consultants Association, said that the tax extensions for businesses will reduce a part of their budget revenue. But this policy will still help them to re-invest and thus contribute more to the state budget. Cuc estimates that up to now, over 80 per cent of businesses are being negatively affected by the pandemic, of which small businesses are the most strongly affected. If the state allows enterprises to pay taxes more slowly, it will help them overcome the current difficulties and increase sales. FILE PHOTO: The logo of PDVSA's U.S. unit Citgo Petroleum is seen at a gas station in Stowell By Luc Cohen (Reuters) - Six executives of U.S. refiner Citgo have been jailed in Caracas on graft charges since 2017, but court documents seen by Reuters show that top Venezuelan officials were made aware of the deal that the country's top prosecutor accused the six executives of signing in secret. The documents, which have not previously been reported, show that during at least two board meetings of state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, which owns the U.S. refiner, top Venezuelan officials - including three ministers - were informed of the proposed deal for Citgo to borrow up to $4 billion. The financing was never executed, and a Caracas court in late 2020 sentenced the six executives to between eight and 13 years in prison. Washington has accused Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of using the jailed executives as bargaining chips to seek policy concessions from the United States. Maduro, who lost control of Citgo in 2019 to the Venezuelan opposition in the wake of U.S. sanctions on PDVSA intended to oust him, accuses the United States of seeking to foment a coup to gain control of Venezuela's oil. All six executives - Jose Pereira, Jose Luis Zambrano, Alirio Jose Zambrano, Jorge Toledo, Tomeu Vadell and Gustavo Cardenas - denied the charges. The group includes five naturalized U.S. citizens and one permanent resident. Prosecutors characterized the proposal for Frontier Management Group Ltd and Apollo Global Management LLC to refinance Citgo's debt as "unfavorable to the company." On Nov. 21, 2017, a day after the men were arrested at a meeting at PDVSA's Caracas headquarters, Venezuela's chief prosecutor Tarek Saab told a news conference that they signed the deal "without even communicating or coordinating with the competent authorities." However, meeting minutes entered into evidence and seen by Reuters show that on June 14, 2017, PDVSA's board agreed to negotiate with Apollo and Frontier, specifying that the board must approve final terms. Records also show that at a May 18, 2017 meeting, the board also discussed Citgo's refinancing plans. Story continues PDVSA's board included then-Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, who was also PDVSA's vice president of international affairs. Rodriguez is now Maduro's executive vice president. Her name and those of Planning Minister Ricardo Menendez and former Food Minister Rodolfo Marco Torres, who were also on PDVSA's board, were included in the "c.c." line of both minutes. Reuters was unable to determine if Rodriguez, Menendez and Torres attended either one of those meetings. "How could this all have been done behind the national executive's back - without its approval, to use the prosecution's words - if it is signed by or issued to the citizen Delcy Rodriguez?" a defense attorney for Pereira, Zambrano and Zambrano said in a Nov. 26, 2020 closing statement. Another attorney for Pereira, Zambrano and Zambrano declined further comment, as did a lawyer for Toledo and Cardenas. An attorney for Vadell referred Reuters to comments he sent to the judge at the close of the trial pointing to the absence of Vadell's name from the PDVSA minutes as further proof his client did not participate in the deal. Neither Rodriguez, Torres, nor the planning ministry responded to requests for comment. Venezuela's chief prosecutor's office, the information ministry, and PDVSA did not respond to Reuters' questions. Citgo declined to comment. Pereira, then Citgo's interim chief executive, acknowledged involvement in the refinancing talks, but said he was acting at the PDVSA board's instruction. The other five men said they were not involved in the deal, and that corporate finance was not among their job responsibilities. The United States labels Maduro a dictator who rigged his 2018 re-election and uses the justice system to stifle dissent. Maduro says Washington wants to control Venezuela's oil reserves and aims to oust him in a coup. The U.S. State Department has called the trial a "kangaroo court." A State Department spokesperson, asked about the documents showing Venezuelan officials knew of the negotiations, called the detentions "unjust and unlawful". "We will continue to work with our allies to seek the release of the CITGO-6 and other unlawfully detained Americans abroad," the spokesperson said. A person close to Apollo said the company studied the deal after being approached by Frontier, but decided not to participate. Dubai-based Frontier shut in October 2019, according to Dubai's public registry. (Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Additional reporting by Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio) YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian held a meeting with the leader of the opposition Bright Armenia (LHK) party Edmon Marukyan to discuss the situation in the country and ways for overcoming the domestic political crisis. The presidency said that Sarkissian and Marukyan also discussed the holding of early elections. Marukyan presented the LHKs position and approaches, stressing that they attach importance to preserving the agreements that have already been reached on holding the early elections under the current legislation. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan Photo: (Photo : Vidal Balielo Jr. from Pexels) Part of parenting is ensuring that the right decisions are made. That is why parents usually take all the time they need to ensure that they are making the right or appropriate decision. There are tons of questions that parents generally ask. From deciding what to name their child to health decisions, parents usually make the tough calls. One of these questions includes knowing whether a newborn baby should get circumcised or not. For the most part, parents rely on research, traditions, advice from relatives or health professionals, and even gut feelings. ALSO READ: New Research Says Babies Need Close Contact With Parents What is circumcision? According to Mayo Clinic, this procedure is the removal of the skin that covers the skin. Usually, circumcision is done on newborn baby boys. This surgical procedure is prevalent in certain parts of the world, including the United States. There are several reasons why parents choose to have their children circumcised. Sometimes, it is because of religion, a medical condition, or hygienic reasons. However, some parents still wonder whether having their baby undergo the procedure is worth it. ALSO READ: Father and Son Relationship: What a Child Needs from His Dad [Research Reveals] What are the Benefits of Circumcision? Mayo Clinic says that there might be various health benefits of having a circumcision. Some of these benefits are: Lower risk of having penile cancer Easier cleaning of the male organ Lesser risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections Possible stoppage of penile problems Aside from these, here are some considerations that parents may take into account to answer the question of whether a newborn baby should get circumcised. ALSO READ: Newborn Baby from C-Section Found to Develop Better Through Skinship with Father According to Medical Experts In an article by ABC Everyday, it was mentioned that medical experts' opinions vary on the subject matter. Some medical experts believe that the risks of having circumcision outweigh the benefits of having one. These benefits also include avoiding future diseases. The experts who stand by this belief are the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. On the other hand, the Circumcision Academy of Australia (CAA) believes otherwise. According to the experts from the CAA, the health benefits greatly outweigh the risks. According to Religion According to an article from the BBC, male circumcision is usually done for religious reasons and not health reasons. For example, those of the Jewish faith and Muslims are required to practice male circumcision. While Christians and other religions usually have the choice. According to a Psychosexual Therapist Dr. Armin Ariana explained in the article from ABC Everyday the possible reasons as to why some fathers want their sons to be circumcised. Dr. Ariana said that the father could be exhibiting a psychological defense mechanism called projection. She further explained, "Through that projection, the father may see himself differently to their son [if uncircumcised] and therefore having him circumcised would be a relief to that body image issue." ALSO READ: Baby Born with Double Penis and Two Separate Scrotums to Undergo Numerous Procedures Where we're spending most of our time is trying to advocate for that getting vaccines for our undergraduate and graduate students before the end of semester, Chancellor Robert Jones said Monday. A man died in hospital a day after being restrained by officers while he was 'unwell and distressed' at a house in London, police today revealed. The 44-year-old was said to be agitated and in distress during the incident near Turnpike Road Underground station in Haringey, north London, on Thursday. He was taken to hospital but died on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation 'to establish all of the circumstances' around the incident. A spokesman said: 'Officers attended and found a man who appeared to be unwell and distressed. 'The man was restrained by officers and the London Ambulance Service was called. Officers, then joined by paramedics, provided first aid after he appeared to become unresponsive and he was then taken to hospital, where he later sadly died.' The 44-year-old was said to be agitated and in distress during the incident near Turnpike Road Underground station in Haringey, north London, on Thursday At 7.35pm on Thursday police were called to a residential address to reports of a loud disturbance. The man was 'agitated and in a state of distress', police said, and had to be restrained by officers while the London Ambulance Service was called. Before paramedics arrived the man's condition rapidly deteriorated and he was treated at the scene by officers until the ambulance team could take over. He was brought to a north London hospital in a critical condition and died the next day, police added. The man who called the police did not need hospital treatment. Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, in charge of policing for Enfield and Haringey, said: 'We are all truly saddened by this development, and my thoughts and those of my officers remain with the man's family. 'We are fully co-operating with the Independent Office for Police Conduct who are investigating the events of that evening. 'I would again ask that people do not speculate until this investigation has had as much time as it needs to establish what happened.' The IOPC said all the police officers involved are being treated as witnesses. IOPC regional director Sal Naseem said: 'This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with this man's family and friends and all those affected by his death. 'When someone dies or is seriously injured following any form of police contact, our role is to establish all of the circumstances surrounding that incident. The IOPC has launched an investigation 'to establish all of the circumstances' around the incident (file image) 'We have initial accounts from the majority of officers who were at the scene and a witness account from the man who called police to the disturbance. 'We have also gathered and viewed some of the officers' body-worn video footage. 'Our investigation is still in its early stages and we continue to gather evidence to establish what happened. 'At this stage all of the police officers involved are being treated as witnesses.' Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, in charge of policing for Enfield and Haringey, said: 'We are all truly saddened by this development, and my thoughts and those of my officers remain with the man's family. 'We are fully co-operating with the IOPC who are investigating the events of that evening. 'I would again ask that people do not speculate until this investigation has had as much time as it needs to establish what happened.' The man is the sixth person to died in police custody, or following police contact, so far this year in England and Wales, according to Inquest figures. Telephone conversation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus V.Makei with a representative of the senior leadership of the US State Department On March 22, 2021, at the initiative of the American side, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Vladimir Makei, held a telephone conversation with Derek Chollet, the Counselor of the U.S. Department of State at the rank of Under Secretary of State. The parties discussed in a pragmatic manner a number of relevant issues of the bilateral agenda, including the exchange of Ambassadors. V.Makei informed the interlocutor about the process of the selection of a candidate for the post of the Ambassador of Belarus to the USA. D.Chollet, in turn, confirmed the readiness of the appointed US Ambassador to visit our country. The parties agreed on the need to develop a dialogue, while acknowledging the existence of significant disagreements in bilateral relations. In connection with a number of concerns expressed by D.Chollet, V.Makei called on the American side to objectively assess the situation in Belarus, stressed the counterproductive role of attempts to exert pressure on a sovereign state. In this regard, the Minister drew attention to the fact that a number of statements by the American side were made as if they were a carbon copy. V.Makei also warned the interlocutor against the desire to influence the work of the law enforcement or judicial system of Belarus. The parties agreed that in recent years significant progress has been achieved in relations between Belarus and the United States exactly within the framework of the mutually respectful dialogue. print version Hyundai Motor Group CEO Ha Eon-tae speaks at the company's shareholders meeting held at Hyundai headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group By Kim Hyun-bin Hyundai Motor Group is seeking to enhance its performance and market share by expanding sales of SUVs in the sluggish Chinese market in hopes of making a turnaround in the world's largest vehicle market. "We plan to maintain and continue our performance from last year while focusing on enhancing other commercial markets such as China, which showed poor performance," Hyundai Motor Group CEO Ha Eon-tae said during a shareholders meeting at the company's headquarters in Seoul, Wednesday. "We aim to recover our company status in the Chinese market through quality enhancements including new vehicle launches, reducing incentives, and maintaining optimum inventory levels, while working towards improving our brand image." In the commercial business sector, Ha emphasized the need to improve profitability and strengthen the company's electric vehicle (EV) sector to increase competitiveness in its future businesses. He also introduced other means to enhance efficiency and increase premium level vehicle sales by setting key objectives for the company this year, which includes reducing fixed costs to increase profitability, transition into a more client-focused business, boost quality and future business competitiveness. "Through our new releases such as Tucson, Palisade and Creta, we aim to increase sales 50 percent in the global SUV market," Ha said. "We will utilize Genesis' full line up for a soft landing in the U.S. market and strengthen our position in other new markets." Hyundai has reorganized its Chinese operations due to weak sales since 2019, leading to suspending the Beijing plant and halting production of low-end compact models to enhance profitability. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the electric vehicle market pushing forward its newly-released IONIQ 5, its first all-electric model based on a proprietary EV-only platform. It will be introduced in the European market later this month, while it is scheduled to hit the United States and other markets later this year. The IONIQ 5 received positive responses at home and abroad, with its first-day preorders exceeding 23,000 units in the domestic market and 3,000 units in the European market last month. As part of the company's carbon neutral initiatives, the automaker plans to expand its hydrogen businesses and establish an ESG management platform that best suits the company's management style and utilizes the platform to boost client value. Mobis to focus on software, platform The group's component affiliate Hyundai Mobis has vowed to become a software and platform based company and further expand ESG management throughout its corporation, the company said. "We will transition our business model focusing on software and platform to secure a differentiated competitive edge," Hyundai Mobis' newly-appointed CEO, Cho Sung-hwan, said during the company's shareholders meeting, Wednesday. "In addition, we will strengthen our ESG management for continuous growth." During the meeting, the company announced its foray into several new business sectors including aviation mobility and robotics components and manufacturing. Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo has stepped down from his executive director position on the board of Hyundai Mobis, which was formalized at a shareholders meeting, the company said, Wednesday. Hyundai Motor Group Honorary Chairman Chung Mong-koo We have a tiny bird thats been making a nest in the birdhouse outside our kitchen window and trilling loudly when hes done for two years in a row. I went online and searched for tiny brown bird hoping to get it identified, but I couldnt find any photo of a bird that looked like it. I re Focus Ireland has published a new five-year strategic plan which hopes to support more than 5,000 households out of homelessness. The charity aims to deliver 1,150 new homes in partnership with local authorities and other State agencies through a mix of direct build, buying and leasing. The strategy will focus on four key groups: Families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and have complex support needs; Families who are homeless or at risk of being so due to economic circumstances; Young people with complex support needs; Single adults who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The charity's strategy is also underpinned by a number of initiatives, including tenant and customer participation and the Meascan Housing Model an intentional social mix of households with support needs and households without such needs, and what Focus Ireland chief executive Pat Dennigan said would be "integration into a welcoming community". Under the strategy, entitled Restating our Vision 2021-25, Focus Ireland will also work in partnership with State agencies to support 4,000 families to leave homelessness and enter homes rented from local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and private landlords. Mr Dennigan said: It think is widely acknowledged that during the pandemic homeless services, local authorities and health services have worked more closely than ever before, and this has made a real difference. "Additional protections to tenants in private rental accommodation introduced by Minister OBrien have reduced family homelessness significantly. "Perhaps less attention has been given to the crucial roles played by day services such as Focus Irelands Extension [day service for young people], the coffee shop and the family centre. "Each of these services continued to provide human contact during a period of great isolation and distress, helping prevent new homelessness and supporting people to move out of homelessness. At Wednesday's launch, Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien said tackling homelessness was a "top priority" and that the strategy provided a platform that would assist with that aim. He also said learnings had to be taken from the pandemic period, which had accelerated positive change in a number of areas of homeless support. The minister said resources were not an obstacle but Focus Ireland founder Sr Stan said a referendum on a constitutional right to housing was required, as well as a housing commission and strategies to end youth and family homelessness. She said: "We cannot revert to a situation where homelessness is the new normal." An example of a positive outcome for one service user was that of Priscilla, a member of the Travelling community and who was married at 15 and has since divorced. A lone parent of four children, two of whom have special needs, she went through different periods of being homeless, including sleeping in a car with her children. Focus Ireland was able to assist her to move into a two-bed STA apartment and she received her long-term council housing last December. LANSING, MI - Michigan Senate Republicans debuted a series of election reform bills to address criticisms of the states handling of the November general election. Two of the main sponsors are Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, and Sen. Ruth Johnson, R-Holly. McBroom led a series of Senate Oversight Committee hearings into the November election, while Johnson, a former Secretary of State during Gov. Rick Snyders tenure, has openly criticized current Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for mass mailing absentee ballot applications, which is addressed in one of the bills. The 39 bill package addresses issues ranging from controls on absentee ballot applications and counting; empowering election challengers to better observe poll activities; bolstering clerk training and more. McBroom said the bills should not be seen as challenging the validity of the November election, but as ways to tighten safeguards from real vulnerabilities. I have been reassured by the resilience of our election system, but while the systems safeguards held, real vulnerabilities do exist, he said in a statement. To ensure the long-term health and viability of elections in our state, these issues must be resolved, and the reforms introduced today will address those problems and help modernize and secure our election laws now and in the future. We must strive to assure all people that every election is worthy of their participation. In the November 2020 election, President Joe Biden defeated former President Donald Trump in Michigan by more than 150,000 votes. Benson announced in early March that the states election audit performed by more than 1,300 clerks produced no evidence of foul play. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, credited the reforms for making it easier to vote and harder to cheat, while the Michigan Democratic Party said Shirkey and Republicans are pushing a slate of voter suppression bills under the guise of election integrity. The reality is this: Michigan rejected Trump at the ballot box in an election confirmed to be secure by the most comprehensive audit in state history, said Rodericka Applewhite, spokesperson for the Michigan Democratic Party. Senate Bills 273 through 311 cover a variety of topics. A number of them aim to control the Secretary of States ability to conduct mail-in voting initiatives. In particular, Senate Bill 310, sponsored by Johnson, would require absentee ballot applications to only be sent to voters that request them, and that the Secretary of State could not share an online link to an application page. Other controls on the Secretary of State includeSenate Bill 287, sponsored by Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland, which would block the state or local clerks from pre-paying for postage on return absentee ballot envelopes, requiring the voter to pay for postage on a mail-in ballot. Another is Senate Bill 289, which would tie the Secretary of States hands on using federal aid for running elections until the Legislature approves its appropriation. One less combative bill it Senate Bill 283, sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Bainbridge Twp. It codifies poll workers in larger communities to prepare absentee ballot envelopes for counting or tabulation a day before Election Day. This is an example of a reform that worked well last year to reduce the amount of time needed to count absentee ballots on Election Day while still maintaining ballot integrity, Johnson said in a statement. Other items regarding Secretary of State activity, or absentee ballot counting, include: Senate Bill 305 , sponsored by Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, which prohibits the use of an elected officials likeness for any election-related activity funded by public money. This would include future efforts by Benson to mass mail ballot applications. Senate Bill 273 , sponsored by Johnson, would require video surveillance on absentee ballot drop-box containers, as well as further certification measures. Senate Bill 286 , sponsored by McBroom, would direct all absentee ballots submitted on Election Day to go straight to local clerks. This would bypass collection for multiple drop-off boxes on Election Day and hasten the tabulation of ballots, according to a Senate Republican release. It also bans dropping off absentee ballots in collection boxes after 5 p.m. the day before Election Day. Senate Bill 278 , sponsored by Sen. Michael McDonald, R-Macomb Twp., also directs ballots from collection boxes directly to the local clerk. Senate Bill 311 , sponsored by Johnson, would allow active duty overseas military to submit their absentee ballots electronically with their Department of Defense-approved signature. Senate Bill 285 , sponsored by Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, would require absentee ballot applicants to attach photo ID when submitting applications to local clerks. This drew specific criticism from the ACLU of Michigan. Throughout our history, we have fought to ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot and have it counted, said Rana Elmir, acting executive director for the states ACLU in a statement. But a handful of elected officials in Michigan and across multiple states want to take us backwards, ultimately making it harder for people to vote by creating barriers to the ballot box, especially for the elderly, Black voters and other voters of color, and rural voters. Senate Bill 284 aims to stop third-party donations to help precincts run elections. This addresses a specific Republican concern that Facebook wielded undue influence on local elections, which offered grants to local clerks towards equipment purchases. Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds John J. Gleason told MLive that private money in elections inherently cant be nonpartisan. A penny in politics is not nonpartisan, he said last month. Theres a cost. Theres a reason why governments run elections, and theres a reason now why we have these insurgents on our hands. The bill would force the Legislature to review all of the Secretary of States third-party election contracts. Read more: Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg and wife spent millions helping Michigan hold elections Another set of the bills would seek equal party representation for election challenges, canvassing and audits. Senate Bills 275 and 276 allows for election challengers from both parties to videotape audits and ballot counting, as long personal information isnt revealed. These challengers would see increased ability to protest election procedures, as Senate Bill 309 would allow them to sit or stand at a reasonable distance behind poll workers. Senate Bill 288 requires each local board of election commissioners to appoint one Republican and one Democrat election inspector each to run the county or citys audit. Senate Bill 294 would prohibit precincts from having more than two election challengers in one party versus just one from the other. The precinct would also have to report to the Secretary of State within 10 days all efforts to recruit challengers from both parties. Several measures did not receive immediate criticism from voting rights groups. A few addressed canvassing boards, including the increase of members on these boards in larger communities and allowing 21 days for canvassers to certify election results. The election reform also aims to bolster clerk and election challenger training, clear deceased individuals from the states voter files and other logistical changes. Still, the sweeping reform landed with a thud among voting rights advocates. Today, Senate Republicans joined the coordinated, national effort to make it harder for voters to exercise our right to vote, said Nancy Wang, executive director of Voters Not Politicians. The thousands of volunteers who make up VNP everyday citizens, from rural and urban communities and across the political spectrum around the state are focused on protecting voters against any law that restricts access to the ballot. Johnson defending the reforms by saying the negotiations over them will create smart improvements where necessary. During a global pandemic last year, Michigan election officials and voters saw many changes to our election processes, including the implementation of provisions approved by voters in Proposal 3 of 2018, such as same-day voter registration and no-reason absentee voting, Johnson said in a statement. As we carefully review these bills in the coming months, my goal is to work together to make smart improvements where necessary and build on the processes that worked. Read more from MLive: Election hearings are back as lawmakers look to clear up confusion, initiate reform Michigan senate passes resolution to oppose federal election reform bill Michigan completes general election audits, no foul play found Auditor-recommended election reforms approved in Michigan House 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. By Benjamin Jumbe A new research report by Oxfam Uganda has revealed that acquisition of certificates has customary ownership has reduced encroachment on land by outsiders against the dispossession of women from access to land usage. Findings of the report titled Are certificates of customary ownership working? launched today in Kampala show that the percentage of women whose land had ever been encroached on reduced from 59% to only 6% after acquiring a certificate of customary ownership. Speaking at the launch, the Oxfam country director Francis Odokorach challenged the government to among other things increase funding for this program noting that the inability to address issues of land rights for women threatens their ability to feed their families and perpetuates inequality. Customary tenure is the predominant land tenure system in Uganda with about 80% of Ugandas land held under this tenure. WRIGHTSTOWN, N.J., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco Learning, a leading provider of teacher professional development and AP exam preparation, has acquired The Graide Network, a Chicago-based education technology company. Founded by Blair Pircon and Liz Nell in 2016, The Graide Network built an award-winning model for highly effective, formative feedback on student writing from expert human readers at scale. "This acquisition allows us to support schools, teachers, and students better than ever before," said John Moscatiello, Founder and CEO of Marco Learning. "As an active teacher myself, I know how overwhelming it has been for my colleagues and our students. I am so excited that we can support all of them as they transition from pandemic schooling and offer a better path forward for students and teachers in the coming year." The partnership between the two companies began in early 2020, when the companies joined forces to offer AP Student Support, a resource for students preparing for AP Exams featuring live-online classes, practice tests, and detailed feedback on free-response essays. The combined company now supports thousands of teachers and students through low-cost test preparation and professional development resources and provides feedback to more than 60,000 students through school-based contracts. Blair Pircon, Co-founder and CEO of The Graide Network says, "Effective feedback is one powerful learning driver and was our core focus at The Graide Network. But students and teachers need morehigh quality materials, structures to practice and assess learning, direct instruction, and quality mentoring. Combining our nationwide pool of talented graders with Marco Learning's suite of high-quality digital content and live instruction provides an unparalleled support system for student and teacher success." Pircon and her co-founder Liz Nell will join Marco Learning as CFO and COO, respectively. The company has launched a new product, AP School Support, which brings together the best of its mentoring, materials, professional development and essay feedback designed specifically for AP programs. Featuring Andrew Sharos, author of All 4s and 5s: A Guide to Teaching and Leading Advanced Placement Programs, this specialized program is designed for schools or districts looking to reinvent their AP programs or accelerate a culture of AP success with their students. Contact: Joanna Newton, [email protected] SOURCE Marco Learning Related Links https://marcolearning.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. Mar. 23The Community Foundation Boulder County has established a fund to support the victims, their families and the community after Monday's mass shooting at a King Soopers in south Boulder. The fund was established in partnership with the city of Boulder, Rose Community Foundation, the local faith community's Together Colorado and the Colorado Healing Fund. To donate, go to commfound.org/crisisfund. The Boulder County Crisis Fund will "support the needs of those directly affected and the needs of our community to heal," according to the Community Foundation Boulder County. The partnership with the Colorado Healing Fund will ensure that the money raised will go directly to victims and their families, according to the foundation. To donate money to be used only in support of those directly involved in Monday's shooting and their families, donate to the Colorado Healing Fund through Colorado Gives. Checks and in-person donations also will be accepted at Colorado-based FirstBank locations. Donors should make checks out to "Colorado Healing Fund" and designate their donations for "victims accounts" to bank tellers. Donations will be distributed to victims by the Fund's community partners. To support memorial services and support the family of Boulder police Officer Eric Talley, donate directly to the Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation. GoFundMe has a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers for the victims of the King Soopers shooting at gofundme.com/c/act/boulder-shooting-fundraisers. New fundraisers will be added once verified. The fundraisers include one started by two lifelong Boulder residents who will transferred the money raised to the Colorado Healing Fund for distribution. Another was started to raise money Talley's wife and seven children. Eight months after a contentious conference call with Gov. Phil Murphy, members of the New Jersey congressional delegation say theyre still being forced to handle complaints from angry constituents about delayed or missing unemployment insurance payments. Several lawmakers or their staff members acknowledged to NJ Advance Media that requests for help continue to pour into their offices, even as call volumes are down from last summer, when angry House Democrats brought their complaints directly to Murphy. Its troubling to me that this is still an issue, said Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-7th Dist., who reported helping 1,170 constituents with another 617 cases pending. I know that its partly the result of an antiquated system that we have not invested in for far too long. Its a reminder that we actually do need to invest in modern government services in the country because all of us may need them some day. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., said calls about unemployment issues continue among the most common calls our office gets. Thankfully - while some issues still persist by working closely with our partners on the state level, were no longer seeing the chaos that resulted from an overloaded system like we did this time last year. And Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., said: Yes, its incredibly frustrating, but theyve improved significantly. State Labor Department spokesman Thomas Wright acknowledged the difficulties the agency faced after a record number of New Jerseyans sought unemployment insurance as businesses suddenly shut down during the coronavirus pandemic. The agency has sent $24.8 billion to 1.5 million New Jersey claimants, Wright said. Weve made no secrets about the challenges that spread far beyond New Jerseys borders to literally all 53 jurisdictions overseeing unemployment insurance during this pandemic, Wright said. While were proud of the relief we have been able to deliver to our residents, the fact remains that our federal unemployment system was created in 1934 and barely updated over the years, causing needless hardship to our workers. Dont miss the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic. Add your email here: In the last year, more than 2 million unemployment claims have been filed to the state Department of Labor, and tens of thousands of claimants have faced major delays and issues in getting their benefits, due to the sudden flood of claims and technological hurdles. While unemployment is a state issue, New Jersey members of Congress have been receiving hundreds of complaints from their constituents trying to get their weekly payments. If somebodys hurting, the welcome mat is out, said Rep. Chris Smith, R-4th Dist., who said his office has solved 900 cases and is working on 700 more. They call us after they have tried and tried and tried. All of us are last resorts. They already tried the system. The system failed them. Smith complained in a March 10 letter to Murphy that the state Labor Department limited him to submitting just 13 cases a week to be resolved. The letter first was reported by the Asbury Park Press. He said Monday that the cap was removed. Wright said that there were never restrictions. We do not even know where that misinformation originated, he said. He acknowledged that all public officials, local, state and federal, receive calls from constituents needing help. Obviously in times of hardship, people turn to their elected officials, he said. This is what government is here for, and we are lucky to have such caring partners at the table during the largest economic disruption in history due to COVID-19. Congress included $2 billion in funding to improve state unemployment insurance systems in the $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus law. These programs didnt have a strong constituency until tens of millions of Americans suddenly lost their jobs, Malinowski said. In his letter to Murphy, Smith also complained about the lack of progress in helping his constituents get their benefits. The state must do better in finding a way to fix this broken system and deliver benefits as quickly as possible, a task with which I am happy to be a partner, Smith wrote. Murphy quickly answered back at his coronavirus press briefing Wednesday, pointing out that Smith voted against the stimulus law. When the bell was rung in terms of standing up for working families in the state, he voted against that, Murphy said. Members of the state Legislature also say theyve been inundated with calls from constituents over unemployment. On Monday, a Senate committee advanced a bill, S3505, that would require the Department of Labor to assign at least one unemployment claims handler to each legislative district and partisan office during the coronavirus pandemic. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. NJ Advance Media staff writers Sophie Nieto-Munoz and Karin Price Mueller contributed to this report. 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. GP Industries has announced that its major wholly-owned subsidiary, GP Batteries International has earned Gold Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) validation from UL for its manufacturing facility located in Tebrau, Malaysia, making it the first plant in the country to earn gold level validation. The plant has achieved a 96% diversion rate with 4% thermal processing and energy recovery and it is the third GP Batteries plant in Malaysia to earn the ZWTL Validation. The achievement of UL ZWTL Validation for all plants in Malaysia represents yet another milestone for GP Batteries and its commitment to advance its sustainability performance, the company said. In 2020, GP Batteries earned Silver ZWTL Validation for three facilities in the Asia Pacific region. Since then, it has continued to increase waste diversion in those plants, improving its year-over-year performance. GP Batteries' Tebrau plant is the first plant in Malaysia to earn the Gold ZWTL Validation, meeting the requirement of waste diversion levels of 95%99%. Based on lessons learned during the waste diversion validation process that took place at their other plants, GP Batteries was able to implement best practices and process improvements at the Tebrau plant that helped increase waste diversion and achieve the gold level validation. GP Batteries' project teams in Malaysia and China are dedicated to the Zero Waste To Landfill initiative and despite unique challenges in each location, GP Batteries has worked with UL to continue to advance its ZWTL efforts and hope more facilities can achieve the validation. President of GP Batteries, Victor Chong, commented: "Sustainability has always been one of our major focuses in developing products and manufacturing capabilities. The achievement of Gold Validation for our newest plant in Malaysia demonstrates our commitment in waste reduction. We are proud that our efforts have enabled us to achieve greater waste diversion rates thus further advancing our sustainability performance." "GP Batteries' achievement of Gold ZWTL Validation for its newest plant in Malaysia, combined with its continued improvement of waste diversion performance in its other three plants, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to improving sustainability performance," said Doug Lockard, Vice President and General Manager, Retail and Consumer Products, UL. Listed in Singapore since 1995, GP Industries is the main industrial investment vehicle of Gold Peak. It is an international manufacturing and marketing group comprising batteries and electronics businesses. - TradeArabia News Service Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfef1708f8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfef13c420)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfef1708f8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfef13c420)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7fbfef0616a8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfef13c420)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfef13c420)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbfee824c38)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfef13c720)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbfef13c720)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Republicans put their opposition to President Joe Biden's border policy on full display on Wednesday, with a symbolic show of their own legislation aimed at pressuring the White House to change course on its handling of migrants. Republicans blame a surge of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, including unaccompanied children, on Democrat Biden's decision to reverse former President Donald Trump's policies to deport illegal immigrants, keep asylum seekers in Mexico and complete construction of a border wall. Over the course of a few hours, Republican lawmakers tried to pass at least five initiatives on the Senate floor including a resolution labeling the border situation a "crisis" - a term that Biden avoids - only to be blocked by Democrats, who control the Senate. "This is a crisis. It is part of an amnesty agenda that started the day that President Biden took office. He turned on the green light and said, Come to America," Senator John Barrasso, chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, told reporters at a press conference. Barrasso and 17 other Republican senators will travel to the border region late on Thursday for a visit that will include a midnight patrol with U.S. border officials. A sharp rise in the number of migrants fleeing violence, natural disasters and economic hardship in Central America is testing Biden's commitment to a more humane immigration policy than Trump's. Republicans say the border issue could help them win back control of the Senate and House of Representatives in the 2022 elections by increasing their hopes of picking up Democratic seats in Arizona and Nevada. On Wednesday, Senate Republicans also sought unanimous consent for initiatives that would increase protections for children, tighten rules for asylum seekers, subject migrants accused of violent crimes to detention and require DNA tests for undocumented adults claiming to be related to migrant children. The effort was blocked each time by Democrats, who denounced it as a cynical attempt to gain political advantage by casting migrants as inherently criminal and ignoring the need for more comprehensive immigration reforms. (Reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, John Stonestreet and Grant McCool) The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. opinion The Ethiopian Media Council (EMC) urged local media houses and journalists to live up to their responsibilities while reporting the upcoming general elections. The media council organized and conducted a training session on election reporting in collaboration with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Embassy of France to Addis Ababa at Ghion Hotel on March 18, 2021. In his opening remarks, Chairman of the council's executive body, Amare Aregawi pointed out that the media need to play a constructive role in promoting peace and security through balanced election reporting. Raising the awareness of journalists about the code of conduct for the media during the election process was the main objective of the training, he added. The chairman further added that the training marks the first of a series of trainings that will be organized by the council over the coming two years. Solomon Girma, Senior Project Officer at International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) that works in partnership with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), briefed trainees on the code of conduct that mainly raised the need to be impartial, independent and refrain from reporting issues that incite violence during the election. Solomon further indicated that while reporting events and issues during the election, journalists have to respect the culture and norms of the community and respect regulations of the NEBE. Tamrat Hailu, secretary of the Council, told The Reporter that the training session serves as a first step towards implementing the council's objective of promoting press freedom by fighting the illegal and improper government hands laid on the press. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to Tamrat, the training is also an important milestone for the council that came to this reality after fighting and persevering for close to two-decades to register as a legal entity under the country's former CSO proclamation. More than 30 journalists and media professionals drawn from various media houses based in Addis Ababa attended the training. The Council - whose members include publishers, broadcasters as well as media associations - was formed on January 12, 2016 following a general assembly held at the assembly hall of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). But it had to wait for at least three years before it could formally be recognized as an independent civil society organization (CSO) under the newly-amended proclamation that governs CSOs. Married At First Sight's Beck Zemek recently called out 'villain' groom Bryce Ruthven for having a 'secret girlfriend' while filming the series. And the 27-year-old business manager has now issued a warning to Bryce's long-suffering wife Melissa Rawson. During an interview with The Anj, Rob & Robbo Show, she told Melissa to 'run' from the radio announcer after his 'porky pies' were exposed on the show this week. Speaking out: Married At First Sight's Beck Zemek (pictured) has urged Melissa Rawson to 'run' from husband Bryce Ruthven after his 'secret girlfriend' scandal unravelled this week 'Someone's telling porky pies... We all know it's Bryce,' Beck said. '[Melissa] is not experienced in relationships and, like, everyone would have seen on the couch the other night, she's scared Bryce is going to leave her.' 'She should not be scared of someone else leaving her. She should be scared that she might lose herself in that process,' Beck continued. 'So my advice to Melissa is to stay true to who you are and don't get lost in someone else's nasty behaviour.' When host Rob McKnight asked whether Beck would advise Melissa to 'stay or leave' at the next commitment ceremony, she responded: 'I would say "run"!' Telling it like it is: 'Someone's telling porky pies... We all know it's Bryce,' Beck said 'Melissa has entered this experiment and is deeply and madly falling for Bryce,' she added. 'The thought of her not having him by her side I can see could be so heartbreaking. 'It wasn't even about wanting her to believe me, it was more about wanting her to address it and find out more, rather than just put all her trust in Bryce.' While Beck may want Melissa to run from Bryce, recent paparazzi photos reveal they are in fact now living together in Melbourne, several months after filming wrapped. Melissa, 31, told TV Week magazine last Monday she was trying to ignore the rumours about Bryce's infidelity. Couple: While Beck may want Melissa (pictured) to run from Bryce, recent paparazzi photos reveal they are in fact now living together in Melbourne, several months after filming wrapped Rumours about his 'secret girlfriend' during filming had been circulating for a while before they were addressed on the show this week. He maintains his 'secret girlfriend' was just a woman he hooked up with a few times on Tinder two months before filming the show. Married At First Sight continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. The windows of Bridewell police station were smashed during the riot (Andrew Matthews/PA) Police are investigating assaults on 40 officers and one member of the media at a riot in Bristol on Sunday. Avon and Somerset Police said two further people, a 20-year-old man and a man currently refusing to provide details, had been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and were in custody. This brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder which saw police officers injured, police vehicles set on fire and a police station attacked to nine. The riot followed a peaceful Kill the Bill protest in Bristol on Sunday, against the Governments Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will see the police handed new powers to tackle demonstrations. A second protest against the Bill took place in the city on Tuesday, resulting in 14 arrests. Clear progress is being made in the ongoing investigation into the violent disorder in Bristol on Sunday. 9 arrests made & more images of people we want to ID will be released soon. 40 officers & one member of the media were assaulted in total.https://t.co/5QJHnGMUdW pic.twitter.com/WqfAXA8JoW Avon and Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 24, 2021 Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said the investigation into Sundays riot could be one of the largest in the history of Avon and Somerset Police. The fact were investigating 40 assaults on officers and a member of the media as the result of one incident shows the scale of wanton disorder which took place that night, Chief Supt Belafonte said. Through painstaking work to examine more than two terabytes worth of digital footage, we believe were making clear progress to identify those responsible and anticipate further images will be released soon to the online gallery weve set up. One of the people we believe weve already identified is a suspect in the fire which destroyed a mobile community police station. Wed like to thank every member of the public whos got in touch to provide footage, information or to pass on their well-wishes and kind thoughts. Around 3,000 people had attended a peaceful demonstration on College Green but events turned violent after about 500 people descended on Bridewell police station. Police have released images of 17 people they want to identify following the protest on Sunday. The force has received 210 submissions after appealing for members of the public to supply footage or information about those involved, as well as 68 calls to the control room. Two officers taken to hospital during the riot were found not to have suffered broken bones. Expand Close The force said 40 officers were assaulted (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The force said 40 officers were assaulted (Andrew Matthews/PA) Six men arrested on suspicion of violent disorder have been released under investigation, while a 28-year-old man appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court charged with possessing an offensive weapon. On Tuesday, around 200 people gathered on College Green for a second night of protests. Police requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to assist in dispersing the gathering after attempts to encourage people to leave were unsuccessful, a police spokesman said. Public order officers from Avon and Somerset, British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Wiltshire were deployed to move protesters on at 10pm. Police dog units, horses, the police helicopter and a police drone unit were also involved in the operation. Many protesters left the area but a significant number gathered on Deanery Road and refused to disperse, Avon and Somerset Police said. Fourteen arrests were made, with one of those detained also arrested for offences connected to Sundays protest. Chief Superintendent Claire Armes said: After the scenes of violence witnessed in the city at the weekend, it was necessary to bring in additional resources from our neighbouring forces to ensure the protest was safely brought to a swift conclusion. Throughout the operation officers continued to urge protesters to move on at no time were they contained but there came a time when enforcement was necessary as gatherings are still not permitted. Expand Close Police dogs were deployed on Sunday (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police dogs were deployed on Sunday (Andrew Matthews/PA) John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers in Bristol felt under siege following the second protest in the city. I really feel for my colleagues in Bristol, Mr Apter told the BBC. There is a sense that you really feel under siege. And for some, whatever they do is not enough and for others, its too much. This was on an evening where the vast majority of the country were remembering those many thousands of people who have been lost to this horrible virus, so it was not good scenes to see, and this was on the back of the most horrendous violence that wed seen on Sunday evening. So my colleagues are battered and bruised, in some cases physically. Weve got a number of officers who were injured on Sunday evening, some very seriously. This is completely unacceptable, completely unacceptable. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance. Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail. Home Secretary Priti Patel criticised the criminality and violent behaviour seen during the protests in Bristol. We live in an open society and a democracy so the principle to protest and to have your voice heard is absolutely crucial, she told BBC Breakfast, but there is no acceptability at all for criminality, thuggish behaviour and the type of violent scenes weve seen over recent evenings, they included the most appalling assaults and criminal attacks on police officers, theres a fundamental difference between the two. In April 1999, I took my daughters on a trip to Charlottesville, Va., to see where I went to graduate school at Mr. Jeffersons Academical Village. But on our second morning there, the television covered news of a stunning, unprecedented horror: Thirteen shot dead at Columbine High in Littleton, Colo. Id lived close by in Denver. This was unfathomable. In 2007, April 16, I led a prayer service the evening of the Virginia Tech massacre. Thirty-two dead. Beyond imagining. On April 3, 2009, 13 were shot dead in the town where I went to university, Binghamton. On Dec. 14, 2012, Adam Lanza killed 20 elementary schoolchildren and six adults in Newtown, Conn., just miles from where my nephew works as a child psychologist and who was brought in for grief counseling. The shooters mother had bought Lanza firearms. On June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof shot and killed nine people in Charleston, S.C. In their church. Because they were Black. In the church I was serving we prayed for the victims and their families. But I didnt rewrite my sermon to address this. On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla. We prayed for the victims and their families in our prayers. But I didnt rewrite my sermon to address this. In 2018, on Valentines Day, a shooter went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., and killed 17 students and teachers with an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. The suspect, who had been expelled from the school, is said to have obtained the weapon despite documented mental health issues. In church, we prayed for the victims. But I didnt rewrite my sermon. On Oct. 27, 2018, 11 people were massacred at the Tree of Life Synagogue close to Pittsburgh. I knew the area. My ex-husband had grown up the next town over. These murders happened the day before Reformation Sunday. We were having choir guests from a local Reform synagogue. And it has long been hushed up that Martin Luther was a raging anti-Semite. This time, I rewrote the sermon. Why? Was it because our guests were Jewish? Because half of my friends are Jewish? Why didnt I rewrite the sermon when nine people were killed because they were Black? When 17 were killed by a mentally ill but murderous bigot? When 49 people were killed for having the misfortune of being in a gay nightclub the shooter chose? When 13 people, most of them immigrants, were killed in my undergraduate university town by a man who was himself a naturalized citizen? Did I not rewrite those sermons because I am not an immigrant, because I am not gay, because I am not Black? Did I not rewrite the sermons because I cant relate to those categories as well as I can to Jewish religion and culture since thats always been a huge part of my life? Was it my own complacency, my privilege, my fear of what my congregation might think if I wrote a sermon that some might think was too political? Sadly, I cant say for sure. So, after the Atlanta shootings, killings that either targeted Asian people because of racism or Asian women because of sexism or because some evangelical 21-year-old claimed sex addiction (duh), I vowed I would, henceforth, rewrite my sermon each and every time there was a mass shooting. In 2019, the metropolitan Denver chain King Soopers requested shoppers leave their firearms at home when buying groceries. Its awkward to pack heat while picking out chips, six packs or ribeyes. Just six days after the Atlanta massacre, 10 were shot dead at the King Soopers in Boulder, Colo. Since I havent written it yet, I dont have to rewrite a sermon. But how can I write anything at all? My pittance of words raised against this utter madness? They are a semiautomatic nothing. But its the nothing we must do and do and do again. Because if there is any hope that lies anywhere, its in our hands and on our lips. It is not truly and fundamentally in our culturally fetishized and deadly personal weapons. We actually are more together than alone. But we cannot be that and still be armed while choosing fresh peas and plums and berries. Jo Page is a writer and Lutheran minister. Her email is jopage34@yahoo.com. Her website is at https://www.jograepage.com. ADVERTISEMENT What is the way out of the perennial economic crisis that is stifling the nations growth and development? And how do we resolve the issue of restructuring that is fuelling ethnic tension and threatening national breakup? These are the questions Nigerian leaders of thought, policy makers and major stakeholders will gather to tackle next month in Lagos at the public presentation of the book Roundtable Discussion On Economy And Restructuring In Nigeria. Published by the National Pilot newspapers, the book treats exhaustively the twin issues of economy and restructuring and offer a way forward. This is the first time a book on restructuring is being presented in Nigeria since the debate gained national limelight and it is coming in the absence of such formal intervention in the past. The historic event promises to be a convergence of key players and actors in the Nigerian project from public and private sectors and provide a veritable platform for stakeholders to discuss the way forward especially at such a crucial time in the nations existence. Expected to join in charting a way forward for Nigeria at the event which holds at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos on April 14, 2021, are the immediate past president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; his successor, Ahmed Lawan and former occupier of the prestigious office, David Mark, who will chair the occasion. Also invited are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai who will be the guest speaker. The chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi, will lead other governors which include Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, Seyi Makinde of Oyo. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos is the chief host of the event. Other invitees are Ministers for Works, Babatunde Fashola and that of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, are royal fathers of the day. The Are Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams. Former Governors Olabode George, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Abdulfatah Ahmed are other top dignitaries expected to attend the event. Billy Adedamola MD/Editor-In-Chief National Pilot 08033216782 Zimbabwe wants end to interference in HK: Xinhua Zimbabwe is worried about news agencies 'inciting violence' in Hong Kong, says Xinhua News Agency. File image: Shutterstock Zimbabwe backs Beijing's decision to overhaul Hong Kong's electoral system and is fed up with foreign countries meddling in the SAR's affairs, mainland state media announced on Wednesday. Xinhua News Agency ran an article setting out where the African country's ruling ZANU-PF stands on the planned changes to Hong Kong's Legislative Council, explaining at length the position of the politburo's secretary for external relations, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi. Xinhua said Mumbengegwi, who is also the country's foreign minister, read out a statement where he agreed that Hong Kong is part of China. "ZANU-PF is of the view that the return of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997 has put the region once again under the overall governance system of the PRC, making Hong Kong a Special Administrative Region of China," Mumbengegwi reportedly declared. Mumbengegwi appeared to share Beijing's views on Legco's role when it comes to national security, prosperity and stability. "He also called for an immediate end to external meddling by some Western governments and news agencies inciting divisions and violence in Hong Kong to undermine China's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity," the report added. Other countries that have voiced support for the electoral overhaul in Hong Kong include Belarus and Laos. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day Most popular bird song audio at eBird today. * * * #COVID19 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. If we are in in the eye of the storm , we are still in the eye of the storm. Vaccination by region: Looks like yesterdays stumble was a data artificact. Early in February, I said a simple way to compare Bidens performance to Trumps on vaccination would be to compare the curves. If Biden accelerated vaccine administration, the rate of vaccination post-Inaugural would kink upward, as the policies of a more effective administration took hold. They have not. The fragmented, Federalized, and profit-driven lumbering monstrosity that we laughingly call our health care system has not responded to energy in the executive, but has continued on its inertial path. AL: Alabama school district, once home to infamous Tuskegee study, nears full COVID vaccination level [AL.com]. Just as soon as the COVID-19 vaccine was offered, Jacqueline Brooks rolled up her sleeve and got her shot. The scene is now familiar across the country. But what sets Brooks apart from the more than 1 million Alabamians who also have gotten shots is her family history two great-grandfathers were part of the Tuskegee syphilis experiment and her position of authority in her hometown in Alabamas Black Belt, as the superintendent of Macon County School District. Again, she said, seeing elderly church members get vaccinated with no side effects as well as seeing COVID-19 ravage community members who fell ill reminded her that, as a friend told her, I personally know a lot of people who have been extremely ill and some now buried from a COVID-19 death. But I dont know anyone whos has been buried from taking the vaccine. Wariness in Macon and Tuskegee is real, experts agree, but individual attention from local government and health officials and trusted leaders, as well as coordinated public health messaging, goes a long way. Another way of saying this is that a nationalized effort at the Federal level would only have taken us so far (and in the extreme case, might have been merely singing to the choir). UPDATE CA: Gavin Newsom feared a vaccine nightmare. So he outsourced Californias rollout. [Politico]. Californias vaccination rollout was sputtering this year when Gov. Gavin Newsom embraced a solution long favored by Republicans: outsourcing. Barely a month after the first doses arrived, the Democrat who wrote a book on government innovation and has bemoaned Californias outdated technology inked a no-bid deal with insurance giant Blue Shield of California to manage vaccine distribution throughout the state. Newsom, facing a recall threat and under immense pressure to get the doses out quickly, turned to Blue Shield soon after vaccination problems surfaced, suggesting he deemed the task of rapidly vaccinating tens of millions too complex for government to handle. But the deal has raised an array of data privacy and equity questions, and the companys sizable contributions to Newsoms reelection and the governors causes have fueled speculation about how money may have influenced the decision. The rollout continues to face challenges with getting doses into peoples arms. Can California readers comment? GA: Georgia allows all adults to receive vaccine starting Thursday [The Hill]. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said Tuesday that he will expand access to the COVID-19 vaccine to all people over the age of 16 living in the state, a policy that will go into effect Thursday and comes just a week after he eliminated special COVID-19 capacity limits for Georgias bars and nightclubs. NY: What we learned registering thousands of our neighbors for vaccines [Epicenter NYC]. Every day, we hear from so many eligible people who havent gotten their vaccines because of concerns over access, fear, time or language issues. To be clear, many of them have been eligible for months. It is almost impossible even for those devoting their days to this effort to keep on top of all the twists and turns. Announcing changes and availability on social media (such as this tweet from an Assemblywoman saying people over the age of 85 could now just walk in; something we did not see in news stories or press releases elsewhere) means you have to be constantly plugged in to stay current. Those meant to be at the front of the proverbial line are the very populations that are not on the internet all day long, often unable to check email, let alone be on Twitter. . The current system is about drawing different categories of people into vaccination centers; more effort needs to go into pushing vaccines out to communities. People are looking to us for help getting a vaccine so hesitancy is not going to be well measured here. However, there is a definite chain effect based on one person in a family, on a shift, in a restaurant, in a building getting a vaccine appointment through usand then we suddenly hear from MANY. This is very good, worth reading in full. (Funny how theres a network effect for vaccination exactly as there is for transmission.) UPDATE TX: Texas to open COVID-19 vaccinations to all adults. Heres what you need to know. [Star-Telegram]. All adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced Tuesday. Thus far, the vaccine has been prioritized for health care workers, nursing home residents, school workers, those 50 and older and people with medical conditions. But with an increased vaccine supply expected in the coming week, the state is expanding who is qualified for shots. We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases, Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chairperson of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, said in a statement. As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death such as older adults. The department has told providers to prioritize people 80 or older and to accommodate anyone in that age group who shows up for a vaccination even if they dont have an appointment by moving them to the front of the line. Case count by United States regions: I helpfully added a black line to show how horrific the new normal we are all so triumphal about just now really is. The curve has definitely been flattening for the last three weeks, and in the last two days seems to have flattered entirely (remember I use one-week averages to smooth out data artifacts). Thats not good, and when we look at the Northeast, its flattened entirely. Since these are averaged weekly, theres some momentum in the train, too. So theres really no reason to break out the champers. Big states (New York, Florida, Texas, California): New York still leads, although with a recent drop. Im also loathe to give Floridas DeSantis permission for a happy dance, but theres no question that in the enormous natural experiment that is our Federalized response to Covid, Florida didnt do badly, and its case curve looks pretty much like that corrupt crook Cuomos, just with a later peak. UPDATE NY: COVID-19 cases have stopped declining in New York City. Experts are trying to find out why. [ABC]. Specifically, the New York City metropolitan area had a rate of nearly 260.6 cases per 100,000 people for the week ending March 21, the second highest case rate in the nation, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although cases are not as high as they were during the spring and winter surges, the city has reached a plateau, which simply means that cases are no longer declining, said Dr. David D. Ho, director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center at Columbia University. In New York, the percent of intensive care unit beds occupied by COVID-19 patients also remains high, at 18%. Experts say its still unclear what may be driving this plateau, particularly because of declining testing numbers and state delays in receiving and processing data. While some suggest that relaxed mitigation measures could be to blame, others are pointing to the emergence of more contagious variants. Test positivity: Big jump in the South and the Midwest. Hospitalization: Hospitalization data is the best data we have, because hospital billing is a highly functional data acquisition system (ka-ching). That said, 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): Good to see those deaths dropping. The fatality rate in the West is where it was last May. * * * 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 Biden Administration Kamala Harris, Bill Clinton to hold talk on pandemics impact on women [The Hill]. Why does the phrase casting couch come to mind? But the babies! In cages!! VIDEO Hillary Clinton Calls Border Surge Under Biden a Chronic Problem @HillaryClinton https://t.co/LuAsTl9AxX Grabien (@GrabienMedia) March 23, 2021 2022 UPDATE The GOPs Political Nightmare: Running Against a Recovery [Politico]. It may be an overstated political cliche that if youre explaining, youre losing. But youre almost certainly losing if youre explaining, ahead of time, why the economic boom youre expecting on your opponents watch shouldnt be attributed to your opponent. One lesson of the volatility of the past dozen years is that fairly or not, the presidents party tends to get the credit or blame for the economyor at least for the way people perceive the economy. Biden is visiting swing states this week to sell American Rescue Plans focus on giving Americans vaccines and money, but with economists across the ideological spectrum forecasting explosive growth, many veterans of the 2009 stimulus wars believe the economy will be all the sales pitch the bill needs. Were going to see some fairly amazing economic numbers, and I imagine for the next few years, people will look around and say: This is pretty darn good! says American Enterprise Institute fellow James Pethokoukis, a conservative economist who believes the Biden stimulus is somewhat excessive. Im sure Republicans will try to spin this, and I have long-term concerns myself, but the reality of a crazy strong expansion will be tough to spin away.' Those vaccines had better work against the variants, and re-opening, especially school re-opening, had better work. I think Democrat triumphalism and Republican doominess are equally misplaced. Perhaps thats why the Greed and Fear meter has been neutral, lately. Democrats en Deshabille Illinois governor signs off on law that caps consumer loan rates at 36% [CNBC]. That decimal points not in the wrong place? Republican Funhouse A nuclear winter foretold [Axios]. A Senate operating in the nuclear winter Minority Leader Mitch McConnell promises if the filibuster is eliminated is one in which lawmakers face incessant roll calls and other inconveniences turning their comfortable lives into a living hell. Why it matters: In employing apocalyptic language to warn about a scorched-earth response, the Kentucky Republican is trying to scare Democrats away from the tool theyre considering to break through the GOPs own political obstinance. I say go for it, especially if the outcome is liberal Democrats cornering themselves into delivering concrete material benefits to the working class, in a crass attempt to win the midterms. Realignment and Legitimacy Luxurys Silence Amid Anti-Asian Violence Runs Deep [The Popular Times]. Even in conversations surrounding fashions response to the current crimes, one of the sticking points is the hypocrisy of the industrys continued silence, despite it doubling down on its dependence on mainland China. This argument simplifies the cultural complexities within the Asian diaspora, mainland China, and other Asian communities. The fashion issue at hand runs much deeper and is rooted in the industrys reluctance to truly build brands or marketing campaigns that honor minorities. The industrys one size fits all approach to understanding Asia, China, and its associated diaspora no longer works. Below, we look into the factors that continue to block the industry from progress and aim to shed light on the dynamics of the Asian diaspora. Could it be inventing and imposing a category and a name (Latinx, Asian), sorting individuals and communities into it based on crude approximations of their ascriptive identities (skin color; hair; eyes), and then bleaching it of all history, class, conflict, and nuance (except for that which can be commoditized, like food, music, fashion, and the careerist voice representing said invented category) is just about hear me out the whitest thing of all? A long rhetorical question, I know. My Asian American awakening echoes Americas. Now its time for an AAPI movement. [NBC]. Today, as we observe the ongoing consequences of anti-Asian hate, we are also seeing AAPI journalists conspicuously like never before. Their reporting is tinged with something specific. What you are seeing is conflict; conflict between their job and the expectations society has long held for many in the AAPI community. We are done being your model minority. And we want you to listen to us, about the discrimination and xenophobia and fear and pain that has colored the experiences of AAPI Americans in this country for decades. For centuries. * But in this telling, it is the hate that creates the us, not the we. To see ourselves as others see us is not always a good thing. Duckworth Backs Off Vow To Block Biden Nominees Over Lack Of AAPI Cabinet Members [NPR]. Sen. Tammy Duckworth and the White House broke an impasse over the Illinois Democrats pledge to block President Bidens nominees who arent diverse candidates as a protest over a lack of Asian American representation in the new administration. Under their deal announced late Tuesday, the White House will add a senior liaison to the community and, in exchange, Duckworth will support Bidens nominees. More: Theres no AAPI representation in the Cabinet, Duckworth told Capitol Hill reporters Tuesday afternoon. Theres not a single AAPI in a Cabinet position. Thats unacceptable.' This is certainly an odd notion of representation. For a democracy, I mean. Coverage of Bay Area Anti-Asian Violence Is Missing a Key Element (interview) [Claire Jean Kim, Slate]. From the introduction: Some (not all) of the video evidence of anti-Asian attacks in the Bay Area has featured Black perpetrators. If Robert Aaron Long had been Black, would the Atlanta massage parlor shootings have been seen as an opportunity for an identity politics-driven moral panic in a Swing state? Im guessing no. From Kim: if you use that frame, you make it an Asian-Black thing, youre focusing on the two groups and taking attention away from the larger structures of power in which theyre embeddednot just racial structures, but also capitalism. Think about the relationship between Korean merchants buying a liquor store in Compton, and their Black customers. This is about capitalism, the way it creates divisions between groups and deems certain people disposable . What we see in the United States are these periodic attacks on Asian Americans, always related to something else going on in the world. In this case its COVID. In the 1980s, it was U.S.-Japan trade relations. In the 1870s, it was a regional depression in the West and Southwest, and white workers turned against Chinese American workers. So theres always been some kind of larger economic, political cause for these upsurges in anti-Asian violence. I think thats different from what we see with anti-Black violence. Violence against Black people in this country is continuous, structural; violence against Asians is more periodic, contingent on events. So much history, much of it horrid, and nuance. Well worth a read. How the Atlanta spa shootings forced me to confront my biracial identity [NBC]. No matter how white I felt in Westchester County, this world has always seen me as an Asian American woman. This is why I think of conservative politics a funhouse mirror: The crisis actor theorist is correct to be suspicious of the events convenience to prefabricated ideological narratives but fails to grasp how this can be a spontaneous, emergent, and participatory phenomenon; in this sense, we are all crisis actors now. Geoff Shullenberger (@daily_barbarian) March 24, 2021 Opportunists fabricate, as it were, emergent conspiracies. Stats Watch Headline Durable Goods New Orders Declined In February 2021 [Econintersect]. The headlines say the durable goods new orders declined and broke a nine-month improvement streak. Our analysis shows the rolling averages declined. In the adjusted data, the decline was widespread except for civilian aircraft which significantly improved. * * * Shipping: Container ship stranded in Suez Canal still stuck, says marine agent GAC [Reuters]. The container ship stranded in the Suez Canal is still grounded and canal authorities are working to refloat it, an official at marine agent GAC said on Wednesday. Ahmed Mekawy, an assistant manager at GACs Egypt office, said the Dubai-based agent had earlier received inaccurate information that the Ever Given had been partially refloated. Whoops. Shipping: Suez Canal blocked by massive container ship Ever Given: Live [Al Jazeera]. Evergreen Marine Corp., a major Taiwan-based shipping company that operates the ship, said in a statement that the Ever Given had been overcome by strong winds as it entered the Suez Canal. Such an incident, [Gerry Northwood, Chairman of the risk and security management company MAST] explained [is] a bit of a warning .. of a reminder of the vulnerability of the canal and its potential for global disruption. Strong winds off the Sahara? Chance in a million. Good live coverage from Al Jazeera. Heres a photo: Look on my works, ye mighty Tech: Amazon, the Crappy Monopolist [James Kwak]. Amazon isnt even using its magic to improve the consumer experience. For many product categories, buying something requires scrolling through dozens of similar, poorly written listings, many offering the same product. When I worked at Ariba twenty years ago, this was known as the content problem: when many different sellers offer overlapping goods in the same marketplace, its difficult to clean up all the data so that buyers can see which products are actually the same and compare relevant information about them. Despite all its geniuses, Amazon hasnt solved this problem. This is also true of Googles News Feed, where you see the same wire service story presented over and over again from different venues (and if it didnt, the news desert we live in might be more visible). Well worth a read. The Bezzle: Teslas Autopilot Technology Faces Fresh Scrutiny [New York Times]. Federal officials are looking into a series of recent accidents involving Teslas that either were using Autopilot or might have been using it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed last week that it was investigating 23 such crashes. Bryant Walker Smith, a professor at the University of South Carolina who has advised the federal government on automated driving, said it was important to develop advanced technologies to reduce traffic fatalities, which now number about 40,000 a year. But he said he had concerns about Autopilot, and how the name and Teslas marketing imply drivers can safely turn their attention away from the road. There is an incredible disconnect between what the company and its founder are saying and letting people believe, and what their system is actually capable of , he said. Tesla, which disbanded its public relations department and generally does not respond to inquiries from reporters, did not return phone calls or emails seeking comment. The Bezzle: Why it will be years before robot butlers take over your household chores [WaPo]. companies are having a hard time commercializing anything more complex than a Roomba which has been vacuuming houses for 20 years. Its not that the safety issues at home cant be solved. Its that they havent been solved yet, robotics companies say. [nods vigorously]. More: In 2020, Walmart pulled its inventory robots from the floor after reportedly finding that humans can scan products more simply and more efficiently than bulky six-foot-tall machines. Sensing a pattern * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 45 Neutral (previous close: 49 Neutral) [CNN]. One week ago: 58 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Mar 24 at 12:24pm. One year ago, just after the Before Times: 13 (Extreme Fear). Health Care Its been on my mental list to look at Ivermectin again: Use of Ivermectin Is Associated With Lower Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 [Chest Journal]. Ivermectin treatment was associated with lower mortality during treatment of COVID-19, especially in patients with severe pulmonary involvement. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings. The broad spectrum host-directed agent ivermectin as an antiviral for SARS-CoV-2? [Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications]. This is a very useful review of the literature, from January. Although these early results are consistent with efficacy, it is clear that only the results from large rigorous randomized clinical trials (Table 3) will definitively establish ivermectins utility to treat or prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is to be hoped that the results from these trials will emerge in the next few months to document ivermectins credentials or otherwise as a viable therapeutic for COVID-19 infection, and potentially infection by many other viruses. Sharp Reductions in COVID-19 Case Fatalities and Excess Deaths in Peru in Close Time Conjunction, State-By-State, with Ivermectin Treatments [SSRN]. For the 24 states with early IVM treatment (and Lima), excess deaths dropped 59% (25%) at +30 days and 75% (25%) at +45 days after day of peak deaths. Case fatalities likewise dropped sharply in all states but Lima, yet six indices of Google-tracked community mobility rose over the same period. For nine states having mass distributions of IVM in a short timeframe through a national program, Mega-Operacion Tayta (MOT), excess deaths at +30 days dropped by a population-weighted mean of 74%, each drop beginning within 11 day after MOT start. Extraneous causes of mortality reductions were ruled out. These sharp major reductions in COVID-19 mortality following IVM treatment thus occurred in each of Perus states, with such especially sharp reductions in close time conjunction with IVM treatments in each of the nine states of operation MOT. Its safety well established even at high doses, IVM is a compelling option for immediate, large scale national deployments as an interim measure and complement to pandemic control through vaccinations. Ivermectin: Game changer vs Covid-19? Whats the controversy? [Manila Times]. Who has taken the jump to use it on mass scale? Slovakia became the first country in the European Union to officially adopt Ivermectin as a treatment for Covid-19, followed by Mexico City, which makes it standard care for the largest city in the Western hemisphere. Haiti is another. The Critical Care Alliance cites the country of Haiti having far lower, almost negligible infection rates than the US (https://bit.ly/2Qo8ViJ), possibly from mass use. In Brazil, India, Turkey, Poland and Dominican Republic, data are being studied. Peru also jumped in. The Critical Care Alliance and Chamie, Hibberd, Scheim studies show that in 24 Peruvian states, over 30 million population, case fatality and infections dropped drastically for all except Lima, despite large increase in population physical interaction shown by Google tracked mobility. Top Yale Doctor/Researcher: Ivermectin works, including for long-haul COVID [Trial Site News]. . Alessandro Santin, a practicing oncologist and scientist who runs a large laboratory at Yale, believes firmly that ivermectin could vastly cut suffering from COVID-19. Santin joins a growing group of doctors committed to using the safe, generic drug both as an early home treatment to prevent hospitalization and alongside inpatient treatments like steroids and oxygen. The bottom line is that ivermectin works. Ive seen that in my patients as well as treating my own family in Italy, Santin said in an interview, referring to his father, 88, who recently suffered a serious bout of COVID. We must find a way to administer it on a large scale to a lot of people.' Censorship Kills: The Shunning of a COVID Therapeutic [Pierre Kory, RealClearPolitics]. 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. * * * SARS-CoV-2 Infection after Vaccination in Health Care Workers in California [NEJM (IM)]. From December 16, 2020, through February 9, 2021, a total of 36,659 health care workers received the first dose of vaccine, and 28,184 of these persons (77%) received the second dose. Among the vaccinated health care workers, 379 unique persons tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at least 1 day after vaccination, and the majority (71%) of these persons tested positive within the first 2 weeks after the first dose. After receiving both vaccinations, 37 health care workers tested positive; of these workers, 22 had positive test results 1 to 7 days after the second dose. Only 8 health care workers tested positive 8 to 14 days after the second vaccination, and 7 tested positive 15 or more days after the second vaccination (Table 1). As of February 9, a total of 5455 health care workers at UCSD and 9535 at UCLA had received the second dose 2 or more weeks previously; these findings correspond to a positivity rate of 0.05%. In our cohort, the absolute risk of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination was 1.19% among health care workers at UCSD and 0.97% among those at UCLA; these rates are higher than the risks reported in the trials of mRNA-1273 vaccine1 and BNT162b2 vaccine.2 Possible explanations for this elevated risk include the availability of regular testing for asymptomatic and symptomatic persons at our institutions, a regional surge in infections in Southern California during our vaccination campaigns,5 and differences in demographic characteristics between the trial participants and the health care workers in our cohort. The Hellfire Preacher Who Promoted Inoculation [JSTOR Daily]. [When smallpox] arrived on a ship in April 1721, it spread too quickly for the standard measures of quarantining the sick and cleaning the streets to stop it.. [The Rev. Cotton] Mather [yes, that Cotton Mather] had learned about inoculation more than a decade earlier, from an African man named Onesimus, whom he enslaved. When he asked if Onesimus had ever had smallpox, the man showed him a scar on his arm and explained that his community in Africa used infected material from one person to inoculate others against the disease. A few years later, Mather read a report from Turkey describing a similar procedure. Mather then sent a personal letter to Zabdiel Boylston, a physician, surgeon, and apothecary known for his willingness to undertake risky surgeries. Boylston was impressed with the evidence Mather offered and tried the procedure out on three patients, including his own six-year-old son. They suffered from fever and other symptoms but recovered well The epidemic petered out over the winter, with more than 800 people dead. Of 287 inoculation patients, only six died. Yet despite this apparent success, many people remained unconvinced that Mather and Boylstons method worked. Plus ca change. Class Warfare Younger Amazon Workers in Bessemer, New to Unions, Are Still Undecided [The Intercept]. Everyones been confused, said Jason, who like many of the 10 Bessemer warehouse workers interviewed for this story did not provide his surname for fear of repercussions. In my opinion, no one around my age in the building has a clear-cut answer of how theyre going to decide. The 20-year-old stower responsible for lifting boxes and scanning them for processing over a grueling 10-hour shift is part of a sizable group of younger, noncommittal BHM1 workers. Their votes or abstentions could determine the outcome of the most closely watched American union election in decades. In a sign of the push to engage young workers in the union drive, groundwork is being laid to bring Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to Alabama this weekend, according to two sources with knowledge of the planning. The trip, being put together by Sanderss office and a constellation of activist groups, along with the union organizing Amazon workers, would bring one of Congresss most ardent supporters of the labor push to the front line. More than 80 percent of the 5,805 Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer are Black. While Sanders underperformed among Black voters in Southern Democratic primaries during the 2020 presidential race, younger Black Americans were more likely to support him. Jason, who is Black, is sympathetic to the union effort but admits his unfamiliarity with unions has delayed his decision. His story resembles that of other younger workers in the warehouse something an older generation of local workers, many of whom have led the union drive, has come to recognize. Some of the young people dont realize what the unions all about because they havent been taught the history, said Mona Darby, a local poultry processing plant worker who has been a union member for 33 years. Darby was one of two dozen poultry and warehouse workers who showed up last October outside the Amazon warehouse to effectively launch the RWDSUs on-the-ground organizing campaign. The death wind has etched away their past. Frank Herbert, Children of Dune. News of the Wired Quantum Mischief Rewrites the Laws of Cause and Effect [Quanta]. What we normally think of as causal relationships such as photons traveling from one region of the sky to another, correlating measurements made in the first region with measurements made later in the second region act, in Hardys formalism, like data compression. Theres a reduction in the amount of information needed to describe the whole system, since one set of probabilities determines another. Hardy called his new formalism the causaloid framework, where the causaloid is the mathematical object used to calculate the probabilities of outcomes of any measurement in any region. Causality as a form of data compression. Ill have to think about that one, maybe call in my theory checker. * * * 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 (AM): AM writes: The mighty oak tree in Roger Williams Park, Providence RI. 4:22 on February 21 the days are getting longer!!!! And brighter! Im still running winter pictures when for many of you spring has sprung; I suppose the upside is that I run lovely fall foliage when the snow is flying. * * * : 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! To be told that you have Kamala Harris, we are proud of her, you dont need anybody else is insulting, Duckworth told reporters. Thats not something you would say to the Black Caucus: That you have Kamala, were not going to be put any African Americans in the Cabinet, why would you say that to AAPIs? Herbs and spices product manufacturers are pushing for sustainable production efforts towards clean label and organic product offerings. DUBAI, UAE / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / The herbs and spices market is projected to rise at a moderate 3.6% CAGR for the period of projection from 2021 to 2031. Globalization of regional culinary practices, the rapid rise of the internet, and growth in the volume of international trade are key factors that contribute to the growth of the herbs and spices market. Consumers are increasingly wary of chemicals and additives in foods and are seeking clean label and organic products, despite higher prices. This trend is expected to have a long-term impact on developments within the market. "The growing demand for a wide range of herbs and spices will be met by branded ethnic spice blends, which can be attributed to the popularity of regional cuisines, combined with higher awareness about healthy consumption habits, and lucrative applications in processed foods and beverages. This will especially remain true for younger consumer demographics, influencing sales strategies," says the FMI study. Request a report sample to gain comprehensive market insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-12536 Herbs and Spices Market - Important Takeaways Meat and poultry applications are expected to display strong growth owing to changing quality and aesthetic requirements. Herbs are anticipated to reflect faster growth owing to applications in food and medicinal products. India and China will hold major market share, supported by high consumption in daily cuisines. United States is a rapidly growing market owing to the rising popularity of international ethnic foods. Herbs and Spices Market - Driving Factors High awareness about international ethnic cuisines and the resultant demand for ready-to-use spice mixes are expected to bolster market prospects. Health benefits such as antioxidant properties are bolstering the consumption of herbs and spices. Strong growth of the processed food sector and easy availability of spice mixes support sales. Herbs and Spices Market - Leading Constraints Concerns over microbial and chemical contaminant in spice and herb products remains a challenge to sales prospects. Fluctuation in costs owing to environmental effects on agricultural yield is expected to hinder growth in the industry. We Offer tailor-made Solutions to fit Your Requirements, Request Customization@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-12536 Expected Impact on Market by Coronavirus Outbreak The global covid-19 pandemic had a moderately adverse effect on the herbs and spices market. Restrictions on industrial operations and social distancing guidelines have limited production and agricultural activities during the crisis. In addition, restraints on international trade has impacted distribution of herb and spice yields. On the other hand, demand for herbs and spices has remained strong from home cooks and the food processing sector, which has partially mitigated losses to manufacturers during the pandemic. Demand is expected recover steadily over the coming decade, with continued global interest in international cuisines. Competition Landscape Some of the major players participating in the herbs and spices market are Dell Technologies, IBM Corporation, HPE, Intel Corporation, Lenovo, Vertiv and Perle among others Players in the herbs and spices market are largely involved in bolstering distribution channels with strategic acquisitions with the aim of geographical expansion objectives, and expanding product portfolios suitable to regional consumer demographics. For instance, in March 2021, GM Marketing announced the acquisition of Favorit Foods, based out of Northern Ireland to make its entry into the Irish food service and retail sector for food ingredient sales. Amatheon Agri's ZUVA brand, is an agribusiness based out of Germany has unveiled chakalaka, bobotie, and chermoula flavored quinoa-based snack products for the African consumer base. In August 2020, Premier Foods announced its entry into the herbs and spices segment with an agreement with South Africa based Cape Herb & Spice to distribute products such as grinders, chili tins, and spice rubs in the United Kingdom. Contact Sales for Further Assistance in Purchasing this Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/12536 More on the Report FMI provides in-depth insights on the herbs and spices market. The market is segmented in terms of product type (herbs, spices, paprika, and cumin), end use (food, beverage, food service, and retail), form (powder & granules, flakes, paste, and fresh/whole), sales channel (direct and indirect), and nature (organic, vegan, natural, non-GMO, and conventional), across ten regions (North America, Latin America, Europe, Switzerland, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, Nigeria, GCC Countries, and Middle East & Africa). Explore Coverage of FMI's Food and Beverage Landscape Clean Label Pectin Market: Find insights on the clean label pectin market with analysis of statistics, segments, players, influencers, and business strategies adopted over a 10-year forecast period. Polydextrose Market: FMI's report on the polydextrose market provides insights on the market during 2018-2027. The study evaluates restraining forces, revenue sources, market leaders, and strategies. Middle East and North Africa Nutraceuticals Market: An analysis on the Middle East and North Africa nutraceuticals market with data on opportunities, growth levers, regional markets, restraints, regulatory policies, and strengths of market leaders. Download Complete TOC Of this Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc%20/rep-gb-12536 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/herbs-and-spices-market Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/herbs-and-spices-market SOURCE: Future Market Insights View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637194/Herbs-and-Spices-Market-Finds-Key-Growth-Opportunities-in-Ethnic-Spice-Mixes-Says-FMI On the 15 August 1947, when India awoke to light and freedom, I, a college boy then, was not a citizen of India. I was a subject of the Maharaja of Travancore, a princely state, which had declared independence. The Maharaja of Travancore was a devout Hindu whose family deity was Sri Padmanabha of the temple of that name. Not only was Hinduism the official religion of the state, the state itself was considered the property of the deity, having been dedicated to Him by an ancestor of the Maharaja. The Maharaja assumed the role of a servant of the deity and he and his successors attached the title Sri Padmanabhadaasa to their names. But the Hinduism they practiced was not of the fanatic Hindutva variety but an embodiment of the vision of life as outlined in the Upanishads in which the oneness and omnipresence of divinity in the entire universe, were the foundations of faith. All religions were accepted as true and tolerated. My schooling started with a government school at Kottayam. There were children belonging to all religions in the class. They freely mixed among themselves. There was a morning assembly every day, but no prayer. The only ritual was the singing of the state anthem, Vancheesa Mangalam. The lunch breaks on Fridays were of double the normal duration to enable Muslim children to go to mosques. When I was halfway through Class 3, my father was transferred and I had to change school. The new school was a modest private primary school. Although located in the compound of a church, there was no ritual prayer in the daily routine. I remember that in our text book published by the government there was a short biographical sketch of Jesus Christ as one of the lessons. There were many Christian boys in the class and we all mixed and played and studied together in total amity. When I passed from Class 4, I had to move from the primary school to the local English high school which was run by a Protestant organisation called Church Mission Society owing allegiance to the King of England. Here also, there was no prayer in the morning assembly except Vancheesa Mangalam. The extended duration of the lunch break on Fridays was in force here also. After two years there, I was shifted to the St Berchmans School in Changanassery consequent on my fathers transfer there. That was a Catholic establishment; a Catholic prayer in Malayalam was a mandatory part of the morning assembly in addition to the Vancheesa Mangalam. But there was no compulsion for the Catholic prayer. Non-Catholic students were free to remain silent. After three years there I was shifted to the Model Government School in Trivandrum. The only ritual in the morning assembly was the singing of Vancheesa Mangalam. I wrote my ESLC examination in March 1947, and joined the University College in June 1947. This secular policy, followed through centuries brought rich dividends. There was peace even in days of grave provocation. In 1946 and 1947, when millions of innocents were killed in communal riots, there was total peace in the Malayalam speaking region even though a significant section of the population was Muslim. Today, when there is much talk about Hindutva, which many communal minded ring leaders use to spread divisiveness, there seems to be a need to re-educate ourselves in the fundamentals of genuine Hinduism. There is no better way to do this than through the teachings of Vivekananda. Swamiji had said, It is love and love alone that I preach, and I base my teaching on the great Vedantic truth of the sameness and omnipresence of the soul of the universe. He also said, Try to be pure and unselfish. That is the whole of religion. Now, 70 years after the Hindu Rashtra under the Maharaja ended, there is total communal peace despite efforts by fascist organisations to spread divisiveness. The Hindu festival called Aattukaal Ponkaala celebrated in a mother goddess temple in the heart of Trivandrum, where a few million women assemble to cook prasaad in improvised fireplaces and offer it to the deity, illustrates this. Premises of mosques and churches are thrown open for the Hindu worshippers to set up their fireplaces. This phenomenon repeats year after year. Well to do Muslims distribute fruit juices to the Hindu women worshippers working in the hot sun and waiting for the auspicious moment when priests from the temple will go round and consecrate the Prasad. This repeats year after year. A more touching incident happened recently. The marriage of a poor Hindu girl, daughter of a destitute widow was solemnized by a Muslim Jamaat, in the premises of a mosque. The invitation letter was issued by the Jamaat Committee. A pandal was put up in the compound of the mosque and the marriage solemnised as per Hindu rituals in the presence of a Hindu priest and a mullah. A sumptuous Kerala style feast was served to all the guests. All expenses were borne by the Jamaat Committee. Vivekananda, as quoted above, preached love and love alone. Isnt that what all great prophets have really done through the centuries? (SS Kaimal is former chief engineer of the Government of India and former chief technical adviser to the United Nations (UN). He is also the founder joint secretary of the All-India Confederation of Central Government Officers' Associations, which worked in the 1960s and 1970s for reforms in the administrative apparatus and to convert it into a modern people friendly organisation, liberated from the Macaulayan snail-paced red tape rituals.) Do Not Let Chinese Propagandists Take Advantage of You: Former Adviser on Lessons From USChina Meeting Beijings delegation came to Alaska to score a cheap propaganda while trying to divert international attention away from the Chinese regimes abuses, the China adviser to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says. Last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan held a two-day meeting in Anchorage, hosting their Chinese counterparts Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top diplomat Yang Jiechi. The bilateral talks have since been remembered not for what the two sides talked about, but for how the Chinese delegation threw a diplomatic temper tantrum during the in-person meeting. Yang, in particular, veered off the usual diplomatic protocols and lashed out over what he said was the United States struggling democracy and poor treatment of minorities. Yangs public outburst has since been heavily criticized by several U.S. lawmakers and former U.S. officials. Meanwhile, Chinas state-run media have touted that the meeting was a diplomatic win for Beijing, with Chinas hawkish mouthpiece Global Times calling it a grand show of Chinas strength in an article published on March 20. Miles Yu, a Chinese-born academic who helped shape the Trump administrations China policy, said the Chinese delegation didnt travel to Alaska with the intention to solve problems underlying the bilateral relationship, but rather to promote the Chinese regimes political agenda. They are here to basically try to discredit American democracy, try to score a cheap shot, Yu said in an interview with The Epoch Times American Thought Leaders program. The Alaska talks came at a very unique time, when the Chinese regime is unprecedentedly isolated internationally, Yu said. In recent years, policymakers around the world have become increasingly alarmed by how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a threat to their governance, economic systems, and national security as Beijing becomes more assertive. The general public in many countries also views China negatively. In October 2020, a Pew Research Center poll showed that negative views of China in nine countriesincluding Australia, Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United Stateshad reached their highest levels in more than a decade. In the United States, the Trump administration spent four years pushing back against Chinas malign influences, including unfair trade practices and espionage. In March, another Pew Research Center poll showed that more than 70 percent of Americans stated that Washington should stand up to the CCP over its human rights record, even if it means bilateral economic ties taking a hit. Beijings initial coverup of the CCP virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, also has contributed to the global backlash against the Chinese regime. At the early stage of the pandemic, Beijing silenced whistleblower doctors who tried to warn the public of a new form of pneumonia. As a result, the Chinese delegation traveled to Alaska to vent, trying to blame the United States as the only country responsible for Chinas international isolation, according to Yu. He added, They come here to basically to shift the focus of the real issue of the day, which is the global challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The CCPs Diplomacy The Chinese delegations public blow-up was also useful in one respect, according to Yu. It seems to me the Chinese have lost [their] grace, diplomatic finesse, and aplomb, but thats actually very educational to the rest of the world to see, to see how Chinese diplomats truly function, he said. Chinese diplomats are not really diplomats, per se, they are the agents of the will of the Central Committee of Chinese Communist Party, he added, referring to the body comprising the top leaders of the Party. Yu said Yang was known as a man of political skill, but for him to behave like that in public showed that he was simply acting on the orders of Chinas top leadership to behave like a bully or wolf warrior in Alaska. The CCP has increasingly taken an aggressive form of diplomacy dubbed wolf warrior in an effort to fend off mounting international criticism over its aggressions. Nonetheless, Yu said he found it absolutely crazy for the Chinese delegation to lecture the United States on the virtue of democracy, given Chinas records of human rights abuses against dissidents, religious groups, Uyghur Muslims, and Falun Gong, and the regimes state-sanctioned practice of harvesting organs from prisoners of conscience. In January, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that Beijing had committed genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghur Muslims. On March 22, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union jointly unveiled sanctions on six Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. When Chinese officials leveled criticism at the United States, it was very different from Americans criticizing their own country, Yu said. We Americans criticize our system because we wish our system to be better, he said. When the Chinese Communist Party criticizes the American system, it doesnt wish us well. It challenges the foundation of American democracy. It basically tries to destroy the entire system of freedom and democracy. They [the CCP] are completely different. Looking back at the talks, Yu said the Chinese delegation missed an opportunity to work with the Biden administration because the administration really wanted to find common areas to work with China. In conclusion, Yu said that the Biden administration should learn a lesson from the Alaska talks. You have to deal with China with candor, with strength, with unapologetic strength, and self-confidence in our own democratic system. Do not let Chinese propagandists take advantage of you, he said. 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 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. MINNEAPOLIS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The African American Leadership Forum , in partnership with members of Omicron Boule, a Black professional fraternity, the Itasca Project and GREATER MSP, today announced an initiative to address racial inequities in the Twin Cities region in a new and transformational way. With a working title of the Alliance of Alliances, the effort will be led by local Black leaders. It will be housed at the African American Leadership Forum (AALF), which will be the backbone for coordinating existing racial equity work and for instigating new work shaped and driven by the Black community. Early partnerships with the Minnesota Business Partnership and the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity helped pave the way to developing new pathways to fund efforts such as this initiative. "The Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE) represents leaders from more than 80 organizations who have come together to build an equitable, inclusive and prosperous state with and for black residents," said Acooa Ellis, steering committee member and senior vice president of Community Impact for Greater Twin Cities United Way. The Alliance, led by AALF, will work together with MBP and MBCRE to generate and implement solutions to advance equitable outcomes for Black Minnesotans. Currently, nearly $4 million of the $4 million required to jumpstart this effort has been raised through a coordinated fundraising effort with MBCRE members' companies. The approach that the Alliance of Alliances will take to solving the region's persistent disparities is different, according to Lynn Casey, chair of the Itasca Project. "Our region's business and philanthropic organizations have invested heavily over many years in reducing the disparities between white residents and people of color particularly Black residents," she said. "We can point to many success stories, yet Black Minnesotans remain at or near the bottom in income, graduation rates and other socioeconomic measures when those quality-of-life measures are broken out by race. It is time to add some new thinking. It's time to invest in Black leadership." In addition to Black leadership, the Alliance of Alliances will use an approach called Black-Centered Design to ensure that solutions for the Black community are created by the Black community. "This is not how things have typically been done in the past," Marcus Owens, AALF's executive director, said. "Previous efforts have failed largely because they did not center Black perspectives and experiences." The Alliance of Alliances' approach also is different in its comprehensiveness, Owens said. AALF will recruit leaders for each of eight areas essential to achieving racial justice and equity: public safety, shared responsibility, infrastructure investments, employment, education, healthcare, housing and advocacy. "These leaders will not only convene those organizations and individuals who currently work in and support those areas; they also will look for ways to leverage work across those areas," Owens said. "Take education and employment as one example. They are linked. Could we be more successful in how we educate and train our young people for careers if we thought through and addressed the barriers more holistically?" The idea for the Alliance of Alliances began last July when members of Omicron Boule, the local chapter of the Black professional fraternity Sigma Pi Phi, met with leaders of the Itasca Project and GREATER MSP to co-create a vision for what a more equitable region would look like in 2030. Out of those discussions emerged a two-page document outlining a 10-year vision and the eight work areas essential to achieving that vision. The document was shared with more than two dozen business, philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, including many that are Black led. "We asked what it would take to build a different kind of movement for change," said Omicron Boule' member and U.S. Bank Chief Diversity Officer Greg Cunningham. "As conversations continued, the question of whether to form a separate organization or leverage an existing one came up repeatedly. AALF became the logical home because of its reach into the Black community, its way of partnering with others to get things done, and its commitment to centering Black voices in its efforts to drive change." Initial funders of the Alliance of Alliances include the U.S. Bank Foundation, 3M, Best Buy, General Mills, GHR Foundation, Securian Financial, Target Foundation, Thrivent, The Toro Company, and Wells Fargo. "This effort is about shifting our region from a focus on managing disparities to investing in equity as a strategy to drive growth and innovation," said GREATER MSP President & CEO Peter Frosch. "And we are inviting other leaders and organizations to join in shaping a new consensus on how to advance racial equity." Funders also will be tapped for expertise related to governance, operating plans and accountability measures. "The Alliance of Alliances is 'Black led' but it is not 'Black only'," Owens said. He also emphasized that the work would require millions of additional dollars and engagement from the business, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors over time. "Many organizations doing great work in this region are under-funded. We can get there faster if we think bigger. Some of that will be new money, and some funds will likely be redirected as we uncover better ways to work together." About the African American Leadership Forum The African American Leadership Forum (AALF) is a cross-sector network of Black Thought Leaders, Influencers, Builders, and Ambassadors. Our mission is to foster a just society that works better for all Americans by addressing disparities in Economic Development, Health & Wellness, Education, and Family & Culture in the Black community, and convening, supporting, and developing the leadership capacity of Black leaders across Minnesota. To learn more, visit tcaalf.com. About the Itasca Project The Itasca Project is an employer-led alliance drawn together by an interest in new and better ways to address regional issues that impact our future economic competitiveness and quality of life in the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. Its 70-plus participants are primarily private-sector CEOs, public-sector leaders, and the leaders of major foundations based in the region. To learn more, visit theitascaproject.com . About GREATER MSP Partnership GREATER MSP is the economic development partnership for the 15-county Minneapolis Saint Paul region. Over 200 leading businesses, universities, cities, counties, philanthropies and others are working together to accelerate the competitiveness of the regional economy and drive inclusive economic growth through job creation, capital investment and the execution of strategic initiatives. About the Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity The Minnesota Business Coalition for Racial Equity (MBCRE) represents leaders from more than 80 organizations who have come together to build an equitable, inclusive and prosperous state with and for Black residents. For more information, visit mbcre.org. About Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity's Omicron Boule' Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity's Omicron Boule, is a 99-year-old African American Twin Cities Institution. The Archons or members of Omicron Boule embody a cross-section of executives, politicians, academics, physicians, attorneys, clergy, and activists. SOURCE African American Leadership Forum, GREATER MSP, Minnesota Business Partnership BEIJING, Mar. 24 -- The Afghan peace process should continue to be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and the international community should help Afghanistan achieve security and stability as soon as possible, said Ambassador Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council teleconferencing in connection with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on March 23. Regarding the current security situation in Afghanistan, the Chinese ambassador said that the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan is at a critical juncture. Achieving lasting peace in Afghanistan through political means is the only right way and the common goal of all parties. China has always maintained that the Afghan peace and reconciliation process must adhere to the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned principle. The future of Afghanistan should be in the hands of the Afghan people themselves. The country's future political arrangement should be decided independently by the Afghans, and no solutions should be imposed from the outside. Efforts by the international community should serve to encourage and support the peace and reconciliation process and must respect the ownership of the Afghan people, said the ambassador. At present, there are frequent violent attacks in Afghanistan, and the security situation is still worrying, said Zhang. Cessation of fighting and violence and enjoyment of peace is the greatest aspirations of more than 37 million Afghan people and also the common expectation of regional countries and the international community. China condemns the violent attacks against civilians and civilian facilities such as schools and medical facilities and hospitals, and calls on all parties in the country to actively respond to the Secretary-General's Appeal for a Global Ceasefire, and stop the fighting and violence as soon as possible, Zhang said. The international community should continue to support the Afghan security forces in its capacity building so that it can effectively respond to the threats of transnational crimes and drug trafficking, the crackdown on the activities of terrorist organizations such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), protect civilians, and ensure the protection of women and children from violence. Consideration should be given to the impact of the withdrawal of foreign forces on peace and security in Afghanistan. Foreign troops cannot come and leave as they wish. Withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan should be orderly and responsible for avoiding leaving a security vacuum that will undermine the security and stability of Afghanistan and other countries in the region, said Zhang. Zhang said that Afghanistan is the hub for South and Central Asia. China has all along actively supported Afghanistan's economic and social development and helped deepen connectivity and economic cooperation with regional countries under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. As a good neighbor and a true friend of Afghanistan, China will always stand with the Afghans and be a supporter, a mediator, and a facilitator for the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. China will make greater contributions to achieving peace, reconciliation, development, and prosperity in Afghanistan, said Zhang. ADVERTISEMENT The Senate has approved the establishment of the National Agricultural Development Fund for the purpose of providing finance to support strategic aspects of agricultural development of Nigeria. This followed the clause by clause consideration of the report presented by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development by the lawmakers during plenary on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chairman of the committee, Abdullahi Adamu, had earlier presented the report adding that the Bill was read for the second time on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. According to him, the Bill seeks to promote and provide for finance to support agriculture development in the country in order to ensure food production and food security in Nigeria. Also to provide finance for the implementation of policies and to strengthen agricultural institutions. It also seeks to encourage donor institutions to provide funding for the agriculture sector to ensure increased food production, Mr Adamu said. The lawmaker noted that it was already acknowledged that the major bane of agricultural sector in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa was inadequate funding. To date, Nigeria is yet to fully implement the 2003 Maputo declaration on Agriculture requiring states, parties to allocate ten per cent of its national budget for agricultural development. If this was done, agriculture research and development, food production and food security would have witnessed a major leap, he said. He said the Bill therefore showed that the availability of the fund would meet these requirements among others. With governments commitment to make agriculture the mainstay of our economy, it is only right to make enabling laws for the purpose of providing sustainable funding for agriculture development in Nigeria, he said. This, he said, would be to take into consideration the critical need to address food production and food security, job creation and international competitiveness in agriculture sector in Nigeria. In his remarks, the Senate president, Ahmad Lawan, said with the passage of the Bill, it is important it gets the Presidents signature. He said the establishment of the National Agricultural Development Fund would transform the Nigerian economy and ensure job creation. The Fund would provide emergency support for agricultural control rural access to financing of a transboundary animal disease outbreak; support service through microfinance and collaborate with development partners to support food security and agricultural modernisation and competitiveness. (NAN) New Delhi: Patiala House Court directed the Delhi Police to de-seal five-star hotel, Leelas suite where Congress leader Shashi Tharoors wife Sunanda Pushkar wife was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 2014. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ishwar Singh earlier in the day appeared before the court to submit Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) team report and demanded more time for investigation. The Patiala House Court denied the police extension on the grounds that the suite has been sealed for three and a half years and that the applicant is facing huge financial losses due to the seal. Metropolitan Magistrate Dharmender Singh has asked the police to file a compliance report by September 26 and has allowed the investigating team to take all required articles from the room for its investigation. The court earlier this month had rapped the police for its lethargic attitude in its probe into the death of Sunanda Pushkar while hearing a plea by the hotels management seeking de-sealing of the suite where her body was found. Then the court had said, Due to the lethargic attitude of Delhi Police, the Leela Hotel has already suffered a lot. Pushkar was found dead in the suite of the hotel in South Delhi on January 17, 2014 midnight. Police had sealed the suite on the night itself for investigation. Police had registered an FIR on January 1, 2015 against unknown persons under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder). For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Perpetua, a global provider of growth infrastructure for eCommerce, has partnered with Yardline Capital to provide embedded, flexible, non-dilutive growth capital and business optimization tools to eCommerce brands. The newly launched Perpetua Capital is embedded in the core Perpetua platform enabling clients to readily access up to $1 million of unrestricted capital in as fast as one business day. "The incredible growth we have seen for our clients on eCommerce marketplaces is heavily dependent on speedy and seamless access to capital, said Joe Rideout, President of Perpetua. "As eCommerce brands identify new opportunities and expand on new marketplaces, there are significant incremental capital requirements. Our newly embedded capital solution in partnership with Yardline enables us to further accelerate the growth for our eCommerce brands. Nicole + Brizee, a leading beauty products line from the WWE duo The Bella Twins, Nikki and Brie Bella, leveraged the Perpetua Capital offer to realize year-over-year revenue growth of over 400%, including over 1,000 new product reviews, an 18% increase in average order value, and adding more than 15,000 Instagram followers in under one month. "We were amazed at how seamlessly and easily we were able to access growth capital for our business, said Samantha Kent, Co-founder, Nicole + Brizee. Through the Perpetua platform, we are dynamically pre-qualified for financing and we simply enabled our account on Yardline to access the funds. It was incredibly streamlined and fast, and the capital bundled with the advisory services we received helped us to accelerate our growth. Key benefits of the Perpetua Capital solution include: Up to $1 million of unrestricted capital to stock up on inventory, accelerate advertising, and invest in new product launches. A Yardline Seller Success Manager - an eCommerce expert who provides in-depth business consultations, helps tackle operational issues, and identifies strategic opportunities to expedite growth and increase profitability. A Yardline 50 Business Assessment (Y50BA), which benchmarks key operating metrics and guides sellers on incremental efficiencies or opportunities to scale. Our mission is to use extensive eCommerce and platform data to provide ubiquitous access to capital for fast growing eCommerce businesses, noted Ari Horowitz, CEO of Yardline Capital. Perpetua already leverages advertising data to accelerate growth with their AI-powered ad engine which makes them the perfect partner for our Capital-as-a-Service solution. About Perpetua Perpetua is building the growth infrastructure for eCommerce which includes growth optimization and reporting technology for the world's smartest eCommerce businesses. Through the platform, advertisers create goals based on strategy and leverage Perpetua's best in class, AI-powered optimization engine to execute tactically. Integrations with Amazon, Instacart and Google ensure brands achieve optimal reach and engagement across the full shopper journey, and provide unified performance intelligence for maximum visibility. Perpetua is venture-backed with offices in San Francisco and Toronto. To learn more, visit perpetua.io About Yardline Capital Yardline Capital readily provides growth capital to enable eCommerce sellers to thrive in the marketplace economy and live the entrepreneurial dream. Yardline provides growth capital, business tools and competitive insights to help sellers improve operations, increase profitability and promote business growth on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify. As a turnkey, embedded solution, Yardlines Capital-as-a-Service platform enables flexible, non-dilutive growth capital for eCommerce and marketplace sellers. Using proprietary technologies, data science-backed tools and industry-leading expertise, Yardline empowers sellers on online marketplaces to work smarter and grow faster. To learn more, visit yardline.com. The retirement age in the state has been revised after a gap of 35 years and after nearly seven years of formation of Telangana. Twitter Hyderabad: Out of 21,091 state government employees who will be benefited in the next three years from Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Raos announcement of a moratorium on retirements, out of which, 610 employees will heave a sigh of the biggest relief as they were all set to retire in a week, on March 31, after attaining the superannuation age of 58 years. If not for the retirement age hike by three years, 5,910 employees would have been retired by 2021-end, 7,850 in 2022 and 7,331 in 2023. The retirement age in the state has been revised after a gap of 35 years and after nearly seven years of formation of Telangana. Chandrashekar Raos announcement to increase the retirement age to 61 years, makes Telangana the state with the highest retirement age. In the undivided Andhra Pradesh the retirement age was 58 years since 1956. In all other states, retirement age is either 60 or 58 years. Even the retirement age of central government employees is 60 years. In 1985, the-then Chief Minister of AP N.T. Rama Rao reduced the retirement age to 56 years, which triggered strong protests from various employees unions, who challenged the government orders in the High Court. The court ruled in favour of employees unions. Following this, the NTR government restored the retirement age to 58 years, which has been in force since then, including even after bifurcation in June 2014. Soon after the bifurcation, neighbouring AP raised the retirement age to 60 years in June 2014. However, the Telangana government continued with a retirement age of 58 years till the historic announcement was made recently. Benchmark Metals (CVE: BNCH- OTCQX: BNCHF) Senior Geologist Malcolm Dorsey returned to Proactive to share with Steve Darling the company has seen more great results from their drilling program at the Lawyers Project. Dorsey telling Proactive these latest assays come from the Cliff Creek South zone and show bulk-tonnage and high-grade mineralization including 107.80 metres at 2.00 grams per tonne gold and 46.84 g/t silver. Dorsey also saying this south area is showing potential for open-pit resources at surface and high-grade material at depth. French President Emmanuel Macron, talks to the press after a meeting with Libya's interim leaders at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on March 23, 2021. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters) Macron Says France to Reopen Embassy in Tripoli on Monday PARISFrance will reopen its embassy in the Libyan capital Tripoli next Monday to show its support for the North African countrys new authorities, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday. Libyas new unity government took office on March 16 from two warring administrations that had ruled eastern and western regions, completing a smooth transition of power after a decade of violent chaos. We will do everything that is in our power to defend this sovereignty and stability agenda, Macron said alongside Mohammed al-Menfi, the head of the Libyan presidency council. Monday our embassy in Tripoli will reopen and our ambassador will be back on your territory, he said. Paris closed its embassy after evacuating some 50 French and British nationals as fighting broke out in Tripoli in July 2014, and based its ambassador in Tunis. Menfi was making his first overseas visit since taking his post. Macron said France and its European partners were united in backing the new authorities efforts to uphold a ceasefire, unify the national army and financial institutions and work towards planned elections at the end of the year. He also said it was imperative foreign forces and fighters leave Libya. Turkish, Russian fighting forces and foreign fighters imported by these countries or others must leave as quickly as possible because only a unified Libyan army can secure Libya, he said. By John Irish The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs new strategist has revealed that she realised she was racist after marrying her black husband. Genevieve Roth has claimed all white people are rife with internalised racism and unconscious bias. Race is an issue in our marriage because as a white woman of privilege, I have racist tendencies written in at a cellular level, she said. The comment echoes an observation made by Prince Harry, who said his own upbringing meant he had been ignorant about the widespread nature of racism until he met his wife. Genevieve Roth founded Invisible Hand, a female-led, diverse team based in New York that is now advising the couples Archewell Foundation. Almost 10 months after George Floyd's death, the jury who will decide the fate of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has finally been chosen. Chauvin is the police officer charged for the death of Floyd after he knelt on the neck of the man while subduing him for more than nine minutes. The jury who will determine the fate of Chauvin is composed of nine women and six men. According to USA Today, the selection of the jury for the case which sparked the issue of inequality, racism, and police brutality in the U.S. took 11 days of questioning by prosecution and defense attorneys. On Tuesday, the 15th juror was selected, wrapping up the selection process. The jury is composed of people of different colors; nine of the 15 are white, two are women of mixed races, one black woman, and three black men. Out of the 15 jurors, 12 will be chosen to deliberate, while two will serve as alternatives. The last juror will be dismissed if all the others come for the opening statements. Floyd's Death and Protests On May 25, 2020, Derek Chauvin, a then-Minneapolis police officer, subdued black man George Floyd during a confrontation by kneeling on his neck. Footage of the incident showed how Floyd begged Chauvin and repeated several times that he couldn't breathe as the police restrained him. George died in police custody on that day. Floyd's death fueled protests within the U.S. and globally, with people taking to the streets their call for changes in the criminal justice system and systemic racism. Several protests turned violent as people began looting establishments and even burned a police precinct. Hundreds of protesters were arrested amid the height of the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. ALSO READ: Colorado Shooting Leaves 10 Dead, Including a Police Officer Charges against Derek Chauvin The former police officer, who was deemed responsible for the death of Floyd, is now facing charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder. If the jury votes for his conviction, Chauvin could face 10 to 15 years in jail, Star Tribune reported. Due to the high-profile case, the court proceedings of Chauvin's case have been watched by the whole of Minnesota, the U.S., and even globally. Most members of the jury have already seen the video of the incident leading to Floyd's death. However, they have pledged that they will separate their opinions and make a decision only based on the facts and evidence presented in court. Reports state that the defense is expected to present details of the drug-related arrest of Floyd in 2019. Meanwhile, the prosecutors are also expected to discuss incidents involving Derek Chauvin that they say could demonstrate that what he did to Floyd was intentional and is inconsistent with his training. The selection of the jury has also become very dramatic. At one point, several potential jurors became very emotional while others expressed worry about their safety once they were chosen. Opening statements on Derek Chauvin's trial are set to begin on Monday, The Washington Post reported. WATCH: Jury selection completed in Derek Chauvin's murder trial - CNBC Television RELATED ARTICLE: George Floyd's Family Agrees to 'Historic' $27 Million Settlement With Minneapolis The province's plan to dismantle English-language school boards which is at odds with the K-12 education reviews recommendation to create super school boards with a mix of appointed and elected trustees came as a surprise to one commissioner. The province's plan to dismantle English-language school boards which is at odds with the K-12 education reviews recommendation to create "super school boards" with a mix of appointed and elected trustees came as a surprise to one commissioner. "I had assumed there was some pressure to do what we eventually wound up recommending in our report," said J.D. Lees, a career teacher from Steinbach who was appointed to the 10-person commission tasked with examining the Manitoba public education system two years ago. Lees called the provinces decision-making process "a little bit of a mystery." They didnt like the answer we came up with. You can recommend, but ultimately its the government that decides what to do." J.D. Lees, a teacher from Steinbach on the 10-person commission tasked with examining the Manitoba public education system The commission, in its entirety, barely discussed the possibility of abolishing school boards, he said, adding discussions were focused around whether both the 37 divisions and their respective boards should be reduced or simply the latter. Recommendation 68 in the final K-12 report suggests Manitoba consolidate existing entities into six to eight regional boards, each with five to seven trustees, the majority of whom would be appointed, and others elected. These boards would then elect superintendents. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES "This approach recognizes the value of local democracy, appropriate representation, and the required skill sets to tackle the tasks at hand to improve the achievement of Manitobas children," the report states. During public hearings, commissioners heard about the importance of maintaining local voices and how the last round of amalgamations didnt result in tremendous savings, as well as concerns about administrative costs related to boards and trustee qualifications. The idea behind Recommendation 68, Lees said, was to ensure the government could appoint some trustees who had basic knowledge around how to run a meeting and other administrative duties, while some members could still be elected to ensure local voices were heard. Lees said he anticipated the province would release the recommendations, hear public feedback and then release a strategy. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Clayton Manness and Dr Janice MacKinnon (right to left), co-chairs of the commission hired to conduct the province's educational review and Kelvin Goertzen, far left. "They didnt like the answer we came up with. You can recommend, but ultimately its the government that decides what to do," he said, adding the commissions report "was obsolete the minute they released it." The price tag of the review came to $635,000, slightly under the $750,000 budget allotted for it. Led by co-chairs Janice MacKinnon, a historian and former Saskatchewan cabinet minister, and Clayton Manness, a former finance minister in the Tory government of Gary Filmon, the commissions work got underway in early 2019. International education consultant Avis Glaze, who authored a report for Nova Scotia that recommended boards be replaced by a centralized education authority the model Manitoba has chosen was hired as a consultant. Andrew Vaughan / The Canadian Press Files Avis Glaze, a school administration consultant. Neither MacKinnon nor Manness responded to repeated requests for comment. Glaze declined a request, redirecting a reporter to the commission chairpersons. (Lees said Glaze offered only information and did not pressure the commission to make any particular decision.) When asked about the decision to disregard recommendation 68, Education Minister Cliff Cullen spoke about inconsistencies in taxation levels, differences in programming between divisions and the complications of managing 37 entities "doing their own thing" during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The governance structure is one component which, I think, will give students some better outcomes down the road," he told the Free Press. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Education Minister Cliff Cullen: "... Better outcomes down the road." Laurie French, president of the Canadian School Boards Association, questions evidence supporting that claim. "Trustees are not afraid of change, but it needs to be change that is meaningful, and that theres evidence to show that it will truly improve the claims that are being made and that evidence does not exist. In fact, its counter to what (Manitobas) own review requested," French said. Linda Markus, the only K-12 commissioner who was a working public school teacher and who lives in northern Manitoba, said the rationale behind the recommendations is "water under the bridge." "Now, it's in the ministers hands and the minister is moving on with this in a way that allows further input from the general public," she said. Markus added all students should have equal access to a quality education, no matter where they live and in theory, eliminating redundancies and using taxpayer dollars "efficiently" to conduct school business will level the playing field. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie New Delhi: India and Austria discussed a host of key issues during their foreign office consultations, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, terrorism and India-EU relations, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday (March 23). The sixth Foreign Office Consultations between India and Austria took place on March 18 in the virtual format, the MEA said in a statement. The consultations were led on the Indian side by Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary (Europe and COVID19) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and on the Austrian side by Ambassador Gregor Koessler, Director General for Political Affairs in the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. India and Austria have warm and cordial relations which are based on shared values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and equality, the MEA said. "Our bilateral relations are marked by strong linkages across institutions, academia, culture and people to people ties," it said. The talks covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic and commercial ties as well as cultural and academic linkages, the statement said. Both sides also exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery including vaccines, it said. Regional and global issues including developments in the Indo-Pacific, neighbourhood policy, terrorism and India-EU Relations, amongst others, were discussed, the MEA said. Deliberations also covered issues in multilateral fora such as the United Nations reforms and India's priorities during its term in the United Nations Security Council. Today, Cherokee Legal Holdings (Cherokee), a full-service direct legal and medical services company, providing financial assistance for plaintiffs, payment for medical care and the servicing of third-party, torte action receivables for medical providers, announced the promotion of two senior team members. Danika Ransom was promoted to Senior Director of Operations. Starting with Cherokee in June 2016 as a Case Manager, Danika has held multiple roles, including most recently overseeing both case management and risk management. In her new role, Danika will oversee underwriting, case management and risk management, as well as lead the development and roll out of Cherokees healthcare provider and law firm portals. In tandem with her promotion, Danika has hired Director of Operations, Paul Palladino. Additionally, Richard Harrison has been promoted to Director of Corporate Development & Finance. Richard began his career with Cherokee as Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis. His curiosity, talents and thirst for knowledge led him to take on additional challenges including deal origination, merger and acquisition activity and systems development. Richard has also been actively involved in Cherokees artificial intelligence initiative. In his new role, Richard will lead corporate development efforts in addition to the Cherokee finance department. With his promotion, Richard has hired Matthew Winstead as Senior Corporate Development and Financial Analyst. These are the first of many organizational announcements to come as we prepare for the next stage of our growth, said Cherokee CEO Reid Zeising. We are proud to promote from within, especially individuals like Danika and Richard who are representative of the can do attitude that exemplifies our commitment to employees, customers and partners. Our objective is to ensure that we have the best workflow possible in order to create the best user experience for our customers, and to make our process as smooth and efficient as possible. Coupled with the latest cutting-edge technology employed across our portfolio, individuals like Danika and Richard make that possible. The announcement of Danika and Richard comes as part of a series of promotions and new hires. Cherokee also recently announced the launch of Gain Servicing, a SaaS-based, AI-enhanced third-party servicing platform. About Cherokee Legal Holdings Cherokee Legal Holdings (Cherokee), parent company of Cherokee Funding and Gain Servicing, is the fastest growing legal funding and medical lien servicing company in the United States. Cherokee has built a best-in-class technology platform with core competencies designed specifically to effectively service and manage tens of thousands of third-party liability liens simultaneously this has proven to be much more effective than if a provider were to manage any volume of liens in-house. More about our companies: Cherokee Funding (http://www.cherokeefunding.com) provides monetary advances for personal injury victims to pay for their life needs and medical procedures while they await fair settlements. Designed for healthcare providers, Gain Servicing (http://www.gainservicing.com) is built on a SaaS based, AI-enhance lien servicing platform and provides revenue cycle management (RCM), financial, underwriting, risk management, settlement, collections and reporting services to healthcare providers who treat personal injury victims. Fundamentally, Cherokee believes that uninsured and underinsured patients who have suffered injuries in an accident, through no fault of their own, should have access to the same high-quality medical care as insured victims. In addition to Cherokee Funding and Gain Servicing, Cherokee has established a non-profit organization built around personal injury victim access to medical care. Stay tuned for more details, http://www.allpatientaccess.com. The United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, on Tuesday, warned that it should not be dragged into any secession plan saying "when necessary, the Niger Delta will be free to decide if it wants to continue to be a part of Nigeria or not." In a statement by its Executive Secretary, Tony Uranta, UNDEDSS also called on the National Assembly to step down the Water Resources Amendments Bill saying it is an attempt to steal the Niger Delta's ancestral lands and waters." The statement reads: "In pursuant of the Niger Delta's position during last night's raucous nationwide virtual meeting of emancipation groups and other relevant delegates, the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, hereby, declares that: "No one individual or group can claim to be speaking for the six states that comprise the South-South Zone of Nigeria, and in any way or manner compel the region to be part of Biafra, or Oodua, or any other grouping outside of Nigeria. Only PANDEF, led by Ambassador E. K. Clark, can call for an extraordinary meeting at which such a weighty decision can be taken, if at all. We reiterate: "Going forward, any maps that deem to drag Niger Delta waters and lands into anything other than Nigeria, shall be deemed to be intentionally actioned against the Niger Delta until an Extraordinary Meeting of PANDEF declares otherwise. "When necessary, the Niger Delta will be free to decide if it wants to continue to be a part of Nigeria or not; and, the whole world will then know of its decision either way. "The ongoing insidious attempt to steal the Niger Delta's ancestral lands and waters, via the infernally conceived Water Resources Amendments Bill still in the National Assembly, must cease immediately or said action shall be perceived as an act of war by Nigerian politicians (including the so-far impotent Niger Delta politicians in the National Assembly) against Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The Niger Delta demands that the lottery of our peoples' commonwealth ends forthwith, beginning with an immediate killing off of the latest Ministry of Petroleum's obnoxiously proposed N700billion for a Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of PH Refinery. UNDEDSS knows that this is a bid to, corruptly loot Niger Delta monies, just as the past putative TAMs have been unmonitored conduits for unabated. "The Niger Delta demands that the Federal Government immediately convenes a National Security Roundtable before the end of March, to tackle the ongoing insecurity of persons, foods and territories; and, avoid what could end up in Nigeria experiencing a Somalia-cum-Libya here, nationwide." UNDEDSS does not ask for any response from the Federal Government. but will take appropriate actions in the event that the Federal Government does not do what is right regarding above-listed five positions." Vanguard News Nigeria The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two United States Government development agencies to make Bonny Island malaria-free and achieve HIV epidemic control. NLNG, a global producer of liquefied natural gas, is based on the island just off the Atlantic coast in Rivers State. A statement issued by the US Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, Public Affairs Section, said under the MOU, the United States, through the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), would provide the technical assistance to the NLNG-led Bonny Island Malaria Elimination Project. "The partnership seeks to bring malaria deaths to zero in the community of 300,000 people, and make the island Nigeria's first malaria-free zone," the statement said. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, represented the United States at a signing ceremony yesterday in Abuja, while NLNG was represented by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Attah. In his remarks, Attah said: "We are ready to put Bonny Island on the map as one of the first malaria-free communities in Nigeria and a reference point in the global eradication of the disease. "Malaria has negatively impacted health in Nigeria, so it is time to change the narrative and be free from the economic burden of this scourge, so that our resources can be used to tackle other issues. We hope to set a precedent for the private sector in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which align with our vision of helping to build a better Nigeria." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malaria Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Administered by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), PMI works to reduce malaria-related mortality by 50 percent across 24 developing countries through a rapid scale-up of proven and effective malaria prevention and treatment measures. Two PMI activities are already in operation on Bonny Island. The MOU also includes a partnership between NLNG and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) regarding support to the HIV/AIDS Surge Project, which focuses on control of HIV on Bonny Island. This partnership will improve HIV case finding, access to antiretroviral treatment, diagnostic, and preventive services for those affected by HIV on the island. The Surge Project is coordinated by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria in Rivers State. The US ambassador said: "Reducing the burden of malaria and HIV/AIDS on Bonny Island are goals now within our reach," adding that: "This partnership moves us closer to achieving those goals. I commend the efforts of NLNG to meet its social responsibility in helping the economic climate of Bonny Island by improving the health of its residents." Salmon River fishing guide Shane Thomas said he was finishing a drift boat float trip Monday afternoon with a couple of clients when one noticed a small, struggling bird wrapped up in fishing line. It was a tiny Northern Saw-whet owl, a species that migrates through Upstate New York this time of year. It was absolutely appalling to see, so we had to take action. There was absolutely no way I could live with leaving it there suffering, said Thomas, of Salmon River Guide Service in Pulaski. It was about 3 p.m. The bird was stuck in a tree branch near the ground about 50 yards upstream on the other side of the river from the boat launch at the Ball Park in Pulaski. Thomas said he directed his son, David, 17, who was coming in just behind him in another, smaller drift boat with a friend, to go get the bird. There was a huge hook stuck in its right wing and it was hanging upside down for God knows how long, Thomas said. David Thomas, 17, came to rescue of a tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl that was wrapped in fishing line and with a hook embedded in its right wing. The son took a few minutes, trying to unravel the fishing line. His father yelled at him to just cut the line. The son ended up pulling the hook out of the birds wing to free it and brought it back to the launch. The owl was hardly moving, apparently in shock, Thomas said. We as fisherman lose (stuff) in trees. So besides having compassion we should, to some degree, feel responsible (for things like this happening), said Thomas, who has been guiding on the river for 31 years. Its not the first time Ive seen birds wadded up in line/hooks in trees, but it was the first time one was alive. While his son was freeing the bird, Thomas used his smart phone to go online, searching for the nearest animal rehabilitator. Jean Soprano, of Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Pennellville, holds up the injured Northern Saw-whet Owl found on the bank of the Salmon River wrapped up in fishing line with a hook in its wing. He found one and ended up driving the hurting bird over to Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Pennellville, which specializes in helping and healing injured birds of prey and bear cubs with the goal of releasing these animals back into the wild. Jean Soprano, of Kindred Kingdoms, said the owl Thomas brought to her is a male. Northern Saw-wet owls are the smallest owl found in New York. As adults, they can be up to 8 inches long with a wingspan of 17 inches. This owl gets its name from one of its calls that sounds similar to a saw being sharpened. Its a migratory species that winters across the central and southern U.S. However, this owl can be found year-round in many places in Central and Eastern New York. This is the species of owl that was discovered hidden in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York City during the 2020 holiday season. The tree was originally cut down and transported from Oneonta, N.Y. Soprano is optimistic that the one found on the bank of the Salmon River will recover. The good news is weve had it checked out by a veterinarian, she said. We were worried since the hook was taken out of its wing. X-rays were taken and there were no fractured bones in the birds wing. The hook went through just soft tissue. This tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl appears to be recovering after it was found on the bank of the Salmon River wrapped up in fishing line with a hook in its wing. Right now. its on pain medication and an antibiotic and were cleaning its wound, Soprano said. Its eyes are bright and clear. Hopefully, hes just a short-term guy and we can release him (back into the wild) in about 10 days. MORE UPSTATE NY OUTDOORS Caught on film: Family of 6 bears rip apart, feast on homeowners bird feeders Who goes there? The owls of New York, the unique sounds they make and more (videos) DEC: Hunters killed more than 1,700 black bears during 2020 seasons Sure sign of spring: Hundreds of thousands of snow geese migrating through Upstate NY (pictures, video) Highly aggressive invasive plant species in Skaneateles lake could affect fishing, boating NYS Canal System Update: All sections will be open to boating starting May 21 Wild Carp Classic fishing tournament on Seneca River set for May 19-22 with $40,000 in cash and prizes Violators of annual statewide residential brush burning ban face $500 fine UPGRADE YOUR OUTDOOR GEAR Fishing Gear | Camo Face Masks | Hunting Gear | Camping Supplies 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. Nine years after a city reeling from police brutality and corruption allegations agreed to court-ordered reforms, federal monitors said Tuesday the New Orleans Police Department has cleaned up its act to the point that it could soon be released from the consent decree that has long governed its every move. The monitors plan to take another look at particularly troublesome areas for the NOPD, including bias in policing, street stop practices, officer supervision, performance evaluations and community engagement, lead monitor Jonathan Aronie said at a public meeting. If the department passes all those tests, it could be deemed in substantial compliance with the reform plan as soon as July. That finding would trigger a two-year period of less-intensive, less-costly federal monitoring, and hand Mayor LaToya Cantrell a victory in advance of her fall re-election campaign. Noting that earlier timelines have come and gone, Aronie put the onus to finish the process on the city, which notified the U.S. Department of Justice in November that it was seeking to terminate the consent decree. This is not in any way a guarantee, Aronie said. But we think this is possible. The actual timeline depends on the New Orleans Police Department. His comments came during the latest public hearing on the reform process, which has moved in fits and starts since former Mayor Mitch Landrieu agreed to enter into it after a damning 2011 Justice Department report on the NOPD. New Orleans U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan wore office attire rather than her judges robes for what she described as an informal public proceeding conducted via Zoom video conference. Since she approved the consent decree, she will have the final say on whether the city has achieved it. Morgan appointed a team of monitors to conduct inspections and audits of the NOPDs progress. Aronie and his deputy, David Douglass, rattled off a list of improvements they said the NOPD has made since entering into the legal agreement. They praised changes to the NOPDs formerly beleaguered recruitment and training process, and a peer intervention program copied by other departments in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis. Those changes prompted Otha Sandifer, the deputy superintendent for the Professional Standards and Accountability Bureau, to boast that the NOPD had undertaken the most unprecedented, extensive but yet successful reforms in American policing. As a result, our department has emerged as the model for providing training and reform practices. +3 Internal report details chaotic June 3 standoff, teargassing on Crescent City Connection bridge The New Orleans Police Department deployed teargas on a crowd of protesters so quickly on June 3 that several officers didnt have time to don masks. The upbeat hearing came after months of dispute between the city and Morgan's monitors. In June, with city revenues cratering because of the coronavirus pandemic, Cantrell said it was time to get the bear out of our pocket and stop paying monitors for separate consent decrees covering the police force and parish jail. The NOPD monitors cost the city about $115,000 monthly, a fraction of the departments $178 million annual budget. Then, City Attorney Sunni LeBeouf filed a formal notice with Justice Department that the city was seeking termination of the consent decree. She said the NOPD had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement and it was time to end or modify the pact. But reform advocates said it was still desperately needed. Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson disbanded his task force units in May in response to a withering report from the monitors about civil rights violations; tactical officers fired teargas on protesters on the approach to the Crescent City Connection in June; and a February report from the monitors said progress on reforms stalled in 2020. 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 The NOPD seemed to be backsliding, even though Morgan once said she thought the department could wrap up the consent decree by the first quarter of 2020. Still, Aronies comments indicated that he believes the NOPD can meet the federal government's requirements by the end of the summer if it is aggressive. The city and monitors have already begun discussing what would happen next: a two-year sustainment period of stepped-down monitoring as the consent decree winds down. Before that can happen, Aronie said he plans to conduct a "significant" audit of supervision practices starting in April and an audit of officer bias in May. Performance evaluations, street stops and community engagement will also get fresh looks. The NOPD is drafting a corrective action plan around street stops, which came under heavy scrutiny after judges upbraided 8th District task force officers for stopping people in the French Quarter on flimsy pretexts. The monitors concerns included boilerplate or missing justifications for the stops in department paperwork, supervisors failing to show up at the scenes of searches and arrests, and "material inconsistencies" between arrest reports and body-worn camera videos. Douglass said he doesn't anticipate the NOPD will need to make further "structural" changes beyond disbanding the task force units. We just see a need to make sure those changes are happening at the street level, he said. LeBeouf said she welcomed Aronies statement that the NOPD could soon come into compliance with the consent decree. French Quarter police patrols are returning; but the finger-pointing isn't over yet The French Quarter will again see a beefed-up police presence now that funding for supplemental patrols in the area has been secured for the n Neither she nor other speakers mentioned the consent decree termination notice she filed with the Justice Department in November. The city didnt immediately comment on whether its continuing to pursue the legal process that would allow it to end the consent decree without receiving approval from the monitors. Under the process laid out in the consent decree, the city enters into a consultation period of undefined length with the Justice Department after filing notice. If the federal government does not agree to ending the consent decree, the city could file a motion in Morgans court. The city has yet to do so. A Justice Department attorney struck a positive note in his remarks Tuesday. Substantial compliance is achievable in the months ahead, said Jude Volek, a special counsel for the departments civil rights division. We do believe that the two-year sustaining period is close. Were on the precipice of getting there. A member of Wisconsin's Electoral College casts their vote for the presidential election at the state Capitol in Madison, Wis, on Dec. 14, 2020. (Morry Gash/Pool/Getty Images) Wisconsin Assembly Authorizes Investigation Into 2020 Election The Wisconsin state Assembly has approved a resolution authorizing an investigation into the 2020 presidential election. In a party-line 5835 vote, the lower chamber on March 23 approved Assembly Resolution 15, which says in part that the integrity of our electoral process has been jeopardized by election officials who, either through willful disregard or reckless neglect, have failed to adhere to our election laws by, at various times, ignoring, violating, and encouraging noncompliance with bright-line rules established by the statutes and regulations governing the administration of elections in Wisconsin. The resolution, which notes that the duty of the state legislature is to make laws and to conduct oversight of Wisconsin officials, directs the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections to investigate the administration of elections in the state, focusing in particular on elections conducted after Jan. 1, 2019. The resolution grants the panel subpoena power to compel testimony and gather documents, Rep. Joe Sanfelippo, a co-sponsor, told reporters before the vote. This is important because over the past year, year and a half, weve heard allegations of improprieties being done, specifically state laws on the books not being followed, he said. Sanfelippo hopes that subpoenas wont be required. I would expect that we really dont have to come to that, he said. I think that this is going to be an open and honest discussion and I cant understand why any elected official in the state would not want to talk openly and publicly about the administration of elections in their areas. Representatives for President Donald Trump, left, look over a ballot during the presidential recount vote for Dane County, in Madison, Wis., on Nov. 20, 2020. (Andy Manis/Getty Images) In a separate news conference, which was conducted virtually, state Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz called the resolution an attempt to delegitimatize the election results of November. Republicans seem to be making a concerted effort to undermine the publics confidence and trust, he added. Wisconsin judges rejected a number of lawsuits challenging the election results and methods used to conduct the election, such as how the Wisconsin Elections Commission authorized all voters to count themselves as indefinitely confined amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That designation let voters who wanted to fill out absentee ballots avoid in-person voting. President Joe Biden was certified the winner of Wisconsin by about 20,000 votes over former President Donald Trump. Republicans last month ordered an audit of the election from the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau. Also this year, the assembly passed a resolution accusing county clerks of failing to enforce certain voting laws. Auditors with the bureau will go out and look for information but they dont necessarily have the public hearings or receive the public input, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos told reporters on March 23. Theyre going to do the behind-the-scenes work which is very valuable, Vos added. Wed like to have one that is a more public process where people can actually come in and we can do a better job investigating than just having a simple hearing. 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. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. As well as from Corporate Governance Experts and Analysts NBIM, manager of the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, and CalPERS, the largest public pension in the US, stand in favor of most of the agendas proposed by Park CGCG recommends in its analysis to vote for Park as inside director, revision of AoI, outside directors, etc. Expert group publishes a report to conclude "Shareholder Park is trying to 'do the right thing'" SEOUL, South Korea, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholder proposal submitted by Chul Whan Park, a senior executive and largest individual shareholder of Kumho Petrochemical, is receiving support from the world's top sovereign and pension funds as well as Korean and overseas corporate governance expert groups and analysts, with the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders scheduled on March 26th. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) which runs the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), and is one of the major shareholders of the company, disclosed its voting decisions for the upcoming AGM on its website on March 23rd (local time in Norway). NBIM is well-known for its socially responsible investment and according to the announcement, voted for almost all the agendas proposed by Park. While voting against all director nominees submitted by the company, NBIM gave support to three of the director nominees from Park's shareholder proposal Park, himself as inside director, and Min John K and Byung Nam Rhee as outside directors and audit committee members. California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest public pension fund in the US, also voted for most of the agendas proposed by Park, including #Dividend payout, #Separating roles of CEO and chairman of the board of directors, #Establishment of Internal Transaction Committee and Compensation Committee with constitution of their roles and authority, #Appointment of Park himself as inside director, #Appointment of Min John K as outside director and audit committee member, etc. In response to the investors' supports, Park said "NBIM and CalPERS are not only known for their global-scale investment, but also for their high ESG standards", and added, "Their support for my shareholder proposals is a clear indication of their concerns as shareholders about the company's governance issues." On March 22nd, Center for Good Corporate Governance (CGCG), a think tank devoted to improving corporate governance system in Korea, published an analysis on agendas for Kumho Petrochemical's AGM, with recommendation to vote for the agendas proposed by Park including #Separation of CEO and chairman of the board of directors, #Establishment of Internal Transaction Committee and Compensation Committee with constitution of their roles and authority, #Appointment of Park himself as inside director, and #Appointment of Min John K, Benjamin Joe (Yong Bum Cho), and Jung Hyun Choi as outside directors and audit committee members. CGCG further noted "Chan Koo Park, CEO and chairman of Kumho Petrochemical, had been sentenced guilty of breach of fiduciary duty and duty of loyalty. As such, chairman Park is currently under employment restriction by the Ministry of Justice, but the board of directors has not taken any corrective action", and "to enhance the company's corporate value, the candidates proposed by shareholder Park is deemed more suitable than the company's candidates, to hold the current management in check and pose an issue about the chairman's illegal employment." Moreover, CGCG's analysis found the agenda in shareholder proposal on separating the roles of CEO and chairman of the board and to appoint the chairman from outside directors, has higher relevance in terms of securing independence of the board. With regards to dividend payout, CGCG explained "both dividend payout agendas proposed by Park and the company seem to have logical grounds, but according to the company's disclosure, they are incompatible, and shareholders can only choose one of the two agendas", which is why the report stood in favor of the company's dividend payout proposal. Experts from both inside and outside Korea also made assessments. Analyst Douglas Kim of Smartkarma, a US-based independent research network, ran an analysis report and concluded "Park is trying to 'do the right thing' in improving shareholder value of Kumho Petrochemical by introducing higher standards corporate governance practices as well as enhanced value of existing assets". He also added that this is one of the most rare and interesting cases of shareholder engagement in Korea in the past decade. In Korea, Yuanta Securities ran a report and said, "The company's stock rises when the situation begins to turn out in favor of Park," and "there is no reason for any minor shareholder to oppose Park's proposals on normalization of shareholder return, retirement of treasury shares, rationalization of directors' fees, and securing independence of the board of directors." Furthermore, the report added, "It will work in favor of the shareholders to take Park's proposal into consideration and avoid company-biased perspective on this issue", with a remark that the global proxy advisor ISS' recommendation is disappointing. Park said, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the wide support from our fellow shareholders and stakeholders with regards to my proposal aimed at transforming Kumho Petrochemical", and "I will carry on my transparent communication activities with all our fellow shareholders and stakeholders to strive for enhancing the company's long-term corporate value." NBIM's Vote on Kumho Petrochemical Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Agenda *Highlighted agendas are the ones proposed by shareholder, Chul Whan Park Agenda Details NBIM's Vote 1.1 Approval of the 44th Financial Statements (excluding the Statement of Retained Earnings) FOR 1.2.1 Dividend of KRW 4,200 per common share and KRW 4,250 per preferred share; provided, differential dividend in case of the largest shareholder, etc. (KRW 4,000 per common share) AGAINST 1.2.2 Dividend of KRW 11,000 per common share and KRW 11,050 per preferred share (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.1.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 and 32 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.1.2 Establishment of committees (ESG Committee, Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.2.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.2 Establishment of committees (Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.3 Composition of the Internal Transactions Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-5 to the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.4 Composition of the Compensation Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-6 to the AOI; amend Article 29 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 3.1 Appointment of Yi Seok Hwang as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee AGAINST 3.2 Appointment of Byung Nam Rhee as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee (shareholder's proposal) FOR 4.1 Appointment of Jong Hoon Baek as an inside director AGAINST 4.2 Appointment of Chul Whan Park as an inside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as an outside director AGAINST 5.2 Appointment of Jung Mi Lee as an outside director AGAINST 5.3 Appointment of Soon Ae Park as an outside director AGAINST 5.4 Appointment of Min John K as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.5 Appointment of Benjamin Joe (Yong Bum Cho) as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 5.6 Appointment of Jung Hyun Choi as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 6.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director AGAINST 6.2 Appointment of Min John K as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 7.0 Approval of directors' remuneration ceiling AGAINST CGCG's Voting Recommendations on Kumho Petrochemical Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Agenda *Highlighted agendas are the ones proposed by shareholder, Chul Whan Park Agenda Details CGCG's Recommendation 1.1 Approval of the 44th Financial Statements (excluding the Statement of Retained Earnings) N/A 1.2.1 Dividend of KRW 4,200 per common share and KRW 4,250 per preferred share; provided, differential dividend in case of the largest shareholder, etc. (KRW 4,000 per common share) FOR 1.2.2 Dividend of KRW 11,000 per common share and KRW 11,050 per preferred share (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 2.1.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 and 32 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.1.2 Establishment of committees (ESG Committee, Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.2.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.2 Establishment of committees (Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.3 Composition of the Internal Transactions Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-5 to the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.4 Composition of the Compensation Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-6 to the AOI; amend Article 29 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 3.1 Appointment of Yi Seok Hwang as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee FOR 3.2 Appointment of Byung Nam Rhee as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 4.1 Appointment of Jong Hoon Baek as an inside director AGAINST 4.2 Appointment of Chul Whan Park as an inside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as an outside director AGAINST 5.2 Appointment of Jung Mi Lee as an outside director FOR 5.3 Appointment of Soon Ae Park as an outside director FOR 5.4 Appointment of Min John K as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.5 Appointment of Benjamin Joe (Yong Bum Cho) as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.6 Appointment of Jung Hyun Choi as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 6.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director AGAINST 6.2 Appointment of Min John K as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 7.0 Approval of directors' remuneration ceiling AGAINST SOURCE Park Chul Whan Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. TORONTO - Ontario has laid out a $186-billion spending plan the government says will fight COVID-19, help small businesses and support families. Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy arrives in the Ontario Legislature in Toronto with Premier Doug Ford to deliver the Provincial Budget on Wednesday March 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn TORONTO - Ontario has laid out a $186-billion spending plan the government says will fight COVID-19, help small businesses and support families. But the promises contained in the budget the Progressive Conservatives unveiled Wednesday come at a steep cost - a $33.1-billion deficit that the province won't be able to eliminate until 2029. About $6.7 billion will go toward pandemic-related measures, including $1 billion for the vaccine effort and an additional $2.3 billion for testing and contact tracing this year. Overall health funding is increasing to $69.8 billion, up from $66.7 billion the previous year, with $1.8 billion going to hospitals and $650 million to long-term care to ease pandemic-related pressures. "Hope is on the horizon," Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said as he delivered the budget in the legislature. "Until we reach those shores, we will maintain our relentless focus on protecting people's health and our economy." But critics said the budget failed to make the urgent investments needed to get through the pandemic, including a lack of funding for paid sick days, paid time off to get vaccinated or plans to hire more education workers. "This budget doesn't even mention the third wave, let alone help people through it," said NDP Leader Andrea Horwath. The government defended its plan, saying hospital funding, which was previously announced, will help address COVID-19 expenses and a backlog of surgeries. The funds for long-term care will be used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes, increase staffing and buy personal protective equipment. The province also put a price tag on its plan to have nursing home residents receive an average of four hours of direct care every day, which will cost $4.9 billion over the next four years. That plan was first introduced in the government's November 2020 budget but its cost was not detailed. The government said the funds will help recruit 27,000 personal support workers to help achieve the new standard. The budget also contains funds to help hard-hit small businesses and families address pandemic-related costs. The government said it will offer a second round of grants to small businesses and create a new job training tax credit. The grant program, first introduced in January, provides between $10,000 to $20,000 to help small businesses affected by provincial lockdowns. The government estimates the program will cost $3.4 billion and help an estimated 120,000 small businesses. The budget also introduces a new Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit to help retrain people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. The program which will cost $260 million will provide up to $2,000 per person to pay for half of their eligible training expenses. Families with children can expect a third round of payments through the Ontario COVID-19 Child Benefit, with the amount doubling to $400 per child - $500 for children with special needs. Ontario will also spend an additional $2.8 billion to bring broadband access to more people across the province by 2025. The funding will help expand broadband service to 700,000 additional homes, the budget indicated. A spokesman for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business said the group applauded the government's move to double grant funding for small businesses, but asked for some amendments. "Thousands of hard-hit small businesses across the province remain ineligible," said Ryan Mallough. "CFIB urges the Ontario government to expand eligibility for this important program." Green party Leader Mike Schreiner said the budget fails to address a number of issues including further measures to address a third wave of COVID-19, climate change and the need for more affordable housing. "It feels like the finance minister left a few chapters of this budget at the printers," he said. The CEO of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario said she was disappointed by the budget. While it spends on hospital funding and mental health services, it doesn't set aside money to staff many health-care settings. "Nurses are saying that they have been poorly supported by this government during the pandemic," Doris Grinspun said. "This budget does nothing to tell nurses 'Hold on, please don't leave.'" The budget charts a long path to balance, with the books not expected to enter the black until a hypothetical third term under the Progressive Conservatives. The document projects Ontario will run a deficit of $26.2 billion next year and $18.7 billion in 2023-24, with the shortfalls ending in 2029-30 with a $900-million surplus. When asked about the years of deficits that lie ahead, Bethlenfalvy said he had no regrets over the government's pandemic spending. "Id do it over again, protecting the health and well-being of the people of Ontario," he said. "This is what responsible governments do." This fiscal year, the government's balance sheet will be helped by a rebound in revenues as the economy is projected to gain strength, the budget indicates. Total tax revenue is expected to rise to $104.8 billion, up from $99.1 billion in 2020-21. The government is also projecting additional revenues from some of its business enterprises, like the Ontario Cannabis Store and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. The province said it's projecting cannabis revenues to jump from $70 million last year, to $170 million in 2021-22. Government revenues from OLG dropped to $300 million last year attributed to factors including the closure of many casinos but are projected to increase to $1.2 billion this year. That is still down by over $1 billion from revenues received in 2019-20. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Melwood is grateful for the work being done to promote access to COVID-19 vaccinations to the disability community and we're proud to play an integral role, said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. Melwood welcomed Maryland Department of Health Acting Secretary Dennis R. Schrader at its third COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic on Thursday, March 18, 2021. Acting Secretary Schrader visited Melwood while on a tour of Southern Maryland sites that are focusing on offering vaccinations to minorities, people with disabilities, and underserved populations. In addition to Acting Secretary Schrader, Melwood also welcomed Erica Berry Wilson, Chief of Staff to the DCAO For Health, Human Services and Education for Prince Georges County. Melwood is grateful for the work being done to promote access to COVID-19 vaccinations to the disability community and we're proud to play an integral role, said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. The health and safety of our employees, participants, and families continue to be my top priority. Hundreds of Melwood employees work on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 at over 60 federal contract sites and bases. Over three vaccination sessions in March, Melwood has been able to administer over 500 COVID-19 vaccines to people with disabilities, a chronically underserved population that is at particularly high risk of complications from COVID-19, thanks to partnerships with Giant Pharmacy and the State of Maryland. As one of the providers in the Developmental Disabilities Administration network, Melwood was selected to help with the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine to people with disabilities and the staff which supports them. During last weeks visits with local representatives, Kautz and her staff were able to share Melwoods vision of a more inclusive future for all people with disabilities in their communities. Kautz and her team raised some of the unique challenges people with disabilities face in receiving vaccinations, including potential sensitivity to the noise and lights of mass vaccination sites, difficulties receiving full accommodations such as ASL, communication of relevant information, as well as transportation challenges. About Melwood Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers nearly 1,000 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,500 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides employment and support services to veterans and active duty military members who have experienced service-related trauma or injury. For more information, visit http://www.Melwood.org. A lawsuit over the prison suicide of a central Pennsylvania woman who was accused of committing a double murder with her husband has ended with a settlement that has been sealed from public view by a federal judge. The approval of the deal regarding the death of Veronique Henry and its sealing came via orders by U.S. Middle District Magistrate Judge Martin C. Carlson. Henry, 32, of East Manchester Township, hanged herself in her cell at York County Prison in September 2016 soon after she and her husband Paul Henry III were charged with the double killings during a home invasion. Paul Henry III and Veronique Henry The executor of Veronique Henrys estate filed the civil rights suit against the county, prison officials and the prisons contracted medical care provider, PrimeCare Medical, two years later. Executor Richard Reilly contended that, even though some staffers believed Veronique Henry was a suicide risk after her arrest, they did not have her promptly evaluated by a psychiatrist or place her on suicide watch. The settlement of the suit was reached last month, court filings show. No other details involving its terms or the amount of any financial payout are available because of the sealing. Investigators said Veronique Henry implicated her husband in the slayings of Danielle Taylor, 26, and Foday Cheeks, 31, before killing herself. They said Veronique Henry told them Paul Henry shot both victims during the home invasion robbery at a house in Fawn Township. The Henrys were arrested during a traffic stop on Route 322 in Dauphin County the morning after the slayings. A York County jury convicted Paul Henry of the murders after a trial in May 2018. He initially received two death sentences. Those were amended to two consecutive sentences of life in prison last year after the death sentences were thrown out due to an error on the jury verdict slip. Former K24 TV journalist Eric Njoka has announced his new job as a news anchor at Zee Media Corporation Limited. Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) (formerly Zee News Ltd.) is one of Indias largest news networks with 14 news channels in six different languages reaching over 150 million viewers. An evidently elated Njoka announced the new gig in style; changing his social media profile description to reflect his new job. It happens when you keep at it. See you on the other side. Its up to you to shape your Destiney. Never stop trying and dreaming. It happens. Here is to new titles, he wrote. Njoka joins Zee Media months after he was declared redundant at K24 TV in a move that swept clean the entire newsroom. Watch Visibly Drunk Eric Njoka Rants Over Impending KTN-K24 TV Merger Three months after the sack, Njoka turned to digital media, starting a talk show on YouTube dubbed Centred. The French government on Wednesday expressed willingness to offer the Nigerian Navy its full cooperation, to tackle piracy and other forms of insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. France Defence Attache to Nigeria, Nicolas Rambaud, made this known when he met with officials of the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School (NNHS) in Port Harcourt. Mr Rambaud, a colonel, said the Nigerian Navy ,being the dominant navy in the Gulf of Guinea, had what it takes to secure the regions waters, with support from France. France has a very big interest in good bilateral cooperation between our two great nations. Going by the fact that both countries have navies, then it is logical that we have a lot to do in common to improve the security in the Gulf of Guinea. Nigerian Navy is doing a lot, and we are convinced that thanks to our friendship that we can improve security in the region. So, the French Government will welcome more robust bilateral cooperation between both countries, he said. Mr Rambaud commended the Nigerian Navy for having acquired about 17 warships from French companies in the last few years. He said the country would in the coming weeks take delivery of a state-of-the-art hydrographic research and survey vessel from France. The ship, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lana, is a high-tech modern hydrographic vessel and will depart French shores on April 16 to Nigeria, according to plan. The NNS Lana on arrival would enable the Nigerian Navy to better chart its waters for greater security. So, the reason for our visit to NNHS is to anticipate the ships arrival; discuss our bilateral cooperation and understand better the direction the Nigerian Navy desires assistance from the French Government, he added. Speaking, the Commanding Officer of NNHS, Mahmud Fana, said NNHS was the only naval hydrographic school of its kind in the entire West African Sub-region. Mr Fana, a captain, sought France assistance in the establishment of a mini weather observatory station, to boost training of personnel in the school. We also demanded among others the French Government assist us to commence a French (language) training programme in the school by Alliance Francaise. ALSO READ: Navy to acquire two warships in 2021 We also discussed the possibility of assisting the NNHS with a small survey launcher boat, which will greatly enhance the practical aspect of our hydrographic training. Fourthly, we requested for capacity development especially in the areas of Oceanography and Cartonography. We also appealed for training on maritime safety information which we have already started with the French Naval Hydrographic and Oceanography Service (Shom) in France, Mr Fana said. ADVERTISEMENT The commanding officer said the France attache assured him of the French governments willingness to look into the navys requests. According to him, the requests when granted would greatly enhance the Nigerian Navy capacity to produce charts for the nations maritime environment. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NNHS was established in 1983 to train naval forces in charting the nations territorial waters. (NAN) Go Yoon Jung is eyed to be part of another action drama, "Hunt." In a recent report, the 24-year-old actress received an offer to join the cast of the forthcoming film. With this, her team is currently reviewing her appearance in Lee Jung Jae's directorial debut. In mid-2020, multiple reports noted that the "Deliver Us from Evil" star is stepping behind the camera to direct his upcoming project "Hunt." Aside from Go Yoon Jung, the actor-turned-director will also be featuring his best mate Jung Woo Sung as the lead star to portray Kim Jung Do's character. At the same time, Lee Jung Jae will also be working in front of the camera to play Park Pyeong Ho. Set in the 1980s, "Hunt" is an espionage action drama that follows the story of two ace agents, Park Pyeong Ho and Kim Jung Do, who are both under the National Security Agency. Despite their rivalry, the duo is tasked to chase after a North Korean spy director sent to South Korea until they discover hidden truth. This will be the first time that the A-list actors, who have been friends for decades, will star in the same movie after 21 years. Lee Jung Jae and Jung Woo Sung's last film together was the 1999 "City of the Rising Sun" that won major awards, including the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Leading Actor and Popular Actor in Film for Lee Jung-Jae and Baeksang Arts Award for Best Screenplay. Go Yoon Jung's Drama List As for Go Yoon Jung, she has starred in various roles and portrays colorful characters. To recall, she made her acting debut in "He Is Psychometric" and was then followed by her first Netflix series, "The School Nurse Files." In 2020, she captured the hearts of the public with her heart stomping performance and stunning beauty in the apocalyptic horror series "Sweet Home," where she played Park Yoo Ri. Go Yoon Jung in the Upcoming Drama "Law School" Now, the 24-year-old celebrity is currently filming an upcoming legal drama "Law School," alongside its powerhouse cast Kim Myung Min, Ryu Hye Young, Kim Bum, Lee Jung Eun, Lee Soo Kyung, David Lee, Gil Hae Yeon, Hyun Woo, and Oh Man Seok. View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@goyounjung) Set to debut on April 14 every Wednesday and Thursday, the highly anticipated JTBC drama revolves around faculties and students of South Korea's top law school who got involved in an unusual situation. The story follows the life of Kang Sol A (Ryu Hye Young), a persistent first-year law student who grew up in a poor family but managed to get into a prestigious school. On the other hand, her fellow freshman, Han Joon Hwi (Kim Bum) a natural-born leader, is always at the top of his class. However, behind his charming looks, Han Joon Hwi has a hidden secret enveloping his true identity. It was only in September 2020 when the network announced the confirmation of the "Law School" cast. The forthcoming legal drama will be directed by Kim Seok Yoon, whose famous works include "Detective K: Secret of the Living Dead" and "My Wife is Having An Affair." KDramastars owns this article Written by Geca Wills Three business organizations of color have banded together to call on U.S. chief executive officers to address the growing incidence of hate crimes against Asian Americans.In an open letter on March 10, the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC), U.S. Black Chambers and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce said that the longest-lasting impact against the violence comes from corporate employers, who are in a unique position to influence social change.The groups cite the 2021 Edelman Trust Barometer, which found that 86% of respondents look for CEOs to lead on issues such as COVID-19s impact, joblessness due to automation and other issues, as well as the persisting struggle for racial justice.The letter also calls on all employers to make racial equity and hate crimes against all minorities a top agenda item, which can be done through speaking up and conducting hearing sessions with employees. The AABDC specifically encourages Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to check in with Asian American employees, especially if they continue to work from home.Additionally, the group recommends Asian American ERGs actively monitor the wellbeing of their members, and all ERGs of color to mutually support each other.At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, we saw a backlash and targeting of the Asian American community who were unfairly blamed for the virus, said John Wang, founder and president of AABDC. Tragically, this climate of hate has continued in 2021, with vulnerable elderly targeted in California and New York City recently, and indications that the community continues to be stigmatized by racist acts and words.The business groups also released a companion document called A CEO Pledge, which urges CEOs to be part of the solution and to be a visible ally with Asian Americans and other underrepresented groups. Both the letter and the pledge have been sent to influential business groups CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the Business Roundtable and The Conference Board.Feature Images via Pixabay (representation only) Story continues Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark! 'This Does Not Help': Struggling LA Korean Restaurant Gets Robbed for the Second Time This Year Filipina Nurse Makes History After Giving World's First COVID-19 Vaccine in the UK Two Malaysian Students Beat Out 38,000 People to Get into Harvard Canadian Nursing Student Reveals Horrific Injuries After Being Manhandled by Police SUBSCRIBE Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates straight in your inbox. Pope Francis on Wednesday offered prayers for the victims of attacks on civilians in Niger, where gunmen on motorcycles attacked a series of villages near Niger's troubled border with Mali, leaving at least 137 people dead. It was the deadliest violence to strike the African country in recent memory, the Niger government announced on Monday. The latest village massacres come amid a dangerous escalation in attacks following the election of Niger's new president, Mohamed Bazoum, several weeks ago. There have yet been no claims of responsibility for the attacks, although Islamic extremists rarely say they are behind violence when civilians are killed. In January, at least 100 people were killed in the western villages of Tchombangou and Zaroumdareye, the same day that Niger announced the presidential election would go to a second round on Feb. 21. Another wave of attacks less than a week ago killed at least 66 others. The Pope also sent out prayers to all those affected by the massive floods in Australia. Around 18,000 people were evacuated from the flooding in New South Wales by Monday, and emergency services feared that up to 54,000 people could be displaced, with rain forecast to continue Wednesday. (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. [March 24, 2021] HVR Wins 2021 Data Breakthrough Award SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HVR , the leading independent provider of real-time cloud data replication technology, today announced that it has been selected as the Data Integration Solution of the Year in the 2021 Data Breakthrough Awards program conducted by Data Breakthrough , an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global data technology market today. HVR continues to break through with its data integration solution that enables organizations to strategically plan, predict, and respond with the freshest data available. At HVR, we believe that data is the lifeblood of any modern organization and real-time data accessibility is more important than ever, said Anthony Brooks-Williams, CEO at HVR. We are proud to be honored by the 2021 Data Breakthrough Awards program for our innovative data integration solution. This recognition solidifies our place in the industry and amplifies the ongoing commitment to our customers to keep data circulating and empowering global companies to make data-driven business decisions. The HVR platform is a scalable and reliable solution that provides the most efficient way to integrate large data volumes in complex environments. HVR enables fast, easily-implemented adoption of the three major cloud platforms - Azure, AWS, GCP - with Snowflake as the prominent choice on these cloud platforms. Data is replicated from key systems such as SAP, validated to ensure the data is delivered accurately, and readied for real-time consumption by key stakeholders. To support the accelerated adoption of the cloud initiatives over the last year, HVR most recently announced an expanded partnership with Snowflake and availability within the Snowflake Data Cloud through Snowflakes Partner Connect. This offers Snowflake customers a two-week free trial of HVR to allow customers to seamlessly integrate HVRs cloud data replication technology with their Snowflake accounts. Additionally, HVR expanded its product offering to include the release of version 5.7 Multi-Cloud in August 2020, which offers organizations the ability to route data from one to hundreds of on-premises systems to multiple cloud destinations at once to enable companies to deliver data fast without overloading systems. With an impressive combination of flexibility, performance and security, HVR is helping organizations that are struggling with data integrity with so many different sources of data coming in, delivering a breakthrough solution for true digital transformation, said James Johnson, managing director, Data Breakthrough. By simplifying integration with common cloud providers Snowflake, AWS, Azure and GCP, HVR is a standout data innovator empowering companies around the world with better access to real-time data analytics. Congratulations to the entire HVR team on their well-deserved 2021 Data Breakthrough Award win. The Data Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program founded to recognize the data technology innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Data Analytics, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Data Storage and many more. The second annual Data Breakthrough Award program attracted more than 1,450 nominations from across the globe this year. Connect with HVR Read our blog: www.hvr-software.com/blog/ Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/hvr_software Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hvrsoftware/ About HVR HVR provides a real-time cloud data replication solution that supports enterprise modernization efforts. The HVR platform is a reliable, secure, and scalable way to quickly and efficiently integrate large data volumes in complex environments, enabling real-time data updates, access, and analysis. Global market leaders in a variety of industries trust HVR to address their real-time data integration challenges and revolutionize their businesses. HVR is a privately held company based in San Francisco, with offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. Media Contact Marta Debski Offleash for HVR hvr@offleashpr.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Two San Francisco Board of Education Commissioners on Tuesday called for the board's Vice President Alison Collins to step down in response to recently resurfaced Twitter comments she made four years ago disparaging Asian Americans. In a 2016 Twitter thread, Collins addressed anti-Black racism at her daughter's Asian American majority school. "Where are the vocal Asians speaking up against Trump? Don't Asian Americans know they are on his list as well?" she wrote. "Do they think they won't be deported? Profiled? Beaten? Being a house n****r is still being a n****r. You're still considered 'the help.'" The tweets resurfaced at a critical moment for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in light of a recent wave of racist attacks being reported against community members more than ever before. On Saturday, Collins apologized for her past comments and stated her solidarity with the AAPI community. "I am horrified by the hate crimes rising across the Bay Area," she said. "As a Black woman, a mother, an educator and a fierce advocate of equity in our schools I utilize my social media platforms to speak out on race and racism. Even when these conversations are difficult in our very divided society." During Tuesday's board meeting, Collins once more apologized. "I'd like to reemphasize my sincere and heartfelt apologies and I'm currently engaging with my colleagues and working with the community for the good of all children in our district, and especially Black children who are often left behind," Collins said. The two AAPI members of the board, commissioners Jenny Lam and Faauuga Moliga called for Collins' resignation. "We've been silenced by ignorant comments like this for far too long. Our efforts have been minimized for far too long. We've been gaslighted, scapegoated and invisiblized for far too long," Lam said at the meeting. "Words matter and the example we set, as entrusted by voters to have compassion and care about the kids we represent must be demonstrated with words and actions. I'm not alone when I say that I do not have confidence in Commissioner Collins' ability to govern a school district that is almost half AAPI with no bias." "Commissioner Allison Collins' statement regarding the Asian American community is dangerous, hurtful and unbecoming," Moliga said. "I am requesting Commissioner Collins to take accountability for the racist statements, issue a heartfelt apology and gracefully resign from the SF Board of Education. This critical step will ensure that our communities and our students can begin recentering and healing." Over the weekend, several city leaders also called for Collins' resignation, including supervisors Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen, Gordon Mar, Matt Haney, Rafael Mandelman, Aaron Peskin, Ahsha Safai, Shamann Walton, Catherine Stefani, and Myrna Melgar, as well as Assembly members David Chiu and Phil Ting, D-San Francisco. In an open letter sent to staff on Monday, the district's Superintendent Leadership Team condemned Collins' "racist and hurtful language" but said it wouldn't be supporting calls for her resignation. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. 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. It is the creation of 19-year-old University of Chicago sophomore Noor Sugrue, who created Vintro to strip away the traditional socio-economic and geographic barriers to accessing resources by providing a direct channel for small and medium business owners to get in front of investors and decision makers. "They always said it was about 'who you know' as much as 'what you know' - we didn't think that was fair - so we fixed it," said Sugrue. Vintro has created a channel on its platform for Illinois Restaurants, whereby restaurateurs can create a two-minute pitch video explaining their needs that will be seen by all of the investors on each particular channel. "We've put together an amazing group of hundreds of investors who really want to give back to this community in particular, so they're looking for opportunities, they're waiting to hear from you," said Sugrue. "If we can play a small role in helping people get back on their feet and feeling hope again, trying to bring people together, then we've done our job right," Sugrue said. To learn more or to get your pitch video sent out go to www.myvintro.com . SOURCE Vintro Related Links https://www.myvintro.com/ Love Island star Maura Higgins has been praised on social media for her decision to go make-up free on an episode of Loose Women. Maura, who shot to fame on the 2019 series of the hit ITV2 programme was the special guest on the lunchtime talk show hosted by Kaye Adams and panellists Brenda Edwards, Janet Street-Porter and Gloria Hunniford. Maura explained why she chose to go make-up free on live TV, saying it was important to show the natural side and the realness - we all have blemishes, we all get the odd spot now and again". She added: Im thinking of the younger generation, like, all the youngsters look at these picture perfect photos on social media and they think people in the public eye, especially, are perfect. Expand Close Maura takes off her make up live on the show / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maura takes off her make up live on the show But we've got glam teams, everything, and you know, there's filters, there's everything you can use. I just feel like it's very important to show the natural side and, you know, the realness. Like, we all have blemishes, we all get the odd spot now and again and yes, I just feel like it's important." Read More She added: "At my age, like I've turned 30, I hope to have a family some day and I fear for my kids entering on social media...because kids are hard on themselves. However, the 30-year-old model admitted she felt naked by ditching the glam. "I feel very naked right now. For me it's not ideal to go on live TV with no makeup. I feel more confident with makeup like any other girl." Expand Close Maura Higgins on Loose Women. Picture: ITV/Shutterstock / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Maura Higgins on Loose Women. Picture: ITV/Shutterstock Joined by her boyfriend Chris Taylor, the model also revealed he has to take her phone away from her at times as she still struggles to avoid looking at negative comments from online bullies. I think we can't help but read the negative comments. I don't respond, I actually laugh," she insisted. "But I sometimes scroll through and Chris is like why are you reading the comments. Like someone said I looked like Michael Jackson. But yeah, we can't help ourselves. However, she need not have worried today as the overwhelming tone of the comments left by fans was positive with many praising her for her honesty. "Looking stunning with and without makeup, one wrote. A great message to send out to young impressionable girls about reality V real life. Another added: Maura is a true role model shes promoting products she uses herself and not over priced and you know she 200% honest. One person added: Hate how reality stars, not going to name them with the VERY LARGE LIPS and fillers and full make up feel they need to look 'perfect'......well done Maura. Really enjoyed watching Maura today, & Chris making a last-minute appearance, we need more Maura, added another. Read More Vietnams Ministry of National Defense organized a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday as a send-off for its soldiers to head for South Sudan for a United Nations peacekeeping mission. These officers will work at Vietnam's third Level-2 Field Hospital in the African country. The ceremony was attended by leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, officials from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, attaches, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security, the Vietnam Women's Union, and units directly involved in UN peacekeeping missions. A ceremony was organized in Ho Chi Minh City, March 23, 2021 to see off staff members of Vietnams third Level-2 Field Hospital to South Sudan for a UN peacekeeping mission. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien appreciated the cooperation of the UN, Australian government, and other partners in deploying the third Level-2 Field Hospital in accordance with plans. Delivering a speech in virtual form, UN Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare praised Vietnams efforts in sending Level-2 field hospitals to UN peacekeeping missions since 2018. Khare commended the staff of Vietnams Level-2 field hospitals for their work, especially in treating COVID-19 patients and in sharing valuable experience in pandemic prevention and control. Deputy Minister of National Defense Hoang Xuan Chien hands souvenirs and national flags to soldiers of the third Level-2 Field Hospital during a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, March 23, 2021. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre The third Level-2 Field Hospital was established in March 2020 with 70 staff members, including 63 official members and seven alternate ones. The officers have completed training in the English language, military medical expertise, politics, technical logistics, peacekeeping knowledge, and survival skills. They received their first COVID-19 vaccine shots on March 16 and will have their second shots in South Sudan once they have arrived. All 63 official members are divided into two groups and scheduled to depart on two occasions, March 24 and April 21. Female soldiers are ready for their UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The third wife of Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, who died earlier this month, is expected to pick the late monarch's successor, South African media report, citing royal sources. Queen Mantfombi MaDlamini, who has been named the interim leader of the Zulu pending the installation of a new king, is expected to appoint the king from among her sons, state broadcaster SABC reports. The queen was named as the interim successor in the late king's will, news channel eNCA reports. Senior members of the Zulu royal family are due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the succession of the king, after an initial meeting on Saturday. The family will give further updates after Wednesday's meeting. Queen Mantfombi, a sister of the current King Mswati of eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland), is one of six wives of the late King Zwelithini. The monarch, who was buried on Thursday, is survived by six wives and at least 30 children, including 16 sons. 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 Sen. Blackburn visited Arizona to see the U.S. Border situation. He called out the press ban at the border by the administration dubious. Up to now, the media is muzzled from covering a worsening border situation. Press ban at the border: Biden cover-up? Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) visited the border on March 21 in Arizona to see what's happening. She is one of many who are concerned about the situation there. She remarked that blocking media coverage should not be done, reported the Epoch Times. Since Biden opened the U.S. Mexico border that had aliens crossing in numbers. The U.S. Border Patrol is swamped with more immigrants it can handle. The Tennessee senator visited Cochise County on the Arizona-Mexico border and Pinal County located north of the border. She talked to the press via phone on March 23, after her visit two days earlier. She noted no reason to keep the press out of the border to report. She added that keeping the media out is suspicious, and nothing was extraordinary during the visit. She implied that the president wants to hide something by banning reporters. Biden's decisions caused border chaos The president, according to many, is to blame for what is the worst border crisis. The surge of migrants is because of trashing Trump's border policies on his first day. Especially stopping the construction of the wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Now, the administration is blaming Trump for all the border problems. Trump officials warned Biden not to remove border policies. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas blamed Trump but never added to his allegation. The DHS secretary underplays the press ban at the border. Mainstream Media Calls Out White House for Lack of Border Access Many say stopping the construction of the wall that Trump started is a big mistake. It should have prevented the entry of criminals, illegals, and even drugs into US territory. The cartels and cayotes are earning from using children for illegal border crossing. The Hill noted US border immigration authorities had processed 15,000 unaccompanied minors. But more children and adults are entering and discharged into the US homeland dangerously. Many of the aliens are not tested for COVID-19. Press is not allowed, said Alejandro Mayorkas, due to the pandemic. The DHS cannot assure total safety coverage for media. He said this at the "State of the Union" to explain the media blackout. Another US senator, Ted Cruz (Texas), posted on Twitter his sentiments about the matter. He called the lack of transparency bad, and the press should visit the border. Like many, he thinks Biden is hiding something from Americans. He added that the media be allowed to go with him to check the border. Cruz and 14 others will visit the border on March 26. The request was to show the situation at ground zero. Blackburn said that facts are pointing to Biden's bad decisions as to the cause. Taking down policies that work created the border crisis. She added that everything is caused by bad decisions about immigrants and border traffic. The root cause is Biden's open border that created a mess for the United States. The administration should reverse the press ban at the border. If not, doubts over Biden's leadership will be affected. Joe Biden's Policies to Blame for Sending Children to U.S. Border Biden Administration to Use Taxpayers' Money to Pay for Migrants' Hotel Accommodations Biden Promises Migrants Entry at the Border @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scotland host Austria in their opening World Cup qualifying game on Thursday. Steve Clarkes side are looking to build on their Euro 2020 qualification when they run out at Hampden. Here the PA news agency looks at the major talking points ahead of the game. Scott free? Scott McTominay has been in goalscoring form (Michael Regan/PA) Clarke has admitted being tempted to move Scott McTominay into his natural midfield role after deploying him in the back three during the autumn. The 24-year-old has scored six goals for Manchester United in the past four months. An injury to Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack plus the return of centre-backs Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry gives Clarke scope to push McTominay further forward. Forward march This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. With Scotland only scoring three times in the past 10-and-a-half hours of action, Clarke has introduced Southampton forward Che Adams and Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet to his squad. Lyndon Dykes is the man in possession of the number nine jersey and he ended a four-month goal drought by netting for QPR at the weekend. But there could well be at least one debut as the game progresses. Who will draw first blood? This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The last time Scotland qualified for the World Cup, they opened their campaign with a goalless draw in Austria before beating their opponents 2-0 at Celtic Park. Both teams qualified for the 1998 finals but have never made it since, partly because doing so has become more difficult in Europe. Only the top team is guaranteed entry to Qatar 2022 and the opening game already looks a crucial one for both teams as Denmark are the top seeds. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:55:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close URUMQI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhao Kezhi has urged continued vigilance against terrorism and policy implementation to ensure long-term stability in Xinjiang. Zhao made the remarks during his research tour in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from March 19 to 24. He said Xinjiang has made remarkable progress in economic and social development and people's livelihood improvement while consolidating the fight against terrorism. Underlining persistent awareness of risks and challenges in countering terrorism and maintaining stability, Zhao called for continued high pressure on possible terrorist activities and striving for fundamental changes helpful for the region's long-term stability. He also stressed international anti-terrorism cooperation and the work to block terrorism at border regions. Enditem It was all smiles on the faces of officials and citizens of Tubmanburg on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 in when the president, cut the ribbon of the regional office for the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation-NASCORP. The colorful ceremony was done by president George Weah. He thanked the NASCORP family for carrying out such development. After the opening of the office, the Director General for NASCORP Mr. Dewitt Von Ballmoos expressed over the new building and said it is a regional hub for the Western region He thanked president Weah for his level of development activates in the country and said that NASCORP would carry out its statutory work . The products will be available for California consumers through the firms direct-to-consumer platform as well as its in-house distribution company which actively reaches over 450 dispensary accounts The cartridges will be available in five popular strains; Lemon Jack, Strawberry Cough, Berry Gelato, SFV OG, and GG4 Holding Corp (NEO:GRAM.U) ( ) (OTCPINK:GRMWF) said it has extended its product offerings with the launch of Fun Uncle Cruisers, full gram vape cartridges available in five popular strains; Lemon Jack, Strawberry Cough, Berry Gelato, SFV OG, and GG4. The cannabis firm said the launch of Cruisers delivers on its promise of product economics resulting from the merger of Californias top cannabis companies under the firm earlier this year. The products will be available for California consumers through the firms omnichannel direct-to-consumer platform as well as its in-house distribution company which actively reaches over 450 dispensary accounts. Our strategy in forming The Parent Company was to maximize product margins by owning our own supply chain, and our initial product launch of Fun Uncle Cruisers executes against what we set out to do, The Parent Companys chief executive Steve Allan said in a statement. We are entering this category with the goal to be the clear category leader. With our extensive direct-to-consumer reach, a state-wide network of dispensary wholesale customers, large scale manufacturing capacity and access to raw materials, we have all the capabilities to achieve this goal. These new cartridges conveniently deliver a full gram of high-quality distillate at a very competitive price, he added. Contact the author at calum@proactiveinvestors.com Follow him on Twitter @Cal_Proac For Immediate Release Chicago, IL March 24, 2021 Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: ArcelorMittal MT, Nucor Corporation NUE, Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. SCHN, Olympic Steel, Inc. ZEUS and Ternium S.A. TX. Here are highlights from Tuesdays Analyst Blog: Steel Industry Rides on Zooming Prices: 5 Red-Hot Stocks to Buy The steel industry has forged an impressive comeback after being rattled by the fallout from the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Coronavirus-induced demand destruction put a dent on the industry during the first half of 2020. Steel stocks also got hammered along with most other commodities amid the virus-led demand downturn. However, skyrocketing steel prices and an upswing in demand from key end-use industries such as automotive and construction have pulled the steel industry out of its pandemic-induced slumber and put it on a solid footing. Notably, automotive and construction together account for a big chunk of steel consumption. Recovery started to gain steam toward the end of the third quarter of 2020 on resumption of operations across major steel-consuming sectors following easing of lockdowns and restrictions across the world. Steel makers are seeing strong order booking in automotive. Recovery in the automotive industry has accelerated following pandemic-led shutdowns on the back of strong customer demand. The automotive rebound is driving demand for flat steel products globally. Moreover, the revival in the construction sector globally has spurred up demand for long and flat steel products in this major market. The construction sector has bounced back on the heels of a resumption of projects that were stalled earlier due to supply chain disruptions and manpower shortage. In particular, the non-residential construction market remains resilient. Story continues Meanwhile, a strong recovery in construction and manufacturing activities is driving demand for steel in China, the world's top consumer of the commodity. Steel demand is being driven by China government's infrastructure spending spree to rev up its economy. Moreover, steel prices are shooting higher on an upturn in demand, supply shortages and higher raw material costs. Notably, U.S. steel prices have staged a strong recovery and hit record levels. The benchmark hot-rolled coil ("HRC") prices started to recover in September 2020 after cratering to a pandemic-induced multi-year low of roughly $440 per short ton in August, and are screaming higher since then. HRC prices have catapulted to levels not seen since 2008 on U.S. steel mills' back-to-back price hike actions, tight supply and surging end-market demand. HRC prices zoomed past $1,200 per short ton for the first time in February 2021 and remain above that level this month. A key reason behind the run-up in steel prices is the demand-supply imbalance. Amid surging demand, supply remains restricted due to the idling of blast furnaces and production disruptions associated with mill outages. These coupled with lower steel imports due to the pandemic and tariffs have resulted in the tightening of steel supplies. Steel scrap prices are also on the rise amid tight supply. Moreover, extended lead times for steel delivery at U.S. steel mills indicate healthier demand. There is room for further upside in HRC prices as demand continues to outpace supply. Moreover, steel prices have strengthened in China on the back of surging domestic demand. Global steel prices are also moving up on higher demand in China. Higher prices would drive profitability and cash flows of steel companies. Notably, major U.S. steel companies recently provided an upbeat profit outlook for the first quarter of 2021 based on strong demand and higher prices. A strong rebound in demand has also led to a sharp recovery in U.S. steel industry capacity utilization rate and an uptick in domestic steel production. Notably, the pandemic-led demand slowdown forced U.S. steel mills to idle furnaces and curtail production last year with capacity utilization dropping to multi-year lows during the first half. Meanwhile, shares of major steel companies are shooting higher, driven by record-high steel prices and prospects of infrastructure stimulus package this year from the Biden administration. Biden has proposed spending $2 trillion over four years to boost clean energy and rebuild infrastructure. The planned investment includes building and repairing roads, bridges, water systems, electricity grids and broadband aimed at fixing America's "crumbling" infrastructure. The sizable infrastructure spending would have a beneficial effect on the U.S. steel industry given the expected increase in consumption of the commodity that is used to make almost everything from rail tracks to roads to bridges and tunnels. Solid Zacks Industry Rank The Zacks Steel Producers industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #5, which places it in the top 2% of more than 250 Zacks industries. The favorable rank reflects the industry's strength. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. Price Performance The Zacks Steel Producers industry has outperformed the broader market in a year's time. While the industry has rallied 162.4%, the S&P 500 has returned 61.7%. 5 Solid Steel Stocks to Snap Up Strong fundamentals make the steel space an attractive area to invest in right now. The industry is poised to run higher on the back of strengthening market conditions, aided by a recovery in China, demand upsurge across major end-markets and soaring steel prices. Here we pick five steel stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) that are good options for investment right now. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. ArcelorMittal: Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal is seeing a rebound in demand, especially in automotive, following the easing of lockdown measures. Moreover, the company is expanding its steel-making capacity and remains focused on shifting to high-added-value products. Its cost-reduction initiatives and higher steel selling prices will also drive profitability. ArcelorMittal has expected earnings growth of 714.3% for 2021. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings for 2021 also has been revised 62.5% upward over the last 60 days. Moreover, the company has seen its shares rally roughly 123% over the past six months. Nucor Corp.: Charlotte, NC-based Nucor is expected to benefit from the strength in the non-residential construction market. Nucor also remains committed to boost production capacity, which should drive profitable growth and strengthen its position as a low-cost producer. The company should also gain from considerable market opportunities from its strategic investments in its most significant growth projects. Nucor has expected earnings growth of 122.5% for 2021. Moreover, the consensus estimate for the current year has been revised 112.3% upward over the last 60 days. The company has also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 46.7%. The stock has also shot up 55% over the past six months. Schnitzer Steel Industries: The Oregon-based company's productivity improvements and cost cost-reduction actions along with continued commercial initiatives are lending support to its margins. The company should also benefit from an improvement in ferrous and nonferrous markets, its debt reductions actions and transition to its new One Schnitzer operating model which is designed at increasing its efficiency. The company has expected earnings growth of 690.7% for fiscal 2021. The consensus estimate for earnings for fiscal 2021 also has been revised 45.9% upward over the last 60 days. The company has also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 72.7%. Moreover, its shares have surged roughly 109% over the past six months. Olympic Steel: Ohio-based Olympic Steel is benefiting from its strong liquidity position, actions to lower operating expenses, and strength in its pipe and tube and specialty metals businesses. Moreover, improving industrial market conditions and a rebound in demand are expected to support its volumes. The company has expected earnings growth of 843.2% for 2021. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has been revised 150% upward over the last 60 days. The stock has also surged roughly 129% over the past six months. Ternium: The Luxembourg-based company is expected to benefit from a recovery in shipments and higher realized steel prices. Its shipments in Mexico are likely to be aided by strong demand from industrial customers. Higher demand for durable goods and construction materials are also expected to support shipments in Argentina. Ternium is also benefiting from the cost competitiveness of its facilities. The company is also taking actions to boost liquidity and strengthen its financial position in the wake of the pandemic. Ternium has expected earnings growth of 128.2% for 2021. It also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 197.8%. The consensus estimate for the current year also has been revised 33.3% upward over the last 60 days. The company's shares have also popped roughly 98% over the past six months. The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All Last year, it generated $24 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $77.6 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early. See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >> Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ArcelorMittal (MT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nucor Corporation (NUE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Olympic Steel, Inc. (ZEUS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ternium S.A. (TX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (SCHN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research ST. LOUIS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hicuity Health, the nation's leading provider of high-acuity telemedicine services, announced the launch of its new Guardian CI telesitter service, a virtual patient observation model designed to provide hospitals and health systems with a safe, cost-effective alternative to in-person sitters. The telesitter service delivers continuous technology-enabled patient monitoring with intervention steps and escalation paths that can be customized to the facility or health system to help prevent falls and promote patient safety. Studies show that virtualizing and scaling the in-person sitter function delivers the same level of fall prevention, with analysis documenting 30+% cost-saving opportunities. Traditional approaches to patient observation typically rely on in-person sitters at a 1:1 patient ratio. They are costly, resource-intensive, and administratively burdensome, with nursing management challenged with recruiting and maintaining trained sitter staffing and responding to fluctuations in patient census. Hicuity Health's Guardian CI telesitter service leverages technology to scale the monitoring and reduce costs. It limits disruption to bedside nursing and staff by adjusting seamlessly to changes in patient census and helping to address patient activities that might otherwise result in a fall or other injury. The Hicuity Health telesitter service enables ongoing surveillance of patients anywhere in the hospital who are identified as high risk. Monitoring staff watch constantly for risk events such as potential falls, delirium, pulling at lines, and elopement and utilize a facility-customized escalating response model to redirect the patient using audio and video interventions, contact a designated floor "runner" to intervene in person, or activate a distinct in-room alert that signals the need for immediate intervention by floor staff. Key benefits of Hicuity Health's telesitter offering include: Reduced Staffing Overhead : Offers a 30% reduction in non-reimbursable staffing costs associated with 1:1 in-person sitting. : Offers a 30% reduction in non-reimbursable staffing costs associated with 1:1 in-person sitting. Continuous, Focused Monitoring : Features trained monitoring staff, working from integrated operations centers with 24/7 nurse manager supervision and support. : Features trained monitoring staff, working from integrated operations centers with 24/7 nurse manager supervision and support. Responsive to Patient Census : Limits disruptions to bedside nursing and staff associated with being pulled off the floor to provide in-person sitting. : Limits disruptions to bedside nursing and staff associated with being pulled off the floor to provide in-person sitting. Comprehensive Safety Program : Provides effective 24/7 patient observation of at-risk patients while promoting safety and delivering peace of mind to patients' families. : Provides effective 24/7 patient observation of at-risk patients while promoting safety and delivering peace of mind to patients' families. Flexible Technology Approach: Can utilize a Hicuity Health-defined turn-key technology solution or look to incorporate existing hospital assets. "Hicuity Health is proud to launch our Guardian CI telesitter service, our latest technology-enabled clinical service," said Lou Silverman, CEO of Hicuity Health. "Like our tele-ICU, inpatient telemetry, and post-acute and smart device real-time patient monitoring services, telesitter delivers clinical effectiveness and efficiency to our clients to benefit the patients that we collectively serve." Earlier this year, Hicuity Health introduced a new brand name to reflect the evolution of the organization's technology-enabled inpatient telemedicine services offerings to a more expansive portfolio. The launch of Guardian CI telesitter services is one example of Hicuity Health's commitment to finding more ways to extend the company's virtual care expertise to support more hospitals, collaborate with more bedside teams, and care for more patients. To learn more about Hicuity Health's telesitter services, please visit www.HicuityHealth.com/GuardianCI/. About Hicuity Health For more than 15 years, Hicuity Health (the new name for Advanced ICU Care) has pioneered telemedicine innovations. Serving a diverse range of clients and care venues including health systems, hospitals, and post-acute care facilities with an expanding line of services that includes tele-ICU, remote inpatient cardiac telemetry, and wearable smart device monitoring, the company is the leader in delivering expert care on a 24 x 7 x 365 basis to high-acuity patients in high-acuity environments. Our innovation is highlighted by our proprietary HUB workflow management technology platform, which enables seamless care delivery and informs patient management across our 9 clinical care centers that serve our more than 100 hospital partners located in 27 states nationwide. Hicuity Health cares for more than 100,000 patients per year, delivering enhanced patient outcomes, tangible ROI, and expert clinical support for the bedside teams at our partner hospitals. To learn more about us, visit: www.HicuityHealth.com. SOURCE Hicuity Health Related Links http://www.HicuityHealth.com BRIDGEPORT The City Council Monday agreed to accept nearly $300,000 from Bridgeports former police chief and its ex-personnel director as restitution for their crime of rigging the 2018 search for a top cop. After a nearly two-hour teleconference with attorneys that was closed to the public, members of the legislative body emerged and voted 15-3, with two absent, for the lump sum $299,407 payment. That represents a $150,000 increase over the $149,407 federal prosecutors had previously recommended and that Armando Perez and David Dunn have so far paid. The amount we are receiving is substantial when we speak about addressing what it cost the city taxpayers during this whole investigation, Council President Aidee Nieves said in an interview Tuesday. Arrested last Sept. 10, Perez and Dunn are scheduled to be sentenced next month for conspiring to help the former, who was acting police chief at the time, become one of three finalists in 2018s national search for a permanent hire to lead Bridgeports force. Perez was ultimately then given a five-year contract by longtime friend Mayor Joe Ganim. The results of Mondays vote will be presented at sentencing for the presiding U.S. District Court judge to approve. Even when we vote for this, yay or nay, its still up to the court, Councilman Ernie Newton, a budget committee co-chairman, advised his colleagues Monday. Although the bulk of the councils deliberations were private, Newton and some others made public comments before voting, showing divisions over whether Bridgeport could and should seek as much as $600,000 from Perez and Dunn. I dont care if their houses have to be foreclosed on, Councilwoman Maria Pereira said. They deserve it for the betrayal they committed on the people of Bridgeport. Council members during the debate mentioned that, as a result of the FBI probe into the 2018 police chief search, Bridgeport taxpayers footed legal and consultant costs of at least $600,000. But Newton insisted that not all of those fees could be charged to Perez and Dunn. As previously reported, the city had hired attorneys for Perez, Dunn, Ganim and the mayors chief-of-staff, Daniel Shamas, to cooperate with the federal inquiry. The court will never make two people pay for other peoples legal costs. Never gonna do that, Newton said. While Dunn, according to the federal arrest complaint, told a member of a panel that helped with the 2018 search that the mayor wanted Perez to be in the top three, neither Ganim nor Shamas have been accused of wrongdoing. Ganim last year publicly denied any knowledge of the effort to ensure Perez became permanent chief . Councilman Jorge Cruz expressed some sympathy Monday for Perez and Dunn, who are each facing two years in prison and separate legal filings by the Connecticut attorney general to reduce or eliminate their pensions . What Perez did was absolutely wrong. I dont know Mr. Dunn but he got caught up in it. He was wrong, too, Cruz said. But, Cruz added, Im not here to go try to kill somebody because he got caught up in his own demise of ego or power trip. ... Perez gave 36, 37 years of his life to the city (as a police officer) and did a good job. Im not gonna come over here and try to destroy this man completely. Newton also argued a court could determine Perez and Dunn do not have the money to pay $600,000. Perezs wife in a court-filed response to the state targeting his pension, has asked that a judge consider her an innocent spouse who would be impacted by the loss of income. Councilman Matthew McCarthy, who along with Pereira and Councilwoman Samia Suliman cast the three no votes against the settlement, said during Mondays meeting that there was nothing lost by trying to seek more restitution. It sends a message if youre gonna be corrupt and cheat our city, were gonna come after you to the fullest extent and not let you off easily like I feel were doing, he said. Pereira argued the city is accruing even more legal bills related to Dunn and Perez because of pending lawsuits filed by two other applicants for chief former Assistant Chief James Nardozzi and Police Captain Roderick Porter that allege Perezs crimes impacted their careers. In fact the legal fees were mounting Monday night because a private attorney James DeVita, hired by the Ganim administration in 2019 to help advise on the FBI probe participated in the teleconference for $425 per hour. Councilwoman Jeanette Herron ultimately voted for the settlement because, she said, it was uncertain how much money the city might receive in court should the council demand more. I think we need to do whats right for the city, Herron said. Are you a current print subscriber? You qualify for online access to the Omak Chronicle. To receive your access, create a website account and then verify your print subscription or e-edition subscription with your subscriber number, which may be found on your bill or mailing label. A high-profile case involving former Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) chief executive officer Collins Magalasi who is accused of using public money to fund partisan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) activities failed to proceed Tuesday morning in Lilongwe because the magistrate hearing the case has been promoted. The State was supposed to start parading prosecution witnesses in the fraud and abuse of office case against Magalasi. Magalasi is accused of allegedly using money from MERA to pay for accommodation of Democratic Progressive Party officials. The State was supposed to parade six witnesses but has failed to do so as the senior resident magistrate Shyreen Chirwa who was handling the case has been moved to Industrial Relations Court. The Chief Resident Magistrate will have to assign the case to another magistrate. Chitipa South MP Werani Chilenga is proposing that parliament takes tight control of constituency development fund (CDF). Currently, the K100 million per constituency development fund is administered by councils. In parliamentary motion notice, alleges that councils are abusing the fund. "That having adopted the report by the ad hoc committee on CDF and water development fund on 18th March, 2021, and in view of the reaction of the Malawi Local Government Association through a press release issued on Saturday 19th March, 2021, in which the association viciously attacked the members of the House and in which MALGA clearly demonstrates that local councils' appetite for abuse of CDF resources is too much for them to resist, this House resolves that the minister of Finance should transfer all the CDF resources from councils to the National Assembly with effect from the 2021/22 financial year," reads the motion. Veteran lawyer Ralph Kasambara described this in a Facebook post as an interesting fight: 'National Assembly versus Local Government', saying the big brother wants to deal with its kid brother. He says this raises serious constitutional questions. 'First, after passing the budget can the national assembly reverse itself through a resolution and order the minister of finance to transfer funds from one vote to another vote? "Second is it legal to have these CDF accounts/votes?" he questions. He says a few years back the judiciary in Kenya declared CDF funds as unconstitutional/illegal, saying the system of CDF was copied from Kenya. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Taoiseach Micheal Martin (FF) and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) have been accused of swallowing the Green Party agenda hook, line and sinker. This is the view of independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice who has warned that the people of Ireland need to wake up to the consequences of the revised Climate Action Bill approved by Cabinet yesterday. The landmark draft law sets out a new pathway for the country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 via an interim target of a 51pc reduction in emissions by the end of 2030 this is to be achieved by strict carbon budgets that would be applied to each sector, including agriculture. Let no one be codding themselves... we are in real danger of getting rid of jobs and turning the lights out, the Roscommon-Galway deputy said. At the moment, we are importing biomass from as far away as South Africa; fuel is being brought in by the truckload because the electricity suppliers here cannot guarantee power. "We are moving away from natural gas with no exploration licenses or further storage projects being considered despite talk in Europe of labelling natural gas as a sustainable energy source. "And we are happy to import peat from far flung countries, despite the fact that we can produce it here, he said. Delusional On the proposed sectoral approach to agriculture as set out in the new Climate Action Bill, Fitzmaurice cautioned that carbon budgets would be placed on the farming community without having the correct picture, while increased carbon taxes will cripple the sector even further in the coming years, he says. I challenge any Government minister or official to show me where the sequestration values of grass growth cycles and hedgerows are accounted for under our emissions at the moment. Meanwhile, the price of agricultural diesel is heading for 70c/L up from 35-40c/L last year, with another carbon tax increase on the way in May. And the prices of raw materials for construction, such as steel and timber, are rising by up to 50pc too. How can you have a sustainable economy and create jobs in these circumstances? he asked. In closing, the farmer, turf cutter and agricultural contractor claimed that if the Irish people accept the new Climate Action Bill, then large swathes of the country will be turned into theme parks. I would urge all in opposition to row against this fantasy bill which the Green Party has drawn up in a delusional world and which Martin and Varadkar for the sake of power and not facing the electorate are swallowing hook, line and sinker. Early movers The amended Climate Action Bill is progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas as priority legislation. An eight-week public consultation process on Climate Action Plan 2021 has also been launched. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the bill affirms the Governments ambition to be a global leader in this field. "We must continue to act, across Government, as there is no time to waste when it comes to securing our future, he said. While Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said he is confident that the decarbonisation of the economy will present significant opportunities for Irish business, trade and employment. "Whether that be in the huge expansion of entire industries, such as retrofitting or offshore wind, by becoming an electricity exporter, or new jobs in cleantech, the early movers with the most ambition will see the greatest opportunities. The director of Israels domestic security service, the Shin Bet, warned Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas against running on a joint list with Hamas in the upcoming parliamentary elections or creating a power-sharing government with Hamas after the elections, Israeli and Palestinian sources say. Why it matters: The Israeli security establishment is very concerned that the elections, planned for May 22, could lead to a Hamas takeover in the West Bank as happened in Gaza after the previous elections, in 2006. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. What we know: Shin Bet director Nadav Argaman met Abbas in his office in Ramallah around two weeks ago to discuss the elections. What they're saying: Palestinian officials claim Argaman asked Abbas to cancel the elections, which Abbas rejected. "He came here and tried to threaten us, but President Abbas told him, 'drink your coffee and Godspeed,'" Jibril Rajoub, a senior official in Abbas' Fatah party, told Palestinian TV. The other side: Israeli officials say Argaman didn't ask Abbas to cancel the vote, but did warn him that certain results a Hamas victory or a power-sharing government could create a deep rift with Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli sources say officials from the Biden administration have been sending supportive messages about the elections. The Americans didnt give the Palestinians any negative signals about it," one Israeli source told me. Yes, but: The Biden administration hasn't set any formal policy on the elections and the issue hasn't reached Secretary of State Tony Blinken's level or been discussed at senior levels in the White House, U.S. and Israeli officials say. The state of play: A poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research showed that overwhelming majorities of Palestinians favor holding the elections and believe they will take place. Story continues Fatah leads the poll with 38% to 22% for Hamas, but will weaken significantly if it splinters into different electoral lists, as is highly possible. Abbas is highly unpopular according to the poll, which finds that 57% of Palestinians want him to step aside rather than seek another presidential term later this year. One popular alternative is another Fatah leader, Marwan Barghouti, who is currently in an Israeli prison. 47% of Palestinians would like to see him run, and the poll suggests he could likely beat any Hamas candidate. According to the poll, the most reliable and comprehensive survey since the elections were announced, 48% of Palestinians think the parliamentary elections will not be free and fair. 69% believe Fatah won't accept the results if Hamas wins, and 60% think Hamas won't accept the results if Fatah wins. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Beijing accused the EU of "hypocrisy" on Wednesday after the two sides summoned each other's envoys in an escalating row over the treatment of China's Muslim Uyghurs. France, Germany and other EU nations called in Chinese ambassadors to protest against sanctions imposed by Beijing targeting their citizens, including five members of the European Parliament as well as two EU bodies and two think-tanks. The sanctions were a tit-for-tat response after the EU, Britain and Canada blacklisted four former and current officials in China's Xinjiang region. China called in the EU and British envoys in Beijing over the coordinated move. Rights groups say at least one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang, where authorities are also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. China has strongly denied the allegations, saying training programmes, work schemes and better education have helped stamp out extremism in the northwest region and raise income. "The EU only allows itself to arbitrarily smear and attack others, and even arbitrarily imposes sanctions based on false information and lies, but does not allow the Chinese to talk back or fight back," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a press briefing. "This in itself is double standards, a manifestation of bullying and hypocrisy." Washington, which had already imposed sanctions on two of the Chinese officials in July 2020, extended them to two others. It is leading a drive to form a united front against China on issues from rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong to Beijing's claims over the South China Sea. China had until recently enjoyed relatively cordial relations with the EU, which has been muted over alleged rights abuses as it hunts a trade pact with the world's second largest economy. The European Union and China in December approved "in principle" a major investment pact after seven years of painstaking negotiations -- but it is still expected to take months to be finalised and fully ratified as a legal text. Story continues Hua said China did "not accept the unreasonable practice of some European countries in summoning Chinese ambassadors." The tensions come as the EU seeks to formulate a strategy on China at a time when tensions between Beijing and Washington are emerging as the world's number one geopolitical issue. Beijing also released a report on Wednesday detailing what it said were human rights abuses committed in the US, citing gun crime, violence towards ethnic minorities and the way Washington has tackled the Covid-19 outbreak. "The United States, which has always considered itself an exception and superior, saw its own epidemic situation go out of control, accompanied by political disorder, inter-ethnic conflicts, and social division," the report claimed. bys-rox/mtp Maps generally exist to track landscapes of the known. In periods of crisis, but, maps of the indisclosed might be just as crucial a resource. That's the thought behind a recent scientific effort to map all the areas in the world where hidden species are most possibly living today. Planet's Biodiversity Calamity Contrary to the backdrop of the planet's biodiversity calamity - in which we're missing known and likely unknown species at a disturbing rate - such unpredictable cartography might substantiate our only and best opportunity to classify, record, and likely rescue animals before they are forever give in to extinction, researchers cautioned. Scientists from Yale University disclosed in recent research that careful measures indicate merely 13% to 18% of all living species may be realized at this point, even though this number may likely be as low as 1.5%. Without involvement in international commitments and conservation decision-making, these species are not found, and their benefits may be permanently lost in ignorance. Read More: Back from the Dead: 5 'Extinct' Animals That Were Not-So-Extinct When Rediscovered in 2019 Terrestrial Vertebrates To solve this 'biodiversity shortcoming', ecologists Walter Jetz and Mario Moura made a prototype extrapolating where undiscovered species of terrestrial vertebrates may probably exist presently, based on environmental, sociological, and biological factors related to more than 32,000 terrestrial vertebrates known already to biologists. Moura explained that the opportunity of being found and interpreted early is not balanced among species. Moura while working as a postdoctoral associate in Jetz's laboratory, co-authored the research, and is presently a professor in Brazil at the Federal University of Paraiba. In summary, huge animals with vast geographical range are unbelievable to possess many cousins that isn't already known. Little animals who live in inaccessible or tiny crevices in the landscape by contrast could account for a large number of unknown vertebrates that have never been classified on the tree of life. Funding for Taxonomists Moura explained that they manage to find the 'obscure' later and the 'obvious' first. They require additional funding for taxonomists to discover the rest of the unknown species. According to the researchers' prototype - which the group admits is define to be inaccurate, provided the nature of the assessments - amphibians and reptiles are likely the vastly abundant undiscovered species currently amongst terrestrial vertebrates. Colombia, Madagascar, Brazil, Indonesia are predicted to have the most unknown vertebrate species, possibly symbolizing a quarter of all future findings, with tropical damp broadleaf forest environment, in general, predicted to stand for around half of the unrevealed. The 6th Mass Extinction Animals in the future can be found if search up is fastened up - and not only for vertebrates, but for the marine, plant, and invertebrate species which are second in the age A lot of scientists explained that the so-called 6th mass extinction is presently upon them, and they won't be able to assist these animals if they die before being located. After centuries of undertakings by biodiversity taxonomists and explorers, the directory of life still contains too numerous blank pages. Related Article: Weird Animals: Rare Four-Eared Cat Up for Adoption For more news, updates about unknown animals and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! The unconditional release from police custody of seven suspects accused of illegally harvesting timber from Zoka Central Forest Reserve in Adjumani District has drawn anger among locals and environmentalists. Police at Adjumani Central Police Station released the suspects on March 15 hours after they had been arrested by National Forestry Authority (NFA) rangers and local leaders for allegedly cutting trees in the forest reserve. The suspects were arrested with four power saws, axes, machetes, ropes, food, cooking utensils and other tools. Hours later, the suspects were reportedly released from police custody unconditionally, a move that has compelled the public to believe that police have a hand in the plunder of the forest. "We are deeply concerned by that action; it appears police are playing double standards by releasing the seven suspects just hours after they were handed to them," Friends of Zoka, a pressure group advocating to save the forest, said in a statement. "In ratifying a directive by first deputy Prime Minister Gen Moses Ali, we ask police to check within its ranks for unscrupulous officers aiding illicit exploitation of natural resources," Mr William Amanzuru, the team leader of Friends of Zoka, said. This incident was preceded by the March 5 one when the district forest and natural resources departments detained Corporal Isaac Opira and three other police officers from Apaa Police Post. The four were arrested at Lulayi Village, a buffer zone of Zoka Central Forest Reserve, while guarding heaps of timber whose owner could not be identified. The district leaders alleged that the police officers, with the authority of the officer-in-charge (OC) of Zoka Police Post, Mr Patrick Komakec, have for long been providing security and cover for illegal logging activities in the forest. However, the police officers were also released, according to Mr Solomon Agwee, an environmental activist in the district. Police speak out However, police on Monday said they released the suspects since the NFA officials who arrested them simply dumped them at the station without providing evidence that would implicate them in the plunder of the forest reserve. Mr Godwin Ochaki, the Adjumani District police commander (DPC), said: "They simply dumped the suspects there and never registered a case against them and did not give us the exhibits, when I asked them to do so, they did not." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Environment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. But Mr Ochaki explained that the man who had employed the suspects to cut trees in the forest reserve has since been arrested. "Because I released his men, he wanted to pay me to help recover his machines and that is how we arrested him once he arrived at CPS. His files are ready and he will be arraigned before court immediately," he said. On Monday, Mr Ochaki and other senior police officers in the area conducted a patrol around the forest and also visited Apaa Police Post but did not find the accused officers there. "We found Mr Komakec (OC) absent but I have summoned him. Mr Opira is not one of us but an officer attached to Naguru (police headquarters in Kampala), who was on course but decided to come and steal timber here instead of returning to his station after the course," the DPC said. He added that they have written to their counterparts at Naguru about Mr Opira's actions and that he would be arrested. Magda Roth is proud of her 92-year-old mother and has rarely lived apart from her. She cared for her mother in their residence in Homewood as long as she could, until she had to place her in a Skokie nursing home in 2019. Then the COVID-19 pandemic came and prevented in-person visits between mother and daughter at the nursing home. Roth is desperate to begin those regular visits with her mother again. By Ruma Paul COX'S BAZAR, Bangladesh (Reuters) - Rohingya teacher Mohammad Harun was at his Islamic school in a Bangladeshi refugee camp when fire began creeping through the settlement, soon to turn into a massive blaze destroying thousands of shanty homes. With the flames still far away, he saw his elderly father, 77-year-old Bashir Ahmed, rushing by to try to rescue his mother, Katiza Khatun, 62, and take her to safety. But the fire spread too quickly, throwing up plumes of choking black smoke. Harun, 27, never saw his parents alive again. Their bodies were found outside their home. Ahmed and Khatun are two of the 11 so far confirmed dead in Monday's blaze southeast Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district, home to the world's biggest refugee settlement. Hundreds are missing and tens of thousands have been left homeless. A million Rohingya refugees live in camps in Cox's Bazar with little hope of returning to their homes in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, where most have been refused citizenship and face persecution. After losing loved ones and fleeing their homes after Myanmar's military burned down Rohingya villages in 2017, many are now grieving for a second time. "We fled to Bangladesh to save our lives from the Myanmar military," Harun said. "Never could I imagine that I would lose my parents and my home here in Bangladesh in a fire too. Oh Allah! Please give me strength to endure this pain." Authorities are investigating the cause of Monday's fire, but aid groups and witnesses said it ripped through the highly flammable bamboo and plastic huts, trapping many people, including young children. Mohammed Kashim, a 35-year-old refugee leader, said he could hear the boom of cooking gas cylinders as they exploded, accelerating the blaze. They buried the unidentified bodies of two children. "Everything has gone. Only metal items remain, deformed by the heat" Harun remembers the fire that led him to flee Myanmar in 2017. Story continues Troops burnt down the family's village, he said, and shot some of their neighbours dead. Harun, along with his parents and other relatives, crossed into Bangladesh after walking for four days, passing burnt-out villages and bodies lying in the streets. Myanmar is facing genocide charges at the international court of justice in The Hague over the 2017 campaign. The military denies the charges, saying it was waging a legitimate campaign against insurgents who attacked police posts. Harun's family have lived in the Bangladesh camp ever since - a difficult life, but one away from persecution. On Monday morning, Ahmed went to collect the family's food rations and gas cylinder. "He was so happy," Harun said, sifting through the charred remains of his hut. "But, in the afternoon, he was no more." (Reporting by Ruma Paul in Cox's Bazar; Writing by Alasdair Pal; Editing by Nick Macfie) PharVet (Ireland) Ltd are delighted to welcome Dermot Heafey into the PharVet team. Dermot takes up the role of Southern Territory Manager covering Kilkenny, Cork, South Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford. Dermot, from Kilkenny, joins the Pharvet team after returning home from Australia in November 2020. Prior to this he spent two and a half years working as a Regional Sales Manager around the Munster area for Agri-Lloyd Ireland, where he specialised in ruminant nutrition and nutritional feed supplements. Dermot graduated from UCD with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) Degree in 2013. Commenting on the new appointment at PharVet, National Sales Manager Philip Dwyer said: Dermot will be a great asset to the team where two key areas of development will be our novel immunity modulator, OmniGen and PharVets range of trace element boluses. His ruminant experience and interest in farming will be well matched to his new role. I wish Dermot every success as he progresses his career with us. Dermot can be contacted on 0860465045 or by email at dermot.heafey@pharvet.ie PharVet are distributors of animal health products and equipment for cattle and sheep through the merchant, co-op and veterinary channel. PharVets leading products are Eprecis, the injectable wormer for dairy cow with a zero milk withhold, quality milk replacers such as ProCalf and ProHeifer, Duramark, Siro-Mark, Cheno Unction and a full range of anthelmintics and equipment. [March 24, 2021] Kristie Scott Joins Xometry as General Counsel ROCKVILLE, Md., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Xometry, the largest U.S. marketplace for on-demand manufacturing, announced today that Kristie Scott has joined Xometry's executive team as the company's General Counsel. She will report to Xometry's CEO, Randy Altschuler. "Kristie is a seasoned attorney with strong experience in growth technology companies." said Xometry CEO Randy Altschuler. "I'm thrilled to have her join the Xometry team. Her expertise will help us continue to scale our business around the world as we move to our next phase of growth." "I'm excited to join Xometry," said Scott. "I look forward to helping Xometry continue to scale its business within the $260B market for on-demand manufacturing and execute on its global growth strategies, which will, in turn, help thousands of small and medium sized manufacturers grow their businesses." Scott joins Xometry with more than 20 years of eperience as in-house counsel to technology companies. She spent the last 16 years at Cision, a leading global provider of earned media software, wire distribution and social media management services to public relations and marketing communications professionals, most recently serving as General Counsel. During her time at Cision, she helped lead the company through 2 IPOs, 2 take-private transactions, and numerous M&A transactions. Prior to Cision, Scott served as in-house counsel at Vocus, Aether Systems and Credit Management Solutions. Before receiving her JD, she worked as a software engineer in the defense, time management & recording, and credit processing industries. Scott has a BSEG degree in computer science and engineering from Bucknell University and a JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She will be based at Xometry's headquarters in Maryland. About Xometry Xometry is the largest marketplace for on-demand manufacturing, connecting customers with optimal manufacturing solutions through patented AI technology. Xometry provides on-demand manufacturing, industrial supply materials, and financing solutions to a diverse customer base, ranging from startups to small manufacturers to Fortune 100 companies. Xometry's global network of thousands of partner manufacturing facilities enables it to maintain consistently fast lead times while offering a broad array of capabilities, including CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, and urethane casting. Xometry's customers include BMW, Dell Technologies, General Electric, Bosch, and NASA. Additionally, Xometry offers its supplier network an array of financing solutions to improve cash flow and achieve better growth and efficiency. For more information, visit xometry.com or follow @xometry. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kristie-scott-joins-xometry-as-general-counsel-301254909.html SOURCE Xometry [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Media teacher Richard Lewis, 61, is accused of repeatedly calling one student 'a paedophile' and saying 'f***, s*** and c*ap' in class A foul-mouthed teacher who faces being struck off swore in class and said a woman would 'love a sh*g', a misconduct panel has heard. Media teacher Richard Lewis, 61, is accused of repeatedly calling one student 'a paedophile' and saying 'f***, s*** and c*ap' in class. The veteran teacher, who works at Coleg Sir Gar in Carmarthenshire, allegedly made a series of sexist remarks including saying: 'Look at the size of her tits. I bet she'd love a sh*g,' and calling one woman a 'slapper'. Mr Lewis also told students how he once danced on stage 'with a jock strap and pigs head and fired fireworks from his crotch,' the panel heard. Presenting officer Ashanti-Jade Walton said an investigation into Mr Lewis began when the mum of one student known as Learner J complained of his sexist language in class. Miss Walton said: 'The complaint concerned sexist remarks allegedly made by the registered person. They did not give examples of the comments but said they made Learner J feel uneasy.' Mr Lewis was Creative Media course leader at Coleg Sir Gar when he was investigated by his former line manager Nikki Neale in April 2019. Miss Walton said: 'Nikki Neale spoke with a number of learners and a number of additional concerns came to light regarding the registered person's conduct.' Miss Walton said the report found that, 'on or around March 2019 he made a derogatory and or sexist comment to learner J'. The veteran teacher, who works at Coleg Sir Gar in Carmarthenshire (pictured), allegedly made a series of sexist remarks including saying: 'Look at the size of her tits. I bet she'd love a sh*g,' and calling one woman a 'slapper' 'On one or more occasions he made comments referring to Learner E as a paedophile.' 'On more than one occasion he swore in the presence of learners including the terms f**, s***, and c*ap. 'Additionally it is alleged the registered person said "look at the size of her tits. I bet she'd love a sh*g" - and referred to a woman as a slapper. 'He also recounted stories with explicit or inappropriate content to learners and that the behaviour alleged was inappropriate or offensive.' The Education Workforce Council heard one charge against Mr Lewis says he told students 'you had been on stage with a jock strap and pig head on, shooting fireworks from your crotch.' He is also accused of telling stories involving naked dancers, intimate piercings and a man dancing with a catheter. Nikki Neale told the hearing one student kept a diary and noted down Mr Lewis' stories he told the class. Ms Neale said: 'She recounted a number of graphic stories that Richard Lewis had told the class. 'Richard Lewis told the class a story about a students' friend who "had their fanny pierced with a self-piercing kit". 'Richard went on to tell the learners about a show he had attended where he saw a man dancing with a catheter in and described how the man's nurse held the catheter bag. 'Richard Lewis said he saw another man who had cock piercings and was placing an angle grinder on the piercing to make it look like sparks were coming off his cock. 'He said the same man clamped weights onto his balls and started swinging them around.' Ms Neale said she asked the girl how the conversation started. 'She explained that Richard Lewis was talking about nights out and started to tell them stories from his past when he was in a band. 'I asked her if she felt safe in his class and she said she did - but she said she did not feel comfortable.' Ms Neale said she made a report into the complaints from students including his 'graphic' stories. She said: 'I was concerned there was no academic context for these conversations and therefore no justification for Richard Lewis to raise this topic. 'The language he used was particularly graphic and the content was completely inappropriate for discussion in a classroom setting.' Ms Neale said she also investigated sexist comments allegedly made to Learner J. She said: 'She described an occasion when she asked Mr Lewis if she could get a plaster as she had worn the wrong socks with her boots. 'Richard Lewis responded by saying: "This is why women won't be doing the jobs they want, because they all turn up in ridiculous stiletto heels and end up walking barefoot because of it - it's also why women won't get equal rights with wages." 'I was concerned by this comment as it demonstrates a lack of respect towards women and undermines a learner who should not be judged by what she chooses to wear.' Ms Neale said another student - known as Learner E - was labelled 'a paedophile' by Mr Lewis because of his work as a children's swimming instructor. Ms Neale said: 'He explained he needed to sometimes leave college early to go to work and when he asked Richard Lewis if this was ok Richard would say 'off you go being a paedophile'. 'He said Richard Lewis would say this in front of the class. 'They undermined the learner making him feel embarrassed and anxious it was a completely inappropriate comment to make.' Mr Lewis - a teacher for almost 30 years - admits swearing and making sexist remarks but denies the comments about breasts and telling the students about dancing on stage. He admits unacceptable professional conduct and faces being struck from the teaching registers. The hearing, held via Zoom, continues. As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have released details of who can expect to receive a shot in the coming weeks. As COVID-19 vaccine supplies ramp up across the country, most provinces and territories have released details of who can expect to receive a shot in the coming weeks. The military commander handling logistics for Canada's vaccine distribution program says there will be enough vaccine delivered to give a first dose before Canada Day to every adult who wants one. Maj.-Gen. Dany Fortin says that's if provinces follow the advice to delay second doses up to four months. He also cautions that it is dependent on having no production delays again. Health Canada anticipates a total of 36.5 million doses from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and the AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India by June 30. There are approximately 31 million Canadians over 16, and no vaccines are approved for anyone younger than 16. Here's a list of the inoculation plans throughout Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador Health officials say vaccinations will begin this week for first responders. They say pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccines has opened for people aged 70 or older and for home-support workers. Newfoundland and Labrador announced March 3 it was extending the interval between the first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to four months. Public health officials said the change will help them vaccinate 40,000 more people with a single dose by the end of March. Liberal Leader and incumbent Premier Andrew Furey said the decision is a game changer for the province's vaccination prospects. Nova Scotia Health officials say people aged 60 to 62 became eligible to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine starting March 18. Nova Scotia plans to have vaccine available to at least 75 per cent of the population by the end of September 2021. The province is planning to use mobile van clinics to vaccinate about 900 people who work at or use homeless shelters in the Halifax area. Public health is partnering with pharmacists and doctors to provide the vaccines at 25 locations. Nova Scotia, meanwhile, has added front-line police officers to the list of people eligible for vaccination during the second phase of the province's rollout plan, joining groups such as long-haul truck drivers and hospital workers over the age of 60. Prince Edward Island Health officials in Prince Edward Island say they will shift their focus to getting a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to all adults by July 1, even if it means delaying the second shot for some. The province is offering the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine people ages 18 to 29 who work in gas stations and convenience or grocery stores. The announcement on March 16 came after the province opened AstraZeneca vaccination appointments a week earlier to young people in the food and beverage sector. New Brunswick Health officials announced March 18 that people 80 and older, health-care professionals who have close contact with patients, and people with complex medical conditions are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. People 80 and over, a caregiver or a family member acting on their behalf can make an appointment for a vaccine at a pharmacy. The province says all residents of long-term care homes have been offered at least one dose of vaccine. On Friday, March 19, all residents of First Nations communities who are aged 16 or older will have access to their first dose of vaccine. Quebec Quebec started vaccinating older seniors on March 1 after a first phase that focused largely on health-care workers, remote communities and long-term care. In Montreal, mass vaccine sites, including the Olympic Stadium, opened their doors to the public as the province began inoculating seniors who live in the hard-hit city. COVID-19 vaccination appointments opened March 10 for residents 70 and older across Quebec. The minimum age is currently set at 65 in Abitibi-Temiscamingue and Cote-Nord. However, Montreal is dropping the age limit to 60. Premier Francois Legault says his government's goal is for all adult Quebecers who want a COVID-19 vaccine to get at least one dose by the province's Fete nationale on June 24. He also said the province's vaccination campaign will allow all Quebecers aged 65 and over to be vaccinated with one dose by mid-April. Quebec, meanwhile, is looking to enlist between 20 and 50 companies across the province to operate vaccination hubs to help accelerate its immunization campaign for people under 60. Health Minister Christian Dube says he's hoping the companies can administer a total of one million vaccines. To be part of the program, companies must commit to vaccinating between 15,000 and 25,000 people over a 12-week period between May and August. Quebec will provide the vaccines and necessary equipment and run the online appointment portal. The program will begin when residents under the age of 60 become eligible to be vaccinated, with a goal of fully vaccinating 500,000 Quebecers. Ontario Ontario launched its COVID-19 vaccine booking portal and call centre on March 15. People aged 80 and older were the first eligible to use the system. Starting March 22, people age 75 and older will be able to make appointments through the booking system. Ontario focused its initial vaccine effort on those in long-term care, high-risk retirement home residents, some health-care workers and people who live in congregate care settings. It has said the rollout will look different in each of its 34 public health units. Some public health units are ahead of the provinces schedule for vaccinations. A pilot project at more than 300 pharmacies in Toronto, Kingston and Windsor Oxford-AstraZeneca started offering shots to those aged 60 to 64 in March. That program is being expanded to offer shots to people aged 60 and older starting on March 22. Some primary care physicians are also offering Oxford-AstraZeneca shots to eligible patients in that age range. The pharmacy pilot will expand to 700 locations across the province in the coming weeks, then to approximately 1,500 sites as supply becomes available. Other currently eligible people include front line health-care workers, Indigenous adults and chronic home health-care recipients, and some health units have started vaccinating people experiencing homelessness. The interval between vaccine doses has been extended to four months in Ontario. Manitoba Manitoba is starting to vaccinate residents aged 65 and older and First Nations people aged 45 and older. Health officials plan to reduce the age minimum, bit by bit, over the coming months. Specific groups of people, such as health-care workers and those who work in congregate living facilities, are also able to get vaccinated. The province is also giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to certain people with high-risk health conditions. Those eligible are First Nations people aged 30-64 and others aged 50-64. Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of the province's vaccine task force, has said inoculations could be open to all adults in the province by August if supplies are steady. There are supersites in cities where people can get vaccines and pop-up clinics have begun in rural and northern Manitoba communities for eligible residents. Manitoba has already indicated it would opt for a four-month interval between doses. --- Saskatchewan The Saskatchewan Health Authority is booking vaccinations for residents aged 70 and older. The minimum age drops to 50 for people living in the Far North. A vaccine drive-thru clinic has also opened in Regina for residents who are 60 to 64 and some health-care workers. The province plans to expand its mass vaccination campaign in April. Saskatchewan will immunize the general population in 10-year increments, starting with those 60 to 69. Also included in this age group will be people living in emergency shelters, individuals with intellectual disabilities in care homes and people who are medically vulnerable. Premier Scott Moe says people will get their second shot of vaccine four months after the first to increase the number of people who can receive an initial dose. Police, corrections staff and teachers are among the front-line workers not prioritized for early access to shots. The government says supply is scarce. Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro has said the province expects to offer all Albertans aged 18 and over a first dose of vaccine by the end of June. On March 15, residents aged 65 to 74, and First Nations, Inuit and Metis aged 50-plus, were allowed to begin booking. The province had originally not expected to begin this stage of vaccination until April. In April, the Alberta government aims to start offering the vaccine to people with some chronic health conditions born between 1957 and 2005. That includes people with certain lung, kidney, liver and heart diseases, people treated for cancer in the past year, those with severe mental illness and substance use disorders, and pregnant women. After that, vaccines will be available to more health-care workers and people with jobs in certain congregate living settings, such as jails and homeless shelters. Meat plant workers will also qualify in this phase. Alberta has also said it will follow other provinces by extending the time between the first dose and the second to four months. British Columbia More than 300,000 front-line workers will now be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations in the coming weeks. The government says grocery workers, police, firefighters, teachers, postal employees and other front-line staff are considered priority groups and will be eligible to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The highest-risk work categories were identified by a task force last November and include sites where poultry, fruit and fish are processed, as well as large industrial camps. The provinces age-based vaccination plan is ahead of schedule. Anyone 80 and up can arrange their vaccination by the end of the week. The province also opened vaccination clinics across B.C. on March 15 for Indigenous elders and seniors over 90 who had appointments. Clinics also began in Prince Rupert and Port Edward, where all adults are being immunized regardless of age, because of high infection rates in the northwestern region of the province. The government has also extended the time between the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines to four months so all adults could get their initial shot by the end of July. Nunavut Nunavut's priority populations are being vaccinated first. They include residents of shelters, people aged 60 years and up, staff and inmates at correctional facilities, first responders and front-line health-care staff. After a COVID-19 vaccine is administered, patients will be tracked to ensure they are properly notified to receive their second dose. Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories says it expects to finish its vaccine rollout by the end of April. It also expects to receive enough doses of the Moderna vaccine by the end of March to inoculate 75 per cent of the adult population. Yukon Yukon says it will receive enough vaccine to immunize 75 per cent of its adult population by the end of March. Priority for vaccinations has been given to residents and staff in long-term care homes, group homes and shelters, as well as health-care workers and personal support workers. People over the age of 80 who are not living in long-term care, and those living in rural and remote communities, including Indigenous Peoples, are also on the priority list for shots. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2021. Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com. Gandhinagar, March 24 : Despite having one of the best healthcare facilities and infrastructure, the Vijay Rupani-led government has disclosed before the state assembly that more than 18 newborns died everyday within hours of their birth in Gujarat in the past two years. However, there was not a single death of newborns reported from Devbhumi Dwarka, Botad, Anand, Aravalli and Mahisagar districts in the same period. Answering a series of written questions put up by Congress legislators, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel who also holds the health portfolio, informed the House that a total of 13,496 newborn babies out of the total 1,06,017 admitted in the Sick Newborn Care Units in government hospitals across the state, died during 2019 and 2020. This meant that on an average over 18 infants died in these units. The Congress legislators had asked as to how many children were admitted in the Sick Newborn Care Units in these two years, and also how many were from government as well as from private hospitals. Out of the total newborn admitted in the Sick Newborn Care units, a total of 69,314 were transferred from government hospitals, while 38,561 (36.37 per cent) from private hospitals. Out of the total newborns admitted in Panchmahal district, almost 79 per cent were shifted from private hospitals. Out of the total 1,892 infants admitted in Panchmahals, 1,493 were admitted from private hospitals, while the rest 399 where from government setups. In Rajkot, the native place of the Gujarat Chief Minister Rupani, maximum number of deaths of newborns occurred -- around 18 per cent newborns died. Out of the total 10,623 newborns admitted in Rajkot, 1,834 had died. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) announced Tuesday that the holding of parliamentary and local council by-elections remained suspended. However, the electoral body's chief elections officer, Utoile Silaigwana said it would resume voter registration and other elections programmes at the beginning of April. Last September, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga who also doubles as the Health Minister suspended by-elections citing Covid-19 concerns, a decision that was also endorsed by ZEC. According to the country's Constitution, vacancies in Parliament and local authorities must be filled within 90 days. However, in a statement, Silaigwana said the Covid-19 pandemic still posed a danger in the country. "In view of the danger still posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to uphold some health provisions of Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 which are still in force, the conduct of by-elections remains suspended," the chief election officer said. "This position will be reviewed in due course and stakeholders will be advised accordingly." Silaigwana added; "The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) would like to announce that following the relaxation of lockdown measures of Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 on 01 March 2021, the Commission will lift the suspension of voter registration and some field work it announced on 08 January 2021. The resumption of those suspended activities will come into effect on 01 April 2021. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Everyone involved in those electoral activities should strictly observe the Ministry of Health Covid-19 health measures and the commission's Covid-19 policy on electoral activities." The suspension of the by-elections come when over 80 MDC Alliance legislators and councillors have been recalled by Parliament and local authorities by the MDC-T and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) on charges they were no longer members of their respective parties. Other MPs, councillors from both the MDC and Zanu PF have been died due to natural causes. This week, the US accused the government of frustrating the operations of the opposition parties by postponing by-election indefinitely "We also note the government's selective enforcement of Covid-19 regulations to indefinitely postpone by-elections and prohibit MDC Alliance gatherings, while permitting internal elections and gatherings for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union - Patriotic Front (Zanu PF) party and its allies to go forward. "Zanu PF is misusing the levers of government to silence critics, neutralise opposition, and entrench its political power over the Zimbabwean people," the US Department of State said. Attorney Tommy Walser, a partner in the Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a great organization which identifies those in our community that need help with the probate process, but cannot afford it stated Walser. Attorney Tommy Walser, a partner in the Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC, has volunteered with Legal Aid Service of Broward Countys No Place Like Home Program for the past 2 years, providing probate services to low income and vulnerable members of our community in need of legal assistance. The No Place Like Home Program is a partnership with The Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. Most people utilizing this service have recently lost a loved one who owned a home and need help transferring title into the names of the correct beneficiaries. Without clearing title by removing the decedents name, it would be impossible for the beneficiaries to prove ownership in order to qualify for disaster-relief benefits in the event of a hurricane, obtain new insurance coverage, maintain a homestead tax exemption, and in some cases apply for loans associated with home improvements. Mr. Walser is committed to providing pro bono services to these underserved populations who could not otherwise afford legal assistance. Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a great organization which identifies those in our community that need help with the probate process, but cannot afford it stated Walser. He continued Florida Probate Law Firm is happy to assist with the probate process for individuals who need help the most. It is important that we give back to the community we live in, the best way we know how. About Legal Aid Service of Broward County Legal Aid Service of Broward County is a not-for-profit law firm established in 1973. The mission is to provide high quality free civil legal advice, representation, and education to the poor of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and to encourage self-sufficiency. For more information, please visit https://www.browardlegalaid.org/ or call 954-765-8950. About Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC provides formal probate administration, ancillary probate administration, probate litigation, and professional executor services in all 67 counties across the state of Florida. Their goal is to provide clients with individualized, affordable, and timely service to help meet their clients unique needs. Florida Probate Law Firm, PLLC provides a modern approach to the probate process, ensuring services are provided as efficiency and stress-free as possible. The Florida probate law firm offers: Electronic or remote services - From sending pleadings for signature to e-filing with the court Immediate responses - Free consultations Fast pleadings - Receive pleadings in as little as 24-48 hours Estate openings - Can open an estate in as little as 3-4 weeks Quick turnover assistance - Can sell a house within 1-2 months For more information, please visit https://www.floridaprobatefirm.com Modi is the chief guest even as Dhaka and New Delhi have shown how neighbours can cohabit and thrive despite the ups and downs by Ashok K Mehta Indisputably, Bangladesh has turned out to be the sheet anchor of Indias Neighbourhood First policy, launchpad for Act East and Indo-Pacific strategy. Barring some issues over the CAA and NRC, both the countries enjoy most stable and trusted relations in South Asia. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has, in payback mode, delivered on security counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism since 2009 besides connectivity, trade and other bilateral issues. Insurgency in the North-East, down 80 per cent, is in its residual stage courtesy the cleansing of sanctuaries in Bangladesh. The land and maritime boundaries have been settled, including the enclaves. The only problem remaining is sharing the Teesta waters which might be settled with a BJP Government in West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the chief guest in Dhaka on Friday for the historic triple commemoration: 50 years of the Liberation War of 1971, 50 years of India-Bangladesh bonding and the centenary of the founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman. The joint Indo-Mukti Bahini victory in 14 days with the surrender of 90,000 POWs, including 195 Pakistani soldiers implicated in war crimes, is a rare politico-military feat. It was the first war India was prepared to fight with deft political and diplomatic manoeuvres. Strategic thinker and author Jaswant Singh would describe Bangladesh as geographys revenge over history and lament that Pakistans military surrender in East Pakistan could not resolve the Kashmir dispute. Now Pakistan-Bangladesh relations are at their lowest following diplomatic excesses, including Islamabads spying and trial in Dhaka of the Jamaat-e-Islami members aligned with the Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who were not only involved in war crimes but also opposed to independence and secession from Pakistan. A gentle apology from Prime Minister Imran Khan any time now would make a grand gesture of reconciliation. New Delhi and Dhaka have shown how neighbours can cohabit and thrive despite the ups and downs. The upward trajectory commenced with Sheikh Hasinas return to power in 2009. The focus has been on connectivity in power grid, digital, road, railway, inland waterways and port facilities. The use of Chittagong Port, which Dhaka had earlier blocked, is now open connecting Agartala, 80 km away in Tripura, over the Maitri Setu bridge across Feni river making it the gateway to the North-East. A new railway service from Dhaka to New Jalpaiguri will augment the existing connectivity network. The aim is to restore and extend the pre-Partition rail-road-river systems. Bangladeshs economy is booming. The World Bank in its latest report has noted that environment-friendly projects will enhance GDP in Bangladesh by 17 per cent and in India by eight per cent. Both the countries have defused friction points except the sharing of Teesta waters, vital for irrigation in north-east Bangladesh during the dry season. A Chinese-funded project is assisting in the management of Teesta. India and Bangladesh share waters of 54 rivers, operating under the Joint River Commission network. But it is the people-to-people connect that is at the heart of bilateral relations. Sheikh Hasina calls India a true friend. More than 1.6 million visas are issued to Bangladeshis annually, the highest to any country. Both the countries have evolved effective differences-resolving mechanism by high-level visits and conversations. The CAA and NRC are prickly issues that were smoothened out. The Rohingya issue has become complex after the juntas coup. India has donated two million doses of COVID-19 vaccine in addition to five million doses to be supplied commercially. Commemoration of the Liberation War annually in New Delhi, Dhaka and Kolkata has been institutionalised. As an Indian soldier who helped the Mukti Jodhas in their Liberation War, I was a privileged invitee to Dhaka to celebrate freedom and recall the march to victory with Bangladeshi colleagues, which is a bonding in blood. The father of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, celebrates his centenary as Banga Bandhu with Modi and Hasina jointly inaugurating the Mujib-Bapu digital exhibition and Mujib being conferred the Gandhi award. President Mohamad Abdul Hameed will release the Sheikhs memoirs to relive his political struggle cut short by his assassination in 1975 which led to an era of military rule. It was in this period that the seeds of anti-Indianism were sown. As late as in 2013-14, on a visit to Dhaka, I discovered that the Bangladesh Army was treating India as Red Land and China the high benefactor. In his book, Zulfi Bhutto of Pakistan, Stanley Wolpert says: If only Bhutto had abided by election results, there would have been no Bangladesh and any reason for India to intervene. India and the Federal Republic of Germany facilitated the return of 195 PoWs charged with war crimes by persuading Mujib to be lenient. In 1973, German Chancellor Willy Brandt, through protracted negotiations with emissaries of Zulfiqar Bhutto and Mujibur Rahman, succeeded in convincing Mujib that he should forego the trials. Sheikh Mujib displayed extraordinary courage and wisdom towards reconciliation with Pakistan. But that, alas, was shortlived. (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.) The Industrial Court has declared the ongoing strike by the teaching staff at Makerere University illegal, saying that they did not comply with the set legal procedures of notifying their employer of their intended industrial action. According to the ruling by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Kawempe Division Labour Officer, Ms Ruth Kulabako, the instituted disciplinary proceedings by the respondent (Makerere) against the complainants is justified and claims of discrimination lack merit. "Pursuant to Section 4 (d) of the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act 2006, I accordingly reject the complaint against the respondent (Makerere University) for violation of the claimant's rights. In the same way, I find no merit in the complaint of the claimants that disciplinary proceedings instituted by the respondent are unlawful," she held. Ms Kulabako further ruled that Makerere University Council, the employer of the complainants has never received or been served with a formal notification of an intended industrial action which would include details of a breach by the employer of an employment terms in the employment contract and a demand to rectify within a time stipulated under the law. "The alleged industrial action was therefore not in accordance with the set down procedures. Your assumption of powers to issue injunctions is misplaced," she held. Last week, the industrial court ordered Makerere University management to halt the planned disciplinary threats against striking staff following a complaint from the teaching staff alleging infringement of various sections of the Employment Act by the University management. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Legal Affairs Labour By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Ms Kulabako asked the university secretary, Mr Kiranda Yusuf, to respond to the allegations within two weeks and also asked them to halt any disciplinary action intended on their staff. The staff including; Dr Deus Kamunyu, Robert Kakuru, and Joshua Kidaaga (all elected workers' representatives) through their lawyers on February 15 petitioned the Labour Office to protest threats from the university management. "In pursuant to section 12(1) and 93(1) of the Employment Act, our clients hereby lodge a complaint against Makerere University in breach of section 75 (e) and 76 of the Employment Act. The employer threatens and intends to effect disciplinary action and other forms of occupational detriment against the three complaints in retaliation for the trio's activities as workers' representatives concerning an ongoing industrial action that is lawful," Mr Isaac Ssemakadde, the staff's lawyer said. All academic staff in all public universities across the country declared a nationwide sit-down strike under their umbrella group, The Forum for Academic Staff in Uganda (FASPU) on February 6 over their salary enhancement money amounting to Shs129b promised by the government. Following the court ruling, Mr Kamunyu asked the staff to remain calm as they await guidance from their lawyers. Balancing growth and evolution with the time commitment required to achieve mastery of new products and services is no small task, and the solutions and services we offer are of critical importance to the companies we serve, said Kelly Nuckolls, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances. InfoSystems, Inc., a trusted infrastructure, IT optimization and cybersecurity partner headquartered in Chattanooga, TN , today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, is honoring them on its 2021 Tech Elite 250 list. This annual list features IT solution providers of all sizes in North America that have earned cutting-edge technical certifications from leading technology suppliers. These companies have separated themselves from the pack as top solution providers, earning multiple, premier IT certifications, specializations, and partner program designations from industry-leading technology providers. Businesses rely on solution providers for an enormous amount of technologies, services, and expertise to help them meet todays IT challenges whether its a new implementation or digital transformation initiatives. To meet these demands, solution providers and MSPs must maintain high levels of training and certification from IT vendors and achieve the highest tiers within those vendors partner programs. Each year, The Channel Companys research group and CRN editors distinguish the most client-driven technical certifications in the North American IT channel. Solution providers that have earned these high honors enabling them to deliver exclusive products, services, and customer support are then selected from a pool of online applicants as well as from The Channel Companys solution provider database. InfoSystems strives to lead the adoption of emerging, impactful technologies to create positive outcomes for our clients and community. Their solutions and managed services offerings are built on impartiality, honesty and trust. InfoSystems strength lies within the team members, who understand todays business challenges and how to optimally deploy technology solutions to solve them. Balancing growth and evolution with the time commitment required to achieve mastery of new products and services is no small task, and the solutions and services we offer are of critical importance to the companies we serve, said Kelly Nuckolls, Vice President of Marketing & Alliances at InfoSystems. This means we not only have to maintain a deep and broad understanding of each of our existing solutions, but constantly evaluating the potential ROI of new and emerging technologies. We take exceptional pride in the time to value we offer our clients, and that is directly related to level of expertise our team has to offer. CRNs Tech Elite 250 list highlights the top solution providers in the IT channel with the most in-depth technical knowledge, expertise, and certifications for providing the best level of service for their customers, said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. These solution providers have continued to extend their talents and abilities across various technologies and IT practices, demonstrating their commitment to really conveying the most exceptional business value to their customers. Coverage of the Tech Elite 250 will be featured in the April issue of CRN Magazine and online at http://www.CRN.com/techelite250. ABOUT INFOSYSTEMS Since 1994, InfoSystems has provided reliable IT solutions to build and maintain strong and secure systems for both SMB and enterprise organizations. Headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, InfoSystems trusted team of experts specialize in traditional infrastructure, IT optimization and cybersecurity services, as well as next-gen solutions such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence. http://www.infosystems.biz ABOUT THE CHANNEL COMPANY The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelcompany.com MOSCOW, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Energy Prize has completed its 2020/2021 nomination cycle, setting new records despite the pandemic. Thirty-six countries are represented on the long list of nominees, three times the number in 2019 (12 countries) and nearly twice the 2020 number (20 countries). The list includes academics from North America and Western Europe, but also for the first time from such nations as Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Gambia, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Madagascar, Mexico, Nigeria, Togo, Uruguay and Zimbabwe. Stringent rules and the highest academic standards have been upheld. For the first time in the prize's history, there are four women candidates from India, Kazakhstan, the United States and Zimbabwe. The prize's expanded geography underscores broadened prestige, stimulated by cooperation with the World Energy Council in London and active promotion of the U.N. sustainable development goals agenda. There was also the expanded international stature of the Board of Trustees including the General Director of the Association of Power Utilities of Africa, Abel Didier Tella, as well as the former president of Uruguay, Julio Maria Sanguinetti Coirolo, and the founder of the London-Brussels group Influence, Peter Wilding. Out of the 106 nominations, 34 are devoted to conventional energy, 45 to non-conventional, and 27 to new ways of energy application, including a "management" subcategory. This is in line with global energy trends and the International Energy Agency's forecast of a boom in renewable energy sources in wealthy countries and growing fossil fuel demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Independent experts will consider candidates, with criteria including "newness", scientific and practical value. A short list of 15 candidates will be created on the basis of those receiving the highest number of average points in each category. The short list will be considered by the International Committee - 20 academics from 14 countries. This year, the committee will meet during the Tatarstan Oil and Gas Forum in Kazan (6th-7th September). The award presentations will take place during the Russian Energy Week International Forum in Moscow in the autumn of 2021. The 2020 presentation (postponed by the pandemic) will take place in conjunction with the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (2nd-5th June), organised by the Roscongress Foundation. The Global Energy Association is a non-commercial organisation with headquarters in Moscow. Members of the Association include Gazprom, Surgutneftegas and Rosseti FGC UES. SOURCE The Global Energy Association By Patricia Reaney (Reuters) - George Segal, the Oscar-nominated actor who sparred with Richard Burton in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," romanced Glenda Jackson in "A Touch of Class" and won laughs in the TV sitcom "The Goldbergs," has died at the age of 87. "The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery," his wife Sonia Segal said in a statement on Tuesday. Charming and witty, Segal excelled in dramatic and comedic roles, most recently playing laid-back widower Albert "Pops" Solomon on the comedy series "The Goldbergs." "Today we lost a legend," Adam F. Goldberg, who created the TV series that was based on his own life, wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. "It was a true honor being a small part of George Segal's amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark," Goldberg added. Segal's long time manager Abe Hoch said in a statement that he would miss his friend's "warmth, humor, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human." Segal's acting career began on the New York stage and television in the early 1960s. He quickly moved into films, playing an artist in the star-studded ensemble drama "Ship of Fools" and a scheming, wily American corporal in a World War Two prisoner-of-war camp in "King Rat" in 1965. Two years later he earned an Academy Award nomination as best supporting actor in the harrowing, marital drama "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" with Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. "Elizabeth and Richard were the king and queen of the world at that moment and there was a lot of buzz about it," Segal told The Daily Beast in 2016. "For me, there was a great satisfaction of being involved with it." Story continues But it was in comedies that Segal cemented his star status in a string of films in the 1970s with A-list directors and co-stars such as Jackson, who won an Oscar for her performance in "A Touch of Class." Segal played a lawyer in the 1970 dark comedy "Where's Poppa" with Ruth Gordon, a gem thief along with Robert Redford in 1972's "The Hot Rock," an out-of-control gambler in Robert Altman's "California Split" and a philandering Beverly Hills divorce attorney in Paul Mazursky's "Blume in Love" in 1973. He starred opposite Jane Fonda in "Fun with Dick and Jane," fell for the charms of Barbra Streisand in "The Owl and the Pussycat" and played Natalie Wood's husband in "The Last Married Couple in America." "I always try to find the humor and the irony in whatever character I am playing because I think of myself as a comedic actor," Segal said in an interview with the online movie journal filmtalk.org in 2016. "So that makes drama a lot more fun for me by not taking it so seriously, you know." He credited an early appearance on the late-night talk show "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" for his switch to comedic roles. "It was the first time that the people who make movies saw me doing comedy and having this funny interchange with Carson," Segal told the Orlando Sentinel in 1998. He said he considered himself lucky in a business that he compared to gambling because you're always waiting for your lucky number, or a great part, to come up. He also had a life-long passion for the banjo and performed at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1981 with his group, the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band. HITS AND MISSES George Segal was born on Feb. 13, 1934, in Great Neck, Long Island in New York. Although his ancestors were Russian Jewish immigrants, his family was not religious. In interviews Segal summed up his Jewish experience as going to a Passover Seder at Groucho Marx's house where the comedian asked, "When do we get to the wine?" Segal was a shy child but said he felt free on the stage. After seeing the film "This Gun for Hire" when he was 9 years old, he knew he wanted to act. Following a stint in the Army and graduating from Columbia University with a drama degree, he made his film debut in "The Young Doctors" in 1961. Two of Segal's most acclaimed performances - in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and as Biff Loman in the 1966 TV movie of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" - were in roles that actor Robert Redford had turned down. "I owe Redford a lot. I think I may have thanked him when we did The Hot Rock, he told Variety in 2017. When Segal's film career waned in the 1980s he appeared in TV films and series before returning to the big screen in supporting roles that included "Look Who's Talking" in 1989 and 1996's "The Cable Guy" with Jim Carrey. He found a younger generation of fans as a women's magazine publisher in the hit TV comedy "Just Shoot Me!," which ran from 1997 to 2003. "He could make characters who should have been jerks seem lovable," producer Steve Levitan, who worked with Segal on Just Shoot Me, told Variety in a 2017 interview. Segal said he did not contemplate retirement because people kept offering him interesting roles. Being in your 70s is OK but, when you get to your 80s, you get creaky," he told Variety. "Ive got my second wind although Im not going as fast as I used to. (Additional reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bill Trott and Edwina Gibbs) Welcome to Wine of the Week , a series in which Chronicle wine critic Esther Mobley recommends a delicious bottle that you should be drinking right now. Last week, she highlighted a bag-in-box red wine from Ryme Cellars. Check for a new installment online every Wednesday. Under normal circumstances, Graham Tatomer sells his wines for very fair prices. The Santa Barbara County winemaker is dedicated to Austrian-inspired bottlings, and consistently produces some of Californias best Gruner Veltliners and Rieslings made in the racy, precise, dry styles that Austria is known for mostly under $30. But while shopping for wine recently, I noticed a Tatomer white at a truly spectacular price: $15. My interest was piqued. I bought it and threw it in the fridge. A blend of Gruner (80%) and Riesling (20%), the wine which Tatomer calls Hinter de Mauer smelled like honeysuckle nectar and lemon verbena, with a juicy, deliciously viscous texture. It was layered and complex, and continued to taste fresh as I sipped it over the next couple of days. Wines this good at prices like this are hard to come by in California, so I called Tatomer to ask how he does it. This is the COVID cuvee, he said. Before the pandemic, Tatomer had sold almost all of his wine through restaurants, he explained a necessity for a brand built on a theme (Austria) thats not top of mind for many American drinkers. Geeky sommeliers loved to recommend his wines to diners, especially because theyre so food-friendly, but getting Austrian-inspired California wines on a retail shelf was always a challenge. There arent a lot of people coming into a wine shop asking, Got any Santa Barbara dry Riesling? he said. So a year ago, when COVID-19 shut down restaurants throughout the country, Tatomer panicked. Restaurants shutting down really felt like my business was shutting down, he said. He watched as other wineries slashed their bottle prices, but that seemed like a short-term fix. Leah Millis / The Chronicle 2014 Instead of discounting his existing wines, Tatomer decided to make an entirely new one. He took five of the white wines hed made during the 2019 harvest Gruners and Rieslings from single-vineyard sites around the Central Coast and, rather than bottling them each individually like he usually does, made a kitchen-sink blend of them all. He priced the wine essentially at cost, he said. The conventional wine-pricing math suggests that he should be selling the Hinter de Mauer for somewhere between $25-$30, but hes doing it for $15. The main goal, Tatomer said, is just to get some cash flow going during a time when it otherwise might have been completely static. And the ideal outcome is that the $15 price tag will introduce some people to the other Tatomer wines, the ones closer to the $30 range. The phrase Hinter de Mauer is a local idiom in the small Austrian village of Loiben, where Tatomer lived while working for Weingut Knoll, one of the countrys most famous wineries. Loosely, it translates to against the wall, a reference to the walls surrounding Loibens terraced vineyards. The grapes that grow closest to the wall often taste the best, in part because they get some of the walls radiant heat. Theyre the best-tasting grapes, but also the hardest to work, Tatomer said of Loibens wall-adjacent vines. It felt like an apt metaphor for his business survival during the pandemic: being stuck within a confined space, under the most challenging conditions, and making something great out of it. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. As exciting as the Hinter de Mauer is for wine drinkers, however, the prospect of making a kitchen-sink blend and selling it at cost again in 2021 the prospect, in other words, of restaurants wine sales remaining as enervated as they have been is not very exciting to Tatomer. He wants to go back to making his normal set of wines this year and selling them at real prices. Still, he said, he might try to make another type of $15 wine, if he can find less expensive fruit sources. Hes eyeing other Teutonic white grape varieties that can be sourced for less money than Gruner and Riesling: Sylvaner, maybe, and Pinot Gris. Is this going to be around next year? Tatomer said. I hope not! The wine is available at Castro Village Wine, West Coast Wine & Cheese, K&L, Farmstead Cheeses and Wines, Wine Mine, Bi-Rite and Little Vine. Its also available directly from the Tatomer Wines website, but must be purchased in 12-bottle increments. Tatomer Hinter de Mauer White Blend Central Coast 2019 ($15, 11%) Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine critic. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley FLINT, MI A medical clinic is planning to administer free doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone in the community who needs it. Medical professionals with the Hamilton Community Health Network will be administering free walk-up/drive-thru COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone who is 16 years old and older from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 26 at the parking lot of the Center of Hope, 812 Root St., in Flint. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to Matthew Frierson, communications and outreach specialist for Hamilton Community Health Network. The clinic has 150 doses of the vaccine available, but those who arrive at the event on Friday and arent able to get the shot can register online for a different day and time to receive the vaccine. To register to take the vaccine, visit here. We will be registering people who come after supplies run out, Frierson said. As cases in Michigan spike, Hamilton Community Health Network is committed to alleviating barriers for those needing a COVID19 vaccination so that all in the community who needs a COVID19 shot can have one, according to a Hamilton Community Health Network press release. Read more on MLive: Program educating Flint residents on COVID-19, vaccine aided by United Way relief funds First drive-thru coronavirus testing site opens in Flint Drive-thru coronavirus testing sites opening in Flint, Detroit Flint hospital runs practice drills at new coronavirus testing drive-thru Hamilton Health in Flint offering drive-thru coronavirus testing Tuesday OTTAWA, March 17, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. (Cornerstone or the Company) (TSXV-CGP) (F-GWN) (B-GWN) (OTC-CTNXF) is pleased to provide an update on its Bramaderos gold and copper joint venture in southern Ecuador in which it has a 12.5% interest carried by JV partner and project operator Sunstone Metals Inc. (ASX: STM) through to the start of commercial production (see About Bramaderos, below). Figures related to this news release can be seen in PDF format by accessing the version of this release on the Companys website (www.cornerstoneresources.com) or by clicking on the link below: https://cornerstoneresources.com/site/assets/files/5804/nr21-06figures.pdf. HIGHLIGHTS: Two latest holes (ESDD008 and ESDD009) at Espiritu extend the known strike length of the silver-gold mineralization to 700m Drill hole ESDD009 intersected 2 significant lodes of silver-gold-zinc-lead mineralization including: 2.5m at 65.9g/t silver, 1.63g/t gold from 369.5m 0.5m at 141g/t silver, 0.28g/t gold, 0.52% copper, 2.73% lead and 1.15% zinc from 370m 0.6m at 154g/t silver, 6.46g/t gold from 371.4m (only 140m below surface) Detailed soil geochemistry has defined several significant anomalous areas to the south-east for drilling Espiritu is one of several similar targets within the Bramaderos project area Cornerstone VP Exploration, Yvan Crepeau, said: These results provide more evidence that Espiritu is a large silver-gold system. It is still early days in the exploration of this system, and we are still developing models for the style and geometry of mineralization, that will in turn enable us to better target the higher-grade areas. The early benefits of this approach are seen in drill hole ESDD009, which delivered the highest gold grades we have seen in the system. We are seeing the suggestion of groupings of discrete surface anomalies seen clearly in Figure 3 - that we believe probably reflect higher grade shoots, and which will be the focus of ongoing work. We will be exploring individual targets within an area 700m x 1,500m. Locally these areas contain very high grades of silver and we are getting closer to understanding the controls on those higher grades. Once ESDD011 is completed (Figure 2) we will review all data to plan the next phase of drilling. This will include drilling at Espiritu Southeast (Figure 3) where Espiritu style veining is present at surface and corresponds with a cluster of silver-in-soil anomalies over a strike length of 400m. Espiritu is just one of several similar targets within the Bramaderos Project area, which require further exploration. FURTHER INFORMATION: Assay results and geological interpretation from holes ESDD008 & 9 show multiple silver-gold bearing structures with various orientations (Figure 1) with local high-grade mineralization (Table 1), including the highest gold grades yet drilled at Espiritu. Drilling of hole ESDD008 was completed at 359.97m. Drill hole ESDD009 was completed at 451.35m and intersected veins a further 250m south of ESDD008 (Figure 1), now taking the strike extent of the Espiritu silver-gold system to 700m. Drill Holes ESDD008 and 009 were drilled at shallow angles to surface, and partly following topography, and have only tested to a maximum vertical depth of 140m below surface. Evidence of multiple lodes continues to be identified in drilling. Narrow high-grade zones appear to narrow and thicken, and better mineralization is interpreted to occur at vein intersections. This is interpreted to generate sub-vertical higher-grade shoots as seen in holes ESDD005 and 006, and to be tested with hole ESDD011 in progress. Table 1: Details of assay results from holes ESDD008 and ESDD009: Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Cu (%) Pb (%) Zn (%) ESDD008 26.0 27.0 1.0 1.06 3.78 60.1 62.1 2.0 8.00 0.13 0.20 166.9 167.8 0.9 0.34 24.25 0.15 251.0 252.0 1.0 0.26 2.78 298.0 300.0 2.0 0.53 1.38 ESDD009 71.0 72.0 1.0 0.31 6.02 113.0 115.0 2.0 20.81 0.22 307.6 308.1 0.5 0.92 39.57 6.68 327.6 328.0 0.4 0.19 12.95 0.28 1.04 369.5 372.0 2.5 1.63 65.90 0.11 0.56 0.25 Includes 369.5 370.0 0.5 0.28 141.00 0.52 2.73 1.15 and 371.4 372.0 0.6 6.46 154.00 413.5 414 0.5 0.57 17.92 0.16 1.58 Figure 2 is a cross section showing drill holes ESDD005, 006, and current hole ESDD011. Figure 3 shows the status of the broader Espiritu target area with infill soil geochemistry highlighting multiple anomalies for follow-up. Espiritu drill hole locations are shown in Table 2 in the Figures. About Bramaderos Measuring 4,948 hectares, the Bramaderos project is located approximately 130km from the Loja provincial capital in southern Ecuador. The project is easily accessible via the Pan American Highway that crosses the property. The Bramaderos concession is owned by La Plata Minerales S.A. (PLAMIN), which in turn is owned 87.5% by Sunstone (the project operator) and 12.5% by Cornerstone. Cornerstones 12.5% interest is carried by Sunstone through to the start of commercial production and repayable at Libor plus 2% out of 90% of Cornerstones share of earnings or dividends from the Bramaderos project (see news release 20-01 dated January 7, 2020). More information about the property can be found at www.cornerstoneresources.com. Qualified Person: Yvan Crepeau, MBA, P.Geo., Cornerstones Vice President, Exploration and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Bramaderos project for Cornerstone and has reviewed and approved the information contained in this news release. Sampling and assaying Surface and drill core samples from Espiritu were sent to the LAC y Asociados Cia. Ltda. Sample Preparation Facility in Cuenca, Ecuador for sample preparation. The standard sample preparation for drill core samples (Code PRP-910) is: Drying the sample, crushing to size fraction 70% <2mm and splitting the sample to a 250g portion by riffle or Boyd rotary splitter. The 250g sample is then pulverised to >85% passing 75 microns and then split into two 50g pulp samples. Then one of the pulp samples was sent to the MS Analytical Laboratory in Vancouver (Unit 1, 20120 102nd Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 4B4, Canada) for gold and base metal analysis. PLAMIN uses a fire assay gold technique for Au assays (FAS-111) and a four acid multi element technique (IMS-230) for a suite of 48 elements. FAS-111 involves Au by Fire Assay on a 30-gram aliquot, fusion and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) at trace levels. IMS-20 is considered a near total 4 acid technique using a 20g aliquot followed by multi-element analysis by ICP-AES/MS at ultra-trace levels. This analysis technique is considered suitable for this style of mineralization. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted ~1/28 samples. The values of the standards range from low to high grade and are considered appropriate to monitor performance of values near cut-off and near the mean grade of the deposit. The check sampling results are monitored and performance issues are communicated to the laboratory if necessary. Sample security was managed through sealed individual samples and sealed bags of multiple samples for secure delivery to the laboratory by permanent staff of the joint venture. MS Analytical is an internationally accredited laboratory that has all its internal procedures heavily scrutinized in order to maintain their accreditation. MS Analytical is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 2005 Accredited Methods. PLAMINs sampling techniques and data have been audited multiple times by independent mining consultants during various project assessments. These audits have concluded that the sampling techniques and data management are to industry standards. All historical data has been validated to the best degree possible and migrated into a database. Rock samples are collected by PLAMINs personnel, placed in plastic bags, labeled and sealed, and stored in a secure place until delivery by PLAMIN employees to the LAC y Asociados ISO 9001-2008 certified sample preparation facility in Cuenca, Ecuador. Rock samples are prepared crushing to 70% passing 2 mm (10 mesh), splitting 250 g and pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns (200 mesh) (MSA code PRP-910). Prepared samples are then shipped to MS Analytical Services (MSA), an ISO 9001-2008 laboratory in Langley, BC, Canada, where samples are assayed for a multi-element suite (MSA code IMS-136, 15.0 g split, Aqua Regia digestion, ICP-AES/MS finish) and gold by Fire Assay (MSA code FAS-111, 30 g fusion, AAS finish). Over limit results for Cu (>1%) are systematically re-assayed (MSA code ICF-6Cu, 0.2 g, 4-acid digestion, ICP-AES finish). Gold is assayed using a 30 g split, Fire Assay (FA) and AAS finish (MSA code FAS 111). Over limit results for Au (>10 g/t) are systematically re-assayed (MSA code FAS-415, FA, 30g., gravimetric finish). Soil samples are dried at low temperature, screened to 80 mesh (MSA code PRP-757); a 15 grams portion is then assayed for a multi-elements suite (MSA code IMS-136, Aqua Regia digestion, ICP-AES/MS finish). Quality assurance / Quality control (QA/QC) The MSA Analytical Laboratory is a qualified assayer that performs and makes available internal assaying controls. Duplicates, certified blanks and standards are systematically used (1 control sample every 20-25 samples) as part of PLAMINs QA/QC program. Rejects, a 100 g pulp for each rock sample, are stored for future use and controls. About Cornerstone Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company with a diversified portfolio of projects in Ecuador and Chile, including the Cascabel gold-enriched copper porphyry joint venture in northwest Ecuador. Cornerstone has a 21.4% direct and indirect interest in Cascabel comprised of (i) a direct 15% interest in the project financed through to completion of a feasibility study and repayable at Libor plus 2% out of 90% of its share of the earnings or dividends from an operation at Cascabel, plus (ii) an indirect interest comprised of 7.5% of the shares of joint venture partner and project operator SolGold Plc. Exploraciones Novomining S.A. (ENSA), an Ecuadoran company owned by SolGold and Cornerstone, holds 100% of the Cascabel concession. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including SolGolds fully funding the project through to feasibility, SolGold Plc will own 85% of the equity of ENSA and Cornerstone will own the remaining 15% of ENSA. Further information is available on Cornerstones website: www.cornerstoneresources.com and on Twitter. For investor, corporate or media inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations: Mario Drolet; Email: Mario@mi3.ca; Tel. (514) 904-1333 Due to anti-spam laws, many shareholders and others who were previously signed up to receive email updates and who are no longer receiving them may need to re-subscribe at http://www.cornerstoneresources.com Cautionary Notice: This news release may contain Forward-Looking Statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as statements of Cornerstones beliefs, plans, objectives, strategies, intentions and expectations. The words potential, anticipate, forecast, believe, estimate, intend, trends, indicate, expect, may, should, could, project, plan, or the negative or other variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes that its expectations reflected in these Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, such statements may involve unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed in our regulatory filings, viewed on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. For us, uncertainties arise from the behaviour of financial and metals markets, predicting natural geological phenomena and from numerous other matters of national, regional, and global scale, including those of an environmental, climatic, natural, political, economic, business, competitive, or regulatory nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our Forward-Looking Statements. Although Cornerstone believes the facts and information contained in this news release to be as correct and current as possible, Cornerstone does not warrant or make any representation as to the accuracy, validity or completeness of any facts or information contained herein and these statements should not be relied upon as representing its views after the date of this news release. While Cornerstone anticipates that subsequent events may cause its views to change, it expressly disclaims any obligation to update the Forward-Looking Statements contained herein except where outcomes have varied materially from the original statements. On Behalf of the Board, Brooke Macdonald President and CEO 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. Chinas Alaska Ambush of the Biden Administration, in Context Commentary In his new book, The China Nightmare: The Grand Ambitions of a Decaying State, scholar Daniel Blumenthal makes a telling point about the Chinese dictatorships operational and strategic decisions: China is not just driven by its own assessment of its strengths and weaknesses; it carefully calculates Washingtons power and will before acting. Blumenthal specifically addressed Chinese diplomacy under former President Hu Jintao, current President Xi Jinpings predecessor. However, his point applies to Chinas communist leaders since the mid-1980s and arguably since 1972, when then-President Richard Nixon met Mao Zedong. Understand that Blumenthal sees communist China as a very vulnerable political entity. I tend to agree, at least as long as a self-assured and militarily adept United States has the will to oppose Chinas dictators and provide classic, inspiring, pro-individual freedom U.S. leadership. (Unashamed plug: See the China chapter of my book Cocktails From Hell.) Appropriate Shakespeare allusion: Inspirational American willthats the rub. March 2021 exposed a serious rub: the well-calculated diplomatic and personal disdain senior Chinese officials displayed for President Bidens administration. The theatrics occurred at last weeks high-level U.S.-China talks. The talksface-losing debacle describes the U.S. experiencetook place on U.S. soil, in Anchorage, Alaska. So dub it the Alaska Ambush, a Chinese diplomatic and information warfare cocktail. Ambushisnt that a tactic? A high-ranking Chinese Communist Party foreign policy official surprising a U.S. secretary of state indicates China seeks strategic advantages from the bashfest. Blumenthals insight helps contextualize the incident. Opening remarks were supposed to be limited to two minutes. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken observed the agreement. Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Director Yang Jiechi launched a 17-minute tirade damning America. The tirade included these choice examples. Yang said, it is important for the United States to change its own image and to stop advancing its own democracy in the rest of the world. Rightfreedom is predatory. He reprised Cold War communist themes by asserting China opposes using force to topple other regimes and accused the United States of using violence to massacre the people of other countries. Remember, China is currently being accused of murdering Turkic Uyghurs in western China (yes, a genocide). At one point, Yang mentioned Black Lives Matter and alleged that many people within the United States actually have little confidence in the democracy of the United States. The fact that Yangs harangue occurred on American soil with no American interruption may have added to the perceived loss of American face in some Asian audiences. Yangs rhetorical jabs certainly mocked the Biden administrations fatuous slogan America Is Back. Back to what? is a fair question. The Alaska Ambush nixes any Washington Post tout of a moral high ground, soft power Democratic diplomacy that deserves broad bipartisan support. The correct answer: The incident reveals a simultaneously naive and just-plain-dangerous return to Beltway foreign policy conventionalism. Alas, Biden neo-conventionalism is now expressed and personified by Biden administration usual suspects who spent 2020 kowtowing to Black Lives Matter and Antifa street violence, insurrection, and identity politics cancel culture. They also leveraged Big Lies Told by Big Media, like The New York Times 1619 Project, which falsely claimed slavery was Americas foundational raison detre. Perhaps that vile spew of America-hate and reframed Cold War communist disinformation helped defeat former President Donald Trump. However, the Biden neo-conventionalists (yes, the new neo-cons) now occupy positions of power, where, presumably, they have the responsibility of defending America and Americans physically, economically and, yes, institutionally. Recall Blumenthals point. Chinas Alaska Ambush demonstrates how the neo-conventionalists election-year anti-American propaganda created a diplomatic and potentially economic vulnerability that China has decided to exploit. The Russia-collusion hoaxinvolving senior FBI and CIA officials as well as senior political operatives of former President Obamas administrationand Hunter Bidens media-ignored Ukrainian and Chinese business activities also handcuff Biden neo-conventionalists who call for American unity. We dont know if Beijing possesses blackmail leverage over Hunter Biden. That noted, his China-investment scandal haunts American diplomacy. The Alaska Ambushs orchestrated slander and macho theatrics indicate Beijing believes it holds the diplomatic and information initiative. It bets frightened Asian and African nations will notice Americas feckless leadership. Austin Bay is a colonel (ret.) in the U.S. Army Reserve, author, syndicated columnist, and teacher of strategy and strategic theory at the University of TexasAustin. His latest book is Cocktails from Hell: Five Wars Shaping the 21st Century. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced to raise the limit for tax exemption on interest earned on provident fund contribution by employees to Rs 5 lakh per annum in specified cases as against Rs 2.5 lakh that she had proposed in the Union Budget 2021. The new provision would come into effect from April 1. Announcing the Budget for 2021-22, Sitharaman had announced that interest on employee contributions to PF over a certain amount has now been made taxable. The Budget for the fiscal year beginning April would have make interest on employee contributions to PF above Rs 2.5 lakhs per annum taxable effective April 1, 2021. However, replying to a discussion on the Finance Bill 2021 in Lok Sabha on Tuesday, the FM said the tax-free limit is now being amended to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh per annum. This exemption, however, is subject to condition that the up to Rs 5 lakh contribution does not include employer's contribution beyond the statutory limit of up to 12 per cent of the basic pay. She clarified that the Rs 2.5 lakh limit is covering 92-93 per cent of the people who are subscribers and they are entitled for assured interest that is tax free under this scheme. Live TV #mute In the previous 2020 Budget, the finance minister had capped the tax exemption on employers contribution to PF, NPS and superannuation funds at an aggregate of Rs 7.5 lakh per annum. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Socialbakers, the leading social media marketing platform, today released a new trends report: "State of Social Media Marketing: A Year After COVID." The report reveals multiple insights highlighting the impact of the pandemic on social media marketing trends and underscoring the resiliency of the digital marketing community. According to Socialbakers' data, Facebook Ads Reach (the number of users who view an ad at least once) increased 30% globally in 2020 compared to 2019, with regional lifts varying between 12% to an astounding 96% jump in North America. "This increase in ad reach can be attributed to a number of factors, one being that users are spending more time online interacting with branded content," said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, President at Socialbakers. "Another factor is the sheer size of the Facebook audience. With over 2.7 billion users, no other platform can offer brands the same reach for their ads. The shift we've seen in consumer behavior driven by the COVID19 pandemic has been dramatic. And with more people spending time online, it's likely consumers have been more eager to engage with ads -- making it easier for Facebook's algorithm to serve more ads to its users." When looking at Facebook Ad Spend, North America saw a drop at the beginning of spring followed by a quick recovery with advertisers spending record levels. Socialbakers' data show year-over-year Facebook ad spend during the holidays doubled as digital channels became a key tool for reaching audiences sheltering at home. "Year-over-year comparisons show ad spend has continued to climb into the first quarter of this year, indicating a strong confidence in digital advertising across regions," said Ben-Itzhak. Based on the past 12 months of ad spend and ads reach trends, the biggest takeaway for advertisers is that the digital marketing community is resilient and able to adapt to the most challenging circumstances. The digital transformation efforts that have taken hold over the last year -- from in-app purchasing to the influx of businesses launching online buying options -- will only bolster digital marketing tactics and deepen confidence in social ad spend. In addition to Facebook Ad reach and Ad spend trends, Socialbakers analyzed sentiment trends toward vaccinations and found that Pfizer was the top healthcare brand worldwide when measuring Facebook interactions for posts related to the vaccine or virus. But when it came to sentiment, AstraZeneca was the brand that saw the most significant increase in negative sentiment over the same time period. The full Socialbakers report, "State of Social Media Marketing a Year After Covid," can be downloaded here. Press Contact Claire Wilson [email protected] Related Images socialbakers.png Socialbakers Socialbakers logo SOURCE Socialbakers CLEVELAND, Ohio - I believe Ive mentioned this in a column before, but Ill say it again. My name is Eric Foster, and I am a news junkie. When Im waiting in the Justice Center on a hearing, Im reading the news. The television in my office is always on a news network. When I get home, I watch the news. Its a thing. Most of the time, Im watching either CNN or ABC News. But sometimes, and I know this might surprise some, I also watch Fox News. I dont do it every day, but I do try to watch it at least once a week. Call me crazy, but I believe theres a value in seeing what the other side is thinking about and talking about. Last Friday, March 19, was Fox News Friday in my office. The big story of the day was how on the previous day, March 18, the California State Board of Education approved a model curriculum to guide how the histories, struggles, and contributions of Asian, Black, Latino, and Native Americans and the racism and marginalization they have experienced in the United States would be taught. California Department of Education officials said it was the first statewide ethnic studies model curriculum in the nation. In my mind, the approval seemed like a significant step forward. First, taking a course in ethnic studies has been shown to benefit all students. A 2016 Stanford University study of an ethnic studies pilot program in San Francisco high schools found that assignment to the course increased 9th grade student attendance by 21 percentage points, GPA by 1.4 grade points, and credits earned by 23. Second, it makes perfect sense that a state where more than three-quarters of the students are non-white would prioritize a diverse educational curriculum. Well as you can imagine, Fox News saw it a little differently. While introducing the story, the chyron at the bottom of the screen said, Wokeness Coming to the Classroom. After posting the California state superintendents quote in support of the curriculum, the segment swiftly transitioned to the position of critics who believe its wrong to bring race and ethnicity into the classroom. One critic who was highlighted was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The segment highlighted portions of a March 17 speech Gov. DeSantis gave while announcing a civics education initiative. Gov. DeSantis said, Let me be clear there is no room in our classrooms for things like critical race theory, teaching kids to hate their country and to hate each other is not worth one red cent of taxpayer money. Before I get to the governors comments, I want to clear something up: ethnic studies and critical race theory are not the same thing. The Department of Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley defines ethnic studies as the critical and interdisciplinary study of race, ethnicity, and indigeneity with a focus on the experiences and perspectives of people of color within and beyond the United States. Kimberle Crenshaw, one of the founding scholars of critical race theory, describes it as a practicea way of seeing how the fiction of race has been transformed into concrete racial inequities. In short, ethnic studies is more of a field of study, whereas critical race theory is more a method of study. There is a relationship between the two, but I will leave that explanation to the experts. That conflation aside, I believe Gov. DeSantiss position to be a bit problematicand telling. It is a curious position to take that teaching critical race theory is the equivalent of teaching kids to hate their country. I am unaware of any scholars of the theory who proclaimed to hate their country. Neither am I aware of any ethnic studies scholars who asserted the same. If they didnt say it, then where does the governors logic come from? I think Gov. DeSantiss framing is part and parcel of a troublesome pattern. A troublesome, conservative pattern of framing all critiques of America, and those people who support them, as unAmerican or as persons who hate their country. The logic goes that America has been, and will always be, the greatest country on Earth. Therefore, anyone who speaks otherwise, regardless of where they are from, must hate America. In a way, it is a conservative version of the cancel culture they so often lament. Opposing viewpoints are vilified and shouted down. The problems this framing causes are numerous, but the worst problem in my view is the intellectual dishonesty. We all know that criticism does not equal hate. In fact, if you think about it, we reserve most of our criticism for the things and the people that we love. Talk to a Clevelander about the citys weather. Or the Browns. Or the Cavaliers. Or the Indians. The criticisms will flow like the Nile. But let someone who is not from Cleveland make those same criticisms. Things might start to get a little tense. James Baldwin said, I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. I think most of us can understand the message. It is not hatred of America that drives those who call out our countrys hypocrisies or its failings. It is love. The same kind of love that Clevelanders have for Cleveland. We need to begin embracing criticism of America. Not only in our everyday conversation, but most importantly, in our classrooms where we manufacture the leaders of tomorrow. If we recognize that no person is perfect, why would we teach our children that our country, founded by and comprised of imperfect people, is somehow perfect? That makes no sense. Teaching our children about the marginalization of communities of color, through ethnic studies courses, is sure to cause some of them to ask some hard questions about America and its ideals. But that is a good thing, right? Thats called critical thinking. You can find that term littered across just about every school curriculum in the nation. Consider what our children have seen in recent history. Nine Black people murdered in church during evening Bible study. Hundreds of Latino children ripped from their families at the border. Eleven Jews murdered in a synagogue during morning service. A nationwide increase in attacks on Asian Americans. Eight people murdered at three different Georgia massage parlors last week. Six of them were Asian women. Now is as good a time as any to educate the youth about how these events are not anomalies, but logical consequences of systems and structures that we allow to exist, whether consciously or unconsciously. Only if we start talking about these root causes of racial and ethnic crimes will we be able to come up with solutions that can stop their repetition. And as Frederick Douglass said, it is much easier to build strong children, than repair broken men. Someone reading this may still believe at this point that discussions about race and ethnicity, racism and oppression, have no place in the classroom. You are welcome to that opinion. But am I not also welcome to mine? And are our children not welcome to hear my opinion? And to engage with it critically and decide for themselves? If your answer is no, then Im sorry. You should be canceled. Eric Foster, a community member of the editorial board, is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com. Foster is a lawyer in private practice. The views expressed are his own. To reach Eric Foster: ericfosterpd@gmail.com Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. The updated PEA to accelerate the production of lithium chemicals to Phase 1 of the project follows a strategic review and recognition of changing market conditions for lithium. It has engaged with various international groups for strategic investments and offtake arrangements and these interactions have been positive. s ( ) (FRA:9MY) independent third-party engineering company Millcreek Mining Group has included the production of lithium carbonate in its preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the Paradox Brine Project in Utah, US. An updated PEA to accelerate the production of lithium chemicals to Phase 1 of the project follows a strategic review and recognition of changing market conditions for lithium. The inclusion of lithium in the PEA adds $53 million to the Phase 1 pre-tax net present value (NPV) of the project. Updated PEA The updated PEA indicates high economic viability and return on investment due to the unique nature of the brine, which flows to surface under its own pressure with high concentration of a number of minerals, including bromine and lithium, which can be extracted from the same brine using the same supply and disposal infrastructure. The PEA was based on production of 15,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of sodium bromide and 2,465 tpa of lithium carbonate. In addition to revenue from sodium bromide and lithium carbonate, revenue is expected to be earned from the sale of two by-products, 20,084 tpa caustic soda and 1,949 tpa hydrochloric acid. Potential additional by-product revenue from production of boron (Boric Acid, H3BO3) and iodine were excluded from the economic analysis for the PEA as test-work for these potential by-products is not sufficiently advanced. Project development funding The company believes that there are reasonable grounds to assume that future funding will be available to commence the next stages of development, including in the near-term, in addition to later stages of development up to, and including Phase 2. Anson has a number of funding options through equity, debt, offtake agreements and strategic investment to fund the development of the project, which are under active consideration. The strong production and economic outcomes delivered by the PEA are considered to be sufficiently robust to provide confidence in Ansons ability to fund pre-production capital through conventional debt and equity financing. Anson has engaged with various international groups for strategic investments and offtake arrangements and to date these interactions have been positive. This has informed Ansons view of being able to secure the necessary funding for all phases of the project at times where the interest in financing these projects is expected to be high due to rising prices and market demand. Project timetable The project will require around two years of permitting, detailed engineering, and construction prior to the commissioning and operations of Phase 1. The PFS will build from the PEA to further refine resources, engineering, and design of the processing facility and will be based on the following assumptions: Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. MANCHESTER, England, March 24, 2021 PRNewswire/ -- As businesses begin to plan their transition out of lockdown, the need to manage this change safely and securely is a clear and significant concern for employers. Reopening business premises and returning staff to the workplace carries risk. To help manage and mitigate these risks, BrightHR has built and released its free business support offer VaccTrak Lite to assist employers through this change, ensuring their employees, customers and business are protected throughout and remain safe as we move beyond COVID restrictions. VaccTrak Lite, a free suite of online tools, allows employers to track the progress of coronavirus vaccinations in their business, speak to expert HR and Health and Safety advisors for free, access employee training materials on the available vaccines, download COVID secure policies and document templates and provide their employees with a "VaccTrak Pass" once vaccinated. This powerful platform is designed to deliver maximum support to businesses at this critical time. It has been made available to all UK business owners by BrightHR, the global HR software and employment law advice firm, with no obligations or strings attached. With over half of all adults in the UK receiving at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the vaccination rollout has been heralded as the 'beginning of the end' for restrictions caused by COVID-19. The rollout also offers employers the opportunity to bring employees back to the workplace safely and protect their customers and businesses. With news that the government is now considering making the COVID vaccine mandatory for care home staff to protect vulnerable residents, it is becoming increasingly vital that employers keep a record of which staff have had the jab. To help all employers achieve this, VaccTrak Lite users get access to their own vaccination hub, which they can use to keep a secure record of employee vaccinations and download regular reports to track the progress of vaccinations in their business. The unique feature even gives users access to VaccTrak passes. Users can issue these to their employees once they've been vaccinated and use them to build up trust and confidence in their workplace. To increase vaccine uptake in the workforce, VaccTrak Lite also gives users access to a suite of e-learning tools. Users can share these with their staff to help educate them on the vaccination process and the benefits of receiving the vaccine. On top of all these exclusive features, business owners also get access to complimentary HR and health & safety advice from qualified experts. Our helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, to assist employers in reopening their businesses safely. Alan Price, CEO at BrightHR, said: "The wide-scale vaccine rollout is uncharted territory for employers and currently, many are confused as to what part they should play and how they can protect their workforce and customers as restrictions start to ease. "This is why BrightHR has created VaccTrak Lite. It's been a challenging year for business owners and through our brand-new tool, we want to assist them in reopening safely and making it easier for them to run their businesses. Price added: "We are already supporting over 5,000 businesses and 30,000 employees through our premium VaccTrak tool, and we hope free access will help many more." Victoria Duncan, Central Business Administrator at Emerging Futures CIC, a non-profit organisation, uses her VaccTrak regularly and said: "The VaccTrak feature has been really useful for us at EF. As a Health & Social Care organisation still working with clients and in the community, it's been useful to be able to use VaccTrak to monitor which areas and teams are still at risk of catching COVID-19, and which are less at risk based on how many people have been vaccinated. "We have been passing the data onto our Central Management Team and Board to help us monitor the overall vaccination percentages in our organisation. We hope for a high percentage of staff to be vaccinated and will use the data from VaccTrak in our reports and on social media." To start protecting your employees and customers with BrightHR's FREE VaccTrak Lite click here About BrightHR https://www.brighthr.com BrightHR is an international HR, employment law and health & safety software and business advice service. Its innovative cloud-based software allows business owners to keep on top of all their health & safety management, so they can protect their people and their business. BrightHR's easy-to-use features let you: Create and manage risk assessments to HSE standards, including COVID-19 risk assessments. It also gives employers a single place to record staff absences, manage annual leave, and make staggered shifts and rotas. BrightHR also offers 24/7 employment law and HR advice, expert health & safety support, a confidential employee wellbeing service, and much more Jane Pearson Jane.Pearson@BrightHR.com +44(0)7966112032 SOURCE BrightHR The panel of judges of the Supreme Court postponed to April 7, 2021 the consideration of the case on appeal of the court decision dated 2017 on the obligation of PrivatBank to service the deposits of the Surkis brothers' companies placed on the accounts of its Cypriot branch before nationalization, which estimate the obligations under them at $347.4 million. According to the court's press service on Wednesday, the decision to postpone was made at a session on March 24. The reasons for the postponement were not specified. It is indicated the panel of judges refused to sustain the bank's petition to consider the case in a court session summoning the litigants. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 5, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Sen. Graham Introduces Bill to Stop Asylum Abuse on Southern Border Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) proposed an immigration measure on March 24 that aims to close loopholes in the asylum system and change policies that may be contributing to the escalating crisis on the southern border. Upon taking office in January, President Joe Biden revoked a host of Trump-era immigration measures that had largely stemmed the flow of illegal aliens into the country. The changes triggered a surge in illegal crossings, especially by unaccompanied minors, more than 11,000 of whom were being kept in overcrowded facilities as of March 23. Grahams bill would require asylum-seekers from the Northern Triangle countriesGuatemala, Honduras, and El Salvadorto apply for refugee status at asylum centers outside the United States. The proposal would also afford equal treatment to unaccompanied minors from the Northern Triangle as those from Canada and Mexico. Under the current law, unaccompanied minors from Mexico and Canada are returned to their home countries. The Biden administration has lost control of the southern border. Its time to regain control and you have to deal with the dynamic that led to the border being overrun, Graham said at a press conference in Washington on March 24. This is not Trumps fault. Thats a bunch of B.S. This is policy choices that were ill-conceived that have blown up in the Biden administrations face. The Secure and Protect Act of 2021 would also extend the amount of time illegal alien families can be detained together; currently, officials are limited to holding families together for a maximum of 20 days. The bill would also authorize the hiring of 500 new immigration judges and necessary support staff to handle a backlog of roughly 1 million immigration cases. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) co-sponsored the bill. Graham introduced the bill as the Biden administration struggles to deal with a surge of illegal aliens across the southern border. Republicans in the House and Senate have sought to draw attention to the crisis, while a group of more than a dozen Republican senators are planning a trip to the border in the coming days. Unlike the Trump administration, which actively sought out press coverage of border concerns, the Biden administration has barred press access to border operations. The White House is under increasing pressure to address the influx of unaccompanied minors. Early in his term, Biden issued an exemption on Title 42 deportations for unaccompanied minors. The Trump administration had used Title 42 authority to send back illegal aliens, due to concerns over the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. That spread like wildfire throughout Central America. Word is out that an unaccompanied child will not be sent back under Title 42. They will remain in the United States, Graham said. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-23 22:12:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Confectioner Laszlo Rimoczi shows a chocolate bunny holding a syringe he created for the 2021 Easter season at his chocolate shop in Lajosmizse, Hungary on March 22, 2021. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, March 23 (Xinhua) -- While many Hungarians fear that they might still be locked down during the upcoming Easter due to the pandemic, local confectioner Laszlo Rimoczi offers a sparkle of hope with his chocolate bunnies holding a syringe. "The mask is a thing of the past. We now need a positive message," Rimoczi explained to Xinhua on Monday, referring to his last hit: the Chocolate Santa wearing a protective mask, made of marzipan. "I have seen Easter bunnies in Belgium wearing masks, hence the idea of the Chocolate Santa with the mask. But this year we want to show people that thanks to the vaccines, we already see the light at the end of the tunnel," he explained. "We wanted to convey the message in which we believe, namely that the vaccine means life...the future, so this year, the Easter bunny will not bring an Easter egg, but an Easter vaccine," he added. He noted that in order to make the syringes look realistic, they actually went to a pharmacy and bought real syringes, in order to have the perfect mold for the mixture of high-quality Italian milk and chocolate used to make the bunnies. He also explained that bare bunnies were no longer interesting for his customers, who started to ask for bunnies either with syringes or masks. Rimoczi, a cook by profession, got attracted towards confectionery which could give full play to his creativity. This creativity has also been recognized by the Association of Hungarian Confectionery Manufacturers, which presented him with an Award for Innovation for his original sweets. Besides the professional merit, Rimoczi is glad to see orders queuing up. Thanks to the publicity from media reports on their products, foreign customers also want to buy his chocolate creations. But Rimoczi, who is working in Lajosmizse, a small town 55 km south of Budapest, is happy to be able to serve domestic customers. The light of hope from the artist is much needed in Hungary, where the population is battling the third wave of the pandemic, and is entering its third week of severe lockdown. Enditem With both Pt Fortin hospitals now converted to Covid-19-only facilities and no 24-hour accident and emergency service, Kay Arjoon was yesterday forced to deliver her nephew while parked on the Otaheite roadside. Arjoon, 37, her nine-month-pregnant sister-in-law, Christene, 34, and brother Ricardo, had driven from Cap-de-Ville in Point Fortin in an attempt to reach the San Fernando General Hospital before delivery. Karl Stefanovic stunned Today show viewers on Wednesday when he admitted his wife Jasmine Yarbrough has a bit of a crush on a hunky doctor they often interview on the breakfast program. Karl, 46, pretended to be green with envy as he revealed shoe designer Jasmine, 36, 'can't stop ogling' Dr. Nick Coatsworth every time he appears on the show. The Today hosts commented on Dr. Nick good looks as he spoke about the Covid vaccines, Meet the man making Karl a little jealous: Karl Stefanovic stunned Today show viewers on Wednesday when he admitted his wife Jasmine Yarbrough has a bit of a crush on a hunky doctor they often interview on the breakfast program 'Looking particularly good today Nick,' one said. Karl then revealed Jasmine's crush on Dr. Nick. 'My wife doesn't even hear what he says, just ogles him,' Karl said with a laugh. He caught her eye! Karl, 46, pretended to be green with envy as he revealed shoe designer Jasmine, 36, 'can't stop ogling' Dr. Nick Coatsworth every time he appears on the show 'My wife doesn't even hear what he says, just ogles him,' Karl said with a laugh He added: 'He is not a piece of meat, he is a doctor.' His co-stars Allison Langdon and Brooke Boney also appeared to appreciate Dr. Nick's good looks. 'He has very interesting things to say,' Ally said. She's a fan! His co-stars Allison Langdon and Brooke Boney also appeared to appreciate Dr. Nick's good looks. Brooke, looking a little flustered, cheekily added: 'I want to hear what he says about the vaccine Brooke, looking a little flustered, cheekily added: 'I want to hear what he says about the vaccine.' Karl quipped back: 'You do not', before breaking into a fit of laughter. Dr. Nick is an infectious diseases specialist and a respiratory specialist, who, according to the Australian Government Department of Health, is 'assisting with Covid-19 response.' Happily married Karl and Jasmine tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in December 2018. Last year, Karl shared a sweet tribute to his wife on their second wedding anniversary. He uploaded a photo of a cheerful-looking Jasmine cradling their baby daughter, Harper May, now 10 months, alongside a tender caption that read: 'Happy anniversary love. What love in your heart.' 'What laughter in your eyes. What joy you bring us all,' the doting husband added. FALLS CHURCH, Va., March 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded a contract by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. The contract is for the rapid development and flight test of an interceptor designed to defend the nation against the most complex long-range threats. Northrop Grumman has strategically teamed with Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a business of Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX), to bring together the vast experience of the two companies on one team, to deliver an effective solution for MDA on an accelerated schedule. The NGI program is an element of the MDAs Ground-based Midcourse Defense System (GMD) which is the primary U.S. missile defense system used to defend the country from long-range ballistic missile attacks. Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Missiles & Defense currently provide the interceptor booster, kill vehicle, ground systems, fire control and engagement coordination for the countrys GMD system. We are honored to be selected by the MDA as prime contractor to develop the NGI system to protect our nation from advanced missile attacks, said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, launch and missile defense, Northrop Grumman. There is a critical timeline for fielding this capability and our team brings together the industrys top missile defense talent, agile design and manufacturing practices, and state-of-the-art operational factories to support the MDA and our nations defense against these evolving threats. The Northrop Grumman and Raytheon Missiles & Defense team brings decades of experience in all aspects of missile defense, along with the latest in Agile processes, artificial intelligence and model-based systems engineering to offer an affordable, low-risk solution to help ensure mission success. We are bringing together next-generation technologiesdigital engineering and game-changing discriminationfor an extremely advanced capability, said Bryan Rosselli, vice president of Strategic Missile Defense at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. This team is building on unmatched experience, accounting for all 47 prior U.S. exo-atmospheric intercepts. With that knowledge, we are also embracing innovative ways to accelerate operational deployment while reducing risk. The contract, including flight test options, has a period of performance through 2029. The companies NGI program team will be headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama, with major operations in Chandler and Tucson, Arizona; and Magna, Utah, with an industry team located across the nation. For more information on the teams Next Generation Interceptor please visit: https://www.northropgrumman.com/space/next-generation-interceptor/ About Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 97,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. About Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises four industry-leading businesses Collins Aerospace Systems, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense. Its 195,000 employees deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. The views expressed are those of Northrop Grumman and do not constitute an endorsement by the Missile Defense Agency. In part one of our advanced podcasting guide, we pointed you to all the gear you might need to make a great (and original!) show. Now that youre fully kitted out (or just have a bulging wishlist) what about some practical tips to help you stand out from the crowd? In part two, we speak with four industry experts about everything from getting the right recording, to turning your passion project into a money-making empire (maybe). Argin Hutchins, NPR Trainer How to nail the recording If you want to have that NPR sound, then Argin is your guy. Hes a member of the training team at the broadcasting network so knows a thing or two about how to get that intimate radio style. Below, he shares his thoughts on everything from recording basics to sound design. It always begins with a recording, and that is that if you don't really record something well, it's a lot harder for you to get good sounds out of it, so obviously the phrase goes, junk audio in, junk audio out. Not everybody has a lot of money to buy all these expensive microphones, so you just need to learn how to get the most out of the microphone that you own, and understand its limitations. But what about the endless choice of microphones? Hutchins is obviously less worried about the price, at least if youre just looking to upgrade your old karaoke mic plugged into the 3.5mm port of your PC. I think the only microphones that you can have a challenge with are the ones that... as far as podcasting goes, are the ones that are just quite frankly sometimes too expensive, and I mean by that is they give you a lot of options, they give you figure eight, they give you cardioid, they give you hypercardioid, you don't need a very expensive mic. Thats great for the studio, but what if you find yourself out in the field without your gear? Simple, use your phone. With the phone, the microphone is really good at picking up our voice as if we were holding it to our ear, especially the iPhone and the Android-based phones. The microphones they put in them are really amazing for picking up a conversation, and so I always tell people if they want to record in the field, number one, you can always use voice memo, but I would always suggest getting an app that will record non-linear recordings or basically waveforms. Proceed with caution though, you need to make sure your guest addresses the mic properly. I hold it upside-down, microphone towards me, and I hold the flat face towards the person, so I don't hold it sideways or the thin way towards us back and forth. Stefano Guidi via Getty Images And what about all those background noises and so on that really make you feel somewhere? When you're using ambient [foley sounds] in a story, usually its for one of two things, to either introduce a scene, or to demonstrate action. Like a car honking or a car whizzing by or something, or someone doing something. Ambi is more used for pacing, than it is for ... I don't want to say setting a scene, but for controlling how the story builds. A good recording is one thing. What you do with that audio next is also vitally important. We wont go into the details and finery of mixing here, as thats a whole article in itself, but there are some tools you can reach for to give your audio a more professional sound. A lot of times people use channel strip equalizers. These are common tools in most audio editing applications, similar to the EQ settings you might find in a music app (or your Dads old Hi-Fi). And those are great, but to really get that surgical precision in terms of your sound you definitely want a linear phase equalizer, because it won't add any coloration to your sound. The next thing I'd do is I'd put it through an automatic fader. Essentially, this is a plug-in you use in your main audio editing software that adjusts the volume in real-time to ensure your dialogue remains at a consistent level. If you learn how to use it correctly, it will save you literally hours of time. With your levels all set, if you want to match the standards of your favorite network or show, youll have to think about overall volume levels. Make sure that you have really good metering, because a lot of podcast companies now have standards in which they want people to deliver their content. You definitely want a meter that can measure LUFS, or loudness unit full-scale, it's another way of measuring loudness, which is better for mixing. Jack Hart, Author: Storycraft How to make a great narrative A good recording is one thing, but how are you going to tell a story in an engaging way? There are many books on the subject, but most of them have fiction as their focus. Storycraft by Jack Hart focuses entirely on narrative non-fiction. The second edition has also been updated to include new sections specifically on podcasts. There are similarities and identical elements of storytelling across so many media. Storytelling is the universal thing that is ingrained in our brain. Hart told Engadget, before pointing out the key difference with podcasts.The voice of the storyteller is right there, front and center. That has some implications. And that it's easier to create a sense of intimacy. That intimacy brings with it another question: Point of view is one that is often neglected. It is absolutely essential to effective storytelling. Whose story is it? Is the question that you really need to ask. If youve already read Storycraft, youll know that Hart is a proponent of the complication, that important challenge to be overcome that keeps people listening. What is the problem? Good storytelling is about solving the problems or at least struggling with the problems, even if they are not solved. And focus, the beginning podcasters I've worked with, that's been a principal problem the failure to decide what's relevant and what isn't. With the open-endedness of the format, often the pressure for focus is not nearly as great as it would be in a space-limited print version of the story. If you are looking to do something with a story arc you need to think in terms of how your show progresses. One of the basics of good narrative storytelling is scenic construction. You build things out of scenes. If you're doing a 10-episode podcast, I would think of how long is each episode going to be? If it's, say, 30 minutes, well then it maybe gives you time for three or four scenes. Andrew Toth via Getty Images Hart comes from a journalistic background and has been an advocate of non-fiction narrative for most of his career. If anyone knows how to make sure you get the right answers from your subject for a story, and not just dry information, its him. He advises priming your source by telling them "This is not going to be a conventional journalistic interview, so I want you to think of this as a movie and describe your participation [...] in terms of the scenes that you can recall as specifically as possible." This should give you the anecdotes you need so you wont need to rely on narration to make up for anything your subject skimmed over too quickly. But be careful not to go too far the other way. Hart also thinks the current trend for narrator-less documentary isnt necessarily a good thing. I think a narrator has an important role to play, particularly in a podcast, because the narrator becomes a continuous presence and the voice of the narrator becomes an element in how the story is absorbed. Perhaps the main strength of podcasts over other narrative formats is the most obvious one. I think it's important that the narrator not be metaphorically stuck in a studio somewhere, but get out. Sarah Koenig [creator of Serial], I recall when she went somewhere you would be in the car with her and her friend, and they would go to a particular location. There would be some detail about the appearance of the location, and getting out of the car with the audio of the car door slamming and walking down a path and those kinds of things will help introduce some movement. That's really important to keep the audience engaged. Carmen Dukes, Head of Editorial for Podcasts at Spotify How to be heard Carmen Dukes has an enviable job: Listening to podcasts for a living. Among other responsibilities, Dukes and her team curates the podcasts youll see highlighted on the platform. Her ear is the ear you want to impress, basically. The first thing that Dukes reveals is that comedy, not true crime, is the most popular genre of podcast on Spotify. I think that everybody at this moment would like to laugh because things are so challenging, personally, mentally. And I think that it offers a nice escape. I think that's the cool thing about podcasts in general: You have the opportunity to help people go to a better place. But that doesnt mean you have to try to be funny if you want to make it up the rankings. Dukes says that even if you and your friend are doing a podcast about something you care about, there are ways to stand out. There are two that come to mind, one is Dope Labs, which is a Spotify podcast, and then Back Issue. And Back Issue is about the exploration of nineties pop culture. I think what's interesting for those two shows is this... I think if you're going to do a duo podcast, you have to complement each other. And obviously come at the subject matter from different viewpoints [...] And I think that tension, healthy tension, actually makes for good drama. All of a sudden, you either identify with one or the other. Pineapple Street Studios Whether youre doing a classic buddy podcast or trying something different, there are still some important things to consider, she says. I would encourage people to obviously listen to a bunch of podcasts and take notes on what you like and what you don't like, things that you would improve. And just be comfortable with experimenting. Obviously, when you start a podcast, you're not going to get tons of listeners right away. And that actually gives you some flexibility to try different formats out and just evolve as you go, keep that learning mindset. Dukes also has enough experience listening to know that, sometimes, the simplest things can be a turn off. I think one thing is, get into it. Sometimes, beginnings of shows, they take a long time to get into the actual subject matter. The same is true for the length of your show. If youre figuring that out by just how long youve been recording for, you might want to be a bit more conscious. Be aware of how long it's taking you to tell your story and to be deliberate about it. But also don't feel like, oh man, it has to be 10 minutes and then stop the recording. Or [feel that] it has to be an hour. Playing with time can also happen at the macro level. Dukes reminds us that if you or a guest reveal something important, deep or profound, feel free to let it linger and allow people to digest it. Nothing too long, but a dash of silence at the end can work wonders, I think its really powerful. I mean, that's very cinematic too. When it comes to highlighting the best podcasts on Spotify, there are a few simple things at the top of Dukes list: We look out for stuff that transports us to other places. Whether that's hearing from an astronaut who went to space or hearing from, like, homeless people in Toronto. Take me someplace that I can't go. And that could be your hometown. It doesn't even have to be somewhere like space. Yes, your humble home town can be as interesting to someone else the vast expanse of space is. They might seem (literal) worlds apart, but if your listener hasnt been somewhere and you can take them, thats a valuable thing. More important than where you live, is where you are coming from. Something that Spotify is very focused on. We just think that this is a medium that can be democratized and we can create stages and places to show just the diversity of the people and creators that we have. And so definitely looking for diverse stories, diverse storytellers, as well as interviewees. Want to know what someone that works with podcasts all day thinks is original? Here are some of Carmens picks for shows that do something different: La Woman - Julie Roth meets amazing women in her home city. The Heart - A docu-style series with a wide variety of human stories Everything is Alive - All the interviews are inanimate subjects. It's crazy. This is Actually Happening - All it is is somebody, no interviewer, talking about a very personal, intimate experience. Locatora - It's two women of Latinx heritage but they're talking about relationships through a Gen Z lens. Jesse Thorn, Founder of the Maximum Fun network How to turn your side gig into a job Jesse Thorn is the man behind Maximum Fun, a podcast network with a focus on, as the name suggests, the lighter side of life. Max Fun shows include My Brother, My Brother and Me, The Greatest Generation and the inimitable Beef and Dairy Network. Thorn started podcasting in 2004 and has grown Maximum Fun from a literal one-man operation to a booming business. But how can you get your show on a network like his? At Maximum Fun, we specialize in comedy and culture. So we're looking in those two relatively broad categories. We actively seek shows from voices that might not otherwise be heard. In the world of podcasting, each show has to have a distinctive enough personality that it will connect with an audience who has a choice of listening to any of 50,000 shows. When I asked Thorn about any no nos ideas that he wouldnt consider he was pretty clear: Shows about nerd stuff. There are plenty of them. I'm not against them existing but if your pitch is we're three friends talking about geek culture, only do that podcast if it's a hobby that you want to do with your free time no matter whether people are listening. Assuming that your show idea isnt about geek culture, what then? I would try and be realistic about goals. Like, is your goal to make enough money to quit your job? Is your goal to get rich? Is your goal to spread an idea? Is your goal to get more clients as a graphic designer or a plumber? Knowing why youre doing this is as important as what youre doing, basically. As far as pitching goes, you're going to have a hard time pitching to big podcast networks if you don't have a track record. But that doesnt mean you shouldnt, or at least, dont rule it out. Maximum Fun If they're [pitches] coming from someone who has a distinctive voice and notable talent, then we work on it with them and try and get it to the point where people can respond to it. Jarrett and Tre'vell, who host our podcast Fanti, pitched us a few different ideas and we barely knew them. They were just such smart, charming, brilliant folks that we said, let's pound this out. Let's find out what's most distinctive about the things that are special about you and make a show out of it. Thorne also points out that the open-ended format of a podcast can be a burden as well as a positive. People often forget that they have to come up with an idea that's repeatable ad infinitum. He said. There are successful short-run podcasts but even those have a really hard time supporting themselves. If your show is done in eight weeks, you don't have any way to sell advertising on it because it takes four weeks to prove that there's an audience and then two more weeks to call the right people and find the deal. Of course, you dont need to have your show backed by a network, thats the joy of podcasting anyone can do it and rub shoulders (or at least thumbnails) with the big budget productions. There are platforms that can help people sell adverts and raise subscription revenue or donation revenue that didn't exist when I started Maximum. If it was me, and I was starting out, I would be inclined to think about the scope of my show and whether it's something that I could do myself in my free time, whether it's something that I could do myself but only if it's full-time or whether it's something that I need help and money to do. If you still think you have something that deserves a spot on the digital shelves of a company like Maximum Fun, Thorne is all ears. We have an email address, pitch@maximumfun.org, and we are glad to take pitches from anyone. If you include audio, we will listen to some of it. Editor's note: The following will be a weekly feature from Richard Caines, bringing readers interesting tidbits within the court system along the Grand Strand and Hammock Coast. With in-person Circuit Court jury trials not resuming until April 5, the 15th Judicial Circuit has continued to hold virtual motions the past few weeks. Will courts resume some sort of normalcy when they come back? Or will there be a hybrid form where some witnesses can continue to testify virtually? It will be interesting to watch as in-person hearings get started soon. In local court news: Last month, a lawyer for Charles Everett Adams made a motion to set bond before Judge William Seals. Adams, 37, is facing multiple charges in connection with a string of burglaries that occurred in the Grande Dunes section of Myrtle Beach during the summer of 2018. According to his lawyer, he has been in jail since Aug. 6, 2018, when he was arrested. Adams lawyer requested a reasonable bond and told the judge that it is better for us to fight this from the street than from in J. Reuben at this point due to not being able to show his defendant's evidence from the case because of COVID-19 restrictions. The state said that the burglaries happened during the months of June, July and a period of Aug. 2018 before he was arrested. The solicitor said the Myrtle Beach Police Department had to saturate the area and their concern is that the burglarized homes were owner-occupied at the time of the alleged crimes. The state said that Adams gave a statement to the police on Aug. 1, 2018, admitting to the crimes. The police performed a search warrant on the home he was living in at the time and discovered the items that were taken during the burglaries. The solicitor said that multiple firearms were taken, which concerned them. According to the state, Adams has an extensive prior record. In 2006, he received 15 years for a parole revocation of a second-degree burglary charge. He was in jail until 2017, they said. We do believe he is a danger to the community, the solicitor said. Since hes been arrested, there has been next to no break-ins in that area. Andrew Curry with the MBPD told the judge that Adams basically terrorized these communities for months." Curry said that during an interview with police, Adams started referring to himself as a dead-man walking, expecting to be in jail so long that he would ultimately die in jail. Curry said that Adams told them that he targets firearms because he knows that he can sell that for good money on the street. Thats the last thing we need is for more guns going to criminals on the streets, Curry said. Adams lawyer told the judge that the admission to police is very much open to jury interpretation. 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! The state said that they are prepared to move forward as soon as jury trials start back up. Judge Seals ultimately denied bond for Adams. Last month, a lawyer for Henry Tyrone Moody made a motion to set bond before Judge William Seals. Moody, 23, is facing multiple charges in connection with the shooting death of his 4-year-old nephew after a July 4, 2020, cookout that turned fatal at a home in Galivants Ferry. Moodys current lawyer told the judge that the incident was a tragic accident and was not intentional. She explained that his family was having a Fourth of July cookout and that he loved this little boy. She said that Moody left for North Carolina after the shooting because of threatening exchanges that were directed at him at the home. The state painted a different picture of what happened to Judge Seals. After an investigation, they said that Moody entered the residence and interacted with the child. There was some difficulty between him, and the child and Mr. Moody left the house, the solicitor said. He allegedly came back to the house carrying an AR-15 rifle concealed in a garment bag. The state told the judge that while inside, Moody starting waving it around and pointing it at everyone inside and telling them to sit still and not move as he pointed the weapon at them. The solicitor said that Moody took deliberate aim when he fired the weapon at the victim, also striking a second victim with the same bullet. He was lucky he was not killed as well, the solicitor said. Moody was disarmed by a family member, according to the state, and fled in a car to North Carolina, "ignoring multiple phone calls, multiple pleas from help from his family members to turn himself in. The victims mother wrote to the judge in hopes that Henry does not get out of prison. "As I never would of guessed he would have murdered my child, he has proven to all of us that he clearly is capable of murder, she said. Judge Seals denied bond, but said that they can revisit it in six months. Do you have any tips or questions about courts? Email me at rcaines@postandcourier.com. The Spanish economy depends on the tourism sector but there is still no certainty that, given national and international travel restrictions, it will recover this summer. Representatives of the sector debated the future of tourism, this Wednesday, at a forum organised by the employers' association, CEOE. Its president, Antonio Garamendi, called for the ERTE furlough scheme that runs until 31 May be extended as long as necessary but at least until December. He also asked for the clause for maintaining employment be amended to allow layoffs to help stay afloat. "I prefer an operating company with eight workers than a shut down one with 10," he insisted, arguing, "The only way for that company to have 10 again is for it to have eight now." In addition, the president of the CEOE asked the central government to reconsider the maximum amount of 200,000 euros per company in direct aid from the seven-billion-euro pot that has recently approved. In the same vein, Jorge Marichal, president of Cehat (Spanish accommodation confederation) said that if the direct aid is available to companies in three or four months, it will not have the same effect it would have now. He also called on individual towns to reduce municipal rates that businesses have been paying despite not using those services for a year. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey voted against Dr. Rachel Levines nomination to a key post in President Joe Bidens administration. Biden tapped Levine, Pennsylvanias former health secretary, to serve as the U.S. assistant health secretary. Voting mostly along party lines Wednesday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Levine as assistant health secretary. But Toomey, R-Pa., said Wednesday he couldnt support Levines confirmation. He cited the high number of deaths in Pennsylvania nursing homes to the coronavirus. In Pennsylvania, the pandemic struck seniors in nursing homes disproportionately hard compared to other states. This was due in part to poor decisions and oversight by Dr. Levine and the Wolf administration, Toomey said in a statement. Moreover, the commonwealths extended economic lockdown that Dr. Levine advocated for was excessive, arbitrary in nature, and has led to a slower recovery, Toomey said. While I appreciate Dr. Levines service and responsiveness to my office over the past year, she has not earned a promotion to help lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and I cannot support her confirmation. Levine led the Pennsylvania Health Department for years before leaving to take the post in the Biden administration. She gained a wide profile as Gov. Tom Wolf relied heavily on Levine in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 25,000 deaths in Pennsylvania have been tied to COVID-19 and more than half of those deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, according to the health department. Republican lawmakers have criticized Levine and Wolfs administration for allowing some nursing home residents hospitalized due to COVID-19 to return to their own facilities to recover. Critics have said the Wolf administrations guidance led to spikes of coronavirus cases in long-term care facilities. Nursing home trade groups in Pennsylvania have said they are not aware of the states guidance leading to any deaths or outbreaks and they arent aware of any facility that was forced to accept a COVID-positive patient against its wishes. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., voted to confirm Levine. Levine becomes the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In recent months, Levine earned some criticism for the states rate of COVID-19 testing lagging behind other states. But she won praise for taking steps to stem the spread of the coronavirus and for her calm, measured manner in talking to the public about the pandemic. Some lawmakers, including Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, have questioned Levine about gaps in data about cases in nursing homes, Spotlight PA reported. The Associated Press contributed to this report. More from PennLive While Dr. Rachel Levine inspired and enraged Pennsylvanians, her work caught President Bidens eye Pa. reports 4,667 new COVID-19 infections the most in more than a month After a year of pandemic learning losses, heres how schools plan to help kids catch up "We're excited to incorporate the Crisis Contact Simulator into our counselor training program to prepare counselors to support youth through moments of crisis," said Dan Fichter, Head of AI and Engineering at The Trevor Project. "Our Crisis Contact Simulator can engage in a prolonged back-and-forth dialogue with trainees and can use language in the same way people do, including language LGBTQ youth often use to describe their experiences and emotions. The simulator maintains a consistent emotional and experiential narrative in talking about real-life feelings and situations." The first-of-its-kind tool allows trainees to practice realistic conversations with youth personas. "Riley," the first Crisis Contact Simulator persona, emulates messages from a teen in North Carolina who feels anxious and depressed. In addition to Riley, the organization is currently developing a variety of personas that represent a wide range of life situations, backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, and risk levels. The Trevor Project currently has more than 700 digital volunteer crisis counselors in total and trains a new counselor cohort each month. In the U.S. alone, the organization estimates more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth seriously consider suicide each year, and at least one LGBTQ young person (13-24) attempts suicide every 45 seconds . The Trevor Project aims to triple its digital volunteer crisis counselors in 2021, and eventually grow the pool by 10x significantly increasing the number of LGBTQ youth served each year. LGBTQ young people who contact The Trevor Project will always speak to a highly trained human crisis counselor, available 24/7 and for free. "Technology and AI are critical tools to empower the special person-to-person connections between our crisis counselors and LGBTQ youth," said Amit Paley, CEO & Executive Director of The Trevor Project. "We also know that nearly 70% of our digital crisis counselors volunteer on nights and weekends, indicating a need for more training options outside of typical business hours. Adding the Crisis Contact Simulator into our counselor training program offers significant flexibility for our trainees, which creates a better experience for our volunteers and enables us to scale our crisis services to reach even more LGBTQ young people in crisis." Developed by The Trevor Project's AI, engineering, and product team, the Crisis Contact Simulator is the culmination of the organization's multi-year collaboration with Google.org through the Google AI Impact Challenge . The collaboration included $2.7 million in grants and the support of nearly 30 Google.org Fellows who worked alongside The Trevor Project's staff to introduce machine learning and natural language processing into The Trevor Project's platforms. In addition to the Crisis Contact Simulator, the collaboration also resulted in an AI-powered Risk Assessment tool, which helps the organization assess suicide risk and facilitates connections between the highest risk youth and a crisis counselor more quickly. "The Trevor Project's mission sits at the heart of what Google.org stands for: solving society's biggest challenges through technology and innovation," said Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology and Volunteering at Google.org. "Through funding and support from our Google.org Fellows, we've seen first-hand how a human-centered approach to technology can help those in their most critical time of need, and I hope that the Crisis Contact Simulator is a model that other crisis and front-line public health organizations adopt in the future to support their training methods." The Crisis Contact Simulator will allow staff to focus their time on training even more volunteers and improving the training experience with regular training updates. In addition to the Crisis Contact Simulator and Risk Assessment tools, the organization continues to scale its operations and grow its impact by innovating its crisis services and making strategic investments in staff, technology, and infrastructure. Paley continued, "When I joined The Trevor Project as CEO and Executive Director in 2017, after serving as a volunteer Lifeline counselor for years, I sought to improve our technology platforms to further our mission to end suicide among LGBTQ young people. Through the tireless efforts of our growing teams and our unique partnerships over the last few years, I'm proud to say that our technology infrastructure is more sophisticated than ever before and a key part of the reason we are helping far more LGBTQ youth than ever before." Due to COVID-19, the organization underwent a rapid, massive tech transformation in 2020 to move its Lifeline's physical call centers in NYC and LA to completely remote operations for the first time ever, ensuring its crisis services remained 24/7 and uninterrupted for LGBTQ youth in crisis. In 2019, the organization received a $6 million grant to revamp its Volunteer Management System , streamlining the technology and processes around volunteer recruitment, training, and retention. In addition, the organization's training team implemented an asynchronous training model, allowing trainees to learn via interactive video modules and exercises from anywhere in the U.S. and at times that work best for them. The organization also innovated its chat and text counseling services , expanding the digital crisis services' technological infrastructure to 24/7 availability. The Trevor Project currently employs a technology team of more than 20 full-time staff dedicated to product development, AI and machine learning, engineering, UX, and technology operations. About The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people. The Trevor Project offers a suite of 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs, including TrevorLifeline, TrevorText, and TrevorChat as well as the world's largest safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth, TrevorSpace . Trevor also operates an education program with resources for youth-serving adults and organizations, an advocacy department fighting for pro-LGBTQ legislation and against anti-LGBTQ rhetoric/policy positions, and a research team to discover the most effective means to help young LGBTQ people in crisis and end suicide. About Google.org Google.org, Google's philanthropy, brings the best of Google to help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges combining funding, innovation, and technical expertise to support underserved communities and provide opportunity for everyone. We engage nonprofits and social enterprises who make a significant impact on the communities they represent, and whose work has the potential to produce meaningful change. We want a better world, faster and we believe in leveraging technology and applying scalable data-driven innovation to move the needle. Contact Kevin Wong Vice President of Communications The Trevor Project [email protected] 212-695-8650 x407 SOURCE The Trevor Project, Inc Related Links www.thetrevorproject.org 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 Falcon and The Winter Soldier Disney + One thing about all these dozens of Marvel movies and TV series is that theyre essentially a soap opera for men (well, mostly men) that has been running for well over a decade now. And, just like you cant start watching Days of Our Lives and then get someone to pause it and explain why that one guy has been wearing that eyepatch forever, you cant waste time worrying about all the stuff you dont know. You just have to pick a spot and jump in. Anthony Mackie (left) as the Falcon and Sebastian Stan as the Winter Soldier in a scene from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. The newest jumping-in point is this six-part miniseries. And as youd expect of a Marvel outing it front-loads some seriously spectacular action to get you sucked in. That action involves The Falcon (Anthony Mackie), a former pal of Captain America now flying solo as a one-man Seal Team Six, doing things for the US military that nobody else can do. Hes flying in his high-tech flying suit over a politically sensitive North African desert to rescue a hostage from a hijacked military transport plane but when his judicious application of violence forces the baddies to bail out, thats just the start. Then comes an extraordinary aerial chase through rocky canyons so narrow that whoevers flying the Millennium Falcon this week would probably take a pull. Marvel, though, does like to keep one foot in an approximation of reality. Once his heroic acts of service are done with and hes back home in the American South, our Falcon feels the familiar sting of public ingratitude as a bank manager demands a selfie but denies him the loan that would save the Falcon family fishing trawler. Oh, and the Winter Soldier? Those of us who only saw the poster for Captain America: The Winter Soldier might have thought that Captain America was the Winter Soldier. Wrong! The Winter Soldier is actually Caps old pal Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), who spent 70-odd years as a brainwashed assassin for various bad guys. Hes in therapy now but, like most tough guys, hes not happy about it. Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. The World Health Organization will oversee the coronavirus vaccination campaign in Syria, which is expected to begin in April. The aim of the campaign is to inoculate 20 per cent of the population by the end of 2021. The announcement comes amid a surge in cases in various government-held parts of the country. As per the reports by the state media, the intensive care units in state hospitals in the capital Damascus are full. Also, the medical staff has been called to stay on alert to deal with the patients infected with the virus. According to WHO, it is not aware about the variants which are spreading in Syria because the countrys laboratory capacity is weak. Also, it has sent samples to labs outside of Syria for more information. The countries surrounding Syria have seen variants both from the UK and South Africa. Bashar al-Assad tests positive Earlier this month, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma tested positive for the coronavirus. Both of them showed mild symptoms and the couple did PCR tests after they had minor symptoms. However, both of them continued working from home as they isolated themselves for a period of two-three weeks. The pandemic has posed a tough situation for countries all across the globe, however, for Syria, it has been a major challenge with its economy and health care sector crippling due to the decade-long war-like situation. With limited PCR tests being conducted, numbers are believed to be much higher, especially in regions of northern Syria, which is outside government control. This comes after various reports revealed that Israel paid an amount of $1.2 million to Russia, in order to secure vaccines for Syria. As a part of the tripartite, Jerusalem would secure the release of an Israeli woman long held captive in Damascus. The other terms of the deal termed as clandestine trade-off still remain obscure. The Middle Eastern country began the vaccination campaign last week, however, not much details have been revealed. According to the reports by AP, journalists have not been allowed to witness the rollout. The health minister said that they have acquired vaccines from a friendly country as he declined to name it. (Image Credits: AP) Leading Colorado Democrat Introduces Bill to Censor Internet Communication Commentary A leader in the Democrat-controlled Colorado Senate has introduced a bill that would largely end freedom of the press as we know it. Senate Bill 21-132, or the Colorado Digital Communications Act, would require internet platforms to register in Colorado and comply with content censorship. The censorship would include far-ranging restrictions on communications. As you might suspect, the bill defines censorable offenses in ways that privilege the progressive agenda. The sponsor of the measure, Kerry Donovan (D-Vail), isnt a back-bencher. Shes the state senates president pro tempore and an announced candidate for the U.S. Congress in a district in which she doesnt live. To understand just how regressive this bill is, lets review some background: The Constitutions First Amendment protects both the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. The courts sometimes confuse the two, but under the First Amendments correct meaning, communication through a medium (including the internet) is an exercise of freedom of the press (pdf). Classifying internet communication this way is particularly appropriate in an era in which newspapers deliver their material electronically as well as on paper. Constitutional historians usually date freedom of the press to 1694 or 1695. That was when the British governments press licensing law expired, and authors and publishers no longer had to submit printed material to official censors for pre-publication approval. If freedom of the press was abused, the only remedy was post-publication legal action. The Supreme Court has recognized the importance of this event by emphasizing that the core of press freedom is freedom from prior restraint. Donovans bill would turn back the clock to pre-1695 days by state regulation of digital communications platforms. This term specifically covers social media such as Facebook and Parler, but is broad enough to include newspapers that advertise to Colorado residents. S.B. 21-132 essentially recreates the old British licensing system by erecting a state Digital Communications Division and requiring Internet platforms to register with it. Failure to register would be a crime punishable by fines of up to $5,000 per day! Additionally, the measure would recreate pre-1695 censorship by discouraging and punishing unfair or discriminatory digital communications practices. The division would prosecute those accused of such practices and a Digital Communications Commission would try them. Both the division and the commission could subpoena witnesses and compel the testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and records. This would enable officials to harass a digital platform whenever anyone makes a charge against itenough to induce most platform owners to avoid content that might annoy the woke crowd. Further, the commission could impose equitable relief to eliminate an offending practice. Because the most common form of equitable relief is an injunction, you might think this would be limited to a mere cease and desist order. Not so. Injunctions can be mandatory in naturethat is, require affirmative acts. And the equitable remedy of restitution could involve the assessing of huge money awards if the commission thought that was necessary to eliminate wicked speech. Thus, the commission would have sweeping judicial power. Yet the bill fails to require elementary standards of due process. For example, it doesnt prescribe any particular burden of proof, such as proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It grants subpoena power to the prosecution, but not to the accused. Nor does it guarantee the accused access to legal counsel. Real judges are given independencelong terms, fixed salaries, and the like. But this trial panel would consist mostly of political appointees nominated by the governor and approved by the state senate. Their term would be only four years, and the governor could remove appointees at any time: He need only state that they are guilty of misconduct, incompetence, or neglect of dutyterms the bill doesnt define. The bill creates a list of unfair or discriminatory practicesessentially new crimesfor the state to censor. Among these are practices that promote hate speech; undermine election integrity; [and] disseminate intentional disinformation, conspiracy theories, or fake news. The measure doesnt define any of these terms, so you can imagine the opportunities for avid progressives. After all, according to them, discussing irregularities in the 2020 presidential election is undermining election integrity. News reports they dont like are fake news. Speech against groups they wish to privilege is hate speech. Speech against groups they hate is never hate speech. As for the ban on conspiracy theoriesunder the bills wording, the state can shut you down even if the conspiracy you are discussing is real! It should be obvious that S.B. 21-132 is screamingly unconstitutional; it doesnt matter whether you consider internet communication to be the press or speech. Even the most liberal judges would strike down this monstrosity on first reading. But the fact that the bill was introduced raises some interesting issues: First, Donovans effort to turn back the clock 327 years reminds us that so-called progressives are deeply regressive. Constitutional government that protects human freedom is a fairly modern phenomenon. The unlimited government most progressives seek is as old as the pharaohs. Scratch the typical progressive and you find a hidden totalitarian. Second, Ive previously documented the appalling ignorance of many public officeholders. This is another example. How can anyone get through school, much less become senate president pro tempore, and still imagine this bill could survive constitutional scrutiny? More fundamentally, how could such a person think political appointees could administer this system fairly or that censorship would be good for democracy? Finally, I think its unlikely that Donovan crafted this thing unaided. At the risk of committing the unfair practice of entertaining a conspiracy theory, Id like to know who is really behind it and what their plans are for America. Robert G. Natelson is a senior fellow in constitutional jurisprudence at the Independence Institute in Denver and a former constitutional law professor. He taught, among other subjects, First Amendment law and remedies law. He is the author of several scholarly articles on the First Amendment and on remedies, as well as the book The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant (3rd ed., 2014). Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. American Express Plans Live Audio Webcast of First Quarter 2021 Earnings Conference Call American Express (News - Alert) Company (NYSE: AXP) plans to host a live audio webcast of its earnings conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) on Friday, April 23, 2021, to discuss first quarter 2021 financial results. The webcast will be accessible to the general public through the American Express Investor Relations website at https://ir.americanexpress.com/. The financial results and presentation materials are scheduled to be released and posted on the website at approximately 7 a.m. (ET) prior to the conference call, and an audio replay will be available on the website following the call. ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress. Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility information: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Accertify, InAuth, corporate card, business travel, and corporate responsibility. Source (News - Alert) : American Express Company Location: Global View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005601/en/ UNADILLA, N.Y. An Otsego County woman was arrested after police found a change purse full of drugs that allegedly belonged to her. New York State Police were called to a Speedway gas station in Unadilla on March 14 after a lost coin purse was found in the parking lot. The responding trooper found illegal drugs inside the purse. Police were able to identify the owner of the purse and the vehicle she was driving. The vehicle was later stopped on Route 7 in Unadilla. Savannaha M. Odum, 33, of New Lisbon, was arrested and charged with three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, including third-degree with intent to sell, a B felony. Odum was allegedly found with suspected cocaine and heroin when she was arrested. Odum was released with an appearance ticket, and is due back in court April 12. The Rev. Dr. Andrew Bennett, director of the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute and Canada's former religious freedom ambassador, is pictured in Ottawa on May 8, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Canadas Religious Freedom in Decline, Says Former Ambassador for Religious Freedom Freedom of religion is being eroded in a variety of ways, says Andrew Bennett As Canadas first and only religious freedom ambassador, Andrew Bennett spoke out for the persecuted faithful in China and Iran as well as other countries notorious for suppressing freedom of belief. Fortunately, Canadians are not subjected to religious persecution, but Bennett nevertheless warns that theres been a gradual erosion of religious freedom in Canada that he finds concerning. Its been a slow process, but its manifesting itself more clearly in our present time in a variety of different ways, he told The Epoch Times. Bennett is the director of the Cardus Religious Freedom Institute and is an ordained deacon in the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church in the diocese of Toronto and Eastern Canada. He led Canadas Office of Religious Freedom from 2013 to 2016, before it was dismantled under the Liberal government. Andrew Bennett. (Handout) Bennett says there is a narrowing of religious freedom that manifests in areas such as conscience rights, where legislative changes being made dont include provisions to allow the faithful to adhere to their deeply held beliefs. Religious views are also routinely sidelined in civil society and public discourse, including in the development of legislation around sensitive moral issues, he said. Its a significant challenge now I think in our country, for people with strong religious views to gain a hearing, he said. Religious views, religious language, is absent from our media. Its absent from our political discourse, its absent from our universities. Discriminatory Legislation Two controversial pieces of legislationa bill to ban conversion therapy and one to expand access to medical assistance in dying (MAiD)are examples where the input of faith communities appears to have been ignored, Bennett notes. The recently passed Bill C-7 expands medically assisted death to those who are not terminally ill and to people living with mental illness. Faith-based groups as well as disability advocates and doctors slammed the bill, saying it creates a culture of easy-access death and puts vulnerable populations at risk of being pressured into assisted dying. It concerns me when attempts to bring in conscience rights protection [in] Bill C-7 were just dismissed out of hand, said Bennett, referring to groups that raised the issue during committee hearings. Similar to its predecessor Bill C-14, Bill C-7 doesnt require health-care providers to administer MAiD against their will, but critics say it lacks safeguards for those who refuse to provide or refer patients for assisted death. The Coalition for HealthCARE and Conscience notes that several provincial regulatory colleges have created policies that force physician participation in referring MAiD even if it goes against their beliefs. What will become of physicians who do not believe that administering death is good medicine? the group asked in a March 9 press release. Minister of Justice David Lametti gives a thumbs up as he rises to vote in favour of a motion on Bill C-7, medical assistance in dying, in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, on Dec. 10, 2020. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) Bennett also points to a ruling by Ontarios highest court in 2019 that compelled doctors in the province to give referrals for medical services such as abortion and euthanasia, even if it clashes with their religious beliefs. Its like, you didnt actually rob the bank but you drove the getaway car, he said of the policy. Bennett spoke out against the governments controversial changes to the student summer jobs program in 2018 to fund only those groups that affirmed reproductive rights including abortion. The decision showed open prejudice against faith-based groups, he said. All of a sudden, those organizations were cut out of public funding, Bennett said. Thats not acceptable, because its discriminatory. Likewise, he is concerned about the protection of constitutional rights around the Liberals new conversion therapy bill, saying the broad definition of conversion therapy could criminalize basic conversations about sexual identity sought out with church leaders or parents. Introduced in the House of Commons on Oct. 1, 2020, Bill C-6 seeks to create criminal offences for a practice, treatment or service designed to change a persons sexual orientation to heterosexual, to change a persons gender identity or gender expression to cisgender or to repress or reduce non-heterosexual attraction or sexual behaviour or non-cisgender gender expression. Bennett says this definition lumps routine pastoral counselling into the same category as psychological and physical abuse historically associated with conversion therapy. Conversations of a pastoral nature need to be protected the same way as conversations between a parent and their child need to be protected, he said. Lockdown Logic The issue of religious freedom has come to the fore during the pandemic, as churches clash with health officials over the right to worship and over whether religious services should be deemed essential. Bennett believes caps on indoor gatherings and social distancing requirements are justified. However, he takes issue with the uneven approach taken by some jurisdictions toward religious services versus secular services that appears discriminatory or contrary to scientific evidence. In British Columbia, places of worship have been closed for months now while in-restaurant dining is still permitted, and other indoor places of gathering have been opened, he said. Thats an unreasonable limit on religious freedom, in my view. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of community for well-being, whether youre a religious believer or not, he adds. Father Peter Turrone pauses as he leads a Palm Sunday mass to an empty church at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Toronto, Canada, on April 5, 2020. (Cole Burston/Getty Images) The erosion of religious freedom is happening in lockstep with broader cultural changes such as the embrace of secularism, individualism, extreme materialism, and a breaking down of community, explains Bennett, who is also Carduss Director of Faith Community Engagement. But society also has a narrow understanding of what religious freedom is, he says, relegating freedom to what happens within the walls of a designated place of worship. I cant separate my public self from my religious self, or even see my religious self as a purely private reality, he said. Religion throughout human history has been expressed publicly. Religious communities have adopted a certain level of self-censorship under the pressure of an increasingly secular society and institutions, he adds. Weve allowed the public debate in the country to become impoverished because we have not been courageous enough to speak through our experience of our faith and through our religiously held convictions. But the health of religious freedom reflects the overall health of a democracy and other fundamental freedoms, he says, and freedoms can only be protected if they are cherished and exercised. We have to ensure that we are not taking [freedoms] for granted but nurturing them, and ensuring that public debates in the country are very pluralist and open. And that when we say diversity, we actually mean diversitywe want to have a diversity of dialogue. Great Blue Heron, as captured by a trail camera. Credit: Austin Green/University of Utah. For scientists, especially graduate students, who conduct fieldwork, every day is precious. Researchers meticulously prepare their equipment, procedures and timelines to make sure they get the data they need to do good science. So you can imagine the collective anxiety that fell across academia in spring 2020 when COVID-19 struck and many universities suspended in-person activities, including fieldwork. But for Austin Green, a doctoral student in the School of Biological Sciences and 2019 recipient of a National Geographic Society Early Career Grant, who studies the wildlife that lives in the canyons of the Wasatch Front, that anxiety was tempered by the knowledge that pandemic or no pandemic, his network of automated motion-activated trail cameras would keep their silent watch over the canyons' mammals and birds. "You can set them up at the beginning of the year and leave them up until your field season is over," Green says. "And we were not the only ones that did this. In fact, there were entire nationwide and global initiatives that were able to continue gathering data during pandemic restrictions on field research." Now Green and his colleagues are sharing what they've learned about the importance of trail cameras for wildlife conservation and management in the journal Biological Conservation. As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, they write, automatic trail cameras are good tools for a wide range of environments and research questions. Watching the wildlife Trail cameras (also called camera traps although they don't trap or restrain anything) are motion-activated cameras that researchers can attach to a tree or pole, usually at knee-height, in remote areas. The cameras then take photos whenever something walks by. Some models transmit photos wirelessly, but many collect photos on an SD card, which researchers like Green change out periodically when they change the camera's batteries. They can also be programmed to capture video to document fascinating vignettes of animal behavior. Deer and wild turkeys, as caught on a trail camera. Credit: Austin Green/University of Utah "All newer models have exceptional battery life and photo storage capacity," Green says. "So, we set them up before restrictions went into place and kept them up throughout the entire field season, allowing us to gather another full season of data." Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, biologists were already turning to trail cameras as a way to conduct biological surveys that avoided the difficult, labor-intensive process of physically trapping, tagging and releasing of animals. "However, with trail cameras, researchers can monitor individual animals passively over a large number of cameras and a large area, as long as the individuals can be individually identified through photographs," Green says. "Cameras do not need to be maintained on a daily basis, and no individual animals ever need to be processed." Inspiring volunteers For Green's purposes, trail cameras are perfect. He's looking to study the wildlife that inhabit the canyons of the Wasatch Front, and with the help of a team of more than 200 community volunteers, maintains 300 trail cameras stretching as far north as Logan, Utah and as far south as Point of the Mountain. The cameras have captured images of turkeys, herons, moose, coyotes, cougars and many others. When COVID-19 restrictions began, Green quickly adapted his operation, moving training materials online and setting up a contactless pick-up method for equipment. Crowdsourced data entry proceeded as it had before. Green calls the efforts of his community volunteers inspiring. "No matter what changes we threw at them, whether it was going completely online for all non-fieldwork related logistics or having to individually find time to disperse equipment, these amazing people never missed a beat," Green says. "One thing I'll take from this and apply to my research moving forward is that, even in hard times, there are always those willing to do what is necessary to get the job done." And it was a good thing he and his volunteers were able to keep the cameras running, because the early weeks of the pandemic provided a unique research opportunity. A moose saunters into view of an automatic motion-activated trail camera, placed to passively monitor wildlife activity. Credit: Austin Green/University of Utah "The pandemic has created so much hardship and tragedy for so many people, and this can make it difficult to find any silver linings," Green says, "However, the sudden change in human traffic, deemed by scientists as the 'anthropause,' has presented an opportunity to study how wildlife react to quasi-experimental changes in human influence." Cagan Sekercioglu, associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, says that trail cameras can also perform an important conservation function. While the general public, conservationists, rangers and others often had to stay home due to mandatory lockdowns, trespassers, poachers and illegal loggers continued going into wild areas. "During the lockdown, to this day in many places, trail cameras are our only eyes on the ground," Sekercioglu says. A range of research questions Green, Sekercioglu and colleagues write in Biological Conservation that trail cameras are well-suited for fundamental research questions like investigating the presence, relative abundance, density, occupancy, and activity of animal species. They can be instrumental in discovering the presence of a new species or the expansion of its range. Further, they write, while more cameras are better, even a single camera can yield valuable information. Trail cameras can go further as well to address questions of human impacts on wildlife, trends in biodiversity, reproductive ecology, behavior and interactions between species, and even which predators are raiding bird nests. As a research tool, trail cameras are a complement to good research design. "My advice for other researchers will always be to first and foremost clearly articulate the particular question they hope to address and decide what tools can be used to help them address it," Green says. "Although I'm not sure research can ever be fully 'pandemic-proofed' or resistant to disruptions, I can say that being willing, flexible and creative enough to adapt to unique situations will always be critical to the advancement of science. After all, so many great scientific discoveries were unexpected beforehand." Explore further Citizen science study captures 2.2M wildlife images in NC More information: J. David Blount et al, Review: COVID-19 highlights the importance of camera traps for wildlife conservation research and management, Biological Conservation (2021). Journal information: Biological Conservation J. David Blount et al, Review: COVID-19 highlights the importance of camera traps for wildlife conservation research and management,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.108984 Two more staff members at Winnipeg personal care homes have tested positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern, but health officials are not saying where they work. Two more staff members at Winnipeg personal care homes have tested positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern, but health officials are not saying where they work. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority said in a statement Tuesday there was currently one resident and three staff members who have tested positive for the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant of the novel coronavirus, first identified in the U.K. A WRHA spokesman said the organization is not saying which of the seven personal care homes currently flagged for outbreaks have logged variant cases. However, last week it was confirmed one resident and one staff member at Heritage Lodge had tested positive for the same variant. The resident is isolating at the care home, while the staff member is recovering at home. Revera, Heritage Lodge's owner, said Tuesday the facility has no new cases. As for the other six care homes, it was confirmed Tuesday a resident at Tuxedo Villa had tested positive for COVID-19. Actionmarguerite St. Boniface and Actionmarguerite St. Joseph have no cases, but still carry outbreak status because they haven't gone past two incubation periods of 14 days since isolation of the last case. The other care homes listed with outbreaks are Oakview Place, River East, and Riverview. Tuxedo Villa, a 213-bed facility at 2060 Corydon Ave., has notified families a resident had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. In a notice to families, an administrator with the facility said a resident tested positive while receiving treatment in hospital on the weekend. The resident had been vaccinated and was not showing symptoms, the administrator said. Public health notified the facility of the positive test result Monday morning, and visitation has been suspended. One wing of the home is under isolation protocol and contact tracing is ongoing. On Tuesday, Revera said essential visits for Heritage Lodge palliative residents, which had been suspended last week amidst contact tracing, have resumed. All residents continue to remain in their rooms at all times, with meals being brought to them. "We recognize how difficult these measures are for residents and their families, and we appreciate their patience and understanding as we put these precautions in place for the safety of our residents," the statement says. A WRHA spokesman would not comment on how many people have tested positive for the virus in each care home, saying, in total, there are currently two residents and five staff members with active cases. As well, of those cases, two care homes have at least one active resident case, four had at least one active staff case, and one had active cases with both residents and staff. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Several cats died but many other animals were rescued from a two-alarm house fire late Tuesday afternoon in Upper Macungie Township, police report. No people were hurt, township police Lt. Peter Nickischer said in a news release. Upper Macungie Township firefighters battle a two-alarm blaze in a home late in the afternoon of March 23, 2021, in the 5800 block of Haasadahl Road.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Police and firefighters were dispatched at 5:10 p.m. to the fire in the 5800 block of Haasadahl Road, Nickischer said. Fire and smoke were coming out of the single family home and firefighters from the townships three companies went to work putting it out, according to police. Upper Macungie Township firefighters battle a two-alarm blaze in a home late in the afternoon of March 23, 2021, in the 5800 block of Haasadahl Road.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Upper Macungie Township Bureau of Fire and the police department, Nickischer said. The township fire companies were assisted by township police, Pennsylvania State Police, Cetronia Ambulance Corps and the American Red Cross, the news release said. Upper Macungie Township firefighters battle a two-alarm blaze in a home late in the afternoon of March 23, 2021, in the 5800 block of Haasadahl Road.Mike Nester | lehighvalleylive.com contributor Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription. Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Nicole Hall of Kelowna donates blood a couple of years ago at a clinic in the Laurel Building. Some big changes are coming up for blood donors in Kelowna. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, who produced the first ever image of a black hole, has today revealed a new view of the massive object at the centre of the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy: how it looks in polarised light. This is the first time astronomers have been able to measure polarisation, a signature of magnetic fields, this close to the edge of a black hole. The observations are key to explaining how the M87 galaxy, located 55 million light-years away, is able to launch energetic jets from its core. "We are now seeing the next crucial piece of evidence to understand how magnetic fields behave around black holes, and how activity in this very compact region of space can drive powerful jets that extend far beyond the galaxy," says Monika Mo?cibrodzka, Coordinator of the EHT Polarimetry Working Group and Assistant Professor at Radboud University in the Netherlands. On 10 April 2019, scientists released the first ever image of a black hole (https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ news/ eso1907/ ) , revealing a bright ring-like structure with a dark central region -- the black hole's shadow (https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ images/ eso1907a/ ) . Since then, the EHT collaboration has delved deeper into the data on the supermassive object at the heart of the M87 galaxy collected in 2017. They have discovered that a significant fraction of the light around the M87 black hole is polarised. "This work is a major milestone: the polarisation of light carries information that allows us to better understand the physics behind the image we saw in April 2019, which was not possible before," explains Ivan Marti-Vidal, also Coordinator of the EHT Polarimetry Working Group and GenT Distinguished Researcher at the University of Valencia, Spain. He adds that "unveiling this new polarised-light image required years of work due to the complex techniques involved in obtaining and analysing the data." Light becomes polarised when it goes through certain filters, like the lenses of polarised sunglasses, or when it is emitted in hot regions of space where magnetic fields are present. In the same way that polarised sunglasses help us see better by reducing reflections and glare from bright surfaces, astronomers can sharpen their view of the region around the black hole by looking at how the light originating from it is polarised. Specifically, polarisation allows astronomers to map the magnetic field lines present at the inner edge of the black hole. "The newly published polarised images are key to understanding how the magnetic field allows the black hole to 'eat' matter and launch powerful jets," says EHT collaboration member Andrew Chael, a NASA Hubble Fellow at the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science and the Princeton Gravity Initiative in the US. The bright jets of energy and matter that emerge from M87's core (https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ images/ eso1907c/ ) and extend at least 5000 light-years from its centre are one of the galaxy's most mysterious and energetic features. Most matter lying close to the edge of a black hole falls in. However, some of the surrounding particles escape moments before capture and are blown far out into space in the form of jets. Astronomers have relied on different models of how matter behaves near the black hole to better understand this process. But they still don't know exactly how jets larger than the galaxy are launched from its central region, which is comparable in size to the Solar System, nor how exactly matter falls into the black hole. With the new EHT image of the black hole and its shadow in polarised light, astronomers managed for the first time to look into the region just outside the black hole where this interplay between matter flowing in and being ejected out is happening. The observations provide new information about the structure of the magnetic fields just outside the black hole. The team found that only theoretical models featuring strongly magnetised gas can explain what they are seeing at the event horizon. "The observations suggest that the magnetic fields at the black hole's edge are strong enough to push back on the hot gas and help it resist gravity's pull. Only the gas that slips through the field can spiral inwards to the event horizon," explains Jason Dexter, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, US, and Coordinator of the EHT Theory Working Group. To observe the heart of the M87 galaxy, the collaboration linked eight telescopes around the world -- including the northern Chile-based Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ teles-instr/ alma/ ) and the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX - https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ teles-instr/ apex/ ), in which the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is a partner -- to create a virtual Earth-sized telescope, the EHT. The impressive resolution obtained with the EHT is equivalent to that needed to measure the length of a credit card on the surface of the Moon. "With ALMA and APEX, which through their southern location enhance the image quality by adding geographical spread to the EHT network, European scientists were able to play a central role in the research," says Ciska Kemper, European ALMA Programme Scientist at ESO. "With its 66 antennas, ALMA dominates the overall signal collection in polarised light, while APEX has been essential for the calibration of the image." "ALMA data were also crucial to calibrate, image and interpret the EHT observations, providing tight constraints on the theoretical models that explain how matter behaves near the black hole event horizon," adds Ciriaco Goddi, a scientist at Radboud University and Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands, who led an accompanying study (https:/ / www. eso. org/ public/ archives/ releases/ sciencepapers/ eso2105/ eso2105c. pdf ) that relied only on ALMA observations. The EHT setup allowed the team to directly observe the black hole shadow and the ring of light around it, with the new polarised-light image clearly showing that the ring is magnetised. The results are published today in two separate papers in The Astrophysical Journal Letters by the EHT collaboration. The research involved over 300 researchers from multiple organisations and universities worldwide. "The EHT is making rapid advancements, with technological upgrades being done to the network and new observatories being added. We expect future EHT observations to reveal more accurately the magnetic field structure around the black hole and to tell us more about the physics of the hot gas in this region," concludes EHT collaboration member Jongho Park, an East Asian Core Observatories Association Fellow at the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics in Taipei. ### More information This research was presented in two papers by the EHT collaboration published today in The Astrophysical Journal Letters: "First M87 Event Horizon Telescope Results VII: Polarization of the Ring" (doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/abe71d) and "First M87 Event Horizon Telescope Results VIII: Magnetic Field Structure Near The Event Horizon" (doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/abe4de). Accompanying research is presented in the paper "Polarimetric properties of Event Horizon Telescope targets from ALMA" (doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/abee6a) by Goddi, Marti-Vidal, Messias, and the EHT collaboration, which has been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The EHT collaboration involves more than 300 researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The international collaboration is working to capture the most detailed black hole images ever obtained by creating a virtual Earth-sized telescope. Supported by considerable international investment, the EHT links existing telescopes using novel systems -- creating a fundamentally new instrument with the highest angular resolving power that has yet been achieved. The individual telescopes involved are: ALMA, APEX, the Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique (IRAM) 30-meter Telescope, the IRAM NOEMA Observatory, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT), the South Pole Telescope (SPT), the Kitt Peak Telescope, and the Greenland Telescope (GLT). The EHT consortium consists of 13 stakeholder institutes: the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, the East Asian Observatory, Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt, Institut de Radioastronomie Millimetrique, Large Millimeter Telescope, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, MIT Haystack Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Radboud University and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It has 16 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its world-leading Very Large Telescope Interferometer as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. ESO is also a major partner in two facilities on Chajnantor, APEX and ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre Extremely Large Telescope, the ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky". The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of ESO, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). ALMA construction and operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA. The BlackHoleCam research group was awarded the European Research Council 14 million Synergy Grant in 2013. The Principal Investigators are Heino Falcke, Luciano Rezzolla and Michael Kramer and the partner institutes are JIVE, IRAM, MPE Garching, IRA/INAF Bologna, SKA and ESO. BlackHoleCam is part of the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration. Links Contacts Monika Mo?cibrodzka Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands Tel: +31-24-36-52485 Email: m.moscibrodzka@astro.ru.nl Ivan Marti Vidal Universitat de Valencia Burjassot, Valencia, Spain Tel: +34 963 543 078 Email: i.marti-vidal@uv.es Ciska Kemper European Southern Observatory Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49(0)89-3200-6447 Email: Francisca.Kemper@eso.org Andrew Chael Princeton University Center for Theoretical Science Princeton, New Jersey, USA Email: achael@princeton.edu Jason Dexter University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado, USA Tel: +1 303-492-7836 Email: jason.dexter@colorado.edu Jongho Park Academia Sinica, Institute of Astronomy and AstrophysicsTaipei Tel: +886-2-2366-5462 Email: jpark@asiaa.sinica.edu.tw Ciriaco Goddi Radboud University and Leiden Observatory Nijmegen and Leiden, The Netherlands Email: c.goddi@astro.ru.nl Sara Issaoun EHT collaboration member at Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)6 84526627 Email: s.issaoun@astro.ru.nl Huib Jan van Langevelde EHT Project Director, Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC Dwingeloo, The Netherlands Tel: +31-521-596515 Cell: +31-62120 1419 Email: langevelde@jive.eu Geoffrey C. Bower EHT Project Scientist, Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics Hilo, HI, USA Cell: +1 (510) 847-1722 Email: gbower@asiaa.sinica.edu.tw Barbara Ferreira ESO Media Manager Garching bei Munchen, Germany Tel: +49 89 3200 6670 Cell: +49 151 241 664 00 Email: press@eso.org Felix Carroll lives in Housatonic. He can be reached at felixcarroll5@gmail.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 TULSA, Okla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) today announced an agreement to hold joint annual meetings, the first of which will be held 26 September to 1 October 2021, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. This event will mark the first time the two groups' annual conventions have been held together since 1955. SEG AAPG The merger of AAPG's 2021 Annual Convention and Exhibition (ACE) and SEG's 2021 International Exhibition and 91st Annual Meeting (SEG21) will result in one of the largest gatherings of earth scientists and energy professionals in the world. The two events will be fully integrated, online and in-person, with a comprehensive technical program featuring more than 20 concurrent technical sessions and a joint exhibition featuring the latest geoscience products and technologies. "We're looking forward to bringing SEG and AAPG members together to exchange ideas and experiences," said SEG President Maurice Nessim. "It will be geosciences week in Denver. Our focus on science, its applications, and our community is what unites us in purpose and makes this collaboration so powerful." Better serving the needs of geoscientists in a rapidly changing energy landscape and achieving synergies in event operations drove the organizations' decision to hold integrated annual conventions. The hybrid event format will permit speakers, exhibitors, and attendees to participate at the Colorado Convention Center and online. The combined program will continue to feature many of the elements that attendees of both the AAPG and SEG conventions long have valued. One registration will give delegates access to the core technical sessions and exhibition and access to several ticketed training and social events. Exhibitors and sponsors will benefit from access to two audiences with a single engagement. "Combining our annual events answers the stated wishes of our members and our exhibition and sponsorship patrons," said AAPG President Rick Fritz. "It also represents a strategic response to shifting industry conditions. I think our members and clients will enthusiastically embrace the benefits of one annual meeting to connect with fellow geoscientists." The organizations' leaders expect the combined conventions to further cement SEG's and AAPG's positions as the recognized global leaders in the dissemination of high-quality applied geoscience knowledge and data. The agreement is for five years, covering the organizations' annual meetings through 2025. About AAPG The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) is one of the world's largest professional geological societies. AAPG works to advance the science of geology, especially as it relates to petroleum, natural gas, other subsurface fluids, and mineral resources; to promote the technology of exploring for, finding, and producing these materials in an economically and environmentally sound manner; and to advance the professional well-being of its members. AAPG was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma; currently almost one-third of members live outside the United States. About SEG The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is committed to connecting and inspiring the people and science of geophysics. With more than 13,000 members in 116 countries, SEG provides educational and technical resources to the global geosciences community through publications, books, events, forums, professional development courses, young professional programs, and more. Founded in 1930, SEG fosters the expert and ethical practice of geophysics in the exploration and development of natural resources, characterization of near surface, and mitigation of earth hazards. For more information, visit www.seg.org. Contact: Stephanie Moore SEG, Director of Marketing & Communications [email protected] +1.918.497.5547 Grant M. Smith AAPG, Product Marketing Specialist [email protected] +1.918.560.9421 SOURCE SEG; AAPG By breathing life back into a dying lake in the city of Nizams and pearls, a husband-wife team of educationists, has proved that positive change can begin even from school itself. Hyderabad-based founder of Fountainhead Global School, Meghana Musunuri and husband Sridhar Vunnam, didn't have the smallest inkling that a routine interaction session would evolve into a children-propelled movement and ultimately rescue a 15-acre lake from certain death. And then Voila!!... That is precisely what happened, when Meghana's freewheeling talk on children's rights and responsibilities, sometime in June 2019, set the tone for things to come. "To help them understand the concept of their rights, I was giving them examples of lakes, forests, rivers and asked them, who do you think they belong to? The younger kids replied god, and the older ones said the government. Then I said, you know, they belong to you. "Suddenly the conversation veered to ownership. And they were keen to see a forest or a river which was out of the question because we live in Hyderabad. So, they settled for a visit to a lake." Meghana told IANS. Much to her chagrin, she discovered that finding the ideal lake was easier said than done. The sprawling city of Hyderabad, famous for the imposing Hussain Sagar lake and a few other major water bodies, was once upon a time home to a couple of thousands of lakes in varying sizes. However, rapid urbanization coupled with land-grabbing by unscrupulous elements, have spelt the death-knell for a majority of these lakes. Today, most of these water bodies exist in varying stages of neglect -- filled up with garbage and sewage, choked with weeds, encroached upon by land sharks. And, Meedi Kunta lake, located in Hafeezpet, was one of the 200-odd lakes struggling to survive against the odds. Except that it had a miraculous tryst with hope and determination from unexpected quarters. When Meghana set out looking for a suitable water body so as to give her proteges a first-hand experience, she found nothing satisfactory and finally decided to check out Meedi Kunta lake, which is located about a kilometre away from the school. The only problem was that the lake, in its dying throes, was a picture of despair. Instead of meekly accepting the dismal picture Meghana painted after her recce trip, the children felt they should revive the lake if they really owned it. And thus, began the amazing journey of the couple who egged on by the earnestness of a band of young school children, went on to revive Meedi Kunta lake. For Meghana and Sridhar, the past three years have been a journey of discovery no less, as they and their band of school children waded through the friction and drag resulting from a combination of suspicious residents, nonchalant authorities and troublemakers of varying hues. But they and their band of school children pushed on doggedly. "I felt this would be a great opportunity for students to build their confidence. Because most of today's children live very protected lives at home and school. But the world does not work like that in real life. If they're not ready to face the real world, I feel all the education is not going to help them improve their lives. So, I wanted to reduce the walls between the school and the real world. I involved them in all aspects of the clean-up", reminisces Meghana. The groundwork began with the customary rounds of government offices for obtaining the mandatory permissions. The school kids, around 120 of the 330 odd scholars that study at Fountainhead Global School, went about their mission with determination. For effective communication, Meghana created an awareness kit for the children to use in their interactions with potential contributors to the cause. V. Bilvoa, a standard 10 student who created a mascot called 'Cheru' symbolizing the lake goddess, said, "We figured out that it's not easy but not impossible either. The mascot especially was useful in boosting the morale of students." By July 2019, the blueprint for salvaging Meedi Kunta lake, was worked out. Fund raising drives, awareness runs and walks, tea parties near the lake, flash mobs, the team stepped up on the promotional efforts. The initial drive resulted in collections, barely a fraction of the estimated cost of dredging and cleaning operations that required the hire of specialized equipment and manpower. At this point, Sreedhar, who's a director at the school, chipped in with funds. Enthused by the support from the couple, the school children went about their fund collection drive with renewed vigour and managed to collect around Rs 10 lakh -- but still far short of the total fund requirement. When the children's fund-raising attempts were exhausted, Sridhar again stepped in with funding. As per estimates, around Rs 2 crore would be required to repair and clean up the lake. It was big money that would make anyone pause for a moment to rethink. But the couple decided to plunge in with their own money rather than see the kids disheartened. With covid lockdown clamped from March 2020, it was Sridhar who literally camped at the lake throughout the mission. He recalls that the covid lockdown actually proved helpful for them, "It was a tough job but we didn't stop till it was completed. "When I found it difficult hiring local lorries for transporting the garbage and other diggings, I had to arrange tractors from my native place. Gradually, local people understood our good intentions and started coming forward to help us in terms of equipment hire and other requirements. "In between, work also suffered because of heavy rains that devastated Hyderabad. But the covid lockdown also proved beneficial as few troublemakers ventured out and we could finish our task without much disturbance." The major part of 2020 was spent in completing revival measures such as dredging the lake bed, redirecting sewage inflows away from the lake, shutting down unauthorized borewells in the lake storage area, repairing the lake embankment, and laying a walkway around it. By 2021, the impact could be seen and felt. Even the fish that were released into the lake began to survive and thrive. With lockdown being lifted, the students and local residents are in a position to enjoy the benefits of a revived lake in their vicinity. Today, the Meedi Kunta lake is a picture of serendipity. The water is cleaner, sewage no longer creeps into the lake as it used to, the fish survive and are beginning to thrive, while the surrounding greenery is enriched too. Today, local residents look at the revived lake to realise what they have been depriving themselves of, all these years. Instead of sitting back and enjoying the adulation coming their way, the couple plans to set up a biodiversity lab in the lake's vicinity. Quizzed about the takeaways from the initiative, "Practical problem solving is the way to bridge the gap between school learning and real-life issues," Meghana signs off. Oyster, a neobank and trusted financial partner for Mexican SMBs, has just launched new credit offerings to provide many SMB customers with hard-to-attain cash flow for the first time In Mexico, it takes weeks or even months to get access to instant credit for your business, if you are one of few (eight out of ten) Mexican SMBs to be approved for it. Until today." said Amanda Jacobson, Chief of Staff at Oyster. Oyster Financial (oyster.io), a neobank and trusted financial partner for Mexican SMBs, today announced a first-time offering for a majority of small business owners in Mexico: access to affordable, instant credit and revolving credit lines. Unlike most large banks and financial institutions in Mexico that dont cater to SMBs, Oyster is squarely focused on helping its customers to more efficiently make or receive payments and optimize their operations via business-enablement tools. Starting today, Oyster is making credit available to small businesses in the form of instant credit (between US$500-$1,500) after they open an Oyster business account, which is fast and free to sign up for. Actively engaged Oyster customers may be approved for revolving credit lines of up to US$5,000 within a few months of opening a new account. In Mexico, it takes weeks or even months to get access to instant credit for your business, if you are one of few Mexican SMBs to be approved for it. And, unfortunately, eight out of ten small businesses had no access credit to help with the ebbs and flows of business, especially during the pandemic - until today, said Amanda Jacobson, Chief of Staff at Oyster. A Cash-Flow Lifeline for Many Mexican SMBs Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are struggling to stay alive in the midst of an economic crisis in which Mexicos economy, the second-largest in Latin America after Brazil, has suffered the biggest annual contraction since the Great Depression in the 1930s. More than one million Mexican SMBs (about 25 percent) shut down their operations last year. As a result, there is broad concern about being able to create new jobs and drive GDP growth in Mexico. Because Mexicos credit-reporting infrastructure is still so nascent and the country has experienced a relatively high prevalence of money laundering and other financial crimes, there is a tremendous amount of documentation and time commitment involved in opening a business bank account. And, applying for credit, is an entirely different and lengthy process. Think of it as having to stand in line at the DMV multiple times for each step in every process: to open a business account, to apply for a credit line or a loan, or to request a credit card, said David Lin, Chief Credit Officer at Oyster. And, if youre one of the lucky few to get credit for your small business in Mexico, youre likely to pay 2-3 times more for that compared to the U.S. Future Roadmap and SMB Customer Benefits Recently, new laws have been introduced to address the widespread lack of financial inclusion in Mexico, including Mexicos landmark fintech law enacted in March 2018 that paved the way for open banking in Latin America this year and helped spur a surge in fintech startups after it passed. At the end of 2016, Mexico enacted a much faster way for individuals to start their own companies via a new business entity for corporations called a Simple Stock Corporation or SAS. Now, Oyster is the only neobank in Mexico, Latin Americas second-largest economy, to provide fast access to credit to small businesses that are the lifeblood of new jobs creation for about 95 percent of private-sector jobs in the region, said Vilash Poovala, Oyster co-founder and CEO. In the months ahead, we will be rolling out more ways for our customers to interact with all sorts of payment systems, speed up access and better understand their revenue flow. For example, later this year, Oyster plans to add a new capability for businesses to deposit cash into their accounts at many popular convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, CCK, Farmacias Benavides, Farmacias del Ahorro and Waldos. A large majority of Mexicans still prefer to pay for their purchases in cash. Also launching later this year: a new system for Oyster customers to send an email link so their customers can more quickly and easily pay them. In the months ahead, Oyster is poised to quickly roll out new and innovative ways to help SMB owners increase the overall health and profitability of their businesses, said Poovala. Our vision at Oyster is to become a longtime, trusted financial partner for SMB owners that want to use modern technology to run their businesses from anywhere in the world. For example, unlike many Mexican banks that charge for night time or weekend transactions, Oyster customers may pay vendors, employees online and transfer funds 24/7 for no cost. To learn more about Oysters new credit offerings for SMBs, visit: http://www.cortinasarriba.mx About Oyster Financial: Oyster is a global fintech company that is creating a new financial system for entrepreneurs. The neobank, co-located in Mexico City and San Francisco, has developed its own core banking platform for small to medium-sized businesses in Mexico to quickly attain a business banking account and debit card within days, not months or years. Its vision is to continue creating and rolling out new financial services and products for SMBs that increase revenues and ensure the health and well-being of businesses as they grow over time. The company is backed by investors that include FinTech Collective, Kevin Efrusy, monashees, Redpoint eventures, S7 Ventures, SV LATAM Capital and Ulu Ventures with a total of US$14 million in seed funding as of September 2020. For more information, please visit: https://oyster.io ### Media Contact: Chris Knight U.S. PR director for Oyster Financial Based in San Francisco, California (415) 786-9226 c. (on WhatsApp) chris@divinogroup.net Hundreds of people are mourning the death of an 18-year-old North Jersey man who died in a motorcycle accident on Sunday. Frank A. Powell, of North Haledon, was remembered as a special friend who was devoted to helping others according to Kiley Kesenheimer, who organized a GoFundMe page to help his family. He loved his friends, family, riding, and living life to the fullest, Kiley Kesenheimer wrote. He always lent a helping hand to whoever was in need. She said Powell was a member of the North Haledon Volunteer Fire Department. Powells motorcycle crashed shortly before 7 p.m. on Sunday on Greenwood Lake Turnpike near Monksville Reservoir in Ringwood, according to a NorthJersey.com report. Officers who arrived attempted CPR, but Powell was pronounced dead at the scene, the report said. A video posted to YouTube showed dozens of people arriving at the Powell home in North Haledon to pay their respects to his parents, along with a roadside tribute held in his honor. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Freeit Data Solutions has been awarded a new cooperative purchasing contract, DIR-CPO-4694, from the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) for law enforcement, surveillance and security monitoring, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery products and services. This contract allows Freeit to provide leading technology solutions to government entities and educational institutions under the bulk buying power of the State of Texas. The DIR allows customers to procure technology at aggressive discounts while meeting purchasing requirements and reducing lengthy procurement processes. Products and services available on this contract are: Alert Logic Arctic Wolf Arista Arxys Assured Data Cloudflare Commvault Freeit Data Solutions Manage Engine Rubrik Scale Computing SEVEN10 Smarsh ThousandEyes "Securing this contract enables us to bring additional value to public sector organizations," said Wayne Orchid, President & CEO at Freeit Data Solutions. "With the increased threat of cybercriminals targeting state, local, and education, it is critical for us to offer best-in-class security monitoring and disaster recovery solutions to our customers." DIR-CPO-4696 is the first Texas DIR cooperative purchasing contract to feature Arctic Wolf, a security operations company; Arxys, a data protection and data analytics manufacturer; SEVEN10, a data management software organization; and ThousandEyes, a network intelligence company. To learn more about the Arctic Wolf solution, data breach trends, and lessons learned, register to attend a virtual whiteboarding session hosted by Freeit on April 1st, 2021. More information about Freeit's law enforcement, surveillance and security monitoring, emergency preparedness, and disaster recovery technology products and services is available under DIR contract number DIR-TSO-4696. Freeit Data Solutions is also a prime contractor with DIR on three additional cooperative purchasing contracts for the following products and services: Data Storage, Data Communication & Networking Equipment IT Security Hardware, Software, and Services Mobile Digital Video Recording Systems, Accessories and Related Services To learn more about all Freeit's DIR contracts and available products visit: https://www.freeitdata.com/dir/ About Freeit Data Solutions: Freeit Data Solutions is an Austin-based IT services and solutions company that designs and deploys data center solutions for mid to large-sized companies, enabling them to better manage and protect their data. For more information visit: www.freeitdata.com SOURCE Freeit Data Solutions Inc Related Links www.freeitdata.com Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 24 March 2021: The Report Drug Discovery Informatics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Mode (In-house, Outsourced), By Workflow (Discovery, Development), By Services (Sequence Analysis Platforms, Docking), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028 The global drug discovery informatics market size is expected to reach USD 5.63 billion by 2028 registering a CAGR of 11.3% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Use of drug discovery software for gaining market intelligence owing to several advantages, such as rapid drug design & synthesis, efficient tracking of disease evolution, and data integrity management, has increased significantly among the researchers in the recent years, driving the industry growth. The growing demand for novel molecules is driving the adoption of informatics solutions targeted towards speeding up the entire drug discovery process by identifying rational drug molecules via the target macromolecule interaction. Companies operating in the market are receiving funding for expanding their drug discovery platforms, further supplementing the market growth. For instance, in September 2020, Ardigen signed an agreement with the National Centre for Research and Development to access its funding for developing novel technology. This technology was aimed at revolutionizing the development of T-cell receptors-based therapies for immuno-oncology. Ardigen has previously developed a neoantigen prediction platform namely, ArdImmune Vax, which deploys ready-to-use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and bioinformatics solutions for the identification of optimal sets of neoantigens as targets for adoptive cell therapies and cancer vaccines. In addition, chemical informatics solutions have gained considerable traction in the past year, particularly in addressing the needs associated with the recent Covid-19 pandemic. For instance, a research study performed in January 2021 showcased the application of chemical digital solutions in accelerating the search of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors by data analysis of previous activity data of SARS-CoV main protease (Mpro) inhibitors. In addition, the QSAR models helped in the data mining of molecules for rapid Covid-19 drug discovery. Hence, the need to facilitate drug development for Covid-19 is expected to propel the industry expansion over the coming years. Access Research Report of Drug Discovery Informatics Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/drug-discovery-informatics-market Drug Discovery Informatics Market Report Highlights The discovery workflow segment accounted for the largest share of 59.19% in 2020 owing to the increased focus of pharmaceutical companies on the development of novel drug candidates The development workflow segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028 owing to a rise in the number of drug candidates in the clinical development phase The outsourced mode segment led the market in 2020; however, the in-house mode segment will generate the maximum revenue by 2028 growing at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to high demand for such platforms & services across Asia Pacific countries Led by the U.S., North America led the global market in 2020 due to the presence of key market players and established R&D infrastructure in the country Key industry participants focus on strategic acquisitions to sustain the market competition For instance, in January 2021, Selvita acquired Fidelta to enhance its integrated drug discovery service offerings and expand business in the Europe market List of Key Players of Drug Discovery Informatics Market Certara Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH Infosys Ltd. Charles River Laboratories Eurofins DiscoverX Products Jubilant Biosys Selvita Novo Informatics Pvt. Ltd. ChemAxon Ltd. Albany Molecular Research Inc. Oracle Accenture Agilent Technologies, Inc. Illumina, Inc. Access Press Release of Drug Discovery Informatics Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-drug-discovery-informatics-market Varanasi, March 24 : Violence erupted in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) premises as inmates of the Birla and Lal Bahadur Shastri hostels attacked one another with brickbats, following a clash over playing Holi on the campus. The incident took place late Tuesday and a heavy deployment of police force has been made on the campus. BHU chief proctor Prof Anand Chaudhary said that a large number of students have started leaving their hostel rooms in view of spread of Covid-19 in many hostels on campus and also in view of the festival of Holi which is on March 29. Students present in Birla and LBS hostels were playing colours on the hostel road between the buildings of two hostels when some dispute occurred between them and they clashed. Soon the situation deteriorated. Some inmates of Birla hostel climbed up on to the terrace of hostel and were pelting stones from there. SP City Vikas Chandra Tripathi said that on being alerted by the BHU administration, police force was rushed to the campus. Inmates of both hostels were sent inside their rooms. The officials of university administration, hostels, proctorial board and police spoke to the students of both groups and convinced them to return to their hostel rooms. The situation remains tense but under control, officials said. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) on Friday March 19, 2021 approved a US$17.2 million grant for the Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project; aimed at protecting the West Point enclave against coastal erosion and storm. The Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project intends to address life-threatening climate change-related impacts of sea-level rise, coastal erosion and urban encroachment into vital mangrove ecosystems. The project will be implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for six years and is expected to benefit approximately 250, 000 vulnerable people living in the Monrovia metropolitan area. The Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project is also expected to indirectly benefit approximately 1 million people - a quarter of the country's total population - through the adoption of an integrated coastal zone management approach for Liberia, a release from the EPA said. EPA Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh said the project will expand our coastal defenses, enhance livelihoods, and create new economic opportunities for the Liberian people as well as improve the protection of the vulnerable mangrove ecosystems in the Monrovian Metropolitan Area. "The project will protect our people from the existential risks posed by the climate crisis," Prof. Tarpeh emphasized. In the last decade, coastal erosion has caused the shoreline of Monrovia's impoverished and densely-populated settlement at West Point to regress approximately 30 meters resulting in the destruction of over 670 homes. Coastal erosion has also exposed the fishery sector to serious risk. An additional US$40 to US$48 million in climate change-related damages could occur at West Point by 2100 if nothing is done, a study has shown. The Monrovia Metropolitan Climate Resilience Project will address this urgent need by constructing a rock revetment to protect West Point against coastal erosion and storms. In addition, the Project will improve institutional capacity and policy support for integrated coastal zone management across Liberia, protect ecosystems mangroves, and strengthen gender- and climate-resilient livelihoods to build climate resilience in the vulnerable communities of Monrovia. The project builds on the Government of Liberia's efforts to respond to the climate crisis, enhance livelihoods and protect vulnerable ecosystems through a number of UNDP-supported projects that are building coastal resilience, fostering climate-resilient agriculture, strengthening climate information and early warning systems, and supporting the government's National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Environment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "I recently visited some of the areas where this coastal resilience work will be done. I saw the communities and met with many of the women and men whose lives and livelihoods are directly threatened by the sea-level rise. This is what the Paris Agreement is about; about climate change creating real risks to people and their ways of life and why it is so important that we learn to better co-exist with nature. These coastal protection measures are extremely important, particularly for the vulnerable communities and populations whose livelihoods are at risks, but in the long term we have to take better care of our planet," said Mr. Stephen Rodriques, Resident Representative, UNDP Liberia. The Pentagon has set up a head-to-head $1.6 billion competition between two teams to provide Americas next ballistic missile interceptor, and one of those teams said today it will base its headquarters in Huntsville, Ala. Ballistic missiles are short, medium and long-range weapons propelled by rockets. They can deliver nuclear or conventional weapons or be deployed to intercept other incoming weapons. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced Tuesday it has awarded Northrop Grumman and partner Raytheon a contract for rapid development and flight testing of an interceptor that could stop long-range ballistic missile threats. The other competing team will be headed by Lockheed Martin. Left out of this award was a competing team led by Boeing with participation by Aerojet Rocketdyne. The Northrop-Raytheon team said today it will have its headquarters in Huntsville with operations in Arizona, Utah and across the nation. The Northrop Grumman / Raytheon Technologies teams NGI program office will be based in Huntsville, Alabama, said Terry Feehan, Northrop Grumman vice president and program director. Huntsville is the nations home for missile defense, hosting not only the preponderance of the MDA but also each of the interceptor contractor providers. This community knows the criticality of the mission - to defend our nation and its deployed forces, and that support helps attract and retain the critical expertise needed. This is, absolutely, the right place for our new home. Lockheed Martin said it will also locate its Next Generation Interceptor program headquarters in Huntsville with manufacturing and production at its Courtland, Ala. site. We are excited and proud the MDA entrusted Lockheed Martin to lead the development of this game-changing system that will greatly improve our nations security for decades to come, said Sarah Reeves, vice president of Next Generation Interceptor Program at Lockheed Martin. There is no other capability like this deployed in the world today, said Melissa Morrison-Ellis, deputy program director for the Northrop team program. We brought together the best minds in the industry to rapidly deliver a solution to the Missile Defense Agency critical to the future of homeland defense. Both teams designs will be completed through technology development before a final winner is selected. The goal is an interceptor that can defend America into the 2030s and beyond, MDA Director and Vice Admiral Jon Hill said. We are honored to be selected by the MDA as prime contractor to develop the NGI system to protect our nation from advanced missile attacks, Northrop Grumman Vice President Scott Lehr said. There is a critical timeline for fielding this capability and our team brings together the industrys top missile defense talent, agile design and manufacturing practices, and state-of-the-art operational factories to support the MDA and our nations defense against these evolving threats. (Updated March 25 with comments from Lockheed Martin) Opalesque Industry Update - Hedge fund managers were up 2.99% in February - recording their third consecutive month of outperformance against the global equity market as represented by the MSCI ACWI which returned 2.72% over the month. In terms of performance distribution, the top 10% of global hedge funds generated an average return of 11.45% over the first two months of the year, while the bottom 10% declined by 2.68%. In the same vein, more than 70% of the global hedge funds tracked by the Eurekahedge database generated a positive return in 2021. On an asset-weighted basis, hedge funds were up 1.54% in February, as captured by the Eurekahedge Asset Weighted Index - USD. In terms of 2021 performance, the index is only up 1.21%, highlighting the struggles for some of the larger asset managers as seen in the performance decline of billion-dollar hedge funds. North American hedge funds gained 3.90% in February, outperforming their European and Asia ex-Japan peers who returned 2.55% and 1.29% over the same month, respectively. The underlying long/short equities mandate of the region was the primary contributor to the index's performance as they returned 5.37% over the month as represented by the Eurekahedge North American Long Short Equities Hedge Fund Index. In terms of year-to-date return, North American hedge funds also have the best performance as they were up 4.98% over the first two months, compared to 4.02% and 2.63% of Asia ex-Japan and European hedge funds. The Eurekahedge CTA/Managed Futures Hedge Fund Index was up 3.95% in February, recording its best monthly performance since the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. Fund managers with exposure to the energy sector were the primary performance driver to the index, supported by the decision of OPEC and its allied members to cut their oil production which resulted in a sharp increase in oil prices over the month. On a year-to-date basis, the CTA/managed futures managers were up 3.42%, with the top 10% gaining 10.63% on average. Hedge funds utilising AI strategies were down 0.09% in February, underperforming most of their strategic peers. In terms of year-to-date return, AI hedge funds also lagged the group as they were down 2.52% compared to the 6.69% return of their long-bias sub-strategic peers. Structured credit hedge funds were one of the most consistent strategic mandates since the market breakdown in March 2020, as they gained 1.06% in February and recorded their 11th consecutive month of positive performance. In terms of year-to-date return, the Eurekahedge Structured Credit Hedge Fund Index was up 2.87% as of February 2021. Fund managers focusing on cryptocurrencies were up 34.98% in February as tracked by the Eurekahedge Crypto-Currency Hedge Fund Index - posting their highest monthly performance since May 2019. On a year-to-date basis, cryptocurrency hedge funds are having their best start of the year as they generated 74.88% return in the first two months of 2021, thanks to the strong rally of Bitcoin which just recently broke the US$60,000 level. BC Government Joins Trend of Erasing Gendered Terms The British Columbia government has removed gendered language from its regulations as part of a broader movement driving similar changes in other parts of Canada and the Western world. In early March, the province announced that it had eliminated 600 instances of gendered language from regulations across 15 ministries. Gendered words have been changed to inclusive language that acknowledges gender equity and diversity. For example, terms like he or she, brother and wife have been updated with more neutral language to consider all gender identities, a March 10 press release read. The B.C. governments move is part of a trend. In Alberta under the previous NDP government, the provinces Ministry of Education in 2016 issued guidelines for best practices in respecting diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. One indicator of this best practice was that school forms, websites, letters, and other communications use non-gendered and inclusive language (e.g., parents/guardians, caregivers, families, partners, student or their instead of Mr., Ms., Mrs., mother, father, him, her, etc.), the ministry stated in its guidelines publication. The federal government has also adopted gender-inclusive writing in its correspondence, noting on its Language Portal website that this type of writing is increasingly becoming standard practice in correspondence. Salutations like Dear Sir or Dear Madam are to be avoided. And spouse is to replace husband or wife, while person is to be used instead of man or woman. Paul Adams, a professor emeritus of social work at the University of Hawaii, says there is an ideological undercurrent in these changes. We dont [have the freedom to] choose our own family, our language, our culture. The idea is to treat us as if were all autonomous, self-directed, self-creating individuals with nothing between us and the almighty state, Adams said in an interview. It leaves people with few options, he noted, when all the intermediate structures of society, of family, community, church, and so on, are erased and subjected to the state. On Jan. 4, the U.S. House of Representatives implemented code of conduct changes that saw gendered language swapped for gender-inclusive terms in its official language. Besides father and mother becoming parent, uncle and aunt are now referred to as parents sibling, son-in-law and daughter-in-law become child-in-law, nephew and niece are now called siblings child, and so on. In February, the local National Health Service trust in Brighton, England, directed staff to replace the term breastfeeding with breast/chestfeeding in its internal communications and meetings. Among other new terms listed in a document on the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Trust website, which the BBC called trans-friendly terms, are mothers and birthing parents instead of mother and father or second biological parent instead of father. The Australian Senate, on the other hand, passed a motion on March 17 banning the use of gender-neutral language such as chestfeeding, lactating parent, and menstruators in official government materials, describing it as distorted language. Philip Salzman, a professor emeritus of anthropology at McGill University, told The Epoch Times that these ideas have gotten traction as a result of having trickled down from universities. Because all this really sweeps into universities, it naturally expands to every other place: to government, to law, to schoolteachers, he said. He pointed out that ironies abound as an intellectual class imposes its will on others in the name of eliminating class distinctions, ambitious in its attempts to gain status within its peer group while claiming to believe in equality. And the ordinary people, nobody [among the elites] cares about them, and this stuff is forced on top of them, Salzman said. Demonstrators launch fireworks at police officers during a protest against a new proposed policing bill, in Bristol, Britain, on March 21, 2021. (Peter Cziborra/Reuters) More Arrests Made Over Violent Disorder After Kill the Bill Protest in Bristol Two more people have been arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of violent disorder as a part of a large investigation into a protest-turned-riot in Bristol last Sunday that left a police station vandalised, vehicles burnt, and officers injured. Avon and Somerset Police said they arrested a 20-year-old man and another man who was refusing to provide details. The new arrests have brought the total number of arrests to nine, and two men remain in custody as of Wednesday afternoon. In a previous statement issued on Monday, the police said eight people had been arrested. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed on Wednesday that one of these arrests is not connected with the riot on Sunday. The investigation also found more officers to have been injured. The numbers of officers injured during Sunday nights disorder has been increasing as we review footage and speak to those involved. Assaults against 40 officers have now been recorded, as well as one member of the media, Avon and Somerset Police told The Epoch Times in an email. Fortunately, further medical exams including a CT scan confirmed that the two officers who were more seriously injuredone thought to have had a broken arm and another thought to have suffered from broken ribs and a punctured lungare not suffering from broken bones. The police released images of 10 people on Tuesday evening to appeal to the public for identification. Through painstaking work to examine more than two terabytes worth of digital footage, we believe were making clear progress to identify those responsible and anticipate further images will be released soon to the online gallery weve set up, Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said in a statement. One of the people we believe weve already identified is a suspect in the fire which destroyed a mobile community police station, she added. According to the police, seven of the nine people arrested had previously been released under investigation in relation to their arrest for violent disorder, and one of thema 28-year-old manhas appeared in court on a charge of possessing an offensive weapon. On Tuesday afternoon, police dispersed another 200-person protest, and arrested 14 people for offences including breaches of the COVID-19 restriction measures and obstruction of a highway. One of those detained were [sic] also arrested for offences connected with the violent disorder in the city on Sunday, the police said in a statement. Protests are currently illegal under the measures to curb the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, until March 29, when the restriction will be loosened. London police on March 13 clashed with mourners and protesters while trying to disperse a crowd at a vigil held for Sarah Everard, who was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by a police officer. The clashes sparked days of protest against violence towards women, the police, the governments restriction measures, and a new bill that would restrict the time and noise level of protests. The new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts bill was introduced after several disruptive Black Lives Matter protests and Extinction Rebellion protests caused road closures, disruption of newspaper printing, and vandalism of statues last year. Teton County Reporter Previously the Scene editor, Billy Arnold made the switch to the county beat where he's interested in exploring Teton County as a model for the rest of the West. When he can, he still writes about art, music and whatever else suits his fancy. March 24, 2021 - For premature infants who can't breastfeed on their own, "mother's own milk" (MOM) is by far the best nutrition. There's an urgent need for effective ways to increase the relatively low rates of MOM feeding for preterm infants born to Black and Hispanic mothers. But so far, research has offered little or no specific guidance, concludes an evidence-based review in Advances in Neonatal Care, official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. Until studies of targeted, culturally appropriate interventions are performed, available evidence points to some promising approaches to overcoming obstacles and facilitating MOM feedings for premature infants of Black or Hispanic mothers, according to the review by Diana Cartagena, PhD, RN, CPNP, of Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach, Va., and colleagues. No studies specifically designed to encourage MOM feedings for Black or Hispanic preterm infants Provided primarily by expressing (pumping) the mother's breast milk, MOM feedings have critical benefits for preterm infants - ranging from a lower risk of prematurity-related complications to fewer neurodevelopmental difficulties and disabilities later in childhood. The higher the "dose" of breast milk, the better the outcomes. Minority mothers of premature infants may face special challenges in providing MOM feedings. "In the United States, Hispanic and Black preterm infants are less likely than their white counterparts to receive feedings consisting of MOM," Dr. Cartagena and coauthors write. They performed a comprehensive review of the past decade of research, looking for evidence-based strategies to encourage and improve MOM feedings to this group of infants. However, the initial search identified "zero articles" - not a single study evaluating specific programs designed to promote MOM feedings in Black or Hispanic preterm infants. "All current strategies to encourage and improve breast milk expression and feeding in minority mothers are based on programs developed and tested mainly in White mothers," Dr. Cartagena comments. Thus the researchers broadened their search for promising approaches to decreasing racial/ethnic disparities in breast milk expression - focusing on studies that included at least 30 percent Black or Hispanic mothers. Based on ten such studies, Dr. Cartagena and colleagues make some recommendations to improve MOM feedings, including: Providing a welcoming, family-centered neonatal ICU environment. Professional lactation support is essential for all mothers of premature infants, including early help with breast milk expression and access to breast pumps and supplies. Giving mothers the opportunity to provide skin-to-skin care for their babies is a promising approach to establishing and maintaining the milk supply. Professional lactation support is essential for all mothers of premature infants, including early help with breast milk expression and access to breast pumps and supplies. Giving mothers the opportunity to provide skin-to-skin care for their babies is a promising approach to establishing and maintaining the milk supply. Addressing language and cultural barriers. For Hispanic mothers, having translators and providing educational materials in the mother's native language are important strategies to reduce disparities. In one study, providing lactation support from bilingual counselors increased MOM feeding at discharge. In another study, Black women who set an initial goal to provide any breast milk for their premature infant were more likely to provide MOM after leaving the hospital. For Hispanic mothers, having translators and providing educational materials in the mother's native language are important strategies to reduce disparities. In one study, providing lactation support from bilingual counselors increased MOM feeding at discharge. In another study, Black women who set an initial goal to provide any breast milk for their premature infant were more likely to provide MOM after leaving the hospital. Providing social and emotional support. Black women may lack breastfeeding role models and experience; their own mothers (the baby's grandmother) may be an especially important source of support. For younger mothers, social media and even mobile apps may be appealing options. Emotional and technical support from hospital staff may help to overcome barriers to providing MOM, such as obtaining and learning to use a breast pump or challenges in the home environment. "Limited evidence suggests that variation in neonatal ICU breastfeeding support practices may explain (in part), variation in disparities and supports further research in this area," Dr. Cartagena and colleagues write. They emphasize the need for rigorous, well-designed studies "to evaluate the effectiveness of targeted and culturally sensitive lactation support interventions in Hispanic and Black mothers." Click here to read "Strategies to Improve Mother's Own Milk Expression in Black and Hispanic Mothers of Premature Infants." DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000866 ### Advances in Neonatal Care takes a unique and dynamic approach to the original research and clinical practice articles it publishes. Addressing the practice challenges faced every day--caring for the 40,000-plus low-birth-weight infants in Level II and Level III NICUs each year--the journal promotes evidence-based care and improved outcomes for the tiniest patients and their families. Peer-reviewed editorial includes unique and detailed visual and teaching aids, such as Family Teaching Toolbox, Research to Practice, Cultivating Clinical Expertise, and Online Features. About the National Association of Neonatal Nurses The National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) is the longest established professional voice that supports the professional needs of neonatal nurses throughout their careers through excellence in practice, education, research and professional development. NANN is your neonatal connection to the strongest and most vibrant community of neonatal nurses. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2019 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit https:/ / www. wolterskluwer. com/ en/ health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth. President Biden is putting Vice President Harris in charge of addressing the migrant surge at the U.S.-Mexico border, senior administration officials announced on Wednesday. Why it matters: Just as President Obama tasked Biden with fixing the U.S. economy after he assumed office in 2009, Biden is putting his own vice president in charge of a problem threatening to overshadow the new administration's successful launch. Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free. Harris will lead efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador) to manage the flow of unaccompanied children and migrant families arriving at the border in numbers not seen since a surge in 2019. "Starting today, the Northern Triangle nations and Mexico will know there was one senior official dedicated to this effort. To be very clear, this is an important task," a senior administration official told reporters during a conference call. It was held just an hour before a White House event with Biden, Harris, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. The announcement and high-level meeting, coming the same day the White House arranged a trip for senior aides and members of Congress to South Texas, illustrated the breadth of the administration's efforts to get control of the problem. Republicans say Biden is to blame for refusing to reinstate a Trump-era policy to expel unaccompanied minors, as well as more accommodating language the president's own press secretary concedes is connected to the administration's humanitarian values. What they're saying: "President Biden said during the transition, whatever the most urgent need, he would turn to the vice president," one of the three officials briefing reporters said, "and today he is turning to the vice president." The first goal will be stemming the flow of illegal migrants to the U.S. In a broader context, Harris also will work on establishing a strategic partnership with the Central American countries "based on respect and shared values," another official said. The work will be conducted with the understanding that "these countries are our friends and our neighbors. They are members of our shared community of the Americas and within the Western Hemisphere." Details: One official said Harris spoke Wednesday morning with Ricardo Zuniga, the State Departments special envoy to the Northern Triangle. Story continues Zuniga and other top border officials left earlier this week for Mexico and planned to go on to Guatemala with the goal of addressing local problems fueling the migration north. They include lax responses to the coronavirus pandemic, rampant crime, as well as the aftereffects of two hurricanes that blew through the region. The Biden administration has discussed increased aid to address some of these root concerns. The bottom line: "The people of the Northern Triangle certainly deserve to experience freedom and opportunity, and be able to access protection within the Northern Triangle," one official told reporters. "They shouldn't have to come to the United States to seek that freedom and opportunity, and that's what she'll be working toward." Among the items to tackle are local corruption and ways to improve local economies. More from Axios: Sign up to get the latest market trends with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- Nearly two years after City Council voted against joining Cleveland Waters Suburban Water Main Renewal Program, Mayor Kevin Kennedy remains convinced its the best move for the city going forward. Last week, Kennedy sent out a press release noting that had council approved the 2019 agreement, North Olmsted would have received nearly $4 million toward projects to replace aged and deteriorating water infrastructure. This included more than $2.5 million in 2020. Despite not being a part of Cleveland Waters program, the utility continues to annually provide hypothetical awards to existing North Olmsted infrastructure needs. Literally, we had $2.7 million (this year) we turned down because council didnt vote for this, Kennedy said. There is no other solution other than residents funding it. This is a tremendous amount of money that were missing out on. I had a meeting with the residents before COVID and they were furious. The first time we can have an in-person (council meeting, which are currently virtual due to the pandemic), people are going to be (upset) because they lost out on this money, Kennedy said. Because its not only the money you lost, its the money youre going to have to pay. If the city were to join the program, it would turn over ownership of its 107 miles of water lines to the Cleveland Water Department. Cleveland would then be responsible for funding capital improvements for those lines. Cleveland Waters Suburban Water Main Renewal Program allocates a portion of funding that comes from North Olmsted residents water payments to cover the cost of water main replacements. The program is tied to an anti-poaching policy. The contract states that if a business with a certain dollar amount leaves one community for another, 50 percent of that income tax will be shared for a five-year period. City Councils hesitance to join the program isnt tied so much to the anti-poaching policy, but instead to a protracted court battle involving Westlake attempting to break away from the Cleveland Water Department and how such a result could adversely affect North Olmsted. Someone who not only voted to approve the city joining the program two years ago, but also provided his support in the mayors recent press release, is Ward 3 Councilman Paul Schumann. Honestly, I dont know why were not doing this, Schumann said. Something like 41 communities are already engaged. I know there is some feeling by some members of council who wish to wait and see what happens in Westlake. Even if Westlake is successful, its going to cost them a lot of money, because theyre still going to have to buy the infrastructure and all that. I dont believe that Cleveland Water would also just let us leave anyway without a fight. And, we cant afford to buy the infrastructure out, so I dont know why were playing games. Schumann questioned whether councils actions are politically motivated. City Council President Nicole Dailey Jones dismisses that notion, instead saying because the majority of North Olmsteds water comes through Westlake pipes, it financially behooves the city to wait until the legal matter is settled before committing to the Cleveland Water program. We had Cleveland Water at one of our council committee meetings regarding this say they couldnt guarantee that North Olmsted residents -- and some of the other communities further south relying on these Westlake pipes -- wouldnt be on the hook paying for the cost of getting new pipes to deliver water to our community if Westlake does leave Cleveland Water, Jones said. So, essentially, by signing this agreement that the mayor wants us to sign, we might be signing up our residents to see a significant increase in the water rates to pay for that project if Westlake decides to leave the system, she said. Jones said City Council is comfortable with potentially risking a couple of million dollars a year rather than leaving the city on the hook for tens of millions of dollars regarding the uncertainty related to Westlakes lawsuit. I guess a simple way of saying it is, were still exploring this issue, Jones said. I dont understand the urgency as far as the mayors (press) release, because our city will continue to qualify for the same projects that hes saying were qualified for now. So, if we join this agreement in a year or two, those pipes that Cleveland Water would possibly consider for a project, theyd still qualify. Read more news from the Sun Post Herald. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - Jordanian riot police on Wednesday broke up protests in Amman and other cities called to mark the 10th anniversary of Arab Spring pro-democracy demonstrations, and authorities detained tens of activists, witnesses said. Police in Amman handcuffed several people who defied a government ban on protests and rounded up others who approached the Dakhiliya roundabout, witnesses said. There was heavy security presence, and dozens of anti-riot vehicles encircled the major artery to stop any gathering. "This is Jordanian democracy," shouted one of the protesters. Other activists demanded an end to emergency laws introduced with the COVID-19 pandemic last year, which civic groups say violate civil and political rights. Witnesses said small protests were broken up in several cities across the country and prominent activists were arrested. Jordan's disparate opposition groups had called for a large demonstration in Dakhiliya roundabout, the site of large protests in 2011 demanding regime change during the Arab Spring that shook governments from Tunisia to the Gulf. Those Jordanian protests later turned violent, and one protester was killed and dozens injured in clashes between demonstrators and police. Several years of sweeping pro-democracy protests, led by Islamists and tribal and leftist opposition groups, followed as they sought limits on King Abdullah's powers and wider political freedoms. The government, which has in recent years clamped down on dissent, this month used tear gas to break up nationwide protests after hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, angered by an extended pandemic curfew.[L8N2LD6TN] Interior Minister Mazen al Faraya said the kingdom would not tolerate protests that would worsen the health crisis. Despite growing frustration, King Abdullah and his Hashemite dynasty enjoy solid public support, and the king acts as a unifiying force among native Jordanian tribes and Jordanian Palestinians. Politicians worry that economic hardship caused by the pandemic could reignite civil unrest in Jordan. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emulsifiers market will register an incremental spend of about USD 3.04 Billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.79% during the five-year forecast period. A targeted strategic approach to Emulsifiers sourcing can unlock several opportunities for buyers. This report also offers market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download free sample report Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Emulsifiers Market Procurement Research Report 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 Emulsifiers market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Emulsifiers 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 2.5%-3.0%. Identify favorable opportunities in Emulsifiers 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 Emulsifiers suppliers listed in this report: This Emulsifiers procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Cargill Inc. Archer Daniels Midland Co. DuPont de Nemours Inc. BASF SE Koninklijke DSM NV Puratos Group NV Dow Chemical Co. Kerry Group Plc The Lubrizol Corp. Palsgaard AS 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 http://www.spendedge.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. WTO talks stuck on opt-outs for artisanal, developing fisheries by Mark Godfrey March 24,2021 | Source: SeafoodSource Exemptions for small, coastal fishing operations remain a contentious issue in World Trade Organization negotiations on a deal to end harmful subsidies to fisheries. Negotiators, who are meeting in person at the WTO in Geneva, Switzerland, are largely in agreement that there should be special treatment for artisanal and subsistence fishers, but remain divided on how the exclusions would be structured. Last month, three South American states Argentina, Chile, and Ecuador put forward a proposal suggesting subsidy prohibitions for overfished stocks and for overfishing must not apply to low-income fishers operating within 12 nautical miles from the coast, with the exemption applicable for all WTO members, so that none are prevented from investing in their economically disadvantaged communities. A number of members raised issue with reference to 12 nautical miles in the proposal for different reasons, with some saying this fishing area needed to be enlarged, while others said this was a dangerous loophole that would be hard to monitor, a trade official familiar with the negotiations told SeafoodSource. Several further [participants] noted concerns about territorial disputes when bringing in such references into the agreement. Meanwhile, India has proposed focusing subsidy bans on large-scale industrial fishing and exempting small-scale fishers, a move that would clearly target top distant-water fishing nations like China. But China has sought its own carve-out as it seeks to classify itself as a developing nation, qualifying it for an exemption from the ban on subsidies. Another group of WTO members, including Argentina, Australia, the United States, and Uruguay, want a capping mechanism applied on fishing efforts and flexible subsidies for artisanal fishers. Pressure for a deal has mounted since the new Nigerian WTO director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasized her commitment to getting a deal done in her first day in office, according to Isabel Jarrett, manager of the reducing harmful fisheries subsidies program at The Pew Charitable Trusts. Given her wealth of experience at the World Bank and as a minister for a developing nation, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala brings a unique perspective and skillset to her new role, Jarrett told SeafoodSource. On her first day, she underlined that reaching a deal to end harmful fisheries subsidies is critically important for the health of our ocean. Having a representative from a developing nation at the helm of the WTO inspires confidence that developing countries voices will be heard and their diverse needs taken into account when shaping a fisheries subsidies agreement, without undercutting the sustainability goals that all WTO members are striving to deliver. 2021 Diversified Communications. All rights reserved. Theme(s): Post Harvest Technology and Trade. DODOMA (literally "It has sunk" in Gogo), officially Dodoma City, is the national capital of Tanzania with a population of 410,956 according to the United Republic of Tanzania Population and Housing Census of 2012 was on Monday a beehive of activities hosting 9 African presidents paying last respects and bidding farewell to the late President John Magufuli. The Presidents, Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Edgar Lungu (Zambia), Felix Tshisekedi (DRC), Felipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe (Botswana), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi), Azali Assoumani (Comoro), as well as other top representatives from across the continent is real testimony of how Dr Magufuli was a darling of many leaders, whose demise is not only for Tanzanians, but wide spread beyond. In their eulogies, they individually narrated how Dr Magufuli, African son, fought for the rights of his people and the continent to desist from thinking that foreign aid was the solution to their problems. For instance wielding the East Africa Community chairmanship President Uhuru Kenyatta said: "Magufuli taught us that Africa can do without foreign aid. In a very short span of time, President Magufuli has shown that we as Africans are able to disentangle ourselves from the dependence of foreigners and that we have the ability to manage our own economy and ensure that our people get what is rightful to them." No doubt, the late President Magufuli was not ready to stomach any nonsense from any quarter that compromised with the rights of Tanzanians and Africa in general, that is why when he was the SADC ( Southern African Development Community) comprising 16 Member States of Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) Chairman in 20-19 he urge the international community to lift sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. This was a leader who felt pain on seeing a fellow Tanzanian and African being subjected to any form of abuse simply because of status in life. For instance, the way a common man wailed and mourned him in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, you name it, will automatically tell you that he was a man of the people, for the people and by the people. Rest in peace son of Africa! However, what raises hope was the way his successor, President Samia Suluhu Hassan assured Tanzanians and the continent (read world) during Heads of State last respects paying in Dodoma was: "the country is in safe hands. We will start where Magufuli ended." (Alliance News) - Vivo Energy PLC on Wednesday said subsidiary Vivo Energy Maroc conducted operations in line with competition laws after commission enquiry into the fuel marketing industry in Morocco. Vivo is a downstream petroleum company which sells branded products from Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Engen Petroleum. Vivo noted an announcement from the committee formed by the Royal Cabinet in Morocco to review the procedural elements of the Conseil de la Concurrence's investigation of the fuel marketing industry. The committee concluded that the CDC investigation "was marked by numerous procedural irregularities" and experienced "an obvious deterioration in the climate of deliberations". A new president has now been appointed to lead the CDC. In July last year, Vivo noted the formation of an independent commission to review the Conseil de la Concurrence's decision in Morocco. The commission came after allegations regarding Conseil de la Concurrence's process and conduct in determining its recommended penalty for the fuel retail industry. The Conseil de la Concurrence ultimately recommended a fine of 8% of annual Moroccan turnover against the industry. Vivo shares were down 0.8% at ZAR18.88 each in Johannesburg on Wednesday, and were up 0.2% at 92.80 pence each in London. By Greg Roxburgh; gregroxburgh@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. White House: North Korea conducted short-range missile test View Photo WASHINGTON (AP) North Korea fired short-range missiles this past weekend, just days after the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened the United States and South Korea for holding joint military exercises. The missile tests were confirmed by two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. They come as North Korea has ignored offers from the new administration to resume negotiations, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week pressed China to use its tremendous influence to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The officials, however, sought to downplay the significance of the missile tests, noting that they are not covered by U.N. Security Council resolutions meant to deter North Korea from pursuing a nuclear program. Biden himself told reporters the missile tests were not a provocation. Theres no new wrinkle in what they did, he said. South Koreas military said in a statement Wednesday that it had detected two suspected cruise missile launches by North Korea on Sunday morning. It said the launches were made off North Koreas west coast and said South Korea is analyzing them. The statement said South Korea is closely monitoring North Korean missile activities in cooperation with the United States, but noted it doesnt publicize all its information about North Korea. South Korean lawmaker Ha Tae-keung said in a Facebook posting that he was told by agency officials from Seouls spy agency that the North fired two cruise missiles off its western seaport of Nampo around 6:36 a.m. Sunday. Ha, an executive secretary of the National Assemblys intelligence committee, which regularly receives closed-door briefings from the spy agency, said he was told that the U.S. and South Korean militaries had detected the launches but had agreed not to publicize them. The Biden administration has been open about its desire to engage the North in negotiations even as the regime has batted away calls for the two nations to talk. In North Koreas first comments directed at the Biden administration, the North Korean leader Kims powerful sister earlier this month warned the United States to refrain from causing a stink if it wants to sleep in peace for the next four years. Kim Yo Jongs statement was issued as Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia to talk with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. South Koreas Defense Ministry said Sundays launches were North Koreas first missile firings since April 2020. U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from engaging in any ballistic activities, but not cruise missile tests. Cruise missiles fly at a lower altitude and slower speed than ballistic missiles, making them easier to intercept, but they are still considered more accurate. Relations between the U.S. and North Korea, once hailed as potentially promising after President Donald Trumps three meetings with Kim, have been tense with no substantive contact for more than a year. The last face-to-face talks between senior officials from the two countries were held in Sweden in October 2019 and efforts by the Biden administration to resume a dialogue have been rebuffed since February. Since Trumps first meeting with Kim in Singapore in 2018, the North has not conducted nuclear or long-range missile tests, although analysts believe they have pressed ahead with their programs on both. And, the North has not given up short- and medium range missile testing. North Korean officials have not been in contact with U.S. government officials in more than a year, spanning two administrations, one of the senior administration officials noted. Biden administration officials have been consulting with Trump administration officials who took part in the Singapore talks as well as a second meeting between Kim and Trump in February 2019. Some Trump officials in their talks with the Biden team speculated that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and a broader reconsideration of engagement with the United States could explain the Norths radio silence, according to one official. Kim is in the midst of the toughest crisis of his nine-year rule as the already-troubled economy was hit by pandemic-related border closings that have sharply reduced the Norths external trade. The North also faced a spate of natural disasters last summer not to mention the persistent U.S.-led sanctions. But a Biden administration officials added that the Biden administration does not view the weekends missile tests as closing the door to such talks. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is also scheduled to meet next week with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts for talks about the way forward with North Korea. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-hyung and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. By AAMER MADHANI and MATTHEW LEE Associated Press 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. [March 24, 2021] Fast-Growing Proper Title Targets National Expansion With New CEO, Judd D. Hoffman Proper Title, LLC, one of Illinois' largest title insurance agencies, announced today that Judd D. Hoffman (News - Alert) has been hired as chief executive officer. Hoffman has been a driving force behind growth, tech innovation and culture-building throughout a 10-year career at two of the nation's largest title companies. Now, he will take on a similar role at Proper Title, a company that is looking to scale nationally by applying the systems and service model that made it a market leader in the Chicago area in less than a decade. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005944/en/ Proper Title, LLC, has hired Judd D. Hoffman as CEO. (Photo: Business Wire) Proper Title is backed by Chicago-based @properties, one of the 10 largest residential brokerage firms in the U.S. by sales volume according to the 2020 REALTrends 500 rankings. @properties currently operates in nine states and launched a franchise program at the end of last year to accelerate national expansion. The firm provides a significant avenue of growth for Proper Title, but Proper Title also intends to grow via organic market-share capture and through acquisitions. "If you are looking to grow a title firm profitably, efficiently, and with an incredible culture that benefits your clients, employees and strategic partners, Judd is, hands down, the leader you want. We have built a great foundation in Illinois, and now with Judd at the helm, we're excited to introduce Proper Title to a national audience," said Mike Golden, partner and co-founderof Proper Title and co-founder and co-CEO of @properties. Most recently, Hoffman served as chief transformation officer for States Title and president of its affiliate, North American Title Company. In these roles he assisted in a redesign of the company's technology platform, merged regional divisions, managed business development and oversaw exponential growth of both revenue and operating margins. The company recently changed its name to Doma and just announced plans to go public via a special purpose acquisition company. Previously, Hoffman spent eight years at First American Title Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and the second-largest title company in the U.S. As president of First American's Direct Division, he led an organizational transformation that resulted in increased market share, employee retention and profitability. "The organic growth that Proper Title has been able to achieve in one of the most competitive markets in the country is proof that this company does it differently and better, and this is what attracted me to this opportunity. I have also come to discover the amazing culture within this organization. Now, our goal is to make Proper Title a household name on a national level, and to prove why our brand of service deserves to be the industry standard," said Hoffman. Proper Title is the No. 1 issuing agent in Illinois for Fidelity National Finance (FNF) and has earned the FNF Excellence in Action award for six consecutive years. It was also named a Crain's Chicago Business "Best Places to Work" in 2019 and 2020. "Judd has a proven track record of global business development of both startups and larger enterprises, and he has a phenomenal reputation in the title industry," added Thad Wong, partner and co-founder of Proper Title and co-founder and co-CEO of @properties. "Under his leadership and through his limitless connections, Proper Title is poised to grow quickly." Prior to his work in the title industry, Hoffman founded and/or led several companies in the communications and medical products industries. He is also a partner in an early-stage venture capital firm. About Proper Title, LLC: Chicago-based Proper Title, LLC, is a full-service title insurance agency serving the residential and commercial real estate industries. Since its founding in 2013, Proper Title has substantially grown its transaction volume in just a few years with its commitment to servicing the needs of its clients and was named Fidelity National Finance's #1 Issuing Agent in Illinois for 2020. The firm has earned the "Rising Star / Excellence in Action" award by FNF for the past six years in a row. Proper Title was also awarded Crain's Chicago Business "Best Places to Work" in 2019 and 2020. For more information, visit propertitle.com. About @properties: Established in 2000, @properties ranks 10th on the REALTrends 500 list of the largest residential brokerage firms in the U.S. by sales volume. During the past decade, @properties has developed a proprietary suite of integrated technology applications called pl@tform, which includes marketing, transaction-management and client-relationship management systems, and recently launched a nationwide franchise. @properties and its affiliated companies, Ansley Atlanta Real Estate and Nest Realty, have over 3,000 agents and 50 offices in nine states. @properties is also an owner of Proper Title, a title insurance firm, and Proper Rate, an independent mortgage lender established in a joint venture with Guaranteed Rate. For more information, visit www.atproperties.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005944/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] SALEM, Ore. -- Gov. Kate Brown has relsease a 10-Point Economic Recovery Plan that aims to help families and businesses across the state still recovering from the pandemic and 2020 wildfires. The plan will specifically focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities. The governor outlined her principles for the use of federal American Rescue Plan resources, to guide state agencies and local governments in making investments that will maximize immediate benefits for Oregonians in an equitable way. Thanks in part to the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Oregons outlook for a rapid economic recovery is strong, if we act quickly to get relief to Oregonians," Brown said. "We have the opportunity now to lift up Oregon families and businesses, by immediately investing state and federal resources to help them recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic." Between state and local governments, the governor says Oregon is slated to receive approximately $6.4 billion in federal funds from the ARP. Oregon businesses have worked throughout the pandemic to do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We are pleased with the direction Governor Brown is taking with this plan to immediately invest state and federal resources towards shared prosperity and a robust recovery, said Joth Ricci, CEO and president of Dutch Bros and chair of the Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee. Oregon businesses need both short-term relief and long-term investments like those in the governors plan to help get our state back on its feet and thriving. The governor applies these principles for equitable and rapid economic recovery in her 10-Point Plan: Action #1: Investing in Oregons hardest hit workers (those currently unemployed or underemployed) Action #2: Reinvesting in innovative housing Action #3: Supporting resilient rural communities Action #4: Supporting Oregons workforce (those currently employed but struggling) Action #5: Creating opportunities for Oregonians (workforce development) Action #6: Getting small business back on its feet Action #7: Investing in Oregons infrastructure Action #8: Oregonians investing in Oregon Action #9: Safely reopening Oregons economy Action #10: Innovation in manufacturing More details on Brown's 10-point plan can be found here. DALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank announced today a national program to counter the rise in racially motivated violence targeting the elderly of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities that has occurred since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Comerica's newly created Asian Senior Citizens Anti-Violence Initiative will focus on directing $100,000 in contributions and in-kind volunteer support to Asian American nonprofit organizations in Comerica's major markets of California, Texas and Michigan that assist those who are most vulnerable. Comerica will launch the national program in California by supporting APA Family Support Services, Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program and Koreatown Youth & Community Center. Part of the initiative includes supplying 1,000 personal safety alarms, as well as supporting personal and financial security programs that address elder abuse and fraud prevention. "Comerica Bank proudly supports diversity, equity and inclusion, both among our colleagues and in our communities," said Irvin Ashford, Jr., Chief Community Officer, Comerica Bank. "As a relationship focused bank, we are committed to serving our communities during these difficult times. We hope that our work through the Comerica Asian Senior Citizens Anti-Violence Initiative will help our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities feel safer and supported." Incidents of attacks across the country against members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities continue to escalate, particularly against seniors. San Francisco-based organization, Stop AAPI Hate, recently reported that its organization has recorded more than 3,700 incidents from March 2020 to February 2021. "Comerica condemns the violence we have seen in our Asian American Pacific Islander communities. Helping to demolish social injustices and racial inequities that exist in our country remains a priority for us," said Nate Bennett, Chief Diversity Officer, Comerica Bank. "Among our colleagues, we are continuing to open the dialogue to discuss racial equity, social injustices and the necessity for allyship and inclusivity." Comerica has a long history of partnering with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Following are three of the 18 Asian American nonprofits that Comerica supported last year alone: Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment in Los Angeles, Calif. , received funding for COVID-19 relief, such as food and housing, business and employment resources, and utilities and education resources for parents. PACE is a community development organization that annually serves 50,000 low-income residents by creating economic solutions to meet the challenges of employment, education, housing, the environment, and business development in the Pacific Asian and other diverse communities. in , received funding for COVID-19 relief, such as food and housing, business and employment resources, and utilities and education resources for parents. PACE is a community development organization that annually serves 50,000 low-income residents by creating economic solutions to meet the challenges of employment, education, housing, the environment, and business development in the Pacific Asian and other diverse communities. ASIAN, Inc. in San Francisco, Calif. , received funding for low- to moderate-income limited-English proficient businesses and resident foreclosure prevention due to COVID-19. in , received funding for low- to moderate-income limited-English proficient businesses and resident foreclosure prevention due to COVID-19. Koreatown Youth & Community Center in Los Angeles, Calif. , received funding for financial empowerment programs focused on Community Economic Development (CED). KYCC's CED program provides comprehensive financial support services to promote community and economic development for residents and small business owners in Koreatown and Greater Los Angeles . About Comerica Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020. SOURCE Comerica Bank Related Links http://www.comerica.com Some couples will receive their stimulus money in two payments, the Internal Revenue Service said this week. The reason: there is a glitch in the system that divides the payments for married couples where one person has filed an injured spousal claim. At first, it appears to some of these couples that they are receiving only half the stimulus payment -- prompting thousands to express their frustration by posting in a Facebook group "Half Stimulus Missing/Received Status." A couple filing jointly can file a Form 8379, known as an injured spouse claim, when the other owes federal back taxes, has defaulted on a federal student loan or owes child support. If the IRS grants the claim, a portion of the couple's refund won't be offset to pay those debts. Couples in this situation are eligible for the full stimulus payment, which is worth up to $1,400 per person -- but they may get the money in two separate payments, the IRS said in a statement sent to CNN. The second payment may come the same week or within weeks of the first payment. These couples can check the status of their payments using the IRS's online Get My Payment tool -- but should check each spouse separately to see the status of both payments. In most cases, the second payment will be delivered like the first -- as directed by the 2019 or 2020 tax return. If the most recently processed tax return includes direct deposit information, the money will be sent to the bank account. If no bank account information is on file, the money will be delivered by either a paper check or debit card in the mail. In a few instances, one payment may come as a direct deposit and the other mailed, the IRS said. Who's eligible for a $1,400 check? The third round of payments is expected to reach about 85% of families, according to the White House. About 90 million payments went out last week and more are on their way. Direct deposits went out first and the agency ramped up sending paper checks and debit cards this week. More than half of the households eligible for the payment should have the money by now, less than two weeks after President Joe Biden signed a sweeping $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill into law. Families will receive an additional $1,400 per dependent, so a couple with two children could receive up to $5,600. Unlike prior rounds, families will now receive the additional money for adult dependents over the age of 17. 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 gradually phase out as income goes up. Lawmakers narrowed the scope of the payments this time so that not everyone who received a previous check will be sent one now. It cuts off individuals who earn at least $80,000 a year of adjusted gross income, heads of households who earn at least $120,000 and married couples who earn at least $160,000 -- regardless of how many children they have. On what year are the income limits based? The new income thresholds will be based on a taxpayer's most recent return. If they've already filed a 2020 return by the time the payment is sent and it has been processed, the IRS will base eligibility on their 2020 adjusted gross income. If not, it will be based on the 2019 return or the information submitted through an online portal set up last year for people who don't usually file tax returns. If your 2019 income was less than your pay in 2020, you will not owe back any money. But if your income fell in 2020, filing your tax return now -- before the payments go out -- may mean you'll get a bigger check. Payments are shielded from most debts -- but not all Congress shielded the latest round of stimulus payments from garnishment for outstanding federal debts, like student loan, tax debt and owed child support. But the bill did not protect the money from private debt collectors. Recipients with unpaid credit card or medical bills for which a company has obtained a judgment against the debtor could see the fresh infusion taken from their bank accounts, potentially preventing those in need from getting the emergency cash. Lawmakers shielded the $600 payments that were approved as part of the December stimulus from private debt collectors, but the latest Covid relief bill did not include that protection because of the procedural rules Democrats used to push the bill through the Senate, where no Republicans signed on. Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio introduced a bill last week that would fix the problem, but it has yet to be taken up for a vote. In the meantime, millions of stimulus payments have already been directly deposited into bank accounts where they could be seized by private debt collectors. Gareth Bale blamed sloppy mistakes for Wales defeat in their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier to Belgium. Wales led through Harry Wilsons superb 10th-minute opener the product of a sweeping 17-pass move and Bales brilliant through ball before Belgium fought back to win 3-1 in a manner befitting the worlds number one team. Kevin De Bruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, from the penalty spot, were on target as Belgium avenged their Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat to Wales in Leuven. Harry Wilson, left, gave Wales a dream start to their World Cup qualifying campaign (PA Wire via Belga) It was great to get an early goal. We felt we were set up well, our game plan was going well, Bale told Sky Sports after Wales first competitive defeat in 12 games. A few sloppy mistakes let them back in. We know they are a great side and theyve got great players. When you do make mistakes you get punished. We went into half-time 2-1 down and still in the game. We came out second half and made a few tiny changes tactically and we were in the game for large parts. Neither team created too many chances, especially clear cut. Were disappointed to lose, but we knew it was going to be difficult here and we have to take the positives out of this into the next games. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Wales next qualifier is against the Czech Republic who opened their qualifying campaign with a 6-2 victory away to Estonia in Cardiff on Tuesday. The Czechs play Belgium at home on Saturday, while Wales entertain Mexico in a Cardiff friendly that will almost certainly see caretaker manager Robert Page field most, if not all, of his fringe players. We have to bounce back, said Bale, who was withdrawn in the closing stages as a precaution. We have to realise this was against the number one team in the world, lets not get too harsh on ourselves. We go again. Romelu Lukakus penalty completed a 3-1 success for Belgium (PA Wire via Belga) Its difficult to score against them with the amount of possession they have and we were unlucky to concede a bit of what I guess is a light penalty. It killed the game a little bit, but we showed the spirit to keep going like we always do to get another goal. But it wasnt meant to be. Story continues On a difficult surface which played a key part in proceedings when Connor Roberts slipped to allow Hazard to head home Belgiums second goal, Bale said: The pitch was not great at all. But you cant use it as an excuse. Its the same for both teams. Obviously in an ideal world you play on a better pitch, but the surface is the same for both, no excuses, and we move on. Thorgan Hazard was on target with Belgiums second goal against Wales (PA Wire via Belga) Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was delighted with his sides performance after the shock of conceding an early goal. Martinez said: The game became even harder in the moment that we conceded the first goal. Wales adapted to the game better than us and we had two choices. To accept it and let the game go away from you, or show personality and bravery and thats what the team did. 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 Audio Attachment: Dismissed member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs has dared the party to report him to the Police if they think he has any NDC property in his possession. The NDC, on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, released a statement dismissing Allotey Jacobs after suspending him for months for exhibiting what the party described as ''anti-party conduct''. At our meeting on Wednesday 17th March 2021, the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC considered the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee on the case or misconduct and anti-party behaviour brought against you Mr. Allotey Jacobs pursuant to articles 48(I) (b) and 8 (b) of the NDC Constitution. The Committees report which is herein attached for your attention found you guilty of the said allegations of misconduct, anti-party conduct and recommended among other things your immediate expulsion from the party. The Functional Executive Committee acting in compliance of Article 48(1) of the NDC Constitution has unanimously adopted the report and accepts fully its recommendation for your expulsion from the party. You are therefore by the decision of FEC, expelled from the National Democratic Congress and for that matter no more recognized as a member of the party and cannot carry yourself as such," the statement read. Interestingly, the embattled NDC stalwart dismissed himself about a month ago before the party's released its official statement. Speaking during a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show ''Kokrokoo'',he said; I no longer belong to the NDC...I know I have been suspended but I've dismissed myself. Im not going to join the NPP; I will never be an NPP member but I'm no longer with the NDC..." The party says Allotety Jacobs should return any property in his possession. You are by this letter and pursuant to Article 48(10) directed to return any party properties that may be in your custody and shall forfeit any money, dues or subscription fees made to the Party. But Allotey, speaking on ''Kokrokoo'' on Wednesday, March 24, is least perturbed about the party's order. According to him, there is nothing for him to return to the NDC. "Police Regional Headquarters is in the Central Region, they should go and report that they gave me a pesewa, T-shirts, posters or cars. They should prove it . . . I don't have anything belonging to the NDC. I don't even know their cheque number. I've never even signed their cheque before. It was my Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer who were signing it. I don't even go and collect their money," he stated. He, however, admitted he acquired a Toyota Land Cruiser while he was a member of the party but quickly added it doesn't belong to the NDC. "I bought my Land Cruiser from Ibrahim Mahama", he emphasized and touted the virtues of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama saying ''you know Ibrahim, so soft; so nice. He didn't gift it to me but he sold it to me for less a price. So, I can say I paid half-way but it was almost a dash. That's why, everyday, I cherish him in my heart because of his character and the way he approaches people''. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video LIFE is strange mixture of joys and sorrows. Some days are so sad that they take away all joy and peace from the life of man. Tanzanians will never forget the 17th March 2021 as the saddest day across the country and entire world. The night had been sleepless because of untimely demise of President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli - a truly Pan- Africanist. This untimely demise is not only a great loss to the family and Tanzanians, but also to the education sector - people mourn the visionary leader in our times. Dr. John Magufuli, from early years in the "Highest Office" defined his ambitions to give the nation a new boost of energy to become an industrialized and middle economy state, where education would be one of the key drivers of development. We (the people) have witnessed his government's achievements in the education sector recorded in a period of five years that he has been into power, free primary and secondary education for all being among the highlights. Between 2015 and 2020, the government spent about 1.01tr/- in the provision of free education countrywide. When JPM ascended into power in 2015, there were 16,899 primary schools countrywide - the figure had risen to 17,804 as we speak now. On secondary schools, in 2015 there were 4,708 while currently, there are 5,330. The Magufuli's administration repaired 73 old schools out of 89 that had been neglected before his rise in power, while, 2956 laboratory equipment had been installed. On vocational training, there were only 672 VETA colleges in 2015, but today there are more than 712 vocational training centres including the recently inaugurated ones. On higher learning institutions, Dr Magufuli five years' span helped more Tanzanians to pursue their studies, and injected more funds into the Higher Education Students Loans Board (HESLB). When he came in power, the government was providing 341billions for students' loans, but during the 2021/20 financial year, it dished out about 450 billion for Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB). During Magufuli's sway, primary school enrolment increased from one million in 2015 to 1.6 million in 2020 while secondary school enrolment hiked from 1.6 in 2015 to 2.1 million, with passing rates up. It is in the same period of Magufuli's power that we witnessed the growing number of technical institutions and student's enrolment to these colleges nearly doubling from 82,217 in 2014/2015 to 128,093 in 2020/2021 representing an increase of 55 per cent. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In 2020/2021 students selected to joint technical institutions has increased up to 128,093 compared to 122,945 in September 2019/2020 Intake representing an increase in 4.1 per cent. This increase is due to a number of factors including increased number of students completing Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) and Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE) and aspiring to join various technical institutions. The increase is further due to the Dr. Magufuli's agenda of the 'Free Basic Education Policy' of 2015 - when ascended into power, which extended free education to the secondary school level, cutting tuition fees up to Form IV. As we bid farewell to heroic man of Africa- the great Magufuli, our hearts ooze in tears for your untimely demise. We shall remember you for your sacrifice to the country you loved most and vow to keep the zeal of your patriotic ideas Mr President. May your Soul Rest in Eternal Peace. The writer, Dr. Jofrey M. Oleke is the National Council for Technical Education Director of Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation. Offer a personal message of sympathy... By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? In many ways it always seemed inevitable but the twin forces of Brexit and Covid-19 have led to something of a cold war between the EU and the UK. Britain's decision to leave the EU was always going to pose enormous difficulties for both sides but these have been hastened, and significantly worsened, by the ongoing pandemic and the increasingly troubled vaccine roll-out in the EU nations. What is so unexpected about the situation - for pro-Europeans at least - is the sides of the vaccine supply crisis that the UK and the EU find themselves on. Throughout the Brexit process a constant refrain across the EU was the 'madness' of the British electorate for choosing to opt out of a powerful trading block and eschew the many advantages of EU membership. The Brexiteers would counter that by abandoning the EU and going their own way they would free themselves from the shackles of a domineering and inefficient European bureaucracy. While Brexit has had the predicted disastrous impact on the British economy - its exports to the EU have plunged by 40 per cent while imports into the Republic have plummeted by more than 60 per cent - in terms of Covid the experience has been markedly different. In fact it could be said - and many of the Brexiteers are saying - that the Covid vaccine shortage in the EU proves their point about the EU's failings and shows they were right to quit the bloc. Though they grossly oversimplify the situation, and the true impact of Brexit on the UK, there is some merit to the claims. The EU's problems in sourcing enough vaccine for its members, and its growing difficulties in dealing with various vaccine suppliers, are rooted in the EU's notoriously convoluted bureaucracy. This has complicated contract arrangements and led to enormous and costly delays in the roll-out of the vaccine across the EU, leaving many members, including Ireland, scrabbling to find extra vaccine doses elsewhere. It's not just the smaller nations that have been impacted either, even Germany and France have been encountering problems. By contrast, the UK - whose initial response to the pandemic was a lethal shambles - has managed to source vast quantities of vaccine and, like the United States and Israel, is well on its way to getting its population vaccinated and its economy back up and running. Boris Johnson and his odious Brexiteer cronies were able to do this as they were unshackled from the EU bureaucrats' red-tape and were able to conduct their own negotiations with vaccine manufacturers. Johnson's Government took an early gamble and signed contracts for millions of vaccines long before most had been approved. That gamble has paid off and now the EU can only look on in envy as the UK surges ahead in the race to escape the pandemic. Meanwhile, the EU response - to threaten a blockade on EU made vaccines entering the UK - seems like vindictive posturing. It doesn't inspire much confidence in the European project. When the Brexiteers are right you know there's a serious problem. Members of the St Mary's Home Industry Association in Chitungwiza are up in arms against their chairperson, Tobias Madzinga and treasurer, Kunashe Munjanja over alleged misuse of funds amounting to US$ 404 000, raised from the sale of close to 200 stands in Zengeza 1 since 2006, 263Chat has gathered. The Government and the Chitungwiza Town Council allocated stands to the Association for development and regularization of their businesses some 15 years ago in the aftermath of Operation Murambatsvina since the municipality was resource-constrained to service the area itself. Since then, there hasn't been meaningful progress in servicing the area except for the construction of a toilet, a well and dilapidated water trenches. The area is devoid of electricity despite members having contributed and raised US$ 8000 for the installation. According to sources within the Association, Madzinga has made numerous unilateral decisions such as the purchase of a concrete manhole at a cost of US$ 21 000 and the digging of trenches at the site to the tune of US$ 11 000. Currently, the chairperson is alleged to have unilaterally re-pegged land initially meant for parking in a bid to create more stands. Over the years, Madzinga and Munjanja are alleged to have repossessed stands belonging to some original members on "flimsy" grounds. Efforts by some aggrieved members to seek explanation on how funds were handled over the years were thwarted as Madzinga is said to have dissolved all sub-committees assigned to pursue an audit. Recently, the vice-chairperson, Moses Mazhande widely seen as a critic of Madzinga's leadership was hounded out of the executive, the source said. The aggrieved members have since written to the Chitungwiza Municipality, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and the relevant Ministry seeking intervention and inquest into the operations of the Association. "We wrote letters to the Town Clerk dated 11 November 2020 and 02 December 2020 which letters have not been responded to, that is why we now seek your urgent assistance," reads part of the leaked letter. "It must also be pointed out that over 50 percent of the stands have been sold and repossessed more than once and funds raised thereof remain unaccounted for. "It must also be noted that the chairman and treasurer received funds in their personal Ecocash lines which funds never reached the Association. The two are unemployed but they recently bought a Jeep and the other a Honda Fit. We are aware that one of them is currently constructing state of the art houses in Mabvazuva. We humbly request that a lifestyle audit be carried out on them so as to ascertain their source of funds," further reads the letter. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Corruption By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Efforts to get hold of Madzinga were fruitless as his line was not reachable at the time of publishing. "I'm not privy to that at the moment. You see, there are many pressing issues in St Mary's so I will need to really to understand further what their grievances are," Chitungwiza Town Clerk Evangelista Machona told 263Chat. "Maybe if I were speaking with their file at hand I would be better positioned to respond. But over and above, we are planning to have all our markets designated and regularize them so that people can trade properly in all our four district areas including Sat Mary's," she added. Meanwhile, the matter has been received by ZACC and a reference number; 001150 has been issued. "Since they have the reference number, their case is being investigated by ZACC. I cannot comment any further if the matter is being investigated. I cannot tell you any details about an ongoing investigation," ZACC spokesperson, John Makamure said. Chitungwiza town has hogged limelight in recent times over the prevalence of corrupt activities in the allocation and sale of stands by notorious land barons, a nuisance that has even captured President Emmerson Mnangagwa's attention. He recently directed relevant authorities, that include ministries, Government departments and agencies to leave no stone unturned in the fight against this scourge. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A federal judge has dismissed Ohio Attorney General Dave Yosts lawsuit that sought to force the U.S. Census Bureau to provide its results by a March 31 legal deadline, six months earlier than Census officials said was possible. Southern District of Ohio Judge Thomas M. Rose cited legal precedent he said barred him from ordering someone to jump higher, run faster, or lift more than she is physically capable. He also wrote Yost, who had sued because the Census data is needed for Ohio to meet state constitutional deadlines in its process of drawing new political maps, failed to demonstrate Ohio had been harmed by the delay in the release of the Census information. Yost, a Republican sued last month, saying the delay would cause the state to miss legal redistricting deadlines in the state Constitution. His office filed an appeal on Wednesday shortly after Rose made his decision. We appreciate Judge Roses careful consideration of the matter, but if the State does not have standing to challenge the Census Bureaus decision to arbitrarily ignore a statutory deadline, no one does, Yost said in a statement. The lawsuit sought to force the bureau to release the data by March 31 legal deadline, or at least sooner than the date previously shared by census officials. Census data is normally delivered to states by March 31. But citing the coronavirus pandemic, the Census Bureau announced earlier this month it could be as late as Sept. 30 before the data is ready. Rose said state lawmakers could use other data if they wanted to under the state constitution. Ohio has not established that it cannot accomplish its redistricting in the time that remains between the unavoidably delayed results of the 2020 Census and its 2022 elections, Rose wrote. The Census Bureau intends to release the decennial redistricting data for the entire country by the end of September 2021. Ohio may well be able to redraw its districts by the time of its legislative and congressional primary and general elections in 2022 using census data released in September. The fact that the census data is not available to Ohio on the schedule it prefers, does not harm the State if it can still redistrict by the time of its next elections. If Ohio cannot meet the schedule for redistricting using the census data once it is released, there are alternatives it can pursue until the State can enact a plan. Ohio this year will be using a new redistricting process, approved by voters as separate state constitutional amendments in 2015 and 2018, aimed at creating more bipartisan, competitive districts in an effort to end gerrymandering. The first deadline in the states new multi-step redistricting process is Sept. 1, while another series of deadlines for drawing congressional maps begins on Sept. 30, under constitutional amendments approved by voters. Yosts lawsuit said state leaders under the Ohio Constitution would be forced to use alternative data - legal experts have suggested this could be census estimates or commercially available mapping data - if the U.S. Census data isnt available. But state legislative leaders have said they plan to finish maps by the end of the year, believing a judge hearing any legal challenge to the redistricting process will grant them flexibility on the deadlines. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Design Pickle's Chief Commercialization Officer, Ferron Dunham Around the world, were seeing a shift in how companies and individuals are creating content, and Design Pickle will continue to meet these needs in new ways. Design Pickle, the leading creative enablement platform, announced today the hiring of Ferron Dunham, who will join the companys executive team as the first Chief Commercialization Officer. Dunham brings over 15 years of marketing experience to Design Pickle, most notably as the previous Director of Enterprise Marketing at Cox Automotive. Dunham will lead globalization efforts for the company, prioritizing efforts around global brand awareness and growth. In his prior role, Dunham managed brand strategy, executive thought leadership, and go-to-market execution for the largest automotive marketplace and leading provider of software solutions for auto dealers, automotive manufacturers, and lenders in the United States. Ferron is skilled in his ability to bring brands to life and shape their future potential, said Russ Perry, Founder and CEO of Design Pickle. Since the beginning, Design Pickle has been committed to changing lives through creativity, and we are confident Ferron will find new ways to implement this into our global business strategy. Dunhams vision for Design Pickle includes heightened awareness of the companys service model, powered by their subscription creative workforce. He will seek to drive continued alignment between the companys marketing, sales, customer success, and product teams to unlock value for its growing subscriber base. Im so excited by the opportunity to help lead this global team and the amazing talent within it, said Dunham. Around the world, were seeing a shift in how companies and individuals are creating content, and Design Pickle will continue to meet these needs in new ways. This means delivering the best talent, the best creative work, and the best experience to our clients. With the same passion he brings for company growth for Design Pickle, Dunham also dedicates his time to community engagement. He is the founder of the Ashford Park Dads Club, an organization designed to raise capital and keep fathers connected to their local school district. In 2010, Dunham was recognized as one of the valleys best young leaders in the Phoenix Business Journals Forty Under 40 cohort. He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife and two children. For more information on Design Pickle, visit http://www.designpickle.com. ABOUT DESIGN PICKLE Design Pickle is a global creative enablement platform providing thousands of businesses with access to high-quality creative talent at a flat monthly rate. Founded in Scottsdale, Arizona by Russ Perry, Design Pickle was created to deliver reliable, affordable, and scalable creative content to any business. Since its 2015 inception, Design Pickle has grown from 2 to over 700 team members globally and completed over 1,000,000 creative requests. Colorado officially released its latest changes to its COVID dial Tuesday, which removes most restrictions for counties with relatively minor transmission while paving the way for the state to hand public health control to individual counties. Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government is expected to issue fresh guidelines for millions of devotees who are expected to attend the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela 2021 in Haridwar. According to reports, the state government is expected to ask people to strictly follow COVID-appropriate behaviour in view of the fresh surge in COVID-19 infections in various parts of the country. Keeping in view the fresh surge in cases and upcoming festivals as well as the Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, it will be important to ensure compliance with the guidelines and to strictly enforce COVID-appropriate behaviour, such as wearing masks and hygiene and social distancing by people. The state government is also likely to ask devotees to bring with them negative RT-PCR test not more than 72-hours old. This comes days after the Centre had asked the state government to take stringent measures to control the spread of coronavirus during the Kumbh Mela 2021 beginning from April 1. In the light of guidelines issued by both the central and state governments in the past for surveillance, containment and caution, states Chief Secretary Om Prakash on Monday asked the district administrations, various state and central government organisations and other stakeholders to take all necessary measures to ensure the wearing of face mask, maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing by people. These measures are also included in the National Directives for COVID-19 Management which have to be strictly followed throughout the state, he said. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had recently written a letter to the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary underlining the need for taking strict measures to check the spread of the pandemic especially during the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar which sees a huge turnout of devotees on the banks of the Ganga. "After the steady decline in COVID-19 cases for about five months, cases are showing an increasing trend in several parts of the country over the past few weeks. It has been observed that it is largely due to laxity in the observance of COVID-appropriate behaviour by people especially in crowded places," he said. "I would, therefore, urge all district magistrates, state government organisations and other stakeholders to take necessary measures for creating awareness among people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and simultaneously take necessary action for its strict enforcement to overcome the pandemic, he said. "Necessary orders, guidelines issued by various departments of Government of India, state government and respective district administration in this regard, should be widely disseminated to the public and to the tehsil, block and village level functionaries for implementation," he said. Interestingly, soon after taking over as Uttarakhand chief minister, Tirath Singh Rawat had said there will be no restrictions on devotees gathering in Haridwar for the Kumbh. Rawat himself tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday and has been in isolation at home. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand police had on Tuesday launched a Kumbh Mela helpline number 1902 to give people easy access to the mela-related information. Devotees can find out about the registration process, route plan, diversions, parking lots, nearest ghats, Covid guidelines and available health facilities on this helpline number, Mela Inspector General Sanjay Gunjyal told reporters. (With Agency Inputs) Live TV Britons could face another summer at home as coronavirus variants rip across Europe, a leading scientific adviser has warned. Neil Ferguson, dubbed Professor Lockdown after telling the government to impose restrictions last March, said 'travel may be one of the later things to be relaxed'. The Imperial College London epidemiologist said he believes life will not be back to normal by summer 'but by the autumn it will feel a lot more normal'. He said he was concerned over the South African variant of the virus on the Bloc, which reduces the effect of vaccines. That and the Brazilian variant reportedly make up 40 per cent of infections in several French regions. It comes as Boris Johnson faces growing calls from his top scientists to insulate Britain from the new strains by strengthening border controls. England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty and his deputy Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are said to be pushing for the red list of high-risk countries to be expanded. Priti Patel this morning did not rule out tightening measures at the border, including keeping controls in place over the summer in a fresh blow for foreign holidays (Ibiza pictured) Professor Ferguson said today that depending what happens in other countries, 'travel may be one of the later things to be relaxed'. He told BBC Breakfast: 'I think we... whilst not everything will be back to normal by the summer, certainly by the autumn, it will feel a lot more normal.' He said he believes the UK's reopening road map is still on track despite concerns over the third wave in Europe. He said the surge there has 'already happened to us and we're through to the other side'. He continued: 'But the real concern is things like the South African variant, where the vaccination programme we're currently using, whilst it would still give some protection against that (variant), the protection would be reduced'. The UK has 'rolled out vaccination very fast and so we are in a very different position from most European countries', he added. 'We have vaccinated more than twice the proportion of the population than any other European country has done, so we're in a better place from that point of view. 'I don't think, just because cases are rising in Europe, that necessarily throws our timetable into doubt. 'What it may do is affect planning around restrictions on international travel, how much we try and screen people coming into the country.' On keeping to the road map, he added the UK has a 'very good chance of both being able to relax measures and not needing to tighten up'. Boris Johnson is facing growing calls from his top scientists to insulate Britain from emerging variants by strengthening border controls (Heathrow pictured) France is of particular concern because it has a lot of mutant strains but the majority crossing the Channel, such as lorry drivers, are exempt from quarantine. Government scientists have reportedly told ministers South African and Brazilian variants make up 40 per cent of infections in several French regions. These variants are driving a third wave across Europe and causing leaders to plunge populations back into lockdowns. While scientists are confident these mutations will still be somewhat susceptible to vaccines, they could be more resistant and also drive up cases. Priti Patel this morning did not rule out tightening measures at the border, including keeping controls in place over the summer in a fresh blow for foreign holidays. Some increasingly view forfeiting summer holidays as a sacrifice to plough ahead with the roadmap to lifting lockdown. The Home Secretary said: 'We rule nothing out in terms of the approach we take when it comes to infection control and the safety and security of our public from this virus.' Her comments came after Prof Van-Tam held a briefing with MPs last night about the pandemic. An MP on the call told The Times: 'Anyone on that call would understand that he thinks the red list needs expanding.' The Home Secretary said: 'We rule nothing out in terms of the approach we take when it comes to infection control and the safety and security of our public from this virus' England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty (pictured) and his deputy Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are said to be pushing for the red list of high-risk countries to be expanded Despairing Britons blast BA and easyJet as airlines axe flights this summer Hopes for summer foreign holidays have been dealt a fresh blow after British Airways and easyJet scrapped more flights. Would-be passengers were left dismayed by the latest round of cancellations - that included trips booked for after May 17, when breaks abroad were scheduled to resume. Some have even had flights for September axed. Bradley Crouch, 33, bought flights to Mykonos on May 23 for a post-pandemic getaway with his extended family, confident it would go ahead after of Boris Johnson announced the roadmap to exit lockdown. 'It's that needed trip we've all been waiting for for so long,' the gutted business owner from Kent told MailOnline after easyJet cancelled his flights last week. Bradley Crouch on a family holiday to Tenerife in 2018 with his wife Katerina and daughter Iliana. His trip to Mykonos in May has been cancelled Ministers announced that from Monday rule-breakers in England travelling overseas illegally will face a 5,000 fine. Critics railed against the 'draconian measure' and argued it would inflict further pain on the hard-hit travel sector. The Health Secretary suggested the tough rules could be eased on May 17 - but cautioned it was still too early to give summer holidays the green light. British Airways insists its cancellations were not due to the evolving situation on the Continent but a routine review of flights to reflect the view of IATA, the airline trade body, that foreign travel will not resume to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. The pared-back routes include fewer flights to Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, and extend as far into the future as August. Sources played down the flight cuts as 'business as usual' - and suggested more could be added in the future if there is scope. Yet would-be holidaymakers were exasperated that flights they had booked for after lockdown were being axed. One said: 'I'm getting welcome back emails so booked flights in good faith having had my first vaccine dose. 'Yesterday two were cancelled for mid July. Today, another cancelled for mid August. This is absolutely ridiculous, you either want passengers back or you don't!' Nick Murrell tweeted: 'Book with confidence you tell us British Airways. Budapest and Milan flights in September cancelled in 24 hours. What's the point in booking with you?' British Airways said: 'We are sorry that, like other airlines, due to the current coronavirus pandemic and global travel restrictions we are operating a reduced and dynamic schedule.' EasyJet also stressed they have not cancelled flights for fear of a European third wave but that the flight schedule is reviewed 'on an ongoing basis to align our flying programme with customer demand and government travel restrictions'. Advertisement They added that France was the main cause for concern, but Germany was also setting alarm bells ringing. The red list - currently numbering 35 countries - is a travel ban except for British nationals who must undergo 10 days mandatory isolation in a hotel. Arrivals from non red-list countries, such as France, are also required to quarantine but can do so from home. However, around 68 per cent of French arrivals are hauliers who are exempt. Tory MPs are also concerned the border is too permeable, with one backbencher telling MailOnline measures should be toughened to prevent infection spreading. This morning Ms Patel said: 'It's not for me to speculate what will happen in the summer. 'We have a roadmap, we have a plan and we are sticking to that plan and rightly so, because we want to ensure that we safeguard the rollout of the vaccine programme. 'As I've said the advice right now is not to travel, and we have to see how other variants are developing. 'We will take all measures basically to protect our country and our citizens from new variants.' She also told The Sun: 'Of course I haven't booked a summer holiday' told Britons to hold off making plans just yet. Holidaymakers were dismayed yesterday when airlines including BA and easyJet scrapped more flights this summer. The Government will publish a review into the viability of international travel next month, but last night the Prime Minister appeared doubtful of summer holidays. He told the No10 press briefing: 'We've heard already that there are other European countries where the disease is now rising so things certainly look difficult for the time being.' Just over 10 per cent of adults have received their first vaccine dose across the EU, compared to the UK's figure exceeding 53 per cent. The rapid build of infections on the Continent has spurred leaders to reimpose strict lockdown. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that all non-essential shops will be closed over the Easter period with church services moved online and public gatherings banned as infections rise 'exponentially'. France's hospital federation chief warned that case figures are 'exploding' and the health system is heading for an 'unprecedented violent shock' in about three weeks unless strong action is taken. Prime Minister Jean Castex imposed tough measures on 16 French regions including the cities of Paris, Lille and Nice last week. And in Spain, experts have begun warning of a fourth wave of Covid after deaths from the virus rose to 633 on Monday compared to 298 a week ago. From Monday people in England caught travelling overseas without an acceptable excuse, such as essential work, face a 5,000 fine. Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling prompted the first national lockdown a year ago today, urged Britons to book holidays in the UK. He told BBC Radio 4's World at One yesterday: 'I certainly am in favour of relaxing border measures at a slower rate than we relax controls within the country and doing all we can to reduce the risk of importation of variants, which might undermine our vaccination programme. 'I think we should be planning on summer holidays in the UK, not overseas.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'We have strong measures in place at the border and the vast majority of people coming into this country must quarantine and take two mandatory PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day isolation period, as well as proving they have tested negative before travel. 'Specific and limited exemptions are only in place where necessary, for example to allow for food, medicines and other products to be delivered into the UK. 'We are carefully monitoring the increase in cases in Europe and will keep all measures under review as we cautiously remove restrictions.' Patna, March 24 : A retired Block Education Officer (BEO) of Bihar's Sitamarhi district was killed in a late night incident at his home. The deceased Ram Ekbal Chaudhery, 70, of Vehta village in Chorat block lived alone as both his sons live elsewhere. According to preliminary probe, the police assumes there could have been a group of at least four-five men who broke into his house late Tuesday. The incident came to light on Wednesday morning when neighbours went to his house and he was found murdered. They informed the police. "Chaudhery may have woken up in the night after hearing noise inside his house," said Pramod Kumar, ASP of Sitamarhi on the basis of preliminary investigation. "It could be that when he accosted them and tried to raise an alarm, the burglars overpowered him. One of them then strangulated him to death as there are ligature marks found on his neck." Police suspects that the burglars could have been identified by Chaudhery so they killed him. "We have called in the dog squad to search more clues about the burglars. We suspect that some valuables are also missing from the house," Kumar said. "We have informed Chaudhery's two sons living in the US and Lucknow. The elder son lives in the US and is a doctor by profession and younger one is an engineer in Lucknow," he said. (TNS) While it looks increasingly likely that the effort to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom will make the ballot, a statewide poll released Tuesday doesn't bode well for those hoping to actually boot the governor from office.Just 40 percent of voters said they would cast a ballot to recall Newsom if the election were held today, while nearly 46 percent said they'd vote to support the governor, according to a poll from Newport Beach-based Probolsky Research.The picture looks even better for Newsom when looking at responses from likely voters. In that group, less than 35 percent support the recall and nearly 53 percent oppose it, with opponents also more likely to be certain about how they'll vote."I don't want to call this election today, but you start to understand that this is not an easy road for recall proponents," Adam Probolsky, president of the nonpartisan Probolsky Research, said in a virtual press conference Tuesday. Latinos are by far most likely to support the recall effort, according to Probolsky Research, which polled 900 voters statewide in mid-March. Nearly 45 percent of Latino voters favor a recall vs. 39 percent of white voters, 29 percent of Asian American voters and 19 percent of Black voters who feel the same.In coming months Newsom's team will have to focus on building support within the Latino community, which has been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, noted Scott Lay, publisher of The Nooner newsletter on California politics, who joined Probolsky in Tuesday's press conference.Men also are significantly more likely than women to support the recall, with 44 percent of males ready to vote yes vs. 37 percent of females.When it comes to age groups, voters 50 to 64 years old are most likely to support booting the governor, while voters 65 and older, who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus, are least likely to favor the recall.Voters in the solid red Central Valley are most supportive of the recall, while residents of the deep blue Bay Area and Los Angeles County are least supportive. Democrats have a 22-point advantage in voter registration statewide.In Southern California, Riverside County residents have so far been the biggest supporters of ousting Newsom, with data from the Secretary of State showing one out of every 10 registered voters there submitted a valid signature to the effort to put the recall question on a ballot.Orange County is next, with 7.3 percent of registered voters submitting valid signatures on recall petitions. San Bernardino County is at 6.5 percent, while just 3.1 percent of registered voters in Los Angeles County signed on to support the recall.While Orange County Republican leaders and donors have played a significant role in helping the recall effort gain traction, a poll released earlier this month by Chapman University shows the county is pretty evenly divided about removing Newsom from office before his term expires in January 2023. Some 48 percent of the 703 residents in Chapman's 2021 Orange County Annual Survey said the governor should be recalled while 52 percent said he should stay in office.A number of local Republican leaders said they signed the recall petition, including Reps. Ken Calvert, R- Corona, and Michelle Steel, R- Seal Beach.Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, R- Laguna Niguel, who was elected in November to represent southern Orange County's red-leaning 73rd District, signed the petition because she felt Newsom's executive orders during the COVID-19 pandemic were "outrageous," according to her spokeswoman Jennifer Beal."The legislature should have addressed those issues," Beal said. "That's what they were elected to do."Assemblyman Chad Mayes of Rancho Mirage, who was Republican leader of the Assembly before he switched in 2018 to No Party Preference amid frustration with the GOP under President Donald Trump, did not sign the recall petition.That's in line with the Probolsky poll, which shows a narrow majority of independents favor letting Newsom keep his seat.Former Folsom law enforcement officer Orrin Heatlie and Covina political organizer Mike Netter launched the recall effort in February 2020, citing issues with the governor's policies regarding immigration, homelessness, taxes and more. The petition initially languished and seemed destined to fizzle out, as the four previous Newsom recall efforts had done. But that changed on Nov. 6, when Newsom attended a birthday party for a lobbyist friend at Napa Valley's pricey French Laundry restaurant.The party included guests from multiple households, in violation of Newsom's own health recommendations. That dinner became a national news story and a dominant talking point for recall proponents, who capitalized on voters' fatigue with the governor's mandates aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. By the end of 2020, the recall had become serious business.Proponents need just under 1.5 million valid signatures to trigger a recall election. They submitted nearly 2.2 million signatures by the March 17 deadline. The Secretary of State had received 1.8 million signatures by March 11, with 1.2 million so far verified by county elections officials.If that nearly 82 percent approval rating continues, the recall should easily exceed 1.5 million valid signatures.The recall election will likely take place in late fall, though an exact date is tough to predict.County registrars have until April 29 to certify all signatures they've received. There are then ranges of time for voters to withdraw their signatures, for state legislators to determine costs of the recall and for the state to certify the election.California Target Book, which tracks state politics, predicts the recall election will take place Nov. 16, 23, or 30.Newsom was elected in 2018 by the widest margin in a gubernatorial race since 1950 and has maintained solid approval ratings with a majority of Californians throughout his term. But while an October poll from the Public Policy Institute of California had Newsom's job approval at 60 percent, the Probolsky survey shows 42 percent of voters giving him a favorable rating, while 39 percent view him unfavorably. Among likely recall voters, his approval rating is at 47 percent.While those numbers have fallen, Lay noted that Gov. Gray Davis' approval rating was in the high 30th percentile before he was recalled in 2003."This starts to paint a picture of it not being such a great environment for a recall," Probolsky said.His firm's poll did not ask voters about potential candidates to replace Newsom.Probolsky said he doesn't think any major contenders have entered the race. To date, two Republicans John Cox, who handily lost to Newsom in 2018, and former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer are confirmed on the potential ticket. Democrats also could field an optional candidate to replace Newsom if he is recalled. DUESSELDORF, Germany, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- New European survey shows that 74% of clinicians are concerned there is likely to be a 'ticking timebomb' of cancer patients waiting for diagnosis and treatment, as a result of COVID-19 [1] 79% of clinicians said that COVID-19 has significantly increased waiting times in endoscopy [2] Yet 56% are still concerned about COVID-19 transmission during an endoscopy procedure[3] Endoscopy clinicians across Europe are concerned that patients will have more progressed cancers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data released today by Fujifilm to mark the start of ESGE Days 2021. With the postponement and cancellation of non-emergency care due to COVID-19, there is increasing concern amongst clinicians that these measures could lead to severe consequences for patients. According to the survey, 8 in 10 (82%) of the endoscopists, GI nurses and GI surgeons that were polled by SERMO, said they were concerned that patients will have more progressed cancers that are more difficult to treat due to the pandemic.[4] Endoscopy services have been considerably affected by the pandemic. The survey shows that for over three-quarters of respondents (79%), COVID-19 has significantly increased waiting times for endoscopy. Whereas 76% of respondents highlighted that endoscopies now take longer as a result of the extra infection prevention measures put in place because of COVID-19, more than half (56%) are still concerned about COVID-19 transmission during an endoscopy procedure.[5] As a result, Fujifilm has launched a transnasal endoscope and droplet shielding mouthpiece, in an effort to try and help protect healthcare professionals on the frontline during this challenging time. High quality transnasal endoscopes can enhance efficiencies[6] and significantly lower levels of gagging for patients[7], which can help limit the risk of transmission for healthcare professionals and patients, while the PPE mouthpiece helps reduce healthcare workers' risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 and other pathogens.[8] Mat Tallis, European Business Manager at Fujifilm EU, said: "The results of the survey clearly demonstrate that clinicians across Europe are particularly concerned about safety and waiting times for their patients. "We need to work together to tackle these challenges and ensure high-quality care for patients by facilitating endoscopy procedures, while also improving safety measures to minimise the risks of infection. "This is why at Fujifilm we have developed a transnasal endoscopy solution and a new droplet reduction mouthpiece to help healthcare professionals and their patients to get through the backlog quickly and safely." Dr Edward J Despott, Clinical Lead of Endoscopy Services at the Royal Free Hospital in London, said: "I am particularly concerned by the postponement and cancellation of non-urgent care and the impact this is having on patients. "It is crucial to get endoscopies up and running again for the benefit of patients, but this has to be achieved in a safe way. "Transnasal endoscopy is one solution as it is much more comfortable and tolerable for patients, enhances the turnaround for procedures and increases efficiency. It offers endoscopists the ability to operate with good levels of safety and protection from COVID-19, reducing the risk of virus transmission by limiting aerosol spread. All without compromising on quality." NOTES TO EDITORS For more information, please contact Will Culliford on eluxeo@lexcomm.co.uk, phone number +44 (0) 207 025 2300. About FUJIFILM Europe GmbH FUJIFILM Europe GmbH (Duesseldorf, Germany) acts as strategic headquarter for the region and supports its group companies in Europe by formulating marketing and corporate strategies. Fujifilm entities operate in over 50 group companies and branches in Europe and employ around 4,500 people engaged in R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service. Throughout Europe they serve a range of industries including medical technology, graphic systems, electronic materials, chemicals, optical devices, recording media, and photography. Over the last decade, the company has more intensively focused on healthcare, and now looks back on over 80 years of experience in medical imaging. Today, Fujifilm provides the entire spectrum of patient care, ranging from prevention to diagnostics and therapy solutions. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilm.eu [1] SERMO survey of 308 clinicians, data on file (February 2021) [2] SERMO survey of 308 clinicians, data on file (February 2021) [3] SERMO survey of 308 clinicians, data on file (February 2021) [4] SERMO survey of 308 clinicians, data on file (February 2021) [5] SERMO survey of 308 clinicians, data on file (February 2021) [6] Despott E, Advancing minimally invasive aspects of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy, Imperial College London, October 2012, p.52. https://doi.org/10.25560/25139 [7] Despott E, Advancing minimally invasive aspects of flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy, Imperial College London, October 2012https://doi.org/10.25560/25139 [8] Internal tests, comparing the number of droplets found within the range of 200mm40mm, have shown that the "B1" mouthpiece cuts more than 99% of respiratory droplets measuring 5m or larger in coughs, compared to our existing mouthpiece 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. Washington DC: The Senate voted on Tuesday (March 23) to confirm Indian-American Dr Vivek Murthy to be US President Biden`s surgeon general, handing the administration one of its top public health officials amid the coronavirus pandemic. Senators voted 57-43 to confirm the Indian American as Biden`s surgeon general. Dr Vivek Murthy served as surgeon general under the Obama administration but was fired by former President Trump in 2017. "I am deeply grateful to be confirmed by the Senate to serve once again as your Surgeon General. We have endured great hardship as a nation over the past year, and I look forward to working with you to help our nation heal and create a better future for our children," Vivek Murthy tweeted. I'm deeply grateful to be confirmed by the Senate to serve once again as your Surgeon General. We've endured great hardship as a nation over the past year, and I look forward to working with you to help our nation heal and create a better future for our children. #TogetherWeRise pic.twitter.com/cwMFephQGk Vivek Murthy (@vivek_murthy) March 24, 2021 Republicans Sens. Bill Cassidy (La.), Susan Collins (Maine), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Rob Portman (Ohio), Mitt Romney (Utah) and Dan Sullivan (Alaska) joined Democrats in supporting Murthy`s nomination on Tuesday. Dr Murthy is a distinguished physician and former Vice Admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. Live TV China and Russia lashed out yesterday at the destructive behaviour of the US and called for a summit of permanent members of the UN Security Council to discuss the worlds pressing issues. The rare show of diplomatic unity underscores the growing frustration of Beijing and Moscow with Western sanctions for what both countries refuse to recognise as human rights abuse. A statement released after talks between the two countries foreign ministers called for the permanent members of the UN Security Council to gather for a summit to establish direct dialogue about ways to resolve mankinds common problems in the interests of maintaining global stability. It also urged countries to refrain from politicising human rights issues in a clear reference to the human rights records of Moscow and Beijing. The meeting of the foreign ministers in the Chinese city of Guilin this week came amid further strain between the two nations and the West. Read More Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, yesterday criticised Washington after the Chinese delegation last week concluded tough talks in the US. He told a joint news conference that Moscow and Beijing agreed about the destructive intentions of the US, which he criticised for relying on the military and political alliances of the Cold War era and creating new closed alliances in the same spirit to undermine the UN-centred international legal architecture. Relations between Moscow and Washington took another hit last week after Russia recalled its ambassador from Washington for talks after Joe Biden, the US president, said in an interview he believed that Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, was a killer. Moscow and Beijing both view recent Western sanctions as unacceptable, Mr Lavrov said yesterday. Punishing anyone on the world arena today is just wrong, and using the same methods against Russia and China is simply stupid, he was quoted as saying. Russia is bracing for a new round of sanctions over what Washington says was meddling in last years presidential elections. Moscow has denied any involvement. The US on Monday joined the EU, UK and Canada to impose sanctions on several Chinese officials for human rights abuses in Xinjiang province. Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt Enters US Senate Race Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt on March 24 said that he will run for the U.S. Senate, seeking to succeed Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a fellow Republican who is retiring. Schmitt, 45, announced his intention to run on Fox News two days after former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, also a Republican, announced his bid for the same seat. Washington DC needs more fighters. Fighters who want to save America. Thats why Im running for the United States Senate, Schmitt wrote on Twitter on March 24. Increasingly, it feels like our culture and our country [are] slipping away and all the levers of power right now in Washington, D.C. are tilted towards the Democrats, Schmitt told Fox and Friends. As the attorney general, Ive spent my time defending President Donald Trump and the America First agenda and all the prosperity that came with that: secure borders, energy independence, more opportunities for more Americans, Schmitt continued. And now Im spending my time pushing back against Joe Biden as he tries to dismantle that. Both Greitens and Schmitt are positioning themselves for an endorsement by former President Donald Trump, who would arguably provide the biggest boost for any Republican in a primary contest. Schmitt is backed by Missouri megadonor Rex Sinquefield. Greitens was a rising Republican star before resigning amid impeachment proceedings tied to an accusation arising from an extramarital affair and a charge related to his use of a donor list from his charity for political fundraising. Both charges were dropped after he resigned. Greitens, who was married at the time and is now divorced, admitted to the affair but denied wrongdoing in both cases. Schmitt in his announcement alluded to the threat of Republicans losing the Senate seat if Greitens wins the GOP nomination, saying Missouri needs a leader who can hold this Senate seat in firm Republican hands without giving Democrats any chance to take this seat back. Voters first elected Schmitt to the state Senate in 2008 to represent a suburban St. Louis district. He was elected state treasurer in 2016, then took over as the state attorney general after Josh Hawley vacated the seat to join the U.S. Senate in 2019. He won another term as attorney general in 2020. As attorney general, Schmitt joined the Trump-backed Texas Supreme Court case challenging the validity of the 2020 presidential election. The Supreme Court refused to take up the case. He also sued the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on April 21, 2020, alleging that it abetted the spread of the CCP virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Two unsuspecting CABS Bank clients lost $533 000 after a Harare man hacked the financial institution's system taking advantage that it was malfunctioning. The suspected culprit Israel Magate (31) of Dzivaresekwa then went on a spending spree with his friend James Mtisi who is still at large. Magate appeared before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti who remanded him in custody to this Wednesday for bail ruling. He was not asked to plead. According to the state, on September 7, 2020, Magate in connivance with Mtisi hatched a plan to defraud the complainants and capitalising on the CABS Bank malfunctioning system which was duplicating transactions. It is alleged they made a misrepresentation to the complainant that Magate had lost his bank card and wanted to receive RTGS transfer from the sale of his wardrobe using the complainant CABS Bank account. Magate and Mtisi were given the complainant's number, CABS Bank card and his Econet sim card linked to his bank account. Magate then used the account to receive $270 000 from Caroline Zirata and on that same date he transferred two transactions of $260 000 into Simbarashe Charamba's CABS Bank account resulting in the complainant's account having an overdraft of $270 589,96. The offence came to light on January 18, 2021 when the complainant was called by a CABS Bank official and informed that his bank account had an overdraft of $260 589,97. The state further alleged that using the same modus operandi on September 10, 2020, the accused person in connivance with Mtisi approached the second complainant and they misrepresented to him and he gave them the CABS Bank account and an Econet Sim card linked to the account. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Legal Affairs Banking By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to the state; "The accused person used the account to receive $250 000 from Chelsea Temani. On that same day the accused person with full knowledge that CABS Bank would duplicate the transaction transferred $245 000 to Miriya Yvonne CABS account resulting in the complainant account having an overdraft of $249 859,02," The court heard that on September 11 last year, the accused returned the complainant's bank card and sim card. The offence came to light on January 18, 2021 when the complainant was called by a CABS Bank official and informed that his bank account had an overdraft of $272 699,21. It was at this juncture that the complainants realised that the accused person had cheated them and they filed a report to the police. Investigations were carried out leading to the arrest of the accused persons. Due to accused persons' action complainants suffered a prejudice of $533 289,18. Seven in 10 patients hospitalised by coronavirus still suffer debilitating 'long Covid' symptoms five months after being discharged, scientists say. Research laying bare the toll of the condition revealed survivors were plagued with problems including breathlessness, fatigue and muscle pain. University of Leicester experts, who quizzed 1,077 long-haulers, found two in five had reduced their workload or were off sick because of their persistent symptoms. They also found evidence of organ damage in sufferers, and that those who required mechanical ventilation took longer to recover from long Covid. Separate data from Glasgow University released today further highlighted the plight of long Covid victims, saying women under-50 were worst affected. Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, claimed the studies added to knowledge of long Covid, which is still surrounded in mystery. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was 'determined' to improve care for Britons suffering the 'lasting and debilitating' impacts of Covid which is estimated to have infected around 15million people in the UK. Estimates suggest long Covid strikes up to one in ten infected people, leaving them battling fatigue and brain fog for months. NHS England has put aside more than 20million to treat the condition and set up a network of 72 sites across the nation to assist patients complaining of symptoms. The Leicester University study found four in five 'long Covid' patients were still suffering symptoms five months after they were discharged from hospital. These included breathlessness, slowed thinking and muscle pains Professor Chris Whitty said the findings added to Britain's understanding of the condition, and Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted he was determined to ensure patients got treatment WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19? Most coronavirus patients will recover within a fortnight, suffering a fever, cough and losing their sense of smell or taste for several days. However, evidence is beginning to show that the tell-tale symptoms of the virus can persist for weeks on end in 'long haulers' the term for patients plagued by lasting complications. Data from the COVID Symptom Study app, by King's College London and health company Zoe, suggests one in ten people may still have symptoms after three weeks, and some may suffer for months. Long term symptoms include: Chronic tiredness Breathlessness Raised heart rate Delusions Strokes Insomnia Loss of taste/smell Kidney disease Mobility issues Headaches Muscle pains Fevers For those with more severe disease, Italian researchers who tracked 143 people who had been hospitalised with the disease found almost 90 per cent still had symptoms including fatigue two months after first falling unwell. The most common complaints were fatigue, a shortness of breath and joint pain - all of which were reported during their battle with the illness. Another study in Italy showed one in ten people who lose their sense of taste and smell with the coronavirus - now recognised as a key sign of the infection - may not get it back within a month. The study, published in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, involved 187 Italians who had the virus but who were not ill enough to be admitted to hospital. The UK's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty has said the longer term impacts of Covid-19 on health 'may be significant'. Support groups such as Long Covid have popped up online for those who 'have suspected Covid-19 and your experience doesn't follow the textbook symptoms or recovery time'. Advertisement Leicester University academics followed 1,077 hospitalised Covid patients who were discharged between March and November last year. Participants were invited to fill in two questionnaires up to seven months after they were allowed to go home. They were quizzed on whether they had fully recovered, returned to work, and what impact the virus was still having on their daily lives. As many as 446 of the 767 who answered the question on whether they had recovered said they were still facing signs of the disease (71 per cent). A further 113 of 641 who responded to the queries on employment said they were no longer working (17.8 per cent), while 124 (19.3 per cent) said Covid had changed their work schedules. When quizzed on their mental health, 25 per cent had tell-tale signs of anxiety or depression (612 of 908 who answered the question) and 12 per cent had PTSD-like symptoms. The worst affected patients tended to be white, middle-aged women with underlying conditions such as asthma and diabetes. The ten most common symptoms were:, fatigue, physical slowing down, impaired sleep quality, joint pain or swelling, limb weakness, short-term memory loss, and slowed thinking Scientists speculated that long Covid may be triggered by unusually high levels of an inflammatory hormone in the blood C-reactive protein. It was found in the highest levels in the worst affected. But the team, whose findings have yet to be peer-reviewed and were only published on medRxiv, said further tests were needed. Professor Whitty, who is also co-lead of the National Institute for Health Research, said: 'We are in the foothills of our understanding of long term effects of Covid. 'This research provides useful information on the debilitating effects of Covid some people are living with months after being hospitalised. 'It is important we work out what exactly the various elements of what is currently termed "long Covid" are so we can target actions to prevent and treat people suffering with long term effects.' A separate study from Glasgow University, also published on medRxiv, suggested that women under 50 were five times less likely than men to feel fully recovered from the virus after three months. But these figures were based on only 36 women in this age group who had been discharged from hospital. Experts say this sample size is too small to draw concrete conclusions but they couldn't deny there may be a link between gender and 'long Covid'. They added women may have been more likely to experience 'long Covid' because mountains of research showed they were more likely to have autoimmunity when the body targets its own healthy organs and cells. 'It is known that this inflammation is associated with poor recovery across the disease spectrum,' said Professor Louise Wain chair of the British Lung Foundation and who was involved in the study. Department of Health bosses posted 5,379 infections yesterday, which was up 1.6 per cent from last Tuesday. Cases have remained steady over the past few days, but this has been put down to the number of tests being done almost doubling Another 112 victims were also added to the official toll yesterday, a week on-week rise of 1.8 per cent. The overall trend for deaths is, however, still heading downwards Mr Hancock said: 'I know long Covid can have a lasting and debilitating impact on the lives of those affected and I'm determined to improve the care we can provide. 'Studies like this help us to rapidly build our understanding of the impact of the condition and we are working to develop new research so we can support and treat people. 'We are learning more about long Covid all the time and have given 20million research funding to support innovative projects, with clinics established across the country to help improve the treatment available.' SHIELD Illinois and SHIELD CU expand innovative COVID-19 saliva-based testing to underserved K-12 schools in Illinois through a $1.4 million grant from The Rockefeller Foundation The University of Illinois System, with a $1.4 million grant from The Rockefeller Foundation, announces the expansion of its SHIELD Illinois and SHIELD CU COVID-19 testing initiatives to help safely reopen underserved K-12 schools in communities across the state using the covidSHIELD test, an innovative, saliva-based test developed at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). More than 1.5 million covidSHIELD tests have been administered since July 2020, keeping in-person classes open at the University of Illinois campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield since the Fall 2020 semester. The new program, SHIELD Illinois: Target, Test, Tell for Underserved K-12 Districts, will be rolled out in schools located in the three cities, targeting vulnerable areas that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. "Widespread, regular COVID-19 testing remains critical to reopening and keeping schools open, but it is costly and requires the help of medical personnel," said Andrew Sweet, Managing Director of COVID-19 Response and Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation. "The SHIELD Illinois and SHIELD CU programs address those challenges, giving schools with limited resources, equal opportunity to keep students, staff, and families safe." The new Shield K-12 program will be deployed across every grade level in four schools: Champaign Unit 4's Stratton Academy of the Arts Elementary School (K-5 grades), Chicago Jesuit Academy (3-8 grades), J.W. Eater Junior High School in Rantoul (6-8 grades), and Urbana High School (9-12 grades). The comprehensive program includes tests, equipment, rapid results, and on-site support. "We worked with school districts to select a representative sample of the different kinds of schools across Illinois, focusing on schools that work with low-resource populations," said Rebecca Smith, Professor of Pathobiology at University of Illinois and Project Lead of SHIELD Illinois' K-12 testing program. "The Rockefeller Foundation, through its pandemic response initiative, connected us with school districts and school officials across the country who are trying to develop COVID-safe best practices around re-openings. We are combining this with our experience keeping the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign open by using widescale, frequent testing to help these schools stay open safely." In February 2021, the University of Illinois received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to expand the use of covidSHIELD beyond the university system. The saliva-based test is innovative, in part due to its simplicity: individuals fill a test tube with saliva, which is analyzed at a lab, with results available on a phone app in about 24 hours. Because it does not require medical personnel to collect samples, the test costs significantly less than ones using nasal swab tests. The test is sensitive enough to detect even small amounts of genetic material, including new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that originated in other countries, and was shown to be highly accurate in a clinical study for the EUA application. In addition to the saliva-based tests, the K-12 SHIELD screening testing program includes: Consistent, evidence-based testing regimen based on a risk assessment in the school and wider community. Samples processed at CLIA-certified laboratories that meet federal standards for quality and reliability established by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. 24-hour turnaround time for results along with a clear process for sample collection and delivery. Clear notification plan to report positive cases to parents and school staff. Access to communication tools for successful implementation, including videos and teaching materials to demonstrate how to conduct saliva-based testing and educational narratives--in both English and Spanish--aimed at younger children who may need additional direction. "In fulfillment of our mission as a preeminent publicly engaged, land-grant research institution in the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to work with and serve as an anchor for our whole Champaign-Urbana community--to stay well and safe, to offset learning loss, and to combat racial disparities in education," said Dr. Wanda E. Ward, UIUC Executive Associate Chancellor and co-lead of SHIELD CU. "Future generations of Illinois innovators, scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs may well be educated, inspired, and nurtured in these schools. On behalf of SHIELD CU, we wish to extend gracious thanks to The Rockefeller Foundation for providing support to enable Illinois' underserved K-12 schools to safely reopen and remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic." SHIELD CU is the University's local saliva-based testing program designed to serve Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities and SHIELD Illinois is a screening testing program and infrastructure that deploys the saliva-based testing across the state. The SHIELD Illinois: Target, Test, Tell for Underserved K-12 Districts program includes collaborations with Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, University of Southern California, and Arizona State University and partnerships with the Illinois Governor's Office, the Mayor of Chicago's Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the City of Chicago Department of Public Health. Rebecca Smith, Illinois professor of pathobiology, will oversee the project with Catherine Cheung, researcher at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, who is coordinating operations across the University of Illinois System, SHIELD CU, OSF HealthCare and selected K-12 schools. The program is also seeking additional support to sustain efforts on reopening K-12 schools and plans to share protocols and guidelines with other K-12 schools across the country. To learn more about SHIELD Illinois, please visit https:/ / www. uillinois. edu/ shield . ### About the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching and public engagement. With a land-grant heritage as a foundation, Illinois pioneers innovative research that tackles global problems and expands the human experience. The university's transformative learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, are designed to produce alumni who desire to make a significant societal impact. The university is charged by the state to enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement and economic development. About Order of Saint Francis (OSF) Healthcare OSF HealthCare is an integrated health system owned and operated by The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Peoria, Illinois. OSF HealthCare employs more than 23,600 Mission Partners in 147 locations, including 14 hospitals - 10 acute care, four critical access - with 2,097 licensed beds, and 2 colleges of nursing throughout Illinois and Michigan. The OSF HealthCare physician network employs more than 1,500 primary care, specialists and advanced practice providers, who are part of the OSF Medical Group. About The Rockefeller Foundation The Rockefeller Foundation advances new frontiers of science, data, and innovation to solve global challenges related to health, food, power, and economic mobility. As a science-driven philanthropy focused on building collaborative relationships with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation seeks to inspire and foster large-scale human impact that promotes the well-being of humanity throughout the world by identifying and accelerating breakthrough solutions, ideas, and conversations. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at rockefellerfoundation.org and follow us on Twitter @RockefellerFdn. HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Since incorporation in 1971, the WT Group, a diversified design, engineering and consulting firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, has helped plan and execute thousands of successful projects for commercial and municipal clients. Yet on March 24, 2021, the occasion of the firm's 50th anniversary, one of its most significant accomplishments has been the growth of a two-man garage startup into a best-in-class design and engineering consultancy. From humble origins as W-T Engineering in the home of co-founder Donald R. Triphahn half a century ago, the WT Group today employs more than 150 design, consulting and engineering professionals serving clients in 11 distinct business segments. A family vision from the beginning, when Donald unexpectedly passed away at a young age, his wife, Barbara, refused to allow his dream to dissolve. She earned her CPA and applied her business acumen toward laying the groundwork for the multi-faceted organization the WT Group is today, all while raising three children. "Our founder's vision was to build an organization offering clients virtually every design, engineering and consulting discipline they might require under one roof," said WT Group president and CEO Troy Triphahn. "The firm now has the ability to deliver 'turnkey' projects for clients from the earliest planning and land surveying tasks through project completion. We have completed more than 15,000 individual projects, many for clients who have been with us since the beginning and are still with us today." The WT Group now operates in all 50 states, leaving a mark on communities across the country. The organization has also left a mark on communities through charitable initiatives to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families. The WT Foundation, the charitable arm of the WT Group, promotes education and research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The unit provides annual grants to graduating seniors from District 211 high schools in Schaumburg or Hoffman Estates. Also valuing the importance of community engagement, the WT Group supports the Friends of HE Parks Scholarship Fund, which provides a funding source to finance recreational scholarships to disadvantaged families in Hoffman Estates. The firm also supports the Children's Advocacy Center of North & Northwest Cook County, which intervenes in cases of physical and child sexual abuse. While the WT Group's first 50 years have been characterized by the firm's dramatic growth, expansion of services and widening community engagement, Triphahn envisions an even brighter future as the technological challenges facing clients reveal new opportunities for innovative, customer solutions. "While technological solutions will change at an ever-faster pace, ultimately it's people who make the difference," Triphahn said. "Our aspiration has always been to attract and retain talent that is frankly better than the industry to provide service above the status quo, because the status quo is not enough anymore." View WT Group's 50th anniversary video: https://youtu.be/iMOP5C1sl1Q Media: Nicole Ciesla NiKnack Marketing [email protected] Related Images wt-group.png WT Group 50 Year Anniversary Logo SOURCE WT Group In this Dec. 9, 2015, photo, a sales associate walks past semiautomatic rifles at Bullseye Sport gun shop in Riverside, Calif. The massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school in which a mentally disturbed young man killed 26 children and teachers galvanized calls across the nation for tighter gun controls. But in the three years since, many states have moved in the opposite direction, embracing the National Rifle Associations response that more good guys with guns are whats needed to limit the carnage of mass shootings. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Boulder Judge Ends Assault Weapons Ban Amid National Debate Over Gun Control The Boulder, Colorado supermarket shooting that left 10 people dead on Monday has put a spotlight on a recent court decision that blocked the city from enforcing a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Boulder County District Judge Andrew Hartman on March 12 agreed with plaintiffs that Boulders ban on possessing and transferring commonly-possessed assault weapons and ten-round magazines were not allowed under city law, effectively overturning the ban. He wrote in his order (pdf), The Court has determined that only Colorado state (or federal) law can prohibit the possession, sale, and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The ordinances that Hartman overturned in his ruling were passed by Boulder City Council after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 dead in Parkland, Florida. The alleged shooter arrested on Monday had purchased an assault weapon he used in the shooting just six days prior, on March 16, according to an affidavit released on Tuesday. An assault weapon is defined generally as any variety of automatic or semiautomatic firearms. The Senate Judiciary Committee convened a hearing on Tuesday morning, titled Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence, where senators heard testimonies for and against current gun laws proposed by Democrats that has garnered little Republican support. The House passed two bills last week that would tighten gun sales regulations, sending the measures to a divided Senate. The two billsH.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021would expand background checks on individuals seeking to purchase or transfer firearms. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized Republicans for their opposition to what he called common sense gun laws. And we have a Majority Leader in the United States Senate who has promised a vote on constitutional common-sense gun violence prevention measures. Our opponents, are on their heels, the NRA declaring financial and really a moral bankruptcy, said Blumenthal. We need to end this epidemic [of gun violence] with a comprehensive nationwide approach expanded background checks, extreme risk laws to prevent suicides, mass shootings, and hate crime. Senators debated what measures would be most effective in preventing mass shootings. Democrats spoke in favor of universal and comprehensive background check laws like H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446. Republicans argued that measures similar to the proposed laws have been known to have little impact on mass shootings. President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on Congress to pass the bills and take additional measures to ban assault weapons. I dont need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common-sense steps that will save the lives in the future and urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act, Biden said Tuesday. While the majority of Democrats support the bills passed in the House and other recent gun control measures, Republicans, like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), oppose such measures saying they have little to no effect on stopping mass shootings. What they [Democrats] propose not only does it not reduce crime, it makes it worse. The jurisdictions in this country with the strictest gun control have among the highest rates of crime and murder. When you disarm law-abiding citizens, you make them more likely to be victims, Cruz said. Cruz pointed to a bill that he and Senator Chuck Grassley first introduced in 2013, called the Grassley/Cruz bill, and was later renamed as the Protecting Communities and Preserving the Second Amendment Act of 2018. Cruz said if their bill had passed, it would have likely prevented the Sutherland Springs mass shooting at the Stonewall Douglas High School in Florida. Senator Grassley and I together introduced legislation Grassley/Cruz targeted at violent criminals, targeted at felons, targeted at fugitives, targeted at those with serious mental disease to stop them from getting firearms to put them in prison when they try to illegally buy a gun, he said. A San Jose woman faces hate crime and battery charges after prosecutors said she called employees inside a Mountain View McDonalds stupid and f-ing Mexicans. Alena Jenkins, 40, was arrested on Saturday inside the McDonalds in the 900 block of El Monte Ave., according to Katie Nelson, a Mountain View police spokeswoman. She said witnesses told police that Jenkins hit an employee and made several remarks toward employees, degrading their ethnicity. Jenkins continued to make racist remarks even after police arrived. Targeting people because of their perceived ethnicity is not just a shame, its a crime, said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. There is no excuse for hatred. Jenkins entered a not guilty plea in Santa Clara County Superior Court Wednesday. Shes being held in connection with two other battery cases, court officials said during a brief hearing. Jenkins attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the district attorneys office, Jenkins was approached by employees of the McDonalds around 6:45 a.m. because she was dining without a mask inside the fast-food restaurant in violation of a restaurant policy prohibiting indoor dining. When she was asked to leave, prosecutors say she started shouting racist insults, including F-ing Mexican! Go ahead and call the cops! When the worker called police, Jenkins allegedly hit the employee with plexiglas shield and a sign. When the manager asked her to leave, Jenkins called him a stupid Mexican hit him on the arm and shoulder with her fist. The arrival of the police didnt stop her racist tirade: According to Deputy District Attorney Byron Suarez, she told police the workers were dumb Mexicans who dont know how to speak English. Even in the case of violent attacks captured on video, crimes that appear to be racially motivated arent always charged as hate crimes. In San Francisco, the suspect in the deadly attack on 84-year-old Thai immigrant Vicha Ratanapakdee has not been charged as a hate crime because prosecutors dont believe they can prove racism was a motivation. Suarez said the district attorneys office decided to pursue the hate crime charge based on the police report and officer body camera video that documented Jenkins behavior and because the victims of the crime stepped forward and cooperated with police. Both crimes are being charged as misdemeanors. All of the elements of a hate crime are there, he said. If the case goes to trial, we would be able to prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan WINNIPEG - Manitoba's move to increase private liquor sales could see wine sold in neighbourhood stores, Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister speaks to media before the speech from the throne at the Manitoba legislature in Winnipeg on Oct. 7, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG - Manitoba's move to increase private liquor sales could see wine sold in neighbourhood stores, Premier Brian Pallister said Wednesday. Pallister gave the example as one possible outcome of a bill before the legislature that would allow the government to enter into more liquor-selling agreements with private operators. The aim, the premier said, is to give customers better service, more points of sale and more convenience. "So a person could actually walk down to their neighbourhood store and pick up a bottle of wine, for example," he said. "Our philosophy is, if you want to have a choice, we should give you one." Pallister said the proposed changes are not aimed at closing or selling government-run liquor stores. But Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton said he could not rule that out, because consultations are ongoing with Crown-owned Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. "We're in the middle of consultations with stakeholders ... and naturally I wouldn't prejudge the outcome of those discussions," Wharton said. Manitoba has a mix of private and public alcohol sales. There are many private beer vendors and craft breweries, eight licensed private wine stores, and some 50 government-run stores that sell a full range of beer, wine and spirits. There are also, in many rural communities, private vendors licensed to sell a wide array of alcohol. The bill now before the legislature would expand that into cities as well. The Opposition says further privatization would result in the loss of jobs at government-run stores and fail to provide any improvement to customers. "The system as it stands works well. Manitobans are benefiting and there's no reason to shift to another model," said Adrien Sala, NDP critic for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. The Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union launched an ad campaign last year to fight privatization. The union has said public alcohol sales support good-paying jobs, help generate money for addictions-treatment programs, and are better at preventing minors from buying booze. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. WASHINGTON As womens shelters in Texas have faced a wave of domestic violence calls during the pandemic, lawmakers in D.C. are pushing to bolster the Violence Against Women Act for the first time in nearly a decade. The House this month passed a sweeping rewrite of the landmark law aimed at preventing domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking by U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Houston Democrat who will now try to shepherd the bill through the evenly divided Senate, where Republicans are expected to put up stiff resistance to key provisions of it. Senate Republicans in the past have opposed closing the so-called boyfriend loophole that allows those with a history of dating violence to legally purchase firearms, in some cases. Texas Republicans have argued state law already prevents abusers from buying guns, but womens advocates in the state say Texas laws dont do enough and closing the federal loophole is among the most important parts of the Houses rewrite of the law. Republicans also opposed new measures to strengthen protections for transgender individuals. HOW TO GET HELP: Resources for domestic violence victims The bill also sends millions to local shelters, offers employment and housing assistance to victims of abuse and, for the first time, it would grant tribal courts the authority to prosecute non-Native Americans for sexual violence, stalking and sex trafficking on tribal lands. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support though significantly less than past reauthorizations have enjoyed. Twenty nine Republicans voted in favor, including two Texans: U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul, a Houston-area Republican who cosponsored the bill, and John Carter of Central Texas. President Joe Biden, who as a senator wrote the original Violence Against Women Act, has voiced support for the House bill and said passing a reauthorization of the law, which lapsed last year, is a top priority. In a statement on the House bill, Biden urged Congress to follow past precedent and bring a strong bipartisan coalition together for swift passage. Jackson Lee said she sees it as her job to preserve as many of those provisions as she can while the Senate works on its version of a reauthorization bill. Its a significant, singular moment in history, Jackson Lee said, pointing to a spike in domestic violence during the pandemic. Are we going to lose this moment in history to save lives? Are we going to play at the edges or are we going to be bold? The reauthorization push comes as police departments report increases in domestic violence calls over the last year. Advocates in Texas say theyve been overwhelmed for the last year as people in abusive relationships were often stuck at home amid rising stress and the economic hardship of the pandemic. Those dollars save lives The Houston Area Womens Center fielded nearly 46,000 calls about domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking in 2020 6,000 more than the year before. The center housed more than 550 women, children and men in hotels in 2020, three times as many as in 2019. Family Violence Prevention Services, Inc., in San Antonio said it has similarly seen a very very high demand. Marta Prada Pelaez, the organizations president and CEO, said its not just the pandemic, that demand has been on an upward trend year after year. Both shelters said the demand hasnt started to decrease and they dont anticipate it to any time soon. The Houston center received nearly 4,500 domestic violence calls in January and February. We will be seeing the impact of this economic and social disruption for months if not years to come, said Emilee Dawn Whitehurst, president and CEO of the Houston Area Womens Shelter. We know those dollars save lives and its high time Congress reauthorizes the act. But womens advocates in the state say its more than just money for the shelters that is much needed. Whitehurst and Prada Pelaez both said closing the boyfriend loophole is the most important addition to the Houses rewrite. Under federal law, those convicted of assault against family members are barred from buying guns but the law only applies to abusers who were married to their partners, lived with them or had children with them. That law does not apply to romantic partners who are not living with the victim. I really think we ought to think very long and hard before we concede that point, Whitehurst said. You just have to listen to one phone call from somebody who is being stalked and who is concerned that that person has access to a gun to know the stakes are very high. Were not talking about the Second Amendment. You can keep your guns, Prada Pelaez said. All the hunters, go hunt as much as you possibly can. We just dont want women to be hunted. The gun provisions are among the main reasons the House version faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where 10 Republicans would need to join Democrats to pass it. Another partisan fight? The National Rifle Association has lobbied hard against past efforts to close the loophole. Texas Republicans, including U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, meanwhile, have pointed to Texas law, which prohibits convicted abusers from buying guns within five years after the end of their punishment. A bill that passed the House in 2019 never reached the floor of the GOP-led Senate, while Republicans in the chamber, including Cornyn, pushed their own version that did not address the boyfriend loophole. Cornyns office has noted that version would have reauthorized the act for ten years, five years longer than the Democratic version, and increased funding over the Democrat version, among other things. Cornyn last year accused Democrats in the Senate of giving up on bipartisan negotiations to score political points ahead of the election. Democrats got up, and left the negotiating table, and headed straight for the TV cameras, and held a press conference condemning Republicans for not falling into line on their partisan bill, Cornyn said in a speech on the Senate floor a year ago. We went through the same exercise back in 2012 and 2013, he said. Our Democratic colleagues used this issue to attack Republicans up for reelection for not supporting their partisan bill at that time after theyd chose not to negotiate in good faith for a bipartisan bill. So I think thats whats happening again. ben.wermund@chron.com Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on Fox News Channel Wednesday that he hasn't spoken with President Joe Biden 'since he was sworn in' - nor has he received an invitation to the White House. McConnell was trying to make the point that Biden's bipartisanship talk was just that, telling Fox's Bill Hemmer 'there's been no efforts whatsoever by the president or the administration to do anything in the political center.' A spokesperson for McConnell later clarified to DailyMail.com that the Kentucky Republican had spoken with Biden and Secretary of State Tony Blinken about Burma on February 1. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said during an interview with Fox News Channel Wednesday that he hasn't been invited to the White House since President Joe Biden took office President Joe Biden (right) is seen talking to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (center) on inauguration day. McConnell told Fox on Wednesday that the two men haven't spoken since then, though his office later said the last time they spoke was February 1 on Burma Press secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have a 'long friendship' and speak 'regularly.' When pressed if they've spoken since February 1, as McConnell's office claims, she said, 'I don't have any more calls to read out' McConnell had said as much in a February 2 speech. McConnell's aides additionally told CNN that there have been no conversations between Biden and McConnell about the president's agenda. White House press secretary Jen Psaki wouldn't confirm the nearly two-month freeze. 'He has a long friendship with Leader McConnell, he speaks with him regularly,' she said Wednesday of Biden. 'We're obviously not going to read out all of those calls. I expect that will continue.' When pressed about whether the two leaders have talked since the February 1 call, Psaki answered, 'I don't have any more calls to read out for you.' Psaki also said McConnell hasn't stepped foot on White House grounds because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 'We obviously have been limited on COVID to any events in the East Wing and at this point we'd be very much in the Easter Egg Roll preparations, which of course we will not be - but obviously more important, substantive, vital meetings than that,' she said. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle are typically invited to large-scale events like the annual Easter Egg Roll. 'He's had a number of meetings, bipartisan meetings, in the Oval Office, he will continue to do those,' she continued. 'Those have often been constructed with committee chairs or members with specific jurisdiction.' McConnell has accused Biden of making a hard-left turn since taking office. 'They misread the election. It's a 50/50 Senate and a very narrow Democratic majority in the House,' McConnell said. 'Not a mandate to turn America into Bernie Sanders' view of what America ought to be.' Biden's first legislative victory was the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill that Democrats passed in the Senate using the process of reconciliation that allowed them to bypass the filibuster and pass the bill using a simple majority - which they have. The president met with 10 moderate Republicans at the White House on February 1, including Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, but their low-ball offer wasn't viewed by the administration as reasonable. Democrats passed the American Rescue Act on a party-line vote. The White House has sold it as 'bipartisan' by pointing to Republican voters approving of the plan in public polling. Psaki doubled down on that definition during Wednesday's briefing. 'Well, he doesn't believe that bipartisanship is defined by the zipcode here,' she said. 'His definition of bipartisan has always been working on behalf of the American people, and governing for all people ... and moving forward on proposals and policies that will make their lives better' For bills that need to bypass a filibuster, McConnell said he believed the White House would engage with individual GOP senators instead of the full caucus. 'They'd be more than happy to pick off a few of our members and do what they would like to do, but there's been no efforts whatsoever by the president or the administration to do anything in the political center,' McConnell said. The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. After a lengthy national search, Charleston's International African American Museum has found its next chief executive. The museum's board selected Tonya M. Matthews, most recently an associate provost at Wayne State University in Detroit, who comes in with years of experience leading museums and diversity initiatives. The announcement comes nearly two years after the IAAM's last top leader left the role. Rising now on the peninsula, the museum is a long-awaited project that's been in the works for two decades and under construction for the past year and a half. It's set to open in 2022. An announcement from the IAAM describes finding Matthews as one of the last steps of that 20-year process. The 46-year-old Washington, D.C., native said in the IAAM statement she is "humbled and compelled" to take on the role of CEO at a place that is "so necessary for these incredible times and beyond." Matthews became aware of the IAAM about a decade ago, just by "working and being in the museum community," she told The Post and Courier. "I'm always impressed when a city itself gets behind building an institution like this," Matthews said of the IAAM, which entered its early planning stages after then-Mayor Joe Riley announced in a speech more than 20 years ago he would work to build a museum of African American history in Charleston. With Matthews coming in as CEO, lifetime museum board member Riley said they finally have all the major pieces in place. "We raised the money. We have had really world-class architects and landscapers who designed a beautiful building but we havent had a permanent leader for a while," Riley said. "Now we do." Chairman Wilbur Johnson said in a statement that the board "spent a fair amount of time" on its CEO search to find a person who could be "inspirational" to the staff. Riley agreed, saying the "lengthy search process" allowed them to hire a "world-class, experienced museum executive." Matthews was vice president of museums at the Cincinnati Museum Center, the city's largest cultural institution. There, she oversaw the three museums that make up the center a history museum, a natural history museum and a children's museum and did work to "bring the museums together," she said. In that role, Matthews helped oversee a budget of $27.5 million for the museum center's education, research and community engagement efforts, and she was part of the leadership team that merged the museum center with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, also in Cincinnati, which helped that institution ensure its survival, according to news reports. During her time at the museum center, Matthews forged a partnership with the National Museums of Kenya that allowed Cincinnati-area middle school students to connect with peers in Lamu, Kenya. Given the "international" in the IAAM's name, Matthews said that's the kind of program she'd like to emulate in her new role and an experience that can give some guideposts as to how the museum can develop relationships that reach across the ocean. 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! "That's also part of our mission, to connect these stories and to help them give African American stories more context," Matthews said. Her new job at the IAAM won't be the first time Matthews has claimed the title of CEO at a major museum. After leaving Cincinnati in 2013, she became the first president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center, an 80,000-square-foot facility in downtown Detroit. There, Matthews started the STEMinista Project, an initiative meant to inspire girls in middle school to get engaged with STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and math. Matthews, who studied biomedical and electrical engineering as an undergrad at Duke University and earned her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in biomedical engineering, said she found her way into working with museums by paying attention to what she "really enjoyed." "I started as a volunteer because I liked teaching and talking about science. ... Then, I fell in love with what I could do in that space," she said. Matthews has served on multiple boards and, in 2019, helped the American Alliance of Museums launch a nationwide effort to make museum boards more diverse. That same year, she joined Wayne State as both associate provost of inclusive workforce development and director for the STEM Innovation Learning Center. Matthews will be the IAAM's second chief executive. Michael Boulware Moore, the museum's first CEO, joined the IAAM staff in 2016. Before accepting the role, Moore had been in marketing and worked with brands such as Coca-Cola and Kraft. He, along with Riley, led the charge on reaching the $75 million fundraising goal for the IAAM that was later upped to more than $100 million. Moore's "personal connection" to the museum helped them to tell its story, Riley said at the time. Moore's great-great grandfather was Robert Smalls, who famously seized freedom by stealing a Confederate ship in Charleston Harbor. He went on to become a captain in the Union Navy and represented South Carolina in Congress during the Reconstruction era. Moore announced in June 2019 that he was leaving the museum, saying it "seemed like the right time" and that the CEO who would be in charge when the museum opened should "have a role in building it." That October, the museum had its official groundbreaking. After leaving the museum, Moore returned to work in the private sector. Daniel Island-based software company Blackbaud named Moore as its first diversity and inclusion officer last August. The museum's Chief Operating Officer Elijah Heyward, and board member Bernard Powers, also the director of the Center for the Study of Slavery at the College of Charleston, shared CEO-related duties in the interim, a period that extended from mid-2019 until this week's announcement of Matthews' hiring. Matthews said she plans to make the move to Charleston in April. She has been able visit the museum site in-person, she said. The waterfront lot was once part of Gadsden's Wharf, a major port of entry during the Atlantic slave trade. Matthews described the experience of seeing the rising museum as "impressive, moving and exciting at the same time." The thing she's looking forward to most when she gets to Charleston, Matthews said, is listening to firsthand stories about the Lowcountry, hearing locals' aspirations for the museum and maybe getting a few recommendations on where to eat. BUDAPEST, Hungary, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AImotive, the largest independent team working on automated driving technologies in Europe, today announced it has integrated the Khronos Group's Vulkan API to improve raytracing performance in aiSim 3.0. The world's first ISO26262 certified, automotive-grade open simulator tool for automated driving development, aiSim, is designed to accurately and efficiently simulate all major sensor modalities required for automated driving. The next generation of the simulator, aiSim 3.0 will launch in April 2021. aiSim can provide the highest coverage for various hardware platforms by utilizing the industry standard Vulkan API. Use of the recent Vulkan Ray Tracing extension improves simulation performance by efficiently distributing rendering tasks to available GPU ray tracing hardware. It also enables creation of the next level of physically realistic input for the sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, and radar through the correct simulation of lights, weather within a holistic environment. Thanks to efficient data sharing and streaming, aiSim enables real-time simulation for HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop), even for the most complex sensor setups. "AImotive is committed to open standards that allow our customers and the entire industry to use all suitable components at the lowest cost without compromising on performance. By using Vulkan Ray Tracing, aiSim can provide more realistic automotive simulation than ever in real time and accelerate the further development and testing of automated driving systems." said Laszlo Kishonti, CEO and Founder of AImotive. "Vulkan provides explicit control over GPU acceleration so that sophisticated developers such as aiSim can unlock the full potential of underlying platforms for their customers that demand high performance and visual realism. As an open standard, Vulkan Ray Tracing has now unlocked a real-time rendering technology previously only available in expensive cinematic visual effects on low-cost workstations and personal computers from multiple manufacturers. The accuracy and physical correctness of ray tracing is particularly well suited to simulation environments, and we are pleased to see professional automotive applications using this new Vulkan capability alongside gaming." said Neil Trevett, Khronos President. About AImotive: AImotive is one of the largest independent teams in the world working on automated driving technologies and the most-funded European company in the field. Developing self-driving software, proprietary simulation tools and neural network acceleration hardware IP, we are building an ecosystem that aids the deployment of automated driving. We create scalable, modular and hardware agnostic products to catalyse industry collaboration and bring life-saving technologies to drivers around the world quickly. Our team's deep understanding of artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, and real-world automated driving workloads is further strengthened by data gathered from our global test fleet. Our many years' experience in 3D graphics and optimization for a wide range of hardware platforms enables us to deliver the highest performance software solutions in automotive software as well as local and cloud-based scalable simulation. Learn more at www.aimotive.com About The Khronos Group: The Khronos Group is an open, non-profit, member-driven consortium of over 150 industry-leading companies creating advanced, royalty-free, interoperability standards for 3D graphics, augmented and virtual reality, and parallel programming including the new-geneation Vulkan GPU API. Khronos members drive the development and evolution of Khronos specifications and are able to accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge platforms and applications through early access to specification drafts and conformance tests. Khronos and Vulkan are registered trademarks of The Khronos Group Inc. Media contact: Bence Boda Communications Manager +36301828085 [email protected] SOURCE AImotive Related Links https://www.aimotive.com/ New research from IDC and Thought Machine reveals Asia Pacific markets most ready for core banking transformation outlined in new Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index markets most ready for core banking transformation outlined in new Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index Truly digital cores will deliver numerous benefits for the region's banks, including agility, migration and cost SINGAPORE and LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thought Machine, the cloud native technology company with its APAC headquarters in Singapore, and International Data Corporation (IDC), have released their second piece of joint research entitled Truly Digital Core Banking: You Are More Ready Than You Think. In this new piece of research, IDC outlines Asia Pacific's readiness for banking transformation and a clear path for banks in the region to adopt modern core technology and deliver truly digital banking experiences. IDC's new proprietary index, the Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index, maps regional markets according to two dimensions: opportunity-to-benefit and execution readiness. Within the opportunity-to-benefit dimension, markets have been measured on customer readiness for digital banking and market infrastructure. In the execution readiness dimension, markets have been measured on their propensity towards changing legacy systems and the maturity of their market infrastructure. The markets measured in the index are: Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Findings from the index show that: Singapore and Australia hold the largest opportunity for digital core banking, with the remaining markets ready for digital transformation. and hold the largest opportunity for digital core banking, with the remaining markets ready for digital transformation. Some of the oldest core systems are in the Philippines and Malaysia , whereas Vietnam has relatively newer core systems. and , whereas has relatively newer core systems. The majority of Asia Pacific markets measured are contained within the 'Market Acceleration' segment: primed to take full advantage of digital core offerings markets measured are contained within the 'Market Acceleration' segment: primed to take full advantage of digital core offerings Indonesia and Thailand have a strong propensity to change their core bank systems, while Malaysia and Philippines have been slow to migrate to a digital core. The paper also details the reinforcing nature of digital core banking technology how modern software architecture increases bank delivery capability, and the ability to continuously innovate. This, in effect, accelerates a bank's overall readiness to execute on full digital transformation. In the latter half of the paper, IDC has detailed the exact requirements for a modern digital core outlining 25 distinct attributes the system should possess, including on-demand analytics, intelligent configuration, flexible licensing, cost reduction and more. Michael Araneta, Head of Advisory and Research, IDC Financial Insights, said: "IDC has examined the new wave of investments into digital core banking systems in the Asia Pacific region and can now reveal that banks are primed to benefit from the capabilities of a new generation of core banking systems. They can finally be more efficient, more customer-centric, and more agile. No market in the region, and no bank for that matter, should wait for the 'right time down the road'. The time is now." Nick Wilde, Managing Director APac, Thought Machine, said: "Asia's markets are now able to take advantage of the efficiencies of cloud-native architecture, an API-driven framework and low-code enhancement capabilities that are inherent in truly digital core systems. The intersection point has arrived Asia's markets are ready to execute, and capture material benefits by migrating to a truly digital core." The paper explores Thought Machine's core banking engine, Vault, in the context of these attributes. An assessment of low-code and no-code development paradigms reveals that Vault's low-code approach unlocks multiple benefits for banks wishing to be agile in fast-changing environments. Vault's API-driven, real-time approach, has also been highlighted for its ability to streamline integration with other systems, connect with Open Banking programs, and allows banks to take advantage of new digital channels. The paper closes with an assessment of the migration approaches available for legacy banks when adopting modern digital core banking systems. Vault is highlighted for its ability to cater to multiple types of migration: reducing the complexity, risk and cost involved in the process. About Thought Machine Thought Machine was founded in 2014 with a mission to enable banks to deploy modern systems and move away from the legacy IT platforms that plague the banking industry. We do this through our cloud native core banking platform, Vault. This next generation system has been written from scratch as an entirely cloud native platform. It does not contain a single line of code which is legacy, or pre-cloud. Founded by entrepreneur Paul Taylor, Thought Machine's customers include Lloyds Banking Group, SEB, Standard Chartered, Atom bank, Monese, TransferGo and Curve. We are currently a team of more than 450 people spread across offices in London, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and have raised more than 110m in funding from Eurazeo, Draper Esprit, SEB, British Patient Capital, IQ Capital, Playfair Capital, Nyca Partners, Lloyds Banking Group and Backed. For more information visit thoughtmachine.net About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights: http://bit.ly/IDCBlog_Subscribe. SOURCE Thought Machine The Annual General Meeting of Borregaard ASA will be held on 14 April 2021 at 13:00 as a digital meeting. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and governmental restrictions and recommendations, the Board has decided that no physical meeting will take place. The following documents are attached: - Notice of the Annual General Meeting - Guidelines for remuneration of executive personnel - Recommendations of the nomination committee Borregaards Annual Report 2020 is available at the companys webpage: www.borregaard.com Notice of attendance is not required for the digital meeting. However, shareholder must be logged in when the meeting starts. The notice will be sent to all shareholders today. Notice of the Annual General Meeting and other documents relating to items of business, as well as further information concerning the rights of shareholders, may be found at www.borregaard.com . The Annual General Meeting will be simultaneously interpreted to English. Login will open at 12:00 CET at the date of the Annual General Meeting. Borregaard ASA Sarpsborg, 24 March 2021 Contact: Lotte Kvinlaug, Investor Relations Officer, +47 922 86 909 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachments Strong increase in full-year results Net income attributable to owners of the parent: 14.2 million, up 18.3% (0.36 per share on a diluted basis, up 22.9%) Property Investment net income attributable to owners of the parent per share on a diluted basis: 0.17, up 33.1% NAV per share on a diluted basis: 5.87, up +4.4% Stronger balance sheet: LTV of 44.3% (down 2.2 points) and 44.6 million held in cash (up 3.7%) 2021 Outlook: resilience and confidence Continuing strategy of investing in commercial properties Normal level of activity anticipated in Property Development after their 2019 and 2020 peak Stable dividend of 0.23 per share proposed "In a region barely affected by Covid-19 pandemic to date, we performed well during 2020 thanks to the power of our "Urban Development, Property Development and Property Investment" model and to the payoff from our Property Investment strategy, which is giving our recurring income a major boost. In 2021, following the peak activity levels of 2019 and 2020 to help fund the Property Investment business, we anticipate a return to a more normal level, with momentum underpinned by the success of building plots. With our balance sheet now in a stronger shape, we intend to press ahead with expansion in Property Investment and our pipeline of 48 million in commercial projects. Concurrently, we continue to explore opportunities to buy commercial assets in our home region and also in deep and liquid markets to shift the growth in the Property Investment business' recurring revenue streams into a higher gear", commented Eric Wuillai, CBo Territoria's Chairman and CEO. CBo Territoria's Board of Directors met on Monday, 22 March 2021 and approved its consolidated results for 2020. Audited consolidated financial statements in millions, under IFRS 2020 2019 % Chg. Revenues 103.6 110.7 -6.4% Income from operations 21.6 21.5 +0.3% Fair value adjustments (0.6) (3.3) n/a Gain/(loss) on disposal of investment properties 1.5 0.4 +265.1% Other operating income/(expense) (0.1) (0.1) -19.5% Share in income from associates 2.4 5.7 -57.7% Operating income (including associates)(1) 24.7 24.2 +2.3% Net interest expense (5.6) (6.9) -19.7% Income before tax 19.2 17.3 +11.1% Income tax expense (5.0) (5.2) -3.0% Net income 14.1 12.1 +17.1% Net income attributable to owners of the parent 14.2 12.0 +18.3% Operating income after share in net income of associates The audit of the consolidated annual financial statements is currently being audited. CBo Territoria relatively unaffected by Covid-19 As of 16 March 2021, La Reunion remained less affected by the pandemic than the French mainland (14,631 and 87 deaths since the first case was reported - source: ARS). La Reunion's solid domestic economy is supported by local consumer spending and its low exposure to tourism (only 2% of La Reunion's GDP as opposed to 8% nationally - sources: Cerom & INSEE 2019). So far, La Reunion has had only one lockdown, from 17 March until 11 May 2020. The current measures in place locally since March 2021 do not affect CBo Territoria's assets as they involve the closure of non-essential retail stores in the three shopping malls with a surface area of over 20,000 m2. The pandemic crisis has had only a limited impact on CBo Territoria's 2020 performance. The Property Investment business granted 0.6 million in rent relief, or 2.6% of gross rental income from its portfolio. The Property Development results were hit by a 0.2 million shortfall arising from construction delays. Ancillary activities curbed the P&L impact of the 2020 lockdown to 0.4 million by adjusting their cost base and taking advantage of government assistance. Strong revenue performance of 103.6 million in 2020 In 2020, CBo Territoria generated 103.6 million in revenues, slightly below the peak level in the previous year with a dip of 6.4% compared with 2019. Gross rental income from Property Investment's economic portfolio rose 1.4% to 23.4 million, with the boost provided by commercial assets, which recorded a 6.8% increase to 19.9 million. These now account for 85% of total gross rental income, up from 81% in 2019. Although Property Development has moved past its 2019 peak, it posted a high level of 78.8 million in revenues, down 6.2%. The key revenue trends were: A decline in the existing residential portfolio (31.3 million, down 12.0%) owing to a fall in the Social Housing segment that has now reached maturity and uncertainty in 2020 as to whether the Pinel Dom tax breaks would continue The steep decline in the existing commercial portfolio (19.5 million, down 29.6%) given the high base of comparison in 2019 (signature of off-plan sale and work on La Reunion's largest Leroy Merlin store in 2019). Strong increase in sales of residential and commercial plots (28.0 million, up 34.9%), which counterbalanced the overall downturn. Property Investment: 33.1% increase in recurring net income attributable to owners of the parent per share on a diluted basis In 2020, the net rental income recorded by the Property Investment business rose 0.6% to 20.5 million. Adjusted for block sales of homes, rental income rose 4.3%. Thanks to lower overheads and net interest expense, the Property Investment business posted recurring net income attributable to owners of the parent up 22.9% at 6.9 million. Recurring net income attributable to owners of the parent per share on a diluted basis moved up 33.1% to 0.17. The Property Development business' margin widened by 10.2% to 13.7 million. This performance was powered by a richer product mix with the higher level of plot sales. With the higher profitability of these two businesses, a strong sales performance in terms of residential asset sales, and a structural decline in borrowing costs, CBo Territoria's net income attributable to owners of the parent rose 18.3% to 14.2 million. Net income attributable to owners of the parent came to 0.36 per share on a diluted basis, an increase of 22.9%. Continuing shift in the focus of the economic portfolio to commercial assets At 31 December 2020, the economic portfolio was valued at 369.7 million, down 1.5% on its end-2019 level as a result of home sales (13.6 million or 3.6%). Commercial assets now make up 76% of the portfolio, compared with 71% of the total at end-2019, reflecting the continuing shift to this asset class. The portfolio was valued by independent appraisers on a highly conservative basis relative to the market in mainland France since they applied capitalisation rates 100 to 150 basis points higher. The commercial economic portfolio rose 4.7% to 281.5 million with the addition of new assets. It is highly diversified (offices 32%, retail 57%, business premises 11%) and its vacancy rate limited to 4% (up 1 point), reflecting its high-calibre assets. Its gross rate of return came to 7.7%, up 0.2 points. In 2020, the Group pressed ahead with the active expansion of its commercial portfolio, including: The delivery in November 2020 at the Retail Park du Port developed by CBo Territoria of a 3,500 m 2 store jointly owned (associate) with its operator the Ravate group store jointly owned (associate) with its operator the Ravate group The construction at the Retail Park du Port of 6,100 m 2 in stores now 91% let and scheduled for delivery in April 2021 in stores now 91% let and scheduled for delivery in April 2021 The acquisition in Ile-de-France, a deep and liquid market, of 5,000 m2 in fully-occupied office space in December 2020, helping the Group to accelerate the growth in its recurring revenue streams The signature of a MoU to develop an 8,100 m2 complex of retail assets at Combani in Mayotte requiring an overall investment of 24 million. These facilities, which have been awarded a commercial use permit, are currently 73% pre-let, with tenants including a 1,920 m2 Carrefour supermarket and a 1,200 m Monsieur Bricolage store. Work is due to commence in the second half of 2021, and the stores are scheduled to enter service in the second half of 2023. Under its strategy focused on expanding in commercial assets, CBo Territoria continued to pull out of residential assets with the sale of 89 homes, including 51 in a block sale to SHLMR/Action Logement. At year-end 2020, its residential portfolio comprised 319 homes, down from 408 at year-end 2019, or 13% of the economic portfolio, down from 16% at year-end 2019. Stronger balance sheet: lower debt and increase in cash At 31 December 2020, CBo Territoria's available cash came to 44.6 million, up from 43.0 million at year-end 2019, while its debt was 13.0 million lower at 237.1 million. As a result, its net debt fell 7.1% to 191.2 million. Fixed-rate borrowings accounted for 77% of the total, up from 66% at year-end 2019. Its average cost of debt dropped 0.1 points to 2.8% in 2020. Excluding transfer taxes, its LTV ratio was 2.2 points lower at 44.3%. Adjusted for the ORNANE issue, the ratio was 37.7%. Net asset value of 5.87 per share on a diluted basis (up 4.4%) At 31 December 2020, NAV rose 7.2% over 12 months to 216.6 million, or 5.87 per share on a diluted basis. The share's discount, based on the average share price between 1 and 19 March 2021, stood at 37% to its NAV per share on a diluted basis. Stable dividend of 0.23 per share proposed Amid the current uncertain international economic conditions, CBo Territoria will propose payment of a dividend of 0.23 per share at its Annual General Meeting on 9 June 2021, which would be stable compared with 2019. This dividend payment would represent a yield of over 6.0% based on the average share price of 3.69 between 1 and 19 March 2021. 2021 Outlook: Continued shift towards Property Investment With its solid balance sheet and its diversified and resilient business model, CBo Territoria intends to push ahead with its strategy of expanding in Property Investment. CBo Territoria's Property Investment business has a pipeline of 48 million in commercial projects for development on its land holdings. At the same time, the Group will continue to sell its homes and consider any opportunities to buy commercial assets in La Reunion and in deep and liquid markets to accelerate the growth in its recurring revenue streams. In line with its development plan, the Group expects business levels in Property Development to return to a more normal level after the peak sales recorded in 2019 and 2020. The outlook for 2021 is supported by its 55.7 million order and negotiation backlog at year-end 2020. In addition, the Group plans to develop this business outside its land, in La Reunion and Mayotte. Next financial publication First-half 2021 revenue: Wednesday, 18 August 2021 (after market close) About CBo Territoria CBo Territoria is a leading player in Property Investment, Urban Development and Property Development in La Reunion and Mayotte, France. Its shares are listed on Euronext C (FR0010193979, CBOT) and can be held within PEA PME tax-efficient equity savings plans. It owns 2,950 hectares of land and intends to become primarily a multi-regional specialist in Commercial Property Investment, with growth funded partly by profits from its Property Development division. www.cboterritoria.com/en GLOSSARY NAV - Net Asset Value: calculated based on consolidated equity, including unrealised capital gains and losses on the property portfolio. The property portfolio is measured at market value by means of an independent appraisal. NAV per share: Net asset value per share excluding shares held in treasury Diluted NAV per share: Net asset value per share reflecting the maximum number of shares that may be issued as a result of outstanding dilutive instruments CFO - Cash flow from operations: All internal sources of funds generated by the activities of a business that can be used for funding purposes Cash generated by operating activities: change in the cash position of a business resulting from the operating cash flows generated by its main activities Average cost of borrowing = ratio of the amount of interest paid over the year, before capitalisation, to its average debt outstanding over the period ICR - Interest Coverage Ratio: coverage of the cost of borrowing by net rental income Deferred tax: means of recognising tax arising from a business profit generated during the period in respect of the operations of a business that may in the future incur a tax liability or tax saving that is not recognised under the current tax method. Yield property: all existing property assets generating steady rental income Investment property: existing yield properties (commercial + residential) + Investment land (excluding land held as inventory or for development) Fair Value: this method of measuring assets is recommended by the IFRS international accounting standards and is applied in the consolidated financial statements. It is defined as "the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date" Property Investment's net rental income = Property Investment operating margin: Rental income net of direct property expenses reflecting allowances to provisions for doubtful receivables LTV - Loan To Value: Amount of outstanding bank debt net of investment assets and cash/market value of Investment Properties excluding transfer taxes + net carrying amount of operational properties other than head office + inventories and outstandings (consolidated value). Property Development operating margin: revenues less cost of sales, sales and marketing costs and allowances to provisions Recurring net income: IFRS net income from ordinary and recurring activities Associates: company accounted for under the equity method. Equity accounting is an accounting technique whereby the carrying amount of shares held in an entity by its parent company is replaced by a measurement of the portion that the parent company owns in the equity of that entity. ORNANE - Bond redeemable in cash and in new or existing shares. Convertible bond, the principal amount of which is repaid in cash at maturity and, if the conversion option is in-the-money, the difference between share price and the conversion threshold may be redeemed in the issuer's shares. Economic portfolio: investment assets and share in assets held by associates Attributable to owners of the parent: net income attributable to owners of the parent is the share of net income payable to the Group's owners. Also known as net income, Group share. Income from operations: development margins + Rental income net of property expenses - net management expenses +/- Income from ancillary activities. Operating income: Income from operations + change in fair value + gains/(losses) on investment properties + other operating income and expenses + share in income of associates Stock options: stock options at a given exercise price Financial vacancy rate: ratio between the market rent of vacant space and rental income from the total space (actual rental income from space rented + market rent of vacant space) Cash flow statement: shows how cash was generated and how the cash position changed during a financial year or a given period. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: nZlyZZybZmjJmJybY5hpl2mYbWxklZGUbpObyZObZJ7IanFnnGyUa5ueZm9pmGhu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-68338-pr-cbot-ra-2020-vdef_eng.pdf Slovak crisis deepens as more ministers resign Decision to buy Russia's vaccine was highly divisive (ANSA-AFP) - BRATISLAVA, MAR 24 - Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic came under intense pressure Wednesday to step down over his handling of the Covid crisis after the president called for him to resign and several ministers quit the cabinet. Foreign and European Affairs Minister Ivan Korcok and Education Minister Branislav Grohling both announced they were resigning on Wednesday in a dispute that is tearing up the four-party coalition government. Six ministers, including the health minister, have left the 16-member cabinet so far at a time when Slovakia is struggling to cope with what is currently the third highest Covid-19 death rate in the world. Matovic's critics accuse him of poor communication and political missteps during the crisis and his decision to buy Russia's Spoutnik V vaccine proved highly divisive within his own government. Korcok called the vaccine "a hybrid war tool". President Zuzana Caputova on Tuesday joined the calls for Matovic to resign saying it was "essential" that he step down to end the political crisis. (ANSA-AFP). Copyright ANSA - All rights reserved Texas wines have never been better across an increasingly broader spectrum of wineries but, because perception is often erroneously considered reality, problems persist in convincing many folks to give them their due. A significant issue has been assuring consumers that the states best wines really are from Texas, not just made in Texas. Fact is, a bottle with Texas displayed on the label is still legally allowed to be only three-fourths Texan, with imported grapes, usually purchased from California or Oregon, making up the difference. Given the vagaries of vintages in these parts, caused by terribly timed frosts and unexpected deep freezes, such as the one that recently wreaked as-of-yet untold carnage in the vineyards, its easy to understand why many of the states vintners typically the ones with the most expansive, entrenched operations and, hence, the most at stake in maintaining the status quo insist they need the extra wiggle room. But thats hardly a visionary approach. William Chris Vineyards co-owner/winemaker Chris Brundrett, a native Texan and the first Texas winemaker ever named to Wine Enthusiasts 40 under 40 list of Americas rising stars, fought as hard as anyone for a much-needed change thats finally coming. If the Texas Legislature delivers, the proverbial screws will get tightened at least a little, which will do only good things long term for how our wines are perceived by discerning oenophiles who live elsewhere. Texas AVAs (year established in parentheses) Texas High Plains (1993): About 85 percent of the wine grapes grown in Texas, representing some 75 varietals, are sourced from vines that cover about 4,000 acres out of the entire 8 million legally in the AVA. The average elevation is 3,500 feet. Texas Hill Country (1991): Although the geographic limits encompass 9 million acres, making it the second-largest AVA in the United States, fewer than 1,000 acres are under vine. Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country (1989): A sub-region of the Texas Hill Country AVA, it covers about 75,000 acres around Fredericksburg in Gillespie County and is home to the highest concentration of showcase wineries/tasting rooms in the state. Bell Mountain (1986): Known originally for a handful of vitis vinifera varietals first planted in the 1970s by the late Robert Oberhelman in northern Gillespie County, it was the first AVA located completely within Texas. It's also a sub-region of the Texas Hill Country AVA. Escondido Valley (1992): It covers about 32,000 acres along the Pecos River in Pecos County, but only a small portion is under vine. With no wineries located inside its borders, almost all the fruit goes to the Ste. Genevieve facility near Fort Stockton. Texas Davis Mountains AVA (1999): There are also no wineries and only 100 acres under vine in the region, which is mostly located in Jeff Davis County, although the Pleasant Hill Winery in Brenham sources the fruit for its cabernet sauvignon from there. Texoma (2005): The Texoma region, which straddles the Oklahoma border around Lake Texoma, is where the 19th-century viticulturist Thomas Volney Munson discovered that grafting vitis vinifera grapevines onto native American varieties of vine rootstock resulted in vines that were resistant to phylloxera. Mesilla Valley (1985): Texas' first AVA is, in fact, almost completely located across the border in New Mexico, northwest of El Paso. See More Collapse The old guard, as Brundrett calls them, believes limiting Texas wines to only Texas fruit is impractical, given the uncertainties of yields in any given year. The pushback from the big boys, including Llano Estacado and Becker Vineyards, has been resolute. Mark Hyman, Llano Estacados president and COO, flat out calls going to 100 percent Texas fruit much too premature. But Hyman also said that Llano Estacado is on board with pending new legislation giving Texas wineries the formalized opportunity to precisely declare the provenance of the grapes in their wines. Brundrett, who founded William Chris in 2008 with Bill Blackmon one of the states most experienced grape growers remains a staunch hundred-percenter when it comes to using only Texas fruit. What some folks are calling the great grape compromise is, therefore, somewhat bittersweet for him. While he said hes so grateful this is happening, that were finally at a place where theres some real pride in what we do, he added, Im disappointed so many people continue to live in the dark, from a producer standpoint. A few old wineries only want to hold onto to what they have. To shut me up, they were happy to sign off on the following: When using a specific vineyard designation on a label, and Texas has many that are very much worthy of the honor, 95 percent of the grapes must have been grown in that plot, and the rest must be Texas-grown. When designating a specific American Viticultural Area (AVA) on a bottles label the Texas Hill Country and the Texas High Plains are the biggest and by far most prominent of the states AVAs 85 percent of the grapes must come from that AVA and the other 15 percent must be Texas-grown. When designating a specific county on a label, 75 percent of the grapes must be from said county and the rest must be Texas-grown. We have something thats of great value, and its important to protect our brand, Brundrett said. I feel some sense of ownership for the bill. Ive spent a lot of time over the last 10 years working on it. Previously, despite having the eight delineated AVAs, Texas has never had Appellation of Origin designations, a system to guarantee geographic authenticity that was essentially created by the French with their Appellation dOrigine Controlee (AOC) system, which became law in the mid-1930s and has since been copied by Europes other leading wine-producing countries as well as California, Oregon, Washington and New York State. Russell Kane, a retired engineer turned wine writer/educator who lives in Houston, believes going beyond the required minimum federal mandate of 75 percent represents a real paradigm shift in Texas quest to earn the national recognition and respect that the state deserves as a wine-growing region. Ill admit that Texas being the fifth largest wine-producing state and only the seventh in grape production has made it difficult to consistently get to the 100 percent Texas mark, Kane explained. That said, the current legal compromise seems to have gotten all stakeholders on the same page. In my opinion, when this legislation is passed, Texas winegrowers and winemakers will finally have made it to the big leagues of American wine. The bill is unlikely to encounter serious opposition in the Legislature because the major players have all agreed to its provisions. Those would be the Texas Wine and Grapegrowers Association (TWGGA), the Texas High Plains Growers, the Texas Hill Country Association (THCA) and Texas Wine Growers. The new guidelines would go into effect starting with the 2022 vintage. Roxanne Myers, general manager of Lost Oak Winery in Burleson and outgoing president of TWGGA, spearheaded the compromise in conjunction with Patrick Whitehead, the managing partner and winemaker at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard northwest of Denton, and Brian Heath, owner with his wife, Jennifer, of Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg. Myers is pleased that the new parameters meet the needs of a wide range of Texas wineries, explaining: The proposed changes to the code are permissive, thus not requiring anyone to label their wines in this manner. But if a winery chooses to appellate with an AVA, a county, or declare a vineyard designation, the wine must be derived from Texas grapes. Wines appellated only as Texas would still be subject to current federal guidelines. Which, again, is to say that a quarter of the fruit making up a bottle of wine can continue being sourced from anywhere on Gods green Earth. In the end, this seems a classic case of not letting the perfect get in the way of the good. Baby steps are steps nonetheless. sportywineguy@outlook.com Questions about U.S. President Joe Biden's health surfaced after he stumbled climbing up to the Air Force One on his trip to Atlanta. On Obamacare's 11th anniversary, Biden's breathing was audible between lines with his mask while delivering his speech. Biden then asked Ohio State University officials if he was expected to keep his mask on. "I guess I'm supposed to keep this on, correct?" Biden was quoted in a Breitbart News report, asking the University officials before he continued on his speech. One of Biden's press secretaries earlier assured reporters that the Air Force One was just due to forceful winds. This was not the first time that Biden's health raised eyebrows. In December, he accidentally referred to Vice President Kamala Harris as "President Harris" and called his wife Jill his sister, according to The Federalist report. READ MORE: 'Something's Not Right' With Biden's Health, Former White House Physician Says Obamacare Speech Meanwhile, Biden announced in his speech the extension of the special enrollment for people to purchase Affordable Care Act health plans by three months, which would last until Aug. 15, according to an NBC News report. The ACA, or usually known as Obamacare, will have a second extension that will help new and current enrollees avail of the enhanced subsidies in the COVID relief package that was signed earlier this month. Biden mentioned in his speech his promise when he campaigned that he would build on the foundation of Obamacare, which is done by making health care more affordable. "It means better coverage and lower premiums for millions of Americans," Biden was quoted in a report. The additional subsidies brought by the COVID relief package will be available on Apr. 1 to people enrolling in coverage through HealthCare.gov. Obamacare was considered a legislative achievement of former U.S. President Barack Obama, of whom Biden was the vice president during his administration. Health Insurance Coverage in The U.S. According to new data from the Census Bureau, 92 percent of the people in the U.S. had health insurance coverage in 2019. This leaves eight percent or 26.1 million without any coverage throughout the year. In 2019, adults ages 19 to 64-years-old had the highest uninsured rate at 11.1 percent, with children under 19 at 5.2 percent and adults 65 and older at 1.1 percent. Race and ethnicity also play a part in factoring in health insurance coverage in the U.S. The Hispanic population had the highest uninsured rate, with 16.7 percent, throughout the whole of 2019. For the Black population, 9.6 percent of the population were uninsured, while 6.2 percent for Asians. The white populations have the lowest uninsured rate with 5.2 percent. According to a Pew Research Center survey in September, the majority or 63 percent of the U.S. adults said that the government has the responsibility to provide health care coverage for all. This was a slight increase from last year's 59 percent. Meanwhile, 37 percent say that this is not the responsibility of the federal government. The survey was done from Jul. 27 to Aug. 2 with 11,001 adult participants. READ MORE: U.S. Near Max Capacity to Hold Migrant Children; Biden Administration Scrutinized Over Reopening Holding Facility WATCH: President Biden delivers remarks in Columbus, Ohio - from USA TODAY MONTREAL, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - During his speech to the Canadian Club, Patrick Decostre shared the company's first-ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy's priority objectives and presented the recent evolution of the corporation's business environment. With the acceleration of countries transitioning to renewable energy and committing to green economic recovery, Boralex sees many growth opportunities in line with its strategic direction for 2023. Boralex's new President and CEO first expressed his pride in assuming the management of the company he has been working with for nearly 20 years as of last December. He was the company's first employee in France, where Boralex is the largest independent producer of onshore wind power. He succeeded Patrick Lemaire and is based in Montreal. "For more than 30 years, Boralex has been developing its collaborators, entrepreneurial spirit and agilityvalues that are dear to [founders] Bernard and Patrick Lemaire. Building on its history and these values, my goal is to enable Boralex to seize all the opportunities arising from the energy transition by developing the full potential of renewable energy under the best possible conditions," said Patrick Decostre. Beyond Renewable Energy, Boralex's first Corporate Social Responsibility report In fall 2020, Boralex made its environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives as important as its financial objectives. On February 24, Boralex presented its first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, Beyond Renewable Energy. "It's no longer enough to simply produce green, renewable energy. Responsible growth must provide our shareholders and investors with the returns they seek, and our stakeholders with economic, environmental and social benefits. CSR is now a source of competitiveness and a vector for accelerating the decarbonization of the economies in which we operate," said Mr. Decostre. Boralex's CSR strategy focuses on three areas: leading by example, making renewable energy in a sustainable and resilient manner, and respecting our people, planet and community. For 2021, it will focus on issues related to diversity and equal opportunities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, physical and psychological health, and the safety of all employees. Strategic planning and financial objectives for 2023 Since 2019, Boralex has been delivering its strategic planning focused on growth, diversification, customers and optimization. It has helped Boralex benefit from sustained and orderly growth through the development of new markets, particularly in the United States, and its increased presence in solar energy. The company has carried out significant asset refinancing and optimized its operations, particularly by resuming maintenance of its wind power assets. It continues to diversify its client base, which includes signing corporate PPAs with major groups such as Auchan and Orange. While Boralex is on track to reaching its plan's strategic and financial objectives, the landscape has significantly evolved in its priority markets in recent years. The recent acquisition of solar power assets in the United States has allowed the company to consider new opportunities in several states, just as the new U.S. federal administration is making a firm commitment to the energy transition. In Quebec, the Apuiat project is helping boost the wind power industry; its contribution will be essential to meet emerging needs and fulfil the government's national electrification and energy export ambitions. In France, where Boralex is already the largest independent producer of onshore wind power, the ground-based solar sector also has strong growth potential, with an additional national capacity of 2 GW per year by 2028 according to the Multi-Year Power Program. "The commitment of all our teams to this strategic plan has been key to our latest achievements, which have helped our results grow significantly. We're updating our strategic plan with consideration of the greater opportunities arising from the accelerated transition to renewable energy following the publication of stimulus plans by various governments around the world. This update will include a review of our financial objectives for 2023 and allow us to capture more value for Boralex, our partners, our investors, and the communities and territories in which we operate and plan to develop projects," concluded the President and CEO. About Boralex Boralex develops, builds and operates renewable energy power facilities in Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States. A leader in the Canadian market and France's first independent onshore wind power producer, the Corporation is recognized for its solid experience in optimizing its asset base in four power generation types wind, hydroelectric, thermal and solar. Boralex ensures sustainable growth by leveraging the expertise and diversification developed for 30 years. Boralex's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX. More information is available at www.boralex.com or www.sedar.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Boralex Inc. Related Links www.boralex.com Fresh off of ramming through a $1.9 trillion monstrosity of a stimulus bill stuffed with pork spending and liberal pet projects, Democrats are gearing up to try to radically transform our election system and lock in majorities at every level of elected government for decades to come. Democrats call this bill the For the People Act, or HR 1, but a more appropriate name would be the Corrupt Politicians Act because its designed by the politicians, of the politicians, and for the politicians. Here are just a few of the countless reasons why this bill may be the single most dangerous piece of legislation weve seen in decades: It throws out state election laws and puts Washington in charge. This bill eliminates countless state election integrity laws, including Texas and other states voter ID laws, and replaces them with a set of new laws negotiated by Democrat operatives and radical left-wing activists. The fact is, Democrats are furious that, last fall, Republicans won control of legislatures across the country, so now theyre trying to use control of the federal government to eliminate states common-sense election laws. It undermines Americans voting rights by expanding illegal immigrants and felons access to the ballot box. The bill mandates registering nearly everyone in the country to vote, regardless of their eligibility, prevents states from maintaining the integrity of their voting rolls or removing dead people, and requires that felons be allowed to vote. It will effectively repeal state and local election laws put in place by the people through their representatives and allow for potentially millions of felons, non-citizens, or illegal immigrants to decide who runs our federal government. It codifies voter fraud and mandates ballot harvesting. The bill requires states to allow universal, no-excuse mail-in voting while stripping states of the ability to ensure the integrity of these ballots. For example, states cant require IDs to vote and the bill makes it nearly impossible to challenge signature matches without the agreement of a Democrat. Moreover, it allows Democratic operatives to collect and submit unlimited ballots opening the door to widespread fraud and requires counting these ballots even if they arrive 10 days after Election Day. It funnels millions of federal dollars to Democrat campaigns and candidates. This law would be federal welfare for politicians; it provides a 6-to-1 public subsidy for grassroots, small-dollar donations. For every dollar raised by a politician, they get $6 from the federal government. So the $200 you donate to a qualifying candidate will actually become a $1,200 donation from the federal government. Democrats always talk a big game about getting small-dollar donations. Turns out that what they really want is a cut of federal spending for their campaigns. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 39% of Americans think the 2020 presidential election was rigged. That view is not held by just Republican voters. That belief was shared by 31% of Independents and 17% of Democrats. This is both tragic and dangerous for the future of our republic. And if the Corrupt Politicians Act is signed into law, things will only become worse. This bill would destroy the American peoples confidence in our democratic system for the foreseeable future because it is designed to rig future elections for the radical left. I have no doubt that protecting the integrity of our elections and the voting rights of the American people will continue to be a major focus for elected officials here in Washington and across the country. And while there are common-sense proposals Congress can consider, its the states that the Constitution entrusts with ensuring that our elections are safe and secure and protecting the voting rights of all law-abiding Americans. This bill is not designed to protect the right to vote. Instead, its a dangerous and brazenly partisan power grab designed by the Democrats to corruptly turn their current razor-thin majority into a much larger and permanent majority so they can enact the Green New Deal and other items on their deeply unpopular progressive wish list. And allowing millions of illegal voters to cast votes robs you of your constitutional right to vote. Democrats did not write the Corrupt Politicians Act to strengthen our elections system or to restore trust in our democracy. They wrote it to expand voter fraud and try to ensure that theyll never lose again. We have to fight every step of the way to stop the Corrupt Politicians Act. We have to stand for free and fair elections and the rule of law, and not hand the future of our republic and our elections to the radical left. Washington Mozambicans who have been forced from their homes because of the ongoing conflict in the northern part of their country say Washington's pledge to train Mozambican security forces brings a glimmer of hope that their situation will improve. Last week, the U.S. embassy in Mozambique announced plans to train Mozambican security forces to combat violent extremism in the country's north. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department designated an Islamic State (IS) affiliate in Mozambique as a foreign terrorist organization -- along with another IS affiliate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Residents in the country's northern Cabo Delgado province, a region rich in natural gas deposits, have been grappling with an Islamist insurgency there since 2017. Attacks claimed by the militant group known as al-Shabab have killed nearly 2,700 people and displaced 670,000 others, according to the conflict monitoring group Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project (ACLED). Last week, Britain-based aid group Save the Children said al-Shabab militants, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terror group, have beheaded children as young as 11 in Cabo Delgado. Many residents in the state now live in temporary displacement camps under dire conditions, international medical group Doctors Without Borders said in a statement last week. "It is very good that the Americans are going to train the Mozambican Marines to end the war," said Kalumane Adali, a former Mozambican soldier who now lives in a displacement center in Cabo Delgado's Metuge district. Adali, who fled his hometown of Quissanga in April 2020 following an insurgent attack, told VOA that the U.S. training could help him and other displaced people return home. "We want to return to our peaceful lives in our villages," he said. Abuchate Nantonta is another displaced person from northern Mozambique who was captured by the insurgents for two days in April 2020. "What the insurgents do is inhumane and not good. They kill people and destroy their villages," he told VOA. "If the Mozambican military was effective in fighting terrorism, it would have ended this carnage. So that's why I think this training by the Americans is a very good step." Julia Adamo, 64, says she managed to leave her village of Quilite "because military helicopters were flying overhead to prevent al-Shabab militants from attacking us." "So, this U.S. training will be beneficial to our military not only to combat those al-Shabab but also to protect civilians, including those running from their homes," she told VOA. Greater U.S. involvement Local observers say the U.S. terror designation and the subsequent training announcement could be the beginning of a greater U.S. involvement in Cabo Delgado's conflict. The U.S. wants to show "in practical terms that it supports Mozambique in this fight against violence in Cabo Delgado," said Mozambique-based analyst Fernando Lima. Independent Mozambican politician Raul Domingos emphasized that such interventions are welcome as the U.S. "isn't only a power that has logistical resources, but also has experience in dealing with terrorism." "The terrorists in Cabo Delgado use drones, and to make an efficient counterattack strategy, we must use these means too," he told VOA. "We cannot continue using AK-47 [rifles] to go after terrorists who use drones." Limited impact in short term Other experts, like Jasmine Opperman, who is an Africa analyst at ACLED, believe these U.S. measures could have little impact on countering the insurgency in northern Mozambique. "Training Mozambican security forces to get fit for this purpose is going to take time, which Mozambique does not have right now," she told VOA. "Training the security forces and the importance thereof is undeniable, but will it actually create the U-turn we all want? I think it will be long term, not immediate. And I remain skeptical that this will address the core problems at hand," Opperman added. Piers Pigou, a senior consultant for Southern Africa at the International Crisis Group, echoes similar views. "It will be unclear as to how those marines can be used from that training, because it's a fairly small training period, to work on the actual insurgency on the ground in terms of impacting on the dynamics," he said. But analyst Lima said the presence of U.S. military instructors in Mozambique "enables the United States and its armed forces to have a better perception of what is happening in Cabo Delgado and what kind of military challenges they face there." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Conflict Refugees By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Regarding the designation of al-Shabab as a terrorist organization, "it feeds the narrative of the Mozambican government that it's all about an external force ... and potentially enables them to downplay and avoid an array of local dynamics that are central to the evolution of this insurgency and its maintenance," Pigou told VOA. 'Holistic approach' U.S. officials say the security forces training is just one part of their support to counter the spread of violent extremism in the region. "This approach addresses socioeconomic development issues as well as the security situation," the U.S. embassy said in a statement. Emilia Columbo, a senior Africa researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, says the U.S. could help deal with the insurgency in northern Mozambique by helping the Mozambican government develop a more comprehensive approach to the conflict. Such an approach will be essential "to both undercut the appeal of the insurgency and to start building good will between the state and the civilian population," she told VOA. VOA Portuguese Service's Ramos Miguel contributed to this report from Maputo, Mozambique. A stellar jet in the Carina Nebula is pictured in Space in this image provided by NASA, ESA, and the Hubble SM4 ERO Team. The key to understanding how the universe works may have been discovered by scientists working at the Large Hadron Collider, in a breakthrough hailed as the most exciting in 20 years. Physicists have seen signs that a mystery force is interacting with other particles in a manner never witnessed before. It may explain some of the deepest puzzles in modern physics, such as what dark matter is made from, or why there is an imbalance of matter and antimatter in the universe. Currently, scientists understand the universe using the Standard Model, a theory which describes all the known fundamental particles and the forces that they interact with. down when it comes to explaining crucial issues such as gravity or why the expansion of the universe is accelerating. It also cannot account for dark matter, an invisible substance that makes up 27pc of the mass of the universe and is thought to hold galaxies together. Read More To find out what is going on, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) created particles known as beauty quarks that existed soon after the Big Bang but which decay quickly into electrons and muons, and now no longer exist in nature. However, they discovered they are not behaving in the way they expected. Under the standard model, beauty quarks should decay into particles called K+mesons which have either two muons or two electrons. Scientists found that for every 100 mesons with electrons, there were just 85 with muons, something that cannot happen under the Standard Model. It suggests newfound particles or forces are tipping the scales away from muons. We were actually shaking when we first looked at the results, we were that excited. Our hearts did beat a bit faster, said Dr Mitesh Patel of Imperial College London. Its too early to say if this genuinely is a deviation from the Standard Model but the potential implications are such that these results are the most exciting thing Ive done in 20 years in the field. It has been a long journey to get here. Dr Paula Alvarez Cartelle, of the University of Cambridge, said: This new result offers tantalising hints of the presence of a new fundamental particle or force that interacts differently with these different types of particles. The more data we have, the stronger this result has become. This measurement is the most significant in a series of results from the past decade that all seem to line up - and could all point towards a common explanation. Scientists said the latest result offered the first evidence that there could be something wrong with our current understanding of particle physics. However, there are still concerns it may be a fluke and more data will be collected next year in an effort to confirm the results. Dr Konstantinos Petridis of Bristol University said: The discovery of a new force in nature is the holy grail of particle physics. Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2021 Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] The lockdowns have highlighted more than ever the importance of Britain's green spaces in keeping our minds and bodies healthy. And with the nation itching to get outside once curbs are lifted, here's a chance to make sure the countryside looks its glorious best. The Great British Spring Clean 2021, which officially launched yesterday, calls on our loyal army of readers to help make Britain cleaner and greener. The annual litter-picking event, organised by Keep Britain Tidy and supported by the Daily Mail, will run from May 28 to June 13. By picking up rubbish, we can show actions speak louder than words. Lou Curtin, eight, and sister Ivy, three, litter picking in Eynesbury, Cambridgeshire MPs launched the campaign. Last year 216 of them backed it. Environment minister Rebecca Pow yesterday said she hoped all of the Commons' 650 members would offer their support this year and the Spring Clean would 'set the tone' as Britain comes out of lockdown. She added: 'This spring we will all want to get out and enjoy our local parks and countryside. The last year has demonstrated the importance of green spaces for our physical and mental wellbeing. 'But we need to take action to tackle the blight of litter which spoils the environment and damages wildlife. I commend Keep Britain Tidy and the Daily Mail for their commitment to cleaning up our environment. I very much look forward to getting involved and seeing communities up and down the country readying themselves for a very Great British Spring Clean.' She added: 'By taking part we will be setting the tone for the summer ahead by showing that dropping litter isn't acceptable and that people do care really deeply about protecting the environment.' Last year more than half a million people signed up for the Great British Spring Clean, which had to be delayed until September because of lockdown. Environment minister Rebecca Pow (pictured) yesterday said she hoped all of the Commons' 650 members would offer their support this year The Mail has a proud campaigning tradition and for years has crusaded against plastic pollution. Editor Geordie Greig said: 'We passionately believe in this clean-up and the volunteer force we get behind us is like a hurricane. Each year we do it, more people seem to join. And each year we do it, we hope the country gets tidier and neater.' He added: 'We've had an incredible year even with Covid with campaigns and our Mail Force charity which we set up providing PPE and computers for kids. 'Last year, we raised money and goods both computers and PPE worth more than 25million, the biggest amount any newspaper has ever raised. And we want to bring the force of our incredible readers to this campaign.' Allison Ogden-Newton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said of the end of lockdown: 'We know without a shadow of a doubt that the country is about to be covered in rubbish and the absolute frontline will be our litter pickers.' TV presenter and Keep Britain Tidy ambassador Kirstie Allsopp urged everyone to pledge 17 hours of litter picking She added: 'The Great British Spring Clean is the country's biggest-ever mass action environmental campaign and will be even bigger this year. Over the past 12 months, Keep Britain Tidy has seen a staggering increase in our volunteer numbers, showing that the great British public is increasingly concerned about the devastating impact of litter.' TV presenter and Keep Britain Tidy ambassador Kirstie Allsopp urged everyone to pledge 17 hours of litter picking. She said: 'If you think 'Could I manage that?', you can because you can do it on your walk every day. 'So every single day on your walk if you pick up litter, you're going to get to 17 hours in 17 days. 'Go for the biggest pledge, go for the 17 hours, because we can all do that.' Volunteer Lou Curtin, eight, is often joined by his three-year-old sister Ivy as they pick up litter around St Neots, Cambridgeshire. His mother Holly said: 'Lou's got such a good heart. He worries a lot about animals getting hurt or trapped in the litter.' Lou has won a string of community awards and the local council has even named one of its refuse vehicles after him. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Dundalk based company Horseware Ireland has attracted siginficant investment from Lonsdale Capital Partners, the London based private equity firm with strong Irish links. Horseware Ireland, the global and market leading producer of branded equestrian and pet products including rugs, clothing, therapies and accessories, has plans to accelerate growth and expand its market presence worldwide. Senior management, led by CEO Mark Saunders, have also invested in the company and will continue in their leadership roles. The company was founded in 1985 by entrepreneur Tom MacGuinness and his wife Carol. Horseware Ireland employs over 500 people globally, with annual revenues in excess of 40m and facilities that are wholly and directly owned and managed by the company in Ireland, the USA, China and Cambodia. Mr. MacGuinness will continue as a shareholder and a director of the company. Founder of Horseware Ireland, Tom MacGuinness said: I welcome this investment by Lonsdale which is a great sign of confidence in the growth potential and ongoing ambition of Horseware. "I am excited by the possibilities this investment will provide to bring the company to a new level. "I will remain closely involved with the business as a shareholder and as company director responsible for new product development. "We have always put our deeply valued customers, consumers and horses at the centre of everything we do and I promise you that will not change. Ross Finegan, Partner, Lonsdale Capital Partners, said: We have long admired the achievements and success of Horseware Ireland which has a unique heritage and a justifiable reputation for high performance equestrian products. "I am delighted that Lonsdale can support the further growth and development of this impressive company and I congratulate Tom and Carol MacGuinness, their family and management on this development. "Im looking forward to working with Mark Saunders and his management team to continue this home grown Irish and international success story. Mark Saunders, CEO of Horseware Ireland said: "Were delighted to work with Lonsdale Capital Partners who share our vision to further grow our brand globally and our commitment to new product development. "We are entering a very exciting new phase of development for Horseware Ireland, and this will continue to benefit our industry partners and our customers long into the future. More than four-fifths of Americans support government-funded summer school or tutoring to help students who have fallen behind due to COVID-19including 76% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. A majority of both parties also support paid parental leave. Credit: Shutterstock.com Many Americans are concerned about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on children, and there is broad support for summer school and tutoring programs to help children catch up, according to a new study from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Conducted jointly with the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, the study finds that 42% percent of parents are very concerned their children are falling behind both academically and socially, and majorities of those without school-age children say the same about the nation's youth. With such widespread worry, 81% of Americans support government-funded summer school or tutoring to help students who have fallen behind, including 76% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats. Thinking about the factors that lead children to success, two factors top the list: 83% of Americans point to hard work, and 82% say the amount of time children spend with a parent is very important. More than 8 in 10 Republicans, Democrats, parents and those without school-age children view parental time with children as a critical for their long-term success. "The poll shows there is a public consensus that it is critical for parents to spend time with their children," said Prof. Ariel Kalil, a leading developmental psychologist and co-director of the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. "Americans believe hard work and the amount of time children spend with their parents are key predictors of a child's future success, and that both are more important than a variety of other factors." There is also broad public support for government-funded paid parental leave: 66% percent of Americans support paid family leave, including 79% of Democrats and 53% Republicans. "Paid parental leave is a very popular policy as it is clear that many Americans realize the value of parents being able to take time off work to be with their children," said Prof. Emeritus Susan Mayer, a leading expert on intergenerational poverty and co-director of the Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab. In addition to paid parental leave, two-thirds of Americans also support making preschool available to all 4-year-olds in the United States. Universal preschool receives support across the political spectrum with 83% of Democrats and 54% of Republicans in favor of the policy. In order to return safely to in-person learning, most Americans agree common preventive measures are important. Majorities of Americans think that wearing face masks, requiring frequent testing, limiting class sizes, and requiring teachers to be vaccinated are important for a safe return to in-person instruction. And 62% say wearing masks is essential to returning to in-person instruction. Less than 4 in 10 Americans are very or extremely worried about in-person schooling leading to additional spread of the coronavirus, though about another third are somewhat concerned. "Americans appear more concerned now about children falling behind than they are about children spreading the coronavirus if they return to schools," said Trevor Tompson, director of the AP-NORC Center. "At the same time, the public recognizes the value of recommended preventive measures that can make in-person learning safer." Among the key findings from the report: While both those with and without school-age children agree on the other safety measures, just 33% of parents say requiring all students and staff to be tested regularly for COVID-19 is essential to reopening, compared to 44% of non-parents. Twenty-two percent of parents are very concerned about their ability to handle other responsibilities due to the pandemic, compared to 41% who said the same in July 2020. Sixty-nine percent of Americans support a government provided laptop or tablet computers to help students complete their schoolwork at home. Fifty-one percent of parents support sending cash payments to parents, compared to 41% of those without school-age children. Fifty-two percent of Americans say that the use of technology to teach children has made the quality of education better, but 50% also say it has increased inequalities in education. Just 24% of white adults say race or ethnicity is key to children's success, compared to 43% of Hispanic and 64% of Black adults. Data were collected using the AmeriSpeak Omnibus, a monthly multi-client survey using NORC's probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. household population. Interviews for this survey were conducted between Feb. 25 and March 1, 2021, with adults age 18 and over representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Panel members were randomly drawn from AmeriSpeak, and 1,076 completed the survey1,019 via the web and 57 via telephone. Interviews were conducted in English. The final stage completion rate is 23.8%, the weighted household panel response rate is 19.5%, and the weighted household panel retention rate is 75.0%, for a cumulative response rate of 3.5%. The overall margin of sampling error is +/- 4.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level, including the design effect. The margin of sampling error may be higher for subgroups. The overall margin of sampling error for the 273 completed interviews with parents of school-age children is +/- 7.8 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level including the design effect. Armenias parliament voted on Wednesday to lift martial law, ahead of an early parliamentary election planned in June. The parliament voted in favor of lifting martial law with 118 votes in favor, one vote against and one abstention. The initiative was presented by the opposition factions - Bright Armenia and Prosperous Armenia. Before the voting head of My Step faction Lilit Makunts said they would back the initiative. Armenia brought in martial law in September when war broke out between ethnic Armenians in the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azeri forces. The conflict that erupted on Sept. 27 was brought to a halt on Nov. 10 by a Russian-brokered peace deal. CHESHIRE, Ore. The Lane County Sheriff's Office said they located homicide suspect Travis Crum Tuesday night and he is now in custody. Crum is facing one charge of murder and will be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies say they are still working to locate the van driven by Crum. The van is described as a 2004 Dodge Caravan that is dark gold in color with Oregon license plate 975 ESN. It also has blue painter's tape on the windshield. If you see the van you're asked to call the sheriff's office. Residents were told to shelter in place all day Tuesday and drivers were advised not to pick up any hitchhikers in the area along Highway 36, while deputies continued to search the area. Deputies were searching for Travis Crum, 52, who is considered a suspect in a homicide. Lane County Sheriff's Office deputies are at a property on Hall Road west of Junction City, following a call they received regarding a possible homicide. There are now more than 2.6 million households and small businesses with solar PV on their roofs, and the forecasts are that by 2030, some 6 million households 50 per cent of us will be using a distributed energy resource such as solar PV, batteries or electric cars to power our lives. This is a fast, exciting and challenging pace of change when you consider that it took 20 years for Netflix to replace Blockbuster, and about 10 years for Spotify to dethrone iTunes as the music player of choice. Addressing the solar traffic jam ... a pricing system for receiving energy from the grid and for households to sell it back to the grid when it suits them. Credit:Peter Rae The trouble is that unlike Netflix or Spotify energy travels along real-life poles and wires, and not the virtual superhighway. And right now, its starting to look like peak hour. The heart of the problem is that the power system was built in a different era. It was set up to get power to your home, not for your home to send power back the other way. Now that power is increasingly flowing both ways, were seeing new challenges emerge. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MIDDLETOWN Input from various officials past and present is being considered by the commission charged with possible revisions to the citys charter. Possible changes include the length of terms for Common Council members from four years to two, as well as adding a member to council, according to Charter Revision Commission Chairman Robert Blanchard, and also could include replacing the councils corporate counsel post with a more parliamentarian role. There are a lot of great things well be covering. A lot of new and fascinating things that havent previously been considered are important for all members to hear, digest, and come to the next meeting with an opinion, he said. 3 1 of 3 WebEx screenshot / Charter Revision Commission meeting Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Hearst Connecticut Media photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 During the last few meetings, panel members heard from leaders of other municipalities, who talked about how these proposed charter changes are working or not in their towns, as well as the opinions of former longtime council members. Theyve been extremely productive, Blanchard said of members. This is an unprecedented approach to charter revision, but the group has been able to reach consensus each time we get done hearing the panelists, and get to discussing each individual proposed concept or change. The additional council person would serve as a president, or, effectively, the speaker of the house, Blanchard said. He or she would replace the mayor, who, by charter, governs meetings. Also under consideration is the elimination of the deputy mayor role to accommodate this new individual. Council members would elect the individual: the biggest change that we saw, Blanchard said. The idea of wards, or districts, was shot down for lack of support among commissioners, he said. Well keep all 13 members of council at large, representing the whole city. During the last charter review in 2013, a number of members made convincing arguments for and against two- or four-year term lengths for councilors. Blanchard supports the former. That will allow the council to get out there and get more engaged with the public, rather than having that four-year gap of activity, Blanchard said. For a legislative body, that makes more sense than the executive, when you want a good amount of time to plot your vision and work collaboratively. A number of former councilors expressed their opinions on the proposed changes, including Gerry Daley, Mary Bartolotta and Sebastian N. Giuliano, the former minority leader and also former mayor. Daley said the governing body is an effective one for a strong mayoral form of government, according to the WebEx video of the meeting. To the degree to which it was not effective, I would say, its not due to the structure. Its due to the composition. Some councils have been excellent. Some have not, he said. The mayor running meetings makes sense, Daley said, adding it is necessary the mayor and council work together on issues, although they may not always agree. His concern was that not having the mayor attending council meetings might convey a lack of unified government. Council members being at-large makes sense for Middletown, Daley said. In contrast, the council would operate better if the mayor were not the presiding officer, according to Giuliano. Any issues you come across that can be done by something less drastic than revising the charter should be done at that level, he said, suggesting ordinances may suffice in certain situations. Pounding too much into the charter, instead of making it a framework within which you operate, could become a constraint, and hamstring you from operating, Giuliano said. It has functioned pretty well for many, many years, so if the Charter Revision Commission made no change, it would not be earth-shattering, he said. I dont think its healthy having the executive branch running the legislative branch. Bartolotta agreed it is important to avoid interference between the two. She suggested the duties and powers of the mayor include language to the effect of: the mayor shall not have any oversight of the legislative body other than to confirm appointment. She also proposed the council appoint a clerk to be supervised exclusively by the council. The appointment of as clerk shall be confirmed by the mayor solely for the purpose of clerk being included in the citys classified services for the purpose of salary, benefits and pension, Bartolotta said. Upcoming sessions will take a look at ethics, and the office of city treasurer, which may be eliminated, Blanchard said. Members have been meeting weekly recently, a schedule Blanchard hopes to continue at least three times a month, he said. If the panel votes on these and other proposals over the coming months, the council will decide which points to send to voters in November. Any charter changes must be approved at the May Common Council meeting. To watch the meeting video, go to bit.ly/315L3lQ. Visit middletownct.gov for Wednesdays agenda. Check out the city charter at ecode360.com. WILLIAMSPORT The last descendant of its founder to serve in an executive capacity at Woolrich has accused the company of spreading false information about it and him. Nicholas P. Brayton, who was CEO and president from 2012 until May 2019, makes the allegations in a suit filed Tuesday in U.S. Middle District Court against Woolrich Inc. and Woolrich International. Woolrich Inc., which brands itself as The Original Outdoor Clothing Company, is headquartered in the Clinton County village that bears its name. Woolrich International is based in London. The former family-owned company founded in 1830 by John Rich was acquired in 2016 by its European partner W.P. Lavori in Corso. Manufacturing activities at Woolrich ceased two years later when the oldest continuously operating vertical woolen mill in the United States shut down. Offices and a company store still remain there. Attempts to obtain a reaction to the suit were unsuccessful because the person who answered the phone in Woolrich said the executives are in Italy. ALSO READ: Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway construction is once again underway Brayton, who now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, contends in his suit that the dissemination of marketing materials provided with each product purchased that contain his name opens him up to potential liability. He claims he had no knowledge the company was continuing to use the misleading marketing materials for 20 months after his separation in 2019. The e-commerce division was responsible for disseminating the materials and it reported to Woolrichs team in Europe and an individual in the companys New York office, he says. Brayton contends his name and likeness as a lineal descendant of John Rich have commercial value. Unauthorized use of his name and signature on deceptive advertising that includes the woolen mill still is operational is a financial benefit to the company and damages his character and reputation, Brayton says. His suit claims violations of the states Right of Publicity Statute and Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, invasion of privacy by misappropriation of identity, false advertising and unjust enrichment. Brayton is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. There is no information in the suit on why he no longer is with the company. When interviewed by PennLive in March 2019, Brayton said although Woolrich no longer manufactures anything in Clinton County, the company was thriving. Nearly 40 workers were furloughed when the mill closed but at the time of the interview, he said 55 were working in Woolrich. Groundbreaking legislation introduced two months ago that called for creating an office to investigate sexual harassment during campaigns in New Jersey will get a rewrite, after critics said the bill doesnt go far enough to prevent harm and protect victims from retaliation. Members of the Workgroup on Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misogyny in New Jersey Politics, an independent panel of prominent women politicians, public officials and lobbyists, held a virtual meeting Tuesday to elicit reaction to a bill they hoped will curb sexist and abusive conduct in campaigns. After listening to about 90 minutes of discussion during which one commenter said the bill would do more harm than good the bills sponsor and workgroup co-chairwoman Sen. Loretta Weinberg said she would try again. The heart of the bill is (S3389) is unlikely to change. It calls for spending $2 million to create the Office on Discrimination and Harassment Prevention inside the nonpartisan Election Law Enforcement Commission, which oversees campaign finance and lobbying laws. The three-person office would investigate claims of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, as well as develop an anti-sexual harassment policy that campaigns would be required to adopt. But that Office would be guided by a Safe Campaigns Advisory Board, an 11-member body with seven members appointed by the Governor, Senate President and Assembly Speaker. Allowing such influential elected officials to make the majority of appointments is a major red flag, said Tiffany Kaszuba, the former congressional candidate whose experience with stalking and bullying by a campaign volunteer in Monmouth County two years ago provided much of the impetus for the bill. Kaszuba noted she had co-chaired a committee with Sen. Vin Gopal to help draft the very bill they were debating, but eventually, she and her input were disregarded. The (advisory) group doing the oversight is hyper-politicized. I think it should be as far removed from political appointees as possible, because we understand how political appointments are made in New Jersey, right? Kaszuba said. We should make the office at ELEC as political independent as possible. Weinberg said she agreed the advisory committees members needed to be more broad based. Eatontown Councilwoman and attorney Jasmine Story said she objected to language in the bill that requires investigations to be finished within 60 days. Victims may not want to come forward until after the election, because if it was leaked to the public, it could harm the campaign. This, and other aspects of the bill do more harm than good, Story said. The bills sponsors should add a line that explicitly states, A victims decision not to participate within 60 days cannot be used against them, she said. The 60-day time limit was set so complaints would not be dangling around forever, said Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. But thats an excellent recommendation. The bill also would require state, county and local campaigns and political party organizations to adopt anti-harassment policies and training, and to designate a campaign employee as the one will receive confidential complaints. The need for a human resources-like structure on campaigns and post-election transition teams was laid bare by the experience of Katie Brennan, whose rape allegation against a senior campaign adviser in Gov. Phil Murphys 2017 campaign, was also a major driver of the bill, Weinberg has said. But the proposed legislation would exempt people who work for less than four days a calendar year. Employment attorney Michael Farhi and law clerk Elissa L. Frank of Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, asked the workgroup to close this gaping hole. These short-time workers, who are often students conducting get out the vote or GOTV activities in the days before the election, are essential to a campaign and should be included, they argued. This may be the only opportunity a person may have to receive any anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training, Frank told the workgroup. Frank, a third-year student at Rutgers Law School-Newark, said she has worked on several campaigns and says everyone needs training and accountability. During GOTV, volunteers who provide merely one day of work on a campaign work in close quarters, work long hours each day, and alcohol tends to be served, Frank said after the meeting. For this reason, requiring volunteers to watch an hour-long video about harassment or discrimination and certify completion of the same is the least elected officials, parties, campaign managers could do to protect potential victims working on NJ political campaigns, she said. Weinberg and Democratic political operative Julie Roginsky said it would be a logistical challenge to get these volunteers in a room for training. You might go to Rutgers to recruit, and they never set foot in a campaign office, Roginsky said. But Weinberg and Roginsky said they wanted to find a compromise. Rose Farias, a workgroup member and Deputy Executive Director for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, said the lessons could be taught virtually, given how many meetings have gone online since the pandemic began. The legislation what is believed to be the first in the nation creates a human resources-like office for campaigns. It was one of the central ideas that emerged from the workgroups meetings and final report, released in January. Weinberg assembled the 15-member workgroup after a December 2019 NJ Advance Media investigation, published on NJ.com and in The Star-Ledger, revealed widespread sexual harassment and misogyny in state politics and government. An online survey of 505 people who work in politics and government by the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault last year found 57% had been the sexually harassed, with 23% of those saying they were the subject to sexual remarks, 22% said they were target of sexist or misogynistic remarks, 15% were touched inappropriately and 3% said they had been raped or sexually assaulted. Until the revisions are made, Weinberg said she didnt know when the bill would be ready for a formal legislative hearing. Tell us your experiences with allegations of sexual harassment in New Jersey: Heres how to share your story. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.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. Fort Bend County leaders held a news conference Friday to speak out against racism and express solidarity with Asian-American community after last weeks deadly shooting in Atlanta. County Judge KP George reiterated that hate crimes had no place in Fort Bend County, which was celebrated for its diversity. Amid expressions of outrage and grief, the speakers called for unity against the common enemy of hate and xenophobia. I want to thank all the leaders who are standing in solidarity with not only the Asian-American community but with every community in this nation subjected to discrimination, violence and the torment of being told that they are not human enough to be worthy of protection, said State Rep. Gene Wu, (D-District 137). We must be united against white supremacy. We no longer have the luxury of being separate communities looking after our own self-interest. The year saw a clear willingness to scapegoat people of Asian descent as responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a steady rise in hate-crimes against the community. After the incident in Atlanta, deputies from the Fort Bend County Sheriffs Office stepped up patrols around Asian stores and neighborhoods, reported Sheriff Eric Fagan. On HoustonChronicle.com: 'We're easily scapegoated': Houston's Asian Americans share stories from a year of fear The Asian community is our community, said Fagan. We must stand with our brothers and sisters. Together we are Fort Bend strong. The killings in Atlanta sent shockwaves nationwide, confirming that despite vaccine rollouts and a new president, the countrys political climate remained rife with anti-Asian and anti-immigrant sentiment. State Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-District 27) asserted that a large portion of the blame could be traced to the inflammatory rhetoric employed by former President Donald Trump. Shame on Trump and others racist, bigots, white supremacists, neo-Nazis, said Reynolds. Dr. (Martin Luther) King said it best that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. And we saw a grave injustice happen in Atlanta. Asian-Americans had repeatedly petitioned elected officials to refrain from using terms such as China virus and Kung-flu, Wu said, but were largely ignored. Be careful of how you talk, because words matter, ideas matter, said Wu. It sets a tone that Asian-Americans are the enemy and not a virus. And we knew this tragedy would be the consequence. It saddens me to be here at another press conference to recognize something that we could have prevented. We have eight people whove lost their lives because of their identity, who do not get to go home to their children, husbands, mothers and fathers, said Sonia Rash, from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). We must think about working together in unity for everyone. juhi.varma@hcnonline.com Popular Vietnamese TikTok user Tho Nguyen recently caused outrage online by posting videos about Kuman Thong dolls online, asking the dolls to bless her studies after "receiving many requests from children". Deputy Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information Le Quang Tu Do. Photo vietnamnet.vn The toxic content shocked the parents of young viewers. She was fined VND7.5 million (US$326) for her superstitious posts. The incident has thrown online content moderation into the spotlight. In a recent interview with Liberated Sai Gon newspaper, Deputy Director of the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information Le Quang Tu Do talks about measures to curb harmful content online. How do you evaluate the impacts of social media platforms like Facebook and Youtube in Vietnam? Social media platforms are a great achievement of humankind, helping to connect people, spread knowledge and a huge resource for data and information. However, they have their own dark sides. They are used to spread fake news, defame other people and share harmful content. Therefore, we must look at both positive and negative sides to ensure we make the best use of their advantages and limit setbacks. Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have had big changes in their business models, which indirectly encourages sensational, clickbait and harmful content. This kind of content has developed strongly and had negative impacts on users. This has been warned about many times. The Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC) has worked with other authorities to take drastic measures to handle this issue. What has been done to limit harmful content on social media? First, we have negotiated with the platforms that have a large number of users in Vietnam like Facebook, YouTube and app stores like Apple Store and Google Play. When we detect toxic and illegal content, the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information under the MOIC will be responsible for working with these platforms to remove or block it and these platforms will have to comply with that. Secondly, the ministry has consulted with the Government in issuing more legal documents to ensure better management and stricter sanctions for violations related to social media and telecommunication and internet services. Thirdly, we also ensure sanctions are imposed on violators in Vietnam. The MOIC has worked with police forces to review, detect and punish those who took advantage of social media to spread fake news, defame people and anti-State activities. In 2020, the authorities have handled more than 1,000 cases of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam on social media. Fourthly, the ministry has worked with competent authorities to raise awareness of the public about the need to ensure a healthy space on social media. Nowadays social media is not just a virtual space but it has become an important part of peoples lives. If users are well aware of this, there will be no room for toxic content on social media. Besides, the ministry has also collaborated with other ministries and agencies to handle other violations. For example, it worked with the General Department of Taxation to collect tax from these services. In the past year, we have collected more than VND1 trillion ($43.5 million). We also worked with the State Bank of Vietnam and other banks to prevent the cash flows originated from businesses operating illegally on social media. As you have mentioned, the authorities have to negotiate with social media corporations to prevent and remove toxic content and news. Could you elaborate on this? Multinational corporations like Facebook, Google, TikTok, Apple have set their own rules and regulations known as community standards. Earlier, they considered these community standards as the most important and disregarded laws of the countries where they did business. Before 2016, these corporations were persistent with this. In 2017, we started to have official exchanges and negotiations to ensure these corporations comply with Vietnams regulations and they have changed gradually since then. It is the trend of the world as other countries have also requested big social media corporations obey their laws. The companies have basically agreed and complied with the laws of host countries. In Vietnam, they have agreed with our requests to prevent illegal content. This is a very important step. Earlier Facebook handled about 20 per cent of our requests to remove anti-State and anti-Party content and 70 per cent of violations related to defamation but in 2020, these figures increased to about 90 per cent and nearly 100 per cent respectively. For YouTube and TikTok, the rates range from 90 to 100 per cent. The recent case of Youtuber Tho Nguyen and others in 2020 is a warning about toxic content on social media that harms children. What should we do to protect children from harmful content? We have been implementing the five measures I mentioned and gained positive results. However, social media, like our real environment, cant be free from toxic things. The most important thing we can do is minimise toxic content and detect violations promptly. This is the task for all, from the authorities to users, especially parents. Parents have to instruct their children on how to access information and protect themselves when using social media. We have also requested social media corporations to have child protection measures, including building exclusive content and channels for kids. We have YouTube Kids and other platforms have also committed to doing so. However, if parents allow their kids to use YouTube without supervision, then this wont work. Teachers and parents have important roles in teaching children to be smart on social media. VNS Wheaton College to alter missionary Jim Elliot's memorial plaque to nix 'pejorative' wording Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Wheaton College announced its plan to rephrase dehumanizing wording included on a plaque honoring Christian martyr Jim Elliot and the four missionaries killed by the Waorani people in Ecuador due to pejorative language referring to the tribe as savage. In a letter sent to students, faculty and staff last Wednesday, the Illinois-based evangelical higher education institution's president, Philip Ryken, said some individuals recently expressed concerns that the language on the plaque was offensive. Specifically, the word savage is regarded as pejorative and has been used historically to dehumanize and mistreat indigenous peoples around the world, Ryken said in the letter obtained by The Christian Post. Any descriptions on our campus of people or people groups should reflect the full dignity of human beings made in the image of God. The class of 1949 dedicated the plaque on Jan. 8, 1957, in memory of Edward McCully and James Elliot, both from the class of 1949. They were murdered while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to an unreached people group in Ecuador during "Operation Auca." The plaque stated that Elliot and McCully and their colleagues went to the mission field, willing for anything anywhere regardless of the cost. They chose the jungles of Ecuador inhabited by the Auca Indians for generations all strangers were killed by these savage Indians. After many days of patient preparation and devout prayer the missionaries made the first friendly contact known to history with the Aucas. The plaque further explains that on Jan. 8, 1956, Elliot, McCully and the three other missionaries were brutally slain martyrs for the love of God by the Auca Indians, who speared them to death. Elliots wife, Elisabeth Elliot and their three-year-old daughter, Valerie, went to live with the tribe that killed her husband to share the Gospel with them two years after his death, according to Bethany Global University. The Auca tribe finally accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior in 1960. Joseph Moore, Wheatons director of marketing and communications, told CP in an email that the administrative cabinet decided to update the plaque to continue to honor the sacrificial witness of the five missionaries it honors while at the same time avoiding the unnecessary offense of pejorative stereotypes. The college made a public statement to inform community members and practice transparency in decision making, Moore said. This is especially important for a story that is central to our mission and identity a story we want the world to know. Wheaton College will always honor Jim Elliot and Ed McCully along with Nate Saint 50, Roger Youderian, and Pete Fleming who died in service to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, Moore wrote. In the 64 years since the College received this gift, we have also continued to grow in our understanding of how to show Gods love and respect to others. Moore said feedback regarding this decision from former students who are missionaries or former missionaries has been extremely positive. Wheatons senior administrative cabinet will appoint a task force to review the plaques wording and make a rephrasing recommendation by May 1. The ultimate decision lies with the cabinet in addition to the board of trustees. The task force will consist of a faculty historian, a faculty missiologist, a representative from the Wheaton College Alumni Associations board of directors, a graduate student and an undergraduate student. The reworded plaque will carry forward the memory at Wheaton College of brave missionaries and their sacrificial witness, while at the same time respecting the Waodani people with whom they shared the gospel of the love of Christ, Rykens letter expressed. The plaque will return to the lobby of the Edman Chapel this summer once the wording is updated. PROPOSED legislation unveiled earlier this month has advocates worried child care for school-age children will no longer be regulated. PROPOSED legislation unveiled earlier this month has advocates worried child care for school-age children will no longer be regulated. During question period Monday, Opposition NDP Leader Wab Kinew asked if the Manitoba government is planning to deregulate that sector, and why school-age children dont appear to be included in Bill 47 (Early Learning and Child Care Act). Premier Brian Pallister responded on behalf of the Progressive Conservative government, but did not provide an answer or explanation. A spokesperson for Families Minister Rochelle Squires later told the Free Press no such deregulation of school-aged child-care spaces is planned. Outside the chamber, Kinew told reporters in a scrum parents and child care providers needs answers. "We know many families need child care right until their kids turn 12. Its really important to families," the NDP leader said. "We heard from many early childhood educators and other experts in the child care field that theres no mention of a school-age program" in the proposed legislation." The Manitoba Child Care Association has asked for an emergency meeting with the families minister to clarify whats in Bill 47, executive director Jodie Kehl said Monday. The association wants to know if school-age child care will no longer be required to be regulated, Kehl said. Throughout Bill 47, there are references to early learning and child care services but nothing specifically about school-age child care, she said. In the bill, "early learning program" is defined as "learning experiences for infants and pre-school-age children." The association also wants Squires to explain how trained, knowledgeable, early childhood educators fit the bills "certification" process. The Community Child Care Standards Act refers to "quality" and "qualifications." Thats not evident in Bill 47 in which the proposed training refers to "employees who are certified," the association said. It also wants clarity on whether care services in Manitoba (private, not-for-profit, licensed, unlicensed) will be eligible for public funding in the form of grants. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca A TD has questioned why the governor of the Central Bank took no interest in meeting Bank of Ireland (BoI) to discuss branches closures. Independent Michael McNamara asked Bank of Ireland chief executive Francesca McDonagh if governor Gabriel Makhlouf had requested a meeting with her to discuss the bank closing a third of its branches. He wanted to know why Mr Makhlouf had no interest in holding a direct meeting with Ms McDonagh notwithstanding the announcement of the branch closures. She told the Oireachtas Finance Committee the governor had not asked for a meeting with her on the plans announced this month to close 88 branches in the State. But she said senior executives in the Central Bank have regular engagement with the bank on the issue. The last (virtual) meeting Ms McDonagh had with Governor Makhlouf was in April last year in relation to the bank providing payment breaks for borrowers affected by the economic fallout from the pandemic. And Bank of Ireland (BoI) was accused of using the first lockdown last year as a dummy run for the mass closure of branches. The bank came in for heavy criticism from TDs and senators over its plans. Ms McDonagh defended the closures at her appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Finance and Public Expenditure Committee yesterday. Alongside the 88 branches in the State, another 15 in Northern Ireland are to close. Bank bosses insist no branches will close in the next six months as the shut-downs are set to begin from September. And it said that 900 An Post offices will offer the banks customers access to a range of banking services. But Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty accused the bank of using the first lockdown last year as a dummy run for shutting branches. He said the bank temporarily closed a large number of branches then. However, most of the same branches are now going to close permanently. Mr Doherty condemned the closures, pointing out that the bank was bailed out by taxpayers after its then leaders acted recklessly. And in the time of a pandemic your response is to withdraw services, he told Ms McDonagh. Mr Doherty also questioned if Bank of Irelands life company New Ireland was refusing to provide first-time buyers with mortgage protection insurance when they have underlying conditions because of the risk of them getting Covid-19. He said New Irelands website says those who have had Covid in the last three months are being told to wait another month, with their applications referred to underwriters. Ms McDonagh said she was not aware of an issue around people being refused cover but was prepared to look at any cases referred to her. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins said 40pc of people lack digital skills and questioned if the bank has factored into its plans the possible closure of post offices. BoI plans to use post offices to provide services to communities where local branches close. Postmasters have claimed up to 200 post offices are likely to close over the next 12 to 18 months. LANSING, MI - State lawmakers approved more than a dozen bills Wednesday aimed at lowering prescription drug and health care plan prices over the objections of multiple insurance and business groups. Most of the 15 bills passed with wide bipartisan support during the Michigan House session on Wednesday, March 24. They now head to the Senate for consideration. The legislative package was introduced last month to curb skyrocketing costs, improve transparency in the price-setting process and expand coverage in multiple areas. Read more: Michigan House package aims to curb skyrocketing prescription drug, health care costs Both Republicans and Democrats credited House Bills 4345 to 4359 for protecting the interest of everyday Michiganders. House Speaker Jason Wentworth, R-Clare, said its a good day to be in Michigan. Today, these bills are going to improve in all (health) areas for our constituents, he said, and were excited to get this out of the House and over to the Senate. Rep. Abdullah Hammoud, D-Dearborn, said these votes put every stakeholder in insurance and pharmaceutical industries on notice. Big Pharma, I bet you dont feel so big now, he said on the House floor. A December 2020 study from the Michigan Prescription Drug Task Force concluded that prescription drug prices have been rising at unsustainable rates. A group of Michigan business groups, including the Michigan Association of Health Plans, opposed the bills for adding unnecessary new regulations to insurers, raising health insurance premiums that are already a heavy burden for small businesses. None of these bills addresses the underlying issue of increased drug costs driving up the cost of health care and insurance premiums, the group said in a news release. They are cost shifting bills, not cost-cutting policies. Thats completely false, Wentworth said, crediting research done by Rep. Sara Cambensy, D-Marquette, on similar legislation passed in other states. A large portion of the reforms seeks to regulate pharmacy benefit managers, which are companies that manage prescription drug benefits for health insurers and other payers. These PBM groups, sometimes referred to as middlemen, would see the following restrictions: Prohibition from imposing fees on local pharmacies for past prescription sales A ban on the practice of spread pricing, or when PBMs receive a higher reimbursement from health plans and payers for generic drugs than what the PBMs actually paid pharmacies for the same drugs. Mandatory transparency reports both quarterly and annually, with the annual report detailing information on how the cost of drugs was determined throughout the price-setting process. A ban on PBMs stopping pharmacies from disclosing the current price of a prescription medication. The bills have been the results of a four-year collaboration between Wentworth and the Michigan Pharmacy Association, said association CEO Mark Glasper. PBMs, which dictate how patients get their prescriptions and how much they pay, spent years operating in the shadows and manipulating the complicated health care system to fleece patients, taxpayers, and pharmacies, he said in a statement. Thankfully, their tactics are being uncovered and restricted in states across the country. Michigan must rein them in too. Other price-setting measures in the House package include a $50 cap on insulin co-pays for a 30-day supply, a requirement that drug manufacturers inform state regulators whenever they raise prices and a prohibition against insurers making patients pay a higher co-pay than the cost of the medication. Cambensy did say on the House floor that only 10% of diabetic patients would be eligible for the $50 insulin co-pay cap. Wentworth conceded this, but said the reform package is still a step in the right direction. This is going to help people, but its not going to help everyone, he said. This is a step down that path of increasing access and affordability... its not by any means going to fix every issue, but we are working towards continuing this path of increasing access and quality of health care in our state. Additionally, the plan calls for more drug rebates to go to insured patients by sharing a larger percentage of the commission a PBM makes on a negotiation with a pharmacy. The package also would require hospitals to publicly post information on how costs and charges are determined and allow patients to purchase covered prescriptions from out-of-network providers if the cost is lower. One bill also prevents manufacturers from swaying physicians with gifts to use their products, and another blocks insurance companies from removing prescriptions from coverage during a plan year unless its for a safety reason. However, there were two elements of the House package that both only passed by 56-51 margins. House Bill 4355, sponsored by Rep. Ann Bollin, R-Brighton, would allow for telehealth coverage from physicians not licensed in Michigan. House Bill 4356, sponsored by Rep. Luke Meerman, R-Coopersville, eases the certification process for nurse anesthetists. The Michigan State Medical Society, which endorses a large portion of the 15-bill package, calls the two bills dangerous and short-sighted. We have and continue to oppose some aspects of the House plan, specifically the dangerous and short-sighted removal of physician supervision of a patients anesthesia care, said Kevin McFatridge, spokesperson for the group. We have also expressed concerns about the current form of the legislation addressing telehealth services. We support increased access to care through the utilization of telehealth services, but we need to make sure that patients and doctors still connect and have personal relationships. Meanwhile, the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists urged the Senate to pass the certification bill. The bill will align Michigans anesthesia regulations with 41 other states and with the overwhelming body of medical science and research that has found no benefits to patients in the small and shrinking number of states that have these burdensome supervision regulations, said association president Toni Schmittling. The Michigan State Medical Society did credit the House and Wentworth for tackling important and challenging health care issues, McFatridge said. Ultimately, the legislation was more about everyday Michiganders than industry stakeholders, Wentworth said. This is not a stakeholder-driven bill, he said. This is member-driven, constituent-driven policy. Read more from MLive: Michigan Senate GOP debuts election reforms critical of Secretary of States handling of November election Michigan House committee revives bill to prohibit sale of vaping products with vitamin E acetate Michigan Senate passes bill stopping health officers from banning family gatherings during pandemics The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative on Wednesday said it has launched an Africa Fund endowment of $100 million every year starting from 2021 to aid development across Nigeria and the rest of the continent. It said $50 million will be deployed in Nigeria while the remaining $50million will be for other African nations. Over the years as a corporate, and through the BUA Foundation, we have been actively involved in corporate philanthropy in various sectors from health, education, community development, water & sanitation, sports, and even more recently, our work on COVID-19, the statement released by the group said in part. The statement is reproduced below: It is with the blessings of the Almighty, my family, colleagues, the support of my community and the backing of my conscience, that I announce the launch of the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, with an Africa Fund endowment of USD100 million every year starting from this year, 2021; USD$50million to Nigeria and USD$50million to the rest of our beloved continent. Over the years as a corporate, and through the BUA Foundation, we have been actively involved in corporate philanthropy in various sectors from health, education, community development, water & sanitation, sports, and even more recently, our work on COVID-19. However, with the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative and its annual USD$100million Africa Fund for Social Development, we are specifically extending this work to the Education, Health and Social Development sectors, starting with infrastructure and capacity development in these areas and supporting the efforts of various governments in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our broad focus is equipping facilities, our researchers, healthcare practitioners and community-level service providers, with the aim of providing sustainable solutions for generations to come. They say life begins at 50; what they never tell you is that a pandemic can change your life at 60. In that year 2020, when I turned 60, at least two million others turned into memories, taken by this deadly virus. I watched millions become numbers in a global death toll and ancestors in the world beyond. The same pandemic that forced us humans to slow down, now forces our humaneness to square up. The plans I once took time to construct, now take up all my time. The challenges are manifold in various areas of our lives, from education, on to healthcare, and throughout social development. Therefore, based on the results of extensive deliberation over the course of a year, our first cohort for Nigeria will be NGN1billion each in grants to 6 universities in the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria, towards the initiation and upgrading of infrastructure, where applicable. The universities in the first phase include Ahmadu Bello University, University of Maiduguri, University of Nigeria, University of Benin, University of Ilorin, and University of Ibadan. These grants will be directed towards projects that will be delivered by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for the project duration. For accountability, we will present annual reports, with all activities overseen by a sterling board of trustees. More importantly, I am counting on you as beneficiaries, end-users and therefore custodians of these projects to hold the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative to account; contact, commend, recommend or complain to us on asrafrica.org. Over the course of the year, I expect to also announce funding opportunities of USD$50million for the rest of Africa we are currently in talks with our stakeholders and other partners and announcements will be duly made. As the world tries to claw its way back to business as usual, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiatives Africa Fund for Social Development & Renewal aims to be a modest reminder to us all that until our health, education and other development issues are fixed, business as usual in these times, means business as brutal. We pledge to continue to do what we can to support ongoing efforts by various governments to bridge the development divide across Africa. This is my promise. This is the goal of ASR AFRICA. Abdul Samad Rabiu, CON - ADVERTISEMENT The ABDUL SAMAD RABIU INITIATIVE ASR AFRICA 100million USD Annual Africa Fund for Social Development & Renewal AIM Unlocking sustainable development opportunities in Africa, by Africans, for Africans. FOCUS AREAS Education Health Social Development For more information, please visit, asrafrica.org Hair. Is. Everything! Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge spoke for women everywhere when she said these words to her hairdresser in the episode where he carelessly chops off great lengths of it. She told him: Its the difference between a good day and a bad day! I could have hugged her, if I wasnt otherwise occupied trying to rearrange my thinning and seemingly ungrowable fringe into something that didnt make me look like Rod Stewart circa 1982 not exactly a confidence-inspiring look for a beauty editor. Like me, more women than ever before are struggling with hair loss. Remarkably, 90 per cent of those seeking treatment are women, according to new figures out this week from the London Centre for Trichology, with stress and perimenopause the prime culprits. For the past six years, I have been blindsided by both. My mother died very suddenly, but as the family breadwinner I ploughed on. I was in my late 40s; my oestrogen levels a major factor in luscious and youthful growth were having their last hurrah. UK-based beauty experts reveal the treatments they use for their thinning hair, including Victoria Woodhall who is editorial director of beauty website Get The Gloss. Pictured: Elle Macpherson and Victoria Hair loss also seemed fated both my mother and grandmother had thinning hairlines. Working in the glamorous and image-driven world of beauty and wellbeing, my self-confidence receded with my hairline. I would quiz supermodels and actresses about their beauty routines. Reviewing the obligatory post-interview selfie, it was never their height or cheekbones Id envy, it was always their hair. Theres a picture of me with Elle Macpherson, in which Im draped in her honeyed locks, asking whether she had any to spare. It was time to call on all the experts in my little black book. Hair is really emotive for women. It signifies health, femininity and fertility, says dermatologist Justine Hextall of the Tarrant Street Clinic in Arundel, West Sussex. Hair loss is terrifying. Women think: If my hair is thinning now, will I end up with no hair? Justine had seen compelling studies for the injectable treatment PRP (platelet-rich plasma, where your own blood plasma is injected into your scalp) and gave me two sessions of this six weeks apart to regenerate my follicles. It took about three months to notice the fine hair at my hairline wasnt breaking as much, but I couldnt afford the 600 to have this annually. What else works? Nowadays, I always shampoo using a scalp massager brush (Tropic hair Massager, 8, tropicskincare.com), which stimulates the follicles and gives really great root volume. Two tweakments in particular have been game-changing when it comes to hiding my hair loss. Surprisingly, having my eyebrows microbladed, (where subtle hair-strokes are tattooed on) by Suman Jalaf at Suman Brows (suman brows.com) made them look instantly fuller, framing my face in a way my hair no longer could. Id never been one for Botox, but having tiny dots of Viscoderm filler injected into my prominent forehead lines by Dr Sophie Shotter (illuminateskinclinic.co.uk) every six months, means Im no longer pulling my fragile, easily-broken fringe down to cover it. My hair will never get back to what it used to be thats an inevitable consequence of the perimenopause for me but drawing on all the brilliant expertise the beauty world has to offer has given me back my confidence. Victoria Woodhall, 53, is editorial director of beauty website Get The Gloss AT LAST I CAN WEAR A CENTRE PARTING Emma Gunavardhana, 43, former beauty editor of OK! magazine and host of the UKs top-rated health and beauty podcast The Emma Guns Show: As a child, I had very thick hair, but when I hit puberty all that changed. My hair was thinner, lacked volume and horrifyingly there were patches of hair loss around my hairline. By the time Id figured out the reason the hormonal condition polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which was diagnosed when I was 17 Id learned various tricks to disguise it. Emma Gunavardhana, 43, who is the former beauty editor of OK!, said her hair loss began to get worse while suffering from anxiety and depression in 2015. Pictured: Emma before Id use mousse and Velcro rollers and spend hours coaxing some sort of volume into it. Then, aged 23 I started working as a beauty journalist for OK! magazine, where I was surrounded by women with amazing hair. And it wasnt just the celebrities I interviewed. Id go to product launches and be envious as I watched other women bounce in blow-dry first. In 2015, my hair loss began to get worse. I was suffering from anxiety and depression and the stress was really taking its toll. I thought I could hide my hairs increasing patchiness with product, but then I went to Berlin in 2017 to interview actress Jessica Alba. We were being filmed, and just as the make-up artist had finished doing my make-up, she loaded a brush with brown eyeshadow and started painting my scalp. I was mortified. That made me realise other people were definitely noticing. For 18 months I used products by Nioxin (20-50, amazon.co.uk), which feed the hair a healthy cocktail of ingredients, meaning it definitely feels thicker, even if theres not more of it. I also tried Avedas Invati range (15-47 johnlewis.com) which again made what I had look thicker. However, the real turning point was just over a year ago when I had a consultation with a trichologist, who diagnosed androgenic alopecia. Emma was diagnosed with androgenic alopecia by a trichologist, and says her hair has become thicker since receiving expert help. Pictured: Emma after This means your hair follicles are sensitive to androgens (male hormones) and shrink until they stop producing hair altogether. Stress can exacerbate it. No shampoo can unshrink a follicle which is sensitive to androgens. Thats why Im evangelical about telling people with hair loss issues to seek expert help. Twice a day, I use drops of minoxidil, a topically applied drug for hair loss, and today my hairline is noticeably thicker. Before, Id always wear a side parting to disguise where I was losing hair, but since Ive started seeing results Ive gone to a more exposed centre parting. It may seem a small thing, but for me its like being able to wear skinny jeans again after losing a lot of weight. I do it because I can. MY CROWN GLOWED LIKE A BEACON Amelia Jean Jones, 33, a former beauty editor, Womens Health magazine, says: When I was 26 my father passed away after a four-year battle with cancer. I expected grief to affect the way I looked, from red-rimmed eyes to weight loss, but I thought that, along with the ferocious emotional pain, these visual signs of loss would diminish. I went back to work straight away as a beauty writer and subsequently beauty editor on Womens Health magazine, and sure enough, as life started to return to normal, my appearance did, too. Apart from the large gap that appeared along my hair parting. Amelia Jean Jones, 33, (pictured) who is a former beauty editor for Womens Health magazine, noticed her hair loss after the passing of her father Im a beauty writer I need to keep up my glossy, polished persona, so I didnt tell anyone at work what was happening. Instead, I started to try out all the ground-breaking hair-care products that arrived in the office. I tried to part my hair to cover the gaps on my scalp, but having dark hair and fair skin meant my growing crown seemed to glow like an ugly beacon. At 5ft 2in I felt as if people were constantly peering down onto it, and I was particularly self-conscious on escalators or at beauty events where other editors might be standing behind me. Amelia (pictured) admits she worries about her daughter also suffering hair loss When the editor suggested a feature on hair thinning, I eagerly volunteered to see a trichologist. She explained I was suffering female-pattern hair loss, which largely happens to women with a genetic history of it. That made sense, as both my mum and grandmother have always had very thin hair. Rather than the hair follicle going into a resting phase after growing, it dies and sheds more rapidly than it can be replaced. Theres no cure, but it can be slowed with prescription drugs or expensive treatments such as a transplant or plasma therapy. However, Ive discovered two things that help. First, Revitalash Volume Enhancing Foam (159, revitalash.co.uk) which makes my hair look thicker. I also use the ghd Glide Hot Brush (139, ghdhair.com) which helps me create volume and cover any gaps. Hair loss has had a serious impact on my confidence, and now Im a mum, I worry about my baby daughter experiencing the same thing. You cant fight genetics, but I hope to teach her that the volume of your hair shouldnt equate to your self-worth. I THOUGHT IT ONLY AFFECTED MEN Lucia Ferrari, 49, former beauty editor, Harpers Bazaar. She says: My hair started to look different two years ago. My ponytail was nowhere near as swishy as it had been, and I remember my colourist saying: Oh Lucia, its just not what it used to be! Since my nickname at school had been Crystal (the frizzy-haired girl in cartoon Crystal Tipps And Alistair not Dynastys Krystle Carrington) I didnt mind a bit of thinning, but when I started to see more and more in the shower, it felt traumatic. Lines and wrinkles are inevitable, but I always considered hair loss a male thing. Plus, as a beauty journalist, looking your best is more or less a professional requirement. Lucia Ferrari, 49, who is former beauty editor of Harpers Bazaar, was recommended Omacor and told to watch her carb intake after visiting trichologist Anabel Kingsley. Pictured: Lucia mid-treatment I felt embarrassed every time I met a new hair stylist and had to explain the strange shelf at the back of my head where the top layer of hair had snapped off. Think Friar Tuck bob, but without the bald patch. Yet. I knew I had to take action. My first port of call was the Philip Kingsley Trichology clinic in Mayfair, whose many famous clients have included Cate Blanchett and Mick Jagger. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley explained that there are two types of hair loss in women. The first is all-over shedding, which can be traumatic but thankfully not long-lasting. The second is related to excess testosterone. Some forms of HRT have even been shown to make this worse. Blood tests established mine wasnt hormonal but was probably stress-related, and exacerbated by over bleaching. My weekly blow-dry appointment hadnt helped either. I was recommended Omacor, a high-dose Omega 3 supplement to help increase hair thickness plus a daily supplement of hair-growth boosting vitamin D. Anabel told me to watch my carb intake, explaining: If you dont eat enough, the body hijacks your protein intake for its energy source and your hair suffers. I was also advised to use a series of in-clinic scalp treatments, a weekly scalp mask to use at home and the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer pre-shampoo treatment to strengthen my hair. This started adding the oomph back as soon as I began using it. A consultation with Anabel costs 345 and the scalp treatments are 95, but I was happy to pay to start seeing an improvement so quickly. Creative Director of John Frieda salons, Zoe Irwin, was next on my list for a lesson on blow-drying hair using the cool setting, which is crucial for protecting it. Zoe also introduced me to the Manta hairbrush (25, mantahair.com) to minimise hair loss. Every bristle swivels 360 degrees so there is zero tugging. I moved away from a full head of bleached highlights to tinted highlights and some balayage painted on the ends. It took a while to get used to being less blonde, but the improvement in volume is worth it. Ive often been told sulphates and silicones in hair products leach moisture and can make it snap off. A typical shampoo is 15 per cent sulphates and is drying for middle-aged hair. So now I use sulphate and silicone-free ranges (my favourites are Centred, Rahua and Living Proof, 22-30, all at cultbeauty.co.uk). Ironically, lockdown has helped. Forgoing my weekly salon blow-dry has meant less heat damage and bigger, swishier hair. I was delighted when a friend I met for a walk last week said: Youve got your mane back. Huntsvilles MidCity district held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first residential building Tuesday afternoon. The building will be a part of the $1 billion mixed-use, MidCity project off Research Park Boulevard. The five-story building is set to have almost 300 apartments. The ground floor will house retail space and more. Mayor Tommy Battle explained the impact the building and the MidCity development as a whole could have. "This will be a great place, not only for the people of Huntsville but for all of North Alabama. I think we'll see that are a draw for a big regional area," said Mayor Battle. There will be 12 different apartment floor plans. Pre-leasing is set to start in 2022. Patna, March 24 : A 13-year-old girl was allegedly abducted and gang raped by two people in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district, police said on Wednesday. Police added that the girl was later found lying unconscious in a farmland at a village in the district. The girl was allegedly kidnapped at a time when she went out for some work on Wednesday morning, sources said. According to an officer of the Bochahan police station, two people waylaid her in a farmland and then raped her in a secluded area. The girl alleged that she was brutalised by those men for 5 hours until she fainted. "After raping her, the accused fled the spot. As the girl was missing for hours, her family members started searching for her. They reached at the farmland and found her in an unconscious state. Later, she revealed the ordeal to her mother," said Shyam Kumar, officer privy to the probe. "We have registered a case in connection to the case and efforts are on to nab them," he added. Moving beyond the old approach Wednesday, March 24, 2021 They walked in single file through the narrow alleyways winding away from their tin shack in Cape Town towards the health centre. Keitu just 11 years old carried her baby brother on her back since their mother was too frail and could barely manage on her own. Keitu kept a close eye on her two other little brothers as well. They had been acting out since their father died of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) several months earlier, and they were grumpy from not having eaten anything but porridge in the last three days. The nurse working in the health centre had begged them to come in. Keitus mother had been diagnosed with DR-TB as well and, since the family all breathed the same air within their one-room dwelling, there was a chance the children might have it too. The boys aged four and six and the baby were too young to understand, but Keitu knew enough to be afraid. She had watched her father waste away for seven months, even though he took all his medicine before he died. His skin had turned orange; at the end he was too weak to respond to her silly songs or whispers of I love you as he gasped for breath on his thin mat. Keitu chanted quietly to the children during their difficult walk, Be brave, be brave, be brave. Keitu was right to be afraid. Half a million people become sick with DR-TB each year and the disease is often ruinous for families. Not only is DR-TB potentially fatal, households often incur catastrophic costs when a member of the family falls ill. Unfortunately, the current global approach to DR-TB does very little to address the disease in a family friendly way. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all household contacts of people living with DR-TB be assessed as quickly possible after someone in the family is diagnosed with the disease, poorly resourced programmes can do little more than make lists of the contacts who might have been exposed. Out-dated and ineffective methods of screening for DR-TB mean that many people who are sick are simply missed. This problem is especially significant among children since many cannot produce the sputum needed to diagnose DR-TB. Instead, children have to undergo gastric washing, an intrusive and painful procedure, where a long tube is placed down a childs nose into their stomach to try and suck out any sputum they may have swallowed, to confirm if they have TB. Globally, very few household contacts are offered access to preventive treatments after exposure, even though this is recommended by the WHO and reduces the risk of developing DR-TB by 90 per cent. If a sick child is found, they are often taken from their family and held in a hospital for months to receive treatment, disrupting family bonds, and normal school and social activities. In many places, children are not able to access the most effective medications, including newer drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid, because they were not included in studies of these lifesaving treatments. Instead, they are given old, often toxic, medications, which come as adult-sized tablets that have to be cut, crushed and mixed before they can be given to children. In the worst instances, children are still treated with a daily injection, even though there are more effective oral options. These injections are not only extremely painful, but also put their hearing at risk, a devastating complication for a developing child. Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is addressing these family issues in our projects in South Africa and India. Through our post-exposure protocols, we are actively seeking out people who may have contracted DR-TB, and screening all children and adolescents in a household where someone has been newly diagnosed. We are piloting the use of stool samples, rather than gastric washing, to test whether children have TB in both hospital and community settings. MSF always provides treatment free of charge and addresses the socioeconomic needs of the families we serve through transportation support and food parcels, and by working with partner organisations to address other social needs. In one project in South Africa, MSF is giving children and adolescents, who have been exposed to DR-TB, but not yet sick, preventive treatments to dramatically decrease their chances of developing DR-TB. By actively looking for the disease in exposed children, we are finding those who are infected much earlier, allowing us to treat most of them in a community setting. In South Africa, all children receive injectable-free treatments, and in both South Africa and India, MSF has introduced child-friendly formulations of some of the most commonly used medications. We have also ensured that children in the places where we work have access to new, highly-effective TB drugs, including bedaquiline and delamanid, and that they can be treated with shorter regimens. We also provide them with nutritional support and have developed family-friendly counselling programmes to ensure their mental wellbeing is supported while they are receiving treatment. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Health Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Fortunately for Keitu, a family-centred approach was offered to them at the clinic. She, the baby, and her six-year-old brother were found to be well and were started on preventive therapy. Her four-year-old brother had been losing weight and his chest X-ray was abnormal. He was started on treatment for DR-TB after a stool sample was collected and the disease was confirmed. He was able to get an all-oral regimen with dispersible tablets, which his mother gave him each day with yoghurt. In spite of their challenges, the family began to heal and hope returned to their home. While MSFs work has benefitted hundreds of children and families, there are tens of thousands in need of such innovative approaches. Keitu and her family faced a challenging journey, as do thousands of families grappling with DR-TB every day. Stakeholder commitment and far greater resources are desperately needed to rapidly increase the scope of these child-friendly initiatives. This is the only way to ensure that families, like Keitus, face a less frightening future when one of their number becomes sick with DR-TB. In Alabama, the entry of Representative Mo Brooks, a staunch but lackluster Trump supporter, into the race for the seat being vacated by Senator Richard C. Shelby raised a different set of fears with activists: that Mr. Brooks, who badly lost a previous statewide race, would cause waves of Republican voters, especially women, to sit out the off-year election and crack open the door in a ruby red state for a Democrat. Both candidacies are likely to pose challenges for Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, who has weighed in to cull potentially flawed candidates in the past and has said he may do so again this time. Last year, a super PAC aligned with Mr. McConnell intervened in a Senate primary in Kansas against Kris Kobach, a polarizing figure whose candidacy threatened the loss of a seat that was ultimately won by the G.O.P. establishments favorite, Roger Marshall. Mr. Trump has so far stayed out of the potential pileups to fill the open Senate seats the others to date are in Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Alabama and Missouri, both Republican strongholds, afford the G.O.P. a margin of error even with a flawed candidate, a cushion not available in the more competitive traditional battleground states. In announcing his candidacy on Fox News on Monday, Mr. Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, sought to appeal to Mr. Trump and Trump voters, boasting of having routed antifa from Missouri as governor and pledging to be a fighter who would be committed to defending President Trumps America First policies. Mr. Greitens, who took office in 2017, resigned the next year amid accusations of physical and sexual abuse by a woman he had been involved with in an extramarital affair before his election. Still, he remains popular with a core of Republican voters. Many Republican officials fear that in a multicandidate primary, which appears likely, he could win with around 30 percent of the vote. Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Minister of Culture Enas Abdel-Dayem said the Egyptian National Film Festival, in its 23rd edition, provides a chance for boosting the role of cinema in handling social issues. Movies can play a pivotal role in promoting national identity and supporting the cinema industry in the society as well as other innovative arts, added Abdel-Dayem during the final awarding cermony of the festival hosted at Al-Gomhoriya Theater in downtown Cairo. This round was organized by the Cultural Development Fund sector after coming to a halt for two years. The renowned film critic Kamal Ramzy was supervising the completion of the new edition, which was prepared by the late director Samir Seif. Head of the fund Fathy Abdel-Wahab said the holding of the festival is meant to support the cinematic arts, and within the framework of the Ministry of Culture's keenness to continue cultural and artistic activities, while applying all guidelines to implement preventive and precautionary measures to battle the coronavirus. The festival included long and short fictional films, as well as documentary and animation films that were submitted for participation in 2018, 2019 and 2020, amounting to 170 films. The winners in the fictional film category were the movies "Bein el Bahrein" (between two seas), "Lama Benetweled" (When we are born) and "Anha" ((About her), while the prize in the documentary and animation category went to "Bubble", El-Sayed Banafsegi" and "Shattered". In the documentaries category the winners were "kilo 64", "Resala lewaledi" (A letter to my father), "Endama Yarda Elnas" (when people feel satisfied) and "El Mataha" (the maze) Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) holds up a sign that reads "Stop Asian Hate" as he speaks at a rally against hate in Columbus Park on March 21 in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan in New York. A rally for solidarity was organized in response to a rise in hate crimes against the Asian American community since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. On March 16 in Atlanta, Georgia, a man went on a shooting spree in three spas that left eight people dead, including six Asian women. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Heavy rain predicted for Thursday could lead to more flooding just a week after storms drenched North Alabama. If you do have to drive, the Morgan County Rescue Squad says to drive slow, and if you see any water over the road - turn around. "It's a cliche that everybody's heard before, turn around don't drown, but it's a very true statement. people just don't realize if there is water across the road at all you should not drive across it," Tony Weikert, an official with the Morgan County Rescue Squad, said. Weikert said they were fortunate last week that there were no serious injuries, and hope people take proper precautions Thursday, especially with the possibility of 3 to 4 more inches of rain being added to some already flooded areas. During the March 17 storms, they had four rescue calls in just 12 hours. Nobody was seriously injured but it doesn't mean the situations weren't dangerous. "Three of them were people who had to exit and get on the roof of their vehicle because the water had risen so fast," Weikert said. He said if you do have to leave your home tomorrow you should never underestimate flood waters on roadways.. a mistake could cost you your life. "If you can't see the road at all even if it's just a little bit bit of water, do not try to go through that. turn around, it's better to take the longer route. I know everybody's in a hurry to get home, everybody's in a worry to get to work grocery store whatever but it's better to be late than to not get there at all," he said. Yair Lapid, the centrist politician and former media celebrity, has emerged as Israels most potent opposition leader but he appears, at least for now, to have fallen short of his goal of forming a liberal coalition that could oust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power. Exit polls projected that his party had won 16 to 18 seats in the 120-seat Parliament and that the broader bloc of anti-Netanyahu parties had won 59 seats. But it is made up of ideologically diverse parties with clashing agendas that would find it difficult to work together. Based on the exit polls, Mr. Netanyahu appears to have an easier path to power. In his desire to unseat Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Lapid did what many politicians consider unthinkable. Mr. Lapid pledged that he would not insist on taking up the premiership if doing so would prove an obstacle to ousting his opponent. The proposal displayed a level of humility rarely seen in Israeli politics or most any political theater. But it was not simply an act of noblesse oblige. Mr. Lapid was well aware of the difficulties he was likely to face in getting some of the other parties opposed to Mr. Netanyahu to back him as leader of an alternative coalition. Abu Dhabi will invest up to 5bn in the UK through its state-run fund Mubadala Abu Dhabi has agreed to pump billions of pounds into British technology and infrastructure. The wealthy region, part of the United Arab Emirates, will invest up to 5billion through its state-run fund Mubadala in assets such as healthcare companies and green energy plants. This will include 800million for the life sciences sector over five years, the Financial Times reported, alongside 200million from a British Government fund. Similar investments are expected to follow in the technology, clean energy and infrastructure sectors, suggesting the total could hit 5billion. It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson set up the Office for Investment last November, to help the UK pull in more money from overseas. Lord Gerry Grimstone, appointed investment minister, said he was expecting 'equal or better opportunities to be found in those sectors'. Khaldoon al-Mubarak, Mubadala's boss, said: 'It will be a sizeable number, appropriate for these sectors in order for us to make the right scale and returns.' [March 24, 2021] Renowned Work Futurists and Enterprise Leaders Weigh in on Need for Change and Equity at SocialChorus' Attune Digital Employee Experience (DEX) Summit SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The way we work has changed forever, and SocialChorus, creator of the FirstUp digital employee experience (DEX) platform, is addressing the need to support all employees equally at its Attune Digital Employee Experience Summit. Today the company announced that Dominic Price, Atlassian's resident work futurist and an accomplished TED speaker, has joined the roster of presenters at this free 2-day virtual event taking place April 13-14. Price will share how companies can evolve their way of working to stay relevant in the post-pandemic era, and offer a set of resources for addressing common team challenges and starting important conversations. Attune will address how all employees can have access to a digital experience that makes them feel connected and valued. Six-time New York Times bestseller and global thinker Malcolm Gladwell will deliver the keynote address at the summit. Echoing the SocialChorus mission to provide a digital employee experience that supports every worker, Gladwell will explore how an organization's strength lies in every employee. While conventional wisdom holds that companies are dependent on their best people, Gladwell posits that this is changing. Organizations will now stand or fall based on the performance of the typical employee, not just the strongest performers at the head office. He will discuss how forward-thinking organizations can build teams and engage their people in a way that embraces this new reality. Several enterprise leaders and innovators will address attendees with compelling arguments in favor of providing an equal and empowering experience for every employee, including executives from Hilton, Reddit, Ingredion, ADM, rovidence, Extreme Networks and Atrium Health. In addition, cognitive neuroscientists Dr. Sahar Yousef and Professor Lucas Miller will explain how to optimize the employee experience for greater focus in the face of today's constant digital distractions and our new always-on work culture. Yousef and Miller are faculty members at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and are the founders of the productivity consultancy Becoming Superhuman. Finally, bestselling business author Greg Satell will offer expert commentary on the importance of digital transformation in the workplace and SocialChorus' own founders and executives will join the virtual stage to discuss how to create a digital employee experience that works for every worker. "In the past year, frontline workers have been hailed as heroes for their courage in the face of the pandemic, and these essential workers deserve to be well-supported by their companies," explained Nicole Alvino, co-founder and chief strategy officer at SocialChorus. "At Attune, we will address how we as business leaders can ensure that essential workers, and all employees from the front line to corporate headquarters, have access to a digital experience that makes them feel informed, connected and valued." SocialChorus will also unveil details around an exciting new product launch within their FirstUp platform, designed to enable any communicator, from the expert communications professional to the new plant manager, to deliver effective, intentional communications that inspire, connect and drive the right actions. This new product brings together the best of content design, marketing automation technology and analytics software into one powerful, intuitive workflow. It incorporates the best practices of effective communication, from targeting to design to delivery, and compiles them into one streamlined process that uses campaign logic to engage employees. Yoga, Music and More SocialChorus is committed to presenting an informative and inspiring summit, but will also build in time for relaxation and recreation. Attune will open with a concert by Elle Winston. An exciting new voice in roots music, Winston takes her training in classical technique and introduces it to her love of folk, blues and jazz traditions. Throughout Attune, Kiara Boyd, yoga instructor and owner of Moonchild Healing Studio in Phoenix, will guide attendees through short meditation exercises that provide physical and mental grounding for the day ahead. Finally, Attune will connect peers and business leaders in networking breakout rooms, featuring collaborative experiences for both SocialChorus customers and general attendees. Attune runs April 13-14, 2021; the event is free to attend, but registration is required. For an up-to-date schedule of events and to register, prospective attendees should visit https://attune-summit.com/ . About SocialChorus SocialChorus is the creator of FirstUp, the platform that makes the digital employee experience work for every worker. Using a powerful orchestration engine, we bring personalized information and systems access to every employee where they areon any endpoint or device in any language, anywhere in the world. Whether they're wired, mobile, frontline, distributed or essential, FirstUp gives employees what they need to do their jobs efficiently and companies what they need to achieve agility. That's how SocialChorus helps enterprise companies like Amazon, ABInBev, Ford and GSK continue to transform their businesses. Learn more at socialchorus.com . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-work-futurists-and-enterprise-leaders-weigh-in-on-need-for-change-and-equity-at-socialchorus-attune-digital-employee-experience-dex-summit-301255159.html SOURCE SocialChorus [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The endangered California condor, which almost became extinct in the 1970s, will be returned to Northern California for the first time in 100 years, in a project headed up by the Yurok tribe. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that it plans to establish a nonessential experimental population of California condors in far Northern California, Oregon and northwestern Nevada under the Endangered Species Act. That action will allow conservationists to release several birds into Redwood National Park (Del Norte County) as soon as this fall. Certainly within a year we hope to have birds in the sky, said Tiana Williams-Claussen, director of the wildlife department of the Yurok tribe, who has been working since 2008 to bring back an animal that has special significance to the tribe. Were just one part of the larger California condor restoration program. California condors, a scavenger with an almost 10-foot wingspan, once ranged as far east as Florida but almost completely disappeared in the 1970s, because of lead poisoning and habitat destruction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service headed up a captive breeding effort in the 1980s and then released them in Arizona, Baja California and California, including Pinnacles National Park and Big Sur, where they have slowly re-established populations. There are now 200 in California and about 330 total. The California condor is a shining example of how a species can be brought back from the brink of extinction through the power of partnerships, said Paul Souza, regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services California-Great Basin Region, referring to the involvement of the Yurok tribe and National Park Service. Live webcams showing condor nests perched on cliffs or in redwood trees, with parents tending to bald and fuzzy hatchlings, are popular this time of year. But their presence has been tenuous: Lead poisoning from ammunition, which condors ingest by eating carcasses of animals killed by hunters, is still the main cause of their deaths in the wild. The recent wildfires have added a new threat, as 12 adults and two chicks died when the Dolan Fire tore through Big Sur this summer. It was a horrible year. The population actually went backwards for the first time in its history, said Kelly Sorenson, executive director of the Ventana Wildlife Society, which co-manages the Big Sur and Pinnacles condor programs and provided guidance to Williams-Claussen for the new Northern California project. There, the plan is to release four or six captive-bred juvenile condors per year for 20 years in different locations in Redwood National Park, which overlaps with ancestral Yurok territory. The 2- or 3-year-olds will first spend a couple of months in a release facility to get acclimated to the forest. Theyre going to have to be the pioneers to refigure out how things work and the lay of the land, Williams-Claussen said. Condors establish large territories, which is why their new range could span three states. They mate at age 6 or 7 and live to about 60. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. In preparation for establishing the new population, Williams-Claussen headed up studies to determine whether the area was suitable for the endangered bird. That included waking up before dawn to trap turkey vultures and ravens, which are similar to condors, to test their blood for lead. Her team also took samples of marine mammal carcasses, potential future food sources for the condors, to determine levels of the deadly pesticide DDT, which lingers in the environment even after being banned in the 1970s. Both contaminants appeared to be at lower levels than in other areas where similar studies had been done, Williams-Claussen said. The tribe did outreach to local hunters to convince them to swap out lead bullets, which recently became illegal in California, for copper bullets. The Yurok tribe decided in 2003 to prioritize re-establishing the California condor because it plays a role in their identity as fix-the-earth or world-renewal people, Williams-Claussen said. Not having him here for 100 years now, she said, we as a people are wounded without having that spirit flying in our skies. Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @taraduggan By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two groups of U.S. Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged President Joe Biden to reinstate tough Obama-era vehicle emissions standards through 2025 and do more to shift the U.S. toward electric vehicles, according to separate letters seen by Reuters that are not yet public. A group of more than 70 U.S. House Democrats led by Representative Doris Matsui urged Biden to set tough emissions rules that ensure "60% of the new passenger cars and trucks sold are zero-emission by 2030," while 10 U.S. senators led by Democrat Edward Markey urged Biden "to set a date by which new sales of fossil fuel vehicles will end entirely." Markey's letter, which was also signed by Senators Richard Durbin, Sheldon Whitehouse, Elizabeth Warren, Jeff Merkley and others says it is essential "to ensure that we are on a trajectory to achieve the near-zero emission fleet that scientists have called for by 2050." The House letter, which is signed by Democrats, including Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Anna Eshoo, Adam Smith and Rashida Tlaib, urges Biden to adopt "ambitious post-2026 standards that put us on the path to having all light-duty vehicles be zero-emission by 2035." The White House did not immediately comment. The Trump administration in March 2020 finalized a rollback of fuel economy standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026, well below the 5% yearly boosts in Obama-administration rules it discarded. On Monday, California's two senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein also urged Biden to set a date to end gas-powered vehicle sales. In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom directed new regulations to require all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035. California's senators said Biden should use a compromise deal that California struck with automakers, including Ford, Honda, BMW and Volkswagen that falls between the Trump administration and Obama-era requirements. The Center for Biological Diversity estimates the California deal improves fuel efficiency 3.7% year over year between 2022-2026. Some environmental groups say that does not go far enough, while some automakers think the California deal is overly stringent. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Aurora Ellis) A North Korean refugee who faced death as she escaped Kim Jong-Un's prison state twice is standing as a Conservative candidate in the Bury local elections. Jihyun Park, 52, says she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by the people of the town - where she settled in 2008 - by becoming a councillor for the Moorside Ward. 'I am really confident because I have already fought totalitarian evils twice, because I escaped North Korea twice,' she said. 'People were really nice to us. I want to pay back this debt.' Ms Park fled the North Hamgyong province of North Korea with her younger brother in 1999, but fell into the hands of human traffickers on arrival in China. She was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave, falling pregnant with a son who she raised for five years until she was captured by Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea alone. Jihyun Park (pictured), 52, says she wants to repay a debt of kindness shown by the people of the town - where she settled in 2008 - by becoming a councillor. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ceremony in Pyongyang, North Korea, today 'One day I wanted to give up my life but I found that I was pregnant,' she said. 'I had changed my mind because this child was my last family member - and maybe this child would give me hope.' Without her son, and having been separated from her brother in China, Ms Park was imprisoned in a labour camp where she grew seriously ill from a leg injury. 'The police told me that you cannot die inside the camp, you die outside. So they released me,' Park said, adding that she prayed to survive so she could be reunited with her son. She regained enough strength to return to China and in 2005 she found her son, who had been treated badly by her former masters. Park resolved to find a safe place for them. Ms Park fled the North Hamgyong province of North Korea with her younger brother in 1999, but fell into the hands of human traffickers on arrival in China She was sold to a man whose family used her as a slave, falling pregnant with a son who she raised for five years until she was captured by Chinese authorities and sent back to North Korea alone She later met her now-husband during an abortive move to the Mongolian desert, and in 2007 a Korean pastor in Beijing put them in touch with the United Nations. The family was then relocated to the UK, where the family settled in Bury. Ms Park said she joined the Conservative Party due to their emphasis on family values and individual freedom. 'Britain taught me what is freedom, and what is human. So that's why I want to help. Last year was a very difficult year and many people lost their family members,' she said. Ms Park said she joined the Conservative Party due to their emphasis on family values and individual freedom The mother now spends her time helping other refugees from North Korea adjust to life in Britain. While Ms Park leads a happy life in Bury and has now raised three children, her thoughts still turn to the past - and her younger brother. 'I still don't know whether he survived or not, but I never give up my hope. One day I want to be reunited with my brother,' she said. By Mary Ann Schwindt schwindt@grinnell.edu Grinnell College has responded to a partnered campaign from student mailroom staff and the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW), announced March 19, to demand changes in mailroom operations due to alleged improper COVID-19 protocol adherence. The school did not concede to the demands for equal pay across mailroom positions and vaccine priority. According to Lexi Hankenson `24, cashier at the mailroom, problems in pandemic protocol were evident from day one. Supervisors came in with acrylic masks, said Hankenson. She understood that the clear shields helped solve accessibility issues by allowing a view of the mouth, but still felt alarmed by the health hazard it posed. Franny Atmore `24, Alyssa Radakovich `22, Maren Ronald `24 and other mailroom staff have noted that management has not made the work environment conducive to CDC-recommended guidelines, saying that the supervisors make negative comments on double masking, have walked out of their offices without protection whatsoever and have not respected social distancing bubbles of six feet, actions that went directly against the rules in place at the College. Kim Hegg, mailroom manager, declined to be interviewed for this article. What really tipped me over the edge was the FedEx or DHL workers coming in and not wearing anything at all. And then I was expected to hand them packages, which means like Im supposed to get within a foot of them, and I was not about to do that, Atmore said. Ronald, a mailroom cashier, also witnessed these violations but felt too new of an employee to speak up. Im not in charge of anything, so how am I supposed to make sure that Im safe when I go to work? Getting in touch with the UGDSW, Atmore started the ball rolling; she corresponded with union representatives for advice, reminded coworkers of union meetings and aided in forming the published list of grievances. UGSDW President Ryland Rich 23 said the unions goal was simply to amplify the mailroom workers concerns, and she referred all questions to the workers themselves. The campaign, announced to the public on March 12, marked the UGSDWs first partnership and large activist movement outside of their sanctioned domain since the Board of Trustees refusal to permit opt-in representation for select on-campus student workers. Im not in charge of anything, so how am I supposed to make sure that Im safe when I go to work? Maren Ronald 24 I think after a time, you realize were underpaid as it is, so coming to work and feeling unsafe every single day just kind of catches up with you after a while, said Radakovich, mailroom worker since her second year at Grinnell. Due to the disparity between Grinnell Colleges mask policy and that of the state of Iowa, the outside companies delivering to campus do not have to observe the regulations currently in place for College members regarding mask usage and face shield requirements. After the union published the workers demands, the mailroom has implemented social distancing between workstations and established a designated eating space outside the mailroom In the press release by UGSDW on March 19, Grinnell College promised to revise COVID-19 protocols in the mailroom. The statement also said, These policies, many of which should already have been in place, represent a necessary but insufficient response. Two demands that cashiers and non-cashiers be paid the same (currently cashiers make $9 per hour and non-cashiers make $8.50), and that mailroom student staff receive essential worker priority for COVID-19 vaccinations were declined outright by the College, according to the March 19 press release from the UGSDW. Coming to work and feeling unsafe every single day just kind of catches up with you after a while. Alyssa Radakovich `22 Our initial response from [Dean of Students] Ben Newhouse was a little bit concerning because it basically just said, Yeah, well meet your demands because these are already the Colleges rules anyway, said Radakovich. And we were like, Yes, but nobody was holding the people accountable to begin with, so there needs to be something put in place. This lack of top-down checking up on daily operations has been an issue in the past, according to Radakovich. I wouldnt say the negligence of our supervisors is new; it looks different, and it is more rampant now than it used to be, said Radakovich, citing lack of respect as a common thread. Atmore described instances of supervisors snapping fingers at workers to get attention while Radakovich pointed to supervisors pulling down masks to cough in the open air. Its just that the pandemic highlights a lot. Especially ignorance and negligence, said Radakovich. Thats just an overall message for even non-COVID times you should always be checking in to make sure that your employees are doing what theyre supposed to be doing, because otherwise there are so many things that they can get away with. This is just one that people arent afraid to talk about because science backs it up, said Atmore. Anne Harris, president of Grinnell College, declined to comment. The resounding desire from the current mailroom student staff is for their demands to be addressed in their entirety prior to the second spring term. I hope for at least S2, theyre much safer for the people coming in. I wish we had done it sooner because it wouldve been a lot better, because now were all going home to our families, and we dont want to get them sick, said Ronald. You should always be checking in to make sure that your employees are doing what theyre supposed to be doing, because otherwise there are so many things that they can get away with. Franny Atmore 24 But I also would have preferred if it had been the whole time because then I wouldnt have had this anxiety every time I get my test because if theres any reason that Im going to test positive, its probably going to be from them, said Atmore. While Grinnell has prioritized Dining Hall staff for COVID-19 vaccines, mailroom employees have yet to be updated on when they will be offered the vaccination. I understand the necessity for us as essential workers getting the vaccine, but I also understand practicality-wise, in Iowa, I dont know what thats going to look like, said Hankenson. Ideally, wed all be vaccinated now since were essential workers. But then people are still wearing masks and physically distancing because we have to be conscientious of health in general. UGSDW said that mailroom workers will remain committed to monitoring and enforcing safety protocols in order to protect themselves and the Grinnell College community at large. A body found on a Santa Cruz beach has been identified as a 70-year-old San Jose woman. Her body was first seen by a passerby, who noticed the body floating face down on the water at Main Beach last Thursday. The man tried unsuccessfully to pull her to shore that evening, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, but required emergency assistance due to the intensity of the tide. The tide pulled her back in, the paper reported. First responders arrived to the scene at around 6 p.m, and attempted to resuscitate her unsuccessfully. She was identified by the Santa Cruz County Coroners Office Tuesday as Sandra Lee Plymire, a San Jose resident. It remains unclear what resulted in Plymire's death, but Lt. Arnold Vasquez of the Santa Cruz Police Department told the Sentinel that she was likely swept into the Monterey Bay waters from east of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Investigators do not believe foul play is involved in Plymires death. Santa Cruz police are asking anyone with information to contact the police tipline at 831-420-8520. Her next of kin have been notified of her passing. The Santa Cruz County Coroners Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from SFGATE. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. London: NATOs Secretary-General has vowed to back Australia in its disputes with China, saying the superpower had behaved very badly against Australia after it pushed for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Jens Stoltenberg said he wanted to expand the trans-Atlantic body to non-members as a way for like-minded democracies to stand up to what he called bullying by Beijing. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wants democracies to stand together and up to China. Credit:AP Stoltenberg is pursuing an ambitious broadening of NATOs mission in the next decade. His strategy focuses heavily on pushing back against authoritarian Russia and China and calls for greater involvement of non-NATO member countries from the Asia-Pacific region. Asked by the Herald and The Age to outline what greater co-operation would involve, Stoltenberg said it was vital to show a united front in the face of bad behaviour. Assisted suicide deaths soar in Victoria, Australia as euthanasia becomes 'normalized' globally Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A recently released report details the increasing rate of voluntary assisted suicide in Victoria, Australia, as hundreds have ended their lives following the states legalization of euthanasia in 2019. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board of the Victorian Agency for Health Information, which oversees voluntary assisted suicide and euthanasia in the state, recently released its mandated biannual report. The report shows that in the last six months of 2020, voluntary assisted suicide rates have increased in Victoria. Victoria became the first Australian state to introduce voluntary assisted dying when the state legalized euthanasia in June 2019 through the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017. From its legalization to December 2020, 328 assisted suicide permit holders in Australia have died, of which 56% died by administering medication themselves while 12% had the medication administered by a medical practitioner. Nearly a third died before ever receiving the assisted suicide medication. A total of 581 people in Victoria applied for voluntary assisted dying since June 2019, and the average age of applicants was 71 years old. However, the ages of applicants have ranged from 20 to 100 years old. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements. The data shows that 446 individuals sought information on voluntary assisted suicide in the last six months of 2020 alone, according to the data. Wesley J. Smith, author and chair and senior fellow at the Discovery Institutes Center on Human Exceptionalism, an organization that seeks to preserve human rights and dignity, said assisted dying or euthanasia is a destruction of human equal worth. In a Monday interview, Smith told The Christian Post that euthanasia often becomes normalized once its legal. Once you legalize assisted suicide and euthanasia, then the effort comes to normalize that as the better way of dying. [Its called] death with dignity, right? As if dying naturally isnt dignified, Smith said. And you generally see in a consistent pattern of an ever-increasing number of people who die by euthanasia or assisted suicide. According to the report, medical practitioner administration permits also increased by 31.6%, and the number of confirmed deaths by practitioner administration grew by 81.8% in the last half of 2020. The board reports an increase in the number of medical practitioners who completed the online training program required to participate in voluntary assisted dying and an increase in those who received voluntary assisted dying applications. The board submits its findings to Parliament. The next report covering the first half of 2021 for Victoria will be presented in August. In recent months, euthanasia has become more prevalent worldwide. On Thursday, Spain passed legislation legalizing euthanasia, making it the fourth European country to allow physician-assisted suicide in some circumstances. Last week, Canada passed legislation to expand access to physician-assisted suicide after making it legal in 2016. So this is a very consistent pattern. Once its legalized, you wind up with more and more people doing it because it becomes normalized, Smith said. And youll always see a lot of media stories that promote this. [The media and pop culture] all play a part in promoting this as the best way to [die]. In 2020, the Netherlands expanded euthanasia to include terminally ill children younger than 12 years old, a Dutch court approved euthanasia for dementia patients and three countries voted to legalize assisted suicide. Euthanasia legislation typically begins with strict medical and legal guidelines used as obstacles or barriers to protect individuals in the realm of assisted suicide, Smith shared. Before long, he argues, efforts are made to loosen the protections to make assisted suicide more accessible and less restrictive. Then you will also begin to see that the supposed tight restrictions are deemed to be too restrictive, he said. They become obstacles, they become burdens and you begin to see a loosening process. The ultimate end goal, by the way, whether they intend it or not, but certainly the end outcome is going to be death on demand because once you say that killing is an acceptable answer to human suffering, how do you limit it in any way? Some countries have expanded euthanasia to mentally ill or disabled individuals and often use it as a means of organ harvesting, Smith added. Smith said the expansion of euthanasia destroys hope and sends a very loud message that some lives have more value than others based on certain conditions. He said assisted suicide also neglects proper intervention or suicide prevention efforts. When you say that there are some people who are killable and some people who are not killable, you basically say that we are no longer in an anti-suicide society, Smith said. We are a pro-some suicide society. And the people whose suicides we begin to validate, you are saying that certain lives are not worth living. Though not nearly as prominent in the United States, at least eight states and the District of Columbia currently have physician-assisted suicide or aid-in-dying legislation, according to Death with Dignity. These states include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Bhopal, March 24 : Craving for alcohol, three brothers in Bhopal allegedly died by consuming sanitiser, the police said. According to information received by the police, three brothers -- Parvat Ahirwar (55), Ram Prasad Ahirwar (50) and Bhura Ahirwar (47) -- were addicted to alcohol. Ram Prasad, who used to paint homes for a living, lived in Jahangirabad, while the other two brothers used to work as labourers in the same locality. According to the police, there was complete prohibition at liquor shops on Sunday owing to Covid restrictions and the three brothers could not arrange alcohol from anywhere. On Monday, the brothers brought a five-litre can of sanitiser and tried to satiate their craving for alcohol. The sanitiser contained alcohol so they thought it would give them a high but they died after drinking it. According to the police, Bhura and Parvat were found lying on the footpath. Bhura was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared him dead while Parvat died on the footpath. The body of the third brother Ram Prasad was found at a room in Jinsi area. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Bhadoria, a case of death involving three brothers has come to light and a five-litre sanitiser can recovered from them. Initial investigations indicate they had died after drinking a hand sanitiser. The police are investigating the case. Earlier, three people had died in state capital Bhopal by consuming sanitiser. In the Govindpura police station area, a minor had imbibed sanitiser along with his sister-in-law and another relative. All three died in the incident. 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. TAIPEI, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In a press conference today, EirGenix, Inc. (6589.TT) announced that the Phase III clinical trial (Trial No.: EGC002, NCT03433313) of its breast cancer biosimilar, EG12014 (proposed trastuzumab biosimilar, also called EGI014), has met its primary endpoint. EG12014 has shown equivalent efficacy to Herceptin in regards to its clinical response (pathologic complete response, pCR), in addition to demonstrating a comparable safety profile. EirGenix will proceed with the preparations for submissions of Biologics License Application (BLA) to the U.S. FDA, Market Approval Application (MAA) to European Medicines Agency (EMA) and New Drug Application to TFDA, exact timings remain confidential. This phase III clinical trial is a multi-national, multi-center, randomized, double-blinded study involving female with early, HER2-positive breast cancer. The purpose of the trial was to demonstrate the therapeutic equivalence in terms of efficacy between EG12014 to Herceptin, and to compare the safety, immunogenicity and PK between the two trastuzumab products. A total of 807 enrolled patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of the two parallel treatment groups and received anthracycline-based chemotherapy every 3 weeks for 12 weeks (cycle 1 to 4). After chemotherapy, patients received EG12014 or Herceptin in combination with paclitaxel, every 3 weeks for 12 weeks (cycle 5 to 8). All patients were scheduled for tumor removal surgery (breast and axillary lymph nodes) 3 to 6 weeks after completion of neoadjuvant therapy (pre-operative treatment). Two (2) to 6 weeks after surgery, eligible patients continued with trastuzumab therapy in the adjuvant study to complete 12 months of overall trastuzumab treatment (adjuvant cycle 1 to 13), followed by a 20-week long-term safety follow-up (after final dose of trastuzumab). During tumor removal surgery, samples were collected for assessment of a pathologic complete response (pCR) by an independent central laboratory. The primary endpoint of pCR is defined as absence of invasive cancer in the breast and axillary nodes, irrespective of ductal carcinoma in situ (ypT0/is ypN0). Demonstration of therapeutic equivalence in regards to the pCR between the two treatment groups (EG12014 vs Herceptin) in the pre-operative treatment setting was based on the pre-specified risk ratio (0.741 1.349) and probability difference (-0.13 0.13). The topline results demonstrated that EG12014 met equivalence to Herceptin in terms of clinical response in both analysis populations (per-protocol and full-analysis sets). Additionally, the safety profiles of the two treatment arms were shown to be comparable in the pre-operative treatment setting. According to Roche's annual report, global sales of Herceptin totaled 3.73 billion CHF in 2020. The US and EU market are 1.36 billion CHF and 0.67 billion CHF respectively. Herceptin sales were 34% lower than in 2019, driven by biosimilar competition, which was introduced in the second half of 2019 in the US and mid-2018 in Japan and Europe. Upon approval Sandoz AG, a global leader in generics and biosimilars will sell EG12014 globally in all markets except for Taiwan and Mainland China, as per the licensing agreement signed with EirGenix in April 2019. The licensing agreement included a signing fee and milestone payments , and a profit sharing of product sales in the authorized markets after product launch. The revenue from the milestone payments will be recognized in stages in accordance to standard accounting procedures and will serve to benefit the company's current operations and further development. In 2019, Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) paid approximately 1.657 billion New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) for Herceptin. Current demand for complex biological drugs has increased and will continue to rise in the future. With the drug patents of major biological drugs set to expire in the near future, the development of biosimilars has been greatly encouraged within the industry. The demand has been driven by the need for more cost-effective drugs in countries with limited medical resources. EirGenix is currently the first and only biopharmaceutical company in Taiwan to have successfully signed a licensing agreement with a global pharmaceutical company for a biosimilar. EirGenix is also one of only a handful of Taiwanese biopharmaceutical companies to have independently developed a biosimilar product into Phase III clinical trials and successfully demonstrating its equivalent efficacy. With such developmental achievements, EirGenix is rightfully worthy of investors' attention and expectations. SOURCE EirGenix, Inc. Related Links http://www.eirgenix.com Doctors were shocked this week when they found a 59-foot long tapeworm in a Thai man's rectum. The 67-year-old patient visited the hospital, in Nong Khai province, Thailand, complaining of stomach pains and flatulence. He was unaware of any problems and a stool sample was sent to medics at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre, in neighbouring Nakhon Ratchasima province. There, lab tests showed it contained 28 eggs. The man was given deworming medicine before the giant parasite oozed out of his rectum the next day on March 20. Footage shows astonished medics unfurling the mammoth 59-foot-long (18 metre long) parasite and laying it onto a red mat. Doctors were shocked this week when they found a 59-foot long tapeworm in a Thai man's rectum after he complained of extreme stomach pains and flatulence A spokesman for the Parasitic Disease Research Centre said: 'A Taenia saginata bovine tapeworm more than 18 metres long was obtained from a patient whose sample was sent to the centre. 'He was given the deworming medication before bedtime and in the morning this long worm came out of his bottom. 'It was very big and took us a while to lay it all out on the ground.' Doctors believe the parasite came from raw beef that contained tapeworm eggs. Medics said the tapeworm was the biggest they had found in Thailand for more than 50 years. The patient was given medication and was warned to change his eating habits. The 67-year-old patient was unaware of any problems and a stool sample was sent to medics at the Parasitic Disease Research Centre, in Nakhon Ratchasima province There, lab tests showed the man's rectum contained 28 eggs and he was given deworming medicine. The giant parasite oozed out of his rectum the next day on March 20 Doctors believe the parasite came from raw beef that contained tapeworm eggs and advised the patient to avoid un- or undercooked beef in the future Dr Schawanya Rattanapitoon, who led the team, said: 'Transmission is caused by eating raw beef. These parasites can live in humans for more than 30 years. 'However, currently, they do not survive very long because better medication is available. But this tapeworm was very long. 'According to past information, it is the longest that has been seen in Thailand for 50 years. 'We have suggested that the patient's family also have medical tests to find out whether they had parasites as they are also at risk. 'We warned them not to continue consuming raw meat as that is one of the main causes of having parasites in the body.' Taenia saginata, usually known as the beef tapeworm, is a type of parasite that can live in the human gut for up to 30 years. Humans are infected when they eat raw or undercooked beef which contains the infectious larvae. Medics said the tapeworm was the biggest they had found in Thailand for more than 50 years Banksy's "Game Changer" is seen on display at Christie's London ahead of auction, in London, Britain, on March 16, 2021. (Screenshot/Reuters TV) Banksys Tribute to Health Workers Sells for Record $20 Million at Auction LONDONA Banksy painting showing a boy playing with a toy nurse as a superhero sold for more than $20 million on Tuesday, setting an auction record for the elusive British street artist. Game Changer, unveiled last May at University Hospital Southampton, paid tribute to the frontline workers of Britains National Health Service (NHS) in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The black-and-white hand-painted artwork shows a boy lifting a nurse, her arm outstretched and wearing a cape, while traditional superheroes Batman and Spider-Man lie in a bin. Through Southampton Hospitals Charity, proceeds from the sale will be used to fund wellbeing projects for staff and patients, and distributed to a wider community of healthcare providers both within the NHS and charitable sectors, Christies said. A reproduction of the painting will hang in the hospital, it said. In a Christies auction streamed live, the painting sold for a hammer price of 14.4 million pounds ($19.85 million). Added fees gave it a final price of 16.75 million pounds, a world auction record for Banksy, according to Christies. The painting had carried an estimate of 2.5-3.5 million pounds. Banksy is an extraordinary artist who is a constant barometer of nationwide sentiment, Katharine Arnold, Co-Head, Post-War and Contemporary Art, Europe at Christies, said in a statement. With the perfect image of a little boy playing with his superhero doll; a nurse sporting the international Red Cross, he perfectly captured the essence of this moment in time. David French, Interim Chief Executive Officer at University Hospital Southampton, said: This incredible gift will be invaluable in helping us to focus on promoting and protecting the welfare of our staff as they heal and recover from the last year. The sale took place as Britons across the country on Tuesday marked one year since Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered the nation into its first lockdown. A minutes silence was observed to remember the more than 126,000 people who have lost their lives to the virus. By Marie-Louise Gumuchian New Delhi: The Income Tax Department has issued a final attachment order against some assets in connection with its benami deal probe against RJD chief Lalu Prasad and his family. Officials privy to the probe said the order was issued against a firm allegedly involved in the case AB Exports Private Limited and also alleged that Prasads relatives were the beneficiaries of the immovable properties of this firm. A property in south Delhis New Friends Colony is owned by this firm, they said. A provisional order for attachmentunder the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016-- was issued by the department in June this year and now the order has been confirmed after adjudication, they said. The cases of other assets which were provisionally attached in June will also be processed similarly, they added. The department had earlier served notices of attachment of assets to Prasad, Bihars ex-chief minister, his wife Rabri Devi, also a former CM, son Tejashwi Yadav, former state deputy CM, daughters Chanda, Ragini Yadav and Misa Bharti, an MP, and son-in-law Shailesh Kumar. The tax department had attached about a dozen plots and buildings in Delhi and Bihar including a farmhouse and land in the Palam Vihar area, a building in the upmarket New Friends Colony area of south Delhi, nine plots on a 256.75 decimal land area in Patnas Phulwari Sharif area, where a shopping mall was being constructed, among a few others in the same area in Bihars capital. The department has said these alleged benami assets bear a deed value of about Rs 9.32 crore but the taxman has estimated their current market value at Rs 170-180 crore. Benami properties are those in which the real beneficiary is not the one in whose name (benamidar) the property has been purchased. The Prasad family has said the cases are the outcome of a political vendetta against them. The Act allows for the prosecution of the beneficial owner, the benamidar, the abettor and the inducer to benami transactions. Under the provisions of the Act, assets held benami after the final prosecution are liable for confiscation by the government without payment of compensation. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. by Card. Charles Maung Bo The Archbishop of Yangon addresses a letter to the pro-democracy movement, asking them not to choose civil war as the path for justice against the coup d'etat and the ongoing killings of young people and protesters. Violence brings greater violence. Yangon (AsiaNews) Card Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, released a letter today in which he asks the pro-democracy movement, which emerged after the military coup, not to go down the path of violent struggle. Due to the daily casualties caused by the militarys violence and contempt, with mostly young people shot in the head, pressure is mounting to take up arms and start a civil war. The cardinal, while unconditionally condemn[ing] all acts of violence against unarmed civilians by the junta, urges the people to remain grounded in the values of democracy, non-violence, equity and solidarity and seek to bring justice to all, as they have done so far. Only this way will they maintain the support, goodwill and admiration of the international community of the last two months. Card Bo had already spoken about the situation during a day of prayer for Myanmar and in the early days of the coup. According to the Association for Aid to Political Prisoners, the military have killed so far at least 275 people, including many teenagers. Archdiocese of Yangon, 24th March 2021 I would like to extend my greetings and blessings to all the young people and all citizens across the country. I have great admiration and appreciation for your historical contribution to and sacrifice for the greater good of our country and our people. Yours is a nation-wide movement, grounded in the values of democracy, non-violence, equity and solidarity, and seeks to bring justice for all. Your movement has gained the worlds admiration for its spontaneity, creativity, orderliness, massive organization[al] skills and non-violent approach. As with all historical movements, you are facing a great many challenges: On one hand you are doing your best to survive in very difficult circumstances: Brutal violence against the people that makes it increasingly impossible for peaceful gatherings; fear, depression and anxiety about the course of future action; finding safe places and living in existential anxieties. Heartbroken and frustrated by the violence that you face and by the rising death toll, you wonder if armed struggle may be the better response to the daily repression and brutality that you face. I acknowledge your pain, anger and trauma. However, I caution you from going down the path of violent struggle and appeal to you to remain determined and disciplined in non-violence. Your impressive movement has gained world-wide attention, solidarity, admiration and support because of its peaceful nature so far. Myanmars struggle is already too long and bloody. There are no easy solutions. Hate cannot be dispelled by hate but only by love; darkness is never dispelled by darkness but only by light. All faith traditions adhere to non-violence because all violence is intrinsically evil. Violence brings greater violence. I unconditionally condemn all acts of violence against unarmed civilians. The path of violent struggle will initially excite a section of the population but in the long-term, it will alienate the majority, losing all support and goodwill not only a home but also with the international community. Again I appeal to you to be peaceful and strategic to avoid confrontation and loss of life. I continue to support and remain available for all non-violent and peaceful efforts and interventions. I am fully committed at all levels to reduce violence in the streets and for the protection of lives. May God bless each and every one of you. Charles Cardinal Bi Archbishop of Yangon Since Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took office in 2015, the vast majority of individuals his office has prosecuted for voter fraud are people of color and primarily women of color, a new analysis by the American Civil Liberties Union shows. The analysis, based on public records, court filings, media reports and assumptions based on common Hispanic surnames, found at least 72 percent of all the election fraud cases have been brought against Black and Latino defendants. At least 45 percent were against Black and Latino women. It also found that 86 percent of the prosecutions involved offenses allegedly occurring in counties with majority non-white and Latino populations. The ACLU has also accused Paxton of exaggerating the number of voter fraud cases to give the impression that it is a growing problem, even when his own data shows otherwise. The attorney generals office did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, though officials have previously said they do not track prosecutions by race. The demographic analysis comes as lawmakers consider giving Paxton even more latitude to pursue felony charges against people who submit incorrect information on election-related documents and public officials who send out absentee ballot applications that are not requested. There appears to be a large racial discrepancy, a large racial bias in terms of who gets prosecuted, said ACLU senior staff attorney Tommy Buser-Clancy. This is deeply disturbing. I think it also should give lawmakers pause, significant pause before they evaluate a bill that would give the attorney general even more tools to go after communities of color, like House Bill 6 would do. The bill, along with similar legislation filed in the Senate, would create new offenses for election-related violations, including making it a felony for a public official to give out an absentee ballot application unless it is requested. Both bills are scheduled to be heard in committees this week. They are among several bills Republican lawmakers have proposed to tamp down on voter fraud. Democrats say the analysis substantiates concerns that Paxtons expansive hunt for voter fraud is part of a thinly veiled effort by Republicans to discourage minorities from voting as they face the most competitive elections in a generation. Trump won Texas by 6 percent, the thinnest margin of victory for a Republican nominee since 1996 when Bob Dole won by 5 points. Republicans have launched an all-out attack on voting rights at both the state and federal level. This data reveals the true targets of their voter suppression schemes, said Wesley Story, communications manager for Progress Texas. Texas Republicans have a dangerous anti-democracy agenda that, if allowed to succeed, will invite discrimination and harassment and make it harder to vote, especially for people of color and Texans with disabilities. RELATED: GOP state lawmakers take aim at 2020 Harris County voting expansions During a March 4 Texas House elections committee meeting, Jonathan White, chief of the election fraud unit, testified he did not know how many people of color had been prosecuted because the office does not track it. Paxton has made preventing voter fraud and ensuring that Texas has the most secure elections in the country one of his offices top priorities. Voter fraud is real & is an attack on the integrity of our elections, Paxton said in a February tweet. The left tries to gaslight Americans into believing it doesnt exist and isnt bad. My office will continue to lead the way in protecting our elections by rigorously investigating & prosecuting all voter fraud. Out of 93 prosecutions that Paxton initiated since 2015, about 65 percent, or 60, were against Latino defendants and 7.5 percent, or seven, were against Black defendants. Four were against white defendants. Buser-Clancy noted that the numbers could be higher, considering that the ACLU could not identify race for about a quarter of prosecutions. Black and Latino individuals make up only 44 percent of the Texas population, as of the 2018 Census. Many of the offices most prominent voter fraud cases have been women of color. Crystal Mason, for example, a 45-year-old Black woman from Fort Worth, was sentenced to five years in prison for casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 presidential election one that was never counted while on supervised release for a federal conviction. She has said she did not know she was ineligible to vote. Another is Rosa Ortega, a Mexican-born woman and permanent resident with a green card who was sentenced to eight years in jail after being convicted of illegal voting by a noncitizen. Like Mason, Ortega and her lawyers have said it was an honest mistake. She is now on parole and facing deportation after serving nine months behind bars. The attorney generals office has continued to paint a picture for the Legislature that the election fraud units caseload is ballooning even when its own data does not bear that out. The Houston Chronicle reported in December that the unit spent nearly twice as much time working on voter fraud cases in 2020 as it did two years ago logging more than 22,000 staff hours yet resolved just 16 cases, half as many as two years ago. READ THE STORY: Ken Paxton's beefed-up 2020 voter fraud unit closed 16 minor cases, all in Harris County The ACLU also found that Josh Reno, deputy attorney general for criminal justice, repeatedly and falsely told members of the House elections committee that the office had 500 cases pending. As of February, the office had just 43 cases pending involving about 500 counts of alleged crimes. Counts isnt really a great metric for what is actually happening, Buser-Clancy said. Its possible for prosecutors to rack up the number of counts, saying that same action violated four different laws, five different laws, and thereby inflate the number of total offenses charged. In November, a social worker in the Mexia State Supported Living Center was accused of submitting voter registration applications for 67 residents without their signature or effective consent during the 2020 election, according to the office. For that one yet-unproven crime, she was charged with 67 felony counts for purportedly acting as an agent and 67 felony counts for election fraud for a total of 134 counts. Hearst Newspapers has asked the attorney generals office for clarification on why this figure was used, even after Reno went to great lengths to explain to lawmakers that a single defendant can face multiple charges. The office did not immediately reply to a request for comment. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com Transurban was floated on the Australian Securities Exchange in 1996 as a $500 million company. By the time Kim announced his retirement, its market capitalisation was $10 billion. He developed the business model that has since seen Transurban grow to be a $35 billion company. Kim led the team that won the right to develop and operate Melbourne and Australias first electronic toll road, CityLink. He was the founding CEO and managing director of Transurban, which owns and operates CityLink, a position he held for 14 years until his retirement in April 2008. From Melbourne, he took the company into Sydney and the US state of Virginia, winning the right to develop electronically tolled High Occupancy Toll lanes on the Capital Beltway, the ring road around Washington DC. He passed away in Bangkok after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Janis (Jan), the woman he credited with making his career possible, was by his side. Kim Edwards, an engineer and business leader who left his mark on Melbourne and Sydney and built Transurban into one of Australias largest public companies, has died at the age of 70. Transurbans founding chairman, Laurie Cox, said: Transurban is a business success story and Kim Edwards is the man behind the success. Without him, there wouldnt be a Transurban because we would not have won the CityLink concession. Kim Edwards was born in Nhill, Western Victoria, in February 1951, where his parents ran a shoe shop. After two years at high school in Nhill, Kim attended Geelong College as a boarder. There he met Bruce Plain, who became a life-long friend. We had some different interests from the other boys in our year and boarding house, Bruce recalled. We liked talking about politics and the economy. Our social consciences were on the same page. Kim and Bruce went on to Monash University. Kim wanted to be an architect, but his father advised him to do engineering instead as there was no money in architecture, Bruce said. So, Kim did an engineering degree. Kim graduated in 1973 and, contrary to his fathers advice, found there were few positions in Melbourne for young engineers. He drove taxis for a while before finally getting a job. Through the mid-1970s, Kim worked for engineering consultancies in Melbourne before moving to London in search of bigger projects. It was the start of a long, successful career in infrastructure development. In the late 1970s, he worked in the Middle East as a project manager on the development of what was then known as the new port of Dubai. He returned to Australia in 1980 to study for an MBA (finance) at Monash University because he was interested in management and recognised that financial skills would be a key to further building his career. While studying, he met his future wife, Jan Coyle, through mutual friends in 1983. They married in 1990. [March 24, 2021] Bitdefender and Recorded Future Partner to Enhance Threat Detection Capabilities Through Shared Intelligence BUCHAREST, Romania and SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitdefender, a leading cybersecurity company protecting hundreds of millions of endpoints and systems worldwide, today announced a threat intelligence sharing partnership with Recorded Future , the world's largest provider of intelligence for enterprise security. This partnership enhances both companies' breadth and depth of threat intelligence to provide customers with increased visibility at the apex domain level (the top-level domain) and actionable insights to eliminate cyberthreats from environments. "Our unmatched, single source of truth for security intelligence is invaluable to our clients as they work to combat daily cyber threats. Enhancing our platform with threat intelligence from Bitdefender bolsters our endpoint data collection and further empowers our clients to accurately detect and assess threats," stated Craig Adams, chief of product and engineering, Recorded Future. "This partnership has already proved vital to our customers by magnifying visibility into current malicious campaigns." Recorded Future incorporates threat intelligence from Bitdefender feeds containing domain and URL reputation data into the Recorded Future Security Intelligence Platform . Recorded Future's enterprise, managed security services provider (MSSP) and security operations center (SOC) customers will benefit from heightened visibility into the evolving threat landscape. This will enable them to validate threats to make faster and more informed security risk management decisions by tying specific cyberthreats to potential impact on operations. Bitdefender customers will benefit from Recorded Future's open source, dark web, technical sources and human analytics to enhance threat detectio accuracy and validity. While many organizations recognize the importance of threat intelligence, most do not have access to actionable data. Forrester Senior Analyst Brian Kime, wrote in a January 2021 report*, "Good threat intelligence possesses all the necessary parts to provide the consumer what they need to take an appropriate action to reduce risk." "Access to actionable threat intelligence is highly critical in today's cybersecurity environment as ransomware, drive-by download attacks and phishing campaigns put organizations at severe risk of malware infiltration and security breaches," said Steve Kelley, president and general manager of Bitdefender Business Solutions Group. "Bitdefender's extensive global knowledge of real time cybercriminal activity is second to none. This collaboration with Recorded Future will provide better protection against emerging threats for organizations looking to improve their security posture and to become more cyber resilient against advanced attacks." Bitdefender threat intelligence is powered by the Bitdefender Global Protective Network (GPN), an extensive network of hundreds of millions of sensors continuously collecting endpoint threat data worldwide. Bitdefender Labs, an elite team of security practitioners, correlates GPN data against known indicators of compromise (IOCs), malware, malicious domains and URLs and performs deep analysis to discover unknown threats. * "How To Integrate Threat Intelligence Into Your Security Program," January 19, 2021, Forrester Research, Inc. About Recorded Future Recorded Future is the world's largest provider of intelligence for enterprise security. By combining persistent and pervasive automated data collection and analytics with human analysis, Recorded Future delivers intelligence that is timely, accurate, and actionable. In a world of ever-increasing chaos and uncertainty, Recorded Future empowers organizations with the visibility they need to identify and detect threats faster; take proactive action to disrupt adversaries; and protect their people, systems, and assets, so business can be conducted with confidence. Recorded Future is trusted by hundreds of businesses and government organizations around the world. Learn more at www.recordedfuture.com and follow us on Twitter at @RecordedFuture. About Bitdefender Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumer, business, and government environments, Bitdefender is the industry's trusted expert* for eliminating threats, protecting privacy and data, and enabling cyber resiliency. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers 400 new threats each minute and validates 30 billion threat queries daily. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioral analytics, and artificial intelligence and its technology is licensed by more than 150 of the world's most recognized technology brands. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170 countries with offices around the world. For more information, visit https://www.bitdefender.com. *Bitdefender has ranked #1 in 54% of all tests by AV-Comparatives 2018-2021 for real-world protection, performance, malware protection & advanced threat protection. Contact: Steve Fiore Bitdefender +1-954-776-6262 sfiore@bitdefender.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitdefender-and-recorded-future-partner-to-enhance-threat-detection-capabilities-through-shared-intelligence-301254683.html SOURCE Bitdefender; Recorded Future [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Delhi government has classified cinema halls, malls, metros and religious places as 'super spreader' areas amid rising COVID-19 cases. The state government has instructed officials to intensify surveillance and enforcement of COVID-19 safety regulations in these areas. In wake of the increasing number of #COVID19 cases, cinema halls, malls, metro and religious place have been called 'super spreader' areas. All DMS have been instructed to increase surveillance in areas: Delhi Government a ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021 The Delhi government has also prohibited public congregations, celebrations and gatherings on festivals like Holi, Navratri, Shab-e-Barat, etc to curb the spread of coronavirus. According to Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev's order, "All authorities concerned will ensure that public celebrations and gatherings, congregations during upcoming festivals like Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, etc shall not be allowed in public places/public grounds/public parks/markets/religious places etc in NCT of Delhi." Also read: COVID-19 in Delhi: No public celebrations on Holi, Navratri amid rising cases The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to conduct random COVID-19 testing at the Delhi airport and all railway stations in the national capital. According to a Delhi government official, "Since there are festivals coming, experts and lieutenant governor stressed the need for more caution and regulation. It was decided that the government will start random testing at the Delhi airport and all railway stations. Passengers coming from states with high incidences of COVID-19 cases will also be the main focus of such random testing. But others will also be checked." Delhi's COVID-19 cases peaked to more than 6.49 lakh while 6.34 lakh patients have recovered. Total 10,967 people have succumbed to the contagion so far whereas there are 4,411 active cases in the national capital. The state government will also ramp up its vaccination drive wherein the authorities will prioritise economically weaker sections since they can't access digital platforms to register themselves to get vaccinated. With agency inputs Also read: COVID-19 surge: Random testing to start at Delhi airport, railway stations McLaren could emerge as the second best team in 2021 - ahead of Mercedes. That is the wild claim of respected British pitlane broadcaster Ted Kravitz, who emerged with his views on the official podcast of the Australian GP. McLaren impressed and surprised the F1 world with its 'loophole' diffuser design for the new season, with Kravitz suggesting the newly Mercedes-powered team "spooked itself" with its rapid Bahrain testing pace. "It was weird at the test actually," he said. "They had a very good day one in the dusty conditions and then they had a good day two. "And then they went all sort of coy and they thought 'Oh my goodness, we better not show everything'. It's like they were scared," Kravitz added. "They spooked themselves and they didn't want to give anything away so they stopped setting quick times to put everybody off the scent." Kravitz believes McLaren may even be ahead of Mercedes early in 2021. "There are going to be some doubts about whether they will be even faster than the factory Mercedes team as well," he admitted. "Some people have got McLaren in second behind Red Bull." (GMM) Kenya is staring at a Covid-19 disaster after two new and more lethal variants were confirmed, amid soaring infections and lack of preparedness by county governments. The Ministry of Health on Tuesday confirmed the presence in Kenya of the South African and United Kingdom strains of the virus. This was a day after the Nation reported that the new variants could be fuelling the spiralling infections and deaths. The news came as it was confirmed that at least three counties have no functional intensive care units (ICUs) and Covid-19 isolation centres, with most such facilities in "prepared" regions being in bad shape, dysfunctional or lacking staff. Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth said at least 16 cases of the South African Covid-19 variant and three of the UK strain were discovered at Kemri Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, and Kemri Walter Reed Project Clinical Research Centre in Kisumu. The UK or Kent variant -- also known as B.1.1.7 -- has been found to be more transmissible and deadly. It has been found in more than 50 countries. The South Africa coronavirus strain, also known B.1.351, is less deadly than the original variant, but spreads faster. It is now found in at least 20 countries. Kenya's South-African-strain cases were through genome sequencing of 55 samples between January 28 and March 5,meaning many more cases could have gone undetected by now, given the country's limited testing capacity. UK variant "Genome sequencing is tedious and expensive. Even the reagents we use are expensive. We got the variants from the few samples tested," Dr Amoth said as he gave the Covid-19 update in Nairobi yesterday. The 16 cases, he added, were mostly detected from samples collected near the Tanzanian border and in people with a history of travelling to the neighbouring country. "We're going to begin the genome sequencing in our Nairobi samples to find out if the variants are active in the community," Dr Amoth said. The first cases of the UK variant were detected among British soldiers who jetted into the country and went to Nanyuki, Laikipia county, early this year. The government assured Kenyans that it had contained the spread of the strain. It is suspected that the new coronavirus strains are spreading in communities. Although the government gave devolved governments millions of shillings to prepare for the coronavirus battle, the Nation has established that Homa Bay, Tana River and Busia counties don't have functional isolation beds and ICUs. "The three are the only ones I can point at, but most of them shut the units when the country was almost flattening the curve," a Ministry of Health official, who requested anonymity, told the Nation yesterday. "It's a conversation we should start having, given the direction the virus is taking." Bed statistics Only 43 counties have submitted their bed statistics to the Council of Governors. The total is 493 ICU and 10,698 isolation beds. "There is the submission and working bits. Most of them are not operational. Governors need to do something as quickly as possible," the ministry bureaucrat said. During a crisis meeting by governors yesterday, it emerged that there are no staff at the county ICUs since the contracts of those hired by the government expired. The government recruited at least 1,000 health workers to help in the fight against coronavirus during the first and second waves. "There is the urgency of the isolation centres reopening, but who will work there? Will they continue working with expired contracts? The government should either extend the contracts or employ new workers," the source said. It has also emerged that many county hospitals don't have a regular supply of oxygen in their emergency departments even as the number of patients continues to grow. For the last five days, the number of people in need of oxygen and ventilators has been doubling daily, posing a crisis in counties without stable supplies. As of yesterday, some 120 severely ill Covid-19 patients were admitted to various ICUs, while 1,013 were in the wards. Surging numbers Counties seem to be loosening up amid rising infections and deaths, with Nairobi already in a bed crisis. Yesterday, Health ministry announced 1,127 new cases from a sample size of 5,390 and 25 deaths. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Every ICU bed at Kenyatta National and Mbagathi hospitals are full, forcing patients to look for space at private institutions, which are also getting overwhelmed. "It's bad. All hospitals in Nairobi now have waiting list for ICU and Covid-19 isolation beds with oxygen. Please mask up. Take care of yourselves," Dr Ahmed Kalebi, chief consultant pathologist, Lancet Group of Laboratories, said. Last week, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe asked governors to equip hospitals in readiness for the surging coronavirus numbers. The country's health system is stretched, he added. Mr Kagwe told the Senate Health Committee that critically ill patients are being transferred to the city for treatment, yet the counties were given money. Yesterday, Health Chief Administrative Secretary Rashid Aman said Kenyans should expect a rise in numbers as the third wave is in its early stages. He said the third wave had come with more cases, admissions to hospital, "and even deaths. Our hospitals are overwhelmed. "Let's go back to the basics," Mr Amama said. Washington: While the US-India military relationship is at its best level in years, the mistrust between China and India is at an all-time high, a top US admiral has said and alleged that Beijing's lack of transparency and duplicitous actions in the Indian Ocean region threaten stability and security there. Admiral John C Aquilino also commended India's efforts to protect its northern border during a months-long standoff with China. "The mistrust between China and India is at an all-time high. In addition to the rupture of bilateral relations as a result of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) skirmish, India is deeply suspicious of Chinese activities as part of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative," Aquilino told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday during the confirmation hearing for commander, US Indo-Pacific Command. "China's posture initiatives in both Gwadar, Pakistan, and Hambantota, Sri Lanka, also cause India concern. As is the case across the Indo-Pacific, PRC's lack of transparency and duplicitous actions in the Indian Ocean region threaten stability and security in the region," he said in a written response to a set of questions from Senators for the confirmation hearing. Replying to a question from Senator Deb Fischer about China's actions along India's borders and the future of the India-US military cooperation, Aquilino commended the work done by India to protect its northern border. He also highlighted the need for cooperation and working with allies and partners to build deterrence. Aquilino said the US-India military relationship is at its best level in years, and the United States continues to experience growth in both bilateral and multilateral engagements and exercises, high-profile joint operations, and an increased number of senior level engagements. Recent operations by the Chinese have helped highlight the threat China's actions pose to all nations, including India. "The conclusion of enabling agreements over the past several years has allowed us to operate more closely, and we are able to work together more than ever before to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific," he said. If confirmed, the top US admiral said, his priorities would be to maintain the momentum that has been generated by his predecessor and build information sharing and security agreements, support India's defence transformation efforts through exchanges and exercises, continue to encourage India's acquisition of US equipment to promote interoperability, and increase military-to-military contacts throughout standing dialogues, senior leader contacts, and working-level exchanges. Live TV The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development said that the World Bank Group's current portfolio in Egypt includes 13 projects, at a total funding of USD 5.84 billion. Those projects are directed to development purposes and human capital investment, the ministry added in a report released on Tuesday23/3/2021. The World Bank is working on developing the framework of the 2021-2025 strategic partnership for Egypt, which focuses on creating jobs and achieving social and economic inclusion, the report noted. This partnership centers on three main strategic areas; improving good governance and creating jobs in cooperation with the private sector, as well as supporting social inclusion, the report read. The World Bank stressed that the Egyptian government made a significant progress in the three main fields of the strategic partnership, noting that national economic reforms are aimed at providing job opportunities and realizing sustainable economic growth, the report said. The World Bank explained that the Egyptian government took measures to enhance the investment climate, through introducing amendments to the investment law, enforcing a law on competition and the prevention of monopolistic practices, as well as modifying a system for issuing industrial licenses. Yves here. All goodthinking mainstream media consumers are supposed to believe that Trump was jeopardizing the world order, risking nuclear war, and damaging US interests. Biden of course would put things back together and restore Americas good name (where we still had had one). Medea Benjamin explains why that just aint so. While Trump was fabulously erratic, and to the extent he had an approach, it was all tactics, no strategy, Biden is looking an awful lot like a bull in a china shop too. I cant recall any Trump fiasco as bad as the Alaska China summit, which we initiated, or Biden bizarrely calling Putin a killer. Oh, and how about giving Iran preconditions for rejoining the JCPOA, which the US exited? By Paul Jay. Originally published at TheAnalysis.news Paul Jay Hi, Im Paul Jay, and welcome to theAnalysis.news. Please dont forget, theres a donate button at the top of the web page. And if youre watching on YouTube, you could hit the subscribe button. You can also come on over and hit the donate button. In a recent article in Common Dreams, Medea Benjamin and Nicholas Davies write, By the end of his second term, Obama did have two significant diplomatic achievements with the signing of the Iran nuclear deal and normalization of relations with Cuba. So progressive Americans who voted for Biden had some grounds to hope that his experience as Obamas vice president would lead him to quickly restore and build on Obamas achievements with Iran and Cuba as a foundation for the broader diplomacy he promised. Instead, the Biden administration seems firmly entrenched behind the walls of hostility Trump built between America and our neighbors, from his renewed Cold War against China and Russia to his brutal sanctions against Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Syria and dozens of countries around the world, and theres still no word on cuts to a military budget that has grown by 15 percent since fiscal year 2015. Medea has outlined 10 problems with Bidens foreign policy, and she joins us now to discuss them. Medea is co-founder of Global Exchange and Code Pink, and shes the author of the 2018 book, Inside Iran: The Real History and Politics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Her previous books include Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the US Saudi Connection in 2016, Drone Warfare: Killing by Remote Control, and Dont Be Afraid, Gringo: A Honduran woman speaks from the heart. Thanks for joining us, Medea. So lets go through the 10, and we can just talk about each one as it goes. So here Ill just read the heading of number one and then over to you. So the first one you have, is failing to quickly rejoin the Iran nuclear agreement. So where are we on this? Certainly, Biden promised to rejoin it when Jake Sullivan did an interview with Fareed Zakaria very early on in this administration. He, I thought, indicated that the United States was ready to rejoin, essentially without condition to rejoin the- Medea Benjamin Like you, I thought this was going to be one of the early things- Paul Jay Now, Im actually not sure where we are? Medea Benjamin Okay, were going to rejoin the World Health Organization. Were going to rejoin the Paris Climate Accords. Were going to renew the START treaty with Russia. I thought right in there, among the top things, whats going to be end, were back in the Iran nuclear deal. Everybody thought thats what was going to happen because Biden said it and because it was going back to something that was working, and that the international community supported. Medea Benjamin So its been a real disappointment as this time is going on, and Biden has been sending out very mixed messages through different members of his grouping in the national security staff, that have gone from, yes, were going to rejoin without preconditions, to, well, lets do it at the same time, to, well, the Iranians have to make the first move and they have to get back into compliance, so. I think for those who think rationally about this, the United States was part of the deal. Medea Benjamin The other members that signed on, the Europeans, the Iranians, the Chinese, the Russians, they all went along with the deal. Medea Benjamin The US pulled out. Then the US says, okay, we should go back into the deal. I mean, thats the way it should be. But it is very strange, because I think they are well aware in the Biden administration that as each day goes by, it becomes harder and harder to go back into this deal because the forces against the deal in the US, in the Middle East, inside Iran itself, are getting stronger and stronger, whereas the forces in favor of the deal are getting weaker and weaker. Paul Jay Now, something like 140 members of Congress, of the House, signed some kind of letter, document, calling for actually reopening the whole negotiation and including other stuff, and I assume other stuff means primarily ballistic missiles, non-nuclear ballistic missiles, which Iran has a right to have as many non-nuclear ballistic missiles. Frankly, Iran has a right to nuclear weapons if it wants it, just not under this agreement. So assuming that agreement goes ahead, they wont do that. Paul Jay But, this 140 or so members of the House, theyre trying to scuttle the whole deal, really. Medea Benjamin Well not only did they say that the decision should be a part of it, they also said Irans malign behavior in the region should be part of it, as well as the human rights issues internally in Iran. So the fact that they got 70 Democrats to go along with this is very disconcerting. And the main Democrat that helped organize it, a guy named Anthony Brown from Annapolis, Maryland. Medea Benjamin We just went and did a protest in front of his office, and we got a hold of him during a town hall, a virtual town hall, and he tried to backtrack, saying, well, we really are supportive of the Biden administration in this and maybe we should lift some sanctions. But lets be realistic. Anybody who works with 70 Republicans who are known to be against the deal, and who throws everything but the kitchen sink into a broader and more comprehensive deal, is basically saying, forget this deal, because they know Iran would never agree to that at all. Paul Jay Yeah, lets talk about the malign behavior, because if I understand it correctly, it means number one, support for Hezbollah, which Iran has every bloody right to. Hezbollah is a legitimate organization in Lebanon, and its actually part of the government, or at least it was last time I looked, and Iran has every right to have relations with Hezbollah, like wheres the malign behavior like in Iraq? Paul Jay Yeah, theres groups in Iraq that support Iran, and vice versa. But its a neighboring country, and the Iraqi government has good relations with the Iranian government. Where is the malign behavior? Medea Benjamin Well they would certainly say theres two, and they would say that Iranian backed militias are attacking US personnel and US contractors in Iraq, but one must say, didnt the Iraqis ask the US to leave? And why is the US there to begin with? And if you really want to protect the US personnel, how about getting them out of there? Medea Benjamin The other place that the signers of this letter would say there is malign behavior is in Yemen. And certainly there we can say that it was the Saudis who first were the outsiders who got involved in an internal dispute inside Yemen. And it was only later that the Iranians got involved in helping the Houthis. They would also point to Syria. But there you could say its the government in power, whether you like it or not, Assad, who invited the Iranians. Medea Benjamin And so it really is only to say that Iran is not on the same side as the the United States in these places, and thats what makes it malign behavior. And in addition to these members of the House who we talked about, there is a letter thats going to be coming out very soon from the hawkish of all hawks, Lindsey Graham, the Republican in the Senate who has never seen a war he didnt like, and Bob Menendez, whos the Democrat who is now the head of the foreign of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and they are getting probably almost all the Republicans and then peeling off a couple of Democrats as well. Medea Benjamin So it is to say that there is the more time that goes by, the more of these forces against the deal are building. And guess who is behind these letters? It might not come as a surprise to you, Paul, that it is the pro Israel lobby in the United States, AIPAC, that is behind this. And they never wanted the deal. They didnt want it the last time around under Obama. And they have a lot of time and they have a lot of members, who have been bombarding their Congress people to say, sign these letters, show your opposition to this deal. Medea Benjamin And thats why I think the Biden administration is really blowing it by taking so long and increasing the political price they will have to pay. If indeed they do, then go ahead and rejoin the deal. Paul Jay What this is obviously really about, is they dont want to accept that Iran is a regional power. They dont. I mean, the United States doesnt like regional powers anywhere, because if you want to be the global hegemon, it means you got to be the hegemon in every region. Paul Jay But Biden, I remember, this has stuck with me over the years, in 2008 during the election, hes debating, I guess, who was it, would have been Palin in 2008, I guess. Anyway, Biden says if you didnt want Iran to be a regional power, you shouldnt have invaded Iraq. Which was a rational statement. He says you have to accept Iran as a regional power, thats the reality after the Iraq war. Frankly, it was a regional power before the Iraq war, but not at the level after the Iraq war. Paul Jay So Biden understood the situation. But well see if he asserts that rationality. But just in terms of who else in the Senate is behind this. Chuck Schumer was always against this deal, is his hand here somewhere? Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:10:39] we have an opponent coming from the left, like the brilliant AOC from The Squad, and rumors being out there that perhaps she would challenge him, that has suddenly turned Chuck Schumer into a flaming radical. And so he hasnt come out in opposition to the deal now. And I think he is under control, because he doesnt want to be seen as somebody who is now negotiating with the likes of Lindsey Graham. So thats a good thing. Paul Jay Well, also, as a majority leader he cant come out against what at least was an important plank of Bidens foreign policy. Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:11:25] And sabotage what the Biden administration wants to do. Although as all this time goes by, you have to question, is this indeed what the Biden administration wants to do? Paul Jay Yeah, my guess is that it is what he wants to do, but how much political capital is he willing to spend to do it? Hes got the Saudis against him, the Israelis against him. Now hes got people in his own party. Paul Jay I must say, when Ive talked to Larry Wilkerson about this, when Obama was pushing this deal through, Wilkerson was helping lobby on the Hill in favor of the deal, and he says Biden really fought for this deal, that a lot of peoples eyes, they associated the deal with Biden as well, not just Obama. So he does have some personal political credibility on the law. Medea Benjamin Yeah but then they should know, since you brought up the issue about regional power. I think theres a myth inside the United States that Iran is a country thats governed by the Ayatollahs, and that there is no real play in terms of politics. And yet that is so far from the truth. And with elections coming up and the electoral season for a new President just around the corner, this is a time when Iranian politics are going to be right in the forefront of this, with Rouhani and the reformists having been pilloried because they have gotten nothing from all of this talk with the West while the sanctions have been devastating the economy. Medea Benjamin And so its much more likely that a more hard liner will come into power, and itll be harder for the Biden administration to get something from them. So I think not recognizing the importance of speed has been a big problem, and it will only become harder and harder as the electoral season comes into full force within Iran. Paul Jay And let me just, to conclude this, first off, your list of 10, I think its important to say that these people who are being billed against the nuclear deal, it actually should be framed differently. These are people who are for economic warfare against Iran, because the the concept of not accepting Iran as a regional power, what that really means is they want economic warfare to weaken, and they dont want that economic warfare to stop. Medea Benjamin Yes, and we implied that theres division within the Biden administration around this. But we were extremely happy when Biden appointed the envoy for Iran as Rob Malley, somebody who is a real diplomat. But then the deputy envoy is somebody who has been shown in talks that hes given, and there is YouTubes of this gloating, about how the sanctions have really socked it to the Iranian people and led to the increase in unemployment and how successful these sanctions have been. Medea Benjamin And that makes you wonder, why is Biden bringing in people who have differences in the way they approach Iran right into the center of his policy making? Paul Jay All right, number two, on the 10 problems, you were very polite, 10 problems with Bidens foreign policy. You could have used the word stronger than problems. But anyway, number two, US bombing wars rage on, just now in secret, whats that about? Medea Benjamin So my colleague Nicholas Davis and I did some research looking at how many bombs the US has been dropping in the last 20 years, and there is a piece of information that has been traditionally released by the US military, that is the air power summaries that show the number of bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. But at the end of Trumps term, he stopped releasing that, and Obama hasnt released it either. Medea Benjamin So we dont know the extent of the air wars that are continuing there. Just to let you know about this research we did, we also added in the drone attacks in Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia. We added in the Yemen bombings by the US allies, the Saudis from the Yemen data project, also the bombings in Libya. And we came up with a total of 326,000 bombs that the US and its allies had dropped in the last 20 years, which comes to 46 a day, which is quite remarkable. Medea Benjamin And now we dont know what the Biden administration is doing, because they have continued with this lack of transparency. So one of the issues we are doing is trying to get this air power summary back into the public domain. But we do know about the bombing in Syria- Paul Jay And of course, sorry, go ahead. Medea Benjamin So it didnt take Biden a bit over a month to be bombing in a country that he had absolutely no authorization from Congress to bomb in, and where to use the justification of self-defense because US personnel had been attacked inside Iraq. So we had to go into Syria as self-defense, is hard to fathom, but there has been some blowback inside of Congress, of them wanting to know where do you get the justification for this and are you dragging us into more wars? Medea Benjamin And its revived this idea that Congress has to repeal the authorization for the use of military force that date back to 2001 and 2002, and have been used for the last 20 years to justify all kinds of attacks. But we certainly feel that the attack in Syria was part of this confrontation with Iran, and is very dangerous, and that we as an anti-war community have to push back against it. Paul Jay You have to assume that theres this meeting takes place in the Situation Room. Biden sitting at the, weve all seen it in the movies, and so hes sitting at the head of the table and on every side of the table, hes got general this, and admiral this and that. And then somebody proposes to him, he says, well, what are we going to do? Our contractor got hit by the militia and we think the Iranians are behind it. Of course, they have no real evidence. Paul Jay I dont think that Iran is so in control of these militias anyway. Paul Jay Its not like these militias dont have their own minds and do stuff on their own. But some Yeah, and then someone says, okay, well, we cant bomb inside Iraq because the Iraqi government will go nuts, so we can hit what we think is a pro Iranian militia in Syria. And they have to discuss, well, is that legal? What has Syria got to do with it? Congress, were starting, you know, this is an act of war against Syria. Paul Jay And Biden has to sit there and say, yeah, lets go ahead, do it. Whatever the line in the movie would be [crosstalk 00:20:24] So, yeah, it does tell us something about the mindset. Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:20:28] Syria. Paul Jay Yeah, they just want to look tough. All right, number three, refusing to hold MBS, Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia. MBS accountable for the murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. Go ahead. Medea Benjamin The Biden administration decided to release this intelligence report that showed what we knew, which was that the Saudi crown prince authorized this brutal chopping up of a Washington Post journalist. Medea Benjamin But then the logical result of that is to say, and so we are now sanctioning the Saudi crown prince. Were going to freeze his assets. Were going to make sure he never gets a visa to come to the United States. Were going to say we wont participate in governmental meetings where hes taking part in that. Nothing, Paul, nothing after that. And it seemed like, once again, Biden choked when it came to doing the right thing, and he allowed this larger question of, well, what are we going to do? Medea Benjamin We need the Saudis. We need to be selling them weapons. We need to work with them on intelligence issues. According to Secretary of State Blinken, the collaboration is so important that we couldnt possibly jeopardize it by holding this murderous crown prince accountable. Paul Jay Yeah, I thought it was a really interesting moment in a few ways. One, it was a really a sign of weakness of the United States, that they cant manipulate the king to get rid of MBS, and get another prince in there. Paul Jay And MBS, I guess, I mean, Ive been told by someone honestly who actually knows one of the doctors that treats the king. And apparently hes fairly far into dementia. So MBS is really already the ruler. And I guess hes already so intimidated the rest of the Saudi aristocracy, and so controls the Saudi police state, that hes not vulnerable. Paul Jay So if you do the logic back, why do they need the Saudis so much? Well, they dont need the oil so much anymore. So its really about geopolitical primacy. Its about being the hegemon in the Middle East. Its also a massive market. Its apparently, in that whole area, its one of the largest market for American products, and not just weapons, but certainly, at least two years ago, I think was the largest consumer of American weapons. Paul Jay But the basic geopolitics of it is, is you have to really decide, the United States, to change course in terms of wanting to be the worlds hegemon. And as long as you do, the thinking goes. You need the Saudis and the Israelis. Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:23:36] And the Saudis have invested so heavily in the US economy, whether its Treasury bonds or Uber. I remember when we first discovered there was like $2 billion of Saudi money in Uber, and we said, oh, my God, were going to have to start a campaign. I guess well have to tell people to use Lyft instead of Uber. And then, lo and behold, Lyft had about a billion dollars of Saudi money in it as well. Medea Benjamin So all Silicon Valley, theres just so much money. Real estate in New York. I mean, wherever you look, there is Saudi money there. And that is a way that the Saudis have a hammer over the heads of people in the United States. You look at the think tanks and the money that comes into them, the universities, Ivy League universities. So they are very intertwined with the US in so many different ways. Paul Jay Right. And theyre not going to buck that as long as they accept these underlying principles of how the empire works, and they just decided theyll take the hit on looking like hypocrites. But I guess thats not new that they are. US policy is so hypocritical. All right, lets move on. Paul Jay So, number four, clinging to Trumps absurdist policy of recognizing Juan Guaido as President of Venezuela, go ahead. Medea Benjamin Well this is an example of a policy that is in fantasy land. One, Guaido was never elected President. He was the head of the National Assembly. Hes no longer head of the National Assembly. He has no ability to act as a President. We had a big fight over the Venezuelan embassy here in the United States, and the one Juan Guaido faction went out. Medea Benjamin Have they been able to issue a passport? Have they been able to issue a visa? Nothing. They have no control. Who does the United Nations recognize? They recognize the person who actually is in power and was elected, and that is Nicolas Maduro. Medea Benjamin You would think that with a failed, ridiculous policy, the Biden administration would say, well, were not going to follow in Trumps footsteps. And to recognize what the UN has said, as well as other studies, that the sanctions on Venezuela are treacherous. The first study came out saying about 40,000 people had died. Then the US came out, said over 100,000 people are dying because of these sanctions. Medea Benjamin So the Biden administration could have said during a pandemic, we dont want to make things worse for the Venezuelan people. We dont want to continue to see millions of people flee out of the country and cause a refugee crisis all over the world, including here in the United States. We dont like Maduro, but he is there, and we have no other option but to talk to him. Medea Benjamin Instead, they havent chosen that. Theyve gone with exactly the same Trumpian failed dismal policy that hurts Venezuela and the region. And in the United States, they just went ahead and gave temporary protective status to about 300,000 Venezuelans. So its a nonsensical policy, but its also one that is really extremely inhumane. Paul Jay And I just saw a news alert that the Biden administration just announced that because human rights violations in Saudi Arabia is so egregious, all the sanctions that have been put on Venezuela are now going to be put on Saudi Arabia. Paul Jay I mean, its so ridiculous. The hypocrisy is just beyond ridiculousness. And one of the only reasons they get away with it is because the American news media will never talk about the ridiculous hypocrisy. They might get a little outraged about the brutal killing of an American based journalist. But they never draw the connection that theres no sanctions on Saudi Arabia. Quite the contrary. Paul Jay It wont be long before some high level American goes and puts his hand on that globe the way Trump did, and they can do another dance with the Saudi aristocrat. Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:28:11] in Saudi Arabia. Paul Jay Yeah, well, but Medea, you dont get it. Thats why the Saudis never violate election laws, because they dont have any. All right. Lets move on. But the other thing I think we should just add to this is Juan Guaido doesnt even have any credibility in the Venezuelan opposition anymore. The guys got no standing at all. And hes still supposed to be recognized as the President. Medea Benjamin [crosstalk 00:28:47] and the US doesnt want to even recognize them and talk to, you know, build on that to get more of the opposition to participate in the electoral process. Medea Benjamin Well [crosstalk 00:29:06] Venezuela, in the sense that civilians domestic politics in the United States that drives this policy. When Obama lifted the restrictions on travel and trade to Cuba, when he normalized relations, it was a time of great joy in Cuba. And for a lot of people in the United States, a time to do business with Cuba. Medea Benjamin The agricultural sector was very happy. The Chamber of Commerce was very happy. And then Trump came in and listened to this small sector of the Cuban-American community, and slapped sanction after sanction after sanction and restrictions. Medea Benjamin And even to the extent, Paul, this astounds me, that how can you say as a Cuban American, that youre doing all of this because you care so much about the Cuban people who are being oppressed, that you will agree to so many sanctions that stop them from getting food and medicines, so many sanctions that dont allow you as a Cuban-American to continue to support your family in Cuba, just like Central Americans here support their families in Central America, people working in the United States are constantly sending money back home. Medea Benjamin But Trump put on restrictions, that Biden has continued, that make it impossible for people to send remittances to their family in Cuba, because the Western Union used to be the vehicle for doing that and they cant work there anymore. And you cant, well, travel is restricted by COVID, but even more by the restrictions that the US has put, that they can only fly to Havana. So if you have relatives in other parts of the country, you cant even fly to that part of the country. Medea Benjamin So my point is to say theyre not even doing anything that helps their own people. On the contrary, theyre doing things that really hurt the Cuban people. And the Biden administration hasnt done anything to ease the tensions, hasnt done anything to say that we want to go back to the Obama status quo. We want to help Cubans during this pandemic. And we know that Cuba has a lot of doctors who have traveled around the world to help during this pandemic, to deal with, to take care of people around the world. Medea Benjamin We find that admirable. We want to work with them on the vaccine that theyre just about to come out with. None of that. It maintains a total silence when it comes to any kind of breaking down of the barriers that Trump put in place, including the most ridiculous designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terror. Paul Jay I think this is so much about domestic politics, meaning mostly Florida politics, that even for the Cuban anti Castro community in Florida, its about domestic politics and not Cuba, because as you just pointed out, they actually dont care much about what really happens in Cuba. Paul Jay And I know. Ive met people, Ive been to Cuba a few times, and Ive talked to people who are real serious critics of the Cuban government, of the Communist Party, and they despise the community in Miami. I dont know if theres any support. They consider that community in Miami, not their relatives and such, but the people that are the leaders of the anti Castro faction in Miami, they despise them. Paul Jay They think that they have no understanding of Cuba. But I think its part of the political control. Its like a Cold War mentality they use to control the community, and then be able to direct the vote in terms of domestic elections and then gain some leverage and clout for themselves. Medea Benjamin Yes, and Bidens just recognizing that part of the Latinx community in Florida is going to be Republican. But there are so many others, like the tremendous influx of Puerto Ricans into Florida, that the Democrats could be courting and instead are fighting over this small segment of that population, which are the very conservative Cuban-Americans. On the other hand, oh sorry. Paul Jay Well, I was just going to say my memory at the time when Obama did re-establish the relations, that polling was showing a majority of Cubans in Florida support him. Medea Benjamin Right. Although new polling is now showing [crosstalk 00:34:07] policy towards Cuba. But I think that if there were, from the Biden administration, from the get go, a lifting of some of these sanctions, particularly ones that harm the diaspora, Cuban-Americans, he wouldnt have gotten pushback from that. So its another example of waiting too long and making it more and more difficult. Paul Jay All right, number six, this one actually might be the most important one on the list, but you have ramping up the Cold War with China. And of course, theres these meetings taking place now in Alaska and the rhetoric with China. I did an interview with former Ambassador Chas Freeman, who was actually the interpreter for Nixon in 72 when Nixon went to China and met with Mao Tse-tung. Paul Jay And Freeman saying so far, the Biden policy is just a more polite version of Trump. Otherwise its essentially as aggressive as Trump. Medea Benjamin Well it doesnt seem very polite anymore if you chose this meeting in Alaska. It not polite where Blinken publicly starts chastising the Chinese over human rights issues and the Chinese get furious and then launch into a whole tirade about the United States. So I am so surprised that thats the way that they would go about a public meeting. Medea Benjamin And it doesnt seem like it is even a more polite version, maybe in terms of the rhetoric inside the United States, that Biden is not trying to whip up the anti Asian sentiment that Trump was doing. But if you have an anti China policy overseas, that gets translated by a lot of not very smart Americans into anti Asian-American sentiment, and we see things like the horrific murders in Georgia, and the tremendous spike in anti Asian-American hate crimes, as part and parcel of a policy of looking at China and treating China and talking about China as the enemy. Paul Jay Again, more I expect for domestic politics than actual foreign policy, because what exactly are they really going to do about relations with China? The last thing on Earth American corporations want to do is get shut out of the Chinese market, which to many big American companies is even more valuable than the American market is right now, and of course, the global supply chains. Paul Jay So theres a lot of tough talk going on. And its not like the rivalry isnt real because, again, if you want to be the global hegemon, you got to be a hegemon in Asia, and that desire for primacy in Asia on behalf of the United States is driving this. On the other hand, theres no way theyre going to have primacy, certainly not hegemony. Medea Benjamin Its not just Asia. The Biden administration wants the US to be at the head of the global table, and doesnt like Chinas influence in Africa, Chinas influence in Latin America, Chinas influence all over the world with the Belt and Road initiative. Medea Benjamin While the US has its 800 plus military bases and building up its military, the Chinese have been building up the infrastructure in countries around the world and gaining a lot of power through that. So I think it is a grand power play. Medea Benjamin And the Biden mentality, in fact, Blinken has said that if the US isnt at the head of the table, then someone else is, i.e. China. And so this also dovetails into another one of the policies on the list of 10, which is the military budget. And I think there are those that profit so much from continuing with the building up of US high tech weapons and modernization of nuclear weapons, the ships in the South China Sea, that this is a great boon for the weapons industry. Medea Benjamin And that we see in the fact that Biden is about to come out with a budget that doesnt give us any kind of peace dividend, in fact, is going to be one that continues with this disgustingly over sized Pentagon budget. Paul Jay In the election campaign, on Bidens website, in the climate plan, there was a very interesting section on subsidization of fossil fuel, that Biden promised to stop subsidizing American fossil fuel, which I dont think theyve done yet, unless I missed something. Paul Jay But he raises the issue how are they going to stop other countries, and particularly China, but also other countries subsidizing fossil fuels? And in the context of that, they have a whole section of how countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative of China that are dependent, becoming more and more dependent on China for infrastructure funding, that the United States should provide an alternative form of funding. Paul Jay And my first reaction to that was, well, why would you position climate policy as a contention with China, when you better collaborate with China? But actually theres a part of it which is not so bad, which is if you want to compete with China, well, fine. Compete by offering more favorable financing, more favorable support for infrastructure projects. Paul Jay I mean, that would be a legitimate competition, and frankly, it wouldnt be bad for these countries to be able to play China and the US off against each other. But thats not what were hearing right now. What were hearing right now is just threats and rhetoric. Medea Benjamin Well thats right. Countries are already playing China and US off against each other. But one of the areas where were seeing a US China competition in a very dangerous way, is not only US surrounding China more with its military bases and its war games, but also forcing China to increase the money that they spend on their military. And theyve just come out with a very significant increase, which then justifies the US increase. Medea Benjamin And so here we are in the midst of this arms race, at a time when the American people can clearly see that the real threats that face us are not things that have military solutions. When you know that its the pandemic, its health care issues, its issues around the climate, the race issues, the white supremacy, a massive inequality. None of this can be solved through militarism. Medea Benjamin And yet having this Cold War rhetoric with China just doesnt allow for a shifting that must take place, of the money that we spend on these ridiculous high tech weapons, some of which dont even work like the F-35, or the ridiculous modernization of our nuclear weapons, instead of scrapping that and saying here are all the other other things we really need to address, this Cold War with China will keep us on this path of military spending down the black hole of billions and billions of US tax dollars. Paul Jay I think its important to add that the Chinese military industrial complex loves all this too. In fact, the Chinese and American military industrial complex, theyre in this morbid dance together, but, boy, they need each other. You cant justify, I keep going to this example because I just think its beyond ridiculousness. The plan is to build 14 Ford class aircraft carriers, American aircraft carriers, and I think its about 13 or 14 billion per aircraft carrier. Paul Jay And you cant justify that without a massive, major existential enemy. And the same thing goes for the Chinese. I saw a stat somewhere that of the 15 largest military arms manufacturers in the world, five are now Chinese. So the American arms manufacturers have a very willing dance partner on the other side. Medea Benjamin Thats right, and things are going up, and when you look at it, its not just building of their own militaries, its selling of weapons to countries around the world. And the US is certainly by far the number one in that. And here we go back to the tremendous hypocrisy of the United States to sell weapons not only to countries like Saudi Arabia, but to give them to Israel, to maintain its apartheid regime, to give them to Sisi, one of the most brutal dictators now in the Middle East. And you can go on in Egypt and and the Emirates, and on and on down the list. Medea Benjamin The US wants to come across when it meets with the Chinese to say we are the beacon for human rights. And when Biden says that human rights are going to be front and center of our foreign policy, but yet so much of our economy is tied up with selling or giving these weapons to undemocratic regimes around the world. Paul Jay And I think, right from the time after World War two of Truman on the Democratic Party, of course, the Republicans as well, but the Democratic Party, its policy has been very rooted in the need for militarization as an economic stimulus and everyone has heard these stories, how the arms manufacturers put manufacturing sites in every state and all this. Paul Jay Anyway. Its going to take a real I want to talk about what Im about to say a little more, at the end of this interview. But its going to take some real mass movement to shift on this, because everybody, all these traditional corporate parties are so vetted to all this. Paul Jay Okay, lets go to number seven. Now we talked about seven is failing to lift painful, illegal sanctions during the pandemic. Now weve talked about Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, anything you want to add to that? Medea Benjamin Yes, I think weve covered this. Perhaps just to say that there is a review that is supposedly being done by the Biden administration, to see how these sanctions have affected the countrys ability to deal with the pandemic. And that is taking too long. Were anxiously waiting for that review to come out, because I feel that that would be a face saving way for the Biden administration to lift at least some of these sanctions. Paul Jay And what Im about to say is not really connected to sanction, but its a pandemic issue. Ill just throw it in. But the fact that at the WTO, World Trade Organization, United States, Canada, Western Europe are refusing to allow India, South Africa and other countries in the South to produce vaccines and at least temporarily waive patent rights, its beyond belief. Paul Jay The tens of thousands of people dying, hundred thousand people dying, and more concerned about patent rights than the vaccine. But anyway, lets move on. Medea Benjamin Its disgusting. It reminded me of what happened during the AIDS tragedy, but this is affecting so many more people now. And yes, we are working with groups in the United States that are fighting this. And there are some bills in Congress fighting this. And also at the same time, bills in Congress saying that we have to ease up on the debts of these countries, so that they can have the money they need to purchase these as well. So that goes hand in hand. Paul Jay Right, and number eight, not doing enough to support peace and humanitarian aid for Yemen. Medea Benjamin Well, we talked a little bit about Yemen in terms of the Biden administration saying we were going to stop the sale of offensive weapons, but then theres the issue of humanitarian aid. And the Biden administration participated in a donors conference that happened recently, where the UN came and said, look, theres children dying every, I think its 75 seconds now in Yemen, as a result of starvation. Medea Benjamin And weve got to raise close to four billion dollars. And they came up with a total of 1.7 billion. Now, when you think of all the money the US is spending on so many other things, including a trillion dollars here to deal with the COVID relief, that we couldnt come up with four billion dollars to help the people in Yemen after we participated in, and our companies continue to make money from bombing these people, is something that is extremely disturbing. Medea Benjamin The other thing is that there is a blockade in Yemen that is keeping fuel from getting into that country and is stopping food and medicines from flowing freely. And that is imposed by the Saudis. The Biden administration has said, no, that doesnt exist. Well, a very brave CNN reporter snuck herself into Yemen and showed that indeed there are all of these ships in the waters outside Yemen that are not able to dock and unload. There are lines and lines of trucks waiting to get the fuel. Medea Benjamin They cant get it and then takes us into the hospitals to see the starving children. And your viewers might know of Jake Tapper, a very mainstream CNN anchor, and he tweeted out things, like the US is complicit in the starvation of Yemeni children. And I thought that was very important for somebody like him to say. And that we need to be pushing the Saudis, who continue to be our strong allies in the region, to lift this blockade, allow the fuel and the food to freely flow into Yemen, and then increase the amount of humanitarian aid we are giving. Paul Jay All right, number nine, failing to back President Moon Jae-ins diplomacy, the South Korean President, with North Korea. Medea Benjamin Well, I actually wrote that, there are some reports that came out that said that the Biden administration has actually made overtures to the North Korean government and the North Korean government didnt respond. And thats very interesting, too. I think its positive that they made the overtures. But the North Koreans were burned by Trump in the end after these high level meetings, and they didnt get anything from it. Medea Benjamin No peace treaty to end the Korean War that has never really ended since 1953. No relief in brutal sanctions. And so I think theyre very wary about going into talks without any kind of agreements beforehand, that North Korea is not going to just say, okay, were going to denuclearize, then what are you going to do for us? No, they want something up front, like a peace treaty or like a lifting of sanctions. Medea Benjamin And I think, again, this is in line of the other things we talked about how sanctions are so brutal. And in the case of North Korea, the US has also been stopping the North and South from interacting with each other in the ways they want, of the South Koreans wanting to reopen the case on a factory zone, that had been opened under Obama when they were working together, the North and the South in new trade relations. Medea Benjamin And the Biden administration is still stopping that North-South reconciliation from happening and is still continuing with the war games that the North Koreans find very threatening. Paul Jay Number 10 is no initiative to reduce the military budget. I actually want to Weve talked a bit about that already, so let me make a different number 10 if youre okay. Paul Jay And I actually think maybe this is even number one. I put China, too, in terms of importance. The fact that there seems to be not a modicum of movement to do anything about this trillion dollar expenditure that Obama pushed past to expand American nuclear weapons arsenal. Paul Jay The Russians, in response, are apparently going to spend a trillion dollars themselves. This is over the next 30 years. But most of that money is going to be spent apparently in the first 10 or 15 years of that. And now the Chinese are ramping up their nuclear arsenal, up until now that [crosstalk 00:52:33] and the British? And the Chinese up until now have been Paul Jay And its beyond insanity, I mean, up until now, the Chinese have been relatively sane, Im told, by people who know this issue. That theyve only had maybe 200 or 300 nuclear weapons, because thats actually all you need. In fact, because of nuclear winter, if anyone ever attacked you with nuclear weapons, you actually dont even have to counterattack because any major attack on any major country is enough to create nuclear winter that wipes out most of organized human society, and probably most humans on Earth. Paul Jay So the idea that more nuclear weapons somehow makes you safer, or has more of a deterrent, is just completely nuts. Im doing this project with Daniel Ellsberg based on his book Doomsday Machine, and hes come to the conclusion, and I dont know what other conclusion you can come to. Paul Jay Its just about money making, really its not about deterrence or anything else. If every country had maybe 50, these major countries had 40, 50 nuclear weapons, its more than enough of a deterrent, if thats really needed. But to have thousands, and to spend a trillion bucks, and all this talk from Trump and I havent heard that this is going away, this idea of low yield tactical victory, I think they I havent heard anything from the Biden administration that theyre not going to pursue with that, have you? Medea Benjamin No, on the contrary I think they are going to pursue that, and they used China as the pretext for that. And I think when we talk about this, it certainly is a massive money making scheme. But we also should recognize how much there has been an effort of the global community to try to reverse this from the ground up, with the treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons through the United Nations, and that the countries and the grassroots groups in countries around the world, have been saying no to nuclear weapons. Medea Benjamin And well, we talked a lot today about the push back at the Biden administration against Iran, that doesnt even have a nuclear weapon, while these major countries get away with not only keeping their nuclear weapons in violation of the nonproliferation treaty, but modernizing them, is something that really goes against the will of the vast majority of people around the world. Medea Benjamin And I think its wonderful that we do have this treaty for the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and it is something that we can work towards. Its obviously not going to be coming from the nuclear weapon states, but it is this groundswell of, I think, inspiring calls from the rest of the world to put the spotlight on the nuclear weapon states and to say that this is not what we in the global community want. Paul Jay All right, I got to say something off camera, quote unquote, here. Do you have time for another 10, 15 minutes of a separate segment? I want to talk about, or another time, I want to talk about why all of these issues weve just talked about are not more of an issue for the American left? Medea Benjamin Sure, we can do that. Paul Jay Yeah, Okay. So Medea and I, were going to do another segment to follow up on this, because were at an hour now, and what I want to talk about is why is it more of the American progressive community electorate, or whatever you want to call it, the left? Paul Jay Why isnt there more focus on all of these 10 issues? Why isnt there more attention paid to foreign policy? So join us for part two of this, on theAnalysis.news. Dont forget the donate button at the top of the webpage. Dont forget the subscribe button on YouTube, and see you in part two. Paul Jay Okay, hang on. Dont do anything. Were playing music now. Dont click or do anything. I have to hit the I have to stop this. Brian Head Welch defends Christian faith, but slams 'cult-like' fanaticism Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch has clarified comments he recently made about his faith early on in his Christian walk in which he described some of his actions as haphazard and those of a "fanatic." The rocker and evangelist took to Instagram over the weekend with a screen shot of an article in which the headline reads: Korns Brian Head Welch admits that he went too far with his Christian beliefs. A pull quote from the article is of Welch saying, There's nothing worse than a freaking irritating religious person just shoving it down your throat. Some have taken my words out of context, but I do have a tendency to ramble without articulating my hearts intent clear enough, which is typical when a person with A.D.D. tries to juggle the inflow of dozens of thoughts coming in at once, Welch wrote on Instagram alongside an image of the article's headline and pull quote. His comments were reported by the Consequence Of Sound, which were taken from an interview he had with MACHINE HEAD frontman Robb Flynn on his "No F------ Regrets With Robb Flynn" podcast. During that interview, Welch, who left Korn in early 2005 for a time, talked about when he decided to leave the band and announced that he kicked his drug and alcohol addictions and became a born-again Christian. Welch felt that some news reports about the interview interpreted his comments as him saying that religion became his "new addiction." The musician felt he needed to clarify his stance. Let me shed some more light here: I was trying to address my early fanaticism with Christianity. Do I regret taking some much-needed time away from Korn? Not at all. I enjoyed some of the best years of my life with my daughter, making precious memories with her I wouldnt have been able to make if I wouldve stayed, he wrote. But some of the choices I made were reminiscent of a true fanatic: I ripped Jennea out of public school because it wasnt a Christian school. One day, I left my house with her out of the blue and NEVER returned and I hired someone I barely knew to sell all of our furniture and bring our personal items to AZ; expensive items went missing of course! I joined a group of Christians in AZ that ended up resembling a cult and the leader squandered all my money away! He said he even gave his mother The Book of Christian Martyrs and told her that was who he wanted to be like. These are only a few of the fanatical decisions I made, and they did damage to Jennea and still affect her negatively in some ways to this day, said Welch, describing as a "cult-like mentality" and how that time affected his daughter. However, the California native said his relationship with Christ is something he has committed his life to. What I will never regret though, is giving my entire being to Christ and I will share my story until the day I die, Welch declared. Sharing your story of faith is way different than shoving scripture down peoples throats in a heartless way as I was trying to convey in this interview with our old friend Robb. Jesus Christ is my whole lifes foundation. When the storms come, AND THEY WILL COME, my life will not crumble because my foundation is very secure, he added. I have found true rest in the depths of my soul. Matthew 11:28; the first scripture that I found my first scripture tattoo came true for me in EVERY way. This life Ive discovered is so real! Im so glad Ive never walked away from Christ, like many have, AND I NEVER WILL! Take that you overly religious Christian haters. In his documentary, Loud Krazy Love, Welch talked about the strained relationship he had with his daughter due to his lifestyle and detailed his faith journey. Welch officially returned to Korn in 2013 and regularly shares his faith in Christ with others. The artist has since been very open about how God delivered him from addictions and restored his relationship with his daughter. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and the pandemic has not only motivated Vietnamese businesses to speed up digital transformation but also posed them the problem of advancing human resources to meet high-tech requirements. Has this put more pressure on businesses? Vo Tan Long, chief digital officer of PwC Consulting Vietnam When it comes to digital transformation, we immediately think about investing in something huge and expensive, but it is not quite so. Speaking of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, much of the conversation is about transformations with large capital investments. However, the revolution in technology and digital transformation is a story of data which radically changes human factors and business models. The human factor plays a central role in any transformation, which means that HR transformation will be the most important determinant of the success of an enterprises digital transformation project. This is not only about skills but also about culture, the employees outlook on their work, the perception and empowerment of employees, and on ensuring seamless cooperation between different departments. Employees will be on board with digital transformation only if technology makes their job more enjoyable, efficient, and they can get rewarded for the improved performance. Unless these conditions can be demonstrably met, businesses will not be able to get employees to buy-in. Of course, any transformation will change investment priorities. Maybe we have to spend more time training people, which entails incurring certain costs. However, with the tremendous benefits gained from optimising and minimising costs in workflow, and increasing employee productivity, these investments should not be a challenge to digital transformation. This is one of the factors that we need to consider when investing in digital transformation, including investment in HR transformation. How do you rate the ability of the current Vietnamese workforce to access technology? Vietnamese people are quite receptive to changes in technology. According to the PwC Vietnam report, optimism here is much higher than the global average. About 90 per cent of Vietnamese respondents believe that technological developments will improve their job prospects in the future, much higher than the global sentiment of 60 per cent. Vietnam is also one of the countries with a fairly strong STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) movement, which is a prerequisite for enhancing capacities in the digital transformation process. However, it should be noted that the working skills in the digital economy do not stop at understanding technology, it also requires soft skills, including the capacities for collaboration, initiative in work, as well as the ability to make decisions on the fly. But there remain certain challenges. The PwC report also revealed that 45 per cent of Vietnamese respondents expressed concerns about job security due to automation. According to International Labour Organization, only over 20 per cent of the Vietnamese workforce are skilled workers, and the remainder is a huge underutilised resource. In addition, small- and medium-sized enterprises will also face many difficulties related to investment in digital technology and training to improve the capacity of their workers. Can the technology and digital training institutions in Vietnam meet the demand for quality HR for the digital transformation process? There is never enough training in technology and skills for digital transformation. Most college graduates today will take some time to get onboarded to the economy. Therefore, we think that the connection between enterprises and training institutions is very important, not only at the university or college level but also vocational training. So far, there is a disparity in students future career path choices and the demand of the economy. In the past 10-15 years, economics, social, and financial majors have been very popular. Even the majority of Vietnamese students going abroad apply to study economics, marketing, or communications rather than IT, biochemistry, mechanics, automation, or robotics. While not everyone can participate in university training in IT, the opportunities to participate in the digital economy is open to everyone. What can governments and businesses do to maximise efficiency and improve employees digital skills? Working with a number of businesses in Vietnam, we realised many organisations struggle to find people with the right skills and knowledge for leadership positions in digital transformation, hence the constant demand for foreign experts in this area. However, immigration and travel restrictions during COVID-19 have put certain pressure on this shortage. This is just an example on how the government can help address this issue by establishing legal frameworks and setting the conditions for increasing the competitiveness of Vietnam in attracting digital skills to the country. It should go hand in hand with other measures in urban living conditions, safety and healthcare, tax treatment to individuals and enterprises participating in the digital economy. 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. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Joe Biden / Korea Times file Pyongyang's missile test aims to gain edge over US in nuke talks By Kang Seung-woo North Korea's launch of short-range missiles over the weekend is set to pressure the new U.S. administration to come up with a policy review favorable to the totalitarian state, according to diplomatic observers. However, they added that Pyongyang staged a toned-down provocation without defying international sanctions or shutting the door to diplomacy with the U.S., although it also means the country can go further should the U.S. mount its pressure on the regime. According to the South Korean and U.S. military authorities, Wednesday, the Kim Jong-un regime fired two cruise missiles off the west coast, Sunday, the first such launches since the inauguration of the Joe Biden administration in January. "We detected two projectiles presumed to be cruise missiles fired from the North's western port county of Onchon early Sunday," a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) official told reporters without elaborating on other details, including their exact type, flight range or apogee. The U.S. also acknowledged that the North Korean military activity was not in violation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions banning the country from testing ballistic missile technology. "North Korea surely has a sense that the Biden administration will try and rebuild a strong sanctions regime with the intended goal of putting more pressure on the Kim regime," said Harry Kazianis, a senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest. South Korea holds emergency National Security Council meeting on North Korea's projectile launch North Korea fires 2 short-range ballistic missiles into East Sea: JCS North Korea conducted short-range missile test Latest North Korean missile launches not covered by UN resolutions: US officials "Pyongyang, through these new missile tests, is signaling to Team Biden that its military capabilities will continue to get more potent with each passing day. Even with a pandemic and international sanctions still in place, North Korea still can cause the death of millions of people in minutes, and any missile test of any range or scope only reinforces such a terrifying reality." "North Korea has a familiar menu of provocations when it wants to send a message to a U.S. administration," a U.S. senior official said. This footage, aired by the North Korean Korean Central Television on July 26, 2019, shows a short-range missile being fired from a transporter erector launcher on the Hodo Peninsula near the eastern coastal town of Wonsan the previous day. Yonhap Believing that the missile launch was intended to influence the ongoing U.S. review of policy toward North Korea, Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University, said North Korea likely made the launch following a heated U.S.-China meeting last week in Anchorage, Alaska. "After witnessing the U.S. and China trading barbs in Anchorage, I think North Korea likely thought China could protect it from the U.S.," Park said. The Biden administration is still conducting its policy review of North Korea and is expected to finish up in the coming weeks, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Without knowing what the U.S. will decide about its policy, the North Korean missile tests fell on the low end of that spectrum of military activities, according to the U.S. official, who said the launch was not in breach of UNSC resolutions. "Due to the ongoing policy review, North Korea likely tried to find an optimal way to send a message to the U.S. without facing any punitive measures," Park said. In response to the missile tests, President Biden shrugged off the launch. "Nothing much has changed," he said, Tuesday (local time). "It's business as usual." He added that the missile launch was not considered a provocation. Saying that the belated announcement of the North Korean missile tests was the Biden administration's "willful ignorance" to grab the initiative in its nuclear talks with North Korea, Park said the missile tests may have paid off to some extent. They were the North's first missile launches in about a year and could also be designed to remind the new U.S. administration of its existence. But a JCS official said, "The latest firings might be seen as part of its ongoing wintertime military exercise. There is nothing more that we feel the need to explain." The Joint Chiefs of Staff here waited until Wednesday to confirm the launches in what appears a concerted campaign to downplay the North's provocations. "We detected two projectiles presumed to be cruise missiles fired in Onchon, South Pyeongan Province" on March 21, they said. The government of U.S. President Joe Biden also dismissed the launches, saying the missiles were so insignificant that they are not covered by UN sanctions. Officials told Reuters the Biden administration "was close to a conclusion of its policy review of North Korea and that the national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will discuss it next week with his counterparts in Japan and South Korea." On Tuesday, the government here also downplayed the recent deployment of multiple rocket launchers by North Korea on Changrin Island just north of the Northern Limit line in the West Sea. The deployment arguably nixes a cross-border military agreement from 2018 that commits the neighbors to a wider buffer zone. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's younger sister Yo-jong last week threatened to scrap the agreement. Changrin Island lies only 40-50 km from South Korea's Baeknyeong and Yeonpyeong Islands. There are more than 20 military barracks there, and the 122 mm-caliber rocket launchers are pointed at the South Korean islands. They have a range of 65 km, compared to coastal guns' mere 20 km, which puts the two South Korean islands easily within range and effectively invalidates the military agreement to cease "hostile" activity near the border. But Defense Ministry spokesman Bu Seung-chan told reporters on Tuesday, "It doesn't seem appropriate to conclude that a mere deployment of specific weapons is a violation or incapacitation of the 2018 military agreement. Such a thing isn't even included in the agreement." The Pompano Club is offering summer pool memberships and gearing up for warmer weather after a refresh with new owners. A new ownership group that also included owners of the Neches River Wheelhouse in Port Neches acquired the club at 330 Twin City Highway in 2020. Since then, new ownership has been at work hosting events, giving the Pompano a new look and preparing the club for an opening of its pool on May 8. Related: Port Neches restaurant, event center undergoes renovations The Pompano Club, which was rebranded as Bentons in 2018 after Tropical Storm Harvey, was renovated in 2019 with help from a $50,000 grant by the Port Neches Economic Development Corp. Sisters Beth DeVillier, Catherine Bruney and their families took over the business in 2008 after the death of their father, Ed Hughes, and had plans to keep the club running for a new generation as a public restaurant with pool access for seasonal members. It closed in May 2020 after lockdowns from the COVID-19 pandemic, ending 45 years of business. The return of the club will mean an extension of a legacy that goes back decades. The building had been operating as a private dining club since before Hughes purchased it in 1978. Pho Crystal, a new Vietnamese eatery in Beaumonts northwest end, is now open for business. The new restaurant had a soft-opening starting March 16, offering a limited version of its extensive menu of traditional noodle soups and other dishes. Pho Crystal has been under development since the Major Event Center, which it is connected to on North Major Drive, opened in fall 2019. The new retail strip added Peoples Urgent Care as a tenant in spring 2020. Jenny Nguyen, property manager for the new space and the Crystal Grocery retail center next door, told the Enterprise in 2019 that the restaurant would be a family-run project, focused on bringing a convenient, but unique lunch and dinner spot to North Major Drive. Just down the street from new developments and apartments on North Major drive, a longtime convenience store is closing. The Neighborly convenience store has posted a closing banner outside its storefront at 1265 N. Major Drive. The store is in the same center as a Donut Palace location and the Bayou Cafe. Senior-focused medical centers that recently opened in Beaumont and Port Arthur have changed brands from Partners in Primary Care to CenterWell Senior Primary Care. The name change to CenterWell is being made to better reflect the unique patient-centered approach to caring for seniors, addressing their physical and mental health, as well as social service issues like food and housing insecurity, according to the company. Related: Senior-focused care provider expands in SE Texas CenterWell is a subsidary of Humana Inc. but accepts patients with various insurances and federal health plans. The CenterWell senior-focused care facilities include 41 centers that have been branded as Partners in Primary Care, and 24 centers that have operated under the Family Physicians Group brand. CenterWell Senior Primary Care is in a period of rapid growth, with 15 new centers opened in the last year, and as many as 20 expected to open this year and into early 2022. A clinic officially opened at 4886 Dowlen Road in Beaumont at the end of December after the group opened an office at 8555 Memorial Blvd. in Port Arthur a month earlier. The subsidiary announced plans last June to open several new clinics, including five in the metro Houston area, the two clinics in Southeast Texas and two in the Shreveport-Bossier City area of Louisiana. In all, the plan calls for 20 new facilities to open within the year. There were 48 primary care centers located throughout Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Florida at the time of the announcement. Humana also operates more than 90 senior-focused primary care facilities under the Conviva brand, primarily located in South Florida and South Texas. The Conviva primary care centers are not changing to the CenterWell brand, according to the company. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jd_journalism NORTH HAVEN Environmental consultants warn the construction of a proposed private school on Ridge Road would harm nearby wetlands, threatening vulnerable species and leading to possible algal blooms. But the project applicant, Slate School, which already has one North Haven location, contends the project would have no negative wetlands impact, and claims calculations used to inform the concerns are erroneous. The environmental analysis and calculations, which suggest the development would load nitrogen into adjacent wetlands at concentrations significantly higher than a healthy stream can handle, were commissioned on behalf of residents opposed to the construction. With a vote set for Wednesday evening on whether to forward the project to the Planning & Zoning Commission, members of the North Haven Inland Wetlands Commission will decide which side they believe. A petition opposing the development has gained roughly 150 signatures from residents of North Haven and neighboring Hamden, according to Gary de Simone, who lives next-door to the proposed site and has helped lead efforts against the development. If approved, Slate School would repurpose a decommissioned church at 5100 Ridge Road and construct a second building to create Slate Upper School, serving approximately 90 students in grades 7-12. The campus would act as the counterpart to Slate Lower School, Slates nearby K-6 campus at 124 Mansfield Road, which also drew opposition when it was proposed in 2017. Slate Schools learning model is centered around the environment. The organization has won multiple awards for environmental stewardship at its Mansfield Road campus, according to an email signed by founder Jennifer Staple Clark and Head of School Julie Mountcastle. As we had done since inception at our Lower School campus at 124 Mansfield Road, we are specifically working to improve the ecological health of the property at 5100 Ridge Road, the email said, also pointing out the project had received more than 200 letters of support. Environmental concerns To the north of the Ridge Road property, a narrow stream makes its way past a row of pine trees. According to Sigrun Gadwa, a soil scientist, botanist and former executive director of the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association, that watercourse feeds into a larger stream that supports vulnerable species including caddisflies, black flies and stoneflies. The surrounding wetlands also are home to native plants including fern, skunk cabbage, sedge tussocks and a variety of trees, she said. Megan Raymond, a wetlands scientist advising Slate School, testified at an IWC public hearing that there will be no negative consequences to the wetlands system northwest of the site. Therell be no adverse impacts on the physical characteristics of this wetlands system as a result of the proposed project, she said during the Feb. 24 meeting, online footage shows. She further argued that the existing development, which includes the church and a parking lot, has no stormwater management system. Were seeking to implement modern and effective management tools to protect the water quality of this receding wetland that does exist to the northwest, she said. But Gadwa believes the proposed development could seriously damage the wetlands. While she did not testify at the public hearing, Gadwa is an associate of George Logan, a consultant hired by those opposed to the project, who offered the IWC an assessment similar to hers. If Slate School goes forward, according to Gadwa, nitrogen loading from the septic system could overfertilize adjacent wetlands, causing invasive species such as phragmites to outcompete native plants. Nitrate contamination of the headwater stream also likely would lead to eutrophication and algal blooms, she said. Gadwa based her analysis on calculations performed by Clinton Brown of Loureiro Engineering Associates, a firm hired on behalf of the residents opposed to the project. Brown estimated that under proposed conditions, nitrates would enter the wetlands at a concentration of 32.4 mg/L. The Environmental Protection Agencys safe drinking water limit is 10 mg/L. And according to Gadwa, clean streams typically have nitrate levels of 1 mg/L or less. A dispute over calculations Thomas Daly, an engineer working on the Slate School proposal, called Browns calculations erroneous. He said they failed to account for an offsite watershed area that would further dilute the nitrate concentrations before they reached the wetland. He also challenged Browns methodology, which was based on a 2006 manual from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, titled Guidance for Design of Large-Scale On-Site Wastewater Renovation Systems. The methodology cant be extrapolated to such a small system, he said, contending that method is intended for systems handling more than 7,500 gallons per day, as opposed to Slate Schools proposed 990 gallons per day. The engineer likened the scenario to applying the Department of Transportations highway construction guidelines to a parking lot. On the other hand, Brown, who did not return requests for comment, defended his calculation methods during the February public hearing. It is the opinion of the authors of the 2006 (DEEP) documents that the principals of that document apply to all systems regardless of size, he said, according to footage of the meeting. Meanwhile, Logan said Slate School could have performed its own nitrogen loading analysis. They could have counteracted it and said, youve done it wrong, Logan said. But Daly said the project size did not require such an analysis. Why should we be held to a standard that nobody else in the state of Connecticut is held to? he said. The reason why you dont do that is because the public code for smaller systems has been developed in a way thats highly conservative. Next steps If the IWC approves Slate Schools proposal Wednesday, approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission represents the last major hurdle to construction, according to North Haven Town Planner Alan Fredricksen. The projects septic system also would need final approval from the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, according to Director Karen Wolujewicz. An exemption from the state Department of Public Health, which is required because the project would use a single septic system for two buildings, already has been granted, the agency confirmed. Staff for the DEEP were not aware of any proposal elements requiring the agencys approval, according to spokesman Will Healey. Wetlands are in the towns jurisdiction, he noted. Because the proposed site is within an Aquifer Protection Area, however, the DEEP did seek assurances from the town that the groundwater will continue to be a priority and protected, Healey said. Information on how to view Wednesday nights IWC meeting, scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. via Zoom, can be found on North Havens website. meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com TOLO News, March 23, 2021 By Anisa Shaheed Members of a family in Kabul claimed that a nine-year-old girl in their family and her friend, who were studying at a religious studies center in Kabul, were raped by a man on Monday morning. One of the girls, who is nine years old, is being treated at a hospital in Kabul following the incident. Her family said that her mother did not have the money to pay for her treatment after they realized that she was feeling ill. Police confirmed the arrest of a man in Kabuls district 3 in the Kart-e-Sakhi area on rape charges. Zainab (a pseudonym) is in the third year of school and claims that it was the first time that she went to the center for religious studies but the man raped her and another girl. There were other students. All left. I was left alone with another young student. She was the same age as my sister. First, he raped her and then did the same with me, Zainab said. He was hiding himself at another home. There were three other men, too. He was in another room, Zainab said. Zainabs family took her to the house where the incident happened, and she identified the suspect. The place where he was teaching is a house. We found him there. We called the police and handed him to the police, said Sediqa, Zainabs aunt. Police said that they are waiting for the forensic medicines results on the matter. The Latest: Philippine leader orders mayors investigated View Photo MANILA, Philippines The Philippine president has ordered at least nine city and town mayors investigated for possible charges after they reportedly jumped ahead of a priority list led by 1.7 million health workers and got injected with COVID-19 vaccine amid a shortage in supply. President Rodrigo Duterte said in a televised meeting Wednesday night with key Cabinet members that aside from the mayors, the son of an actress also got immunized. He expressed fears that the Philippines may lose the chance to get more donated vaccines arranged by the World Health Organization if its conditions would continue to be violated. We were told by the WHO country representative, `if you do not follow the list of priority, you might lose the assistance of the WHO, Duterte said. It wasnt followed because I heard even the son of an actress got it. Its always the favored few. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III reported to Duterte that just slightly more than 508,000 of a total 1.7 million doctors, nurses and other health workers have been immunized and added that only 1.5 million vaccine doses, all donated by China and the WHO, have arrived in the country so far. The government program to inoculate about 70 million adult Filipinos has faced delays, supply problems, public hesitancy and widespread criticism. After health workers, the next in line of priority include elderly Filipinos and people with non-COVID-19 illnesses like diabetes and the poor. ___ THE VIRUS OUTBREAK: VACCINES: More than 85.4 million people, or 25.7% of the U.S. population, have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some 46.3 million people, or 14% of the population, have completed their vaccination. CASES: The seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. decreased over the past two weeks from 56,045 on March 9 to 53,308 on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. DEATHS: The seven-day rolling average for daily new deaths in the U.S. decreased over the past two weeks decreased from 1,557 on March 9 to 940 on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Fauci: Positive signs with vaccinations, but U.S. not turning corner yet on coronavirus Bono, Penelope Cruz, David Oyelowo star in animated series on vaccine importance 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: SALT LAKE CITY Utahs mask mandate will end April 10 after the Republican governor signed a bill that lays out a new timeline for lifting some of the states COVID-19 restrictions. Masks orders will remain in place for schools and gatherings of more than 50 people. Businesses can also choose to require them. Gov. Spencer Cox signed the measure on Wednesday, the same day that vaccinations opened to all people aged 16 and older. New coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in Utah have been on a downward trend since January. According to state data, more than 438,000 of the states 3.2 million residents have been fully vaccinated. ___ The U.S. has now surpassed 30 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. Coronavirus cases nationwide reached 30,001,245 on Wednesday, nearly three months after the country hit 20 million. COVID-19 related deaths now total more than 545,000. The new milestone comes as public health experts show cautious optimism three months into the U.S. vaccination rollout. It is believed that 70% of Americans 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine and COVID-19 deaths are below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November. The federal government is dramatically ramping up vaccine production and several states have already expanded vaccination eligibility to people age 16 and up. More than 124 million cases have been confirmed worldwide. ___ TOPEKA, Kan. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has signed legislation rewriting state laws for managing the coronavirus pandemic and future emergencies even though she believes it could hinder disaster response efforts. The measure Kelly signed Wednesday extends the state of emergency for the pandemic until May 28 instead of letting it expire March 31. Kelly cited the extension in announcing her action. The measure also leaves counties in charge of mask mandates and other restrictions. But in the states second most populous county of Sedgwick County, the county commission ended its remaining COVID-19 restrictions. Commissioners had said the measure signed by Kelly makes it more likely it would lose lawsuits over such restrictions. The measure says anyone aggrieved by local restrictions during a pandemic or other emergency can file a lawsuit challenging them and the case must be heard within 72 hours. ___ TOPEKA, Kan. Kansas says it will be receiving only a fraction of the 100,000 doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine for COVID-19 that it had expected next week. The state Department of Health and Environment said Wednesday that it will receive 16,500 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine when it had expected 100,000 doses. The department said production issues mean that the promised doses might not be ready to ship to Kansas until the second or third week of April. Gov. Laura Kelly had cited the expected arrival of the Johnson & Johnson vaccines last week in announcing that Kansas would make eligible for inoculations all residents from 16 through 64 who have medical conditions that would put them at risk of serious complications or death from COVID-19. The state had been limiting shots to people 65 and older, along with essential workers, as part of a second phase of its vaccine distribution. ___ SAO PAULO, Brazil Brazil has reached 300,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and become the second nation to top that figure. The United States hit the same milestone on Dec. 14, but it has a larger population. Wednesdays coronavirus figures from the Brazilian health ministry added another 2,009 deaths to the countrys tally, which local media say is an undercount. On Tuesday, Brazil hit a single-day record of 3,251 COVID-19 deaths and authorities fear that April could be as grim as March in the countrys overwhelmed hospitals. Brazil added 100,000 deaths to its tally in only 75 days, a spike health experts have blamed on a lack of political coordination, new variants that spread more easily and a disregard for health protocols in many parts of the country. ___ WARSAW, Poland Amid a spike in new COVID-19 cases, Polands health and Catholic Church authorities have appealed to all parish priests to strictly observe an attendance limit and distancing at church services, especially during the Easter holiday. Health Minister Adam Niedzielski and Secretary General of Polands Episcopate, Bishop Artur Mizinski, said in Wednesdays appeal that they were driven by concern for the life and health of all Poles. We must not remain indifferent in the face of the rising number of new infections, they said and stressed the need to strictly observe the rules and sanitary requirements. They said that was the necessary condition to avoid new restrictions that would be tougher than the current lockdown of hotels, shopping malls, theaters and sports centers. On Wednesday, the nation of 38 million inhabitants recorded its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases in the pandemic, reaching almost 30,000. There were 575 deaths. There have been reports that not all churches are observe pandemic rules. Photos have circulated of ruling party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski and other officials failing to observe the required distance at a memorial Mass for Kaczynskis late mother in a church in Starachowice in central Poland. Easter, this year on April 4-5, and the week leading to it, are a time when Poles throng churches for prayers and Mass. ___ BATON ROUGE, La. Louisiana will end its limits Monday on which adults can receive the coronavirus vaccine, giving access to anyone 16 and older who wants to schedule an appointment. Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards made the announcement as vaccine supplies grow and immunization appointments go unused. Louisiana is joining a growing list of states that are throwing open vaccine access to any adult interested in a shot. Edwards says Louisiana also will significantly ramp up its large community vaccination events to try to reach more people and make it easier for them to obtain the immunizations. ___ BOISE, Idaho The governor of Idaho has said COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will be open to all Idaho residents 16 and up starting April 5. Republican Gov. Brad Little made the move three weeks ahead of schedule. He also said people with at least one medical condition will be able to get the vaccine starting Monday, about two weeks ahead of schedule. Currently eligible for the vaccine are those 55 and older, healthcare workers, long-term care facility staff and residents, first responders, K-12 teachers and school staff, and frontline essential workers. ___ WAILUKU, Hawaii A hospital on Maui had to throw out nearly 1,400 vaccine doses after a refrigerator thawing the vials did not properly seal. A low-temperature refrigerator holding doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Maui Memorial Medical Center was not closed properly, and the vaccines were compromised over the weekend. Officials at the hospital said enough supply remains to keep all current vaccination appointments. Vaccines are locked in a freezer before being transferred to the low-temperature refrigerator to be thawed. The doses were put in the refrigerator on Friday in preparation for this weeks vaccinations. Staff members discovered the door was not sealed on Monday. Hawaii has distributed 832,800 coronavirus vaccines, or about 58,819 for every 100,000 residents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 16% of the states population has completed their vaccination. ___ BERLIN Austrian authorities plan to close nonessential shops and businesses such as hairdressers in three eastern regions from April 1 to April 6 over Easter as they attempt to flatten a rise in coronavirus infections. Health Minister Rudolf Anschober said that the aim is a cooling-down phase in the capital, Vienna; the surrounding province of Lower Austria; and neighboring Burgenland province, on the Hungarian border. The three eastern provinces are a cause of particular concern because of the rapid spread of a more contagious virus variant first detected in Britain. Austria has an overall infection rate of 247 new cases per 100,000 residents over the past week. The rate is closer to 300 in the eastern provinces. The national rate is more than twice that in neighboring Germany, where authorities initially decided on a five-day nationwide shutdown over Easter but then abandoned the idea because of logistical and legal concerns. ___ NEW YORK More than three months into the U.S. vaccination drive, 70% of Americans 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Also, COVID-19 deaths have dipped below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November. Dozens of states have thrown open vaccinations to all adults or are planning to do so in a matter of weeks. More than 43% of Americans 65 and older the most vulnerable age group, accounting for an outsize share of the nations more than 540,000 confirmed coronavirus deaths have been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. The number of older adults showing up in emergency rooms with COVID-19 is down significantly. Vaccinations overall have ramped up to 2.5 million to 3 million shots per day. The outlook in the U.S. stands in stark contrast to the deteriorating situation in places like Brazil and Europe. At the same time, public health experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci in the U.S. are warning its too early to declare victory and relaxing social distancing and other measures could easily lead to another surge. ___ MADRID Spains top health official has warned the country is at risk of another spike in coronavirus infections that has already struck many parts of Europe. We are facing a decisive moment, Health Minister Carolina Darias said after meeting with Spains regional health chiefs on Wednesday. We must invert this tendency. We have to intensify our efforts. Darias says the spread of the more contagious variants is pushing up infections across Spain. A nightly curfew and other restrictions on movement had put a cap on infections until two weeks ago, when the figures started to increase. Darias made her appeal alongside Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, who said police will be extra vigilant to enforce bans on travel between regions and unauthorized social gatherings for next weeks Easter holidays. Our goal is to save lives, says Grande-Marlaska. Also Wednesday, thousands of Spaniards lined up to get AstraZeneca shots again, the latest country to restart the vaccine after its credibility suffered a series of recent setbacks. Spain reported more than 7,000 infections in the past 24 hours and 320 deaths, increasing the confirmed death toll to more than 74,000. ___ ANKARA, Turkey Turkey has received approximately 1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine and will begin administering shots next week. Turkeys health minister Fahrettin Koca announced on Twitter that Turkey received delivery of some 750,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday and 700,000 more arrived on Wednesday. Turkey is set to receive a total of 4.5 million doses of the vaccine. Turkey rolled out its vaccination program in January after authorities approved the emergency use of the vaccine developed by Chinas Sinovac company. More than 14 million shots have been administered so far. Some 6 million people have received their two doses. The country of 83 million aims to provide vaccines to 50 million people by the fall. ___ WASHINGTON Dr. Anthony Fauci isnt ready to say the nation has turned the corner on the coronavirus pandemic, despite about 2.5 million Americans getting vaccinated each day. The governments top infectious disease expert says he often gets asked that question. His response: We are at the corner. Whether we or not we are going to be turning the corner remains to be seen. At the White House coronavirus briefing on Wednesday, Fauci says the main challenge remains a stubbornly high level of new daily cases in the country. Its hovering around an average of 55,000 and up slightly in recent days. While that is clearly much better than the 250,000 daily cases at the peak of the winter wave, its uncomfortably close to levels seen during the COVID wave of last summer. When you are at that level, I dont think you can declare victory and say you have turned the corner, Fauci adds. On the plus side, along with the growing level of vaccinations, Fauci is underscoring recent studies that show negligible rates of coronavirus infection among fully vaccinated people. Theres also been a significant drop in the number of people 65 and older going to the emergency room with COVID-19. Thats the age group most vulnerable to the disease. By The Associated Press Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Democrats, whipped into a frenzy by shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, are once again coming for the Second Amendment. The Constitution, the relative rarity of mass shootings, the overwhelmingly positive use to which people put guns none of that matters. The Democrats want an unarmed population, and they will use whatever opportunity presents itself to achieve that goal. Joe Biden freely professed his ignorance about events in Boulder but was certain that taking guns from law-abiding citizens was the fix: I want to be very clear. This is the one thing I do know enough to say on in terms of what's happened there. While we are still waiting for more information regarding the shooter, his motive, the weapons he used, the guns, the magazines, the weapons, the modifications that apparently have taken place with those weapons involved here, I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common sense steps to save lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act. We can ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines in this country once again. I got that done when I was a Senator. It passed, it was the law for the longest time...we should do it again. Biden was not alone. All the usual suspects insisted that Americans must give up their guns because two light-skinned people (one of whom turned out to be a Syrian Muslim), both of whom were evil, used guns to kill people. Tucker Carlson ably sums up the compulsive urge to seize guns, with help from Colion Noir: I'd like to add a few points to what Carlson and Noir said. First, the Democrats treat the Second Amendment as a privilege, which is something that can be taken away for bad behavior. It is not a privilege; it's a right. Arguably, it's the most important right in the Constitution, which may be why it's the only one of the original rights to be given its own amendment. The Founders understood that all the other rights are meaningless if there's no way to ensure that the government will respect them. The Second Amendment creates that respect. Second, as Colion Noir's shirt says, every adult citizen is a member of the militia, so don't let leftists confuse you by saying that only the military or members of a formal militia may have weapons. The understanding when the Second Amendment was ratified was that all voting-age White men were automatically members of the militia. As America expanded that definition to include women and Blacks, they were all encompassed into the body of people who should be armed so that, if necessary, they can come together quickly for defense. Third, the racism behind the Democrats' anti-gun pushes is always shocking. Every single day in Democrat-run cities, youths usually Black or Hispanic shoot at and often succeed in killing each other or, worse, innocent bystanders. These killings never lead to serious calls for gun control. Inner-city people are fungible if they keep voting Democrat. Fourth, if Democrats succeed in taking weapons from individual Americans, the only armed people in America will be government employees. That's bad enough, but, as you've noticed, the Democrats are working hard to turn the military, which has always been a non-partisan entity, into a branch of the statist-oriented Democrat party. Over the past 120 years, no one has been as deadly as the government against an unarmed citizenry. Instead of deaths in the tens, governments routinely kill their citizens in the tens of millions. Fifth, a CDC study done during the Obama administration proved how narrowly focused leftists are. While they obsess about statistically minute numbers of mass shootings of white people, the study showed that every year, guns are used defensively between 500,000 and 3 million times each year and that's just the uses that make it into law enforcement records. The Heritage Foundation has been tracking defense uses for the last year, and it's impressive. Sixth, Biden, Harris, and every Congress critter or Hollywood star calling for your guns lives behind fences and has armed guards. Indeed, all of Congress is now hidden behind fences and armed guards. None intends to give that up when these people strip you of your Second Amendment rights. We do not live in a caste society or an aristocracy, so why should they have a right you don't? There are many more arguments to be made against the Democrats' desperation to disarm you, but these arguments are a start. Donate to a gun rights organization and call your senators and House representatives. If the camel gets its nose through the tent on the current initiatives, you can be guaranteed that the whole camel will follow soon, and your guns will go. Image: Docrock's American Revolution with modern weapons internet meme. Ryan Patrick, the former U.S attorney for the Southern District of Texas, has joined international corporate law firm Hayes and Boone, the firm announced this week. Patrick, the son of Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, joined as a partner to handle White Collar and Government Investigations Practices and will be based at the firms Houston office, according to a news release. As U.S. Attorney, Ryan worked with the Department of Justice, FBI and other federal agencies to successfully handle many complex criminal investigations, Haynes and Boone Managing Partner Taylor Wilson said in a news release. The knowledge he gained in these cases, along with his experience as a state district judge, give him a unique set of skills that will benefit our clients. Patrick began his career as an assistant district attorney in Harris County. He was appointed in 2012 as the presiding judge over the 177th District Court and was later elected to a full four-year term. In 2018, he became the 23rd presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. He was asked to resign after Joe Biden was elected president a common occurrence when the occupant of the White House belongs to a different party than the predecessor. During his time as U.S. Attorney, prosecutors in his office charged nearly 25,000 defendants in almost 22,000 cases. Patrick led a staff of more than 450 people, including more than 200 lawyers, with an annual budget of more than $40 million, the release said. I look forward to the opportunity to help Haynes and Boone continue to grow its White Collar and Government Investigations Practices, Patrick said in the news release. I know how the DOJ and federal prosecutors handle investigations, and I know many of the key players involved, both in Texas and in Washington, D.C. I look forward to putting this knowledge to use on behalf of Haynes and Boones clients. julian.gill@chron.com julian.gill@chron.com 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. Saudi Arabia's National Water Company (NWC) said it has invited bids from prequalified consortiums for the operation and maintenance of water and sewage treatment plants in the kingdom's Eastern Cluster, which covers more than 12 cities and governorates. The operation and management contract will be implemented in coordination with the private sector, it stated. Issuing the specifications for the management contract to local and international pre-qualified consortia, NWC said this was the third contract to be tendered within a short period. The company had in December last year, tendered the second operation and maintenance management contracts for the Central Region with the deadline for receiving bids set in April. The first operation and maintenance contract was for the Northwestern Cluster, comprising the regions of Madinah and Tabuk, which was awarded to a Saudi-French-Philippine consortium for a seven-year period. On the Eastern Cluster contract, NWC said it contains key indicators to be reached, the most important of which are: improving and developing customer experience; raising operational efficiency through prorating costs, reducing water waste, and improving network management, in addition to contributing to financial sustainability. The Saudi company expects to begin receiving the tenders in June to assess them and complete the contracting procedures with the winning consortium. The winning consortium will supervise the development, management, operation and maintenance of water and sanitary drainage systems in addition to management and development of customer services, bill collection, leakage reduction, training, qualifying and developing current staff, and upgradation of the performance of the water and sewage drainage sectors in the Eastern Cluster, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Finland and Iceland announced Wednesday their senior citizens will again be able to have the AstraZeneca vaccination against COVID-19, after halting the jabs over blood clot fears. "There is no increased risk of very rare blood clots for people older than 65 after having the vaccination," said Finland's THL health agency. "Vaccination in this age bracket can thus go ahead," from Monday. As a precaution while tests continue, the vaccine will remain suspended for those aged under 65, the agency added. In Reykjavik, Health Minister Svandis Svavarsdottir had similar "good news", saying those over 70 could again take the AstraZeneca jab. Iceland halted its use of the vaccine on March 11the same day as Norway and Denmarkamid reports of post-jab side effects. The EU drugs regulator EMA last week said the vaccine was "safe and effective" and not linked to a higher risk of blood clots. Numerous European countries quickly followed EMA recommendations and lifted their suspensions. Nordic countries decided to carry out further checks. Denmark and Sweden are due to report their findings on Thursday, followed by Norway on Friday. Iceland also announced schools and universities will be closed in a bid to halt a jump in the number of COVID-19 cases after hopes the worst was over. Limits on gatherings will be tightened to 10 people from 50, except in supermarkets. The new measures will be in force from Wednesday evening and see bars, pools, gyms and nightclubs shut. Restaurants will be able to serve until 2200 GMT. "The situation calls for tougher measures," said Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Eight days after a gunman killed eight people inside three Atlanta-area spas, students and community members held a vigil on the campus of the University of Central Florida on Tuesday evening to denounce anti-Asian hate. The event includes a sermon, speakers, an open forum an a lantern ceremony. Six of the eight victims were Asian American: Soon Chung Park, 74 Hyun Jung Grant, 51 Suncha Kim, 69 Yong Yue, 63 Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33, of Acworth Paul Andre Michels, 54, of Atlanta Xiaojie Yan, 49, of Kennesaw Daoyou Feng, 44 One survivor, Elcias R. Hernandez-Ortiz, 30, of Acworth, was injured with gunshot wounds and is in the hospital. Las Catalinas / Las Catalinas Undaunted, vaccinated and ready to travel, Americans around the country are looking to make moves. According to the Transportation Security Administration, more than 1,543,115 travelers were screened at U.S. airports last Sunday, March 21, making it the busiest travel day in the U.S. since March 13, 2020. American travelers packed airports and planes over spring break, according to the TSA. Over the past 11 consecutive days, the TSA has seen an uptick of 1-million-plus travelers boarding flights. San Francisco police have arrested a suspect in what theyre calling an unprovoked attack on three Asian men near Nob Hill on Monday, an altercation that began after one of the victims witnessed the suspect allegedly following two Asian women. Michael Lopez, 43, was booked into San Francisco County Jail on Monday. San Francisco prosecutors filed charges on Wednesday including assault with a deadly weapon, battery, making criminal threats and possession of methamphetamine. Police said they are still investigating whether the assaults can be deemed hate crimes. The case is among the latest in a rash of high-profile violence on Asian Americans both in the Bay Area and across the U.S. and as local and national leaders grapple with how to protect the community against race-based attacks. Mondays assaults come in the wake of a string of attacks on older Asian people in the Bay Area, and a week after a mass shooting in Atlanta killed eight people, six of them women of Asian descent. Just before 8 a.m. Monday, San Francisco police officers responded to the area of Polk and Clay streets on a report of someone attacking people. Once on scene, police found the three Asian men who said the same man had physically attacked them. The first man told police he witnessed the suspect following two unidentified Asian females, and that the suspect threw an object at the pair as they began to run away from him, striking one of the women in the back. Lopez then turned his attention on the first victim, police said, and approached him while threatening violence. The victim said he pepper-sprayed the suspect, who then brandished a broomstick and approached the victim again. The first victim pepper-sprayed Lopez a second time, police said. Shortly after that, the suspect approached the second victim. Police said Lopez was assaulting the second victim when the third victim intervened and was attacked by the suspect with the broomstick. The first victim was not injured and the second and third were treated by medical staff at the scene. Police said they detained Lopez after matching him with the description of the suspect, and seized alleged methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia Police said while the victims did not report the suspect using hate speech, investigators are still working to determine whether race was factor in the attack. Officials are asking for the publics assistance in identifying and speaking with the two women Lopez was initially following. Investigators are seeking the publics assistance in identifying and speaking with the two female victims who Lopez initially attacked at Polk and Clay Streets. Police are asking anyone with information call the SFPD Tip Line at 415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. Tipsters may remain anonymous. Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy Unaccompanied minors from Central America are separated from other illegal immigrants by U.S. Border Patrol agents after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico on a raft in Penitas, Texas, on March 14, 2021. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) Pentagon Asked to House Unaccompanied Minors at Texas Military Facilities The Pentagon said on Tuesday that it had received a request for assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to temporarily house unaccompanied minors at two Texas military facilities. The request specifically asked to use Joint Base San Antonio in Lackland and Fort Bliss, which is outside of El Paso, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters during a press briefing. We have just received this request so I dont have much more detail than that. Well analyze it and evaluate it just like we would any other request for assistance and we will keep you posted as we know more, he said. Kirby could not say how many unaccompanied minorschildren who unlawfully enter the country without an adultcould be housed at the two locations, adding that he had not seen the documents for request. He added that HHS has held a site assessment at Joint Base San Antonio, but he didnt have any information on a site visit for Fort Bliss. Later in the briefing, Kirby said the department had previously supported similar requests in 2012 and 2017, adding that it is not out of the norm for the department to approve such requests. The United States is currently facing a significant surge in illegal border crossings, in particular from unaccompanied minors. While families and single adults are being expelled at the border, the administration is still accepting unaccompanied minors who arrive illegally. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged last week that the United States is on pace to encounter more individuals on the southwest border than we have in the last 20 years. Illegal immigrants, mostly from Central America, are dropped off by Customs and Border Protection at a bus station in the border city of Brownsville, Texas, on March 15, 2021. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images) President Joe Biden, who vowed to reverse his predecessors immigration policies during his campaign, has recently pleaded to Central American migrants to stay put in their town or city or community instead of making the dangerous trip to illegally cross into the United States. Upon taking office, Biden reversed several Trump-era immigration policies, including his predecessors key Migrant Protection Protocol, which sought to end the problematic catch and release policy and is credited for significantly stemming the flow of illegal immigrants in 2019. In a return to the Obama-era policies that facilitate catch-and-release, asylum seekers are released into the interior of the country as they await a court hearing, often never to be seen again. The sharp increase in unaccompanied minors arriving at the border, complicated by the ongoing pandemic, has overwhelmed border facilities and resources and has seen the administration open more overflow shelters to handle the influx. HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has also made other requests in the administrations race to address the burgeoning crisis. Becerra had requested help from the city of San Diego to house some of the unaccompanied minors who have been crossing into the United States from Mexico. The officials agreed over the weekend to open the San Diego Convention Center to the federal government for use as a temporary shelter. The city and county will support this federally funded effort by providing vital services to these vulnerable children who came to our country seeking safety, Mayor Todd Gloria and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher, both Democrats, said in a joint statement. We are working closely with our federal partners to finalize the details for preparing to receive these young people and provide them with care, compassion, and a safe space to transition while they are reunited with families or sponsors. Earlier this week, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Project Veritas separately released photos of unaccompanied minors sleeping on the floor in crowded conditions. The CBP photos, which were taken in a Donna, Texas, overflow facility, show what appear to be children sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder on floor mats with what appear to be aluminum blanksand on benches. Another photo shows a large line of male illegal immigrants waiting to be processed, while another photo shows small children inside a playpen as a TV is showing childrens shows. Unaccompanied minors, mostly teen boys, stand in line at a temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, on March 23, 2021. (CBP) Cuellar on Monday told Border Report that about 150 illegal immigrants were stopped at the U.S.-Mexico border over the weekend by Border Patrol officials but were released into the interior of the country without a future court date or any notice. Over the weekend, at [the] Anzalduas area by the bridge, there were about 150 folks [who] got released under what we call prosecutorial discretion, because Border Patrol says, We just dont have the space, Cuellar said. Cuellar said they were released without even a Notice To Appear, which is, in my opinion, unprecedented that youre going to release somebody and hope that they show up without a court date. None of the people who were stopped were unaccompanied children, he added. Im not blaming Border Patrol but to hear they had no choice tells you how critical the situation is down at the border, he added, according to the outlet. The number of encounters at the southwest border has been rising steadily over the last few months. Between October 2020 and January 2021, the number of enforcement encounters was 296,259a 79.6 percent increase from 164,932 for the same period a year earlier, according to CBP data. The number of family units (19,246) and unaccompanied minors (9,457) crossing illegally rose significantly in February, compared to 7,294 family units and 5,585 unaccompanied minors in January, and 4,404 family units and 4,993 unaccompanied minors in December 2020. Jack Phillips and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report. Kerala: After the Election Commissions announcement that the Non-Resident Indians (NRI) would not be allowed to vote by postal ballots in the upcoming elections in five states, residents of the Malappuram district in Kerala have demanded that NRIs be allowed to elect their representatives. NRIs, whose names are on the voter list, are generally allowed to exercise their right to vote. The Election Commission had earlier announced that the facility to vote by postal ballots, through which voters can cast their votes from anywhere without going to the polling booth, for NRIs would not be extended for the upcoming elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal. Anas Kolmanna, a returnee from Abu Dhabi, claimed that over 35 lakh people from the state go to foreign countries to earn their livelihood. Around seven lakh of those people belong to the Malapuram district, which has 16 assembly constituencies. A senior officer of the Election Commission office in Malapuram district said that they have allowed issuing postal ballots to voters in the 'Absentee Voter' category, which included 80-plus voters, the differently-abled, the COVID-19-positive, and service voters. However, this facility is not applicable to NRIs, he clarified. As many as 4,02,498 people have applied for the postal ballot. In the upcoming Kerala elections, 9,49,161 people are eligible to apply for postal votes while 8,87,699 forms have been distributed. Kannur had the highest number of applicants at 42,214. The lowest number of applicants was in Wayanad district at 7,606. The Malappuram district has as many as 31,493 applicants. Jiyas' Muhammad, a teacher in Saudi Arabia who has returned to India four months ago, said, "Voting rights for NRIs were introduced only in 2011, through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950 but till now, nothing has been done for them to participate the biggest event of democracy." "The Election Commission has allowed postal ballot system for various people but not for NRIs," he questioned. Kolmanna added that both the Centre and the state government have done nothing for people overseas, leading to them feeling ignored. Jiyas Muhammad, a teacher from Saudi Arabia, who returned to India four months ago, demanded that NRIs be guaranteed the right to cast their vote through ballots and participate in major events of forming the government. "The Election Commission had also proposed extending postal ballots to overseas electors last year but the government did not clear it," he said. The elections in Kerala will be held on April 6 while the counting of votes will take place on May 2. BBC news presenters like to pretend that they are impartial except when it comes to distinguishing between good and evil. They have no choice. Thats the test that the great Lord Reith set a century ago and, by and large, it applies today. But its not easy. I failed in the eyes of many listeners when I was presenting the Today programme in the long run-up to the EU referendum in 2016. They accused me of being so biased in favour of Brexit that I never gave the Remainers a fair chance to state their case. They were right about me being biased but wrong about where my bias lay. I was so determined not to show my true colours that I might just possibly have given Remainers a slightly rougher ride than they deserved when I interviewed them. In the highly charged atmosphere of the most bitterly fought referendum in this nations history, that was more than enough to condemn me in the eyes of Remainers. The fact is, I was one of them: A Remainer through and through. But this week its hard for an old Remainer like me, waiting to have his second jab, not to muse on his referendum vote back in 2016 and wonder whether he might have voted differently if hed known then what he knows now. It is a loss of faith that would never have occurred to my younger self. I failed in the eyes of many listeners when I was presenting the Today programme in the long run-up to the EU referendum in 2016 But this week its hard for an old Remainer like me, waiting to have his second jab, not to muse on his referendum vote back in 2016 and wonder whether he might have voted differently if hed known then what he knows now Id been a pro-European ever since we signed up to the EEC in 1973. How could any idealistic young man, born even as German bombs were falling on his home city, fail to be moved by the grand notion of a united Europe? Ill admit that my faith was shaken more than once in the decades that followed but never enough to join the ranks of the Brexiteers. Europe was, by a mile, our biggest trading partner and therefore crucial to our future prosperity. And, yes, I might have had growing misgivings about the Brussels dream of an ever closer union but surely that was a small price to pay for peace on a continent racked by war for centuries. So it was that I went to bed as the referendum polling stations were closing on June 23, 2016, confident that Id be downing a glass of bubbly with my Today colleagues after the results came in the following morning. Instead the newsroom resembled a wake after the death of a loved one. The mourning was led by the big bosses. In the five years since there have been many occasions on which Ive been able to say: Told you so! But the fiasco of repeated failures to strike a decent deal pale in to insignificance compared with what is happening as I write. It is not being melodramatic to claim that lives are at stake. ts something else again for the EU led by the risible figure of Ursula von der Leyen (pictured) to threaten a vaccine war with the United Kingdom The UK's vaccine rollout has surged far ahead of the EU's leaving the bloc under huge pressure to explain why Vaccination against Covid saves lives. Denial of the vaccine kills people. Its one thing for the bureaucrats of Brussels or Whitehall to squabble over the finer details of how the Northern Ireland border might (or might not) operate. Its something else again for the EU led by the risible figure of Ursula von der Leyen to threaten a vaccine war with the United Kingdom. It is a threat that seems to have little justification other than to distract attention from the EUs own pathetic failure to procure the jabs that are needed for the EUs own citizens and deliver them speedily to those most at risk. It is both shameful and devious to try to blame Britain for having succeeded so magnificently where the EU has failed. Boris Johnson, who looked so careworn when he appeared before the media this week as well he might must be thanking his lucky stars for President von der Leyens performance. Its like a boxer whos been on the ropes for most of the bout watching his opponent punch himself on the nose. Brussels must have had high hopes of a morale-boosting performance from the respected politician and MEP Philippe Lamberts when he appeared on the Today programme yesterday. And indeed all went well when he launched an attack on the inability to fulfil promises of the vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca. They had, he said, performed with a track record of dishonesty. Over promising. Under delivering by massive amounts. We have seen that they have also bungled up at least twice their test data so everything points to a company that cannot be relied upon. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts today launched a full-frontal attack on the UK-based company, which he said had 'over-promised and under-delivered' on doses This chart shows how the AstraZeneca supply chain looks across Europe Strong stuff but, as my old friend Justin Webb pointed out, it would sound more cogent coming from the European side if it werent for the fact that there are millions of AZ doses available in Europe that are not being used. Theyre just being stored. Mr Lamberts, doubtless to the dismay of his EU President, agreed. Indeed, he made no attempt to conceal his admiration for what Britain has done. As he said, the track record of member states pales in comparison. He even agreed with Justin that AZ has been the subject of a scurrilous campaign around Europe, a campaign that went right to the top of European politics, that suggested things about the vaccine that werent true, that have led to all sorts of confusion for Europeans on whether to take it. So where do we go from here? What many European politicians, including Mr Lamberts, wanted is for the British Government, the EU commission and AZ at the highest levels to sit together and try to find a mutually agreeable solution. And last night the UK and the EU did exactly that. Afterwards they issued a joint statement saying they are working together to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens, adding: In the end, openness and global co-operation of all countries will be key to finally overcome this pandemic and ensure better preparation for meeting future challenges. Such emollience came not before time. Earlier in the day, Brussels had upped the ante by publishing proposals widening the criteria for restricting exports to countries with high jab rates. The Italian authorities went so far as to impound unilaterally 29million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Vaccine nationalism is something we should all fear. Some estimates suggest a European ban could delay Britains vaccine drive by two months and affect supply by 20 per cent. As Johnson has put it, We are all fighting the same pandemic Vaccines are an international operation. What he does not want is a retaliatory ban on exports: We do not believe in blockades of any kind. And what does Brussels really want? Hard to say. The French Europe minister Clement Beaune has said: We want to avoid AstraZeneca doses produced in Europe going to Britain when we are not receiving anything. The German Chancellor Angela Merkel no less has said the EU has a problem with AstraZeneca. And a ban on exporting drugs is not the only weapon in the Brussels armoury. The European Council President Charles Michel has raised the prospect that the EU could adopt urgent measures by invoking an emergency provision in the EU treaties which ostensibly could be used to force vaccine makers to share their patents or other licenses. In the formal language of an EU treaty it is known as compulsory licensing. Drug companies might prefer the word theft. But perhaps all this is unnecessarily alarmist. Perhaps there will be no ban, no vaccine war, no enforced sharing of patents. Perhaps. But I would need to regain my faith in the Remainer religion to accept that. YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. The ministry of emergency situations reports that several roads are closed or difficult to pass across Armenia. The ministry told Armenpress that the roads leading to the Amberd Fortress and Lake Kari in Aragatsotn province, as well as Berd Chambarak highway are closed. The Vardenyats Pass is closed for trailer trucks and difficult to pass for the remaining vehicles. The Georgian side informs that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is closed for trucks. Drivers are urged to use snow tires. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan When you add the $12.5 million from the sale and the $13.8 million, were ahead $26.3 million, Tiesenga said. To me, thats very convincing. Without selling this, our water rates go up 48% for our residents, who voted for us to come and do sensible things. British royal Zara Tindall is a mom of three. ADVERTISEMENT Tindall, 39, the daughter of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips and the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II , welcomed her third child, son Lucas Philip, with her husband, Mike Tindall, on Sunday. Mike Tindall, 42, shared the news during Wednesday's episode of his The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast. "Sunday got even better because a little baby boy at my house," he said. Mike Tindall, a former professional rugby player, said Tindall gave birth on the bathroom floor of their Gloucestershire home. "He arrived very quickly. Didn't make it to the hospital," Mike Tindall said. "It was running to the gym, get a mat, get into the bathroom, get the mat on the floor, towels down, brace, brace, brace." The couple's rep confirmed the birth in a statement Wednesday. "Zara and Mike Tindall are happy to announce the birth of their third child, Lucas Philip Tindall," the rep said. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! 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! Tindall and Mike Tindall married in July 2011 and have two other children, daughters Mia Grace, 7, and Lena Elizabeth, 2. The couple announced in December that they were expecting another child. Tindall is the cousin of Prince William and Prince Harry. Her cousin Princess Eugenie welcomed her first child, August Philip, with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, in February. By Juliet Kigongo KAMPALA- The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has temporarily stopped performing her constitutional duties of prosecuting suspected criminals following last week's land mark Constitutional Court judgment, Daily Monitor has learnt. Last Friday, a panel of five justices led by Kenneth Kakuru ruled that it is illegal for a judge to be appointed to any Executive or a constitutional office prior to his/her resignation. The decision mainly affects the current DPP and the chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama. To that effect, top management of the office of the DPP, held a crisis meeting on Monday and decided that Ms Alice Komuhangi Khaukha, the acting DPP, carries on with the work of Justice Abodo until the process challenging the Constitutional Court decision is concluded. "Reference is made to the DPP's memo dated March 2, 2021 where she delegated me (Ms Khaukha) to execute the functions of her office on her behalf during her absence on official duty," Ms Khaukha's internal memo to all DPP staff on Monday evening read in part. "I will continue executing these functions in light of the Constitutional Court decision in the constitutional petition No. 16 of 2016 dated March 18, 2021," the memo further read. The deputy spokesperson of the office of the DPP, Ms Irene Nakimbugwe, explained that earlier this month, the DPP travelled out of the country on official duties and that she delegated Ms Khaukha to care take her office. She further explained that at the time of her return, the Constitutional Court had handed down its landmark judgment which affected her stay in office, the reason top management asked Ms Khaukha to continue performing the functions of the DPP. "In the light of the Constitutional Court judgment, the DPP decided not to return until the court appeals are finalised. The top management did not want a vacuum to be created given that the DPP's office is very important in the fight against crime," Ms Nakimbugwe said last evening by telephone. By press time last evening, government had appealed against the said decision before the Supreme Court. Efforts to reach out to Justice Byabakama on whether he has also left office were futile as he never picked or returned our several phone calls. The landmark judgment arose from a petition filed by late lawyer Robert Aldridge Kasango, alias Bob, who had challenged his pension scam prosecution by then DPP Mike Chibita. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Kasango had successfully reasoned that the appointment of then High Court judge Chibita to the position of chief government prosecutor had caused a fusion of the Executive and the Judiciary, hence undermining the independence of the latter and separation of powers. He had also argued that the unconstitutional appointment of Justice Chibita and his subsequent prosecution by him, was unlawful and void. "Henceforth, the appointment and actions of a judge to any other executive or constitutional office prior to his or her resignation, renders his or her actions invalid," Justice Kakuru, who wrote the lead judgment, held. He adding: "Before I take leave of this matter, I would like to observe that judges and justices who are being assigned and or appointed to various executive and constitutional offices, the relevant authorities especially the Judicial Service Commission must ensure that before they take up another appointment, he or she first resigns." happyly family-fun adventure Users can build detailed half-day or full-day itineraries that include parks, playgrounds, hiking trails, walking and biking paths, splash parks, family-friendly restaurants, stroller paths, restrooms with changing tables and more. happyly, curators of family-fun adventures, announce the launch of its first mobile app geared toward family adventure and activity planning. The intuitive app, available on IOS and Android, is designed for parents by parents, alleviating the stress often involved in researching and coordinating family outings. Developed by Washington, D.C. moms, Caitlin Iseler, Elizabeth Regard and Randi Banks, the app provides carefully-reviewed activities for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who are looking to spend less time planning and more time happily exploring with their children. happyly makes it easy to find for families to explore locally or on the go. I would spend hours researching websites every night to find the right activity that fit the weather and my daughters developmental needs, said Caitlin Iseler, co-founder of happyly. I shared my frustrations with Liz and Randi and we set out on a passion project with this in mind. happyly is the only tool needed to create family-friendly itineraries from anywhere. Families and caregivers can use it with confidence knowing that each recommended activity, adventure plan and personalized plan has been vetted by our local expert ambassadorsmoms, dads, and caregivers just like them. Currently available in 30+ cities nationwide, happyly is fueled by carefully curated content, personally endorsed by a network of local parent and caregiver city ambassadors as well as experienced writers and seasoned guides. Users can build detailed half-day or full-day itineraries that include parks, playgrounds, hiking trails, walking and biking paths, splash parks, family-friendly restaurants, stroller paths, restrooms with changing tables and more. Personalized daily plans are delivered via push notification and email through their Village Premium subscription (priced at $9.99 per month or $99 annually). The proprietary happyly algorithm works with a users schedule and activity preferences to provide detailed daily activity suggestions. The brand commits to providing affordable options to meet every familys financial needs. Each recommendation is low to no cost. All verified suggestions include a thorough description of location-based weather information, maps and considerations for the time of day, distance, cost and age-appropriateness. For more information, visit https://www.happyly.com. About happyly: happyly is Americas first mobile family activity planning app designed to help parents and caregivers find expert-curated local activities anytime, anywhere. The app lets parents spend less time planning and more time exploring life together with their kids. CHICO, Calif. - Chico State announced another round of emergency financial relief will be given to students in early April. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act will assure the University will issue payments directly into students bank accounts, and they do not need to apply if they are on file in the Student Center under E-Refund. Payments can also be mailed to their homes. Direct relief payments will total $10 million and any student enrolled in a degree or teaching credential program is eligible. The amount each student receives has not been decided yet. Students not eligible for federal funding will receive payment from CSU, Chico institutional sources. While no amount of money can compensate for the full burden experienced by so many of our students and families during this pandemic, we hope these relief payments assist our students in continuing their academic goals while at Chico State, the University said in a press release. More financial aid is expected in the coming months for students. The American Rescue Plan Act is expected to provide students with twice the amount the CRRSA Act did to assist with the 2021-2022 school year. Oil prices jumped Wednesday after one of the worlds largest cargo container ships was caught sideways in the Suez Canal, blocking oil tanker traffic in the important trade waterway between Asia and Europe. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. crude benchmark, settled more than $3 higher at $61.18 after Panama-flagged container ship Ever Given was grounded in Egypts Suez Canal. Crude prices had been falling in recent days as investors became skittish over the pace of the coronavirus vaccine rollout and its promise to end the pandemic. OIL BUST: What the plunging oil price means for crude's recovery The Suez Canal blockage threatens to disrupt global trade, including oil and liquefied natural gas tanker traffic between the Middle East and the West. About 50 shipping vessels traverse the canal daily. Currently, there are 10 oil tankers that are held up at the canal or en route to the canal, delaying the shipment of about 13 million barrels of crude, according to Vortexa, a Houston-based data firm that tracks tanker traffic. "The Suez Canal is critically important to global oil trade," said Clay Seigle, Vortexa's managing director. "We consider it to be the top three potential choke points in the world, including the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca. These must be open not only for oil trade, but gasoline and LNG and global commerce in general." However, the trade disruption is expected to have a small and temporary effect on global oil prices, analysts said. That's because the blockage is expected to be resolved quickly and most Middle East oil bound for the U.S. travel around the southern tip of Africa, not through the Suez Canal. Oil headed to Asia, where demand is growing as they are recovering more quickly from the pandemic, also does not have to go through the canal. The Suez Canal blockage also comes as global demand for crude remains soft due to the pandemic. The world consumes about 95 million barrels a day of oil, less than the 100 million barrels a day before the pandemic. As a result, the Suez Canal blockage's effect on crude prices is likely to be muted, compared to if demand was at pre-pandemic levels, Norwegian energy research firm Rystad said. Price levels will depend on how long it will take to resolve the incident, said Bjornar Tonhaugen, Rystads head of oil markets. If the blockage lasts for more than a few days, it could impact prices. Seigle said he expects the blockage to be resolved quickly with minimal, short-lived impact to U.S. oil markets. One tanker filled with West Texas Intermediate crude, the London Spirit, on its way from Corpus Christi to India crossed the Suez Canal on March 20, three days before the blockage happened. There are no other U.S. exports headed for the canal currently, Seigle added. But if the blockage lasts for more than a couple of days, the delays could cause a domino effect that could delay future shipments of crude and LNG, Seigle said. "If flights are grounded at an airport due to inclement weather, it can have an outsized effect on other regional airports," he said. "It's the same situation here." The Gambia has on Monday 22nd March 2021 registered forty-eight new cases of the deadly coronavirus diseases, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to five thousand, three hundred and three. 63% of these tested for reasons of travelling, 19% being ill seeking health attention due to suspicion of COVID-19, 7% routine respiratory disease surveillance systems and 11% contacted a case. The median age of the new cases is 39. No new COVID-19-related deaths registered and the total number of deaths since March 2020 is now one hundred and sixty-one. This is the 284th national situation report since the confirmation of the first case of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in The Gambia, on the 16th March 2020. The Gambia currently has no person in hotel quarantine and two hundred and sixteen active cases. Modou Njai, the Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, said a total of six hundred and forty-five new laboratory test results were received from the Medical Research Council and the National Public Health Lab. Of these, Director Njai said forty-eight new samples tested positive, representing 11% positivity test rate. No high-risk contacts of recently confirmed cases were identified. "One COVID-19 patient was newly discharged from a treatment centre, while 50 got discharged at least 10 days from the day they tested positive but evaded institutional isolation," he said. Njai said six COVID-19 patients are currently on oxygen therapy. The fashion retailer H&M is facing a potential boycott in China after a statement the company made last year expressing deep concerns over reports of forced labor in Xinjiang stirred a social media storm this week. A similar statement from Nike was also attracting criticism on Wednesday, a sign that Western clothing manufacturers could face growing hostility in China for their public stances against forced labor in Xinjiang and for halting cotton sourcing from the region. The H&M statement, which can be found on the website of the Swedish retailer, was posted in September after growing global scrutiny around the use of Uyghurs in forced labor in Xinjiang. In it, H&M said that it was deeply concerned by reports from civil society organizations and media that include accusations of forced labor and discrimination of ethno-religious minorities in Xinjiang and that it had stopped buying cotton from growers in the region. 40 YEARS AGO Final school closing meeting A large crowd filled the Lincoln School gymnasium in the last of three public hearings held by the board for the purpose of gaining public input on their decision to close either Washington, Lincoln or Madison School. Parental concerns included the effects a closing would have on the quality of education they feel their children are receiving at Lincoln; the cost of busing; the loss of family and neighborhood tradition connected with the school and the elimination of a center for community activities. Two new restrooms Two public restrooms at the U.S. Forest Services boat landing on the Big Manistee River near Bear Creek were installed last week after vandals burned up two others at the popular fishing spot. The charred rubble in the foreground is all that remains of the old outhouses, which were burned earlier this month. Michigan State Police is investigating the arson. 60 YEARS AGO Boss of the Year Norman P. Synnestvedt accepted the Outstanding Boss award from Jaycee President Russell Larson during the annual Jaycee Bosses Night held last night at the Hotel Chippewa. Synnestvedt is the general manager of Manistee Iron Works Division of Michigan Tool Co. Easter egg hunt planned MRA Director John Lambrosa announced today that plans are being completed for the staging of the second annual MRA Easter Egg Hunt that will be held on March 29. The hunt will be for all youngsters 11 years old and under and there will be a special hunting ground for tiny tots of six years of age and under. 80 YEARS AGO Picnic ground developed A public picnic ground is being developed on Crystal Lake in Norman Township as a cooperative project between the township board and the Forest Service, B.M. Stout, local forest ranger. Plans for the development include construction of a bathing dock, boat dock, eleven picnic tables, four fireplaces, six recreation benches, a well, latrine, bulletin board, registry box, two garbage pits, bathhouse and improvement of 10,000 square feet as a parking area and beach improvement work of 2,000 square feet. Mile of Pennies Drive The Manistee Band Boosters Club today announced plans for its annual Mile of Pennies drive, being staged in an effort to secure funds with which to purchase equipment for the high school band. Starting Friday and Saturday, 2,500 small bags will be distributed among Manistee residents, and those who receive the bags will be asked to contribute at least a foot of pennies. The club hopes, of course, that each person will donate more than just the foot of coins. Compiled by Mark Fedder at the Manistee County Historical Museum Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) A lawmaker is pitching a proposal to convert classrooms into quarantine facilities for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Marikina 1st Dist. Rep. Bayani Fernando said the use of the classrooms as isolation buildings would keep hospitals from being overwhelmed as cases continue to rise in the country. "I am proposing that asymptomatic individuals be quarantined in classrooms at the ratio of 1:1 or one classroom, one COVID-19 positive person," Fernando said in a release Wednesday. Fernando said patients are afraid of going to quarantine facilities because of the risk of staying in cramped quarters, adding they are instead opting to stay at home. "The people are afraid to go to these facilities. So they would rather choose to stay in their homes, putting their families at risk of infection. We have to allay the fear of the patients while at the same time protect the well-being of their families," he said. Fernando said ventilation in a standard classroom may be better compared to many households and could be more comfortable for patients. Their families can visit as well, provided safeguards are in place. "The government has to assure the patients that all expenses will be paid by the government and that they and their families will be fed during their stay in the classrooms. Our teachers can take charge of the food preparation," he said. Fernando said the government could inform school administrators that classrooms would be used as quarantine facilities, assuring them they would be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after the pandemic. He said teachers would be given financial assistance. "The financial assistance for teachers will serve as compensation for any damage to their personal property in the classrooms like the curtains and other things they put up with their own money," Fernando clarified. The Department of Health says the country now has 684,311 COVID-19 cases, while logging a total of 13,039 deaths as of Wednesday. Lawton, OK (73501) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 The rating agency AM Best affirmed on 18th March 2021 the A (Excellent) Insurer Financial Strength IFS rating of Compagnie francaise dassurance pour le commerce exterieur (la Compagnie), Coface North America Insurance Company (CNAIC) and Coface Re. The outlook for these ratings remain stable Princeton, New Jersey, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In its press release, the agency reminds that this rating reflects Cofaces balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong. This strength is underpinned by a consolidated risk-adjusted capitalization at the strongest level as measured by the Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR) score. AM Best also acknowledges that despite deteriorated economic conditions, Coface has reported good technical results in 2020 with a net combined ratio at 79.8%. Last, in its release, the rating agency underscores that this note reflects Cofaces leading position in the global credit insurance market, which is characterised by high barriers to entry. Carine Pichon, Coface SA Chief Finance & Risk Officer, commented: This affirmation comes after a year 2020 that has been extraordinary by many aspects. Coface teams commitment has allowed us to navigate through this first phase of the sanitary and economic crisis in a satisfactory manner. We continue to relentlessly implement our strategy to improve our agility and our resilience, which are at the heart of our culture. Click here to learn more about Coface USA and here for Coface Canada. CONTACT: Alexa Dankowski Coface North America Insurance Company 609-240-1568 alexa.dankowski@coface.com Page Content The Executive Mayor, Cllr Geoffrey Makhubo, and the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Economic Development, Cllr Lawrence Khoza launched an Opportunity Centre in Eldorado Park yesterday. The new Opportunity Centre will help residents with information on how to start businesses, compliance advice, business development training, facilitation of access to finance and support to run sustainable businesses. All training will be free of charge and participants will be issued with a certificate of attendance. These centres serve as a one-stop-shop for emerging and established SMMEs who require advice and support to grow their businesses. The City has partnered with various government organisations and private companies to provide effective support. These centres serve as a one-stop-shop for emerging and established SMMEs who require advice and support to grow their businesses. The City has partnered with various government organisations and private companies to provide effective support. The following standardised services are provided at all Opportunity Centres: Company registration General business information and guidance Business plan assessments, gap analysis and development plans Training sessions focusing on issues such as financial literacy, marketing sales and operations management Training on tax compliance Managed workshops, and use of meeting rooms and internet/Wi-Fi services for business research Funding research and facilitation, including funding products awareness and guidance on the application process Assistance with city supplier database and compliance issues Business idea generation and supply chain training to improve access to markets In his keynote address at the launch, Mayor Makhubo said: The promotion of entrepreneurship, innovation, enterprise growth and competitiveness is critical in growing the economy and creating jobs. The spatial pattern of economic growth in the City is also critical. Growth of the economy has been unevenly spread in spatial terms in recent years and it is important to enable residents to access jobs and economic opportunities with ease in their communities. MMC Khoza said the centres have created more business opportunities for residents. There is an immense sense of entrepreneurship in Johannesburg. The city has the responsibility to create a range of quality opportunities to communities and to further motivate the youth, women and people living with disability to take advantage of services offered at various opportunity centres within the City, said MMC Khoza. The Department of Economic Development has rolled out eight Opportunity Centres across the City to provide integrated services to support SMMEs in line with the Citys objectives to grow the economy of Johannesburg and create much-needed jobs. Eldorado Park is one of the areas in the City with high levels of poverty, unemployment and lack of economic infrastructure and growth to support home-based industries. The establishment of the new centre in the area is to champion the Citys approach towards an inclusive, job-intensive, resilient, competitive, and smart economy that harnesses the potential of all citizens. All centres currently have a job seekers database, which provides a platform for the unemployed to submit their CVs. The job seekers database can, subject to applicable legislation, be accessed by public and private sector companies. Advertisement Silently swigging beer on the deck of his luxury yacht, this is the wealthy American beau of missing Brit Sarm Heslop who is refusing to cooperate with cops investigating her disappearance. Ryan Bane, 44, claims girlfriend Sarm, 41, vanished without trace from his catamaran while it was anchored overnight in the U.S. Virgin Islands. But two weeks later the case is at a standstill after wealthy Bane lawyered up and blocked detectives from conducting a fingertip search of his 47-foot vessel, the Siren Song. Authorities need a warrant to board but are yet to obtain one because Sarms March 8 disappearance has not been classified as a criminal inquiry and Bane is currently neither a suspect, nor a person of interest. Ryan Bane is seen swigging beer on the deck of his luxury yacht. He is the wealthy American beau of missing Brit Sarm Heslop. Authorities need a warrant to board but are yet to obtain one because Sarms March 8 disappearance has not been classified as a criminal inquiry Bane is refusing to cooperate with cops investigating Sarm's disappearance. Bane is currently neither a suspect, nor a person of interest Bane, 44, claims girlfriend Sarm, 41, vanished without trace from his catamaran while it was anchored overnight in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Heslop's friends insist they are not 'pointing fingers' at Bane but are calling on the American, who moved to the Caribbean in 2015, 'to provide as many details as possible' DailyMail.com can reveal the rugged boat skipper remains holed up on his yacht which is still moored in idyllic St. John - off limits to investigators from both the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the FBI. The Michigan native broke cover Tuesday to take a dinghy to shore to shop for supplies and a six pack of beer before returning to his boat in the late afternoon. As the sun went down, Bane sat bare-chested on deck, speaking on the phone and sipping a beer with just his pet Labrador, Hunter, for company. A close friend told DailyMail.com Bane was not in hiding but was refusing to speak to the islands police officers because he didnt trust them. My suggestion to him was that he makes some sort of statement and is as cooperative as possible, the friend said. But I think hes scared, I think hes totally spun out. He is definitely bereaved. He had finally found a girl he was in love with. I think that his concern is that the VIPD is not real well known for conducting any sort of investigation with clarity. He's concerned that something could go wrong or be spun the wrong way, or that they're going to be looking for something to implicate him as opposed to the other way around. Sarm, a former flight attendant from Southampton, England, met Bane on Tinder eight months ago and travelled to the Caribbean to work as a cook on Siren Song, which he charters out for more than $2,000 a day. The Michigan native broke cover Tuesday to take a dinghy to shore to shop for supplies and a six pack of beer before returning to his boat in the late afternoon As the sun went down, Bane sat bare-chested on deck, speaking on the phone and sipping a beer with just his pet Labrador, Hunter, for company A close friend told DailyMail.com Bane was not in hiding but was refusing to speak to the islands police officers because he didnt trust them Heslop, from Southampton, England, met Bane on Tinder eight months ago. She disappeared from Siren Song, which was moored 120ft from Frank Bay on the extreme western end of St. John on March 8. The couple are pictured together Its understood the couple had lined up ten or more bookings for the coming season, worth around $100,000. However their plans came to a shocking halt when Bane raised the alarm at 2:30am on March 8, telling police his lover was gone but her belongings were still on board. In his initial account to cops later that morning Bane said the pair had been out for dinner the previous night before going back to the boat at 10pm to sleep. He said he was woken up at 2am by an anchor alarm, which triggers an alert if the boat is straying from its position. By then Sarm had vanished. Police say Bane was advised to ring the US Coast Guard but it later emerged they did not receive the SOS call until 11:46am - more than nine hours later. A massive land and sea search involving divers, a helicopter and an island-wide appeal for leads subsequently failed to find Sarm or any evidence that she fell overboard. Since then cops have been scouring CCTV from island bars and businesses to trace the couples last steps but have been prevented from setting foot on Siren Song. Soon after reporting Heslop missing, Mr Bane acquired the services of an attorney. Upon his attorneys advice, Mr Bane exercised his constitutional right to remain silent and denied officers requests to search the vessel, said VIPD spokesman Toby Derima. He added: 'We would need to show the court that we had probable cause to search the boat, as this is not yet a criminal case. We thought we could just ask Mr Bane to search the boat and he would say yes and he didn't. That is his right. Getting the search warrant would be the next step.' Pillsbury Sound, the stretch of water separating St. John from St. Thomas, is referred to locally as the washing machine because of powerful rip currents that occur where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean Siren Song was moored 100ft from the shore in shallow waters however the seabed drops to 70ft deep a little further out Ryan Bane's luxury 47-foot catamaran, named Siren Song, sits in Frank Bay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Bane, 44, is boyfriend of missing British woman Sarm Heslop. 420 to Center, in downtown Saint John, US Virgin Islands, was the last place Sarm Heslop was seen before going missing two weeks ago Banes confidante told DailyMail.com that he had already consented to two searches of Siren Song before he sought legal advice. When they wanted to search a third time he was like, listen, I want you to search for her but shes not on the boat, the friend said. And that got spun into him denying a request to search the boat which wasnt really the case. Hes not running from anything, hes just super overwhelmed and feeling like people are coming for him with pitchforks. Hes just looking for a lawyer to tell him how to proceed. Bane and Sarm had spent the evening prior to her disappearance having dinner at 420 to Center, a dive bar hangout for locals in Cruz Bay, the islands tourism and nightlife hub. Staff there said they were unable to discuss the case but a source told DailyMail.com that a barman who remembered seeing the couple was due to speak with the FBI. Hes made it clear he cant speak. But he did see them, the insider confirmed. After leaving 420 to Center, the couple likely walked or took a taxi half a mile back to Frank Bay, a secluded beach beautyspot popular with bathers and dog walkers. Siren Song was moored 100ft from the shore in shallow waters however the seabed drops to 70ft deep a little further out. Pillsbury Sound, the stretch of water separating St. John from St. Thomas, is referred to locally as the washing machine because of powerful rip currents that occur where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Corie Stevenson, married to fellow American Mr Bane, 44, for six years, came forward to say her ex 'went to jail for kicking my a**' Sarm Heslop, 41, a former air hostess for Flybe airline, vanished in the dead of night from Ryan Bane's 47ft catamaran Siren Song in the US Virgin Islands two weeks ago The booking card is seen for Bane. He was taken in by the Oakland County Sheriffs office He told me they went out, they went to bed, the alarm went off and woke him up and she was gone, Banes friend told DailyMail.com. Ryan Bane is seen in his mugshot after he was arrested in 2011 for attacking his ex-wife He went out on his dinghy and was screaming for her, and trying to find her and yelling her name. If hes at fault obviously I want justice for her, but I find it very hard to believe thats the case. Im hoping that what is worked out will exonerate him Earlier this week it was revealed that Bane served 21 days in jail in 2011 for attacking his ex-wife, Corie Stevenson, as they drove home from a wedding in Lake Orion, Michigan. According to a police complaint he flew into a rage and dragged her out of the truck before smashing her head into the dining room floor, chipping one of her teeth. Corie's front right tooth had a chip out of it that appeared to be fresh,' wrote Officer Vincent Lichok. 'Her right ear lobe was bloody and scratched. Her right shoulder and the right side of her neck showed red scratches. Her right eyelid was scratched and red.' Stevenson, 43, told the officer Bane had attacked her six months previously but she had not reported it. In a 2013 divorce filing, she said the marriage had broken down to such an extent that 'objects of matrimony have been destroyed and there remains no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved.' Police papers obtained by Daily Mail.com reveal Bane attacked his ex-wife because she kept asking him for directions as she drove home from a wedding Stevenson told the cops that Bane had attacked her about six months earlier so badly that she had to skip work for several days due to the marks on her face. She said she did not report that incident A copy of the couple's ex parte restraining order is pictured, issued during their 2013 divorce In the UK, Sarms anguished friends and family have been pushing for answers in her disappearance, questioning Banes timeline and saying they find it incredibly difficult to believe she fell of the boat. We would like assurance that the authorities in the Virgin Islands are doing everything possible to find her and that the investigation into our beautiful and cherished daughters disappearance includes a comprehensive fingertip search of the boat, her parents Peter Heslop and Brenda Street said in a statement. David Cattie, Banes attorney, told NBC: Ryans thoughts are with Sarm and her family at this time, and he is praying for her safe return. Asaba The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, Tuesday, flagged off the Federal Government's cash grant for rural women project in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, warning the beneficiaries not to see the N20,000 cash grant as their share of the national cake. Farouq who gave the warning while disbursing the cash grant to 3,300 persons including 100 physically challenged and vulnerable rural women in the State, explained that the grant was targeted at 3,300 rural women, to increase the income and productive assets of the poor and vulnerable across all the Local Government Areas in the State. The Minister who was represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Alli Grema told the people to make good use of the grant so as to improve on their welfare and said the funds were seed to boost their trade as well as lift them above the poverty level. Farouq said the federal government gave out the grant to those in the rural areas to carry them along in the scheme of things, describing the National Social Investment Programme as a strategy for reducing poverty and enhance social inclusion. Delta State Director, National Social Investment Program, Bridget Anyafulu, who also spoke at the ceremony, said the program was aimed at increasing income, strengthen productive activities, enhance food security and improve on the wellbeing of the people. Anyafulu said the purpose of the program was to uplift the social-economic status of rural women, reduce poverty and boost the rural economy, saying; "the success of the program can go a long way in alleviating the suffering of rural women, facilitate the economic growth and sustainable development of the country. "The rural women cash programmes is a drive and efforts of the government to combat extreme poverty, reduce inequality and cushion the effect of Covid 19 pandemic". One of the beneficiaries, Augustina Airenogbuan, who is physically challenged, commended the federal government for coming up with the program and expressed joy for being one of the beneficiaries. Vanguard News Nigeria (Newser) Major news from the White House: Dogs Major and Champ have returned to the presidential residence after a few weeks in Delaware, NBC reports. They were sent to the Bidens' Wilmington home after 3-year-old Major, the first rescue dog ever to live at the White House, bit a Secret Service agent earlier this month. The dogs' trip north was reportedly arranged prior to the bite in connection with the Bidens' own travel plans. story continues below Major received extra training while in Delaware, CNN reports. After the incident with a Secret Service agent, President Biden said he still thought Major was a good boy. He said the German shepherd didn't "bite someone and penetrate the skin." White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Major "was surprised by an unfamiliar person and reacted in a way that resulted in a minor injury to the individual." She added that "the dogs will come and go, and it will not be uncommon for them to head back to Delaware on occasion, as the president and first lady often do as well." (Read more White House stories.) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. First-of-Its-Kind Study by BCG and Blue Horizon Corporation Shows that Every Tenth Portion of Meat, Eggs, Dairy, and Seafood Eaten Around the Globe Will Be Made from Alternative Proteins by 2035 BOSTON, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The market for alternative meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood products is set to reach at least $290 billion by 2035, as consumers drive unparalleled growth in plant-, microorganism-, and animal-cell-based alternatives, according to a new report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Blue Horizon Corporation (BHC). Boston Consulting Group logo (PRNewsfoto/The Boston Consulting Group) The report, titled Food for Thought: The Protein Transformation, reveals that the market for alternative proteins will grow from the current 13 million metric tons a year to 97 million metric tons by 2035, when it will make up 11% of the overall protein market in our base case scenario. Faster technological innovation and full regulatory support could speed growth to 22% of the market by 2035. At that rate, Europe and North America would reach "peak meat" by 2025, and the consumption of animal protein there would actually begin to decline. Benjamin Morach, a BCG managing director and partner, said, "Alternative proteins could soon match animal protein in taste, texture, and price. We expect parity to spur a new wave of growth, catapulting what is a fairly nascent market today into the mainstream, yielding significant environmental benefits, and facilitating even faster growth." The adoption of alternative proteins will have a measurable positive impact on the environment, supporting a number of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals including responsible consumption and production, and zero hunger. The shift to plant-based meat and eggs alone will save more than 1 gigaton of CO 2 equivalent by 2035the equivalent of Japan becoming carbon-neutral for an entire year. It will also save 39 billion cubic meters of water, enough to supply the city of London for 40 years. Story continues While the environmental and food security benefits are encouraging, the key to consumer acceptance is parity. Alternative proteins must taste and feel as good as the conventional foods they replace and cost either the same or less. According to our research, this will happen in three stages, with dates varying to some degree depending on the source of alternative proteins and the products they aim to replace: Plant-based alternatives such as burgers, dairy, and egg substitutes made from soy, pea, and other proteins will achieve parity in 2023, if not sooner. Alternative proteins made from microorganisms like fungi, yeasts, and single-celled algae will reach parity by 2025. Alternatives grown directly from animal cells will reach parity by 2032. Investors, too, have much to gain from the protein transformation, which presents a prime environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) opportunity. Significant amounts of capitalin the hundreds of billionswill be needed to perfect alternative-protein technologies and scale them up to industrial levels. "The alternative protein arena is wide open, and progress is happening fast. There is a real opportunity here for investors to make their moves early and become integral players in the future of food. But to successfully navigate the industry, they must hone their technological knowledge and ensure they're one step ahead of potential disruptions," said BHC managing partner and CEO, Bjorn Witte. A copy of the report can be downloaded here. To arrange an interview with one of the authors, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or gregoire.eric@bcg.com. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. About Blue Horizon As a pure play global pioneer with privileged access in the Food 4.0 ecosystem, Blue Horizon has shaped the growth of the alternative proteins market. The company aims to transform the global food industry through impact capital and value creation and invests across the lifecycles of companies that are mission aligned to replace animal proteins with healthy and sustainable alternative sources of protein. Blue Horizon was founded by Roger Lienhard in 2016 and is based in Zurich. To date, the company has raised over USD 650 million and invested in more than 50 companies in the alternative protein sector. Its business model offers an attractive opportunity to invest in the evolution of the global food ecosystem while contributing to a healthy and sustainable world. www.bluehorizon.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alternative-protein-market-to-reach-at-least-290-billion-by-2035-301254228.html SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) New Delhi, March 24 : Agrochemical company Safex Chemicals India Limited has announced that India-focused private equity firm ChrysCapital is investing $50 million in the company for a significant minority stake. The transaction involves a combination of secondary sale by an existing PE investor, BanyanTree Growth Capital, along with a primary raise by the company for growth initiatives, a statement said. Founded in 1991, Safex manufactures and sells branded agrochemicals that help enhance protection and productivity of Indian crops. As a part of the transaction, Raghav Ramdev (Managing Director, ChrysCapital) and R. Hariharan, industry veteran with over 25 years of experience in the Indian agrochemical industry will join the board of Safex as nominees of ChrysCapital. "We are pleased to welcome ChrysCapital as an investor and partner for the next phase of Safex's growth journey. ChrysCapital has deep capabilities and a proven track record of collaborating with entrepreneurs and business groups to build sizeable and industry leading players," S.K. Chaudhary, Founder Director of Safex. "We intend to leverage our strong management capabilities and ChrysCapital's extensive network to drive Safex's growth by bringing innovative products and solutions to the Indian agrochemical industry through M&A and in-licensing opportunities. Together, we are focussed towards creating value for all our stakeholders," Chaudhary added. Commenting on the investment, Raghav Ramdev, Managing Director, ChrysCapital said, "ChrysCapital is excited to partner with Safex in its growth journey. Going forward, Safex has multiple growth levers in place, from penetrating deeper in the Indian branded business to entering the technicals segment, which will further propel the company to become a marquee player in the agrochemical industry." Citizenship is not the only issue creating tension in India, nor in Chicagos Indian American communities. Supporters of the resolution say they are concerned about what they see as the deterioration of Indias democracy: the revocation of Article 370 in the Indian constitution that ensured autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir; the crackdown on media freedoms and arrests of journalists around the country; and the more recent agricultural deregulation, which resulted in protests so large that the new laws were put on hold. Jessica TAN, Co-CEO of Ping An Group and Jia FAN, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Medical Superintendent of Zhongshan Hospital, attended the signing ceremony. Yougang ZHU, Party Secretary of Ping An Health Insurance, and Jianying GU, Deputy Medical Superintendent of Zhongshan Hospital, signed contract on behalf of the two parties. Ms TAN said: "Zhongshan Hospital is known as one of the leading public hospitals in China. Ping An places great importance on this collaboration. The framework of this strategic agreement covers service, scientific research, teaching and branding. Substantial progress has already been made in these areas. Ping An will leverage its unique advantages and abundant resources to work with Zhongshan Hospital, which boasts excellent diagnosis, treatment and scientific research capabilities. Together we will work to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services to better serve the citizens in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region and contribute to China's healthcare reform and innovation." Zhongshan Hospital, founded in 1937, is a leading Grade-3A general hospital in China. It is a public institution affiliated with the National Health Commission and a comprehensive teaching hospital. The hospital also boasts strong scientific research and teaching capabilities and has nurtured excellent medical talent, including three academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, two academicians from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and more than 700 senior medical professionals. Mr. FAN noted that in support of the Healthy China initiative, the State Council provided guidance on reform of the medical security system in 2020 for cooperation between medical institutions and insurance companies. Ping An is a world-renowned large financial group, focusing on financial services, healthcare and technological innovation and shares a common vision with Zhongshan Hospital of hospital-business cooperation for "Innovation, Cooperation, Intelligence, Quality and Effectiveness". Ping An is committed to its original aspiration of serving China's real economy and safeguarding people's livelihoods, fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities, offering quality financial products and simplified and convenient finance and healthcare services. Ping An is striving to help Chinese citizens pursue their ideal lives by using the power of fintech and its healthcare ecosystem. About Ping An Group Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An") is a world-leading technology-powered retail financial services group. With over 218 million retail customers and 598 million internet users, Ping An is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. Ping An focuses on two over-arching domains of activity, "pan financial assets" and "pan health care", covering the provision of financial and health care services through our integrated financial services platform and our ecosystems; in financial services, health care, auto services and smart city services. Our "finance + technology" and "finance + ecosystem" transformation strategies aim to provide customers and internet users with innovative and simple products and services using technology. As China's first joint stock insurance company, Ping An is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate reporting and corporate governance. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. In 2020, Ping An ranked 7th in the Forbes Global 2000 list and ranked 21st in the Fortune Global 500 list. Ping An also ranked 38th in the 2020 WPP Kantar Millward Brown BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands list. For more information, please visit www.group.pingan.com and follow us on LinkedIn - PING AN. SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. Related Links www.pingan.cn Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussexs interview with Oprah Winfrey has thrown the royal family into a tizzy, and the world into an uproar. When the interview aired on March 7th, no one could have expected the bombshells that the couple would drop. Nothing has caused more controversy than what Prince Harry had to say about members of the royal family, including his older brother, Prince William. With the royal family doing damage control and Prince Harry remaining out of the limelight, it seems likely that tensions are still simmering on both sides. But, in July, royal fans will have an opportunity to see the two brothers interact in public for what is sure to be a momentous occasion. What did Prince Harry say about his relationship with Prince William? RELATED: Prince Harry Is Still Very Angry About Princess Dianas Death In the Oprah interview, Prince Harry revealed that from the very beginning of his relationship with Meghan, the royal family caused some problems. He suggested that the royals wanted the Duchess of Sussex to continue her acting career and that they werent understanding about allowing for extra security for the growing family. While Prince Harry did state that there were no problems with Queen Elizabeth II, or her husband, Prince Philip, it was clear that his relationship with his father and brother suffered. Not only did Prince Harry reveal that his father, Prince Charles stopped taking his calls after he announced that he would be stepping down from his role as a senior royal, but he declared that there is a need for space between him and his older brother, Prince William although he did not exactly specify why. The former royal also controversially stated that Prince Charles and Prince William are trapped. Prince Harry said: My father and brother are trapped in the system like the rest of my family are. They dont get to leave. I have huge compassion for that. Where does Prince Harry and Prince Williams relationship currently stand? Prince William and Prince Harry | Toby Melville WPA Pool/Getty Images RELATED: Prince Harry Is Too Focused on Negativity, Royal Expert Says In the wake of the interview, Prince Harry has, according to some sources, spoken to his father and brother, but the talks have not been productive, as Gayle King revealed in a television interview. It is that transparency with the public that could still causing problems with Prince William. William is now worried that anything he says to his brother will be plastered over American TV, a source stated to PageSix. Theres a lack of trust on both sides which makes moving forward very hard. Prince William himself has remained silent, save for a moment in mid-March when he told a reporter that the royal family is very much not a racist family. However, the coming months will be bringing about at least one occasion where Prince Harry and Prince William will be crossing paths and in a very public forum. Prince William and Prince Harry will be seeing each other this summer Prince William and Prince Harry | Samir Hussein/WireImage RELATED: Have Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Ever Broken Up? According to a recent US Magazine report, Prince William and Prince Harry will be reuniting this summer, at the public unveiling of a tribute statue for Princess Diana in early July. A source stated that for all their differences, the two are still totally bonded on preserving their mothers legacy. Its a real shame that theyre on such bad terms going into this because its going to be very emotional. The source said that in spite of the few unproductive conversations that the brothers have had in recent weeks, that they are determined to make the event one to remember, setting aside any bad blood between them. A recent People report quotes Prince William saying the Duke of Cambridge is still very upset by whats happened but that hes absolutely intent that he and Harrys relationship will heal in time. Theres no word on whether Meghan will be in attendance at the event, but it seems like, for now, there will be plenty of drama to spare between Prince William and Prince Harry. Dear Amy: Im a 31-year-old husband with a beautiful wife and two amazing little girls. My wife and I have been married for six years. Two years ago, my wife reached out to an old flame and engaged in an emotional affair. She continued to talk with him even while we were going to marriage counseling. After she stopped that relationship, a few months went by quite nicely. Then she started an emotional affair (through Snapchat) with a co-worker. She was caught and said it would stop. That happened exactly a year ago. The day before Mothers Day last May, she told me that the only thing she wanted was a day of not having to be a mother. I was happy to oblige, so I loaded up the girls and we spent the day together, so Mommy could be on her own. I didnt hear from her all day and she didnt come home that night. The following day, on Mothers Day, she met me at my moms house and apologized. She said she got drunk with an old friend. Turns out, that was a lie. A few days ago, she confessed to sleeping with a total stranger that night. I dont know what to do. I feel like the love in my heart is just gone, and I do not want it to be gone. I have never been unfaithful to my wife, but she has hurt me so many times. When do you draw the line? If love doesnt reappear soon, I dont know what Ill do. Neither one of us deserves a life of unhappiness. Please lend me some of your wisdom. Heartbroken Husband Dear Heartbroken: Your wifes risk-taking behavior seems to be escalating going from what you both define as emotional affairs, to anonymous sex. She kept knowledge of this one-night stand to herself until recently. So why did she disclose this now? Is she trying to force the issue in order to end the marriage, or is she trying to come clean in order to save the marriage? Is she trying to punish you, or does she want to punish herself? Does she have an STD? Did she become pregnant? You two should head right back into counseling. You should set your own goal for what you want from therapy: Do you want to continue to try to repair your relationship, or do you want to move toward parting ways peacefully? You should also contact an attorney to explore your legal rights and responsibilities regarding a possible separation. At the very least, it sounds as if your wife is overwhelmed by marriage and parenthood. You must put your kids well-being first. It might be best for the children to be with you in a separate household at least half-time while their mother sorts through her personal problems and choices. Amy Dickinson, author of the 'Ask Amy' column.TNS Dear Amy: Recently a relative wrote to us and insisted that we send him our birthdates and birthplaces. We declined the first time, and he tried again. We turned him down again. He said that in his retirement he has rediscovered an old hobby of genealogy and is building a family tree. He made a point of defending his request by saying that the birthdates of currently living people are not visible to visitors to this website, but only to those using a password. This comment made me suspicious of the site. We told him that we were not prepared to provide this information. He was quite miffed. We cited the laws in Canada about privacy and said that it was our right to not have our information posted by him. He already knew my birthdate and I warned him not to post it. Was I right? Private Dear Private: Yes, you have the right not to provide your personal data and have it posted on the internet. If you dont want to do this, stay firm. Dear Amy: Back Off, Buddy asked about a friendly but drunk and invasive couple in their local bar. If they set limits on this couple, the staff will help them out. Bartenders generally keep a good eye on what patrons are doing and saying. If people are told to back off, politely, as you suggested but then ignored most likely the bar staff will have a word with them. Being friendly with the couple sends the message to the staff that you are OK with their behavior. Cheers! Dear Cheers!: This is helpful. Thank you. (You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.) 2021 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Read more advice: Ask Amy: Separated soulmates are eager to connect Dear Annie: Looking to hop off the hamster wheel Dear Abby: Children cut off stepmother with dads power of attorney Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Its been more than two months (January 18), since Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny returned home following a lengthy recovery abroad from a near fatal poisoning attack. Navalny and western governments blame the Russian government for the attempt on his life a charge the Kremlin denies. Yet a Russian court has since sentenced Navalny to just over two and a-half years in prison for alleged past parole violations. The question now: can Russias opposition thrive or even survive without its leading figure? From Moscow for VOA, Charles Maynes reports. VOA Khmer's Vanrith Chrea narrates the story in Khmer. Boris Johnson was urged to give MPs a vote on his plans to slash Army troop numbers, amid claims he has been playing with the numbers. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly pressed the Prime Minister to explain why he had broken a 2019 election pledge not to cut the UKs armed forces in any form, in light of the decision to reduce the size of the Army by 10,000 troops to 72,500 by 2025. Mr Johnson insisted that spending for the UKs armed services had increased, with 24 billion to modernise it and there would be no redundancies as part of the process. But Sir Keir told the Commons: Only this Prime Minister could suggest a reduction from 82,000 to 72,000 is somehow not a cut. But the Prime Minister didnt answer my question, which is why did he make that promise? He added: What did he do this week? He cut the British Army by 10,000, he cut the number of tanks, he cut the number of planes for our RAF and he cut the number of ships for the Royal Navy. Mr Johnson said not only did we keep our promise in the manifesto but the Conservatives also increased defence spending beyond their manifesto pledge. He welcomed Labours new spirit of jingo, adding: They dont like it up em, Mr Speaker. Sir Keir read out an interview from Mr Johnson during the election campaign in which he promised to maintain Army numbers. The Labour leader said: Now I know the Prime Minister has got form for making up quotes, but can he tell us does he think the newspapers have somehow misquoted him or does he now remember making that promise? The Prime Minister replied: Yes, because there will be no redundancies in our armed forces and I said to him if you include reserves we are even keeping the Army at 100,000. But on top of that, we are doing what is necessary to modernise our armed forces. Sir Keir at this point accused Mr Johnson of playing with the numbers, adding: He knows very well that the numbers have been cut. He also told the Commons: Whats weaker than making a promise to our armed forces just before the election, then breaking it and not being prepared to admit it, not having the courage to admit it? And theres a pattern here, (Mr Johnson) promised the NHS that they would have quote whatever they need, now nurses are getting a pay cut. He promised a tax guarantee, now hes putting taxes up for families. He promised he wouldnt cut the armed forces, now hes done just that. So if the Prime Minister is so proud of what hes doing, so determined to push ahead, why doesnt he at least have the courage to put this cut in the armed forces to a vote in this House? Prime Ministers Questions (House of Commons/PA) Mr Johnson responded: Im proud of what were doing to increase spending on the armed forces by the biggest amount since the Cold War. The only reason we can do that is because under this Conservative Government, weve been running a sound economy and its also because we believe in defence, weve been getting on with the job. He talks about nurses and investment in the NHS, Im proud of the massive investment that weve made in the NHS. Mr Johnson went on to accuse Labour of being out on the streets at Kill the Bill demonstrations against controversial new protest curbs. He told MPs: Were getting on with the job of recruiting more police, 20,000 more police, I think weve done 7,000 already, while theyre (Labour) out on the streets at demonstrations shouting Kill the Bill. Thats the difference between his party and my party. Were pro-vax, were low tax and when it comes to defence, weve got your backs. But Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: Can I just say, I genuinely mean this, I do not believe any Member of Parliament would support that Kill the Bill. Ive got to be very careful I say we are all united in this House in the support and the protection that the police do offer us and nobody would shy away from that. Washington, DC, March 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Owners of small engineering companies briefed lawmakers today on federal regulations that could deny them critical assistance under the Paycheck Protection Program as part of a hearing before the House Small Business Committee's Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. The hearing put a spotlight on an unintended consequence of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and PPP loans for engineering firms working with state DOTs and other government clients, which could jeopardize small businesses. The American Council of Engineering Companies' Chair-elect, Robin Greenleaf, P.E., LEED, AP, FACEC, CEO of Architectural Engineers, Inc., of Boston, MA, and Carlos A. Penin, P.E., President of ACEC member firm CAP Engineering of Coral Gables, FL, testified at the hearing to provide their experiences with the program and the potential industry impact. "The PPP program was created to help small businesses like mine stay afloat during the early days of the COVID shutdown. Our loan allowed us to keep our entire staff on the payroll, even in the face of significant revenue loss, and allowed us some time to regroup our business plan as we adjusted to working remotely," said Robin Greenleaf. "Now, a little-known clause in the FAR is threatening to do us what the pandemic didn't." As a small, minority-owned business, we applied for and received assistance from the PPP program. Having survived multiple hurricanes during our companys history, the devastation from this pandemic has been far worse. The interpretation of the FAR clause would reverse the benefits received from the PPP and could have a negative impact for years to come, said Carlos A. Penin, PE, President of CAP Engineering in Coral Gables, FL. "Congress is starting to work on an infrastructure bill to help America recover from the pandemic. There is no infrastructure unless an engineer designs it first. We need our small engineering firms working with their public sector clients now more than ever, but this policy could force them to walk away or work at a loss," added Linda Bauer Darr, ACEC's President and CEO. The FAR "credits" clause (FAR 31.201-5) is being interpreted to apply to forgiven PPP loans, which would require a refund or a cost reduction in the amount of the PPP loans that are allocable to contract costs. For most engineering companies, this will result in a reduction in their future billing rates. Depending on how this credit is applied, some firms could lose more than the loan amount, especially in the case of multi-year contracts. This policy's impact will fall heavily on small, minority, and women-owned firms that sought PPP relief during the pandemic-driven economic shutdown. A continuation of this policy is a disincentive for engineering firms to compete for work with public agencies depriving the government of qualified engineering services while hampering DOT efforts to expand small business and W/MBE contracting opportunities when it's needed the most. "There's a real sense of urgency to get this issue resolved because small business owners need to make critical business decisions about what to do with their loans," Greenleaf added. "Firms that already received PPP loan forgiveness are starting the annual audit process. Those that have not yet applied are coming up on the 10-month deadline to start repaying their PPP loans. Banks are pressuring them to decide whether to apply for forgiveness. PPP was emergency relief to support employers, and our businesses ought to be able to take full advantage of the program." Key points in ACECs testimony, specifically on the need for better implementation guidance by FHWA, were acknowledged by two other experts who testified at the hearing, Greg Gingham, a partner with HKA and Ms. Susan Moser, a Partner with Cherry Bekaert. ### The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) is the business association of the nations engineering industry. Founded in 1906, ACEC is a national federation of 52 state and regional organizations representing more than 5,500 engineering firms and nearly 600,000 engineers, surveyors, architects, and other specialists nationwide. ACEC member firms drive the design of Americas infrastructure and built environment. Gilbane Building Company has been selected by the Pawtucket School Department to provide construction management at-risk services for the new, 93,964-SF Henry J. Winters Elementary School. Designed by the SLAM Collaborative as a state-of-the-art STEAM educational facility, the new school will feature three levels and accommodate 643 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth. The school will be built on the 2.60-acre site of the old facility, which was demolished in the spring of 2020, and is situated in a thickly settled, urban neighborhood. The Gilbane team has developed strict safety and logistical measures to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding community, including rerouting large trucks hauling major equipment arriving from adjacent I-95. Our team is thrilled to partner with the Pawtucket School Department to deliver this STEAM facility for the citys youngest learners, said Steve Duvel, senior vice president and Rhode Island business unit leader for Gilbane. Our experience as a leading K-12 builder will help ensure this project is completed efficiently with the highest quality and safety standards. The new Henry Winters STEAM Elementary School will be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood and play a large role in Pawtuckets ongoing revitalization. Considerations for a student drop-off area with optimal traffic flow, increased security measures, as well as energy efficient HVAC systems have all been incorporated into the buildings design and will provide students and staff with an enriching facility in which to learn. Gilbane is committed to engaging and enriching the communities in which live and build. As part of this commitment, we pursue woman-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and small business participation on all our projects regardless of funding requirements. To reinforce this, we have established a new 20% corporate small and diverse participation goal, with a commitment to raise it to 25% in 2022. Outreach strategies are currently underway to engage the Pawtucket community. The Henry Winters STEAM Elementary School is slated for completion by the end of 2022. About Gilbane Building Company Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 48 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.gilbaneco.com. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 09:24:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ACCRA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- A Ghanaian official ordered the country's Forestry Commission (FC) Tuesday to take steps to end all forms of mining in forest reserves to preserve the country's biodiversity. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor gave the order at a ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Forests, which fell on Sunday. "Mining is one of the major factors derailing the work of the FC in preserving our forest reserves. I, therefore, urge you to take steps in the immediate term to flash out all those mining in forest reserves in the country," Jinapor said. "Ghana is committed to the global efforts to preserve and protect the natural forest cover and we shall spare no effort and resources in achieving this goal," said the minister. Ghana's tropical rain forest is part of the Guinea Forest Region of West Africa, one of the world's foremost biodiversity hotspots. Enditem GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shot back at Democrats who want to expel her. Claiming the House DEMS are wrong to eject her. Democrats Are Wrong to Eject Her The Democrats want to cancel anyone who does not fall in line. One reason is, she is against Democrats and vocal about it. Rep. Greene (R-Ga.) has said Monday there is an effort by Democrats to expel her. This move by Congress is "very misguided" because she has done no wrong. She thinks the effort will fail miserably, reported Epoch Times. Last week, a collective of around 70 House Democrats made a decision. Headed by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), they endorsed a resolution to expel Greene from Congress. They claimed she has previously paid for social media posts and called for political violence targeting Nancy Pelosi (the Speaker of the House), Congress members, and former President Barack Obama. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has since confirmed that she does not endorse the resolution. To expel a member of Congress, a two-thirds supermajority is required. That means that a significant number of Republicans will have to approve the Democrat-led campaign. Senate Filibuster Must Be Kept Not Trashed, Says GOP Expulsion is a rare situation in Congress. The last instance a member was removed from the House was in 2002. It was Ohio Democratic Rep. James Traficant who was forced out. He was accused of multiple corruption charges and served jail time. Due to social media posts she made as a private individual, Democrats and 11 Republicans voted last month to oust the Greene from the House Budget Committee and the House Education and Labor Committee. Greene has been seen to 'like' the Facebook posts advocating violence against prominent Democratic leaders. Gomez added she has also expressed support for the QAnon campaign. A fringe crackpot theory by the mainstream press. QAnon deduces information from cryptic messages left on anonymous message boards. One of the central claims of the theory is that global leaders are involved in a satanic pedophilia network. Greene has repeatedly linked Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib to a particular theory. They are winning elections related to an Islamic invasion of the US government, according to Politico. GOP Rep. Greene told Newsmax on Tuesday that the Democrats are constantly upset over a few items. The media has decided to create a narrative out of me that they are feeding the public. They just used a few minor details and tried to discredit Greene and make me her look guilty. "And if Democrats and Republicans join together to have me expelled for doing nothing wrong, for a few comments on social media, then this is a real precedent that the American people will not stand for, and my district would just reelect me and send me back, so their effort will fail." as Rep. Greene is quoted through Newsmax. Mainstream Media Calls Out White House for Lack of Border Access Miller-Meeks Calls Out the Democrats' Dirty Methods Joe Biden's $3 Trillion Package to Come Next After Stimulus Bill @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES) announced today Arroyo Vista Family Health Center is leveraging its community health data from local hospitals, ambulatory sites and behavioral health centers. Arroyo Vista is using the health information exchange's (HIE) data insights concurrently with the LANES population health enablement tool to better track and manage continuity of care delivery activities for its underserved population, specifically the chronic homeless. Since October 2020, Arroyo Vista has continuously monitored approximately 100 high-risk eligible patients enrolled in the California Medi-Cal Health Homes Program (HHP). HHP serves eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries with complex medical needs and chronic conditions who may benefit from enhanced care management involving California counties, Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans and healthcare providers. These entities work together to coordinate services to avoid duplication of resources. "Homeless individuals, by definition, meet high-risk criteria. They often have multiple chronic conditions and are difficult to reach by nature of their condition," explained Alex Cotte, MHA, Director of Managed Care Services at Arroyo Vista Family Health Center. "By having this subpopulation accessible for tracking in LANES, our care coordinators can determine if any of their patients checked into a healthcare facility within proximity." Care teams at Arroyo Vista's five federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), including a mobile medical clinic, located across Northeast Los Angeles use LANES to access up-to-date hospital admissions, discharges, diagnostic results and specialist reports. The HIE flags patients who need early intervention and identifies high utilizers of healthcare resources. Overuse of healthcare resources, such as avoidable emergency department visits and hospital readmissions, are among the leading contributors to waste in the U.S. healthcare system. "Understanding the direct correlation of social determinants of health with clinical outcomes, our ultimate goals using LANES is to participate in the Health Homes Program to enhance internal resources including readiness of tools to better assess our population health needs, and link patients to timely and appropriate outreach," said Cotte. Impact of costly readmissions and costs LANES helps Arroyo Vista's care coordinators stay on top of their patient population whether individuals are seen in the emergency department or admitted to or discharged from any LANES hospital participant. Hospital readmissions are associated with unfavorable patient outcomes and high financial costs. Moreover, the hospital-to-community transition is fraught with risks for patients, with 30-day readmission rates of greater than 20 percent. Poorly coordinated transitions of care translate to unplanned readmission at an estimated cost of $20 billion annually. Primary care physicians are challenged coordinating patient care, when in many cases, they are not even aware that their patients have been admitted to the hospital. "We use the patient's healthcare encounters captured in LANES as a way to engage with our managed care members and local providers to assure appropriate case management," Cotte said. "We can inform that individual's care plan if issues are experienced and confirmed at one or more healthcare facilities." Connecting community providers Arroyo Vista's expansion of community provider referrals resulting from using LANES has led to a welcomed outcome while coordinating care for the underserved at-risk cohort throughout Northeast Los Angeles. "It's been extremely helpful to have visibility across venues of care where other clinicians are interacting with our HHP patient enrollees and who are in the LANES network," Cotte remarked. "These providers need shared patient data too, since they are fully engaged with us in the HHP care coordination process." According to Ali Modaressi, CEO of LANES, "At Arroyo Vista, LANES supports population health initiatives like the Health Homes Program where patients with comorbidities require special care along with temporary housing, medical transportation and more to treat social determinants of health conditions. Arroyo Vista successfully demonstrates the power of informed clinical decision-making to manage effective care of a target population." About LANES Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services (LANES) is a regional health information exchange (HIE) serving more than 34 hospitals and health systems and 500-plus community clinics and medical practices that administer care to residents of Los Angeles County. Medi-Cal providers can tap 2021 Cal-HOP funding to access LANES. Connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn or visit the LANES website for more information. Media Contact: LANES Contact: Angela Jenkins Brad Hibbard Angela Jenkins & Associates LLC for LANES Chief Strategy Officer 303.877.0115 949.633.3900 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Los Angeles Network for Enhanced Services Related Links https://www.lanesla.org This is the first case of its kind years. The bomber, who died along with four other people, carried out the attack because of a dispute with the authorities over compensation. Between 2005 and 2015, local governments took land from millions of farmers. Judges cannot limit the power of local officials. Guangzhou (AsiaNews) - A farmer set off a homemade explosive device at a government office in Mingjing, a village in Guangdong province, last Sunday. Five people, including the bomber, were killed, five wounded. The man allegedly was involved in a dispute with local authorities over compensation owed to him following land expropriation. The area in question is home to about 3,000 people, and was chosen last year for major property redevelopment. A Shanghai developer wants to recreate an old village to attract tourists. The eight-billion-yuan (US$ 1.2 billion) project involves some 270 acres of land (110 hectares), and the relocation of farmers. This is the first attack against a government office in several years over land use. In this case, the local village committee, which is responsible for land use, was the target. For decades, the authorities have seized land, evicting farmers, in order to encourage major urban development. Such actions are often illegal and the result of graft, sparking countless social protests. According to a study by the University of Hong Kong cited by RTHK, local governments took land from one to five million farmers per year over a ten-year period (2005-2015). In many cases this was done in violation of national land-use law with little or compensation. The best known incident occurred in 2011, when thousands of residents in the village of Wukan turned on local authorities, accusing them of selling their land to private groups without adequately compensating them. Protests ended only after Wang Yang, then provincial secretary of the Chinese Communist Party and now a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, made political and economic concessions. In order to limit abuses by local officials, the central government gave judges more independence on expropriation cases. However, observers note that the reform has had no effect since judges are too dependent on those who wield political power. The Health Ministry said on March 23 that 24 people had died from COVID-19 within the previous 24 hours, while the number of new coronavirus cases was over 800. This is the same or even higher rate that Armenia had in the fall when the so-called second wave of the pandemic was observed globally. According to official data, over 185,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus in Armenia since the start of the pandemic, with nearly 3,400 related deaths. The number of current active cases is nearly 12,000. Last week, Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesian said that more hospital beds were being deployed to cope with the latest surge in COVID-19 cases that many local experts call a third wave of coronavirus infections. According to the ministry, the number of hospitals treating COVID-19 patients has been nearly doubled in recent days. Today a total of 19 hospitals take care for COVID-19 patients in Yerevan, Gyumri, Martuni, Spitak and Kapan. Knar Ghonian, head of the Health Ministrys Medical Aid Policy Department, said that currently almost all beds at intensive care units are occupied. We have 730 [COVID-19] patients who are in serious condition and 165 patients who are in critical condition today, with 60 of them breathing through oxygen devices, Ghonian said. According to the official, we are back to a situation when patients have to wait for hospitalization at home. Out of 270 patients needing hospitalization that were registered by our triage center since yesterday, 22 still continued to wait for hospitalization as of [March 23] morning. About 10 of them were at home, while others were in hospitals not specialized in treating COVID-19 patients, Ghonian added. While healthcare experts voice concern about the current epidemiological situation in Armenia, former Minister of Health Arsen Torosian, who currently serves as chief of the prime ministers staff, said earlier this week that the government is unlikely to introduce another lockdown. The latest wave of infections in Armenia came amid a weeks-long political crisis during which supporters of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and the opposition have been holding large-scale rallies. Torosian attended one of the recent pro-Pashinian rallies and was noticed not wearing a face mask. If I didnt wear a mask even for a while, I apologize for that. I should have been in a mask. I accept the criticism and again call on everyone to wear masks regardless of circumstances, Torosian said, talking to RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Monday. The suspect of the Boulder massive shooting, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, allegedly has a mental condition and has family issues. Officials are still looking into his mental condition after ten people were left dead following the shooting inside a store in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday afternoon. Boulder shooting suspect possibly have family problems "There is a possibility he was having problems with his family," a source with knowledge of information exchanged between the FBI and other law enforcement working on the case told The Sun. His mental condition is being investigated as well. On Tuesday, law enforcement was seen approaching Alissa's $800,000 family home in Arvada, Colorado. It's about 30 miles from where he allegedly opened fire with an AR-15-style rifle at the King Soopers grocery store on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, a young woman at the address asked reporters to "please stop," just minutes after three detectives left after spending 90 minutes inside. When detectives were meeting with the family, a young boy, about two years old, would regularly come to the window and wave at reporters. Several members of Alissa's family are thought to have remained inside the home, which has an array of solar panels on its roof. On Tuesday evening, some other law enforcement agents were seen going door to door, meeting with the family's neighbors, wearing uniforms with "FBI" and "CBI" printed on the back. "We are carrying out investigations linked to the incident, and that is what I can say," an officer named Tim Martinez told The Sun. The FBI was said to be aware of the alleged Boulder shooter, who had made comments about Islamaphobes before the shooting. After killing ten people, Alissa has been charged with murder, including police officer Eric Talley, in a convenience store with an AR-15-style rifle. Texas Roadhouse CEO Decides To End His Life Due to 'Unbearable' COVID-19 Boulder shootings suspect's previous cases, mental condition According to the New York Times, the suspect had two run-ins with Boulder police in 2018, one for third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, and the other for malicious mischief. He may or may not have been accused of a crime. According to law enforcement sources, Alissa is already known to the FBI because he was connected to another individual under investigation by the bureau. According to a police affidavit published by the New York Post last night, Alissa demanded to speak with his mother before surrendering. Meanwhile, the suspect's 34-year-old brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa, told The Daily Beast that Ahmad was "very anti-social." At high school, the alleged gunman would talk of being chased and fearing that someone was following him and looking for him, his brother said. According to an arrest affidavit issued on Tuesday, the suspected gunman purchased an assault rifle six days before opening fire inside a busy Colorado supermarket. Officer Talley, 51, was first on the scene and was fatally shot when he ran inside to confront the gunman. In the graphic massacre, witnesses identified the attacker shooting victims one by one with a rifle. Police escorted a man - the accused shooter - away from the scene in handcuffs, clothed in nothing but shorts and covered in blood, the video showed. According to initial reports, at least six people were killed in the shooting, but the death toll was later increased to ten. Among the ten victims were Denny Strong, 20; Neven Stoanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Officer Eric Talley, 51, Kevin Mahoney, 61, Lynn Murray, 62, and Jody Waters, 65. Boulder Colorado Supermarket Massive Shooting: Who Is the Suspect? What Is the Motive? Alissa was later identified as the suspected shooter by police. He's been charged with murder back then. The suspected gunman's house was raided by police after the attack, as per the suspect's brother. "I don't need to wait another minute - or another hour - to take common sense action that will save lives in the future," President Joe Biden said this afternoon in response to the attack. Biden noted that they could do this while he was a senator, asking congress to close background search loopholes and outlaw assault weapons. Footage shows a shirtless Alissa, 21, covered in blood, being lead away in handcuffs as horrified survivors described how they escaped the massacre in Boulder, Colorado, yesterday afternoon. During an 8:30 a.m. press conference, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold described Alissa as the suspected gunman, adding that dozens of agencies have investigated the massacre. The victims ranged in age from 20 to 65 years old, and Mayor Sam Weaver said the city felt the tragedy "in our bones." "We will never thank Officer Talley or his family enough for their dedication," Weaver said, describing slain officer Talley as a genuinely courageous public servant. WATCH: Colorado Supermarket Shootings Leave at Least 10 Dead Including 1 Officer @ 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. The market shock from the pandemic and the resulting crash in oil prices expectedly dragged down the net profit of the worlds biggest oil company and largest oil exporter, Saudi Aramco. The 2020 year of COVID also upended the development plans of the Saudi state oil giant at the oilfields it co-owns with other countries in the Gulf. In early 2020, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were preparing to significantly boost oil production in the so-called neutral zone between the two countries after ending a five-year spat over concessions. Both sides had grand plans to pump as much as 550,000 barrels per day (bpd)or 0.5 percent of daily global oil supplyfrom the jointly owned fields by the end of 2020. The unexpected events last year, however, led to the fields producing just around 120,000 bpd, which for Saudi Aramco means up to 60,000 bpd as output is equally divided between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, Aramcos president and chief executive officer Amin Nasser said on the call after the 2020 results release. Not only did the pandemic slash Aramcos profits in 2020, but it also put on ice its plans to quickly ramp up production from the fields it shares with Kuwait in the neutral zone. Related: 13 Million Barrels Of Oil Could Be Affected By Suez Canal Blockage The so-called Partitioned Neutral Zone (PNZ) was established between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 1922 to settle a territorial dispute between the two neighboring countries. As of 2015, the oil production capacity in the neutral zone stood at a total of 600,000 bpd, equally divided between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Production from the zone averaged around 500,000 bpd just before the shutdown of the two oil fields, Al-Khafji and Wafra, in 2014-2015. Operational differences and a worsening in bilateral relations led to the suspension of production back in 2015. The worsening came as Saudi Arabia renewed Chevrons concession for Wafra. According to the Kuwaiti side, Riyadh did that without consulting it. One of the upstream milestones Aramco boasted in its 2020 presentation was resumed operations at the Al-Khafji oilfield. Just after the owner of Saudi Aramco, Saudi Arabia, broke the OPEC+ pact with Russia in March last year, contributing to the oil price crash in the demand collapse, Abdullah Mansi Al-Shammari, Deputy CEO Finance and Management at Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, told Reuters that total production from the two oilfields, Al-Khafji and Wafra, would hit 320,000 bpd by the end of 2020. During the Saudi-Russia price war in March and early April 2020, Kuwait even exported its first cargo of Khafji crude oil, after the nearly five-year hiatusduring which the fields were not pumping oil. But after the new OPEC+ deal entered into force in May 2020 to prevent another price collapse and help the market to rebalance in the face of plunging fuel demand, the Saudis, the Kuwaitis, and all OPEC+ members had to scale back oil production much more than they would have done had they kept the initial agreement. The restart of production at the Al-Khafji oilfield last year marked the end of a five-year hiatus due to disputes. Still, the much lower-than-expected output from the neutral zone highlighted the challenges in ramping up production from oilfields that havent pumped oil in years, and operational decisions on major oilfields in the Middle East depend largely on OPECs policies, which is effectively led by Saudi Arabia. The future OPEC+ policies on withholding oil supply from the market will determine whether the Al-Khafji and Wafra fields shared with Kuwait could return to pumping meaningful volumes of crude soon. As of February, OPECs spare capacity, excluding Iran, stood at 7.7 million bpd, mostly in the Middle East, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report earlier in March, when it said that with plenty to spare capacity and still abundant supply, there is no supercycle for oil around the corner. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Rabbi Yaakov Menken argues that the Equality Act will set in motion acts of "religious bigotry" across a vulnerable nation. The controversial Equality Act that the House of Representatives passed under the Biden administration marks a major change for the LGBT community, which will be guaranteed protections against discrimination unlike before. The Biden Equality Act or H.R. 5, which amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act, will now add protections against discrimination based on "sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity." If passed, H.R. 5 will usher in a "new era of government-sanctioned anti-religious bigotry," one rabbi believes. In an op-ed for The Federalist, Coalition for Jewish Values Director and Rabbi Yaakov Menken explained how the Equality Act can seriously damage society as a whole. He argues that the bill is "motivated by anti-Jewish bias" and thrives on the "disproportionate repression of Jewish religious practice by law." He clarified his point by using an example. In Orthodox Judaism, celebrations are held exclusively by gender. Bar and bat mitzvahs are held as a coming of age ritual for boys and girls respectively and as with other major hallmark events such as the Siyum, which marks the graduation or completion of Torah studies. Such events are and have always been divided by biological sex. According to Rabbi Menken, the next Siyum, which will be held in 2027, may not be held at all if the Biden Equality Act would be signed into law because "observant Jews will no longer be legally permitted to gather to celebrate religious education, or any other occasion, in accordance with their beliefs." The law will directly ban the traditional Jewish gatherings, which strictly implement the separation of sexes. Even more concerning is that, under the Biden Equality Act, the religious will now be forced to marry two people of the same sex regardless if it is against their beliefs for fear of violating the new law. H.R. 5 hinges on the notion that marriage between a male and female individual is merely a "sex stereotype" and opposing the marriage of the two people of the same sex is discriminatory and can and will be punishable under this new law. Not only does the Biden Equality Act move to legalize "religious bigotry," but it also increases the vulnerability of biologically born women. Grand Opportunity USA founder John Paul Moral, who was also a recent Congress candidate in Massachusetts, argued that the Biden Equality Act is "dangerous to women, children and gay people like me." The Center Square reported that by dismantling sex-specific facilities, the new bill will force the "mixing the biological sexes in such a way will enable and facilitate sexual harassment and assault." Mat Staver, founder and CEO of religious freedom organization Liberty Counsel, argued that the Biden Equality Act also increases vulnerability of children. He argued that the "Q" in the term "LGBTQ" as seen in the bill's language "could include roughly 550 paraphilias outside of LGBT, including pedophilia, now referred to by some as 'minor attracted persons.'" While the Biden Equality Act is being celebrated by the liberal left, many conservatives and religious organizations are concerned about the repercussions of what may be the legalization of religious bigotry. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 15:58:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SUVA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Tuberculosis (TB) has been on the rise in Fiji as 91 cases have been reported on the island nation since January this year alone. Medical Superintendent at the Twomey Hospital Mike Kama, speaking at the World Tuberculosis Day here on Wednesday, highlighted the rise in Tuberculosis cases in the island nation over the years, According to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC). He said the incidence rate from 2019 in Fiji was around 59 per 1,000 people. However that reduced in 2020 to around 48 per 1,000 people, but Fiji's Ministry of Health is very cautious about the interpretation of data because of COVID-19 in the accessibility of cases as not many people were able to reach out to hospitals. Kama said the ministry is working to identify TB cases so that people can be screened and given medical treatment. TB is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Around 590 TB cases were recorded in 2019 while 430 cases were reported in 2020. Enditem Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has wished Mohanlal "success and prosperity" as the South superstar starts shooting for his directorial debut "Barroz". Billed as a big-budget 3D fantasy project, the Malayalam-language movie went on floors on Wednesday. Taking to Twitter late Tuesday evening, Bachchan wished the 60-year-old actor for his new journey. "Wishing the great Mohanlal the very best for his first directorial venture 'Barroz' success, prosperity and greater glory," Bachchan tweeted. T 3851 -Wishing the great Mohanlal the very best for his 1st directorial venture 'BARROZ' .. success , prosperity and greater glory .. Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 23, 2021 Bachchan and Mohanlal have previously worked in Ram Gopal Varma's "Aag" (2007) and the 2010 Malayalam drama "Kandahar". Replying to the 78-year-old screen icon, Mohanlal said he was touched by the actor's wish for him and thanked the "Gulabo Sitabo" star for his blessings. "Sir, it is with great gratitude that I accept your passionate message. Your thoughtfulness always touches my heart and your blessings I will always cherish. I thank you and reiterate my great admiration and respect for you. Love and Prayers.@SrBachchan," Mohanlal wrote. The film is written by director Jijo Punnoose, best known for his 1984 Malayalam fantasy film, "My Dear Kuttichathan", titled Chhota Chetan in Hindi. "Barroz" will reportedly features an international cast, with actors from Spain, Portugal, Ghana and America. Bachchan has four films lined up for release, including fantasy-adventure "Brahmastra", Ajay Devgn's "Mayday", thriller "Chehre" and sports-drama "Jhund". Mohanlal most recently featured in "Drishyam 2" by the director Jeethu Joseph. The movie, a sequel to the actor's 2013 hit "Drishyam", released on Amazon Prime Video. On Monday, the South star's Malayalam movie "Marakkar: Arabikadalinte Simham" won three National Awards, including the coveted best feature film honour. Channel 4 series Time Team is making a comeback almost seven years after it went off the air. Series creator Tim Taylor has confirmed that passionate fans of the archaeology show have raised enough money through a subscription scheme to bring the programme back. Tim said they now have enough funds to film two new episodes for YouTube, with another two in the pipeline, according to The Mirror. Back in action: Channel 4 series Time Team is making a comeback almost seven years after it went off the air (pictured L-R: Carenza Lewis, Mick Aston, Tony Robinson and Phil Harding) Speaking in a YouTube video, he said: 'The fantastic news is that Time Team is coming back and our fans on Patreon made it happen. 'We're heading towards our target of 5,000 subscribers by the end of March. This will mean we can do at least two sites. 'This has been a fantastic response and we can only do it if the fans support continues so a big thank you from all of us.' The creator also said he had kept in touch with fans of the show over the years who had been eager to see it return. Comeback: Series creator Tim Taylor has confirmed that passionate fans of the archaeology show have raised enough money through a subscription scheme to bring the programme back He explained: 'We were keeping in touch with fans and getting letters from Australia and all over the place. They kept asking us why we weren't bringing Time Team back? 'It costs less than a cup of coffee a week for fans to subscribe at the starter level. We got a fantastic burst of people excited about it and wanting to back us.' One of the first digs on the new series will take place at an Oxfordshire Roman villa owned by Martin Fiennes, cousin of actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes. The other will take place at a Cornish Iron Age settlement that was voted as the most requested site by fans in a poll. Plans: Tim said they now have enough funds to film two new episodes for YouTube, with another two in the pipeline Sir Tony Robinson will not present the new series but he has given his backing to the show and has been made an honorary patron of the new project. Tim confirmed they have not found a new presenter yet, however many of the original team are involved. Sadly, one member viewers won't see again is team illustrator Victor Ambrus who passed away in February aged 85. Show: One of the first digs on the new series will take place at an Oxfordshire Roman villa owned by Martin Fiennes, cousin of actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes Time Team archaeologist Professor Carenza Lewis said she thinks one of the reasons why the show was so successful was because there was nothing else on TV like it when it debuted in January 1994. She added the show's cast weren't afraid to fail and there were plenty of times Tony would tell viewers they were at a site to find a Roman villa but it would end up being something completely different. Tim also said the crew are looking forward to using new technology on the YouTube series that was not available to them before. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Gannett Co., Inc. ("Gannett" or the "Company") (NYSE: GCI). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@pomlaw.com or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Gannett 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 25, 2021, Gannett issued a press release announcing the Company's fourth quarter and full year financial results. Among other results, the Company reported a net loss of $670.5 million, which "reflects a second quarter non-cash write-down related to the second quarter 2020 impairment of goodwill and intangible assets of $393.4 million, as well as a $74.3 million non-cash loss on the derivative associated with our convertible debt and a $43.8 million loss associated with the early extinguishment of debt." On this news, Gannett's stock price fell $0.79 per share, or 14.08%, to close at $4.82 per share on February 25, 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 Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholder-alert-pomerantz-law-firm-investigates-claims-on-behalf-of-investors-of-gannett-co-inc---gci-301254539.html SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Australia's flood crisis has turned deadly after two men were found dead inside vehicles in Sydney's north-west and on the Gold Coast. Triple Zero operators were on the phone with a man for half an hour, 25, when they lost contact with him after he made several desperate attempts to escape his vehicle on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts on Wednesday. Emergency crews arrived at the scene about 6.30am, and recovered the man's body at 1pm after locating his submerged Toyota Camry. The Pakistani national was on his first day of a new contracting job in a newly hired car, and investigators will probe whether the vehicle's electronics failed. In Queensland a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast Hinterland on Wednesday afternoon. The 38-year-old father was last seen on Monday and had not contacted his family since heading to a job in the Tamborine area, where torrential rain caused flash flooding this week. His ute was spotted earlier in the day in the flooded Canungra Creek. New South Wales' flood crisis has turned deadly after a man's body was found in a car trapped in water in Sydney's north-west In Queensland a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast Hinterland on Wednesday afternoon Mr Hornman's desperate wife has been active on social media since then, appealing for help from anyone who saw him. 'He didn't turn up to work and hasn't been able to be reached since. His phone is turned off,' Angela Hornman posted on Facebook on Tuesday. 'I just have to know he's ok. Please tell him no matter what I LOVE HIM.' NSW Police Detective Inspector Chris Laird said the man who died at Glenorie has called Triple-Zero at 6.25am and remained on the line with the operator until about 7. He said the roads had multiple signs and road closure warnings, yet the car was located 30 metres into flood waters and six metres under water. There was also a padlocked gate blocking off the road, but it was submerged. Det Insp Laird suggested the car's electrical system may have failed. 'We can only speculate as to why he couldn't get out of the car and initial examination shows he made all reasonable attempts,' he told reporters. 'Also too, the remote location of the area, (we'll ask) questions about what he was doing up there ... he may not have known the area as locals would.' Det Insp Laird said the 25-year-old had strong roots in western Sydney, and that his friends in Australia were devastated by the news. Emergency crews were called to Cattai Ridge Road, near Hidden Valley Lane in Glenorie at about 6.30am on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters The car with the man's body inside was found in Cattai Creek (pictured) at about 1pm following a NSW Police and SES Flood Rescue search. The man has not yet been formally identified 'From the police force, all emergency services ... here is the very reason why you should not make any attempt to drive through swollen rivers,' he said. Premier Gladys Berejiklian expressed her condolences to the man's family. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott also offered his condolences, saying it would send ripples through the northwest Sydney community. 'The human cost of these floods has been brought into sharp focus in the most tragic of circumstances and I urge communities to continue to be cautious in the face of continued and imminent threats to life,' Mr Elliott said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also made statements in federal parliament commemorating the 25-year-old. Mr Morrison labelled Wednesday a 'terribly sad day', saying he knew the area well from childhood camping trips and empathising with the man's family. A police officer is seen in Glenorie after a man's body was discovered in a car in Sydney's north-west He thanked NSW emergency services for their work. 'We have seen so much over the course of the past year and more as this country has battled so many things - floods, fires, viruses, drought and now these floods again,' Mr Morrison said on Wednesday. 'Now this family will get this news and they will grieve. 'Around them, activity will occur as the flood waters recede and the clean up begins, but their house will be dark and their grief will be great.' The premier said there is still extreme danger in flood-hit areas despite the sunshine in Sydney on Wednesday. 'Whilst the sun is out conditions remain extremely dangerous, rivers are still rising,' she said. Police divers are seen searching Cattai Creek on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters 'We ask everybody, especially if they are in vehicles to be extra cautious. 'Some would suggest it is even more dangerous now as rivers continue to rise and catchments fill up with water.' The Hills Shire Council on Wednesday said Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie was shut due to flooding. Treacherous rivers around flood-stricken NSW will remain swollen into the weekend but are unlikely to rise further as weather conditions ease. Some 24,000 people in NSW are still evacuated from their homes but the torrential rain that has battered the state for the week has finally settled. About 60,000 people have nevertheless been told by the State Emergency Service to be ready to evacuate, with major flood warnings still in place for the Macintyre, Gwydir, Clarence and Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers. There have been 11,000 calls for help to the SES so far, and 950 flood rescues. A police car and tape blocks the crime scene off to the community in Glenorie on Wednesday Police boats head out on to floodwaters to deliver basic supplies donated by Coles to stranded locals in the Windsor region on Wednesday The Bureau of Meteorology, meanwhile, predicts there will be no major rain for at least a week, barring up to 40mm on the NSW south coast on Wednesday. The reprieve in the weather paved the way for defence personnel and emergency service workers to get essential supplies to isolated communities, particularly North Richmond in Sydney's northwest where floodwaters continue to rise. It will also enable the extensive clean-up process to gradually begin. Ms Berejiklian said the state remained in crisis despite the sunnier weather. She says the damage inflicted on thousands of homes, businesses and infrastructure means life will be significantly disrupted for many people. Some catchments are experiencing their highest water flows in 50 years. 'What we are seeing before us in NSW is the unfolding of human tragedy ... tens of thousands of people who will go back and never have the same experiences again,' Ms Berejiklian said in NSW Parliament. SES volunteers and NSW Police begin delivering food, medicine and essential items and inspecting properties inundated but floodwaters around Windsor in the north west of Sydney The areas of continued concern include Moree in the NSW northwest, the Upper Hunter around Singleton, Grafton, parts of the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment northwest of Sydney. BOM meteorologist Victoria Dodds said flooding won't recede until the weekend, particularly on the 'complicated' Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley river system which restricts water flows at some points. The bureau also warned of the risk of falling trees due to saturated soil. 'River levels are still really high, we still have major flooding, it's a very protracted flood event,' Ms Dodds told reporters. Rain has eased across a vast swathe of southern Queensland, but river levels are expected to remain high for a few days, despite the sunny skies. The weather bureau says major flooding remains possible along the Macintyre, Condamine, Bulloo and Logan rivers, and Bremer River and Warrill Creek. At Beaudesert, south of Brisbane, major flooding is continuing along the Logan River, with some residents ordered to leave on Tuesday night. The Windsor Bridge is seen submerged under rising floodwaters along the Hawkesbury River on Thursday State Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan says it will be some time before there's a comprehensive tally of flooded properties and vehicles lost to floodwaters. He said the activation of joint federal-state disaster assistance for the hard-hit Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim councils would fund the removal of tonnes of debris, and repairs to roads and other infrastructure. The State Emergency Service says calls for help have tailed off with the rain, but there were still 530 requests for assistance in the 24 hours to 5am on Wednesday, the vast majority in the southeast corner. While the sustained heavy rain has moved on, severe storms are possible for central and eastern Queensland on Wednesday, and parts of the far north and northeast tropics on Thursday. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Teenage entrepreneurs from three local schools will represent Kilkenny at this years Student Enterprise Programme National Final on Friday, May 14. Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny announced the winners at this years Student Enterprise virtual county final, which took place yesterday (Tuesday). More than 500 students from 13 Kilkenny-based schools took part in the programme this academic year, with 80 students representing nine schools reaching the county final. The Student Enterprise Programme is an enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland, and is delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country. The programme encourages students to create, design and market their own business, all in the hope of reaching the national final. As with last years event, the final will take place virtually . In the Junior category, county final winners who will go onto to represent Kilkenny at the national final are Noah Cahill, Ian McDonald and Thomas Deegan from Colaiste Eamann Ris, Callan with their business Parcel Trust which manufactures high-quality secure outdoor storage boxes designed particularly with online deliveries in mind. In the Senior category of the competition, Kilkenny will be represented on May 14 by Tara McGuire of Presentation Secondary School with her mini-company Slates by Tara. Taras impressive slate art business sells decorative hand painted artwork on 100-year-old recycled Blue Bangor slates. In the My Entrepreneurial Journey competition at intermediate level, Mark Srouji from Colaiste Eamann Ris will represent Kilkenny. Mark interviewed Anne Neary of Ryeland House Cookery School as his case study and also outlined his entrepreneurial journey having set up a business called Marks Productions, making themed table centrepieces. In the Most Creative Business Idea competition which is open to senior students, Rachel Brennan of Loreto Secondary School came out on top with her Covid-19 related business idea Counting after Covid and will go forward to the final. Rachels idea involved the development of customised framed money box containing imagery to motivate people to save for trips, adventures, etc after Covid. There were also a number of category awards presented with the Kilkenny County Council sponsored Green Award going to Bi Nadurtha from Castlecomer Community School - team members include Alison Bradish, Hollie Coogan, Cait Scott and Aislin Comerford. Alyson Shortall, Leslie Hughes and Alicia Brennan, students from Loreto Secondary School scooped the Best Branding Award for their dry mix for cookies and brownies Munch Mix project. Moya Kehoe from Kilkenny College with her ecommerce clothing business Popping Basics won the One to Watch award. Special merits awards were also announced with Adam Walsh from Duiske College being presented with the Best Business Pitch for his business project Handy Sanitizer. Colaiste Eamann Ris students Mark Ahern and Kevan Lynch won the design-led thinking award for their handmade wooden stand to hold hurls, umbrellas and much more. The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award was presented to Adam Byrnes and Cian Sherwood from Castlecomer Community School for their parking disc idea Just Parked. Leon Doyle a student from Kilkenny College was announced the Rising Star for his project Leons Woodland Pencil Holders. The MC for the event was Brian Redmond, best known for his role in the judging hotseat on RTE One series Dancing with the Stars. Kilkenny has a successful track record in the student enterprise competition at National Level. Last year Nathan Ryan from Colaiste Eamann Ris took first place at intermediate level in the My Entrepreneurial Journey competition and Mark and Evan Srouji, also from Colaiste Eamann Ris, won a Special Merit Award in the Intermediate Category of the main Student Enterprise Programme competition said Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office. Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 220,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start and grow a business. The Student Enterprise Programme introduced a new range of online student and teacher enterprise resources during 20/2021 at www.StudentEnterprise.ie. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Andrew McGuinness lauded the support and back-up provided by all second level schools that participated in the Student Enterprise Programme this year. This years national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck as they compete against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Final, taking place virtually on May 14, he said. Further information on the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie and by searching #studententerprise on social media. A Hillsborough County sheriffs deputy was heading east on Interstate 4 in his red Dodge Charger on a brilliantly sunny afternoon in Florida when he saw him: A young driver behind the wheel of a Jeep texting on his phone. The deputy, Donald Hess, didnt hit his lights and siren right away. He watched over more than a mile while he pulled around both sides of the Jeep, he said, as the driver kept texting before he pulled him over on the I-4 shoulder. When the driver rolled down his window, the deputy waved away a cloud of smoke. How much weed have you all been smoking? the deputy said in dialogue captured on police body camera video. The reason I stopped you is for you using your texting while youre driving. Hess mimicked texting with his left thumb. That roadside encounter, in November, was the exception rather than the rule when it comes to enforcing a new Florida law against texting and driving. With a flourish, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law in 2019 making texting while driving a primary traffic offense in Florida, with a $30 fine for a first offense that routinely climbs to over $100. Itll make our roads safer, DeSantis said. But the new law against texting is rarely enforced, according to official state figures. Florida also has failed its requirements under the law to track comprehensively how many drivers are ticketed statewide and whether police are targeting minorities. Those in charge of writing tickets also complained that the young law has too many loopholes. Floridas census of texting violations, published earlier this year, is missing tickets entirely from more than 20 of the states 67 sheriffs departments and at least 56 of 155 municipal police departments. The state sent the official report, anyway, to the governor, Senate president and House speaker. The report also contained at least one major error discovered after the fact by a news reporter that overcounted texting tickets by hundreds. Broward County, one of Floridas most populated, did not submit any numbers to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, as required annually under the law, until a reporter asked why its figures were missing. It turned out that deputies in Broward, where nearly 2 million people live, ticketed only 18 drivers for texting. In areas where law enforcement agencies submitted data, the numbers also showed that police arent aggressively enforcing the anti-texting law. Last year the first year when drivers could be ticketed officers, deputies, troopers and others wrote only 3,410 such citations among Floridas more than 15 million licensed drivers, according to official state figures. The Florida Highway Patrol accounted for nearly one-third of the tickets. In a typical year, authorities statewide issued more tickets for carpool lane violations or failing to use turn signals. In 2019, the latest figures available, Florida recorded more than 56,000 crashes and nearly 300 deaths blamed on distracted driving, which includes texting. In Miami-Dade County, with an estimated 2 million drivers, police wrote 295 texting tickets, or about six each week. Palm Beach County deputies gave out 38. The sheriffs office in Orange County, which includes Orlando, reported 114. The Orlando Police Department added 12 more there. In the Keys, Monroe County deputies wrote 68 texting tickets. In Alachua County, home to the states flagship University of Florida with more than 50,000 students who live on their phones, campus police issued zero citations for texting behind the wheel. Likewise, police at Florida State gave no such tickets. The sheriffs office in Alachua County also failed to provide its figures to the state: A spokesman, Sgt. Frank Kinsey, later said it gave out six tickets. In one case, deputy Aaron Brami ticketed Trevyne Willis, 31, of Newberry in June after watching her texting as she slowed for a traffic light. When Im looking at you, and youre looking down, texting, Brami said, according to body camera footage. is that safe? I understand, officer, Im so sorry, Willis said. No, sir. Willis was assessed a $109 fine but never paid it, according to court records. Her license was suspended, and the case was turned over to collections in November. Six Florida counties Baker, DeSoto, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Suwannee and Union reported zero texting tickets last year, the state said. More than 100 law enforcement agencies ticketed fewer than 10 drivers, and at least 30 municipal police departments wrote no tickets for texting while driving. The state report contained at least one serious mistake: It included 253 tickets from St. Johns County along Floridas eastern coast, which includes St. Augustine. That was nearly as many tickets as in Miami-Dade County, with 10 times more residents. Actually, the county only wrote 17 texting tickets, said Scott Beaver, its director of patrol. That corrected total brought the statewide count to 3,174. That mix-up occurred when the sheriffs office mistakenly submitted totals for expired registrations, not texting violations. Records supervisor Racheal Moore said the county was correcting its report and notified the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The countys error was discovered during the reporting for this news article. A key provision in the new law requires authorities to record the race and ethnicity of each driver ticketed for the report sent annually to the governor and legislative leaders. The lack of accounting from so many jurisdictions makes it impossible to determine reliably whether minorities were targeted under the law: Florida said police ticketed 469 Black drivers, or about 14 percent of total tickets, and 688 Hispanic drivers, or about 20 percent of tickets. It categorized the race of 530 drivers last year as unknown. In Florida, Black residents make up about 17 percent of the states population, and Hispanic residents make up about 26 percent. A former state prosecutor and deputy director of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union, Melba Pearson, fought for the new law to include race and ethnicity reporting requirements. Now, she said, she worried that some police agencies were deliberately withholding figures that might show minorities being targeted. Our government needs to be accountable to the people that they serve, and accurate data is the way to do that, said Pearson, now director of policy and programs at Florida International Universitys Center for the Administration of Justice. Using ticket data from 2014, the Florida ACLU reported in 2016 that Black motorists were nearly twice as often pulled over for seatbelt violations statewide and up to four times as often in certain counties. In Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa, sheriffs deputies ticketed 44 drivers, including six Black drivers. That included the November stop along I-4. The driver, Antonio Sims Jr., 25, of Tampa, told the deputy he was using the GPS app on his phone. Sims is Black, and Hess is white. I came on this side and watched you doing something with your phone, I went around you on the other side and watched you for over a mile, so that classifies as texting, the deputy said. Ill give you like a quick jot but I went all the way around you and watched you continue to do it the whole way. Hess also instructed Sims: Bro, dont be smoking so much weed in the car, man, it smells so strong, he said. Thats how you go to jail, all right? He did not ask to search Sims Jeep or otherwise formally accuse him of a drug violation. Sims never paid his $113 texting fine, and his license was suspended in January, according to court records. He did not respond to multiple phone calls, voicemails and text messages over more than a week, or efforts to contact him through his family in Illinois. Under Floridas new law, drivers can make phone calls, check weather or traffic alerts and use phones for navigation except in a school or construction zone, which are hands free spaces, where any phone activity behind the wheel is prohibited. Drivers can also text while their car is stationary, like at a stoplight. Officers can ticket people only when their car is in motion and they have a reasonable belief the driver is texting. Drivers are not required to allow officers to look on their phone without a search warrant. Those provisions make the texting law difficult to enforce, said Kinsey, the Alachua County sheriffs sergeant. Weve all seen it as citizens, he said. But people are on their best behavior when theres a marked patrol car around. The 2019 law was pioneered by Democratic Rep. Emily Slosberg of Delray Beach and Rep. Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa. When the governor signed it, Florida joined 47 other states and the District of Columbia in enforcing some sort of texting behind the wheel ban. Slosberg is trying to expand the law to ban all cell phone use while driving, not just texting. But the bill hasnt been subject to a hearing or vote. A similar effort failed last year. She said the states official report on texting enforcement shows the current law is unenforceable. This is something that is necessary, Slosberg said. Under her proposal, Florida would join at least 15 other states banning all phone use while driving. For Slosberg, who had proposed anti-distracted driving legislation since 2017, the fight is personal. She was in a deadly Palm Beach car accident over 20 years ago that killed her 14-year-old twin sister, Dori, and four other teenagers. The crash, which Slosberg said still haunts her, is a force behind her efforts. ___ This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. The reporter can be reached at ccann(at)freshtakeflorida.com Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Personal Auto Sierra Leone Still Paying Hefty Price 30 Years After Civil War Sierra Leone has commemorated the 30th year since the start of its 11-year civil war, which began on March 23, 1991. At least 120,000 people died during the conflict and victims of clashes between armed factions and government forces remember this traumatic period as they still struggle to rebuild their shattered lives. The civil war began in a rural part of eastern Sierra Leone when rebels from the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) with support from the special forces of Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Front of Liberia, intervened in an attempt to overthrow the Joseph Momoh government. It brought all of the health and economic infrastructures down to zero as the many clinics that had been established by the government were completely demolished. During the war, numerous atrocities were committed including rape, mutilation, and mass murder, causing many of the perpetrators to be tried in international criminal courts, and the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission. Sierra Leone has been a nation plagued with civil wars and poverty since gaining independence in 1961. Despite being one of the few countries in the world that has precious natural resources such as diamonds and rare minerals, this nation continues to suffer from extreme poverty. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 19:33:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on Tuesday adopted a China-sponsored resolution titled "Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights," the third time the UN rights body has adopted a China-sponsored resolution advocating a cooperative and constructive approach for the world's human rights cause. -- The resolution expresses deep concern over the stigmatization, xenophobia, racism and discrimination as well as hate speech in many parts of the world, and stresses the need to combat them. It also calls for upholding multilateralism and highlights the importance of dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations in the field of human rights. -- Speaking in support of the resolution, representatives from many countries have praised China's constructive and open spirit during the entire drafting process, and called the resolution "especially timely" in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. GENEVA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council on Tuesday adopted a China-sponsored resolution advocating a cooperation approach in the field of human rights. The resolution, titled "Promoting Mutually Beneficial Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights," calls upon all states to uphold multilateralism and encourages other stakeholders, including international, regional and non-governmental organizations, to contribute actively to this endeavor. It emphasizes that international cooperation should be actively carried out to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the accessibility and affordability of vaccines to developing countries. UPHOLDING MULTILATERALISM Introducing the draft resolution to the UN body, Chen Xu, head of the Chinese Mission to the UN in Geneva, said that the purpose of the resolution is to further call for upholding multilateralism. "The pandemic once again shows that countries must step up consultation and cooperation, and uphold and practice multilateralism so as to effectively address global challenges, promote peace and development, and realize the goal of full enjoyment of human rights by all," the Chinese ambassador said. To this end, he explained, China and the resolution's co-sponsors including Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, Syria, Venezuela and a number of other countries, called for upholding multilateralism, conducting constructive dialogue and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect. According to the Chinese diplomat, before presenting the draft resolution, China had, in a transparent, open and constructive manner, held two informal consultations, exchanged ideas with various parties and took on board reasonable suggestions for amendment. "China's initiative on the promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of human rights is in line with the shared aspiration of the international community," Chen said. BEST COVID-19 DEFENSE With two previous resolutions on human rights cooperation being adopted respectively in 2020 and 2018, this is the third time the UN rights body has adopted a China-sponsored resolution advocating a cooperative and constructive approach for the world's human rights cause. The latest resolution is also an echo of a recent UN report provided to the 46th session of the UN rights body, which stressed that solidarity and cooperation are the best defense against COVID-19 and the key to the recovery process. "The pandemic is a clear test of international cooperation and solidarity. Decisive leadership and concerted action are particularly vital in critical areas for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in the context of recovering better," said the report. According to the resolution, all human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and all human rights, including the right to development, must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis. The resolution also expresses deep concern over the stigmatization, xenophobia, racism and discrimination as well as hate speech in many parts of the world, and stresses the need to combat them. It, at the same time, highlights that dialogue among religions, cultures and civilizations in the field of human rights could contribute greatly to the enhancement of international cooperation and facilitate building a community of shared future for human beings in which human rights are enjoyed by all. It also proposes that the Human Rights Council hold a meeting in a timely manner on the promotion and protection of the human rights of persons in vulnerable and marginalized situations during and after the pandemic in order to better share experiences and good practices. CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH Speaking in support of the resolution on Tuesday, a representative from Cuba said that Cuba thanks the delegation of China for the presentation of resolution and for the constructive and open spirit that China demonstrated during the entire drafting process. "Cooperation among countries on the base and principle of the UN Charter is the sole guarantee for the promotion and effective protection of human rights," the Cuban representative said, adding that the resolution helps promote these principles in the Human Rights Council. For the representative of the African country of Eritrea, differences should not hinder the efforts of states and stakeholders in promoting and protecting all human rights through mutually beneficial cooperation. Speaking before the adoption of the resolution, the Eritrean representative stressed that the resolution aims to promote engagement, dialogue and cooperation by recognizing the universality and indivisibility of human rights. Eritrea believes that the adoption of the resolution can bridge divisions among members of the Council and help the Council to avoid "politicization, double standards and confrontation through building a viable atmosphere of dialogue and cooperation," the representative said. Before voting in favor of the resolution, a Russian representative said that Russia highlights "the very constructive approach" of the resolution. Noting that certain countries who lecture others on human rights essentially interfere in the latter's internal affairs and thus create confrontation, the Russian representative said those resolution-critics are in fact against multilateralism and equality in the field of human rights. "The resolution creates conditions for mutual cooperation based on mutual benefits to combat our common challenges in the area of human rights, and this is especially timely in the situation we're all facing the pandemic of COVID-19," he said. (Video reporter: Nie Xiaoyang; video editor: Zhu Cong) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. "Our posture's gonna be that we're posted outside of DC, awaiting the president's orders. We hope he will give us the orders. We want him to declare an insurrection, and to call us up as the militia." Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, in November, looking ahead to Jan. 6 Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. After London Capital & Finance (LCF) and the implosion in the Woodford investment funds, it is smart for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is to get its defences in first. The rise of easy-to-use online social media sites such as Reddit, no-fee trading platform Robin Hood and all sorts of other digital platforms and apps has blurred the lines between serious investment, gaming and gambling. As the FCA points out, ill-equipped new investors are being inveigled into putting money into high-risk assets, such as cryptocurrencies and foreign exchange and ramped-up shares such as Gamestop, without recognition that there is a downside. Changing times : The rise of social media sites, no-fee trading platform Robin Hood and other digital platforms has blurred the lines between serious investment, gaming and gambling If and when these markets go into reverse, new and often young investors might quickly discover they are nursing losses, perhaps on assets bought with borrowed money, which they cannot afford. One suspects appetite for some of this activity is a consequence of pandemic boredom. Monitoring much of this is not easy for the regulators either, as the worldwide web knows no borders except in China. It is a rich feeding ground for high-pressure sales people and pop-up websites. The warning is valuable but one suspects the FCA, which failed to heed 600 red flags concerning LCF, might find it hard to pick up much of this stuff which falls outside its remit or perimeter. We have to look no further than Greensill Capital, Gupta and Wyelands Bank to know how the regulatory system can be gamed. Former City minister Paul Myners tells me that over the last two years he submitted 40 questions regarding this rickety and untrustworthy financial structure. But seemingly no attention was paid, and both Greensill and Gupta gained some access to Covid loan schemes, if not the one operated by the Bank of England. Myners argues that because banks are now tightly regulated it opened the opportunity for non-banks to squeeze through the gaps. In the interests of financial stability it is time that UK regulators became more streetwise about abuse, which at Greensill reached the heart of government. Tech bait You might think it was all over for the City, judging from reaction to the migration of stocks from London to Amsterdam. As disturbing as that may be, it is worth bearing in mind that much of the trading is being done among professional users on a London Stock Exchange Group Turquoise platform and that Brexit does appear to have unlocked the Square Mile as a good place for tech floats. There is room for carping about the 9billion price placed on Deliveroo shares amid worries about changing employment rules post Uber and the fact that the food deliverer lost 224million last year. Those who followed the fortunes of Amazon from its beginnings in 1994, will remember that it took a decade or more for it to report a quarterly profit. Online pensions provider Pension Bee may be a minnow but the business opportunity is enormous. Legal & General, M&G and others may have the lock on buying-in, larger defined benefit pension schemes, but there are an estimated 40.8billion non-workplace and dormant pension pots out there. Pension Bee founder Romi Savova came up with the smart idea of vacuuming this big untapped, online service and already has 1.5billion under management. It is also good that Pension Bee, like Deliveroo, wants to bring retail investors in on the float and is using technology developed by another London online start-up, Primary Bid, to provide access. The attraction of tech floats, when there has been a setback in Wall Street valuations, remains healthy. Trustpilot, which manages reviews for half-a-million websites is off to a good start with the shares up 14 per cent, placing a value of 1.1billion on it. Cautionary voices might whisper remember dot.com, and there is always risk. But we should applaud the fact that tech entrepreneurship is alive and well. Security breach These are testing times for Rolls-Royce and it may need every krone it can raise. Nevertheless, how it thought it was acceptable to sell Bergen Engines, which makes power units for naval and civilian vessels, to a Russian firm, TMH Vehicles, is inexplicable. The 129million deal, correctly, has been blocked by Oslo authorities. Back to the blueprints for Rolls. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 11:35:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the reform of local medical and healthcare system at Shaxian General Hospital in Shaxian District of Sanming City, Fujian Province, on March 23, 2021. Xi visited Shaxian District of Sanming City on Tuesday during an inspection tour of east China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) FUZHOU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Tuesday said that health is the most important indicator of people's happiness. Xi made the remarks when visiting a local hospital in the city of Sanming, east China's Fujian Province. Noting the continuous progress in public health since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Xi said China is now on a par with some developed countries in terms of average life expectancy. But he pointed out that the development of medical services remains uneven between regions. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), efforts should be made to put people and their lives first, continue to deepen the reform of the medical and health system, increase medical resources and optimize their distribution, so that people don't have to travel far to have their illness treated, according to Xi. Enditem Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Britain is marking one year since it entered its first lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Named "A Day of Reflection," a minute's silence is going to be observed at midday (1200 GMT), and citizens are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps with a candle at 8 pm. In a ceremony at one of London's main hospitals, St Bartholomew's, an aide to Queen Elizabeth II will hand over a bunch of flowers and the hospital's chief executive will then read out a message from the monarch. At 8 pm, famous landmarks including Wembley Stadium, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square in London, the Welsh Parliament building and Cardiff Castle in Wales and Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland will be lit up in yellow lights to mark the occasion. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who himself was hospitalized with Covid-19, will be observing the minute's silence privately. The last 12 months has taken a huge toll on us all, and I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones," he said in a statement. "Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year one of the most difficult in our countrys history." Campaigners are calling for March 23 to be an annual memorial day. Source: dpa/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 EVEN decades after attaining independence, many African countries still rely heavily on foreign aid in terms of concessional, soft loans as well as grants to fund internal development projects and provide social services to their people. It is well known that the foreign aid in either form comes with so many strings attached to them to the extent that the donors are the ones calling the shots from the backdoors, and hence, bringing in the new form of colonialism christened neo-colonialism. Worse still, some of the African leaders have been pocketing the funds for their good, at the expense of the very poor people whom they had promised "honey and milk" upon attainment of independence. This has made many African countries to plummet further into poverty with the majority remaining poor and lack basic social needs in the health care, education, provision of clean and safe water as well as enabling infrastructure for economic activities. The trend went on for some years until some of the countries decided otherwise; that the only solution was to focus on mobilization of domestic sources and ceiling loopholes of misappropriation of public funds. The newly devised and well-thought strategy has worked quite perfectly for the government of Tanzania under the presidency of the now deceased Dr John Magufuli. The fifth president of the East African nation was elected for the first term and sworn in as president in November 2015, but breathed his last on 17 March, 2021, while serving his last term which would have climaxed 2025 in the second re-election on October 2020. Few days after assuming the presidency in late 2015, the bold leader embarked on well-designed tax collection and management systems and enforced stringent measures against corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Within a short period of his leadership, Dr Magufuli managed to boost tax revenues from 800bn/- per month to over 1.3trl. This enabled the government to provide free education from primary to secondary schools, let alone the beneficiaries of loans into institutions of higher learning increasing significantly. Mobilization of local resources facilitated the government to as well improve the health sector. Many hospitals have been constructed across the country equipped with modern equipment and trained medical personnel. Major infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), Nyerere Hydro-Power Project (NHPP) in addition completed and undergoing construction of bridges and road networks have been implemented with locally sourced funds. The secret behind the improved revenue collections, among others, was the implementation of electronic solutions for collection of taxes, levies and other duties. Through the technology the government has been in a position to effectively tap requisite taxes and curbing cheating by some dishonest producers, importers and distributors. The digital solutions did not only increase revenues but also played a crucial role in proper management of public funds for recurrent expenditure and execution of development projects. These measures include the Electronic Fiscal Devise Management System (EFDMS), Government e-Payment System Gateway System (GePGs) and Tanzania Customs Integrated System (TANCIS). On the other hand, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) introduced the Electronic Tax Stamps Management System (ETMS) for products which are subjected to excise duty. The tax collector contracted a Swiss company, Societe Industrielle et Commerciale de Produits Alimentaires (SICPA) which provides both software and hardware for the technology. Application of the digital stamps for the excisable goods has enabled TRA to track actual production at factories and imports and eventually facilitate collection of requisite taxes and curb fake products in the local market. Being a big country with porous borders, Tanzania has been facing a challenge of substandard and smuggled products which do not only deny the government of taxes but poses health risks to consumers and creating unfair playing grounds for local producers. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In his eulogy of Dr Magufuli at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma on Monday, the President of South African, Cyril Ramaphosa described the fallen Tanzanian leader as Pan-Africanist and true son of the continent. Adding: "I would always ask Dr Magufuli, are you afraid of airplanes because I don't see you flying frequently? His answer would be I don't want to travel to the shores, but instead remain in my country and work for the betterment of my people." The same sentiments were shared by the President of Malawi, Dr Lazaraus Chakwera, who had hinted on how some foreign forces had wondered whether there could be an African president who will be bold enough to curb corruption or not rely on foreign aid. "President Magufuli proved them wrong and we are really proud of him. Tanzania has lost a true leader who cared for the people," the Malawian remarked at the filled to capacity stadium in the capital city of Dodoma. [March 24, 2021] China-US relations need to overcome difficulties and move forward BEIJING, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report by China.org.cn on the recent dialogue between China and US: Over the past few days, the world's attention was on the China-U.S. high-level strategic dialogue held in Alaska. These were the first face-to-face talks between the two countries' top foreign affairs officials since the new U.S. administration took office, and a concrete step in implementing the principles laid out in the phone call between the two heads of state on Feb.11. After four years of disruption caused by the Trump administration, the return of China-U.S. relations to diplomatic channels is itself meaningful. The two sides had candid, in-depth, prolonged and constructive exchanges on bilateral, regional and international issues. They agreed that they will continue such high-level strategic communication, conduct mutually beneficial cooperation, avoid misunderstanding and misjudgment, forestall conflict and confrontation, and promote the sound and steady development of China-U.S. relations. However, relations have not evolved to this stage overnight. In the last several years, the Trump administration initiated a "trade war" against China; suppressed Chinese companiesand attempted to impede China's development regardless of international morality and principles; and challenged China's core interests and bottom lines on various issues, leaving behind many "negative assets" and causing unprecedented damage to China-U.S. relations. A single meeting is not enough to repair the damage. In addition, this dialogue revealed that the two countries have important and deep-seated differences. Equality and mutual respect are the cornerstone of effective China-U.S. dialogue, and can help promote cooperation and manage differences. The United States has been a global hegemon for far too long. It is accustomed to imposing its own values on other countries as universal values, to pointing fingers at or meddling in others' internal affairs, and even willfully using military force. However, the U.S. won't prosper by stirring up chaos in other countries. There have been many cases showing that it has "sown the wind and reaped the whirlwind." Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi pointed out frankly: "We request that the U.S. side completely refrains from arbitrary interference in China's internal affairs. It's time to change its old pattern!" Mutual respect means respecting the facts, the sovereignty and core interests of all countries, and acting rationally. Without mutual respect, how can countries engage in international relations? As the world's two largest economies, each with different social systems, China and the U.S. should look at the big picture and adopt a broadminded approach to bilateral relations, with determination as well as patience. It is anticipated that the candid dialogue this time will enable China-U.S. relations to move forward against all odds. China Mosaic http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm China-US relations need to overcome difficulties and move forward http://www.china.org.cn/video/2021-03/24/content_77342873.htm View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-us-relations-need-to-overcome-difficulties-and-move-forward-301254766.html SOURCE China.org.cn [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The current Miss Ireland Chelsea Farrell has opened up about how she hit rock-bottom after being subjected to vicious online abuse over the past year. The 20-year-old student midwife said she received horrendous trolling after winning the contest and it worsened after lockdown hit last year. When I was younger, I would have been bullied growing up but I never thought it would grow to the scale that it did when I won Miss Ireland, she told Independent.ie. "It's not something that you think anyones going to go through. Then when the first lockdown hit, they all came out in force and it was all fake profiles. But at one stage, I was getting 17-20 messages day. It was death threats and messages threatening me if I was seen out and about, different things. Read More A native of Ardee, Co Louth, Chelsea said she has no idea why she became the target of such a wave of online abuse, but suggests it may been down to people being bored at home in lockdown. I think everyone was spending so much time on social media and I think when they see someone doing well, jealousy gets in on people and they tried to tear me down a little bit, she said. It began about two or three weeks after I won the Miss Ireland competition. It started with a few different messages like Oh youre ugly and Some Miss Ireland you are. But then as my profile grew, so too did the online trolling. She said that it took a huge impact on her mental health and her emotions were all over the place. I was putting on a brave face but behind closed doors, I was just absolutely destroyed and it did get to me. It really took its toll on me mentally. It got to the stage where I was like, I need to come off social media before I do something I regret. It really got in on me, she said. Chelsea took a break from all social media after realising she needed to take a massive step back. A week later, I thought, this is letting them win. This is what the trolls want. So I decided to show them I wasnt afraid of them, that I was going to keep going so I took my break and I bounced back, she said. It was a scary time for me because when youre in that situation, you think youre strong enough to deal with it. But then you start thinking, Does everyone hate me? "And I did hit rock bottom and I went, I have to take a break for me and put my mental health first for a while. "My advice to anyone is if the trolling is really, really bad and its affecting your mood, take a little break from social media to just focus on yourself. Model Chelsea, who holds the 2019 Miss Ireland title, will be on Virgin Media tonight on Dining with the Enemy at 9pm tonight as she discusses life as an influencer with PR boss Aileen Eglington. University of North Georgia (UNG) faculty and staff members are constantly thinking of ways to help via scholarly work or research projects. For example, Dr. Cathy Whiting wants to construct a histology lab to teach research techniques to her students. Daniela Martinez aims to help faculty members develop domestic study away programs. And Dr. Stanislaw Solnik and Dr. Andrzej Przybyla plan to develop a clinical diagnostic tool for physical therapists to use to help individuals with motor deficiencies. These UNG faculty and staff members and others had their scholarly wishes granted. UNG President Bonita Jacobs awarded $192,000 to fund 27 research-related projects through the annual Presidential Incentive Awards program. "Each was selected from a pool of strong applications based on the proposal's merit and strength," Jacobs said in an email to the winners. "The program is designed to encourage scholarly and creative work that supports faculty and staff excellence and enriches the student experience at UNG. I am pleased that the program continues to grow in participation and proposal quality." Since Jacobs launched the program in 2013, the university has invested more than $2.18 million in faculty and staff research and scholarly work. This years awards fall into two categories of research and scholarly work: Presidential Incentive Awards for Innovation and Presidential Semester Incentive Award. Semester awards include a full semester release from teaching and provide funding support of up to $12,000 each. Innovation awards allocate up to $5,000 each to support interdisciplinary and/or cross-functional collaborations or individual pursuits focused on innovations and partnerships to promote implementation of best practice models. Solnik and Przybyla, both associate professors of physical therapy, said research fuels their passion. "This is the fun part of our work," Przybyla said. "We appreciate the opportunity to conduct this research and the support we received from every level, from our department heads and deans to the president." Whiting, professor of biology, is excited about receiving a semester award for the first time. "I struggle when I try to balance research and teaching," she said. "Now, I have a semester to make the histology lab happen for my students." Dr. Carly Womack-Wynne was pleased to receive an innovation award. She aims to create podcasts and video clips to improve preservice teachers' scores on the Georgia history portion of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) exam. "We are at or above the state average in every other field, with Georgia history only slightly lower," said the professor of middle grades, secondary and science education. "This is a great opportunity to do something to improve that area." Womack-Wynne and her co-applicant, Dr. Ben Wynne, plan to create 10 podcasts and video clips related to Georgia history. For example, the couple will film segments in Savannah to discuss the port city and its importance for trade. "Anytime students can hear and see content, it becomes experiential as opposed to learning from a book," Womack-Wynne said. Helping faculty create experiential learning opportunities for students is the purpose of Martinez's project. She hopes to replicate the success of a recent Center for Global Engagement initiative with a workshop series to assist faculty in the development of short-term domestic study programs outside of north Georgia. "We have heard from faculty that there is a lot of interest in developing study away programs, but the process can seem daunting," said Martinez, associate director of the Center for Global Engagement. "This academy will give them an opportunity to develop a program and connect them with mentors to help guide them through the process." For a full list of awards, visit the Presidential Incentive Award website. BTG carries an expanding portfolio of premium cannabis products that currently consists of 32 individual SKUs across several key categoriesincluding flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, extracts, capsules, and vape cartridgesunder its flagship Cream of the Crop label, a top 10 California indoor flower brand in 2020, and the West Coast Trading Co. label, one of the state's top 25 fastest-growing flower brands in 2020, according to BDS Analytics . BTG generated approximately $16.1 million of revenue in 2020 and shipped nearly 800,000 units while focusing almost exclusively on the Southern California market. "We are thrilled to introduce BTG into the M7 family through this new partnership," commented Pierre Rouleau, M7's Chief Operating Officer. "We have built our integrated B2B and B2C cannabis superhighway with a focus on partnering with brands that offer safe, high-quality cannabis products to consumers. BTG shares our vision for the evolving cannabis industry and we are excited to support the growth of their leading brands. Furthermore, this strategic relationship will allow Highlanders to fortify its product offering in the critical flower and pre-roll categories, which have historically accounted for over 50 percent of regulated cannabis sales in California." Under the distribution partnership, BTG will have the opportunity to strengthen its presence in Northern California and expand into new markets by utilizing Highlander's statewide distribution infrastructure and recently expanded vehicle fleet. Highlanders will provide BTG with storage and warehousing of its finished goods at M7's new multi-use facility in Brisbane, which will serve as the centralized "last-mile" fulfillment hub for BTG's products in Northern California, providing convenient access to a robust customer base of licensed cannabis retailers operating in some of the state's largest population centers. "We are excited to enter into this partnership and leverage the full scope of M7's B2B and B2C capabilities," said Dustin Milner, Chief Executive Officer of BTG. "With our business expanding at an annualized growth rate of 112 percent, providing more efficient and reliable service to our retailer customers in major markets like San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento is a key component of our growth strategy in 2021. We expect our brands to resonate well throughout Northern California and we look forward to providing direct-to-consumer access to our products through M7's growing network of Weden delivery hubs and storefront dispensaries." About Better Than Good Holdings, Inc. Better Than Good Holdings, Inc. ("BTG") is a California-based, brand-centric cannabis company with the mission of providing superior quality in cannabis with its products, services, and leadership through business practices that are environmentally conscious and socially responsible. BTG's flagship brand, Cream of the Crop, focuses on providing exceptional quality cannabis to elevate consumers' lives and was one of California's top 10 indoor flower and top 25 overall flower brands in 2020, according to BDS Analytics. About ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation ManifestSeven Holdings Corporation (CSE: MSVN) (OTCMKTS: MNFSF) ("M7" or the "Company") disrupts the California cannabis landscape by seamlessly integrating proprietary distribution, retail, and delivery operations into a unified statewide platform that supports compliant and efficient commerce, both for cannabis enterprises and consumers. M7 offers local on-demand delivery through a growing portfolio of delivery hubs and storefront dispensaries in the state's major metropolitan markets through its direct-to-consumer division, Weden. Through its business-to-business division, Highlanders Distribution, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of commercial and compliant services to licensed cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers operating throughout California. M7's 1-800-CANNABIS portal ties the Company's integrated cannabis operations together with a centralized gateway through which businesses and consumers can access M7's comprehensive suite of products and solutions. M7 is a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") trading under the ticker symbol "MSVN". Additional information is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. For the latest news, activities, and media coverage, please visit www.manifest7.com. To receive Company updates and be added to the email distribution list, please sign up here, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, or Telegram. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE ManifestSeven Related Links http://www.manifest7.com SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Holberton, making software engineering education affordable and accessible globally, announced today that it has raised $20 million in Series B funding led by Redpoint eventures with new investor Pearson Ventures and participation by existing investors Daphni, Imaginable Futures, Reach Capital and Trinity Ventures. Since our founding in Silicon Valley in 2015, we have had a vision of making software engineering education affordable and accessible to everybody around the world, said Julien Barbier, CEO and co-founder of Holberton. We started with one small campus of 30 students in San Francisco to prove our model. Today we have a network of 18 campuses across all continents except Antarctica. With its partners, Holberton has provided education to thousands of students around the world, creating new tools, processes, programs and methods needed to send students into high-paying jobs at top technology companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, LinkedIn, Tesla and more. To expand our reach and make more institutions benefit from our knowledge and technology, we now provide our technology, tools, programs and methods to our current Holberton School partners, as well as universities and companies, to complement, extend or fill gaps in training students or employees, Barbier said. Holberton is committed to help its customers deliver the highest-quality education possible, at scale -- whether a Holberton School franchisee, a bootcamp, a university or a company. Holberton is dedicated to help one million students around the world access first-rate education by 2030, directly via its Holberton School Network, or indirectly with education institutions and training centers. To reach that goal, Holberton constantly innovates and expands how it delivers education. Building on its success with Holberton Schools, Holberton today provides a portfolio of programs and tools that customers can pick and choose among to make their teachers and students successful. Holbertons offering includes a complete off-the-shelf franchise model, as well as tailored curricula, auto-graded projects, tools and methods. Customers -- who best understand their student needs, job market requirements, and unique accessibility challenges -- use what they want or need to fulfill their education mission. Today Holberton customers include franchise campuses, education providers like Pearson and universities like Honoris United Universities. By unbundling its historical offerings, Holberton has created a new concept that it calls the OS of Education''. Customers use what they need to either build entire new schools, or supplement their current education delivery. Holbertons OS of Education also lends itself to a wide range of education delivery, beyond software engineer training. Holberton's OS of Education concept opens up the company's proven tools to a broader education market, said Manoel Lemos, managing partner at Redpoint eventures. Theyve proven successful in breaking down barriers of cost and access while delivering a world-class curriculum. With the concept of OS of Education as a service, they provide customers with all the tools they need for success. Customers can be non-profit impact investors who want to improve local economies, education institutions who want to fill gaps in how they teach in a post-COVID learning environment, or corporations who want to provide the best training possible as education providers themselves or as employee development programs. Microsoft estimates that the next five years will see the creation of nearly 150 million new technology-oriented jobs, with most roles in software development. Holbertons innovative offerings -- including automated student work grading, collaborative environment for online and hybrid education plus a hands-on curriculum constantly updated to incorporate the latest advances in software tooling and languages -- help its global customers fill a pipeline of highly-skilled software engineers. About Redpoint eventuresRedpoint eventures is a venture capital firm investing in Latin American startups. The firm partners with visionary founders using technology to create new markets and solve big problems in existing ones. With an experienced team in Brazil and in close partnership with two Silicon Valley firms (e.ventures and Redpoint), the firm helps founders secure the capital, talent and growth to succeed further, faster. Founded in 2012, Redpoint eventures invests across seed, early and growth stages. It manages over $300 million and has more than 40 companies in its portfolio, including Creditas, Gympass, Minuto Seguros, Olist, Pipefy, Rappi and Resultados Digitais. As part of its mission to support the Brazilian ecosystem, the firm co-founded Cubo (www.cubo.network), the second largest innovation hub in the world, based in Sao Paulo, where its headquartered. For more information, please visit www.rpev.com.br. About HolbertonFounded in Silicon Valley in 2015, Holbertons innovative and flexible delivery of the OS of Education provides a unique portfolio of tools, auto-graded tailored curricula and teaching methods to help its customers - education institutions, universities, corporations and franchisees - successfully train the next generation of digital talent at scale. Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Editorial ContactLonn Johnston for Holbertonlonn@flak42.com+1 650.219.7764 Source: Holberton Prosecutors investigating the killings of six Asian women and two other people at Atlanta-area spas last week could be the first to use Georgia's hate crime law if they decide to pursue a hate crime sentencing enhancement for the 21-year-old suspect under the new statute. Georgia was one of four states without hate crime laws on its books -- along with South Carolina, Arkansas and Wyoming -- until a hate crimes bill was passed into law there last year. The effort to pass the bill was renewed after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man who was gunned down by two White men as he jogged through a coastal Georgia neighborhood in February 2020. The new Georgia law has not been used since it was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in June, said Chuck Efstration, a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives who championed the bill with bipartisan support. It mandates enhanced sentencing for defendants convicted of targeting a victim because of their "actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability." That means additional prison time and fines on top of sentences for the type of crime for which the defendant was convicted, such as manslaughter or murder. The new law could "very well be in play" in the Atlanta shootings if prosecutors can present evidence of a bias motivation, said Efstration, a former federal prosecutor. Investigators have said they are not ruling anything out and are taking a "hard look" at the motivations of the shooter, who has been charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. The decision to pursue a hate crime enhancement will be up to prosecutors in Cherokee County, where four people were killed and one wounded at Young's Asian Massage near Acworth, and in Fulton County, where another four people were killed at two spas. The victims have been identified as Soon Chung Park, 74; Hyun Jung Grant, 51, Hyun Jung Kim; Suncha Kim, 69; Yong Ae Yue, 63; Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33; Paul Andre Michels, 54; Daoyou Feng, 44; and Xiaojie Tan, 49, who owned Young's. Story continues Investigators say the suspect, Robert Long, who is White, claimed he killed the victims because he had a sex addiction and targeted locations he considered "temptations." But many in the Asian-American community believe the victims were targeted because of their race and gender, and have expressed concern over a Cherokee County Sheriff's Office spokesperson who downplayed race as a potential motivating factor. Robert Aaron Long seen in a booking photo. / Credit: Crisp County Sheriff's Office Hate crimes and incidents targeting the Asian-American community have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate recorded more than 3,795 hate incidents between March 2020 and February 2021. The term "hate incident" includes crimes such as assault as well as other types of discrimination such as verbal and online harassment. Women reported 2.3 times more hate incidents than men, the group found. A spokesperson for Cherokee County District Attorney Shannon Wallace said "all avenues are being explored," but it's still early in the investigation. Once the investigation has been completed, the office will review the file from law enforcement and make a charging determination based on the evidence, the spokesperson said. "As we work to bring justice for these victims, we are acutely aware of the feelings of terror experienced in the Asian-American community," Wallace said in a statement last week. "We hear your concerns and want it to be known that these victims will receive the very best efforts of this office." Spokespersons for the Fulton County District Attorney's office did not respond to requests for comment from CBS News. Efstration said the law is important to correctly classify hate crimes and send the message that they will not be tolerated. "These are laws you hope to never have to use," Efstration said. "When particularly heinous crimes occur, you are grateful you have these laws on the books so prosecutors and law enforcement can call these terrible crimes what they are. And that's important not only to victims, it's important to all of society." The targeting of the specific businesses is a "very strong indicator" of bias, according to Wake Forest University law professor and criminal justice program director Kami Chavis, but not determinative of a motive in and of itself. She said prosecutors will likely need to search for other evidence to include video, witness accounts, and the suspect's social media posts and statements to present to a jury in a potential hate crime prosecution. Chavis also cautioned that the suspect's own statements about his motivation should not be given much weight by prosecutors. Under the new Georgia law, prosecutors would first need to signal their intent to seek a hate crime penalty enhancement to the defendant in writing, said Peter Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorney's Council of Georgia. At trial, if the defendant is convicted of the underlying crime by a jury, the trial would then move into a second phase where prosecutors can present evidence the crime was motivated by bias, Skandalakis said. The defendant would have the opportunity to present evidence to counter the prosecution, and the jury would again deliberate, this time over whether the offense should be classified a hate crime. If the jury decides to do so, the defendant would then be eligible for additional penalties. But the options to enhance sentencing under the law in a murder case are very limited, Skandalakis said. The new hate crime law calls for an additional two years in prison if a jury determines a bias motivation. In Georgia, the penalty for murder is death, life in prison with the possibility of parole, or life with the possibility of parole. But the new law is still being interpreted, Efstration said, and it's not clear whether the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles might determine that someone convicted of murder under the hate crime statute should be denied the possibility of parole where it otherwise may have been considered. Skandalakis agreed, saying the parole board has discretion to grant it or not even if a jury has left open the possibility. "Parole is a privilege in Georgia," Skandalakis said. "...The parole board can consider all factors, including whether or not a hate crime was committed, when determining if you're even eligible for parole." John Yang, president and executive director of the advocacy group Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said his group would like to see the killings investigated to the fullest extent possible as a hate crime. But the acknowledgement of the killings as a hate crime is more important to the Asian-American community than the prosecution itself, Yang said. Calling the case a hate crime matters "because Asian-American women in particular are then being seen and being recognized as being targets of this brutal attack," Yang said. "Without that acknowledgement, then it becomes potentially, if you will, a garden-variety crime, and that is not what our community is feeling." A lack of acknowledgement makes the Asian-American community again feel invisible during a year when the community has struggled to make people understand that they've been severely impacted by racism, Yang said. That feeling of invisibility is amplified for Asian-American women who struggle with both racism and sexism, often feeling dehumanized in a culture that hypersexualizes and objectifies them, said Sung Yeon Choimorrow, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. Choimorrow said she finds the assertion that the suspect was not motivated by bias against both race and gender to be "ridiculous." "[The victims] were murdered not only just because they were Asian-American, not only because they were women, but because they were Asian-American women," Choimorrow said. Cautioning that he had not seen evidence in the case, Skandalakis said he believes prosecutors will evaluate the evidence thoroughly in light of the new law to determine whether they can prove a hate crime case beyond a reasonable doubt. "I think prosecutors are very aware of the statute and aware of the need to make a statement -- I think they'll use it judiciously and use it effectively," Skandalakis said. Police evaluations reveal flawed response to Black Lives Matter protests Georgia hate crimes law could be used in spa shootings Biden taps Harris to lead diplomatic effort to stem migration at the southern border .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON North Korea fired short-range missiles this past weekend, just days after the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened the United States and South Korea for holding joint military exercises. The missile tests were confirmed by two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. They come as North Korea has ignored offers from the new administration to resume negotiations, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week pressed China to use its tremendous influence to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The officials, however, sought to downplay the significance of the missile tests, noting that they are not covered by U.N. Security Council resolutions meant to deter North Korea from pursuing a nuclear program. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Biden himself told reporters the missile tests were not a provocation. Theres no new wrinkle in what they did, he said. South Koreas military said in a statement Wednesday that it had detected two suspected cruise missile launches by North Korea on Sunday morning. It said the launches were made off North Koreas west coast and said South Korea is analyzing them. The statement said South Korea is closely monitoring North Korean missile activities in cooperation with the United States, but noted it doesnt publicize all its information about North Korea. South Korean lawmaker Ha Tae-keung said in a Facebook posting that he was told by agency officials from Seouls spy agency that the North fired two cruise missiles off its western seaport of Nampo around 6:36 a.m. Sunday. Ha, an executive secretary of the National Assemblys intelligence committee, which regularly receives closed-door briefings from the spy agency, said he was told that the U.S. and South Korean militaries had detected the launches but had agreed not to publicize them. The Biden administration has been open about its desire to engage the North in negotiations even as the regime has batted away calls for the two nations to talk. In North Koreas first comments directed at the Biden administration, the North Korean leader Kims powerful sister earlier this month warned the United States to refrain from causing a stink if it wants to sleep in peace for the next four years. Kim Yo Jongs statement was issued as Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia to talk with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. South Koreas Defense Ministry said Sundays launches were North Koreas first missile firings since April 2020. U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from engaging in any ballistic activities, but not cruise missile tests. Cruise missiles fly at a lower altitude and slower speed than ballistic missiles, making them easier to intercept, but they are still considered more accurate. Relations between the U.S. and North Korea, once hailed as potentially promising after President Donald Trumps three meetings with Kim, have been tense with no substantive contact for more than a year. The last face-to-face talks between senior officials from the two countries were held in Sweden in October 2019 and efforts by the Biden administration to resume a dialogue have been rebuffed since February. Since Trumps first meeting with Kim in Singapore in 2018, the North has not conducted nuclear or long-range missile tests, although analysts believe they have pressed ahead with their programs on both. And, the North has not given up short- and medium range missile testing. North Korean officials have not been in contact with U.S. government officials in more than a year, spanning two administrations, one of the senior administration officials noted. Biden administration officials have been consulting with Trump administration officials who took part in the Singapore talks as well as a second meeting between Kim and Trump in February 2019. Some Trump officials in their talks with the Biden team speculated that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and a broader reconsideration of engagement with the United States could explain the Norths radio silence, according to one official. Kim is in the midst of the toughest crisis of his nine-year rule as the already-troubled economy was hit by pandemic-related border closings that have sharply reduced the Norths external trade. The North also faced a spate of natural disasters last summer not to mention the persistent U.S.-led sanctions. But a Biden administration officials added that the Biden administration does not view the weekends missile tests as closing the door to such talks. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is also scheduled to meet next week with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts for talks about the way forward with North Korea. ___ Associated Press writers Kim Tong-hyung and Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report. MANZINI - Some emaSwati want the Minister of ICT, Princess Sikhanyiso, to pay back the money she earned while away from work. To achieve this, the Swaziland Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM) launched an online petition where its members are calling upon the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) minister to repay her remuneration for the period she was on an elongated leave. The movement claims the minister was on maternity leave yet government had officially said she took leave because she was indisposed. The minister, before returning to work last Thursday, had been away for about 14 months. Her return coincided with Hosea Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Mduduzi Bacede Mabuzas question on why the minister was still not at work as the Constitution was flouted. Wondered Mabuza also wondered how long the duration of a maternity leave was. The legislator had stated that every person should be accountable, especially if they were being paid through taxpayers money. The petition was launched in the political partys vehicle of communication; Impalampala FM (Facebook page), at 6:43am yesterday and by 7pm, it had reached 28 204 people. In the petition, which is titled; People, the demand is that the princess should pay back the money she pocketed over the aforementioned period, SPLMs argument was that the money, which they claimed amounted to about E500 000, was allegedly maternity leave pay. However, independent calculations made by this publication for the said period, reflected that between January 2020 when it was announced that the minister was on extended leave and March 2021, she was paid a sum of E926 368.80. This is because Cabinet ministers basic salary was E61 757.92 per month; however, in August last year, it was increased to E63 610.65. This back pay was backdated to April 1, 2020 and resulted in her getting E16 674 in that month as a difference that had been outstanding following that a cost-of-living adjustment (CoLA) of three per cent was added to ministers remuneration. Meanwhile, Vusi Shongwe, the founding President of the political party, confirmed the online petition and said it was not a personal vendetta against the minister or anyone as they were not picking on the Inkhosatane. We are just saying this as a matter of principle and want her to pay back this money, which is from the taxpayers, because the Employment Act of 1980 says an employee is entitled to a maternity leave of three months, the president said. A MAN is due in court later this morning after he was charged in connection with a fatal assault in County Clare earlier this year. The suspect, whose aged in his 30s, is due to appear before a sitting of Ennis District Court. A murder investigation was launched last month after Sharon Bennett - a 29-year-old mother-of-two - died at University Hospital Limerick nearly two weeks after she was assaulted in the Market area of Ennis The assault occurred on the evening of January 28. More to follow... FILE PHOTO: Mountains are seen from the Presena Glacier in Italy FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Central banks need to fight climate change but all policy options on the table come with costly drawbacks, so steps need to be gradual and cautious, an umbrella group of central bankers said on Wednesday, even as the ECB made a plea to act. With climate change posing a growing risk to financial stability, central banks are examining their own role in driving a transformation. Options under study include: skewing asset purchases to benefit green issuers or punish energy intensive firms, curtailing the availability of central bank funding to polluters, or asking banks for larger collateral when they pledge polluting assets. But Wednesday's report by the Network for Greening the Financial System, a group whose 89 members include the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan, took a cautious view. It found that all the options on the table either hinder monetary policy effectiveness, increase risk or run into operational feasibility constraints. The group has so far failed to reach a consensus on policy action and instead recommended small initial steps. "The least challenging options to operationalise are the least sophisticated ones in terms of addressing climate related risks," the group said. "Owing to the heightened uncertainty surrounding the exact timing and magnitude of climate related risks materialisation, the optimal policy for many central banks is likely to be to adopt gradual, predictable, precautionary risk protection measures." There has been some disagreement among central bankers about how far they should go to fight climate change. ECB President Christine Lagarde along with former Bank of England chief Mark Carney have advocated central bank action on climate change, but Fed and Bundesbank officials have a taken more cautious stance. Climate change could reduce the available space for conventional policy and impair the transmission through the financial system, Lagarde said on Wednesday. The short-term costs of the transition pale in comparison to the costs of unfettered climate change in the medium to long run. Story continues The Fed's announcement this week that it would establish a new panel to address climate-related stability risks indicates some convergence in views. But it faces political backlash from Republican lawmakers, who say it is overstepping its powers. Sweden's central bank on Wednesday also emphasised the risk of failing to act, arguing that climate change could lead to lower growth and inflation volatility, which would make monetary policy more difficult to manage. "One consequence of this could be that the policy rate is more often at its lower bound and the monetary policy room for manoeuvre is thus limited," the Riksbank said. Because it may be difficult to calculate the climate impact of investments, Wednesday's report suggested policy makers could initially adopt simple, non-numerical rules, such as promoting investments hosted in countries that adopt climate treaties. Central banks could also play a role in promoting requirements that businesses disclose climate risks, it said. Among the major changes on the table, it found that curtailing the availability of credit to polluters could have the biggest negative impact on monetary policy effectiveness, while tweaking collateral rules could be difficult to carry out operationally. Skewing asset purchases towards cleaner investments risked both of those potential problems, the group said. (Reporting by Balazs Koranyi in FrankfurtEditing by Matthew Lewis and Peter Graff) The Illegal Cast: Suraj Sharma, Shweta Tripathi, Adil Hussain, Neelima Azim, Iqbal Theba, Hannah Masi, Jay Ali Direction: Danish Renzu Rating: * * * and 1/2 (three and a half stars) BY VINAYAK CHAKRAVORTY You'd think you have seen this before. A young boy from middle-class India lands in the United States chasing a dream, and his struggle for sustenance becomes portrait of the grind that almost every immigrant must endure. If Danish Renzu's film is outstanding despite the note of familiarity, it is because of the sheer authenticity with which the writer-director tells his tale. The film is unflinching in tone, yet sensitive enough while dissecting the reality it presents. Renzu uses his crisp runtime of 86 minutes well, to set up nuanced storytelling. Unlike most films pertaining to the subject, "The Illegal" is not about immigrants who enter the US unlawfully. It is about people who come in with legitimate papers, yet are forced by circumstances to survive as if their presence is illegal. "Life Of Pi" actor Suraj Sharma plays Hassan Ahmed, who is one such character. Hassan's passion for filmmaking is destined to take him from Purani Dilli to Los Angeles. He gets admission at film school in the US, so his father (Adil Hussain) takes a loan to fund his dream. Renzu sets an endearing picture of the family in the opening minutes, as Hassan records a few parting words from his father, mother (Neelima Azim) and sister Mahi (Shweta Tripathi). He needs such a clip, he tells them, as a pep pill for the days when he might be "ready to give up". It is a fine sequence, deftly executed, rendering a personal touch to the way the protagonist is imagined. The screenplay sustains that whiff of intimacy as it follows Hassan to America. Before entering films, Renzu spent time in the US studying electrical engineering at UCLA, and he also holds a UCLA Writers' Program certification in screenwriting. Thematically, he would have drawn from real instances that he may have encountered during that stint as a student. It would have let him create Hassan with greater assuredness. Hassan's existence in the US becomes a picture of irony. On the one hand, he is doing well in film school. Yet, there is trouble back home financially, owing to a down turn in his father's health. His plans to stay at his maternal uncle's home in the US come to nought, and Hassan must take up the job of a waiter. Renzu uses Hassan's dual life well, to portray two sides of an immigrant's existence in the US. On one hand, he is impressively learning his ropes in the world of American cinema, which has lately conversed with great relish about inclusivity. Yet, moonlighting at an Indian restaurant as a waiter throws up a dreary, diametrically opposite picture of exploitation. The essence of the film lies in that dichotomy. It is Suraj Sharma's film all through, and the actor does impressively to bring alive Hassan, although you would spot a few winning performances among the prop cast, too. Iqbal Theba leaves an impact as the restaurant supervisor fondly called Babaji by his colleagues. Adil Hussain, Shweta Tripathi and Neelima Azim actually get minimal footage, but leave a mark. "The Illegal" is well-scripted, executed and acted out. It is a small film that scores big. -- Syndicated from IANS In the notorious case of Plessy v. Ferguson, the Supreme Court gave legal sanction to Jim Crow, establishing the doctrine of separate but equal; Bay traces the arc from Plessy in 1896 to the Freedom Rides of 1961, when volunteers traveled on buses through the South to test the enforcement of another Supreme Court decision, from 1960, which decreed that interstate passengers should be served without discrimination. Bay, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania whose previous books include a biography of Ida B. Wells, is an elegant storyteller, laying out the stark stakes at every turn while also showing how discrimination wasnt just a matter of crushing predictability but often, and more insidiously, a haphazard jumble of risks. Uncertainty and confusion turned out to be defining difficulties for travelers, as generations of Black Americans tried to navigate a patchwork of segregationist laws and customs that varied wildly, not just from state to state but often at the discretion of a particular ticket collector or railway conductor. Black motorists couldnt be sure if they would find a safe place to stop, an ambiguity that turned out to be more pronounced in the North, where a lack of segregation signs meant that whatever rules existed were unspoken and unclear. As one article put it, You could never know where insult and embarrassment are waiting for you. For those white people who meted it out, humiliation appeared to be both a means and a destination a tactic for circumscribing Black peoples freedom of movement, and a cruel objective in its own right. Before the Civil War, strict segregation didnt make much sense in the South, where white enslavers traveled with the Black people they enslaved. That changed with emancipation, when public space became contested terrain. Husch Blackwell announces Chattanooga Office Managing Partner Michael Alston has been named a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. The Fellows of the American Bar Foundation is a global honorary society of attorneys, judges, law faculty and legal scholars whose public and private careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession and to the welfare of their communities. Membership in the Fellows is limited to one percent of lawyers licensed to practice in each jurisdiction. Members are nominated by their peers and elected by the Board of the American Bar Foundation. Mr. Alston handles complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He represents business clients in litigation and alternative dispute resolution involving contracts, commercial leases, construction agreements, employment agreements, and insurance policies throughout the country. He is also a certified mediator in Tennessee. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan stated that the session, scheduled to be wrapped up in April, will elect a new state president, vice president, prime minister, deputy prime ministers, chair and deputy chairs of the National Assembly, members of the cabinet, chief justice of the Supreme Peoples Court of Vietnam, and prosecutor general of the Supreme Peoples Procuracy. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan delivering a speech at the opening session At this session, the National Assembly (NA) will use half a day to consider and approve the revised Law on Preventing and Fighting Drugs. Deputies will also discuss the report on the NAs 14th term and summary reports of the state president, government, National Assembly Standing Committee, Ethnic Council, the National Assemblys Committees, Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuracy, and State Audit of Vietnam. The rest of the time, the National Assembly will consider and decide on other important issues, including seven days for personnel work. This session will look back at achievements reaped in the 14th tenure of the National Assembly, while also analysing shortcomings in order to draw out experiences, laying a foundation for the renewal of the upcoming tenure, and creating new momentum for the country to develop further, said Chairwoman Ngan. Earlier, the second meeting of the 13th Party Central Committee held on March 8-9 voted on candidates for the posts of state president, prime minister, and National Assembly chairperson for the 2021-2026 tenure, with very high consensus. The lists of those running for these positions have been submitted to the National Assembly for the final vote. In early February, the 13th National Party Congress was organised and elected the 13th Party Central Committee with 200 members, including 180 official and 20 alternate members. The 13th Party Central Committee then convened its first plenum to elect a Politburo comprising of 18 members. These members included Nguyen Phu Trong, the Party General Secretary, State President; Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc; Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Party Central Committees Organisation Commission; and Vuong Dinh Hue, Party Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee and head of the delegation of National Assembly deputies (14th tenure) of Hanoi. Also at the plenum, Party General Secretary Trong was re-elected as General Secretary of the Party Central Committee in the 13th tenure with very high consensus. The top leaders are expected to drive the domestic economy forward and accomplish many big macroeconomic goals in 2021-2025. Specifically, the Central Party Committee has adopted an average annual GDP growth rate of 6.5-7 per cent; a level of $4,700-5,000 in per capita GDP by 2025; a ratio of over 25 per cent of GDP contributed by the processing and manufacturing industry; the GDP contribution of the digital economy reaching 20 per cent; a ratio of 45 per cent for total factor productivity in economic growth by 2025; and over 6.5 per cent increase in labour productivity. In addition, the countrys new leaders will also have to find ways to improve the economys competitiveness, with a better business and investment climate offered to enterprises and investors, especially domestic and foreign private ones. Vietnam currently has nearly 800,000 operational enterprises, about 98 per cent of which are of a small or medium size. According to the General Statistics Office, in 2020, there were 134,900 newly-established enterprises, with the total registered capital of over VND2.23 quadrillion ($96.96 billion), employing more than one million labourers. This was down 2.3 per cent in the number of registered enterprises, but up 29.25 per cent in registered capital. During 2016-2020, Vietnams GDP scale continue expanding at $271.2 billion in 2020, up over 1.4 times from 2015, with per capita GDP of $2,779 which is 1.3 times higher than in 2015. The Land Rover rival being built in France by the billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be delayed by up to six months amid difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, a UK media report said. Ineos, the chemicals company founded by Ratcliffe, had planned to deliver the first of the new Grenadier vehicles in early 2022 but was now considering a new launch date around September 2022, according to the Guardian. The 44 is modelled on the classic Land Rover Defender. Alchemer is a flexible survey software tool built to handle all your unique needs. Please take my survey now Ineos Automotive told the paper the company was "on track" with the Grenadier but "still talking about timelines" because of difficulties sourcing some parts during the pandemic. The spokesperson said: "Like many automotive manufacturers, we are continually assessing the ongoing impact of these unprecedented times and will share any updates in due course. In the meantime, we don't comment on speculation or rumour." A Guardian source said the company was aiming for pre-production of the first testing models of the Grenadier in autumn 2021, followed by a market launch that could come in autumn 2022. Ineos is building the Grenadier at the former Daimler Smart plant in Hambach, eastern France. Ratcliffe, a vocal proponent of the UK leaving the EU who is resident in Monaco for tax purposes, had previously planned to "retain the Britishness" and build the car in Bridgend, south Wales. However, Ineos then snapped up the Hambach factory when Daimler put it up for sale. The company had previously said: "Manufacturing at Hambach ensures that Ineos remains on track to meet its plans to deliver the Grenadier to customers in early 2022." Thematic Reports Are you worried about the pace of innovation in your industry? GlobalData's TMT Themes 2021 Report tells you everything you need to know about disruptive tech themes and which companies are best placed to help you digitally transform your business. Find out more The Grenadier will be available at first in petrol and diesel variants, using BMW engines, with plans for a hydrogen fuel cell version in collaboration with Hyundai, the Guardian noted. Russian Justice Ministrys decision to add journalist to foreign agents list suspended RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 12:23 24/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 24 (RAPSI) Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court on Wednesday suspended the Justice Ministrys decision to declare journalist of 7x7 media outlet Sergey Markelov a foreign agent, his attorney Fedor Sirosh told RAPSI. The court granted Markelovs petition for provisional remedy. He asked to suspend the Justice Ministrys decision until a court ruling upon the journalists lawsuit seeking invalidation of the decision takes effect. On December 28, 2020, Markelov was included in the register of foreign media outlets acting as foreign agents. We are honored to have received this award for the 5th year in a row, and will continue to provide top-tier service to our customers in hopes of receiving this honor again in 2022. Jon Thomsen, CEO of Atmosera. Atmosera announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Atmosera to its 2021 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the security category. The list, released annually, recognizes the leading North American solution providers that have demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services. These services help end users improve operational efficiencies and navigate the ongoing complexities of IT solutions, while maximizing their return on IT investments. With cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services, MSPs have become an integral part of the success of businesses worldwide. They help empower organizations to leverage complex technologies, keeping a strict focus on their core business without straining their budgets. CRNs 2021 MSP 500 list identifies the markets key managed services players who are setting themselves apart with best-of-breed solutions that provide the business outcomes customers need. We are honored to have received this award for the 5th year in a row, and will continue to provide top-tier service to our customers in hopes of receiving this honor again in 2022. Jon Thomsen, CEO of Atmosera. The MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premises and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services. Atmosera was awarded this honor due to the continued enhancement to our customer support strategy as an MSP, and the benefits we have been able to deliver our customers in the managed cloud space. Effective MSPs enable companies to focus on their core objectives while improving the quality and reliability of their cloud computing capabilities, said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. The solution providers on CRNs 2021 MSP 500 list deserve recognition for their innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services, and the ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems to maximize return on investments. The MSP 500 list was featured in the February 2021 issue of CRN and online. About Atmosera, Inc. Atmosera is a Portland, Oregon-based managed service provided dedicated solely to Microsoft Azure and Azure managed services. Across multiple verticals, Atmosera delivers solutions that accelerate the value of Azure and improve customer satisfaction. Atmosera is a leading Azure Expert Managed Services Provider (MSP) and Microsoft Gold Partner offering Assessment & Migration, Azure Security Services, Azure Compliance (HIPAA/HITECH, PCI-DSS, IRS-1075,SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II), Azure DevOps, Managed Azure, and other services on the worlds most comprehensive public cloud - Azure. Learn more at http://www.atmosera.com. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelcompany.com 2021. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. The Channel Company Contact: Jennifer Hogan The Channel Company jhogan@thechannelcompany.com In an attempt to maximize efficiency and accountability, the HCSO Corrections Division announces the installation of new VendEngine kiosks throughout the Silverdale Detention Center. Prior to this installation, inmates filed grievances, medical requests, and commissary orders on paper forms. This cumbersome process, although acceptable, required additional support and efforts by corrections personnel to gather, review, and respond to each inmate grievance or request filed. The installation of these new kiosks brings the Silverdale Detention Center up to the same standards and process currently utilized in the Hamilton County Jail by means of VendEngine kiosks which are operated under a contract with Blind Vendor Enterprises. With over 1,000 inmates in custody at Silverdale at any given time, it is important to have an efficient and accessible way for grievances and requests to be addressed. Grievances can be filed by inmates to report safety issues, incompatibility matters with other inmates, complaints, or other various concerns inmates may have regarding their incarceration. Inmate grievances are a tool for corrections personnel to communicate with inmates. HCSO Corrections Division personnel ensure each grievance or request is taken seriously and responded to in a reasonable period of time. In addition to the three hot meals provided each day by the sheriffs office, inmates are able to purchase additional food and snack items such as chips, coffee, dried meats, candy bars, beverages, or other approved food snack items. These items must be purchased with their own money through the commissary system. Family and friends can also load funds via kiosks for inmates to use while in custody. Commissary items also include non-food related items like radios, over-the-counter medications, fans, hygiene products, batteries, stamps, and clothing items. The HCSOs inmate commissary is operated by the Blind Vendors Association via a contract with Tennessee Business Enterprises in accordance with Tennessee state law. All proceeds from the HCSO inmate commissary benefit the Blind Vendors Association. The HCSO provides medical care to inmates at Silverdale Detention Center via a contract with Quality Correctional Health Care and dental services with local dentists who contract directly with the HCSO. If an inmate is unwell, suffering from an ailment, or needs medical attention, it is important to ensure they have an efficient way of requesting healthcare related assistance in a timely fashion. The new kiosks will allow inmates to make medical requests directly to corrections and medical staff thus allowing them to schedule labs, mental health visits, and physician appointments. By installing these new digital kiosks throughout our Silverdale facility, we are offering a better, more efficient way to address inmate requests and concerns in a fair and equitable manner," said Sheriff Jim Hammond. "This new service is one of the many technological upgrades our Information Systems and Corrections personnel have been diligently working on in order to bring Silverdale up to our agency standards." Ultimately, by installing VendEngine kiosks, inmates are now able to file their grievances and concerns, report medical issues, and place commissary orders electronically. This process is more efficient for both the inmate and corrections personnel, offers better accountability and transparency, and reduces additional personnel needs for processing. In order to ensure accessibility, each housing unit has at least one kiosk for inmates to utilize as needed. Utilizing an electronic filing system for inmate grievances and other various operational requests creates an atmosphere of accountability and supports the needs of our inmate population," said Chief Deputy Austin Garrett. "Installing this new system allows for improved transparency at the Silverdale Detention Center at a level that was previously not available." Ms Berejiklian said she was absolutely shocked ... and somewhat relieved that its subject to a police investigation. I think all of us want to make sure that justice is served well and properly, and the alleged victim needs to be able to have a process where nothing is prejudiced, she said. The Premier said she believed police should be the first informed in relation to any matters of a criminal nature, because they are the ones that have to carry out those investigations. However, she said it was her expectation she would be informed by any member of government if they knew they were the subject of an investigation. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Barilaro released a statement saying he sought Mr Johnsens resignation from his role as Parliamentary Secretary upon learning of the allegations on Wednesday. He duly resigned, Mr Barilaro said. Mr Johnsen also agreed to no longer sit in the Nationals party room nor joint party room while the police investigation is under way. Ms Berejiklian refused to be drawn on the fact that Mr Johnsen effectively moving to the crossbench meant she was now facing a minority government. Ive not given that too much thought today, to be honest, she said. The revelations emerged on Wednesday when Ms Doyle used parliamentary privilege to say she had been contacted 18 months ago by a woman who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by an MP in the Berejiklian government. In the unannounced speech Ms Doyle did not name the MP, but described details of the alleged incident including that he had made contact with the woman via the adult classified website Locanto and arranged to meet her on his way home from Sydney. The man was offering $200 for oral sex only, Ms Doyle told Parliament. She tells me she made herself clear that she was not willing to have penetrative sex with him. However, towards the end, the man moved around behind her and assaulted her in a way she had not consented to, Ms Doyle said. Mr Barilaro said he was alerted by a member of staff to a rumour going around on Wednesday at 7pm, before ringing Mr Johnson to ask him directly about the allegations. I dont think I could have done anything sooner. He accepted that course of action, issued that statement, agreed to that course of action, Mr Barilaro told 2GB, which is owned by Nine, the publisher of this masthead. He has chosen to take some time off; that is the best outcome personally ... none of us want to be involved or giving prejudice in this case. We need justice to run its course. In his statement on Wednesday night, Mr Johnsen said, without admission, he would take leave from NSW Parliament as police investigate the allegations against him. I am devastated by these allegations. I have voluntarily spoken with NSW Police and I have and will continue to fully cooperate with their enquiries, he said. I am confident any investigation will conclude that I am an innocent party. Nationals MP Trevor Khan said he did not believe there was a culture problem within the NSW Coalition. I dont believe so, Mr Khan said. I dont know if we know that anything has happened in NSW, but as I say whats come out in Canberra causes us all to reflect. Nationals member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis described the allegations as shocking but made no further comment, while several members of the crossbench called for immediate cultural change within NSW Parliament. Greens MP Abigail Boyd said she was shaken by the allegations, and said a culture existed within Parliament that rewarded power and privilege. Its just disgusting, the idea that there are people in this government who are tasked with making the laws and making the funding decisions to protect womens safety and theyre actually the ones potentially perpetuating these crimes, Ms Boyd said. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Helen Dalton, who once ran for preselection for the NSW Nationals, said the party was in a world of pain on a lot of different levels. I was a genuine candidate, she said. They rejected me because I didnt fall into the National Party mould. One Labor MP said they had been given explicit instructions to make no comment about the allegations. ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- "The best policies are those that have considered the possible challenges to success that might arise," said John Eichberger, executive director of the Fuels Institute. "Policy Considerations: Proposals to Ban the Sale of Combustion Engine Vehicles," was written as a tool to prompt discussion and encourage policymakers to carefully consider the potential implications of such a policy in order to mitigate negative and amplify positive outcomes. To date, more than a dozen countries have announced their intent to ban the sale of new ICE-equipped vehicles, as have smaller governmental regions like California, British Columbia, and Quebec. These countries, including China, represent almost half of the global light duty vehicle market. It is clear that momentum for these types of policies is growing and the Fuels Institute wants to ensure such policies are comprehensive and take into careful consideration the various factors that will inevitably be affected with their implementation. In working with a diverse set of interested stakeholders, the Fuels Institute identified several elements worthy of consideration when crafting such policies. This new paper presents them in three main categories: environmental impact, market readiness, and consumer and stakeholder impact. By carefully analyzing the issues and questions posed in this report, policymakers will be poised to better understand the challenges ICE bans pose to the industry and how to craft a policy that minimizes barriers to the policy's success. "The Fuels Institute does not take a position on whether such policies should be implemented, we simply want to encourage policymakers to carefully think through the implications of such a significant change to the market," Eichberger said. "Only by considering what might transpire and where challenges may exist can leaders develop effective plans to achieve their overall objectives. We hope this paper serves as a resource that supports the development of thoughtful improvements to the transportation sector." Download a free copy of "Policy Considerations: Proposals to Ban the Sale of Combustion Engine Vehicles," today. For more information, please contact Donovan Woods at [email protected]. SOURCE Fuels Institute Priyanka Chopra Jonas interview with Oprah Winfrey has created quite a buzz in the past few days. The snippets of the interview have been circulating on social media and Priyanka Chopra had to be part of controversy for a few things. She made some controversial comments during an interview with the talk show host Ophrah Winfrey. And that comment went viral on the internet. Priyanka Chopra said, My dad used to sing in a mosque, I was aware of Islam. Check out the video here- She also received a lot of flak and got trolled on social media for saying what she said. From discussing her autobiography Unfinished to talking about how her relationship with God changed after her dads demise. The interview is making a lot of buzz around the world, but there is one thing that people have been tricked into and are completely unaware about. That the interview was shot virtually. Yes, you read that right! Priyanka Chopra was in London when the interview was shot and Oprah Winfrey was at her home in the USA. However, technology made it possible for the videos from two different locations to be merged in a way that it looked like it was really a face-to-face interview. And if you pay close attention to the details youll notice that a little part of Priyankas seat is pixelated. Also, there is no shadow which means that the video was stitched together. Isnt that cool? Let us know in the comments section below! Troubled elevators, cracked glass doors, and false fire alarms are among problems that dwellers at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in the south-central Vietnamese province of Khanh Hoa have been dealing with as their complaints to the project investor remain unsolved. The P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex is funded by P.H. Nha Trang Commercial Investment JSC on an area of over 9,470 square meters on To Hieu Street in Nha Trang, the capital city of Khanh Hoa. The apartment building includes 26 floors, one basement, and accommodates a total of 1,272 flats. According to many local residents written complaints, the walls of numerous apartments have been permeated by water. On March 14 and 15, the freight elevator in Building A kept having problems, including opening without people pressing the open button, failing to close, broken alarm buttons, and even falling. A woman points her finger at a shuttered elevator at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre Cracks have also appeared on many walls, letting rainwater leak through into the flats causing flooding, according to N.T.H., a resident on the 24th floor of Building A. At H.s apartment, the sliding glass doors to the balcony have been shattered. When the residents complained about the sliding glass door problem, the investor blamed it on their faulty use and asked them to handle it themselves, according to T.T.T., a dweller on the 18th floor of Building A. In addition, faulty fire alarms sound despite no fire or smoke. This photo shows a cracked sliding glass door at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Photo: Minh Chien / Tuoi Tre This supplied photo shows glass on a sliding door broken into pieces at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Interviewed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Tran Anh Tai, chairman of P.H. Nha Trang Commercial Investment JSC, however, showed his disagreement with the residents complaints. According to Tai, the elevator system is still in the testing phase, with inevitable malfunctions being expected. Its incorrect to say that the elevator suddenly fell as it just unexpectedly stopped, Tai claimed, adding that his firm was demanding an explanation from the elevator supplier and promised a quick resolution. The chairman clarified that his firm had changed from the previously chosen lifts of Volkslift and Hyundai makes, which had been committed in the contract between the residents and the investor, to Japans Fuji due to the former two brands failure to supply the equipment on time. For the complaints that elevator access cards did not work, Tai explained that those cards might not be purchased directly from the investor but outside. This supplied photo shows a door jamb peeling off at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. He also said that the residents might unintentionally trigger the fire alarm by sweeping near the alarm sensor or they did actually burn something but denied it. Tai affirmed that the sliding glass doors were intact upon the apartment handover. Within the warranty period, the manufacturer will handle free of charge the faults that they hold responsibility for, he asserted. If the error happened due to the residents fault, the residents are the ones who have to cover the expense. On the other hand, Tai admitted P.H. Nha Trang Commercial Investment JSC was at fault for the wet and leaking walls. The company will promptly carry out repairs, he said. This supplied photo shows an elevator door failing to shut at the P.H. Nha Trang apartment complex in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Undocumented handover According to N.T.N., a resident on the eighth floor of Building A, P.H. Nha Trang Commercial Investment JSC handed over the apartments to the residents one year behind the schedule committed in the contract of sale between the two sides and has yet to issue official handover documents. The company has denied any claims for compensation due to the late handover. According to chairman Tai, the apartment project is still waiting for the Ministry of Constructions inspection to evaluate its quality and safety before acceptance. The inspection result is expected to come around the end of this month. The company technically does not allow the residents to move into the apartment building, Tai said. We merely let them in to add furniture. However, as we have yet to establish a management board for the apartment complex, we have been unable to prevent the residents from staying at their flats. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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 As restaurants and stores worked to reduce contact points during the COVID pandemic, so did the emergency room at Brigham and Womens Hospital. The hospital teamed up with Boston Dynamics last spring to to minimize interactions between potentially sick patients and health care workers, the study on MIT News states. Their solution was to create a dog-like robot that had a video screen mounted to it to see potentially sick patients. His name is Dr. Spot. Although the robot worked, it was also important to find out how people reacted to the robot. Often as engineers, we think about different solutions, but sometimes they may not be adopted because people are not fully accepting of them, Giovanni Traverso said, according to MIT News. So, in this study we were trying to tease that out and understand if the population is receptive to a solution like this one. Traverso is the lead author of the study and worked with Peter Chai, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital. The two found that many were open to the use of robots. On average, the respondents stated that they were open to these types of interactions, In a nationwide survey of about 1,000, respondents often said they were open to these types of interactions, which included whether people would be comfortable with robots performing not only triage but also other tasks such as performing nasal swabs, inserting a catheter, or turning a patient over in bed. It was also tested on nearly 50 patients Brigham and Womens Hospital last spring, which more than 90 percent of the participants said they were satisfied with it. For the purposes of gathering quick triage information, the patients found the experience to be similar to what they would have experienced talking to a person, Chai said. Surprisingly, people were pretty accepting of the idea of having a robot do a nasal swab. The work at Brigham and Womens Hospital could expand as researchers implement this in other ways, such as turning a patient over in bed or jobs in field hospitals or ambulances. Related Content: To the Editor: If you have not yet received your first Covid vaccination, be forewarned. No, not the shot discomfort, not bureaucratic confusion, not the long process; not irritable vaccinators, not the post-shot stress in the waiting area, and not the angst of scheduling difficulties for the second shot, none of which occurred in the calm, pleasant, professional, quick and easy process I experienced. Everything was smooth and organized. No, the surprise is the unexpected reaction of relief and even euphoria. Like a lifted weight. The bottle of water I grabbed on my way out tasted like Champagne, and the bright, breezy, sunny afternoon was startlingly uplifting. In mere minutes, life becomes better, brighter and beckoning. We have lived so long with this pandemic, in all its difficulties or worse as well as a dark, cold, snowy winter, a fraught election and a Capitol riot. There have been conflicting information on vaccines and supply; disorganized vaccine distribution; the constant stress and strain of Covid protections and worries; family and social upheaval, and sadness. A year of loss and delays. Maybe we didnt realize how big a toll it has taken and how long we have held our breath, until the vaccine wakes us up from all that. It is indeed a welcome and overdue emotional shot that the world is opening up, unfreezing. And its terrific. We all deserve this delightful gift of light and hope and relief. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 group says other privatized assets have failed. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is opposed to the sale of the Port Harcourt Refinery as canvassed by many Nigerians, its secretary-general, Musa Lawan, has told PREMIUM TIMES. The Federal Executive Council last week approved $1.5 billion (about N600 billion) for the rehabilitation of the 210,000 barrels per day refinery. The FEC approved the amount at its virtual meeting presided by President Muhammadu Buhari. The approval came amidst a controversial price increase in the pump price of petrol that was later reversed. Although Nigeria has four refineries, all government-owned, it currently imports virtually all its refined petroleum products. The approval for the Port Harcourt Refinery was greeted with mixed feelings as the country in the past spent billions of dollars on refinery maintenance without success. Despite the huge allocations that have in time past been set aside for the fixing of these refineries, they have still not worked and experts have called for their privatisation. Atedo Peterside, who was on the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) between 2010 and 2015, on Sunday urged the federal government to halt the "brazen & expensive adventure." Mr Peterside said "many experts prefer that this refinery is sold as is by BPE to core-investors with proven capacity to repair it with their own funds." A former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, had described the decision as "suspicious", and advised against the move by the FG to repair the refinery. "At this critical period, we must as a nation be prudent with the use of whatever revenue we are able to generate, and even if we must borrow, we must do so with the utmost responsibility and discipline," he said in a statement last week. "To therefore budget the sum of $1.5 billion to renovate or turn around the Port Harcourt Refinery would appear to be an unwise use of scarce funds at this critical juncture for a multiplicity of reasons. "First of all, our refineries have been loss-making for multiple years, and indeed, it is questionable wisdom to throw good money after bad. At other times, I have counselled that the best course of action would be to privatise our refineries, so they can be run more effectively and efficiently." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Labour unions in the past urged the federal government to fix the refineries before removing fuel subsidy. The TUC official who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES urged the federal government not to sell the refinery. "All the government companies that have been privatised, what do you get from it?" he asked. "What did we get from NEPA? So we want the government to own certain properties. "Our position is very clear, the federal government should repair it and make it workable so that if you want to privatise other things tomorrow, we'll at least be privatising based on what we have and not privatising based on what we are importing as the fuel," Mr Lawan said. "Our position has been very clear and consistent on this issue of fuel crisis over and over again. "What we are now saying is that if you want to deregulate and all, then let's at least have something to give. As in, if the government has a refinery, that we are not deregulating on the basis of what we are importing. That's our position, the government should retain it," he added. When Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker spoke with GBH in February about the states vaccination rollout and plagued appointment website, he said his hair was on fire. In an interview with GBHs Jim Braude and Margery Eagan on Wednesday, a more relaxed Baker touted the states recently implemented pre-registration system and some vaccination successes: more than 1 million residents are now fully vaccinated and another million have received at least the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Inc. vaccine; more than 75% of residents over 65 are fully vaccinated; the state ranks second in the country in vaccinating Black residents; and with the new appointment system, Massachusetts is on track to administer about 300,000 first- or second-dose shots every week going forward. Baker said he does not support calls to mandate that certain public employees receive the vaccine, which both state Attorney General Maura Healey and the Democratic candidate for governor, Ben Downing, recently advocated. Only about half of the states correctional officers have gotten vaccinated at work, and The Boston Globe reported that hundreds of state troopers had declined the vaccine. While he didnt shut down the notion of a mandate in the future, Baker noted theres a wide variety of public employees who have direct daily contact with people, and he and several state and local leaders have been vocal in urging them to get vaccinated. People need to get vaccinated when they can and when they want to, lets see where we are when were through that process, he said. There are a lot of people who have direct contact at the state and municipal level ... teachers, local police officers, clerks. The goal here, in the short term, is to get as many of them vaccinated as you can as quickly as you can and then see where we are. Baker noted that Massachusetts was one of the only states to prioritize vaccinating prisoners and correctional officers in the early phases of the vaccine rollout. MassLive reported last week that Hampden and Worcester Counties are ahead of the state Department of Corrections vaccination rates. Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said Tuesday that nearly 70% of full-time staff have opted to receive the vaccine. Baker acknowledged there is much more to do and we still have a long way to go. He expressed hope for significant progress once the federal government ramps up availability of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine, which is simpler to get into peoples arms and does not have the handling or storage requirements of the other vaccines. In a couple of weeks ... manufacturing and production there will dramatically ramp up and that will provide the country and states like ours a big chunk of the single dose vaccine, he said. The interview comes a day after the Republican governor shot down critiques that some residents have significantly less access to vaccines than others. All residents live within about 30 miles of a mass vaccination site or 15 miles of a regional collaborative site, as well as access to pharmacies, community health centers and doctors, Baker told state lawmakers. Theres no region of the state that lacks access, Baker told lawmakers. Pressed on the disparity between Black and Latino vaccination rates versus rates in white communities despite Massachusetts ranking high nationally for vaccinating nearly 20% of its Black residents the governor said state officials are combatting valid long-standing vaccine hesitancy in communities of color. Many in such communities arent anti-vaccine, he said, but simply dont want to go first, and want to hear from my doctor, a trusted voice in the community, a family member who got vaccinated. He said the state has invested more than $30 million in those communities and the community health care system, along with the vaccine, to help them help people get over the hump, whether that hump is hesitancy or getting to wherever the clinic might be or wherever the opportunity to get vaccinated might be located. The potential mobility of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine should help in these areas, Baker added. I do have this notion you can literally visit community centers, senior centers, senior housing, other multifamily housing and literally with a one-dose vaccine that doesnt have a lot of heavy handling requirements, work through a community in a day, and people will see their family and loved ones getting vaccinated alongside faith-based leaders and other community members, he said. Meanwhile, as the state relaxes guidance on indoor and outdoor gatherings and as vaccination totals rise, Baker emphasized the need to continue to be cautious and vigilant about public health. Asked if hed attend a wedding of 100 people, he said yes, but only if guests wore masks and remained socially distanced. People need to continue to do the things that are part of the rules of the guidance, he said. Theyre there for a reason, and they work. Related Content: 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. Hannah Kain, President & CEO, ALOM We are enormously proud to contribute our supply chain resources and decades-long domain expertise in the testing market to be part of the solution to the pandemic crisis. -- ALOM President and CEO Hannah Kain ALOM, the global supply chain management company, has been selected by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Manufacturing Leadership Council as a winner of the 2021 Manufacturing Leadership Award in the Supply Chain Leadership category. The award recognizes ALOM for technology and supply chain performance excellence providing rapid workplace protection and support to COVID-19 medical relief programs. ALOM will be formally recognized and presented with the award on May 19, 2021 during the virtual Manufacturing Leadership Awards gala. We are enormously proud to contribute our supply chain resources and decades-long domain expertise in the testing market to be part of the solution to the pandemic crisis. This past year is proof positive that collaboration and commitment to solve complex challenges are at the heart of innovation. Our talented staff, suppliers and partners all worked together to seamlessly combine the physical, digital and financial supply chains to develop a data-driven system that increases our ability to identify and rapidly adapt to fast-changing requirements. As a result we were able to scale production five times over projected volumes with 100% on-time order shipping, said Hannah Kain, President and CEO of ALOM. In particular, ALOM is being recognized for the data-driven supply chain agility that allowed it to rapidly onboard and scale COVID-19 medical relief programs. Not only did ALOM quickly and aggressively implement workplace and staff protective measures to operate safely, but it also utilized its ISO 13485 certification for medical manufacturing and quality control, and its FDA registered facilities, to rapidly onboard high volume COVID-19 test kit production and distribution programs. Drawing upon its network of high quality medical suppliers, ALOM was also able to procure much-needed PPE for its own staff and clients. Leveraging its strong domain expertise in the production and distribution of medical test kits and with support from its highly collaborative supply base, ALOM was able to configure and start up new production lines in weeks instead of months. Due to the complexities and regulatory requirements for material storage, handling and quality assurance of medical devices, ALOMs highly scalable order management and business intelligence-powered production monitoring systems provided end-to-end serialization and real time visibility through integration with warehouse management and fulfillment systems. These factors, along with operational execution and safe staffing, enabled ALOM to assemble and ship nearly 1 million COVID-19 test kits per week. Entries for the Manufacturing Leadership Awards were submitted in 11 categories that honor outstanding achievements by individuals and organizations shaping the future of global manufacturing. Tested with challenges they never could have imagined, our winners rose to the occasion to keep factories open, sometimes with significant changes to their production and supply chains, said David R. Brousell, Co-Founder of the Manufacturing Leadership Council. At the same time, they doubled down on digital transformation as they sought greater agility and flexibility in their businesses. These awards honor the innovation and resolve that manufacturers demonstrate at all times, and especially in times of crisis. The National Association of Manufacturers Manufacturing Leadership Council is the worlds first member-driven, global business leadership network dedicated to senior executives in the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Leadership Councils mission is to help senior executives define and shape a better future for themselves, their organizations, and the industry at large by focusing on the intersection of critical business and technology issues that will drive growth today and in the future. The Council offers an extensive portfolio of leadership networking, research, thought leadership content, and professional development products, programs, and services including the Manufacturing Leadership Community Website, an online global business network with over 7,000 members around the world. https://www.manufacturingleadershipcouncil.com ALOM is a global supply chain management services and solutions provider serving as a partner to its Fortune 100 clients in the technology, automotive, government, medical, telecommunications, and utility/energy sectors. Headquartered in Fremont, CA, its expert team of strategists, technology engineers, and supply chain specialists operate globally from 19 locations. ALOM manages the physical supply chain from procurement, inventory management, contract assembly, digital media and print as well as omni-channel fulfillment. ALOM also manages the data supply chain with e-commerce solutions, visibility tools, digital delivery tools, data management and strong back-end systems, as well as the financial supply chain. ALOM is proud to deliver its clients products and services impeccably, enrich the end-user experience, and uphold their brand reputations. http://www.alom.com * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! By Chris Sommerfeldt | New York Daily News Albany, N.Y. The New York State Legislature is just about ready to puff-puff pass a bill legalizing adult-use recreational cannabis. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced Tuesday that legislators and Gov. Cuomo have cleared a negotiation hurdle over how to codify traffic safety rules in the long-awaited weed bill, clearing the way for the legislation to be formally unveiled as early as this week. Stewart-Cousins, Democrat of Yonkers, did not specify how the roadblock over traffic safety rules was resolved, only telling reporters on a conference call that negotiators have gotten past the impasse. I think we are really, really, really close on marijuana, she said, adding she hopes the final text of the bill will be unveiled within the next day or so. Last week, Stewart-Cousins said the last remaining issue to hash out in the road to legalization was whether to continue treating driving while impaired by marijuana as a misdemeanor or a traffic infraction. With that holdup now apparently out of the way, legislators should be ready to get the ball rolling on enacting the bill. According to Gov. Cuomos office, taxes levied on marijuana sales could net the state $350 million in annual revenue, a major cash cow at a time when New York is reeling financially from the coronavirus pandemic. Democrats in both the Senate and Assembly, meantime, overwhelmingly support the legalization of adult use of marijuana in New York, paving the way for easy passage. However, several past attempts to legalize pot have fizzled out over disagreements on a range of issues, including how to handle tax revenue. The pressure is higher this time around, though, with neighboring New Jersey approving a constitutional amendment last year allowing the states lawmakers to create a system of licensing and regulating a recreational cannabis market. Cuomos leverage in negotiations has also been greatly amid growing calls for his resignation over allegations that he sexually harassed several women. Last week, Cuomo emphasized the social impact of legalizing weed for under-served communities. I think too many people have been imprisoned, incarcerated, and punished, he said during an event last week. Too many of those people are Black, Latino, and poor. Its exaggerated the injustice of the justice system. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said critics calling for his resignation because of a supposed inability to govern dont understand his job. The nature of being governor is there are always multiple situations to deal with, he said today during a press conference in New York City. Anyone suggesting he cant perform his duties is just wrong, Cuomo added. Its clearly not true, he said. The reality is the exact opposite. Numerous Democrats have called on Cuomo to resign in the wake of multiple allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. Some have argued the governor simply cant work effectively due to the scandals. New Yorks Democratic U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, have both called on Cuomo to step down, saying he has lost the confidence of his governing partners. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has also said Cuomo should resign, as have numerous others in the state Senate and Assembly. Cuomo said today he continues to focus on ramping up Covid-19 vaccinations in the state and negotiating the budget, which is due April 1. State Attorney General Letitia James is overseeing a probe into the harassment allegations against Cuomo. The state Assembly launched an investigation yesterday that could eventually lead to Cuomos impeachment, although the inquiry is likely to take months. The Assembly probe will also examine the Cuomo administrations response to the pandemic in nursing homes and other matters. Cuomo has largely refused to comment on the allegations against him lately, citing the two separate investigations. But he has repeatedly said he wont resign and denied touching anyone inappropriately, although some of the allegations involve just that. One current staff member in Cuomos office accused the governor of groping her at the Executive Mansion and a former aide said he kissed her on the lips without her consent. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 17:18:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani (C-R) attends an inauguration ceremony of Kamal Khan Dam in Chahar Burjak district, Nimroz Province, Afghanistan, on March 24, 2021. Ghani on Wednesday inaugurated the key hydropower dam in Nimroz, which is expected to boost economy and agriculture in the land-locked Asian country, the state-run National Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) reported. (Afghan Presidential Palace/Handout via Xinhua) KABUL, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday inaugurated a key hydropower dam in the western province Nimroz, which is expected to boost economy and agriculture in the land-locked Asian country, the state-run National Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) reported. Ghani was joined by hundreds of Afghan officials, dignitaries and locals at the inauguration ceremony held near the Kamal Khan Dam located in Chahar Burjak district, about 95 km south of Zaraj, capital of Nimroz. "Inauguration of Kamal Khan Dam is a historic moment of emotion and pride for Afghans. The project will irrigate lands and light up homes. The dam is a generator of hopefulness and confidence in the future of Afghanistan," Ghani said at the ceremony broadcast live by the RTA. The construction work of the dam was initiated in 1970s but affected by the prolonged conflicts in the country. "Hearts of all Afghans are beating today for Kamal Khan Dam, success in construction of Kamal Khan Dam was a big victory for Afghanistan, which is a symbol of national unity," Ghani said. The dam, built on the Helmand River, is capable of irrigating 174,000 hectares of crop land. It will also produce electricity power to bring light to hundreds of thousands of Afghan households in the far-flung province, about 790 km southwest of capital Kabul. The dam has a storage capacity of 52 million cubic meters of water and will create over 650,000 job opportunities. Scores of casualties have been reported in the Afghan national security forces in protecting the dam's construction from the attacks by militants, reports said. North Korea fired two short-range missiles at the weekend, U.S. and South Korean officials said, but Washington played down the first such tests under President Joe Biden and said it was still open to dialogue with Pyongyang. The North Korean activity involved weapons systems at the low end of the spectrum that were not covered by U.N. Security Council testing bans, two senior officials of the Biden administration told a briefing call on Tuesday. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said two cruise missiles were fired off North Koreas western coastal town of Onchon on Sunday morning. Seoul had detected signs a test was imminent and was monitoring it in real time, a JCS official told reporters on Wednesday. The JCS reports North Koreas testing of advanced weapons such as nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles nearly in real time but not some tests of lower grade, shorter range weapons. The launch marks North Koreas first publicly known weapons test since Biden took office in January. But Biden downplayed the latest activity, saying nothing much has changed, while one senior official said it was normal testing and warned against hyping it. No, according to the Defense Department its business as usual. Theres no new wrinkle in what they did, Biden told reporters upon his return from a visit to Ohio, when asked if the test was a provocation. The Pentagon declined comment on the test, which was first reported by the Washington Post. North Koreas mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment. POLICY REVIEW IN FINAL STAGES The test came just days after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowed to work to denuclearize North Korea and criticized its systemic and widespread human rights abuses while in Seoul with the U.S. Defense Secretary. North Korea has refused to engage with repeated behind-the-scenes U.S. diplomatic overtures since mid-February, calling it a cheap trick. The senior U.S. officials said the administrations North Korea policy review was in its final stages and would host the national security advisers of allies Japan and South Korea next week to discuss that. The officials said there had been very little dialogue or interaction with North Korea since a failed summit between former President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February 2019, but they do not see the latest missile test as closing the door for talks. Ha Tae-keung, a South Korean lawmaker, said Seoul and Washington had agreed not to announce their detection of the missile test, citing a briefing by intelligence officials. Opposition lawmakers and some experts said the U.S. confirmation indicated a coordination failure between the allies, and suggested Seoul might be trying to cover up a provocation as it seeks to improve cross-border ties. It couldve indeed been a routine, pre-planned activity, said Kim Dong-yup, a professor at Kyungnam University in Seoul. But I cant help asking if the government and the JCS were walking on eggshells so as not to upset North Korea. The JCS official said it does not disclose some North Korean activities to protect its reconnaissance assets based on consultations with the U.S. military. Jenny Town, director of 38 North, a U.S.-based website that tracks North Korea, said the latest action appeared pretty mild. My guess is that it has more to do with the joint exercises than anything else, she said. North Korea has slammed joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises this month even though they were scaled back in an effort to restart nuclear talks. North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear and missile programs throughout 2020 in violation of U.N. sanctions dating back to 2006, helping fund them with some $300 million stolen through cyber hacks, according to independent U.N. sanctions monitors. North Korea has not tested a nuclear weapon or an ICBM since 2017, but conducted repeated tests of shorter-ranges missiles after the Hanoi summit broke down. The Trump administration also sought to play down such tests. SOURCE: REUTERS By Michel Rose, Francesco Guarascio and Emilio Parodi MILAN (Reuters) - AstraZeneca said on Wednesday that some 29 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines found in an inspection at a plant in Italy were destined for the EU and for donations to poorer countries via the COVAX scheme co-led by the World Health Organization. At the request of the European Commission, Italian security forces inspected a Catalent factory in Anagni, near Rome, at the weekend and found the store of vaccine doses, according to Italian newspaper La Stampa. Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi later confirmed the report of the inspection and said some of the batches of doses were seized while two batches were sent to Belgium. A batch can contain a million doses. A flurry of reactions to the report reflected the level of mistrust in the EU towards the Anglo-Swedish firm, which slashed its supply target to the EU by the end of June to 100 million from the 300 million envisaged in its contract with the 27-nation bloc. The 29 million doses found would be enough to vaccinate 14.5 million people. "A stock of almost 30 million doses has been identified near Rome during an inspection we put in place. It has now been seized," French government spokesman Gabriel Attal told reporters after a cabinet meeting. "The EU won't be the fall guy of vaccinations." Another French official said it was under consideration whether the release of some batches could be blocked. Later on Wednesday, AstraZeneca said that most of the doses in the Catalent plant were for the EU, and the rest were for poorer countries supplied by the COVAX scheme co-led by the World Health Organization. "There are no exports currently planned other than to COVAX countries. There are 13 million doses of vaccine waiting for quality control release to be dispatched to COVAX," the company said. The remaining 16 million will be shipped to Europe this month and in April, it said. Story continues Mario Gargiulo, Regional Biologics President for Europe at Catalent, told Reuters that having 29 million doses in the Anagni factory was in line with normal procedure and that the company often had more there. After AstraZeneca's comments, Draghi told the Italian Parliament that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had told him on Saturday there were some batches stored at the Catalent factory that needed to be checked as they were missing from EU deliveries. He said he ordered an inspection which identified "batches in excess". "Some batches have been seized today, and two have been sent to Belgium," he said, adding that he did not know their final destination. The European Commission declined to comment on the doses at the Anagni factory. Earlier on Wednesday, UNICEF said on behalf of the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility that the projected deliveries of vaccines to all countries, including Vietnam, had to be delayed due to production delays. HALIX An EU official said some of the doses at the Catalent plant might come from a vaccine factory in the Netherlands run by AstraZeneca's subcontractor Halix. The Anagni plant is in charge of bottling AstraZeneca vaccines produced at the Halix factory and also at a plant in Belgium run by subcontractor Thermo Fisher Scientific. AstraZeneca said that the factory also bottles doses received from outside the EU and to be shipped to COVAX countries. Both vaccine-making factories in Belgium and the Netherlands are listed in the contract AstraZeneca signed with the EU in August as suppliers to the EU. The Halix factory has not yet been approved in the EU, as AstraZeneca did not submit sufficient data to the EU drugs regulator. It has also not been approved in Britain. However, EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said late on Wednesday that the company had now submitted an authorisation request and additional data, with regulators likely to make an assessment this week. Vaccines produced there cannot be used in the EU until that approval is received. Kyriakides said she hoped to see EU deliveries from the site by the end of March. Halix is also listed as a supplier for Britain, which is urging the EU to allow the shipment of doses produced there. Britain has so far exported no AstraZeneca vaccines to the EU, despite two UK plants being listed in the EU contract as suppliers for the bloc. Halix said it started producing vaccines for the EU in December and has a capacity to produce about 5 million doses per month. The company declined to comment on how many vaccines it had already produced or on their destination. (Reporting by Michel Rose in Paris, Emilio Parodi in Milan and Francesco Guarascio and Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels; additional reporting by Giselda Vagnoni and Angelo Amante in Rome, Toby Sterling in Amsterdam and Alistair Smout in London; editing by Louise Heavens and Hugh Lawson) A male MP in the Berejiklian government is under police investigation for allegedly raping a female sex worker at a secluded lookout in the Blue Mountains. The allegations were first made public by Labor MP Trish Doyle in NSW Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. She told the Parliament the sex worker did not consent to penetrative sex and although was initially reluctant to go to the police, she has since reported the matter and it is now being investigated. Labor MP Trish Doyle says she was contacted about the alleged sexual assault 18 months ago. NSW Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the incident, saying detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad are examining allegations of sexual violence against a woman in the Blue Mountains in September 2019. The matter was reported and referred to the squad in late September 2020 and has been under investigation since, the police statement said. As the inquiries are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide any further details. A Portland, Oregon-based company that specializes in cold-weather gear is about to begin work with the U.S. Air Force on a flight suit that keeps pilots warm at high altitudes. Oros Apparel, a subsidy of Lukla Inc., has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract that will explore how the company's SolarCore technology can be integrated into a long-range flight suit for pilots flying above 30,000 feet, said Michael Markesbery, Oros' co-founder and CEO. Aircraft that can fly above 30,000 feet include fighters like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle as well as some cargo platforms such as the C-17 Globemaster III. While all these aircraft have their own environmental conditioning systems, the flight suits would act as an added layer of protection at altitudes where air temperatures can range between -40F to -70F, Markesbery said in an email Tuesday. Read Next: Guard Troops Ambushed in Texas, Held at Gunpoint While Transporting COVID-19 Vaccines The suits will use Oros' SolarCore aerogel technology, the same used by NASA to insulate some of its spacecraft. Aerogels are a special material that removes internal liquid through "a process known as supercritical drying, leaving a porous solid filled with air," according to the space agency. The resulting product is nearly weightless. "[The material's] biggest benefit is its lack of dependence on loft or bulk," Markesbery said. For a fighter pilot whose movement might be constricted by a conventional thick coat, this is a key feature. The SolarCore aerogel design doesn't require bulky materials to function and maintains thermal performance under compression. "With SOLARCORE, you can have a thin amount of insulation that actually provides significant thermal value," Markesbery said. "This provides incredible benefits around mobility, which is incredibly important for a pilot." Oros commercially available outerwear that uses the insulation technology ranges in price from $150 to $500, according to the companys website. Markesbery did not provide a contract amount for this stage of the project, which was greenlit by AFWERX, an Air Force innovation program that partners with small businesses and academia. The announcement comes weeks after the Air Force posted a list of its priorities for next-generation apparel for its aircrew -- and heated flight suits were near the top. The service wants to reduce the bulky clothing layers flight crews add for warmth, so it's looking for an "electrically or electrical-heated" underlayer or outer layer that would cover an airman's feet, hands, torso and legs, Air Force Materiel Command spokesman Brian Brackens said earlier this month. Heating the body in a more concentrated way increases blood flow and thus could reduce the potential for cold injuries. The new approaches will "enhance individual maneuverability, agility and protection in a broader working envelope," Brackens said. Helicopter crews that watch over the service's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile fields are some of the candidates for these heated flight suits, Brackens said. Northern bases such as Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, and F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, would be some of the first locations where helicopter aircrews could use the extra warmth while on patrol. Their use also could apply to those who are deployed in the mountains of Afghanistan, the Korean Peninsula and Alaska, among other locations. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Heated Flight Suits on Air Force's Priority List for Aircrews Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer on Wednesday denounced Republican efforts in statehouses to roll back efforts to boost early voting and ease registration comparing the efforts to Jim Crow efforts to suppress black voters. Schumer tore into his colleagues at the start of a Rules Committee hearing on a sweeping 800-page voting rights bill, casting the new election efforts as undemocratic and tying them to efforts to racial oppression following Reconstruction. 'Shame, shame, shame!' he intoned after describing state efforts since the November elections, when Republicans lost the White House and the Senate but maintained a lock on the majority of state legislatures which set voting rules. 'Shame, shame, shame!' said Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer at a hearing, where he called on Senate Republicans to deny proposals to change voting laws in Georgia and Arizona Schumer pointed to a series of legislative efforts bubbling up in Georgia and other states. 'Our country has come a long way supposedly since African Americans in the South were forced to guess guess the number of jellybeans in a jar in order to vote, but some of these voter suppression laws in Georgia and other Republican states, smack of Jim Crow rearing its ugly head once again, 'Schumer said. He also tore into legislative efforts in Arizona, which like Georgia is a state Joe Biden won where Donald Trump challenged the vote. 'In Arizona, no fewer than 22 separate measures to limit voting rights have been introduced, including a bill to require every absentee ballot to be notarized,' Schumer said. How are people going to pay for a notary? When there's virtually no indication of fraud? It's one of the most despicable things I have seen in all my years. Shame. Shame. Shame!' he said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called the voting rights legislation an 'atrocity' Whats in the Democrats sweeping For the People voting rights bill? The sweeping voting rights bill is a companion to a bill that passed the House. It was introduced by Sens. Jeff Merkley, Amy Klobuchar, and Charles Schumer. The bill is cosponsored by almost the entire Senate Democratic caucus, with only Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) not on board with it (he says he likes parts of it). The bill makes a raft of changes to state and federal elections oversight. - Requires state officials to implement automatic voter registration - Felons get their voting rights restored after serving their sentences - Requires same-day voting registration on Election Day - Requires all PACs to disclose their donors - Expands mail-in ballots of the kind that proliferated in 2020 - Mandates 15 days of early voting - Places restrictions on contacts between campaigns and foreign governments - Restructures the Federal Elections Commission to give if five commissioners, rather than six, with no more than two from the same party. A bipartisan panel would recommend nominees. Mitch McConnell says it would give Biden effective control of the 3-2 body - Clamps down on purges of voting rolls - Creates a public funding matching system for smaller donations on the first $200 of a contribution - Requires states to set up independent redistricting commissions in an effort to end partisan gerrymandering, which courts have allowed so long as other forms of discrimination arent driving it - Prohibits using non-returned mail as reason to strike voters from the rolls - Requires prepaid postage for voting materials - Prohibits the top state election officials from taking part in campaigns - Makes universities voter registration agencies Advertisement 'Other things in Arizona: two bills to ban automatic voter registration and same day registration, even though neither practice exists in Arizona, and the most reprehensible effort of all my team found in Georgia, where Republicans recently passed a bill to eliminate early voting on Sunday. 'On Sunday, the day when many churchgoing African Americans participate in voter drives known as Souls to the Polls. What an astonishing coincidence outlawed voting on a day when African American churches sponsor get out the vote efforts. I'd like one of the Republican members of this committee to give us a plain sense justification for that restriction,' he said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who like Schumer spoke at the hearing on the Democratic voting rights bill, S. 1, pointedly rejected the charge. 'The state bills that he refers to, I believe Sen. [Roy] Blunt has mentioned, only two of them have passed, and they had absolutely nothing to do with suppressing the vote.' He called the effort 'a solution in search of a problem.' 'Turnout in 2020 was up 7 per cent. The turnout in the 2020 election was the highest since 1900. States are not engaging in trying to suppress voters whatsoever,' he said. 'This is clearly an effort by one party to rewrite the rules of our political system.' He also said the federal bill being pushed by Democratic leaders would 'create an implementation nightmare.' McConnell also ripped the legislative effort in an appearance on Fox News Wednesday. 'It is an atrocity, every Republican opposes it, and were going to do everything we can to defeat it,' he said. The House has already passed its election reform effort which touches on a range of issues, including registration rules and the length of early voting, while outlawing some state practices and changing the composition of the Federal Election Commission. Schumer has made the Senate version a priority and it is already being watched as a measure that could provoke a bitter fight over the Senate filibuster which some Democrats and activists want to nuke in order to force President Joe Biden's agenda through the chamber. At the White House, press secretary Jen Psaki, when asked about the effort, said there were changes being made to the House version that the White House 'fully expected.' 'We remain very closely engaged,' she said. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. The Olori-Ilu of Imope, Chief Kolawole Omotayo, who was kidnapped on Saturday by unknown gunmen has been released. It was reliably gathered ... The Olori-Ilu of Imope, Chief Kolawole Omotayo, who was kidnapped on Saturday by unknown gunmen has been released. It was reliably gathered that the community leader was released around 10pm on Tuesday. A close ally of Omotayo told our correspondent that the high chief retired to a hospital after his release. The source who does not want to be mentioned said, ransom was paid, but I dont know the exact amount. But, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said he was not aware of any payment of ransom. Oyeyemi told newsmen that the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, personally led a team to the area on Tuesday, saying police did everything to effect the release of the Olori-Ilu of Imope on Tuesday night. He said no arrest has been made so far, adding that we are after them. The head of Imope, Ijebu North Local Government area of Ogun State was abducted along Oke Eri-Imope road, while driving down from Ijebu-Ode. It was reported that his abductors fired shots at his vehicle to deflate his tyres, after which, they pulled him down and dragged him into the bush. Northern Berkshire United Way Community Needs and Special Grants Applications Available NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Northern Berkshire United Way's Community Needs and Special Grants (CNSG) grant applications are now available. Community Needs and Special Grants are intended to support one-time, short-term projects that address current community issues with the goal to positively impact the community. Collaborations are valued. Applications must be received at Northern Berkshire United Way by April 21, 2020. Funding decisions will be announced in June. Applicants do not need to be member agencies of Northern Berkshire United Way but must be designated by the IRS as a charitable organization. Grants are for residents residing in towns served by Northern Berkshire United Way: Adams Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Savoy, Williamstown and Stamford, Vt. Projects that support safety net services, low to moderate income populations, and support a diverse, inclusive population that has not been previously funded are given priority. The Community Needs and Special Grants Committee of Northern Berkshire United Way reviews community priorities each year. The committee takes into account the unique assets and needs in Northern Berkshire and evaluates all applications with the available funding. 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. Amie Hall was left with painful facial burns after her iPhone charger suddenly exploded into flames on her bed while she drifted off to sleep A teenage girl was left with painful facial burns after her iPhone charger burst into flames and set her duvet on fire as she slept. Amie Hall, 17, says she had been nodding off when she became aware of a bright orange glow on the duvet next to her in the early hours of last Thursday. She leapt out of bed as the flames quickly took hold at about 2am but suffered a nasty burn to her cheek. Amie, a former dental nurse, called for her mother who was able to put out the fire before it spread to the other rooms of their house in Birmingham. Amie is now warning others about the dangers of charging their gadgets overnight following the frightening incident. She said: 'I just want people to be aware and stay safe as this could have been a lot worse. It was extremely scary and I was left in complete shock. 'I had just been lying down and I was falling asleep when I became aware of flashing orange colours next to me. 'I ran out of my room and shouted my mum and luckily she managed to put out the fire without the need to call the fire brigade. 'The burn was very sore but I know it could have been more serious. The flames just caught me as it burnt through my duvet. 'My home is where my family is safe and if my house would have gone up in flames it would have been the worst feeling.' The charger (left) exploded overnight and caused damage to the duvet (right) as well as Amie's face Amie also took to social media to share pictures of her nasty burns and to highlight the dangers of overnight phone charging. She wrote on Facebook: 'Please keep in mind when charging your phone. 'So 2am this morning I was lying down as you do on my phone. Plugged in my charger and it set alight. 'My bed cover/duvet set on fire and also caught my face. This isn't even a cheap charger, it's an Apple charger. 'Please don't go to bed and leave your phone charging overnight. 'If I was asleep this could have been a lot worse and this could have set my whole family home up with all my family in. 'Please be aware that this can happen to anyone and could be a lot worse. It's dangerous. Please share.' It is known whether the charger itself, consisting of an Apple wire and another brand's plug, caused the fire or whether the socket at her home was faulty. A spokeswoman for Apple said: 'Apple takes customer safety very seriously, is in touch with the customer and looking into the matter.' The company has published advice on safe charging, in which it warns that doing so in a poorly ventilated space or where moisture is present could prove a fire hazard. West Midlands Fire Service has been approached for comment. Indigo Group S.A. Results 2020 The Group is impacted by the Covid-19 crisis but generates a positive Free Cash-Flow allowing to maintain a stable net financial debt Key figures [1] million FY 2019 FY 2020 Change at current FX (%) Change at constant FX (%) Revenue 968.6 718.6 -25.8% -24.1% EBITDA 351.3 242.0 -31.1% -30.3% % Margin 36.3% 33.7% -260 bps -296 bps Operating income 71.8 7.3 -89.9% -89.6% Net income attributable to owners of the parent 3.9 (49.6) n.a n.a Free Cash-Flow 192.3 132.7 -31.0% n.a Cash Conversion Ratio 59.6% 60.2% +59 bps n.a Net financial debt 2,145.5 2,126.0 -0.9% n.a Serge CLEMENTE, Chairman of the Executive Board of Indigo Group, said: "Despite the strong impact of the sanitary crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Indigo has resisted and has demonstrated the resilience of its business model by maintaining a positive operating income, a positive Free Cash-Flow and a stable financial debt, in line with the pre-crisis level. In the face of the sanitary crisis, the Group has been continuously promoting the safety and security of its employees, contractors and clients and has implemented a solidarity fund to help and protect its employees worldwide. Indigo also launched free parking offers dedicated to medical staff. The Group has been continuing its commitment to focus on its B2C customers to offer them the best service and notably thanks to its digital solution OPnGO. Thanks to the exceptional commitment of its employees, the control of its operating costs and a level of investment well above previous years, Indigo despite the crisis achieved significant successes and expanded its operations to new promising countries (China and Poland), and is prepared to move forward as soon as the pandemic is over. During the first lockdown in Europe of the first semester of 2020 and because of the restrictive traffic measures taken in all countries where Indigo operates, almost all the Group's activities were halted or severely reduced. Although recovery started quickly in the middle of the year, particularly during the European summer holidays, Indigo's activity has been again negatively impacted in the last quarter by new mobility restrictions or curfew measures. In this exceptional context, the decline in revenue was limited to -24.1% at constant FX, compared to 2019. The decline has been contained thanks to the strong diversification of Indigo's assets portfolio: Geographic diversification with an exposure to 12 countries in 2020. The Group generated 64% of its Global Proportionate revenue[2] in Europe, and 36% in the Americas; Segment diversification with 65% of its IFRS revenue[3] generated from car parks located close to several generators in city centers; Contract diversification, with 84% of its Global Proportionate EBITDA[4] , [5] being generated by infrastructure contracts, of which 12% by ownerships, 86% by concessions, and 2% by long-term leases. Concessions benefits from a more protective framework than lease agreements in case of financial disequilibrium; [5] being generated by infrastructure contracts, of which 12% by ownerships, 86% by concessions, and 2% by long-term leases. Concessions benefits from a more protective framework than lease agreements in case of financial disequilibrium; Performance diversification, with various types of revenue: parking tickets (40% of the European revenue[2]), subscriptions (33% of the European revenue[2]), and other revenue (27% of the European revenue[2]), including notably management fees and on-street revenue. In addition, the Group maintained a Cash Conversion Ratio (Free Cash-Flow/EBITDA) of 60.2%, compared to 2019 (59.6%), demonstrating the resilient nature of its infrastructure business model which keeps generating a positive and significant Free Cash-Flow of 132.7 million of euros available for investment needs and for debt services. Finally, despite the decline in revenue, and the strong investments carried out to seize unique opportunities, the Group maintained a stable net financial debt due to the optimization of operating costs, the contract renegotiations allowing a reduction of IFRIC 12 and IFRS 16 debts, and the absence of dividends paid to shareholders. Since the emergence of the crisis, Indigo Group has been maintaining a strong liquidity and has confirmed its prudent financing policy especially thanks to the absence of corporate financing needs before 2025, the absence of covenants on its corporate bonds or bank loans, a net cash position of 220 million of euros and a fully undrawn committed revolving credit facility of 300 million of euros. Consequently, the Group did not request any financing support from the French Government (loans guaranteed by the State or rescheduling of tax payments). On 14 May 2020, due to the reduction of mobility generated by the pandemic, S&P Global Ratings revised its rating from BBB to BBB- with a negative outlook. The Group intends to maintain a strong Investment Grade rating and holds several levers to defend it. To strengthen its model and prepare the recovery, the Group launched a new strategic plan "Beyond Covid" based on five main pillars: Positioning: focus on infrastructures contracts as well as digital, green mobility and logistical services; Contract renegotiation: given the Covid-19 crisis impacts on the economic equilibrium of each contract, the Group launched a vast renegotiation plan with more than 500 clients on several parameters such as a decrease of royalties and rents or contract extensions; Operating costs: optimization of operating schemes, automation/dematerialization of certain processes at headquarters level; Investments: priority on brownfield investment projects ("low traffic risk"), consideration of strategic partnerships, and optimization of maintenance capex; Financing: maintaining the Investment Grade rating, working capital optimization, and anticipating financing needs. Its long-term business model proved its resilience and endurance and the new strategic plan "Beyond Covid" is particularly well suited to the current and coming major challenges. Indeed, in recent years, structural factors threatened to put the parking model under severe strain. This has even been amplified by the sanitary crisis, which has accelerated the change in certain lifestyles (home office, new travel trends such as soft mobility). However, Indigo is convinced that these disruptions will open-up new opportunities. The Group's mission goes beyond the traditional "parking" business and several of the Group's initiatives over the past two years demonstrated that Indigo has a leading role to play to transform urban mobility and promote new urban models for parking infrastructure. Thanks to this impetus, Indigo's resilient business model enables it to measure the growing societal challenges and act as a major partner contributing to the transition to the urban mobility: Revitalizing city centers in medium-sized cities; Creating new infrastructures and services in dense hyper-centers; Promoting the transition to green mobility; Allocating on-street spaces to higher value-added uses. Faced with changing expectations of its stakeholders, its employees, city dwellers, public and private customers, the Group thought about its role to play in its environment, today and tomorrow. As a result, the Group worked, in the continuity of its Beyond Covid plan, on its purpose to clarify its positioning and its ambitions. The definition of Indigo's purpose is the result of a 3-step collaborative approach, involving 300 employees worldwide, over 3 months. Its purpose: "Opening space for peaceful city motion" Each word has been carefully considered and is rooted in the identity and strengths of Indigo. Through this new purpose, the Group is affirming its ability to create an ecosystem and to reinvent itself by creating on-demand services. Its operating spaces, beyond car parks, remain at the cornerstone of its asset management activity. Cities are its expertise: it works toward the cities, with the cities and for the cities. In these future urban spaces, the Group wants to meet the expectations of citizens such as reductions of stress, noise, pollution and traffic. And because movements are accelerating and multiplying, Indigo is deploying innovative solutions for managing the flow of people and goods: last-mile delivery, local services, electric vehicles, etc. Through this new vision, Indigo intends to pursue its ambitions of growth in its core business to excel in this advantageous position, as set out in its Goal 2025 strategic plan: Rationalizing its geographic footprint, focusing on large infrastructure countries where it is/can become a leader, continuing to target acquisitions in mature markets to increase its market share, developing new competencies and controlling the early operations of the Asian platform; Consolidating its core business by increasing the duration of its portfolio (new sites, ownership and long-term contracts), strengthening its position in growth segments, ensuring operational excellence (through digitalization and artificial intelligence) and improving efficiency (processes, back office); Focusing on quality of service and proximity to its customers; Promoting talents and culture through a common understanding of a shared vision of strategy and implementation of the Goal 2025 roadmap, strengthening middle management engagement, attracting, and retaining talents and implementing an ambitious CSR policy. This Indigo's purpose guides the actions of its 14,500 employees daily and transforms the company's strategic vision over the long-term." ********** In line with its strategy to strengthen its model on diversified infrastructure contracts, in France, the Group completed the acquisition of ownership of seven car parks in Nice and five other car parks in France (including Metz Saint Jacques and Lille Rue Pietonnes - Le 31) and also won the tenders of a 18-year concession contract in Paris - Bastille, two 12-year leases in Paris (Le Parks) and Issy-les-Moulineaux. The Group also started operating in January 2020 a 17-year yellowfield concession contract in Rueil-Malmaison. In Europe, the Group also continued its development. In Belgium, the Group significantly reinforced its portfolio with the win in H1 2020 of both a 10-year concession in downtown Antwerp (Opera) and a 15-year long-term lease in the office and housing Building Spectrum in Brussels city center. In Switzerland, the Group strengthened its presence in Lausanne with the acquisition of Port d'Ouchy 30-year concession and in Spain with the acquisition of a 32-year concession (car park San Joan de Deu) in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. Finally, the Group won its first contract in Poland with a 10-year long-term lease in Warsaw and acquired a 30-year concession in Wroclaw. In the Americas, in the United States, Indigo acquired a car park Hoboken, New Jersey. In Canada, Canada Place contract has been renewed for 5 years. In Brazil the Group started operating a 5-year contract with Dasa clinics to manage more than 54 sites in Brazil across 7 cities accounting for 1,817 spaces, and 20-year lease in Sao Paulo to operate the Ibirapuera parc. The average remaining maturity[6] of the Group's infrastructure portfolio remains stable in 2020, reaching 28.1 years, against 28.5 years in 2019. The audited consolidated statements as of 31 December 2020 are available in French and in English on the Group's website at www.group-indigo.com under Investors / Financial results section. Key figures IFRS million FY 2019 FY 2020 Change at current FX (%) Change at constant FX (%) Revenue 694.7 517.0 -25.6% -23.1% EBITDA 322.4 220.5 -31.6% -30.6% % Margin 46.4% 42.7% -375 bps -425 bps Operating income 66.0 0.3 n.a. n.a. Net income attributable to owners of the parent 3.9 (49.6) n.a. n.a. Free Cash-Flow 192.3 132.7 -31.0% n.a. Cash Conversion Ratio 59.6% 60.2% +59 bps n.a. Net financial debt 2,145.5 2,126.0 -0.9% n.a. Indigo Group Analysts / investors contact: Press contact: Noe Poyet Benjamin Voron ir@group-indigo.com benjamin.voron@group-indigo.com About reported financial figures To make its performance easier to understand and to improve its presentation, the Group presents operational figures (revenue, EBITDA, operating income) on a "Global Proportionate" (GP) basis, including the Group's share of joint ventures (mainly in the USA, Colombia, Panama and Smovengo in France) as if they were consolidated proportionately and not under the equity method applied in accordance with IFRS when preparing the consolidated financial statements. For more information on published financial and operational data, you can click on the following link: www.group-indigo.com/en/information-data/ About Indigo Group Indigo Group, holding about 100% of Indigo Infra, OPnGO and INDIGO weel, is a key global player in car parking and urban mobility, that manages more than 2.3 million parking spaces and related services in 12 different countries. Indigo Group is held at approximately 47.4% by Credit Agricole Assurances, 33.1% by Vauban Infrastructure Partners, 14.3% by MEAG, 0.5% in treasury shares and the remainder by the management of the Group. www.group-indigo.com Disclaimer The information in this press release has been included in good faith but is for general informational purposes only. All reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information contained herein is not untrue or misleading. It should not be relied on for any specific purpose and no representation or warranty is given with regards to its accuracy or completeness. It should be read together with the information on Indigo Group S.A. published on its website at www.group-indigo.com This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any securities. Its making does not constitute a recommendation regarding any securities. Nothing herein may be used as the basis to enter into any contract or agreement. This press release may contain forward-looking objectives and statements about Indigo Group's financial situation, operating results, business activities and expansion strategy. Although we believe these objectives and statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including matters not yet known to us or not currently considered material by us, and there can be no assurance that anticipated events will occur or that the objectives set out will actually be achieved. All forward-looking statements are management's present expectations of future events and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The information is valid only at the time of writing and Indigo Group does not assume any obligation to update or revise the objectives on the basis of new information or future or other events, subject to applicable regulations. Additional information on the factors and risks that could have an impact on Indigo Group's financial results is contained in the documents filed by Indigo Group with the French securities regulator (AMF) and available on the its website at www.group-indigo.com. Neither Indigo Group nor any affiliates or their officers or employees shall be liable for any loss, damage or expense arising out of any access to or use of this press release, including, without limitation, any loss of profit, indirect, incidental or consequential loss. No reproduction of any part of it may be sold or distributed for commercial gain nor shall it be modified. [1] Consolidated Global Proportionate figures (except for Free Cash-Flow, Cash Conversion Ratio and Net financial debt computed according to IFRS standards). IFRS consolidated key figures are available at the end of this press release. [2] 2020 Global Proportionate Revenue excluding the MDS business unit, which gathers OPnGO, INDIGO weel and Smovengo (Velib') [3] 2020 IFRS Revenue excluding the MDS business unit [4] 2020 Global Proportionate EBITDA excluding the MDS business unit and IFRS 16 impacts [5] 88% of the 2020 IFRS EBITDA excluding the MDS business unit and IFRS 16 impacts [6] Weighted average residual maturity of infrastructure business based on Global Proportionate normative Free Cash-Flow in 2020, assuming a 99-year duration for ownerships and exercise of options for long-term leases with renewal at INDIGO's discretion, excluding car parks under construction but not yet operating ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mWpplp2XlWmbnHJxlpZnamiVb5xiw2nKa5fLxGdplMuUa22UxWuVl5yYZm9pmGlr - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-68345-press-release-results-2020.pdf Sony Music Publishing South Africa announced the signing of Gallo Music Publishers to a worldwide agreement. With this new creative partnership, Sony Music Publishing will provide its services to Gallo Music Publishers' extensive catalogue of songs and create new opportunities for its compositions on an international scale. Photo by Papa Yaw from Pexels Gallo Music Publishers (GMP) is the publishing arm of Gallo Record Company and is home to some of South Africas most legendary songwriters, and its catalogue comprises some of the most iconic copyrights in South Africas rich heritage of musical works through the decades.As part of Sony Music Publishings wide range of services, Gallo published songwriters will have the opportunity to collaborate with the companys roster of songwriters, and have their songs promoted overseas. The company will also provide its world-class administration services, helping to collect, distribute, and expedite royalty payments across the world; as well as synchronization services, creating placement opportunities for GMPs songs as well as licensing its music for film, television and commercials.It gives me great pleasure to welcome Gallo Music Publishers to the Sony Music Publishing family. With its tremendous roster of writers, the history of Gallo is the history of South African music, said Guy Henderson, President, International, Sony Music Publishing. Having started my career at Gallo many years ago, Im thrilled to be reunited with celebrated works from the likes of Lucky Dube, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Stimela, Sipho Mabuse, Caiphus Semenya and so many others. Together, with Sony Music Publishings great roster of writers, we look forward to taking the best of African music to the rest of the world.Gallo Music Publishers catalogue is synonymous to South Africas musical heritage, and we are proud to have this invaluable catalogue added to our roster. There are still many stories to tell together with our global network, we are confident we will find great opportunities for GMPs musical gems, said Rowlin Naicker, managing director of Sony Music Publishing South Africa.Rob Cowling, general manager of Gallo Music Group said, We are very excited to announce this partnership which has been a long time in the making. We feel our vast catalogue and administration of this rich African heritage of songs outside of Africas borders is in good hands with Sony Music Publishing. Their extensive network of professionals and systems as well as a UK team, with some African roots and a knowledge of the content, will be a valuable asset in managing GMPs works and driving revenues for our composers, and their beneficiaries. "Fortnite" Season 6 Week 2 Challenges have arrived earlier than anticipated, as it went live two days before they are normally supposed to. But no matter, it is live one of these challenges require players to scatter around the map looking for game literature samples. In this article, we will help players find these samples and unlock some pretty rewards after completing the challenge. Where to Find Literature Samples on "Fortnite" According to Gamespot, you can find Literature samples in the "Fortnite" map in Pleasant Park, Lazy Lake, or Retail Row. The samples are reportedly placed in bookshelves with books and magazines on them. You must walk up to it and collect the Literature samples. On Pleasant Park in "Fortnite," you can find two Literature samples if you go to the brick house at the town's northwestern corner. After going through the front door, turn left to see the bookshelf. You will see a faintly glow with a collectible item's aura. You must interact with it to collect the first piece of Literature in your item. From there, you must head out the door you came in and down the sidewalk on the right. Pass the yellow house and head inside the light-blue house. Upon entering the house, the immediate left is a room with the same glowing bookshelf with the Literature sample, waiting to be taken by "Fortnite" players. Also Read: 'Fortnite' Season 6 Skins Leak Reveals Possible Armored Batman [LOOK] Meanwhile, on the Lazy Lake, you must go to the Southwest corner at the Lazy Lake Spa, opposite the corner of last week's "Fortnite" Lazy Lake anomaly challenge. Head down to the parking garage and you will find a magazine rack under a Lazy Lake Spa sign next to the bottom of the staircase. The next Literature sample will be up against the wall opposite a soda fountain on the ground floor. And lastly is the Retail Row Literature sample. You can locate a Literature sample if you look near the Big Shots store, left of the ziplines leading into town. You can find the sample inside a newspaper box. It is not a bookshelf, and it is totally different from the other samples scattered around "Fortnite," but it is there. Rewards for Achieving the Literature Samples in "Fortnite" "Fortnite" only allows the players collect four of the Literature samples across the map, so you can skip the Retail Row one. It really depends on you whether to skip that one or not. All in all, players who completed this Week 2 challenge will be rewarded with 24,000 EXP, according to GameRant. The Week 2 challenge is an easy one compared to the previous challenges in "Fortnite," but it is still a challenge and players are still rewarded with it. So, collect the Literature samples and take the reward. Here's also a video guide and walkthrough to complete the Literature samples. Enjoy! Related Article: 'Fortnite' Season 6 Guide: Where to Find a Disguise to Complete the 'Don a Disguise' Quest Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai), set to be one of the jewellery worlds most powerful marketplaces for product discovery, will have its inaugural edition on February 22 24 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The three-day sourcing event is a joint venture of two of the industrys leading events groups Informa Markets Jewellery, organiser of the worlds biggest fine jewellery marketplace Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong and the Italian Exhibition Group SpA (IEG), organiser of Vicenzaoro, Italys most influential jewellery show and the top European trade fair in the sector. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) will be JGT Dubais official partner. The new fair aims to deliver practical results that matter most to jewellery businesses today, from sparking authentic connections and driving better sales conversion to forging enduring partnerships in one of the worlds fastest-growing markets. As the jewellery sectors leading trade show organiser, Informa Markets Jewellery is heeding the industrys call as a strategic partner. Our industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and it is up to us to create and embrace new opportunities that will shape the long-term path for our industry, said David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia. JGT Dubais launch is symbolic of how fast the industry has transformed in the new world, and how adaptable, nimble and open we are to exploring new ideas and possibilities, Bondi continued. Our collaboration with IEG is unprecedented in the events industry, and it wont certainly be the last, he said. During these unique times, our priority is to create opportunities that will deliver the best results for our community, and JGT Dubai is something that we can do better together. Created as a global hub for creativity and innovation, JGT Dubai leverages Informa Markets Jewellerys capabilities, including an incomparable global portfolio of fairs and events; a powerful digital platform JewelleryNet; a dedicated Jewellery Media team led by flagship publication, JNA, and one of the industrys most prestigious awards programmes the Jewellery World Awards (JWA). JWA is organising its first regional award, JWA Dubai, during the exhibition, with a focus on celebrating the achievements of companies and entrepreneurs in the Middle East. IEG, the driving force behind Vicenzaoro, is deploying its resources, focus and deep local knowledge to ensure JGT Dubais success. The company has firmly planted its roots in Rimini, Vicenza, Milan, Dubai, New York, Sao Paulo and Shanghai, and has forged strong partnerships in other parts of China and the US. Corrado Peraboni, Chief Executive Officer of IEG, said: Our jewellery sourcing events in core markets around the world be it in Europe, North America or the Middle East highlight the true scale of our reach as an industry partner. In February 2022, expect us to bring our global experience and local expertise to bear in delivering one of the industrys premier meeting points. JGT Dubai offers suppliers the opportunity to unlock the full potential of a combined market of 4 billion consumers all within seven hours of flying time from Dubai. The buying opportunity is especially focused on wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers from the Middle East, India, Russia, Southern Europe and North Africa. For buyers, the marketplace grants them exclusive access to an outstanding roster of international manufacturers, designers and jewellery ateliers, and the opportunity to explore and discover forward-thinking trends in jewellery, gemstones and industry-related technology and services all under one roof. JGT Dubai is further enriched by an exclusive seminar and networking programme, featuring some of the most influential names and experts in the industry. Among these special features are two world-class events the highly anticipated Dubai Diamond Conference, organised by DMCC, and Informa Markets Jewellerys Jewellery World Awards (JWA) presentation ceremony. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, and Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange said: JGT Dubai will be an event like no other. Hospitality and the ability to bring people together is in Dubais DNA, and we are fast becoming the capital of the precious metals and jewellery trade. Held before the major shows in Las Vegas and Hong Kong, JGT Dubai will set the scene and be a showcase of invention. By hosting dialogue and debate, we will connect minds and spur the type of innovation required to take our industry to the next level. With Expo 2020 Dubai now taking place in 2021 one of the largest global events in the history of the region and DMCCs Dubai Diamond Conference in early 2022, the timing of JGT Dubai simply could not be better. This is truly an event everyone connected to the jewellery trade can look forward to and expect something different from one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on earth, he added. TradeArabia News Service One of Australias most respected anti-corruption lawyers says Attorney-General Christian Porter should not have responsibility for establishing a Commonwealth Integrity Commission while he is facing an unresolved rape allegation. Former Queensland Criminal Justice Commission director Mark Le Grand said the flaws inherent in the proposed Commonwealth anti-corruption body, particularly the special protections it offers politicians, created a conflict for Mr Porter, who is challenging historical rape allegations against him in a defamation proceeding against the ABC. Attorney-General Christian Porter has been on leave since identifying himself three weeks ago as the cabinet minister at the centre of historical rape allegations, which he denies. Credit:Trevor Collens Isnt it a matter of public perception, public faith in the process that the person who is sponsoring this legislation through the Parliament is beyond reproach and doesnt have an interest in the provisions of the legislation? Mr Le Grand said. A person who is the subject of serious allegations which are the subject of litigation in the Federal Court muddies the waters and brings into question whether he is truly an independent agent in taking this legislation through Parliament. Remember that 75-year-old Asian grandma from San Francisco who fought back against her attacker with a stick after he punched her in the face? Well, her family had set up a GoFundMe to deal with her medical expenses and she has now pledged to donate the full amount raised to help the Asian-American community fight racism. GoFundMe In an update on the GoFundMe page, her grandson, John Chen, said: She said we must not submit to racism and we must fight to the death if necessary. She also stated multiple times to donate all the funds generated in this GoFundMe back to the Asian American community to combat racism. She insists on making this decision saying this issue is bigger than Her. This is my grandma, grandpa, and our familys decision. We hope everyone can understand our decision. Once the news hit Twitter, it was apparent her inspiring actions had greatly moved people. Remember this womans name: Xiao Zhen Xie She was violently attacked on the streets of her SF community for being Asian and fought off her attacker, then decided to donate the $800,000+ raised for her medical bills back to the AAPI community. #womenshistorymonth #StopAAPIHate Jodi Hicks (@jodihicks) March 23, 2021 Xiao Zhan Xie is donating all of her GoFundMe funds to support the AAPI community. Like many other Asian elders, she continues to be selfless & care for others despite her trauma. We can't let her be invisible! We must celebrate her goodness & strength. https://t.co/ElldoQQe5y still wearing a mask (@candicevu) March 24, 2021 Can we do more to ensure that she shouldnt have to go through all that for us to find out how great she is? https://t.co/hiMaCfgyh0 Paul Nadeau (@PaulJNadeau) March 24, 2021 Currently, the donations stand at $933,595 (approx. Rs 6.7 crores), an amount that is still increasing every few minutes. And according to the familys wishes, all of it will go towards the betterment of Asian communities. Chen also updated Xiao Zhen Xies physical and mental condition to the well-wishers, saying, Her overall mental and physical health has improved. Her eye is no longer swelled to the point of not being able to open it. She is now starting to feel optimistic again and is in better spirits. Jack and Ruth Talbott of Northeast Portland will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this week with a small gathering in their family home. A paragraph just like that, with different names and locations of course, once appeared in small town newspapers across the United States. These little briefs were the most local of local news that reflected an era that no longer exists. These days the important news focuses on politics, crime, COVID-19, lockdowns, turmoil, shootings, injustices and divisions. It is a never-ending river that overflows onto the banks upon which we stand and reveals, in so many ways, the worst of who we are. Who cares that the Talbotts are going to celebrate their anniversary? I do. So, I went to see them. **** They are 95, in the shadow of their lives and living on what their five children acknowledge is borrowed time. They are the oldest couple in the Alameda neighborhood and have lived in their house longer than anyone else in the area, according to their daughter. Ruth Talbott needs a steady hand while walking and uses a walker inside the home. Jack Talbott, a civil and mechanical engineer who once did complex calculations in his head, complains that his memory isnt what it once was. That passage of time sneaks up on all of us: An invitation to the 20th high school reunion, dropping the last child off at college, walking a daughter down the aisle, burying a parent. How did we get from there to here? The twists and turns, the ups and downs, the joy and the tears. In hindsight it seems as if nothing was random. Jack and Ruth Talbott met on a blind date. *** The Talbott family, with Jack on the far left, Ruth in the middle, pose for for a photo in 1974. The couple had five children and still live in the family home. Even though both had graduated from Oregon State University theyd never crossed paths on campus. Back in Portland, they were single, and each had kept in touch with college friends. His former fraternity brother and her former sorority sister knew each other. Those two arranged for Jack and Ruth to meet. He called her and invited her to go dancing with him one night. The rest is history, said Ruth Talbott. I liked him right away. When I look in Jacks eyes today, I realize I am still in love with Jack. Her husband, sitting across from her, nodded. I just knew she was the right one for me, he said. Shes a great woman. Shes always been a great woman. Months after meeting, Jack Talbott, whod served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, received notice that he was being recalled, headed to England to help construct bases as part of the buildup to the Korean conflict. The couple wanted to get married before he left, but the only available date at All Saints Parish in Northeast Portland was on Easter Sunday. The couple received special dispensation from the bishop to get married on that day. A few weeks after the wedding, he shipped out. His new wife later joined him in Newbury. When he left the service, they returned to Portland and started a family in the home where they now live. There were, as in any marriage, ups and down. When Jack decided to break away from the company he worked for and start his own engineering firm, the family endured financial hardships until his business became successful. Family came first. They sacrificed and saved to send all of their children to college. In addition to their five children, the Talbotts have eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Back in the day, the couple liked to travel. What do we do for fun now, Jack? his wife asked. We watch TV, he said. Jack and Ruth Talbott The official anniversary is on Thursday, but their children, some of whom live out of state, are coming to town to hold a party Saturday at the family home. The couple, and their children, have all received their COVID-19 vaccinations. One of their children will bring a cake from Helen Bernhard Bakery, the same place the couple bought their wedding cake 70 years ago. After the party, the old couple will do what they do every day. Hand in hand, they will slowly walk around the block, just the two of them, the way it all began so long ago all because of a date at a dance hall. Thats it. No news. Nothing important. But in that moment they will reveal, without words, what true love looks like. Tom Hallman Jr; thallman@oregonian.com; 503-221-8224; @thallmanjr Sorry! This content is not available in your region Key benchmark indices are trading lower in early trade on selling pressure in index pivotals. At 9:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 350.79 points or 0.7% at 49,700.65. The Nifty 50 index was down 86.85 points or 0.59% at 14,727.90. Most Asian stocks are trading lower. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.03%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.04%. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, is negative. On the BSE, 887 shares rose and 911 shares fell. A total of 90 shares were unchanged. Stocks in news: Hero MotoCorp rose 0.02%. Hero MotoCorp will make an upward revision in the ex-showroom prices of its motorcycles and scooters, with effect from April 1, 2021. The price hike has been necessitated to partially offset the impact of increased commodity costs. The company has accelerated its cost savings program to ensure minimal impact on the customer. The price increase across the range of two-wheelers will be up to Rs. 2500, and the exact quantum of the increase will vary on the basis of the model and the specific market. Separately, Hero MotoCorp launched the new Destini 125 'Platinum' edition. Coming close on the heels of Maestro Edge 125 Stealth and Pleasure+ Platinum, the new scooter further extends the diverse range of offerings in Hero's scooter portfolio. Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) lost 7.07% to Rs 28.25. The Government of India will sell 20,85,02,010 equity shares of Rail Vikas Nigam or 10% of total paid up equity, through offer for sale route on March 24-25. In case of oversubscription, the government will sell additional 10,42,51,005 equity shares or 5% shareholding in the company. The floor price for the offer has been fixed at Rs 27.50 per share. Rossari Biotech dropped 3.37%. The company's board of directors has approved the issuance of up to 30,12,046 equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each, on a preferential basis. The Board of Directors determined a floor price of Rs 996 per equity share or such higher price, aggregating to Rs 300 crore. Bank of Maharashtra jumped 9.09%. The bank has successfully raised Capital of Rs.100 crore through private placement of BASEL III Compliant Tier II Bonds. Equitas Small Finance Bank rose 1.06%. The company renewed its partnership with Chennai Super Kings for the IPL season 2021. It will be the 'Official Retail Banking Partner' for the team. In line with the brand ethos and the logo positioning at the back of the helmet & cap, it is also going to launch a new campaign titled "The Bank Behind Every Champion". Vascon Engineers surged 8.57%. The company has emerged as Lowest Bidder for 2 Projects of Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department. Global Markets: Most Asian stocks are trading lower on Wednesday as concerns over the world's recovery from the pandemic weighed on investor sentiment. An expansion of Japan's factory activity gathered pace in March, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday. The au Jibun Bank Flash Japan Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to a seasonally adjusted 52.0 in March from a final 51.4 in February. The World Health Organization said most regions of the globe are seeing an increase in new Covid cases as highly contagious variants continue to spread. Germany is extending its lockdown until April 18, while nearly a third of France entered a month-long shutdown on Saturday. US stocks tumbled on Tuesday as concerns about the cost of infrastructure spending and potential tax hikes to pay for President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief bill weighed on investors. Federal Reserve' Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made their first joint appearance Tuesday before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. The duo acknowledged the richly valued asset prices in the markets, but said that they are not worried about financial stability. Back home, domestic equity benchmarks ended with decent gains after a volatile session on Tuesday. The barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 280.15 points or 0.56% to 50,051.44. The Nifty 50 index advanced 78.35 points or 0.53% to 14,814.75. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 108.24 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 529.69 crore in the Indian equity market on 23 March, provisional data showed. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Verteil and dnata Travel Group have entered into an agreement for powering the dnata Travel Groups NDC adoption via Verteil Direct Connect (VDC) platform. The dnata Travel Group of Companies will now be able to access airline NDC content across multiple business lines that serve travel requirements of a diverse market, said a statement. By virtue of integrating VDC APIs into its current technology stack, a full range of air content will be available in one place for the dnata Travel Group, thus making it easier for its agents to compare offers and provide its customers with the best value proposition. Using VDC, dnata Travel Group can now directly enjoy the benefits of value-added and differentiated products and services made available by the airline on its NDC channel. As part of the dnata Travel Groups NDC initiative, we are excited to partner with Verteil Technologies to bring NDC capabilities to our Corporate and B2B businesses, said Geoff Wood, Senior Vice President, Destination Management and Supplier Relations, dnata Travel Group. This new capability will enable our consultants to seamlessly search, book and issue NDC fares and offers, and also conduct all post-issuance processes in order to support our customers. Our NDC initiative will ensure that our customers have continued access to the best available fares and enhance their capability to access airline ancillary products. It will also support our airline partners in efficiently implementing their NDC strategies in the UAE and GCC region. We continue to invest in innovative solutions to deliver best-in-class services for our customers and airline partners, said Wood. On his part, Jerrin Jos, Founder & CEO of Verteil Technologies, said: Verteil is honoured to be powering the dnata Travel Groups NDC program. The NDC adoption via Verteil Direct Connect will provide dnata Travel Group with the ability to embrace modern airline retailing and incorporate greater personalisation, and thus provide unique customer experiences and push the benefits of ongoing NDC product innovations to their downstream travel partners. The Middle East continues to be a major focus market for Verteil. Our recently established Middle East operations aim to provide best in class support locally as well as support travel companies to lay out future-proof NDC roadmaps that will be essential in these tough times from a sustainability and growth perspective. NDC is the next technology wave that is modernising the airline distribution landscape, with travel companies not being constrained by the current legacy distribution systems in introducing innovative products and personalised services. Verteil has been actively working in this domain from 2016, with a growing customer base. Built by a core team having 100+ years of deep domain knowledge in the airline technology domain, VDC is architected to address all the necessary functional and technical scalability considerations required for an NDC distribution platform. - TradeArabia News Service Guest Opinion: Our social landscape is changing and moving towards inclusivity. To create a positive change, the work culture of the IT Support Service industry needs to adapt in order to build a supportive environment for women. A good place to start would be by getting rid of barriers to breastfeeding in the workplace. Breastfeeding discrimination is rampant across all industries. Many employers are oblivious to the struggles of working mothers who struggle to make a comeback after a career break. It is evident in the form of lack of proper accommodation for nursing and, in worse cases, harassment. What many professionals fail to see is that supporting this will be beneficial for both female employees and employers. It promotes gender equality, reduces the cost of recruitment and training, and fosters a healthy work environment. The Persistent Gender Gap Women have constantly worked through social and cultural barriers and have earned their place in the workforce. Yet, the statistics on the lack of representation of women in the IT Support sector tell a different story. Deloitte Access Economics produced a report for the Australian Computer Society which stated how women make up for 28 percent of the workforce in the IT sector. This is shockingly less when compared to other industries where they have a representation of 45 percent. To make it worse, the wage gap between men and women aggravates the situation. It is a major culprit behind the underrepresentation of the latter in IT solutions. These figures foreshadow how women, who are already at a disadvantage, face more problems when they return from maternity leave. In Australia, 96 percent of women opt for breastfeeding their baby after birth, but this number drops to 15 percent within five months. In most cases, the main reason behind this is returning back to work. Breastfeeding benefits both the mother and the baby. Breastfeeding-related challenges after coming back to the workplace. How can you help to breastfeed parents? Many women face breastfeeding-related challenges after coming back to the workplace. This is one of the reasons why women stop nursing their babies despite its health benefits. Here is how you can prepare a breastfeeding-friendly workplace and support your co-worker or employee. Make sure that adequate space is available to Nursing Moms Providing space to set up a pumping station does not demand a reconstruction of office space. However, a washroom stall or shower area does not make for an acceptable space for breastfeeding either. Big organisations can allot an office room that is not used as frequently to nursing moms. In the case of small workplaces where no other option is available, you can provide space in private changing rooms or through temporary tents. You can schedule breaks and make sure those breaks are free from any intrusion, and give the required space for breastfeeding. Give lactation breaks to working mothers Working for long hours without breaks can have a negative impact on breastfeeding. Within a daily work schedule of 8 hours, nursing mothers would require at least two breaks. It depends on the babys needs and feeding schedule. Organisations should be considerate enough to incorporate these breaks as per the employees needs, or they should be allowed to use existing break periods. Additional time should be allotted for travelling to and from the private room. On average, it takes 20 minutes to express breast milk. But some time to set up the pump, which is followed by disassembling and cleaning, should also be taken into consideration. An organised private space should have the basic amenities The designated room or space for the employee must be equipped with a comfortable chair, a small refrigerator to store the milk, and a wall socket to connect the pump. A relaxing environment with dim lighting facilitates the expression of breast milk. Allow direct breastfeeding if possible This is a personal choice that mothers make, either for medical reasons or to bond with the baby. Sometimes, the workplace environment might not be favourable for direct nursing, or there can be other circumstances that might hinder it. However, if the company is in a situation to accommodate it, they should allow it. Companies should also consider on-site child care assistance and support infants-at-work policy. Speak up, support, and educate When senior officials or managers support a policy, it creates an effective environment for practising that policy in the workplace. It sends a positive yet affirming message and is assuring for the new parent. It will significantly contribute to the lactation support program. Actively listen and communicate Paying attention to the needs of your employee by engaging in effective communication is the first step at extending your support to them. You can talk to them and ask them if they need additional accommodations or if they have any concerns or queries related to the breastfeeding policies. Interaction with the employee will help you resolve problems by effectively finding the solution and consequently foster a better work environment. Inclusivity within IT Support This is a win-win situation for both the company and the employee. By improving the environment for all the mothers in the workplace, you can promote a family-friendly business landscape. You are also building a space that provides equal opportunities to both men and women. There are quite a few companies that have already taken this step and have turned into an accredited breastfeeding-friendly workplace. It is about time that we move beyond the social constructs of gender and race. This will help us to create a more diverse environment that is supportive of everyone. Being inclusive of people can encourage versatility. It gives them a platform where they can innovate and exhibit their creativity. We need to create a culture where colleagues share mutual respect, and this is only possible when we consider each other as equals. If a woman is making a choice to come back after the delivery, it should be supported and respected. Together we can work towards bringing our breastfeeding employees back to work. Shutting off Joe Brolly in full flight criticising the Democratic Unionist Party will not help advance meaningful discussion about the future of partition in Ireland. Granted, live television is often perilous all the more so in these days of remote link-ups and Irish libel laws are unduly strict, but Brolly did have a right to challenge the DUPs record on race and gender equality. Interesting that the focus of his criticisms, DUP MP Gregory Campbell, might in GAA terms be called a countyman of Brollys. But then you remember that Campbell would insist on calling his home place Londonderry and he is unlikely to have seen Brolly star in Derrys only All-Ireland win in 1993. That in itself is another reason why it was a pity Brolly was shut off by Claire Byrne in her otherwise thought-provoking and engaging special television debate, which drew in a wide range of people from both jurisdictions. After Brollys link was cut, Byrne told viewers that she had great respect for her guest. But she added that the programme cant stand over somebody name-calling another person who isnt here to defend themselves. Yet the DUP does have questions to answer on its attitudes to gender equality and race. Its attitude to the Irish language, as evidenced by Campbells derogatory comments, is deeply unhelpful. Irish unity discussions cannot be helped by silence, much less feigned agreement, on the key points of disagreement. At all events, mainstream unionism remained absent from this debate. Ian Paisley Jnr had been billed as taking part but did not. Gregory Campbell is an elected MP and long-time representative of the unionist minority in Derry. He is outspoken but not quite a middle-of-the-road unionist. It took until 1983 before all nationalists north and south sat down at the New Ireland Forum to talk about the island of Ireland. No mainstream unionists attended that, or a similar forum in the mid-1990s. Read More Things have slowly moved on with North-South ministerial meetings under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. But mainstream unionists have yet to acknowledge this partition debate, in the wake of Brexit, is real. In fact they are going the other way, digging in on opposition to the Norths special EU trade status post-Brexit. The big surprise of the television evening was that Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald and Fine Gaels Leo Varadkar supposedly the ones to slug out the next general election were quiet and mannerly towards each other. And when you boiled it down, neither Mary Lou nor Leo were very different in their views. They and Micheal Martin agreed that the debate on Irelands future had been jolted forward by the 2016 UK-EU divorce vote. All three agreed there must be changes in the republic if partition is to end. Discussions must include flags, anthems and policing among a range of things practical and symbolic. But the Taoiseach stressed the need to focus on practical issues, with no rushed Border poll. Naomi Long, who leads the Alliance Party that struggles to get support from unionists and nationalists, put the focus on a divided people not a divided country. She said politicians in London, and even in Dublin, did not know just how deep the societal divisions are in Northern Ireland. She said the casual observer would find people on both sides of the Norths divide looked much the same. If we looked spectacularly different to each other people would see and be shocked, she said. So, if like the southern states of the USA, one community was black and the other white, the deep divisions would scream out at you. Noting how polarised people are in the Norths schools, housing, and other services, Ms Long said it was vital for both communities to talk out the day-to-day issues before they hurtle up against their polarised views on partition. Former Ireland rugby international Andrew Trimble made a very similar point. Many people had to wait until they were 18 years of age to encounter someone from a different background. Thats not healthy, the former Ulster player stressed. Trimble said he was proud to have worn the green jersey proud to be Irish and proud to be British, and happily holds both passports. He said he did not see why he should have to choose between a British and an Irish identity. Theres a growing middle ground in Northern Ireland and they dont want to be forced to choose, he insisted. The SDLPs omission from the debate is a major puzzle. The partys founder, John Hume, and his successors struggled for a long time against the odds to generate movement and dialogue in a violent situation that had politically atrophied. The partys long-time deputy leader, Seamus Mallon, made a huge contribution to this debate just months before his death last year in his book A Shared Home Place. Everybody should read it before such discussions especially Messrs Campbell and Brolly. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg will tell lawmakers his plan for "thoughtful reform" of a key tech liability shield rests on requiring best practices for treating illegal content online. Why it matters: Tech giants are starting to embrace changes to the foundational law that shields platforms from liability from content users post as lawmakers from both parties threaten it. Driving the news: In written testimony ahead of the House hearing Thursday with Google, Twitter and Facebook CEOs, Zuckerberg suggested making Section 230 protections for certain types of unlawful content conditional on platforms' ability to meet best practices to fight the spread of the content. What he's saying: "Instead of being granted immunity, platforms should be required to demonstrate that they have systems in place for identifying unlawful content and removing it," Zuckerberg wrote in the testimony. "Platforms should not be held liable if a particular piece of content evades its detectionthat would be impractical for platforms with billions of posts per daybut they should be required to have adequate systems in place to address unlawful content." How it works: The detection system would be proportionate to platform size, with practices defined by a third party. The best practices would not include "unrelated issues" like encryption or privacy changes, he notes. He also suggested Congress bring more transparency and oversight on how companies make and enforce rules about content that is harmful but still legal. The big picture: The hearing Thursday will focus on social media companies' role in promoting misinformation and extremism, with the chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee telling Axios he wants to take aim at platforms' financial incentive to amplify harmful content. Our thought bubble: The CEOs of the biggest social media platforms have been subtly hinting they'd accept some sort of modest Section 230 reform since last year, a major change from a few years ago when any change was considered untenable. The thinking on that began to break when a bill that narrowed Section 230 protections in an attempt to curb online sex trafficking passed in 2018. The same trio of CEOs told the Senate Commerce Committee in October 2020 to be extremely careful with any proposed changes to Section 230. The changes Zuckerberg cite have shades of two Section 230 related bills, the EARN IT Act and the PACT Act. The other side: Smaller tech companies and online sites will balk at any Section 230 changes, even if considered narrow. The biggest companies have the greatest ability to respond and adapt to legislation. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Its nice to have our own convictions affirmed. Its encouraging to have our personal positions reinforced. But its dangerous to live in the safety of our own echo chamber. What if, after all, were wrong? Are we too insecure to have our views challenged? Theres no denying that there is tremendous bias in the media today, both on the left and the right. Unfortunately, as D.C. Circuit Court Judge Laurence Silberman recently pointed out in a blistering minority opinion, the mainstream media is dominated by the left, and dangerously so. He wrote, The increased power of the press is so dangerous today because we are very close to one-party control of these institutions. More specifically, Two of the three most influential papers (at least historically), The New York Times and The Washington Post, are virtually Democratic Party broadsheets. And the news section of The Wall Street Journal leans in the same direction. The orientation of these three papers is followed by The Associated Press and most large papers across the country (such as the Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, and Boston Globe). Nearly all televisionnetwork and cable is a Democratic Party trumpet. Even the government-supported National Public Radio follows along. When you add to this Big Techs undeniable leftwing bias and the fact that many people get their news through social media and thereby, through the filter of Big Tech you have a very dangerous situation. Commenting on a poll by Media Research Center shortly after the 2020 elections, Newt Gingrich noted that, Roughly 17% of Biden voters said they wouldnt have voted for him if they had known about his record as well as that of President Trump [meaning, his positive accomplishments, which the mainstream media rarely reported]. He added, The biggest movement away from Mr. Biden was among his voters who only after the election learned about shady business deals involving Mr. Bidens son, Hunter. Forty-five percent of Biden voters said they didnt know about Hunter Bidens deals, and 9.4% said they would not have voted for the former vice president had they known. As Gingrich summed up, Theres the entire election. In recent years, I found it downright frightening when old, liberal friends of mine would challenge my vote for Trump, rehearsing the standard talking points of the leftwing news, some of which were exaggerated in the extreme and others of which were manufactured out of whole cloth. But this was their reality. This is what they heard on the news and what they watched and read. And this is what their friends also believed. Their biases found ready confirmation. The myths became canonized as facts. How deceiving the echo chamber can be. Unfortunately, I have seen a dangerous reaction against the leftwing news to the point that only rightwing news in fact, only a precious few rightwing outlets can be trusted. Not only so, but lest you become defiled or confused by the views of the left, you must only take in news from those particular news sources on the right. There are, then, no checks and balances. No challenges to your viewpoints. No uncomfortable questions being asked. And, once again, if your friends follow those same news outlets, also shutting out other points of view, then the echo chamber of the right can be just as dangerous as the echo chamber of the left. On a recent radio and internet broadcast, I was pointing out that one particular church controversy had spread to the larger, secular society, citing articles from outlets like the New York Times to make my point. In other words, The world is talking about this too. Later, looking at some of the comments to the show on YouTube, I noticed that some viewers dismissed the whole point I was making because it was being reported by the infamous Times. You cant trust fake news! they exclaimed. Others went one step further: You cant trust this guy at all! He listens to fake news. What a terribly dangerous way to live. If I had said, Look at how this church scandal has spread. Even CNN is talking about it, that would mean that I was now a purveyor of fake news and not to be trusted. To repeat: this is a terribly dangerous way to live. (And yes, I believe there is plenty of fake news being disseminated.) Like you, I have news sources that I find more reliable than others. And I have frequently documented the downright dishonest reporting on the left, either by what is purposely omitted or by the spin put on what is reported. (And yes, in some cases, similar charges can be made against the right.) But it behooves all of us to get out of our own echo chamber and test out what we believe in the larger marketplace of ideas. Are our views sustainable? Can they hold up to scrutiny? Are there holes in our logic? Do we have the whole picture? When someone tells me the election was stolen, a viewpoint held by many credible pundits, my first questions to them are: Which refutations of your position have you studied? How much time did you take to examine the other side? And what did you find lacking in those refutations? If they done due diligence and still hold to their views, then I can respect their position. But if we are too insecure to have our viewpoints challenged in a serious, thoroughgoing way, then we need to reconsider the veracity of our position. I remember watching Hannity and Colmes years ago, with my sympathies decidedly with Hannity as a conservative myself. He gave his opening presentation, and I thought it was brilliant. Well done, Sean. You have made your case. Then, the late Alan Colmes followed with his presentation, and it tore apart the key points Hannity had made, which paved the way for an excellent discussion between them. We need more of that today on both sides, more challenging of our viewpoints, more listening to other positions, both for the purpose of understanding what others believe as well as sharpening our own views. So, get out of your cozy, political echo chamber. Participate in other sites where opposing views are being presented. Get into some healthy debate and discussion. Then, sharpen and deepen your own convictions before God and people. It will do you a lot of good. As Dennis Prager and many other conservatives have pointed out, we are the ones welcoming debate rather than trying to silence all dissenting voices. Let the healthy debate continue. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli left for Amman, Jordan, Tuesday to attend the 29th session of the Egyptian-Jordanian higher committee. Madbouli is leading an Egyptian delegation that includes the ministers of electricity, petroleum, supply, international cooperation, health, communications, housing, transport, civil aviation, agriculture and trade and industry. Accompanying Madbouli are also the chairmen of the Egyptian Drug Authority and General Authority for Investment and Free Zones. The session is set to tackle means to boost bilateral relations, especially to increase trade exchange. Talks will also focus on cooperation in the fields of housing, electricity and water resources. A number of documents should be signed at the end of the talks with the aim to enhance cooperation between the two Arab countries. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. COVID-19 imapct & Outbreak: on new Yoga Mat Market Report, offering growth, trends, and forecast for each segment along with regional and country analysis. The study has done with respect to Moisture Meter market share, size, trends, growth, outlook, estimation and forecast period 2021-2027. This section of the yoga mat market report provides detailed data on the segments by analyzing them geographically, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or service. Request a FREE Sample Copy of Global Yoga Mat Market Report with Full TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/yoga-mat-market/download-sample By Material PVC TPE Rubber PE Cotton/Jute By Distribution Channel Specialty Store Departmental Store & Hypermarket Online Channel By Region North America Europe the Asia Pacific Latin America The Middle East and Africa Browse Full Global Yoga Mat Market Research Report With TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/yoga-mat-market The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. The dominating key players included in the report are Lululemon, Manduka, Jade Yoga, prAna, Hugger Mugger, Khataland, Liforme Ltd., Dragonfly, Tomuno, and Alo Yoga, Inc. always been the initial targets of yoga mat companies and many others. This section includes a holistic view of the competitive landscape that includes various strategic developments such as key mergers & acquisitions, future capacities, partnerships, financial overviews, collaborations, new product developments, new product launches, and other developments. This section covers regional segmentation which accentuates on current and future demand for yoga mat market across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Further, the report focuses on demand for individual application segment across all the prominent regions. Purchase complete Global Yoga Mat Market Research Report At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/yoga-mat-market/buy-now About Us: Value Market Research was established with the vision to ease decision making and empower the strategists by providing them with holistic market information. We facilitate clients with syndicate research reports and customized research reports on 25+ industries with global as well as regional coverage. Contact: Value Market Research 401/402, TFM, Nagras Road, Aundh, Pune-7. Maharashtra, INDIA. Tel: +1-888-294-1147 Email: sales@valuemarketresearch.com Website: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Top Notch Rental Property Management in Washington DC "We're really excited about our growth in the DC area" says Nicholas Stone, president of Bay Property Management Group Washington DC. "We're proud of our team because we know their hard work and top-notch service is the reason for our success." Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro list employed more than 120,000 people. Inc. magazine today revealed that Bay Property Management Group Washington, DC is No. 153 on its second annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing Washington, D.C., area-based private companies. Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the D.C. area economys most dynamic segmentits independent small businesses. The companies on this list show stunning rates of growth across all industries in the Washington, D.C., region. Between 2017 and 2019, these 250 private companies had an average growth rate of 211 percent and, in 2019 alone, they employed more than 120,000 people and added nearly $15 billion to the D.C. area economy. Companies based in major metro areasBaltimore, Maryland, the Washington, D.C. area, and Richmond, Virginiabrought in the highest revenue overall. Complete results of the Inc. 5000 Regionals: D.C. Metro, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, metro area, and other criteria, can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/regionals/washington-dc starting March 16, 2021. This list proves the power of companies in the Washington, D.C. area no matter the industry, says Inc. editor in chief Scott Omelianuk. The impressive revenues and growth rates prove the insight and diligence of CEOs and that these businesses are here to stay. About Bay Property Management Group Bay Property Management Group offers top-notch rental property management throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We offer a wide range of property management services from marketing and tenant placement to rent collection and eviction services. Utilizing the latest technology, our team of professional property managers work effectively to provide superior customer service while maximizing ROI for our clients. We offer a cloud-based portal, providing access to detailed financial reports to easily track spending and communicate directly with your dedicated property manager. More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Regionals Methodology The 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2017 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $1 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. About Inc. Media The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech. On Thursday, the CEOs of Facebook, Google, and Twitter will testify before Congress about online disinformation. Even before the gavel bangs, we can predict what will happen. Some members of Congress will demand that social media platforms do more to stop viral falsehoods from damaging democracy and triggering violence. Others will warn of needlessly restricting speech and say it could even inflame fringe elements and drive them to less-governed spaces. This same argument repeats itself after every crisis, from Christchurch to QAnon to COVID-19. Why cant we break the impasse? Because the debate about countering disinformation can itself be a fact-free zone: long on theories, short on evidence. We need better expertise, and that means empowering experts. Advertisement Scholars have spent decades studying propaganda and other dark arts of persuasion, but online disinformation is a new twist on this old problem. After Russias interference in the 2016 U.S. election, the field received a huge influx of money, talent, and interest. There are now more than 460 think tanks, task forces, and other initiatives focused on the problem. Since 2016, this global community has exposed dozens of influence operations and published more than 80 reports on how society can better combat them. Advertisement Advertisement Weve learned a lot in the past four years, yet experts are the first to admit how much they still dont know. Fact-checks have proliferated, for example, and research shows these can make a difference when presented in the right way. But the recent social media bans of former president Donald Trump show where gaps remain. The long-term effects of such de-platforming remain unclear. Perhaps Trumps lies will fade away in the digital void, or perhaps his social media martyrdom will create an even more enduring mythology. Only time will tell. Advertisement How could we not know whether something so basic as banning an account actually works? Why dont the worlds largest tech companies and top academics have clearer answers after years of focused effort? There are two underlying problems. The first challenge is data. To untangle the complex psychological, social, and technological factors driving disinformation, we need to watch large numbers of users react to malicious contentthen see what happens when countermeasures are introduced. Platforms have this data, but their internal studies can be tainted by business interests and are rarely revealed to the public. Credible research must be independently performed and openly published. Although platforms do share some data with outside researchers, leading experts say that data access remains their top challenge. Advertisement Advertisement The second challenge is money. It takes time and talent to produce detailed social network maps or track the impact of platforms many software tweaks. But universities dont tend to reward this kind of scholarship. That leaves researchers reliant on short-term grants from a handful of foundations and philanthropists. Without financial stability, they struggle to recruit and shy away from large-scale, long-term research. Platforms help to fund some outside work, but there is often concern about a perceived compromise of independence. The net result is a frustrating stalemate. As misinformation and malign influence run rampant, democracies lack real facts to guide their response. Experts have offered a raft of good ideasimproving media literacy, regulating platformsbut they struggle to validate or refine their proposals. Advertisement Thankfully, there is a solution. Very similar problems have been successfully addressed before. At the dawn of the Cold War, the U.S. government saw a need for objective, high-quality analysis of national security issues. It began to sponsor a new kind of outside research organization, run by nonprofits like the RAND Corp., MITRE, and the Center for Naval Analyses. These federally funded research and development centers received government money and classified information but operated independently. They were therefore able to recruit top-tier staff and publish credible researchmuch of which did not flatter their government sponsors. Advertisement Social media companies should take a page from this playbook and help set up a similar organization to study influence operations. Several platforms could pool data and money, in partnership with universities and governments. With proper resources and guaranteed independence, a new research center could credibly tackle key questions about how influence operations work and what is effective against them. The research would be public, with redactions only for legitimate concerns like user privacynot to prevent bad publicity. Advertisement Why should platforms agree to this arrangement? Because angry regulators, advertisers, and users are ultimately bad for business. Thats why Facebook recently spent $130 million to set up an external Oversight Board for content removal and promised to follow its rulings. Granted, critics still see the Oversight Board as too dependent on Facebook. Googles acrimonious split with two A.I. researchers has further amplified concerns about corporate control of scholarship. So how could people trust a new research center with ties to the platforms? The first step would be ensuring that a new research center has backing not only from multiple platforms (instead of just one) but universities and governments as well. Further protections could be legislated. There is already a growing movement to update Section 230, the federal law that gives platforms their all-important liability protections. Even Mark Zuckerberg has endorsed conditioning these protections on greater transparency, accountability, and oversight from tech companies. A practical step in this direction would be to require that platforms share data with an independent research center and maintain a cooperative, arms-length relationship with its researchers. Disinformation and other influence operations are among the greatest challenges facing democracies. We cant stand still until we fully understand this threat, but we also cant keep flying blind forever. The battle for truth requires arming ourselves with knowledge. The time to start is now. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) Director Major General Mohamed Badi has directed City Hall to convert idle county government houses into safe houses for survivors and victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The houses fall under the transferred functions that were moved to the national government entity in February last year. Mr Badi said some of the houses could be converted into safe shelters after renovations. "I want to see your budget for repairing those houses so that they can be a safe house for women and girls," said Mr Badi when he met county officials and Nairobi SGBV caucus officials. The new development comes after Nairobi County Women SGBV caucus led by Nairobi County Assembly Deputy Majority Whip Waithera Chege decried the lack of places of refuge for victims and survivors of SGBV despite Nairobi leading in such cases. Consequently, the caucus asked for the county government and NMS to provide the safe houses. At least 6,262 SGBV cases have been reported across county government hospitals in the last 11 months. Most of the cases have been treated at Mama Lucy Hospital's SGBV centre with 972 cases handled in the same period alone. Since its inception in 2015, Mama Lucy has attended to 5,688 SGBV patients with 50 per cent being minors. Supporting health staff Between, October and December last year, the facility handled 326 new cases and 258 survivors, while this year alone, it has registered 179 new cases of SGBV and 137 survivors. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Urban Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The NMS boss further directed that a Nairobi County safe house be completed within four months as opposed to the two years City Hall had projected. Once the safe house is complete, NMS Director for Health Service Dr Ouma Oluga said supporting health staff will be assigned to offer services to the SGBV victims and survivors. "We are committed to supporting all women, and it is worth noting that even though 45 per cent of women and 66 per cent of girls have faced GBV of some sort, men too, experience GBV at about 15 per cent of them," said NMS Director for Health Service Dr Ouma Oluga. Meanwhile, City Hall has set aside two interim homes as 'safe shelters' including a 76-bed capacity home in Kayole for women and girls who are victims of SGBV and 20-bed capacity at Shauri Moyo set aside for men and boys. , Cookies . cookies. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Moira Warburton and Sarah Berman VANCOUVER (Reuters) - A Canadian judge rejected Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou's request to add evidence in her extradition case, as a federal prosecutor argued on Tuesday that Meng's legal team had presented a story of her arrest that did not fit the facts. Meng's lawyers wanted to include an affidavit from a Huawei accountant as evidence, which they said would shed light on the company's financial practices and help prove Meng's innocence as she fights extradition from Canada on charges of bank fraud in the United States. Associate Chief Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court rejected the affidavit, the third such request made by Meng's legal team, stating the evidence "is not relevant" to the extradition hearing. Much of the team's other requests were similarly rejected. Meng, 49, was arrested at Vancouver International Airport in December 2018 on a U.S. warrant that alleges she misled HSBC about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, causing the bank to break U.S. sanctions. Meng says she is innocent. She is being held under house arrest in Vancouver, where she has been fighting extradition for two years. Prosecutor Robert Frater, representing the Canadian government, said the witnesses who testified at Mengs extradition hearings acknowledged errors candidly and were "anything but liars," as charged by Mengs legal team in court. Frater said the defense laid out an "exciting" narrative, involving a covert criminal investigation, lying and a cross-border cover-up. He called it a stark contrast from the more "prosaic" one from the prosecution, which described public officials doing their jobs without a playbook on how to handle such a rare case. Mengs legal team argued last week that misconduct by police and border officials during Mengs arrest and interrogation, including an alleged delay of her detainment by police, violated her rights and that her devices were seized without proper authority and her device passcodes improperly obtained. Story continues Frater said the arrest was carried out in a reasonable amount of time that took into consideration the responsibilities of the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). He said the agency had the authority to obtain her passcodes and that they were passed on to Canadian police by mistake. The mistake did not violate Mengs rights because evidence showed police did not use them or pass them on to the FBI, he added. Meng's arrest frayed diplomatic ties between Ottawa and Beijing. Shortly after she was detained, China arrested two Canadians on espionage charges. They both faced trial in the past week, although it is not known when their verdicts will be announced. The prosecution is expected to resume arguments on Wednesday. Meng's case is set to wrap up in May. (Reporting by Moira Warburton and Sarah Berman in Vancouver; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With 58764 new cases reporting on Tuesday, the number of people infected with coronavirus in the United States has risen to 29922391. 892 people died in the same period from the pandemic, taking the national total to 543843. The figure is less than the 7-day average of 1001. Most of the deaths - 165 - occurred in California, while most cases - 6801 - were reported in New York. President Jo Biden announced that the special enrollment period to sign up for Obamacare has been extended to run through August 15. The website Healthcare.gov for special enrollment was opened on February 15. 'In the first two weeks alone, more than 200,000 Americans gained coverage,' Biden said during his visit to Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at a briefing aboard Air Force One that in 62 days since Joe Biden taking office, the country's vaccine output more than tripled from 8.6 million doses to 27 million doses. Psaki said that White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients announced in his weekly governors call that two-thirds of the 27 million doses will be going to states and jurisdictions. 'The rest will go to other channels, primarily the pharmacy program, which has been very successful and we've been increasing supply to,' she told reporters. An independent US safety board has expressed concern AstraZeneca may have included outdated information in its latest vaccine trial announcement. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a six-week decline in global Covid-19 deaths has stalled, while cases have continued to rise for the fourth consecutive week. The UN health agency has also reported a continued surge in Covid-19 variants in various parts of the world. Hong Kong and Macao have suspended the rollout of BioNTech's vaccine citing a packaging defect found in their first batch of doses. Elsewhere, on Wednesday, India reported its highest single-day Covid-19 death toll - 275 - this year. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): The latest news on COVID-19 developments in Canada (all times Eastern): 6:20 p.m. British Columbia is reporting 717 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total to 93,969. There are 5,573 active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced three new COVID-19-related deaths. Henry and Dix say there are 71 new confirmed COVID-19 variant cases in B.C. as well. Nearly 600,000 vaccine doses have been administered in B.C., of which 87,180 are second doses. 6 p.m. The Canadian military is on its way to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. In a letter to military personnel today, acting defence chief Lt.-Gen. Wayne Eyre says the Canadian Armed Forces is planning to receive 150,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine over the next three months. He says administering those doses will be the primary focus of the militarys health services. Eyre is strongly encouraging all members of the Forces to get vaccinated and says that operational effectiveness depends on it. 6 p.m. Alberta is reporting 692 new cases of COVID-19. There are 285 people in hospital, 53 of whom are in intensive care. Two more people have died, bringing that total to 1,973. There are 202 new variant cases, and variants now make up 19 per cent of all active cases. There have been 512,000 doses of the vaccine administered. 5:30 p.m. Procurement Minister Anita Anand says she does not expect any interruption in the delivery of vaccines to Canada despite export restrictions imposed by the European Union and India. Canada's contracts in Europe are with Pfizer and Moderna, neither of which are targeted by the EU restrictions, she says. Anand says Canada has 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine remaining in its contract with the Serum Institute of India. She says she spoke today to India's high commissioner to Canada, "who assures us that the contractual commitments that the Serum Institute has made will be observed." 4:30 p.m. Indias high commission in Canada says it is trying to glean information from its government about a media report that the country is freezing major exports of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which could affect shipments to Canada. Anshuman Gaur, the deputy high commissioner in Ottawa, says in a text that the 10-hour time difference is complicating the task, but that diplomats are seeking more clarity from New Delhi. A Reuters news report Wednesday said India has halted exports of its AstraZeneca vaccine due to shortages on the subcontinent. India has already supplied 500,000 doses of a planned two million to Canada, with another one million initially slated for arrival in mid-April followed by a final shipment a month or so later. Gaur says delivery schedules remain under discussion between the Serum Institute of India, which produces AstraZeneca doses, and its Ontario-based partner Verity Pharmaceuticals. 4:15 p.m. Ontario's finance minister has delivered his second pandemic-era budget. The spending plan is aimed at helping the province recover from the COVID-19 outbreak. It contains $6.7 billion for pandemic-related measures, including $1 billion for the vaccine effort, and an additional $2.3 billion for testing and contact tracing this year. The plan projects a deficit of $33.1 billion for the year, with the province saying it will take until 2029 to balance the books. 3:45 p.m. British Columbia's premier says more than 1,400 laid-off tourism and hospitality workers are now set to help with non-clinical work during the provinces COVID-19 immunization campaign. John Horgan says B.C. has partnered with hard-hit businesses including Air Canada, WestJet, Vancouver International Airport, the Vancouver Canucks and Tourism Whistler to get some of their employees back to work. Ceres Terminals Canada, which operates the cruise port at Vancouver's Canada Place, is also providing staff to work in the mass immunization clinics being set up across the province. Horgan adds the opportunity will be available as long as the province needs the help. He says B.C. has seen significant success in its vaccination program so far, but recent increases in COVID-19 case numbers mean residents must continue to follow public health rules. 3:35 p.m. Saskatchewan health officials are reporting 190 new COVID-19 cases. The province says 116 of the infections come from the Regina area, which is battling a spread of more infectious variants. Of Saskatchewan's 954 variant cases, 824 are from in and around the capital. There are 147 people in hospital, with 22 in intensive care. Another resident in their 80s has died of COVID-19, bringing the province's pandemic death toll to 420. To date, around 151,000 vaccinations have been done. 3 p.m. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he'll communicate with the "highest levels" of European leaders to make sure COVID-19 vaccine doses continue to be sent to Canada. The European Union is imposing stricter controls on exports of the vaccines produced within its boundaries to try to accelerate a slow vaccination campaign there. In question period in the House of Commons, Conservative health critic Michelle Rempel Garner asked Trudeau whether he could "absolutely guarantee" shipments to Canada wouldn't be affected. Trudeau didn't answer directly but said he expects Canada will work with the EU to make sure the vaccines keep flowing. Shipments of vaccines made in Europe by Pfizer and Moderna have not been affected by previous European export controls. 2:35 p.m. Health officials in New Brunswick are reporting 12 new cases of COVID-19 in the province today. Ten of the cases are in the Edmundston region in the northwest of the province, and most are considered travel-related or close contacts of previously reported cases. There are two new cases in the Moncton area. With confirmed variant cases in the Edmundston area, a mass testing clinic will be held Thursday and Friday to determine if there has been further spread in the region. There are now 63 active cases in New Brunswick, and three patients are hospitalized. 2:30 p.m. About 65 per cent of all adults in Yukon have received their first shot of COVID-19 vaccine, but the territory's chief medical health officer says there is some hesitancy. Dr. Brendan Hanley says health officials are working to reassure those who have expressed concern about the vaccine and its potential side-effects. Hanley says he's hopeful their outreach efforts will reduce concerns. Yukon has no current infections, but has had 72 cases since the pandemic began and one death. 2:25 p.m. The European Union adjusted its export controls on COVID-19 vaccines today to add new tests to ensure Europe isnt being disproportionately affected by any production slowdowns and drug companies are honouring their contracts with the EU. Canadian shipments of vaccines will still require an authorization from Europe, and a European Commission source said those should be granted as long as they dont pose a threat to Europes supply. A new test for reciprocity and proportionality is being added that will look at receiving countries for whether theyre far ahead of Europe in vaccinating their citizens, and whether the shipments are disproportionate to what Europe is getting. Canada is lagging slightly behind Europe on its vaccination rate thus far, with the European Union giving out almost 14 doses for every 100 people and Canada about 11, though recently Canada has been vaccinating faster than Europe has. Canada has no COVID-19 vaccine production in place at the moment and is reliant almost entirely on Europe for its current supply of vaccines. More than 90 per cent of the almost seven million doses of vaccines exported to Canada have come from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna batches produced in Europe. Only 500,000 doses have come so far from outside Europe: a delivery of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine made at the Serum Institute of India. 2:15 p.m. Conservative health critic Michelle Rempel Garner says the federal government needs to roll out a concrete plan to help provinces deal with a potential bottleneck in COVID-19 vaccine supply. The demand follows media reports that India is freezing major exports of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the European Union is finalizing emergency legislation that would give it broad powers to curb vaccine shipments abroad for six weeks amid supply shortages at home. The federal government says it does not believe vaccine shipments to Canada would be affected by export restrictions being considered by the EU. Rempel Garner says verbal assurances dont cut it, and shes calling for written guarantees from the EU and other countries on whether Canada will be impacted by export restrictions. She says provincial plans for lifting lockdowns hinge on a steady ramp-up in dose deliveries. Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet says he is not concerned about overall vaccine supply into Canada. 1:40 p.m. Manitoba is reporting 80 new cases of COVID-19 today and no new deaths. Thirty-seven of the cases are in the northern health region. Members of the military are landing in Manitoba this week to help the vaccination effort in 23 northern First Nations. Officials say the effort will accelerate the pace of immunizations so that 100,000 First Nations people can get doses in 100 days. Immunizations in the province have now been expanded to people 65 and older, and First Nations people 45 and older. 1:10 p.m. Nova Scotia is reporting five new cases of COVID-19 today. All are in the Halifax area with three close contacts of previously reported cases and the other two related to travel outside of Atlantic Canada. The province currently has a total of 24 active infections. As of Tuesday, health officials say 71,733 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, with 21,648 people having received their required second shot. 1 p.m. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says the Canadian Armed Forces will support Indigenous Services in its vaccination efforts in 23 remote Indigenous communities in Manitoba. He says up to 200 military personnel will be deployed to provide assistance and administer vaccines. He says the CAF logistics professionals will help with establishing vaccination clinics as well as transporting community members to and from clinics where required. Sajjan says the military members will start delivering vaccines in Indigenous communities in Manitoba on March 29 and the operation will continue until at least the end of June. 12:55 p.m. Public health restrictions are loosening once again in Newfoundland and Labrador as the province reports one new case of COVID-19. Effective midnight Saturday, the entire province will move to Alert Level 2, allowing households to keep a so-called steady 20 group of consistent contacts. Health officials put the province in lockdown on Feb. 12 as a COVID-19 outbreak spread through the St. Johns area. There are now just three active cases across the province, with one of those patients in hospital due to the disease. 11:50 a.m. Quebec is reporting 783 new cases of COVID-19 today and eight more deaths attributed to the novel coronavirus. Health officials say hospitalizations dropped by 11, to 508, and 118 people were in intensive care, a rise of five. Officials say Quebec surpassed the mark of one million vaccine doses administered in the province, after giving 31,025 shots Tuesday. 10:35 a.m. Ontario reports 1,571 new cases of COVID-19 today and 10 more deaths linked to the virus. Health Minister Christine Elliott says 459 of those new cases are in Toronto, 309 are in Peel Region and 143 are in York Region. The province says that more than 72,000 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were administered since Tuesday's update. 10:20 a.m. The Saskatchewan Health Authority has lowered the age for booking vaccinations. It says residents 65 and older can now book a shot. The health authority says those living in the Far North can also do so if theyre 50 and older. Residents deemed clinically vulnerable or with underlying health conditions are also eligible but will have to wait for a letter first. Priority health-care workers can also get vaccinated. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. The Republic of Congo's Interior Minister announced Tuesday longtime incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso has won another five year term. Raymond Zephiri Mboulou said in a national address that Sassou Nguesso secured just more than 88 percent of the vote in Sunday's election, extending his more than 36 years as leader of the Central African nation. His main rival, Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas, who died suddenly as people were going to the polls, was a distant second, receiving less than eight percent of the vote. The remaining votes were split between five other candidates. A spokesman for Kolelas' campaign said the 61-year-old died of COVID-19 as he was being evacuated from Brazzaville to France for treatment. Congolese Presidential Opposition Candidate Dies of COVID-19 Campaign spokesman says Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas died on Election Day as he was being evacuated to France for treatment Kolelas was challenging Sassou Nuguesso for a second time in Sunday's election, finishing second to the country's longtime leader in 2016. Sassou Nuguesso first took office in 1979 and served until 1992. He has served uninterrupted since winning the presidency again in 1997. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Boulder residents were going about their days Monday at work, picking up groceries, getting their COVID-19 vaccinations when the Happiest City in the U.S. joined a far more tragic American list. By the time police walked a bloody suspect from the scene, the almost hourlong shooting rampage at a King Soopers grocery store had ended 10 lives, including that of a Boulder police officer. Officer Eric Talley was one of the first officers to arrive at the scene at the supermarket on Table Mesa Drive. Talley, 51, did not have a traditional path into law enforcement. He left a well-paying career in information technology to pursue a calling to protect his community. Hes everything that policing deserves and needs, said Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold, holding back tears at a Tuesday morning news conference. He cared about this community, he cared about BPD, he cared about his family. He was willing to die to protect others. His father, Homer Talley, told 9News he wasnt surprised that his son a father of seven was among the first to arrive on scene. I cannot explain how beautiful he was and what a devastating loss this is to so many, Talleys sister, Kirstin, wrote on Twitter. Fly high my sweet brother. Three of Mondays shooting victims Teri Leiker, Denny Stong and Rikki Olds were co-workers at the King Soopers. For Teri Leiker, 51, described on Facebook as a bagger extraordinaire, the job was her favorite thing to do, wrote her friend Lexi Knutson. Knutson and Leiker were buddies together in a program that matched volunteers with people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, Knutson wrote on Instagram. The two talked almost every week. Her shy friendship towards me turned into a sort of sisterhood. Teri and I were the dynamic duo of Best Buddies and in Boulder, Knutson wrote. We frequently took Boulder by storm: the Sink, Pearl Street, CU sporting events, etc. Teri was a CU Boulder super fan. She was funny. Always going to remember her smile and her laugh. She used to laugh a lot, former co-worker Allan Wooley told 9News. Thats what Im going to miss about her. Her smile made everybody feel good inside every day when she was working. Stong, 20, had only a couple of years tenure at the store, said his childhood friend Sebastian Aramendia. On his Facebook page, Stongs profile picture is wrapped in a frame proclaiming: I cant stay home, I am a grocery store worker. He and Aramendia had fallen out of touch in recent years, but they ran into each other at a fishing store recently. They exchanged numbers and planned to catch up soon. Stong had been through a lot, his childhood friend said. But Stong was working his a-- off to save money to become a pilot, his friend said. A loving dude, Aramendia said. Just an open-hearted guy. Stongs co-worker Rikki Olds was a 25-year-old manager who loved to spend time in the outdoors when she was off the clock. The Centaurus High School graduate, who was born in Louisville and raised by her grandparents in Lafayette, was a strong, independent young woman, her uncle Bob Olds told CNN. She was a front-end manager at the store where she was shot and killed Monday. She was a beautiful person, her grandmother Jeanette Olds told The Denver Post. She was a beautiful soul. Olds friend, Jared Gallegos, of Lafayette, stood for more than an hour Tuesday in front of the chain link fence barricading the King Soopers, clutching a bouquet of mixed flowers. Its hard to process, he said, rocking on his feet. She was my age, I went to high school and middle school with her. And now shes gone. Its so close to home. Shooting victim Jody Waters, 65, had told friends she wanted to open a boutique in Denver. A mother and grandmother, shed worked for Island Farm in Boulder, which is how shed met Scott Schaefer, the co-founder of Embrazio in Boulder. Shed been on Scott Schaefers porch, sharing a cocktail, when she mused about her boutique. She was fun, thats the best word, Schaefer said in an interview Tuesday afternoon. She was bright and outgoing, and one of the reasons why we loved to have her with us at trade shows was because she would bring people over. She didnt mind getting out on the floor and saying, Check out this Embrazio company. Tralona Bartkowiak, better known as Lonna, moved to Colorado from California, and, more than a decade ago, teamed up with her free spirit, music lover sister, Lisa Noble, to sell clothing, designs and accessories for music festivals and similar events. Fueled by their passion for travel, music, and art, the two of them began selling clothing at music venues, festivals, and local fairs, and Umba came to be, the sisters wrote of their company Umba, which translates to sisters in Balinese and the process of creation in Swahili. In a barrage of Facebook posts, friends described her as sweet, super loved and the light of my life. The last time I saw her was early March around my birthday with my daughter, Makaysha Rain wrote. We were the only ones in the shop and she greeted us (with) her Huge smile and kind words. We talked for a while and she told me, We made it through the pandemic and were still here! " Lynn Murray, 62, had been shopping at King Soopers, where she was seen by a friends daughter. News of the shooting made it to Murrays husband, John Mackenzie, who drove to the store and started texting his wife. After getting no answer in about five minutes, I just fell over in my chair, John Mackenzie said, choking up. Murray had a long career taking photos for magazines including Cosmopolitan and Vogue, Mackenzie said. She charmed the pants off me when they met at a photography studio in New York City years ago, he said. Shes the kindest person I ever knew, hands down. She had an aura about her that was the coolest freakin thing youd ever want to know. She was just a cool chick. One of Suzanne Fountains best friends says she was the kind of person who almost certainly died saving others lives. In fact, I wouldnt be surprised if she was confronting the ... who did this, to be honest with you, said Martha Harmon Pardee. She was fearless and funny and giving and just a salt-of-the-Earth person. Erika Mahoney recalled her fathers participation in her wedding. I am heartbroken to announce that my Dad, my hero, Kevin Mahoney, was killed in the King Soopers shooting in my hometown of Boulder, CO, she tweeted. My dad represents all things Love. Im so thankful he could walk me down the aisle last summer. I am now pregnant. I know he wants me to be strong for his granddaughter, wrote Mahoney, a news director at KAZU public radio in the Monterey area of California. Kevin Mahoney was 61. The 21-year-old shooting suspect, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, is in jail and is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday. He will be advised at the hearing of the murder charges he will face and his rights. He wont be asked to enter a plea until later. Neven Stanisics family fled war-torn Bosnia in the 1990s, Iva Petrovic, the wife of the pastor at their Denver-area church told the Washington Post. They left everything behind, she said, Serbian refugees seeking a safe life in the United States. Mondays shooting brought a whole new world of loss. Stanisic, 23, started working as a teenager, helping to support his family, she said. On Monday he was fixing the coffee machines inside King Soopers and just leaving in his truck when the violence unfolded. Stanisics family tried to find him but they couldnt get anywhere near the scene of the shooting, Petrovic said. They called Petrovic and her husband about 3 a.m., crying, to share the terrible news, she said: Neven was among the dead. 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. It's been one year since Zac Efron struck up an unlikely romance with Byron Bay waitress Vanessa Valladares. And now an insider claims the Hollywood actor, 33, is planning to take their relationship to new heights by whisking Vanessa, 26, away on an international trip. According to a well-placed source, Zac is preparing to take Vanessa with him as he flies to Canada in May to film the new film adaptation of Stephen King novel Firestarter. On the move! Zac Efron, 33, (left) is planning to leave Australia with his girlfriend Vanessa Valladares, 26, (right) in May as he travels to Canada to film the new film adaptation of Stephen King novel Firestarter Zac officially signed up to the sci-fi horror flick in September last year, and will reportedly spend around 8 weeks filming in Canada before returning back to Australia with Vanessa. Zac met Vanessa in July last year when she was working as a waitress at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe. They were apparently introduced by her boss. High-flying schedule: Zac officially signed up to the sci-fi horror flick in September last year, and will reportedly spend around 8 weeks filming in Canada before returning back to Australia with Vanessa Vanessa has since fitted seamlessly into the Hollywood heartthrob's entourage of high-profile friends, and regularly visits him on-set while films local projects in Australia. Last year, Vanessa travelled to the South Australian outback to stay with her boyfriend as he filmed his Stan Original movie Gold. Vanessa was also spotted by Zac's side on the Melbourne set of his Netflix eco-travel show Down to Earth last month. Romance: Zac met Vanessa last year when she was working as a waitress at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe While the couple are living together in Byron Bay most of the time, they have also enjoyed regular trips to Sydney and the Thredbo ski resort. Their relationship is believed to be serious, with a source recently telling New Idea: 'I really think Zac's at the point where he'd marry Vanessa tomorrow if she said yes.' The High School Musical star relocated to Byron Bay in March last year in an attempt to escape the pandemic, and now reportedly plans to make the move more permanent. The electoral discourse in Bengal, where poll battles are fought on ideological lines, had in the past mostly steered clear of sub-nationalism like identity politics. (Representational Image/PTI) Kolkata: With the "insider-outsider" debate in West Bengal gaining strength before the state election, Bengali sub-nationalism appears to have become visible like never before. The ruling TMC has embraced it as its main poll plank to counter the rise of the BJP's Hindutva narrative in the state. It has branded BJP as a "party of outsiders" and has fanned the 'Bengali pride' by coming up with a poll slogan "Bangla Nijer Meyekei Chai" (Bengal wants its own daughter) creating a poll narrative of sub-nationalism to counter the saffron party's identity politics. The electoral discourse in Bengal, where poll battles are fought on ideological lines, had in the past mostly steered clear of sub-nationalism like identity politics. "This is for the first time we have made Bengali pride our main poll plank. Bengali pride is not just about Bengalis; it appeals to all sons of the soil," senior TMC leader and MP Sougata Roy told PTI. Another senior TMC leader said "divisive politics and religious polarisation can be countered with sub-nationalism and regionalism." BJP has blamed Trinamool Congress for bringing up the issue of Bengali pride saying it is harping on nationalism, development and identity politics as it senses defeat in its citadel. "BJP is in power in so many states, but we have never tried to impose any language or culture. This is a baseless allegation as TMC has nothing to showcase to seek votes," BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said. BJP national president J P Nadda claimed at various poll rallies that only BJP can restore the Bengali pride and that "TMC represents everything that is opposite to it". To counter the narrative and project itself as a party in sync with Bengali culture and ethos, BJP has propped up Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee as its icon. It has also been observing the anniversaries of Bengali icons Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Parties cutting across political lines feel that the issue has its pitfalls and will have a cascading effect on the federal structure in the days to come. They agree that sub-nationalism can no longer be ignored in Bengal as it is reflective of the state's socio- political history which has always preferred opposing or challenging the party at the Centre or a bigger political force and have refused submission. Born out of the Congress on January 1, 1998, TMC had adopted the evocative slogan 'Maa Mati Manush' (Mother, Land and People) carefully blending socialism and secularism that countered the then communists and their doctrines. The rise of BJP in Bengal's political map made TMC realise that its socialist slogan was not enough to offset 'Hindutva', especially when it has been branded by the saffron camp as a party that favours only minorities. It then came up with the narrative of Bengali pride and insider versus outsider debate and has it as its main poll and ideological planks. The desecration of the bust of social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar during a BJP procession in the last phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, followed by the publication of the final NRC list in Assam in August that year gave TMC a golden opportunity to brand BJP as an "anti-Bengali" party. The NRC list had left out the names of 19 lakh people in Assam, many of them Bengalis. The state BJP's over-dependence on the party's central leadership with leaders from other states calling the shots have not helped matters for the saffron party. It has in fact further fuelled the "insider versus outsider" debate. BJP national general secretary and Bengal minder Kailash Vijayvargiya feels that TMC is only interested in winning the votes and has nothing to do with Bengali pride. "These are gimmicks to win the election. Everybody knows how concerned TMC is about Bengalis and their welfare," he said. To woo the Bengali voters, the saffron party in its poll manifesto promised Tagore Smriti Puraskar on the lines of the Nobel prize to honour globally recognised talents and the Satyajit Ray Award on the lines of the Oscar award. It also promised a Gurudev Centre for Cultural Excellence and a film city was promised named after matinee idol Uttam Kumar. TMC has blamed the ascent of BJP in Bengal's political sphere and the increased activities of far-right Hindu outfits which are more in sync with north Indian culture for the politicisation of ethnic sentiments in the state. But a quick look at post-Idependence Bengal's socio- political history shows how Bengali sub-nationalism has always played a role before going dormant in the past few decades. The effect of sub-nationalism in the state was first felt when Congress led by the then chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy in the mid-fifties lost the election to nine municipalities and an assembly by-poll on the issue of merger of West Bengal and Bihar. The Left Front and Praja Socialist Party had then opposed it tooth and nail stating that Bengalis would beome a minority post the merger. Till the mid '90S the issue of Bengali pride was not overtly brought into play, as both the mainstream political parties - the Congress ande CPI(M) had several homegrown stalwarts. There were leaders like Jyoti Basu, Bhupesh Gupta, Indrajit Gupta from the Left and Siddartha Sankar Ray, Pranab Mukherjee, A B A Ghani Khan Chowdhury from the Congress. However, the CPI(M), which over the years has moulded itself as a party of the Bengali bhadralok (gentleman) through its anti-Congress and anti-Centre stance, smacked of subtle sub-nationalism by often citing 'Centre's oppression against Bengal'. Noted Historian Sugata Bose contends that sub- nationalism was always in the play in Bengal politics in a covert manner. "The issue of Bengali sub-nationalism was there in post-Independence Bengal, though in a very subtle way. It was never a major rallying point. The Left's constant attack on the Centre and Congress alleging step-motherly treatment towards Bengal was aimed in that direction. "But after the formation of TMC in 1998, Bengali sub-nationalism was never an issue as the party and the Bengal CPI-M which it defeated were regional players," Bose, the Gardiner Professor of Oceanic history at Harvard University, told PTI. "It is now back as a major poll issue as TMC, a regional party is fighting against BJP, a national party. It has gained momentum as BJP does not have strong homegrown leaders in Bengal and is overdependent on central leaders," he said. Several outfits like Bangla Pokkho, Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan and Bangla Sanskriti Mancha have emerged in the state's political landscape and they have accused the saffron camp of trying to "impose Hindi and north Indian culture" on Bengal. "The way Bengalis are demographically threatened by non-Bengalis, the day is not far when they will turn into a minority in their own land. This will not only be just in terms of population but also culturally. We are happy that Bengali sub-nationalism has emerged as a rallying point in this polls," Kaushik Maiti, a senior leader of Bangla Pokkho, told PTI. These outfits have been raising the pitch for reservation for domicile Bengalis in jobs and education in the state. The narrative has its drawbacks as it alienates the Hindi-speaking population, who are a deciding factor in at least 30 of the state's 294 Assembly seats. Sensing this, the TMC has tied up with the RJD and Samajwadi Party for the assembly polls. The two parties have offered unconditional support to it and will campaign for TMC in the Hindi-speaking belts of the state. Political analyst Suman Bhattacharya feels that Bengali sub-nationalism will play an important role in the assembly poll and will be a deciding factor in several seats. "It had never played such a major role in the polls. But Bengali pride and sub-nationalism will play a pivotal role this election and a decisive role in several seats," he said. Poll analyst Biswanth Chakraborty believes that Bengali sub-nationalism is an urban phenomenon and will not impact rural Bengal. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar was subjected to horrendous abuse by a former Brexit Party candidate outside the Scottish parliament. David Ballantine, who has reportedly described Islam as a child rapist death cult, targeted the party leader as he attempted to give an interview accusing him of being part of a globalist, Islamo-Marxist party. The former Brexit Party candidate followed Mr Sarwar and made a series of derogatory remarks about Islam, as well as unsubstantiated allegations of child abuse by asylum seekers. The Scottish Labour leader told Mr Ballantine that his questions say more about you sir than me, before telling him to take his far-right nonsense elsewhere. Mr Sarwar was praised for keeping his cool as he was then followed for several minutes by Mr Ballantine, branded a racist bully by the ITV News reporter Peter Smith. The journalist was praised for intervening and attempting to interrupt the wild tirade, telling Mr Ballantine: I know a racist when I see one. Commenting on the incident on social media, Mr Smith said: This was racist abuse from a bully, and Im just sorry I couldnt do more. The Scottish Tory leader at Holyrood Ruth Davidson was among several MSPs and political candidates who issued their support to Mr Sarwar. Solidarity with Anas Sarwar who handled himself brilliantly, and respect to Peter Adam Smith for stepping up. Neil Gray, an SNP MP, tweeted: This is horrendous. So sorry Anas Sarwar is getting this abuse and well done to Peter Adam Smith for stepping in to provide support. Mr Sarwar later thanked the ITV News journalist for his intervention. I cant thank Peter Adam Smith enough for his kindness and support. He didnt have to get involved, but chose not to be a bystander. Mr Ballantine stood for the Brexit Party in Edinburgh South West constituency at the 2019 general election, gaining only 625 votes. During the election campaign, the Daily Record reported that the candidate had referred to Islam as a child rapist death cult in one of his videos remarks condemned at the time by the Muslim Council Scotland, who accused him of sowing division and hatred. Twitter removed Mr Ballantines video of his verbal attack on Mr Sarwar after Mr Smith drew it to the attention of the platform on Tuesday. However, his videos remain on YouTube. ROME, MAR 24 - The supreme Court of Cassation Wednesday upheld a 12-year prison term handed to rightwing militant Luca Traini for shooting and wounding six African migrants in Macerata on February 2018. Traini, 31, said he went on the drive-by rampage in 'revenge' for the murder and dismemberment of a Roman woman, allegedly by a Nigerian drug pusher who had nothing to do with Traini's targets. Traini went on his spree three days after the discovery of the body of Pamela Mastropietro outside Pollenza near Macerata. A Nigerian drug pusher, Innocent Oseghale, was given life for her rape, murder and dismemberment. Police found Nazi literature and far-right memorabilia in Traini's home. In 2016 he stood unsuccessfully in local elections for the anti-migrant Euroskeptic League party. Traini's name was written on one of the weapon magazines used by Australia-born terrorist Brenton Harrison Tarrant in the March 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings in which 51 people were murdered. Traini's lawyer said his client condemned that attack. The Cassation Court on Wednesday upheld damages for the city council of Macerata and the local chapter of the centre-left Democratic Party. (ANSA). Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 01:34:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Liu Yuxi (L), head of Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union and Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) attend a handover ceremony for medical supplies donated to UNECA, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 24, 2021. The Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union (AU) on Wednesday donated a batch of COVID-19 prevention medical supplies to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) ADDIS ABABA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Mission of the People's Republic of China to the African Union (AU) on Wednesday donated a batch of COVID-19 prevention medical supplies to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The medical supplies, which among other things include thermometers, oxygen generators, isolation gowns, ventilators, surgical masks and other Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), were handed over in the presence of senior UNECA officials as well as diplomats from the Chinese mission at the headquarters of the UNECA in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the UNECA, said during the handing over ceremony that the latest batch of medical supplies donated by China will play a vital role in protecting the wellbeing of the UN family in Ethiopia from COVID-19. "The COVID-19 crisis is a crisis that has come not only to hurt our lives but also our livelihoods," the UNECA chief said, as she commended the Chinese mission, in particular, and the Chinese government, in general, for working with the UN family in Ethiopia. "We are very happy to receive a lot of this gift and ensure that we can continue to protect first of all the UN staff, but also the Ethiopian community at large," Songwe said. "I thank the government of China for all the support that they have been giving not just to the UN family but also to our host country Ethiopia and to the whole continent," she added. The donation is said to be a continuation of the ever-growing China-Africa partnership in the public health sector, which was further strengthened in the joint response against COVID-19, as the partnership proved to be successful in enabling Africa with much-needed anti-COVID-19 medical supplies to better respond to the pandemic. Liu Yuxi, head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, on his part said as the COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for more than one year, China stands as a true friend of African countries and partner with common goals guided by the principles of sincerity, real results and good faith. China has so far shipped emergency supplies to almost all African countries and the African Union. The China-Africa vaccine cooperation is also progressing in an orderly manner, according to Liu. "The United Nations system has played an important role in coordinating and mobilizing resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, fully demonstrating the precious value of solidarity and multilateralism," Liu said. He stressed that the latest batch of donation is the outcome of the Chinese Mission's capabilities combined with the needs of the UNECA. "We hope that these medical supplies can help the UNECA with its COVID-19 prevention so as to better perform its duties," Liu said. Enditem CNN took a closer look at the devastating effects last month's winter storm had on Texas crops. The national outlet spoke with farmers throughout the region about the unprecedented winter weather which decimated acres of produce and the ripple effect that it had on food banks throughout the state, including in San Antonio. RELATED: San Antonio-area Texas Tulips location 'will remain closed' this spring CNN reporter Nicole Chavez shared the plights of J Allen Carnes, Jimmy Bassetti, Dale Murden, who represent produce companies or trade associations in South Texas. Each shared a harrowing situation of crops, from citrus to leafy greens, that were lost in the storm. READ MORE FROM MADALYN: Rachel Maddow addresses San Antonio's power plight using Express-News front page Read some of the key takeaways from what CNN described as a "a disaster within the disaster" below. SAN DIEGO, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neology, Inc. and Marston Holdings are pleased to support the Danish Nationwide Miljoezoner scheme in the delivery of significant environmental benefits. On July 1, 2020, Neology and Marston Holdings began the operation of an end-to-end solution in five Miljoezoner low emission zones (LEZ) to support the reduction of emissions in the most polluting areas of Denmark. Within the first seven months of operation, the solution has been able to demonstrate: Consistently high vehicle processing rates at near 100% levels across all vehicle types, exceeding contract expectations Journey compliance rates have improved and now exceed 99.5% Efficient enforcement and awareness activities have resulted in the reduction of penalty charge notifications by more than 85% compared to peak period The scheme has encouraged transition from higher polluting vehicles to retrofit effective particulate filters to minimize emissions in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Aalborg, Odense and Aarhus. Of note, illegal driving in the Danish low emission zones will cost DKK 12,500 ($2000 US) for lorries and buses and DKK 1,500 ($150 US) for vans. Sund & Baelt (S&B), a state-owned transport infrastructure provider, engaged with ITS Teknik/Neology and Marston Holdings to solve one of the most pressing traffic related challenges in Denmark. The principal elements of the five-year agreement between S&B and the suppliers include: Neology Neologys CAZaaS (Clean Air Zone-as-a-Service) portfolio provides vehicle detection and processing services, fixed and mobile ANPR field equipment, image processing software, and operational back office (OBO) solutions with manual review capabilities. Using the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, these solutions detect and enforce vehicles entering the LEZ 24 hours a day, 365 days per year at industry-leading levels helping these communities achieve environmental sustainability. Marston Holdings ParkTrade Europe AB, a Marston Holdings company, delivered the LEZ office services for domestic and foreign vehicles including penalty charge noticing (PCN), vehicle database integrations and payment solutions. These solutions provide a seamless customer experience to register vehicles (individual and fleet), process PCNs and support the collection of fines. ITS Teknik ITS Teknik rapidly deployed Neologys latest IRIS ANPR solution in less than 100 days, maintaining its stellar reputation of deploying strategic traffic infrastructure in the Danish market. Our partnership with Neology, ITS Teknik and Marston has given us an opportunity to effectively enforce the LEZ scheme with huge reduction of polluting vehicles in the low emission zones, said Lise Jonasen, S&B Programme Manager. We are pleased to be delivering innovative and efficient solutions into Denmark and being able to see the early results that support Danish goals related to the environment, added Jorgen Odgaard, CEO of ParkTrade at Marston Holdings. We appreciate the trust S&B put in us to execute their vision in tackling this important issue, said Luke Normington, Managing Director of EMEA and General Manager of ALPR at Neology. Working closely with the S&B team, we have been able to deliver a world-first nationwide LEZ scheme utilizing the latest artificial Intelligence-based solutions to deliver incredible results, in a challenging period of time. ITS TEKNIK CONSORTIUM About Marston Holdings ParkTrade is part of Marston Holdings and the leading European provider of road tolling and charging solutions. Marston Holdings is the UKs largest provider of High Court debt and recovery services and comprises a number of market-leading companies including CCTV enforcement company Videalert, Project Centre, a streetscape design, engineering and landscape architecture consultancy and NSL, which provides parking enforcement services to the public and private sectors. This combined expertise enables Marston Holdings to provide a unique range of integrated transportation and enforcement solutions. About ITS TEKNIK One of Denmarks leading Intelligent Traffic Solution companies, who provides complete innovative and value added ITS solutions and services for the Danish road traffic, and has done since 1968. About Neology, Inc. Neology is re-imagining mobility to help our customers accelerate their vision for smart cities and safer communities. Our Mobility Platform is setting the industry standard through a unique combination of AI-powered adaptive solutions, a proven integration process, and unparalleled lifecycle support. Backed by a culture of innovation, our mobility experts work closely with global customers and a top-tier partner ecosystem to connect existing infrastructure assets with next-generation technology to modernize the way people move. To create safer, cleaner, more efficient mobility experiences, visit www.neology.net. Neology, Inc. Media Contact: Alyssa Eggum John Kelly Foster 858.688.2796 Alyssa@johnkellyfoster.com Photo: Maya Reagan / Carolina Journal This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is Andrew Dunn On a road map, you'll find Tri-County Community College in the far western corner of North Carolina.If you look at a topographic map, the college sits within a ring of mountains formed by the Blue Ridge, forming a natural valley community made up of North Carolina's Cherokee County and several border counties in north Georgia.But for the college, the invisible border of the state line represents a more imposing barrier than the mountains surrounding them.For years, Tri-County Community College has wanted to offer in-state tuition to Georgians who live in one of those counties. That, administrators say, would help fill empty seats in their classrooms while also funneling more people to North Carolina employers and universities.But since 2009, every legislative effort to give them the ability to do so has been stymied by a lack of action.Freshman Rep. Karl Gillespie, R-Murphy, is the latest to take up the mantle on behalf of the college. His House Bill 81 would create a pilot program to offer in-state tuition to residents of four border counties in Georgia, provided their students do not displace a N.C. resident. The program would expire in 2025.Georgia already allows border counties in North Carolina to pay in-state tuition at North Georgia Technical College in Blairsville, about 20 miles from Tri-County.The N.C. bill passed the house by a 115-1 vote. Sen. Kevin Corbin, R-Murphy, has an identical bill in the Senate, which is now in a committee.Gillespie told Carolina Journal.Tri-County was one of a few N.C. colleges targeted for elimination in the early 2000s due to low enrollment.College leaders say they would be able to handle additional students from Georgia in existing classes without needing to hire more instructors.But today, few Georgia high school grads are willing or able to pay out-of-state tuition to get to Tri-County's well-respected welding or automotive programs. For North Carolina residents, a full course load costs $1,200 per semester. The out-of-state rate is nearly $4,300.These people, college administrators say, are already part of the community. High school guidance counselors in Georgia regularly call up Tri-County and invite them to attend their career fairs. You'll see plenty of Georgia plates in the employee parking lot at Moog Components or the Walmart on US-19.said Donna Tipton-Rogers, president of Tri Tri-County Community College.It is unclear whether the bill will come to a vote in the Senate.The decade-long journey of this particular legislative effort illustrates the difficulty even representatives of the majority party can have in pushing through a project for their districts.Whenever it's come up for a vote, it's passed with nearly unanimous consent. But whenever the House has passed the bill, the Senate hasn't taken it up and vice versa.Representatives of the far western corner of the state just haven't had enough pull to get it across the finish line.Between Gillespie and Corbin, Tri-County leaders are optimistic this year, calling it the best opportunity yet.Tipton-Rogers said. AP journalist Thein Zaw waves as he steps out of Insein prison after his release Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Thein Zaw, a journalist for The Associated Press who was arrested last month while covering a protest against the coup in Myanmar, was released from detention on Wednesday. (AP Photo) Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado. 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. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Hundreds of people showed up at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao to get vaccinated on Tuesday. Photo by David Castro/The Guam Daily Post Shares Outstanding: 265,740,217 Trading Symbols: TSX: GGD OTCQX: GLGDF HALIFAX, NS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - GoGold Resources Inc. (TSX: GGD) (OTCQX: GLGDF) ("GoGold", "the Company") is pleased to announce that at the annual and special meeting of shareholders held on March 24, 2021 (the "Meeting"), the shareholders re-elected John Turner, Bradley Langille, Phillip Gaunce, George Waye, and Terrence Cooper as directors of the Company for the forthcoming year. Each director was elected by a majority of the votes and the table below presents the votes in respect of the election of each director: Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld John Turner 106,009,035 (81.30%) 24,389,704 (18.70%) Phillip Gaunce 126,209,011 (96.79%) 4,189,728 (3.21%) George Waye 126,279,739 (96.84%) 4,119,000 (3.16%) Terrence Cooper 105,393,209 (80.82%) 25,005,530 (19.18%) Bradley Langille 127,246,436 (97.58%) 3,152,303 (2.42%) Dana Hatfield, CFO, was identified as a director nominee in the management information circular and withdrew his nomination so that a majority of the board is independent, and he will continue as CFO. As a result, he ceased to be a director at the close of the Meeting. The Company would like to thank Mr. Hatfield for his services as director. KPMG LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, were re-appointed as the auditors of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed, at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors. The shareholders also approved an amendment to the Corporation's articles to change its name from GoGold Resources Inc. to such other name as the board may determine and as may be acceptable to applicable regulatory authorities, with the name change to be implemented prior to the next annual meeting of shareholders, with 130,040,359 (99.73%) votes for and 358,380 (0.27%) votes against. 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/ New opportunities require new working arrangements A forthcoming economic boom will create growth opportunities for firms. Questionmark, the online assessment provider, is urging employers to ask three crucial questions to ensure they have the right post-pandemic working arrangements in place to take advantage of the surge. Thanks to a combination of government stimulus and "pent up" consumer spending, economists predict that $4 trillion will be released into the United States (US) economy as restrictions are lifted.1 Strong growth is also forecast across the United Kingdom (UK),2 the Eurozone,3 and Australia.4 New growth opportunities will require new working arrangements. For much of the last year, asking employees to work from home was the only option. But as governments look set to ease social distancing restrictions, employers have decisions to make. For some, a year of productive remote working has proven that expensive offices are a thing of the past. Others believe that their productivity will be boosted when teams are working physically together at least some of the time. Each employer must ensure they create the right working environment that boosts productivity, drives engagement and retains the best staff. To accomplish this, Questionmark is encouraging employers to ask and answer three crucial questions: 1. Which skills are going to be important for future success? 2. Which of these skills and associated tasks can be effectively executed from home? 3. In what situations, and with what tasks, will individuals or teams perform better in offices or workspaces? Lars Pedersen, CEO of Questionmark, said: "Change is coming. A consumer boom will have an impact across the entire economy. There will be new opportunities for firms to grasp. Making the right decision on working arrangements will be crucial. "Each company will have different working arrangement requirements. Employers must ensure that they are making the best decision based on reliable and relevant information." Measuring staff skills with online assessments can indicate which tasks can be executed effectively from home and which can't. This information can help employers make the best decision and explain their decision to the workforce. For more information download the full report: "Managing a post-pandemic workforce: creating productive and informed working arrangements". The report forms part of the "Questionmark Viewpoint" series which explores the challenges that Questionmark customers face, and how Questionmark helps address them. www.questionmark.com Ends Notes to editors About Questionmark Questionmark unlocks performance through reliable and secure online assessments. Questionmark provides a secure enterprise-grade assessment platform and professional services to leading organizations around the world, delivered with care and unequalled expertise. Its full-service online assessment tool and professional services help customers to improve their performance and meet their compliance requirements. Questionmark enables organizations to unlock their potential by delivering assessments which are valid, reliable, fair and defensible. Questionmark offers secure powerful integration with other LMS, LRS and proctoring services making it easy to bring everything together in one place. Questionmark's cloud-based assessment management platform offers rapid deployment, scalability for high-volume test delivery, 24/7 support, and the peace-of-mind of secure, audited U.S., Australian and European-based data centers. ___________________________________ 1 https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/revenge-spending-vaccinations-could-bring-millions-shoppers-back-mall-will-n1257993 2 https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/insights/2018/09/uk-economic-outlook.html 3 https://www.euronews.com/2021/02/11/economic-forecast-some-eu-countries-will-recover-in-2021-others-must-wait-until-2022 4 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-economy-poll-idUSKBN29Q07B View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005478/en/ Contacts: US: Kristin Bernor, external relations: Kristin.bernor@questionmark.com +1 203.349.6438 UK: James Boyd-Wallis: james.boyd-wallis@fourteenforty.uk +44 7793 021 607 Australia and New Zealand: Chelsea Dowd: chelsea.dowd@questionmark.com +61 2 8073 0527 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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| 2021-03-24 19:23:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TASHKENT, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will start the first stage of mass vaccination of its citizens against coronavirus beginning on April 1, a senior health official said Wednesday. Uzbekistan will start using AstraZeneca vaccine to inoculate people aged over 60 and those with diseases, employees of the healthcare and education systems, as well as members of law enforcement bodies in the first place, Deputy Head of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Service Nurmat Atabekov said. The country last week received the first 660,000-dose batch of the AstraZeneca vaccine, provided for free under the COVAX initiative, and is now awaiting 1.5 million more doses. In addition, Uzbekistan is in negotiation with Russia to get 1 million doses of Sputnik-V vaccine, said Atabekov. Atabekov added that Uzbekistan will also use the vaccine developed by China's Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical Co., which is in a phase-3 trial in the Central Asian nation. So far, Uzbekistan has registered 81,678 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 623 related deaths. Enditem YANGON, Myanmar (AP) Hundreds of people imprisoned for demonstrating against last months coup in Myanmar were released Wednesday, a rare conciliatory gesture by the military that appeared aimed at placating the protest movement. Witnesses outside Insein Prison in Yangon saw busloads of mostly young people, looking happy with some flashing the three-finger gesture of defiance adopted by protesters. State-run TV said a total of 628 were freed. Also Wednesday, Thein Zaw, a journalist for The Associated Press who was arrested last month while covering an anti-coup protest, was released. Myanmars security forces have cracked down violently on protests against a Feb. 1 coup that reversed a decade of progress toward democracy in the Southeast Asian country and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says that at least 275 people have been killed in connection with the crackdown. Thousands have also been arrested, and more than 2,000 remain in custody or have charges against them outstanding. Wednesday's release was an unusual overture by the military, which has so far seemed impervious to both internal pressure from protests and outside pressure from sanctions. In the face of an increasingly brutal crackdown, demonstrators tried a new tactic Wednesday that they dubbed a silence strike, calling on people to stay home and businesses to close for the day. The prisoners released appear to be the hundreds of students detained in early March. One lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity because she fears drawing attention from the authorities, said all those released were arrested on March 3. She said only 55 people detained in connection with the protests remained in the prison, and it is likely they will all face charges under a law that carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. The mass release came the same day that Thein Zaw was also freed. Thein Zaw told the AP that the judge in his case announced during a hearing that all charges against him were dropped because he was doing his job at the time of his arrest. Story continues Im looking forward to meeting my family members, he said. Im sorry for some colleagues who are still in prison. Meanwhile, messages online urged people to stay home Wednesday in protest rather than flooding the streets as they have in the past saying silence is the loudest scream. The messages explained the strike's purpose was to honor the movements fallen heroes, to allow protesters to recharge and to contradict the juntas claims that everything is back to normal. The extent of the strike was difficult to gauge, but social media users posted photos from cities and towns showing streets empty of activity save for an occasional stray dog. Some protesters did go out to release red balloons with leaflets attached. The new tactic was employed after an extended onslaught of violence from security forces. Local media reported that a 7-year-old girl in Mandalay, the countrys second-biggest city, was among the latest victims on Tuesday. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners included her in its list of fatalities. Khin Myo Chit was shot in the abdomen by a soldier while she sat in her fathers lap inside her home in Aung Pin Le ward, the online news service Myanmar Now reported, quoting her sister, Aye Chan San. The report said the shooting took place when soldiers were raiding homes in her familys neighborhood. The sister said a soldier shot at their father when he denied that any people were hiding in their home, and hit the girl. Aye Chan San said the soldiers then beat her 19-year-old brother with their rifle butts and took him away. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said tbe United Nations is extremely disturbed over the killing by security forces of a 7-year-old child in her home." There must be accountability for all the crimes and human rights violations that continue to be perpetrated in Myanmar," he said. Haq said the U,N. noted reports of the release of hundreds of demonstrators and remained concerned about ongoing arrests by the military, including of journalists and civil society leaders. The U.N. called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Haq said. He said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener will continue to mobilize international action for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Myanmar. [March 24, 2021] Violet Defense is Helping Businesses Get Back to Normal ORLANDO, Fla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the most technologically advanced solutions to fighting the virus, which can disinfect nearly every part of a facility is UV Light. Violet Defense is a Florida-based disinfection technology firm offering a distinctive UVsolution and has partnered with numerous companies and venues to support them in their back-to-business reopening plans and protection of employees. The Jewish Academy of Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, and Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention have directly experienced how Violet Defense's patented pulsed Xenon technology can provide businesses with the tools they need to re-open and help people feel safer in the places they live, work, play and learn every day. The recent passing of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 includes approximately $128 billion for local education agencies as they look to re-open for face-to-face instruction. The Jewish Academy of Orlando has reported that zero COVID-19 transmissions have occurred on their campus, and they credit a significant portion of that outcome to the use of UV technology. As can be expected with new technology and unprecedented situations, some staff and faculty at the academy were skeptical of the tech's efficacy. However, according to Alan Rusonik, Head of School, those on the fence have now become supporters of the system. "We believe that Violet Defense is what is keeping our school safe. It is truly making a difference," said Rusonik. Teachers at the academy have expressed confidence and appreciation of how user-friendly and efficient the tools are as "all they have to do is push a button, and 30 minutes later, the room is sanitized." The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 also allocated an additional $1.25 billion for the Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) progam, designed to support U.S. venues shuttered by the pandemic, such as live venues, museums, theaters, and other relevant operators. Both the Orange County Convention Center and the Cade Museum have credited the incorporation of Violet Defense's technology into their sanitation strategy for their ability to re-open their venues to the public. Hosting approximately 170 events each year and with attendance ranging from 10,000 to 80,000 people, the Orange County Convention Center knew it needed to protect their employees and guests. On top of their preparations for businesses to rent out their spaces, the convention center provides significant employment opportunities to the county and area at large. As an economic and employment engine for county residents, there is no room for error when it comes to protecting the people they serve. As such, "it was very important for us to reopen and for people to get back to work," said Mark Tester, Executive Director. "Violet Defense gives us and our attendees confidence that the spaces are 100 percent ready to go." Stephanie Bailes, President of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, knew that reopening "was not just about providing a guest experience, but keeping our team employed." Bailes continued to express the comfort and confidence her staff had in returning to work because of the ultraviolet sterilization provided by Violet Defense. "We needed to be certain that our guests would also feel comfortable coming back." During the pandemic, Violet Defense has been taking the opportunity to lead a change in the way businesses, schools, and other venues handle disinfection when maintaining a sanitary space is more crucial than ever. "Our tools are not going to be the only thing to help society return to normal, but they certainly will help," said Terrance Berland, Chairman and CEO of Violet Defense. "It is imperative that the employees, guests, and students at schools and businesses worldwide feel safe going back, just like those of the Jewish Academy of Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, and Cade Museum." About Violet Defense Violet Defense uses UV disinfection to protect everyday spaces from harmful pathogens by killing up to 99.9% of E. coli, Salmonella, MRSA, C. diff., Norovirus, C. Auris, and coronavirus. Violet Defense's technology is the only known Pulsed Xenon solution that can be installed into a room full-time, creating a continuous way to address disinfection needs of all types of settings. For more information, visit www.violetdefense.com or follow us on Facebook (@violetdefense) or LinkedIn (@violetdefensetechnology). Media Contact for Violet Defense: Alexis Quintal alexis@newswire.com Related Images violet-defense.png Violet Defense Technology display at Cade Museum View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/violet-defense-is-helping-businesses-get-back-to-normal-301254516.html SOURCE Violet Defense [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 WOOD RIVER The Madison County Health Department is now scheduling first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines Sunday through Tuesday, March 28-30, and Thursday, April 1, at the Gateway Convention Center at 1 Gateway Drive in Collinsville. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, toured the facility Monday and praised its efficiency. Negotiations to eliminate North Korea's nuclear arsenal have failed after an extraordinary series of meetings between then-U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The North Korean leader has been busy building up his nuclear arsenal to make it more powerful, deadly, and capable of striking South Korea, Japan, American forces deployed in Asia, and the United States mainland. How have North Korea's weapons advanced? Kim Jong Un displayed a new arsenal of weapons at a military parade in October to celebrate the ruling Workers' Party's 75th anniversary, which included a newly produced missile intended to hit the United States, demonstrating how much his arsenal has progressed in the last two years. According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un also unveiled new solid-fuel ballistic missiles that are easier to transport, hide, and launch than liquid-fuel models. Since May 2019, he has fired more than two dozen missiles, including nuclear-capable, hypersonic KN-23 missiles that can reach all of South Korea in two minutes, including U.S. troops stationed south of Seoul. He has also fired KN-25 short-range missiles to confuse interceptors by firing them in rapid succession from a single launcher. The largest of the lot, the ballistic Pukguksong-3 missile, is intended to be launched from a submarine and has a range of 1,900 kilometers or 1,200 miles. It launched an even more improved version during the October parade, which is expected to have a larger range and payload capability. According to weapons experts, North Korea is also working on an ICBM that uses solid-propellant materials, which may give the U.S. less warning before launching an attack on the mainland. For decades, it has become self-sufficient. The scheme, which used to manufacture enough plutonium for one nuclear bomb a year, now mostly relies on uranium enrichment and, according to weapons analysts, produces enough fissile material for around six bombs a year. North Korea Stresses US Contact's 'Cheap Trick,' No Intention To Hold Talks North Korea fires off short-range missiles North Korea has launched several short-range missiles, raising a foreign policy dilemma for U.S. President Joe Biden as the administration contends with an influx of immigrants at the southern border. The weekend launches were verified by a senior Biden Administration official, who described diplomatic contact as "inactive." "The outreach from us to North Korea can be characterized as coming after more than a year of no meaningful engagement with North Korea, including multiple efforts by the US and two administrations to engage." On a conference call with reporters on Tuesday, the official said, "We do not see the activity that occurred this weekend as closing the door." The tests came after a new round of joint military drills between U.S. and South Korean troops. North Korea has long criticized it as offensive and a threat to invade the hermetic nation, Washington Post reported. Australia, New Zealand Support Massive Sanctions Against China Over Human Rights Abuses The move comes just a week after North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's sister made some critical comments about the United States. Just as U.S. officials were about to arrive in Seoul last week, Kim Yo-jong warned them not to "make a stink." Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for North Korea's denuclearization during a trip to Seoul earlier this month, signaling a Biden administration change. That was an obvious move from the Trump administration, which signed an agreement with Kim Jong Un to denuclearize the Korean peninsula in a joint statement. The DPRK has a long history of launching missiles in an attempt to compel talks or extract concessions. Trump threatened to unleash "fire and fury" during a string of launches at the start of his presidency. But he ended up attending summit meetings with Kim Jong Un and talking about their friendship, as per Daily Mail. US Air Force B-52 Does Tests First Hypersonic Missile, Actual Firing to Follow @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A conservative group is filing a Hatch Act complaint against Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge for political comments she made at the White House last week. Why it matters: The group, Americans for Public Trust, is signaling that it will use the Hatch Act, which forbids overt political activities by senior federal employees, to cause potential ethics problems for President Biden's Cabinet. Stay on top of the latest market trends and economic insights with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free "The American people are entitled to trust in their government, knowing that political opining has no place during the performance of official business duties," the complaint reads. The group is asking the Office of Special Counsel "to investigate this matter and any potential violations of the Hatch Act and standards of government employees." The backdrop: At the White House briefing last week, Fudge offered her commentary on who might be a good 2022 Senate candidate in her home state of Ohio and mentioned two Democrats: Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and Rep. Tim Ryan. "I think we have a good shot at it. I know people have written off Ohio. I haven't written off Ohio. I believe we can win the Senate race," she said. On Friday, she admitted that she should not have talked politics from the White House podium. "I acknowledge that I should have stuck with my first instinct and not answered the question," she said in a statement to the Washington Post. Flashback: In 2019, the Office of Special Counsel, which oversees federal personnel, ruled that White House counselor Kellyanne Conway violated the Hatch Act, calling her a "repeat offender" and demanding that she be fired. "As a highly visible member of the Administration, Ms. Conway's violations, if left unpunished, send a message to all federal employees that they need not abide by the Hatch Act's restrictions," the OSC wrote. More than a dozen other former Trump administration officials were also found to have violated the Hatch Act, including trade adviser Peter Navarro. Trump did not terminate Conway or Navarro or take any known disciplinary action. Trump's Chief of Staff Mark Meadows also downplayed the Hatch Act after criticism of the White House hosting the Republican National Convention, insisting that "nobody outside of the Beltway really cares." Like this article? Get more from Axios and subscribe to Axios Markets for free. FORT WORTH, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvest Returns announced today that Dallas, Texas-based Precision Livestock Technologies, Inc. has successfully completed a seed round raise totaling $600,000 on the Harvest Returns agriculture crowdfunding platform. Precision Livestock Technologies logo with cattle background Precision Livestock Technology's mission is to optimize feeding, animal health and performance in livestock operations, initially with a machine vision platform deployed at cattle feedlots. The livestock sector is one of the largest industries on earth, but is under-served by technology. Precision Livestock's platform provides decision support to optimize of the key drivers of feedlot profitability while increasing quality, reducing labor shortages, and identifying sick animals. The company plans to use the capital raised to develop commercial pilots and detailed customer delivery, and software product development. "The entire Harvest Returns team ran a thorough and efficient fundraising process that allowed Precision Livestock to tap into the high level of interest in the agricultural community to provide practical solutions to the livestock industry," said Andrew McKenzie, CEO of Precision Livestock Technologies. "This financing will play a huge role in achieving our vision to create a comprehensive service delivery platform for cattle feeders, with actionable intelligence and machine learning-powered recommendations that drive higher profits, consistent quality and improved animal health." With a $1 trillion global livestock industry and an ever-growing population, more efficient cattle production is vital to meeting the growing demand for protein. By pioneering the convergence of machine vision, artificial intelligence, nutrition, animal behavior and health, and seamlessly integrating it into livestock operations, Precision Livestock is positioned to power the next phase of agricultural innovation. "Our investors have a heavy appetite for innovative agriculture technology start-ups," said Chris Rawley, CEO of Harvest Returns. "Precision Livestock Technologies is revolutionizing animal protein production and we are excited to be a part of their growth trajectory." About Harvest Returns Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Harvest Returns, Inc. is a financial technology marketplace created by two military veterans to bring farmers together with investors. Through democratizing the agriculture investment process, the online platform provides curated, diversified offerings of farms, ranches, and agribusinesses to qualified investors. About Precision Livestock Technologies Precision Livestock Technologies, Inc. uses artificial intelligence and machine vision to deliver data to boost production, increase quality, and improve animal well-being. For more information, please visit precision-livestock.com. For more information about Harvest Returns, please contact Allison Stewart at 844-673-8876 or email at [email protected]. SOURCE Harvest Returns Sri Lanka on Saturday announced plans to ban burqas and other face coverings in public, citing national security concerns, AP reports. The big picture: This, along with the planned closure of over 1,000 Islamic schools that were allegedly defying national education policy, is the latest action against the country's minority Muslim population. The government also announced a new anti-terror law on Saturday to respond to religious extremism, giving itself authority to detain suspects for deradicalisation," Al Jazeera writes. Burqas were temporarily banned in 2019 after the bombing of churches and hotels by Islamic militants that killed more than 260 people. By the numbers: "Muslims make up about 9% of the 22 million people in Sri Lanka, where Buddhists account for more than 70% of the population," AP writes. The state of play: The country's minister of public security, Sarath Weerasekara, said he signed a cabinet order on Friday to ban burqas. That must now get approval from the cabinet of ministers and Parliament, where the government has a two-thirds majority, per Al Jazeera. What they're saying: "In our early days, we had a lot of Muslim friends, but Muslim women and girls never wore the burqa," Weerasekara said, according to a video obtained by AP. The United States says the ruling Zanu PF party is misusing the levers of government to silence critics, neutralize opposition, and entrench its political power over the Zimbabwean people. In a statement, the U.S. Department of State, said President Emmerson Mnangagwas government should comply with its obligation to respect the freedoms of expression and association enshrined in the countrys constitution and its international commitments. The United States is following events in Zimbabwe closely, including the troubling moves on March 17 to strip Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC Alliance) Vice President Tendai Biti and other MDC Alliance members of their elected seats in parliament. Since March 2020, parliamentary maneuvers supported by the Zimbabwean government have led to the ouster of 39 MDC Alliance MPs and 81 local elected officials. These actions subvert the will of voters, further undermine democracy, and deny millions of Zimbabwean citizens their chosen representation. The United States said it will continue monitoring efforts by the government to dismantle the MDC Alliance through the arrest and detention of its leaders and diversion of its assets. We also note the governments selective enforcement of COVID-19 regulations to indefinitely postpone by-elections and prohibit MDC Alliance gatherings, while permitting internal elections and gatherings for the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANUPF) party and its allies to go forward. In 2003, the United States and its allies imposed targeted sanctions on Zanu PF officials over alleged human rights violations and election rigging. But Zanu PF claims that the West imposed the sanctions following the implementation of Zimbabwes land reform program, which resulted in an estimated 4,000 white commercial farmers losing their farms to local people. The ruling party also claims that some MDC Alliance members are joining it without being coerced. 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 Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla who recently added Technoking to his title, said on Wednesday that the company would accept Bitcoin as payment for cars in the United States, a move that is at odds with the companys image as an environmentally friendly electric-car maker. Tesla will hold the digital currency, rather than convert payments to dollars, and handle the crypto transactions internally, Mr. Musk said. Bitcoin paid to Tesla will be retained as Bitcoin, not converted to fiat currency, Mr. Musk explained in a tweet. That means when someone buys a Tesla with Bitcoin, the price of the car could well rise or fall over time. In other words, Tesla is turning one-time payments into assets with shifting value, or, essentially, investments. Buyers outside the United States will have the option to use Bitcoin later this year, Mr. Musk said. Richland 2 employees will be receiving a bonus. All full-time employees will receive a $1,000 bonus after taxes and part-time employees will receive a $500 bonus after taxes, the board unanimously approved at a Tuesday meeting. To make sure employees keep roughly $1,000 or $500 after taxes, the district will pay $1,580 to full time employees and $789 to part-time employees. The bonuses will cost Richland 2 roughly $6.45 million, board member Lashonda McFadden said during the meeting. District financial officials will announce later this week when teachers will receive the bonuses, said Richland 2 spokeswoman Libby Roof. The $6.45 million will come from the $11.3 million budget surplus from last fiscal year, according to board documents. With the remaining money, Richland 2 will place $3.5 million to the building fund and $1.35 million into the fund balance, documents show. The point of moving money into the building fund is to reduce the need to borrow money when the district needs to improve or repair buildings, according to the board documents. This is the second year in a row Richland 2 employees have received a $1,000 or $500 bonus paid for by a budget surplus. Last year, the bonuses were decided upon in January, before the COVID-19 pandemic upended districts budgets. The Indian High Commission said yesterday by the time the Trinidad and Tobago Government made a request for a Covid-19 vaccine donation from India it may have been too late but the High Commissioner indicated he would go the extra mile to assist. The group's lawyer says the BDC operators have been detained for over two weeks without being charged with any offence The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has demanded the immediate release of 26 of its members it said are being detained by the State Security Services (SSS). ABSON's lawyer, Rilwan Idris, who made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday. According to him, the SSS operatives had arrested and detained the BDC operators without charging them to court, in what he described as a breach of their "fundamental human rights". He said SSS had been holding his clients after inviting them from Kano, Yola, Sokoto, Minna and Lagos for questioning over two weeks ago. He added that the 26 detainees had not been allowed access to their families, and that letters of inquiry about the offences they were being detained for were ignored by the agency. Mr Idris said, "the law empowers security agencies to investigate offences where an individual may be found wanting. It also provides for the way and manner such investigation should be carried out and conducted within the ambit of the law. "After they were invited and detained, we wrote a letter to the SSS on March 22, demanding the release of all 26 members invited for questioning and we did a follow-up to know about their offences, but we were told to come back. "None of their family members has had access to them. We have been further informed by the family members that some of the arrested individuals have underlying health challenges which require regular medical attention which they have not had access to since the dates of their arrests and detention. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We know as a fact that none of our clients who have been arrested by the SSS has been charged to court for any offence neither have the people and family members who have inquired about them been informed if they have been or will be charged to court for any offence known to law. Threat to sue The lawyer also said a legal action might be taken on behalf of the detainee if the agency continued to hold them. "At this juncture, it is important to state unequivocally that the continued detention of our clients without arraigning them before a court of competent jurisdiction for an offence known to law is a clear breach and violation of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. "We, therefore, advise that they be promptly released forthwith as the fact of their detention this long is in itself already actionable." Efforts to reach Peter Afunaya, SSS spokesperson, for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls and text messages sent to his telephone number. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky testifies to a Senate panel in Washington on March 18, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) CDC Director Enthusiastic About Pace of COVID-19 Vaccinations A top health official on Wednesday expressed enthusiasm about how many Americans are getting COVID-19 vaccinations every day, even as she and other federal officials warned people not to stop mitigation measures amid the pandemic. Im enthusiastic about the pace of vaccination that is happening, about the early data that were seeing, the changes in infection rates, the changes in emergency department rates, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said during a virtual briefing. But Walensky also added that she remains guarded and is worried about footage showing people enjoying Spring Break at various beaches and about people who are not continuing to implement prevention strategies while we get fully scaled up. Were at 13 percent. We need to be much higher than that to feel like we have adequate protection around this country, she said, referring to the percentage of the population who have been fully vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19. Some 46 million Americans have been fully vaccinated as of March 24, including nearly 44 percent of men and women 65 years old or older. Fully vaccinated means that people have received both doses of the vaccines from Moderna or Pfizer, or the single Johnson & Johnson shot. Another 39 million have received one injection but are waiting for the second, according to federal data. No country has vaccinated more people than the U.S. Thats the result of our three-pronged strategy to rapidly [increase] vaccine supply, to add thousands of vaccinators and thousands more places for people to get vaccinated, Andy Slavvit, acting administrator for the U.S. COVID-19 response, told reporters. The pace of vaccination has quickened, from under 1 million per day in early January to over 2 million daily on average in recent weeks. A woman receives a COVID-19 vaccination, at Jordan Downs in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 10, 2021. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters) Ive been so impressed by the pace of vaccinationby the way so many Americans have embraced vaccination and have chipped in with their families and communities to help others get vaccinated. We are now vaccinating between 16 and 20 million people a week. And this means that we are closer to resuming activities we love to do with those we care about the most, Walensky said. Federal officials have said herd immunity, or protection against the virus achieved through a combination of vaccinations and recoveries, wont be achieved until 70 percent or more of Americans have gotten a vaccine. Officials highlighted several studies published by the New England Journal of Medicine, including one that found just 4 of 8,121 fully vaccinated employees contracting the CCP virus, versus 112 partially vaccinated workers and 234 non-vaccinated ones. They also provided little new insight into the debacle surrounding the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. In a harsh note on Tuesday, American health officials said AstraZeneca may have included outdated information in presenting interim results from a phase 3 trial, recommending the company quickly release more accurate, up-to-date data. The company is working with the Data and Safety Monitoring Board, which was monitoring the study, to come out with a modified statement, Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top adviser to President Joe Biden, told the briefing. Fauci called what happened an apparent miscommunication. AstraZenecas shot is going to turn out to be a good vaccine, he added, citing data on its efficacy and safety. AstraZeneca officials had said Monday they planned to apply for emergency use authorization from drug regulators in the coming weeks. While the United States hasnt authorized its shot, a number of other countries did. Many suspended its use after reports of post-vaccination blood clots and deaths. Australias worst female serial killer, convicted child murderer Kathleen Folbigg, has spent the last 14 years fighting to clear her name through the courts, using every avenue open to her. On Wednesday, it took less than a minute for the NSW Court of Appeal to dash her hopes once more. Folbigg, appearing briefly by video link, sat in stunned silence as her appeal was dismissed and she was ordered to pay the NSW Attorney-Generals costs. Her last hopes are now pinned on the same Attorney-General advising the NSW Governor to pardon her. Convicted baby killer Kathleen Folbigg during the 2019 appeal. Credit:Nine The appeal court on Wednesday found there was no error of law in the 2019 judicial inquiry by the Honourable Reginald Blanch AM, QC, which reinforced Folbiggs guilt for the manslaughter of her first son, Caleb, and the subsequent murders of Patrick, Sarah and Laura. The children were all aged between 19 days and 18 months when they each died suddenly in the familys Newcastle home between February 1989 and March 1999, and post-mortems were unable to establish what caused them to stop breathing. In the turbulent aftermath of the 2020 presidential contest, election officials in Georgia, from the secretary of states office down to county boards, found themselves in a wholly unexpected position: They had to act as one of the last lines of defense against an onslaught of efforts by a sitting president and his influential allies to overturn the will of the voters. Now state Republicans are trying to strip these officials of their power. Buried in an avalanche of voting restrictions currently moving through the Georgia Statehouse are measures that would give G.O.P. lawmakers wide-ranging influence over the mechanics of voting and fundamentally alter the states governance of elections. The bill, which could clear the House as soon as Thursday and is likely to be passed by the Senate next week, would allow state lawmakers to seize control of county election boards and erode the power of the secretary of states office. Its looking at total control of the election process by elected officials, which is not what it should be, said Helen Butler, a Democratic county board of elections member. Its all about turnout and trying to retain power. Its not just Georgia. In Arizona, Republicans are pushing for control over the rules of the states elections. In Iowa, the G.O.P. has installed harsh new criminal penalties for county election officials who enact emergency voting rules. In Tennessee, a Republican legislator is trying to remove a sitting judge who ruled against the party in an election case. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. In the wake of an unprecedented spike of COVID-19 among L.A.'s unhoused residents, Los Angeles County health officials have started tackling the complicated task of distributing vaccines to the tens of thousands of people who live in shelters, encampments, and vehicles. Collaborating with a patchwork assortment of local service providers and healthcare partners, county officials have been scrambling to set up pop-up clinics and mobile vaccination sites throughout L.A. since early February, and have provided vaccines to more than 5,000 people experiencing homelessness so far, according to the Department of Health Services. Though the effects of the pandemic took longer to reach some Angelenos experiencing homelessness, new research from UCLA epidemiologists shows that unhoused L.A. county residents who contract COVID-19 are 50% more likely to die than members of the general population. Public health officials are focusing first on congregate sites like shelters and encampments, where people are more likely to be exposed. One area that's being prioritized is Skid Row, where several shelters struggled to contain an outbreak of cases in January. On a recent Wednesday, a line of Skid Row residents stretched down the block in front of the Midnight Mission for a pop-up vaccine clinic organized by the Department of Health Services and Los Angeles Christian Health Centers. Skid Row residents wait in line for a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Midnight Mission. (Zoie Matthew/LAist) Inside the courtyard, healthcare workers worked to distribute the 88 Moderna doses they had available before they expired, hustling between socially-distanced patients seated in folding chairs, taking down registration information, and explaining potential side effects of the vaccine. Of the doses, 30 were restricted to individuals over 65, while another 58--left over from another distribution--were made available to all Skid Row residents. In the beginning of the rollout, health officials were prioritizing seniors, but earlier this month the county's entire unhoused population became eligible to receive vaccines. "WANTED TO PROTECT MYSELF" One of the restricted vaccines went to 76-year-old Ray Carrington, who biked to the Mission from the Skid Row apartment where he lives. After he received the shot, a volunteer handed him a card with a return date to receive his second dose, and asked him to wait for 15 minutes to make sure he didn't have an adverse reaction. Carrington, a jazz musician, said he came to get the vaccine because he was sick of staying inside. He looked forward to being able to go out and play music again. "I wanted to live another 75 years," said Carrington. "I wanted to protect myself." Skid Row resident Christopher McCray waits in the courtyard of the Midnight Mission after receiving his COVID vaccine (Zoie Matthew/LAist) 55-year-old Christopher McCray, who lives in a tent at the corner of 6th Street and Wall Street, said he felt "blessed" to have received one of the unrestricted doses. He has been wary about leaving his tent amid the recent outbreak, becoming something of a "stranger to the streets." "Now that I've gotten a vaccine, I still have to wear my mask and keep my social distance, as I've been doing," said McCray. "But I do feel that I am a little safer now, because I have something other than myself to fight the pandemic, which is something that I don't know a lot about." MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE While walk-up clinics like the Midnight Mission's work well for concentrated areas like Skid Row, health officials will have to use more innovative ways to offer vaccines to people who live in encampments in other parts of the city, or in isolated areas. John Connolly, Chief Strategist for the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, said that some COVID-19 response teams from the Department of Health Services who previously focused on doing wellness checks and testing will now focus on setting up vaccine testing sites in the field. The county has also partnered with a number of Federally Qualified Health Centers, some of which could distribute vaccines through mobile or van-based clinics. This will allow them to meet people where they are. "They can set up, through a van or a vehicle, a temporary kind of clinic or distribution site that's close to where people experiencing homelessness spend their time," said Connolly. A healthcare worker tells Jake Barton when to come back for his second vaccine dose. Barton recently survived a bout of COVID. (Zoie Matthew/LAist) DISTRUST Some providers are concerned that unhoused individuals may also have a distrust of government officials, or come from communities who have been subjected to medical racism, making them wary of receiving the vaccine. "There is resistance to the vaccine, whether you're housed or unhoused, among the general population. Especially in communities of color, for very good reasons," said Stephanie Jaeger, Executive Director of the NoHo home alliance. It was one of the first organizations to launch a pilot vaccination program for the unhoused in early February. Jaeger said it's critical that the county continues to partner with community organizations like hers, who have long-standing relationships with unhoused clients, so that they can work to overcome any lingering vaccine resistance. "Our volunteers are able to talk to our unhoused guests one on one about why the vaccine is important and how it helps them to avoid really serious illness," she said. Jeanette Rowe, Director of Programs at the Midnight Mission, said the Department of Public Health has been doing preliminary outreach in Skid Row to educate the community about the vaccine, and Mission case workers have been working with clients to address peoples' concerns. Rowe said they met with one 87-year-old client for five days in a row to ease her into the idea of getting the vaccine before she finally agreed to it. "This client had some real fears about getting the vaccine, but I think by just talking to her everyday and making it a little more normal, she was able to really just go ahead and take care of that for herself," said Rowe. "It's not perfect, but it's working." SECOND DOSES Once unhoused people get the vaccine, it's critical to ensure they come back to receive their second dose -- or that they don't get too many doses. This is a particular concern for those with mental health issues which might interfere with their ability to remember if, and when, they got a shot. The single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which recently started its rollout, might help resolve this issue once more doses become available. For now, providers are relying on county data systems to keep track of patient activity. "If they want a vaccine, first or second, they go through the system so health services can make sure they're identifying the person, and that they haven't been vaccinated already," said Rowe. The Department of Health Services is also using text messages, email reminders, phone calls, and alerts in homeless service information systems to send follow-up reminders. Clients who do not have phones are provided one so that the teams can reach them to provide the second dose. To date, the second dose follow-up rate is 80 percent for all vaccination clinics, according to the Department of Health Services. After clients receive their second dose, Rowe said her concern shifts to making sure they have a place to rest comfortably while they recover from the sometimes intense side effects that can ensue, such as fever, chills, exhaustion, and headaches. "If I have side effects from the vaccine, I just come home and go to bed," she said. "But that's harder to do on the street." She says the Mission is currently offering vaccine recipients the option to stay in their courtyard overnight. SILVER LINING Despite the numerous and complicated challenges that lie ahead, Rowe said there has already been one unexpected positive outcome from the vaccine clinics the Mission has hosted. A number of people, after receiving their shots, have asked to come stay in the shelter. The first clinic alone brought in 13 new clients, said Rowe. "I keep looking at the number on my screen, and I just leave it up," she said. "They now have the option to get employment services, education, everything we have." Rowe said the experience has made her feel a little more hopeful overall. "I'll honestly say that for Midnight Mission and myself, it has been a long road to the point of vaccinations," she said. "But now, there's a light at the end of the tunnel--if someone does get COVID, at least they have a chance of surviving it." WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS News Release Basel, 24 March 2021 Dufry successfully completes the offering of CHF 500 million new convertible bonds and has launched the voluntary incentivised conversion offer to holders of the CHF 350 million 1.0 % convertible bonds due 2023 New Convertible Bonds Dufry, via its subsidiary Dufry One B.V., successfully completed the placement of senior convertible bonds due 2026 in an aggregate principal amount of CHF 500 million, conditionally convertible into shares of the Company and guaranteed by the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (the "New Convertible Bonds"). The New Convertible Bonds with a denomination of CHF 200,000 will be issued at par and carry a coupon of 0.75 %, payable semi-annually in arrears. The conversion price is CHF 87.00, corresponding to a conversion premium of 45 % over the reference share price, which is equal to the offer price determined in the concurrent share placement and delta hedging transactions of certain convertible bonds investors. Unless previously converted, redeemed, or re-purchased and cancelled, the New Convertible Bonds will be redeemed at par at maturity on 30 March 2026. The shares to be delivered upon conversion of the New Convertible Bonds will be sourced from conditional capital or from existing shares. For this purpose, the Board of Directors will be seeking shareholders' approval at the next ordinary general meeting, scheduled for 18 May 2021, for the creation of conditional capital sufficient to enable the physical settlement of the New Convertible Bonds upon conversion. If shareholder approval for the creation of conditional capital is not passed and registered before 30 June 2021, the New Convertible Bonds will be redeemed in cash at 102 % of the greater of the principal amount and the fair market value of the New Convertible Bonds, plus accrued but unpaid interest, and otherwise in accordance with their terms. Dufry agreed to a lock-up period of 90 days following closing of the New Convertible Bonds issuance, subject to customary exceptions and waiver by the Joint Global Coordinators. The settlement date of the New Convertible Bonds is expected to be on or around 30 March, 2021. Application for the listing and trading of the New Convertible Bonds on SIX Swiss Exchange will be made at a later stage. For further information please click here. Incentivized Conversion Offer In relation to the voluntary incentivized conversion offer announced on 23 March 2021 (the "Incentivized Conversion Offer"), Dufry One B.V. fixes the cash payment to holders of the existing CHF 350 million 1.0 % convertible bonds due 2023 (the "Existing Convertible Bonds") who elect to exercise their right to convert their Existing Convertible Bonds into Dufry shares at CHF 16,389.89 per CHF 200,000 principal amount of the Existing Convertible Bonds, as further set out in the official offer document dated 23 March 2021. The Incentivized Conversion Offer commenced on 23 March 2021 and will end at 16.00 CET on 6 April 2021 (the "Acceptance Period"). As of 23.00 CET on 23 March 2021, holders in excess of CHF 200 million principal amount of Existing Convertible Bonds declared their intention to convert the said principal amount of Existing Convertible Bonds into Dufry shares. Pursuant to Condition 5.3(a) of the Existing Convertible Bonds, if at any time less than 15 % of the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Convertible Bonds originally issued are outstanding and held by persons other than the Company and any subsidiary, Dufry One B.V. may redeem such Existing Convertible Bonds at their principal amount (in accordance with the terms and conditions) together with accrued but unpaid interest to such date. DISCLAIMER This announcement may not be published, distributed or transmitted, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America (including its territories and possessions), Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where such announcement could be unlawful. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons who are in possession of this document or other information referred to herein should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute an offer of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, securities of the Company or of any of its subsidiaries in the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, an offer in any jurisdiction. The securities offered will not be and have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, (as amended the "Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act. In the United Kingdom, this announcement is only directed at persons who (i) are investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended the "Order") or (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc. (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons")). This document must not be acted on, or relied upon, by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. In member states of the European Economic Area the placement of securities described in this announcement is directed exclusively at persons who are "qualified investors" with-in the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 (Prospectus Regulation). The New Convertible Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA. For these purposes, a "Retail Investor" means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU ("MIFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 (as amended, the "Insurance Distribution Directive"), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of article 4(1) of MIFID II. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Convertible Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Convertible Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation. The offering of the New Convertible Bonds in Switzerland is exempt from the requirement to prepare and publish a prospectus under the Swiss Financial Services Act of 15 June 2018 (as amended, the "FinSA") because the New Convertible Bonds have a minimum denomination of CHF 100,000 (or equivalent in another currency) or more. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus pursuant to the FinSA, and no such prospectus has been or will be prepared for, or in connection with, the offering of the New Convertible Bonds. The New Convertible Bonds are not intended, to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For the purposes of this provision the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following: (i) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA") and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or (iii) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation. No action has been taken that would permit an offering or an acquisition of the securities or a distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where such action would be unlawful. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about and to observe any such restrictions. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the placement. Investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the placement for the person concerned. This announcement may contain forward looking statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of the Company ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the management of the Company and involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements included herein only speak as at the date of this release. We undertake no obligation, and do not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any of the information, forward-looking statements or the conclusions contained herein or to reflect new events or circumstances or to correct any inaccuracies which may become apparent subsequent to the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We accept no liability whatsoever in respect of the achievement of such forward-looking statements and assumptions. For further information please contact: Dr. Kristin Kohler Renzo Radice Global Head Investor Relations Phone: +41 79 563 18 09 kristin.koehler@dufry.com Global Head Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Phone: +41 61 266 44 19 renzo.radice@dufry.com Dufry Group - A leading global travel retailer Dufry AG (SIX: DUFN) is the leading global travel retailer operating over 2,300 duty-free and duty-paid shops in airports, cruise lines, seaports, railway stations and downtown tourist areas, in more than 430 locations in 64 countries across all six continents. The Company, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is offering customers a first-class shopping experience, global brands, a unique market access and landlords a reliable, value-enhancing partnership. To learn more about Dufry, please visit www.dufry.com. Social Responsibility Dufry cares for children and supports social projects from SOS Kinderdorf in Brazil, Cambodia, Mexico, Morocco and Ivory Coast. SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-political and non-demonstrational organization established for orphaned and destitute children all over the world. Lamar University President Ken Evans, who announced earlier this year that he would retire in June, has been named to lead Oklahoma City University. Evans came to Lamar eight years ago after holding leadership positions at the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Oklahoma. Im delighted to have the opportunity to return to a community I know and respect and to a university that contributes so significantly to Oklahoma Citys workforce and culture, he said in a statement released by Lamar Tuesday afternoon. An added benefit is the proximity of Oklahoma City to my family who can in turn be part of the OCU experience with me. Evans was selected from among four finalists, the announcement from Lamar said. He was the universitys 15th president. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox Evans also held academic positions at California State University, Sacramento; University of Colorado, Boulder; and Arizona State University. He will begin his new job on July 1. The announcement comes less than a year after Evans made it to the final stages of interviewing for the chancellor position at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He ended up withdrawing his name from that search. Related: Lamar President chosen as finalist for chancellor position at Southern Illinois University During his tenure at Lamar, Evans led an overhaul of the university, building up a robust, nationally acclaimed online program and a slew of centers and task forces to deal with pressing issues of the day. He also oversaw more on-campus construction than in the previous 40 years, while weathering meteorological challenges, including Tropical Storm Harvey and Tropical Depression Imelda. Harvey, in 2017, caused a dip in enrollment and accelerated the pivot to online classes across the campus. That move proved instrumental when the university became the first educational institution in the region to move online when the coronavirus pandemic swept across the region last March. Paul McLaughlin, chairman of the Oklahoma City University board of trustees, cited Evans experience and local connections. With his years of academic leadership at Lamar and other institutions, we are confident in Dr. Evans ability to help us continue our tradition of excellence, McLaughlin said in a press release. His experience as a president and administrator, along with his local connections in central Oklahoma, will be valuable assets in continuing to move the university forward. Related: LU President Ken Evans to retire The Texas State University System Board of Regents in February appointed a 23-member advisory committee of faculty, staff, a student and community representatives to assist in the search for Evanss successor. The committee will work with executive search firm Anthem Executive through May to draft a presidential profile and conduct a national search. The committee will identify a small number qualified candidates to recommend to Chancellor Brian McCall for his review and consideration, the system said. The chancellor will recommend a sole finalist to be considered by the Board of Regents. State law requires a 21-day waiting period between the public announcement of the sole finalist and board approval. During this waiting period, the sole finalist will be introduced to LU faculty, staff, students, community members, and other key stakeholders, adhering to necessary travel, meeting, and social distancing guidelines. Related: TSUS forms committee to find next LU President During a student forum at OCU, Evans said he hopes to spark growth and revitalization of the city through the influence of the college, as well as addressing problems with gentrification. Being the only embedded university in this city, you have an obligation to this city, Evans said, according to reporting by OCUs student publication. The more you improve this city with the next level of improvements, revitalizations going on in Oklahoma City, unless you attend the gentrification, you will create a massive problem. Theres too much data out there to demonstrate that that is the case. Also at the forum, Evans referenced the future of online education, something that flourished at Lamar during his tenure. What then is the future for OCU? Youve already entered it. You entered it on Friday the 13th in March, wherein you flipped the switch, and you moved your entire curriculum online, Evans told the students. There is no question that whatever the reality is that we return to, its going to be different than the one that preceded that day. Outgoing OCU President Martha Burger will serve until June 30. I am excited to welcome Dr. Evans as the new president of OCU, Burger said in a statement. I believe that my alma mater will be in good hands and that OCUs future is as bright as ever. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes We had mentioned in Tuesdays closing report that Nifty, Sensex may face resistance. On Wednesday, the indices opened lower and faced major losses. On the NSE, there were 441 advances, 1,487 declines and 76 unchanged. The trends of the major indices in the course of Wednesdays trading are given in the table below: The government plans to sell 10 percent of total paid-up equity of Rail Vikas Nigam via offer for sale route on March 24-25. In case of oversubscription, the government will sell additional 5% shareholding in the company. The floor price for the offer has been fixed at Rs 27.50 per share. Adani Green signed a share purchase agreement for the full acquisition of two SPVs holding 74.94 MW operating solar projects of Sterling & Wilson. Glenmark Pharma received USFDA approval for Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride tablets, Glenmark is the first approved applicant for such competitive generic therapy and is eligible for 180 days of CGT exclusivity upon commercial marketing. Hero MotoCorp announced an increase in ex-showroom prices of its motorcycles and scooters with effect from April 1. The price increase across the range of two-wheelers will be up to Rs 2,500, and the exact quantum of the increase will vary on the basis of the model and the specific market. Adani Road Transport was awarded one more hybrid annuity mode road project from the National Highways Authority of India in the state of Telangana under Bharatmala Pariyojana. Cadila Healthcare and its subsidiary Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. announced it has reached an agreement with Celgene Corporation relating to patents for REVLIMID (lenalidomide). Grasim Industries board has approved raising of funds by availing of term loans or by an issue of debt securities including, within the overall borrowing limit of Rs 10,000 crore. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) along with Humsafar, an app-based doorstep diesel delivery service, has begun doorstep delivery of diesel for industrial and bulk customers in the NCR city of Faridabad and adjoining areas in Haryana. The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below: The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below: BCRA Amoth Casteen Comery Barene Johnson Zimmerman In Tacoma, BCRA hired Tauna Johnson as its first associate of opportunities + growth. It also hired Michael Barene as an associate of civil engineering, Rianna Comery as an associate of interior design, Andrew Casteen as an information systems associate, Jordan Amoth as an experiential graphic designer and Sophie Topping-Zimmerman as an associate of architecture. Johnson's professional background includes development, admissions and stewardship for nonprofit organizations such as the YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties. Her education in social welfare will support her while serving in BCRA's recruitment efforts. She is a graduate of the University of Washington. Barene holds a bachelor's in civil engineering from Montana State University. He was an intern at KPFF Consulting Engineers where he worked on stormwater management and analysis. He will join the public works market. Comery is on BCRA's interior design team and will support the health care and education markets. She holds a bachelor of fine arts in interior design from George Fox University. Casteen was an IT help desk intern in BCRA's Tacoma office while earning a bachelor's in information technology from the University of Washington, Tacoma. He is working on coding automated reports which will aid the firm's project management and strategic planning efforts. Amoth was with IA Interior Architects. He has a background in workplace EGD, which will help support him while serving in the health care market. Topping-Zimmerman has a bachelor's in architecture from California Polytechnic State University. She will focus primarily on the multifamily market. BCRA provides architecture, interior design, civil engineering, structural engineering, land use planning and landscape architecture. Editors note: This op-ed is one of two commentary pieces today addressing a proposal to allow temporary homeless shelters in land zoned as open space, including parks and natural areas. You can find the other op-ed arguing the opposing position at oregonlive.com/opinion. Laquida Landford, Tim McCormick, and Les Wardenaar Landford is the leader of the AfroVillage PDX Project. McCormick is co-founder of PDX Shelter Forum and lead organizer of Village Collaborative. Wardenaar is chair of the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty and co-founder of Shelter Now. As Portlanders who love our city and our neighbors including those living with the indignity, insecurity and physical exposure of houseless life on the street we must collaborate to solve our houselessness crisis, and ensure a safe, decent place to live for all residents. We strongly support the Shelter to Housing Continuum proposal, which would help us address homelessness by expanding shelter and low-cost housing options. We also urge the adoption of recommendations developed by Portland: Neighbors Welcome, Community Alliance of Tenants, Shelter Now, PDX Shelter Forum, and the Interfaith Alliance on Poverty. Readers can find the amendments at s2hc.pdxshelterforum.org. There is controversy about the proposal permitting shelters as a temporary use (up to 180 days) in land zoned as open space, which makes up the majority of publicly-owned land in Portland. This land includes natural areas, parks, and other vacant government land such as next to transportation infrastructure. The provision was included to allow for continued use of our community centers as warming and cooling shelters in severe weather. While we understand the concerns, given the complexity of solving houselessness it would be premature to prohibit all shelters from open-space zoned land without even inventorying and examining the potential sites. Taking public land off the table for sanctioned villages narrows our options and will not reduce unsanctioned camping. We have so many unsanctioned camps in/near parks and natural areas because we are not responding to the needs of the community by providing alternative shelter options. Recent court decisions state we cannot require people to leave an area unless we provide other accommodations. Given no other options, people will continue to camp in natural areas and in/near parks unsanctioned. Our community needs the ability to create a continuum of shelter and housing options that recognizes that people have different needs, capabilities, and desires. We have seen in recent years how innovative shelter solutions such as the Kenton Womens Village in North Portland and the Agape Village in Southeast Portland have helped create stability and community for those who are houseless. The City Council should allow such villages permanently on open sites that are not natural areas or parks. Government approval would still be required and should be accompanied by community conversations. We propose that the city also expand the kinds of accommodations it would allow as part of the Shelter to Housing Continuum plan, by specifically legitimizing the use of permanent structures such as small houses, instead of just temporary structures (e.g. tents, yurts, vehicle dwellings). The plan should also allow for permanent villages rather than insisting that they be just temporary/shelter installations. The city could incorporate these solutions in the next iteration of its Residential Infill Project, an ongoing effort to review housing types and density in neighborhoods throughout the city. Together these changes could greatly help the plan before Council to fulfill its goal of supporting transition from shelter into permanent housing. Like many Portlanders, we are ready to collaborate on this issue to help those who are suffering and to feel confident as a community that we are making substantive, lasting progress. It is critical to act swiftly and with conviction to address this crisis with solutions that match the emergency, and thats what the Shelter to Housing Continuum plan accomplishes. Sign up for our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for tightening of the nation's gun laws, plunging him into an impassioned debate that he largely tiptoed around until it erupted anew after two mass shootings. But Biden and Democratic leaders tempered their push for swift action with some doubt about their ability to enact new restrictions, even with party control of the White House and Congress, underlining the political volatility that has long surrounded efforts to overhaul gun laws. In hastily arranged remarks less than 24 hours after a shooting rampage in Boulder, Colo., that left 10 people dead, Biden proposed a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, as well as an expansion of background checks during gun sales. Gun-control advocates have tried to push through all these initiatives over the past decade, but strong cultural and political divisions have stymied their efforts. "I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common-sense steps that will save lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act," Biden said. He suggested that he might offer new legislation to complement bills that have already passed the House. Any gun legislation is expected to face major hurdles in the Senate, which is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Asked during a trip to Ohio later Tuesday whether he had the political capital to shepherd a gun measure, Biden crossed his fingers and replied, "I hope so. I don't know. I haven't done any counting yet." Still, his comments were the most detailed of his presidency on gun control, an issue that has been eclipsed by the coronavirus pandemic and other crises. Biden engaged in a flurry of executive actions after he was sworn in, but none of them touched on firearms. And he did not fulfill a campaign promise to send a bill to Congress on his first day in office repealing liability protections for gun manufacturers and closing background-check loopholes. But the grocery store shooting in Boulder - coming less than a week after a shooting rampage in Atlanta left eight people dead, including six Asian women - has quickly increased pressure on Biden to use the power of his office to secure new gun laws. "Now is the time to act - not next week, not next month, but today," said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. "It's time for the Senate and the administration to do something about it." Feinblatt, who said he is in touch with the White House, also urged Biden to use his executive powers. "I think it's past time for them to act," he added. For weeks, the White House has been privately exploring various executive orders related to firearms, such as strengthening background checks and community anti-violence funding, according to people familiar with the conversations. White House officials confirmed on Tuesday that they are considering potential executive actions, but they declined to provide a timeline. Also under discussion is regulating "ghost guns," which are devices assembled at home and lacking serial numbers, making them more difficult to track. The people describing the talks spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that were not public. The White House focused heavily Tuesday on promoting legislation that has already passed the House to toughen background checks. And administration officials rejected the idea that they have not focused on gun control, pointing to meetings they have had with advocates. "We are certainly considering a range of levers, including working through legislation, including executive actions to address not just gun safety measures, but violence in communities," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters traveling on Air Force One. "So that is - has been under discussion and will continue to be under discussion." Along with a surge of immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, the shootings have jolted a highly choreographed opening to the Biden presidency, forcing the president to confront polarizing issues he trod over lightly as a candidate. Biden during the campaign portrayed himself as a unifier, emphasizing noncontroversial topics such as pandemic relief and job creation. Few issues in recent decades have been as contentious as guns. Republicans have used the topic to galvanize their base, warning that Democrats are trying to take away firearms. The attacks have caused Democrats to navigate the issue warily, worried they would pay a political price especially among rural voters if they championed gun-control measures too aggressively. Biden had a firsthand view of this reality as vice president under President Barack Obama, who made an unsuccessful attempt in 2013 to pass new legislation after the Newtown, Conn., school shooting that left six adults and 20 children dead in December 2012. Obama on Tuesday also urged the passage of gun-control measures. "We can overcome opposition by cowardly politicians and the pressure of a gun lobby that opposes any limit on the availability of anyone to assemble an arsenal," he said. "We can, and we must." But a statement by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, at a Senate committee hearing on gun violence made it clear that Republicans are not about to reconsider. "Every time there's a shooting, we play this ridiculous theater where this committee gets together and proposes a bunch of laws that would do nothing to stop these murders," Cruz said. After a February 2018 shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla., students launched a wave of activism that propelled gun-control issues to the front of the Democratic agenda, including Biden's. But since taking office, the president has been swamped by other crises, from the pandemic to the economy to immigration. Meanwhile, there is little evidence that Congress has become any more hospitable to gun control. While there are fewer Democrats representing rural areas, there are fewer moderate Republicans, leading to even greater polarization. Still, gun-control activists say there are some reasons for hope. They cite the enduring popularity of expanding background checks; they point to the internal problems that have roiled the National Rifle Association, their most powerful opponent; they reflect on the success Democrats have had running on gun issues in the suburban areas where their congressional majorities were built; and they point to a recently successful push to place new restrictions on guns in Virginia. But those were afterthoughts Tuesday on Capitol Hill. While Democrats spoke of an aggressive push to bring gun legislation to the Senate floor, they carefully calibrated expectations to make clear that the likely outcome was simply a debate and perhaps a vote on some version of a bill introduced previously by Sens. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., and Patrick Toomey, R-Pa. The bills passed by the House are aimed at closing loopholes in the requirement that gun buyers undergo criminal background checks. The "Charleston loophole," for example, allows someone to buy a gun if a background check is not concluded after three days, and that would be extended to 10. The second bill would close the "gun show loophole," which allows private individuals who are not licensed dealers to buy and sell guns without background checks. Manchin opposes the two House bills as too far reaching, effectively dooming their prospects in the 50-50 Senate. "No, I don't support what the House passed - no, not at all," he told reporters. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., reminded reporters of an unsuccessful attempt in 2019 to push gun legislation after two massacres just hours apart in Dayton, Ohio, and El Paso, Texas, and said: "This Democratic Senate will be different." But when pressed, Schumer declined to promise that any particular legislation would pass. With a 60-vote threshold on legislation in the Senate because of the filibuster, Democrats would need to not only consolidate all of their own supporters, but persuade 10 Republicans to come along. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., a chief backer of gun-control legislation since the school massacre in his state, said that he and Schumer plan to sit down soon to map out a strategy. "I'm a bit loath to compromise on a bill that is so wildly popular, but I obviously would love as big a vote as we can get and for the time being we need 60 votes," Murphy said. Toomey, who is retiring at the end of the current Congress, was blunt about the challenges to passing gun-control measures. "We're having preliminary conversations and I hope we can get something across the goal line. But it's very difficult," Toomey told reporters in the Capitol. Eight years ago, Toomey had three other Senate Republican allies on his efforts - Susan Collins of Maine, who reiterated her support Tuesday for the legislation, Mark Kirk of Illinois, who lost his seat in the 2016 elections, and John McCain of Arizona, who died in 2018. Of the Republicans who have joined the Senate since, none have indicated centrist views on gun control. In recent years, Republican candidates have touted their guns in campaign commercials. Far-right Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado stoked controversy this year with a digital ad in which she vowed to carry a handgun in Washington. While Democrats face challenges building support for their gun agenda, the opposition also faces a moment of reckoning. The renewed calls for banning assault weapons will test the power of the once seemingly unstoppable NRA. The group has been weakened in recent years, plagued by infighting, allegations of self-dealing among top leaders and a sweeping probe of alleged violations of its nonprofit status by the New York State attorney general. "Regrettably, gun-control advocates have already rushed to politicize this horrific situation - even as most of the salient facts remain unknown," the NRA said Tuesday. For Biden, the moment is the latest in a long series of legislative battles over guns that have ended with mixed results. As a senator, he played a leading role in passing a 1994 crime bill that included a ban on certain semiautomatic weapons. It expired 10 years later. "I got that done when I was a senator. It passed," Biden said Tuesday. "We should do it again." - - - Kim reported from Columbus, Ohio. The Washington Post's Tom Hamburger contributed to this report. The sovereign credit ratings of many countries could be downgraded as early as the next ten years if current levels of carbon emissions continue, increasing the cost of government and corporate debt globally, recent research led by the University of Cambridge revealed. Using Standard and Poors (S&P) data and climate-adjusted macroeconomic indicators, the researchers found that under a business-as-usual scenario with no action in curbing carbon emissions, the sovereign ratings of 63 countries will be downgraded by an average of one notch by 2030. Germany, India, Sweden, and the Netherlands would all fall three notches; the US and Canada would be downgraded by two notches and the UK by one. COVID-19 has spotlighted the importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and long-term sustainability issues for governments and companies. Despite the rapid increase in climate risk disclosures and sustainability reports by companies, businesses operate in macro environments often beyond their control. Most disclosures present companies as if they are independent of their physical and macroeconomic surroundings. But climate change does not just affect firms individually, it affects countries and economies systemically, the researchers wrote. No corporate climate risk assessment is complete without also considering the effect of climate on sovereign bonds. The researchers simulated climate changes effect on sovereign ratings (creditworthiness of countries) for 108 economies under three warming scenarios. By 2100, the countries would face a more significant downgrade where creditworthiness for 80 countries could fall an average of 2.5 notches, if carbon emissions continue to rise. Sovereign ratings are reported according to a 20-notch scale, where AAA is prime high grade, while anything below BBB is considered speculative or noninvestment grade. The impact of climate change on countries ability to repay debts will be more severe compared to what countries are facing now due to COVID-19. Over the past year, pandemic-induced economic shocks have led to sovereign rating downgrades for 48 countries, a smaller number compared to what could be on the horizon if nothing is done to reduce carbon emissions. Rating agencies sovereign forecasts rarely extend beyond three years, Moritz Kraemer, a co-author of the study, said in a news release. Investors are holding government bonds with ever-longer maturities. The agencies short time horizon increasingly leaves investors without a reliable yardstick for credit exposures that can extend up to a hundred years. [T]he latest climate science is essential to doing this. Countries with downgraded credit ratings would face increases in annual interest payments. An estimated rise of between $137 billion and $205 billion in interest payments is expected if carbon emissions continue to increase, the report noted. Corporate debt could also be more expensive. Businesses could see additional cost of debt up to $62 billion globally by 2100. Alexis See Tho (Alexis.SeeTho@aicpa-cima.com) is an FM magazine associate editor. This time feels different, Mr. Blumenthal said on Tuesday at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. The dawn of a new era, with a president completely committed to gun violence prevention. I know from having heard him privately and publicly that he shares this passion. So do majorities now in the House and the Senate. House Democrats passed two bills this month aimed at expanding and strengthening background checks for gun buyers by applying them to all gun buyers and extending the time the F.B.I. has to vet those flagged by the national instant check system. Senator Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York and the majority leader, vowed on Tuesday to put the bills to a vote on the Senate floor, and Mr. Biden urged their passage while also calling for a new assault weapons ban. The gunman in the Colorado shooting was armed with both a military-style semiautomatic rifle and a pistol. Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, said that he was open to the discussion around gun control measures, but that he was opposed to the two House-passed bills. What Im not attracted to is something that doesnt work, and there have been deep-seated philosophical differences between Republicans and Democrats about how to deal with gun violence, he said. Even before the recent shootings, Democrats had begun advancing stricter gun control measures that faced long odds in the 50-to-50 Senate. But even with unified Democratic control, speedy congressional action seems as elusive as ever. The twin pieces of legislation passed in the House have been deemed ineffective and too expansive by most Republicans; only eight House Republicans voted to advance the universal background check legislation. The bills would almost certainly not muster the 60 votes needed to clear a filibuster in the Senate. Geneva The U.N. refugee agency warns the humanitarian crisis in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province is evolving rapidly, and could negatively impact the surrounding region if it is not addressed. Two senior officials who visited makeshift settlements for displaced people in Cabo Delgado say the insurgency, which began four-and-a-half years ago, is escalating rapidly and forcing increasing numbers of people to flee their homes. They report 90 percent of the displaced are living with family and friends in urban areas where they receive support. About 10 percent, they say, are unable to find refuge and are living under appalling conditions. UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Gillian Triggs says the shelters are of the most primitive kind, and the government last distributed food to them in December. Consequently, she says, people are scrounging for roots and leaves in fields to feed themselves and their families. She says she heard shocking stories from grandmothers who were caring for orphan children. "In this case, a grandmother was caring for a baby a few months old," Triggs said. "Her daughter had been killed in the conflict and the father of the child had been killed and beheaded and the grandmother was now in this period of grief trying to care for this child without milk. Where they were grinding up root vegetables for the children, giving them diarrhea and exposing them to all sorts of other things." Triggs says the displaced in Cabo Delgado need everything -- shelter, food, clothing, medical care and protection from violence. There is no electricity in the makeshift settlements, and women are terrified of going out at night. More than 2,000 people have been killed since the start of the insurgency in October 2017, but Triggs notes there has been a significant increase in violence in the past year. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Conflict Refugees By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "In terms of what actually has been happening, villages have been set on fire, people killed, beheaded, including children," she said. "There are reports of children being beheaded, raped and, of course, huge levels of sexual violence of one kind or another. This is a full insurgency, a conflict of a very serious kind." The insurgency is led by militants who affiliated themselves with the Islamic State group in 2019. The UNHCR warns the current number of 700,000 internally displaced people is expected to rise to one million by June if the increasingly brutal conflict continues to be overlooked by the international community. The agency reports last November's $254 million appeal has received just five percent -- a sum far too low to make a dent in providing the most basic of needs for people struggling to survive. "Mostly, it's the veterans," Hoffman said. "We had one who was in one of the new homes in Rio Vista who looked at the home and cried. Some veterans tell us their life stories. One woman veteran was homeless and she was so happy to get a permanent home." Many vets, especially those with PTSD, do better surrounded by other veterans so there's a push for more "group housing," Hoffman said, hoping for more vets homes in Benicia and Vallejo. Solano-Napa Habitat for Humanity reaching 30 years is worthy of recognition, especially all the volunteers, Hoffman said, "because we couldn't do this without our volunteers." ReStore, where people can purchase a plethora of home items from appliances to washing machines, a 10-year milestone was reached with Hoffman working a usual 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift three or four days a week. Because of COVID-19, ReStore limits the number of people inside at one time. "On certain days, people are lined up outside and people would see the line thinking, 'What's going on?'" said Hoffman, elated that "we have finally gotten to the point where we're really stable." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 witness to the Colorado gun rampage has described the moment the suspect gave himself up after being surrounded by police, telling them: 'I surrender, I'm naked'. Maggie Montoya, who was working at the King Soopers supermarket where ten people died in Monday's massacre, heard gunshots ring out through the store as she took cover in a pharmacy room and called 911 and her family. Once police arrived and ordered the shooter to surrender, Montoya was shocked to hear Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa respond from just in front of the pharmacy, she told CPR. Alissa was subsequently seen being escorted away in handcuffs with a bloodied leg outside the supermarket in Boulder, and now faces ten counts of murder. In custody: The suspected shooter, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, is taken away in handcuffs with a bloodied leg outside the King Soopers supermarket in Boulder on Monday Running for cover: King Soopers employees are led away from the active shooter who killed ten people in the latest traumatic mass shooting in Colorado Maggie Montoya (pictured), who was working at the King Soopers supermarket where ten people died in Monday's massacre, heard gunshots ring out through the store as she took cover in a pharmacy room and called 911 and her family Montoya, 25, described how she ran for cover in a room where pharmacists had been giving out Covid-19 vaccines on the day of the shooting. She heard what she said were several bursts of rapid gunfire, against the background of supermarket music still playing over the public address system. While she hoped for safety behind a metal door, Montoya said she was 'just imagining the person hopping the counter and just coming in the room'. From her hiding place, she called 911 and contacted her parents and her boyfriend, as well as the husband of a pharmacy co-worker who did not have her phone. After the shooting died down she said she 'thought everybody was dead' and wondered why police had yet to storm inside the supermarket. But finally she heard the voice of a police officer on the loudspeaker telling the shooter that 'the entire building is surrounded... I need you to surrender now'. In a further shock to Montoya, she heard a voice respond from close to her pharmacy hiding place: 'I surrender, I'm naked'. But there was no immediate response and long minutes passed before Montoya heard police forcing their way inside. The shooter 'was still by the pharmacy when they told him to surrender', Montoya said, adding that the suspect had repeated that he was naked. People comfort each other outside the store while police watch over them following the mass shooting in Boulder on Monday People comfort each other at a makeshift memorial outside the King Soopers grocery store She then heard him walking away from the pharmacy before hearing the voices of police attending to the scene - but she still feared there could be more gunmen. Montoya also described her relief when police, rather than a shooter, knocked on the door of her hiding place - saying 'the right people came through the door'. Once outside the supermarket, she was reunited with her boyfriend Jordan Carpenter who was among those who had gathered outside the store. Meanwhile, Alissa was being taken to hospital after being shot in an exchange of fire with officers. Boulder police chief Maris Herold said Alissa would be charged with ten counts of first-degree murder and taken to a county jail. Herold did not offer any details on a possible motive for Alissa, whose family emigrated from Syria when he was a toddler in 2002. Alissa's booking photo after he was arrested in the wake of the King Soopers rampage He had 'lived most of his life in the United States,' police said. According to US media, citing a non-verified deleted Facebook account in his name, Alissa was born in Syria in 1999 and moved to the United States in 2002. A now-deleted Facebook account appeared to describe him as a fan of martial arts and wrestling, along with postings about Islam and criticisms of former President Trump Family and friends described a 'paranoid' and 'anti-social' individual with a history of violence, who may have suffered from mental illness and delusions. The police chief also read out, one by one, the names of the 10 people killed in the attack, who were men and women aged from 20 to 65. They included Boulder police officer Eric Talley, a 51-year-old father of seven, who was the first on the scene. 'Boulder County is a small community - we're all looking over the list. Do we know anybody?' said Colorado governor Jared Polis at a press conference. 'None of them expected that this would be their last day here on the planet.' Mourners placed dozens of flower bouquets and balloons on Talley's patrol car, which was displayed outside the Boulder Police Department on Tuesday. Colorado has previously suffered two of the most infamous mass shootings in US history - at Columbine High School in 1999, and at a movie theater in Aurora in 2012. The city of Boulder imposed a ban on 'assault-style weapons' and large-capacity gun magazines in the wake of the Parkland, Florida shooting in 2018. But a judge last week blocked that ban, the Denver Post reported, in a decision hailed by the National Rifle Association. The suspect, who surrendered a rifle and a semiautomatic handgun at the scene, had purchased a Ruger AR-556 pistol last Tuesday, according to a police affidavit. He was seen by family members playing with a 'machine gun' at their home 'about two days ago,' it said. KINSALE Community School has had funding approved for additional accommodation to meet the growing demand for places in the coming years. The funding will be used to provide ten general classrooms and enhanced toilet facilities. School principal Fergal McCarthy welcomed the news. We are a school that has been in continuous sustainable growth over the last number of years. It is great that we have been approved for additional accommodation so that our students can be educated in a 21st-century quality school setting which will also be safe in the context of the climate that we now find ourselves in, he said. Mr McCarthy said the ten additional classrooms are required to meet the growing demand amongst students within their local hinterland. Our numbers have grown again and we really want to ensure that our school is a safe environment for all our students. "We have constantly sought that the students who come to Kinsale Community School are educated in a setting that is appropriate to meet their academic needs, their emotional and physical needs. Fergal McCarthy, Principal Kinsale Community College pictured on the new running track with Tom Brennan, Rachel Casey, James OMahony and Helen Hynes from the Parents Association Fundraisers and Eddie Kelleher, Chair of the Parents Association. That would have been the underpinning reason why we reached out to the Department of Education last September with an application for additional accommodation for our students. It is very exciting and just recognition for the students that we serve. "We currently have 1180 students. There will be in excess of 1200 students in September. We are increasing our student numbers on a regular basis. The new extension is vital and very welcome news." The school principal said he anticipates the project will be completed within two years. The ten additional modular classes will be in place next September. It is envisaged that while those modular structures are in place the construction phase will commence, he said. Cork South West TD Christopher OSullivan congratulated Kinsale Community School on its successful application. This is a school that keeps going from strength to strength, Deputy OSullivan said. He added: At the start of the pandemic the students showed so much innovation when they began producing face masks for front line workers using their 3D printers. The musical talent in the school is also incredible." Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. 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 A sixth-grader at Mountain View Middle School in the Cumberland Valley School District is one of 15 finalists in a national contest sponsored by Sun-Maid. In February, Sun-Maid said it was looking for children ages 6 to 12 to fill five seats on its new Board of Imagination. Presley Conway, 11, of Hampden Twp., was nominated by her mother, Jill. We nominated Presley for Sun-Maids Board of Imagination because she has very imaginative ideas and this was an opportunity for her to be a part of something where she could share those ideas and see first-hand how her creativity can make a direct impact, said Jill Conway. Its also a great confidence booster, and she has the opportunity to help her school win money that Sun-Maid will donate to the top 5 winners. She was selected as a finalist from more than 1,300 entries. The winners will be selected by votes from the public. You can vote here. Deadline to vote is April 2. Presley said, I have creative ideas and I am not afraid to express my opinions with others. I am a leader at school and consider myself to be an influencer! Five children selected will win $5,000 for their 529 college account, $5,000 for their school and a years supply of Sun-Maid snacks for their schools. Imagination has always been at the heart of Sun-Maids purpose we nurture childhood and help Mom find new, better-for-you snacking options that provide both the health benefits that she wants and the delicious tastes that her kids crave, said Harry Overly, President & CEO and newly-named Chief Imagination Wrangler of Sun-Maid Growers of California. Parents were invited to nominate their children. Sun-Maid said during a one-year term, kids on the board will have the chance to share their imaginative ideas about new products and flavors with the Sun-Maid executive team, and even help develop marketing ideas. The board will hold its first meeting virtually in April. READ MORE The President of the Senate, Anca Dragu, drew attention, on Wednesday, on the occasion of the World Tuberculosis Day, that Romania must make every effort to protect and treat the patients suffering from this condition. "World Tuberculosis Day puts a serious problem on the table, triggered by the pandemic: tuberculosis patients avoid going to the hospital in a pandemic to be diagnosed. Figures in 2020 show that the number of cases dropped by 35%, but this is not good news. In fact, it reflects the fear of people interacting with hospitals in the midst of a pandemic, and, automatically, the inability of the system to diagnose and care for them. Tuberculosis is a disease of physical exhaustion, which is easily spread by coughing. More than ever, Romania needs to make every effort to protect and treat these patients," Dragu wrote on Facebook. March 24 is World Tuberculosis (TB) Day every year, with the aim of drawing attention to the causes of this disease but also of transmitting information on its prevention and treatment.March 24 was chosen by the International Tuberculosis Union in 1982 as the International Day for the Eradication of Tuberculosis, because on March 24, 1882, German bacteriologist Robert Koch officially informed the international scientific community that he had discovered the TB bacillus, which paved the way to diagnose and cure this disease. Premier elect Mark McGowan speaks to the media at the foreshore in Rockingham on March 14, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images) WA Premier McGowans Centralisation of Power Raises Concerns for the States Future The West Australian (WA) government is facing increasing scrutiny after Premier Mark McGowan appointed himself to the portfolio of treasurer, raising concerns over democratic processes in the state. This comes after McGowan led the state Labor party to a landslide victory at the recent election, winning 53 out of 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Federal MP Craig Kelly expressed concern over the premiers decision to take on the treasury portfolio, in light of the result. The centralisation of power in WA, both in terms of the premier making himself treasurer and the lack of an effective opposition, poses a great risk to democracy in WA, Kelly told The Epoch Times. Federal MP Craig Kelly is seen prior to addressing the media at the Mural Hall at Parliament House on March 16, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Kelly said there is significant potential for WA to face serious challenges to its democratic process, given the lack of a robust opposition in the parliament to scrutinise the government. You always want an effective opposition to hold the government to account. So were seeing a centralisation in power in Western Australia that we havent really seen in this country before, Kelly said. Andrea Tokaji, an independent candidate in the recent WA election and human rights lawyer, also questioned McGowans ability to fulfil the significant roles of both premier and treasurer, positions she believes are critical to WAs future. How can one person sustain the energy and commitment required for both of these important roles separately, let alone achieve them both at the same time? Tokaji told The Epoch Times. Tokaji also questioned the lack of checks and balances. Where will the transparency, accountability and need for the treasurer to report to the premier on matters of state financials periodically be, if one man will carry both titles? she said. There is a danger of not only double-dipping, but of mismanagement, misspending, and mistakes. Public spending and investments are no longer safe. After a landslide victory, re-elected Premier of WA Mark McGowan makes a speech at the Gary Holland Community Centre in Rockingham, Australia, on Mar. 13, 2021. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images) However, McGowan has dismissed the concerns over his self-appointment and indicated that he would reconsider the matter in the coming years. This may not be permanent, McGowan told the ABC. I will review this over the coming years. He also noted that despite being able to choose from either Deputy Premier Roger Cook or Transport Minister Rita Saffiotiboth of whom were available for the jobhe felt they could not shift roles until their current projects were complete. Cook is currently overseeing the states COVID-19 response, and Saffiotti the Metronet project. If I had moved Roger, people would have said, Why would you move Roger at the peak of a pandemic?' McGowan said. If I had moved Rita, people would say Who is going to possibly manage the infrastructure program she has been involved in developing and implementing for the best part of six years?' US President Joe Biden is going to try to do what Barack Obama could not finally pass effective gun control in America. When 10 people were killed in Boulder, Colorado, this week, flags were already flying at half-mast across the country in memory of the eight murdered in Atlanta last week, most of them Asian Americans. The scene of the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, this week. Credit:Courtesy: KUSA via CNN Now, from the White House, Biden has urged Congress to try once again what Obama could not accomplish. He is calling for legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This should not be a partisan issue, he said. Loading But it has been in Washington. In this moment of national mourning, the National Rifle Association base is deeply dug in. Over the past decade, even after the slaughter of schoolchildren in Connecticut and teenagers in Florida, after marches and candle vigils by millions across the county, there has been no breakthrough in Congress. Although a clear majority of Americans want action, the best efforts in recent years in the Senate have never reached more than 54 votes six short of the super majority required to pass controversial legislation. Female adult sockeye from the Fraser River are dying at significantly higher rates than their male counterparts on the journey back to their spawning grounds, finds new UBC research. For every male salmon that doesn't make it to their natal stream, at least two, sometimes three female salmon die. "This is causing skewed sex ratios in their spawning grounds, something that has been observed in recent years," says lead researcher Dr. Scott Hinch, a professor in the faculty of forestry and head of the Pacific Salmon Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at UBC. "The implications on the health of Fraser River stocks are concerning, particularly as Pacific salmon populations in British Columbia have been declining over the past several decades." Hinch noted that records in the 1930s and even up to the early 1990s show that for most years, females outnumbered males on spawning grounds. The sex ratios started to change in the early 2000s towards relatively fewer females. "A combination of environmental stressors could have triggered the shift," he explains. "More females die relative to males when migration conditions are challenging. This happens when the water is too warm, or there is too much turbulence, or when the fish have been handled or released from capture. Stressful events have a larger impact on females." The trend of higher female mortality when environmental conditions are challenging also was identified in other Pacific salmon species including Coho and Chinook salmon, and in sockeye in other river systems. Energy, heart function, stress and disease identified as factors Hinch and his collaborators came up with their finding after reviewing 19 major studies on salmon, including tagging and tracking studies in the field, and laboratory studies. They are proposing four reasons why females are dying at higher rates than males in the studies they reviewed: depletion of energy reserves, reduced cardiac capacity, stress and disease. "Females have higher heart rates and smaller hearts than males leading to reduced cardiac capacity. Because female gonads are so large compared to males, they have to divert way more blood to them especially as the eggs are developing and this requires even more oxygen supply from the heart, so it's likely that when the migration is difficult, females are not able to get enough oxygen to swim." Sockeye and other Pacific salmon don't feed during their river migration and the females, more so than the males, can also run out of stored energy reserves earlier. "Females are also more susceptible to stress, and to pathogens, so a combination of factors is likely causing their higher mortality." In 2019, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), an independent committee of wildlife experts and scientists, designated 24 salmon populations in southern B.C. as threatened or endangered, including several of the sockeye populations that Hinch and his colleagues studied. "The conservation and management implications of our findings are significant," says Hinch. "Pacific salmon stocks are important ecologically, but also culturally and as food security to First Nations, and for commercial and recreational fisheries. Salmon fishing in British Columbia supports more than 8,000 jobs and generates over $200 million in tax revenues annually, while commercial fisheries bring in up to $200 million a year. Recreational fishing contributes almost $1 billion in economic impact each year." Potential solutions Hinch and his team are recommending actions like adjusting harvest rates to protect female salmon, and ensuring migration routes have fewer obstacles to ensure females are able to complete their migrations. This is a particularly large issue at present as a fishway is now being built at the site of the Fraser River Big Bar landslide, an area that has impeded spawning migrations for the past two years. "A few years ago we studied the migration of sockeye salmon through the Seton River Dam and Fishway near Lillooet, B.C., and proposed that some small adjustments by BC Hydro to flows at this dam could improve salmon passage, which they did. Female salmon benefitted the most, showing us that basic research can be used to fine-tune our management actions to improve the survival of female salmon." Hinch and his team acknowledge that more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the different mortality rates in salmon. But they warn that as rivers continue to warm with climate change, we will see even higher rates of female mortality. ### The study, "Exceptionally high mortality of migrating female salmon: a large-scale emerging trend and a conservation concern" was published recently in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. Barclays and HSBC were the worst-placed of the FTSE 100 lenders, having both provided over US$50bn of funding over five years The worlds 60 largest commercial and investment banks poured a total US$3.8 trillion into fossil fuels between 2016 and 2020, according to a report by a group of non-governmental organizations. JP Morgan Chase ( ) financed the most deals by value, investing US$316.7bn over the five years, with North American banks Citigroup ( ), Wells Fargo ( ), ( ) and RBC ( ) - making up the top five. North American and European banks dominated the list mainly due to financing for the oil and gas sector, the report showed. Barclays ( ) was the highest placed UK lender, in ninth place overall with US$57.8bn of funding over five years. ( ) was in 11th with US$51bn. Standard Chartered was in 34th place with US$8.5bn of funding, while Natwest Group ( ) and ( ) were in 48th and 49th with US$4.1bn and US$3.4bn. While fossil fuel financing dropped 9% last year, as fossil fuel demand and production shrank due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 levels remained higher than in 2016, the year after the adoption of the Paris climate agreement, and in 2017. The overall fossil fuel financing trend of the last five years is still heading definitively in the wrong direction, reinforcing the need for banks to establish policies that lock in the fossil fuel financing declines of 2020, lest they snap back to business-as-usual in 2021, the report said. The report, Banking on Climate Crisis also assesses the current wave of bank commitments to reduce their financed emissions to net zero by 2050. Serena Oberstein is the executive director of Jewish World Watch (JWW), a California-based organization that assists survivors of mass atrocities around the globe and seeks to unite people of various faiths and cultures in the fight against genocide. The group has primarily focused on providing service in the conflict areas of China, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Myanmar. The JWW is planning to hold a Week of Action later this month on behalf of ethnic Uyghurs, who the U.S. said in January are being targeted by China as part of a state-backed genocide. Up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities are believed to have been held in a vast network of internment camps in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) since early 2017. Reports also suggest that the ethnic group is being subjected to discrimination, torture, forced labor, state-ordered birth control including sterilization and abortion, and cultural eradication. Oberstein recently spoke with RFAs Uyghur Service Director Alim Seytoff about the similarities between Chinas policies of repression against the Uyghurs in the XUAR and those targeting the Jewish community in Germany ahead of the Holocaust, during which some six million Jews were exterminated by the Nazis. She also discussed ways that the international community can help to ensure that such a genocide never takes place again. RFA: You're planning to hold a week of action on behalf of the Uyghurs later this month. What types of action are you planning? Oberstein: Later this month, the Jewish people will celebrate Passover, which is the story, as many people know, of the [Jewish] exodus [from enslavement in Egypt]. It's a story of slavery to redemption, of people who were exiled and found their freedom. And so, for a number of reasons, not just because it resonates so deeply with the Jews, it's a universal story. It is a time when we talk about us being strangers in a strange land. We're going to have three days of action. The first day will be a global seder (Passover dinner) A number of Jewish and Uyghur leaders coming together to raise our collective voices to call for an end to the atrocities that are happening to the Uyghurs. The next day will be a day of global advocacy and the third day is a day of business engagement. As I'm sure you know, more than 90 multinational corporations are unfortunately utilizing Uyghur slave labor Four of these corporations actually have ties to the Holocaust, and so, again, its something that's deeply personal for the Jewish community on this day of business engagement. We intend to reach out to some of those companies that have these ties and talk to them about not repeating the same mistakes that they made more than 75 years ago. You know, a conversation that I keep having recently is that we are in a moment right now that feels so similar to the moment right before the Berlin Olympics in 1936. The Beijing Olympics are approaching and people are saying broadly the things that they were saying right before the 1936 OlympicsLook at the way that Germany is contributing to the world economy, the way that theyre cleaning up the streets, or theyre so innovative Germany was creating the systemic ways that they were othering and dehumanizing the Jewish people, but the ways that [the public was] willing to overlook putting all Jews into one neighborhood or interning them or setting up train stations, we hear the same things happening in [the XUAR] and wethe Jewish community, these human rights organizations, and the leaders of these other organizationsare coming together to raise our collective voices to say enough is enough, we have to pay attention. And making sure that never again isn't just an empty phrase, but a call to action. RFA: The international community basically rewarded Nazi Germany in 1936 by granting Germany the right to host the Olympics at a time when Germany was already rounding up Jews and cracking down on them very harshly. But if the international community continues to do so today, what do you think will happen? What kind of message would the International Olympic Committee (IOC) be sending other authoritarian countries? Oberstein: The IOC by now, again, should have learned its lesson. We can't just crack down on countries that don't play a role in the world economy The purpose of the Olympics is to create an even playing field Growing up, the message that I received about the Olympics was that it was about unity, unity and human rights and brotherhood and sisterhood. And by ignoring that there is an ethnic minority being persecuted sends a message that that theyre willing to stand idly by. Theres a saying in Judaism that silence is complicity and Jewish World Watch holds that phrase and that idea very close that its not OK to witness something and then do nothing. RFA: After the Holocaust, the United Nations was founded in 1948. It declared the Genocide Convention and also declared never again will we allow such a thing like a Holocaust to happen again. But so far, we have not seen a single word coming out of the mouth of the U.N. General Secretary Antonio Guterres. Do you think he should publicly denounce Chinas genocide of the Uyghurs and take a stand on this issue instead of keeping quiet? Oberstein: Yes absolutely We hear about people being taken in the night, disappeared, their heads shaved. We hear about the train stations and the systemic rape and people being interned and forced slave labor, we hear about China now disseminating companies around the country and shipping people to those to those companies. This is the infrastructure that was created in Germany leading up to the Holocaust. Maybe no one is being mass murdered to the same degree, but we don't know that yet. Right? Information that's coming out of the region may be years old, so we don't know exactly how far down the road China is. And what we do know indicates exactly what Germany was doing to prepare for the Holocaust. So, if that's not enough information, I don't know what the U.N. needs in order to act. But I know Jewish World Watch sees what's happening and sees the writing on the wall, like many of these other Jewish human rights organizations, and we know that never again is right now. RFA: Both the Trump and Biden administrations determined that China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity, targeting the Uyghurs and other populations. And we also have seen the Canadian and the Dutch parliaments recognize that China is committing genocide against the Uyghurs. What do you think the U.S. should do together with its Western allies, to stop China from completely exterminating the Uyghurs? Oberstein: We have legislation that's open right now in Congress, which is the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, so the first thing that we can do is pass that immediately. It's imperative that we take the first steps so that companies that are making money on the enslavement and persecution of the Uyghurs stop immediately. In 2020, we passed the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, to protect Uyghurs living in this country from extradition and harassment. We need to hold true to that. We need to make sure that Uyghurs who have fled persecution are not persecuted. And I think we need to stand strong against the Chinese government and against the CCP. It's not enough to say that there are differences of culture That's not a relationship that we need to hold on to. We need to stop it. We need to set boundaries. We need to sanction them and stop them from going any further. Reported by Alim Seytoff for RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. One of the largest telecommunications providers in Brazil enters into unprecedented partnership with Oracle and Microsoft to digitize all applications and improve customer service Leverages Oracle-Microsoft Interconnect to run mission-critical workloads in the cloud AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TIM Brasil, one of the largest telecommunications providers in Brazil with more than 61 million customers, today said that it has selected Oracle and Microsoft to migrate all of its on-premises workloads to the cloud. TIM Brasil is one of the first telecommunications companies in the country to move 100 percent of its workloads to the cloud. As part of its multi-faceted modernization project, TIM Brasil will use Oracle and Microsoft clouds to improve customer support as well as billing, collection, and management applications. Oracle Logo (PRNewsfoto/Oracle) As Covid-19 reshaped the way the world does business, TIM Brasil realized that it needed to accelerate its digital transformation, by verifying changes in consumer behavior to better meet evolving needs quickly and maintain its excellent standard of customer service. With the adoption of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) and Microsoft Azure, TIM Brasil is moving its mission-critical applications to the cloud, optimizing and simplifying management of its IT infrastructure, as well as improving scalability and agility to support changing business demands. As part of this migration, TIM will use the Oracle-Microsoft Azure Interconnect in Brazil to leverage the best of both OCI and Microsoft Azure. With the interconnect, TIM Brasil will run critical workloads on Oracle Exadata Cloud Service, Oracle Database Cloud Service and OCI's Oracle Cloud VMware Service, while running SAP HANA and VDI workloads on Azure, with 40 Gbps connection and federated identity between the two clouds. TIM Brasil will migrate a combined 7,000 servers, 35K cores, 1.2K databases, and 15 petabytes of storage. This project is part of TIM's commitment to better environmental, social and governance practices. In addition to the new platform using renewable energy, migration to the cloud automatically reduces emissions directly associated with storing data in physical spaces, an important step towards the carrier's goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. Story continues "Our proposal is to take the customer's experience to a new level with more efficiency and agility, and always with the highest levels of security. We are the first carrier to promote a change with this dimension, also anticipating initiatives related to governance and sustainability, within a larger project related to an ESG agenda across all of TIM's operations. We are following the market movement and investing in areas such as Analytics and Digital, which are fundamental for the expansion of the company's business; and we have partners that meet the highest levels of quality to highlight our pioneering spirit and reference for the Telecommunications sector," said Pietro Labriola, CEO, TIM Brasil. "This is a milestone for the market. Movements like this happen more frequently in large companies. We are extremely proud to have been chosen, together with Microsoft, to carry out this innovative project to migrate 100 percent of TIM data centers to the cloud. This will bring more innovation, agility and, without a doubt, better services for customers. We are going to create an even greater world of possibilities together," said Rodrigo Galvao, managing director, Oracle Brazil. "We were very proud to be chosen together with Oracle to conduct such an ambitious project. The migration of all TIM datacenters to the cloud will ensure security, scalability, simplification of IT infrastructure management and allow the operator to focus on constantly improving the experience of its customers. It also gives me great satisfaction to see Microsoft technology being used as a vector for sustainability, helping TIM in reducing the carbon emissions of its operations," said Tania Cosentino, general manager, Microsoft Brazil. About Oracle Oracle offers suites of integrated applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at oracle.com. About TIM "To evolve together with courage, transforming technology into freedom" is the purpose of TIM, which operates throughout Brazil with telecommunications services, focused on the pillars of innovation, customer experience and agility. The company is recognized for leading important market movements since the beginning of its operations in the country and is at the forefront of the digital transformation of society, in line with the signature of the brand: "Imagine the possibilities." Since 2015, it has been a leader in 4G coverage in Brazil, including connecting the field to enable innovation in agribusiness. It was a pioneer in the activation of 5G networks in the country, with the creation of Living Labs in 2019, and is ready for the next generation of mobile networks. TIM values diversity and promotes an ever more inclusive culture, with a work environment based on respect. The company operates committed to the best environmental, social and governance practices and, therefore, integrates important portfolios of the Brazilian stock exchange, such as the S & P / B3 Brasil ESG, the Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) and the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE), being operator for more consecutive periods - 13 years - in this list. It is also part of B3's Novo Mercado, recognized as the highest level of corporate governance, and was the first telephone company recognized by the Federal Comptroller General (CGU) with the "Pro-ethics" seal. More information, access: www.tim.com.br Additional Resources Read more about the interconnect with Microsoft and Oracle Read more about how Oracle and Microsoft accelerate enterprise cloud adoption Trademarks Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tim-brasil-selects-oracle-and-microsoft-to-migrate-all-of-its-datacenter-workloads-to-the-cloud-301254504.html SOURCE Oracle Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. SA Bobde on Wednesday recommended Justice NV Ramana as his successor. CJI Bobde Wednesday wrote a letter to the Central government recommending to appoint Justice NV Ramana as the next CJI. Presently, Justice Ramana is the senior-most Supreme Court judge after the CJI. Bobde has written to the Union Law Ministry clearing the way for Justice Ramana to be appointed as the 48th CJI Bobde is scheduled to retire on April 23. An alleged drug smuggler thought he and a world champion kayaker's seasick younger brother were going to be robbed by pirates after an alleged cocaine pickup worth up to $200 million, a court has heard. Instead, the vessel behind the rigid-hulled inflatable boat driven by Anthony Draper was a navy patrol vessel. Draper testified in the Brisbane Supreme Court trial of Olympic silver medallist Nathan Jon Baggaley, 45, and 39-year-old Dru Anthony Baggaley on Wednesday. The brothers are accused of being involved in a plan to get 650kg of cocaine - valued at between $100 million and $200 million - from a foreign vessel hundreds of kilometres off the NSW coast. Nathan Jon Baggaley, 45, and 39-year-old Dru Anthony Baggaley are seen on the vessel with navy personnel as they are arrested for alleged drug smuggling Dru Baggaley, 39, is accused of being involved in a plan to get 650kg of cocaine - valued at between $100 million and $200 million - from a foreign vessel hundreds of kilometres off the NSW coast Draper, 56, told the court he flew from Sydney to Coolangatta at Dru Baggaley's request on July 30, 2018. The pair got onto the RHIB at Brunswick Heads, with Draper thinking they were going a couple of kilometres offshore to pick up 'smoko' which he thought was marijuana, the court was told. Dru Baggaley was seasick while they sailed out to sea overnight, Draper said. In the morning they met up with a 'big red boat' on which Draper saw 'South American people', some holding guns. He and Dru Baggley loaded a 'substantial' number of black packages, thrown from the larger vessel, onto the RHIB, he told the court on Wednesday. While Draper yelled 'no more pot' because there might be 'too much' for the small boat, the foreign men referred to 'cacao'. Asked about the contents of the heavy packages, Dru Baggaley said, 'Don't worry about it, just keep loading it in the boat,' Draper told the court. While returning to the mainland the pair saw a plane, then a boat. At first Dru Baggaley told him to 'just keep going', but when the navy patrol boat was right behind them they threw packages into the sea. 'I was s**ting myself ... At first I thought we were going to get robbed, I thought they were pirates,' Draper said. Black bags filled with almost 650kg of cocaine worth a whopping $200million was seized The view from the navy boat as it gained on Anthony Draper and Dru Baggley Dru Baggaley seen on the small vessel as the navy gains on him The court heard Draper was testifying as part of an undertaking made when he received a reduced sentence during earlier court proceedings. Under cross-examination, Draper denied he recruited Dru Baggaley, asking for help to get a boat to import tobacco into Australia. But he admitted writing letters to Dru Baggaley while both men were in jail saying, 'I'm sorry I tricked you.' 'You also wrote (to Dru Baggaley), 'I want to fix this up and tell the cops the truth, you thought it was tobacco',' Dru Baggaley's barrister Mark McCarthy said. Draper said he wrote a 'couple of letters' for Dru Baggaley and also wrote to his parents. 'I wrote the letter just for his mother and his father so they wouldn't feel so bad,' he added. He also wrote he wasn't handling jail, 'have to get out by any means possible' and told Dru Baggaley to 'hang in there' because the truth would come out for him in the end, the court was told. Olympic silver medallist and world champion kayaker Nathan Jon Baggaley is also accused of being in on the scheme Inside the bag were packets of cocaine with the Superman logo imprinted on them The prosecution alleges Nathan Baggaley also had a 'key role' in the importation, saying he bought the RHIB for $100,000, got it ready and covered its registration number in heavy duty black tape before the trip out to sea. A total of 587kg of cocaine was recovered by the navy, but bundles continued to be recovered on the coast months after the alleged smuggling attempt, prosecutor Ben Power said. A central focus of the trial will be whether the jury accepts 'anything at all' they are told by Draper, Mr McCarthy said earlier. Nathan Baggaley's barrister Anthony Kimmins told the court the prosecution's case against his client was based on circumstantial evidence that did not prove he was involved in the alleged attempted importation of the cocaine. The men both pleaded not guilty to a single count of attempting to import a commercial quantity of the border-controlled drug cocaine into Queensland at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast between December 2017 and August 2018. The jury trial continues before Justice Ann Lyons. ALBANY As a bill to end prolonged solitary confinement in New York prisons awaits action by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, data from the New York Civil Liberties Union shows that the number of Black people in solitary confinement is 10 percent higher than their share of the larger prison population. The same data shows that more than 80 percent of all people who have been held in solitary are either Black or Latino. While experts say these racial disparities should be understood in the context of a system that discriminates against people of color, the racial gaps in solitary confinement rates are particularly severe, according to NYCLU's data. The statistics were obtained as part of a settlement between the advocacy group and the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision related to a lawsuit over conditions in solitary confinement; DOCCS has to provide information on solitary rates regularly. I think its just like anything else within the criminal legal system," said Jared Trujillo, policy counsel with the NYCLU. "From the inception of cases when we look at who is over-policed, when we look at the systems in our state that lead to certain individuals having certain interactions with police, when you look at who is most targeted for disciplinary actions within incarcerated settings, its Black and brown folks." As of Feb. 1, Black people make up 58 percent of those housed in Solitary Housing Units (SHU), called "the box" in prison, despite making up 48 percent of the prison population. People who are Black make up 18 percent of the total population of New York. The portion of people in solitary who are either Black or Latino is 82 percent. (This includes only people housed in SHUs, not people on what's known as "keeplock" who are confined to their normal cells.) DOCCS declined to comment, citing the litigation. A spokesman said on background that the agency works to reduce racial disparities. The state Assembly and Senate last week passed the HALT Solitary Act, which places a number of restrictions on solitary use, notably banning its use after 15 days. The United Nations defines solitary confinement for more than than period as torture. Row Davis is an anti-violence advocate with the Center for Community Alternatives who spent 29 years in New York state prison, including a month-long stint in a SHU after an argument with a corrections officer. He spent 23 hours a day in a unit with another inmate. That is one of the most horrible experiences Ive ever had in my life," Davis said. "A regular, typical day for someone who was just put in that environment is trying to remain sane." He likened it to the film "Groundhog Day," only more nightmarish: "Every day is the same. Its a mundane experience where youre not being nurtured, youre not being educated, youre not being given the opportunity to release the frustrations that you have." Davis said there's a widespread view that the mostly white guards and staff in state prisons, especially those located upstate, have racial prejudices that are reflected in the data on discipline, including solitary confinement. Davis said he had arguments with the person he was housed with, but was able to stop it from escalating into violence due to an anti-violence program he'd completed behind bars. When you send someone off to war, what is one of the first things you do when they send you back to population? They debrief you," Davis said. "They send you to an environment where ... you can begin to normalize back into society. They dont do that in prison. You do not have to be a psychologist to understand the psychological aspect of that." If the goal is to release individuals back into society, the No. 1 question is, what kind of people do you want to return back to society?" [March 24, 2021] Whitebox Advisors Comments on LG Corporation's Unwillingness to Commit to Promptly Releasing Voting Results From Upcoming General Meeting Whitebox Advisors LLC (together with its affiliates, "Whitebox" or "we"), a long-term shareholder of LG Corporation (KRX: 003550) ("LG" or the "Company"), today expressed its disappointment with the Company's refusal to commit to promptly releasing the voting results from its General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on March 26, 2021 (the "General Meeting") in response to a request made by Whitebox. As a reminder, Whitebox previously announced its intent to vote AGAINST the proposed spin-off of a newly created holding company comprised of LG's direct and indirect holdings in LG Hausys, LG MMA, Silicon Works, LG International and Pantos (the "Spin-Off") at the Company's General Meeting. Whitebox's opposition to the ill-conceived transaction and its various concerns related to the Company's lagging corporate governance have been validated by leading independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"). Both ISS and Glass Lewis recommend that shareholders vote AGAINST the Spin-Off. Simon Waxley, Head of Equity at Whitebox, commented: "Given the potential for an extremely close vote on the Spin-Off at LG's General Meeting, we are deeply dismayed by the Board of Directors' unwillingness to commit to promptly disclosing voting results beyond whether a proposal passed or not. This type of intransigence is persisting despite Whitebox's thoughtful and well-reasoned request that the General Meeting's voting results be made public in a prompt maner in accordance with acceptable corporate governance practices. Yet again, it seems that there is a large gap between LG's public statements and its actions when it comes to corporate governance and its treatment of minority shareholders. We believe withholding information that is frequently provided by other international companies, such as Samsung (News - Alert) Electronics Co., Ltd., completely contradicts LG's recent claims of wanting to improve shareholder communication and enhance its environmental, social and governance efforts. We hope shareholders - particularly large domestic institutions - take LG's seeming resistance to transparency into account when making determinations regarding the Spin-Off and other questionable actions taken by the Company. To be clear, Whitebox wants to see LG transform into a stronger, well-governed conglomerate that delivers enduring value for all shareholders and stakeholders. We believe that in order for this to occur, LG must begin prioritizing better corporate governance, honest investor communication and the implementation of a credible, transparent capital management policy that can help bridge the Company's staggering trading price discount to net asset value. We hope the rejection of what we view as a self-serving and value-destructive Spin-Off is the first step in this direction." As a reminder, shareholders can visit www.ABetterLG.com for more information. *** About Whitebox Whitebox is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager that seeks to generate optimal risk-adjusted returns for a diversified base of public institutions, private entities and qualified individuals. Founded in 1999, Whitebox invests across asset classes, geographies, and markets through the funds, vehicles and institutional accounts we advise. The firm manages approximately $5.5 billion in assets and maintains offices in Minneapolis, Austin, New York, London and Sydney. Disclaimer This communication should not be construed as asking or soliciting shareholders of the Company to authorize Whitebox or any third party to exercise their voting rights on their behalf with respect to the proposals to be presented to shareholders of the Company at the 2021 General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting"). Whitebox is by no means soliciting or requesting other shareholders to grant or deliver their proxies to Whitebox for the Meeting. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005913/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is one of those hand-picked celebrities who has always won over the Internet with grace, humility, and dignity. We are glad to report that Abhishek has done this again while replying to a troll who called him "you are good for nothing buddy". A few days ago, when Abhishek Bachchan shared the trailer of The Big Bull, a user commented this in a now-deleted tweet: "You are good for nothing buddy...the only thing which I am jealous of you is that you've got a very beautiful wife....and from that too that you don't even deserve her." Replying to the troll, Abhishek Bachchan put forward just how graceful he is. "Ok. Thank you for your opinion. Just curious... who are you referring to because you've tagged a whole load of people? I know Ileana (Ileana D'Cruz) and Niki (Nikita Dutta) aren't married that leaves the rest of us (Ajay Devgn, Kookie Gulati, Sohum Shah) so...PS - will get back to you about Disney+Hotstar's marital status," tweeted Abhishek. That's how it's done! The lesson to takeaway? You can go viral by being a nice person too. 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 witness in the ongoing war crimes trial of Gibril Massaquoi in Monrovia has accused the ex-Sierra Leonean rebel commander of burning 100 civilians alive in Kolahun District, Lofa County in 2001. The man, the second of three persecution witnesses on Monday told Finnish judges on Monday that Massaquoi ordered the victims, including women and children, to crowd into a house in Karmatahhun and then ordered rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) to pour it with gasoline and then set it ablaze. The great Angel Gabriel said to his men, I told you people not to fire these people with gun, I told you to put them inside the house and burn them, the man, the chief for the town at the time, told the court of Massaquoi went by the alias Angel Gabriel. I was standing right there when it happened. [People were] crying from inside when the house was burning. The witness said Massaquois men killed an elderly man who had managed to escape the fire and begged for mercy. One of the rebels pushed an elderly man who escaped from the flames and begged them for mercy back into the burning house and then sealed the door, according to the witness. All kinds of killing went on in that place that when we returned we saw 27 dead bodies that they tied each person hands with electric wire, he said. And it was one of Angel Gabriels generals who used to tied people with electric wire and kill them. He narrated that after the war, an nongovernmental organisation, whose name he said he could not remember, built a memorial where he and other townspeople buried the bones. Massaquoi, 51, is currently on trial in Finland for committing and inciting the murders of civilians and enemy fighters, rape and other human rights violations during the second Liberian civil war in the northern part of Liberia bordering Sierra Leone. The former high-ranking commander of the RUF denies all the allegations, saying he was not in Liberia at the time the events occurred. 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 Massaquois testimony was instrumental in the conviction of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and other actors of the Sierra Leonean Civil War. Massquoi was arrested in Finland in March last year after Swiss victims advocates Civitas Maxima working with Monrovia-based Global Justice Research Project, alerted prosecutors to Massaquois alleged crimes in Liberia. The Finnish Court moved to Liberia to hear the testimonies of more than 50 witnesses. The court will also hear testimonies in Sierra Leone. Killed with knife The first prosecution witness told the court that he saw Massaquoi order his men to kill seven women also in 2001. He told the judges they were stripped, tied, tortured and killed. He said Massaquoi told the men to take the women behind a hut and do what you want to do with them. The next morning, I saw that the seven women were naked and dead, said the 29-year-old man who was nine at the time. Some of them were killed with knife while others were beaten until they die(d). I do not know their ages but they were mature. He said he also witnessed the incident where Massaquoi allegedly ordered people burned alive, and he fled the town shortly after killing of the women. After the war, he said he saw that the town had been torched. The third witness provided similar details as the first and second witnesses. He said he witnessed the alleged murder of the women and the burning alive of the townspeople. He said he narrowly managed to escape. I was there when he ordered the people to be burned, because I was among those that were to be burn(ed) that day, the third witness said. I was rescued by Angel Gabriel woman called Monjamah, a Gbandi woman, who took me from among the people they were going to burn because I used to help her wash dishes and do some other work around the house. ADVERTISEMENT He told the court Massaquoi killed the woman a few days after but said he did not know why. He said he fled the town after that. The trial continues on Tuesday. This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project. [March 24, 2021] Two Six Technologies Appoints Chief Financial Officer Bob Kwaja Joins Company to Lead Financial Operations, Support High-Growth Technology Enterprise ARLINGTON, Va., March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two Six Technologies, a high-growth, technology-focused provider to the U.S. Intelligence Community, Department of Defense, and other U.S. national security customers, announced today it has named Bob Kwaja as Chief Financial Officer. With an established track record in financial strategy and operations for private equity-owned, high-growth government technology companies, Kwaja will play a vital role in accelerating Two Six Technologies strategic growth in the sector. As we round out the senior team of our newly formed enterprise, were delighted to add someone of Bobs caliber, who brings an ideal skill set of financial and M&A expertise combined with relevant operational experience in the cyber, defense, and intelligence sectors, said Joe Logue, CEO of Two Six Technologies. Bob has been highly successful in creating value at private equity-backed GovCon companies via both organic and inorganic growth all of which will provide significant benefits to Two Six Technologies. Kwaja joins Two Six Technologies frm BlueHalo, where he was Senior Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development for Centauri, and previously served as Vice President of Finance for Belcans Government Business Unit. Earlier in his career, he was vice president of a boutique investment bank focused on the Aerospace, Defense, and Government (ADG) sectors, and has advised on numerous M&A and financing transactions for public and private clients. Kwaja received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. Joining this newly formed platform is an inspiring opportunity, said Kwaja. Two Six Technologies possesses an exceptional management team, the backing of The Carlyle Group one of the most accomplished private equity firms in the worldand a board of respected industry leaders. I look forward to working with the team to execute on the companys growth trajectory and strategic vision. About Two Six Technologies Two Six Technologies is a high-growth company providing cybersecurity and advanced technology solutions for national security customers. The Company delivers R&D, innovation, productization and implementation expertise in cyber, data science, mobile, microelectronics and information operations. Additionally, the Company offers a family of operationally deployed products including Pulse, IKE, SIGMA, 8Wire and others. Major customers include DARPA, Department of State, U.S. Cyber Command, Department of Homeland Security and the broader Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Two Six Technologies has more than 285 employees and a global operational footprint that includes a technical presence in more than 40 countries, coupled with native proficiency in more than 20 languages. More Information and Media Contact: David Leach Two Six Technologies (703) 782-9473 David.Leach@twosixtech.com [ 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. Canadas Constellation Insurance Holdings, Inc. has agreed to acquire Cincinnati-based life and disability insurer Ohio National Mutual Holdings, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Ohio National Financial Services, Inc. for a total consideration of US$1 billion. The $1 billion figure includes both member consideration and new capital infused in the business, as part of its demutualization process. The transaction includes the conversion of ONMH to a stock company and the issuance of all of its newly issued stock to Constellation. Constellation Insurance Holdings is backed by institutional investors Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) and Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board. It targets acquisitions of life and property/casualty insurers based in North America. Ratings agency AM Best said its credit profile of the Ohio National Life Group is unchanged and is unlikely to change over the near term as a result of the transaction. According to AM Best, also as part of the transaction, Constellation and its investors are committing to infusing an additional $500 million of capital over a four-year period following the closing of the transaction. Upon closing, Ohio National will maintain its management team and brand, and will continue to be headquartered in Cincinnati. Established in 1909, Ohio National sells financial services in 49 states. As of December 31, 2020, its affiliated companies have US$41.2 billion in assets under management. Its products are issued by The Ohio National Life Insurance Co. and Ohio National Life Assurance Corp. Todays announcement marks an important first step for Constellation, as we deliver on our strategy to provide North American stock and mutual insurers access to long-term growth capital, enhanced ratings, scale efficiencies and aligned equity incentives, while preserving the independence, brand, existing operations and culture for which they are recognized, said Anurag Chandra, founder, chairman and chief executive officer CEO of Constellation. The transaction is subject to customary approvals, including by the Ohio director of insurance and ONMHs members. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to Constellation in the transaction. Source: Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec Topics Mergers Ohio Canada Reigning confusion between three government agencies over the eight-year age-limit rule for used cars is causing huge losses to importers whose vehicles have been held up at the Mombasa port for the fourth month running. Close to 20,000 vehicles, which were loaded onto ships as early as October last year, delayed to land at the port as due to disruptions in the supply chain occasioned by the outbreak of Covid-19. The vehicles are yet to be cleared as Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) bicker over whether to use the block year or the month the vehicles were registered to determine their ages. Car Importers Association of Kenya (CIAK) national chairman Peter Otieno wondered why it would take more than three months for the three agencies to reconcile and agree on the fate of the vehicles with each pulling its own way as vehicles continue to accrue demurrage charges. 20,000 vehicles "In the eight sampled documents of the vehicles being held over the age limit debate between KRA, Kebs and NTSA, they indicate that the vehicles were shipped within the time frame but delayed to land at the port after spending more than two months in the sea as a result of Covid-19. Normally, it only takes about 28 days to ship a car from Japan but this time there were delays thus causing the quagmire," said Mr Otieno. He added: "I do not have an exact figure of the vehicles being held but I can estimate that between 10,000 and 20,000 vehicles have not been released for four months now as importers continue to lose millions and storage charges increase." The vehicles had been cleared by Kebs-appointed agents after undergoing on-time inspection in the country of origin, and issued with Certificates of Road-worthiness but the KRA wants to use block year rather than month of manufacture to determine the age limit. The affected batch are vehicles manufactured or first registered in 2013. Only second-hand cars of up to eight years are allowed into the country, meaning starting January 1, this year, only 2014 units were being cleared. At the same time, KRA has warned of the increased number of motor vehicles operating without payment of duty and the use of trucks or motor vehicles to transport prohibited goods, un-customed goods and excisable goods affixed with counterfeit stamps or no excise stamps affixed on them. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The tax collector in its statement said an investigation has been launched over an increasing number of vehicles which have either been fraudulently registered or affixed with registration numbers belonging to other vehicles. Some of those vehicles may have been sold to innocent Kenyans who are not aware of the scheme. "Irregularly registered" "There have been a number of irregularly registered motor vehicles which have been found to be over-age and, as such, they are prohibited imports since they do not comply with Kebs KS 1515:2000 standard on the eight-year rule. The public is urged to verify the payment status of customs duty of all registered vehicles with KRA before purchasing and taxpayers are further requested to report any suspected non-compliant vehicles operating in the country," said KRA in its notice to the public. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 President of Cork Business Association (CBA) Eoin OSullivan has said the planned expansion of the Penneys store on Patrick Street marks "a huge vote of confidence for Cork city centre" as well as retail in the city. A spokesperson for Penneys told The Echo today that they have commenced the planning process to significantly expand their footprint. "We have embarked on the planning process to redevelop our Patrick Street store. "If our application is successful, we will increase the retail space by 17,000 sq ft to 54,000 sq ft, which will bring an enhanced shopping experience to our customers. "We will plan a phased building schedule to allow the store to remain open during construction." Commenting, Mr O'Sullivan said the planned expansion would be "a great development for Cork". "Penneys is one of the biggest retailers in the city centre, youd even see it after the last lockdown with the queues down the street so its a very popular retailer which is doubling in size. "Its great for the city centre and hopefully more to come." THE Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) opposition party on Sunday donated 200 bales of grass to the Kunene region for farmers severely hit by drought. PDM parliamentarian Vipuakuje Muharukua said the grass will be transported to the regional council office to be distributed to various constituencies. "I believe it will benefit many farmers and I am appealing to people in Khomas region to assist the drought stricken people of Kunene," he said. Some parts of Kunene recently received some rain, but livestock continues to die during this period, as it will take about 28 days for the grass grow for livestock to graze on. With this donation and others already sent to Kunene, farmers can have the hope that their livestock will survive he added. Muharukua said PDM has liaised with the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure that the donation, worth N$18 000, is sent to Kunene. Advertisement A stricken container ship remained stranded in the Suez Canal today in a blockage which could cause 'catastrophic delays' to global shipping. Port authority GAC, which controls traffic through the canal, said workers were still racing to refloat the 1,312ft-long, 175ft-wide, 200,000-ton MV Ever Given after it veered off course in a sandstorm on Tuesday. Hopes had been raised that the canal could re-open after reports emerged today that the ship had been partially refloated, but a GAC office in Egypt later said it had received inaccurate information and the ship was still stuck. Workers have been unable to say how quickly they will be able to free the Ever Given and clear a backlog of roughly 100 ships at either end of the canal, which handles about 30 per cent of global container traffic per day. It is feared that the waterway could be blocked for 'weeks' as canal authorities bring in Dutch salvage experts to assist in efforts to refloat the giant vessel. The Suez Canal Authority said it was trying to rebalance the ship, and local sources said efforts could shift towards digging the ship out if the tug boats were unable to release it. Dutch marine services company Boskalis said its subsidiary Smit Salvage had been hired to help with the operation and was sending 10 people to Egypt. In such cases, 'you really have to do the calculations to understand how solidly she (is) grounded, and how much power you can exert without damaging the vessel,' Boskalis spokesman Martijn Schuttevaer revealed. Ships transiting the canal are required to sail under the supervision of local 'pilots' who board the vessel and give directions to captains using their 'experience and practical knowledge' of the waterway, under rules set out by Egyptian authorities which run to hundreds of pages. It still is not clear exactly how the accident happened - GAC said the ship suffered a 'blackout', meaning it lost power and steering before becoming stuck; but a spokesman for the canal authority said a sandstorm had blocked the captain's view and blown the ship off course before it got jammed and lost power. One official warned that the rescue could take at least two days. Dr Sal Mercogliano - a maritime historian and former merchant mariner - previously warned of 'catastrophic delays' to supplies of vital goods, from food to fuel and even vaccines for every moment the canal remains closed. Analysts revealed today that 10 tankers carrying 13 million barrels of crude oil are already stuck, causing oil prices to spike 2 per cent over fears of a shortage. It is not clear what cargo the Ever Given is carrying. The only alternative to going through the canal is for vessels to sail around the Horn of Africa and approach the Mediterranean from the west, adding 14 days and 5,000 nautical miles to the journey. The MV Ever Given - a 1,312ft long, 175ft wide, 200,000 ton cargo ship owned by shipping firm Evergreen - has drifted sideways and become stuck across the width of the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world's busiest shipping lanes The Ever Given is now aground with its bow lodged in the eastern wall of the canal. Workers are attempting to dig the bow free while tugboats try to shove it back into the waterway The rescue operation involves diggers trying to excavate the boat's dolphin-nose bow from the eastern bank of the canal where it has become embedded, while tugboats attempt to shift the grounded stern. Meanwhile, a huge amount of sea traffic is building up on either side of the blockage Ship tracking data reveals the extent of the vessels building up on either side of the stuck ship, with 100 of them thought to have been caught up so far - and 50 more arriving per day Satellite images show the vessel lodged in the canal. Because the boat is longer than the waterway is wide, options for moving it are limited Options are therefore limited. Because the boat is wider than the canal itself, it has to come out the exact way it went in. Except that both ends are out of the water, meaning it has no steering. Virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been sent to try and pull or push her off the wall of the canal, while workers are trying to dig out the canal walls and refloat her, bringing her steering back online. Efforts have been underway for almost a day, but have so far proved fruitless. The task resumed on Wednesday morning, with no estimate as to how long it will take. If tugboats and diggers aren't enough to free the vessel, then they only other option is to starting removing weight - either by dumping fuel or unloading cargo, piece by piece. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Dr Mercogliano, who is based in North Carolina, warned that the vessel is in 'a very precarious position'. 'With both ends of the vessel up on the beach there's a tendency for her to sag in the middle, so they have to be very careful in trying to get her off [the wall],' he said. 'If they can't get her up off that position with the tugs they're going to have to start getting fuel out of her, and then containers. 'But the difficulty with getting containers off her is that she's so high, so tall, that it will be very difficult to get the correct size crane in there.' Underlining the importance of the canal to global trade, he added: 'The world economy, with Covid, you know how much things have slowed down with getting goods around. 'Now all of a sudden you add this to that, you're going to have delays with getting goods to market, we're talking vaccines, we're talking manufacturing goods, food, everything, fuel too, it's potential catastrophic delays.' Data from Marine Traffic shows several tugs attending to the stricken vessel, though they have failed to pull it clear. The vessel is carrying cargo from Yantain, China to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Workers are using diggers and heavy machinery to try and dig away the wall of the canal in the hopes of refloating the vessel, meaning its steering should become operational again The Ever Given was part of a 20-ship convoy heading north through the canal, from Suez Gulf into the Mediterranean, and since becoming stuck has caused a 100-ship tailback Virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been drafted in and are trying to push or pull the huge container ship off the canal walls, but their efforts have so-far proved fruitless Egyptian officials overseeing the rescue operation discuss their options from on board a tugboat, as the stricken Ever Given is seen through the window The ship, built in 2018 with a length of nearly 400 meters (a quarter mile) and a width of 59 meters (193 feet), is among the largest cargo ships in the world. It can carry some 20,000 containers at a time. Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal provides a crucial link for oil, natural gas and cargo being shipping from East to West. Around 10 per cent of the world's trade flows through the waterway and it remains one of Egypt's top foreign currency earners. In 2015, the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi completed a major expansion of the canal, allowing it to accommodate the world's largest vessels. However, the Ever Given ran aground before that new portion of the canal. The incident Tuesday marks just the latest to affect mariners amid the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have been stuck aboard vessels due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, demands on shipping have increased, adding to the pressure on tired sailors, Mercogliano said. 'It's because of the breakneck pace of global shipping right now and shipping is on a very tight schedule,' he said. 'Add to it that mariners have not been able to get on and off vessels because of COVID restrictions.' The Suez canal was first opened to marine traffic in 1869, and last year almost 19,000 ships passed through it carrying more than one billion tonnes of cargo, according to the Suez Canal Authority. The canal was closed for several months after the 1956 Suez crisis and again in 1967 for eight years following the Six- Day war. In February 2019 the Suez Canal Authority announced 75 massive cargo vessels transited the waterway carrying 5.8 million ton on a single day. Officials on February 6, were able to guide 40 vessels from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean while 35 ships went south. The Ever Given became stuck around 7.40am Tuesday, local time, and remains across the canal this morning. Tracking data shows virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been diverted to help the rescue effort The Suez Canal is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, connecting Europe with the Far East Why is the Suez Canal so important? The Suez canal, which is around 120 miles long links the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean and is the shortest shipping route between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Before the canal, shipping from Europe either had to go overland or risk going around Cape Horn and the South Atlantic. In April 1859, construction of the canal officially begins, much of the work financed by France. It was opened for navigation on November 17, 1869 for vessels from all countries, although the British government later wanted to have an armed force in the area to protect shipping interests having picked up a 44 per cent stake in the canal in 1875. The Suez Canal links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean providing a short cut from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic From then, while nominally owned by Egypt, the canal was run by Britain and France until its until its nationalisation in 1956 . The nationalisation by Nasser saw Britain and France launched an abortive and humiliating bid to recapture the vital waterway. The canal was shut briefly following the attempted invasion. However, in 1967 the canal was shut for eight years following the Six Day war with Israel. Due to the instability in the region, the canal remained closed until 1975 - its longest ever closure, as the waterway had been mined and some vessels had been sunk in the main channel. The Suez Canal is actually the first canal that directly links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. In 2015 a new section of the canal opened, allowing vessels to traverse the waterway in both directions at the same time. Future plans will see the two-lane system extended across the entire network- doubling current capacity of the canal. The largest cargo vessels pay more than 180,000 in tolls to traverse the canal. On average about 40-50 cargo vessels use the canal on a daily basis in a trip that takes around 11 hours, as speed along the waterway is limited to about 9kts to prevent the banks of the canal getting washed away. Along the canal there are emergency mooring slots so vessels can pull over if they are suffering a mechanical issue. When the canal first opened, the channel was approximately 26 feet deep and 72 feet wide at the bottom. The surface was between 200 and 300 feet wide to allow ships to pass. By the 1960s, dredging of the canal increased the depth to 40 feet and widened the waterway to allow larger vessels. Now, the minimum depth of the canal is 66feet, though this is been increased to 72 feet - allowing even larger vessels. Advertisement press release Tribute by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the funeral of the late President of the Republic of Tanzania, Mr John Pombe Magufuli Your Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, To the family of our departed brother, President Magufuli, To the government and the people of Tanzania, The family of nations of Africa are today mourning the passing of one their own, an esteemed leader of his people and a tireless champion of the cause of African progress. On behalf of the government and people of South Africa, please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. This is a moment of sadness that is felt across the region and the continent. It is little more than a year-and-a-half since I was last in Dar es Salaam, at the invitation of President Magufuli for a State Visit and to attend the 39th SADC Summit. I recall the warmth with which we were received and the determination of President Magufuli to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. I recall our discussions, where President Magufuli outlined his vision for the development of Tanzania, of the region and, indeed, of the continent. As we lay our dear brother to rest, we should resolve to pursue that vision, to build an Africa of peace, justice, progress and inclusive prosperity. As South Africans, we will forever regard Tanzania as our home away from home. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance External Relations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. During the darkest moments in our struggle against apartheid, it was here that we were given shelter, sustenance and support. We owe so much of our freedom to the generosity and the sacrifices of the people of Tanzania. It is this shared past that makes us, as South Africans, feel the loss of President Magufuli all the more deeply and all the more personally. Tanzania has lost a father and a brother, Africa has lost a visionary leader, and South Africa has lost a dear friend. May the people of this wonderful land find peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. May the legacy of John Pombe Magufuli live on. And may his soul rest in eternal peace. Asante Sana. I thank you. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain An emissions allowance system would steer the construction industry toward making the needed emission reductions where it can be done at the lowest possible costs, researchers say. At the request of the Ministry of the Environment, Aalto University's economics working group examined what market instruments would be suitable for the regulation of emissions in the construction industry. Pursuant to its study the working group is proposing a national emission allowance system for construction materials. In the system a developer would be required to acquire emission allowances from a public auction or a secondary market corresponding to the carbon dioxide emissions of the construction material before the building is taken into use. This would mean that higher carbon dioxide emissions from the material would be directly reflected in the price of the construction. Professor Matti Liski says that Finnish and international studies have already shown that consumers are very price-conscious when selecting energy solutions for their homes. As housing is the largest expense for households, comprising a 28 percent share of expenditure, the researchers believe that an emission allowance system would be an efficient way to steer construction toward a lower-carbon direction. According to researchers, regulating construction emissions should specifically target materials, because emissions from the time when buildings are in usefrom heating and electricity consumptionare already affected by the regulation of the electricity and heating markets. "Sector-based additional regulation of the heating and electric sector would bring unnecessary costs," Professor Liski says. An alternative for implementing emission reductions would be direct determination of choices that would define how and where emission reductions would be implemented. However, a market instrument such as an emission allowance system would be an incentive to reduce emissions where it could be done at the lowest cost. The system would therefore let builders decide on the methods, while creating incentives for the development of better technologies. Finland has a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2035. Achieving the goal requires accelerated emission reductions in all sectors. It is estimated that the built environment is responsible for about a third of all greenhouse emissions. Explore further Want to cut emissions that cause climate change? Tax carbon More information: The Toward Carbon-Free Construction report will be presented at a webinar (in Finnish) on 24 March 10.30 12.00. You are welcome to join! Link to the webinar The Toward Carbon-Free Construction report will be presented at a webinar (in Finnish) on 24 March 10.30 12.00. You are welcome to join! Link to the webinar aalto.zoom.us/j/67930320427 Lung disease is the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Much of this burden is disproportionately spread across populations of non-Hispanic whites, particularly African Americans who smoke. Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University (LKSOM) are now working to understand why smoking is inordinately detrimental to lung health in African Americans, thanks to a $30,000 grant from the CHEST Foundation, a patient-focused philanthropic arm for the American College of Chest Physicians. We are interested in finding out how sleep modifies the effects of smoking behavior on lung health and exercise tolerance in African Americans as compared to Caucasian smokers." Andrew J. Gangemi, MD, Assistant Professor of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery, LKSOM The research is part of a larger, ongoing project led by Aditi Satti, MD, Professor of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery and Professor in the Center for Asian Health at LKSOM. Dr. Satti's work, made possible by a $3 million grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), is focused on identifying potential associations between sleep deficiency, smoking, and lung health disparities in African American adults who are considered to be at high risk of lung disease. "The expected outcome from this work is a clearer, multi-level, understanding of sleep in at-risk African Americans and the extent to which sleep is an up-stream, central risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression in African American smokers," Dr. Satti explained. "Given that COPD is one of the fastest growing diseases in African American adults and that this population is more likely to get COPD even with smoking fewer cigarettes, finding new ways to prevent COPD and its progression is important." In a paper published in April 2020 in the journal CHEST, Drs. Gangemi and Satti and colleagues described an association between longer sleep duration and better functional exercise capacity in African American smokers at risk for COPD. "Essentially, we found that longer and better-quality sleep could improve daytime exercise tolerance in heavier smokers to the same extent as an inhaled medication," Dr. Gangemi said. The findings highlight a potentially significant interplay between lung health and smoking, sleep patterns, and activity in African Americans. Enrollment in the CHEST study at Temple is now open. ALBANY High-level members of the state Department of Health were directed last year by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to conduct prioritized coronavirus testing on the governor's relatives as well as influential people with ties to the administration, according to three people with direct knowledge of the matter. Members of Cuomo's family including his brother, his mother and at least one of his sisters were also tested by top health department officials some several times, the sources said. The medical officials enlisted to do the testing, which often took place at private residences, included Dr. Eleanor Adams, an epidemiologist who graduated from Harvard Medical School and in August became a special adviser to Zucker. Adams conducted testing on Cuomo's brother Chris at his residence on Long Island, according to the two people. "If their job was to go test an old lady down in New Rochelle, thats one thing thats actually good," one of the people with knowledge of the matter said. "This was not that." Others who were given priority testing include Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and his wife, as well as Patrick J. Foye, head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Members of the media, state legislators and their staff also were tested in similar fashion, although there is no indication those tests were done by high-level health department officials. Foye and Cotton both announced last March they had tested positive for coronavirus. Foye was tested after exhibiting symptoms, according to a spokesman for the MTA. Officials in the Cuomo administration said the testing in those early days of the pandemic in March 2020 was not preferential, and they noted public nurses were being driven to private residences in New Rochelle the site of the state's first outbreak to test people who were symptomatic or who had been exposed to the virus. During that period, State Police troopers were largely being tasked with driving those samples to the Wadsworth Center laboratory in Albany, which was initially the primary testing spot for coronavirus. "It's being a little bit distorted with like a devious intent. ... We made sure to test people they believed were exposed," an official in Cuomo's office said on background. "All of this was being done in good faith in an effort to trace the virus." Richard Azzopardi, a senior adviser to the governor, characterized the allegations of preferential treatment as "insincere efforts to rewrite the past." "In the early days of this pandemic, when there was a heavy emphasis on contact tracing, we were absolutely going above and beyond to get people testing including in some instances going to peoples homes, and door-to-door in places like New Rochelle to take samples from those believed to have been exposed to COVID in order to identify cases and prevent additional ones," Azzopardi said. "Among those we assisted were members of the general public, including legislators, reporters, state workers and their families who feared they had contracted the virus and had the capability to further spread it. Still, one of the people familiar with the matter said that the people with close ties to the governor, including his relatives, would have their samples moved to the front of the line at Wadsworth and be given priority. They were referred to as "critical samples." Another person familiar with the matter said the "sampling missions" had unsettled some of the high-level health department officials tasked with collecting the samples at private residences including Adams, who had previously worked in the health department's New York City regional office for the Healthcare Epidemiology & Infection Control Program. "To be doing sort of direct clinical work was a complete time-suck away from their other duties," the person said. "It was like wartime." Adams was instrumental in the efforts to control the state's first outbreak last year in New Rochelle, where she previously had a private medical practice. But she was often pulled from those duties to conduct the individual testing that could have been done by a registered nurse, one source said. The state Department of Health declined requests this week to make Zucker or Adams available for interviews. The Times Union told officials it wanted to question Adams about how she felt about being directed to conduct priority testing on people with close ties to the governor, including his brother. Youre asking professionals who took an oath to protect a patients privacy to violate that oath and compromise their integrity," said Gary Holmes, a health department spokesman. "More than 43 million New Yorkers have been tested, and commenting on any of them would be a serious violation of medical ethics. Weve built a nation-leading testing infrastructure to ensure that anybody who needs a test could get one. That work continues today. Chris Cuomo, an anchor for CNN, announced March 31 that he had tested positive for coronavirus and would be quarantining in his Long Island residence in Southampton, where he continued doing his nightly show despite being ill. "My brother Chris is positive for coronavirus found out this morning," the governor said during his daily briefing on March 31. "Now, he is going to be fine. He's young, in good shape, strong not as strong as he thinks but he will be fine. But there's a lesson in this. He's an essential worker. ... He's just worried about his daughter and his kids. He hopes he didn't get them infected." The testing of Chris Cuomo took place in the early stages of the pandemic, at a time when many members of the public struggled to obtain coronavirus tests. Beau Duffy, a spokesman for the State Police, on Tuesday told the Times Union that hundreds of state troopers were helping transport testing samples in the early stages of the pandemic. He said the agency did not have records showing that Adams had been transported by State Police to Chris Cuomo's residence. "There was nothing extraordinary about the use of State Police assets but never aircraft to transfer samples, as that was the case for virtually all collections sent to Wadsworth early on," Duffy said. "During the first weeks of the pandemic, troopers transported thousands of samples from around the state to Wadsworth for testing." While it was not unusual for those with symptoms to be tested in their residences at that time, much of the work was done by public health nurses, and they were often being transported by law enforcement officers, including parole officers. National Guard troops also had assisted in those early stages of testing, taking on tasks such as ensuring that people who had been quarantined remained in their residence and delivering food to those who had been asked to stay home. blyons@timesunion.com LANSING, MI The owner of two Michigan timber harvesting companies has been charged with six counts of embezzlement after he allegedly lied to landowners about the amount and type of timber he took from their properties to avoid paying them the full value owed. Norman Kasubowski, 53, of Petoskey, the owner of G.L.F.P., Inc (commonly known as Great Lakes Forest Products) and Northern Timber Producers Inc., was bound over to Otsego County Circuit Court March 19 after a hearing before Judge Michael Cooper in 87-A District Court in Gaylord. RELATED: Owner of Michigan towing company allegedly sold cars with titles obtained through fraud He is charged with six counts of embezzlement by an agent of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000. Each charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater. Consumers signing any contract with a business do so with the expectation that they will be treated fairly, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. We allege Mr. Kasubowski failed in his obligation to his customers and cheated them out of what was rightfully theirs. Details regarding circuit court judge assignments and next court dates are forthcoming, according to a news release. Crash Sends Murray Man to Hospital By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - A Murray man went to the hospital Sunday evening after a two-vehicle crash on North 12th Street.The Murray Police Department said 77-year-old Eugene Blanton told them he was traveling on 12th Street and entered the center turn lane near Diuguid Drive when he struck another vehicle driven by 78-year-old Eddie Hunt of Murray.Blanton was taken to the emergency room for treatment of possible injuries. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Approval of Associated Asphalt and Materials air quality permit will soon be in the hands of the state Environment Department. But it could take more than three months before the department reaches a decision that would allow the company, located off N.M. 599 near the Santa Fe Regional Airport, to consolidate its operations. Hearing officer Gregory Chakalian has 30 days to file his report, which will then go to the department for review. Associated Asphalt currently has two plants located on the Southside of Santa Fe. The company wants to move its plant on Oliver Road about half a mile north to another of its existing plants. If the consolidated permit is denied, the company will continue to operate at two separate plants. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Dozens attended the virtual hearing to give their thoughts on the companys Santa Fe Southside plant consolidation the vast majority of them opposing the permit. The hearing, which took place Monday and Tuesday, will continue Wednesday. Earth Care, a nonprofit group that works to empower young people to create healthy, just, and sustainable communities, according to its website, and area residents represented by the New Mexico Environmental Law Center, were among those who stood in opposition to the permit. Dr. Lance Chilton, a retired pediatrician, said he treated many children with asthma and the pollution exposure can worsen the condition. He said the particle matter emitted by the pollution can build up in lungs and cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and that medical studies back that up. Those who use asphalt in paving and in roughing have a higher incidence of lung cancer and other cancers than control subjects who are not exposed in that way, he said. Matt Lane, environmental manager for Associated Asphalt, previously said that the consolidation of two plants would result in a 50% reduction in the concentrations of emissions that reach residential areas. He said the purpose of the move was simply to put the two plants together for efficiencys sake. During the hearing, Eric Jantz, attorney for the Environmental Law Center, suggested the Environment Department was improperly applying EPA regulations to issue permits for the consolidation. Nearly everyone who gave public comment was opposed to the plants consolidation, some even stating that COVID-19 should be taken into account due to the unknowns surrounding pollutions impact on recovering virus patients. Southside residents said the plants consolidation would perpetuate environmental racism, a term suggesting that people of color are subjected to pollution and other risks at higher rates. TANAISTE Leo Varadkar has said he does not believe criminal charges will be brought against him over the leaking of a confidential Government document. Mr Varadkar has also criticised inaccurate reporting around the investigation, claiming there has been so much misinformation about the story in recent weeks The Fine Gael leader told The Michael Reade Show on LMFM on Wednesday that he did not believe criminal charges would arise from garda investigation when he was asked if he would step aside should that happen. I dont contemplate that happening, he said. When pressed and asked if, hypothetically, criminal charges were taken against any member of Government did he believe they should step aside for a period of time, Mr Varadkar responded: I am not contemplating that and I've been trying to avoid creating new stories about this issue so that's not something Im considering. I dont believe its going to happen. He added: What I am saying is its not going to arise. Read More Asked by Mr Reade if by this he meant that charges wont be taken against him, the Fine Gael leader responded: Thats correct. Mr Varadkar was speaking amid an ongoing garda investigation into a criminal complaint against him over the leaking of a document outlining the proposed new GP contract with the Irish Medical Organisation to his friend Dr Maitiu O Tuathail, who was the head of the rival National Association of General Practitioners in April 2019 The matter has been upgraded to a formal criminal investigation by An Garda Siochana in recent weeks. Mr Varadkar has yet to be interviewed by detectives but has offered to speak with them under caution. Mr Varadkar has apologised for the manner in which he provided the document to Dr O Tuathail but has said his legal advice is that no offence has been committed. Speaking to LMFM, Mr Varadkar said the document, which was marked confidential/not for circulation, was not a contract or a draft contract. First of all, theres been a lot said about this and a lot of it isnt accurate or true. I gave a full account about all of this to the Dail both in November and January and won a confidence motion on it in the Dail, he said. It was not a contract, nor was it a draft contract, it wasnt a cabinet document, not a budget secret so a lot of the things that have been said about this are inaccurate and continue to be inaccurate. A contract is a legal document that two or three parties sign and are bound by it was not a contract or a draft contract. But again this is part of the difficulty that I face that theres been so much misinformation about this. So all I know at this stage is that a complaint was made to the gardai back in November, the gardai have to do their job and investigate that complaint. They took statements from at least one government minister - Minister [Simon] Harris - in January which is how I heard that there was an investigation underway. My solicitors contacted the gardai at that point to say that I would be willing to give a statement or be interviewed or whatever they need and Ive heard nothing since. And since then all I am relying on is what I see in the papers, leaks to the papers ironically and most of them and many of them are not accurate. So like that is the situation at the moment as far as I am concerned. What I am not allowing it to do is distract me from my job and I dont think anyone in Government is being distracted from their jobs in that regard. He went on to say that the vast majority of people would be of this view that gardai and the Director of Public Prosecutions, which will make a decision on whether to bring charges, should be allowed to do their job. He said that he had not been contacted by gardai about the matter at all and that he could not contemplate anything beyond that. Mr Varadkar added: It is going to distract people, it will certainly distract the Opposition and it will distract people in the media too, and thats fine. It wont be distracting me from my job, I guarantee you that, nor is it distracting anyone else in Government. Were very busy doing the peoples businesses and thats what were paid to do. A program to give $500 monthly checks to low-income families of color in Oakland, California, has been criticized for explicitly excluding the 10,000 white residents living in poverty in the city. The lottery system, funded by private philanthropists, will see the no-strings-attached checks go to households with an annual income of less than $59,000 if they have at least one child. The other half of the $500 checks will go to those earning under $30,000. According to data from an Oakland Equity Indicators Report, cited by officials to justify favoring people of color, white households earn about three times that of African-American ones. The same report states around 8 per cent of the city's white residents, approximately 10,000 people, live in poverty. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf announces a privately funded program that will give low-income families of color $500 per month with no rules on how they can spend it. The program has spurred criticism for explicitly excluding white residents from applying. In this 2019 file photo, a woman walks through a homeless encampment at Union Point Park in Oakland Around 10,000 white people live in poverty in the city, which is defined by earning less than $12,880. This file picture shows Oakland resident Ed Hansen with walking sticks that he carved in the Union Point Park homeless encampment Schaaf told the Associated Press the reason for limiting eligibility to black, indigenous and other people of color was that white households in Oakland make on average about three times as much as black households. Mayor Schaaf said: 'We have designed this demonstration project to add to the body of evidence, and to begin this relentless campaign to adopt a guaranteed income federally.' The announcement sparked an angry debate online, as hundreds of commentators on Reddit were critical of the move. One commenter labeled it 'pure racism'. 'Is this even legal? Can a city government legally have a program that's only for certain races?' Another explained the program failed to understand the changing demographics of the city. 'The high income earners in Oakland are mostly young transplants that did not grow up in Oakland. They should have done research on upward social mobility in Oakland and restricted based upon that. But I guess that's too much work.' Another wrote: 'Poor is poor. Being poor and white sucks, you may not get locked up for trivial shit like our dark skinned brothers and sisters but its no secret that White Privilege always has and always will require a certain shade of green to your name.' Families have been forced to live in their cars, as homelessness rates surged in the city (File photo from 2019) A homeless man waits to panhandle drivers stopped at a traffic signal on Broadway. The rates of homelessness in the city rose nearly 50 per cent between 2017 and 2019, when this photo was taken In this shot from March 2020, a homeless person camps on a street bench Homeless encampments like this one (pictured in February 2021) underneath the freeway and BART tracks have sprung up around the city The group behind the scheme, Oakland Resilient Families, said the idea for race-based payments began in 2020 when Mayor Schaaf pledged to bring a guaranteed income pilot to Oakland. It states she was inspired in part by Stockton, California, which in 2019 started giving some residents earning under $46,000 per year a monthly check of $500. Stockton's plan, launched under previous Mayor Michael Stubbs, has been widely praised as bringing greater economic prosperity to the city, and identified as a potential blueprint for a Federal universal basic of income. Oakland Resilient Families, said it planned to steer half of the monthly checks towards black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in East Oakland. According to the Equity Indicators Report, 2016 median household income for white families were $110,000, for Asians $76,000, Latinos had a median household income of $65,000, and African-Americans just $37,500. The DailyMail.com contacted the City of Oakland director of communications and Oakland's citywide communications director to ask how the eligibility rules had been decided. Neither had responded by Wednesday afternoon. Oakland's homeless population rose by nearly 50 per cent between 2017 and 2019. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, any individual earning less than $12,880 is in poverty. A household of two earning $17,420 would also qualify, rising to $31,040 for a household of five. On March 29, 2012, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. The proclamation called "upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War." On Dec. 26, 2016, the Vietnam Veterans Day Coalition of States Council presented a letter to President-elect Donald Trump and Congressional leadership outlining the history and timeline of cause to establish March 29 as Vietnam War Veterans Day and requesting that it be one of the first legislations passed and signed into law during the 115 Congress. On March 28, 2017, President Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially recognizes March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The Act also includes the day among those days on which the US flag should especially be displayed. March 29 was chosen as National Vietnam War Veterans Day because on March 29, 1973, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was disbanded and the last U.S. combat troops departed the Republic of Vietnam. Thanks to many veterans groups who petitioned their elected officials, March 29 is now set aside to recognize and honor all who served in uniform during that designated period (Nov. 1, 1955 - April 30, 1975); regardless of whether they had boots on the ground in Vietnam or not. The Vietnam Veteran is aging. In 2021, the average age of a Vietnam Veteran is around 74 years old. Of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in the Vietnam theater of operation, less than 850,000 (31%) are estimated to be alive today. [March 24, 2021] Omnichannel Expert emBlue Acquires Denver-based Zenman for High Quality Team and Exceptional Reputation emBlue, an omnichannel platform that ensures a smooth customer journey, from awareness through purchase, announced it acquired Denver-based Zenman for their reputable expertise and phenomenal team. Zenman offers innovation in the world of web design and development, staying informed about web trends, while providing features to clients based on their industry and desired functionality. emBlue uses integrated communications channels like email, SMS, and push notifications with a permanent 360 success and tech team. The two groups will marry the individual companies' expertise, optimizing customer experience and providing stellar results. "Zenman has been in business for over two decades. They understand that website content matters not only for SEO purposes, but also for acquiring potential customers. Their content team works to capture the essence of a brand and the products or services offered," said Alejo Lopez, U.S. Country Manager, emBlue. "Their ideology and client roster is the perfect match for emBlue's platform, making this acquisition an exciting step forward in our US launch." emBlue's 360 ROI Method effectively reaches every single customer through tailor-made messages based on their own interests. The process reduces anxiety and simplifies marketing and clent experience with the automation tools and an implementation success team that gives clients an operating system, helping increase engagement and sales, and save time. emBlue was not the first company to reach out to Keith Roberts, Owner & CEO of Zenman, about purchasing his Denver-based company. After getting to know the people behind the emBlue brand, it was clear they had the right vision to continue the Zenman legacy through trust, collaboration and high-quality work. "emBlue has impressive capabilities to take client goals to the next level. What I love most about emBlue is they don't just provide software as a service and leave you to try and squeeze value out of the tool. Their 360 ROI Method comes with a team of creative and strategy experts that roll up their sleeves and create messaging and design communications that result in complete workflows that deliver the right message to the right person at the right time," said Roberts. "They've proven their value to their impressive client list. We are confident in their knowledge and abilities to assist U.S. companies as they navigate through this pandemic and beyond." Even through much political and civil unrest in South America, emBlue's strategy has propelled many large brands forward. The Zenman and emBlue teams are working closely to consolidate their expertise and emBlue will acquire all clients and employees from the Zenman roster. The company will have US teams based in Denver, Austin and Miami. About emBlue emBlue uses an Omnichannel customer-centered strategy, taking clients' communications plans to a whole new level. emBlue links different channels, such as Email, SMS and Push Notification with tailor-made messages, giving customers a unique brand experience. emBlue does business in 18 cities and 16 countries, with multilingual teams to help companies enhance their communications strategy through their Multi Profile Experts who stay with clients from the start all the way through execution. emBlue launched in the U.S. through their acquisition of Denver-based company Zenman in March 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005886/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Boris Johnson last night accused the BBC of 'metropolitan bias'. Speaking to Tory MPs, the Prime Minister said the Brexit process had shown that the Corporation was 'pretty detached' from many of its viewers. He said he hoped the BBC would move 'more into line'. Mr Johnson made his comments at a meeting of the 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers. The BBC insisted last week that it was 'proud to be British' after a furious backlash at news presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty mocking the Union Jack. Asked about the row, the PM said: 'We need to recognise on the whole that there is a great deal of instinctual metropolitan bias in the BBC newsroom. Boris Johnson (pictured) said the Brexit process had shown that the BBC was 'pretty detached' from many of its viewers 'It's pretty clear from the whole Brexit experience that the BBC was pretty detached from a lot of its viewers and listeners and I hope they move more into line. 'We need to think about that with all the commonsensical ways we have.' Mr Stayt, 58, had mockingly told Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick: 'I think your flag is not up to standard size Government-interview measurements. I think it's just a little bit small.' A laughing Miss Munchetty was then heard to comment: 'They had the picture of the Queen there as well, though'. The controversy continued later when Miss Munchetty, 46, 'liked' insulting tweets about the British flag including a reference to 'flag sh*****s' being 'up in arms'. She later removed the 'likes' and wrote: 'These do not represent the views of me or the BBC. I apologise for any offence taken.' The BBC insisted last week that it was 'proud to be British' after a furious backlash at news presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty mocking the Union Jack Since becoming director-general last year Tim Davie has launched a crackdown on the way news stars behave on social media, as part of his moves to tackle impartiality issues at the broadcaster. MPs had written to Mr Davie saying they had been 'inundated with complaints' from constituents following the flag row. They called for Mr Stayt and Miss Munchetty to be 'reprimanded' and to 'apologise for their conduct'. They added that the attitudes on the programme were inappropriate and disrespectful. In response Mr Davie repeated that the BBC was 'proud of the UK' and that it took their complaints seriously. Last week, the BBC announced a huge shake-up to make the corporation less London-centric, in its 'biggest transformation in decades'. Some 400 roles - around half of those in BBC News - will be relocated outside London. The presenters were interviewing communities secretary Robert Jenrick when the incident took place News and current affairs programmes such as Newsnight will be presented from different UK bases - and Radio 4's Today show will be co-hosted from outside London for at least 100 episodes a year. The decision could also result in a BBC rival to ITV soap Coronation Street. The broadcaster said it would air two new long-running drama series - one from the North of England and the other from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The BBC, which was accused of failing to understand the vote for Brexit, hopes the move changes the tone of its programmes and journalism. As part of Mr Davie's reforms, the BBC also announced a new diversity directive which will require 95% of staff to complete 'unconscious bias' training and which aims for 80% to declare their social class. The corporation is also aiming for 50% of LGBT employees to be 'out' at work, based on the proportion of people identifying as gay or transgender who state in an annual staff survey that they have revealed their sexuality to their manager. The BBC says it wants a 50-50 split of male and female staff and is in the process of launching a 'staff census... that will for the first time capture non-binary or non-conforming identities'. The mandatory requirement for nearly all employees to undertake unconscious bias training is likely to face criticism, as many experts consider the technique to be ineffective in preventing discrimination and even harmful. Research shows that viewers in the so-called 'Red Wall' in the north and midlands feel the coporation is out of touch with their values. A Covid-19 situation at the National Insurance Board (NIB) led to late pension cheques this month, says Social Development Minister Donna Cox. And the ministry yesterday apologised for any inconvenience caused to pensioners and other recipients of social welfare as a result of the late payment of benefits. Work is underway to build a quantum computer in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, ushering an important milestone for the region in this breakthrough era in computing. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005788/en/ H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC (Photo: AETOSWire) Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the dedicated applied research pillar of Abu Dhabis newly established Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), today announced that its Quantum Research Centre (QRC) team led by its Chief Researcher Professor Jose Ignacio Latorre, will construct the quantum computer in the UAE capital, in collaboration with Barcelona-based Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech researchers. We are at the cusp of a new era with the advent of quantum computing, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of ATRC, said. We are proud to embark on building one of these wonderful machines which will help us in various fields, from discovering new medicines to making new materials to designing better batteries to various Artificial Intelligence applications. A quantum computer uses quantum mechanics phenomena such as superposition and entanglement to generate and manipulate subatomic particles like electrons or photons - quantum bits also known as qubits - to create exponentially stronger processing powers that can help perform complex calculations that would take much longer to solve even by the worlds most powerful classical supercomputers. Prof. Latorre explained that preparatory work has already begun. The first step in the process is to build a laboratory, equip it and complete installation of the cleanroom equipment, all of which is on track. Once done, the first qubits will be prepared, characterised and benchmarked. We expect the first simple quantum chips Made in Abu Dhabi should come by the end of the summer, he said. Prof. Latorre said there are several technologies to construct quantum computers such as superconducting qubits, ion traps, optical qubits, and spin dots, adding QRC has opted to use superconducting qubits, which is the same technology that Google and IBM use in building their own quantum computers, and they offer the best qubit technology to scale to a larger quantum computer. QRC is one of seven dedicated research centres at Technology Innovation Institute (TII). About Technology Innovation Institute (TII) Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is the dedicated applied research pillar of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). TII 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 reinforcing Abu Dhabi and the UAEs status as a global hub for innovation. For more information, visit www.tii.ae Connect with us on social media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiiuae/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TIIuae Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiiuae/ About Quantum Research Centre(QRC) Quantum Research Centre at Technology Innovation Institute (TII) has been created to develop world-class quantum-theoretical and experimental research by building and operating a quantum computer in the MENA region while advancing quantum communications and quantum sensors. The Centre aims to develop pioneering technologies backed by the expertise of an international team of leading researchers, dedicated to achieving a Quantum Advantage which will transform the power and scope of computers. For more information, visit https://quantum.tii.ae *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005788/en/ SAN FRANCISCO, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, AAA insurance retail sales agents across Northern California filed for an election with the NLRB to be able to vote to join Teamsters Local 665. The 460 insurance agents with AAA Northern California work at 77 locations across six regions, stretching from Merced, Calif., to the Oregon border. The unique organizing effort is a result of workers seeking a voice and stability. As the insurance industry evolves, COVID-19 has exposed the need for security and protections for workers. AAA workers in Northern California are experts in providing customers with insurance to protect themselves and their families, but these workers feel increasingly unprotected themselves on the job and are seeking union representation to ensure their futures. AAA Northern California workers who have been with the company for decades report feeling pushed out and fear termination over changing sales targets. Workers reference a 'culture of fear', say they have been disciplined for following company policy, and face intense pressure. As the workers unite to organize, company-hired union avoidance consultants are holding meetings with workers. "We support AAA Northern California insurance agents who reached out to us for support in forming their union. They are committed, skilled agents who recognize the stability and strength that the Teamsters Union brings to the table. We are honored to work with them with the goal of improving their working conditions," said Tony Delorio, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 665. Contact: Kara Deniz, (202) 497-6610 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 665 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Our district is a global village and we have students from all over the world, families were told in a message from District 219 Superintendent Steven Isoyeand principals of Niles North and Niles West High Schools in Skokie. Right now, our Asian community and our students are grieving and hurt by the most recent hate crime in Georgia. When an incident like this occurs, the trauma is felt throughout the country, especially in schools. It is our responsibility as a community to come together and heal. 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! We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form press release President Cyril Ramaphosa has honoured the late Western Cape freedom fighter, academic and community organiser Cecyl Esau by designating his funeral as a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 2. In terms of Chapter 1.5.2 (a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, the President may designate the funeral of a distinguished person as a Special Provincial Official Funeral. Mr Esau was an uMkhonto weSizwe fighter and former Robben Island prisoner who was renowned for his principled activism, and had a longstanding association with the University of the Western Cape. He was also one of the founding staff members of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. Mr Esau passed away at his home on Wednesday, 17 March 2021, at the age of 66. His funeral will take place on Saturday, 27 March 2021. The South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements, while the National Flag will be half-masted throughout the Western Cape on the day of the funeral. Funeral proceedings will comply with Regulation 11B, Sub-regulation 8, of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Cade Metz, a New York Times technology correspondent, and NYUs Yann LeCun will discuss Metzs newly released Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World in a webinar, Fri., April 9, 1-2 p.m. EDT. Metzs book chronicles how scientists from disparate fields of expertise worked to bring artificial intelligence (AI) into major companies, ushering in a new era of technology that has influenced our social discourse and altered our daily lives. Genius Makers also considers the work of LeCun, a professor at NYUs Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and NYUs Center for Data Science (CDS) who is Facebooks chief AI scientist. LeCun, who founded CDS, was a recipient of the Turing Award in 2019 for his breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and, specifically, deep learning and convolutional neural networksthe foundation of modern computer vision, speech recognition, speech synthesis, image synthesis, and natural language processing. The conversation will be moderated by Michael Picheny, a research professor at the Courant Institute and Center for Data Science who was part of the IBM team that developed the companys speech-recognition systems. To RSVP, please visit the events registration page. For more information, please email em3388@nyu.edu. Washington, March 24 : US President Joe Biden said he was "devastated" by the shooting a day earlier at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, that killed 10 people, urging the Senate to immediately pass the bills on gun reform recently approved by the House. "Ten lives have been lost, and more families have been shattered by gun violence in the state of Colorado," Biden said in remarks from the White House on Tuesday. "And (first lady) Jill and I are devastated, the feeling, I just can't imagine how the families are feeling," he added, Xinhua news agency reported. On Monday afternoon, a shooter identified on Tuesday as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa opened fire at the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, killing 10 people, among them a police officer who was the first to respond to the situation. The carnage came less than a week after eight people, many of whom were Asian women, were killed in a shooting spree in the Atlanta area in Georgia. In addition to 51-year-old Eric Talley, the deceased police officer, the identities of the remaining nine victims were also revealed Tuesday morning by the police. While praising the heroism of the slain officer, Biden urged the Senate to immediately pass two bills on gun reform recently approved by the House. "I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common sense steps that will save lives in the future," said Biden, who shortly before the speech ordered that flags be flown at half-mast to honor the victims. "The Senate should immediately pass, let me say it again, the United States Senate, I hope some are listening, should immediately pass the two House-passed bills that close loopholes in the background check system. These are bills that received votes with both Republicans and Democrats in the House. This is not and should not be a partisan issue. This is an American issue. It will save lives. American lives. We have to act," Biden added. Earlier this month, the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and Enhanced Background Checks Act, respectively. Both of the bills passed almost by party-line votes, with very few Republicans' support. Also on Tuesday, the atmosphere of an ongoing hearing on gun control in the Senate grew intense right at the beginning, as Democrats accused Republicans of having no solution for gun violence and GOP senators fired back by blaming the Democrats for pushing gun reform every time a shooting incident happened. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Xiao Zhen Xie, aged 75 (CBSN Bay Area) A 75-year-old Asian woman who raised almost a million on GoFundMe in the aftermath of an attack, wants to donate the money to charitable causes. According to the family of Xiao Zhen Xie, more than $930,000 (678,000) will go to the Asian-American community and charities fighting racism. A week ago, the grandmother was the target of an aggravated assault in the Market Street area of San Francisco. Although she was bruised by the incident, she was able to beat her white attacker, who afterwards required treatment for injuries, with a stick, according to CBS San Francisco. John Chen, Ms Xie's grandson, opened a GoFundMe to raise funds in support of the 75-year-old, who had shown bravery, but was severely affected mentally, physically, and emotionally following the attack. Read more: On Tuesday, Mr Chen wrote on GoFundMe that with almost a million dollars worth of donations, Ms Xie wanted to fight racism with the funds, and that she was recovering from the ordeal. She said we must not submit to racism and we must fight to the death if necessary. She also stated multiple times to donate all the funds generated in this GoFundMe back to the Asian-American community to combat racism, wrote Mr Chen. She insists on making this decision saying this issue is bigger than her. This is my grandma, grandpa, and our familys decision, Mr Chen added. We hope everyone can understand our decision. The alleged attacker, 39-year-old Steven Jenkins, also beat an 83-year-old Asian man, Ngoc Pham, in the moments before the attack on Ms Xie last Wednesday, San Francisco police said. An investigation is ongoing, with San Francisco police working to determine if racial bias was a motivating factor in the incident. Mr Jenkins was charged with two counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and two charges of elder abuse, according to police. It follows a spate of crimes committed against Asian-Americans in the United States, including the fatal shooting of six women of Asian descent in Atlanta, Georgia, last week. [March 23, 2021] Cottonwood Creek Behavioral Hospital provides Notice of Data Incident MERIDIAN, Idaho, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cottonwood Creek Behavioral Hospital ("Cottonwood Creek") is providing notice of a recent cyber-security incident so that potentially affected individuals may take additional steps to protect their personal information, should they feel it appropriate to do so. On or around September 27, 2020, Cottonwood Creek observed unusual activity on certain systems. Upon discovering this activity, Cottonwood Creek began an investigation, including working with third party forensic specialists, to identify the source of the activity and determine its impact on Cottonwood Creek affiliated systems. The investigation determined that certain files were potentially accessible on a system that may have been subject to unauthorized access between September 24, 2020 and September 27, 2020. Upon determining that certain files may have been accessible on the impacted system, Cottonwood Creek began a review of these files to learn what might have been accessible at the time of this incident. Cottonwood Creek immediately undertook a comprehensive review of the contents of the impated files, to identify anyone who may have personal information within the potentially impacted data. Cottonwood Creek's investigation cannot determine specifically what files, if any, were actually viewed by the unauthorized actor(s), but the review recently indicates that names and certain information of some individuals were present. This review was completed on March 11, 2021. Cottonwood Creek is mailing notices to those individuals whose information was present. While, to date, the investigation has found no evidence of actual or attempted misuse of the information present in the potentially impacted files, Cottonwood Creek's review determined that the documents affected by this incident may include some combination of the following types of information: name, date of birth, medical history, treatment information, provider information, patient identification number, and health insurance information. The confidentiality, privacy, and security of personal information within Cottonwood Creek's custody is among its highest priorities. Cottonwood Creek is taking steps to further strengthen the security of its information systems. Cottonwood Creek also continues to review its security policies and procedures as part of its ongoing commitment to protect and maintain information security. Cottonwood Creek is providing a dedicated call center to those who may be impacted to learn more and is also offering them access to credit monitoring as well as general guidance on how to protect against identity theft and fraud. Impacted individuals can learn more by contacting us at (833) 416-0845 (toll free), Monday through Friday, 9 am to 9 pm ET. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cottonwood-creek-behavioral-hospital-provides-notice-of-data-incident-301254289.html SOURCE Haven Behavioral Healthcare [ 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. [March 24, 2021] British Businessman Oliver Morley, reveals the thrilling story behind saving three lions in 2012 BRISTOL, United Kingdom, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oliver Morley, who has worked with animal welfare charities since 2012 to save three lions, has revealed the lengthy and difficult process behind saving them. Morley smuggled two lion cubs on his plane from Romania, which landed in Bucharest where he bribed a security guard to keep the lions a secret, before taking them to Guernsey. After arriving home in Guernsey, he took the lions to Gatwick and flew to Paris to save Brutus. Brutus was found crammed into a small cage, hardly big enough for breathing space. With Brutus in tow, he took allof the lions to a reserve in South Africa. They were then put in a Shamwari reserve at Morleys expense for monitoring and so that they could be protected from poachers and other dangers. Since the rescue mission, Oliver has opened a tiger sanctuary in Nepal with the aim to protect the future of tigers. As well as this sanctuary, he has been saving primates and big cats for over 12 years and works on defending Whales and Dolphins, donating over 1million along the way. Morley is due to appear in Supreme Court today as he continues his battle with the Royal Bank of Scotland. Oliver Morley, reminiscing on the rescue mission, said: It was such a shame to see these lions in an environment that was nowhere near fit for purpose. Looking back, we made some questionable decisions along the way, but I would absolutely make them again. It is heartbreaking to see these animals put through what they were, and I couldn't bear to stand and watch it go on for much longer. Media Contact - Name - upUgo E-mail - hello@upUgo.com Country - Bristol, United Kingdom [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Elon Musk is like "a man with a plan" with all of his public announcements and claims via Twitter, particularly about the upcoming role of SpaceX in bringing humans to Mars via the Starship to arrive before 2030. The Mars Base Alpha plans to be self-sustaining, among other things, which Elon Musk would soon want there, but simulation shows that the CEO and his mission are missing something. It seems impossible that Elon Musk and SpaceX would be missing something, for something as complicated as interstellar space travel and going to other planets are planned years. Apart from that, Elon Musk has revealed himself to be envisioning space travel for a lot of years now, aiming to be the Red Planet's first ruler in his memes. However, as much as SpaceX and Elon Musk is looking into space travel, several simulations made by some experts have vouched for what would be missing in the first Mars mission by humans headed by the company. The mission would take place anytime during the 2020's decade (2021 to 2029) as Elon Musk reveals the plans to launch the Full Stack Starship by July. Read Also: Google Apps Android Server Down: Early Reports of YouTube, Gmail, and MORE Are Unresponsive-How to Fix? SpaceX and Elon Musk are Missing Something, What Is It? NASA Goddard has hosted a space simulation mission, also known as "analog missions," that aims to replicate the conditions on another planet (in this case, Mars) so that humans would know the situations. Here, it was designed by the studio called "Cosmic Perspective" which has been held in the HI-SEAS station in Hawaii. According to Inverse, MaryLiz Bender was the first tester of the highly remote situation, in which she had gone 15 days on the "fake Mars" station and experienced what typical humans would see in a highly foreign location. In this case, the highly foreign location is the uncharted area of Mars that was never before seen or visited by any humans before SpaceX. Bender said that isolation and cabin fever were among the first feelings that she felt when going to the fake Mars and that as SpaceX and Elon Musk are focused directly on the goal, they might overlook this factor. Moreover, her advice for Elon Musk and SpaceX is not to build cities that resemble structures on Earth, along with Soundproofing the living areas to avoid the pitch silent feeling. Elon Musk: SpaceX to Launch Mars' Human Mission Before 2030 On the other hand, Elon Musk is back on Twitter to clarify everyone that has been speculating and writing reports about SpaceX's Mars Mission that would soon happen in a couple of years. The CEO has been repeatedly saying that the first Mars launches would happen before 2030, and not in the next decade as repeated by speculators. SpaceX will be landing Starships on Mars well before 2030. The really hard threshold is making Mars Base Alpha self-sustaining. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 23, 2021 SpaceX has less than nine years to make this happen, particularly with the successful test launch and landing by the Starship along with its Super Heavy Booster Rocket that is destined and designed for the Red Planet. Elon Musk's Mars Base Alpha shares no expense for missions later than 2030, and it seems that the timeline is set for the company. Related Article: Elon Musk: 'First Mars City' Construction Happening Within 2020 Decade, Not 2054 This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. One person was killed, two others suffered injuries as a Bolivian air force fighter jet crashed into a residential building in the Sacaba municipality of Chapare province in Bolivia on Wednesday. The crashed jet was a training aircraft, Sputnik reported. It is unclear what caused the accident. All three of them were reportedly residents of the house. The two-seat jet's pilots reportedly managed to eject from the aircraft and landed safely. Police have cordoned off the area of the crash, and firefighters are working on extinguishing the flames, which had started in the house as a result of the incident. Further details are awaited. (ANI) NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CISOs Connect, an exclusive CISO-only membership community of Security Current, today announced the inaugural CISOs Top 100 CISO (C100) recognition and its Distinguished CISO Board of Judges in a first of its kind recognition, honoring the consummate security leaders across the United States. The C100 recognition will honor the top 100 CISOs across industries who are experienced, proven leaders who share their expertise with others to continue to give back to the industry to further secure and protect organizations in the US and globally. CISOs Connect CISOs Connect Criteria to nominate are transparent as well as the Distinguished Board of Judges making the final determinations. Nominations for the recognition open today and can be self-submitted or by a third party as long as the nominee meets the criteria. Criteria include being in the role of CISO (or equivalent) and at an end-user enterprise or organization for at least five years, with involvement and leadership roles in professional organizations, security-related volunteering and activism, as well as teaching and educating future cybersecurity professionals across functions being benchmarks strongly considered amongst others. Nominate here: https://www.research.net/r/c100_awards_application "It is important to recognize CISOs who give back to the profession and have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the CISO community. Today too many of the current CIO and CISO awards are driven by commercial relationships and far from an unbiased recognition of the most exceptional leaders in our industry," said Colin Anderson, Ceridian CISO. "The CISOs Connect community is looking to change that with this C100 award designed with transparency and unbiased CISO peers leading the recognition of our best and brightest CISOs in the United States." Patricia Titus, Markel Corporation CISO and Chief Privacy Officer, added: "Being a long tenured CISO, I have never seen an award given by a board of experienced CISOs. This is truly an amazing opportunity to recognize CISOs and the countless hours of blood, sweat and tears that go into this hard charging, ever changing field. Often the behind the scenes, the CISO is the unsung hero whose work brings peace of mind to corporate executives, boards and shareholders, along with governmental organization. I couldn't be prouder to be on this Board with my esteemed colleagues." The Distinguished CISO Board includes: Ceridian CISO Colin Anderson Discover Financial Services SVP & CISO Shaun Khalfan Dollar Tree Stores VP & CISO Kevin McKenzie Global Private Equity Firm CISO Matt Hollcraft Higher Education CISO Bob Turner Kraft Heinz CISO Ricardo Lafosse Markel Corporation CISO & Chief Privacy Officer Patricia Titus PLDT Group, ePLDT Group & Smart Communications FVP & Group CISO Angel Redoble RWJBarnabas Health CISO Hussein Syed United Airlines VP & CISO Deneen DeFiore Whole Foods Market CISO Sameer Sait "I am honored to work closely with leading CISOs in the United States to pay tribute to their peers who are dedicated to making the world safer and ultimately a better place," said Angel Redoble, FVP & Group CISO for PLDT and ePLDT & Smart Communications the leading telecommunications and Internet service provider in the Philippines. "As someone who has dedicated themselves to advancing the field of cybersecurity at home and abroad it is fulfilling to be providing a global perspective on such a venerable board." As a fundamental part of their mission to support and recognize the CISOs unceasing efforts to safeguard their enterprises and organizations globally, PLDT and Black Kite, Inc. are continuing to fulfill that mission with their key backing of the C100 recognition. Also, continuing their ongoing support through the C100 recognition are YL Ventures, Orca Security and rThreat. "No doubt, these top shelf professionals receive regular feedback from their leaders and boards. The C100 awards are especially meaningful as they are peer driven feedback from high performing CISOs," said Bob Turner, higher education CISO. Nominate here https://www.research.net/r/c100_awards_application: There is no fee to nominate or qualify. You must be a CISO at an end-user enterprise or organization for at least five years. The application deadline is April 30th, 2021. About CISOs Connect CISOs Connect is an exclusive invitation-only interactive community of trusted cyber peers and subject matter experts. Connected by common interests, this membership-community allows cyber experts to share knowledge and expertise through proprietary content, research, and analysis while exchanging information, ideas and collaborating with trusted colleagues to make informed business and technology decisions. CISOs Connect is part of Security Current. For more information email [email protected] Media contact: Aimee Rhodes [email protected] 201-835-9205 SOURCE Security Current Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2021 ) :President Joe Biden's administration is considering hiking the US corporate tax rate, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Tuesday, as it looks to pay for priorities like a forthcoming infrastructure plan. "We've had a global race to the bottom in corporate taxation and we hope to put an end to that," Yellen told the House Financial Services Committee, adding that Washington wanted to increase the rate to 28 percent. Lets enter an imaginary universe. Its November 2020. The pandemic has magically ended. The Tigers are planning to spend. A lot. Not crazy money like the old days, but enough to make a meaningful difference. In this imaginary world, team owner Chris Ilitch has told general manager Al Avila, You know that $25 million that we no longer have to pay Jordan Zimmermann? I want you to spend all of it. All the dead money weve had to pay out in the last several years? You can spend that, too. In fact, Im giving you $50 million that you can spend exclusively on free agents. Really, thats not so farfetched. Before the pandemic, thats what many people would have expected to happen this winter. But it didnt happen. The Tigers ended up spending roughly $20 million on free agents and probably got some bargains in the process, but theyll still end up in the bottom third of overall payrolls among MLB teams. Spending about $30 million more would move them up to the league average. So how do we decide how to spend this imaginary dough? Were using the real values of players signed this winter. Of course, theres no guarantee the Tigers would have actually been able to sign all the players on this list. Maybe a bidding war would have driven up prices. Maybe the players in question wouldnt want to live in Detroit. (Their loss). But since its just for fun, we wont worry about the details. Well start with the pitching. Unlike the real Tigers, who invested about 30 percent of their budget on starting pitching, Im going to sign only one starter, and Im going to steal the real Tigers idea. Yes, Im cheating because Ive seen the results of spring training, but Julio Teheran has been really impressive and at $3 million before incentives is quite a bargain. The Tigers havent signed a big-league reliever since 2016, since relief pitching is a risky investment for good teams and a largely pointless investment for bad ones. Even so, I think the bullpen is perhaps the least-discussed potential weakness on the 2021 Tigers, and Im going to try give manager A.J. Hinch more options. For a combined $7.1 million, I can sign Tyler Clippard, Matt Wisler and Joakim Soria. Yes, relievers are volatile, but this trio would instantly become the top options in the bullpen. The Tigers have plenty of other relievers with options who can shuttle up and down from Toledo as needed. Now lets bolster the lineup. The Tigers chose not to sign a first baseman to a Major League deal this winter. Instead, they signed Renato Nunez to a minor-league contract, and its unclear if hell make the club. Former Tiger C.J. Cron signed a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies, but he easily made their big-league roster after a monster spring training. I liked Cron in 2020, I like him now and Im a bit uncertain about the Tigers current plans at first base. I say sign him again. I am going to have an all-Curacao middle infield by signing Jonathan Schoop ($4.5 million) and Andrelton Simmons ($10.5 million). Simmons is an elite defensive shortstop, which is what I want for a young pitching staff. What to do about Willi Castro? I love his bat but am not convinced he has the defensive chops to play shortstop. Id call him in November and say, Willi, congratulations, youre the new Niko Goodrum. I need you to start learning every single position on the field. Have fun in the Dominican Republic this winter! The Tigers signed two outfielders in real life and Im going to sign two outfielders as well. Both Joc Pederson ($7.5 million) and Eddie Rosario ($8 million) are left-handed hitters, which gives me some pause, but I think they would inject much-needed offense at the corner outfield spots. Im also going to sign not one, but two catchers. The Tigers opted for Wilson Ramos over Alex Avila (or at the very least didnt make an aggressive enough push for Avila). I think Avila ($1.5 million) is a better choice. Hes less of a defensive liability and should be a respectable hitter, especially when paired with a nice platoon partner. I chose Curt Casali ($1.5 million), who also happens to be a former Tiger. Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch speaks with the press before a spring training game against the New York Yankees at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., on March 9, 2021. (Photo courtesy Detroit Tigers) OK, lets tally up the final bill to hand in to Mr. Ilitch. Obviously, this total could grow with incentives, but Ive left some wiggle room for that. And after all, this is a small price to pay for a certain World Series title, right? Right? SS Andrelton Simmons -- $10.5M OF Eddie Rosario -- $8M OF Joc Pederson -- $8M 2B Jonathan Schoop -- $4.5M RHP Joakim Soria -- $3.5M RHP Julio Teheran -- $3M RHP Tyler Clippard -- $2.25M 1B C.J. Cron -- $2M C Alex Avila -- $1.5M C Curt Casali -- $1.5M RHP Matt Wisler -- $1.15M Total: $45.9 million The best thing about this plan -- or the worst thing, depending on your perspective -- is that these are all one-year deals. That means theres no long-term obligation and if any of these turn out to be busts, the Tigers can start all over again next winter. Of course, if my excellent team-building wins an imaginary World Series, there will be plenty of holes to fill in our quest for an imaginary repeat. Thats OK. I plan to ask the owner for even more imaginary money a year from now. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Supplier News 24 March 2021 IDeaS, a SAS company, the world's leading provider of hotel revenue management software and services, announced today that Casa Angelina, a luxury, boutique hotel on the Amalfi Coast, has selected IDeaS G3 Revenue Management System (RMS) and enlisted the IDeaS Advisory Services team. IDeaS will provide strategic support to help Casa Angelina capitalise on a projected short but busy season and position the property for long-term success. Casa Angelina knew it was time to move away from its manual processes for revenue management and took advantage of the hotel's downtime following a short season in 2020. After looking at several solutions, the general manager and his team selected IDeaS not only for its best-in-class technology, but also for its dedicated consulting expertise, client services and support personnel. Customisation for a boutique hotel - When bookings dropped by 80 percent in 2020, Casa Angelina knew it could use the downtime to implement a new strategy for revenue management. They also knew it would require a partner who could tailor the solution to fit their niche property. - When bookings dropped by 80 percent in 2020, Casa Angelina knew it could use the downtime to implement a new strategy for revenue management. They also knew it would require a partner who could tailor the solution to fit their niche property. Leveraging IDeaS Advisory Services - One of the key drivers in their decision-making process, beyond the power of the analytics G3 RMS provides, was to partner with industry experts to drive the development of commercial and revenue strategies, which combined with G3 RMS, deliver new levels of performance. - One of the key drivers in their decision-making process, beyond the power of the analytics G3 RMS provides, was to partner with industry experts to drive the development of commercial and revenue strategies, which combined with G3 RMS, deliver new levels of performance. Competing in a crowded space - The Amalfi Coast is a prime tourist destination, particularly for Americans. Within 25km of the hotel are many competing properties, and while Casa Angelina anticipates a later season in 2021, they knew they would need to integrate an automated RMS with expert guidance in order to better determine rate structure, forecasting and reporting. Domenico De Simone, general manager, Casa Angelina Hotel, said: "We realised pretty quickly in 2020 that our regular season would be shortened. With more than 80 percent of our bookings cancelled, we determined that this would be the best time to for us to begin the journey to implementing an automated RMS. After careful consideration, we determined IDeaS would be the best partner for us because their industry experts best understood our needs. IDeaS Advisory Services played a pivotal role in instilling a strategic revenue management culture and positioning Casa Angelina for future commercial success. We are very excited to use the system as we look forward to a healthier 2021 season." Cheryl Hawksworth, managing director, EMEA, IDeaS, said: "We are proud Casa Angelina selected IDeaS to optimize their revenue, profit, and productivity. Their investment in sophisticated automation, as well as industry experts to guide them through their RMS journey, will give them a leading edge when demand returns to the Amalfi Coast. We look forward to assisting the team to help them leverage all aspects of the system and gain the positive results they expect." About Casa Angelina Hotel Sitting on the high cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, Casa Angelina offers a sublime slice of modern minimalism on the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on elegant simplicity and first-rate food. An airy refuge, our boutique 42-room hotel is a place where guests can rediscover the forgotten rhythms of long, drawn-out days and easy, lingering evenings. Visit https://www.casangelina.com/en/ to learn more. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CLARE TD Michael McNamara has received confirmation from Bank of Ireland that it will continue to provide an ATM service in Kilkee after the local branch closes. Deputy McNamara questioned bank officials on the matter when they appeared before a virtual hearing of the Oireachtas Finance Committee yesterday. Gavin Kelly, CEO of Bank of Ireland's retail operations said the west Clare seaside town is one of four locations in Ireland that will retain its existing ATM following the scheduled closure of 88 branches across the country. "There will be four locations that we are going to keep an ATM in the branch because there isn't an alternative branch in the town, and Kilkee is one of those locations. So, we are committed to maintaining the ATM in Kilkee for that reason," he told the independent TD. Bank of Ireland has also earmarked a number of branch closures across Limerick. The affected branches are located at Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Rathkeale and Bruff in the county and at Caherdavin, Roxboro and UL in the city. CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) announced today that it has signed a 10-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with rsted Onshore North America, LLC for 100 megawatts from rsted's Western Trail wind farm (WTW) in North Texas. This is Nucor's second VPPA. Last year, Nucor signed a VPPA with EDFR Renewables North America to be the sole off-taker for EDFR's 250-megawatt Brazos Fork solar project, which is also located in Texas. Nucor's VPPA with rsted's WTW project complements the company's participation in Brazos Fork. Together, these two projects have the potential to supply renewable power to the regional electric grid 24 hours a day. "As an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaker and North America's largest recycler, Nucor is already among the cleanest and most sustainable steel producers in the world. This agreement will enable us to further reduce our climate footprint beyond our operations," said Leon Topalian, President & Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation. "Supporting the growth of renewable power generation is not only fundamental to who we are as a company, it also allows us to continue to lead the way forward for the global steel industry." rsted's WTW project is already under construction and is expected to be in service later this year. The project incorporates Nucor steel and steel products and is designed to continue generating power even during particularly severe weather, such as that recently experienced in Texas. "We're excited to partner with Nucor in their efforts to invest in clean, renewable energy," said Vishal Kapadia, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for rsted Onshore. "The PPA at Western Trail demonstrates our ability to provide customized solutions to support achievement of corporate sustainability ambitions." About Nucor Nucor and its affiliates are manufacturers of steel and steel products, with operating facilities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Products produced include: carbon and alloy steel -- in bars, beams, sheet and plate; hollow structural section tubing; electrical conduit; steel piling; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; fabricated concrete reinforcing steel; cold finished steel; precision castings; steel fasteners; metal building systems; steel grating; and wire and wire mesh. Nucor, through The David J. Joseph Company, also brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron and hot briquetted iron / direct reduced iron; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap. Nucor is North America's largest recycler. Certain statements contained in this news release are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. The words "believe," "expect," "project," "will," "should," "could" and similar expressions are intended to identify those forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressure on sales and pricing, including competition from imports and substitute materials; (2) U.S. and foreign trade policies affecting steel imports or exports; (3) the sensitivity of the results of our operations to prevailing steel prices and the changes in the supply and cost of raw materials, including scrap steel; (4) market demand for steel products; and (5) energy costs and availability. These and other factors are discussed in Nucor's regulatory filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those in Nucor's fiscal 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A. Risk Factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of this date, and Nucor does not assume any obligation to update them. SOURCE Nucor Corporation Related Links http://www.nucor.com A makeshift fence stands around the parking lot outside a King Soopers grocery store where a mass shooting took place a day earlier in Boulder, Colo., on March 23, 2021. (David Zalubowski/AP Photo) It Was My Responsibility to Protect Her Life: Barista Hid Elderly Co-worker During Mass Shooting A barista at the King Soopers where 10 people were fatally shot on Monday said he protected an elderly co-worker by shoving her into a corner and shielding her from view with trash cans. Logan Smith, 20, works at the grocery store in Boulder where a gunman law enforcement identified as Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa entered in the early afternoon and opened fire. Smith said he ran outside and saw Alissa shoot a customer who was about to go into the store. Smith called 911 and then moved to take action to shield his 69-year-old colleague behind a counter. Shes my elder, and I knew it was my responsibility to protect her life, and I rushed her into a corner, I shoved two of the trash cans we have to cover her body, and then I was just like, I have to find a place for myself, he told NewsNationNow. Smith ending up hiding behind a trash can, though he feared the gunman could still see him. The barista said the gunman was at one point standing about 13 feet from where he was hiding. He later heard the man move through the store. I dont know if he was out of ammo or if he was armed at the time, Smith said. There was a situation in my mind that I was trying to think of, I should be a hero and try and disarm him or try and neutralize him, but I didnt know if it was just one individual or if it was multiple. When police officers arrived, they exchanged fire with Alissa, who ultimately surrendered himself. A sign honoring the 10 victims is seen at the site of a mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo., on March 23, 2021. (Kevin Mohatt/Reuters) This undated photo provided by the Boulder Police Department shows Colorado shooting suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa. (Boulder Police Department via AP) Smith told KDVR that he doesnt consider himself a hero. I believe our police department, I believe the officer that was shot at the entrance, he is the biggest hero of it all, he said, referring to Boulder officer Eric Talley. Talley got coffee from the barista the day before he died. Smith lost three co-workers in the shooting including Denny Stong, 20, and Rikki Olds, 25. He said he and Stong ran in different directions when they first heard gunshots and he never saw him again. Stong tried to cut the shooter with a knife he had with him, Smith told KDVR, adding, Hes a hero. As for Olds, I saw her get shot and fall to the ground, so seeing that made me know that it was real, Smith told NewsNationNow. Alissa is in jail facing 10 murder charges. Prosecutors told reporters on Tuesday that its too early to know what motivated him to carry out the attack. Family members have told news outlets that Alissa suffered from mental illness. A voicemail to his brother wasnt returned. Louth County Council is one of eight local authorities from either side of the border which came together today, Wednesday, to launch the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor in response to challenges facing the region, which have been identified by a joint report from Dublin City University and Ulster University. The report, The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor: Current Profile, Potential for Recovery & Opportunities for Cooperation, states that this is an opportune time to create a north-south Economic Corridor given the challenges the region faces as it comes to terms with the impact of the United Kingdoms exit from the European Union and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Dolores Minogue, said: This is a great opportunity for local business to grow and expand, to establish key sector areas, and for all involved to collaborate and to use the Corridor to drive economic development both in the region and nationally. In 2018, the eight Councils located along the Corridor and the two Universities came together to work collectively to find ways of realising the potential benefits of further development of the Corridor. This led to the establishment of a Partnership Steering Group made up of the eight Council Chief Executives and the Presidents of the two universities who committed to meeting quarterly. The Steering Groups immediate objective is to leverage the networks resources in areas which can have a positive impact and add significant value to the economic development of the region at a time of great economic and social uncertainty. A working group of local government and university staff was subsequently formed and tasked with developing a series of cooperative initiatives and projects to begin to realise this objective. The report published on Wednesday is the first output of their collective work over the past three years. Following the launch and the publication of the Report, the next step will be to establishing working governance structures which will balance oversight and day to day activity. Oversight will be provided by an Oversight and Governance Board. Councillors Hugh Conlon, Sean Kelly and Fiachra MacRaghnaill will represent Louth County Council on the Oversight and Governance Board. The Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said: Louth County Council is delighted to be a part of the launch of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Project today. "Louth, having an established Memorandum of Understanding and good working relationship with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, can clearly see how cooperation, support and working together benefits all. "We are invested in, and look forward to, working with all involved in this project to set and deliver strategic objectives which will ultimately benefit everyone in the corridor. Since she went public, a string of more powerful people than the junior staffer have either failed to report the allegations to police, failed to support her in reporting the allegation, failed to get themselves across the detail of what happened, or failed to contact her directly, either to satisfy themselves of the facts to offer her proper care. Senator Reynolds says it was not her place to bring the matter to police attention out of respect for Higgins privacy. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he didnt know about it until it hit the media (even though senior staff in his office had direct knowledge dating back to 2019). Philip Gaetjens, the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, has been charged by Morrison to establish who knew what and when about the communication of Higgins allegations; yet the nations most senior mandarin has not spoken to Higgins and says he does not need to. What Higgins has been subjected to is about as traumatic as it gets, but I want to focus on the incentives and the structures. And the structural problems are not confined to federal politics. Three women who worked in the electorate office of WA Labor MLA for Kalamunda Matthew Hughes have all come forward with similar allegations about the way he treated them in the office. One of the women, Janelle Sewell, alleges she was subjected to put-downs and bullying over two years, including one day in April 2019, when Hughes began swearing and banged her desk with a fist. Loading In June 2020 she claims she asked Hughes for clarification about the process for paying a bill, prompting him to complain that he had already told her this hundreds of times before. For me the problem was I kept trying to escape his raging and he followed me everywhere and he wouldnt let it go, Sewell told WAtodays Hamish Hastie. He was in my space and I kept having to move around him. She claims another staffer stepped in and she reported the matter to the Department of Premier and Cabinets human resources team the next morning, requesting help or a transfer to another office. Six hours later, Hughes called her to sack her, she claims, because of a breach of trust after she contacted HR. If that sequence is correct it is astonishing and totally out of step with proper HR practice. Hughes, a former school principal at John Septimus Roe Anglican school, denies any wrongdoing. The allegations first became public in the week leading up to the state election. Matthew is a decent man, Premier Mark McGowan said, adding that there were obviously different versions of events. The Department of Premier and Cabinet has managed all of those issues Im advised the principal complainant was happy with the way it was managed. McGowan has spoken to his MP, but not to Janelle Sewell, who isnt happy at all. That was not the case, she said. Three women found Matthew to be the problem, not us. The Premier is wrong on that count. Hughes is not the only MP to deny running a toxic office. Deputy Premier Roger Cook has also been forced to confront claims from a former trusted electorate officer, Sanja Spasojevic, about bullying and harassment. When he addressed the media to deny the claims, he was surrounded for the cameras by female Labor figures including Minister for Womens Interests Simone McGurk and Bicton MLA Lisa OMalley. The message to the party was unmistakable. Under the Electorate Officers Award of 1986, the President of the Legislative Council, or the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, are defined as the employers. This is a bad starting point. The awards termination clause reads: The employer may summarily dismiss an employee deemed guilty of gross misconduct or neglect of duty and the employee shall not be entitled to any notice or payment in lieu of notice. Loading Thats not much of a protection, especially when theres no incentive for the employer a politician to get to the truth of the matter. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Bonnie Howe founded Luxury Love Company as an eCommerce platform carrying both new and pre-loved luxury accessories and jewelry. With sustainability and social responsibility at the company's core, Bonnie shares how consumers can stay fashionable while consciously contributing to their community in the process. As Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only." Her beautiful proclamation draws attention to the fact that accessories are an integral part of any outfit. Bonnie Howe, the founder and CEO of Luxury Love Company, is all too familiar with this belief and has spent her life sharing it with clients across the globe. "Look good. Feel good. Do good. That's our mantra at Luxury Love Company," shared Bonnie. The Miami-based industry-leading eCommerce boutique has spent years doing precisely that. Their online collection of accessories and jewelry offers shoppers thousands of options to transform clothing into outfits. Having traveled to 30+ countries and personally shopped for 5000+ clients, Bonnie is famous in the fashion community for her keen eye and exquisite taste. She brings this to the carefully curated collection of goods found on Luxury Love Company's vast virtual catalog. But the brand stands for more than just keeping its clients in vogue. Through its mission to do good, Luxury Love Company is focused on ensuring sustainability is at the company's core. As a firm believer in this, Bonnie predicts that "sustainable luxury isn't a trend, it's a movement." In honoring this movement, Luxury Love Company encourages quality over quantity, while also carrying pre-loved pieces. "When you purchase a piece of luxury fashion, you aren't just purchasing a brand. You're purchasing a piece that has been precisely made to stand the test of time," shared Bonnie. The quality inherent to luxury goods such as Chanel bags, Valentino stilettos, and Louis Vuitton leather items makes them treasures that persist from decade to decade. Both the new and sustainable collections featured at Luxury Love Company promote the importance of purchasing with purpose. Buyers are not contributing to the impact of fast-fashion, which is responsible for overfilling our landfills and damaging our oceans. Rather, Luxury Love Company clients are consciously choosing to purchase products that have a positive impact not only on their personal aesthetic, but on the world. For those who grapple with price-tag shock when browsing through the catalog of luxury goods, it's important to remember that such products are not simply a purchase, but an investment. Forbes recently shared that, "Designer Handbags Are Now A Better Investment Than Art," recognizing the likes of Hermes, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton for their exquisite value retention. In fact, the past decade has seen those brands spike in valuation by an average of 83%. Two iconic Chanel bags that have withstood the test of time So perhaps you found a great deal on a bargain bin bag, but in the next five years, will that bag retain its value, or better yet, see its value inflate? Unlikely. More likely is that it will end up in the landfill amongst the heaping piles of other fast-fashion impulse buys, rejects, and over-stock. Looking good and feeling good is all the more sweeter when backed by the act of doing good, as offered to Luxury Love Company shoppers. From Coast to Coast: Sustainability is Sweeping the Nation "We've recently partnered with the latest supplier of preloved handbags in North America to open a showroom for them in Miami," shared Bonnie in reference to Luxury Love Company's partnership with Marque, a Californian-based reseller. "They've grown leaps and bounds in 2020 with the heightened demand in luxury resale." The partnership of these two companies further exemplifies how they are putting a focus on sustainability, bringing their solutions from coast to coast in an effort to promote quality over quantity. Additionally, Luxury Love Company announced just last month a partnership with Atelier Swarovski, shining a light on Conscious Luxury through a stunning showcase of artisanal skill. Through partnering with other industry leaders who share a passion for sustainability, Luxury Love Company is at the forefront of crafting creative solutions for consumers looking to consciously participate in today's fashion. Bonnie Howe, Founder and CEO of Luxury Love Company Consciously Contributing to the Community Luxury Love Company's mission to do good does not simply stop with the products they carry and the partnerships they create. The company is a proud supporter of Lotus House, a local Miami organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women, youth, and children through providing sanctuary, support, and the resources to empower them to succeed. "We believe it is our obligation to give back," shared Bonnie, "which is why we have partnered with Lotus House to donate a portion of every sale." Clients can comfortably shop at Luxury Love Company knowing that they are procuring pieces that positively impact the sustainability of both the environment as well as the community, creating options for future success in both regards. For many fashion lovers, shopping is a beautiful experience. It is the convergence of personal expression, creativity, and self-love. Through Luxury Love Company, Bonnie Howe is determined to keep the shopping experience euphoric, ensuring that the soul is nurtured as much as the wardrobe when it comes time to check out. Explore how Bonnie is incorporating the mantra of Coco Chanel through the pieces featured at Luxury Love Company, reminding all that fashion goes far beyond dresses. Purchase with purpose here. Media Contact: Courtney James, Editor info@mindfulmediapr.com 677-672-8882 www.mindfulmediapr.com SOURCE: Luxury Love Company View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637264/Sustainable-Luxury-Isnt-a-Trend-its-a-Movement--Bonnie-Howe-CEO-of-Luxury-Love-Company Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain As people age, changes in the tiniest blood vessels in the brain, a condition called cerebral small vessel disease, can lead to thinking and memory problems and stroke. These changes can also affect the blood-brain barrier, a layer of cells that protect the brain from toxins circulating in the blood. Now a new study has found that people with cerebral small vessel disease who have blood-brain barrier leakage had more brain tissue damage over two years than people with less blood-brain barrier leakage. The study is published in the March 24, 2021, online issue of Neurology. "Previous research has shown that disruption of the blood-brain barrier is increased in people with cerebral small vessel disease," said study author Danielle Kerkhofs, M.D., of Maastricht University Medical Center in Maastricht, Netherlands. "People with cerebral small vessel disease also may have brain lesions called white matter hyperintensities. Such lesions are visible by MRI and believed to be signs of brain damage and a marker of the severity of disease. For our study, we wanted to see if a leaky blood-brain barrier was linked to degeneration of brain tissue even before these brain lesions appear. We looked at normal brain tissue, surrounding and close to the brain lesions, because we consider this 'tissue at risk.'" The study involved 43 people with cerebral small vessel disease with an average age of 68. Researchers used MRI at the start of the study to measure the leakiness of the blood-brain barrier for each participant. They then used another brain imaging technique to measure the integrity of the tissue's microstructure surrounding brain lesions. This imaging technique was repeated two years later to see whether the brain tissue integrity has decreased. Researchers measured the relationship between blood-brain barrier leakage and changes in brain tissue. They found the higher the tissue volume with blood-brain barrier leakage at the start of the study, the greater the loss of brain tissue integrity was around brain lesions two years later. For every 10% increase in leakage volume at the start of the study, after two years the diffusivity of the brain tissue increased by 1.4 %, representing a decrease in brain tissue integrity. They also found a similar relationship involving the leakage rate of the blood-brain barriera higher leakage rate at the start of the study resulted in more loss of tissue microstructure around the brain lesions. "Our results support the theory that a compromised blood-brain barrier may play an early role in loss of brain tissue integrity as part of the cerebral small vessel disease process, even before brain lesions are visible on MRI," said Kerkhofs. "The change in integrity of brain tissue at risk, close to the brain lesions, could be a promising biomarker in future cerebral small vessel disease studies examining possible prevention strategies and treatment options." A limitation of the study was that the short follow-up period may have underestimated the associations. Kerkhofs said future studies should measure such changes in larger groups of people over longer periods of time. The study was funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, SVDs@targeta research program for small vessel disease, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, the Weijerhorst Foundation, and the Brain Foundation in The Hague, Netherlands. Hundreds of people got vaccinated for COVID-19 without having to schedule an appointment on Wednesday, and 250 people can get it on Thursday at the Highlands Medical Center in Scottsboro. Wendi Raeuchle, director of marketing for Highlands Medical Center, told WAAY 31 they want it to be a good experience for people to get vaccinated. So, they've stopped putting people on a waitlist and are making the whole process quick and easy. Id rather have it quick and simple than have to wait," said Tina Baigent. Baigent was among the 250 people who got their first dose of the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday. She's part of the newly eligible phase 1C of Alabama's vaccination plan. So, Baigent said she's glad Highlands Medical Center is giving vaccines on a first come first serve basis. Since Im not over 65 I knew Id have to wait a while and I just took precautions to not get COVID. If you're eligible for the COVID vaccine, all you have to do is show up to the vaccine clinic with your ID and insurance card if you have one. Justin Thompson and his wife got their first dose on Wednesday. He said he's proud to be part of the solution in getting the virus under control. It was a relief to get our vaccine just to feel like were helping to keep our family safer and also others. The vaccine clinic's supply is limited and they're only giving it while supplies last, but Raeuchle said there's no need to get to the clinic super early. I think people are a little more comfortable that they are going to be able to find it and they are going to be able to get it, and as they see in the community that more people are getting it, theyre feeling a little more comfortable just to wait for it if they need to," she said. The vaccine clinic will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday. It is located at 380 Woods Cove Road, Scottsboro. A first-time mum has sparked a huge debate after asking if she should pack a makeup bag for the hospital. The young woman revealed she is due to be induced on Wednesday and wants to bring some makeup to the hospital but people in her life thought the idea was 'ridiculous'. 'I know the goal is a safe and healthy delivery - but doing my makeup won't put my baby or labor at risk - so why not,' she said. Blogger Alexis Jayda from California recorded a make up tutorial while awaiting the birth of her child in 2018 US blogger Diana Chavez made sure her contouring was done and eyebrows shaped while waiting for her labour to progress The woman posted on a makeup lovers group on Facebook - and even they were divided. Some women admitted having a makeup bag on hand made them feel more confident, even if they never used it or only put makeup on to go home. 'I brought just the basics for when I left the hospital with my second. Made me feel a little more put together which was really nice,' one mum said. Poll Would you wear makeup during childbirth? Yes No I would put it on after Would you wear makeup during childbirth? Yes 11 votes No 23 votes I would put it on after 4 votes Now share your opinion Another mum regretted not having her makeup with her. 'I got my mum to bring my makeup because I couldn't bear looking at how ill I was after an emergency c-section,' she said. Others admitted they had a full face of makeup including lashes when they gave birth. 'I had a scheduled c-section and got endless compliments. My pictures all look amazing and I felt great. My daughter was an emergency birth so I made sure to doll myself up with my son,' one woman said - adding photos of her very glamorous look to the thread. A mum-of-three revealed her husband 'cracked up' 15-years ago when she stopped mid-birth to touch up her makeup. 'I was smack in the middle of labour but needed to reapply,' she said. This Californian mother took advantage of a 'false alarm' that saw her admitted to hospital early to give herself a little makeover US blogger Brianna Lynch admitted it had been hard applying her make up while having a blood pressure cuff around her wrist and we can understand why And some said it is good to have for after the birth when you are feeling drained but people want to come and visit. 'I put some on afterwards, labour went for a few days and I felt dead and looked worse,' one mum said. Others weren't convinced makeup was necessary or even practical - with one woman saying she was hot and sweaty and a mess from crying after a long labour with her first baby and looked like a drowned rat after hopping in the shower to birth her second. MAKEUP TIPS FOR LABOUR FOR A GLAM LOOK Influencer and Youtube beauty star Emily Noel went into labour with her makeup done and has shared her tips for birth-proof makeup which she says can hold for over 24 hours without touch ups. She had a glamorous look with a bright lip and eye shadow for her birth and revealed the products she used in a makeup tutorial video. The video shows her sweating, crying and wiping her face during birth - but her impressive makeup look is not ruined. MUST HAVES 1 - Maybelline Superstay foundation 2 - Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray 3 - Long-lasting waterproof mascara 4 - Eyeshadow primer 5 - Besame Dusty Rose lipstick OTHER PRODUCTS A powder foundation Blush Highlighter Eyeshadow Source: Emily Noel Advertisement 'I did bring it for my first but the thought didn't even cross my mind. I won't be bringing it for number two,' another said. 'I did for number one and it was a muddy mess, I have five children now and didn't bother with it for the rest.' A hospital worker said she used to laugh with her colleagues when women would turn up to the hospital with makeup kits. 'The goal is a safe labor and delivery and healthy baby. Who the hell cares what you look like doing it,' she said. Other mums said it all depends on the individual births. One mum put makeup on for three out of her four births and said there was no way she could have put it on for the middle child. Tegan Woodford, an Australian make up artist, said she flew to Adelaide when her sister in law started experiencing contractions, and did her make up to calm her down before the birth Others said when their babies came during the day they had time to put on makeup but their kids who made early entrances didn't give them time to do their face. Women have often been criticised for showing off their birth makeup regimes, however it is becoming more popular. Beauty blogger Alexis Jayda from California recorded a make up tutorial while awaiting the birth of her child in 2018. US blogger Diana Chavez made sure her contouring was done and eyebrows shaped while waiting for her labour to progress. Another blogger from the US, Brianna Lynch, admitted it had been hard applying her make up while having a blood pressure cuff around her wrist. SACRAMENTO Gov. Gavin Newsom of California on Wednesday named Rob Bonta, a Democratic state legislator and loyal political ally, to succeed Xavier Becerra as attorney general, placing an advocate of criminal justice reform and a rising Asian-American progressive at the helm of Californias largest law enforcement agency. The announcement came slightly less than a week after Mr. Becerras narrow confirmation as health and human services secretary for President Biden. It also came at a politically fraught time for Mr. Newsom, who has been under pressure to shore up his base in the face of a recall campaign and to take a hard line on recent racial violence against Asian-Americans. The son of civil rights activists, Mr. Bonta, 48, was born in the Philippines and will be the first Filipino-American to hold the office. He grew up in Californias Central Valley, where his parents helped organize farm workers before moving to the Sacramento area. Mr. Bonta, who called the appointment an honor of a lifetime, is a graduate of Yale University, where he earned a bachelors degree in history and his law degree. A former San Francisco deputy city attorney, Mr. Bonta served briefly on the Alameda City Council before running for the State Assembly, where he has represented the East Bay since 2012. As a legislator, he carried bills to eliminate the use of cash bail a measure that the states voters overturned in November and to phase out Californias use of private prisons. He also was among numerous co-authors of an unsuccessful constitutional amendment to repeal the death penalty. There is no doubt that the current impasse in Kwara State, over the order of the state government to all public schools, including those founded by the Christian mission in the state, to allow female Muslim students wear hijab to school, has heightened tension among Christian and Muslim stakeholders. Kwara State is popularly referred to as a 'State of Harmony', but the hijab controversy, seems to have inhibit the peaceful co-existence among the people which may also affect academic performance of the students who are currently at home due to the decision of the state government to close 10 schools founded by the Christian missions. The development, according to THISDAY investigation, may also lead to academic failure among the students in the upcoming National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations, due to the disruptions in academic activities of the affected schools. The affected schools are Cherubim and Seraphim College, Sabo Oke; St. Anthony College, Offa Road; ECWA School, Oja Iya; Surulere Baptist Secondary School; and Bishop Smith Secondary School, Agba Dam. Others are; CAC Secondary School, Asa Dam; St. Barnabas Secondary School, Sabo Oke; St. John School, Maraba; St. Williams Secondary School, Taiwo Isale, and St. James Secondary School Maraba, all in Ilorin, the state capital. The closure of the affected schools by the government was based on the protest embarked upon by the Muslim parents and guardians of the female students across Ilorin, the state capital, over the refusal to allow their children who wore hijab into the schools premises, by their principals. The schools were billed to reopen on March 8, but following the tension that trailed the approval of the use of Hijab by female Muslim students, the state government directed the schools to remain shut until further notice, citing safety reasons. It could be recalled that, the call to allow female students to wear hijab in Christian mission founded schools started few years ago as Muslim stakeholders in Ilorin filed the issue in court. The group which first filed the court case against the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state demanded that the association should compel the authorities of the schools founded by them to allow Muslim female students in the Christian schools to use hijab. The group argued that since the state government had taken over the schools, the former missionary owners no longer had control over the grant-aided schools in the state. The Muslim stakeholders also said allowing the female Muslim students to wear hijab will be in conformity with the judgment of the Kwara State High Court of 2016 and that of the Court of Appeal of 2019. While government ownership of the schools are not in doubt since it pays, and run the Christian/missionary schools, the court affirmation of these positions so far, could be said to have completely remove the control of the schools from the church and missionary. Although, the issue came up during the past administration's of former Governor Bukola Saraki and Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, but this was managed without any tension during the period. The two governors then were able to use tactics between the two religions to the extent that the government didn't make any pronouncement and hijab was not used in any Christian schools. However, the present administration led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, allegedly acceded to the demand of the Muslims stakeholders on the need to implement the wearing of hijab in the affected schools based on the court ruling that affirmed it, which has renewed old wounds in the state. This development assumed a dangerous twist when the state governent directed the affected schools to reopen. The Muslim female students who wore hijab to school, were turned back because the Christian mission insisted that they would not allow the use of hijab in their schools. This develeopment, however, prompted the Muslim community in the state to kick against it. The Spokesperson of the group, Alhaji Isiaq Abdulkareem, during a press conference in Ilorin recently, said they were surprised that some former owners of schools in Ilorin last Monday and Tuesday forcefully removed hijab from heads of female Muslim students at the entrance gates of the affected schools. He listed the schools where there were infringements on the freedom of religion of female Muslim students to include; St. Anthony, St. James, Bishop Smith, and ECWA secondary schools, all in Ilorin, among others. Abdulkareem said that allowing Muslim female students to wear hijab, will be in conformity with the judgment of the Kwara state High Court of 2016 and that of the Court of Appeal of 2019. He asked the state government to direct schools to allow Muslim female students to practice Islam in all ramifications, by observing prayers and use the hijab. The spokesperson said they promptly reported the infringement on rights of the concerned Muslim students to the appropriate quarters. He lamented that at a peace meeting held in the office of Secretary to the State Government on Tuesday, the Christian mission insisted that they were not concerned about the judgements of the Kwara state High Court and the Appeal Court. "This is the time the government and the people of the state need peace more than ever before. It should be seen as calling for trouble as failure to act may lead to people enforcing their rights in the best possible way. "As a stakeholder in this government, we appeal to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to take bold and urgent step in addressing this issues to avoid possible outbreak of crisis in the state", he stressed. Against the backdrop of this press conference by the Muslim stakeholders in the state, the state government convened a peace meeting with the two religious bodies. The peace meeting according to the government is to allow them to state their positions and offering opinions on how to resolve the differences on the hijaab question in grant-aided schools. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi who appealed to all the leaders to respect their differences, live in peace and love, and join hands to raise a generation of children who will see one another as compatriots. At the meeting were representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities, political and thoughts leaders in Kwara State. According to THISDAY investigation, the meeting resolved to evolve a committee that will specifically tackle the Hijab question. The members of the committee constituted included; the Deputy Governor (Chairman), two thoughts leaders/statesmen from the two sides; three religious leaders from the two sides; Senator Suleiman Ajadi; Prince Sunday Fagbemi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education; Special Assistants to the Governor on Religion (Islam and Christianity); and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. In a statement signed the Deputy Governor after the meeting, he said, "there is a need for every side to keep the peace and constantly caution members of their communities to avoid any action or comments that may disturb public peace." But, as the peace committee was holding its meeting in Ilorin, the Muslim female students in the affected schools recently staged a peaceful protest over their denial to wear hijab to schools . Sensing that this might snowball into a religious crisis in the state, the state government in a statement ordered the closure of the schools in Ilorin where the crisis had emanated. In a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Mrs. Mary Kemi Adeosun said the closure comes as a government committee comprising representatives of the Muslim and Christian communities have met to iron out the differences between the two communities. "Further communication will be issued to inform members of the public on the development. Government calls for calm and urges parents and religious leaders to avoid actions or comments that may further split the two communities". Moreover, the peace meeting convened by the state government with the religious leaders to resolve the controversy surrounding the wearing of Hijab by the female students in some secondary schools in the state ended in a deadlock. THISDAY investigations revealed that, the two religious bodies stuck to their demands at the meeting. Sources close to the meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Muslims leaders insisted that the female students would continue to wear their Hijab to schools in line with the Court of Appeal ruling on the issue. Sources also revealed that the Christian leaders kicked against it saying that they will not allow the wearing of hijab in the missionary schools except head cap. It was learnt that, the Christian leaders were said to have told Muslims leaders at the meeting that, "if the Muslim females children cannot abide with their rules, they may take female children to the Muslims schools in the state and be putting on their hijab." Sources close to the meeting added that, the peace meeting did not yield positive results as there was no communique on the peace talks. The development it was gathered didn't go down well with the state government on the comments from two religious bodies in the state and the government may issue proclamation on the issue this week. However, the Christian mission in the state has chosen the option of praying to God so as to have peaceful solutions to the hijab controversy. The association also demanded the return of their schools and no use of hijab as they do not want the schools to lose the identity of being built and owned by churches. The well attended prayer session by members from various units and denominations was held on February 21, 2021 at St. Barnabas Anglican Cathedral, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin. Reverend Fr. Ralph Ajewole, Chairman, CAN Ecumenism who briefed the congregation, said, it was for the faithful to raise their voices to the Lord in unison, citing the example of how the Israelites were able to overcome in battle. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He reminded Christians that "God is with us in facing the current challenges as he has always been," charging them never to be tired or worried. After a bible lesson taken by Evangelist Mary Okoye, Rev. S. O. James of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Sabo-Oke, Ilorin, gave the exhortation. He admonished the people to believe in God who never forsake his own people. "We have reached a level in Kwara in which Christians are just living to survive. Why? What happened last week Thursday and Friday in respect of attempted enforcement and resistance of hijab in Christian-built schools will make anyone to feel sorry for the state," he remarked. He reminded all that, "God is with us. We have Him as Israelites have Him. He has promised to be our God and He has superior power." He enjoined Christians to go in might as a united body of Christ. The gathering also prayed for a secured society and for Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to heed CAN's call and make do his promise of answering their requests. The association's legal Adviser, Mr. Shina Ibiyemi who elucidated on the legal angle of the controversy said, there was never any time the hijab issue was a subject of contention in the law court in the state. He therefore implored the people to harm themselves with fact and safeguard against misconception. On March 18, the state government had ordered the principals, teachers and other staffs of the affected schools to resume duties on the second day which was March 19, but the Christians in the state locked the gates of the affected schools , thereby denying the staff from gaining entrance. The ugly development, however, prompted the state government to deploy a task force to implement its directive to all schools in the state to reopen and all teachers of the affected schools to report to their respective schools. The Press Secretary in the state Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development Yakub Ali-Agan, in a press statement made available to THISDAY said all the 10 schools involved in the hijab controversy had been fully opened, hours after the state government directed all the principals and teachers in the affected schools to resume for academic activities. According to the statement, "The schools were opened by government taskforce which moved round the metropolis to ensure that the directive is followed and that teachers and students are protected and allowed to begin academic activities." India has put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca made by (SII), the worlds biggest vaccine-maker, to meet domestic demand as infections rise, multiple sources confirmed. A person close to the development said that in the light of rising demand for Covid-19 vaccines, the health ministry has conveyed to SII that it should prioritise deliveries to the government of India over export commitments. The entire production of 60 million doses in April will be supplied to the government. India is, however, not officially banning Covid-19 exports. This is a temporary move until the supply situation stabilises in the country, said the person. Covid inventories have hit a low at places like Mumbai, and the government is speeding up the procurement. ALSO READ: 88% of Covid-19 deaths in India in age group of 45 years and above: Centre SII has supplied 65 million doses to the Indian government, and has exported a similar amount so far. It has an order book of 100 million doses for the GoI. SII will need nod from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) before it exports now. The move will also affect supplies to the GAVI/WHO-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing facility through which more than 180 countries are expected to get doses, one of the sources said. COVAX has so far received 17.7 million AstraZeneca doses from SII, of the 60.5 million doses India has shipped in total, and many countries are relying on the programme to immunise their citizens. ALSO READ: New 'double mutant' strain of Covid-19 detected in India: Health Ministry There have been no vaccine exports from India since Thursday, the foreign ministry's website showed, as the country expands its own immunisation effort. Everything else has taken a backseat, for the time being at least, said a source. No exports, nothing till the time the India situation stabilises. The government wont take such a big chance at the moment when so many need to be vaccinated in India. The foreign ministry and SII did not immediately reply to requests for comment. ALSO READ: A year since lockdown, Maha, Mumbai set new record highs of Covid-19 cases SII has already delayed shipments of the AstraZeneca drug to Brazil, Britain, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. UNICEF, the UN childrens agency that is procuring and distributing vaccines for COVAX, had no comment. COVAX has a deal to buy 1.1 billion doses of the AstraZeneca and Novavax shots that the SII is making in bulk, mainly for low- and middle-income countries. UNICEF in Vietnam said in a statement on Wednesday that vaccine production issues had led to delays in deliveries to all countries that were due to receive vaccines through COVAX. It did not specify the origin of those delays, although Vietnam was not expected to receive doses from SII. ALSO READ: Covid LIVE: Maharashtra posts biggest single-day spike of 31,885 new cases The Union Cabinet decided this week to widen its inoculation drive by including everyone above 45 from April 1, and many states battling a surge in infections have demanded that all adults be covered. With 11.7 million cases, India has reported the highest number of infections after the United States and Brazil. Moscow, March 24 : Russian-US consultations on space security issues were held via video link, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The participants on Tuesday exchanged views on a wide range of problems related to ensuring the safety of outer space activities, the ministry said in a brief statement, Xinhua news agency reported. Both sides expressed interest in continuing the dialogue on this issue, it added, without providing more details. A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has berated the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola ... A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, has berated the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for donating money to victims of the fire disaster which engulfed Katsina Central Market. Tinubu had on Wednesday donated the sum of N50m to victims of the fire disaster which engulfed Katsina Central Market on Monday. The national leader of the APC paid sympathy visits to traders and other victims of the market in the company of the State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, a report stated. Reacting to the donation, Omokri criticized Tinubu who according to him did not donate money for the victims of the Sasa market crisis in Oyo State and the Ijesha market fire victim in Lagos State. Omokri on his official Twitter handle on Wednesday, lambasted the leader of APC, saying, Obviously, Tinubus charity does not begin at home. He said, Bola @AsiwajuTinubu, who didnt visit or donate one kobo to victims of the Sasa market crisis, or victims of the Ijesha market fire in Lagos, has today donated 50 million to victims of the Katsina market fire. Obviously, Tinubus charity does not begin at home. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Rosamond Gifford Zoos flock of flamingos has nearly doubled in size with the addition of six birds from the Fort Worth Zoo. The zoo jumped at the opportunity to increase its flock of seven Chilean flamingos to boost its chances of having chicks in the future, said the zoos bird manager, April Zimpel. Zimpel learned last fall that the Fort Worth Zoo was seeking to rehome 29 Chilean flamingos and immediately expressed interest in acquiring some. The cost to get them to Syracuse amounted to more than $2,000 per bird, so the zoo needed at least $14,000 to double its flock. Zoo Director Ted Fox recalled that zoo volunteers had been instrumental in bringing the first flamingos to Syracuse in the mid-1990s and suggested that maybe the zoos current volunteer cohort would be interested in helping add to the flock. Since a flock of flamingos is called a flamboyance, Friends of the Zoo Development Director Heidi Strong pitched a volunteer-led fundraiser called the Fund for Flamingo Flamboyance. About two dozen zoo volunteers raised their hands to help. The volunteers sold Flock Star T-shirts, held an online auction of flamingo-themed gift baskets and encouraged friends and family to contribute via a dedicated donation site. They raised over $14,000 within a month, allowing the zoo to opt in for six new flamingos. Zimpel recruited her dad for the mission to fly to Texas, build a flamingo enclosure in the back of a van and drive 30 hours through seven states with their feathered freight. They and the birds arrived safely in Syracuse on January 6. See the whole flamboyant feature in the zoos current issue of MyZoo Magazine. Over the last couple weeks, the zoos seven older flamingos have been off exhibit while the bird care team gradually introduced them to their new flock mates. Zimpel said they also introduced the new birds to some of the other ducks and geese that share the zoos waterfowl pond. On Wednesday, Zimpel and her team moved the whole flamboyance out to the pond, where they can how be seen on exhibit daily. Zimpel said the six younger birds are all age 2 or under, and all but one were hand-reared. Chilean flamingos hail from temperate climes in South America, so unlike their Caribbean cousins, they can tolerate Syracuses range of weather. Reservations are still required to visit the zoo. See how to reserve your visit at www.rosamondgiffordzoo.org. DUBLIN, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Hot Melt Adhesives Market Research Report by Resin Type, by Distribution Channel, by Application - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market is expected to grow from USD 8,430.72 Million in 2020 to USD 11,187.69 Million by the end of 2025. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Hot Melt Adhesives to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Resin Type, the Hot Melt Adhesives Market is examined across Amorphous Polyalphaolefins, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Metallocene Polyolefin, Polyamides, Polyolefins, Polyurethane, and Styrenic Block Copolymers. Based on Form, the Hot Melt Adhesives Market is examined across Bags, Blocks, Chips, and Pillows. Based on Distribution Channel, the Hot Melt Adhesives Market is examined across Offline Mode and Online Mode. Based on Application, the Hot Melt Adhesives Market is examined across Automotive & Transport, Bookbinding, Consumer Diy, Electronics, Footwear, Furniture & Woodwork, Nonwoven Hygiene Products, and Packaging Solutions. The Bookbinding further studied across Cover Page and Edge Bonding and Spine Binding. The Furniture & Woodwork further studied across Structural and Non-Structural Wood Products and Woodworking. The Nonwoven Hygiene Products further studied across Adult Incontinence, Baby Diapers, Nappies, and Pants, and Feminine Care. The Packaging Solutions further studied across Carton and Side-Seam Closures, Corrugated Boxes and Trays, Flexible Packaging, and Non-Pressure Sensitive Labels and Marking Systems. Based on Geography, the Hot Melt Adhesives Market is examined 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 . Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market including 3M Company, Adhesive Direct UK, Adtek Malaysia SDN BHD, Arkema, Avery Dennison Corporation, Beardow & Adams (Adhesives) Ltd., Buhnen GmbH & Co. Kg, Cherng Tay Technology Co., Ltd., Costchem SRL, Daubert Chemical Company, DOW Corning Corporation, Evans Adhesive Corporation, Ltd., Evonik Industries AG, HB Fuller Company, Helmitin Adhesives, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Jowat Se, Klebchemie GmbH & Co. Kg, Sika AG, and Tex Year Industries 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. the ongoing research amplifies the 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. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Hot Melt Adhesives 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. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The 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 Hot Melt Adhesives Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 1.1. Objectives of the Study 1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage 1.3. Years Considered for the Study 1.4. Currency & Pricing 1.5. Language 1.6. Limitations 1.7. Stakeholders 2. Research Methodology 2.1. Research Process 2.1.1. Define: Research Objective 2.1.2. Determine: Research Design 2.1.3. Prepare: Research Instrument 2.1.4. Collect: Data Source 2.1.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation 2.1.6. Formulate: Data Verification 2.1.7. Publish: Research Report 2.1.8. Repeat: Report Update 2.2. Research Execution 2.2.1. Initiation: Research Process 2.2.2. Planning: Develop Research Plan 2.2.3. Execution: Conduct Research 2.2.4. Verification: Finding & Analysis 2.2.5. Publication: Research Report 2.3. Research Outcome 3. Executive Summary 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Market Outlook 3.3. Form Outlook 3.4. Distribution Channel Outlook 3.5. Application Outlook 3.6. Resin Type Outlook 3.7. Geography Outlook 3.8. Competitor Outlook 4. Market Overview 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Growing number of industrial applications 5.1.1.2. HMAs increasingly replacing of other adhesive technologies 5.1.1.3. Increasing applications in DIY applications 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. Limited thermal resistance 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Potential in packaging and nonwoven applications in Asia-Pacific and South America 5.1.3.2. Increasing use in road marking application 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Complexity associated with the hard-to-bond substances 5.1.4.2. Fluctuating prices of raw material 5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.2.5. Industry Rivalry 6. Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market, By Resin Type 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Amorphous Polyalphaolefins 6.3. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate 6.4. Metallocene Polyolefin 6.5. Polyamides 6.6. Polyolefins 6.7. Polyurethane 6.8. Styrenic Block Copolymers 7. Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market, By Form 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Bags 7.3. Blocks 7.4. Chips 7.5. Pillows 8. Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market, By Distribution Channel 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Offline Mode 8.3. Online Mode 9. Global Hot Melt Adhesives Market, By Application 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Automotive & Transport 9.3. Bookbinding 9.3.1. Cover Page and Edge Bonding 9.3.2. Spine Binding 9.4. Consumer Diy 9.5. Electronics 9.6. Footwear 9.7. Furniture & Woodwork 9.7.1. Structural and Non-Structural Wood Products 9.7.2. Woodworking 9.8. Nonwoven Hygiene Products 9.8.1. Adult Incontinence 9.8.2. Baby Diapers, Nappies, and Pants 9.8.3. Feminine Care 9.9. Packaging Solutions 9.9.1. Carton and Side-Seam Closures 9.9.2. Corrugated Boxes and Trays 9.9.3. Flexible Packaging 9.9.4. Non-Pressure Sensitive Labels and Marking Systems 10. Americas Hot Melt Adhesives Market 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Argentina 10.3. Brazil 10.4. Canada 10.5. Mexico 10.6. United States 11. Asia-Pacific Hot Melt Adhesives Market 11.1. Introduction 11.2. Australia 11.3. China 11.4. India 11.5. Indonesia 11.6. Japan 11.7. Malaysia 11.8. Philippines 11.9. South Korea 11.10. Thailand 12. Europe, Middle East & Africa Hot Melt Adhesives Market 12.1. Introduction 12.2. France 12.3. Germany 12.4. Italy 12.5. Netherlands 12.6. Qatar 12.7. Russia 12.8. Saudi Arabia 12.9. South Africa 12.10. Spain 12.11. United Arab Emirates 12.12. United Kingdom 13. Competitive Landscape 13.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix 13.1.1. Quadrants 13.1.2. Business Strategy 13.1.3. Product Satisfaction 13.2. Market Ranking Analysis 13.3. Market Share Analysis 13.4. Competitor SWOT Analysis 13.5. Competitive Scenario 13.5.1. Merger & Acquisition 13.5.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership 13.5.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement 13.5.4. Investment & Funding 13.5.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion 14. Company Usability Profiles 14.1. 3M Company 14.2. Adhesive Direct UK 14.3. Adtek Malaysia SDN BHD 14.4. Arkema 14.5. Avery Dennison Corporation 14.6. Beardow & Adams (Adhesives) Ltd. 14.7. Buhnen GmbH & Co. Kg 14.8. Cherng Tay Technology Co., Ltd. 14.9. Costchem SRL 14.10. Daubert Chemical Company 14.11. DOW Corning Corporation 14.12. Evans Adhesive Corporation, Ltd. 14.13. Evonik Industries AG 14.14. HB Fuller Company 14.15. Helmitin Adhesives 14.16. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA 14.17. Jowat Se 14.18. Klebchemie GmbH & Co. Kg 14.19. Sika AG 14.20. Tex Year Industries Inc. 15. Appendix 15.1. Discussion Guide For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cma3aa 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 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. Officials say conducting public exams would be possible only if the government permits classroom teaching at least for SSC and Inter students till the April fourth week. (Representational Photo: DC) Hyderabad: The Telangana state government is likely to cancel the SSC and the Intermediate public exams this year, as was done last year on several grounds. These grounds were of fewer working days, incomplete syllabus and poor attendance of students after schools were reopened in February. The schools were reopened in February after the 10-month lockdown and a closure of all educational institutions from March 24. As per schedule, the inter theory exams should be held from May 1 to 19 and SSC exams from May 17 to 26. During the meeting held by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao and education minister P Sabitha Indra Reddy on Tuesday to take a call on the closure of institutions, the Inter Board officials expressed the view that the situation was not conducive to holding the inter-ethics exam on April 1, environmental exam on April 3 and inter practical exams from April 7. The SSC board officials pointed out that only formative assessment-1 (school-level exams) has been completed till date and it was not possible to hold SSC public exams. This fueled doubts over the fate of Inter, SSC public exams this year. For inter students, ethics and environmental exams are mandatory. With closure of all institutions from March 24, the chances of holding these exams, which are just a week away, look remote. Official sources said that the Tamil Nadu government had already announced the cancellation of SSC and Inter exams, citing corona pandemic, and the Telangana government too is considering this proposal seriously. While ordering closure of all educational institutions from March 24, the state government cited states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh etc to justify its decision. Officials say if exams are held as scheduled under these circumstances, the students in government schools and junior colleges will be worst-hit, while students in private institutions will have the advantage. This is because the syllabus in private institutions was completed by conducting online classes, while the syllabus in government institutions was not completed even to the extent of 50 per cent due to the delay in launching online classes and lack of access to online education to students from disadvantaged sections of the society. Officials say the current conditions do not ensure a 'level playing field' for government and private students if public exams are conducted by taking into consideration just 40 days of classroom teaching in the entire academic year (2020-21) so far. Officials say conducting public exams would be possible only if the government permits classroom teaching at least for SSC and Inter students till the April fourth week. NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio Identity fraud: Sprague Road On Feb. 26, a bank employee called police after seeing a man suspected of numerous fraudulent transactions the day before at the Sprague Road business. An arriving officer located the suspect inside the bank. When he told the man to put his hands behind his back, the suspect resisted and fled the building. A passerby unsuccessful attempted to the tackle the man. The officer then used OC spray, which not only slowed down the suspect, but ended up in the officers eyes as well. Still, the suspect sputtered and left the area, trying to get into a car waiting for him on Sprague Road. However, the thief fell, allowing the officer to spray inside the vehicle, which took off without the suspect at a high rate of speed. The suspect then tried to walk away. At that moment, other officers arrived on the scene. The man was arrested, with EMS arriving to help get the spray out of his eyes. At the jail, police found a Florida drivers license and a debit card belonging to someone else. The suspect was attempting to fraudulently withdraw $4,500 from the bank account. The bank employee said the man had made $30,000 in withdrawals using fraudulent information from an Illinois resident at a Parma bank the day before. After giving the officer numerous fake names, the suspect provided his true identity. The thief had a warrant out of Nebraska. The suspect was cited for identify fraud, forgery, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing official business. Property theft: Royalwood Road On Feb. 26, a Royalwood Road resident called police after discovering that someone had stolen the catalytic converter off his box truck, which he parks on the south side of the apartment complex garage. There are no surveillance cameras in the area, which means there are no suspects. Police are investigating. Read more from the Sun Star Courier. Im concerned about it and Ive been saying all along, even as we have addressed the mitigations and tried to lower mitigations here or there, Ive said, weve got to be careful about the variants, and I am concerned, I must tell you, you know, as I see numbers go up, (I ask) Is that the variance? Or is it a blip in the data? Pritzker said. A Tralee woman with chronic heart disease has said she and many more people with a similar condition are in serious danger if they contract Covid-19 as they are currently ranked at level seven in the vaccine rollout list. Mum of three Pauline O'Shea had open heart surgery in 2012 after developing Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (a tearing of the wall of the artery) having been diagnosed with heart failure at 38. Pauline and many similar patients across Ireland were warned of the grave risk Covid poses to those with heart and respiratory issues. Now they want the Government to reconsider its decision and push them up the vaccine priority list. More than half the people with heart failure that are hospitalised due to Covid are being killed by the virus, according to a recent study by the Irish Heart Foundation that is causing anxiety among patients. The charity now wants an "urgent review" of the vaccine priority list to include such patients to help alleviate the mounting concerns faced by people with heart disease. "Before my nine-year-old daughter returned to school this week, she wrote in her homework: 'my mum has a heart condition and I'm worried I'll give her Covid'," Pauline said. "This week alone, my children are in three different classrooms with anywhere from 10-30 children in each classroom. "That means I am indirectly exposed to up to 70 people - children, teens and young adults, any of whom might be carrying Covid 19," she added. In recent months, the Irish Heart Foundation has received evidence from patients who say they have stopped hugging their children when they return from school because they are terrified of contracting Covid 19, while others are instructing their children to change out of their uniforms before entering the family home. Pauline, who now lives in Ardnacrush in County Clare, has had three heart attacks, gone into cardiac arrest, been in ICU, and put on a ventilator. She said the last thing she needs is to go back to hospital with Covid. "I know another heart patient with two younger children who change out of their school uniforms before she can safely give them a hug," she said. "It's very tough, but her condition is so serious that she can't risk getting Covid-19 because she knows it could rob those children of their mother." The Irish Heart Foundation's Medical Director, Dr Angie Brown, said there is broad consensus among cardiologists and the HSE's own National Heart Programme that younger heart failure patients and those awaiting cardiac surgery, who are at very high risk from Covid, are vaccinated without delay. "Studies emerging on the impact of Covid on heart failure patients in particular are extremely worrying and require us to do more for those at higher risk," said Dr Brown. HSE data to mid-December showed that of 1,866 Covid-19 deaths, 93 percent had a known underlying condition, and that 41 percent of these had chronic heart disease - the most common type of condition. The Irish Heart Foundadtion say younger people living with severe heart failure are not deemed at very high risk under the national immunisation programme. This has lead to the HSE's National Heart Programme to call for under 70s, along with in-patients awaiting cardiac surgery, to be moved from level seven to level four. YAOUNDE, 23 MARCH 2021 cdlancer, a translation company based in Yaounde, Central Africa, features among the winners of the 2020 MEA Awards. In a recent official announcement, cdlancer has been awarded both the Best Business Translation & Interpretation Consultancy Central Africa and Small Business Innovation Excellence Award Central Africa distinctions. An African Business Award Like No Other According to the Award organisers, the MEA Platform looks to reveal industry Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and his wife, Mary Majaliwa pays their last respects to the body of fallen President John Magufuli at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Saturday 20, March 2021. THE late President John Magufuli, who died in Dar es Salaam Wednesday last week, will be buried at the family graveyard in Chato, Geita Region. This is in fulfillment of Dr Magufuli's desire to be buried in his homestead and not to the site which was earmarked by the government for the burial of national leaders. Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Job Ndugai also confirmed on Monday that Dr Magufuli preferred to be buried in his homestead. He said that Dr Magufuli brushed the idea of being buried in the country's capital, Dodoma, maintaining that he would only be buried in his birthplace. Geita Regional Commissioner Robert Gabriel told journalists yesterday that Dr Magufuli will be buried at the family gravesite in Chato. He said that according to the guidelines, funeral activities will be managed by the national leaders, protocol team and family members. "Dr Magufuli will be laid to rest at his ancestral gravesite...preparations are being made by government in collaboration with family members," he said. He called upon Geita residents to turn up in huge numbers in areas earmarked for the public to bid farewell to the fallen president. Meanwhile, about 300 motorcycle riders in Chato District are set to receive the body of the late president when it arrives here tomorrow. The district bodaboda leader Mr James Andrea said that they have already secured a permit from the Officer Commanding District (OCD) office. "Bodaboda riders will be at the back of the motorcade but they will not take part in burial activities to avoid interfering with other procedures," he said. He said that President Magufuli will be remembered by bodaboda riders "following his commitment to transform the sub-sector. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. A motorcycle rider, Mr Dominiko Itanisa, said that their participation in receiving the body of the late president is meant to honour him for his determination to work for Tanzanians. He said Dr Magufuli invested a lot in transport infrastructure which have also enabled smooth operation of their activities. Another motorcycle rider, Mr Jumanne Michael, said that he will never forget Dr Magufuli because whenever the president visited Chato he used to earn a lot of money as the number of people using such means of transport tended to increase. In another development, hotel and lodge owners in Chato have admitted to be overwhelmed following the large number of visitors arriving for the funeral of Dr Magufuli. A guest house owner, Mr Steven Bemeleza, said that all the rooms at his lodge are occupied but he has not hiked the price to allow more visitors to access the service. He called upon other owners not to hike prices especially at this moment when the nation is mourning the loss of its great leader. "It is wrong to hike the fees at this moment for personal gains," he said. John Kagudule, owner of some hotels in Chato, said that although the district was facing high demand of accommodation, he cannot increase the charges as part of honouring the late President Magufuli who encouraged them to invest in the sector. He said during his lifetime, Dr Magufuli encouraged his people in Chato to invest in various sectors, thus he was a reason for the investment he had made. Mr Shah, in remarks aimed at the Hindu migrants votebank in the district, touched on the BJPs key electoral promise We will implement the Citizenship Amendment Act and give citizenship to the refugees after coming to power here, Shah said. Twitter Kolkata: Going all out against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjees MP nephew Abhishek Banerjee with large-scale corruption charges, Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused Bhatija & Company of amassing Central funds to the tune of Rs 10,000 crores, which were disbursed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for relief and rehabilitation to the state after it was devastated by Cyclone Amphan last year. Mr Shah made it clear that the entity would be sent to jail by a special investigation team (SIT), mentioned in the BJPs manifesto, following a probe once the saffron party forms its first government in the state if it wins the Assembly election. In a blistering attack on the Trinamul boss, he ridiculed her for running 115 scams in comparison to 115 schemes run by Mr Modi, while mocking her for failing to fulfil even 82 of her 282 promises made in the previous 2016 election. The Union home minister told a BJP rally at Gosaba in South 24 Parganas: Modiji has been sending a lot of funds here. Cyclone Amphan hit the state. Modiji released Rs 10,000 crores. Did you get anything out of it? Where did it go? Bhatija & Company amassed it. You do not need to worry. The new BJP government will form a SIT and put all those who looted each and every pie of the funds sent by Modiji behind bars. All scams, be it on Cyclone Amphan or Bulbul or Aila, will be probed by us through the SIT. Mr Shah, in remarks aimed at the Hindu migrants votebank in the district, touched on the BJPs key electoral promise. We will implement the Citizenship Amendment Act and give citizenship to the refugees after coming to power here, he said. Mr Shah added: For the poor, the PM has undertaken 115 yojanas, or schemes. But Didi started 115 scams. The money of the poor is looted by those who take cut money. The BJP government will bring an end to it. Training his guns on Ms Banerjee over her false promises, Mr Shah drew attention to the sops for the Sundarbans delta in the BJP manifesto. He claimed: Didi announced 282 promises but could not meet even 82 of them. In 2016 she talked of building a multiple integrated fisheries zone. Till date, no one knows where it is. She should furnish an account but will not. You will give your account on April 1 by pressing the button on kamal (Lotus). We had also sent Rs 5,000 crores for the development of the Sundarbans. But the fund was misappropriated. In 2015, 2017 and 2019, Didi claimed she would turn Sundarbans into a district. Did it happen? Cast your vote for a BJP CM. We will make the Sundarbans a district within a year. Later, Mr Shah and BJP chief J.P. Nadda led roadshows in Midnapore and Ghatal in West Midnapore respectively on Tuesday afternoon. A Dream Like A Dream, an eight-hour Chinese contemporary theatrical work written and directed by acclaimed director Stan Lai, will be staged in Wuhan, Hubei province, on April 22. According to Wang Keran, a veteran producer with Magnificent Culture, which produced the play, people who made contributions to the fight against the pandemic, such as medical workers, and volunteers, will be invited to watch the play. As one of the most popular plays in the country, A Dream Like A Dream, which tells several interwoven stories beginning with a medical school graduate's first day at a hospital, has been touring nationwide since 2013. Over 200,000 people have watched the play so far. In 2021, the play will launch its tour across nine Chinese cities, including Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Changsha and Beijing. Chinese actors and actresses, including Xu Qing, Feng Xianzhen, and Xiao Zhan, will be featured in the play. New Delhi, March 24: Soon after Joe Biden was chosen to be the next President of the US, Chinese media wasted no time in calling him "old friend" - phrase that was used by Chinese head Xi Jinping earlier. Biden's entry must have come as a respite for Beijing then after dealing with former President Donald Trump's hostile and bitter policies towards China. The initial moves made by Biden administration however are not assuring for Beijing. Biden seems to be continuing with the same Trumpian policies, albeit, without making much noise.He seems to have given political issues such as human rights an upper hand while putting trade -- a major flashpoint between the Sino-US relations - on the backburner. Besides, shaping up a new order in Indo- pacific region appears to be Biden's geopolitical course to chart, which aims to create hurdles for Chinese ambitions. The very first high-level US-China talks since Biden took over, which were held in Alaska's Anchorage, saw top diplomats trading barbs publicly, suggesting no thaw in the turbulent Sino-US relations. Highlighting the issues of human rights violation in Xinjiang province of China and Hong Kong, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China to respect rules- based global order or face a 'more violent world'. China too responded in harsh tone and asked the US to address "deep-seated" issues such as racism at home. A seasoned politician, Biden, who has spent 50 years in the active politics was expected to be focusing on improving bilateral relations with China. However, he surprised political pundits by raising the issue of human rights abuses in the very first phone call with Xi Jinping, and later in a television show he claimed that China would pay for its misdeeds. The recently held Indo Pacific QUAD meeting attended my member countries -- the US, India Australia and Japan-- was seen as a step to check China's growing assertiveness in the region. Ahead of the Anchorage meeting, Chinese state-run newspaper Global Times had said the objection of the US was an excuse to interfere in China's domestic affairs, which was "unreasonable" and "vicious". And as expected, ruling out any possibility of cordial proceedings at Anchorage, the US and China ended up publicly rebuking each other in first major talks of Biden era. The Chinese media had expressed optimism reacting to Biden's election saying relations could be restored to a state of greater predictability and could start with trade.6But the Biden's entry has not proven positive for China on business front either. Despite China's exports soaring to pre-Covid-19 times, its trade with US has gone down in the recent months. Biden's strategy not to abandon Trump's tough tone while dealing with Beijing government is going to keep the US-China trade relations strained. As Biden would not be appearing soft on human rights issue, he may tighten his grip further for the cause. "The Biden administration will link human rights issues to exports [and] sales of technology. Expect to see more export controls and sanctions against Chinese interests," said Alex Capri, a visiting senior fellow at National University of Singapore. India is a new entrant in the US plan to counter China. The US is channelising India's rise as a counterweight to Beijing. A week after the QUAD meet, the US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, arrived in India in order to strengthen Indo-US ties, boost bilateral cooperation and discuss Chinese aggression in eastern Ladakh. Austin made visits to Japan and South Korea before concluding his three- nation tour in India. It clearly showed the US is busy forming anti- China coalition in Indo-pacific to beat Beijing in its own backyard. "This signals to India, and to common rivals like China, that the Biden administration values its security relationship with New Delhi in a big way," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director and senior associate for South Asia at the Washington-based Wilson Center. (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 The government is spending Rs 7 lakh crore (Rs 7 trillion) on building green express through modern technology which in turn would provide smart transportation and reduce pollution, Union Minister said on Wednesday. Of these, Rs 1 lakh crore Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is likely to be completed within a year while Delhi-Meerut Expressway will be inaugurated in a month or two, the Road Transport and Minister said while addressing a virtual event organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce here. "We are spending Rs 7 lakh crore on building green express These...will reduce air pollution, traffic jam and minimise logistics and transportation cost," he said at the National Roads & Highways Summit "Focus on Green Infrastructure". He said these are being built with state-of-the-art technique with advanced engineering to provide intelligent traffic while taking care of the ecology and environment conservation with an aim to reduce green house emission. The Prime Minister has set a target of Rs 111 lakh crore under the National Infrastructure Pipeline and it would be the government's effort to adopt a green approach and "development without destruction," the minister said. Of the 22 green highway corridors, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway on a new alignment would reduce the travel time between both the metropolises to 12 hours by car in comparison to 40 hours at present, he said. "Sixty per cent of this 1,300 km project has been completed and we are trying to complete it within one year," the minister said adding that the first phase of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project will have 8 lanes while the second phase will have 12. A separate electric highway lane will be constructed in it, he said and added that within a year electric trucks will be available. Gadkari said work on Delhi-Amritsar-Katra project is likely to start in two to three months and in the pipeline are Rs 4,063 crore Delhi-Faridabad-Sohna express highway and Rs 4,000 crore Ahmedabad-Dholera highway. As far as Delhi is concerned, Gadkari said projects worth Rs 60,000 crore are being implemented to reduce air pollution in the national capital and said Rs 10,000 crore Dwarka-Express Highway is an "engineering marvel". He said 50 per cent work has been completed on the 30 km project that has one tunnel and flyovers. Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II) project for Delhi has also been cleared, Gadkari said. "Delhi-Meerut expressway will be inaugurated in next one to two months and it will reduce the travel time to Meerut from Delhi to 45 minutes from the present 4 hours," Gadkari said. The minister said with the completion of Delhi-Saharanpur-Dehradun project, the travel time between Delhi and Dehradun will reduce to two hours and "it is a promise not declaration.". Projects will also ensure Delhi to Chandigarh in 2 hours and Delhi to Haridwar also in 2 hours, he said. The minister said the Rs 12,000 crore Chardham project to provide all-weather connectivity to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath is nearing completion and will boost tourism in Uttarakhand. In addition, priority will also be given to the Rs 12,000 crore Raipur-Visakhapatnam project and Rs 10,000 crore Bengaluru Ring Road project besides Surat-Ahmedabad, Durg-Raipur, Chennai-Salem projects. The minister exuded confidence that the national highways' building pace will reach 40-km a day by March-end. He said the ministry has already exceeded the target for building 11,000 km of highways in the current fiscal year and till date it has constructed 12,205 km which translates into 34-km a day. Also, he said the Centre has signed a USD 500 million contract with the World Bank for constructing safe and green corridors in Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. He also warned the cement and steel industry to not indulge in cartelisation and said that he was "not happy with the attitude of steel and cement industry". He noted that emphasis was being laid on using innovative materials like jute, coir, plastic, rubber and other material. Asserting that toll income was likely to reach Rs 1,34,000 crore in next three to four years, he said Rs 10,000 crore was lost due to COVID-19 but by March-end, toll collection was likely to reach Rs 31,000 crore. He said as part of automation, GPS-based tolling is being planned where toll collection will be done based on actual distance traversed by the vehicle through GPS. Smart vehicle tracking system is on the anvil, the minister said. AlphaTauri Formula 1 rookie Yuki Tsunodas meteoric rise up the ranks is well-documented, but less well known is the contribution of Japans first full-time grand prix racer to that progress. From winning the Japanese Formula 4 title to earning an F1 driver in the space of three years, via standout campaigns in FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 - its an impressive rate of progression by anybodys standards. But it could have all been quite different without the intervention of a certain Satoru Nakajima, who in 1987 became the first Japanese driver to complete a full season in F1 as Ayrton Sennas team-mate at Lotus-Honda. As well as running his own team in Super Formula and Super GT, Nakajima kept himself busy in the years following his F1 retirement as principal of the Suzuka Racing School (SRS), which over the years has churned out a considerable number of drivers that have gone on to represent Honda at the highest level - most notably 1997 graduate Takuma Sato. ANALYSIS: The hidden work that helped Tsunoda grab his F1 chance But Nakajima made perhaps his most important contribution to unearthing future Japanese talent in 2016, when Tsunoda graduated from the school. Tsunoda was one of four finalists in 2016 that competed for two scholarships for a fully-funded season in Japanese F4 the following year and a prized place on the Honda junior scheme. The others were Toshiki Oyu, Ukyo Sasahara and Teppei Natori, but Tsunoda missed out as the scholarships went to Oyu and Sasahara - the former having already a season in F4 under his belt and the latter having just come back to Japan after a spell racing in European junior single-seaters. The Opposition NDP will delay controversial legislation that aims to overhaul the education system in Manitoba. The Opposition NDP will delay controversial legislation that aims to overhaul the education system in Manitoba. NDP education critic (and retired school principal) Nello Altomare said his party will hold back Bill 64 (Education Modernization Act) until the fall, to give parents and education advocates time to read and respond to the 309-page document. The rules of the legislature allow the opposition to delay five bills from proceeding to second reading until the fall. Bill 64 is the fifth and final bill the NDP has announced it will hold back this year. The proposed legislation is an "unprecedented power grab," Altomare said at a news conference Wednesday. Bill 64 would interfere in collective bargaining units for teachers and school staff, and lay the groundwork for deep service cuts and layoffs at schools, the NDP says. It would do away with elected school trustees and, the Tory government says, give parents more say in how their children's schools are run. Parents don't have the time and aren't equipped to take on more responsibility for the running of schools, a parent council member said at the news conference. "We do great work with fund raising," said Trish Cooper, whose children attend school in the Winnipeg School Division. "We do not deal with big budgets, policies, hiring. It's madness to think that a bunch of parents are now going to be able to control the system and help with this stuff," she said. "I really hope that a lot of people get on board and make their voices known that this is insanity." A public school teacher of 20 years said she has concerns Bill 64 does not recognize the work educators do daily to help students reach their full potential, despite high child poverty rates. "How can we possibly expect a student to perform well on a standardized test when theyre not sure where their next healthy meal will be coming from?" said Tracy, who attended the news conference but declined to provide her last name or employer. Tracy said she provides food for two to three students weekly at her school, while she and colleagues clothe about five students, in various capacities, every academic year. According to a 2019 report from national anti-poverty group Campaign 2000, three federal ridings in Manitoba ChurchillKeewatinook Aski, Winnipeg Centre, and DauphinSwan RiverNeepawa rank among the top five areas with the highest child poverty rates in Canada. Bill 64 does not mention the word "poverty" in its 309 pages. with files from Maggie Macintosh carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Figure 1. Types of Support and Services Needed. Credit: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031311 There's an urgent need for culturally appropriate mental and physical health services for sexual and gender minorities in Kenya, says a University of Michigan researcher. "There's still a lot of social stigma, a lot of violence around being gay or lesbian or transgender in Kenya," said Gary Harper, professor of health behavior and health education at the U-M School of Public Health. "While sexual and gender minorities have developed resilience processes that help protect them against negative effects of structural-level oppression, elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, subclinical levels of psychological stress and depressive symptoms show community and policy-level interventions are also needed." Harper is co-author of a new study recently published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. The study was conducted by researchers from U-M, the University of Nairobi and the University of California, Los Angeles; and grassroot organizers from the Western Kenya LBQT Feminist Forum and the Nyanza Rift Valley and Western Kenya LGBTI Coalition. Harper and colleagues used a sample of 527 adults recruited from community venues to complete a cross-sectional survey, either on paper or online. In their analysis, the researchers used three sexual orientation and gender identity groups: (1) cisgender sexual minority women (25%), cisgender sexual minority men (64%) and gender minority individuals (11%). Of the participants: 53% reported clinically significant levels of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms 26% reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms 11% reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress "Over half of our sample reported significant levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and that's significant because, when we compared it to other studies that have been done in Kenya, the rates were much, much smaller in the general population," Harper said. "Here, we're talking about a large number of people who have experienced significant trauma. "That only 11% of the people in our sample reported clinically significant levels of psychological distress was actually encouraging, as they were somewhat similar to what we've seen in some of the other sites with the general populationa little bit elevated but not as much as with depression." Harper said when looking at associations between experiences of violence and negative outcomes, they did find relationships between those who reported experiencing violence related to their sexual or gender minority status and people who reported post-traumatic stress symptoms. "This relates to something called the minority stress model, which basically explains why we sometimes see higher rates of mental distress among LGBT populations, because LGBT people not only deal with the common everyday stressors that everyone else does, but on top of that, you have the additional stress of LGBT-specific discrimination," he said. Harper and colleagues believe this is the first study to look at all sexual and gender minorities in Kenya, including women, and are working with community organizations to use these data in grant proposals to get funding for mental health programs, as well as other services and programs that they need. They will also use the data to develop policy briefs to guide future policies and hope to work with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to include sexual and gender minority people in the Kenya mental health policy. "Considering that there is goodwill by the Kenyan government towards mental health, this publication will be a great advocacy tool to support greater inclusion of sexual and gender minorities, foster future mental health policy and financing, and emphasize the need for multisectoral and holistic approaches to mental health care for our communities," said Caroline Rucah Mwochi, executive director of the Western Kenya LBQT Feminist Forum. Explore further Is the mental healthcare system meeting the needs of sexual and gender minorities? More information: Gary W. Harper et al. Mental Health Challenges and Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority People in Western Kenya, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2021). Gary W. Harper et al. Mental Health Challenges and Needs among Sexual and Gender Minority People in Western Kenya,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031311 Message from Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves: I am excited to announce that we will be welcoming all Emory students back to our Atlanta and Oxford campuses for the fall 2021 semester. This spring and summer, we expect vaccinations will be readily available to all students, and I strongly encourage students to get vaccinated when eligible. But vaccines are only part of our approach to returning to campus. We will also continue to follow and adapt to CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines, including protocols surrounding face coverings, physical distancing, and testing during the fall semester. Throughout the last year, Emory students have followed the public health protocols and practices. There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted in our classrooms, and the positive test results have remained low. Still, we must continue these practices for the rest of the spring semester and in the next academic year. Our entire university community students, faculty, and staff will return to in-person learning, teaching, research, and work in fall 2021 and I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and experience our vibrant campus community. Additional information about the next academic year will be communicated to students through the schools or programs at Emory. Gregory L. Fenves President Professor Roy Shires wins International Excellence in Endocrinology Award The Endocrine Society in Washington, D.C. has named Wits Professor Roy Shires as the recipient of the 2020 International Excellence in Endocrinology Award. Shires was recognised at the virtual 2020 Laureate Awards presentation hosted by the Endocrine Society on 21 March 2021. The annual award for international excellence in endocrinology recognises an endocrinologist who resides outside the U.S and has made exceptional contributions to the field of endocrinology in geographic areas with underdeveloped resources for endocrine research, education, clinical practice, or administration. Endocrinology is the study of hormones. An endocrinologist is a doctor that treats diseases related to problems with hormones (chemical messengers). Shires is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine at Wits and in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (Bara) in Soweto. Although his interest in endocrinology is in bone and mineral metabolism, he most recently initiated a programme for transgender people at Bara to meet a growing need. Shires joined Bara in 1986, when he was the first head of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. This Wits teaching hospital is the largest in Africa and the only tertiary medical facility serving the largely impoverished and underprivileged population of Soweto. Despite clinical demands at this under-resourced hospital, which places severe constraints on opportunities for research, Shires has managed to perform meaningful clinical research, often collaborating with basic scientists. His scientific publications have won him the best annual publication award from the Society for Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes of South Africa (SEMDSA) a number of times. He is acknowledged as an inspiring mentor by students, postgraduates, and fellows. Shires has often served as an examiner and examination coordinator for the endocrinology subspecialty diploma of the College of Medicine of South Africa and has also served as chairperson of the organising committee for many SEMDSA annual conferences. In recognition of his multifaceted contributions to endocrinology in South Africa, he was acknowledged in 2013 with a lifetime award from SEMDSA for excellence and dedication in clinical services, teaching and research in endocrinology, and Wits awarded him its Distinguished Service Medal of Excellence. In 2017, Shires was made an Honorary Member of SEMDSA, the only such honor bestowed in a long time. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 11:53:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HARARE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Zimbabwean government said Tuesday it will strengthen surveillance and other control measures to curb a possible spike in COVID-19 transmissions during the Easter holidays. Addressing a post-cabinet media briefing, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said there is a likelihood of increased domestic and cross-border movement of people, which may provide fertile ground for increased transmission of the disease. "In that regard, the Ministry of Health and Child Care is strengthening surveillance, case management and risk communication and community engagement in anticipation of the Easter holidays. Special attention will be accorded to ports of entry and exit," she said. Zimbabwe eased its two-month lockdown at the beginning of this month after a drastic fall in new infections and deaths during the second wave of the pandemic, but has kept its land borders closed except for commercial activities and transit cargo related to essential and critical services. The country began rolling out its COVID-19 vaccination campaign last month after receiving an initial batch of COVID-19 vaccine doses donated by China. This month, the country received another batch of doses of Chinese vaccines. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to receive his first jab of the Sinovac vaccine in the resort town of Victoria Falls on Wednesday, where he will also launch the country's second phase of the inoculation program. As of Tuesday, Zimbabwe had vaccinated 44,135 people against COVID-19. Enditem The job listing from Murphy-Goode Winery went viral last weekend as a dream job: Live rent-free in Sonoma County, drink wine, take in the scenery and make $10,000 a month. In the middle of a pandemic that has put millions out of work and ended vacations as we knew them, the opportunity to live in picturesque Wine Country and make six figures sounds almost too good to be true. But what exactly does the job entail, besides drinking wine and exploring the many beautiful features of Wine Country? The job listing for A Really Goode Job is intentionally vague because the winery is asking applicants to pitch us their ultimate dream job, said Marlow Bruce, director of public relations for Jackson Family Wines, which owns Murphy-Goode. Murphy-Goode is casting the net wide and seeking candidates from across the nation, who want to follow their passion and land their dream job in the wine industry, Bruce said via email. The job search is a revival of a similar 2009 job search, also called A Really Goode Job, that offered the winning applicant housing, $10,000 a month and a position marketing Murphy-Goode wines via social media. Hardy Wallace, winemaker and co-owner of Dirty & Rowdy Family Winery in Napa, won the original Really Goode Job search. In many ways, it was the perfect thing for me at the right time, Wallace said. I was laid off and I knew I wanted to get into the wine business, and when the job posting came out, without a doubt I knew I was going to put everything I had into being the person that they chose. Wallace flew out from Atlanta to California to apply in person and, after being named a semi-finalist and then a finalist, Wallace got the job. It kind of felt like the American Idol of wine social media back in 2009, Wallace said. The 2009 job search also allowed the public to vote for their favorite video applications, which garnered controversy when one of the leading vote-getters was not among the top 50 finalists. This time around, Bruce said, there will not be a voting component. Wallace credits the job opportunity with helping him make the move from Atlanta to Wine Country and, eventually, putting him in the position to launch his own wine label. The 2021 job listing seems more open-ended than 2009s job search (which was called a contest or competition in some outlets and blogs, but Murphy-Goode asserted was not a contest because of California rules at the time outlawing contests that award alcohol). While the 2009 search specifically looked for those skilled in social media, the 2021 listing says the winner will shadow winemaker Dave Ready Jr. for 90 days before choosing a path in the wine industry for themselves, with the aid of Murphy-Goode Winery. They were looking for someone to promote and be the face of the brand on social media, and [it] is not clear what theyre looking for today, Wallace said. The original 2009 position only lasted six months but was similarly launched at a time of economic downturn. This time around, the job tenure lasts twice as long, which is a direct response to the pandemics hit on the economy, Bruce said. We just thought given the state of the economy and economic hardships people have faced recently, that offering a year-long job position would be best and most sustainable, Bruce wrote. But while the pay and paid rent may be alluring for many, Wallace cautions that applicants should be focused on a career in the wine industry. My real recommendation: Its for people that dont have a doubt that they want to do this, Wallace said. Applicants should also apparently be focused on drinking the product, as the listing makes clear: The description of Who You Are in the job posting is followed by, Answers, yes, please when someone asks you red or white. We love wine as much as the next Californian, but please, drink wine one glass at a time. These descriptors are about as subtle as those rhinestoned wine T-shirts with slogans like, Wine OClock or Wine a Bit, Youll Feel Better. The 2009 and 2021 job searches do have one thing in common: Theyve been great publicity for Murphy-Goode. The 2009 job search received nearly 2,000 applicants and was covered by the New York Times, the Today show and more. It also received the Public Relations Society of Americas 2010 Silver Anvil Award. The 2021 revival has already been covered by CNN, the New York Post and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as well as had its own Twitter Moment. It seems likely that even more people will apply for the job this time around, which means your odds of being selected are conservatively about the same as your odds of needing emergency treatment in the next year from injury by a bed, mattress or pillow. For Murphy-Goode, its Super Bowl commercial levels of publicity for a fraction of the price. But for those who know the wine industry is where they need to be, Wallace said, If you see that posting and youre like, I want that, you should definitely apply. I think they will pick someone that is completely committed, he added, someone that will kind of go for it, that is not going to hold back, not going to play it safe. Wallace said hes been inundated with inquiries from potential applicants. For those who know this is what they want, he has one piece of advice. Theyre going to apply against thousands of people, and if they can do something that makes them memorable, makes them shareable, notable, and if they can be concise and clear in their message, I think they have a really good chance. Interested applicants have until June 30, 2021, to submit a video describing their dream role to https://www.murphygoodewinery.com/a-really-goode-job. View the job posting 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. By Joe Dworetzky Bay City News Foundation With 90 days to go before the beginning of fire season, a San Francisco federal judge told PG&E and its regulators Tuesday that there is no longer the "luxury of time" to resolve the ground rules for power shutoffs in fire season. In the eyes of the judge, it has become a "matter of life and death." U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup's comments came during a continued hearing on a proposal to amend the conditions of probation that were imposed on PG&E following its criminal conviction in 2016. In remarks at the start of Tuesday's hearing and in his earlier order initiating the hearing, the judge reminded the parties of the grim history. In 2010, a PG&E gas pipeline exploded in San Bruno killing eight and injuring 58. In 2016, in a rare criminal prosecution of a corporation, a federal jury convicted PG&E on six felony counts. The maximum fine was imposed and the company was put on probation, with a condition being that PG&E would not commit "another federal, state or local crime." That ushered in what the Judge called "a stunning chapter in California history." According to his tally, since probation was imposed, "PG&E has ignited 20 or more wildfires in California, killing at least 111 individuals, destroying at least 22,627 structures, and burning half a million acres." Among the specifics: the Wine Country Fires in 2017 (22 dead, 3,256 structures destroyed); the Camp Fire in 2018 (85 dead, 18,793 structures burned); the Kincade Fire in 2019 (374 structures destroyed); and most recently the Zogg Fire in 2020 (4 dead, 204 structures destroyed). In 2020, PG&E pleaded guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter in connection with the 2018 Camp Fire. By that time, PG&E had initiated bankruptcy proceedings in which it ultimately paid $13.5 billion to a victims' compensation fund. During the 2019 fire season, PG&E used "Public Service Power Shutoffs" or "PSPSs" to "de-energize" power to specific lines when high wind conditions posed a significant risk of causing fire. PSPSs result in consumers in the affected areas losing power for what might be days at a time until the dangerous conditions pass and service is restored. In reviewing the circumstances of the Zogg Fire, the judge said he was "surprised" to learn that in making its power shutoff decision, PG&E "does not consider the extent to which distribution lines have been cleared of hazardous trees and limbs." The judge called that "shocking" and subsequently ordered the parties to address the issue through new potential conditions of probation. At a hearing held Feb. 3, PG&E presented a proposal to address the judge's concerns, but conceded that its proposal would not have de-energized the line where the Zogg Fire likely started. At the renewed hearing on Tuesday, PG&E presented a new proposal for power shutoffs that would have de-energized the relevant Zogg line, had it been in place at the time. Moreover, according to PG&E's counsel, the new proposal would abate a large percentage -- though not all -- of the risk of wildfire when a tree falls during heavy winds and strikes PGE's uninsulated power lines. PG&E's counsel pointed out that the proposal would come at the "cost" of more frequent and potentially longer PSPSs. PG&E presented modeling that predicted the number of PSPSs that would have been imposed in its service territory over the last 10 years under the protocol it proposed at the first hearing. It then compared that baseline to the predicted PSPSs under the current proposal. The modeling predicted that there would have been a total of 27 PSPSs under the baseline compared to 45 under the new proposal, a 67 percent increase. The new proposal would also have increased the number of affected customers by 55 percent and the number of hours of shut off by 51 percent. The model also predicted a 22 percent increase in the length of shutoffs for the largest 27 events. The predicted increases would not have affected all areas equally. Heavily wooded counties, like Butte, Yuba and Placer, would have had roughly double the number of PSPSs as under the baseline. A lawyer for the California Public Utilities Commission, the state agency with responsibility for regulating PG&E's activities, urged the court to proceed slowly with the new protocol, pointing out that it was just the "probationer's proposal" and had not yet been vetted or tested by other parties. Speaking for the CPUC, Christine Hammond noted that the potential benefits from de-energizing the lines had to be balanced against the impact on consumers who would lose their power. She noted that many rural residents rely on electricity for phone service and that their cellphones won't work if the power to the cell towers goes out. While backup generators at the towers offer some protection, many only operate for 24 hours after power is lost. Hammond noted that the CPUC has heard from hundreds of consumers complaining about the dangers caused to them during prior shutoffs, including those who rely on medical devices powered by electricity. She said that the voices of those consumers must be factored into the balance. The judge said that he was sensitive to the impact of power shutoffs on the community, but he reminded the parties of the people who died in their cars trying to escape the Zogg Fire. He said that the current situation was caused by the fact that for a decade PG&E had neglected its duty to manage vegetation near its power lines and the CPUC had allowed that neglect. The judge said the result was that California now faces a terrible "Hobson's choice," leaving only a determination of which is the lesser of "two tremendous evils." Alsup did not issue a ruling at the hearing, but said he would act soon given the urgent need for PG&E to implement plans for the fire season ahead. Copyright 2021 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area. 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. New Delhi, March 24 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it is unfortunate that its verdict on police reforms has not been implemented so far, and when some major political situation explodes, then only is it recalled. The observation was made during the hearing of a petition by Mumbai's former Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh seeking the CBI immediately conduct an unbiased, uninfluenced, impartial and fair investigation in the various corrupt malpractices allegedly carried out by Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and R. Subhash Reddy said: "No state has effected police reforms... Police reforms have not taken place despite Prakash Singh judgment. When something erupts, then it is recalled." The top court's remark came following submissions from senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Singh, citing allegations made Rashmi Shukla, Commissioner Intelligence, State Intelligence Department, regarding corrupt malpractices in postings or transfers adopted by Deshmukh. Rohatgi also cited Singh's transfer in an arbitrary and illegal manner to the Home Guard Department without the completion of the minimum fixed tenure of two years, as Police Commissioner. "Learned senior counsel also seeks to rely upon the judgment in Prakash Singh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. (2006) 8 SCC 1. In our view, this is only a mantra recited periodically, wherever the occasion so suits, and there has been no seriousness by all concerned to ever implement the directions enshrined in the judgment," the court said in its order. The bench said these directions were based on the principle of insulating police machinery from political/executive interference to make it more efficient and to strengthen the rule of law. "It appears that none want to give up, inter alia, the control of police transfers or implement measures that would insulate the police machinery from performing its role without any uncalled-for interference," the top court said. Justice Kaul said let us not forget the concerned parties were hunky-dory for a long period of time and then things fell apart. The bench said: "We have no doubt that the matter is quite serious and affects the administration at large. It also appears that a lot of material which has come in public domain is a consequence of the persons falling out." At the outset, the court pointed out that Home Minister has not been impleaded as a respondent in the petition. Rohatgi said it appears to be a mistake and that he is willing to forthwith implead Deshmukh as respondent in the matter. The bench, however, asked Rohatgi to move the Bombay High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, as the powers there under, if any, are wider. "If investigation by an independent agency is being sought for, that is a relief which can also be granted by the High Court. There have also been subsequent developments in the matter as has been noticed in terms of the report of Rashmi Shukla, Commissioner, State Intelligence Department. The High Court has the requisite authority to address the same," it noted. Rohatgi then agreed to withdraw the petition with the liberty to move the High Court. Justifying Singh's transfer, the Maharashtra government had said it was done to ensure a free and fair investigation in the Antilia incident leading to an FIR registered on February 25 with Gamdevi Police Station as a result of a car with explosives being found at Altamount Road near Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. The Astros plan to release outfielder Steven Souza Jr., who has been in camp with them on a minor league deal, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. Souza has been vying for the fourth outfielders role alongside Jose Siri, Ronnie Dawson and Chas McCormick, but it seems his spring struggles have pushed the team in another direction. Souza, 31, is 2-for-21 with a homer thus far in Spring Training. Hes drawn five walks and been hit by a pitch in 27 trips to the plate but has also punched out an alarming 13 times in that tiny sample of plate appearances. Souzas last full season at the MLB level was quite productive, but it also came back in 2017. He slashed .239/.351/.459 with 30 home runs for the Rays that year, prompting the D-backs to swing a trade for him in the offseason. But a pectoral injury limited his time on the field and productivity in 2018, and his 2019 season was wiped out by one of the most catastrophic knee injuries weve seen recent memory; Souza suffered tears of his ACL and LCL in play at the plate that also left him with a partial PCL tear and a posterolateral capsule tear. He returned to the big leagues with the Cubs last year but struggled through 31 plate appearances before being cut loose. The Astros entered the winter with an entire outfields worth of free agents, as George Springer, Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick all hit the market. Springer went to Toronto, Brantley re-signed in Houston, and Reddick remains unsigned. With Brantley back in the fold, the Stros are looking at him in left field, Kyle Tucker in right field and speedster Myles Straw as the primary center fielder. McCormick is the likeliest option to break camp as the teams fourth outfielder, given his ability to play center field and given that hes the only player in that competition who is already on the teams 40-man roster. Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko has said that the Indian government has betrayed Sri Lankan Tamils following their abstention from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote on the resolution on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka. "This is a complete betrayal done by the Indian government on the Sri Lankan Tamils. Only because of elections in Tamil Nadu, the Indian government walked out of the voting otherwise they would have voted in favour of Sri Lanka. I condemn the manner in which the Indian government has conducted itself," Vaiko said on Tuesday. He added: "What happened in Sri Lanka was not a civil war but was a genocide.1.37 lakh Sri Lankan Tamils were murdered. Schools and hospitals were bombed. In 2009, the Sri Lankan government had starved the Tamils to death." Vaiko further said that the international society had failed to intervene to end the sufferings of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. "Sri Lankan External Affairs Secretary Jayanath Kolambakey said four days back that India would support Sri Lanka in this issue and just like his statement, the India government's representation has walked out from the voting session on this issue. Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan said, "Still the door is open to put pressure on the UNHRC to take it up again. It is good to know that China has voted in favour of the resolution which clearly shows that international pressure will be mounting. In international politics, if India takes a stand and it is opposed by China and backed by Russia then the mission might not accomplish." "I think it is a good move. I think we still have the doors open and we will definitely pressurise the central government to act on the same," he added. Tamil Nadu will go to polls on April 6 and the counting of votes will be done on May 2. (ANI) Also Read: CMP of Maharashtra govt is 'collecting money through police': Prakash Javadekar 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 Northern California wildfire that killed four people and destroyed more than 200 buildings last year was sparked when tree branches came into contact with Pacific Gas & Electric power lines, officials said in a report. Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection seized equipment belonging to PG&E in the weeks after the Zogg Fire tore through rural communities in Shasta and Tehama counties last September and October. After a meticulous and thorough investigation, Cal Fire has determined that the Zogg Fire was caused by a pine tree contacting electrical distribution lines owned and operated by Pacific Gas and Electric located north of the community of Igo, the agency said in a short news release. PG&E officials didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. The Zogg Fire investigative report has been forwarded to the Shasta County District Attorneys Office, Cal Fire said. The blaze erupted Sept. 27, 2020, in Shasta County during high winds and quickly grew, killing four people in Igo, population 600. It later spread to neighboring Tehama County. The fire scorched more than 88 square miles (228 square kilometers) and destroyed 204 buildings, about half of them homes, over two weeks. PG&E, the nations largest utility, emerged from bankruptcy stemming from financial fallout from several devastating wildfires caused by its utility equipment that killed more than 100 people and destroyed more than 27,000 homes and other buildings in 2017 and 2018. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire US President Joe Biden has been reunited with his dog, Major, after a biting incident earlier this month. The three-year-old dog and his fellow German Shepherd Champ (12) were both brought to Biden's family home in Delaware after the incident. A CNN journalist confirmed this morning on Twitter; After receiving training in Delaware, Major Biden is back at the White House, an official confirms to CNN. Earlier this month, Major had a biting incident with a Secret Service agent. Its understood that one of his dogs, Major, bit a member of the White House security staff. Read More Both Major and Champ moved with the Biden family to Washington in January following Donald Trump's departure. Major, who is three-years-old, was adopted by the Biden family in 2018 from a Delaware animal shelter and has been known to display agitated behaviour such as jumping, barking, and charging at White House staff, according to CNN. President Biden had previously admitted to catching Major on White House furniture such as the couch. They run all over, CNN reported Mr Biden as saying.. The older of the Biden familys dogs is Champ, a 13-year-old German shepherd that has reportedly slowed down physically due to his old age. Jill Biden, the US First Lady, told Kelly Clarkson last month on The Kelly Clarkson Show shes obsessed with getting the dogs settled. Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Los Angeles-based Oaktree Capital Management closed its largest real estate fund, Oaktree Real Estate Opportunities Fund VIII (ROF VIII), and related vehicles with about $4.7 billion. The funding vehicle exceeded its original target of $3.5 billion. ROF VIII already has invested or committed roughly $1.7 billion in distressed real estate-related securities - made earlier in the pandemic - and more recently in financing public and private real estate lenders and owners that were experiencing debt problems. ROF VIII will mostly be buying debt secured by a combination of commercial and residential assets in the US, Europe, and Asia. Oaktree's real estate strategies, with over $11 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2020, target a diverse range of investments across the real estate risk and return spectrum, including performing debt, core-plus, and opportunistic strategies, said a press release from the global investment manager. "The Covid-19 pandemic has created a compelling set of credit-focused investment opportunities for our fund," said John Brady, Portfolio Manager and Head of the Global Real Estate group. "We're very thankful for the support and confidence we've received for our opportunistic, yet the risk-controlled approach to investing." Investors in the fund include the $15.7 billion Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund, Columbus; $9.7 billion San Diego City Employees' Retirement System; and $5.8 billion ...................... To view our full article Click here Need a job? Try heading to your nearest restaurant. It seems theyre all looking for help these days. We use to have people clawing for jobs, and scratching for extra hours, said Tom Taylor, owner of Sammy Malones bar and restaurant in Baldwinsville. Not anymore. Restaurants across Central New York have been posting help wanted messages to social media for weeks. They need servers, cooks, bartenders and other staff. At Indeed.com, a site that posts job openings, there are more than 250 current listings for cooks within a 25-mile radius of Syracuse. Another 100 openings are listed for restaurant servers, and more than 50 for bartenders. The local cook positions at Indeed.com appear to start mostly at about $15 an hour, ranging in some cases up to about $20 per hour. Server jobs often pay less, but those positions do allow people to take tips. The shortage of workers is not due to low unemployment: The jobless rate in the Syracuse area was 7.2% in January, the most recent month reported by the state Labor Department. Thats up from 4.8% in January 2020, before the pandemic hit. And the leisure and hospitality sector of the local economy, which includes restaurants, suffered major job losses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of hospitality jobs in the Syracuse area dropped 21% from December 2019 to December 2020, the state Labor Department reported. That was about 6,000 fewer jobs. But the labor shortage now comes as restaurants are trying to rebound from a year in which they had to shut down for long periods and had to navigate confusing and ever-changing rules and restrictions when they were open. Theres no denying that our industry has taken a bashing for the last 12 months, said David Hoyne, owner of Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant in Syracuses Armory Square. This is the latest challenge. It comes down to two major factors, Hoyne and other restaurant owners say. First, there is a bit of nervousness for some people to come work in restaurants, Hoyne said, citing state rules that give the impression that dining out (and serving) could be unsafe. But he points out that restaurant workers now qualify in New York for vaccines, and all his current staff have them. But the second, and perhaps stronger, factor is unemployment benefits, restaurant owners say. The recently passed American Rescue Plan provides an additional $300 in weekly unemployment benefits, on top of regular state unemployment. The government is making it easy for people to stay home and get paid, Sammy Malones Tom Taylor said. You cant really blame them much. But it means we have hours to fill and no one who wants to work. Mark Bullis, owner of the three Bull n Bear Roadhouse restaurants in Central New York, plus a catering company and the recently opened YO!BURRITO takeout place in Manlius, has about 25 jobs to fill. He said the current unemployment benefits packages primarily affect jobs that pay roughly $40,000 or less per year. Its insanely serious, Bullis said of the labor shortage. The unemployment benefits mean that anybody who can do arithmetic can figure out it might pay them not to work. We put out job offers, and no one calls back. In a recent Facebook post, Bull & Bear even offered a $400 signing bonus. The shortage is now affecting places like Kitty Hoynes, which has rarely had trouble hiring or keeping staff in its 20-plus years. We do pay a good wage, and we offer a 401k plan, David Hoyne said. So we try to make it a good and safe place for people to work. But this is a difficult time. The difficulty in finding either full- or part-time workers is hitting other relatively low-wage industries, like warehouses or landscaping. To encourage part-time workers to seek jobs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced an emergency change that allows people to claim unemployment benefits based on the number of hours they work instead of the number of days they work each week. Cuomo said he hopes to make that permanent in the new state budget. Here are some of the recent Facebook postings from Central New York restaurants seeking help: IMMEDIATE POSITIONS for Bartenders & Cooks. Apply within Posted by Sammy Malone on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 *** Come join in at the pub! Come on in and fill out an application! Wed love to have you! Posted by Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant on Thursday, March 11, 2021 *** we are hiring ! visit www.pastabilities.com to apply NOW! Link in bio :) . . . #nowhiring #jobopportunity #pastabilities #summerstaff #joinourteam #syracuse #job #restaurantlife Posted by Pastabilities Armory Square on Monday, March 15, 2021 *** WE ARE HIRING! We're looking for back of house team members for all 3 Bull & Bear Roadhouse locations! $400 signing... Posted by Bull & Bear Roadhouse on Thursday, March 4, 2021 *** We are looking for someone experienced who can work in a high volume environment. Candidate must have at least 1 year of... Posted by Sharkey's Bar & Grill on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. Russian-U.S. consultations on space security were held on Tuesday in a videoconference format, the Russian foreign ministry said. "The sides exchanged views on a wide spectrum of problems of security of space activities and expressed their interest in continuing dialogue on these problems," TASS cited the statement as saying. Russian presidents press secretary Dmitry Peskov said earlier that Russia valued cooperation with the United States in outer space and hoped for its continuation. Sympathizers of convicted former Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai including his kinsmen from Lofa County have submitted a check of US$10,000 to his legal team as contribution towards a restitution of US$1.147,656m ordered by Liberia's Supreme Court against Samukai and his two deputies for expending soldiers' pension funds outside the pale of law. "We as friends, sympathizers, well-wishers of Brownie J. Samukai started the rally and we are not going to wait until otherwise. That's why today we are doing the first presentation of what our rally yielded to," said Mr. Galakpai W. Kortimai, former Lofa Superintendent and chairman of the Lofaians in Solidarity of Brownie Samukai on Tuesday, 23 March. "So on behalf of the group, Lofa County also and the citizens of Lofa County, we are pleased, honorable counsellor to present a check of United States $10,000 as our initial contribution," he Mr. Kortimai adds. Presenting the check to Cllr. Rufus Saryeah, one of Samukai's lawyers, Mr. Kortimai explains that due to the banking system they could not other contributions that came from the diaspora on the amount presented Tuesday at the Temple of Justice. Mr. Kortimai narrates that they will continue on either a weekly or monthly basis until they can pay the 50 percent of the share of Senator - elect Samukai.He says in compliance with the court's order, they are issuing the check to the lawyer for onward payment to the Government of Liberia. Having received the check, the team of lawyers representing Samukai expressed happiness for the contribution, thanking Lofaians and others who have made such contribution. The legal team indicates that it will present the check to the sheriff of the court. Last year, Criminal Court "C" Judge Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay sentenced Samukai and his deputy Joseph P. Johnson to two years suspended imprisonment, provided that they resituate the whole or substantial amount of the judgment sum within six months and stipulate restitution of the balance within 12 months. Further, Judge Gbeisay sentenced the third defendant James Nyumah Dorkor to a suspended six months imprisonment, provided that he restitutes his share of the judgment sum in whole or in substantial part in six months and files a stipulation to pay the balance in 12 months. However the Supreme Court in a ruling on 8 February this year amended the decision of the lower court and sentenced all the three convicts to serve a term of two years each in a common jail. The high court suspended the sentences provided the convicts shall restitute the full amount of US$1,147.656.35 or fifty percent of the amount within the period of six months and thereafter enter appropriate arrangements to pay the remaining portion in one calendar year. The Supreme Court also ruled that should they fail or refuse to restitute as stated above, then and in that case, they shall be incarcerated in the common jail and remain therein until the full amount is paid or liquidated at the rate US$25.00 per month as provided for by law. After initially being given a suspended sentence by the Criminal Court "C" last year prior to the Supreme Court's decision, Mr. Samukai later in December 2020 won the Senatorial election in Lofa County. But he has not been seated yet in the Senate due to legal challenges brought against the election results by his rivals which recently ended in favor of the convict. The Supreme Court had decided that Ahmed and James, and Kesselly and Peter who filed a complaint of elections irregularities in Lofa County, had no standing to challenge the results as they were not political parties and candidates. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. That complaint originally delayed Samukai's certification. Based on the Supreme Court's decision in the election irregularities case, the National Elections Commission (NEC's) Board of Commissioners ordered its Certification Committee to officially arrange and workout all modalities to certificate Samukai. But the planned certification got halted again by Movement for Progressive Change (MPC's) sudden petition before the Supreme Court for a writ of prohibition against the certification. Prior to the MPC's petition, the Ministry of Justice here had also sought to deny Samukai of being certificated to sit in the Senate on the basis of his conviction in the criminal case in which he and his two deputies were found guilty of spending soldiers' personal pension savings without their consent. The time for restitution has not elapsed. Bishop Donal McKeown says First Communions are deferred until later in the year. First Communions are to be deferred until September as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Bishop of Derry has confirmed. In a letter to priests in parishes in the Northern Ireland part of the diocese, Dr Donal McKeown said the decision had not been taken lightly but he was conscious that we must do everything we can to ensure that life is protected in the midst of this pandemic. Dr McKeown said he was concerned about parties and other socialising which, although completely disconnected from the celebration of the sacraments and the environs of the church, can and often do occur. He added: It must also be recognised that such parties and socialising are a matter for the civil authorities and, indeed, are currently banned under civil COVID regulations; it is for the civil authorities to enforce civil laws. I think that, as church, we should go the extra step to assist in protecting public health by avoiding those situations which might with some regularity lead people to organise parties. Turning to Confirmations, Dr McKeown said it was acceptable for parishes to make provisional arrangements for these in June but he would review the situation in the middle of May. The Bishop has also proposed that there should be a limitation in each church for those attending an individual Baptism to immediate family only. He added: By immediate family I mean the parents, godparents and siblings of a minor who is being baptised. If an adult is being baptised or received into the church, this may be attended by a spouse, their children and godparents. Where it is unavoidable that there are multiple Baptisms at the one time, the total of people present in the church, including clergy etc, should not exceed 25, the family groups should not mix inside or outside the church and should be four metres apart from each other. Dr McKeown said that a return to any form of normality for church and society will be slow and, in order to hold the progress that we have made towards normal practice of faith, patience will be needed in relation to the pace of such change. Last week Bishop McKeown said he won't stop Catholics from the Republic of Ireland attending Mass in the city. He was speaking after it was announced religious services will be allowed to resume in Northern Ireland in time for Easter. Churches in the Republic have yet to be given a date for resuming their services. Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Navajo Nation health care officials are encouraging residents to receive COVID-19 vaccinations as new virus cases, hospitalizations and deaths reach the lowest levels in six months. The reservation reported zero new virus cases on Monday and no deaths. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The last time the Navajo Nation reported no new cases was in early September, just before a rapid rise in infections led to record-high cases and COVID-19 deaths. Zero cases is remarkable, but we cant let up, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said. Dr. Puthiery Va, an Indian Health Service epidemiologist in Chinle, Arizona, said 57% of Navajo Nation residents have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 38% are fully vaccinated. More than 191,000 vaccines have been administered on the reservation. Test positivity rates and COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined for the third straight week. Our infection rate tells us that we should expect fewer cases, Va said. This decline in cases and decline in burden is pretty well distributed across the Navajo Nation. The IHS has administered more than 814,000 COVID-19 vaccines to Indigenous people across the country. Capt. Brian Johnson, deputy director of the Navajo Area IHS, said the agency is on track to reach 1 million vaccinations by the end of March. When we have the rural locations that we have and a lot of the challenges we have just from a logistical standpoint, its important to realize how well were doing as a health care system and as a people, working together to make sure we get through this pandemic, Johnson said. A total of 30,007 Navajo residents have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus as of Monday. More than 16,000 people have recovered and 1,233 people have died from the disease. We do know the virus is still circulating, whether were talking about here on the (Navajo) Nation or in border towns or in the states or regions we connect with, its still here, Johnson said. We have to outsmart the virus This continues to be a fight, and we need not think that the fight is over. 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 male MP in the Berejiklian government is under police investigation for allegedly raping a female sex worker at a secluded lookout in the Blue Mountains. The allegations were first made public by Labor MP Trish Doyle in NSW Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. She told the Parliament the sex worker did not consent to penetrative sex and although was initially reluctant to go to the police, she has since reported the matter and it is now being investigated. Labor MP Trish Doyle says she was contacted about the alleged sexual assault 18 months ago. NSW Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the incident, saying detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad are examining allegations of sexual violence against a woman in the Blue Mountains in September 2019. The matter was reported and referred to the squad in late September 2020 and has been under investigation since, the police statement said. As the inquiries are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide any further details. 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. Aline Bukuru has been separated from her three children who remain in the Bellville camp without a guardian Aline Bukuru, one of the leaders of the refugees' 2019/20 refugee protest in Cape Town, is awaiting deportation at Lindela Repatriation Centre. Bukuru's children, aged 13, 14 and 16, remain in the camp without a guardian. She has been detained for 148 days, though a person is not meant to be held for more than 120 days awaiting deportation. Many of the refugees, who left their communities in October 2019, are still demanding to be resettled outside of South Africa. Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) have visited Aline Bukuru, one of the Cape Town leaders of the 2019/20 months-long refugee protest, for a consultation at Lindela Repatriation Centre on 17 March, where she is awaiting deportation. Attorney Charne Tracey said, "My intention is to assess whether her claim to refugee status in South Africa is strong and credible enough to warrant a High Court review." Refugee leader Hafiz Mohammed said that Bukuru, who is from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had appeared at Bellville Magistrate Court on 2 March and an order for her deportation had been issued. Bukuru, along with scores of refugees from the Bellville camp, were detained by the Department of Home Affairs on 28 October. According to Mohammed, 19 had returned, 30 had gone to Lindela, and ten people had gone missing. "We have not heard from them and their families are worried," said Mohammed. The refugee camps in Bellville and Kensington (Wingfield) arose from a protest outside the offices of the UNHCR by refugees who ended up spending months on Greenmarket Square. Bukuru was detained for over 125 days from arrest to the court hearing, and is still being detained. It is now 148 days since her arrest. According to the Scalabrini Centre "if a person has been detained for the purpose of deportation for more than 120 days, the detainee must be released". "Life has been difficult for the past four months. I have spent [going] from a jail to another jail," Bukuru said in a voice note recorded in Lindela on 5 March. "My journey to Lindela was very painful. Three immigration officers drove me. It was not easy sitting in the back. The van was too small even to stretch my legs. It was very hot and there was no ventilation." According to Bukuru the trip took 19 hours. Bukuru said she had been in the country for 11 years and had made the effort to renew her papers on time. She felt she had been singled out for deportation. On 2 March, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Kate Pond said, "While UNHCR is not able to comment on individual cases, we consistently advocate that everyone who is in need of international protection cannot be returned to their countries of origin until their claims have been properly assessed by the competent authorities, in accordance with the law." "The government assessed the asylum claims of all of the protesters in October and November, during which some people were found to be no longer in need of international protection. They are now subject to immigration laws like any other foreign nationals." On 28 October 2020, Bukuru refused to sign the Refugee Status Determination Officer (RSDO) assessment and decision document which said: "The appellant is not a dependent of a refugee and is not married to a recognised refugee in South Africa. The authority therefore finds that the appellant is not a refugee in terms of section 3(c) of the Act ... The appeal of Mrs Aline Bukuru and family of the DRC is unsuccessful. The decision of the RSDO rejecting appellant's application for refugee status is hereby substituted with the above reasons. Refuge protection is accordingly denied." In the RSDO interview dated 18 July 2011, Bukuru said she had fled the Mai Mai movement. In her appeal documents in 2014, Bukuru said fearing for her life she fled her home in South Kivu to South Africa in 2008. The Mai Mai killed her husband's mother and brother in 2007, she said. Bukuru was living with her three children in the Bellville camp. The children remain there now without their mother or any guardian. On 2 March the UNHCR told GroundUp there are families from both Bellville and Kensington who have requested assistance to return to the community. According to Pond: "We are putting in place systems to directly assess reintegration and have been assisting people throughout the year on a case-by-case basis. UNHCR's representative in South Africa, Leonard Zulu, visited the protesters sites on 15 February for the second time." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Legal Affairs Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Pond said that Zulu had reiterated that the UNHCR's position is that group resettlement would not be offered as a solution. But the refugee leader at the Bellville camp, Unice Akellow, gave a different account of the meeting, saying Zulu had dodged questions. Spokesperson for the Kensington group Laurence Mambu said there are refugees who will still not accept reintegration. Mambu said that before refugees go back to the community the government needs to address their complaints regarding safety and documentation. Pond said, "Everyone ... who is still in need of international protection has the right to remain in South Africa and must engage with the national asylum procedures. UNHCR strongly encourages them to return to the community, and re-enrol their children in school. We and our partners stand ready to support." GroundUp contacted Home Affairs spokesperson Siyabulela Qoza on 1 March. A follow up email and text message were ignored and our calls were not answered. Circling to the front early, Scene A Magician maintained command despite all challenges to win the $10,000 Preferred 3 Trot on Tuesday (March 23) at The Raceway at Western Fair District. Super T took control from post 5 while Scene A Magician, leaving from the pylon post, settled into second until driver Greg Dustin dashed the seven-year-old Daylon Magician gelding to the point by a :28.3 opening quarter. Grabbing a breather to a :59.3 half, Scene A Magician soon faced pressure on lap two as odds-on favourite Sizzlen Hot Herbie angled first over from fourth and slowly advanced towards the leader nearing three-quarters in 1:29. Sizzlen Hot Herbie intensified the heat rounding the final turn, but Scene A Magician kept that rival at bay by a half length to the beam in a 1:58.3 mile. Super T finished third. Owned and trained by Jennifer Pinkerton, Scene A Magician won his 18th race from 83 starts, earning $230,477. He paid $8.10 to win. To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway. Bengaluru, March 24 : Karnataka Health Minister, K. Sudhakar on Wednesday dared the Opposition leaders to come clean on their "extra-marital affairs" rather than pointing fingers at others. Sudhakar reacted to media's question over the Karnataka Congress' ongoing protest inside the Assembly for the last three days demanding resignation of six Ministers who have secured an ex-parte injuction order from the court to bar media from publishing any defamatory content against them. "This is a constitutionally guaranteed right that is given to all which we have used to protect us from falling prey to any conspiracy, the way in which one of our colleagues has already been trapped," the Minister added. In response to a question, Sudhakar questioned can (Leader of the Opposition) Siddaramaiah come clean? Can (KPCC president) Shivakumar come clean? Or (former speaker) K. R. Ramesh Kumar came clean on issues that are being raised in the Assembly for the last three days? "Let there be thorough investigation on this front. Let all 225 MLAs be investigated, so that truth can come out. This is not just a case of six or seven MLAs or Ministers, this (extra-marital affairs) is all prevalent and none is untouched by this. Therefore, it is good for all, if the Congress stops prodding about the same issue for the last three days," he said. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (S) party's second-in-command and former Chief Minister, H.D. Kumaraswamy said that there was no need for him (Sudhakar) to drag his name in the ongoing sleaze CD issue. "Have I ever raised this (extra-marital issue) issue? Neither me nor any of my family members including former prime minister, H. D.Deve Gowda ever tried to corner our opponents using extra-marital affairs to malign them or expose them. Extra-marital affairs are consensual, so it need not be brought out in public," he said. Sudhakar added that the six Ministers who approached court are to be blamed for the present day politics. "Had they not approached court, they would not have seen this day. They should blame themselves," he quipped. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 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. LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP continues the strategic expansion of its Intellectual Property & Technology and Life Sciences & Medical Technology Practices with the addition of David A. Gay, Ph.D. as a shareholder in the Los Angeles office. Gay has 25-plus years of experience in the life sciences arena, frequently counseling clients facing sophisticated issues arising from the merger of complex technologies. Gay is the latest of ten attorneys and patent agents with Ph.D. degrees to join Greenberg Traurig's Intellectual Property & Technology Practice since December 2020, underscoring the firm's commitment to growing key practice areas in response to client needs. Gay, who was previously a partner at Jones Day, advises biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies on the strategic design, acquisition, and management of intellectual property rights, and validity and infringement analyses. He also evaluates patent portfolios and conducts due diligence investigations in the context of financing transactions and mergers and acquisitions. "Greenberg Traurig's strategic expansion in the areas of IP and Life Sciences was an important factor in my move," Gay said. "Additionally, the firm's dedication to collaboration, together with its global platform, will benefit my clients. My clients operate in cutting-edge technologies and require seamless legal advice in many areas that include IP, corporate, tax, and healthcare. Greenberg Traurig is exceptionally situated to provide these sophisticated legal services not just in the U.S., but globally, and I look forward to further expanding my practice here." Gay holds a J.D. from the University of San Diego; a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; and a B.A. from the University of Maryland. Greenberg Traurig, LLP has approximately 2200 attorneys in 40 locations in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm 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. Click on these links to learn more about Greenberg Traurig's Intellectual Property & Technology Practice and Life Sciences & Medical Technology Group. Media Contact: LB Martinez 218012131; [email protected] SOURCE Greenberg Traurig Related Links gtlaw.com Ever since the attempted coup in Turkey of 2016, Ankara has become more assertive regarding its near abroad foreign policy. With the rise of the AKP in the early 2000s, the countrys foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu pursued the "zero problems with neighbors policy. However, it resulted in nothing but trouble. The more recent Blue Homeland policy further increases pressure in the region due to Turkeys confrontational and undiplomatic actions. Ankara, however, seems to realize the unsustainability of its current strategy as the country has carefully reached out to Cairo. On February 18, Egypt announced a new bid round for hydrocarbon exploration in its EEZ including a block 18 in disputed Turkish-Greek waters. This seemed to confirm Ankaras position and raised Turkish hopes for a possible rapprochement. In response to the confusion, Greeces foreign minister quickly flew to Cairo at the beginning of March to clarify the situation. This resulted in a new publication where block 18 was redrawn and Egypts commitment to Greece reaffirmed. Turkish media have been publishing multiple articles on a possible rapprochement and a demarcation arrangement that would leave out Greece. Cairo, however, has denied the agreement and remains committed to Greece. Tough neighborhood. The Eastern Mediterranean is of major importance to Turkey for three reasons. First, the discovery of significant energy deposits has raised economic stakes. Ankara longs for energy breakthroughs similar to Egypt, Israel, and Cyprus. Second, Turkeys limited EEZ under international law is a major impediment, which is a legacy of the disintegration of the Ottoman Empire. Lastly, Ankaras goal is to strengthen the countrys security by extending its influence in the Mediterranean. Related: Report Accuses Banks Of Creating Climate Chaos Turkeys aggressive strategy, however, hasnt delivered the expected results. Instead, positions have hardened and become insurmountable. While Turkish exploratory vessels regularly violate the EEZ of Greece and Cyprus in search of new oil and gas fields, the EU is contemplating economic sanctions. Conflicting demarcations and political interests Especially, the unilateral demarcation of the seabed and violation of Greeces and Cyprus EEZ raises the stakes. The agreement between Ankara and Libya ignored the presence of Greek islands. Athens retaliated by strengthening ties with Cairo and by signing its own demarcation agreement. Turkeys ignoring of existing realities and international law has pushed the remaining littoral states into each other's arms. Related: 13 Million Barrels Of Oil Could Be Affected By Suez Canal Blockage Conflicting political interests concerning the role of political Islam, have soured relations between Egypt and Turkey. Ankara strongly supported Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood. With the coup that deposed Morsi and President Sisis rise, relations with Turkey have deteriorated. Erdogans war-of-words and denouncing of the Egyptian government hasnt gone down well with Cairo that has strengthened relations with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. Confronting Turkey The strategic realities of the past couple of years and Turkey's bellicose activities have raised the stakes and necessity for cooperation. Greece and Cyprus, who have been sympathetic to the Palestinian cause in the past, have strengthened cooperation with Israel which has its share of problems with Ankara. Egypt, on the other hand, has adjusted by setting up a new organization to improve cooperation in the energy domain. The Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum includes all littoral states and France while excluding Turkey. Furthermore, joint military exercises are organized regularly which, arguably, are a show of strength towards Turkey. While Cairo and Paris executed joint naval exercises, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have sent fighter jets to the Greek island of Crete. Large military deals underline the developing alliances where France plays a major role. Paris has sold large quantities of advanced military hardware to both Greece and Egypt. These weapons are intended to maintain a strategic advantage over Turkey. Turkeys uphill battle Ankaras aggressive foreign policy has done a tremendous job in bringing together the region. Even relative outsiders such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have become involved. Although it isnt unlikely that Egypt could engage with Turkey to somewhat reduce tensions, it is highly improbable that Cairo will sacrifice ties with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel instead. Economic and political considerations underpin an Egyptian foreign policy focused on its neighbors Greece, Cyprus, and Israel instead of Turkey. First, the energy deposits of the Eastern Mediterranean are shared with the three previously named counties. Israel even exports gas to Egypt which is liquefied and exported. Furthermore, Cyprus could in the coming years choose to do the same with a sub-sea pipeline connecting it with North Africa. Also, Greece's membership in the EU, an important market for Egypt, is a major consideration. Therefore, dont expect a major overhaul of Cairos foreign policy any time soon. By Vanand Meliksetian for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. State of Michigan Officials Applaud Biden Administration Decision to Extend Special Enrollment Period Through August 15 State of Michigan Officials Applaud Biden Administration Decision to Extend Special Enrollment Period Through August 15 Media Contact: Laura Hall, 517-290-3779, halll17@michigan.gov Consumer Hotline: 877-999-6442, Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2021 (LANSING, MICH) Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox are applauding the Biden administration for extending the current Health Insurance Marketplace special enrollment period through August 15. This decision, along with the increased subsidies included in the American Rescue Plan, will make Marketplace health coverage more affordable and more accessible for Michiganders struggling with the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden Administrations decision to extend the special enrollment period for healthcare by three months will help Michiganders get access to quality, affordable coverage in the midst of a pandemic, said Governor Whitmer. I am grateful for this decision and I encourage folks to find an affordable plan that works for them on HealthCare.gov and sign up by August 15th. In tandem with the American Rescue Plan, which puts money in pockets and vaccine shots in arms, this move will help working families weather the storm and help us all build back better. We are thankful that the Biden administration has taken this step, which will make health insurance more accessible and more affordable for more Michiganders at a time when they need it the most, said DIFS Director Anita Fox. An estimated 67,000 uninsured Michiganders will now qualify for lower cost coverage, and 16,000 of them should be eligible for no-cost coverage. If youre unsure how to start taking advantage of these new opportunities, DIFS is here to help through our live call center, by email, or with online resources. The Health Insurance Marketplace and application process, available at HealthCare.gov, will be updated on April 1 to reflect both the extended special enrollment period and the newly expanded tax credits from the American Rescue Plan. Michiganders who need new Marketplace health coverage should: Start a Marketplace application by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), and select a plan by the end of March so that coverage will start April 1; Return to the Marketplace on or after April 1 to update or confirm pre-populated information on their current application to see new eligibility results, including the expanded tax credit amount; Update their plan selection with the expanded tax credits. These tax credits can lower health coverage premiums for the rest of the year. Consumers who already have a Marketplace plan are strongly encouraged to log on to the Marketplace and resubmit their application after April 1 to take immediate advantage of the higher subsidies offered under the American Rescue Plan. Individuals who choose not to revisit their application after April 1 must wait until they file their 2021 tax returns in 2022 to get the tax credits for which they qualify, meaning they will not be able to lower their monthly health coverage premiums this year. Consumers should also know that selecting a new plan under this extended special enrollment period may trigger a reset of their annual deductible for 2021. DIFS can help consumers with health insurance questions and complaints and can provide information about the Health Insurance Marketplace Special Enrollment Period that is now open through August 15. For more information, including a schedule of upcoming DIFS and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) virtual health insurance town halls, consumers should visit Michigan.gov/HealthInsurance or call 877-999-6442 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The mission of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is to ensure access to safe and secure insurance and financial services fundamental for the opportunity, security, and success of Michigan residents, while fostering economic growth and sustainability in both industries. In addition, the Department provides consumer protection, outreach, and financial literacy and education services to Michigan residents. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/difs or follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. #### Watertown, NY (13601) Today Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 69F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies. Low 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. has admitted it 'could have' underpaid more than 200 workers Casino giant Crown has admitted it 'could have' underpaid more than 200 workers around $2million as part of an ongoing wage theft investigation. The Fair Work Ombudsman on Wednesday confirmed at Senate estimates it started investigating the company about one year ago after Crown self-reported. The ombudsman's enforcement director Stephen Ronson said the company believed the amount was about $2 million including superannuation. But he declined to nominate a figure the watchdog had determined was underpaid with inquiries still 'in play'. In another hammer blow for Crown Casino, the gambling giant is now accused of staff wage theft A recent inquiry revealed Crown was illegally facilitated money laundering at its Melbourne and Perth casinos A royal commission into Crown started in Victoria on Wednesday, while a NSW judicial inquiry found the company was found unfit to run a casino at its newly built Barangaroo complex in Sydney. The latter inquiry found the company facilitated money laundering at its Melbourne and Perth casinos. It also found Crown put its staff in China in danger of being detained and dealt with junket operators it knew were involved in organised crime. Mr Ronson said the other issues Crown was facing were a reasonable excuse for not immediately responding to the ombudsman last year. 'In 2020 the investigation was greatly impeded not just by Covid but by other matters that were also impacting the company,' he said. 'That slowed down their responses.' Labor senator Tony Sheldon questioned why the United Workers Union, which represents casino workers, had not been contacted by the ombudsman. 'You're speaking to one of the parties that is party to the industrial agreement and not the other. It just doesn't gel for me,' he told the hearing in Canberra. Mr Ronson said the underpayment claims, which could affect about 232 workers, were initially confined to non-unionised workers covered by an award. He said it had recently emerged some of the breaches may relate to employees covered by the enterprise agreement, which the UWU is party to. A royal commission into Crown has commenced in Victoria, with the conduct of the company set to be heavily scutinised Senator Sheldon urged the ombudsman to view Crown's evidence as extremely questionable based on how the company had operated and its culture. 'It would seem like alarm bells to me to go and talk to the union that's involved,' he said. Mr Ronson confirmed the union would be consulted. The investigation became public after The Age reported it late last month. Senator Sheldon raised concerns it was taking investigative journalism to uncover wage theft, which could stop unions from contributing evidence. 42% of religious Americans report attending in-person worship at least once in the past month: Pew Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment As the pandemic continues, 42% of U.S. adults who identify as religious said they've attended worship at least once in the past month, according to the Pew Research Center. In a Pew report published Monday titled Life in U.S. Religious Congregations Slowly Edges Back Toward Normal, researchers found an increase in worship attendance compared to last year. Among all U.S. adults, Pew found a slight increase of those who reported attending at least one service in the past month, from 13% in July 2020 to 17% in early March 2021. A respondent was classified in the religious Americans category if they attended worship services at least once a month on a regular basis before the pandemic lockdowns last year. Among religious Americans surveyed, 42% said they had attended at least one worship service in the past month, which was higher than the 33% who said the same in July 2020. When analyzing the Christian subcategories, Pew found that evangelical respondents were the most likely to say they had attended in-person worship in the past month, at 53%. Catholics were the next largest Christian group to report attending in the past month with 34%, followed by mainline Protestants at 34% and historically black Protestants at 21%. There was also a racial gap in responses, as 50% of non-Hispanic whites reported attending worship in the past month while 34% of Hispanics and 25% of non-Hispanic blacks responded the same. The Pew report drew from a nationally representative sample that was surveyed March 1-7 of 12,055 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percentage points. The report also found increased confidence in the safety of attending in-person worship during the pandemic among those who were classified as religious Americans in the study. Seventy-six percent of religious Americans said they were very or somewhat confident that they could attend worship without getting COVID-19, an increase from 64% reported last July. Further, between July 2020 and March 2021, the percentage of religious Americans who believed their congregation should be closed for in-person services declined from 28% to 15%, while those who believed they should be open as normal increased from 13% to 26%. As coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths decline and vaccination rates rise across the United States, life in religious congregations is showing signs of slowly returning to normal, stated Pew. Still, the situation in U.S. congregations remains far from ordinary, and this promises to be the second consecutive highly atypical Easter season for Christians. Earlier this month, LifeWay Research released a study which found that around one in four people who attended church before the pandemic plan to attend more frequently when it ends. According to the LifeWay report on Protestant churchgoers, 91% said they plan to return to attending worship post-pandemic and 23% said they will attend worship more often. LifeWay also found that churchgoers aged 18-29 were the most likely to report planning to attend more, with 43% saying they will go to church more after the 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. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Was it as enjoyable to play an action hero as we all imagine it to be? I wasnt sure if it would be satisfying or just a weird challenge that made no sense to me when I was finally allowed to execute it. I wasnt sure if Id be there on set thinking, This is way off-base this is not satisfying in any way. It was really satisfying and really fun. Was it the next logical step for you after Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul? Its not easy to figure out what connects this to everything else in my career, and Im not sure I can make it easy for you. When I first approached it, my brain said, Maybe I could do an action movie. Im in good shape; I could maybe learn if I had time. And I think I have the components for an action lead in this Better Call Saul character that I play. Hes earnest. Hes indefatigable. He finds a way around everything. Hes always shifting his approach to try to get over the latest wrinkle or issue in front of him. The only thing he doesnt do is fight. You were inspired to make this movie, in part, by some very frightening personal experiences. Are you comfortable discussing this? [His voice softens.] I can only talk about it a little. My family has had two break-ins here in L.A., and the first one was particularly traumatic. The residual feelings of frustration and anger are real and stayed with me. They were something I thought I could build this character out of. I know that violence doesnt solve anything. But believe me, you have a desire to hurt someone who hurts your family. Join Michael Barbaro and The Daily team as they celebrate the students and teachers finishing a year like no other with a special live event. Catch up with students from Odessa High School, which was the subject of a Times audio documentary series. We will even get loud with a performance by the drum line of Odessas award-winning marching band, and a special celebrity commencement speech. In the movie, your character is shamed for not trying to subdue his home invaders. Did a police officer actually say something like that to you? [March 24, 2021] mdf commerce becomes an AWS Public Sector Partner MONTREAL, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- mdf commerce inc. (TSX:MDF), a leader in SaaS commerce technology solutions, announced today it has obtained the AWS Public Sector Partner designation for its Strategic Sourcing solution BidNet Direct for successfully migrating to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. The AWS Public Sector Partner Program designation helps mdf commerce to better serve the evolving needs of clients in the public sector and is fully aligned with the companys vision of driving innovative digital solutions in the strategic sourcing industry, such as paperless procurement processes, more user-friendly platforms and personalized online experiences. To join the AWS Partner Network (APN), mdf commerce had to showcase unique solutions delivered to public sector partners using AWS services. This ensures that solutions provided to BidNet Direct users are secure and reliable while complying with local legislation and regulations regarding data residency and security. Migrating to the AWS cloud also boosts the Strategic Sourcing platforms capacity to scale in the American market. This recognition highlights the strong commitment of mdf commerce to deliver unique requirements to meet high relability and security standards for public sector clients across the United States. We are living in an era where reliability and security of public data are more important than ever. This AWS Public Sector Partner designation is a testament to our continuous efforts to ensure security and localized data storage through the AWS Cloud infrastructure and services, said Camil Rousseau, Chief Technology Officer at mdf commerce. The AWS Public Sector Partner Program allows mdf commerce to create new opportunities and partnerships with public sector clients in a dynamic strategic sourcing environment that is more active than ever, added Camil Rousseau. To learn more about how BidNet Direct has improved technical competency in the public sector via AWS, click here. 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 Andre Leblanc Vice President, Marketing and Public Affairs Phone: +1 (514) 961-0882 Email: aleblanc@mdfcommerce.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed a desire to build "cordial relations" with Pakistan but stressed for that to happen, an "environment of trust" that is "devoid of terror" is "imperative". The letter addressed to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on country's National Day, PM Modi wrote, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." PM Modi also gave his "best wishes" to the neighbouring country in its fight to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. "Excellency, at this difficult time for humanity, I would like to convey my best wishes to you and the people of Pakistan for dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," PM Modi wrote. Pakistan celebrated its 70th National Day on Tuesday. This day is celebrated every year on March 23 to commemorate the 'Lahore Resolution' of 1940 and adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, making the country world's first Islamic republic. As per government sources it is a routine letter that is sent every year. On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials had arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. This is first such dialogue between the two nations in over two-and-a-half years. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla claimed that India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing any issue bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. Further, he said that the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere. The Republic of Ireland launch their World Cup qualifying campaign in Serbia on Wednesday evening hoping for a change of fortune. New manager Stephen Kenny is yet to taste victory since taking over from Mick McCarthy last summer and saw his side bow out of the Euro 2020 play-offs at the semi-final stage. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at some of the talking points surrounding a testing trip to Belgrade. Ninth time lucky? This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Kenny was thrown straight in at the deep end as he presided over Nations League encounters with Bulgaria and Finland as a precursor to last Octobers Euro 2020 play-off semi-final trip to Slovakia, where his side were unfortunate to lose on penalties after a goalless draw. In all, his reign to date amounts to three draws and five defeats and while the odds may be against a first victory in Belgrade, a positive result would set his team up perfectly for Luxembourgs visit to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. Keeping it real Keeper Mark Travers will start for the Republic of Ireland in Belgrade (Niall Carson/PA) Darren Randolphs absence through injury handed Kenny a big decision, with talent and potential not in short supply but experience an extremely rare commodity. In the event, 21-year-old Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers, who has two friendly appearances under his belt for the senior team, got the nod ahead of Kieran OHara and the uncapped Gavin Bazunu, and all eyes will be on him at the Rajko Mitic Stadium. Seamus it ever was? INSIDE ACCESS | Seamus welcomes Gavin to his first camp This is great How our skipper welcomes a new player to his first international camp Seamus Gavin#COYBIG Posted by FAIreland on Sunday, March 21, 2021 At the other end of the scale, Ireland could welcome back one of their stalwarts in Belgrade. Skipper Seamus Coleman last pulled on a green shirt in a Euro 2020 qualifying defeat in Switzerland 17 months ago with a combination of injuries and the competition for the right-back spot provided by Matt Doherty having hampered him since. Evertons 56-times-capped full-back has been a willing and able servant to his country for a decade and will hope for a chance to prove he still has a key role to play. Story continues Time to strike This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Kennys wait for a win has been due largely to the fact that his team have scored just once during his time in charge, Shane Duffys injury-time equaliser in Bulgaria. The four specialist frontmen in his squad have only 18 Ireland goals between them and 17 of those have been scored by Shane Long, who has not registered for his country since his strike in Moldova in October 2016. Callum Robinson has a friendly goal against New Zealand to his name, while Aaron Connolly and Troy Parrott are yet to open their accounts. Back to the future? Republic of Ireland striker Daryl Murphy celebrates his late equaliser in Serbia (Nick Potts/PA) Ireland have played only one competitive game in Serbia since the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, a 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in September 2016. They got off to the perfect start when Branislav Ivanovic deflected Jeff Hendricks shot into his own net, but trailed 2-1 thanks to Filip Kostics strike and a Dusan Tadic penalty. However, Daryl Murphy snatched a point with his first senior international goal in his 24th appearance as the visitors rode their luck to emerge with tangible reward. 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. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Not finding a career either in espionage or surgery, Mary volunteered as a civilian nurse at a temporary hospital at the U.S. patent office. During this time, she made it her business to inform soldiers of their right to refuse amputation. From her years as a doctor, she knew how to examine patients and found, in her own words, that in "almost every instance ... amputation was not only unnecessary, but to me, it seemed wickedly cruel." Nat'l Library of Medicine "Doctor this man's shin is merely scraped." "We're never going to finish our leg fort with that attitude, orderly." In between fighting the patriarchy and saving soldiers from wanton bone saw procedures, Mary somehow had the time to start the Women's Relief Organization. The group helped women travel to the nation's capital to visit wounded (and hopefully four-limbed) relatives. Her combined efforts eventually earned her a commendation and request for a formal position from her superior, which was again denied by the federal government. The underappreciated good doctor then went back to New York to earn yet another medical degree in hydrotherapy from Hygeia Therapeutic College. There we can only hope she learned that the mercury tablets and bloodletting treatments used in the field were less than helpful. Continue Reading Below Advertisement As the war dragged on, more casualties meant more job openings. (Try to look on the bright side, right?) The 52nd Ohio Regiment eventually hired our pantsuit protagonist as a civilian surgeon, the first woman in such a position in the United States. For both the North and South sides of the war, she became famous for her look of, well, a woman doctor in pants. As one Confederate saw it, she was, "A thing that nothing but the debased and depraved Yankee nation could produce. [A woman] dressed in the full uniform of a Federal surgeon." So, you know, the second stupidest thing that Confederates believed. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Her famous look eventually came in handy when she was caught assisting civilians behind enemy lines and thrown into the notorious Castle Thunder prison. After a few months, she was traded in a POW exchange and returned to active surgeon duty. Whenever she had a break from the operating scene, she spent her time stumping for President Lincoln's reelection, despite his unwillingness to help her earlier in her career. In April, CNN will broadcast a four-part original series on an infamous 1981 Mobile lynching and a court battle that bankrupted a national Ku Klux Klan organization. In March 1981, the body of Michael Donald, a 19-year old Black man, was found hanging in a Midtown lot. Hed been kidnapped by Klansmen, brutalized and killed at another location, then left on display as a sign of Klan power. The case is generally considered the last documented racial lynching in the United States. The documentary series The People vs. The Klan will premiere on April 11, with the first two episodes being shown back-to-back. According to information provided by CNN, the Blumhouse Television production focuses not on Donald himself, but on the little-known true story of his mother, Beulah Mae Donald, who became the plaintiff in a suit against the United Klans of America. In that case, also heard in Mobile, attorney Morris Dees won a multimillion-dollar verdict that ruined the Klan organization. In criminal proceedings, one of Donalds killers went to the electric chair, another spent most of his life in prison and an accomplice also served a substantial sentence. The landmark case has previously been examined multiple times, notably in Laurence Leamers 2016 book The Lynching: The Epic Courtroom Battle that Brought Down the Klan. That book gives a detailed account of the murder and the slow-moving investigation that followed. It also covers the court proceedings in detail, with emphasis on Dees role. Author Ravi Howards novel Like Trees, Walking also was inspired by the case. Beulah Mae Donald's fight for justice after the lynching of her son Michael Donald is the focus of the CNN series "The People vs. The Klan."Courtesy of CNN/Warner Media Beulah Mae Donalds story is one of the most remarkable displays of strength and courage our country has seen in its fight for racial justice, said Amy Entelis, executive vice president for talent & content development at CNN Worldwide. As cases of white nationalism rise in the US, the importance of sharing her legacy has never felt greater. Even after years of my own civil rights advocacy, I was emotionally unprepared for this beautiful, powerful, and inspiring story, said Cornell William Brooks, an executive producer on the project. Forty years after Michaels death, with authentic voices, the docuseries reveals not both sides of a modern lynching but multiple dimensions of racism and resilience, and is a story that speaks life, hope and courage over our country. According to CNN, the first two episodes of the series will air on April 11, followed by the final two on April 18. Episodes will be streamed via CNNgo and CNN mobile apps and will be available on demand the day after they air. Daily national surveys by Carnegie Mellon University show that while COVID-19 vaccine uptake has increased, the proportion of vaccine-hesitant adults has remained unchanged. The concerns about a side effect remain high, especially among females, Black adults and those with an eligible health condition. The Delphi Research Group at CMU in partnership with Facebook released its latest survey findings. The analyses show that vaccine hesitancy persists and point to potential tactics to combat it. Prior research by the CDC has found that Black and Hispanic adults are the least likely to receive the annual flu vaccine each year. Our survey suggests that COVID vaccine hesitancy follows a similar trend." Alex Reinhart, Assistant Teaching Professor, CMU's Department of Statistics & Data Science and Member of the Delphi Research Group Reinhart was joined on this report by Facebook research scientists Esther Kim Andy Garcia, Sarah LaRocca and Katherine Morris. Delphi staff, including statistical developer Nat DeFries and survey coordinator Wichada La Motte-Kerr, contributed to the development and analysis of the survey. The survey tracks daily trends in behaviors and attitudes on issues related to COVID-19 at the state and county level. The surveys of Facebook users are conducted by members of the Delphi Research Group in partnership with Facebook's Data for Good program. The new report consists of responses obtained from more than 1.9 million Americans between Jan. 10 and Feb. 27, 2021. According to the latest survey results, the proportion of adults who are either vaccinated or willing to get vaccinated increased from 72% to 77%, which is largely attributable to a decrease in non-responses on the survey question. Vaccine hesitancy remained relatively steady at 23% The researchers note that vaccine hesitancy might be improved by addressing concerns about potential or perceived side effects. Seven out of 10 vaccine-hesitant adults stated they were concerned about side effects. "When it comes to increasing vaccine acceptance, our global health partners have emphasized that there is not a one size fits all approach," said Kang-Xing (KX) Jin, Facebook's Head of Health. "By understanding geographic and demographic trends in vaccine hesitancy with the help of COVID-19 Symptom Survey, paired with public insights from Facebook about how people are talking about vaccines, public health officials can design and deliver tailored messaging campaigns that resonate with specific audiences within states, counties and communities." The research team suggests turning to trusted local healthcare professionals to spread the word of vaccine safety and importance. Trust in local healthcare workers among vaccine-hesitant adults has increased significantly in January and February even though trust in other information outlets has remained unchanged or decreased. "Hesitancy can reflect existing mistrust of medicine, but uptake of the COVID vaccine, just like uptake of the flu vaccine, can also reflect unequal access to healthcare or unequal availability of convenient places to get vaccinated," said Reinhart. "We're looking into this in more detail in newer versions of the survey, which ask specifically about access to the vaccine and specific reasons for not wanting to receive it." Delphi researchers use the data to perform forecasts of COVID-19 activity at state and county levels, which are reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The COVID-19 Symptom Survey is the largest ongoing COVID-19 data collecting effort in the country, gathering more than 50,000 responses daily and more than 18 million responses total since its launch in April 2020. Facebook distributes the surveys to a portion of its users each day as part of its Data for Good program. Facebook does not receive any individual survey information from users; CMU conducts the surveys off Facebook and manages all the findings. The University of Maryland likewise works with Facebook to gather international data on the pandemic, which can also be visualized through the Data for Good map and dashboard. TUCSON, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / WEED, Inc. (OTCQB:BUDZ) ("WEED" or the "Company"), one of the top cannabis and hemp bioresearch companies based in the USA, announced today that WEED Chief Executive Officer Glenn E. Martin will present at Starlight Capital's virtual conference tomorrow, March 25th between 12 noon and 2PM EDT. Martin will announce WEED's opportunities to invest in a new $40M financing round in BUDZ under Regulation A, Tier 2 as recently qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission (See WEED, Inc. Offering pitchdeck Here.) Thanks to the Company's extensive R&D history in cannabis and hemp markets, WEED is on the verge of a major expansion. Martin will describe the Company's history and its current and targeted real estate and IP assets and other opportunities as well as the Company's plans post-COVID. The Company is pleased to announce its new program to expand its global research & development program, which currently includes WEED Inc. subsidiaries and partners in Australia, Israel, Hong Kong, and the USA. At the same time, the Company will launch an aggressive program to identify, acquire, and integrate domestic and foreign assets and businesses that will most directly benefit from the continued opening up of cannabis markets worldwide - principally, retail and wholesale producers of cannabis and hemp plants and their derivative products. "All indications are that there may never be a better time to go 'all-in' on the future of Cannabis and Hemp markets, and we want the public to join us," said Glenn E. Martin, CEO of WEED, Inc. "We created this Reg A+ offering so that all investors - not just the big, accredited guys - can be part of the growth and expansion we expect for 2021 and beyond. This is where stoners Meet Wall Street." Investors may sign up at no charge here: https://www.starlightcapital.co/event-info/starlight-capital-technology-investment-forum WEED, Inc.'s Subsidiaries WEED Israel (Cannabis) Ltd. "After over a year of putting human clinical trials and product development on hold due to COVID, Israel is poised and anxious to build out our global brands in both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical categories, starting with women's health and veterans' ailments (PTSD) to healthy green alternative medicines" stated Elliot Kwestel, Managing Director of WEED Israel (Cannabis) Ltd. based outside Jerusalem. Kwestel further commented, "WEED Israel looks to enrich our lives for generations to come." WEED Australia Ltd. and The Cannabis Institute of Australia (C.I.A.), our Australian non-profit arm, based in Queensland on the Gold Coast. Managing Director Patrick Brodnik commented, "With the new rules just out governing cannabis in Australia and the announcement on 1st. February 2021 to allow over-the-counter CBD medicines in pharmacies, WEED Australia congratulates USA's new administration of President Joe Biden and its historic vote for Vice President Kamala Harris." Managing Director Brodnik continues, "We expect the future of decriminalizing cannabis and hemp in the USA to prove to be a giant leap forward for global cannabis legalization." WEED Hong Kong Ltd . Director Nicole Breen agrees, "The pandemic has affected all of us on a worldwide basis. Healing our planet with natural therapies, treatments and eventual "cures" utilizing natures' own Cannabaceae plant with its many properties, both with high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) compounds, I believe will change the force of medicine forever in the years to come." WEED, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the Company, WEED, we, or our) is offering (the "Offering") up to a maximum of 40,000,000 units ("Units"), with each Unit consisting of one (1) share of our common stock, par value $0.001 ("Common Stock") and one (1) warrant to purchase (1) share of our common stock, at a purchase price of $1.00 per Unit. The exercise price on the warrant will be 150% of the price of the Unit sold to the investor and cannot be exercised by the holder until at least twelve months after issuance. The Units are being offered pursuant to Regulation A of Section 3(b) of the Securities, as amended, for Tier 2 offerings, by management on a "best-efforts" basis directly to purchasers who satisfy the requirements set forth in Regulation A. Securities are offered and distributed pursuant to Regulation A+ through Dalmore Group LLC, a registered broker dealer, member FINRA (www.FINRA.org) and member SIPC (www.SIPC.org). These securities being offered are highly speculative due to the nature of the investment, and the fact that cannabis remains a controlled substance at the Federal level according to Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Caution Regarding Cannabis Operations in the United States Investors should note that there are significant legal restrictions and regulations that govern the cannabis industry in the United States. While legal in certain states, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, making it illegal under federal law in the United States to, among other things, cultivate, distribute or possess cannabis. Financial transactions involving proceeds generated by, or intended to promote, cannabis-related business activities in the United States may form the basis for prosecution under applicable U.S. federal money laundering legislation. Investors should carefully read the risk factors and disclosures contained in our offering circular before making any decision to invest in our company. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as, "may", "would", "could", "will", "likely", "expect", "anticipate", "believe, "intend", "plan", "forecast", "project", "estimate", "outlook" and other similar expressions, and include statements with respect to future revenue and profits. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors relevant in the circumstances, including assumptions in respect of current and future market conditions, the current and future regulatory environment; and the availability of licenses, approvals and permits. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Legal Notice This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer or sale of the securities referenced herein. Any such offer will only be made in compliance with applicable state and federal securities laws pursuant to Regulation A, Tier 2 of the Securities Act of 1933. A link to the qualified offering circular and related offering documents is attached hereto and all prospective investors should carefully review these materials, which includes important disclosures and risk factors associated with an investment in WEED, Inc. These securities have not been recommended by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission or regulatory authority, nor has any commission or regulatory confirmed the accuracy of the information contained the offering materials. The information is provided for convenience only, is not investment advice and may not be relied upon in considering an investment in WEED, Inc. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein, and any investment decision should be based solely on the information contained in the offering circular and related materials, and the investors independent research. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the future performance of any investment in WEED, Inc. or that investors will or are likely to achieve favorable results, will make any profit at all or will be able to avoid incurring a loss on their investment. In addition, prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their financial, tax, accounting or other advisors to determine whether an investment in WEED, Inc. is suitable for them. Media Contact: Glenn E. Martin, CEO 1-520-818-8582 Glenn@WEEDincUSA.com Investor Contact: Bryan Emerson Great Point Capital 200 W. Jackson Blvd., Ste 1000 Chicago, IL 60606 bemerson@gpcchi.com First Apex International Scott Biddick, Managing Director Investors@WEEDincUSA.com SOURCE: WEED, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637121/WEED-Inc-OTCBUDZ-to-Present-its-40-Million-RegA-Offering-at-Starlight-Capitals-Investment-Technology-Conference-tomorrow-March-25th-2021 SALEM, Ore. Several Democratic lawmakers have proposed a bill that would significantly change how Measure 11, Oregon's mandatory minimum sentencing law, functions in criminal courts. Supporters say the bill would add greater flexibility for judges opponents say that it would gut punishments for the worst offenders. Oregon voters approved Ballot Measure 11 in 1994, applying mandatory minimum prison sentences for a list of crimes. Another measure passed simultaneously, Ballot Measure 10, requires that any changes to Measure 11 in the Oregon legislature be passed with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. Measure 11 crimes by sentence length 5 years, 10 months Pornographic Exploitation of a Child Compelling Prostitution 6 years, 3 months Sexual Abuse I Unlawful Sexual Penetration II Sodomy II Rape II Manslaughter II 7 years, 6 months Arson I with Threat of Serious Injury Robbery I Kidnapping I Assault I Conspiracy to Commit Murder Attempted Murder 8 years, 4 months Unlawful Sexual Penetration I Sodomy I Rape I 10 years Manslaughter I Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Murder Attempted Aggravated Murder 25 years Murder 30 years - Life Aggravated Murder (Robbery II, Kidnapping II, and Assault II carry a probable sentence of 5 years, 10 months) Most of the crimes covered by Measure 11 are implicitly violent or sexual in nature. In a case where a defendant is convicted of Measure 11 crimes, the sentence cannot be reduced by the presiding judge. Murder, for instance, carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years in state prison. Senator Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, has introduced Senate Bill 401, which would lift the mandatory minimum sentences of Measure 11 for many felonies excepting murder. Instead, it authorizes courts to "impose greater or lesser" sentences. The bill is not without its supporters in the justice system, who say that the bill will allow courts greater flexibility in ensuring that the punishment in a given case more accurately fits the crime. "For all of its importance, it is an incredibly easy bill to explain. It simply returns control over sentencing to judges, said Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. Theyre free to impose a harsher sentence when the circumstances require it, and a more lenient sentence when the defendant is deserving. They are free to treat these cases, in other words, the same way they treat all others by weighing the facts, hearing from both sides, and making a fair and reasoned decision the thing that they, and not we [District Attorneys], were elected to do. Opponents of SB 401 say that it would gut Measure 11 rather than reforming it. Jackson County District Attorney Beth Heckert signaled that she is one of those opponents, joining seven other female district attorneys (of the nine women currently serving as district attorneys in Oregon) in posting a letter of opposition to the bill on Monday. "As our Oregon Legislature currently contemplates the full repeal of this crucial safeguard for victims, we feel it is important the public understands that such actions would make our communities less safe," the DAs wrote. "Repealing Ballot Measure 11 will result in significantly shorter sentences for those who prey upon our children and assault our neighbors. Repealing Ballot Measure 11 promises less certainty in those sentences as they can be further cut by more than 40%, undermining any faith or confidence victims may have placed in the system." Lane County Circuit Court Judge Darryl Larson spoke in favor of passing the bill on Tuesday, citing his experience as both a former prosecutor and a current judge. Having been a prosecutor for half my career, I understand why many prosecutors want to maintain mandatory minimums it puts all the bargaining power in the hands of the prosecutor. This has led, in my opinion, to a very high likelihood of a number of innocent people doing prison time in Oregon, Larson said. "There is really no data that supports an argument that making the changes being proposed here would have any effect to increase crime. The only thing being increased is justice." Senate Republicans issued a statement in opposition to the bill, saying that it would cause Oregon's justice system to "go soft on violent criminals." This is a perfect example of the Democratic supermajoritys extreme disregard for bipartisanship and consensus-building, Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod said. Reasonable criminal justice reforms are possible, but instead Democrats opt to take the extreme position that rapists, kidnappers, and child abusers should be given lesser penalties. Senate Republicans cited recent polling, saying that more Oregonians support maintaining or increasing sentencing requirements "for violent offenders like rapists and murderers." But in the same poll, a majority of respondents supported the legislature replacing mandatory minimum sentences with discretionary sentences that would ultimately allow judges the ability to choose from a range similar to what SB 401 would do. Sen. Prozanski held a public hearing on the bill Tuesday, and it is scheduled for a legislative work session April 7 in the Oregon Senate Committee on Judiciary. In an effort to do due diligence to request by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) to print a family of new Bank-Notes, the Liberian Senate's Joint Committee on Banking and Currency, Ways, Means, Finance & Budget, Public Accounts, and the Judiciary, Claims & Petition says it has been engaged in series of consultative meetings to inform the decision of the Body. A statement released in Monrovia Tuesday, March 23, says in continuation of the process of due diligence, the committee will hold a Hearing today, Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in the annex chamber of the Senate to allow state-actors give their perspectives on the printing of new Bank-notes. The statement indicates that authorities of the Central Bank of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning will be placed under oath to provide justifications for the request, while the President of the Bankers Association, President of the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, former CBL Governor-Nathaniel R. Patray III, the Director of the Graduate Program in Business and Public Administration at the University of Liberia, the Dean of the Business College at the Cuttington University Graduate School and Professional Studies, and other Stakeholders in the Monetary and Financial sectors of the country will be available to provide expert opinions on the matter. Accordingly, based on presentations of these State-actors, the Joint Committee will revert to Full Plenary of the Senate with a comprehensive report to inform the decision of the Body.Questions and concerns will be entertained through the Chairman of the Committee during the hearing. The release concludes. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Business Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The House of Representatives recently passed a bill seeking for replacement of the current banknotes to a brand new family banknote. On Tuesday, February 18, the House of Representatives voted following a report from the Committee on Banking and Currency, and a resolution. Over 60 Representatives signed the resolution in agreement to authorize the printing of the new family banknotes. According to the resolution, the printing of L$48.733 billion new banknotes, as requested by the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), will replace the current family of banknotes including the L$8 billion-plus mutilated Liberian dollars in the market. The new family banknotes will maintain some of the old denominations of L$5, L$10, L$20, L$50, L$100, L$500; and new currency denomination of L$1,000. It is expected to come with higher security features and designs. The resolution says the new family banknote is necessary to address the country's current liquidity demands for three years (2021-2023) and restore confidence in the Liberian dollar. Nearly 1,900 people are still waiting for houses promised to them in a new settlement in Randfontein in 2012. The housing project, in Middelvlei, ground to a halt after three years because of financial problems, the Gauteng Human Settlements department says. Of the roughly 5,550 people who were to get houses there, only 3,671 have been housed. Micheal Bekizizwe Simelani has been approved for government subsidised housing since August 2012. But in spite of promises made by the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, he has not been allocated a house. Instead, he has been bounced from one housing office to another. In 2014, Simelani was put on the waiting list for the housing project in Middelvlei in Randfontein, which had started in 2012. However, in 2015 that housing project was stopped. Spokesperson for the MEC for Human Settlements Castro Ngobese told GroundUp that the Middelvlei housing project had stopped after only 3,671 houses had been built, because, he said, it "was not financially viable" as the land was in private ownership and bulk electrical services were not available. As a result, out of 5,549 approved residents (and their household members) who were meant to get housing in the Middelvlei project, only 3,671 have been placed. The remaining 1,878 approved residents (including Simelani) have been allocated housing in various Mega City Housing Projects in the Rand West City Local Municipality. Simelani has spent the past few months visiting housing offices, being sent backwards and forwards between the Krugersdorp and Randfontein housing offices, and getting different information each time. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Urban Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "They told me in Krugersdorp office I will be placed before April 2019," said Simelani, who is currently living with his sister. "I went to the office in April and they referred me to Randfontein Human Settlements office. At Randfontein I was told I must come back around October 2019. When I went back I was told to wait for the SMS. I was told it seems I am not patient." Last week Monday, he says, he was told to come back after June 2021. After being informed of Simelani's case, Ngobese said: "we are busy handling the matter internally as the department. We have many people facing a similar situation as Micheal Simelani. We are working hard to improve our systems internally, so that deserving beneficiaries get allocated into their new houses." Simelani said, "I just hope they will be able to help me." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Developed with the help of the powerful NVIDIA DGX A100 supercomputer, DrAid the AI-based doctor assistant providing automated chest X-ray diagnosis and screening to radiologists has been deployed in 63 health facilities in Vietnam and will be deployed in 150 more in the country and seven hospitals in Myanmar this year. VinBrain is based in Hanoi, Vietnam and funded by Vingroup, the countrys largest conglomerate with a market capitalisation of around $16 billion. Its development efforts are focused on applying AI in areas such as medical diagnostics, treatment, prediction and prevention, management, and operational efficiency to enrich the quality of life of people everywhere. By using advanced AI technologies such as deep learning, it aims to help radiologists detect diseases and abnormalities more accurately and consistently and at a faster speed. This is particularly impactful when 4.7 billion people in the world do not have adequate access to radiologists. The firm has attracted a number of talented applied scientists with expertise in machine learning, computer vision, NLP, and large-scale product and service development. Working in teams, these scientists reside in different parts of the world, including Vietnam, Australia, South Korea, and the United States. Training AI model for tuberculosis detection using the NVIDIA DGX A100 Solving tougher problems After using the previous generation NVIDIA DGX systems built on NVIDIA V100 GPUs for about a year to develop its solutions, the AI firm was among the first in the region to upgrade to the next generation NVIDIA DGX A100 toward the end of 2020. NVIDIA DGX A100 is the world's first five petaFLOPS AI system built on NVIDIA A100 GPUs. Featuring the NVIDIA A100 Tensor Core GPU based on the NVIDIA Ampere architecture, it lets enterprises consolidate training, inference, and analytics into a unified, easy-to-deploy AI infrastructure. We want to utilise the DGX A100 to build more sophisticated models with faster training time to solve tougher problems in relation to medical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in healthcare. Using the NVIDIA DGX A100 helps us accelerate the development process. The system also provides us with more GPU memory and computation capacity than the previous generation NVIDIA AI system, said Steven Q. H. Truong, CEO of VinBrain. NVIDIA DGX A100 shortens turnaround time for model development Developing solutions faster VinBrains applied scientists are working on a number of healthcare and smart city/smart home projects using the new system. These include DrAid Diagnosis, DrAid Treatment, DrAid Smart Assistant, Smart City, and Smart Home. The DGX A100 provides the immense processing power needed to develop AI models for chest X-ray image classification and segmentation problems for DrAid Diagnosis; MRI registration and segmentation problems for DrAid Treatment and speech recognition and text-to-speech problems to perform voice command and/or editing medical reports for DrAid Smart Assistant. So far, our applied scientists have found that training and inference workloads for computer vision and natural language processing tasks on the NVIDIA DGX A100 server is about 30-50 per cent faster compared to the prior generation. The eight NVIDIA A100 GPUs with 320GB total GPU memory enables them to perform large-scale training of speech recognition tasks. This helps greatly in speeding up the model training convergence, resulting in shorter turnaround time for model development, said Truong. Faster training and evaluation are extremely helpful when VinBrains applied scientists experiment with new ideas, enabling them to develop a Proof of Concept (PoC) in a short time. For example, when we need to do a PoC within a few days or explore new directions to improve a model's performance, our applied scientists need fast GPU with large amounts of memory where they can run multiprocessing in parallel. The system helps to save model development time, he explained. Leveraging existing platforms Beyond the NVIDIA DGX A100, the Vietnamese developer is also leveraging the NVIDIA Clara healthcare application framework for AI-powered imaging and speech-to-text streaming inference. This platform provides full-stack GPU-accelerated libraries, SDKs and reference applications for developers, data scientists, and researchers to create real-time, secure, and scalable solutions. For its smart city/smart home projects, VinBrain is trying out NVIDIA Jarvis, a fully accelerated application framework for building multimodal conversational AI services that use an end-to-end deep learning pipeline. With Jarvis, developers can fine-tune state-of-the-art-models on their data to achieve a deeper understanding of their specific context. They can also optimise for inference to offer end-to-end real-time services that run in under 300 milliseconds and deliver 7x higher throughput on GPUs compared with CPUs. VinBrain is a classic example of a forward-looking company that believes in leveraging advanced technologies to drive breakthroughs. The NVIDIA DGX A100 supercomputer is designed to help researchers expedite scientific discoveries and develop AI solutions that advance healthcare and make the world a better place, said Raymond Teh, vice president, Worldwide Field Operations (Asia Pacific), NVIDIA. Vu Hoang, VinBrainsData Mining/Analysis & Model Optimisation manager, is training an AI model for speech recognition using DGX A100. Utilising these platforms from NVIDIA helps VinBrain reduce development time as well as give it access to more intuitive solutions from the NVIDIA community. Forging ahead Having experienced success in its use of the NVIDIA DGX A100, VinBrain plans to use the system for upcoming projects involving conversational AI and advanced big models. Another project in the pipeline is an AI-based system to provide prognosis recommendation that can be used by both doctors and non-doctors in healthcare. We have gained much productivity improvement by using the NVIDIA DGX A100 to build more sophisticated models with faster training. It is a worthwhile investment powerful computing hardware at a reasonable cost, said Truong. In far-flung corners of the federal government, staffers have been busy calculating how quickly the United States could embrace electric cars or phase out the last of the nations coal-fired power plants. They are estimating how fast the country can construct new battery-charging stations and wind turbines, as well as how farmers can store more carbon in the soil and how much Congress might allocate to fund such efforts. Theyre urgently trying to tally up the elements of a major promise, one that could shape how aggressively the world takes on climate change. By April 22, when President Joe Biden convenes world leaders for an Earth Day summit, he is expected to unveil a new, aggressive plan to cut US greenhouse gas emissions between now and 2030. The moment is aimed at re-establishing American leadership in the fight to limit the Earths warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared with preindustrial levels a threshold beyond which scientists predict irreversible environmental damage. As he crafts the much-anticipated pledge, Mr Biden is facing conflicting political pressures at home and abroad. A sizeable chunk of the Democratic Partys base and climate activists who helped elect Mr Biden and a chorus of scientists want the United States to take bold action to slash emissions at least in half by the end of this decade, compared with 2005 levels. They argue that is critical to pressure other major economies to follow suit and to help the world avoid catastrophe. But many Republicans warn that societal changes needed to cut emissions so quickly could harm an already battered economy, particularly in communities closely tied to the fossil fuel industry. They are poised to campaign against such a plan in the midterm elections against vulnerable Democrats in swing states, despite Mr Bidens argument that the shift to cleaner energies and less pollution will create a flurry of new jobs. As Biden walks that political tightrope at home, leaders around the world have been clear that they expect the United States to step up after four years of the Trump administration disparaging global efforts to fight climate change. Its a moment of truth for the Paris agreement, said Laurence Tubiana, chief executive of the European Climate Foundation and an architect of the 2015 international accord to cut greenhouse gases. President Donald Trump had withdrawn the United States from the pact. Mr Biden rejoined the agreement this year. We need a boost, and I do think that the US announcement will be that boost. Read More Washington Post It's only been a few weeks since BMW Philippines launched the 2021 4 Series locally. However, fans of the all-new coupe and its large grille were only treated to two models 420i Advantage and 420i M Sport. Both models are powered by a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine similar to the 320i, and it produces 184 PS and 290 Nm torque. The lone transmission option is an 8-speed automatic. But what about the M4? Well, the high-performance BMW coupe just made its regional debut in Thailand at the 2021 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS). Soon, it will be arriving in the Philippines as well. For fans of the new M4 Competition's design, you'll be glad to know that no styling changes were made to the ASEAN-spec model. Compared to the 4 Series launched locally, the vertical kidney grilles on the M model are much bigger. They also feature vertical grille slats, unlike previous BMW models. The more aggressive bumper comes with larger intake vents flanked by small corner intakes. Meanwhile, the rest of the car gets BMW's signature M Division makeover. The fenders are wider to fit the larger and wider wheels. A pair of slim side skirts run down the length of the body. At the rear, the M4 Competition is fitted with a small trunk spoiler. Meanwhile, the bumper is fitted with a large diffuser. As with all M models, quad exhaust pipes come standard. It's also worth noting that the M4 on display at BIMS is finished in the same shade of yellow as the launch model. Under the hood, the M4 uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six rated from 510 horsepower and 650 Nm torque. Over in Thailand, the M4 is paired with an 8-speed automatic. Unfortunately, there was no mention if the 6-speed manual will be offered in the country. With the automatic gearbox, the coupe sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed limited to 250 km/h. This being the M4 Competition variant, all-wheel drive is standard. However, the all-wheel-drive system can be switched to rear-wheel-drive mode if the driver wants to have some fun. With an M Drift Analyzer system fitted standard, it's practically begging to go sideways. With the BMW M4 Competition now in Thailand, it will only be a matter of time before it arrives in the Philippines. Once here, it would be a great competition for the Audi RS and the Mercedes-AMGs models, assuming it is priced competitively. For reference, the Thailand-spec model retails for THB 9,999,000 or roughly PHP 15.7 million, yikes. Fortunately, it's likely to be more affordable here than in the Land of Smiles. Pipeline 24 March 2021 Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco - the 5,000-acre country estate located in UNESCO-protected park, the Val d'Orcia - is delighted to announce the official full reopening of the hotel on 2 June 2021 including a brand new renovation of the Osteria La Canonica restaurant, as well as a one-of-a-kind property expansion with the launch of 19 new designed private suites later this Summer. Known for its refined Italian charm and welcoming families, couples and culinary seekers alike, the idyllic Tuscan hideaway will be expanding to offer guests a sophisticated upgrade. Opening its doors to 19 new suites exuding the rich sense of Tuscan authenticity guests have come to expect, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco will have a total of 42 suites, alongside the 11 homely, exclusive villas all uniquely restored from 17th and 18th-century farmhouses. A man has been arrested and several pallets of wine worth around 30,000 have been seized as part of a police crackdown on organised crime. The PSNIs Criminal Investigation Branch made the arrest following three searches in the Newry area as part of Operation Venetic. A 47-year-old man was arrested and more than 10,000 cash and a vehicle were seized along with the pallets of wine during the raid on Wednesday. Detective Inspector McCamley said: Detectives from Criminal Investigation Branchs Organised Crime Unit continue to play their part in the UKs biggest law enforcement operation against serious and organised criminality. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime gangs Detective Inspector McCamley As part of this, officers carried out a search of three properties in the Newry area today. Detectives seized a quantity of cash in excess of 10,000, one vehicle and several pallets of wine valued at approximately 30,000 on behalf of HMRC who will carry out an investigation in respect of potential evasion of excise duty. This is an example of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of organised crime gangs. We recognise the harm caused in our communities as a result of organised crime and we will continue to keep people safe from this activity. Anyone with information about any criminality should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, which gives people the power to speak up and stop crime and help us keep your community safe. Reports can also be submitted online using the PSNIs non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. A national group dedicated to expanding Black voter engagement and increasing progressive power is calling out the San Antonio Police Department. Black Voters Matter, a group that focuses on voting rights and provides resources to the Black community, shared a tweet Tuesday highlighting SAPDs record with police accountability and pushing for San Antonio residents to vote in favor of Prop B. The group shared data that shows 70 percent of fired officers are rehired, the highest rate across the U.S., according to the tweet. A picture accompanying the tweet mentions a website dedicated to informing residents about why they should vote for Prop B, which would repeal Chapter 174 of the Police Union Contract and allow officers who have committed misconduct to be fired permanently. The website, fixsapd.org, points out that Chapter 174 currently allows the police union to override local and state laws meant to hold officers accountable for their misconduct. The tweet also said Chief William McManus should be able to fire bad officers and not rehire them as a means of keeping the community safe. Just this week, Mayor Ron Nirenberg told police union leaders that he supports their right to fight Prop B. Though Nirenberg said he would remain neutral on the issue, Fix SAPD deputy director Ananda Thomas told the Express-News that Nirenbergs comments may be due to his wanting an endorsement from the police union in his bid for re-election. In 2019, the police union threw their support behind Greg Brockhouse, who had challenged the incumbent mayor. Prop B will be on the ballot this May. The boat has reportedly caused a jam of at least 100 vessels seeking to transit between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean The canal is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world A giant container ship has blocked the Suez Canal, causing gridlock in one of the worlds busiest maritime trade routes and lifting oil prices. The Ever Given cargo ship, run by Taiwan shipping company Evergreen Marine and one of the largest container ships in operation on the high seas, accidentally ran aground overnight. The Suez Canal, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, is reportedly blocked because someone accidentally got stuck with their giant container ship. The photo is unreal. pic.twitter.com/I2ACkBqPi2 Marcel Dirsus (@marceldirsus) March 23, 2021 Appearing to have blocked the entire width of the iconic Egyptian canal, almost as if it was attempting an Austin Powers-style three-point turn, the boat has caused a jam of at least 100 vessels seeking to transit between the Red Sea and Mediterranean, Bloomberg reported. Canal authorities were employing around eight tug boats in their attempts to free the stuck-fast vessel, which is 400m long and 59m wide with gross tonnage of 219,079. This could have an impact on movement of oil and consumer goods, said strategist Jim Reid. News of the ship blocking the canal will not be helping sentiment in export-sensitive Asian markets, added market analyst Jeffrey Halley at Oanda, while Neil Wilson at Markets.com said oil prices had moved higher after the grounding. The movement of the Ever Given, or lack of it, can be tracked around the world via online platforms such as vesselfinder.com/EverGiven. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 10:19:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Hussein Al-Gatrani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, arrives in the eastern city of Benghazi, Libya, on March 23, 2021. The eastern-based government of Libya on Tuesday officially handed over office to the new Government of National Unity. A delegation of the Government of National Unity, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Al-Gatrani and a number of ministers, arrived in Benghazi, and officially received office from the eastern-based government, according to a statement issued by the Government's information office. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua) TRIPOLI, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The eastern-based government of Libya on Tuesday officially handed over office to the new Government of National Unity. A delegation of the Government of National Unity, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hussein Al-Gatrani and a number of ministers, arrived in the eastern city of Benghazi, and officially received office from the eastern-based government, according to a statement issued by the Government's information office. The delegation met with senior officials and tribal leaders of eastern Libya, where Al-Gatrani confirmed that the state of political division in the country is over and that the Government of National Unity will serve all the Libyans all over the country, the statement said. Libya had been politically divided between eastern and western governments for years, before the Government of National Unity was approved recently by the House of Representatives. The new Government's main task is to prepare for the upcoming general elections in Libya on Dec. 24, as agreed by the UN-sponsored Libyan Political Dialogue Forum. Enditem Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 New Delhi, March 24 : The Ashoka University Students Government has charged the Founders, Chancellor and Vice Chancellor with failure in protecting the varsity faculty from external pressures. In reference to the resignation of Pratap Bhanu Mehta, the students had said in a letter that the events point to a failure of Founders, Chancellor and Vice Chancellor in protecting the faculty. They said this also has implications for freedom of speech for the students and faculty. This is not the first time that the faculty has come under attack for opinions and course content and students are worried what support they will get in future or will they have to self-censure and what this means for the quality of education. Professor Pratap Bhanu Mehta and eminent economist Arvind Subramanian, two vocal critics of the Modi government, resigned from the Ashoka University. Mehta stepped on March 16, almost two years after he had resigned as its Vice Chancellor. Immediately after Mehta's resignation, the students and faculty had demanded transparency from the Founders and university administration on the events that unfolded. They said that Professors Mehta and Subramanian are invaluable members of the faculty and they are saddened by the circumstances that led to the resignations. The students said they are receiving information about the resignations from media articles without any confirmation from Vice Chancellor Malabika Sarkar, Chancellor Rudrangshu Mukherjee and the Founders and Trustees. "The information asymmetry that exists between the Founders, administration and us is disheartening and disappointing. There is an urgent need to hold them accountable and push them to establish clear channels of communication," students and faculty said. Former Chief Economic Adviser Subramanian said in his resignation letter: "The circumstances involving the 'resignation' of Professor Pratap Bhanu Mehta, who is not just a dear friend but a truly inspirational national figure, have devastated me. I am acutely aware of the broader context in which Ashoka and its trustees have to operate, and have so far admired the University for having navigated it so well." Subramanian's exit from Ashoka University became public on March 18. He had joined the varsity in July last year as a Professor in the Department of Economics. He is also the founding director of the new Ashoka Centre for Economic Policy, devoted to researching policy issues related to India and global development. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New partnership launched between UNHCR and Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd to increase funding support for programmes in aid of vulnerable refugees in Malaysia. (Left) UNHCR Representative Thomas Albrecht with (right) Chairman of Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar after the Agreement signing ceremony. UNHCR Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, 24 March 2021 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd have launched a partnership to strengthen support for refugee communities in Malaysia. Through this agreement, Tulus a leading Islamic Social Finance crowdfunding Application pledges to raise USD600,000 from 2021 2023 to benefit the most vulnerable refugees in the areas of health, education, and gender-based violence. This pledge is all the more critical today in light of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations like refugees. There are some 178,000 refugees registered with UNHCR in Malaysia. Approximately 45% are women and children, many of whom are vulnerable and impacted socially and economically by the pandemic. One of the greatest tools to solve inequalities amidst a COVID-19 pandemic is fintech. Fintech connects users in such a way so that transactions are transparent, easy to perform, and allows donors to connect more closely to causes they can relate to, said Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, Chairman of Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd. The meaning of tulus is sincerity in the Malay language, and this App was built with that sole notion in mind - to be clear and sincere in everything that we do for our donors, beneficiaries, and partners, including UNHCR. Philanthropy has no religion, has no home address, is no flagship of any country. It is about humanity. And for that, we are motivated to use our digital platform to serve these communities better. UNHCR and Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd have launched a partnership to strengthen support for refugees in Malaysia. (Left) UNHCR Representative Thomas Albrecht and (right) Chairman of Tulus Digital Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, signing the Agreement between the two organisations. UNHCR Malaysia In recent years, UNHCR has continued to strengthen partnerships in Islamic Philanthropy, tapping into Islamic Social Finance to assist the most vulnerable refugees in Malaysia. Onboarding Tulus as the first UNHCR Islamic Fintech Partner is a major milestone in connecting Islamic Finance to reducing inequalities and poverty amongst the refugee population in Malaysia, said Thomas Albrecht, UNHCR Representative. Fintech is also an innovative solution in this regard. Turning to technology to mobilise public support, especially during times of social distancing, makes practical sense. UNHCR is honored to have TULUS as our first UNHCR Islamic Fintech Partner and we look forward to a long relationship that will significantly benefit vulnerable refugees in Malaysia. About UNHCR: UNHCR leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of armed conflict, persecution, and human rights abuses. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food, and water, and help safeguard fundamental human rights for persons of concern, and find long-term solutions to ensure that those forced to flee from their homes are able to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org.my About Tulus: Tulus Digital is an Islamic social fintech start-up that provides ethical payment facilitation for all Islamic Philanthropic organisations in Malaysia empowering the growth and wellbeing of the community by embracing the digital lifestyle. The Tulus mobile platform provides a convenient and secure online payment solution for all Islamic based Shariah compliant services and payment facilitation like Zakat, Waqaf, Infaq & Donation. The Tulus app is now available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. www.tulus.my NBC Uncle Nicky is back on This Is Us and he may be sticking around for a while. As fans can recall, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) previously told his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and kids that Nicky had died during the war. Then in season 3, Kevin (Justin Hartley) discovered a post-war postcard from Nicky to Jack and the Big Three discovered that their uncle, who was struggling with alcoholism and PTSD, was in fact alive and living in an old trailer in Bradford, Pennsylvania, where he still lives. Fast forward to season 5, Kevin named his son Nicholas after his beloved uncle. And Tuesday's episode, titled "One Small Step," gave more backstory into the life of Nicky Pearson (Griffin Dunne), who, in the present-day, surprised nephew Kevin and his fiancee Madison (Caitlin Thompson) at their doorstep in Los Angeles after receiving an invitation to their twins Nicholas and Frances' baptism. Though it was planned to take place on Zoom, the Vietnam veteran didn't realize that and got on his first plane ride since the war instead. While Nicky downplayed to Kevin just how big of a deal it was for him to fly all the way to L.A., audiences learned more about why the cross-country flight was so major and what happened in his past, including his first love Sally (Genevieve Angelson) as well as his estrangement from brother Jack. RELATED: This Is Us: Why Jack Kept Brother Nicky a Secret and How It 'Profoundly Affected' Him NBC Before he was drafted into the war, Nicky, who Michael Angarano portrays in the younger years, and Jack joined their parents Stanley (Peter Onorati) and Marilyn (Laura Niemi) to watch astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong's historic walk on the moon in July 1969. At the time, the brothers were closer than ever and Jack helped Nicky navigate his first romance with Sally, a photographer and vet clinic coworker. But after choosing to stay with his parents instead of running away to Woodstock with Sally, Nicky was stuck in Pittsburgh and eventually shipped off to Vietnam, where traumatic events led to a falling out with Jack, whom Nicky had a missed opportunity to reunite with once back home. Story continues Below, Dunne, 65, tells PEOPLE all about his character's past and just how long Uncle Nicky might be crashing at Kevin and Madison's house on the west coast. NBC PEOPLE: So sad about those snow globes for the twins! They illustrated two important stories from Nicky's life. But the John Grisham novels will do I guess, especially with that smiling photo of Jack and Nicky. GRIFFIN DUNNE: It was a long journey, but they get the Grisham books so it all sort of worked out. Cassidy (Jennifer Morrison) is one of few friends Nicky can count on, but now that Nicky is in L.A., will trust be an issue for him or will he be fine because he's with family? Well, nothing is ever quite so simple with Nicky. He's an overthinker and highly neurotic, and I think he was like that before he went to the war. As we see with Angarano's Nicky turning down an opportunity that could've been wonderful, he turned down a great love affair and going to Woodstock to see Hendrix. All that self-doubt, overthinking, neurosis, and self-loathing, as Cassidy says Nicky has, I think he's always going to be grappling with that. NBC While Nicky was dealing with self-doubt, when he was with Jack he received self-assurance. Can you talk about that brother relationship and why you think it changed so much during and after the war? Jack was much more suited to handle the horrors of what happened in Vietnam. There's a dynamic in every family and one sibling is just going to be more sensitive than the other. That was certainly in Nicky's case in relation to Jack. The sadness is that the sensitive one is the one who got drafted and couldn't be less suited for the horrors that he would be seeing. That led him to the most traumatic event of his life in killing the little boy accidentally in Vietnam. I think he had been in such a self-destructive spiral and his brother was trying to help him so much, in such a way that sometimes you could help someone who is troubled and needs help. But you could also do it in such a way where the one who is troubled just feels so condescended to and it reinforces their own self-loathing. And [the latter] was the dynamic, it makes Jack over persistent and overprotective. It emasculates his brother unintentionally. It's just a sad dynamic that happens to two people that love each other. It becomes too draining on both of them. So Jack deciding to let go of his brother by telling the story that he died, it's a sort of survival for Jack but it leaves a ghost and friction between the two of them. NBC RELATED: This Is Us' Milo Ventimiglia Says 'There's Still More to Learn About Jack' NBC In season 3, we saw that Jack showed up at Nicky's trailer and told him about his wife and kids, even revealing a happy family photo. Nicky has spent Thanksgiving with the family and now has met his great-niece and great-nephew. Do you think Jack would've been proud of who Nicky is in the present-day? Not only he'd be proud, but he would also be envious of his son and proud of his son that he got to have a relationship with his brother. He'd be enormously touched and proud of the effort that Nicky has made to be part of Jack's family. The moon metaphor was a great way to tell how far Nicky has come. Especially this monologue: "July 20, 1969, I watched a man walk on the moon. One day we'd never been on the moon, it was impossible to even fathom walking on it. And the next day, we're walking on it. The impossible became possible, just like that. For 50 years, I lived in a trailer. ... And I got that invitation in the mail but an invitation to meet my great-nephew and my great-niece. My big brother's grandchildren. I've lived alone for a really long time. I've been stuck. Anything good that would ever happen to me, just seemed impossible, but here I am, I made it with you two. You two are my moon." I thought it was extraordinarily good writing. I read it just as a curious reader of how they made that metaphor work in terms of the impossible becoming possible. I found it relating the moon landing and Nicky's small step toward family, which was enormous for him for crossing the country. All those elements were very clever and emotionally satisfying. It didn't force it, it was something that took you by surprise. I was quite moved by it. RELATED: This Is Us: COVID Pandemic Will Have 'Lingering Effects' on the Pearsons as 'Potential Issues' Await NBC Has Nicky hit a turning point in his life with him meeting his namesake? I always say [to the This Is Us staff], not necessarily joking, "Please don't let Nicky get his life together too well." I like playing the complicated aspects of him and troubled aspects. I would hate for him to get incredibly healthy all of a sudden. It would be less for me as an actor to play. In a previous chat with director Ken Olin, he said, "You'll see that when Nicky arrives, Kevin's very safe haven with Madison is going to have some ripples there." How long will Nicky's visit turn out to be? There's some expression about that: A guest can actually start to go bad after a while in the fridge. I think he's going to overstay his welcome. He's a difficult guy. I channel my father a bit, I channel Frances McDormand. She's so good at being irritable and difficult on the screen. I remember my father coming to stay with me and my daughter, and because of his age and particular quirks, everything revolved around him in the time that he's staying. He has to have things just so and I have a feeling Nicky's going to be a guy like that. His eccentricities will take center stage. NBC But babies can change people. Babies can change people. Again, with my dad, I never saw him light up so much as when my daughter was born. He was excited as I have ever seen him. And I had the same reaction as most people do when they see their fathers become grandparents. They just love to spoil and you see a side ... and it's just easier to be a grandparent than the parent. I think Nicky will be soft towards the kids but I still think he will be grappling with the adults around him. In a previous flashforward, the Pearson family, including Nicky, is gathered by Rebecca's hospice bedside at the house Kevin built with Jack's architectural designs. Knowing that Nicky is in her room and appears to be a mainstay in the family, what can you tease about the close bond he forms with the rest of the family? I know as much as you do and I had the same observation you did. I don't know how he got there but he seemed to be, sort of, the patriarch. Nicky has a wedding ring that they cut to, and I wish I could even tell you, "Oh I know who he married and I can't tell you," but I can't tell you because I don't know who I'm married to. This Is Us airs Tuesdays (9 p.m. ET) on NBC. CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a market operator and global trading solutions provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. (Chi-X Asia Pacific), an alternative market operator and provider of innovative market solutions, from J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. This acquisition will provide Cboe with a single point of entry into two key capital markets Australia and Japan to help enable it to expand its global equities business into Asia Pacific, bring other products and services to the region, and further expand access to its unique proprietary product suite in the region. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Ed Tilly, Chairman, President and CEO at Cboe Global Markets, said: "With the planned acquisition of Chi-X Asia Pacific, we continue to execute on our growth strategy by broadening our geographic and asset class presence, while enabling the further extension of our product offerings to our global network of customers. This is an exciting investment in attractive, growing markets that will complement our North American and European operations and provide a foothold in the key Asia Pacific region, positioning us to become a truly global marketplace for our customers. In a short number of years, the Chi-X Asia Pacific team has built their business into one of the largest market operators in Asia Pacific. We look forward to working with them to accelerate the company's further growth, building on our shared cultures of innovation and customer-first approach as we aim to bring greater choice to investors in Asia Pacific." Chi-X Asia Pacific is one of the most successful alternative market operators in Asia Pacific, with core operations in Australia and Japan. Chi-X Australia (CXA), the country's second largest securities exchange achieving an 18.4 percent total market share[1], offers trading in all Australian-listed securities, as well as the exclusive trading of CXA quoted warrants and ETFs. Chi-X Japan (CXJ), a leading proprietary trading system for Japanese equities and third largest equities venue in the country with a 2.7 percent lit market share[2], offers four trading books including both displayed and non-displayed mechanisms. David Howson, currently President of Cboe's European operations will lead the company's business expansion into the region and has been promoted to President, Europe and Asia Pacific. Mr. Howson will work closely with the global Cboe team and with the Chi-X Asia Pacific local management teams led by Vic Jokovic, Chief Executive Officer at Chi-X Australia and Toru Irokawa, Representative Director and President at Chi-X Japan, who will continue to lead their businesses. Cboe plans to leverage Chi-X Asia Pacific's expansive presence in Asia Pacific and bring to the region BIDS Trading's industry-leading block trading capabilities. With BIDS' current network covering major North American and European equities markets, the addition of Asia Pacific equities is expected to create a global block trading platform to serve a broader base of customers. Cboe also expects to enhance investor access to other products and services. In particular, Chi-X Asia Pacific is expected to provide an expanded distribution network enabling Cboe to further offer its unique proprietary products to clients in Australia and Japan. This deal also creates an opportunity for Cboe to become the global leader in equities market data, offering comprehensive data from most major markets around the world including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan and 15 European countries. The planned acquisition builds on Cboe's newly created Data and Access Solutions business, which combines Cboe Information Solutions with its global market data and access services into one holistic offering, enabling customers around the world greater access to all of Cboe's expanded data and analytics capabilities through a unified offering. Mr. Jokovic said: "Over the past decade, Chi-X Australia has built an enviable reputation as an innovative market operator with superior market expertise, customer service and a pioneering spirit that strongly aligns with Cboe's legacy of product and market innovation. We are excited to draw upon Cboe's core strengths as a leading global exchange operator to further enhance the competitive landscape in the Australian markets with new innovation and market solutions to better meet customer needs." Mr. Irokawa said: "Chi-X Japan is currently the only broker-neutral proprietary trading system in Japan, and remains committed to delivering best execution and significant cost-savings for both retail and institutional investors through our superior services and rich set of trading solutions. With Cboe's investment in Chi-X Japan, we look forward to enhancing our capabilities and bringing vital competition to help strengthen the efficiency and resiliency of the entire Japanese equities market." Australia is the world's 9th largest global economy, representing approximately $2.2 trillion in market capitalization and averaging 4.6 billion shares traded a day in its equities market[3]. Japan ranks as the 4th largest global economy, representing $6.2 trillion in market capitalization with over $5.1 trillion total value traded annually in its equities market[4]. Cboe plans to fund the transaction with cash on hand, supplemented by existing credit agreements, if needed. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, however the company noted that the purchase price is not material from a financial perspective and is expected to be nominally accretive to the company's adjusted earnings in 2021. Chi-X Asia Pacific generated approximately $26 million in net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, reflecting a 26 percent growth rate compared to the prior year, with non-transactional revenue comprising 67 percent of the overall net revenue. For additional background information on Chi-X Asia Pacific, see the slide deck available under events and presentations on Cboe's Investor Relations website at http://ir.cboe.com/events-and-presentations. Legal advisors to Cboe Global Markets on the transaction are Sidley Austin LLP (U.S. and Hong Kong), King & Wood Mallesons (Australia), Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (Japan) and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (Philippines), with BofA Securities serving as financial advisor. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions. The company offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products (ETPs), global foreign exchange (FX) and volatility products based on the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX Index), recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility. Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearing house. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading. The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com. About Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. ("Chi-X Asia Pacific") is a leader in driving marketplace innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. For over a decade the business has been operating trading venues and generating pioneering products and services for the benefit of financial markets and the global trading community. The company believes that modern competition from technology-driven markets increases overall market volumes and improves investor performance, providing benefits to all participants. As an alternative market operator, Chi-X Asia Pacific operates market centers two of the Asia-Pacific region's key securities trading centers in Australia and Japan, while its Chi-TechTM technology services units provide technology to its business. Chi-X Asia Pacific was acquired from its former global parent in 2016 by funds advised by JC Flowers & Co. LLC and has grown rapidly in the ensuing years. Chi-X Australia, as the second largest securities exchange in Australia, is transforming the Australian investment market through its focus on customers and innovation. Chi-X Australia delivers easy, cost-effective access to local and global investment opportunities, including a full suite of services for exchange traded investment products and cash equities as well as an investment products platform including Warrants, Indices (CXA 200), innovative Transferable Custody Receipts and ETFs/QMFs. Chi-X Japan, as a leading proprietary trading system in Japan, operates four equity trading venues, including both lit and dark, to provide solutions to evolving needs of market participants and provide members and investors with better trading opportunities at lower cost under highly transparent rules. Chi-Tech provides the trading technology platform and support services that keep the Chi-X Asia Pacific market centers at the forefront of the industry in performance and reliability. The company maintains offices in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Manila. For more information, visit www.chi-x.com. CBOE-C CBOE-OE Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. Chi-X Asia Pacific, Chi-X Australia and Chi-X Japan are registered trademarks of Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; our index providers' ability to maintain the quality and integrity of their indices and to perform under our agreements; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC. We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. 1Source: Australian Securities and Investments Commission equity market data. Based on average daily value traded 2021 YTD through February 2Based on lit market volume 2021 YTD through February 3Source: Chi-X Asia Pacific 4World Federation of Exchanges, as of year-end 2019 SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Related Links http://www.cboe.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. During a year beset by tragedy and difficulties, Lauren, a Florida resident, said she knew one thing was constant: Police officers protecting me and my family during these unknown times. Her message, written on a letter and included in a care package, was handed to an NYPD officer at the 121st Precinct in Graniteville Tuesday afternoon. It was part of about 1,000 care packages delivered to officers at every Staten Island precinct in a collaboration with the NYPD and Operation Gratitude, a nonprofit centered on providing them to first responders, veterans, frontline workers and others. Through this process of gratitude, through this process of service, the nation gets stronger one community at a time, said Paul Cucinotta, the chief operation officer of the organization, at the NYPDs 121st Precinct Tuesday afternoon. Paul Cucinotta, the chief operation officer of Operation Gratitude, delivers care packages at the NYPD's 121st Precinct in Graniteville Tuesday. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) Cucinotta, a 27-year-veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, said the organization serves as a medium to show people like NYPD officers that they are appreciated throughout the country. He has been delivering care packages which include items like snacks, hand sanitizer and custom letters written by volunteers of the organization expressing gratitude for the job officers do since earlier this year and will be handing out more in the coming months. And, as coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions ease, he said he hopes to involve the community in the process allowing city residents to take part in assembling and delivering bags to those who serve their neighborhoods. Our hope is to bring those communities together, Cucinotta said, adding that simple acts of gratitude could have a lasting impact. Speaking to officers during roll call, Cucinotta said he has been blown away by the character, by the commitment of NYPD officers during his time working on the partnership, adding that the organization is coming to represent those men and women who say thank you for your service. Paul Cucinotta, left, the chief operation officer of Operation Gratitude, is shown with Assistant Chief Frank Vega. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) NYPD Assistant Chief Frank Vega, Staten Islands top cop, awarded Cucinotta with a Patrol Borough Staten Island challenge coin during his visit and thanked him for his efforts showing appreciation to the Islands officers. Eight hours a day we work seven of those hours are probably very boring, very mundane, nothing goes on. The other hour of your day absolute chaos, disorder, disarray, said Vega. When you go home at night sometimes you take home those thoughts, those memories of that hour. They wear on your soul, affect your family life at home. The mental health of officers has been a focus of the department, said Vega, who added that Operation Gratitudes care packages offer an important reminder that the work of officers is appreciated. Its an unequivocal act of human kindness, said Vega, a pivotal figure in the departments shift to community policing. Police Officer Diana Negruti said she and her fellow officers appreciate all the support that weve gotten today. It makes me feel great about the job that I do, she said. Police officers received care packages from Operation Gratitude. (Staten Island Advance/Joseph Ostapiuk) The collaboration will continue over the next nine months going borough by borough, really just saying, thank you, said Mark Wachter, the commanding officer of the NYPD Health and Wellness section, which is responsible for addressing the mental health of uniformed and civilian members of the department through various initiatives. As we move forward in April, as the COVID restrictions are lifted, were getting into using the community members, the kids kind of bridging the gap between the community and police and paying it forward, said Wachter. In a year that has seen unprecedented challenges that have exacerbated mental health struggles, Wachter said, A small token of appreciation goes a long way with our officers. Its so important because its giving back to our officers and it recognizes the bonds of the community and the police together, he said. Were grateful for all the letters and bags that weve received today, said Police Officer Emin Demo. Its the small gestures like these that go a long way. New bipartisan legislation introduced today would ultimately require car manufacturers to install drunk driving prevention technology as standard equipment in new vehicles. U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), David McKinley (R-West Virginia) and Kathleen Rice (D-New York) introduced a bill that would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a rulemaking to make this lifesaving technology available in all new passenger vehicles. The Honoring Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate Drunk Driving (HALT) Act is named in memory of a Northville, Michigan family, Issam and Rima Abbas and their children Ali, Isabella, and Giselle, who were killed by a wrong-way drunk driver while driving home from a Florida vacation in January 2019. The HALT Drunk Driving Act provisions were adopted by the U.S. House last year as part of passage of the multi-year transportation infrastructure bill known as the Moving Forward Act, which was awaiting action in the U.S. Senate when Congress adjourned in December. We have the technology to prevent drunk driving and save lives, and its long past time that we use it, said Congresswoman Dingell. Issam, Rima, Ali, Isabella, and Giselle Abbas should all still be with us today, but a driver with a BAC nearly four times the legal limit was allowed to get behind the wheel of a car and senselessly take their lives. The HALT Drunk Driving Act will make our roads safer and will help us bring an end to the trauma of drunk driving deaths and injuries in this country. During my tenure as Nassau County District Attorney on Long Island, and throughout my time in Congress, I have made combating drunk driving one of my top priorities, said Congresswoman Rice. Prosecution and law enforcement strategies are critically important in this effort, but the best way to prevent drunk driving fatalities is to stop anyone who is under the influence from getting behind the wheel in the first place. Thats why I am proud to co-lead the HALT Drunk Driving Act, which will prevent drunk drivers from operating a vehicle by requiring passive drunk driving prevention technology in all new cars. I thank Congresswoman Dingell for introducing this bill to honor the Abbas family and help prevent other families from facing the same tragedy at the hands of a drunk driver. Too many families have lost loved ones to drunk drivers. Every year we lose over 10,000 lives deaths that are preventable, said Congressman McKinley. With the current technology available, no person should be able to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. This legislation will ensure that vehicles utilize technology to stop drunk driving and ensure no more American lives are lost. A similar bipartisan bill, known as the RIDE Act, will soon be introduced by Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Rick Scott (R-FL) in the Senate. New Mexico has the fourth-highest rate in the nation for alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, and the problem is getting worse, said Senator Lujan. The Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act will help prevent drunk driving in the United States and could save over 10,000 lives every year. I am committed to getting this critical legislation passed in the Senate. It is heartbreaking that we have lost so many to the irresponsible actions of drunk drivers, and its time to take real, significant action to prevent any further loss," said Senator Scott. "Our proposals to promote the development of critical alcohol detection technology will be a huge step to protect our families and communities. While drunk driving deaths have been cut by more than 50 percent since MADD was established 40 years ago, fatalities have plateaued at 10,000 annually for more than a decade. More than 9,400 drunk driving deaths could be prevented each year when drunk driving prevention technology is made standard on every new car, according to a study released last year by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The time is now to pass this bipartisan bill and put an end to the trauma suffered by drunk driving victims and their families as a result of someone elses bad choice, said MADD National President Alex Otte. MADD is so grateful for Congresswoman Dingells leadership to set in motion one of the most important pieces of legislation in MADDs 40-year history. We also commend Reps. McKinley and Rice for joining this lifesaving effort. The HALT Drunk Driving Act will make great strides in our fight to eliminate drunk driving, which accounts for more than a quarter of all traffic deaths and injures more than 300,000 people every year. This technology already exists and it could have saved my family, said Rana Abbas Taylor, sister of the late Rima Abbas. We have an opportunity here to eliminate drunk driving. Its time for the federal government and auto industry to act now to prevent other families from the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones to drunk driving. I am so grateful to Congresswoman Dingell for her incredible leadership and swift action in creating legislation in my familys honor. Americans support Congressional action to require drunk driving prevention technology as standard equipment in all new vehicles, according to a new nationwide poll conducted by Ipsos for MADD. The survey found that 9 of 10 Americans support technology that is integrated into a cars electronics to prevent drunk driving (89% say it is a good or very good idea ), while 3 of 4 (77%) back Congressional action to require this technology in all new vehicles. More broadly, 8 of 10 (83%) believe that new auto safety features should be standard in vehicles as they become available, not part of optional equipment packages. Such systems include driver monitoring, which can detect signs of distracted, impaired or fatigued driving, and alcohol detection, which uses sensors to determine that a driver is under the influence of alcohol and then prevent the vehicle from moving. Technologies like these will be beneficial not only to prevent drunk driving, but to detect other dangerous behaviors that lead to crashes such as drowsy driving, distracted driving, and even medical emergencies. The HALT Drunk Driving Act takes a technology-neutral approach and gives the auto industry a reasonable period of time to include drunk driving prevention technologies as standard equipment in all cars, said MADDs Otte. Drunk driving remains the biggest killer on our roadways, so the benefits of requiring drunk driving detection technology in all vehicles is overwhelming in terms of lives saved. Simply put, this technology cannot be optional. Rep. Rice has a long history of fighting drunk driving and supporting MADD from her days as Nassau County, New York, District Attorney, where she was called the states toughest DWI prosecutor by the New York Daily News. CBS's 60 Minutes profiled her work to reduce drunk driving in 2008. Rep. Dingell, Rep. McKinley and Rep. Rice are members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which considers auto safety legislation. MADD also commends the Committees Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) for their support of the HALT proposal. For more information about the HALT Drunk Driving Act and vehicle technology to stop drunk driving, please visit madd.org/HALTAct. About Mothers Against Drunk Driving Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nations largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 400,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADDs Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving calls for law enforcement support, ignition interlocks for all offenders and advanced vehicle technology. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP. Visit http://www.madd.org or call 1-877-ASK-MADD. About The Survey The poll was conducted March 5th to March 7th, 2021 by Ipsos using their KnowledgePanel. This poll is based on a nationally representative probability sample of 1,016 general population adults age 18 or older, with a margin of sampling error of +/- 3.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. (@FahadShabbir) Russian President Vladimir Putin's wishes for a speedy recovery were conveyed to his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, who is recovering from COVID-19, but two leaders have not held a phone talk recently, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2021) Russian President Vladimir Putin's wishes for a speedy recovery were conveyed to his Syrian counterpart, Bashar Assad, who is recovering from COVID-19, but two leaders have not held a phone talk recently, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. Earlier in March, the Syrian presidential office said that Assad and his spouse, Asma, had been infected with the coronavirus, adding that the couple is in a stable condition. "No, in the past few days there were no contacts. But, of course, the wishes of a speedy recovery from the Russian president were conveyed to Mr. Assad," Peskov told reporters. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global parent company of Reynolds, BAT has been rated as the third highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) company in the FTSE-100 index, which consists of the 100 largest publicly traded companies in the United Kingdom. This designation for BAT was made by Refinitiv, a global provider of financial market data and a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group. BAT achieved an ESG score of 91 out of 100 and is the highest-rated business in the food and tobacco sector globally. This award highlights the commitment of both Reynolds and the BAT Group globally to high ESG performance across the company. "Winning more than 200 awards in 2020 was an exceptional recognition of our achievements and shows we are on track to build the sustainable enterprise of the future," said Guy Meldrum, Reynolds CEO and President. "We're delighted to be part of the ranking as one of the FTSE-100 top three ESG performers as continued proof of this. In 2020, we committed to ambitious new ESG targets to deliver A Better Tomorrow for consumers, society and for our investors, and we're well on our way to achieve them." Meldrum noted Reynolds has received recent accolades for its contribution to BAT's shared vision for A Better Tomorrow, especially as a leading inclusive workplace. The recognition includes: Named by FORTUNE Magazine as a Great Place to Work a certification Reynolds has achieved for four consecutive years, a direct result of employee feedback provided anonymously to Great Place to Work. a certification Reynolds has achieved for four consecutive years, a direct result of employee feedback provided anonymously to Great Place to Work. For the second consecutive year, Reynolds scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2021 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. By scoring 100%, Reynolds was again designated by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality. Reynolds has a renewed and sharpened focus on diversity and inclusion, advancing commitments to action for the organization in 2020, including: Announcing a 2025 ambition relating to the acceleration of diversity in its management positions. Conducting formal semiannual meetings of employee resource groups with Reynolds' CEO to inform commitments and strengthen the Diversity & Inclusion arm of Reynolds' ethos. Offering employees volunteer days off so they can engage in opportunities to serve their local communities Expanding unconscious bias training throughout the organization to enhance the cultural sensitivity to this very important issue. Committing $3 million over three years to support organizations and groups that combat racism and inequality in the pursuit of social justice with the selection of the organizations informed by our employee resource groups. Globally, the top-three Refinitiv ranking is the latest of several ESG-related accomplishments for the BAT Group. In 2020 the BAT Group won over 200 awards and for 2021 is already ranked as: Gold Class in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook, putting it among the best-performing organizations in managing ESG metrics. The highest rating in Institutional Shareholder Services' (ISS) Social Disclosures Quality Score, which identifies best-in-class sustainability disclosure practices. A 'BBB' rating in the most recent MSCI ESG Ratings, which helps investors identify and understand financially material ESG portfolio risks. A CDP Climate A List and Supplier Engagement Leader board member, both for the second year in a row, recognizing its actions to tackle climate change. A Global Top Employer by Top Employers Institute for the fourth consecutive year. In March 2021, BAT published its annual ESG report demonstrating the global organization's significant progress against its targets, including: Increasing consumers of non-combustible products by 3 million to 13.5 million at year end 2020. Increasing New Categories revenue by 15% in 2020 versus 2019. Increasing renewable energy to more than 26% in 2020 - a 10% increase from 2019, coupled with a greater than 30% reduction in overall carbon emissions since 2019. Reducing water withdrawn by nearly 11% since 2019. Holding more than 38,000 human rights training sessions, with more than 390,000 attendances across its supply chain. Reaching 38% of female representation in management roles. About Reynolds American Inc. Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BAT Group, and the U.S. parent company of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc.; American Snuff Company, LLC; R. J. Reynolds Vapor Company; Modoral Brands Inc., and Kentucky BioProcessing, Inc. To learn more about Reynolds American Inc. and its operating companies, please visit www.reynoldsamerican.com. Media Contact Kaelan Hollon 202-421-4921 [email protected] SOURCE Reynolds American Inc. Related Links http://www.reynoldsamerican.com Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day state visit to Bangladesh this week will see a number of pacts, including one on trade, being signed, foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Wednesday. A number of announcements, bolstering cooperation in areas such as health, railway connectivity, border development and startups, are also expected to be made, Shringla told reporters in New Delhi. Modi is to visit Dhaka and a few other places in Bangladesh during his two-day trip to mark the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, regarded as the father of the nation in Bangladesh. The two countries are also marking the completion of 50 years of Bangladeshs emergence as an independent country with Indias help, as well as five decades of the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Dhaka. The importance of the visit could be gauged from the fact that as Bangladesh commemorates 50 years of independence they have invited our Prime Minister to share the dais", Shringla said. Ties between the two countries had no parallel, Shringla said, pointing to the fact that Indian soldiers had fought and had been killed alongside Bangladeshis for their independence. Relations had evolved since then and were seen as a model" for others to emulate, Shringla said, referring to the depth and breadth of interaction between the two countries. Modi will also make a rare visit to Gopalganjs Tungipara area, the birth place of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, who is also the father of the present Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. Both sides will sign a range of agreements during the Prime Ministers visit. These agreements will cover a number of areas of our cooperation, such as disaster management, trade, and oceanography," Shringla said. The trade pact expected during the visit is different from a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) the two countries were negotiating, a person familiar with the matter said separately. Talks for CEPA would continue, the person added. Despite the pandemic, the two countries had kept up the momentum of high-level contacts with virtual summits between the two prime ministers in December 2020, Shringla said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. New Delhi, Mar 23 (PTI) India and Austria discussed a host of key issues during their foreign office consultations, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, terrorism and India-EU relations, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday. The sixth Foreign Office Consultations between India and Austria took place on March 18 in the virtual format, the MEA said in a statement. The consultations were led on the Indian side by Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary (Europe and COVID19) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and on the Austrian side by Ambassador Gregor Koessler, Director General for Political Affairs in the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. India and Austria have warm and cordial relations which are based on shared values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and equality, the MEA said. 'Our bilateral relations are marked by strong linkages across institutions, academia, culture and people to people ties,' it said. The talks covered the entire gamut of bilateral relations, including political, economic and commercial ties as well as cultural and academic linkages, the statement said. Both sides also exchanged views on the COVID-19 pandemic and post pandemic recovery including vaccines, it said. Regional and global issues including developments in the Indo-Pacific, neighbourhood policy, terrorism and India-EU Relations, amongst others, were discussed, the MEA said. Deliberations also covered issues in multilateral fora such as United Nations reforms and Indias priorities during its term in the United Nations Security Council. PTI ASK ANB ANB Discovery Green has unveiled their newly-renovated John P. McGovern playground, complete with a new play space. The $2.3 million upgrades are part of a $13.3 million master plan for improvements to the park's northwest corner project, according to a press release. AN OTHERWORLDLY EXHIBIT: Otherworldly 'Time No Longer' debuts at the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Discovery Green The new playground gives families double the amount of play space. It features ample seating and energy-efficient lighting for those afternoon playdates that turn into evening fun. Discovery Green Conservancy President Barry Mandel describes why the renovations were necessary. Discovery Green is vital to Houston as a vibrant and centrally located meeting space where visitors from insideand outsidethe beltway can interact with one another and learn about the diverse traditions that coexist in the city, Mandel said. We are very excited that our littlest patrons will now have this improved play space to explore and enjoy. Discovery Green Even the littlest visitors, ages two to five, will have an area for them called the Mendez Play Space. The area named for David Mendez, former chair of the Houston Endowment board of directors and VP at JPMorgan Chase, features nearly 15 types of equipment. The space serves to encourage fitness and creativity, according to the release. Children ages five to 12 can take advantage of the park's new interactive rope course sections near the park's popular Gateway fountain. The area features age-appropriate equipment to build up their strength. Renovations started in Aug. 2019 and were completed in Aug. 2020. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the finished project remained closed to limit the spread of COVID-19. The park is now open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Earaheedy project, which is around 110 kilometres north of Wiluna, Western Australia, is 75% owned by RTR and 25% by Zenith Minerals Ltd (ASX: ZNC). ( ) (FRA:20Z) has started a 2,500-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at Earaheedy Zinc-Lead-Silver Project in Western Australia targeting large tonnage, flat-lying, near-surface sandstone-hosted zinc-lead deposits. Drilling will first focus on the Chinook prospect where step-out drilling is set to test zinc-lead strike potential before moving on to the Magazine prospect to define a drill section and step-out to test strike potential, particularly the inferred higher-grade zinc-lead identified in sandstone channels and facies zones. The program is set to take around three weeks with assay results to follow. Large-scale deposit potential At Chinook, higher-grade zinc-lead has been confirmed over 200 metres horizontal width and up to 12 metres vertical of true thickness (within 41 metres of a zinc-lead broad zone). Magazine and Chinook are 10.5 kilometres apart with the zinc-lead-silver mineralisation completely open. Plans to test exploration target The project covers an area of more than 40 kilometres of sandstone unconformity prospective strike, which remains untested. Rumbles zinc-lead exploration target at the Earaheedy Project is between 40 to 100 million tonnes at a grade ranging between 3.5% zinc-lead to 4.5% zinc-lead. The company intends to test the exploration target with drilling and this further drilling is expected to extend over about 12 months. Australia had no certainty around its vaccine rollout until CSL started distributing locally produced doses, as European authorities continue to block attempts to export internationally manufactured AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The government is also no longer relying on getting any more doses of AstraZeneca from Europe as CSL-Seqirus ramps up to produce 50 million doses throughout the year. Locally-produced AstraZeneca has given Australias vaccine rollout certainty. Credit:AP Australia was due to get 3.8 million doses of the European-made AstraZeneca in February, but Health Department secretary Professor Brendan Murphy said neither the company nor Australia knew that supply would be stymied by Europe as the continent battles ongoing coronavirus epidemics. Its not been possible until now to have certainty in planning, he told a Senate estimates hearing on Wednesday morning. Marilyn Mueller, an avid reader and longtime causal writer, has completed her new book Our European Trip: September 422, 2018: a gripping and potent look at a meaningful vacation for the author. Published by Page Publishing, Marilyn Muellers intimate book chronicles the author, her family, and her friends journey through Europe in September 2018. The European journey begins in Sicily with her niece and husband. Over the first week of the trip, they go sightseeing through Sicily, Rome, and Italy. Their journey then takes them to Barcelona, Spain, before spending time exploring France. Their journey ends in Paris, culminating in a flight home to Chicago. Along the way, readers will see family photos showing the authors amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip. Readers who wish to experience personal work can purchase Our European Trip: September 422, 2018 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 knows that authors need to 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. Emory will take part in the Universities Studying Slavery consortium institutions addressing historical and contemporary issues of race and inequality in university communities as well as slaverys legacy in American society. In February, Emory joined the Universities Studying Slavery (USS) consortium. Created in 2016 and led by the University of Virginia, it involves more than 75 institutions in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. and is founded on the idea as the website attests of sharing best practices and guiding principles about truth-telling projects addressing human bondage and racism in institutional histories. President Gregory L. Fenves says he made the decision to join the consortium because our nations tragic history of human enslavement and subjugation is a history that is not only shared by Emory and many other colleges and universities, but one that echoes across society to this day. We have much progress to make, and the learning and research we will undertake with the consortium, as well as actions and initiatives we have recently put in place at Emory, will enable us to live up to our values as a university, Fenves says. The USS consortium website acknowledges the importance of Emorys 2011 conference, Slavery and the University: History and Legacies, the first to examine slaverys role in higher education. Michael A. Elliott, dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences, agrees that the university came to this work earlier than a lot of our peers. However, he acknowledges that, as the years passed, we did not do a good job of ensuring that the work remained visible, and we failed to ensure that the work could grow and serve as a resource for the community. In 2005, Emory launched the five-year, Ford Foundationfunded Transforming Community Project (TCP). With the leadership of Leslie Harris, then an associate professor of history and African American studies, more than 2,000 people participated in community dialogues through a curriculum consisting of readings, films and reflections. In addition to the dialogues, community programs included lectures, workshops and an annual event, Experiencing Race at Emory. The Slavery and the University conference was a capstone to the TCP experience, as was a statement of regret about slavery issued by Emorys Board of Trustees in association with the conference. Looking forward Emory has considerable depth related to the study of historical slavery in the United States and its legacy, thanks to scholars such as Walter Rucker, Maria R. Montalvo, Dianne M. Stewart, Jason Morgan Ward, Carol Anderson, Mariana P. Candido, Allison Collis Greene, Robert M. Franklin Jr., Marla F. Frederick and others. Rucker, professor of African American studies and history, will serve as Emorys institutional lead with the consortium, whose activities include hosting biennial conferences at member schools and collaborating on research. In a 2020 Juneteenth webinar, Rucker expressed the view that because Juneteenth is a liberatory moment, Emory needed to reconcile with its past in terms of slavery and dispossession. With Emory paying forward what Harris began by its joining the consortium now, Rucker is excited about what can be achieved, saying, We are at a moment when there can be a more open engagement about these things. No one is talking about shaming or suing universities. It is more about understanding how they came to be and their connections to the past. Before coming to Emory, Rucker was on faculty at Rutgers University, where the highly respected Scarlet and Black Project an exploration of the African American and Native American experience was carried out. He knows firsthand the ways that this work can transform a campus. As a result of Emorys engagement with the consortium, says Rucker, now I am plugged into what member institutions and the consortium are working toward. It is a rich brew, with projects, steering committees, documentaries, centers and institutes all being discussed. The real gamechanger for Emory is to be plugged into these networks, to know what ambitious projects these institutions are pursuing and to have a seat at the table planning the next conference, which takes place in October 2021. Other synergies Emory recently announced its involvement in the Andrew W. Mellon Foundations Just Futures Initiative. With Anderson taking the lead, the university has joined a network of nine colleges and universities, each of which will engage in a collaborative public history reckoning designed to result in community-based racial reparations solutions. The university also is a key home for the Slave Voyages project, a preeminent resource for the study of slavery that was created and is hosted here. The projects future was recently secured as Emory formed a consortium with five other institutions, all of which will support the site financially. And in September 2021, Emory is hosting a symposium that will encourage reflection regarding slaverys history and legacy at Emory and pay homage to those who have pushed the university to acknowledge its fraught past. The symposium will be co-chaired by Yolanda Cooper, dean and university librarian, and Carol E. Henderson, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, chief diversity officer and adviser to the president. In a joint statement, Cooper and Henderson note, The symposium will delve into work being done at Emory and elsewhere to acknowledge the past and explore pathways to restorative justice. Our membership in the USS consortium allows us to engage with other partners, in the process learning from them and contributing to a more inclusive future for higher education. The symposium is one of eight initiatives to enhance racial justice announced by Fenves just weeks after his arrival in August 2020. When I consider the many productive avenues Emory is pursuing to deepen transparency about its past, I have no doubt that the USS consortium will hold us and other members to a high collective standard, says Interim Provost Jan Love. The consortiums members recognize that slaverys legacy is evident in so many ways, from the need to create better access to higher education for Black students to discussions about renaming our campus spaces. We welcome the far-reaching conversations that membership in the USS consortium will entail. Emory is not alone in welcoming the company. Since its founding, the consortium has been a beacon to many institutions, which didnt surprise Elliott. He notes, Real expertise is necessary to understand the complexities of having slavery in ones past. One of the best things about the academy is we recognize our limitations and then we seek experts in the field. The consortium is an excellent vehicle for doing that. You can die on TV and come back to life as another character on the same show. All you need is a slightly different look. Dan Grimaldi did it as Philly and Patsy Parisi (twins!) on The Sopranos. Earlier in TV history, Miami Vice waved the magic wand after killing off Trini De Soto in the 1984 pilot. If you recall Brothers Keeper, the opening installment of Miami Vice, the story follows Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) to South Florida, where he searches for drug lord Calderone. While on his trail, Tubbs and Det. Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) witness a would-be informant shot dead. The assassin, wearing a dress and sporting long hair and makeup, appears to be a woman. Later, we find out its De Soto, disguised as a woman, who did the hit. But that isnt the end of Martin Ferrero, whose De Soto died in Brothers Keeper. Ferrero had a long run in another Miami Vice role. Martin Ferrero returned after playing Trini De Soto in the Miami Vice pilot MIAMI VICE: Brothers Keeper | Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images RELATED: Miami Vice: How Olivia Browns Career Went After Playing Trudy on Vice In an episode chockful of colorful characters, Trini De Soto stands out. The audience firsts hear about him from Crockett (Johnson), who describes De Sotos voice as a little on the festive side, a cross between Tito Puente and Carol Channing. Next up comes a lunch scene featuring Crockett, Tubbs, and De Soto himself. Ferrero (De Soto) absolutely steals it from the shows stars. Between mouthfuls of food and mentions of Marielito riff-raff, De Soto rhapsodizes about the Golden Age of TV, which helped him with his English. De Soto has one slight beef, though. Forget about Desi Arnaz, man, he tells Tubbs. The fact that dude never copped an Academy Award says something very deep about the American psyche. If De Soto hadnt already won over fans, he sings a bit at a later meeting with Crockett and Tubbs. Its easy to imagine Michael Mann and his team scrambling for ways to bring back Ferrero in some capacity after NBC ordered the first season of Miami Vice. Sure, Tubbs kills De Soto (in drag) later in the pilot, but that didnt exempt Ferrero from being a part of TV magic. Ferrero played informant Izzy Moreno for 22 Miami Vice episodes MIAMI VICE, Phil the Shill: Phil Collins as Phil Mayhew, Martin Ferrero as Izzy Moreno| NBCUniversal via Getty Images Ferrero didnt bounce back right away on Miami Vice. Producers held him off for six episodes after the pilot. But he was back in action by The Great McCarthy (season 1 episode 8). This time, he began playing the role of Izzy Moreno, the bespectacled informant. Crockett and Tubbs pick up Izzy (Ferrero) in the aftermath of a bank heist. His career as an informant begins there, and he turns up for a total of 22 episodes as the character. Whether hes got a gig as a go-go dancer or is dealing with Phil Collins (as Phil Mayhew), Izzy always finds a way. Outside of the main cast, Ferrero ended up as the only performer on Miami Vice to appear in episodes in each of the shows five seasons. And Ferreros run didnt end until the very end. He appears in Freefall, the planned series finale, as well as two episodes that NBC later ran from season 5. WASHINGTON - Moncef Slaoui, the pharmaceutical industry veteran and vaccine specialist who led President Donald Trump's Operation Warp Speed, was fired from the board of a medical company Wednesday over allegations of sexual misconduct. GlaxoSmithKline, the majority shareholder of Galvani Bioelectronics and Slaoui's former longtime employer where he led vaccine development, announced it terminated Slaoui as Galvani chairman following an investigation triggered by a letter sent last month detailing alleged ``sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct.'' The alleged misconduct occurred ``several years ago'' and was aimed at a female colleague at GlaxoSmithKline while Slaoui also worked for the pharmaceutical giant, the company said. Slaoui issued a written apology for the conduct later on Wednesday. "I have the utmost respect for my colleagues and feel terrible that my actions have put a former colleague in an uncomfortable situation. I would like to apologize unreservedly to the employee concerned and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused," he said in a statement. "I would also like to apologize to my wife and family for the pain this is causing." Trump tapped Slaoui to lead Operation Warp Speed in May 2020, putting him at the helm of an unprecedented effort to develop multiple vaccines to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The administration trumpeted Slaoui's expertise as a former chief of vaccine development for GlaxoSmithKline when it chose him to co-lead the initiative. The company said it hired a law firm, Morgan Lewis, to investigate the allegations after receiving the letter. The review substantiated the allegations and that the investigation is ongoing, it said. ``This action was prompted by one complaint which we acted on swiftly and decisively. This was the first sexual harassment allegation against Dr. Slaoui that we were made aware of," said GlaxoSmithKline spokeswoman Kathleen Quinn. The company's chief executive said in an email to employees that Slaoui's name would be removed from its research and development facility in Rockville, Md. ``Dr. Slaoui's behaviors are wholly unacceptable. They represent an abuse of his leadership position, violate company policies, and are contrary to the strong values that define GSK's culture,'' the company said. Slaoui said in his written apology that he intended to "work hard to redeem myself," adding, "I am taking a leave of absence from my current professional responsibilities effective immediately, to focus on my family." Chief executive Emma Walmsley sent an email to employees Wednesday that expressed her personal feelings. ``Since February, the highest levels of our company have been working to understand and address what happened. Protecting the woman who came forward and her privacy has been a critical priority throughout this time," she wrote. ``I respect and admire her courage and strength. I've spent many nights lately putting myself in her shoes. More than anything, this simply should not have happened." ``On a personal level, I am shocked and angry about all of this, but I'm resolute," she said. ``I want to be clear that sexual harassment is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Abuse of leadership position, in any form, will not be tolerated." Slaoui worked for decades at GlaxoSmithKline, where he rose to become the top vice president in charge of the company's vaccine business for eight years. Slaoui has been credited with leading the creation of 14 vaccines. Slaoui was chairman of Galvani, a bioelectronics company owned by GSK and Verily Life Sciences, which is part of Google parent Alphabet, according to an administration news release at the time of his government appointment. Slaoui's role was criticized by some congressional Democrats and public interest groups who raised questions about this close ties to industry. His unusual contract arrangement with the government allowed him to maintain pharmaceutical company investments and avoid financial disclosures. He was allowed to retain his GlaxoSmithKline stock holdings while he led the vaccine development race last year. As scientific adviser to Operation Warp Speed, Slaoui was involved in evaluating potential vaccines and helping the Trump administration pick which ones would get federal funding and advance purchase orders. The development program succeeded in bringing three vaccines through FDA emergency-use authorization in record time, with two more in the pipeline, and orders of hundreds of millions of doses, a feat that received widespread scientific acclaim. But the rollout of the vaccines was plagued for months by shortages of supply and distribution chaos. Responding recently in an article in The Washington Post to criticism from President Biden and his team about the Trump administration's vaccine performance, Slaoui struck a combative note. "Honestly I find that unwarranted, unwise and un-understandable," said Slaoui, who resigned at the Biden administration's request. "I'm amazed that people felt the need to belittle the work that was done." [March 24, 2021] HashiCorp and Cisco Expand Collaboration, Enter Into Multi-Year Commercial Agreement To Deliver Infrastructure as Code for Hybrid Cloud Environments SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HashiCorp , the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software, today announced it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Cisco, in which Cisco will sell HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business alongside the Cisco Intersight platform. The agreement will help customers achieve a hybrid cloud operating model using Terraforms infrastructure as code for infrastructure provisioning and management of private datacenters with Cisco Intersight. HashiCorp is delighted to expand our commercial agreement with Cisco, a critical provider of compute infrastructure, networking, and security solutions in private datacenters. Together, we are working to help solve the challenges that large organizations face when running both public cloud and private datacenter environments, said Brandon Sweeney, chief revenue officer at HashiCorp. Through this agreement, we are excited to deliver proven solutions to accelerate the delivery of a cloud operating model for our joint customers. Organizations adopt Terraform infrastructure as code because they are challenged by inconsistent, error-prone provisioning practices across multiple environments. Offered as a service, Terraform Cloud allows teams and organizations to provision multi-cloud infrastructure, and manage risks for security, compliance, and operational constraints. Organizations are looking to extend these capabilities to their private environments as well. The Cisco Intersight platform delivers intelligent visualization, optimization, and orchestration for applications and infrastructure in hybrid and on-premises environments via a consistent, SaaS-delivered cloud operations platform. The Cisco Intersight Service for Terraform will offer a bridge to easily and securely integrate on-premises environments with Terraform Cloud Business, and enable IT Ops and DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using infrastructure as code across hybrid cloud. "HashiCorp Terraform enables Riot's Esports team to simplify management of our infrastructure by enabling reliable deployment of changes across our global footprint, said Scott Adametz, senior manager, infrastructure engineering at Riot Games. Working in concert with continuous innovation/continuous delivery pipelines, the Cisco Intersight cloud operations platform is enabling us to provision networking and computeinfrastructure across multiple environments with the simplicity of a git merge. With Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform, we will have the opportunity to simplify and secure our operations further to ensure consistent infrastructure automation and improve DevOps agility. "DevOps and application teams, as well as the infrastructure and operations teams are under pressure to provide the resource flexibility their development team requires," said Kaustubh Das, vice president and general manager of cloud and compute at Cisco. "Through our strategic agreement, Cisco and HashiCorp are opening a fast lane for organizations to accelerate application innovation across hybrid cloud. Our jointly-developed solution enables organizations to simplify the challenge of securely exposing their on-premises environments via the Cisco Intersight platform to Terraform Cloud Business and easily integrate with their IaC strategies. Availability & Support The Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform provides enterprise capabilities for organizations of all sizes, including policy, SSO, and audit logging for productivity across the organizations while managing risk. The Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform will be generally available in April. As part of the multi-year commercial agreement Cisco will include HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business on the Cisco global price list under the Cisco DevNet SolutionsPlus program. Cisco will also offer centralized support across customers Intersight and HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business environments under the Cisco Solution Support program. To learn more about The Cisco Intersight Service for Terraform, attend the Cisco Live iTalk session Accelerate Cloud Adoption with Hybrid Cloud Operations, Tuesday, March 30. For session details and to register: https://hashi.co/2P0aPFR Supporting Materials HashiCorp Learn: Get Started with Terraform Cloud: https://hashi.co/2tLiX24 HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Overview: https://hashi.co/3tLvNqN Cisco blog: Cisco and HashiCorp Join Forces to Deliver Infrastructure as Code Automation Across Hybrid Cloud: https://hashi.co/2NFiXuI Cisco DevNet Infrastructure as Code Developer Center: https://hashi.co/397ootT Cisco Intersight Services web page: https://hashi.co/396Burs About HashiCorp HashiCorp is the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software. The HashiCorp software suite enables organizations to adopt consistent workflows to provision, secure, connect, and run any infrastructure for any application. HashiCorps open source tools Vagrant, Packer, Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad, Boundary, and Waypoint are downloaded tens of millions of times each year and are broadly adopted by the Global 2000. Enterprise and managed service versions of these products enhance the open source tools with features that promote collaboration, operations, governance, and multi-datacenter functionality. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, though 85 percent of HashiCorp employees work remotely, strategically distributed around the globe. HashiCorp is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Franklin Templeton, Geodesic Capital, GGV Capital, IVP, Mayfield, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price funds and accounts, and True Ventures. For more information, visit hashicorp.com or follow HashiCorp on Twitter @HashiCorp . All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Media & Analyst Contact Kate Lehman media@hashicorp.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] "A vote is a kind of prayer for the kind of world we desire for ourselves and our children." Those were the words of Raphael Warnock, the first Black U.S. senator from Georgia, in his maiden floor speech last week . Against the backdrop of his passionate plea for strengthening voting rights are legislative efforts in more than 40 states to make it harder for people to vote: at least 250 bills at last count. It's not far-fetched to view these efforts as signaling a desire to return to a form of American apartheid aimed at permanently instituting minority rule.As state policymakers debate the various bills, it will be important for them to keep in mind that many of their constituents of all races fought, and some of them died, for the precious right of all citizens to vote. It hasn't been that long since the voting franchise was affirmed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Acts of 1965 . For African Americans, the wounds of nearly a century of voter suppression have yet to fully heal.The stakes for democracy couldn't be higher as the nation struggles to understand the changes that occurred over the past four years in a country that many believe was on the verge of becoming an authoritarian state. It seems obvious that the current attacks upon the voting rights of minorities and Democrats are a direct reaction to the former president's party losing control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, as he insisted and continues to insist that mass voter fraud occurred in battleground states with large populations of people of color.Public officials born before the passage of the Civil Rights Act should remember the blood that flowed through the streets, on bridges, in state capitols and city halls, and across this country as Black citizens attempted to register to vote. One only hopes that the newer generation of public officials are not too young or too detached from the violence, pain and dehumanization of the Jim Crow era to care about how voter disenfranchisement hurt so many citizens and injured our democracy.Surely, no one who remembers or experienced those days of American apartheid would want to take us back to them. Still, many of the bills introduced in statehouses this year harken back to the time of poll taxes, literacy tests and voter intimidation. One bill in Georgia would even make it illegal to offer water and other refreshments to citizens standing in long lines on hot days waiting to cast their ballots. This proposal is not only undemocratic, it is also immoral.As an African American who grew up in the Jim Crow state of Missouri in the 1950s and 1960s, I remember the harsh realities of segregation and voter suppression. Our neighborhoods and schools were racially segregated for most of the formative years of my life. I recall as a young boy accompanying my mother to fast-food restaurants where we had to go to the back doors to be served. Down the street from where I lived, a diner would not serve Blacks inside the facility; we had to order from an outside window, pay in advance and wait in the rain or snow. The entire system of Jim Crow was built and maintained on the foundation of voter suppression. And it was in this atmosphere of official apartheid that the memories were painfully fresh of Blacks being lynched and other forms of violence being visited upon "uppity Negroes" for what whites perceived as acts of disrespect.These experiences and memories are still on my mind. They still hurt; they trigger traumatic responses; and they were propped up for years by politicians who failed to serve our interests but who we could not vote out of office because of voter suppression.Because many of us have lived with the trauma of racialized violence for most of our lives particularly in those days when we were attempting to vote and obtain other forms of social and legal equality we believe that voting is a sacred right not to be trivialized and reduced to a tactic for aiding one's political party to remain in power.My own experiences as an elected official and candidate for office have informed my perspective on these issues. Several decades ago, I served as a member of the Atlanta City Council for two terms, only to give up a relatively safe seat to challenge the president of the council. I lost that race, and it hurt. But as sad as I was to lose, I took solace in knowing that the citizens had spoken through a truly democratic process. I didn't create excuses for losing or attempt to change the rules to try to make it easier for me to win the next time around. My pride prevented me from doing anything that might be perceived as cheating or giving myself an unfair advantage.Where is the pride of some of our elected officials today? Where is their sense of civic responsibility, their commitment to building out our democracy? When did the value of winning at all cost become so prevalent?As we approach this year's election season, public officials and voters alike should keep in mind the often-quoted words of theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, words that Sen. Warnock reminded us of last week: "Humanity's capacity for justice makes democracy possible, but humanity's inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary."GoverningGoverning The Windsor Bridge is seen submerged under rising floodwaters along the Hawkesbury River in Sydney, Australia, on March 24, 2021. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images) Flood Risks Remain for NSW as Rain Trough Moves Into Victoria The skies have cleared in parts of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) where major flooding has wreaked havoc and one man has died. A man in Sydneys north-west has died after being trapped in his car by floodwaters, Nine News reported. Police confirmed the mans body was found in Cattai Creek in Glenorie just after 1 p.m on Wednesday. Around the state, there have been about 24,000 people evacuated and about 60,000 people are on standby to evacuate. Around 11,000 calls for help and 950 flood rescues were recorded in the past few days and 162 schools remain closed. Several major flood warnings and a number of moderate and minor flood warnings are still in place, with the areas of greatest concern being Moree, the Upper Hunter around Singleton, Grafton, parts of the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasted that there will be no major rainfall in the state over the next week, giving the rescue efforts a reprieve as they deliver essential supplies to isolated communities. However, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned that although the rain stopped the crisis is not over yet with rivers still rising, and it takes time for the floodwaters to recede. Were certainly not out of the woods, Berejiklian said on Wednesday. What we still have to be aware of is the fact that thousands and thousands of people are still on evacuation warnings, that the rivers will continue to swell, that catchments will continue to experience flows of water not seen in 50 years and in some places 100 years. The fact that we havent had any fatalities is simply a miracle, she said. SES workers launch their rescue craft into the flooded Hawkesbury river along Inalls lane in Richmond in Sydney, Australia on March 23, 2021. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Deputy Premier John Barilaro, the State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service, the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and Resilience NSW are coordinating the clean-up work. About 1,600 SES volunteers have joined the rescue efforts, while the ADF has offered helicopter support and troops on the ground. Many of these who are reservists will be giving up their Easter, David Elliot, the Police Minister told AAP. Meanwhile, Victoria has begun to receive flood and severe weather warnings as the rain moves southward. Damaging winds and heavy rain which may cause flooding are forecasted for parts of the state. Flood watches are current for Bemm, Cann, Genoa, Snowy, Thomson, Latrobe, and South Gippsland River catchments, along with Traralgon Creek and the Otway coast. Locations that may be affected include Apollo Bay, Wonthaggi, Tidal River, and Yarram. People who live along rivers and streams are told to monitor the latest weather forecasts and be ready to evacuate once floods develop. LANSING, MI Michigan health officials want people to limit intake of a popular fish from Lake Superior due to concerning levels of toxic forever chemicals in some samples. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued the warning on Wednesday, March 24, after PFAS chemicals were found in rainbow smelt collected in 2019 from Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands. Adults should not eat more than one 8-ounce serving of Lake Superior smelt per month, and children shouldnt eat more than one 4-ounce serving per month, the state says. This precautionary guideline is based on data shared by Wisconsin, which shows elevated levels of PFOS in Lake Superior rainbow smelt, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief DHHS medical executive and chief deputy for health. PFOS is a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) associated with harmful effects in people, including reduced fertility, thyroid disease and liver damage, she said. We will update this guideline once the department has additional data. The advisory comes ahead of spawning season for Lake Superior smelt, which draws fishermen with hand-dip nets to rivers and streams along the lake each April and May. The small silver fish are not native to Lake Superior. They are often fried or eaten whole. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued a similar consumption advisory in January after finding elevated levels of the synthetic chemicals in fish samples. Sampled fish had PFOS concentrations ranging from 24 to 118 parts-per-billion (ppb), and an average of 63-ppt, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The Great Lakes Consortium for Fish Consumption Advisories recommends eating fish with concentrations of 50- to 200-ppb no more than once a month. Minnesota has also adopted the advisory. The smelt migration run starts as spring arrives and winter ice cover dissipates which creates a popular local tradition of harvesting smelt for fish fries, said Brad Ray, Wisconsin DNR Lake Superior fisheries unit supervisor. Its important for consumers to understand the potential risks associated with this new advisory. According to the Duluth News-Tribune, the smelt test results have stumped regulators because the small fish live short lives and generally do not bioaccumulate toxicants and toxins. Also, test results from other larger fish from the area did not show levels that would prompt an advisory. Studies have shown PFAS chemicals accumulate differently than other toxic compounds in fish, binding to proteins in blood rather than accumulating in fatty tissue like other more traditional contaminants. That means certain cooking and filleting techniques will not reduce the exposure risk. The Michigan DHHS said other state agencies are collecting smelt samples from Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and some inland lakes for additional testing. The states new Lake Superior advisory replaces Michigans previous Eat Safe Fish recommendation for smelt from Lake Superior, which advised people to limit consumption to 12 servings per month due to mercury levels. In Michigan, the entirety of the Huron River, a Lake Erie tributary, was put under a do not eat fish advisory in 2018 due to elevated PFAS levels found in the waterway. Other rivers and streams in Michigan with PFAS-related consumption advisories for various species include parts of the Au Sable River near Oscoda, parts of the Saginaw River, Flint River, Rogue River, St. Joseph River and Silver Lead Creek near Marquette. Michigan lakes with consumption advisories include Van Etten Lake, Allen Lake and Clarks Marsh near Oscoda, Lake Margrethe near Grayling, Flint Park Lake, Lake Pleasant near Lapeer, Beaver Dam Pond near Battle Creek, Freska Lake and the Boulder Creek ponds near Rockford, Walden Lake in Cascade, Long Lake near Three Rivers and Lake St. Clair. Related stories: 8-month PFAS disclosure gap draws backlash PFAS activist says blood testing probably saved her life Michigan PFAS site list surges past 100 Michigan collects 30k gallons of toxic PFAS firefighting foam Wolverine plans to clean up PFAS dump by planting trees Biden EPA dumps PFAS review over political interference Pentagon needs culture change on PFAS pollution PFAS exposure may reduce COVID-19 vaccine potency Democrats ready to move on PFAS regulations under Biden Government party leaders have criticised as sexist a cartoon of Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald in which she was depicted as a witch. Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Eamon Martin all hit out at the cartoon, which appeared in the Sunday Independent. It accompanied an article by columnist Eoghan Harris, which was focused on Sinn Fein. In the column, Mr Harris accused the party of working up a frenzy in the media over calling for the Tanaiste to resign amid the Garda investigation into his leaking of a confidential document. The cartoon was criticised by the National Womens Council of Ireland. Tanaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar said: I think it was sexist, I think it was wrong, I think it was misogynistic and I was surprised that it got published, quite frankly. Its not the first time that a female politician has been characterised as a witch. I hope its going to be the last, given the controversy around it and thats just not the way things should be in politics. Mr Ryan, the Green Party leader, called it deeply disrespectful and hurtful. The current climate dissuades a lot of people, particularly women, from going into politics. That has to change, he said. The Taoiseach said that he doesnt approve of the cartoon. I dont approve of that kind of characterisation of women in politics and weve all been characterised to different extents in different cartoons, the Fianna Fail leader said. A spokesperson for the Sunday Independents publisher, INM which is also the publisher of Independent.ie said: Newspaper cartoons often walk a fine line between satire and causing offence. We accept that last weekends cartoon featuring Mary Lou McDonald has offended some people. This was not the intention. Freedom of expression is a core principle of our parent company Mediahuis and we encourage the formulation of strong, sharp opinions in words, images and illustrations. 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. Every single day Every word you say Every game you play Every night you stay I'll be watching you The 1983 hit Every breath you take by British rock band The Police seems to be prophetic about the role of cookies in our web life. Cookies are watching every click, every keystroke, every choice, every move night and day. The recent announcement of the demise of third party cookie by Google has been a big concern for the digital ecosystem-marketers and publishers alike. For over 2 decades, the advertising dollars has moved gradually from traditional to the digital media. This has been possible due to the user data captured over a long period of time, which has resulted in precision targeting, and higher returns for businesses. The user data is of utmost importance...its a goldmine. Organisations who have invested in collection and analysis of their first party user data will have an edge over the others and will benefit hugely now and for years to come. So, how would the removal of third party cookies impact the 3 strong pillars of the digital ecosystem-advertisers, marketers and publishers? Publishers For publishers, the importance of the first party data is going to be extremely crucial now. They have to invest in capturing and managing the 1st party data, processing and building data, analytical tools and tech solutions. Dependency on the big gatekeeper has to reduce. I presume lesser would mean more a more UI UX friendly website, having fewer ad spots but impactful ones would become more meaningful for advertisers and users.High volume first party data should be bucketed to build relevant user cohorts. Potential prospecting campaigns with direct advertisers will have to be more efficient and perform, basis the first party data. Marketers Digital has become extremely crucial for marketers and how. The pace of digital innovation has never been so fast and COVID-19 has accentuated this by manifold. Brands have to take control of building their own data and tech ownership. This will help them to have visibility and control of it. Marketers have to ensure their presence on all digital platforms. Strong and seamless touchpoint needs to be created across own assets, social and search. Investment in good creative and marketing agencies would be the need of the hour. Hard hitting creatives and strong CTAs would clearly need to be focused on by businesses to attract the right audience. Consumers Consumer is the KING and will have control on where, why and to whom he is giving his data. Hidden data collection will reduce. However, due to lack of targeting precision the ads thrown at a user might become irrelevant due to lack of third party data and absence of retargeting. The industry is still debating and getting ready for the outcome and overall impact of the cookie less world. I strongly feel this is the time when all stakeholders need to re-strategise and remodel, prioritising the users and putting their experiences in the forefront. This will help power the future marketing initiatives and create a digital advertising environment the consumer will choose to support. Though Google is shutting down third party cookies, it will continue to use first party cookies in its own ecosystem, which is more or less everything. In a nutshell, Google will have the cake and eat it too. About the Author: Ranjita Sehgal, works with Network18.She is a digital media expert and has worked with marquee digital/media brands. She has led Digital Business, monetization/revenue. 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. BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) President Joe Biden shut down oil and gas lease sales from the nations vast public lands and waters in his first days in office, citing worries about climate change. Now his administration has to figure out what do with the multi-billion dollar program without crushing a significant sector of the U.S. economy and while fending off sharp criticism from congressional Republicans and the oil industry. The leasing ban is only temporary, although officials have declined to say how long it will last. And its unclear how much legal authority the government has to stop drilling on about 23 million acres (9 million hectares) previously leased to energy companies. Here are some questions hanging over Bidens Interior Department as it launches a months-long review of the governments petroleum sales with a virtual forum Thursday. WHY IS BIDEN TARGETTING OIL AND GAS LEASE SALES? Burning of oil, gas and coal from government-owned lands and waters is a top source of U.S. emissions, accounting for 24% of the nations greenhouse gases. Oil and gas account for the biggest chunk of human-caused fossil fuel emissions from federal lands following a drilling surge under former President Donald Trump. Emission reductions from a permanent leasing ban would be relatively small -- about 100 million tons (91 million metric tons) annually, or less than 1% of global fossil fuel emissions, according to a study by a nonprofit research group. But environmentalists and others who want more aggressive action against climate change say a ban would nudge the economy in a new direction. Biden wants to substitute fossil fuel production and consumption with policies that promote renewable energy on public lands, such as wind and solar power. The federal government is a huge player here. The government has market power, said attorney Max Sarinsky with New York University Law Schools Institute for Policy Integrity. If you restrict the supply (of oil and gas), you alter the market and you create a better environment for more sustainable fuels. Lease sales and royalties companies pay on extracted oil and gas brought in more than $83 billion in revenue over the past decade. Half the money from onshore drilling goes to the state where it occurred. Money from offshore drilling gets shared with states at a lesser rate and pays for a conservation fund used to preserve land nationwide. WHAT'S BEEN DONE SO FAR? The administration postponed lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and in Wyoming, Colorado, Montana and Utah. Biden earlier had suspended leasing in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Interior officials say the fossil fuel program has failed to consider climate impacts and that irresponsible leasing practices carve up wildlife habitat, threaten Native American cultural and sacred sites and lock up public lands that could be used for recreation or conservation. After what they call a fire sale of public energy reserves under Trump, Biden's team argues that companies still have plenty of undeveloped leases almost 14 million acres (6 million hectares) in western states and more than 9 million acres (3.6 million hectares) offshore. Companies also have about 7,700 unused drilling permits enough for years. Despite the moratorium, the Biden administration has continued to issue new permits for existing leases, including more than 200 in March, records show. Environmentalists want that to stop, but an outright drilling ban would raise thorny legal issues. Companies could claim they have the right to extract oil and gas after spending years and millions of dollars to secure leases. WHAT ARE BIDEN'S OPTIONS? A ban on new leases means drilling would fade out as existing ones expire. It would be a heavy blow for western and Gulf Coast states that heavily depend on oil and gas revenue to pay for schools, roads and other services. Another option is to increase royalty fees to reflect the social cost of climate change damage from rising seas, drought, wildfires and other global warming impacts. That would keep revenue flowing and make it more expensive to drill on federal land, forcing companies to concentrate on the most profitable reserves and reducing emissions, though by less than a ban. If its not possible to have a carbon tax on all oil and gas extraction, at least we could do something akin to that on public lands, said James Stock, a Harvard University economist and former member of the White House Council on Economic Advisers under Obama. HOW MANY JOBS COULD BE LOST? Economists say claims by industry groups and allies in Congress that a leasing ban would trigger massive job losses are greatly exaggerated. An industry-promoted University of Wyoming study projected almost 300,000 jobs lost by 2025. But historical data on energy jobs suggest a much smaller impact of about 60,000 jobs, said Jeremy Weber, former chief energy economist for Trump's White House Council of Economic Advisers and now a University of Pittsburgh associate professor That's still a significant number as the U.S. economy recovers from job losses in the pandemic. And even limited job losses could profoundly affect local economies in Wyoming, New Mexico and other oil-dependent states. Theres also no guarantee such impacts would be offset by Biden's promise to deliver millions of new green energy jobs, such as installing solar panels or helping with environmental cleanups of abandoned oil wells and coal mines. Despite promises by renewable energy advocates, such jobs dont fill the bucket like oil and gas does, said Jim Willox, a commissioner in Converse County, Wyoming, the states top crude producer and home to several new wind farms. Aware of such concerns, Biden climate adviser Gina McCarthy met with executives from Exxon Mobil, Chevron and other companies Monday to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A White House statement said the administration is not fighting the oil and gas sector and wants to create jobs while addressing emissions. American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Sommers said independent forecasts show natural gas and oil will provide about half of the global energy mix for decades to come. WHATS NEXT? Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, sworn in last week as the first Native American to oversee the nation's public lands and waters, will kick off Thursday's forum, which will include representatives of industry, labor, conservationist groups, Indigenous people and others. Haaland, a former two-term New Mexico congresswoman, said she wants to strike the right balance as Interior manages energy development while seeking to conserve public lands and address climate change. An interim report to be completed this summer will outline recommendations for Interior and Congress to overhaul the fossil fuels program. A similar review of government coal sales during the Obama administration was to last three years, but was canceled by Trump. ___ Daly reported from Washington, D.C. ___ On Twitter follow Matthew Brown: @MatthewBrownAP and Matthew Daly: @MatthewDalyWDC Subscriber content preview IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) Idaho Falls and Idaho National Laboratory have joined together on plans to repurpose fields near the laboratory into a hub for research institutions after the city received more than $55,000 in grant funding in hopes of expanding businesses and amenities. The city received a grant from Battelle Energy Alliance for $55,700 earlier this month to establish plans for an innovation district focused on the Center for Advanced Energy Studies and the regional campuses of Idaho State University and the University of Idaho, The Post Register reported Monday. . . . MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Muslim World League launched Wednesday the #RejectHate campaign to end Islamophobic content and hate speech on social media. The campaign, which invites supporters to sign a change.org petition, urges social media companies to adopt stronger anti-Islamophobic policies as part of their anti-hate regulations. In October of last year, both Facebook and Twitter announced that they would remove posts that deny the Holocaust, but have yet to adopt anti-hate policies that address other religious groups. In recent months, Facebook and Twitter have introduced several rules purportedly designed to combat hate and bigotry on their platforms. Despite these new regulations, both companies continue to allow purveyors of Islamophobic content to spread hateful and false characterizations of the Islamic faith and the more than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. Currently on Facebook, 1 in every 1,000 posts shared violates the company's rules on hate speech. More than three-quarters of content which violates their anti-hate rules is allowed to remain even after it is reported and investigated, giving a free pass for content targeting any group to be proliferated through Facebook. Twitter boasts similar statistics. The MWL is calling for a zero-tolerance policy towards hate speech targeting Muslims or adherents to any religion and more robust procedures to see hateful content quickly removed. "There are prevailing voices that only represent the hateful outlook of extremism and isolation that are being amplified on social media," MWL Secretary General His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said. "Social media has the power to bring people together across physical boundaries, but in recent years we have seen it become a breeding ground for hatred and intolerance." The Muslim World League is a Makkah-based non-governmental organization that represents adherents of the Islamic faith around the world. His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has led the organization since 2016. He is widely recognized as a leading global voice on moderate Islam, committed to bringing global awareness to the religion's true message of empathy, understanding and cooperation among all people. As Secretary-General, Dr. Al-Issa has travelled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, meeting with dignitaries and parliamentarians from the fields of justice, law and human rights, as well as major faith-based and community leaders. In January 2019, he became the most senior Islamic leader to visit Auschwitz as part of a joint MWL-AJC visit to Jewish historical and cultural sites in Poland. SOURCE Muslim World League " " Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020 on March 9, 2020 in London. Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images The world was shocked when Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, announced they were leaving Britain's royal family in January 2020. A second jolt occurred when the two (aka the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 and revealed how disheartened and "trapped" they felt by the royal institution. They also tried to explain about how the Crown operates. "So there's the family, and then there's the people that are running the institution," Meghan said, according to USA Today. "Those are two separate things. And it's important to be able to compartmentalize that, because the Queen, for example, has always been wonderful to me." It's a complicated, convoluted system. The royal family consists of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip (the Duke of Edinburgh), plus their four children: Princes Charles, Andrew and Edward, and Princess Anne and their spouses. Elizabeth and Philip's eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren are also royals. " " If you didn't make it onto this balcony at Buckingham Palace, you are likely not a member of the royal family. Chris Jackson Collection/Getty Images But this family is also part of a sprawling business institution with thousands of employees that manages royal affairs. As with any other company, these employees work in human resources, public relations, information technology, housekeeping and so on, in addition to occupying visible roles such as personal secretaries, drivers and security. About a century ago, King George VI (Elizabeth's father) dubbed this combination of business and clan as "The Firm." Advertisement Who Pays for the Royal Family? With so many employees and such prominence, The Firm requires a lot of money to operate. In 2020, the bill came to 82.4 million, or about $114 million. These funds don't come from taxpayers per se, but from a convoluted system with real estate at its core. Here's how it works. Every year, the U.K. government gives the royal household a monetary allotment called the sovereign grant. The money in the grant is a percentage of the surplus revenue from the Crown Estate, an extensive real estate portfolio belonging to The Crown. The portfolio's profits mainly come through annual appreciation and farming. In 2017, the monarchy received 25 percent of the Crown Estate's surplus net income a jump from the previous 15 percent plus an additional 10 percent allotment that will last a decade to refurbish Buckingham Palace. The government retained the remainder of the surplus. Laura Clancy, a media lecturer at the U.K.'s Lancaster University and author of upcoming book "Running the Family Firm: How the Monarchy Manages Its Image and Our Money," says via email that Queen Elizabeth II doesn't personally own the Crown Estate. Instead, it's a publicly owned property portfolio held in trust by The Crown. "This means that if the monarchy were abolished, all of the profits from the Crown Estate would go to the public," she says. A tempting thought for nonroyals. Clancy also notes that the sovereign grant is often reported to be the official cost of the monarchy, but that's not accurate. The royal family's security is paid for by the Metropolitan Police, plus local councils pick up the tab for royal visits. "This means the monarchy costs more than the official reports from the sovereign grant," she says. Working royals, like the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and his wife, Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, receive funds from the sovereign grant to support their work, travel, staff, clothing and residence renovations. They do not receive set salaries, however, nor are they typically allowed to do paid work. But the Queen receives a substantial income from the private Duchy of Lancaster, a set of commercial, agriculture and residential properties that was attached to the monarchy in 1265. In 2019-2020, it generated more than 25 million for her, or $34.7 million. Similarly, as heir to the throne, Prince Charles receives income from the private Duchy of Cornwall, also established centuries ago. The two pass on some of this income to their heirs, although it isn't known how much. Advertisement Who's Really Running Things? The Firm's complexity involves a lot more than money, though. Another aspect that's difficult for outsiders to grasp is its myriad rules, regulations and traditions. Some are noncontroversial (e.g., bowing or curtseying to the Queen), but many others seem silly or off-putting. Women are always supposed to wear pantyhose, for example, and never cross their legs while sitting. Makeup should be minimal, and couples aren't supposed to engage in any PDA not even hand-holding. Oh, and you shouldn't close your own car door. Who's making these rules, insisting they be followed or allowing them, at times, to be broken? Clancy says it's unclear. "The operations of the monarchy are complex, and there are many different individuals involved in running the institution, from public relations to HR to financial advisers," she says. But tradition is important, as it's a form of historical legitimacy for the monarchy. And this is where things loop back to Prince Harry and Markle. For one final, major component of The Firm is the royal rota, or pool system comprising a group of reporters and photographers from seven U.K. publications. For the past 40 years, the royal family has granted the rota special access to their royal engagements in exchange for coverage, as coverage helps maintain the monarchy's relevance. These press members are expected to share material with each other. Today, four of the rota publications are tabloids, including the Daily Mail and the Sun. And these rota journalists often write about Markle harshly, and sometimes in a racist manner. " " A selection of headlines from British newspapers in response to Meghan and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 8, 2021. Most of the papers represented are members of the royal rota. Chris Jackson/Getty Images One of the biggest reasons the couple left the royal family, according to the Winfrey interview and other press accounts, appears to be their distress and disgust with the rota, and their wish to escape its orbit. U.K.'s National Union of Journalists expressed concern at the time of the decision in 2020 to leave the rota, stating that as the royal family is partially funded by the public, "we cannot have a situation where journalists writing about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex can only do so if they have the royal seal of approval," according to Town and Country. And although their separation from The Firm and the rota means no more income from the sovereign grant or the Duchy of Cornwall, the two should be just fine. In stepping back from their royal duties, Harry and Meghan (as they'd now like to be called) are allowed to earn a living on their own. The couple quickly inked a three-year podcasting deal with Spotify allegedly worth $25 million and a five-year Netflix deal, allegedly worth over $100 million. These deals will allow them to produce documentaries, films, podcasts, kids' programming and other content down the road. NOW THAT'S INCREDIBLE Harry and Meghan are actually 15th cousins. Their shared ancestor is an Englishman named Ralph Bowes, who was born in 1480 and is connected to both Queen Elizabeth II and Markle's father, Thomas Markle. A former Yale professor is suing the university after she was allegedly fired for tweeting about a 'shared psychosis' that 'just about all' of former president Donald Trump supporters suffered from. Dr Brandy Lee, a former faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry in School of Medicine, filed a complaint against the Yale Monday claiming that she was unlawfully terminated 'due to her exercise of free speech about the dangers of Donald Trump's presidency.' Dr Lee has been a vocal critic of Trump over the years, notably sending a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2019 claiming that President Trump is showing 'signs of delusion' amid his first impeachment inquiry. The former professor said in her complaint that Yale fired her for a January 2020 tweet where she described how 'just about all' of Trump's supporters suffered from 'shared psychosis.' Dr Brandy Lee, a former faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry in School of Medicine, filed a complaint against the Yale Monday The tweet at the root of the lawsuit was made on January 2, 2020 was in response to another professor She added that lawyer Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trump's legal team, had 'wholly taken on Trump's symptoms by contagion.' Dr Lee had been responding to a tweet from University of Minnesota Law Professor and Yale Law School alumnus Richard Painter in relation to Dershowitz describing his sex life as 'perfect,' Hill Reporter reports. Following her tweet, Dershowitz sent a letter to Yale administrators on Jan. 11, complaining that the professor's post constituted 'a serious violation of the ethics of the American Psychiatric Association' and calling for her to be disciplined. The Yale Daily News said that Dershowitz added in his letter that Lee 'publicly diagnosed [Dershowitz] as psychoticwithout ever examining or even meeting' him. In a statement to the News, Dr Lee expressed that she was not thrilled to have to seek legal action against her alma mater. The former professor claims Yale fired her for a January 2020 tweet where she described how Trump's supporters were suffering from 'shared psychosis' She added that lawyer Alan Dershowitz, a member of Trump's legal team, had 'wholly taken on Trump's symptoms by contagion' 'I have done this with a heavy heart, only because Yale refused all my requests for a discussion, much as the American Psychiatric Association has done,' Lee said. 'I love Yale, my alma mater, as I love my country, but we are falling into a dangerous culture of self-censorship and compliance with authority at all cost.' Court documents state that following Dershowitz's letter, chair of the Psychiatry Department John Krystal told Lee via email that the department 'would be compelled to 'terminate [her] teaching role' if she continued to make similar public statements. She continued to tweet about the mental fitness of Trump even after Krystal's warning. Lee then met with Krystal and additional unnamed faculty members and was told that she 'breached psychiatric ethics.' Dr Lee continued tweeting critically of Trump and his mental fitness, and was subjected to follow up meetings with Krystal and other faculty members, the court documents state. Yale refused to have any additional discussions and failed to investigate the matter any further, the complaint reads. Dr. Lee would learn she was terminated on May 17, 2020. Her numerous appeal attempts in the following months resulted in failure. Dr Lee claims she turned down a role with Harvard to take the job at Yale, her alma mater A letter Krystal sent to Lee stated that she repeatedly violated the American Psychiatric Association's Goldwater Rule - which states that it is unethical for psychiatrists to comment on a public figure's mental faculties in an official capacity unless granted permission or after a medical examination. The former Yale faculty member feels that the Goldwater Rule is a 'gag order,' according to the court documents. Lee believes that the rule goes against her role as a psychiatrist 'in light of her belief that Donald Trump posed a dangerous threat to his country and the world,' the complaint reads. Dr Lee has not been a member of the American Psychiatric Association since 2007. In her complaint, Lee also claims that she did not diagnose Dershowitz, 'but [was] rather commenting on a widespread phenomenon of "shared psychosis."' She is looking to be reinstated and is seeking compensation for damages, which include 'economic losses' and 'emotional distress.' When you talk about professional shooting, renowned and sought-after content creators, veteran directors, and cinematographers would not hesitate to say that their top choice is Sonys Alpha 7SIII mainly because of its extraordinary capabilities that bring their Imagination in Motion. Sony Philippines (SPH) conducted a virtual interview with game-changing digital content creator, Lit Lab Studios headed by Patrick Martin and Hiromi Uematsu and professional director and cinematographer, JA Tadena to share their experience using the Sony Alpha 7SIII and why is it their top choice. Patrick, Hiromi, and Pao of Lit Lab Studios (left) and JA Tadena (right) SPH: How was your experience using Sonys Alpha 7sIII? Lit Lab: On a business perspective, its more practical and it gives us more room for growth, and as a freelancer, if I invest in a camera like this, I can go head to head with the clients because the qualities of the videos are superb. JA: It was really a big ease for me because the important thing I always consider in cameras is that I am able to control it easily, so the size is really important. SPH: Whats your favorite feature of the camera? Lit Lab: The low light capability because the videos are impeccable as the camera can capture even during darkest times and its very useful for us who love to use natural lights; all colors are more natural. JA: The auto focus blew me away, during my shooting experience, when I need the auto focus to work, it was really on point. Its also the best low light camera out there as I am able to shoot with just a flashlight or a candle that was almost impossible before. Im really excited to create more content with it. Lit Lab Studios recently released a dance music video for the Ayala Malls Zing app where they revealed that they used Alpha 7sIII as their main camera during production and JA Tadena also showcased a short dance film, Move, to test drive the A7sIII and see how it performs in low and minimal lighting. Watch JA Tadenas short dance film Move, shot with the Alpha 7SIII here. SPH: How important is investing in your gear? Lit Lab: A vision is always important when it comes to telling the story and capturing the market, but then, execution is just as important so having a powerful tool and camera to translate your vision is vital, the gear is always as important to the vision we want. JA: Its important that your equipment and skills are there; the skill is important of all things, but it can go to a whole new level if you have better equipment. SPH: How did Sonys A7sIII embody its tagline, Imagination in Motion? Lit Lab: Given the features, the imagination in motion comes in with how the quality of our work has improved when it comes to becoming clearer and it helps us in translating our vision in actual. JA: The camera gives you more focus on creativity, its a smart camera that eases your worry on technicality so you can focus on your creativity. Its a point-and-shoot for professionals and its that easy to use and you can just let your imagination go crazy and youll still be able to achieve it. Lit Lab Studios and JA Tadena are just some of the many professionals who have always ensured that they are equipped with the best gears so they can create better content and personalize their creative visions. Watch Lit Lab Studios short cinematic film here, shot entirely with the Alpha 7SIII. SPH: What is your advice to content creators out there? Aspiring and those who have started already? Lit Lab: Always be creative and its very important to be wise and smart with how we spend our money, we should spend in something that is powerful and with a long-term equipment that could help you grow not just your businesses but also as a creative. JA: Keep shooting and find your style, eventually, youll be able to find your voice and what you will show to the people. Everything is also accessible and more affordable for you, there are new gears like the A7sIII that are so easy to use, so keep learning and keep shooting. Truly, Sonys Alpha 7SIII is made for every content creator to be able to put their Imagination in Motion. The Alpha 7SIII is also included in Sonys Summer Gadget Deals where you can pay for 12 months with 0% interest and includes a promo bundle of a 64GB SD card and a Peak Design leash. View the full catalog at www.sony.com.ph/microsite/summergadgetsale/. Promo ends on March 31, 2021, so visit the nearest Sony Authorized Camera Dealers now! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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) More deaths were reported in Myanmar on Tuesday, including that of a 7-year-old girl reportedly shot in her father's arms. Soldiers were raiding homes in Mandalay to look for opponents and weapons when they kicked down the family's door, asking the father whether anyone else was at home, the BBC reports, citing relatives. The man said there wasn't, but soldiers apparently suspected he was lying. CNN reports they fired a round at him, instead striking the daughter who was cradled in his arms, while the BBC reports the girl was shot while running into her father's arms. Khin Myo Chitwhose reported last words were "I can't, Father, it's too painful"is now the youngest of at least 275 people killed since the Feb. 1 coup, which saw security forces wrest control from leader Aung San Suu Kyi. story continues below "Bystanders, civilians in their homes, and children" have all been victims of security forces' deadly violence, per CNN. Save the Children describes at least 20 child killings since Feb. 1, a fact that shows "a complete disregard for human life by security forces." A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in Mandalay on Monday "when he strayed out of the house to fill the up water in front of the house," says advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. A military spokesperson said Tuesday that he was "sorry" for the loss of life. But he appeared to blame "violent" protesters while also claiming forces would "use minimal force" in response to violence. Some 600 detainees, including AP journalist Thein Zaw, were released Wednesday as protesters observed a "silent strike" at home that they hoped would bring towns and cities to a standstill. (Read more Myanmar stories.) A Spring Breaker has been charged with inciting an 'unruly crowd' of hundreds of party-goers in Miami to riot on Sunday evening. Miami Beach police announced Jovan Washington, 30, from Indiana, has been charged with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct and violating a curfew following the wild partying and resulting riots that have plagued the city. Sunday night rounded off a chaotic weekend in the Florida city where thousands of tourists have flocked to enjoy Spring Break parties despite the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, Miami Beach officials ordered a curfew after thousands took over the city's Art Deco Cultural District for the annual parties, spawning a wave of unruly behavior, drunken brawls, vandalism and arrests. At around 8:30pm, a team from the Miami Beach Police Department responded to 911 calls about 'an extremely large crowd' of 400 to 500 at 8th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. A spring breaker in Miami has been charged with inciting an 'unruly crowd' of hundreds of party-goers to riot on Saturday evening to defy police orders. Pictured: Jovan Washington, 30, who was charged with inciting a riot, disorderly conduct and violating a curfew Pictured: People crowd around people as they dance on top of a car ahead of a curfew going into effect on March 21, 2021 in Miami Beach, Florida According to a police report obtained by Fox News, the crowds were blocking roads, vandalizing property, trespassing, drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, burglarizing, playing loud music and refusing to disperse. Officers told the crowd that the city was under a 'state of emergency' and to clear the area, however, they were 'uncooperative.' Police said Washington was 'enticing the crowd with music from speakers', and that they then damaged nearby vehicles by jumping up and down on them, denting the roofs and destroying windshields. Police also said several people made 'obscene' gestures toward officers, taunting them, and that they feared for their safety because of the crowd's growing aggressiveness. The officers caught up with Washington on another street, saying that he continued to play loud music and was telling the 'unruly crowd to not follow' the police orders. Officers were 'largely outnumbered' and said Washington's actions provoked the group to become more hostile toward them. According to the officers, Washington 'enticing the crowd with music from speakers', and that the people he was enticing were jumping up and down on vehicles, causing significant damage to them. Pictured: People jump on a car in Miami Beach on Sunday, March 21 Eventually, the officers were able to arrest Washington and confiscate the speaker, at which point he was taken to MPD jail. He appeared in court on Tuesday and posted a $2,500 bond, telling the judge: 'My speaker wasn't even that loud', according to WPLG Local 10. Authorities said that at least five officers from MBPD were injured during the recent chaos. 'It's really been a dangerous week,' Miami Beach Police Officer Ernesto Rodriguez told the network. 'We've seen a lot of fights, we've seen a lot of viral social media videos that are disturbing, and as a police department we don't deny that.' Police reportedly made more than 1,000 arrests, seized nearly 100 guns and even brought in SWAT teams that used pepper bullets to disperse crowds. In the end, the city decided to order an emergency 8pm curfew that will likely be extended into April. 'It's been nuts. People are going wild right now,' Chris Nelson, who is visiting from Orlando, told Local 10. 'We've seen some people like, jumping on, like, light poles and all types of crazy stuff.' Miami Beach was calmer Monday evening after the raucous weekend. Officers along Ocean Drive moved in on a crowd of partygoers after the 8pm curfew fell, as many took off running. One person was detained, but the area was much calmer than the night before, Local 10 reported. Pictured: A man is arrested by police in Miami for drinking from an open container on South Beaches Ocean drive, Tuesday 23 March 2021 Pictured: A large group of police officers in Miami Beach, March 23. On Saturday, Miami Beach officials ordered a curfew after young spring breakers by the thousands thronged the city's Art Deco Cultural District for the annual parties, spawning a wave of unruly behavior, drunken brawls, vandalism and arrests David Rivero, manager of Miami Beach's Puerto Sagua restaurant, expects to lose three hours of business a night during spring break due to the curfew. Even so, Rivero sees the early closure as necessary to keep residents, tourists and workers safe in one of America's top party destinations amid coronavirus concerns. 'There's been multiple shootings on multiple nights, gang fights, stabbings and a dead body in the middle of the intersection,' the 55-year-old Rivero said. Miami Beach business owners interviewed by Reuters news agency voiced a mix of disappointment and resignation over the crackdown. The 8 p.m.-to-5 a.m. nightly curfew in a 'high impact zone' in South Beach has cut deeply into the revenues of restaurants, bars and other establishments still struggling to recover from pandemic-related financial losses. Spring break is usually the annual, beer-soaked rite of youthful revelry for visiting college students converging on Miami Beach and neighboring South Florida communities. Rivero feels the event has only exacerbated crime in the Art Deco district. The scenes on Sunday night rounded off a chaotic weekend in Miami Beach, Florida where thousands of tourists have flocked in recent weeks despite the coronavirus pandemic, attracted by the state's relaxed virus measures. Pictured: Miami Beach, March 22 Revelers flocked to the beach city in Florida for the annual gathering, which has gone ahead despite the pandemic 'It has been increasingly bad every year,' Rivero said. 'It's unfortunate. Calling it quits is not under consideration, but it has been a thought in our heads.' Jonathan Plutzik, owner of the Betsy Hotel South Beach on 14th Street and Ocean Drive, said his 130-room inn was operating near full capacity and he expected it to remain so well into May, with the cheapest rooms going for $449 a night. 'In 2020, no one had any expectations we would be as busy as we are now,' Plutzik told Reuters. 'That is both a blessing and a challenge.' 'Our city leadership, including law enforcement, doubled down to get ready for spring break. Clearly it wasn't enough, so the city imposed some stricter rules, like the 8 p.m. curfew, which I am deeply supportive of,' he said. Miami Beach, perched on a string of coastal islands across Biscayne Bay from Miami proper, abruptly shut down spring break early last March as the pandemic hit, ordering bars and restaurants closed while outlawing social gatherings of more than 10 people. Mayor Dan Gelber has said all manner of out-of-town visitors swarmed back into Miami Beach after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Feb. 26 lifted coronavirus restrictions, declaring the state an 'oasis of freedom.' Pictured: People dance on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, March 22, 2021. Police have reportedly made more than 1,000 arrests, seized nearly 100 guns and even brought in SWAT teams that used pepper bullets to disperse crowds 'If people want to come to a hard-charging beach party, we aren't the place,' Gelber told Reuters on Tuesday. 'We're definitely pulling up the welcome mat for that. We made over 1,000 arrests the other day. I certainly hope that sends the message.' Of those arrested, according to Gelber, only 10 per cent were students, and about half were from out of state. 'By and large, these were not your college students taking a break before final exams,' he said. Surrounding jurisdictions and the state highway patrol have sent reinforcements while the curfew remains in effect over the next three weeks, Gelber said, adding he would consider lifting it sooner if the situation calms down. In the meantime, South Florida's annual winter and springtime influx of visitors is a key component of the region's tourist and leisure industry. 'In some cases, the profits you make during January, February and March will help carry you through the slow season in the summer,' said Juan Tejeiro, 29, an entrepreneur who owns a bike and jet ski rental shop on 9th Street and Washington Avenue. The curfew does not directly affect his business because he normally closes around 7 p.m., and he is glad for the restrictions. 'I've been worried someone will break and smash by windows at night,' Tejeiro said. 'I also had a customer who got one of my bicycles stolen from him last week.' Also on Sunday, two men were arrested for allegedly drugging and raping a woman who later died in her hotel room while on spring break in the Florida city. Miami Beach, perched on a string of coastal islands across Biscayne Bay from Miami proper, abruptly shut down spring break early last March as the pandemic hit, ordering bars and restaurants closed while outlawing social gatherings of more than 10 people One person was seen being taken away by police on Monday, who have arrested more than 1,000 since February Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, both from Greensboro, North Carolina, allegedly gave 24-year-old Christine Englehardt a 'green pill' and then took her back to her hotel in South Beach. The two men are accused of raping Englehardt, who was visiting from Pennsylvania, before stealing her phone, cash and credit cards which they then used as they carried on partying in the spring break hotspot. Englehardt's semi-naked dead body was found on the bed in her hotel room Thursday. Investigators are now working to determine if her death was caused by the pill given to her by the two suspects. According to a police report, Collier told officers the two men met Englehardt at a local restaurant before giving her the drug as they walked along Ocean Drive. The group then headed back to the Albion Hotel at 1650 James Avenue, reported the Miami Herald. 24-year-old Christine Englehardt was reportedly given a 'green pill' before being raped then murdered Evoire Collier, 21, (left) and Dorian Taylor, 24, (right) were arrested for allegedly drugging and raping a woman who later died in her hotel room while on spring break in Miami Surveillance footage taken from the hotel lobby shows the two men entering the hotel with Englehardt at around 1 am Thursday. As they walked into the elevator in the building, the woman was staggering and Taylor was holding her from behind 'by the neck so she could stand', Miami Beach Detective Luis Alsina said in a court hearing Monday. Collier said he and Taylor each had sex with Englehardt and that Taylor raped her as she seemed to be unconscious, authorities said. Police said Englehardt was not able to have consented to sex with either of the two men while under the influence of alcohol and narcotics. Collier and Taylor then stole her phone, cash and credit cards and left her unconscious in the room 'without any concern for her welfare or safety,' the police report said. The two men were then captured on the hotel surveillance cameras leaving the building around an hour after they arrived. They then allegedly went on a spree using the victim's cards at 'various locations' across Miami Beach including at liquor store South Beach Liquors. Englehardt's semi-nude body was found on the bed in the hotel room Thursday and emergency services were called. A cause of death is yet to be determined with the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office carrying out further tests to learn if she died from an overdose from the pill given to her by the suspects, the Herald reported. Ghaziabad: A man has been arrested for his alleged role in the death of BJP leader Gajendra Bhati in Ghaziabad's Khora Colony, police said on Monday. Narendra Gurjar alias Fauzi was arrested from Sahibabad on Sunday, they said, adding a pistol, four live cartridges, and a motor cycle without registration number plate were seized from his possession. Senior Superintendent of Police H N Singh said four teams of police under the aegis of S P (City) Akash Tomar were formed to arrest the accused. Bhati was killed and his friend injured when unidentified assailants fired at them on September 2. Read more: Delhi Metro runs with one gate open from Chawri Bazar to Kashmere Gate According to the police, former BSP MLA of Sahibabad, Amarpal Sharma had allegedly given the accused Rs 10 lakh for eliminating the BJP leader over the political rivalry. During interrogation, the accused allegedly told the police that Bhati was intending to contest the election for the post of chairman of the newly-formed municipality of Khoda. Efforts are on to arrest the former BSP MLA, police added. Weber State Honors Dixon Award Winners for Lifetime of Service March 25, 2021 OGDEN, Utah Yasmen Simonrian, dean of the Dumke College of Health Professions, and Kelly Stackaruk, senior development director, are the 2021 recipients of Weber State University Alumni Associations H. Aldous Dixon Award. The two will be formally recognized during a virtual event on March 31 at noon. To register, visit this link. Each year since 1970, the Alumni Association has honored outstanding members of WSUs faculty and staff with an award bestowed in memory of President Dixon, who served as the schools chief administrator from 1919 to 1920, and from 1937 to 1953. Dixon Award recipients have demonstrated careers of excellence and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to support students. Faculty Awardee: Yasmen Simonian How does someone inspire students to remember and differentiate the morphology of blood-forming cells eternally in order to diagnose a disease? Does it resemble a pepperoni or mortadella? Is it a whole potato or a potato chip? Using food analogies is what Yas Simonian has been doing successfully to teach hematology (blood disorders) for years. Simonian graduated from three different colleges at the University of Utah: health, pharmacy and medicine. She joined the WSU faculty in 1981. After chairing the Medical Laboratory Sciences department for 12 years, she was appointed dean of the College of Health Professions in 2008. Her many professional achievements include serving as president of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science, commissioner on the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and representative for the Association of Schools of Advancing Health Professions. She has authored numerous articles in professional journals and regularly presents at state, regional, national and international conferences with her students. Her involvement in these arenas keeps her current in the field of healthcare and brings recognition to WSU. She received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award from the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions three times and was honored as Crystal Crest Master Teacher. In addition, she received WSUs John S. Hinckley Award and the Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor award, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Utah Professor of the Year and the Kendall Award for Professional Achievement in Hematology/Hemostasis and Education awards. Along with her colleagues, Simonian pioneered the development and delivery of the first entirely online clinical laboratory sciences programs in the nation, which became an example for many other institutions. During her tenure as dean, the college went from offering one master's degree programs to five. This year, they will graduate the first cohort of the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the first doctorate degree at WSU. Dr. Yas Simonian has educated thousands of students who are now healthcare providers. Many are still in touch as colleagues, practitioners, physicians, clinicians, faculty and friends. Their constant contributions to healthcare locally, nationally and globally validate the value of their Weber State education and demonstrate the differences they continue to make in the communities they serve. Staff Awardee: Kelly Stackaruk Kelly Stackaruk arrived at Weber State as a student on a vocal scholarship. She loved performing with the jazz group Choralition and studying abroad in England. Stackaruk returned to work at WSU after the birth of her first child to assist the Wildcat Club. She hosted many out-of-state booster trips, handled annual giving campaigns, produced the newsletter, Cat Paws, and increased attendance and fundraising at the annual Cat Bash dinner and auction. Her success and enthusiasm eventually led to the position as development director for COAST now the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST). During Stackaruks tenure in EAST, she has established a successful Pacific Northwest Alumni event and increased privately funded scholarships by 70%. During Weber States Dream 125 Comprehensive Campaign, Stackaruk oversaw fundraising efforts that exceeded the college goal by over 200%. Her collaborative and successful approach to fundraising have resulted in two new buildings for the university: Computer & Automotive Engineering Building at WSU Davis, and Noorda Engineering, Applied Science & Technology Building, now under construction in Ogden. The fundraising efforts also produced the Ardell Brown Automotive Wing and three centers: Alan E. Hall Center for Sales Excellence, Wadman Center for Excellence in Construction & Building Sciences, and the Center for Technology Outreach. Stackaruk has great affection for the college she represents and enjoys working with the dean, faculty and staff. They trust her enough to approach fundraising and outreach efforts creatively. When President Mortensen announced his Louder and Prouder initiative, Stackaruk developed the EAST Explorer Initiative," a program which employs current WSU students to conduct strategic outreach to EAST alumni. She also collaborated with the interior design program to create the annual Charitable Chair fundraising event, which they will hold virtually this year. Stackaruk loves meeting with alumni, corporate partners and friends of the university. A favorite aspect of her job is hearing stories from alumni about their time at WSU and their life after graduation. Stackaruk has served on the board of trustees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weber-Davis and is a current member of the Box Elder School District Foundation Board, overseeing fundraising efforts. Kelly Stackaruk remains a loyal Wildcat and is proud to represent Weber State. To learn more about the legacy of H. Aldous Dixon, watch this video. To see the names of past Dixon Award recipients, visit this link. For photos, visit the following links: wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2021-Photos/March-2021/i-ScCKwpW/A wsuucomm.smugmug.com/Press-Release-Photos/2021-Photos/March-2021/i-r2t5Sd3/A Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University. MENLO PARK, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantifind, a provider of SaaS solutions used by banks to automate financial crimes investigations and customer due diligence, today announced the appointment of Puja Agrawal to its board of directors. Ms. Agrawal brings decades of leadership experience at global financial software firms to the company. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, Americas for Finastra, and was previously Global VP and General Manager, Financial Markets Compliance at NICE Actimize. "Puja is a proven leader known for her understanding and innovating within the banking software ecosystem, and brings strategic leadership to our product and go-to-market initiatives," commented Ari Tuchman, CEO and Founder of Quantifind. "AML compliance solutions exist within a larger banking software ecosystem, and having Puja onboard to help Quantifind navigate that realm is truly exciting." "I'm thrilled to be working with world-class AI technology and such an exceptional team to help disrupt the AML and anti-fraud space," added Ms. Agrawal. "I am looking forward to helping Quantifind continue their growth within the larger banking-as-a-service market." About Quantifind Quantifind was founded in 2009 upon pioneering work building machine learning technology to discover meaningful patterns across large, disparate, unstructured datasets. Quantifind's Graphyte platform embodies over a decade of R&D in machine learning, natural language processing, risk modeling, name science, and entity resolution, and is helping many large financial institutions and law enforcement agencies combat financial risk and crime with AI-driven AML and anti-fraud automation. Their success is rooted in fusion of science with design; machine learning innovations with intuitive, feature-rich web applications and APIs. Quantifind is headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with teams in Boston, New York, and Washington. Learn more about Quantifind and request a demo at www.quantifind.com. Quantifind will host an exhibition at the ACAMS Virtual Hollywood conference taking place April 13-15, 2021, as well as a session titled "Understanding 'Name Science' and Its Role in Automating Screening and Investigations," presented by Adam Mulliken, SVP of Product, at 2:35 PM EDT on Wednesday, April 14th. SOURCE Quantifind Related Links http://www.quantifind.com Johnny Depp will find out tomorrow whether he can bring an appeal against a damning High Court ruling that he assaulted ex-wife Amber Heard and left her in 'fear for her life'. Following a three-week trial in July last year, Mr Justice Nicol dismissed the Hollywood star's libel claim against the publisher of The Sun, finding that an April 2018 column calling Mr Depp a 'wife beater' was 'substantially true'. The judge ruled Mr Depp, 57, assaulted Ms Heard, 34, on a dozen occasions and put her in 'fear for her life' three times. The actor has asked the Court of Appeal in London to grant permission for him to challenge the ruling, with the aim of having its findings overturned and a retrial ordered. At 10am tomorrow, Lord Justice Underhill and Lord Justice Dingemans will give the court's ruling on whether Mr Depp can bring an appeal against the High Court judgment. At the hearing last week, Mr Depp's lawyers asked the court to consider 'fresh evidence' that Ms Heard only gave away 'a fraction' of her entire 5.5million ($7million) divorce settlement to charity. After the couple divorced in 2016, Ms Heard said she would split the enormous sum between the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). However, Mr Depp's QC Andrew Caldecott accused Ms Heard of giving away 'a fraction' of the huge sum as part of a 'calculated and manipulative lie' to make herself look better. Johnny Depp, pictured, will find out tomorrow whether he can bring an appeal against a High Court ruling that he assaulted ex-wife Amber Heard and left her in 'fear for her life' The judge ruled Mr Depp assaulted Amber Heard, pictured, on a dozen occasions and put her in 'fear for her life' three times. He said an April 2018 column by The Sun newspaper calling Hollywood actor Mr Depp a 'wife beater' was 'substantially true' The court heard she gave 72,000 ($100,000) to the hospital and 322,000 ($450,000) to the ACLU, although she claims she made a further 358,000 ($500,000) donation to the second charity anonymously. Mr Caldecott said the claims had given Ms Heard 'a considerable boost to her credibility as a person', and had 'tipped the scales against Mr Depp from the very beginning'. In November, Mr Justice Nicol rejected Mr Depp's contention that Ms Heard was a 'gold-digger', saying in his ruling: 'Her donation of the seven million US dollars to charity is hardly the act one would expect of a gold-digger.' But Mr Caldecott argued that if 'the truth about the charity claim emerged at the trial, it would have materially affected Mr Justice Nicol's consideration of Ms Heard's evidence as a whole'. He said the fact Ms Heard publicly donated her divorce settlement to charity was relevant to 'the likelihood of her being a victim of grave domestic violence'. Mr Caldecott said the donation was 'a wholly remarkable act of philanthropy, if true', adding it was also 'a potent subliminal message: 'I want him to pay, but I do not want to keep a dime of his money because of the way I have been treated'. He told the court: 'In the context of this case, it implies revulsion at the way he has treated her physically.' But Adam Wolanski QC, representing The Sun's publisher News Group Newspapers (NGN), said the new evidence Mr Depp wanted to rely on 'would not have had any impact' on the result of the trial. At the hearing last week, Mr Depp's lawyers asked the court to consider 'fresh evidence' that Ms Heard only gave away 'a fraction' of her entire 5.5million divorce settlement to charity At 10am tomorrow, Lord Justice Underhill and Lord Justice Dingemans will give the court's ruling on whether Mr Depp can bring an appeal against the High Court judgment He said the issue of donating the settlement to charity was only of relevance to 'the so-called 'gold-digger' thesis, and that was of course a thesis that was expressly abandoned by Mr Depp's legal team during the trial'. Mr Wolanski added: 'The labelling of Ms Heard as a gold-digger was a misogynistic trope. The gold-digger theory was hopeless.' He also rejected Mr Depp's contention that Ms Heard had lied about donating her divorce settlement to charity, saying: 'The information does not demonstrate that Ms Heard lied.' Mr Wolanski added that Ms Heard had paid 'in total, some 950,000 dollars to the ACLU and 850,000 dollars to the Children's Hospital Los Angeles'. Mr Depp sued NGN in June 2018 over the column by The Sun's executive editor Dan Wootton, which referred to 'overwhelming evidence' he attacked Ms Heard. In his judgment, Mr Justice Nicol concluded 12 of the 14 alleged incidents of domestic violence relied on by NGN in its defence of the actor's claim did occur. The judge also found Mr Depp put Ms Heard in 'fear for her life' on three occasions, including one the actress described as a 'three-day hostage situation' in Australia in March 2015. Days after the ruling in November, Mr Depp announced he had been asked by Warner Brothers to resign from his role in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise Fantastic Beasts - a role that prompted Mr Wootton to ask how JK Rowling could be 'genuinely happy' that Mr Depp was cast in the film. Mr Depp is embroiled in a separate libel battle in the US, having sued Ms Heard personally over a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse but did not mention the actor by name. The actor's 35million ($50million) US case against Ms Heard was recently delayed until April 2022. What Are Online Casino Regulations in Italy Like? Italy is one of the most enjoyable countries on the planet to visit. The country draws people from across the globe as the culture, history, artifacts, and beauty of Italy make it one of the most unique and spectacular places for people to visit. It is not surprising has built up such an amazing reputation. Online Casino Options in Italy Why Play in Italy You Can Legally Play in Italy Fairness of Games Maximum Security Making the Right Connections Best Online Casinos A Great Place to Gamble Italy is also a great place to go and play your favorite casino style games. There are four major land-based casinos that offer players the opportunity to enjoy playing their favorite casino style game, whether it is poker, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, or slot machines. There is just about anything that someone could ask for, and many of these casinos are attached or closely associated with resorts, hotels, restaurants, and other accommodations that can make a day at the casino into quite the extravaganza. While these are fantastic places to visit, there are many people who would prefer to be out enjoying the sights and sounds of Italy and its beautiful cities. They do not want to be cooped up in a casino all day when they could be out taking in all of the enjoyable things to see in Italy. However, they would still love to play casino style games. Fortunately, Italy has great online casinos that are available. If you are searching for the best sites to try your luck in Italy, make sure you try out this online casino guide, as it can provide you with great places where you can trust that you can play with the highest level of cybersecurity offered. You cannot go wrong with these Italian online casinos. Come to Italy and Enjoy Playing Italy is a fantastic place to visit. There are more things to see and do than you can possibly imagine. It is also a place that deserves a certain amount of respect. After all, many of these structures date back over 2500 years and, sadly, there are many who have visited Italy but have not been particularly respectful and how they have dealt with the culture and artifacts of the country. This is why Italy is encouraging those who visit to keep in mind that many of these structures and artifacts have been around for thousands of years and they would like them to be around for thousands more. This is a great policy, as Italy offers people plenty of things to do. This includes the online casino. In some countries, casino style gambling is limited to a particular region or is not legal at all. For land-based casinos in Italy there is a restriction on where they can operate. They must receive a license from the national government, and only four such licenses currently have been authorized. This would normally have been bad news for people who live or are visiting in other areas of the country. A couple of decades ago they would not have been able to play casino style games, but the country has opened their doors to online gambling, especially within the last decade. Up until 2006, most gambling activities were illegal in Italy. A few land-based casinos had been in operation for decades, and were allowed to continue to do so up until this point. However, after 2006, regulations changed and a greater acceptance of these activities became the norm. Online Casinos Doing Very Well With only a handful of land-based casinos licensed to operate in Italy, the country has made it legal for a number of Italian online casinos to offer their services. This ensures that people can enjoy playing casino style games no matter where they are. These online games give people the opportunity to play whatever casino game they enjoy playing, and to do so with confidence and trust. All online casino vendors must meet a series of strict regulations that are required to gain a license. These include, but are not limited to: Fairness of Games All games must meet strict standards regarding fairness. Any online casino operating in a manner that presents an unfair game is going to lose their license immediately. They must meet the requirements of the law which that a standard of the minimum percentage of times that games must result in winners for players, especially in terms of slot machines. Operators, dealers, software developers, and all others involved in the production and operation of these games must also meet certain standards. Italy has done a great job in protecting players and ensuring they get a fair shake when they are playing. Maximum Security At land-based casinos, operators are required to ensure that the safety of players is met as well. Casino operators are worried about profits, so they provide security to ensure that they are not robbed or their equipment damaged in some way. The government and these operators want to ensure that players have a secure experience, so they provide security to protect those who are playing. The same is true for online options. While you may not be concerned about being robbed by some thug, there is the concern about hackers attempting to get into your account. This is why vendors must provide the maximum level of cybersecurity and encryption to protect players and their accounts. Making the Right Connections Many view gambling in a very negative light. Because of the seedier side of this industry, many expect there to be some type of criminal enterprise involved. Government officials want to protect players and the industry in general and have strict standards regarding who can be involved in the operations and ownership of these sites. This is often why it is that those casino sites that are licensed to operate in Italy and in other countries often are well-recognized, international brands. Governments can trust that these operators are safe and secure and free from criminal activity. They have been in business for several years, and have already gone through a rigorous vetting process that has earned them a reputation of trustworthiness and integrity. Best Italian Online Casinos Ranked There are clearly a number of great online casinos Italy can offer. These licensed casinos have gone through a rigorous process that has made them ones that you can trust. While all of them have qualities that make them great, here are four you want to keep in mind that are the best options available. 1. Unibet Unibet is a well-recognized brand that offers great bonuses and the ability to play over 200 different games. They have some of the top promotions you are going to find in Italy, and this makes them a very attractive place for you to play. 2. StarCasino StarCasino offers nearly 300 games, and they were listed as the top casino in 2017. With great bonus offers and a fantastic interface, it is a fun place to play. 3. 888 Casino 888 Casino is a great place to play for many reasons. First of all, it starts with the fact that this is an online operator licensed to provide casino style games in several different countries. If you are visiting Italy from another country where 888 Casino is available, you can quickly access your account and play. They offer over 150 different games and have some exclusive contracts with game developers that makes them a great place to play. 4. LeoVegas LeoVegas offers one of the best customer service experiences you were going to find, they have over 160 games with good welcome bonuses as well. While there are other casino options available, these are for the best. What you can be sure of is that if you are playing and you are using any of these Italian casino sites provided, then you know you are going to get a great experience, one you can trust. The state-controlled Russian Direct Investment Fund said Tuesday it joined Mubadala Investment Co. in buying convertible bonds of the Telegram messaging app, which was banned in Russia from 2018 until last summer. Earlier Tuesday, Mubadala and an Abu Dhabi joint venture it owns a stake in announced each made a $75 million investment in pre-initial public offering convertible bonds in Telegram. A spokesman for RDIF declined to say how much it contributed. Also Read | Field report: A groundswell of anti-incumbency in Mamatas Bengal Telegram has over 500 million active users and has seen usage surge after major U.S. technology companies cracked down on conservative voices in the U.S. earlier this year. It was forced to raise funds to repay investors after an attempt at an ICO for its Gram cryptocurrency failed because of a ban imposed by the Securities & Exchange Commission. I am happy to share that Telegram has raised over $1 billion by selling bonds (a form of debt) to some of the largest and most knowledgeable investors from all over the world," founder Pavel Durov said in a statement on the app. This will enable Telegram to continue growing globally while sticking to its values and remaining independent." Russian regulators attempted to block the service in 2018 when it refused to provide law enforcement with encryption keys to read messages. For two years, the company thwarted efforts to enforce the ban, including by changing IP-addresses to evade blocking, until Russia ultimately gave up last June. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. The number of people before south Donegal courts on drugs-related charges is steadily rising, with 11 cases at a single sitting in Donegal Town. For a relatively small district court in rural Ireland, this is exceptionally high. Mondays sitting saw cases ranging from possession of cannabis and cocaine for personal use, to possession of amphetamine for sale or supply. Of the 11 cases, one was for drug driving, three were for possession of cocaine and six were for possession of cannabis. The other case related to possession of amphetamine and cannabis for sale or supply. The value of the drugs that were deemed to be for personal use ranged from 5 to 840. Addiction counsellor Martin McFadden has expressed concern about how normal the use of drugs has become. When we were growing up, if you didnt drink you stood out, there was something wrong with you, he said. It is very similar for young people now. If they are not using, there is a perception that there is something wrong with them. Consequences Mr McFadden also noticed in the course of his work that many young people were not joining the dots between social use and the consequences of a drug conviction. The legal side doesnt seem to be bothering them, he said. A lot of them that are using recreationally are being forced into dealing a bit to feed the habit. Your future CV is going to be impacted if you get a conviction. I do advise clients coming to me of the severity of what a charge may result in, the impact on jobs and on travel to places like Australia and the US. Those are the things they dont comprehend when they use. The seriousness of getting caught is not hitting home until it happens. The counsellor is also witnessing the effects of living for the last year with the coronavirus pandemic. For many young people in particular, boredom has become a big issue. They use drugs because it is the only recreation they have, said Mr McFadden. You can tell them to go or for a walk or do a 5k. But this is their way to have a bit of socialisation. The young people have really picked up on the drug trend during the pandemic. Drug use is not the only unhealthy habit that has become more prevalent among our youth during the coronavirus crisis. Gambling for young people has gone through the roof, said Mr McFadden. They have time, they are bored and they have technology. Pandemic In terms of the impact of the pandemic on addiction prevalence, young people are certainly not alone. People of all ages in all walks of life whose structures and accountability markers have dissolved around them are struggling to rein in addiction behaviour. There has been a massive shift, said the counsellor. The glass of wine has turned into a bottle of wine, the 5 yankee has turned into a 150 bet. People are out of their routine, they dont have to get up for work, and so these behaviours can develop. Mr McFadden has walked the road of addiction and recovery himself, and he understands dependency better than most. To address addiction, you have to address the reason behind the behaviour, he said. A lot of people are out of their routines, out of their usual habits and they are struggling to deal with it. They are reaching for whatever they can. It is a crutch, a coping mechanism. Some will use food, some will use drink; for some its a drug, for others it's a cream bun. Everybody is trying to manage in the best way they can and unfortunately a lot of young people are getting caught up more so than they were before. Normally they would have a lot more going on. Mr McFadden said that the recent major haul of cocaine in Milford showed the extent of the problem. And he finds the lack of reaction particularly worrying. I am quite frustrated that there is not more talk about it in terms of the authorities, he said. It is almost as if it is not happening. Indeed, the lack of serious engagement from authorities with Irelands addiction problem has been highlighted by Mr McFadden on a number of occasions. There is a blind eye being turned towards this, he said. Somebody being penalised for personal use, like those young kids, needs personal development and awareness, not punishment. But it is easier to look away than to look at the problem. We still look down on drugs and all those things as being a personal choice. There is a degree of choice but when people arent being educated it is not an informed choice. Peer pressure kicks in. Our young people are not getting that grounding that they need. So what is the answer? I dont know, said Mr McFadden. But there definitely needs to be some sort of programme that works. I am not saying people should get off scot free. But we have to ask the question, Why are they doing it? When you put the person into context, the behaviour makes more sense, and that is what needs to be addressed. Mumbai, March 24 : Actor Amit Sadh took to Instagram on Wednesday to address the fact that he has been away from social media for a while. The actor, who is currently in Dubai, is not very active on social media accounts anymore. He posted a video message for his followers in the Instagram story section. In the video, he said: "Hi guys, I want to say to all my fans that over the last few weeks I have been inactive because I have been caught up with my fitness training. I know I have not been able to interact with you all but I hugely appreciate that all of you have been very patient. A lot of you know have questions about what's brewing next but I think in life it's very important sometimes to dig in and find solitude, reflect, and come back stronger. Which I am gonna do soon and you all will be able to see me soon enough. But it doesn't mean I am coming back to Mumbai very soon (laughs). It's just a midpoint interval, where I come and tell that I love you all and you mean the world to me. Please be patient and I will be back soon to entertain all of you. I love you all." The actor was recently seen in web series like "Breath: Into The Shadows", "Avrodh: The Siege Within" and "Jeet Ki Zid". Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Dr Murthy, 43, would occupy the position of America's Surgeon General for the second time. In 2011, president Barack Obama tapped him to serve on the advisory group on prevention, health promotion, and integrative and public health. Washington : Indian-American physician Vivek Murthy has been confirmed by the Senate as United States President Joe Biden's surgeon general, a role in which his top priority would be responding to the coronavirus pandemic that has severely hit the country. I'm deeply grateful to be confirmed by the Senate to serve once again as your Surgeon General. We've endured great hardship as a nation over the past year, and I look forward to working with you to help our nation heal and create a better future for our children, Murthy said on Tuesday soon after the Senate confirmed his nomination by 57-43 votes. In 2013, Obama nominated Dr Murthy to be the surgeon general. He was the youngest ever to hold the office at the age of 37. However, he had to abruptly leave the position during the Trump administration. As US Surgeon General, Dr Murthy will advise US President Biden on the coronavirus pandemic and will be the federal government's leading voice on public health. Seven senators from the opposition Republican Party voted in support of Dr Murthy. He was an adviser to the Biden campaign and transition. Senator Joe Manchin said that during his previous tenure as Surgeon General, Dr Murthy worked to create a culture of public health promotion grounded in nutrition, physical activity and emotional well-being to help prevent conditions like obesity and diabetes. Dr Murthy also released a report outlining plans to reduce opioid prescriptions and expand access to treatment for those suffering from a substance use disorder, he said. He understands the issues facing this nation including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the drug epidemic and protecting rural healthcare. COVID-19 has taken the lives of several members of Murthy's extended family. During his confirmation hearing in February, he said that seven of his family members in India and America have died due to COVID-19. Dr Murthy has confirmed his commitment to remaining non-partisan as Surgeon General and reaffirmed his belief that the vast majority of gun-owning Americans are responsible and follow the law. For these reasons, I believe Dr Murthy is qualified to be Surgeon General and I look forward to working with him to address the numerous issues facing our nation, Manchin said. Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Richard Burr, a Republican, said that Americans need to be able to trust the messages delivered by the Surgeon General are fact-based and bias free. Unfortunately, I am still deeply concerned about Dr Murthy's ability to separate his political convictions from the public health decisions he will once again have to make in this role. For this reason, I voted against his confirmation, the Republican Senator said. Senator Tammy Baldwin who voted in favour of Dr Murthy said that the new Surgeon General has committed his life's work to public health, serving as America's Doctor before, and he is the leader we need in this role to help us get past the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Senator Jacky Rosen said that Dr Murthy has the deep experience and knowledge we desperately need in the Surgeon General's office as we continue working to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Murthy was a top health adviser to the Biden campaign. He was part of Biden's public health advisory committee as the pandemic first took hold in the US and served as a co-chair of Biden's COVID-19 advisory board during the transition. Murthy was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire to immigrants from Karnataka. When he was a three-year-old, the family relocated to Miami. Dr Murthy has co-founded Doctors for America, which has more than 18,000 physician and medical-student members and focuses on affordable health care. The United States has the highest coronavirus case tally in the world at 29,920,561 and the highest death toll at 543,793. MBABANE Following Parliaments motion of urgent public importance that the Minister of Education and Training should halt the payment of 2020 outstanding fees, Minister Lady Mabuza has complied. Mabuza yesterday immediately suspended the payment of last years school fees during a brief press conference which was held in her office. The press conference, which was first slated for 2pm, was postponed to 3pm. Even then, it took another hour for the minister to attend to reporters as she eventually met them at around 4pm. There was a semblance of a sombre mood when Minister Mabuza made her remarks, as she was not in her usual high spirits. Challenges The Ministry of Education and Training is aware that the COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the country, especially the education sector. Schools and training institutions were instantly brought to a halt in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Taking into consideration that schools were advised to use the available funds for the COVID-19 related issues, notwithstanding our instruction, the ministry would like to convey the following; that head teachers suspend forthwith the collection of the previous years (2020) school fees, the minister said. She said head teachers and school committees were requested to present the financial statements/expenditures for the 2020 academic calendar year. A head teacher, who preferred to comment on condition of anonymity, said the ministrys instruction would open a can of worms as she (minister) had been obligated by parliamentarians who were not aware of what was really happening on the ground. Compromised The quality of education is already compromised and this will worsen the situation further. Mine is to say we will watch our education crumble, he said. Eswatini Principals Association (EPA) President Welcome Mhlanga said what the minister had declared was well in order, in that school heads had already done this. Some schools were able to do what the ministry has required (presenting financial statements/expenditure and budget proposals for 2020/21 academic year) for parents approval, said Mhlanga. Yves here. It is hard for me to find adequate words to describe the punishment Louis DeJoy and his fellow stooges deserve for wrecking an important institution that is also a critical lifeline for many small communities. While I cant prove it, I am predisposed towards Howie Kleins theory that there is more than the Biden Administration could do to make the Postmaster General Louis DeJoys life miserable and are refusing to do so. And I dont mean horses heads or men in raincoats showing up after hours for a private conversation and pulling their coat back to reveal a holstered gun (a former Bridgeport DA said that was a favored local method for getting recalcitrant people to shape up). Sadly, the USPS Inspector General is not independent but reports to the USPS board. And it seems to be about mail fraud, as in normal people using the postal service to commit fraud, and at worst postal employees committing fraud (say by intercepting checks) but not the Postal Service defrauding customers through terrible service. However, the USPS looks like it has become so crooked that it probably cant stand up to much actual scrutiny. However, absent a credible allegation of fraud that implicates board members, its hard to see how to get someone with subpoena powers in there. My pet idea would be to have Congress impose new transparency requirements on the USPS in light of its terrible performance. Theres an existing analogy: the New York Fed tried to claim it was exempt from FOIA because it had a special not-really-public status (unlike the Fed Board of Governors). Bloomberg, which was seeking documents related to the New York Feds actions during the crisis, went to court and won. Here I am not suggesting trying to rely on existing law but creating new requirements. Having to hold board meetings in public, like CalPERS, with very few closed session exemptions, requiring the board to hear and record public comments, and requiring management and the board to release documents in response to FOIA (and even better, having stronger transparency rules apply to the USPS) might make the DeJoy gang rethink whether saying there would be worth not being able to hide their considerable dirty underwear. Its too bad we Americans cant do anything like the old Ministry of Finance audits. Back in the stone ages of the 1980s, a Japanese banking regulator was having a drink with the local head of Merrill Lynch (this by the way is standard operating procedure in Japan, the really important conversations between regulators and the regulated happen in the evening with alcohol). Merrill Lynch guy proposes doing something he suspects the MOF wont like much. The MOF official says that the Ministry would take a dim view of Merrill going forward. Merrill Lynch guy says, What are you going to do, its not against the rules. Technically thats true but irrelevant since then there were just about no written regulations, everything was done via administrative guidance. The MOF official said, How would you like to be audited every day? A MOF audit then consisted of MOF officials arriving shortly before the official opening of business, in grey uniform and white gloves. One person would blow a whistle and yell out, The audit has commenced! The rest of the team would rush into the office, slapping seals on all the file cabinets and taping computers. And then theyd haul employees one after the other into conference rooms. Needless to say, Merrill Lynch guy backed down. Any other ideas very much appreciated. By Howie Klein. Originally published at DownWithTyranny! Many people are wondering why Biden hasnt fired or suspended Trumpist postal saboteur Louis DeJoy whose goal has always been to wreck the postal system and who is continuing as though Trump were still in the White House. If Biden wanted to stop him, there have got to be ways to do so short of a much-deserved bullet between the eyes. This morning Washington Post reporter Jacob Bogage noted that DeJoy will unveil the largest rollback of consumer mail services in a generation as part of his 10-year plan for the U.S. Postal Service, according to two people briefed on the proposal, including longer first-class delivery windows, reduced post office hours and higher postage prices. This is super-unpopular with the public and at some point DeJoys cooties are going to run off on Biden and congressional Democrats. His his 10-year plan for the U.S. Postal Service? DeJoy shouldnt have had a 10-minute plan for the U.S. Postal Service once Biden was inaugurated. He should have had a plan of looking for another job. Bogage reported that todays announcement was part of DeJoys strategic vision for the agency, one that has left postal advocates wary of any changes that could further diminish operations. Mailing industry experts have warned that substantial service cuts could drive away business and worsen the Postal Services already battered balance sheet. Flying right in the face of what the Congress and the White House claims is their vision the one most voters opted for DeJoy emphasized the need for austerity to ensure more consistent delivery and rein in billions of dollars in financial losses, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations. The agency is weighed down by $188.4 billion in liabilities, and DeJoy told a House panel last month that he expects the USPS to lose $160 billion over the next 10 years. The plan, which he told the panel was eight months in the making, is meant to reset expectations for the Postal Service and its place in the express-shipping market. Its couched in the notion that the historically high package volumes of the pandemic era will persist, and reorients the agency around consumers who dont use the mail service for letters, advertisements or business transactions as much as they once did. Does it make a difference if its an extra day to get a letter? DeJoy told the House Oversight and Reform Committee in February. Because something has to change. We cannot keep doing the same thing were doing.' Bogage noted that DeJoy was rolling out his plan as Democrats have renewed calls for his ouster and the removal of the agencys governing board, which backs him and the proposals. More than 50 House Democrats last week asked President Biden to fire the boards six sitting members for cause citing gross mismanagement, self-inflicted nationwide mail delays and rampant conflicts of interest and to allow a new slate of Biden nominees to consider DeJoys fitness for office. Biden already has nominated two Democrats and a voting rights advocate to fill three of four vacancies (board Chairman Ron Bloom, a Democrat, is serving in a one-year holdover term) on the board of governors. If confirmed by the Senate, Democrats and Biden appointees would hold a 5-to-4 majority with the votes to remove DeJoy, if desired. Is there someone who think Schumer should call a vote on these nominations yesterday? Bogage and convention media wisdom claims Biden cannot fire DeJoy because postal operations are purposefully insulated from the presidency and Congress to prevent politicians from tinkering with the mail system for political gain. The postmaster general answers only to the board of governors. But Im not so sure Biden is impotent as hes pretending to be in this matter. He could certainly fire the board of governors (a majority of whom claims DeJoy is doing a good job) and he should have done so already. And what makes this urgent and makes me suspicious of Bidens lethargy in the matter is that Most of DeJoys changes will not face regulatory road blocks. The postmaster general unilaterally controls operating hours at post offices, and the board of governors appears to back DeJoys changes to delivery times. Today Bloom the Democratic chairman of the board joined DeJoy to announce the policies. The Postal Service must consult the Postal Regulatory Commission on price increases, but the regulator issues only a nonbinding advisory opinion. A group of mailers is suing the commission to block the new pricing regimen, but DeJoy has signaled he plans to forge ahead with new prices regardless. DeJoy plans to extend the service standard for first-class mail by a day, the people said, confirming a previous Washington Post report. The Postal Service currently aims to deliver local first-class mail in up to two days, and nonlocal mail in three to five days. The agency has missed those metrics for years but has struggled mightily during DeJoys tenure. Over the holiday season, postal performance reached its worst levels in generations: 71 percent on-time delivery for two-day mail and 38 percent for three-day mail during the last week of December. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) compared those scores to unfavorable odds in a Las Vegas casino. Sending a letter should not be a game of chance, he said. The Postal Services delivery scores have rebounded in recent weeks, to nearly 83.7 percent for first-class mail the week of March 12. The agency attributed the improvement to more capacity in the air transportation network and the end of winter storms that delayed operations in much of the country. The metrics remain well short of the agencys marks from before DeJoys arrival last June. The week before DeJoy implemented his midsummer changes, the Postal Service delivered 90.6 percent of first-class mail on time. It hasnt reached 90 percent in the eight months since. DeJoy also plans to cut retail post office hours, the people said, a return to one of the changes he first implemented. The Postal Services Office of Inspector General found that the agency expanded lunch breaks in certain post offices beginning July 22 and often sought to match consumer demand with operating hours by closing post offices early. DeJoy suspended the policy after a public uproar and after members of Congress accused him of shuttering postal facilities in the run-up to the election. DeJoy also has discussed an imminent postage rate increase with industry officials tied to a new ruling from the Postal Regulatory Commission that created a new pricing system. Industry officials said that increase could come as soon as this summer and be as large as 9 percent, a cost many say will be passed on to customers. Corporate Democrat Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), a notorious bribe-taker and Wall Street puppet, who Pelosi made the colossal error of appointing chair of the Oversight Committee, is working with DeJoy on a so-called postal reform bill instead of just removing the requirement that the post office pre-fund 75 years of retiree healthcare at once. Maloney claims her bill will do that, which would save the post office $35 billion in liabilities money the agency has not paid into the health-care accounts since 2011. If retired postal employees are integrated into Medicare or if Congress ever passes Medicare-For-All the Postal Service will save another $10 billion over 10 years. Postal banking would be the most effective way to deal with this although that doesnt fit in with the neoliberal wing AKA the dominant wing of BOTH political parties. I sure hope Biden and the congressional Democrats arent allowing DeJoy to shoulder the onus for a bad way to solve a hard problem that they dont want to tackle themselves. That would be pretty disgusting. Michigan is below the national average in nursing-home deaths from COVID-19. Its below the national average in coronavirus death rate among elderly people regardless of whether they lived in a nursing home. While the COVID pandemic has been horrific for nursing-home residents across the country, theres no evidence that Michigan has been hiding data or is an outlier in its handling of the situation. Despite that, Michigan Republicans are calling for everything from an attorney general investigation to potential criminal charges around the nursing home policy put forth by the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer administration. Ive got people in Macomb County, that would love to speak to the governor and ask them questions. And they want these questions answered as a part of the healing process the closure process so that they can explain to their children, grandchildren, this is how grandma died. And this is why she died, she caught COVID, said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido, who made headlines recently for raising the possibility of prosecuting Whitmer for her nursing home policies. But hes the first to admit theres not exactly probable cause to open an investigation. Asked for his best evidence something fishy was going on, Lucido says he doesnt have best evidence, but rather a cumulation of general information hed like law enforcement to look into. Across the state and in Lansing, Michigan Republicans are pushing for an investigation into Whitmers handling of nursing home policy after a reporting scandal in New York, despite data indicating the same problems do not exist in Michigan. On two different metrics, Michigan is slightly below the national average in regards to nursing home deaths: The death toll per 1,000 nursing home residents and the percentage of total COVID-19 deaths attributed to long-term care facilities. On the latter, about 31% of the states COVID-19 deaths are attributed to long-term care facilities compared to a national average of 34%. Moreover, the policy thats been widely criticized telling nursing homes they had to accept COVID-positive patients was never actually implemented here, an industry spokeswoman said. And even if it was, that policy does not appear to have been a driver of nursing home outbreaks, other experts say. In focusing on that policy, Republicans are ignoring the outsized role played by transmission rates in the communities where the nursing homes were located, say those who have studied the outbreak data. Experts say the big problem has not been patient transfers, but asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission by nursing-home staff who come in and out of the facilities each day. To industry experts and those who have delved into Michigans nursing home data, the push to investigate smacks of politics, not policy. I think this is about Republicans hating their governor. What can I say? said Vincent Mor, a Brown University expert in geriatric health policy who has researched COVID strategies for long-term care facilities. The recent calls for investigation are the second big push to draw a line between Michigans actions in the early days of the pandemic to ones that have come under fire on the East Coast. When New York and New Jersey were strongly criticized last spring for forcing nursing homes to admit COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals, Republicans quickly turned their attention to Michigan, which had a similar policy on the books. Michigans Senate Oversight Committee held hearings; a state task force was convened to look into the situation, and a think tank affiliated with University of Michigan did its own analysis over the summer. Michigans nursing home strategy during pandemic perfectly appropriate, report says They all concluded that mistakes were made and there were lessons to be learned, but those largely resulted from how hard and fast the pandemic hit in March 2020, leaving nursing homes and the state scrambling to react to a highly contagious and deadly virus that nobody had encountered before. The mistakes were made in good faith, state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Vulcan, head of the Senate Oversight Committee, said in September. Now New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is under fire again, this time for concealing data about the true number of nursing-home deaths. And Republicans are once again citing New York in pushes to investigate in Michigan. But unlike in New York, no new information has arisen about Michigan nursing-home deaths. And public health experts who weighed in months ago on Whitmers executive orders regarding nursing homes say their take hasnt changed. The death data also doesnt indicate an undercount, like took place in New York, and Michigan isnt an outlier in nursing home deaths. A much-criticized policy In April 2020, Whitmer put in place a policy cited often as a misstep by her critics. Her order required nursing homes to accept COVID-19-positive patients back into their facilities at a time when facilities were struggling to procure enough personal protective equipment for employees. We know that the science showed very early that the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions were the most at-risk and were usually found in nursing homes. We also know that Executive Order No. 2020-50 forced nursing homes to accept COVIDinfected patients. Anyone saying otherwise is simply not being truthful or is playing clever word games. Thats what it says, said Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, in a speech on the Senate floor last week. It did say that, but its not clear nursing homes were ever forced to take COVID-positive patients under the order. Melissa Samuel, president and CEO of the Health Care Association of Michigan, which represents long-term care providers, said her organization and others immediately complained and state officials agreed to hold off on implementation. In mid-May, a new order was issued that said nursing homes could decline to re-admit COVID patients if the facility felt it could not properly isolate those patients. In the end, nursing homes werent forced or mandated to take people, Samuel said. That was true even before the May order was issued, Robert Gordon, then head of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said during a May 13 hearing of the state Senate Oversight Committee. If a person wants to come into the facility, and they say, Were not able to care for them, we are certainly not saying, Youve got to take them anyway, " Gordon said. Whitmer said at a recent POLITICO Live event it was a Republican talking point that nursing homes were forced to take COVID-positive patients. What Michigan did do in spring 2020 was create a system of hubs, comprised of nursing homes that volunteered to take COVID-19 patients from other facilities who could not properly isolate them or patients leaving hospitals that needed a nursing home to go to. Those facilities were required to have total physical separation between the COVID and non-COVID patients and have separate staff attending to them. Under bipartisan legislation passed last fall, that system was largely retained with some changes in policies and procedures. Theres this theory that somehow Michigan did it differently, that were weird, Samuel said, but in fact, most states did the same thing as Michigan, in isolating COVID patients from non-COVID patients in the same facilities. Still, when the April order was issue, House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Ben Frederick, R-Owosso, said he started hearing from long-term care facilities in his area almost immediately that the policy was a bad idea and they felt pressured to take COVID-positive transfer patients, even though procuring personal protective equipment was difficult at the time. I can say just from observing the practical effect that had on behavior and decision-making it seemed to be an understood reality, or else we probably wouldnt be having this conversation, Frederick said. But its not clear that even if the policy was implemented, it would have driven nursing home infection rates. From March through May 2020, which includes the time the controversial policy was on the books, Michigan had about 2,000 nursing-home deaths attributed to coronavirus. That compares to 2,400 deaths from November through January, when the policy wasnt in place but the state went through its second major COVID-19 surge. I have seen no evidence, no good evidence, that those policies that Michigan had changed anything or had any effect on COVID-19 outcomes in nursing homes, said Tamara Konetzka, a University of Chicago expert in geriatric public health who testified Wednesday before a U.S. Senate committee looking into COVID deaths in nursing homes. For all the criticism directed at states that mandated nursing homes re-admit COVID patients released from hospitals, I dont think it actually made a difference, Konetzka said. She cites three reasons, starting with the data. If you look at the nursing home deaths per nursing home residents, the highest states are equally divided between Republican states and Democratic states, Konetzka said. The states that have that policy (about hospital admissions) dont pop out in any way. Second, those states that instituted mandates all rescinded them by summer, she said. But they still had high nursing-home death rates during the fall/winter surge. Its not like not having those policies somehow saved nursing home residents, Konetzka said. And the thing is, the much more insidious threat is staff inadvertently bringing in the virus, and theres research to support that, she said. Its a point made by others. In focusing on the discarded policy from last spring, Republicans are discounting the major factor driving the numbers, which is community spread of the virus. Even a casual look at the pattern of nursing-home outbreaks shows nursing home cases and deaths go up as transmission rates of the virus increase in the surrounding community. Thats because even though the nursing-home residents are kept isolated, the staff are not. And when a community has high rates of coronavirus, that makes it much more likely that workers get infected and unintentionally bring the virus into a facility. Its principally about community spread and asymptomatic staff, Mor said. The most important predictors (of outbreaks and deaths) are virus prevalence in the local community. Konetzka goes farther, saying an analysis of the data doesnt show any correlation between nursing-home deaths and states differing strategies to mitigate those outbreaks. Those nursing-home case and death trends are almost indistinguishable from virus prevalence in the surrounding community, a pattern seen through the country, she said. What that tells me is, you can think about which (state) policies were good and which were bad. But for better or worse, none of it was working, she said. All that counted was whether the virus was raging in the neighborhoods around the nursing home. Michigan nursing home deaths were lower than in other states In New York, Cuomos administration admitted it had systematically undercounted nursing home deaths by 40%, later revising the numbers. The reason was in how the state counted deaths: nursing home patients who were transferred to hospitals and died there werent counted as nursing home deaths, even though thats where the patients contracted the virus. But in Michigan, there is no indication such an undercount has occurred. While theres no question that COVID-19 took a huge and disproportionate toll on the nursing home population, the numbers show that Michigan nursing-home residents actually fared slightly better than the national average. What the federal data shows: Michigan is below the national average in percentage of coronavirus deaths attributed to skilled-nursing facilities, based on data collected by the U.S. Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. In Michigan, 23% of all coronavirus deaths involved residents of facilities reporting to CMS; nationally, its 27%. Michigan is below the national average in coronavirus deaths per 1,000 nursing home residents, the CMS data shows. Michigan is slightly below average in percentage of people age 75 and older who have died of coronavirus, regardless of whether they lived in a long-term care facility. Since the start of the pandemic, 1.3% of Americans age 75 and older have died of coronavirus compared to 1.2% of Michiganders in that age group, according to death certificate data collected by the federal Centers for Disease Control. That last point is an important one: If Michigan was misclassifying nursing home deaths that occurred at the hospital, as New York appears to have done, there would still be a disproportionate number of elderly deaths. Instead, what the federal data reflects is below-average deaths in that age group. AARP Michigan spokesperson Mark Hornbeck said that coronavirus deaths in nursing homes has been a horrible problem. But its not like Michigan is an outlier, he said. Its not like were sticking out like a sore thumb. Samuel said Michigan requires nursing homes to report coronavirus deaths of residents that occurred outside their facilities. If theres an expectation that someone discharged from the facility would be coming back, which would have been the vast majority of cases, and that person passed away in the hospital, the nursing facility is accountable for that death, Samuel said. While there is no public data showing the number of nursing-home residents who died in hospitals, the CDC does have a dataset that breaks down coronavirus deaths by location. That data, which is based on death certificates, shows about 2,500 Michigan coronavirus deaths occurred in a long-term care facility. Thats compares to more than 5,500 total COVID-19 deaths attributed to long-term care homes an indicator Michigan nursing homes are including deaths beyond just those that occur within their walls. About 16% of Michigans coronavirus deaths occurred in a long-term care facility, that data shows. That compares to a national average of 18%. Data is messy, but largely intact One issue Whitmer has taken lumps on is transparency, especially in light of her executing and then walking back a confidentiality agreement with ex-Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon. Republicans would like to ask him about the nursing home policies, now that hes no longer in office. She just opened up, I guess, the ability for Robert Gordon to speak. Right? Well, lets just let him speak, come and just answer the questions, truthfully, honestly openly, and if we dont have answers, thats fine too, we can try to get to em, Lucido said. I think thats what everybody wants. Not just me, the people that have lost loved ones, Lucido said. Her political opponents have also said generally theyd like more data. On the Senate floor, Runestad said the Whitmer administration has continually refused to provide nursing home data that House and Senate committees have repeatedly requested. But those who have dug into the publicly available data for answers havent found it lacking. Robyn Rontal, policy analytics director at U-Ms Center for Health and Research Transformation, led CHRTs independent analysis of Michigans handling of coronavirus in nursing homes. That project involved many hours of going through the data and working with state staff to access the data, Rontal said. We actually had lots of data to look at, Rontal said, although a major issue was the pandemic hit so hard and so fast that the initial reporting of data was marred by confusion as the state and federal reporting requirements kept changing. Jaque King, lead health analyst for CHRT who also worked on the project, said she and a colleague ended up going through reports line by line, facility by facility, to clean up inconsistencies. But that was really about the changing federal guidance, King said, adding that she did not see systemic anomalies. The publicly available data was really comprehensive. But those seeking investigations say theres no harm in getting more information. Frederick, the representative from Owosso, said hes disappointed Nessel didnt open an investigation. Hes not looking for a particular outcome but thinks its important one takes place. I think when you have a situation like this where we have unilateral policymaking, that affects peoples very lives, and it has so to such a degree in the state, particularly compared to other states, that it warrants further scrutiny, Frederick said. Read more on MLive: 6 reasons that Michigans COVID-19 numbers are surging How to find a COVID-19 vaccination appointment in Michigan Pharmacies help ramp up coronavirus vaccines in Michigan Glioma is a fatal neurological disorder that has limited interventional treatment, despite extensive research over the past several decades. A research team led by Dr. Gong Chen, a former professor at Penn State University and now leading a brain repair center at Jinan University in China, has developed a novel gene therapy to reprogram glioma cells into functional neurons, shedding new light on glioma treatment. The work has been published in Cancer Biology & Medicine on March 22, 2021 Glioma is a common malignant cancer growing in the central nervous system. For patients with a type of severe glioma called glioblastoma, the median survival time is typically less than 15 months. Surgical removal followed with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are the major ways of treatment but their effectiveness is limited. Several clinical trials are ongoing using engineered immune cells to target primary or recurrent glioma, but still meet with serious hurdles to be solved. Glioma is caused by aggressive proliferation of glial cells. Chen's team has previously published a series of work demonstrating that brain internal glial cells can be directly converted into functional neurons after overexpressing neural transcription factors such as NeuroD1 and Dlx2. In this work, the team further extended their research from glial cells to glioma cells and discovered that neural transcription factors can also efficiently convert glioma cells into neurons. Our cell conversion therapy for glioma is quite unique and distinct from conventional cancer therapies that typically aim at killing cancer cells. One major side effect caused by killing cancer cells is the inevitable collateral damage on normal cells. In contrast, when we use gene therapy technology to convert glioma cells into neurons, normal cells are minimally affected", Prof. Chen explained why they developed this new technology." Dr. Gong Chen, Former Professor, Penn State University "Another important advantage of our gene therapy approach is that after overexpressing neural transcription factor(s) such as NeuroD1 or other transcription factors into glioma cells, the glioma cells stop proliferation immediately before being converted into neurons. Therefore, this transcription factor-based gene therapy may provide a new strategy to prolong the time window of treatment by arresting rapid proliferation of malignant glioma cells," added Dr. Xin Wang, the first author of this work. While excited about their new findings, Prof. Chen and colleagues also acknowledge that this new technology of treating glioma with transcription factor-based gene therapy is still in its infant stage. Many technical issues still need to be considered, such as developing a safe viral delivery system, targeting glioma cells in a specific way, and potential side effects induced by neural transcription factors. They also plan to combine their cell conversion therapy together with other interventions to achieve synergistic effects to treat glioma. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son Maddox is reportedly set to return to college in South Korea amid the former couple's contentious divorce and custody battle. The 19-year-old is said to be studying biochemistry studies at Yonsei University in Seoul and is preparing to travel back to the institution for his second year. It comes after Maddox reportedly testified against his father, 57, during the former couple's contentious divorce and custody battle - offering a 'not very flattering' opinion about the actor. Studies: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's son Maddox is reportedly set to return to college in South Korea amid the former couple's contentious divorce and custody battle (pictured in 2019) According to The Sun, the student started his biochemistry studies online due to the coronavirus pandemic but 'face-to-face teaching' is reportedly set to begin in April. The publication claims that 'labs, studio and field study courses' will return to classrooms with the rest of the university's classes being taught online. People travelling to South Korea must provide a negative PCR test declaration while arrivals, 'regardless of nationality and length of stay', also required to undergo 14 days of quarantine and further testing for coronavirus. MailOnline has contacted both Angelina and Brad's representatives for comment. Reports: It comes after Maddox reportedly testified against his father, 57, during the former couple's contentious divorce and custody battle - offering a 'not very flattering' opinion about the actor (pictured in 2019) In August, Angelina revealed that her son Maddox had been taking his university classes online. 'He had to stay back from Korea. He's going online, and so I think he starts at 6 p.m. at night,' the actress told Extra. Angelina added at the time that she feels blessed to have all her children at home during the pandemic. Maddox returned to the US in March 2020 with a source telling Us Weekly at the time that the teen planned to focus on his Korean and Russian studies until school reopened. It was first reported in 2019 that the 19-year-old was planning on attending Yonsei University. 'Heartbroken': It comes after Pitt was reportedly left 'heartbroken' after it was leaked that Angelina is prepared to 'provide proof' of domestic abuse in the former couple's contentious custody battle (pictured in 2011) A source told People at the time: 'He got accepted to other universities but choose Yonsei. He has been studying Korean language. He has lessons multiple times a week to prepare.' Maddox and Angelina are believed to have first visited the university campus in November 2018 when his famous mother was on an official visit as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Special Envoy. It comes after Pitt was reportedly left 'heartbroken' after it was leaked that Angelina is prepared to 'provide proof' of domestic abuse in the former couple's contentious custody battle. An alleged altercation between Maddox and Pitt in 2016 was said to have been the final straw for Jolie, who is now willing to 'provide proof and authority' in support of her allegations, according to documents obtained by The Blast. A source told Page Six: 'Brad is heartbroken that Angelina has gone that route. Theres a lot of emotion left after their marriage. Her kids: The former couple share Maddox, Zahara, 16, Pax, 17, Shiloh, 14, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 12, above in 2019 without Maddox and Pax 'He has taken responsibility for his actions and owned up to his past issues, hes stopped drinking. 'The marriage was very passionate and toxic at times and like all couples they had fights, but also shared many good times together. He has talked about his drink and drug problems during the time they were together.' The Once Upon A Time... In Hollywood star has never been arrested or charged for any offense during the couple's marriage, nor have any police reports been made. Soon after they filed for divorce in 2016, it was revealed that Brad was being investigated by the FBI and social services in LA amid reports he got 'verbally abusive and physical with his children' on a private jet, yet he was cleared. The former couple share Maddox, Zahara, 16, Pax, 17, Shiloh, 14, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 12, and are hashing out custody and financial arrangements in the trial, which will see their youngest children provide testimony if they give permission. Sources also told the publication that the kids have been interviewed by court-appointed therapists. It comes after it was reported that Maddox has 'already given testimony as [an] adult in the ongoing custody dispute and it wasn't very flattering towards Brad'. 'He doesnt use Pitt as his last name on documents that arent legal and instead uses Jolie,' the source told US Weekly. 'Maddox wants to legally change his last name to Jolie, which Angelina has said she doesnt support.' A source told MailOnline: 'She has made similar allegations in the past which were investigated by the authorities and not substantiated.' Hashing out: As well as detailing her domestic abuse claims, the documents show that the court is seeking permission from the couple for Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne to testify The source added: 'This is the latest sad and desperate attempt to advance a false narrative at any cost. 'These have been the same attacks repeated for the past 4 years and anyone who is perceived to be standing in the way can expect to have their credibility challenged.' MailOnline contacted representatives of the former couple for comment at the time. After the 2016 incident, Brad was cleared of abuse allegations by the LA County Department Of Children And Family Services, as it was confirmed he had not committed child abuse when he got into a fight with Maddox aboard a private jet. As well as detailing her domestic abuse claims, the documents show that the court is seeking permission from the couple for Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne to testify. Altercation: An alleged altercation between Maddox and Pitt in 2016 was said to have been the final straw for Jolie, who is now willing to 'provide proof' in support of her allegations, according to documents obtained by The Blast (Angelina pictured with her children in 2019) In October, the bitter divorce battle hit yet another bump in the road after the actress parted ways with one of her high-priced attorneys. Priya Sopori, an LA-based former federal prosecutor who has been working with Jolie's lead lawyer, Samantha DeJean, is out after filing a 'Notice of Withdrawal of Attorney of Record' with LA Superior Court, DailyMail.com learnt at the time. Sopori is a partner with California law firm Greenberg Glusker LLP. It is not known whether Jolie - who is fighting Pitt's efforts to win 50/50 custody of their children - fired Sopori or if the attorney made the decision to quit. But the change in her high profile team at this late stage signals Jolie's resolve to get what she wants has only hardened. A source close to Jolie told DailyMail.com: 'Angelina has fought tooth and nail to get what she wants in this divorce, when it comes to her kids she won't back down...' It's not the first time the Girl, Interrupted star has parted company with a lawyer she's hired during the long-running five year divorce saga. In 2018, superstar LA divorce attorney Laura Wasser - whose client list reads like a Who's Who of Hollywood - stopped working for Jolie when the actress's legal fight with Pitt reportedly became too 'venomous and nasty.' Wasser - who has represented Johnny Depp, Kim Kardashian, Ryan Reynolds, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Ashton Kutcher and many other stars - has earned a reputation as a lawyer who tries to take the sting out of break-ups by promoting compromise between warring couples and shared custody of children. So it was thought at the time that Jolie's hard-nosed attitude toward Pitt was not a good fit with Wasser's more gentle, conciliatory approach. After Wasser, Jolie hired San Francisco-based DeJean who is now the only lawyer representing her in the long-running custody dispute with Pitt. Past: After the 2016 incident, Brad was cleared of abuse allegations by the LA County Department Of Children And Family Services, as it was confirmed he had not committed child abuse when he got into a fight with Maddox aboard a private jet (pictured in 2009) The former couple are dragging security experts from two continents, an entourage of personal assistants and bodyguards, a former Jolie co-star and an army of child psychologists and doctors to give evidence in an upcoming custody trial that's expected to be held in private. Lists of witnesses filed in a Los Angeles court and seen by DailyMail.com reveal 21 people who will be testifying in the movie stars' legal fight over their children. One witness will be domestic violence expert Alyce LaViolette, who controversially clashed with a prosecutor in a 2013 murder trial by describing killer Jodi Arias as the victim of abuse. Brad has also listed his ex-wife's personal assistant Michael Ofstedahl and Jolie's friend and Girl, Interrupted costar Jillian Armenante as witnesses a sign that Pitt is willing to pull out all the stops to win joint custody. Pitt and Jolie famously fell in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, while Pitt was still married to Jennifer Aniston. The couple married in France in 2014 after 10 years of dating, but split two years later in September 2016. In the period that followed their initial separation in 2016, the pair duked it out over custody and financial arrangements, with Brad arguing he'd provided more than adequate funding but Angie demanding a greater share of his $300m fortune. A big factor in the former couple's battle is Jolie's desire to move the children abroad. Pitt, is vehemently opposed to her moving them to a foreign country. In 2019, Angelina admitted: 'I would love to live abroad and will do so as soon as my children are 18. Right now, I'm having to base where their father chooses to live.' In June 2019, Brad who admitted being an alcoholic at the time of their split but is now recovered secured a legal breakthrough when a judge ruled he would be permitted more time with the children. He is believed to see them every few days. Moving: A big factor in the former couple's battle is Jolie's desire to move the children abroad. Pitt, is vehemently opposed to her moving them to a foreign country (pictured in 2009) The kids are shuttled back and forth in blacked-out SUVs and limousines between their parents' LA homes, which are around a mile from one another in the affluent suburb also inhabited by stars including Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes and Zac Efron. In early April last year, the superstars came to an agreement that will see the children attend a more traditional schooling program in LA, marking an end to their homeschooling regime. Jolie said she stands by her choice to leave Pitt. 'It was the right decision,' the actress told Vogue in June 2020. 'I continue to focus on their (the kids') healing. Some have taken advantage of my silence, and the children see lies about themselves in the media, but I remind them that they know their own truth and their own minds.' The custody trial was due to start late last year but it was delayed after Angelina asked for the private judge to be replaced, claiming that he 'failed to disclose' that he was working other cases with one of Brad's lawyers. More complainants have come up to challenge the elections of newly elected Members of Parliament in Masaka Sub-Region citing electoral malpractices in the January 14 polls. By Monday evening, six fresh petitions had been filed at Masaka High Court, with the majority challenging the victory of Opposition MPs who won the bulk of seats in the sub-region. Among those dragged to court include; National Unity Platform (NUP)'s Dr Christine Ndiwalana who won Bukomansimbi North parliamentary seat. Her victory is challenged by two people in separate election petitions. The petitioners include; the incumbent, Ms Ruth Katushabe, of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who accuses Dr Ndiwalana of vote-rigging and voter bribery while Ms Anita Tushemereirwe, a voter, accuses Dr Ndiwalana of vote-rigging. Ms Olivia Mugabe (Ind), who lost the Bukoto West constituency parliamentary race, has contested the victory of Mr Muhammad Ssentayi of NUP, claiming that the latter rigged votes and bribed voters. Mr Martin Henry Bazanya, a voter in Bukoto Central constituency has dragged the MP-elect, Mr Richard Ssebamala, to court challenging his victory. Mr Bazanya claims that Mr Ssebamala of the Democratic Party (DP) is not registered as a voter in the constituency. Mr Ssebamala defeated Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi in the race for the Bukoto Central seat, which the latter has represented since 1996. Another election petition is filed by Ms Grace Nalubega (NUP) who lost to incumbent Rakai District Woman MP, Ms Juliet Suubi Kinyamatama. The former accuses the latter of voter rigging. Mr Ismail Wagaba Ddibya who only polled only 72 votes in the race for Mawogola North Constituency parliamentary seat, has challenged the victory of Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa's daughter, Ms Shartis Musherure Kutesa. Mr Ddibya claims that polls in the constituency were marred by gross irregularities ranging from vote-rigging to voter bribery and he wants the court to order for a fresh election. According to the Electoral Commission results Ms Kutesa, who was an NRM leaning independent candidate polled 17,274 votes followed by Salim Kiseeka (Ind) with 2,544, NUP's Henry Nyanzi Mawejje collected 2,346 votes, Catherine Nakayiza (Ind) got 2,025 votes, Hillary Tukundane (Ind) got 138 votes while Aine Godfrey Kaguta aka Sodo who pulled out of the race at the last minute, got five votes. SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley has said we must "weed out misogyny and the behaviours it provokes" as the Assembly unanimously supported her party's motion for a strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. She said it was unacceptable that Northern Ireland "was the only place on these islands" without such a strategy. "Our women and girls are being left behind and it cannot go on any longer. The appalling events of recent weeks alone have brought the need to tackle this issue into sharp focus," she added. The SDLP MLA referred to the "horrific" murders of Karen McClean and Stacey Knell in Newtownabbey on Friday. She called for a strategy to be "progressed urgently" with "the necessary resources and legislative underpinning. Green MLA Rachel Woods said: "Women and girls are losing their lives with appalling frequency. "One death is one too many yet eight women and girls have been killed in the space of one year since lockdown began. "There is very clearly something wrong when it's normalised for women to be subjected to murder, sexual violence, misogyny, abuse and harassment. "This is a long standing and deep problem in our society with its roots in gender inequality and gender-based violence." People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said the motion was "long, long overdue". In the year from October 2019, over 32,000 domestic abuse incidents were reported across Northern Ireland, he said. First Minister Arlene Foster said: "It is critical we tackle the root causes of the behaviours that women and girls experience in their daily lives. "It is an underlying sexism and misogyny that gives rise to domestic abuse, violence, injury and murder against women and girls." SDLP MLA Linda Dillon said: "Education is crucial and we need to educate young men around consent, relationships, and sexual education. "We also need to ensure there is a zero tolerance approach to gender-based violence in the policing and criminal justice system to ensure we give women and girls the confidence to report crimes, and effectively tackle the shockingly low reporting and conviction rates." SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: "It is so sad that here in the north of Ireland we have the highest rates of domestic violence in Europe. "My heart bleeds for the women and girls who feel unsafe in their own homes." France will reopen its embassy in Libya's capital Tripoli next week in a gesture of support to the conflict-ravaged country's interim government, President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday. Macron said that France owes a debt to Libya and the Libyans, which is a decade of disorder. Libya was plunged into chaos when an uprising in 2011 with support from a NATO military operation initially led by France toppled longtime ruler Moammar Gadhafi, who was later killed. Macron spoke after a meeting in Paris with Mohammad Younes Menfi and Musa al-Koni, president and vice-president of Libyas Presidential Council. The transitional government took power last week. There will be no peace in the broader region if we cant get peace and stability in Libya, if we do not succeed in eradicating the terrorist groups and all kinds of smugglers, Macron said. He added that priority should be given to maintaining the ceasefire, leading the country towards elections scheduled in December, and unifying Libyan armed forces in order to support the transition. The oil-rich country was in recent years split between rival east- and west-based administrations, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Macron also said France and its allies want to make sure that all foreign fighters, especially those coming from Russia and Turkey, leave Libya as soon as possible. Earlier this month, the U.N. Security Council called for countries with troops and mercenaries in Libya to withdraw them without delay. The U.N. has estimated that there are 20,000 foreign fighters in Libya, including Syrians, Turks, Sudanese and Russians. Menfi thanked France for its remarkable support to reach a peaceful settlement to Libyas civil war. The French embassy in Tripoli is set to reopen Monday. LIbya's interim government, which includes a three-member presidential council and a Cabinet, took power amid international pressure to implement a U.N.-brokered political roadmap. That roadmap, agreed to by a U.N.-picked Libyan political forum last year, set Dec. 24 for general elections. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Thiruvananthapuram, March 24 : A job to every family, laws on Sabarimala and against 'love jihad' and benefits to various sections are major promises in the BJP's manifesto for the April 6 Kerala Assembly elections, released by Union Minister Prakash Javadekar here on Wednesday. Releasing the manifesto, "Puthiye Keralam, Modiku Oppam" (A new Kerala with Modi), he said it is time that the people of Kerala give the BJP a chance and if they do, it would come with a slew of benefits. "We promise to give one job to every family. BPL families will be given six LPG cylinders and all high school students would get a free laptop," said the Union Minister who arrived in the state capital as part of election campaigning. Among the other promises, the BJP promised monthly reimbursement of Rs 5,000 each to every family if the breadwinner falls sick. "All the ST/SC families will be given free land. New laws will be floated on the Sabarimala temple issue and also to prevent 'Love Jihad'," Javadekar said. He also listed out various schemes of the Narendra Modi government which has been doled out by the Pinarayi Vijayan government but claimed as their own. They are not Vijayan's schemes, but Modi's instead, he said. The BJP held just one seat in the outgoing 140-member Kerala Assembly and are hoping to improve their strength. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Helena is looking at how to adjust its housing policies as the state dials up pressure on the city to accommodate more than 250 new housing units. Officials are planning a series of study sessions, focus groups and workshops to gather input on an update to the citys Housing Element, a state-approved component of the General Plan that assesses housing needs, identifies suitable sites for new housing, and sets policies and programs to meet the citys housing goals. The next Housing Element for 2023-2031 is scheduled for council adoption in December 2022. Unlike the rest of the General Plan, it will also have to be approved by the state. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Napa Valley Register. The Housing Element will have to contend with new state laws that promote housing and a new Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) that calls on St. Helena to plan for a total of 254 units: 103 very low income, 59 low income, 26 moderate income, and 66 above moderate income. Those numbers, which are still in draft form but are set to be finalized this spring, dwarf St. Helenas previous quota of only 31 units for the 2014-2022 cycle. A disorderly hoard of goats took advantage of the silent conditions caused by the Coronavirus lockdown and occupied a Welsh seaside town. Their escapades gave them 15-minutes of viral attention, but it seems like the tale didn't stop there. The goats are back yet again and in larger numbers than ever after losing out on their annual dose of contraception because of the pandemic. The community of Kashmiri goats lives in the stony landscape of Great Orme along the north coast of Wales, though sometimes visits the city of Llandudno in the spring and winter months in search of food. The goats were initially a present to a local lord from none other than Queen Victoria - According to Conwy County Borough Council. Some100 years ago, the goats evaded the estate and have walked peacefully in a rough state ever since. Contraceptive Vaccine for Birth Control While their connection with the locals was mostly harmonious, questions were been asked about their ever-thriving numbers. The local council concluded to gradually control and reduce the number of the herd by migrating the goats to other areas in the UK and employing a contraceptive vaccine for birth control. There has been a population boom of the Kashmiri goats this year in their North Wales headland home after the Corona pandemic compelled countryside wardens to discontinue a scheduled contraception movement. During the recent lockdown, the goats have moved even further from the Great Orme, spurring concerns that as restrictions are been called off, many of the animals who are adapted to having the streets very much to themselves might be in danger as vehicle traffic starts to increase. ALSO READ: 'Shrinking Goats' the Next Side Effect of Climate Change The Great Orme Warden of the Great Orme country park Sally Pidcock explained that there were approximated 30 goats - the males are the ones that tend to wander - at large Llandudno and approximately 150 less adventurous males, including females and kids, back on the Great Orme. In March 2020, the goats turned popular celebrities after they were captured roaming about Llandudno, clearly encouraged by the lack of individuals on the street because of the social distancing and stay-at-home measures. The Female Goats A year later, spring has barely started to peep its head over the clouds and the herds have resurfaced in the town, news reports suggest that there may be larger in numbers than ever, as the goat population might have experienced kid-explosion since they missed out their last years' contraceptive dose. Cllr Louise Emery, from Conwy County Borough Council, said to ITV News: "We do attempt and regulate the figures on the Great Orme and we do that via a contraception programme. That includes rounding them all up, it requires several efforts - plenty of volunteers come together for it and to watch the female goats." The next phase is still unwritten, but it's believed that the herd will slowly move away from the city. As social distancing measures are been called off. RELATED ARTICLE: Animal Adventure Park Baby Watch: April the Giraffe Now One Month Past Due, Pygmy Goat Beats Her in Labor Race For more news, updates about goats and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! 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. Chris Evans has driven fans wild with his rarely-seen chest tattoos. The Captain America star, 39, took part in an interview alongside his brother Scott which saw them reflect on their childhood, and careers, in an interview with Ace Universe on Tuesday. During the chat, Chris wore a white tank top that was low cut enough to show off a glimpse of two of his chest tattoos, an eagle on his right side and a quote by Eckhart Tolle written in cursive on the left. Visible: Chris Evans drove fans wild after he showed of his rarely-seen chest tattoos in a tank top while chatting with his brother Scott in an interview on Tuesday The quote from the spiritual teacher is believed to read: 'When you lose touch with inner stillness, you lose touch with yourself. When you lose touch with yourself, you lose yourself in the world.' Chris has previously shown off his tattoos in his films like Puncture, where he walked around topless without covering his ink, as well as on Instagram. As well as his two most visible tattoos, Chris also has tribute tattoos to his late friend Matt Bardsley on his stomach, as well as one dedicated to his dog Dodger. He also has an Avengers tattoo that he got at the same time as four of his Marvel co-stars, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner, in 2018 to remember their time in the franchise. Ink: Chris wore a white tank top that was low cut enough to show a glimpse of two of his chest tattoos, an eagle on his right side and a quote by Eckhart Tolle written in cursive on the left Interesting: The Captain America star took part in an interview alongside his brother (R) which saw them reflect on their childhood, and careers, while talking with Ace Universe Fans were besides themselves after seeing the interview, and took to Twitter to gush over his tattoos being visible in the interview. One person gushed: 'Chris Evans tattoos peeking out of his shirt more effective than the pfizer vaccine I think.' Another joked: 'all i'm thinking about is chris evans' shirt and the tattoos (sic).' Sharing their delight, one fan wrote: 'chris evans in floral shirt with the tattoos peeking and the chain? this is what heaven looks like (sic).' A number of fans were also unaware of Chris' ink, as one said: 'has chris evans always had tattoos or am i losing my mind (sic).' Gushing: Fans were besides themselves after seeing the interview, and took to Twitter to gush over his tattoos being visible in the interview Reports made the rounds in January that Chris may return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) as Steve Rogers after seemingly retiring the character in 2019's Avengers: Endgame. However, Chris stated that wasn't true at the time as he wrote in a tweet that it was 'News to me.' Now Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has shut down the reports during an interview with EW released on Wednesday. 'I rarely answer no to anything anymore because things are always surprising me with what happens, but that rumor, I think, was dispelled rather quickly by the man himself,' he told the publication. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 The lawyer for one of the men on trial over the Red Fox Tavern shooting and robbery more than 30 years ago says it is almost certain someone else committed the crime. Father of two Chris Bush, 43, was gunned down at the pub in Maramarua in October 1987 and the offenders took off with tens of thousands in cash, coins and cheques. Mark Hoggart and another man with name suppression are on trial in the High Court at Auckland, charged with murder and aggravated robbery. They deny any involvement in the crime. In his closing address to the jury, the lawyer for the unnamed defendant Christopher Stevenson said the wrong men are on trial. He pointed to the evidence of a prison inmate, who said Lester Hamilton - who died in 2003 - had confessed his involvement in the crime to him while they were in jail. Stevenson said that "bombshell" was devastating for the Crown's theory of what happened at the Red Fox Tavern and who was responsible for it. "He came forward because he knows the wrong men are on trial," Stevenson said. "He stood up for truth and justice, that's the only possible reason why he got involved in this case." Stevenson said the Crown had failed to rule out the possibility Hamilton was the offender. Stevenson said the prison inmate came to court to give evidence because "he felt compelled to stop innocent men getting convicted, to stop a miscarriage of justice, that's what you've seen in this court". During the trial, the jury heard evidence from Crown witness Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hayward, who said Hamilton was considered a prime suspect in the early stages of the police investigation. However, he said Hamilton had been ruled out by multiple investigation teams as the offender and the police were confident he was not responsible for the crime. In his closing address to the jury, Hoggart's lawyer Craig Tuck said there was no evidence in the Crown's case to prove his client was involved. "While he's been present at this trial, the evidence against him hasn't been here," Tuck said. There was a complete absence of anything that could be relied on to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Hoggart was the offender who was carrying the bat, Tuck said. He said Hoggart found himself entangled in the police investigation in 1988 and he had remained entangled for the rest of his adult life. Police did not have enough evidence to lay charges against him in 1988 or 2000, and Tuck said there was not enough evidence to find him guilty now. The judge will sum up the case to the jury of seven men and five women tomorrow morning, before they retire to consider their verdicts. -RNZ/Sarah Robson. Alex Salmond has announced he is taking the Scottish Government to court yet again in his first public statement since Nicola Sturgeon survived two inquiries. The former first minister accepted the verdicts of the parliamentary committee and Hamilton Inquiry - albeit hitting out at their 'manifest limitations'. But he railed that nobody had resigned over the Government's botched harassment investigation into him, and singled out the country's most senior civil servant. He said he is now bringing legal action against the 'conduct' of permanent secretary Leslie Evans for her role in the handling of the sexual harassment claims. The Holyrood inquiry conducted by a committee of MSPs was highly critical of Ms Evans in its report published this week. It also accused the current First Minister of misleading Parliament in a potential breach of the ministerial code. But Ms Sturgeon dismissed this verdict as 'partisan' and instead concentrated on the independent probe by James Hamilton QC, which ruled she did not break the code. Ms Sturgeon was also cleared of claims made by Mr Salmond of orchestrating a concerted conspiracy to bring him down. Alex Salmond has announced he is taking the Scottish Government to court yet again in his first public statement since Nicola Sturgeon was cleared of wrongdoing Ms Sturgeon was also cleared of claims made by Mr Salmond of orchestrating a concerted conspiracy to bring him down Allegations, discussions, denials and a 'forgotten' key meeting between Sturgeon and Salmond November 2017: Allegations regarding Alex Salmond's behaviour are raised with the SNP by Sky News. Nicola Sturgeon said she spoke to him about this and he 'denied it'. No further action was taken. March 29, 2018: Ms Sturgeon meets Geoff Aberdein - Mr Salmon's chief of staff - in her Scottish parliament office where she has admitted they discussed the possibility of a meeting with Mr Salmond. Ms Sturgeon after initially forgetting about this meeting says there was 'the suggestion that the matter might relate to allegations of a sexual nature'. April 2, 2018: Ms Sturgeon and Mr Salmond meet at the First Minister's home. According to Ms Sturgeon, this is the first time she heard of the complaints made against him. Despite this, she has insisted that the matters discussed were party business. No minutes were taken at the meeting. What she previously said: On January 8, 2019, Ms Sturgeon tells the Scottish Parliament she 'first heard' about sexual harassment allegations against Mr Salmond on April 2. In 2018, Andrew Marr asked Ms Sturgeon: 'Had you heard any stories about him before it broke in the press?' She responded: 'Obviously, absolutely not. Until, well I've said previously Alex Salmond informed me about these complaints in April, that was the first I had known.' And what she later said : In 2020, giving written evidence to the Holyrood into her government's handling of complaints against Mr Salmond, she said she 'forgot' about the March 29 meeting until 'late January/early February' 2019. She wrote: 'From what I recall, the discussion covered the fact that Alex Salmond wanted to see me urgently about a serious matter, and I think it did cover the suggestion that the matter might relate to allegations of a sexual nature.' September 14, 2018: A judicial review is launched after complaints by Mr Salmond over the fairness with how the claims against him were handled. January 8, 2019: The Scottish government conceded defeat in the judicial review a week before it was due to launch. Mr Salmond wins 500,000 in legal fees. The court ruled the probe into Mr Salmond had been unlawful and tainted by apparent bias. January 2019: Ms Sturgeon tells MSPs that Mr Salmond first told her about a probe into him on April 2. March 23, 2020: Alex Salmond is cleared of all sexual assault charges and his supporters demanded a full inquiry into the Scottish Government's handling of the scandal. October 7, 2020: Ms Sturgeon claims she 'forgot' about March 29, 2018, meeting with Mr Aberdein. January 24, 2021: Speaking on the Andrew Marr show, Ms Sturgeon denies misleading the Scottish Parliament after 'forgetting' to tell MSPs about her meeting with Mr Salmond's aide on March 29, 2018. February 2021: The High Court in Edinburgh rules Mr Salmond's evidence claiming his former chief of staff met with Ms Sturgeon on March 28, 2018, to discuss sexual assault allegations against the former first minister can be released. Advertisement Breaking his silence this afternoon, Mr Salmond said: 'This is my third and final public statement on the subject of the parliamentary and Hamilton investigations and the Dunlop Review. 'The inquiries are over and despite their manifest limitations, the findings are in and must be accepted, just like the verdicts of juries and the judgments of courts. 'A year ago, outside the High Court, I said that there was evidence which I wished to see the light of day. 'Some of that key material, including the Government legal advice, eventually emerged through the Parliamentary Committee. Much of it did not.' He said someone within government needed to take responsibility for the failings identified by the inquiries. Mr Salmond said: 'I have waited to see the response from those individuals to the publication of the inquiry reports. 'Unfortunately, it appears that the clear intention is to carry on regardless.' Referring to his previous successful court challenge against the Government, he said: 'Now, more than two years later, and despite the most damning condemnation from a committee in the history of the modern Scottish Parliament, the permanent secretary still refuses to accept real responsibility. 'Instead, the waste of public resources has continued to grow as has the impact on all the people concerned. 'This cannot stand. I have therefore taken legal advice and will shortly be instructing my lawyers to bring proceedings in the Court of Session arising as a direct result of the conduct of the permanent secretary. 'I hope it is the only legal action that I am required to take.' Mr Salmond was investigated by the Scottish Government in 2018 after two women made sexual harassment claims against him. The case was later dropped and he was awarded 500,000 in damages after a judicial review ruled the investigation had been 'tainted with bias'. He was also later cleared of 13 charges, including rape, at a criminal trial. In its report, the Holyrood committee, established to investigate the botched handling of the case by the Scottish Government, was scathing of Ms Evans. It emerged that Ms Evans had been in contact with the two women, leaving her 'open to accusations of having had inappropriate contact'. It concluded: 'The committee is conscious that the permanent secretary's office was identified as co-ordinating the supply of information for the judicial review and that the permanent secretary was one of a few people who had been aware of the prior contact of the investigating officer. 'It must be questioned why the permanent secretary in her role and with her knowledge did not ensure that the relevant information was extracted and processed at a much earlier stage. 'This individual failing is as significant as the general corporate failing already described.' Despite coming in for criticism, Ms Evans is understood to have retained the confidence of Ms Sturgeon, who yesterday also easily survived a no-confidence vote. Mr Salmond said he is bringing legal action against Scotland's most senior civil servant, the permanent secretary Leslie Evans, for her role in the handling of harassment claims Who/what: The nonprofit, non-sectarian Family Service Association has served people of all ages in Northeast and Northcentral Pennsylvania for 125 years. Through its various programs, the Wilkes-Barre-based group empowers people to achieve their full potential (by) building healthier relationships and stronger communities, according to Attorney Gertrude C. McGowan, CEO. Services include counseling; ParentChild+, an in-home early learning program for at-risk children and their guardians; PA 211 NE/Help Line, an all-day, year-round free information and referral service and after-hours answering and crisis service for local nonprofits and government offices; the Childrens Center of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties, which conducts forensic interviews, medical examinations, trauma therapy and more; and guardianship for at-risk adults in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Wyoming counties. Additionally, FSA works with Luzerne County government offices to provide a wide range of programs to strengthen families at risk of being separated, or who need supportive services to allow reunification, McGowan said. Why: Despite the restrictions and troubles of the last year, FSA continued its services without interruption. It had to adapt how it operated, however, which required raising money to buy technology that would let employees work from home. Employees then met virtually with clients or used porch visits to continue programs. During the first three months of the pandemic, the number of people who contacted PA 211 NE/Help Line doubled, McGowan said, as more people sought help with food, utility assistance, housing, information about the pandemic and more. She also noted, however, that many service lines dipped in referrals when children were out of sight of (people) who may have called or reported concerns when the world was open. How: Fundraising supports numerous programs, and volunteers also are needed for the help line. To donate, call Executive Assistant Theresa Langan at 570-823-5144. Additionally, as FSA celebrates its milestone anniversary this year, it will hold its major annual fundraiser, the Spring Fling Gala, virtually on Saturday, April 10. A four-course dinner will be available for pickup at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Plains Twp. Tickets cost $50, and for every two dinners purchased, ticketholders get a choice of red or white wine to go with their meals. Later that night, people can view a video honoring the Thalenfeld family on fsanepa.org. This family has demonstrated three generations of commitment to the organization and is receiving the Legacy Award, a special honor during this anniversary year, said Nora Blessner, director of development. Also, from Thursday, April 8, to the night of the gala, the public can bid on items ranging from purses and jewelry to gifts cards in an online auction. For gala tickets, visit fsanepa.org or call Blessner at 570-823-5144, ext. 309. Donations and auction bids also can be made on FSAs website. In her own words: Funds supporting FSA are critical for keeping these programs viable. This funding allows us to continue our mission of empowering families by providing them with the tools to successfully navigate so many difficult societal issues prevalent today. Community support for FSA contributes to healthier and stronger community for us all. Attorney Gertrude C. McGowan, CEO A former manager at a popular Ocean County winery and wedding venue was accused Monday of stealing over $40,000 from the business, authorities said. Nancy Proctor, 62, of Ortley Beach was charged with theft by unlawful taking, according to a joint statement from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the Plumsted Township Police Department. An investigation alleged Proctor stole the funds from Laurita Winery, located in the New Egypt section of Plumsted Township, between Jan. 24, 2019 and Nov. 1, 2019, while she was responsible for collecting payments from food vendors at venue events, police said. However, instead of depositing the money into company accounts, she diverted funds to her PayPal accounts, the office alleged. Officers arrested Proctor at her current job in Seaside Heights, brought her to the local police department, processed her and released her on a summons pending her future court date, officials said. An attorney for Proctor was not immediately clear. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In-depth analysis and data-driven insights on the impact of COVID-19 included in this US natural dyes market report. The US natural dyes market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during the period 2020-2026. Key Highlights Offered in the Report: US natural dye market would realize an absolute growth of 104% - a leap of over USD 751 million revenue between 2020 and 2026. High demand from textile industry owing to the rising attraction toward organic clothing will push the growth of the textiles & leather segment which is likely to contribute approximately USD 119 million incremental revenue between 2020 and 2026. Registering a high growth CAGR of over 12% between 2020-2026, the US market for plant-sourced natural dye base accounted for majority share of around 85% in 2020. Food and beverages end-user is the expected to record highest sale with incremental market value of USD 455 million , growing at a CAGR of over 13% between 2020 and 2026. Southern US dominated the US natural dyes market, accounting for a share of more than 38% in 2020, and the revenue is expected to reach USD 585 million by 2026. Utah and Colorado have strong economies and are expected to be the most lucrative markets for natural dyes. States such as Idaho have been a major contributor to the food & beverage industry. Midwest US is one of the potential markets for natural dyes and is expected to grow at an incremental revenue around USD 91 million with absolute growth of 93% during 2020 to 2026. 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 source, end-user, and geography Competitive Landscape - 4 key vendors and 14 other vendors Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-states-natural-dyes-market U.S. Natural Dyes Market - Segmentation The plant-based natural dye market expects to grow at an absolute growth of over 104% between 2020 and 2026. These find the highest application in the textile sector. The use of mordants is common among plant-based dyes. Wood, stem, bark, roots, flowers, leaves, and fruits obtain from different parts of the plant are the major sources of these inks. Natural dyes are finding increasing applications in the food and beverages segment to enhance the taste of food items. With the increase in health consciousness and increased awareness of synthetic colors' adverse effects, organic dyes' application is increasing in food and beverage products. The food & beverages US natural dyes market is expected to reach USD 874 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13%. by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 13%. The animal-based dye market is likely to grow at a CAGR of over 12% during the forecast period. South and West regions in the US are expected to contribute incremental revenue of over $39 million and $26 million , respectively, by 2026. Animal-based dyes are primarily used to impart colors to food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. U.S. Natural Dyes Market by Source Plant-based Animal-based Mineral-based U.S. Natural Dyes Market by End-user Food & Beverages Textile & Leather Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Paper Cleaning Products U.S. Natural Dyes Market - Dynamics Considering economic dimensions, synthetic dyes are at first more interesting than natural dyes as synthetic dyes are cheaper to produce, brighter, color-fast, and provide easy application to fabrics. Synthetic dyes can easily be manufactured in large quantities in response to industrial and commercial demands. In the case of natural dyes, plants containing colorants will not be freshly available throughout the year, which implies the storage challenge for producers or end-users, thereby becoming a costly affair. In addition, natural dyes are not originally made for dyeing synthetic fibers, which account for the majority of fibers in the market and their potential use for textiles is linked closely to the type of fiber being dyed. One of the profitable possibilities for vendors is to target niche markets such as bio-fibers combined with natural colorants that respond to a specific category of customers, but these products are difficult to find. Nevertheless, synthetic dyes are becoming increasingly expensive because of the rising cost of eco-toxicological tests and the fact that they are petroleum products, which will increase oil prices due to scarcity. Key Drivers and Trends fueling Market Growth: Increasing Online Presence of Vendors Increasing Demand from End-user Industries Growing Environment-conscious Consumers Evolving Urban Lifestyle U.S. Natural Dyes Market - Geography The Southern region in the US natural dye market includes states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, US Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. Central and South Carolina have been flourishing with the food production facilities moving from the fields to complex and integrated manufacturing facilities. The certified land and affordable resources have attracted some of the largest food companies in the area. Thus, the food & beverages segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 14% with incremental revenue growth of approximately USD 189 million during 2020-2026. The five industrial parks of Gadsden Country, Florida, offer sites for all facilities from one acre onwards, which are ideal for craft breweries and artisan food producers, to over a hundred acres for large-scale facilities. Similarly, the Kentucky region is home to more than 360 food & beverage-related facilities, which can fuel the demand for natural food colorants or dyes. Get your sample today! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-states-natural-dyes-market U.S. Natural Dyes Market by Geography South West Northeast Midwest Major Vendors Abbey Color Pylam Products Company Stony Creek Colors Aurora Silk Other Prominent Vendors Earthues AMA Herbal Laboratories Herbal Laboratories Chemworld International Sodhani Biotech Botanical Colors Dharma Trading Co. Long Ridge Natural Dyes Renaissance Dyeing Wild Colours The Woolery Maiwa Organic Dyes and Pigments (ORCO) DDW The Color House Sensient Explore our chemicals and materials profile to know more about the industry. Read some of the top-selling reports: Industrial Coatings Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Drain Cleaner and Disinfectant Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 Protective Coatings Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 U.S. Structural Pest Control Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026 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 Finding and dating the right man these days has become a serious business one that requires paying attention to even the little details. It gets even more complicated when you have to be sure that the man you are considering is not a married man. These days, even wedding bands are not enough to identify married men as they rarely even wear them. Since marriage cannot be worn like a badge, PREMIUM TIMES has put together this list of five signs to be wary of when it dealing with men. If your man exhibits two or three of these, it may be an indication that you are the other woman. He times your calls If you are not able to reach him at certain times of the day or he gives you excuses like he is always busy when he gets home at night, you may have a situation on your hands. Unlike single boyfriends with whom you can talk till late in the night or even all through the night, you will find that you are only able to speak to him in the day and once he gets home, he either says he prefers to chat or is always too tired for a conversation. If this has been going on for too long, it may be a serious indication that he is always going back home to his family and you are just the side piece. He never invites you over It is more convenient for a married man to meet you in hotels, restaurants, or even at their friends houses rather than to take you to their homes. He obviously wont invite you over to the house where his family lives. Well, a right-thinking man wouldnt try that. Or would he? There is always the excuse of relatives sleeping over at his, who he does not want you to meet yet. If knowing his house or meeting his immediate family members is not a comfortable topic between you, then all is apparently not well with your relationship. He spends lavishly It mostly takes a comfortable married man to be able to maintain another woman after his family and it is easier for him to use his wealth to cover up for other immaterial things he may not be able to offer you. This is not to say that single men cannot buy you expensive stuff but a young unmarried man with a legitimate source of income will rather make future financial plans rather than buy you a luxury car. If your man avoids your call or cannot see you at certain times, you may be forced to believe he is seeing someone else or that he does not like you. But, why will you make you feel that way when a luxurious lifestyle can make you forget your woes and sorrows. Ask yourself why a man of his age that can afford everything he needs is not married yet and is not in a hurry to put a ring on your fingers. He never talks commitment He avoids talks that have to do with the future or marriage plans when you are together. When you manage to get him to talk, he makes it look like you are in too much of a hurry. He is always about lets see how it goes, may God see us through, and hopefully. ADVERTISEMENT However, this character is not exclusive to married men alone, some single guys also act this way but if this coincides with other signs mentioned here, you may have to be careful. He is never a social media person It is understandable why a married man would not want you to have his Facebook details or those of other social media accounts because they can easily blow his cover. You will get excuses like, I only use WhatsApp, I am too busy to use other social media and even on WhatsApp, his read receipt is always off and you may never see him post any relative on his status. This could be a sign that he is hiding something or that he is not who he says he is and you may be a side chick. In some very rare cases, he may have a social media page but would never ever comment on your posts, photo, or even flaunt you on his page for very obvious reasons. The car he drives Theres this popular joke making the rounds on Nigeria Twittersphere that if you are dating a man who drives a family car like a Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey, chances are that he is a family man. I mean, why will a single man who is not a transporter drive a vehicle which, by Nigerian standard, is considered a family car? Well, except he had a really strong reason to, you may want to double-check this over and over again. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! 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. Hilary Duff took to Instagram Stories on Tuesday with a clip cradling her baby bump. In the clip, the 33-year-old actress wore her blue locks down while clad in a shoulder-less black maternity gown with a hand on her baby bump. The Houston native wrote 'Patience' on the social media shot, indicating her relaxed state of mind in her third pregnancy. Anticipation: Hilary Duff, 30, took to Instagram on Tuesday with a shot cradling her baby bump The Younger star was seen earlier Tuesday shopping at a few luxe Los Angeles clothing establishments. Duff is currently expecting her third child - she's mom to daughter Banks, two, with husband Matthew Koma, and nine-year-old son, Luca, with ex-husband Mike Comrie. She recently enjoyed a baby shower, writing on social media, 'Hey baby, I love you very much ... however, I dont wanna be wombmates anymore! I want to hold you in my arms.' The multi-talented star on Tuesday opened up about her third pregnancy to People as she promoted her new children's book My Little Brave Girl. The actress wore her blue locks down while clad in a shoulder-less black maternity gown with a hand on her baby bump Duff is currently expecting her third child - she's mom to daughter Banks, two, with husband Matthew Koma, and nine-year-old son, Luca, with ex-husband Mike Comrie She put her pregnancy in perspective as being a mother of two, telling the outlet in an email, 'It's been so cool to be pregnant and have an almost 9-year-old. Duff said her oldest child Luca has been 'super compassionate and understanding of the fact that I'm moving a little slower and don't have as much energy as normal. 'He's so helpful. He jumps to help me when something spills in the kitchen and also great with helping me with bags from the car.' She told the outlet that Luca is also already an excellent big brother, as 'he's also explaining things to Banks when she doesn't understand what's going on or she doesn't get her way. 'I notice when she's acting like a 2-year-old, he's extra patient with her and begins to sound like me or Matt when he talks to her in an effort to help out or soothe Banks. Banks will kiss my belly, but she hasn't eased up on her daily expectations of me,' Duff said. 'It's her world and we're all just living in it!' Normalization is the buzzword around Turkeys foreign policy this year and finally it seems that some results have been achieved. Turkish officials recently revealed that talks between Turkey and Egypt were underway regarding the restoration of ties and energy-related cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Batu Coskun, an MSc Comparative Politics Candidate at the London School of Economics, writes for Daily Sabah. Egypt, however, is only the latest addition to Turkey's normalization list as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself also recently announced that Turkey and Israel are in talks over possible energy cooperation. A thaw in Turkeys relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also looks to be in the works. Though some people have tried to frame Turkeys recent bilateral push to mend relations with Egypt, Israel and certain Gulf countries as a bid to end regional isolation, this is a flawed reading of the state of affairs that has emerged in the past few months. Ankara is implementing these processes from a position of strength rather than one of anxiety or panic. Turkeys security-dominated foreign policy paradigm of recent years has made Ankaras hand stronger in dealing with other regional actors. Facts on the ground have been rearranged to accommodate Turkish interests, with Ankara enjoying a seat on every negotiation table that matters. This holds true from Syria to Libya, to the Eastern Mediterranean and most recently the Caucasus. In addition to this, the geopolitical realignment of the region in recent months has created an opportunity for Turkey to make a play for normalization. Egypt and Israel have realized that crucial economic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean cannot be attained without including Turkey in the fold. The end of the Gulf crisis on the other hand has prompted the Saudis and Emiratis to reconsider their relationship with Ankara, as intra-Gulf rivalries have also subsided. Turkeys recent moves should thus be characterized within the broader strategic mindset that pervades in Ankara. As bridges are mended with former rivals, Turkey is positioning this normalization doctrine on shared interests, possibilities for economic cooperation and the need to engage with countries regardless of political differences. The time is right for a change and so Ankara has acted from an advantageous position. Egypt Turkeys relations with Egypt and Israel will likely be forged on shared economic interests in the future and the need to cooperate on energy security and transfer in the Mediterranean basin. The Turkish foreign ministers announcement that Egypt and Turkey could ink a maritime delimitation deal similar to the one that Ankara agreed to with Tripoli is telling of the proposed nature of the relationship. Egyptian decision-makers have finally realized that they need to construct an independent narrative in the Eastern Mediterranean, as they been forced to toe the line of countries like Greece and the UAE, which runs counter to Cairos interests in the long term. Coordinating with Turkey serves Egypt on the matter of delimitating economic rights and ensures that Egypts foreign policy is not taken hostage by external parties. On another account, Egypt shares Turkeys desire of seeing a prospering and stable Libya, void of the intervention of destructive regional powers. This has prompted Cairo to reassess its position on the Libyan crisis as well, as they simply cannot allow their largest neighbor to be destabilized. These two dynamics, which provide ample ground for creating an environment of mutual accommodation, will likely drive Turkish-Egyptian relations in the future. Israel In Israel, the story is not much different when it comes to the necessity of energy-related coordination, yet for the time being, Israelis have maintained a position of seeking to limit Turkeys outreach in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, remarks from Netanyahu and his energy minister suggest that the tide is changing. Israel too might soon opt to cooperate with Turkey, which Ankara will undoubtedly reciprocate. While Turkey and Israel do not by any means share the same worldview, and Turkish concerns for the Palestinian statehood remain strong, regardless of the nature of the bilateral relationship, there is still room to cooperate. Israels Eastern Mediterranean bloc cannot hope to function without Turkeys involvement, a fact that Israelis know well since their energy minister tacitly extended an invitation to Turkey to join the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum. The course of Turkish-Israeli relations will also largely depend on the results of elections in Israel next week. As Netanyahus hand finally looks weaker, a fresh face could easily recalibrate the relationship. Regardless, any move that ends the confrontational nature of Turkish-Israeli relations will be welcomed by the U.S., which is an incentive for both Turkey and Israel to normalize ties. Washington has always been keen to see two of its most powerful allies in the Middle East cooperate rather than compete. Persian Gulf Turkeys normalization paradigm is also set to affect the Gulf, which in the past months witnessed a process of normalization of its own. Led by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain restored relations with Qatar, ending the three-year-long dispute and also removing a significant thorn in their relationship with Turkey, which enjoys a unique strategic partnership with Doha. As relations with Qatar improve, Saudi Arabia will also be interested in improving its relationship with Turkey in the face of spiraling regional isolation. This is especially acute now since Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been publicly tarnished by the Biden administration with the release of the Khashoggi report. The recent Saudi interests in procuring Turkish drones, as revealed recently by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlights Riyadhs desire to engage with Turkey on matters related to strategic cooperation. In the past the Saudis were emboldened by an oblivious former U.S. President Donald Trump, now they must be more pragmatic with a new president in the White House. This realignment is making a Turkish-Saudi rapprochement possible. Relations with the UAE on the other hand will likely prove the most difficult to normalize for Turkey. Abu Dhabi has thus far actively engaged in a regional policy countering Turkey. The UAE stance will have to change for normalization to be possible, and a heavier hand from Washington in reigning in Gulf allies might just provide this opportunity. The strategic realignments in the Middle East as well as Turkeys now-solid position as a regional player have necessitated a change in Turkeys foreign policy calculations. As the need for security has been fulfilled it now appears that the time is ripe to make partners out of former adversaries. Athens, GA (30605) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Reporter Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk). The explorer has held talks with potential partners following the recent Perseverance well result and is working to formalise a deal. ( ) reaffirmed its commitment to high impact offshore exploration in the Caribbean, saying it intends to extend its licences and seek partners ahead of new well drilling. The company told investors it plans to renew the four southern licences in The Bahamas into a third, three-year drill-or-drop exploration period, according to a statement. Since the completion of the drilling of Perseverance-1, the company has had discussions with industry counterparties in relation to a potential farm-out of its licences in The Bahamas and is working to formalise an entirely new farm-out process, BPC said. It added that such a deal would introduce a funding and operating partner for the next stage of exploration activity. BPC said it is in the final stages of integrating the well information with its historical dataset and expects to start the farmout process on completing this work in the coming days. It highlighted: The Perseverance-1 well did not result in a commercial discovery. The company is, however, encouraged that the results from the Perseverance-1 well indicated the presence of hydrocarbons. Technical results from the drilling campaign support the view that other closures, structures and both shallower stratigraphic and deeper structural plays in the company's licence areas continue to provide significant prospectivity with multiple viable drillable prospects of scale which merit additional study and exploration activity. The newly acquired technical data from Perseverance-1 will facilitate valuable updates and refinements to basin modelling, biostratigraphy and geochemistry. In particular, the significance of the new geothermal gradient data placing the oil maturation window deeper stratigraphically has critical implications for the deeper Jurassic play that produces oil in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico from an analogous play type (and which is the current focus for several companies actively exploring in the region). BPC added the expected final drilling costs from the recently completed Perseverance programme is around US$45mln. This is up from around US$10mln from the pre-drill estimates. The overruns result from heightened Coronavirus (COVID-19) procedures (US$3mln) and the necessity for sidetrack drilling operations related to mechanical debris in the well (US$7mln). The company said it had US$13mln of cash on hand at the start of March and estimated an additional capital requirement of around US$25 to US$40mln across its business. It said it expects to more than cover the difference from various potential funding sources. Separately, the company also noted the formal contract extension of an exploration area offshore Uruguay, the Off-1 Block which is host to the Lenteja prospect (estimated as 1.34bn barrel target), is expected in the second quarter of 2021. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 48F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting submissions for the 2021 John Cotton Dana Award (JCD). The John Cotton Dana Award is one of the most prestigious awards given to libraries and honors outstanding library public relations. Eight $10,000 awards will be provided by the H.W. Wilson Foundation in 2021. The awards are managed by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures (Core), a new division of ALA formed in September 2020 that includes the Association of Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS), Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), and Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA). All John Cotton Dana Award judges are associated with the Core division. The 2021 John Cotton Dana Award winners will be announced online in June 2021 by ALA and EBSCO Information Services. Libraries of all types and sizes are encouraged to submit entries for a 2021 John Cotton Dana Award. Entries should highlight a strategic communications campaign from the past year. Examples of past campaigns have included rebranding efforts, promotion of archives and special collections, awareness campaigns, community partnerships and special events. Entries may be submitted by any library, Friends group, consulting agency or service provider, unless they are represented on the JCD committee. Entries for the JCD Award are organized around needs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Entrants are asked to submit documentation to show the scope and effectiveness of their campaign. Examples of these documents may include initial assessments and research, processes for implementation, goals met, creative output, media releases, media coverage and other metrics that establish results. Applications for the 2021 John Cotton Dana Award are to be submitted electronically and received by May 3, 2021. For more information, including entry documents, visit: https://www.ebsco.com/about/scholarship-awards/john-cotton-dana. About the John Cotton Dana Award The John Cotton Dana Award was inaugurated by The H.W. Wilson Company at the 1946 annual conference of the American Library Association. It was named after John Cotton Dana (1856-1929), a librarian called the father of the modern library. The Awards are funded by the H.W. Wilson Foundation. About the H.W. Wilson Foundation The Foundation was established by Halsey W. Wilson in 1952 to support the needs of company employees and retirees. Since 1957, The H.W. Wilson Foundation has focused on providing financial assistance to causes having the greatest impact on improving the spirit, mind and body of the greatest number of people through aid, support and cooperation with charitable, benevolent, educational and religious institutions. Major donors to the Foundation included Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Wilson, and the H.W. Wilson Company. http://thwwf.org/ About EBSCO Information Services EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) is the preeminent provider of online research content and search technologies serving academic, school and public libraries; healthcare and medical institutions; corporations; and government agencies around the world. From research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development, EBSCO provides institutions with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations. EBSCO Information Services is a division of EBSCO Industries, Inc., a family-owned company since 1944. For more information, visit the EBSCO website at: http://www.ebsco.com. ### For more information, please contact: Kathleen McEvoy Vice President of Communications (800) 653-2726 ext. 2594 kmcevoy@ebsco.com Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will take leave from NSW Parliament as police investigate allegations he raped a sex worker at a secluded Blue Mountains lookout. Mr Johnsen, the member for the Upper Hunter, late on Wednesday identified himself as the NSW MP under investigation by the NSW Police Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad over the incident in September 2019. Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has taken leave from NSW Parliament. Credit:Louise Kennerley His statement came after Blue Mountains Labor MP Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege on Wednesday afternoon to say she had been contacted 18 months ago by a woman who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by an MP in the Berejiklian government. In the unannounced speech that surprised some members of her own party, Ms Doyle did not name the MP, but outlined details of the alleged incident including that he had made contact with the woman via the adult classified website Locanto and arranged to meet her on his way home from Sydney. Photo: The Canadian Press Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau Canada is imposing new sanctions on nine senior Russian officials in response to what Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau describes as gross and systemic human-rights abuses in the country. That includes the Russian government's treatment of key opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was the target of an assassination attempt last year an accusation that Russian authorities have rejected. Navalny survived that attack but was sentenced by a Russian court last month to more than two years in prison on what observers have said are politically motivated charges. Garneau says the sanctions are also a response to Russian officials having detained thousands of protesters in recent weeks. The new sanctions announced today come more than three weeks after the U.S. and European Union imposed similar economic restrictions in response to the treatment of Navalny and Russia's human-rights situation. Among those sanctioned by Canada are two senior officials in Russian President Vladimir Putin's office as well as the head of Russia's security service, its prosecutor general and the head of its penitentiary system. JERUSALEM - The results of Israel's too-close-to-call election won't be final for days. But it has already sparked a tumultuous scramble among political parties - desperate to manufacture a governing majority and avoid yet another election - for potential coalition partners, defectors and spoilers. With both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the parties determined to unseat him falling short of the 61 parliamentary seats needed for a majority coalition, according to preliminary results Wednesday, all sides were looking to the few swing factions. Former Defense Minister Naftali Bennett, a Netanyahu rival who hasn't ruled out bringing his Yamina party into the prime minister's fold, was beseeched by pleas from both sides, but he remained mum on his intentions a day after Tuesday's election. Netanyahu's Likud party pressured other former members who had joined a new right-wing party called New Hope to return. "It won't happen," declared Ze'ev Elkin, one of the targeted New Hope party members, in a radio interview. The biggest reach may be the suggestion by some Likud members that a partnership with the small Islamist party United Arab List could put Netanyahu's coalition into the majority and eliminate the need for Israelis to return to other polls for the fifth time since the spring of 2019. "It is our duty to do everything we can to prevent a fifth election," coalition chairman Miki Zohar told the media site Ynet. Some members of Netanyahu's bloc have previously pledged never to serve in government with an Arab party. Netanyahu appeared to win the most seats in Tuesday's polls. But his path to governing majority grew more difficult as the official vote count continued. Final results are not expected until Friday and the lack of a decisive winner could prolong Israel's political stalemate, raising the prospect of yet another election later this year. With some 97 percent of the vote counted Wednesday, Netanyahu's Likud had secured 30 seats in the 120-seat Knesset, Israel's parliament. His coalition of right-wing and religious parties appeared to control 52 spots, leaving Netanyahu no easy route to the 61-seat majority. Not even the addition of seven seats controlled by Bennett would put Netanyahu over the top, dashing hopes in the prime minister's camp that a conservative coalition was in reach. That prospect, suggested by exit polls released Tuesday night, had caused jubilation at Likud headquarters and led Netanyahu to initially declare a "great victory" on Twitter. But by the time he addressed his supporters after 2 a.m., the early vote count had begun instead to hint that further deadlock was to come. He called for an end to the stalemate, saying, "we cannot in any way drag the country to a fifth election. We must form a stable government now." An achievable majority appeared equally difficult for the disparate collection of anti-Netanyahu parties, ranging from disaffected conservatives to Israeli-Arab communists. The preliminary results gave avowed anti-Netanyahu parties 57 seats, plus 11 controlled by two Arab factions. But in previous election, these groups had been unable to negotiate a power-sharing agreement that would topple the prime minister. Adding to the uncertainty is an unusually high number of absentee ballots from military members, overseas diplomats and people quarantined under covid-19 precautions. Those estimated 450,000 votes, expected to be counted this week, could provide dramatic swings in the finally tally. "This is an extremely close election," said Yohanan Plesner, the president of the Israel Democracy Institute. "Nothing is decided." Three previous elections in the past two years each failed to produce a functional government and lawmakers again face a period of intense horse-trading as pro- and anti-Netanyahu forces try to cobble together a majority. Exit polls showed that Israeli politics remain locked in profound divide, particularly over Netanyahu. For the fourth time in row, the electorate split nearly evenly between voters wanting to get rid of Israel's longest-serving prime minister and those hoping to continue his 14-year rule. The prime minister, who is facing criminal prosecution on bribery, fraud and other corruption charges, has fallen short of securing a majority in the previous three votes. Each time, he has been spared by the refusal of opposing parties to join forces against him. In the previous vote, center-left parties declined a chance to create a majority by inviting the Arab faction into their coalition. Some observers took heart that Tuesday's result may have once again thwarted Netanyahu's bid to hang onto power with an outright majority. It follows a campaign in which the prime minister and his allies sought to demonize his opponents and discredit the judicial system that is prosecuting him. "In many ways, this election is an affirmation of the strength of Israeli democracy, in the face of attempts by a master politician to subjugate the electoral and judicial processes to his own political needs and to avoid the legal fate that awaits him," said Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser. Bennett, a former Likud defense minister who broke with Netanyahu to form his own party, will still bring considerable strength to the bargaining about to begin. He has not ruled out serving in a new Netanyahu government, even though the two former allies are said to dislike each other. But Bennett alone will probably not be enough to secure a bare majority for Netanyahu in the Knesset. Another, more unlikely power-broker emerged Wednesday in the small Israeli-Arab party that could wield outsize influence for either side. The Islamist United Arab Party gained enough votes to clear the Knesset threshold with five seats. The leader of the party, Mansour Abbas, had split with a larger collection of Arab parties, indicating he was willing to deal with Netanyahu in exchange for concessions and greater spending for the country's minority Arab population of 2 million. While some Likud members have indicated their willingness to team up, it's unlikely the party of religious Muslims would directly join Netanyahu's coalition of right-wing Jewish nationalists. But he could help the prime minister by abstaining from any anti-Netanyahu majority. Conversely, he could throw his support the other way and, according to Israeli media, he had already agreed to meet next week with the leader of the anti-Netanyahu parties, Yair Lapid. "We're prepared to hold talks with both sides," Abbas said Wednesday in a radio interview. "If an offer is received, we'll sit down and talk." Other winners in the emerging vote totals including parties at either end of the political spectrum. The left-leaning Labor and Meretz parties, which had struggled in recent elections, each claimed a better-than-expected seven seats. At the far right of the political spectrum, a controversial fringe party entered parliament for the first time thanks to an embrace by Netanyahu. The party of Itamar Ben Gvir, whose anti-Arab politics are rooted in the ultranationalist Kahanist movement, won seats in the Knesset as part of the ticket of the right-wing Religious Zionist Party, whose leader describes himself as a "proud homophobe." If Netanyahu is able to form a majority with these partners, political observers say it would be the most conservative in Israel's history. "Netanyahu will be in the hands of the most extreme elements," said Plesner. - - - Cunningham reported from Istanbul. Kenyan exports to Tanzania have fallen consistently since 2015 when President John Pombe Magufuli, or famously referred to as the bulldozer came into office, imports have not. In 2015 Kenya exported goods worth Sh42.7 billion but last year it exported Sh29.4 billion to its biggest neighbourhood rival. Meanwhile imports from Tanzania have grown from Sh17.2 billion in 2015 to Sh26.1 billion last year. Kenya had met a formidable dealmaker Tanzania, more specifically in President Magufuli, who passed away last week. East Africa Community (EAC) had been Kenya's playground as the biggest economy pulling weight above neighbours with more natural resources and leveraging access to the sea to cow land-locked countries, but that was about to change. President Kibaki and President Jakaya Kikwete were less antagonistic and minimised competition in the region and their legacy brought the best ties between Kenya and Tanzania since independence. In a speech in Kenya's parliament in October 2015, President Kikwete, who was the Foreign Affairs minister when EAC was revived in 2000, said only a fool would reverse the policy. But in the first year of President Kenyatta's reign, Kenyans moved against Tanzania pulling Uganda and Rwanda into the Coalition of the Willing (CoW). Dismantle this hegemony It would mark the resolve of President Magufuli two years later to dismantle this hegemony. After he took over as Tanzania's fifth president, it did not take long for the region to realise it was not going to be business as usual. Kenya-Tanzania trade immediately plunged to a decade low. And it was not just trade, he re-ignited rivalry to the centre of a regional geopolitics driving the shift that saw Tanzania capture the crude oil pipeline from Uganda and also lured Rwanda's SGR from Kenya. The fact that EAC advocated for free movement of goods and services did not stop him from adopting a strong policy of shielding his country's domestic industries from foreign competition through a mix of punitive taxes and denial of operating licenses. His administration also frowned on importation of basic goods as well as farm produce from neighbours. After banning chick importation in 2007, Tanzanian police have on several occasions set ablaze thousands of one-day old chicks illegally imported through the northern Namanga border with Kenya. "There have been a lot of political issues over the past decade, border closures between Rwanda and Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi and Kenya and Tanzania," Kenya Association of Manufactures chairman Mucai Kunyiha said last week. "We need to realise we have a great opportunity to trade in the region with a market of 400 million people. We have materials they need and they have what we need. Kenya for instance gets a lot of maize from Uganda and Tanzania what we need to understand is that East Africa is not just about selling to them, there needs to be a balance where everyone gains," he said. The Tanzanian President who previously worked as a chemistry and maths teacher, recently directed his ministry of Industry and Trade to raise tax imposed on export hides and skins possibly to 100 percent from 80 percent in order to discourage exportation. He also pushed aggressively for foreign companies to employ from the local population, regardless of the position. It was not uncommon for a newly appointed chief executive officer of a company to be denied a work permit, if he felt that there was a local citizen who could do the job. Tanzania's Magufuli has taught Kenya a lesson in regional diplomacy dismantling assumptions that it is more concerned with Southern African Development Community than EAC in just a few years. The pipeline deal with Uganda was his major victory that has severed the head off the Northern Corridor in ways no one imagined, setting stage for crippling other CoW alliance projects. Kenya, as usual thought it had bagged Uganda for an oil pipeline connecting the rich fields around Lake Albert and branching north to South Sudan all the way to Lamu as the gate to new found EAC riches. Go separate ways But before pen hit the paper, matters changed very drastically in April 2016, when President Kenyatta and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni met at the 13th Summit of the Northern Corridor Integration Projects held at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel in Kampala. After the meeting, it was clear that Kenya and Uganda had decided to go separate ways in as far as the building of crude oil pipeline was concerned. However, after the meeting, and to cover the diplomatic row, the two leaders emerged and announced that they had agreed that two crude oil pipelines would be constructed instead. Tanzania had quietly approached Uganda, and entered in a parallel agreement to explore the possibility of building a crude between the two countries. Uganda would officially abandon Kenya in September 2020 after it signed a Sh410 billion ($3.5 billion) deal with Tanzania, leaving Nairobi to embark on the long trek alone. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Tanzania Trade By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The deal signed on a Sunday between President Magufuli and Museveni meant that Kampala would route its oil exports via Tanzania, through the 1,445-kilometre crude oil pipeline. About 80 percent of the pipeline will run through Tanzania and the project is expected to create more than 18,000 jobs for Tanzanians. Rwanda, a former CoW alliance member also later signed an agreement with Tanzania to extend the SGR line from the Central Corridor from Isaka to Kigali. Rwanda also agreed to extend the line to Rubavu in the border with DRC. which President Felix Tshekedi had appraised during a State visit to Tanzania in June 2019. Tanzania also hopes to lock in Burundi through the Uvinza-Gitega line, which will link to Eastern DRC. And Magufuli played his diplomacy cards so well he lured President Kenyatta to his home town of Chato, the first for a sitting Kenya president on a private trip just to talk out an export ban of Maize to Kenya. It was his-Coup de grace, if, only there had not been rumours that he had to come to Kenya for medical attention at the tail end of his life. DONCASTER, England, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The year 2020 has been an awful year for many and like many people, Paul Ellison found himself on furlough for several months. To kill time, he decided to write a sci-fi fantast book titled, The Element Wielders (published by AuthorHouse UK). This book tells the story of a character named Paul, Consistoriums King of Fire who must figure out why he was sent back in time, how to live on Earth as a teenager, and how to change his future. As he becomes friend with Amie, Megan and Jack, their abilities to use an element come together to fight crimes and stop alien invaders. This book was written like a transcript. You can see who is talking rather than the usual he said, she said you would see in other books. Its different to anything else out there, Ellison says. When asked what he wants readers to take away from this book, Ellison answers, I want them to enjoy it. I want to leave them wanting more. For more details about this book, please visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/820858-the-element-wielders The Element Wielders By Paul Ellison Softcover | 6 x 9in | 278 pages | ISBN 9781665584135 E-Book | 278 pages | ISBN 9781665584128 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.co.uk or call 0-800-014-8641. Attachment Panaji, March 24 : Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday proposed the formation of a state mining corporation in a bid to restart the state's mining industry, which has been non-operational since March 2018. "The government proposes to establish the Goa State Mining Corporation to get the mining industry in the state back on track," he said in his budget speech in the Assembly. Mining activity in Goa was banned by the apex court first in 2012, following the unearthing of a Rs 35,000 crore scam by a judicial commission appointed by the central government. But it was resumed in 2015 with restrictions, before it stopped again after the apex court, in 2018, found irregularities in renewal of 88 mining leases. The BJP-led government in Goa has been under pressure to restart the mining industry, especially ahead of Assembly polls, slated to be held in early 2022. Kolkata, March 24 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s West Bengal unit president Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday triggered a fresh controversy when he said that chief minister Mamata Banerjee should wear a pair of Bermudas in order to display her injured leg. Addressing a public rally in Purulia district on Tuesday, Ghosh said: "The CM wants to show her plastered leg to everyone. Why doesn't she just wear a pair of Bermudas, instead of draping a saree?... I have never seen anyone drape a saree like that," the BJP state unit chief said. The controversial statement sparked off raging criticism by Trinamool Congress leaders. The party's Lok Sabha MP Mohua Moitra tweeted on Wednesday, saying: "BJP state president asks in public meeting why Mamata Di is wearing a saree, she should be wearing "Bermuda" shorts to display her leg better. And these perverted depraved monkeys think they are going to win Bengal?" Another Trinamool MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar described the words as shocking. "It now appears that the role of state president has been merely reduced to that of venom-spitting. From scathing attacks towards the CM of Bengal to violence towards TMC workers - he has conveniently crossed all limits," she added. (Natural News) With Border Patrol agents having their hands full in apprehending a record number of migrants during the first few weeks of the Biden administration, thousands more have gotten away. Citing an unnamed Border Patrol source, Breitbart reported that the number of migrants who got away in less than six months of the current fiscal year has surpassed 118,000 nearly doubling the 69,000 illegal immigrants who avoided apprehension in the whole 2020 fiscal year. The sharp increase started in January as President Joe Biden took office. Got-away numbers are not usually revealed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They represent the count of illegal immigrants who managed to escape Border Patrol apprehension after getting caught by aircraft platforms and camera systems. Border Patrol agents also use the traditional method of identifying footprints that crossed the border. From there, agents get a rough estimate of those who have eluded apprehension. Thats where it gets tricky, said a Border Patrol agent with knowledge of the data. On a small trail, dozens can walk all over each others footprints, so you just do your best. Often, theyll glue carpet to the soles of their shoes making detection even harder. According to the Breitbart source, got-away numbers are usually lower than the actual count of illegal immigrants who have eluded authorities. Nearly 100,000 immigrants detained during Bidens first full month in office The got-away numbers came out as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials reported the highest number of migrant apprehension totals for the month of February in the past 15 years. Border Patrol agents detained 98,974 migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border last month, the highest tally for the second month of the year since 2006 when 125,046 were apprehended. These apprehensions occurred during Bidens first full month in office. Biden has canceled border wall systems construction and many of the Trump-era policies that ended catch and release. (Related: Former head of Border Patrol says Bidens quick reversals of Trump-era immigration enforcement made America less safe before the ink dried.) Republicans have criticized Biden for his moves, saying the shift will lead to more illegal immigration. California Representative Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House of Representatives, recently sent a letter to Biden requesting a meeting to discuss the issue. McCarthy said he had great concern with the administrations approach to the border. We must acknowledge the border crisis, develop a plan, and, in no uncertain terms, strongly discourage individuals from Mexico and Central America from ever making the dangerous journey to our southern border, McCarthy wrote in the letter. Even children were braving that perilous path alone. Official reports indicated that Border Patrol agents apprehended 5,871 unaccompanied minors in January. That number climbed to 9,297 in February for a single-month increase of 58 percent. Babysitting unaccompanied children impacts Border Patrols ability to cover many remote areas The humanitarian needs of thousands of unaccompanied children crossing the border have impacted the Border Patrols ability to cover many remote areas. It might have also contributed to the surge in the got-away tally. This situation is likely to worsen as the crisis develops. As of Sunday, March 14, the Border Patrol agents were keeping 4,200 children in detention centers, including jail-like stations unfit to house minors. The uptick is a 31 percent jump from less than a week earlier when 3,200 migrant children were reported to be held in Border Patrol custody. In February, around 9,500 children who were not accompanied by their legal guardians were detained by American officials. Almost 3,000 children have been kept for over 72 hours, the legal limit after which they are supposed to be transferred to the custody of health officials in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). (Related: Leaked government document reveals migrant children are being held illegally in Border Patrol facilities.) DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas blamed the coronavirus pandemic restrictions and abnormally cold weather in Texas for the delay in processing. The ORR facilities are generally better equipped to take children with shelters that feature play areas, classrooms and counseling services. The ORR also finds families or homes where the children will remain until their immigration claim is heard by the courts. We are working in partnership with the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of unaccompanied children, which is made only more difficult given the protocols and restrictions required to protect the public health and the health of the children themselves, Mayorkas said in a statement on Saturday, March 13. According to government records reviewed by CBS News, an average of 565 unaccompanied minors entered CBP custody each day during the past week. CBP sectors in the Rio Grande Valley and El Paso, Texas, as well as Yuma and Tucson, Arizona, were over capacity in terms of their space to house unaccompanied children. With more than 2,500 unaccompanied minors in custody, the Rio Grande Valley sector is currently at 363 percent capacity. Officials are scrambling to find more government buildings for the children. A military base in Virginia and a California airbase run by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are being considered as possible locations. Obviously, were going to have more kids, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a briefing. So, of course, we have to look for facilities and places where we can safely and humanely have these unaccompanied minors in the interim. Follow OpenBorders.news for more news and information related to immigration and illegal aliens. Sources include: Breitbart.com Reuters.com CBSNews.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 Foster caught him and stabbed him in the leg, the man told police. A few blocks away, Lehmann tripped him and Foster stabbed him two times in the abdomen, charges state. He was later taken to the hospital. ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Solstice East, a residential treatment center in Asheville, North Carolina, for adolescent women ages 14-17, offers in-person learning and a fully accredited academic program that includes options for credit transfer, high school graduation and college preparation. The center's secluded 25-acre campus in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains provides an advantage to students who would otherwise struggle with virtual learning at home. According to Academic Director Carol Sowers, M.Ed., "At the treatment center, students are in a natural bubble; they aren't exposed to outside viruses that they could bring back to the classroom." Sowers explains that in-person learning allows residents to benefit from a sense of community and physical engagement in a classroom with hands-on materials and projects. Each resident at Solstice East follows an individualized academic plan that combines educational and therapeutic goals. Students participate in small, on-campus classes that cover core curriculum for high school graduation. In addition to core classes, residents have options for credit recovery. Because the school is accredited by Cognia, all credits earned transfer to the residents' schools of choice, and students finishing high school receive diplomas from the state of North Carolina. The academic program at Solstice East runs year-round with an additional term and more flexible schedules than most high schools. Therapy and academics are integrated to help residents experience more success in both areas. According to Sowers, "teens who succeed academically are more motivated in other areas, too. We see a lot of positive progress in their clinical work." Certified teachers offer one-on-one instruction and special education as needed. Solstice East's academic team also works with residents to meet college admissions criteria and helps with college applications, essays, scholarship and financial aid applications, and community service prerequisites. The center provides ACT and SAT tutoring and sees its students scoring higher than the state average in all areas tested. In addition to its academic program, Solstice East provides a unique combination of gender- and age-specific therapeutic techniques stemming from both traditional and holistic mental health treatments to address a wide range of traumas and disorders. To learn more about Solstice East Residential Treatment Center, visit their website at https://solsticeeast.com/ or contact them at 828-469-0905. SOURCE Solstice East Related Links https://solsticeeast.com By JAKE COYLE, AP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) The Walt Disney Co. on Tuesday overhauled its upcoming film release plans, postponing some of its biggest films and shifting Marvels Black Widow, among other titles, to Disney+ the same time they arrive in theaters. Black Widow, once planned to debut in May 2020, had been set to kickoff the summer movie season on May 7. It will instead premiere July 9. And it will do so simultaneously on the companys streaming platform for a $30 early-access fee. For theaters, which are beginning to reopen after punishing months of closure due to the pandemic, the announcement was a blow to hopes of an imminent recovery. While bigger and bigger films have turned to streaming and premium-on-demand in recent months, Marvel movies are Hollywoods most bankable box-office behemoths. Disney will instead launch its summer with Cruella on its previously scheduled date, May 28. The 101 Dalmatians spinoff with Emma Stone will also premiere in both theaters and on Disney+ for $30 the same hybrid approach the studio took with the recent release of Raya and the Last Dragon. Disney has not announced viewing data on Raya and the Last Dragon but on Tuesday called its performance successful. Todays announcement reflects our focus on providing consumer choice and serving the evolving preferences of audiences, said Kareem Daniel, Disneys distribution chief. By leveraging a flexible distribution strategy in a dynamic marketplace that is beginning to recover from the global pandemic, we will continue to employ the best options to deliver The Walt Disney Companys unparalleled storytelling to fans and families around the world. The Pixar film Luca will bypass theaters entirely. On June 18, it will debut exclusively on Disney+. In December when announcing an ambitious array of streaming programming, the company suggested that Disney+ would regularly be home to Pixar, among other brands. Over the next few years, Disney is planning to premiere directly on Disney+ not just an armada of Star Wars and Marvel series but 15 live-action, Pixar and animated series, and 15 live-action, Pixar and animated movies. The studio also postponed the releases of Free Guy (From May 21 to Aug. 13); Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (from July 9 to Aug. 3); Deep Water (from Aug. 13 to January 2022); The Kings Man (from Aug. 20 to Dec. 22); and Death on the Nile (from Sept. 17 to February 2022). About half of North American theaters are currently open but many more are set to in the coming weeks. New York and Los Angeles, the two largest markets, recently allowed theaters to open at reduced capacities. On Tuesday, Cineworld Group, owner of the second-largest chain in the country, Regal Cinemas, said its theaters would reopen in early April. Some studios have begun to move up, not postpone, their biggest films. Paramount Pictures moved A Quiet Place Part II from September to May 28. Warner Bros. earlier set a release plan for 2021 that, like Disney will with Black Widow, gives viewers the choice of paying for a movie at home or on the big screen. Warners entire 2021 slate is debuting simultaneously on its streaming platform, HBO Max, and in theaters. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Labcorp (LH) said that it continues to see strong momentum across its operations. But it believe that its value is not being appropriately reflected in the company's current stock price. Therefore, its board is undertaking a review of the company's structure and capital allocation strategy. The company said it has engaged Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as its financial advisor to support the process. The company does not intend to comment further about this review until the Board has reached a conclusion. Labcorp noted that it continues to make progress executing its strategy and capitalizing on the power of its diagnostic and drug development businesses. It is successfully accelerating growth across its platform, while playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19 and helping clients develop next-generation solutions for other key therapeutic areas such as oncology, liver and kidney disease, Alzheimer's and autoimmune disorders. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX LABORATORY CORP OF AMERICA-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de Another fall yesterday as the ongoing discussions over vaccines outweighed their long term advantages. Also weighing down the price was a report from Petro-logistics that confirmed what everyone has been saying recently that Iran is selling plenty of oil to China and likely India as well. WTI $57.76 -$3.80, Brent $60.79 -$3.83, Diff -$3.03 -3c, NG $2.51 -7c, UKNG 47.08p +1.58p Oil price Another fall yesterday as the ongoing discussions over vaccines outweighed their long term advantages. Also weighing down the price was a report from Petro-logistics that confirmed what everyone has been saying recently that Iran is selling plenty of oil to China and likely India as well. This morning there has been a recovery in the price by around $1.50 as the Suez canal has been blocked by a container ship the Evergreen Evergiven. 50 ships normally pass through the canal worth around 12% of total world trade and whilst this should be short lived it is causing a traffic jam from both ends of the canal. Bahamas Petroleum A high-impact exploration update from BPC this morning with regard to their assets in the Bahamas and Uruguay. Post the completion of P#1 the company has discussed with industry counter parties with regard to the farm-out of its licences in the Bahamas and is working to formalise an entirely new farm-out process and so will renew the 4 southern licences into a 3rd 3 year drill or drop exploration period. The final Perseverance #1 drilling cost is expected to be approx. $45 million compared to pre-drill estimate of approx. $35 million; additional costs of approx. $10 million incurred as a result of heightened Covid-19 procedures (approx. $3 million) and side-tracking operations related to mechanical debris in the well (approx. $7 million). Formal contract execution for Off-1 block in Uruguay expected 2Q 2021; independent technical work undertaken by Uruguayan national oil company ANCAP indicates a P50estimated ultimate recovery volume (EUR) of 1.34 billion barrels at the Lenteja prospect. Cash on hand of approx. $13 million (as at 1 March 2021, including unconditionally committed convertible notes); anticipated additional capital requirement in 2021/22 across the business of $25 $40 million, the Company expects to more than cover the difference from various potential funding sources. BPC has covered its position here on the high-impact wells in the Bahamas and Uruguay, there is also much potential in the company in Trinidad where the onshore progress is already being made and where in the SW Peninsula there is much upside. In addition the company has been exploring its possibilities in Suriname which carries significant potential. Echo Energy Echo has announced new gas contracts for 2021-22 significantly above the 2020 annual pricing and the current spot price. The Company confirms that, following a successful auction process for industrial clients, it has secured two new gas sales contracts at significant premiums to both prevailing spot market rates and 2020 contracted rates. The Contracts have a term of 12 months, with gas sales beginning in May 2021, and provide for a 126% increase over annual industrial contract pricing previously achieved by the Company in May 2020 and a 39% premium above current local spot price. The Contracts provide gross 6.5 MMscf/d of committed production, 4.6 MMscf/d net to Echo, at an average price of $2.64 per mmbtu, with the Company able to elect to sell additional volumes of up to 1.9 MMscf/d net to Echo under the Contracts. This optionality, at the election of the Santa Cruz Sur partners, provides flexibility to respond to market conditions including rising spot prices. As a result of the Contracts, a minimum of approximately 70% of gross daily gas production from Santa Cruz Sur allocated to industrial customers will now be committed under secured contracts until April 2022. Martin Hull, Chief Executive Officer of Echo Energy, commented: We have previously commented on the improving market conditions for our business as commodity prices increase, and the Companys ability to secure these new contracts with industrial customers via a competitive auction process reflects the increasingly supportive commercial environment. It is encouraging to now go further and see the improved market conditions translate to tangible improvements in future revenue. We believe that as a result of these agreements, our contracted gas USD revenues for the year could be as much as 50 per cent higher when compared to May 2020 to April 2021, meaning they will deliver a material improvement in cashflow during 2021. We continue to pursue an innovative and flexible commercial strategy, enabling Echo to secure this type of premium pricing. These contracts also confirm that the Company is viewed as a reliable and attractive supplier to the Argentine industrial sector, and can achieve strong pricing for our output. And finally England managed to pull defeat from the jaws of victory in the first ODI in India yesterday. The swashbuckling was a bit overdone but you still fancy England when the chips are down. And did I read this correctly? Brora Rangers 2-1 Hearts seems like a fairy story as the men from Brora (Pop 1,87o) went through to the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup. Flash Senior U.S. administration officials said on Tuesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) tested a short-range system over the weekend while downplaying the test as normal military activity. Senior administration officials told reporters in a phone briefing that the weapon system the DPRK tested over the weekend was "falling on the low end of the spectrum" and not covered by UN Security Council resolutions. The officials did not provide further details about the test, citing intelligence reasons. U.S. media reported the test over the weekend involved two short-range missiles, which was the first to occur under the Joe Biden administration. "It is a normal part of the kind of testing that North Korea would do. We do not believe that it is in our best interest to hype these things," said one official. The official also noted the United States would continue its efforts to pursue diplomacy with the DPRK in close coordination with South Korea, Japan, and China. The senior officials also indicated that the Biden administration is in the final stages of its policy review regarding the DPRK, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan will discuss the issue with his counterparts in Japan and South Korea next week. The weapon test came days after the DPRK denounced military exercises jointly held by the United States and South Korea last week. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said last Monday that the Biden administration recently reached out to Pyongyang but had not yet received any response. A top diplomat of the DPRK vowed that Pyongyang would ignore U.S. outreach until Washington "rolls back its hostile policy," the official Korean Central News Agency reported on Thursday. "We have already declared our stand that no DPRK-U.S. contact and dialogue of any kind can be possible unless the U.S. rolls back its hostile policy towards the DPRK. Therefore, we will disregard such an attempt of the U.S. in the future, too," DPRK First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc (LEI: 5493003B7ETS1JEDPF59) Result of AGM BlackRock Throgmorton Trust plc announces that, at the Annual General Meeting held today, all 15 resolutions were duly passed on a poll. The full text of the resolutions can be found in the Notice of Annual General Meeting set out in the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 November 2020, which has previously been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and is available for inspection at: Under listing rule 9.6.2 a copy of the resolutions has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism, and will shortly be made available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism Proxy votes received in respect of the resolutions were as follows: Votes For % Votes Against % Votes Total % of Available Voting Rights* Votes Withheld Resolution 1 45,007,825 100.00 1,833 0.00 45,009,658 49.26% 23,698 Resolution 2 44,870,711 99.73 122,933 0.27 44,993,644 49.24% 39,712 Resolution 3 45,024,745 100.00 2,108 0.00 45,026,853 49.28% 6,503 Resolution 4 44,839,804 99.64 161,830 0.36 45,001,634 49.25% 31,722 Resolution 5 44,951,294 99.86 62,156 0.14 45,013,450 49.27% 19,906 Resolution 6 44,954,368 99.89 47,266 0.11 45,001,634 49.25% 31,722 Resolution 7 44,954,868 99.91 39,466 0.09 44,994,334 49.24% 39,022 Resolution 8 44,845,420 99.62 170,944 0.38 45,016,364 49.27% 16,992 Resolution 9 44,950,747 99.85 65,910 0.15 45,016,657 49.27% 16,699 Resolution 10 44,965,486 99.88 51,978 0.12 45,017,464 49.27% 15,892 Resolution 11 44,969,566 99.94 27,413 0.06 44,996,979 49.25% 36,377 Resolution 12 44,939,130 99.83 76,891 0.17 45,016,021 49.27% 17,335 Resolution 13 44,855,860 99.69 140,793 0.31 44,996,653 49.25% 36,703 Resolution 14 42,977,910 99.94 25,101 0.06 43,003,011 47.07% 2,030,345 Resolution 15 42,780,327 95.14 2,183,706 4.86 44,964,033 49.21% 69,323 *Available Voting Rights equals 91,368,772 24 March 2021 Gaborone Botswana, alongside fellow Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) member states, has endorsed and adopted the agreed text of the new partnership agreement between the bloc and the European Union (EU). This was said by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape during the Botswana-EU virtual political dialogue yesterday. Dr Kwape stated that the meeting was convened at the sunset of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement (CPA) in an endeavour to continue strengthening the relationship which he said was indicative of the long lasting and strategic partnership between Botswana and the EU. Through the agreement, the minister said, Botswana and other OACPS member states had reiterated their resolve to further enhance and entrench the long standing relations with Europe. "We emphasised the value of partnership and our wish for a mutually beneficial relationship," he stated. Dr Kwape said the agreed text held immense potential to lead the OACPS member states along the development path. He said the OACPS secretariat had released the draft partnership agreement noting that Botswana was among countries which participated in the cleaning up of its text. "We are convinced, and reasonably so, that the ever resurfacing issues relating to tackling anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism as well as tax management, will be better dealt with through adequate and transparent consultations; rather than unilateral action," he said. During the dialogue, Dr Kwape said Botswana and EU exchanged views and set out priorities to effectively strengthen the partnership, Botswana's Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan and the EU's new financing model for 2021 to 2027. "We are both agreed that when these are considered alongside the EU-SADC EPA, the Africa Agenda 2063, the spirit of the AfCFTA and the Sustainable Development Goals, much progress is achievable," he stated. Dr Kwape noted that Botswana and the EU remained important and strategic partners at both bilateral and multilateral levels adding that he therefore took the opportunity to apprise the organisation on Botswana's role as SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation chair. For his part, head of EU delegation to Botswana and SADC, Mr Jan Sadek, said his organisation was aware that the country had suffered economically from lockdowns imposed to fight the COVID pandemic. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Botswana Governance Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. However, he said owing to Botswana's track record of economic stability provided by many decades of prudence of macroeconomic management, the country stood a chance to recover economically in the post pandemic phase. He expressed the hope that Botswana would fast track reforms under the Economic Transformation Recovery Plan to grow the economy, create jobs and grow foreign investment. "As EU, we remain hopeful that Botswana's accelerated reforms under the ETRP will help Botswana immensely as she is a success story and a role model in Africa with good governance and political stability," he said. Stating that the EU remained a key business partner and a big source of foreign investment to Botswana, Mr Sadek advised the country to seize the opportunity to benefit from EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). He said EU's priorities under the agreement, which included investment promotion, digitalization and renewable energy, would be discussed with the finance ministry. Other African OACPS member states are Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali Niger, Rwanda, Eswatini, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Source : BOPA Prem Rawat met with supporters of the Peace Education Program in Mexico, where the wellbeing course is being embraced by diverse groups to reduce violence and cultivate hope. A training should impart to you the potential that you already have. The Peace Education Program is about fulfilling your potentialknowing and understanding what it means to be alive. Prem Rawat recently met with supporters of the Peace Education Program in Mexico, where the wellbeing course is being embraced by diverse people in family development organizations, correctional facilities, law enforcement and more. The nonprofit that he started, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), makes the workshop series available across the world to help people discover their own inherent resources such as inner strength and personal peace. As in other countries, a growing number of institutions in Mexico are poised to integrate the program into their efforts to reduce violence and cultivate hope. Total program participation rose in the last year to over 44,000 people in 50 countries, with many of the workshops offered on virtual platforms so that people could safely benefit despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The popularity of the program in Mexico has been growing exponentially and it recently garnered positive attention from several press outlets. The La Jornada Maya newspaper reported that In the context of the pandemic, it has been a balm to alleviate a little of the pain and uncertainty that we human beings suffer. About 40 attendees joined Prem Rawat to learn more about the Peace Education Program at the March 15 meeting in Cancun, Mexico, including representatives from the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF), the Quintana Roo Governors Office, the State Education System, the State Public Safety System, Technological University of Cancun, and other organizations. Many have expressed a keen interest in expanding the program to their constituencies. The Peace Education Program workshops feature videos of Rawats addresses, as well as reflection time, participant discussions, workbook activities and reading materials, making them varied, fun and adaptable. At the Peace Education meeting in Mexico, Prem Rawat explored some of the same themes that he does in the program workshops, delivering an empowering message about how to live a life of joy and appreciation even in the face of difficult circumstances. You judge your life by what you dont have. You need to start judging your life by what you do have. And what you do have is the peace, the tranquility, the joy, the kindness that is all inside of you. There is a lit candle inside of each human being. And we suffer in darkness because we are not allowing that light to express itself in our lives, he said. A training should impart to you the potential that you already have. The Peace Education Program is about fulfilling your potentialknowing and understanding what it means to be alive. The event followed the release of recent studies that show remarkable benefits for Peace Education Program participants including enhanced anger management, tolerance and contentment. The enthusiasm for the course in Mexico is mirrored across a range of countries in Latin America. For example, last year over 13,000 students participated in Colombian and Peruvian schools, buoyed by educators who want to prepare youth for positive life paths. During these challenging times, the collaboration and enthusiasm shown by representatives of groups and organizations in the Quintana Roo State of Mexico is particularly encouraging. We look forward to working together to respond to their requests to make this transformative course widely available, says Peace Education Program Director Willow Baker. Any individual or organization can apply to TPRF for a free license to offer the course to interested groups. The Peace Education Program is just one of the ways that TPRF advances dignity, peace and prosperity by addressing fundamental human needs. TPRF has provided more than $300,000 in funds for international COVID-19 relief projects in the last year. This winter TPRF also partnered with the World Central Kitchen to help people recover from devastating hurricanes in Central America. Learn more about the Peace Education Program and all of TPRFs initiatives here. Our relationship with the natural world is dangerously imbalanced. Recently, a series of catastrophic events wildfires, extreme weather, locust plagues and the COVID-19 pandemic have shaken the world and we are still dealing with the unprecedented, tragic socio-economic, health and humanitarian consequences. It is clearer than ever that our future and the future of our planet are intrinsically linked and both are under threat. 2020 has proved to us that nature is essential for our existence and intact natural systems are imperative to all our futures. What we do to nature we do to ourselves. We need to urgently mend our broken relationship with nature. Earth Hour 2021 will be a key moment to unite people to speak up for nature. Earth Hour will take place on 27 March 2021 at 8:30pm local time. In the lead up to and on the night of Earth Hour, we will ask people around the world to switch off and speak up for nature to stand in solidarity to show we care about the future of our planet, our one shared home. This year, Earth Hour is asking people to speak up for nature in as many diverse and creative ways as possible. We will encourage people to join their local Earth Hour events (likely virtually), share their stories of why nature matters to them or simply learn more about why climate change and nature loss are the two biggest environmental issues facing our planet today. A new digital activation will ask people around the world to switch off virtually in solidarity as the hour spreads across the globe. The time is now. We must speak up now to safeguard the health of our planet and in turn, our own health and well-being. Nature underpins everything. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat all rely on functioning natural systems and the production of common goods, livelihoods and our health and wellbeing also rely on nature. Crucially, protecting nature is also a key solution to counteracting the effects of climate change. We cant beat climate change without protecting nature nor re-establish a thriving natural world without a stable climate. Recent events have forced people around the world to re-evaluate the vital importance of nature, its impact in our daily lives and the huge threats it faces. It has become clearer that our health and the health of our planet are intrinsically linked and both are under threat. So why do we continue with unsustainable human activity, destroying habitats, accelerating climate change and increasing the risk of diseases like #COVID19? Without recognising the costs, people have taken more and more from nature, with human activity altering landscapes and ecosystems beyond recognition; polluting waterways, filling the oceans with plastic waste and destroying nature on an unprecedented scale. Its vital that we reverse the loss of biodiversity the variety of life on Earth and places where they live and its vital that we restore destroyed and deteriorated ecosystems as they underpin a healthy natural world. This Earth Hour, we need everyone who understands this vital truth to speak up for nature and help spark millions of conversations to elevate nature loss to a global audience. We must stop the destruction of nature on which our health, happiness and prosperity depend. Earth Hour: a movement to raise awareness on Climate Change and Nature Loss Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the worlds largest grassroots movements for the environment. Its been more successful than we ever imagined inspiring and empowering individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in 190 countries and territories to take actions for climate change and nature loss. While climate change remains a vital issue for our planet, we believe the spotlight must also focus on the accelerating loss of nature and the threats this poses to us all. We need to build a movement for nature, to generate and galvanize attention in a similar way to what was achieved with the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change. It is ever more important to raise awareness that nature is the critical foundation of a healthy planet and an immediate, powerful and cost-effective solution to climate disaster and pandemic prevention. Every country can play a part in protecting and restoring nature In 2021 the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will start to boost restoration actions on the ground. The opportunity to restore nature is found in all landscapes, from tropical to temperate forests, from wetlands to grasslands and farmlands. There are opportunities in countries North and South: 1. Improving degraded ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and forests as they build resilience against climate change, enhance biodiversity and reduce the risk of future pandemics. Restored forests, mangroves and seagrass ecosystems can capture and store huge amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to reduce the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases while contributing to reducing biodiversity loss. 2. Reducing environmental stresses such as pollution, over-fishing and industrial development can allow deteriorated ecosystems to rebuild and thrive, building resilience to the effects of climate change and improving biodiversity.. 3. Practicing sustainable farming and forestry can improve livelihoods and can revitalise rural communities. 4. Promoting green infrastructure can help improve air quality, regulate local air temperature and moisture, improve quality of life as well as contributing significantly to rebalance greenhouse gas emissions, in particular in cities. Individuals can support nature by making ethical purchase choices, consuming less and more wisely, restoring nature where they live and using renewable energy. They can also waste less, join movements like Earth Hour and educate themselves and others more widely on these issues. Earth Hour Mauritius As a matter of fact, Mauritius, through the initiative of Association Civique Midlands (ACM), became the first country in Southern Hemisphere (outside Australia) to celebrate the Earth-Hour in 2007. Mauritius celebrated its 1st Earth-Hour event back in 2007 at Domaine de Lagrave in support to the Sydney movement. Earth Hour was locally pioneered by ACM with the theme Une Heure pour notre Terre (literally meaning One Hour for Our Earth). In 2010, ANPRAS joined ACM to form the Earth Mauritius platform; thereafter, both have been actively engaged in promoting the event across the country. In February 2012, ANPRAS/Earth-Mauritius became the official focal point and lead organiser for the Earth Hour Global in. Earth Hour has now become an established national event in Mauritius with a huge participation from the Corporate World, Hotel Industry, Educational Sector and individuals. Mauritius Plans for EH 2021 With the announcement of the lockdown, ANPRAS had to recall and review all its activities; initially a grand launch of the campaign was scheduled for 23 March 2021. ANPRAS/Earth-Hour has now moved to online campaign and will also be hosting a number of virtual events to celebrate EH 2021 under these special circumstances with amplified emphasis on the protection of biodiversity. Christ Appadoo, President of ANPRAS we are hosting a virtual event which will be broadcast live on our Facebook Page #mauritius.earthhour ; we will have a number of items and reflections around the theme of the campaign ; that is to speak up for nature. We also invite the population to follow our page and keep abreast of latest news from our side. We also invite every nature caring individual to send us short videos ( less than 1 mins) of what they are doing on Earth Hour; things which may range from anything like (a) candle light dinner with the family, (b) elderly sharing traditional games or sirandanes with younger generations, (c) yoga , (d) story telling etc.In fact you can just do anything as long as you are thinking positively about how we can change of our lifestyle and be closer to nature: Raj Chintaram, President Emeritus and founder of Earth Hour Mauritius states, its a sense of accomplishment and see that ANPRAS is the focal point for the 3 major global environment movements namely Earth Day, Earth Hour and World Cleanup Day in Mauritius. ANPRAS has hosted and promoted the event for the past 14 years and COVID-19 has not dampened the zeal of the team to speak up for nature. We might be under lockdown but we always find means to unlock our full potentials. On the same, we have launched a special painting contest for students of Grade 7 & 8. Entries will be accepted till Friday 26th March and paintings receiving the maximum likes will be rewarded; so we invite our young talents to speak up their brushes for the nature. Malini Moneeram, Country Director for Earth Hour, its my privilege to have been appointed to lead Earth Hour in Mauritius for the next 5 years. For this EH, I am inviting all Mauritians to partake our on-the-night online digital switch off activation and also share extensively the special video which will be globally released to celebrate the Virtual Spotlight. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn More trouble seems to be in store for former finance minister and his son as the (ED) in its prosecution complaint commonly known as chargesheet revealed that properties worth Rs 65 crore was involved in by Advantage Strategic Consultancy Pvt Limited (ASCPL). The company, which was beneficially owned by Karti Chidambaram, was used to deposit proceeds of crime and later laundered by investing in shares of two entitiesVasan Healthcare and AGS Health. ED in the chargesheet said that ASCPL had raised invoices in the garb of services to INX Media and collected proceeds of crime without actually providing any service to them. On Wednesday, the Special Court took cognisance of the prosecution complaint against father- son duo along with 12 other accused 10 months after ED filed the chargesheet. The former finance minister, his son and other accused were asked to appear before the Special Court on April 7. The is about alleged irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to INX Media group for receiving overseas funds worth Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as the finance minister of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. Investigation revealed that the proceeds of crime worth Rs 65.88 crore detected till date are involved in through ASCPL. As a matter of oral agreement with P Chidambaram, an amount of Rs. 3.08 crore was given by INX Media to the companies ASCPL, CBNPMC and Kriya, beneficially owned by Karti. The proceeds of crime deposited was multiplied and invested in properties, ED said in the chargesheet, a copy of which was reviewed by Business Standard. The federal agency explained that in the year 2008, discrepancies were noticed in the FIPB approval of INX Media. Probe found that Pratim Mukerjea and Indrani Mukerjea met Karti P Chidambaram, to sort out the discrepancies in Hyatt Hotel, New Delhi. ED alleged that Karti demanded $1 million to sort out the issue using influence of his father being the then Union Finance Minister. Five Invoices were raised over a period of 3 months. He received Rs 11,23,600 as first installment in his beneficially owned company ASCPL. The issue of FIPB work was sorted out. Subsequently four invoices of Rs 3.36 crore were raised by the companies beneficially owned / associated with Karti. The proceeds of crime generated in this case were laundered by him and other co-conspirators and was invested in immovable and movable properties. Investigations as above reveal that various shell companies were formed and proceeds of crime was routed in the shell companies, multiplied by dubious means and then properties were purchased in India and abroad. Evidence revealed that Sh. Karti P. Chidambaram is in knowledge of the crime, said ED chargesheet. Explaining the role, ED chargesheet said that emails recovered from seized digital devices indicate that former minister was also in touch with S Bhaskararaman, close confidant of Karti and were being approached by various persons for getting their work done through Some of the mails seized from hard disks F-2, H-1 and C5-C16 during search in Aircel - Maxis case, proving that S Bhaskararaman was also a confidant of P Chidambaram and was in his touch constantly. He was even filing tax returns for P Chidambaram. With regards to the relationship between him and Chidambaram, Bhaskararaman stated that he was and is working for Karti. He was also handling property related transactions of the former minister. During the statement, Bhaskararaman admitted about his relationship and said that he was told by Karti to become Power of Attorney holder. So he was looking after Chidambarams family trust matters also. Investigators have also have details of evidences, including electronic, pertaining to these payments made to ASCPL and also the bank account details of the accused firm, to court. The Registrar-Generals Department has reiterated its decision to delete all dormant companies from its database to clean up the register. This follows two earlier notices issued on 12 May and on 18th December 2020 in the media and on the Departments website respectively, informing companies about the intended cleanup of the Departments register. In a final notice to companies issued and signed by Mrs Jemima Oware, the Registrar-General, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, in Accra, the Department said companies had up to June 30, 2021, to comply with the directive. It explained that the Departments database was over-bloated with names of 740,628 dormant companies registered between 1963 and 2011 (Legacy database), with only 70,346 of them being updated into the Department's database. It noted that the remaining companies had neither ever filed their Annual Returns nor re-registered with the Department. More so, only 266,765 Companies have filed their Annual Returns out of the total 524,006 registered Companies in the new Company database (eRegistrar) since 2012 to 2020 which renders the rest of the Companies not in good standing with the Department. Provisions under Section 289 of the Companies Act 2019, (Act 992) says a Company can be stricken off the Register due to the failure of the Company to file its Annual Returns on time or due to a change in the Companys Registered Office and Principal Place of Business without notifying the Registrar of Companies timeously. The Companies Act further mandates the Registrar of Companies to notify the General Public with three notices after, which a grace period of three months would be given to make all the mandatory filings after the final notice. After the expiration of the three months from the date of the notice, the names of the Companies/Partnerships that have still failed to comply with the moratoriums granted would be stricken off the register and the Company would be deemed dissolved, the statement added. It said companies must, therefore, take the necessary steps to act on the final notice, as the Department would deem those who failed to update their records as not carrying on business or not in operation and unless the cause was shown to the contrary. The statement urged all clients to visit the Departments website www.rgd.gov.gh, click on News, and Scroll down to view the list of Companies the Registrar intended to strike off the Register. 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 Bizarre Rocky Details of Oregon Coast: What's Really Going On Published 03/22/21 at 5:50 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oregon Coast) Sure, everyone loves the sandy beaches of the Oregon coast, but its the rocky areas that are by far and away the most interesting. Hypnotizing shapes and features abound, and theres so much more going on there than youd imagine. (Photo above courtesy Coos Bay / North Bend Visitors / Janice Langlilais) Three areas provide some of the wildest structures: Yachats, Coos Bay and Depoe Bay. Down at Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park often looks like an alien world, more so than any other spot on the coast, with the top of Cape Kiwanda in second place. Theres an intensely wide array of configurations and shapes there like they came from Dr. Suess, the Yes album covers done by Roger Dean, or even just the mind of Frank Zappa. Even crazier, they all have a different explanation, all provided by Oregon coast geologist George Mustoe. Courtesy Coos Bay / North Bend Visitors / Janice Langlilais First there are concretions, those grayish or even whitish blobs that sometimes look like cannon balls. Mustoe said they started with sand deposits maybe millions of years ago, and then water seeped into them, leaving behind minerals. Over time these hardened and kept growing as more material enveloped them. The jagged and irregular shapes you see all over are often the result of salt weathering. This is where all that wave action not only pounds away the rocks but it leaves behind salt crystals when the water evaporates. Rocks here are quite porous so the salt crystals over time grow and split the rocks apart over and over. That often takes millions of years. Courtesy Coos Bay / North Bend Visitors / Janice Langlilais Those salt crystals also help create all those honeycombed shapes here, but ocean algae blocks some of the inner erosion and creates smooth shapes. Pits at Shore Acres, photo courtesy Brent Lerwill (no, the child is not a geologic formation) Other spots have pits, which come from something else (see the Yachats section). These can get widened by wave action too. More on Coos Bay Complete Guide - South Coast Hotels Depoe Bays Mysterious Train Track in Rock. At the slightly mysterious and secretive spot known as North Point (also known as Depoe Bay Scenic View Area), theres a lot going on here. Plenty of strange shapes and features occupy this big basalt area that is formed from lava about 15 million years ago. One oddity is this chunk at the northern ledges that looks like a train track that simply ends abruptly. PSU geologist Scott Burns saw the photo and said it likely continues parallel to the shore but strangely it doesnt. Thats it. The feature starts at the bottom of the frame and ends as if a broken train track once simply ejected locomotives off the ledge. Being once lava, these giant blobs formed with weaknesses here and there, and these get eroded away into fractures, or cracks. According to Burns and UofO geologist and author Marli Miller its a kind of fracture called a joint, or an opening mode fracture. The term joint refers specifically to a fracture in which the cracking takes place by opening perpendicular to the fracture's surface, she said. They don't really mean a lot except that the rock's fractured, and that it will continue to erode faster along the cracks than elsewhere. The perpendicular cracks explain the train track look. Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours Kooky at Yachats. Those basalt ledges at Yachats are more like 36 to 40 million years old and they present plenty of odd details. Among them, this odd zig-zag pattern, which is found at a rock bluff right at the sandy end of the 804 Trail. It looks almost man-made, especially with that very straight edge. But its not. Thats just coincidence, and Miller said its the same fracture dynamic as up at Depoe Bay. My guess is that the zig-zag pattern also resulted from joints - but ones that intersected at right angles, she said. Even more surprising, this part of Yachats is not basalt - it's sandstone even though it's all black. Basalt dominates the rocky ledges south of this section, but just not here. This area is also know for weird little pits, just like on the south Oregon coast at Shore Acres. These have the same explanation, both echoed by Mustoe and Seaside geologist Tom Horning. The holes have been drilled by rock-boring clams in the softer matrix, Horning said. Its a bit like some alien movie: some creature has burrowed its way into the rock and thousands of them are living there. Mustoe points to rock-boring worms as well, however, for Shore Acres. These clams are adapted to growing in rock crevices and pits, then working their shells to grind open a bigger hole through time so they can grow, Horning said. They contribute to the erosion of the bedrock and their pits provide all sorts of micro-habitat niches for other creatures after the clams die. Hotels in Yachats - Where to eat - Yachats Maps and Virtual Tours MORE COAST BELOW 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 Keywords: Oregon Coast, south Coast, travel, geology, science, visitors center, North Bend, Shore Acres, beaches, Coos Bay, Yachats, tourism, Bandon, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Reedsport, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Brookings Micheal Martin said the Level 5 restrictions had worked effectively to bring case numbers down very significantly (Julien Behal Photography/PA) No decision has been made in relation to what restrictions will be eased from April 5, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin warned that the situation in relation to the virus was very fragile. It comes as a meeting of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) planned for Thursday was postponed until next week. Expand Close The Cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to rubber-stamp any changes to current restrictions (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to rubber-stamp any changes to current restrictions (Brian Lawless/PA) Health experts were due to meet this week to decide whether some restrictions could be lifted. The meeting had been put back to allow for further data to be analysed before Nphet gave its advice to Government on reopening dates. The Cabinet is expected to meet on Tuesday to rubber-stamp any changes to current restrictions. Mr Martin told the Dail: The situation in relation to the virus is very fragile. We have, in the last seven days, 3,800 cases. The sacrifices that people have made has had an impact on getting case numbers dramatically down from January figures. COVID-19 is still circulating. To help stop the spread: ai #StayHome aipractice social distancing and wear face coverings aa aiwash your hands, cover coughs and sneezesaa aidownload and use the #COVIDTrackerappa a#StaySafe #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/5W69vC6EJz HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 24, 2021 The Level 5 restrictions have worked effectively to bring numbers down very, very significantly from where they were. But the numbers are still high in one way too, and the fundamental reason for that is were dealing with a variant that is highly transmissible and more dangerous. No decision has been made in relation to the post-April 5 situation. Weve been engaging with public health advice and research in relation to this. We do acknowledge the enormous stress and strain and difficulties the current lockdown is imposing on people, in terms of personal restrictions, on their freedom and their liberties and not meeting up with others. We do not want to go back to a situation where we have 2,000 people in hospital. Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said people were worried about the prospect of a lost summer (Brian Lawless/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said people were worried about the prospect of a lost summer (Brian Lawless/PA) Opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald said the public were fed up and angry living through three months of Level 5 restrictions. The Sinn Fein leader said there were thousands of people who had not worked in a year. Many havent seen family or friends in months, and small businesses are either closing or will struggle to survive, Ms McDonald added. She said people were worried about the prospect of a lost summer. Were now approaching April 5, the date that the public had hoped would bring some relief to restrictions, and yet people are still waiting to hear the Governments plan as to what lies ahead, she added. Indeed, instead of clear communication and strong leadership, what we have had throughout this crisis is mixed messages and kite-flying. She criticised the stuttering vaccine rollout and failure to ramp up testing and tracing. Ms McDonald was also critical of the Governments quarantine system, saying it did not go far enough. From Friday, all passengers arriving into Ireland from one of the 33 countries flagged as high-risk by the Government will have to quarantine for 12 days at a hotel. They are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and to pre-pay for their stay. The list of 33 countries is far too limited and only two of those 33 countries have direct flights into Ireland, Ms McDonald added. We have a half-baked plan, were left vulnerable to the importation of the virus and to further dangerous variants. We need a system of real mandatory quarantine for all non-essential arrivals from all countries. Mr Martin defended the Governments quarantine system, saying Ireland was the first country in the European Union to introduce mandatory hotel quarantine. Wednesday brought 18 further deaths linked to Covid-19 and 683 new cases, the Department of Health said. There were 76 people with the virus in intensive care, the same as Tuesday. Some 329 Covid-19 patients were in hospital, marking 18 additional admissions in the past 24 hours. Children could receive covid vaccines from August as the government pushes for maximum immunity, sources have revealed. The plan leaked to The Telegraph means that up to 11 million under 18s could have jabs by the start of the autumn term, months ahead of when inoculations had been expected for children. The government awaits data from a major child vaccine study by Oxford University, with conclusions due in June or July, which will dictate the final decision on jabs for children. The proposal is bound to be controversial because the virus poses only a minuscule risk to children and there is constantly evolving data on vaccine safety. Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show the risk of dying from covid if infected is 1,513 per 100,000 people for over-80s, but for children aged five to nine, this is just 0.1 per 100,000. People who back the policy argue that it is important to minimise the risk of infection, despite academics who argue children do not contribute to the spread of covid. Israel is the first country in the world to have rolled out vaccines to children, with 16 and 17-year-olds having jabs after the health ministry decided it was safe. Britain's vaccine drive, like Israel's, has been immensely successful - with around three million first doses administered each week. If the proposal to jab children goes ahead, this would mean 11 million kids could be vaccinated before the start of the autumn term. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said 'no decisions have been made on whether children should be offered vaccinations.' One source involved in the plan told The Telegraph that vaccines for children 'could begin by late summer,' stating specifically that August was the date. Another source said that this would be the 'earliest' the roll-out for under-18s would begin. Only children who are at a high risk of covid are currently able to have a vaccine. The Oxford trial which the Department of Health is looking to involves 300 children aged six to 17 who are receiving AstraZeneca jabs. There are likely to be exemptions if the vaccine is granted approval for children, and it is expected that parents would have the final say so in any case. Prof. Adam Finn, a paediatrician on the government's jabs committee, told the Telegraph: 'Children constitute close to quarter of the population, so even if we could achieve 100 per cent uptake of vaccines across the adult population, it only gets you to 75 per cent coverage.' The proposal to vaccinate children underlines the extent to which the government feels it must drive down cases ahead of next winter. Boris Johnson on Tuesday conceded at the Downing Street press briefing that eradicating covid wasn't on the table. 'I'm not sure that eradication makes sense in a globalised economy for one country alone,' the PM said. Mr Johnson struck a sombre tone on Tuesday as Britain remembered its 126,000 covid dead on the first anniversary of lockdown. He offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones' as he reflected on 'a very dark and difficult year.' But he has warned recently of another wave 'washing up on our shores' amid rising cases in Europe and said on Tuesday it was 'too early to say' whether overseas holidays would be possible. One way in which they might be feasible is through vaccinations, and in more inoculation news, it was revealed in a leak dossier yesterday that care home workers will be made to have the jab. Mr Johnson and Matt Hancock are believed to have pushed for the move amid alarm over the low take-up of jabs among care home staff. Figures show that only around a quarter of care homes in London and around half in other parts of England have reached 'safe' levels of vaccination of staff. A paper was submitted to the Covid-19 Operations Cabinet sub-committee last week to make jabs compulsory for care home staff, according to the Daily Telegraph. If the measures are voted through then England's 1.5 million workers in social care could become legally required to get a coronavirus jab. It presents a major departure from the government's previous insistence the jab would not be made mandatory. It is also expected to raise anger among staff, with the paper itself warning that the policy could trigger an exodus of staff and even a string of human rights lawsuits. The paper was drafted by the Department of Health and Social Care and is titled 'Vaccination as a condition of deployment in adult social care and health setting'. The key section for care workers reads: 'The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State [for Health] have discussed on several occasions the progress that is being made to vaccinate social care workers against Covid-19 and have agreed in order to reach a position of much greater safety for care recipients to put in place legislation to require vaccinations among the workforce.' The paper also revealed how the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), set a benchmark of 80 per cent vaccination among staff and 90 per cent vaccination among residents for a care home to be deemed safe. Source: Dailymail 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 AstraZeneca is among the real corporate heroes of the pandemic. Its workforce strained every sinew to bring the Oxford-Jenner Covid vaccine to fruition and, selflessly, it as been making it available at close to cost price. So it was shameful to hear Belgium MEP Philippe Lamberts frothing at the mouth and describing the company as 'dishonest'. It is also disturbing that Italian inspectors are making politically charged claims that Astra secretly stockpiled 29m doses. Lifeline: AstraZeneca's workforce strained every sinew to bring the Oxford-Jenner Covid vaccine to fruition and, selflessly, it as been making it available at close to cost price What is frustrating for its Swedish chairman Leif Johansson, a former chief executive of Volvo, is the reputational damage. He is concerned by the high-profile rift with the EU and with Astra's less than robust regulatory filings in the US, which have been subjected to challenge. A problem has been the absence of French chief executive Pascal Soriot, who has been at home with his family in Sydney away from the fray. Some members of the board feel that they went out on a limb by awarding Soriot a 15.4million pay package for 2020, partly for rising to the Covid challenge. This met his perennial concern about being undervalued. But it is now felt that Soriot has been less than effective in dealing with European and US regulators. It is argued that differences with Brussels over what some insiders at Astra now regard as not a particularly well written EU contract could have been smoothed over. Healing the rift has not been made any easier by Soriot's defiant rather than conciliatory interviews with the European press. The rumbles of discontent with Soriot's leadership and the lack of a strong enough support system around him are understood to have coalesced around non-executive Graham Chipchase, chief executive of former GKN offshoot Brambles. There is no suggestion that anyone is calling for Soriot's head. He has delivered not just on the vaccine but also on the growth targets and immunology drugs put in place at the time of the successful defence against a Pfizer takeover in 2015. Johansson and the board stood full square behind the sturdy defence put up by Soriot. Astra's stock has retreated from its peaks of July 2020 partly as a response to the 29billion bid for US drug maker Alexion. But there can be no doubt that the EU vaccine war has marred an undoubted triumph and engendered unwanted turbulence. Rough rider David Cumming at Aviva has taken some of the shine off the 8.8billion Deliveroo float with objections to the work status of the food service company's riders. The focus on working conditions in the gig economy has come under scrutiny following the Supreme Court ruling in favour of the entitlement of Uber drivers to the living wage and better employment conditions. In a country where successive Tory-led governments have raised the national living wage, all employers, Deliveroo included, have legal obligations to make sure it is paid. There are also moral obligations about rights of access to sick pay. But there also needs to be recognition that in the UK there are individuals in further education and young people seeking extra income who enjoy the flexibility of being a delivery rider. It would also be fascinating to know if Aviva, in the interests of governance parity, would be willing to offload its holdings in all the other quoted firms in the retail, online and logistics sector which subscribe to the gig economy. Flexible working arrangements suit great swathes of the workforce. Not being a PAYE employee can also be economically advantageous. Sure, potential employment legal liabilities are a risk factor in the float. But whether they justify UK long-funds climbing onto their high horse is a moot point. Jackpot joy Why is the UK services sector doing so well in lockdown, soaring to a seven-month high in March? It is partly due to the country's creative, tech and online skills. The gaming sector is a major contributor to the economy with an estimated contribution of 5.7billion. The intrinsic value is underlined with the latest deal, with Britain's Gamesys, inventor of online betting brands such as Star Spins, Sun Bingo and Virgin Games, getting into bed with US casino operator Bally's in a 2billion deal. The takeover enriches founder Noel Hayden by 299million. Another British enterprise goes West. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Plans to mark the centenary of the creation of Northern Ireland, including the installation a 20,000 stained glass window at Coleraine Town Hall, have been progressed despite nationalist objections. A report detailing the plans was approved at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's Leisure and Development Committee last week. The report, compiled by the council's NI 100 Centenary Working Group, rejected a council-led community consultation on the window. Instead, it recommended an internal process through the council's working group and associated Historical Advisory Panel. Nationalist councillors raised objections to the proposal, with Sinn Fein councillor Sean Bateson voicing concern over ownership of the Town Hall. I know there are issues over who owns the Town Hall. How can we propose spending this sum of money on a stained glass window when we don't know who owns it? he said. A council official told councillors the stained glass window was subject to the ownership issues being clarified, and that seeking planning permission had been built into the timeframe. Council officials said building a shared understanding was built into the programme, before Limavady councillor John McAuley accused Cllr Bateson of showing 'bitterness' towards the plans. It's safe to say he is not a bit worried about the ownership of the Town Hall or planning, it's more the project the window is associated with, he said. The recommendation to proceed was passed by 12 votes to 4. 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 [March 24, 2021] AXIM Biotechnologies' Manufacturing Partner Empowered Diagnostics Files Emergency Use Authorization With FDA for Use of Its Rapid COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Test in Whole Blood at Point-of-Care Locations SAN DIEGO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTCQB: AXIM) (AXIM Biotech, AXIM or the Company), an international healthcare solutions company targeting oncological and COVID-19 research, announced today that the Companys manufacturing partner, Empowered Diagnostics , has filed an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the approval to use ImmunoPass, the Companys rapid test that semi-quantitatively measures levels of COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies, to detect COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies in whole blood at point-of-care locations. AXIM announced earlier this month that it has completed clinical trials, identifying that operators found ImmunoPass easy to use and that they encountered no issues in using the Companys test to measure participants levels of COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies. AXIM worked with Empowered Diagnostics to compile these study results for inclusion in this EUA. John W. Huemoeller II, AXIM Biotech CEO, commented: With recent news that vaccines are expected to be available to all American adults by May, travel will likely pick back up shortly. This makes ImmunoPass even more relevant as neutralizing antibodies drop off at varying rates following vaccination. In order to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we need to understand not only whether a person has been vaccinated but also whether their current levels of neutralizing antibodies are high enough for safe travel. About AXIM Biotechnologies Founded i 2014, AXIM Biotechnologies, Inc. (AXIM) is a vertically integrated research and development company focused on changing diagnosis and treatment for oncology and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). AXIMs COVID-19 rapid neutralizing antibody test is the first rapid diagnostic test measuring levels of functional neutralizing antibodies that are believed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering the host cells. Additionally, the Company is developing rapid diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancer and proprietary small molecules drugs to treat cancer and block metastasis. For more information, please visit www.AXIMBiotech.com . About Empowered Diagnostics Empowered Diagnostics delivers innovative, best-in-class diagnostic tests backed by leading experts in healthcare and biotechnology. Our mission is to empower people with the knowledge and confidence to understand their health through reliable, affordable, high-quality tests. Based in Pompano Beach, Florida, Empowered Diagnostics is one of the largest capacity manufacturers of rapid diagnostic solutions in the United States. For more information, please visit www.empdx.net Forward-Looking Statements The statements made by Axim Biotechnologies Inc., in this press release may be forward-looking in nature within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe Axims future plans, projections, strategies and expectations, and are based on assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Axim Biotechnologies, Inc. Actual results could differ materially from those projected due to there being no assurance that our diagnostic candidate will be successfully shown to detect SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, that the diagnostic candidate will be approved for use by the U.S. FDA or any equivalent foreign regulatory agency, that the diagnostic candidate can be manufactured in large quantities or that third parties with an established presence in blood collection clinics, vaccine development, employer or individual use will enter into agreements or purchase from the Company, and even if the Companys diagnostic candidate is successful, it may generate only limited revenue and profits for the Company, including whether any of Axims diagnostic products will receive clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies to sell its products and whether and when, if at all, they will receive final approval from the U.S. FDA or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies, the fact that there has never been a commercial diagnostic test utilizing neutralizing antibodies approved for use and various other factors detailed from time to time in Axims SEC reports and filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on May 13, 2020 and our subsequent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on June 30, 2020, and other reports we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov . Axim Biotechnologies, Inc., undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless otherwise required by law. CONTACT: Public Relations Contact: Kathryn Brown Account Supervisor CMW Media P. 858-264-6600 kathryn@cmwmedia.com www.cmwmedia.com AXIM Corporate Contact Info: 6191 Cornerstone Ct., Ste. 114 San Diego, CA 92121, USA P. 858-923-4422 Investor Relations Contact: investors@aximbiotech.com 888-759-0844 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Charleston, WV (25301) Today Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Sebastian Stan returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the Disney Plus series Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which debuted last week. The 38-year-old actor returns as the Winter Soldier, alongside Anthony Mackie's Falcon, in the six-episode series. The actor appeared in a virtual interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, where he spoke about how COVID-19 affected the production, working with Anthony Mackie and more. Debut: Sebastian Stan returns to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the Disney Plus series Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which debuted last week Virtual: The actor appeared in a virtual interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday, where he spoke about how COVID-19 affected the production, working with Anthony Mackie and more Both Stan and Mackie made their Marvel Studios debuts in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, with Stan revealing he wasn't sure what his future was with the studio, after Avengers: Endgame. 'We just both knew we were going to stick around in some capacity, you know, because we were alive at the end of Endgame,' Stan began. He added that they had each separately gotten called into meetings with Marvel, 'but then, I ran into him at this hotel in L.A. And I didn't know he was in L.A.' Co-stars: Both Stan and Mackie made their Marvel Studios debuts in 2014's Captain America: The Winter Soldier, with Stan revealing he wasn't sure what his future was with the studio, after Avengers: Endgame Sticking around: 'We just both knew we were going to stick around in some capacity, you know, because we were alive at the end of Endgame,' Stan began 'And he looked at me funny and I looked at him funny and we sort of started to kind of piece the puzzle together that maybe we were there for the same reason, you know,' Stan added. The show follows both of the title characters who reunite for a new mission, in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, with production made rather tricky thanks to COVID-19. 'It's very difficult with Anthony because he's a close talker so you know, the aspect of social distance for him is a difficult thing,' Stan joked. New mission: The show follows both of the title characters who reunite for a new mission, in the aftermath of Avengers: Endgame, with production made rather tricky thanks to COVID-19 He added that they flew out to Prague to shoot the series early last year, with Meyers showing an Instagram selfie of him on the plane in a full hazmat suit. 'But we did because we didn't know what to expect. And I had my best friend with me, who's a worse hypochondriac than I was and we just kept piling things on and going I mean, where do we stop with this thing,' he added. The actor said they were going to try a new hashtag called #BuckyTakesEurope, but it, 'led to only three posts and a birthday that happened a few days later. And then, we were sent back.' Selfie: He added that they flew out to Prague to shoot the series early last year, with Meyers showing an Instagram selfie of him on the plane in a full hazmat suit Hashtag: The actor said they were going to try a new hashtag called #BuckyTakesEurope, but it, 'led to only three posts and a birthday that happened a few days later. And then, we were sent back' He added they went to a crowded restaurant in Prague, which, 'led to me meeting about 35 waiters and hugging them and taking selfies with them and then, ten minutes later, we got a call, we were supposed to get on a plane so I felt really good about how I spent that night, more at risk than ever.' Stan also joked that his co-star Mackie is, 'like a disease that you're just going to have to live with,' adding they, 'have a good rapport and somehow, they decided to give us a show.' He added that, after returning to New York after production was shut down, he, 'didn't know what to expect' adding that 'everything felt out of place.' Crowded: He added they went to a crowded restaurant in Prague, which, 'led to me meeting about 35 waiters and hugging them and taking selfies with them and then, ten minutes later, we got a call, we were supposed to get on a plane so I felt really good about how I spent that night, more at risk than ever' Jokes: Stan also joked that his co-star Mackie is, 'like a disease that you're just going to have to live with,' adding they, 'have a good rapport and somehow, they decided to give us a show' 'I went full on like The Aviator Dicaprio OCD. I was taking my clothes off in my hallway and running them to the washing machine, and then, washing every little thing, you know, in the sink,' he added. While the early days of quarantine were, 'really weird,' he revealed there was an 'old lady across the street from me who, every night at 7:00 PM, would just come out and blast Frank Sinatra. 'You know, and then, everybody else would come out and just sort of join in. And moments like that just feel kind of like they surpass all time,' he added. Stan's new series Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuts new episodes on Disney Plus every Friday. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Obert Gutu speaking about meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino when he joined Zanu PF. I felt good, he says, adding that he didnt obtain a Zanu PF card on that particular day. I have triggered a mechanism to obtain one. BUCHAREST -- Romanias lawmakers have voted to scrap a special court established in 2018 to investigate magistrates and prosecutors suspected of corruption. The Chamber of Deputies adopted the bill dismantling the court on March 24, with 171 votes in favor and 136 against. The bill, which was pushed forward by the ruling coalition led by the National Liberal Party (PNL), will now go to the Senate where the ruling coalition also has a majority. The special court was criticized by civil society organizations, the United States, and the European Commission as a means to intimidate judges. The tribunal was established under the government of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which ended in a vote of no-confidence in 2019 while its former leader, Liviu Dragnea, was imprisoned on corruption charges. Now in opposition, the PSD said it would appeal the dismantling of the tribunal before the Constitutional Court. The March 24 vote did not fully satisfy critics of the court either. A provision of the proposed law says that the Superior Council of the Magistrature, composed of representatives of the judges, must give a green light before a magistrate is sent to trial. In an open letter published this week, hundreds of Romanian judges warned that the provision in question could sabotage the fight against corruption as much as the existence of the court itself. With reporting by Balkan Insight U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell announced this morning she would not run for the U.S. Senate seat Sen. Richard Shelby is leaving after 2022. Sewell, who has represented Alabamas 7th District for a decade and is the only Democrat in the states Congressional delegation, had previously said she would look very closely at running for the open seat. I am humbled by the overwhelming requests I have received to run for Senator Shelbys seat in 2022, Sewell said in a press release. After careful consideration and consultation with my family and closest advisors, I have decided that the unfinished business of my home district, Alabamas 7th Congressional District, is far too important for me to seek higher office at this time. I am singularly focused on my work to get H.R. 4, The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, signed into law this Congress and to continue my work to expand economic opportunities for my constituents in Alabamas 7th District. Sewell, a Selma native who was a lawyer in Birmingham before her election in 2010, is sponsor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, which would restore parts of the 1965 Voting Rights Act struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. I will remain actively engaged in the U.S. Senate race in Alabama and will throw my full weight behind the Democrat candidate who emerges as the strongest advocate for protecting voting rights, expanding economic opportunity, and strengthening access to health care, Sewell said. In the meantime, I remain committed to representing all Alabamians in the U.S. House of Representatives by building on my work to tear down the economic and societal barriers that have stood in the way of economic opportunity and equity. So far, two Republicans have announced they will run for Shelbys seat -- U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville and Lynda Blanchard, who was the ambassador to Slovenia under President Trump. Related: Whats changed for Mo Brooks since 2017 US Senate run? President Bidens demand for new gun control measures on Tuesday was the latest in what has become a doleful ritual in Washington: making a renewed call for legislation after a deadly mass shooting, the latest one at a Colorado grocery store where 10 people, including a police officer, were killed on Monday. But while polling regularly shows broad support for tighter gun laws and specific policies like a ban on assault weapons, Republicans in Congress remained all but immovable on the issue, repeating longstanding arguments on Tuesday that gun violence should be addressed through steps like more policing rather than limiting gun rights. Theres not a big appetite among our members to do things that would appear to be addressing it, but actually dont do anything to fix the problem, said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. Even before the recent shootings, which also included a deadly rampage at massage parlors in Atlanta, Democrats had begun advancing stricter gun control measures. But those proposals face long odds in the 50-to-50 Senate, where it takes 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Sherri Gillette Despite all of the changes that hit us in 2020, we were able to serve our clients and to take the best care of our team members ... We basically said yes to everything to continue to grow our business, keep our team members on staff and serve our community. - Sherri Gillette In 2017, 2018 and 2019, Sherri Gillette had the top performing Caring Transitions franchise in the nation and she credited her team and her client-focused attitude. While she earned the top spot again in 2020 while the chapters changed a bit throughout the year the story was the same. Despite all of the changes that hit us in 2020, we were able to serve our clients and to take the best care of our team members. We quickly found PPE for our employees and put together a safety protocols sheet for our retirement communities, we moved into a larger warehouse, transitioned to hosting our estate sales exclusively online, started a grocery and pharmacy delivery service for our senior clients and set-up an employee food bank for anyone who needed extra help. We basically said yes to everything to continue to grow our business, keep our team members on staff and serve our community, Gillette said. In addition to working quickly to meet the needs of the community and sharing those ideas with the Caring Transitions community, Gillette worked with Amazon to get that much-needed PPE for other franchises across the country at a time when securing supplies seemed impossible. That kind of pioneering spirit is what earned her the Caring Transitions Bruce Treadway Pioneer Spirit Award, which was presented at a virtual recognition on March 10. The Bruce Treadway Pioneer Spirit Award is named after Caring Transitions very first franchisee, Bruce Treadway, who helped build the franchise into the national Franchise 500 ranked business it is today. Spend more than a minute with Sherri Gillette and the topic of caring for her clients or giving back to the community will come up its simply how she is wired. During the pandemic, her first thought wasnt about her business. It was about her senior clients and the community. Sherri shifted her business in an instant and it made a difference for the community and her business. Sherri is truly a pioneer when it comes to helping others, Caring Transitions President Ray Fabik said. Caring Transitions specially-trained team can handle organizing, packing, de-cluttering, moving, resettling, in-person and online estate sales, liquidations, clean-outs, and preparing homes for market. Caring Transitions specializes in managing senior relocations, but the services are also perfect for busy families and individuals in need of assistance. Caring Transitions is a national franchise and in more than 200 markets. Caring Transitions of Southern Arizona, which has been operating since 2010, serves Tucson, Oro Valley, Saddlebrooke, Sierra Vista, Sahuarita, Green Valley and other Southern Arizona communities. While we pivoted in many ways in 2020, the biggest and most immediate change was that we strengthened and streamlined our in-home online auction business, which gave our clients a better level of comfort when selecting an auction versus estate sale business. Tucson has traditionally been a very strong estate sale environment and, in the time of COVID, this gave us a distinct competitive edge. I appreciate that our clients trusted us and that we had just moved into an 8,800-square-foot warehouse. When our online auction sale business exploded in March, we were able to meet the need, Gillette said. Caring Transitions of Southern Arizona is bonded and insured and all W2 employees have been background-checked. For additional information about Caring Transitions of Southern Arizona, call (520)262-1495, email SGillette@CaringTransitions.net or visit http://www.CaringTransitionsTucson.com. Facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment and criticism of how he handled COVID-19 in nursing homes, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is refusing to resign amid growing backlash, and as he loses support from more and more lawmakers. And short of an impeachment, Albany insiders and observers think that only losing the support of major national figures such as President Joe Biden or support from key Black leaders in New York could change his mind. Even lawmakers who have called on Cuomo to resign dont see the governor changing his tune any time soon. I think it would take an impeachment, Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, who has called for Cuomo to resign and for his impeachment, said. I dont think he will resign of his own volition. The list of elected officials calling on Cuomo to resign seems to grow by the day. It includes fellow Democrats Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the majority of the states congressional delegation. But Cuomo has been adamant about his intention to stay in office as investigations by the attorney general and the Assembly are underway. It seems like hes crossed the rubicon, Blair Horner, executive director of the good-government advocacy organization New York Public Interest Group. Hes dug in and he believes that hell be vindicated. Horner said that it may well take a criminal indictment, or a state Senate impeachment trial if things get that far. Cuomo has repeatedly denied the most serious allegations of sexual harassment, including that he kissed former staffer Lindsey Boylan on the lips without her permission and groped a current unnamed aide. While he has said he never touched anyone inappropriately, Cuomo has apologized for comments that may have been misinterpreted as unwanted flirtation, although has not remarked on the specifics of the alleged statements, including asking one former aide if she slept with older men. People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture and the truth, Cuomo said at a March 12 press conference. Let the review proceed, Im not going to resign, I was not elected by the politicians, I was elected by the people. Cuomo has since said he would not further comment on the sexual harassment allegations until the invesigations are complete. That buys Cuomo some time. At a March 23 Assembly Judiciary Committee meeting introducing the lawyers who will be leading the probe, committee Chair Charles Lavine said we expect that the timing will be in terms of months, rather than weeks. And an impeachment vote is hardly guaranteed once the investigation wraps up. One Democratic state senator, who requested anonymity to speculate on the governors intentions, said that evidence of criminality from the attorney generals report may cause the governor to change course without an impeachment, but acknowledged that too could take months. He wants to ride this out, said the senator, who speculated that a prominent national figure like President Joe Biden or House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could successfully pressure Cuomo into stepping down. Neither Pelosi nor Biden have called on Cuomo to resign. Pelosi said she is waiting for the results of Attorney General Letitia James investigation, but said that Cuomo should look inside his heart to see if he can govern effectively. Biden said that Cuomo should resign if the investigation confirms that the allegations against the governor are true. But Cuomo is not without support, even as some Democrats and Republicans call for his resignation. In recent days, Cuomo has appeared at a number of closed-press events, surrounded by Black clergy and Black leaders, including former Rep. Charles Rangel, Rev. Al Sharpton and NAACP New York Chapter President Hazel Dukes. A number of Black women in the Assembly signed a letter, calling for James to complete her investigation before passing judgement on the governor. Soon after, a letter signed by Black clergy members, coordinated by former Cuomo aide Charles King, got sent to reporters. It is par for the course when white leaders need some kind of absolution for their sins they will show up at a Black church or surround themselves by African American leaders and voters, which is sort of a time-honored, but tired, tradition, said one Black Democratic operative who spoke on background to speak candidly. For the African American leader and voter, it is not necessarily an embrace of the person, so much as it is a defense of the right to due process. Right now, that support seems to be fairly solid. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that even as Cuomos approval ratings continue to slip, and a slowly growing number of people support his resignation, the governors support among Black voters remains strong. Only 19% of Black voters said that Cuomo should resign, compared to 53% of white voters. And his favorability with Black voters was at 66%. But the question becomes at what point could he lose that support? My sense is that there are three things that could theres one thing that involves three people that might make that happen, said the operative if Biden, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries or Rep. Gregory Meeks call on the governor to resign. I think those three individuals are the key, really, to the governor. Both Jeffries, who is from Brooklyn and serves as the Democratic Caucus chair, and Meeks, who is chair of the Queens County Democratic Party, said they support the attorney generals investigation and that Cuomo should reflect on whether he can still effectively lead the state, but did not actually call on him to resign. When reached for comment about what might cause Cuomo to change course and resign, a spokesperson for Cuomo referred to past comments by the governor saying he would not resign and asserting his ability to effectively govern. The point at which the governor feels he cannot adequately carry about his duties is another factor in the equation of whether Cuomo will resign. I said to the governor, look, one of the vulnerabilities is the argument that you can govern, Jay Jacobs, chair of the state Democratic Party, said of a recent conversation he had with Cuomo. So if you want to address that, then my recommendation would be to govern and demonstrate that you can govern. Cuomo has said that he is still focused on the upcoming budget and serving the state, and that the allegations against him and the investigations will not interfere with his work. I don't think there's a person in a better position to help the state get through this period than the experience that I bring to it, Cuomo said on March 12. Jacobs said if Cuomos ability to govern is impacted, then he should remove himself from the governors office, at least temporarily. He certainly has an obligation, if he ever felt that he couldnt, to either step aside or step down, Jacobs said. Some lawmakers say that the allegations, and Cuomos resistance to stepping down, are already impeding state operations. I really, like many others, want to focus on all of our really critical needs, like getting people vaccinated, opening up New Yorks schools for full-time instruction, revitalizing our local economy, as well as the state economy, and passing our budget, said Assembly Member Judy Griffin of Long Island, who originally resisted calling for Cuomo to resign but now supports his resignation. All of these different allegations are a distraction from that. The Democratic senator was more blunt. I just think it's become a circus, it's a circus, Albany circus once again, they said. And the prospect of impeachment proceedings and a state Senate trial also has Albany-area Assembly Member Patricia Fahy concerned. She originally called for the attorney general investigation to run its course, but has since called on Cuomo to step aside while that and other investigations are underway. I would hope that somehow or another governor then would step aside and we might be able to prevent any kind of prolonged impeachment process, Fahy said. Ultimately, control over resignation lies squarely with the governor, no matter how many people demand it of him. (Cuomo) not only is not afraid to fight, he likes to fight, Horner said. This is about his legacy, and if he can sort of punch his way through it, he may feel vindicated. And while its possible that new circumstances could cause him to change course, its equally possible that nothing makes Cuomo voluntarily step down, leaving it up to lawmakers to force him out, if the will is there. For him to resign, its his decision; for us to impeach him, its ours, Mamdani said. And I believe more in my colleagues than I do in our governor. The first of the returning ruby-throated hummingbirds could be less than 10 days away from Pennsylvania. The northernmost birds of the advancing northward migration were reported earlier this week from Huntersville and Belhaven in North Carolina, according to Hummingbird Central, one of several online organizations tracking the migration by gathering reports from the public and mapping them collectively. Those spots are 250-300 miles south of Pennsylvania, and hummingbirds can cover as much as 23 miles per day in migration. Hummingbird Guide recorded a sighting even farther north, in Floyd, Virginia, which is about 170 miles south of Pennsylvania. The northernmost report to Journey North has come from the Jacksonville, North Carolina, area, which is a bit south of the Belhaven sighting. The first hummingbird are likely males, which migrate ahead of the females by about 10 days. Those reports might indicate the migration is pretty much on schedule, or maybe running just a bit early. The leading front of the bulk of the northward migration usually arrives in southern Pennsylvania around April 20 and northern Pennsylvania around May 1, according to Hummingbird Central. Operation Rubythroat, another hummingbird research and tracking organization, places the normal arrival date for southern Pennsylvania at April 10 and for northern Pennsylvania at April 20. A few early migrating males will arrive in Pennsylvania ahead of those dates. When they arrive, they will find some flowers and tree buds in bloom, but lacking an abundance of blossoms, the birds will find other sources of nectar, such as oozing holes drilled into trees by sapsuckers and hummingbird feeders. Those wondering about the proper timing for cleaning and filling their hummingbird feeders for the first time this year have their answer. The end of this week may not be too early, particularly if you hope to attract more hummers this year than last. Banding studies indicate that many hummingbirds will return to the same sites they departed late last summer or fall, and even visit the same feeders. If they find ready nectar sources, the birds are likely to re-establish their territories from last year. Having ample feeders ready when the birds arrive also can be a means to attracting additional hummingbirds to settle in an area, including birds that found their previous territories lacking on their return this year. If the food then continues to be available in the territories the hummers choose, they usually will remain there throughout the summer, having little incentive to look for new spots to take nectar and insects. Feeders that go up in June or July, when a homeowner begins thinking about visitors commonly associated with summer, like hummingbirds, likely will be too late to attract the birds attention. Contact Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com. China sees 10.1 million people return or move to countryside to start businesses or pursue innovations in 2020 09:01, March 22, 2021 By Yu Jingxian ( People's Daily Photo taken on Sept. 14, 2019, shows Hu Tingting, a college graduate who returned to her hometown in Dayuan village, Tongling, east Chinas Anhui province, and created her own white ginger brand, discussing about the packaging and sales of the product with her colleagues. (Peoples Daily Online/Chen Chen) China has witnessed continuous expansion of the number of people who have returned or moved to the countryside to start their own businesses or make innovations, with the size of the group reaching a record high number of 10.1 million last year, an increase of 19 percent from that in 2019. While marking the largest and fastest growth in the number of people moving back to the countryside to start their own businesses or pursue innovations in China, the year 2020 also witnessed the formation of four major driving forces of entrepreneurship in the country, namely migrant workers, college graduates, ex-servicemen, and women. At the same time, more than 19 million rural residents who returned to or stayed in their hometowns secured jobs near their homes in 2020, thanks to the efforts of various local governments, which have taken comprehensive measures to effectively cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and make overall planning to support people who returned or moved to rural areas to start their own businesses and seek jobs. Liang Yongying, a woman born in Shanghang county, Longyan city, east Chinas Fujian province, returned to her hometown in 2011 after working in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province for five years since she graduated from a college. She found that people in her hometown, which has been known as the land of fish and rice, were still using traditional cultivation methods and local specialties hadnt been sold outside of her hometown although modern agriculture was enjoying rapid development. As the country continuously rolled out favorable policies to support the development of the agricultural sector, rural areas and rural people, Liang eventually decided to return to her hometown to engage in agricultural industry which she has always had a keen interest in. After returning to her hometown, Liang first became a major grain producer of her hometown, and then owner of a family farm. She has also established a new farmers association of Longyan city. She has realized mechanized and large-scale rice farming through transfer of land-use rights, and set up her own processing factory to provide services for local farmers. The rice from her farm has obtained the green food certification and gradually enjoyed increasing popularity. Today, her farm offers help to 20 families which used to be registered impoverished households under the pairing assistance model every year. Governments across the country are trying to create more opportunities for people who returned or moved to the countryside to start their own businesses or secure employment. Various areas of the country have made active efforts to expand the capacity of planting and breeding industries for creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and job hunters, the functional value of rural areas, and the room for improving the efficiency and benefits of industries by focusing on implementing policies on stabilizing employment, creating jobs by boosting development of various industries, optimizing services in providing jobs for residents, and offering vocational training to people to help them upgrade skills or switch jobs. About 20 percent of the people who returned or moved to the countrys rural areas mainly engage in large-scale and characteristic planting and breeding businesses, seedling cultivation, and livestock and poultry breeding, or lead or co-run farmers cooperatives and family farms. Around 55 percent of these people have established family-owned factories, rural workshops, small and micro businesses and other entities to seek development in such fields as catering, homestay hotels, farm produce preliminary processing, and featured crafts. The rest 25 percent of the group work as temporary or part-time workers, mainly running small businesses or engaging in temporary jobs. According to reliable statistics, of all the projects initiated by people who returned or moved to the countrys countryside, 55 percent have tapped into information technology to run online shops, engage in live-steaming shows and direct selling, as well as contactless delivery business, while over 85 percent feature the integration of primary, secondary and tertiary industries and cover a wide range of fields including production, processing, selling, services, and sectors such as agriculture, culture, tourism, and education. Last year, each project initiated by people who returned or moved to Chinas rural areas to start their own businesses or make innovations could provide stable employment for 6.3 people and flexible employment for 17.3 people on average. At the same time, such projects have brought benefits to local farmers based on contracts, in dividend payments, and via shares. Centering on consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation, China is going to further promote the development of rural business projects and cultivate a batch of major entrepreneurship and innovation forces that are rooted in rural areas, create rural industries, and can help local residents increase income, according to Liu Huanxin, vice minister of agriculture and rural affairs. The country will also establish a batch of demonstration parks and bases for entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas so as to generate more opportunities and jobs for people who are returning or moving to the countryside, Liu said. Advertisement Do you know the naked protester? Email jemma.carr@mailonline.co.uk Advertisement Bristol riot officers were confronted by a naked protester yesterday in yet another night of violent 'Kill The Bill' clashes in the city - as a police boss revealed the force feels 'under siege' amid rising tensions. Police with riot shields and helmets were called in to clear College Green in the centre of the city at 10pm on Tuesday. Around 150 protesters had earlier erected tents on the green in a protest at how the police crime sentencing and courts bill will impact travellers, squatters and the homeless. Scenes rapidly descended into chaos when protesters refused to disperse as police arrested 14 people - just two days after Sunday brought nine arrests when scenes of violence first erupted in the city. In shocking images from last night, one protester was seen facing a row of police completely naked with her arms raised to the sky. One officer - wearing a riot shield and helmet - speaks to the woman, as other pictures show her collecting her belongings and walking away. John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers are 'battered and bruised, in some cases physically' after last night's clashes, especially as they came 'on the back of the most horrendous violence' on Sunday. Posters congratulating protesters for the weekend's destruction - which left two police vehicles torched and 22 officers injured, two of whom were hospitalised - began appearing across the city throughout the day urging demonstrators to destroy evidence. The bulletins, titled 'Advice for Kill the Bill protestors' begin by saying: 'Nice work! Well done.' They go on to urge rioters to 'be careful about what you say online, by phone, or even around phones. Get rid of anything incriminating (eg clothes, maybe a phone).' Demonstrators are also told not to 'help [police] gather info or evidence' by being 'careful about what you say online, by phone, or even around phones'. Bristol riot officers were confronted by a naked protester (pictured) last night - as a police boss reveals the force feels 'under siege' after yet another night of violent 'Kill The Bill' clashes in the city The protester (pictured) was seen facing police officers completely naked as they approached her in Bristol last night Police with riot shields and helmets (pictured with a naked protester) were called in to clear College Green in the centre of the city at 10pm on Tuesday In shocking images from last night, one protester was seen facing a row of police completely naked with her arms raised to the sky One officer - wearing a riot shield and helmet - speaks to the woman. Around 150 protesters had earlier erected tents on the green in a protest at how the police crime sentencing and courts bill will impact travellers, squatters and the homeless Other images show her collecting her belongings and walking away (pictured). John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers are 'battered and bruised, in some cases physically' after last night's clashes, especially as they came 'on the back of the most horrendous violence' on Sunday Posters (pictured) congratulating protesters for the weekend's destruction - which left two police vehicles torched and 22 officers injured, two of whom were hospitalised - began appearing across the city throughout the day urging demonstrators to destroy evidence Protester denies carrying a SPEAR at Kill the Bill demonstration on Sunday A protester has denied carrying a spear at Sunday's Kill the Bill demonstration in Bristol. Bradley Edmonds, of Ilchester Crescent, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, charged with possessing an offensive weapon. The 28-year-old had been arrested on Monday, the day after the Kill the Bill demonstration against the proposed Police and Crime Bill. Edmonds pleaded not guilty to possession of a homemade spear with a sharpened edge. He was granted unconditional bail ahead of his next appearance at the same court on June 10. Avon and Somerset police say they are now investigating assaults on 40 officers and one member of the media. One officer was initially reported to have a broken arm, but police have now confirmed no officers suffered broken bones. A force spokesman said: 'Two further people, a 20-year-old man and a man currently refusing to provide details, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are in custody. This brings the total number of arrests so far to nine. 'Since launching a dedicated form for members of the public to supply footage or give us information about those involved, we've had 210 submissions and a further 68 calls to our control room.' Advertisement Mr Apter said last night's clashes were 'not good scenes to see' and blasted the rioters as 'completely unacceptable'. He told BBC Breakfast: 'I really feel for my colleagues in Bristol. There is a sense that you really feel under siege. And for some, whatever they do, is not enough and for others, it's too much. 'This was on an evening where the vast majority of the country were remembering those many thousands of people who have been lost to this horrible virus, so it was not good scenes to see, and this was on the back of the most horrendous violence that we'd seen on Sunday evening. 'So my colleagues are battered and bruised, in some cases physically. We've got a number of officers who were injured on Sunday evening, some very seriously. This is completely unacceptable, completely unacceptable.' Avon and Somerset Police said it arrested 14 people last night. One arrest is in connection with scenes from the weekend. The 14 arrests were for offences including breaches of Covid-19 legislation and obstruction of a highway, with specially trained public order officers deployed from from Avon and Somerset Police, British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Welsh forces, before the protest was brought to a close at around 2.40am. Chief Superintendent Claire Armes said: 'Officers had engaged with protestors and asked them to disperse, but tents and a sound system were set up so it was abundantly clear they were intent on remaining at the location, in spite of legislation in place to protect public health. 'After the scenes of violence witnessed in the city at the weekend it was necessary to bring in additional resources from our neighbouring forces to ensure the protest was safely brought to a swift conclusion. 'Throughout the operation officers continued to urge protestors to move on - at no time were they contained - but there came a time when enforcement was necessary as gatherings are still not permitted.' They had ignored calls to comply with Covid regulations and to go home, prompting 100 officers to move in to disperse them. It is the latest 'Kill the Bill' protest in the city against the Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will see the police handed new powers to tackle demonstrations. On Sunday, some 21 officers were injured after shocking scenes of violence broke out on Bristol streets following a protest against the bill. Two officers were hospitalised, including one who suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs when he was stamped on. Police investigating the riot that marred Sunday's protest in Bristol released images of 10 people they wish to trace. Police and protesters at College Green in Bristol where police said around 150 protesters gathered earlier in the evening The protesters had ignored calls to comply with Covid regulations and to go home. Pictured: A protester approaches a police officer in riot gear Mr Apter (pictured) said last night's clashes were 'not good scenes to see' and blasted the rioters as 'completely unacceptable' Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said the investigation into Sunday's riot could be one of the largest in the history of Avon and Somerset Police. 'The fact we're investigating 40 assaults on officers and a member of the media as the result of one incident shows the scale of wanton disorder which took place that night,' she said. 'Through painstaking work to examine more than two terabytes worth of digital footage, we believe we're making clear progress to identify those responsible and anticipate further images will be released soon to the online gallery we've set up. 'One of the people we believe we've already identified is a suspect in the fire which destroyed a mobile community police station. 'We'd like to thank every member of the public who's got in touch to provide footage, information or to pass on their well-wishes and kind thoughts.' Police are dispersing the protest on College Green in Bristol after another outbreak of violence As of 11pm, there was a sit in protest by some 30 protesters who crouched down in front of a line of officers and refused to move Police arrest a protester at College Green in Bristol after around 130 gathered to protest over the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill Home Secretary Priti Patel criticised 'criminality and violent behaviour' during protests in Bristol. She told BBC Breakfast: 'I saw some of the scenes, as I did on Sunday evening as well, and protests are unlawful right now and quite frankly we've seen more criminality and violent behaviour which is simply unacceptable. 'We live in an open society and a democracy so the principle to protest and to have your voice heard is absolutely crucial but there is no acceptability at all for criminality, thuggish behaviour and the type of violent scenes we've seen over recent evenings, they included the most appalling assaults and criminal attacks on police officers, there's a fundamental difference between the two.' Last night, shortly before 11pm, police said protesters had been moved off College Green but that a 'significant number' remained on Deanery Road 'and continue to refuse to leave the area'. The force tweeted: 'Officers will take proportionate action to disperse crowds. They are not containing anyone and we continue to urge people to move on.' Officers were drafted in from as far as Salisbury in Wiltshire with one heard shouting at onlookers to 'go home'. Two separate groups of riot police are understood to have swept through the green from different directions in a show of force after Sunday's violence. Police in riot gear moved in on the camp and forcibly pushed and pulled up sitting protesters - including one man who was dragged back through police lines by his hair. Officers were seen trampling over tents and shoving protesters back with their riot shields. A police officer at the scene said: 'There was a gathering on the Green that was in contravention of covid laws so it was the police's intention to clear the area as quickly and as safely as possible: 'Due to the ferocity of the violence on Sunday, officers needed to be in riot gear and needed to take robust action.' At 11pm, there was a sit in protest by some 30 protesters who crouched down in front of a line of officers and refused to move. Two female protesters told how they were sitting down on the green when police came in with force. One said: 'They just came at us and gave us no warning whatsoever. 'I shouted to one 'what are you doing' and he hit me in the face. He hit my friend too and made her nose bleed. Nasty, nasty people.' There was a sit in protest by some 30 protesters who crouched down in front of a line of officers and refused to move Protesters sat on the floor whilst raising their arms during the protest this evening in Bristol Protesters sat on the floor in front of a line of riot police officers and police on horseback this evening Police were seen wrenching tents away from people as they forced them back. What legislation is behind the protests to Kill the Bill? The Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill could see the police handed more powers to tackle demonstrations. The wide-ranging proposals include laws to reform sentencing, the courts and handling offenders. If passed, some of the measures will be UK-wide while others may only apply in England and Wales. They include: - Whole life orders for premeditated murder of a child, allowing judges to also hand out the maximum sentence to 18 to 20-year-olds in exceptional cases, like for acts of terrorism leading to mass loss of life. - The legislation looks to toughen up powers the police have to tackle 'non-violent' protests which are significantly disruptive to the public or on access to Parliament. - The proposed law includes an offence of 'intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance'. According to the Bill, someone commits this crime if they cause 'serious harm to the public', which can include 'serious annoyance, serious inconvenience or serious loss of amenity'. Those convicted could face a fine or jail. Meanwhile, the Government is also seeking to increase the maximum penalty for criminal damage to a memorial from three months to 10 years, under the Bill. The laws could also see police have more powers to crack down on unauthorised encampments which interfere with the ability to use the land. Officers could also be allowed to stop and search people more if plans for serious violence reduction orders go ahead. This would make it easier to carry out checks on those who have previously been convicted of carrying a knife. Advertisement The protesters were chanting slogans like 'Whose streets? Our streets!' and 'Kill the Bill' but officers didn't appear to have been pelted with any missiles like at Sunday's protest. A police officer at the scene said: 'There was a gathering on the Green that was in contravention of covid laws so it was the police's intention to clear the area as quickly and as safely as possible: 'Due to the ferocity of the violence on Sunday, officers needed to be in riot gear and needed to take robust action.' A police helicopter was buzzing overhead as officers continued to cordon off the streets around College Green. A YouTube livestream appearing to be from the demonstration showed large numbers of police with some officers on horseback and others with dogs. Shouts of 'Our streets' and 'Shame on You' could be heard. Last night's protest comes after shocking scenes of violence erupted in the city on Sunday night. Avon and Somerset Police today released images of ten people in connection with the violence at the weekend in which two police vehicles were torched, 22 officers were injured, including two who were hospitalised and a police station was vandalised. Seven men, aged between 20 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and have all been released under investigation. A 28-year-old man, from the Bedminster Down area of Bristol, has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court earlier. He is next due to appear at the same court on June 10. And today, two further people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder following Sunday's riots. Avon and Somerset Police said a 20-year-old man and a man currently refusing to provide details were in custody. In total, nine people have been arrested in connection with the incident. The force is investigating assaults on 40 officers and one member of the media. A spokesman said: 'Thankfully following a full medical assessment of the two officers taken to hospital, neither were found to have suffered confirmed broken bones. 'Since launching a dedicated form for members of the public to supply footage or give us information about those involved, we've had 210 submissions and a further 68 calls to our control room.' Around 3,000 people attended the peaceful demonstration on College Green on Sunday but events turned violent after around 500 people descended on the New Bridewell police station. Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: 'The investigation into Sunday's disgraceful scenes of violence will undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police's history. 'More than 100 officers and staff continue to work on the inquiry which is being led by our major crime investigation team. 'Hundreds of hours of digital material has already been reviewed and images of the first 10 people detectives want to talk to about Sunday's events have been identified. 'Officers and staff are working their way through images and footage as quickly as they can but with more than two terabytes worth of CCTV footage as well as nearly 100 officers' body worn video cameras and more than 100 videos already sent in by members of the public to review, this will take a considerable amount of time. 'We expect to release images of many more people in the coming days and ask anyone who recognises anyone to contact us.' The protesters were chanting slogans like 'Whose streets? Our streets!' and 'Kill the Bill' but they didn't appear to have been pelted with any missiles like at Sunday's protest Officers stand in their riot gear at College Green in Bristol after around 130 protesters gathered in the evening Police were seen wrenching tents away from people as they forced them back in Bristol Police and protesters at College Green in Bristol where police said around 130 people had gathered earlier in the evening A police helicopter was buzzing overhead as officers continued to cordon off the streets around College Green Prime Minister Boris Johnson led the condemnation of the riot describing the scenes as 'unacceptable', Home Secretary Priti Patel said 'thuggery and disorder' would never be tolerated. Andy Marsh, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, said the demonstration had been 'hijacked' by several hundred 'extremists'. Footage of the carnage shows rioters hurling missiles at officers defending Bridewell police station in the city centre. Rioters were filmed celebrating atop burning police vehicles. Mr Marsh said: 'I believe the events were hijacked by extremists, people who were determined to commit criminal damage, to generate very negative sentiment about policing and to assault our brave officers. 'There was a hardcore of serious criminals hidden within those 3,000 people perhaps 400 or 500 people and we certainly didn't trigger this. 'The officers were incredibly patient, incredibly professional and I pay tribute to them.' Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had 'major concerns' about the Government's Bill, condemned the thuggery but said the disorder would be used to justify the legislation. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance. Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail. On Tuesday night, it was revealed that a grinning protester photographed giving a two-fingered salute while sprawled across the front of a torched police van at the height of the Bristol anarchy on Sunday is the son of a senior civil servant working for the courts service. ON SUNDAY NIGHT: Dressed in a hoodie with cargo pants and boots and a roll-up dangling from his mouth, son of a civil servant Richard Cooper posed for this photo outside Bristol's Bridewell police station during the riot on Sunday night while the mayhem reigned around him ON SUNDAY NIGHT: Some of the protesters proudly posed above a burning police car in the city centre in the riot ON SUNDAY NIGHT: Rioters set police vehicles on fire as protesters clashed with officers in the shocking scenes on Sunday night With his hoodie and cargo pants, musician Richard Cooper, 27, looked every inch the anarchist as he joined in with the chaos. However, his father Mark, 58, is a legal team manager for HM Courts and Tribunal Service in Kent, where Richard is believed to have been brought up, before moving to Bristol. Dressed in a hoodie with cargo pants and boots and a roll-up dangling from his mouth, Cooper posed for this photo outside Bristol's Bridewell police station during the riot on Sunday night while the mayhem reigned around him. Neighbours described Mark Cooper and his wife Susan, 57, as polite, though one said their son 'looked a rebel'. Approached by MailOnline, Mr Cooper turned crimson-faced when shown the photo of his son posing in front of a police van amid the violence. 'I'm not going to talk to you,' he said before marching inside. Given Mr Cooper's position, dealing with lawyers, judges and police officers, his son's appearance amid the carnage in Bristol will doubtless cause him grave embarrassment. Wanted: Police release new pictures of 10 'Kill the Bill' protesters they want to trace as they probe violent Bristol riot By Henry Martin for the MailOnline Police are appealing for help identifying ten people as part of the investigation into the 'Kill the Bill' riots. Bristol saw 3,000 legitimate demonstrators protesting the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on Sunday, but moments of clear criminal damage were pictured being carried out, such as street furniture or roadworks equipment being destroyed. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have now issued pictures of ten people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots. Eight men aged between 20 and 44 arrested for violent disorder have been released under investigation. One 28-year-old man from the Bedminster Down area of Bristol, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court this morning. He was charged with possessing an offensive weapon and is next due to appear at the same court on June 10. Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have now issued pictures of ten people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have now issued pictures of ten people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said it will be one of their biggest ever investigations Pictured: Two of the ten people Avon and Somerset Police wish to speak to in connection with the Bristol event A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said it will be one of their biggest ever investigations. They said: 'We're appealing for the public's help to identify ten people we'd like to speak to as part of our investigation into the violent disorder in Bristol on Sunday. 'A total of 21 officers were injured - two of them seriously - when they were violently confronted by people gathered outside the Bridewell Police Station in Bridewell Street. 'Officers were attacked and threatened, police vehicles including a community police station were set on fire and criminal damage was caused to the police station exterior. 'The disorder followed a protest in the city centre attended by an estimated 3,000 people.' Police have released 10 pictures of people they would like to speak to in connection with Sunday's events in Bristol Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have now issued pictures of ten people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots Detective Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said: 'The investigation into Sunday's disgraceful scenes of violence will undoubtedly be one of the largest in Avon and Somerset Police's history. 'More than 100 officers and staff continue to work on the inquiry which is being led by our Major Crime Investigation Team. 'Hundreds of hours of digital material has already been reviewed and images of the first 10 people detectives want to talk to about Sunday's events have been identified and published on a gallery on our website. 'Officers and staff are working their way through images and footage as quickly as they can but with more than two terabytes worth of CCTV footage as well as nearly 100 officers' body worn video cameras and more than 100 videos already sent in by members of the public to review, this will take a considerable amount of time. Rioters set police vehicles on fire as protesters clashed with officers in the shocking scenes on Sunday night 'We expect to release images of many more people in the coming days and ask anyone who recognises anyone to contact us. We'd also ask anyone who recognises themselves in the images to pick up the phone and dial 101 or visit their nearest police station so we can arrange for officers to talk to you to get your account of events.' Det Ch Supt added: 'The incident attracted worldwide attention and we continue to be humbled by the incredible support shown to us from the public, as well as from organisations and agencies across the city and beyond. 'The public response in particular has been nothing short of amazing and I want all those who've shown us support and kindness to know how much we appreciate it. 'In addition to asking for help to identify the people in the images we're releasing, we also continue to ask people to submit any footage or photos they may have captured of Sunday's events. We've set up a dedicated form on our website where people can submit material or provide us with information. 'Other lines of enquiry are also being progressed, including forensic evidence, which will help us identify those involved. We may have only arrested eight people so for but I guarantee we're wholly committed to tracking down those who carried out offences and with the help of the public we will be making more arrests very soon.' 24/3/2021 Brendan Leahy, 54yrs, of Fenian Street, Dublin 2 pictured leaving the Criminal Courts of Justice(CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin yesterday(Wed) after he appeared before the court. Pic: Collins Courts A UNIVERSITY administrator has received a suspended sentence for sexually assaulting his Airbnb guest after bringing the woman and her fiance on an historic pub tour in Dublin. Brendan Leahy (54), of Fenian Street, Dublin 2, appeared before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court today. He had pleaded guilty earlier to sexually assaulting the American tourist at Kehoes Pub, on South Anne Street, on a date in the summer of 2018. Leahy held the woman from behind and repeatedly pushed his front into her after he offered to show her something in the pub. Judge Hughes said: There was some premeditation, I would call it a devious element. Leahy absented her from her partner, brought her around a screen and took his opportunity then to self-gratify himself, Judge Hughes said. He imposed a three-month sentence but suspended it on condition Leahy completes a sex offenders education course, pays a 1,000 fine and gives another 1,000 in compensation to his victim. He was also ordered not to provide Airbnb services any more. The court heard the sexual assault had a profound effect on the victim. Garda Ruth Finnegan told Judge Hughes the woman and her partner had been staying in Leahys spare bedroom which he was using for Airbnb. He brought the couple on a tour of historic Dublin pubs. Leahy, who got drunk, offered to show the woman the hatch area in the snug at Kehoes. Gda Finnegan said that when the injured party stepped inside the area the accused came behind her, grabbed her waist and thrust into her, four or five times. CCTV footage was shown in court. Gda Finnegan said the attack lasted six-and-a-half seconds. Later that night, the woman and her partner went to Pearse Street garda station and reported the incident. Gardai accompanied them to Leahys apartment so they could get their belongings and move to a hotel. The woman did not have to return to Ireland to give evidence because Leahy pleaded guilty. She provided a victim impact statement which was read out in court. The woman outlined effects on her mental health. She described how she was left in shock and suffered flashbacks leading to panic attacks. She had difficulty sleeping, being alone and found it hard to concentrate on her job. The woman felt self-loathing and self-blame, with the incident leading to intimacy difficulties with her husband. She attends counselling and has been taking anti-anxiety medication. She no longer wanted to travel internationally. Divorced father-of-two Leahy had no prior criminal convictions and co-operated with the investigation, the court heard. Two months later, he went to Pearse Street garda station and explained he had no recollection of the incident because he was too drunk. He identified himself on the video footage from the pub. He could have faced a 12-month prison term and a 5,000 fine in the district court. In a mitigation plea, defence solicitor Ruth Walsh said Leahy was remorseful and absolutely devastated. In pleading guilty, he had wanted to spare the woman further trauma of having to give evidence. He had been using his spare room for Airbnb and had invited the couple out to show them historic Dublin pubs. He was previously employed in the UK for the NHS but now worked in Ireland in a high-profile education job at a prestigious third-level facility. Leahy was also heavily involved in youth and adult rugby. He had stopped providing Airbnb after the assault. The court heard he was willing to engage in restorative justice programmes and would donate money to womens aid organisations and charities to avoid a conviction. Judge Hughes said there had to be a deterrent as he recorded a conviction. He imposed the three-month sentence which was suspended on condition Leahy does not reoffend within the next 12 months and attends sex offending education, as directed by the Probation Service. Judge Hughes also explained that the compensation order was part of sentencing, but was not indicative of the level of damage the victim would have been entitled to in a civil court. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. An alleged gang rapist who took advantage of a drugged woman out the back of a pizza shop made up three different versions of events, a Sydney jury has heard. Ricardo Audish, 41, told the final story during his District Court trial giving evidence, saying the teenager he had just met for the first time told her then-boyfriend she wanted to have sex with the pizza restaurant worker, the Crown has submitted. Audish has pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual assault in company after the encounter with the 18-year-old woman in the southern Sydney eatery in October 2016. The Crown alleges that Audish, then 38, and two underage boys assaulted the woman while she was drugged, and then worked together to corroborate their stories when she went to police. Ricardo Audish (pictured outside court on Wednesday) has pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual assault in company Judge David Arnott was summing up the case for the jury on Wednesday following more than two weeks of evidence, saying the Crown submits the panel 'would not believe a word of the accused'. Audish's first fabrication that he was not at the restaurant at the time of the assault was 'thwarted' by a co-worker's police statement, also saying Audish asked him to lie about his whereabouts, crown prosecutor Kate Nightingale has submitted. DNA evidence of Audish's semen 'put a stop to the (second) false story' that he did not have sexual intercourse with the woman, Ms Nightingale said. Defence barrister Eugene Wasilenia earlier told the jury Audish lied about having consensual sexual intercourse because he was married. Judge Arnott outlined the crown case being the woman consented to sex with her boyfriend in a toilet cubicle at the back of the restaurant, before he told her 'all the other boys want to have sex with you now', to which she replied 'hell no'. The Crown says this was not a question but a statement to her, and showed the men acted as a joint criminal enterprise and had arranged the sex acts beforehand. But Audish denies any prior communication about the incident. 'What the accused did was simply opportunistic and had nothing to do with the others,' Mr Wasilenia said. The Crown alleges that Audish, then 38, and two underage boys assaulted the woman while she was drugged, and then sought to get their stories straight when she went to police As she was pulling up her underwear in the toilet another male entered and offered her a bong, a deliberate act the Crown says shows they knew she was not consenting to what they intended to do. The effect of the cannabis was unlike anything she had ever felt before, her head began spinning, she felt dizzy and was shaking. The Crown points to CCTV footage of her 'sure-footed' walking and sometimes jogging upstairs before the incident, compared to after where she is seen walking slowly, stumbling and leaning on a pole for 17 minutes to regain balance. After Audish allegedly asked if she was OK, her memory became patchy and her next recollection was leaning over a stack of chairs while he had non-consensual sexual intercourse with her, the Crown says. 'The accused was the boss so he went first,' the Crown says, while the others took their turns according to their age. The 41-year-old (pictured arriving at court on March 2) originally said he was not working at the pizzeria during the alleged assault, the court was told In his evidence Audish said the pair had a cigarette outside and had a conversation where he asked the woman why she wanted to have sex with him, to which she allegedly responded 'I like you'. He said he asked her three times if she wanted to have sex and each time she said yes, so he led her past the freezer out the back to where the toilets were. Audish said she started touching his penis and lifted her skirt up for them to have sexual intercourse, afterward saying words to the effect 'it was good'. Mr Wasilenia asked 'how would she know whether or not if she consented to one or other of these men if she has no memory of having a conversation before the sex occurred?' Judge Arnott will finish his address to the jury on Thursday morning before it is expected to retire to deliberate on a verdict. [March 24, 2021] Ampersand Group successfully concludes digital intervention, development across Nashik Anganwadis Develops model Anganwadis during the pilot project; conducts online learning, ushers state-of-the-art curriculum for pre-primary students NASHIK, India, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampersand Group's intervention in the Anganwadis in Nashik was brought to a successful conclusion after they initiated the pilot project in 2018 with the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) under the public-private partnership (PPP) model to operate and manage 25 Anganwadis. The project had about 25 Anganwadi teachers and as many helpers who were trained that impacted over 750 students aged between three-six for the past two years. The initiative by Ampersand Group helped modernise the Anganwadis through tech-enabled classrooms, state-of-the-art lesson plans and modern curriculum which was curated by a team of experts, academicians and pedagogical specialists. The classrooms were equipped digitally and students were provided books, worksheets, toys which would enable them to achieve developmental milestones during their course in the Anganwadis. Ampersand Group also focused on continuous upskilling of teachers at the Anganwadis by conducting numerous sessions to instil modern practices among the teachers. During the course, two model centres were developed where innovations and best practices were brought into the syllabus by the Anganwadi teachers. These initiatives in the region helped reduce the dropout rate among students, increased the girl child admission and encouraged parents to invest in the growth and education of their wards. During the lockdown imposed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Anganwadis' teachers ensured that all students were updated with their syllabus by providing them with curriculum and were monitored at regular intervals. In addition, several important occasions like Teacher's Day, Children's Day and Christmas were celebrated by the students and teachers alike posting messages on social media. Shri. Chandrasekhar Pagare, Child Development Project Officer, Ministry of Women & Child Development, Nashik, said, "We are very impressed by the changes brought in the Anganwadis with the help of technology. Upskilling of teachers is a very important aspect especially at the foundational stages of education. We have observed significant improvement in the levels of learning by the students which has reflected on the enrolments." Ms. Kavita Sahay, Vice Chairperson, Academics, Ampersand Group, said, "We are very thankful for this opportunity and extremely pleased with our efforts in contributing to development of pedagogical skills of Anganwadi students and integrating technology to make learning fun and easy for them. We have witnessed several developmental changes among our students over a period of time which will help them ease their transition to higher grades." About Ampersand Group: Ampersand Group is a global leader in providing complete solutions in school operations and end-to-end school management services to private institutions and government-run Public-Private Partnership projects in India and other developing nations across the world. The Ampersand Group was founded in 2004 by Mr. Rustom Kerawalla, a renowned Edupreneur with a vision to transform the educational ecosystem through consistent innovation and use of emerging technologies; to build a modern preschool and K12 education systems, which are equitable and accessible to all. The Group showcases its excellence in the K12 education through its flagship brand - VIBGYOR Group of Schools, a state-of-the-art institution built with a vision of providing high-quality education to young minds for their holistic growth in today's times. Today, the Ampersand is well poised to achieve its vision to bring transformation to more than 10 million lives through its contribution in both the public and private domains. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472738/Ampersand_Group_Ms_Kavita_Sahay.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi, March 24 : The Defence Ministry has decided to allow retired Short Service Commission (SSC) officers of the Indian Army to use their military ranks, as applicable. The SSC officers, after completion of their mandated terms and conditions of service, had not been authorised to use their military ranks. "This had been causing dissatisfaction and discontentment among the SSC officers who serve under the same service conditions and face similar hardships as Permanent Commission officers with similar service profile," the ministry said. This decision of the government will not only remove dissatisfaction and discontentment among the retired SSC officers, but will serve as a big boost to the young aspirants. In addition, this decision will act as morale booster for the existing SSC officers. The demand for use of military ranks by SSC officers after release from service has been pending since 1983. Forming the backbone of the support cadre for the Army's officer cadre, SSC officers serve for a period of 10-14 years (10 years, extendable by four years) to make up the deficiency of young officers in units, as against only five years in the past. There have been several attempts of making the SSC attractive. "Permission to allow use of military ranks by these officers has been one of their major demands," the ministry said. CHICAGOLAND, Ill., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Always Best Care Senior Services, one of the leading senior care franchise systems in the United States, announced today that Jeffrey Jaunich has acquired the Chicagoland territory. Always Best Care of Chicagoland & South Suburbs, located at 477 E Butterfield Rd Suite 202 Lombard, has served the greater Chicagoland area, including suburban communities in Cook, DuPage and Will counties since 2017. "Our services have been a vital part of the local communities across Chicagoland for the past several years, and we're thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to the Always Best Care family to continue to serve the aging population in the area," said Jake Brown, President and CEO of Always Best Care. "His hard work and dedication are qualities we specifically look for when awarding a new territory, and we're looking forward to seeing how his passion for this field will allow the business to flourish." Prior to joining Always Best Care, Jeff Jaunich led a successful career in the finance industry as an experienced independent fixed income trader. The first-time franchisee brings a skill set rich in finance, infrastructure, financial planning, and investments. Additionally, Jaunich has served on the board of Coprodeli USA, a nonprofit organization that supports the community-based development efforts in Peru, for more than a decade. In late 2020, he decided to transform his passion for aiding others into a long-lasting career with Always Best Care to serve the community's most vulnerable population. Jaunich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and finance from Southern Methodist University. "Caring for others has always been so important to me, and with the growing need for in-home senior care in our community, Always Best Care has given me the opportunity to incorporate my passion for serving others into my career" said Jeffrey Jaunich. "The Chicagoland territory has provided exceptional services to our area for the past few years, and I am eager to step in to continue to build upon the high-quality care we offer to our clients and their loved ones for years to come." Always Best Care is one of the nation's leading providers of non-medical in-home care and assisted living referral services. The company delivers its services through an international network of more than 200 independently owned and operated franchise territories throughout the United States. By working with case managers, social workers, discharge planners, doctors, and families, Always Best Care franchise owners provide affordable, comprehensive solutions that can be specifically matched to meet a client's particular physical or social needs. The hallmark services of Always Best Care include non-medical in-home care and assisted living finder and referral services, with skilled home health care in some limited markets. For additional information on services available through Always Best Care of Chicagoland & South Suburbs, or for a free evaluation, please call (630) 352-3601, email [email protected] and visit https://www.alwaysbestcare.com/il/dupage/. About Always Best Care Founded in 1996, Always Best Care Senior Services is based on the belief that having the right people for the right level of care means peace of mind for the client and family. Always Best Care assists seniors with a wide range of conditions and personal needs, and currently provides millions of hours of care every year. Franchise opportunities are available to individuals interested in leveraging the company's clear strategy and proven track record for delivering affordable, dependable service to seniors in their local areas. Always Best Care also offers an exclusive program called Always in Touch, a telephone reassurance program that provides a daily phone call to seniors and disabled adults who are living alone and have limited contact with the outside world. Always in Touch is a national telephone reassurance program offered in the USA and Canada. For more information on Always in Touch, or to request an application, visit www.Always-In-Touch.com. CONTACT: Danielle Bramley Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Always Best Care Related Links http://www.alwaysbestcare.com When NSW Labor MP Julia Finn saw thousands of young women sharing their stories of sexual assault, she decided she was ready to join them. Twenty-eight years ago the member for Granville was in their shoes, herself a victim of sexual assault. Ms Finn had just turned 20 when she was sexually assaulted by a university friend in 1993. After reporting the rape to police two days later, it was three years before it went to trial in the Parramatta District Court, where the accused was ultimately found not guilty on May 6, 1996. Julia Finn said she was sexually assaulted when she was 20 years old. Credit:Rhett Wyman Months later Ms Finn was awarded $6000 victims compensation, which is assessed at the lower civil level on the balance of probabilities. President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday that "no one has tampered with the data either before or after the elections, or now" on the evolution of the pandemic in Romania, according to AGERPRES. "No one has tampered with the data either before the election, after the election, oor now. I think it was an unfortunate expression. The calculation formulas are, however, different. When Minister Tataru was [Health] Minister, together with his team, he found a certain calculation formula for the incidence of the pandemic, after which it was calculated and what was known was communicated. So no one withheld any data or information. Now, [Health] Minister Voiculescu and his team wanted to modify the formula somewhat, they modified it and now the data that is is found are being announced. We're talking about two slightly different formulas, in no case has the data been tampered with. They were absolutely correct as they were calculated before the elections, and after the elections," said Iohannis, when asked about the dispute between Health Minister Vlad Voiculescu and Liberal party's MP Violeta Alexandru on this issue. The president stressed that there are other priorities at present. "In my opinion, I don't think these theoretical discussions on the formula stop the pandemic or ease any patient's suffering. I think it would be extremely important - and I will continue to say this - to get involved where it is needed, to increase the number of intensive care beds, to motivate doctors, to be more proactive for hospitals to cope with this third wave. I think these are the priorities of the moment and not theoretical comparisons between calculation formulas. (...) Romanians to understand to respect the restrictions, to get vaccinated and to trust the authorities and doctors," stressed Iohannis. New Delhi: The district sessions court in Faridabad is expected to give a verdict in the Nikita Tomar murder case on Wednesday (March 23). Nikita Tomar, a 20-year-old girl was shot dead in daylight on October 26, 2020, by her school mate in the Faridabad district of Haryana. The trial for this murder case began on December 1, 2020, and its been four months hitherto that the family is waiting for a verdict. The Additional Sessions Judge is expected to deliver the judgement on Wednesday (March 23). The unfortunate incident took place in Faridabad's Ballabgarh region. Two persons were found involved in the murder case of Nikita Tomar. These two people tried abducting Nikita and when she resisted them one of them pulled out a pistol and shot point-blank at her. The sensational crime was even captured by someone over the mobile phone, the footage of which went viral over social media. The police have arrested two men viz., Tausif, the main accused, and Rehan for allegedly killing the victim outside her college in Ballabhgarh, an incident that triggered protests with students and locals blocking the road to Sohna on October 27, 2020. Tausif, after his arrest, confessed to police that he shot Nikita as she was about to get married to another person. Initial investigation into the murder case has revealed that Tausif has been harassing Nikita for a long time. His courage was increased because he comes from a powerful political family, and this encouraged him to go ahead to serve his motive. His family hails from the Mewat region, which in the recent few years has emerged as the biggest centre of crime as well as radical Islam in India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over the case. A possibility of 'love jihad' was probed by the SIT as Nikita Tomar's family alleged that Tausif was constantly forcing her for the marriage and get converted to Islam. Live TV Western Australia's wet season is in full swing with prolonged rainfall prompting flood warnings and turning towns in the state's north into isolated islands. Some townships have gone several weeks being cut-off from the rest of the country and while the rain has eased on Wednesday further downpours are expected to drench the Kimberley region. Hundreds of millimetres of rain has soaked the area in the last week which was already being smashed by an intense wet season - rendering the main access road the Great Northern Highway inaccessible. Nearly 2,000km of roads in Western Australia are inaccessible after being cut-off by floodwaters (pictured) Supplies are being flown in by helicopter with freight trucks unable to deliver supplies to towns isolated by the floodwaters (pictured) CLOSED ROADS IN WA More than 900km of main roads and 1,000 km of local roads closed after flooding in WA's Kimberley including: The Great Northern Highway from the Derby Highway to Fitzroy Crossing and from Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek and the Gibb River Road from Mt Barnett to Pentecost River and from the Meda Station turn off to Mt Barnett. Advertisement River levels peaked at 11.7 metres on Monday but should be below 9.5 metres by Thursday. 'Over the next few days rainfall is expected to return to the usual seasonal pattern with showers and isolated thunderstorms,' WA authorities said. 'Isolated daily rainfall totals of up to 40 mm are possible. 'River rises and areas of flooding have adversely affected road conditions. Some roads may be impassable and some communities may be isolated.' Locals have been urged to watch for changes in water levels and be ready to evacuate if necessary. 'We've all turned into little islands between Fitzroy Crossing town, Darlgunaya where I am, Brooking, Bungardi, we're all like little islands now,' Darlgunaya resident Natalie Davey told the ABC. 'The last time [the river height] has come up to here, I think it was 2012'. Helicopters have been flying in emergency supplies to the region with trucks unable to cross waters. More than 900km of main roads and 1,000km of local roads have been closed after being submerged in floodwaters. There has been torrential rain in the last week adding to an already intense wet season 'We got a top-up of supplies last week, which was really good, a few people [in the community] have boats so have been able to go in [to Fitzroy Crossing] and get some things,' Ms Davey said. Remote communities of Balgo, Bililuna, and Mulan, with large indigenous populations have gone for more than two months being cut-off fromt he rest of the country by floodwaters. The town's main delivery point for supplies, Halls Creek, has not had a freight truck since Christmas. The recovery plan at Rolls-Royce has been dealt a blow after Norway blocked the sale of an engines company to a Russian group. The Norwegian government called a halt to the 130million deal to sell Bergen Engines to TMH on national security grounds. The takeover would have been of significant military strategic interest to Russia, and would have boosted Russian military capabilities, the government in Oslo said in a statement. The Rolls-Royce plant in Bergen, Norway. The Norwegian government called a halt to the 130m deal to sell Bergen Engines to TMH on national security grounds Shares in Rolls tumbled 5.9 per cent, or 6.6p, to 105.3p as it dealt with the double-whammy of the Norwegian ruling and another sell-off that hit travel-related stocks. The decision puts a spanner in the works for Rolls, which is aiming to raise 2billion from selling various businesses after the pandemic hammered its finances. Although the Bergen Engines deal would only be a small part of that, Rolls is now keener than ever to sell it, and implored the Norway to swiftly find another option to secure the its future. Around 900 jobs are at stake at Bergen, which makes engines and technology for boats including for the countrys navy. Rolls will clearly need to find a buyer from a country more in line with Nato member Norway. Stock Watch - Oxford Biodynamics A test developed by medical minnow Oxford Biodynamics that can predict whether someone would be seriously ill if they caught Covid has been launched in the US. The blood test, which is around 90 per cent accurate, evaluates a persons immune system and indicates if they would need to be hospitalised or put in intensive care. Boss Jon Burrows said it would help doctors draw up individual health plans for patients. Shares surged 36.7 per cent, or 25.5p, to 95p. Russia and Norway share a border, but relations have been frosty since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Rolls plummeted to the bottom of the Footsie leaderboard as investors digested the disruption to its sales plan and the still-gloomy outlook for overseas travel this summer. Although Rolls is not a travel company, it makes engines used on commercial planes and is paid for the number of hours the engines fly. This has crippled its income since the pandemic hit and the growing third wave of infections on the Continent has wreaked fresh havoc. Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night said Britons may know a week earlier than expected on April 5 rather than April 12 if they can begin to travel abroad from mid-May. But expectations are falling as infection rates have spiked in Europe. British Airways-owner IAG fell 4.4 per cent, or 8.6p, to 187.35p, and Tui was down 6.1 per cent, or 23.1p, to 354.9p. Carnival dipped 5.6 per cent, or 92.5p, to 1567.5p and airport and train station cafe owner SSP slid 4.9 per cent, or 16.6p, to 323.4p after it chalked up steep losses. The FTSE 100 as a whole fell 0.4 per cent, or 26.91 points, to 6699.19, while the FTSE 250 closed 0.6 per cent lower, or 124.13 points, to 21,331.76. Oil stocks were another big drag on the two indexes after crude prices tumbled by 6 per cent. It has been a rollercoaster month for oil, which surpassed pre-pandemic highs of $69, only to fall again as rising infection rates meant new lockdowns across Europe. A barrel of Brent crude was worth $60.35 last night as the market braced for a fall in demand. Royal Dutch Shell shares fell 3.1 per cent, or 44p, to 1368.6p; BP was down 3.7 per cent, or 11.5p, to 295.75p; Tullow Oil dipped 8.5 per cent, or 4.55p, to 48.95p; and oil services group Petrofac plunged 3.9 per cent, or 3.66p, to 91.4p. Mobile phone master operator Helios Towers shot higher after it agreed to buy companies owned by peer Airtel Africa in four countries. Helios will buy Airtels businesses in Malawi and Madagascar for 78million, and has signed a separate early-stage deal to pick up its Gabon and Chad arms. This covers more than 2,200 existing towers and the deals should bring in 65million of revenue annually. Helios investors welcomed the deals, sending shares 4.7 per cent higher, up 7.4p, to 166.4p. But Airtel Africa slid 3.3 per cent, or 2.8p, to 81.9p. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing organisational resilience in volatile, dynamic, and unpredictable marketplaces, while optimising performance for growth. As per adopting AI organisation-wide is swiftly becoming an integral part of the corporate strategy across industries. Deloittes report, State of AI in the Enterprise, organisations are undertaking multiple initiatives from setting up AI/ML COEs, training senior and mid-management on leveraging AI, and modernising data infrastructure to effecting company-wide adoption and gaining a competitive advantage. The report goes on to state how AI adoption strategies and implementation practices will define the competitive advantage organisations gain as a result. AI offers tremendous growth opportunities for current and future adopters, who can take a centralised federated approach and focus on integrating and scaling across functional units. AI is a segment of Data Science that trains computers to learn from experience, adjust to inputs, and perform tasks of certain cognitive levels. AI often functions on real-time data. While the digital development in India is very recent as compared to the rest of the world, it took a pandemic for the market to finally pivot to digital and AI as key elements for growth and sustenance. Today, every segment right from FMCG, BFSI and Auto to Ed-tech and Gaming, need to have a digital presence. Being digitally relevant not only allows your brand to constantly be in the notice of your target audience, it allows every business to have several touch points while communicating with the audience, allowing the busines to understand the consumer better. With all the consumer being data being collected, its of no use unless it is utilized efficiently. Thats one major place where AI takes the forefront. AI allows efficient collection and understanding of consumer data in real time and then carries out actions according to the data collected. For example, if youve recently carried out a google search for Car Insurance, an id is created to which your actions are recorded. AI from the brands end collects this data which allows the brand to make a consumer profile. That data allows the AI to target you accordingly and shoot the messaging. Its is exactly because of AI that apps and websites have become extremely sensitive to the level of UI and UX. Today, if a consumer gets messaging or content irrelevant to their interests, its a massive flop. This demand from users further pushes for AI, UI and UX to be the prime focus of every brand and business. Here are some interesting statistics when it comes to AI in India (credits: State of Artificial Intelligence in India 2020 report): The Indian Artificial Intelligence market is valued at $6.4 Bn as of July August 2020 MNC IT, Technology, and Electronics category has the highest share of the AI market at 36.2% in percentage share The Domestic firms have a collective AI market share of 7.1% at a market value of 451.9 Mn E-Commerce has8% market share and $ 305.1 Mn market value Boutique Analytics & AI firms, which have a market share of 3.4%, at a market value of $215.1 Mn Aggregator Startups have an AI market value of $85.2 Mn and a market share of 1.3%. This will not stop here. As the pandemic has been a digital catalyst for global markets, India is a booming market when it comes to digital and AI. According to a report by Accenture, artificial intelligence can possibly add US$957 billion, or 15% of India's present gross value in 2035. Speaking about the growth of AI, Gautam Mehra, Chief Data & Product Officer- dentsu Asia Pacific (APAC) & CEO - dentsu Programmatic - South Asia, says, Technology usually grows faster than its adoption. That's been very true with AI as well. The market adoption in practical business implementations has taken a while, but this is absolutely normal and expected. However, now the enterprise products that marketers & businesses use, already have AI embedded in many aspects. Think of how the "design suggestions" in PowerPoint works today or how auto sentence complete in Outlook/ Gmail works. Commenting on the role of the pandemic in the growth of AI, Dimpy Yadav, Head of Client Engagement, Xaxis India, says, With the new normal, brands are mining digital transformation with an outcome driven media approach with a cost-conscious conditions. Campaigns that used to drive personalization basis consumers behavior or personas driving relevancy are not hitting the mark as the economic conditions are changing consumers perceptions and purchase patterns. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning enabled brands to offer hyper-personalised experiences to their consumers with changing times as they are evolving and making informed decisions. Brands are riding on AI to gain insights and capture the audiences in their real-time journey of exploration to purchase. AI is moving the needle beyond consumer segmentation and tailoring the marketing approach with advanced personalisation levels driven by recommendation engines or connecting sales channels from offline to online. The pandemic made it extremely clear that were entering a state of never normal. Today, brands cant function the same way in terms of strategy and communication like they did even just before the pandemic. As Yadav mentions, Hyper-personalisation is key and as consumers adopt newer ways to consume content, Brands and business will need to keep up with this change in demand, and the key is AI. So, how exactly are marketers looking at AI in 2021 and beyond? According to Mihir Karkare, EVP of Mirum India, AI is increasingly getting used under the hood of various existing products including ad networks, content optimization / recommendation engines etc. Thus, it is mainly being used to become more effective and efficient at tasks which were already being carried out by brands and marketers. Mehra gives his perspective and says, AI is now reaching the phase where instead of fearing it, marketers are not thinking of it as a powerful tool and embracing it. I find technologies like GPT-3 which can write near-human level ad copies and articles to create a fundamental shift in how we view content production and adaptation. Coming to whether "this is the year". I don't think one can ever pin-point the exact time for any of these technologies to "arrive" or "burst onto". But it is clear that adoption is growing significantly and so are the applications in which one can deploy such technology. But, where exactly is AI headed? For the longest time, AI was feared by many and most of the credit could be given to blockbuster movies like Terminator or I Robot. But the ground realities seem far more positive. Yadav gives her vision for AI and says, In next 5 years, AI will pave its way deeper into marketing making it mainstreams across the functions in digital marketing. A.I will root across the channels like Display, Video, Audio & DOOH with adoption & integration of programmatic. In recent times, Audio channels has leveraged A.I to make ads conversational with formats that can talk back to the ads. However there is still long way to go to make the innovations programmatically enabled.Also, there will be growth of IoT (internet of things)with AI. It will become the key to pushing AI along, in large part because artificial intelligence has significant potential in powering IoT solutions and in crunching the massive volumes of data the IoT is already starting to provide. With lifestyles & consumer preferences evolving, these technologies are being incorporated at a high pace across the industries. Artificial Intelligence has finally arrived in India only to make it an even more booming market. As we steadily embark on this digital journey, the importance of AI, Data, UI and UX has disrupted markets for ever. Tools like AI are the flintstones of today. The right spark can definitely create an inferno that will change the world forever, hopefully for the good. Marketers have a great asset in hand, and as we develop a greater understanding and execution of AI, new trends, communications and disruptions are bound to happen. Itll be interesting to witness an AI disrupted world in the near future. NASA This photo shows what the Texas Gulf Coast looks like to the astronauts in space. A member of the Expedition 64 crew, which is currently on the International Space Station, took this photo on Dec. 25 with a Nikon D5 digital camera using a 24 millimeter lens. Varanasi, March 24 : Former Congress MLA Ajay Rai has written to Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, claiming a threat to his life from jailed mafia don and BSP MLA Mukhtar Ansari. He has sought a security cover for himself. In his letter, Rai said that he had already informed Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on February 6 that he was appearing before the MP/MLA court in Prayagraj as a witness against Ansari in a case related to his brother Avadhesh Rai's murder. Rai said his security cover had been withdrawn and arms licences have also been cancelled. "The chief minister did not take note of my letter while the security personnel given to me on 10 per cent prescribed charges were also withdrawn," said the former MLA. "If the government is really interested in ensuring punishment to Mukhtar Ansari, why did it put my life at stake by withdrawing my security cover despite knowing that my evidence will ensure capital punishment for him?" Rai asked. Rai's brother was shot dead outside his residence in 1991. Ajay Rai is the complainant and prime witness against Mukhtar and other accused persons of this case, although he had enjoyed support of Mukhtar's Qaumi Ekta Dal in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, BJP MLA and slain Krishnanand Rai's widow, Alka Rai, had written letters to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleging that the Congress-led Punjab government was shielding Mukhtar, who is lodged at Ropar jail. But I hold up my hand, Im just trying make you understand, Lord, you know, everybody tells Lil Junior Somebody hoodooed the hoodoo man. Junior Wells, The Hoodoo Man Blues The Hoodoo-Man comes from African-American blues folklore, a man or woman who could cast spells and hypnotize unfortunate victims to do bad things. Lex Greensill, the founder of Greensill Capital, would have been a great guy to write a Hoodoo-Man song about. The story is unfortunately a familiar one, take a mundane blocking and tackling business that has existed for decades -if not centuries- and add a little razzle-dazzle to it and turn it into something new and exciting. Somehow, the new model for an old and boring business excites fund gatherers like investment firms who make their money in the form of fees paid by investors to put them in the exciting new business. Eventually it all ends in tears for investors, as the reason a centuries-old business magically became a high-yielding asset class was a combination of fraud and greed. However, to make the eventual collapse and damage from these schemes spectacular you need an exceptional Hoodoo-Man like Lex Greensill. Supply Chain Financing (SCF) may have been around during the time of Marco Polo, and definitely was around when Ebenezer Scrooge and Jacob Marley were running their financing business in mid-19th century London. Here is how it works, Leading short-term insurer and financial services provider, MiWay launches MiWay Blink, a fully digital car insurance app, with monthly cashback benefits to incentivise safe driving and reflect actual distance travelled. The app was developed in response to a rapidly evolving digital landscape driven by changing consumer needs and lifestyles. Rene Otto, MiWay CEO MiWay Blink is an easy, affordable, convenient way to buy and manage comprehensive car insurance using only a smartphone and without any human intervention. The app is already available on both the Google Play and App stores for download.People want speed, trust and simplicity, which is exactly what our app offers. MiWay Blink rewards clients who drive less with monthly cashback. No need to wait three years or remember to switch accident cover on or off the magic happens in the background, says Rene Otto, MiWay CEO.Crash detection is built into the MiWay Blink app, making this great safety benefit available to all clients at no additional cost. If an accident is detected, the MiWay Blink team will automatically contact the client and, if no response is obtained, dispatch emergency services to the exact location.Its very fitting that we are beginning our 14th year with a reimagined end-to-end digital experience that puts consumers truly in the driving seat when it comes to car insurance, adds Otto.MiWay recently marked its 13th anniversary of providing innovative insurance products for the South African market. MiWay Blink is proof of our consistent focus on offering products and services built around clients needs and their changing lifestyles, concludes Otto.MiWays track record has seen it grow from offering only car and household insurance, to a leading insurer offering a range of products including tailored business insurance, as well as a direct broker distribution channel. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, say goodbye to law and order Joe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices 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. Foaling season is once again in high gear, and a Pennsylvania breeding operation is giving racing fans and horse lovers an up-close look at the first moments of their youngest Standardbreds' lives. Diamond Creek Farm's Wellsville, Pa., location, just south of Harrisburg, is participating in the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association's Foalcam project again in 2021 after doing so last year. In addition to providing a glimpse of the farm's foals and weanlings to horsepeople and fans alike, the live video streams of footage captured by webcams installed at Diamond Creek as well as at Thoroughbred facility Walnut Green Farm have gone a long way toward generating interest and fostering connections. "We get a lot of emails," Ashley Eisenbeil, marketing director for the PHRA, recently told Harrisburg ABC outlet WHTM. A lot of messages on Facebook asking how mom and baby are doing, asking us what the process is, of giving birth to foals, and what happens in the days following after they were born. Caroline Vazquez, Diamond Creek's director of marketing and stallion syndicates, concurs that the impact of the new technology is positive, and that the added transparency of the live streams goes a long way toward the health of the sport. "Theres a lot of misconceptions about the sport, and breeding farms in general," she said. "It gives people an insight into actually what happens at these farms." During foaling season the busiest time of the year at Diamond Creek a lot of what occurs centres on learning foals' personalities and helping them acclimate to everyday life before embarking on their racing careers. "You have to teach them how to behave, so you have to have the patience to understand theyre not going to understand you all of the time," Vazquez continued. "If you go into a situation angry or upset, youre going to just get that right back at you." After putting their annual open house on hold last year due to the pandemic, Diamond Creek is hopeful to be able to open their doors up to visitors again later this year to further augment the connection between the public and the developing Standardbreds. "If you come out here, and you spend some time with the horses, youre definitely going to learn something, about yourself and about animals in general," Vazquez concluded. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form WASHINGTON : To deter the grave national security threat posed by China to the US, the Biden administration should strengthen its ties with India and encourage New Delhi to build upon its capabilities in both the defence and economic domain, top experts have told lawmakers. "I think for us if the Indians are able to secure their territorial interests with enough capability to deter China, and to be able to operate in the Indian Ocean more effectively so that critical part of the Indo-Pacific remains free and open, and smaller South Asian states are secure in their own sovereignty and with their interests, India can be a great partner to us," said Randall G Schriver, chairman of the Project 2049 Institute. Schriver, who served as the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, said before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Non-proliferation that India will probably not formalize anything in a bilateral alliance or even a multilateral grouping in a formal way. "But in terms of real cooperation, we are seeing very positive developments," he said in response to a question from Congressman Steve Chabot. Chabot along with Congressman Brad Sherman co-chairs the powerful India Caucus in the House of Representatives. "The Indians have historically had different threat perceptions with respect to China. But in light of the Galwan Valley incident, those perceptions are likely changing somewhat," the Congressman said. "With that in mind, how should we expect India to contribute in the future to our efforts to maintain regional stability and counter Chinese aggression?" Chabot asked. The border standoff between the Indian and Chinese armies erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers as well as heavy weaponry. Subsequently, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a fierce hand-to-hand combat on June 15 in the Galwan Valley, an incident that marked the most serious military conflicts between the two sides in over four decades. Eight months after the confrontation, China admitted that its four soldiers were killed in the fight. Schriver said that he is optimistic that Americas partnership with India will grow. This is the work over several administrations, he noted. "The Obama administration did a terrific job building the defence relationship. I'd like to think the Trump administration contributed as well. But a lot of this is it just being driven by the strategic landscape and the understanding that China has ambitions on Indian territory," he added. "China is a partner of Pakistan and sees that as a counter way to India to try to divert their attention to their other border. We have been able to leverage that shared understanding of the threat to really enhance our cooperation," Schriver said. Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, however cautioned against any formal alliance with India. "I think the Quad is important, but to try to formalize it, I would argue, would actually risk it. India in particular has a long tradition of strategic independence, and I believe will shy away from anything that smacks of an anti-Chinese alliance," he told lawmakers. Responding to another question, Haass noted that the predecessors to Chinese President Xi Jinping, most importantly Deng Xiaoping, were much more cautious in their external behaviour, and their foreign policy basically said China needs a stable periphery in order to do the social, political, and economic development at home. And it's not surprising that the best period of US-Chinese relations in the modern era was during that period, he said. "What we now have with Xi Jinping is someone who is very different, basically is acting as if China's time has arrived, sees the US as weak and divided, and essentially on pressing every front. We see it with India. We see it in the South China Sea. We see it with Taiwan. We see it with Japan. We see China not meeting its international obligations on trade," he said. "We see it not meeting its international obligations in Hong Kong. We see what they're doing vis a vis the Uyghurs. This is a very different China that basically is no longer, to use the Chinese expression, hiding and biding its time. But, China is basically saying, 'We're arrived, and we're going to act differently now'," Haass said. The relations between the US and China are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, Beijing's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang region. The US has repeatedly stressed that China is a grave threat to national security. In December, US Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said China is the greatest global threat to democracy and freedom since the end of World War II. "The People's Republic of China poses the greatest threat to America today and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War II," he wrote in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. (Adds comment from Argentine Economy Minister) WASHINGTON/BUENOS AIRES, March 23 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Tuesday she held a "very good meeting" with Argentine Economy Minister Martin Guzman but gave no details about concrete progress as talks over a new loan program continue. Argentina is locked in negotiations with the IMF to replace a failed $57 billion facility from 2018, with the South American grains producer facing a wall of repayments to the Fund in the next few years that it cannot pay. The talks have stalled due to political pushback from some factions of Argentina's government and high global prices of export soy, which has given the country room to delay a deal. Guzman met with Georgieva in Washington. "Very good meeting with Minister Guzman on Argentina's economic situation and the road ahead," Georgieva wrote in a tweet, adding the two sides' "close dialogue will continue." "Our teams are working together constructively to help strengthen economic stability, protect the vulnerable, and promote sustainable growth." Guzman tweeted that he had held a "very productive meeting" with Georgieva, in which support was deepened for the economic principles on which Argentina's plans were based. "We are working to finish turning the page on unsustainable indebtedness and the failed policies of the 2015-2019 period, building conditions that will strengthen the economic recovery and ensure lasting stability," he said. Argentina's Economy Ministry confirmed the meeting took place, without giving details. The government had said it would strike an agreement by April-May, but economists now expect a deal will not be reached until after mid-term elections in October. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Adam Jourdan; Editing by Leslie Adler and Sonya Hepinstall) Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 New Delhi, March 25 : Jagadesh Kumar does not have the powers that he claims to have regarding decision-making on policy matters concerning the University, a statement by Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association said on Wedneday. "Therefore, like it or not, he is by law, a Caretaker Vice Chancellor with restricted powers serving an interim period till the new appointee takes charge," the association said. "JNU is a Centrally funded university and no matter what the Caretaker Vice Chancellor may claim, the University Statutes explicitly do not allow for a second term for any Vice Chancellor. The only leeway provided is his continuance as an interim VC till the new incumbent is appointed. Therefore, like it or not, he is by law, a Caretaker Vice Chancellor with restricted powers serving an interim period till the new appointee takes charge", the statement said. However, as long as the JNU administration formulates its own laws bypassing due processes to manipulate decisions to suit their own ends, it becomes important to remember what the French philosopher Montesquieu once said "there is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice," it added. Official directives from the Vigilance department of the concerned Ministry calls upon Vice Chancellors of all Central Universities demitting office to refrain from "taking policy decisions including recruitments" two months prior to their tenure coming to an end. Based on this fact, Jagadesh Kumar does not have the powers that he claims to have regarding decision-making on policy matters concerning the University, the teachers association said. The press reports summarizing the statement issued by the Registrar yesterday, illustrates the messy state of affairs in JNU. Jagadesh Kumar it was reported, does not like the adjective "caretaker" that JNUTA has been using to describe his current status within the University; and therefore even the Registrar that he appoints, without following the laid down procedures, too does not carry any indications of the temporary nature of the appointment, the statement said. It was on March 17, 2021 through an Office Order issued by Deputy Registrar Administration that the university was informed about the appointment of a new Registrar. Like in all other matters the letter stated that the decision made had the "approval of the Competent Authority", the statement said. It may be noted that there has been no Executive Council meeting where the EC has deliberated on the matter or approval for this decision has been specifically sought. The newly appointed Registrar's backdoor entry into the Executive Council by a fiat issued by the Vice Chancellor therefore is not just suspect but also illegal. To make matters worse, as has been pointed out by some of the Executive Council members themselves, for the first time in the history of JNU, the Registrar has been recorded by the university as being a member of the Executive Council, the association said. Opposing sides offered a distillation Tuesday of the debate over Measure 11 in the first legislative hearing on a bill that would remove mandatory minimum sentencing requirements for violent crimes in Oregon except murder. Senate Bill 401 -- sponsored by Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee -- is one of four bills filed this session that would upend the states longstanding, voter-approved sentencing law. Prozanski said at a news conference that he wants his bill to be seriously considered as the vehicle for Measure 11 reforms this session, though he said the others remain under consideration as well. SB 401 would convert mandatory minimum sentences into presumptive ones that judges could either add onto or reduce depending on certain factors. Nearly half of the 12,367 inmates in the state prison system are serving Measure 11 sentences. Prozanskis bill would give prisoners sentenced under the proposed law the chance to earn credit toward early release by taking part in treatment and other prison programs. Under Measure 11, offenders serve the full sentence with no chance for early release. Proponents of doing away with mandatory minimum sentences said the approach is outdated, invests too much power in prosecutors and contributes to prison population growth as well as racial and ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system. District attorneys represent the most public opposition to the proposed changes. They argue that the most serious crimes deserve consistent and reliable sentences, that mandatory minimum sentences have made Oregon safer and that crime victims are entitled to the certainty that comes with mandatory sentencing. During his testimony, Washington County District Attorney Kevin Barton cited a handful of prosecutions involving Measure 11 offenses. He said his interpretation of Prozanskis bill is that mandatory minimum sentences would become the maximum sentence a judge can hand down. As a result, he said, most people convicted of violent crimes would likely end up with shorter sentences, he said. I think of the actual cases that I have personally and directly handled, he said. When I hear of assault in the first-degree, I think about a baby who received a brain injury after her father intentionally suffocated her and a mother who continued to send me pictures of that victim child years after the trial occurred and years after he was sentenced to his Measure 11 time. Prozanski took a dim view of prosecutors opposition to what he characterized as reasonable reform, framing the criticism as a self-serving power play. Its pure power and control, he said. That is what it comes down to because they are in the catbird seat. Some district attorneys have broken with the rest and support SB 401. The elected prosecutors in Deschutes, Wasco and Multnomah counties all testified on behalf of Prozanskis legislation. They said they want to see judges invested with more authority and discretion over sentencing based on the facts of each case, not a one-size-fits-all policy. Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt told lawmakers that hes deeply troubled by the law, which he said was passed in an era when many now misguided practices were ascendant in the criminal justice system, such as the war on drugs. Weve learned that much of what we believed was true 27 years ago was not only untrue but actively harmful, creating deep systems of inequity that were still wrestling with today, he said. Darryl Larson, a retired Lane County Circuit Court judge, told lawmakers that Measure 11 centralizes power with the prosecutor. The law gives prosecutors a bargaining position that he said he suspects has likely sent innocent people to prison. He cited a hypothetical example of two people going through a divorce and custody battle and the woman alleges the man sexually abused two of their children, accusations that result in multiple Measure 11 sexual abuse charges against the man. The district attorney, Larson said, offers a dramatically reduced prison sentence in exchange for pleading guilty to one of the counts. Even if the man is innocent, he isnt likely to want to risk going to trial and being found guilty because the charges carry long prison terms, Larson said. The scenario is not uncommon in Oregons criminal justice system, he said. Measure 11 creates the perverse pressures to plead guilty regardless of actual guilt in order to prevent a potential catastrophic sentence, he said. But whether the bill can get the political support it needs to pass remains a key question. Any reduction to voter-approved sentencing requirements requires a two-thirds supermajority vote of each chamber. That means proponents of changing the law will need all 37 Democrats and three Republicans in the House and all Democrats and two Republicans in the Senate to enact reform. Sen. Kim Thatcher, R- Keizer, said SB 401 may get through the Judiciary Committee but whether it can get through the Senate is a whole other ball of wax. She said she doesnt think theres widespread public support for gutting Measure 11, which is how she characterized Prozanskis bill. If you take away the mandatory minimums, there is really nothing left of Measure 11, said Thatcher, who is vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. I am not sure why we want to reduce the time for these people. The hearing took place in two parts, starting in the morning and then resuming late in the afternoon. The speakers in the second portion included women who said their sons are serving Measure 11 sentences disproportionate to their crimes. Melody Pearson of Springfield said the law gives enormous power to prosecutors and undercuts the judgment of judges. To accept Measure 11, you have to assume that the DA is competent, honest, has integrity, good moral character, said Pearson, whose son is serving a 16-year sentence for first-degree robbery and attempted murder. Tanya Colgan said her son, Caleb, was 19 when he was charged in Lincoln County with rape and sodomy in connection with the assault of an 11-year-old. Colgan said her son is autistic and did not grasp the implications of his conduct. He is serving a 25-year sentence. Hes going to be in prison with hardened adult criminals, she said. She said Measure 11s inflexibility meant a judge could not apply common sense or consider the circumstances of the case. Several crime victims testified against the proposal. One Washington County woman who asked that she not be identified to protect her surviving son said she takes comfort in knowing the man who fatally beat her infant son, Bryan, will serve a long sentence. Everyone from our own governor to this committee to state senators and lobbyists have made their agenda abundantly clear, she said. Their focus is and always will be on overturning Measure 11 at all costs. The victims and their families left behind in the wake of unimaginable and utter devastation are not even an afterthought, let alone ever included in criminal justice reform conversations. The womans mother, Judy Lawrence, said her grandsons killing shattered their lives. The truth is the trauma never goes away, said Lawrence, who lives in Washington County with her daughter and surviving grandson. And we have trouble functioning. We lose our jobs. We lose our confidence, our hope. We are no longer the happy-go-lucky person that we knew. Keesha Davis described a harrowing domestic assault that left her physically debilitated. She asked lawmakers to reject the bill. Please hear me: the penalty for attempted murder in Oregon is too light, she said. But at least Measure 11 prevents a judge from hearing abusers excuses and giving even less time. She said Measure 11 is about public safety. These perpetrators are not part of the unjustly incarcerated due to systemic bias, she said. They hurt people. But every single one has a story that could give a judge an excuse to give them less time. My abuser free is my prison, she said. -- Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie -- Huawei Proposes a Value-Driven Model for Industrial Digitalization in the Post-pandemic Era Shenzhen, China, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Huawei holds its online Industrial Digital Transformation Conference, themed "New Value Together". Nearly 50 customers and partners from more than 10 countries and regions shared their industrial practices and jointly explored the new value of digital transformation in the post-pandemic era. In his speech, Mr. Ken Hu, Huawei's Rotating Chairman, pointed out that digital transformation is speeding up across industries, and full cloud adoption will happen 1 to 3 years earlier than expected. Going digital is no longer just for internet companies. It's expanding to traditional industries, and from the office to the production floor. We'll keep innovating in technology and scenario-based solutions to help all industries take advantage of this opportunity. So far, Huawei has built 13 Open Labs around the world to support joint innovation. In places like Munich and Dubai, the company is working with almost 900 ecosystem partners to incubate different solutions for industrial scenarios. To date, it has successfully verified more than 60 solutions in areas ranging from smart retail to smart manufacturing. On the technology side, Huawei is innovating in areas like smart campuses, deterministic networks, hyper-integrated data centers, smart clouds, and green energy to lay the foundation for an intelligent future. A Value-Driven Model for Industrial Digitalization: Create New Value Through Continuous Improvement Based on Business and Scenarios Ideas and models must be tested in real situations. After years of practice, Huawei has proposed a value-driven model for industrial digitalization. Huawei maintains that digital transformation should be focused on actual business use and scenarios, which can then be used to create value for customers through continuous improvement. In his keynote speech, Mr. Peng Zhongyang, Board Member, President of Enterprise BG, Huawei, stressed that three basic principles must be followed during digital transformation. First, companies must continue to be customer-centric, which is the starting point of digital transformation. Secondly, they must seize two key factors: the convergence of technologies and scenarios is the key to digitalization, while cloud is critical to continuous optimization and value creation in the digital era. Thirdly, businesses should focus on customer requirements to build a symbiotic and shared digital ecosystem from three dimensions: scenario exploration, capacity building, and a cooperation model to jointly create new value for industries. New challenges and uncertainty will emerge in the post-pandemic era. Huawei will be more open and continue to work with our 30,000 global partners to complement each other's strengths and help overcome new challenges. Cooperating with Customers to Create New Value in the Industry Huawei is committed to working with customers and partners to integrate core business scenarios with ICT technologies, and accelerate industrial digitalization and upgrade through scenario-specific, innovative solutions. This is also the key to the digitalization of the industry. In the finance sector, through joint innovation with partners, Huawei has provided NCBA Bank Kenya, the largest commercial bank in the East African sub region, with a new digital core system. The system provides inclusive financial services for more than 18 million users in Kenya and neighboring countries, empowering the real economy and promoting sustainable social development. Eric Muriuki Njagi, Director of NCBA Digital Services, said: "Our cooperation with Huawei aims to solve current problems as well as grasp new opportunities brought by future services." In the transportation sector, Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Research Director Intelligent Infrastructure, Networks, Mobility & Logistics; Deputy Director Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) of Center for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), took Europe as an example and shared the situation of digital transformation of port construction. European Union (EU) ports offer services to a global maritime fleet (Greece, for example is ranked first with a share of 17% of the world fleet in 2020). Seaports and the shipping industry are an important nexus of the EU economy, but are facing challenges such as structural performance gaps, lack of high-quality infrastructure at ports and other low-performing services. To address this, the EU has formulated a strategic agenda for the European ports, focusing on maritime infrastructure as part of raising EU's global competitiveness. In this context, the Green Port Proposal has been developed in collaboration between CERTH and Huawei. Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou said: "The Green Port project is deeply involved in the transformation process of the ports' ecosystems: the users of the ports together with the port's authorities, the cities try to solve problems of accessibility, efficiency, operation optimization and environmental impact. Ports of the future are sustainable, smart, multimodal and interconnected. Technology solutions from partners like Huawei will contribute to efficiently meeting various challenges." In the education sector, Soochow University partnered with Huawei to jointly build a "Cloud-based Soochow University" that is digital and intelligent. With this project, all people, environments, objects, as well as academic and cultural activities in the campus are digitalized and mirrored on the cloud, allowing for digital integrations in teaching, scientific research, and management. Xiong Sidong, President of the Soochow Iniversity, remarked in his keynote speech: "Soochow University and Huawei have applied cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data, cloud computing, and IoT in the planning and construction of a cloud-based campus for information exchange and data sharing. Our aim is to shape a new form of university that is built with future technology and integrates reality and virtual interactions." In the energy industry, Gao Kunlun, CIGRE Study Committee D2 Regular Member, and Vice President of the Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute, pointed out that in recent years, AI is gradually being applied in many fields, such as equipment maintenance, power grid operation, and customer service. Whilst this effectively improves the efficiency and benefits of the power grid it also reveals technical limitations. With the development of AI theories and technologies, AI-powered electric power systems are now capable of knowledge learning and independent decision-making optimization in complex environments, playing a crucial part in key services such as autonomous power generation and autonomous scheduling of power grids. From March 24 to 26, Huawei hosts the Industrial Digital Transformation Conference 2021 online. For more information, please visit us at https://e.huawei.com/en/events/industry-digital-transformation/2021 Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472807/KN1_en.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472811/image_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472839/image_2.jpg Collaborative projects on the production of armored hardware and transport airplanes are also on the table. Brazils military seem to have developed interest in products by Kyiv-based DKKB Luch, a State-owned manufacturer and supplier of missile armaments, the Defense Express online media outlet reports. The inaugural round of preliminary consultations between Ukraine and the Republic of Brazil, held as part of a bilateral dialogue on defense technology cooperation, took place online on Monday, March 22, SpetsTechoExport, a government-licensed arms dealer has reported in a press statement. The preliminary discussions focused on (1) further cooperation regarding supplies of ATGMs and barrel-launched guided projectiles in calibers of 90 and 105 mm, (2) development and supply of air-to-air missiles and their integration into Gripen fighters, as well as (3) shared production of armored military vehicles and heavy transport airplanes, the press statement reads. At March 22 round of consultations, Ukraines top diplomat in Brazil, senior executives of SpetsTechnoExport, and Chief of Design/CEO of DKKB Luch, Oleh Korostelev were representing Ukraine, while Brazil was represented by top managers of the Defense Ministrys Secretariat of Defense Products. As noted, Brazil's Air Force contracted Saab of Sweden in 2014 to supply 36 multirole fighter jets JAS-39E/F Gripen NG, of which 13 will be built in Sweden and the remaining 23 will be locally produced at an Embraer factory in Brazil. The first JAS-39E Gripen built for Brazil made its maiden flight in August 2019. Ukraine, for its part, is renowned manufacturer of medium-range air-to-air missiles (such as R-27 produced by State-owned JSHC Artem, Kyiv), and State-controlled design & development company DKKB Luch, Kyiv, has recently unveiled its new highly maneuverable, IR guided, short-range air-to-air missile. Brazils military officials first visited Ukraine in late November early December of last year. The visiting team got a firsthand look at armaments production capacities in Ukraine and held preliminary negotiations on cooperation in varied defense technology areas. An official Ukrainian team is scheduled to visit Brazil for the next round of consultations in May 2020. ol A 2019 Pew Research study found that 56% of families with incomes of less than $30,000 per year had home broadband. At the other end of the spectrum, 94% of families with annual household incomes of $100,000 or more had home broadband, according to the Pew study. ADVERTISEMENT The police in Ebonyi State, Nigerias South-east, have arraigned four men for embarking on a peaceful protest in Abakaliki. They were charged before a chief magistrate on Tuesday for breach of the peace and intent to cause public disorder. A report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) identified the four as Paul Nwogudu, Chukwuebuka Chukwu, Ebonyi Chukwudi, and Ehiri Kelechi. They organised an illegal protest against one Emeka Nwibo for the purpose of forcibly removing him and the caretaker committee members from office of the Tipper Drivers Union of Ebonyi State, a police prosecutor, Igbokwe Joel, told the court. The accused, thereby, committed an offence punishable under Section 70 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33 vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, Mr Joel, a police inspector, stated. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, their counsel, Donatus Njoku, appealed to the court to grant them bail. The chief magistrate, Blessing Chukwu, granted each of the defendants bail, in the sum of N200, 000, with one surety each. The case was adjourned to April 8, for hearing. (NAN) Oswego, N.Y. Pontiac Nursing Home wants Oswego Mayor William Barlow to stop publicly criticizing the troubled facility and is hinting it may sue if the mayor does not shut up. A lawyer representing Pontiac sent a letter to Barlow demanding he cease and desist making negative and defamatory comments about the 80-bed nursing home at 303 E. River Road. The letter cited comments Barlow made in a recent Syracuse.com | Post-Standard story about Pontiacs lengthy history of abuse and neglect. In that story Barlow said Pontiac should have been shut down years ago. Anyone who has lived in Oswego or knows anything about Oswego throughout the last 20 years knows the Pontiac nursing home is nothing but trouble, poorly managed, doesnt properly care for residents and offers sub-par living and working conditions, he said. The statements and comments made by you are defamatory, slanderous and malicious in nature, Langston McFadden, an attorney representing Pontiac, said in the letter. Please consider this letter Pontiacs good faith effort to resolve this matter without the need for litigation. Barlow said he will continue to speak out about problems at the nursing home and denied his comments were defamatory. Its not defamatory if its rooted in fact, he said. Their documented record speaks for itself. If they dont want me talking about their record of poor care then maybe they should improve their facility and they wouldnt have to worry about me or anyone else talking about this. Government regulators recently added Pontiac to a list of the nations worst nursing homes that could lose federal funding unless they improve care. Pontiac was put on the list because of its persistent record of poor care, a state health department official said. Nursing homes on the list are subject to more frequent inspections. Pontiac has been cited for numerous problems such as failing to protect residents from sexual abuse, not sending two gravely ill residents to the hospital for emergency care and letting water from a leaky roof drip into residents rooms for years. It was cited last year for failing to protect residents from a registered sex offender who lives in the facility. A state health department investigation found the sex offender repeatedly sexually abused a female resident suffering from dementia last summer. The office of the state Attorney General and Oswego police are investigating that case. Pontiac has denied any wrongdoing in that case. In the letter to Barlow, McFadden said, Pontiacs staff and management team have the utmost respect for their residents and are disappointed and deeply saddened by the recent allegations. Despite these allegations, it should be known that Pontiac is committed to providing quality care to its residents and has implemented appropriate measures to ensure the protection and well-being of its residents. Pontiac is a for-profit nursing home owned by Cosimo Mastropierro of Long Island, who also owns three other nursing homes in New York state. Barlow said the situation at Pontiac is one of the few issues hes discussed publicly as mayor that have painted Oswego in a negative light. He said he has a moral responsibility to speak out about problems at Pontiac because they affect some of Oswegos most vulnerable residents. Im not going to stop and Im going to keep applying pressure to try to get the state health department and other agencies to do their jobs, Barlow said. In a prepared statement released this afternoon, Pontiac said it has taken steps to improve care and it welcomes any assistance the special focus facility program may provide in making additional improvements. James T. Mulder covers health and higher education. Have a news tip? Contact him at (315) 470-2245 or jmulder@syracuse.com 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. Opposition MDC Alliance duo of Joana Mamombe and Cecelia Chimbiri together with Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) leader Takudzwa Ngadziore will spend two more nights in detention after High Court Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi postponed his ruling on their bail bid to Thursday morning. The trio who were arrested for addressing an illegal press conference at the Harare Magistrates Court in breach of lockdown regulations, approached the High Court to appeal against Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro's decision to deny them bail. Their lawyer Jeremiah Bhamu told 263Chat that his clients have been instructed to return to court on Thursday at 10 am for their ruling. "The court is not ready with the judgment so the three have been instructed to come back on Thursday in the morning," said Bamu. Mamombe and Chimbiri have been in and out of detention since May last year when they were arrested for 'faking abduction' after they reported being taken to an unknown location by suspected state security agents. They reported being tortured and sexually assaulted before their captives dumped them near Bindura. Ngadziore also has other pending cases before the courts. The Residual Special Court Prosecutor is investigating allegations in Liberia and Sierra Leone of unlawful contacts with witnesses who testified before the Special Court for Sierra Leone, including offering bribes to witnesses to recant their previous testimonies. "The safety and security of our witnesses is of the utmost importance, and any interference with witnesses of the Court, and any actions to interfere with the Court's administration of justice, will be fully investigated and appropriate action taken," said RSCSL Prosecutor James Johnson. "Interference with witnesses is a threat to the administration of justice and my office will pursue any unlawful interference with witnesses, as mandated by the RSCSL Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence." The Office of the Prosecutor has a duty under Articles 1 and 14 of the RSCSL Statute to investigate all allegations of contempt, and to pursue charges when warranted. Rule 77 sets out those offences that interfere with the administration of justice, which would be charged as Contempt of Court. Persons convicted of interfering with witnesses could face a prison sentence of up to seven years, a fine, or both. Previously, nine persons were convicted by the Special Court of interference with the administration of justice, and were given various punishments, including sentences of up to two years for offering bribes to witnesses, or otherwise attempting to induce witnesses to recant their testimony after the trials had been completed. The Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone is responsible for the ongoing legal obligations of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which concluded its mandate in December 2013. These include supervision of prison sentences, witness protection and support, maintenance and preservation of the archives, and assistance to national prosecution authorities As the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a global boom in the use of technology thanks to remote working and learning. Digital transformation became an imperative to survive as the outbreak highlighted its value. Quarantines, lockdowns, and self-imposed isolation pushed millions around the world to work from home, accelerating the need for robust technology solutions. Now, well into the pandemic, the demand for technology is only growing stronger as its benefits have become more and more clear. In these challenging times, countries like Taiwan have emerged as a role model in handling of the pandemic and have come forward to build knowledge sharing platforms to display resilient, flexible and easy-to-use digital tools thereby helping to maintain continuity in business and life. Strengthening its support to Indias digital mission, Taiwan Excellence is participating in Convergence India 2021 Indias leading technology show being held in New Delhi from March 24 to 26. Convergence India aims at bringing together the latest technology innovations and trends from the telecom & mobile industry, information technology & security, broadcast & digital media, as well as emerging technologies & enterprise solutions under one roof. The expo provides opportunity for global industry leaders and influencers to discuss the latest trends and disruptions impacting various industry verticals. Taiwan Excellence has been participating in Convergence India since the past several years. However, this year, the event is special for several reasons. Convergence is one of the first few events to take place on-ground after a huge gap that was filled with a series of virtual events due to the pandemic. Taiwan Excellence pavilion over the years has emerged as the centre piece of attraction in the Convergence India Expo drawing maximum visitors in the expo. This years theme, Digital India Connecting the Unconnected, resonates extremely well with Taiwan Excellence that is known for its globally renowned ICT and related industry. Taiwan Excellence is putting up a dynamic and vibrant show of some of its most innovative and award-winning products at the expo. Taiwan has been at the forefront of supporting some of Indias major digital initiatives like Digital India, Smart Cities, Skill India and Start up India for past few years successfully. This year too, its participation in Convergence India reiterates its commitment to support Indias digital mission. A number of leading Taiwanese brands are participating in the expo and are displaying some cutting-edge products in the areas of ICT, smart healthcare, technology and smart lifestyle. These products include A-Techs TFT LCD Laser Display Repair, AAEONs High-Performance Intelligent Edge Computing PC, Acers Swift 3X ultra-thin laptop, ADATAs XPG GAMMIX S70 Solid State Drive, AIFAs Wi-Fi Remote Control BOX, AOPT Fiber Optics Connectors, AVers AI Auto Tracking PTZ Camera, Avisions A3 Multifunction Printer, BenQs Wireless Android-based Smart Projector, CyberPowers UT Series UPS, D-Links EXO AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router, GWinSteks Electrical Safety Analyzer, LuftQis Duo (Portable filterless air purifier), Maktars Qubii Duo Phones Auto Backup and Storage Device, Optomas 4K UHD HDR Smart Home Laser Projector, Plusteks SecureScan X-Mini, Synologys Network attached Storage devices, Tokuyos Massage Chair, Thermaltakes Tempered Glass ARGB Cabinet, Zyxels Wi-Fi 6 Dual Radio PoE Access Point. Some of the sterling products boast of high-tech features like AIFAs i-Ctrl controls Home Automation with a smartphone or tablet where i-Ctrl is the central hub of IoT smart home products allows to manage and secure home remotely via WiFi and Infrared (IR) technology, LuftQis LUFT Cube is compact, filterless air purifier which can neutralize pollutants, odors, allergens, and toxic chemicals and convert them into water and carbon dioxide. MAKTARs QubiiDuo photo backup device which allows you to auto backup and transfer photos between iOS and Android Type-C phones while charging, TOKUYOs Massage Chair TC-730-AVS which has Multiple features like SL track, Heating function, Calf spiral massage, Bluetooth music play, Full body airbag massage, etc. also with its Zero wall design (saving space). Speaking about Taiwan Excellences participation in Convergence India 2021, Mark Wu, Executive Director of TAITRA said, After a long gap, we are participating in an on-ground event in India. The pandemic taught the whole world so many things and in that the importance of digital was one of the foremost lessons learnt. Taiwan Excellence has always aimed at offering cutting-edge, high-tech products that will help the world in navigating quagmire of problems posed by the pandemic. Taiwan Excellence products have been reckoned to foster growth of companies around the globe and have also contributed in easing life significantly. Both India and Taiwan can mutually benefit from each others talent pool in the high-tech industry. India is a vast market for Taiwanese companies who are looking for investment opportunities. The prospects for India-Taiwan bilateral trade, which was hit hard due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, look promising in 2021, according to reports. The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) offices were set up in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai to expedite and boost trade relations between the two nations. The bilateral trade, which stood at $4.7 billion in 2015-16 had touched $7.1 billion in 2018-19 and is currently at $5.75 billion for the year 2019-20. It is expected that the trade will cross $7 billion mark again this fiscal year. (Source Ministry of Commerce, GOI). Convergence India expo creates a platform for players to promote Brand India, and extend the impact of Make in India and Digital India campaigns globally. The three-day event provides an opportunity for professionals, digital innovators, international businesses, telecom and broadcasting players, as well as leaders from IT, internet, IoT, & Embedded Technology industries to interact and do business with each other. Hero Products A-TECH TFT-LCD Laser Display Repair: LCD laser repair machine (referred to as laser machine) on the LCD screen repair industry accounted for the high-end repair technology. It supports panels from 5 80, including mobile, tablet, laptop, Smart TV screens. LCD screen resolution supports 1080P, 2K, 4K, 5K. AAEON High-Performance Intelligent Edge Computing PC BOXER-6641: The BOXER-6641 is built to easily integrate into any industrial application. I/O features include six COM ports and up to eight USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports. The BOXER-6641 is easy to maintain, with only six screws needed to remove the top heatsink to access the CPU, and removing the bottom panel provides easy access to the memory and storage devices. Acer Swift 3x SF314-510G: Disrupt the status quo with the powerful performance of the Swift 3Xs Intel Iris Xe MAX discrete graphics and 11th Gen Intel Core Processor1. Carry your 1.37 kg companion with you throughout the day, for up to 17.5 hours2 of all-day use, while breezing through even the most task-intensive apps. ADATA/XPG Solid State Drive GAMMIX S70 PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280: Enjoy next-gen performance with the XPG GAMMIX S70 PCIe Gen4x4 M.2 2280 solid state drive (SSD). 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Avision A3 multifunction printer AM7640i: Avision MFPs provides incredible versatility to meet the demands of all your office needs, yet operation is kept simple and straightforward. BenQ Wireless Android-based Smart Projector EW800ST: EW800ST can instantly turn any space into a video conferencing room without costing a fortune. Its Compatible with any device, allowing users connect and get started immediately CyberPower UT Series UPS UT650EG: CyberPower UT650EG guarantees power protection for computers, networking equipment, and storage devices. The product adopts line-interactive topology with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) function to offer stabilized AC power output. D-Link EXO AX1500 Wi-Fi 6 Router DIR-X1560: Wi-Fi 6 brings next-generation Wi-Fi technology into your home, giving the quantum leap in capacity, speed and range you need to handle all your Wi-Fi demands. Perfect for high-performance, device-dense smart homes. GW Instek Electrical Safety Analyzer GPT-12000 Series: GW Instek is the first safety analyzer in the world to comply with IEC 61010-2-034. It has High Accuracy and High-Resolution Testing Performance. LUFTQI Portable Mini Air Purifier Duo: LUFTQI Duo is small and filterless air purifier which purifies air to the molecules. Maktar Qubii Duo USB-C MKPQD-W: The Qubii Duo photo backup device is MFi-Certified and allows you to auto backup and transfer photos between iOS and Android Type-C phones. Optoma 4K UHD HDR Smart Home Laser Projector P2: P2 features 4K UHD resolution and premium Dolby Digital 2.0 audio, offers the ultimate cinematic experience like no other. Equipped with the premium Dolby Digital 2.0 Audio, P2 is bringing the HD cinematic audio to your home. Plustek SecureScan X-Mini Xmini: The SecureScan X-Mini can capture and verify relevant data of all international passports, plastic ID cards and other documents. Supporting TD1/TD2/MRP/MRV document size scanning, which include international passports and other travel documents. Synology Network Attached Storage DS920+: Synology DS920+ is an ideal network-attached storage solution to streamline data management and productivity. It comes with Store multiple backup versions with block-level incremental data backup and cross-version deduplication. TOKUYO Massage Chair TC-730-AVS: It has Multiple features like SL track, Heating function, Calf spiral massage, Bluetooth music play, Full body airbag massage, etc. also this is Zero wall design (saving space). Thermaltake View 51 Tempered Glass ARGB Edition: CA-1Q6-00M1WN-00 The View 51 is an elegant chassis utilizes swing-out side panels, and is enclosed with 4mm tempered glass panels on three sides for users to demonstrate their DIY handwork and showcase their internal components. Zyxel Networks WiFi 6 Dual Radio PoE Access Point NWA110AX: The NWA110AX boasts an impressive quad-core processor to provide consistently smooth delivery to wireless clients. It comes with support for NebulaFlex, Zyxels scalable, cloud-based management system, the NWA110AX can be managed via NCC (Nebula control Center) or simply operate alone (controller less). A 19-year-old Hattiesburg woman was killed Tuesday afternoon when her car left the roadway on Interstate 59 where it intersects Interstate 10 in St. Tammany Parish, State Police Troop L said in a news release. A 2-year-old passenger was taken to a hospital with injuries. Yaquaria Smith was traveling southbound in the left-hand lane when she veered right toward the I-10 eastbound off ramp, leaving the roadway, according to a news release. Her vehicle hit a sign and then a tree on the driver's side. Smith, who was wearing a seatbelt, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on the scene by the St. Tammany Parish Coroners Office. The 2-year-old was also properly restrained in a child safety seat. The investigation is continuing. Impairment is not suspected, but a blood sample was taken from Smith for scientific analysis, Troop L 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. A former Texas state trooper is accused of sexually assaulting two women in his patrol car while on duty last summer, federal officials said. Lee Ray Boykin Jr., a 32-year-old Spring man, was arrested and charged in connection with two assaults, although authorities said they believe he may have assaulted other victims, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Texas. The defendant also faces weapon and falsification of records charges in the case. Last August, prosecutors allege, Boykin conducted a traffic stop near a north Houston motel during which he issued the driver a written warning and ordered the passenger into his patrol car. The trooper drove miles away, parked near a dumpster in a back parking lot and coerced the woman to perform oral sex on him by threatening to take her to jail, according to a criminal complaint. The woman feared for her life and safety, prosecutors said. Boykin then placed his hand on his weapon and told her to run, prosecutors said. The second assault happened days before when Boykin pulled up at a gas station in the same area, according to the complaint. He told a woman he was taking her to a substation for outstanding warrants, ordered her into his car and drove to the same back parking lot where he forced her to perform oral sex, according to the complaint. Boykin could face up to life in prison if convicted on the charges. The Houston Police Department, Texas Rangers and FBI conducted the investigation. Anyone with information that Boykin assaulted others should contact the FBI at 713-693-5000, authorities said. anna.bauman@chron.com twitter.com/abauman2 From May 25 last year, when India began a phased resumption of flights during a lockdown, until this week, 52 million passengers have traversed Indian skies on half a million flights, a report said. "With rising Covid-19 cases in some regions necessitating restrictions and imposition of compulsory RT-PCR tests, the number of fliers is holding steady," Indias Civil Aviation Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, was quoted as saying by Emirates news agency Wam. An average of quarter million passengers are now flying through airports in India daily, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said. The number of flights on Indian skies is averaging 4,500 daily, the Ministry added. Puri revealed this morning that India has brought back 6.77 million of its citizens from around the world since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic. Describing Indias global repatriation mission known as "Vande Bharat" as the "world's largest mission of hope and happiness" through aviation, Puri said that in addition, air bubbles with 27 global destinations continue to "provide smooth passage for repatriation and international travel." Air bubbles are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services when regular international flights are suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. India is yet to resume regular international commercial flights which were suspended early last year during a lockdown. The Vande Bharat evacuation operations began on 7th May last year. Puri said Indias civil aviation operations continue to soar towards pre-Covid-19 levels while maintaining safety norms at airports. The parents of a Bowling Green State University student who died after he was forced to down 40 shots in a hazing ritual say their son was 'murdered' as they call for his fraternity brothers to face felony charges. 'To me he was forced into something, the outcome is he was murdered,' Shari Foltz said of her son, Stone Foltz, 20, in an interview with Good Morning America on Wednesday. 'There needs to be harsher punishments,' she said. 'You get a slap on the hand for basically doing these things and killing someone. If it's a felony, don't you think they're going to think twice before doing something like this?' Foltz died on March 7 after the sophomore business major was allegedly forced into a drinking ritual while pledging Pi Kappa Alpha's Delta Beta chapter at Bowling Green State University. Pi Kappa Alpha has since placed the Bowling Green State chapter on administrative suspension. Incredibly, Shari says she was able to forgive the students who she holds responsible for her son's death, but demands they face justice. 'I forgive them,' said Shari, who described the pain of Stone's loss as 'unimaginable'. 'But I won't forget.' Scroll down for video The parents of a Bowling Green State University student who died after he was forced to down 40 shots in a hazing ritual say their son was 'murdered' as they call for his fraternity brothers to face felony charges. 'No parent should have to sit in their car wondering if their son is going to be okay,' his father Cory said Stone Foltz was a sophomore business major at Bowling Green State University EXCLUSIVE: The parents of Bowling Green State University student Stone Foltz, 20, are calling for justice after the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity pledge died after an alleged hazing incident. @ReeveWill reports. https://t.co/kjNhJ3l2MG Good Morning America (@GMA) March 24, 2021 The family's lawyer Rex Elliott added that justice for grieving parents, 'looks like the criminal process. Those involved in this ritual, charged with crimes.' 'I want them to step up,' Shari said of the fraternity. 'I want them to take ownership, I want them to explain what went on - I think that's gonna help put a stop to this.' Shari explained that she'd had some concerns when Stone decided he wanted to pledge Greek life. 'We had many conversations as to, 'Make sure you're doing it for the right reasons, make sure you're checking these fraternities out,' Shari said. Sadly those fears appear to have been well founded after Shari and her husband Corey received a call at midnight on March 4, telling them their son was unconscious. 'He was found not breathing, they had to revive him and [was] on a ventilator keeping him alive,' said father Cory who immediately drove the two hours to the school from their home. 'So we spent two hours, driving to his school, holding my wife's hand, praying in my mind that Stone was going to be okay. No parent should have to sit in their car wondering if their son is going to be okay.' After four nights in the hospital, however, Stone was declared brain dead. 'I can't describe the pain - there's a piece of my heart that's gone. It's just unimaginable, I can't even explain to you,; said Shari. Stone (left) with mother Shari and father Cory. Stone died after an alleged hazing incident 'There needs to be harsher punishments,' mother Shari said about hazing incidents 'He was an amazing kid, just an absolute, loving kid'. Two weeks before his death, Stone declined to return home for a weekend because the fraternity was forcing him to stay at the school until 2am one night. On March 4, Stone relayed to his mother that there was a drinking ritual he felt he was being forced to take part in. Shari texted her son about it and promised to call and check in an hour after the ritual began, but she 'never made that call.' An anonymous student told WTOL, 'We have to drink a handle of any alcohol that our big gives us. We have to finish the whole thing in the time we're there before we leave.' A handle of alcohol contains about 40 shots of liquor. 'I've never seen my roommate more drunk in his entire life. He immediately went to the bathroom and was throwing up in the toilet for just 15 minutes to an hour and making himself vomit,' the student continued. Shari said, ''Well, that sounds really stupid. Why do you have to do it?'' And he said 'It's just part of the ritual, I have to, but I don't want to.'' A Bowling Green States spokesperson referred to the incident as an 'alleged hazing activity involving alcohol consumption at a Pi Kappa Alpha off-campus event' on March 5. The parents of Stone Foltz allowed his organs to be donated following his death Pictured: Bowling Green's Pi Kappa Alpha house. The chapter is on administrative suspension Shari says that she holds the national fraternity organization '100 percent' responsible for the incident. Pi Kappa Alpha, which placed the Bowling Green State chapter on administrative suspension, issued a statement after Stone Foltz's death. 'The Fraternity has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activity, substance abuse, bullying, and hazing of any kind. As more details are confirmed, we will also pursue permanent suspension of Delta Beta Chapter as well as expulsion of all chapter members from the International Fraternity. 'The International Fraternity will cooperate fully with authorities as this incident is investigated and will consider every possible course of action to hold the chapter and individual members accountable to the fullest extent in accordance with the International Fraternity Constitution and Codes.' Stone's organs are being donated to others, with his heart and kidneys already successfully transplanted. Meanwhile, The Columbus Dispatch reports that lawmakers in Ohio, where Bowling Green State is located, are eyeing new anti-hazing legislation. A new version of Collin's Law would increase penalties of hazing from misdemeanors to felonies. The bill is named for Collin Wiant, a freshman at Ohio University who died in 2018 at a fraternity house after he inhaled a whippit. 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. Williamson, WV (25661) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. The Consumers Association of Canada will become the second organization in as many weeks to make a statutory request that the Public Utilities Board open a special hearing on Manitoba Hydro finances and rates. The Consumers Association of Canada will become the second organization in as many weeks to make a statutory request that the Public Utilities Board open a special hearing on Manitoba Hydro finances and rates. Gloria Desorcy, executive director of CAC Manitoba, said it's essential the regulator hold a hearing to examine significant financial issues that have arisen since 2018, which was the last time a full general rate application hearing took place. Later this week, the CAC will make a formal application under Sec. 26 of the Crown Corporations Governance and Accountability Act, which allows the PUB order a review if it is "satisfied that the circumstances of a (Crown) corporation have changed substantially." Since the last full rate hearing, Hydro has conducted a broad organizational review and signed huge new power deals with Saskatchewan that have the potential to change the utility's financial outlook, Desorcy said. However, because it has refused to submit another rate application to the PUB, nobody knows the financial future of Hydro. The situation is exacerbated with the impending passage of Bill 35, she said. The proposed bill, which will not be voted on until the fall, would reduce PUB oversight from the current process of an annual rate application, to once every five years. It would allow Premier Brian Pallister to set electricity rates by cabinet decree. Even though Bill 35 has not yet passed, the Pallister government has already decided Hydro rates will go up by 2.9 per cent this year. "If Bill 35 passes, consumers may not be able to access this kind of vital information for another three years," Desorcy said in a statement. "Manitoba Hydro has not come to the PUB for a rate application in several years. We need an information update now to give consumers some idea of the financial position of this Crown monopoly providing essential products and services to Manitobans." Pallister has repeatedly said Bill 35 would strengthen the PUB by expanding its scope to fully consider capital expenditures. Critics point out, however, that by eliminating annual rate hearings and allowing the cabinet to set electricity rates, the public has considerably less information about how Hydro is performing and what effect it might have on electricity bills. The New Democrats have also applied for a special review of Hydro operations and have used legislative procedures to delay passage of Bill 35 until the fall. The NDP is concerned Hydro is trying to get members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who are on strike, to accept a two-year wage freeze without providing up-to-date financial information. The PUB has declined to comment on the NDP request. It turned down a similar effort last year based on an assumption it would be able to deal with the issues raised at the next general rate application. Now that it appears that will not happen, the NDP believes the PUB may be more willing to call a special hearing. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. By Rebecca Moss of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG Spotlight PA is continuing to investigate problems with the states unemployment system, and is hoping to hear from the people who have helped the Department of Labor and Industry process more than 5.2 million claims since the pandemic began. As claimants hit their one-year anniversary and some benefits expire, there is continuing concern about inadequate staffing at the department, and the stress faced by those who have worked there. If you previously worked for the department or are currently employed there, and you helped in any role to get people financial aid during the pandemic, we want to hear from you. What was the experience like? What problems did you experience? What doesnt the public know? Please share by answering a few questions below. None of your responses will be shared or published without your consent. You may hear from Spotlight PA Reporter Rebecca Moss for additional information or a follow-up interview. You can also reach out to Moss directly at rmoss@spotlightpa.org. Thanks for your contributions. Cant see the form? View it here. Loading WHILE YOURE HERE... If you learned something from this story, pay it forward and become a member of Spotlight PA so someone else can in the future at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Sorry! This content is not available in your region 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. Health Minister Robin Swann has warned of the potential for a further surge in Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland. Speaking at a media briefing this afternoon, Mr Swann said the vaccination programme offered the hope of "better times ahead" with "more freedoms and more normality". "We cannot jeopardise that better future by being reckless now," he said. "We have so much work to do, both in terms of combating the virus and repairing the great damage it has caused. "Rebuilding health services post-pandemic is a top priority of mine, particularly the need to address the backlog in operations and other treatments. "The potential for a further surge in Covid-19 cases, however, represents the single biggest threat to that crucial rebuilding. "That's a major reason why we need to be cautious now. "As I have stressed before, the best way to protect non-Covid care is to stop the virus spreading." Mr Swann said the public must remain cautious and vigilant as he urged people to spend the Easter period "sensibly and respectfully". "The virus is still out there, looking for ways to spread," he said. "Remember that indoor mixing is still out of bounds, for very good reason," he said. "While limited outdoor interactions are permitted, social distancing and common sense remain vital." Mr Swann was speaking after no new deaths were reported from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland on Wednesday. The latest figures from the Department of Health are within the past 24 hours. Northern Ireland's death toll from the virus remains at 2,107. Covid-19 Health Update with Health Minister, Robin Swann Health Minister, Robin Swann, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride and Patricia Donnelly, Head of the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme will address the media Posted by Belfast Telegraph on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Over the past seven days there have been seven deaths from the virus, down from eight the week before. The department also confirmed 139 new cases of Covid-19 after 1,856 tests were carried out. A total of 116,332 people have now tested positive for the virus in Northern Ireland. Read More Over the past seven days 1,014 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19, down from 1,197 the week before. There are currently 154 Covid-19 patients in Northern Ireland's hospitals, with 14 in an intensive care unit. Hospital bed occupancy currently stands at 101%, while 25 intensive care unit beds remain free. In Northern Ireland's care homes there are currently nine active outbreaks of the virus. Read More Meanwhile chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has announced the easing of safety advice to those considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) in Northern Ireland. Since December 26 2020, CEV people have been advised to adhere to additional steps to protect themselves from Covid-19, including advice not to attend a workplace if they are unable to work from home. Dr McBride said there would be a graduated easing of the advice from April 12, with the first step in relation to the workplace. He said if people could not work from home they could go back to the workplace, as long as appropriate safety measures were in place. "From the outset, protecting the most vulnerable people from Covid-19 has been a key priority," he said. "If the current good progress in relation to the virus is maintained, I am pleased to recommend that CEV people will be able to attend work after April 12, provided the proper measures have been taken regarding the biosecurity of the workplace. "This is an important step to helping CEV people re-engage with everyday life with confidence." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Transgender people will be protected under Government plans to ban conversion therapy, according to the equalities minister. Women and equalities minister Liz Truss said she wanted to ensure that transgender people were free to live their lives without being subject to horrific conversion therapy. The minister said earlier this month that the Government would shortly bring forward plans to ban conversion therapy, after a string of resignations from the Governments LGBT advisory panel. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. Ms Truss told ITVs Peston: Im very clear that we want to make sure that transgender people are free to live their lives and dont face the type of horrific conversion therapy that currently has been going on here in the UK. Charity Stonewall welcomed the comments, calling them a clear commitment by the minister in a post on Twitter. The charity added: It is vital that the forthcoming legislative ban promised by Government protects trans people from conversion therapy in all its forms, including medical, psychiatric, psychological, religious and cultural practices. Boris Johnson has said ending conversion therapy is technically complex but insisted that ministers will stamp it out after three LGBT advisers resigned in protest. The Prime Minister said he would work to end the abhorrent practice after his Government came under damning criticism for allegedly creating a hostile environment for LGBT people. Jayne Ozanne, the first of the advisers to quit, cited delays to banning the pseudoscientific process as among her many complaints of ministers. She was followed by James Morton, who had reportedly been very concerned for several months that Ms Truss and her junior ministers were not committed to LGBT equality. Ellen Murray became the third person to quit the panel writing on Twitter that she decided to leave due to the Governments persistent and worsening hostility towards our community in myriad areas. Cabinet is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday in Mumbai. The meeting will be held at Sahyadri Guest House in Malabar Hill. The meeting is likely to discuss the ongoing issues related to the police department, Singh's challenge to his transfer to the Home Guards department in the Supreme Court, and DG State Security Corporation (MSSC)'s leave after expressing unhappiness over DGP Rajnish Sheth's appointment to his post. Normally, the meeting takes place every week, but due to some reasons it was not convened last week This will be the first Cabinet meeting after the Maharashtra Budget session concluded on March 10. Also, this meeting holds particular importance because it will also be the first meeting after the Sachin Waze episode came to light. (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. By Juliet Nalwooga Police have today formally launched Covid-19 vaccination for their staff in an ongoing exercise at the Naguru headquarters Kampala. Speaking during the launch, the police Director Health services, Dr Moses Byaruhanga revealed that vaccination for police staff started days back with a total of 308 officers vaccinated so far. Of these, only 13% are female and 87% male. Dr Byaruhanga says they will start by vaccinating officers from the Kampala Metropolitan area and the main vaccination center will be at Kibuli CID headquarters. He allayed fears on the safety of the Astrazeneca Covid-19 vaccine noting that they have NOT received any case of adverse side effects from officers who have so far been inoculated. Those that have received their first jab this morning include Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, Asan Kasigye the police Political Commissar, Edward Ochom the Director Operations and Major General Jack Kasumba the police Chief of Joint Security Forces. Police as a priority group of front line workers received a total of 20,000 Astrazeneca vaccines. press release SAWS Board chairperson Ms. Nana Magomola, Mr Mnikeli Ndabambi, SAWS Acting CEO and your Executives Mr Ishaam Abader incoming CEO of the SAWS Dr. Jonas Mphepya, Executive: Weather and Climate ServicesMr. Tshepo Ngobeni, Executive: Infrastructure and Information Systems Dr. Mmphaka Tau, Head: National Disaster Management Centre SAWS staff Members of the media, ladies and gentlemen; Thank you for the opportunity to address you on World Meteorological Day 2021, celebrated worldwide to commemorate the coming into force of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Convention in 1950. Allow me to take this opportunity to acknowledge the South African Weather Service, an entity of the Department of Foresty, Fisheries and Environment which represents our Government at the World Meterological Organisation. Let me also say that our Weather Service is highly regarded both nationally and internationally for its scientific contribution. This year's World Meteorological Day theme is The ocean, our climate and weather . Chairperson, as one listened to our previous speakers, we thought one must acknowledge the tremendous work done by the South African Weather Service to enhance understanding of the connection between the ocean, climate and weather within the Earth System. In this regard, our service with its significant weather stations in the Southern Ocean is uniquely placed to contribute to both local and global knowledge. Allow me to also wish the World Meteorological Organisation well with implementing the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). Ladies and gentlemen, Early this year, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the important work our Weather service plays in mitigating the impacts of severe weather, natural disasters and climate-related challenges. As you all know in January Cyclone Eloise travelled across our country wreaking havoc from Mpumalanga to the Northern Cape. For over two weeks we participated in the National Disaster Management Committee where SAWS tracked the unusual path of the cyclone, predicted disruptive rainfall and supported provincial and municipal governments prepare for and avert the worst aspects of this extreme weather event. Using our state of the art technology and collaborating with other international organisations we were able to give accurate hour by hour information that enabled disaster management services across the country mobilise support services to close roads and bridges threatened by flooding, monitor dam levels, clear debris, and search for and rescue those affected by flood waters. Much of our success in this regard was due to the progress SAWS has made in the 2020/21 financial year to change to Impact-based Weather Forecasting. I believe that the advance warnings by the South African Weather Service as part of its Impact-based warning services played an important role to raise awareness among the public, thereby ensuring that the public took the necessary precautionary steps to be as safe as possible. For over two weeks these meteorologists did not rest. I want today to salute one and all for your dedication during this difficult time and share with you that your dedication and hard work was commended in cabinet by the Minister of Co-operative Governance who chaired the National Disaster Management Committee. We can rejoice in the fact that many our dams are now full and the drought was broken. But we are also saddened by the loss of over forty lives and the destruction of homes, schools, clinics and other infrastructure during the torrential rains. Let me express my condolences to tall hose who have suffered loss due to this severe weather systems. Ladies and Gentleman, Climate change is now part of all our lived reality. Across the world extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and severe storms threaten communities and ecosystems. Without proper observational and communications systems, we will not be able to communicate these threats and make severe weather impact-based forecasts. Neither would we be able to collect climate information, which is crucial for agriculture, industry and services. Accordingly we must constantly strive to maintain and improve our meteorological infrastructure. While we cannot prevent the occurrence of severe weather, we can prevent its effects by empowering the public to act on time and take the necessary precautions and be prepared. The South African Weather Service will continue with its awareness raising efforts on many levels and platforms in order to further create a weather aware and WeatherSMART society. The service offering of the South African Weather Service can assist our society to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Internationally, the organisation meets the requirements of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and we are extremely proud of its role as Regional Training Centre (RTC), Regional Telecommunication Hub (RTH) and a Global Producing Centre (GPC). Today, I want to emphasise the importance of getting the messages and warnings to all communities and weather sensitive industries, and especially those most vulnerable. It is often the poor and vulnerable that are most affected by severe weather. For that reason, the role of the media is extremely important and I want to commend the media today for their daily participation in bringing the weather messages from the South African Weather Service to the community. In this regard I hope we will as soon as the Covid-19 Pandemic permits, begin community-based education programmes with those most affected by extreme weather events. It is a well-known fact that in rural communities women will carry the burden of climate change, as women and girls carry the responsibility for water and fuel collection as well as agricultural cultivation. Knowledge is power! And so it remains important that we find pandemic-compliant ways to ensure our most vulnerable citizens are equipped to understand that their current experience will not be isolated or one off, but rather part of a global change in weather patterns. It will also be important that we ensure significant adaptation partnerships and funding are linked to those who need it most. Ladies and gentlemen, COVID-19 has affected all levels of the economy, and still has a profound negative effect on sustainable development and our efforts to combat environmental degradation and poverty. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Climate By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The South African Weather Service was also deeply affected during COVID-19. While it receives a Government grant, it is also dependent on aviation and other income to ensure that all its expenses are met. With COVID-19, a large portion of this income has diminished, leading to the pushing back of several crucial projects, amongst others those related to infrastructure development. The South African Weather Service will, during the next few years, increase its efforts to improve its ageing infrastructure, especially its weather radars and ICT support. Furthermore, it will continue to grow its pool of highly qualified scientists, weather technologists and other human resources to ensure that we maintain our scientific excellence and competitive edge to face environmental challenges while also adhering to various regulatory frameworks, national and international priorities. In this way, the organisation, with the support of its Board and the Department will continue to play a leading role in aviation safety, disaster risk reduction and other key mandate areas. Let me conclude by congratulating you with your collective achievements since the inception of the WMO in 1950. Efficient and accurate weather services are our first line of defence against the ravages of climate change. May we continue to see excellent progress in the provision of weather and climate services and may we continue to understand the intricacies of the ocean, climate and weather for a better future. I Thank you. Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. French foreign ministry on Tuesday warned the Chinese envoy in the country to comply with the summon order issued in response to his threatening tweets against members of European and national parliaments and also researchers. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Monday summoned Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye to talk about the unacceptable comments, including in the form of insults and threats. However, after the envoy failed to show up on Tuesday, Europe Minister Clement Beaune accused the Chinese side of deliberately ignoring the summon. Beaune accused Chinese envoy Lu Shaye of snubbing the French foreign ministrys summon, saying the ambassadors excuse of having prior engagement is not acceptable. On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in France issued a statement saying, Ambassador Lu Shaye did not visit the French MFA today due to an agenda. Tomorrow, he will go there to make representations to the French side on the sanctions imposed by the EU on Chinese individuals and entities and on issues related to Taiwan. Beaune, while speaking to a local radio station, said he didn't believe Shaye had a scheduling problem. Beaune said, neither France nor Europe is a doormat. One needs to report when summoned by a foreign ministry, adding that is the basic protocol followed in a rules-based country. 'Crazed Hyena' Shaye was summoned by the French foreign ministry after he posted a series of tweets targeting Antoine Bondaz, an expert on China at the think-tank Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS). Shaye called Bondaz a small-time hoodlum and crazed hyena after the latter criticised Beijing for pressurizing French lawmakers against visiting Taiwan. Shaye also threatened the lawmakers who wanted to visit the disputed island nation in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Relations between Europe and China are not at their best at the moment as just recently the bloc sanctioned four Chinese individuals for their alleged involvement in the repression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang province. In response, China sanctioned EU officials for interference in its internal affairs. (Image Credit: AP) Help India! Well-known journalists Arfa Khanum, Chief Editor, The Wire, Amer Ali Khan, News Editor, Siasat, Fazil Hussain Parvez, Chief Editor Gawah, Farhat Rizvi, Senior Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara, Ayesha Khanum, Doordarshan, Bengaluru participated in the round table of Media leaders on Gender Reporting in Urdu Media Opportunities & Challenges, organized by MANUU. TCN News Support TwoCircles Hyderabad: The representation of women journalists in media houses is lacking along with the coverage of the women issues and both needed to be improved. These views were expressed on Wednesday by eminent journalists in a webinar organized by the Centre for Womens Studies and Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in collaboration with Population First supported by UNFPA and the Norwegian Embassy. Women activism in leading various peaceful protests is a sign of healthy democracy, they said. Well-known journalists Arfa Khanum, Chief Editor, The Wire, Amer Ali Khan, News Editor, Siasat, Fazil Hussain Parvez, Chief Editor Gawah, Farhat Rizvi, Senior Journalist, Rashtriya Sahara, Ayesha Khanum, Doordarshan, Bengaluru participated in the round table of Media leaders on Gender Reporting in Urdu Media Opportunities & Challenges. Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood, Registrar I/c presided over the round table. Arfa Khanam said that women at the front lines of protests are like a ray of hope in the darkness. The market demands the presence of women on the screen. Everyone talks about empowering women, but the important thing is that how do the women exercise their empowerment, she said. Amer Ali Khan described social media as a new field for women to express their views. The number of Muslim women is relatively low in Media including Urdu Media because it is difficult for them to maintain a balance between the professional requirements and domestics compulsions, he said. Khan said that Muslim women, although educated, find it difficult to take up jobs, especially after marriage. He spoke about the efforts by Siasat Urdu daily in the economic upliftment of minorities especially women. Fazil Hussain Parvez spoke about the history of Urdu journalism and said that Indian media diminished the status of women in the name of development. He referred to the women who have published and are also the editors of the magazines. Farhat Rizvi while talking about the difficulties faced by women journalists suggested that the NGOs, Urdu newspapers and MANUUs Center for Women Studies can bring some concrete results by conducting seminars on Women Empowerment. Ayesha Khanum said that there is a need to increase gender sensitivity in Urdu journalism. Womens news are given less space in Urdu media but now things are changing, he said. Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood, Registrar I/c in his presidential remarks said democracy allows differences in opinion. The media should become the voice of the voiceless. We need to educate people so that they can understand the news and can analyze it realistically. Not only women but also the oppressed classes should be empowered through education, he added. Earlier, Prof. Shahida Murtaza, Director, CWS delivered the welcome address. She said there was less material available about women in the media and their representation also needed attention. Dr. AL Sharda, Director of Population First introduced the guests. Prof. Ehtesham Ahmad Khan, Dean, School of Mass Communication and Journalism was the Moderator. Prof. Mohd. Fariyad, Head, Department of MCJ convened the programme. Meanwhile, Prof. SM Rahmatullah, Vice-Chancellor I/c will preside over the panel discussion scheduled to be held online on March 25, from 11 am to 2 pm. The panellists include Qurban Ali, Seema Mustafa, Rasheda Hussain and Mohammad Azam Shahid. The programme will be webcast live on IMC, MANUU Youtube channel. A child receiving tuberculosis medicine in South Sudan under a programme supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and UNDP. An estimated 1.4 million fewer people received necessary care for tuberculosis (TB) during 2020 compared with the previous year, because of COVID-19, the UN health agency said on Monday. Latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO) from more than 80 countries, showed a reduction in treatment of 21 per cent in the first year of the pandemic, compared with 2019. The biggest differences were in Indonesia (down 42 per cent), South Africa (41 per cent), the Philippines (37 per cent) and India (25 per cent). The disruption to essential services for people with TB is just one tragic example of the ways the pandemic is disproportionately affecting some of the worlds poorest people, who were already at higher risk for TB, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Universal care a priority These sobering data point to the need for countries to make universal health coverage a key priority as they respond to and recover from the pandemic, to ensure access to essential services for TB and all diseases. TB remains one of the worlds deadliest infectious killers. Each day, nearly 4,000 people die from TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Global efforts to combat it have saved an estimated 63 million lives since the year 2000. Ahead of World TB Day on Wednesday 24 March, WHO pointed out that some countries have already taken steps to sidestep the impact of new coronavirus on the delivery of TB services. Successful policies have included expanding the use of digital technologies such as computer-aided diagnosis in chest X-rays particularly beneficial in countries lacking sufficient numbers of trained radiographers - along with the provision of remote advice and support and providing home-based TB prevention and care. 10 million a year infected Despite these innovations, many people who have the preventable disease are still unable to access the care they need. Globally, some 10 million people fall ill with TB every year. WHO fears that over half a million more people may have died from TB in 2020, simply because they were unable to obtain a diagnosis, WHO said, adding that this is by no means a new problem; before COVID-19 struck, the gap between the estimated number of people developing TB each year and the annual number of people officially diagnosed with the virus was about three million. The pandemic has greatly exacerbated the situation, the UN health agency said. Recommended steps Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa International Organisations Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In new recommendations to help health authorities tackle the problem, the WHO urged systematic TB screening for the following groups: household and close contacts of people with TB, people living with HIV, people in prisons and detention centres, people exposed to silica (mainly miners). Community screening is beneficial in vulnerable populations with limited access to health care, WHO insisted, such as urban poor communities, homeless communities, migrants, refugees, remote isolated communities, and other vulnerable or marginalized groups. Further drug innovations have meant that health professionals should also encourage patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis to adopt the new shorter and fully oral medicine regime, which no longer has an injectable element. This shorter regimen is nine to 11 months long and research has shown that patients find it easier to complete the regimen, when compared to the longer regimens which last up to 20 months, WHO said. San Francisco, March 24 : Amazon has appointed Salesforce executive Adam Selipsky as new head of its Cloud computing arm Amazon Web Services (AWS). Selipsky replaces long-time AWS executive Andy Jassy who will become Amazon CEO when founder Jeff Bezos steps down later this year. "Selipsky brings strong judgment, customer obsession, team building, demand generation, and CEO experience to an already very strong AWS leadership team. And, having been in such a senior role at AWS for 11 years, he knows our culture and business well," Jassy said in a statement late on Tuesday. After spending 10 years at AWS, Selipsky ran the startup Tableau, which is now part of Salesforce which acquired it for $15.7 billion deal in 2019. Jassy said that with a $51 billion revenue run rate that's growing 28 per cent (on-year), it's easy to forget that AWS is still in the very early stages of what's possible. "Less than 5 per cent of the global IT spend is in the cloud at this point. That's going to substantially change in the coming years. We have a lot more to invent for customers, and we have a very strong leadership team and group of builders to go make it happen," Jassy noted. Selipsky will return to AWS on May 17. Back in 2005, he was one of the first VPs Amazon hired in AWS, and ran sales, marketing, and support for 11. Selipsky then became the CEO of Tableau in 2016, and ran Tableau for 4.5 years. Tableau experienced significant success during Adam's time as CEO - the value of the company quadrupled in just a few years, Tableau transitioned through a fundamental business model change from perpetual licenses to subscription licensing, and the company was eventually acquired by Salesforce in 2019 in one of the largest software acquisitions in history. Following the acquisition, Adam remained the CEO of Tableau and was a member of Salesforce's Executive Leadership Team. (Natural News) The massacres at three massage parlors in the Atlanta area this week, leaving eight human beings dead, others injured, and their families scarred, were horrifying. Read this deeply moving story about the son of one of the women killed to remind yourself of this. Its brutal. The grief will spread and resonate some more. (Article by Andrew Sullivan republished from AndrewSullivan.Substack.com) But this story has also been deeply instructive about our national discourse and the state of the American mainstream and elite media. This storys coverage is proof, it seems to me, that American journalists have officially abandoned the habit of attempting any kind of objectivity in reporting these stories. We are now in the enlightened social justice world of moral clarity and narrative-shaping. Heres the truth: We dont yet know why this man did these horrible things. Its probably complicated, or, as my therapist used to say, multi-determined. Thats why we have thorough investigations and trials in America. We only have one solid piece of information as to motive, which is the confession by the mass killer to law enforcement: that he was a religious fundamentalist who was determined to live up to chastity and repeatedly failed, as is often the case. Like the 9/11 bombers or the mass murderer at the Pulse nightclub, he took out his angst on the source of what he saw as his temptation, and committed mass murder. This is evil in the classic fundamentalist sense: a perversion of religion and sexual repression into violence. We should not take the killers confession as definitive, of course. But we can probe it and indeed, his story is backed up by acquaintances and friends and family. The New York Times originally ran one piece reporting this out. The Washington Post also followed up, with one piece citing contemporaneous evidence of the mans religious mania and sexual compulsion. It appears that the man frequented at least two of the spas he attacked. He chose the spas, his ex roommates said, because he thought they were safer than other ways to get easy sex. Just this morning, the NYT ran a second piece which confirms that the killer had indeed been in rehab for sexual impulses, was a religious fanatic, and his next target was going to be a business tied to the pornography industry. We have yet to find any credible evidence of anti-Asian hatred or bigotry in this mans history. Maybe we will. We cant rule it out. But we do know that his roommates say they once asked him if he picked the spas for sex because the women were Asian. And they say he denied it, saying he thought those spas were just the safest way to have quick sex. That needs to be checked out more. But the only piece of evidence about possible anti-Asian bias points away, not toward it. And yet. Well, you know whats coming. Accompanying one original piece on the known facts, the NYT ran nine nine! separate stories about the incident as part of the narrative that this was an anti-Asian hate crime, fueled by white supremacy and/or misogyny. Not to be outdone, the WaPo ran sixteen separate stories on the incident as an antiAsian white supremacist hate crime. Sixteen! One story for the facts; sixteen stories on how critical race theory would interpret the event regardless of the facts. For good measure, one of their columnists denounced reporting of law enforcements version of events in the newspaper, because it distracted attention from the real motives. Today, the NYT ran yet another full-on critical theory piece disguised as news on how these murders are proof of structural racism and sexism because some activists say they are. Mass killers, if they are motivated by bigotry or hate, tend to let the world know: The suspected attacker in Pittsburgh allegedly said he wanted to kill Jews while rampaging inside a synagogue. Police said the man charged with killing people at an El Paso Walmart told them that he was targeting Mexicans that day. And the man who massacred Black parishioners inside a Charleston church detailed his racist motivations at length. This mass murderer in Atlanta actually denied any such motive, and, to repeat myself, there is no evidence for it and that has been true from the very start. And yet, a friend forwarded me the note swiftly sent to students and faculty at Harvard, which sums up the instant view of our elite: Many of us woke up yesterday to the horrific news of the vicious and deadly attack in Atlanta, the latest in a wave of increasing violence targeting the Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander community This violence has a history. From Chinese Exclusion to the nativist rhetoric amplified during the pandemic, anti-Asian hostility has deep roots in American culture. And on and on. It was almost as if they had a pre-existing script to read, whatever the facts of the case! Nikole Hannah-Jones, the most powerful journalist at the New York Times, took to Twitter in the early morning of March 17 to pronounce: Last nights shooting and the appalling rise in anti-Asian violence stem from a sick society where nationalism has been stoked and normalized. Ibram Kendi tweeted: Locking arms with Asian Americans facing this lethal wave of anti-Asian terror. Their struggle is my struggle. Our struggle is against racism and White Supremacist domestic terror. When the cops reported the killers actual confession, left-Twitter went nuts. One gender studies professor recited the litany: The refusal to name anti-Asianess [sic], racism, white supremacy, misogyny, or class in this is whiteness doing what it always does around justifying its death-dealing To ignore the deeply racist and misogynistic history of hypersexualization of Asian women in this explication from law enforcement of what emboldened this killer is also a willful erasure. In The Root, the real reason for the murders was detailed: White supremacy is a virus that, like other viruses, will not die until there are no bodies left for it to infect. Which means the only way to stop it is to locate it, isolate it, extract it, and kill it. Trevor Noah insisted that the killers confession was self-evidently false: You killed six Asian people. Specifically, you went there. Your murders speak louder than your words. What makes it even more painful is that we saw it coming. We see these things happening. People have been warning, people in the Asian communities have been tweeting, theyve been saying, Please help us. Were getting punched in the street. Were getting slurs written on our doors.' Noah knew the killers motive more surely than the killer himself. None of them mentioned that he killed two white people as well a weird thing for a white supremacist to do and injured a Latino. None pointed out that the connection between the spas was that the killer had visited them. None explained why, if he were associating Asian people with Covid19, he would nonetheless expose himself to the virus by having sex with them, or regard these spas as safer than other ways to have quick sex. They didnt because, in their worldview, they didnt need to. What you see here is social justice ideology insisting, as Dean Baquet temporarily explained, that intent doesnt matter. What matters is impact. The individual killer is in some ways irrelevant. His intentions are not material. He is merely a vehicle for the structural oppressive forces critical theorists believe in. And this story is what the media elites decided to concentrate on: the thing that, so far as we know, didnt happen. We dont know all the nuances of this case. Again, we shouldnt take a killers confession at face value. Or his roommates memories. We may yet be surprised by some other factor including perhaps anti-Asian bias that has so far been missing. (One rumor aired in Korean media, but unconfirmed anywhere else, is that the killer conveniently cried I want to kill all Asians! before the murder spree. ) But notice how CRT operates. The only evidence it needs it already has. Check out the identity of the victim or victims, check out the identity of the culprit, and its all you need to know. If the victims are white, they dont really count. Everything in America is driven by white supremacist hate of some sort or other. You can jam any fact, any phenomenon, into this rubric in order to explain it. The only complexity the CRT crowd will admit is multiple, intersectional forms of oppression: so this case is about misogyny and white supremacy. The one thing they cannot see are unique individual human beings, driven by a vast range of human emotions, committing crimes with distinctive psychological profiles, from a variety of motives, including prejudices, but far, far more complicated than that. Theres a reason for this shift. Treating the individual as unique, granting him or her rights, defending the presumption of innocence, relying on provable, objective evidence: these core liberal principles are precisely what critical theory aims to deconstruct. And the elite media is in the vanguard of this war on liberalism. This isnt in any way to deny increasing bias against Asian-Americans. Its real and its awful. Asians are targeted by elite leftists, who actively discriminate against them in higher education, and attempt to dismantle the merit-based schools where Asian-American students succeed precisely and only because too many Asians are attending. And Asian-Americans are also often targeted by envious or opportunistic criminal non-whites in their neighborhoods. For Trump to give these forces a top-spin with the China virus made things even worse, of course. For a firsthand account of a Chinese familys experience of violence and harassment, check out this piece. The more Asian-Americans succeed, the deeper the envy and hostility that can be directed toward them. The National Crime Victimization Survey notes that the rate of violent crime committed against Asians increased from 8.2 to 16.2 per 1000 persons age 12 or older from 2015 to 2018. Hate crimes? Hate crime incidents against Asian Americans had an annual rate of increase of approximately 12% from 2012 to 2014. Although there was a temporary decrease from 2014 to 2015, anti-Asian bias crimes had increased again from 2015 to 2018. Asians are different from other groups in this respect. Comparing with Black and Hispanic victims, Asian Americans have relatively higher chance to be victimized by non-White offenders (25.5% vs. 1.0% for African Americans and 18.9% for Hispanics). Asian Americans have higher risk to be persecuted by strangers are less likely to be offended in their residence and are more likely to be targeted at school/college. Of those committing violence against Asians, you discover that 24 percent such attacks are committed by whites; 24 percent are committed by fellow Asians; 7 percent by Hispanics; and 27.5 percent by African-Americans. Do the Kendi math, and you can see why Kendis White Supremacist domestic terror is not that useful a term for describing anti-Asian violence. But what about hate crimes specifically? In general, the group disproportionately most likely to commit hate crimes in the US are African-Americans. At 13 percent of the population, African Americans commit 23.9 percent of hate crimes. But hate specifically against Asian-Americans in the era of Trump and Covid? Solid numbers are not yet available for 2020, which is the year that matters here. Theres data, from 1994 to 2014, that finds little racial skew among those committing anti-Asian hate crimes. Hostility comes from every other community pretty equally. The best data Ive found for 2020, the salient period for this discussion, are provisional data on complaints and arrests for hate crimes against Asians in New York City, one of two cities which seem to have been most affected. They record 20 such arrests in 2020. Of those 20 offenders, 11 were African-American, two Black-Hispanic, two white, and five white Hispanics. Of the black offenders, a majority were women. The bulk happened last March, and they petered out soon after. If you drill down on some recent incidents in the news in California, and get past the media gloss to the actual mugshots, you also find as many black as white offenders. This doesnt prove much either, of course. Anti-Asian bias, like all biases, can infect anyone of any race, and the sample size is small and in one place. But it sure complicates the white supremacy case that the mainstream media simply assert as fact. And, given the headlines, the other thing missing is a little perspective. Heres a word cloud of the victims of hate crimes in NYC in 2020. You can see that anti-Asian hate crimes are dwarfed by those against Jews, and many other minorities. And when you hear about a 150 percent rise in one year, its worth noting that this means a total of 122 such incidents in a country of 330 million, of which 19 million are Asian. Even if we bring this number up to more than 3,000 incidents from unreported and far less grave cases, including shunning, its small in an aggregate sense. A 50 percent increase in San Francisco from 2019 2020, for example, means the number of actual crimes went from 6 to 9. Is it worse than ever? No. 2020 saw 122 such hate incidents. In 1996, the number was 350. Many incidents go unreported, of course, and hideous comments, slurs and abuse dont count as hate crimes as such. Im not discounting the emotional scars of the kind of harassment this report cites. Im sure theyve increased. Theyre awful. Despicable. Disgusting. But the theory behind hate crimes law is that these crimes matter more because they terrify so many beyond the actual victim. And so it seems to me that the medias primary role in cases like these is providing some data and perspective on whats actually happening, to allay irrational fear. Instead they contribute to the distortion by breathlessly hyping one incident without a single provable link to any go this and scare the bejeezus out of people unnecessarily. The media is supposed to subject easy, convenient rush-to-judgment narratives to ruthless empirical testing. Now, for purely ideological reasons, they are rushing to promote ready-made narratives, which actually point away from the empirical facts. To run sixteen separate pieces on anti-Asian white supremacist misogynist hate based on one possibly completely unrelated incident is not journalism. Its fanning irrational fear in the cause of ideological indoctrination. And it appears to be where all elite media is headed. Read more at: AndrewSullivan.Substack.com and NewsFakes.com English Icelandic Eimskips Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday 25 March on 16:00 GMT. The Annual General Meeting will not be held at Grand Hotel Reykjavik as previously announced, but will be webcasted live in Icelandic on www.eimskip.com/investors in the same manner as the AGM in 2020. A link will be provided before the meeting commences and a recording of the meeting will be available on the companys IR site after the meeting. This decision is made as the Icelandic government has enforced stricter measures in Iceland to halt the spread of Covid-19 infections, following a swift diagnosis of such cases. The measures are based on recommendations from the Chief Epidemiologist to Icelands Minister of Health, i.a. a ban on gatherings of 10 people or more. Eimskip is an important company in its core market in the North Atlantic and must at these unprecedented times secure and maintain its logistics chain and good consumer service. As a result the Board of Directors asks shareholders not to attend the Annual General Meeting, but rather cast their votes in a written manner before the meeting starts and to grant the chairman of the meeting a power of attorney to vote on their behalf in the meeting. Written voting prior to AGM Ballot with a power of attorney is attached and accessible at the companys website: https://www.eimskip.com/investors/publications/shareholder-meetings/annual-general-meeting-2021/ Deadline for shareholders to send in voting ballots and grant a power of attorney has been prolonged. Signed, dated and witnessed voting ballots must be scanned and sent to the company to agm2021@eimskip.com no later than at 14:00 GMT on 25 March 2021. For further information, please contact Edda Rut Bjornsdottir, Executive Vice President of Human Resources & Communications via phone (+354) 825-3399 or investors@eimskip.is Davi Ingi Jonsson, Compliance Officer, tel: +354 825-7210 email complianceofficer@eimskip.is Attachment Daniel Prude, 41, from Chicago, died after his March 23, 2020 arrest by Rochester police Black Lives Matter rushed at a Rochester supermarket, forcing staff at a supermarket to lock its doors and keep customers locked inside for nearly an hour during a demonstration to mark the one-year anniversary of Daniel Prude's death. The staff of Wegmans closed the doors, to prevent the protesters entering, leaving around 100 customers inside on Tuesday. Daniel Prude, 41, died after police were called by his family on March 23, 2020 for help with a mental health episode, exacerbated by the drug PCP. Prude's brother had called for help and police found him walking naked in the street. Police handcuffed Prude naked on the street and put a spit hood over his head. He was then pressed him into the street until he stopped breathing. On Tuesday demonstrators gathered in the New York city to mark the anniversary with a procession through the streets. Joe Prude, Daniel Prude's brother, helped rally people, saying in a video message that the day should be a time of 'no school, no work.' Protesters were blocked from entering a Wegmans store in Rochester on Tuesday BREAKING: East Ave Wegmans shut down pic.twitter.com/dcWqxmutC4 Michael_Schwartz (@MSchwartzWHAM) March 23, 2021 Prude had taken the drug PCP and had a mental health episode, and police were called Wegmans staff closed the doors on Tuesday to prevent the protesters entering Prude's five children have filed a wrongful death suit According to CBS affiliate WROC, the demonstrations started with a rally at 8am. From there, dozens marched through downtown Rochester, chanting: 'No justice, no peace'. A grand jury in February declined to bring criminal charges against the officers involved in Prude's death. The case was not made public until September. Within weeks, the chief of Rochester Police and his entire command staff had retired, had their ranks reduced, or were fired, amid accusations of a coverup. Emails released later showed Rochester police commanders urged city officials to hold off on publicly releasing the footage because they feared violent blowback if it came out during nationwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Former Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary has since filed a notice of claim against the City of Rochester. The protesters blocked the departure of buses from a terminal, and then marched up to a branch of the Wegmans supermarket, where staff barricaded shoppers inside. Protesters in Rochester marched through the streets on the anniversary of Prude's arrest Buses were blocked from leaving Rochester terminal by protesters' vehicles and a sit-in Calling Tuesday 'Daniel Day', activists took to the streets calling for police reform Footage filmed by 13 WHAM showed the BLM crowd writing Prude's name in chalk outside the supermarket, while frustrated shoppers looked out. On of the protesters told Rochester Democrat and Chronicle that Wegmans was symbolic of some of the problems in the city. 'As we march, rally and protest you have to be able to stop commerce,' said Anthony Hall, a Rochester native who has worked with the city as a youth gang intervention specialist. He is also running for City Council. 'Wegmans is a large business in Monroe County,' Hall said. 'This is the only Wegmans in the city limits, but it's not accessible to the city residents. Hopefully, Danny Wegman talks with the Mayor and City Council because this affected him today. We want people to be inconvenienced because Daniel Prude's family has suffered a great loss.' Justin Morris, president of the Rochester Chapter of the Arc of Justice, a grassroots organization for social change, told the paper: 'Wegmans exemplifies what's wrong in our community.'. He continued: 'Wegmans started in the inner-city, in some of our most vulnerable communities, then they got their check and left. 'There is no reason why Danny Wegman is having so much success, but in the city, we have food deserts.' By evening, after the shoppers had left and Wegmans had closed, the demonstrators gathered by a mural proclaiming Prude's name to release balloons into the sky. Prude was from Chicago but was visiting relatives in Rochester last year Prude, who was from Chicago but was visiting relatives in Rochester, died on March 30 last year - seven days after his arrest. Earlier this month attorneys for Prude's five children announced a federal lawsuit against the city of Rochester and at least six police officers, alleging wrongful death and civil rights violations. The family claims in the lawsuit in U.S. District Court that both the actions of the Rochester police and an 'attempted cover-up' by the department and city government violated Prude's constitutional rights, attorneys for the family said. 'My father had a hard life, but he was a great dad. He always showed me and my brother and sisters how much he loved us,' said Prude's oldest son, Nathaniel McFarland, in a statement. 'Our hearts are broken by his death, but this lawsuit has given us hope for the future.' Police initially described his death as a drug overdose. The county medical examiner listed the manner of death as homicide caused by 'complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint' and cited the drug PCP as a contributing factor. 'His family sought help from the Rochester police, and that was a mistake a fatal mistake,' their case states. 'Instead of providing him with care and assistance, officers of the Rochester Police Department cruelly abused him, mocked him, and killed him.' For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa was identified by authorities Tuesday as the gunman who opened fire at a King Soopers grocery store in Colorado, killing 10 people, including a Boulder police officer. The name of the 21-year-old suspect, who is in custody, was released at a news conference by Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold, who did not disclose a possible motive for Monday's bloodshed. A search of the suspect's suburban Denver home turned up other weapons, a senior law enforcement source said Tuesday. The weapon used in the attack was an AR-15-style pistol modified with an arm brace, according to the source. Authorities have said they believe Alissa was the only person involved and that there was no additional threat to the community. The suspect has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one charge of attempted murder, according to his arrest warrant. His first court appearance is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. (10:15 a.m. ET) Thursday, according to Colorado Judicial Branch online records. The warrant described Alissa as being armed with either an assault rifle or 'black AR-15' and wearing a 'tactical' or 'armored' vest. A senior law enforcement source told CNN on condition of anonymity the shooter used a Ruger AR-556 pistol, modified with an arm brace, and was also carrying a 9 mm handgun, according to the source. The suspect had 'removed all of his clothing and was dressed only in shorts' when he was taken into custody, the affidavit said. Outside the store, the document said, Alissa wouldn't tell police whether there were other suspects, but he did ask to speak to his mother. Using law enforcement databases, the affidavit said, investigators determined Alissa had purchased a Ruger AR556 pistol on March 16.A law enforcement official told CNN Alissa was not previously the subject of any FBI investigation and said it appears nothing in the federal system would have prohibited Alissa from buying a firearm. Michael Dougherty, Boulder County district attorney, said Alissa is a resident of Arvada, between Boulder and Denver, who has 'lived most of his life in the United States.' Brother says he believes suspect was 'paranoid' Alissa, whose family emigrated from Syria, may have been suffering from mental illness, according to his 34-year-old brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa. The brother told CNN on Tuesday that in high school bullies made fun of Alissa's name and for being Muslim and that may have contributed to him becoming 'anti-social.' 'People chose not to mess with him because of his temper, people chose not to really talk to him because of all -- how he acted and things like that. So yeah, he was very alone,' said Damien Cruz, who said he has known Alissa since the fifth grade. Alissa had become increasingly 'paranoid' around 2014, believing he was being followed and chased, according to his brother. At one point, the young man covered the camera on his computer with duct tape so he could not be seen, said the brother, who lives with Alissa. 'He always suspected someone was behind him, someone was chasing him,' Ali Alissa said. 'We kept a close eye on him when he was in high school. He would say, 'Someone is chasing me, someone is investigating me.' And we're like, 'Come on man. There's nothing.' ... He was just closing into himself,' the brother added. Alissa's Facebook page, the authenticity of which was confirmed by his brother and a high school classmate, shows posts saying he believed his former high school had been hacking into his phone. 'Just curious what are the laws about phone privacy because I believe my old school (a west) was hacking my phone,' Alissa wrote in a March 18, 2019, Facebook post. He made a second post on July 5, 2019, also claiming that people were hacking his phone, saying, 'let me have a normal life I probably could.' When his Facebook friends questioned how he knew the school was hacking his phone, Alissa said: 'I believe part racism for sure. But I also believe someone spread rumors about me which are false and maybe that set it off.' The profile claims Alissa attended Arvada West High School. Cameron Bell, Jefferson County Public Schools spokesperson, confirmed Alissa was a student there from March 2015 until he graduated in May 2018. Alissa was not very political or particularly religious, according to his brother, who said he never heard the young man threaten to use violence. 'The entire thing surprised me,' Ali Alissa said of the Monday's shootings. 'I never ever would have thought he would do such a thing. I never thought he would kill. I still can't believe it. I am really sad for the lives that he wasted, and I feel sorry for all those families. ... We lost a brother even if he is the killer.' Aside from a knife he used for cooking, Ali Alissa said he did not know his brother to carry any weapon, including a firearm. Sister-in-law says she saw suspect playing with a gun According to the arrest warrant, a woman identified as the suspect's sister-in-law 'stated that (Ahmad Al Aliwi) Alissa was seen playing with a gun she thought looked like a 'machine gun' about 2 days ago. She did not believe the gun looked like the rifles she has seen in old Western movies. . . . Alissa had been talking about having a bullet stuck in the gun and was playing with the gun.' The woman's name was redacted from the document. Ali Alissa said he doesn't know why his brother went to King Soopers on Monday. Police interrogated him and another brother, according to Ali Alissa, who said authorities searched their home in the predawn hours Tuesday. 'They searched every corner,' he said, 'every piece of clothing.' The family emigrated from Syria in 2002, the brother said. They have lived in the Arvada area since 2014. Facebook has shut down Facebook and Instagram accounts belonging to the suspect, a company spokesperson said Tuesday. Alissa was found guilty of assault in 2018 Alissa was sentenced to one year probation and 48 hours of community service after being found guilty of third-degree assault in 2018 for an incident that occurred the previous November, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's database. The case stemmed from a incident in which a then-18-year-old Alissa was accused of attacking a classmate at Arvada West High School. A report from a police officer included in the case file says Alissa 'got up in (a) classroom, walked over to (the) victim & 'cold-cocked' him in the head.' Alissa 'got on top of (the victim) & punched him in (the) head several more times,' the report says, adding that the victim 'had bruising, swelling & cuts to (the) head, as well as pain.' 'No witnesses could see or hear any reason' for the attack, and Alissa said the victim 'had made fun of him & called him racial names weeks earlier,' the officer wrote. Shooting comes 1 week after Atlanta massacre The mass shooting suspect has made statements to investigators, Dougherty said. 'We're collecting those statements now and we'll be providing those in the weeks ahead,' Dougherty said. Herold said the suspect was wounded in the leg during 'an exchange of gunfire.' The suspect was taken into custody about 3:30 p.m. Monday and transported to a hospital, where he was in stable condition. He was booked into Boulder County Jail early Tuesday afternoon, according to the jail's records. The massacre at the King Soopers store occurred less than a week after shootings at three spas in the Atlanta area left eight people dead. In the past week in the US, there have been at least seven shootings in which at least four people were injured or killed. The slain Boulder officer, 51-year-old Eric Talley, was the first to respond to the scene, according to Herold. Talley had joined the force in 2010, she said. The victims were ordinary Coloradans going about their daily lives -- picking up groceries, waiting in line for a coronavirus vaccine. They ranged from 20 to 65 years old. 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 single tweet reimagined the debate over Washington, D.C.s statehood in a historical light. All it took was one image to send Twitter users into a mega state debate, and it included a proposed "new" shape for Connecticut. It all started when Twitter user @curtainsdc tweeted yesterday afternoon, Dont talk to me about the founding fathers not wanting DC to be a state unless you also support Mega Virginia. Accompanied by a map of the original 13 states, the graphic displays the land initially claimed by each of the 13 states in their charters and was later ceded throughout the late 1700s and early 1800s, as the Library of Congress explains. In the tweet from @curtainsdc, the borders for each of the 13 states are drawn according to their original land grabs and showcase not just a new Virginia that expands westward toward the Mississippi River and would claim Washington, D.C. as its own, but also a "Long Connecticut" that would consume parts of Ohio, Indiana and even Illinois. Twitter users fired off their opinions about each of the states, but Connecticut garnered particular attention. One user chimed in that their former address in Darien, Ill. could have been Darien, Conn. But, another replied, Lets face it one Darien is already one too many. While others voiced their preference for a Long Connecticut or a skinny Connecticut, user @Lubchansky, an associate editor and cartoonist at political satire site The Nib, found themself imagining the insufferability of Long Connecticut. Cue the ensuing commentary from Twitter: users had some thoughts on how a "Long Connecticut" might not be the best idea, with some calling the Nutmeg State already hell to drive through or already insufferably long. @Lubchansky, however, defended Connecticut, especially one of its most talked-about amenities: New Haven pizza, arguing that the state is worth driving through if youre looking for a nice place to get a hot dog or a slice of pizza. Connecticut support, and support for its pizza, grew as users replied to naysayers with The amount of CT slander in these replies is making my nutmeg boil, Im gonna flatten you like a Frank Pepes Pizzeria pizza! and There is a chance Id have grown up with New Haven style pizza, so. While the Twitter jury is still out on whether or not a Long Connecticut would be a good idea, it did come to one conclusion: New Haven pizza is worth sharing with the rest of the states. Berlin, March 24 : Sebastian Vettel knows he will have to be patient when he starts his latest Formula One adventure with the Aston Martin team. "You have to give the whole thing time," the four-time world champion has said, DPA news reports. But the 33-year-old German eventually wants to return to the top after six mainly difficult years at Ferrari where he didn't win another title and where his contract was eventually not extended beyond 2020. With no vacancy at world champions Mercedes or at his former team Red Bull, Aston Martin was all but the only option for Vettel to keep racing, and to do so at a team which has shown some competitiveness. Known as Racing Point until last year, the team finished fourth in the 2020 constructors' standings. Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll funded the team and has also acquired a large stake at Aston Martin as the famed British brand now returns to F1. Stroll, whose son Lance is Vettel's team-mate, and Vettel both want to get to the top. There was plenty of euphoria at the car's launch in early March which included a message from James Bond actor Daniel Craig. Pre-season tests in mid-March showed that a lot of work remains ahead for Vettel and the team but team principal Otmar Szafnauer rather wanted to see the bright side. "One of the main tasks this week was to continue helping Sebastian settle into the team and we've made a lot of progress already," said Szafnauer, while Stroll helped them "gaining some useful data on the long runs, race simulations and shorter runs too." Vettel said at the launch that "to win is very ambitious but we're here to win," with Aston Martin sounding very similar when the signing of Vettel was announced in September. "Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team," the team said at the time. Vettel's experience from 257 grand prix and 53 victories will help the team move forward but as he said patience is required. "First of all it is about getting on to the podium," former driver Gerhard Berger of Austria told DPA, adding that Vettel "has already proven that he belongs to the best drivers ever in the sport." Former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that the 33-year-old German can shine again. "I am convinced he is in the right team now where he is looked after. That gives him the conditions to show the old Vettel again," Ecclestone said. 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 [March 24, 2021] BlackRock Nominates Hans E. Vestberg to Board of Directors BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) today announced that Hans E. Vestberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon (News - Alert) Communications Inc., has been nominated to join its Board of Directors. Mr. Vestberg will be included as a nominee in BlackRock's 2021 Proxy Statement and, if elected by shareholders, will join the Board as an independent director after the Company's Annual Meeting on May 26th. "Hans' leadership and international experience, as well as his deep knowledge of technology and sustainability, perfectly align with some of BlackRock's most important priorities. He will bring valuable insights to our Board as we expand in key markets in Europe, use technology to continue transforming our business, and further embed sustainability into our investment processes and corporate practices," said Laurence D. Fink, BlackRock Chairman and CEO. Mathis Cabiallavetta, who has served the Board with distinction since 2007, will not stand for re-election at BlackRock's Annual Meeting. "I want to thank Mathis for his passion and dedication to BlackRock and its shareholders over the last 13 years," said Mr. Fink. "His expertise and advice at critical moments in BlackRock's growth, particularly in Europe, have been invaluable to the Board and to me personally." BlackRock's other 15 board members will all stand for re-election. Of the 16 candidates nominated for election, which include Mr. Vestberg, 14 are independent. The slate of director nominees includes five women, six non-U.S. or dual citizens, and three individuals who self-identify as racially or ethnically diverse. Hans E. Vestberg Mr. Vestberg has served as the CEO of Verizon since 2018 and as Chairman since March 2019. Prior to these roles, Mr. Vestberg served as Verizon's Chief Technology Officer and President of Global Networks from 2017 to 2018. Before joining Verizon in 2017, Mr. Vestberg served for six years as president and CEO of Ericsson (News - Alert) , a multinational networking and telecommunications equipment and services company headquartered in Sweden. Mr. Vestberg is a board member of the UN Foundation and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative. He also serves as Chairman of the World Economic Forum EDISON Alliance. Mr. Vestberg has lived and worked in China, Chile, Brazi and Mexico, in addition to the U.S. and Sweden. About BlackRock BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter (News - Alert) : @blackrock | LinkedIn (News - Alert) : www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT BlackRock, Inc. (the "Company"), its directors and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2021 Annual Meeting"). The Company plans to file a proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) ") in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the 2021 Annual Meeting (the "2021 Proxy Statement"). Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the 2021 Proxy Statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting. This information can also be found in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "2020 Proxy Statement"), filed with the SEC on April 9, 2020, or the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021 (the "Form 10-K"). To the extent holdings of the Company's securities have changed since the amounts printed in the 2020 Proxy Statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE 2021 PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), 2020 PROXY STATEMENT, FORM 10-K AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY HAS FILED OR WILL FILE WITH THE SEC BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the 2021 Proxy Statement (when filed), 2020 Proxy Statement, Form 10-K and any other documents filed or to be filed by the Company with the SEC in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting at the SEC's website (http://www.sec.gov) or at the Company's website (http://www.blackrock.com) or by writing to the Company's Secretary at BlackRock, Inc., 40 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10022. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005937/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine at the Wednesday meeting decided to keep the electricity tariff for the population at the current level of UAH 1.68 per kWh, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said. "Today we make a decision that the price of electricity for Ukrainians remains unchanged, that is, UAH 1.68 per kWh. State-owned company Energoatom continues to supply electricity to people at a reduced price," the prime minister said during the meeting. According to Shmyhal, the government allowed Energoatom to fully operate in a free competitive market, which will provide the company with the necessary funds to carry out repairs and implement programs for the modernization and safe operation of nuclear power plants. As reported, in December 2020, the government extended the regime of special obligations on the electricity market until March 31, 2021, canceling the previously existing preferential tariff for the population for the first 100 kWh of electricity per month in the amount of UAH 0.9 per kWh. The government also set the price for the sale of electricity by Energoatom to state-owned enterprise Guaranteed Buyer within the obligations to provide the population in the amount of UAH 150 per MWh, for PrJSC Ukrhydroenergo left at the same rate of UAH 10 per MWh. Jack Ciattarelli, the favorite for the Republican nomination in the New Jersey governors race, was photographed not wearing a mask indoors while touring a bakery during a campaign stop Monday as the state continues to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The photographs were published by local media outlets after Ciattarrelli, a former state assemblyman vying to unseat Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy in Novembers general election, visited the Lakewood Matzoh Bakery. Multiple shots show Ciattarelli holding a mask in his hands as he speaks to people inside the bakery. Most of the workers rolling matzoh are not wearing masks. A few people speaking with Ciattarelli are shown in masks. Stami Williams, a spokesman for the campaign, said in a statement to NJ Advance Media that Ciattarelli believes in mask-wearing and always carries his mask with him. Like most New Jerseyans, he does his very best to wear it in accordance with safety protocols, Williams added. The majority of photos on the Ciattarelli campaigns Facebook page show the candidate wearing a mask in public. Under Murphys COVID-19 safety orders, people are required to wear masks at indoor places open to the public, at private indoor commercial spaces when in prolonged proximity to others, and in outdoor public spaces when social distancing isnt possible. The Lakewood Matzoh Bakery did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Meanwhile, Murphys campaign on Wednesday noted that Ciattarelli was not wearing a mask when he spoke to a crowd of largely maskless people during a campaign stop at a Keyport pub on March 14. It appears at least one of the pubs walls was opened to the outside during the event, according to video of the speech. Jerrel Harvey, a spokesman for Murphys campaign, said in a statement that Ciattarelli continues to make it clear that bolstering his own campaign is worth more to him than science and good decision-making. The Assemblyman plays by his own set of rules, and the personal responsibility demonstrated by New Jerseyans to save lives doesnt apply to him, Harvey added. This cavalier approach to COVID-19 not only undermines public health, but is flat out dangerous. Murphy, who is running for a second term, has been photographed or videotaped not wearing a mask while at dinner with his family and at a bar with colleagues. But the states mask mandate allows people to not wear a face covering while eating or drinking at a table. The governor also does not wear a mask while delivering his hour-long briefings inside the Trenton War Memorial, though members of his staff and the media in the audience are socially distanced and required to wear face coverings. Coronavirus cases have been rising in New Jersey of late, even as vaccination rollout continues. As of Tuesday, the states seven-day average for new confirmed cases was 3,391, up 11% from a week ago and 29% from a month ago. Meanwhile, COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state surpassed 2,000 patients for the first time in nearly a month. Ciattarelli is one of at least five candidates running for the Republican nomination for governor in the June 8 primary. The others are former Franklin Mayor Brian Levine, pastor Phillip Rizzo, businessman Joseph Rudy Rullo, and businessman Hirsh Singh. Ciattarelli is considered the favorite, having picked up up support from Republican county organizations across the state. Last week, the Somerset County Republican released his first TV campaign ads, introducing himself to voters and criticizing Murphys handling of the pandemic in nursing homes. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Bengaluru, March 25 : Amid continued protest by the Congress for the third day in a row, Karnataka ruling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) passed finance related bills in the Assembly sans debate through voice vote. Apart from passing of bill, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa even read out his reply in 40 minute on the Budget discussion, though Congress party members continuously disrupted him by raising slogans. Ruling party legislators even engaged in heated arguments with the Congress members over their conduct. The Congress members continued their protest by raising slogans like 'Down Down BJP', 'Down Down CD government', while some BJP legislators questioned the grand old party's morality. The ruling party members said that people were watching the developments and will teach them a lesson in the days to come. Calling it 'anti democratic' and 'unconstitutional', Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Congress was unnecessarily disrupting the proceedings and infringing on the rights of the other members who want to participate, "Your protest is against the law, constitution and democratic principles" he said. Former speaker and BJP MLA K G Bopaiah objected to the protest and questioned the Opposition as to how the government can ask the Chief Justice to monitor any probe. "Can the government write such a letter to the Chief Justice. Judicial probe is a different matter," he argued. While Industries Minister Jagadish Shettar too said the Congress should be ashamed of their conduct as he questioned their morality by accusing them of hushing up the sex scandal, involving former minister H Y Meti, while in power. As his repeated requests for cooperation in conducting the business of the House went unheard, Speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri said that he was tabling the answers of the question in the house and requested the Chief Minister to begin his reply on the budget discussion. At the end of his reply on the budget, Yediyurappa too did not spare the opposition Congress and its leaders for unnecessarily protesting and wasting time, aimed at disrupting the budget session. "As they are bereft of any issue they are doing this, I strongly condemn their attitude. You protested even on the day of presenting a budget which was unheard of in the history of this state, and now on the conclusion day too you are doing it. This appears to be intentional nothing else. People of the state are watching you and will teach a lesson in the days to come, you can't achieve anything from it," he asserted. After the CM's reply, the Speaker put the appropriation bills, supplementary estimates, and related financial bills including Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2021 that were tabled, to vote, and they were passed amid din. The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was also passed by the assembly. Announcing that the budget and related finance bills have been passed, the Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri said that he was pained as the Congress MLAs are not cooperating in conducting the proceedings of the House. Noting that the passage of the budget and making the legislations are most important responsibilities on the members of this House, he said, "this is unfortunate, we have reached this stage. You may agree or disagree but if you have strong differences of opinion with the government then you can always take this fight outside this house and not inside. The least I expected from you all is a cooperation to allow the house to function." -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Earlier this month, Alejandro Mayorkas criticized Trump for gutting the immigration system Harris Faulkner, a Fox News anchor, accidentally claimed that Alejandro Mayorkas, the first Latino and immigrant to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security, had resigned from his post. The comment was made during a live phone conversation with former President Donald Trump on Monday on Fox News. Trump responded to the claim, saying, Im not surprised. Good. Thats a big victory for our country. (Credit: screenshot/Fox News) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Faulkner eventually stopped herself to speak with Fox producers before confirming that he did not in fact resign. Cross off that victory, Trump said. Read More: Biden is on his heels amid a migrant surge at Mexico border In a statement provided to theGrio, A Fox News spokesperson said the error stemmed from an audio issue in a virtual working environment. We corrected the mistake and continued on with the interview. Earlier this month, Mayorkas criticized Trump for gutting the immigration system during a press conference. When President Joe Biden came into office, he not only promised to reunite the families that were separated due to governmental policies, he promised to create a fairer immigration process. Mayorkas, the head of the department which oversees these matters, came under fire for not making the necessary and promised changes fast enough. He blamed the Trump administrations for creating a mess that is taking much longer than anticipated to roll back. The prior administration dismantled our nations immigration system in its entirety, said Mayorkas, according to Bloomberg. Mayorkas went on to say that the Trump administration acted in unlawful ways during its dealings with ICE, the controversial immigration enforcement organization and now, any policy change must be approved by a union. These changes have reportedly delayed the swift progress many were hoping for. In this July 25, 2013, file photo Alejandro Mayorkas, President Obamas nominee to become deputy secretary of the Homeland Security Department, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on his nomination. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) According to Faulkner, Trump on Sunday called for Mayorkass resignation. Fellow Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham also called for his resignation last week saying he doesnt have either the will or capability to fix the problem, according to the Washington Times. Story continues According to the Associated Press, there has been a surge in migrants at the border due to Bidens rollback of many strict anti-immigration Trump policies. While many are saying its a huge issue, Bidens administration has downplayed the issue repeatedly. Biden and his team are currently working on finding shelter for the 14,000 migrants who are in federal custody and critics are shocked at the lack of preparation because they say this surge was predictable, according to the Associated Press. Read More: US border officials expelled at least 66 migrant children against court order U.S. President Joe Biden walks to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on March 19, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) While the situation at the border is unfurling, media has had limited access to the housing facilities, which has drawn bipartisan criticism, according to Deadline. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the administration is working on creating a safe say to allow the media in. We are working through with the Department of Health and Human Services, and also the Department of Homeland Security to ensure privacy and to ensure that we are following Covid protocols. We remain committed to transparency, and of course as I noted last week, we certainly want to make sure the media has access to this sites, said Psaki. Have you subscribed to theGrios podcast Dear Culture? Download our newest episodes now! TheGrio is now on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Download theGrio today! The post Fox News anchor mistakenly says new DHS chief resigned during live Trump interview appeared first on TheGrio. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference at 10 Downing Street, on the day of reflection to mark the anniversary of Britain's first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown, in London, Britain March 23, 2021. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/Pool Vaccine campaigners have accused Boris Johnson of a warped understanding of the crisis after he joked that greed and capitalism had contributed to the success of the jabs. The Prime Minister made the comments at a private meeting of Tory MPs, but then hastily sought to backtrack as he praised AstraZeneca for supplying the Oxford vaccine at cost. Following Mr Johnsons comments to the 1922 Committee on Tuesday night, the Global Justice Now campaign, which is campaigning for wider international access to jabs, hit out at the Prime Minister. The organisations director Nick Dearden said: The Prime Minister will call this comment a slip of the tongue, but its an incredibly revealing remark. It shows just how warped his understanding of this crisis is. Read More We have a vaccine because of massive public investment and the remarkable work of scientists at publicly-funded universities. Weve rolled it out because of our incredible National Health Service. Greed, however, drove big pharma to privatise this work and withhold doses from millions worldwide to protect their profits. And, if Boris Johnson keeps letting it happen, therell be more coronavirus mutations that could send us back to square one. Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester and former health secretary Andy Burnham said: Celebrating greed in a pandemic? Same old Tories. Plaid Cymrus Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said: Its in the throwaway comments that the PM reveals himself. Greed will destroy us. Labour MP Barry Sheerman said the comments were no surprise as everyone who knows our Prime Minister well understands his admiration of selfishness and greed'. Former shadow cabinet minister Richard Burgon said Mr Johnson was wrong as billions in public funds went into developing the vaccines. Now the vaccine patents must be waived to ramp up production and save lives all across the world, the Labour MP said. The comments also risk inflaming a row with the European Commission over access to vaccines, with the organisations president Ursula von der Leyen threatening a ban on exports of jabs to the UK because it is angry that AstraZeneca has not supplied the doses expected for the bloc. Home Secretary Priti Patel defended the role played by pharmaceutical companies. She told Sky News: The Prime Minister always acknowledges the strong success weve had in terms of the vaccine, not just the rollout, which is incredible, but also our ability as a country to develop the vaccine, the role that pharmaceutical companies and science and technology has played in that. And actually I think that speaks to a great strength we have as a country. And linked to that, of course, look at our contributions to Covax, the international scheme, to get the vaccine supplies elsewhere and demonstrate that we are a very, very strong force for good internationally when it comesto vaccines, science and pharmaceutical development. Jane Halton, co-chairwoman of the Covax initiative which is working to provide jabs for low and middle-income countries, said the UK has been altruistic with its investment in vaccine development. Asked about the Prime Ministers greed comments which were first reported by The Sun, Ms Halton told Times Radio: I havent heard those remarks and I would suggest that its never wise to comment on the alleged comments of somebody. But she said the UKs support for vaccine research and development had shown a pretty significant level of altruism and forward thinking demonstrated here because we would not have these vaccines now if we hadnt made those investments. Its because of that money that was spent, that we can now vaccinate people. Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney speaking this morning said it is not a good precedent for the EU to block vaccines leaving Europe. Mr Coveney says that he echoes the Taoiseachs position that it is not a good precedent for the EU to be deliberately blocking the exportation of product out of the EU. I think thats a very dangerous precedent to set, he said. "Vaccines are manufactured often as the result of multiple ingredients from multiple parts of the world and different countries and if we get into the space of blocking the exportation of certain products linked to vaccines that results in a retaliation from other trading blocks. We could slow down the pace of manufacture and that doesnt make sense, added Mr Coveney. Referencing UK Prime Minister Johnsons comments, but Mr Coveney said; were operating under a different system. Were operating under an EU centrally managed system of pre-purchased orders, and while that system has come in for a lot of criticism some counties such as AstraZeneca have not delivered what they promised and what they signed up to in a contract. The suspicion is that they have delivered for other countries and thats why there is so much tension around this in the EU, he told the Pat Kenny Show. The minister added; Theres tension between the UK and the EU at the moment The EU has exported over 40 million doses of the vaccine so far, but says he expects Ireland to be in a better position in the vaccine roll-out by mid-summer. A lorry driver has been charged of trying to smuggle migrants out of the UK. Turkish national Hakan Zengin, 36, was arrested after 17 migrants were discovered in the back of his truck bound for mainland Europe. Zengin was stopped at the M25's junction with the A3 in Surrey on Sunday afternoon. Police say the stowaways, concealed in the lorry's trailer, were sitting on pallets which had been laid across the load to make their journey more comfortable. They were all arrested on suspicion of immigration offences and are being dealt with by the immigration authorities. Zengin is accused of trying to smuggle them out of the UK and into mainland Europe. A Turkish lorry driver has appeared in court charged with people smuggling offences after 17 migrants were found in the back of his lorry during a National Crime Agency investigation He appeared before Wimbledon Magistrates yesterday where he was remanded into custody until his next court appearance at Kingston Crown Court next month. Why people, who have overstayed their welcome in the UK, suddenly decide to pack and leave could be down to a number of factors. A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency said: 'Smuggling migrants out of the UK is more common than you'd think, with people smuggling working both ways. 'There are multiple reasons why they'd be leaving the UK. 'Some have been wanted for serious criminality and are fleeing the jurisdiction. 'Some are subject to deportation and do not want to be deported to their home country and are fleeing to Europe. 'Some are in the UK illegally, have no travel documents and cannot leave to visit family or sort out affairs in their home country. 'They are generally found without any legitimate travel documents when encountered in the lorries.' Police say wooden pallets were laid out for the migrants to sit on in the back of the trailer Around 20,000 illegal immigrants choose or are forced to leave the UK every year, according to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford. The number of returns, especially voluntary, have fallen dramatically since 2015, although the figures are contested. Encouraging illegal immigrants to leave the country of their own volition has been one of the UK government's key policy objectives. This is partly because a voluntary return costs the government on average 1,000, compared to 15,000 for an enforced return. In 2014, the government launched the hostile environment policy, specifically designed to make staying in the country difficult for those without legal authorisation. 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. Brie Larson won an Academy Award in 2016 for her performance in the 2015 movie Room. Since the Oscars, Larsons career continues to blow up. She directed and produced Unicorn Store. Then, she portrayed Captain Marvel in her own film and Avengers: Endgame. In a recent interview, Larson admits she felt a letdown after she won. It was fellow Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence who helped her recover. Brie Larson | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Larson was a guest on the Anna Faris is Unqualified podcast on March 15. She discussed her Oscar win and the advice Lawrence gave her in solidarity. For Brie Larson, Awards season didnt end after Oscar night The whole season leading up to Oscars is a whirlwind for nominees. After she won, Larson had to return to production on Kong: Skull Island. RELATED: Captain Marvel 2: How Brie Larson Is Getting Her Body Primed for the Sequel I remember the morning after the Oscars, I felt really weird, Larson told Faris. I just felt confused. First of all, I woke up in Vietnam which was very confusing, in a place I didnt know where I was. I got on planes and things but I basically won and partied all night and did a talk show that morning having not slept. Then went from there to the airport and had three flights to go to Vietnam, and it was night through a lot of it. So I was driven hours into a very rural part of Vietnam to continue shooting a film I was doing. Brie Larson left Hollywood after winning her Oscar Not only was Kong: Skull Island an intense way to go back to work after winning an Oscar, but it was remote enough to take her away from Hollywood. Brie Larson | Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images RELATED: Brie Larson Claims Captain Marvel Is the Strongest Avenger: I Think Thanos Cheated I woke up, I had no cell service, no wifi, nothing, in a place I legitimately didnt know where I was, and was thrust into this action movie where they were covering me in dirt. It was very good. Was that fun? Its over. It took a little bit to even have cell service to be able to contact anybody. My cell service was like an old phone, one of those little Nokia phones, so I didnt have a smartphone to look at Twitter and connect to any sort of reality. So I was like did that even happen? Did that actually happen? I was at work where people were like, Here are your lines, congratulations, but we have stuff to do today. So I was like did that happen or was that a dream? Brie Larson, Anna Faris is Unqualified podcast, 3/15/21 What Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence told her One of the first calls Larson made when she was able to was to Lawrence. She shared her feelings and it turned out they are very common among Oscar winners. When I finally was able to get cell service, I talked to Jennifer Lawrence about it, Larson said. I said, I feel sort of down. I feel confused. It feels heavy like now Im this person that has this thing. She was like, Oh yeah, just think of it like getting your Ph.D. You can still screw up. You can still make a bad movie, still be a bad actor. It doesnt mean youre immune to anything. Its just like this thing happened. Jennifer Lawrence | Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images RELATED: Captain Marvel 2 Star Confirms There Is Beef Between Monica Rambeau and Carol Danvers Lawrences wisdom was just what Larson needed to hear. That helped me immensely to freement of like okay, its both, Larson said. Yes, its an honor. Its this incredible thing, its the highest compliment I can receive. At the same time, Im still going to try to do the best work ever and hope that thats not the best work Ive ever done and theres more to come. Source: Anna Faris is Unqualified podcast Advertisement The wealthy American boyfriend of missing Brit Sarm Heslop refused to discuss her disappearance today as DailyMail.com confronted him on a secluded beach in the US Virgin Islands. Ryan Bane, 44, repeated the words 'no comment' four times after our reporter intercepted him as he made landfall in Great Cruz Bay, St. Thomas. We asked the Michigan native if he would finally let cops search his 47ft catamaran - or whether he was prepared to reveal more about the night Sarm, 41, mysteriously vanished. But instead of providing answers for her anguished family back in the UK, the charter boat skipper turned and walked away, heading inland with his pet Labrador, Hunter. Ryan Bane refused to discuss his girlfriend Sarm Heslop's disappearance today as DailyMail.com confronted him on a secluded beach in the US Virgin Islands Bane, 44, repeated the words 'no comment' four times after our reporter intercepted him as he made landfall in Great Cruz Bay, St. Thomas. He was seen taking his dog Hunter for a walk DailyMail.com asked the Michigan native if he would finally let cops search his 47ft catamaran - or whether he was prepared to reveal more about the night Sarm mysteriously vanished Bane's luxury 47-foot catamaran, named Siren Song, sits in Frank Bay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands The couple had lined up ten or more bookings on Siren Song for the coming season, worth around $100,000 In the hours after Sarm's March 8 disappearance Bane told authorities she had vanished without trace while the couple were anchored in picturesque Frank Bay. Two weeks on the case is at a standstill, however, after wealthy Bane lawyered up and blocked detectives from conducting a fingertip search of his $500,000 vessel. Bane claims girlfriend Sarm Heslop, 41, vanished without trace from his catamaran while it was anchored overnight in the U.S. Virgin Islands Authorities need a warrant to board but are yet to obtain one because Sarm's disappearance has not been classified as a criminal inquiry and Bane is currently neither a suspect, nor a person of interest. DailyMail.com previously revealed that Bane is holed up on board Siren Song which is still anchored in idyllic St. John - off limits to investigators from both the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and the FBI. After spending much of Wednesday moored 100 yards from the shoreline he hopped in a dinghy just after 3pm and headed half a mile towards a private beach belonging to the island's plush Westin resort. A DailyMail.com reporting team followed him in a motorboat and caught up with Bane as he tied up his dinghy before walking up a trail towards a grocery store. We asked him if he would agree to have his boat searched, if he would tell us more about his final evening with Sarm and whether he would guarantee he had nothing to do with her disappearance. When Bane snubbed our questions we tried his St. Thomas-based attorney, David Cattie, who had sent us the same statement he issued to reporters several days earlier. 'At this time we are not fielding any other requests for interviews/statements,' he added. A close friend had previously told DailyMail.com that Bane was not in hiding but was refusing to speak to the island's police officers because he didn't trust them. 'My suggestion to him was that he makes some sort of statement and is as cooperative as possible,' the friend said. 'But I think he's scared, I think he's totally spun out. He is definitely bereaved. He had finally found a girl he was in love with. 'I think that his concern is that the VIPD is not real well known for conducting any sort of investigation with clarity. 'He's concerned that something could go wrong or be spun the wrong way, or that they're going to be looking for something to implicate him as opposed to the other way around.' Andrew Talbot, one of Sarm's closest friends from the UK, said of Bane's refusal to talk: 'We would continue to ask for his cooperation in helping us establish what happened to Sarm, any piece of information could be critical.' Heslop, from Southampton, England, met Bane on Tinder eight months ago. She disappeared from Siren Song, which was moored 120ft from Frank Bay on the extreme western end of St. John on March 8. The couple are pictured together Bane is seen swigging beer on the deck of his luxury yacht. Authorities need a warrant to board but are yet to obtain one because Sarm's March 8 disappearance has not been classified as a criminal inquiry Bane is refusing to cooperate with cops investigating Sarm's disappearance. Bane is currently neither a suspect, nor a person of interest As the sun went down, Bane sat bare-chested on deck, speaking on the phone and sipping a beer with just his pet Labrador, Hunter, for company Ryan Bane's luxury 47-foot catamaran, named Siren Song, sits in Frank Bay on St. John in the US Virgin Islands. Bane, 44, is boyfriend of missing British woman Sarm Heslop. Sarm, a former flight attendant from Southampton, England, met Bane on Tinder eight months ago and travelled to the Caribbean to work as a cook on Siren Song, which he charters out for more than $2,000 a day. It's understood the couple had lined up ten or more bookings for the coming season, worth around $100,000. However their plans came to a shocking halt when Bane raised the alarm at 2:30am on March 8, telling police his lover was gone but her belongings were still on board. In his initial account to cops later that morning Bane said the pair had been out for dinner the previous night before going back to the boat at 10pm to sleep. He said he was woken up at 2am by an anchor alarm, which triggers an alert if the boat is straying from its position. By then Sarm had vanished. Police say Bane was advised to ring the US Coast Guard but it later emerged they did not receive the SOS call until 11:46am - more than nine hours later. A massive land and sea search involving divers, a helicopter and an island-wide appeal for leads subsequently failed to find Sarm or any evidence that she fell overboard. Since then cops have been scouring CCTV from island bars and businesses to trace the couple's last steps but have been prevented from setting foot on Siren Song. 'Soon after reporting Ms Heslop missing, Mr Bane acquired the services of an attorney. 'Upon his attorney's advice, Mr Bane exercised his constitutional right to remain silent and denied officers' requests to search the vessel,' said VIPD spokesman Toby Derima. He added: 'We would need to show the court that we had probable cause to search the boat, as this is not yet a criminal case. 'We thought we could just ask Mr Bane to search the boat and he would say yes and he didn't. That is his right. Getting the search warrant would be the next step.' Heslop's friends insist they are not 'pointing fingers' at Bane but are calling on the American, who moved to the Caribbean in 2015, 'to provide as many details as possible' Siren Song was moored 100ft from the shore in shallow waters however the seabed drops to 70ft deep a little further out Pillsbury Sound, the stretch of water separating St. John from St. Thomas, is referred to locally as the 'washing machine' because of powerful rip currents that occur where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean 420 to Center, in downtown Saint John, US Virgin Islands, was the last place Sarm Heslop was seen before going missing two weeks ago Ryan Bane is seen in his mugshot after he was arrested in 2011 for attacking his ex-wife Bane and Sarm had spent the evening prior to her disappearance having dinner at 420 to Center, a dive bar hangout for locals in Cruz Bay, the island's tourism and nightlife hub. Staff there said they were unable to discuss the case but a source told DailyMail.com that a barman who remembered seeing the couple was due to speak with the FBI. 'He's made it clear he can't speak. But he did see them,' the insider confirmed. After leaving 420 to Center, the couple likely took their dinghy back to Frank Bay, a secluded beach beautyspot popular with bathers and dog walkers. Siren Song was moored 100ft from the shore in shallow waters however the seabed drops to 70ft deep a little further out. Pillsbury Sound, the stretch of water separating St. John from St. Thomas, is referred to locally as the 'washing machine' because of powerful rip currents that occur where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. 'He told me they went out, they went to bed, the alarm went off and woke him up and she was gone,' Bane's friend told DailyMail.com. 'He went out on his dinghy and was screaming for her, and trying to find her and yelling her name.' Corie Stevenson was married to fellow American Mr Bane, 44, for six years and came forward to say her ex 'went to jail for kicking my a**' Earlier this week it was revealed that Bane served 21 days in jail in 2011 for attacking his ex-wife, Corie Stevenson, as they drove home from a wedding in Lake Orion, Michigan. According to a police complaint he flew into a rage and dragged her out of the truck before smashing her head into the dining room floor, chipping one of her teeth. 'Corie's front right tooth had a chip out of it that appeared to be fresh,' wrote Officer Vincent Lichok. 'Her right ear lobe was bloody and scratched. Her right shoulder and the right side of her neck showed red scratches. Her right eyelid was scratched and red.' In the UK, Sarm's anguished friends and family have been pushing for answers in her disappearance, questioning Bane's timeline and saying they find it 'incredibly difficult to believe' she fell of the boat. 'We would like assurance that the authorities in the Virgin Islands are doing everything possible to find her and that the investigation into our beautiful and cherished daughter's disappearance includes a comprehensive fingertip search of the boat,' her parents Peter Heslop and Brenda Street said in a statement. David Cattie, Bane's attorney, told NBC: 'Ryan's thoughts are with Sarm and her family at this time, and he is praying for her safe return.' William Trickett Smith Sr. was once the chairman of the Dauphin County Republican Party and a GOP power broker on the state level. Yet, by the time he died Saturday at age 83, he was better known for his crimes than his politics. While his obituary doesnt mention it, Smith spent part of his later life in jail cells. His first stint in federal prison came in the 1980s for his role in a $5 million bid-rigging scandal that prompted the televised suicide of state Treasurer R. Budd Dwyer. Smith, who was the lawyer for a firm seeking state computer contracts, pleaded guilty to offering Dwyer a $300,000 bribe. Smith spent 3 years in prison for that crime. He lost his law license for a decade as well. In November 2010, Smith, who had by regained his law license, was sentenced by a Dauphin County judge to 1 to 5 years in state prison for stealing about $73,000 from three elderly clients., including an 80-year-old woman who was afflicted with dementia. Two years later, Smith received another 2 - to 5-year state prison term for an arson that occurred in 2007. Smith, who was disbarred a second time, pleaded guilty to setting fire to his guest house to destroy records that showed he was embezzling from clients. His final court appearance, this one before a federal judge, came in 2015 when he received another 4-month prison term for never-executed plots to break his son, William Trickett Smith II, out of prison. The schemes involved freeing his son before the younger Smith was extradited from the U.S. to Peru, where he is serving a 35-year prison term for murdering his wife, stuffing her corpse into a suitcase and tossing it into the Pacific Ocean. The younger Smith was charged with murder when the suitcase washed up back on shore in 2007 the day after an earthquake rocked the region. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and conservative activist Dr. Steven Hotze, a prolific litigant, are suing Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for requiring COVID-19 tests for entry into the Texas Senate gallery and committee hearings. In the 18-page suit filed in Travis County court, Miller and Hotze argue the Senate rule violates the Texas Constitution and Open Meetings Act and ask the court to block the rule. Gov. Abbott is opening up businesses while Patrick is shutting down the peoples access to their government, the plaintiffs attorney Jared Woodfill said in a statement. A spokesman said Patrick doesnt vote on Senate rules, but he agrees with the unanimous decision of the Texas Senate to test in order to protect the public, the Capitol staff who interact with hundreds of visitors every day, as well as members of the Legislature. Members of the public wishing to view proceedings must receive a wristband that indicates a negative COVID-19 test. The rule was established to prevent the spread of the virus at the statehouse, which proved to be hotspots in other states. The regulations were approved unanimously by all 31 members of the Republican-majority Senate. Patrick has recommended they be expanded to the whole Capitol, pointing out that on the Legislature's opening day, only one person out of 800 objected to being tested upon entry. The people know, if we want to have session, if we want to protect lives and life, if we want to conduct the peoples business with the least restrictions, then testing is the answer," Patrick said. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The lawsuit says the Senate rule unreasonably restricts speech by mandating a medical procedure as a prerequisite and violates the right to free speech guaranteed by the Texas Constitution. The constitutional mandate that the legislative session be open supersedes any statutory emergency authority that may otherwise apply to the Senate, the suit reads, noting Hotze had tried to enter on March 2 but was denied entry when he refused a COVID-19 test. The suit did not say why Hotze did not want the test. It contrasts his experience in the Senate with the rules in the Texas House, which does not require a negative test for entry and has five times as many members. Unlike the Senate, however, the House does require face masks with some exceptions. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com 2021-03-24 Maeci On the sidelines of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Luigi Di Maio, met with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian. The talks focused on Libya and cooperation between Italy and France in the NATO framework. People wearing face masks are seen on an airport express train in Seattle, the United States, March 14, 2021. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A report on human rights violations in the United States in 2020, released on Wednesday, urged Washington to drop hypocrisy and double standards on human rights. Last year saw the COVID-19 epidemic in America go out of control, accompanied by political disorder, inter-ethnic conflicts, and social division, according to the report, issued by China's State Council Information Office. "It further added to the human rights violations in the country, the so-called 'city upon a hill' and 'beacon of democracy'," said the report. The report said that due to its government's reckless response, the epidemic went out of control in the United States and killed more than 500,000 Americans. Money-tainted politics is turning U.S. elections into a "one-man show" of the wealthy class and people's confidence in the American democratic system hit a 20-year low, it said. The report said ethnic minority groups suffered systematic racial discrimination in the United States where "one in four young Asian Americans has been the target of racial bullying." It cited the death of African American George Floyd, who died after being brutally kneeled on his neck by a white police officer. The U.S. government suppressed ensuing protests by force, arresting more than 10,000 people. "The U.S. government, instead of introspecting on its own terrible human rights record, kept making irresponsible remarks on the human rights situation in other countries, exposing its double standards and hypocrisy on human rights," the report said. It urged the U.S. side to "drop hypocrisy, bullying, 'Big Stick' and double standards" and work with the international community to build a community with a shared future for humanity. New Jersey officials on Wednesday said theyre monitoring social media posts promoting a protest calling for people to go shopping at Freehold Raceway Mall on Saturday without face masks more than a year into restrictions to battle the coronavirus pandemic. Not only we are aware of this ridiculous flyer thats gone around about maskless shopping, but I am personally aware of it and extremely unhappy about it, Gov. Phil Murphy said during his latest COVID-19 briefing in Trenton. The origin of the maskless shopping protest is unclear, but officials said they were aware of the event being organized by the Patriot Party of New Jersey before a reporter asked about it during Wednesdays briefing. At least one version of the flyer that appears on Twitter lists a specific time and meeting place, though the authenticity could not be verified. State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said authorities have not yet sent guidance to local law enforcement or store owners on how to handle the matter, but he said hes disappointed that businesses would have to worry. At a time when businesses have been struggling, to put them in a position they may have to close their doors seemed hard to fathom for us, Callahan said. Murphy echoed his concern for mall security and staff. Theyre not law enforcement, the Democratic governor said of stores. And to put them in a position the overwhelming amount of whom have been doing the right thing for day in and day out now, for 13 months to make them be the guy or gal at the door that has to say to some knucklehead whos trying to make a political statement, Actually, you cant come in, therefore you lose the business, and/or you get into a confrontation, thats the last thing we need right now. The state Department of Homeland Security is investigating as well, Murphy said. A message left Wednesday afternoon for management at the mall was not immediately returned. Stores in New Jersey have been limited to half capacity since June to help fight the pandemic. Customers and staff are required to wear masks while indoors under Murphys executive orders. Republicans have routinely criticized the governor for his measures, arguing they go too far while businesses are struggling for survival. The protest plans comes as New Jersey sees recent upticks in COVID-19 cases. The state on Wednesday reported another 3,227 confirmed cases of and 28 additional confirmed deaths, while the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state was above 2,000 for the second straight day. The states seven-day average for new confirmed cases is now 3,339, up 6% from a week ago and 35% from a month ago. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Meanwhile, New Jersey health facilities and vaccine centers have now administered about 3.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine including about 1.29 million people considered fully-vaccinated, according to state data. The states goal is to vaccinate 70% of its eligible adults about 4.7 million people by the end of May. More than 18% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and more than half of adults have been administered at least one shot. Murphy said Wednesday the states vaccine supply is set to increase about 19% next week, to nearly half a million doses. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. A possum found dangling mid-air in the clutches of a hungry snake will live to fight another day after being rescued just moments before certain death. Brisbane man John Fegan arrived home this week to find a huge carpet python had invaded the nesting box of a possum he named 'Reggie'. The 2.5-metre python wrapped its coils around the marsupial's back legs and was holding the struggling animal upside down. A possum has suffered a close call with a hungry carpet python who was found dangling the terrified marsupial upside down Mr Fegan posted photos of the struggle on Facebook, saying he had just got home from the gym. 'Reggie the squirrel being forcibly removed from our B&B by a large carpet snake', he wrote. 'We called a local snake bloke and he turned up and as casually as you like, removed them from the box and took them away for questioning. He was so cool and casual this bloke.' The 2.5 metre python had invaded the possums nesting box and was gripping the animal by it's back legs Mr Fegan told Daily Mail Australia it was incredibly lucky the hungry snake only had Reggie by the lower legs, meaning the possum was able to continue breathing. 'The snake bloke told me they usually finish the possum off in about 30 seconds otherwise', he said. Mr Fegan said Reggie had been taken to the RSPCA for a check up, and if the animal survived would be relocated near his Kenmore home. However the animal lover said he doubts the traumatised possum will return to his nesting box anytime soon. Luckily the carpet python only had the possum by the back legs, meaning the animal could still breathe The extraordinary photos have garnered hundreds of comments from Facebook users. 'That's one very ambitious python. Reggie is not small. Hope he survives!', one commented. 'Hate to think of the damage a big old Python would do', another said. Carpet pythons are constrictors which means they kill small mammals, bats, birds and lizards by suffocating them with their strong coils. The traumatised animal has been taken to the RSPCA for a check-up and will be relocated near Mr Fegan's home (CNN) Authorities in North Carolina said they are conducting an investigation after they discovered ten dead dogs in trash bags that were thrown into a ditch on the side of a road. The dogs -- mostly pit bulls -- were found during a volunteer clean-up event called "Operation Spring Cleaning, authorities in Robeson County said. "Sadly and under current investigation was the discovery of 10 dogs (mostly but not all pit-bulls) wrapped in trash bags and thrown alongside a ditch bank," Robeson County Sheriff Burnis Wilkins wrote in a Facebook post on March 20. After the dogs were discovered, the Robeson County Sheriff's Office Animal Cruelty Investigator and a local veterinarian were called to the location, Wilkins told CNN. The vet told investigators that the dogs did not appear to be involved in dogfighting, Wilkins said. There were no obvious causes of death or signs of injury. Robeson County officials are seeking the public's assistance in locating the owner of the dogs. "We're hoping somebody comes forward," Wilkins said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "10 dogs found dead in trash bags in a North Carolina ditch." (Reuters) - The first cargo from new oil producer to the world's third-largest crude importer, India, departed this month from a production facility off the South American nation's coast in a vessel chartered by trading firm Trafigura, data from Refinitiv Eikon showed on Tuesday. The cargo was bought by HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd, a joint venture between state-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp and steel tycoon L.N. Mittal, a source with knowledge of the matter said. HMEL operates a 226,000 barrel per day (bpd) Bathinda refinery in the northern state of Punjab. India has asked refiners to speed up the diversification of imports to cut their dependence on Middle Eastern crudes after OPEC+ decided this month to extend production cuts through April, two sources said. As OPEC's share in India's oil imports fell to historic lows between April 2020 and January 2021, the refining powerhouse began making preparations to import Guyanese crude while renewing a key supply contract between top refiner Indian Oil Corp Ltd and Russia. The 1 million-barrel cargo of Guyana's Liza light sweet crude set sail on March 2 on Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Sea Garnet bound for India's Mundra port, where it is set to arrive around April 8. The cargo's charterer is Trafigura , according to the Eikon data. Guyana's natural resources minister, Vickram Bharrat, told Reuters this month that the crude onboard the Sea Garnet had been originally allocated to New York-based Hess Corp, one of the producing crude in along with Exxon Mobil Corp, and delivered to Trafigura. Bharrat said he did not know the identity of the cargo's ultimate buyer. Trafigura, Hess and HMEL declined to comment on commercial matters. Since began exporting crude in early 2020, its oil has flowed mainly to the United States, China, Panama and the Caribbean, according to tanker-tracking data. India was a prominent importer of Venezuelan oil, but tight U.S. sanctions on the South American country have since 2019 limited the volume India can buy, if it is even allowed. India did not receive any Venezuelan crude imports in February for a third consecutive month due to Washington's suspension of oil-for-fuel swaps between state-run PDVSA and Reliance Industries Ltd since October. That compares with 371,300 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan oil that arrived in Indian ports in February 2020. Besides Russia, North American producers Canada, the United States and Mexico have gained market share by selling heavy crude grades to India. (Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Mexico City, Neil Marks in Georgetown and Nidhi Verma in New Delhi; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Marguerita Choy, Peter Cooney and Amy Caren Daniel) (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.) SAN DIEGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Goal Solutions , an award-winning asset management and consumer financial services company, announced today that it has completed the 26th conversion of loans onto its Launch proprietary loan servicing platform. "For a long time the last thing any lender or loan holder wanted to do was de-convert loans and move them to another provider, even if they knew the move would ultimately be better for them and their customers. The process has historically been one of missteps, poor data management, and ultimately borrower confusion and dissatisfaction something to be avoided at all costs. We decided to tackle that challenge head on and create a process that is smooth and flawless, allowing lenders and loan holders the freedom and confidence to transition their borrowers in order to improve the service, satisfaction and data transparency that we offer." stated Matt Myers, President at Goal Solutions. "Last week we completed our 26th conversion of borrowers onto the Launch Servicing platform and have now converted loans from 11 different servicers. Tackling this challenge is another way we are implementing innovative solutions for our clients and delivering an experience that exceeds the high standards they expect." Goal Solutions, through its wholly owned subsidiary Launch Servicing, services hundreds of unique loan program types through its proprietary Launch Servicing System. Goal supports a diverse number of clients including banks, credit unions, hedge funds, investment banks, fintech's, insurance companies as well as colleges and universities. "I could not be prouder of the teamwork that our leaders, technologists, and loan servicing specialists have put forth to help us reach this amazing milestone," said Paul Dockry, General Manager at Launch Servicing. "It doesn't matter how good our technology and services are if lenders are hesitant to bring us their business based on the fear of converting loans. Creating a process to overcome this fear has opened up opportunities for more lenders and loan holders to experience the full scope of services and capabilities we have to offer." Goal Solutions provides comprehensive and customizable solutions driven by technology, analytics, and industry expertise. Our ability to manage complex consumer assets created opportunities with large organizations that trust us to optimize their loan portfolios. We've built a strong business and reputation as a go to partner by providing exceptional value, performance, and always acting in the best interest of our clients. For more information, please visit www.goalsolutions.com and www.launchservicing.com About Goal Solutions Since 2001 Goal Solutions has leveraged data analytics and technology to deliver innovative solutions for asset management, lending, and investments. The depth and variety of our capabilities provides a comprehensive skillset that creates more value and performance in serving our client's overall business objectives. Led by an executive team with decades of experience in consumer lending, Goal manages over $26B in consumer assets, and offers a complete suite of asset management services. Contact for Press Inquiries Brian Cox | VP Business Development 617-680-3515 [email protected] SOURCE Goal Solutions Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Hospitality group Press Up is now suing three major insurers over their refusal to pay out for business interruption losses arising from the pandemic. The latest action by the hotel and pubs group, which is controlled by businessmen Paddy McKillen Jr and Matt Ryan, is against Allianz Insurance Plc. Companies in the Press Up group already have actions against Axa and the RSA that have been designated agreed test cases, where the High Court will deal with the interpretation of policies as regards cover for business interruption losses. The outcome of those two cases will have a bearing on scores of other businesses with Axa and RSA policies. But Allianz is now facing pressure to agree to a case against it by Press Up company Rock Boxes Ltd also going forward as a test case as the wording of its policy is different to those being considered in the other cases. Lawyers for Rock Boxes Ltd, which trades as the Mayson Hotel in Dublin, wrote to Allianz yesterday seeking its agreement on the issue. In correspondence copied to the Central Bank and several organisations with an interest in the outcome of the case, Eames Solicitors told Allianz that industry bodies and policyholders had provided letters supporting the view that the Allianz policy should also be decided on in the High Court as a test case. The Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation and the Restaurants Association were among those supporting this view. Eames Solicitors declined to comment. If Allianz agrees to the request, it will bring to four the number of test cases over refusals to pay out on business interruption cover. So far just one of these cases has been decided. In a landmark ruling in February, the High Court found in favour of four publicans who sued FBD over its refusal to pay out. The court ruled FBDs policy provided cover for an imposed closure of a business following the outbreak of disease within 25 miles of the premises. The wording of the Allianz policy is different in that it refers to cover for any occurrence of a notifiable disease at the premises. Allianz has refused to pay out on a claim by Rock Boxes Ltd. But the company argues it is entitled to be compensated under its policy. In the letter, its solicitors said that while their clients were not aware of a specific member of staff contracting Covid-19 at the premises, it was highly probable a customer or staff member did contract Covid-19 in the period before it was forced to close due to pandemic restrictions. Our client remains firmly of the view that the interpretation of the Allianz policy wording should be tested and decided upon by the courts, the letter added. The test case against Axa is being taken by Press Up company Brushfield Ltd, trading as the Clarence Hotel and has been partially heard. That action hinges on a policy where a specified list of diseases are outlined. While Covid-19 is not listed, acute encephalitis is and Brushfield argues it is one of the consequences of the coronavirus. The test case against RSA is being taken by Press Up company Premier Dale Ltd, trading as The Devlin Hotel, and concerns the interpretation of a policy relating to diseases on the premises. President George Manneh Weah heard the message loudly and clearly from the people of Bomi County: They are ready to make the President happy in 2023, the next presidential election. Mr. Weah who began the second leg of his nationwide tour to Bomi on Monday this week, is reading and dicephering the message that would perhaps resonate in his mind throughout on his way to 2023. "Mr. President, the people of Bomi County are reliable people. When they give you their word, go and sleep on it. When they say they are for you, they are for you. They don't play games", said Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. in welcome remarks.A former Montserrado District #6 lawmaker, Snowe migrated to Bomi in 2017 and won a seat in the House before subsequently getting elected senator in December last year. However, he reminded President Weah that whatever promises he (Weah) makes to the people of Bomi, they should be fulfilled because the people will judge him in 2023 by his deeds, rather than his words. A seasoned politician would understand this, and President Weah is not only a politician, but leader of the 4.5 million people of Liberia. A key focus of his government is bettering the lives of citizens thru development. So, he knows what's up in Bomi: Meet the people's needs and get their votes at the ballot box for a second term in office. This is as crystal clear as the sunny sky. The people of Bomi County thru Senator Snowe have spoken their mind to the President. It is for Mr. Weah to remain engaged, not only with that County, but the entire 15 political subdivisions like he is doing currently. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. If the President's nationwide tour has paid off, citizens in the southeastern region are living evidence. Today, they enjoy electricity and street lights for the first time in many years. Not only that, the President broke grounds for various projects in counties visited during the first leg of his tour last month. On this second leg of the tour, he has already promised to electrify Tubmanburg, Bomi County and elsewhere. If this is what Snowe was referring to, then he should go sleep, because this President does not promise and fail to execute. Politics aside, he is a man of his word. The evidence is there, from the tuition-free program at the University of Liberia and all other public tertiary intuitions across the country, payment of both WASSEC and WAEC fees for 12th and 9th graders to the 14th Military Hospital and road projects, among others, President Weah continues to prove that he is a 'talk and do President.' The people of Bomi County have no cause to worry about execution of promises. They should consider everything President Weah has promised in the county done far ahead of 2023. But they equally have a challenge to live up to their commitment to make him happy come 2023. 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. Division of Marine Fisheries protected species specialist Erin Burke, right, points out rolls of red weak rope given to fishermen Friday in Chatham. BRAD JOYAL PHOTO CHATHAM Local fishermen congregated at the back of a white van parked at the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermens Alliance building and peered inside. Their view offered a glimpse of the new gear they will be mandated to use as a part of a suite of measures implemented by the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Commission to comply with a judges order to reduce entanglements of endangered right whales. Dozens of local fishermen were at the Fishermans Alliance on Friday to pick up the new gear, which was being distributed by the state Division of Marine Fisheries, the Massachusetts Lobstermans Association and the Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts. Massachusetts has been at the forefront of right whale conservation, and over the last 25 years there has been kind of a suite of conservation methods implemented, said Beth Casoni, executive director of the Massachusetts Lobstermans Association. Now were going through another rulemaking and have to achieve a 60 percent reduction in risk to the right whales. Through the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team, which Im a member of, we voted by near consensus to do that through a suite of measures and weakening the vertical lines to break at 1,700 pounds was the number one option that was talked about, she said. Among the contrivances that were given to fishermen were fully formed 1,700-pound weak rope created by North Carolina-based Rocky Mount Cordage Company. The rope was available in two color options solid red and a red and white candy cane version, both of which were three-eighths of an inch in diameter. Casoni said Ketcham Traps, a supply company based in New Bedford, developed the weak rope and determined Rocky Mount Cordage Company would do a good job manufacturing it. Were grateful for their work with us because we didnt get a lot of rope manufacturers stepping up to help us because this goes against their beliefs everything is getting stronger and were asking them to weaken it, she said. The other approved contrivance available to fishermen was a South Shore Sleeve, a hollow orange rope that can be spliced into buoy lines and is easily breakable should a whale get entangled. DMF gear specialist Justin Wilson compared the sleeves designed by Nova Scotia-based Novabraid to Chinese finger trap toys due to their ability to tighten around the buoy lines. Casoni said the New England Aquariums research proved that in addition to introducing lines with 1,700-pound breaking points, using red and orange gear could be another tool to help protect whales. She said those two colors were chosen because whales spot them the best. The new gear modifications take effect May 1, a timeline that will have some fishermen scrambling to switch out their gear. Big hassle? Its a huge hassle! declared Orleans fisherman Jeremy Loparto. Its definitely going to be a project. For others, such as Rocky Chase, a Harwich resident who fishes out of Chatham, the gear change is an annoyance that can be tolerated so long as it allows him to continue to make a living. For me, its whatever it takes to keep lobstering in my opinion, Chase said. If it takes a day or two to change over before you set your gear out, Im going to do whatever it takes to keep the ball rolling and remain compliant. Wilson and DMF protected species specialist Erin Burke joined Casoni in fielding questions from fishermen. Casoni said gear had already been distributed to fishermen in Gloucester, Scituate and Sandwich, and she noted additional drops would take place at other locations to be determined. While Wilson acknowledged some fishermen might view him as the opposition, the gear specialist said that his goal is to help fishermen comply with the new regulations. If we dont get these modifications, guys arent going to be able to fish, Wilson said. Even though guys may think Im not on their side, everything Im doing is to help them get back out there because I know this is their livelihood. Email Brad Joyal at brad@capecodchronicle.com FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The COVID-19 crisis left many manufacturers financially unable to sustain R&D and innovation. Investing during tumultuous times can be scary, but it can also be very rewarding. Spraymation, founded 63 years ago, ranks among Fort Lauderdale, Florida's oldest manufacturing businesses. Over the course of its history, in bull markets and bear, the company has bet on innovation, selling products across 66 countries and 6 continents. "Pandemics don't last forever, but innovation can," said Spraymation's CEO, Grant Fitzwilliam. During some of the pandemic downtime, Spraymation has been innovating around customer needs. Most recently, the company has been developing open and closed-loop fluid systems for dispensing very small, very precise amounts of fluid. The company can now dispense fluids onto a wide variety of products in amounts from .5 to 10 mg on each item at production rates up to 600 items/minute. Most of these systems are open-loop, but some customers need higher accuracy or possibly proof of application for their products. Head of engineering, David Kerzel, said, "In these unique applications, we can provide a closed-loop system with flow monitoring and alarms." Mr. Kerzel went on to say, "We also dispense viscous silicone onto medical devices, primarily syringes, to make them operate smoothly and consistently. These particular applications dispense amounts from .25 to 10 mg per device at production rates up to 600 items/minute with the accuracy required by leading medical manufacturers." Presently the company is developing a pumping system for dispensing even smaller dosages of fluids with targeting pump rates of less than 5ml/hour, which is 83l/minute. In the case of the fluid being water, that would be 83mg/minute. If used in a process operating at 600 units/minute, each would get a dose of .14mg. The pumping system will be a digitally controlled closed-loop system with an accuracy of +/- 1%. For more information, contact Spraymation at: [email protected] +1.954.484.9700 SOURCE Spraymation Inc. Related Links https://www.spraymation.com Married At First Sight Australia's relationship expert Mel Schilling has hit back at claims that the show is 'scripted'. The dating expert, 49, who offers relationship guidance to the newlyweds on the dramatic series, even joked that the storylines are 'too outrageous' to write. Married At First Sight Australia series six first aired Down Under in 2019 and has since become a surprising hit in the UK recently. Hitting back! Married At First Sight Australia's relationship expert Mel Schilling has hit back at claims that the show is 'scripted' Talking to Express.co.uk, Mel quipped: 'Do you seriously think we could write this stuff? I was at an event once and I met the guy who heads up scripted drama for Channel Nine in Australia. 'And he looks at some of our storylines and he says, "There's no way my team could ever come up with these ideas, they're so outrageous." 'They say truth is stranger than fiction, and I absolutely believe that now having worked on this show!' It was recently claimed that Mel is planning to quit MAFS Australia following series eight after landing a role on the 'revamped' UK version of the dating program. 'Too outrageous': The dating expert, 49, who offers relationship guidance to the newlyweds on the dramatic series, even joked that the storylines are 'too outrageous' to write (Sam and Ines pictured on the show after their 'affair' was exposed) An insider told New Idea that Mel has been 'exploring other options' and is considering producing her own dating show. 'Mel has a passion for relationships and helping people transform but MAFS isn't exactly pushing those buttons anymore,' the source claimed. 'She is now looking at opportunities and projects where there is a stronger focus on personal development.' However, sources close to Mel have told Daily Mail Australia that Mel is still 'fully committed' to Nine and will be back before next year's season is filmed. MAFS favourtie: Mel (pictured left) is best known in the UK for her role on the Australian version of the popular dating show, which has recently been airing to millions on E4 It comes after Mel announced she was joining the 'revamped' UK version of the show earlier this month, following the popularity of the Australian series, which is currently airing. With a reputation for asking provocative questions and holding everyone accountable for their actions, Mel will work alongside expert and Celebs Go Dating star Paul C Brunson. The Melbourne-based relationship guru will move to the UK with her husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Madison, six to film the series. It comes after MAFS Australia's Mick Gould claimed he was prevented from quitting the show by producers' threats to sue him. Taking part in an Instagram Q&A on Wednesday, the farmer, 33, also admitted he faked his emotions when he heard about his then-wife Jessika Power's affair with Dan Webb and branded the show's panel of experts, 'f***ing puppets.' Married At First Sight sees couples marry one another seconds after meeting after being paired together by experts, then they see if they can go the distance. Unable to leave: It comes after MAFS Australia's Mick Gould claimed he was prevented from quitting the show by producers' threats to sue him Nothing to see here: Mick broke down in tears when he learned about his then-wife Jess's betrayal with Dan - but admitted it was all a bit of an act If things don't work out, they can only leave if both they and their spouse decide to go their separate ways. During the show, Mick was furious to discover that Jess, 28, kept him in the show for weeks in order to see Dan, 36, behind his back. Asked why he didn't just leave when he wanted to, Mick said: 'Because they kept threatening to sue me, so I couldn't.' Mick famously broke down in tears when he learned about Jess's betrayal and said he hadn't secretly known - but admitted it was all a bit of an act. He said: 'I knew that if I didn't act I would have to do it all again, so you just gotta pretend.' Acting: Mick said he faked his emotions so that he 'didn't have to film scenes again' The ultimate betrayal: Jess had made Mick remain in the competition to get close to Dan, pretending she had wanted to fix her friendship with Mick Mick also slammed the show's experts, John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Dr Trisha Stratford. He said: 'They experts are 'f***ing puppets. They have those hoo-haa things [earpieces] in their ears and that's about all their good for, the bast****.' MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Channel Nine for comment. Don't hold back: Mick also slammed the show's experts, John Aiken, Mel Schilling, (left) and Dr Trisha Stratford (centre), calling them 'f***ing puppets' Strolling around his sprawling Gympie farm in a green flannel shirt and a large sun hat, Mick - who was joined by his girlfriend Kayla Gray, 27, during the Q&A session - also revealed why he signed up for MAFS in the first place. When asked by a fan: 'Did you honestly think a reality show like MAFS was a good idea?' the down-to-earth Aussie replied: 'They sold it that it was gonna be a hell of a lot better than what we did. It was the complete opposite to what actually happened. S**thouse.' [sic] He also dished out his 'best piece of life advice', telling his followers: 'F**k everyone's opinion. Honest: Mick - who was joined by his girlfriend Kayla Gray, 27 - also revealed why he signed up for MAFS in the first place Mick shot to fame during the sixth season of MAFS. The show first aired in Australia in 2019, but only arrived in the UK this year. He met new girlfriend Kayla - who starred on The Bachelor - at an event in 2019, and within five months Kayla had relocated to Mick's Gympie farm. Jess has since moved on with aspiring rapper Filip Poznanovic. It's not the first time this week that Mick has made some surprising MAFS revelations. Scandal: Fans rallied around Mick after 28-year-old Jess (pictured) famously admitted to cheating on her husband with Dan, 36 A day earlier, he took part in another Q&A, saying he would 'rather jump in stinging nettles' than 'waste' another minute with Jess. When asked by a fan: '[Would you] rather jump in stinging nettles or waste another minute with Jess?' Mick who had clearly never heard of the plant, quipped: 'Stinging nettles, whatever the f**k that is.' He also revealed that he had bumped into the blonde bombshell since filming the show. When a fan queried: 'Have you and Jess spoken since not being on MAFs?' the down-to-earth countryman replied: 'Yeah I ran into her at the pub.' Washington, March 24 : NASA will attempt to fly Ingenuity mini-helicopter, currently attached to the belly of Perseverance rover, on Mars on April 8, in first such attempt on another planet. However, before the 1.8- kg rotorcraft attempts its first controlled flight, both it and its team back home must meet a series of daunting milestones. "When NASA's Sojourner rover landed on Mars in 1997, it proved that roving the Red Planet was possible and completely redefined our approach to how we explore Mars. Similarly, we want to learn about the potential Ingenuity has for the future of science research," said Lori Glaze, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA Headquarters. "Ingenuity is a technology demonstration that aims to be the first powered flight on another world and, if successful, could further expand our horizons and broaden the scope of what is possible with Mars exploration," Glaze said in a statement on Wednesday. On March 21, the rover deployed the guitar case-shaped graphite composite debris shield that protected Ingenuity during landing. The rover currently is in transit to the "airfield" where Ingenuity will attempt to fly. Once deployed, Ingenuity will have 30 Martian days, or sols, (31 Earth days) to conduct its test flight campaign. Flying in a controlled manner on Mars is far more difficult than flying on Earth. The Red Planet has significant gravity (about one-third that of Earth's) but its atmosphere is just 1 per cent as dense as Earth's at the surface. During Martian daytime, the planet's surface receives only about half the amount of solar energy that reaches Earth during its daytime, and night-time temperatures can drop as low as minus 90 degrees Celsius, which can freeze and crack unprotected electrical components. To survive the frigid Martian nights, it must have enough energy to power internal heaters. "Every step we have taken since this journey began six years ago has been uncharted territory in the history of aircraft," said Bob Balaram, Mars Helicopter chief engineer at JPL. "While getting deployed to the surface will be a big challenge, surviving that first night on Mars alone, without the rover protecting it and keeping it powered, will be an even bigger one," Balaram added. The helicopter deployment process will take about six sols (six days, four hours on Earth). While Ingenuity will attempt the first powered, controlled flight on another planet, the first powered, controlled flight on Earth took place on December 17, 1903, on the windswept dunes of Kill Devil Hill, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville and Wilbur Wright covered 120 feet in 12 seconds during the first flight. The Wright brothers made four flights that day, each longer than the previous. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text MOSCOW -- Russia's Investigative Committee has launched an investigation into comments made by a notorious convicted rapist, known as the "Maniac of Skopin," about one of his victims during an interview he gave three weeks after his release from prison. The committee said in a statement on March 23 that its chief, Aleksandr Bastrykin, had ordered the committee's Main Investigative Directorate to evaluate the statements Viktor Mokhov made in his interview with popular journalist Ksenia Sobchak. The comments were included in a documentary about Mokhov that was placed on Sobchak's YouTube channel on March 22, immediately igniting a public outcry. Mokhov, whose crimes in 2000 shocked the country, was released from prison on March 3 after serving a 17-year prison term for kidnapping and illegally holding and systematically raping two teenage girls in the city of Skopin in the western Ryazan region. One of the girls delivered two children fathered by Mokhov while in captivity and another shortly after she was rescued by police. Answering Sobchak's question about that victim, Mokhov said in the interview, "I have to take care of her again." The interview has been watched by more than 3 million people and has sparked condemnation across Russia. The chairman of the Russian Union of Journalists, Vladimir Solovyov, and the leader of the ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, have called on lawmakers to ban any interviews with individuals convicted of violent crimes. The Federal Penitentiary Service has said that the 70-year-old Mokhov will be under parole-like police control for another six years. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data, the unemployment rate was recorded at 6.9 per cent in February 2021 which is slightly better than 7.8 per cent in the same month last year and 8.8 per cent in March 2020, during which lockdown was imposed. (Representational image: PTI file photo) New Delhi: India is still not out of the woods as far as unemployment is concerned after a year when the lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of deadly COVID-19 on March 25 last year as pandemic-induced job loss has not tapered off consistently. The government had imposed a lockdown to curb the spread of the pandemic but this impacted economic and commercial activities and resulted in job loss and later on the exodus of migrant workers which rocked the entire nation. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data, the unemployment rate was recorded at 6.9 per cent in February 2021 which is slightly better than 7.8 per cent in the same month last year and 8.8 per cent in March 2020, during which lockdown was imposed. The data showed that the unemployment rate had peaked to 23.5 per cent in April and remained at 21.7 per cent in May. It started tapering off from June onward when it was recorded at 10.2 per cent in the month and further improved to 7.4 per cent in July. However, the unemployment rate again rose slightly to 8.3 in August and improved to 6.7 per cent in September last year, as per CMIE data. In October, unemployment again rose slightly to 7 per cent and then eased to 6.5 per cent in November last year as per the data. The CMIE data showed that the unemployment rate had risen to 9.1 per cent in December 2020 and improved in January to 6.5 per cent. Experts said that the CMIE data indicated improvement in the unemployment scenario from July onwards, but there is a need for consistency which would only come after an increase in buoyancy in the manufacturing and services sectors. They were of the view that the farm sector has done well which engages over 55 per cent of the country's population but there is a need for improvement in hiring in urban and industrial areas. They opined that the government has taken many steps to boost fresh hiring in the country but repeated policy interventions and monitoring of existing schemes and initiatives at the ground level are required to achieve consistent improvement in the employment scenario in the country. According to labour ministry data, around 16.5 lakh people have benefited from the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) which was launched in October to encourage hiring in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic till March 9, 2021. The scheme was introduced on October 1, 2020, to incentivise the creation of new employment along with social security benefits and restoration of loss of employment during the pandemic. This scheme, being implemented through the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), reduces the financial burden of the employers of various sectors/ industries and encourages them to hire more workers. Under the ABRY, Government of India is crediting for a period of two years both the employees' share (12 per cent of wages) and employers' share (12 per cent of wages) of contribution payable. Under the ABRY, about 16.5 lakhs beneficiaries registered themselves with the Scheme from October 1, 2020 and out of this, approximately 13.64 lakhs are new joinees with UAN (universal account number) generated on or after October 1, 2020, and approximately 2.86 lakhs are re-joinees who were rendered un-employed during the pandemic from March 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, and rejoined from October 1, 2020, onwards. The experts said that the government intends to create 50 lakh to 60 lakh jobs through the ABRY in two years' time, but it required close monitoring and well-planned implementation to achieve the desired objective. Under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY), Government of India has contributed both 12 per cent employer's share and 12 per cent employee's share under Employees Provident Fund (EPF), totaling 24 per cent of the wage for the wage month from March to August 2020, for the establishments having up to 100 employees with 90 per cent of such employees earning less than Rs 15,000. Under the PMGKY scheme, Rs 2,567.66 crore was credited in EPF accounts of 38.82 lakhs eligible employees. The recently released latest EPFO payroll data showed that net new enrolments with the retirement fund body grew about 28 per cent to 13.36 lakh in January compared to the same month in 2020. The data also reflected a growth of 24 per cent for January 2021 over December last year. The EPFO has added around 62.49 lakh subscribers during the first ten months of the ongoing fiscal year, the data showed. During 2019-20, the number of net new subscribers rose to 78.58 lakh as compared to 61.12 lakh in the preceding fiscal. The EPFO payroll data also gives a perspective about the employment scenario in the country. Video: We Are China China issues report on U.S. human rights violations Xinhua) 16:46, March 24, 2021 A man wearing a face mask walks past the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 24, 2021. (Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Xinhua) BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday issued the Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020. The report said Washington's incompetent pandemic containment led to tragic outcomes and that American democracy disorder triggered political chaos. Ethnic minorities suffered racial discrimination and continuous social unrest threatened public security in the United States, it said. The report also drew attention to the growing polarization between the rich and the poor that aggravated social inequality in America. The U.S. trampling on international rules resulted in humanitarian disasters, it added. Full text: The Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020 (Web editor: Wen Ying, Liang Jun) The spectrum auctions in early March witnessed higher participation from telecom operators than expected. Three telcos - Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vi - snapped up spectrum worth Rs 77,815 crore across different bands. Despite buying more than anticipated, telcos had together bought 855.7 megahertz (MHz) of airwaves, which is 38 per cent of the total spectrum (2251.25 MHz) up for sale. Experts say that the moderate participation in the recent auctions - in both volume and value terms - is actually good. How? Since the government is expected to hold 5G spectrum auctions in less than a year, the recent auction could set the bar as far as pricing is concerned. "TRAI's [Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's] recommendation for 3300-3600 MHz bands had come in 2018; the 5G ecosystem has changed a lot since then. TRAI needs to look afresh at 5G pricing taking into account the moderate participation in the recent auctions, and adequate international examples," says a telecom analyst. For instance, when TRAI had recommended 5G spectrum in 2018, it also said that "due to lack of adequate comparable data points, international benchmarking may not be appropriate for current valuation exercise for 3300-3600 MHz." However, many countries have auctioned and deployed 5G services over the past three years. As per brokerage CLSA, the government is likely to cut spectrum prices ahead of 5G auction. "With 63 per cent of the spectrum in this auction unsold, there will likely be cuts in reserve prices. Historically, the government has cut spectrum prices by 30-40 per cent if it saw no demand in the previous auction and this will be a significant positive especially for 5G. Further, in future 5G auctions with the 275MHz spectrum available in 3.3-3.6 GHz [gigahertz] bands alone (besides other bands) and only three operators, there will be good supply," said a CLSA report. A March report presented by Standing Committee on Information Technology, headed by Shashi Tharoor, titled India's Preparedness for 5G, said that the regulator's recommended reserve price is quite high in comparison to the auctioned discovered spectrum price in other countries in the 3.5 GHz band. TRAI has recommended Rs 492 crore per MHz as base price which is higher than the auction-determined price in Italy (Rs 182 crore per MHz), the UK (Rs 70 crore), Australia (Rs 35 crore), Spain (Rs 14 crore) and Austria (Rs 7 crore). "Considering the stress in the sector and that the 5G ecosystem is yet to be developed, keeping such a huge reserve price for 3.3 GHz to 3.6 GHz will undoubtedly have an adverse impact on the ability of the TSPs (telecom service providers) to fully rollout 5G in the country. The committee is of the view that long-term consumer benefit should be the guiding principle and not short term revenue maximisation," said the Standing Committee on IT report. Given that the government is yet to finalise the reserve prices for 3.5 GHz band, the telcos can hope for some relaxation in pricing by both TRAI and DoT (department of telecommunications). Also read: Airtel adds 59 lakh mobile subscribers in Jan; Vi, Jio also gain Also read: Second round of consolidation underway in telecom industry: India Ratings Activate Care, a leader in integrated health and social care solutions, today announced its engagement with healthcare and social services stakeholders in 42 states through its integration with 2-1-1 Helplines, community-based organizations, healthcare systems and ACOs, and government agencies to better help communities collaborate, ultimately improving the healthcare and social services ecosystem in the U.S. Since the pandemic took hold one year ago, it has pushed the healthcare industry to create models that maximize efficiency and improve care. As a leading provider of community information exchange solutions, Activate Care has been selected by national and regional healthcare and social services organizations to seamlessly facilitate real-time, cross-sector collaboration around patients with complex health, behavioral, and social needs, creating a 20 percent estimated mean savings of the total cost of care. Hundreds of organizations across the country trust Activate Care to help them address social determinants of health, said Activate Care CEO and Founder Ted Quinn. Weve got to alleviate what I call thats not my job syndrome to ensure that all players working towards better public health have the tools they need to not just screen for SDOH issues, but intervene and drive change. Weve seen when communities recognize that appropriately exchanging information across their community care provider networks, that positive change does happen. Caring for the social determinants of health requires full visibility into an entire patient population. Many SDOH interventions today rely only on health system data, which while highly structured, cannot show a full picture of the patients social needs. Government agencies, social services, and community-based organizations provide a wealth of social data not typically found in the healthcare system. A year into the country's experience of facing COVID-19, it is clearer than ever that challenges around mental health, homelessness, and other behavioral and social needs are vast and will continue. Without the data, community information exchanges cannot function to their full potential. Activate Cares Analytics offer access to all program data in the following ways: In-tool downloads and exports Custom reporting designed and built as needed, and updated daily to help programs take trends and scale operations Standard exports without permission limitations Report library, downloadable via in-tool console Standard reports available to Activate Cares customers include operational data such as patient assignments, task assignments, task status, and enrollment. Panel data such as patient demographics, health and social needs, and custom data tracking is readily available. Program data including care process progress and velocity, billing data, and platform usage is offered all of which are key differentiators for Activate Cares model. In Floridas Volusia County, Palm Beach County and Tallahassee County, Activate Care is helping to optimize data sharing and analytics to drive change. We cant vaccinate against the effects of unemployment, homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness, and so many other issues that are affecting our population, said Sharon LHerrou, president and CEO, 2-1-1 Palm Beach in Florida which covers five counties in the state. Our role as a 24/7 service to our community is to be a gateway for valuable information about testing, COVID safety, challenges regarding financial and health needs, all of those social determinants of health that are affecting us all so gravely. We must begin working more closely together to delve deeper to solve these intractable problems. We believe we can do more in these cases than just sharing information. At points, weve been overwhelmed with the level of need since COVID hit, and weve been talking with our community partners about how we can better integrate systems. As I learned more about Activate Cares technology, data, and analysis to get community members on a path to better health, I was impressed. They seem to be the only provider putting local, community services at the center of their planning. And I think that will make all the difference in making a real impact quickly, LHerrou added. About Activate Care Activate Care is Americas community information exchange platform, offering services, technology and data analytics to do the needed work supporting communities standing up care models that recognize the central role that social services provide in the care of vulnerable and underserved communities. Activate Care recognizes that social, physical, and medical care must be connected to realize the care goals of individuals and families. Activate Cares cloud-based CareHub platform connects patients, families, care teams, and community partners to address social determinants of health and create better whole person care on the journey to health and wellbeing. With Activate Care, everyone directly involved with a patients health can act together to improve health and social outcomes, making healthier lives happen, wherever they are. Activate Care is boldly working with our partners to change care delivery across the country. Headquartered in Boston, Mass., Activate Care is privately held and venture-funded by the disruptive innovation investment firm, Rose Park Advisors. The company was named one of BostInnos 50 on Fire in fall 2020, which showcases the 50 companies in Boston with innovative approaches to solving problems and making the biggest impact. For more information, visit https://www.activatecare.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. Protesters demanding water, toilets and electricity blocked roads around Khayelitsha on Tuesday morning. On Old Faure Road near Mfuleni, dozens of road signs were ripped off poles, and used with burning rubble to block the road. The City of Cape Town says it is unable to provide services like water, toilets and electricity to new informal settlements. "Assessments of all unlawfully occupied areas are being undertaken and will continue to be undertaken across the metro," said Malusi Booi, Mayco Member for Human Settlements, in a statement on Tuesday. He said that the majority of settlements have been established on unsuitable land, or land with "great constraints for service delivery" and where the installation of bulk services was never planned. Booi said the City was looking at ways to "manage the challenge of large scale occupations". He said local government could not be expected to deal with occupations and to provide all basic services and housing needs without funding support. "Human settlements delivery is beset with challenges. These include R1.3 billion in City housing projects under threat from ongoing orchestrated unlawful occupations; national government budget cuts; a weak national economy; and regulatory red tape," said Booi. Protester Mfundo Mavuya said residents wanted the City to provide water, toilets and electricity. "Ward councillors say they can't give us services because we are not included in their budgets because we occupied the land illegally. They don't even want to talk to us," he said. Mavuya said the land occupiers collected water from a broken water pipe near the corner of Mew Way and Old Faure Road. He said people often queued for two hours. "We are not even sure if the water is fine for human consumption," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Legal Affairs Infrastructure By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Shack dwellers had to relieve themselves in full view of motorists and people passing by, he said, and accidents had occurred while people, including young children, tried to cross Old Faure Road to collect water. Protester Nolubabalo Manzi claimed that her son was knocked by a car while crossing Old Faure Road to collect water. She said he had been in hospital briefly for minor head injuries but had been released. "I was heartbroken and the whole community was outraged at the incident. If we had water taps, the car accident would not happen," she said. Mbhelandile Twani said a housing movement called Intlungu Yabahlali Basematyontyombeni had organised protests across the city for Tuesday morning. The movement was started in October to support people living in informal settlements as a result of the national lockdown. The movement is demanding that all new settlements receive water, toilets and electricity. They also want the City to "stop the applications for court interdicts" against residents. Twani said shack dwellers would continue protesting until their demands were met. A cancer nurse who caught covid has only just returned to work - a year after fighting for her life in ICU. Pauline McIlroy, 57, began feeling tired days before lockdown but did not have any other symptoms - until she felt her chest tighten so much she feared she was having a heart attack at work. Mother-of-one Ms McIlroy, who works as an advanced breast clinical nurse specialist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, in Glasgow, was rushed to another hospital by ambulance after colleagues gave her oxygen. A chest x-ray carried out at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital showed she had pneumonia caused by coronavirus, and she was treated in ICU. Ms McIlroy returned to work six weeks ago and is taking it in steps. Pauline McIlroy, 57, felt her chest tighten so much she feared she was having a heart attack at work - it was discovered she had pneumonia caused by coronavirus, she was treated in ICU She said thinking of her colleagues got her through the illness - and texted them as she was treated in hospital in case she didn't get to see them again. Ms McIlroy said: 'It was in the very early days and we knew very little about the virus at that time. I was at work and only felt tired. 'We had been working really hard to rearrange clinics because of the situation, so I just put it down to that. I had no other symptoms. 'I became very ill very quickly. 'Suddenly I had tightness in my chest, I thought I was having a heart attack. 'My chest x-ray was awful - it was pneumonia caused by covid. A chest x-ray carried out at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, (pictured) showed Ms McIlroy had pneumonia caused by coronavirus, and she was treated in ICU 'I continued to deteriorate over the next few days and was taken to ICU, where I was put on the ventilator.' She was in ICU for 16 days fighting for her life. Ms McIlroy, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, said: 'It was in the early days of the pandemic and the stories coming out of Italy were terrible. 'The thought of being intubated did scare me a bit but I had faith in the team who were looking after me. 'I wanted to speak to my husband and daughter, as I knew realistically there was a chance it could be the last time.' She has worked at the same hospital since she was 22, and sent colleagues a message saying 'If I don't survive this, I want you all to know how proud I've been to work with you.' The Beatson, the West of Scotland Cancer centre in the west end of Glasgow. Where Ms McIlroy works And she was desperate to get back to work after a long recovery, including a month when she didn't see her family. Ms McIlroy said: 'I've been back about six weeks and on a phased return. 'It's taken me so long to get fit again, mentally and physically. My colleagues have been second to none. 'Many of my patients, current and past, have sent messages which have been lovely and very humbling. 'Throughout this whole thing they have been patient with me and given me the time I needed to get strong. 'Not having to worry about work or having any pressure to return quickly has really helped me. I couldn't wait to get back. 'I know people were pessimistic about my chance of returning and at times I was too but equally I was determined to try. 'I am so happy to be back, caring for my patients. I owe it to so many people.' Myra Campbell, Interim General Manager at the Beatson, said 'We are delighted to have Pauline back at work. 'Pauline is a valued member of our team who cares deeply about our patients. 'Pauline's dedication in returning to work is no surprise to us.' An Arab Islamist could decide Israel's next prime minister after a tight vote in Tuesday's hard-fought parliamentary elections. With almost 90 per cent of votes counted, there is a razor-thin margin between a right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a diverse array of parties bent on ousting him. To prevail, each side may need the support of Ra'am, an Arab Islamist party that appears to have clinched just five seats in the 120-member Knesset, according to near-final results. The party, also known as the United Arab List, has not committed to supporting either side, meaning it could play a key role in deciding whether Netanyahu remains in office. It's an odd predicament for Netanyahu, who rose to power by rejecting compromise with the Palestinians and has used racist rhetoric in past campaigns to cast the country's Arab minority as a fifth column of terrorist sympathizers. This time, however, in Israel's fourth elections in two years, Netanyahu sought Arab support in what many saw as a two-pronged strategy aimed at picking up votes and splitting the Joint List, an alliance of Arab parties that won a record 15 seats in elections last year. An Arab Islamist could decide Israel's next prime minister after a tight vote in Tuesday's hard-fought parliamentary elections left both sides without the majority needed to form a government. Pictured: Ra'am leader Mansour Abbas casts his vote in Maghar on Tuesday If so, he succeeded, convincing Mansour Abbas, the leader of Ra'am, to run a separate list. Now Abbas appears to hold the keys to the kingdom. Israelis vote for party lists rather than individual candidates, and seats are apportioned out based on the percentage of votes received. No single party has ever won a 61-seat majority, so larger parties must assemble governing coalitions - often with fringe parties. With around 88 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu and his natural allies, as well as the bloc opposing him, each lack a 61-seat majority in the Knesset. Unless another party decides to switch sides, each would need Abbas' support to form a government and avoid yet another round of elections. Unlike other Arab leaders, Abbas has not ruled out working with Netanyahu's party, the Likud, or other right-wing parties if he can secure gains for the Arab community, which faces widespread discrimination, mounting poverty amid the coronavirus pandemic and a wave of violent crime. Arab parties have never asked to serve in an Israeli government nor been invited to do so. Unlike other Arab leaders, Abbas (pictured) has not ruled out working with Netanyahu's party, the Likud, or other right-wing parties if he can secure gains for the Arab community Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition may need to seek support from Ra'am. Netanyahu (picture) rose to power by rejecting compromise with the Palestinians and has used racist rhetoric in past campaigns to cast the country's Arab minority as a fifth column of terrorist sympathizers Abbas could break with that tradition, potentially requesting a Cabinet post in return for his support. More likely, he would not hold an official post, but would instead support the coalition from outside the government in return for greater public investment in housing, infrastructure and law enforcement in Arab communities. In an interview with Army Radio on Wednesday, Abbas reiterated that he did not rule out joining either side and hinted at bolder ambitions. 'We want to use not only parliamentary tools, but Cabinet tools to accomplish things for the benefit of Arab society,' he said. That may be difficult to pull off. Netanyahu's coalition would also have to include the Religious Zionist Party, whose leading candidates are openly racist. The differences between Abbas and the far-right group would be difficult to bridge. In a TV interview Wednesday, Abbas said the Religious Zionists were 'not the address' for solving the political standoff. There is also a chance that Naftali Bennett, a right-wing leader who also remains uncommitted, throws his support behind the anti-Netanyahu bloc. In that case, it could dispense with Ra'am if it maintained the support of the larger Arab Joint List. Netanyahu could also potentially form a coalition without Ra'am if he convinces members of the other bloc to defect. Abbas hails from the Islamic Movement, which was established in 1971 along the lines of the pan-Arab Muslim Brotherhood group. Its primary aim is the Islamization of Arab society, which it pursues through religious outreach and a vast network of charities. The group split into two branches in 1996 over the question of whether to participate in politics. Arabs make up around 20 per cent of Israel's population of 9.3million. They have citizenship, speak fluent Hebrew and are well-represented in the medical profession and at universities. But they face widespread discrimination in housing and public services. Pictured: An Arab woman casts her vote in Kafr Manda on Tuesday In recent years, Arabs in Israel have held regular protests condemning violent crime and accusing Israeli authorities of failing to do enough to protect their communities, allegations rejected by the police. Pictures: Arab-Israelis march in Tel Aviv to honour those killed in organised crime and to call on the police to curb the wave of intra-community violence on March 18 [File photo] The more radical northern branch, led by the firebrand cleric Raed Salah, rejects participation in Israeli politics and has been accused of having close ties to Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that also emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood. Salah has been arrested on a number of occasions, and is currently in jail after being convicted of inciting terrorism. Israel outlawed his group in 2015, accusing it of inciting violence. Israeli election: What happens next? With almost 90 per cent of votes counted, Tuesday's parliamentary elections in Israel have left a razor-thin margin between a right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a diverse array of parties bent on ousting him. While Netanyahu's rivals are on coarse to win a slim majority in the Knesset, the parties, which have little else in common, are unlikely to be able to form a majority government. With the results set to continue Israel's nearly two-year-long political impasse, here are five possible outcomes: 1. Netanyahu wins Ra'am's support - Mansour Abbas, leader of the Arab Islamist Ra'am party, has become an unlikely kingmaker. His party appears to have secured five seats in the Knesset but is yet to commit its support to Netanyahu's coalition or the rival camp. Netanyahu could attempt to win Abbas's favour by promising sought-after investment in Arab-Israeli communities. 2. Netanyahu lures back New Hope breakaways - Former Interior Minister Gideon Sa'ar broke with the Likud to form his own New Hope party in December. Netanyahu may attempt to woo one or two of it members - who are mostly ex-Likud - to join his coalition. 3. Lapid attempts to form a government - Yair Lapid is the leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party, which has won the most Knesset seats after Likud. Speaking early on Wednesday, Lapid said he was speaking with other party leaders, saying Yesh Atid would 'do everything to create a sane government. 4. Bennett joins anti-Netanyahu camp - Naftali Bennett, a former Netanyahu ally turned harsh critic, is yet to commit to either bloc. Bennett shares Netanyahu's hard-line nationalist ideology and would seem to be more likely to ultimately join the prime minister. But he has not ruled out joining forces with Netanyahu's opponents. 5. The deadlock drags on - While Netanyahu has said Israel must not be dragged into another election 'under any circumstances,' this seems the mostly likely scenario. If required, a fifth election could be held in August or September. Advertisement The southern branch, to which Abbas belongs, has adopted a conciliatory stance toward Israel and is focused more on socio-economic issues than the conflict with the Palestinians. It has allied with secular and left-wing Arab parties in past elections, but has broken with them on issues related to its religious conservatism, such as support for LGBTQ rights. Arabs make up around 20 per cent of Israel's population of 9.3million. They have citizenship, speak fluent Hebrew and are well-represented in the medical profession and at universities. But they face widespread discrimination in housing and public services. In recent years they have held regular protests condemning violent crime and accusing Israeli authorities of failing to do enough to protect their communities, allegations rejected by the police. Israel's Arab citizens have close family ties to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza and largely identify with the Palestinian cause. That has led many Israelis to view them with suspicion, something Netanyahu and other right-wing leaders have capitalized on in previous elections. Ahead of polls in 2015, Netanyahu drew criticism after warning his supporters that Arabs were voting 'in droves.' In 2019 he pushed for the placement of observers and cameras at polling stations in Arab areas, which critics said was an attempt to intimidate voters. It remains to be seen whether those remarks will come back to haunt him. Another victory would extend his 12 years in power - already the longest in Israeli history. Defeat would likely mean the end of his political career and leave him increasingly vulnerable to prosecution and potentially jail time as his trial on corruption charges proceeds. Or the country could plunge into another election campaign, prolonging two years of deadlock. The election was seen as a referendum on Netanyahu's polarising leadership, and the initial results showed the country remains as deeply divided as ever, with an array of small sectarian parties dominating the parliament. The results also signalled a continuing shift of the Israeli electorate toward the right wing, which supports illegal West Bank settlements and opposes concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians. That trend was highlighted by the strong showing by Religious Zionism. After three previous inconclusive elections, Netanyahu had been hoping for a decisive victory that would allow him to form a government with his traditional ultra-Orthodox and hard-line nationalist allies and give him the power to seek immunity from corruption charges. In an address to supporters early on Wednesday, a subdued Netanyahu boasted of a 'great achievement' but stopped short of declaring victory. Instead, he appeared to reach out to his opponents and called for formation of a 'stable government' that would avoid another election. 'We must not under any circumstances drag the state of Israel to new elections, to a fifth election,' he said. 'We must form a stable government now.' In an address to supporters early on Wednesday, a subdued Netanyahu boasted of a 'great achievement' but stopped short of declaring victory. Instead, he appeared to reach out to his opponents and called for formation of a 'stable government' that would avoid another election. Pictured: Netanyahu and his wife Sara (left) on Wednesday After three previous inconclusive elections, Netanyahu had been hoping for a decisive victory that would allow him to form a government with his traditional ultra-Orthodox and hard-line nationalist allies and give him the power to seek immunity from corruption charges. Pictured: A man casts his ballot in Tel Aviv on Tuesday Exit polls have been imprecise in the past, meaning the final results, expected in the coming days, could still shift the balance of power. Still, there is no guarantee that Netanyahu or his opponents will succeed in putting together a coalition. 'All three options are on the table: a Netanyahu-led government, a change coalition that will leave Netanyahu in the opposition, and an interim government leading to a fifth election,' Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute told the Associated Press. Several right-wing parties have vowed never to sit in a government with Netanyahu. And Bennett, a former Netanyahu ally turned harsh critic, refused to endorse either side during the campaign. Bennett shares Netanyahu's hard-line nationalist ideology and would seem to be more likely to ultimately join the prime minister. But Bennett has not ruled out joining forces with Netanyahu's opponents. Naftali Bennett (pictured), a former Netanyahu ally turned harsh critic, refused to endorse either side during the campaign. Bennett shares Netanyahu's hard-line nationalist ideology and would seem to be more likely to ultimately join the prime minister. But Bennett has not ruled out joining forces with Netanyahu's opponents In a speech to his supporters, Bennett declined to take sides. He vowed to promote right-wing values but also took several veiled swipes at the prime minister's leadership style. 'Now is the time for healing,' he said. 'The norms of the past will no longer be acceptable.' He said he would move the country 'from leadership that is interested in itself to a professional leadership that cares.' Bennett has indicated he will drive a hard bargain with Netanyahu, demanding senior Cabinet ministries and perhaps even a power-sharing arrangement that includes a stint as prime minister. In addition, their partners would also include a pair of ultra-Orthodox religious parties and the Religious Zionists. One of its leaders, Itamir Ben-Gvir, is a disciple of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, whose Kach party was branded a terrorist group by the U.S. for its anti-Arab racism before Kahane was assassinated in New York in 1990. A likely partner for Netanyahu would be the Religious Zionists, whose leaders, including Itamir Ben-Gvir (right) have been accused of racism and homophobia [File photo] Relying on the party could be deeply embarrassing for Netanyahu on the international stage, particularly as he tries to court the new Biden administration. The election campaign was largely seen instead as a referendum on Netanyahu's divisive rule. During the campaign, Netanyahu emphasised Israel's highly successful coronavirus vaccination campaign. He moved aggressively to secure enough vaccines for Israel's 9.3million people, and in three months the country has inoculated some 80 per cent of its adult population. That enabled the government to open restaurants, stores and the airport just in time for election day. He also tried to portray himself as a global statesman, pointing to the four diplomatic accords he reached with Arab countries last year. Those agreements were brokered by his close ally, then-President Donald Trump. However Netanyahu's opponents say the prime minister bungled many other aspects of the pandemic, particularly by allowing his ultra-Orthodox allies to ignore lockdown rules and fuel a high infection rate for much of the year. Over 6,000 Israelis have died from COVID-19, and the economy continues to struggle with double-digit unemployment. They also point to Netanyahu's corruption trial, saying someone who is under indictment for serious crimes is not fit to lead the country. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of scandals that he dismisses as a witch hunt by a hostile media and legal system. The election campaign was largely seen instead as a referendum on Netanyahu's divisive rule. Pictured: Voters in Tevl Aviv on Tuesday Even Netanyahu's reputation as a statesman has suffered in recent days. The United Arab Emirates, the most important of the four Arab nations to establish official diplomatic ties with Israel, last week made clear that it did not want to be used as part of Netanyahu's reelection bid after he was forced to call off a visit to the country. The Biden administration also has kept its distance, a contrast to Trump's support. Netanyahu's Likud party was projected to emerge as the largest individual party, with just over 30 seats in the 120-seat parliament, followed by the centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, with some 17 seats. The remainder of the parliament would be divided between some 10 other small parties. These range from an Arab party to left-wing secular parties to a pair of secular, right-wing parties that oppose Netanyahu. Altogether, Netanyahu and his allies were projected to control 53 to 54 seats, while his opponents are expected to control some 60 or 61, with Bennett controlling the remainder. Netanyahu's opponents included a diverse array of parties that had little in common beyond their shared animosity toward him. Even if his opponents end up controlling a majority of seats, it will be difficult for them to bridge their ideological differences on such lightning rod issues as Palestinian statehood and the role of religion in the country. Yair Lapid (pictured), leader of the centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, may try to form a majority government with other anti-Netanyahu parties Tuesday's election was sparked by the disintegration of an emergency government formed last May between Netanyahu and his chief rival at the time. The alliance was plagued by infighting, and elections were forced after they failed to agree on a budget in December. Netanyahu's opponents have accused him of fomenting deadlock in hopes of bringing about a friendlier parliament that will grant him immunity from prosecution. After the results come in, attention will turn to the country's figurehead president, Reuven Rivlin. He will hold a series of meetings with party leaders and then choose the one he believes has the best chance of forming a government as his prime minister-designate. That could set off weeks of horse-trading. Voting in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Rivlin said the deadlock has had a price. 'Four elections in two years erode public trust in the democratic process,' he said, even as he urged Israelis to vote again. 'There is no other way.' BRIDGEPORT Its been seven years since 20-year-old college student Alyssiah Marie Wiley of West Haven was murdered, her remains found scattered in a wooded area of Trumbull. But her mother is still seeking that elusive justice. Im trying to get through it, said Corrinna Martin after learning that the state Supreme Court agreed to hear on Monday the appeal of convicted killer Jermain Richards. I understand the process. Its not always fair when it comes to the victims and the survivors. After all these years, I was hoping the appeal was going to be denied but it wasnt. In March 2018, Richards, who lived in Bridgeport and worked as a private duty nurse in Stratford, was found guilty by a jury of murder for killing Wiley. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Two previous juries had deadlocked on a verdict. Martin sat through all three trials in Superior Court in Bridgeport. It was during jury selection for the third trial that she learned her other daughter, Chaquinequea Brodie, 29, and her 9-year-old granddaughter, MyJaeaha Richardson, had been murdered by Brodies former boyfriend, Anthony Rutherford, in their Waterbury apartment. Rutherford was convicted of the crime and is serving 80 years in prison. Sobbing on a bench outside the Bridgeport courtroom at the time, Martin told Hearst Connecticut Media that her only solace was the visits from Brodie and her daughter. Following Wileys death, Martin and Brodie had set up a victims family support group called Mothers of Victims Equality in New Haven. The hardest thing for me as a parent to do is continue living on after suffering the brutally heinous loss of my baby so I thought, Martin said later. On April 19, 2013, Wiley, a sophomore at Eastern Connecticut State University, disappeared after leaving the Willimantic campus in Richards car. Twenty-seven days later after a statewide search and appeals by her mother on television Wileys partial remains were found in a wooded area at the end of Quarry Road in Trumbull, a mile and a half from Richards Bridgeport home. The state Appellate Court had previously denied Richards appeal. The Supreme Court rarely hears sufficiency of evidence claims, said Attorney Norman Pattis, who represents Richards in his appeal before the Supreme Court. This one is significant because the trial court was presented with no evidence on the mechanism of death. It was entirely a matter of speculation how the victim died, even, to press the point to its logical extreme, whether she did, in fact, die at the hands of another. At most, the jury could conclude that the victim likely died. There simply was no way to conclude that Mr. Richards killed her, and that, if he did, whether his actions were intentional, reckless or negligent." Bridgeport States Attorney Joseph Corradino, who tried the case with Supervisory Assistant States Attorney Ann Lawlor, declined comment because its a pending case. Richards had been dating Wiley since she had been in high school. But there was no physical evidence in the case no blood residue or anything to show where or when Wiley was killed, no eyewitnesses and no confession. Richards did not testify during the trial. Instead, the state rested its case on the claim that Richards had the motive and the opportunity to kill Wiley. Wileys family and friends testified Richards was jealous and possessive. Another of Wileys sisters, Chaharrez Landell, testified that a month before Wileys disappearance, Wiley had called her, panicked. He put me in a headlock and threw me on the bed and I couldnt breathe, Landell said her sister told her. When Landell picked her sister up at the Norwalk home where Richards was working as a nurse, she said, Wiley was crying and said she wanted to break up with Richards but didnt know how. Lawlor and Corradino presented a photograph of Wiley sitting in a domestic violence seminar. Jevene Wright, a high school classmate of Richards, testified that Richards told him he was upset because he believed Wiley was messing around with an old friend. She doesnt know who she is messing with, Wright recalled Richards telling him. Im a nurse and I know how to get rid of her. Washington, DC, March 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Aspen Security Forum will host Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State of the United Kingdom, as he delivers a live policy address A Force for Good' Global Britain in a Competitive Age on Wednesday, March 17, at 9:00am EDT, 1:00pm GMT. The event will conclude at 10:00am EDT, 2:00pm GMT. The address will be followed by a one-on-one conversation between Secretary Raab and Andrea Mitchell, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Chief Washington Correspondent, and host of Andrea Mitchell Reports on MSNBC. The Foreign Secretary is expected to present a substantive strategic global vision for the United Kingdoms role in the world through to 2030 during his remarks. This will cover the UKs Integrated Review - launched today, and the UKs plan to become a Science and Tech superpower by 2030. The Foreign Secretary will also discuss plans to address the critical challenges of climate change and biodiversity, the shifting geopolitical landscape, transnational issues, defense modernization, and how the UK will build resilience both at home and abroad. This event is part of the ongoing Aspen Strategy Groups Global Leaders Series, which convenes sitting heads of state, government and cabinet-level ministers from around the world for high-level, one-on-one conversations about their most pressing foreign policy and national security challenges. Register to watch this conversation here: https://aspeninst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OucdJpluSnWJrPYEHnQQQA Editors Note: Members of the media with questions or those interested in broadcasting footage from this interview, please contact Ben Berliner: Ben.Berliner@aspeninstitute.org. Join the conversation on social media with #AspenSecurity and follow the event on Twitter @AspenSecurity. The Aspen Strategy Group provides a non-partisan forum to explore the pre-eminent national security and foreign policy challenges facing the nation. Its cross-disciplinary and high-level examination of policy strategies to address emerging topics makes it a crucial resource for the American and global policy communities. For more information, please visit https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-strategy-group/ The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org. Nuestros exportadores son innovadores y resilientes! ?????? Hoy @Promperu presenta los "Resultados de Exportaciones Peru 2020" con la presencia de la ministra @claudiacornejom y el viceministro de comercio exterior Diego Llosa. Siguelo aqui ??https://t.co/s6zyCypa1j pic.twitter.com/RkUnDanIhq Fianna Fail Senator for Cavan and Monaghan, Robbie Gallagher, is urging the Minister for Higher Education and colleges to outline what plans are in place to facilitate and support students in rural areas that have been unable to attend or access course material due to lack of broadband. The Senator is asking for the Minister and colleges to come together to provide a solution as students approach their Summer exams. Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Gallagher said, I have been contacted by concerned parents of students who have been severely impacted by the lack of broadband in that they cannot access their lectures or courses at university. These parents have paid up to 3000 for a course that their child is unable to attend, in person due to Covid, or online due to poor or non-existent broadband. It is now March and naturally both students and parents are becoming increasingly concerned that end of year exams are looming that the situation could potentially result in a student failing those exams or achieving poorer results than would normally be the case as they have missed the majority of their lectures. Senator Gallagher outlined to the Seanad that this is not a situation for which the students or their parents have any responsibility or control over. I would call on the Minister and indeed the colleges to outline what plans are in place to facilitate and support students in rural areas who have paid considerable fees for courses that they have been unable to access or attend due to the lack of broadband and who are now deeply apprehensive about exams and their progression on their chosen course concluded Senator Gallagher. As the scramble for Covid-19 vaccine jab intensifies in the country due to a deadly third wave, Sputnik V, the controversial Russian vaccine has found its way in the country. The Ministry of Health (MoH) however insists it is not part of any agreement allowing distribution and sale of the Russian vaccine to Kenyans at a cost of Sh11,000 per jab. Dr Willis Akhwale, who is Kenya's vaccine advisory taskforce chairman, on Tuesday told the Nation that he is not privy to any discussions with anyone that arrived at such a decision at the ministry. "I am not aware and the taskforce has not agreed to anything concerning Sputnik V, the pricing was definitely not done by us" he said. Official communication between some MoH officials as seen by Nation however mentions Harleys and Unisel as distributors appointed by Dinlas EPZ who have a long-term relationship with Gamaleya as the ones interested in getting an approval to distribute the vaccine in the country. "This application for distributorship is yet to be approved by PPB, a technical agreement stipulating the responsibilities of all the parties has not been submitted to PPB, the persons and entities are being summoned to appear before the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB)," the communication reads in part. The drug control board in response to queries from the Nation denied any involvement in the distribution of the vaccine maintaining that its role in all these has only been to test and give approvals for the use but not distribution and pricing. Efficacy of the vaccine "MoH will not have answers for you on that because they deal with distribution of health products and pricing, not us," board said. Over a week ago, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the country's sovereign wealth fund, announced the approval of the use of Sputnik V in Kenya on its official website. The efficacy of the vaccine is rated at 91.6 per cent as per data published in the Lancet, one of the world's most trusted medical journals. This means that Sputnik V is one of three vaccines in the world with efficacy of over 90 per cent. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board then confirmed to Nation that the Russian vaccine application had indeed been evaluated and approved. But this did not imply registration, according to the regulator. "The initial application was submitted on 5th February 2021. First round assessment on quality, efficacy and safety was initiated on 08th February 2021 (with rolling submission of data) and completed on 24th February 2021 and communication sent out the same day. The application was not successful during the first but in the second round of assessment following the applicant's response to outstanding questions was completed on 5th March during which it met all requirements," the regulatory body said in an email response to the Nation. Local distributors The board added that in reviewing Sputnik V it considered all aspects of quality, safety and efficacy and found that it is wholesomely safe but MoH has not yet decided to use the vaccine as it is not included in the national vaccination program. Investigations by the Nation led to a Kenyan man of Asian descent in Nairobi along Lenana Road who claims to be among the distributors of the vaccine. The middle-aged man disclosed that the consignment of Sputnik V vaccines had made its way into the country through the port of Mombasa and was awaiting to be sold. He added that a similar consignment was on its way and would arrive on Friday. Mombasa is Africa's fifth-busiest harbor handling cargo for the whole of East Africa and parts of Central Africa according to a 2020 report by financial advisory firm Okan and the Africa CEO Forum. Unfortunately, the coastal city has the reputation of being a major entry point for narcotics from the Middle East and illicit pharmaceuticals from Asia, according to ENACT Observer. As from 2020 there has been increasing talk in East African intelligence and law enforcement circles on the role Mombasa could play in facilitating shipments of falsified and substandard Covid-19 vaccines. Vaccine taskforce Another member of Kenya's vaccine taskforce who sought anonymity confirmed that indeed an unknown quantity of the Russian vaccine is currently in the country. "I have been informed that imported Sputnik V vaccines have not been released from the warehouse awaiting technical agreement on the proposed insurance with MoH and AG. This said, any advertisement of any kind is in contravention of the law and conditions stipulated in Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) and necessary actions will need to be taken," our source said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Sputnik V is already in use in Russia, Belarus, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Algeria, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, UAE, Iran, Republic of Guinea, Tunisia, Armenia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Republika Srpska (entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Other countries where the vaccines is in use are Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bahrain, Montenegro, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Gabon, San-Marino, Ghana, Syria, Kyrgyzstan and Guyana. It is also in use in Egypt, Honduras, Guatemala, Moldova, Slovakia, Angola, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Sri Lanka, Laos, Iraq and North Macedonia. Two weeks ago, European Medicines Agency (EMA) cautioned European Union (EU) members to delay granting national authorisation for the Russian-developed vaccine until the agency finishes its safety review. "We need documents that we can review. We also don't at the moment have data about vaccinated people," EMA Managing Board chief Christa Wirthumer-Hoche told Austrian broadcaster ORF. "It is unknown. That's why I would urgently advise against giving a national emergency authorisation," she explained. 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. 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. One multifunctional single-chip sensor scans the entire cabin, even in a large SUV, providing unparalleled safety, reduced complexity and cost. TEL AVIV, Israel, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vayyar's 4D Imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) technology is world first covering all seats in three rows, footwells and trunk. Lifesaving single-sensor solution meets all Euro NCAP 2023 and 2025 requirements, providing up to 10 additional points and supporting future safety applications at no extra cost. Vayyar's unrivaled ultra-wide field of view accommodates all vehicles, including sunroof-equipped eight-seaters, with uniform installation location. Flagship multifunctionality on a single-chip platform replaces up to seven single-function sensors, supporting multiple applications simultaneously. Industry partners can leverage data-rich 4D Point Cloud Application Programming Interface (API) for rapid independent development of numerous additional features at no extra cost, on chip or by central processing. Images and video are available here The video is available on YouTube here Vayyar, the global leader in 4D imaging radar, has developed the world's first automotive sensor that covers the entire cabin of any passenger vehicle, with a single Radar-on-Chip (RoC). Given the 60% spike in global consumer demand for SUVs over the past five years, Vayyar's production-ready in-car sensor is designed to cover up to three rows. It can also accommodate the rapidly growing number of cars with sunroofs, thanks to uniform rear ceiling installation. Monitoring every seat and footwell, plus the trunk area, the sensor represents a breakthrough safety solution, protecting the most vulnerable vehicle occupants. Up to 200 children die each year from heatstroke after being left unattended in cars. These tragedies can occur in minutes, since on days as cool as 22C, the inside of a car, especially one equipped with a sunroof, can quickly reach 47C. "With SUVs making up over 40% of vehicle sales in many countries, complete cabin coverage is crucial," explains Ian Podkamien, VP and Head of Automotive at Vayyar. "Three-row CPD solutions for all vehicles, including those with sunroofs, will help prevent "hot car" incidents, while enhanced SBR will save thousands more lives by ensuring that all passengers wear seat belts. And with just one affordable sensor for both functions, high-end safety is now available on all vehicles." Vayyar's full-cabin sensor is fully operational in all lighting and weather conditions and maintains privacy at all times, since no cameras are involved. The ultra-wide field of view and high resolution provided by each sensor's 48 transceivers are unmatched in the industry, enabling the platform to support multiple advanced applications simultaneously, while replacing numerous single-function sensors. Given SUV cabin size and the fact that parents of young children comprise the majority of SUV owners, three-row coverage is a critical aspect of in-car sensing. Alternative solutions require two to three single-function sensors to cover the entire SUV cabin, driving up the cost associated with providing larger vehicle safety. Until now, vehicles with sunroofs have also presented unique challenges in terms of in-cabin sensor positioning, with no option to fit sensors in the ceiling centre. Now OEMs can install just one Vayyar sensor in the rear ceiling area, covering the entire interior. Vayyar offers OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers a flagship Child Presence Detection (CPD) and enhanced Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) combo, essential for meeting Euro NCAP's more stringent 2023 and 2025 safety scoring protocols. The platform does so by detecting occupants, classifying children and adults, and detecting posture and position. The robust, automotive-grade solution also addresses incoming Euro NCAP safety requirements. Vayyar's AEC-Q100 qualified and ASIL-B compliant platform provides up to 10 in-cabin points for 2023 onwards. Multifunctionality on a single-chip platform enables automakers to move past the one sensor per function legacy industry approach. Uneconomical and unsustainable, this has traditionally burdened vehicles with more wiring, hardware, software and integration efforts. Instead, one sensor supports many safety applications, significantly reducing complexity and costs. A data-rich 4D Point Cloud Application Programming Interface (API) provided by Vayyar's platform enables customers to independently deploy numerous additional safety features over its point cloud layer. These may include Occupant Status (OS), optimised airbag deployment, seat belt pre-tensioning, eCall, gesture recognition, out-of-position detection, intruder detection among others. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates also allow automakers to add new features long after a vehicle is built, providing added value by reducing development risks and time to market. "With a similar price point to an alternative radar sensor, or a standard ECU, Vayyar's affordable technology is driving a paradigm shift that's enabling economy vehicles to feature the exceptional safety offered by high-end models," reports Podkamien. "In SUVs, safety is particularly challenging because of the larger cabin area complexity. Multifunctionality on a single-chip platform provides enhanced safety without additional hardware, reducing complexity and saving the cost of multiple sensors per seat." Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mi-B6kyow8 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1460103/Vayyar_Radar_On_Chip.jpg Australias worst female serial killer, convicted child murderer Kathleen Folbigg, has spent the last 14 years fighting to clear her name through the courts, using every avenue open to her. On Wednesday, it took less than a minute for the NSW Court of Appeal to dash her hopes once more. Folbigg, appearing briefly by video link, sat in stunned silence as her appeal was dismissed and she was ordered to pay the NSW Attorney-Generals costs. Her last hopes are now pinned on the same Attorney-General advising the NSW Governor to pardon her. Convicted baby killer Kathleen Folbigg during the 2019 appeal. Credit:Nine The appeal court on Wednesday found there was no error of law in the 2019 judicial inquiry by the Honourable Reginald Blanch AM, QC, which reinforced Folbiggs guilt for the manslaughter of her first son, Caleb, and the subsequent murders of Patrick, Sarah and Laura. The children were all aged between 19 days and 18 months when they each died suddenly in the familys Newcastle home between February 1989 and March 1999, and post-mortems were unable to establish what caused them to stop breathing. Alden, a New York-based hedge fund and Tribune Publishings largest shareholder with a 31.6% stake, reached an agreement last month to buy the rest of the company at $17.25 per share and take it private. The deal, which the company said should close in the second quarter, requires approval from two-thirds of Tribune Publishings other shareholders in a proxy vote to be scheduled. FAIRFIELD School officials said they are investigating a March Madness-style tournament bracket that ranked female high school students. The bracket was posted on Instagram and appears to include only freshmen from Fairfield Warde and Ludlowe high schools and encouraged others to vote for one name in each pairing, officials said. As a school system, this behavior will not be tolerated, said Andrea Clark, the districts spokeswoman. The investigation of this case will continue, and we will hold all students accountable. Some students believed to be the originators have been identified, according to a joint statement the high school principals sent to families on Tuesday. In the letter, principals Greg Hatzis, of Fairfield Ludlowe, and Paul Cavana, of Fairfield Warde, called the bracket disparaging to all women. We strongly condemn this behavior, which is damaging and disparaging to all young women in the freshmen classes of both schools, but also to all Fairfield students and indeed, all women, the principals wrote. It is discouraging that not only did someone create this post, but other students liked it, and this will be addressed. Clark said action will begin with virtual school assemblies. The letter encouraged families to speak to their children about this situation and to warn them about the potential long-term ramifications of social media posts. Our high schools are deeply committed to promoting respect for all students, Hatzis and Cavana wrote. Any act that negatively targets a group based on gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual-orientation, learning difference, or any other distinguishing characteristic will not be tolerated. The schools are unable to have the account removed or disabled which can only be done by the account holder but Hatzis and Cavana said they will work with the families of those responsible to remove the posts. The principals said school staff from both schools launched an investigation to identify those responsible when they learned of the post. Some students have already been identified, but officials now believe another person created the voting mechanism for the bracket. Anyone with information is asked to submit a TIPS report. People can remain anonymous, though Hatzis and Cavana said its helpful if they provide their contact information so officials can follow up with them. We want to commend all the students and community members who served as allies in this circumstance and reported the behavior, the principals wrote. They also reminded families not all the facts have come to light and asked them to allow school staff to complete the investigation. The students involved will be held accountable for their inappropriate actions, the principals wrote. We share the disgust expressed by students, parents, and staff from both schools about this act. The principals said they are committed to a thorough investigation, as well as providing support to any student who feels victimized or hurt by these actions. As a community, we can bind together to not only address the negative behavior, but also teach the important lessons that come from the unfortunate choices of a few, Hatzis and Cavana wrote. The strong reaction to this event underscores the values that we collectively hold as a Fairfield community. kkoerting@newstimes.com NJ and Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney, Brian Murphy Adequate nutrition, hydration, and hygiene measures amount to fundamental care of vulnerable residents, says Murphy. Seeing a loved one in a nursing home after so long could reveal significant changes, including potential abuse and neglect. Revised visitation guidance comes as over three million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given in nursing homes. Visitation is permitted whether or not guests or residents have received vaccinations. This lifting of restrictions set in place after the coronavirus began ravaging American nursing homes last spring will give many family members the first access to loved ones theyve had in a years time. This renewed access will provide visitors with a glimpse into the quality of care residents have been receiving during the pandemic, which has the potential to lead to a significant increase in claims against nursing homes. Visiting family members, attuned to the appearance of signs in their loved ones of neglect or abuse, are most often the ones to sound the alarm, seeking state investigations and/or initiating legal actions. The return of these advocates to nursing homes, where staffing shortages and an accompanying poor quality of care have been underscored by months of impact from the coronavirus pandemic, could result in a substantial rise in claims. Most common among claims of neglect and abuse in nursing homes is bedsores (also known as pressure ulcers, pressure injuries and decubitus ulcers). Bedsoresskin ulcers that result when immobile residents are left in the same position for prolonged periods of timeare among the most likely evidence of neglect family members might discover after resuming visits. Homes struggling to cope with staffing shortages during the pandemic might have neglected to move bed-ridden or wheelchair-bound patients often enoughor to provide necessary hygiene, nutrition, and hydrationto prevent the formation of bedsores. They also might have neglected to attend to any pressure ulcers that their patients have already developed. Untreated bedsores can quickly deteriorate into serious wounds and lead to infections that, if ignored, can penetrate to the bone and result in osteomyelitis, sepsis, and even death. With pressure ulcers being almost always preventable with the right intervention, discovering new or deteriorated bedsores on their loved ones is a compelling indication to visiting family members that nursing home neglect has occurred during in the time they were prevented from visiting. Beyond pressure ulcers, visiting family members may discover that residents have suffered falls, fractures, malnutrition, dehydration, or infection, any of which is indicative of neglect and abuse and could also contribute to an increase in claims against nursing homes. After discovering any evidence of nursing home neglect or abuse, family members looking to inquire about their loved ones rights or hoping to learn what measures should be taken to hold nursing homes accountable should seek the advice of an experienced attorney with a strong background litigating bedsore and nursing home abuse cases. About The Law Offices of Brian P. Murphy Licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Brian P. Murphy established The Law Offices of Brian P. Murphy in 2015 to help victims of nursing home abuse and neglect in Philadelphia/Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Committed to holding PA and NJ nursing homes responsible for nursing home neglect, abuse and fraud, Murphy has extensive experience with cases involving bed sores, falls, and wrongful deaths. He has written a number of law articles and legal guides about nursing home abuse and has given several lectures on the effective litigation of neglect and abuse cases. For more information please contact Brian P. Murphy directly at (215) 579-8500, or visit the company's website: https://www.thenursinghomeattorneys.com. (Newser) Some peopleand, initially, even the mayor of Detroithave been balking at getting the one-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine, saying they would prefer to wait until the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are available. To Michelle Goldberg, that's like refusing to board a flight out of hell because you want a seat with more legroom. Goldberg writes at the New York Times that she "more or less fell apart" emotionally over the last year and, "frantic for an escape hatch," found a place in a J&J vaccine trial. She was told this month that she was among the participants who were given a placebo, but she was "thrilled and grateful" when researchers offered her the real thing. Goldberg says Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, eased her concerns about the one-shot vaccine being less effective than others. story continues below Goldberg says Jha told her any difference would be too "trivial and irrelevant" to worry about. She notes that the difference between the 95% effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine and the 66% of the J&J version in preventing symptomatic COVID sounds far from trivial, but Jha explained that much of the difference can be explained by the fact that some J&J trials took place in South Africa and Brazil, where COVID variants are circulating. None of the vaccinated trial participants in either country were hospitalized or died, providing strong evidence that the J&J vaccine is highly effective against severe outcomes with the variants. Goldberg says thanks to the vaccine, things like dinners with friends are now in sight. "My small personal hell has an expiration date," she writes. "According to the CDC, youre fully vaccinated two weeks after the Johnson & Johnson shot. Jha said its really more like four. It already feels as if its saving my life." Click for the full piece. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.) College campuses are the next wave in efforts to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, with college students and employees headed to N.C. State Universitys PackVax clinic, which opened Wednesday morning. Students filed into a ballroom at the Talley Student Union that had been turned into a health clinic with more than a dozen staff members. Dylan Shaw, a sophomore who has asthma, scheduled an appointment for the first day the campus clinic opened. Its not easy to find places to get vaccines ... especially for college students, Shaw said. Being at NC State, it gives people a great opportunity to get their vaccine. Shaw said it feels amazing to be part of this effort that will get students out of quarantine and back on campus for a more normal college experience. Freshman Isabella Reyes also was relieved to get her vaccine and said it was an easy walk over from her dorm on campus. Students who got vaccines on the first day received the Johnson and Johnson shot, so they wont need a second appointment. Reyes said that added to the convenience. NCSU offers easy access to COVID vaccine N.C. State is planning a normal fall semester, with in-person classes and dorms at full capacity. Students and employees getting vaccinated and continuing to follow the 3 Ws are going to help the university get there, said Dr. Julie Casani, director and medical director of Student Health Services at NC State University. This is the next step for us to get back to normal, Casani said. We want the students back. We love having the students on campus, and thats why were here. Campuses have been a priority in the states vaccine distribution plan, because many proved to be hotspots with COVID-19 outbreaks and rapid spread last fall. NCSU brought thousands of people back to campus this spring and has been able to keep clusters and spikes in cases relatively low. This clinic offers easy access to vaccines for staff, faculty and students who can stop by between classes or after a meeting on campus, Casani said. Story continues N.C. State has 300 doses of Moderna and 300 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines for this week, which were allocated through the state. More than 10,000 people in the campus community have pre-registered for a COVID vaccine. NCSU will have about 150 appointments each day for the next four days of the clinic, which runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. N.C. State will first prioritize individuals over age 65, those with medical conditions that put them at risk for severe disease and essential workers with face-to-face roles, according to Casani. She said theyre expecting to move through those groups quickly and their goal is to get students and employees vaccinated before the end of the spring semester. The university plans to keep the vaccine clinic running throughout the spring and into the fall. Harrison Andrews, a sophomore who lives in a dorm, was eager to get vaccinated. I just want to do my part to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Andrews said. I trust the science, and I listen to the health experts. Who can get a vaccine? Heres what university students and employees need to know about how to get a vaccine: All university employees working in-person on campus, including student workers and volunteers, became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine on March 3. Anyone 16-64 years old with one or more high-risk medical conditions have been eligible since March 17. Other students living in close group settings like campus apartments, dorms and fraternity and sorority housing can get vaccinated starting on April 7. Other university faculty and staff will also become eligible on April 7 because they are considered essential workers. Some students living in residence halls have already gone off campus to get vaccines at places like Walgreens by saying they live in a congregate setting. Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, said at a March 17 press conference that they are prioritizing those living in congregate settings because thats where the virus spreads fastest. North Carolina is on track to have all adults be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine by May 1, which is about the end of the spring semester. Individuals can check which group they are part of and when they are eligible by answering questions at findmygroup.nc.gov. Where can you get a vaccine? University students and employees can get vaccinated for free anywhere in the state and can find a location at myspot.nc.gov. Vaccine appointments can be made locally and around the state. Several UNC System universities are setting up vaccination clinics on campus: Eligible individuals can schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine at East Carolina University in Greenville through ECU Physicians on the Health Sciences Campus or Student Health Services on the main campus. North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, UNC Asheville, UNC Pembroke and Western Carolina University have opened clinics to serve their local communities and students can go there once theyre eligible. In early March, Appalachian State University held its first two vaccine clinics for eligible students, faculty, staff and community members. UNC-Chapel Hills vaccination clinic will be located in the Student Union where the Wendys restaurant used to be, but the university has not received doses of the vaccine yet. The faster we can distribute these vaccines, the faster we can get North Carolinians back to work, back to family gatherings, back to normal life, UNC System President Peter Hans said in an earlier statement. Our public universities will do everything in their power to bring that day closer. South Africa: Mchunu interacts with Melmoth community Public Service and Administration Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has paid a visit to the community of Kwa-Yanguye (Sanguye) in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, to get a first-hand account of the concerns of residents. On his arrival, the Minister was received by iNkosi Zifubaziyazi Biyela. The purpose of the Ministers visit was to engage with iNkosi and Izinduna of Sanguye, as well as the sector commander of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Melmoth on the successive murders occurring in the area. Twenty-five murders have been reported in the area in recent times. In outlining the issues plaguing the area, Biyela lamented the loss of life, saying the community cannot continue to live in fear. Melmoth Station Commander, Colonel Robert Souls, said while they face a number of challenges including low staff numbers and lack of resources cooperation from the community would help the police to contain crime in the area. Souls pleaded with the delegation at the meeting to provide officials with information, as this could go a long way in assisting the police to make arrests in the murders. Mchunu made an undertaking to relay all the information from the meeting to the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, as well as the District Development Model deployee, Minister Fikile Mbalula. Given that the provision of security forms part of public service, Mchunu stressed the vital role played by the police in protecting the citizens of the country and the country itself. Police are entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities - safeguarding the citizens - and as such, they should serve with integrity, honesty and with the greatest of pride, the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Officials in Tennessee have agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a Black man who was fatally shot by a white police officer from behind during a 2018 foot chase. The Nashville Metro Council approved the record civil settlement last week without discussion in the fatal shooting of Daniel Hambrick, 25, by Officer Andrew Delke, news outlets reported. In a statement on behalf of Hambricks family, attorneys Joy Kimbrough and Kyle Mothershead expressed disappointment with the amount, but said they appreciated the city has taken at least modest accountability in his death. Delkes defense attorney, David Raybin, said the civil settlement would have no effect on the criminal case against the officer, who remains charged with first-degree murder in the July 2018 shooting and is slated for a July trial. The city says it and Delke, 27, arent admitting wrongdoing or liability with the settlement. Delkes attorney has said the officer acted in line with his training and Tennessee law in response to an armed suspect who ignored repeated orders to drop his gun. District Attorney Glenn Funk has argued Delke had other alternatives, adding that the officer could have stopped, sought cover and called for help. Vice Mayor Jim Shulman said the settlement is a step toward closure after a painful time in the citys history. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Manipur Police has seized heroin worth Rs 1.47 crore in the international market and arrested two persons at Kakching district on Wednesday, an officer said. Superintendent of Police, Kakching, Victoria Yengkhom in a statement said that two persons riding a two-wheeler were told by police to stop for checking at Kuraopokpi near St Joseph Higher Secondary School. The duo tried to escape but was caught by police personnel. On searching the vehicle, the police team recovered two packets of heroin from the two-wheeler. She said the police team had earlier received input about possible smuggling of drugs from the Indo-Myanmar border town of Moreh in Manipur to the state capital Imphal. Two persons have been arrested and a case registered at Kakching police station, the SP added. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Statistics showing that nearly 19,000 people were prosecuted for failing to pay TV licences over five years prove the system is broken and in need of reform, an MLA has said. The figures emerged following an Assembly question by People Before Profits Gerry Carroll. Since 2016, there have been 18,734 prosecutions, with that year accounting for the highest number of cases on 5,028. In 2017, the figure was 4,280, which fell to 3,879 in the next year and 3,714 in 2019. According to provisional statistics from the Department of Justice, there were 1,833 prosecutions last year. West Belfast MLA Mr Carroll called for urgent reform. "The fact that there have been over 18,000 prosecutions in the last five years for non-payment of TV licences fundamentally shows that the current system is unfair and needs radically restructured," he said. "Such an aggressive and repressive approach to the TV licence does nothing to build the case for public broadcasting, of which I am a supporter. "The BBC is pursuing people to pay for an unfair and flat rate fee which urgently needs to be reformed and to reflect peoples ability to pay. "In a time of an unprecedented pandemic and economic certainty, the BBC should get off peoples backs and stop issuing letters threatening prosecution." Expand Close MLA Gerry Carroll / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp MLA Gerry Carroll Mr Carroll also called on Justice Minister Naomi Long to push the BBC to "cease the current practice of threats of fines and imprisonment". "(The BBC should) work towards a fairer system of funding that focuses on making those who are wealthier pay a greater amount, rather than forcing pensioners and those on low income into further financial distress," he said. The Justice Minister explained the figures related to cases where there was a prosecution for "at least one TV licence offence". "They relate to initial disposals at court and appeals are not included," she said. TV Licensing, which manages licence fees for the BBC, said: "TV Licensing only prosecutes as a last resort when it has exhausted all other options. "The majority of first-time offenders are not prosecuted if they buy a licence before their court date. "Last year, we launched a new payment plan giving greater flexibility if payments are missed to help support customers. "We also worked with almost 500 third-sector organisations across the UK to offer advice to people who may be struggling to pay for their licence." The Department of Justice was contacted for further comment. The Belfast Telegraph revealed earlier this year that the BBC had spent 250,000 on issuing warning letters to local households without a licence enough to pay for 1,600 TV licences. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday he told his US counterpart Antony Blinken that Ankaras purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems was a done deal, adding that the NATO allies needed a roadmap to tackle disagreements, Ekathimerini.com reports. The US State Department said Blinken had urged Ankara not to retain the S-400s in their talks at a NATO meeting in Brussels. Cavusoglu said his talks with Blinken were held in a constructive atmosphere and that they agreed to hold a more comprehensive meeting in Turkey or the United States. Chandigarh, March 24 : Terming the growing economic and military collusion between Pakistan and China as New Delhi's "failure of diplomacy", Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said by delaying resolution of the farmers' crisis, the BJP-led Central government was allowing Pakistan to take advantage of dissatisfaction emerging in the state. Urging the Centre to repeal the farm laws in the interest of the nation's security, if for no other reason, the Chief Minister asked: "Have you not thought of what Pakistan will do in this scenario?" Contending that they will take advantage of the dissatisfaction among the youth in Punjab, as they had done in the past, he stressed the need to "learn from history". "Is Delhi sleeping?" he asked, citing figures on increase in arms smuggling into Punjab through drones since the farmers had intensified their stir. The Chief Minister once again urged the Central government not to sit on ego or prestige but to withdraw the farm laws immediately. "This is not Hitler's Germany or Mao Zedong's China. The people's will has to be heard," he stressed, adding that those at the helm should understand that the agitation of the farmers is not a political issue but a matter of their survival. The agitation is not limited to Punjab, he added. Pointing to his 52 years of experience in politics, Amarinder Singh said he had seen the build-up of terrorism, and also the assassination of a Chief Minister of Punjab. The situation was worse today because of economic and military collusion between Pakistan and China, which was "very ominous for India", he said, at a media event. "While the Indian Army is equipped to handle any situation, the question is why the Indian government is allowing the country's two big enemies to get together?" he asked. If there is a war, Pakistan and China will be in it together, and Punjab, which shared a 600-km long border with Pakistan, will be at the battlefront, he said. The Chief Minister warned against trusting Pak Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa's offer of peace, terming it Islamabad's "double-faced policy". "Pakistan has been at our throats since 1947, how can they bury the past?" he remarked, adding that the Pak Army and the ISI have a vested interest in fanning tensions with India and will never let peace prevail. "Bajwa is, in fact, not fit to be an army man, he is a liar," remarked Amarinder Singh, adding that the day the General made the peace offer, seven encounters happened at the borders. Making it clear that his government was never consulted on the farm laws, the Chief Minister said the legislations had been imposed on the state and the farmers without any discussion "as they (Centre) were perhaps very clear that we would oppose" it. "After using Punjab when needed, the Centre is now discarding us," he said, adding that the state government was not even included in the agricultural reforms committee originally, and after it was made a member, nothing on the farm laws was ever discussed. Amarinder Singh rejected the suggestion that the state amendment Bills against the farm laws were symbolic in nature. The Bills were passed under Article 354 (II)A of the Constitution as was done by Gujarat for the Land Acquisition Laws. The Governor should explain what is stopping him from sending the Bills to the President, said the Chief Minister, adding that if they go to the President and he refuses to give his assent, then his government will move the Supreme Court. Asserting that he stands with the farmers, and his heart is with them, Amarinder Singh said if the farmers, who have so far opposed any political interference, approach him for intervention, he will be happy to suggest a solution to the current crisis. The GOJ announced that, in addition to the online platform being used as the primary channel for citizens to make appointments, it recognizes there are key segments of society, such as the elderly and those without internet access, who still need the human touch. itelbpo has supported the GOJ throughout the past year by providing technology-enabled voice services to meet the public's need for additional support outside of its digital channels. This includes assisting the Ministry of National Security with responding to queries related to the JamCovid19 application used to connect citizens with essential health services. itelbpo's 24-hour, 7-day a week inbound phone support has supported the nation with enhanced human interactions backed by data capture to assist the MOHW in gathering key information related to cluster outbreaks and public sentiment. The data has been used to contain the spread of the virus and inform policy decision-making. At the contract signing ceremony, Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, acknowledged the agreement with itelbpo as representing "a crucial development in Jamaica's roll out of its vaccination implementation initiative." The registration process began on March 22nd and is initially targeted at vaccination of citizens 75 years and older, as well as healthcare workers and other priority groups. itelbpo is being relied on to provide support with process and scheduling, as well as general emotional care and information sharing for the public. "This partnership represents our continued ability to provide a rapid and dependable CX response amidst ever-changing conditions that require a careful balance of machine and humanity. We feel both proud and privileged to be supporting the Government of Jamaica and its citizens in navigating these uncertain times with more confidence and peace of mind," stated Yoni Epstein, itelbpo's Founding Chairman & CEO. For more information about itelbpo, visit www.itelbpo.com. SOURCE itelbpo Related Links https://www.itelbpo.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. (Natural News) Most life-forms on Earth would not survive if the planet had no atmosphere. Mars, frozen and sun-blasted, is a perfect example of what can happen to a planet that loses its atmosphere or didnt have one to begin with. Experts have long been scouring the universe for planets with atmospheres like Earths to no avail. Now, a new model developed by Edwin Kite, an assistant professor of geophysical science at the University of Chicago, and Laura Schaefer, an assistant professor of geological sciences at Stanford University in California, illustrates how planets called sub-Neptunes may form and maintain atmospheres like Earths. For their study, Kite and Schaefer used a model of atmosphere-interior evolution and atmosphere composition and found that water vapor atmospheres form during a sub-Neptunes evolution into a rocky exoplanet. Exoplanets are planets outside of the Solar System. They usually orbit stars other than the Sun. But more than just forming water vapor atmospheres, the model suggests that exoplanets might even maintain those atmospheres for billions of years, just as Earths atmosphere has persisted. Their findings, published on Monday, March 15, in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, expand experts grasp of how planets form and may even guide astronomers in the ongoing search for Earth-like planets beyond the Solar System. Universe might be brimming with water vapor worlds Because of the 2009 Kepler space mission, scientists know the universe is littered with planets that are slightly smaller than Neptune. Surprisingly, there are no such planets, dubbed sub-Neptunes, in the Solar System. Due to this lack of sub-Neptunes, scientists cant tell for sure what the planets are made of. That said, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that the planets are actually magma balls cloaked in a hydrogen atmosphere. Magma and hydrogen make these planets more like Earth than Neptune. Scientists surmise that sub-Neptunes started out with atmospheric envelopes of hydrogen. However, they could have lost their atmospheres due to the explosions of nearby stars. The explosions blow away the hydrogen, turning the sub-Neptunes into hot, rocky exoplanets. Magma may explain why so many of these hot, rocky exoplanets are found across the universe. Liquid magma is actually quite runny, said Kite. This means that magma turns over vigorously, just like oceans on Earth do. There is a good chance that the magma oceans are sucking hydrogen out of the atmosphere. When magma and hydrogen react, they form water. Some of that water escapes into the atmosphere but more is sucked into the magma. Then, after the explosion of a nearby star strips away the hydrogen from the atmosphere, the water that escaped into the atmosphere becomes water vapor. Eventually, the planet is left with a water-dominated atmosphere. These atmospheres may persist on some planets for billions of years. This entire process gets in the way of a planets radius expanding. This may explain why there are several exoplanets with similar radii in space. But lots of details still need to be filled out in Kite and Schaefers model. They also need to test their hypothesis with telescopes. The researchers noted that their hypothesis may soon be tested with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the powerful successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. JWST is set to launch later this year. With the JWST, Kite and Schaefer will be able to assess the composition of an exoplanets atmosphere. If they detect hot, rocky exoplanets with water in their atmospheres, they would be able to verify their hypothesis. (Related: Nearby super-Earth exoplanet could support life, suggest scientists.) Another way they can verify their hypothesis is by looking for indirect signs of atmospheres. Most of these hot, rocky exoplanets are tidally locked. This means that, unlike Earth, they do not spin as they move around their star. Therefore, one side of the planet is always hot while the other is always cold. Scientists can use this phenomenon to check for the presence of an atmosphere. If such a planet does have an atmosphere, then there wont be a difference between its hot and cold sides because the atmosphere works to control the planets temperature. So if a telescope like the JWST can measure how hot the day side of such a planet glows, scientists should be able to tell whether there is an atmosphere redistributing heat. Go to Space.news for more articles about sub-Neptunes and exoplanets. Sources include: ScienceDaily.com IOPScience.IOP.org The woman accused of helping dismember and hide Army Spc. Vanessa Guillens body last year is asking a federal judge to throw out her confession, saying it was obtained under illegal conditions. A magistrate judge in Waco scheduled a hearing on her request for April 27. Lawyers for Cecily Anne Aguilar say in court documents filed Wednesday in Waco that on June 30, 2020, a Texas Ranger interviewed her for three hours in a windowless room about her boyfriends suspected involvement in Guillens slaying. The lawyers state that the officers scoped her out at the Sun Mart where she worked, followed the driver who picked her up and made a traffic stop, where they asked her to drive with them to the Army Criminal Investigation Command office on Fort Hood for further questioning. They said she was not under arrest. It was the third time officials had interviewed Aguilar, 22, of Killeen, about the slaying. The defense lawyers say the investigators obtained a statement from her without telling her she had a right to a lawyer or reading her her Miranda rights. They also contend the officers seized her phone without a warrant or probable cause. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas did not respond to a request for comment. Guillens sisters said its impossible for Aguilar to undo the harm they believe she and her boyfriend inflicted on her family. Whats the point? She already confessed, said Lupe Guillen, the soldiers younger sister. Vanessa Guillen, a Houston native, was missing for months before her body was discovered by a search crew. Her family believed shed been attacked as a result of sexual harassment, but an Army investigation found no link. Her disappearance and gruesome death sparked a reckoning in the Army and at Fort Hood about sexual harassment and assault in the military. Her family is advocating in Washington, D.C., for the proposed I am Vanessa Guillen Act, which would bring more protections for soldiers facing harassment and abuse. Aguilar, whose estranged husband was a former platoon mate of her boyfriend, remains detained pending trial on charges she helped her boyfriend Spc. Aaron Robinson dispose of the Houston soldiers body last spring. She told investigators that Robinson bludgeoned Guillen at Fort Hood and then asked for her help burying her remains in a remote area 30 miles from the post. Robinson shot and killed himself when police approached him July 1. Aguilar postponed a re-arraignment scheduled for January. At this hearing, defendants typically have an opportunity to change their pleas from not guilty to guilty. Her lawyers from the federal public defenders office have asked the judge for an evidentiary hearing. They said in a court filing they want to suppress the evidence. The officers misconduct here was flagrant. It was the officers purpose to stop her and question her. They did so without lawful justification and the incriminating evidence flowed directly from this purposeful misconduct, the pleading says. The totality of the circumstances indicates that the officers deliberately detained Ms. Aguilar and questioned her incommunicado in a stationhouse interrogation room for three hours without advising her of her Miranda rights. This interrogation followed a months-long investigation that revealed Ms. Aguilar had lied to officers and that human remains were found in the same location where Ms. Aguilar and Robinson had been according to cellular data. The officers confronted Ms. Aguilar with her lies and the discovering of the body, and then encouraged her to tell them what happened to help herself without ever explaining those statements could be used against her or that she had the right to an attorney. The two-step strategy was deliberate. The lawyers said Aguilar felt trapped and cried many times during the interview at Fort Hood, because she had already made incriminating statements. She believed shed been brought to the station to help the officers develop evidence about her boyfriend and not to be questioned as a suspect in a crime. Guillens sister Lupe said its been a very tough year for her family, but theyre focused on passing legislation that will ensure transparency and accountability around military complaints. She said Aguilar retracting her confession seems wrong. What we wouldnt give to see Vanessa one more time, Lupe Guillen said. She said the family is eager for Aguilars case to move forward since the alleged killer is dead. We can just pray and hope for this to move faster, she said. The family plans to be on site for the trial in Waco. Anything that involves Vanessa, we will be there. We will have to be there. gabrielle.banks@chron.com twitter.com/gabmobanks Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. BETTENDORF, IA / ACCESSWIRE / March 23, 2021 / Contractor, Quality Control Restoration, recommends now that winter is coming to a close and the temperatures are rising, home and business owners in the area get a spring roof inspection. Each year they see first hand the type of damage that Mother Nature is capable of inflicting on roofs in their part of Iowa over the winter months. Spring roof inspections are necessary to get roofs back to being watertight before wet, rainy Spring and early-Summer weather hits. Best of all, Quality Control Restoration offers their free roof inspection services at no charge so customers have nothing to lose by scheduling one. Co-Owner of Quality Control Restoration, Larry Anderson, says, "To say Iowa winters cause a lot of problems with roofs is putting it mildly. They are the main reason that Bettendorf roofers such as us are so busy in the spring. Heavy snows are known to cause many problems and ice creates its own issues as it expands after getting between shingles, flashing, and other roof components. That's why our many years of experience in the roofing industry tells us that every home and business owner in our part of Iowa should consider having a spring roof inspection done. Especially since this service of ours is done for free and without obligation. It will give you the peace-of-mind that you need that your roof is ready to handle the heavy rains that spring will almost certainly bring our way." Anderson went on to discuss some of the typical roof problems that his company's roof inspections can identify so they can be resolved. The most obvious is damage to the exterior roof covering. This includes everything from a few pieces of shingle coming off to large sections of a roof covering that have sustained some sort of damage. He stated that they will also check other exterior roof structure components such as soffits for signs of damage or rot. A thorough examination of such important roof leak preventing parts like boots, ridge cap, and flashing will also be undertaken. The company co-owner says that their inspector will even walk the entire roof to see if they feel any spongy areas which may indicate a structural problem under the shingle or other roof covering material. He added that the experienced personnel that conducts their roof inspections know how important it is to have a structurally sound and watertight roof, so they are very meticulous when performing this task. The company owner went on to mention that they are a full-service company that serves the residential and commercial roofing needs of this in and around the Bettendorf, Iowa areas. One of the specialties is their whole roof replacement services that will greatly improve any roof's looks and its ability to shed water. They are also experts when it comes to applying specialty roof coatings on commercial flat roofs and they never consider any roof repair to be too big, too small, or too complex for them to handle. Quality Control Restoration has a great reputation when it comes to finding and resolving roof leaks and they respond very quickly when a customer calls them after a storm has damaged their roof. Customers have also been very impressed with the quality of the roofing services that Quality Control Restoration has provided for them. Evidence of that can be seen in the following reviews that were taken from the company's Google Maps Business Listing. Nicole Furlow stated, "They were absolutely amazing and very professional. They got our roof done in one day and even after the crazy derecho we had last year our shingles still didn't budge. I will never recommend anyone else for roofing in the area!" Jeff Olson wrote, "Dustin Murphy and the whole Quality Control Restoration group did a fantastic job on our roof. Not only did they help guide us thru the process, but they also completed the work in a timely and professional manner. They did a great job installing the new roof and cleaning up when they completed our roofing project." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1wbP7Hz_0o Bettendorf area home and business owners that would like more information on the roofing services that Quality Control Restoration offers can contact them by phone, email, or by filling out the form that's found on their website's homepage at https://qualitycontrolrestoration.com. For more information about Quality Control Restoration, LLC, contact the company here: Quality Control Restoration, LLC Larry Anderson (833) 563-7663 larry@qualitycontrolrestoration.com 2395 Tech Drive, Suite 8 Bettendorf, Iowa 52722 SOURCE: Quality Control Restoration, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637148/Reputable-Bettendorf-IA-Contractor-Recommends-Home-Business-Owners-Get-a-Spring-Roof-Inspection JACKSON, MI The executive director of Jacksons Ella Sharp Museum has left her position, officials said this week while declining to say what led to the personnel change. Diane Gutenkaufs last day as the museums executive director was Friday, March 19, she and museum staff said. Gutenkauf began her tenure in January 2017 after the museums board of trustees completed a six-month search. She came to Jackson from an interim leadership position at the Illinois Association of Museums with 30 years experience in museums and nonprofits. Gutenkauf also wouldnt specify the circumstances surrounding her departure, including whether she resigned or was terminated. The board has determined its vision of the future of the museum is different from mine, she said Wednesday, March 24. Val Herr will serve as the museums interim director while the board does a new hiring search, Herr said. She also declined to comment on Gutenkaufs departure, citing personnel matters. The board of trustees of the Ella Sharp Museum is looking forward to the next phase in the museums evolution, officials said in a statement. Ella Sharp Museum is an asset to our community and we are excited to strengthen its ties under new leadership for both present and future generations. The board wishes only the best for Diane Gutenkauf in her future endeavors, and thanks her for the leadership and positive contributions made during her tenure. Gutenkauf came to the Ella Sharp Museum, she said, because she saw the tremendous impact it could make in the Jackson community. Shes proud of recent partnerships made with other community groups like the Jackson District Library, renovations at the Hurst Planetarium and engagement work that brought in new communities to visit the museum. Everything from simple conversations with people in Jackson about the museum and its potential, to people starting to think about the Ella Sharp Museum as a place that would hold their stories and tell their stories and tell them in a way that was allowing their voice to come through, she said. The museum recognized that. While we may be the keepers of peoples objects and physical culture, we didnt own the storytelling. Gutenkauf has not yet determined her next career move and wants to take a breath and decide what I want to do next, she said. She expects to continue in museum work, either in Jackson or elsewhere. The Ella Sharp Museum was deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic, its 2020 report indicates. The museum was closed for about four months at the beginning of the pandemic and had to cancel its largest fundraiser, the Art, Beer and Wine Festival, among other private events. As a result, two full-time staff members were laid off, five staff members moved to part-time and management took a pay cut. Ella Sharp Museum officials do plan to host the Art, Beer and Wine Festival in August this year. MORE JACKSON NEWS: Driver may have intentionally crashed into historic Jackson building, police say Former Jackson-area police officer pleads guilty to lesser charge after accusations of perjury, misconduct Construction begins at I-94 interchange in Jackson Officials fear proposed increase to metropolitan size could hurt Jacksons federal funding This is the moment a dognapper snatches a woman's pet Shih Tzu from outside a newsagents in Manchester. Jack, a male Shih Tzu with a white and tan coat, was waiting for his owner outside Bobby's Convenience Store on Rochdale Road in Collyhurst on March 11. CCTV footage shows a silver Ford Mondeo parking on a nearby side street before a man in a black coat jumps out and runs towards the dog. Less than a minute later, he's seen running back towards the car with Jack in his arms, before jumping inside and leaving the area. The dog's 60-year-old owner, who did not wish to be named, has been left devastated following the theft, saying Jack is 'her world' and she would 'die for him'. She suffers from lung cancer and, without the support of a family, relied on her dog for emotional support. Jack (pictured above), a male Shih Tzu with a white and tan coat, was waiting for his owner outside Bobby's Convenience Store on Rochdale Road in Collyhurst, Manchester, on March 11 CCTV footage shows a silver Ford Mondeo (pictured left) parking on a nearby side street before a man in a black coat jumps out and runs towards the dog She's now appealing for anyone who might have Jack to contact Greater Manchester Police or return him to a vet, saying he will be welcomed back with 'no questions asked'. She said: 'Three years ago, my mum passed away, she was all I had - no brothers, no sisters.' 'It was always just me and mum and then Jack came along; he got me out of bed every morning, even on my worst days. 'I now have lung cancer and I can't go on without him; I'll die for him. He is my world. I can't eat, I can't drink, I can't sleep. 'I love him like a child I never had; I literally can't fight without him. Please, please let Jack come home.' Due to his owner's condition, the search for Jack is being coordinated by volunteer network DogLost, who say that the brazen theft is 'one of the worst' they have seen. Justine Quirk, volunteer media representative for the organisation, said: 'Any theft of any dog is cruel and the emotional toll it takes on an owner can be utterly destroying - but in this case, it's not only affecting her emotionally but medically too. 'It's very clear that Jack means everything to her and that's why we are appealing to anyone that knows where Jack is, to do the right thing and either contact Greater Manchester Police or DogLost so we can get Jack home safely. A person can be seen crossing the street in the CCTV footage before the dognapper runs around the corner. The pet's 60-year-old owner has been left devastated following the theft The man is seen running back towards his car with Jack, a male Shih Tzu with a white and tan coat, in his arms. Greater Manchester Police said no arrests have been made 'If you have Jack or you were sold him not knowing he was stolen, then please take him to any veterinary practice, say you found him and leave him there safely. 'They will ensure he is returned. We have very clear CCTV footage of the car and the people involved in Jack's theft so please do just get in touch.' Justine added that the charity has seen a 170 per cent increase in the number of dog thefts since the beginning of the lockdown. Anyone who has recently bought a white-and-tan Shih Tzu in the Greater Manchester area or is expecting to in the next few days are now being asked to be vigilant and consider where their pet has come from. 'You should be questioning 'who is this person, why are they selling the dog on' and ask what he's like,' Justine explained, adding that it is always better to adopt where possible. The man seen just before he jumps into his car with Jack in his arms and drives away. Volunteer network DogLost say that the brazen theft is 'one of the worst' they have seen 'Ask to see photos - perhaps if he's been to the beach or a park, and get a real grasp for how long these people have had this dog. 'Jack, like all dogs, was microchipped - anyone selling a dog should be able to provide you with the microchip number of the dog and you should be able to get it scanned. 'Always buy from a licensed breeder, and if you're getting an older dog then you should really be doing your due diligence and asking where that dog has actually originated from.' A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said that the force is continuing its enquiry into the incident. They said: 'Officers received a report that a dog had been stolen from outside a business premises on Rochdale Road, Collyhurst on Thursday 11 March 2021. 'Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.' Anyone with any information about the theft can contact Jack's owner's DogLost representative on 07981090965 or call Greater Manchester Police on 101. SAN FRANCISCO - The founder and former CEO of right-leaning social media site Parler is suing the company he created and its controlling owner, political megadonor Rebekah Mercer, alleging his ownership stake was taken from him. John Matze, who founded Parler in 2018 with funding from Mercer, filed the suit in Nevada district court on Monday. Matze has said he was forced out of the company in early February, just weeks after Parler became embroiled in controversy surrounding the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the site being knocked offline for more than a month. The suit, which was announced in a news release by Matze's attorneys and uploaded online by the Las Vegas Sun, names Parler, Mercer, interim CEO Mark Meckler and investors Jeffrey Wernick and Dan Bongino as defendants, as well as a corporation believed to be controlled by Mercer. In the complaint, Matze alleges that Mercer and others plotted to steal Matze's 40% stake in the company, later saying the fair market value for his stake was worth only $3. The "outlandish and arrogant theft" is "the product of a conspiratorial agreement," the suit says. Mercer, who backed former president Donald Trump for president, owns the controlling stake in the company, and has now installed her allies to run Parler, according to people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to speak candidly about private matters. Parler executives, including Meckler and Wernick, did not respond to requests for comment. Mercer and Bongino did not respond to requests for comment. Law firm Pisanelli Bice said in a statement that Matze would not have further comment. Matze says in the suit that Parler is being "hijacked" away from being the free expression site he first imagined. The suit alleges that Mercer "sought to co-opt" Parler to encourage her political views. "It became apparent to Matze that Meckler's efforts were not to grow Parler as a free expression platform, but instead to redirect it into what Meckler called as the 'tip of the conservative spear' for a brand of conservatism in keeping with Mercer's preferences," the lawsuit alleges. Parler grew from a niche social media site to a relatively mainstream option in 2020 when prominent conservative politicians and pundits began joining and promoting the site, many saying they were fed up with so-called "censorship" on big social media sites Twitter and Facebook. Twitter had started labeling former president Trump's tweets with fact checks, and Parler positioned itself as the "free-speech" alternative site. After the election, Parler's user base boomed to more than 10 million, bolstered by people seeking alternative social media sites as Trump and his allies spread false narratives about the veracity of the election. Parler had about 15 million users before it was knocked offline in January, following reports that people had used the site to encourage the attack on the Capitol. Amazon, Apple and Google pulled their technical support for Parler, saying it was not moderating content robustly enough, effectively turning off the lights for the service. (Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post). Parler came back online more than a month later with a new cloud computing provider, Los Angeles-based SkySilk. In his suit, Matze claims he was the one who secured the new hosting provider and set up a version of the moderating system Parler is now using. "However, as Meckler lacked the technical know-how to actually run such a social media platform - and his real role was to simply push a political agenda - the implementation was beyond lacking," according to the suit. Matze is seeking unspecified millions in damages. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Bharat Book Bureau Provides the Trending Market Research Report on COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Polarized Sunglass Lenses Industry Market Report-Development Trends, Threats, Opportunities and Competitive Landscape in 2020under Consumer Goods Category. The report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, competitive intelligence and Market reports. The Polarized Sunglass Lenses Market revenue was xx.xx Million USD in 2019, and will reach xx.xx Million USD in 2025, with a CAGR of x.x% during 2020-2025. Under COVID-19 outbreak globally, this report provides 360 degrees of analysis from supply chain, import and export control to regional government policy and future influence on the industry. Detailed analysis about market status (2015-2020), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2020-2025), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also been included. Request a free sample copy ofPolarized Sunglass Lenses Market Report @ https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/sample/reports/2401667 In COVID-19 outbreak, Chapter 2.2 of this report provides an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and the Polarized Sunglass Lenses industry.Chapter 3.7 covers the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 from the perspective of the industry chain.In addition, chapters 7-11 consider the impact of COVID-19 on the regional economy. The Polarized Sunglass Lenses market can be split based on product types, major applications, and important countries as follows: Key players in the global Polarized Sunglass Lenses market covered in Chapter 12: Corning Safilo Group S.p.A. LUXOTTICA GROUP Hopnic Polaroid Eyewear KBco Essilor Tonshung Technology Co.,Ltd Younger In Chapter 4 and 14.1, on the basis of types, the Polarized Sunglass Lenses market from 2015 to 2025 is primarily split into: 0.75 mm Lenses 1.1 mm Lenses In Chapter 5 and 14.2, on the basis of applications, the Polarized Sunglass Lenses market from 2015 to 2025 covers: Vehicle Driving Outdoor Sporting and Traveling Fishing and Boating Others Years considered for this report: Historical Years: 2015-2019 Base Year: 2019 Estimated Year: 2020 Forecast Period: 2020-2025 Browse our full report with Table of Content : https://www.bharatbook.com/marketreports/covid-19-outbreak-global-polarized-sunglass-lenses-industry-market-report-development-trends-threats-opportunities-and/2401667 About Bharat Book Bureau: Bharat Book is Your One-Stop-Shop with an exhaustive coverage of 15,00,0000 reports and insights that includes latest Market Study, Market Trends & Analysis, Forecasts Customized Intelligence, Newsletters and Online Databases. Overall a comprehensive coverage of major industries with a further segmentation of 100+ subsectors. Contact us at: Bharat Book Bureau Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: poonam@bharatbook.com Website: www.bharatbook.com Christian baker Jack Philips is once again on trial in court for declining to bake a cake that marks one's transition from male to female. Colorado baker and cakeshop owner Jack Phillips is once again fighting for his freedom to uphold his religious beliefs. Just three years go, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Phillips, who declined to bake a cake for two gay men who wanted to celebrate their union, citing that this did not align with the baker's religious beliefs. On Monday, Phillips found himself in a similar court battle, this time for a cake that celebrated a lawyer's transition from male to female. The Daily Wire reported that back in 2018, the Supreme Court sided with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission which found evidence of anti-religious bias for targeting the Masterpiece Cakeshop owner for refusing the create a same-sex wedding cake. However, the court did not rule whether a business such like the bakeshop has a right to claim religious objections that allowed them to refuse services to same-sex couples. However, on June 28, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to hear Phillip's case against the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which was about the baker turning down a request to make a wedding cake for a gay couple back in 2012. The state later targeted the baker and prohibited him from designing custom wedding cakes, which represented up to 40% of Phillips' business. It was on that same day when the Masterpiece Cakeshop owner's wife, Debi got a call from Denver transgender attorney Autumn Scardina, who requested for a cake that celebrated Scardina's "gender transition." This sparked another case, which Phillips fired back with a countersuit that accused the state of Colorado of violating his First Amendment rights and 14th Amendment right of equal protection. The virtual trial was held on Monday, during which the transgender attorney said that he did not come to Phillips to set him up, but rather it was "more of calling someone's bluff." According to The Federalist, Scardina had also emailed Phillips several times calling him a "bigot and "hypocrite" while mocking his religious beliefs back in 2012. Evidence presented in court revealed that Scardina had in fact "offered to be a plaintiff in a discriminatory case against the cakeshop in the gay couple's absence if they chose not to move forward with litigation." Scardina had also in another instance asked the Masterpiece Cakeshop owner if he could bake a cake that showed "a picture of Satan smoking a joint" just to test if Scardina would be treated just like any other customer who would walk into the store. Nonetheless Phillips is not threatened by Scardina's blatant bullying and stands by his faith as a devout Christian. The Masterpiece Cakeshop's owner's lawyer Sean Gates reiterated that his client cannot make cakes with messages he personally opposed. Gates told Courthouse News, "Jack Phillips sees himself as an artist, and the cake as an expression of his soul. [His] cakes convey a message." "Jack Phillips is a Christian and his religion affects what he can create," Gates argued. "Jack Phillips will make cakes for all people, but he cannot make cakes for all messages." 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 Michigan Civil Rights Commission Creates Education Equity Committee, Revises Education Equity Report School Funding Recommendation Michigan Civil Rights Commission Creates Education Equity Committee, Revises Education Equity Report School Funding Recommendation Vicki Levengood levengoodv@michigan.gov March 23, 2021 Lansing, MI - At their meeting on Monday, March 22, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission voted to rescind language in their September 2020 report, Education Equity in Michigan that proposed a reduced funding level for charter schools. The Commission also voted to establish an Education Equity Committee to advise the work of the MDCR Council of Local Governments and Education on Equity and Inclusion - the body tasked with implementing the report's key recommendations. The committee, made up of Commission Chair Stacie Clayton, Commissioner Gloria E. Lara and Commissioner Anupama Kosaraju, will work on behalf of the Commission with the goal of advancing the recommendations in the Education Equity in Michigan report. The committee also will explore a weighted funding model for education in Michigan, a plan that allocates school funding based on individual student need. "From the beginning of this multi-year project, we have said that our Education Equity in Michigan report was a starting point; it is a living, breathing document that we will revise and update as we continue to evaluate Michigan's educational landscape and explore options that are centered on what is best for Michigan students," said Stacie Clayton, Chair of the Commission. "We are grateful for the efforts of Commissioner Lara and others who conducted comparative analysis of funding between charter schools and traditional public schools. Their findings informed the decision to revise the report and will provide helpful guidance as we examine more equitable funding and resource allocation for Michigan schools and students." On September 30, 2020, the Commission issued a 62-page report describing inequities in Michigan's K-12 education system and detailing specific recommendations for action to make achieving educational equity a priority in all Michigan schools. The report is the culmination of a series of five public hearings and a year-long examination of disparities in K-12 education in Michigan. On November 23, 2020, the Commission held a special meeting to hear from experts, educators and students to continue the conversation on Education Equity in Michigan. At that meeting, Commissioner Jeff Sakwa made a motion to eliminate language from the report the recommending 75% funding for schools. After discussion on the motion, Commissioner Sakwa rescinded his motion and Commissioner Reyes-Kopack made a motion and Commissioner Elhasan seconded it for an analysis of funding for charter and traditional schools. The motion passed and the study was done. At Monday's meeting, Commissioners were briefed on the comparative funding analysis conducted by Commissioner Gloria Lara and Vanguard Public Affairs. After their reports, Commissioner Elhasan made a motion to remove the 75% funding language and the Commission voted 6-0 to approve the motion. "The Commission extends sincere appreciation to the many panelists, guest speakers and experts who have helped us develop a greater understanding of the complex issues surrounding public education in Michigan," said Vice Chair Elhasan. "Our commitment to making education more equitable is for the long term and we look forward to the next phase of our efforts to reduce educational disparities for students throughout Michigan." The Michigan Civil Rights Commission was created by the Michigan Constitution to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination. The Commission is charged with investigating alleged discrimination against any person because of religion, race, color or national origin, genetic information, sex, age, marital status, height, weight, arrest record, and physical and mental disability. The Michigan Department of Civil Rights serves as the operational arm of the Commission. ### By Ju-min Park and John Geddie TOKYO (Reuters) -A consortium of private Japanese firms and a Japanese state entity paid rent on a multi-million dollar hotel and office development that ultimately went to Myanmars defence ministry, six company and government officials told Reuters. It is the first time Japan has acknowledged the project benefits Myanmars defence ministry, which is controlled by the military under the countrys constitution. The payments, starting in 2017, are not illegal but are potentially embarrassing for Japan given United Nations investigators have alleged human rights abuses by Myanmars military. Reuters could not determine how much rent was actually paid to the defence ministry. Known officially as the Tatmadaw, Myanmars military is under investigation for genocide by the International Court of Justice over its offensive against Rohingya Muslims in 2017. The military seized control of the country in a Feb. 1 coup and has since detained the countrys elected leader and killed more than 261 protesters. Myanmars defence ministry and the military junta could not be reached for comment. Myanmars army has said its action against the Rohingya were clearance operations targeting militants and the government has rejected accusations of human rights abuses and genocide as false. The junta has blamed the killings since the coup on protesters themselves, accusing them of arson and violence. The Y Complex, built on army-owned land near the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, is just one of many assets and projects linked to Myanmars military, which has ruled the country for the majority of the last 60 years. The military controls two conglomerates with interests ranging from mining to banking. Some foreign investors have struck partnerships with the conglomerates over the past decade as Myanmar's democratic government attempted to open the countrys economy. Each party to the Y Complex deal told Reuters they thought the rent, which was paid by an intermediary, ultimately was going to Myanmars government, not the military. Story continues Ryota Nagao, an official at the international policy division of Japans land ministry, which approved the state agency's investment, said the ministry had judged the project was not dealing with the military directly or indirectly because the defence department was a government ministry. He declined to comment on the fact that Myanmars defence department is controlled by the military, under the countrys 2008 constitution, drafted during previous army rule. Japanese construction company Fujita Corp said in a press release in 2017 that the Yangon project, converting a former military museum into a complex of swanky offices, shops and a five-star hotel, would cost $330 million. Fujita, property manager Tokyo Tatemono Co and Japans state investment firm JOIN, which is overseen by Japans land ministry, told Reuters they formed a consortium that paid rent on the land the complex is built on. The state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) said in 2018 it was taking part in financing the project. Fujita, Tokyo Tatemono and JOIN declined comment on how much rent has been paid and how much ended up with the Myanmar defence ministry. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, the Japanese governments most senior spokesman, acknowledged the involvement of JOIN and JBIC in the Y Complex project, through a special purpose company. In response to Reuters questions, he said it was his understanding that neither entity had a direct business relationship with Myanmars military. Fujita initially said the project would be finished in 2020. Construction was suspended after the coup due to concerns over worker safety, said JOIN, which is 95% owned by the Japanese government. Representatives of each of those parties told Reuters the rent payments were made via its local partner Yangon Technical and Trading (YTT), a subsidiary of privately held Myanmar conglomerate Ayeyar Hinthar which has interests in agriculture, banking, healthcare and property. Kyi Tha, a YTT official, said that the site is being leased by the defence ministry and that the ultimate beneficiary is the Myanmar government. He said no special steps had been taken to assess the Myanmar militarys human rights record. That is not a requirement under any laws or regulations. BIG INVESTOR Chris Sidoti, who has researched the Myanmar militarys economic interests for the United Nations, said Y Complex was the only example he had found of a military-linked project involving foreign government entities. Each of the Japanese state entities and companies declined to comment on the terms of the deal, which was approved by Myanmar in 2017. A trove of purported official Myanmar records leaked last month and posted online by Distributed Denial of Secrets (DDoSecrets), which describes itself as a whistleblower website, indicates the rent on the complex amounts to about $2 million a year over 50 years. Reuters could not independently verify the terms of the deal, or how much the military is set to actually receive. Documents on the DDoSecrets website show a project company controlled by the Japanese investors, Y Complex Company, agreed to pay $1.8 million out of a total $2.2 million in rent payments to the defence ministry, via an intermediary account, each year from 2019. The remainder was to be paid by YTT, according to the documents. For 2017 and 2018, called the construction phase, the project company agreed to pay a lesser amount of $500,000 out of $573,160 in annual rent, documents show. Reuters could not determine how much rent has actually been paid to the defence ministry. JOIN, Fujita and Tokyo Tatemono paid $1.8 million in rent in 2019 for the project, according to the audited accounts of a Singapore holding company formed by them for the Y Complex scheme. The filing made to Singapores companies regulator does not say to whom the rent was paid. Each of the three companies which formed the entity declined to comment on the figure. Japan is the worlds fifth-largest investor in Myanmar, putting $1.4 billion into the country over the past five years, according to Myanmars Directorate of Investment and Company Administration. Japanese officials have said the countrys ties with Myanmar, which also include aid donations, academic exchanges and medical and disaster relief training for its military, help counter China's growing influence in the region. Revelations about economic ties to Myanmars military may put more pressure on Tokyo and Japanese companies to drop them, according to human rights groups. Last month, days after the coup, Japanese brewer Kirin axed a beer venture with Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, one of two conglomerates owned by the Myanmar military, saying it was deeply concerned by the militarys recent actions, referring to the coup, which it said were against its standards and human rights policy. This will have severe reputational implications for not just JOIN and JBIC, but for Japan as a country, said Akira Igata, a national security expert at Tama University. Japan is at risk for being perceived as a country that will continue doing business with human rights violators. In early March, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed sanctions on Myanmars military-controlled defence and home ministries saying they were responsible for the coup. The U.S. Treasury Department also has imposed sanctions on Myanmars defence minister, Mya Tun Oo, and his predecessor, Sein Win, among others. Justice for Myanmar, Human Rights Watch and other pressure groups on Feb. 17 asked a United Nations' human rights body to investigate Y Complexs ties to the military. A spokeswoman for the U.N. human rights working group said it had received the petition, but declined further comment. Yoshihiro Kubo, an official who handles Myanmar business for JOIN, declined comment on the future of its involvement in Y Complex. He described the situation as "painful and difficult" but did not elaborate. Japans finance ministry, which supervises JBIC, directed questions to JBIC. JBIC said its loans for the project comply with Japanese laws and global sanctions, and that it was monitoring the situation in Myanmar. JBIC said in a 2018 press release that Japanese banks Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp would also provide loans to the project. Both declined comment. Fujita and Tatemono both said in emailed statements that they will "keep an eye on the situation" while considering future measures. (Reporting by Ju-min Park in Tokyo and John Geddie in London Additional reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto and Antoni Slodkowski in Tokyo and Reuters staff Editing by Bill Rigby) 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. Ontario families with children can expect to receive a new round of payments from the government aimed at relieving pressures related to the pandemic. Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy flashes a thumbs up as he is applauded after delivering the Provincial Budget in the Ontario Legislature in Toronto on Wednesday March 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn Ontario families with children can expect to receive a new round of payments from the government aimed at relieving pressures related to the pandemic. The provincial budget released Wednesday revealed the Ontario COVID-19 Child Benefit will give parents at least $400 for each of their children in a third round of payouts, doubling the amount previously issued under the measure. The direct payment, paired with a temporary 20 per cent top-up on Ontario's child-care tax credit, is aimed at easing the economic burden on parents and allowing them to return to work. "For some, that (burden) includes financial challenges caused by the pandemic. For many, it includes new expenses to start virtual learning or child care," Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in his budget speech. "For all, it includes anxiety about their child's future in a world that will look different than it does today." The first round of direct payments to parents, called the Support for Learners program when it was announced nearly a year ago, offered $200 per child under the age of 12 or $250 per child or youth with special needs aged 21 and under. The second round, announced in November, expanded its criteria in January to include all kids in Grade 12 and younger. This time around, the province is doubling the payout to $400 per child in Grade 12 or younger, and $500 per child or youth with special needs aged 21 and under. Parents who received the earlier funding will automatically qualify for the new payments, the province said, while those who didn't apply before will have the chance to do so now. The initial two rounds cost the province a total of $868 million, budget documents indicated, while the latest new payout has an expected price tag of $980 million. The province is also proposing a one-time 20 per cent top-up to the Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses tax credit, which was introduced in 2019. "Nearly every economist I speak with says making child care more affordable is one of the keys to ensuring a robust recovery from COVID-19," Bethlenfalvy said. "...I also hear it directly from parents. Too many say the high cost of child care will keep them out of the work force." The 20 per cent increase to the tax credit is expected to boost support from an average of $1,250 per family to $1,500, according to budget documents. That's expected to apply to about 300,000 families, the documents said. Ottawa has promised to deliver a national child-care strategy in its own 2021 budget, the provincial budget noted. In their last fiscal update, the federal Liberals proposed spending $420 million in grants and bursaries to help provinces train and retain qualified early childhood educators. They also proposed spending $20 million over five years to build a child-care secretariat to guide federal policy work, plus $15 million in ongoing spending for a similar Indigenous-focused body. In its budget, the Ontario government urged Ottawa to provide "increased and sustained funding" for child care while offering the provinces flexibility to figure out what works best in different regions. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Startups are risky ventures, and most fail. For every multibillion-dollar IPO, Silicon Valley is littered with myriad ideas that went bust while other companies hang on until they can be bought or find another exit. That risk is not only shouldered by investors and executives. The lure of taking a job at an early-stage company and pocketing stock whose value could skyrocket is enough to persuade some people to accept a lower salary now to gamble on future riches. That was the arrangement for many former employees at San Francisco advertising technology startup Sharethrough. According to a group of former employees, former CEO Dan Greenberg and other company leaders encouraged them to buy company stock to make up for lower pay, and also as a way to buy into the companys messaging about the Sharethrough family, supposedly at the core of the companys culture. The former employees said the company was honest about the risks and financial prospects during all-hands meetings and in other communications, but that they felt duped when Sharethroughs recent merger with digital advertising company District M that was worth millions resulted in them being left with stock options worth nothing. A notice sent to shareholders last month, and seen by The Chronicle, said the deal had not cleared the threshold where common stockholders, like the onetime employees, would receive any proceeds. Its definitely a common scenario that companies fail or they get acquired, without all stockholders seeing a payout, said Vieje Piauwasdy, the director of equity at Secfi, a company that helps employees and shareholders understand and manage their equity. Noam Galai / Getty Images for NewsCred 2014 Former Sharethrough employees like Alia Jaziri said they were aware of the risks of buying stock after they left if the company were to fail, but were caught off guard when they received papers asking them to approve the merger, along with millions in payouts and stock for executives and investors, and nothing for themselves. I feel manipulated, said Jaziri, who now runs a restaurant called Medina Moroccan Baja Kitchen in San Diego. She and other former employees have refused to sign off on the deal, but it doesnt appear to be enough to stop it. Jaziri and other former employees who spoke to The Chronicle said they were encouraged to buy shares once they left, amid buzz of big payouts on the horizon if the company were to be acquired. I feel like he was saying This is family, this family just to get us to buy our shares, Jaziri said of Greenberg, the former Sharethrough CEO and now a president at District M. Jaziri said she bought less than $9,000 in the companys stock after she left. Former employees like Jaziri and others interviewed by The Chronicle, who asked not be quoted, said they knew the risks they were taking but didnt expect to be deliberately cut out of a deal. Sandy Huffaker / SF Chronicle Jaziri said Greenbergs talk of the company as a family made it feel like a betrayal when she and others were asked to sign off on the merger. The stock becoming worthless in a bankruptcy was different than seeing it actively taken out of our pocket and shoved into the pockets of the CEO, Jaziri said. Greenberg stood to make several million dollars in bonuses and parachute payments once the deal was approved, according to documents seen by The Chronicle. Greenberg did not respond to emails seeking comment. In a news release announcing the merger last month, he spoke of creating an advertising environment Underpinned by respect and care, and Taking a human-centric approach to advertising and monetization. District M CEO JF Cote said he wasnt aware of whether employees were encouraged to buy stock at Sharethrough before the merger, but that was not the case at his company. He said he loved the culture Greenberg and Sharethrough had created around its products employees. Deals that devalue shares of common stock are not out of the ordinary, Cote said. It was unfortunate for the vested ex-employees, he added, referring to those who had purchased shares after they left. For employees that came over to his company in the merger, Its fantastic, he said, adding they were now part of District Ms own stock option program. He estimated that about 80 former employees saw their shares devalued, while fewer than 70 came over in the merger. Cote also noted the comparatively small dollar amounts, saying former employees individually purchased between $500 and $15,000 worth of stock after they left. Other former Sharethrough employees also spoke of a culture of togetherness, and executives that pointed to the potential future value of stock options when refusing to budge during salary negotiations or denying requests for raises. There is no indication anything illegal or even irregular took place, but the deal is a lens into a startup culture that can emphasize personal bonds and common cause, until money gets in the way. According to a recent survey of more than 3,000 professionals, many in tech, about 60% said equity in a company would matter more than their base salary, while 58% said they would take a pay cut to increase their stake in a company. The survey was run by Blind, a site that lets employees verified through work email addresses talk about their companies anonymously. More than three-quarters of startups that received an initial round of investor funding between 2016 and 2019 went out of business, while a little over a fifth get acquired, according to data compiled by Secfi. The vast majority of startups backed by venture capital funding offer equity, usually in place of a more generous salary characteristic of a larger company, said Vieje Piauwasdy, Secfis director of equity. A big, big reason for going to a startup is that package, he said. The decision to go through with the merger at a price that devalued common stock was linked to the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact, according to deal documents that state Sharethrough began looking at its long-term prospects and decided on the transaction amid the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. Cote said that it is a done deal, but former employees still registered their objections. In February, two dozen common stockholders signed a letter of dissent seen by The Chronicle that referenced the culture of family and loyalty fostered at Sharethrough. It is disappointing to now see the Sharethrough Family devolve to this and to watch its Senior Management and Executives ruthlessly breach their fiduciary duties to all common stockholders, the shareholders wrote. The document asks for the value of the shares they purchased to be repaid at a minimum, estimating it at less than $200,000. As things stand, that is unlikely. Even company founders and investors have seen their stakes disappear during other sales, according to Piauwasdy of Secfi. Employees do not have a lot of power, he said. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice (Alliance News) - Amigo Holdings PLC on Wednesday said the Financial Conduct Authority won't take action that might stop its scheme of arrangement to resolve complaints, if the scheme is approved by customers and sanctioned in court. Shares jumped 22% to 15.59 pence in London. Amigo proposed the scheme in January after an FCA investigation into customer complaints about unaffordable loans. The company expects to pay at least GBP15 million in compensation claims under the scheme, according to a statement in December. The FCA does not approve of the scheme and reserves the right to change its position, Amigo said. The regulator's concerns include the fact that customers may receive significantly less than the value of their claims, and the methodology for claims assessment. The FCA will raise its concerns at the court hearing, which starts next week. Amigo said the scheme is better for customers than the alternative option of an insolvency proceeding. Chief Executive Gary Jennison said: "We look forward to our customers having an opportunity to vote and support the scheme, which after careful consideration, we believe, is the only real option for customers who are due redress to receive cash compensation." By Ivan Edwards; ivanedwards@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Vancouver, British Columbia, March 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global coal tar market size is expected to reach USD 18.64 Billion in 2028 and register a steady CAGR during the forecast period, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. Demand for aluminum is substantially high from automotive and aerospace industries due to lightweight and high strength properties. Increasing need to produce more lightweight vehicles to achieve higher fuel-efficiency is a key factor expected to continue to drive demand for aluminum for manufacturing various vehicle components and parts. Increasing demand for aluminum is directly supporting growth of the coal tar market, and the trend is expected to continue going forward. Furthermore, growth of the coal tar market is expected to be supported to a significant extent due to increasing initiatives in the global aerospace industry. Aluminum alloys are commonly used to insulate satellites. The material is cost-effective and offers multi-layer insulation. Recent upsurge in the number of satellites being launched into space indicates a trend that is steadily gaining traction, and this is expected to drive demand for aluminum, and support growth of the coal tar market going ahead. Claim Your FREE Sample Copy with Table of content@ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-sample/548 Coal tar is also used for skin treatments and is used in ointments, soaps, and shampoos, because of its antifungal as well as inflammatory properties. Coal tar has also been included in the group of essential medicines and has been approved as a safe and effective medicine. Rising demand for coal tar for production of graphite electrodes and in specialty oils and roofing industries is another key factor supporting market growth. Coal tar is an essential asphaltenes for asphalt production of asphalt. Coal tar pitch by itself is not suitable for producing road-paving asphalt owing to the materials low ductility, high temperature sensitivity, and low resistance to wear. Coal tar helps to extend durability of blacktop and reduce maintenance costs. Some Key Findings in the Report: In February 2020, the government sanctioned a proposal of investing USD 29.4 Million in coal tar pitch (CTP) distillation unit of Runaya Metsource in Odisha, India. In November 2019, Berger Paints India Limited further acquired 3.59% stake in STP LTD. and became a 95.53% stakeholder in the company. STP offers construction chemicals, concrete admixtures, coal tar-based products, waterproofing chemicals, flooring compounds and bitumen, and hence this acquisition will help Berger to expand its product offerings. In June 2019, Thornton & Ross acquired some healthcare brands from GlaxoSmithKline, which include Savlon, emollient brand Oilatum, relief cream for itching Eurax, pediatric cough liquid Tixylix, and coal-tar based shampoo, Polytar. North America accounted for second-largest share in the global market in 2020. This can be attributed to constant demand for aluminum and advancements in automotive and aerospace industries in the U.S. Key players operating in the market are Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd., Voestalpine AG, Rain Carbon Inc., Industrial Quimica del Nalon S.A, DEZA, a. s., Bilbaina de Alquitranes, S.A., Koppers Inc., Nagreeka Hydrocarbons (P) Ltd., Neptune Hydrocarbons Mfg. Pvt. Ltd., and Tar Alliance AM Check Our Prices@ https://www.emergenresearch.com/select-license/548 For the purpose of this report, Emergen Research has segmented the global coal tar market based on type, application, end-user, marketing channel, and region: Type Outlook (Revenue: USD Billion; Volume: Million Metric Tons; 20182028) Low Temperature Coal Tar Medium Temperature Coal Tar High Temperature Coal Tar Application Outlook (Revenue: USD Billion; Volume: Million Metric Tons; 20182028) Coal Tar Pitch Carbon Black Oil Specialty Oils End-use Outlook (Revenue: USD Billion; Volume: Million Metric Tons; 20182028) Aluminum Industry Roofing Tire Industry Paint Industry Wood Preservation Others Marketing Channel Outlook (Revenue: USD Billion; Volume: Million Metric Tons; 20182028) Online Offline Click to access the Report Study, Read key highlights of the Report and Look at Projected Trends: https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/coal-tar-market Regional Outlook (Revenue: USD Billion; Volume: Million Metric Tons; 20182028) North America U.S. Canada Mexico Europe Russia Germany U.K. France Italy Spain BENELUX Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Rest of MEA Take a Look at our Related Reports: Spherical graphite market size was valued at USD 2,435.8 Million in 2019 and is forecasted to reach USD 9,598.8 Million by 2027 at a CAGR of 18.6%. The spherical graphite market is observing a double-digit growth attributed to its increasing usage in lithium-ion battery production. Sodium dichromate market size was valued at USD 759.2 Million in 2019 and is forecasted to reach USD 1,242.4 Million by 2027 at a CAGR of 6.3%. The sodium dichromate market is observing high demand attributed to its increasing application in pigment, metal finishing, chromium compounds preparation, leather tanning, and wood preservative. Acoustic insulation market size was valued at USD 12.94 Billion in 2019 and is forecasted to reach USD 19.64 Billion by 2027 at a CAGR of 5.3%. The acoustic insulation market is observing high demand attributed to its increasing application in building & construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. About Emergen Research Emergen Research is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target, and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries, and help clients make smarter business decisions. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across multiple industries, including Healthcare, Touch Points, Chemicals, Types, and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware of the latest trends existent in the market. Emergen Research has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Our industry experience and ability to develop a concrete solution to any research problems provides our clients with the ability to secure an edge over their respective competitors. Contact Us: Eric Lee Corporate Sales Specialist Emergen Research | Web: www.emergenresearch.com Direct Line: +1 (604) 757-9756 E-mail: sales@emergenresearch.com Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs The Australian stockmarket pushed to its highest close in a week even after widening European COVID lockdowns sent oil prices plunging and knocked energy companies and travel firms lower. Market megacaps Rio Tinto, Commonwealth Bank, and CSL rose strongly on Wednesday to help the ASX 200 add 33.4 points, or 0.5 per cent, and finish at 6778.8. Retail giants Wesfarmers and Woolworths were also among the standouts at the top of the market, up 2 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively. The Australian sharemarket closed higher on Wednesday. Credit:Peter Braig Trade started slowly following Wall Streets overnight sell-off, where investors baulked at dovish speeches by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Investors hit the sidelines as the pair contemplated the size of the nations impending infrastructure spend and the potential tax hikes needed to pay for Joe Bidens $US1.9 trillion relief package. Bond yields also eased, adding to a deflated performance for US financial and energy sectors. TMS Capital portfolio manager Ben Clark said the local market was still closely watching 10-year yields for both US and Australia, as evidenced by a positive session for the high-growth health and tech sectors. The bond market has found a level it should be priced at, and with that we could be seeing a cycle back into those growth names that have sold off recently, he said. Biotech CSL added 1.9 per cent to close at $266.02 after it released the first batches of the Melbourne-made AstraZeneca vaccine. The company, which was upgraded to outperform by Credit Suisse, is set to make 50 million doses of the product by the end of this year. Medical device maker ResMed rose 3.3 per cent to $25.78, while Fisher and Paykel added 2.2 per cent to $28.95. Buy now, pay later darling Afterpay ended 0.3 per cent higher at $107.50 and accounting software firm Xero climbed by 2 per cent to $123.47. An overnight oil price plunge - brought on by widening COVID lockdowns in Europe - understandably took a toll on travel companies. Oil fell more than 6 per cent with Germany, France and Italy all increasing restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19. Mr Clark said the restrictions had taken momentum out of the reopening trade. Its another setback, the market thought we may have got through the worst of it, he said. Conversely, NSW announced it was relaxing all COVID restrictions on hospitality venues next week. Nonetheless, Sydney Airport slipped 2.2 per cent to $5.89 and Auckland International Airport was 1.4 per cent down at $6.86. Qantas dropped 1.5 per cent to $5.13, Air New Zealand fell 2.1 per cent to $1.605, and regional carrier Rex was down 3.1 per cent at $1.58, even after announcing it will launch flights between Sydney and Canberra next month. Flight Centre was down 3.1 per cent, Webjet dropped 4.6 per cent, Corporate Travel Management was 2.6 per cent down, and Helloworld Travel lost 2.6 per cent. PARIS Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has filed a lawsuit against Facebook in France over hate speech and false information, the global media watchdog said in a statement on Tuesday. RSF said that in a lawsuit filed with the public prosecutor in Paris on Monday, it accuses Facebook of allowing large-scale proliferation of hate speech notably against journalists and false information despite promises to provide a safe online environment. Using expert analyzes, personal testimony and statements from former Facebook employees, RSFs lawsuit demonstrates that it (Facebook) allows disinformation and hate speech to flourish on its network contrary to the claims made in its terms of service and through its ads, RSF said. Facebook France declined to comment on the suit but said in a statement it had zero tolerance for harmful content and was investing heavily to combat hate speech and misinformation. RSF said that a court ruling against Facebook in France had the potential to have a global impact and that it was considering filing similar lawsuits in other countries. It added that the suit concerned Facebook France and Facebook Ireland and is based on the French consumer code, under which companies using deceptive commercial practices can be liable to fines of up to 10% of annual turnover. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq and Mathieu Rosemain; editing by Alison Williams) Topics Lawsuits France We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A top American Senator, who plays a major role in shaping the country's foreign policy, has sought to boost the India-US cooperation, particularly in the clean energy and sector. During the confirmation hearing of Samantha Power, who is President Joe Biden's choice to lead the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Senator Robert Menendez said he has prioritised clean energy and climate cooperation with India to boost the US-India cooperation. "I'd like to hear the role you envision USAID playing in boosting the US-India cooperation and clean energy," said Menendez, who is the chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez also said that last year the Appropriation Omnibus authorised the USAID administrator to establish the United States-India Gandhi-King Development Foundation that would attract public and private capital to fund grants to address development priorities in India. "I'd like to hear your views on that foundation," he told Power. During her confirmation hearing, Power mentioned the challenge posed by China to the US and in the Indo-Pacific region. "On the one hand, this has been a year of tremendous Chinese expansionism and aggressiveness when it comes to developing countries and when it comes to its near and abroad as well. We've seen that in Hong Kong, we've seen it in the South China Sea, we've seen it at the Indian border," she said. "But it hasn't gone that well for China. You actually see very poor polling, when it comes to China's standing in the world. Even with the donations of protective gear in light of the COVID pandemic, you don't see increases in soft power. Quite the contrary in light of COVID and the status of the global economy and how much different countries have suffered from that," she said. "It is in part because people recognise this coercive and predatory approach, which is so transactional and seemingly not really rooted in encouraging countries to achieve their own destinies, their own development objectives. I think it's not going over that well," she added. Power said this creates an opening for the United States. "I think our comparative advantages are our support for accountable governance, which aligns with what citizens want worldwide. Our ability to not only bring in the DFC but in parallel private sector investments, which countries hunger for. The fact that we are carrying out programming that is supportive of various countries, environmental objectives, so many of these countries cherish the natural resources that they've been given," she said. "So I think our approach, which is helping them sustain those resources, rather than pillaging them, is something that also gives us a comparative advantage. I think it's country-specific in terms of what the programming (should be), how the programming should be tailored. But fundamentally, it's about supporting those countries achieve their objectives and their goals of becoming self-reliant and not being dependent on assistance," Power 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.) 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. Scotland's First Minister looks to the future and a potential second independence referendum, after clearing an inquiry. Video Transcript JONAH HULL: Cleared of breaking the ministerial code by an independent inquiry, Nicola Sturgeon said her focus was on the pandemic. NICOLA STURGEON: My thoughts to the one year on from the country going into lockdown are with the almost 10,000 families across the country who've lost a loved one. - To the coronavirus pandemic. JONAH HULL: A moment of reflection on the anniversary of lockdown. The first minister later said she looked forward to a new beginning. NICOLA STURGEON: The toxic atmosphere that has infected this chamber in recent months will give way I hope to the fresh air of an election. And I hope that the fresh air will bring with it a rigorous and positive debate, not just about personalities, but about the kind of country we want to be. JONAH HULL: The Scottish National Party is hoping the parliamentary election in six weeks time will deliver an outright majority, pointing the way to independence and beyond. IAN BLACKFORD: Let's create that roadmap that allows us as we come out of COVID to have that independence referendum, to be able to have that discussion about completing the powers of the Scottish Parliament, about having the opportunity to get back into Europe. JONAH HULL: But the unseemly breakdown in relations between Sturgeon and her predecessor as party leader Alex Salmond over the Scottish government's mishandling of sexual misconduct allegations may have dented SNP hopes, and some voters may take a dim view of the finding by a parliamentary committee that Sturgeon gave misleading evidence. JOHN CURTICE: Probably true that support for the SNP is now running at about three points lower than it was in January. That's not a lot, but if it were to persist it could make the difference between the SNP getting an overall majority in the [INAUDIBLE] parliament which now everybody seems to accept is the crucial target to what would happen to independence thereafter between achieving the target and not doing so. JONAH HULL: So a majority for the Scottish National Party is by no means guaranteed, but it is vital for the independence cause. The prime Minister Boris Johnson has ruled out granting Scotland another referendum so soon after the first in 2014, but a big win for the SNP would be a powerful electoral mandate that Westminster may find it hard to ignore. Exonerated, but not entirely unblemished, Nicola Sturgeon survived a vote of no confidence called by Johnson's Conservatives, the opposition here in Scotland. As the election campaign begins this week there's little more they can do to stop her. Jonah Hull, Al-jazeera, Edinburgh. The Louisiana Author Project, a contest to recognize independently published novels from writers in Louisiana, is accepting submissions in two categories adult and young adult. Authors can submit their works from April 1 to May 31 to the Louisiana Author Project Competition, which honors the top indie-published eBooks. Send to indieauthorproject.librariesshare.com/Louisiana. Winners in each category will receive $500 as well as: Inclusion in "Indie Louisiana," a digital collection of local authors on BiblioBoard Library Honors at the 2021 spring Independent Author Project reception Opportunities to promote the winning title at Louisiana public libraries Inclusion in a full page spread in Library Journal, one of the nations oldest trade publications for library news Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select collection Each book submitted to the contest must be independently published and available in either PDF or ePUB format. This is the third year of the competition. In 2019, Yvette Canoura submitted the winning novel in Louisiana, "Mediterranean Sunset," through the Jefferson Parish Library. In 2020, Jennifer Comeaux submitted the winning young adult novel, "Gold Rush," through the Jefferson Parish Library. The Louisiana Author Project gives librarians a chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices, and an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works. For indie-published authors, the contest is an opportunity to boost their careers and expand their readership. Being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility in the growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books. COMPUTER CLASSES: Free computer classes are being offered at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. Seating is limited, and online registration is required. Visit the Computer Classes page at www.jplibrary.net/training/ComputerClasses.htm and click East Bank Regional Schedule. Masks must be worn and social distancing is required. Upcoming classes include: Individual Help with Computer Skills 2 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. March 31. Individual Help with Computer Skills 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 1. MINDS (Mouse, Internet, Navigation, and Digital Self-Sufficiency) in Beginning Computer Skills 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 6. Introduction to Excel - 10 a.m. to noon April 7. Basic Computer Skills 10 a.m. to noon April 9. HIGH-TECH CAREERS: A free class called "Training for a Career in High Tech" will take place at 2 p.m. April 8, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This seminar will provide an overview of Microsofts Global Initiative to train 25 million people in digital technologies before the end of this year. Discussion focuses on how Learning Pathways at LinkedIn Learning works. LinkedIn Learning is a powerful training platform that library patrons access with their library cards. Patrons who complete a Learning Pathway can go on to higher-paying careers. Library cards are not needed to attend this seminar. LIBRARY UPDATE: There's work going on at the East Bank Regional Library. Workers have replaced the brick entrance to the library because the bricks were becoming uneven. A new shed at the back of the library will contain a generator. A roofing project will begin later this year. Also, the meeting rooms will be in use until the end of the year and perhaps longer to hold the Jefferson Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program serving eligible residents. LOCAL AUTHOR: "Once There Was a Girl" by Wendy R. Randall is the true story of a young Black woman struggling to grow up in a New Orleans housing project. Her mother teaches her how to pray even when all hope of a better life seems impossible. She never gave up. Randall has lived in various parts of the United States and Europe. She says she loved encouraging people to persevere and has spent her life working as a substance abuse counselor and educator. PHILADELPHIA, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Lassen Law Firm's nationwide life insurance lawyers serving all 50 states will help those with denied life insurance claims. These are the most common reasons for life insurance claim denials. Denied Life Insurance Claims Attorney Christian Lassen Not a Known Risk. Insurance companies frequently deny claims of a death by a new illness such as a new Coronavirus, like COVID-19, stating that the illness was not around at the time the policy was made, therefore, the premium did not account for the risk. Contestability Period. In most states this is 2 years and gives the life insurance company the right to investigate the application and medical records. No Beneficiary. Claim might not be paid if beneficiary not named. Last-Minute Beneficiary Change. Typically a new girlfriend, boyfriend, caregiver or person with a Power of Attorney may submit a change before death. Disputed Beneficiary. One or more people dispute the named beneficiary. Ex-Spouse Still Named as a Beneficiary and insurance companies will deny due to state laws which can cut off an ex-spouse. Beneficiary Form Not Accepted. Many times a beneficiary change form was not accepted by the insurance company. Misrepresentation on the application. Denial due to some medical issue wasn't disclosed on the initial application Criminal Background Not Disclosed. Can be basis for denial. Wrong Social Security Number on Application. Another reason for denial. An Undisclosed Doctor or Hospital Visit. A claim may be denied for this. Lapse of Payment. If a payment wasn't received the claim may be denied. Waiver of Premium. Denial caused by employer's mistake. Suicide. Many deaths are denied due to suicide and/or self-inflicted injury. Autoerotic asphyxiation. Deaths can be denied if deceased died during this act. Felony. Claims can be denied if death happened during commission of a felony. Prescription Drug Exclusion. A claim can be denied if a prescription drug was in the deceased's system such a fentanyl patch. Illegal Drug Exclusion. Claims can be denied due to heroin overdose. Alcohol Exclusion. Insured may have been driving drunk, for example. Murder. Beneficiaries can't collect if they murdered the insured. Inherently Dangerous Activity. Claim denial due to car racing, bungie jumping, skydiving, aerobatic flying, cliff diving, scuba diving, etc. Foreign Death. Insurance companies frequently deny foreign deaths as they may not believe the death certificate is authentic, etc. We Serve all 50 States. Call Attorney Christian Lassen at 1-800-900-2521 or Visit LassenLaw.com Media Contact: Christian Lassen [email protected] 800-900-2521 SOURCE Lassen Law Firm Related Links https://www.lassenlaw.com Mario Paul Clarke, 26, is being held at a jail at Coweta County Jail on $8,000 bond This is the moment a father and son pulled guns on each other and opened fire in their Georgia front yard. The incident, captured on home security camera footage, occurred on Friday evening in Newnan, a town approximately 40 miles southwest of Atlanta. It captured Mario Paul Clarke, 26, and his father running into the yard - both holding a weapon. The father appears to aim his weapon, only to go running back towards the house as Mario runs into the picture, seemingly aiming his own gun at his father. Mario is the only one visible for the rest of the footage as he dashes around the yard and the driveway, seemingly aiming his gun towards the house while attempting to dodge gunshots. He then calmly walks towards the front of a car in the driveway and takes cover, which is where he remains for the rest of the footage. A gunfight between a father and son unfolded on the front lawn of a Georgia home on Friday A home surveillance video captures the father chasing his son out of the house The home belongs to the father, who has not been named, though it's not immediately clear if Mario lives there as well. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports nobody was hit by any bullets during the exchange, which began when the dad caught his son with a gun. He demanded that Mario hand over the weapon. Mario refused and instead aimed it at him, which led the father to retrieve his own gun from his bedroom. The son, Mario Paul Clarke, 26, then turned around and ran towards his father with a gun Clarke eventually made his way to the driveway, all while seemingly exchanging fire The father was the one who ultimately called 911. He isn't expected to face charges, as he was defending himself on his own property. His son, however, was arrested after the incident and charged with aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He is being held at a jail at Coweta County Jail on $8,000 bond, which he had not posted as of Tuesday. 'The offender still had the firearm on his person when taken into custody,' said a news release from the sheriff's office. Shell casings were recovered from the property, with three bullet holes puncturing the house. During a hearing on extremism in the military's ranks, a Republican congressman blasted a witness on the credibility of the Southern Poverty Law Center, saying the group has designated major veteran organizations unfairly as hate groups. But that never happened. Rep. Pat Fallon, R-Texas, grilled Lecia Brooks, the chief of staff for the Southern Poverty Law Center, over perceived bias against traditionally conservative organizations and veteran groups. Brooks was testifying at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on White supremacy and right-wing extremism in the military and veteran community following the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol shortly after a pro-Trump rally. Read Next: Biden Signs Sweeping New Law Allowing VA To Vaccinate All Veterans, Spouses "Yes or no question, has your organization named the American Legion as a hate group?" Fallon asked Brooks. "I don't believe so," she replied. "I found it, and it did," Fallon replied. "Were you aware they named the VFW as a hate group?" "Not in our current census, no," Brooks answered. The Southern Poverty Law Center publishes an annual list of 838 organizations it considers hate groups, defined by SPLC as groups that target specific demographics. This list includes the Ku Klux Klan and the far-right nationalist group Proud Boys. The list does not include either the VFW or American Legion. Fallon seemingly got this information from the Duffel Blog, a military satire website, which published a piece in 2017 titled "Southern Poverty Law Center classifies VFW and American Legion as hate groups." "We never listed the VFW or American Legion. That assertion appeared as satire in a blog known as the Duffel Blog," Brooks said. The satirical Duffel Blog story quoted former SPLC President J. Richard Cohen as saying that "both the VFW and Legion were included since many of their members sympathize with radical, extreme-right-wing ideals such as freedom, safety and family values." The article added: "'I hate to criminalize a group of decorated war veterans," Cohen said, from somewhere deep within a fog of pit sweat in his corporate think-tank steam room, where Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Moscow) was seen relaxing in the nude." However, the American Legion came under fire from the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2008 when it published a booklet titled "A Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration in the United States." SPLC decried the document as "anti-immigrant," and said it "regurgitates discredited and often completely false information about how 'illegals' are bringing crime, disease, and terrorism to this country, even as they wreck the economy for natives." More recently, an American Legion post commander was removed from leadership roles after photos surfaced of him wearing a Proud Boys jacket and marching with other group members during a Dec. 12, 2020, pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C. -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon Related: Extremism 'Has Reared Its Head' in Air Force Special Operations, General Says Infutor Data Solutions Total Consumer Insights represents the culmination of our many data investments and identity resolution capabilities, enabling us to deliver a winning combination of data accuracy, data completeness and value. --Gary Walter, CEO of Infutor Consumer identity management expert Infutor today introduced Total Consumer Insights, a third-party dataset that provides privacy-compliant behavioral and household attributes on 266 million US consumers across 120 million households. A multi-sourced, large-scale deterministic dataset, Infutors Total Consumer Insights is rich in predictive signals and makes it easy to link to first, second and third-party data sources without an onboarding partner. The result is a more robust customer dataset that marketers can use to drive online and offline segmentation and predictive models. Todays brands need reliable, privacy-compliant identity data to enhance their first party data so they can better understand and connect with their customers across channels, said Gary Walter, CEO of Infutor. Total Consumer Insights represents the culmination of our many data investments and identity resolution capabilities, enabling us to deliver a winning combination of data accuracy, data completeness and value on par with competitive datasets. Total Consumer Insights is the largest data investment Infutor has made to date and helps bring together its many identity data capabilities and investments in its market leading TrueSource Identity Graph, including the acquisition of Dunn Data Company in 2019 and Ruf Strategic Solutions in 2018. Predictive modeling is a critical marketing tool and brands are investing in data to improve their models and better target their campaigns. To be effective, they need predictive consumer data with signals such as age, household income, and gender that can be used to enhance their first party data sets and perform better across offline and digital programs. Total Consumer Insights is built on Infutors TrueSource Identity Graph featuring 260+ million US consumers and 100 million daily updates compiled from deterministic, authoritative and permissible data from numerous privacy and security-compliant sources. Infutors industry leading and privacy compliant consumer identity management and identity resolution services provide clients with the trusted foundational identity data they need to enhance their first party data and complete a 360-degree view of their consumers. About Infutor Infutor is the expert in data-driven consumer identity management and identity resolution. The company is solely focused on enabling brands to instantly gain access to the most complete and accurate information about consumers, exactly when they need it, to make informed marketing and risk mitigation decisions. Infutor is regularly named to the Inc. 5000 list and recognized by Crains Chicago and Built In Chicago as a Best Place to Work. A privately held company founded in 2003 with strategic investments from Norwest Venture Partners, Infutor is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information, visit http://www.infutor.com. ### Mozart's symphony No. 41 in C, also known at the "Jupiter" symphony, is likely the last in a series of three symphonies of a triptych. Orchestra of St. Luke's performing Mozart's "Jupiter" at Carnegie Hall on Feb. 7, 2018. (Steve J. Sherman) Mozarts Unacknowledged Triptych of Symphonies In the summer of 1788, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart composed three 4-movement symphonies in the space of two months. Given the composers situation at the time, a financial condition best described as debt-ridden, one would assume he had been handsomely commissioned to spend precious weeks laboring over lengthy, complex scores. That assumption would be wrong. No one knows for certain why Mozart composed the works we know as his last symphonies: No. 39 in E-flat, No. 40 in G minor, and No. 41 in C, the latter nicknamed Jupiter. There is no record of a commission, and the symphonies were likely not performed in his lifetime. Mozart died in 1791. A silverpoint drawing of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart from 1789. (Public Domain) Success and Fading Fortune Upon his arrival in Vienna from Salzburg seven years earlier, Mozart had been feted and acclaimed as a fresh young talent, and commissions and students abounded. Now 32, he could no longer lay claim to youthful status. Two other factors worked against him as well: His mature style ran miles ahead of his contemporaries, and audiences werent keeping up. As Mozarts librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, put it, Vienna audiences needed to hear Mozarts pieces many, many times before understanding them. And secondly, in February 1788, Austria had entered the war against the Ottoman Empire. The threat of Turkish invasion and problems stemming from the war sent many of Viennas elite, Mozarts main source of commissions and students, fleeing west. If at any time in his life Mozart needed to focus solely on income-producing endeavors, the summer of 1788 was it. Yet here he was, devoting two months to three major scores on no commission, without promise of performance. Why? The cliche about Western composers prior to the 19th century is that they were craftsmen, solely concerned with pleasing patrons, who were usually the church or the nobility. Marxist critics, in particular, are quick to categorize musical worksand all artistic effortsas the material products of their particular time and culture, as if artworks were nothing but commodities on their way to becoming artifacts. Something to Say The truth is that art is a vehicle for the comprehension of experience. Music, in particular, is capable of conveying psychic statesnot the generalized emotions suggested in music appreciation classes, and not stories per se, but the states of experience. Mozart, in that Vienna summer of poverty and the Turks at the door, had something to say, something big. Couched as a simple dialectic, the three last symphonies reflect youthful exuberance (No. 39), countered by disappointment and sorrow (No. 40), conquered by spiritual transcendence (No. 41). Though they are almost always performed separately, hearing the symphonies in succession makes it clear Mozart wrote them as a triptych. That was the realization reached at last within the musical community seven years ago, when conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt announced his belief that, yes, Mozart wrote the three together because he intended them to be performed together. Harnoncourts reasoning was formal: The three share a degree of material, and the first of them, No. 39, begins with a slow introduction that lacks a coda, or end-piece. The coda, it seems, is found in the famous last measures of No. 41, which effortlessly toss five musical motives in the air at once in perfect counterpoint. But more than formal reasons support Harnoncourts belief. Below is a very brief guide to Mozarts final symphonic utterances. The K numbers refer to a catalogue of Mozarts works in roughly chronological order. Symphony No. 39 in E-flat, K. 543 The first movement opens with a majestic Adagio that portends something of great importance. A stinging dissonance a few measures from the end of this introduction tells us the journey ahead will not be easy, but by the time the work is off on its first Allegro, there is only sunshine. Here and there throughout the rest of the work, dissonance will erupt, but in every case, it will be treated as a momentary detraction. The second movement has a number of these eruptions, yet optimism pushes them aside. The finale is one of the most gleeful pieces ever imagined. Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550 Its somewhat ironic that Mozarts most popular symphony is also his most relentlessly pessimistic. No. 40 finds our listener unable to overcome the pull of G minors dark attraction. Even the lyrical second movement in E-flat, the key of the brightly lit Symphony No. 39, cannot rise above a sense of defeat. Symphony No. 41 in C, K. 551 From start to finish, the symphony documents the superior joy of accepting suffering (see No. 40) as a path to understanding. Dissonance is no longer dismissed or denied (as in No. 39), but incorporated into a birds-eye view of the whole, culminating in that coda of five different motives juggled in the air of a newfound freedom. Not bad, for two months work. Former music critic for the Arizona Republic and The Kansas City Star, Kenneth LaFave recently earned a doctorate in philosophy, art, and critical thought from the European Graduate School. He is the author of three books, including Experiencing Film Music (2017, Rowman & Littlefield). You are the owner of this article. New Delhi: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is all set to visit India on Wednesday for a two-day trip. Moreover, for the first time, he along with PM Modi will take part in a road show in Ahmedabad, Gujarat today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that India truly values its ties with Japan and that he looked forward to further boost the bilateral relations in a wide range of areas. The annual India-Japan Summit is set to begin on Wednesday in Gandhinagar, the capital of the prime ministers home state Gujarat. I look forward to welcoming PM @AbeShinzo. I will be hosting him in Gujarat in our fourth annual summit together, Modi tweeted in English as well as in Japanese. PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties, he added. India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017 In another tweet, he said the two leaders will attend a programme to mark the start of work of Indias first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. Ahmedabad is all set to welcome the PM of Japan, Mr. @AbeShinzo, who will be on his India visit starting tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/gZsVsDgMQw PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 12, 2017 The train is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities. Japan is a pioneer in high-speed rail networks, and its Shinkansen bullet train is among the fastest in the world. India truly values the relationship with Japan and we look forward to further boosting our bilateral ties in a wide range of sectors, the prime minister said. The two leaders will review the recent progress in the multifaceted cooperation between India and Japan under the framework of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership and will set its future direction, said a statement on Narendramodi.in. A civic reception will be held for the Japanese prime minister in Ahmedabad on Wednesday evening where the cultural diversity of India will be showcased through a series of performances. The two prime ministers will visit Sabarmati Ashram, established by Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of the Sabarmati river. PM @AbeShinzo & I will attend the programme to mark the start of work of Indias first high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad & Mumbai. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017 They will then visit the Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali, a famous 16th century mosque in Ahmedabad.The two leaders will also visit Dandi Kutir, the museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, at the Mahatma Mandir. Tight security arrangements have been put in place and more than 9,000 policemen will be deployed in Ahmedabad as a part of security cover. PM @AbeShinzo and I will attend a wide range of programmes on 13th and 14th September 2017, aimed at further boosting India-Japan ties. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. MALIBU, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With Mother's Day and Father's Day fast approaching, Consumer Product Events, the premier matchmaker for products and press, is presenting some of their favorite products for short-lead gift guides, roundups and reviews. Our recommendations for 2021 include: Consumer Product Events Desert Essence There's no way to truly thank Moms for all the things they do for us but Desert Essence has created a perfectly simple, soothing and pampering Mother's Day gift- Desert Essence's Moringa, Jojoba, and Rosehip Oil! This unique combination of oils works wonders for the face, neck and hands and has protective antioxidant vitamin benefits and stimulates collagen, leaving the skin moisturized and soft. Sarah Eykyn | [email protected] Hallmark From meaningful cards that celebrate perfectly imperfect realities to reminders of how they continue to show the way, Hallmark has exciting and affordable options for all shoppers this season. Erica Davis | [email protected] Pedi Pockets The patented plush fleece blanket with the perfect foot pocket for use after a long day, for chilly tailgates or to enhance home decor. Katherin McClellan-Miller | [email protected] Re: Invent Your Life: What Are You Waiting For The guidebook that contains over 26 action-oriented Power Tools to let go of fear, discover change that creates opportunities, and connect internally and looking within. Kathi Sharpe-Ross | [email protected] SnoozeShade Snoozeshade encompasses a range of baby sleep and sun protection products that help babies get the sleep they need wherever they need it, as well as help them safely enjoy the sun. Cara Sayer | [email protected] St. Claire's Organics St. Claire's Organics organic breath mints and herbal pastilles, launches their newest flavor Organic Coffee Herbal Pastilles. The tasty organic treat line is full of rich cafe latte that deliver a nice energy boost. Cris Uribe | [email protected] Style Union Home - Brought to the table by the CoFounder of True Religion jeans, fashion powerhouse Kym Gold, introduces fully customizable, luxury ceramic selections. Words, names or any snarky quip like "Mom's Stuff", "Dad's Things", or anything befitting one's personal home environment can be made to order on styleunionhome.com. Macy Harrell | [email protected] Sok-It - Sok-It's iced coffee sleeve, helps to eliminate the hassle of extra napkins, car spills, and rings on the desk. This versatile cup sleeve protects all beverages ranging from hot or iced coffee, favorite soda, water and everything in between. Kristie Burns | [email protected] ZVOX Audio Introducing the world's smallest home speaker system at 10" wide and less than one pound, ZVOX's AccuVoice AV100 "mini" TV Speaker has it all. Tim Leaver | [email protected] About Consumer Product Events : A sister company of the consumer packaged goods launch pad, Brown + Dutch Public Relations, Inc. Established in 2009, CPE is a "do it yourself" matchmaker, connecting consumer packaged goods with the press who are looking to report about them. Media Contact Alyson Dutch, [email protected] 310.317.1543 SOURCE Consumer Product Events CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "EV Test Equipment Market by Vehicle Type (Passenger Car and Commercial Vehicle), by Electric Vehicle Type (BEV and HEV), by Equipment Type, by Application (EV Component and Drivetrain, EV Charging, and Powertrain), Region - Global Forecast to 2026", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global EV Test Equipment Market size is projected to grow from USD 42 million in 2021 to reach USD 105 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 20.1%. Browse in-depth TOC on "EV Test Equipment Market" 100 Tables 53 Figures 184 Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id= 194816929 The increasing demand for alternative fuel vehicles has fueled the growth of the market for electric vehicles. To reduce crude oil consumption, automotive emissions, and air pollution, governments around the world have adopted and implemented favorable policies which promote the use of electric vehicles. The increasing demand for electric vehicles is expected to fuel the growth of the market for electric vehicle testing equipment and related components. Due to the increasing focus on the development of innovative battery technologies, high demand for vehicle electronic functions and features, and stringent emission standards, the demand for EV test equipment, software, and repair data is rising. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market in the forecast The Asia Pacific is projected to be the largest market for electric vehicle testing equipment during the forecast period. The Asia Pacific region is considered for China, Japan, South Korea, and India. This is due to the early adoption of public EVs in the Asia Pacific region leading to an increase in the demand for EV test equipment. Due to the increase in the sales of EVs in the region, especially in China, there is an increase in the demand for EV test equipment. The high preference for EVs, coupled with the increasing focus of governments on the adoption of EVs are expected to drive the growth of the market in the region. Europe is expected to be the second-largest market during the forecast Europe has implemented stringent emission regulation standards to cope with the rising emission levels. Several countries in the region are promoting electric vehicles by offering significant incentives. The demand for electric vehicle test equipment has increased significantly due to the rising use of low-emission vehicles in the region. Europe has set a very ambitious goal of reducing 80% CO2 emissions by 2050 and has created a roadmap for the same. Governments of various countries in Europe are subsidizing electric vehicle infrastructure and the focus is expected to be on electric vehicles in the long run. This is expected to lead to the high growth of the EV Test Equipment Market in the region. Request FREE Sample Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id= 194816929 The HEV segment is expected to be the largest segment in the forecast The HEV segment is projected to lead the electric vehicle segment of the EV Test Equipment Market during the forecast period. As of 2021, HEV is certainly the most feasible and option due to the scarcity of charging stations and the high cost of BEVs, especially in cost-sensitive countries in the Asia Pacific. The BEV segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR due to the regulations, subsidies, and zero-emission operation. Various test equipment providers are offering test systems such as e-axle, e-drive, and battery test systems for BEVs. Key Market Players: The EV Test Equipment Market is dominated by established players such as AVL (Austria), TUV Rheinland (Germany), teamtechnik (Germany), Chroma ATE (Taiwan), and HORIBA (Japan). Browse Related Reports: Electric Commercial Vehicle Market by Propulsion Type, Vehicle Type, Range, Battery Type, Length of Bus, Power Output Type, Battery Capacity Type, Component Type, Autonomous Vehicles Type, End User and Region - Global Forecast to 2028 Electric Vehicle Market by Vehicle (Passenger Cars & Commercial Vehicles), Vehicle Class (Mid-priced & Luxury), Propulsion (BEV, PHEV & FCEV), EV Sales (OEMs/Models) Charging Station (Normal & Super) & Region - Global Forecast to 2030 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/ev-test-equipment-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/ev-test-equipment.asp SOURCE MarketsandMarkets Maputo Mozambique's Administrative Tribunal (TA) has condemned the Brazilian mining giant Vale for its refusal to share information of public interest concerning its coal mining activities in the western province of Tete. The Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) had gone to court to oblige Vale to provide information. The OAM, working under the project for "Legal monitoring of Land Rights and Food Security of Communities affected by Large Scale Investments", demanded that Vale make publicly available the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government, Vale, and the communities affected by its mine, all the agreements it had reached with local communities, and full details of the compensation paid to people whose interests or livelihoods had been damaged by coal mining. The OAM also wanted a full statement of all taxes Vale had paid to the Mozambican state between 2013 and 2019, and "information on the current stage of the resettlement of communities affected by the project, and of solutions to the clams presented by the communities", among other matters. A lower court ordered Vale to provide all the information the OAM had requested, and so Vale then appealed to the Administrative Tribunal. But, according to a release from the OAM, the Tribunal threw out the appeal, and ruled that the lower court's decision stands. There was no legal basis, it said, to reverse the original decision. The lower court "correctly interpreted and applied the law when it condemned Vale-Mocambique for violating the right to information of public interest". The OAM has now urged Vale to respect the law and make available all the information requested, "so that it can contribute to a better understanding of society about its commitments under its coal mining operations". This is the second defeat for Vale in Mozambican courts so far this year. On 26 January, the Tete Provincial Court sentenced Vale to pay 14 million meticais (about 195,000 US dollars, at current exchange rates) to 48 peasants of Chidwe village, in Moatize district, who were unable to reach their fields because of a fence Vale had built illegally around its mine. Rightside Brewing IPA Can We have the wheat already in market which is a lighter style. Not only are IPAs the most popular craft style, the IPA is a nice balance to the lighter wheat, Woods said. Rightside Brewing announces the release of their American IPA after their first highly-rated Citrus Wheat was released in January 2021. The non-alcoholic beverages industry continues to grow in popularity, especially now when health and wellness is in the spotlight as the world begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rightside Brewing offers craft non-alcoholic beers using technology that gives their drinks an authentic and delicious taste. The IPA offers a bright hop aroma of tropical, citrusy, and piney flavors. It is amber in color with a white head and is a balanced soft IPA with medium body and a robust malt flavor. Sam Reinhart, in his review of the IPA, said it is a fastball right down the middle. Nothing crazy, no fancy organic umbrella hipster mustache fruit hops or anything like that. Just a solid, mildly hoppy beer with an amazing mouthfeel, clean finish, and beautiful color. Rightside Brewing now has two beers in their non-alcoholic portfolio. When dreaming up the beers offered, founder Emree Woods wanted to create beers with broad flavor appeal that balanced each other out. We have the wheat already in market which is a lighter style. Not only are IPAs the most popular craft style, the IPA is a nice balance to the lighter wheat, Woods said. The IPA just started hitting Georgia retail shelves, and locations can be found on Rightsides innovative product finder for Georgia consumers on their website. Rightside also ships nationwide to select states through their online store. Rightside Brewing was imagined in 2017 when founder, Emree Woods, was pregnant with her daughter and noticed a need for non-alcoholic adult beverages. Launching the first beer in January 2021, Rightside creates social inclusion for people in any phase of life. The secret to their crisp tasting brew is in the technology that uses advanced filtration that only delivers authentic taste, creating non-alcoholic beer that tastes like yummy beer. In honor of those still seeking their brightside, Rightside donates five percent of their profits to sobriety-related efforts. For more information on Rightside Brewing and the latest updates on its products, visit http://www.RightsideBrewing.com, Facebook and on Instagram at @RightsideBrewing. Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Tomorrow Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds light and variable. New Delhi, March 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India is at the "forefront" of initiatives that seek to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCD). Modi's remarks came after the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) commended India's remarkable progress in reducing premature mortality from NCD. Expressing gratitude to UNITAR, the Prime Minister said in a tweet, "India is at the forefront of initiatives that seek to prevent non-communicable diseases and further wellness. Grateful to UNITAR for their kind words. Together, we all have to make our planet healthier". The UNITAR also sought India's cooperation in promoting lessons of the National Multisectoral Action Plan (NMAP) for prevention and control of common NCDs. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also tweeted on the subject. Bagchi wrote, "Long strides towards tackling non-communicable diseases (NCD). UNITAR commends India's remarkable progress to reduce pre-mature mortality from NCDs and seeks cooperation with Government of India to promote lessons learned from implementation of the NMAP for Prevention and Control of Common NCDs." Bagchi also talked about how India's position as the global leader of vaccine and generic NCD drugs manufacturer helped it to achieve this target. "As per WHO's Global Health Observatory, India succeeded in reducing premature NCD-related mortalities from 503 to 490 per 1 lakh population between 2015 and 2019. "Replacements of fuelwood by LPG across rural households has significantly reduced household pollution, thereby reducing risks of cancer and chronic lung diseases. Promoting an active lifestyle worldwide through activities like Yoga which can address the risk of cardiovascular diseases." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text SAGINAW, MI A winter morning three years ago, a 65-year-old woman was working alone in her downtown Saginaw office building when a man brutally beat and robbed her. Having undergone numerous surgeries since to address the trauma she suffered, the woman testified in the trial of the man police and prosecutors say nearly killed her. Jurors in the trial of Timothy P. Green, 37, were sworn in the afternoon of Tuesday, March 23. Green is charged with assault with intent to murder and unarmed robbery. The former is a life offense, while the latter is a 15-year felony. Called to the stand by Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Shellbe A. Sanborn as her first witness, Kathy Rogers said she arrived to work at the READ Association of Saginaw County at 100 S. Jefferson Ave. about 9 a.m. on Feb. 6, 2018. She was alone in the fourth-floor office at the time, she said. I was attacked, Rogers, now 68, testified. I dont remember it, but I was attacked, and later found on the floor then taken to Covenant hospital. Rogers said her next memory is of awakening at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, where she had been taken via helicopter. Rogers had had credit cards and less than $50 in cash in her purse when she had been attacked, she said. Sanborn asked Rogers about the injuries she had suffered. I had a complex concussion and a brain bleed, Rogers said. My right ear and my right eyelid were ripped, and so they stitched those up right away. I was so bruised and swollen they had to wait to do surgery on my face. Rogers suffered a broken jaw, broken nose, and had to have three plates put in her face to mend broken bones. She endured long-term effects, such as double vision that required surgeries in June 2018 and March 2019, she said. I still have eye sensitivity and things like that, but my vision is much better, she said. Is it fair to say that you dont remember the attack itself in your office? Sanborn asked. Not at all; I dont remember anything, Rogers said. She went on to say she would not be able to identify her assailant. Defense attorney James F. Gust declined to cross-examine Rogers, asking her no questions. Prior to Rogers testimony, Sanborn and Gust gave their opening statements to the jurors, sharing their perspectives on the case. Dont stop. Dont stop. Keep going. You can do better than that, Sanborn began. Ladies and gentlemen, those are the words that the defendant said to himself as he violently hit and continuously beat a woman that was almost twice his age when she was alone in her office building in the middle of the day. Sanborn said police officers will testify that when they arrived at Rogers office, they found personal effects strewn about and it appeared as though the place had been ransacked. She said the jury will see photos of the office, with blood on the floor, wall, desk, cabinet and doorknob. Sanborn said that surveillance camera footage shows Green getting off an elevator in the office building, going into Rogers office, then leaving moments later with a womans purse. A civilian witness will testify to having looked out another area office window to see a man with blood on his hands toss his tan coat and a purse in a dumpster, Sanborn said. Police are expected to testify that they recovered the items from the dumpster, with the purse containing Rogers drivers license, Sanborn said. When police later interviewed Green, he admitted to being in Rogers office, Sanborn said. He admitted to hitting this woman multiple times, she said. That is not going to be contested. The sole issue, in this case, is his specific intent to murder Kathy Rogers and that will be shown by the evidence. In an audio recording of an interview with Green, a detective asks him why he had to hit Rogers so many times. I saw her and I hit her, Sanborn quoted Green as saying to the detective. Something came over me and I just said, Dont stop, dont stop, keep going. I saw blood and I said, You can do better than that.' Sanborn cautioned the jury that parts of the trial will be disturbing and unnerving. In his opening remarks, Gust agreed that the defense is not arguing Green is innocent of the assault and robbery. The question for you is going to be what was his intent at the time, Gust said, reminding the jury that the prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Green intended to kill Rogers. He said Green does not really remember what he was doing in Rogers office. During questioning by police, Green questioned whether he really did what he was accused of, his memory being so lacking, Gust said. Were not contesting the fact that he robbed, Gust said. Were just contesting the fact that he intended to kill her. Im convinced there is no way they can prove that he intended to kill anybody. What he did was a horrible thing. These photographs are disgusting. What he did was bad. He even made the statement to police, I cant believe I did this. At the end of the trial, you will not be able to find him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of assault with intent to commit murder. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III is presiding over Greens trial. To allow for social distancing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the trial is being held within the spacious Red Room inside The Dow Event Center. Read more: Man charged with attempted murder in heinous beating of woman, 65 Jury acquits Saginaw man accused of shooting at woman in 2019 Bay City man killed in vehicle-pedestrian crash More than one year since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, the disease is once again surging around the world. Nearly 9,000 people are dying every day. Fueled by the emergence of more contagious variants, the seven-day average for new cases is approaching half a million, up 40 percent over the past month. New cases rose by eight percent last week, the fifth consecutive weekly increase. In Brazil, now the epicenter of the disaster, there are more than 2,000 deaths a day. Hospitals throughout the country are full. Morgues are overflowing with bodies that cannot be buried. Public funeral service workers help to remove the body of Jose Bernardino Ferreira, 77, who died from complications related to COVID-19 in his home, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The number of people who die in their homes amid the new coronavirus pandemic is growing due to the lack of availability in hospitals and the shortage of oxygen. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros) In India, where most cases and deaths in the countrys massive slums go unreported, even the official figures show that daily cases have tripled over the past month. An average of nearly 200,000 people are infected with the virus every day in Europe, and the trend is rising. Germany, France, Italy and Poland are in the midst of new surges, and Hungary is seeing the largest increase in hospitalizations and deaths since the start of the pandemic. In the United States, where more than 555,000 people have already died, the pandemic is surging in 24 US states, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. In Michigan, a center of US manufacturing, cases have increased nearly three-fold over the past month. Despite the development of highly effective vaccines, there is no serious plan to vaccinate most of the worlds population. Even in the major capitalist countries of Europe, less than five percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, while in most of Asia, Latin America and Africa, hardly anyone has received a vaccine. Two different trajectories arise out of this unending catastrophe, representing the interests of two different classes. The global pandemic is developing ever more openly into a global class struggle. Despite the resurgence of the disease, governments, led by the United States, are seeking to dismantle all measures to contain the pandemic apart from the chaotic and uncoordinated distribution of the vaccine. The Biden administration is spearheading the campaign to reopen schools, manipulating and falsifying science to do so. The contempt for human life shared by the entire ruling class was summed up by the fascistic ravings of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who, directing his anger at a population overwhelmed by the pandemic, said, Enough fussing and whining. How much longer will the crying go on? Calling for an end to all measures to contain the virus, Bolsonaro rebuked the Brazilian people. How much longer will you stay at home and close everything? he demanded. No one can stand it anymore. Now, as throughout the pandemic, the basic needs of public health are being subordinated to private profit and the endless accumulation of wealth by the oligarchy. Over the past year, the ruling elites throughout the world have made available trillions of dollars, euros and yen to the financial markets, driving up share values to record levels. As a direct result, the wealth of billionaires in the US has grown by $1.3 trillion, with similar windfalls going to ruling elites internationally. Millions of people have died over the past year. The International Labour Organization estimates that the world has lost the equivalent of 255 million jobs, while hundreds of millions of people have suffered from the many devastating economic and social consequences of the pandemic. But for the rich, the year has not only been good; it has been great. As with everything else, the production and distribution of vaccines are being subordinated to both the profit interests of the ruling elites and the geo-political interests of competing capitalist nation-states. While seeking to hoard vaccines, the United States has thrown billions of dollars at drug makers, giving them the patent rights to publicly-funded research and allowing them to massively overcharge developing countries. As a result, public health experts worry it could be years before substantial sections of the populations of Latin America and Africa are vaccinated. The American ruling class is using vaccine shortages to bully and threaten its neighbors. Most egregiously, the US is offering to send life-saving doses of its vaccines to Mexico on the condition that it agree to abuse and terrorize refugees seeking to enter the United States. Instead of devoting the resources necessary to fight the pandemic, the imperialist countries are carrying out a massive military build-up. This month, the UK announced a 40 percent increase in its nuclear weapons stockpile, and the US plans to double its spending in the Indo-Pacific region to threaten China. All the horrors of the pandemic are now to be compounded by the explosion of militarism and, ultimately, the use of nuclear weapons. This barbarism, accompanied by the promotion of nationalism and chauvinism, is the product of the same capitalist social order that has condemned millions to die from a pandemic that could have been prevented in the first place and contained once it erupted. This is the trajectory of the ruling class. The trajectory of the working class is class struggle, which raises the necessity for the working class to take political power, expropriate the rich, and transform the gigantic corporations and banks into democratically controlled and socially owned utilities. The pandemic has galvanized social opposition in the working class. Throughout the United States and around the world, teachers and other education workers are fighting against the unsafe return to in-person schooling. In Morocco this week, police violently confronted thousands of teachers protesting low pay and poor working conditions. In France and Britain, protests have erupted against police violence. In Brazil, oil workers have walked out, shutting down refiners to protest unsafe working conditions and the uncontrolled spread of the pandemic. Everywhere throughout the world, workers confront a common struggle and a common enemy. Despite the disaster created by capitalist governments, COVID-19 can, and must, be contained through the closure of non-essential businesses and a massive expansion of contact tracing, testing, and quarantining, coupled with an urgent and equitable global rollout of vaccines. The pandemic is global and cannot be stopped on a national basis. It requires the international coordination and pooling of scientific know-how and medical expertise, which capitalism and its corollary, nationalism, block at every point. Only the working class can spearhead an international fight against COVID-19 by uniting its struggles and directing them against capitalism. The implementation of this program requires a political struggle against the entire social and economic order. The eradication of the virus and all that has come from it requires the eradication of capitalism. The International Committee of the Fourth International and its national sections, the Socialist Equality Parties, are the political leadership of this movement. The perspective of the ICFI is based on the necessity for the organization and development of an international and revolutionary working class movement for socialism. The building of the Fourth International now acquires a burning actuality. Governor Andrew Cuomo left two female aides looking uncomfortable as he commented on their outfits less than 30 seconds into his press briefing, before insisting the two different women working for him who have accused him of sexual harassment will be 'protected from retaliation'. Cuomo, who has now been accused of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior by eight different women, commented on the clothes Assistant Secretary for Resiliency and Economic Development Molly Reilly and Director of State Operations Kelly Cummings were wearing as they joined him Wednesday in New York City. 'It is a coincidence that Kelly and Molly happen to have the same attire today,' he said, in an apparent reference to their matching light blue jackets. 'I believe its a coincidence. I know it is a coincidence. Its not like any government regulation,' he added, as the two women both awkwardly nodded along. His comments came at the start of his briefing where he said the two current aides who have accused him of sexual harassment are 'protected' but did not explain how, and denied that he can no longer do his job amid the escalating scandal. A total of eight women have now come forward to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, with two of the accusers still working for him. Alyssa McGrath became the eighth accuser Friday - and the first named current aide - as she told The New York Times the governor ogled her body, called her and her co-worker 'mingle mamas' and asked about her lack of a wedding ring. This came after another female aide, who has remained anonymous, claimed he called her to his Executive Mansion last year, reached under her blouse and fondled her. New York Attorney General Letitia James' office is investigating the allegations and an impeachment investigation was also launched by state Democrats, while top New York lawmakers including Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer are demanding he resign. The governor has said he 'never touched anyone inappropriately' but apologized for making anyone feel 'uncomfortable' and has vowed he will not stand down. In a clear sign of his plans of not going anywhere, Cuomo announced his budget priorities Wednesday saying legalizing pot was his number one priority as he vowed to reform the state's nursing homes - as he continues to also come under fire over the COVID-19 nursing home deaths scandal. Governor Cuomo left two female aides looking uncomfortable as he commented on their outfits less than 30 seconds into his briefing. Assistant Secretary for Resiliency and Economic Development Molly Reilly (right) and Director of State Operations Kelly Cummings (left) Cuomo was asked Wednesday how the two current aides were being protected and if they were working from home as their accusations of sexual harassment are investigated by the AG's office. The governor avoided answering the question pointing to both the ongoing impeachment probe by the state Assembly and the AG's investigation as reason for his silence. 'As I've said a number of times, the Assembly is doing a review, the attorney general is doing a review and we're cooperating with that review and I won't have a comment on it,' he said. 'And any conditions they have in that review are being followed.' The governor's Special Counsel Beth Garvey shielded the questions claiming Cuomo's office is 'taking measures' but said any further comment on the matter would be 'inappropriate.' As he was pressed further on the matter, Cuomo began saying 'there are rules' before Garvey interjected. 'Sorry Beth you want to go ahead?' Cuomo asked. Garvey replied saying 'yes please governor' before making the vague statement that 'measures' are being taken. 'So, certainly, every individual who comes forward and makes a complaint is protected from retaliation and we are taking measures to ensure that that occurs in this case as well,' she said. 'And any further comment as to the specifics would be inappropriate at this time.' Cuomo insisted the two current aides who have accused him of sexual harassment are 'protected from retaliation' but did not explain how The governor's Special Counsel Beth Garvey (center) shielded questions during his press briefing Wednesday saying Cuomo's office is 'taking measures' to ensure the women are protected but said any further comment on the matter would be 'inappropriate' A total of eight women have now come forward to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior, with two of the accusers still working for him. Alyssa McGrath (pictured) became the first named current aide Friday Another female aide, who has remained anonymous, claimed he called her to his Executive Mansion last year, reached under her blouse and fondled her Cuomo added: 'Beth's point is that there are rules and conditions about how people who make complaints are handled and we're following those.' Neither Cuomo nor Garvey explained what this 'protection' entails or whether the two accusers are still working with the governor while their claims are looked into. McGrath told the NY Times of several alleged incidents of sexual harassment while working for the governor. She claimed Cuomo looked down her shirt to compliment her on her necklace, told her she's beautiful in Italian and kissed her on the forehead during an office Christmas party in 2019. She described a pattern of flirtatious behavior which began not long after she started working for him in May 2018. 'He has a way of making you feel very comfortable around him, almost like you're his friend,' McGrath said. 'But then you walk away from the encounter or conversation, in your head going, 'I can't believe I just had that interaction with the governor of New York'.' McGrath (pictured) claimed Cuomo looked down her shirt to compliment her on her necklace during a meeting with him Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, came out in December with allegations against him she further detailed her experience in a February post to Medium Anna Ruch (left) and Ana Liss both accused Cuomo of inappropriate behavior Karen Hinton (left), a press aide, and Jessica Bakeman accused Cuomo of inappropriate actions Charlotte Bennett, 25, accused Cuomo of propositioning her in his office in June McGrath also doubled down on the allegations made by her coworker - the anonymous accuser - saying the woman had told her about the incident. The unnamed woman, who was Cuomo's sixth accuser, has made the most damning accusation against the governor to date claiming he groped her breast in the Executive Mansion. 'She froze when he started doing that stuff to her,' McGrath told The New York Times. McGrath said the co-worker told her Cuomo had asked her not to talk about the alleged incident. 'He told her specifically not to tell me,' McGrath said. Cuomo's administration last week hired outside counsel to investigate the specific groping claim. He has denied inappropriately touching anyone but said he may have inadvertently made some women feel uncomfortable in the past by hugging and kissing them as a greeting. Cuomo was asked Wednesday to respond to critics who say he can no longer do his job as governor amid the probe into the harassment accusations. 'I say it is clearly not true the reality is the exact opposite,' he said. 'We're opening new vaccination centers all over the state, we have increased capacity dramatically, we are negotiating the budget as we speak and we are doing that and we are making good progress on that.' In a clear sign of his plans of not going anywhere, Cuomo outlined upcoming budget plans He said legalizing pot was his number one priority. Pictured a marijauna rally outside his office in 2019 He hit back at critics arguing that they 'don't even understand the nature of the job.' 'They were just wrong. They don't even understand the nature of the job,' he said. 'The nature of being governor is there are always multiple situations to deal with.' Though the governor didn't name names, his comments came just hours after New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a longtime foe, repeated his views that Cuomo no longer lead the state. 'I think he should resign so we can move forward in this state,' de Blasio said. Cuomo tried to make light of the question about his capacity to govern by saying that the last president had been more of a distraction to his tenure. 'The past four years we had to deal with Donald Trump as president,' he said smirking. 'You want to talk about distraction that was a distraction.' Cuomo, whose daily press conferences at the height of the pandemic won him an Emmy last year, outlined his 'top priorities' for the state's upcoming budget which has an April 1 deadline. His top priority is to legalize marijuana he said, a move which he described as 'essential.' 'Getting it done by the time the budget is passed is essential,' he said. The governor admitted he has been trying to legalize hemp and recreational marijuana for three years in line with neighboring state New Jersey. 'We have been trying to legalize cannabis for three years. I failed every year,' he said. 'We're close but we have been close three times before. If we were playing horse shoes we would be in good shape but this is not horse shoes.' Cuomo said he understood why some people oppose its legalization but said 'we have passed the point of legalized cannabis' and 'we don't live in a perfect world'. The governor also vowed to focus on reforming nursing homes. 'We have to reform our nursing home programs,' he said. 'For profit nursing homes like many for profit service providers to me pose an inherent conflict.' He gave the example of for profit prisons saying they make money by saving money on meals and providing fewer services. 'I'm more interested in making sure a for profit nursing home invests in the facilities, in the people, in the services, in the care,' he said. Cuomo also vowed to reform the state's nursing homes - as he continues to also come under fire over the COVID-19 nursing home deaths scandal. Pictured a COVID-19 patient at a Broolyln nursing home last April Relatives of those who died of COVID-19 in New York nursing homes gathered on Sunday 'I don't want for profit nursing homes squeezing profit out of the nursing homes and maximizing profit by minimizing the quality of care.' Cuomo has been slammed for his treatment of nursing homes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuomo issued a directive on March 25 last year ordering nursing homes to readmit COVID-positive patients because of a lack of space in hospitals. The move has been slammed for costing many lives given the elderly were especially vulnerable and that nursing homes were hotbeds for the virus. The ruling was reversed on May 10, barring nursing homes from accepting COVID-19 patients without a negative test first. This January, New York AG Letitia James said the state had downplayed the number of deaths of nursing home residents by 50 percent. The death toll was actually 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed. The new figures mean around one-seventh of the state's entire nursing home population of 90,000 have been killed by the virus. The state's total death toll was unchanged following the revelation as the deaths had been counted in overall figures. The change in number was down to nursing home residents who had been transported to hospital where they then died not being counted in the nursing home death tally. In February Cuomo was then accused of intentionally hiding the data and federal prosecutors began investigating a possible coverup. Dozens of people gathered Sunday at the We Care Memorial Wall in Brooklyn at the weekend holding signs saying they were 'Cuomo Covid Orphans' because of his nursing home policies. Throat sprays manufactured by a Winnipeg-based natural health company are up to 99.9 per cent effective against coronaviruses, new research suggests. Throat sprays manufactured by a Winnipeg-based natural health company are up to 99.9 per cent effective against coronaviruses, new research suggests. Innotech Nutritions COLFLEX Oral Spray can inactivate the infectious human coronavirus 229E within two minutes of contact, according to the "promising" results of a Penn State College of Medicine study, shared exclusively with the Free Press. SUPPLIED Wayne Friesen, president of Innotech Nutrition. And anyone can purchase the 25-ml spritz for $19.99 at naturopathic pharmacies and drug stores across Canada whether thats the cinnamon-lemon or arctic-mint version. "It all started when Health Canada reached out to us and asked whether we could help fight this battle against the pandemic," said Wayne Friesen, president of Innotech Nutrition, in an interview on Tuesday. "I immediately thought the throat sprays we already have for cough and immune support might be helpful. So, Health Canada said we should urgently get some independent scientific research done to see how effective it would be for (coronaviruses)." Within mere weeks, the Penn State scientific team prepared laboratory tests to replicate the interaction of the human coronavirus 229E in the throat and oral cavities using Innotechs spray which has been around since 2012 and has already proven successful to kill staph, strep pneumonia, E. coli and salmonella. COLFLEX was more than 90 per cent effective at eliminating the virus at a 60-second contact time. Those findings are "quite successful and very promising," said Dr. Craig Meyers, who led the team which conducted the study. "We used the HCoV229E virus for this because compounds that are effective at inactivating 229E typically act similarly against other human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2 or what we all know as COVID-19," explained Meyers. "Now, what needs to be determined is how exactly this will work in a real-life scenario for a patient instead of a petri-dish laboratory setting." Friesen said Innotech is "excitedly" looking forward to doing that by designing and conducting clinical trials. Based on those trials and demand from customers, Innotech will likely ramp up its manufacturing of the throat spray to markets across the country. While the spray is not a complete replacement for preventive measures like face masks or immunity treatments like vaccines, it could "very well be an effective way to manage life beyond the pandemic, as we learn to live with this virus," said Dr. Meyers. "Personally, I use COLFLEX routinely myself," said Friesen. "But knowing now how effective it is against (coronaviruses), its an added layer of protection that just makes sure Im safe and Im sure everyone would feel the same after theyve used it." Twitter: @temurdur Temur.Durrani@freepress.mb.ca Credit: UNSW Canberra UNSW Canberra Space's M2 CubeSat satellites successfully launched with Rocket Lab's "They Go Up So Fast' mission from New Zealand earlier today, representing a significant step forward in Australia's sovereign space capabilities. The M2 mission, a collaboration between UNSW Canberra Space and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), brings together emerging technologies that deliver advanced capabilities in Earth observation, maritime surveillance, and satellite communications. UNSW Canberra Space Director Professor Russell Boyce said M2 will deliver world-leading CubeSat technologies including formation flying, where the craft is able to split into two separate satellites (M2- A and M2-B) and fly in sequence, enabling significant mission flexibility. Supporting Australia's space situational awareness, the data captured by M2 can inform maritime surveillance, weather observations and low-orbit satellite traffic. This information is processed through advanced in-orbit artificial intelligence, on a platform reconfigurable throughout the mission. "The M2 mission is one of the most complex CubeSat programs ever attempted. It will enable both UNSW Canberra Space and the RAAF to gain experience and capability in the development and operation of in-orbit space science and technology missions," Professor Boyce said. The M2 mission will play a role in expanding the Australian space industry, which is integral to solving the challenges the country will face in the future. "As we depend on space infrastructure for resource management, secure communications and data collection during extreme weather events and bushfires, building our sovereign space capabilities is critical for Australian security," Professor Boyce said. Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts, Head of Air Force Capability said the M2 mission is incredibly exciting as it's the first time the RAAF has used formation flying in CubeSats. "The two satellites will be able to communicate with each other, as well as ground stations back here on Earth, giving better quality data, with greater detail and less lag timeall fundamentally important for Australia's defense. This innovative home-grown approach has been designed to meet Australia's unique requirements for sovereign space capability," Air Vice-Marshal Cath Roberts said. UNSW Canberra Space's Spacecraft Project Lead Andrin Tomaschett said the M2 mission was almost entirely designed and built in Australia, supported by optical telescopes developed for the mission by Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. of Connecticut, US. At home, the mission is supported by a domestic supply chain of some 30 companies. This, combined with three spin-off companies from UNSW Canberra Space to date, is an indicator of the significant impact that targeted investment in the research sector can have on building the nation's space industry. "The M2 mission is our most complex yet and it's great to be launching again with Rocket Lab," Mr Tomaschett said. "M2 comprises two connected spacecraft that will separate on-orbit to engage in formation flying, followed by a multitude of radio frequency, imaging and laser experiments." It follows in the footsteps of the M2 Pathfinder Mission, which launched with Rocket Lab in June 2020 and delivered various risk mitigation exercises for the team's technologies ahead of the launch of M2. "The M2 Pathfinder successfully tested various in-house technologies, including on-board computing, attitude control, GPS, optical imaging, communications and flight software," Mr Tomaschett said. The space missions will also deliver research and educational outcomes for Defense and civilian students studying engineering at UNSW Canberra, strengthening Australia's future space workforce. Explore further CubeSat for Australian Defence innovation ready to fly "We are very excited about this transaction and are grateful to Will Strong at Cushman & Wakefield who helped the sale process move smoothly, and to Jackie Orcutt and Rusty Kennedy at CBRE for attracting such a great roster of tenants." Conor Commercial Real Estate and joint venture partner WHI Real Estate Partners have sold the first phase of Lotus Project to a Chicago-based investment advisor. The newly built industrial park in Chandler, Arizona, includes four state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing and light industrial buildings. At 473,516 square feet, the asset is one of the largest Class A industrial parks in the desirable Chandler submarket. Lotus Project was approximately 96% leased at the time of sale. "We are very excited about this transaction and are grateful to Will Strong at Cushman & Wakefield who helped the sale process move smoothly, and to Jackie Orcutt and Rusty Kennedy at CBRE for attracting such a great roster of tenants," stated Sven Tustin, Executive Vice President of Conor's Southwest region. "We are excited to continue our success as we move forward with the second phase of construction." Strategically positioned on a high-visibility site off the Loop 202 freeway, Lotus Project offers many logistical advantages. The site is less than one mile from I-10 and the Loop 202, 15 minutes from Sky Harbor International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Additionally, businesses have access to the dynamic workforce that exists within a population of more than three million within a 25-mile radius. The Class A business park is unique in that it reimagines the concept of traditionally simple industrial design. No detail was overlooked, from the elegant lotus emblem on the truck dock gates to the stained concrete blocks found throughout the property. Lotus Project has a unified campus environment with common design features that link the buildings and open space areas with inspiring themes of innovation, creativity and vitality. Each building features a 32' clear height, 50' x 56' column spacing with a 56' x 60' speed bay, 29 truck docks, a 210' shared truck court and abundant parking. All buildings also incorporate ample power, skylights, 6" unreinforced concrete floors, LED lighting and an ESFR sprinkler system. Recently, the firms broke ground on Phase II of Lotus Project, which will incorporate three additional industrial buildings totaling nearly 300,000 square feet on a 21-acre site. The new buildings will offer 24' to 32' clear heights, 60 dock doors, eight drive-in doors, 558 parking spaces and 55' speed bays. Will Strong, Jeff Chiate, Jeffrey Cole, Mike Adey, Greer Oliver and Connor Nebeker-Hay of Cushman & Wakefields National Industrial Advisory Group represented Conor and WHI in the sale of Lotus Project. Am I open to quotas? Yes, I am. Im open to anything which will achieve the outcome ... its ultimately a matter for the party organisation to make those changes. The changes need to be made and Im completely up for debate and conversation about what the nature of those changes should be. Where we are at the moment is not good enough and I want to see us do better. The Age called the Liberal Partys seven female MPs. Upper house MP Bev McArthur said quotas were a form of active discrimination. Taking quotas to their logical extension, should an election result be overturned if a man defeats a woman merely to achieve a balance of sexes in the parliament? Ms McArthur said. Which talented man is going to step aside in the name of virtue signalling? Do women want to be selected on gender tokenism? Georgie Crozier said: There are fabulous strong women and our party wants more women in Parliament, while Cindy McLeish said there was no question that more women were needed in Parliament. This is a discussion we must have. Louise Staley said: As somebody who has tried everything, quite frankly, to get more women into Parliament, we now need to seize this moment and deliver. Roma Britnell said: We must do whatever we can [to get better outcomes], while Wendy Lovell also added: Its clear that what weve been doing hasnt been working and we need to look at how we get more women into Parliament. Bridget Vallence said: We absolutely need more women and more diversity in our parliamentary team to better reflect the Victorian community we represent, and any discussion about how to deliver this must not be tokenistic. Just like in private business or community organisations, its vital we have structures and performance measures in place to enable opportunities for women to contribute and succeed. A senior Liberal source said the party had been arguing for 50 years about quotas, and in the last 10 years weve had how many bloody meetings, mentoring, womens leadership groups [and] womens preselection things? The source added, enoughs enough. Mr Baillieu said the party shouldnt be shy in exploring options to introduce quotas. I dont want to dictate how to do it, but its possible, he said. You can look at retiring members and allocate some of those seats [to new candidates] in advance, or introduce quotas for three or four state and federal elections combined and you keep it going until you get to 50-50 [gender equality]. A visibly distressed Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Former Victorian Liberal MP Andrea Coote, who headed the Women to Win group in 2016, said the Liberal Party needed to absolutely and utterly debate quotas in the current climate. The notion of quotas is a very emotive concept for the Liberal Party, but I feel it needs to be heartily debated and Im really pleased to see the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition openly discussing it, Ms Coote said. In the federal arena, senior frontbenchers Marise Payne, Karen Andrews, Sussan Ley and Melissa Price, along with a number of female MPs, also said it was time to consider quotas. Loading NSW federal Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman said he wanted the party to adopt mandatory quotas of 50 per cent female candidates on Senate tickets then look to boost women in the lower house, but other male MPs on the governments benches were reluctant to advocate for a formal policy, with many pointing out their grassroots members would not agree. Labor introduced quotas for women running in winnable seats in the mid-1990s, which has led to almost half the federal caucus being female compared with just a quarter for the Coalition. At a state level, Labors caucus is 48 per cent women, compared with the Liberals 22 per cent. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 02:50:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council expressed its deep concern Wednesday at the political and multiple other protracted crises in Haiti, urging stakeholders to set aside their differences and calling upon them to prepare for free, fair, transparent and credible presidential elections later in 2021. In the presidential statement issued by the representative of the United States, Council president for March, the 15-member organ expressed concern about the political, constitutional, humanitarian and security crises besetting Haiti, while stressing that primary responsibility to tackle the drivers of instability lies with the government. Underscoring the need to address essential security, transparency and logistical considerations, it also reiterated the urgent need to hold free, fair, transparent and credible legislative elections, overdue since October 2019. Noting with concern reported violations and abuses of international human rights, including some involving the alleged use of deadly force against protesters and reported arbitrary arrests and detentions, the Council called on the government to respect the freedoms of expression and association. It also called upon the Inspector General of the Haitian National Police to conduct a thorough investigation of the reported incidents. The Council also underlined the need for a coordinated response to the country's deteriorating security situation, including gang-related criminal activities; spotlighted the importance of an independent judiciary; noted the need to ensure accountability for human rights violations; and stressed that women and all Haitians should play a meaningful role in the political process. Council members noted their concern over growing food insecurity and malnutrition, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They stressed the need for increased support and attention to Haiti's humanitarian situation and development needs, as well as its efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Reaffirming its support for Haiti's people, the Council went on to call upon the international community to support the country's electoral endeavors. Further, it reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti and encouraged continued close collaboration between the mission and the United Nations country team, with a view to helping the government take responsibility and realize Haiti's long-term stability, development and economic self-sufficiency. Enditem Minister of Labour Ken Kandodo says the government is this week expecting a response from authorities South Africa detailing compensation payment modalities for former Malawian miners. Thousands of Malawians worked in South African mines in 1960s, 70s and 80s during apartheid when the then white minority government outsourced labour in mines because black South Africans refused to work to force the government end apartheid. About 48,000 Malawian ex-miners have been looking forward to the day when they'd get their compensations since their return from South Africa between 1988 and 1989. According to Kandodo, a list of ex-miners eligible for compensation was sent for vetting in South Africa to be followed by appropriate pay-outs. Kandodo said that the matter has dragged a lot due to failure by former regimes to pursue it thoroughly. Humble boatie Simon McQuillan has relived the moment his quick thinking prevented a disaster. The longtime skipper has been hailed a hailed a 'hero' after using a punt to steer a floating two-tonne shipping container away from crashing into a cluster of moored houseboats on the flooded Hawkesbury River. Mr McQuillan, the owner of Able Hawkesbury Houseboats at Wiseman's Ferry, told Daily Mail Australia he had just 'minutes' to act when he realised the 12-metre long container was headed for the company's houseboats. 'We were alerted to the container floating down the river by friends who were delivering supplies, that's how they got the drone footage,' he said. 'I didnt have much time, just minutes. But thats why the punt and the work platform are there, for just such an occasion.' A drone delivering supplies to stranded Hawkesbury residents captured Simon's feat Mr McQuillan said he had never seen the Hawkesbury River so high since 1990 Drone footage shows McQuillan steering the punt into the path of the container and directing it was from pontoons where he had 24 houseboats secured in the rising, fast-flowing river. The Hawkesbury River had risen to peaks of four metres after the sustained downpour caused by the low pressure system that has dominated the east coast of Australia for days. Mr McQuillan said he had 'just minutes' to steer the container from causing a lot of damage 'I dont really see it as heroic,' said McQuillan. 'It was just something that was potentially going to cause a lot of damage so I just had to go out and get it out of the way.' McQuillan, who has operated the houseboat business for 40 years, said he has never seen the Hawkesbury River reach such heights. 'It came up to a similar level in 1990 but this has actually surpassed that now.' 'Well just see how far it comes up,' he continued. 'Theres still stuff happening out there on the water. The local residents who have been cut off from ferries and any road access for quite a number of days now still needs supplies.' Mr McQuillan speaks with Sunrise's Matt Doran on the Hawkesbury at Wiseman's Ferry The business owner said he had been working the past five days to keep the houseboats secure as various objects including household sheds had floated down the river. More water expected to arrive from upstream meant the threat had not yet passed, said McQuillan, 'We hope the river will subside later today but it depends on how water comes through from the dam. 'If they open the floodgates it will change the situation, we have to just keep an eye on the flood heights.' Cressona Good Will Hose Company, 34 S. Sillyman St., will have bingo today. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and bingo will begin at 6:15 p.m. There will be a complimentary Lenten meal. For more information, call 570-385-5258. Frackville The Frackville Business and Professional Association is offering two scholarship opportunities to eligible graduating seniors. The scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $250 each. Eligible students must live in Frackvilles 17931 ZIP code. Applications are available at the Frackville Free Public Library, 56 N Lehigh Ave., during regular library hours, or online at the associations Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FrackvilleBPA/. The deadline for applications is May 14. Mahanoy City The West End Fire and Rescue Company, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., will have an Easter egg hunt for children ages 2-6 who live in the Mahanoy Area School District, from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday in the grassy yard behind the firehouse on South Street. Face masks and social distancing will be required. For more information, call 570-773-0870. Shenandoah The Polish American Fire Company, Centre and West streets, will offer homemade deviled crab dinners from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the firehouse on Friday. Proceeds will benefit the companys equipment fund. Free delivery will be available in the Shenandoah area. For tickets, see any member or call 570-462-9572. Free delivery is available in the Shenandoah area. For more information on pricing and menu, go to Facebook @PolishAmericanFireco or Twitter @pa_fireco. 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. March 23, 2021 Note: This story is one in a series of stories written by student Makenzie Kohler highlighting student scientists at Idaho State. Idaho State University clinical psychology doctoral candidate Luis Rodriguez will defend his dissertation this month. Its another huge step in an academic journey filled with success. Rodriguez is the first person in his family to obtain a college education and graduated with not one, but two bachelor's degrees in psychology and music. Rodriguezs interest in science sparked at an early age when he would watch the Discovery Channel with his father. This led to Rodriguez attending ISU with the intention of pursuing a medical degree. Like many do in college, he found his true passion outside of the plan he originally intended. While in a history class, he immersed himself in reading about human experiences and his love for understanding the human mind was kindled. During his undergraduate career at ISU, Rodriguez also became involved with research in Dr. Erin Rasmussens experimental psychology lab and has remained in her lab throughout his graduate education. Over the years, Rodriguez has been immersed in many different studies, allowing him to explore different areas of psychological research that appeal to his interests. His favorite research involved looking at the correlation between food security and impulsive food choice. Food insecure populations are those that are just not sure where their next meal is gonna come from. They don't always have the financial resources to be able to afford their food, he said. Other research has shown that people living with food insecurity tend to have higher rates of obesity, which is contradictory to the fact that meals are uncertain. This led Rodriguez and Rasmussen to wonder if there is a connection between this correlation and impulsive food choices. They found a significant link: food-insecure women tended to have higher rates of impulsivity when it came to food. This research is applicable to the field of clinical psychology when it comes to population health. These findings also allow for a better perspective on obesity in low-income populations and help clinicians and other public health officials create targeted treatments. Currently, Rodriguez is in Houston, Texas completing his predoctoral internship at the Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center. This internship is a year long experience required for a clinical psychology Ph.D., and Rodriguez loves it. He has been able to work in seven different areas of study at the VA and has found his calling to work with the LGBTQIA+ veteran community. My experience in the VA has really taught me a couple of things about being able to have those uncomfortable conversations about the role of identity, ethnic background, the role of socioeconomic status, how those identities really intersect and impact on the presentation of mental health experiences as well as treatment needs for this population, he said. Rodriguez is using the skills hes learned to further invest in mental health for the veteran community and is in the process of applying for a postdoctoral fellowship. Im looking for programs that will help develop skills so that we can expand mental health care access for LGBTQ veterans in the rural areas, taking these programs that are in the main hospitals in these major cities and expanding them out into the rural clinics for veterans, he said. Rodriguez said Idaho State Universitys psychology program has helped him grow as an academic. I can't speak more highly of the Houston VA, but also my training at ISU, he said. The psychology program really prepared me to go out and have these conversations to discuss diversity, to engage in uncomfortable discourse about these identities and situations they shaped and guided me in a way that has been so invaluable and in some ways set ISU clinical psychology students apart from other interns. Rodriguez said his experiences have humbled him and given him his drive for outreach to a community who needs it. His advice to new students? Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And it's okay [that] you don't know everything...the process of learning is such an incredible journey, he said. And you don't know what's how it's gonna turn out and to just kind of enjoy that process. And that it does get better. VATICAN CITY - Trying to save jobs as the pandemic pummels Vatican revenues, Pope Francis has ordered pay cuts for cardinals and other clerics, as well as nuns, who work at the Holy See. FILE - Cardinals listen as Pope Francis, background, delivers his Christmas greetings to the Roman Curia, in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019. Pope Francis has ordered pay cuts for Holy See employees, including slashing cardinals salaries by 10%. Francis in a letter made public by the Vatican on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, noted that the pandemic emergency negatively impacted all sources of revenue for the Holy See and Vatican City State. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File) VATICAN CITY - Trying to save jobs as the pandemic pummels Vatican revenues, Pope Francis has ordered pay cuts for cardinals and other clerics, as well as nuns, who work at the Holy See. In a decree published online Wednesday by the Vatican's official newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Francis said that starting in April cardinals' salaries will be reduced 10%. Superiors of the Holy See's various departments, who, with few exceptions, are clerics, will be hit by 8% cuts while lower-ranking priests and nuns will see 3% vanish from their paychecks. In the decree he signed on Tuesday, the pope noted that the Holy See's finances have been marked by several years of deficit. Worsening those financial woes, the pope wrote, was the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted negatively on all the sources of revenue of the Holy See and Vatican City State. The belt-tightening "has the aim of saving current job positions,'' Francis wrote. Lower-ranking lay-workers at the Vatican aren't affected by the salary reductions, but their pay raises, due every two years, are being temporarily frozen under the austerity measures. The lowest-paid lay workers will still get raise, though. Bans on tourism by many countries and other pandemic restrictions have severely reduced revenues at the Vatican Museums, which, with its Sistine Chapel, is a perennial money-maker for the Vatican, The Museums opened for some weeks during the pandemic when the situation in Italy improved. But with tourists from the United States and some other countries banned from entering Italy, the museums' cavernous rooms were eerily uncrowded in the pandemic. The Museums are currently closed and will stay closed at least through the upcoming Holy Week, which normally is one of Rome's heaviest periods for tourism. Earlier this month, the Vatican said it has nearly used up its financial reserves from past donations to cover budget deficits over recent years. It has predicted a 50-million-euro ($60 million) deficit for this year. Pandemic safety measures have seen many churches shuttered or limiting the number of faithful many of whom leave monetary donations during services who can enter. The Vatican's economy minister has said that the dwindled Museums revenue, as well as a drop in what Catholics donate, would contribute to a projected 30% reduction in revenue this year. The pay cuts also apply to several Vatican basilicas in Rome as well as to the Vicariate, or diocese of Rome, which is under the pope's direction. Cardinals, other clerics and well as nuns in Rome generally don't have expenses most lay people have, like market-value rents or mortgages, utility and heating bills, since many reside in housing owned by the Vatican or religious orders. Some cardinals have spacious, well-appointed apartments in historic palazzi in Rome. A cardinal on the Vatican staff could earn close to 5,000 euros (($6,000) monthly, according to those familiar with Holy See hierarchy. In any case, Francis noted, the salary reductions won't apply to anyone who can document that the cuts will make it impossible to meet fixed expenses related to their health conditions" or those of close relatives. Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 investment enables Mitratech to continue to drive portfolio expansion with corporate legal, risk and compliance, workflow automation and human resources solutions enabling digital transformation AUSTIN, Texas and TORONTO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitratech , a leading provider of legal and compliance software, announced today that it has agreed to a strategic investment from Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board (Ontario Teachers'). Following completion of the transaction, Hg, a leading global software investor and the majority investor in Mitratech since 2017, will retain a minority interest. TA Associates will sell its minority investment in the business. With Mitratech's proven portfolio of end-to-end solutions, organizations worldwide are able to implement best practices and standardize processes across all lines of business to automate activities of the corporate legal department, help organizations manage legal complexity, and stay compliant with an ever-changing landscape of risks and obligations. Mitratech serves over 50% of the Fortune 100 and over 500,000 users across the globe. Additionally, over 12,000 law firms, including 100% of the Am Law 200, collaborate with their corporate clients through Mitratech's e-Billing product offerings. "Our new partnership with Ontario Teachers' will further support our commitment to enhancing our portfolio of products and support our dedicated and growing customer base with their digital transformation, risk mitigation, and operational excellence," said Mike Williams, CEO of Mitratech. "Hg has been a strong partner for us over the past four years and we look forward to a continued relationship with them." Ontario Teachers' is one of the world's pre-eminent private equity investors. Through its private equity arm (Private Capital), Ontario Teachers' offers companies flexible, long-term capital and a focus on sustainable value creation. Since launching Private Capital in 1991, Ontario Teachers' has deployed capital in more than 500 investments globally, with a continued focus on investments in the software and technology sectors. "Mitratech is an exceptional business with a significant and growing suite of mission-critical technology solutions for corporate clients," said Karen Frank, Senior Managing Director, Equities at Ontario Teachers'. "We look forward to supporting Mike Williams and Mitratech's strong management team to drive the next phase of the company's growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions." "We've really enjoyed working with the Mitratech team to build a high-quality business in legal technology over the last four years," said Jean-Baptiste Brian, Partner at Hg. "Mark Friedman and the team at ST6 were also instrumental in building a best-in-class software company and we're really proud of what we've achieved together, particularly the operational transformation of the company and an acquisition strategy that has enhanced the customer proposition. We look forward to supporting Mike and his team in the next phase of growth of Mitratech." "Since our investment in 2015, Mitratech has ignited growth, expanded globally and broadened its portfolio to solve more customer needs," said Hythem El-Nazer, Managing Director at TA Associates. "We believe Mitratech is well positioned for continued growth in the future and we wish them continued success." Mitratech and Hg were advised by Lazard as financial advisor and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as legal advisor. Ontario Teachers' was advised by Evercore as financial advisor and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP as legal advisor. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed and closing is subject to customary closing conditions. About Mitratech Mitratech is a proven global technology partner for corporate legal, risk, and compliance professionals, offering a proven portfolio of end-to-end solutions that spread operational best practices throughout the enterprise, standardizing processes and accelerating time-to-value. That helps legal and governance, risk and compliance teams rise to the challenge of serving the evolving needs of the modern, dynamic enterprise. For more info, visit Mitratech.com . About Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board Ontario Teachers' is the administrator of Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, with C$204.7 billion in net assets (all figures at June 30, 2020 unless noted). It holds a diverse global portfolio of assets, approximately 80% of which is managed in-house, and has earned an annual total-fund net return of 9.5% since the plan's founding in 1990. Ontario Teachers' is an independent organization headquartered in Toronto. Its Asia-Pacific regional offices are in Hong Kong and Singapore, and its Europe, Middle East & Africa region office is in London. The defined-benefit plan, which is fully funded as of January 1, 2020, invests and administers the pensions of the province of Ontario's 329,000 active and retired teachers. For more information, visit otpp.com and follow us on Twitter @OtppInfo . About Hg Hg is a leading investor in software and services, focused on backing businesses that change how we all do business. Deep technology expertise, complemented by vertical application specialisation and dedicated operational support, provides a compelling proposition to management teams looking to scale their businesses. Hg has funds under management of over $30 billion, with an investment team of over 140 professionals, plus a portfolio team of more than 35 operators, providing practical support to help our businesses to realise their growth ambitions. Based in London, Munich and New York, Hg has a portfolio of over 30 software and technology businesses, worth over $60 billion aggregate enterprise value, with over 35,000 employees globally. For further details, please visit the Hg website: https://hgcapital.com/. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082756/Mitratech_Logo.jpg Chennai, March 24 : Come election time and graffiti artists across Tamil Nadu would be richer with loads of work, but those good old days are gone as far as the graffiti artists of the southern state are concerned this time. John Samuel, a graffiti artist in Coimbatore, told IANS, "We used to get a lot of work during elections and that was the time when we settled all our financial commitments, but now we are short of work. There are two reasons behind this -- firstly, the technological advancement and use of social media, and secondly, the Model Code of Conduct in Tamil Nadu which prevents graffiti campaigns on walls in urban areas. We now have to scout for villages. It's less work and we are hard pressed." Samuel (48) has been in the business of wall graffiti since the past 25 years and has a small studio at the Avinashi road in Coimbatore. However, he said that he is now slowly migrating to social media campaigns to survive in the industry. The electoral officer of Tamil Nadu has banned wall paintings and graffitis in the urban centres of the state, leading to lesser work for the artists. Muruganandan, a graffiti artist at Egmore, is also having a tough time. "We were expecting good work as lots of political parties are now in the fray, including the AIADMK, DMK, BJP, MNM, AMMK, DMDK and several other parties, but the work flow is less and its mainly owing to the Election Commission's order banning wall graffitis in the urban areas." Muruganandan, however, said that he is going to the rural areas of Tamil Nadu along with his fellow workers where they have managed to get some small work which will help them survive the tide. The graffiti artists used to charge anything from Rs 150-300 for drawing a symbol while full wall paintings cost much morer. Each artist used to earn anything between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, provided they got work during election time. Muruganandan said, "It seems that the good times are over and this system will be in place in the coming years also. We have to shift to some other areas for survival. I am trying to come to terms with social media but its difficult at this point of time." The Secretary of DMK's Kanyakumari unit, M.R. Velmurugan, told IANS, "Graffitis on walls gave a feel of elections and without these the elections are turning dull. Earlier, the popularity and presence of a candidate was measured by the number of walls booked and written in his name. But with changing times and new rules coming up, the political parties are also evolving and switching over to social media campaigns." An exoplanet as it is about to cross in front of or transit its star. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center In the quest for habitable planets beyond our own, NASA is studying a mission concept called Pandora, which could eventually help decode the atmospheric mysteries of distant worlds in our galaxy. One of four low-cost astrophysics missions selected for further concept development under NASA's new Pioneers program, Pandora would study approximately 20 stars and exoplanetsplanets outside of our solar systemto provide precise measurements of exoplanetary atmospheres. This mission would seek to determine atmospheric compositions by observing planets and their host stars simultaneously in visible and infrared light over long periods. Most notably, Pandora would examine how variations in a host star's light impacts exoplanet measurements. This remains a substantial problem in identifying the atmospheric makeup of planets orbiting stars covered in starspots, which can cause brightness variations as a star rotates. Pandora is a small satellite mission known as a SmallSat, one of three such orbital missions receiving the green light from NASA to move into the next phase of development in the Pioneers program. SmallSats are low-cost spaceflight missions that enable the agency to advance scientific exploration and increase access to space. Pandora would operate in Sun-synchronous low-Earth orbit, which always keeps the Sun directly behind the satellite. This orbit minimizes light changes on the satellite and allows Pandora to obtain data over extended periods. Of the SmallSat concepts selected for further study, Pandora is the only one focused on exoplanets. "Exoplanetary science is moving from an era of planet discovery to an era of atmospheric characterization," said Elisa Quintana, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and the principal investigator for Pandora. "Pandora is focused on trying to understand how stellar activity affects our measurements of exoplanet atmospheres, which will lay the groundwork for future exoplanet missions aiming to find planets with Earth-like atmospheres." Maximizing the scientific potential Pandora concentrates on studying exoplanetary and stellar atmospheres by surveying planets as they cross in front ofor transittheir host stars. To accomplish this, Pandora would take advantage of a proven technique called transit spectroscopy, which involves measuring the amount of starlight filtering through a planet's atmosphere, and splitting it into bands of color known as a spectrum. These colors encode information that helps scientists identify gases present in the planet's atmosphere, and can help determine if a planet is rocky with a thin atmosphere like Earth or if it has a thick gas envelope like Neptune. This illustration (not to scale) depicts Pandoras orbital pattern in Sun-synchronous low-Earth orbit, located approximately 435 to 497 miles (700 to 800 kilometers) above Earths surface, as it observes its targeted exoplanets and stars. This orbit enables Pandora to obtain multiple observations of exoplanets over long periods and the Earthshine exclusion zone helps avoid reflected light from Earth. Credit: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center This mission, however, would take transit spectroscopy a step further. Pandora is designed to mitigate one of the technique's most crucial setbacks: stellar contamination. "Stars have atmospheres and changing surface features like spots that affect our measurements," said Jessie Christiansen, the deputy science lead at the NASA Exoplanet Archive at Caltech in Pasadena, California, and a co-investigator for Pandora. "To be sure we're really observing an exoplanet's atmosphere, we need to untangle the planet's variations from those of the star." Pandora would separate stellar and exoplanetary signals by observing them simultaneously in infrared and visible light. Stellar contamination is easier to detect at the shorter wavelengths of visible light, and so obtaining atmospheric data through both infrared and visible light would allow scientists to better differentiate observations coming from exoplanet atmospheres and stars. "Stellar contamination is a sticking point that complicates precise observations of exoplanets," said Benjamin Rackham, a 51 Pegasi b Postdoctoral Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge and a co-investigator for Pandora. "Pandora would help build the necessary tools for disentangling stellar and planetary signals, allowing us to better study the properties of both starspots and exoplanetary atmospheres." Synergy in space Joining forces with NASA's larger missions, Pandora would operate concurrently with the James Webb Space Telescope, slated for launch later this year. Webb will provide the ability to study the atmospheres of exoplanets as small as Earth with unprecedented precision, and Pandora would seek to expand the telescope's research and findings by observing the host stars of previously identified planets over longer periods. Missions such as NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), Hubble Space Telescope, and the retired Kepler and Spitzer spacecraft have given scientists astonishing glimpses at these distant worlds, and laid a strong foundation in exoplanetary knowledge. These missions, however, have yet to fully address the stellar contamination problem, the magnitude of which is uncertain in previous studies of exoplanetary atmospheres. Pandora seeks to fill these critical gaps in NASA's understanding of planetary atmospheres and increase the capabilities in exoplanet research. "Pandora is the right mission at the right time because thousands of exoplanets have already been discovered, and we are aware of many that are amenable to atmospheric characterization that orbit small active stars," said Jessie Dotson, an astrophysicist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley and the deputy principal investigator for Pandora. "The next frontier is to understand the atmospheres of these planets, and Pandora would play a key role in uncovering how stellar activity impacts our ability to characterize atmospheres. It would be a great complement to Webb's mission." This illustration depicts Pandoras use of transit spectroscopy to reliably identify an exoplanets atmospheric composition as it passes in front of its host star. Credit: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center A launch pad for exploration Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in Livermore, California, is co-leading the Pandora mission with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. LLNL will manage the mission and leverage capabilities developed for other government agencies, including a low-cost approach to the telescope design and fabrication that enables this groundbreaking exoplanet science from a SmallSat platform. NASA's Pioneers program, which consists of SmallSats, payloads attached to the International Space Station, and scientific balloon experiments, fosters innovative space and suborbital experiments for early-to-mid-career researchers through low-cost, small hardware missions. Under this new program, Pandora would operate on a five-year timeline with a budget cap of $20 million. Despite tight constraints, the Pioneers program enables Pandora to concentrate on a focused research question while engaging a diverse team of students and early career scientists from more than a dozen of universities and research institutes. This SmallSat platform creates an excellent blueprint for small-scale missions to make an impact in the astrophysics community. "Pandora's long-duration observations in visible and infrared light are unique and well-suited for SmallSats," said Quintana. "We are excited that Pandora will play a crucial role in NASA's quest for finding other worlds that could potentially be habitable." ( ) Dr. Stuart Quin speaks to Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam about expanding into the fast-growing clinical trials market with the 15.6mln acquisition of RadMD, a US-based imaging contract research organisation (iCRO). Quin says this acquisition is 'in line with our strategy to move into other areas of telemedicine as well as to increase geographical diversity of our business'. He says the company has 'strong parallels with our core business' with a similar type of set up to Medica with over 250 radiologists. With 'real expertise in setting up imaging for clinical trials'. Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday (March 23, 2021) condemned "disgusting and sickening sex acts" reportedly performed by government staffers in Parliament House. On Monday night, News Corp Australia and Channel Ten News reported that four senior government staffers were involved in a group that shared images and videos of sexual encounters in Parliament, reports Xinhua news agency. An unidentified whistleblower said that the content includes acts performed on the desks of female MP. In a statement, Morrison said that a staffer "at the centre of the allegations" had been identified and fired. "The reports aired are disgusting and sickening. It`s not good enough and is totally unacceptable," he said. "My government has identified the staff member at the centre of these allegations and has terminated his employment immediately. "The actions of these individuals show a staggering disrespect for the people who work in Parliament, and for the ideals the Parliament is supposed to represent," the Prime Minister added. The revelations come at a time when the culture and treatment of women in Parliament House are under intense scrutiny. Former government staffer Brittany Higgins in February went public with allegations that she was raped by a colleague in Parliament in March 2019, while Attorney-General Christian Porter has taken leave after being accused of a historical rape which he denied. Simon Birmingham, the Minister for Finance, on Monday evening called for the staffers to be fired. "It equally shows a complete contempt for the Australian taxpayers who have paid the wages for such staff and, in my opinion, any individuals who engaged in such activity ought to prepare to pack their bags and leave the building for good," he said. Srinagar, March 24 : Unidentified gunmen looted Rs 2 lakh on Wednesday from a bank in J&K's Budgam district. Reports here said gunmen entered the Chandpora branch of the J&K Bank and decamped with not just the cash but also a 12 bore gun of the bank guard and the CCTV cameras at the branch. Investigations were underway. 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. PLA Navy holds consecutive support exercises in S.China Sea; crucial to combat (Global Times) 15:56, March 24, 2021 The close-in weapon system of the amphibious dock landing ship Wuzhishan(Hull 987) fires at the mock target at sea during the actual combat training organized by a naval landing ship flotilla under the PLA Southern Theater Command in late February, 2021. Photo:China Military The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently held consecutive support exercises in the South China Sea including maritime re-supply, minesweeping, and search and rescue, with analysts saying on Tuesday that such capabilities are crucial to combat and could decide the outcome of a war. With the aim of enhancing the capability of comprehensively and accurately supporting maritime combat under all circumstances, the Type 908 replenishment ship Qinghaihurecently conducted support exercises for several consecutive days in the South China Sea, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Monday. During the exercises, the Qinghaihudestroyed suspected sea mines, conducted water and fuel replenishment for the Type 054A guided missile frigate Hengshui, and conducted training involving vessel-based helicopters, including vertical re-supply, evacuation of the wounded, and landing and takeoff, CCTV said. In a separate drill conducted by the PLA Southern Theater Command in waters off South China's Guangdong Province, the Type 071 amphibious landing ship Wuzhishanconducted multidimensional joint search and rescue exercises for missing sailors with helicopters and boats, CCTV reported on Sunday. While these logistics support operations are not directly involved in fighting the enemy, they are crucial to combat because they can keep combatants on the frontline and suppress the enemy by providing constant supplies and support, as large volumes of ammunition and materials are consumed and equipment potentially requires maintenance and repair, Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military expert, told the Global Times on Tuesday. The PLA Navy's far sea combat capability is seeing a significant boost thanks to the commissioning of aircraft carriers and large destroyers as well as support vessels, which directly determine how long flotillas can stay and fight at long distances from home, Wei said. A military conflict in the South China Sea or the Taiwan Straits would also require intensive logistics support, and in this aspect, the PLA will have the upper hand at home over countries from outside of the region, which provoke although they are far away from home, Chinese military observers said. According to a reportby Beijing-based think tank the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI) released earlier this month, the US military repeatedly deployed strategic weapons platforms, including aircraft carrier strike groups, to the South China Sea in 2020 in unprecedented moves that aimed to deter China. On Monday, the US sent a spy planeto conduct a close-in reconnaissance of China's southern coastal regions, setting a new record for the closest approach to China's coastlines, the SCSPI revealed. The US military activity coincided with live-fire exercises held by the PLA in the region. (Web editor: Wen Ying, Liang Jun) SIAE launches more than 4 million NFTs on Algorand for 95,000+ creators ROME, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Societa Italiana degli Autori ed Editori (SIAE), the Italian major copyright collecting agency founded in 1882, and Algorand, a leading blockchain platform accelerating the convergence of decentralized and traditional finance, announce the first major milestone of a project to create a blockchain-based open platform that allows transparent and efficient management of authors' rights. The two organizations have been working together since 2019 and copyrights for the first time are represented as digital assets. The history of SIAE began 139 years ago and today, with Algorand, the organization embraces a future empowered by technology to continue its mission of protecting creativity for its users. The world changes and rights become digital assets This week, more than 4 million NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens) were created that will digitally represent the rights of the more than 95,000 SIAE members authors. NFTs, a type of digital asset registered on blockchain, will thus be used for the first time represent author's rights of SIAE members. Digitizing these rights on a decentralized and transparent public blockchain is the first requirement to build an open infrastructure able to protect author's rights end-to-end, as envisioned by SIAE for the future of the industry. "Ensuring the protection of creativity has been SIAE's mission for 139 years, and this project demonstrates that our goal is to continue to guarantee it for the next 139 years," said Gaetano Blandini, General Manager of SIAE. "We are not interested in building technological infrastructures to generate profit. Instead, our goal has been and always will be to create value addition for our members. This is why we can afford to talk about open infrastructures and make all our know-how available to the community. Blockchain technology is definitely an interesting strand to continue exploring because of its transparency and efficiency - by design - features, which are fundamental for those who, like us, manage the salary of other people's hard work." The creation of these unique digital assets is the first step towards even more ambitious goals, allowing for more transparent and efficient management of the rights themselves, in their journey from those who use the right (those who listen to music, for example) and those who live with royalties (the music creator). In the future, the role of intermediaries in the ecosystem of content and rights management will change radically. SIAE, a non-profit organization that truly belongs to the authors, can and will facilitate a transition to new blockchain-based platforms that will rapidly and profoundly change the business models for many other intermediaries across the management of rights and contents. An open project on a public blockchain accessible to anyone The project started in Italy and has the potential for international adoption. Copyright management is a global topic and blockchain-based solutions are scalable for broad adoption. To benefit everyone in the content creation and consumption ecosystem, all global copyright collecting agencies must strive for mass adoption, in a phased approach. SIAE intends to share its project results with the broader community to expedite the truly decentralized management of this metadata, which is fundamental for accurate and transparent management of rights. In this way, we would quickly arrive at a truly decentralized management of these metadata, which are fundamental for a correct and transparent management of rights. The system is also already designed - in a vision of true open decentralization - to be able to transfer management directly to rightholders, who will then be able to manage directly the metadata relating to their rights. "SIAE has brought an ambitious project to life, where transparency and simplicity in data management are becoming a new reality for their industry," said Professor Silvio Micali, winner of the Turing Prize, MIT Professor, and founder of Algorand. "SIAE is a forward thinking organization that will open up new opportunities as they build the foundations for new economic models. I am thrilled to have SIAE a part of the Algorand ecosystem as they embrace the scalability, efficiency and security of Algorand." About SIAE Founded in Milan in 1882, SIAE (Italian Society of Authors and Publishers) is a public economic institution and membership base for the management of copyright, ranked sixth in the world ranking of companies collecting, as confirmed by the data of the Global Collections Report 2020, published by CISAC (Confederation Internationale des Societes d'Auteurs et Compositeurs). Every year SIAE releases more than 1.2 millions of licenses for the use of works protected by it, guaranteeing payment to authors and publishers the right compensation for their work. SIAE also supports the Italian cultural and creative industry with economic contributions for numerous artistic initiatives, and it is at the side of various social activities and solidarity. For more information, visit www.siae.it. About Algorand Inc. Algorand is building the technology to power the Future of Finance (FutureFi), the convergence of traditional and decentralized models into a unified system that is inclusive, frictionless, and secure. Founded by Turing Award-winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand developed a blockchain infrastructure that offers the interoperability and capacity to handle the volume of transactions needed for defi, financial institutions and governments to smoothly transition into FutureFi. The technology of choice for more than 500 global organizations, Algorand is enabling the simple creation of next generation financial products, protocols and exchange of value. For more information, visit www.algorand.com. Ufficio Stampa SIAE press@siae.it tel. 366.633.6050 SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Varo Bank , the first all-digital nationally chartered bank in the US, today announced Perks, a trailblazing program combining a brand new cashback program designed to put money back in the hands of its customers along with our existing partnership offers. Perks is designed to both reward Varo customers and provide a platform to brands looking to attract Varo's dynamic customer base with valuable offers. This new cashback program is designed to easily reward customers for their everyday purchases - customers can use the Varo Visa debit card or the Varo Believe credit card* with participating merchants to earn cashback. Cashback is deposited into a linked Varo Bank Account once $5 in cashback is earned, with no points or gimmicks. "We are excited to partner with great national and local brands to offer a truly accessible cashback program that benefits both the participating brands and our customers," said Jaime Jerusalmi, Varo General Manager of Partnerships and Loyalty. "This new cashback program is one of the most flexible and easy to access - and best of all - the program makes cashback available to all customers without requiring a high-cost credit card." The Perks program complements Varo's existing core banking products, all of which are designed to help customers stretch their money. Perks builds on our existing partnership offers and provides real cashback on everyday purchases with specific offers from great participating merchants like Walgreens, CVS, Macy's, Kohl's, Grubhub, Home Depot, McDonald's, Advance Auto Parts, Sun Basket, fuboTV, Forever 21, and more. "Varo's new cashback program is designed to be seamless and rewarding for our customers," said Colin Walsh, CEO and founder of Varo Bank, N.A. "We're leveraging Varo's scale, our cutting-edge tech platform, and our mission-driven focus to bring a banking benefit to everyone that has typically only been available to holders of expensive credit cards." With the new Perks program, Varo reaffirms its commitment to helping customers maximize their money, stretch their paychecks, and put more money directly back in their pockets. Varo already offers premium banking services including up to two day early payroll,** high-yield savings accounts with auto savings tools, and Varo Advance*** which allows customers to access short term small dollar credit for a low, transparent cost. Varo customers can access bank accounts with no minimum balance fees, no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and can access fee-free ATMs from any of the 55,000+ AllPoint ATMs located around the world. About Varo Bank, N.A. Varo Bank is on a mission to make financial inclusion and opportunity a reality for all - by empowering people with the products and support they need to create healthy financial habits and be in control of their finances. Varo Bank offers customers premium bank accounts that have no minimum balance requirement or monthly account fee, high-interest savings accounts, and tech-first features to help people save and manage their money effortlessly. Varo Bank is the first consumer fintech to be granted a national bank charter by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for 2021. For more information, visit www.varomoney.com , like Varo Bank on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @varomoney . Member FDIC. *The Varo Believe credit card must be repaid on time and in full to avoid late charges. Continued use of the Varo Believe credit card is contingent upon timely payment. Product terms are available in the Varo Believe Account Agreement & Disclosures. **Early access to direct deposit funds depends on timing of the payer's submission of deposits. We generally post such deposits on the day they are received which may be up to 2 days earlier than the payer's scheduled payment date. ***Varo Advance is a small dollar line of credit that must be repaid on time to continue access to the credit line. Fees apply. Product eligibility and terms are available in the Varo Advance Account Agreement. Media Contact: Consort Partners for Varo Bank, [email protected] SOURCE Varo Bank Related Links http://www.varomoney.com Fisheries boat in Thailand rammed in night encounter, crew hurt March 24,2021 | Source: Bangkok Post Five fisheries officials were injured when their patrol boat was rammed as they tried to catch fishing boats using illegal gear off Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, on Monday night. The fisheries vessel was deployed to a bay near T-bridge in tambon Pak Nakhon of Muang district, following a report that small-boat fishermen were using illegal nets in the waters there. They arrived about 10.30pm and found about 10 boats fishing in the area, a member of the patrol team said. Upon seeing the fisheries boat, the fishermen tried to flee, and they followed. During the chase the patrol boat was rammed by at least one of the fleeing fishing boats. The fisheries vessel remained afloat, but all five crewmen suffered injuries. They radioed for help and police and rescuers rushed to their assistance. They were taken to the shore, near the bridge. A group of villagers gathered at the bridge to prevent them landing there and they had to go to another pier. The injured officials were taken ashore through the Pak Nam Pak Phaya tourist learning centre in tambon Thachak, and then whisked off to hospital. All five officials were in safe condition, police said. There have been frequent clashes between fishermen using illegal gear and fisheries officials in Muang and Pak Phanang districts of this southern province. The Nakhon Si Thammarat fisheries office on Tuesday filed a complaint with police against the fishermen involved in Monday nights incident. The office also named the injured crew - CPO1 Khomkrit Boonthamno, CPO3 Narong Kanchana and PO1 Nakrob Romyen, from the Second Naval Area, and two volunteers, Liam Dasrii and Supoj Phuangsuwan. Mr Supoj was discharged from the hospital. The othr four werre more seriously injured, the announcement said. Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Kaisorn Wisitwong and other senior officials visited the four injured men at Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital. The governor said the officials had warned the fishermen their equipment was illegal, but did not threaten them with weapons. The fishermen responded with violence. He said legal action would be taken against them. 2021 Bangkok Post Public Company Limited Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Wearing face masks could become the norm in the UK even when Covid restrictions are scrapped, one of No10's top scientific advisers said today. 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson, the epidemiologist whose grim modelling led to the first blanket shutdown last spring, said the pandemic may have caused a 'cultural change'. It is already routine in Southeast Asia for people to wear masks in public spaces if they have a cold or are feeling poorly. And Professor Ferguson said it was 'quite possible' mask-wearing would become the 'norm' in the UK. Quizzed about the topic, he said: 'We have got used to being careful, particularly if we're slightly ill ourselves, about not wanting to infect other people, and so those sort of things may well happen here.' Professor Ferguson, of Imperial College London, claimed laws on wearing coverings are likely to be relaxed by the end of the year. Face masks were made mandatory on public transport in June last year and in indoor public spaces the following month. Boris Johnson's road map out of lockdown says 'all legal limits on social contact' will be lifted no earlier than June 21 this year. But the Prime Minister's blueprint makes no specific mention of when face mask rules will be dropped. Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London and SAGE adviser, has suggested people could wear face masks forever because of permanent changes to their behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic But experts have previously suggested face coverings could be required for years to come, despite debates over whether they actually slow the spread of the virus. Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, last week claimed that people may need to wear face coverings and continue social distancing for several years until life gets back to normal. The UK's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance last month revealed that rules around mask-wearing are expected until the end of 2021. And Professor Graham Medley, a SAGE adviser and infectious disease expert at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, told MailOnline masks may still be used years from now out of habit. Asked about the prospect, Professor Ferguson told BBC Breakfast: 'I suspect, later this year, the mandates, the legal requirements to do some of those things will have gone. 'I think there's an interesting question as to whether people's behaviour changes as quickly. 'People have got used to being very cautious around each other, used to wearing masks. 'I can't predict how quickly that will change or whether we've actually seen a permanent change in society, to some degree. Pictured: An anti-lockdown protester holds a sign reading 'mask wearing zombies wake up or comply and die' during demonstrations in Manchester on Saturday 'I think it's quite possible this pandemic, which has been an immensely traumatic event for this country and for the world, will cause significant long-term cultural changes, behavioural changes in the population.' He added: 'I can't say whether that kind of cultural norm will cross to Europe, to the UK, but it's quite possible that it will. 'We have got used to being careful, particularly if we're slightly ill ourselves, about not wanting to infect other people, and so those sort of things may well happen here.' Professor Ferguson said he believes the UK's reopening road map is still on track despite concerns over a third wave of Covid in Europe. He said the surge in Europe has 'already happened to us and we're through to the other side, but the real concern is things like the South African variant, where the vaccination programme we're currently using, whilst it would still give some protection against that (variant), the protection would be reduced'. The UK has 'rolled out vaccination very fast and so we are in a very different position from most European countries', he added. 'We have vaccinated more than twice the proportion of the population than any other European country has done, so we're in a better place from that point of view. 'I don't think, just because cases are rising in Europe, that necessarily throws our timetable into doubt; what it may do is affect planning around restrictions on international travel, how much we try and screen people coming into the country.' On keeping to the road map, he said the UK has a 'very good chance of both being able to relax measures and not needing to tighten up'. However, he said, depending what happens in other countries, 'travel may be one of the later things to be relaxed'. 'But I think we whilst not everything will be back to normal by the summer, certainly by the autumn, it will feel a lot more normal.' Regarding booster jabs in the autumn, Professor Ferguson said these would be 'critical'. He said: 'We don't yet know how long the immunity lasts from the vaccines we're giving, but natural immunity to coronavirus probably lasts a year or so, so it's entirely likely we will need to boost immunity. 'We can't stop things like the Brazilian and the South African variants forever and they are different immunologically. 'The current vaccines are not as effective against those strains probably, so for that reason as well we want to update vaccines and boost people's immunity.' Hey Kids "Look Both Ways" - 2020 U.S. Pedestrian Death Rate on Pace for Record High Despite Significant Drop in Driving Pedestrian fatalities per mile driven skyrocketed 20% in the first half of 2020 as risky driving increased during the pandemic WASHINGTON, DC - A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects that the U.S. pedestrian fatality rate rose 20% in the first six months of 2020 as speeding, distracted and impaired driving, and other dangerous driving behaviors increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. GHSAs annual Spotlight on Highway Safety offers the first comprehensive look at state and national trends in 2020 pedestrian traffic deaths, based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.). The analysis found that from January through June 2020, 2,957 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle crashes six more than the same period in 2019. Factoring in a 16.5% reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) nationwide, the rate of drivers striking and killing pedestrians jumped to 2.2 deaths per billion VMT, a significant and unsettling increase from 1.8 deaths the year before. If this troubling pattern continues for the second half of the year as many traffic safety experts fear, 2020 is projected to have the largest ever annual increase in the U.S. pedestrian fatality rate per mile driven. GHSA will hold a news briefing for media to discuss the report's findings on March 23 at 2 p.m. ET. Walking should not be a life and death undertaking, yet many factors have combined to put pedestrians at historical levels of risk, said GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins. The traffic safety community should focus on a comprehensive approach that uses every tool available to save lives, including engineering, community outreach, emergency response and equitable enforcement that prioritizes the prevention of driving behaviors like speeding, distraction and impairment that pose the greatest threats to non-motorized road users. The GHSA report also examines 2019 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), finding that pedestrians accounted for 17% of all traffic deaths in 2019, compared to 13% in 2010. While pedestrian deaths have risen by 46% over the past decade, the number of all other traffic deaths has increased by only 5%. Although advancements in motor vehicle safety and technology have increased survivability for vehicle occupants involved in crashes, pedestrians are not so protected and remain susceptible to serious or fatal injuries when struck by a motor vehicle. The 2019 FARS data analysis highlights numerous factors related to pedestrian fatalities. Key findings include: Drivers struck and killed a larger proportion of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) traveling on foot than expected based on their respective share of the population, while people on foot classified as white/non-Hispanic accounted for a considerably smaller proportion based on population. This reinforces the need for racial equity to be a centerpiece of comprehensive pedestrian safety action plans. Most pedestrians are killed on local roads, in the dark and away from intersections, suggesting the need for safer road crossings and increased efforts to make pedestrians more visible through improved lighting and other countermeasures. During the past 10 years, the number of drivers striking and killing a pedestrian after dark increased by 54%, compared to a 16% rise in pedestrian fatalities in daylight. Alcohol impairment by the driver and/or pedestrian was reported in nearly half of traffic crashes that resulted in a pedestrian fatality. Although passenger cars are the largest category of vehicles in fatal pedestrian crashes, the number of pedestrian deaths over the past decade in crashes involving sport utility vehicles (SUVs) increased at a faster rate 69% than deaths in crashes involving passenger cars, which increased by 46%. As light truck and SUV sales continue to climb, the likelihood increases of pedestrians being struck by a larger and more dangerous vehicle. Despite the alarming projected increase in the pedestrian death rate per mile driven in the first half of 2020, the report identifies progress in some state-reported data. For example, 20 states and D.C. saw declines in the number of pedestrians killed by drivers for the first half of 2020 compared to 2019, with nine states reporting double-digit decreases and two states reporting three consecutive years of decreases. The report also highlights proven strategies employed at the state and local level, including engineering and road design, high visibility and automated enforcement, pedestrian safety assessments and road safety audits, and education directed to children and crash bystanders. The full report, including infographics and state-by-state data, is available on the GHSA website. Richard Retting of Sam Schwartz Consulting conducted the data analysis. # # # About GHSA The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Visit ghsa.org for more information New Delhi: The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Delhi joined the 'Pawri Ho Rahi Hai' trend to make a point about the importance of wearing masks and urging people to follow the COVID-19 guidelines. On its official Twitter handle, the DCP posted a doodle with a message asking citizens to not show any laxity in following the COVID-19 rules as the country is in the midst of a 'second wave'. The 'pawri' message shared shows different mutations of the coronavirus waiting near a group of people with zero COVID-19 protocols and how it will strike them calling it a 'pawri' for the infection. As the novel coronavirus cases are increasing across the country, officials are urging people to stay indoors and follow all the safety measures. The DCP Delhi's Twitter account also tried to spread a message on how to avoid spreading coronavirus with the help of a doodle. The tweet is captioned: "Wear a mask to protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19." SEE PIC HERE: Wear mask to protect yourself and stop the spread of Covid 19. pic.twitter.com/8js7AIbwTR DCP Central Delhi (@DCPCentralDelhi) March 19, 2021 The message on the cartoon reads, " Yeh Hum Hain. Yeh Hamare Mutations Hain Aur Ye hamari Pawri Ho Rahi Hai." (This is us, this us our mutations and this is our pawri). The trend had become wildly popular after a Pakistan teen Dananeer Mobeen posted a video on Instagram and later Yashraj Mukhate too made a video on it. The internet took a shine to the doodle and showered appreciation at the person who made it and also for Delhi Police for using it to effectively drive home the point. Since being shared, the tweet has gathered over 2.7k likes and several hundred retweets. Many took to the comments section to praise the creativity of the tweet and agreed with the message. Covid-19 must prove to be a turning point in the battle to end homelessness and we need to move on from short-term measures and hubs, according to Focus Ireland founder Sr Stan. As we are still dealing with Covid-19, Focus Ireland is working more closely than ever with the State and partner organisations to protect people who are homeless. She said the charity had helped to move a record numbers of families and individuals out of homelessness in this period, helping over 1,100 households to secure a home in the last year. "Covid-19 must prove to be a turning point in the battle to end homelessness and we need to move on from short-term measures and hubs to provide more social and affordable rental housing. The work over the past year is an indication that homelessness can be alleviated and eventually defeated if we set our minds to it, said Sr Stan. She was speaking as Focus Ireland unveiled its five year strategic plan today, which aims to support over 5,000 households out of homelessness by the end of 2025. The charity said today it will achieve this by delivering 1,150 new homes in partnership with local authorities and other State agencies through a mix of direct build, buying and leasing. Meanwhile, Focus Ireland services will also work in partnership with State agencies to support 4,000 families leave homelessness and into homes rented from local authorities, approved housing bodies and private landlords. It unveiled details of its strategy titled Restating our Vision 2021-25" which contains four main strands. These include: support for families who are homeless or at risk and have complex support needs; support for families who are homeless or at risk due to economic circumstances; support for young people who are homeless or at risk and have complex support needs and support for single adults who are homeless or at risk and have complex support needs. The charity said most people who become homeless just need an affordable, secure home and little bit of help, but experience indicates that around 10 to 25pc of people becoming homeless have more complex needs and require additional support to find and sustain a new home. Focus Ireland CEO, Pat Dennigan said, By concentrating our support on the people who need us most we can have the greatest impact. Focus Ireland services will support our customers into different types of houses: homes rented from local authorities, from approved housing bodies and, with the support of HAP, private landlords. "All four work streams will be underpinned by Focus Housing Association, which will continue to provide homes for our existing over 1,100 tenants and aims to acquire a further 1,152 new homes over the lifetime of this strategy. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Early this month Google quietly began trials of "Privacy Sandbox": Its planned replacement adtech for tracking cookies, as it works toward phasing out support for third-party cookies in the Chrome browser -- testing a system to reconfigure the dominant web architecture by replacing individual ad targeting with ads that target groups of users (aka Federated Learning of Cohorts, or FLoCs), and which -- it loudly contended -- will still generate a fat upside for advertisers. There are a number of gigantic questions about this plan. Not least whether targeting groups of people who are non-transparently stuck into algorithmically computed interest-based buckets based on their browsing history is going to reduce the harms that have come to be widely associated with behavioral advertising. If your concern is online ads that discriminate against protected groups or seek to exploit vulnerable people (e.g. those with a gambling addiction), FLoCs may very well just serve up more of the abusive same. The EFF has, for example, called FLoCs a "terrible idea", warning the system may amplify problems like discrimination and predatory targeting. Advertisers also query whether FLoCs will really generate like-for-like revenue, as Google claims. Competition concerns are also closely dogging Google's Privacy Sandbox, which is under investigation by U.K. antitrust regulators -- and has drawn scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice too, as Reuters reported recently. Adtech players complain the shift will merely increase Google's gatekeeper power over them by blocking their access to web users' data even as Google can continue to track its own users -- leveraging that first-party data alongside a new moat they claim will keep them in the dark about what individuals are doing online. (Though whether it will actually do that is not at all clear.) Antitrust is of course a convenient argument for the adtech industry to use to strategically counter the prospect of privacy protections for individuals. But competition regulators on both sides of the pond are concerned enough over the power dynamics of Google ending support for tracking cookies that they're taking a closer look. Story continues And then there's the question of privacy itself -- which obviously merits close scrutiny too. Google's sales pitch for the "Privacy Sandbox" is evident in its choice of brand name -- which suggests its keen to push the perception of a technology that protects privacy. This is Google's response to the rising store of value being placed on protecting personal data -- after years of data breach and data misuse scandals. A terrible reputation now dogs the tracking industry (or the "data industrial complex", as Apple likes to denounce it) -- as a result of high-profile scandals like Kremlin-fuelled voter manipulation in the U.S. but also just the demonstrable dislike web users have of being ad-stalked around the internet. (Very evident in the ever increasing use of tracker- and ad-blockers; and in the response of other web browsers which have adopted a number of anti-tracking measures years ahead of Google-owned Chrome). Given Google's hunger for its Privacy Sandbox to be perceived as pro-privacy it's perhaps no small irony, then, that it's not actually running these origin tests of FLoCs in Europe -- where the world's most stringent and comprehensive online privacy laws apply. AdExchanger reported yesterday on comments made by a Google engineer during a meeting of the Improving Web Advertising Business Group at the World Wide Web Consortium on Tuesday. For countries in Europe, we will not be turning on origin trials [of FLoC] for users in EEA [European Economic Area] countries, Michael Kleber is reported to have said. TechCrunch had a confirmation from Google in early March that this is the case. "Initially, we plan to begin origin trials in the U.S. and plan to carry this out internationally (including in the U.K. / EEA) at a later date," a spokesman told us earlier this month. "As weve shared, we are in active discussions with independent authorities -- including privacy regulators and the U.K.s Competition and Markets Authority -- as with other matters they are critical to identifying and shaping the best approach for us, for online privacy, for the industry and world as a whole," he added then. At issue here is the fact that Google has chosen to auto-enroll sites in the FLoC origin trials -- rather than getting manual sign ups which would have offered a path for it to implement a consent flow. And lack of consent to process personal data seems to be the legal area of concern for conducting such online tests in Europe where legislation like the ePrivacy Directive (which covers tracking cookies) and the more recent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which further strengthens requirements for consent as a legal basis, both apply. Asked how consent is being handled for the trials Google's spokesman told us that some controls will be coming in April: "With the Chrome 90 release in April, well be releasing the first controls for the Privacy Sandbox (first, a simple on/off), and we plan to expand on these controls in future Chrome releases, as more proposals reach the origin trial stage, and we receive more feedback from end users and industry." It's not clear why Google is auto-enrolling sites into the trial rather than asking for opt-ins -- beyond the obvious that such a step would add friction and introduce another layer of complexity by limiting the size of the test pool to only those who would consent. Google presumably doesn't want to be so straightjacketed during product dev. "During the origin trial, we are defaulting to supporting all sites that already contain ads to determine what FLoC a profile is assigned to," its spokesman told us when we asked why it's auto-enrolling sites. "Once FLoCs final proposal is implemented, we expect the FLoC calculation will only draw on sites that opt into participating." He also specified that any user who has blocked third-party cookies won't be included in the Origin Trial -- so the trial is not a full "free-for-all", even in the U.S. There are reasons for Google to tread carefully. Its Privacy Sandbox tests were quickly shown to be leaking data about incognito browsing mode -- revealing a piece of information that could be used to aid user fingerprinting. Which obviously isn't good for privacy. "If FloC is unavailable in incognito mode by design then this allows the detection of users browsing in private browsing mode," wrote security and privacy researcher, Dr Lukasz Olejnik, in an initial privacy analysis of the Sandbox this month in which he discussed the implications of the bug. "While indeed, the private data about the FloC ID is not provided (and for a good reason), this is still an information leak," he went on. "Apparently it is a design bug because the behavior seems to be foreseen to the feature authors. It allows differentiating between incognito and normal web browsing modes. Such behavior should be avoided." Google's Privacy Sandbox tests automating a new form of browser fingerprinting is not "on message" with the claimed boost for user privacy. But Google is presumably hoping to iron out such problems via testing and as development of the system continues. (Indeed, Google's spokesman also told us that "countering fingerprinting is an important goal of the Privacy Sandbox", adding: "The group is developing technology to protect people from opaque or hidden techniques that share data about individual users and allow individuals to be tracked in a covert manner. One of these techniques, for example, involves using a devices IP address to try and identify someone without their knowledge or ability to opt out.") At the same time it's not clear whether or not Google needs to obtain user consent to run the tests legally in Europe. Other legal bases do exist -- although it would take careful legal analysis to ascertain whether or not they could be used. But it's certainly interesting that Google has decided it doesn't want to risk testing if it can legally trial this tech in Europe without consent. Likely relevant is the fact that the ePrivacy Directive is not like the harmonized GDPR -- which funnels cross border complaints via a lead data supervisor, shrinking regulatory exposure at least in the first instance. Any EU DPA may have competence to investigate matters related to ePrivacy in their national markets. To wit: At the end of last year France's CNIL skewered Google with a $120 million fine related to dropping tracking cookies without consent -- underlining the risks of getting EU law on consent wrong. And a privacy-related fine for Privacy Sandbox would be terrible PR. So Google may have calculated it's simply less risky to wait. Under EU law, certain types of personal data are also considered highly sensitive (aka "special category data") and require an even higher bar of explicit consent to process. Such data couldn't be bundled into a site-level consent -- but would require specific consent for each instance. So, in other words, there would be even more friction involved in testing with such data. That may explain why Google plans to do regional testing later -- if it can figure out how to avoid processing such sensitive data. (Relevant: Analysis of Google's proposal suggests the final version intends to avoid processing sensitive data in the computation of the FLoC ID -- to avoid exactly that scenario.) If/when Google does implement Privacy Sandbox tests in Europe "later", as it has said it will (having also professed itself "100% committed to the Privacy Sandbox in Europe"), it will presumably do so when it has added the aforementioned controls to Chrome -- meaning it would be in a position to offer some kind of prompt asking users if they wish to turn the tech off (or, better still, on). Though, again, it's not clear how exactly this will be implemented -- and whether a consent flow will be part of the tests. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Google has also not provided a timeline for when tests will start in Europe. Nor would it specify the other countries it's running tests in beside the US when we asked about that. At the time of writing it had not responded to a number of follow up questions either but we'll update this report if we get more detail. Update: Google said it can't currently offer any more detail on questions including how consent will be handled once FLoCs are deployed (i.e. post-trial, post-launch); and whether it believes it will be unnecessary to obtain individual consent to do cohort-based targeting once the system is fully developed. It also declined to specify the legal basis it will be relying upon for running tests in Europe "later". "We're very engaged on this topic and thinking carefully about it -- but answers to questions about compliance with specific laws and obligations will ultimately turn on the technical operation of the Sandbox proposals, which are still being developed," said its spokesman. The (current) lack of regional tests raises questions about the suitability of Privacy Sandbox for European users -- as The New York Times' Robin Berjon has pointed out, noting via Twitter that "the market works differently". "Not doing origin tests is already a problem... but not even knowing if it could eventually have a legal basis on which to run seems like a strange position to take?" he also wrote. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Google is surely going to need to test FLoCs in Europe at some point. Because the alternative -- implementing regionally untested adtech -- is unlikely to be a strong sell to advertisers who are already crying foul over Privacy Sandbox on competition and revenue risk grounds. Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), meanwhile -- which, under GDPR, is Google's lead data supervisor in the region -- confirmed to us that Google has been consulting with it about the Privacy Sandbox plan. "Google has been consulting the DPC on this matter and we were aware of the roll-out of the trial," deputy commissioner Graham Doyle told us today. "As you are aware, this has not yet been rolled-out in the EU/EEA. If, and when, Google present us with detail plans, outlining their intention to start using this technology within the EU/EEA, we will examine all of the issues further at that point." The DPC has a number of investigations into Google's business triggered by GDPR complaints -- including a May 2019 probe into its adtech and a February 2020 investigation into its processing of users' location data -- all of which are ongoing. But -- in one legacy example of the risks of getting EU data protection compliance wrong -- Google was fined $57 million by France's CNIL back in January 2019 (under GDPR as its EU users hadn't yet come under the jurisdiction of Ireland's DPC) for, in that case, not making it clear enough to Android users how it processes their personal information. In March 2020, a distressed woman called the TB HIV Cares Sex Worker Program in uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal Province. She was alone on the street outside the clinic, worried that she may have drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). Before she could be referred to the districts specialized DR-TB hospital, Doris Goodwins, she needed a positive culture TB test and a COVID-19 test. However, trouble arose when a clinic worker discovered she is a sex worker and may have DR-TB, both of which are stigmatized in South Africa. As a result, she was told to wait outside the clinic gate. Stigma related to being a sex worker and having DR-TB is common in South Africa, and it contributes to people not seeking health services, which drives TB transmission. In a country with one of the highest incidence rates of TB globally (737 per 100,000, according to a TB prevalence survey) and where TB has been the leading cause of death for more than a decade, stigma has deadly consequences. The TB HIV Cares Sex Worker Program, which is supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drove to the local clinic to get her. She took a TB culture test and a COVID-19 test and was admitted to the Doris Goodwins TB Hospital the same day. 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, 23 March 2021. PSH NAV per share as of close of business on 23 March 2021 was 48.03 USD 34.93 GBP and year-to-date performance was 5.9%. 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/20210324005979/en/ Contacts: Media Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk A week ago, anonymous Customs and Border Protection officials told NBC that the Biden administration had imposed an unofficial gag order at the US-Mexico border. They were instructed, they said, to forward all press queries to Washington, keep custody data close to their vests, and deny media requests for ridealongs and to access the facilities where children are being held. Since then, journalists have pressed White House officials on the latter restrictions, in particular, and have been supported in their fight by tireless media and transparency champions such as Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the Trump-era press secretary Kayleigh McEnany; the White House responded by citing privacy and public-health concerns, then by pledging to arrange access, likely via a pool system, at some unspecified future date. In the absence of access, reporters have had to make do with images released by CBP and by Rep. Henry Cuellar, a conservative Texas Democrat who has criticized Bidens handling of the border. They show children sitting tightly packed in soft-sided pods, and lying on mats on the floor under blankets. Meanwhile, the political press, in Washington and beyond, has, in recent days, given the border story unrestrained crisis treatment. Late last week, Politicos Playbook newsletter called the Biden administrations refusal, to that point, to use the C-word Orwellian; over the weekend, the border was the wall-to-wall top story on the Sunday showsquite literally in the case of ABC News, which flew the cast of This Week to El Paso to sit on a makeshift stage in front of a giant fence. DONT COME, Dana Bash blared at the top of State of the Union, as Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security secretary, pulled a full Ginsburg to hammer home that point. Much coverage has presented the tide of unaccompanied children at the border as a direct consequence of Bidens welcoming rhetoric. A lot of the migrants coming in [are] saying theyre coming in because you promised to make things better, ABCs George Stephanopoulos told the president last week; You want to be humane, CNNs Jake Tapper asked Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, on Monday, but at the same time that humanity might serve as beckoning for some of these migrants. Do you accept that? Other outlets have cast the decision to allow unaccompanied children to apply for asylum as a Biden administration policy. (In fact, it is a legal requirementand Bidens welcoming stance still involves automatically expelling almost everyone else applying for asylum, under Trump-era public-health protocols.) ICYMI: Covering the Atlanta massacre from inside the Korean community Such coverage often touts the border situation as a bipartisan concernusually quoting Cuellar and/or Vicente Gonzalez, another Texas Congressman, as Democratic critics of Biden. Many media critics, however, have made the case that the mainstream framing of the story has often echoed Republican talking points about border security, as pushed both by politicians and their right-wing media boosters. (Last week, Tucker Carlson hosted an episode of his Fox News show from El Salvador, which resulted in this surreal screen grab.) Now that Trump proved the political potential of xenophobic bigotry, and Republicans are desperate to talk about anything but Bidens enormously popular pandemic rescue bill, conservatives are whipping up a classic misdirection circus, Ryan Cooper wrote in The Week, and all too many mainstream media sources are happy to play along. The Philadelphia Inquirers Will Bunch pushed back on the crisis frame and criticized Beltway journalists eager to go back to the brunch of lazy punditry; Salons Heather Digby Parton wrote that one should never underestimate the overwhelming incentive for some in the press to seize on a storyline that allows them to prove that they are not the liberal media. A Washington Post story headlined, No end in sight: Inside the Biden administrations failure to contain the border surge came in for particular criticism. Sawyer Hackett, an aide to the Democrat Julian Castro, called it pure hot garbage, beginning to end. Yesterday, the Post ran a very different piece: an analysis headlined, Theres no migrant surge at the U.S. southern border. Heres the data. Tom K. Wong, Gabriel De Roche, and Jesus Rojas Venzor, of the University of California at San Diego, analyzed CBP figures since 2012 and found no crisis or surge that can be attributed to Biden administration policies, but rather a predictable pattern of seasonal changes in undocumented immigration combined with a backlog of demand because of 2020s coronavirus border closure; they also noted a large body of scholarship showing that border security policies do not necessarily deter migration so much as delay and reroute it. Some immigration reporters have made similar points: Felipe De La Hoz tweeted last week that he has yet to see a single piece of evidence that administration messagingof any type, in any administration, at any timehas discretely had a meaningful impact on asylum seekers decisions to travel; on Monday, NBCs Jacob Soboroff said, on The View, that it doesnt matter what any president says: migrants who are fleeing desperation are going to come. These and other reporters have noted other issues with the data, pointing out, for instance, that border apprehensions increased more in 2019 than now, and that in any case, a growing number of arrests, as ProPublicas Dara Lind put it, doesnt mean anything on its own. Whats happening here, in short, is complicated and contestedgreatly more so than the Biden being too nice has driven a surge narrative that many outlets have pushed. What constitutes a crisis is complicated, toocoverage that alludes to political and national-security crises is contrived, at best, but as Soboroff and others have pointed out, the detention of children in overcrowded border facilities is a humanitarian crisis. Irrespective of data trends, Biden has inherited an immigration system that his predecessor overhauled in ways both intricate and shockingly cruel, and that is riddled with other flaws dating to the last administration that Biden served, and beyond. There are then, of course, the crises of violence, political oppression, poverty, climate change, and natural disaster in Central America, many of them exacerbated by decades of US foreign policy. And yet, as Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar told CNNs Brian Stelter, much coverage has overlooked, or skimmed past, this context, resulting in stories in which migrants are not humanized, and that dont recognize that they are not that much different than ourselves, if we were to find ourselves in the situations theyre finding themselves in. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The Biden administration should give reporters access to border facilitiesbut reporters must remember that images of detained children alone are not enough to humanize border coverage. We dont, in fact, need access to make a start on that: we can end the language of surges and tides; stop treating human beings, with their multiplicities of emotions and motivations, as inputs in a game-theory exercise; and better understand that bad conditions for children are a moral problem regardless of what side of the border theyre on. There are many excellent reporters on the immigration beatbut there are many journalists out there, too, who seem more interested in the humanity of American politicians than the people fleeing dangers that those politicians helped cause, or wont address. And, in bending over backward to prove their evenhandedness in covering Bidento the point of questioning whether his basic humanity is the right approachmany reporters in the latter group have flipped right past a much better way to inject bipartisanship into the border story: illustrate the complicity of both parties in the broader long-term failures of the immigration system, access or none. Below, more on the border: The data: Sara Fischer and Neal Rothschild report, for Axios, that the border story has started to take over the news cycle, pulling attention and coverage away from the COVID-19 vaccine. This trend has been driven, in no small part, by right-wing outlets: Nearly all (forty-six) of the top fifty stories about the situation at the border in the last two weeks have come from conservative media, according to data from NewsWhip. Sara Fischer and Neal Rothschild report, for Axios, that the border story has started to take over the news cycle, pulling attention and coverage away from the COVID-19 vaccine. This trend has been driven, in no small part, by right-wing outlets: Nearly all (forty-six) of the top fifty stories about the situation at the border in the last two weeks have come from conservative media, according to data from NewsWhip. Debunking work: In a Sunday night interview, MSNBCs Mehdi Hasan pushed back on Republican Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaws claims that the border is effectively open. Since the pandemic began, border apprehensions have gone up month after month, Hasan said, putting a graph up on screen. The truth is Joe Biden did not inherit falling numbers. He inherited nine consecutive months of increases. Crenshaw said he wasnt sure where Hasans data had come from; Hasan replied that it came from CBP. In a Sunday night interview, MSNBCs Mehdi Hasan pushed back on Republican Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaws claims that the border is effectively open. Since the pandemic began, border apprehensions have gone up month after month, Hasan said, putting a graph up on screen. The truth is Joe Biden did not inherit falling numbers. He inherited nine consecutive months of increases. Crenshaw said he wasnt sure where Hasans data had come from; Hasan replied that it came from CBP. Donald from Queens Palm Beach is on line 1: On Monday, Trump was patched into Harris Faulkners show, on Fox News. At one point, Faulkner told the former president that Mayorkas had just resigned, leading Trump to hail a big victory for our countrybut Mayorkas had not resigned and Faulkner corrected her mistake. (Cross out that victory, Trump said.) Later, Faulkner asked Trump why hed decided to come on and weigh in on immigration, given that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on their successors policies. You called me, Trump replied. I didnt call you, in all fairness. On Monday, Trump was patched into Harris Faulkners show, on Fox News. At one point, Faulkner told the former president that Mayorkas had just resigned, leading Trump to hail a big victory for our countrybut Mayorkas had not resigned and Faulkner corrected her mistake. (Cross out that victory, Trump said.) Later, Faulkner asked Trump why hed decided to come on and weigh in on immigration, given that former presidents typically refrain from commenting on their successors policies. You called me, Trump replied. I didnt call you, in all fairness. A bizarre story: Writing for the American Prospect, Marcia Brown asks whether CNN broadcast misleading footage that purported to show human trafficking across the Rio Grande. Immigrant rights advocates and others claim that the footage was staged, potentially with the cooperation of the Border Patrol, Brown writes. CNN was warned that the clip appeared to be a fabrication before it aired, but the network decided to run it anyway. A similar clip that appears to show the same or a similar trafficking incident from another angle was shared across right-wing media and even linked to on the social media accounts of members of Congress. Matt Dornic, CNNs head of comms, said that CNN did not participate in any type of coordinated effort to shoot a staged scene of migrants crossing the river nor have we found any credible evidence that suggests our team was unknowingly part of a set-up by Border Patrol or anyone else. Other notable stories: ICYMI: Another day, another mass shooting 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. Press Release March 24, 2021 MANIFESTATION OF SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS CO-AUTHORSHIP ON PS RESOLUTION NO. 691 I would like to manifest my intent to be co-author of PS Resolution 691, and join my colleagues in the Senate who are part of the legal community in condemning the spate of killings and acts of violence and intimidation against judges, lawyers and prosecutors in the country. Sa NGO community na kabahagi ako, ang joke na tawag sa mga paralegal na tumutulong sa mga basic sectors to assert their legal rights, ay PARANG-LEGAL. So I hope the lawyers in this body accept this expression of solidarity from this Parang-Legal. Levity aside, lawyers and judges have a sacred duty in a democracy: to preserve the rule of law and fight for equal access to a fair legal system by all citizens. Lawyers cannot do their job under a cloud of fear and amidst sustained threats of harm and violence. Courts cannot function when their decisions are subject to the panopticon of the State, or when judges' faces are mounted on footbridges calling them communists. Every citizen's right to equal protection of the law is impaired when their advocates are felled in a pool of blood. I urge the Executive and the uniformed forces to take heed of this resolution. To those in the legal profession who continue to champion the rights of the unheard, the under-served and the marginalized, and who live in fear of what the next day brings, know that you are seen. We see you. We stand with you. Salamat po, Mr. President. EXTON, Pa., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh USA, Inc. today announced RansomCare, its new Ransomware Containment Solution , an innovative technology that helps to stop ransomware attacks, which is one of the top security threats to businesses in the U.S. and around the world. As a revolutionary final line of defense, RansomCare's multi-layered security detects, identifies, contains and isolates ransomware outbreaks at the source, limiting their significant impact on data integrity, system downtime, company-wide productivity and overall operations. "With ransomware attacks continuing to deliver devastating impacts to companies, it's not enough to have traditional protection practices as your sole line of defense," said John A. Stewart, Vice President, IT Sales and Strategy, Ricoh USA, Inc. "Ricoh's RansomCare is a vital element to an overall in-depth defense security strategy and acts as a last line of defense to stop an attack in near real-time, thus mitigating the impact and cost of a full attack for what is a fraction of what a ransom and/or downtime could cost." Capable of infecting up to 10,000 files per minute per infected device, ransomware is a form of malicious software, or malware, that encrypts files and documents, and holds computers and data files hostage, drastically impacting downtime, contributing to data loss, locking down entire networks and bringing business to a halt. RansomCare provides peace of mind that business data is protected from cyberattack with advanced, integrated tools for comprehensive data protection, including: Active file monitoring to detect known and unknown ransomware variants and immediately alert security administrators of threats; to detect known and unknown ransomware variants and immediately alert security administrators of threats; Quick response to infected devices to halt illegitimate encryption, preventing mass spreading to files and reducing risk of expensive recovery efforts; to infected devices to halt illegitimate encryption, preventing mass spreading to files and reducing risk of expensive recovery efforts; Informed recovery of impacted files, simplifying backup restoration and logging attack details for additional insight; of impacted files, simplifying backup restoration and logging attack details for additional insight; Detailed reporting, including exact time of attack, compromised users and devices, affected files and owners, and easily exported incident reporting for key stakeholders and data authorities. Ricoh's RansomCare, powered by Bullwall, monitors networks in near real time using multiple detection tactics to instantly detect the tell-tale signs that ransomware is at work. RansomCare responds by isolating and quarantining the compromised user and quickly identifying encrypted files to restore them from backup while automating any necessary incident reporting. RansomCare complements existing endpoint protection platforms, and endpoint detection and response tools. RansomCare is easy to implement, with no discernable impact on network performance; requires no local agents or server applications; integrates seamlessly into existing security applications; offers built-in multi-alerting services to keep users apprised of risks; and details exact files that require attention or restoration for security system administrators. For more information on RansomCare, Ricoh's ransomware containment solution, please click here or follow the company's social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. | About Ricoh | Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2018, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,063 billion yen (approx. 19.4 billion USD). For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com 2021 Ricoh USA, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies. SOURCE Ricoh USA, Inc. Related Links http://www.ricoh.com The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Charleston, WV (25301) Today Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. [March 23, 2021] Feedback plc: International expansion with appointment of two industry specialists in India India first international focus following positive DIT event first international focus following positive DIT event Selected by Department of International Trade to be on the First 100 UK Digital Heath Companies Appointment of Siva Ramamoorthy and Dr Venkat Ramana Sudigali Large potential market focused on driving digital change to health care provision LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Feedback plc (AIM: FDBK, "Feedback" or the "Company"), the specialist medical imaging technology company, confirms the appointment of two leading industry specialists in India, Siva Ramamoorthy and Dr Venkat Ramana Sudigali. Their focus will be to evaluate the potential prospects for Bleepa, the Company's flagship clinical communications platform, in the large and growing Indian health care market, which is projected to grow to US$ 372 billion by 20221. Dr Tom Oakley, CEO of Feedback, said: "We welcome Siva and Venkat to Feedback as we look to explore opportunities in our first international market. Siva will lead our India business development activities and Venkat, a Consultant Radiologist and digital innovator, is our clinical consultant and tech evangelist. Their insight will be invaluable as we look to build a strong and long-term presence in this burgeoning market. The government in India has highlighted the need for digital innovation through its National Digital Health Mission announced last year, which targets giving every Indian citizen a unique health ID and digitised health record and is a key priority for healthcare providers in India. Equally, the burgeoning private market is an area where we see significant growth opportunities. "Bleepa is a CE marked medical communications platform, built around specific patient episodes that enables the sharing of clinical grade medical images and dialogue between clinicians using personal devices. This flexibility is ideally suited to the hub and spoke hospital system in India, enabling remote but secure communications between clinicians and their colleagues. With a population of 1.38 billion people, access to centres of excellence in the four major cities is challenging, and we believ that Bleepa can provide the vital digital link between these centres of excellence and regional or even mobile care units. Our additional inclusion in the Department for International Trade's First 100 UK Digital Health Companies Playbook, for fast evolving and pioneering Digital Health companies ready to go global, is testament to this." Siva Ramamoorthy, Consultant, Feedback India Growth Market, added: "Bleepa is a world leading innovator in enabling better, amplified usage of medical imaging. Bleepa enables greater effectiveness in patient care through better use of medical imaging, secure annotation and discussion, and by enabling remote working. India is a world leader in health care delivery. We are excited to bring Bleepa's innovative solutions into the Indian marketplace." Dr Venkat Ramana Sudigali, Clinical Adviser, Feedback India Growth market, commented: "Bleepa is a medical communications tool developed by a talented group of professionals many of whom have experience in the NHS, one of the best public healthcare systems in the world. The Indian healthcare system has been growing exponentially over the past few years, with world class service now available in many parts of the country. Bleepa's goal is betterment of patient care and safety and improving accessibility to high quality care. Having been a consultant to several health-tech firms, I feel Bleepa is an innovative model that delivers simple, easy to use tool for many healthcare providers helping in communication, monitoring, referrals, and learning, which will be extremely useful in the Indian healthcare system." Siva Ramamoorthy joins Feedback as Consultant, India Growth Market. Siva is a successful entrepreneur and global start-up mentor and has worked in two successful start-ups in global roles. He led the Indian operations of Ephicacy Lifescience Analytics, a successful young company in statistics/AI/ analytics in health care and has held senior corporate roles in Intel, VMware in the US and India. He has also led marketing for Tejas Networks, a US/India tech company/start-up that listed on the National Stock Exchange of India in 2017. Siva holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, USA, and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Kentucky. Dr Venkat Ramana Sudigali is a Consultant Radiologist with two decades of experience in the UK NHS and expertise in CT, MRI and Emergency Radiology. Having qualified in renowned institutions in Bristol and Leicester with FRCR and CCT, he worked as a NHS Consultant for several years before moving to India, as a founder-director of Excell Hospital, Hyderabad. He continues to work as a Consultant for the UK NHS and Ireland. Venkat is an Ambassador of the Royal College of Radiologists to India and is involved in extensive collaborative work to develop and establish partnerships in healthcare, academics, workforce, technology and innovation. With an Executive MBA in Advanced Healthcare Management at ISB, affiliated to Harvard and London Business School, he is also a consultant/advisor for several health tech start-ups, companies & organisations, and has a passion for building world class partnerships across the globe as a healthcare innovator-entrepreneur. 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade/about-our-services Notes to editors Feedback plc (AIM: FDBK) is a medical imaging technology business. Its core product, Bleepa, is a revolutionary medical imaging communications app, providing an easy-to-use, high quality tool to enable remote and secure communications between front-line clinicians and teams. Importantly, it is the only CE marked medical imaging communications platform on the NHSx clinical communications tools framework. Bleepa has unparalleled functionality for everyday practice and can be accessed from any internet-connected device, enabling control of patient cases when on the go. Its highly scalable Software as a Service ("SaaS") based revenue model will provide increasing levels of visibility as the Company grows its customer base. With a growing distribution base and technology in place, the focus is on leveraging key relationships in order to drive sales both in the UK and internationally to all forms of care facilitators. As a fully certified medical device, Bleepa aims to disrupt the medical imaging communications market and, importantly, increase the accuracy and speed of diagnosis. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Greg Sukiennik has worked at all three Vermont News & Media newspapers and was their managing editor from 2017-19. He previously worked for ESPN.com, for the AP in Boston, and at The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, Mass. Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Panaji, March 24 : Former Chief Minister and Goa's longest serving legislator Congress MLA Pratapsingh Rane (82) should consider administering himself with a US-manufactured injection which makes one younger, a ruling BJP MLA told the Goa legislative Assembly on Wednesday. "There are artificial medicines now, there is this latest medication invented in America. The more you age, if you take that injection, you get younger. I suggest that you take that injection. It is quite expensive. It has been invented in America it seems," Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and BJP MLA Isidore Fernandes said. Fernandes was speaking on the occasion of a congratulatory motion in the ongoing Budget session of the state Assembly which was moved to felicitate Rane, who has completed an unbroken 50-year-stint as an MLA from Poriem Assembly constituency in North Goa. "I wish you good health and let you be an example to all of us. The way you controlled your social, political and family life. But your son has not emulated you," Fernandes also said. Pratapsingh Rane's son Vishwajit is currently a Home Minister in the BJP-led coalition government. When one considers the Republican Partys future and electoral aspirations, California isnt usually on the list. The Golden State has endured nearly a full generation of Democratic rule. The last time a Republican won the governorship here was in 2006, and the last time without a Hollywood celebrity helming the ticket was in 1994. The current California Senate and Assembly feature Republicans mostly as a vestigial party, representing nine of 40 and 19 of 80 members, respectively. Nevertheless, there are promising signs that Republicans just might make a comeback in Americas wealthiest and most-populous state. The 2020 elections illuminate the possibilities as do the Democratic Partys missteps leading into 2022. Looking past the tumult of the presidential race, the real story of 2020 was the remarkable Republican and conservative performance at every other level. Deep-blue California was very much part of that, with Republicans seizing three new congressional seats from Democratic opposition including the first California-Republican win over a Democratic incumbent since 1994. Its worth looking at who did it, and how. In Californias 21st congressional district, David Valadao defeated the Democratic incumbent despite the district going for Biden by nearly ten points. In the sprawling San Joaquin Valley district, with its remarkable ethnic mix it is over 70 percent Latino diverse rural areas went remarkably conservative, mirroring a similar trend nationwide. In the 48th district, Michelle Park Steel defeated the Democratic incumbent in a coastal, urbanized, Orange County district with a strong minority presence: nearly 20 percent Asian and about 16 percent Latino. In the 39th district, my former colleague Young Kim defeated the incumbent Democrat in a district that runs mostly through Orange County and Los Angeles County. This district is remarkably mixed by ethnicity, with nearly one-third each being white, Latino, and Asian. Story continues Whats happening here? First and foremost, were seeing a breaking of the ethnic balkanization and bloc-voting upon which Democrats nationally have pinned their hopes. Asian-American voters understand that a party whose fervent ideologues would deny their children equitable admission to educational opportunity is not for them. Latino voters understand that the cultural values espoused by a progressive movement unfriendly to religion and family are not their own. African-American voters understand that the politics of job destruction and high taxes are exactly the opposite of what their families and communities need. In other words, the so-called permanent Democratic majority is impermanent because American minority voters are, in the end, just like all the other American voters. Theyre rational actors who accurately perceive their own interests. Were seeing something else, too: Republican candidates who dont fit the partys traditional mold of older white men. The fact that both Congresswoman Steel and Congresswoman Kim are Korean Americans in heavily Asian districts, or that Congressman Valadao is of Portuguese descent in a majority-Latino district, is not incidental to their victories. Ones community experience and identity matter, and conservatives who can speak credibly to both of those facts are candidates who can win. The conservative appeal in this vein is distinct from the progressive. As conservatives, we dont appeal to exclusionary in-group representation: Our message is the applicability of universal American values and principles to everyone, from everywhere, of all walks of life. To be sure, California is still a blue state. While there are still reasons for hope, our work is unfinished. Still, if the past several years have taught us anything, it is that nothing lasts when it comes to partisan alignment. Just five years ago, who would have considered Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, or Arizona to be presidential-battleground states? Just three years ago, who would have thought a Democrat would come within three points of unseating an incumbent Republican United States senator in Texas? California, like all those states, is not frozen in time or in place. Its time for Republicans to read the clear signals from 2020 and get ready for 2022. The prospects for 2022 are surprisingly bright. In addition to the 2020 outcomes, the decision by nearly all Democratic officeholders across the nation to embrace authoritarianism and paranoia as the bases for their pandemic-response policy has their own constituencies looking for common-sense alternatives. Here in California, nearly 40 million Americans have spent the past year in semi-isolation, bounded by a latticework of increasingly preposterous rules that seem to have no meaningful connection to public health. Democratic elites dont follow them, of course nothing has propelled Governor Gavin Newsoms recall effort as much as his rule-breaking dinner at French Laundry but we have to. Everyone knows families struggling because they cant send their children to school. Likewise, everyone knows small businesses and entrepreneurs who lost everything because they were forbidden from opening their doors. In my own family, we were denied the opportunity to properly mourn my late grandfather, because we were forbidden to gather in an outdoor cemetery for more than 15 minutes. The coronavirus pandemic is a real emergency, of course. But most Californians no longer believe that the Democratic officeholders, from top to bottom, have real answers to it and certainly not answers that do not destroy their lives and livelihoods. Add on to this the metastasizing progressive mania for overthrowing California and American history, and you have all the conditions for an electoral revolt. California has always been the foundry of the American dream. Thats why my grandparents and parents, survivors of the Cambodian Genocide and proud legal immigrants, chose to make our state their home. Californians dont want to lose that: Weve been out front for generations, in every sphere, forging the American future and giving the other 49 states their first look at tomorrow. If California Republicans can capture that spirit, defend California families, revive California greatness, and learn the lessons of 2020 then come 2022, you cant count them out. Their moment just might be now. More from National Review [March 24, 2021] Platinum Software Development Company and its co-founder Anton Dzyatkovsky are accepted into the Crypto Valley Association ZURICH, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Platinum Software Development Company has become an official member of the Crypto Valley Association, based in Switzerland and recognised as one of the best ecosystems for crypto technologies. The regular activity of the company has led to it becoming a member of the Crypto Valley Association,along with Anton Dzyatkovsky. Crypto Valley was initiated by Johann Gevers, a visionary thought leader and CEO of Monetas. Crypto Valley is building the world's leading ecosystem of blockchain and cryptographic technologies. "It's a great honor for Platinum Engineers and a further responsibility committing to this respected label which signifies the best, Swiss-based ecosystem for crypto technologies and businesses! We will do our best to meet the high standards of the Crypto Valley Association," - states Anton Dzyatkovsky, the co-founder of Platinum Software Development Company. About Platinum Software Development Company Platinum's series of rypto products have earned plaudits from peers in the industry. There are 3 products made by Platinum's engineers that are ruled by a decentralized DAO - called "Q DAO". Q DeFi Dashboard A cross-chain aggregator (supporting popular chains like Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polkadot, Avalanche, Solana, Huobi ECO Chain, TRON and Ziliqa) that offers a dashboard with which liquidity providers can track their investments. Q DeFi Rating The creation of this profound and trusted ratings platform is one of the most important goals of the company. This platform offers audits and creates up-to-date ratings of projects in the DeFi sphere. QDAO Crypto Custody Created in cooperation with BitGo for institutional holders and family offices that want to store their crypto assets safely. All funds are kept by BitGo and are insured for $100,000,000. Customers can create a DeFi dApp using RUST / SUBSTRATE or SOLIDITY / VYPER or launch a dAPP on Polkadot / Kusama, Ethereum, TRON or Binance Smart Chain. Also, users can create their own NFT marketplace similar to Rarible / SuperRare / Opensea or build a swap protocol like Uniswap / Curve / PancakeSwap. The Platinum Engineers are offering a free 1-hour consultation on DEFI App development to interested parties, here: https://platinum.fund/en Subscribe now to Platinum Engineers blockchain insides: Twitter, Facebook, Telegram View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/platinum-software-development-company-and-its-co-founder-anton-dzyatkovsky-are-accepted-into-the-crypto-valley-association-301254150.html SOURCE Platinum Software Development Company [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 24, 2021] Planview Releases Global Benchmark Report that Reveals How Leading Companies Accelerate On-Strategy Delivery in Times of Change Planview, a global leader in Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions, today published a global report that unlocks how companies are successfully responding to continuous market disruption, accelerating innovation and executing on their business strategies. Based on a first-of-its-kind study, the report, titled "The State of Strategy Execution: Embracing Uncertainty to Adapt at Speed," uncovers why many companies are challenged to pivot strategy in times of change, and provides pragmatic recommendations for companies to adapt more quickly to shifting conditions and disruptive events, and deliver quality business outcomes. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005214/en/ "This study was designed to answer a deceptively simple question: Why can some companies quickly adapt and even accelerate strategy execution during times of significant change, and others just get by?," said Patrick Tickle, Chief Product Officer at Planview. "That question is of utmost importance not only today while we navigate the pandemic but for the foreseeable future. Market disruptions are no longer the exception. Disruption is the norm, and the smartest companies have learned how to not just survive but thrive in environments of constant change." Segmenting respondents into categories of Leaders, Challengers and Laggards, a clear picture emerged of what successful companies are doing and that others can replicate, including: Prioritizing speed when it comes to making decisions and executing faster Implementing technology that delivers faster business insights from data Adjusting strategies, funding, and operating plans with short-interval planning cycles Improving the prioritization process to realign resources to the most important work Utilizing Lean and Agile (News - Alert) business practices throughout the organization This vital report goes beyond just analyzing why some organizations are more sucessful than others in quickly adapting to market disruptions. It provides a roadmap for how other companies can achieve success, streamline business processes to prioritize speed and quality, accelerate innovation, and improve strategic outcomes. "Reducing the gap between strategy and execution becomes even more important as the pace of external disruption increases, and this report provides a clear blueprint about how leading companies are doing exactly that," said Tickle. "We found that the most successful companies are following a similar recipe for success. They are building speed into their business operations to adjust to constant change. They have shorter, more adaptable planning cycles that enable them to respond to shifts in real-time. They remove internal barriers that stand in the way of adaptability. They resist the lure of the status quo. And they use technology and agile processes to build speed and quality into the way they execute on strategy." Based on a global benchmarking analysis of nearly 1,000 business and technology professionals at organizations across a wide range of industries around the world, the survey was commissioned by Planview and conducted by independent research firm Lawless Research. Results uncovered why many companies struggle to quickly respond to change and disruption: Complex governance or approval processes (38%) Unclear or conflicting priorities (33%) Lack of resources to complete all approved projects (31%) Lack of organizational alignment (departmental silos) (31%) To read the full report and its detailed set of recommendations, visit: The State of Strategy Execution: Embracing Uncertainty to Adapt at Speed. To get more insights into the best practices utilized by many of the successful companies in the benchmarking study, visit: Managing Transformation: Connect Strategy to Delivery to Dynamic Business Today. Survey Methodology Planview commissioned a survey, undertaken by an independent research organization, Lawless Research, in December 2020. Nearly 1,000 business and technology professionals across multiple countries were surveyed, including: Australia, France, Germany, United States, and the UK. Companies were from a range of industries, including banking and financial, technology, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, business services, government and public sector, travel and hospitality, engineering, and more. The corresponding report provides pragmatic recommendations for business, technology, and finance leaders seeking to create a tight connection between strategy and execution, adapt more quickly to shifting conditions and disruptive events, and deliver quality business outcomes. About Planview Planview has one focus: enabling the transformation journey as organizations rewire strategy to delivery in today's fast-paced, highly disruptive markets. Our solutions enable organizations to navigate this journey and accelerate on-strategy delivery at enterprise scale. Planview's full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions create organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empower teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enable customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Planview has more than 1,000 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 1.3 million users worldwide. For more information, visit: www.planview.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005214/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Melbourne's Anzac Day march will go ahead after the Victorian Government confirmed 5500 people can attend. The dawn service and commemorative services at the Shrine of Remembrance will also take place on April 25 with smaller numbers. People will have to register for the dawn service and march. Only 1400 people will be allowed at the dawn service and the march will feature 5000 veterans, plus 500 support staff. The announcement was made on Wednesday, the day after the state government confirmed the biggest easing of restrictions since the pandemic started. The numbers cap for Sydney's Anzac Day march on April 25 has been bumped from 500 to 5000 people, with up to 10,000 spectators (pictured, the event in 2019) The government wants Victorians to stay local when possible on Anzac Day, saying hundreds of RSL and local services will also take place. Shrine of Remembrance events such as the dawn service will be live streamed. The announcement follows weeks of speculation about whether veterans would be able to march on Anzac Day. There was no march last year because of Victoria's first coronavirus lockdown. A juvenile tiger shark. Credit: Albert Kok/Wikipedia The tiger shark is one of the largest predatory sharks known today. This shark is a cosmopolitan species occurring in all oceans worldwide. It is characterized by a striped pattern on its back, which is well marked in juveniles but usually fades in adults. The fossil history of modern sharks reaches back to the Permian, about 295 million years ago. Complete fossil shark skeletons are very rarethe skeleton, which consists almost entirely of cartilage, is only preserved under very special circumstances during the fossilization processes. Due to the lifelong continuous tooth replacement, most extinct sharks are therefore only known by their well-mineralized teeth, which, nonetheless, can provide deep insights into their evolutionary history. The teeth of the modern tiger shark are unique: they have a broad, double-serrated cutting edge which even allows them to cut through sea turtle shells with ease. Tiger shark teeth are known in the fossil record since about 56 million years. Based on these fossil teeth, over 22 extinct tiger shark species have been described. An international team of researchers led by Julia Turtscher from the University of Vienna has now examined the fossil history of the tiger shark and its extinct relatives. With the help of geometric morphometrics, the scientists were able to show that only 5 of the 22 known fossil tiger sharks actually represent valid species. Nevertheless, tiger sharks were more diverse in the past and only a single species survived until today. Another intriguing detail in the tiger shark fossil record emerged during this study. Up to now, it was assumed that the modern tiger shark originated ca. 5.3 million years ago. The team, however, was able to identify several 13.8 million year old fossil teeth as belonging to this shark demonstrating that it originated much earlier than previously assumed. Explore further 150-million-year-old shark was one of the largest of its time More information: Julia Turtscher et al, Evolution, diversity, and disparity of the tiger shark lineage Galeocerdo in deep time, Paleobiology (2021). Journal information: Paleobiology Julia Turtscher et al, Evolution, diversity, and disparity of the tiger shark lineage Galeocerdo in deep time,(2021). DOI: 10.1017/pab.2021.6 MBABANE Sipho Shongwe is alleged to have offered Siphiwe Tata Ngubane and Mbuso Ncaza Nkosi drugs worth E2 million and E700 000 to refuse to testify against him. This was disclosed by Ngubane during the murder trial yesterday. Shongwe is on trial for allegedly killing Victor Gamedze. According to Ngubane, who is an accomplice witness, Shongwe allegedly made the offer through Advocate Nthabiseng Mohomane. The advocate is alleged to have approached Ngubane and Nkosi at Diepkloof Prison where they were incarcerated. After Gamedzes murder on January 14, 2018, Ngubane was arrested on an extradition warrant and was found in possession of an unlicenced firearm, for which he was convicted. Nkosi, on the other hand, according to Ngubane, was arrested for shooting at police officers and violating his parole. Ngubane told the court that while they were in prison, Advocate Jacques Nel was their representative in the extradition matter until his mandate was terminated and Advocate William Sekgatja took over. He stated that during that period, he and Nkosi were willing to come to Eswatini to testify against Shongwe. He maintained that his decision to testify against Shongwe had not changed. Testify When asked by Advocate Michael Hellens for the Crown if he was willing to testify against Shongwe, he said: Ngangiyimisele (I was willing). He pointed out that his stance never changed and added that Nkosi also wanted to testify against the accused. He said if anyone could say he no longer wanted to testify, that would be untrue. Ngubane told the court that he was willing to testify because he wanted closure on the matter. He said Advocate Nel advised him to stick to the truth. However, he said he had some conflict with Advocate Nel for about two weeks because he (Ngubane) wanted to come to Eswatini to testify, but he (Nel) was seemingly failing to deliver on his wish and his mandate was terminated in June or July 2019. Ngubane told the court that, while he and Nkosi were in prison, they were visited by investigators and prosecutors from Eswatini since they had encountered problems in that Mohomane visited them and allegedly made the offer for drugs and money. He said Advocate Mohomane introduced herself and told them she had been instructed by people from Eswatini to represent them in their extradition matter. He said they had not engaged her as their representative. He pointed out that they did not expect her visit and that she came at a time when they were waiting for Advocate Sekgatja from Legal Aid. Lindsey Graham: GOP Will Shut the Senate Down If Denied Access to Border Facilities Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said that Republicans will shut down the Senate if he and other senators are denied access to Border Patrol facilities at the U.S.-Mexico border on Friday. I am going down [to the border] with 18 senators Friday, and if Im denied the ability to look into any place I want to go, were going to shut the Senate down, he said in an interview with Fox News. Where are all the liberal hypocrites? Where is AOC? Where is Elizabeth Warren? Where is Vice President Harris, who basically protested outside of a facilityin Homestead, Florida during the Trump yearsholding migrant children? Graham was referring to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), who in 2018 was photographed crying outside a Tornillo, Texas, migrant children detention center. The longtime member of Congress added: All I can say is, Im going down with 18 senators, if they deny me the ability to go where I want to go and see what I want to see, were going to shut the Senate down. Currently, more than than 16,000 migrant children are currently in U.S. custody, with 5,000 of those being held by Border Patrol, according to recent data from the agency. Border Patrol agents apprehend about two dozen illegal immigrants in Penitas, Texas, on March 11. 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) A Border Patrol agent delivers a family unit that entered the United States to a bus station in Brownsville, Texas on Feb. 26, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images) Republicans have put pressure on the Biden administration to allow greater media access to border shelters, while White House officials have said the influx in migration is because of former President Donald Trumps policies. It is especially challenging and difficult now, because the entire system under United States law that has been in place throughout administrations of both parties was dismantled in its entirety by the Trump administration, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC News over the weekend. So we are rebuilding the system as we address the needs of vulnerable children who arrive at our borders. Republicans have pointed to a slew of executive actions carried out by Biden starting Jan. 20 to rescind some of Trumps immigration orders, including the Remain in Mexico policy and halting construction of the border wall. Biden also proposed a pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants and other new orders. Separately, some members of the media have criticized the administration over a lack of transparency regarding border facilities. 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. By Julie Zhu and Kane Wu (Reuters) - China's top ride-hailing firm is leaning toward picking over for its initial public offering IPO), eyeing a valuation of at least $100 billion via the float, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Didi has also discussed the option of listing via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), multiple people said, referring to a blank-check firm with capital raised in a U.S. that would then merge with a target. But they said the SPAC option was seen by Didi as less viable given its valuation target. A separate person close to Didi said the company is also considering a second listing in if its U.S. takes place. Beijing-based Didi, which is backed by technology investment giants SoftBank, Alibaba and Tencent, said it doesn't have a definite plan regarding its listing destination nor timeline. The people with knowledge of the matter spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity as the information was confidential. Two of them said the preference for as a listing venue partly reflects concerns that a Hong Kong application could run into tighter regulatory scrutiny over Didi business practices, including the use of unlicensed vehicles and part-time drivers. Shanghai authorities fined Didi for using unlicensed vehicles multiple times in 2019. Back then, Didi responded by launching a campaign to improve safety for passengers. Another advantage Didi sees in a IPO is a more predictable listing pace and a deeper pool of capital as soon as the second quarter, one person said, referring to the momentum now lifting U.S. stock markets. Hong Kong stock exchange operator HKEX said it doesn't comment on individual (Reporting by Julie Zhu and Kane Wu in Hong Kong, and Yilei Sun in Beijing; Additional reporting by Scott Murdoch; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) (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 Israel holds 4th parliamentary election in two years Exit polls indicate there is no clear winner in the Israeli election, signalling continued political deadlock. The polls on Israels three main TV stations showed current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his religious and nationalist allies, as well as diverse array of opponents, both falling short of a parliamentary majority. That could set the stage for weeks of paralysis and even an unprecedented fifth consecutive election. Tuesday marked Israels fourth election in two years, after two deadlocked elections and the breakdown of a national unity government formed in May 2020. Sickle cell disease is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder in the world, affecting 70,000 to 100,000 Americans. However, it is considered an orphan disease, meaning it impacts less than 200,000 people nationally, and is therefore underrepresented in therapeutic research. A team led by Abhishek Jain from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Texas A&M University is working to address this disease. "I'm trying to create these new types of disease models that can impact health care, with the long-term goal of emphasizing on applying these tools and technologies to lower health care costs," said Jain, assistant professor in the department. "We strategically wanted to pick up those disease systems which fall under the radar in orphan disease category." Jain's research is in organ-on-a-chip, where cells from humans can be grown on USB-sized devices to mimic the way the organ would work inside the body. This sort of system is ideal for testing new drug treatments, as drugs cannot be tested on humans, and animal models have not shown to be a good representation of how a patient and disease would interact with a treatment. For sickle cell disease patients, the organ-on-a-chip would also be beneficial because patients can present with mild to severe cases. Jain works with Tanmay Mathur, a fourth-year doctoral student who trained as a chemical engineer in his undergraduate years. His research focused on microfabrication techniques and simulations, skills he said merged well into the organ-on-a-chip research he now performs in Jain's lab. The team collaborates closely with the Texas Medical Center in Houston. The work was recently published in the journal Bioengineering & Translational Medicine. Their paper builds off a 2019 publication in the journal Lab on Chip, where the team demonstrated that endothelial cells (cells that line the blood vessels) could be used to model the disease physiology of a patient without having to stimulate the model to perform differently than a healthy vessel. "Traditionally these cells were not used for disease modeling, so in that way our approach is very novel," Mathur said. "We are one of first to harness these cells and employed them in disease modeling research." Mathur and Jain demonstrate that these models can be used to differentiate between patients. The first step: build a blood vessel that mimics a patient's vessel. For that the team would need two components -- patient blood and endothelial cells. Collecting the blood involved a simple blood draw. They faced a challenge with the endothelial cells, however. They would need to take a biopsy of the cells or use stem cells to grow their own, neither of which was ideal. Then they found the answer was in the blood. "What we learned is within blood samples are some endothelial cells also circulating," Jain said. "We call them blood outgrowth endothelial cells that we can harness very easily. That's what is new about this work. You can get those cells, grow them so that's there's enough in number and then you can make blood vessels." Now that they could build the vessels, the next step was to see if these models would show how the disease has various biological impacts in different patients. Again, the goal was to be able to test treatments on these models, so the closer they mimiced their human patient, the better. "We're able to differentiate a very severe sickle cell patient in terms of their phenotype from very mild patients," Mathur said. "Moving forward, we can take a larger population of any sickle cell disease patients and assess them using our organ-chip technology and then categorize them into different groups based on symptoms." Their findings indicate that these organs-on-a-chip could lead to patient-centric, personalized treatment, improving how clinicians approach this and other cardiovascular diseases. "When you take it to the field, now it can become a predictive device," Jain said. "Now you do not have to know whether the patient is mild or severe, you can test for that. You can predict if patient is serious and can dictate their therapeutic needs." The next step is to continue to expand the patient cohort to collect more results. A long-term goal would be to use the patient information collected to develop a database to better predict disease progression. "You take a history of a lot of these patients and their cardiovascular health with this device, and you can predict which patient might have better chance of having a stroke and you start treating them early on," Jain said. Mathur said even with future challenges, he looks forward to continuing their research. "I think even though it may take 10, 15 years, we will at least push forward some of the research that we're doing and get it out in the clinical field," he said. "We are one of the only groups in the world that have started this field of personalized treatment. I feel that our impact is pretty high, and I'm sure we will be able to expand the same treatment to other cardiovascular diseases and attract more attention and deeper insights into the biology that we are looking at." ### This work is funded by a Trailblazer Award Jain received from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. 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. FLASHBACK: Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh looks on as nurse Keisha Prevatt-Gomez, of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) Infection Prevention and Disease Control Unit, is administered the first Covid-19 vaccine in the country on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, by Grace Sookchand of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation at the Ministry of Health, during launch of the Covid-19 vaccine deployment at the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training Facility. Photo: DEXTER PHILIP 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. Power distribution companies (discoms) in 26 of Indias 36 states and union territories (UT) have witnessed an increase in overdue since last year; with 30 territories having dues pending for more than two months. The power ministry, in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, said on Tuesday that over a third of the Rs 1,35,497 crore of the loans sanctioned by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has been released. The government had announced a liquidity infusion scheme last year under its Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiative to help clear their dues. However, data shows that the discom overdue has increased by 24 per cent since 2020. owe Rs 1,23,341 crore to central public sector enterprises (CPSE), state generators, independent power purchasers and renewable energy generators till January 2021, compared to Rs 99,489 crore last year. Dues jumped by 24 per cent despite the pandemic, whereas the increase for the corresponding period last year was 61 per cent. Monthly data indicates that in the last one year it was only in three months that the payment by (including the amount paid against outstanding) exceeded the amount billed to discom in that month. Not just dues, even the disputed amount has been rising. Bills worth Rs 12,856 crore were in dispute till January 2020, the amount has risen to Rs 15,098 crore. A state-wise analysis shows that in January discoms in states and UTs witnessed an increase in their overdue amount since last year, and nearly all, barring four, registered an increase in time taken to clear dues. Five states witnessed an average 5.5-times increase in their dues. Overdue in West Bengal rose nearly 8-times from Rs 30 crore last year to Rs 262 crore. In Kerala, overdue rose from Rs 53 crore to Rs 398 crore and in Punjab, dues jumped from Rs 331 crore to Rs 793 crore. Maharashtra discoms witnessed a 36 per cent decline in overdue from last year; however, the average time taken to clear the dues almost doubled. The average duration for overdue was 350 days as compared to 183 days last year. Discoms in 26 states and UTs had almost two-thirds of their dues pending for over 60 days. The government has announced another UDAY styled scheme in this years budget to get discoms on the path to recovery. A revamped reforms-based result-linked power distribution sector scheme will be launched with an outlay of Rs 3,05,984 crores over 5 years, the FM had said in her Budget speech in February. But it remains to be seen how effective this would be, given UDAY failed in getting state electricity boards to meet the targets. UDAY had envisaged Aggregate Technical and Commercial Losses (AT&C) to reach 15% by FY19, but data from the UDAY website indicates that AT&C losses in the country were 24.31%. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday (March 24, 2021) passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The GNCTD bill was passed amid the uproar by the opposition leaders. The Bill says that the 'government', referred to in any law to be passed by the legislative assembly, would mean the Lieutenant Governor. As per the Bill, the Delhi government must obtain the opinion of the LG before implementing any policy decision. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has been opposing the bill since the beginning took to his official Twitter account and called it a 'sad day' for the Indian democracy. The AAP supremo wrote, "RS passes GNCTD amendment Bill. Sad day for Indian democracy. We will continue our struggle to restore power back to people. Whatever be the obstacles, we will continue doing good work. Work will neither stop nor slow down." RS passes GNCTD amendment Bill. Sad day for Indian democracy We will continue our struggle to restore power back to people. Whatever be the obstacles, we will continue doing good work. Work will neither stop nor slow down. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 24, 2021 During the Rajya Sabha discussion, the Congress, YSRCP, BJD, SP leaders amongst others, staged a walkout from the Upper House. "We want this Bill to be sent to the Select Committee. This is absolutely anti-democracy, anti-Constitution. We oppose this Bill and stage walkout," ANI quoted Vishambhar Prasad Nishad, SP MP, as saying. BJD MP Prasanna Acharya said, "My party has decided not to become a party to the passing of this Bill. It undermines the authority and power of an elected government of an elected Assembly. Without lowering the dignity of the House, we are peacefully staging a walkout." It was earlier passed by the Lower House on March 22. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have been adjourned till Thursday. (With inputs from agencies) Live TV For the past year, an assumption sometimes explicit, often tacit has informed almost all our thinking about the pandemic: At some point, it will be over, and then well go back to normal. This premise is almost certainly wrong. SARS-CoV-2, protean and elusive as it is, may become our permanent enemy, like the flu but worse. And even if it peters out eventually, our lives and routines will by then have changed irreversibly. Going back wont be an option; the only way is forward. But to what exactly? Most epidemics disappear once populations achieve herd immunity and the pathogen has too few vulnerable bodies available as hosts for its self-propagation. This herd protection comes about through the combination of natural immunity in people whove recovered from infection and vaccination of the remaining population. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, however, recent developments suggest that we may never achieve herd immunity. Even the U.S., which leads most other countries in vaccinations and already had large outbreaks, wont get there. Thats the upshot of an analysis by Christopher Murray at the University of Washington and Peter Piot at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The main reason is the ongoing emergence of new variants that behave almost like new viruses. A clinical vaccine trial in South Africa showed that people in the placebo group who had previously been infected with one strain had no immunity against its mutated descendant and became reinfected. There are similar reports from parts of Brazil that had massive outbreaks and subsequently suffered renewed epidemics. That leaves only vaccination as a path toward lasting herd immunity. And admittedly, some of the shots available today are still somewhat effective against some of the new variants. But over time they will become powerless against the coming mutations. Of course, vaccine makers are already feverishly working on making new jabs. In particular, inoculations based on the revolutionary mRNA technology Ive previously described can be updated faster than any vaccine in history. But the serum still needs to be made, shipped, distributed and jabbed. And that process cant happen fast enough, nor cover the planet widely enough. Yes, some of us may win a regional round or two against the virus, by vaccinating one particular population as Israel has done, for instance. But evolution doesnt care where it does its work, and the virus replicates wherever it finds warm and unvaccinated bodies with cells that let it reproduce its RNA. As it copies itself, it makes occasional coding mistakes. And some of those chance errors turn into yet more mutations. These viral avatars are popping up wherever theres a lot of transmission going on and somebody bothers to look closely. A British, a South African and at least one Brazilian strain have already become notorious, but Ive also seen reports of viral cousins and nephews showing up in California, Oregon and elsewhere. If we were to sequence samples in more places, wed probably find even more relatives. We should therefore assume that the virus is already mutating fast in the many poor countries that have so far received no jabs at all, even if their youthful populations keep mortality manageable and thus mask the severity of local outbreaks. Last month, Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, reminded the world that 75% of all shots had been administered in just 10 countries, while 130 others hadnt primed a single syringe. A pathogens evolution is neither surprising nor automatically worrisome. One frequent pattern is that bugs over time become more contagious but less virulent. After all, not killing your host too efficiently confers an advantage in natural selection. If SARS-CoV-2 goes this route, itll eventually become just another common cold. But thats not what its been doing recently. The variants we know of have become more infectious, but no less lethal. From an epidemiological point of view, thats the worst news. Consider two alternative evolutionary paths. In one, a virus becomes more severe but not more transmissible. It will cause more disease and death, but the growth is linear. In the other path, a mutating virus becomes neither more nor less virulent but more contagious. It will cause increases in disease and death that are exponential rather than linear. Adam Kucharski at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains the math here. If this is the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2, were in for seemingly endless cycles of outbreaks and remissions, social restrictions and relaxations, lockdowns and reopenings. At least in rich countries, we will probably get vaccinated a couple of times a year, against the latest variant in circulation, but never fast or comprehensively enough to achieve herd immunity. Im not arguing for defeatism here. In the grand sweep of history, Covid-19 is still a relatively mild pandemic. Smallpox killed nine out of 10 Native Americans after the Spanish brought it to the Americas in the 16th century. The Black Death carried off about half of the Mediterranean population when it first came to Europe in the sixth century. Worldwide, the has killed fewer than four in 10,000 so far. And with our science and technology, were armed as our ancestors never were. But we must also be realistic. Resilience demands that we include this new scenario into our planning. The good news is that we keep getting better at responding. In each lockdown, for example, we damage the economy less than in the previous one. And we may achieve scientific breakthroughs that will eventually make life better. Our Brave New World neednt be dystopian. But it wont look anything like the old world. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Two Kenya Power employees, who allegedly disconnected electricity to a city resident's home and demanded Sh60,000 to reconnect it were charged with extortion. Robinson Ongeri Mogaka and Philip Muteti were charged at Makadara law courts, where they were accused of jointly extorting the money from Alice Akumu Orengo. They are accused of cutting off her electricity supply while accusing her of having an illegal installation at her home in Utawala on March 19. The two who work as technicians with the electricity distributing company were also charged with requesting and receiving a bribe contrary to the Bribery Act. The court heard that the duo demanded the cash from Orengo to reconnect her after executing a disconnection of the same. They are accused of receiving Sh30,000 which was half of the Sh60,000 bribe they had demanded from her as inducement to complete the reconnection of her power supply. They denied the charges before chief magistrate Anjelo Kithinji. Kenya Power is grappling with losses occasioned by loss of revenues through illegal connections and fraudulent power consumption, largely aided by its employees. Mogaka and Muteti were freed on a Sh200,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount, and an alternative cash bail of Sh100,000. Their case will be mentioned on April 6. Allies should do more to avoid diplomatic row The U.S. State Department pointed out that South Korean government's ban on flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets into North Korea is problematic as it could restrict freedom of expression. The department plans to make this claim in its annual human rights report to be released sometime later this month, according to Voice of America. In relation to a human rights violation, the report purportedly cites diverse cases of corruption involving South Korean officials and politicians such as former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and Rep. Youn Mee-hyang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). Yoon is suspected of embezzlement and breach of duty in the process of operating facilities for surviving South Korean victims of wartime sex slavery. The U.S. report also raises the issue of sexual harassment allegedly committed by former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and former Busan Mayor Oh Keo-don, both from the DPK, accusing them of human rights violations. The report is different from the previous ones that had mainly mentioned rights abuses in North Korea. Since the onset of the Joe Biden administration, the U.S. has been stepping up pressures on China and other authoritarian countries over their alleged human rights violations. Regarding the legislation of the law prohibiting the sending of anti-North Korea leaflets, the report describes it as a violation of freedom of expression, citing remarks from civic activists and opposition party leaders. The State Department has emphasized the need to spread outside information into the reclusive North. There has been growing criticism that the legislation was the result of the Moon Jae-in administration's keeping mum on the North's poor human rights record, in a desperate bid to sustain its much-touted "peace process" on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. also raised the North Korea human rights issue during the so-called "two plus two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers in Seoul last week. The Moon administration has so far overlooked the North's human rights infringements. The U.N. Human Rights Commission has been adopting a human rights resolution on North Korea since 2005. Yet the South did not take part in votes for the resolution for three consecutive years from 2018. The Moon administration has refused to bring up the North's human rights issues, apparently believing that pressuring the recalcitrant North with that matter will negatively affect its active engagement policy. The Biden administration is expected to continue to focus on the rights issue and the Kim Jong-un regime needs to pay more attention to changes in U.S. foreign policy. Seoul, for its part, should reflect on its own possible domestic human rights violations and corruption. It also needs to closely coordinate with Washington so that human rights issues will not turn into a diplomatic dispute between the allies. It should clearly explain to the U.S. that the leaflet ban is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents near the inter-Korean border. We urge the two allies to make efforts to avoid any row over the issue. NEW YORK A defense attorney for NXIVM leader Keith Raniere inadvertently made public a court file that identified the names of 117 alleged victims of the jailed personal growth guru, prompting federal prosecutors to call it an egregious violation. Defense attorney Steven A. Metcalf II, who joined Ranieres defense team in February to work on his appeal, included information such as victims full names and some medical information in a response filed early Tuesday morning to the prosecutions request for restitution for those individuals, according to federal prosecutors in Brooklyn. Raniere, 60, is serving a 120-year sentence in a federal prison in Tucson, Ariz. In June 2019, a federal jury in Brooklyn's Eastern District convicted the former Halfmoon resident, known within NXIVM as Vanguard, of sex trafficking, forced labor conspiracy and racketeering charges that included underlying acts of extortion, possessing child pornography and identity theft. Metcalf later informed acting U.S. Attorney Mark Lesko and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanya Hajjar that the filing was inadvertent" and a technical error that was made after midnight. It was marked as being filed under seal, prosecutors said. Senior U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis has since removed the entry from the court docket. The judge had issued a protective order to keep the information sealed. Prosecutors credited Metcalf's acknowledgement of the error, but reminded Garaufis that Ranieres defense team had previously opposed the judges decision to keep names of victims out of the public record. The government remains troubled by the violation of the protective order, Hajjar stated. The violation is particularly concerning in light of Ranieres prior opposition to the designation of victim identities and declarations of loss Hajjar said on Feb. 26, another defense lawyer identified as Paul DerOhannesian, the Albany attorney who was part of Raniere's trial defense and has remained on his case tried to mail an exhibit to Raniere in prison that contained "victim discovery material." Such material has been described as victims' identities, impact statements and their declarations of loss, prosecutors said in a filing. That too violated the judge's order, she said. After learning of the violation from a legal counsel at the federal lockup, Hajjar sent an email to all lawyers in the case reminding them that the exhibit contained protected information about victims. Counsel for Raniere assured the government that the attempt was in error and would not recur, she stated. Hajjar added, In light of the egregious nature of the violation resulting in the public filing of victim names and sensitive medical information the government respectfully requests that any future violation of the protective order result in sanctions. DerOhannesian did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Joseph McBride, an associate of Metcalf, said in an email that this week's error "was cured at earliest possible time. The governments attempt to bootstrap this isolated incident to the independent actions of previous attorneys entirely unassociated with Mr. Ranieres current legal team in inaccurate. Furthermore, the governments characterization of this clerical error as egregious is unfortunate, as it entirely overlooks our continued good-faith efforts to keep protected information confidential. Neil Glazer, an attorney suing Raniere in a civil case also in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, called the error "deeply concerning" and "reckless." Launched in 2016, RLDAA is a festival of events celebrating learning innovation that will be hosted between April 22 May 23 by a variety of organizations from schools, libraries, community hubs, and more. These events are designed for parents and caregivers to learn alongside their kids and offer relevant and engaging educational experiences for youth of all ages (pre-K through high school). The majority of events are free. "After a year unlike any other, we're excited to bring back the joy of Remake Learning Days Across America and make new ways of learning fun and accessible to more kids, enabling their families to experience remarkable learning that happens everywhere," said Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation and co-chair for Remake Learning. Families can search events by six learning themes: arts, maker, outdoor learning, science, technology and youth voice. There are also professional development sessions for educators. Because many of these 700 events are virtual, families nationwide can join in events happening anywhere. There will also be in-person options. Some of the events include learning about the science of flight, telling stories in a cartoon workshop, discovering nature at an outdoor scavenger hunt, STEM family festivals and exploring career paths of making animation. Remake Learning Days Across America is led by Remake Learning (RL), a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. National partners of RLDAA include PBS Kids, Digital Promise, Common Sense Media, Learning Heroes and Noggin. RLDAA is generously supported by The Grable Foundation, The Hewlett Foundation, Schmidt Futures Carnegie Corporation of New York and Ford Foundation. For more information on Remake Learning Days Across America, visit remakelearningdays.org or follow RLDAA on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , and the hashtag #RemakeDays. Find a complete list of events here . For high resolution images, please click here. Contact Yu-Ling Cheng [email protected] SOURCE Remake Learning Related Links http://remakelearningdays.org The three flyover bridges built in Awka, the Anambra State capital by Governor Willie Obiano have recently come under attack, with many saying the flyovers are on the verge of collapsing. David-Chyddy Eleke examines the criticisms. That Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State was in a hurry to develop the state upon his swearing in as governor in 2014 is not in doubt. Shortly after he was sworn in, in March 2014, in his first ever executive council meeting, Obiano announced the plan of the state government to beautify the state capital, Awka. To do this, he began with the plan to build what he called three iconic flyover bridges in Awka. The first at the popular Aroma junction, another at Kwata Junction and the last at Amawbia junction. Many doubted the sincerity of the government about the plan, but just days after the announcement, the contractors went to work, demolishing the roundabouts in the various junctions where the flyovers were expected to be built. Within his first two years, Obiano successfully delivered three aesthetically built flyovers, which he said was modeled after the hanging bridge of London. To further enhance its aesthetics, Obiano installed a very bright light on the top of the bridge, which illuminates the entire vicinities where the flyovers are located, while grasses were planted around each of them too, to enhance their beauty. Today, the lighting installed on the three bridges now gives the state capital some sort of illumination at night as one drives by. This is made even better as the state government through its improvement in security has created a night life that now comes off as a revenue earner for the state. Criticisms Even before the bridges were delivered, criticisms had begun pouring in about the choice of the model of the bridges chosen by the governor. Many insisted that such model of flyover bridges that required building cement and rod embankments and filling it with red earth was no longer in vogue, while others criticized it for its cheapness. Yet another group insisted that the governor was building a death trap that would not last, thereby wasting the money of the people. In an interview the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige held with journalists prior to the 2017 governorship election when Obiano was seeking reelection, he told journalists that when his party takes over the reins of government, it would demolish the flyover, but he later recanted, when criticisms started pouring in about the demolition being a waste of funds belonging to Anambra State people, since the funds used for the building of the flyover was Anambra's. Fear of Collapse When eventually the bridge became a reality, and the state government decided to erect a barricade to stop heavy duty equipment and other articulated truck from plying it, the governor's traducers went to work again, insisting that the barricades were erected because the government knows that it built a substandard bridge that could collapse any moment. It took the state government lots of explanation that the barricade was just to ensure that since the flyovers are hilly, trucks may lose their brakes and roll back in the processing of ascending it, thereby causing havoc. Even with the explanations, the belief that the bridges are substandard have not gone away. Just last week, a picture surfaced on the internet, where members of the opposition stated again that one of the bridges, precisely the one at Aroma junction was on the brinks of collapse. The picture which was all over the social media warned indigenes of the state to desist from using the Aroma flyover as it may give way any moment. The picture circulated on the internet showed a part of the bridge, with a huge crack. Obiano's Stance As the argument continues, the bridge is already over six years old, and the governor insists that he knows the quality of flyover bridge he built, and that he was confident it would last very long. The opposition is however not relenting, as they continue to criticize the project at every little opportunity. The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, in replying to the rumours, has however said that there were no fears at all that the flyover bridges he built were collapsing. Obiano who inspected the bridges referred to them as 'iconic', insisting that the state government engaged the very best in the world of construction in building the flyovers, and that feasibility studies was carried out on the kind of bridges it was building, before embarking on them, and that the three bridges were built to last a long while. Represented by the Commissioner for Works in Anambra State, Engr. Marcel Ifejiofor, Obiano said "the iconic Aroma Flyover is strong and safe", contrary to the insinuations and scaremongering on social media questioning the safety of bridge. Ifejiofor stated that the alleged crack being posted around by scaremongers has nothing to do with the bridge insisting that the integrity of the bridge is not compromised in any way. He explained that the minor gap is on the side embankment on the Enugu approach was only added following an accident involving a big lorry on the Kwata bridge. Ifejiofor who took journalists on inspection tour of the bridge said, "Aroma flyover bridge was built to global standard. The expansion which they talked about is an intrinsic part of bridge construction and does not indicate a crack. The three Flyover bridges at Aroma, Kwata and Amawbia were awarded in 2014 and 2015 are safe not to mention the 15 other bridges built across the state by the Obiano administration. I assure Ndi Anambra of the commitment of Governor Obiano to the safety of lives at all times, the barricade on the bridges are normal safety measures against big lorries rolling back from the bridge." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Construction Urban Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Also, IDC, the company which constructed the flyover bridges, speaking through the construction Manager, Engr Yousssef Zghaib, said the embankment which had cracks, which was being shown on the social media has no correlation with the integrity of the bridge. He said the bridge is a separate unit, away from the embankment, and that accidents atop the flyover, in which a car hits the embankment can affect it, but would have nothing to do with the flyover. He assured that there is no cause for alarm, saying that Aroma bridge is safe. By November this year, Anambra State would go to polls to elect a replacement for Obiano. Obiano who is of the All Progressives Grand Alliance would also be struggling to ensure that a candidate of his party wins the elections to take over from him. APGA has for 16 years held sway in Anambra state, and being the only state in the country that it controls, Obiano would most likely throw his entire weight behind anyone elected as the candidate of the party. Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APC the most visible opposition political parties in the state would also be working to ensure that its candidates topple APGA in the election. The tendency is that some of Obiano's projects in the state, despite the three 'iconic' flyover bridges in Awka may still come under criticisms. How Obiano defends his projects against opposition would to a large extend determine how the candidate of his political party in the forthcoming election would fare. A pregnant mother and her partner have copped a barrage of racial abuse while waiting to get an ultrasound of their unborn child. The disturbing incident happened in the waiting room of a Perth radiology clinic on Monday while the couple were minding their own business. Jamie Shin began filming a middle-aged woman after she allegedly unleashed several racial slurs, calling the couple g**ks and told them to 'go back to your own country, Nips'. 'My pregnant partner felt assaulted,' he wrote on the video posted to TikTok. Jamie Shin (left) claims he and his pregnant partner (right) were racially abused while waiting to to get an ultrasound of their unborn child The video starts with Mr Shin arguing with the woman. 'Don't tell me to go back to my own country,' he said. 'Don't yell at me,' she replied, but Mr Shin stands his ground. 'No, you just told me to get out of my own country and go back to where I came from. I was born here,' he said. A staff member is heard in the background trying to defuse the situation by asking the middle-aged woman and her partner to wait at the front. 'Yeah, gladly,' the woman replies. Jamie Shin began filming after the woman allegedly unleashed a number of racial slurs The woman is heard telling Mr Shin to 'p**s off back to China' as she walks off. Mr Shin is a third generation Korean-Australian who was born and grew up in Australia, and his partner is 19 weeks pregnant. 'We were sitting there minding our own business typing on our phones,' Mr Shin told news.com.au. 'She then went on a whole rampage of racial slurs. She said: "Go back to your own country, Nips".' He believes the woman took out her frustrations on them after her partner couldn't come into the room while she had a procedure. The woman (pictured) was eventually by staff asked to move and wait at the front Jamie Shin (left) and his partner (right) were told by a woman to 'p*** off back to China' Mr Shin described clinic staff's handling of the incident as 'amazing'. He claimed in his TikTok video that the woman was banned by radiology clinic's seven branches and by the GP who referred her. Mt Shin said he wanted to educate the couple if he ever came across them again. 'I don't want racism [like this] to ever happen again,' he said. 'These racial attacks, I wouldn't say they're very common. But it's still there, even if it's not a very common thing.' Now with a robust gold price, a significantly improved share price and a strong cash position, we will look back on 2020 as a year of significant progress in the development of the company, providing the foundation blocks to support our growth, said chairman John McGloin ( ) said it is extremely well placed for 2021 with active drilling campaigns at its core projects in Cameroon and Senegal as well as at its investment projects in Djibouti and Turkey. The exploration company also reported pretax losses for 2020 shrank to 320,000, from a loss of 1.67mln the previous year. The figure was helped by a 317,000 foreign exchange gain on its Senala asset in Senegal, cost-saving measures that reduced administrative overheads 35% and growth in its Turkish consultancy business. "Whilst 2020 was a difficult and unprecedented year at a global level, at Oriole we succeeded in advancing the company's pre-stated development goals of signing of a drill contract and securing the necessary funds to allow us to finish the year poised for the commencement of our maiden drilling programme at Bibemi in Cameroon, said chief executive Tim Livesey. Earlier this week, Oriole announced it was a third of the way through its 3,080-metre drill programme at the Bibemi gold project. READ: Oriole Resources now a third of the way through its maiden drilling programme at Bibemi The West Africa-focussed company ended the year with a cash balance of 1.75mln. Now with a robust gold price, a significantly improved share price and a strong cash position, we will look back on 2020 as a year of significant progress in the development of the company, providing the foundation blocks to support our growth, added chairman John McGloin. People mourn at the site of a mass shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, March 23, 2021. Reuters This undated photo provided on March 22 by the Boulder Police Department shows Colorado shooting suspect Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa. AP The suspect accused of opening fire inside a crowded Colorado supermarket was a 21-year-old man who purchased an assault weapon less than a week earlier, authorities said Tuesday, a day after the attack that killed 10 people, including a police officer. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa bought the weapon on March 16, just six days before the attack at a King Soopers store in Boulder, according to an arrest affidavit. It was not immediately known where the gun was purchased. Alissa, who is from the Denver suburb of Arvada, was booked into the county jail Tuesday on murder charges after being treated at a hospital. He was due to make a first court appearance Thursday. Investigators have not established a motive, but they believe Alissa was the only shooter, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting said the suspect's family told investigators they believed Alissa was suffering some type of mental illness, including delusions. Relatives described times when Alissa told them people were following or chasing him, which they said may have contributed to the violence, the official said. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The attack was the nation's deadliest mass shooting since a 2019 assault on a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where a gunman killed 22 people in a rampage that police said targeted Mexicans. In Washington, President Joe Biden called on Congress to tighten the nation's gun laws. ''Ten lives have been lost, and more families have been shattered by gun violence in the state of Colorado,'' Biden said at the White House. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to bring forward two House-passed bills to require expanded background checks for gun buyers. Biden supports the measures, but they face a tougher route to passage in a closely divided Senate with a slim Democratic majority. The shooting came 10 days after a judge blocked a ban on assault rifles passed by the city of Boulder in 2018. That ordinance and another banning large-capacity magazines came after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. A lawsuit challenging the bans was filed quickly, backed by the National Rifle Association. The judge struck down the ordinance under a Colorado law that blocks cities from making their own rules about guns. Supermarket employees told investigators that Alissa shot a man multiple times outside the Boulder grocery store before going inside, according to the affidavit. Another person was found shot in a vehicle next to a car registered to the suspect's brother. The gunfire sent terrorized shoppers and employees scrambling for cover. SWAT officers carrying ballistic shields slowly approached the store while others escorted frightened people away from the building, which had some of its windows shattered. Customers and employees fled through a back loading dock to safety. Others took refuge in nearby shops. Multiple 911 calls paint a picture of a chaotic, terrifying scene, according to the affidavit. * 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. Reporter Stephanie Earls is a news reporter and columnist at The Gazette. Before moving to Colorado Springs in 2012, she worked for newspapers in upstate NY, WA, OR and at her hometown weekly in Berkeley Springs, WV, where she got her start in journalism. ROME, MAR 24 - Premier Mario Draghi said Wednesday that his government is aiming to administer half a million COVID-19 vaccine doses a day in the near future. "We are working to compensate for the delays of recent months," Draghi told the Senate as he reported to parliament before this week's EU summit. "An acceleration of the vaccination campaign can already be seen in the figures. "In the first three weeks of March the average number of doses administered was 170,000 a day, more than double the average of the two previous months. "Our aim is to get the pace up to half a million a day. "A year after (the start of the pandemic) we must do everything possible to solve the crisis," he added. "We know that we have four safe, effective vaccines to do this and in April we will have the Johnson & Johnson.one too. "The aim is to vaccinate as many people as possible in the shortest possible time". The nation's vaccine rollout has not yet fully taken off, largely because of a shortage of doses. But the vaccination campaign has also been held back by the poor performance of some regions. There have also been differences between regions over which groups of people were being given priority. Draghi said the differences between regions were "difficult to accept" and that the regional governments must "follow the priorities of the national plan". "While some regions follow the instructions of the health ministry, others neglect their elderly in favour of other groups, probably on the basis of their bargaining power," he said.. "We have to be united in exiting the pandemic like we were in suffering together in previous months". He said it was important to achieve "strategic vaccine autonomy". "We have to construct a supply chain that is not vulnerable to shocks and decisions made abroad," the premier continued. "We have already started to establish partnership agreements with international companies for production in Italy". He added that it was necessary to "reinforce the credibility of the EU with regards to the vaccination campaign". Draghi added that his government hopes to start reopening schools after Easter. "It is good to plan openings while we are vaccinating people," Draghi said. "We are carefully looking at the contagion data, but, if the epidemiological situation allows it, schools will open first, including in (high-contagion-risk) red zones. "We'll start by reopening primary and nursery schools". Around eight in 10 pupils in Italy currently doing lessons via distance learning. The government has ordered all schools to switch to distance learning in red zones. It also recently changed the criteria to make it easier for regions to be classed as red zones. This, coupled with the recent surge in infections, mean that half of the country is current a red zone. Furthermore, the government has also given local authorities the power to close schools in specific areas of high contagion, even if the region as a whole is not a red zone. Draghi told the House later Wednesday that his pragmatism on vaccines was "positive" and that the prime way forward on the issue was via the EU. He said the EU had been very disappointing on vaccines so far but now there were positive signs. He also said the EU should work to make sure human rights are respected in member states. (ANSA). Yes, theres always something new happening in New Hope. But then theres new and theres the new that is something that has never been done before. Thats what youll find at SavAged Designs that will be celebrating its grand opening this weekend in their renovated gallery at 110-A South Main St. And what is new about this gallery whose very name includes the word Aged? You really have to visit it to get the full impact, but I can tell you seeing craftsman Craig Pusczkos reclaimed relics of industry paired with artist Adriana Grozas contemporary fluid acrylic abstract paintings youll know youve stepped into a place where creativity and unleashed imaginations have come together in an exciting partnership. I travel the back roads of America in search of unique relics from our storied past, Pusczko says. I search in old barns, decommissioned mills and factories, salvage yards or whatever appeal to me in my travels. I Sav these Aged relics and create unique functional pieces of art that tell a story all their own. Craigs assemblies of historical and contemporary materials are simply fascinating to me. True out of the box thinking and use of imagination, Groza says. His solid interpretations are a great compliment to my fluid abstract art. Theres a harmonious relationship between his use of metal, wood and glass and my colorful, organic representations. This gallery offers a new way of thinking about what art is. For example, consider the B29 Super Fortress Bomber engine block from World War II, which has an interior electrified with yellow lights that shine brightly through the porthole windows that surround its highly polished body. Now with a round glass top, it stands as a pub table. Grozas painting of turbulent crashing waves hangs behind it echoing the energy of what that engine block once emanated. The blend of past and present, historic and innovative, is what the concept of this new gallery is all about. There are lamps made from old pipe fittings. The shades are signed hand-blown glass in undulating free form and resonate clearly with so many of Grozas 26 fluid acrylic abstractions on all the walls. Pusczko brings the past right before us and confronts us not only showing us what the object used to be, but stirring our imaginations to its current functionality and new beauty. There are small objects dispersed through the gallery resting on benches, boat hatches and tables, shelves crafted from old barn beams, and bleachers. Once they were gears, but now they are candle holders, and night lights. There are whimsical Star Wars figures and a cyclist made from pipe fittings. Even a dog with a multi-color glass bulb for a head. Theres a massive dining table whose 1,000-lb. base was once a mills water wheel. Centered on its round glass top is a glass Lazy Susan. And theres a bell from a locomotive that used to run on schedule through New York and Connecticut that, come spring, will be sited outside the gallery where visitors will be welcome to let its voice still be heard. As you leave the bustle of New Hopes busy streets and sidewalks and step inside this new place, possibly it will be Grozas paintings that first catch your eye, that trigger the little voice inside your head making up your own stories about that vivid splash of color, that subtle puddle of diluted pigment, the dots, the curlicues, the wiggles and wanderings of shapes that are all about movement and freedom from static thinking. Even their titles resonate with the stories you know Pusczkos SavAged pieces have locked inside their own twistings and turnings, their own solidity. Grozas paintings unlock our imaginations to hear them, to think about what they once were and enjoy seeing the potential in what they have become. Groza says one of her newest paintings is a celebration of Hope, Joy and Beauty. Created especially for the gallery, Swirls of Hope and Dreams, is bursting and bubbling with swirls of rainbow colors. Rainbows show themselves when youre in the right place, at the right time, she says, and then the beautiful memory remains, along with the knowledge and hope that you find yourself well positioned for the next one. Pusczko and Groza, brought together by a mutual friend for this endeavor, are well positioned in New Hope to entice visitors to set their imaginations free. There are many special events planned to help do exactly that. Groza will be hosting her fluid art experience classes, doing live talks in the gallery, organizing outdoor painting demonstrations and conducting joint projects combining Pusczkos functional works with her fluid paintings. And Pusczko will be in the gallery daily to tell the stories behind each and every piece. You can stop by any time Saturday, March 27 and help them celebrate their grand opening. IF YOU GO: OREGON HOUSE, Calif. Detectives with the Yuba County Sheriffs Office said they are investigating an attempted homicide after two shooting victims were found in Oregon House. The sheriffs office said they received a report around 9 a.m. Monday, when a woman who had been shot in the arm showed up at the departments Marysville headquarters. The victim told detectives the shooting happened overnight off Begonia Way and Saagennah Trail in Oregon House. The victim also told detectives that she believed a second victim was still at the home. A SWAT team was sent to the property of the reported shooting and located a second victim. Authorities said the woman who reported the shooting was taken to the hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to her arm. She was later released from the hospital, according to the sheriffs office. Authorities did not provide information on the condition of the second victim. They also mentioned, no suspects were located during the SWAT teams search. No further information on suspects has been released. Shares of Rossari Biotech fell 5 per cent to Rs 1,056.8 in intra-day trade on Bombay Stock Exchange on Wednesday as investors resorted to profit booking after the company board gave nod to issue equity shares aggregating to Rs 300 crore on preferential basis. The stock has declined 68 per cent from its 52-week low of Rs 1,056.80, touched on July 23, 2020. On Wednesday, Rossari Biotech share price opened lower at Rs 1,104.10 against previous close price of Rs 1,112.45. On the volume front, there was surge in selling as 13,000 shares changed hands over the counter as compared to two-week average volume of 11,000 stocks on the BSE. In a similar trend, Rossari Biotech shares were trading 3.46 per cent lower at Rs 1,072.90. The stock touched an intraday high and low of Rs 1,101 and Rs 1,056.40. Rossari Biotech shares were listed on domestic bourses on July 23, 2020, after getting overwhelming response from investors for its Rs 496 crore IPO. The stock was listed at Rs 670 on BSE, a premium of 57.65 per cent over its issue price of Rs 425. In an exchange filing on Tuesday, Rossari Biotech said that its board of directors approved the issuance of up to 30,12,046 equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each, on a preferential basis, subject to regulatory approval. The funds from this issue, if approved, will further strengthen the company's balance sheet profile and will also augment the financial flexibility to address medium-to-long term growth prospects, it said. "The Board of Directors, in accordance with Chapter V of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, as amended, and other applicable laws, determined a floor price of Rs 996 per Equity Share or such higher price, aggregating to Rs 300 crore," it said in a regulatory filing. The proposed issue will bring on board high-quality and marquee shareholders of scale and repute, the company said. Rossari proposes to utilise the net proceeds to evaluate &invest in inorganic growth opportunities, with in its core chemistries, with a view to diversify its product portfolio, expand geographical reach and augment end-user industry applications. This will further enable the Company to build a strong upcoming pipeline of new products, with impetus on sustainability and environment-friendliness. Axis Capital Limited and Axcelus Finserv are advising the company on this fund raise. Also read: Rail Vikas Nigam share plunges over 7% on govt's stake sale bid Also Read: Stock in news: Reliance, Airtel, ONGC, Hero MotoCorp, Rail Vikas Nigam, Tata Motors Also read: Share Market LIVE Updates: Sensex, Nifty seen opening lower; RIL, Airtel, IDBI Bank, Hero MotoCorp, ONGC in focus Good morning. Today, we have a dispatch from the U.C. Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. It was written by Erin Chessin and Brett Marsh: The Natomas Unified School District, a diverse, low-income community on the northern outskirts of Sacramento, is celebrated for its pioneering mental health program. The program, created after a students suicide in 2014, dispatches rapid response teams to offer students help whenever school staff or special monitoring software on school-supplied computers detect warning signs of suicide or emotional distress. It was so successful that the California School Boards Association gave the program a Golden Bell Award in 2016, citing it as an innovative model for others to emulate. But now, after a year of school closures, and with the pandemic still far from extinguished throughout much of the state, including in and around Sacramento, the Natomas mental health program is itself under enormous stress, school officials say. Carol Swanson, the districts associate superintendent, said that the accumulating strain of endless Zoom classes and the isolation of being stuck at home had produced a staggering onslaught of urgent alerts about students struggling with mental health problems, and that demand for the districts mental health services had soared. With a 15-candidate field winnowed to two on Saturday, runner-up Karen Carter Peterson wasted no time in challenging Troy Carter to three head-to-head debates leading up to the April 24 runoff in a congressional district that stretches from New Orleans to north Baton Rouge. And Carter, who finished first, wasted little time in accepting. Bring it! the Carter campaign said in a text Tuesday. We welcome the opportunity to debate her once again anytime, anywhere. Peterson issued her challenge Monday night. Just last week, I spoke directly to Louisiana families during WDSUs debate about my fight for working people, Peterson, who like Carter is a Democratic state senator from New Orleans. Thats why Im calling on Troy to participate in three debates to talk about the issues that matter most to Louisianans, like Medicare For All, a Green New Deal, a $15 minimum wage, and criminal justice reform. Petersons statement is revealing because it telegraphs the issues she wants to showcase during the monthlong campaign to determine who will replace Cedric Richmond in the House. Political analysts say that Petersons path to victory requires her to consolidate the districts progressive vote. She won 22.9% of the vote in Saturdays primary, barely besting Gary Chambers Jr., the Baton Rouge activist and advocate, who captured 21.3%. Chambers said he met with each candidate on Monday and is trying to settle on whether hell endorse either one. Both of them admitted they have to recognize they can do better in reaching out to voices like mine in the community, Chambers said. Carter led the primary field with 36.3%. The winner needs 50% plus 1 vote on April 24. Carter pulled out of the only televised debate during the primary, on WDSU, although the format ended up not allowing the candidates to engage with each other. Carter is not ceding the progressive vote to Peterson. His campaign notes that he, too, favors a $15 minimum wage, criminal justice reform and Medicare For All, which generally refers to a government-sponsored, single-payer health care plan. I am for providing healthcare to all Americans, and I believe that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, he said in a statement. 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 Carter and Peterson differ somewhat on the Green New Deal, with Peterson embracing it as a plan to move away from fossil fuels and Carter more cautiously supporting the framework to achieve that goal one day. On Tuesday, Carter announced the support of Baton Rouge Metro Council President LaMont Cole. "We need a congressman who understands the urgent need for criminal justice reform and changes to the way we do policing, Cole said in a statement. In our own community, the killing of Alton Sterling and the four year struggle to get justice for his family demonstrates why these issues must be addressed urgently and effectively. I am confident Troy understands that." On Monday, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome announced her support for Carter, saying, I have worked with Troy for decades, and I know that he will continue the strong relationship that Congressman Richmond had with our city and parish. Broomes endorsement is even more notable because she served with Peterson in both the state Senate and the state House for a total of about 10 years. The Baton Rouge endorsements should help Carter especially in East Baton Rouge Parish, where he finished third among the 8,679 voters, which was 9% of the overall vote. Peterson ran first there followed by Chambers. On Tuesday, the Sierra Club, which bills itself as the countrys largest grassroots environmental justice group, gave a boost to Peterson by announcing its support for her. "We are confident that she will work to protect Louisianas families health, air and water, and build a clean energy economy that works for Louisianans in Congress, just as she has here in the state Senate," Dave Stets, chair of the Sierra Club Delta Chapter, said in a statement. Another group is up for grabs in the runoff: chronic Republican voters. The four Republican candidates in the primary combined collected 15,558 votes, or 16.4% of the overall vote. John Couvillon, a Baton Rouge-based pollster and demographer, believes that anywhere from 10,000 to 15,600 Republicans will vote in the runoff, based on past voting patterns. Couvillon believes that Carter has an edge in getting the GOP vote because of endorsements for Carter from Jefferson Parish elected officials led by Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng and because Peterson chaired the Louisiana Democratic Party for eight years, and her messaging is more overtly progressive than Troy Carters. The runoff pits two politicians who have long aspired to hold the 2nd Congressional District seat. They come from different factions of the citys byzantine political world. Peterson, 51, is a senior leader in BOLD, a group co-founded by her late father, Ken, that is centered in Central City. New Orleans City Councilman Jay Banks is also a senior leader in BOLD. Carter, 57, who is from Algiers, has aligned himself with Richmonds team, which also includes attorney Ike Spears and bail bondsman Blair Boutte. New Delhi: Television actress turned Bollywood star Ankita Lokhande has a huge fanbase - all thanks to her Pavitra Rishta days. But it has not been an easy transition for her from telly actress to a movie star. Ankita recently shared horrific casting couch instances wherein she was asked to sleep with the producer for work. In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Ankita Lokhande opened up on facing casting couch while she was trying to maker her entry into movies. "I feel I am a very strong personality. I dont let anybody look at me also like that. Im like Dont you dare to do that. Yes, I have faced it once, no, I think I have faced it twice. Bohot pehle jab me choti thi, mujhe South film k liye bulaya gaya tha. He called me into his room and said, Ankita we want to ask you something. I was like, Yes. He then said, Aapko compromise karna padega. I was so smart, I was alone in that room and was 19 or 20 years old, asked him, Which type of compromise does your producer want? Do I have to go to parties or dinners?", she said. As she tried to evade the situation, she was asked to 'sleep with the producer'. And the moment he said it, maine uski band baja di thi. I told him, I think your producer wants a girl to sleep with, not a very talented girl to work with. And I left from there. He then apologised and said he will try to take me to his film. But I said, If you try and take me in also, Im not interested in your film," she added. And that's not it, even after she gained fame with Pavitra Rishta, Ankita faced it again. "When I got back again into films, I felt it again, just shaking hands with that person. I dont want to take names, he was a big actor. I got those vibes, and I quickly got my hands away from him. I knew it, ab mera yahaan nahi hoga, because it is a give and take thing. I understood and I left from there because it was not for me," Ankita said. Ankita Lokhande and late actor Sushant Singh Rajput made their television debut as leads in Balaji Telefilms' 'Pavitra Rishta' by Ekta Kapoor. Everly Health is committed to transforming lives through high-quality diagnostic care with a user-first digital experience. The acquisition will enable the companies to scale their respective services while maintaining a strong commitment to data privacy and clinician independence. PWNHealth will be rebranded as Everly Health Solutions and will operate as an independent subsidiary of Everly Health. Everly Health Solutions will maintain complete data independence from Everlywell. Effective immediately, Julia Cheek, Founder & CEO of Everlywell will serve as the CEO of Everly Health, and PWNHealth's CEO Sanjay Pingle will serve in a transitional role to support the integration and also join the board of Everly Health. PWNHealth investors Spectrum Equity, a leading growth equity firm, and the Blue Venture Fund, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield corporate venture fund program, will continue to have an ownership position in Everly Health. "The pandemic significantly accelerated the growth of consumer-friendly lab testing within the $85 billion testing market, resulting in a watershed moment for all aspects of diagnostics. People now expect affordable, high-quality, and easy diagnostic testing more than ever before," said Julia Cheek, CEO and Founder of Everlywell and Everly Health. "From technology to testing to treatment, Everly Health will transform lives with modern, diagnostics-driven care. Our priority is creating a world-class experience that enables our partners to deliver better care with ease." Everly Health, headquartered in Austin, Texas, now employs nearly 500 people and has an extensive telehealth network covering all 50 states. The company has over 350 clients, including many of the largest health plans, employers, and labs in the U.S. The new subsidiary, Everly Health Solutions, will be home to best-in-class diagnostics care for the company's large and growing enterprise client base. "Better care leads to better outcomes," said Sanjay Pingle, board member of Everly Health and outgoing CEO of PWNHealth. "Through our history, we've only chosen to work with partners who uphold exceptionally high standards for clinical quality and rigor because that's what the individuals in our care trust us to provide. As part of Everly Health, PWNHealth will be able to deliver even more value to our community of industry-leading partners as we offer them new ways to provide better experiences for the people they serve." Industry leaders in their own right, PWNHealth and Home Access Health Corporation have been providing novel ways to reach individuals and close care gaps for over 20 years. PWNHealth, who in addition to operating a national telehealth network is also a leading provider of diagnostic testing solutions, has been Everlywell's partner of record for clinical oversight and telehealth since the company launched to consumers in 2016. Founded in 2015, Everlywell provides Americans access to more than 35 home collection lab tests, sold online and in major retailers such as Target, CVS, and Walgreens. In May 2020, the company became the first digital health company to receive FDA authorization for a mail-in COVID-19 test and is one of the first companies to receive DTC or "direct to consumer" authorization from the FDA for its COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit DTC. Everlywell saw over 300% growth in the last year, showing the rising tide of consumer demand for accessible, affordable testing long after doctor's offices and clinics have largely resumed normal services. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisor to Everlywell and Evercore served as financial advisor to PWNHealth. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. served as legal advisors to Everlywell, and Choate, Hall and Stewart, LLP and Jones Day served as legal advisors to PWNHealth. About Everlywell Everlywell believes Americans deserve access to affordable lab tests and insightful, digitally-enabled results with actionable next steps. The company connects individuals to certified labs offering a suite of validated lab tests including Cholesterol, Heart Health, Fertility, STIs, Lyme Disease, Testosterone, Thyroid and more. Everlywell also offers FDA-authorized at-home sample collection test kits for COVID-19, and was the first to provide access to at-home sample collection lab tests for fertility, high-risk HPV, and indoor & outdoor allergies. Prices are straightforward starting at $49 and tests are generally covered by Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Physician-reviewed, actionable test results from CLIA-certified labs are provided within days of sample receipt. The company also provides testing and engagement programs for health plans, healthcare organizations, and employers, including some of the largest health plans in the nation. The Austin-based company was founded in 2015 and is advised by a Scientific Advisory Board that includes some of the nation's top scientists from Harvard, MIT, Google and NYU. For more information please visit everlywell.com . About PWNHealth PWNHealth (PWN), now a subsidiary of Everly Health and rebranded as Everly Health Solutions, is a national clinician network working to improve early detection and prevention of disease using advanced diagnostics and telehealth. Our solutions provide the clinical, legal, and technological framework to facilitate population-scale testing across key healthcare markets in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. PWN is supporting more than 45 national COVID-19 testing programs and has managed more than 20 million tests through our platform. We believe that empowering people with convenient access to clinically actionable testing has the power to change lives, improve outcomes, and create a healthier world. PWNHealth is backed by Spectrum Equity and the Blue Venture Fund. Follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Medium . About Home Access Health Corporation Home Access Health Corporation, now a subsidiary of Everly Health, exists to inform consumers about their health through easy-to-use, self-collected lab tests. For payers, providers, and employers Home Access Health Corporation offers a convenient way for members, patients, and employees to engage in their health, which leads to improved health outcomes, enhances quality and closes critical gaps in care. We believe if all of us work together, we can facilitate the prevention, early detection and management of diseases in more people, especially in underserved or at-risk populations. For more information visit HomeAccess.com . SOURCE Everlywell Related Links http://www.everlywell.com ROME (Reuters) - Google signed on Monday a license deal with various Italian publishers to offer news content through News Showcase, a new platform which makes news available on Google's news website, the search giant said on Wednesday. The accord was signed with many national news outlets, including Italy's RCS Mediagroup, which publishes daily Corriere della Sera as well as popular sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport, the publisher of financial daily Il Sole 24 ore, Caltagirone editore, which owns Rome-based paper Il Messaggero, and Monrif, which publishes local papers such as Il Giorno and La Nazione. To date, 13 editorial companies have finalized agreements with Google, a statement said, adding that readers could now access news from 76 national and local papers. (Reporting by Giulia Segreti, editing by Cristina Carlevaro) Exquisite preservation - skull of newly identified fossil tree-climbing kangaroo. Credit: N. Warburton, Murdoch University Researchers have discovered an extinct kangaroo that adapted to climb through powerful adduction of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, grasping hands and strongly curved claws. The research, by Dr. Natalie Warburton of Murdoch University and Professor Gavin Prideaux of Flinders University, also found the new species differed from all other kangaroos in possessing a highly unusual pocket within its nose. "The specimens we analyzedincluding several cranial and two near-complete skeletonssuggests this kangaroo species would climb and 'move slowly' through trees," said Dr. Warburton. "By undertaking a painstaking process of identifying and describing the anatomical details of every single bone that was recovered from the skeletons, we have been able to reveal that this species of extinct wallaby was adapted for climbing trees in order to browse on plant material not available to animals that are stuck on the ground. "This provides a completely new interpretation of the biology of the species." The skeletons studied were from the Nullarbor Plain Thylacoleo Caves and Mammoth Cave of Western Australia. They were discovered in 2002 and 2003 by WA cavers Paul Devine and Eve Taylor. "Despite purportedly being an expert in fossil kangaroos, it took me most of that time to work out that these two skeletons belonged to a species first described decades earlier from jaw fragments from a cave in southwestern Australia," said Professor Prideaux, co-director of the Flinders University Palaeontology Laboratory in Adelaide, South Australia. "The Thylacoleo Caves are famous for both the remarkably complete preservation of the fossil remains and the insights they provide into the unexpectedly high level of diversity of large marsupial species that inhabited what is now an arid treeless plain. "This discovery provides yet another reminder of just how little we understand of even the relatively recent geological past in Australia," he said. Given that all but one group of kangaroos and wallabies are ground-dwelling, and that all species that are known to climb trees (tree-kangaroos) are closely related, the finding means that tree-climbing evolved more than once in the kangaroo family tree. "These fossils have unusually long fingers and toes with long, curved-claws, in comparison to other kangaroos and wallabies, for gripping; powerful arm muscles to raise and hold themselves up in trees, and a longer, more mobile neck than other kangaroos that would be useful for reaching out the head in different directions for browsing on leaves," explained Dr. Warburton. "This is really interesting, not just from the point of view of unexpected tree-climbing behavior in a large wallaby, but also as these specimens come from an area that is now bare of trees, and so tells us that the habitat and environment in the area were really different to what they are now, and perhaps different to what we might have previously interpreted for that time. "This is unexpected and exciting and it provides us with new information as we try to understand the changing environments of Australia through time." Dr. Warburton's research on the link between structure and function in animals provides important information on our unique wildlife, both living and extinct. As a leading expert on marsupial anatomy, her work utilizes both quantitative and qualitative techniques that contribute to our understanding of animal ecology and biodiversity in changing environments through time. Dr. Warburton is a member of the Harry Butler Institute, a collection of experts in sustainable development that enable industry to deliver maximum economic value to our community, whilst simultaneously safeguarding the environment. Explore further Giant flying turkey once roamed Australia More information: Natalie M. Warburton et al. The skeleton of Congruus kitcheneri , a semiarboreal kangaroo from the Pleistocene of southern Australia, Royal Society Open Science (2021). Journal information: Royal Society Open Science Natalie M. Warburton et al. The skeleton of Congruus kitcheneri , a semiarboreal kangaroo from the Pleistocene of southern Australia,(2021). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202216 Xiaomi's new Mi Notebook laptops are one of its most popular products of all time, so it is no surprise that the company keeps updating the lineup. Now, they have announced that the Mi Notebook series will get some new models on March 29. The launch event, which will be held in China next week, will debut the new Mi Notebook Pro 2021 models. It's hard to tell exactly how many new laptops we'll be getting, but the company is teasing some impressive notebooks. It will definitely a new high-end laptop which means it's going to be a part of the Mi Notebook Pro series. We've already gotten several teasers from Xiaomi executives. They've talked about a high-resolution screen and claimed that high resolution is just the starting point. The company even released a teaser suggesting that the new Mi Notebook Pro will feature a master screen. Xiaomi Mi NoteBook Pro rumoured specifications From what it looks like, the new Mi Notebook Pro is expected to pack a high-quality screen with 3k resolution and support for a 90Hz refresh rate. In fact, if the reports are something to go by, then the high-end model is also expected to have an OLED panel. In terms of the specifications, the Mi Notebook Pro will most likely be powered by Intel's 11th gen Core i7-11375H processor with a max core frequency of 5Ghz. The notebook is also said to have an RTX 3050Ti GPU, but we won't bet our money on that. Besides the hardware specifications, Xiaomi is expected to bring a new design to the table this time. The company is said to adopt a high-end, all-metal chassis and try to retain the thin-and-light form factor. Xiaomi is also going to inscribe its brand name on the back of the laptop for the first time. So, clearly a lot of interesting things going on. As mentioned earlier, Xiaomi will launch the new laptops on March 29 in China. Xiaomi is also expected to unveil a couple of new phones on the same day including the Mi 11 Pro and the Mi 11 Ultra. It will be interesting to see if these new laptops will come to India or we'll continue to get India exclusive Mi Notebook laptops. China's megaprojects in Africa adaptive to local rules: report Xinhua) 15:22, March 24, 2021 BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- A research on two Chinese railway megaprojects in East Africa -- the Nairobi-Mombasa line and Ethiopia's Addis Ababa-Djibouti project -- suggests the fears that China is upending development guidelines might be misplaced, a Washington Post analysis published earlier this month has said. These two African railway megaprojects tell much about China's development model, indicating that local rules matter more than Chinese government guidelines, the analysis suggested. Interviews with Chinese project managers in Kenya, for instance, revealed that respect for local laws was essential to reducing operational risks and avoiding environmental and labor disputes and punitive measures, the report said. "We see ourselves as a force for good, a transformative agent among the people in the areas we operate," the analysis quoted a manager of external relations and cooperation for China Road and Bridge Corporation, the state-owned enterprises in charge of constructing Kenya's rail project as saying. In both Kenya and Ethiopia, the impact of China's national directives appears to be limited, the report found, suggesting the possibility of Chinese enterprises self-adapting to host countries' conditions and guidance on procurement, environmental, land and labor regulations, even if these regulations were less stringent than Chinese rules. For now, Chinese companies operating around the world tend to adapt to local business practices, rather than follow Beijing's corporate social responsibility (CSR) guidelines -- and that may mean they adapt to the regulatory gaps within host countries, the study added. (Web editor: Wen Ying, Liang Jun) SUPERIOR TWP., MI As of 11 a.m., police remained at the scene of a barricaded gunman situation that started early Wednesday morning. A family living in a home in the 5600 block of Meadows Drive called 911 at about 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, reporting that their son was suffering a mental health crisis and had assaulted his parents, according to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office. Barricaded gunman situation reported in Washtenaw County The caller stated the son was armed with multiple weapons and was wearing a flak jacket with multiple magazines strapped to his body, police said. Arriving deputies were able to safely evacuate the family from the home, but the son refused to exit, leading to the ongoing standoff, police said. There have been no reported injuries. Washtenaw County Metro Swat and the crisis negotiation team is currently on scene attempting to end the situation peacefully. Residents living in the area have been asked to stay inside and avoid the area. More information will be released as it becomes available. More from MLive: Bank robbery suspect who crashed on U.S. 23 was wearing body armor, police say Ann Arbors 50th Hash Bash will be virtual, but smoke-in protest planned Free tax preparation help being offered by United Way of Washtenaw County Money Mail today lays bare the bully-boy tactics used by TV licence fee collectors to hound the elderly and vulnerable. Scores of pensioners are being bombarded with terrifying letters threatening fines and court action. Many are being chased for money they don't owe and end up paying twice out of fear. In one case, a 90-year-old woman was sent menacing mail after moving into a care home following a stroke. Harassed: Scores of pensioners are being bombarded with letters threatening fines and court action (Stock image) Another elderly dementia sufferer reported enforcement agents twice turning up at her home. And a bereaved wife in her late 60s said she was threatened with prosecution a week after informing TV Licensing her husband had died. Others are being forced to battle for months to prove their disability is severe enough to qualify for vital discounts. Concerned family members are now pleading with the BBC to step in and stop fee collectors hounding their loved ones. They say it is unacceptable that vulnerable relatives are living in fear of bailiffs turning up at the door. 'The BBC should be ashamed' Prior to August last year, all over-75s were entitled to a free TV Licence. But this perk was stripped away for all but lower income households who claim Pension Credit. This left around 4.2 million people facing an annual bill of 157.50 (159 from April 1) for the first time. Around 700,000 households are yet to take action, with some ignoring reminder letters on purpose because they do not think they should have to pay. TV Licensing is responsible for collecting the BBC licence fee. It also maintains a database of licensed and unlicensed addresses in the UK so it can identify households watching television without a valid licence. Most of the administration and enforcement work is contracted out to Capita Business Services Ltd, a technology firm based in London. Atrocious way to treat us Margaret Freeth, 85, was bombarded with bullying letters from TV Licensing months after she moved into a new bungalow Margaret Freeth, 85, was bombarded with bullying letters from TV Licensing months after she moved into a new bungalow in March 2019. Her son Chris, 62, contacted the service which said it had no record of her on its system. He sent in a copy of her passport and her National Insurance number to prove she was entitled to a free licence. But letters demanding payment kept arriving. By November, Margaret, who lives in Market Drayton, Shropshire, was showing signs of dementia. So Chris, who runs a construction company, sent a Notice of Removal of Implied Right to Access to prevent a visit from an enforcement officer. This is a declaration to stop unwanted visitors, such as cold-callers. Yet just weeks later an agent turned up at her door. Chris says: My mum told me someone called round. She was frightened. I had explained her circumstances to TV Licensing and even offered to make an appointment so me or my brother could be there. Either it does not read correspondence or it does not care. The way older people are being treated is atrocious. TV Licensing says it did not know she was over 75 and has no record of the Removal of Implied Right to Access. If you fail to pay the licence fee you risk a maximum 1,000 penalty plus legal costs if you are chased through the courts. Ministry of Justice figures show 122,603 people were prosecuted for evading the TV Licence fee in 2019. Of these, 114,531 were found guilty and the average fine was 172. The highest penalty of between 750 and 1,000 was paid by just two people. Figures also show that officers visited 2.3 million homes in 2019/2020 yet just 174,416 were found to be watching television without a licence. During the same period TV Licensing received 11,100 complaints. Over-75s have been promised a grace period. TV Licensing says those who have previously held a free licence should not be fined or prosecuted. It says it has also suspended all house visits from agents during lockdown. Yet despite these assurances, there has been widespread criticism over the heavy-handed tactics being used to force pensioners to pay up. Money Mail has also previously reported how scores of households have been billed twice and left chasing for months to get a refund. Earlier this month Lord Botham and 27 other peers wrote to Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, urging him to treat elderly pensioners fairly. Lord Botham said the aggressive payment demands sent to the over-75s was causing 'immense distress among the vulnerable'. Julian Knight MP, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, says: 'The BBC is a great British institution but needs to start behaving like one. 'Menacing elderly people who have paid a licence fee all their lives is no way to win hearts and minds. The BBC needs to take a much more considerate approach.' And Dennis Reed, director of senior citizens' campaign group Silver Voices, adds: 'The BBC should be thoroughly ashamed. It scrapped the free licence for the over-75s in the middle of a pandemic, when the reliance of older people on their TV has never been greater. 'TV Licensing has not stopped sending multiple reminders and threatening letters to the elderly and other households with vulnerable and hard-up families. Action by the Capita bully boys has undermined support both for the licence system and the BBC itself.' 'Not blind enough' for a discount Denied: Graham Oldroyd is blind in one eye and severely visually impaired in the other Grandfather-of-six Graham Oldroyd, from Tyne-and-Wear, was notified in October that his licence fee was due. As he is blind in one eye and severely visually impaired in the other, he ticked the box stating he was sight disabled and entitled to a 50 per cent discount. He included a certificate from his local authority as proof and posted a cheque for 78.75. But two months later Graham, 79, received a letter saying he did not qualify for the discount as he was not registered blind or severely sight impaired. He says: I am totally blind in one eye and have had two corneal grafts on the other. I am also registered as visually disabled with my local authority. Yet the BBC says I am not blind enough. How can the BBC demand full payment from disabled pensioners while paying obscene salaries to so-called celebrities and other staff? TV Licensing says Grahams registration card said he is sight impaired rather than severely impaired or blind. It has now processed the refund. A fine threat despite paying Retired GP Tim Cantor was horrified when his recently widowed father Jack, 95, who has dementia, was sent an intimidating letter in January, two months after his licence had been paid. The letter, addressed to The Occupier, told him he could face a 1,000 fine and prosecution, if he failed to pay. Tim, 70, who lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, says: 'Luckily my father's carer intercepted the letter before he did but I am concerned that an elderly, confused man should get a letter like that. 'TV Licensing clearly does not know how to speak to older adults and really needs to think through its procedures.' TV Licensing says its records incorrectly stated Jack's address had changed so had thought his home was unlicensed. It apologises for the time taken to resolve the matter. Bombarded with menacing letters Town councillor Stuart Davies says his 90-year-old mother-in-law Jean has received a deluge of menacing letters. He had contacted TV Licensing when she moved into a care home in April last year after suffering a stroke. How to get a free licence If you are 75 or over you can claim a free TV Licence if you receive Pension Credit. This is a benefit paid to those of State Pension age to top up their weekly income to 173.75, or 265.20 for couples. Those with higher incomes may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria such as being severely disabled or acting as a carer. Around 1.5 million older people benefit from Pension Credit. But about 900,000 pensioners who may be eligible are yet to make a claim, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Apply online (apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start) or call 0800 99 1234. Postal applications are accepted but you need to print out a form or call the claim line to request one. Send to: The Pension Service 8, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton, WV99 1AN. But letters have continued to arrive and become increasingly threatening. In July, one letter warned that her flat in Llangollen, Denbighshire, was unlicensed and an investigation would be authorised if a licence was not paid for. Another sent in September was headed with bold text on a red banner stating 'YOUR ATTENTION IS REQUIRED'. It said: 'As long as this property remains unlicensed, our investigation will continue. 'If you fail to get in touch, you risk prosecution and a fine of up to 1,000.' It also boasted a 99 per cent conviction rate for licence fee evasion cases taken to court. Two months later an 'official notice from Chester Enforcement division' stated a visit from an enforcement officer was imminent. And three more letters have arrived since the start of the year. Stuart, 74, says: 'We ignored the letters which were unnecessarily heavy handed. The licence was not even due until August. If she had seen these letters she would have been scared to death. 'Even if she had been at home she is not mobile, so could not reply by letter, nor can she use the internet. She also finds the phone confusing. This is sheer bullying by corporate thugs.' TV Licensing admits Jean should not have received these letters as an elderly customer. It says there was confusion over whether her address was occupied and it will contact her to resolve the situation. Hounded after husband died Ann Horsley was sent a threatening letter by TV Licensing just one week after her husband Keith died, aged 84, in November last year. She notified TV Licensing within two days of his death and was told she would receive a new direct debit mandate to set up payment in her name. Instead, the retired bank clerk, who lives in Derbyshire, was sent a threatening letter giving her three weeks to buy a new licence or her address would be passed to the Enforcement Division, after which she could be fined or prosecuted. Ann, 69, says: 'I was disgusted and shocked at how I was treated at such a vulnerable time. 'There was no sympathy and it was very distressing to get a letter like that at such a painful time. I have still not received an apology.' TV Licensing says Ann was mistakenly sent a reminder due to an administration error and apologises for the concern caused. A TV Licensing spokesman says: 'We have implemented these changes with the greatest care and have worked to make the process as fair and straightforward as possible. 'We have processed more than 3.5 million applications and the vast majority have been dealt with without an issue. Where customer experience has fallen short of the standards we expect, we apologise to those customers.' a.murray@dailymail.co.uk Police have released photos of eight more people wanted in connection with the 'Kill the Bill' riots in Bristol on Sunday. Avon and Somerset Police had appealed for help identifying ten people on Tuesday and now the force has shared more images of suspected rioters. Bristol saw 3,000 demonstrators protesting the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on Sunday, but there were scenes of unrest as street furniture, police cars and roadworks equipment were damaged in the night's violence. Police have released photos of eight more people wanted in connection with the 'Kill the Bill' riots in Bristol on Sunday Avon and Somerset Police had appealed for help identifying ten people on Tuesday and now the force has shared more images of suspected rioters A total of nine people have so far been arrested as police continue to investigate assaults on 40 officers and a member of the media. Avon and Somerset Police said two people, a 20-year-old man and a man currently refusing to provide details, were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are in custody. A second protest against the Bill took place in the city on Tuesday, resulting in 14 arrests. Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said the investigation into Sunday's riot could be one of the largest in the history of Avon and Somerset Police. Bristol saw 3,000 demonstrators protesting the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill on Sunday A total of nine people have so far been arrested as police continue to investigate assaults on 40 officers and a member of the media 'The fact we're investigating 40 assaults on officers and a member of the media as the result of one incident shows the scale of wanton disorder which took place that night,' Chief Supt Belafonte said. 'Through painstaking work to examine more than two terabytes worth of digital footage, we believe we're making clear progress to identify those responsible and anticipate further images will be released soon to the online gallery we've set up. 'One of the people we believe we've already identified is a suspect in the fire which destroyed a mobile community police station. 'We'd like to thank every member of the public who's got in touch to provide footage, information or to pass on their well-wishes and kind thoughts.' Chief Superintendent Carolyn Belafonte said the investigation into Sunday's riot could be one of the largest in the history of Avon and Somerset Police The force is still looking to identify 17 people in connection with the unrest on Sunday night Around 3,000 people had attended a peaceful demonstration on College Green but events turned violent after about 500 people descended on Bridewell police station. The force has received 210 submissions after appealing for members of the public to supply footage or information about those involved, as well as 68 calls to the control room. Two officers taken to hospital during the riot were found not to have suffered broken bones. Six men arrested on suspicion of violent disorder have been released under investigation, while a 28-year-old man appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with possessing an offensive weapon. On Tuesday, around 200 people gathered on College Green for a second night of protests. On Tuesday, officers from Avon and Somerset Police first issued pictures of people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said it will be one of their biggest ever investigations Rioters set police vehicles on fire as protesters clashed with officers in the shocking scenes on Sunday night Police requested mutual aid from neighbouring forces to assist in dispersing the gathering after attempts to encourage people to leave were unsuccessful, a police spokesman said. Public order officers from Avon and Somerset, British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Wiltshire were deployed to move protesters on at 10pm. Police dog units, horses, the police helicopter and a police drone unit were also involved in the operation. Many protesters left the area but a 'significant number' gathered on Deanery Road and refused to disperse, Avon and Somerset Police said. Pictured: Two of the people Avon and Somerset Police wish to speak to in connection with the Bristol event Fourteen arrests were made, with one of those detained also arrested for offences connected to Sunday's protest. Chief Superintendent Claire Armes said: 'After the scenes of violence witnessed in the city at the weekend, it was necessary to bring in additional resources from our neighbouring forces to ensure the protest was safely brought to a swift conclusion. 'Throughout the operation officers continued to urge protesters to move on - at no time were they contained - but there came a time when enforcement was necessary as gatherings are still not permitted.' John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said officers in Bristol felt 'under siege' following the second protest in the city. Police released pictures of people they would like to speak to in connection with Sunday's events in Bristol 'I really feel for my colleagues in Bristol,' Mr Apter told the BBC. 'There is a sense that you really feel under siege. And for some, whatever they do is not enough and for others, it's too much. 'This was on an evening where the vast majority of the country were remembering those many thousands of people who have been lost to this horrible virus, so it was not good scenes to see, and this was on the back of the most horrendous violence that we'd seen on Sunday evening. 'So my colleagues are battered and bruised, in some cases physically. We've got a number of officers who were injured on Sunday evening, some very seriously. This is completely unacceptable, completely unacceptable.' Officers from Avon and Somerset Police have issued pictures of people they want to speak to in connection with the Bristol riots The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance. Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail. Home Secretary Priti Patel criticised the 'criminality and violent behaviour' seen during the protests in Bristol. 'We live in an open society and a democracy so the principle to protest and to have your voice heard is absolutely crucial,' she told BBC Breakfast, 'but there is no acceptability at all for criminality, thuggish behaviour and the type of violent scenes we've seen over recent evenings, they included the most appalling assaults and criminal attacks on police officers, there's a fundamental difference between the two.' I believe conservatives and liberals would be more willing to listen and support each other if both parties were more willing to tell the full story rather than just the political story. I believe they would also earn the support of their constituency. Biden wants to focus on support for Central American cities so that their people will want to remain in their own country and enjoy a good and safe environment. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D. Ill, shared information that should be talked about more. He said one of the major problems in places like Honduras and Guatemala is drugs. They are ravaging the cities and creating havoc! Additionally, the trafficking is impacting American cities and suburbs like never before. He said if if we help solve the problems in Central America, we could help ourselves with our own border issues and serious drug problems. Wouldnt it be better to hear the full story rather than just the liberal or conservative side? The View/ABC A conversation on The View about Asian American representation in Joe Bidens cabinet turned personal on Wednesday when Meghan McCain used the opportunity to express her fears that identity politics could leave her without a job. Each of the shows panel members seemed to agree that it was entirely appropriate for Democratic Senators Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono to demand the Biden administration diversity its high-level staff, with Sunny Hostin saying she didnt see anything wrong with it and Sara Haines calling it the right thing to do. But when it was McCains turn to speak, she said she truly believes that only the most qualified people should be running departments like national security and infrastructure, things that literally are the meat and potatoes that make the country great. I believe what makes America exceptional is the fact that were a meritocracy, that you can be anything, she continued, making an argument that completely discounted the existence of systemic racism. That you can come from anywhere and go and have success in any capacity. And I think the question Democrats have to reconcile with right now is whether or not race and gender are more important than qualification. Chuck Schumer Schools Meghan McCain: Your Father Would Have Given Biden a Chance If there is someone who is more qualified who happens to be a white straight person who has more experience in their field than a minority with less experience, McCain wondered, should that matter? After a digression about Asian American students supposedly being discriminated against by Harvard and a warning about a slippery slope, she inevitably made the discussion about herself. Just to put a cap on this, The View is 25 years old next year. Weve only had one Asian American host co-host this show, McCain said, referring to Lisa Ling, who spent three years on the show from 1999-2002. So does that mean that one of us should be leaving because theres not enough representation? Is identity politics more important than the qualifications for the job? And I think that's a question going forward that the progressive left is going to have to reconcile. Story continues After a break, Hostin fired back directly at her co-host, noting that while we would all love for this country to be a meritocracy, the reality is that it has never been one. Its not about gender and race being more important than qualifications, Hostin said. Its about the fact that they are many qualified women and minority candidates that never get the opportunity because of the advancement of generally white male mediocrity, because of things like legacy. The irony, of course, is that Meghan McCains identity as the daughter of the late Sen. John McCainsomething that she never fails to bring up on the showhas played a defining role in her media career. But she seemed to be implying that while she got her gig purely based on merit, the same could not be said for any Asian American co-host that could conceivably replace her. As CNNs Abby Phillip tweeted in response, There have been more View co-hosts who are children of famous people than view co-hosts who are Asian. Does she really think thats because there aren't enough Asian people with the right qualifications? And if McCains defensive complaints on Wednesday sounded oddly specific, its because there have been multiple calls for The View to specifically replace her with an Asian American co-host over the past several days after John Oliver exposed the hypocrisy of her posting #StopAsianHate after defending Donald Trumps use of racist terms like China virus almost exactly a year earlier. McCain ultimately issued an apology the day after that Last Week Tonight segment aired, tweeting, I condemn the reprehensible violence and vitriol that has been targeted towards the Asian American community. There is no doubt Donald Trumps racist rhetoric fueled many of these attacks and I apologize for any past comments that aided that agenda. Now, shes evidently worried that wont be enough to save her job. John Oliver Exposes Meghan McCains Stop Asian Hate Hypocrisy Read more at The Daily Beast. Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. A Queensland teenager was electrocuted overnight, leaving the 17-year-olds family, friends and the community at his high school, where he was a captain, shattered with grief. Liam Keegan, 17, was electrocuted in an Upper Caboolture home. Emergency services responded to the incident on Darley Road about 7pm in Upper Caboolture in the Moreton Bay region, north of Brisbane. Paramedics, including critical care, treated Liam, however he died at the scene. Police were treating the death as non-suspicious. Governor AbdulRazaq has now appointed Kaosara Adeyi as a special assistant The governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reversed his appointment of Kaosara Adeyi, a 24-year old graduate of the University of Ilorin, as a commissioner. Ms Adeyi was announced at the Tuesday plenary as one of the eight nominees whose names were sent by the governor to the state House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners. According to lawmakers who spoke with our reporter, the Speaker of the House, who read the letter from the executive, Yakubu Danladi, specifically mentioned Ms Adeyi as the commissioner-nominee from Ilorin West. But the state government, in a statement released on Tuesday evening, announced the appointment of Ms Adeyi as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Engagement. This appointment does not require confirmation by the state legislature. Although the reason for the governor's backtracking remains unknown, sources said it may be not be unconnected to the stipulation of 25 years as the lowest age for the position. No longer on the list It came as a surprise for the lawmakers when Ms Adeyi's name was missing on the official statement of the House after the plenary of Tuesday. Against the letter read on the floor of the chamber, the statement listed seven of the eight names earlier stated at the plenary. "The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in accordance with section 192 sub-section (1)-(5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 , submitted the following Nominees for the post of Commissioner of the Government of Kwara State for confirmation by Kwara State House of Assembly. 1- Aliyu Kora Sabi - Baruten 2- Arinola Fatima Lawal - Ilorin East 3-Raji Rasaq - Ekiti 4- Saadatu Modibbo Kawu - Ilorin South 5- Aliyu M Saifudeen - Kaiama 6- Rotimi Iliyasu - Moro 7- Agbaje Femi Whyte - Offa." Kwara has 16 local government areas and the Constitution mandates the appointment of at least one person from each of them into the state executive council. The Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their credentials to the Office of the Clerk of the House on Wednesday, ahead of the screening on Thursday. The lawmaker representing Ilorin-South, Jimoh Agboola, expressed shock concerning Ms Adeyi's appointment in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. "Her name (Ms Adeyi) was stated in the letter. But I cannot confirm it has been removed until Thursday. Even if it was because of the age, that would be decided at the screening," he said on Wednesday. He further said there should be another letter to reflect the changes if the executive had changed its mind. However, the governor's spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, said Ms Adeyi was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement. "Similarly, the Governor has appointed Hajia Fatima Jummai Audu as Special Adviser on Women Affairs. Kaosarah, an author, who is renowned for her extensive reach within the youth constituency, is a graduate of the University of Ilorin where she is Mentor for the varsity's empowerment beneficiaries." "Kaosarah is the member representing Kwara State on Northern States Governors' Forum Committee on Youth Engagements, Priorities and Inclusion in Governance. She was also a member of the Kwara State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on EndSARS Protest (2020). "She was Vice President of the Faculty of Agriculture Students (UNILORIN, 2018) and Vice President of Nigerian Society for Environmental Conservation. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Kaosarah comes to the job with several certifications on youth affairs, including at continental level," the statement read. When PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Ajakaye the reason for the last minute change, he said the official statement of the House on the commissioner-nominees is in unity with his own. "Her name is not there. That statement is in unity with my statement. Anything else is of no moment. There is no confusion anywhere please. Mrs Kaosara Adeyi is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths Engagement," his text message read. Checks by this newspaper showed that Ms Adeyi could not have featured on the list if she was initially nominated as a senior special assistant. This is because appointment to the office does not need the approval of lawmakers. All efforts to get the speaker to comment on the controversy were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES's enquiries on the matter. (Natural News) New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins declared on Sunday, March 7, that Governor Andrew Cuomo should resign for the good of the state. We need to govern without daily distraction, said Stewart-Cousins, citing the sexual misconduct allegations against Cuomo. Governor Cuomo must resign. Stewart-Cousins is the most prominent state official to call for Cuomos resignation. Her statement carries significance as the Senate would be the jury for any impeachment trial of the governor if such an action would be passed by the Assembly. Democratic senators backed Stewart-Cousins on calling for Cuomos resignation. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie did not exactly call for Cuomo to resign, but suggested that it was time for him to seriously consider whether he can effectively meet the needs of the people of New York. In 2008, Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned during a prostitution scandal as he lost the support of New Yorks legislative leaders. Cuomo, however, adamantly resisted calls for his resignation, arguing that he was elected by the people and not by politicians. Im not going to resign because of allegations, Cuomo said, calling the notion anti-democratic and a violation of the due process clause of the Constitution. There is no way I resign. Sixth woman accuses Cuomo of sexual misconduct The call for Cuomos resignation grew louder as a sixth woman came forward to accuse him of sexually inappropriate conduct. The woman claimed that the governor touched her inappropriately during an encounter last year. The alleged incident took place after the woman, a member of the governors Executive Chamber staff, had been summoned to Cuomos mansion to assist in a work-related matter. The womans supervisor recently became aware of the allegation and alerted the governors counsel of it on Monday, March 8. (Related: Fifth woman comes forward to accuse Cuomo of sexual assault, calls for his resignation.) All allegations that we learn of directly or indirectly are going promptly to the investigators appointed by the attorney general, Cuomos acting counsel, Beth Garvey, said following the sixth allegation. New York Attorney General Letitia James has appointed Joon Kim, 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. Two former aides also came forward over the weekend to accuse the Democrat of sexual misconduct. Ana Liss, 35, worked as a policy aide to the governor between 2013 and 2015. She related that Cuomo sometimes greeted her with a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. Liss added that the governor called her sweetheart, kissed her hand and asked personal questions, including whether she had a boyfriend. In an interview with WROC on March 8, Liss said she wasnt sure if her interactions with Cuomo were sexual harassment but she deemed 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 thats how he is. Other women went along with it and reacted kindly and bashfully to that kind of treatment, she said. Liss knew her allegations were not similar to Cuomos other accusers, but she thought it would help establish a pattern of behavior. There were other women who were subject to much more explicit treatment than I was, she said. Im not claiming sexual harassment per se, Im just saying that it wasnt a safe space for young women to work or women in general. There are women that didnt fit the archetype or the stereotype that were mocked and demoted. Karen Hinton, 62, told the Washington Post on Saturday, March 6, that Cuomo once summoned her to his dimly lit hotel room and embraced her after a work event in 2000. Hinton said she tried to pull away from Cuomo, but he allegedly pulled her back and held her before she managed to back away and escape the room. The governors office denied that the incident in the hotel room ever took place. Peter Ajemian, Cuomos director of communications, said that Hinton is a known antagonist of the governor, 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, its also the responsibility of the press to consider self-motivation. This is reckless, Ajemian said. Cuomos workplace conduct has been under intense scrutiny in recent days. Former adviser Lindsey Boylan, 36, claimed that the governor made some 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 had asked her invasive personal questions last spring about her sex life, including whether she had slept with older men and whether she thought age made a difference in relationships. Cuomos behavior not limited to his staff Even someone who didnt work for Cuomo had experienced his inappropriate behavior. Anna Ruch, 33, said Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked 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 had upset the women he worked with. He said hed 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 Im going to learn from it. Follow CancelDemocrats.news for more news and information related to high-profile Democrats like Cuomo. Sources include: NYTimes.com TimesUnion.com DailyMail.co.uk Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Silsbee Elementary School Assistant Principal Robert Wilson is among six Texans appointed to the The Texas School Safety Center board, which advises and oversees safety protocols. According to a release, the board reports to the Governor, the legislature, the State Board of Education and the Texas Education Agency regarding school safety and security for K-12 schools and colleges, and advises the center on its function, budget, and strategic planning initiatives. ADM Energy's ( ) Osamede Okhomina talks to Proactive London about their oversubscribed fundraising which will be used for the firm's new venture in Nigeria, an interest in the development of the Barracuda field. The placing and subscription offer raised 1.22mln through the sale of 28.71mln new shares priced at 4.25p. Speaking from the location, Osameda says 'it's completely geologically de-risked' and 'one of the best assets we've seen in a long time'. States can prohibit people from openly carrying guns in public, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday, adding a voice to a heated issue that the U.S. Supreme Court may soon address. In a 7-4 ruling, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco upheld a Hawaii law that bans residents from openly carrying firearms without a license, which is issued only to those who can show they need the weapons to protect life or property. Police and members of the armed forces are exempt. California bans openly carrying firearms in most of the state. Sheriffs can issue licenses to carry concealed weapons but they are virtually unavailable in the states most populous counties. Our review of more than 700 years of English and American legal history reveals a strong theme: government has the power to regulate arms in the public square, Judge Jay Bybee, one of the appeals courts most conservative members, said in the majority opinion. There is no right to carry arms openly in public; nor is any such right within the scope of the Second Amendment, Bybee said. It remains as true today as it was centuries ago, that the mere presence of such weapons presents a terror to the public and that widespread carrying of handguns would strongly suggest that state and local governments have lost control of our public areas. In dissent, Judge Diarmuid OScannlain said the right to keep and bear arms, declared in the Second Amendment, must include, at the least, the right to carry a firearm openly for self-defense. He was joined by Judges Consuelo Callahan, Sandra Ikuta and Ryan Nelson. The ruling comes as the Senate debates background checks for gun purchases in the wake of mass shootings in Boulder, Colo., and Atlanta that killed 18 people in the past week. President Biden called Tuesday for a renewed ban on assault weapons, high-capacity firearms that reload automatically. A national ban on the sale of such weapons expired in 2004. The Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that the Second Amendment allows Americans to possess handguns at home for self-defense but has not decided whether it allows carrying firearms in public. When the Ninth Circuit upheld Californias ban on publicly carrying concealed handguns in 2016, the Supreme Court denied review of an appeal by gun advocates and left the ruling intact. Appeals courts have reached diverse conclusions on state laws banning openly carrying handguns, and the high court could decide next week whether to take up the issue in an appeal of a ruling upholding a similar law in New York state. Alan Beck, a lawyer for the gun owner who challenged the Hawaii law, said he would also seek review by the Supreme Court to overturn the Ninth Circuit's erroneous decision. Attorney Eric Tirschwell of the gun-control group Everytown for Gun Safety said the ruling was the latest reminder that arguments against reasonable, life-saving gun laws rarely hold up in the courtroom. A smaller panel of the appeals court had declared the Hawaii law unconstitutional in 2018, in a 2-1 decision by OScannlain, but a majority of the full court voted to set that ruling aside and ordered a new hearing before a larger panel. Bybee, in Wednesdays ruling, said the meaning of the Second Amendment could be traced back to English law, which as early as 1299 required citizens to obtain a license from the king to carry arms in public. American colonies started adopting similar laws in the late 17th century, he said, and most early state laws banned carrying guns in the public square. The heart of the Second Amendment is defense of hearth and home, Bybee said, quoting language from the Supreme Courts 2008 ruling. The power of the government to regulate carrying arms in the public square does not infringe in any way on the right of an individual to defend his home or business. But OScannlain, in dissent, said the court majority reduces the right to bear arms to a mere inkblot. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Nearly a quarter of shareholders at Toby Carvery and All Bar one owner Mitchells & Butlers have voted against a motion to reelect non-executive chairman Bob Ivell. On top of that, over 28 per cent of shareholders voted against the reelection of non-executive director Eddie Irwin. At the group's latest annual general meeting held today, around a fifth of the company's investors also voted against the firm's annual pay plans for top bosses. AGM: Around a fifth of Toby Carvery owner Micthells & Butlers' investors voted against the firm's annual pay plans Posting the results of its AGM, M&B, which axed 1,300 jobs last year, said 17.5 per cent of investor votes were made against its remuneration policy. The AGM results emerged as M&B faces anger over its proposals to replace a performance-based share scheme with guaranteed annual awards. While the pay policy was approved, with 82.5 per cent of investor votes cast in favour, it saw a sizeable backlash, with a further 62,000 withheld votes also failing to back the plans. In the end all the resolutions ended up being passed. Bob Ivell has been on the group's board since May 2011, which is far longer than the nine-year cap stipulated in the UK Corporate Governance Code. The company also falls foul of the code by failing to have at least half its board of directors, excluding the chair, comprising independent non-executive directors. In response to the AGM results, M&B said: 'The UK Corporate Governance Code contains best practice recommendations in relation to corporate governance yet acknowledges that, in individual cases, these will not all necessarily be appropriate for particular companies. 'Accordingly, the code specifically recognises the concept of 'Comply or Explain' in relation to divergences from the code and the company has explained the circumstances of these appointments in detail in its 2020 annual report.' Job cuts: Mitchells & Butlers axed 1,300 jobs amid the pandemic last year In its annual report, the group said it had decided Mr Ivell should remain in place as chairman due to the coronavirus crisis. It added: 'The extraordinary events of 2020 and the challenges which the group has faced have made it clear that the decision to confirm that Mr Ivell should remain in place was the correct one.' Influential shareholder advisory group Institutional Shareholder Services recently recommended investors vote against M&B's pay policy, warning that 'compelling rationale has not been provided to explain how the introduction of the restricted share plan is relevant to the company's operations and strategy.' ISS also advised against the re-election of Mr Ivell and three other directors amid corporate governance concerns. On the subject of Mr Ivell, ISS previously said: 'A vote against the board chair Bob Ivell is warranted in recognising ultimate responsibility for governance at the company. 'Furthermore, less than 33% of the board is currently comprised of women, which is not in line with the recommendation of the Hampton-Alexander Review.' In February, M&B revealed that it was burning through between 30million and 35million every month during national lockdowns and closures. The group has recently received a cash injection of just over 350million via an open offer to its investors. On 16 January M&B said it had 113million cash reserves left. Shares in M&B are up 2.05 per cent or 6.50p to 323p this afternoon. A year ago the share price was 136p. 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. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. A teenage boy was found dead, and his stepbrother was injured after a man allegedly fired shots at them at a beach in Florida early Tuesday morning. Police said the teenagers, whose vacationing with family in Florida, were shot near the shores of Panama resort after they encountered Christopher Lawrence Cox at around 1:30 a.m. The 37-year-old suspect from Panama City Beach in Florida was arrested on the same day and charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder, the city police said in a statement. The names of the two 14-year-old victims from Louisville, Kentucky have yet to be made public, Crime Online reported. Florida Man and the Victims Police said the deceased teen was found lying on the beach with a gunshot wound to his upper body. The other teen was found "at the complex with gunshot wounds to his extremities." Police said he was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to a WSAZ report, a security guard who happens to be nearby was able to hear the shooting. He then rushed in to tackle the suspect. Coincidentally, police said Cox was originally from Louisville, Kentucky. Following his arrest, Cox was taken to the Panama City Beach Police Department and "made incriminating statements about his involvement in the shooting." Police said the gun used in the shooting had been recovered. READ NEXT: Miami Announces Earlier Curfew Due to Crowds of Spring Breakers; Businesses in the Area Affected Florida Shooting in Panama The authorities who investigate the case have yet to release other details regarding the case. However, a family member told WAVE 3 News that the victims were walking on the beach when Cox asked them for a cigarette. The family member said Cox did not leave the teens alone and told them before shooting them that they "better run for the ocean because I'm going to shoot you." Reports said Cox was convicted in Jefferson County of fourth-degree assault as part of a domestic violence case in 2018. Meanwhile, the Panama City Beach Police Department said that while the incident occurred during the spring break vacation season, it was not spring break-related. It can be recalled that authorities in Miami Beach, Florida had been forced to fire pepper balls more than a week ago to disperse a crowd of people swarming in the city despite the coronavirus restrictions the city has implemented. A total of 542,116 crimes were reported to happen in Florida in 2019. Among these numbers, 81,270 are considered violent crimes, according to a Neighborhood Scout report. Florida has ranked number 19 in terms of state-by-state gun death rates per 100,000 people from 2008-2017, according to the Center for American Progress. In terms of gun-related homicides in 2008-2017, Florida ranked 15 among all the states. The state ranked 26 on shootings related to suicide. READ MORE: Two FBI Agents in Florida Killed in Deadly Shootout Before Gunman Takes Own Life WATCH: Teen From Louisville Area Killed in Panama City Beach Shooting, Another Child Injured - From WHAS11 Monrovia Three witnesses appearing in the ongoing war crimes trial former Revolutionary United Front commander, Gibril Massaquoi told the court harrowing stories on Tuesday. The first witness, a 45-year old man, from the Lofa County village of Karmatahun, said "Angel Gabriel" as Massaquoi was known during the war, order his men to burn about 25 small children alive in a cook shop and burn others in a nearby house. "I was standing right there and saw it with my two eyes, when 'Angel Gabriel' ordered his men to lock the children inside the cook shop near the house and burn them alive. Just before his soldiers could burn the people in the house, I heard him say, 'I am Angel Gabriel, and I am next to God, burn all the people,'. He told his men to stand around the house so that nobody could escape the fire," the witness said. The witness repeated stories told by three witnesses on Monday who testified that in 2001 Massaquoi had ordered seven women burned alive. He said "Angel Gabriel" ordered his men to strip the women naked and take them behind the blacksmith kitchen and he saw "Angel Gabriel" following the soldiers who were carrying the women. "I heard the women crying that night because they were raping and killing the women and the next morning we saw the seven naked women dead," he said. "Some were killed with knives because I saw the knife marks on them, and some of the women's bones were broken from the sticks they beat them with until they died. I was among the men who buried those women a few days after their death, because everybody in the town was scared to remove the bodies right after they were killed, so after some days we went to bury them because they were already getting rotten." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The witness said he knew the events took place in 2001. "I did not go to school, so I do not know book, but just how people used to talk about the 1990 war, this was the same way people in Karmatahun used to talk about 2001 war and I used to hear it," he told the four-judge panel from Tampere in the European country of Finland, which is conducting the trial. Massaquoi, is being prosecuted in Finland for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Liberia. Massaquoi was a Lieutenant-Colonel of the RUF and an assistant to the rebel group's founder, Foday Sankoh, during the Sierra Leonean Civil War. In 2005, Massaquoi was granted immunity from prosecution for crimes in Sierra Leone in return for his testimony in the war crimes trials in Sierra Leone. Experts said he was instrumental in the convictions of several rebel leaders including former Liberian president Charles Taylor with whom he was close during the civil conflicts in both countries. Finland granted Massaquoi residency for his role in the Sierra Leone Special Court. But when Civitas Maxima, of Switzerland and Liberia-based Global Justice Research Project presented Finnish investigators with evidence of Massaquoi's war crimes in Liberia, they arrested him in March 2020 for his role in that war. In a shocking instance, a 10-year-old boy was badly beaten with a club and made to carry heavy stone weights on his back after he allegedly stealing money from a shop in Haveri, Karnataka on March 16. On March 22, he succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. What happened? Reports said he was the son of Nagayya Hiremath and Jayashree who hailed from Vppanasi village in Hanagal taluk. On March 16, he went to buy groceries. BBC When he did not return, his parents went shop to shop. They saw he was in the custody of the shop owners who claimed he stole money. They beat him up and did not want to let him go. The parents begged but to know avail. The accused set him free in the evening and he was rushed to hospital. On March 19 he was taken to KIMS hospital, Hubballi, where he died March 22, according to a TOI report. Mumbai Mirror A video showing him sharing the details of what happened to him was viral on the internet. Police said the accused are Praveen Karishettar, his mother Basavannevva Karishettar, maternal grandfather Shivarudrappa Haveri and uncle Kumar Haveri. They have been booked. They are currently on the run. [March 24, 2021] BioNTech Chairman Helmut Jeggle joins the Board of IQM Quantum Computers MUNICH, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ -- IQM Quantum Computers (IQM) announced today that Helmut Jeggle has joined IQMs board of directors. He joins the company during a transformational phase. After successfully closing its Series A funding round and selling its first quantum computer, IQM is now ready to lead the European and global ecosystems with a focus on Germany. "I am extremely excited that Helmut has accepted our invitation to join IQM's board of directors. He has an established track record in building technology businesses and brings in decades of experience in creating global tech giants. He was closely involved in Hexal's business and he has supported BioNTech on its journey towards establishing itself as a global company for more than a decade. We look forward to his contributions in maximizing the potential of IQM and become a global leader for quantum computers," said Jan Goetz, CEO of IQM. Helmut Jeggle joins IQM at a critical juncture in the company's development following his investment in the company as part of the series A financing round in 2020 via his investment vehicle Salvia GmbH. With the recent financing round, IQM is in a leading position to build a quantum computer in Germany and create value through its novel co-design approach. "The amount of data that needs to be processed is one of the limiting factors in many industries. Quantum computers and alternate technologies provide the opportunity to leverage big data more rapidly and efficiently. One exciting application could also be to accelerate and streamline drug development processes. IQM is already building Finland's first quantum computer and is also the leading system integrator in Europe. The German project Digital-Analog Quantum Computing (DAQC) is a testament to how the German government can work together with startups, academia, research and industry partners, to establish Europe as a quantum leader. With IQM, our objective is to develop a deep-tech idea into a global business leader," said Helmut Jeggle. Helmut Jeggle held various positions with Hexal AG, including Head of Business Planning & Analyses. He is General Manager of ATHOS Service GmbH, the Strungmann brothers' family office and also a member of numerous supervisory boards. Helmut joins the IQM board, which is chaired by Dr. Axel Thierauf. Other board members include Dr. Mikko Valimaki, Herbert Mangesius, and Dr. Kuan Yen Tan. About IQM Quantum Computers: IQM is the European leader in superconducting quantum computers, headquartered in Espoo, Finland. Since its inception in 2018, IQM has grown to 90+ employees and has also established a subsidiary in Munich, Germany, to lead the co-design approach. IQM delivers on-premises quantum computers for research laboratories and supercomputing centers and provides complete access to its hardware. For industrial customers, IQM delivers quantum advantage through a unique application-specific co-design approach. IQM has raised 71 million through private and public funding and was recently awarded 12.4 million by the German Ministry of Education and Research to commercialize application-specific quantum processors. For more information, visit www.meetiqm.com. Registered offices: IQM Finland Oy Keilaranta 19 02150 Espoo Finland www.meetiqm.com IQM Germany GmbH Nymphenburger Str 86 80636 Munchen Germany www.meetiqm.com/de/ Contacts: Jan Goetz, CEO, IQM Quantum Computers Jan@meetiqm.com Media Contact: Raghunath Koduvayur, Head of Marketing and Communications Raghunath@meetiqm.com +358504876509 About Salvia: Salvia is a private investment company founded and managed by Helmut Jeggle. Salvia invests in the areas of life science, digital health and deep tech, among others, mainly as a business angel, but also in later stages as a venture capitalist. IQM: Facts and Figures IQM offices: Espoo, Finland (Headquarters), and Munich, Germany . (Headquarters), and . Number of employees currently ( March 2021 ): 90+ employees. ): 90+ employees. Funding: Over 71 Million from private investors and public entities. Founding Year: 2018 Founders: Dr. Jan Goetz , CEO, Co-founder of IQM , CEO, Co-founder of IQM Dr. Kuan Yen Tan , CTO, Co-founder of IQM , CTO, Co-founder of IQM Prof. Mikko Mottonen, Chief scientist, Co-founder of IQM Dr. Juha Vartiainen , COO, Co-founder of IQM Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473080/IQM_Helmut_Jeggle.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473081/IQM_Quantum_computer_design.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1121497/IQM_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biontech-chairman-helmut-jeggle-joins-the-board-of-iqm-quantum-computers-301255255.html SOURCE IQM Finland Oy [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A notorious American murderer has said he hopes to move to Northern Ireland to be with his north Belfast wife, whom he married in prison. Jacob Ind, who served 27 years for the brutal killing of his mother and stepfather in 1992, when he was just 15 years old, was recently released on parole from a Colorado jail. His wife of three years, Denise Stalford (34) - who started writing to the so-called 'Woodland Park Killer' after watching a TV documentary about his trial - was waiting for him upon his release. But Denise's ex Ashley Bryne - the father of their 13-year-old son - fought back tears when hearing of the double killer's release. "This is devastating news," he said. Expand Close Denises ex-partner Ashley Byrne / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Denises ex-partner Ashley Byrne Ind (43) admitted to fatally stabbing and shooting Pamela Jordan and her husband Kermode Jordan as they lay in bed at home in the town of Woodland Park, Colorado. He had argued that the victims had been sexually abusing him. He said his "super long-term goal" was to cross the Atlantic and start a new life with Denise. "That's where my wife's family is and where her kid's family is," he told his local newspaper, the Pine Peaks Courier. "I would love to get a fresh start there, where people don't know me as my crime and just know me as Denise's husband." He added: "It's a beautiful country. I just need a good place to get a fresh start." But Denise's former partner said he was devastated by the news that Ind was now free. Mr Byrne (33), who lived with Denise in Whiteabbey and Whitehead for two years, lost contact and the Dublin-based IT worker hasn't seen his son for several years. The father-of-two said he had hoped his estranged partner's infatuation with Ind "was a phase she'd get over". "Ind was serving two life sentences and I believed he'd still be in prison when my son turned 18," he said. "That's what kept me going. I had hoped that when my son became an adult we could re-establish our relationship. "Now I'm faced with either Denise taking my son to America or Ind coming to Northern Ireland to live with them." It's more likely that, despite his aspirations to become a UK citizen, Ind will have to remain in the United States. Technically, his discharge date is November 2046 and immigration experts said he would face an uphill battle to gain lawful entry into the United Kingdom. Ind was released last September - four years after a US judge ruled that his former attorney had improperly kept him from testifying at his 1994 trial, which was watched coast to coast by millions of Americans. A new trial was ordered but, instead, Ind pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder. He was then re-sentenced to a 60-year term, making him eligible for parole due to time served and credit for good behaviour. After meeting Denise in the Sterling Correctional Facility's public car park, the couple spent time in an apartment she had rented having obtained a 90-day United States visa. "It was awesome. I got a big ol' hug," Ind told the Courier. "I got my stuff and we took off. I got to hold Denise's hand and I was not letting go." Denise married Ind in January 2018 - on her first trip to the US. They were separated during the ceremony by a plate glass partition and didn't get to kiss or hold hands. At the time, she told the Colorado Gazette that she "fiercely believed" in her husband and, despite the appalling nature of his crimes, "it might be a little bit safer than meeting a guy in a bar and bringing him home". She added: "There aren't many women who can say they have full access to every detail of their partner's past." The relationship began after the screening of the 2013 documentary Lost for Life, about juveniles serving life without parole in the States. "I heard it in his voice; he's not a monster, he's never been a monster," she said. Then, in what she called "the craziest thing I've ever done", she wrote to Ind from Northern Ireland, wishing him luck in his bid to be freed. Denise also spoke of her optimism that they could soon be living as a married couple away from the US, adding that her family were fully supportive of her choices. "Where I'm from, if something bad happens to someone who rapes children, people don't have a lot of sympathy," she said. "But a lot of people believe Jacob shouldn't have been locked up in the first place". Mrs Ind has been contacted by the Belfast Telegraph for a response. Starting Monday, all adults in Texas will be eligible for shots of COVID-19 vaccine. That doesnt guarantee theyll be able to make an appointment. But state officials say it will become easier as supplies ramp up. Tuesdays announcement by the Department of State Health Services makes Texas the first large state to open up vaccine eligibility to its entire adult population. It came just a week after the state began allowing all Texans 50 and older to receive a shot. With vaccine supplies expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks, health officials say now is the time to expand access. Even so, DSHS asked vaccine providers to continue to give priority to older Texans especially those age 80 and above. The department said that anyone in that age group immediately qualifies for vaccination if they show up at a clinic or other provider, with or without an appointment and they should be moved to the front of the line. 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, an associate commissioner of DSHS and chair of the states Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death - such as older adults, Garcia said. But major vaccine providers in San Antonio said broadening eligibility will not matter much if the supply of vaccine continues to fall short of demand. The biggest challenge all providers face is that eligibility does not equate to availability, said Dr. Bryan Alsip, chief medical officer of University Health, Bexar Countys public hospital system. UH operates a vaccine hub at Wonderland of the Americas mall. Some 30,000 people were vaccinated there last week. The health system is working with St. Philips College to set up a vaccine site on its campus on the citys East Side. Officials of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District also expressed concern about vaccine supply. Appointments at the districts vaccination hub at the Alamodome are booked through April 5. Demand for the vaccines is still far greater than the supply that is received, said Dr. Robert Leverence, chief medical officer for UT Health Physicians in San Antonio. We have worked to develop new digital platforms and other scheduling mechanisms to help with open scheduling of patients. About 60 percent of Texans ages 65 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, according to state data. STILL LAGGING: Racial inequities persist as Texas ramps up vaccine rollout Health experts say expanding eligibility will help Texas achieve herd immunity, when a large enough share of the population is immune to the virus that its spread isnt sustainable. About 70 to 85 percent of the population must be vaccinated to reach that goal, said Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health. It will also alleviate anxiety among people aged 45 who really want to get vaccinated and it also makes it a social norm to get vaccinated, Troisi said. That will have some influence in decreasing vaccine hesitancy, along with carefully crafted, culturally competent messages about the vaccine. The sudden shift to offer vaccinations to every adult might overwhelm vaccine providers in the short-term, she said, but ultimately, the pros win out. Texans have been scrambling to find available shots since they first became available in mid-December. Tuesdays announcement makes an estimated 20 million more people eligible far more people than there are doses available. Over the past few months, appointments have filled up in minutes, and Texans desperate for a shot have traveled hundreds of miles in search of the vaccine. A handful of smaller states have already made the same move as Texas. Alaska, West Virginia and Mississippi expanded eligibility to residents 16 and older earlier this month, and other states have announced that they will do the same in April. President Joe Biden has directed states to make vaccine available to all adults by May 1. DSHS is launching a website next week to help Texans register for vaccine appointments through participating public health providers. Members of the public will be able to sign up with the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler and be notified when appointments become available. The state also will create a toll-free number to help individuals without internet access make appointments. Currently, the state is vaccinating Texans 50 and older and anyone at least 16 years old with a pre-existing medical condition. Health care workers, nursing home residents, teachers and child care workers are also eligible. To date, more than 6.3 million Texans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and nearly 3.2 million people are fully inoculated. Two of the vaccines approved for distribution in the United States made by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech require two shots for full protection; a third, made by Johnson & Johnson, requires just one. All available vaccines have been authorized for use in people 18 and over. The Pfizer vaccine also is approved for 16- and 17-year-olds. Dr. Michael Almaleh, medical director for WellMeds mass vaccination clinics in San Antonio, said the expansion of eligibility to all adults was a natural progression. There are a lot of different avenues to get vaccinated, he said. I think what were going to very quickly see is that theres hesitancy in taking vaccines. What we want to have is 50 or 60 percent of the entire population getting vaccinated by mid-May and in order to do that, weve got to open it up. Almaleh says WellMed is inoculating as many people as possible at its sites while maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowding. We dont want people to transmit the virus while were trying to vaccinate them, he said. cayla.harris@ express-news.net raga.justin@chron.com laura.garcia@ express-news.net "Students need the knowledge, skills and abilities to compete for the best jobs in the new digital economy"- Gov. Reeves The law comes as the C Spire Foundation committed $1 million in January to help school districts with teacher training and implementation. C Spire executives, education advocates and technology leaders hailed the legislation's impending passage as a major boost for efforts to give elementary, middle and high school students equal access to computer science curriculum. Governor Reeves has championed exposing students to computer science as part of his "Ready to Work" education agenda. "We've made great progress in educating and informing the public on the importance of getting more rigorous computer science education in all of our schools so that students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to compete for the best jobs in the new 21st century digital economy," Reeves said. C Spire has worked closely with lawmakers to refine the legislation that would help make computer science available in all schools by the 2025 academic year. Many districts and schools have made progress and will not need to make changes while others will need to boost teacher training and update courses to the latest curriculum. Part of the push for the legislation is being fueled by differences in the amount of computer science education offered by school districts across the state. "C Spire has really stepped up to the plate and wants to move Mississippi forward by building a stronger economy with more high-paying job opportunities," said Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, who oversaw efforts to pass the legislation in the Mississippi Senate. Mississippi House Speaker Phillip Gunn noted that while some districts may already be exceeding the requirements for computer science instruction, the state public school system needs curriculum that applies to all students and schools. "Ultimately, we want every student to have the same opportunities to pursue computer science regardless of where they live or what school they attend." Workers with a background in computer science are in high demand and short supply in Mississippi. Employers currently have over 1,475 unfilled jobs due to the serious shortage of trained, qualified IT and computing workers. The average starting salary is almost double the statewide average. "Getting computer science in all Mississippi classrooms represents a tremendous opportunity to give our young people exposure to the fundamentals necessary for their future success in the workforce," said C Spire CEO Hu Meena, an advocate who noted that computer science teaches critical thinking, computational and problem-solving skills that benefit all students and future employers. C Spire has been heavily involved in efforts to promote computer science education in Mississippi since 2015 with coding challenges, coding academies, pilot accelerated degree programs and other efforts designed to inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields. "We want to help our schools overcome any barriers that might stand in the way of offering computer science in classrooms," said C Spire CTO Carla Lewis, adding that C Spire is offering to help identify solutions for more teacher training and distance learning. Mississippi public K-12 schools are some of the most diverse in the nation, and this effort should help raise more awareness of the opportunities in the computer science industry. The grassroots computer science education effort is designed to move communities forward with a focus on workforce development, broadband access and technology innovation. To learn more about the need for computer science education in K-12 classrooms or to get involved in the effort, text FUTURE to 50457 or go to www.ourMSfuture.com. About C Spire C Spire is a privately-owned telecommunications and technology company driven to deliver the best experiences in wireless, fiber internet, and business IT solutions such as internet, VoIP, cloud and managed services. Read more news releases and announcements at cspire.com/news. For more information, visit cspire.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. SOURCE C Spire Related Links http://www.cspire.com Gladys Naliaka Nalianya, a househelp who is accused of stabbing her former employers children, was arraigned at the Makadara law courts on Monday. The 22-year-old was charged with attempted murder but she refused to utter a word after the charges were read out to her. This prompted Magistrate Angelo Kithinji to order Naliaka to undergo a mental assessment. Naliaka appeared in court barefooted with her rubber shoes in hand, a jacket wrapped around her waist, and a sweater covering her head. Magistrate Angelo Kithinji further directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to table the suspects psychiatrist report before the court on March 29. Gladys Naliaka Nalianya will remain in custody at the Buruburu police station pending the psychiatric test. The nanny was first arraigned last week but did not take a plea after detectives sought more days to detain her pending investigations. The court heard that on March 11 at around 7.20 pm, Naliaka, armed with a machete and a knife, entered the house of Gladys Gacheru in Donholm Greenfields Estate through the backdoor. The suspect, who had been employed at the home for two years, found the children, aged five and 11, seated in the living room. When the current househelp went to see who had entered the home, Naliaka threatened to attack her with the machete if she got any closer. The current househelp then rushed to alert the victims elder brother who was in a different room. When they returned to the living room, they found Naliaka had stabbed the two in the head and fled the scene. The minors suffered deep cut wounds and are still hospitalised in stable condition, Corporal Josephine Nduku told the court last week. Upon the suspects services being terminated, she left the home swearing that the family would go through untold suffering in the near future, the detective added. Naliaka was arrested in Eldoret on March 13 after fleeing from Nairobi. ALBANY Chris Spencer, the city's commissioner of planning and development, quietly resigned last Wednesday. His resignation came after the Common Council's leadership sent a letter to Mayor Kathy Sheehan complaining about Spencer's role in a lawsuit against the city and the council. The Times Union obtained a draft copy of the letter, which asked Sheehan to investigate the issue and take any appropriate actions. "It is completely unacceptable for a city employee to assist an opposing party in a lawsuit, especially without discussing it with our attorneys who are defending the lawsuit. In addition, it is egregious that the corporation counsel's office enabled it," the letter states. The Times Union has not been able to reach Spencer for comment. He worked for the city as its chief planner since September 2014. Spencer signed an affidavit filed in January on behalf of a developer who sued the city and the Common Council last year in an attempt to overturn zoning regulations that thwarted their plans to build a blood plasma collection center in the Hannaford Plaza on Central Avenue. In the affidavit, which was notarized by an employee in the city corporation counsel's office, Spencer offered a rebuttal to an affidavit Councilman Mike O'Brien filed on how some zoning amendments were made. A spokesman for Mayor Kathy Sheehan refused to say whether the mayor knew Spencer was signing the affidavit before it was submitted or why specifically he resigned. "We are grateful for his many years of service to our city and his stewardship of ReZone Albany, the purchase of our streetlights and a variety of other projects that have transformed Albany," spokesman David Galin said in a statement. Council members had expressed frustration during Spencer's tenure, saying he failed to respond to messages and emails and did not show up to meetings the council had asked him to attend. In the draft letter, council leaders said they believed Spencer had strayed from his role of guiding sustainable development in the city and being neutral in his critiques. "His actions show extreme bias toward this developer over the city and the Common Council. His actions also show an unwillingness to follow our laws, which is unacceptable," the letter states. Council members clashed with Spencer on other projects over the years, including a planned apartment complex on Western Avenue and a proposed building on New Scotland Avenue across from St. Peter's Hospital. Councilwoman Ginnie Farrell, the majority leader and one of the three leaders who signed the letter to Sheehan, said she couldn't say if the letter was the reason Spencer stepped down, but added the council had spoken with Sheehan before about their issues. "Council members, myself included, have felt frustration with Commissioner Chris Spencer's leadership over the years, which council leadership has shared with the mayor's office," she said. The blood plasma collection center proposal prompted a fight among the council, Sheehan's administration and the developer. The proposal was opposed by O'Brien and the Upper Washington Avenue neighborhood association. After the Common Council created new zoning rules that effectively prevented the center from opening in that location and overrode Sheehan's subsequent veto of them, the developer sued the city and the council. Sheehan noted in her veto of the new zoning rules that it would likely lead to a lawsuit. In two separate rulings, Albany County Judge Peter Lynch ruled in favor of the council. O'Brien, who introduced the zoning changes that pushed the project out of its planned site, said council members and residents had grown frustrated with Spencer and the city's Planning Board when it came to input on proposed projects. "They have to open up and listen to the community members, who very often have a valid point to make," he said. 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 A return to normal travel conditions will likely not resume until the fall, says Dr. Heather Morrison. (Kirk Pennell/CBC - image credit) There will likely be fewer pandemic restrictions on P.E.I. this summer than there were last year, but Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison does not expect to see a full opening of provincial borders. Morrison looked ahead to the summer months during her regular weekly briefing on Tuesday. The province will be watching pandemic conditions in the region as it moves toward a scheduled reopening of the Atlantic bubble by April 19, she said. "We will not be hosting large mass events indoors or outdoors in 2021 but we do expect gathering numbers to increase," Morrison said. "It is my hope when the Atlantic bubble is re-established that it will remain open indefinitely." But Morrison said she did not expect Prince Edward Island to open up fully to the rest of Canada during the summer months. "Consistent with our approach over the past year, we will take a slow, steady and measured approach to easing restrictions," she said. "We will likely see a return to more normal travel by the fall." Expects more visitors Morrison said she does expect to see more visitors from outside Atlantic Canada this summer, but they will have to apply to particular travel streams, such as those for family members or seasonal residents, and will still have to self-isolate for 14 days. She added that travel from the U.S. during the pandemic is a federal government decision, and noted the border between the U.S. and Canada remains closed for now. Getting enough Islanders vaccinated is the central factor in easing restrictions, said Morrison. The province is still targeting the end of June to get a first dose of vaccine to all Islanders who want it, with second doses being delivered through the summer months. Morrison said she will be considering adjustments to travel restrictions based on whether travellers have been vaccinated, and said she expects to announce details on that in early April. More from CBC P.E.I. The Presidency on Wednesday confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will appear before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture next month. The President will give evidence in his capacity as President and former Deputy President of the Republic and as President and former Deputy President of the African National Congress on 22, 23, 28 and 29 April 2021. "This is in line with the President's many public statements in which he has expressed his willingness to testify before the Commission," said the Presidency. The Verkhovna Rada plans to hold two extraordinary meetings on March 30, one of which will be initiated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, Deputy Head of the Servant of the People faction Yevhenia Kravchuk told Interfax-Ukraine. "There will be two extraordinary meetings, and they will be held on Tuesday, March 30. One of the meetings will be initiated by the President," the parliamentarian said. According to her, the agenda of these meetings will be quite busy, the head of state will propose most of the bills for consideration. "Mostly these are the bills of the economic nature. Firstly, this is the president's bill on the payment of UAH 8,000 for entrepreneurs who are now in quarantine and do not work in the 'red' zones. It also concerns a package of bills that relate to capital amnesty, which the President submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a few weeks ago," Kravchuk said. At the same time, the Verkhovna Rada intends to "unblock large-scale privatization" during an extraordinary meeting. The relevant bills were on the agenda of the last plenary week right after the issues on land reform. "And there are a number of bills, which are small, but also important. One of them is about the 'baby package', which should unblock tenders on the ProZorro platform, so that the next batch of 'packages' can be purchased. One of the government bills No. 4540 will also be considered: it concerns administrative liability for violation of self-isolation and mask regime," Kravchuk said. In addition, according to her, the Verkhovna Rada intends to definitely consider draft resolution No. 5295 on condemning the events that occurred on March 20, 2021 at the President's, as well as a report by representatives of law enforcement and security agencies regarding this incident. "This part will be initiated by the MPs, and tomorrow [March 25] we will start collecting signatures," Kravchuk said. As expectant mom Stephanie Castle awaited her eight-week ultrasound, the technician casually asked her how she was doing. Stephanie, pregnant with what the Birmingham couple thought would be their fourth child, replied, I had a dream last night that I was having conjoined twins, so as long as that isnt the case, Ill be OK. We were both like, Really? Wow. Lets hope that wont be the case, said Stephanies husband, Dwight, pastor of missions at Redeemer Community Church in Avondale. About five minutes later, we learned there were two heartbeats and that kind of began the journey. We were shocked, to put it lightly. Not long after, the couple learned not only were they having twins, but indeed they are conjoined. The baby girls, Susannah Jane and Elizabeth Florence, are connected at their chest, down to their belly buttons. Conjoined twins are extraordinarily rare. According to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, which has successfully separated 25 pairs of conjoined twins since 1957, conjoined twins occur once in every 50,000 to 60,000 births. About 70% of conjoined twins are female, and most are stillborn. The Castles, who have three other children under the age of 7, will leave Birmingham in two weeks to head to Philadelphia to prepare for their birth of their daughters. The past months have been a roller-coaster of emotions, best and worst-case scenarios, prayers, fears, tears, and hope. I think in a lot of ways, God has sort of been preparing us for this for a while,' Dwight said. Weve grown certainly in awareness of how challenging its going to be and knowing we probably dont know the half of it. But we have an increasing faith in the Lord that He is so clearly over this and providing for us. The Crestwood couple found out in September that they were expecting. They already have two sons, ages 6 and 3, and a 2-year-old daughter. We were on the fence about whether to go for a fourth child. We had a lot of different things we had walked through in the prior years that had been difficult with our family growth and planning, Dwight said. We had a miscarriage. We had some infertility. We were foster parents, and we had some hard, difficult foster situations. But we said, Ok, lets try for four, and then we found out we had five. That was very overwhelming. It was early November when the Castles had that prognostic ultrasound. Within a couple of minutes, the tech summoned the doctor, 'which is never a great sign,' Dwight said. The doctor explained to them that the babies were in the same amniotic sac which is a very rare type of twins and fraught with potential complications for the pregnancy. Conjoined twins were a very unlikely, but possible outcome. It was more likely that they could lose one or both of the babies in a variety of ways. We left that appointment reeling with a lot to consider,' he said. Redeemer Community Church Pastor Dwight Castle and his wife, Stephanie, will go to Philadelphia for the April birth of conjoined twins, Susannah and Elizabeth. (Contributed) One month later, they had their first appointment with maternal fetal specialists at UAB and it was then confirmed the twins were indeed conjoined. Susannah and Elizabeth have separate heads, separate brains and separate limbs. The big question was if they had separate hearts because that would determine whether or not there was a path toward separation. The good news is they do. Theyre extremely close Theyre literally touching each other,' Dwight said. They share the lining around the heart the pericardium but thats not preventative for separation. The girls also share a liver and probably a portion of their small intestines. The liver is the only organ in the human body that regenerates so doctors will basically split the liver in two, with a half going to each girl. There was a concern at one point that Elizabeth had major heart disease or defect, which would have significantly complicated the separation possibility. That was a huge question mark,' Dwight said. The Castles were sent to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, which is one of the leading hospitals in the world for dealing with conjoined twins. They went three weeks ago for a consultation and learned that Elizabeth doesnt have a heart defect. Its basically not formed in a way that is normal for most, but it is fully functional. Redeemer Community Church Pastor Dwight Castle and his wife, Stephanie, will be leaving for Philadelphia for the April birth of conjoined twins Susannah and Elizabeth. (Contributed) Its an anatomical anomaly they had to go look in a 1970s textbook to identify what this was because hes only seen one other time in his career and that was 30 or 40 years ago,' Dwight said. That was a huge answer to prayer for us and they gave us the news that they believed they were separable and would like to do that. The couple will leave for Philadelphia again in two weeks, with a C-section scheduled for two weeks after their arrival. They hope and anticipate that will be a relatively problem-free birth, though we obviously have no idea,' he said. Well recover there in the NICU for as long as that takes and then, Lord willing, will come back to Birmingham and be here for three-to-six months for them to grow and get healthy and ready for all thats to come. When the girls are deemed healthy and stable enough, the entire Castle family will temporarily move to Philadelphia for the separation surgery. There is a three-to-six-month tissue expansion process that is the stretching the skin so that when the twins are separated, they can just cover the open sections with their own skin instead of grafts. Then theyll have the separation surgery and recovery and then well come home,' Dwight said. That will take at least six or eight months, bare minimum, if not double that, so weve got a long year ahead of us. The doctors at CHOP told us, You really dont understand how favorable the conditions are for your daughters to be able to be separated and that, as best as we can predict at this point, live normal and healthy lives,' Dwight said Now, we dont know. Its in the Lords hands. There are harder things in life that I think people go through. We know people walking in grief and suffering but this might be the strangest thing. Redeemer Community Church Pastor Dwight Castle and his wife, Stephanie, will be leaving for Philadelphia for the April birth of conjoined twins Susannah and Elizabeth. (Contributed) According to CHOP, 123 pairs of conjoined twins have been referred to the hospitals Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment since 1995, and 40 pairs have undergone prenatal evaluation. The hospital has successfully separated 25 pairs of conjoined twins. You can read more about conjoined twins here. Dwight said their family, friends and community have been incredibly supportive. A GoFundMe to help with the overwhelming medical and living expenses over the next year, and beyond, has already raised nearly $60,000 for the family. Donations can be made here. Dwight, originally from North Carolina, has been with Redeemer Community Church since it started almost 13 years ago, and was previously doing overseas mission work. He met Stephanie, who is an Alabama native, through the church. We see everything in life through the lens of our faith. Everything scripture teaches us things are from Him and through Him and to Him. Even, and especially when we walk through extremely challenging times, thats how were going to view everything,' Dwight said. This certainly brought up unbelievably really hard questions for us. The things Ive said I believe, and I know I believe, now Ive got to grapple with that on a different level. How do I reconcile these things - Gods goodness with the age-old question, How can a good God allow that? He said theyve tried to be open and honest with friends and family about the process of their faith throughout this, but also holding on to the fact that our only hope in life and death is Jesus and that we believe that his death on the cross not only purchased our forgiveness of ours sins but gives us hope in this life in the middle of our struggles. So, grappling with that in our head versus our heart is what a lot of this journey has been, but its been the only thing that has sustained us,' Dwight said The community our blood family and our faith family has just been unbelievable with constant support and encouragement. It really has been the blessing besides just growing to try to trust the Lord through this more. Our faith family really has surrounded us in a way that has never left us alone or to wrestle with things on our own. One thing I would say, too, at the beginning, we walked different journeys,' he said of he and his wife. Both were shocked to learn they were having twins, even before they knew the girls were conjoined. Then the Lord kind of flipped a switch with Stephanie and just gave her a peace that has sustained her still,' he said. She has had this kind of undeniable hope and peacefulness in her heart that really has been grounding for both of us. My experience has not been that. God didnt create babies in the beginning to be conjoined. Its a part of the fall and the broken world were in and thats not how its supposed to be. But we believe theres purpose in this. Its not aimless. Its not hopeless. God created the world and His sovereignty rules over it still,' he said. Hes always promised us that Hell be with us thats the biggest spiritual lesson weve been learning. Hes not a God that puts us through hardship and then leaves us. He has met us every single step of the way with very particular answers to prayers. Were going to have a lot of help. He gives us new mercies each day and Hes faithful to do that. We just try to take it a day at a time and remember His faithfulness every step of the way and it really does fuel us to trust Him,' Dwight said. That doesnt guarantee theyll live. It doesnt guarantee the separation will happen or that it will go really well. Theres a lot of hopeful indications for all of those things, but our hope has to ultimately be in Him. An Auburn man is facing criminal charges connected with a deadly automobile crash in Mentz earlier this year, the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office said. The sheriff's office on Wednesday announced the arrest of Tristan R. Hope, 24, of Auburn. Hope was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Route 31 that killed Michael P. Maltese, 52, of Weedsport, in February. The sheriff office investigation determined Hope's "consumption of a controlled substance" contributed to the crash's cause, according to a news release. He was charged with criminally negligent homicide, a felony, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. Hope was processed at the sheriff's office and was being held at the Cayuga County Jail Wednesday afternoon, pending arraignment. The sheriff's office said its investigation was done in cooperation with the Cayuga County District Attorneys Office and with the assistance of the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center in Albany and the Wallie Howard Jr. Center for Forensic Sciences in Syracuse. No Australian minister has sighted a critical contractual agreement between the government and French company Naval Group setting out local content requirements for the troubled $90 billion future submarine fleet. Defence officials have also confirmed the requirement to spend at least 60 per cent of the build within Australia may not be reached on an individual submarine until the second or third boat in the mid-2030s. Concerns over whether Naval Group would meet its local content requirements sparked new negotiations last year. Credit:Naval Group The government and Naval Group this week announced they have reached a formal agreement, which has not been publicly released, to spend at least 60 per cent of the submarine program budget in Australia over the life of the biggest defence acquisition in Australias history. The Strategic Partnership Agreement will now be amended to insert Naval Groups commitment to spend at least 60 per cent of the contract value in Australia over the life of the program to build 12 new Attack-class submarines. DECORAH, Iowa A man accused of multiple crimes in two northeast Iowa counties is sentenced in one of them. Mark Leonard Schroeder, 44 of Decorah, has pleaded guilty in Winneshiek County District Court to two counts of first-degree theft, three counts of second-degree theft, and two counts of third degree burglary. Law enforcement says Schroeder burglarized an occupied structure on September 22, 2020, and stole an ATV. Officer say they then caught Schroeder on September 25, 2020, with the following stolen property in his possession: A loader grapple bucket worth over $10,000 stolen from New Hampton Auto Body. A pickup truck worth over $1,500 stolen from Austin, Minnesota. A John Deere lawn mower worth over $1,500 stolen from Winnebago County. Assorted Stihl tools and products worth over $1,500 stolen from Floyd County. A motor vehicle worth over $10,000. Schroeder has been given consecutive sentences totaling up to 30 years in state prison, with a minimum sentence of up to six years. He has also been ordered to pay $3,451.25 in restitution. Schroeder is still facing charges of second-degree theft, eluding, third-degree burglary, and attempted third-degree burglary in Fayette County. Authorities say he illegally entered a West Union garage on September 11, 2020, then was caught on video the same day attempted a second burglary nearby. Schroeder is also accused of leading law enforcement on a chase reaching 25 miles per hour over the speed limit while riding a stolen motorcycle in West Union. Tamil nationalist parties in Sri Lanka have been campaigning to strengthen a war crimes resolution being presented by the Core Group on Sri Lanka to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) currently meeting in Geneva. The resolution, which passed yesterday, was promoted behind the scenes by the US, with support from the UK and the Sri Lankan Tamil parties, and also calls for reversal of Sri Lankas anti-democratic laws. The Core Group is made of representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Northern Macedonia, Montenegro and Malawi. Protest march by relatives of missing persons at Kilinochchi in February 2020 (Credit: WSWS Media) US, UK, German and Canadian posturing over human rights is a patent fraud. These imperialist powers, which have engaged in neo-colonial interventions and are responsible for war crimes in the last three decades, are not concerned in the slightest about Colombos war crimes or attacks on democratic rights. Washingtons primary aim is to ensure that strategically-located Sri Lanka breaks relations with Beijing and remains actively engaged in US war preparations against China. Like its predecessors, the government of President Gotabhaya Rajapakse denies that any war crimes were committed by the military during Colombos war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The government, which is heavily dependent on the military as a bulwark against the rising social opposition of workers and the poor, wants immunity for all those accused of war crimes. It was desperately appealing for support from other UNHCR members to defeat the Core Group resolution. Several of Sri Lankas bourgeois Tamil parties have called for the Core Group resolution to include a proposal that Sri Lanka be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as suggested in UNHR Commissioner General Michelle Bachelets report last month. Bachelets report listed some of the war crimes committed by the military under former President Mahinda Rajapakse, the current prime minister, and his brother, Gotabhaya Rajapakse, then defence secretary and now president. According to the UN, over 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed in the final months of the three-decade war against the LTTE in 2009. Hundreds of young Tamils who surrendered to the army have simply disappeared. The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) fully backs the Core Group resolution, while the Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF) and the Tamil Peoples Alliance (TPA) claim it is not strong enough and call for Sri Lanka to be referred to the ICC. Responding to these criticisms, TNA spokesman and parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran told a north Jaffna meeting on March 8 that the resolution should be prepared in such a way that it wins the support of member countries, [and] to keep Sri Lanka under supervision for the next two years. A harsher resolution, he added, would be an obstacle to gaining the support. The UNHRC doesnt have the power to hand Sri Lanka over to the ICC. TNPF leader Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam wrote to Core Group envoys, expressing his disappointment. He declared the resolution did not meet the basic expectations of the Tamil victims, especially in relation to international accountability for grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Ponnambalam slammed the TNA for backing the resolution and said his party would no longer co-operate with that organisation. TPA leader C.V. Wigneswaran declared that a diluted resolution would deceive the Tamil people and called for the international community to adopt a human rights-based approach, rather than a political approach. These differences are purely tactical. The Tamil parties all appeal for support from the imperialist powers and have no fundamental opposition to Washingtons underlying war drive against China. The TNA calculates that the UNHRC resolution will isolate Colombo, forcing it into line with US demands and thus benefit the Tamil elite. The equally cynical calculations of Ponnambalam and Wigneswaran for a so-called strong resolution is an attempt to deflect the seething anger of the Tamil masses over the war crimes and to exert greater pressure on the Rajapakse regime to grant some concessions. These parties all responded to Washingtons backroom moves for a UNHCR resolution. In mid-December, Aliana Teplitz, the US ambassador in Colombo, held discussions with Sumanthiran who gave his partys backing. According to the media, Sumanthiran then met with Ponnambalam and Wigneswaran who agreed on a push for a new resolution. Fedaration of Civil Society Organizations members and students in Jaffna demand Sri Lanka be referred to the ICC (Credit: WSWS Media) On January 15, the TNA, TNPF, TPA and civil society groups wrote to UNHRC members formally requesting a new resolution. The letter called on the UNHRC to request the Security Council and General Assembly, to inquire into the crime of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, via the International Criminal Court and any other appropriate and effective international accountability mechanisms. The letter also called for the establishment of an International Independent Investigation Mechanism similar to that used against the Assad regime Syria which was accompanied by US-led military operations. In February, these parties backed the North East Civil Society Forum march from Potuvil in the East to Polkandy in the North of Sri Lanka which sent a memorandum along the same lines as the above letter to the UNHRC. Over the past three weeks, the Federation of Tamil Civil Society Organisations, led by the Hindu and Catholic clergy, has conducted a hunger protest campaign and a march in Jaffna. University students have also been mobilised to demand Sri Lanka be brought before the ICC. That the US-backed Core Group resolution does not call for Sri Lanka to be referred to the ICC is no accident. Washington is only interested in pressuring Colombo to distance itself from Beijing. This, of course, does not mean that US will not try to invoke the ICC if necessary. Concerned about the relations of the previous government of President Mahinda Rajapakse with Beijing, Washington sponsored several resolutions to pressure Colombo to break those ties. When that failed, the Obama administration orchestrated a regime-change operation to oust Mahinda Rajapakse and elevate Maithripala Sirisena into the presidency. Sirisena and his prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, integrated the Sri Lankan military closely with the US Pacific Command and its operations against China. The Tamil parties, and the TNA in particular, backed the regime change and became de facto partners of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration. The US responded by supporting the new regime in Colombo and moved a resolution in October 2015 that proposed a domestic investigation into human rights violations committed during the war. In other words, it allowed the government to suppress any genuine investigation in Sri Lankan war crimes. The TNA was fully involved in the preparation of that resolution. The return to power of another Rajapakse administration and the strengthening of its economic relations with Beijing has antagonized Washington and its regional ally India. Reeling from the crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Colombo remains heavily dependent economically on Chinese investment and aid. Washington, under the previous Trump administration and now under President Biden, has sent numerous signals to Colombo to fall into line with the US geo-political agenda. If Colombo does not heed these directives, the US will not hesitate to orchestrate another regime change operation. The manoeuvres of these utterly corrupt Tamil bourgeois parties are a dangerous endorsement of a future catastrophic US-led war against China. Acting as quislings of US imperialism, these parties have little interest in a serious investigation into Colombos war crimes or establishing the democratic rights of the Tamil masses. A genuine investigation into war crimes and an end to the decades of state discrimination against Tamil and Muslim minorities can only be achieved through a united struggle of the working class in Sri Lanka and South Asia. A model who was forced into hiding to flee her controlling ex-boyfriend has revealed the chilling texts he sent her detailing a sick revenge plot to financially 'ruin her'. Jilted ex Nick Doyle launched a terrifying campaign of harassment in which he repeatedly called and messaged Dagmara Kita, 24, and even knocked on her window as she tried to sleep. The 30-year-old had been left furious at being dumped by Miss Kita after their four-year relationship turned sour. Now, in a string of haunting texts, Miss Kita has revealed how Doyle mocked her after he managed to seize control of her IP address and then hacked into her online bank and social media accounts. In one message, Doyle says: 'F*** with me and I promise you'll regret it' before receiving a text from her bank saying her account had been stripped of thousands of pounds. In a terrifying campaign of harassment, jilted ex Nick Doyle repeatedly called and messaged Dagmara Kita (pictured), 24, and even knocked on her window as she tried to sleep Miss Kita has revealed how Doyle mocked her after he managed to seize control of her IP address and then hacked into her online bank and social media accounts. Doyle, of Middleton near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was jailed for two years after he admitted harassment But even as Miss Kita, fearing for her life, attempted to flee to her native Poland she received another message: 'Right my little petal - I have been able to watch all your s***. I have your bank logins and I have your snapchat log ins. Try f****** march mate.' He added: 'I'm gonna sink your credit score, I'm gonna debt your teeth out... I'll drain your bank accounts. Believe me you won't be able to use your wi-fi without me knowing f*** all. 'I promise you, swear on my unborn nephew's life I'm gonna ruin you to the point you won't go to Poland.' Afterwards he sent Miss Kita an email from her own account signed off with the words: 'Much love, c***.' Doyle was arrested after Miss Kita detailed her experiences to police in which bombarded her with threatening phones calls and trailed her movements by logging into her online accounts. Her bank later refunded the money which was taken from her account. Today Miss Kita spoke out after Doyle, from Middleton near Rochdale, Greater Manchester, was jailed for two years after he admitted harassment. Texts from anonymous accounts linked to Doyle show how he threatened Miss Kita following their break up and warned her against fleeing to her native Poland Manchester Crown Court heard how Doyle seized control of Miss Kita's accounts, with one threatening message being sent to herself which showed someone had hacked her email 'Nick made my life a misery and I'm so glad he was brought to justice, but I feel our legal and justice system needs to change,' she said. 'After I reported Nick, police kept me updated but because he was only making threats and hadn't actually acted on any of them, they said there was nothing they could do, which allowed him to continue his reign of terror. It was terrifying and I lived in constant fear for my life.' The pair had begun a relationship in 2015 but split in 2019 when an argument about saving for a mortgage led to him punching a hole through a wall in the couple's rented home. During an 18-month campaign of terror, Doyle called Miss Kita 61 times in the space of an hour and when she refused to speak to him ahead of a trip to Poland to escape him, Doyle told her: 'You wanna take the p*** like that, god help you when I get my hands on you tomorrow pal.' His other abusive texts went on: 'I am going to do s*** to your house and car as you keep ignoring me. I will blast the f****** lot of it, do not f****** block me. 'Answer your phone, this is going to keep happening, you are making the situation worse. There is going to be more drama and you'll have to change your car, house and job.' The pair had begun a relationship in 2015 but split in 2019 when an argument about saving for a mortgage led to Doyle punching a hole through a wall in the couple's rented home During an 18-month campaign of terror, Doyle called Miss Kita 61 times in the space of an hour and when she refused to speak to him ahead of a trip to Poland to escape him, Doyle told her: 'You wanna take the p*** like that, god help you when I get my hands on you tomorrow pal' Miss Kita said: 'I was terrified. I'd worked hard to become an area manager at Caffe Nero and didn't want him to undo all my hard work or tarnish my reputation. 'But he did turn up at work and told me: "You've left me with nothing, so ignore me and I'll ruin your f****** life." 'I started seeing shadows outside my bedroom window late at night. Then one night as I was drifting off to sleep there was an almighty hammering on the window beside me and it was Nick asking for "one last conversation". I called the police and Nick was cautioned but it didn't stop him. 'Then, my phone began to blow up. I received so many calls and texts that I physically couldn't use my phone for anything else. The screen was permanently flooded with calls and messages. Miss Kita said: 'I was terrified. I'd worked hard to become an area manager at Caffe Nero and didn't want him to undo all my hard work or tarnish my reputation. 'But he did turn up at work and told me: "You've left me with nothing, so ignore me and I'll ruin your f****** life."' 'I blocked Nick's number and all his social media accounts, but he created one fake page after the next and I couldn't keep up. He even pretended to be a police officer so that I'd call him. 'My auntie suggested we fly to my home country and it seemed like the perfect escape but even as I packed my suitcase, my phone started to blow up with private calls. 'Thankfully I made it to Poland safely, but even then Nick's abuse continued. Even in a completely different country I felt totally violated by him. 'Back home, he began stalking me late at night again. He told me: "I know you're home, I can see your shadow." 'One day, I was pottering in the house when I received a string of devastating messages and that's when I knew Nick had total control of my life. At sentencing Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Doyle: 'There is no doubt that your conduct has had a profound impact on her, as she genuinely believed that her life was threatened and was in constant fear.' Doyle will be barred from contacting Miss Kita for life under the terms of a restraining order 'He told me he'd tapped my IP address and had accessed all of my accounts, had all of my bank logins and all my social media login information. He told me he would sink my credit score and drain my bank accounts. 'I had never felt so trapped or frightened. Then, I received an email from myself which proved Nick had access. He signed off with: "Much love, c***." 'The hatred was palpable. The following day my bank called to say my accounts had been cleared of thousands of pounds and had taken me into an overdraft. I was distraught. Nick then said he would destroy my life and I had no reason to doubt him. 'He'd made good on every single threat so why not this one. I called the police again, and gave them all the evidence I'd compiled since Nick began tormenting me. 'Finally, he was arrested and bailed on the condition he wouldn't contact me. But of course, he did. 'I thought it might be the police, contacting me to explain Nick's bail conditions. But when I answered, I heard maniacal laughter on the other end of the phone and then Nick said: "I've got you now d***head." I called the police and he was remanded.' At Manchester Crown Court, Doyle's lawyer Adam Watkins said: 'He took the end of the relationship badly and turned to drugs. He says he is ashamed of his actions and wants his victim to recover and lead a happy life.' But sentencing Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Doyle: 'There is no doubt that your conduct has had a profound impact on her, as she genuinely believed that her life was threatened and was in constant fear.' Doyle will be barred from contacting Miss Kita for life under the terms of a restraining order. Miss Kita added: 'I was so relieved that Nick's reign of terror was over when he was jailed, but I felt incredibly sad too. All I ever wanted was to move on with my life and for Nick to do the same and be happy. 'But instead he continued to torment me and make my life unbearable. He has made me want to change my physical appearance, move house, change jobs and become anonymous. 'I feel like I want to leave behind every trace of the person I was when I knew him. He was a monster.' A stronger presence of Europe could put pressure from the international community on China over the East Vietnam Sea issue. Amid reports that Germany would deploy warships through the East Vietnam Sea for the first time in 19 years, China on March 3 called on Berlin not to infringe on the sovereignty of the claimants in these waters. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin asserted that all have freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Vietnam Sea, but this should not be used as an excuse to endanger sovereignty and security of coastal countries. International law is the common interest The above statement shows a familiar move of China when it claims sovereignty over most of the East Vietnam Sea, and warns countries not to interfere in how Beijing deals with Southeast Asian countries. However, the move of Germany, Canada, and other European countries to announce the deployment of warships to the waterway this year signals their growing engagement in regional security. Dr. Le Hong Hiep from the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore) analyzed that Europes greater involvement in the East Vietnam Sea issue, both diplomatically and militarily, is helping with the internationalization of the maritime dispute, making it not only a problem between China and other direct claimants, but also an international security issue, where outside countries, including European states, all have interests. In a statement in December 2020, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to China Nicolas Chapuis reaffirmed: Freedom of navigation is essential. The [East Vietnam Sea] is not only a Chinese problem, but an international issue. Since late last year, U.S. allies in Europe have openly rejected Chinas sovereignty claim through a series of diplomatic notes sent to the United Nations. According to Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales, Ambassador Chapuis was only stating the obvious since the present and future security and prosperity of European states are inextricably bound up with the stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region in general and Southeast Asia in particular. This region is the engine of world economic growth, Prof. Thayer remarked. Traditional freedom of navigation and navigation for lawful commercial activities and military transit make a vital component of the rules-based order globally and regionally. In sum, Chinas assertion of illegal claims to the [East Vietnam Sea] is the cause of internationalization because it negatively impacts the vital national interests of so many maritime states. Long-term commitment needed In addition to its maritime interests, Europe has many other economic and political motivations for maintaining a presence in the waterway. Prof. Thayer noted that by 2020, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) had replaced China as the European Unions largest market. Meanwhile, Dr. Hiep said that besides the QUAD of the Pacific (comprising the United States, Japan, Australia, and India), analysts are referring more to the QUAD of the Atlantic (including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany). The common denominator of both groups is the United States, while the main target of both is China, he told Tuoi Tre News. Therefore, on a broader view, the increase in the involvement of European countries in the [East Vietnam Sea] and the increasing internationalization of the maritime dispute indicate increasingly fierce strategic competition between the United States and China. In other words, Europes deeper involvement in the East Vietnam Sea is a plausible tendency when it finds shared interests in its policy, Washingtons, and its partners in Southeast Asia. However, while Europes recent military moves have been rampant, suggesting a one-and-all and systematic response, there are also some concerns about the levels of its commitment to this region. Dr. Sascha-Dominik Dov Bachmann, a professor at Canberra Law School, University of Canberra (Australia), said that the recent developments are noteworthy but should not necessarily be seen as part of a coordinated pushback on Chinas ambitions. Most of these states have been subject to Chinas wolf-warrior diplomacy in recent months and it could be argued that the deployment of naval assets takes place to send a signal to both Beijing and the audience at home that Chinas current assertiveness has consequences, Bachmann told Tuoi Tre News. I dont see these naval operations as being something more than an ad hoc measure for the time being with the exception of the U.S. and the UK. Likewise, Singapore scholar Collin Koh Swee Lean believes that only the United States, the United Kingdom, and perhaps Canada, which are the countries with one-and-all actions, share the same goal. I dont think they actually act in unison, and I see more competitive dynamic than anything else recall that even amongst European powers, therere also rivalries amongst them. We might say that theres some unity in purpose or efforts between the U.S. and UK, and perhaps Canada. The Europeans want to stand out as different from the U.S. in particular. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Indeed, Maharashtra accounts for a major chunk of Indias daily infections. On Tuesday, of the 47,262 cases reported by the country, 28,699 were reported in the state. But has been recording a faster growth in infections. Analysis of Covid-19 infections since the start of March shows that cases in have been growing on an average at 0.8% daily, in contrast cases in Maharashtra have been growing at 0.7%. For India, the compounded daily growth rate in cases for March has been 0.2%. While daily cases in India have doubled since February, the growth rate in has witnessed a four-times increase. Moreover, while Punjab accounts for 4.7% of the countrys infections, its share in terms of deaths is much higher. On Tuesday, data from MoHFW indicated that Punjab accounted for a fifth of the countrys total deaths. In terms of deaths, too, Punjab leads the country in terms of the growth rate in daily deaths. In India, deaths have been growing daily by 0.1% in March, but in Punjab, deaths have been rising at the rate of 0.4% daily. The ratio of new deaths in the states has also been rising. An analysis of death data for the last week shows that Punjab records 34 deaths for every 1,000 cases. India, on the other hand, was reporting 9 death for every 1,000 cases. On Tuesday, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had said that 81% of the 401 samples tested by the government for genomic sequencing have shown the UK variant's presence, which leads to faster transmission. In the weekly press conference on Wednesday, it was highlighted that Punjab had 336 cases of the UK variant and that there were five mutations (N501Y, E484K, E484Q, E484Q+L452R, L452R) which were a matter of concern available in Punjab. However, director, NCDC, Sujeet K Singh, emphasised that till now, there was no linkage between these variants and the surge in cases. The Union health ministry will hold detailed consultations with officials in districts reporting an increase in cases in Maharashtra and Punjab on Saturday, said Rajesh Bhushan, health secretary, ministry of health. Italian lawmakers should personally visit Chinas remote Xinjiang region to check whether the local Muslim Uyghur minority is really suffering genocide, Chinas ambassador to Rome suggested on Wednesday. Li Junhua was speaking at a pre-arranged hearing of MPs that came amid rising tensions between Western nations and China over Beijings human rights record tensions which had earlier seen him summoned to the foreign ministry. I invite you to go to Xinjiang personally see the reality, and understand whether there is really a genocide, if the Uyghurs have in the last 20 years really seen a genocide, he told the foreign affairs committee of parliaments lower house. Whenever you want to go let me know, tell the embassy so that we can organise it, Li added. Rights groups say at least one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in Xinjiang, where authorities are also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. China has strongly denied the allegations, saying training programmes, work schemes and better education have helped stamp out extremism in the northwestern region and raise income. Since 2019, China says it has invited foreign diplomats to visit Xinjiang, but an EU delegation that year claimed the people they met were speaking from a script, while another planned trip by EU ambassadors has this month stalled. On Monday the EU, Britain and Canada blacklisted four former and current officials from Xinjiang accused of cracking down on the Uyghurs, and the United States took similar action. China reacted by issuing entry bans for 10 Europeans, prompting Italy, France, Germany and other EU governments to call in their local Chinese ambassadors to complain. During the meeting with Li, Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni highlighted Italys solidarity with all those affected by the unacceptable Chinese sanctions, the Italian foreign ministry said. Speaking to MPs, Li argued that China was forced to react to hostile action. If only the EU can impose sanctions on China and China cannot do the same, do we then have a fair, equal relationship? he said. We visit the city of Dayton, Ohio, multiple times, and follow along with a young couple, Todd and Sara, who grew up middle class but now find themselves, with children in tow, in a homeless shelter, an institution that MacGillis points out did not even exist in Dayton until the mid-1980s. In the book, Dayton, formerly seen as a birthplace of innovation and aviation, is now a symbol of postwar boom and bust, a city fallen from grace. Todd and Sara struggle to keep it together between domestic violence and job losses. Todd works at the local cardboard box factory, one of the few growing industries left, thanks to Amazons ascendance. In MacGilliss account, Amazons power centers on its willingness to influence politics on any scale, whether local or national. We spend time in Amazons corporate home in Seattle, where its rise has resulted in urban inequality, creating sharp contrasts between the haves and have-nots. In spite of techs supposed progressive intentions, Amazon is perversely willing to throw $1.5 million into a Seattle City Council race against progressive candidates, in order to evade taxation, arguing its money is better spent on philanthropy. This ruthless strong-arming happens in other places as well. In rural Northern Virginia, Amazon encountered protests from residents opposed to an electricity easement the company wanted for its ever-expanding data center infrastructure. Amazon temporarily retreated, only for the energy company to strike a deal with the state to impose a monthly fee on all ratepayers to make up the cost, while Amazon secretly secured a discounted rate for itself. When it comes to national politics, Amazon has hired dozens of former government officials, including the Obama administrations head of federal procurement, to work for Amazon Business. This leads to millions of dollars in government contracts, and also explicit changes in national defense bills that shift more than $50 billion in routine government purchasing into online marketplaces. Jeff Bezos oligarchic tendencies emerge through other scenes, as when MacGillis describes the C.E.O.s pharaonic new house in Washington, D.C., and the military guard present at his arrival to a dinner at the Washington Hilton. Even Bezos ownership of The Washington Post comes across here as an effort to manufacture and control political discourse rather than to support the papers stated aim of saving democracy. By the end of the book, you might be convinced the situation is bleak, with Amazon fated to rule all facets of social and economic life. Unlike the immediate, visible crises of natural disaster and war, the uncertainty and harsh economic conditions created by this one company are a simmering, slow death. During the pandemic, there has been talk on social media of boycotting Amazon to counter its corporate power. The careful, investigative work of this book shows that the only way individual fulfillment can happen is through collective fulfillment and solidarity across different regions the kind of solidarity imagined by the current Amazon warehouse workers of Bessemer, Ala., in their drive to unionize. In one of the more hopeful, unexpected parables in the book, Taylor Sappington, a young man from Nelsonville, Ohio, wins a full ride to George Washington University and heads back home with the fervor of a New Deal Democrat inspired to make government work and counter his hometowns drive toward Trumpism flying in the face of his friends and family, the opioid crisis and rural poverty. He bounces between jobs at a Texas Roadhouse and as a City Council member, as a Krogers checkout clerk and as the Nelsonville city auditor, remaining passionate about ways his local government and community could not only fill the gaps left by private industry, but build infrastructures outside of it. Despite all the bleakness, true fulfillment might still be out there. The cause of death of the servicewoman, who died in Odesa region on Tuesday, is acute cardiovascular failure, the press service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reports, citing the findings of the forensic medical examination. "The cause of death of the servicewoman who died in Odesa region on Tuesday is acute cardiovascular failure. She also had atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis. Odesa doctors, who performed an autopsy on the deceased, told the Ministry of Health," it said on Facebook. It is noted that the results of the autopsy will be considered at a meeting of the regional rapid response to adverse events after immunization as part of the investigation, as required by the protocols of the Ministry of Health. As reported, at 17:20 on March 23, in the village of Chornomorske, Lymansky district, Odesa region, a female soldier died. According to the command of the medical forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, on March 21, the woman received vaccination against COVID-19. The woman had no contraindications to the administration of the vaccine. According to the Ministry of Health, on the same day, another nine more people were vaccinated from the same bottle of vaccine. According to the head of the medical service of the military unit where the woman served, as of the morning of March 23, she did not express any health complaints. " " Anonymous British street artist Banksy's Walled Off Hotel, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Bethlehem, is part art gallery and part political statement. Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images Thanks to internationally renowned street artist Banksy, you can travel to a Bethlehem resort with this slogan: "The worst view of any hotel in the world." In doing so, you'll also venture smack-dab into the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It's called the Walled Off Hotel, and it rests immediately adjacent to the Palestine Wall, meant to keep Palestinians from freely traveling into Israel. It really is a fully functioning hotel, albeit one in a contentious area, filled with artwork by Banksy (and other artists) offering commentary on a deadly conflict that seems as if it will never end. An entire hotel, as art? Well, Banksy's no stranger to audacious artwork. The hotel is regarded as a follow-up to Dismaland, a temporary installation that sprung up in 2015 near the resort of Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, England. The "bemusement park" was a scathing critique of consumerism in modern life, and it attracted huge crowds but was dismantled at the artist's order after a month. Advertisement An Extended One-year Run The Walled Off Hotel first opened in 2017 and was meant for a one-year run. Instead, four years later, it's still operating. No one's sure why Banksy who remains titillatingly anonymous has made an exception for the timeline of this particular installation. " " The facade of the Walled Off Hotel showcases its particular brand of gritty charm along with a sumptuous view of the wall dividing Palestine from the West Bank city of Bethlehem. picture alliance/Getty Images But there's no mistaking its draw. Since its opening, the hotel has welcomed more than 140,000 visitors, a number that would undoubtedly be higher had the coronavirus pandemic not temporarily halted business. This is no bombed-out building. Instead, the hotel features everything from spartan to luxurious accommodations. And, of course, there are the endlessly creative touches, including security cameras mounted like deer heads on the walls, alongside sledgehammers and slingshots, all symbols of the violence and suppression rampant in these parts. For about $60, budget-minded travelers find themselves in a bunker-style room outfitted with surplus items from Israeli military barracks. On the other end of the scale, you can spend nearly $1,000 per night for the presidential suite. As the hotel's website says, this "palatial suite is equipped with everything a corrupt head of state would need." No matter the price of the accommodations, the art in every room is considered priceless. That said, upon departure, guests are required to sign a disclaimer that they haven't taken anything from the room. Nicole Jacobs-Licht is an artist and teacher from Atlanta who describes herself as a huge fan of Banksy's work. She visited the hotel in 2018 and loved every moment of the experience. But her description makes it clear that a visit to this area requires a spirit of adventure and some fortitude. She said the worst part was crossing the boundary between the two contentious nations. " " The piano bar/dining room in the hotel features statues choking on tear gas fumes and offers guests warm scones, freshly brewed tea and the aptly-named Walled Off salad. HAZEM BADER/Getty Images "I was interrogated very much about why I was there, where I was going, why was I solo," she says via email interview. "I said I was there to see the religious sites and visit the museums (as the hotel said I should say; it's also why I paid for a transfer to and from the hotel, to help me navigate all of that). Traveling as a woman solo is questioned by the Israelis. I was definitely not welcomed, and [I was] taken into an interrogation room." There are no international airports in Palestine, so you can only enter overland through Israel; the Palestinian border is controlled by the Israeli authorities, so crossing can be a bit of a challenging experience. As the Walled Off website states: "Airport security at Tel Aviv, however, is legendary. Expect to be asked about the purpose of your stay and if you intend travelling to the West Bank. If you answer 'yes' you may be held up for some time." If you decide to make the journey to the Walled Off Hotel, Jacobs-Licht makes a few recommendations. For starters, she says, don't just stop by the hotel and gawk be sure to book a room, for multiple nights, if possible, to really get the full experience. She stayed in a different room each night, including the Banksy Scenic Suite, Scenic Suite 2, the phenomenal Presidential Suite, and the Budget Barracks. " " A guest room inside the Walled Off Hotel features a comfortable bed under a mural by Banksy. Anthony ASAEL/Getty Images "The artwork is unique to the hotel and the conflict, it is like being inside a museum. Everywhere is an artwork. Every room is an artwork. It is a cerebral and visual experience." In all, she spent four nights, giving her a chance to soak up the artwork and also take day trips to see parts of Palestine. Advertisement Advice for Visitors: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare Preparation is vital. She recommends that people watch documentaries about the conflict so that they understand the complexities and harsh realities of the political situation before they visit. She also said to make the most of the experience by trying everything, including the well-reviewed museum inside the hotel. "Have proper tea and breakfast in the Walled Off restaurant, surrounded by art and meeting other travelers," she says. "Go on the Green Olive Tours, offered to teach more about the wall and the conflict; one tour includes discussing the wall at the hotel, and the Banksy pieces on it, and walking you through the Aida Refugee Camp." These experiences will also help you connect with other travelers, who will share their perspectives on the situation. It's worth noting that although this area is technically under the control of the Israeli military, legally, its status is much murkier. Various checkpoints and roads around the hotel make the journey there from Israel challenging. But it is ultimately regarded as a safe place to be at least, for the moment. And given the hotel's high ratings and its educational potential, the effort seems to be worthwhile. "The Palestinians are lovely people in a bad situation," says Jacobs-Licht. "I was able to speak English with everyone. I walked alone at night by myself and felt safe. Women stopped to talk and hugged me. Everyone wanted to talk. I traveled by bus to Jerusalem city, went through the locals' checkpoint at the wall. It was very eye opening." " " The view from the balcony of a room at the Walled Off boasts stunning vistas of the wall itself and breathtaking views featuring the scenery of continuous war. Ilia Yefimovich/Getty Images For anyone who loves art or yearns for another perspective on one of the world's most heart wrenching dramas, the Walled Off Hotel offers rooms with many different views. But until further notice, it's closed to the public until the coronavirus pandemic situation improves. You can check the website for updates on room availability. The address of the Walled Off is 182 Caritas Street, Bethlehem, Palestine and the email address is: reception@walledoffhotel.com. Now That's Interesting Next to the hotel is Wall Mart, where you can buy spray paint and create your own Banksy-style stencils. Then, you can stroll right outside and leave your own artistic statement on this infamous border wall. It won't last long the wall is regularly painted over so that new visitors can leave their marks. But it's a shared experience for anyone who appreciates the collision of politics and art. New Delhi, March 24 : The Lok Sabha on Wednesday unanimously passed a bill to strengthen the provisions of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to ensure better protection and adoption of children. Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani, while addressing the House, said that the amended bill would address various issues flagged by a panel that had looked into the working of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2021 amends the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 which contains provisions related to children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. The Bill seeks to introduce measures for strengthening the child protection setup. It adds that serious offences will be included as offences for which maximum punishment is imprisonment of more than seven years, and minimum punishment is not prescribed or is of less than seven years. Offences which are punishable with imprisonment between three to seven years will now be non-cognizable (where arrest will not be allowed without warrant). The Bill provides that any person aggrieved by an adoption order passed by the District Magistrate may file an appeal before the Divisional Commissioner, within 30 days from the date of passage of such order. Such appeals should be disposed of within four weeks from the date of filing of the appeal. The Minister said that the purpose of the Bill is to provide protection to children residing in childcare units as well as those rescued from somewhere. The government planned for the amendment in the Bill after an audit of more than 7,000 childcare institutes being run in India to find loopholes in their functioning, the Minister said, adding almost 90 per cent of them are run by NGOs. In an audit, the Minister said it was found that 29 per cent of the institutions were not registered. "There are many states where 26 per cent institutes have no women employees, 15 per cent don't have separate beds for the child, among other discrepancies. "One fourth said that child welfare committees had not visited ever in these institutions," the Minister said, adding "the amendment I am pushing aimed that we should not wait for child to become a victim". The Minister stressed on the need for supervision of every institution through the Bill. In the adoption amendment, the Minister said, we are giving full powers to District Magistrates, saying "we (the Central government) are prioritising our children in the past 70 years history of the country." A Haitian appeals court ordered the release Wednesday of a senior police official and more than a dozen other individuals arrested in an alleged coup against President Jovenel Moise, an attorney for the group confirmed. The arrests took place during a sting operation in Port-au-Prince on Feb. 7, the day Haitis opposition has argued that Moises presidential term ended, a claim he refutes. Many of those detained, including a sitting Supreme Court judge, were still in their pajamas when they were accused of trying to kill and overthrow Moise. The arrests triggered anti-government protests, with the presidents detractors dismissing them as political persecution. The nations judiciary went on strike when the arrested magistrate, Yvickel Dabresil, and two other justices were fired after the opposition mentioned them as potential interim replacements for Moise. The embattled president quickly named the Supreme Court judges replacements in a move widely seen as unconstitutional. One of Haitis most high-profile judges, Yvickel Dabresil, stands on a street during his arrest on Feb. 7, 2021, in a housing development in Port-au-Prince. Dabresil, who has denied the accusations, was eventually released on a technicality because high court judges need to go before a special tribunal. In an interview with the Miami Herald after his release, he said seven individuals close to him, including his Haiti National Police detail and friends who were visiting him, were also arrested. They are among those who have been ordered released. Marc-Antoine Maisonneuve, a lawyer representing the group, said he and other lawyers argued that the detentions were illegal because Haitis constitution doesnt allow for arrests between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless during a criminal act. The arrests took place between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. These were people who were already resting at their homes, Maisonneuve said. They were asleep when the unit from the presidential palace embarked at their homes, woke them up and humiliated them. Maisonneuve also said the government was unable to present any evidence to support its case. Officials have not yet commented on the release order. Story continues It was on the basis of our argument that the court ordered the freedom of these prisoners, Maisonneuve said. In its judgment, the three-member Port-au-Prince Appeals Court said the group was illegally arrested and arbitrarily detained in violation of the constitution. The court also stressed that the arrests were made by the presidential guard unit, a fact mentioned by Moise when he announced the alleged coup detat against him before leaving the capital for a carnival in the southeastern city of Jacmel. Initially the government said 23 individuals had been arrested, but later lowered the number to 18. Among those who wrote letters in support of their release was U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif. During a U.S. House Foreign Affairs hearing on Haiti, Waters told fellow colleagues that among those jailed was Dr. Marie Antoinette Gautier, a doctor and former presidential candidate, and her husband Louis Buteau, a well-known agronomist. They picked them up in the middle of the night and took them to jail, she said. Catherine Buteau, 33, who has been actively pushing for her parents freedom, along with her aunt, Haiti National Police Inspector Marie Louise Gauthier), said although the verdict called for all 17 prisoners immediate release, as of late Wednesday afternoon, they were still being held. I am afraid because obviously the situation is not better in Haiti and I dont know what the government will do, she said. But I am very happy that justice has prevailed and the justice system has done its job and given justice to those who deserve it. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Just consider: X A group of 30 revellers at a destination wedding return to Kolkata and test Covid-positive. Some have to be hospitalised. X A group of friends goes to a nearby resort to celebrate an anniversary and 10 out of 12 of them test positive; and one of them even succumbs to the deadly virus. X And yet every star hotel banquet in town is booked for a wedding, an anniversary, a birthday name it, and you have it. X One prominent hotel is brimming over about a hundred honeymoon couples, and every hand on the kitchen deck is busy whipping up anniversary cakes. I just cannot reconcile the two. What is happening to us? Even as the Covid-19 pandemic is raging all across the planet, sending much of the world reeling, more and more invitations for weddings and sundry other social events are piling up on my desk. This is causing an acute FOBI (fear of being included) in me. Every invitation seems to be an open challenge to put my own and my familys life at risk. But for the vast majority of people in my social circle, FOMO (fear of missing out) continues to be a mantra to mingle. Make no mistake, I am not alone in the FOBI group. There are others I know who feel anxious at being invited to various group or social events now. A recent invitation from a friend inviting me for his wifes 35th birthday left me speechless, more so because my polite refusal was summarily rejected! Acquaintances, who are home-schooled in the traditional rules of etiquette, simply refuse to take no for an answer and insist that you must be there. This ati aachar, or extreme behaviour, is nothing short of emotional atyachar. One can understand it when poor, often illiterate citizens are unable to comply with some of the Covid-19 norms and restrictions out of dire necessity. Work from home is, after all, a luxury that is possible only for those in white-collar jobs, and is something that not many can afford, and nine months into the pandemic, financial compulsion has forced the vast majority of people out into the world to keep food on the table. But when educated social fat cats use their clout to flout the pandemic rules for their own merriment, it causes far more harm to society. All those messages and campaigns urging people to maintain social distancing seem to go simply down the drain. It also tends to provoke resentment in several quarters as it puts societys inequalities on full public display. Hotels, restaurants and travel agencies are facing a grim dichotomy -- while having to cope with declining revenues and job cuts, they also have to contend with some clients who have scant respect for regulations and often misuse their influence to bend the rules. I know about mega-weddings in luxury hotels where a limited number of visitors are allowed as per the pandemic rules. One organiser, who was simply not to be curbed by these restrictions, booked three banquets in different names on the same day at the same hotel. On the day of the wedding, the stunned hotel authorities looked on as guests from three different venues converged at the spot where the ceremony was taking place, in a blatant violation of all social distancing norms. And this is a formula that is becoming increasingly common, and people are accepting it as the norm. I know of so many people who have been organising totally avoidable public gatherings and events with a business-as-usual approach. It is almost as if there has been a lockdown on ones reasoning and good sense. We have all seen the pictures on the social media of crowded Goa nightclubs with no hint of any Covid-19 precautions. I was even more stunned to see on television a crowd marching hand in hand, many of them not wearing masks, to spread awareness about the coronavirus! The Delhi government has increased fines for not wearing face masks in public to 2,000 in order to help check the spread of the disease. But for the rich and often infamous, this is hardly any deterrent. The rush to circumvent the rules is like an epidemic in itself. Political rallies, holidaying, weddings, anniversaries and sundry social gatherings during a crisis like this reveal an attitude that reeks of arrogance and downright stupidity. One of the primary advantages of being educated is supposed to be the ability it gives us to connect the cause and effect of events. But in a society where money, influence and hubris rank higher than any reasoning, our very survival is at stake. The world over, this pandemic debate has been about the two Ls: Life and Livelihood. I would like to add a third L: Lunacy. What else can explain our crazy compulsion for hosting and attending utterly unnecessary social functions when a pandemic is still raging? The writer is a social and cultural activist based in Kolkata Erika Mahoney, a 2012 Syracuse University graduate and former TV reporter/anchor in Binghamton, this week confirmed her father was killed in the mass shooting at a Boulder, Colorado supermarket. Mahoney talked about her dad, Kevin Mahoney, in an interview with NPR today, describing him as best dad ever. Erika Mahoney is the news director at NPR member station KAZU in Monterey Bay, Calif. She worked at WBNG in Binghamton for two years after graduating from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in Syracuse. My dad loved Syracuse University and was so proud of me for getting into Newhouse,' she told Syracuse.com | The Post Standard today. In the NPR interview, Mahoney talked about her dad and his devotion to family and others. If I could give him an award, it would be the best dad award because he was like a dad to the entire neighborhood here in my hometown of Boulder she said during the six-minute interview. He would play outside with us for hours in the summertime, like hide and seek all over the neighborhood. Friends have been texting her saying the 61-year-old was like a dad to them as well. Erika Mahoney, who was married during the pandemic in her backyard, said she had thought about postponing the event so she could have a big wedding. Her dad wanted her to have a dream wedding but the pandemic got in the way of that. Now she says shes just glad she didnt wait. She posted a photo of her and dad on her wedding day on Twitter. I think that my dad always wanted to hold back his tears in big life moments for me, like when he took me to the airport for college,' she said in the interview. But, really, its just his softness shining through in that moment. " Mahoney, who is pregnant with a girl, said she plans to tell her daughter about her grandfathers big heart and sense of humor. He also had this funny quirk where if you said a word and it was, like, in a song, he would just burst out in songs,' she recalled. Like, if you said the word rain, he would be like singing, you know, Singing In The Rain. And I dont know - I think I inherited that from him because I tend to do that around the house, too. On that horrific afternoon when 10 people were killed at King Soopers grocery store, Erikas dad was doing what he always did - just shopping for him and her mom. That supermarket is five minutes from the familys home, and Erika remembers going there since the age of 5. Mahoney said she mourns for her dad and other nine people killed. When her daughter is born, Mahoney said she knows my dad will never be able to hold her, but I know on some level he will be there, and he was so excited. And Im going to tell her that he loves her so much. Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com Amaravati/New Delhi, March 24 : YSRCP Rajya Sabha member V. Vijayasai Reddy on Wednesday said that the Centre's decision to sell off PSUs is not the solution as he came out strongly against the proposed privatisation of the Vizag Steel Plant (VSP). "Rather than selling PSUs formed over the years, I urge the government to look at the alternative resources for revenue generation such as widening the tax base, etc..," he said in a speech in the upper house of Parliament. Pleading with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to refrain from VSP's privatisation, he likened the steel plant as a gold heirloom of Andhra Pradesh. "Madam (Sitharaman) is the daughter-in-law of AP and madam knows the sentiment of AP. I request the Finance Minister to kindly reconsider the privatisation of VSP," he said. Referring to the tradition of South Indian women who generally seldom sell their heirloom gold, Reddy said the steel plant is equal to gold for the Telugu people. "South Indian women particularly won't sell the gold. They won't sell the family gold. In fact, madam (Sitharaman) has decided to sell the gold of AP, that is a navaratana PSU, which is very unfortunate," he said. A California couple who thought they were buying their dream home, ended up in a real-life nightmare after the old owner refused to move and is still living there over a year since the transaction. On January 31, 2020, Tracie and Myles Albert put down money on a beautiful four-bedroom home in Riverside, California, but over a year since, they are still unable to move in, because the former owner refuses to leave. The man collected the asking price of $560,000, but after the contract was signed, he refused to turn over the keys and move out. Although the Alberts have tried appealing to the authorities, a California moratorium prevents evictions during the Covid-19 epidemic, so theres nothing anyone can do. Photo: Fox11 We own the house outright. Thats our house and its all in a contract, written, legal, done, Myles Albert told FOX11. Hes been paid the money in his account. How could we have no rights to go into our home? The couples real-estate agent told reporters that the former owner called him on a Sunday last winter, asking for $560,000 for his house in two weeks time, which basically meant that he wanted cash. Tracie and Myles used all their life savings and took out a loan to close the deal, but even after signing the contract things didnt work out the way they had expected. The only reason something like this is possible is because California has a moratorium on evictions, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the former owner is simply taking advantage of that. Authorities have recently extended that moratorium until June 30, so the couple still has some waiting to do. Photo: Tierra Mallorca/Unsplash Its genuinely unfathomable to me that we live in a state where something like this is even possible, Chris Taylor, the Real Estate Agent who sold the house to the Alberts, said. They closed escrow on this home January 31, 2020. They have this case under a COVID tenant situation, of no evictions when it doesnt fall under that at all. This transaction went through in January 2020 before any of that, it isnt a renter who was getting thrown out. Its the guy who collected all of this money. To make matters worse, because he now longer owns the property, the former owner has lost all interest in maintain the property, but he wont allow the new owners to do it either. Tracie Alberts said she tried to water lawn to keep it from dying, but the former owner wouldnt let her. I tried watering the lawn one time and he came out and ripped my sprinkler lines, ripped all the wires, the woman said. The Palm trees are dying, everything was beautiful and everything is dying. Apparently, this case is not one-of-a-kind. Eviction Attorney Dennis Block told Fox 11 that his firm has handled 7 0r 8 such cases this year alone. I guess there are a lot of scumbags in the world, huh? One day after the seventh mass shooting in the U.S. in a week, gun control advocates and gun rights proponents in Pennsylvania clashed over the debate over the immediate calls for stricter laws to stem the tide of gun violence and deaths. At a forum of gun violence survivors, advocates and gun owners, Gov. Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shapiro called on legislative changes to restrict gun laws and implement common sense solutions to end gun violence. Gun violence is a scourge across Pennsylvania and across our nation and the mass shooting that took place yesterday in Colorado is another tragic reminder that we cant wait to enact legislation that changes the narrative that there is nothing to be done, said Wolf, a Democrat and ardent gun control advocate. There is, and it involves making changes now. We can no longer wait to pass laws to reduce gun violence. Meanwhile, Second Amendment rights proponents pushed back on such calls, excoriating gun control advocates for what they said was seizing a national tragedy to push their agenda. Calling the capitalization of the tragedy in Boulder and Atlanta as a call for more gun control is not only preposterous, its unethical and immoral, said Kim Stolfer, president of the Pennsylvania chapter of Firearms Owners Against Crime. Every time something happens they look at the instrumentality but not the nuance and the issue. In Boulder, Colo. Monday, a gunman armed with an assault rifle fatally shot 10 people, including a police officer, at a supermarket, authorities said. Police say the 21-year-old suspect, who is in hospital and police custody, bought the assault rifle on March 16, six days before the shooting. The deadly rampage comes one week after the mass shooting in the Atlanta area that left eight people dead, including six Asian Americans. Wolf and Shapiro were joined by other advocates, including members of CeaseFirePA, which presented three legislative solutions to what the organization considers a public health crisis. These include: Creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders as a means to temporarily remove firearms from someone who wants to hurt themselves or others. Reporting lost or stolen firearms within 72 hours, helping cut community violence. Closing the gaps in Pennsylvanias background check system to prevent the purchase of military-style rifles from a private, non-licensed seller. Adam Garber from CeaseFirePA said community violence has turned neighborhoods into war zones as people try to do the most things whether it was grocery shopping or going to the park. Nearly three quarters of homicides in Pennsylvania involve firearms and more than half of all suicides in Pennsylvania involve firearms. Gun rights advocates, however, pushed back against any and all calls for expanding legislative restrictions on gun rights. Enforce existing laws Harold Daub, executive director of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists, stressed that his organization, which represents roughly 70,000 bipartisan members, opposes any law meant to restrict Second Amendment rights. As an organization PFSC continues to support the Second Amendment and support the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitution relative to Second Amendment rights, he said. We would request that legislators continue to enforce existing laws. It seems a lot of mass shootings occur in gun free zones and are perpetrated by those not properly licensed or properly authorized to own guns in the first place. Daub said current laws are not being enforced even as nationwide mental health resources and protocol are being ignored, leading to mentally unstable individuals getting their hands on guns. Daub said the organization does not advocate restricting gun sales to anyone - even someone with mental illness. If they did not have access to a gun, they would find another way to do harm, Daub said. We need to find a way to enforce the current laws on the books and keep these types of criminals off the streets and our communities safe. I firmly believe that mass shootings would have ended sooner if a properly licensed gun owner was present at the time of the shooting. The fact is guns save more lives than they take. Unfortunately you dont hear about when guns are used to stop crime versus commit crimes. Pennsylvania law prohibits the sale of firearms to individuals who are being treated for mental health conditions. Stolfer faulted gun control advocates for spreading misinformation and lawmakers for not doing their job to enforce laws already on the books. We wont be a part of this anymore. There is no more compromise, he said. If you are not going to do your job, dont you dare come to law abiding citizens and say we have to sacrifice our rights or that you want to take advantage of a tragic situation. Boulder police officer Eric Talley was among the 10 people killed on Monday in Boulder. Talley, 51, a father of seven, was among the first responders to run in the door when the gunman opened fire inside the grocery store. Seeking more than thoughts and prayers With a Republican-led Legislature in Pennsylvania, any attempt to restrict gun owners rights has - now as in the past - little chance of gaining traction. Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) is working on legislation that would ban military-grade weapons and accessories, but he has expressed concern that the bill will go nowhere in the General Assembly. We dont even have common-sense gun laws, Street said in a report by ABC-6 in Philadelphia. Another pending bill recently re-introduced, Senate Bill 217 would require people to report lost or stolen handguns. Stolfer said such a measure would have little to no impact on gun violence. It victimizes people who have already been victimized, he said. They talked about how felons should not be allowed to buy military style weapons. I know this is going to come as a shock to but thats already illegal in the state. Thats a red herring. Thats another lie. If you have a misdemeanor 1 or higher you cant possess or transfer a firearm. Rep. Malcom Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) said legislators had a moral obligation to not look the other way when it comes to gun violence. We need to stop repeating the tired phrases about thoughts and prayers and retire the useless argument about criminals versus law-abiding citizens and recognize it doesnt matter whose gun the bullet comes from when it kills a child, ruins a life and devastates a family, he said. We need to work together to identify the steps we can take to address the problem and then take action. At the federal level, the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills this month that would expand background checks, including one that would require checks for all sales and transfers including between private parties, at gun shows and over the Internet. President Biden on Tuesday urged the Senate to pass the two background-check bills and for Congress to reenact an assault-weapons ban. The House plan is more robust than the bipartisan plan proposed by Pennsylvanias Republican Sen. Pat Toomey in 2013 in the wake of the Sandy Hook elementary school massacre. Toomeys plan, co-authored by Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, was opposed by the National Rifle Association and nixed by a GOP-led filibuster. I dont trust any legislators based on the letter in parentheses after their name, Daub said. We judge legislation on the words found within, not the author. Common sense solutions can save lives Gun violence survivor Carol Lastowka said gun safety and gun ownership are critical to get beyond the current impasse on guns. Although a hunter and a gun owner, Lastowka said guns had had little positive impact on her life or the lives of those around her. Guns are part of my family, my life and my history, they always will be but I wish I never had to experience the tragic destruction firearms have wreaked on my loved ones, she said. I know as a gun owner that common sense solutions can save lives and continue to allow me to hunt. She has lost several friends, and including a cousin, to gun violence and gun accidents. Lastowka said the three pieces of legislation being pushed by CeaseFire PA would have likely saved the lives of some of her loved ones. As a gun owner, Im confident that these actions will not impinge on my ability to hunt but they will make Pennsylvania a safer place to go to school, to work and to live, she said. Shapiro recently helped secure an agreement with the largest gun show promoter in Pennsylvania to ban ghost guns at gun shows. He called for officials to take action to curb violence. It does not have to be this way, he said. Its time to stop pretending that those of you who are hiding behind the Second Amendment that that allows criminals to somehow skirt our laws and make firearms at home. Its time to stop complaining about cities and towns being violent but not stepping up with a solution to address this crisis. Ghost guns are untraceable self-assembled gun kits, often, Shapiro said, purchased by the duffle bag-load online and at gun shows without a background check. Shapiro said he is working with President Bidens administration to regulate these firearms and require a background check. Stolfer and Daub both said empowering people with guns to protect themselves rather than restrict ownership was one solution to the problem. We feel awful when somebody uses a gun like this to break the law and take lives just as we do towards those who drive a motor car irresponsibly and take a persons life, Daub said. But we wont ever take a stand on the side of perceived fear weakening our support of the Second Amendment. As the surge of immigrants continues in the U.S. Border, a detailed report concerning the current conditions at the Donna, Texas migrant processing facility has been obtained by investigative reporter Sara Carter via email, sent by a Border Patrol whistleblower. The contributor for Fox News shared in a 'Hannity' exclusive Tuesday that officials at the border are growing frustrated with the dangerous conditions and negligence within processing centers and are waiting for actions from administration officials. The chain of command at Customs and Border Protection received the email from a border patrol official, containing the information about the status of the facilities, but the official seemed pleading for help as he emphasized in the email that their environment was already extremely not safe from civilians, detainees, and even for agents. Email Reveals Conditions in Texas According to Fox News, the email also includes how inhumane the current situation is, especially for children. A facility that can only hold 80 individuals is now serving as a detention center for 694 unaccompanied minors, with only two agents maintaining custody. It is 867% of the suggested capacity that the detention facility can hold, and it is impossible for agents to give out care as they cannot even do it for themselves. Moreover, the Border Patrol whistleblower revealed that detainees are becoming stressed as they were already in custody for more than two weeks. Fatigue is also another concern as they cannot even have their rest in the congested facility. Their only option is to lay on top of each other to save space for others. ALSO READ: U.S. Border Patrol Alarms Officials After Unaccompanied Minors Population Jump Furthermore, a sudden leak from the generators or fire may result in multiple casualties as it will automatically cause stampede or panic attacks, a disaster that is about to happen but can be prevented. Also, the agent asked for help from officials assigned to the situation in order for them to lay down actions before a tragic incident. The chief of the Border Patrol, Rodney Scott, replied to the email and said that he hears every warning that was sent. On Tuesday, the CBP also confirmed the validity of the emails and promised to protect the nation and enforce the law as humanely as possible. Currently, the biggest concern for the employees and observers in the area is the health of the migrant children as they were congested inside the detention centers after traveling several miles from the border, ABC News reported. Carter stated that children are lining up next to each other with no proper ventilation. For observers, it is a very stressful situation. Meanwhile, the Fox News contributor also shared that the detention facility appears like a prison but without any window. Based on the latest number, there is already an increase of 25% in the population of Donna due to the surge of immigrants. The border patrol is also expecting several thousand in the next few days. Some experts stated that they are expecting that it will surpass previous records of immigrants arriving at the border, NBC News reported. WATCH: 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' receives live update from US-Mexico border - Fox News RELATED ARTICLE: GAO Probes Into Biden's Order to Freeze Billions of Dollars Spending on Border Wall Urban camping is the new hotness in Kansas City and local activists seem disappointed that nobody seems to care about week old headlines in the newspaper the nobody reads. To wit . . . CITY HALL REBUKES SOCIAL MEDIA ALLEGATIONS FROM KC TENANTS!!! Here's the word . . . No member of our security staff told them today that they had to clear out within two hours. A member of our city security staff visited the encampment today to deliver trash bags and to ask the campers to clean up some of the trash they have generated. Additionally, we have reached out to the campers multiple times to make sure that they are aware of beds that are currently available in several local shelters, and to offer help connecting with social service agencies. We have a poster onsite that lists all of the shelters in the metro area where they could seek assistance. However, there was no mandate that they leave today. We have responded to multiple media questions about this today. ########### And so . . . There are at least 3 major homeless camps set up in KCMO that have been going for weeks. And whilst nearby biz and neighborhoods might lament the situation, there's no sign anybody is going to do anything any time soon. Developing . . . Downing Street rowed back from a new vaccine row with the EU today after Boris Johnson claimed Britain had got more jabs 'because of greed' - saying it was a joke levelled at his portly chief whip. The Prime Minister risked a new front in the Covid war with Brussels last night during an online meeting with Tory backbenchers. He hailed 'big pharma' for making the vaccines quickly and told a private meeting of the 1922 Committee: 'The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends.' He later added: 'Actually I regret saying it', and repeatedly asked MPs to 'forget I said that'. Government sources insisted today that Mr Johnson had been praising the way capitalism drove progress rather than aiming a swipe at the EU. It is understood that chief whip Mark Spencer was also eating a cheese and pickle sandwich near him at the time, and 'greed' was also a reference to that. Mr Johnson likes to joke that he is a fan of 'big pharma' as well as 'big farmers' - another 'favourite' piece of banter with the burly Mr Spencer, who comes from a farming background. MPs present at the meeting are said to have backed up this banter version of events. Boris Johnson (pictured today) risked inflaming the EU row last night by joking with MPs that Britain had got the jabs 'because of greed' Big farmer: It is understood that chief whip Mark Spencer was also eating a cheese and pickle sandwich near him at the time, and 'greed' was also a reference to that. Mr Johnson likes to joke that he is a fan of 'big pharma' as well as 'big farmers' - another 'favourite' piece of banter with the burly Mr Spencer, who comes from a farming background. Sherwood farmer who keeps Tory MPs in check Mark Spencer has been Tory chief whip since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in 2019. He is responsible for party discipline, a job made easier by the party's current 80-seat majority. The 51-year-old father-of-two has been Sherwood MP since 2010 and hails from a long-established farming family in Nottinghamshire. But while his current job involved trying to keep Tory MPs in line, his past career has not been without controversy. In 2015 he was criticised for saying that a disabled jobseeker who was left destitute after losing his benefits for being four minutes late to an interview should 'learn the discipline of timekeeping'. And in 2017 he apologised after being was criticised by the standards commissioner for using taxpayers' money for party political activites, including funding a newsletter. Last August it was claimed that as chief whip he had been told about sexual assault allegations against a Toiry MP a month before he was arrested, but took no action - something he denies. The case against the MP was later dropped. Advertisement A Tory source said reports of the joke 'misrepresent his views', adding that he went on to heap praise on AstraZeneca, which is making the jab on a non-profit basis. At the meeting, the PM also said: 'It was giant corporations that wanted to give good returns to shareholders. 'It was driven by big pharma and I don't just mean the Chief Whip.' The Chief Whip Mark Spencer was previously a farmer. His comments were at odds with those made at the Downing Street press conference earlier, when he sought to strike a conciliatory note. 'We don't believe in blockades of any kind of vaccines or vaccine materials,' he said then. 'That's not something this country would dream of engaging in. We'll continue to work with European partners to deliver the vaccine rollout.' The PM said that he was 'encouraged' by the attitude of EU capitals towards finding a solution. Mr Johnson also singled out that AstraZenca were producing the vaccine at cost and thanked the company for its work. The EU put Britain in the crosshairs today as it unveiled plans to block vaccine exports to countries with high jab rates that don't 'reciprocate' by sharing supplies. The European Commission defied anxiety over undermining legal contracts as it published new proposals widening the criteria for restricting exports. At a press conference in Brussels, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January. He said exports could be restricted to destination countries that limit their own exports of jabs or raw materials - whether by law or other means. Mr Dombrovkis said the other principle would be whether a state's vaccination rate and infection levels were 'better or worse than the EU's'. Mr Johnson also singled out that AstraZenca were producing the vaccine at cost and thanked the company for its work (French President Emmanuel Macron pictured talking with people waiting to be vaccinated) The UK's vaccine rollout has surged far ahead of the EU's leaving the bloc under huge pressure to explain why Patients wait to get vaccinated against the Covid-19 during a vaccination campaign in France This chart shows how the AstraZeneca supply chain looks across Europe The move came amid extraordinary reports today that 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are being held at a plant in Italy. According to Italian paper La Stampa the huge stocks were earmarked for the UK, but discovered by the authorities after a tip-off from Brussels. However, UK government sources insisted the claims are 'not true' and the supply figures being cited are 'insane'. Briefing in Brussels also played down the idea there is a link to Britain, with the plant instead described as a bottling site for stocks heading to countries including Canada and Mexico. Meanwhile, in a major boost for the British drive India has indicated it will hand over another five million AstraZeneca doses that had been delayed. The wrangling comes amid mounting panic in Brussels at its shambolic rollout. Hundreds of people from the Republic are said to have been trying to book jabs in Northern Ireland, where availability is far better. Sri Lanka: Devananda assures new communication sets for trawlers courtesy Australia March 24,2021 | Source: The Island Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda yesterday (23) assured a group of trawler owners that 4,200 VMS communication sets received from Australia would be made available to them soon. A spokesperson for the Fisheries Ministry told The Island that the owners of fishing craft explained how they experienced serious difficulties for want of proper communication equipment required in the high seas. They also expressed concerns over restrictions imposed by local and foreign maritime authorities in view of narcotic trafficking. Minister Devananda, who is also the leader of the Jaffna-based EPDP, affiliated to the SLPP government, said that their problems could be solved by installing new communication sets provided by Australia. Devananda, on March 15 discussed ways and means of securing new communication sets with Australian and IOM (International Organization for Migration) assistance. The Minister also promised to take up with the Indian High Commission simmering issue of Sri Lankan fishermen in Indian custody. The minister said that since the change of government in Nov 2019, a series of measures had been taken in support of the fishing community, especially in relation to adopting new technology. Time to Stand Up for the Second Amendment More Than Ever Commentary Rahm Emanuel, call your office. You said itNever let a serious crisis go to waste! And we got one, babytwo white supremacists shooting up the joint in Atlanta and Boulder. The presidents into it already. Bye-bye assault weapons and those thousand round mags Hollywood lefties love to show off in their movies. We might even get im to ban cap guns by executive order. What? He wasnt a white supremacist? His name was Al-what? Like Al Ky-Duh? They wiped his page off Facebook? Whyd they do that? Zuck mustve had a good reason. Anyway, what about the guy in Atlanta? He was offing Asian girls in a massage parlor. Whats more white supremacist than that? Yeah, yeah, Harvard and Yale. Theyre the real ani-Asian racists but Sex addict? Sex addict! Andrew Cuomo didnt kill anybody or did he? You get the idea. That might be the beginning of a stand-up act bya conservative comic, a tryout anyway, in a provincial city, but these are the days we are living inmore insane by the minute. It is, however, the very moment we must stand up for the Second Amendment more than ever. Liberals (oh, how I despise that misuse of the English language) and progressives (ditto) tend to think of it as an outdated 18th Century idea mainly of value to hunters, gun collectors and firing range enthusiasts that is now risking everyones lives and allowing criminals free rein. (The latter is what they do, but we wont get into that.) Since I dont hunt and dont get to the range as much as Id like, a deeper rationale is considerably more significant to methe Framers desire for private citizens, free individuals, to be able to protect themselves from oppressive government power, whether that be monarchical or, in modern times, communist, fascist, oligarchic or even from the hands of those who think they are good, what I call moral narcissists. Liberals pooh-pooh this idea, of course. The state is great thing to themits progressiveespecially when its on their side. But when I hear all this talk, as were hearing now, of executive orders to outlaw or even take away guns for the good of the public, I am reminded of what happened in Germany in 1938, when members of the Nazi Party were allowed to have weapons but Jews were prevented from keeping them. Some say that prefigured the Holocaust only a few years off (others debate thisdont they always?) But its hard to say why disarming people wouldnt make it easier to load them in railroad cars. But closer to home, Ive always wondered why Chicago, with some of the most stringent gun laws in the country, almost always has the most gun violence. Their homicide rate skyrocketed in 2020 with 769 deaths. (I could give reasons, like the decline of the family, but I will let that pass for now.) Similarly, Paris, with even more stringent gun laws, has had yet more calamitous attacks, including on the offices of the newspaper Charlie Hebdo and the 2015 Bataclan Theater massacre when 130 people were killed and and a staggering 416 more injured. Of course, those were jihadists. That never happens in the United States. Oh, wait. Well, it never happens if you hide when it does as quickly as possible. And, of course, it depends on what your definition of a jihadist is. But if you, as in the case of Boulder mass murderer Ahmad Al-Issa, quickly insist this is entirely a mental health issue, I have a question to ask. Do you think ISIS is entirely sane when they behead innocent people, put their severed heads on sticks and parade them on television? I hope thats not sane, because otherwise I dont know what the definition is. Meanwhile, if you want a grim laugh, in the dark comedy sense, check out the exchange of accusatory and then backtracking liberal/progressive tweets ZeroHedge found on Twitter about the Boulder event. As ZHs Tyler Durden dryly notes of the horrendous shooting spree, expect this not to be classified as terrorism, and the motive to remain unclear for some time. At the same time, careerist politicians like our vice president will continue to claim the Atlanta killings were racist acts when everyone personally involved so far insists Robert Long was motivated by shame for his sexual addiction. By calling this racism is Ms. Harris looking to gin up the Asian American vote, a significant amount of which was lost to Trump the last go-round?. How could you say such a thing, Simon? Because thats what they do. Political pro Dick Morris said much the same on Greg Kellys Newsmax show last night. What we must do is remain staunch in our defense of the Second Amendment. Years ago I will admit I waffled occasionally, giving them this and that in the hopes it would mollify. No more. Every time the Bidens of the world come out to exploit tragedies like these, I get stronger in my defense of the Second. Now Im like an ox. I might even turn into a gun nut. What we should do to minimize these tragedies is examine the causes and try to intervene before these people can act. This is not easy for a variety of reasons, but plenty of clues hide in plain sight, the most obvious place being social media, even when, actually especially when, pages are taken down by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg for reasons that are unclear but suspicious. Mr. Zuckerberg, or whoever might be instructing him in this regard, doesnt believe the public has a right to know what the perpetrator of acts like this said and thought. We, the great unwashed, must be shielded from information we couldve looked at with impunity the day before, had we known about it. Maybe we should ban Facebook instead of guns. Roger L. Simon is an award-winning novelist, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, co-founder of PJMedia, and now, editor-at-large for The Epoch Times. His most recent books are The GOAT (fiction) and I Know Best: How Moral Narcissism Is Destroying Our Republic, If It Hasnt Already (nonfiction). He can be found on Parler as @rogerlsimon. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) The Senate has adopted a resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to address the alarming number of killings and violent attacks against lawyers and judges in the country. During their last plenary session before a two-month break, senators adopted Senate Resolution No. 691, which strongly condemns crimes against members of judiciary. Crossing party lines, the resolution was filed Wednesday by eight lawyer-senators: Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Sonny Angara, Pia Cayetano, Leila de Lima, Richard Gordon, Francisco Pangilinan, Aquilino Pimentel IV, and Francisco Tolentino. "I have been a lawyer for 50 years, ngayon ko lang po naririnig na tinatakot yung mga abogado dahil lang po sa kanilang mga kasong hinahawakan," Drilon said. "This has a very adverse and harmful effect on our administration of justice." [Translation: I have been a lawyer for 50 years, but it is only now that I heard lawyers are being threatened because of the cases they handle.] In the resolution, the lawmakers said the President should undertake necessary steps to ensure the safety of lawyers and judges "by laying out definitive solutions and actions" to address the killings, as well as an efficient investigation of the cases. The resolution cited data from the Department of Justice that said 54 members of the legal profession have been killed since 2016, but only five cases have reached the courts. The Free Legal Assistance Group, meanwhile, said 100 lawyers have been killed in the last 20 years. The senators also cited Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution that defines the role of the government in protecting its people, and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers that underscores the role of the government in ensuring that lawyers are able to perform their function without hindrance. The brazen acts of violence against lawyers send a chilling message to the members of the bench and the bar, the lawmakers said, while also emphasizing that such criminal acts could threaten their performance of responsibilities which is crucial in the administration of justice, especially in terms of representing the marginalized sector. The continuing flagrant and horrific attacks on the lawyers, prosecutors, and judges and the failure to condemn, investigate, and prosecute these acts of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself and erode the publics trust and confidence in our justice system, the senators added. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court condemned the acts of violence against lawyers and judges. It also outlined a plan of action to end the killings, including providing security to judges or justices who have been threatened. In a statement, Commission on Human Rights spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia welcomed the High Courts move, noting that it is time to send a stronger message on the role of lawyers and judges especially when it comes to upholding human rights. She added that impunity can be addressed if there is assurance that those liable are punished and that the legal system is free from threat and intimidation. Ultimately, to assault the legal professionhence, an assault to the Judiciaryis to assault the established check and balance in the government enshrined in the Constitution, de Guia said. The official also added it is best for the government to support these courses of action to ensure a functional justice system and that human rights are protected. CNN Philippines correspondent Melissa Lopez contributed to this report. Appointment 24 March 2021 Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, Florida, announced today the appointment of Michael (Mickey) Melendez as its new general manager. Melendez will oversee the hiring of new staff and day-to-day operations at the historic Fenway Hotel. Melendez has relocated from Florida's east coast, where he most recently worked as general manager of The Daytona, Autograph Collection. Melendez has more than 17 years of hospitality experience, beginning his career with Columbia Sussex, where he worked his way from bellman to director of operations. He entered management with the Shaner Hotel Group, where he served as general manager to several properties throughout the southeast, including Courtyard Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, Durham Marriott City Center, and others. In his most recent position, Melendez opened and served as general manager of The Daytona, and was previously task force general manager at the Playa Largo Resort & Spa, both members of Marriott's prestigious Autograph Collection. Melendez attended Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he earned his degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management. A UNIVERSITY administrator has received a suspended sentence for sexually assaulting his Airbnb guest after bringing the woman and her fiancee on historic pub tour in Dublin. Brendan Leahy, 54, of Fenian Street, Dublin 2, appeared before Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court today. He had pleaded guilty earlier to sexually assaulting the American tourist at Kehoes Pub, on St Anne Street, on a date in summer 2018. Leahy held the woman from behind and repeatedly pushed his front into her after he offered to show her something in the pub. Judge Hughes said: There was some premeditation, I would call a devious element. Leahy absented her from her partner, brought her around a screen and took his opportunity then to self-gratify himself, Judge Hughes said. He imposed a three-month sentence but suspended it on condition Leahy completes a sex offenders education course, pays a 1,000 fine and gives another 1,000 in compensation to his victim. He was also ordered not to provide Airbnb services any more. The court heard the sexual assault had a profound effect on the victim. Garda Ruth Finnegan told Judge Hughes the woman and her partner had been staying in Leahys spare bedroom which he was using for Airbnb. He brought the couple on a tour of historic Dublin pubs. Leahy, who got drunk, offered to show the woman the hatch area in the snug at Kehoes. Garda Finnegan said that when the injured party stepped inside the area the accused came behind her, grabbed her waist and thrust into her, four or five times. CCTV footage was shown in court. Garda Finnegan said the attack lasted six and a half seconds. Later that night, the woman and her partner came to Pearse Street station and reported the incident. Gardai accompanied them to Leahys apartment so they could get their belongings and move to a hotel. The woman did not have to return to Ireland to give evidence because Leahy pleaded guilty. She provided a victim impact statement which was read out in court. The woman outlined effects on her mental health. She described how she was left in shock and suffered flashbacks leading to panic attacks. She had difficulty sleeping, being alone and found it hard it concentrate on her job. The woman felt self-loathing and self-blame with the incident leading to intimacy difficulties with her husband. She attends counselling and has been taking anti-anxiety medication. She lost the ability to be independent and this had led to increased reliance on her family. She no longer wanted to travel internationally. Divorced father-of-two Leahy had no prior criminal convictions and co-operated with the investigation, the court heard. Two months later, he went to Pearse Street Garda station and explained he had no recollection of the incident because he was too drunk. He identified himself on the video footage from the pub. He could have faced a 12 month prison term and a 5,000 fine in the district court. In a mitigation plea, defence solicitor Ruth Walsh said Leahy was remorseful and absolutely devastated. In pleading guilty, he had wanted to spare the woman further trauma of having to give evidence. He had been using his spare room for Airbnb and had invited the couple out to show them historic Dublin pubs. He was previously employed in the UK for the NHS but now worked in Ireland in a high profile education job at a prestigious third level facility. In this role, he was the head of a facilities and services, over 400 staff members, the court heard. Leahy was also heavily involved in youth and adult rugby. He had stopped providing Airbnb after the assault. The court heard he was willing to engage in restorative justice programmes and would donate money to womens aid organisations and charities to avoid a conviction. Judge Hughes said there had to be a deterrent as he recorded a conviction. He imposed the three-month sentence which was suspended on condition Leahy does not re-offend within the next 12 months and attends sex offending eduction as directed by the Probation Service. Judge Hughes also explained that the compensation order was part of sentencing, but was not indicative of the level of damage the victim would have been entitled to in a civil court. Some Samsung customers in Ireland will receive their orders through a courier that can take to the skies and reach them within a few minutes. The tech giant has teamed up with Manna Drone Delivery to make, well, drone delivery an option for Irish customers, so long as they're purchasing the latest Galaxy devices. Eligible models include the S21 Ultra, the Galaxy Buds Pro, the Galaxy Tab S7, the Galaxy Watch 3 and the Galaxy A Series. In addition, orders must be placed via Samsung's Irish website, and the option only available for customers based in a town called Oranmore at the moment. Manna uses customized aerospace grade drones that can fly at an altitude of 164 to 262 feet and at speeds exceeding 60 kph (37 mph). The company says that's fast enough for a drone to reach Oranmore customers within three minutes after leaving the dispatch center. Manna has been working with Tesco and other local businesses to deliver grocery, books and medicine to people in the area. Its drones will facilitate a similar end-to-end contactless experience for Samsung customers. "Superior customer experience is at the heart of what we do and with this new service we are embracing what we believe will be the future of retail," Eamonn Grant, Head of Online for Samsung Ireland said. "In the current environment, there is no better time to provide a contactless alternative to click and collect and we are really thrilled to be partnering Manna to achieve this." While availability is currently limited, the companies say they're "keen to expand this service nationwide in the future." The last thing any of us want to do is take any steps back, Lightfoot said. But we are in a place where both Dr. Arwady and myself are very concerned and were sounding the alarm. New Delhi: Bengal has brought together the nation through 'Vande Mataram', and on this land, CM Mamata Banerjee was terming people "bohiragoto", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday, announcing that if voted to power, a son of the soil will be made the BJP chief minister of the state. Addressing an election rally in Kanthi in the Purba Medinipur district, Modi said that Bengal was the land of icons like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose and on this land, no Indian was an outsider. Narendra Modi "Bengal brought together the people of India through Vande Mataram, and on that land, Mamata-didi is talking about 'bohiragoto' (outsider). No Indian is an outsider here, they are children of Bharat Mata," he said. "We are being called 'tourists', fun is being made of us, we are being insulted. Didi, people of Rabindranath's Bengal don't consider anybody outsider," Modi added. When the BJP forms government in Bengal, the chief minister will be a son of the soil, he said at the rally amid loud cheers from his supporters. Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi Modi's comments came amid an "insider vs outsider" debate with Banerjee asserting regularly that she won't allow Bengal to be ruled by "outsiders" from Delhi or Gujarat, in a reference to the BJP and the prime minister. The prime minister said that Banerjee was talking about 'Duare Sarkar' (government at doorstep), while she will be shown the door on May 2. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Magda Roth is proud of her 92-year-old mother and has rarely lived apart from her. She cared for her mother in their residence in Homewood as long as she could, until she had to place her in a Skokie nursing home in 2019. Though her mothers life has been difficult, Roth, 71, is grateful that her later years have been peaceful. In Kazakhstan, in April 2019, the EBRD mobilised third-party capital for a local-currency loan to a microfinance institution through a new product called a hedged loan participation (HLP). The products dual aim is to encourage third-party investment while protecting both borrowers and lenders from exchange-rate fluctuations. Facilitating access to microfinance across the country KazMicroFinance (KMF) is a microfinance institution offering micro-sized loans to entrepreneurs and small businesses in Kazakhstan. The fund operates eight branches in the countrys largest cities. Each branch has rural outlets, bringing new financing opportunities to small businesses and entrepreneurs in numerous industries in remote locations across the vast country. Fostering innovative market transactions The transaction was the EBRDs first syndicated loan to a microfinance organisation in Kazakhstan and also its first local currency-denominated syndicated loan there. The Bank provided US$ 10 million from its own account, syndicating the remaining US$ 40 million to microfinance investment funds via the HLP. The syndication product allowing EBRD to sell US dollar-based participation in the loan, which was denominated and provided to KMF in Kazakh tenge. This structure protects both KMF and the participating investment funds from currency risk. It also enabled investment funds with no access to the local currency to participate in an EBRD product in Kazakhstan. The EBRD Treasurys intermediation in the HLP allowed the syndicated participants to receive an income stream of US dollar LIBOR + margin from the fixed-rate loan. Timing is critical in sometimes tricky markets The Treasury Client Solutions team played an integral role in structuring the solution, explaining how it worked to both the borrower and the loan participants. Standard loan and participation agreements had to be revised and negotiated to take into account the innovative structure of the HLP. Timing was critical when it came to funding the participation and disbursing the loan, as market transactions were undertaken in such a way as to ensure loan affordability in what can be a volatile and illiquid cross-currency swap market. The EBRD Treasury is highly satisfied with the outcome of the HLP and looks forward to further opportunities to structure similar solutions in other markets. Email us for more information on this or similar projects With 2 degrees Celsius of warming, the population of South Asia will experience more than double the exposure to unsafe labor temperatures (left) and will have almost three times the exposure to temperatures that cause lethal heat stress (right). Credit: Saeed et. al/ Geophysical Research Letters/AGU Residents of South Asia already periodically experience heat waves at the current level of warming. But a new study projecting the amount of heat stress residents of the region will experience in the future finds with 2 degrees Celsius of warming, the population's exposure to heat stress will nearly triple. Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will likely reduce that impact by half, but deadly heat stress will become commonplace across South Asia, according to the new study in Geophysical Research Letters, short-format reports with immediate implications spanning all Earth and space sciences. With almost one quarter of the world's population living in South Asia, the new study underlines the urgency of addressing climate change. "The future looks bad for South Asia, but the worst can be avoided by containing warming to as low as possible," said Moetasim Ashfaq, a computational climate scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and corresponding author of the new study. "The need for adaptation over South Asia is today, not in the future. It's not a choice anymore." Earth has warmed by 1 degree Celsius since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. On the current climate trajectory, it may reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming in 2040. This deadline leaves little time for South Asian countries to adapt. "Only half a degree increase from today is going to cause a widespread increase in these events," Ashfaq said. A hot region getting hotter People living in South Asia are especially vulnerable to deadly heat waves because the area already experiences very hot, humid summers. Much of the population live in densely populated cities without regular access to air conditioning, and about 60% perform agricultural work and can't escape the heat by staying indoors. In the new study, the researchers used climate simulations and projections of future population growth to estimate the number of people who will experience dangerous levels of heat stress in South Asia at warming levels of 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. They estimated the wet bulb temperature residents will experience, which is similar to the heat index, as it takes into account humidity as well as temperature. A wet bulb temperature of 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered to be the point when labor becomes unsafe, and 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) is the limit to human survivabilitywhen the body can no longer cool itself. Their analysis suggests at 2 degrees of warming, the population's exposure to unsafe labor temperatures will rise more than two-fold, and exposure to lethal temperatures rises 2.7 times, as compared to recent years. Curbing warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will likely cut that exposure in half, but large numbers of people across South Asia will still experience extreme temperatures. An increase in heat events that create unsafe labor conditions are likely to occur in major crop producing regions in India, such as West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and in Pakistan in Punjab and Sindh. Coastal regions and urban centers such as Karachi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Peshawar are also likely to be heavily affected, according to the study. "Even at 1.5 degrees, South Asia will have serious consequences in terms of heat stress," Ashfaq said. "That's why there is a need to radically alter the current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions." The results differ from a similar study conducted in 2017, which predicted that heat waves of lethal temperatures will occur in South Asia toward the end of the 21st century. The researchers suspect the earlier study is too conservative, as deadly heat waves have already hit the region in the past. In 2015, large parts of Pakistan and India experienced the fifth deadliest heat wave in the recorded history, which caused about 3,500 heat-related deaths. "A policy framework is very much needed to fight against heat stress and heat wave-related problems," said T.V. Lakshmi Kumar, an atmospheric scientist at India's SRM Institute of Science and Technology who was not involved in the work. "India has already committed to reduce emissions to combat climate change issues." The study was supported by National Climate Computing Research Center, which is located within ORNL's National Center for Computational Sciences and supported under a Strategic Partnership Project between Department of Energy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Explore further Global warming could make survival in tropics impossible: Study More information: Fahad Saeed et al, Deadly heat stress to become commonplace across South Asia already at 1.5C of global warming, Geophysical Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters Fahad Saeed et al, Deadly heat stress to become commonplace across South Asia already at 1.5C of global warming,(2021). DOI: 10.1029/2020GL091191 Historian Dr. Lindsey Swindall is hosting an afternoon of reflecting on and listening to the poignant music of African American Spirituals on Sunday, March 28, at 4 p.m. It will be live streamed on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and with very limited in-person attendance. Its said that some of the best art is created out of a place of pain and conflict. Born from the experience of enslavement in the United States, African-American Spirituals merged African cultural heritage with the experiences of slavery. The music was rooted in Biblical stories that the people related to due to the extreme hardships endured during the transatlantic slave trade in the 17th century. Spirituals had a revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before leaving the footprints for other musical forms that would follow. Scholar W.E.B. Du Bois once described African American Spirituals as the most beautiful expression of human experience. Swindall teaches at Stevens Institute of Technology. She earned her doctorate in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. She has written several books on radical activism in the New York City area including The Politics of Paul Robesons Othello and Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art. She is also the author of The Path to the Greater, Freer, Truer World: Southern Civil Rights and Anticolonialism, 1937-1955. She has also co-edited a volume titled American Appetites: A Documentary Reader. Social media links to watch the discussion can be found at youtube.com/channel/UCA7VixjlsD1Kivmd0oiRukA, twitter.com/HobokenMuseum, and facebook.com/HobokenMuseum. The talk is free for Hoboken Museum members, students, and donations are welcomed. Masks and social distancing are required for those planning to visit in person. The Hoboken Historical Museum is located at 1301 Hudson St., Hoboken. YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. The Federal Secretary of Italy's Lega Nord Party Matteo Salvini says its impossible to negotiate with Turkey as long as that country has not recognized the Armenian Genocide, ARMENPRESS reports Salvini said in his speech at the Senate, in response to the speech of Prime Minister Mario Draghi. ''Of course, you are trying to bring a miracle into life, forcing the Turkish regime to demonstrate a good behavior, but I wish to remind that that regime rejects not only women's rights, but any kind of freedom and even denies historical justice. Let's not forget that justice for Armenians has not yet prevailed, the Armenian Genocide is not recognized yet. And as long as all these exist, I don't think we can share a table with someone who jails those who dare to remember about historical justice, Matteo Salvini said in his speech. 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 primary for the New York City mayors race, poised to be the most consequential contest in a generation, is fewer than 100 days away. But for many voters, that reality has not yet sunk in. A slate of major debate matchups does not begin until May. Few of the candidates have the resources to advertise on television yet. Traditional campaign methods greeting subway riders, for example have limited reach as fewer New Yorkers use public transit. And while city residents were often preoccupied by the challenges of life in a pandemic, the crowded field of mayoral candidates spent the winter in one Zoom forum after another, often in front of sparse online audiences. These extraordinary circumstances have made an always-fluid citywide race even more unpredictable this year, compressing the contest into a three-month springtime sprint for candidates eager to sway undecided voters before the June 22 primary that is likely to decide who will be the next mayor. Their work will be cut out for them: Half of likely Democratic voters are still undecided about their choice to lead the city, according to a poll released on Wednesday. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 17:19:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, March 23 (Xinhua) -- NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter will attempt its first powered, controlled flight on Mars no earlier than April 8, which will be the first of an aircraft on another planet, NASA said Tuesday. The 1.8-kg rotorcraft is attached to the belly of NASA's Perseverance rover, which touched down on Mars on Feb. 18, in search of signs of ancient life. The rover currently is in transit to the "airfield" where Ingenuity will attempt to fly. Once deployed, Ingenuity will have 30 Martian days, or 31 Earth days, to conduct its test flight campaign, according to NASA. Flying in a controlled manner on Mars is far more difficult than flying on Earth, said NASA. The red planet has significant gravity, about one-third that of the Earth's, but its atmosphere is just 1 percent as dense as the Earth's at the surface. During Martian daytime, the planet's surface receives only about half the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth during its daytime, and nighttime temperatures can drop as low as minus 90 degrees Celsius, which can freeze and crack unprotected electrical components. To fly in the Mars environment, the Ingenuity helicopter has to be lightweight. To survive the frigid Martian nights, it must have enough energy to power internal heaters, according to NASA. "Every step we have taken since this journey began six years ago has been uncharted territory in the history of aircraft," said Bob Balaram, chief engineer for NASA's Mars helicopter. "While getting deployed to the surface will be a big challenge, surviving that first night on Mars alone, without the rover protecting it and keeping it powered, will be an even bigger one," he said. Ingenuity, the first helicopter ever to fly on another world, could pave the way for extensive exploration of the Martian skies, said NASA. Enditem LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. The L.A. County Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a measure that will increase funding for a program that works to reduce the population of people with mental illness in county jails. With the additional $34.7 million, the program will be able to serve 415 people, up from its current capacity of 215. There are about 400 people in the jails who would be eligible for this program at any given time, and about 1,100 each year, according to ODR Medical Director Dr. Kristen Ochoa. "This is fantastic, very welcome news," said Pamila Lew, senior attorney at Disability Rights California. "This is the group of individuals who are considered the most difficult to meet the needs for and they're the ones who have been left in jail," she said. The Office of Diversion and Reentry's Felony Incompetent to Stand Trial program (FIST) diverts people who are too sick to participate in court proceedings into community settings, meaning residing in a home of about 20 people that provides mental health services and 24/7 security. The program aims to make sure those individuals don't have to return to jail as their cases play out. According to ODR, a person charged with a felony who's found incompetent to stand trial could be stuck in jail for as long as a year while waiting for a Department of State Hospitals bed to open up. The boost for the FIST program comes at a time when L.A. County Jail's mental health population has reached more than 6,000, the highest it's ever been. That's happened even as the overall jail population was reduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. "It is the largest in the country, the largest in the world, the largest population of people with serious mental disorders anywhere in one place," Ochoa told the Civilian Oversight Commission last week. 'AMAZING' TRANSFORMATIONS "There's a little bit more involved in getting folks released from the jail if they have a serious mental illness," said ODR Director Peter Espinoza. "Releasing them in a way that they don't return to homelessness, it takes more resources, It takes more effort," he said. Espinoza said people who have gone through the FIST program have experienced "amazing" transformations. "These are people who were so sick they couldn't cooperate with their lawyers," he said. "They're now capable of sitting down in a meeting with county leaders to explain their histories and how they're doing today." Advocacy groups, including the ACLU of Southern California, JusticeLA and Disability Rights California, are pushing the county to go even further with its jail diversion efforts for people with a mental illness. They want the county to participate in the 'Community Care Demonstration Project.' Under that proposed pilot, the county would take over responsibility for all care of FIST individuals. Participation in the pilot would come with a much larger pot of money from the state, amounting to nearly $200 million in the first year. According to Espinoza, the smaller pot of money supervisors agreed to accept Tuesday will move the county forward on another one of its goals: closing Men's Central Jail. Before that can happen, there will need to be a significant drop in the jail population, and he said the increased funds for FIST are "a move in that direction." "We're at a jumping off point here in Los Angeles County," Espinoza said. WE ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS 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. Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close MASON CITY, Iowa A man is pleading guilty to enticing a minor in Cerro Gordo County. Dylan Michael Jones, 23 of Mason City, was charged with third-degree sex abuse for allegedly committing a sex act with a 15-year-old victim in November 2020. Hes now pleaded guilty to enticing a minor under 16 to commit an illegal act. Authorities say Jones knew the age of his victim. His sentencing is now set for May 11. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 03:44:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said on Wednesday that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a matter of presence that impacts the life of millions of Egyptians, the presidency office said in a statement. "I confirm the necessity of reaching as soon as possible a legally binding deal that organizes the process of filling and operating the GERD," Sisi said in a meeting with the visiting Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. The deal should be reached far from any unilateral approach that seeks imposition of the Fait accompli and negligence of the basic rights of the people, the statement added. The two leaders discussed means of promoting the ongoing cooperation in the field of irrigation and the water resources as well as the joint efforts of maximizing the sustainable benefits of the Nile River, it added. Sisi asserted Egypt's vision of making the Nile River a source of cooperation and development, and an artery of life for all the Nile basin people, according to the statement. Egypt and Sudan agreed on forming a quartet committee that involves the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and the United States, a proposal that has been rejected by Ethiopia. Local media reported that the foreign ministers of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan will meet next week in Abu Dhabi to ease the iced negotiations. Ethiopia started building the GERD in 2011, while Egypt is concerned that the dam might affect its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of Nile water. Sudan has recently been raising similar concerns over the 4-billion-U.S.-dollar dam as a "direct threat" to Sudan's national security. Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the GERD, with a total capacity of 74 billion cubic meters, have been fruitless, including the early ones hosted by Washington and the recent ones by the African Union. Enditem Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 It does support a very vulnerable part of the community and they do need it but dont put it next to our kids school, she said. Our 10-year-old son can walk down the street saying that ones taken ice, that ones taken heroin because hes sleepy, that ones got his shirt off because hes hot because hes taken ice, she said. Its not fair on our little kids who are living this. A few attendees booed a video of Health Minister Martin Foley addressing Parliament, where he claimed that the majority of the school community support the location of the injecting room, a claim many of the parents dispute. Ms Carberry said parents were often stunned at assertions by politicians that the school community supports the facility, because it wasnt reflected in her experience. Ive been watching closely as over and over again the government says the school community supports not just the safe injecting room, but the location of the safe injecting room, she said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Its never made sense to me is that you have to put it next to the school. Organiser and statistician Jonathan Lowe said he, like many in the community, wanted the safe injecting room to be successful. We want it to work, he said, but its just not. Dora Tsipouras grew up in the public housing flats close to the safe injecting room. It doesnt work in its current location, she told the meeting, Ive had to call the police, I cant count how many times. Im outraged, are you outraged? she asked the crowd. John, a heroin user who has used the safe injecting room, said it might not be in the right location, but it had saved peoples lives. Im devastated to hear what this group has said tonight, he said.But the safe injecting room does work. My heart goes out to the young girl on 3AW this morning and equally my heart goes out to the family who lost a family member the other day. Organisers also invited local member Richard Wynne, Mr Foley and Education Minister James Merlino but they did not attend. Mr Foley and Mr Merlino were attending the state memorial service for Australian music legend Michael Gudinski. Loading The state government extended the two-year trial of the injecting centre last year to run for another three years. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier, who attended the forum with fellow Liberal MPs Matt Bach and Bernie Finn, said she would continue to raise the issue in parliament. To all the parents, your stories, are very very profound, Ms Crozier said, adding no child should have to determine whether someone was a heroin or ice user. Socialist Councillor for Yarra Stephen Jolly encouraged the local residents to play dirty in the upcoming state election by running an independent candidate in the Richmond electorate, which sits on a thin margin for Mr Wynne. You would never have a wedding celebration next to someones funeral, he said, [The injecting room] is a very, very good idea, but theyve put it next to a primary school. They put it here because they dont give a shit about you. He said the council was broadly supportive of the injecting facility, but he, like many in the community, thought it should be moved. A 42-year-old man entered Richmond West Primary School last Wednesday allegedly carrying weapons including a flip knife and a fork fashioned into a knuckle duster. He allegedly approached a ground-level office door on the east side of the primary school and tried to enter. A teacher told him the door was locked and he should check in at reception. The man then began walking around school grounds and was approached by a second teacher, who asked him to leave and escorted him to the front gate. He refused and returned to the school grounds, prompting the teacher to call the police, according to court documents. Police charged him with trespassing, resisting police, possession of a controlled weapon and being drunk in a public place. In an unrelated incident, a mans body was discovered a day later outside the school grounds. Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious. Steven Van Zandt, the famed E Street Band member, Sopranos actor and political activist, announced Wednesday the coming release of his memoir, Unrequited Infatuations, for fall 2021. What story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey in the early 60s, unfolds on some of the countrys largest stages, and then ranges across the globe, demonstrating over and over again how rock and roll has the power to change the world for the better? This story, proclaims a release announcing the autobiography, which will be published Sept. 28 by Hachette Books. Steven Van Zandt's memoir "Unrequited Infatuations" will be released Sept. 28 by Hachette Books. The book will chronicle the twists and turns of Van Zandts always surprising life. It is more than just the testimony of a globe-trotting nomad, more than the story of a groundbreaking activist, more than the odyssey of a spiritual seeker, and more than a master class in rock and roll (not to mention a dozen other crafts), the release continued. Raised in Middletown, Van Zandt played a major role in the development of both Bruce Springsteen and the vaunted Jersey Shore rock sound, joining E Street for Born to Run in 1975 and stepping away during the Born in the U.S.A. era (around 1984) to pursue a solo career and work as a political activist in South Africa, opposing Apartheid. Van Zandt, 70, saw a resurgence in popularity beginning in the late 90s, both with the seminal launch of The Sopranos on HBO in 99, which featured him in a high-profile role as Silvio Dante, and the reformation of the E Street Band that same year. Van Zandt now owns his own record label, Wicked Cool Records, and hosts the long-running satellite radio show Little Stevens Underground Garage, in addition to ongoing music projects with Springsteen most notably October 2020s dazzling Letter to You album plus his solo material. A massive Rock N Roll Rebel box set of material with his band Disciples of Soul was released late last year. Van Zandt discussed much of this with NJ Advance Media in December, for an in-depth interview. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Jack Whitehall is set to host the BRIT Awards for the fourth time in a row as the ceremony returns in May. The comedian, 32, has presented the star-studded bash for the last three years and told how he is looking forward to returning to The O2 Arena after a year of lockdown. Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'It really is always an honour to do it but this year feels even more special. I must be doing something right to be invited back. Back in action: Jack Whitehall is set to host the Brit Awards for the fourth time in a row as the ceremony returns in May (pictured at the 2020 awards) 'This is about celebrating all the artists that made the music which helped us get through what's been a b*d of a year. It's also now just a nice excuse to get out of the house and put on a suit.' The publication reports that Brit bosses are still working out how they will get audiences into the venue safely and comply with Covid restrictions. Glitzy after-parties are also likely to be off the cards for this year's show, with Jack joking his mother Hilary may present a Covid health risk as she 'lunged' at Stormzy last year in an attempt to get a selfie. Jack has sparked controversy with some of his jokes in previous years, including a joke about dads 'fumbling' at home over a Little Mix performance. Host: The comedian, 32, has presented the star-studded bash for the last three years and told how he is looking forward to returning to The O2 Arena after a year of lockdown The comic insisted: 'As the host I try to not say controversial things but I guess as a comedian my radar might be a little off.' Jack added that he thinks he knows which of his jokes will end up in the papers the next day but he is almost always wrong. This year's nominations will be announced by Nick Grimshaw on Wednesday on the Brit's social media channels. Details of who will be performing at the show are also expected to be announced in due course. Some of the big winners at last year's ceremony included Stormzy for Best Male Solo Artist, Mabel for Best Female Solo Artist and Lewis Capaldi's Someone You Loved for Song of the Year. Jack said: 'It really is always an honour to do it but this year feels even more special. I must be doing something right to be invited back' Jack's latest gig comes after he and his father Michael filmed their fourth season of Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father in the nick of time before the pandemic forced the world into lockdown. Jack and his 80-year-old dad faced various entertaining trials and tribulations as they travelled around Australia. The trip Down Under proved fruitful for Jack as he met his now girlfriend, British model Roxy Horner, 29. Amid a whirlwind romance, the couple moved in together during the first lockdown after just two weeks of dating. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. (Natural News) The mainstream media is engaged in a covert information warfare campaign that aims to weaken Russia and promote regime change there. Leaked documents show that the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) paid the Thomson Reuters Foundation and BBC Media Action to have their Russian journalists produce negative content about Russia and positive content about Great Britain. Operating through a shadowy department within the FCO called the Counter Disinformation & Media Development (CDMD), these media organizations along with a cohort of intelligence contractors embedded within a secret organization known as the Consortium sought to produce an attitudinal change in the participants in order to promote a positive impact on their perception of the UK. These revelations show that when MPs were railing about Russia, British agents were using the BBC and Reuters to deploy precisely the same tactics that politicians and media commentators were accusing Russia of using, says Chris Williamson, a former U.K. Labour MP who tried to apply public scrutiny to the CDMDs covert activities but was stonewalled based on the excuse that doing so was a national security risk. The BBC and Reuters portray themselves as an unimpeachable, impartial, and authoritative source of world news, but both are now hugely compromised by these disclosures. Double standards like this just bring establishment politicians and corporate media hacks into further disrepute. The Western deep state hates Russia and uses the media to spread anti-Russian propaganda The U.K. FCO was caught engaging in similar propaganda campaigns against Syria, and for the same purpose. Regime change in both Russia and Syria is the groups endgame, as it also is for other Western entities that operate media outlets here in the United States. The Russian collusion conspiracy theory during President Donald Trumps first presidential term was evidence of this, as is the latest rhetoric coming from fake president Joe Biden against Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Biden says has no soul. The new documents provide critical background on the role of NATO member states like the U.K. in influencing the color revolution-style protests waged in Belarus in 2020, and raise unsettling questions about the intrigue and unrest surrounding jailed Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, reports The Grayzones Max Blumenthal. Further, the materials cast serious doubt on the independence of two of the worlds largest and most prestigious media organizations, revealing Reuters and the BBC as apparent intelligence cut-outs feasting at the trough of a British national security state that their news operations are increasingly averse to scrutinizing. As far back as the 1960s, the British government was secretly paying Reuters to spread anti-Soviet propaganda with the help of an organization run by the MI6 intelligence agency. The British government also used the BBC as a pass-through, to quote Blumenthal, for concealing its payments to Reuters. A Reuters spokesman has since come out and declared that this arrangement with MI6 back in 1969 was not in keeping with our Trust Principles and we would not do this today. The newly leaked documents, however, contradict this claim, revealing that both Reuters and the BBC continue to maintain a non-transparent relationship with the U.K.s foreign ministry to counter and undermine Russia. In 2017, Reuters non-profit arm delivered a formal tender offering to enter into a contract with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as represented by the British Embassy Moscow, for the provision of a project Capacity Building in Russian Media.' This letter was signed by Reuters CEO Monique Ville that same year. In 2019, the FCO released a similar initiative articulating an even more aggressive plan to denigrate Russia. This plan involved infiltrating the Russian media in order to propagate a pro-UK, anti-Russia narrative, which is evident in todays media reporting both in the U.K. and the U.S. More related news can be found at Propaganda.news. Sources for this article include: TheGrayZone.com NaturalNews.com SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine -- Authorities in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea have detained another Jehovah's Witness amid an ongoing crackdown against the religious group. Russia's Investigative Committee said on March 24 that a 30-year-old resident of the city of Kerch, whose identity was not disclosed, was detained on suspicion of being a member of the group, which was labeled as extremist and banned in Russia in 2017 but is legal in Ukraine. The announcement came two days after prosecutors in the Crimean city of Sevastopol asked a court to sentence another Jehovah's Witness, Viktor Stashevsky, to seven years in prison on a charge of "organizing the activities of an extremist group." Since the group was outlawed in Russia, many Jehovah's Witnesses have been imprisoned in Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea. On March 23, prosecutors in the western Russian city of Smolensk asked a court to sentence three Jehovah's Witnesses, Yevgeny Deshko, Ruslan Korolyov, and Valery Shalyov, to prison terms between eight and nine years on similar charges. The Jehovah's Witnesses said earlier that a fourth man in the case, Viktor Malkov, died in pretrial detention after he was denied assistance for his medical condition. The United States has condemned Russia's ongoing crackdown on Jehovah's Witnesses and other peaceful religious minorities. For decades, the Jehovah's Witnesses have been viewed with suspicion in Russia, where the dominant Orthodox Church is championed by President Vladimir Putin. The Christian group is known for door-to-door preaching, close Bible study, rejecting military service, and not celebrating national and religious holidays or birthdays. According to the group, dozens of Jehovah's Witnesses have been either convicted of extremism or are being held in pretrial detention. The Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center has recognized dozens of Jehovahs Witnesses who've been charged with or convicted of extremism as political prisoners. Yves here. Grrr, I had this IRS post 100% ready to go in the morning and didnt launch it. Sing after me: Because H&R Block! Well, actually, its not just H&R Block that keeps the IRS hostage. From ProPublica in Inside TurboTaxs 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free: Intuits QuickBooks accounting product remains a steady moneymaker, but in the past two decades TurboTax, its tax preparation product, has driven the companys steadily growing profits and made it a Wall Street phenom. But the success of TurboTax rests on a shaky foundation, one that could collapse overnight if the U.S. government did what most wealthy countries did long ago and made tax filing simple and free for most citizens. For more than 20 years, Intuit has waged a sophisticated, sometimes covert war to prevent the government from doing just that, according to internal company and IRS documents and interviews with insiders. The company unleashed a battalion of lobbyists and hired top officials from the agency that regulates it. From the beginning, Intuit recognized that its success depended on two parallel missions: stoking innovation in Silicon Valley while stifling it in Washington. Indeed, employees ruefully joke that the companys motto should actually be compromise without integrity. Internal presentations lay out company tactics for fighting encroachment, Intuits catchall term for any government initiative to make filing taxes easier such as creating a free government filing system or pre-filling peoples returns with payroll or other data the IRS already has. Although The Verge in 2020 said maybe there is hope, thanks to that another ProPublica story: Earlier this year, ProPublicapublished a report showing how Intuit, the company behind TurboTax, was misleading users into paying to file their taxes something thats supposed to be free in the first place for many. They, along with H&R Block, went so far as to keep the free versions from showing up in search engine results. This made it harder for users to find the free versions online, and many people ended up paying to file their taxes when they really didnt have to. Now, ProPublicareports that the IRS is taking steps against this. On Monday, the IRS released an addendum to its Free File program the agreement with tax preparation companies intended to keep tax filing free that now prohibits these companies from hiding the pages that allow you to file for free from Google and other search engines. Theyve also eliminated a restriction against the IRS making its own filing software. In several other countries, filing your taxes is a lot easier. The government uses data it already has on your income to fill out your taxes. But in the United States, Intuit has spent millions each year lobbying against these simpler systems which would eliminate the need for their services. Tax industry lobbying was how the IRSs Free File was initially created, with the IRS agreeing to leave it up to those companies. The Free File program initially said that filing software had to allow lower- and middle-income taxpayers to be able to file for free. In return, the IRS agreed to not make its own free filing software, something that the tax preparation companies thought could be a big competitor to their business. The new addendum also requires all these tax preparation companies to give their truly free options a specific badge: IRS Free File program delivered by [Member company name or product name], so you can tell them apart from other versions which might sneakily require you to pay. When ProPublicapublished their groundbreaking report in April, they found that TurboTaxs main page didnt even link to the page that lets you file for free. You couldnt access the free version from TurboTax.com at all. Some of the links in the free version of TurboTax would link to the paid version, tricking you into paying more than you should. And TurboTax had also deliberately targeted students and low-income users with the paid version of their service, moving necessary forms like student loan interest deduction into the Deluxe tier. I hope some of you manage to get your IRS duties completed easily and inexpensively. We small business owners, even with simple operations, wind up eating a lot of costs. And I have to confess that the complexity of tax filings has made me a bit phobic about filling out any official document. By Beverly Moran, Professor Emerita of Law, Vanderbilt University. Originally published at The Conversation The Internal Revenue Service has postponed the April 15 tax filing deadline to May 17. If taxpayers need even more time to file federal returns, the agency added, they can request an extension until Oct. 15. This continues to be a tough time for many people, and the IRS wants to continue to do everything possible to help taxpayers navigate the unusual circumstances related to the pandemic, while also working on important tax administration responsibilities, said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. The announcement may come as welcome news for many Americans, but it also raises an important question: Why should taxpayers have to navigate the tedious, costly tax filing system at all? The case for a Simple Return In 1985, President Ronald Reagan promised a return-free tax system in which half of all Americans would never fill out a tax return again. Under the framework, taxpayers with simple returns would automatically receive a refund or a letter detailing any tax owed. Taxpayers with more complicated returns would use the system in place today. In 2006, President Barack Obamas chief economist, Austan Goolsbee, premiered the simple return, where taxpayers would receive already completed tax forms for their review or correction. Goolsbee estimated his system would save taxpayers more than US$2 billion a year in tax preparation fees. Though never implemented, the two proposals illustrate what we all know: No one enjoys filling out tax forms. So why do we have to? A Costly and Time-Consuming System Return-free filing is not difficult. At least 30 countries permit return-free filing, including Denmark, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom. Furthermore, 95% of American taxpayers receive more than 30 types of information returns that let the government know their exact income. These information returns give the government everything it needs in order to fill out most taxpayers returns. The U.S. system is 10 times more expensive than tax systems in 36 other countries with robust economies. But those costs vanish in a return-free system, as would the 2.6 billion hours Americans spend on tax preparation each year. Maybe youre wondering whether Congress is just behind the times, unaware that it can release us from tax preparation? Not true. As an expert on the U.S. tax system, I see Americas costly and time-consuming tax reporting system as a consequence of its relationship with the commercial tax preparation industry, which lobbies Congress to maintain the status quo. Commercial Tax Preparation Almost 20 years ago, Congress directed the IRS to provide low-income taxpayers with free tax preparation. The agency responded in 2002 with Free File, a public-private partnership between the government and the tax preparation industry. As part of the deal, the IRS agreed to not compete with the private sector in the free tax preparation market. In 2007, the House of Representatives rejected legislation to provide free, government tax preparation. And in 2019, Congress tried to legally bar the IRS from ever providing free online tax preparation services. Only a public outcry turned the tide. The public part of Free File consists of the IRS herding taxpayers to commercial tax preparation websites. The private part consists of those commercial entities diverting taxpayers toward costly alternatives. According to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, which oversees IRS activities, private partners use computer code to hide the free websites and take unsuspecting taxpayers to paid sites. Should a taxpayer discover a free preparation alternative, the private preparers impose various restrictions such as income or the use of various forms as an excuse to kick taxpayers back to paid preparation. Consequently, of the more than 100 million taxpayers eligible for free help, 35% end up paying for tax preparation and 60% never even visit the free websites. Instead of 70% of Americans receiving free tax preparation, commercial companies whittle that percentage down to 3%. Tax Savings and Evasion Perhaps you are guessing that there are valid policy justifications for avoiding government and empowering the private sector. Judge those arguments yourself. One argument from commercial tax preparers is that taxpayers will miss out on valuable tax savings if they rely on free government preparation. In fact, the government software would reflect the same laws used by the paid preparers with the same access to tax saving deductions or credits. Further, tax preparers like H & R Block promise to pay all taxes and interest resulting from a failed audit. As a result, these services have every incentive to take conservative, pro-government tax positions. A second argument is that government-prepared tax returns encourage tax evasion. In a no-return system, the government reveals its knowledge of the taxpayers income before the taxpayer files. Thus, the argument goes, the taxpayer knows if the government has missed something and has reason to let the mistake stand. But taxpayers already know what information forms the government has because they receive duplicates of those forms. The incentive to lie does not increase because the taxpayer avoids weeks of tax preparation. Bolstering the Anti-Taxers Finally, there is the anti-tax argument for onerous tax preparation: Keep tax preparation unpleasant to fuel anti-tax sentiment. In the past, Republicans argued against high taxes. But after decades of tax cuts, Americans are no longer swayed by that argument. Exasperating tax preparation, according to this argument, helps keep the anti-tax fever high. And that fuels public hate for government and the tax system. Unfortunately, the anti-tax contingents desire to force Americans to spend time and money on tax preparation dovetails with the tax preparation industrys desire to collect billions of dollars in fees. Tax preparation companies lobby Congress to keep tax preparation costly and complicated. Indeed, Intuit, maker of TurboTax, the tax preparation software, lists government tax preparation as a threat to its business model. One example is the earned income tax credit, a government program for low-income people. The credit is so complicated that 20% of the people who are eligible never file. If the government prepared peoples tax returns, that 20% would receive government support. Nonetheless, Intuit has lobbied lawmakers to make the credit more complicated, thereby driving more taxpayers to paid preparation services. To date, the tax preparation industry has kept the system complicated because the potential cost to it in terms of lost revenue is vast. Only public outcry can change the system. Heres a followup on last weeks news about a new direction for the Hester Street Fair. The Seward Park Co-op, which owns the space where the fair has been staged for the past 11 years, has chosen to go with a new operator. The team running the Lower East Side market launched a petition drive, saying theyd received very little advance notice of the change. Today the co-ops board is out with a memo to residents of the big four-building complex on Grand Street. Here it is: The board and management are very thankful for its long collaboration with The Big Social, LLC, who helped us actualize the co-ops original concept for an outdoor market and events programming on this unique and historical part of our property. After 11 years of running the Hester Street Fair and helping us celebrate our community and the evolving Lower East Sideincluding through the companys own ownership changes over the yearsthe companys license agreement expired last year (and no renewal was pending). Although planning for the 2021 year was put on hold due to pandemic uncertainty, The Big Social was aware that the co-op was vetting several other events managers so as to engage with the best suited to operate our Hester Street lot events while also providing chances for the best financial returns to the co-op and its shareholders. The board and management did their due diligence on the candidates that had approached us in recent years, all looking to express varying visions for maximizing the use of the space for the co-op and the broader neighborhood. Following meetings, research, presentations and interviews with several prospective going-forward operators (including The Big Social), we have decided to reinvigorate the outdoor market at Hester Street with a different operator, with a successful track-record, substantial operational and marketing experience, running several other similar events elsewhere in New York City. While we are excited to share the news of a new chapter for Hester Street, until an executed agreement is in place with the new operatorthe finalization of which is underwayit is the co-ops policy not to disclose the identity of our counterparties. We expect Hester Street will continue to host vibrant happenings of various kinds at throughout the year, beginning as early as April 2021and very much look forward to seeing you and as many of the vendors as wish to continue to be a part. Please feel free to direct your inquiries to hesterstreet@sewardparkcoop.com or to sphcmgt@greenthal.com. Curious about the origins of the Hester Street Fair? You can see our original article on the Seward Park Co-ops search for a vendor to enliven the forgotten spot here, and more of the back story here. OREGON -- Big changes could be coming to Oregons mandatory minimum sentencing law -- Measure 11. It was first approved by Oregon voters in 1994 and went into effect on April 1, 1995 -- requiring a minimum prison sentence for the worst crimes -- like murder, rape and kidnapping. Voters reaffirmed it in 2000. Now, modifications are up for discussion: Senate Bill 401. A hearing took place Tuesday morning before the State Legislature to examine the bill that would create guidelines for judges on felonies other than murder. This could move the mandatory sentences to presumptive sentences, granting more power to judges. The idea of Measure 11 being dismantled has created quite the divide. Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) sponsored Senate Bill 401 and said hes opposed Measure 11 for 26 years. I think it's important to call out and just really put forward why I believe that the District Attorneys Association is not willing to go forward with this reasonable reform," Prozanski said. "It's pure power and control. He disagrees with the power shift that would take place and said incentives should be created for good behavior so an inmate still has the chance to contribute to society. Think about yourselves," Prozanski said. "If you do a good job, you get a raise or you may get a promotion. Why shouldn't we be allowing for those individuals that are in custody to model the same behavior that we have on the outside by being incentivized to be better in their lives?" Others feel much differently. Lane County District Attorney Patty Perlow, along with seven other female district attorneys, wrote a statement in support of Measure 11. They make up eight of the nine female district attorneys in Oregon. "Together, we have personally handled innumerable cases of unspeakable violence against some of the most vulnerable members of our communities," the statement reads. "Together we have over 120 years of prosecutorial experience, meeting often with women and children who bear both the visible and the invisible scars of horrific domestic violence and appalling physical and sexual child abuse. Together we have held countless hands and reassured countless victims that they were believed, they were not at fault, and they deserved justice." Perlow shared her thoughts with KEZI 9 News. Victims of crime have a right to know that they are safe from the person that committed the crime for the set period of time that theyre told, Perlow said. She said victims deserve justice. If someone is sentenced to 90 months in prison, the victim has a sense of relief for that period of time that theyre not going to run into that person -- because they know the person is going to serve every day of that sentence, Perlow said. She said people can provide written testimony to the each committee or contact their own legislators. The statutory maximum for a class A felony in Oregon is 20 years, Perlow said. So these mandatory minimum sentences are not even close to that maximum statutory sentence. It's the sentencing guidelines that have set the amount lower initially, and then Measure 11 set minimum sentences that would actually be served. A two-thirds approval in the Oregon House and Senate is needed to change the law. What we're trying to do is bring justice back the way it was meant to be," Prozanski said. "My office will continue to try to hold people accountable for the crimes that they commit," Perlow said. "The downside of it will be that victims will not have that sense of certainty of what the sentence is that's been imposed for sure." Senate Bill 401 is scheduled for a Work Session on Wednesday, April 7. A full list of Measure 11 crimes and sentences can be found HERE. Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus cases for the 27th consecutive day, as the Victorian government gets ready to welcome international flights and resume hotel quarantine within the next fortnight. The government is expected to announce the resumption of international flights to Victoria within the next fortnight on Thursday morning, along with a revamped hotel quarantine program to house the returned travellers. Passenger flights have not touched down in Melbourne since Valentines Day, when the Holiday Inn cluster grew to almost 25 cases and prompted a snap five-day lockdown. Victoria has now recorded almost four weeks without a local COVID-19 infection. The state has been free of active coronavirus cases since Tuesday. The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with his counterparts in Brussels, where he emphasized the importance of revitalization in making the transatlantic alliance stronger, given the security threats posed by China and Russia. Blinken met with foreign ministers of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, where they all reaffirmed their support for NATO and stronger US-EU ties. They also discussed challenges posed by Russia and China, and other issues pertaining to Iran, Libya, Yemen, and Afghanistan. Good meeting with French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian, German Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas, and UK Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab today on Iran, Russia, China, and other pressing issues. The Transatlantic relationship is central to solving global challenges. pic.twitter.com/2UiH3YYVMh Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) March 24, 2021 We have a profound interest, whether it is tackling some of the new challenges like climate, in the cyber realm, the rise of autocratic states and the challenges they pose we have a profound interest in doing it together, doing it collectively, relying on collective security, Secretary Blinken told the press after holding talks with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. US-EU sanctions China The meeting comes a day after the European Union, including Britain, Canada, and the US imposed sanctions on Chinese individuals and entities for their alleged involvement in the human rights abuses against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. China retaliated by imposing its own sanctions on several EU parliamentarians and national lawmakers. Relations between Washington and Beijing have soured in the recent past and an attempt to revive ties did not start on a good note as both sides exchanged fiery barbs last week before their first bilateral meeting since the new administration took over. The United States accuses China of not following rules-based international order and increasingly using aggressive tactics to threaten other nations and territories across the world, including Hong Kong, Tibet, and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Beijing says Washington is still stuck in the Cold War-era mentality, citing its continuous interference in the countrys domestic affairs. Chinas growing economic stature and military prowess are viewed by the United States as a threat to its global influence, which has resulted in Washington strengthening old partnerships and seeking new alliances, such as Quad with India, Australia, and Japan in the Indo-Pacific. (Image Credit: AP) Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 FOGGIA, MAR 24 - An 88-year-old doctor from Puglia is studying for his 14th university degree. Leonardo Altobelli, a retired family doctor and former mayor of Troia near Foggia, turned 88 on March 15. "I am the oldest student in the world and the second most qualified," he told local media Wednesday. As well as his 13 degrees, Altobelli also has a master's in criminology which he recently got from Foggia university after presenting a thesis titled The Hanging. He has started a course to get his 14th degree, in investigative sciences. Altobelli got his first degree, in medicine, from Siena university in 1969. His other degrees include law, political science, literature, philosophy, archaeology, a double degree in pedagogy, agrarian science, food sciences and technologies, tourist sciences, history and biotechnology. (ANSA). SUZHOU, China, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Transcenta Holding Limited (Transcenta), a clinical stage global biotherapeutics company with fully-integrated capabilities in discovery, development and manufacturing of antibody-based therapeutics, today announced the expansion of its senior management team by appointing Dr. Xichen Zhang as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Dr. Steven Yu as Senior Vice President of DMPK & Translational Science. Dr. Xichen Zhang has 27-year experience of GMP manufacturing, CMC development of clinical products, CTA/MA filing strategy, and life-cycle management of commercial products. Before joining Transcenta, he worked as Product Quality Director at Amgen, leading product quality teams of several new drug projects at various developmental stages, including Sensipar/Mimpara, Parsabiv, AMG223, AMG282, AMG420, AMG479, AMG592, and Sotorasib (AMG510). He played a key role in developing and advancing Parsabiv from early clinical stage to commercialization, and led the team rapidly completed product quality development of Sotorasib, which had been brought to MA filing stage with expected US approval soon. Dr. Zhang received his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen's University in Canada. Dr. Steven Yu has more than 20 years of experience in large molecule drug development and extensive expertise in PKPD evaluation, assay development/validation, biomarker development, immunogenicity assessment, and biotransformation assessment supporting both discovery and clinical projects. Before joining Transcenta, he was the VP of DMPK & Clinical Bioanalysis at ChemPartner. Dr. Yu spent most of his career with global pharmaceutical companies including Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Shire, and Takeda. Dr. Yu had a Ph.D. degree in biochemistry from Loma Linda University, and an MBA in Global Business from Pepperdine University. "We are honored to have Dr. Xichen Zhang and Dr. Steven Yu join the Transcenta team," said Dr. Xueming Qian, CEO of Transcenta. "As we continue to enrich and advance Transcenta's pipeline with more innovative antibody drug candidates entering clinical trial or moving into late-phase clinical trial, the demand for large-scale manufacturing and DMPK and translational research work is growing rapidly. As seasoned professionals, Dr. Zhang and Dr. Yu will further solidify the advantages of Transcenta as a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company." "Transcenta is a leader in flexible manufacturing facility design and continuous biomanufacturing technology." Dr. Xichen Zhang said, "I am very excited to join Transcenta and lead the effort to further enhance capability and ensure global standard product quality in clinical and commercial manufacturing." "DMPK and translational research is an important part of the drug development throughout the R&D processes from drug discovery to IND filing." Dr. Steven Yu said, "I hope my experience will help Transcenta to select molecules with higher potency and better safety profiles, and further improve the success rate of clinical trials." About Transcenta Holding Limited. Transcenta is a clinical stage global biotherapeutics company that fully integrates antibody-based biotherapeutics discovery, development and manufacturing. With Headquarters and Discovery and Translational Research Center in Suzhou, Process and Product Development Center and Manufacturing Facility in Hangzhou, and Clinical Development Centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in China and in Princeton, US, and External Partnering Center in Boston, US, Transcenta has established global footprint. Transcenta is developing a panel of ten antibody molecules for oncology and selected non-oncology indications including bone and kidney disorders. Upon the latest financing, the company has raised over $342 million from globally prominent investors. For more information, please visit www.transcenta.com. SOURCE Transcenta Holding Limited Related Links http://www.transcenta.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. In Congress on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sanchez was questioned about foreign travellers being able to arrive in Spain while Spanish citizens are barred from undertaking non-essential travel over Easter. Aitor Esteban of the PNV Basque Nationalist Party argued that the Spanish government's way of managing travel is causing "feelings of discrimination" and "frustration" among members of the public. While French and German travellers continue to arrive in Spain, measures to contain the pandemic are being reinforced in their own countries. "They are not being controlled at airports. It is necessary to adopt consistent measures both externally and internally. This is not the time to be promoting mobility for leisure, either externally or internally." Sanchez explained that the government is following recommendations from Brussels in applying measures at Spain's borders and within Spain. The government is acting "coherently and consistently" with the recommendations of the European Commission and the health authority at European level. The prime minister added that "these are difficult times, but we are in the last phase of the pandemic". "With vaccination and recuperation funds, we face a year of recovery and of overcoming Covid-19." [March 24, 2021] Intensity Therapeutics, The Ottawa Hospital and The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Sign Agreements to Conduct a Phase 2 Randomized, Window of Opportunity Trial in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. ("Intensity"), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary, intratumoral immunotherapy products to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers, today announced that following receipt of the authorization from Health Canada, Intensity executed agreements with The Ottawa Hospital and The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) to conduct a Phase II Randomized, Window of Opportunity (WOO) trial evaluating clinical and biological effects of intratumoral INT230-6 vs. no treatment in early stage breast cancer. "There currently is no drug treatment available in the early presurgical setting with the ability to kill a tumor rapidly in the typical 4-week period from diagnosis to surgery," said Dr. Angel Arnaout, M.D., FRCSC, Professor of Surgery at University of Ottawa, Scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and Principal Investigator of the study. "Using INT230-6 to rapidly reduce a patient's cancer cell burden and shut down proliferation in the timeframe from diagnosis to surgery is exciting and could offer increased clinical benefit. We are looking forward to initiating this study." The trial is a Phase II, randomized, open label, multi-center study to enroll up to 60 patients with early-stage breast cancer. Patients, randomized 2:1 to treatment, will receive either three doses of INT230-6 on days 1, 8 and 15 post diagnosis or no treatment, the current standard of care (SOC) prior to resection. The study shall evaluate the change in pathological complete response compared to the standard of care. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who achieve a complete cell cycle arrest, defined as a reduction in the proportion of cells staining positive for Ki67, a widely used marker of cancer cell proliferation, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. The Ottawa Hospital will conduct subject enrollment and treatment and evaluate clinical responses, OICR will analyze subject immune responses and conduct biomarker analyses. Intensity will fund the trial and provide INT230-6 supply. "Personalization is a major objective of modern medicine," said John Bartlett, Ph.D., Program Director, Diagnostic Development at OICR and Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto. "The ability to rapidly reduce a patient's individual disease burden, diminish their cancer cells proliferation markers without causing systemic side effects and stimulate a patient-specific, anti-cancer T-cell response has the potential to create a new type of personalization for patients. We are eager to generate data that would help us understand INT230-6's ability to train the immune system on a patient's neoantigens prior to surgery without concurrent immune suppression." "WOO trials form a key part of OICR's new research strategy because they are essential in helping to identify new biomarkers and develop more precise diagnostics and treatments for patients," said Dr. Christine Williams, Ph.D., Deputy Director, OICR. "This trial is the first in our newly-launched Window of Opportunity Network, and it shows the promise and enthusiasm for WOO trials across the research community. We are proud to be working with proven clinical and industry partners like The Ottawa Hospital and Intensity Therapeutics to determine the effectiveness of INT230-6 in helping early-stage breast cancer patients." "We are excited to collaborate with The Ottawa Hospital and OICR, two leaders in breast cancer research," said Ian B. Walters, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Intensity Therapeutics. "Killing cancer immediately after its diagnosis may give patients more peace of mind that all effort is being made to stop the cancer from growing or spreading prior to resection, as well as improve the cosmetic and functional outcome of the surgery. If this trial is successful, use of INT230-6 prior to surgery for breast cancer and other indications may be possible." Lewis H. Bender, President and CEO of Intensity Therapeutics added, "According to our estimates, based on the American College of Surgeons database, there were approximately 60,000 early breast cancer patients in the U.S. in 2020 who did not receive any therapy prior to surgery. Killing tumors weeks in advance of resection may improve patient outcomes for long term benefit. We look forward to working with our colleagues at The Ottawa Hospital and OICR to determine the utility of INT230-6 in this early-stage patient population." About Window of Opportunity (WOO) Studies In WOO studies, patients receive a test agent(s) between their cancer diagnosis and standard treatment (usually surgery). The pre-operative setting, with treatment naive patients, enables an expedited analysis of therapeutic agents and focused biomarker research for better patient stratification. WOO studies are becoming a well-recognized development tool, particularly in breast cancer. About the Intensity OICR OHRI Phase II WOO Study Individuals interested in learning more about the study, or how to reach the study staff for participation, can visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and use the trial identifier NCT0478123. Participation in the trial will not interfere with or delay the date of surgery. The study is a Phase II Randomized Window of Opportunity Trial for Intratumoral INT230-6 (VINblastine CIsplatin) Evaluating Clinical and BioLogical Effects in early Stage Breast Cancer (the INVINCIBLE trial). Tumor tissue obtained at diagnosis and the time of the definitive surgical procedure will be analyzed for Ki67, a marker of complete cell cycle arrest (CCCA), cancer proliferation, immune biomarkers and pathological complete response (pCR), the absence of live cancer in the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes. There are a number of other objectives of the trial: To assess the Residual Cancer Burden after treatment with INT230-6, To characterize the overall safety of INT230-6 injected prior to surgery, and To perform broad immune profiling of the blood in patients by assessing changes in CD4/CD8 T cells and identification of CD8 tetramers, and whether INT230-6 treatments results in an increase in infiltrating immune cells such as macrophages, NK, DC, CD4 T-cells, CD8 T-cells, regulatory T-cells. About INT230-6 INT230-6, Intensity's lead proprietary investigational product candidate, is designed for direct intratumoral injection. INT230-6 was discovered using Intensity's proprietary DfuseRx? technology platform. The drug is composed of two proven, potent anti-cancer agents, cisplatin and vinblastine, and a penetration enhancer molecule that helps disperse the drugs throughout tumors for diffusion into cancer cells. In preclinical studies, INT230-6 eradicated tumors by a combination of direct tumor killing, release of tumor antigens and recruitment of immune cells to the tumor. Results generated by both the Company and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) showed treatment with INT230-6 in in vivo models of severe cancer resulted in substantial improvement in overall survival compared to standard therapies. Further, INT230-6 provided complete responses in animals with long-term protection from multiple re-challenges of the initial cancer and resistance to other cancers. The Company's research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in June 2020 and joint research with the NCI published in July 2019 in the Journal OncoImmunology as part of Intensity's awarded CRADA , also showed strong synergy when INT230-6 was combined with anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. About The Ottawa Hospital The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada's top learning and research hospitals, where excellent care is inspired by research and driven by compassion. As the third-largest employer in Ottawa, our support staff, researchers, nurses, physicians, and volunteers never stop seeking solutions to the most complex health-care challenges. Our multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, attracts some of the most influential scientific minds from around the world. Backed by generous support from the community, we are committed to providing the world-class, compassionate care we would want for our loved ones. www.ottawahospital.on.ca About the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research OICR is a collaborative, not-for-profit research institute funded by the Government of Ontario. We conduct and enable high-impact translational cancer research to accelerate the development of discoveries for patients around the world while maximizing the economic benefit of this research for the people of Ontario. For more information visit www.oicr.on.ca. About Intensity Therapeutics Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held, clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new immune-based approach to treat solid tumor cancers. Intensity leverages its DfuseRx? technology platform to create new, proprietary drug formulations that following direct injection rapidly disperse throughout a tumor and diffuse therapeutic agents into cancer cells. Intensity's product candidates have the potential to induce an adaptive immune response that not only attacks the injected tumor, but also non-injected tumors. The Company executed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Vaccine Branch in 2014 and partnerships with Merck and BMS. For more information, please visit www.intensitytherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @IntensityInc. About Other Intensity Clinical Studies In addition to the new WOO study, INT230-6 is currently being evaluated in several Phase 2 cohorts (NCT03058289) in patients with various advanced solid tumors. Phase 1 dose escalation cohorts completed in 2020. There have been no dose limiting adverse events observed in patients to date, even when dosing into deep tumors in the lung, pancreas or liver. In 2019, the Company executed a clinical collaboration agreement with Merck Sharpe & Dohme (Merck) to evaluate the combination of INT230-6, Intensity's lead product candidate, and KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), Merck's anti-PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) therapy, in patients with advanced solid malignancies. In 2020, the Company executed a clinical collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to evaluate the combination of the Company's lead product, INT230-6, with BMS's anti-CTLA-4 antibody, Yervoy (ipilimumab), in patients with advanced solid malignancies. Clinical data reported improved survival at higher doses of INT230-6 per total tumor burden. Several patients demonstrated tumor shrinkage, symptomatic improvement, and evidence of cancer cell death and immune cell activation on tumor biopsy. In the combination cohort with pembrolizumab, Intensity reported that the safety of the combination was comparable to INT230-6 monotherapy. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Intensity Therapeutics' plans, future operations and objectives. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance or achievements to be materially different from those currently anticipated. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements about the initiation and timing of future clinical trials. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005333/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 24, 2021] Polycarbonate Solar Vehicle Success, Reports IDTechEx BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Photovoltaics is now a key enabling technology for land vehicles and boats. The favorite type is single crystal silicon which is even viable on the sides now. On boats, it used to be protected by an acrylic sheet on either side, making it bendable when being fitted, but that has strength and weathering issues. Now, much stronger, long-life polycarbonate is taking over. For further information, see the IDTechEx report, "Solar Vehicles 2021-2041 2nd Edition". Your car headlamps withstand a rock hitting because of polycarbonate. Lighter than glass used by others, it is molded into shaped panels by Sono Motors, the company with the largest solar car order book at over 10,000 vehicles partly because it is able to charge modest prices. Its solar load-bearing bodywork replaces steel and paintwork, saving that cost, yet the appearance is similarly professional. This year, Sono demonstrated a solar truck, again with the solar bodywork viable even on the sides and it landed a license deal to make the EasyMile robot shuttle solar-assisted. As private cars are banned from city centers, robot shuttles take over, so this is the future. Charging is 10-40% faster when solar bodywork has already done some of it. This is deeply significant because it happens with existing chargers: it is not just a wait for expensive fast chargers and cars with thicker wiring. Lightyear and Sono also take a benefit in needing less battery. That helps to address the ongoing battery supply and safety issues, smaller batteries being safer. Teijin Limited and its joint development partner Applied Electric Vehicles (Applied EV) have developed another polycarbonate solar roof for future mobility applications. It uses Teijin's Panlite polycarbonate resin glazing for its surface. Teijin used its proprietary know-how in polycarbonate resin glazing and technologies to integrally mold the curved surface into an ideal vehicle shape, an extremely challenging process if using the glass alternative. Panlite achieves the strength and rigidity required for the vehicle Conventional polycarbonate resin offers excellent impact resistance, but it must be specially processed to realize the level of weather resistance needed for long-term outdoor use. Teijin's Panlite glazing, however, can easily be given a proprietary hard coating to achieve the 10-year weather durability required for automobiles. Teijin and Applied EV solar roof was first shown this year on the Blanc Robot - a zero-emission robotic vehicle platform developed by Applied EV using materials and technical support from Teijin. In testing conducted by Applied EV in Australia, the solar cells mounted on the Panlite roof achieved output of about 330W, which is equivalent to a conventional solar panel housed under glass. They find that, because this vehicle is light and very energy efficient, the benefits of solar charging the Blanc Robot are much greater than the results that can be achieved on a typical EV. Applied EV tests suggest that the solar array can contribute up to 30% of the vehicle's energy budget in ideal conditions and around 15-20% on a typical day. Under the right conditions, this could extend vehicle range for the Blanc Robot by between 30 and 55 kilometers, compared to the same vehicle without a Panlite roof. Teijin and Applied EV continue to collaborate on the use of Teijin's various material technologies in the development of further EV components, including structural elements, glazing, and exterior body panels, with the intention of commencing high volume production in the latter half of 2022. These initiatives, together with ongoing efforts to further enhance the new solar roof, are expected to contribute to the ultimate goal of achieving Japan's Well-to-Wheel Zero Emission policy, which calls for a 90% reduction in 2010-level greenhouse gas emissions per passenger car by 2050. Collaboration with Teijin is helping Applied EV to reduce the energy used per transport mile and also increase the proportion of energy that is sourced from renewables, which is good for business and good for the environment. They say it is now it is easy for them to roll out solar charging for a range of other vehicle types. Meanwhile, Hyundai has announced that opaque and translucent solar bodywork will be widely deployed on future cars, the solar-assisted Sonata currently on sale being only a beginning. It has long collaborated with SABIC on polycarbonate vehicle glazing. For more information on the IDTechEx report, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Solar or for the full portfolio of Electric Vehicle and Energy research available from IDTechEx please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research. About IDTechEx IDTechEx guides your strategic business decisions through its Research, Subscription and Consultancy products, helping you profit from emerging technologies. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com. Images download: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ziw1f6j491uwixq/AACuZMoiMieIpmgO5S1InZkFa?dl=0 Media Contact: Natalie Moreton Digital Marketing Manager press@IDTechEx.com +44(0)1223 812300 Social Media Links: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/IDTechEx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idtechex/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDTechExResearch Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473116/IDTechEx_Solar_Roof.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/478371/IDTechEx_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Conroe ISD plans on keeping a virtual learning option in 2021 if given approval by the Texas Education Agency. At its monthly board meeting Tuesday, the district named a principal for its CISD Virtual Academy, which could serve grades three through 12. We have many students about 11,000 students this year that are learning remotely. For many of those families, its a system that is working well for them. Its something that they would like us to continue into the future if possible, Superintendent Curtis Null told the board, noting that the district was confident that the TEA will permit virtual school to continue. But we also understand that their timeline might not be quite our timeline, meaning if we want to have a successful virtual option next year, we need to begin to go to work on that. To start, the district decided to name William Kelly, associate principal of curriculum and instruction at Caney Creek High School as principal for the Conroe ISD Virtual Academy. A new name, a mascot and school colors will all be forthcoming for the new virtual school when official state approval is given. But for now, the district was happy to celebrate Kellys promotion. Before taking his current position at Caney Creek, Kelly worked as the assessment coordinator for the district, working with all of the CISD campuses. I think that makes him really uniquely qualified to work with a campus that has the potential to serve grades three through 12, Null said. Kelly is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and after graduating from Texas Tech he said he was hoping he could go teach at his alma mater. Oak Ridge never called, Kelly said. But I was offered an interview at Caney Creek. He was offered a job teaching English to the schools very first class of ninth-graders. He told the board he had a chance to help shape the school from its inaugural days. His 26-year career has stayed in CISD in various roles. He told the board that he was humbled and honored to be given this new opportunity to lead the districts virtual school. While hiring new teachers at Caney Creek, Kelly said he looked for people who could adapt their teaching to better fit their students. Its a lesson he learned in his own classroom while adapting his style to better fit a very smart student who needed to be taught in a different way. For Kelly, this exemplified how the district changes what it does to best serve its students. Offering this online opportunity really is changing what we do as a school district based on what the kids need from us, he said. And Im excited to get started. jamie.swinnerton@chron.com South Africa: Wits SRC raises R3m for students with outstanding fees The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology has commended the University of Witwatersrand Student Representative Council (SRC) for raising R3.6 million towards assisting 3% of students who could not register due to outstanding fees. This is a patriotic act by the SRC to ensure that no student is left behind, said committee chairperson, Philly Mapulane. The committee held a follow-up meeting with Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande; the Universities South Africa (USAf); University of the Witwatersrand Council; management and SRC; the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to discuss the current national shutdown of public higher education institutions. During the meeting on Tuesday, the committee welcomed the commitment by the Wits University management to extend its registration period to allow students to register, and its commitment to raise funds during its centenary celebrations to address the question of the missing middle and students historic debt. We note and applaud the change in posture of the Wits University management to learn from the disagreements that led to the protracted student protests at the university, and to find a better way of resolving conflict and mediation. This is welcomed, as it will go a long way in ensuring that students grievances are speedily addressed and compromises are reached without resorting to protests that delay the commencement of the academic programme, Mapulane said. Profiling current student debt The committee also welcomed Nzimandes announcement that government has started a process of profiling the current student debt, in order to understand who owies fees, how much is owed, which universities are owed how much, and how much of this debt is recoverable. This, Mapulane said, will assist government to develop an appropriate policy intervention to deal with the question of student debt. Historic debt is an albatross on the neck of the universities, and the current student debt is estimated at R14 billion and it is growing. This should concern everyone, and society in general has to come to the party to ensure that the debt is resolved, given the current economic constraints, Mapulane said. Funding for missing middle The committee welcomed the Cabinet decision to request Nzimande to present a comprehensive proposal for the funding of the missing middle, among other things, by June 2021. The committee said the funding needs of students, who fall outside of the R350 000 threshold, must be addressed, particularly for those falling in the category of the lower middle class. We wish the task team success in advance and look forward to engaging with its work once it is concluded and presented to Cabinet, the chairperson said. Funding for higher education The committee further welcomed the additional funding to cater for the NSFAS shortfall, while noting with grave concern that National Treasury did not allocate new funding. Funding for universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) infrastructure, including the skills levies to support skills development interventions for unemployed youth, small, medium and macro enterprises and cooperatives by the National Skills Fund (NSF), has been reprioritised to fund university students. It is concerning that the much needed infrastructure and the skills needed to address youth unemployment will take a back seat, while funding is taken to address student funding at universities This is not sustainable. Therefore, the country needs to prioritise funding higher education so as to secure the future of our nation, Mapulane said. Police urged not to use excessive force during protests The committee reiterated student leaderships' clarion call for the police to desist from using excessive force, including the use of rubber bullets and live ammunition, during student protests. The committee will, at the earliest convenience, engage with the Portfolio Committee on Police on this matter. "The committee also calls on the Minister and USAf to look into the issue of the security and militarisation at institutions of higher learning, Mapulane said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. press release The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, today received the multi-million rand Roodeplaat Training Centre from Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of South Africa, H.E. Maruyama Norio, The event took place at the Water and Sanitation's Roodeplaat Training Centre outside Pretoria this morning. It was also attended by the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo of Water and Sanitation, President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Polokwane Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Thembi Nkadimeng, and the MMC for Infrastructure in Tshwane, Councillor Phillip Nel. The Japanese Government, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), funded the construction of the training facility at the Roodeplaat Training Centre of DWS. The Training Yard covers the basics of training artisans to deal with water losses in communities. The designs of the training yard were conducted by the DWS engineers with technical support from JICA. The training of artisans comes against the background of growing concerns about the huge amounts of water losses - estimated at R9 billion a year - in South Africa. A South African company was contracted by JICA to construct the Training Yard. DWS Engineers will handle all the activities including the maintenance of the Training Yard to ensure sustainability of the programme. Sisulu has taken ownership of the Training Yard on Non-Revenue Water Management built by the Government of Japan from Ambassador Maruyama. Ambassador Maruyama said the objective of his government's assistance in South Africa's water sector was to give support for skills development of local municipalities who are faced with challenges of water losses known as non-revenue water. "The area of non-revenue water is one of the major challenges Operation Vulindlela will drive in the economic reform of South Africa. The Japanese assistance will help municipalities to improve their performance in water services and to address challenges of economic reforms at grass root level." The Ambassador described the training centre as "more than a skills development project we provide to the municipalities. It's a skills development that enables economic reform." Minister Sisulu said water was under extreme threat from a growing population, increasing demands of agriculture and industry and the worsening impacts of climate change. "The Department and SALGA are faced with a similar challenge regarding the state of Non-Revenue Water in South Africa. The Municipalities do not have the capacity and opportunity to train their officials on Non-Revenue Water and the country does not have a specific functional facility available to offer training on Non-Revenue Water. It is clear that the Japanese model of non-revenue water management is the easiest in that it focusses mainly on the practical side of dealing with non-revenue water than theory. We'll continue to work with SALGA, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, SETAs and the Metros in ensuring that this project delivers on its intended objectives." She said lack of access to water was very personal to women, especially rural women. They were responsible for carrying water for their families to survive. They stood in long queues to wait for water and walked long distances to collect the precious resource. As a sector, this was a direct challenge to all to change and strengthen the systems towards water use efficiency. "Access to water and sanitation is recognized by the United Nations as human rights, reflecting the fundamental nature of these basics in every person's life. Lack of access to safe, sufficient and affordable water, sanitation and hygiene facilities has a devastating effect on the health, dignity and prosperity of billions of people, and has significant consequences for the realization of other human rights. We have all noticed the importance of ensuring water access and availability to our people during this period of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Minister Sisulu said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance External Relations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Minister Dlamini Zuma said her department was part of a process to establish an non-revenue structure which she hoped would bear fruit. She attributed the problem of water scarcity to the effects of Climate Change. Water leakages and damaging infrastructure also contributed to water scarcity in South Africa. She called for the revival of the culture of payment for services which she said would contribute towards the improvement of water supply. Advertisement Water is cascading down the side of Uluru after torrential rain, creating stunning waterfalls against the world-famous rock and changing the colour of its red face. The incredibly rare event was caused by almost 50mm of rain falling on the desert area in Northern Territory's Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park over the weekend. Hundreds of tourists flocked to the iconic tourist attraction in recent days and shared stunning footage and photos of the rare scene to social media. Recent heavy rain has turned Uluru's rock formations into cascading waterfalls The iconic tourist attraction (pictured) has also transformed into array of colours as flowing water tumbles down Uluru 'The unique and extraordinary weather event saw tourists and locals alike flocking to the National Park to get a glimpse of the full flowing waterfalls,' Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park posted on its Facebook page. 'Rainwater on the rocks surface causes it to change colour. From dark burgundy to shining silver and even black, every side of Uluru takes a different shade, making this spectacle a photographers delight. 'Following the rain, desert plants bloom and many animals emerge to mate and feed.' Mutitjulu waterhole at Uluru turned into a picturesque waterfall on Sunday while tourists filmed water cascading through it as unseasonal torrential rain hit the Top End. Rain also sent water cascading down the usually dry Kantju Gorge. 'Dream come true at Uluru. For years I've longed to see it Raining on the Rock. Today it happened,' one woman wrote alongside a photo of Uluru. Hundreds of tourists have flocked to Uluru in recent days to capture the rare scenes Once covered with tourists climbing the rock, Uluru has turned into cascading waterfalls after almost 50mm of rain on the weekend Another woman commented: 'Beautiful, on my one and only visit to Uluru, I was lucky enough to encounter a rain storm and see it's full beauty. Incredible to see how the colours changed by the hour!' Formerly known as Ayres Rock, thousands of tourists flocked to the Northern Territory to climb Uluru before it was banned in October 2019. Thousands still visit Uluru, which is regarded sacred by the local Anangu people. With more heavy rain forecast for the Northern Territory in the coming days, the park reminded tourists to check weather conditions before visitors and to not drive through flooded roads. WHY DID ABORIGINAL ELDERS ASK FOR A BAN ON CLIMBING ULURU? It was announced in November 2017 that climbing Uluru, considered a sacred site by the local Anangu people, would be banned from October 26, 2019. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park's board of management, made up of a majority of Aboriginal traditional owners, unanimously decided to close the climb. Traditional owner and board chairman Sammy Wilson said on behalf of the Anangu people it was time to do so. 'We've talked about it for so long and now we're able to close the climb,' Mr Wilson said. 'It's about protection through combining two systems, the government and Anangu. Thousands of tourists have flocked to Uluru for the last chance to climb Uluru 'This decision is for both Anangu and non-Anangu together to feel proud about; to realise, of course it's the right thing to close it. 'The land has law and culture. We welcome tourists here. Closing the climb is not something to feel upset about but a cause for celebration. Let's come together, let's close it together. 'If I travel to another country and there is a sacred site, an area of restricted access, I don't enter or climb it, I respect it. It is the same here for Anangu. We welcome tourists here. We are not stopping tourism, just this activity.' On 26 October 1985 Uluru and Kata Tjuta - formerly known as the Olgas - were handed back to the Anangu people. Advertisement More than 60mm of rain fell across the Lasseter and southern Simpson districts on Sunday as a cloud band strengthened over central Australia. Over the course of three days, 68mm fell at Walungurru, 65mm at Finke River, 53mm at Colyer Creek and 50mm at Alice Springs Airport. Alice Springs is having its wettest wet season in a decade with 276.6mm rain recorded so far with another one-half More heavy rain is on the way for the Top End after last weekend's downpour. A trough is moving up from Tennant Creek which will create increased shower and thunderstorm activity from Thursday. Heavy falls from the trough are possible before it reaches Darwin on Friday. Waterfalls tumble over the surface of Uluru after 46mm of rain fell last weekend Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) speaks to the press in Burlington, Vermont on March 11, 2020. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) Bernie Sanders Not Comfortable With Trumps Twitter Ban Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed reservations about the Twitter ban of former President Donald Trump, saying he doesnt like the idea of a handful of high-tech people wielding too much power. Sanders made the remarks in a wide-ranging interview with The New York Times, in which Sanders was asked about Twitter banning Trump from its platform. Do I feel particularly comfortable that the then-president of the United States could not express his views on Twitter? I dont feel comfortable about that, Sanders said. Trump was kicked off the social media platform after the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey defending the decision in a series of tweets a week later. I do not celebrate or feel pride in our having to ban @realDonaldTrump from Twitter, or how we got here. After a clear warning wed take this action, we made a decision with the best information we had based on threats to physical safety both on and off Twitter, Dorsey wrote. I believe this was the right decision for Twitter. We faced an extraordinary and untenable circumstance, forcing us to focus all of our actions on public safety. Offline harm as a result of online speech is demonstrably real, and what drives our policy and enforcement above all, he added. Trump said Monday that Twitter and Facebook, which also deplatformed him, did him a favor. The former president told Newsmax that he was enjoying his break from social media and that he appreciated communicating with the public via emailed press releases. I do press releases, Trump said. And frankly, theyre more elegant than tweeting, as the expression goes, theyre really much more elegant and the word is getting out. Trump declined to confirm rumors he is planning to launch his own social media platform. We have a lot of options and something will happen with social media if I want it to happen, Trump said, adding that he has tremendous options regarding launching a viable social media platform given his large following prior to the ban. Trump senior adviser Jason Miller told Fox News on Sunday that I do think were going to see President Trump returning to social media in probably about two or three months here with his own platform. While no details are available about what a Trump social media platform would look like, the former presidents championing of freedom of expression suggests it would unlikely to be a space that cracks down on controversial content. Sanders, in his interview with Klein, said that he did not have a solution for how to balance freedom of speech with policing potentially harmful posts. I dont know what the answer is. Do you want hate speech and conspiracy theories traveling all over this country? No, Sanders said. But it is an issue that we have got to be thinking about. Because yesterday it was Donald Trump who was banned, and tomorrow, it could be somebody else who has a very different point of view, he said. Many Republicans and others have accused big tech platforms like Facebook and Twitter of using various techniques to suppress conservative voices and favor left-leaning causes. The platforms have repeatedly denied any bias, saying they are impartially trying to navigate an intensely polarized landscape of competing voices, some of which get silenced if they violate terms of use guidelines and content policies. "Latinos have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and many are still grappling with the long-term health and economic effects of this virus. The COVID-19 vaccines will give our community and the nation our best chance at getting back to our lives. That is why it is critically important that we foster trust in the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines and combat vaccine misinformation and disinformation. Doing so will help put our community and our country on a true path to recovery," said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguia. A recent poll from the COVID Collaborative, in partnership with UnidosUS, found that only one-third of Latinos have confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. That same poll revealed that Latinos are willing to follow guidance provided by experts and trusted messengers in the community. The Esperanza Hope for All campaign will overcome those barriers by leveraging focused and targeted strategies and partnerships, the organization's expertise as a trusted community voice, and its national network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the country to disseminate culturally and linguistically appropriate information on the COVID-19 vaccines. "We are reaching Hispanic individuals and families where they are, be it on social and digital media channels, in radio and TV or directly in communities. This includes equipping our Affiliate Network with the resources to help them do what they do best on the ground, while we build out a national strategy and reinforce the message, data and other key elements through broad-reaching mass communications efforts," noted Rita Carreon, UnidosUS Vice President of Health. As part of its "ground game," UnidosUS will lean on its Affiliate Network to lead on culturally responsive education and outreach by training local trusted messengers; informing through dual-language communications; providing resources for local COVID-safe outreach and vaccination events and engaging local provider and community partners. The efforts include helping to expand equitable vaccine access through Affiliate health centers. In this initial stage, UnidosUS is deploying more than $2 million in grants to 35 Latino-serving community-based organizations including our network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). UnidosUS's "air game" consists of a national and broad reaching multimedia communications campaign that includes: Mobile Marketing Tour: UnidosUS will deploy a mobile educational tour across multiple cities that will take information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly into Hispanic neighborhoods, including those living in rural and urban environments where health resources are lacking or difficult to access. It will engage local Affiliates, partners and influencers, and will include on-site activities to increase education and awareness and direct families to vaccination sites. The tour is scheduled to begin in mid-April in seven cities across the Southwest. UnidosUS will deploy a mobile educational tour across multiple cities that will take information about the COVID-19 vaccines directly into Hispanic neighborhoods, including those living in rural and urban environments where health resources are lacking or difficult to access. It will engage local Affiliates, partners and influencers, and will include on-site activities to increase education and awareness and direct families to vaccination sites. The tour is scheduled to begin in mid-April in seven cities across the Southwest. Multimedia Advertising: UnidosUS is developing a bilingual COVID-19 vaccines awareness and education advertising campaign. This will include a robust dual-language advertising effort to reach Latinos through digital platforms, as well as radio and large-scale print advertising. Tactics will include targeted digital display and video activations; paid social media campaigns and paid search ads campaigns throughout key regions. UnidosUS is developing a bilingual COVID-19 vaccines awareness and education advertising campaign. This will include a robust dual-language advertising effort to reach Latinos through digital platforms, as well as radio and large-scale print advertising. Tactics will include targeted digital display and video activations; paid social media campaigns and paid search ads campaigns throughout key regions. Countering Mis/Disinformation: UnidosUS will deploy both an online and offline approach to combat mis/disinformation. Efforts aim to identify and counter misinformation in social and traditional media; ensure Latinos with digital access build their understanding ofand trust inthe science and increase vaccine confidence and intention and leverage UnidosUS's network and advocacy work to effectively counter misinformation targeting Latinos. UnidosUS will deploy both an online and offline approach to combat mis/disinformation. Efforts aim to identify and counter misinformation in social and traditional media; ensure Latinos with digital access build their understanding ofand trust inthe science and increase vaccine confidence and intention and leverage UnidosUS's network and advocacy work to effectively counter misinformation targeting Latinos. Influencer Engagement: UnidosUS will engage trusted Latino and expert micro and macro social media influencers to shape the messaging and the conversation around COVID-19 vaccine confidence and vaccines in general. These will include a wide variety of Spanish-speaking influencers including content creators, celebrities and trusted media personalities; bilingual influencers; and community grassroots leaders, organizers and advocates. The campaign builds on a series of vaccines awareness-building and informational efforts underway since the beginning of this year. UnidosUS is a partner on the COVID Collaborative and Ad Council's and COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative, helping to develop and distribute culturally resonant content for the Latino community. Additional efforts include: Virtual townhalls including a COVID-19 Vaccines: Your Questions Answered on the topic of COVID-19 vaccines that includes a panel of national and local experts including Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith , Chair of the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force; and an upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall in partnership with the Ad Council entitled: "Vacunas contra el COVID-19: Respuestas a Preguntas Claves" on March 30 at 7 p.m. ET . , Chair of the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force; and an upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Town Hall in partnership with the Ad Council entitled: "Vacunas contra el COVID-19: Respuestas a Preguntas Claves" on at . An informational social media video series in Spanish and English that answers the most pressing issues UnidosUS and its Affiliates have been receiving from Latinos across the country. in Spanish and English that answers the most pressing issues UnidosUS and its Affiliates have been receiving from Latinos across the country. A bilingual informational PSA featuring Dr. Robert Rodriguez , University of California-San Francisco Emergency Medicine Physician. Latinos are overrepresented in "essential" occupations that put them at greater risk of exposure to coronavirus infection (hospitality, retail, food services, construction and agriculture). Latinos are 18% of the U.S. overall population but represent 21% of COVID-19 cases and 12% of COVID-19 deaths in the United States as of March 22, 2021 and are 4.1 times more likely to be hospitalized than any other group. The disproportionate impact is the direct result of a history of structural racism. Unjust social, economic and environmental conditions have led to a higher incidence of underlying chronic diseases and other risk factors for COVID-19. Esperanza Hope for All's vaccine equity efforts are backed by funding from a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UnidosUS, and between HHS's Office of Minority Health and Morehouse School of Medicine's National COVID-19 Resiliency Network, The Rockefeller Foundation, Walmart Foundation, The Pfizer Foundation* and Amazon. Plus, generous in-kind support from Charter Communications, Comcast NBCUniversal and Telemundo, Google and Toyota. "As we surpass the grim milestone of more than half a million lives lost to this deadly virus, we are reminded of the critical work that remains to lead our nationand our communityout of this crisis. With the development and authorization of several vaccines, we are hopeful for an end to this pandemic. However, that end hinges on ensuring that our country's vaccination efforts are inclusive of the communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. We all have an important role to play and UnidosUS is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure the vaccines reach all affected communities, including Latinos," concluded Murguia. Since the start of the pandemic, UnidosUS has been at the forefront of efforts to support Latinos who have been disproportionately impacted due to long-standing systemic health inequities and over-representation in the health and service sectors. In April 2020, UnidosUS established its Esperanza/Hope Fund to support the UnidosUS Affiliate Network and community partners' response and resiliency in crisis. With the ongoing need, UnidosUS continues to raise resources to inform and protect Latino communities during the pandemic. To date, more than $2 million of this funding has already been disbursed to Affiliates to respond to the pandemic, including direct support to families for food and housing assistance. Additionally, UnidosUS has served as a national partner in collaborative efforts and taskforces leading comprehensive and coordinated action to curb the spread of COVID-19, including: *The Pfizer Foundation is a charitable organization established by Pfizer Inc. It is a separate legal entity from Pfizer Inc. with distinct legal restrictions. UnidosUS, previously known as NCLR (National Council of La Raza), is the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Through its unique combination of expert research, advocacy, programs, and an Affiliate Network of nearly 300 community-based organizations across the United States and Puerto Rico, UnidosUS simultaneously challenges the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos at the national and local levels. For more than 50 years, UnidosUS has united communities and different groups seeking common ground through collaboration, and that share a desire to make our country stronger. For more information on UnidosUS, visit www.unidosus.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Contact: Gabriela Gomez [email protected] SOURCE UnidosUS Related Links https://www.unidosus.org Expert panel likely to meet this week to decide on Sputnik V's emergency use The union government's expert panel on new drugs and vaccines could meet later this week to consider granting emergency approval to Sputnik V, Russia's Covid-19 vaccine, a report in ThePrint said citing sources. Hyderabad-based drugmaker Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, which conducted the clinical trials for the vaccine, has submitted the immunogenicity data to the subject expert committee (SEC) of the Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO), India's national regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Read more here Odisha facing a shortage of vaccine doses Odisha might have to have to pause its vaccination drive for a few days because of a shortage in doses, according to a report by Reuters. The state's additional chief secretary for health P.K. Mohapatra wrote to the central health ministry to say Odisha only had enough doses to run its vaccination drive until March 30. It is expecting another batch of Covishield only on April 2. We will have no vaccines for 4 days, Mohapatra said. Hence, adequate doses of Covishield vaccine may be supplied in time so as to continue uninterrupted vaccination drive in our state. Your urgent attention is drawn to the above issue. Read more here Doctors make a song to raise awareness about vaccination In order to encourage people to get themselves vaccinated, a group of doctors around the world have come together with a song in Tamil and English, a report in The Hindu said. The songplayed over the score of Roop Tera Mastana from the Bollywood classic Aradhanareceived more than 18,000 views within 24 hours from when it was uploaded to YouTube on Friday. As more people watch it, the urgency to get vaccinated will hopefully translate, Madurai-based ophthalmologist Dr Badri Narayanan Thiagarajan told The Hindu. Thiagarajan appears for a split second in the video, along with 40 other contemporaries who are part of the 1978 class of Madurai Medical College (MMC), the report said. Read more here Parosmia: An odour distortion condition associated with Covid-19 While many people go through a loss of smell (anosmia) and taste after contracting Covid-19, some individuals may experience parosmia, which is characterised by a change in perception of odours, a report in The Indian Express said. The condition leads to distortions of the sense of smell. A person with parosmia can detect certain odours, but they might experience the smell of certain things as different and find them unpleasant. For example, coffee might smell like burnt toast, the report said. Read more here Nurse tests positive a month after getting both doses; experts say not unusual A nurse at Delhi's Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra hospital tested positive for over a month after she received both doses of a vaccine, which experts said was not unusual, a report in the Hindustan Times said. Experts said fully vaccinated people getting infected is not surprising, as no vaccine is 100% effective. But the vaccines are still expected to offer 100% protection against severe forms of Covid. Read more here 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 at around 3 p.m. On Wednesday, the Advance/SILive.com visited ONeills Irish Pub at 1614 Forest Ave., which is open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, pickup and delivery from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit oneillsstatenisland.com or call 718-273-4481 for more information. YES, THEYRE OPEN: ONeills is open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, pickup and delivery at 1614 Forest Ave. the restaurants hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit http://oneillsstatenisland.com for more information. Posted by Staten Island Advance on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Staten Island restaurant owners: If you would like your establishment featured for free as part of Yes, Theyre Open, email reporter Victoria Priola at vpriola@siadvance.com. WANT MORE YES, THEYRE OPEN? Check out the listings below or check out all of our previous coverage here. Lorenzos Pizzeria, 1910 Hylan Blvd. Saladworks, 3010 Veterans Road W. Lebanese Eatery, 1686 Forest Ave. Cantina Mexicana, 140 New Dorp Lane Nurnberger Bierhaus, 817 Castleton Ave. HoBrah, 31 New Dorp Plaza Trackside Bar & Grill, 61 New Dorp Plaza From 8-19 March 2021, the WCO successfully conducted a virtual diagnostic mission on People Management and Development leveraging the WCO flagship Executive and Professional Competency-Based HRM Programme (EPCB-HRMP) under the framework of the Trade Facilitation in Middle Income Countries (TFMICs) Programme funded by the Prosperity Fund of the United Kingdoms Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The BOC Commissioner, Mr. Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero and Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Donato San Juan, personally oversaw the successful kick-off and the closing of the mission that engaged over 30 BOC senior officials during its deliberations. This mission aimed at effectively implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement under the Mercator work plan, by addressing the BOCs strategic priority of designing and implementing a competency-based HRM system in order to support the BOCs Strategic Plan and its HR modernization programme. The main objective of the mission was to share world class HR practices through a well-established diagnostic process to identify areas of development and opportunity for people capacity building within BOC leveraging WCO People Development Diagnostic Tool, the WCO guide to implementing Competency-Based HRM system in the Customs environment, and the WCOs most recent tools on a competency based HRM approach (e.g. job catalogue, competency framework, competency dictionary and competency-based job descriptions). The WCO experts and the BOC HRM working team analysis pointed out that the HRs role, comprehensive Competence-based HRM and training and development were identified as key components for the success of both the BOC Strategic Plan and the proposed reform and modernization programme. The BOC expressed its appreciation for the successful and constructive mission and welcomed and committed to 18 tailor-made recommendations that will feed into an action plan for future implementation. The WCO is looking forward to continue its collaboration with BOC on designing and implementing a modern and competency based HRM system. For more information on this mission and the WCO's people development agenda, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org. CPC gears up for centenary with clear mind, determination to tackle more "tests" Xinhua) 08:25, March 24, 2021 -- Multiple events to mark CPC centenary. -- Seventy-two years on, the CPC has proved itself to be an excellent ruling party, presenting remarkable results in the "big exam." -- CPC prepared for new tests ahead. BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Tuesday marks the beginning of the 100-day countdown to the centenary anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In just a century, it has grown into the world's largest Marxist ruling party with more than 91 million members and turned China into the world's second-largest economy. The CPC has grown up amid trials and tribulations, led the Chinese people in achieving monumental achievements, and created a great miracle in the history of human civilization, said Wang Xiaohui, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, at a press conference held by the CPC Central Committee. UPCOMING CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS A series of events will be held to celebrate the Party's centenary anniversary. They will include a Party-wide campaign on CPC history learning and education and a grand gathering to mark the CPC's founding. The CPC Central Committee will award the July 1 Medal, the Party's highest honor, to outstanding Party members for the first time. A commemorative medal will be granted to more than 7.1 million people with a Party membership of 50 years or above. Meanwhile, major theme exhibitions, theatrical performances, seminars, and symposiums on theoretical studies will be part of the celebrations. Holding events to review the historic achievements by the Party and the country is of far-reaching significance to inspire the people to embark on the new journey of building a modern, socialist China confidently, Wang said at the press conference. "BIG EXAM" 72 YEARS AGO Exactly 72 years ago, the CPC leaders packed up and left Xibaipo, then the base of the CPC Central Committee in north China's Hebei Province, heading to the 350-kilometer-away Beijing. Aerial photo taken on June 20, 2019 shows a view of Xibaipo Village of Pingshan County, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Zhu Xudong) Based in the small village from May 1948 to March 1949, the CPC leadership led a series of major military successes against Kuomintang troops. They secured a countrywide victory in the revolution and then established the New China. On March 23, 1949, Mao Zedong compared the trek to "going for a big exam in the capital city" as they were leaving Xibaipo. Seventy-two years on, the CPC has proved itself to be an excellent ruling party, presenting remarkable results in the "big exam." Built from ruins and chaos left by the Kuomintang Party, China, under the leadership of the CPC and with the efforts of the Chinese people, has become the world's second-largest economy. It is the biggest industrial country, the largest goods trader, and the largest holder of foreign exchange reserves. Today, China has the largest social security system globally, with basic medical insurance covering over 1.3 billion people and basic old-age insurance covering nearly 1 billion. The average life expectancy of the Chinese has risen to 77.3 years. The country has also eliminated poverty, meeting the poverty eradication target set out in the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule. Tourists view local snacks in Hongyagu scenic spot in Pingshan County, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 17, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhao Danhui) The Party has united and led the Chinese people in making outstanding achievements, said Xu Lin, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and director of China's State Council Information Office. "China's development not only delivers a decent life to its people but also benefits the world." PERSISTENT STRUGGLE TO PASS NEW TESTS With China's targeted efforts to find effective and well-suited solutions to alleviate poverty, Pingshan County, where Xibaipo is, was removed from the poverty list in October 2018. The county is developing tourism and green industries to expand its poverty alleviation achievements. It also continues to promote rural vitalization. "Although the revolutionary base of Pingshan has shaken off poverty, we still face new tests," said Dong Xiaohang, Party chief of the county. He added that high-quality development would be the focus of Pingshan in the next five years. Poverty is only one of the difficulties and obstacles on China's way to march toward socialist modernization and national rejuvenation. "We need to combat new challenges. They include the intertwined old and new types of corruption within the Party, the country's economic transition, and problems related to the environment and resources," said Xin Ming, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee holds a press conference to shed light on the celebration activities for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Facing news tests, the CPC leadership urged its members to be clear-headed and determined to prepare for tough tests in delivering performances that can withstand the test of time in the new era. Qu Qingshan, head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, called for efforts to uphold Party leadership and Marxism, unwaveringly uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics, and rely on the people. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa On May 26, my husband and I were in Norfolk to pick up a dog. We were to meet the seller at the main entrance to Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. We arrived and I did not think we were at the right entrance. I flagged down a young man and he told me where the right entrance was, and A self-professed healer is selling bogus coronavirus vaccine 'reversal' oils online for nearly 120, MailOnline can reveal. Other chancers offering trying to make money on an online marketplace promised to boost immunity against the disease through meditation. Experts today criticised the 'snake oil' products for misleading customers, and called for the online marketplace selling it to be 'more careful'. MailOnline found one Fiverr user was charging 114.83 for a 'vaccine reversal herb oil recipe'. Korelvabbah, the Kenyan seller offering the service, promises buyers it would 'enable you to reverse vaccine before it kicks in'. He said his recipe listed with a cobbled-together advertising poster would help in the 'case of emergency'. The oil is meant to be rubbed into the injection site 'until it pops and produces pus', according to the seller's FAQs. Internet witchdoctors are selling bogus Covid vaccine 'reversal' oils (pictured) for nearly 120, with instructions telling buyers to rub the ointments into the injection site 'until it pops up and produces pus' The 114.83 recipe listed with a child-like attempt of an advertising poster is supposed to help in the 'case of emergency' Korelvabbah, who also offers 'spiritual and healing counselling', Swahili translations and wildlife photography, encourages buyers to give the treatment to their children and the elderly. Fiverr profits from every sale, with the online marketplace adding a 5.69 service fee on top of the recipe. It is not clear how many have been sold. Experts today criticised the recipe, saying it was obviously a hoax and may even be dangerous. No ingredients are listed. They claimed it was unclear how it would even work, questioning what the purpose of reversing the effects of a life-saving vaccine would be. Vaccines currently deployed for use in Britain made by Pfizer and AstraZeneca have repeatedly been proven to be safe. Multiple trials and real-world data have shown the jabs dramatically cut the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying with Covid. If Britain's lockdown is to be relaxed as planned over the coming months, the roll-out must continue to go smoothly. Korelvabbah, the Kenyan seller offering the bogus product, promises buyers it will 'enable you to reverse vaccine before it kicks in' Around 28.3million Britons have already had their first dose but health bosses are concerned about low uptake in BAME groups and carers. Dr Simon Clarke, associate professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading, said Fiverr have to be more careful in what it allows to be listed on its site. He said: 'It's basically snake oil. 'The seller offers no idea of what it is or what it does, and you have to ask the question of why you would want it? 'If you're feeling a bit under the weather after the vaccine which is perfectly normal no ointment is going to lessen those symptoms. '[Fiverr] has to be a bit more careful about what it's listing on its site.' Fiverr has now taken the listing down after being approached by MailOnline. A spokesperson said: 'We do not allow services that are meant to provide any medical treatment, advice, or supply. 'We also do not allow services that are related to misinformation around Covid or creating content regarding any medical issue that may be used for spreading misleading information.' It is not the first time the Israel-based Fiverr marketplace has come under fire for selling bogus medical products. Last year MailOnline revealed face cures for Covid with 'healing energy' were being sold for up to 80 on the site. And voodoo specialists offering supposed cures for alcoholism on the site costing 520 were slammed by addiction experts for exploiting vulnerable patients. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. President Joe Biden walks across the South Lawn upon returning to the White House in Washington on March 14, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Biden Considering Executive Actions on Gun Control: Psaki The Biden administration is considering a range of potential actions on gun control, including executive actions, following the recent shootings in Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. We are certainly considering a range of levers, including working through legislation, including executive actions to address not just gun safety measures but violence in communities. Psaki said, when asked about whether there will be new executive action on gun violence. She didnt provide a definitive answer about whether President Joe Biden would propose legislation to repeal liability protection for gun manufacturers, something he had promised during his presidential campaign. There remain a range of options under consideration. And obviously, tragedies like last night and the shootings in Atlanta are just reminders of how vital it is to move forward on gun safety measures in a range of formats. But I dont have an update on when those executive actions or what steps might be next at this point, she said. A shooting on March 21 at a King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, left 10 people dead, including a police officer. The alleged shooter was identified as Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21. Officials refused to comment when asked about the weapon the suspect used. The suspects 34-year-old brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa, told The Daily Beast that his brother was mentally ill, disturbed, and paranoid, as well as very anti-social. He added that his sibling didnt commit the shooting for political or ideological reasons, blaming what happened on mental illness. Police work on the scene outside of a King Soopers grocery store where 10 people were killed in a shooting in Boulder, Colo., on March 22, 2021. (Joe Mahoney/AP Photo) In a statement released on March 22, Biden expressed that he wanted prompt action on gun control. I dont need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take commonsense steps that will save the lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act, he said. We can close the loopholes in our background check system, including the Charleston loophole. Thats one of the best tools we have right now to prevent gun violence. The Charleston loophole is a provision in federal law that allows gun sales to proceed if a background check hasnt been finalized in three days. The term, used by gun control activists, refers to a mass shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17, 2015. Biden also said that he believes the Senate should immediately pass the two House-passed bills that close loopholes in the background check system. The House approved two measures on March 11 on gun sales. The first bill, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8), expands background checks on people who are seeking to buy or transfer guns. The second bill, the Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 1446), would close the Charleston loophole by extending the background check period to 10 days. The two measures are pending before the Senate. These are bills that received votes of both Republicans and Democrats in the House. This is not and should not be a partisan issue; this is an American issue. It will save livesAmerican livesand we have to act, Biden said. We should also ban assault weapons in the process. We can ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in this country once again. I got that done when I was a senator. It passed. It was law for the longest time, and it brought down these mass killings. We should do it again. Law enforcement officers sweep the area outside of a King Soopers grocery store, which was the site of a shooting in Boulder, Colo., on March 22, 2021. (Kevin Mohatt/Reuters) The National Rifle Association, meanwhile, quoted from the Second Amendment in a Twitter post late on March 22: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. In a statement late on March 23, the gun rights advocacy group expressed condolences over the shooting and accused gun control advocates of having already rushed to politicize this horrific situationeven as most of the salient facts remain unknown. It is our longstanding rule to wait for all the facts to be known before making any policy statements, the group wrote. The mass shooting in Boulder came days after a gunman opened fire on local businesses in Atlanta, in which eight peopleincluding six of Asian descentwere killed at three separate massage parlors. Atlanta shooting suspect Robert Aaron Long, 21, claimed responsibility and reportedly told officers that his actions werent racially motivated, but were because he wanted to end his sexual addiction. Zachary Stieber and Jack Phillips contributed to this report. Could particles of sand in the Israel desert seize up hiring for a $25 billion cog in Connecticuts economic engine? Sikorsky is not saying, but the Israeli Air Force reportedly is demanding an engine fix for a new helicopter so its pilots can fly with confidence in desert brownout conditions. The Pentagon is reportedly taking notice as it continues flight testing in advance of buying 10 times as many for $25 billion. The Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion is the largest helicopter ever flown by the U.S. military. Its cargo bay is large enough for an M1 Abrams battle tank and able to fly higher and faster than its predecessor CH-53E Super Stallion to avoid enemy ground fire. Already putting seven King Stallion helicopters through flight tests, the Marines want 200 in all over a decade to replace its existing Super Stallion fleet that began entering service 40 years ago. Israel wants 20 King Stallions itself but according to a Monday report, has complained to Sikorsky after observing deterioration in engine components from extended exposure to dust and sand kicked up by rotors and wind. Engine maker GE Aviation touts the King Stallions T408 engine compressors and turbines as sand tolerant and corrosion resistant, in a promotional brochure. The Pentagon has subjected the aircraft to sandstorm conditions as part of extensive flight testing at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, with one U.S. Army account likening the sands granularity there to moon dust. In a statement forwarded by a spokesperson, Sikorsky indicated a majority of technical issues have been resolved without providing details and that it is confident it has solutions to address the few outstanding issues remaining. Six King Stallions are on the assembly line in Stratford, with another 30 in varying stages of production. GE Aviation / Contributed photo Sikorsky did not indicate whether any prolonged engine issue could delay hiring in Stratford. The manufacturer lists more than 60 open positions at present and employs about 13,000 people in total, including roughly 8,170 in Connecticut. We understand the sand ingestion issue and, as the aircraft integrator, have assigned a dedicated team of our most experienced engineers to work alongside [the Naval Air Systems Command] and GE to resolve this issue, the Sikorsky statement reads. A GE Aviation spokesperson indicated on Tuesday that work has proceeded on about 100 engines to date, including those now being tested aboard helicopters. A subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky is the states third largest corporate employer after Electric Boat and Raytheon Technologies. As the case with Electric Boat which last week received a Navy contract for a new attack submarine Sikorsky has provided economic stability during the COVID-19 crisis through new hiring, even as Pratt & Whitney has cut jobs due to the pandemics impact on commercial aviation. Lockheed Martin need look no further than Pratt & Whitney to know how engine delays can impact aircraft production schedules. Pratt & Whitney has had to troubleshoot issues with the F135 jet engine it makes for the F-35 joint striker, pushing back production of some planes at a Lockheed Martin factory in Fort Worth, Texas. The Israeli Air Force measured engine performance falling below levels considered acceptable after just over 20 minutes exposure to dust kicked up by rotors, according to a Monday report in Breaking Defense. Multiple sources the publication did not cite by name described the dust problem as very serious and that IAF is demanding a fix before it will accept delivery of more aircraft. Israel raised no issues with the King Stallion in a formal statement last month confirming its selection of the helicopter for its military. In early March, the Government Accountability Office issued a rebuke of Sikorskys own production schedule for the King Stallion, including the manufacturers extended testing timeline. The GAO document recommended Sikorsky limit production to six helicopters annually the schedule calls for seven this year and 11 next which the Department of Defense rejected. Sikorsky goes into full production mode late next year, peaking at about two dozen helicopters rolling off the Stratford assembly line annually between 2025 and 2029. Gretchen Lemke / Lockheed Martin Corporation - Gretchen Lemke Overlap between testing and buying larger numbers of helicopters means problems revealed during testing would have to be fixed on more helicopters already built, GAO stated in the March report. Such retrofits are costly. The Pentagon is keeping tabs on Israels issues with the King Stallion through its Operational Test and Evaluation office, whose approval Sikorsky requires for full-rate production. The Navy has already asked Sikorsky to correct several early King Stallion flaws, to include what it described as low reliability of the gearbox driving the main rotor; and an exhaust system design that it observed resulted in super-heated gases being sucked back into engines and striking the skin of the aircraft. The CH-53K packs three T408 engines assembled in Lynn, Mass. by GE Aviation, along with another spare for each helicopter. The engines turbines are made MTU Aero Engines in Munich, Germany, which reported an average cost of $6.5 million for the first run of engines produced for the seven earliest models now undergoing Navy test flights. After decades of reliance on its Black Hawk helicopter, the King Stallion is at the top of the immediate priority list for Paul Lemmo, who in January replaced the retired Dan Schultz as president of Sikorsky after previously the companys Integrated Warfare Sensors & Systems division and business development for the Littoral Combat Ship. Two more major Pentagon programs are slated to hit full production on Lemmos watch: a new fleet of Marine One helicopters for the White House and rescue choppers for the U.S. Air Force. And Sikorsky is readying for a fly off competition in two years with Bell Helicopter for a new generation of vertical-lift aircraft that could furnish decades of work. Correction: Due to a reporting error, an initial version incorrectly listed Stamford as a production site for the CH-53K. Sikorsky is assembling the helicopter in Stratford. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman New Delhi: Tamil Nadu farmers marched near Jantar Mantar with just loincloths threatened the Central government to commit suicide and take out a nude march if their demands are not met in New Delhi on Monday. The farmers from Tamil Nadu have been protesting from last two months to press the government to waive their loans. The leader of the Tamil Nadu farmers P Ayyakkannu said, We will take out nude procession, if our demands are not met. He also announced that if the demands are not met they would commit suicide by slitting throats. The protesting farmers are demanding a relief package of Rs 40,000 crore, insurance for their crops and setting up of a Cauvery Management Board by the Centre. Also Read: Tamil Nadu farmers end protests in Chennai after state government agrees to fulfill demands The police deployed at Parliament Street have detained at least 25 farmers participating in the march. Ayyakkannu said, The police detained us without citing any reasons. No one has the right to stop people from protesting. Also Read: Tamil Nadu farmers consume their own 'excreta' during protest at Jantar Mantar A senior police officer stationed at the Parliament Street said the farmers were detained after they started stripping. Women groups were also demonstrating at the Jantar Mantar. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Mark Morgan, then-acting commissioner Customs and Border Protection, speaks at the National Press Club in Washington on Dec. 20, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Former CBP Commissioner: Biden Admin Has Dismantled Everything for Political Gain Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Mark Morgan said that the Biden administrations policies on the border are detrimental for the nation. This administration is absolutelyhas dismantled everything, and everything that theyre doing is against the nations best interest, and I believe its for perceived political gain, Morgan told Just the News. Morgan then elaborated on unofficial illegal immigration numbers. I think within the last 10-11 days, they actually had a single-day encounter of over 6,000. Have you seen that officially? Has anyone in [the Department of Homeland Security] reported that? No. Six thousand! Theyre averaging, now, anywhere between probably about 4,500 to 5,000 a day. But heres the truth, and heres the stat theyre not presenting officially: 75 percent of the so-called unaccompanied minors are older teenagers15, 16, 17 years of age, Morgan told the outlet. Theyre not being ripped from their parents. Theyre making a tough decision on their own to leave simply because they want a better job in the United States. Morgan further noted that over 20,000 people have been released since January by mandate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and that three-quarters of those being labeled as unaccompanied miners are older teenagers. Morgan then said that DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wasnt honest regarding the borders security. So, and this is one of the most disgusting liesliethat came out of the mouth of the DHS Secretary when he said, The southwest border is secure. And the 63,000 men and women of CBP on the frontlines of our nation, on the southwest border, know thats a lie, Morgan said. On Tuesday, 14 Republican congressmembers demanded an explanation over troubling reports that illegal immigrants are being released into the United States with no court dates. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) said in a letter to Mayorkas that the senators are seeking answers to recent troubling reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is releasing aliens who entered the country illegally without the aliens being given Notices to Appear (NTA.) Border Patrol agents arrest seven illegal immigrants who tried to evade capture near Penitas, Texas, on March 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Despite your repeated claims that the border is secure, these reports raise serious questions about DHSs commitment to faithfully enforcing the law, reads the letter, which was obtained by Fox News. The outlet reported that during the weekend, migrants were being processed and released without NTA in the Rio Grande Valley sector. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the governments plan to rescue the bankrupt South African Airways, stating that claims of a successful rescue are complete fiction. In a recent statement, DA Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) Alf Lees said that the business rescue process has cost South African taxpayers R7.8 billion in bailouts since it began in December 2019. The DA will make every effort to ensure that the SAA BRPs (Business Rescue Practitioners), SAA board, and Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan cease their collective obfuscation and give clear and unambiguous answers when they appear before SCOPA on Thursday 25 March 2021, Lees said. The facts are that the business rescue has cost the taxpayer, and poor South Africans in particular, a massive R7.8 billion in cash taxpayer bailouts since the business rescue process started on the 5th of December 2019. In addition, the business rescue will continue to drain at least another R8,0 billion in a futile attempt to begin minuscule flight operations and to keep our dead national bird operational, Lees said. Lees added that the successes touted by the BRPs could have been achieved without additional bailouts by the liquidation of the failed state-owned airline. Results of liquidation Lees argued that while liquidation would have required bailouts for SAA liabilities guaranteed by the government, it would also have resulted in the following: The entire R38 billion in liabilities and not just the R35.7 billion could have been written off; All of the SAA workforces could have been retrenched at a fraction of the cost of the Voluntary Severance Packages totalling R2.8 billion; Overheads would have been eliminated and not just reduced; and The preservation of critical memberships of the airline is of no consequence as SAA as a state-owned or majority state-owned entity will undoubtedly continue to run at taxpayer-funded losses if it finally gets operational. Lees added that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)s granting of 13 exemptions for SAAs recent flights to fetch vaccines from Belgium were the scariest of the failures in the fifteen-and-a-half months-long business rescue process. If true, the CAA will have destroyed its reputation, Lees said. There was, in all likelihood, massive political pressure on the CAA from Minister Gordhan to bend the rules, resulting in an allegedly unqualified flight crew to take the helm of a flight during which an extreme in-flight incident occurred that could have proven fatal. Considering the fact that the ANC and the Department of Public Enterprises have abandoned SA Express and allowed it to be liquidated, so should they have let SAA be liquidated and used the billions wasted on it to stimulate the economy and save at least some of the millions of jobs lost as a result of Nkosazana Dlamini-Zumas irrational lockdown regulations, Lees said. SAA cargo business will be profitable In defence of the flights to Belgium to source COVID-19 vaccines, the Department of Public Enterprises previously said that this was a proof-of-concept exercise for the imminent relaunch of SAAs cargo business. This flight was also a test relaunch of the SAA Cargo business, the DPE said. Many airlines around the world, including Lufthansa and Ethiopian, have intensified their cargo businesses while the passenger loads declined sharply, in order to bring in revenue. There will be many such flights by SAA in the months to come. The department argued that over time, cargo will become a profitable business for the airline. Partnerships with the private sector will be considered at the appropriate time. These flights will become commercially viable. The DPE said claims by disgruntled pilots and SAAPA that the flight was expensive are incorrect, and only serve to sabotage the relaunch of SAA Cargo. Now read: Cell C misses Vodacom migration target as connectivity problems frustrate subscribers The German Government is considering temporarily banning holiday trips abroad, according to several German media sources that link the decision with the controversy over trips to Mallorca. The ban, however government sources pointed out, raises doubts about its constitutionality. The Ministries of the Interior and Justice are analysing its legal viability. The demand for travel and tourist stays in Mallorca has skyrocketed in Germany as a result of the recent decision to remove the Balearic Islands from the list of risk areas for COVID, which eliminated the requirements of negative PCR and quarantine when returning from vacation . The Minister of Finance, Olaf Scholz, is against unrestricted travel to the Balearic Islands and today said that he considered it correct that all travelers have to undergo a PCR upon arrival in Germany. It is not good that now, in this situation, these trips take place, and that is why we have agreed on measures to help prevent it from becoming fashionable, said Scholz when asked about it at a press conference.In his view, it is not correct that some Germans can fly to other places and act without the restrictions on public life and economic activity in force in their country. In Germany, inland tourism has been banned since the end of last year and catering can only be used to go. In return, except occasionally in some localities, there have been no night curfews. The situation has also caused a strong controversy in Spain, where the majority of citizens will not be able to leave their autonomous community at Easter due to the restrictions of the pandemic. On March 12, the German authorities removed the Balearic Islands (along with the Valencian Community, La Rioja, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia) from the list of risk areas, which eliminated the requirement of negative PCR and quarantine for travelers from these autonomous communities. This list is updated every Friday by consensus by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Ministries of Health, Foreign Affairs and Interior. One of the main criteria is the cumulative incidence, although the German government has not explained in detail how the classification is decided. The decision on the Balearic Islands triggered the German demand for holiday trips for Easter to Mallorca - the most popular international destination for Germans - and led several companies in the aeronautical and tourism sector to adapt their plans accordingly, multiplying their offer. Liz Sharlot, a spokeswoman for Mississippis State Department of Health, said that the wording in the script could be confusing when read out of context. We are replacing this confusing and misleading language, she said in a statement However, Ms. Sharlot said the operators were never told that there was no documented proof that the Moderna vaccine or any other vaccine authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration worked. Just the opposite is true, she said. Both Moderna and Pfizer have high efficacy rates. Ms. Sharlot added, I think the gentleman misunderstood. Mr. Wayne said he understood perfectly. Im not confused at all, he said. I may be 64 years old and handicapped, but my brain is still functioning and my ears are, too. Mr. Wayne said it was unsettling to think people calling for information about getting vaccinated could be discouraged by the very people who are meant to help them get a shot. I wouldnt want anybody else going through that, he said. Mississippi has administered at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to 22 percent of its population, according to a New York Times database, putting it among the states that have had a slower rollout. Just over 12 percent of state residents have been fully vaccinated. Mr. Waynes daughter, Elizabeth Wayne, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, complained on Twitter about her fathers conversation with the state hotline operator and called it a violence. Gaborone Unlike some ministries which have experienced budget cuts, the Ministry of Land Management, Water and Sanitation's P4 365 219 560 allocation for 2021/22 is 38.3 per cent more than that for the current financial year. Briefing the media on Monday, Minister Kefentse Mzwinila said the increase was mainly due to commencement of major water projects. He said the largest share or 53 per cent of the ministry's over P3 billion development budget was meant for water supply pipelines at a cost of P1.835 billion. Mr Mzwinila said included under the allocation was the development of the North South Carrier (NSC) 2.2 covering various sub projects such as the Kanye NSC connection; NSC 2.3, 100- km Masama-Mmamashia water pipeline projects; Molepolole (Gamononyane)-NSC connection and other water transfer schemes. He said the second largest share of the development budget would go towards water supply and sanitation networks at P1.098 billion representing about 32.2 per cent. Minister Mzwinila said the funds would be used to finance among others the Maun water and sanitation project, Kasane/Kazungula water networks, Kanye and Moshupa sanitation, Lobatse water master plan as well as Seronga-Gudigwa village water supply. For land servicing projects, the minister said P322.7 million or 9.8 per cent of the development budget had been set aside. The amount would cover the Selebi Phikwe special economic zones, Metsimotlhabe Block 4, Mmopane Block 1, Francistown (Aerodrome) link road, Ghanzi, Mochudi South, Letlhakane, Tsolamosese and Mabutsane land servicing projects. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Botswana Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He further said improvements on access to developed land were being considered noting that government would need around P94 billion to provide serviced residential land to citizens which was not achievable in the foreseeable future. Mr Mzwinila however said the ministry had increased its pace in allocation of unserviced residential plots with a total of 4 587 having been allocated so far. Some 22 952 unserviced plots were expected to be allocated in the next financial year, he said. He said review of undeveloped serviced land policy was being considered because some plots sat idle for a long time while many people were on the waiting list. Source : BOPA By Farah Master HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong authorities halted the use of a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech on Wednesday, citing defective packaging, in a move that triggered scenes of confusion in inoculation centres across the city. The suspension comes as the Asian financial hub has faced a sluggish take-up of vaccines due to dwindling confidence in China's Sinovac vaccine and fears of adverse reactions. Inoculation centre staff turned away people booked to take the BioNTech vaccine, with many Hong Kong-ers unsure as to the reason and asking for explanations. Adding to the confusion, local media reports said one doctor was reprimanded for promoting the BioNTech vaccine over Sinovac's. "As a precautionary measure BioNTech requested the suspension" for its vaccines in Hong Kong until an investigation is complete, the city's Director of Health, Constance Chan, told a news conference. The city started vaccinating residents with doses from Sinovac in February and began offering the one developed by BioNTech, in March. The BioNTech vaccine is distributed in Hong Kong and Macau via a partnership with China's Fosun Pharma, while BioNTech partners with Pfizer in markets outside greater China. The BioNTech vaccine has shown greater take-up since its launch. Over the past week, more than double the number of people have booked the BioNTech shot compared to Sinovac, according to government figures. Chan said the government had initially contacted Fosun Industrial (Hong Kong), the distributor, after it found some cases of cracks in vaccine containers and stains on some bottles. She said Fosun replied on Wednesday morning stating that it needed to further investigate and would suspend vaccination until further notice. "BioNTech and Fosun have not found any reason to believe that product safety is at risk," she said. Fosun's parent company, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical, said in a filing on Wednesday it was investigating with BioNTech. Story continues BioNTech said in a statement that no other batches to other regions were affected and it was investigating the root cause. Macau said on Wednesday it was also suspending the BioNTech vaccine due to the packaging flaw. Officials said Sinovac vaccinations would continue to take place as scheduled. WAIT AND SEE In a separate incident, Hong Kong's government said it shut a private clinic that administered COVID-19 vaccines after a physician, named Dr Lau, "violated an agreement" under the city's inoculation programme. Broadcaster RTHK reported that Lau recommended people take the BioNTech shot, rather than Sinovac's, due to its better international reputation. Lau did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His clinic had been providing Sinovac vaccines and not the BioNTech ones, which are only available at larger public sector facilities. Distrust of the mainland has intensified among residents in recent years with months of anti-government and anti-China protests driven by a perception that Beijing is pushing the semi-autonomous city onto a more authoritarian path. Media reports of several deaths after vaccinations have also kept some people jittery even though the government has said there was no direct link. With low levels of infection in the city, many people are opting to wait and see before getting a shot. Only about 5% of Hong Kong's 7.5 million residents have been vaccinated, and more than one third of them received the BioNTech shot. For one 67-year-old resident, who gave his surname as Lau, there was no question as to which vaccine he was going for on Tuesday - the BioNTech one. "It has better data, there are more people getting it internationally," he said. "The other one, the data is not clear." City leader Carrie Lam has repeated called for people to get vaccinated. "When many places all over the world are scrambling for vaccines, we have a pretty assured supply," she said on Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Sharon Tam in Hong Kong, Roxanne Liu in Beijing and Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell, Robert Birsel & Simon Cameron-Moore) Police are searching for a man who assaulted two girls and a woman in linked attacks in north east London. The man is suspected of targeting two girls aged 12 and 15 and a woman in her 20s. According to detectives, the man approached a 15-year-old girl in Tottenham on Wednesday, January 20 and showed her pornography on his mobile phone. Scotland Yard are looking to talk to this man in connection with three sexually motivated incidents involving two young girls aged 12 and 15 as well as a woman in her 20s in north east London Scotland Yard has linked the three incidents because of their similar nature and the close geographic location of each assault On February 16, around 7pm, the man approached a 12-year-old girl in the Stamford Hill area of N16 and exposed himself before running off. Later that evening, around 9pm, a woman in her 20s was pushing a pram in Stamford Hill when the man approached. According to detectives, the man pushed the woman and groped her before fleeing. Officers investigating the incidents said none of the victims suffered any serious physical harm but were left traumatised by their ordeals. Scotland Yard said they are linking the three incidents which took place on Rostrevor Road, N15, Linthorpe Road, N16 and Kyverdale Road, N16. Extra patrols have been deployed to the area to reassure local residents. Detective Constable Patrick Godin who is investigating the three incidents said: 'We are doing everything we can to identify and apprehend the man responsible. 'I am asking local people to study the images and footage issued very carefully and contact us immediately if they have information that could help. 'Please work with us to help keep your communities safe.' Scotland Yard has asked anyone with information about the incidents or who recognises the suspect to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote reference 4603660/21. People can also provide information anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111. Beneficiaries of the stimulus checks were urged to keep an eye on their bank accounts and their mail this week, as the Treasury and the IRS announced the arrival of the second batch of the stimulus checks in days. Based on the latest update from the IRS, the second distribution will not only put money in the pockets of American people by a check as it will also feature a prepaid debit card, which will be identified moving forward as an EIP card or economic impact payment in huge portions of the payments. According to Washington Post, IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig advised the Americans to watch their mail for a check or debit card in the coming weeks. Based on an official from the banking industry, the agency is making approximately 17 million direct deposits with a payment date of March 24. It is also the date when they will start to send out around 20 million checks and debit cards. Moreover, the latest payments which started processing last Friday based on the agency may appear as pending or provisional deposits as additional payments were anticipated on a weekly basis moving forward. Eligible individuals for the American Rescue Plan will receive stimulus checks of $1,400 and double for couples who filed a joint return. Dependents were also eligible to receive $1,400 regardless of their age. ALSO READ: Ohio Sues Biden Administration Over Stimulus Package Delayed Stimulus Checks for Social Security Beneficiaries However, some recipients mentioned that the timing of the stimulus checks is still not clear for them. Reportedly, some individuals who receive federal assistance like SSI or Supplemental Security Income complained that compared to the previous rounds, where their payments were sent automatically, they were displeased about the non-inclusion on the initial distribution of payments. But the SSA or the Social Security Administration immediately addressed this concern. The agency tweeted on Monday that the IRS and not Social Security sends all the economic impact payments. The IRS also stated that their assistance line is not available as of the moment because representatives for their hotline and their social media team cannot answer personal questions regarding their payments. In addition, the IRS shared in a statement that it is working with the Social Security Administration, the Railroad Retirement Board, and Veterans Affairs in obtaining the list of recipients with 2021 updated information. An email was also sent by officials from the Treasury stating that eligible recipients of federal benefits who filed their tax returns in 2020 or 2019 or recipients who used the Non-Filers tool to register last year are automatically added to the list of EIP3 recipients, CNBC reported. But for eligible recipients who were not able to process according to the agency's suggestion, the IRS is already getting more information in getting their names on the list. Even the legislative counsel of the AARP, David Certner, shared that they were not overly concerned yet as they know that the agency is sending out the checks as quickly as possible. If the sending process takes too long, then that will be when they will reach out to the IRS, Accounting Today reported. WATCH: IRS says more stimulus checks being mailed this week | Here's when you can expect paper checks - 11Alive RELATED ARTICLE: Should You Be Saving Your Stimulus Check? Former Gaia Herbs, MegaFood Executive to Drive Rritual's Product Innovation, Research and Consumer Focused Growth Strategy Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Rritual Superfoods Inc. (CSE: RSF) (CSE: RSF.WT) (FWB: 0RW) ("Rritual" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Stacey Gillespie to the role of Chief Innovation Officer, delivering product innovation and expertise that will position Rritual as a leader in the functional food and wellness industry. Ms. Gillespie, a Graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science and Major in Human Nutrition, is an experienced business leader and award-winning product innovator. Before joining Rritual Superfoods as Chief Innovation Officer, Stacey led the brand and product strategy for Gaia Herbs, and prior to that, played an instrumental role in building the MegaFood whole food supplement brand, which was acquired by Pharmavite, LLC in 2014. Stacey Gillespie, Chief Innovation Officer Experience Highlights: Served as Director of Brand Strategy and Director of Product Strategy for Gaia Herbs Inc., Asheville, North Carolina. At Gaia, developed business cases for executive approval of over 20 new products, the highest number of new products launched for the company, including the entry into the hemp category. Under Stacey's leadership, three Gaia products, Agile Mind, Mind Spring, and Calm A.S.A.P., won industry leading Nexty Awards for best condition-specific supplement in Fall & Winter 2018, and Spring 2019. Served as Director of Product Strategy, Director of Product Development and Director of Marketing for MegaFood, Manchester, New Hampshire. Lead formulator of MegaFood product formulations for 10+ years, including product lines developed in collaboration with, and on behalf of Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Tieraona Low Dog. Stacey has been driving transformational growth across natural health brands and portfolios to achieve business results for over 25 years. Stacey has a track record of unlocking opportunities of innovation in emerging categories and in accelerating growth through a focused product and pipeline strategy. Her passion and wealth of knowledge of nutrition, herbs, and nutraceuticals is vast, including the application of leading-edge consumer and market insights while leading numerous brand and product research initiatives. "Stacey Gillespie represents the perfect complement to our leadership team and its CPG (consumer packaged goods) expertise by bringing her tremendous depth in terms of product research, innovation and formulation - all in complete alignment with Rritual's consumer focused brand," said Mr. David Kerbel, Rritual CEO. "Her passion and knowledge will have an exponential effect on our business model and help to fuel Rritual's ascent as a major contributor, and trusted brand in the Superfood marketplace." About Rritual Rritual is a functional superfood company that creates plant-based elixirs, which support immunity, focus and relaxation. The company is poised to dominate a segment where demand and sales are growing exponentially. Under the executive leadership with over 100 years of CPG pedigree, Rritual is launching in North America in Q2 2021 as the company positions itself as a leader in the functional health and wellness industry. Rritual's superfood elixirs can be found online at www.rritual.com. Follow Rritual on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. For further information please contact: David Kerbel - Chief Executive Officer and Director Investor Relations: Edge Communications Group E-mail: investors@wearerritual.com Telephone: 604-394-2082 Functional Foods Market According to Grandview Research*, it is estimated that the global functional food market is projected to reach $275 billion by 2025, growing at 7.9% each year with consumers putting more emphasis on health and wellness. *https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-functional-foods-market 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 Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to Rritual's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. In particular and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company's plans to leverage third party manufacturing and logistics, the Company's broader retail distribution plans and the Company's other plans, focus and objectives. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Rritual's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors set forth under "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated February 26, 2021 and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Rritual undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Rritual to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78378 Cameroonian national flag and dozens of military uniforms have been recovered in Lamunde mountain in Toungo local government area by Adamawa State Police Command during patrol. The recovery was made barely two days after Governor Ahmadu Fintiri acquired a high-grade military drone to support the Nigerian Army in its quest to rid the state of terro ists, kidnappers and bandits. Fintiri also provided operational vehicles and special intervention for the Nigerian Army. Although the flag was not hoisted on Nigerian land, the development left many residents of the area in serious panic. This was disclosed in a statement issued by DSP Yahaya Suleiman, the police public relations officer (PPRO) and made available to newsmen in Yola. The statement quoted the state commissioner of police, CP Adamu Aliyu saying: "On the 19/3/2021, the Command disconnected criminal networks terrorising communities along Nigeria-Cameroon border and southern part of Adamawa State in general. "The operation was carried out by Toungo Police Division and the Special Hunters of Pulaaku Association at Lamunde Hill situated at Gumti National Park in Toungo local government area. "A total of nine military camouflage uniform of Cameroon rebels, Cameroon national flag and one motorcycle, among other items were recovered." At a dialogue on investment in the Mekong Delta, Nicolas Le, regional expansion director of Central Group (Vietnam) stated the company is interested in expanding its investments to Chau Doc and Long Xuyen districts of An Giang province, where consumer demand is very high. Central Group is looking for newly-built trade centres from 4,000-20,000 hectares. In the next 1-2 years we hope to develop two centres and a series of convenience shops in An Giang province, Le said. The dialogue was held between An Giang Peoples Committee and foreign investors on March 23 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Investment Promotion Centre-South Vietnam (IPCSV) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. A dialogue between An Giang province Peoples Committee to foreign investors was held on March 23 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Investment Promotion Centre-South Vietnam (IPCSV) under Ministry of Planning and Investment JS Construction from Korea, meanwhile, is looking for a minimum of 1,000ha for agricultural planting. Kim Jong Seong, director of JS Construction said that this land site needs clean land and infrastructure, especially water for irrigation. Thai investors, meanwhile, expressed interest in the development of the border gate economy and industrial parks. Audsitti Sroithong, minister counsellor from Office of the Board of Investment, shared that in the establishment of the border gate economy, the most important factor was the infrastructure system which must facilitate logistics. According to Tran Thi Hai Yen, director of the IPCS, the investment promotion activities so far have not been effective enough as each province was working alone. Many provinces are offering similar incentives while they need a unique offering that suits their natural resources and geographical position, as well the investment directions of the central government. Although the investment demand in the Mekong Delta provinces is great, investment promotion activities have remained ineffective, Yen said at another meeting held on the same day where regional promotion centres shared experiences and discussed solutions to improve investment promotion in the region. Yen added that the IPCS has received many diplomatic delegations (both online and offline) as well as large corporations that are very interested in investing in the southern region, especially the Mekong Delta. The unit has also been tasked by the Ministry of Planning and Investmentwith promoting cooperation with provinces, enhancing investment promotion, and preparing steps to welcome and support the shift of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows in the coming time. Regarding regional investment promotion links, Nguyen Thi Huyen Ngoc, deputy head of IPCS Investment Promotion Department, said there is an overlap in investment promotion activities run by many agencies. In addition, these agencies are uncoordinated, partly due to the weakness of local investment promotion agency in reporting, exchanging information and promoting activities. That is why Ngoc claimed regional linkages are essential to be set up, to reduce costs, better harness resources, and promote common interests while creating a common brand and a unifying driving force in investment promotion. It is known that the Ministry of Planning and Investment has just assigned IPCS to set up a national electronic portal and the official launching ceremony is scheduled to be held in April 2021. This will be a platform for all local authorities of the 13 cities and provinces of the Mekong Delta where the foreign business community can share and request information on opportunities in this region. The IPCS has also been working with the consulates general of many countries in Ho Chi Minh City which are sending articles covering information on investment opportunities and investment needs of foreign enterprises through the industry associations in their country in this portal. The Mekong Delta accounts for 12 per cent of the country's area and 19 per cent of its population (about 17 million people). It is often referred to as the "rice bowl" of the country as it accounts for half of its total rice output and 95 per cent of its export rice output. According to the World Bank, this region accounts for 20 per cent of the global rice trade. Fishery production is also the region's strength, accounting for 65 per cent of Vietnam's production volume. However, for many years, the Mekong Delta has been overlooked by foreign investors, receiving only 8 per cent of the total FDI capital pouring into the country each year on average. This rate has increased significantly last year, when FDI in the Mekong Delta region reached $6.08 billion, accounting for 21.3 per cent of the total. Outstanding projects included the $4 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) thermal power plant in Bac Lieu invested by Delta Offshore Energy (Singapore), the O Mon II thermal power plant project with the total investment of $1.3 billion from Marubeni (Japan) and Vietnam Investment Construction and Trading Joint Stock Corporation (Constrexim Holding), and especially the $3 billion LNG-to-power project invested by VinaCapital GS Energy, a joint venture between South Korean GS Energy and VinaCapital which received the investment certificate on March 21. In the Mozambican province wracked by a violent insurgency, the convenient labelling of those rising up against the predatory elite paints a picture that is far from reality. When the uprising started in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique's northernmost province, in 2017, the insurgents used the only weapons they had: their machetes. And they cut off the heads of local elites whom they accused of being allied to the leaders of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) in stealing the mineral wealth. Forty years ago, there was another civil war in Mozambique, in which the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) committed atrocities such as burning people alive in buses. But Renamo had been trained by the apartheid military, many of whom were believing members of the Dutch Reformed Church, which was firmly supporting apartheid. Yet no matter that the trainers thought they were doing the work of God to defend white rule and how cruel the Renamo atrocities were, those who perpetrated them were never called "Christian terrorists". Yet we insist on calling the insurgents in Cabo Delgado "Islamist terrorists". Labels are important and shape how we look at civil wars. We try to label the opposition with the current global enemy. Renamo was said to be fighting "global communism" so as not to be accused of defending white rule. Now the Mozambican government is said to be fighting "global Islamists" and not protecting an elite that refuses to share the ruby, mineral and gas wealth with local people. Thus the labels shape how we see the war. Save the Children Mozambique issued a press release on 16 March about children "murdered by armed men" - carefully not labelling the insurgents. But most media reports of the press release called them Islamist and stressed links to the Islamic State. All civil wars are cruel and brutal. Amnesty International accused the insurgents of war crimes and "heinous acts of violence" on 2 March. The organisation and others use the local name for the insurgents, al-Shabaab, which simply means the youth (and has no links to other al-Shabaabs). And Amnesty International also stressed that "al-Shabaab is primarily a homegrown armed group fighting over local issues, an insurgency sparked by the long-term underinvestment in the Muslim-majority province by the central government. The group uses jihadist ideology as an organising tool. While Islamist ideologies have been growing in Cabo Delgado for decades, the movement did not gain traction until the arrival of resource extraction industries that provide little subsequent benefit for the local communities." Most local researchers support that position. Grievance and outside intervention Fifteen years ago I was the co-author of an Open University (United Kingdom) course and its textbook, Civil War, Civil Peace. One key point was that all civil wars have two things: a grievance serious enough that people feel they must kill to save their own lives, and outside intervention. In Cabo Delgado, the grievance is marginalisation and growing poverty and inequality as Frelimo oligarchs and the mining and gas companies do not share the wealth. Outside intervention to support al-Shabaab has included the Islamic State, which provided some publicity as well as support, including training in 2019 and 2020 but apparently not in the past six months. On the government side, outside support came first from a Russian private military company, the Wagner Group, and then its South African counterpart, the Dyck Advisory Group. United States "green berets" arrived on 15 March to train Mozambican marines. Portugal promises to send trainers, and the European Union and South Africa are also looking to provide support. On 10 March, the US formally labelled al-Shabaab, which it calls Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - Mozambique (Isis-Mozambique), as a foreign terrorist organisation. All of the sudden support is not to assist Mozambique but to fight the new global enemy - Islam and the Islamic State. At the press conference on 11 March, John T Godfrey said that "we have to confront Isis in Africa". His title is acting special envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat Isis, which means his job depends on fighting it, and Mozambique is just another place to send troops as part of that war. But the other speaker at the US press conference, Michael Gonzales, said that "addressing the socioeconomic drivers of the threat, countering Isis messaging, and providing greater economic opportunity and resilience of the community so that the attraction to violent extremism is lessened" was essential in Cabo Delgado. His title is deputy assistant secretary in the US Bureau of African Affairs, which shows he has a different perspective. Pushing a narrative The Frelimo leadership in Mozambique is pushing the foreign terrorism line very hard. And it does not want anyone suggesting that the insurgency is linked to the greed of the Frelimo elite, marginalisation of youths and Muslims, and growing poverty and inequality. In private, Frelimo is very clear: it wants support from individual countries and private military contractors that will provide military help and parrot the message of Islamic State terrorism. In particular, Frelimo does not want the involvement of international organisations such as the Southern African Development Community, the EU or United Nations, which are big enough to issue reports pointing out the root causes of the insurgency. Mozambique wants humanitarian aid, but again it wants to be in charge. The UN has been waiting for more than four months for visas for 57 humanitarian experts for Cabo Delgado, UN resident coordinator in Mozambique Myrta Kaulard said on 5 March. Of course religion plays a role in the war. Most, but not all, of the insurgents are Muslim and the original organisers are from Cabo Delgado, including local fundamentalist Muslim preachers. President Filipe Nyusi is from Cabo Delgado and is from the Makonde ethnic group and Catholic. Nyusi has had strong support from Pope Francis, who made an unprecedented visit to Mozambique during the 2019 presidential election campaign when Nyusi was standing against a Muslim candidate, Ossufo Momade of Renamo. And on 11 February the pope withdrew the outspoken Catholic bishop of Pemba, Luis Fernando Lisboa, whom Nyusi had publicly criticised because he was standing up for local people. It is a nasty war on all sides. Amnesty International accused the Dyck Advisory Group of war crimes, including bombing civilians by apparently using Syria-style barrel bombs made from cooking gas canisters and dropped from helicopters on houses. And Amnesty International cited government forces for war crimes. The most extreme was in Quisanga in March and April 2020, when the "permanent secretary's house would come to be known to villagers as a place where government security forces took women to be raped, and men detained, beaten and, in some cases, summarily executed as well. Six witnesses described a mass grave behind the home, a 'big hole' under the trees, where people would be taken to be shot and dumped directly in the pit." Nyusi is commander in chief and is in much more direct control of his forces than the Islamic State is of al-Shabaab. And Nyusi is Catholic and the pope has intervened in the war. If we insist on citing "Islamic terrorism" because of the role of the Islamic State, should we be calling what happened in Quisanga "Christian terrorism"? Hidden truths Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In fact, neither label is correct. But again, labels are important. The 1980s civil war was in reality a Cold War proxy war, with the US backing apartheid South Africa to build up Renamo to fight the "communists" backed by the Soviet Union. Now Islam is the enemy and the US is back, fighting the Islamic State on Mozambican soil with the willing participation of Portugal and, probably, France and South Africa. But the insurgency will not be stopped militarily. As Gonzales and many others stress, Islamist militants recruit young men with no jobs and who see no future; they stress that the government is stealing their future. Creating thousands of jobs for the poorly educated youth of Cabo Delgado would end the war, but that requires the gas companies and the Frelimo oligarchs who rule Cabo Delgado to use some of their profits to fund that job creation, and so far they have shown no interest. They would prefer the Islamic State to be blamed and that someone else fights the war. The French company Total is developing a $20 billion gas liquefaction plant on the Afungi peninsula. Insurgents reached the gates of the project on 1 January and Total pulled out its staff. It told Mozambique it would only return when the Mozambique government could guarantee a 25km-radius secure zone around Afungi. That looks as if Total is happy to do gas production if the war can be kept out of sight. It has experience of this in Nigeria, where it has offshore wells and in the Niger Delta an insurgency has been going on for decades. That is why labelling is so important. If this is treated as "Islamist terrorism" from the Islamic State outside of Mozambique, then Cabo Delgado will become like the Niger Delta and the war will continue indefinitely - with the gas companies in secure zones. But if jobs were created and marginalisation reduced, the war could be stopped. Sadly, it looks as if the gas companies, the Frelimo elite and the US building a new cold war would rather fight mythical global Islamist terrorists. I agree with deliveries benefiting some businesses more than others, trustee Susan Buchanan said. It seems like an unequal distribution of the funds based on whether your business has deliveries or not, but theyre all going to suffer the same with a lack of access. I would favor spending the money on all of them equally. Congratulations, legalservices.co.in got a very good Social Media Impact Score! Show it by adding this HTML code on your site: Legalservices.co.in scored 73 Social Media Impact. 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Facebook link FACEBOOK PAGE LINK FOUND FACEBOOK PAGE www.facebook.com/pages/Legal-Service-India/190798910949340 DESCRIPTION Legal Service India LIKES 4397 PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT 37 PAGE TYPE Government website TIMELINE PAGE TIMELINE The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. 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. The type of Facebook page. Twitter account link TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND ADVERTISEMENT The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to sanction Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) for gross violation of Nigerias environmental laws. It also asked the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) to apply sanctions for activities of the oil companies that affect the sources of livelihood of host communities. The decision to call for the sanctions followed a motion moved by Henry Nwawuba (PDP) Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency of Imo State and 14 others on Tuesday. Motion Moving the motion, Mr Nwawuba highlighted different oil spills by assets operated by Shell and Agip in the past one year. He said the oil companies have failed to do a proper cleanup in those communities. According to the lawmaker, oil spill is responsible for poverty in several oil communities in the Niger Delta region. He noted that there were two separate oil spills from Okordia Rumuekpe pipeline and the flow station at John Krana 4, known as Adibawa flow station in Eharama Community of Bayelsa State owing to long usage of oil pipeline since 1969, operated by Shell (SPDC), and the Ogada-Brass pipeline operated by AGIP (NAOC) both of which occurred in 2020. He further noted that activities of Shell Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) in BDere, OgadaBrass, Okordia Rumuekpe and other communities in Ogoni land of Rivers and Bayelsa states are causing unemployment and pollution of land, rivers and forests. Added resolutions The House urged the DPR, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Nigeria Agip Oil to comply strictly with NOSDRA Act. Also, the legislature mandated its committee on host communities to liaise with NOSDRA, DPR, Shell and Agip to carry out effective inspection and comprehensive assessment at Muuabooh, Kinaben, Vuruvulu and Keeegio creeks in BDere and other impacted areas in Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni land to ensure strict compliance with the NOSDRA Act as well as the Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry In Nigeria (EGASPIN). Press Release March 24, 2021 Senate adopts resolution urging the President to protect lawyers, prosecutors, judges The Senate today adopted a resolution condemning the rampant killings and acts of violence against members of the legal profession and urging the President to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and protection. Senate Resolution No. 691 was introduced by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Pia Cayetano, Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Francis "Tol" Tolentino. All senators were made co-authors of the resolution. "We condemn, in the strongest sense, the killings of and acts of violence against members of the bar and bench. To not act nor speak will be an act of cowardice," Drilon said in his sponsorship speech. "We further urge the President to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety and protection of the judges, prosecutors and lawyers. We ask that he lays out definitive solutions and actions to address the rampant and unspeakable violence and killings. We petition for prompt, impartial and efficient investigation and prosecution of the cases. We seek justice for our slain colleagues," he added. Drilon said that in the last 20 years, 100 lawyers were murdered. He cited a Department of Justice (DOJ) data which showed that 54 members of the legal profession had been killed since 2016. Of that number, he said 13 were prosecutors and eight were judges. The DOJ data showed that only five of the cases had actually reached the courts. He said the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG) had pegged deaths at an even higher number at 61. Aside from the killings, Drilon said there were also threats, harassments, intimidations, surveillance and some other forms of attacks, such as the rapid escalation of red-tagging against lawyers. He said the legal community was shaken early this month by a request from a police lieutenant from Calbayog City to the Calbayog Regional Trial Court for a list of lawyers who represent terrorist/communist group personalities. "The situation is made worse by the lack of general condemnation of prompt and efficient investigation, and impartial prosecution," Drilon said. "This horrendous pattern of taking lives and violence, impunity, lack of accountability and apathy are symptoms of a government run by the rule of men and not by rule of law. We must put a stop to this madness," he added. Drilon said the failure to condemn, investigate and prosecute the brazen killings against the legal community and bring the perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself. He said lawyers, prosecutors and judges play a crucial role in the administration of justice in the country, especially in representing the most marginalized members of the community. They should be able to exercise their sworn duties and represent their clients or dispense justice without threats, persecution and fear for their safety and their lives. Quantumscape Corp (NYSE: QS) is tapping the equity market, barely seven months after public listing through the SPAC route. The company manufactures solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles. What Happened: San Jose, California-based QuantumScape announced Tuesday it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 13 million shares of Class A common stock. The company has also earmarked 1.95 million shares to cover overallotments, if any. Although the company is yet to announce the pricing for the offering, at Monday's closing price of $64.29, gross proceeds from the offering will likely be between $835.77 million and $961.14 million, depending on whether the overallotment option is exercised or not. Related Link: Why Morgan Stanley Is Bullish on QuantumScape, Fisker, Bearish On Lordstown, Romeo Power Why It's Important: QuantamScape said it intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to build a larger QS-0 pre-pilot line than recently announced. Part of the proceeds will also go toward covering the company's full share of equity contributions to its joint venture with Volkswagen AG (OTC: VWAGY), and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Related Link: Jon Najarian Sees Unusual Option Activity In Box And QuantumScape QuantumScape announced in mid-February it has achieved a breakthrough in battery technology and plans to build a 200,000 square foot pilot line in California, dubbed QS-10, to make prototype batteries for the German automaker and other potential customers. QS Price Action: QuantumScape shares were down 12.25% to $56.38 Tuesday morning. Related Link: What's going on in the market? Check out Benzinga on YouTube. (Photo: QuantumScape) See more from Benzinga 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Tasmania Becomes Third Australian State to Pass Euthanasia Law Tasmania will become the third Australian state to legalise euthanasia after the law was approved by the state Parliaments upper house on Tuesday night. It comes as state-level parliamentarians across the country continue to push for the practice to be legalised. The Tasmanian upper houses vote comes just weeks after the lower house approved the End-of-Life Choices (Voluntary Assisted Dying) Bill on March 5, by a margin of 16-6. Premier Peter Gutwein and Deputy Jeremy Rockliff of the right-leaning Liberal Party-backed the law, despite voting against similar legislation three years ago. Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein provides a media update in Hobart, Thursday, April 30, 2020. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers) The End-of-Life Choices Bill is expected to be active in 18 months and is the fourth attempt at implementing the euthanasia in the island state, after failed attempts in 2009, 2013, and 2017. Similar laws already exists in Western Australia and Victoria, which was the first jurisdiction to successfully legalise euthanasia in the country. Members of Parliament (MP) in other states and territories are also campaigning for the practice to be legalised. Labor Upper House MP Kyam Maher is behind South Australias 17th attempt to introduce euthanasia in 25 years. Its time to change this law. Its time to let terminally ill South Australians safely and legally choose how to end their life, he told Parliament on March 17. Meanwhile, the Queensland Law Reform Commission has been tasked by the Palaszczuk government with drafting similar laws. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk talks to the media on January 07, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Jono Searle/Getty Images) MPs in the Northern Territory (NT) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are urging the federal government to overturn a 1996 ban on euthanasia laws in the territories by Liberal Federal MP Kevin Andrews. We have emphasised our ongoing concerns about the stark inequity between states and territories regarding voluntary assisted dying, NT Attorney-General Selena Uibo and ACT Human Rights Minister Tara Cheyne wrote in a joint letter on March 4. It is hard to fathom-and embarrassing-that the federal government allows a situation to persist, which limits some residents human rights in our own country. NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner also backed the letter. The ban was introduced after NT became the first jurisdiction in the world to pass euthanasia laws in 1995. Meanwhile, Tasmanian State MP Michael Ferguson, and fellow Liberal Party member to the premier, opposed euthanasia saying, A key foundation of law in Western civilisation is the prohibition of intentional killing. Tasmanian Liberal MP Michael Ferguson at a special sitting convened during Tasmanias COVID-19 crisis in Hobart, Thursday, April 30, 2020. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers) In the sincere but misdirected attempt to end all suffering, that foundation is being undermined and eroded, he told Parliament in December. And if that occurs, we are left with no foundation and no coherent basis to continue to believe in the fundamental dignity of human life. Senator Eric Abetz previously told The Epoch Times that euthanasia advocates tend to promote the notion that strict safeguards will ensure the laws are not abused. However, he said in reality, the laws are often loosened and thresholds drop lower and lower. A 2011 paper in Current Oncology, a Canadian medical journal, found safeguards were regularly ignored and transgressed after examining Belgium and the Netherlands, some of the earliest jurisdictions to legalise the practice. Currently, in Flanders, Belgium, only 52.8 percent of euthanasia (or assisted suicide) cases were officially reported, in contravention of the laws. Likewise, in the Netherlands, regulatory standards have been lowered to extend to newborns, children, and people with dementia. There is now public debate over expanding euthanasia to include those who are tired of life even if they are perfectly healthy. Since legalising the practice in 2002, euthanasia accounted for 4.4 percent of the Netherlands total death rate (pdf) in 2016. 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. Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? Their relationship has been plagued by criticism from fans and fellow participants alike. But it seems nothing can come between Married At First Sight's Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson, as the couple put on a decidedly united front as they stepped out together in Melbourne on Wednesday. The beleaguered couple were spotted looking carefree as they left Fox Fm studios, following an interview with Fifi Box and Brendan Fevola. Still going strong! Married At First Sight's Bryce Ruthven (left) and Melissa Rawson (right) put on a united front as they stepped out together in Melbourne on Wednesday Bryce, who has been accused of mistreating Melissa during his stint on MAFS, beamed as he and his wife made their way down the footpath together. The pair appeared to be enjoying a playful conversation, before Bryce pulled out his phone and began calling someone on his phone. Melissa dressed to impress in a black long-sleeved top with criss-cross detailing down the front, matched with a pair of blue skinny jeans. What backlash? The beleaguered couple were spotted looking carefree as they left Fox Fm studios, following an interview with Fifi Box and Brendan Fevola All smiles! Bryce, who has been accused of mistreating Melissa during his stint on MAFS, beamed as he and his wife made their way down the footpath together She completed her look with a pair of black heeled booties and a matching leather backpack. Proving that the couples who dress together stay together, Bryce matched his outfit to Melissa's by wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans. His look was completed with a black jacket and black-and-white Converse trainers. Relaxed: The pair appeared to be enjoying a playful conversation, before Bryce pulled out his phone and began calling someone on his phone Sleek: Melissa dressed to impress in a black long-sleeved top with criss-cross detailing down the front, matched with a pair of blue skinny jeans While Bryce and Melissa's relationship appears to be in jeopardy on-screens, recent paparazzi photos reveal they are in fact now living together in Melbourne, several months after filming wrapped. So far on MAFS, Bryce has infamously humiliated Melissa for her physical appearance, showed little regard for her feelings during arguments and admitted to 'hooking up' with a girl just two months before going on MAFS. Meanwhile, many viewers are directing their frustrations towards the show's producers, questioning why they allowed such a toxic relationship play out on screens. Matchy-matchy: Proving that the couples who dress together stay together, Bryce matched his outfit to Melissa's by wearing a blue T-shirt and black jeans Low-key: His look was completed with a black jacket and black-and-white Converse trainers Still together: While Bryce and Melissa's relationship appears to be in jeopardy on-screens, recent paparazzi photos reveal they are in fact now living together in Melbourne, several months after filming wrapped Tweets slamming producers flooded in during Sunday night's commitment ceremony, after Melissa told the experts that she felt 'frightened' and 'scared' to rock the boat in her relationship - even though Bryce had treated her with disrespect on multiple occasions. Leading the backlash against producers was Gogglebox star Yvie Jones, who claimed she found Melissa's words 'troubling' and felt that producers should intervene. 'Where is the duty of care from producers to even put her in that position? And if pap shots are correct, theyre still together,' she Tweeted. Producers in the firing line: Meanwhile, many viewers are directing their frustrations towards the show's producers, questioning why they allowed such a toxic relationship play out on screens She continued in another Tweet: 'So are they sitting at home watching this together? Is he seeing her say this on TV, alone in their shared home? Is he gaslighting her right now?' Elsewhere, another Twitter user wrote: 'It makes me sick watching this insidious relationship unfold... The producers have created a f**king abhorrent narrative between Bryce and Melissa.' 'Producers only care about the ratings!!' another added. Cadila Healthcare share rose over 1% today amid a sinking market after the firm and its subsidiary Zydus Pharmaceuticals inked a deal with Celgene Corporation (Celgene), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb relating to patents for REVLIMID (lenalidomide). Share of Cadila Healthcare rose up to 1.15% to Rs 436.05 against previous close of Rs 431.05 on BSE. The share stands higher than 200-day moving averages but lower than 5 day, 20 day, 50 day and 100 day moving averages. The pharma share has gained 54.73% in one year but lost 9.43% since the beginning of this year. The stock ended merely 0.96% lower at Rs 427 on a day when market crashed the most in nearly a month. Market cap of the firm stood at Rs 43,647 crore. Top losers today: M&M, SBI, Axis, ICICI, IndusInd Bank fall up to 4% As part of the settlement, the parties will file consent judgments with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey that enjoin Zydus Cadila from marketing generic lenalidomide before the expiration of the patents-in-suit, except as provided for in the settlement, the firm said. Meanwhile, benchmark indices closed in the red today led by losses in banking, auto and consumer durables stocks. While Sensex slipped 871 points to 49,180, Nifty lost 265 points to 14,549. Share Market Highlights: Sensex ends 871 pts lower, Nifty at 14,549; M&M, SBI, IndusInd, Axis Bank leads fall ROME, MAR 24 - The Chinese ambassador to Rome was summoned to Italian foreign ministry on Wednesday after Beijing imposed sanctions on European individuals in response to EU sanctions on four Chinese officials over human rights abuses in Xinjiang. A statement said that Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni told Chinese Ambassador Li Junhua that "Italy reiterates its unmoveable position on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and expresses solidarity to the European parliamentarians, academics, think tanks and officials hit by Chinese sanctions". The statement said that: "Italy confirms its support for the measures adopted by the EU and rejects the Chinese sanctions as unacceptable". Li, meanwhile, told the Lower House's foreign affairs committee that "China was forced to respond to the European Union sanctions" because it was"the victim of an injustice". "So many lies and so much fake news has been written about the supposed genocide of the Uyghurs," the ambassador said. (ANSA). Bengal has brought together the nation through 'Vande Mataram', and on this land, CM was terming people "bohiragoto", Prime Minister said on Wednesday, announcing that if voted to power, a son of the soil will be made the BJP chief minister of the state. Addressing an election rally in Kanthi in the Purba Medinipur district, Modi said that Bengal was the land of icons like Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Rabindranath Tagore and Subhas Chandra Bose and on this land, no Indian was an outsider. "Bengal brought together the people of India through Vande Mataram, and on that land, Mamata-didi is talking about 'bohiragoto' (outsider). No Indian is an outsider here, they are children of Bharat Mata," he said. "We are being called 'tourists', fun is being made of us, we are being insulted. Didi, people of Rabindranath's Bengal don't consider anybody outsider," Modi added. When the BJP forms government in Bengal, the chief minister will be a son of the soil, he said at the rally amid loud cheers from his supporters. Modi's comments came amid an "insider vs outsider" debate with Banerjee asserting regularly that she won't allow Bengal to be ruled by "outsiders" from Delhi or Gujarat, in a reference to the BJP and the prime minister. The Trinamool Congress has even launched the 'Bangla Nijer Meyeke Chaye' (Bengal wants its own daughter) campaign, with party leaders calling BJP functionaries visiting the state as "election tourists". The prime minister said that Banerjee insulted the people of Nandigram with false accusations, and people would give her a befitting reply. "You are maligning Nandigram and its people before the entire country. This is the same Nandigram that gave you so much. The people of Nandigram will not forgive you and will give you a befitting reply," he said, apparently referring to the March 10 incident in which the chief minister was injured. Modi said that BJP would make every scheme in the state scam-free and bring in transparency, hitting out at the TMC over 'cut money', 'tolabaji' (extortion) and ground-level corruption. "The relief for Amphan was looted through the 'bhaipo (nephew) window'," he alleged. The prime minister said that Banerjee was talking about 'Duare Sarkar' (government at doorstep), while she will be shown the door on May 2. The popular 'Duare Sarkar' programme was launched by Banerjee's government months ahead of the election, delivering services through special camps at neighbourhoods. The chief minister has also promised that she will ensure doorstep delivery of ration, if voted to power for the third time. The prime minister was campaigning in Kanthi, the hometown of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. (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.) Nile innovations offers lessons in engineering sustainable futures Nile communities carefully monitored and recorded the rivers flow. Centuries later these records are still being used by water resource managers. Africa is the continent most vulnerable to the impact of climate change. Thats largely because many of its people and governments are too poor to do whats needed to cope under the expected new conditions. Yet Africa has a long and successful history of learning to live with changing climates. Indeed, its believed that the great civilisations along the Nile River in Egypt and the Sudan developed in response to climate pressures. That history of adaptation should be tapped as the world confronts the challenges of the 21st century. As I have documented in a recent paper, built infrastructure such as dams and canals have enabled African societies to grow and prosper over the centuries, contrary to the criticisms of modern environmentalists. Developing resilience Between 4 000 and 6 000 years ago, North Africa enjoyed a wet climate and farming communities lived across what is now the Sahara Desert. But as the regions climate dried, people migrated towards the Nile River, the most reliable remaining water source. Many more people living close together, competing for limited land and water resources, needed new technologies and social rules to survive. This in turn required effective governance. The pyramids built by the Nile Kingdoms that emerged still stand as monuments to the success of those societies in coping with climate variability and change. Nile communities achieved resilience by combining social and political innovations with engineered changes in their physical environment. In particular, they learnt to use the Nile Rivers floods to irrigate fields alongside the river, ensuring that they always had enough food to meet their needs. Because the societys prosperity and stability depended on this agriculture, the rivers flow was carefully monitored and recorded. Administrators were expected to make early predictions of droughts and floods so that they could plan food supplies and avoid destabilising famines and civil unrest, thus maintaining their rulers reputations. Centuries later, their records were used by hydrological scientists to develop new statistical methods, which are still being used by water resource managers around the world to analyse unpredictable river flows. As the population grew, it was no longer enough to predict when the floods would be. More land had to be brought into cultivation to grow enough crops. So infrastructure was built, with canals to carry the water to new fields and shallow ponds to store it and extend the growing season. But climate remained a challenge. When there was drought in Ethiopia or East Africa, the distant sources of the Nile, a weak flood meant a season of poverty for Egypt and the Sudan. The problems grew in the 19th century when, with the region now under British control, Nile irrigation was not only feeding the people but also supplying British textile mills with cotton. The colonial authorities warned that unless more water was made more reliably available, there was a risk of great falls in profits and increased danger of political unrest. So, encouraged by the British but paid for by the Egyptians, engineers were commissioned to build more barrages and canals to command more land. A dam built at Aswan, in Upper Egypt, stored enough water to allow two crops to be planted each year. Still, the demand for water increased relentlessly, in the Sudan as well as in Egypt. The small dams didnt store enough water to supply Egypts needs in a drought year which sometimes reduced the Niles flow to less than half of its average. To avert a potential crisis, the British government planned a complex scheme to store water in Lake Victoria in East Africa and release it when necessary for Egypt and Sudan. Part of this plan was to build the 360km Jonglei canal to divert some of the river around the Sudd swamps in Southern Sudan where half of it is lost to evaporation (and which also emits huge amounts of the greenhouse gas methane). When Egypt became independent in 1952, it wasnt willing to stake its water security on projects in other countries. So it built its own project, the massive Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970 which stores enough water to maintain supplies through the worst drought in 100 years. The High Dam was heavily criticised on environmental and economic grounds. But it has kept Egypt water secure for 50 years even as its population tripled to over 100 million and its gross domestic product per capita grew. Going forward The challenge today is to emulate these successes. This will require societies to develop and agree on future strategies and then implement them successfully. While the Pharaohs could rule by decree, democracies are more complex. Also, for African countries in particular, finance and technical support often comes with conditions. Engineering projects that involve building dams and canals that affect rivers and wetlands are still controversial. So Ethiopia had to use its own very limited resources to build its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Construction of the Jonglei Canal was stopped by civil war in 1984. South Sudans government is now considering cooperation with Egypt to complete it. But it will have to convince the international development community that the impacts on the Sudd wetland are acceptable. In both cases, the difference is that theres now wide agreement about the need to limit climate change. Both the Ethiopian Dam and the Jonglei Canal could contribute to that goal. The dam will produce clean electricity that will replace dirty diesel generators across the region. Aside from making more water available and supporting local agricultural development, the Jonglei Canal could reduce the Sudds methane emissions that are aggravating global warming. Other measures to use water more wisely and to reuse wastewater are also important. The Egyptian government has already taken measures to improve agricultural productivity and stop its farmers wasting scarce water on thirsty crops like sugar and rice. The history of the Nile has demonstrated that water management infrastructure can provide resilience to climate challenges. Further engineering interventions along the Nile could generate clean electricity and expand irrigation to feed and create livelihoods for the people of the region. But decades of controversy about the Aswan and Renaissance Dams and the Jonglei Canal have shown that there has to be sufficient agreement among the parties concerned before such projects can proceed. The threat of climate change could provide the catalyst for further progress. But without innovation and cooperation, the Nile communities face uncertain futures. Mike Muller, Visiting Adjunct Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Sara Carpenter at the Capitol on Jan. 6 Sara Carpenter, a former spokesperson for the New York City police department, was arrested March 23 for participating in the Jan. 6 storming of the US Capitol. Surveillance footage caught Carpenter inside the Capitol shaking a tambourine and shooting video, according to the Daily News. A tipster ratted Carpenter out to the FBI, saying she told a relative that she took part in the riot. During an interview with the FBI, Carpenter admitted being in the Capitol and handed over her video. The 51-year-old Carpenter, who is retired from the NYPD, was charged with entering a restricted area and disrupting the conduct of government business. She appeared in Brooklyn federal court and was released on bail. Any involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol is serious criminal conduct, said assistant U.S. attorney Joshua Hafetz at the arraignment. That said... Her cooperation to date with the investigation, including her self-surrender today... are sufficient to ensure her return to court. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has offered to consider the possibility of opening a Ukrainian-German bilingual school in Berlin. He said this during a meeting with Governing Mayor of Berlin Michael Muller as part of his working visit to Germany, according to the Government portal. "Education is the basis of development of the state. Given the large Ukrainian community living in and near the German capital, we would like to consider opening a Ukrainian-German bilingual school," Shmyhal said. For his part, Muller supported the proposal to strengthen relations in the field of education. The mayor of Berlin noted that one of the steps in this direction could be the establishment of partnerships between Ukrainian and German schools for the exchange of students and schoolchildren. As a reminder, on the occasion of the 207th anniversary of the birth of Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko, diplomats of the Ukrainian Embassy in Germany and representatives of the Ukrainian community honored the memory of the Great Kobzar by visiting Shevchenkos willow in Berlin. ish NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court will on Wednesday hear former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh's plea seeking a probe into the allegations levelled by him against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Singh has accused Deshmukh of running an 'extortion racket.' In his petition, Param Bir Singh has called for "unbiased, uninfluenced, impartial and fair investigation in the various corrupt malpractices of Anil Deshmukh, the Home Minister of Government of Maharashtra, before the evidences are destroyed". Singh's petition will be taken up by a two-judge bench of the top court, comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and R Subhash Reddy. It may be recalled that Singh was transferred last week by the Maharashtra government to the Home Guards for "mishandling" the Mukesh Ambani bomb scare case. In his petition, the former Mumbai top cop has also requested the top court to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the alleged wrongdoings in transfers and postings of police officers in Maharashtra. The ex-Mumbai top cop has also requested for the collection of CCTV footage of Anil Deshmukh's residence in Mumbai to corroborate with the charges he has levelled. Singh has also sought a stay on his transfer. In a letter written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the top cop had alleged that he was transferred to the "low-key" post in the Home Guards "immediately after" he brought Deshmukh's alleged corrupt practices to the notice of chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, deputy CM Ajit Pawar and some other senior leaders of the state government. Singh alleged that Anil Deshmukh had met his subordinates, including arrested cop Sachin Vaze, in mid-February and asked them to collect Rs 100 crore monthly, including Rs 50 to Rs 60 crore from bars and hotels in Mumbai. Deshmukh has, however, categorically denied the accusation and has threatened to sue the cop for defamation. Param Bir Singh was transferred from the post of Mumbai police commissioner last week, in the midst of a probe by the NIA into the recovery of an explosives-laden SUV which was found parked outside the south Mumbai residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani last month. Live TV Fishawack Health bolsters its strong strategic offering by acquiring PRMA Consulting - a global market access and HEOR consulting leader with significant expertise in US, EU, and Asia-Pacific markets LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading life science commercialization partner Fishawack Health has acquired PRMA Consulting, a premier global market access and health economics outcomes research (HEOR) consultancy with offices across Europe, Asia, and the US. The acquisition bolsters Fishawack Health's strong strategic offering, adding deep expertise in Asia-Pacific and European markets to complement the company's existing market access offering in North America. Fishawack Health now offers one of the industry's leading market access and HEOR capabilities, spanning the globe. "We're delighted to welcome PRMA Consulting to our group - our third acquisition of 2021," Oliver Dennis, Fishawack Health Co-founder, and CEO, said. "PRMA Consulting brings extensive global market access, HEOR, and disease area expertise, making them an important addition to our Consulting business unit. By acquiring best-in-class organizations like PRMA Consulting, we are continuously developing agile, integrated, and tailored solutions that ensure we're one step ahead of our client's complex and evolving needs across the product lifecycle - from laboratory assets to launch and beyond." For more than a decade, PRMA Consulting has shaped the future of market access with an industry-leading strategic offering and award-winning, cloud-based digital applications that unlock and optimize product value - the PRMA Healthcheck, PRMA Navigator, PRMA Tracker, and PRMA Access Accelerator. Fishawack Health intends to make these solutions available to all existing clients. Fishawack Health Head of Consulting, Fred Bassett, said: "Our goal at Fishawack Health is to give clients access to highly-experienced experts who provide strategic direction, helping to make decisions that matter across the development and commercialization of portfolios, products, and services. The PRMA Consulting team shares our passion for solving the most complex and challenging healthcare problems in fast-evolving markets. We're delighted to add a team of market access and health economics strategists with deep specialism in HEOR, healthcare technology assessments, pricing, and reimbursement processes." David Sykes, Founding Partner at PRMA Consulting, explained: "We are excited about the opportunity of joining Fishawack Health and building out the leading global value, evidence, and access group. We were drawn by our shared culture and values and the ability to tap into existing complementary Fishawack Health resources, which will help us provide our clients with an even better experience. "As the pace of clinical development accelerates and the responsibilities between medical, commercial, access, and HEOR merge, we see a huge opportunity to develop market-leading integrated and cross-functional service offerings for our clients. "We would like to thank our clients for helping us achieve this important milestone. I would also like to recognize and thank the wonderful team at PRMA Consulting who have helped us to be so successful. As our journey progresses, we remain focused on partnering with clients to help them enable faster patient access to therapies that improve health outcomes." About Fishawack Health Visit:? www.fishawack.com ? About PRMA Consulting Visit: www.prmaconsulting.com Advisers involved in this transaction included: KPMG Manchester acted on behalf of Fishawack Health for financial and tax due diligence; Craig Scott and Elan Iorwerth, Hill Dickinson (Liverpool), together with Jamie Mercer and Lyle LeBlang, Sheppard Mullin (San Diego), and Allen & Overy (London) provided legal support; and EY provided tax advice. PricewaterhouseCoopers acted on behalf of PRMA Consulting for corporate finance. Charles Russell Speechlys LLP provided legal support and due diligence, and Marcussen Consulting LLP provided Tax advice and due diligence. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1471132/Fishawack_Health_Picture1.jpg Sorry! This content is not available in your region A puzzle loving divorcee has been left reeling after working for months to complete an enormous 190-square-feet jigsaw, only to discover that the final piece was missing. Peter Schubert was assembling the 54,000-piece jigsaw at his home in Hallerndorf in Bavaria, Germany as part of a Guinness World Record bid. The 52-year-old said he spent four and a half months, training himself 'like an athlete,' in order to complete the mammoth Travel Around Art jigsaw, which features paintings from around the world including Gustav Klimt's The Kiss and Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. 'I started by solving it by completing 10 individual 1,000-piece parts of the overall puzzle and, like an athlete, trained my stamina, my eye for detail, and I made a plan for how I wanted to proceed,' Schubert said. The plan was scuppered at the very last stage, however, when Schubert said he was shocked to find there was one piece missing. He looked everywhere, even checking the vacuum cleaner in hopes of finding the missing piece, but to no avail. Peter Schubert was assembling the 54,000-piece jigsaw at his home in Hallerndorf in Bavaria, Germany A puzzle loving divorcee has been left reeling after working for months to complete the enormous 190-square-feet jigsaw, only to discover that the final piece was missing The 52-year-old said he spent more than four months, training himself 'like an athlete,' in order to complete the mammoth Travel Around Art jigsaw (pictured), which features paintings from around the world Eventually, Schubert contacted Grafika, the jigsaw's manufacturer, to request the missing piece. The Travel Around Art jigsaw is available to buy for 449 (399) and can be sent to puzzle enthusiasts in 26 countries. Though described as the 'world's largest jigsaw puzzle,' the jigsaw is 497, 232 pieces short of a giant lotus flower design which holds the current Guinness World Record for most pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. It was assembled by 1,600 students in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2011. Schubert has described himself as a true puzzle devotee and a very patient man - an attribute he said is essential in solving puzzles with thousands of pieces. Described in Germany as 'The Puzzle King,' Schubert's love of the giant games began 17 years ago when he came across an enormous jigsaw in a bookshop. 'I saw something that would go on to take my whole life in a completely new direction - A 20,000-piece jigsaw in a huge box!' Described in Germany as 'The Puzzle King,' Schubert's love of the giant games began 17 years ago when he came across an enormous jigsaw in a bookshop. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw Since buying a 20,000-piece jigsaw some 17 years ago, Schubert has solved around 60 puzzles including 3D, holographic and miniature puzzles. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw While he initially resisted the urge to buy the whopping 64sqft puzzle, he couldn't stop thinking about it and returned to the shop the next morning. 'Even today I can still hear the laughter of the saleswoman, who said 'finally it is gone and now we have more space on the shelf again!,'' he said. The puzzle Schubert had bought was the largest on the market at the time and was a struggle to complete, taking him more than a year to do so. 'It was the most difficult puzzle of my career,' he said. 'The frame alone had over 3,000 identical pieces in uniform beige.' Schubert went through a divorce some 12 years ago and said that being single and not having marital responsibilities frees him up to organise his schedule around solving a puzzle. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw Each time Schubert sets out to complete a large jigsaw, he adjusts his everyday routine to allow everything else to revolve around the task. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw Since then, Schubert has solved around 60 puzzles including 3D, holographic and miniature puzzles. Schubert went through a divorce some 12 years ago and said that being single and not having marital responsibilities frees him up to organise his schedule around solving a puzzle. Each time he sets out to complete a large jigsaw, he adjusts his everyday routine to allow everything else to revolve around the task. 'I invest four to five hours a day before and after my shift on weekdays and I usually take a day during the weekend where I spend 14 hours on the puzzle,' he said. A professional fitter, who works in home decoration and construction, Schubert said his personal record for daily time spent on a puzzle is a whopping 15.5 hours in one day. A professional fitter, who works in home decoration and construction, Schubert (pictured with the Travel Through Art jigsaw) said his personal record for daily time spent on a puzzle is a whopping 15.5 hours in one day Whenever he needs a break, Schubert likes to take a short walk to take his mind off the puzzle, which he returns to as soon as his focus returns. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw Schubert believes that solving puzzles has had a lot of positive effects on his health and life, including allowing him to achieve a balanced state of mind as well as having a beautiful picture to show off each time he completes a jigsaw. Pictured: Schubert with a completed jigsaw on display Whenever he needs a break, he likes to take a short walk to take his mind off the puzzle, which he returns to as soon as his focus returns. He refuses to accept help from anyone, preferring his puzzles to be a solo effort. Schubert believes that solving puzzles has had a lot of positive effects on his health and life, including allowing him to achieve a balanced state of mind as well as having a beautiful picture to show off each time he completes a jigsaw. Despite having completed enormous puzzles, he said his greatest challenge was an 1,000-piece 'all black' puzzle he bought from Japan, which he found lacking in concept. He said that puzzles bring order where there was chaos and can help to train people's problem-solving skills. 'Imagine you have a problem and you cannot solve it quickly. It grows and grows, but only in your head, in real life it still remains the same. 'But thinking about it blocks you from finding a solution. You are then immediately overwhelmed, you experience pure stress and many people turn to medication or alcohol. Schubert (pictured with the Travel Through Art jigsaw) said that puzzles bring order where there was chaos and can help to train people's problem-solving skills After finishing a puzzle, Schubert usually tries to display them somewhere for others to enjoy. He is looking forward to showing off the 54,000-piece Travel Around Art jigsaw, along with some of his other puzzles, in a large gym once the missing piece arrives. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw Schubert said his personal goal is to solve a total of 500,000 pieces across his puzzles. Pictured: The Travel Around Art jigsaw 'You first get numb, but that pushes the problem backwards, it won't solve it, on the contrary, a new one may be added.' After finishing a puzzle, Schubert usually tries to display them somewhere for others to enjoy. He is looking forward to showing off the 54,000-piece Travel Around Art jigsaw, along with some of his other puzzles, in a large gym once the missing piece arrives. Schubert said his personal goal is to solve a total of 500,000 pieces across his puzzles. 'I am already at 430,000 pieces, which would result in a total area of 130 square metres,' he said. 'I am proud of it, considering I work full-time. Puzzles are a real time killer.' We couldnt find anything at this address. Please check the URL or go to the homepage Vietnam will continue to test the domestically-made Covid-19 vaccine called Covivac on 30 volunteers on March 23-25. A volunteer is tested with the Covivac vaccine. Photo: Thuy Hanh On the morning of March 23, 15 volunteers were injected with the vaccine at the Center for Clinical Pharmacology of the Hanoi Medical University. On March 25, 15 others will be vaccinated. Thus, by the end of this week, 36 volunteers will have been injected with Covivac vaccine. Dr. Vu Dinh Them, Director of the Center for Clinical Trials of the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that the first six volunteers who were injected with this vaccine on March 15 are in good condition. Some 30 minutes after vaccination, some had mild reactions such as pain at the injection spot, or a headache. After a week, the six volunteers returned to hospital to get blood test and check of liver and kidney function. All indicators were stable. They wilm be injected with the second dose after 20 days. Doctor Thiem said that only 15 people are injected each time because the overnight stay after injection can only accommodate 15 beds. As a rule, volunteers must stay at hospital to be monitored for the first 24 hours after vaccination. In phase 1, Covivac vaccine will be tested on 120 volunteers aged 18-59. The trial is jointly conducted by the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and the Hanoi Medical University from March 15 to April 20. As many as 120 volunteers are divided into five groups: three groups to be vaccinated with vaccines without adjuvants, including three types of 1mcg, 3mcg and 10mcg; one group to be vaccinated with the dose of 1mcg vaccines, including adjuvants; and one group of 20 people who are injected with a placebo. Covivac vaccine, produced by IVAC, is the second locally-made Covid-19 vaccine under clinical trials. The production of this vaccine use NewCastle vector technology. The preclinical study showed that Covivac vaccine could prevent both British and South African strains. The finished product price of this vaccine is only about VND60,000 (less than $3) per dose. Thuy Hanh 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. JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) has announced the launch of JAIN Online to offer Undergraduate and Postgraduate Online Degree Programs, in Commerce, Management, Information Technology and Humanities recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) is a world-class institution promoted by JAIN Group, with over 30 years of excellence in Education, Research, and Entrepreneurship. The Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) Dr. Chenraj Roychand stated, "The changing landscape of education globally A scarcity of directors and officers coverage for cannabis companies may be take an even bigger spotlight following a Colorado lawsuit in which two large cannabis operators and several executives are accused of illegally transporting marijuana to Arkansas. The lawsuit also invokes the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, which seeks increased damages for the plaintiff. Among the firms named is Chicago, Ill.-based Verano Holdings, which is accused in the lawsuit of illegally transporting marijuana from its home state of Illinois to Arkansas. While medical marijuana is legal in Arkansas, cultivation, sale, and possession of the drug remains federal offenses in Arkansas. Cannabis also remains a controlled substance in the eyes of the federal government, as the lawsuit notes. The allegations of illegal interstate marijuana shipments stem from the attempted acquisition of Verano by Phoenix, Ariz.-based Harvest Health & Recreation in a deal that fell through last year, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Verano (VRNOF: OTCMKTS) is a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator that designs, builds, and operates dispensaries under retail brands Zen Leaf and MUV. Harvest (HRVSF: OTCMKTS) is a vertically integrated cannabis company and multi-state operator that has been expanding its retail and wholesale presence throughout the U.S. by acquiring, manufacturing, and selling cannabis products for patients and consumers in addition to providing services to retail dispensaries. The lawsuit was filed on March 8 in Colorado District Court. It also names dozens of executives from the cannabis companies. Nicholas Nielsen is the plaintiff named in the suit. Nielsen is a former employee of Natural State Wellness Enterprises in Arkansas, formerly owned by Harvest. Nielsen was arrested in 2020 and charged with setting up an Arkansas dispensary for several of the corporate defendants. Nielsen received his instructions directly from various executives of those companies, the suit states. When police raided the site, however, it was only Nielsen who was criminally charged and left holding the proverbial bag. Ian Stewart is an attorney who represents numerous carriers and is a regular speaker on cannabis topics at conferences and in the media. Stewart, founder and co-chair of the cannabis and hemp law practice at Wilson Elser, believes the lawsuit underlines a big problem for insuring the cannabis industry: D&O coverage for cannabis companies is expensive, its hard to get, and, as a result, there may be big gaps in some D&O policies written to cannabis companies. Stewart said hes seen a growing number of D&O lawsuits filed in the cannabis segment, and he believes that a case like the Nielsen suit may further show that D&O coverage is limited in the cannabis space. I would take an educated guess that therere some gaps in their D&O coverage, he said of the companies involved. Stewart described the D&O dilemma as a cycle that cannabis companies are getting drawn into: management mistakes give rise to claims and ensuing settlements, and the resulting payouts give rise to premium hikes or declinations. Those cycles may get repeated, as many cannabis companies find it increasingly difficult to bring experienced, quality executives on board, because they cannot procure the proper D&O coverage. Thats the vicious cycle, Stewart said. Matthew Buck, with the firm Red Law, represents Nielsen. He wasnt immediately available for comment. A spokesperson for Verano has been reached out to for comment. A representative for Harvest said the company intends to vigorously defend itself against these claims and expects the case will be dismissed in due course. A statement supplied on behalf of the company calls the suit a thinly veiled shakedown and said that it is replete with inaccuracies. Knowing his client was legally bound to take any dispute to binding confidential arbitration, Mr. Neilsens lawyer threatened to unleash a smear campaign by filing a lawsuit filled with damaging false information unless we paid him millions of dollars, the statement reads. The suit states that Nielsens former employer arranged for him to receive several under-the-table payments to keep quiet about what he saw while he was at Harvest. Worth noting in the suit is that is states that dealing in marijuana is considered racketeering activity under RICO, and those who engage in a pattern of racketeering activity through a corporation or other enterprise are liable for three times the economic harm they cause plus costs and attorneys fees. The suit notes that RICO also enables federal courts to order racketeering enterprises and their coconspirators to cease their unlawful operations. Accordingly, the Plaintiff asks this Court to award him the damages, costs, and fees he incurred as a result of the Defendants actions, and to which he is entitled, the lawsuit states. Stewart was dubious about the merit of the suit. Im a little skeptical that the complaint really has legs, he said, adding that the plaintiff looks to be part of the alleged conspiracy, and when he allegedly got caught taking marijuana plants from out of state, he cried foul. Now hes airing dirty laundry apparently, Stewart said. The case is Nicholas Nielsen Vs. Verano Holdings LLC (1:21-cv-00692-SKC). Topics Lawsuits Cannabis Colorado Directors Officers Venu Srinivasan, who built Company, since 1980, into one among the top five global manufacturers of two- and three-wheelers, has decided to step down as chairman in January 2023. He will be replaced by Ralf Speth, former chief executive officer of Speth joined the companys board on Thursday. While Srinivasan will become chairman emeritus, Speth will mentor TVS Motor, which is eyeing around 20 per cent of its sales from premium products and is planning to expand its premium brand in North America and Europe as part of its vision to be among the top three or four two-wheeler brands globally. Speaking to Business Standard, Srinivasan said TVS had global aspirations after the acquisition of British iconic brand Norton last year and is developing its own premium products. We would like to have a chairman who can guide and mentor the company to be more driven, agile and work faster, said Srinivasan, 68. His son, Sudarshan Venu, is executive director-MD with joint managing director rank, while K N Radhakrishnan will stay as chief executive officer. On what will happen to the MDs post, Srinivasan said, "We will see at that time. I will still be a director. ALSO READ: TVS Group's family members enter into 'brand agreement' Both Srinivasan and Speth have been working together as non-executive directors on the board of Tata Sons. According to a company statement on Thursday, Speth brings with him enormous strength as the architect of Srinivasan said Speth also had deep knowledge about the global automotive industry and an outstanding engineer. I have got a great mentor to build the future of TVS, said Srinivasan, who is the grandson of the TVS Groups founder T V Sundaram Iyengar. Srinivasan, who worked as a mechanic in his own garage during vacations, took over as CEO of Sundaram-Clayton in 1979. was born the same year. Its market capitalisation is close to Rs 27,000 crore. Srinivasan also pioneered the TQM (total quality management) concept based on the Japanese model, long before most enterprises in India did. Sundaram Clayton, the holding company of and TVS Motor, were got the Deming Prize. Speth began his career in BMW and did his PhD at Warwick Manufacturing Group and later joined Premier Auto Group, where he was responsible for product planning and quality. Later, he moved to the chemical giant Linde, where he ran global operations. Most recently, he was CEO of for over 11 years. Around 33 per cent of TVS Motors sales now come from international markets, driven largely by commuting and entry level segments. TVS wants to move up the value chain with its premium brands the Norton, Apache, Ntorq, iQube (electric) -- and with launches. In five years over 50 per cent of sales will come from the global market. Of that around 20 per cent will be premium products. Premium products will contribute around 10 per cent of the overall sales of the company, said Srinivasan, adding that margins are also good in premium products. As part of market expansion, TVS is planning to strengthen its presence in developed markets including North America and Europe, South Korea and Japan, said Srinivasan. Meanwhile, TVS Motor has appointed Kuok Meng Xiong (MX) as independent director. He is the scion of the Kuok Group, one of Asias leading business houses and the founder of venture firm K3 Ventures, where he has led early investment in 38 of the worlds leading start-ups and many Asian unicorns. LEXINGTON, Mass., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Partner Therapeutics, Inc. (PTx), a commercial biotech company, announces the publication of results from an investigator-initiated clinical trial (NCT01409915) evaluating the use of Leukine (sargramostim, yeast-derived rhuGM-CSF) in patients with mild-to-moderate AD. Participants were evaluated for safety and tolerability, as well as cognitive function and markers of AD pathology. Professor Huntington Potter, together with Jonathan Woodcock, Timothy Boyd and collaborators at the University of Colorado (CU) Alzheimer's and Cognition Center published their findings in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions, an open access journal of the Alzheimer's Association ("The Safety and Efficacy of GM-CSF (Sargramostim) in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease" (Potter, Woodcock, Boyd, et al.); DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12158. According to Dr. Potter, "The goal of the clinical trial was to examine the impact of a natural human protein called granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on people living with Alzheimer's disease. We tested Leukine because people with rheumatoid arthritis tend not to get Alzheimer's disease and we had previously found GM-CSF, which is increased in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis, reduced amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's mice and returned their poor memory to normal after a few weeks of treatment. Thus, naturally increased levels of GM-CSF in people with rheumatoid arthritis may be one reason that they are protected from Alzheimer's disease. Human GM-CSF is the active compound in the known human drug Leukine, and we are the first to study its effect on people with Alzheimer's disease." The researchers carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial to test safety and efficacy of Leukine treatment in participants with mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Participants who met eligibility criteria were randomized to receive injections of either Leukine (20 patients received Leukine at a dose of 250 mcg/m2/day subcutaneous injection for five days a week for three weeks) or placebo (20 patients took saline for five days a week for three weeks). Most study participants from the study were recruited and treated at CU Anschutz with three from the University of South Florida. The CU Anschutz researchers conducted and studied multiple neurological, neuropsychological, cell, cytokine, Alzheimer's pathology biomarkers, and neuroimaging assessments. They found that short term treatment with Leukine: was safe and well-tolerated by participants and the most common Leukine-associated adverse events were dermatological (16 for Leukine vs. 5 for placebo), gastrointestinal (8 for Leukine vs. 5 for placebo), and headache (8 for Leukine vs. 2 for placebo), as expected for this medication; side effects were consistent with the Leukine label and there were no serious adverse events related to study drug; showed significant reversal of cognitive loss, as measured by the MMSE (Mini-Mental State Exam, an AD assessment): cognitive measures of memory improved by almost 2 points in the 30 point MMSE compared to baseline (P=0.0074); Leukine-treated patients did better than placebo-treated patients (P=0.0370) after three weeks of treatment; this improvement lasted up to 45 days post treatment (P=0.0272); modulated blood based biomarkers of AD towards normal levels; plasma amyloid marker Abeta40 (decreased in AD) increased 10% (p=0.0105), and plasma markers of neurodegeneration (total Tau and UCH-L1) decreased 24% (p=0.0174) and 42% (p=0.0019), respectively, after treatment with Leukine compared to placebo; and increased innate and other immune cells and modulated cytokine measures. "These results suggest that short-term Leukine treatment leads to innate immune system activation, cognition and memory improvement, and partial normalization of blood measures of amyloid and tau pathology and neuronal damage in participants with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Potter. He added, "this surprising finding that stimulating the innate immune system may be a new treatment approach induced us to start a larger trial of Leukine in Alzheimer's disease with more participants treated over a longer time. This new trial will be funded by the Alzheimer's Association/Part The Cloud, the University of Colorado, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and by a large grant recently awarded from the National Institute on Aging". "Leukine has unique immunomodulatory properties and we commend Professor Potter and his team for taking their observations in rheumatoid arthritis and "chemo-brain" and applying them to Alzheimer's disease," said Debasish Roychowdhury, PTx's Chief Technology Officer. "The study was rigorously conducted with numerous measures aimed at studying the effect on the clinical and pathological parameters while also discerning the basic mechanism. We are excited to see that Leukine, even in the short term, can potentially be disease modifying. This study adds to a growing body of research indicating the potential benefits of Leukine's effects on tissue resident macrophages, such as microglial cells in AD or alveolar macrophages in aPAP or severe COVID-19." Leukine is not approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. ABOUT LEUKINE LEUKINE (sargramostim) is an FDA-approved, yeast-derived recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF). GM-CSF is a naturally occurring protein called a cytokine that plays an important role in myeloid hematopoiesis, immunomodulation, and cell reprogramming. Leukine is designated an Essential Medicine by FDA and is held by the U.S. Government in the Strategic National Stockpile. Leukine is available outside of the United States through a Named Patient Program administered by Tanner Pharma Group. Leukine is indicated: To shorten time to neutrophil recovery and to reduce the incidence of severe and life-threatening infections and infections resulting in death following induction chemotherapy in adult patients 55 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells into peripheral blood for collection by leukapheresis and autologous transplantation in adult patients. For the acceleration of myeloid reconstitution following autologous bone marrow or peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. For the acceleration of myeloid reconstitution following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. For treatment of delayed neutrophil recovery or graft failure after autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. To increase survival in adult and pediatric patients from birth to 17 years of age acutely exposed to myelosuppressive doses of radiation (Hematopoietic Syndrome of Acute Radiation Syndrome [H-ARS]). Important Safety Information for Leukine (sargramostim) Contraindications LEUKINE is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor such as sargramostim (GM-CSF), yeast-derived products, or any component of LEUKINE. Warnings and Precautions Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions, have been reported with LEUKINE. If any serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs, immediately discontinue LEUKINE therapy and institute medical management. Permanently discontinue LEUKINE in patients with serious allergic reactions. LEUKINE can cause infusion-related reactions, including respiratory distress, hypoxia, flushing, hypotension, syncope and/or tachycardia. Observe closely during infusion, particularly in patients with preexisting lung disease, as dose adjustment or discontinuation may be required. Do not administer LEUKINE simultaneously with or within 24 hours preceding cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy or within 24 hours following chemotherapy. Edema, capillary leak syndrome, pleural and/or pericardial effusion have been reported in patients after LEUKINE administration. LEUKINE should be used with caution and monitored in patients with preexisting fluid retention, pulmonary infiltrates, or congestive heart failure. Supraventricular arrhythmia has been reported in uncontrolled studies during LEUKINE administration, particularly in patients with a previous history of cardiac arrhythmia. Use LEUKINE with caution in patients with preexisting cardiac disease. If ANC > 20,000 cells/mm 3 or if WBC counts > 50,000/mm 3 , LEUKINE administration should be interrupted or the dose reduced by half. Twice weekly monitoring of CBC with differential should be performed. or if WBC counts > 50,000/mm , LEUKINE administration should be interrupted or the dose reduced by half. Twice weekly monitoring of CBC with differential should be performed. LEUKINE therapy should be discontinued if disease progression is detected during treatment. Treatment with LEUKINE may induce neutralizing anti-drug antibodies. Use LEUKINE for the shortest duration required. Liquid solutions containing benzyl alcohol (including LEUKINE Injection) or LEUKINE for Injection reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol) should not be administered to neonates and low birth weight infants. Concomitant use of drugs that can potentiate the myeloproliferative effects of LEUKINE should be avoided. Adverse Reactions Adverse events occurring in >10% of patients receiving LEUKINE in controlled clinical trials and reported in a higher frequency than placebo are: In Autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patientsasthenia, malaise, diarrhea, rash, peripheral edema, urinary tract disorder In Allogeneic BMT patientsabdominal pain, chills, chest pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, dysphagia, GI hemorrhage, pruritus, bone pain, arthralgia, eye hemorrhage, hypertension, tachycardia, bilirubinemia, hyperglycemia, increased creatinine, hypomagnesemia, edema, pharyngitis, epistaxis, dyspnea, insomnia, anxiety, high glucose, low albumin In AML patientsfever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, skin reactions, metabolic laboratory abnormalities, edema ABOUT PARTNER THERAPEUTICS PTx, an integrated biotechnology company, focuses on development and commercialization of late-stage therapeutics to improve health outcomes in treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. The company believes in delivering products and supporting medical teams with the purpose of achieving superior outcomes for patients and their families. Visit www.partnertx.com SOURCE Partner Therapeutics, Inc. Related Links partnertx.com Kourtney Kardashian posted a sizzling solo snap to her Instagram account on Wednesday morning. In the photo, the 41-year-old reality television personality could be seen showing off nearly every inch of her curvy body in front of a picturesque indoor pool. The social media powerhouse also wrote a short message in the post's caption that read 'spring break.' Hot stuff! Kourtney Kardashian was pictured relaxing in an indoor pool in a sizzling Instagram snap that was posted to her account on Wednesday morning Pinup material: In the snap, Kardashian was seen wearing a reflective bikini top that left little to the imagination of her 114 million followers In the snap, Kardashian was seen wearing a reflective bikini top that left little to the imagination of her 114 million followers as her abs stood out. The matching bottoms rode high on her curvy hips and had little ties on each side. Her normally free-flowing dark brown hair remained wet during the photo shoot and fell down past her left shoulder onto one of the pool's walls. Kardashian's post comes after she was featured in several promotional photos that were taken for her younger sister Kim's clothing company, SKIMS. Another angle: And later the pinup shared an image of her backside as she lay on the tiled wall between the pool and hot tub In one of the more recent shots, the reality television star was pictured posing in the brand's new silk jacquard sleepwear with her younger sister Khloe as they both made kiss-faces for the camera. The dark shade of Kourtney's hair contrasted well with the lighter tones of her sister's locks in the promotional photo; she was also dressed in a button-up sleep top that was paired with a set of matching shorts. Her 36-year-old sibling wore a lighter-colored set of pajama pants as well as a triangle bralette; both of the pair's clothing featured the brand's name printed as a pattern across the entirety of their sleepwear items. Kardashian has been featured in several promotional photo shoots for her sister Kim's brand and often posts many of the shots taken during her modeling gigs to her own Instagram account. Double trouble: Kardashian and her younger sister Khloe were featured in a series of promotional photosets to announce the launch of SKIMS' new sleepwear line Helping out: Kardashian is often featured in various promotional photoshoots for her sister Kim's brand SKIMS Something new: The second Kardashian sister initially named her company Kimono before changing the title after concerns about cultural appropriation were raised by her fans The social media figure's younger sister Kim first launched SKIMS in 2019; the brand was initially named Kimono, but the entrepreneur changed the name after she received backlash about the company's title. During an interview with Nordstrom, the second-oldest Kardashian sibling spoke about how she sought to create items that would cater to a wide customer base and make her clients feel good in their own clothing. 'I wanted shapewear that would allow me to wear amazing fashion pieces comfortably... I also wanted SKIMS to feel accessible for all women, so from the beginning I wanted at least nine shades and an extended size range,' she said. Wide range: During an interview, Kim noted that she wanted her brand's offerings to 'feel accessible for all women' and that she desired to further expand her company The reality television mainstay also expressed that she wanted her brand's offerings to be versatile in function and style. Specifically, she wanted her company to 'continue to expand and find new ways to create innovative solutions with our shapewear...I want women to turn to SKIMS for all of their dressing needs and be able to find an option that really works for them.' Kardashian concluded that she was most proud of the positive responses that she has received from many of her customers and that she desired to keep creating products that would be worn with confidence. 'Having a woman tell me that SKIMS is the first shapewear she has found that actually matches her skin tone, or comes in a size that fits and feels comfortable, is the entire reason I started SKIMS,' she said. Update on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 A Lane County man was arrested late Tuesday after an extensive search northwest of Eugene, authorities said. Travis Crum, 52, was being held in the Lane County Jail on suspicion of murder, according to the Lane County Sheriffs Office. On Tuesday morning, the sheriffs office said investigators had responded to a call near Junction City northwest of Eugene and were searching for Crum. The Eugene Register-Guard reported that deputies were called around 8:30 a.m. by a man who said Crum was violating a restraining order in the 25500 block of Hall Road. When deputies arrived, they found Stephen Perry Bream, a 73-year-old Junction City resident, dead at the scene. A search of the surrounding area ensued, officials said, and residents were told to stay inside their homes. Around 10: 15 p.m., deputies got a call reporting a man matching Crums description was throwing sticks at passing vehicles on Oregon 36, not far from the original call, according to the sheriffs office. A responding deputy found Crum standing in the middle of the highway and took him into custody. The sheriffs office said investigators were still hoping to locate Crums vehicle, a dark gold 2004 Dodge Caravan, Oregon license plate number 975 ESN, with blue painters tape on the windshield. Officials asked anyone who spots the van to contact the sheriffs office at 541-682-4150. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. But the shape those difficulties took was different, depending where in lifes journey you happened to find yourself. For families with children, forced to juggle school and work and the mechanics of daily life, there was too much togetherness. For those of us in our 80s and 90s, there wasnt nearly enough. I began the pandemic in a facility for the elderly that rapidly became almost prisonlike. As the pandemic worsened, keeping us safe became an obsession, with restrictions piled on restrictions. All contact with the outside world had to be eliminated. Even the suspicion of a case would elicit a command over the loudspeaker for all residents to return immediately to their apartments, where we would not be permitted even to cross the threshold until the results of the test were known. The dining room and all the public rooms were closed; the outside doors were locked; the mail carrier had to leave his bundles outside the front door for the staff, masked and gloved, to unpack and sort. Even family members were barred, not only from the premises but even from the benches outside. At one point, all visitors had to remain in their cars calling to their family member through opened windows. Accepting a parcel directly from the ungloved hand of a family member, rather than the gloved hand of a staff member, was forbidden. When a residents husband died, her daughters were not permitted in her apartment, not to support her in her grief nor to help her remove her husbands heavy jackets and trousers from their closet. When we were offered a rare treat, root beer floats in the patio on a lambent spring day, the executive director came running out to warn us to disperse, as if we were disobedient children testing limits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attitudes slowly evolvedfrom stoic, shrug-of-the shoulders acceptance of lifes capriciousness into downright fear. The residents began to absorb the surrounding panic and seemed to accept that their very lives were in danger, and that their survival depended upon accepting the conditions imposed. They even began the odious practice of spying on one another, perhaps motivated by fear of infection, perhaps by the desire to earn obedience credits with the management. Residents whose windows overlooked the patio were known to call the executive director to report anyone standing too close to a visitor. At one point, we were permitted to take walks with family members outside, but we first had to sign an attestationa piece of paper testifying that we promised to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. And when we returned, we had to sign another piece of paper attesting to the fact that we had abided by the rules and had not entered any forbidden spacelike the car or home of a family member. Advertisement These infantilizing restrictions exacted a crushing toll on our spirits. The endless recitation of how vulnerable, how fragile, how susceptible to disease we were undermined the autonomy we old people cling to. We struggle to maintain as much independence as possible. Many of us were unable to use the electronic devices that much of the world relied on to overcome isolation. Without up-to-date computers able to handle the demands of Zoom, without iPhones and the competence to understand them, we were deprived of the comfort of seeing the faces of those who sustain us. Advertisement And always in the background was our awareness of the canopy of grief extending over the country. At our age, we have all said countless ultimate goodbyes, and so we always live with ghosts. Our isolation, combined with the pervasive grief of the country, exacerbated the sorrow we always carry with us and weighed on us with particular heaviness. Advertisement Even though now we are all vaccinated, we have not found the liberation we crave. We hear the warnings about lethal mutations and the injunction to continue wearing masks that make it impossible to see who is smiling. We are still enjoined to stay far apart. We worry about our adult children still unvaccinated, and since we still cant travel, and most of our grandchildren live in distant places, we still cannot hug them. Even if the worst is behind us, what remains is bad enough. As we mark the somber anniversary of this COVID year, we face a murky future. Of course, the future is never knowable, but for the elderly, this one looks particularly uncertain. Lacking the confidence of the young, who see change as a challenge, we contemplate it with concern. We are already struggling to maintain our balanceliterally and figuratively. With everythingwork, sport, play, schoolredefined, will we find our bearings in the world we return to? Advertisement Advertisement During the intifada, friends in Israel told me about the adjustments they made to a world at war. They never left their apartment without making a point of saying goodbye to one another. Spontaneous excursions were abandoned. Everything was evaluated for risk: a trip to the mall, to the grocery store, to the movies. They considered the news, the bus route. Is that where we are headed? Are we there now? An old friend and theater enthusiast, with whom I shared many memorable performances since our teenage years, told me she had broken her theatergoing habit. She did not know when, or even if, she would ever feel able to return to sitting shoulder to shoulder in a crowded space. A sophisticated New York friend questioned how long it would be before she would eat in a restaurant. How many other habits have we broken and how many different ones adopted? For how long will we regard others with wariness, as possible vectors of disease? Is community something we have permanently lost? Advertisement With workers returning to offices only a few days each week, what will become of the steel towers that have defined our cities whose streets we once walked with such comfort and assurance? If audiences are too fearful to fill our theaters, our concert halls, our galleries, our neighborhood restaurants, what will become of our artists, our performers, our cultural and culinary life? In many communities, large and small, old people form a significant proportion of the audiences and financial backers of arts organizations. If they are too shellshocked to stay involved, how significant will their defections be? Will street lifestands with funky jewelry and colorful scarves and odd artifactsever again appear? Advertisement In October I fled from the restrictive facility to a new and more reasonable place where residents were treated like the adults that we are. After two COVID-19 tests and a brief quarantine, we were free to come and go, trusted to behave responsibly. More important, our family members were welcomed, affording us the empathy and support we craved. Nonetheless, like everyone, we cannot avoid the awareness that this capricious, lethal menace is still with us and there is no way of knowing when or even if it will be banished. And so, along with everyone else, we wait and hope. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Four Kenyan police officers accused of killing British aristocrat Alexander Monson will stand trial for murder, a judge has ruled. Naftali Chege, Charles Wangombe Munyiri, Baraka Bulima and John Pamba were accused of killing Monson, the son of Lord Nicholas Monson, who died in 2012 after allegedly being beaten in police custody. mallegedlyMonson, who was 28 at the time, died after being arrested outside of a nightclub at the Diani beach resort for allegedly smoking cannabis. It was claimed Monson had died of a drug overdose, but an independent postmortem commissioned by his family found injuries to his scrotum, defence wounds to his arms and a serious injury to the back of his head. A toxicology report also suggested that he had not taken drugs at the time of his death. Mr Monsons family argued that he had been in good health and had not been addicted to any substances either at the time or any other time. Two reports by government pathologists said Monson had died after sustaining a traumatic blow to the head. Read more: The judges ruling - which is being seen as a test of whether Kenyas security services can be held accountable for the use of excessive force and extrajudicial killings - is the result of years of fighting from Monsons family to get justice for their sons death. The accused should tell the court what happened since the deceased was arrested in good health, the judge, Erick Ogolla, ruled on Monday. The ruling comes after an inquest, which started in 2015, ruled that Monson had been beaten to death in police custody in 2018. At the time, senior Principal Magistrate Richard Odenyo recommended four officers be prosecuted. The inquest heard from some 45 witnesses, including a friend who said Monson was lay unresponsive when he arrived at the police station to secure Monsons release. He said Monson was having difficulty breathing and that police officers were neither bothering to help him nor seek medical assistance. Monsons mother, Hilary Monson, who was living and working in Kenya at the time, told the inquest that she had found her son unconscious and close to death in hospital. Monson was handcuffed to the bed, and was only briefly unshackled when medical professionals attempted to resuscitate him. Mike Morse Law recently said that "the law firm does not charge clients until they win," which makes justice available for everyone, according to the firm. SOUTHFIELD, MI / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Whether it is a hit and run, slip n' fall, dog bites, or overtime/wage-hour disputes, many victims hold back because they assume that hiring a top lawyer will be expensive. Not many people can afford to hire the best lawyer and then wait for a potential payout from the dispute; that's large enough to cover the fees paid and the time spent on the case. Unfortunately, that's why many people give up. Mike Morse Law Firm makes justice available for everyone without charging a dime until "clients" are compensated. The approach assures victims that they don't have to worry about paying a lawyer in the hopes of winning a case. It goes without saying that hiring a top lawyer is expensive. Most people can't afford to pay an accident attorney's hourly wage. That's why top law firms like Mike Morse Law Firm work on their own dime until clients are compensated. The law firm agrees to a portion of the compensation as fees to cover expenses. However, with compensations in the millions, a few hundred thousand dollars (a percentage) isn't a lot for most victims, many of whom gladly pay for a law firm that's helped them get justice. Mike Morse Law Firm has won over a billion dollars for clients and has a history of winning, thanks to years of experience. Readers can find out more about Mike Morse Law Firm at https://www.855mikewins.com "We want to make it easier and at no cost for people who need justice to find it. As a victim of any accident or negligence, you shouldn't have to pay to get justice. That's why we will fight on your behalf for no fees until you are justly compensated. We've helped dozens of victims just like you seek and receive compensation." Said the spokesperson for Mike Morse Law Firm. She added, "We work with clients to ensure that we have an airtight case before it is taken to trial. We also brief clients on the steps ahead, especially during the initial consultation stages, so that they can be prepared for the road ahead." About Mike Morse Law Firm Mike Morse Law Firm is amongst the most reputed law firms in the country, consisting of more than 40 top accident lawyers in Michigan who specialize in personal injury law. The firm prides itself on keeping caseloads low to ensure that clients benefit from the best representation. # Contact Info: Company: Mike Morse Law Firm Name: Mike Morse Address: 24901 Northwestern Hwy #700, Southfield, MI 48075 Phone: (855) 434-2413 Email: webteam@855mikewins.com Website: https://www.855mikewins.com/ SOURCE: Mike Morse Law Firm View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637177/Mike-Morse-Law-Firm-Takes-Steps-to-Make-Justice-Available-for-Everyone Wearing masks in public places is necessary just if social distance not possible - Kyiv authorities The necessity to wear protective masks in public places in settlements within the "red" quarantine zone, as required by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, does not apply to those places where it is possible to observe social distance, deputy head of the Kyiv city state administration Volodymyr Bondarenko said. "Today, the Ministry of Health clarified that this restriction has been introduced for streets where it is impossible to keep a distance. That is, when we say that it is impossible to be at least 1.5 meters away from another person, then we must wear personal protective equipment," Bondarenko said on air of the Ukraine 24 TV channel on Wednesday. As reported, the Ukrainian government has banned people in public areas without protective masks or respirators in "red" quarantine zones of epidemic danger. The corresponding norm is included in the updated "quarantine" resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. 1236 of December 9, 2020 by resolution No. 230 of March 22, which is published on the government's website. The term 'gaslighting' has resurfaced as a dating buzzword on Married at First Sight and social media in recent weeks and while many use it in conversation, few know precisely what it means. Gaslighting is a form of 'emotional abuse' or control whereby the perpetrator 'inflicts psychological manipulation that makes the recipient question their feelings, instincts, and even their sanity'. Australian gestalt therapist and counsellor Lesley McPherson told Daily Mail Australia gaslighting is 'a serious form of emotional abuse that can be used by both men and women with strong narcissistic traits'. The word itself originates from the 1944 film in which a manipulative husband tries to convince his wife she is going insane by adjusting the gas-powered lights and telling her she is imagining it. By definition gaslighting is a form of 'emotional abuse' or control whereby the perpetrator 'inflicts psychological manipulation that makes the recipient question their feelings, instincts, and even their sanity', therapist Lesley McPherson revealed Why and how does gaslighting occur? Ms McPherson said gaslighting is associated with 'power and manipulation', as the perpetrator makes the victim 'question their own reality'. She said those with a self-centred attitude often engage in this type of emotional manipulative behaviour in order to 'safeguard their egos' and keep their own perspective of reality in line with 'little regard to how much it hurts another person'. In other cases, gaslighting can occur among friendships and family relationships where an individual says certain statements to make someone else feel anxious or confused. Those with a self-centred attitude often engage in this type of emotional manipulative behaviour in order to 'safeguard their egos' and keep their own perspective of reality in line with 'little regard to how much it hurts another person'. What are common toxic signs everyone should be aware of? Counsellor Lesley McPherson (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia gaslighting is 'a serious form of emotional abuse' Ms McPherson said there is one common toxic sign to be aware of to determine whether your partner makes you question your psychological and emotional worth. 'One of the first signs is if someone tells you something along the lines of, "you're too sensitive", or "you have no right to feel that way", or "you must be crazy",' she explained. 'When this happens, these people immediately tell you that your emotional world is invalid, and they are judging you for the way you feel, which is something they have no right to do - leading to self-doubt.' Deflection Deflecting is also recognised as a form of gaslighting where, for instance, the individual deflects to a situation that makes you feel bad or refers to something that occurred years prior. 'An example of this might be an instance where you take the time to say, 'We need to talk about this issue', then they deflect to 'Well you did this' rather than addressing the issue at hand,' she said. If this occurs, Ms McPherson said you can either not respond and remove yourself from the conversation or refer back to the original issue initially being discussed and note how they respond. What are the common toxic signs of gaslighting to be aware of ? Gaslighters use a range of 'techniques' to execute their control, including: Pretending not to understand when they do - they may pretend to completely misunderstand what you are saying or doing, despite the fact that you are being very transparent and clear in your actions or motives. Labelling your thoughts as crazy or imagined - a person gaslighting you may tell you things like, 'that never happened'. For instance, they may say one thing to you on a particular day and the following day, vehemently deny ever saying it. Questioning the other person's memory of events when they remember correctly - in a similar vein as above, they may continually question your version of events until you doubt them yourself. Pretending to forget what actually occurred when you actually remember - this also falls in line with the other two points. You may recall clearly an event, while they may flat out deny the event ever occurred. Denying promises that you know they have made - gaslighters love to make promises to people only to deny they ever made them in the first place. It's a classic mind game that leaves the recipient bewildered and confused. Trivialising the other person's feelings as being too sensitive when their reaction is somewhat normal. Source: Lesley McPherson Advertisement Denial Ms McPherson said the third and 'most dangerous' form of gaslighting is denial where they state certain instances 'never happened'. 'For most of us, we would actually question this, especially if we were busy, overwhelmed or maturing in age. However, a 'gaslighter' will never listen as they are always deflecting,' she said. 'They may even go so far as to send texts or messages telling you their version of who they think you are.' What should someone do if they're a victim of gaslighting in a relationship? Since a gaslighter will 'never listen' due to denial and deflection, Ms McPherson advised there is 'little point trying to rationalise' with them. 'Your best bet with dealing with a gaslighter is to step away from the situation as much or as quickly as possible. Get the mental health services you need and the support you may need to exit,' she said. If needed help is available by calling the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24-hour helpline on 1800 737 732. ROCHESTER, Minn. Over two years after 227 pounds of marijuana was found, a Rochester man has finally entered a plea. Jeffrey James Lawstuen, 46, is charged with first-degree drug sales, first-degree drug possession, importing a controlled substance across state borders, and possession of a firearm after being convicted of a crime of violence. Rochester police say Lawstuen was arrested on October 18, 2018, after an investigation into someone transporting narcotics from California to Rochester. Officers said Lawstuen was found with a loaded handgun and a search led to the seizure of 227 pounds of marijuana. After multiple delays, Lawstuen entered a not guilty plea Wednesday. No trial date has been selected. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. She welcomed her second child, a baby girl Vittoria, with her husband Fedez on Tuesday. And Chiara Ferragni shared more photos of her beautiful newborn daughter on Instagram on Wednesday and told followers about her labour. The influencer, 33, posted a slew of snaps from hospital, including breastfeeding Vittoria and the moment their son Leone, three, met his sibling on FaceTime. Doting mum: Chiara Ferragni shared more photos of her beautiful newborn daughter on Instagram on Wednesday and told followers about her labour A picture taken just moments after birth showed the couple lovingly gazing down at their daughter. Another snap showed Chiara and Fedez enjoying breakfast in hospital, with the Instagram star tucking into a croissant while breastfeeding. She captioned the post: 'Breakfast for three'. Congratulations: The influencer, 33, posted a slew of snaps from hospital, including breastfeeding Vittoria and the moment their son Leone, three, met his sibling on FaceTime Like mother, like daughter: Chiara could't resist dressing herself and her daughter in mini-me outfits 'Look at her': Chiara welcomed her second child, a baby girl Vittoria, with her husband Fedez on Tuesday Chiara could't resist dressing herself and her daughter in mini-me outfits. While the influencer sported pink pyjamas which were emblazoned with stars and eyes, Vittoria looked adorable in a matching babygrow. Chiara also took a photograph of her son beaming at Vittoria as he met her for the first time on FaceTime. Of her labour, the blonde beauty told her fans: 'The delivery was natural (so no induction yay) and so so good'. Sweet: While the influencer sported pink pyjamas which were emblazoned with stars and eyes, Vittoria looked adorable in a matching babygrow Emotional: Chiara also took a photograph of her son beaming at Vittoria as he met her for the first time on FaceTime Happy: Chiara looked over the moon as she cradled her daughter in her hospital bed Birthing process: Of her labour, the blonde beauty told her fans: 'The delivery was natural (so no induction yay) and so so good' On Tuesday, the couple announced Vittoria's birth by sharing the same picture of their daughter, writing 'Our Vittoria', meaning Victory alongside a pink ribbon. The couple are already parents to son Leone, who they call Leo for short. Fans of the couple had been guessing what the child's name would be' because Fedez had been seen wearing a shirt with the initials of Chiara, Leone and a 'V'. Happy news: Chiara and husband Fedez announced the arrival of second child Vittoria with a sweet photo on Instagram on Tuesday Celebration: Chiara revealed her daughter's name, Vittoria as a host of celebrities sent their well wishes They had kept their baby's gender a secret up until the birth but their latest post garnered almost three million likes in a short space of time. The couple finally tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony in Sicily back in 2018, just a few months after Leone was born. Federico Leonardo Lucia, or Fedez, proposed to Chiara in May 2017 during one of his concerts at Veronas Arena venue which the blogger was attending with friends as part of her 30th birthday celebrations, as reported on WWD. Blooming: Chiara has been documenting her pregnancy journey on social media Happy tears: She shared a snap of her husband crying over the new addition to the family soon after The concert and proposal was broadcasted live on the Italian radio and TV channel RTL 102.5 and shared on social media. The couple then headed to Venice to celebrate and Chiara went on to host a part in Milan. The engagement came a year after the pair started dating and they welcomed their son, Leone, on March 19, 2018. Chiara and Fedez split their time between Los Angeles and Milan. Italian blogger Chiara opted to sport three Dior bridal gowns on her wedding day, designed by Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Happy families: Chiara and husband Fedez are already parents to son Leone, aka Leo Born on May 7 1987 in Cremona, a city located in northern Italy, Chiara Ferragni garnered fame after the launch of her blog The Blonde Salad in 2009. Since then, she has become the Creative Director of her own clothing line, a magazine cover star and has collaborated with a number of fashion houses. Two years after the launch of her blog, while still studying at Bocconi University, she had reached more than one million unique visitors and 12 million views per month and in addition to this, was featured in Teen Vogue as their Blogger of the Moment. After modelling for Guess in 2013, she collaborated with Steve Madden to design a nine-shoe collection for Spring 2014. The show mogul said: Chiara is fashions Italian goddess. Im excited to give our customers shoes that combine her flair with a twist of Steve Madden. Chiara added: My inspiration for this collection comes from all the shoes Ive been wearing over the years and all the shoes Ive always looked for but never found: every pair is unique and tells a different story. Following this, she went on to present the Italian TRL Awards and made an appearance on Chiambretti Night. After appearing as a guest judge on Project Runway, Chiaras shoe collection was set to make her $8 million (6.2m), making her one of the first to use a personal blog to launch a career and establish a fully realised brand and global business, according to WWD. In April 2015, she also became the first blogger to ever grace the cover of an edition of Vogue and since then, Chiara has appeared on over 50 magazine covers. She was then named the global ambassador of Pantene with Mattel created a Barbie version of the model in 2016. A year later, Chiara opened her first Chiara Ferragni Collection store in Milan and her success also resulted in her taking the top spot on Forbes Top Influencers list in the Fashion category and becoming a Harvard Business School case study. The Ivy League school predicted that Chiara was making up to $9 million (7m) revenue for herself and her team and since the report was published in 2015, she has gone from strength to strength, now employing 20 members of staff. RALEIGH, N.C., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina Lawmakers File No Veteran Left Behind Act (HB 370), a pilot program for North Carolina counties with a high Veteran population, to improve and expand training for local law enforcement and first responders on Veteran-specific crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and resources at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The training will be administered through The Independence Fund, a national Veterans Service Organization dedicated to empowering severely wounded, ill, and injured Veterans of all eras to take control of their lives and bridging the gap of unmet needs for Veterans as well as their Caregivers and families. Under the bill, The Independence Fund will partner with state and local governments to assess each county's initial response to Veterans in crisis and conclude with an updated data collection process map developed. "We are honored to pilot this initiative in North Carolina and increase the focus on mental health and substance abuse that impacts Veteran communities. North Carolina is home to hundreds of thousands of Veterans who will benefit from No Veteran Left Behind Act," said Sarah Verardo, Chief Executive Officer of The Independence Fund. "The impact of this program will extend into the community and leadership, leaving lasting support for Veteran families across the state of North Carolina." The pilot of No Veteran Left Behind will launch in Brunswick, Craven, Cumberland, Onslow, Union, and Wayne counties. House Majority Leader John Bell (Wayne County) introduced the No Veteran Left Behind Act on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 to help improve crisis intervention and services for Veterans who are suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. The bill is also sponsored by Speaker of the House Tim Moore (Cleveland County), Rep. George Cleveland (Onslow County) and Rep. Charlie Miller (Brunswick County). "Our veterans and their families face unique challenges, especially those on active duty. After talking with veteran advocates, law enforcement and local leaders, we believe the No Veteran Left Behind Act will help address an important need in our state by providing local law enforcement with additional training to assist veterans in need," said House Majority Leader John Bell. Speaker Moore added, "The No Veteran Left Behind Act will benefit not just North Carolina veterans in pilot counties, but their communities and local leaders as well. We are committed to identifying statewide needs through this initiative that will help more military families succeed in our state." In addition to the legislative backing, No Veteran Left Behind Act has the support of local sheriffs who will be included in the pilot program. "We are grateful for the enthusiastic support of law enforcement and our state legislation in prioritizing the unique challenges of our Veteran communities. The No Veteran Left Behind Act will fill an important gap by providing local law enforcement with essential training to support Veterans," said Executive Vice President of The Independence Fund Sam Johnson. About The Independence Fund Established in 2007, The Independence Fund is a national Veterans Service Organization dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of catastrophically wounded, ill, and injured Veterans, Caregivers, and their families through a variety of programs. To learn more, visit www.independencefund.org. SOURCE The Independence Fund Related Links independencefund.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. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 78F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 53F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. "As our nation battles the health and economic crises created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we simultaneously must combat the persistent and rising violence caused by access to dangerous firearms," reads a letter organized by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Illinois. Andersen Global unifies its platform in North America as its member firms in Canada adopt the brand Andersen, reflecting the organizations ability to provide a full suite of integrated services through its member and collaborating firms globally. Formerly operating under the brand name Andersen Tax, the Canadian member firms now share the common brand Andersen with the U.S. member firm regionally, along with member firms globally in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The U.S. member firm previously transitioned to the Andersen brand in 2019, which initiated the adoption globally by the organizations member firms throughout 2020 and early 2021. This unification under a common brand demonstrates our shared culture, values and commitment to serving our clients in a seamless manner globally, Andersen Global Chairman and Andersen CEO Mark Vorsatz said. This is a significant step in our global organizations development as we continue to expand and solidify our global platform. Founded in 2002 by 23 former tax partners from Arthur Andersen, Andersen started its journey as WTAS LLC, a tax-only firm that established WTAS Global in 2013. The founding U.S. member firm then began operating as Andersen Tax in 2014 and the global organization became known as Andersen Global. The global organization entered the Canadian market in 2016 and now operates with five partners and nearly 40 professionals through offices in Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. We believe this is a milestone that reinforces the values and vision that remain at the core of our firm, both locally and globally, said Office Managing Director at Andersen in Montreal, Simon Davari. This transition supports our growth and development, highlights the breadth and depth of our expertise, and strengthens our position in the Canadian market. Warren Dueck, Office Managing Director at Andersen in Vancouver, added, Over the last few years, our firm has grown significantly, and its evolution highlights our one firm culture as we work seamlessly to build on the existing foundation of the Andersen brand in North America, alongside our colleagues in the U.S. As we look forward to this next step of our firms development, our team remains dedicated to providing clients with best-in-class services, especially as it relates to U.S. and Canadian cross-border tax services. Andersen Global is an international association of legally separate, independent member firms comprised of tax and legal professionals around the world. Established in 2013 by U.S. member firm Andersen Tax LLC, Andersen Global now has more than 7,000 professionals worldwide and a presence in over 261 locations through its member firms and collaborating firms. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005321/en/ In the age of Industry 4.0, the popularity of smart devices has gradually instilled a new habit into users who are exhibiting a preference for products and services having quick and convenient features. This situation has entailed challenges requiring all fields and sectors to work out suitable development strategies in order to meet the increasingly strict requirements of customers in the new era. The local banking sector has embraced digital transformation at different levels to be able to avail itself of the multitude of technology benefits. Leveraging the fresh launching of the new SmartBanking digital banking service on March 20 by merging its two current channels, namely Internet Banking (BIDV Online) and Mobile Banking (BIDV SmartBanking), BIDV has become the first and the only bank in Vietnam offering users integrated and seamless experience on diverse channels like web, mobile devices, smart watches (Apple Watch), or SmartKeyboard. With SmartKeyboard, in addition to chatting with friends, relatives, or business partners on diverse platforms such as Zalo, Viber, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage, customers can simultaneously carry out banking transactions quickly and with ease, without needing to shift into other applications. Users are eager to enjoy the enhanced experience on BIDVs new-generation SmartBanking application As BIDVs new SmartBanking digital banking service is kitted out with the latest privacy features through state-of-the-art authentication methods like fingerprint or facial identification, customers like Tuan can set their mind at ease. With the Cross Login function, when a customer attempts to log into the app on any device, a notification will be sent to the account holders mobile phone for verification. Banks are increasingly using compelling privacy solutions to ensure the security of their customers. Piloting personalised user experience To set itself apart as well as enhance user experience, BIDV has prioritised personalisation upon users preference. Thus, background picture, avatar, and the order of functions can be customised based on users preferences, or the interface can also be customised based on real-time. BIDV is also breaking new ground through the application of AI in its digital products through using voice-based virtual assistant, making transactions, faster, more convenient, and trendy. New SmartBanking service possesses eye-catching and user-friendly interface Eminent functions BIDVs new SmartBanking service brings customers a multitude of benefits like opening new accounts right on the app (eKYC), withdrawing money with the use of QR codes, online card issuance, while also offering gifts and other benefits. By piloting electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) to supersede the traditional processes, BIDV is making strides to offer customers fully complete digital banking services, helping them to open accounts online and make transactions anywhere and at any time without having to turn up physically at a bank branch. Also, the new SmartBanking service can help mobile users to withdraw money without using a physical card, helping users to save time by completing a few simple steps. It can prove particularly useful if a user forgets their bankcards On special or festive occasions, users will be delighted with the Presenting gift function on the new SmartBanking system. Instead of conventional cash transfer, users can convey lovely cards with nice images and their best wishes to their loved ones. Inclusive ecosystem The new SmartBanking brings customers the utmost comfort with a full suite of modern financial services, including 24/7 cash transfer, bill payment, payment of public administrative services, mobile phone top-up, ticket/hotel booking, and online procurement, among others. It is easy to pay with VNPay-QR on the new-generation SmartBanking Opportunity to win car As a gift of appreciation for customers companionship and support, from March 20 to April 30, BIDV will waive all transaction fees on its new SmartBanking app and offers up to VND50,000 ($2.17) to new users. The bank also offers an absolute waiver on service maintenance fees for all customers during this period. Especially, from March 20 to June 30, all customers will be entered into a lucky draw to win one Hyundai Accent car and many other attractive gifts after conducting financial transactions worth VND500,000 ($21.7) or more on the new SmartBanking app. BIDVs efforts to improve services not only promote new payment methods but also stimulate Vietnams financial inclusion goals. Customers may use SmartBanking on two channels: *SmartBanking in app stores: the updated version of the Mobile Banking app on Appstore and Google Play Store (called BIDV Smart Banking) *SmartBanking via web browser: In the Online Banking tab on BIDVs website (https://bidv.com.vn) or direct link: smartbanking.bidv.com.vn Details of the program at bidv.com.vn/smartbanking opinion Lagos Part of the legacy of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (2009 -2014) is the introduction of Good Corporate Governance policy stipulating 10 years only as the maximum tenure for bank Managing Directors. Ostensibly, it was set up as a guarantee against self perpetuation by bank Managing Directors, some of whom were also founders of banks after the CBN (under the watch of Chukwuma Soludo as governor) opened up the banking industry for more private sector investments and consolidation in 2004. Apart from the likes of Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank, and Tony Elumelu, UBA who also doubled as majority owners of equity in the banks that they founded, and therefore returned to assume the chairmanship positions after hibernation for about five years, the former Chief Executive Officer of IBTC, Atedo Peterside, started a private airplane leasing company ANAP- Jets and ex Access Bank MD/CEO, Aigboje lmokhuede, became the Chairman of WAPIC insurance -a subsidiary of Access Bank as well engage himself in the activities of some international academic and climate change focused organisations. Femi Akinfenwa, former MD of Skye Bank also swept off by the Sanusi's Good Corporate Governance tsunami had migrated to oil/ gas sector as the MD of Femi Otedola's Forte Oil. Unlike the others, UBA's Philip Oduoza (who took over the reins of leadership from Elumelu, has set up Nova Merchant Bank as he completed his 10 years tenure as MD. Likewise for the immediate past GMD of Zenith Bank, Peter Amangbo (who succeeded the current CBN governor Godwin Emefiele) and has also set up a bank-Globusbank where he serves in the role of chairman, after retirement. Emeka Emuwa had also recently exited Union Bank where he had served as MD since 2012. But he might be in hibernation as his whereabouts or what he is doing in or outside the financial services sector is currently not in the public domain. The most recent retired MD of a bank is Nnamdi Okonkwo, formerly the CEO of Fidelity Bank. He is currently in hibernation too-taking a deserved break. Would he also set up a bank as Oduoza and Amangbo have done, or would he make a foray into a related sector such as the Fintech business, as a former deputy CBN governor and former Wema Bank MD, Tunde Lemo did by setting up Flutterwave, the wave making money transfer platform? Recently, the services of Flutterwave got suspended by the CBN as part of the apex financial institutions strategy to cut off the source of funding to #EndSARS youth protesters last October. But it is back in business now as a unicorn-$1b by valuation-having raised series C capital of $170m. GTBank's MD/CEO, Segun Agbaje is due to go into retirement in a couple of months-June specifically-pre retirement leave starts this month. He is already a board member of PepsiCo. Would he also remain in the financial services sector or would he pivot into the real sector -manufacturing and production of goods instead of remaining in the services where he was as a banker? The first founder and Chief Executive Officer of a bank to hand over the reins of leadership to his co-founder, Tayo Aderinokun of blessed memory is Fola Adeola. He made a clean break from the banking sector by not becoming the chairman. Rather he went into other areas of endeavours. He set up FATE Foundation, a philanthropy and later joined politics by contesting as vice presidential candidate with the pioneer EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu as the presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). Alex Otti, a former MD/CEO of Diamond Bank retired from the role to contest for the governorship of his state, Abia. After two unsuccessful attempts at being the helmsman in government house Umuahia, Abia State, he is still pushing the ante on the political path with the hope that he might be third time lucky. Also recently, Tokunbo Abiru, resigned as MD/CEO of Polaris Bank to contest for the senatorial seat in Lagos. He is now a serving senator, perhaps with eyes on the governorship seat of Lagos State, upon the completion of the tour of duty of the current governor, Jide Sanwo-Olu. Curiously, no ex-bank CEO has retired into the academia in Nigeria as Pat Utomi did when he retired from Volkswagen of Nigeria as acting MD/CEO into Pan African University where he is now a professor of practice. Not even Chukwuma Soludo, ex CBN governor that appear to be intellectually inclined has not had his eyes on the academia. Instead, he is coveting the governorship seat in Anambra State which had eluded him in the past when he contested to be the governor of a state as opposed to just being the governor of the CBN - also known as governor of money. In the absence of intellectually inclined bankers, there is bound to be a lot of practical knowledge lost as those who are repositories are not sharing or passing them onto the new generation in our higher institutions of learning. I doubt if senior bankers (like the MDs and EDs) who are the centres of gravity in their respective banks, some of whom have helped grow their banks balance sheets phenomenally (Zenith Bank, GTBank, UBA, Access Bank) even have time to go and impart their knowledge on the future generation of bankers via lectures in any of the industry training platforms such as Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), how much more spend time serving as part-time lecturers in universities etc. Unlike bankers, some major real sector players have transited from industry to diplomacy. When he retired as chairman of Cadbury, Christopher Kolade was appointed to the post of Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Apart from bank CEOs, some bank EDs such as Elias Akenzua, exited Acess Bank to co-found Globus Bank in 2019. Fidelis Anyabae, also a former Director in Citibank Nigeria pivoted into the world of manufacturing with focus on the pharmaceuticals sector when he quit banking to set up Fidson Pharmaceuticals. Remarkably, before the recent phenomenon of ex-bank MDs setting up their own banks, and prior to the avalanche of private sector investments into the banking sector leading to ownership of banks by individuals in Nigeria, most ex-bank MDs either got appointed into the CBN (because they were essentially public servants) or were really old, and as such became fully retired. That's particularly so because all the banks at that time were owned by government. The late Green Nwankwo comes to mind as former MD of Union Bank. Ola Vincent, ex CBN governor too, as well as Joseph Sanusi, one time FirstBank MD and later CBN governor, while not also forgetting Victor Odozi who also served as deputy governor of the CBN. Who knows if they too would have applied and obtained banking licences if the financial services sector had been opened to participation by private investors in their time. That's assuming they still had the energy to cope with the rigours associated with 'MDship' of banks. When he retired as MD of FirstBank, Oladele Olashore, had set up a bank, Lead Merchant Bank which is now defunct. He had also established Olashore International School in Iloko-ljesha, Osun State. Mrs Cecelia lbru, first female managing director of a major private bank in Nigeria, Oceanic Bank, (in memory of her husband who was a renowned industrialist) has also set up Michael lbru University in Agbaro-Otor, near Ughelli in Delta State. Jim Ovia, the banking titan, and founder of the most profitable bank in Nigeria, Zenith Bank which recently dolled out nearly N100bn to shareholders has also ventured into the social investment arena in the education sector. He started by providing a platform for the development of knowledge of our offsprings, (who are the proverbial leaders of tomorrow) via the founding of James Hope College in Agbor, Delta State. He took his investment in education a few notches higher when he recently received a licence to establish a university by the same name-James Hope in Lagos. In recent history, there are some bank directors, although not managing directors, who pivoted into the murky waters of politics when they got co-opted by political mentors. The path from banking to politics was led by Abdulfatah Ahmed immediate past governor of Kwara State. He was drafted by an ex-governor of the same state and immediate past Senate President, Bukola Saraki who was himself briefly a an executive director in Societe Generale bank- owned by his father, the late Olusola Saraki. Abdulfatah first joined politics from his executive director position in Societe Generale Bank to serve as finance commissioner during Saraki's tenure as governor. Thereafter, he inherited the governorship from his boss, Bukola Saraki who became a senator after being a two term governor. Saraki too was a bank director with Societe Generale bank before he dabbled into politics as Special Assistant to former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The next bank executive director to become governor of a state is Willie Obiano, who is the current governor of Anambra state. He was an executive director in Fidelity Bank before he was coopted by Peter Obi, then governor of Anambra State and co-owner of Fidelity Bank where Obiano was serving as ED. Another ex-banker that became a governor of a state is Emmanuel Udom, the incumbent in Akwa Ibom State. He too was dragged into politics by the immediate past governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio. Udom was serving as ED in Zenith Bank before he joined Akpabio's cabinet as Secretary to State Government. Thereafter he inherited the throne as the governor of Akwa Ibom State since 2015 from his political mentor, Akpabio. Evidently, it was a trend for politicians to bring their bankers into political offices, especially as commissioners of finance and SSGs. This is reflected by the political trajectories of Abdulfatah Ahmed, Willie Obiano and Udom Emmanuel, amongst others. But it is not fashionable anymore as the model has not worked out as perfectly as envisaged by the inventors of the political strategy. Hence no banker appear to be in the pipeline of those that would become governor in the forthcoming governorship elections in 2023. The exception may be Tokunbo Abiru, who just transited from being the MD of Polaris Bank to being a senator representing Lagos State in the National Assembly. Information in the grape vine indicates that the newly 'minted' senator is being prepped for governorship of Lagos State after the very hard working and ground breaking governor, Jide Sanwo-Olu's time is done. God willing, the highly driven and super performing Governor, Sanwo -Olu, would be allowed to complete his two terms, if he is spared the fate that befell the immediate past governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who could only serve one term at the behest of his godfather and kingmaker of Lagos State who withdrew his support when Ambode was seeking a second term. By the way offering support to make a candidate win and withdrawing the assistance if the political office holder fails to meet the expectations of the promoter or godfather is legitimate in politics. A typical case in point is when Theodore Roosevelt the 26th president of the USA who had 'crowned' his protege , William Howard Taft the 27th president by making him succeed him. But Roosevelt eventually withdrew his support when they fell out, resulting in president Taft's failure to win a second term as president. Optimistically, serving only one term hasn't become the rule (Standard Operating Procedure, SOP) rather than the exception in Lagos State. There are also a couple of ex-Zenith Bank and UBA alumnus that became governors in the northern states whose identities I can't readily recall. Notably, there has been a steady flow of bankers into politics, including Isa Yuguda -a two term governor of Bauchi State who had served as the MD of both Inland Bank and NAL Merchant Bank (both banks are now defunct) at different points in time. Why are politicians not entrusting or handing over the reins of state governments to their hand picked acolytes in the banking sector any more? In my reckoning, the presumption of competence as prudent managers of financial resources; confidence in their banker's ability to hide the financial misdeeds of their predecessors; capacity to adroitly manage state funds, (an expectation underscored by their experience as bankers) and the anticipation of political naivety from the bankers whom their political godfathers assume would facilitate their continued control the political levers of the states even after they have exited as governors are all contributing factors. As it turned out, it was a miscalculation and therefore based on false hope which in almost all the cases collapsed like a pack of cards. As the bankers became governors overnight, they also learnt the political ropes very fast. Hence in Anambra State Willie Obiano allegedly ditched Peter Obi his mentor before the ink used by INEC in signing his victory at the polls could dry up. Ditto for Emmanuel Udom in Akwa Ibom who also decoupled himself from the stranglehold by his former boss, Akpabio, who was allegedly still acting as if he was in his third term with Udom as his surrogate. Ex-bank MD, Isa Yuguda also fell out with his bosom friend, the former governor of the state, Adamu Muazu and later chairman of the PDP from whom he took over the mantle of leadership of Bauchi State. There are those who may wonder how come ex-bank MDs would be so financially liquid to set up their own banks soon after leaving office? Well, they earn hefty salaries, emoluments and perks. In addition to their salaries, which range from N80-N100m per annum, bank MDs are also rewarded with a certain percentage (let's just say 10% ) of the Profit After Tax, PAT earned by the banks annually. For instance , the MD of a bank that earned N100billion as PAT in one year would have earned 10% of N100billion which would amount to N10billion. If a bank MD earns that consistently in 10 years which is the CBN approved maximum tenure for bank MDs, he would have earned at least a 100billion. That's even without adding similar income in the periods that the MDs were EDs or DMDs. The analysis above is just a hypothetical straight line calculation for the purpose of putting things in perspective. But, one can imagine that a smart MD (more often than not, they are) would be re-investing such incomes consistently to boost his/her wealth. So it's not impossible that a handful of the ex-bank MDs can bring in equity of at least N10 billion out of the N100billion required for a universal banking license and a good chunk of the N25billion for a national bank and over half of the N15bbillion for regional or merchant bank license . Other strategic investors, whom the bank MDs must have identified in the course of their 'MDship' usually provide some of the additional equity contributions and the rest can be borrowed funds. Thus most banks, like most business ventures are set up with equity and debt with varying ratios of debt to equity. Now, the bank MDs whose retirement are in the horizon are Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank who entered the role in 2014. Going by CBN rule, he is due to retire in 2024, all things being equal. Others are Mrs Oluwatoyin Somefun of Unity Bank who became MD of the bank in 2015. The next is Kenedy Uzorka, the current MD of UBA who took over the mantle of leadership from Philip Oduoza in 2016. He has spent only a little over five years in the saddle and may have less than five years ahead of him. But since unlike Wigwe, both Uzorka and the MD of Unity Bank, Somefun are not co-owners of the respective banks that they work for, their tenure is at the pleasure of the boards of the banks. Would Herbert Wigwe at the expiration of his ten years tenure in 2024 , enter the race for the governorship of his home state, Rivers to take over from Governor Nyesom Wike and thus follow the path that the likes of Alex Otti are trying to tread; or pivot into the less stressful role of a real estate entrepreneur (he has been involved in Eko Atlantic City floated by the Charguories) or delve into oil/gas entrepreneurship like Tony Elumelu of UBA and HEIRS Holdings? Time will tell! Until Nnamdi Okonkwo exited Fidelity Bank, and handed over to Nneka Onyeali-lkpe, Mrs Shomefun of Unity Bank was the only female member of the club of bank MDs in Nigeria after the ouster of Mrs Cecelia Ibru as MD of the defunct Oceanic Bank. Now they are two and possible three if we add the acting MD of FCMB, Yemisi Edun, who has just taken over the MDship from Adam Nuhu that has stepped aside following an extra marital affair scandal that recently rocked the bank. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Banking By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In conclusion, when bank MDs are compelled to retire in compliance with CBN extant rules, (often times before the statutory age of retirement of the MDs which is 65 years in the public sector) more often than not, they still have boundless energy, hence they are always reinventing themselves in the financial services sector or veering off into other sectors of the economy. However, it's not all of former bank MDs that in peace in retirement. Former major players in the banking sector such as Francis Atuche, ex MD of Bank PHB that has been engaged in complex legal entanglements with the EFCC since his bank was shut down, has been unable to exhale. So also has Okey Nwosu, ex MD of defunct Finbank been under the water. The bottom line is that whatever endeavours they engage in after retirement from banking, ex-bankers ultimately contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our country. They do so by creating employment and boosting production via economic activities in the various ventures that they engage in, post retirement. That is better than just being idle and unproductive citizens with their hefty earnings from their time in banking being neutralised in bank vaults or being spent in holiday destinations like the Bahamas, Barbados, Acapulco, Monaco (south of France) or Marbella, (south of Spain) sipping umbrella drinks like cocktails or mojitos. Were the bankers to apply their deep pockets in the frolicking referenced above, the growth of our economy that needs funds to buoy it, would be, by omission or commission hindered or hampered. That's what happens when hard earned money is exported to foreign countries where the deep pocketed retired bankers would be holidaying if they didn't choose to invest in the local economy. In the event that such a situation arises, the wealth generated from our economy wouldn't regenerate optimally to boost the economy as it should . But to the credit of the retired, (but not tired bank MDs) they are currently engaging in business ventures locally and ruling the roost in both the financial services sector and the manufacturing industry, including oil/gas. Since bankers are often awesome financial strategists, they appear to have succeeded in crowding out bank owners that are not professional bankers. These include Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, and owner of the Dangote behemoth, as well as owner of Capital Trust Bank that folded up when it was subjected to stress test by CBN in compliance with its new policy. Same applies to Mike Adenuga, a business colossus who also founded two banks (commercial and merchant) Equatorial Trust Bank and DEVCOM Merchant. The telecom and oil/gas tzar had to also wind up his banks after Sanusi Lamido Sanusi's reforms in the banking sectors stifled them. The only area of Nigerian economy that retired bank MDs are yet to successfully challenge the current leaders in the sector that are already entrenched, such as Mike Adenuga of GLO, is the telecommunications industry. The godfather of modern day banking in Nigeria, Jim Ovia made a foray into the sector with VISA phone which operated a CDMA system and it got flunked simply because it is not GSM that is most suitable for our market. So he retreated. But as the saying goes, he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day. Nothing precludes VISA phone from being relaunched in the future as GSM when NCC opens the window for another licensing bid. VISA phone can even make an acquisition of an existing GSM licence, if need be. Take 9mobile that looks likes it is severely starved of funding, for instance. It is clearly a take over candidate. Who knows, as the song by the English songwriter and drummer Phil Collins reminds us, there will be "another day in paradise." Before that day in paradise, at least by now, we all know which life endeavors most ex-bank MDs in Nigeria have been going into after retirement from active banking. Onyibe, an entrepreneur, public policy analyst, author, development strategist, alumnus of Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA and a former Commissioner in Delta State government, sent this piece from Lagos. The intent was that this organization would be self-sustaining as we get up and running, he said. Its going to take several years to get us to that place because we have to generate transactions that the organization is compensated on for the purposes to get to a place of self-funding. The study, building on cooperation between climate scientists from the MENA region, aimed at assessing emerging heatwave characteristics. The research team used a first-of-its-kind multi-model ensemble of climate projections designed exclusively for the geographic area. Such detailed downscaling studies had been lacking for this region. The researchers then projected future hot spells and characterised them with the Heat Wave Magnitude Index. The good match among the model results and with observations indicates a high level of confidence in the heat wave projections. "Our results for a business-as-usual pathway indicate that especially in the second half of this century unprecedented super- and ultra-extreme heatwaves will emerge", explains George Zittis of The Cyprus Institute, first author of the study. These events will involve excessively high temperatures of up to 56 degrees Celsius and higher in urban settings and could last for multiple weeks, being potentially life-threatening for humans and animals. In the second half of the century, about half of the MENA population or approximately 600 million people could be exposed to such annually recurring extreme weather conditions. "Vulnerable citizens may not have the means to adapt to such harsh environmental conditions", adds Jos Lelieveld, Director at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry and leading the research team. "These heat waves combined with regional economic, political, social and demographic drivers have a high potential to cause massive, forced migration to cooler regions in the north." To avoid such extreme heat events in the region, the scientists recommend immediate and effective climate change mitigation measures. "Such measures include drastic decreases of the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, but also adaptation solutions for the cities in the area", says Lelieveld. It is expected that in the next 50 years, almost 90 percent of the exposed population in the MENA will live in urban centers, which will need to cope with these societally disruptive weather conditions. "There is an urgent need to make the cities more resilient to climate change", emphasizes Zittis. ### 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. ADVERTISEMENT A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the extension of the registration deadline for National Identity Number (NIN). The judge, Maureen Onyetenu, ordered the extension of NIN registration for another two months. Mrs Onyetenu gave this order on Tuesday while delivering a ruling in a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Monday Ubani. Mr Ubani earlier filed a lawsuit against the federal government, Attorney General of the Federation, Nigerian Communications Commission, and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, over the deadline set for NIN registration. The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, earlier announced an eight-week extension for Nigerians to enrol for their NIN, PREMIU M TIMES reported. Following the extension, the registration exercise was to continue till April 6. Suit In the suit against the Nigerian government, Mr Ubani contended that the initial two weeks ultimatum; now extended to April 6, 2021, will infringe on the rights of Nigerians as many will be unable to register for NIN. Given that telecommunication operators have been directed to block SIM Cards of Nigerians who have not registered their sim card with NIN, Mr Ubani prayed the court to extend the deadline. It will infringe on the constitutionally guaranteed right of people to freedom of expression, right to own moveable property and right to life, he said. Mr Ubani also argued that the ultimatum given to telecommunications operators by the 1st, 3rd and 4th Respondents to block all Subscriber Identification Modules (SIM) cards that are not registered with NIN, is grossly inadequate. This directive will not only work severe hardship, but will likely infringe on the fundamental rights of the Applicant (and millions of other Nigerians) to freedom of expression as guaranteed by section 39(1)(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as violate section 44(1) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which prohibits the compulsory acquisition of right or interest over the moveable property, he said. Mr Ubani prayed for an order halting the said ultimatum given by the 1st, 3rd and 4th Respondents to telecommunication operators to block all sim cards that are not registered with NIN. He also sought a court declaration that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cases in Nigeria, the deadline given by the 1st, 3rd and 4th Respondents to over 200 million to register for NIN, will lead to a rush, thereby increasing their possibility of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Answering the prayer of the lawyer, Mrs Onyetenu ordered a two-month extension of NIN registration. All other prayers made by the applicant were also granted by the judge. New Delhi, March 24 : As Assembly polls in four states and one union territory is to begin from March 27, the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament is likely to be cut short and concluded on Thursday, sources said. Floor leaders of various political parties had requested that the session, which was originally scheduled to continue till April 8, be curtailed due to the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry being held between March 27 and April 29. "The second part of the Budget Session that started on March 8 is likely to be curtailed and may end on March 25," said the source, based on requests made by several political parties, especially Trinamool Congress (TMC), as the first phase of Assembly polls is to start in West Bengal on March 27. Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha have received over 100 formal letters from several parliamentarians on behest of their parties to curtail the session citing Assembly elections as the reason. Trinamool floor leaders in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Derek O'Brien respectively had also submitted similar letters requesting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu to adjourn both the Houses sine die. The first part of the Budget Session started on January 29 and concluded on February 29. After a recess, the second part of the Budget Session commenced on March 8. Assembly polls will be held for 294 seats in West Bengal in eight phases between March 27 and April 29. The polls will be held for 126 seats in Assam in three phases between March 27 and April 6. The elections for 30 seats in Puducherry, 234 seats in Tamil Nadu and 140 seats in Kerala will be held in a single phase on April 6. The results for the same will be announced on May 2. Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. IT is the mourning of the African hero; countries and groups mourning. The departed hero, President John Magufuli was indeed a true leader and will live in the hearts of many. Just as Tanzanians mourn for their hero, and artists compose songs of mourning for his sacrifice to the people; artists from different parts of Africa have as well composed songs and shared songs to mourn. Among the nations that have carried the impact of this tragedy include Kenya and Uganda. Artists in Kenya including Kevin Kioko alias Bahati have mourned. He has mourned the late President Magufuli with the song "Safiri Salama". The song describes Magufuli's performance in his five years of leadership. In his song he left questions unanswered. "I am sure we will see each other again, but my question is why did you leave early and you did not say anything? The sun sets and all I see are grieving; our leader you have left us. Magufuli, who will be the guardian of the artists? "Who will bring planes to Tanzania; to lift the economy as you did... ? Why did you leave us aah still early? "Magufuli have a safe travel aaah why did you leave us... aaah still early Magufuli... I still can't believe we won't see you again, why dad did you leave this early. "As well as expressing his condolences to the loss of President Magufuli, he requested him to reach out to several Kenyan leaders who have deceased as well. "Greet our elder Jomo Kenyatta, tell him Kenya is strong and his son reigns... and elder Odinga greet him, and tell him - his son is a hero now then tells him to smile, find Moi and hug him." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance Entertainment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Leaving aside Bahati who composed a mourning song, two Ugandan artists travelled to Dar es Salaam to sign a book of condolences at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre. The artists include Joseph Mayanja known as Jose Chameleone; he is a musician. He was accompanied by his younger brother Pius Mayanja alias Pallaso who is a recording artist, songwriter, producer and videographer. Jose Chameleone on his Instagram page further explained how he was touched and promised to join Tanzanians for the last funeral day in Chato. "I witnessed the life of such a great African leader, Rais John Joseph Pombe Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania. I pay respect and salute to the legacy he wrote on the hearts of the common man. I join my Tanzanian brothers and sisters to lay baba to rest in Chato. Rest in Power, BullDozer." Other than mourning songs from Bahati, attendance of Jose Chameleone and Pallaso more artists have shared messages for condolences through their social media accounts. Among are Tanasha Donna Oketch, Zarinah Hassan (Zari), Nyamari Ongegu (Nyashinski) and Sauti Sol Representative image: An empty classroom is seen ahead of school re-opening on May 11, 2020 in Seoul, South Korea (Getty Images) A white headmaster at a Long Island Catholic school in New York who instructed an 11-year-old Black student to kneel on the ground and apologise has been placed on leave and is under investigation. The childs mother, Trisha Paul, told the New York Daily News that the incident occurred last month. John Patrick Holian, the headmaster of St Martin de Porres Marianist School, told Ms Paul, who is Haitian-American, that hed learned the approach from a Nigerian priest who said it was an African way of apologising. Once he started mentioning this African family, thats when it just clicked, Ms Paul was quoted as saying. Like, this is not normal procedure. I felt there was no relevance at all. Is he generalising that everyone who is Black is African? Thats when I realised something is not right with this situation. She further told the publication that her son is reeling from the incident and that the family is grappling with the suspicion of whether her son was subjected to racial discrimination. Meanwhile, the acting headmaster of the school has released a statement saying that they neither condone nor accept such action. Read more: St. Martins neither condones nor accepts the actions of our headmaster. The incident does not reflect our long, established values or the established protocols regarding student related issues. We have launched an internal review of the incident and restated in the clearest terms what is the established and approved practice for student-faculty interaction, acting headmaster James Conway said in a statement on Monday. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The incident was first reported by the New York Daily News, according to which on 25 February, the student had finished working on a reading assignment ahead of time and started working on a separate assignment because he wanted to get a head start. The teacher overseeing the work allegedly ripped his worksheet and scolded him for not following instructions before taking him to the headmasters office. It was there that he was told to kneel down and apologise, Ms Paul said. My son was humiliated, hurt, embarrassed, sad and confused, she told the paper. He reads about things happening because of your skin colour. To experience it hes just trying to process it in his 11-year-old brain. On 1 March when Ms Paul asked the headmaster about the incident on phone, thats when he mentioned that a Nigerian father at the school told him it was the African way of apologising. He admitted that he asked him to kneel down, Ms Paul was quoted as saying by the Washington Post. He didnt acknowledge what happened was wrong or how I felt. He wasnt remorseful or apologetic at all. When he finished telling this story, I was just on the phone baffled, said Ms Paul. My child is not Nigerian. We dont share the same cultures or beliefs. Youre assuming that because my child is Black that he must kneel down as well. This was a racist act, Ms Paul told the Washington Post. In other schools when they are disciplined, its detention, its extra homework, there are other ways to discipline a child. But degrading a child, humiliating them off the basis of generalising him because hes just a Black boy, makes no sense. Ms Paul further called for the resignation of the headmaster and demanded that the school implement racial sensitivity training. As much as an apology would be great, I dont think it would erase anything of the impact its had on my child, she said. This boom has been aided by the fact that since March 1, everyone over 16 has been eligible to get the vaccine in the Virgin Islands so tourists dont even have to worry about cutting in line. The territory accommodates about 100 walk-ins each day, too. Nowhere else in the U.S. can you actually just walk in and get the vaccine, anybody over 16, Mr. Bryan said on Monday. On March 1, the islands also opened two federally supported community vaccination centers on St. Thomas and St. Croix. U.S. travelers also face less red tape when visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands compared with other Caribbean destinations. If they submit a negative coronavirus test within five days of leaving for the territory, or a positive antibody test taken within four months, they do not have to quarantine upon arrival. Travelers to Jamaica and Barbados, in contrast, are asked to quarantine no matter what. And U.S. travelers cant visit the Cayman Islands unless they conform to strict eligibility criteria. Dr. Hunte-Ceasar said that, at this point, the Department of Health did not consider vaccine tourism to be a problem. We definitely want to ensure the local residents get vaccinated, she said. But we have not had any shortages by serving both populations. The Virgin Islands currently have 27,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, 18,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine, and 600 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine available, said Monife Stout, the departments immunization director. Noreen Michael, a scientist at the University of the Virgin Islands who studies health disparities, agreed that it was crucial to ensure that vaccines are available to residents who want them, but said she had not seen evidence to suggest that tourists are taking vaccines away from residents who want them. On the public health side, its a plus, she said. On the equity side, I dont see it as significant issue. Perhaps, too, vaccine tourism could be used as a force for good to secure doses for marginalized groups in other regions. Although the Virgin Islands provide free Covid-19 vaccines, the islands could charge tourists for their vaccines, and the funds could be used to send vaccines to regions that need them, said Felicia Knaul, an international health economist at the University of Miami. Could we send those vaccines to Jamaica, or to the Dominican Republic or Haiti? she asked. Once youve gotten past the key welfare and human rights aspects, if you can use that funding to pay for people who right now have no access, I think its worth thinking about. For now, health authorities are focused on ways to reduce vaccine hesitancy in the territory. People access misinformation and perpetuate lies and things that are harmful, Dr. Hunte-Ceasar said in a news conference last week. As a result, the islands have been experiencing a surge in cases and hospitalizations that she said give her chest pain and heartburn every night. Although vaccine hesitancy does seem to be decreasing, residents will need to start widely embracing the vaccine if the islands are to meet their goal of vaccinating 50,000 Virgin Islanders by July 1. In the meantime, visitors from the continental U.S. will continue to take advantage of the extra doses. Some have stayed longer than they planned, too and have even contemplated moving to the islands for good. I started falling in love with the culture of St. Croix, said Hemal Trivedi, a documentary filmmaker who lives in Weehawken, N.J., and was vaccinated in St. Croix in February. Toward the end of the trip, we were actually looking for a place to buy. According to a recent survey, 42 lives across Ireland have been saved by Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located in GAA facilities being used on members of their communities. The GAA is marking this by launching the Community Heart Programme. This initiative encourages every club in the country to A.C.T. now and ensure that their club can also be prepared in case of an emergency and that they can avail of a defibrillator that is ACCESSIBLE, CHARGED and that there are enough TRAINED rescuers within your Club who have the ability to operate the device(s). The Community Heart Programme allows GAA Clubs to fundraise for life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) via a bespoke fundraising platform. The programme allows clubs to fundraise for new AEDs, which are connected to the internet via the mobile phone network. This means the AED will check itself and notify designated club members via email if there is an issue that needs to be addressed, such as the battery or pads needing to be changed. In addition to having a bespoke fundraising platform, Clubs will be able to avail of a significant reduction of 995 saving per unit if they register and secure their AED(s) via the Community Heart Programme. Once the fundraising target of 2,150 per unit has been reached, the AED unit(s) will also be delivered directly to the Club. Programme partners Heart Safety Solutions will supply the unit to the club. We know that AED units save lives. However, AEDs, like all medical equipment, need to be replaced over time. The life expectancy of an AED is between eight and 10 years. Critical components such as pads and batteries need to be checked regularly. Remember, an AED should be ACCESSIBLE, CHARGED with sufficient Club members TRAINED in how to operate the device. AEDs must be checked regularly to ensure that they are in working order and ready for use. From school children to seemingly fit and health club players to older members of the community, there is a broad spectrum of people represented among the list of those who have benefitted by being near a GAA-based AED during an emergency. GAA President Larry McCarthy encouraged clubs to engage with the Community Heart Programme. He said: The GAA club is the focal point of the communities in which we operate." "In the past we have seen how access to these devices have made a critical difference during an emergency. This Community Heart Programme not only plays a vital role at raising awareness, but also affords clubs an opportunity to ensure that they have some of the most up-to-date equipment available. The GAA is working alongside Stryker to deliver the program. Stryker is one of the worlds leading medical technology companies and, together with their customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. ANN ARBOR, MI -- Cannabis retailer Treehouse 603 is offering in-store customers a discount during its grand opening which will take place on Ann Arbors infamous Hash Bash weekend. The dispensary, located at 603 E William St. in Ann Arbor, has been operating since November and as business began picking up more recently, Retail Director Mary Cluxton said they decided to showcase their offerings during Ann Arbors Hash Bash, an event full of enthusiasts celebrating the marijuana movement. The event is expected to run virtually this year, but an in-person, smoke-in protest is planned. The stores grand opening will kick off with a 9 a.m. ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 3. While Treehouse 603 offers curbside pickup and delivery within 10 miles, anyone who shops in-store on April 3 will receive 30% off of any item. The store offers both medical and recreational inventory. We decided to make our grand opening that weekend to announce our presence in Ann Arbor, as well as surrounding towns, Cluxton said, adding business was off to a slow start until Kevin Spangler of Boober Tours helped market the company on his bicycle taxis. Hes been an integral part in helping us get our business out there, Cluxton said. Customers can expect various edibles, such as gummies, chocolate, mints and breath spray, flower, pre-rolls, concentrations, topicals, CBD for humans and pets and CBD bath bombs. The company is also expanding with a cultivation center in Warren, another three to four dispensaries in Michigan and one in California, Cluxton said, adding she expects to yield their first harvest in the cultivation center by December. One of Cluxtons main priorities is to eliminate the stigma surrounding cannabis by making it a regular business and educating her customers on products and their effects. It gets people of every walk of life an opportunity to try cannabis for their own personal reasons. We never judge a persons journey, Cluxton said. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Sunday. 59th annual Ann Arbor Film Festival going virtual Ann Arbor staffing agency to host free virtual job fair Women in STEM are important, says co-founder of Ann Arbor mechatronics company The future is incredibly bright for Woolpert clients and employees, and I look forward to sharing our continued story of success. Woolpert, a premier architecture, engineering and geospatial firm, today announced that MSD Partners, L.P. has agreed to invest in the company in partnership with management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1911, Woolpert is a global provider of architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting services to a wide variety of public, private and government clients. The company has more than 1,100 dedicated employees at 42 offices and is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Woolpert is proud of its unique culture and high degree of employee engagement and ownership. These distinguishing characteristics will remain cornerstones of the Woolpert model going forward. Woolpert President and CEO Scott Cattran, who will continue to lead the company upon completion of the transaction, said, The vision we set for our company in 2015 was to become the premier global AEG and one of the best companies in the world. Since then, Woolpert has been designated as a Great Place to Work for five years in a row and doubled in sizeadding multiple offices across the United States, Canada and Africa. Now, at the beginning of our third strategic plan, we are focused on expanding our vision with a strategy to become a billion-dollar revenue company. With our MSD partnership, we have the experience, capital and culture to assure we get there in the right way. The future is incredibly bright for Woolpert clients and employees, and I look forward to sharing our continued story of success. Woolpert fits seamlessly with MSD Partners strategy of partnering with talented management teams and investing in companies which are stable, well-positioned in attractive markets and poised for continued growth. The company has demonstrated excellent organic growth and been an active acquiror of strategically complementary firms, said Kevin Brown, Co-Head of MSD Partners Private Capital Group. We have been extremely impressed by the Woolpert platform and we are excited to partner with Scott and team in the next phase of their continued success, added Chris Bertrand, a Managing Director in MSD Partners Private Capital Group. In connection with the transaction, Long Point Capital will be exiting its investment in the company. Woolpert and Long Point Capital were advised by Lincoln International and Houlihan Lokey, with legal support provided by Ropes & Gray LLP. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal support to MSD Partners on the transaction. About Woolpert Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, recently earned its fifth-straight Great Place to Work certification and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect. Founded in 1911, Woolpert has been Americas fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has over 1,100 employees and 42 offices in three countries. For more, visit woolpert.com. About MSD Partners, L.P. MSD Partners, L.P., an SEC-registered investment adviser located in New York, was formed in 2009 by the principals of MSD Capital, L.P. to enable a select group of investors to invest in strategies that were developed by MSD Capital. MSD Capital was established in 1998 to exclusively manage the capital of Michael Dell and his family. MSD Partners utilizes a multi-disciplinary investment strategy focused on maximizing long-term capital appreciation by making investments across the globe in the equities of private and public companies, credit, real estate and other asset classes and securities. MSD Private Capital Group leads MSD Partners' private equity investments. For further information about MSD Partners and the MSD Private Capital Group, please see http://www.msdpartners.com. Media Contacts: Woolpert PR Manager Jill Kelley: 937-531-1258, jill.kelley@woolpert.com MSD Partners Todd Fogarty or Anntal Silver, Kekst CNC 212-521-4854 or 212-521-4849 todd.fogarty@kekstcnc.com or anntal.silver@kekstcnc.com [March 24, 2021] Fanplayr Launches in UK to Meet Global Demand for E-commerce Personalization PALO ALTO, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fanplayr, the leader in online behavioral personalization and artificial intelligence, accelerates its global growth plans with the opening of new offices in London and Manchester and three new senior appointments in the UK. The company's rapid expansion in the UK is driven by its ability to convert online users into buyers, using real-time analysis of online behavior. With an enormous surge in e-commerce in the last year, Fanplayr is anticipating significant revenue growth in the UK, reflecting the company's success across Europe where it has already had an increase in year-over-year revenue of more than 70%. The success of Fanplayr's advanced cookie-free personalization is also equipping companies for post-pandemic recovery and for one of the most serious challenges to online business the end of third-party cookies set to take place in 2022. To build this early success in the UK, Fanplayr has made three key appointments. Andy McNab leads the UK operation, becoming the company's Vice President for EMEA. McNab is an award-winning digital leader who has led teams at Microsoft, AOL, and?Rocket Fuel and is now fully focused on developing?Fanplayr across EMEA. Joining McNab are Dave Hendry, Regional Sales Director, who has worked in senior positions at JOE Media and Rocket Fuel, and Jessica Biddle, Head of Customer Success, who has previously led and developed teams at MiQ and Centro. "We are excited to welcome Andy McNab and his team to Fanplayr," said Simon Yencken, Fanplayr CEO and Co-founder. "Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and value as an experienced leader in e-commerce and Adtech. We have high expectations for the UK in terms of notable global brands, enterprise customers, and expanded revenue for Fanplayr." In the last month alone, Fanplayr has already acquired four major UK clients and further significant deals are in the pipeline to feed the expected growth. The new UK clients range from high-end fashion retailers to hotels and global software, and also includes several trading agreements with advertising agencies. Says McNab: "UK businesses have gained millions of new customers during the pandemic and they need us to help understand and retain them. Fanplayr's patented solution is perfectly placed to transform revenues without disruption." Expansion in the UK comes as Fanplayr completes strategic agreements with key partners in the Nordics, Dubai and Abu Dhabi that will guarantee the company's advanced capabilities, including its patented "Segmentation-as-a-Service", are available across Europe and beyond. From its global headquarters in Palo Alto, California, Fanplayr has been leading fully integrated online personalization and AI for a decade. The company achieved 100% growth in 2019 prior to the pandemic, with consistent growth of more than 60% annually over the last several years. About Fanplayr Fanplayr is a global leader in e-commerce behavioral data, using machine learning and AI to enable businesses to increase conversion rates and revenue, collect more leads, and retarget visitors with personalized recommendations during and after the shopping experience. Fanplayr is headquartered in Palo Alto, California with offices in New York, Buenos Aires, Brazil, Mexico, Milan, London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg, Melbourne and Tokyo. https://www.fanplayr.com/ Media Contact: Lacy Talton (252) 467-5220 ltalton@percepture.com This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fanplayr-launches-in-uk-to-meet-global-demand-for-e-commerce-personalization-301254498.html SOURCE Fanplayr [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the world's leading management consulting firms, announced today global sales of $8.6 billion for 2020, with underlying revenue growth of 8% at constant exchange rates. CEO Rich Lesser underscored that the firm's growth comes amid a year of enormous personal and economic hardship for people and businesses, particularly those serving on the frontlines. Over the past year, BCG has invested $150 million to help public and private sector organizations around the world respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. "In an exceptionally challenging global economy, BCG adapted, remained agile, and continued to put our clients first. I'm enormously proud of the dedication, inventiveness, and commitment of our team to partner with leaders across every industry to build resilience, protect employees, support frontline workers, and prepare for a strong recovery," said Lesser. "As a firm, we also continue to benefit from our long-term investment in our digital capabilities, enabling our clients to harness the potential of digital transformation, advanced analytics, and AI at scale. BCG has an enormous opportunity to help our clients deal with the multiple challenges of recovering from the impact of the pandemic and returning to growth. We will continue to invest to support our long-term client relationships and bolster our commitment to partner with public and private sector leaders to adapt and shape the post-COVID world." Lesser highlighted BCG's long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion, including within the leadership of the firm. BCG's Executive Committee today is comprised of 35% women, up from 18% a decade ago, with members in more than ten countries. The number of female managing directors and partners has grown at almost three times the rate of male managing directors and partners in the same time period. Lesser also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change in the postpandemic recovery. In 2020, BCG invested $300 million across its sustainability and social impact work, including supporting critical efforts for the World Economic Forum, COP26, the Business Roundtable, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and many others. "Looking forward, climate action remains one of our most urgent challenges. As we partner with clients to help them realize their net-zero ambitions, we have continued to change the way we operate as a firm. Our commitment to net-zero climate impact by 2030 and the climate action investments we have continued to make are evidence of the impact we are determined to have," Lesser added. For more information, please contact Eric Gregoire at +1 617 850 3783 or [email protected]. About Boston Consulting Group Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholdersempowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place. SOURCE Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Related Links www.bcg.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. 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 White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday defended the administration's decision to send members of the media into a better migrant shelter for children than the overcrowded ones where thousands of kids are being held. The administration is finally allowing press cameras into a border facility holding migrant children when White House officials and members of Congress visit one in Carrizo Springs, Texas. The White House announced that one network pooled camera will be allowed inside during the tour and the footage will be shared once the tour concludes. The administration has faced criticism -from both reporters and Republicans alike - for not letting independent cameras inside the shelters. But the press access will be to one of the shelters ran by the Department of Health and Human Services, not one of the ones being run by U.S. Customs and Border Control. It's the UCP shelters that have had reports of crowded conditions where the HHS ones are more permanent facilities. Psaki was asked why the media were being sent to an 'aspirational' facility instead of one of the crowded shelters. 'We're also open to providing access there, and this is just the first step in the process of providing greater access to the media to decision,' she said at her daily press briefing. 'I would say we all agree that that the Border Patrol facilities are not places where children should be, they are children should be moving more quickly through those facilities that is what our policy central focus is right now,' she added. More than 16,000 migrant children are currently in U.S. custody amid a surge of border crossings. The administration is on track to open six more emergency shelters to handle the influx. The children are supposed to be held from three days by border patrol and then transferred to more permanent facilities run by DHS. But the overcrowded conditions have delayed transfers with about 5,000 children estimated to be in border patrol custody. Psaki said the administration is working on more press access. 'Our balance is, of course, privacy as you all know. It is also that we are in the middle of a pandemic, and that you know these facilities, of course, can't become forums for media access all day long every day. I think we all agree on that balance but we will continue to look for ways to increase transparency and provide additional access,' she said. The situation is rapidly becoming a breaking point for President Joe Biden and his administration. Republicans have taken on the issue to berate the new president for rescinding Donald Trump's stricter border policies. And lawyers who have been inside the facilities report the children live in crowded conditions with not enough beds or food. White House press secretary Jen Psaki defended the administration's decision to send members of the media into a better migrant shelter for children than the overcrowded ones Joe Biden administration is finally allowing press cameras into a border facility holding migrant children when officials tour Carrizo Springs shelter Vice President Kamala Harris said both she and President Joe Biden will visit the border 'at some point' Biden has said he will visit the border at some point, which Vice President Kamala Harris echoed in an interview with CBS News on Wednesday morning. 'At some point -- absolutely we will go down to the border,' she said. The Biden administration has blamed the situation - which they refuse to call a crisis - on the previous Trump administration policies. 'There are things that we need to do, especially since there was a system in place previously, before last administration, to allow us to process these kids in their country of origin. That was dismantled. We've to reconstruct it. It's not going to happen overnight,' Harris told CBS' 'This Morning.' 'We are addressing it. We're dealing with it. But it's going to take some time,' she said. 'And are we frustrated? Are you frustrated? Yes. We are.' Biden and Harris met with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the situation. Biden announced Harris would take the lead in stemming the tide of migrants. Republicans have pressured the Biden administration to allow media access to the shelters. 'They're hoping nobody sees the tragic human cost of their failed policies,' Texas Senator Ted Cruz said. Cruz, who is leading a group of senators in a border tour on Friday, wrote to the White House requesting the media be allowed to accompany them. 'It is not enough for members of the Senate to see what is happening the American people must see. That is why I requested that members of the media be allowed to join us. 'But your administration clearly and emphatically refused to offer press access. 'This is outrageous and hypocritical,' he said. Meanwhile, US Customs and Border Protection released new videos and photos this week as the pressure built and after a Texas Democrat leapfrogged the agency and shared images of the 'terrible conditions for children' at the border. The agency finally released photos Tuesday where children are seen packed inside pens and forced to sleep on the floors in foil blankets. The CBP has repeatedly used COVID-19 precautions as an excuse to deny the media all access to its detention centers and the White House has kept the public in the dark for weeks. Officials say they want to 'balance the need for public transparency and accountability' - while still telling 'external visitors' not to visit the facilities to see the conditions for themselves. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas released photos of the temporary facility in Donna, Texas, and slammed the situation a 'humanitarian crisis.' A leaked memo sent Monday revealed the Department of Health and Human Services's refugee agency is now directing its shelters to fast-track the release of children to parents or guardians in the US to free up beds to take more children from the CBP detention centers. One image shows children lying packed in like sardines side by side on mattresses on the floors inside a makeshift facility in Donna Another image is taken from the outside of a transparent tent looking in on the dozens of people packed inside Migrant children stand in line inside a temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, to get access to essentials while other children held in cage-like tents look on and wait their turn A children's play area is seen inside the temporary processing facility in Donna. The play area has a handful of toys and appears to be in a storage room or waiting area Video taken inside the facility in El Paso, Texas, shows migrants lying on mattresses on the floor with foil blankets Inside the Donna facility. The CBP has repeatedly used COVID-19 precautions as an excuse to deny the media all access to its detention centers After keeping a tight lid on what is going on inside the facilities for weeks, a collection of images and video has finally been released by the CBP claiming to give a glimpse into what life is like inside the temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, and the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. Inside the Donna facility, children are seen lying packed in like sardines side by side on mattresses on the floors inside a transparent tent facility. The children are wrapped in foil blankets for warmth and are wearing face masks, but there is clearly no room for social distancing in the small confined space. Migrant children are also seen standing in line to get access to essential items and food while other children held in cage-like tents look on and wait their turn. Numbered transparent tent-like pens are seen set up on both sides of a room each packed with migrants who are awaiting processing to enter America. An image taken from the outside of one of the tent looks in on the dozens of people packed inside with pieces of foil blankets scattered around. There is also a children's play area set up in what appears to be a storage room or waiting area, with a handful of toys for young kids. Meanwhile, footage taken inside the El Paso facility appears to paint a fun atmosphere with children seen sitting around watching television in a room and later screaming and shouting as they enjoy group exercise outdoors. It's all a far cry from reports that have emerged in recent weeks - not to mention curiously somewhat less overcrowded in appearance than Cueller's images of the very same facility in Donna shared just 24 hours earlier. Neha Desai, a lawyer for the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) which represents migrant youth in government custody, told CBS about the harrowing conditions she saw at the Donna facility. She said the tent was so overcrowded that migrant children had to take turns sleeping on the floor and could only shower once a week. Many children also said they were being denied phone calls with their family members and hadn't been outside in days. One of them shared that he could only see the sun when he showered, because you can see the sun through the window,' Desai said. Refuting slogans of opponents to the proposed Senate Bill 1024, such as home rule and one-size-fits-all, attorney Sara Bronin made a virtual presentation on a controversial bill for New Canaan residents. The advocate for Desegregate Connecticut said that if the proposed Senate bill was passed, the state-wide zoning changes would help the economy, environment and income diversity, on Thursday, March 18. She touted support that she garnered from over 65 organizations, including environmental organizations, social justice groups, walking supporters and biking advocates. People who oppose the bill dislike the idea of the state creating the same zoning laws for the 169 in-state municipalities, preferring what they call home rule. Bronin said home rule is not consistent with existing Connecticut law, since it was is based on Dillions Rule, which says that municipalities can only exercise the powers that the state gives them. The rule was named after an Iowan judge who called for a narrow interpretation of a local government's authority, which is set by the state. She discussed what many perceive as a link between zoning and either racial or income-based segregation, adding, there is a lot of research about this. The impulse of much of zoning when it was first developed 100 years ago, was one of lets try to order our town to keep certain people out, Bronin said. Whether we like it or not, a lot of these structures are still in place today. She noted there was a lot of commentary opposed to the bill that calls it one-size-fits-all zoning across the state. Instead, she said that the current zoning regulations, which give preference to single-family homes under as of right, is one-size-fits-all zoning. As of right means it is accommodated by the law, and no public hearing is needed on the individualized application. Economy The UConn law professor believes the present zoning practices have allowed single-family housing to dominate the state and has really hindered economic growth and housing, since many people cannot afford it. We are very slow growing she said, explaining that the state ranks 47 in population growth and 49 with Gross Domestic Product. She argues present zoning laws can make housing expensive and make it difficult and unattractive to younger people who are considering moving to Connecticut. Economic development organizations report that there is not enough housing to house workers, she said. Small business owners complain that potential recruits often back down when they learn how expensive housing is here and they dont have that many options rather than one-size-fits-all single family housing, Bronin said. Her presentation stated that the building of more housing allows for more income for individuals and creates more income for local governments. Environment Single-family housing on large lots also has environmental implications because it forces a town to develop outward from our historic core and encourages sprawl, Bronin said. Single-family homes require more infrastructure of roads and use more energy since they are not insulated by other dwellings and are generally inefficient, according to her research. A central theme of what we are trying to do is to put development where it already exists, Bronin said. Accessory apartments Accessory apartments would be allowed as of right, under the senate proposed bill, allowing it to be 30 percent of the size of the main building. New Canaan is almost a poster child for what accessory dwelling units should be, Bronin said. New Canaan allows for the size of the accessory dwelling unit to be more than the 30 percent that we are proposing. New Canaan, you actually allow it to be 40 percent. Transit Oriented Development The law would include tenets of Transient Oriented Development, which calls for more housing around transit hubs and has been instituted in other counties and states such as neighboring Massachusetts. The proposed bill would allow any property within a half-mile radius of a train station to be developed with up to four units of housing, as of right. New Canaan would still be allowed to establish architectural standards, and choose types, Bronin said. She explained that two-family housing is already allowed in a pretty good chunk of New Canaan. The new legislation would limit the amount of parking spaces local authorities could require, especially for studio and one-bedroom apartments. I do think people will figure out parking because if you have a car you are going to figure out where to put it, Bronin argued. Not in the bill Moderator Miki Porta read a question from a member of the audience. We have heard that under the proposed bill, other towns would have authority over development within a certain radius of transit hubs, for instance Norwalk would have the authority to develop within New Canaan. Is that true? Bronin responded. No. That is definitely not true. Your zoning authority as a town extends to your jurisdiction and nothing else. Nothing in this bill would change that. That would be rather dramatic, Bronin said. I dont even know if it could be changed with a state law the way that municipal powers are developed. Britain launched a public consultation on Wednesday on proposals to require large companies as soon as 2022 to disclose the financial risks they face from climate change. The business ministry said disclosures should be in line with recommendations from the global Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD), set up by the G20 rich countries to coordinate rules. To support our transition to net zero, the Government considers it important to ensure that companies with a material economic or environmental impact or exposure assess, disclose and ultimately take actions against climate-related risks and opportunities, the business ministry said. The TCFD has produced recommendations for companies to disclose actual and potential impacts of climate change, as well as how they identify and manage such risks and opportunities. Such disclosures are now voluntary, and a move to make them mandatory in Britain is seen as a step towards a new set of global standards. The ministry said it was backing a move by the IFRS Foundation, which writes global accounting rules, to develop international sustainability-related reporting standards. The Investment Association, which represents asset managers, welcomed the proposal to make climate risk reporting mandatory. The move would support investment managers to better communicate climate risk to their pension fund clients, enabling them to meet their disclosure requirements and better understand the impact of their investment portfolios, said Sarah Woodfield, stewardship manager at the Investment Association. (Reporting by Huw Jones Editing by Peter Graff) Topics Trends Uk INGHAM COUNTY, MI A judge has released Marlena Pavlos-Hackney from jail after she paid a $15,000 fine and closed her restaurant, Marlenas Bistro & Pizzeria. Pavlos-Hackey, 55, left the Ingham County Jail around 2 p.m. Tuesday, her attorney, Robert Baker, confirmed. He said she had complied with a judges order and deserved to be released. She has been jailed since March 19. She was arrested that morning, presumably on her way to work. The restaurant was closed the next day. State officials determined that the boarded-up restaurant has remained closed, records show. Ingham County Circuit Judge Wanda Stokes ordered her release. 16 Michigan Republicans rally to support jailed Holland restaurant owner She could be locked up again if she tries to re-open her restaurant, the state says. She was jailed after she ignored orders to close her restaurant, Marlenas Bistro & Pizzeria, after the state in November banned indoor dining in response to the coronavirus pandemic. She also did not require the use of mask or social distancing to slow the spread. Pavlos-Hackneys attorney had asked that his client be released from jail after she met court-imposed conditions. In a court documents filed Monday, March 23, the state Attorney Generals Office asked a judge to sign an order that if, upon release, Ms. Pavlos-Hackney resumes operating a food establishment in violation of this Courts order, a bench warrant shall immediately issue for Ms. Pavlos-Hackney and Ms. Pavlos-Hackney shall be arrested and incarcerated until such time as she complies with the order of this Court and she shall pay an additional $7,500.00 immediately for the contempt offense. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, or MDARD, which has been investigating the complaint against the complaint against the business owner, confirmed that the business had been boarded up and appeared closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the filing showed. The restaurant is closed Mondays. Inspectors provided photographs of the restaurant, at 909 Lincoln Ave., and said it appeared to be closed. A sign reading, Complied, was hung below the Marlenas Bistro sign on the front of the building, an inspector noted. Stokes, the Ingham County Circuit judge, in late February issued a temporary-restraining order prohibiting Pavlos-Hackney from operating food service. On March 1, MDARD filed a motion for contempt because Marlenas Bistro stayed open. Three days later, Stokes found the restaurant in contempt of court, fined the owner $7,500 and converted the temporary-restraining order into a preliminary injunction and issued a bench warrant for Pavlos-Hackneys arrest. The next day, MDARD filed a notice that Marlenas Bistro was again open in violation of the courts order, court documents said. The state attorneys asked that judge to sign an order saying that Pavlos-Hackney, owner of Marlenas Bistro & Pizzeria, shall remain incarcerated until it is demonstrated to the court that Marlenas Bistro and Pizzeria is in full compliance with this courts order and has paid $15,000 to the Ingham County Clerks office for the contempt offenses . Pavlos-Hackney has support of many who have criticized state shutdown orders over the coronavirus. Her restaurant did brisk business while it was open, customers said. As of Tuesday afternoon, a GoFundMe page for her has raised $253,000 of a $300,000 goal. More: Regal Cinemas plans to reopen theaters in April, just in time for Godzilla vs. Kong Black Widow delayed again, will debut on Disney+ and in theaters in July A Tennessee-based online retailer accused of illegally selling ammunition to a student who fatally shot 10 people at a Texas high school in 2018 wont be dismissed from a lawsuit filed by families of those killed and injured, a judge has ruled. Lucky Gunner is accused of not verifying the age of Dimitrios Pagourtzis when he bought more than 100 rounds of ammunition before the May 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School, located about 35 miles southeast of Houston. Pagourtzis was a 17-year-old junior at the time of the shooting. Federal law prohibits minors from purchasing handgun ammunition, and bars licensed gun companies from selling handgun or shotgun ammunition to minors. Lucky Gunner and its owners had argued they were immune from litigation under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act which prohibits firearms and ammunition manufacturers and dealers from being held liable when their products are used in crimes. But Judge Jack Ewing in Galveston last week denied the companys request and ordered it pay for the plaintiffs attorney fees related to the companys efforts to be removed from the case. The claims against Lucky Gunner are part of a lawsuit against the suspects parents, Rose Marie Kosmetatos and Antonios Pagourtzis, who are accused of knowing their son was exhibiting extreme behavior and yet failed to prevent him from accessing their firearms, which authorities believe were used in the shooting. This ruling says loud and clear that a company selling ammunition to minors cant hide behind the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, said Alla Lefkowitz, with Everytown Law, the litigation arm of the gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety. The group is representing the family of Sabika Aziz Sheikh, a Pakistani exchange student killed in the shooting. Attorneys for Lucky Gunner did not immediately return emails seeking comment. Lucky Gunner had faced a similar lawsuit after the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting in Colorado in which 12 people were killed. But a federal judge dismissed that lawsuit in 2015. Pagourtzis, now 20, has been ruled incompetent to stand trial and has been receiving mental health treatment at a state hospital. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Texas Legislation K 12 YEREVAN. At Wednesday sitting of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, the MPs passed, in the second and final reading, some changes to a number of laws. Among them are: The package of bills on making amendments and additions to the Law on Trade and Services and related laws; the bill on making amendments and Addenda to the Law on Public Auctions; the bill on making amendments and additions to the Law on Petitions; the bill on amendments the Law on Attracting Bank Deposits and to related laws; the bill on making amendments in the Civil Code; the package of bills on amendments to the Law on Higher Education and Science and related laws; and the package of bills on amendments to the Law on Anti-Corruption Commission and related laws. In addition, the lawmakers approved, in the first reading, the bill on making amendments and addenda to the Subsoil Code. But the MPs did not pass the package of bills on amendments to the Criminal Code and related laws. Furthermore, the parliament passed the NA draft decision to extend by 6 months the activities of the NA inquiry committee that studies study the effectiveness of measures taken by the government and the Commandants Office to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Armenia. On Wednesday, Mar. 24, the Federal Trade Commission received several reports from people who allegedly obtained a suspicious survey about the COVID-19 vaccine. It turns out that the survey is a form of scam to rob people for their important personal details like password, email, and even bank account. The scenario starts with the recipients instructed to answer the COVID-19 vaccine survey for a limited time only. Some vaccines involved are the Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer anti-coronavirus shots. The FTC also believes that the bogus COVID-19 questionnaire could also include Johnson & Johnson vaccine. What attracts the people to fill out the survey is the free prize they will "allegedly" receive after completing the form.The scammers will later say that they also shoulder the shipping fee for the prize. FTC Issues a Warning to Those Who Received the Fake Survey in Their Emails and Phones According to a report by CNET, FTC'S Division of Consumer and Business Education representative Colleen Tressler said that at the moment, there are no eligible surveys that will request bank account information from the people in exchange for a freebie. Furthermore, the FTC reminded the public that if they receive a survey and they do not know its origin or where it is from, be aware that it could be a way for the scammers to get information without directly asking the person. On the official page of FTC, the individuals who saw any attachments or links that suddenly appeared on their devices should refrain from clicking any of them as the links could be dangerous. Since it is a cyberattack, malware could be installed in your device or placed in your email to steal some sensitive information without realizing the extent of the incident. Moreover, FTC added that those who received the bogus survey should not attempt to contact the suspicious sender through phone calls and email replies. If the user wants to contact the sender of the survey, remember to search for its contact number first online. If you have not found any numbers, most likely that it is a scam. Read Also: Pfizer vs Moderna: Comparing Two COVID-19 Vaccines from Side Effects to Storage Requirements FTC's Reminders to All Concerned Citizens The FTC stated that you should not reveal any information, especially your details to an unknown sender who sent you the message. Never tell them your credit card information, location, and other sensitive data. Also, you can immediately get rid of dubious messages on your devices by filtering them. You can download an app that blocks the contact number of the scammer. You can also call a trusted person to filter the messages so you cannot see them anymore. Remember that if an email requires you to divulge your personal details and think that it is bogus, the FTC said you should direct your concern to its Report Section through ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Always stay alert in your surroundings. Having a pandemic is not an excuse for others to scam other people. Related Article: Philadelphia Vaccine Scandal: Philly Fighting COVID Is a Tale of Inexperienced Startup Company This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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 Patna, March 24 : Two persons, including notorious gangster's relative, were shot at by two unidentified assailants in Bihar's Arrah town on Wednesday, police said. The victims identified as Deepu Chaudhery, nephew of gangster Butan Chaudhery, and his friend Ajay Chaudhery, are under treatment at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), where the condition of Deepu is said to be critical. Police officers said that prima facie motive of this incident seems to be an old enmity. Butan is a notorious gangster of Bhojpur district and is currently lodged in a jail. According to the police, the incident took place at around 1 pm in the crowded Babu Bazar area. Both Deepu and Ajay were at the spot to buy some fruits for a programme in their village. "While they were busy in buying some fruits, two armed men open fired at them. The duo were then chased by the attackers and cornered them near the circuit house. They shot at Deepu on his head and neck, while Ajay sustained bullet injury on his right hand," police added. "The attackers thought that Deepu had died on the spot, they threw him in the nearby conduit before fleeing the spot. We have recovered 2 live and 4 empty cartridges," officer said. In many ways Solomon Lews Premier Retail is a victim of its own commercial success. The more the companys profits swell, the sharper becomes the public scrutiny around its decision to retain JobKeeper payments. Lew is left straddling a difficult line - how to justify not handing the millions in JobKeeper assistance the company legitimately received over the six months to January when the company isnt just doing well, its booming. The billionaire retailer is something of a paradox - a self-made entrepreneur who takes a very cautious view of the environment. Solomon Lew has vowed not to pay out any of the JobKeeper money in dividends or staff bonuses. Credit:Paul Jeffers Despite net profit in the six-month period growing by almost 90 per cent, Premier didnt increase the dividend, because of concerns about the economic future - in particular the possibility of further snap lockdowns and temporary store closures. US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill on February 5, 2021 in Washington, DC. - The Democratic-led US House voted on February 4, 2021 to discipline a congresswoman who embraced QAnon conspiracy theories and endorsed violence, capping weeks of mounting turmoil over holding to account a lawmaker whose extremist rhetoric caused a rupture in Republican ranks. (Photo by Alex Edelman / AFP) (Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Says Democrat-Led Effort to Expel Her Will Fail Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Monday said that an attempt by some Democrats to expel her from Congress is very foolish because she has done absolutely nothing wrong, adding that she believes the effort will ultimately fall through. About 70 House Democrats led by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) signed a resolution last week to expel the embattled lawmaker from office on the grounds that Greene had previously supported social media posts calling for political violence against the Speaker of the House, members of Congress, and former President Barack Obama. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has since said that she doesnt agree with the resolution. A two-thirds supermajority is needed to expel a Congress member, meaning that a significant number of Republicans would need to back the Democrat-led effort. It would be very foolish for anyone in Congress to expel me when I have done absolutely nothing wrong, Greene told Newsmaxs National Review. And if Democrats and Republicans join together to have me expelled for doing nothing wrong, for a few comments on social media, then this is a real precedent that the American people will not stand for, and my district would just reelect me and send me back, so their effort will fail. Expulsion is a rare scenario in Congress. A member was last expelled in 2002 when the House voted to force out then-Ohio Democratic Rep. James Traficant after he was convicted of several corruption charges and faced sentencing in prison. Last month, House Democrats and 11 Republicans voted to remove the newly elected Greene from the House Budget Committee and Education and Labor Committee due to social media posts she made when she was a private citizen. Gomez has noted that Greene has supported Facebook posts that called for violence against prominent Democratic leaders. Greene has also expressed support for the QAnon movement, which has been labeled by the mainstream media as a fringe conspiracy theory. QAnon follows clues from cryptic messages posted to anonymous imageboards. A prominent aspect of the theory alleges that global elites are part of a satanic pedophile ring. Greene has called the movement a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take this global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles out, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Greene has previously compared the victorious runs for office of Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) to an Islamic invasion of our government, Politico reported. The Democrats are just in an outrage constantly over a few things the media has decided to put out a character out of me that they want the public to believe, Greene told Newsmax on Tuesday. You see, they didnt put out the full story about me. They just took a few little things to try to smear me and to try to turn me into someone Im not. Jimmy Gomez and the Democrats are just carrying on with the same old, same old, the lawmaker added. This is just more of the same from the Democrats, and they dont like me because I refuse to back down and I continue to call them out on their hypocrisy. Greene, in an earlier statement to The Epoch Times, described Gomezs resolution as a move to silence conservative viewpoints. It isnt clear whether Gomezs resolution will be put up for a vote. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. As many TKC readers predicted, the current backlash against firearms has spiked under Democratic Party rule. To wit . . . KANSAS CITY LEADERS JOIN PREZ BIDEN DEMAND TO CRACKDOWN ON GUNS AMID WORSENING DEADLY VIOLENCE!!! Given that this town has strong Democratic Party roots, that's not too surprising and something that we suspected. However, a super quick e-mail puts us ahead of all the other Kansas City newsies . . . THIS WEEKEND ORGANIZERS FOR THE KANSAS CITY GUN SHOW EXPECT RECORD TURNOUT AND A COVID COMEBACK AMONGST FIREARM ENTHUSIASTS!!! Here's the word . . . "This really is a blessing for us, I've had so many advanced calls about purchases and making sure there was room. Of course we want everyone to be safe but the word is out . . . Kansas City LOVES guns and this weekend our lawful enthusiast crowd is going to show it." To be fair, here's the news from the other side of the debate: NBC: Biden calls on Congress to tighten gun laws in wake of Colorado shooting that killed 10 CNBC: Biden calls for assault rifle ban, more gun restrictions after Colorado shooting Markets Insider: Asian-Americans are increasingly purchasing guns to defend themselves amid a spike in hate crimes CNN: 'It's so stupid': Tapper reacts to GOP senator's gun control remark UST: 'We have to act': Biden calls on Congress to move fast on background checks, assault weapon ban after Boulder shooting KCTV5: "Those of us who are on the ground, who live in the city, who bury men and women who have been killed from violence, know for a fact that there is a problem with the illegal proliferation of guns within our community. We know that it exists," Dr. Vernon Howard Jr said. CNN: Boulder banned assault weapons in 2018. A judge recently ruled that the city cannot enforce the ban. You decide . . . STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Shades went down on the boroughs first Dennys in April 2020 due to the pandemic. Whats next for the sprawling Eltingville spot, also the former home to a long-running Perkins? Peter Botros and his business partners bring Sofias Taqueria to the South Shore at 4370 Amboy Road. The original location was established in Rosebank in 2018 (SofiasTaqueriaNYC.com) with a recent spinoff at the Staten Island Mall with Sofias Guac Bar. The menu will reflect the same food and drink as its Bay Street original. Sofia's Taqueria in Rosebank won "Best Mexican Restaurant" in SILive's 2019 Reader's Choice poll. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Botros explained, Sofias will be 4,800-square feet of restaurant with a bar and lounge area with 35 seats 15 at the bar and 20 at high-tops in the bar area. There are two indoor dining rooms each with 50- to 60-guest capacity. And a permanent outdoor section also will house about 60 patrons. Both indoor and outdoor spaces will double as a party and event spaces. A peek at one detail of the Amboy Road Sofia's, soon coming to Eltingville. (Courtesy of Peter Botros) Our goal was to open for Cinco de Mayo and, possibly this year. We have the landlords permission to host large parties like Chevys used to do, said Botros, referring to legendary, outdoor festivals formerly hosted at the Mall from 2004 to 2010. Although the Cinco fete just might happen if permits and the liquor license come through. Housemade guacamole and salsa from Sofia's Taqueria in Rosebank. (Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola) Botros said, We will be ready with staffing, food and all that. And whats up with other food projects? A Jewish deli venture is put on the back burner, said Botros, adding, Being that the world is rapidly returning and were opening the other Sofias and infinitely closer a second, North Shore location for Rustic Pizza. Rustic Pizza and Pasteria of Grant City RusticPizzaPasteria.com opened this summer. Peter Botros opened Rustic Pizza and Pasteria in Grant City at 97 Lincoln Avenue. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri) Botros offered no updates on restaurant intentions at Lighthouse Pointe in St. George although construction has fired back up on the project. He said, I still have the lease hold for that space and plans, just patiently waiting. Stone House in Clove Lakes Park (TheStoneHouseSI.com) is reopen for indoor and outdoor dining. The nice weather of the last week has brought some life to the place. Its seeing a nice pop of our regular patrons enjoying the park. We hope the weather moves in the right direction so it can come completely back to life, said the chef and proprietor, who also maintains a restaurant-within-a restaurant concept at the location called The Chefs Loft. That intimate dining experience should resume when New York City sees 100% capacity on indoor dining. Stone House setting up with social distancing in Clove Lakes Park: Alfresco in Phase 2 on Staten Island, Monday, June 22, 2020 (Courtesy of Stone House)Stone House Subterranean Vioettes Cellar in Grant City (ViolettesCellar.com) had a new menu as of its reopening in February. Now it continues with the small plates and a full entree list with a house-made pasta menu. Its still a very eclectic menu, said Botros. New programs include Sips and Sliders on Monday nights, Twin Tail Tuesdays with a pair of lobster tails, Steakhouse Fridays and Saucy Sundays with an Italian, comfort food program. Clams and oysters on the half shell at Sally's Southern in West Brighton (Courtesy of Phil Farinacci) Sallys in West Brighton (SallysSouthern.com) sees its Number One seller as fried chicken and Shrimp n Grits as a close second. ' Botros reported, Sallys is welcomed with open arms by the neighborhood and also saw a nice flow with outdoor dining. We just added six tables in the back because of an overwhelming amount of requests to sit outdoors. Now there is a wrap-around dining space and picnic area in the rear of the restaurant. Upstate properties are thriving at Binnekill Tavern (Binnekill.com) and Tito Banditos (TitosBanditos.com), said Botros. He offered, Luckily up there the restrictions werent as harsh as they were in New York City. Weve been at 50% dining since the end of April and now were at 75%. Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com. New Delhi, March 24 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it has dismissed the complaint made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy against its sitting judge Justice N.V. Ramana, who has been recommended as the next Chief Justice of India, after giving it due consideration. A statement, released by the top court on its website, said: "A complaint dated October 6, 2020 sent by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to the Supreme Court was dealt with under the In House Procedure and the same, on due consideration, stands dismissed. It be noted that all the matters dealt with under the In-House Procedure being strictly confidential in nature, are not liable to be made public." On October 6 last year, Reddy, in an unprecedented move, had written to Chief Justice S.A. Bobde alleging that the Andhra Pradesh High Court was being used to destabilise and topple his democratically elected government, and requested him to examine the matter and consider initiating steps "as may be considered fit and proper to ensure that the state judiciary's neutrality is maintained". On Wednesday, Chief Justice Bobde recommended that Justice Ramana be appointed the next Chief Justice of India. According to a source familiar with the development, Chief Justice Bobde sent a letter to the Centre, recommending Justice Ramana as his successor, and also forwarded the letter to Justice Ramana. The recommendation begins the process for appointment of the next Chief Justice, and the government will forward this communication to the President for his approval. The CJI's action came after Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had sent him a letter seeking him to recommend his successor. As per the Memorandum of Procedure governing the appointment of members of the higher judiciary, "appointment to the office of the Chief Justice of India should be of the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court considered fit to hold the office". As per norms, a written communication from the incumbent Chief Justice is sent a month before his retirement. Appointed to the Supreme Court on February 17, 2014, Justice Ramana is slated to take over as the 48th Chief Justice on April 24, a day after Chief Justice Bobde retires, and will hold office till August 26, 2022. In March of 2021, Back Office support CUSO Aux finalized its findings from a nation-wide credit union survey on the effects the Democratic-controlled administration might have on the industry. This robust, 22-question survey explored a variety of topics for credit union cross-departmentally, including: Student loan forgiveness, minimum wage increases, and marijuana legalization effects Compliance and accounting regulations New leadership and changes at the CFPB HMDA changes CECL changes General hypotheses on a negative/positive impact to the industry Aux, a leader in credit union research and collaboration, hopes to provide insight into the effects of a Blue Wave within the Executive and Legislative branches of government as well as primary-source perspectives on how this concentration of political power could affect credit unions in the year ahead. Below are the participant statistics: Timeframe: February to March 2021 Sample Size: 38 credit union decision makers Asset Range: $22M to $6.7B Distance span: San Francisco Bay Area, CA to Portland, ME Population/Population Density: 22,618/520 people per sq. mi. (Southeast Oklahoma) to 684,500/11,500 people per sq. mi. (Downtown Washington, DC) Political leanings (2018): Wyoming (46% conservative, 31% moderate, 18% liberal) to New York (27% conservative, 35% moderate, 30% liberal) As expected, this survey generated a wide variety of responses, some quite agitated and negative, and others celebratory and positive. The pace of anticipated change was also divided along a progressive versus traditional leaning. This sliver of participants represents the divided political landscape in our country, but regardless of leanings and opinions, the industry will need to adapt to any enacted changes. Upcoming Trends and Legislation Marijuana When asked if marijuana would become legal in all 50 states within the next 2 years, 32% of participants said yes, 55% said no, and 13% said other (5 years or not anytime in the near future). When asked what year national cannabis banking will be addressed and regulations drafted for its eventual adoption by bank and credit unions, 39% said 2022, while 2023, 2024, and 2025 were chosen equally around 17%. Its worth noting the announcement that Mexico will likely legalize recreational marijuana in the coming months. This move puts mounting pressure on the United States, as they will be placed between two of the largest recreational marijuana markets Canada and Mexico. Student Loan Forgiveness When asked to rate the likelihood of student loan forgiveness being passed in 2021, responses averaged right smack in the middle at 53, on a scale of 0 (not likely at all) to 100 (extremely likely). Responses ran the full gamut, from 0 to 100. Aux then asked if participants have included the possibility of student loan forgiveness in their risk assessment. 61% said no, and 16% said yes. Nearly a quarter responded N/A because they currently do not have a student loan portfolio. Minimum Wage When asked what the likelihood was of a national minimum wage increase to $15 per hour being passed this year, responses averaged 60, on a scale of 0 (not likely at all) to 100 (extremely likely). Aux then asked an open-ended question regarding what the effect of such minimum wage increase would be on participants payroll, ability to recruit and retain the talent, and/or fee income. The majority commented that they already pay more or close to this amount, so the effects would be immaterial. A few from rural areas commented that it would hurt them. At least $18,000 more in payroll will hinder ability to retain talent, as we wont be able to afford a commensurate increase in other salaries of more recently hired talent. CFPB and NCUA Changes Aux asked participants if they thought new leadership at the NCUA and CFPB will result in more or less compliance burden for credit unions. On a scale of -10 (much less) to 10 (much more), the responses averaged an 8, which shows a significant expectation across the board that there will be more compliance burden. When asked an open-ended question regarding how the influence/focus of CFPB will change, a common thread in responses was more regulation and tougher enforcement. Aux then asked what participants top three concerns were with the new leadership at the CFPB, which were a series of three fill-in boxes. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority wrote over-regulation as their top concern. Other second and third tier concerns included increased fixed costs, increased emphasis on Fair Lending, CECL, and debt collection. Finance and Accounting Participants were asked what the financial and accounting risk reporting requirements environment will be like over the next two years. On a scale from -10 (less stringent) to 10 (more stringent), the average was 6, a considerable consensus of more strictness. They were then asked what their credit unions most pressing finance and accounting issue currently was. The majority of participants responded that CECL enactment keeps them up at night. Aux CFO and head of outsourced accounting services Diane Parham commented, The future of CECL remains cloudy, however, credit unions need to be preparing for CECL now. CECL requires a more in-depth look at losses and the data takes time to compile. Even if CECL never comes to fruition, the data gathered in preparation can be incredibly useful in current ALLL analyses or to gain a better understanding of collection/recovery efforts. Compliance Participants were asked what the credit union regulatory and compliance environment will be like over the next two years. On a scale from -10 (less stringent) to 10 (more stringent), the average was 7, an even more considerable consensus of severity. They were then asked what their credit unions most pressing compliance issue currently was. As with top accounting concerns, CECL was a common thread, but staying on top of regulations and fraud were also issues: The amount of personnel to manage all compliance issues. This continues to kill smaller credit unions. Staying current on all legislation. Covering the costs related to security breaches at Point of Purchase locations, (such as Target, Home Depot). Our cost to replace cards and cover losses falls completely on us, while the vendor gets a slap on the wrist. Fraud, Fraud, Fraud. The card brands and law enforcement push losses onto the CU and the losses continue to mount and recoveries are non-existent. HUGE penalties for data breaches at retailers etc. Aux VP of Compliance Gaye DeCesare comments on the compliance environment: Two months into the new administration, we are already seeing some of these changes. The CFPB is not yet issuing new regulations, but were seeing guidance and clarification on existing regulations, and thats a good thing. Regulations HMDA: When asked if participants anticipated any changes to HMDA regulations, 61% said yes and 26% said no, and the rest unsure. CECL: When asked if participants expected the implementation of CECL would be moved up or further delayed, 53% said further delayed, 13% said moved up, and 34% said it would stay the same or they werent certain. MBL Cap: Aux asked how likely is it that Congress and the regulatory agencies will address the MBL cap, and participants were split down the middle. On a scale from -10 (not at all likely) to 10 (very likely), the average was 0. Consumer Data: When asked if participants expect stricter controls and regulations regarding consumer data/information protection, 100% said yes. This was the only question in the whole survey where the answers were unanimous. Auxs DeCesare also warns against a doom-and-gloom approach to regulations. Not all [new] regulation is bad, she says. Compliance management is key. When it comes to the renewed focus on consumer protection, credit unions can share the costs and benefits by collaborating. General Impact When asked if the Biden Administration would be more or less focused on making changes in the financial services industry than the Trump Administration, 75% felt that Biden would be more focused on making changes. Aux asked participants to rank 17 issues they believe will receive the most attention in the coming year from the political apparatus. The top issues ranked as follows: Additional COVID stimulus and CARES Act legislation; Consumer protection legislation followed closely; followed closely; Cybersecurity risk, fair lending practices, minimum wage reform, and Increased taxation (individual and business) all tied as major issues as well. Participants were asked if the credit union tax exemption was more or less at risk with the concentration of partisan political power. On a scale from -10 (less at risk) to 10 (more at risk), the average was 4. Interestingly, responses ran the full-scale range, from -10 to 10, illustrating the vast difference in opinion regarding the future of tax exemption. Aux also asked two open-ended questions that sparked lively comments. The first asked what fears participants had regarding potential negative impacts of a Blue Wave on credit unions. Over-regulation and taxes were at the forefront of most responses. There were a handful of not sures, and quite a few strong opinions: Taxation. They are going to have to pay for all of the stimulus somehow and credit unions will be attacked by banks again. Democrats are more sympathetic to the people, which is the same philosophy as credit unions, so I dont believe there will be a negative impact. The idea that consumption rather than productivity, and the political definition of fairness will further increase operating costs for credit unions. Moratoriums on contractual obligations between lenders and borrowers will be superseded by politicians and/or executive order without the rule of law. None. It is a positive. We finally have true leadership. The regulatory burden will only increase the rate of consolidation. The costs of compliance will be passed onto members. The lack of focus on our business will be harmful to credit unions as a whole. The second asked what benefits participants expected regarding positive impacts of a Blue Wave on credit unions. Tax exempt status and CDFIs were a common thread. More transparency, more concerned for less wealthy, more opportunities to serve, truth, greater opportunity to help others who arent the rich. From a Federal perspective I dont see any benefits. From a State perspective there may possibly be legislation passed that CUs have been lobbying for. Less risk of losing the federal tax exemption on CUs, specifically those serving low-income communities. NONE! I see more funds in the Stimulus for CDFI credit unions. Im not one because the vast majority of my members are in rural locations and get their mail at a post office. PO Boxes are automatically excluded which excluded my low-income members from the formula. Hopefully they will come up with exceptions or way to help us qualify so we can get access so CDFI grants/funds. Less FOM restrictions; more CDFI funding; MBL reform. And this gem, which pretty much sums up our divided nation: I see no positive impact. Anyone who believes the impact will be positive to CUs is an absolute idiot. Aux CEO Doug Burke is taking a moderate, hopeful approach to the anticipated industry changes: The national environment is very divided at the D.C. political perspective, with consumers and credit union executives. I believe the Blue Wave will lean toward democratic ideology and we will see them pushing their agenda while they have the power. But I also believe the president wont be abusive with the power to try and make it look like hes not slamming the Republicans. He will try to have some balancebut with the blue tint. DeCesare has been involved in credit union compliance for 30 years, and again urges credit unions to take a step back and not jump to conclusions. Pro-consumer is not equal to anti-business, she notes. Many credit union executives are concerned about the administrations effects on American businesses. In my experience, Id advise a measured approach. Lets see what happens and act accordingly. Lastly, Aux solicited open-ended responses on what we thought was a straight-forward question: Democratic Executive and Legislative branches may be more sympathetic to the credit union cause. Where should the movement spend its political capital and energy? This was not the case, as many participants remarked, I dont agree with this statement at all. From there, responses were as varied and wild as you could imagine in this political climate: Supporting the democratic candidates. Saving our tax-exempt status, saving smaller credit unions from the crush of new regulations. Pushing back against the anti-business Democrats and support the pro-business Republicans. Regulatory relief for credit unions compared to the national banks. More regulations for fintech to level the competition. Keep Credit Union tax exemption. Keep the postal service out of banking services. Expand Credit Union membership options for the underserved community. Diversification in membership and efforts to lend to minority and disenfranchised membership. Increased lending caps, increased field of memberships etc. Concern that states (like Iowa) will try and tax CUs. We need more federal support of CUs against taxing CUs at the state level. IE: Tax CUs at the state and the state would lose X federal dollars. Gain Federal and State support for Small Credit union initiatives and programs which allow smaller community-based CUs to get federal funded programs out into the communities. Versus having mid to large size for profit banks and large CUs being the conduits. The CU industry must focus on the sustainability of small CUs to decrease the rate of consolidation. Otherwise, the CU industry is heading toward extinction. The last comment struck a chord with Aux CFO Parham. As the head of Auxs outsourced accounting services, who have helped many small and mid-sized credit unions with accounting support and staffing, Parham understands the immense pressure small credit unions feel. We feel that a shared services model is critical to the mitigation of mergers. Were here to help small credit unions not only stay afloat, but to find a way to thrive. We exist to help all credit unions, big and small, but we provide a unique set of services that small credit unions struggle to provide in-house. We help the small credit unions remain not only viable, but competitive, she says. We, at Aux, knew this topic would spark a lively set of responses across a broad spectrum, and much of it driven by political beliefs and values. Nonetheless, these issues are worthy of discussion and debate as they can affect the future of our industry. We believe it is part of our mission to help create a meaningful dialogue on critical issues facing the credit union movement by surfacing insights and stimulating new ideas. Every quarter, we intend to field a survey that probes and generates responses to issues that could positively or negatively impact the industry. 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 survey by Axios/Ipsos revealed on Tuesday that more Americans are going out and visiting families amid the coronavirus pandemic. According to Breitbart, the survey was conducted March 19-22 on 995 adult Americans who were asked to indicate their habits, including going out to eat and visiting friends and relatives for the time period. Ipsos, a global research company providing information on consumers and brands, citizens, and health care, said in the news release posted on their website that Americans are "getting vaccinated and reemerging." Ipsos explained that reemerging meant people going out of their homes to shop in retail stores, see others such as relatives, or dine in restaurants. "Compared to one month ago, the number of people who have gone out to eat has gone up 12 points and those who have visited friends and relatives is up nine points. Both numbers are approaching half of the American public," Axios/Ipsos revealed. "A majority (54%) have visited a non-grocery retail store, the highest number recorded since we started measuring this last May," it added. "Right now, 45% say they have dined out at a restaurant; this number is at the highest point since the very first wave of the survey. At the same time, those saying dining out poses a large risk to their health and well-being is on the decline (currently 23%, down from 33% one month ago)." As per the Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index, "there is a clear behavioral shift happening overall" that mostly involve people who have not received the vaccine. The 52% of the said group of people say "they've visited friends and relatives in the past week" whereas 41% of those who are vaccinated were recorded of doing the same. The poll also showed that unvaccinated people are the ones who say that "activities outside of the home pose no risk to their health and well-being" while vaccinated ones are reported to practice social distancing over the past week. A 59% of survey respondents, on the other hand, disclosed that their life prior to the pandemic actually pose "a large or moderate risk to their health and well-being. The poll results pointed out that this is actually lower by seven points as compared to the February results and lower by 11 points as compared to December 2020. Despite these results, Axios/Ipsos say that Americans still maintain practicing the health protocols when they leave home such as masking and social distancing. The survey results show that "more than seven in ten Americans" consistently wear masks all the time and 63 or nearly two thirds intend to continue practicing social distancing even they have already been vaccinated. Although 44% of these actually practice the six feet distancing required, which the poll results say have declined by 54% as compared to the February results. The Axios/Ipsos poll also show that "nine in ten Americans know someone who has received the COVID-19 vaccine." Breitbart pointed out that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported as of March 22 that there already 126 million Americans who have been administered of the vaccine. A medical worker is inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in HCMC's District 11 Hospital, March 24, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Thu Anh. The EU may consider transferring vaccine manufacturing technology to Vietnam, its envoy to Hanoi has said. Giorgio Aliberti, the EU ambassador to Vietnam, said the subject could now be discussed since more countries are set to produce Covid-19 vaccines, and Vietnam has "potential" in vaccine manufacturing. The Serum Institute of India has signed a contract with British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca to produce 70 million doses of its Covid-19 vaccine a month, which should give India a marked advantage in the fight against the pandemic, he said, speaking to the media on Tuesday. Asked by correspondents about safety concerns over the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine and others distributed through global vaccine access mechanism Covax, he said the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee, the European Medicines Agency's committee responsible for assessing and monitoring the safety of human medicines, has concluded that the vaccine's benefits far outweigh its potential risks, and that cases of blood clots are exceedingly rare. He said the AstraZeneca vaccine should continue to be used, and the decision is based on scientific evidence. The EU is a sponsor of Covax, which planned to donate to Vietnam around 4.1 million doses by April. But Dang Duc Anh, director of the National Institute Of Hygiene And Epidemiology, said due to the difficulties in vaccine manufacturing around the world, the handover could be delayed. Vietnam began a mass Covid vaccination program using the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this month, starting with frontline workers. Around 38,000 people have received their first shots. (Newser) A jury has been seated for the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in George Floyds death, with opening statements set for Monday in a case that led to weeks of protests and a national soul-searching about racial justice. The final juror was chosen Tuesday, wrapping up a process that took more than two weeks and was complicated by worldwide attention to Floyds death, even before the city of Minneapolis announced a $27 million settlement to his family during the fourth day of jury selection. Attorneys and the judge worked through more than 100 people, dismissing most because they acknowledged strong views about an encounter that was captured on bystander video. The panel now includes 15 jurors, the AP reports. story continues below Twelve will deliberate, with two alternates; Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill has said he will excuse the extra juror when opening statements begin on Monday if the 14 others still are able to serve. Throughout jury selection, the defense frequently struck people who told the court they already had strong feelings about Chauvins guilt. The prosecution frequently used its allotted challenges against potential jurors who were not just supportive of police but said they would favor their testimony over others. They also sought to block potential jurors who were critical or doubtful about the Black Lives Matter movement. The AP has much more on the jurors. Some details: Juror No. 2: A white man in his 20s who works as a chemist, the only juror on the panel who said he has never seen bystander video of Floyd's arrest. A white man in his 20s who works as a chemist, the only juror on the panel who said he has never seen bystander video of Floyd's arrest. Juror No. 9: A multiracial woman in her 20s whose uncle is a police officer. She said she was "super excited" to be called to jury duty. A multiracial woman in her 20s whose uncle is a police officer. She said she was "super excited" to be called to jury duty. Juror No. 19: A white man in his 30s whose friend is a police officer, but who said he does not support Blue Lives Matter. A white man in his 30s whose friend is a police officer, but who said he does not support Blue Lives Matter. Juror No. 27: A Black man in his 30s who came to America more than 14 years ago and said he had talked to his wife about how Floyd "could have been me." A Black man in his 30s who came to America more than 14 years ago and said he had talked to his wife about how Floyd "could have been me." Juror No. 44: A white woman in her 50s who said the media is biased, so while she has seen lots of news about the case, she doesn't have all the facts. A white woman in her 50s who said the media is biased, so while she has seen lots of news about the case, she doesn't have all the facts. Juror No. 52: A Black man in his 30s who wondered why the other police officers didn't stop Chauvin. A Black man in his 30s who wondered why the other police officers didn't stop Chauvin. Juror No. 55: A white woman in her 50s who says she was "disturbed" by bystander video of Floyd's death, but believes that "all lives matter." A white woman in her 50s who says she was "disturbed" by bystander video of Floyd's death, but believes that "all lives matter." Juror No. 79: A Black man in his 40s who immigrated to America and says he trusts police, and would tell his son to cooperate with them if they stop him while driving. A Black man in his 40s who immigrated to America and says he trusts police, and would tell his son to cooperate with them if they stop him while driving. Juror No. 85: A multiracial woman in her 40s who did not know what actions Floyd took before his encounter with Chauvin, nor what his cause of death was. She believes that "you respect police and you do what they ask." A multiracial woman in her 40s who did not know what actions Floyd took before his encounter with Chauvin, nor what his cause of death was. She believes that "you respect police and you do what they ask." Juror No. 89: A white woman in her 50s who works as a nurse and said she would draw upon her knowledge to evaluate medical testimony. A white woman in her 50s who works as a nurse and said she would draw upon her knowledge to evaluate medical testimony. Juror No. 91: A Black grandmother in her 60s who has a relative that is a police officer and said she has a favorable view of Black Lives Matter. A Black grandmother in her 60s who has a relative that is a police officer and said she has a favorable view of Black Lives Matter. Juror No. 92: A white woman in her 40s who said just because someone uses drugs or fails to cooperate with police, they shouldn't be treated poorly. A white woman in her 40s who said just because someone uses drugs or fails to cooperate with police, they shouldn't be treated poorly. Juror No. 96: A white woman in her 50s who said those who comply with police should have nothing to fear. A white woman in her 50s who said those who comply with police should have nothing to fear. Juror No. 118: A white woman in her 20s who said "there are things that should be changed" about the police, but that their work is important. A white woman in her 20s who said "there are things that should be changed" about the police, but that their work is important. Juror No. 131: A white man in his 20s who said of professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem, "I would prefer if someone would express their beliefs in a different manner." (Much more on each of the jurors here .) Invasive plants that pose a threat to mankind might sound like something out of the sci-fi novel Day Of The Triffids. But it may not be so far-fetched, as scientists claim weeds now pose the greatest threat to humanity in history. Scientists at Rothamsted Research Centre in Hertfordshire, where wheat crops have been studied since 1843, found weeds are stronger and more abundant than ever. Increasing resistance to herbicides, warmer temperatures and shorter crops easily shaded out by weeds are to blame. Experts said the issue poses 'an unprecedented threat to our food security'. The study of data from 1969 found less than a third of the harvest was lost to weeds in ten years, but between 2005 and 2014 this rose to more than half. Scientists at Rothamsted Research Centre in Hertfordshire, where wheat crops have been studied since 1843, found weeds are stronger and more abundant than ever (pictured: Japanese Knotweed) On plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have increased. Researchers say this is because weeds grow in a warming climate better than crops, with average temperatures at the centre around 2C higher than in 1969. Analysis found weeds reduced yields proportionally more with higher rates of nitrogen fertiliser. And herbicide use over the last 50 years has also led to weedkiller-resistant super-weeds. Dr Jonathan Storkey, author of the study published in journal Global Change Biology, said weeds 'represent a greater inherent threat to crop production than before the advent of herbicides'. On plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have increased The Rothamsted Broadbalk wheat trial in Hertfordshire is the world's longest running experiment. Researchers have found that, on plots where herbicides have never been used, yield losses to weeds have been consistently increasing since the 1960s. Less than a third of the harvest was lost to weeds in the first ten years of the dataset, but between 2005 and 2014, this had risen to more than half. The team from Rothamsted Research say this is because weeds do better than crops in a warming climate, coupled with a shift towards shorter crop varieties that get shaded out by the taller weeds. And many weed species have also benefited from increased use of nitrogen fertilisers, allowing them to grow stronger. Cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is key to the development of various areas of Ukraine. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pace of implementation of EBRD-supported projects slowed down compared to 2019. Nevertheless, the agreements worth EUR 643.5 million were concluded in various sectors thanks to the effective cooperation between the Ukrainian side and the EBRD in 2020, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko said during a meeting with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso on March 23, the Ministrys press service informs. The minister noted that cooperation with the EBRD is key to the development of various areas of Ukraine. During the pandemic last year, we had a number of quarantine measures, but we managed to conclude agreements on important projects such as the Ukrposhta Logistics Development Project and the Trans-European Transport Network Development Project. I would also like to thank the EBRD for the UkSATSE and Ukrzaliznytsia liquidity support projects. The parties also discussed the issue of Oschadbanks joining the Deposit Guarantee Fund, which is the first step towards the EBRD's entry into the bank's capital. The finance minister said that Ukraine was interested in stabilizing the energy market as soon as possible and noted the possibility of issuing government-guaranteed bonds in international capital markets to cover the debt to alternative energy producers in the first half of 2021. The EBRD President pointed out that the Bank was interested in infrastructure development and cooperation with the public sector in Ukraine and stressed that it was very important to have a constant dialogue between the two sides. As reported, EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso paid a visit to Ukraine on March 22-23. Ukraine is one of the three main areas of EBRD investment activity. Over the past two years alone, the Bank has allocated EUR 2 billion to support the country's economy. Investments are combined with support for policies towards combating corruption, implementing good governance, structural reforms and creating a more transparent business environment. ol [March 23, 2021] Asia Pacific banks are ready to take advantage of truly digital cores - delivering competitive advantages beyond cost New research from IDC and Thought Machine reveals Asia Pacific markets most ready for core banking transformation outlined in new Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index markets most ready for core banking transformation outlined in new Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index Truly digital cores will deliver numerous benefits for the region's banks, including agility, migration and cost SINGAPORE and LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thought Machine, the cloud native technology company with its APAC headquarters in Singapore, and International Data Corporation (IDC), have released their second piece of joint research entitled Truly Digital Core Banking: You Are More Ready Than You Think. In this new piece of research, IDC outlines Asia Pacific's readiness for banking transformation and a clear path for banks in the region to adopt modern core technology and deliver truly digital banking experiences. IDC's new proprietary index, the Digital Core Banking Opportunity Index, maps regional markets according to two dimensions: opportunity-to-benefit and execution readiness. Within the opportunity-to-benefit dimension, markets have been measured on customer readiness for digital banking and market infrastructure. In the execution readiness dimension, markets have been measured on their propensity towards changing legacy systems and the maturity of their market infrastructure. The markets measured in the index are: Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Findings from the index show that: Singapore and Australia hold the largest opportunity for digital core banking, with the remaining markets ready for digital transformation. and hold the largest opportunity for digital core banking, with the remaining markets ready for digital transformation. Some of the oldest core systems are in the Philippines and Malaysia , whereas Vietnam has relatively newer core systems. and , whereas has relatively newer core systems. The majority of Asia Pacific markets measured are contaied within the 'Market Acceleration' segment: primed to take full advantage of digital core offerings markets measured are contaied within the 'Market Acceleration' segment: primed to take full advantage of digital core offerings Indonesia and Thailand have a strong propensity to change their core bank systems, while Malaysia and Philippines have been slow to migrate to a digital core. In the latter half of the paper, IDC has detailed the exact requirements for a modern digital core outlining 25 distinct attributes the system should possess, including on-demand analytics, intelligent configuration, flexible licensing, cost reduction and more. Michael Araneta, Head of Advisory and Research, IDC Financial Insights, said: "IDC has examined the new wave of investments into digital core banking systems in the Asia Pacific region and can now reveal that banks are primed to benefit from the capabilities of a new generation of core banking systems. They can finally be more efficient, more customer-centric, and more agile. No market in the region, and no bank for that matter, should wait for the 'right time down the road'. The time is now." Nick Wilde, Managing Director APac, Thought Machine, said: "Asia's markets are now able to take advantage of the efficiencies of cloud-native architecture, an API-driven framework and low-code enhancement capabilities that are inherent in truly digital core systems. The intersection point has arrived Asia's markets are ready to execute, and capture material benefits by migrating to a truly digital core." The paper explores Thought Machine's core banking engine, Vault, in the context of these attributes. An assessment of low-code and no-code development paradigms reveals that Vault's low-code approach unlocks multiple benefits for banks wishing to be agile in fast-changing environments. Vault's API-driven, real-time approach, has also been highlighted for its ability to streamline integration with other systems, connect with Open Banking programs, and allows banks to take advantage of new digital channels. The paper closes with an assessment of the migration approaches available for legacy banks when adopting modern digital core banking systems. Vault is highlighted for its ability to cater to multiple types of migration: reducing the complexity, risk and cost involved in the process. About Thought Machine Thought Machine was founded in 2014 with a mission to enable banks to deploy modern systems and move away from the legacy IT platforms that plague the banking industry. We do this through our cloud native core banking platform, Vault. This next generation system has been written from scratch as an entirely cloud native platform. It does not contain a single line of code which is legacy, or pre-cloud. Founded by entrepreneur Paul Taylor, Thought Machine's customers include Lloyds Banking Group, SEB, Standard Chartered, Atom bank, Monese, TransferGo and Curve. We are currently a team of more than 450 people spread across offices in London, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, New York and have raised more than 110m in funding from Eurazeo, Draper Esprit, SEB, British Patient Capital, IQ Capital, Playfair Capital, Nyca Partners, Lloyds Banking Group and Backed. For more information visit thoughtmachine.net About IDC International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,100 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights: http://bit.ly/IDCBlog_Subscribe. SOURCE Thought Machine [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] City Reviews Paducah's Public Relations Campaign By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - At Tuesday's city commission meeting, Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Mary Hammond gave an update on the city's recently launched public relations campaign.The city began working with the Lou Hammond Group through the CVB in December to establish a targeted campaign highlighting Paducah's quality for relocation and tourism.Hammond said that since then, they have generated 312 targeted pitches about Paducah, with 11 of those resulting in articles appearing in national publications. It's estimated that those articles had the readership potential to reach approximately 210 million people. The Central Banks 4.1m fine for J&E Davy has focused attention once again on the perceived lack of accountability by senior management in financial services entities. Although the immediate cost was to J&E Davy itself, the fall-out from another scandal threatened confidence in market integrity and exposed the industry to reputational damage. Regulatory breaches in relation to conflicts of interest and personal account dealing were aggravated by a lack of candour and a failure to demonstrate accountability in the firms initial reporting of the matter to the regulator. The internal compliance function was side-stepped in a manner redolent of the circumvention of the risk-management function by banks in the run up to the global financial crisis. The fine forms part of the Central Banks arsenal under its Administrative Sanctions Procedure, which has led to the imposition of over 128m in fines since 2006. In addition to holding firms to account, the Central Bank may investigate and sanction persons concerned in the management who have participated in a regulatory breach by the firm. It meted out a 20,000 fine and a three-year disqualification, for example, on a former non-executive director of Irish Nationwide Building Society who admitted participation in certain regulatory breaches. However, in its 2018 Report on Behaviour and Culture in Irish Retail Banks, arising from the tracker mortgage scandal, the Central Bank recommended removing the requirement to prove participation before sanctioning an individual. It correctly stated that it is inconsistent with the principle of individual accountability which requires an individual to be accountable for his or her own actions. The report recommended that a Senior Executive Accountability Regime (SEAR) similar to the UKs Senior Managers Regime (SMR) be adopted. The latter was introduced in 2016 following criticism of bank leadership by the UKs Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards. The commission identified two particular impediments to accountability that also exist in the Irish market. The first is the use by managers of the defence of ignorance as a means of deliberately constructing an accountability firewall between themselves and their misconduct. The commission concluded that senior executives were aware that they would not be punished for what they could not see and promptly donned the blindfolds. The fact that this strategy proved successful is evidenced in part by the small number of senior managers who have been held legally accountable in the past. The second impediment involves reliance on the Murder on the Orient Express defence. Managers claim that because everyone was party to a decision, no one individual can be held squarely to blame. Such a strategy was utilised by a number of bankers in the aftermath of the Irish banking crisis arguing that because parties such as the financial regulator and the European Central Bank shared responsibility for their institutions failure, they should not be held liable. Read More The Central Bank has proposed applying SEAR initially to credit institutions, certain insurance undertakings and investment firms, and extending its scope over time. The SEAR would address both impediments by creating direct accountability for individuals performing Senior Executive Functions (SEFs) with prescribed responsibilities in regulated financial services firms. These functions would likely include the Chief Executive function, the Executive Director function, the Chief Risk Function and the Compliance Oversight function. If the UK example were followed, firms would be required to submit a Statement of Responsibilities to the Central Bank for each proposed senior executive setting out their SEFs and all their responsibilities. Firms would also be required to maintain a Responsibilities Map setting out the governance and management arrangements and the reporting lines, and providing a collective view of the allocation of responsibilities across the firm. The SEAR would ensure that all the key responsibilities are being looked after by competent people and make it clear to both the individuals themselves and the Central Bank which responsibilities are tasked to each individual. This would make it easier for the Central Bank to use its existing powers to sanction individuals for failing to meet their responsibilities. In the UK, senior managers are liable if they did not take such steps as a person in their position could reasonably be expected to take to avoid a contravention. The SMR in the UK is generally perceived as having had a positive impact on culture and conduct within regulated entities and the introduction of SEAR here should be welcomed. When the Government agreed in June 2019 to the drafting of a Bill, the Minister for Finance correctly emphasised the importance of ensuring that the legislation is legally sound as it is likely that some will seek to challenge it. The Central Banks inquiry process has already been the subject of a number of unsuccessful judicial review actions. The proposed powers and sanctions are significant and far-reaching, and introducing and implementing the new regime will involve resolving complex problems relating to issues such as reasonable expectations, collective responsibility, the treatment of non-executive directors and the role of the Central Bank. While there have been criticisms of the delay in introducing SEAR, it is essential that the ball is not dropped at the last moment in haste and that the focus is on ensuring that when introduced, it will be robust and fit for purpose. Professor Blanaid Clarke is McCann FitzGerald Chair of Corporate Law at Trinity College Dublin A massive cargo ship turned sideways in Egypts Suez Canal, blocking traffic in a crucial East-West waterway for global shipping, according to satellite data accessed Wednesday. Traffic on the narrow waterway dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula stopped Tuesday after the MV Evergreen, a Panama-flagged container ship with an owner listed in Japan, got stuck, said a Wam news agency report. It wasnt immediately clear what caused the Evergree to turn sideways in the canal. GAC, a global shipping and logistics company, described the ship as suffering "a blackout while transiting in a northerly direction," without elaborating. Others blamed high winds for turning the vessel. The Evergreens bow was touching the canals eastern wall, while its stern looked lodged against its western wall, according to satellite data from MarineTraffic.com. Several tug boats surrounded the ship, likely attempting to push it the right way, the data showed. An image posted to Instagram by a user on another waiting cargo ship showed the Evergreen wedged across the canal. The ship appeared to be stuck some 6 km north of the southernly mouth of the canal near the city of Suez. Cargo ships and oil tankers appeared to be lining up at the southern end of the Suez Canal, waiting to be able to pass through the waterway to the Mediterranean Sea, according to Marine Traffic data. The White House was again forced to defend firing five pot-smoking staffers during Wednesday's press briefing. Press secretary Jen Psaki was asked how aides could get axed after Vice President Kamala Harris has admitted to smoking pot and even praised it saying, 'It gives people joy and we need more joy in this world.' Psaki stuck to her position that the White House allowed more people to serve than previous administrations would have, with a revised pot policy, adding that for a number of those let go 'there were other security issues that were raised.' White House press secretary Jen Psaki had to again defend the administration's decision to ax five employees over prior pot use. She said the new policy still allowed more people to serve than would have been eligible in previous administrations Vice President Kamala Harris' comments on pot use were pointed out in the White House press briefing, including that she admitted to smoking pot and also praised it saying, 'It gives people joy and we need more joy in this world' She pushed back on the idea that President Joe Biden could simply let past pot smokers serve. 'I think if marijuana was federally legal that might be a different circumstance,' she told The New York Post's Steven Nelson, who quoted Harris at the top of his query. Psaki also wouldn't give an estimate of how many White House workers' jobs had been saved, thanks to a change in policy. 'I don't have any more data for you, other than to convey that there were a number of people who would not have been able to serve in past administrations and because of our efforts to modernize and work with the security service they're able to serve,' she said. Of the five individuals who are no longer employed, Psaki called in an 'unfortuante conclusion, of course.' On Thursday night, The Daily Beast reported that dozens of young White House staffers had been suspended, told to work remotely or asked to resign due to past pot use. Sources told the publication that aides had been told the use of pot recreationally would not be immediately disqualifying when applying for White House jobs. However, these staffers were put on probation when they admitted to using marijuana on forms they filled out for security screenings. Among those impacted were aides who lived in the 14 states and Washington, D.C., where recreational marijuana use is legal, despite it being illegal at the federal level. One former staffer told The Daily Beast, 'nothing was ever explained.' 'The policies were never explained, the threshold for what was excusable and what was inexcusable was never explained,' the axed aide said. Psaki initially responded by tweeting out an NBC News story from February that said pot smoking wouldn't automatically disqualify individuals from holding White House jobs. President Joe Biden said he backed decriminalization of pot and legalization of medical marijuana when running for president, while Harris said she backed full federal recreational legalization When Kamala Harris was running for president she supported full legalization of recreational pot. 'It's time to legalize marijuana and bring justice to people of color harmed by failed drug policies,' she tweeted in November 2019 She followed up by saying only five staffers are 'no longer employed as a result of this policy.' Past drug use can impact a federal employee's ability to get a security clearance - but the president has the ultimate say. During the Trump administration, President Donald Trump still green-lit a security clearance for his son-in-law Jared Kushner over objections from the intelligence community. On the campaign trail, Biden signaled he was for decriminalizing marijuana - not making recreational pot legal at the federal level. Biden also supported legalizing medical marijuana and the federal government not interfering with state-level policies on the drug. During her own presidential run, Harris took a legalization stance. She was less vocal about backing that policy once she joined the Biden ticket in August. Schools in North Alabama are making changes to their schedules Thursday due to the threat of severe weather. WAAY 31 will update this list as we learn more: Turn to WAAY 31 for everything you need to know to stay safe during Thursday's severe weather. Chief Meteorologist Kate McKenna and meteorologists Rob Elvington and Carson Meredith will provide you with the most accurate information on storms by using our StormTracker Early Warning Radar Network. Stationed in Muscle Shoals, Decatur and Guntersville, the radars provide the best data for all of North Alabama by scanning EVERY community in North Alabama. See all the radars HERE Access the Muscle Shoals radar HERE Access the Decatur radar HERE Access the Guntersville radar HERE And download our news and weather apps HERE Chennai, March 24 : The two Communist parties, CPI-M and CPI are in a political alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu, but in Kerala they are the main political adversaries. The permutation and combination of alliance politics is throwing up challenges for both. While posters of Kanyakumari Lok Sabha candidate Vijay Vasanthakumar and Nagercoil Assembly candidates have their posters with the photographs of a beaming Rahul Gandhi and Sitaram Yechury, but just a step away at the Kaliyakkavilai transport check post inside Kerala the scene is different. Here the Left and the Congress are engaged in a fierce political battle. BJP leader and party candidate from Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat Pon Radhakrishnan while speaking to IANS said, "This is the duplicity of these parties, both CPI-M and CPI are national parties and so is the Congress. Across the border they are fighting against each other but here they are all friends, ideology doesn't matter." Interestingly, the Communist parties have also conducted public campaigns for the Congress candidate Vijay Vasanthakumar for the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat. M. Mariyappan, CPI-M local secretary at Kaliyakkavilai in Tamil Nadu told IANS said, "We are fighting against the fasict government of Narendra Modi and the BJP and all secular democratic parties will have to weed this government out." When asked on the fight against the Congress just step away in Kerala, Mariappan said, "In Kerala, the CPI-M is fighting against the Congress, and BJP is not a force to reckon with. We want to defeat the Congress in Kerala but we have aligned with the DMK in Tamil Nadu and Congress is part of that alliance." While the CPI-M leaders do not have a proper answer on this, both the parties want to somehow stay afloat in power, say political commentators. At the Palakkad border also in the Valayar checkpost, there is a strong fight between the AIADMK-BJP and the DMK-Congress-CPI-CPM alliance candidate. But, inside the Kerala border, the CPI-M is engaged in a bitter battle with the Congress. Chick-Fil-A will continue its expansion across the state next month with the opening of its 48th location in New Jersey. The popular fast food chicken restaurant will open at 2819 Route 35 in a Hazlet shopping plaza that contains the Cinemark Hazlet 12 on April 1, the company announced this week. The restaurant will be open for drive-thru customers only at first, as all new Chick-Fil-A locations will take additional time to review operations and make sure appropriate precautions are in place before opening their dining rooms, to ensure the safety of guests and team members amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the company. It will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Customers can also use contactless ordering and payment through Chick-fil-As mobile app. Instead of a traditional grand opening, the restaurant will be surprising 100 local heroes making an impact in Monmouth County with free Chick-fil-A for a year, and will also donate $25,000 to Feeding America, the company said. Becoming an operator in Monmouth County is a dream that has been a decade in the making and I couldnt be more thrilled to finally see it come to life, Brandon Jones, the owner/operator of the Hazlet location, said in a statement. I look forward to making this restaurant a cornerstone of the community, creating a place that delivers great food with excellent service and provides personal and professional growth opportunities for team members. The announcement comes on the heels of one earlier this month that a Chick-fil-A was opening in Linden. Chick-Fil-A is known for its chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets and tenders, signature waffle fries and its various dipping sauces. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 25) A total of 1,503,273 violations of minimum public health standards were recorded by the Philippine National Police in the past seven months. PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas made the announcement during the national address of President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday. The recorded violations covered the period from August 20, 2020 to March 23 this year. Sinas said most of the violators were reprimanded for not wearing face masks, consistently topping the violations list every month. Next is the non-wearing of face shields. Mass gathering and physical distancing violations, and those who breached Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act comprise the other violators of COVID-19 protocols, Sinas added. In the National Capital Region, there are 260,253 violations. Non-wearing of face masks topped the violations in Metro Manila every month, except in February when most violations were due to non-wearing of face shields. People living in South Asia already experience potentially deadly heat waves, but these events will likely become more commonplace in the coming decades even if global warming is limited to the 1.5 degrees Celsius WASHINGTON--Residents of South Asia already periodically experience heat waves at the current level of warming. But a new study projecting the amount of heat stress residents of the region will experience in the future finds with 2 degrees Celsius of warming, the population's exposure to heat stress will nearly triple. Limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will likely reduce that impact by half, but deadly heat stress will become commonplace across South Asia, according to the new study in Geophysical Research Letters, AGU's journal publishing high-impact, short-format reports with immediate implications spanning all Earth and space sciences. With almost one quarter of the world's population living in South Asia, the new study underlines the urgency of addressing climate change. "The future looks bad for South Asia, but the worst can be avoided by containing warming to as low as possible," said Moetasim Ashfaq, a computational climate scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and corresponding author of the new study. "The need for adaptation over South Asia is today, not in the future. It's not a choice anymore." Earth has warmed by 1 degree Celsius since the start of the Industrial Revolution, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. On the current climate trajectory, it may reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming in 2040. This deadline leaves little time for South Asian countries to adapt. "Only half a degree increase from today is going to cause a widespread increase in these events," Ashfaq said. A hot region getting hotter People living in South Asia are especially vulnerable to deadly heat waves because the area already experiences very hot, humid summers. Much of the population live in densely populated cities without regular access to air conditioning, and about 60% perform agricultural work and can't escape the heat by staying indoors. In the new study, the researchers used climate simulations and projections of future population growth to estimate the number of people who will experience dangerous levels of heat stress in South Asia at warming levels of 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. They estimated the wet bulb temperature residents will experience, which is similar to the heat index, as it takes into account humidity as well as temperature. A wet bulb temperature of 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 degrees Fahrenheit) is considered to be the point when labor becomes unsafe, and 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) is the limit to human survivability - when the body can no longer cool itself. Their analysis suggests at 2 degrees of warming, the population's exposure to unsafe labor temperatures will rise more than two-fold, and exposure to lethal temperatures rises 2.7 times, as compared to recent years. Curbing warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will likely cut that exposure in half, but large numbers of people across South Asia will still experience extreme temperatures. An increase in heat events that create unsafe labor conditions are likely to occur in major crop producing regions in India, such as West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, and in Pakistan in Punjab and Sindh. Coastal regions and urban centers such as Karachi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Peshawar are also likely to be heavily affected, according to the study. "Even at 1.5 degrees, South Asia will have serious consequences in terms of heat stress," Ashfaq said. "That's why there is a need to radically alter the current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions." The results differ from a similar study conducted in 2017, which predicted that heat waves of lethal temperatures will occur in South Asia toward the end of the 21st century. The researchers suspect the earlier study is too conservative, as deadly heat waves have already hit the region in the past. In 2015, large parts of Pakistan and India experienced the fifth deadliest heat wave in the recorded history, which caused about 3,500 heat-related deaths. "A policy framework is very much needed to fight against heat stress and heat wave-related problems," said T.V. Lakshmi Kumar, an atmospheric scientist at India's SRM Institute of Science and Technology who was not involved in the work. "India has already committed to reduce emissions to combat climate change issues." The study was supported by National Climate?Computing Research Center, which is located within ORNL's National Center for Computational Sciences and supported under a Strategic Partnership Project between Department of Energy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ### AGU ( http://www. agu. org ) supports 130,000 enthusiasts to experts worldwide in Earth and space sciences. Through broad and inclusive partnerships, we advance discovery and solution science that accelerate knowledge and create solutions that are ethical, unbiased and respectful of communities and their values. Our programs include serving as a scholarly publisher, convening virtual and in-person events and providing career support. We live our values in everything we do, such as our net zero energy renovated building in Washington, D.C. and our Ethics and Equity Center, which fosters a diverse and inclusive geoscience community to ensure responsible conduct.? ? Notes for Journalists This research study will be freely available for 30 days. Download a PDF copy of the paper here. Neither the paper nor this press release is under embargo. Paper title: "Deadly heat stress to become commonplace across South Asia already at 1.5C of global warming" Authors: Moetasim Ashfaq, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee Fahad Saeed, Climate Analytics, Berlin, Germany Carl-Friedrich Schleussner, Climate Analytics, Berlin, Germany 'Through the passing of this landmark bill, Scotlands Parliament has sent a strong and clear message to victims, perpetrators, communities and to the wider society that offences motivated by prejudice will be treated seriously and will not be tolerated', declared Scotlands justice minister Humza Yousaf. (Image credit : Twitter/@ScotParl) India, with its increasingly assertive majoritarian culture, would benefit from an equivalent of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Bill that the Scottish Parliament in Edinburghs Holyrood House passed last week by 82 votes to 32, following the previous days five-hour debate when legislators considered a raft of amendments. In a nutshell, the controversial new measure will extend protection to vulnerable groups and take a far stricter view of the offence of stirring up hatred. As Victoria Atkins, a junior minister in the British government, said in another context recently, the minorities and marginalised communities need such protection. Such Indian groups need it far more than quotas and reservations which, as wise observers have pointed out repeatedly, create a vested interest in backwardness. Indians who would qualify under Ms Atkinss definition are Muslims, the Scheduled Castes and Tribes, Sikhs and people from the Northeast who do not fit into the common mans notion of the national stereotype. Myanmars Rohingyas are a tragic illustration of the outsider in this sense, as were Jews and the gypsies in pre-World War II Europe. Through the passing of this landmark bill, Scotlands Parliament has sent a strong and clear message to victims, perpetrators, communities and to the wider society that offences motivated by prejudice will be treated seriously and will not be tolerated, declared Scotlands justice minister Humza Yousaf. Around 18 hate crimes are committed every day in the kingdom; 6,448 were recorded in 2019-20. I am delighted Holyrood has backed this powerful legislation that is fitting for the Scotland we live in Mr Yousaf added. Although born in Glasgow, Mr Yousaf is of Pakistani origin and can be expected to bring a measure of personal commitment to the cause of equal treatment for people of all creeds and colours. The bills passage has shown Holyrood at its very best -- a collaborative, diverse and determined Parliament which we should all be proud of, he says. Robust scrutiny has ensured we have met the right balance between protecting groups targeted by hate crime and respecting peoples rights to free speech. He has been at pains to reassure everyone that the new law will not try to instigate any kind of witch hunt. Nor will it curb free speech. Asked about racist jokes and drunken anecdotes, he was quick to stress that the behaviour has to be threatening or abusive and intended to stir up trouble, so a racist joke is clearly not going to reach that threshold. There will be no prosecutions under the new law. If your unreconstructed uncle comes in, has too many sherries at Christmas dinner and says something they shouldnt do, which creates great offence to his bisexual niece, for example, that is not going to be prosecuted. He fleshed out the point by recounting an abusive tweet he had received but would ignore. The beauty of the Hate Crime Bill is that you can say that all day long (not that Id encourage it!) and it would not be a criminal offence. That may seem like a tolerant and sensibly lenient attitude to take. Yet, leniency can be mistaken for tacit official sanction or condonation. Nazi anti-Semitism did not spring up overnight. German and Austrian culture had a long history of anti-Semitic witticisms which may have concealed a real societal bias. Nirad C. Chaudhuri recalls a Bengali rhyme in which the people of Odisha and Bihar are presented in negative terms to illustrate insularity. Similarly, the English have jokes at the expense of the Scots and the Welsh. Believing laughter to be the best antidote to hatred, the British once offered prizes to comedians who could tell jokes about their own communities. The 1968 Race Relations Act made it illegal to refuse housing, employment, or public services to anyone on the grounds of colour, race, ethnic or national origins. The deeper expectation was that the law would change peoples outlook because the law-abiding British would avoid anything illegal. And, indeed, race relations and social attitudes have been completely transformed. The three Race Relations Acts (two others followed in 1976 and 2000) accomplished what the old laws could not. Stirring up racial hatred has been an offence in Scottish -- and British -- law for decades. But the old laws were not regarded as providing adequate protection to minority groups. Hence Scotlands Hate Crime Bill was introduced in April 2020 following an independent review by Lord Bracadale, a distinguished Scottish judge, who recommended that all the old laws on the subject be consolidated into one new bill. The measure updates the list of entities protected by the law while also expanding the list. It also identifies new stirring up of hatred offences that apply to all the categories -- age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics that the bill mentions. It is also noteworthy that the bill anticipates religious bigotry and defangs bigots in advance by abolishing the offence of blasphemy. Actually, modern Scotland is a liberal, secular and civilised nation which has not known any blasphemy prosecution for more than 175 years. But the authorities are taking no chances. I look forward to overseeing the implementation of this legislation which will ensure Scotlands justice system can bring perpetrators to account and provide sufficient protection for individuals and communities harmed by hate crimes Mr Yousaf promises. There is no reason why he should be disappointed provided freedom of speech is not curbed and justice is speedy and effective. India has not forgotten the 1968 Kilvenmani massacre when 44 Dalit men, women and children were burned alive, and an appeal court acquitted the convicted murderers on the ground that landlords of their status did not commit such crimes. A new law must also punish rumour mongering about beef, killing cattle and romance across religious borders. India demonstrates that the law by itself is simply not enough. It must also be administered by politicians of goodwill and integrity. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 35 Master's in Entrepreneurship 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 35 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 Entrepreneurship Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-entrepreneurship-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Entrepreneurship Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American Public University System Azusa Pacific University Babson College City University of New York, Baruch College Cornell University DePaul University Drexel University Full Sail University Indiana University Bloomington Lehigh University Lindenwood University New York University Northeastern University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Peru State College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Syracuse University Temple University University of Arizona University of Delaware University of Florida University of Houston, Victoria University of Maryland University of Maryland University of Michigan University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester University of San Francisco University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Texas, Dallas University of Washington Western Carolina 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/. Former drug addict baptized at church he vandalized 6 months earlier: 'God is real' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A former drug addict who broke into an Arkansas church and vandalized $100,000 worth of property was baptized at the same church six months later after the pastor and church members displayed grace and forgiveness. Brenton Winn, 23, was arrested in February after breaking into Central Baptist Church of Conway, Arkansas, and destroying everything in sight, including laptops, cameras, and other electronics. He also wrote a racial slur on a breakroom wall and set the churchs family life center on fire. At the time, the churchs senior pastor, Don Chandler, told KTHV it was about as messy of vandalism as you could possibly imagine. I really don't know what would possess a person to do this maybe anger with God, maybe we were just too near to him at a point in time when he decided to break in and do something, Chandler said. Homeless and high on methamphetamines at the time of the break-in, Winn was indeed angry with God after he relapsed from an addiction to methamphetamines despite spending time at a faith-based recovery program. Portions of the incident were captured on surveillance cameras, and it wasnt long before authorities caught up with the young man. Although Winn faced multiple charges as a result of the robbery, Chandler talked to the prosecutor and extended forgiveness rather than judgment. You can't preach something for 50 years without practicing it, especially in front of your whole church, Chandler told Baptist Press. Had we not shown some grace to him, everything we've talked about and encouraged, would have gone by the wayside. It was simply the right thing to do. This was not a hardened criminal. This was a young man who had made some mistakes. He was on drugs and alcohol when he did what he did. But he was redeemable. The judge gave Winn a choice: Face up to 20 years in prison or voluntarily enter a 12-month rehab and recovery program run by a Christian-based ministry, Renewal Ranch. The young man chose the latter, and it was there that he accepted Christ. He shared with Baptist Press that despite growing up in a God-fearing home, he had struggled with drug addiction. My life was nothing but chaos, suicide attempts and brokenness, Winn admitted. In August six months after his crime Winn was baptized at Central Baptist Church, the same congregation he tried to destroy. As I'm starting to understand how God works, I've realized I didn't pick the church that night. God picked me, Winn told Baptist Press. If it had been any other church, I think I'd be sitting in prison right now. I used to think it was a coincidence [that I chose to break into the church that night], but now I call it confirmation that God is real, and He answers prayers. What was weighing on my heart was that I needed a relationship with Jesus Christ. Located in Perry County, Arkansas, Renewal Ranch is a 12-month program based on biblical principles, according to its website. Since 2011, 300 men have come to faith in Christ through the ministry. For the first six months, participants are given their lodging, food and program materials for free, and every week local pastors and volunteers lead 15-plus hours of Bible study. Participants also have access to trained biblical counselors and are required to do 300 hours of community service. In the second six-month phase of the program, participants live in off-campus apartments operated by the program, work at jobs and continue to go through the Renewal Ranch program. "Our goal of this program is to make reproducing disciple-makers for Jesus Christ," James Loy, who began the ministry in 2011, just six years after he began a relationship with Christ and kicked a 23-year drug and alcohol addiction, told Baptist Press. The goal, he said, is not to be abstinent but "to fall in love with Jesus." A similar incident occurred in February when 24-year-old Deandre Bramlett, who vandalized Living Life in Victory Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, became a member of that same church after asking church leaders for forgiveness for the crimes that cost the church tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Pastor Henry Lavender forgave the perpetrator and told media hes not looking back at the damage done, but forward with Bramletts spiritual growth and new beginning, according to localmemphis.com. It means to me that people can change, people make mistakes, people do things based on money and reasons for that but when a person finds god in their life, they are looking for answers, Lavender said. Jesus makes it possible for DeAndre to live free. His son can be free, Lavender told TSD Memphis. The logo of our church has the Jewish symbol in it. That is on purpose. It means Israel shall live. We do have victory when we forgive and love one another. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 23, 2021) - Chesapeake Gold Corp. (TSXV: CKG) (OTCQX: CHPGF) ("Chesapeake" or the "Company") announces that Derek Green is stepping down as a Director of the Company for personal reasons effective immediately. The Company thanks Mr. Green for his contribution and wishes him well in his future endeavours. About Chesapeake Chesapeake Gold Corp. is focused on the discovery, acquisition and development of major gold-silver deposits in North and South America. Chesapeake's flagship asset is the Metates project ("Metates") located in Durango State, Mexico. Metates hosts one of the largest undeveloped gold-silver-zinc deposits in the Americas. Chesapeake also has developed an organic pipeline of satellite exploration properties strategically located near Metates. In addition, the Company owns 74% of Gunpoint Exploration Ltd. ("Gunpoint") which owns the Talapoosa gold project in Nevada. For more information on Chesapeake, please visit our website at www.chesapeakegold.com or contact Randy Reifel at (604) 731-1094 or Alan Pangbourne at invest@chesapeakegold.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD " P. Randy Reifel " President & Chairman Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78403 From April 8th through 10th, Mecum is set to return to Houston, Texas NRG Center for the tenth time in a row as it diligently prepares a huge roster of around 1,000 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, exotics, trucks, Hot Rods, Resto Mods and more.Naturally, theres a big crop of stars that will have everyone focused, but this time around, we decided to dig up one of those obscure models that might turn out to be a prized no reserve gem in the making. We're talking about this 1966 Plymouth Belvedere 2-Door Hardtop sporting a tasty red paint job and a few secrets that could potentially turn its future owner into a glorious classic car quarter-mile racer 1968 was the intermediate model year for the sixth generation Plymouth Belvedere series, a nameplate that certainly doesnt command the same attention as the usual suspects, such as the Superbird, Road Runner, or Barracuda.Granted, theres one Belvedere that stands out in any crowd, but this time around, were not dealing with a 1964 Hemi Belvedere (remember when race variants decimated the Daytona rivals for a one-two-three win?).Instead, this Belvedere Hardtop decided to attract its next owner with a slightly different set of qualities. First and foremost, it has been lovingly restored to the point of looking way better than the first moment it came out the factory gates. Yes, we admit, were suckers for crimson and black exterior/interior combinations.But thats not all, because the Belvedere is also ready to shame potential rivals with a built 440ci (7.2L) engine that will deliver a sonorous grunt through its Hooker spaghetti headers and 3-inch (7.62 cm) exhaust pipes.As far as we can tell, everything is neatly arranged for some drag racing glory, with a line lock for the front disc brakes, Mickey Thompson Skinny front tires, rear slicks on American Racing mag wheels, and even an extra set of alloys and tires for street duties. While many associate Holi with the party that leaves participants drenched in colors from head to toe, the holiday features another important tradition. On the first day of Holi, which coincides with the full moon, participants light a bonfire, or holika dahan, meant to symbolize the burning of bad spirits. Vibha Sanwal, 51, M.D., a pediatrician in Lewes, Delaware, has fond memories of this fire growing up in Rajasthan, India. Her family would attend a community celebration and roast wheat and corn, throwing sweets and rice into the fire as an offering to the gods to celebrate the spring harvest. It's something I looked forward to, she says. For the last 10 years, Sanwal, her husband and two children have attended the bonfire ceremony at a Hindu temple an hour from their house. But with the temple's temporary closure amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns, Sanwal will light a fire pit in her own backyard after fasting from morning till evening. She'll break the fast with some chole bhature, or spiced chickpeas with deep-fried wheat bread, and kheer, or rice pudding. Her family will wish one another happy Holi something akin to wishing happy spring and she'll put a dot of turmeric on her husband, kids and even the family labradoodles, Jazz and Buddy. 3. Virtual and socially distant gatherings On the day of Holi, Shivkumar will get on a Zoom call with seven or eight girlfriends who will enjoy the treats she has left at their house while they chat virtually. For the occasion, they'll all wear bright Indian clothes. "We'll be dressed in the most colorful clothes because we can't play with color, Shivkumar says. Physician Sanwal will celebrate with her immediate family, and she advises others who plan to gather to follow federal guidelines around safe interactions, which allow for vaccinated people to interact with small groups unmasked and for others to remain masked and maintain social distance. 4. Celebrate when it's safe Some community-wide Holi celebrations will go on just later in the year, anticipating a drop in coronavirus case rates and an increase in vaccination. Sri Radha Bhakti temple near Boston will host a Holi celebration July 10, featuring music, dance and color. Organizers of the Holi festival in Houston, home to one of the largest South Asian communities in the U.S., will reschedule the event for later this year, though the date hasn't yet been determined. For years, Shivkumar's family attended a 300-plus-person Holi party where they would joyfully throw colored powder while listening to loud music. "It's just letting go of your inhibitions at that moment, Shivkumar says . You can let go and play and just feel good. You really feel like a kid." Julekha Dash is a contributing writer who covers food, travel, art, and business. A former business writer for the Baltimore Business Journal and Computerworld, her work has also appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Wine Enthusiast, and Architectural Digest. DENVER, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- National multifamily property management firm Mission Rock Residential is excited to announce a significant set of leadership promotions as the high-growth company approaches its 9th year in operation. The leadership role changes, planned since the company's launch, are a direct result of the company's rapid success and execution of succession plans. From Left to Right: Tony Zanze, Chairman of the Board; Pat Hutchison, CEO; Meredith Wright, President of Mission Rock Residential This internal leadership transition comes as the company launches Mission Rock into yet another year of national expansion amidst a challenging housing market across the U.S. The new executive roles, effective immediately, provide a natural progression for both company and individual leader growth and set Mission Rock up for further success. The company's founding CEO, Tony Zanze, will move to the position of Chairman of the Board. Utilizing his broad industry qualifications, he will continue to provide strategic council for the company through the Board position. Taking over in the role of Chief Executive Officer, will be Mission Rock's founding president Patricia Hutchison, CAPS, CPM. With a more focused day-to-day role on new business development, Pat will continue to expand Mission Rock's national portfolio of properties across a large set of real estate investor and developer clients. "I am thrilled to have this opportunity to shift my role into that of CEO for Mission Rock. After skyrocketing growth since our launch, 2020 brought our entry into yet another east coast state, Florida. In addition to growing this East Coast client base, I will be focused on building strong client ties in major markets and around the entire U.S. in the years ahead," said Mission Rock's new Chief Executive Officer Patricia Hutchison, CAPS, CPM. Taking over in the role of President will be Meredith Wright, CAPS, CPM. Wright has served as an Executive Vice President with the company, and as a key builder of the organization since its inception. Wright has been positioned to assume the President role throughout that time. In this position, she now has final oversight of the company's 27,000+ units dispersed across 16 states and valued at over $5 billion. Additional promotions from within the Executive team include: Kay Hutchison , CAPS, CPM will be elevated to Senior Executive Vice President. In this leadership role she will continue to oversee the company's Western Region. Hutchison will also assist in the determination of national strategic operational objectives, monitoring property operational performance, and mentoring new executive team members. Janelle French, CPM will be elevated from Vice President to Executive Vice President - Central Region. In this role she will have operational oversight of the company's Central Region. As another founding member of the Mission Rock team, French initially joined the company as a Regional Manager on the Metro Denver portfolio. French played a significant role in operations and business development in Colorado through her strong execution of Owner objectives. Andy Tsangarides, CPM will be elevated to Executive Vice President Eastern Region from his current role as Vice President. Tsangarides joined Mission Rock in 2016 and has taken the East Coast operations from 3 assets in 1 state, to over 30 assets in 6 states. In this new position, he will oversee Eastern Region operations. Toni Moyes , another original member of the Mission Rock Regional Management team, will be elevated from Regional Manager to Vice President with oversite of Colorado and Kansas. About Mission Rock Residential Mission Rock Residential is a national multifamily property management firm established in 2012. The company now manages nearly 28,000 residential units across the contiguous United States. With a team of more than 700 full-time employees, Mission Rock is headquartered in Denver, Colorado with regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia and Phoenix, Arizona. The company was named one of the Best Places to Work in Multifamily in 2019. For additional information, visit www.missionrockresidential.com. Media Contact Nicole Marshall 504-644-7335 [email protected] SOURCE Mission Rock Residential Related Links http://www.missionrockresidential.com South Australia will ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions next week with changes to density rules and the size of gatherings coming in time for Easter. From next Wednesday the one-person-per-two-square-metres requirement will change to three-people-per-four-square-metres. The changes will allow pubs, clubs, restaurants and other venues to cater for up to 75 per cent of their capacity, Premier Steven Marshall said. The state will also lift patron caps on venues such as churches, theatres and cinemas from 75 to 100 per cent, but all people must wear masks. The changes apply to venues with fixed seating and with a limit of 1000 people. Larger venues continue to need a specific COVID-safe plan. Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said a further easing of restrictions would be considered as the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine continued. 'This is not an endpoint. This is simply another step along the journey and it's a very long journey,' he said. 'It is a step-by-step process.' While Australia had essentially been coronavirus-free for some weeks, the hotel quarantine system for returned travellers continued to pose a risk, Mr Stevens said. From next Wednesday the one-person-per-two-square-metres requirement will change to three-people-per-four-square-metres But he noted that authorities are better placed to manage that system. 'We are far more aware of the circumstances that are necessary or the changes that would have to occur quickly if we did have any community transmission that needed to be addressed,' the commissioner said. 'We're in a much better place than we were even six months ago. 'A lot has occurred over this last year to give us the confidence we can act quickly.' Business SA welcomed the changes to density rules and venue caps, which it said would help retain and create jobs. 'With the announcement of South Australia having the highest unemployment rate in the country last week, this is a strong vote of confidence which will strengthen our economic recovery and put more people in jobs,' chair Nikki Govan said. 'With JobKeeper due to end on Sunday, the timing is perfect for South Australia to be taking this step to ease restrictions.' Mr Marshall said next week's changes balanced the health concerns with the economic and social implications. The state was still working with universities and the federal government for the return of international students, the premier added, noting that SA did not want students looking to study in other countries. 'Hopefully, we'll have some good news in the coming weeks,' he said. 'We don't want a big part of our market looking at other options.' South Australia reported two new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, a man in his 40s and a child, who recently returned from overseas. They are among 15 active cases currently in hotel quarantine. Netflix has acquired WA-produced feature I Met A Girl and will release it as a Netflix Film next week. Shot predominantly in Fremantle and Perth, the film follows aspiring musician Devon (Brenton Thwaites), as he navigates a mental condition and the blurred lines of reality it presents, after meeting Lucy (Lily Sullivan), a mysterious dream girl. The cast also includes Joel Jackson (Safe Harbour, Jungle), Zahra Newman (Long Story Short, Diary of an Uber Driver), and Peter Rowsthorn (Kath and Kim). Written by Glen Dolman (Bloom, High Life, Hawke) the film premiered in the World Cinema Section at the 25th Busan International Film Festival and has continued to find its market with audiences in North America, Europe and Asia, most recently releasing in cinemas in South Korea. Locations include Kings Park, the South Perth, Swan River, Fremantle Harbour and historical West End, Perth Concert Hall, CBD laneways, the ECU Joondalup campus and the High Street Mall in Fremantle, including doubling as Sydney and Adelaide locations. Producer Adam Dolman said, Were thrilled that our imaginative and heartfelt film exploring love and independence through the lens of an endearing character living with schizophrenia will reach Australian and New Zealand audiences exclusively as a Netflix Original film. Weve had such heartfelt, personal early reactions from around the world to our very unique love story, especially from those with a direct experience of Devons condition. At a time when many of us have felt fearful and isolated, this film feels like the perfect antidote that celebrates the bonds of family and the power of self belief while spotlighting a character dealing with a very unpredictable mental health condition in a way thats rarely been explored. We cant wait for audiences to fall in love with Devon as much as we did. Production Credit: I Met a Girl is a Monsoon Pictures production in association with Factor 30 Films. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screenwest and Lotterywest. It was financed with support from Screen NSW and Soundfirm. Friday 2 April 2021 on Netflix. Related Were certainly not out of the woods in terms of the immediate flood danger, but we have to turn our minds to how we start the clean-up and the recovery, Ms Berejiklian said. Life wont be normal for a lot of people for a long time, and we have to face that. For some people, the clean-up and recovery will take longer than what we would like. The Nepean river on Tuesday after days of heavy rain. Credit:Wolter Peeters NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said flood waters in the Hawkesbury-Nepean area were not expected to recede until Saturday, urging residents not to rush back to their homes. Please take the directions of the emergency services personnel out there and watch for when we make an all clear order, she said. We will not make an all clear order until we know that it is safe to go back into those houses or businesses, and there is no further risk. Loading NSW SES volunteers have been active around Grafton, the Hunter and the north-west slopes overnight, as well as in North Richmond where they delivered essential items. Yesterday we did start the resupply for the North Richmond township, which was running very low on essential items. We redirected a number of flood rescue boats, Ms York said. She said the fine weather meant helicopters could assist in delivering essentials to supermarkets in the north-west. A clean-up strike force comprising the Australian Defence Force, Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue. Their efforts are expected to start on the Mid North Coast from on Thursday. The priority will be ensuring roads are accessible, making places safe for people to return and removing bulk waste to provide initial relief. Police and SES Volunteers transporting goods to isolated people in Windsor. Credit:Louise Kennerley It comes as NSW Police and SES have done several supply deliveries for residents isolated by floodings, including along the Hawkesbury. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said there had been 11,000 requests for assistance to the NSW SES, including 950 flood rescues. Loading There will be 1500 SES volunteers deployed to assist with the recovery, assisted by another 100 ACS volunteers from interstate. Water has replaced the land between the homes of Peter Cserhalmi and his father on the family farm. Since the flood swept through the Colo region, in the Central Tablelands, Mr Cserhalmi has been unable to get home, but is prepared for the worst. The father and son were hit by the 2019-20 bushfires and, now, the flood. Farming machinery, cars and personal belongings have all been taken. What the fires didnt get, the floods have taken, he said. Before the floods swept through on Tuesday, the father and son had 24 hours to move items to higher ground, but they were unable to save everything. Mr Cserhalmi said hes lost almost everything, bar a freezer which had a few meals, including a roast, left in it. I got into the house and its just upside down, he said. It was like a bomb had gone off inside. Mr Cserhalmi is planning to return home and mop up on Wednesday afternoon, before things start to rot. Then hell turn his attention to helping the rest of the Colo community start cleaning up. An evacuation order is still in place for some residents in the Colo region. On Wednesday Sydneysiders can expect clear skies, with a top of 30 degrees and a 5 per cent chance of rain. Some areas to the west, including along the Nepean and Hawkesbury River catchments, are still on high alert for flood warnings. Overnight an evacuation warning has been issued for the lower reaches along the Hawkesbury River from Wisemans Ferry to Brooklyn. Residents in this area should prepare to evacuate. Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who has been tasked with leading the clean-up effort, said three levels of government would be sharing the burden of the massive recovery effort. This morning I will be working through with my agency what we do with the clean-up and support for individuals, he told ABC RN on Wednesday. For further assistance, the Public Information Inquiry Centre operates on a 24-hour basis and can be contacted on 1800 227 228. If you require emergency assistance during floods or storms, call SES on 132 500. And finally: Hope for New Yorks restaurants Relief is on the way for restaurants and bars around the country, after a year during which far too many of our favorite eateries closed. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund, a $28.6 billion grant program to help abate the closings of small restaurants, bars and restaurant groups, is part of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package recently passed by Congress. The Independent Restaurant Coalition, a group of chefs and restaurateurs from around the country, lobbied Congress for the legislation. We were a bunch of businesses that did the same thing, but we didnt really find a unifying voice before the pandemic, Amanda Cohen, the chef and owner of Dirt Candy on the Lower East Side, told my colleague Brett Anderson. The reality is that the way to make change is like this, through policy. It is too late for the 110,000 restaurants and bars the National Restaurant Association said had closed around the country. New York Citys restaurant scene, one of the most vibrant in the nation, suffered during the pandemic as restaurateurs spent months relegated to takeout and outdoor dining. Even now that indoor dining has resumed, with capacity increased to 50 percent in the city and popular restaurants have been jammed outdoors in the recent warm weather the list of restaurants that succumbed grows ever longer. Melissa Fleischut, the president and chief executive of the New York State Restaurant Association, told me that the National Restaurant Association had found that about one out of every six restaurants in the country had closed, and that it could be even worse in the city, but the coming funds meant hope. As the pandemic's economic effects drive more people to enroll in Medicaid as safety-net health insurance, a new study suggests that the program's dental coverage can improve their oral health in ways that help them seek a new job or do better at the one they have. The study focuses on the impact of dental coverage offered through Michigan's Medicaid expansion, called the Healthy Michigan Plan. The researchers, from the University of Michigan, used a survey and interviews to assess the impact of this coverage on the health and lives of low-income people who enrolled. In all, 60% of the 4,090 enrollees surveyed for the new study had visited a dentist at least once since enrolling in the Healthy Michigan Plan a year or two earlier, which the researchers verified with state records. Among those who saw a dentist in that time, 57% said their oral health had improved since enrolling. The percentage who reported better oral health was even higher among Black respondents and those who said they'd been uninsured for a year or more before getting covered. The findings are published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry by a team from the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation that evaluates the impacts of the Healthy Michigan Plan. The authors hope their findings will inform policy decisions about dental coverage for Medicaid plans in Michigan and other states. Impact on work lives Half of the respondents had jobs or were self-employed, though their incomes were low enough to qualify for the Healthy Michigan Plan - about $15,600 for an individual in the year studied. Just over 39% of all survey respondents, with jobs or without, said their oral health had improved since they enrolled. Of those who had jobs and reported improved oral health, 76% said that their Healthy Michigan Plan coverage had helped them do a better job at work compared to 65% of those who had jobs but hadn't experienced improvements in oral health. Meanwhile, 60% of the unemployed people who said their oral health had improved credited their coverage with helping them look for a job, compared with 51% of those who hadn't experienced improvement in oral health. Although the data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic began, the findings have implications for the hundreds of thousands of Michiganders who have enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan in the past year when they lost jobs or income. The Healthy Michigan Plan includes basic dental care coverage such as cleanings, fillings, X-rays and dentures, and is open to people making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment has grown to more than 895,000. Voices of Healthy Michigan Plan enrollees Most respondents had no health insurance coverage in the year before enrolling in Michigan's program. The Healthy Michigan Plan's dental coverage enabled many to get the dental care they needed. In our interviews with enrollees, people talked about the great impact of having this dental coverage. People told us that, without dental coverage, they had to have their teeth pulled. They used their new coverage to get dentures, which improved their appearance, employment options and ability to eat. Dental coverage helped people address dental infections and get preventive dental care." Edie Kieffer, Ph.D., M.P.H., Lead Author and Professor Emeritus, U-M School of Social Work Some enrollees mentioned that previously they had turned to hospital emergency departments for urgent dental care needs, for instance to get an antibiotic to treat an oral infection, but not to address the underlying problem that led to the infection. One interviewee said their first dental visit uncovered a tumor. As one of the middle-aged male participants interviewed by the researchers and quoted in the paper says: "My teeth were pretty bad...and they fixed it up fine, and now...I feel better when I am looking for a job...I feel better because my appearance has changed a lot. That has helped me a lot, physically and mentally." Practice and policy implications The authors note that Medicaid coverage in Michigan improves patients' access to primary health care as well as basic dental care. In both settings, providers can identify patients at risk of oral health problems, and suggest treatments for problems so they can be addressed before they worsen. Nearly half of all survey respondents said their access to dental care had improved thanks to their dental coverage. That percentage was even higher among the 60% of respondents who had been uninsured for at least a year before getting covered under the Healthy Michigan Plan. The findings about Michigan Medicaid expansion coverage's impact on dental health are similar to other findings on health outcomes made by the IHPI team, says John Z. Ayanian, M.D., M.P.P., the study's senior author. "We can clearly see the positive impact of Medicaid coverage of dental care," he says. "These findings have implications for states that have yet to expand Medicaid at all, or to include dental coverage in their Medicaid expansion programs." Ayanian heads the IHPI team that is evaluating the Healthy Michigan Plan through a collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. He also serves as IHPI's director and a primary care physician and professor of internal medicine at Michigan Medicine, U-M's academic medical center. Access to dental care for Medicaid enrollees depends not just on the availability of coverage, which can vary by state, but also on the number of dental practices that accept Medicaid plans. Low reimbursement rates are a major factor in Michigan, says Romesh Nalliah, D.D.S., M.H.C.M., a co-author of the paper and professor at the U-M School of Dentistry. Dental disparities Nalliah notes that the inclusion of adult dental coverage in Medicaid and other plans could help reduce the disparities in oral health that he and others have documented. In 2019, he and colleagues published data showing that while the oral health gap between Black and white Americans had narrowed between 1999 and 2014 (the year before Medicaid expansion took effect under the Affordable Care Act), there were still disparities in dental visits and tooth loss due to cavities and gum disease. More than 22% of Black Americans over age 65 had lost all their natural teeth by 2014, compared with 14% of whites. The National Poll on Healthy Aging, also based at IHPI, has also studied dental health among adults aged 50 to 64 and adults over 65, finding disparities by income, race/ethnicity and education level in both age groups. Oral health has important influences on people's overall health, Kieffer explains, and poor oral health is very common among low-income adults. Because dental coverage is an optional benefit under state Medicaid and Medicaid expansion plans, she and her colleagues hope policymakers will consider the potential for Medicaid dental coverage to both reduce oral health disparities, and improve the health and socioeconomic well-being of low-income adults. Business Reporter The much awaited commodities exchange -- Zimbabwe Mercantile Exchange (ZMX), will comply with Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 (SI 145) on trading of strategic grain such as maize, which will for now remain a responsibility for the Grain Marketing Board (GMB). The ZMX has 18 commodities that will trade on the exchange. But in the meantime, strategic grains such as maize will not be traded on the exchange in compliance with the country's laws. Responding to questions during a stakeholders monthly progress update meeting on the Warehouse Receipt System and Commodity Exchange, Financial and Securities Exchange Limited (FINSEC) general manager Mr Garikayi Munema, said while the commodities exchange anticipates trading of most agricultural products in the country, maize will not be allowed to trade for now until further notice. FINSEC, a subsidiary of Escrow Group, is undertaking the technical implementation work in setting up the exchange. "We will be in compliance with SI 145, which makes GMB the sole trader of maize, they will continue in that role. This means the commodities exchange will at the moment focus on non strategic grains and other commodities like ground nuts," he said during the virtual meeting held last week. The commodities exchange allows free participation of private players in the trading of available commodities. But SI 145 controls the sale and delivery of maize as well as with its acquisition and disposal. It prohibits buying and selling of grain between private individuals and companies and allows GMB to be the sole buyer of corn. The SI also stipulates that no person or statutory body or company or entity shall but of otherwise acquire any maize from any farmer or producer otherwise than through the GMB. It also limits the amount of maize that one is allowed to transport unless delivering to the GMB as well as forbids non producers of maize or contractors to sell maize to GMB. "The Grain Marketing Board is hereby empowered to reject any maize delivered by a person other than a producer or contractor. A product off maize or farmer is permitted to transport not more than five bags of maize of a capacity not exceeding 50kg post bag from one area to the other without any authorised persons or police officer having to confiscate the maize," reads part of the SI. GMB is one of the key strategic partners for the ZMX, whose success will ride on implementation of the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS). As such GMB will provide warehouses together with TSL Limited, Origen as well as ETG and discussions are also under way with other private players with warehouses that can be used for the initiative. This will address one of the challenges that farmers, especially small scale face that is post harvest losses due to lack of proper storage facilities. With the (WRS) farmers are guaranteed of good storage facilities for their commodities although they will bear the cost of storage as well as transportation to the warehouses. "Farmers can bring their commodities and pay later when they eventually decide to sell their commodities. "We have developed a system that allows farmers to track what is happening on the exchange, they can tell how much they will pay for storage at a particular time and know what will be deducted in the event they decide to sell," said Mr Munema. The launch of the ZMX, scheduled for end of this month, comes at a time the country is expecting a bumper harvest, which will be good for the exchange. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Agribusiness Zimbabwe Commodities By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The GMB has also expressed readiness to handle the anticipated larger volumes of grain with refurbishments of silos across the country almost complete in time for the selling season commencement. The ZMX is a partnership between Government and the private sector led by FINSEC, TSL Limited and CBZ Holdings. Further assistance in research and policy formulation was drawn from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) who rendered technical assistance centred around how small holder farmers can participate in the mainstream economy. So far, the ZMX has finalised on-boarding of participants on the platform, for instance custodian and settlement banks, farmers, warehouse receipt financiers, commodity off takers and end users, regulators, quality inspectors and warehouses among others have been on boarded. A pilot project as well as awareness campaigns to farmers across the country have been ongoing as the exchange readies for launch. Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko considers the intention of the Association of Road Carriers of Kyiv and Kyiv region to appeal to the capital's authorities with a request to officially ban the operation of shuttle minibuses as manipulation. "It looks like this they say, please forbid us to work, because we have losses. So today, for example, all municipal transport in Kyiv is subsidized. It is not profitable. Private shuttle minibuses are transport of private carriers. They must decide at their discretion, whether they will work or not. And to demand a ban on route traffic is a manipulation," the press service said, citing the mayor of the capital. The mayor said that he has addressed and will continue to appeal to the people of Kyiv with a request to use public transport during the quarantine period only in case of extreme need. "If you do not have an urgent need to go somewhere, stay at home! I appeal to all employers: if possible, make sure that employees either go on vacation or have the opportunity to work remotely. Now only critical infrastructure enterprises operate, those that maintain the city's life," Klitschko said. He said that now all municipal public transport in Kyiv works on routes, but if the situation worsens, the possibility of limiting its work is not excluded. As reported, the Association of Road Carriers of Kyiv and Kyiv region announced its intention to ask for an official ban on the operation of shuttle minibuses. International flights are set to resume into Victoria in the next fortnight with CBD quarantine hotels remaining the primary accommodation for returned travellers given Victorias planned purpose-built quarantine facility will take a minimum of six months to build. The government will on Thursday announce the resumption of international travel and a hotel quarantine program with more stringent health protocols to ensure COVID-19 doesnt leak into the community. Flights are set to resume in the next fortnight, multiple government sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said. Flights have been paused since mid-February. Credit:Getty Images Passenger flights have not arrived in Melbourne since February 14 when the Holiday Inn cluster that grew to almost 25 cases prompted a short lockdown. Victoria had been preparing to increase its weekly intake by 200 to about 1300, but on February 12, when his government halted international flights, Premier Daniel Andrews said that when they resumed there could be a reduction in the number of returnees until COVID-19 vaccines were widely administered. He also questioned whether people should be allowed into the state for anything other than compassionate reasons. Advertisement A 3,000-year-old gold ceremonial mask, possibly worn by a priest and used for sacrificial purposes, is one of more than 500 items unearthed from six rectangular pits in China. The priceless cultural relics unearthed at the Sanxingdui archaeological site in the province of Sichuan, southwest China also include bird-shaped ornaments, two kinds of silk and a bronze statue adorned with depictions of 'beasts'. Only about half of the gold mask is still fully intact, but experts believe it is around 84 per cent pure gold and in its original state weighed close to 500 grams (one pound). Researchers who began digging at the site in 2019 said most of the 500 items were crafted out of gold, bronze, jade and ivory, according to the South China Morning Post. They believe the pits may have been used for sacrificial purposes by members an as-yet-unknown civilisation, and that the objects now found within them were ritually burned before being buried. Scroll down for video A partial gold mask unearthed from the Sanxingdui Ruins site in southwest China's Sichuan Province. Chinese archaeologists announced Saturday that some new discoveries were made at the Sanxingdui Ruins site in southwest China The findings were shared in a blog post by the government of Chengdu, which is the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province. Sanxingdui is a well-known archaeological site and tourist hotspot outside of Chengdu. The mask and the other exciting new findings will 'help deepen the understanding of the cultural relationship between the Chengdu Plain and the surrounding areas', according to officials, although much mystery still surrounds the golden mask. 'At present, it is inferred that this golden mask is also used for sacrifice, but because it is much larger than a human face, it is unlikely to be worn by a person,' said an unnamed expert cited in the post. The gold mask seen here in the ruins, was among more than 500 relics found in prehistoric Sanxingdui - a well-known archaeological site and tourist hotspot outside of the city of Chengdu 'It is still impossible to draw an accurate conclusion at present, and further archaeological excavations are needed.' If the complete weight of this golden mask was more than 500 grams, it would make it the largest golden mask found in China, as well as the heaviest golden object found in the country. The mask was found in pit number five out of six, but another two pits seven and eight are now also being excavated and could reveal the other half. In sacrificial pit number three, a 'rare, well-preserved, and exquisitely decorated' bronze square statue, dubbed 'Big Mouth', was unearthed. Sanxingdui is a well-known archaeological site and tourist hotspot outside of the city of Chengdu, in the province of Sichuan Pictured, 'Big Mouth' - a typical southern style bronze ware in the late Shang Dynasty. The Shang ruled from 1600 to 1046 B.C. and heralded the Bronze Age in China The two-foot-tall statue which is in a typical southern style of the late Shang Dynasty that ruled in the second millennium BC is decorated with animal and bird heads. 'The complete square bronze statue has never been seen before the Sanxingdui site,' the government of Chengdu says in the post. Archaeologists said they found two kinds of silk one in the ashes of the sacrificial pit a large amount of silk traces and other other wrapped around the bronze ware. The function of silk was raised 'to a metaphysical level', according to the post, when it was used for sacrificial purposes. 'Silk serves as a carrier and medium for communication between heaven, earth, man and god,' it says. 'The earliest silk must not be used to make beautiful clothes, it must be used to communicate with the world, people and gods. A delicate 'bird-shaped' gold ornament found during the recent excavations. The findings will help deepen understanding of 'the cultural relationship between the Chengdu Plain and its surrounding areas', experts say 'Bronze Sacred Tree'. The Sanxingdui site has traces of a 'highly brilliant and splendid bronze civilisation', according to the government of Chengdu 'Silk, silkworm, and mulberry embodies the concept of harmony between man and nature with Chinese characteristics.' Sanxingdui was initially stumbled upon in 1929. In 1986, two ceremonial pits containing more than 1,000 items were uncovered during a major excavation, according to CNN. One of them items unearthed from the number two sacrificial pit in 1986 was a bronze sculpture of human head with well-preserved gold mask, currently held at Sanxingdui Museum. A third pit was found in late 2019, and another five pits were found last year. A bronze sculpture of human head with gold mask at Sanxingdui Museum in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The sculpture was unearthed from the number two2 sacrificial pit at the Sanxingdui Ruins site in 1986 Excavation team pictured here at the Sanxingdui site in Guanghan City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, March 19, 2021 Archaeologists use their 'multifunctional archaeological operating system' on March 20 at the archaeological excavation site of Sanxingdui Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 She may have split from Ben Affleck in 2015 as they finalized their divorce three years later in 2018. But Jennifer Garner is in no rush to walk down the aisle again. The 48-year-old actress appeared on the cover of the April 5, 2021 issue of People magazine as she talked about life with her kids during the pandemic, her career, and even the possibility of marriage. Scroll down for video Stunning: Jennifer Garner appeared on the cover of the April 5, 2021 issue of People magazine as she talked about life with her kids during the pandemic, her career, and even the possibility of marriage 'I don't need to complicate it': The 48-year-old actress said she doesn't seen marriage in her future six years after her split from Ben Affleck in 2015 as they finalized their divorce three years later in 2018, the former power couple are seen together in January 2014 The former star of Alias insisted that she doesn't see holy matrimony in her future anytime soon as she said: 'I don't know. I'm so far from it. And I don't know that marriage would need to be a part. 'I mean I definitely don't think that I'll be single forever. But this is not the time. I don't need to complicate it; I'm good.' Jennifer was most recently in a relationship with tech exec John Miller as they split in August 2020 after two years of dating. Bond: Ben and Jen (seen together in June 2019) share co-parenting responsibilities of their three children: Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, nine Jennifer's divorce to Ben Affleck was finalized in 2018, nearly three years after the couple separated and almost a decade into their marriage. They wed on the beach in 2005 after he split from Jennifer Lopez. Ben and Jen share co-parenting responsibilities of their three children: Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and Samuel, nine. Garner also revealed the last year of spending time quarantined with her children during the COVID-19 pandemic has taught her a lot about herself as she told People: 'I've learned that I'm pretty sturdy. 'I've learned that I am pretty sturdy': Garner (seen in January 2020) also revealed the last year of spending time quarantined with her children during the COVID-19 pandemic has taught her a lot about herself 'I'm okay when I'm in the house by myself. I'm okay when it's just the kids and me. I'm okay when they fall apart. I mean I have my moments, but pretty much, I'm really okay.' The A-list actress definitely did all that she could in breaking the monotony of staying home while bonding with her children as she said that she was 'putting a lot of gusto in when I can and creating adventures when there are none. 'Like we started shooting silly videos, which they got tired of before I did because I love the end result and having them forever. They started saying, "Yeah, Mom. No."' 'They got tired before I did': The A-list actress definitely did all that she could in breaking the monotony of staying home while bonding with her children by shooting silly videos like this one posted in June 2020 She and the three kids also flexed their creative muscles by coming up with different-themed restaurant nights. Garner said: 'First I was the American hostess and then I was the French waiter. 'And I kept changing clothes like Mrs. Doubtfire. We did a beach shack and a deli in New York. We did one roller-rink restaurant where the kids were in the car and I bought the little trays that hooked onto the windows and made burgers. You just want to have a night of fun every now and then.' 'That's what a mom network does for each other, right?': The 30 Going On 30 actress (seen with her kids in April 2020) said the drive to come up with inspirational and amusing ideas came from her circle of mom friends The 30 Going On 30 actress said the drive to come up with inspirational and amusing ideas came from her circle of mom friends. She explained: 'If a mom friend says she's tried something and it worked, I try it. 'All the time. And I really do. That's what a mom network does for each other, right? We really do raise kids in community, not in a vacuum' Garner can be seen in family comedy Yes Day alongside Edgar Ramirez which is currently streaming on Netflix. Maputo The programme of electronic sealing and screening of cargo in transit, run by the Mozambican Tax Authority (AT), underway since December 2020, has reached 55,780 traffic loads across the country. Under the programme, formally launched on Sunday in the central Port of Beira, after the pilot phase which ran from December 2020, 21,152 of the sealed units are container cargo, 16,184 are units of bulk freight and 18,444 are liquid cargoes. The programme comes as an answer to the increasing burden of declarations for pending goods in transit, which compelled the AT to make urgent and sweeping changes in the legislation and procedures and in tightening fiscal control. AT chairperson Amelia Muendane said the move will prevent the diversion of transit merchandise to domestic consumption, without paying taxes and duties. It is intended to ensure effective collection of taxes and fees on imported products. "The electronic sealing and screening of traffic loads is an important tool for the AT. Muendane said. "It will enable the screening of cargo in record time, and thus ensure full control over any sort of illegal activity." Between 2013 and 2019, Mozambique recorded nearly 104.291 pending declarations on the transit regime, amounting to 67 million meticais (about 930,000 US dollars) of taxation, representing seven per cent of Total Revenue. She said the central region recorded the largest volume of declarations. The volume of transit merchandise in the Port of Beira increased by 68 per cent between 1997 and 2019. Of the total transit cargo handled by Beira, 42.2 per cent went to Malawi; 36.6 per cent to Zimbabwe and 19.7 per cent to Zambia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. At the pilot phase of the programme, said Muendane, the electronic sealing system unveiled some smuggling cases, where the offenders claimed the goods were in transit, but they eventually sold them in Mozambique. She added that the programme has made it possible to draw an overall picture of the number of vehicles on the main transit routes; to reconcile transit procedures from the entry to the exit point; and to comply with customs procedures for transit merchandise. "In Beira, some people would import merchandise and store it in warehouses. Afterward, they would issue cargo transit declarations to justify its exit or request a change of regime to justify sale of the goods domestically,", she added. Besides the sealing of transit cargo, under the programme, the Tax Authority will inspect cargo in circulation internally and for that purpose 11 provincial units will be set up and 28 check points, 10 in the country's central region and 12 in the north. Federal Agency Investigating Bidens Order to Stop Border Wall Construction The Government Accountability Office (GAO) confirmed reports it is investigating President Joe Bidens move in January to freeze construction of the border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Former President Donald Trump, who made border wall construction a key 2016 campaign promise, started building the wall amid legal battles and fights with Congress. On his first day in office, Biden used his executive authority to stop building the wall even after Congress approved $1.4 billion for the measure as part of a $900 billion stimulus package bill to offset losses incurred by the COVID-19 pandemic in December. Politico first reported that GAO would now launch an inquiry into whether the Biden administration had violated any laws by freezing construction, which would contravene the Constitutions law that allows Congress alone to allocate funds. A spokesperson for the watchdog agency confirmed the report, telling The Epoch Times on Wednesday, Yes, we received a congressional request for a legal opinion on the matter and we have accepted that request. The exact nature of the GAO investigation was not disclosed. Some senators, who spoke to Politico, noted that Biden was a member of the Senate for decades and should know the rules. He was in the Congress a long time, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) told the political news website. He knows its the Congresss job to authorize how the money is spent and the presidents job to spend it efficiently. The president suspended construction on his first day in office, on Jan. 20, and also rescinded several other Trump-era immigration rules. Biden termed the border wall wasteful spending. Like every nation, the United States has a right and a duty to secure its borders and protect its people against threats. But building a massive wall that spans the entire southern border is not a serious policy solution, Biden said in his order. It is a waste of money that diverts attention from genuine threats to our homeland security. A caterpillar parks between fences at a reinforced section of the U.S.-Mexico border fencing in eastern Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on Jan. 20, 2021. (Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images) The presidents order further stipulated that no more American taxpayer dollars should be diverted to construct a border wall, adding the federal government would conduct a careful review of all resources appropriated or redirected to construct a southern border wall. Meanwhile, more than 60 Republican House lawmakers and four GOP senators wrote to GAO on Tuesday. We are writing to be added as co-requesters of a March 17, 2021 letter, signed by 40 United States Senators, requesting the Government Accountability Offices legal opinion on the actions of the Biden Administration to suspend border wall construction and to order a freeze of funds provided by Congress for that purpose, which we believe violated the Impoundment Control Act, the lawmakers said in a letter to the GAO. Republicans have seized on Bidens immigration orders, including the presidents support of a pathway to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United States, and said the orders are responsible for the surge along the U.S.-Mexico border. White House officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have said Trump left Biden a broken immigration system and theyre working to fix it. The border crisis is the result of President Trumps dismantlement of the safe and orderly immigration processes that were built over many, many years by presidents of both parties, Mayorkas said in a TV interview Sunday. But Trump, in a rare interview this week with Fox News, said Biden is actively working to destroy the United States with his orders. You cant take millions of people, theyll have millions of people before this mess is over, Trump said. We want people to come in, but they have to be able to help our country. They have to come in through merit and they have to come in legally, the former commander-in-chief remarked. Up to 20,000 right-wing extremists and COVID-19 deniers marched through the Hessian city of Kassel on Saturday, attacking journalists and terrorising those opposing the demonstration. Police reacted by not only allowing the fascist mob to proceed, they cleared the streets for the illegal march and brutally attacked counter-demonstrators. They clearly sought to intimidate anyone who supports social distancing rules under conditions where infection figures in Germany are rising exponentially. Arguing on the basis of health considerations, a court decided that a single rally of 6,000 participants could take place outside the city centre. Thousands of demonstrators defied this legal requirement and marched in a number of different columns toward the city centre. They refused to respect the requirement to wear masks or the minimum distance recommendations. Police officers clear a bicycle blockade (Image: Twitter screenshot) Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as End the lockdown or Take off the masks. Many participants carried German flags, imperial flags oras is usual at xenophobic Pegida demonstrationsthe flags of the federal states from which they had travelled. Also on display were the identification badges of right-wing extremist organisations such as the Third Way party or the Q-Anon conspiracy group. The victims of National Socialism were mocked by persons wearing yellow stars and carrying portraits of the prominent victim of the Nazi holocaust, Anne Frank. In the run-up to the demonstration, the far-right milieu had mobilised for the Kassel demo throughout Germany and Europe. Appeals were made in far-right forums to explore the city centre and not comply with health protection measures. The demonstrators moved through the city centre from noon onwards and assembled at the citys central Friedrichplatz, where they remained for the afternoon. The last of the demonstrators were only dispersed by police at around 7 p.m. For the rest of the day the demonstrators were able to move through the city centre largely unmolested. Police only resorted to the use of batons and tear gas when they were directly attacked with stones and bottles. In the city centre, demonstrators not only endangered the health of residents and passers-by, they also repeatedly attacked journalists and counter-demonstrators. One video shows the photojournalist Felix Dressler being knocked down by a demonstrator. A camera team from Hessian Radio was also attacked and many other reporters were threatened. Numerous videos on social media also document how right-wing demonstrators beat people who peacefully stood in the way of the illegal marches with their bicycles. The Left Party reported that one of its members, Ali Timtik, was a victim of racial insults and was injured so badly by punches and pepper spray that he had to be taken to hospital for emergency care. The right-wing thugs were often supported by the police to the applause of the pandemic deniers. A video shows a police officer brutally pulling a young woman from the road and then hitting her head with force against the handlebars of her bike. The woman fell to the ground. Other videos show police officers being cheered by the right-wing extremists as they drag counter-demonstrators away and beat them, thereby freeing the path for the far-right mob. A picture widely shared on social media shows a uniformed policewoman making a heart gesture in solidarity with the Corona deniers. In addition to Hessian police officers, police units from North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia, which is governed by the Left Party, were involved in the operation. Following the operation on Saturday evening, a spokesperson for the police stated that they had deliberately not intervened following consultation with all of the relevant authorities. Even though the vast majority of the demonstrators neither complied with police dispersal orders nor observed hygiene or distance rules, the police had not intervened in order to avoid a not inconsiderable number of injuries on all sides. Despite the contradiction between this claim and the brutal scenes of violence throughout the day, the police spokesperson went on to explain: The participants apparently came predominantly from the political (bourgeois) centre and on the whole tended not to show any recognisable tendency towards violent actions. This glorification of the right-wing demonstration was supported by leading politicians. The parliamentary secretary of the CDU faction in the Hessian state parliament, Holger Bellino, defended the actions of the police, saying: We thank our police for their commitment and the consistent crackdown. The mayor of Kassel, Christian Geselle (SPD), said on Sunday: From my point of view, one cannot criticise the police on the spot. Some politicians have since called for clarification of what took place and have feebly criticised the police operation in order to dampen down the angry response on social media to the police tactics, based on the available videos and pictures. In fact, all of the parties involved in the meeting on Monday between the federal and state governments agreed they would resist taking genuinely effective lockdown measures to contain new, highly dangerous COVID-19 variants. Although businesses and schools are among the main drivers of the pandemic, industrial production is to be maintained without any restrictions and schools will remain open so that parents can go to work. Corporate profits are placed before the lives and health of workers. To enforce these policies, Germanys main political parties and the media have long relied on the mobilisation of far-right forces, such as those who rallied in Kassel. Since the beginning of the pandemic, such protests have received excessive media attention and, like the prior xenophobic Pegida marches, have been glorified as protests by concerned citizens. The right-wing extremists links to the state apparatus, so evident on Saturday, are well documented. Especially in the state of Hesse, numerous neo-Nazi networks in the police have been uncovered in recent years. One such network sent threatening letters to leftist lawyers, journalists and politicians calling itself the NSU 2.0. Its activities were then covered up at the highest level. Kassel is also the city where district president Walter Lubcke was murdered by a member of the militant neo-Nazi milieu which has been active there since the 1990s and has been heavily penetrated by Germanys domestic intelligence agency the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Large demonstrations by pandemic deniers have been repeatedly organised whenever the governments policy of opening up the economy and society has been met with growing resentment. Meanwhile, almost 75,000 people have died in Germany because of the profits before lives policy. Now, with the refusal to close businesses and schools, tens of thousands more lives are threatened. At the same time, there has been a complete failure on the part of the government to organise vaccinations and a proper testing regime. It is against this background that those who oppose the governments course are being intimidated. The mobilisation of the far-right dregs of society with the support of the police is a serious warning. The ruling elites are prepared to go to extreme lengths in order to impose their policy of protecting profits. They can only be stopped by the mobilisation of the working class in a Europe-wide general strike. The Socialist Equality Party (SGP) is fighting for this perspective in the upcoming federal elections. By Kate Kelland and Julie Steenhuysen LONDON/CHICAGO (Reuters) - will publish up-to-date results from its major U.S. COVID-19 vaccine trial within 48 hours after health officials publicly criticized the drugmaker for using "outdated information" to show how well the immunization worked. The rare public rebuke marks the latest setback for the vaccine once hailed as a milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic that has since been dogged by questions over its effectiveness and possible side effects. said results it published on Monday in which the vaccine had demonstrated 79% efficacy were based on an interim analysis of data through Feb. 17, and it would now "immediately engage" with the independent panel monitoring the trial to share its full analysis. The British-based drugmaker on Tuesday said it had reviewed the preliminary assessment of its full, or primary, analysis and found it to be consistent with the interim report. But the Washington Post reported that the data monitoring panel told federal officials they had been working with the company through March, had seen data that showed the vaccine might be 69% to 74% effective, and had "strongly recommended" include that information in its public statement. AstraZeneca shares fell 1.8% in London trading. The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) said on Monday that the independent monitoring panel had expressed concern the company may have included outdated data that gave an incomplete view of the shot's effectiveness. NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci called the whole issue a really unfortunate unforced error. "This kind of thing does ... nothing but really cast some doubt about the vaccines and may contribute to the hesitancy," he told ABC's "Good Morning America." "The data really are quite good but when they put it into the press release it wasn't completely accurate," he said. In addition to the 79% efficacy in stopping symptomatic illness in the trial conducted in the United States, Chile and Peru, the data reported on Monday also showed the shot was 100% effective against severe or critical forms of the disease and posed no increased risk of blood clots. Dr. Larry Corey, co-leader of the U.S. Vaccine Prevention Network, which helped design AstraZeneca's U.S. trial, said the monitoring panel's rebuke was something he had not seen before. The virologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, praised the panel for speaking up, saying it showed the system of checks and balances worked. One U.S.-based investigator who was not authorized to speak publicly said AstraZeneca was not wrong to publish an analysis it had described as interim and expressed concern over the public controversy. "It's just a little bit like shooting yourself in the foot, because the science is good," the person said. 'NEGATIVE REPORTS' The new questions about the shot's efficacy coincide with its rollout in dozens of countries and clouds the timeline for its potential emergency use authorization in the United States. "This is indeed an extraordinary act. The negative reports about this vaccine do not stop, although my assessment is that it is well tolerated and safe, but clearly less effective than the two mRNA vaccines," said Peter Kremsner, from the University Hospital in Tuebingen, Germany. Vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna that use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to produce an immune response both had efficacy rates of about 95% in their pivotal clinical trials, far above the 50% benchmark set by global regulators. AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shot has faced questions since late last year when the drugmaker and Oxford University published data from an earlier trial with two different efficacy readings as a result of a dosing error. Confidence in the vaccine took a further hit this month, when more than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, temporarily suspended giving out the shot after reports linked it to a rare blood clotting disorder in a very small number of people. The European Union's drug regulator said last week the vaccine was clearly safe, but an opinion poll on Monday showed Europeans remained skeptical about its safety. The AstraZeneca vaccine is seen as crucial in tackling the spread of COVID-19 across the globe because it is easier and cheaper to transport than rival shots. It has been granted conditional marketing or emergency use authorization in more than 70 countries. Many countries are relying heavily on the shot to end the pandemic, and several state leaders have taken it publicly to boost confidence. (Reporting by Miyoung Kim in Singapore, Shubham Kalia and Pushkala Aripakain Bengaluru, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Kate Kelland in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Writing by Josephine Mason, Caroline Humer and Peter Henderson; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, David Clarke and Bill Berkrot) (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.) OTTAWA - A veteran Liberal backbencher took a Liberal cabinet minister to task Tuesday for failing to give real teeth to a new watchdog who is supposed to investigate human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad. Toronto MP John McKay speaks during a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 11, 2012. The veteran Liberal backbencher is taking a federal Liberal minister to task for failing to give real teeth to a new watchdog who is supposed to investigate human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - A veteran Liberal backbencher took a Liberal cabinet minister to task Tuesday for failing to give real teeth to a new watchdog who is supposed to investigate human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad. Toronto MP John McKay has for decades campaigned for just such a watchdog. But he believes the recently created position of Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise falls short of what's needed because the watchdog has not been given the power to compel company executives to testify or to produce documents. McKay took his criticism directly to Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, during a House of Commons committee meeting Tuesday. "You and I have exchanged correspondence and had quite a number of conversations about this issue and, to put it delicately, we don't agree," he told Ng. While there have been some improvements in corporate social responsibility, McKay said some companies are "pretty bad actors" who aren't going to voluntarily change their ways or co-operate with the ombudsperson, Sheri Meyerhoffer. He raised as an example an ongoing court case involving Nevsun, a Canadian mining company that has been accused of using slave labour and other human rights violations at its mine in Eritrea. Ng maintained that Meyerhoffer has sufficient tools to do her job effectively: she can investigate complaints, shame companies by publicly reporting her findings and recommend that they be cut off from government services, such as consular support or financial support from Export Development Canada. Meyerhoffer herself has testified at committee that she has the tools to do the job effectively, including the power to initiate investigations, Ng argued. "But you'd have to agree that it's going to be a limited investigation because the key people, the key documents, the key executives cannot be compelled to come before the ombudsperson," McKay countered, questioning how she would be able to produce a "useful report" under those circumstances. "So we are in the unhappy situation of having the Canadian courts protect human rights abroad." If a company does not co-operate with an investigation, Ng said the ombudsperson can recommend to the government that it withdraw trade advocacy services for that company. McKay's criticism was echoed by opposition members of the committee. New Democrat MP Heather McPherson, who has a background in international development, said she has seen "on the ground what Canadian mining companies have done in countries around the world and it's quite devastating." She noted that a report commissioned by the government concluded: "it was vital that the ombudsperson have the powers to compel witnesses and documents." Ng pointed out that the ombudsperson is a new office and said the government "would be absolutely open to review" its powers after giving it some time to see how it functions. "Let me be clear. I expect Canadian companies to uphold human rights, I expect Canadian companies to be good actors on the global stage," Ng said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2021. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, far right, addresses Chinese officials during U.S.-China talks in Anchorage last week. (Frederic J. Brown / Pool Photo) President Biden has a strategy for selling his next massive economic recovery bill: exploiting fear of losing out to China. If we dont get moving, theyre going to eat our lunch, the president told senators recently, listing Chinas ambitious infrastructure projects as a reason to embark on our own. We just have to step up. In a formal policy manifesto this month, Bidens National Security Council echoed the sentiment, saying: The most effective way for America to outcompete a more assertive and authoritarian China is to invest in our people, our economy and our democracy. For years, foreign policy pundits worried that the United States and China might be sliding into a new cold war an updated version of the nuclear standoff that pitted the United States against the Soviet Union for almost half of the 20th century. They can stop worrying. They were right about the new cold war's imminence. But it's already arrived, and it isn't likely to become the terrifying kind. Rather than a race to build warheads, this competition involves an infrastructure race, a gross domestic product race and arguments over whose political system is superior. And this cold war may even have some positive side effects. For one thing, it has focused leaders in both parties on the need for policies to strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness. And it has handed Biden a political dividend: a bipartisan rationale for the massive spending he wants. Hawkish Republicans have been sounding the alarm about China for decades, pointing mostly at Beijings military expansion. So have many Democrats, with one camp focused on the loss of manufacturing jobs to cheap Chinese imports, another angered by Chinas internal repression. Now theyve found common cause and an opportunity to write the kind of bipartisan legislation Biden has long said he'd like to see. One leading Senate bill is written by a political odd couple, Democratic leader Charles E. Schumer of New York and conservative Republican Todd Young of Indiana. It would funnel $100 billion to the National Science Foundation for technology research, strengthen U.S. supply chains for critical industrial materials, and potentially provide subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. Story continues The idea of passing a bipartisan China bill has become so popular that Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky recently warned his colleagues against allowing Biden to load too much domestic spending onto the legislation. Theres an echo here of the first decade of the Cold War, when Americans alarm over the military threat from the Soviet Union prompted Republicans in Congress to support massive domestic programs, including the interstate highway system, which was funded in 1956; major investments in science and technology; and the National Defense Education Act of 1958, which marked the first major use of federal dollars to improve education. Several of those innovations occurred after the Soviet Union shocked Americans by launching a satellite into space in 1957 the Sputnik moment that suggested the United States might be falling behind technologically. The U.S.-China competition is approaching a Sputnik moment of its own: the point at which Chinas economy, as measured by gross domestic product, exceeds that of the United States. The number wont be as meaningful as it looks; Chinas GDP is big because its population is so huge, and its GDP per person is still less than one-sixth of ours. But it may still come as a blow to Americans self-image. The Cold War with the Soviet Union was expensive and dangerous. It produced a nuclear arms race and dozens of brush fire wars; but it ended peacefully in 1991, when the Soviet Union, unable to compete economically with the West, disintegrated. The new cold war with China doesnt need to be as frightening. Unlike the United States and the Soviet Union, neither country is threatening the other militarily. They face a potential flashpoint in Taiwan, the breakaway province that Beijing has promised to retake; but Biden and his aides have made clear that the United States would make any such action by China costly. The most encouraging sign: Both countries pronounced their initial meeting since Biden took office a success. The dialogue, which took place in Alaska last week, was frosty at times, with U.S. officials scolding China for its treatment of the Uyghurs and for repression in Hong Kong, while China's Yang Jiechi fired back about U.S. human rights issues. They did not just emerge over the past four years, such as Black Lives Matter, he said. But after two days of meetings, Yang sounded more positive. These talks helped increase understanding, even though the two sides still have big differences, he said. And on Tuesday, Bidens special envoy for climate change, John F. Kerry, attended a virtual conference chaired by Chinas climate chief, Xie Zhenhua a sign that both governments still hope to find grounds to collaborate on at least one issue. Thats good news. It makes it seem possible that China and the United States have learned to manage their disagreements without unnecessary escalation. A trade war is expensive, but far less costly than a nuclear war; a cold war is dangerous, but less damaging than a hot war. If competition with China forces the United States to fund more research, rebuild its infrastructure and revitalize its economy, a little cold war could be a beautiful thing. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Thiruvalla: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged harassment of a group of nuns by some Bajrang Dal activists in UP's Jhansi recently and urged the Centre to take action, saying such incidents tarnish the image of the nation. In his letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Vijayan sought strict action against those "who disrupt and impair the freedom of individual rights" guaranteed by the Constitution. Citing reports, he said two postulants, who had recently joined a Christian congregation were travelling for the first time to their homes accompanied by two nuns and were "harassed and intimidated" by the Bajrang Dal activists. The CM further said the nuns and the postulants were forcefully removed from the train by the police following a complaint from the Bajrang Dal members alleging that the two girls were being taken for forceful religious conversion. "You would agree with me that such incidents tarnish the image of the nation and its ancient tradition of religious tolerance and practice." "Such incidents require utmost condemnation by the Union Government," Vijayan said. Earlier, addressing the media in Pathanamthitta, Vijayan said the Constitution gives freedom to everyone in the country to believe and not to believe in any religion. Everyone here has the right to live according to their faith, he added. ".. What happened yesterday was an encroachment on the freedom. Both these freedoms are fundamental rights of Indians. The nuns faced the violation of these rights during the train journey," he pointed out. What happened in Uttar Pradesh should not have happened in the country and it is a "very serious matter." Vijayan also attacked the ruling BJP in UP, saying the northern state is 'notorious' for such matters. "Violence in the name of religion is on the rise in many parts of our country. Violence against women and marginalized groups are on the rise." "Uttar Pradesh is notorious for such matters. All such illegal activities are taking place under the ruling BJP government there. It should also be taken seriously that all this is happening on an uncontrolled scale," Vijayan said. He asserted that his government would not allow Kerala to become a breeding ground for communalism and secularism would be fully protected. According to officials in Jhansi, the nuns were detained after local Bajrang Dal activists complained that two of the women were allegedly being taken forcibly for religious conversion. The police said there was no basis in the complaint and all four women later took the next train to their destination in Odisha. Expressing concern over the matter, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council had called for strong action against the culpritsinvolved in the incident. The Congress and BJP had taken up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, respectively. Supporters of Israeli Prime Ministers Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party react following the announcement of the exit polls in Israel's general elections at the party headquarters in Jerusalem - Reuters Benjamin Netanyahu has taken the lead in Israel's fourth election but does not have a clear path to forming a coalition government. Three exit polls, revealed by Israeli broadcasters, all showed that the prime minister's Likud party had emerged as the largest party with 30-33 seats. With around 80 per cent of the votes counted on Wednesday morning, both Mr Netanyahu and an alliance of anti-Netanyahu parties had potential paths to forming a government. However, the count is ongoing and the results are likely to change as the day continues. Mr Netanyahu hailed a "huge victory" for his Likud party, despite the absence of confirmed results. "It is clear that a majority of Israeli citizens are right-wing, and they want a strong and stable right-wing government that will preserve Israel's economy, Israel's security and the Land of Israel," he said on Twitter. Mr Netanyahu's main rival, the centrist party leader Yair Lapid, was trailing behind him with only around 16 seats. However, the polls suggested that he could potentially form a cross-party alliance against Mr Netanyahu, depending on the final results. Yair Lapid, leader of Israel's Yesh Atid party, addresses supporters from his campaign headquarters in the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv - AFP The exit polls, from Israel's fourth election in just two years, are unlikely to raise hopes of breaking the country's bitter political deadlock. Initial reports said that turnout in the election was around 60 per cent, the lowest rate since 2009, in a sign that Israelis have grown weary from successive elections. After casting his vote in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Netanyahu warned his supporters that turnout was too low, and claimed that the media was trying to lull right-wing voters into a false sense of security. I am asking all the Likudniks - go and vote Likud, we are down two seats, he said. The press is trying to put us to sleep, to tell us its in the bag. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their ballots at a polling station in Jerusalem - Reuters Voting in Tel Aviv, his centrist rival Mr Lapid warned that Mr Netanyahu would preside over a "racist, homophobic government" if he continues as Israel's longest serving prime minister. Story continues On a dusty, hot day in Jerusalem, voters cast their ballots wearing masks in booths with plastic screens to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus. Some Likud supporters gathered at tents in Jerusalem where they waved Israels blue and white flag and brandished posters featuring their beaming prime minister. His slogan - back to life - refers to Israel recently leaving what is hoped to be its final lockdown thanks to the success of the vaccine drive, which has fully protected half the population against Covid. But some voters said the potential rise of the far-Right, and tensions between secular and religious society, had played a bigger role in deciding their vote. An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man looks at a Blue and White party election campaign banner depicting its leader, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz alongside Mr Netanyahu - Reuters George Eltman, 75, said that Mr Netanyahu had done a lot of good things for Israel, but felt a new prime minister was long overdue. Im very concerned about the animosity between Israeli mainstream society and the ultra-orthodox, he added, referring to tensions over the latter groups refusal to follow lockdown restrictions. This prompted him to vote for Yesh Atid, which claims it is better placed to enforce rules in ultra-orthodox communities than Mr Netanyahu, who in the past has relied on their support to form coalitions. Deborah Harris, 65, said she was deeply concerned by Mr Netanyahus attempts to court extreme-right parties and was casting a panic vote for the left-wing party Meretz. Exit polls on Tuesday night also suggested that the right-wing Yamina party, led by Naftali Bennett, was a potential kingmaker that could hand Mr Netanyahu a narrow majority. But it was unclear whether Mr Bennett would choose to back Mr Netanyahu, his former mentor, or switch to the anti-Netanyahu coalition. During the campaign, Mr Netanyahu devoted much of his energy to courting Arab voters, but this did not appear to have resulted in much greater support last night. Mr Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, also hopes that his hugely successful vaccination drive - which has fully inoculated 50 per cent of the population against Covid - will hand him victory. Georgia Northwestern Technical College held a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday to showcase the colleges new storefront housed inside the Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center of Greater Dalton. The storefront is a partnership with JA of Georgia, and their efforts to "bring relevance, authenticity and application into everyday learning to energize students around academics and their future possibilities."GNTCs storefront will support the development and implementation of JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, programs that will impact 13,500 northwest Georgia middle school students annually.The facility is the fourth JA Discovery Center in Georgia and is located on the new Hammond Creek Middle School campus.In partnership with the business and school communities, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park have impacted more than 400,000 students across the state in the past seven years, officials said.We are thrilled to be able to deepen our impact in northwest Georgia with this state-of-the-art center, said John Hancock, JA of Georgia president and CEO. This project is a testament to the commitment the business and education communities in Dalton have to ensuring the next generation is prepared for their futures.The 15,000-square foot hybrid space will combine both JA BizTown and JA Finance Park to offer an experiential simulation to middle school students from Dalton Public Schools, Calhoun City Schools, Gordon County Schools, Murray County Schools and Whitfield County Schools.Officials said, "JA BizTown creates a comprehensive experience where students are able to interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of fueling a business. Students not only discover the intricacies of being a professional and member of the community, but also realize the abundance of opportunities available within their city."JA Finance Park provides students the rare opportunity to experience their personal financial futures first-hand. Students participate in an immersive simulation that enables them to develop skills to successfully navigate todays complex economic environment and discover how decisions today can impact tomorrow."With the opening of this facility, more than 100,000 students will participate in JA Finance Park and JA BizTown annually. This type of 360-degree, hands-on learning has led to 97 percent of teachers noting that participation in these programs helped their students understand the importance of setting real-world long-term goals. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky enacted the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to impose sanctions on 26 foreigners and 81 legal entities. The relevant decree No.109 / 2021 was published on the website of the Head of State, Ukrinform reports. To put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of March 23, 2021 On imposing, abolishing and amending personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions), the document reads. Sanctions were imposed on a total of 26 individuals and 81 legal entities for three years. In particular, sanctions were imposed on ITAR-TASS, Gazeta.Ru, Russia Today, Lenta.Ru, the Federal News Agency, several insurance companies, the Siberian Oil and Gas Company, etc., registered in Russia, and companies located in Crimea: Chornomornaftogaz, Krymgeologiya, Krymgazset, Massandra and others. In addition, the sanctions, according to the decision of the National Security and Defense Council, were imposed on the following citizens of the Russian Federation: First Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Gorovy, Head of the Main Department for Migration Valentina Kazakova, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Alexander Bashkin, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection Vsevolod Vukolov, Head of the 1st Service (Counterintelligence Service) of the Federal Security Service Vladislav Menshchikov, Director of the Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Gorshkov and others. In addition, the sanctions were imposed against French citizens MEPs Virginie Joron, Jean-Lin Lacapelle and Philippe Olivier as they illegally visited the occupied Crimea in July 2020. ol Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Japan share market finished lower fourth straight session on Wednesday, 24 March 2021, as investors remained wary about a slowdown in the global economic recovery from the pandemic amid spikes in coronavirus cases in major economies, including Germany, France and Italy. At closing bell, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average declined 590.40 points, or 2.04%, to 28,405.52. The broader Topix index of all First Section issues on the Tokyo Stock Exchange dropped 42.90 points, or 2.18%, to 1,928.58. All 33 industry category of Topix index retreated, with Air Transportation, Mining, Marine Transportation, Iron & Steel, Banks, Nonferrous Metals, Oil & Coal Products, Real Estate, and Securities & Commodities Futures issues being notable losers. The Tokyo market commenced trading with risk off selloff due to growing concerns about a slowdown in the global economic recovery from the pandemic amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Europe which have led to lockdowns being extended in Germany, France and Italy. In Europe, authorities continue to struggle with the virus as the region battles a third Covid wave. Many regions globally are seeing an increase in new Covid-19 cases as highly contagious variants continue to spread, the World Health Organization said earlier this week. Traders largely shrugged minutes from the Bank of Japan's meeting on January 20 and 21 which revealed that members are ready to maintain stimulus as long as necessary. Energy shares declined as Germany extended its lockdown measures by another month and imposed several new restrictions. Inpex Corp. lost 5.7% and Japan Petroleum lost 5.5%. Nikon Corp. surged 6.4% on buzz it would benefit from U. S. semiconductor maker Intel's move to greatly expand its advanced chip manufacturing capacity. Tokyo Electron climbed 5.1%. ECONOMIC NEWS: Japan Manufacturing PMI Expands Further In February- Japan manufacturing sector continued to expand in March with a manufacturing PMI score of 52.0, the latest survey from Jibun Bank showed on Wednesday. That's up from 51.4 in February and it moves further above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. Output growth softened slightly, although new orders expanded at their fastest pace since October 2018. But job shedding persisted and sentiment eased to a nine-month low. Japan's services PMI came in at 46.5, up from 45.8 in February, while the composite index had a score of 48.3 - up from 48.2 in the previous month. CURRENCY NEWS: The Japanese yen traded at 108.59 per dollar, as compared to levels around 108.9 against the greenback seen earlier this week. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 In the Caucasus (south of Russia, north of Turkey), Azerbaijan held a Victory Parade on December 10th 2020 to celebrate their victory over Armenia in a 44-day war the enabled the Azeris to regain about half of the disputed (since 1991) Nagorno-Karabakh territory. The parade included examples of the hundreds of Russian made Armenian military trucks and weapons provided by Russia. It was interesting to note that all of the Armenian Russian weapons were Cold War era (pre-1991) systems, including Osa-AK (SAM-8), self-propelled system air defense systems armed with 170 kg (374 pound) missiles. Osa was introduced in the 1970s and production ended in 1988. OSA has been upgraded several times. Reliability has improved as well but it is still not as reliable as comparable Western systems. OSA is carried in 17.5-ton 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle with a crew of five to operate the radar, fire the missiles, drive the vehicle, and maintain all that gear. The vehicle carries six missiles in sealed firing containers. The missiles can hit targets as high as 12,000 meters (39,000 feet) and up to 15 kilometers away. The Turkish UAVs and jammers worked against Osa just as they did against the similar and more recent Pantsir systems. Israel used similar tactics to defeat Pantsir in Syria. The parade featured Azeri weapons including more recent Russian systems, like the T-90C tanks, provided by Russia a decade ago. The most effective Azeri weapons were Israeli, which has replaced Russia as the primary source of modern weapons, including UAVs and, Barak 8 air defense systems and an Israeli Pine radar for spotting incoming ballistic missiles that Barak 8 intercepts, including at least one Russian Iskander, a recent design that was supposed to be more difficult to detect and intercept. The Turks were pleased with the outcome of the war but dismayed that the modern Israeli weapons were seen as more important to Azerbaijan than calling in Turkish mercenaries. The Azeris can obtain more Israeli UAVs and arm them with laser guided missiles from several different sources. The Turkish Bayraktar TB2 UAVs armed with Turkish laser guided missiles were copies of earlier Israeli and American systems and are exported to customers who prefer to buy Moslem developed systems that are close enough to superior Israeli and American systems. Russia is still trying to catch up with Turkey in the armed UAV department. The Azeris credited Turkish intervention and lots of modern Israeli weapons for the victory. Israel publicly supported Azerbaijan and continues to supply Azerbaijan with weapons. The Azeris are one the largest customers for Israeli weapons, and the only Moslem state to defy Arab efforts to discourage Moslem countries from buying Israeli exports of any kind. Turkey hoped to gain Azerbaijan as another export customer for their growing list of modern weapons but has a tough time competing with Israel. The 44-day war ended when Russia negotiated a ceasefire in November and immediately supplied 2,000 troops to supervise and expedite both sides carrying out the terms of the peace deal. This included both sides withdrawing or moving some of their troops. Russia convinced Armenia that they were losing the battle and risked losing all disputed territory inhabited by Armenians. There were some benefits for Armenia. Azerbaijan ended its economic blockade of Armenia that had been in force since 1991. Turkey was rewarded with direct land access between Turkey and Azerbaijan that does not require crossing Georgian or Iranian territory. Russia used its good relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan to speed agreement on the ceasefire and a permanent peace deal. This was helped by the fact that Russian public opinion did not have a favorite. While Armenia has long been an ally of Russia, Azerbaijan and Turkey were also seen as friends, not foes. There had already been several short wars between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed territory and until now Armenia won them all. Another round of violence broke out in late September 2020 and this time Azerbaijani forces advanced into the long-disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. Although Russia has a military assistance treaty with Armenia, Russian officials recently pointed out that the treaty does not cover the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh area and Russia would not send troops to Nagorno-Karabakh to help the Armenians. Russia has several defense-related agreements with Armenia. The first is the 2002 CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) that included Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. All these nations were once components of the Soviet Union, which dissolved in 1991. The CSTO restored some of the economic and military relationships these nations had before 1991. In 2016 Russia and Armenia agreed to a mutual defense pact that included a joint Russian-Armenian military force in Armenia. This joint force was for use against any military threat to either nation. This mainly benefits Armenia. The 2016 treaty allowed Russia to continue deliveries of weapons and ammo to Armenia in 2016 despite the fact that Armenian troops were fighting forces from neighboring Azerbaijan once more. The Armenia-Azerbaijan violence has always been about Nagorno-Karabakh, which Armenia and Azerbaijan have been fighting over since these two former components of the Soviet Union gained their independence in 1991. Back then Armenia went to war with Azerbaijan to defend the independence of an Armenian majority district (Nagorno-Karabakh) that was separated from Armenia by a strip of Azerbaijan territory populated largely by Azeris. Although Azerbaijan is larger than Armenia and has oil, the Armenians were better fighters and the conflict festered despite several ceasefire agreements. When Armenia and Azerbaijan were both part of the Soviet Union, and before that Tsarist Russia, the ethnicity and location of Nagorno-Karabakh was not an issue. But Nagorno-Karabakh was technically part of Azerbaijan and the 1991 Soviet Union dissolution agreement was straightforward about who owned what in the breakup. The borders of the 14 regions that left the Soviet Union were a matter of record. There were several situations like Nagorno-Karabakh but none generated so much violence. Russia considers both Armenia and Azerbaijan essential buffer states. This is what Russia calls the near abroad and considers then sacrosanct. The Russian paranoia over NATO is mainly about near-abroad nations in Eastern Europe joining or wanting to join NATO. That was not a problem with Armenia, which wanted protection from Turkey, plus Azerbaijan fears of Iranian aggression. Russia did not appreciate Turkey getting involved with the near-abroad states. Russia was diplomatic about the unwelcome Turkish presence and the Turks knew that being in Azerbaijan was seen as a rare victory over ancient foe Russia. Armenia has a population of about three million and a per-capita GDP of $4,500. Technically Nagorno-Karabakh is not part of Armenia but, since 1991, as the Republic of Artsakh it has survived because Armenia provides military aid to defend it from Azerbaijan attacks. Artsakh has a population of 145,000 and per-capita GDP of $4,700. Azerbaijan has a population of 10.2 million and per-capita GDP of $4,800. Armenians are better educated and more entrepreneurial but Azerbaijan has oil and Armenia does not. About a third of the Azerbaijani GDP is due to oil exports. Since the 1990s Azerbaijan has sought to close the education and entrepreneurial gap with Armenia and has made a lot of progress. That has contributed to confidence that the next invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh would succeed. The current effort did much better than previous ones but the Azerbaijani still suffering higher losses, and progress was steady but not as fast as desired. The Armenian mutual defense pact with Russia does not include Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenians have adapted to that. In 2016 Armenia defeated an Azerbaijani April offensive and Russian brokered a new ceasefire deal. Russia and Iran cooperated to maintain the ceasefire. Iran has more influence over Azerbaijan and did what it could to persuade the Azerbaijanis to stop violating the ceasefires. That worked for a while, mainly because the previous Azerbaijani attacks were not successful. After 2016 Azerbaijan continued to purchase new weapons and improve the performance of its troops. There was little doubt that there would be another war. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia were formerly part of the Soviet Union and are quite different even though they were neighbors. Azerbaijan is majority Moslem while Armenia is Christian. Along with the smaller Georgia, these two are the only two nations in the Caucasus that are majority Christian. For over a thousand years Armenians and Georgians resisted efforts by Moslem neighbors to make them Moslem. Russia played a key role in preventing that and considers itself the protector of Armenia. Despite that Russia has managed to maintain good relations with Azerbaijan as well. In doing that Russia established one of the more successful peacekeeping operations since the Cold War ended by getting Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree to a ceasefire in 1994 after another round of heavy fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh. Russia became a military ally of Armenia as part of that arrangement. Iran has tried, and not always succeeded, to be on good terms with Azerbaijan, if only because about a quarter of the Iranian population are Azeris. At the same time Iran and Russia, traditional enemies, have become allies and those links are being used to deal with the latest round of violence. Iran has long harbored an intense interest in Azerbaijan. This is because most of the Turkic and Moslem Azeris live in Iran. Up until 1813, modern Azerbaijan was part of Iran. Then the Russians showed up. Armenia and Azerbaijan were the last Russian conquests as the Tsars soldiers and Cossacks advanced through the Caucasus in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Russians stopped when they ran into the Turkish and Iranian empires, but not before taking a chunk of Azerbaijan from Iran. The Iranians have not forgotten. In effect, most of "Azerbaijan" is in Iran and Iran has long hoped to reunite all Azeris under their rule. Many Iranian Azeris have risen to senior positions in the government. Despite that, most Azeris would like all Azeris united in a single Azerbaijan. This is not a popular idea within Iran. The Russians, on the other hand, have come to accept the 1991 loss of Azerbaijan and Armenia. A Chinese ban on pineapple imports from Taiwan has sparked a flood of patriotic buying of the fruit and forced restaurants to come up with inventive new menu choices but it has also left many questioning Taipei's overwhelming economic reliance on its giant neighbour. While much of the island's pineapple crop is consumed at home, 90 percent of its overseas shipments head for sale in the vast Chinese market. However, that leaves its farmers at the mercy of Beijing's authoritarian leaders who view the self-ruled democracy as their own territory and have vowed to one day seize it, by force if needed. And on March 1 they suddenly imposed a ban on pineapples citing the discovery of pests, sending panic among the fruit's farmers fearing for their livelihoods. "This is a political issue that we farmers are unable to resolve," lamented plantation owner Min Lee-ming, as dozens of workers rushed to pluck, trim and box up the fruits in Taishan, a rural part of southern Pingtung County known locally as "Pineapple Town". "We just want to live a stable life and we need to make ends meet," he told AFP. The ban led the government in Taipei to put out a call for solidarity -- and the people of Taiwan responded. Social media has filled with calls for consumers to buy pineapples while restaurants are coming up with ever more ways to add pineapple to their offers. Among the food choices now on offer are pineapple salmon pasta, pineapple seafood rolls, pineapple shrimp balls with red curry fried rice, pineapple chicken and bento boxes featuring the fruit with meat. - 'Cannon fodder' - A government-declared goal of selling 20,000 extra tonnes of the fruit domestically achieved its target in just four days, helped by major local conglomerates who jumped on large orders to boost their profile. Sunny Liao, a 53-year-old businesswoman, was among recent diners at a hotel in Taipei now offering some 20 pineapple themed dishes and drinks. Story continues She said she wants to see tensions lowered between Taiwan and Beijing and favours the two sides talking but the latest move has left her furious. "I think all Taiwanese are angry at the ban and I feel farmers have become cannon fodder to be sacrificed," she told AFP. The Taishan region sends around 70 percent of its harvest across the Taiwan Strait and farmers are now scrambling to find new markets. "We've depended too heavily on China," fretted Chen Yu-nung, 30, who runs a fruit packaging factory. "We shouldn't have put all our eggs in one basket." Taiwan's 23 million people live under the constant threat of invasion by China which has long used a mixture of carrot and stick to bring about its stated aim of "reunification". Relations have considerably worsened since the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen who views Taiwan as a de facto sovereign nation, not part of Beijing's "one China". But despite the increase in tensions, bilateral trade rose 13.5 percent on-year to $216 billion in 2020, including $1 billion of produce, according to Taiwan's official data. Taipei has rejected China's claims over pests in the pineapple shipments, saying 99.8 percent of imports in recent years had passed inspection. - 'Everyone is vrey nervous' - The south, where most of Taiwan's pineapples are grown, is the traditional heartland of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party. Political figures were quick to liken the ban to heavy tariffs China placed on certain Australian products, including wine, when relations between those two countries took a dive. "Remember Australia's Freedom Wine?" tweeted foreign minister Joseph Wu. "I urge like-minded friends around the globe to stand with Taiwan and rally behind the FreedomPineapple." Back in Taishan, farmers say they have been delighted by the domestic drive to buy more pineapples. But they caution against early declarations of victory given the harvest has only just begun. "Next month is when we will know if we have won or lost," said Min, the plantation owner. "Everyone is very nervous". "I am worried the domestic buying spree won't last when the harvest peaks next month," added Lee Bai-wei, 28, saying half his crop would usually go to China. Tseng Chin-yun, a 60-year-old rice farmer, said she believed it was time for Taiwan to diversify where it sells its products to. "We need to be stronger and stand on our own," she declared. "Taiwan is an independent country and we can't always rely on others." College student Hsu Ying-chih, 21, works part-time in the fruit packaging factory and has seen shifts dry up the last two weeks. But he doesn't think Taiwan should cave to Chinese pressure. "Taiwan is a country and 'one China' is unacceptable," he said. "If we concede in order to hold talks on agricultural issues, they will push the envelope further in other areas." aw/jta/dan The acquisition will provide Xero customers in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore with access to an established e-invoicing network that enables faster and more secure transactions, according to Xero officials. Xero intends to use Tickstar's Peppol-based technology to improve Xero's e-invoicing functionality. The ATO is the Australian Peppol authority. The company will continue to offer Tickstar's e-invoicing services under the the Galaxy Gateway brand as well as its consulting services The purchase price will be up to SEK 150 million (approximately $23 million), subject to performance milestones. Half the price will be paid in cash, the other half in Xero shares. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022. "The acquisition of Tickstar is an important step in our strategy to help small businesses digitise more of their workflows and get paid faster using cloud-based technologies," said Xero's chief product officer, Anna Curzon. "As more governments around the world adopt e-invoicing, Tickstar's technology will help our customers comply with existing and future legislation and realise the many benefits that e-invoicing brings." Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:22:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa (Front) shows his COVID-19 vaccination card in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on March 24, 2021. Mnangagwa got his first shot of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria Falls on Wednesday. (Photo by Chen Yaqin/Xinhua) By Gretinah Machingura and Zhang Yuliang VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday got his first shot of China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in the resort town of Victoria Falls. On the occasion, the president also launched the second phase of the country's vaccination drive, as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to fight the pandemic. Mnangagwa's vaccination follows that of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who received his second and final shot of China's Sinopharm vaccine on March 18. The launch of the second phase of the vaccination program in Victoria Falls, targeting all eligible residents in the resort city, is strategic, as it is aimed at boosting tourism in the country, Mnangagwa said. Mnangagwa encouraged all Zimbabweans to embrace vaccination as the only way to fight the pandemic and ensure the country embarks on post-COVID-19 economic recovery. "No one is safe until everyone is safe. I therefore challenge everyone of us in our respective communities to accept the vaccination program and to shun vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and the negative conspiracy theories," Mnangagwa said. He noted that vaccination advances Zimbabwe's global obligation to combat the continued spread and negative socio-economic effects of the pandemic. Mnangagwa once again paid tribute to China and other countries for donating vaccines to the country. "I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my profound gratitude to China, Russia, India and indeed an offer that also came from the United Kingdom, for the donation of vaccines." "Their support and acts of solidarity have gone a long way in ensuring our access to the life saving doses," the president said. The first phase of the national COVID-19 vaccination program launched on Feb. 18 was a success due to the broad acceptance of the vaccine doses by the targeted groups, Mnangagwa said. "To this end, over 68 percent of the targeted groups in the first phase have been vaccinated. I commend all frontline workers and the security services sector for their dedication with regards to our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic." While the first phase targeted frontline health workers, journalists, prison population as well as ports and immigration officials, the second phase now targets teachers, the clergy, members of the security sector, the elderly and people with chronic conditions, among other priority groups. On the occasion, leaders of political parties that participated in the last national election in 2018 were also inoculated. Mnangagwa praised the opposition leaders for embracing vaccination, saying this was historic for the country. Zimbabwe has so far received two batches of the Sinopharm vaccine donated by China, and an additional batch of Sinovac doses which were purchased from the Asian country. To date, Zimbabwe has recorded 36,717 COVID-19 cases, including 34,447 recoveries and 1,516 deaths. A total of 44,135 people have been vaccinated against the disease as of Tuesday. Enditem leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been pushing for Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) -- a proposed minimum income guarantee scheme -- on Tuesday promised people of poll-bound Kerala that the scheme will be "tested" in the southern state if the party-led is voted to power. "I have a selfish reason to test it," he said at an election meeting organised at Manarcad in Puthuppally Assembly constituency represented by former chief minister and senior leader Oommen Chandy. Flanked by Chandy and General Secretary K C Venugopal on a roofless campaign vehicle, Gandhi said he was confident about the success of the Rs 72,000 a year will go straight into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. "And we know what is going to happen next. We are testing a new idea in Kerala," Gandhi told party workers who gathered in large numbers around the campaign vehicle to listen to his speech. Bringing up the idea during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi had described it as ground-breaking, which would mark the beginning of the final assault on poverty. Gandhi said he wanted to "test" the scheme in Kerala because if it works here, he wanted to replicate it in all Congress-ruled states in the country. "Kerala is going to show the rest of India how to end poverty once and for all," he said. Earlier, addressing a meeting at Paruthumpara near here, Gandhi said, "The first thing we are going to do when we form the government is to start NYAY yojana." "We are not going to ask you where you come from, how old you are, whether you believe in one religion or another religion. If you are from Kerala and you need support, we will give it to you. This is the idea of NYAY," he said. "After we bring NYAY Yojna to Kerala, there will be no empty bank accounts in the state," the former Congress chief said. Gandhi had stressed on the importance he gives to the during his election campaign on Monday. "This is not charity. We are giving you money through NYAY. We are putting money in your pockets so that you can spend it. This was the only way to uplift the Indian economy which collapsed due to the demonetisation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his flawed GST implementation and the COVID-19 pandemic," Gandhi said. In its manifesto for the April 6 Assembly polls, the Congress-led has promised a Rs 2,000 'pension' for homemakers, Rs 72,000 annually to the poor under 'Nyay Yojana' and five lakh homes for the underprivileged. Winding up his two-day Kerala election campaign, Gandhi said, "The mood in Kerala is clear. People want change and we will deliver." He said the Congress-led was committed to Kerala's safety, security and all-round growth. "We will ensure the state is redirected to the path of development", Gandhi said. Amid criticism that the Congress denied tickets to deserving women leaders in the April 6 polls, Gandhi promised to field more women in the next Assembly polls in the state. "Next time, I want to see more women in our candidacy. My next job is to make that happen. Also, in due course of time my dream is to give Kerala a woman chief minister", said Gandhi who represents Kerala's Wayanad seat in Lok Sabha. Attacking the state's ruling CPI(M)-led LDF, Gandhi said the left front has stolen the future of the youth. "One of the highest unemployment rates in the country is in Kerala. If you want a job in Kerala, you have to be a member of the left organisation", Gandhi said referring to the recent protest by youths in front of the secretariat against the alleged backdoor appointments by the government. (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. A man who said he was at Buzz Box Lounge, 1800 Massachusetts St., claimed the incident started when a man bumped into a second man in the crowded bar, scuffing the second mans shoe. An argument broke out between the two and the man, who declined to give his name, said he left for another club near where Rice and the other man were found after the shooting. MCLEAN, Va., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) will release its first quarter 2021 earnings results. Additionally, the company will host a conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to review financial and operating performance for the quarter ending March 31, 2021. The call will be webcast live and the earnings release will be available on the company's homepage at www.capitalone.com . A replay of the webcast will be available 24 hours a day, beginning two hours after the conference call, until 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 11, 2021, through the company's homepage. About Capital One Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $305.4 billion in deposits and $421.6 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2020. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index. Visit Capital One About for more Capital One news. SOURCE Capital One Financial Corporation Related Links http://www.capitalone.com London, March 24 : Former world No.1 Andy Murray of Britain has withdrawn from the 2021 Miami Open due to a left groin injury, the organisers said. His place in the draw will be filled by a qualifier or lucky loser, the organisers added. The 33-year-old Murray, who has a 28-9 record in Miami, lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2013. He had been given a wildcard for the tournament with his world ranking a lowly 118 due to his long injury layoff. Murray is the latest among several big names to have withdrawn from the tournament with 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams withdrawing on Monday. Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had announced earlier they would withdraw from the tournament. Murray and his wife, Kim, welcomed their fourth child on March 12. Italian police have raided a pharmaceuticals plant outside Rome in a search for AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines, as a tussle between the EU and UK over shortfalls in deliveries continues. Carabinieri toldThe Independent that specialist food and pharmaceutical officers were involved in the raid at the Catalent fill-and-finish plant in Anagni. The raids took place over the weekend, an Italian government official said. On Saturday, the European Commission asked the prime minister to verify some batches of vaccine at a production plant at Anagni. The prime minister informed the health minister, who ordered an inspection between Saturday and Sunday, carried out by the carabinieri. The batches that were inspected were destined for Belgium, said the official. Italian newspaper La Stampa reported that as many as 29 million doses of the vaccine were found at the plant, though this number could not be verified. That would represent almost double the 16 million doses so far delivered to the European Union by the drug company and which are now the subject of heated negotiations between Brussels and the UK. AstraZeneca has been under fire from the European Commission over missed delivery targets for weeks. The doses were likely to have been manufactured at the Halix plant in Leiden, in the Netherlands, Italian media reports said. Halix is still awaiting approval by the European Medicines Agency, but approval could come as soon as this week. EU sources told La Stampa that the vaccines were destined for the UK but had been blocked by Italy following the introduction last month of new rules on vaccine exports. People coming to be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, wait in line on March 24, 2021 prior to enter a vaccination hub set up outside Rome's Termini railway station (AFP via Getty Images) Italy was unaware of the existences of the doses, until the EU commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, decided to investigate the destination of doses produced at the Dutch factory and tipped off Italian police about the plant, according to La Stampa. Italys ministry of health said it was investigating the incident. On Wednesday, the European Commission unveiled new rules that could block vaccine exports to countries judged to need doses less than the EU either because of lower rates of the virus or ample domestic supply. The European Commission vice-president, Valdis Dombrovskis, said the continent was facing a very serious epidemiological situation and declined to rule out the UK being hit by new restrictions. AstraZeneca said that most of the 29 million doses in the Catalent plant were for EU countries, and the rest were for poorer countries supplied by the COVAX scheme co-led by the World Health Organization. "There are no exports currently planned other than to COVAX countries. There are 13 million doses of vaccine waiting for quality control release to be dispatched to COVAX," the company told The Independent. The remaining 16 million will be shipped to Europe this month and in April, after quality control approval, it added. Catalent did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Budget experts have faulted the National Assembly for passing the 2021 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) without conducting the mandatory public participation, as provided for in the Constitution and the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act. International Budget Partnership (IBP) Kenya claims that the National Assembly, in adopting the report of the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) on the BPS last week, made a wrong move that will likely put the legitimacy of the budget into question. IBP's country manager, Dr Abraham Rugo, and chief executive James Muraguri said they will be forced to have the issue challenged in court in the coming days. "In total disregard of constitutional provisions, the budget committee made recommendations and tabled the report for approval without calling for public input. This is a wrong turn," Dr Rugo says in an open letter to the National Assembly. "We find it surprising that the House would allow such a critical document to be introduced for approval without an open and inclusive public participation." Budget details Under the 2021 BPS, the government wants to spend Sh3.02 trillion in the 2021/22 financial year. This budget will see the 47 county governments allocated Sh409.88 billion, inclusive of an equitable share of Sh370 billion and conditional grants. The document imposes on the national government an expenditure ceiling of Sh1.31 trillion (recurrent) and Sh658.94 billion (development). The Parliamentary Service Commission, which manages Parliament's affairs, has a ceiling of Sh37.88 billion while that of the Judiciary is set at Sh17.92 billion. Further, the BPS projects the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will collect revenue of not less than Sh2.03 trillion with the ordinary revenue target set at Sh1.78 trillion. Mr Muraguri asked the Parliament Budget Office (PBO) to up its game by providing the required advisory to the Budget committee as provided for in the Constitution. "Coming at a time when the country is under severe financial constraints due to high public debt service, declining tax revenues and lower economic activity due to Covid-19, the 2021 budget is exceptionally crucial," he noted. Committee's response Budget committee chairman Kanini Kega, in his response to the concerns, noted that the BPS was subjected to public participation as required. "We invited everyone to present views on the document. We followed due process. Claiming the law was not followed is stretching the imagination too far." The budget experts base their arguments on Article 118 of the Constitution, which provides that Parliament shall conduct its business in an open manner, and that its sittings and those of its committees shall be open to the public. It is also expected to facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other business of Parliament and its committees. Section 7 (d) of the PFM Act states that the committee of the National Assembly in charge of budgetary matters has to monitor adherence to the principles of public finance, by Parliament, the Judiciary, and the national government and its entities. Article 201 of the Constitution, which highlights the principles of public finance, states that there shall be openness and accountability, including public participation in financial matters. Crucial document The BPS is a critical document in the budget cycle. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It sets out the total size of the budget on both revenue and expenditure and is the basis upon which the annual Division of Revenue Bill, that shares out revenue between the national and county governments, is crafted. When tabled in Parliament, the members of the two Houses - the National Assembly and the Senate - have the responsibility to decide what the final size of Kenya's budget will be. The document also approves the final deficit, which indicates the funding gap in Kenya's budget every year and how much the country will have to borrow to finance the gap. In essence, the BPS is the budget document that determines by what margins Kenya's debt will grow each year. It also sets the final funding ceilings for each sector of the national government, but MPs can adjust them depending on what they deem as priorities at the time. Once Parliament approves these ceilings, they are final. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Thunderstorms, accompanied by locally heavy rainfall at times. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. New Delhi, March 24 : India reported 47,262 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since early November taking the total tally to 1,17,34,058. There was a slight dip in cases on Tuesday at 40,715. Prior to this, the country registered an increase in cases for 12 consecutive days. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra, Punjab and Gujarat are turning out to be a major cause of worry as the three states are recording the highest daily new coronavirus cases. The Central government is closely monitoring and actively engaging with States and union territory over the rising cases in the country. With the death of 275 people in the last 24 hours, the fatality toll has reached 1,60,441 in India. The active caseload has mounted to 3,68,457. With the discharge of 23,907 patients in a day, a total of 1,12,05,160 persons have been discharged so far. A total of 10,25,628 tests were done on Tuesday. This single-day spike was the highest since November 11, when 47,905 infections were recorded. So far, 5.08 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin'. Now, those over 45 years of age will also get Covid-19 vaccine from April 1, irrespective of the co-morbidities, the Central Government has announced. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text (Natural News) Researchers in two countries have confirmed the mechanism by which AstraZenecas Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine could cause harmful side-effects. The findings come as a number of countries temporarily halted the use of the jab in their immunization campaigns following reports of blood clots. Nevertheless, health authorities have insisted on the jabs safety and remarked that vaccinations ought to continue. Researchers at northern Germanys Greifswald University Hospital said on March 19 that they discovered how the AstraZeneca jab could cause blood clots and brain thrombosis. The team, led by Andreas Greinacher, said in a statement that the British drug manufacturers vaccine may prompt over-activation of blood platelets or thrombocytes in some cases. Excessive thrombocyte activity can lead to the formation of clots in blood vessels, blocking regular blood flow. Antibodies caused blood clots The researchers found that antibodies stimulated by AstraZenecas vaccine trigger platelets to coagulate, in the same manner as when wounds heal. They continued that the vaccination activated a mechanism that caused these clots to form in the brains of some patients. According to a March 21 NPR report, Greinacher and his team looked at 13 cases of cerebral blood clots that occurred in Germany within four to 16 days after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine. Out of the 13 cases, 12 of them were female and almost all affected were below 55 years old. The team managed to isolate and identify the specific antibodies that caused the platelets to become over-active. Meanwhile, researchers in Norway led by Oslo University Hospital Chief Physician Dr. Pal Andre Holme conducted a probe of three post-vaccination blood clot cases reported in the country. The three cases occurred in healthcare workers below 50 years old. Speaking to the Norwegian newspaper VG, the chief physician said he is confident that his team had identified antibodies responsible for the blood clots that were triggered by the vaccination. Our theory is that this is a strong immune response that most likely comes after the vaccine, Holme said. He added that there is no other thing than the vaccine that can explain this immune response. Holme further explained: Im pretty sure its the antibodies thats the cause [of the clotting], and I see no other reason than that its the vaccine that causes it. Health authorities still believe AstraZeneca jab is safe Despite Greinacher and Holmes findings, health authorities in Europe have yet to be persuaded to halt the use of the vaccine. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said in a March 19 statement that the benefits of getting the AstraZeneca vaccine still outweigh the risks. (Related: EU IN CRISIS: Deadly rollout of AstraZeneca vaccine destroys EUs reputation, shatters image of unity within bloc.) The statement also outlined the findings of EMAs Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee during its extraordinary meeting held on March 18. The committee concluded that the vaccines benefits outweighing its purported risks and that it lacked an association with an increase in blood clots for those who got it. Furthermore, it confirmed that there is no evidence of a problem related to specific batches of the vaccine or to particular manufacturing sites. Three days before the European regulator released its findings, EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke defended the AstraZeneca jab. She commented that there is no indication that vaccination has caused these [serious] conditions during a March 16 press conference. A situation like this is not unexpected when you vaccinate millions of people, Cooke continued. The World Health Organization (WHO) also defended the safety of AstraZenecas vaccine. During a March 15 press conference, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the global health body is in close contact with the [EMA] and has been reviewing the available [safety] data of the jab. This does not necessarily mean these [adverse] events are linked to the vaccine, but its routine practice to investigate them and it shows that the [vaccine] surveillance system works and effective controls are in place, he said. During the same press conference, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan commented that it is best for countries to continue inoculation using the AstraZeneca vaccine. We do not want people to panic and we would, for the time being, recommend that countries continue vaccinating with AstraZeneca, she said. (Related: 20+ countries suspend use of AstraZeneca vaccine, but regulators insist benefits outweigh risks.) The chief scientist added that some incidents of blood clotting in the general population were to be expected. So far, we do not find an association between these events and the vaccine. [This is] because the rates at which these events have occurred in the vaccinated group are less than what you would expect in the general population, Swaminathan explained. Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com to read more reports about the risk of AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org DW.com NPR.org MSN.com NDTV.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. New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Amit Shah targeting the West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress and Mamata Banerjee of unleashing violence against the national party workers in the state on Tuesday. He said, No violence can stop the growth of BJP in Bengal. Shah told the media that he met the family members of the victims of political violence in Bengal. They became victims because they did not support the ideology of the ruling Trinamool Congress, the BJP president said. The Shah further said, I want to ask the people is this Rabindranath Tagores Bengal? Is this Swami Vivekanandas Bengal? No one here has the freedom to play a part in any political party other than TMC. This kind of violence was perhaps not seen anywhere else, added Shah. The BJP president further targeting the Mamata government said, People are being killed and their property are being destroyed. Development can not take place in such situation. (With PTI inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sharron Phillip (pictured) was last seen on May 8 1986 at a petrol station in Wacol, southwest Brisbane The son of the prime suspect believed to have murdered missing woman Sharron Phillips has given chilling testimony his father was Australia's 'gingerbread man' who would never be caught. An emotional Ian Seeley fought back tears as he exposed his father as a 'mass murderer' who made a deathbed confession begging him to 'give the girls back' days before he died in 2002. Queensland's state coroner reopened the inquest into the 1986 disappearance of Ms Phillips after taxi driver Raymond Peter Mulvihill was unveiled as the number one suspect by police. Ms Phillips, 20, vanished on May 8, 1986, while waiting for her boyfriend after running out of petrol in Wacol, in southwest Brisbane. Mulvihill drove a cab that was based at Wacol, and his son said Ms Phillips was a victim in the wrong place at the wrong time. 'For him, for my father, it was quick, easy and simple. It was one of the simplest jobs he has ever done,' Mr Seeley told the court on Wednesday. 'Everything lined up that day. It was not premeditated. He did not stalk her. She approached him.' When asked how Ms Phillips died, Mr Seeley said: 'He strangled her. He strangled all of them.' Raymond Peter Mulvihill (pictured) who died in 2002, has been revealed as the number one suspect by police in the disappearance of Sharron Phillips Ian Seeley, who is the stepson main suspect Raymond Peter Mulvihill, is seen trying to shield himself from the media as he leaves the Brisbane Coroners Court in Brisbane, Wednesday, March 24 On the night Ms Phillips vanished, Mr Seeley arrived at the taxi base to pick up his father when Mulvihill jumped out to stop him saying: 'I've got something I have to put into the car'. Mulvihill ordered his son to 'wait out the front' before reversing the car around the back of the base himself. Mr Seeley told the court he waited by a phone box the same one Ms Phillips had used to call for help. A short time later, a police patrol arrived, demanding to know what he was doing there. 'I told them it was none of their business. This is harassment and told them to piss off.' While police were talking to him, Mr Seeley heard his father mutter, 'get the f**k in there, or I will kill you', followed by the sound of two car boots closing. Mulvihill's stepson Ian Seeley has claimed he saw Sharron Phillip's in the back of his dad's taxi (pictured) on May 8, 1986 Police searched an area at Carole Park in 2017 but did not recover any human remains He said the officers were probably 'only 20m away' and asked him what the noise was. 'I don't know. Why don't you go have a look?' Mr Seeley told the police. The officers failed to investigate. It was on the drive home Mr Seeley began to suspect someone could be in the boot. 'I heard a bang, and I said to my father: 'What the f**k have you got me into?'. 'I did not know there was a woman in the boot... but I began to suspect.' When the pair arrived home, Mr Seeley claimed his father held a knife to his throat, cut him under the chin before ordering him from the car, and driving off alone. 'I'm sorry. I gave up. I surrendered. I was a coward,' Mr Seeley said. 'I'm not asking for anyone's sympathy, but it was just f**ked. The guy's a mass murderer.' Days after Ms Phillips went missing, Mr Seeley claimed his father scoffed at media reports saying: 'You can say what you like, but they won't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man.' Sharron Phillips, 20, (pictured) went missing in 1986, and is believed to have been murdered by a taxi driver Mr Seeley seen leaving the Brisbane Coroners Court in Brisbane on Wednesday after exposing his father as a 'mass murderer' More than 30 years later, Mr Seeley claimed Mulvihill made a dying declaration to killing 'lots' of women when he asked him to 'give the girls back'. 'I asked him where are these girls, and he said in the drain where I said Sharron was.' Mr Seeley gave the location to police, prompting an unsuccessful search of council-owned industrial land at Carole Park in 2017. Under questioning, Mr Seeley admitted a history of mental illness and previously being diagnosed as suffering from 'grandiosity'. He was accused of fabricating the story to match a podcast he has recently been involved in. 'Your evidence has been made up to support the story you have created for your podcast,' he was asked. Coroner Terry Ryan directed court recordings were not permitted for use in the podcast. The inquest continues. People who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for a Covid-19 infection when the pandemic hit, according to a new study ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2021 ) :People who received a flu shot last flu season were significantly less likely to test positive for a Covid-19 infection when the pandemic hit, according to a new study. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, also indicated that those who did test positive for Covid-19 had fewer complications if they received their flu shot. "It's particularly relevant for vaccine hesitance, and maybe taking the flu shot this year can ease some angst about the new Covid-19 vaccine," said researcher Hofmann, Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. For the study, the research team included more than 27,000 patients who were tested for a Covid-19 infection in mid-July of 2020, Medical Daily reported. Of the nearly 13,000 who got a flu shot in the previous year, 4 per cent tested positive for Covid-19. Of the 14,000 who hadn't gotten a flu shot, nearly 5 per cent tested positive for Covid-19. The association remained significant after controlling for other variables including ethnicity, race, gender, age, BMI, smoking status and many comorbid conditions. The researchers found that people who received their flu shot were also significantly less likely to require hospitalisation, although the researchers didn't find a significant difference in mortality between the two groups. "It is possible that patients who receive their flu vaccine are also people who are practicing more social distancing and following CDC guidelines. However, it is also plausible that there could be a direct biological effect of the flu vaccine on the immune system relevant for the fight against SARS-CoV-2 virus," the researcher said. The World Customs Organization (WCO) virtual workshop on Data Analytics (DA) for manager levels in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region was held from 18th to 19th March 2021, supported by CCF-Korea. The workshop was attended by 56 participants from 19 Customs Administrations of the Western Central Africa region and 2 additional participants from France and Korea. The WCO introduced a comprehensive and holistic overview of Big Data Analytics and its efforts in developing a Capacity Building Framework on this topic and shared practical guiding principles of many other initiatives. The workshop also provided an opportunity for Customs managers to strengthen the network of data analytics practitioners by sharing the experiences and good practices of Members, including Niger, Nigeria, Belgium, Cote d'Ivoire, France and Korea. The participants were also updated on the latest developments regarding WCO capacity building initiatives. These included: 1) the future plan for technical assistance, 2) online and offline training courses to learn data science including programming skills, 3) the recent algorithm development by the BACUDA Expert Group from HS classification to the comparison analysis for the Price Validation using the current prices in e-Commerce. The managers from WCA region highly appreciated the activity and shared ideas on the next steps to further cooperate with the BACUDA Project to enhance capacity in DA nationally and regionally. For more information please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org 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. ADVERTISEMENT Egypts Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Wednesday that it had diverted ships to its old channel after a giant cargo container blocked the course of the new crossing. Eight tug boats were continuing the rescue works of a 400-meters-long, 59-meters-wide container ship which is among the largest in the world, that has turned sideways in the Suez Canal, said the SCA in a statement. The 224,000-tonne Ever Given, a Panama-flagged container ship, coming from China to Rotterdam, was grounded on Tuesday in the new passage after losing the ability to steer amid high winds and a dust storm, the SCA added. Navigation in the old channel is working regularly now, it said, adding that the authority was sparing no effort to ensure regular navigation through the canal and to serve the world trade movement. The Suez Canal is a major lifeline for global seaborne trade since it allows ships to travel between Europe and South Asia without navigating around Africa, thereby reducing the sea voyage distance between Europe and India by about 7,000 kilometers. Some 12 per cent of the world trade volume passes through the man-made canal, which is a major source of hard currency in Egypt. The Canal was expanded with a parallel course in 2015, where the ship was grounded. (Xinhua/NAN) DAYTON, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Woolpert, a premier geospatial, architecture, engineering and services firm, today announced that MSD Partners, L.P. has agreed to invest in the company in partnership with management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1911, Woolpert is a global provider of geospatial, architectural, engineering, and strategic consulting services to a wide variety of public, private, and government clients. The company has more than 1,100 dedicated employees at 42 offices and is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. Woolpert is proud of its unique culture and high degree of employee engagement and ownership. These distinguishing characteristics will remain cornerstones of the Woolpert model going forward. Woolpert President and CEO Scott Cattran, who will continue to lead the company upon completion of the transaction, said, "The vision we set for our company in 2015 was to become the premier global AEG and one of the best companies in the world. Since then, Woolpert has been designated as a Great Place to Work for five years in a row and doubled in size adding multiple offices across the United States, Canada, and Africa. Now, at the beginning of our third strategic plan, we are focused on expanding our vision with a strategy to become a billion-dollar revenue company. With our MSD partnership, we have the experience, capital, and culture to assure we get there in the right way. The future is incredibly bright for Woolpert clients and employees and I look forward to sharing our continued story of success." "Woolpert fits seamlessly with MSD Partners' strategy of partnering with talented management teams and investing in companies which are stable, well-positioned in attractive markets, and poised for continued growth. The company has demonstrated excellent organic growth and been an active acquiror of strategically complementary firms," said Kevin Brown, Co-Head of MSD Partners' Private Capital Group. "We have been extremely impressed by the Woolpert platform and we are excited to partner with Scott and team in the next phase of their continued success," added Chris Bertrand, a Managing Director in MSD Partners' Private Capital Group. In connection with the transaction, Long Point Capital will be exiting its investment in the Company. Woolpert and Long Point Capital were advised by Lincoln International and Houlihan Lokey, with legal support provided by Ropes & Gray LLP. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal support to MSD Partners on the transaction. About Woolpert Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, recently earned its fifth-straight Great Place to Work certification and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect. Founded in 1911, Woolpert has been America's fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has over 1,100 employees and 42 offices in three countries. For more, visit woolpert.com. About MSD Partners, L.P. MSD Partners, L.P., an SEC-registered investment adviser located in New York, was formed in 2009 by the principals of MSD Capital, L.P. to enable a select group of investors to invest in strategies that were developed by MSD Capital. MSD Capital was established in 1998 to exclusively manage the capital of Michael Dell and his family. MSD Partners utilizes a multi-disciplinary investment strategy focused on maximizing long-term capital appreciation by making investments across the globe in the equities of private and public companies, credit, real estate and other asset classes and securities. MSD Private Capital Group leads MSD Partners' private equity investments. For further information about MSD Partners and the MSD Private Capital Group, please see www.msdpartners.com. Media Contacts: Woolpert PR Manager Jill Kelley: (937) 531-1258, [email protected] MSD Partners Todd Fogarty or Anntal Silver, Kekst CNC 212-521-4854 or 212-521-4849 [email protected] or [email protected] SOURCE Woolpert; MSD Partners, L.P. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Scattered showers and thunderstorms. High 78F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Through this agreement, Aquanima will use Globalitys Platform including Glo, the worlds first AI-powered intelligent procurement advisor, to source services globally for Santander and other customers. MENLO PARK, Calif. & MADRID--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Globality, the technology company behind the leading AI-powered digital solution for sourcing services, and Aquanima, a Santander Group company present in 14 countries and specializing in procurement process management, announced today that they have entered into an agreement for Aquanima to use Globalitys Smart SourcingTM Platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005367/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) With this agreement, Aquanima will utilize Globalitys Platform and technology across all the countries in which it operates, having a direct impact on the way in which its users undertake the process of defining their needs and selecting suppliers. Globalitys Platform uses cutting-edge AI technology to automate the demand creation, supplier identification, proposal evaluation, and statement of work processes. Banco Santander users will be able to utilize Globalitys AI advisor, Glo, together with its natural language processing technology, to search for the best suppliers quickly and easily for consulting, marketing, IT, financial, legal, HR, and real estate services. We are delighted that Santander is deploying Globalitys Platform globally, said Joel Hyatt, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Globality. The financial group is renowned for being at the forefront of utilizing technology to gain a competitive edge, and working together will allow us to transform services sourcing through the use of AI. This collaboration with Globality and the commitment to a model that facilitates self-service procurement and self-sourcing brings increased agility and efficiency and ensures compliance with the necessary policies and protocols. Jorge de la Vega, Global Head of Aquanima, added, It represents an evolution of our procurement function toward a more strategic vision and allows us to increase collaboration by reinforcing our value contribution to the user. The partnership with Globality also supports the streamlining of the Santander Groups processes. As Javier Maldonado, Head of the Groups Cost Division, points out, Strengthening our product offering and value to our customers is fundamental for Santander, and the digitalization of our processes has become our priority for achieving it. About Aquanima Aquanima is a Santander Group company that manages procurement processes and relationships with third parties. Established in 2000, with 100% Santander capital, it has a presence in the main geographies of Europe, North America, and Latin America where the parent Group is present. In total, it covers 14 countries and has more than 500 employees, who provide principal support both for the Group and for other external clients. In 2020, it managed a turnover of more than 6 billion, achieving average savings of 12%. About Santander Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading retail and commercial bank, founded in 1857 and headquartered in Spain. It has a meaningful presence in 10 core markets in Europe and the Americas and is one of the largest banks in the world by market capitalization. Its purpose is to help people and businesses prosper in a simple, personal, and fair way. Santander is building a more responsible bank and has made a number of commitments to support this objective, including raising over 120 billion in green financing between 2019 and 2025 as well as financially empowering more than 10 million people over the same period. At the end of 2020, Banco Santander had more than a trillion euros in total funds, 148 million customers of whom 22.8 million are loyal and 42.4 million are digital 11,000 branches, and 191,000 employees. About Globality Globality is a Silicon Valley-headquartered technology company co- founded by Joel Hyatt and Lior Delgo to connect global companies with the best suppliers at the right price for any sourcing need across every service category. Through its AI-powered Platform and Smart SourcingTM technologies, Globality is bringing digital transformation to the sourcing industry. Globalitys AI digital solution replaces the archaic analog Request for Proposal, efficiently and effectively scoping needs, managing demand, matching companies with outstanding suppliers that meet their specific service needs, and cutting the sourcing process from months to hours while delivering savings of 20% or more. In January 2021, Globality raised $138 million from Sienna Capital and the SoftBank Vision Fund, bringing the total investment it has raised since its founding five years ago to $310 million. For more information, visit Globalitys website at www.globality.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005367/en/ Nardi Media for Globality (US) Justin Goldstein justin@nardimedia.com Apollo Strategic Communications for Globality (Europe, LatAm) Salman Shaheen salman.shaheen@apollostrategiccomms.com Globality Kathy Makranyi kathy.makranyi@globality.com Aquanima Isabel Idler Perez isabel.idler@aquanima.com aquanimacommunications@aquanima.com Source: Globality Astronomy and photography fans are getting a final reminder to enter the Reach for the Stars competition, organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS). The competition, seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period 1st January 2020 to 31st March 2021, will close for entries on 2nd April 2021. Commenting todayon the entries received to date, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of DIAS Astrophysics, said: The standard of entries to date has been excellent. It is fantastic to see so many people in Ireland interested in astronomy and capturing beautiful images of the night sky. There are a number of exciting opportunities for people to capture quality images in the coming weeks, before the closing date Mars is still visible in the evening sky, while Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn occupy the morning sky. There will also be a Supermoon on 28th March the fourth brightest of the 12 full moons occurring this year. I would encourage people to get out with their cameras or phones over the next few weeks. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, anyone with an interest in astronomy can enter. Our only stipulations are that entrants must be over 18; they must have taken their photograph on the island of Ireland during the time period specified; and obviously their photograph must depict something of astronomical interest. Prize Package Entries to the Reach for the Stars competition will be judged by Professor Gallagher, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Martina Quinn, Managing Director of Alice PR & Events. Entrants may submit up to three images to the competition, and the deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, 2nd April 2021. The winning entrant will receive a prize package that includes: Publication of their images on the DIAS and Irish Times websites; A VIP tour of DIAS Dunsink Observatory with the opportunity to peer through Irelands largest refractor telescope. A 500 voucher for photographic / telescopic equipment; and A 12-month Premium Digital subscription to The Irish Times. DIAS also intends to stage an exhibition of the winning and highly commended images, if circumstances allow. Commenting on the competition, Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said: We are running the Reach for the Stars competition as part of the DIAS80 programme of events, marking 80 years since DIAS was established, and we are delighted with the response to the competition to date. There have been some really impressive entries, depicting a huge variety of astronomical scenes from images of the moon and the night sky to nebulae, aurora borealis and sunsets. This competition is building on DIASs legacy as a leader in space research. DIAS Dunsink Observatory is one of Irelands most important scientific sites and has been recognised by the European Physical Society as a site of historical significance. We are delighted to be including a VIP visit to the observatory as part of the competition prize package, so that we can share some of the behind the scenes with astronomy fans. DIASs Reach for the Stars competition is being run in partnership with The Irish Times, and is sponsored by Alice PR & Events. The Irish Astronomical Society are initiative supporters. Further information, including the competition guidelines and entry form, is available at https://dias.ie/ reachforthestars. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form ALTADENA, California Los Angeles County deputies were led to the victims of a fatal stabbing by a person who witnessed the attack during a Zoom call, authorities say. Robert Cotton, 32, has been taken into custody and charged with two counts of murder in connection with the stabbings, a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department says. The victims have been identified as Carol Brown, 67, and her brother, Kenneth Preston, 69, according to the Pasadena Star-News. The Star-News reports Brown is the mother and Preston the uncle of the suspect. According to the news release, the attack occurred at about 2:45 p.m. at a residence in Atladena. Brown was on a Zoom call when Cotton is accused of attacking Preston in the home. The person speaking with Brown on the Zoom call saw the attack occur, the sheriffs department says. Cotton then attacked Brown. The person on the Zoom call reportedly did not see the actual stabbings, but called 911, thinking it was a kidnapping attempt. Preston was found by deputies in the driveway dead of multiple stab wounds. Brown was found dead inside the home, the department says. Cotton reportedly took a vehicle from the home, but later returned while deputies were still on the scene. The Star-News reports Cotton is being held in jail on a $2 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. The sheriffs department says a motive for the attack is unknown. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. TCFD Photo of Engine 511 is currently at scene on Paseo de los Portales Road in the Crystal Falls area of a tree into power lines. View Photos Update at 6 p.m.: PG&E reports the power has been restored to all 439 customers in the Phoenix Lake and Crystal Falls areas. Original post at 4:55 p.m.: Tuolumne County, CA High winds in the area have brought down several trees in Tuolumne County and sparked a power outage. As earlier reported here, the National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for the Sierra Nevada until 11 AM Wednesday. The outage is impacting 439 PG&E customers in the Phoenix Lake and Crystal Falls areas along Big Hill, Phoenix Lake and Longeway roads. The tree came crashing down on Paseo de los Portales Road bringing down power lines. Tuolumne County Fire Department (TCFD) reports that one residence was affected, and the roadway is closed. They ask the public to stay out of the area. TCFD also warns, These high winds are battering the area again. Current wind speed at Mt. Elizabeth is North 20 mph with gusts to 38. Please be careful with anything that can start a fire, and presume all downed lines are power lines and steer clear until secured by a professional. A crew is assessing the outage and the utility gives a restoration time of 7:30 p.m. Another tree went down on Placer Drive near the Fuller Road intersection in the Twain Harte area. Crews are working to remove it. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 04:40:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Boxes containing Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government are seen at Nouakchott International Airport, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, March 24, 2021. Mauritania received on Wednesday the Chinese government's donation of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and medical ventilators. (Chinese Embassy in Mauritania/Handout via Xinhua) NOUAKCHOTT, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania received on Wednesday the Chinese government's donation of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and medical ventilators. Mauritanian Health Minister Mohamed Nedhirou Ould Hamed welcomed the donation at Nouakchott Oumtounsy International Airport, along with the Charge d'Affaires ad interim of Chinese Embassy in Mauritania, Wang Jian. On behalf of the Mauritanian government and people, Hamed thanked the Chinese government and people for the donation and supports during Mauritania's fight against COVID-19 pandemic. "This gesture of friendship and solidarity illustrates the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries in the field of health in general, and in particular, the bilateral cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic," the minister said. For his part, Wang Jian said that China's donation of COVID-19 vaccine to Mauritania implements the important consensus between the presidents of the two countries. "It also shows the longstanding affection of the Chinese people for the Mauritanian people, and opens a new page for the active cooperation of the two countries in public health," he added. Wang stressed that the Chinese side is willing to work together with the others in order to push forward international anti-epidemic cooperation and to jointly build a global community of health for all. According to the latest update of Mauritania's health ministry, the country has recorded a total of 17,690 positive cases for coronavirus, including 447 deaths and 16,947 recoveries. Enditem You can see two classic examples of film noir this weekend at the Landmark Loews Jersey Theatre in Jersey City. The Journal Square theater will screen the groundbreaking The Maltese Falcon, first, followed by Chinatown, a more glossy and a color version of the genre and one of the last of its kind. The Maltese Falcon, filmed in 1941, is credited by some as the first of the black and white, film noir movies that characterized the 1940s and 50s. It stars Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre and Sidney Greenstreet, all searching for the bird, a statuette of immense value the stuff that dreams are made of. The John Huston film made Bogart into an A-list star. Hed played a gangster in B-list movies for several years, but The Maltese Falcon jump started his career as Sam Spade, a tough, principled, but edgy guy with a soft-spot for a beautiful woman. Many films followed, including Casablanca the following year, along with To Have and To Have Not, The Big Sleep, and Key Largo, all released in the 1940s. The film also introduced Greenstreet, who became one of films most recognizable stars. The Loews will screen The Maltese Falcon on Saturday, March 27, at 6 p.m. The audience size is limited to 150 people and tickets must be purchased online at loewsjersey.org Chinatown, starring Jack Nicholson, was made in 1974 in color far outside the end of film noir era, but even though its in color, it shares with the genre many of its sensibilities. Publicity for the screening says; There were in fact a number of good Neo-Noir movies made in the early and mid-1970s, but arguably none revive the classic feel of the genre quite so successfully as Chinatown. The film was directed by Roman Polanski and also stars Huston, the director of The Maltese Falcon. Nicholson stars as private eye Jake Gittes whos trying to figure out what exactly the angles are of whatever it is hes stumbled into, reviving the classic Noir plottheres something nefarious afoot, nothing is quite what it seems, and a smart but cynical detective is trying to get to the bottom of it all before its too late. And of course theres a beautiful woman -- this time played by Faye Dunaway. Chinatown will be screened at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, following The Maltese Falcon. The same ticket rules apply no more than 150 people may attend and tickets must be purchased online at loews.jersey.org. Forbes has released an incredible tool to calculate how much you can get off the third stimulus check if you are eligible for it. The third stimulus check of $1,400 payment is underway, and others might have already received it. However, there is a specific amount assigned to these eligible households. Compute if you received the right amount with this calculator. Authorized by the law of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the first batch of $1,400 stimulus payments have arrived via direct deposit on March 17. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announces that the second batch will arrive on March 24 and should appear in local banks. For this third round of stimulus checks, income limits and phaseouts have been changed. Deductions will continue to be taken from the $1,400 stimulus checks based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), marital status, and the number of dependents. This information is taken from your 2020 tax return. If you had not filed and processed your 2020 tax return by the time IRS issued your third stimulus check, then they will use your 2019 tax return to calculate your deductions. Stimulus Check Calculator ForbesAdvisor released a handy new calculator to compute the estimated amount you and your family should receive. Using the calculator is easy, simply indicate if you have filed your 2020 tax return, input your filing status, provide the total income you earned and note how many dependents you have. Click "Calculate." It will automatically compute how much stimulus payment you are expected to receive. The calculator computes based on the assumption and policies of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. This means that: The maximum allocation for adult and children dependents under the age of 17 is $1,400. Phaseout applies to the full check total for a household You are not eligible even if you have dependents as a single filer earning $80,000. You are not eligible even if you have dependents when married-filing jointly earns $160,000. You are not eligible even if you have dependents as the head of a household earning $120,000. Read Also: Stimulus Check Tracker: What Does 'Payment Status Not Available' Mean? How Much Will Each Person Receive If you are eligible and you do not belong in the conditions stated above, then you are entitled to receive $1,400 as an individual. For qualifying couples, they are entitled to $2,800 total. Each child dependent under the age of 17 is qualified to receive $1,400 individually. Each qualifying adult dependent, including college students and disabled adults, can receive $1,400 individually. However, keep in mind that the amount for dependents might be reduced based on the AGI of the person claiming on their behalf. Payments are now being distributed to personal banks and home addresses. The first batch of direct deposits entered the banks on March 17, and the first round of mailed checks was delivered on March 19. If you are eligible, your third round of $1,400 stimulus check should arrive for you sometime this month. Related Article: Stimulus Check Tracker for Your $1,400 Payment: How to Use IRS Online Portal, Requirements and More HAMILTON, Bermuda, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Seadrill Limited ("Seadrill" or the "Company") (OSE: SDRL) (OTCQX: SDRLF) announces that Seadrill New Finance Limited (the "Issuer"), a subsidiary of the Company, has agreed to extend the existing forbearance agreement announced on 11 February 2021, and extended on 23 February 2021 and 9 March 2021, with respect to the 12.0% senior secured notes due 2025 (the "Notes") with certain holders of the Notes (the "Note Holders"). Pursuant to the forbearance agreement, as extended, the consenting Note Holders have agreed not to exercise any enforcement rights with respect to the Issuer and any subsidiary of the Issuer which is an obligor under the Notes to, or otherwise take actions in respect of, certain events of default that may arise under the Notes as a result of, amongst other things, the Issuer not making the semi-annual 4% cash interest payment due to the senior secured noteholders on 15 January 2021 in respect of their Notes and the filing of Chapter 11 cases in the Southern District of Texas by the Company and certain of its consolidated subsidiaries (excluding the Issuer and its consolidated subsidiaries) until and including the earlier of 21 April 2021 and any termination of the forbearance agreement. The purpose of the forbearance agreement is to allow the Issuer and its stakeholders more time to negotiate on the heads of terms of a comprehensive restructuring of its balance sheet. Such a restructuring may involve the use of a court-supervised process. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes forward looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward looking statement. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. For further information, please contact: Media questions should be directed to: Iain Cracknell Director of Communications +44 (0)7765 221 812 Analyst questions should be directed to: Hawthorn Advisors seadrill@hawthornadvisors.com +44 (0)203 7454960 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/seadrill-limited/r/sdrl---seadrill-new-finance-limited-announces-extension-of-forbearance-agreement,c3312813 Miami: Aid rushed in to hurricane-scarred Florida on Tuesday, residents began to dig out, and officials slowly pieced together the scope of Irmas vicious path of destruction across the peninsula. Even as glimmers of hope emerged from parts of the state forecasters once worried would be razed by the storm, the fate of the Florida Keys, where Irma rumbled through with Category 4 muscle, remained largely a question mark. Communication and access were cut and authorities dangled only vague assessments of ruinous impact. Its devastating, Florida Gov. Rick Scott said after emerging from a Monday fly-over of the Keys. A Navy aircraft carrier was due to anchor off Key West to help in search-and-rescue efforts. Drinking water supplies in the Keys were cut off, fuel was running low and all three hospitals in the island chain were shuttered. The governor described overturned mobile homes, washed-ashore boats and rampant flood damage. Read | 400-mile-wide Hurricane Irma batters Florida coast-to-coast A stunning 13 million people, two-thirds of the third-largest states residents, plodded on in the tropical heat without electricity, and nearly every corner of Florida felt Irmas power. In a parting blow to the state before pushing on to Georgia and beyond, the storm caused record flooding in and around Jacksonville, causing untold damage and prompting dozens of rescues. It also spread misery into Georgia and South Carolina as it moved inland with winds at 50 mph, causing flooding and power outages. Six deaths in Florida have been blamed on Irma, along with three in Georgia and one in South Carolina. At least 35 people were killed in the Caribbean. More than 180,000 people huddled in shelters in the Sunshine State and officials warned it could take weeks for electricity to be restored to everyone. How are we going to survive from here? asked Gwen Bush, who waded through thigh-deep floodwaters outside her central Florida home to reach National Guard rescuers and get a ride to a shelter. Whats going to happen now? I just dont know. The governor said it was way too early to put a dollar estimate on the damage. Read | Hurricane Irma: Indian-Americans open homes for friends as Category 4 storm makes landfall in Florida During its march up Floridas west coast, Irma swamped homes, uprooted trees, flooded streets, snapped miles of power lines and toppled construction cranes. Around the Tampa-St. Petersburg area, where Irma rolled through early Monday, damage appeared modest. And the governor said damage on the southwest coast, including in Naples and Fort Myers, was not as bad as feared. In the Keys, though, he said there is devastation. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - General Mills (GIS) said it expects fiscal 2021 adjusted operating profit margin to be approximately in line with fiscal 2020 levels, consistent with the guidance outlined at the beginning of the year. The company projects full-year organic net sales to increase approximately 3.5 percent. Third quarter adjusted EPS was $0.82, up 6 percent in constant currency, primarily driven by higher adjusted operating profit and lower net interest expense. On average, 17 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.84, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Adjusted operating profit was $716 million, increased 5 percent in constant currency. Third quarter net sales increased 8 percent to $4.5 billion and organic net sales were up 7 percent. Analysts expected revenue of $4.45 billion, for the quarter. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hold a banner depicting him as they react following the results of the exit polls in Israel's general elections at Netanyahu's Likud party headquarters in Jerusalem last night. Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun Benjamin Netanyahu took the lead in Israels fourth election in less than two years last night, according to exit polls, but had no clear path to forming a coalition government. The three exit polls, revealed by Israeli broadcasters, all showed that the prime ministers Likud party had emerged as the largest with 30-33 seats. However, he lacked a clear 61-seat majority required to form a government and is likely to need support from right-wing and ultra-orthodox parties. Mr Netanyahus main rival, the centrist party leader Yair Lapid, was trailing behind him with only around 16 seats last night. However, the polls suggested that he could potentially form a cross-party alliance against Mr Netanyahu, depending on the final results. The exit polls, from Israels fourth election in just two years, are unlikely to raise hopes of breaking the countrys bitter political deadlock. Read More Initial reports said that turnout in the election was around 60pc, the lowest rate since 2009, in a sign that Israelis have grown weary from successive elections. Mr Netanyahu warned his supporters that turnout was too low, and claimed the media was trying to lull right-wing voters into a false sense of security. I am asking all the Likudniks to go and vote Likud, we are down two seats, he said. The press is trying to put us to sleep, to tell us its in the bag. Voting in Tel Aviv, his centrist rival Mr Lapid warned that Mr Netanyahu would preside over a racist, homophobic government if he continues as Israels longest serving prime minister. Some Likud supporters gathered at tents in Jerusalem where they waved Israels blue and white flag and brandished posters featuring their beaming prime minister. His back to life slogan refers to Israel recently leaving what is hoped to be its final lockdown thanks to the success of the vaccine drive, which has fully protected half the population against Covid. But some voters said the potential rise of the far-right, and tensions between secular and religious society, had played a bigger role in deciding their vote. George Eltman (75) said that Mr Netanyahu had done a lot of good things for Israel but felt a new prime minister was long overdue. This prompted him to vote for Yesh Atid, which claims it is better placed to enforce rules in ultra-orthodox communities than Mr Netanyahu, who in the past has relied on their support to form coalitions. Exit polls suggested that the right-wing Yamina party, led by Naftali Bennett, was a potential kingmaker that could hand Mr Netanyahu a narrow majority. But it was unclear last night whether Mr Bennett would choose to back Mr Netanyahu, his former mentor, or switch to the anti-Netanyahu coalition. During the campaign, Mr Netanyahu devoted much of his energy to courting Arab voters, but this did not appear to have resulted in much greater support last night. Mr Netanyahu, Israels longest-serving prime minister, also hopes that his hugely successful vaccination drive, which has fully inoculated 50pc of the population against Covid, will hand him victory. Mr Bennetts Yamina party won between seven and eight seats, the exit polls said, while new right-wing rival Gideon Saar was only projected to secure around five. Mr Saar insisted he would never go into coalition with Mr Netanyahu. Mr Bennett said: I will only do what is good for Israel in response to speculation. Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Sarita Dongol remembers how her mother insisted on keeping a piece of chilli in her lunchbox throughout her childhood. She believed that the food would be protected from any ill intent or negative soul when a chilli is placed inside, Dongol remembers, Any occasion when I forgot to put a chilli inside would result in a long lecture and a great deal of anxiety in me. In her adult life, Dongol, who has made a career in the field of fine art and visual art today, now started depicting chillies on her canvases that she says is an ode to her childhood experiences. Art lovers from different social backgrounds, including those from different ethnic groups and genders, have appreciated her works about chillies, but sometimes she just feels women artists cannot get a platform to showcase their art and the stakeholders of the art industry have been biased against women artists just because of their gender. Visual artist and curator Sarita Dongol with her artworks under the exhibition Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya Dongols paintings from the Chilli series is one of the attractions in the ongoing Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. The exhibition that started on March 18 to commemorate Womens Month features paintings of other nine women artists on different themes. Artists like Dangol who participate in the exhibition say such an event dedicated to women artists and their works is crucial as they feel the Nepali art industry is still gendered although art per se is not. Letting women go beyond womens issues The exhibition aims to empower women by giving them exposure and a platform to be recognised. Nevertheless, the exhibition has not necessarily defined women issues as its theme. Visual artist Riti Maharjans artworks on display under the exhibition Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya According to Dongol, the curator of the exhibition, the organisers kept the theme open to give a message that they do not need to put such themes to empower women. Art has never been gendered; it does not belong to either sex exclusively, she says, Artists have that sacred spacetheir canvases, nationally and internationally, where they can identify themselves with their art. Internationally, artworks of Nepali women artists have been sought after, and that is our progress. In terms of marketing as well as a number of art genres and outlets, what an artist can use to express themselves has evolved for the better. The artworks featured in the exhibition are an example of how art has become a stronger tool for women to ensure their freedom of expression, she adds. Riti Maharjan, a visual artist featured in the exhibition, agrees. I have never heard the audience say that an art piece is good or bad because of the artists gender. And, I believe we will not reach that situation. Rather, how well we are able to communicate with the audience depends on the skill and how we portray our thoughts and ideas. Visual artist Riti Maharjan with her artworks under the exhibition Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya Another visual artist and art student Phurwa Lama says, The art quality does not falter because of ones gender; they have been equally appreciated because they are good and have emotionally touched the audience. Then, why women-only exhibition? Nonetheless, these artists agree that artwork itself can help identify the artist. Lama adds, The kind of colour, the tone, the texture and its technique used in artworks can help one identify who the artist is, including their gender, although not categorically. When it comes to womens issues, men can only depict them on the basis of hearsay. Women live problems and can better portray them. Artworks on display under the exhibition Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya Accordingly, they say women artists should use their skill to express their concerns about their life and society. Maharjan views, Nepal still battles with so many discrepancies that still need to be discussed. Issues like domestic violence, rape, suppression and women empowerment are still relatable to our audience. And, such artworks speak well here rather than anywhere else. So, that helps us reach out to them. Dangol adds, Our society is still struggling to get out of the system we have been brought up with. She gives the example of her own sector. Women were degraded, humiliated or simply not supported for studying and pursuing art as a career in the past. The times have changed: they now have stepped out of the house and strongly choose to be empowered through art. Yet, they are still struggling to get the same level of opportunities or exposure to take their art into the world. Given it is the month of March, discussions in and around women and women empowerment are common. Maharjan and Dongol both say such changes are not sufficient yet. Artist Ravita Kisis artworks on display under the exhibition Reflection of Feminine Power on Art Part II at the Classic Gallery of Chakupat in Lalitpur. Photo: Nasana Bajracharya Hence, Maharjan thinks such exhibitions are ways for arts and the audience meet each other personally. These events should occur more, not just in March, for the promotion of art and of women artists who are still struggling for the exposure. Dongol argues, In my 30 years in the field, not much has changed in terms of women artists and the kind of exposure they get. We still feel the need to celebrate Womens Day, to have separate exhibitions just to promote women artists. Hence, the motive of these exhibitions is to give women that exposure, the curator says. The exhibition will go on till April 20, 2021. And artists hope the exhibition and other similar ones will help create the dialogue that promotes the art sector and artists alike. I want to see a future where people search for art exhibitions with the same dedication as they give while searching for movies. The president of the Costa del Sol tourism board, Francisco Salado, has announced that airlines are offering a total of 79,114 seats to fly to Malaga this Easter. Salado said that the markets which offer the most seats to Malaga are Spain (23,404), Morocco (7,937), Germany (6,156), France (6,089), United Kingdom (4,948) and the Netherlands (4,684). The tourism boss says, "We are convinced that we are a safe destination and we can offer absolute security guarantees to our visitors. Salado warns that although we have some tough months ahead of us, we will work knowing that we are backed by our incredible tourist resources and our excellent offer. He points out that the data they have data from Nordic companies indicates that they will gradually recover their activity and will have approximately 85 per cent of the supply of seats in July compared to those they had in 2019. The Costas tourism chief made the claims during the first of four forums aimed at helping the sector recover from the health and economic crisis. 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. With shares of Root Inc. trading at less than 50 percent of the late October 2020 IPO price of $27 per share, the insurtech carrier has been named in a shareholders class action complaint, Carrier Management has reported. At least plaintiff seven law firms announced they have filed a complaint alleging that Roots initial public offering documents were negligently prepared and omitted what they claim are material facts. In particular, they allege that Root executives, in the offering document and in subsequent statements, omitted that Root will require cash infusions to stay afloat in the next few years and that traditional competitors already offer the type of telematics platforms that Root believes sets it apart. The lawyers build their allegations about the prospect of cash infusions and Roots lack of competitive advantage around a March 9, 2021 report from Bank of America Securities Analyst Joshua Shanker. When Shanker initiated coverage of Root with an underperform rating on that day, he wrote that Root will require not insignificant cash infusions from the capital markets to bridge its cash flow needs, according to the text of the complaint. The complaint was filed by Robert J. Wagoner Co. L.L.C., Pomerantz LLP and Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio, Eastern Division (Ilia Kolominsky, et al. v. Root, Inc., et al. 21-CV-01197). In addition to forecasting that Root would not be cash-flow positive for five years, according to the complaint Shankers report also said that Progressive, Allstate and Berkshire Hathaways GEICO will continue to impede Roots profitability, with Progressive and Allstate having a sizable advantage over Root in terms of amount of [telematics] data as well as engagement with the data that those behemoth competitors use to price their auto insurance. The law firms tie the end of the class period to the day before the publication of Shankers report because they allege that news of the report drove Roots stock price down $0.18 per share, or 1.46 percent, to close at $12.17 per share on March 9, 2021, representing a total decline of 54.9 percent from the $27 offering price. Roots share price had actually been much more volatile before that date, according to online finance websites tracking market activity, with the stock trading as high as $23 in mid January. It plummeted down to the $12.35-$13.50 range in late February after Root announced a bottom-line net loss of $363 million for 2020 on Feb. 25. The text of the complaint notes that Roots stock price previously took a hit in early December when the company announced a third-quarter 2020 net loss of $85.2 million, or -$2.20 per share, missing consensus estimates by $1.79, and also badly missing on the top line with $50.5 million revenues roughly 55 percent lower than estimates. The stock price, which had already fallen $10 from the IPO level down to $17 at that point, sank by another $2.30 per share, or 13.5 percent, after the third-quarter report. Still, comments that Root executives made about 2020 cash flow failed to clue investors in to what Shanker would later spell out in his analysis, the complaint suggests. And statements contained in Roots offering document and third-quarter 10-Q about being an innovator that could capture disproportionate market share in the personal insurance space are at odds with what Shanker wrote as well, according to the filing. The complaint cites statements from Root executives including, [W]e believe we are the only P&C [property and casualty] insurance carrier with a scaled proprietary telematics solution designed to price an entire book of business and [b]y collecting and synthesizing massive amounts of rich, sensory behavioral data across thousands of driving variables, including distracted driving, we strive to price based more on causality than correlation [which] allows us to price our customers policies more fairly Root declined to comment on the filing, noting that the company does not comment on pending litigation. Not mentioned in the filing is Roots pledge to price more fairly by breaking with an industry practice of using credit scores in insurance pricing and its invitation to competitors to follow suit. Without naming Root specifically, insurtech watcher and venture capital investor Adrian Jones, a managing director for Hudson Structured Capital Management, warned about the dangers of taking an insurtech public too soon during a session of the InsurTech Spring Conference 2021 last week (co-hosted by InsurTech NY and InsurTech Hartford). You have to go public when the time is right. I think thats one of the lessons to draw here, Jones said, referring to the volatile stock prices of recently IPOed insurtech carriers. If you go public before you really have a good handle on how your company is going to perform financially quarter by quarter, you are putting yourself at risk [of] a perception [developing] in the market that people dont believe they can trust your earnings, they dont trust your forward projections, etc., he said. The class action filing names Roots Chief Executive Officer Alex Timm, Chief Financial Officer Daniel Rosenthal, Chief Accounting Officer Megan Binkley and nine directors as defendants. The class period extends from Oct. 28, 2020 through March 8, 2021. Pursuing claims under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, plaintiffs allege that the IPO offering documents were negligently prepared and contained untrue statements of material fact or omitted to state other facts necessary to make the statements made not misleading, and that defendants similarly made materially false and misleading statements. Topics Lawsuits InsurTech Tech San Francisco, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2021 ) :The heads of Facebook, Google and Twitter will testify before Congress Thursday on disinformation, following a tense US election, Capitol attack and rise of a new administration seemingly intent on doing battle with Big Tech. The remote video hearing will be the fourth for Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey since last July and the third for Google's Sundar Pichai: evidence of how the companies' vast economic and political power has landed them squarely in the crosshairs of Democrats and Republicans alike. "Whether it be falsehoods about the Covid-19 vaccine or debunked claims of election fraud, these online platforms have allowed misinformation to spread, intensifying national crises with real-life, grim consequences for public health and safety," said the heads of the two Congressional subcommittees holding the hearing, in a statement. A recent backlash against the tech behemoths, which dominate key economic sectors, has intensified as their influence has grown during the coronavirus pandemic. "I don't expect more than theater" at the hearing, said analyst Carolina Milanesi of market research firm Creative Strategies. "It's still politics and you are still going to have the whole Republicans-versus-Democrats and free speech coming into play." US President Joe Biden this week named a prominent advocate of breaking up Big Tech firms, Lina Khan, to head the Federal Trade Commission, in a move suggesting an aggressive posture on antitrust enforcement. Another Big Tech critic, Tim Wu, was recently appointed to an economic advisory post in the White House. - Self-made mess? - Milanesi said she expected the tech executives to play up investments, hiring, and measures put in place to fight abuses such as the spread of disinformation, while "avoiding the elephant in the room" of having enabled the harmful misconduct. "If I have to hire seven people to sweep up the broken glass from the bulls in the china shop, if I let them in in the first place I don't get brownie points for cleaning up the mess," Milanesi said. Stakes for the tech giants are high: Multiple senators back a Safe Tech Act, which would reform legislation favored by the companies which is meant to protect them from being held responsible for the content posted on their platforms. Interest in reforming the legislation, called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, has been heightened by former president Donald Trump hinting he may launch his own social media platform. Trump's provocative use of social media was a defining feature of his presidency. He often used tweets to slam his critics or to announce personnel changes or significant policy shifts. But Twitter permanently suspended his account after he used it to rile up supporters who stormed the US Capitol on January 6 in a deadly rampage. Trump was also booted from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat after the attack. "We need to be asking more from big tech companies, not less," Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said in a release announcing the Safe Tech Act. "Holding these platforms accountable for ads and content that can lead to real-world harm is critical, and this legislation will do just that." Meanwhile, political conservatives accuse social media platforms of stifling free speech with moves such as fact-checking or removing accounts that spread debunked and dangerous information. "I am kind of surprised at the timing of all of this," Milanesi said of the Thursday hearing. "Although it is an important topic, I feel there are more important topics like getting people vaccinated and helping them put food on the table." STAMFORD Mayor David Martin on Tuesday reiterated his concern about an increase in COVID-19 cases in the city, pressing residents to stick to public health guidelines. The city has averaged 47 new COVID-19 cases a day in the last week, Martin said. It was 32 cases per day two weeks ago. Like the state, and like what were seeing in the rest of the nation, the trend is up here in the last couple of weeks, which is very disconcerting, Martin said. The states total number of cases exceeded 30,000 this week, and its daily positivity rate reached 4.49 percent. Martin said the increase may be due to a lack of vigilance. It may be that people who have gotten this vaccine think that they are now all perfect, he said. No, you still have to wait a couple of weeks till it fully kicks in. And so I urge you to continue with the same guidelines that we've had before, even as we open up. Let's not cause us to go backwards. As of mid-March, slightly more than 21 percent of Stamfords population had received at least a first dose. We are certainly trying everything we can do here in the city of Stamford to get as much vaccination to our residents and, for that matter, residents from other communities as well, Martin said. You can get coronavirus from someone who comes from Darien that's working here or someone from Greenwich that stops at a restaurant here. You can get it from them just as easily as you can get it from a Stamford resident. So we really want everyone vaccinated -- not only in Stanford but the surrounding community and the whole state. Martin said about 90,000 vaccinations have been administered in Stamford so far the vast majority by Stamford Health and Community Health Center. He said he hopes that in the near future the citys mass vaccination sites will together administer about 20,000 vaccinations per week. CHC has two vaccination sites in the city as well as two testing sites. Amy Taylor, the vice president of the organizations western region, said CHC has given out 32,000 vaccines in Stamford, including to about 9,500 residents. Some of those residents about 1,500 got the vaccine at pop-up clinics. The city has helped really foster these mobile events with us, targeting very specific communities and buildings, Taylor said. Those include the Charter Oak Communities, Pacific House, Inspirica and several places of worship. Superintendent Tamu Lucero also made an appearance during Martins update Tuesday evening, noting that elementary and middle school students who had previously been in a hybrid model went back to full-time in-person learning this month. Lucero said eight elementary school students and fewer than 10 middle school students have opted not to fully return to in-person instruction. That just shows how excited our students are to be back in school full time, five days a week, she said. She added that the plan for high schools has yet to be finalized. JENISON, MI An Ottawa County manufacturer is expanding. Automated Machines Systems, a Georgetown Township-based company that makes automated equipment for the wood pallet and material handling industries, is making a $1.5 million, 35,000 square foot expansion. The expansion will help the company centralize and expand its manufacturing infrastructure. The expansion was announced by Lakeshore Advantage, an economic development organization that works in Ottawa and Allegan counties. The nonprofit says it helped Automated Machine Systems connect with resources to support its growth. In addition to expanding its plant, the company says its investing in equipment and supplies, and that it plans to add 10 to 12 employees. The company now employs about 100 people. This expansion project is the next step of development for AMS and will produce great opportunities for increased efficiency and growth for many years to come, Kris Chayer, president, Automated Machine Systems, said in a statement. As a proud member of the community, we are excited for this and look forward to being able to continue, and even increase our participation in the local economy. The company received a 12-year Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption from Georgetown Township as part of the expansion, according to a news release from Lakeshore Advantage. Automated Machine Systems is an excellent case of an entrepreneur with a great idea expanding and providing high skilled jobs in West Michigan, Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage President, said in a statement. We serve primary employers, from startup companies to fully mature, because we know todays entrepreneurs will be tomorrows base employers. We are honored to support the exponential growth of this automation solutions provider over the years. Automated Machine Systems was founded in 1997. Read more: Michigan sees alarming increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations among unvaccinated adults High end craftsmanship home in desirable neighborhood near Meijer Gardens We need help. Michigan Attorney General says feds need to step up fight against domestic terrorism [March 24, 2021] Wonolo Becomes First Gig Economy Company to Pledge to Set a Universal Living Wage Standard NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wonolo , the leading online platform disrupting the temporary staffing industry, today urged the business community to pay hourly workers a Living Wage, and announced its goal of becoming the first gig company to ensure all workers using its app have the opportunity to earn at least the local Living Wage. In a full page New York Times ad, Wonolo CEO Yong Kim urges business leaders to pay all workers a Living Wage. The Living Wage is defined at the county level and takes into account the local costs of food, housing, medical care, cell phones, and a broad array of additional variables to ensure workers earn enough to live on. The Living Wage is much higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. If every worker earned a Living Wage, millions would get a raise and be lifted out of poverty. Policymakers, economists, and workers are currently debating the merits of whether to raise the federal minimum wage to $15. That's a worthy goal, but comes with tradeoffs: $15/hour would be too low for workers to live on in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and other cities. And yet $15 would be much higher than the median wage in many cities and towns, putting pressure on small businesses at a time when they're still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Living Wage does a much better job of reflecting local economic realities and balancing the needs of workers and businesses. Already, about 75% of the jobs on Wonolo offer workers at least the Living Wage (and 100% of jobs on Wonolo are above the minimum wage). Our goal is to get to 100% of jobs to be offered at the Living Wage by the end of the year. And we'd like every company to pledge to do the same. "Today, with millions of Americans unemployed and millions more underemployed, a paycheck matters more than ever. And that paycheck should be enough for people to live on. That's why we are raising the bar for workers everywhere by encouraging businesses to offer workers pay that's at least at the local Living Wage," Wonolo Co-founder and CEO Yong Kim said. "I encourage companies to join us by taking the Living Wage Pledge: a pledge to offer workers at least the local Living Wage." Wonolo launched its pledge in a full-page ad in The New York Times. The Living Wage Pledge is another milestone in Wonolo's effort to set the highest bar for gig workers using its app. Last year, Wonolo became the first gig company to give gig workers access to paid Flex Time Off (FTO) as part of a comprehensive set of portable benefits, like health and dental insurance. Wonolo also launched a pilot program through which workers can connect with online learning and professional skill development opportunities so they can learn portable skills to help them stand out in jobs both on and outside of the Wonolo platform. Wonolo is basing the Living Wage on the Massachusetts of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator . The calculator takes into account a broad set of variables to help determine the Living Wage down to the county level, including food, housing, medical care, transportation, cell phones, broadband, taxes, civic engagement activities (such as fees and admissions to local parks and museums), and other items necessary for workers to thrive where they live. "The Living Wage calculator clarifies what workers need to cover their basic costs. Wonolo's use of the tool is a real advantage for workers, especially contingent workers. With the calculator, they don't have to guess whether the wage offered covers the average cost of living where they work," said Amy Glasmeier, co-creator of the calculator and professor of Economic Geography and Regional Planning at MIT. Companies that support Wonolo's Living Wage Pledge include: Stride Health : "Here at Stride, our mission is to help independent workers get affordable benefits and achieve financial security, which is why we've enjoyed our partnership with Wonolo for several years now. Their Living Wage Pledge is another example of their efforts to support this massive and fast-growing segment of the American workforce, and we're proud to be alongside them in this effort." Noah Lang, Co-founder and CEO of Stride. : "Here at Stride, our mission is to help independent workers get affordable benefits and achieve financial security, which is why we've enjoyed our partnership with Wonolo for several years now. Their Living Wage Pledge is another example of their efforts to support this massive and fast-growing segment of the American workforce, and we're proud to be alongside them in this effort." Noah Lang, Co-founder and CEO of Stride. Keeper Tax : "We're proud to partner with Wonolo in helping independent workers outside of the traditional employment model understand and optimize their tax obligations. The Living Wage Pledge is another example of their forward-thinking initiative to support this massively underserved segment of Americans." Paul Koullick, Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Tax. : "We're proud to partner with Wonolo in helping independent workers outside of the traditional employment model understand and optimize their tax obligations. The Living Wage Pledge is another example of their forward-thinking initiative to support this massively underserved segment of Americans." Paul Koullick, Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Tax. PadSplit : "As an affordable housing marketplace that serves lower income workers, we stand in solidarity with Wonolo and its efforts to increase pay. It's not enough to simply call workers 'essential' we must treat them as such and offer them a Living Wage." Atticus LeBlanc, Founder of PadSplit : "As an affordable housing marketplace that serves lower income workers, we stand in solidarity with Wonolo and its efforts to increase pay. It's not enough to simply call workers 'essential' we must treat them as such and offer them a Living Wage." Atticus LeBlanc, Founder of PadSplit Kover.ai : "Wonolo is leading the charge to protect gig workers and provide the portable benefits they desire, this is a large reason why we partnered with them on Wonolo Up. Their pledge for a living wage is just one more reason we're proud to work with them on building the future of the gig economy." - Zack Peng , CEO Kover.ai : "Wonolo is leading the charge to protect gig workers and provide the portable benefits they desire, this is a large reason why we partnered with them on Wonolo Up. Their pledge for a living wage is just one more reason we're proud to work with them on building the future of the gig economy." - , CEO Kover.ai Starship : "We support the modern workforce through the Living Wage Pledge. All workers whether gig, contractors, or employees deserve a Living Wage that empowers them to live the life they want to live." Sean Engelking , CEO of Starship. To join and learn more about the Living Wage Pledge go to: www.wonolo.com/livingwagepledge Join us to discuss this on Clubhouse on Thursday, 5:15 pm ET: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M8A62oJ7 About Wonolo Wonolo is an online platform that connects over 500,000 workers or "Wonoloers" to retail, e-commerce, distribution, fulfillment, and other types of blue collar, frontline jobs throughout the U.S and has done so since 2014. These "Work Now Locally" opportunities vary widely, from customer service, delivery, and event staffing to food production, warehousing, and manufacturing. Wonolo's mission is to make work flexible and fulfilling for everyone. Contact Jared Favole, Wonolo press@wonolo.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wonolo-becomes-first-gig-economy-company-to-pledge-to-set-a-universal-living-wage-standard-301254490.html SOURCE Wonolo Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Maine church takes challenge to Gov. Mills' COVID-19 restrictions to Supreme Court Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Church takes challenge to Maine COVID-19 restrictions to Supreme Court A congregation in Maine has filed a request for the United States Supreme Court to hear its lawsuit against the state's restrictions on in-person worship. Calvary Chapel of Bangor filed a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court on Monday, having failed to get an injunction against Maines restrictions at the lower court level. If granted, the high court will hear their appeal. The petition argued that since last year, Gov. Janet Mills has issued orders extensively restricting when, where, and how Mainers may exercise their liberties, including gathering for religious worship, while exempting myriad businesses and nonreligious activities from similar gathering restrictions. Executive Order 16 requires churches and religious worship services to adhere to a strict 50-person limit regardless of the size of the sanctuary or Church facility, stated the petition. Yet, as has been true since the beginning of the Governors regime of restrictions on religious gatherings, myriad businesses and industries are wholly exempt from the 50-person limit, including transportation facilities, bus stations, train stations, airports, manufacturing facilities, gas stations and laundromats, industrial manufacturing, post offices and shipping outlets, financial payment, clearing, manufacturing, food packaging and processing, and legal, business, and professional services The church also noted in its suit that under the orders, the pastor, members and volunteers can carry out nonreligious activities at Calvary Chapel, but worship has been "totally banned or severely restricted in the same building." Liberty Counsel founder and Chairman Mat Staver, whose organization is helping to represent Calvary Chapel, said in a statement that he believed Mills actions were unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled against these unconstitutional worship bans, and Governor Janet Mills has continued her draconian restrictions against churches and places of worship, stated Staver. The High Court now must end Governor Mills unconstitutional actions once and for all. In May 2020, Calvary Chapel sued Mills, seeking a temporary restraining order over the in-person worship restrictions she ordered in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. That same month, U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Torresen denied the motion for a temporary restraining order, arguing that the harm to the State that would come from an order requiring it to exempt religious institutions from gathering restrictions is profound. The State is managing an extraordinary array of issues, and it has responded to the challenges raised by COVID-19 by establishing uniform standards and restrictions that are based on evolving scientific evidence, ruled Torresen. Governor Mills has laid out a path for organizations to seek to ease restrictions. Upsetting the careful balance being drawn by Maines Governor at this time would have an adverse effect on the public interest. Last December, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit unanimously ruled against the church, upholding an earlier district court ruling. Let us be perfectly clear: public officials do not have free rein to curtail individual constitutional liberties during a public health emergency, wrote Circuit Judge Bruce Selya for the panel. Even so, the public interest demands that public officials be accorded considerable latitude to grapple with the dynamic and fact-intensive considerations involved in mounting an effective response. Last November, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn v. Cuomo that certain New York restrictions unfairly singled out religious groups. Members of this Court are not public health experts, and we should respect the judgment of those with special expertise and responsibility in this area. But even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten," stated the high court majority. "The restrictions at issue here, by effectively barring many from attending religious services, strike at the very heart of the First Amendments guarantee of religious liberty. Health Minister Robin Swann has said dealing with the devastation and destruction caused by Covid-19 in Northern Ireland has taken him to a "dark place". The UUP MLA has revealed that while he was happy to take the health portfolio when the Assembly returned in January last year, he originally believed he would only be in the post for a few months. The admission came during a UTV documentary, Unlocking the Virus, which aired last night and told the stories of people who battled the virus, the staff on the frontline for the past year and the experts who have been keeping the public informed throughout the pandemic. Mr Swann was asked to recount the moment he learned that Covid-19 had claimed its first victim in Northern Ireland and describe the toll it has taken on him. "I was attending a UK drugs and alcohol summit in Glasgow, I was over there with the chief medical officer (CMO) and some other officials," he explained. "I had just got up to deliver my address on behalf of what we were doing in Northern Ireland when I saw the CMO get his phone, get up, he left the table, followed by everyone else and at that point I knew we had the message we were expecting. "Going back to, I suppose putting things into perspective, January 11 was the Saturday that the Assembly sat to reappoint. "Our party executive sat that morning and made the decision we were going back into the Executive, there wasn't a large timescale between us as a party making the decision we were going back and actually the Assembly meeting to appoint ministers. "When it came to us actually taking health as a party and me being offered the opportunity, from a family circumstance - from what our youngest, our son went through, in regards to open heart surgery at 12 weeks, being in the Royal Children's Hospital for the first 13 months of his life - when I had the opportunity to do something for the health service, to give back, my party leader Steve Aiken came to me and asked me would I take up the role for a number of months until things got settled down. "I said I would, unfortunately those couple of months led into a global pandemic." Mr Swann said he first realised the potential scale of the threat posed by Covid-19 during a Cobra meeting when he was told the virus was 80% transmissable with a 1% mortality rate. "I do numbers and I remember getting that briefing and scribbling it down on the corner of the paper, the population of Northern Ireland, 80% transmissibility, 1% mortality, took me to a figure of 15,000 people," he said. "That was the worst-case scenario we could have been facing. At that point, there was a realisation we needed to do everything that we could." He continued: "It took me to a dark place and the realisation of how much responsibility then was coming to my department, was coming to the professionals within it, that was coming to the health service as well." Describing the restrictions that have been in place for most of the past 12 months as "draconian", Mr Swann said the results have proven they have been necessary. However, he said he is optimistic that Northern Ireland will eventually be able to return to a new normal. Sidra Capital, a shariah compliant asset management firm headquartered in Jeddah, and regulated by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), has announced healthy annual returns on two of its US dollar-denominated funds - the USD Income and US Dollar Mutajara Funds. The USD Income Fund had generated above-target returns of 8%, while the US Dollar Mutajara Fund met its targeted return of 5% for 2020. Announcing the key achievement, Sidra Capital Chairman Hani Baothman, said these returns are especially impressive in light of global challenges such as disruptions in supply chains in certain markets and other challenging market conditions stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. "Performance of our trade finance funds in 2020 showcased the resilience of our private finance strategy in the face of the external shocks brought about by the pandemic," stated Baothman. "Despite the challenges, our private finance transactions did not experience a single default, and the funds offered an excellent alternative investment asset class that provides hedging to portfolios and protects investors wealth from market fluctuations," he added. The Sidra Income Fund is a US Dollar-denominated private fund focused on supporting infrastructure supply chain transactions in Asia. It is designed to capitalise on the infrastructure boom in Asia and aims at achieving stable, high-yield returns uncorrelated to the stock market and global commodity prices. A specialist in natural commodities, the Sidra Income Fund offers shariah-compliant, top-tier, income-generating asset classes for risk-averse investors. It aims at achieving stable, high yield returns uncorrelated to the stock market and global commodity prices while contributing positively toward the social and economic development of the communities that the invested companies operate in. The Sidra Mutajara Fund, also US Dollar-denominated, combines shariah-compliant money market investment with structured trade finance products in order to achieve liquidity, steady performance and above-benchmark returns, said the statement. It plays an important role in financing growth in the real economy. It supports nonspeculative value-added small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), in emerging markets and focuses on agricultural commodities and metals, it added.-TradeArabia News Service Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) The latest batch of China-donated vaccines has just arrived in the country, around the same time that suspected Chinese militia vessels were seen encroaching in the West Philippine Sea anew. Coincidence or not? Public officials started to raise concern about the issue as 400,000 more CoronaVac vaccines from Sinovac Biotech arrived in the country on Wednesday, just a day after the government demanded that China withdraw its vessels and maritime assets encroaching in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. READ: PH gov't demands withdrawal of Chinese vessels in Julian Felipe Reef In a statement, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez raised the need to clarify whether the Philippine government "exchanged" its marine resources for vaccines, based on the timeline of China's donated doses and reported incursions in the country's maritime territory. We are grateful to China for the donated vaccine but we must condemn in the strongest possible terms this newest intrusion into our EEZ. The donation should not give them reason to enter our territory and violate our territorial integrity, he said. Armed forces chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said 183 vessels believed to be from the Chinese Maritime Militia were spotted as of March 22 to be still near Juan Felipe Reef, also known as Whitsun Reef, despite warnings and diplomatic protest already lodged by the Philippines. READ: Suspected Chinese militia boats refuse to leave Julian Felipe reef in West PH Sea despite protest Rodriguez pointed out that 220 Chinese maritime militia vessels were sighted at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7, just over a week after the first batch of 600,000 CoronaVac arrived and were rolled out in the Philippines. In a chance interview during the arrival of the second batch of Sinovac doses, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stressed that Chinese fishing vessels are taking shelter in the area and "there is no such militia vessel as claimed by some people." RELATED: Second batch of Sinovac doses arrive in PH But Rodriguez expressed doubt about Beijings claim that their fishing flotilla took shelter in the reef due to rough sea conditions. If that were the case, they should have left the area, because it has been more than two weeks since they were discovered, he said. Senator Richard Gordon said in a separate statement that the Chinese governments "coercive and destabilizing actions" in the disputed territory are acts that "belie its pronouncements of friendship and goodwill and affinity with the Filipino people." "China has stolen from us, and now she is lying to us, Senator Risa Hontiveros said, referring to the denial of militia presence in the West Philippine Sea. In a television interview on Wednesday, retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also said China's vaccine donations could be its way of "softening the impact" of its encroachment on the country's maritime zones. But Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. responded that the two issues are unrelated. "Any diminution of commitment to the totality of our rights in the West and South China seas would disobey President Rodrigo Duterte's United Nations declaration and is tantamount to disloyalty to the Republic," he said on Twitter. In 2016, a landmark ruling of an arbitral tribunal in The Hague recognized the Philippines sovereign rights in areas within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf that are being claimed by China. The ruling also invalidated China's sweeping claims to the South China Sea, where other claimants include Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan. However, China continues to reject this ruling. Malacanang previously said that Duterte will hold a dialogue with Xilian to discuss the presence of the Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Apart from the 1 million donated CoronaVac doses, the Philippine government is also expecting to receive 1 million more vaccines that it purchased from Sinovac by March 29. The boss of Goldman Sachs has acknowledged the stress his young staff are under but stopped short of encouraging a balanced work life. Chief executive David Solomon was forced to take action after 13 first-year analysts last week highlighted how they were working 100-hour weeks and suffered workplace abuse. One said: 'The sleep deprivation, treatment by senior bankers, mental and physical stress... I've been through foster care and this is arguably worse.' Goldman Sachs chief exec David Solomon was forced to take action after 13 first-year analysts last week highlighted how they were working 100-hour weeks and suffered workplace abuse In response the Goldman boss said the bank would enforce the company's 'Saturday rule' forbidding junior bankers to work from 9pm on Friday until Sunday morning. But he refused to go any further. He said: 'It's great that this group of analysts went to their management.' But he said clients come first: 'If we all go an extra mile for our client, even when we feel that we're reaching our limit, it can really make a difference in our performance.' His comments come as bank bosses are under pressure as work and home lives have become blurred during lockdown. Jane Fraser, boss at Citigroup, has banned Zoom meetings on Fridays and declared May 28 a company holiday amid worries of burnout. She said in a memo to staff: 'I know, from your feedback and my own experience... It's simply not sustainable.' The young bankers' stand at Goldman has drawn praise and criticism, with some old timers labelling them 'wimps'. Investment banking is notoriously tough but the rewards can be highly lucrative. A 22-year-old analyst at Goldman can expect a basic salary of 60,000 plus a bonus. The heavy workloads quickly reveal those who can handle it and many leave. One analyst who started at Deutsche Bank's merger and acquisition team back in 2008 said: 'I worked from 9am to 2am on average plus ten hours at the weekend. It's OK for some but it didn't suit me. 'It gets a bit better as you get more senior but you still have to work a load of hours. Your job is your life. Everyone is divorced, multiple times. The only upside is the money.' But the world has moved on. Bosses have to be more aware of their young employees' mental health, a topic that 'woke' millennial staff discuss openly. Banking is also increasingly losing the best graduates to the tech sector. Many have defended the young bankers. Neil Wilson analyst at Markets, said: 'It's OK for senior managers living in a six-bedroom house in Surrey. 'But many staff are stuck in a flatshare with three or four boys and girls trying to work in the living room. They have every right to be mad.' CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton ("the Company";NYSE: KWR) announced today that Mary Dean Hall, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer will be leaving the Company to accept the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ingevity Corporation (NYSE: NGVT), headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, allowing her to relocate closer to family. Ms. Hall will remain with Quaker Houghton through April 18, 2021 to ensure a smooth transition. The Company also announced the promotion of Shane Hostetter to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective April 19, 2021. Shane has been with Quaker Houghton since 2011, taking on increasingly senior financial positions during his tenure, including his current role as Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Shane's responsibilities have spanned the financial aspects of the organization, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, treasury, and investor relations, and he has also directed financial diligence for all of the Company's acquisitions over the past decade, as well as the combination between Quaker and Houghton. Shane is a certified public accountant and has an MBA in Finance. Michael F. Barry, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President for Quaker Houghton commented, "Mary has been a valued business partner and has helped to successfully lead the Company through a tremendous period of growth and change. I have no doubt that she will be a great addition to the Ingevity leadership team, and I know that it was important for Mary to be closer to family in South Carolina." He continued, "Through the Company's succession planning process, we had identified Shane as the successor to Mary and we have been giving him progressively senior financial roles. I have worked closely with Shane over the past ten years, and I am confident he will be a strong CFO for Quaker Houghton. His broad experience and capabilities in all aspects of finance, his fundamental understanding of our businesses, and his strong M&A experience enables Shane to uniquely help us drive our continued growth strategy." "Quaker Houghton is a wonderful company with a very bright future," said Ms. Hall. "It has been my honor to work with such a great group of people and help grow the business these past five years. I know the Company is fully prepared to continue to execute on its strategy and deliver on the significant opportunities that lie ahead, and I expect to remain a long-term shareholder in the Company." About Quaker Houghton Quaker Houghton is a global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, can, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,200 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more. Investor Contact: Mary Dean Hall Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer [email protected] T. 1.610.832.4000 Media Contact: Melissa McClain Director, Communications [email protected] T. 1.610.832.7809 SOURCE Quaker Houghton Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. PERMANENT TSB is to withdraw cash desk services from its branch at O'Connor Square in Tullamore. Customers of the bank were informed last week that from April 19 next the Tullamore branch will become a fully automated digital experience branch and there will no longer be a physical cash desk. The decision is part of a nation-wide plan by the bank which will affect 44 of its 76 branches around the country. The moves comes as another blow to the banking sector in Tullamore with the decision by Ulster Bank to close its branch in the town after announcing it is to withdraw from the market in the Republic. It also follows on from Bank of Ireland's announcement to close its branches in Clara, Edenderry and Banagher. Permanent TSB's decision has been greeted with dismay by customers locally and by the business community in the town. One long-standing customer, who contacted the Tribune last week, expressed anger at the language used by the bank in the letter sent to him and others announcing the move. He said the public relations speak used in the letter tried to camoflouge what was effectively a downgrading of the Tullamore branch. The letter stated that at Permanent TSB, we understand that our customers needs are always evolving and this has never been more evident than over the last year. Its important that we evolve with you and we are continually looking for better ways to meet your changing needs, to ensure your experience with us is convenient, easy and always secure. People and community will continue to be at the heart of what we do, and while we are transforming our Branch Network to meet your needs, we are delighted to advise that all 76 of our branches nationwide will remain open. Weve listened to our customers and over the last number of years we have seen more and more customers move towards use of our digital channels and a significant reduction in over the counter cash transactions in our branches. In response to this shift in our customers behaviour, we are converting some of our branches to become a fully automated cash and digital experience, as well as continuing to invest in our digital capabilities. We will continue to invest in training and development for our branch colleagues and our team will remain on hand to support and guide you, should you need assistance. This evolution of our branches will also allow our experienced team to spend more time supporting you, our customer, through your big financial decisions. We are confident these changes will meet our customers evolving needs and we look forward to welcoming you to your updated branch service. Advertisement More than 70 percent of American seniors have had at least their first dose of Covid vaccine and nearly 14 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, White House officials said Wednesday. An average of 2.5 million more shots are being given each day, including 1.7 million given Tuesday. And Americans are finally getting more concrete evidence of just how well the shots can turn the tide of the pandemic after new research showed that fewer than one percent of health care workers developed COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. Even the ever-cautious Dr Anthony Fauci couldn't help but express some optimism during a Wednesday Covid response team briefing. 'Everyday we get closer and closer to that extraordinary degree of effectiveness, which were seeing at the community level,' he said. 'At the end of the day, that is what it is that is going to end this pandemic in this country.' The U.S. is getting ever closer to that goal. On May 1, President Biden says he will ask all states to expand vaccination eligibility to all adults, in a move to speed the rollout - and at least 40 states are on track to meet that deadline, according to the New York Times. The US is now giving 2.5 million coronavirus vaccines a day, and has vaccinated more than 70 percent of its senior population 'At the end of the day, that is what it is that is going to end this pandemic in this country,' Dr Anthony Fauci said of the promising data showing the ability of coronavirus vaccines to prevent infection and transmission of the virus (file) A year ago today Dr Anthony Fauci was urging then-President Trump to be 'flexible' about when to start relaxing COVID-restrictions, which the president wanted then to loosen by Easter Sunday. Now, much of the country is still under many of the same restrictions it was then. That is slowly starting to shift as the vaccine rollout accelerates and the number of people eligible to get the shots expands. Nearly half of US schools are now open for in-person learning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made it very clear that neither teachers nor students need to be vaccinated in order for schools to reopen. But President Biden has urged all states to expand vaccine access to teachers and school staff. To-date, 1.3 million educators have been vaccinated. And President Biden has said that, on May 1, he will direct all states to expand eligibility to all Americans. Already, at least five states - Alaska, Mississippi, West Virginia, Utah and Arizona have expanded access to anyone 16 or older, at least at their state-run sites. And Oklahoma announced Wednesday that anyone 16 or older is now eligible through the Chickasaw nation's program, but not the statewide one. At least six states intend to expand by the end of the month, according to a CNN analysis. The majority of other U.S. states (40) claim they will be ready to vaccinate any adults by the president's May 1 deadline. Vaccination for the general public will in part be facilitated by the ramp-up of production by vaccine makers. By the end of this month, three vaccine-makers are expected to have supplied the U.S. with 240 million doses of COVID-19 shots. However, there is growing doubt within the Biden administration that Johnson & Johnson will not meet its goal of 20 million doses by then. To-date, the firm has supplied the US with about nine million doses, leaving it less than a week to deliver another 11 million shots. If Johnson and Johnson does fall short, the U.S. is still slated to have accumulated enough doses to fully vaccinate at least 119 million people - or 36 percent of the population. As of Wednesday, the U.S. has enough supply to vaccinate nearly 20 percent of its population, and had given at least one dose to 25.3 percent of its population and fully vaccinated 13.7 percent of Americans, according to Bloomberg tracking. At that rate, the US could reach herd immunity - with 75 percent of the population vaccinated - within four months. Herd immunity is broadly considered the benchmark for when life can return to some semblance of normality. For the time being though, uncertainty surrounding whether vaccines prevent asymptomatic COVID-19 and transmission of the virus has led public health officials to remain very cautious about advising much freedom in movement or actions. Earlier this month, the CDC finally told fully vaccinated people they could resume a few somewhat normal activities, including spending time maskless and indoors with other fully vaccinated people and some low-risk unvaccinated people. But this week the agency issued an update to that guidance, clarifying that fully vaccinated people can spend time with low-risk friends or family with their masks off, but only with one household of them. That's because we know that vaccines (by various makers) are up to 95 percent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19, but trials of the shots did not determine whether the vaccines prevent infection itself, or transmission of the virus. But the two new studies begin to shed some light on how vaccination - even after just the first dose - could affect these odds in the U.S. In one study of employees at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2.6 percent of all workers who were unvaccinated tested positive for COVID-19 compared to 1.82 percent of those given their first shot, a drop of 31 percent. That same study also found that just 0.05 percent of those who received both doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Modena vaccine were later infected. In another study of frontline workers in California, only 0.13 percent contracted the virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, after being fully immunized. 'Right now, as the weeks go by, we see more and more that not only are these vaccines efficacious but, in the community, they are extremely effective in preventing infection with SARS-CoV-2,' Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said at a press conference on Wednesday. 'It's a real proof-positive of the importance of vaccination.' For the first study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a team from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), in Dallas, looked at vaccinations among their frontline workers. Data was available for more than 23,300 workers eligible to be immunized between December 15, 2020 and January 28, 2021. A total of 59 percent received at least dose of the Pfizer vaccine during that time period and 30 percent were given both doses. During that month-and-half, 320 of the eligible employees, 1.5 percent, tested positive for coronavirus. About 2.6 percent of the not vaccinated group was infected. This fell to 1.82 percent among the group that received one dose. Just 0.05% of workers at the University of Texas Southwestern who received both doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Modena vaccine later tested positive for COVID-19 Data showed that from January 9 onward (blue line), the number of positive tests among UTSW employees was lower than the number projected without vaccination (black line) However, of those who were fully immunized just four out of more than 8,100 were infected, representing just 0.05 percent of the group. What's more, from January 9 onward, the number of positive tests among UTSW employees was lower than the number projected without vaccination. 'The effect of vaccination on the preservation of our workforce has been dramatic. We observed a greater than 90 percent decrease in the number of employees who are either in isolation or quarantine,' the authors wrote. 'Real-world experience with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at UTSW has shown a marked reduction in the incidence of infections among employees. This decrease has preserved the workforce when it was most needed.' In the second study, also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a group of researchers in California looked at vaccinated healthcare workers in the state. Data was available for employees at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between December 16, 2020 and February 9, 2021. More than 36,600 frontline workers received the first dose either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and more than 28,184 - 77 percent - received the second dose. Among the vaccinated employees, 379 people tested positive for the virus at least one day after getting their first dose. About 0.9 percent of all people who receive one dose were infected, and most of the infections occurred within the first week, meaning they had likely already contracted the virus before being vaccinated. Thirty-seven people were infected with COVID-19 after the second dose, meaning just 0.13 percent of all people fully inoculated fell ill. What's more, after two weeks, the general amount of time it takes for the virus to build up antibodies, just seven of the fully immunized group tested positive. 'The rarity of positive test results 14 days after administration of the second dose of vaccine is encouraging and suggests that the efficacy of these vaccines is maintained outside the trial setting,' the authors wrote. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Boris Johnson has suggested that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates, an idea that he had previously deemed unlikely. Almost 29 million people have received their first vaccine dose in Britain already in the fastest rollout in Europe, and there have been calls to open up the economy faster because of the success of the vaccination programme. Appearing before a committee of senior lawmakers, Johnson said the 'basic concept of a vaccine certification should not be totally alien to us', citing how surgeons were required to have a Hepatitis B shot. Asked whether ordinary citizens going to the pub might need one, he said: 'I think that that's the kind of thing that may be up to an individual publicans, it may be up to the landlord.' He told the committee the public had been 'thinking very deeply' about such issues. Boris Johnson has suggested that some pubs might require customers to produce vaccine certificates, an idea that he had previously deemed unlikely 'My impression is that there is a huge wisdom in the public's feeling about this,' he said. 'People, human beings, instinctively recognise when something is dangerous and nasty to them, and they can see that COVID is collectively a threat and they want us as their government, and me as the Prime Minister to take all the actions I can to protect them.' Pictured: How a vaccine passport could look Last month when he outlined England's 'roadmap' out of the coronavirus lockdown, Johnson ruled out any government-led vaccine passport scheme, although ministers have said that some certification might be needed for international travel, while it is considering whether care home staff must have shots. 'What I don't think we will have in this country is, as it were, vaccination passports to allow you to go to the pub, or something like that,' he said in February. He has since mandated senior minister Michael Gove to review the role that vaccine certification can have in society, including the reopening of hospitality venues, saying there were deep and complex ethical issues to explore. Trade body UKHospitality criticised the prospect of pubs and restaurants being subject to vaccine certificates as 'simply unworkable' and said it could cause conflict between staff and customers. Conservative MP and former minister Steve Baker warned it could create a "two-tier Britain" for those who are unable to take up the vaccine for medical reasons. The deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory lockdown sceptics said: "The Prime Minister began to tread a dangerous path when he opened the door to domestic Covid certificates. "First they said we'll need them to watch the football, and today that it may be papers for the pub. "Whether the state legislates for it, recommends it or simply allows it the result will be the same: a two-tier Britain that prevents pregnant women from taking part in society, given that the Government is telling them not to take the vaccine, or one where we turn back the clock and tolerate businesses turning away customers from communities which have shown an unfortunate hesitancy to take up the offer of a vaccine. "We must not fall into this ghastly trap." Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: "It's crucial that visiting the pub and other parts of hospitality should not be subject to mandatory vaccination certification. "It is simply unworkable, would cause conflict between staff and customers and almost certainty result in breaches of equality rules. "Through the success of the vaccine rollout we need to throw off the shackles of coronavirus in line with the Government's roadmap, not impose more checks on our ability to socialise and do business." People are seen drinking inside the Red Lion pub in London on March 20, 2020 A British Beer and Pub Association spokesperson said: "Our sector has already gone to extraordinary lengths to prepare for reopening and we do not believe a requirement for pubs to check whether someone has had the vaccine would be appropriate or necessary. "We will continue to work closely with the Government in developing guidelines for a safe and sustainable reopening in April and May." Britons are already gearing up for their first taste of post-lockdown freedom next Monday when they can finally meet friends and family in gardens and parks as the 'rule of six' returns outdoors. Fridges are being piled high with beers and party food in anticipation of big barbecue reunions when friends and family can finally clink glasses and celebrate seeing each other for the first time in more than three months. The Government has said outdoor gatherings including in private gardens of either six people known as 'the rule of six' - or two households will also be allowed from next Monday, making it easier for people to meet outside. Drinkers outside a pub in Soho, London, on the first day after the city was put into Tier 2 restrictions, October 17, 2020 People queuing to get into the The George pub in Wanstead, east London, on November 4, 2020 There is expectation of a very good week of weather too, with the Met Office forecasting mild temperatures next week in southern England with high pressure building which will bring settled conditions for most areas. It comes ahead of the third stage of rules easing on April 12, which will include the reopening of pubs and restaurants outdoors, non-essential shops, public buildings and outdoor attractions including theme parks. Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen from next Monday, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports. But up until then the rules remain - including for this weekend - that people can only meet one other person from outside their household or support bubble socially or for exercise, and this must be away from their home. The 'stay at home' rule will also end next Monday, but the Government has advised that people continue to work from home where they can and 'minimise the number of journeys they make where possible'. The advice from next Monday will be to 'stay local'. An attendee from Hartlepool receives the AstraZeneca/Oxford University Covid-19 vaccine at the Riverside Stadium Vaccination Centre on March 22, 2021 in Middlesbrough A man walks past temporarily closed shops and a pub in Camden Town, an area of London usually bustling with tourists and visitors to its market, during England's third national lockdown Britons are also still warned to avoid travelling at the busiest times and routes, while travel abroad will still be banned, other than for a small number of exceptions such as attending a funeral of a close family member. The Government announced on Monday that anyone trying to leave the UK 'without a reasonable excuse' will be fined 5,000. Ministers have launched a taskforce to review global travel which will report on April 12. This is also the date when hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen outdoors-only, along with outdoor attractions like theme parks. Indoor hospitality is not set to return until May 17 at the earliest. 100 years ago 1921 HARRISBURG Five-thousand supervisors of second class township in Pennsylvania will be legislated out of office if a bill introduced yesterday by Mr. McCurdy of Blair County becomes a law. This bill puts township affairs under the supervision of the county commissioners. The chief charge is as to roads. County commissioners according to the bill would name a road superintendent experienced in road building. 75 years ago 1946Reopening of the anthracite scale contract will not be asked by the United Mine Workers until May 1, UMWA leaders in the region indicated. In some circles, it has been expected that John Lewis would press his hard coal wage demands. 50 years ago 1971The building fund campaign for the new Pottsville YMCA has entered the feasibility-plus phase, according to Gabriel E. Nassar, chairman of the campaign executive committee. Campaign headquarters has been set up at 62 W. Norwegian St., and Al E. Jordan of the firm of Ward, Dreshman & Reinhardt is on the location to direct the effort. 25 years ago 1996 Mill Creek bounced ominously against the stone wall in Port Carbon, like a tiger banging against its cage. It was 9 p.m. Jan. 19, the day rain and melting snow deluged Schuylkill County. And in the borough, it was causing a torrent of bad memories for Mayor Francis Lubinsky. As he stood on Pottsville Street watching the creek lap against the wall, he thought of Hurricane Agnes, which submerged part of Port Carbons downtown in 1972. This time, the creek stayed in its banks. But it was a scary night, Lubinsky said. We had to warn everybody on Pottsville (Street) If it goes over that, you better get out of here. There could be more scares in the future if some local officials and engineers are right: Development small homes to large malls upstream from Port Carbon and other county towns has added to the threat of flooding. 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 property the family purchased, 4841 Route 28, last housed the Susquehanna SPCA. Montezuma will open the tasting room in a building previously occupied by the SPCA's thrift shop, so it will require some renovations. The family will probably lease the other building on the property. Behind the buildings is a creek, making it a "really beautiful spot" for a tasting room, Martin said. By the time it opens, business should also have gotten closer to returning to normal for the family. Martin said their wineries and distilleries have struggled with the loss of off-premises events during COVID-19, such as summer festivals and the New York State Fair. But on-premises sales have been "phenomenal." Curbside sales were strong when the locations couldn't serve customers, and have stayed that way since they reopened in June. Despite seeing fewer visitors, Martin continued, those who've come have been buying more beverages to drink there and take home. Events will be slow to recover, he believes. The status of the state fair and others is still unknown as organizers wait to see how the pandemic plays out. But at the same time, more and more people are getting vaccinated, and food service businesses are able to raise their maximum capacity from 50% of normal to 75%. Business is good and poised to get better, Martin said. Seguin, Texas (78155) Today Partly cloudy early then heavy thunderstorms this afternoon. High 79F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. The EU can now stop vaccine exports to countries that are not sending vaccines back to the bloc. In an emergency regulation enacted on Wednesday, the European Commission said it would only suspend exports to countries that have higher vaccination rates and lower Covid-19 cases than the EU. The rule change is an update to the EU's vaccine authorisation system, introduced in January in a flurry of controversy, when the bloc almost triggered article 16 of the Northern Irish protocol. A senior EU official insisted it was not an export ban but a way to shed more light on EU exports and protect its security of supply. While our Member States are facing the third wave of the pandemic and not every company is delivering on its contract, the EU is the only major OECD [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development] producer that continues to export vaccines at large scale to dozens of countries, said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. The EU is proud to be the home of vaccine producers who not only deliver to EU citizens but export across the globe. But open roads should run in both directions. The EU says it will act in a reciprocal and proportional way, depending on the vaccine and Covid-19 situation in other countries and on whether or not they are sending medicines to the bloc. The regulation cites a lack of transparency as well as persisting constraints on production that are delaying deliveries to the EU and threatening the blocs security of supply. EU production facilities have been exporting to countries which have a large production capacity of their own, while those countries restrict their own exports to the Union, either by law or through contractual or other arrangements the regulation says. It is a veiled threat to the UK and Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca, which the Commission believes has been withholding vaccines it is contractually obliged to provide to the EU. Meanwhile, the bloc has been exporting vaccines and drug substances from production facilities in countries such as Belgium, Italy and The Netherlands. According to Ms von der Leyen, the EU has exported around 10m doses to the UK over the last six weeks, since its new export authorisation scheme was introduced. AstraZeneca, which has production facilities in the UK and the EU, has confirmed it will deliver only a third of the 90m doses it promised the EU by the end of March and less than half of the 180m it promised by the summer. The bloc has also been exporting to countries that have no production capacity, but that have higher vaccination rates or less serious Covid-19 outbreaks, it said on Wednesday. The regulation directs EU governments to refuse export authorisations where they pose a threat to the six contracts the EU has signed with drugmakers AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, Sanofi-GSK, Curevac and Johnson and Johnson. But the Commission will have the final say and can step in to reverse any national decisions if it believes its securityof supply is under threat. The EU said it was not targeting the US, which is still sending drug substances to the EU, mainly for the manufacture of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. I think the relationship with United States is very special there, and I see a lot of reciprocity, said a senior EU official, on condition of anonymity. Since the new export authorisation system was introduced on 30 January, the EU has blocked exports only once, from Italy. It has approved 380 export authorisations. press release Mediclinics and Citizen Advice Bureaus will not be used for the vaccination programme due to their limited spaces, stated the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal, in reply to a Parliamentary Question, today, at the National Assembly. Speaking about the COVAXIN vaccine being administered currently, he pointed out that 200 000 doses are already available, adding that 100 000 people have already been inoculated with AstraZeneca vaccine. Furthermore, he underlined that with the emergence of COVID 19 in other countries and with the onset of the third wave, the time of delivery of vaccines may not be well defined. As regards the procurement of AstraZeneca vaccines from South Africa, Dr Jagutpal informed that the South African Government has given the vaccine to an organisation in South Africa which in turn is distributing the vaccine as per its purview. He also indicated that the expiry date of the Covishield vaccine is July 2021. A Naval aircrewman looks out of a U.S. Navy helicopter while conducting search and rescue relief operations following an assault amphibious vehicle mishap off the coast of Southern California on July 30, 2020. (Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Binion/U.S. Marine Corps via AP) Marine Commander Fired After Deadly Assault Vehicle Accident SAN DIEGOA U.S. Marine Corps commander was fired Tuesday following an investigation into the sinking of an amphibious assault vehicle in the ocean off Southern California that killed nine service members last year. Col. Christopher J. Bronzi was relieved of command of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit by Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, a statement said. Rudder relieved Bronzi due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command, the statement said. The amphibious assault vehicle had 16 people aboard when it sank rapidly in 385 feet of water off the coast of San Clemente Island on July 30, 2020, while it was returning to a Navy ship. Seven Marines were rescued. One Marine was pronounced dead at the scene, and the bodies of seven Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman were later recovered by an underwater team. The Sibitzky Remotely Operated Vehicle is lowered in the recover the bodies of nine people killed when a Marine landing craft sank in hundreds of feet of water on July 30, 2020, off the Southern California coast, on Aug. 3, 2020. (Lt. Curtis Khol/U.S. Navy via AP) In October 2020, Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner was relieved of command of the landing team of the 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 15th MEU, based on a substantial amount of information and data, according to a statement that also cited loss of trust. A report on the cause of the sinking has yet to be released. Col. Fridrik Fridriksson was named to take over command of the 15th MEU, which is based at Camp Pendleton, California, and is currently deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the Marine Corps said. San Clemente Island, lying about 70 miles northwest of San Diego, is a training ground for the Marine Corps and Navy. Crimean resident sentenced to six years in prison for participating in 'Ukrainian National Battalion' media In Crimea, temporarily occupied by Russia, Medzhit Ablyamitov, who was accused of participating in the "Ukrainian national battalion," has been sentenced to six years in a maximum security colony, Radio Liberty has reported. "On March 23, a court in the Russian-occupied Crimea, sentenced Medzhit Ablyamitov to six years in a maximum security colony with restraint of freedom for one year, who was accused of participating in the 'Ukrainian national battalion,'" the publication's website says. It is noted that during the announcement of the verdict in the hall of Kirovsky District Court, Ablyamitov's brother and sister were allowed to be present. The prosecution side requested eight years and a half in prison for Ablyamitov. Terrible fires tore through the worlds largest refugee camp, at Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh, on Monday night, leaving at least 15 Rohingya refugees dead, 400 more missing, and tens of thousands without shelter. The blazes, the cause of which remains officially under investigation, highlight the shocking plight of the Rohingya refugees. Having been driven out of neighbouring Myanmar, mostly since 2017, nearly 900,000 remain trapped in squalid and unsafe shanty towns in one of the poorest countries in the world. Rohingya refugee camp in flames in Balukhali, southern Bangladesh, Monday, March 22, 2021. The fire destroyed hundreds of shelters and left thousands homeless. (AP Photo/ Shafiqur Rahman) The major powers continue to shut their borders to them and the millions of other people globally fleeing repression and poverty, compounded by the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, based on provisional reports, the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said that in addition to the confirmed deaths more than 560 refugees had been injured and some 45,000 had lost their shelters and belongings in the inferno. Those figures were expected to climb as assessments continued. Officials said the fires were believed to have started in one of the 34 camps at Coxs Bazar before spreading to two other camps. Thick columns of smoke were seen billowing from blazing shanties and tents in videos shared on social media, as volunteer residents, firefighters and aid workers battled the flames and pulled people to safety. Eye-witnesses described harrowing scenes. People were turning to ashes in front of my eyes, Saiful Arakani, a 25-year-old refugee who tried to rescue people, told the BBC. I saw people fleeing their homes screaming, Save my mother, save my sister. It was complete chaos. No one knew what to do. A Save the Children volunteer, Tayeba Begum, said: The fire spread so quickly that before we understood what happened it caught our house. People were screaming and running here and there. Children were also running scattered, crying for their family. It is the most horrific incident I have witnessed recently. The fire started around 4:00 pm on Monday and firefighters almost doused it an hour later. But another wave of fires broke out shortly after 11:00 pm and fires were still burning down shanties as of 12:30 am, refugees said. Some witnesses said barbed wire fencing recently erected around the camps had trapped many people, causing some of the casualties. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) stated: Early reports indicate that newly installed barbed wire fencing seriously restricted the ability of refugees to flee the fire, including especially vulnerable women and girls. The IRC said the fire had also destroyed health clinics, mosques, community centres and an IRC safe space for women. The blazes were the largest of multiple fires in the camp this year. Just four days earlier, on Friday, two separate fires at the camps destroyed scores of shanties. Two big blazes also hit the camps in January, leaving thousands homeless and gutting four UNICEF schools. Amnesty Internationals South Asia campaigner, Saad Hammadi, tweeted that the frequency of fire in the camps is too coincidental, especially when outcomes of previous investigations into the incidents are not known and they keep repeating. The Bangladesh government has been pushing for 100,000 of the refugees to relocate to Bhasan Char island, 60 kilometres from the mainland. So far, about 13,000 Rohingya have been shipped to the flood- and cyclone-prone muddy outcrop, which was formed in 2006 by the accumulation of silt where the River Meghna enters the Bay of Bengal. At the same time, the government is again seeking to send Rohingyas back to Myanmar, from where they fled the genocidal violence of the military, backed by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was the de facto leader of the government until the military coup of February 1. Altogether, there are over one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, with some living in miserable conditions in urban areas. Prime Minister Sheik Hasinas government considers them a burden to the country, and has branded them a security threat, fuelling media witch hunts against them. The Coxs Bazar camps are among the most overcrowded refugee encampments in the world, with more than 40,000 people per square kilometre. They have no adequate water supply, sanitation or sewage facilities, constantly threatening the spread of various diseases, including COVID-19. Those bearing direct responsibility for the inhuman treatment of the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim minority who have lived in Myanmar for centuries, include Suu Kyi. In December 2019, she appeared in the International Court of Justice in The Hague as a crass apologist for the countrys military against charges of human rights abuses, including genocide, against the Rohingya. Since 2017, the military in Myanmar has again engaged in brutal operations to terrorise the Rohingya population, who are denied citizenship rights and branded illegal immigrants. A UN fact-finding mission found that military forces had killed more than 10,000 people, destroyed almost 400 villages and driven close to 750,000 Rohingya out of their homes. But Suu Kyi claimed that the exodus of Rohingya was simply the result of the conflict between the military and armed Rohingya separatist groups, not a conscious policy of ethnic cleansing. Equal responsibility lies with the governments in the advanced countries internationally, including those in Australia, that have refused asylum for the Rohingya. Successive Australian governments, both Labor Party and Liberal-National Coalition, have repelled Rohingya refugee boats and incarcerated any refugees who got to Australia, often on isolated Pacific or Indian Ocean islands, or subjected them to impoverished conditions, without basic rights, on insecure temporary visas. Globally, the responses of governments to the COVID pandemic have taken the worlds refugee crisis to a new level. By last May, 177 countries had either fully or partially closed their borders, abrogating the right to asylum. According to the latest statistics available from the UNHCR, in December 2019, even before the pandemic, at least 79.5 million people around the world had been forced to flee their homes. There were also millions of stateless people, denied access to basic rights such as education, health care, employment and freedom of movement. The treatment of the Rohingyas is matched by the reaction of the Biden administration in the US to the human exodus underway from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, all countries long subjected to US-backed poverty and repression. The US government has closed its doors and is detaining 15,000 unaccompanied children as lawbreakers. Similar measures are being taken across Europe, causing mass drownings to continue unabated in the Mediterranean Sea in the opening months of 2021. Such is the cruel, irrational response of the capitalist system to human suffering on an unprecedented scale, from Asia to Africa and the Americas. This poses the necessity for the international working class to unite across national borders against the ruling financial elites on the basis of a worldwide socialist program. That requires the unconditional defence of the right of workers to live and work in the country of their choice, with full citizenship rights, including the right to health care, a liveable income and the ability to work and travel without fear of repression or deportation. Efforts to recover the remains of genocide victims who dumped at the premises of ADEPR church in Gahogo in Muhanga District are being undermined by people who conceal information, Genocide survivors have said. Through their umbrella body of Genocide survivors' associations Ibuka, survivors want to give a decent burial to their loved ones killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They said this as efforts to recover the victim's remains at Gahogo, where many Tutsi were massacred by Interahamwe militias, resumed on Monday, March 22. An excavator demolishes a house nearby ADEPR Church in Gahogo in Muhanga District to facilitate the exhumation of remains of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi from a mass grave. Photo: Courtesy. Naphtal Ahishakiye, the Executive Secretary of Ibuka, told The New Times that people in the area are hiding information that would help searchers locate the victims' remains at the church premises. "One body was recovered on Monday," he said, adding that they are yet to ascertain the number bodies that have been recovered so far. The history While explaining the genocide history of the place, Ahishakiye said that two roadblocks were set up near the church premises by Interahamwe militia. One of the most notorious perpetrators who has until now successfully evaded justice is one only identified Bokorachini, as disclosed by Ahishakiye. The current church structure was constructed in 1998, four years after the genocide. However, during its construction, some bodies of genocide victims were discovered but the leaders at the church kept quiet about it. The remains were dumped in nearby areas as construction works on the church continued, Ahishakiye disclosed. It only came into the public domain recently following conflicts within church members that triggered various accusations, including claims that some of them were hiding information about genocide victims dumped in the area. This attracted the attention of the authorities. "In 2019, nine bodies of genocide victims were exhumed while three more were discovered a year later," Ahishakiye narrated, explaining that this prompted arrests of some ADEPR church leaders. They were later released by court. But prosecution appealed. "We are waiting for the court's decision," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Moreover, according Ahishakiye, people are also still reluctant to disclose information about the victims' remains, and this happening in different parts of the country. "Genocide victims continue to seek justice so that their loved ones can be given a decent burial." The exhuming activity around church premises is being conducted by local leaders, police, Rwanda Investigation Bureau, survivors associations among others. "We have not yet gotten full information if there are remains underneath the church. If we get any information, we'll assess it and decide on the next course of action, including demolishing the church," he said. Call for reconciliation The fact that some Rwandan still hide such information is cause for concern after several years of reconciliation efforts, he said. "Revealing the whereabouts of victims' remains is part of the process to heal society and foster reconciliation. It heals the heart of genocide survivor and also the persons with information about the whereabouts of victims' remains," he said. The call is made ahead of the 27th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Over a million people were killed in just three years. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 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 Artist's rendering shows X-rays striking radioluminescent nanoparticles in the brain, which emit red light that triggers a sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ion influx and thereby activates brain neurons. Credit: Zhaowei Chen/Argonne National Laboratory Scientists make pivotal discovery of method for wireless modulation of neurons with X-rays that could improve the lives of patients with brain disorders. The X-ray source only requires a machine like that found in a dentist's office. Many people worldwide suffer from movement-related brain disorders. Epilepsy accounts for more than 50 million; essential tremor, 40 million; and Parkinson's disease, 10 million. Relief for some brain disorder sufferers may one day be on the way in the form of a new treatment invented by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and four universities. The treatment is based on breakthroughs in both optics and genetics. It would be applicable to not only movement-related brain disorders, but also chronic depression and pain. This new treatment involves stimulation of neurons deep within the brain by means of injected nanoparticles that light up when exposed to X-rays (nanoscintillators) and would eliminate an invasive brain surgery currently in use. "Our high-precision noninvasive approach could become routine with the use of a small X-ray machine, the kind commonly found in every dental office," said Elena Rozhkova, a lead author and a nanoscientist in Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), a DOE Office of Science User Facility. Traditional deep brain stimulation requires an invasive neurosurgical procedure for disorders when conventional drug therapy is not an option. In the traditional procedure, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, surgeons implant a calibrated pulse generator under the skin (similar to a pacemaker). They then connect it with an insulated extension cord to electrodes inserted into a specific area of the brain to stimulate the surrounding neurons and regulate abnormal impulses. "The Spanish-American scientist Jose Manuel Rodriguez Delgado famously demonstrated deep brain stimulation in a bullring in the 1960s," said Vassiliy Tsytsarev, a neurobiologist from the University of Maryland and a co-author of the study. "He brought a raging bull charging at him to a standstill by sending a radio signal to an implanted electrode." About 15 years ago, scientists introduced a revolutionary neuromodulation technology, "optogenetics," which relies on genetic modification of specific neurons in the brain. These neurons create a light-sensitive ion channel in the brain and, thereby, fire in response to external laser light. This approach, however, requires very thin fiberoptic wires implanted in the brain and suffers from the limited penetration depth of the laser light through biological tissues. The team's alternative optogenetics approach uses nanoscintillators injected in the brain, bypassing implantable electrodes or fiberoptic wires. Instead of lasers, they substitute X-rays because of their greater ability to pass through biological tissue barriers. "The injected nanoparticles absorb the X-ray energy and convert it into red light, which has significantly greater penetration depth than blue light," said Zhaowei Chen, former CNM postdoctoral fellow. "Thus, the nanoparticles serve as an internal light source that makes our method work without a wire or electrode," added Rozhkova. Since the team's approach can both stimulate and quell targeted small areas, Rozhkova noted, it has other applications than brain disorders. For example, it could be applicable to heart problems and other damaged muscles. One of the team's keys to success was the collaboration between two of the world-class facilities at Argonne: CNM and Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (APS), a DOE Office of Science User Facility. The work at these facilities began with the synthesis and multi-tool characterization of the nanoscintillators. In particular, the X-ray excited optical luminescence of the nanoparticle samples was determined at an APS beamline (20-BM). The results showed that the particles were extremely stable over months and upon repeated exposure to the high-intensity X-rays. According to Zou Finfrock, a staff scientist at the APS 20-BM beamline and Canadian Light Source, "They kept glowing a beautiful orange-red light." Next, Argonne sent CNM-prepared nanoscintillators to the University of Maryland for tests in mice. The team at University of Maryland performed these tests over two months with a small portable X-ray machine. The results proved that the procedure worked as planned. Mice whose brains had been genetically modified to react to red light responded to the X-ray pulses with brain waves recorded on an electroencephalogram. Finally, the University of Maryland team sent the animal brains for characterization using X-ray fluorescence microscopy performed by Argonne scientists. This analysis was performed by Olga Antipova on the Microprobe beamline (2-ID-E) at APS and by Zhonghou Cai on the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (26-ID) jointly operated by CNM and APS. This multi-instrument arrangement made it possible to see tiny particles residing in the complex environment of the brain tissue with a super-resolution of dozens of nanometers. It also allowed visualizing neurons near and far from the injection site on a microscale. The results proved that the nanoscintillators are chemically and biologically stable. They do not wander from the injection site or degrade. "Sample preparation is extremely important in these types of biological analysis," said Antipova, a physicist in the X-ray Science Division (XSD) at the APS. Antipova was assisted by Qiaoling Jin and Xueli Liu, who prepared brain sections only a few micrometers thick with jeweler-like accuracy. "There is an intense level of commercial interest in optogenetics for medical applications," said Rozhkova. "Although still at the proof-of-concept stage, we predict our patent-pending wireless approach with small X-ray machines should have a bright future." The related article "Wireless optogenetic modulation of cortical neurons enabled by radioluminescent nanoparticles" appeared in ACS Nano. More information: Zhaowei Chen et al, Wireless Optogenetic Modulation of Cortical Neurons Enabled by Radioluminescent Nanoparticles, ACS Nano (2021). Journal information: ACS Nano Zhaowei Chen et al, Wireless Optogenetic Modulation of Cortical Neurons Enabled by Radioluminescent Nanoparticles,(2021). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c10436 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying India wants "cordial" relations with the neighbouring country but for that, it's important to develop an "environment of trust" which is "devoid" of terror. PM Modi, via his letter written on Pakistan's 70th National Day, said: "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." Pakistan celebrates its national day every year on March 23 to commemorate the 'Lahore Resolution' of 1940 and the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan. He also conveyed his best wishes to the country in coping up with the COVID-19 pandemic. "Excellency, at this difficult time for humanity, I would like to convey my best wishes to you and the people of Pakistan for dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic," PM wrote. The development comes after Aftab Hasan Khan, Charge'd Affaires at Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday, said, "Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighbours...It'd only be possible with peace and for it to prevail, issues must be resolved via dialogue, especially that of J&K which has been going on for 70 years." Three days ago, PM Modi wished PM Imran Khan a speedy recovery after he and his wife tested positive for the deadly virus. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from Covid-19," he tweeted. The positive developments between both India and Pakistan continue after both the armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefires along the line of control in J&K in February. The recent positive atmosphere between the two nations points towards a willingness to improve ties from both sides, suggest experts. After about two-and-half years, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission this week. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India wants good friendly ties with Pakistan provided there's a conducive atmosphere for dialogue. Also read: Pakistan likely to resume import of cotton from India * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! [March 24, 2021] SoftBank Appoints Alex Szapiro Operating Partner and Head of Brazil for Latin America Fund SoftBank Group Corp. ("SoftBank") today announced that Alex Szapiro, currently Country Manager for Amazon Brazil, will join SBLA Advisers Corp. ("SBLA"), manager of the SoftBank Latin America Fund, as Operating Partner and Head of Brazil, effective April 13, 2021. Mr. Szapiro will be based in Sao Paulo and will oversee the Latin America Fund's investments, operations and team in Brazil. He will report to Marcelo Claure, Corporate Officer, Executive Vice President and COO of SoftBank Group Corp., CEO of and CEO of SBLA. "Alex brings an impressive business and entrepreneurial track record in Brazil and unrivaled insights into the country's investment landscape," said Mr. Claure. "We're thrilled to welcome someone of Alex's caliber as Head of Brazil as we continue to look across Latin America for companies that are shaping the future of the region." Mr. Szapiro commented, "SoftBank has been ahead of the curve in recognizing the enormous potential of Brazil and Latin America's startup and innovation ecosystem. The opportunities for entrepreneurs in Latin Americahave never been greater, and I am excited to partner with Marcelo and the SBLA team to invest in the region's most promising founders and help them achieve their goals." Mr. Szapiro brings more than 25 years of experience managing corporate and entrepreneurial ventures at leading technology companies across Brazil. Most recently, Country Manager of Amazon Brazil, he was responsible for initiating startup operations in the country and executing long-term expansion strategies, including the in-country launches of Kindle, FireTV and Alexa and its retail and marketplace growth. Prior to Amazon, Mr. Szapiro served as Country Manager for Apple (News - Alert) Brazil where he significantly grew and improved local operations. Earlier in his career, Mr. Szapiro held a variety of leadership and managerial positions at Palm, Submarino S/A, Motorola (News - Alert) and Citibank. He received a BS in Marketing and Advertising from Fundacao Armando Alvares Penteado, Brazil. About SoftBank Group The SoftBank Group invests in breakthrough technology to improve the quality of life for people around the world. The SoftBank Group is comprised of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO: 9984), an investment holding company that includes stakes in telecommunications, internet services, AI, smart robotics, IoT and clean energy technology providers; the SoftBank Vision Funds, which are investing up to US$100 billion to help extraordinary entrepreneurs transform industries and shape new ones; the US$5 billion SoftBank Latin America Fund, the largest venture fund in that region, and the SB Opportunity Fund, a US$100 million venture fund dedicated to investing in enterprises founded by entrepreneurs of color in the U.S. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005919/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Shade uses offensive attack to take down Shanksville in D5-A semis San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar warned her colleagues earlier this month shed be listening to them carefully for a week to see whether conventional wisdom that men do most of the talking and interrupting in meetings is true. What she didnt mention at the time? The chosen week had already passed, and it was too late for her male colleagues to zip their lips. Melgar announced March 9 she was celebrating Womens History Month by having allies at the San Francisco Womens Political Committee track the number of minutes spoken by male supervisors versus their female counterparts at all full board and committee meetings during an undisclosed week in March. But the secret week had already passed and it focused on the meetings held the week of March 1. The results are in, and men did indeed do more than their fair share of prattling. No surprise there! Melgar said, keeping her typically female response to a succinct three words. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle She said she got many tweets and texts from women supporting her plan when she announced it and, unusually, didnt hear a peep about it from any of her usually chatty male colleagues. They may have known better than to question it, she said. The surveyors took the number of men versus women on the full board and each separate committee, tracked the number of minutes spoken by each gender and determined whether the percentage was about equal to each genders representation in the group. So, say, a committee with 33% women should have women talking for 33% of the time. But in the full board meeting and all but one committee meeting, men talked more than they should have. Strangely, there are no women on the budget committee so men did all the talking there. And women talked slightly more than their due on the government audit and oversight committee. Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle The worst outcome took place at the land use and transportation committee where Melgar apparently didnt do enough talking compared to Supervisors Dean Preston and Aaron Peskin. Those men make up two-thirds of the committee, but talked a combined 84% of the time. At the full board, the seven men on the 11-member board should have talked 63.6% of the time, but chattered away for 73.5% of the meeting. The men were also the biggest interrupters and they were more likely to interrupt a woman than another man. Of all the interruptions, 84.5% came from men, and 56.8% of their interruptions were trained at women. Supervisor Matt Haney, chair of the all-male budget committee, said he wasnt surprised by the results. I do think all of us men need to do a better job of taking a step back, and that can often mean talking less, he said. I appreciate Supervisor Melgar doing this, and I hope this can lead to reflection for our whole board and some change. Melgar said she thinks the boards committees need more women on them because thats where so much of the real legislative work is done. When it is men asking all the questions, doing all the analysis, I think it leaves out the perspective of women, she said. It leads to a skewed outcome. Who will talk, who will act and who will provide the perspective? Well, rest easy, male supervisors. Now you know the secret week has passed. Go back to your gabbing. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf Instagram: @heatherknightsf By Hwang Yong-soo The years 2020 and 2021 mark periods of uncertainty in dealing with North Korea's weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and denuclearization. There were two big military parades in Pyongyang last year, demonstrating the solid will of the regime over strong deterrence with nuclear weapons and corresponding delivery systems. Still, there have been no field tests of the nuclear bombs and long-range missiles, including ICBMs, since 2017. But there was no progress at all in denuclearization over the last year. Pyongyang repeatedly announced the success of miniaturization and multiple nuclear warhead development. Meanwhile, the North's economy is essentially in danger due to continued international sanctions and the COVID-19 self-quarantine. At this moment, it is quite difficult to estimate the exact numbers of nuclear bombs and ICBMs deployed in the North. Roughly, North Korea is believed to possess 30 to 60 nuclear warheads at this moment, around 10 more than last year. And Hwasong-15 ICBMs seem to have been deployed in certain missile bases. But there is no evidence whether the newest ICBMs demonstrated in the parades are ready for mass production with the functions of multiple re-entry vehicles (MRVs). The year shall be of greater uncertainties, if we are not fully prepared. The new Biden administration is soon expected to announce its strategic policy to deal with North Korea. It shall be significantly different from the so-called "strategic patience" of the Obama administration. Also, the new comprehensive policy to deal with China in cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific region along with the new Nuclear Posture Review and other related policies shall significantly affect geopolitical issues in Northeast Asia. Certainly, the imminent reorientation of U.S. policy along with the dwindling economy of North Korea shall open new windows for either confrontation or peace talks throughout the remainder of the Biden administration. Punggye-ri, the test site for nuclear bombs, has been idle following a demolition campaign in May 2018. Many of the key facilities in the Yongbyon Atomic Energy Center (YAEC) have been quiet. The 5 MWe Magnox Reactor at YAEC has been idle. Due to significant flooding in 2020, many sections of the YAEC were damaged. Still, the research reactor remains intact at this moment. There was a rumor in the beginning of 2019 that North Korea was ready for another reprocessing campaign using the spent nuclear fuel rods stored in the reactor pool. But there was no follow-up news on the reprocessing. Again, in March 2021, many entities, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, expressed concerns over the new probable reprocessing campaign in Yongbyon. The only indirect evidence at this moment are plumes of steam observed from the thermal plant by satellite images. At this moment, the international community is closely reviewing detailed progress at the reprocessing plants. In practice, North Korea might have technical difficulties to manage the Magnox spent fuel in the wet storage pool. Unlike the U.S., the North does not have the technology for long-term storage of the spent fuel as discussed throughout the Agreed Framework negotiations. To solve this issue practically, international cooperation is recommended. There have been numerous efforts to check the state of uranium enrichment in the uranium enrichment plant (UEP) in Yongbyon. Many pointed out the continuous operation of centrifuges. Still, there are uncertainties in fully understanding the actual capability of enrichment and the operation and maintenance of the facilities. Many distinguished experts do not trust the full operation of that building. In addition, it has been more than a decade since Dr. Siegfried Hecker visited the UEP. Now, it is time to replace the old components with new ones. For real refurbishment, supportive activities are required to test the new core parts, such as centrifuges and cascades. Future verification is essential to fully understand the entire infrastructure of uranium enrichment nationwide. Some international scholars claimed there were suspicious activities at Yongdeok-dong, Wollo-ri, and Yungjeo-dong to store the stockpiles of fissile materials and nuclear warheads. Yet, there is no hard evidence to back up the claims. The circumstantial evidence released publicly is the existence of the underground facilities at these sites. Hard evidence is needed to fully understand the real functions of these installations. How to successfully manage the risks of nuclear WMDs in North Korea shall be a major ongoing issue for the Moon and Biden administrations. Some claim that time is on our side. Unfortunately, in practice, time has been and will be on the North's side. North Korea has continuously upgraded its nuclear weapons and delivery systems throughout its history. To solve the chronic impasses of North Korea's nuclearization, we need an integrated approach with three pillars an international political arrangement to assure the regime stability of the North, comprehensive verification protocols in strong cooperation with Pyongyang and the adaptive Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) package. Dr. Hwang Yong-soo is the principal researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). He served as a senior vice president, lab director and department head at the KAERI. He is a member of the Asia Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (APLN: www.apln.network). This article was published in cooperation with APLN . 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. 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. GENEVA, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SOCAR Trading, the Geneva-based global energy trader, has promoted Taghi Taghi-zada to Co-Head of Global Physical Trading with immediate effect. Taghi will work alongside Dario Striano, who is also promoted to Deputy Chief Trading Officer, Physical. Meanwhile, Elmar Aghamaliyev has been promoted to Deputy Chief Trading Officer, Paper. The promotions of Taghi Taghi-zada and Dario Striano are the result of the significant success of SOCAR Trading's Global Physical Trading (GPT) division, which was created two years ago when the regional crude desks were combined under a single management team. Under the skillful guidance of Dario Striano, ably supported by senior traders in key locations, GPT has greatly increased its revenue and new business lines, accompanied by better internal communication and a burgeoning global team spirit. Taghi Taghi-zada commented, "I am delighted to support Dario in the management of SOCAR Trading's unique Global Physical Trading division, and am extremely confident that, together with the extensive trading talent we have in our team, we will continue to expand our revenues and profits, and develop new markets." While maintaining his position as Co-Head of Global Physical Trading, Dario Striano's additional duties as Deputy CTO include taking an active role in SOCAR Trading's new business opportunities, while continuing to grow the current business operations and overseeing SOCAR Trading's exciting regional expansions. Dario Striano commented, "I am delighted by Taghi's appointment. He will bring exceptional leadership skills and experience to his new role. And I am thrilled to take on the additional role as Deputy CTO. These are extremely exciting times to be part of the SOCAR Trading team." While maintaining his position as Head of Geneva Paper Desk, Elmar Aghamaliyev's additional duties will include responsibility for monitoring all hedging and paper-specific activities of SOCAR Trading, as well as taking active roles in new developing paper markets, analytics and new technology ideas. Commenting on the promotions, Hayal Ahmadzada, Chief Trading Officer, said, "Taghi, Dario and Elmar have each performed extremely well during the pandemic, and I am very confident that they will rise to the challenges of their new roles and bring further success to SOCAR Trading. We pride ourselves on recruiting, training and retaining the very best talent in the industry, and our doors are always open to outstanding individuals." Taghi Taghi-zada joined SOCAR Trading from parent company SOCAR in May 2014 as a crude oil operator of Azeri Light and switched to a trading position the following year. Now an experienced trader, Taghi is highly skilled in commercial negotiations, business planning and analytics, as well as logistics and procurement. Dario Striano joined Socar Trading in 2014 from London-based Arcadia Trading and was previously a sour crude trader for the Mediterranean region. Elmar Aghamaliyev joined SOCAR Trading in 2010 as a crude oil operator of Azeri Light and switched to a trading position in 2012. In 2018, he was promoted to Head of Geneva Paper Desk. [email protected] Related Images image1.jpeg SOURCE SOCAR Trading Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Member of Parliament(MP) for Suhum, Kwadwo Asante has handed over Twenty Three (23) different kinds of vehicles to some Commercial Drivers in his constituency in aid of job creation among people in the transport business in the constituency. The vehicles range from Hyundai twelve seater buses, Daewoo salon cars, Kia morning salon cars and twenty five seater bus were presented by the MP on a 'work and pay' agreement. Hon Kwadwo Asante explained that the presentation of the vehicles is in fulfilment of one of his 2020 campaign promises that he will help anyone within his Constituency who is serious and ready to work, be it in the transport business, tailoring , dressmaking hairdressing, table top business people or even traders, in order to help improve their living standards. Hon. Kwadwo Asante advised drivers in general especially those who received the vehicles to be law abiding by obeying all rules and regulations on our roads in order to reduce road accidents. He urged the people of Suhum to embrace the 2021 budget in order to assist the government to deliver on its mandate for the betterment of all. Source: Emmanuel Akorli/Parliamentary Correspondent/Peace FM 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 Adm. John Aquilino speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington on June 30, 2016. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Threat to Taiwan Closer Than Most Think: US Admiral Taiwan is facing a more imminent threat from a possible Chinese invasion than most people realize, U.S. Adm. John Aquilino said during a hearing over his nomination to become commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) on March 23. Aquilino, who if confirmed would succeed Adm. Philip Davidson as commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, was asked during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about Davidsons recent comment that Beijing could invade Taiwan in the next six years. In response, Aquilino, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, declined to endorse the estimate, saying that there were many numbers out there ranging from today to 2045, but warned of the imminent threat against the self-ruled island. My opinion is, this problem is much closer to us than most think, Aquilino said. We have to take this on, put those deterrence capabilities like PDI in place in the near term and with urgency. The Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), created under the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Pentagons annual spending bill, is aimed at securing advanced military capabilities to deter Chinas military threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The PDI is akin to the European Deterrence Initiative (pdf), which was launched in 2014 to enhance U.S. military readiness in Europe. INDOPACOM has proposed that Congress should provide the PDI with around $27 billion in additional spending from 2022 to 2027, including $4.6 billion for the fiscal year 2022. The money would be spent on new weapons such as a missile defense system on Guam and collaboration with allies in the region. Aquilino said the Chinese regime has its eyes set on Taiwan, which Beijing claims is a part of its territory. They view it as their number one priority. The rejuvenation of the Chinese Communist Party is at stake, Aquilino said. Taiwan is a de facto independent country with its own democratically elected officials, military, constitution, and currency. Currently, Washington doesnt have formal diplomatic ties with Taipei but has maintained a robust relationship with the island under the Taiwan Relations Act, which authorizes the United States to supply Taiwan with military equipment for the islands defense. Two navy soldiers raise Taiwans national flag during an official ceremony at a shipyard in Suao, a township in Taiwans Yilan County, on Dec. 15, 2020. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images) However, the United States has maintained a longstanding policy of strategic ambiguitymeaning not clearly stating whether the U.S. government would come to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Aquilino hinted that the U.S. military wouldnt stand idly by in such an event because that would impact the credibility of the United States as a partner in the region. If the Chinese regime were to seize Taiwan, Aquilino said that would negatively impact the United States standing in the region and its ability to operate freely in that area. Additionally, global trade would be impacted given Taiwans strategic location, according to Aquilino. In terms of Taiwans self-defense, Aquilino applauded the island for investing in the Harpoon missile system. Im encouraged by the capabilities that theyre investing in, in an indigenous fashion for their defense. The example I would give you is the Harpoon system. I thought that was very thoughtful and the right capability for one example, Aquilino said. The Harpoon Coastal Defense System was part of a $2.37 billion U.S. arms sale to Taiwan approved by the Trump administration in October last year. Taiwans Vice Defense Minister Chang Che-ping said in a press conference on Oct. 27, 2019, that the Harpoon missiles would allow the islands military to destroy half of any Chinese invasion force, according to Taiwanese media. The Harpoon missile sale was one of more than 10 arms sales to Taiwan approved by the Trump administration. In November last year, it approved the sale of a $600 billion package of advanced drones to the island. Taiwan would be most vulnerable to a Chinese invasion in the spring. According to Aquilino, spring would be the best time of the year for the Chinese military to invade, considering light, weather, and sea conditions. China releases logo for CPC's 100th anniversary activities CGTN) 08:44, March 24, 2021 The Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Wednesday released the official logo for activities to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) Police in Makueni arrested a high school teacher after he was allegedly caught having sexual intercourse with one of his students in Makueni county. Vigilant residents tipped off Yinthungu Sub Location assistant chief Christopher Nthiwa after they saw the Kyase Secondary School teacher lock himself inside his house at Kyase market in Kathwonzeni with the female student on March 22. The administrator then alerted police who rushed to the house over fears that the teacher was sexually abusing the student. Immediately, officers rushed to the scene and found one Kevin Otieno Okumu a BOM [Board of Management] teacher at Kyase locked himself in a house where [he] resides, read a police report. After police compelled Mr Okumu to open the door, they found both the teacher and the student naked. The girl was under the bed while Okumu had a condom on and two other unused ones placed on his bed. Under the bed, police also found two pairs of school uniform, Colgate toothpaste, a toothbrush, and two books belonging to the KCSE candidate said to be 22 years of age. The two have been arrested and taken for medical examination at Kithuki Health Center, police said. While the student is of legal age(18), the Teachers Code of Conduct and Ethics (the Code) bars teachers from engaging in any sexual activity with a learner regardless of whether the student consents. Makueni County Commissioner Mohammed Maalim called on school administrators to thoroughly vet teachers to ensure that they uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. There are plenty of women out there who are looking for marriage partners. Teachers must stop targeting students, said Maalim. (CNN) AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine showed 79% efficacy against symptomatic disease and 100% efficacy against severe disease and hospitalization in a new, US-based clinical trial, the company said Monday. The findings from the new Phase 3 trial, which included more than 32,000 participants, may boost confidence in the vaccine, which was originally developed by the University of Oxford. The trial showed that the vaccine was well-tolerated and identified no safety concerns, the company said. An independent committee "found no increased risk of thrombosis or events characterized by thrombosis among the 21,583 participants receiving at least one dose of the vaccine," according to AstraZeneca. The new data came from a Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in the US, Chile and Peru. AstraZeneca says it plans to submit the findings to a scientific journal for peer review. For its part, Oxford said the findings add "to previous trial data from the United Kingdom, Brazil and South Africa, as well as real-world impact data from the United Kingdom" according to a press release from the university. As part of the trial, more than 32,000 volunteers recruited across all ages received either two doses of the vaccine or a placebo vaccine at a four-week interval. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine became the subject of controversy earlier in the month when a number of European countries including Norway, France and Denmark decided to temporarily suspend its rollout due to reports of blood clotting in patients post inoculation. An emergency investigation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came to the conclusion last Thursday that the vaccine is "safe and effective" in preventing coronavirus and "not associated with an increase in the overall risk of thromboembolic events, or blood clots." Co-designer of the vaccine and professor of Vaccinology at Oxford University Sarah Gilbert hailed the data for providing "further confirmation of the safety and effectiveness" of the vaccine. Lead Investigator for the vaccine and professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity at Oxford University Andrew Pollard said the AstraZeneca data was "consistent with the results from Oxford-led trials", adding that he expected a "strong impact against COVID-19 across all ages and for people of all different backgrounds from widespread use of the vaccine." The data will be sent to the US regulators, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as part of an application for emergency authorization of the vaccine in the country, AstraZeneca said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "AstraZeneca vaccine is 79% effective against symptomatic Covid-19, company says." Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Germany on Wednesday backtracked on its plan to impose a strict Easter weekend shutdown after a public outcry, as the European Union said it would tighten vaccine export controls in a bid to ramp up its stuttering inoculation campaign. Vaccinations across the EU remain stubbornly behind those of hard-hit countries outside the bloc, with Brussels blaming production and supply problems for the slow rollout. The melee over vaccines comes as several countries battle third waves of COVID-19, with some governments looking to impose new anti-virus measures despite widespread lockdown fatigue more than a year into the pandemic. Germany is scrapping plans to close most of the country's shops over Easter (April 1 to 5) after stinging criticism of the plan. The government instead asked people to stay home over the holiday and Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a mea culpa after reversing the measures. "This mistake is mine alone," Merkel said. "The whole process has caused additional uncertainty, for which I ask all citizens to forgive me." Germany is also weighing a temporary ban on certain trips abroad to help curb infections, a government spokeswoman said. Tougher measures Elsewhere on the continent, Belgium said it would bring in a new partial lockdown for four weeks, closing schools and limiting access to non-essential shops as it seeks to quell a third wave. Poland meanwhile recorded its highest daily infections with nearly 30,000 new cases, while the Netherlands extended coronavirus restrictions until April 20 and France imposed new lockdown measures in three regions. Vaccines are seen as the way out of a pandemic that has now killed more than 2.7 million people around the world and plunged the global economy into a recession not seen in decades. More than 479 million vaccine doses have now been administered globally, mainly in wealthier countries with Israel, the United States and Britain leading the pack. But with demand far outstripping supply, countries are scrambling to secure much-needed doses of the handful of vaccines approved around the world. The EU said its tougher export rules would prevent what it sees as an unfair one-way flow of vaccines out of the bloc. "Open roads should run in both directions," European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said. Brussels insisted the measure was not an "export ban", but it could limit vaccine exports to countries like Britain which produce some of their own vaccines but do not in turn send doses to the EU. AstraZeneca woes Brussels accuses the former EU member of laying claim to AstraZeneca vaccines produced at a plant in the Netherlands, and says the UK-based company has fallen short on deliveries promised to the EU. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hit back Wednesday, issuing a warning over so-called blockades. "I would just gently point out to anybody considering a blockade, or interruption of supply chains, that companies may look at such actions and draw conclusions about whether or not it is sensible to make future investments in countries where arbitrary blockades are imposed," he said. The tussle has added to AstraZeneca's woes after several countries suspended its vaccine over blood clot fears. The World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency have both said the jab is safe and effective, dismissing feared links with clots. Finland on Wednesday said it would resume the shot for over 65s, while Iceland would do the same for people over 70, joining several countries that have started using the vaccine again. In a fresh controversy, the British-Swedish firm this week published promising results from its US trials, but a day later the US National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) raised concerns the results were outdated. The head of the agency, Anthony Fauci, said the data discrepancy was a "bump in the road" and hoped it would not puncture confidence in vaccines. "When you look at the data, this is going to turn out to be a good vaccine," said Fauci, the White House's top pandemic adviser. AstraZeneca has backed its shot, saying Tuesday that a review found the interim results it had announced were "consistent", and that it would release new analysis and data "within 48 hours". 'Like a war' The pandemic has taken a turn for the worse in many nations, with known infections worldwide approaching 124 million. Hard-hit Brazil's daily death toll crossed 3,000 for the first time, as the South American nation's healthcare infrastructure was pushed to the brink by an explosion of cases. Supplies of medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients have fallen to "worrying" levels in six of Brazil's 27 states, officials said Tuesday. The warning raised fears of a repeat of horrific scenes in the northern city of Manaus in January, when oxygen shortages left dozens of COVID-19 patients to suffocate to death. "You have no idea what it is to see families running around to find oxygen canisters," Manaus-based doctor Adele Benzaken told AFP. "It was like a warthe chaos of a bombing, when people are running around desperately without knowing what to do." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas (above) was published by Bloomsbury last month and became a bestseller Bloomsbury's chief executive has said the surge in reading during lockdown has been 'a ray of sunshine in an otherwise very dark year' as the publisher upgraded its annual profit expectations for the second time this year. Nigel Newton stated the company had an 'exceptional sales performance' last month, though he warned that it was hard to forecast whether this momentum will be kept up. 'We do not yet know how consumer behaviour will change as academic institutions, shops, and leisure activities re-open and whether this popularity will continue as restrictions are lifted,' he remarked. 'We are confident, though, in the underlying strength of our business, the quality of our titles and content and our long-term strategy. Our medium and long-term expectations remain unchanged.' Nonetheless, shares in the firm jumped 11.2 per cent to 2.98 today after it declared profits for the year to February 28 are anticipated to be 'significantly ahead' of its previously enhanced estimate of 14.8million. Bloomsbury said sales were strong in its consumer division, which includes Harry Potter, while its digital academic content has also seen increased demand for remote access to learning materials. Fantasy novel A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas was one of the group's top-selling books in February and was featured on both The Times and New York Times bestseller lists. It forms the fifth part of her novel series A Court of Thorns and Roses, which follows the tale of mortal Feyre Archeron. A separate book by Maas, Crescent City: House Of Earth And Blood, has already sold exceptionally well over the last year. The Harry Potter anthology, traditionally one of the biggest earners for Bloomsbury, also continued to be purchased in high quantities by consumers last month Other high-sellers included We are Bellingcat by Eliot Higgins, whose investigative journalism website uncovered the suspects behind the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal in Salisbury in 2018. Fantasy book Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, the author behind Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and Anna North's Outlawed, a western centering on a midwife's daughter, provided another boost for the publisher. The Harry Potter anthology, traditionally one of the biggest earners for Bloomsbury, also continued to be purchased in high quantities by consumers, as did Song of Achilles, a modern retelling of Homer's Iliad, and the Indian cookbook Dishoom. Bloomsbury book We are Bellingcat is written by Eliot Higgins, who runs the website that uncovered the suspects behind the Sergei and Yulia Skripal's poisoning in Salisbury in 2018 Since the start of the pandemic, the London-based group has experienced a bumper sales period, reporting profits of 4million for the half-year to the end of August, the highest in more than a decade. It revealed today it had paid back 63,000 of furlough cash that it claimed from the UK government and has not applied for any other publicly-funded Covid relief measures. In addition, the FTSE-listed firm said employees who received a temporary pay cut in the first three months of the financial year have been reimbursed. Check out the news you should not miss today: Politics -- The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday held a ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City to send off the staff of the third Level-2 Field Hospital, who will participate in the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, the Vietnam News Agency reported the same day. Society -- Vietnams COVID-19 tally on Wednesday morning stood at 2,576, with 291 under treatment, 2,246 recoveries, and 35 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. -- A stretch of National Highway No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh Citys Binh Tan District on Tuesday suffered heavy traffic for hours after a crash between two container trucks and a seven-seater car. -- Ma Thi Huyen, 23, from the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, on Tuesday expressed her gratitude to the provincial traffic police who found over VND100 million (US$4,326) she had forgetfully left on a passenger bus the night before. -- The British Council Vietnam last week launched the Rivers of Life project in the southern province of Dong Thap, in the hope of raising the young generation's awareness about the impact of climate change on the living environment as well as finding a sustainable solution to the challenges that the Mekong Delta is facing, the British Embassy in Hanoi announced on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday. Business -- Vietnamese airlines are projected to post losses totaling VND15 trillion ($650 million) in 2021, with their revenue continuing to plunge from that of last year, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Tuesday, quoting the Vietnam Aviation Business Association. Lifestyle -- The Lady Thu Bon Festival, held annually from the 10th to the 12th of February in the lunar calendar to pray for prosperity, good crops, and peace, of people in the central province of Quang Nam was recognized on Tuesday as national intangible cultural heritage. -- Ngoc Thao, Vietnams representative at 2020 Miss Grand International, which is being held in Thailand, will compete with more than 60 rivals in the national costume round with a design weighing nearly 30kg on Wednesday. Education -- Ho Chi Minh City will award students who win gold medals at Olympiads as well as international scientific and technical research competitions VND200 million ($8,658) each, according to the citys newly-passed regulations. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! New Delhi: A BJP mandal president was found dead near the party office in Dinhata in the Cooch Behar district on Wednesday (March 24). The party workers alleged that TMC was behind the incident and that it was a pre-planned murder. "It's a pre-planned murder. They (TMC) want us (BJP workers) to just sit at home out of fear but we will continue our fight," a BJP worker was quoted as saying by ANI. BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said that such attempts will not deter the party's commitment towards making a "Sonar Bangla". "This is 'Didi-Bhaipo's khela', they want to scare away the voters ahead of the first phase of polling for West Bengal elections. We are committed towards making a 'Sonar Bangla'," said Vijayvargiya. Campaigning in the poll-bound state has reached a feverish pitch with both rival parties accusing each other of violence and attacks on their party workers. On Wednesday, PM Modi held a rally in Kanthi in the Purba Medinipur district, where he said, "On May 2, 'Didi jacche, ashol poriborton asche' (On May 2, Didi (Mamata Banerjee will be ousted and real change will come)." Elections to the 294-member state Assembly 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 * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A Senate operating in the "nuclear winter" Minority Leader Mitch McConnell promises if the filibuster is eliminated is one in which lawmakers face incessant roll calls and other inconveniences turning their comfortable lives into a living hell. Why it matters: In employing apocalyptic language to warn about a "scorched-earth" response, the Kentucky Republican is trying to scare Democrats away from the tool they're considering to break through the GOP's own political obstinance. Some tools at McConnell's disposal: Demanding roll call votes on procedural points of order, forcing Democratic senators and Vice President Kamala Harris the tie-breaking 51st vote to live on standby at the Capitol. Unnecessary quorum calls, pausing Senate business while the secretary issues a roll call vote to ensure all 100 senators are present on the floor. It only takes one member to call for it. Rotating Republicans onto the floor for hours-long debate about motions and bills reminiscent of the technique illustrated in the 1939 movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Asking Senate secretaries to read through lengthy bills and amendments, similar to what Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) did before a vote on President Biden's coronavirus relief package which took more than 10 hours. Senate GOP aides say they could introduce 2,000-page substitute amendments to make the process particularly tedious. Senate aides say McConnell would be very strategic about how he and other Republicans fiddle with the rules, and they insist he isn't bluffing. They point to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece by columnist Kim Strassel, saying it was "spot on" in detailing the pain McConnell could inflict if Democrats go down this route. Strassel wrote: "The Senate convenes. Quorum call. The presiding officer asks for consent to forgo reading yesterdays journal. Republicans object. Roll call vote. The officer asks for consent to speed through 'morning business.' Republicans object." "Democrats move to get on an issue. Point of order. Roll-call vote. Quorum call. Republicans object to the motion. Roll-call vote. A speech. Quorum call. Etc., and so on, until adjournment." The other side: Democrats insist they've heard it before, and their supporters are sick of McConnell's rhetoric especially after he changed the filibuster rule to let President Trump fill three Supreme Court seats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), speaking last week on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," dismissed McConnells talk as a blustery threat." We're not going to be deterred. We're going to go forward because we know the American people demand, need, want bold change. And we're going to do it. Mitch McConnell can do all the threatening and bluster he wants. It's not going to stop us, Schumer said. Senate Democratic aides also characterized these tactics as acts of futility that would ultimately delay the inevitable. Regardless of the arduous mechanisms the GOP could implement, they say, if Democrats were to eliminate the filibuster, theyll be able to enact far more of their agenda. They'd also be very painful for Republicans, who would need to spend far more time in the Capitol than they do now when theyd rather be back in their districts. In the end, this would be obstruction for the sake of obstruction, one senior Democratic aide said. The backdrop: Democrats are a long way off from reforming the filibuster, let alone eliminating it, and its unlikely theyll get the votes to do so in the current Senate given two moderates who have pledged to keep it. CLEVELAND, Ohio One of two men charged in connection with a shootout inside a diner in the citys Cudell neighborhood spent three years in prison for his role in a deadly 2014 shooting outside a Cleveland Heights bar. Anthony Hunt, 29, is charged with aggravated murder in the early Monday shootout at My Friends Restaurant on Detroit Avenue and West 117th Street. Antonio Ortiz, 25, is also charged with aggravated murder. Both are in custody. The two men are accused of firing multiple shots at each other. Hunts bullets killed Geongela Rivers, 21, and Ortizs killed Keondre Austin, 27, according to court records. Cleveland police said an argument between Austin and Ortiz inside the restaurant sparked the shootout. Police have not said what the argument was over or why it escalated into gunfire at the popular all-night diner. Ortiz and Hunt pulled out guns and fired at each other. Both Hunt and Ortiz suffered gunshot wounds in the shootout. Hunt, Ortiz and Rivers all had criminal histories, including Hunts involvement in a 2014 shooting outside the Double R Bar and Grill in Cleveland Heights. Hunt served a three-year prison sentence after a friend, Darius Wills, used Hunts gun to fire more than two-dozen shots outside the Double R Bar and Grill. Arrion Smiley, 25, a mother and health information technology worker, died in that shooting and another woman suffered a gunshot wound to her ankle. Willis received a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 18 years. Another co-defendant, Jamahl Drake, was sentenced to nine years in prison. Hunt told Cleveland Heights police the identities of Drake and Willis and told investigators what he learned after the shooting, according to court records filed in his case. After he cooperated with the police, he received several death threats, the records say. Hunts father, Anthony Hubbard, was shot to death in January 2016, while Hunt was serving his prison sentence, according to police and court records. Ortiz has two prior felony convictions, including one for an armed robbery in University Heights in 2013. He was 17 at the time of the incident and was sentenced in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court to serve a minimum of one year in prison and a maximum of more than three years, until he turned 21, in a youth prison. In 2016, Cleveland police gang investigators arrested him on a gun charge after tossing a gun as he ran from police. He was sentenced in that case to serve 90 days in jail and two years on probation. At the time of her death, Rivers was free on $20,000 bond in two separate robbery cases. A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted her March 5. She was scheduled for arraignment on March 31. Rivers, on Nov. 21, forced her way into a 26-year-old womans apartment, attacked her, and ran away with her purse, according to court records. In a second case, on Dec. 17, she stole her cousins car at gunpoint during an argument over money, court records say. Cleveland police arrested her on Feb. 4. Rivers also pleaded guilty in 2017 to a misdemeanor charge of falsification and was sentenced to pay a $100 fine. In that case, she purposefully gave Cleveland Heights police misleading information about the person responsible for a shooting. She agreed to testify against the shooter, Marquan McCutchen, who shot up a home on Kildare Avenue several times. McCutchen eventually pleaded guilty to attempted felonious assault and was sentenced to two years on probation. Read more from cleveland.com: Two arrested in shootout that left two dead at Cleveland diner, gunmen wounded, police say Two dead, two hurt in Cleveland diner shooting, suspected shooter among the injured Man ditched guns used to kill Cleveland police officer, informant, court records say A judge committed a New London woman accused of fatally strangling her 4-year-son to the states psychiatric hospital Tuesday after a panel of experts ruled she is incapable of participating in her own defense. Tiffany Farrauto, 33, who was charged with murder and risk of injury to a child, told police on March 7 she was excited that she had killed her son because she wanted to get back at her own mother who she blamed for her failures, a newly released arrest warrant said. During her appearance Tuesday, a state social worker told Judge Hillary Strackbein that Farrauto displayed a disorganized thought process, and was at times confused and easily led during the evaluation which took place at York Correctional Institution on March 12. At this time she is unable to understand the proceedings against her, said Joanne Holmes, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services social worker who was part of the team that conducted the competency review. Minutes later, Strackbein committed Farrauto to Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown for a period of 60 days to receive in-patient treatment in the hope of restoring her competency to stand trial. The court will reassess her competency on May 20, Strackbein said. Farrauto, 33, of Nautilus Drive, calmly approached officers the morning of March 7 as they were looking for the woman who had allegedly damaged a car with a bat in the parking lot of her apartment complex, according to the warrant. Farrauto, who was the suspect in the bat incident, admitted that she had marijuana in her apartment when asked if she was carrying any and then said, you can take me away now because her son is already dead and is in the house, the warrant said. Farrauto told police she had strangled him and put CBD gummies in his mouth, the warrant said. She then proclaimed I did it! I (expletive) did it! while seated in a marked cruiser and then made references to being able to do whatever you want in heaven, it doesnt matter how much you sinned, according to the warrant. She then said, I just killed my son and Im so excited about it too. I never thought I would do that, the warrant said. Meanwhile an officer had entered the unlocked door of her apartment and found the boy lifeless at the foot of a bed, the warrant said. Gummy bear candies where scattered on the childs chest, the bedding and the floor, according to investigators. The officer began CPR and called for help. The child was pronounced dead at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital shortly after he arrived. The child had marks on his neck and chest and abrasions across his chest, the warrant said. Neighbors told police that they had arrived home at about 4:30 a.m. and later heard a child screaming and crying, along with noises that sounded like things being thrown around, the warrant said. While in custody at the police station, Farrauto said she had killed her son to get back at her mother because she believes her mother is responsible for her failures, the warrant said. Investigators wrote in the warrant that Farrauto went on to calmly speak about the Bible and mentioned the scripture of John. Farrauto was charged hours later with murder and risk of injury to a child. She was held on $2 million bond after her arraignment in the days following her arrest. A judge ordered a competency hearing to determine if she was able to participate in her own defense. A New London bail commissioner and her public defender, Aimee Mahon, told the court at the time that Farrauto was suffering from very serious mental health issues. Mahon requested the competency evaluation which later revealed that Farrauto was suffering from residual psychiatric symptoms, according to Holmes. Farrauto showed high levels of emotionality, which interfered with her concentration and her ability to learn and retain new information, particularly of a more sophisticated level, Holmes said. The team, which included a DMHAS psychiatrist and psychologist, unanimously agreed that Farrauto was incompetent to stand trial or assist in her own defense. But her competency could possibly be restored with 60 days of in-patient treatment. If competency is not restored within 60 days, state law says the process will continue with treatment and hearings until she is deemed competent to stand trial and participate in her own defense. Prior to her arrest, Farrauto had recently contacted the state Department of Children and Families to express concerns that an unknown party may have maltreated her son, the agency said in a March 8 statement. Upon review, we provided the mother with information on resources in the community, the statement said. It wasnt the first time that Farrauto was involved with DCF, the statement said. In 2017, the agency stepped in to deal with issues centered around allegations of substance abuse and supports needed to care for a newborn, the statement said. The agency and community partners provided assistance to the family while actively working with their extended networks of support, the statement said. Farrauto has no prior convictions and the only interaction that police had with her in the past was a motor vehicle violation in 2010, officials said. [March 24, 2021] Digihost Acquires 60 MW Power Plant Increasing Hashrate Capacity to 3 EH TORONTO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digihost Technology Inc. (Digihost or the Company) (TSXV: DGHI; OTCQB: HSSHF) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a binding agreement (the Agreement) for the purchase of a 60 MW power plant (Digifactory1) located in the State of New York, bringing the Companys total power capacity to approximately 102 MW. The Companys ability to generate its own power will significantly reduce electricity costs, the Companys largest operating expense for its cryptocurrency mining operations. It is estimated that with the acquisition of Digifactory1, the all-in cost of electricity will be reduced to under US$0.03 per kw/h. To the extent possible, the Company intends to source and utilize renewable natural gas for the operations of Digifactory1 and also engage in the practice of acquiring renewable energy certificates, all in line with the Companys objective to mitigate its carbon footprint. Digifactory1 will have the capacity to operate an additional 18,000 top tier Bitcoin miners, which if added to the existing fleet of 11,500 miners already in operation, would combine for a total Bitcoin mining capacity of approximately 400 Bitcoins per month as of todays mining difficulty factor. Additionally, the expanded capacity would allow for a potential increase to the existing hashrate of 190 PH to up to 3 EH. This substantial increase in both Bitcoin mining output capacity and hashrate would be the direct result of potentially adding up to 18,000 latest generation Bitcoin miners, versus the current operating mix of 11,500 older and newer version Bitcoin miners. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company will pay to the vendor cash consideration of US$3,500,000 and issue to the vendor 437,318 common shares of the Company with a deemed value of US$750,000 (US$1.72 per share). Alec Amar, the Companys President stated: We are extremely excited to have achieved this milestone in the evolution of our Company. Vertical integration is a fundamental aspect of our business model, which will enable us to maximize Bitcoin mining efficiency and continuing to create sustainable value for our shareholders. The addition of Digifactory1 will further reduce the electricity costs of our already efficient operations, and will also provide additional capacity to operate a new fleet of top tier Bitcoin miners. The transaction is expected to close within ninety days subject to TSX Venture Exchange and all required regulatory approvals. The securitie issuable in connection therewith will be subject to a statutory four month and a day hold period. Further announcements will be made on the status of the transaction and closing. About Digihost Technology Inc. Digihost Technology Inc. is a growth-oriented blockchain company primarily focused on Bitcoin mining. The Company's mining facility is located in Buffalo, N.Y., and is equipped with an 18.7MVA 115,000-kilovolt-ampere outdoor substation with an option to increase the power output to 42MVA. The Company is currently mining approximately 1.2 Bitcoins per day, subject to difficulty. Digihosts strategy is to focus on continually increasing its hashrate with a concurrent reduction in energy costs. For further information, please contact: Digihost Technology Inc. www.digihost.ca Michel Amar, Chief Executive Officer Email: michel@digihost.ca Cautionary Statement Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. 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 Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information in this news release includes information about potential further improvements to profitability and efficiency across mining operations as a result of the acquisition of Digifactory1, potential for the Companys long-term growth, and the business goals and objectives of the Company. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the ability to obtain regulatory approval for and complete the acquisition of Digifactory1 on the terms as announced or at all; the ability to successfully integrate the acquisition of Digifactory1 on an economic basis or at all; continued effects of the COVID19 pandemic may have a material adverse effect on the Companys performance as supply chains are disrupted and prevent the Company from operating its assets; a decrease in cryptocurrency pricing, volume of transaction activity or generally, the profitability of cryptocurrency mining; further improvements to profitability and efficiency may not be realized; the digital currency market; the Companys ability to successfully mine digital currency on the cloud; the Company may not be able to profitably liquidate its current digital currency inventory, or at all; a decline in digital currency prices may have a significant negative impact on the Companys operations; the volatility of digital currency prices; and other related risks as more fully set out in the Annual Information Form of the Company and other documents disclosed under the Companys filings at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions about: the current profitability in mining cryptocurrency (including pricing and volume of current transaction activity); profitable use of the Companys assets going forward; the Companys ability to profitably liquidate its digital currency inventory as required; historical prices of digital currencies and the ability of the Company to mine digital currencies on the cloud will be consistent with historical prices; and there will be no regulation or law that will prevent the Company from operating its business. The Company has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of the Company's normal course of business. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] More coronavirus patients were being cared for in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia on Wednesday as more positive cases flocked south from Papua New Guinea. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there were 67 active cases in Queensland and about half were returned travellers from PNG. More COVID-positive patients are being cared for in Queensland than anywhere else in Australia. Credit:Joe Armao Four new cases were detected in Queensland in the past 24 hours, two people from PNG and one who had been in transit through the Pacific nation. On Wednesday NSW had 56 active cases and Victoria zero, after the state paused all international arrivals last month. The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. WASHINGTON, D. . - Earlier this month, fraternity hazing at Bowling Green State University is believed to have killed sophomore Stone Foltz of Delaware, Ohio. In 2018, 18-year-old Collin Wiant died in a hazing incident at Ohio University. Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown says legislation hes introduced to address hazing on college campuses could help prevent future deaths. His bill would require that hazing incidents be included in colleges yearly crime reports, establish a definition of hazing to clarify what constitutes a reportable offense, and require institutions to establish programs to educate students about the dangers of hazing. This isnt a rite of passage, Brown told reporters on Wednesday. He observed that in addition to those who are killed, many other students end up hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, some of whom suffer long term damage. Its not fun and games in any way, Brown continued. Its not something everyone does or everyone needs to do in schools. Its dangerous. It threatens the health and safety and lives of far too many Ohio students. Wiants mother, Kathleen, recalled how police awakened her family in Columbus in the middle of the night to inform them of Collins death. As the month went by, we began to learn that for the last weeks of Collins life, he had endured extreme hazing, Wiant told reporters. He was beaten, belted, waterboarded, and forced drugs. Our family, individually and collectively, has experienced the most painful type of heartbreak, unimaginable, because of hazing. Since Collins death, she says her family has devoted itself to fighting hazing. We have a culture that dismisses hazing with this boys will be boys mentality when torturous acts like beatings and waterboarding are dressed up with words like tradition, rituals, brotherhood or rites of passage, said Wiant. We need to call it what it really is. Its abuse, and its barbaric. She estimated that 1.5 million high school children are hazed each year and that 55 percent of students in college clubs, teams and other organizations are hazed. In addition to killing and physically injuring students, she said hazing can cause permanent mental trauma for students. She said parents and students need access to information about hazing to preserve student safety. If the law Brown is promoting was in effect when her son went to college, Wiant said her family would have been able to see that the fraternity he pledged previously sent an aspiring member to the emergency room with a head wound, and learned that it was suspended because of its hazing practices. Armed with that information, she said Collin would not have pledged that fraternity and could be here, alive to celebrate his 21st birthday this Saturday. Congress didnt act on similar legislation that Brown introduced in 2019. Brown told reporters he believes support for the legislation will grow as members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate learn more about it. It clearly has public support, when you ask people, but its just not risen to get peoples attention, said Brown. Thats why what Ms. Wiant is doing is so important, speaking out. Wiant compared the battle against hazing to long-ago efforts to criminalize drunken driving. We know that when we change laws, it does change behavior and how things are perceived, said Wiant. If you look at drunk driving, for instance, decades ago, that was a serious problem and enough people got angry about it and changed the laws. Thats where we are with hazing. Once people realize its taken seriously, and this can be a felony, (theyll say) I want to graduate college with a degree, not a felony. Then they start changing their behavior. Read more: Census Bureau tells Senate hearing its unlikely to provide redistricting information by Ohios deadline White House reveals details of President Bidens trip to Columbus Marcia Fudges White House discussion of Ohio politics may have violated the Hatch Act: report HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge touts American Rescue Plan at White House press conference Biden to visit Ohio next week, Sen. Sherrod Brown says Ohios U.S. Senators concerned about reports that Ford will send new work to Mexico instead of Avon Lake University study deems Jim Jordan ineffective at passing legislation, says other Ohioans get better results Earmarks that let Congress members direct money to local projects will resume over objections from some Ohio Republicans House votes to expand gun background checks over objections from Ohios Jim Jordan Senate confirms Rep. Marcia Fudge as President Bidens Housing and Urban Development Secretary Rep. Jim Jordan climbs aboard Free Britney Spears bandwagon, questions conservatorships Jim Jordans campaign faces questions over accounting discrepancies that exceed $100K Houstonians may feel ready to return to restaurants, but restaurants are having a hard time getting ready to serve them en masse. The problem: finding employees. Even as restaurants roll out incentive packages to coax workers to take the jobs, restaurants are still running thin on staff. Its brutal to hire right now, said Aaron Lyons, chief executive of the Dish Society, a local restaurant chain. Its been really challenging for us. The reasons for restaurants hiring woes remain uncertain. Fortified unemployment benefits, which pay jobless workers an extra $300 a week, may play a role in sustaining workers and delaying their return to a job on the pandemics front lines, where they are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19, analysts said. Workers may also be fleeing for work thats more reliable, given the ups and downs of the restaurant industry even in good times. On HoustonChronicle.com: Houston traffic is back, and that's a good sign for the economy Despite the risks faced by hospitality workers, they were low on vaccination priority lists, said Lindsay Rae Burleson, longtime bartender and owner of Two Headed Dog, a bar in Midtown. Then came shutdown after shutdown, and long waits on the phone to get their unemployment checks. There are a lot of service industry professionals that dont want to go back, she said. Can you blame them? They didnt really get the support they needed or deserved. The good news for workers in consumer-driven sectors in addition to the state opening vaccines to all adults is employers are now competing for their attention, said Mathieu Stevenson, CEO of the hiring platform Snagajob. Its actually a very, very tight labor market for employers right now, he said. That is driving up pay and incentives for restaurant workers, and forcing employers to think about safe work environments that make employees feel comfortable enough to return. So far, incentives are not quite doing the trick, said Lyons, the Dish Society CEO. He opened a new location in West University late last year and also opened a location Katy last week. To attract staff, hes had to offer $100 bonuses for incoming workers and $100 referral bonuses to existing employees who recommend them. Still, he is understaffed at each of his five open restaurants as he looks to hire about 20 more people across the company. Youve got a lot of people exiting the industry, Lyons said. He cited a year of particular instability, as restaurants were closed, reopened and required to operate at reduced capacities. That meant fewer tips and lower earnings for servers, bartenders and other employees who depend on tips. And with so much of restaurants business still coming from takeout, he added, The tips arent really there. Trong Nguyen, owner of Crawfish & Noodles in Chinatown, said it was much harder than usual to recruit workers last month ahead of the rush that comes with crawfish season. So far, his sales are about 90 percent of a normal March. On HoustonChronicle.com: Crawfish & Noodles to open new restaurant at Houston Farmers Market Nguyen, too, offered incoming workers more cash while hiring, but still came up short. So, hes working more hours to fill in the gaps. We have to work around it, he said. I work along with the staff and help them out with everything. If Burleson wasnt obligated to her watering hole in Midtown, she said she would go back to teaching a profession facing its own challenges, but at least one that wont soon be shut down. I think this is very much a personal decision for people, she said. Painting it with a broad stroke just doesnt apply here. amanda.drane@chron.com Twitter.com/amandadrane Victorians hoping to attend this years Anzac Day dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance and the CBD parade must apply online and will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Veterans Minister Shaun Leane said Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton had given the green light for 1400 people to honour Australias service men and women at the Shrines dawn service and 5500 people to attend the traditional march through the city. Crowds will once again be allowed to attend a dawn service at the Shrine of Remembrance this Anzac Day. Credit:Eddie Jim But Victorians must apply for permission via the Shrine of Remembrance website to attend both events. RSL Victoria chief executive Jamie Twidale said applications would open next month and would be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. And after a year of living, shopping and exercising close to home, Victorians are also being urged to pay tribute to the nations armed services at local events. VANCOUVER, BC, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ - Foran Mining Corporation (TSXV: FOM) ("Foran" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Rogers, PhD, PE, to its board of directors as Non-Executive Director. Dr. Rogers brings a wealth of experience to the board with almost 20 years of experience at the forefront of the development of ESG ("Environment, Social and Governance") standards and principles. Foran Mining Corporation Logo (CNW Group/Foran Mining Corporation) Dr. Rogers is the founder and former CEO of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board ("SASB"), an independent non-profit, organisation that develops sustainability accounting standards and sector-specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for sustainability. Under Dr. Rogers' leadership (2010-2018), SASB become the gold standard for disclosure of ESG risks recognized by long-term institutional investors globally and developed sustainability accounting standards for 79 industries with the involvement of 3,000 stakeholders. Dr. Rogers is also a strategic advisor to the 'Long Term Stock Exchange' and was named by Barron's as one of the Top 20 Influencers of Sustainable Investing in 2018. Dr. Jean Rogers, Non-Executive Director of Foran commented: "With the acceleration of the inevitable clean energy transition, investors are realizing that sustainable mining is central to the viability of a decarbonized future. Our earth's mineral resources such as copper and zinc are critical elements of the electrification of our economy. I am very much looking forward to working with the leadership team at Foran to build a resilient company that exemplifies sustainable operating practices for the mining industry, rises to the clean technology challenge, and maximizes value for shareholders, stakeholders, and society." Dan Myerson, Executive Chairman of Foran commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rogers to the board. She is a true pioneer in the ESG advisory space having been an inspirational leader in sustainable development for nearly 20 years, focused on integrating ESG standards into the capital markets. As we develop a blueprint for the future of responsible mining with robust ESG principles at its heart, having the right team in place to achieve our vision is crucial. Story continues Dr. Rogers' extensive, hands-on experience measuring and managing environmental impacts, developing carbon neutral plans for cities and companies, and evaluating ESG risks and opportunities will be invaluable as we create a clean tech sustainable paradigm for the mining industry. With ESG rightfully becoming an urgent focus for investors, government and the public, Dr. Rogers' deep and granular understanding of ESG implementation in a diverse range of industries will be instrumental in achieving our long-term vision and creating real value for our shareholders and the communities in which we operate for generations to come." Prior to founding SASB, Dr. Rogers worked for more than a decade in sustainable development for Arup, a global engineering consultancy, and for Deloitte in management consulting. She is a registered professional engineer in the State of California. Dr. Rogers holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil and environmental engineering, and she is a former Loeb Fellow at Harvard University. Dr. Rogers is a recipient of INSEAD's Society for Progress Medal, an advisor to INSEAD's Hoffmann Global Institute for Business and Society, and a visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School where she works with social entrepreneurs. In conjunction with Dr. Roger's appointment, and in accordance with its Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, the Company has granted a total of 200,000 incentive stock options which are exercisable into common shares of Foran at an exercise price of $1.05 per share, subject to certain vesting requirements and with an expiry of March 24, 2026. About Foran Mining Foran Mining is a copper-zinc-gold-silver exploration and development company, and we are committed to supporting a greener future, empowering communities and creating circular economies which create value for all our stakeholders, while also safeguarding the environment. Foran Mining is building the first mine in Canada to be carbon neutral from day one. We are in the feasibility stage of development for our flagship McIlvenna Bay project in eastern Saskatchewan. McIlvenna Bay is a copper-zinc-gold-silver rich VMS deposit intended to be the center of a new mining camp in a prolific district that has already been producing for 100 years. McIlvenna Bay sits just 65km from Flin Flon, Manitoba and is part of the world class Flin Flon Greenstone Belt that extends from Snow Lake, Manitoba, through Flin Flon to Foran's ground in eastern Saskatchewan, a distance of over 225km. McIlvenna Bay is the largest undeveloped VMS deposit in the region. The Company filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report for the PFS on the McIlvenna Bay Deposit on SEDAR on April 28, 2020. Foran's copper-zinc VMS Bigstone Deposit is expected to serve as additional feed for the mill at McIlvenna Bay. The Company filed a NI 43-101 Technical Report for the Bigstone Deposit's first resource estimate on January 21, 2021. Foran trades on the TSX.V under the symbol "FOM". Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward Looking Statements CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward looking statements"), which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "hopes", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: complete the feasibility study in a timely manner, and the anticipated capital and operating costs, sustaining costs, net present value, internal rate of return, payback period, process capacity, average annual metal production, average process recoveries, anticipated mining and processing methods, proposed PFS production schedule and metal production profile, anticipated construction period, anticipated mine life, expected recoveries and grades, anticipated production rates, infrastructure, social and environmental impact studies, future financial or operating performance of the Company, subsidiaries and its projects, estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, opportunities for exploration, development and expansion of the McIlvenna Bay Project, its potential mineralization, the future price of metals, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, costs and timing of future exploration, the timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, foreign exchange risk, government regulation of mining and exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, insurance coverage and regulatory matters. In addition, these statements involve assumptions made with regard to the Company's ability to develop the McIlvenna Bay Project and to achieve the results outlined in the PFS, and the ability to raise capital to fund construction and development of the McIlvenna Bay Project. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: our mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based, including geotechnical and metallurgical characteristics of rock confirming to sampled results and metallurgical performance; tonnage of ore to be mined and processed; ore grades and recoveries; assumptions and discount rates being appropriately applied to the technical studies; success of the Company's projects, including the McIlvenna Bay Project; prices for zinc, copper, gold and silver remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital decommissioning and reclamation estimates; mineral reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information include known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the projected and actual effects of the COVID-19 coronavirus on the factors relevant to the business of the Corporation, including the effect on supply chains, labour market, currency and commodity prices and global and Canadian capital markets, fluctuations in zinc, copper, gold and silver prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structure formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks and hazards; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in Canada, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; the availability of additional capital; title matters and the additional risks identified in our filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). 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, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities regulations, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update the forward-looking information. SOURCE Foran Mining Corporation Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2021/24/c6795.html Dzivielevski Denies Addamo Fourth Super MILLION$ Title March 24 2021 Matthew Pitt All eyes were on Michael Addamo when the latest GGPoker Super MILLION$ final table kicked off. The super-talented Australian sat down at the tournaments chip leader and looked set to become the events champion for the fourth time. Addamo fans were left disappointed, however, after two-time Brazilian WSOP champion Yuri Dzivielevski came from sixth-place to take down the tournament and deny Addamo yet another victory. Super MILLION$ Final Table Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Yuri Dzivielevski Brazil $408,406 2 Michael Addamo Canada $314,924 3 Isaac Haxton Canada $242,839 4 Joao Vieira Luxembourg $187,255 5 DrMikee Uruguay $144,393 6 Thomas Muehloecker Austria $111,342 7 Chris Puetz Austria $85,856 8 Aliaksei Boika Mexico $66,204 9 Connor Drinan Canada $51,050 Connor Drinan finished ninth the last time he reached a Super MILLION$ final table, which is where he finished this time around. The action folded to Drinan on the button and he ripped it in for nine big blinds with ace-four. Thomas Muehloecker called in the big blind with king-queen, flopped a king, and sent Drinan to the showers. Get Your GGPoker Off to a Flying Start With the Honeymoon Promotion Aliaksei Boika, who was also at the final table of the partypoker WPT50 Knockout, was the next player eliminated. Addamo min-raised to 170,000 from the cutoff, leading to boika inexplicably three-betting all-in for 1,910,920 with ace-four of clubs from the small blind. Addamo decided his pocket eights were worthy of a call. The eights held and Addamos stack swell to more than 8.2 million, 2.5-times more than any other player at the final table. Seventh-place and the last five-figure prize of the evening went to Austrias Chris Puetz. Thomas Muehloecker min-raised with king-eight of clubs before calling Puetzs 6.5 big blind jam with ace-jack. Muehloecker flopped a flush draw, which came in on the river. Cooler Hand Eliminates Muehloecker Muehloecker was the next player out of the door, busting in what was a cooler hand. The Austrian opened the betting with a min-raise to 160,000 with pocket queens. Addamo three-bet to 680,000 with aces from the small blind and Muehloecker called. A queen-high flop gifted Muehloecker a set. Addamo led for 376,000 and was called. The four of clubs turn saw Addamo bet again, this time 903,160. Muehloecker called once more. The ace of clubs river locked up the hand for Addamo, and he made a tiny bet of 408,000 into the 4,058,320 pot. Muehloecker responded with an all-in bet of 2,375,923, which Addamo called. Muehloecker called off his stack and crashed out in sixth, leaving Addamo with 13.5 million of the 20,030,000 chips in play. DrMikee was on life support at this point, so it was no surprise to see him head to the rail in fifth place. Addamo min-raised to 160,000 with seven-four of diamonds before calling when DrMikee three-bet all-in with king-jack for 604,164. DrMikee flopped two pair, but the seemingly unstoppable Addamo hit runner-runner diamonds for a flush! Joao Vieira busted in fourth shortly after DrMikee and it was Addamo, again, who did the damage. Vieira opened with a limp with pocket aces from under the gun, allowing Addamo to see a free flop from the big blind with his king-jack. The flop fell, you guessed it, with both a king and a jack. Addamo check-raised Vieiras 100,000 continuation bet to 350,000, and Vieira called. The six of diamonds turn was greeted with a 500,000 bet from Addamo, and a call from Vieira. The nine of diamonds river put three diamonds out there, but it did not deter Addamo. He set Vieira in for his 1,303,571 stack, Vieira called and busted in fourth-place. Dzivielevski Wins Second Bracelet in WSOP Online PLOSSUS From Zero To Hero Dzivielevski only had eight big blinds when play was three-handed, yet he made it to heads-up. A round of applause has to be directed at Isaac Haxton who started the final table eight in chips, but navigated his way to a third-place finish. Haxton fell by the wayside at the hands of Addamo, who min-raised to 200,000 with king-jack, before calling the 1,128,808 shove from Haxton, which he made with the dominated jack-ten of spades. Haxton turned a plethora of outs, but they all missed on the river. Addamo went into heads-up holding a massive 16,263,326 to 3,866,674 chip lead over Dzivelevski and that fourth Super MILLION$ title looked all but guaranteed. Dzivielevski had other ideas, however, and began mounting an epic comeback. The Brazilians stack dwindled, but he doubled with aces versus pocket fives to see his stack return to the levels at the start of the one-on-one battle. He made an excellent call to catch Addamo with his hand in the cookie jar, which turned the fight on its head. Addamo pulled ahead once again, yet could not quite shake off Dzivielevski. The turning point came when Dzivielevski shoved on the turn with the board reading with and Addamo called with . The river shipped the gargantuan pot to Dzivielevski and left Addamo trailing eight-to-one. The final hand took place during the 80,000/160,000/20,000a level, and saw Addamo open to 336,000 with queen-ten. Dzivielevski looked down at pocket jacks and made it 1,040,000 to call. Addamo called. A nine-high flop with two clubs saw both players check. The turn was the ten of spades. Dzivielevski checked again, leading to Addamo betting 1,060,000, leaving 2,360,844 chips behind. Those chips went into the middle when Dzivielevski check-raised all-in. Addamo needed some help on the river, but the king of hearts did not provide it. A superb victory for Dzivielevski, one worth $408,406, and a runner-up finish for Addamo. Four people were injured, one critically after an over speeding boat they were travelling in lost control and hit a seawall in Lamu. The Monday evening accident occurred at the Mokowe Jetty. The boat christened MV Utawala belongs to the Lamu County Government and was ferrying two-county enforcement officers, a water department staff and the coxswain during the time of the accident. Confirming the accident early Tuesday morning, Lamu County Disaster Response Team Leader, Abdulaziz Luqman said the boat was about to anchor at the Mokowe Customs Jetty when the vessel brake handle and steering suddenly developed a technical problem and failed to stop. It hit the seawall and climbed. All four occupants suffered head, chest and limb injuries and were rushed to the King Fahad County Referral hospital in Lamu Island for checkup and treatment. "The boat had four occupants when the accident occurred at around 5 pm. There were two county enforcement officers, a water department staff and the coxswain. They were headed to the Mokowe County Headquarters from Lamu Town for a night shift when the accident occurred. The boat brakes and the steering system failed to function as the coxswain tried to navigate and stop the boat at the Jetty. It hit the seawall hard from the forepart," said Mr Luqman. He said the water department staff suffered serious chest, head and limb injuries plus he had internal bleeding according to medics. "The critically injured water department staff member is currently admitted at King Fahad hospital receiving treatment. The other three escaped with minor injuries. They were treated and discharged immediately," said Mr Luqman. Eyewitnesses, however, reported that the vessel was at high speed at the time of the accident, insisting that there was carelessness on the part of the coxswain. "Even if there was a technical hitch, I believe the accident was partly due to carelessness on the part of the coxswain. You can't be nearing a jetty with the intention to anchor your vessel while maintaining that high speed. That is why the boat hit and even climbed the seawall. We thank God that there is no death," said Ali Omar, a jetty attendant at Mokowe. Lamu County Boat Operators Chairperson Hassan Awadh called for caution among boat operators and encouraged them to conduct frequent servicing of their vessels to prevent such accidents. "Let's service our vessels regularly and as required so that we don't have such accidents again. This is not just any other business but one that directly deals with human life," said Mr Awadh. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Transport By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In February 2020, a woman died after an engine flywheel in the boat she had boarded with six others detached from its shaft and flew around, cutting them randomly. The accident occurred at Tusitiri area along Wiyoni Beach in Lamu Town. The deceased who sustained serious cuts to the rib area and the chest succumbed at the King Fahad facility where she had been rushed by good Samaritans after the accident. In October 2019, three people escaped death narrowly after a passenger speed boat they were aboard and headed to Lamu Island from the Mokowe Jetty collided head-on with another speed boat that was heading to Mokowe from Lamu Island. Much of Lamu's transport is by water with the region having a boat population of over 5, 000 vessels. Utah is a step closer to requiring all cellphones and tablets such as iPads sold in the conservative state to automatically block pornography after the Republican governor signed legislation Tuesday that critics call a significant intrusion of free speech. Gov. Spencer Cox has said the measure would send an 'important message' about preventing children from accessing explicit online content. The proposal is the latest move in Utah's legislative campaign to curb the availability of porn. The measure won't go into effect unless five other states enact similar laws, a provision that was added to address concerns that it would be difficult to implement. If five states don't pass similar laws by 2031, the bill in Utah will sunset. On Wednesday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a bill that requires cellphones and tablets sold in the state to automatically block pornography 'We dont know of any other states who are working on any plans right now,' Electronic Frontier Foundation media relations director Rebecca Jeschke told The Verge. The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah said the constitutionality of the bill was not adequately considered and that it will likely be argued in court. 'This is another example of the Legislature dodging the constitutional impacts of the legislation they pass,' ACLU attorney Jason Groth said. The deadline for Cox to sign the bill was March 25. Adult film star Cherie DeVille is one of the most notable critics of the bill Critics of the measure, including adult film star Cherie DeVille, had called on the governor to veto the measure because it could violate residents First Amendment rights. Cox has said he isn't as worried about constitutional concerns because the proposal won't be immediately enacted. Rep. Susan Pulsipher, the bill's sponsor, said she was 'grateful' the governor signed the legislation, which she hopes will help parents keep their children from unintended exposure to pornography. She asserts that the measure passes constitutional muster because adults can deactivate the filters, but experts said it still raises several legal concerns. Phone manufacturers would be able to be fined $10 per violation if minors accessed pornography on a phone that doesn't have a filter. Content restrictions are already available on devices such as Apple iPhones, though they are not automatically applied, which is the goal of the new legislation. Supporters argue the restriction is a critical step to help parents keep explicit content away from kids - especially as more children have their own electronic devices. Combating porn is a perennial issue for Utah lawmakers, who are predominantly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lawmakers have previously mandated warning labels on print and online pornography and declared porn a 'public health crisis.' The bill is influenced by the conservative values of the state, which are influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City conference center pictured) Church leaders also have drawn attention to what they consider the harms of pornography. Almost 72 percent of Utah's 1.8 million residents are Mormon, and Utah is known for their conservative culture. There is some precedent for other states following Utah's example on porn restrictions - more than a dozen states advanced similar resolutions to declare porn a public health crisis after Utah became the first to do so in 2016. The Human Trafficking Prevention Act, which would've preinstalled filters and required $20 payments to deactivate them, was defeated or withdrawn in over a dozen states in 2017. Reaction to the new law has been mixed on social media. 'Great use of resources! I remember when a porn site on a cell phone took an AK and killed a bunch of people,' tweeted Carly Norman, referencing the recent mass shootings in the United States. 'Hopefully we have more legislation like this in the future,' another user tweeted. DETROIT -- Nicole Curtis says she paid $17,000 for a house in Detroit in 2017 and has made around $60,000 in repairs in the hopes of turning the once dilapidated home into a desirable property. Now shes suing the Detroit Land Bank Authority for the property because it turns out the person who sold her the house didnt actually have the right to do so, according to the Associated Press. I feel bad for Nicole, Mayor Mike Duggan said Monday. It appears she was scammed. It appears she paid somebody who didnt own the house and paid them to buy it. But the land bank cant legally just give her the property. Curtis is the star of the HGTV series Rehab Addict Rescue which has been on the air since 2010. A Michigan native, Curtis is seeking to be paid for the property or to keep it. I didnt become so successful in business by being somebody who backs down, Curtis said, adding that she doesnt think the land bank should benefit from her work. The scam began in 2017 when Curtis thought she bought the property from the previous owner. However, the property had already been returned to the Detroit Land Bank Authority after that previous owner failed to renovate it as expected. When Curtis Detroit Land Renovation LLC bought the property, the previous owners executed a quit claim deed to Detroit Renovations, despite not having the legal authority to do so. The land bank listed the property for sale last week for $40,000, leading to Curtis filing her lawsuit. Duggan says the courts have already weighed in on the manner, saying the land bank owns the property, but he hopes Curtis will stick with the project and that some sort of agreement can be made. They cant turn the property over without getting value, Duggan said of the land bank. More: Amid a pent-up housing demand, house flippers aided by renewed interest from lenders Historic Enola Miller House being prepared for bittersweet move There is a wonderful story being told that confirms why every day we are thrilled to be Americans. Emily Johnson, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher, had been waiting for a call from the world-famed Cleveland Clinic to schedule an intricate, open-heart surgery. Yet when the call came to say she had cleared all the pre-surgery conditions, there was one last hurdle: She must be inoculated with the COVID vaccine that is rampant. At her home in Austin, Texas the rollout was slow and after a day of trying to get the vaccine from every place she could imagine, she went to her neighborhood website. She explained her dilemma and asked for suggestions. She got some good answers among dozens of replies but no solutions. When she got up the next morning, there was a private message from a lady she had never met. Christy Lewis, whose delicate autoimmune condition gave her an early medical waiver, had written: I have an appointment at 10:45 this morning. You need this more than I do. Call me to arrange. Oh, heaven help! The two women quickly decided to go to the appointment together, thinking a face-to-face plea might work better but the nurse who treated Christie during her regular visits, could lose her license for such a thing. But she called her supervisor who didnt waste five seconds after looking at the two visitors, Lets go! This is the stuff people in some parts of the world cant quite grasp yet is why there are more Americans per square acre who will do anything to help any one of us, knowing full and well it could be their son or grandma who may soon need the next nudge. Thats why I had a startle the other day when a doctor known for compassion told me to get the word out: Do not be that noble with the vaccine. If you can get it, take it! I love a world of heroes, those whod rather give, and others who are willing to do without. But the best weapon we have right now is herd immunity. The idea is the more vaccinated people we have, the infection cannot be passed as easily from one human to another. Our public health experts are marveling that our case loads are dropping, which means that there is a greater chance the someone can come in contact with a contaminated doorknob, for example, and will wash their hands in the meanwhile. Another positive sign is those who have been hesitant to take the voluntary vaccine are seeing the great advantages instead of that fear of side effects. As of 7 oclock Tuesday night, a Johns Hopkins COVID-19 reports shows that 83,930,495 American citizens have been given the 1st shot in the two-dose series and 43,061,494 have now received the second. (There is a three-week wait for the Pfizer 2nd dose and a four-week wait for the Moderna dose.) The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is one dose, is now being used in Tennessee and, last Sunday in Nashville, over 10,000 were vaccinated with the J&J brand. People are being warned not to mix the two-dose brands; if you were given your first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, your second dose must be the same brand. Dr. Lisa Piercey, the states Health Commissioner, is encouraging those who can get the vaccine in nearby counties to please do so. There are others who are on both public and private wait lists to see where the first vaccine is available but PLEASE if you are on more than one wait list and get a call, have the courtesy to cancel your name from any other wait list so a dose of vaccine will not be wasted and will give another your vacated spot. Partner locations like Walmart, Sams Club, certain pharmacies, and medical offices have no way to access the health department or hospital computers, much less private companies, so officials are asking you to do your part in helping the entire process. * * * CAN YOU EAT JUST ONE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUT? In my lifetime I found it nigh impossible to eat just one Krispy Kreme doughnut so I found it hysterical on Monday afternoon when get this it was announced that the company will give one free original glazed doughnut per day for the rest of the year to any person who shows their vaccine card, proving they've had the COVID-19 shot. It is really pure marketing genius -- anybody who takes the offer will want a cup of coffee or a glass of milk along with one or two more of the long-beloved treats, or why else stop? * * * BOOSTER SHOTS BEING DEVELOPED Right now, no one can be certain how long the COVID vaccine will ward off the virus educated guesses ranging from nine months to five years but epidemiologists at Pfizer and Moderna are developing booster shots already. For example, even with the vaccine you may catch a strain of COVID flu next year but at worse it is believed it would be three days of mild flu-like symptoms. Scientists are assured new strains, or variations, of COVID will develop but seem certain a preventative much like our yearly flu shot will squelch another pandemic. And scientists are mystified that the Asian flu, that normally kills about 20,000 American annually, has been non-existent this year. Why? has every infectious disease specialist nationwide baffled, although some feel the regular flu was mistakenly diagnosed as COVID due to false test results and hysteria that has gripped the world. * * * WHAT PERCENTAGE OF COVID PATIENTS DIED? To begin, it has been explained to me that most of those who died in the past year of COVID-related had preexisting conditions and that a good number of them would have died without the coronavirus hastening their death. So, the raw figure is that the history of the disease from its original diagnosis until 7:00 p.m. last night, the United States has 30,104,069 diagnosed. Of those, there have been 548,613 deaths . or, 1.8% of all cases being fatal. According to the latest CDC authenticated data, circa 2019, there are 2,854,838 human beings who die each year in the United States, which is 869.7 deaths per 100,000 population. Yes, thats the same as .0829% of us every year. Our Life Expectancy, this prior COVID in 2019: 78.8 years Our Life Expectancy with COVID: The true answer is that no one knows. Sure, we took a haymaker in the chops this year with over a half-million deaths but look what has just happened with our hated face masks, distancing, hand hygiene, and no gatherings. Add the vaccines and this is a one-year anomaly that has just been met with a week of our greatest resistance. Youre mighty right it is fading fast! Dont you see? Where will it be next month, or this fall when the Vols kick off it is all unforeseen, and although the future holds great promise, I must remind myself that our God is merciful and a mighty Father. You really think we got here on our own? Okay, so where would be if the COVID remained unabated? This from Web M.D: Overall U.S. life expectancy dropped to 77.8 years, down one full year from the 78.8 years estimated in 2019. Declines were even greater for certain demographics. For example, average life expectancy decreased 2.7 years for black people and 1.9 for Hispanic people between 2019 and the first half of 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Life expectancy for white people decreased by an average 0.8 years. * -- Infant Mortality rate: 5.58 deaths per 1,000 live births Source: Mortality in the United States, 2019, data tables for figures 1, 5. * * * NUMBER OF LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH (Based on 2019 CDC figures) * -- Heart disease: 659,041 (more than COVID every year) * -- Cancer: 599,601 (more than COVID every year) * -- Accidents (unintentional injuries): 173,040 * -- Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 156,979 * -- Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 150,005 * -- Alzheimers disease: 121,499 * -- Diabetes: 87,647 * -- Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis: 51,565 * -- Influenza and Pneumonia: 49,783 * -- Intentional self-harm (suicide): 47,511 * * * AND THEN, MAY I ADD THIS Lifes too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who dont and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said itd be easy, they just promised it would be worth it. from my man, Dr Seuss. royexum@aol.com Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? Gardai have carried out checks on fewer than 600 international travellers who are legally required to quarantine in their homes after arriving in Ireland from overseas. New figures released by the Department of Justice show gardai called to the homes of 590 passengers between February 24 and March 14. During the same period, 35,700 people flew into Ireland through Dublin Airport and Cork Airport. This means there were checks on less than 2pc of all passengers who arrived in Ireland. Read More However, some of these passengers may have been travelling for essential purposes and would not be required to quarantine in their homes. The Department of Health sent gardai the details of 1,300 people who filled in passenger locator forms on arrival in Ireland and who were required to quarantine at home. Gardai carried out checks on 590 of these individual between February 24 and March 14. The people who are referred to gardai are generally those who do not respond to follow-up calls on their passenger locator form information. All international travellers are required to quarantine in their homes for up to 14 days. However, they can end their quarantine period if they get a negative Covid-19 test after their fifth day at home. Breaches of mandatory home quarantine rules can be punished by fines of up to 2,500 and/or six months in prison. A Department of Justice spokesperson said: An Garda Siochana has been receiving passenger location information from the Department of Healths service provider since 24 February 2021. This information relates to people arriving into the State who are suspected of breaching the requirement to quarantine at home. The information is provided daily to An Garda Siochana approximately six days after the individual arrives into the State. Checks are then scheduled in cases where the data passes preliminary validation by the gardai. An implementation pilot has been established in six Garda Divisions which involves the Garda National Immigration Bureau forwarding requests for local gardai in these divisions to call to people to check on compliance. The expansion of this work to cover all Garda divisions will be supported by work ongoing in the Department of Health on enhancements to the passenger locator form, he added. The accused ressurised the girl, who was a minor then, and obtained her nude photos on a threat that he would commit suicide if she does not comply. DC file photo Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Monday questioned Google and other social media platforms for their delay in removing obscene videos and photos of a married woman belonging to Hyderabad, who is now settled in Australia with her children. Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court asked the Cyberabad cybercrime police what steps they had taken in this regard, based on a complaint, as well as their effort to nab the culprits. The judge was dealing a petition filed by the victims mother, a resident of Madhapur, who had urged the High Court to ensure the removal of the content. The court suggested that the petitioner approach the Union ministry of communications with a representation asking them to take action. The mother explained that her teenage daughter was in a relationship with her classmate in 2011. The relationship ended within eight months as the boyfriend was becoming increasingly abusive. He pressurised the girl, who was a minor then, and obtained her nude photos on a threat that he would commit suicide if she does not comply. When the girl ended the relationship, he started sharing the photos on social media platforms. After a complaint, he got them removed in 2012. But the images resurfaced in 2019 on many social platforms, including pornographic websites. Some of the social media accounts were created in the name of the victim herself. The Illinois State Board of Education has also eliminated the PSAT tests for eighth, ninth and 10th graders this spring and will not offer a fall makeup much to the chagrin of some parents who want their children to have the chance to prep for the SAT later in high school. Schools are not being given the option to independently administer the PSAT to their students this spring. A senior Saudi official issued a death threat against the independent UN investigator, Agnes Callamard, after her investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In an interview with The Guardian, Callamard said that she was informed by the UN colleagues in January 2020 that a top Saudi official had threatened to have her taken care of, which she and others understood to mean a threat to her life. The outgoing special rapporteur for extrajudicial killings said that the senior Saudi official had threatened twice in a meeting with other top UN officials in Geneva that month. Callamard had published a nearly 100-page report in June 2019 which concluded that there was credible evidence that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials were responsible for Khashoggis murder. She had called the murder an international crime. However, the Saudi government denied the killing, which occurred in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, was ordered by the future king. While speaking to the media outlet, Callamard said that her colleagues said they witnessed the threats during a high-level meeting in January 2020 with Geneva-based Saudi diplomats and visiting Saudi officials and understood them as a death threat. She added that it was one of the visiting Saudi officials who claimed to have received phone calls from individuals willing to take care of her. Callamard was even told that the Saudi officials had criticised her work on the Khashoggi murder, registering their anger about her investigation and her conclusions. Threats dont work on me: Callamard Callamard said that the Saudi officials had also raised baseless allegations that she had received money from Qatar - a frequent refrain against critics of the Saudi government. She called it the one occasion where the UN was actually very strong on the issue and added that it made it clear to the Saudi delegation that this was absolutely inappropriate. Callamard said that there was an expectation that this should go no further and concluded that those threats dont work on her. She also added that the threats didnt stop her from acting in a way which she thinks is the right thing to do. Now, Callamards interview will probably bolster the view of human rights experts that Saudi Arabias government has acted with impunity in the wake of Khashoggis 2018 murder, including through arbitrary arrests of critics of the prince, as well as his potential political rivals. It is worth noting that the Kingdom had initially claimed that Khashoggi left the consulate alive, but changed its stance after certain evidence came into the light. Saudi Arabia later accepted that Khashoggi was murdered inside the consulate and called it a "rogue operation". Saudi Arabia then arrested five people in connection with the operation and a royal court sentenced them to death in a secret trial. The death sentences were later reduced after Khashoggi's family supposedly "forgave" them. (Image: Twitter/AP) CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa A man caught trying to flush methamphetamine down a toilet is going to federal prison. David Hirsch, 55 of Hampton, was arrested in April 2020 when police executed a search warrant in Franklin County says they found Hirsch trying to flush meth down a toilet. Investigators say Hirsch, a convicted felon, also had a loaded handgun on him. State charges against Hirsch were dismissed to allow for his federal prosecution. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver meth and possession of a handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hirsch was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. A Covid-like virus is running rampant through Melbourne after a year of social distancing and lockdowns left young children and the elderly with weakened immune systems. Hospitals across the city have been experiencing a surge in the number admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is far exceeding 'winter levels'. RSV produces symptoms similar to Covid, including a runny nose, cough, fever and sore throat. Melbourne mother Kellie Conlon recently had to take her three children to hospital after they became infected with the virus, including her four-month-old daughter who ended up in intensive care. Hospitals across Melbourne are experiencing a surge in the number of people being admitted for respiratory syncytial virus (pictured under the microscope) 'They had her on high-flow oxygen and she was screaming for the entire night. It was very traumatic. I honestly thought we were going to lose her,' Ms Conlon told Seven News. The respiratory virus, a common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis, is spreading with more people mixing in the community post-lockdown despite normally peaking during the winter months. 'Now that kids are back in circulation again, so are the viruses that we normally see around winter time,' Dr Stephen Parnis from the University of Melbourne said. He warned it was not just young children at risk but the elderly, too. 'Chronic conditions mean you are more susceptible to getting sick if you have a virus that might only marginally affect younger adults,' Dr Parnis said. Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Victoria faculty chair Mya Cubitt said the number of hospital admissions for RSV was 'more than winter levels'. RSV produces Covid-like symptoms including a runny nose, cough, fever and sore throat (stock image) Pictured: NRL star Tom Burgess' fiancee, Tahlia Giumelli, revealed in December their daughter Elodie was in hospital after suffering from RSV. That same month NSW Heath announced respiratory illnesses had been surging across the state 'There is definitely a surge in children presenting with RSV across the entire healthcare system,' Dr Cubbit told The Age. 'In other words, there are clearly a large number of sick kids needing acute care at the moment.' Dr Hannah Moore, the co-head of the infectious diseases epidemiology at Telethon Kids Institute, said babies born when social distancing was crucial at the height of the pandemic were more likely to get RSV. 'We've now got a larger population that has been immune to RSV, that haven't seen RSV before - so the general population's immunity level is quite low,' Dr Moore told the ABC. Barwon Health's Dr Caroline Bartolo said the same Covid-like prevention measures should be followed to stop the spread of RSV. 'My advice would be to wash your hands often. If you are unwell, please stay home. If you have sick children, please keep them home,' she said. RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS What is RSV? Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that causes respiratory infections. Illness is common in children under 2 years of age. In this age group RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lung). Infections peak in late autumn or winter in NSW. Almost all children will have been infected by the age of three years, but symptoms are often only mild. Recovery from the illness results in immunity to further infection but this is not long-lasting. What are the symptoms? Symptoms begin between three and 10 days after infection. Most cases are mild, with symptoms of a runny nose, cough and fever. Sometimes an ear infection can follow. Symptoms can be more severe in babies under 6 months with wheezing and shortness of breath, irritability and poor feeding. How is it spread? RSV can spread easily from person to person through droplets from a sneeze or cough. People can also be infected by touching their nose or eyes after touching a person with RSV or contaminated items. A person is usually infectious for up to 10 days after symptoms begin. Source: NSW Health Advertisement In December, NSW Health issued an alert for parents of children under five to stay vigilant for RSV after data showed 'increasing Emergency Department presentations for bronchiolitis, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses in children aged 0-4'. 'While much of our focus this year has been on limiting the transmission of Covid-19, there are a number of other respiratory viruses that are transmitted very easily, and can result in severe illness in young children and other vulnerable people,' Acting Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Richard Broome, said. The same month NSW health issued their alert, NRL star Tom Burgess' fiancee, Tahlia Giumelli, revealed their daughter Elodie was in a Sydney hospital after suffering from RSV, which is one of the most common causes of childhood hospital admissions. The crisis at the southern border continues, denied by no one, at this point, other than the Biden administration. This ABC video includes, I believe, footage shot and released by the administration. So this apparently is as good a face as can be put on conditions at the border: It is hard to understand the Biden administrations actions here. The influx of illegal immigrants, bringing children whenever possible since everyone knows that is the golden ticket, was 100% predictable. Was Joe Biden really surprised? If not, why was the administration apparently so unprepared? It is a bit of a mystery. Notwithstanding the kid glove treatment to which Democrats are accustomed, the administration has blocked reporters from the border: For the past four presidential administrations, I have accompanied U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and photographed their encounters with migrants as they enforced immigration policy. No longer. Last week, when I documented migrant detentions in El Paso, I had to do so from the Mexican side of the border, taking long-range shots. Until now, journalists havent had to stand in another country to cover what is happening in the United States. Most asylum seekers cross the Rio Grande into South Texas on land controlled by federal agents. For decades, the U.S. government has let journalists accompany Border Patrol agents and other officials as they surveil the land. But since the change in administration, those agents have been physically blocking journalists from the riverbank. For example, after being turned down for official access on a trip in February, I followed a Border Patrol transport bus in my own vehicle to where agents were detaining migrants. They stopped me before I got close enough to take pictures. They called a supervisor, and ordered me to leave immediately. We have gone from the Trump-era zero tolerance policy toward immigrants to a Biden-era zero access policy for journalists covering immigration. This development is unprecedented in modern history. Thank goodness our president isnt a Republican, or it would be a scandal. But still, a serious question: why is the administration so nervous about allowing an always-friendly press access to what is going on? Not because of the stories reporters would write, I suspect. Rather, because journalists and film crews take pictures and shoot video. And there is no way that the most loyal reporter can spin visual images of Bidens border disaster. UPDATE: See also these photos, which I take it were sent to Project Veritas by someone inside the facility: These photos were taken within the last few days. There are eight pods with eight cells each in the facility. At any given moment there are an average of 3,000 people in custody here. The illegal immigrants are separated by age or physical size depending on room. pic.twitter.com/kFmZgTG2Iv James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) March 22, 2021 On Tuesday morning, the Ever Given sailed into the placid waters of the Suez Canal, the 120-mile-long link on its journey from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, as it carried thousands of tons of cargo bound for the Netherlands. Then a dust storm hit, limiting visibility and battering ships with heavy winds, according to the Suez Canal Authority. By midmorning, the massive ship - one of the largest in the world at more than 1,300 feet long, more than twice the height of the Washington Monument - was wedged sideways across the canal. Dozens of boats piled up into a marine traffic jam on the crucial shipping lane as tugboats and diggers tried to free the vessel. "Ship in front of us ran aground while going through the canal and is now stuck sideways," Julianne Cona, an engineer on the Maersk Denver, wrote on an Instagram post showing her ship stuck behind the Ever Given. "Looks like we might be here for a little bit." Early Wednesday morning, the ship was "partially refloated" and moved along the banks of the canal, according to an update sent to The Washington Post by GAC, a port agent that cited sources with the Suez Canal Authority. The vessel is being towed to another position and traffic in the canal will be back to normal soon, GAC said in a statement. The Ever Given, which is operated by the Taiwanese firm Evergreen Marine and flagged in Panama, belongs to a modern class of massive cargo ships and can carry up to 220,000 tons of containers. In 2015, the Suez Canal underwent an $8.5 billion expansion to accommodate the ships and to set up two-way traffic headed both north and south - but its owners never envisioned one of those mega-ships blocking the whole route, experts said. "The Egyptian government certainly did not expect the route to be blocked both ways by a single ship," said Flavio Macau, a supply chain management expert at Edith Cowan University in Australia, in an interview with The Washington Post. "You can call it . . . karma, bad luck or a lack of engineering oversight." Either way, that's what happened Tuesday morning after the Ever Given left Suez, Egypt, south of the canal, and headed north, according to GAC. Around 7:40 a.m. local time, it ran aground. According to the Suez Canal Authority, the dust storm knocked out power to the ship before it ran aground. "The container accidentally ran aground after a suspected gust of wind hit it," Evergreen Marine told Agence France-Presse. "The company has urged the shipowner to report the cause of the incident and has been in discussions with relevant parties including the canal management authority to assist the ship as soon as possible." The accident quickly led to a backup in the busy canal - and nearly some other accidents, according to Cona. "Right after they ran aground the ship behind us lost power and almost hit us," she wrote on Instagram. It was quickly clear that getting the Ever Given back on track would be a mammoth operation. Photos and satellite maps show its bow along the canal's eastern boundary, while its stern nearly touched the western edge. "From the looks of it that ship is super stuck," Cona wrote on Instagram. "They had a bunch of tugs trying to pull and push it earlier but it was going nowhere." She added, "There is a little excavator trying to dig out the bow." Tugboats scrambled to try to "re-float the vessel," according to Leth Agencies, which offers services to ships transiting the canal. By Wednesday morning, they'd finally succeeded in dislodging the ship from the banks, GAC said, and tugs were working to get it back on its way. Global shipping firms rely on the Suez Canal to move millions of tons of cargo and oil every day on the shortest route between Asia and Europe. Satellite maps early Wednesday showed dozens of boats idling in the Red and Mediterranean seas waiting for the canal to reopen. Macau said that a delay of a day or two in the canal wouldn't noticeably impact global shipping. "Most ships waiting to cross the Canal at this time are tankers. Oil stocks are high across the globe and should be fine," he said. "This is not the Canal's busiest time of the year. Autumn and summer in the Northern Hemisphere would be more problematic." - - - The Washington Post's Sudarsan Raghavan in Cairo contributed to this report. The primary for the New York City mayors race, poised to be the most consequential contest in a generation, is fewer than 100 days away. But for many voters, that reality has not yet sunk in. A slate of major debate matchups does not begin until May. Few of the candidates have the resources to advertise on television yet. Traditional campaign methods greeting subway riders, for example have limited reach as fewer New Yorkers use public transit. And while city residents were often preoccupied by the challenges of life in a pandemic, the crowded field of mayoral candidates spent the winter in one Zoom forum after another, often in front of sparse online audiences. These extraordinary circumstances have made an always-fluid citywide race even more unpredictable this year, compressing the contest into a three-month springtime sprint for candidates eager to sway undecided voters before the June 22 primary that is likely to decide who will be the next mayor. Their work will be cut out for them: Half of likely Democratic voters are still undecided about their choice to lead the city, according to a poll released on Wednesday. HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Zimbabwes president has received his first shot of the Chinese Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine, a move the government hopes will encourage more people to seek the Chinese vaccines, which are the only ones currently available in the country. President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday got a jab in Victoria Falls, in western Zimbabwe, to promote tourism and launch the second phase of the country's vaccination drive. Mnangagwa's injection was broadcast live on national TV. Zimbabwe purchased 200,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine which arrived from China earlier this month. China has also donated 400,000 Sinopharm doses. Currently, the two Chinese vaccines are the only ones in Zimbabwe. The first phase of Zimbabwe's vaccination campaign, which relied on Sinopharm, targeted front-line workers such as health care workers, border officials, gravediggers, and journalists. Just over 44,000 people in Zimbabwe have been vaccinated so far, representing 68% of the target population for the first phase, said Mnangagwa, who described the figure as showing broad acceptance of the Chinese vaccine. But representatives of health workers say skepticism remains. Zimbabwe's second phase is targeting schoolteachers, religious leaders, security forces, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases, said Mnangagwa. However, the government made an exception in Victoria Falls, where it has invited all of the towns 110,000 residents to get inoculated in order to pave the way for unlimited tourism activities in the countrys prime attraction, said Mnangagwa. The vaccines that Zimbabwean health authorities have approved for use include the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines from China, Russias Sputnik-V, and Indias Covaxin, although only the Chinese vaccines have arrived in this southern African country. Zimbabwe aims to vaccinate 10 million of its people, representing 60% of the countrys population, in an effort to achieve herd immunity, which is when enough people have immunity, either from vaccination or past infection, to stop the uncontrolled spread of a virus. Zimbabwe has recorded 36,717 cases of infection, including 1,516 deaths as of March 23, according to the health ministry. Burma Food for Myanmar Regime Soldiers Taken Away After Karen Rebels Block Delivery Rice and oil bound for Myanmar soldiers was taken back by Thailand on Tuesday at midnight. / The Irrawaddy Food reportedly bought from Thailand and bound for Tatmadaw (Myanmars military) troops in Karen State was taken away on Tuesday at midnight, after ethnic armed organization the Karen National Union (KNU) blocked its delivery. Many in Myanmar believe that the food was sold by the Thai army to the Tatmadaw, prompting people to condemn the Thai military on social media after the food arrived on the banks of the Salween River on Saturday. Following fresh clashes with the Tatmadaw in Karen States Papun District, the KNUs Brigade 5 blocked transportation routes to Papun, preventing the military regime from delivering food to its troops based there. On Saturday, 700 sacks of rice, oil and canned meat which are said to have been bought from Thailand, were unloaded on the Thai side of the Salween River opposite Karen State. But the food was stranded there as the KNU refused to allow the food to be delivered to the Tatmadaw soldiers in Papun. Around five people came in four vehicles on Tuesday around midnight and took the supplies. Perhaps it is because the KNU Brigade 5 has said they would not take responsibility for what happens if the food is delivered across the river to Karen State, said local resident U Saw Lu, who witnessed the scene. There are a number of Myanmar military outposts along the Salween River, which marks the Myanmar-Thai border in Karen State. Local residents suggested that the food would be delivered to the Tatmadaw at another place along the frontier. The KNU said it blocked the food delivery because 500 local Karen people are currently affected by ongoing armed conflicts in Papun District, and also because it does not support the military regime and cannot accept the junta killing innocent people across the country. KNU Brigade 5 issued a warning in both the Burmese and Thai languages saying that it would not tolerate anyone who carries food for the military regimes soldiers. On Saturday, according to Reuters, Maj Gen Amnat Srimak, commander of the Naresuan Task Force of the Thai Army, said in a statement, The Thai army is not supplying the Myanmar army and there has been no contact from the Myanmar army requesting help or demanding any assistance from us because they have their own honour. If there is anything, I think it is just regular commerce at normal border crossings, he said. We are not blocking this if the commerce is not against the law and follows customs procedures. Locals who went to see the food supplies on Tuesday at noon were fired on by a nearby Tatmadaw outpost. Six warning shots were fired, according to local residents. The food was then collected late at night. You may also like these stories: Australian Economic Adviser Held in Myanmar Faces Two Charges Southeast Asia Trapped Amid US-China Friction French Energy Giant Halts Myanmar Hydropower Project Over Human Rights Concerns Shoppers in a district of Beijing are getting discount coupons if they have received Covid-19 vaccinations, as China tries to accelerate its Covid-19 vaccination rate. Daxing district, with a population of about 1.8 million, started handing out the coupons on Wednesday to people who have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. Also Read | Field report: A groundswell of anti-incumbency in Mamatas Bengal The coupons range in value from 8 yuan ($1.23) to 30 yuan each depending on various conditions, and can be used at supermarkets in Daxing, the district said on social media. More than 200 million yuan ($30.7 million) worth of discounts will be distributed through the coupons, Beijing Daily, the official newspaper of communist party authorities in the city, said. Some people expressed concern about the coupons on social media. "Inducing people into vaccination in this way will reduce people's trust in vaccines," one person wrote on Weibo. More than 73% of people in Daxing aged 18 and above have had at least one shot, Beijing Daily said. China's daily output of Covid-19 vaccines has reached about 5 million doses, more than tripling the 1.5 million-dose daily production rate on Feb. 1, official media said on Wednesday. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Haiti - News : Zapping... Torbeck : The Gang Leader Kanm killed by the PNH Known gang leader Robenson aka "Kanm" was killed on Tuesday in a shootout with police in Leprete locality in Torbeck. This individual is said to be implicated in several crimes, including the assassination on February 24 of an agronomist in Les Cayes. Arrest warrants against 2 police officers Tuesday Me Bedford Claude the Government Commissioner of Port-au-Prince, issued warrants to bring against Inspector Jean Elder, coordinator of the PNH union (SPNH-17) Gerby Geffrard, Union delegate. Arrest warrants which made Me Andre Michel, leader of the radical opposition react, declaring "[...] The warrants issued by the Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince are arbitrary and illegal acts aimed at sabotaging the legitimate demands of our police officers who work in difficult conditions [...]" See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33311-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-8-police-officers-active-members-of-the-group-phantom-509.html PAP : The Deputy Commissioner of the Government suspended Tuesday March 23, Rockefeller Vincent, the Minister of Justice decided to lay off without pay Yvenne Tibeau substitute commissioner of the government of Port-au-Prince for serious administrative misconduct. In his decision, Minister Vincent gives no details on the faults alleged against Yvenne Tibeau. 103 people shot dead The 77th report of the Episcopal Justice and Peace Commission, published Tuesday March 23, reveals that for the last 3 months of 2020, 117 people were killed, 103 of them by bullets. Bassin Bleu : 4 people kidnapped No less than 4 people were kidnapped on Monday evening at the first communal section of Bassin Bleu (Northwest Dept., district of Port-de-Paix) by armed individuals. Among the victims is interim executive agent Milouse Rosier, Council President Antony Manigat confirmed. PNH : Message of sympathies Leon Charles, the Director General ai of the National Police of Haiti (PNH) sends his sympathies to the parents of the policeman Pierre Mystal Richard killed by the Phantom 509 Group https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33303-haiti-flash-shooting-between-phantom-509-and-the-pnh-2-police-officers-killed.html and promises them an accompaniment worthy of the services rendered to the Nation by this brave police officer. HL/ HaitiLibre MONTPELIER State officials are celebrating the number of Vermonters vaccinated against COVID-19 so far as they prepare to get more doses than previously anticipated this week. We are one step closer to ending this pandemic and were encouraged by the high percentage of Vermonters in each eligible age group who have made an appointment to receive the vaccine, Mike Smith, secretary of the Agency of Human Services, said Tuesday at the governors twice weekly news conference on the states response to the pandemic. One in three Vermonters received at least one dose and Smith anticipates one in five will be fully vaccinated by the end of the week. He called the first figure an important milestone. So far, 82,500 Vermonters received a first dose and about 97,100 have gotten all needed doses. Smith said the goal is to have all eligible Vermonters fully vaccinated by July 1. An accelerated vaccine schedule starts this week. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Thursday for those who are 60 and older, March 29 for 50 and older, April 5 for 40 and older, April 12 for 30 and older, and April 19 for 16 and older. Vermont releases COVID vaccine schedule for all adults The state of Vermont on Friday released the schedule that will allow all adults to begin mak An additional approximately 5,000 vaccine doses will be allocated to Vermont this week than previously anticipated, Gov. Phil Scott said. So thats great news for us, he said, estimating the total to be about 23,000 doses this week. Scott said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president, believes the AstraZeneca vaccine will eventually be authorized for use in the U.S and feels it is safe and effective. Fauci also updated governors on vaccinating children. Researchers just recently began clinical trials of COVID vaccines for children. Scott said its expected that all high school students will be eligible in the fall and young children by the beginning of next year. So theyre doing trials at this point in time and said thats going well, he said. The state recorded 850 new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 61 over the prior week. Michael Pieciak, commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation, said daily case counts have remained relatively stable hovering at about 100 to 120 in recent weeks. Hospitalizations decreased by 62 percent since the pandemics peak in early February, he said, noting that vaccination efforts are protecting the most vulnerable groups as deaths and hospitalizations are decreasing over time. Four active outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities including Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. 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. 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 Charlotte-based Piedmont Natural Gas Co. wants to hike rates for homeowners and businesses beginning in November. The company said it filed its rate increase request with the N.C. Utilities Commission in Raleigh on Monday. Heres what you need to know: Proposed rate hike: The company wants the commission to approve an overall 10.4% increase in rates for natural gas. Cost to you: Residential customers would pay an average of $8 more a month, or $95 more a year, according to the company. Historical perspective: Rates would be about 17% less than those of a decade ago, according to Piedmont. Rates are based on the wholesale market. Prices rise and fall over the years, according to market prices. Effective when: November. Why the rate increase request: To recover $1.7 billion in capital investments that include building a natural gas storage facility in Robeson County, improving its storage facility in Huntersville, and federally required safety improvements to its system, according to Piedmont. The facilities in part will help the company meet an ongoing increase in the number of customers in its service areas, Piedmont officials said. The company serves six of North Carolinas 10 most-populated cities, according to a post on its website addressing what the company says is the need for a rate hike. The number of N.C. customers has mushroomed by more than 42,000 since January 2018, Piedmont officials said. The facilities also allow Piedmont to buy natural gas in warmer months when prices are low and deliver it during colder months, according to the company. The company can thereby avoid paying inflated prices when natural gas is most in demand. How many customers does Piedmont have: More than a million residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Carolinas and Tennessee. Didnt my bills just go way up? Yes, they did. Some Charlotte residents were angry about Piedmont Natural Gas bills that doubled or tripled this winter over the same time last year. The company cited higher usage as a big reason why. But previous Decembers also were far warmer, the wholesale price of natural gas shot up and a federal tax credit expired, company officials said. Story continues Help for customers: Piedmont Natural Gas said it will continue its customer assistance programs, discontinue remaining credit card fees for customer payments and expand energy efficiency programs. The company said it will continue offering plans and flexible options to customers behind on utility payments. Business customers in need should visit piedmontng.com/Extension. For residential customers: piedmontng.com/ExtraTime. Also, 211.org helps customers find local community help agencies. The companys Share the Warmth program provides funds to local agencies to help families with their utility bills, no matter the source. And its Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program targets low-income households. For more details about those and other Piedmont customer-assistance programs, visit www.piedmontng.com and ww.piedmontng.com/rates. 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. REGINA - Saskatchewan's premier says people under the age of 50 make up the majority of active COVID-19 cases in the Regina area which is battling a spread of more infectious virus strains. Premier Scott Moe speaks to media after a tour of the COVID-19 mass immunization clinic and drive-thru immunization space in Regina on Feb. 18, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Michael Bell REGINA - Saskatchewan's premier says people under the age of 50 make up the majority of active COVID-19 cases in the Regina area which is battling a spread of more infectious virus strains. Scott Moe told a radio talk show that 80 per cent of the city's more than 700 active infections are in the under-50 age group. "It is people my age and younger. We just need to be especially diligent," Moe, 47, told the host Wednesday. Health officials have said the variant known as B.1.1.7 and first detected in the United Kingdom is likely to have taken over from the original novel coronavirus, and is up to 70 per cent more transmissible. Of Saskatchewan's 954 variant cases, 824 have been found in and around the capital. The Regina area has had about 100 new cases daily reported in its health zone over the last few days, including on Wednesday when 116 new infections were detected. Saskatchewan's overall total of new cases was 190 and the seven-day average was 173, up from 138 early last week. There were 147 people in hospital with COVID-19, with 22 patients in intensive care. Experts have linked variants to more severe illness among younger patients and more of them in intensive care units. To reverse the Regina area's rising case numbers, Moe announced Tuesday that after weeks of refusing to tighten existing public health measures, he would restrict restaurants and bars in and around the city to takeout and delivery service starting Sunday. "This is exactly what I didn't want to do," the premier said Wednesday. To help the industry, the Saskatchewan Party government announced it is temporarily capping food delivery fees applied by third-party providers from Sunday until the end of April. It says fees will be capped at 18 per cent of a customer's bill, before taxes, if an order is delivered and at 10 per cent if it is pick up. Other indoor event venues in Regina and surrounding communities also have to shut their doors until at least April 5. People are no longer allowed to have guests in their homes. An advisory has been issued for people to avoid travelling in and out of Regina. The city has said that starting Sunday its community and recreational centres will be closed. Regina Public Schools and the Regina Catholic School Division are moving students to online learning ahead of spring break because of the variant spread. Households outside of Regina can still enjoy loosened public health rules. Up to 10 people can gather inside a home and worship services are allowed for up to 150 people, or 30 per cent capacity, whichever is less. To date, around 151,000 vaccinations have been done in the province. The Saskatchewan Health Authority says residents 65 and older can book a shot, which it says will drop to 62 starting Thursday. People also eligible for the vaccine include those living in the Far North aged 50 and older, priority health-care workers, and those with underlying health conditions or deemed to be medically vulnerable. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Note to readers: This is a corrected story. Previous version had seven-day average of 178. 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. 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. Though theatres have largely disappeared from our lives since COVID-19 shut them down a year ago, actors gotta act. And playwrights gotta write. Though theatres have largely disappeared from our lives since COVID-19 shut them down a year ago, actors gotta act. And playwrights gotta write. The online video-conferencing app Zoom is one of the digital tools weve seen used to fill the void, alongside digital streaming. Weve watched readings and plays delivered via Zoom, to various degrees of success But it struck actor/playwright Debbie Patterson (Sargent & Victor & Me, How it Ends) that Zoom was a good metaphor of life in the 21st century, although it did not occur to her when she began workshopping her way through a play she was commissioned to write for theatre students at the University of Manitoba. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Actor/playwright Debbie Patterson was commissioned to write for theatre students at the University of Manitoba. "They were interested in something that would excite them to perform," Patterson says in a phone interview. "So we did this series of workshops and one of the things we talked about was the world of the play." Patterson says she asked the students: "What is the world that you feel like youre living in right now?" "They described feeling like they were isolated, feeling like they were living in little boxes, feeling like they were interacting with the world through their computers," Patterson recalls. "And there was also this talk of windows feeling like youre inside looking out through a window and feeling like everyone was in their little box. "What they described was a Zoom call," Patterson says. "And this was pre-pandemic." Patterson, who has used a wheelchair off and on since she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, was obliged to stay in one after suffering an accident in early 2020. THEATRE PREVIEW Click to Expand Zoom Lens By Debbie Patterson UM Theatre Today to Saturday at 8 p.m. Free on Zoom. For log-in info, go to wfp.to/zoomlens She was participating in a workshop in Toronto when she fell and broke her hip; she was forced to stay in the city for a month. "I had to have surgery and go into rehab and while I was in rehab, the pandemic started," she recalls. Patterson ended up leaving the hospital 10 days earlier than planned, because she was worried domestic flights would be grounded and shed be stuck in an Ontario hospital during a pandemic. After a period of recuperation, Patterson returned to the notes she took from her encounters with the theatre students and was amazed to find them shockingly pertinent to the pandemic moment. "I had completely forgotten what had happened in our workshop because of my accident," she says. "So I went through these notes and it blew my mind. "They had described this world that we are actually living in right now. So it just seemed like an opportunity to double down on that and create a place that lives in Zoom. Because we actually are living our lives through technology. It seems like thats where the drama is." SUPPLIED The pandemic has found us being welcomed into strangers' bedrooms via Zoom. The play she wrote, titled Zoom Lens, is about a university professor teaching a new class called Cultural Representations of Pandemics, which requires eight students to break into four teams to explore Emily St. John Mandels 2014 novel Station Eleven, Kevin Kerrs play Unity (1918), the video game The Last of Us Part Two and the Netflix documentary series Tiger King. "The teacher has young kids and her relationship falls apart through the course of the play, so she ends up single-parenting and teaching and isolating, so her life gets thrown into chaos." U of W play has eye on intimacy Click to Expand The University of Winnipeg will be closing its theatre season with the play Blink, by British playwright Phil Porter, directed by Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre's associate artistic director Audrey Dwyer. It too is about the theme of disconnection in its story of a young man who interacts with a woman through a baby monitor he has received in the mail. "We live in a world where connection has always been challenging," says Dwyer of the play. "These young adults show us the lengths that they will take to find closeness, intimacy and a world where they feel accepted. Blink runs nightly from Tuesday, March 30, to Saturday, April 3. Audiences can view the live performances at 7:30 p.m. each night through a private YouTube channel. Admission is free but reservations are required, either through wfp.to/seeblink or by phone at 204-786-9152. If the spontaneity and excitement of live theatre is missing from online platforms, Zoom can add something too, Patterson says. "One of the things that I miss about live theatre that I feel doesnt translate well to live streaming is the interactive quality," Patterson says. "Theres just something about that conversation that is between the performer and the audience that I really miss. "So I tried to find ways to address that with this play so the audience has some sort of connection to the lives next to the intimacy of the play," she says. "One of the things about the Zoom meetings that I find incredibly moving is the way we are in each others homes, often in each others bedrooms. "Ive had so many business meetings with people in their bedrooms and its incredibly intimate." Zoom Lens capitalizes on that; all the actors are actually in their own homes and some of their pets even make appearances. "We wrote in a couple of dogs," Patterson says. Living through a pandemic is not without its positive aspects, she says, even as vaccination Patterson has been vaccinated promises a return to "normal." SUPPLIED Patterson discovered students were feeling isolated and boxed in even before the pandemic. "I hope we dont go back to the way we were," she says. "Ive been really loving so many aspects of this time. I love that weve decided that our well-being is more important than our productivity. And I hope we can continue to prioritize well-being over productivity. I feel that relationship was completely off-balance before. "A lot of people I know are having a really hard time getting through this pandemic and I feel like Im kind of coasting through," she says. "Im sort of used to not being able to do the things that I want to do and being OK with it and moving on and finding something else and letting go. "Im really good at all those things because Ive had to get good at it," she says. "Having that lived experience and developing those skills has been super-valuable." randall.king@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @FreepKing Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Tammy Duckworth told reporters she would be a "no vote on the floor, on all non-diversity nominees" unless Biden pledged increased representation of the AAPI community. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images Sens. Mazie Hirono and Tammy Duckworth successfully lobbied the White House for increased AAPI representation. The pair threatened to withhold votes in support of Cabinet nominees unless Biden made changes. The White House said it would add a senior-level AAPI liaison. See more stories on Insider's business page. The Biden administration says it will appoint an Asian American Pacific Islander liaison after Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono decried the lack of AAPI representation at the highest levels of government and threatened to block future administration nominees unless Biden pledged more representation. Duckworth, of Illinois, and Hirono, of Hawaii, are the only two AAPI members of the Senate and had been raising the issue of representation for months but had been met with little support, according to The New York Times, During a tense call on Monday night with the White House, Duckworth was told by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jen O'Malley Dillon that Vice President Kamala Harris was proof enough of high-level AAPI representation, according to CNN. Duckworth called Dillon's comments "insulting." "To be told that you have Kamala Harris, we are very proud of her, you don't need anybody else, is insulting," Duckworth told reporters following the meeting. "That's not something you would say to the Black caucus - that you have Kamala - we're not going to be putting any African Americans in the Cabinet - why would you say that to AAPIs?" Duckworth added that until the White House "can call me and tell me what the proposal is," she would be a "no vote on the floor, on all non-diversity nominees." Hirono echoed Duckworth's sentiments. "Tammy's position is that until she gets a commitment from the White House that there will be more diversity representation in the Cabinet and senior White House advisory positions, she will not vote to confirm anyone who does not represent diversity," Hirono told MSNBC. "This is not about pitting one diversity group against another. I think this is a well-articulated, focused position. I am prepared to join her in that." Story continues The Asian Pacific American Caucus had previously applauded the confirmation of Dr. Vivek Murthy as Surgeon General and Katherine Tai as US Trade Representative, but Hirono and Duckworth questioned why there are no AAPI members in top leadership roles in Biden's Cabinet. With the Senate currently split evenly between Democrats and Republicans, Duckworth and Hirono's support for Biden nominations is crucial. On Tuesday, the White House spoke privately with Hirono and Duckworth. Following the conversation, both women reversed course. Ben Garmisa, a spokesperson for Duckworth, said the senator appreciated "assurances" that the Biden administration would "do more to elevate AAPI voices and perspectives at the highest levels of government" and that Duckworth "will not stand in the way of President Biden's qualified nominees - which will include more AAPI leaders." Hirono said on Twitter that after a "productive" and "private" conversation with the White House, she would "continue voting to confirm the historic and highly qualified nominees President Biden has appointed to serve in his administration." White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement to the Times on Tuesday night that "the White House will add a senior-level Asian American Pacific Islander liaison, who will ensure the community's voice is further represented and heard." "The president has made it clear that his administration will reflect the diversity of the country. That has always been, and remains, our goal," she continued. The White House's announcement comes amid a spike in anti-Asian hate crimes in the US believed to be related to unfounded COVID-19 conspiracies. Last year, Hirono, along with several other AAPI members of Congress, introduced the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act which would allocate Department of Justice resources toward reviewing hate crimes. Read the original article on Business Insider 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 Centre is planning to expedite delivery of Covid-19 vaccines to states that have low inventory and also increase sourcing from vaccine makers over the next few weeks. Next month, the health ministry is likely to receive 60 million of the 100 million doses of Covishield it had ordered from Serum Institute of India (SII). A senior government official indicated that for states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, which are vaccinating at high speed, more doses will be dispatched soon. We have given 7.3 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to Maharashtra so far, of which around 4.9 ... 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. LIMA, Peru, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco de Credito del Peru ("BCP") today announced the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (1) any and all of the outstanding 6.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2026 issued by BCP acting through its Panamanian Branch (the "2026 Notes"), for a purchase price for the 2026 Notes equal to the applicable Purchase Price set forth in the table below (the "2026 Notes Tender Offer"); and (2) any and all of the outstanding 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2027 issued by BCP acting through its Panamanian Branch (the "2027 Notes" and, together with the 2026 Notes, the "Notes"), for a purchase price for the 2027 Notes equal to the applicable Purchase Price set forth in the table below (the "2027 Notes Tender Offer" and, together with the 2026 Notes Tender Offer, the "Tender Offers"). The Tender Offers are being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions (including the Financing Condition (as defined in the Offer to Purchase)) set forth in the offer to purchase dated March 18, 2021 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related letter of transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal") and notice of guaranteed delivery (the "Notice of Guaranteed Delivery" and, together with the Offer to Purchase and the Letter of Transmittal, the "Offer Documents"). The table below summarizes certain payment terms for the Notes: Notes CUSIP and ISINNumber(s) Principal AmountOutstanding Purchase Price1 6.875% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2026 CUSIP:05954T AH4/ P09646 AD5ISIN: US05954TAH41/ USP09646AD58 U.S.$181,505,000 U.S.$1,029.13 6.125% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2027 CUSIP: 05954T AJ0/ P09646 AE3ISIN: US05954TAJ07/ USP09646AE32 U.S.$294,700,000 U.S.$1,058.86 1Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of applicable Notes, validly tendered and accepted for purchase, plus Accrued Interest (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). The 2026 Notes Tender Offer will expire at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on March 25, 2021, or any other date and time to which BCP extends the 2026 Notes Tender Offer (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the 2026 Notes Tender Offer, the "2026 Notes Expiration Time"). Holders of 2026 Notes must validly tender their 2026 Notes at or prior to the 2026 Notes Expiration Time and not validly withdraw them at or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) in order to be eligible to receive the 2026 Purchase Price (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) plus Accrued Interest (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) for such 2026 Notes. Tendered 2026 Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to the 2026 Notes Expiration Time but not thereafter. The 2027 Notes Tender Offer will expire at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on March 25, 2021, or any other date and time to which BCP extends the 2027 Notes Tender Offer (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the 2027 Notes Tender Offer, the "2027 Notes Expiration Time" and each of the 2026 Notes Expiration Time and 2027 Notes Expiration time, an "Expiration Time"). Holders of 2027 Notes must validly tender their 2027 Notes at or prior to the 2027 Notes Expiration Time and not validly withdraw them at or prior to the Withdrawal Deadline in order to be eligible to receive the 2027 Purchase Price (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) plus Accrued Interest for such 2027 Notes. Tendered 2027 Notes may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to the 2027 Notes Expiration Time but not thereafter. Additionally, we will pay additional amounts such that the applicable Purchase Price and Accrued Interest received by Holders after withholding tax will be equal to the amount that would have been due had there been no withholding tax, subject to the same exceptions as are included in the applicable indentures. BCP's obligation to purchase Notes in the Tender Offers is conditioned on the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including, without limitation, the Financing Condition, described in the Offer Documents. BCP reserves the right, in BCP's sole discretion, to amend or terminate the any of the Tender Offers at any time. In case the Proposed New Note Offering (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) is announced, tendering Holders who wish to tender their Notes and subscribe for the New Notes (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) should quote a Unique Identifier Code (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) corresponding to the New Notes being subscribed, which can be obtained by contacting any of the dealer managers. A Unique Identifier Code is not required for a Holder to tender its Notes, but if a tendering Holder wishes to subscribe for the New Notes, such Holder should obtain and quote a Unique Identifier Code in its ATOP Electronic Acceptance Instruction or Letter of Transmittal. BCP will review tender instructions received on or prior to the applicable Expiration Time, and may give priority in connection with the allocation of New Notes to those investors tendering with Unique Identifier Codes. However, no assurances can be given that any Holder that tenders Notes will be given an allocation of New Notes at the levels it may subscribe for, or at all. The information and tender agent for the Tender Offers is D.F. King & Co., Inc. To contact the information and tender agent, banks and brokers may call +1 (212) 269-5550, and others may call U.S. toll-free: +1 (800) 334-0384 or email bcp@dfking.com. Additional contact information is set forth below. By Mail, Hand or Overnight Courier: 48 Wall Street 22nd Floor New York, NY 10005 USA Attention: Andrew Beck By Facsimile Transmission: (for eligible institutions only) +1 (212)709-3328 Attention: Andrew Beck Confirmation by Telephone +1 (212) 269-5552 Copies of each of the Offer Documents are available at the following web address: www.dfking.com/bcp. Any questions or requests for assistance or for additional copies of this notice may be directed to the dealer managers at their respective telephone numbers set forth below or, if by any Holder, to such Holder's broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Tender Offers. The dealer managers for the Tender Offers are: BofA Securities, Inc.One Bryant ParkNew York, New York 10019Attention: Liability Management GroupTelephone (U.S. Toll Free): +1 (888) 292 0070Telephone (U.S.): +1 (646) 855 8988 Credicorp Capital Sociedad Agente de Bolsa S.A.Av. el Derby 055 Edificio Cronos, Torre 4, 8th Floor, Santiago de Surco, Lima 33, PeruCollect: +51 (1) 313-2902 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC383 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10179 U.S. Toll Free: +1 (866) 846-2874Collect: +1 (212) 834-7279Attention: Liability Management Group This notice does not constitute or form part of any offer or invitation to purchase, or any solicitation of any offer to sell, the Notes or any other securities in the United States or any other country, nor shall it or any part of it, or the fact of its release, form the basis of, or be relied on or in connection with, any contract therefor. The Tender Offers are made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer Documents, and the information in this notice is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase and the related Letter of Transmittal and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. None of BCP, the dealer managers or the information and tender agent makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender their Notes pursuant to the Tender Offers. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/banco-de-credito-del-peru-announcement-to-the-market-301250291.html SOURCE Banco de Credito del Peru The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday approached all opposition and non-NDA parties to oppose the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, in Rajya Sabha. Aam Aadmi Party approaches all opposition and non-NDA parties to oppose the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021 in Rajya Sabha. ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2021 Earlier on Tuesday, the Congress party had issued a whip to all its MPs in Rajya Sabha and asks them to support the party's stand on the bill to be presented in the Upper House. Congress issues whip to its MPs in Rajya Sabha and asks them to support the party's stand on Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (AMENDMENT) Bill, 2021 to be presented in the House today. ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2021 AAP leader writes to Rajya Sabha Chairman AAP leader Sanjay Singh wrote a letter to Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu opposing the introduction of the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, asserting that the Bill violates the provisions of the Constitution of India. Later, in conversation with the media personnel, pointing out that the Kejriwal model of development is getting acceptance all over the country, he said that the Central government is spooked and that is why have introduced this bill. Reasoning out his opposition for the Bill, he said, "The Government is undermining the Federal, democratic structure through the Bill, and the Bill is being brought about unconstitutionally." GNCT approved in Lok Sabha This comes after the Bill on Monday, was passed in the Lok Sabha, even after strong opposition from AAP and the Congress party, who called it "unconstitutional". Thereafter, Kejriwal had expressed his dismay over the passage of the Bill. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he had asserted that the passage of the Bill in the Lower House was an insult to the people. "The Bill effectively takes away power from those who were voted by people and gives powers to run Delhi to those who were defeated," he wrote while clearly stating that the BJP has cheated the people. Amid opposition from AAP and other opposition parties against the Bill, the BJP has maintained that the Bill will authorise the Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi, so the latter can take decisions equivalent to the Delhi government, as is the case with all Union Territories. Myanmar's security forces shot dead a 7-year-old girl in the city of Mandalay on Tuesday, the youngest victim yet in the military's bloody crackdown on civilian opposition to the February 1 coup. The young girl was killed in her home during a military raid, according to advocacy group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) and Reuters news agency. Citing relatives, local news outlet Myanmar Now reported the girl, named Khin Myo Chit, was shot while sitting in her father's lap after security forces kicked down the door to the family's home. Soldiers asked the father if everyone in the family was present in the house -- when the father said yes, they accused him of lying and shot at him, hitting the girl instead, Myanmar Now reported, quoting the victim's older sister. The ruthless killing of a child in her father's arms fits a pattern of abuse and indiscriminate use of deadly violence from Myanmar's security forces that has targeted not only unarmed protesters and opponents to the coup, but bystanders, civilians in their homes, and children. Myanmar was thrown into turmoil when the military, headed by coup-leader Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, seized power last month, overturning a democratic election, detaining civilian leader and Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, and establishing a ruling military junta. Anti-coup protests and strikes have since gripped the nation but are being violently suppressed by the junta's police forces and military soldiers, with widespread reports of shootings, enforced disappearances and torture of political prisoners. Despite the dangers, tens of thousands of people across the country continue to protest and take part in a civil disobedience movement. On Wednesday, protesters called for a "silent strike" with businesses and shops set to close and people to stay in their homes, with the aim of shutting down entire towns and cities. Photos from local media showed empty streets and deserted roads throughout the country Wednesday morning. At least 275 people have been killed since the coup, according to AAPP, though activists say the death toll is likely much higher. More than 20 of those deaths are children, humanitarian organization Save the Children said. "We are horrified that children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on peaceful protestors. The death of these children is especially concerning given that they reportedly were killed while being at home, where they should have been safe from harm," Save the Children said in a statement Tuesday. "The fact that so many children are being killed on an almost daily basis shows a complete disregard for human life by security forces." It follows the death of a 15-year-old boy on Monday, also in Mandalay, according to Reuters and local news reports. The boy, who was a Grade-8 student, was one of three people shot dead in the city that day, AAPP reported. "The fallen child was shot when he strayed out of the house to fill the up water in front of the house," AAPP said. Myanmar's military has not yet officially commented on the death of the 7-year-old girl but has repeatedly defended security forces' response to the protesters, saying they use minimal force. On Tuesday, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said in a televised news conference he felt "sorry" for citizens' loss of life but blamed protesters for unrest and destruction of property. "Which country would accept these kind of violent acts?" he said at a news conference in the capital, Naypyidaw. "We will act according to law if the protest is peaceful. But we will use minimal force and least steps if there is violence." Military releases some of those detained At least 2,812 people have been detained since the coup, according to AAPP. As of Tuesday, Save the Children said it has responded to 146 cases of child arrests or detentions, and at least 488 students are currently being held by security forces. Many people have been taken arbitrarily in nighttime raids and their families do not know where their loved ones are, or what condition they are in, the United Nations said. On Wednesday, several hundred prisoners, arrested during crackdowns against opponents of the coup, were freed from prison, Reuters reported, citing witnesses, lawyers and local media. Several buses full of the prisoners could be seen driving out of Yangon's notorious Insein prison in the morning, though there was no immediate word from authorities on how many were freed. "All the released are the ones arrested due to the protests, as well as night arrests or those who were out to buy something," a member of a legal advisory group told Reuters. Associated Press (AP) journalist Thein Zaw, who was arrested while covering a protest in Yangon on February 27, was among those released Wednesday, the news agency said. He told his family "he has been informed he is being released from detention," AP reported. Thein Zaw had been charged with violating a public order law that carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment. US sanctions The junta's deadly suppression of peaceful protests has been widely condemned internationally. Zaw Min Tun's comments came a day after the US and European Union imposed further sanctions on groups and individuals linked to the coup and crackdown on protesters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced new sanctions against Myanmar's chief of police, Than Hlaing, and its Bureau of Special Operations commander, Lt. Gen. Aung Soe, as well as two army units long implicated in human rights abuses in ethnic areas. Meanwhile, the EU designated 11 individuals associated with the coup and related violence. Previously, UN officials have said the military's actions against civilians "likely meet the threshold for crimes against humanity" and have called on the UN to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar and further sanctions on military-owned and operated companies. "The junta can't defeat the people of Myanmar united in peaceful opposition. Desperate, it launches ruthless attacks to provoke a violent response to try and justify even more violence. It's not working. The world must respond by cutting their access to money and weapons," UN special rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said in a tweet Saturday. The military has tried to justify its takeover by claiming the November 8, 2020 elections, which were decisively won by Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, had been marred by fraud. After the country's election commission disputed that claim, the military seized power and replaced the commission. In addition to leveling four charges against Suu Kyi that could result in a years-long prison sentence, the junta has accused her of bribery and corruption. In Tuesday's three-hour-long news conference, spokesperson Zaw Min Tun presented details claiming to show how the NLD committed electoral fraud by inventing voters and creating hundreds or even thousands of extra ballots, according to Reuters. In one video, a government official testified Suu Kyi allegedly took bribes of cash and gold. Former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein said he had to give money to Suu Kyi "whenever needed" to get support for his work. CNN cannot independently verify these claims and has reached out to Suu Kyi's lawyer for comment. Khin Maung Zaw had previously said the corruption allegations "are a complete fabrication." New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, who served as Manhattan borough president from 2006 through 2013, is endorsing Mark Levine to be Manhattans next borough president. And Levine, an influential City Council member on Manhattans West Side, is endorsing Stringer to be the citys next mayor, hoping to shore up his support in one of the citys most vote-rich districts. The co-endorsement, reported exclusively by City & State, isnt exactly a surprise. The progressive politicians are politically aligned and they endorsed each other in their respective competitive 2013 races. The candidates teams share a number of personal connections as well. Levine supported Stringers campaign manager, Micah Lasher, when he ran for state Senate in 2016. Stringers communications director, Tyrone Stevens, was previously Levines comms director, and Levine is a close ally of Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who endorsed Stringer way back in October 2020. Levine, who has earned attention for chairing the Health Committee during the coronavirus pandemic, is hoping to cement his status as a leading contender in the race to succeed Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who is term-limited at the end of this year. Levine has picked up major endorsements, including from Espaillat and the New York City Central Labor Council. He has also raised the most money in the race and has the most cash on hand. But other candidates arent far behind in fundraising, including state Sen. Brad Hoylman and City Council Member Ben Kallos. Stringer grew up in Washington Heights, then represented part of the Upper West Side in the Assembly before becoming Manhattan borough president. Levine represents a district that spans the two neighborhoods along the boroughs West Side one of the areas that Stringer is hoping in particular to run up the score against his leading rivals in the mayoral race. While recent polls havent been kind to Stringer a poll released Wednesday by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics put him in fourth place he has a whopping $6.85 million in his campaign account, making him second among all candidates. And thanks in part to his long career in politics, Stringer seems to have a clear lead on the field in terms of major endorsements Levine being just the latest example. 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. U.S. hospitals say they have been operating in 'survival mode' for the majority of the coronavirus pandemic. According to a new report released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) inspector general on Wednesday, medical centers said that staffing shortages have impacted patient care. What's more, the exhaustion of long shifts and dealing with multiple sick people - as well as the trauma of seeing patients die - has taken a toll on staff members' mental health. Hospital administrators say they have experienced challenges while distributing vaccines, including hesitancy among employees and members of the surrounding communities. They are calling on the federal government for support including helping to fill in staffing gaps; sending financial, especially rural hospitals; and continuing to educate the public on how to prevent and treat COVID-19. A report released Wednesday by the Department of Health and Human Services found U.S. hospitals had been 'significantly strained' by the COVID pandemic. Pictured: Medical staff put on protective gear as they attend to patients with COVID-19 at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin, November 2020 Hospitals said they struggled to balancing caring for COVID-19 patients and those admitted for routine care with about 40 hospitals and 56 ICUs reported operating at 90% or greater capacity '[Hospitals] reported challenges largely related to the ongoing intensity of having to deal with Covid for a year,' Ann Maxwell, assistant inspector general for evaluations and inspections, told CNN. 'That has them grappling with challenges that were brought with Covid, but also exacerbated longstanding challenges in healthcare delivery, staffing, financial stability. 'Then...you've got the added strain of the vaccination efforts, which are a new addition.' For the report, the HHS surveyed 320 hospitals 45 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico from February 22 to February 26, 2021. Interviews focused on three main subjects including the hospitals' most difficult challenges responding to the pandemic, their biggest concerns in the future and the federal government can do to best support hospitals. The hospitals painted a grim picture, revealing the 'significant strains' they have experienced in response to COVID-19 and its far-reaching implications. One of the biggest challenges hospitals said they faced related to patient-care including treating critically ill coronavirus patients and those with long-term complications. About 40 hospitals and 56 intensive care units (ICUs) reported operating at 90 percent or greater capacity at the time of the survey. Additionally, hospitals struggled to balancing caring for COVID-19 patients and those admitted for routine care, sometimes delaying or foregoing standard appointments and procedures as a result of the pandemic. There were also challenges when it came to staffing. Increased work hours and responsibilities for staff led to exhaustion, PTSD and burnout, with many feeling forced to function in 'survival mode.' Pictured: A healthcare worker comforts a patient in the COVID-19 ward at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas, December 2020 Administrators reported that the pandemic had led to increased work hours and responsibilities, which led to staff experiencing exhaustion and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from witnessing COVID-19-related deaths. Mental and physical fatigue was also the result of staffing shortages due to high turnover, staff that became ill or staff that hd to quarantine due to possible exposure to the virus. 'This [pandemic] has really burnt out the health care industry,' one hospital president told the HHS, according to the report. 'I am concerned about what we are going to do about making people want to go into health care as a profession.' Coronavirus vaccines presented yet another challenge. Some hospitals has to divert staff away from patient care to administer vaccines, which has 'strained an already stressed system' one administrator said in an interview. Another administrator said that vaccination data had to be entered into three separate systems to meet federal state and local reporting requirements, which he or she characterized 'cumbersome' and 'redundant.' Other medical centers said they were having a hard time convincing staff to get vaccinated with some saying that at least one-third of their employees had declined to receive the vaccines at the time of the survey. Some hospital complained they ere frustrated due to the unpredictable and insufficient supply of vaccines that sometimes led to patient appointments needing to be canceled. 'There is far more capacity to vaccinate than there [are] available vaccine doses,' on emergency management director told the HHS. Some of the strategies hospital said the federal government could implement to address challengers include addressing staff shortages including burnout, supporting vaccination campaigns and helping hospital experiencing financial instability. SANFORD, Fla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins Property Associates ("RPA"), a vertically integrated multifamily owner and operator, has partnered with a publicly-traded insurance company to acquire Lake Monroe Apartments. The expansive 280-unit NGBS Green Certified complex was completed in 2020. The property, which was re-branded Vue on Lake Monroe, is located in the quickly expanding Sanford/Lake Mary submarket in Seminole County. Robbins Property Associates The property is centrally located with ease of access to Interstate 4 and the SunRail, which provides access to over 20.9 million square feet of corporate office space. The area provides a high proportion of healthcare, finance, and education jobs, including AAA, Deloitte, and multiple hospitals. "Sanford/Lake Mary has high-growth potential and was relatively resilient during 2020. We expect these positive trends to continue due to the robust local job market and continued population growth," said Neal Herman, Managing Director of Investments at RPA. "Vue at Lake Monroe provides the right balance of high-end interior finishes and amenities while remaining affordable in terms of competing with other brand-new product." Vue on Lake Monroe is a newly constructed luxury apartment community situated directly across from the Sanford Riverwalk. The community features picturesque views of Lake Monroe, a screened-in resort-style saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art strength and fitness center, and electric vehicle charging. Each unit boasts designer cabinetry imported from Italy, natural polished stone countertops, custom hardware, premium stainless-steel appliances, and hardwood-style flooring. With the historic downtown Sanford with its charming cafes, upscale restaurants, and trendy bars just minutes away, Vue on Lake Monroe sets the stage for a flawless living experience. RPA will install the finishing touches to the interiors with modern kitchen tile backsplashes. Community amenity upgrades will highlight enhancements to the fitness center and pool, and the addition of a fenced bark park. "Vue at Lake Monroe is well-suited to meet the growing demand from renters who prefer an urban lifestyle plus the comforts of suburban, waterfront living," said Kristi King, Chief Operating Officer & Principal of RPA. "We are very excited to add this community to our Orlando portfolio." ABOUT ROBBINS PROPERTY ASSOCIATES Robbins Property Associates (RPA) is a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm that combines experienced and proven investment capability with a best-in-class team of real estate operations professionals. Founded in 2009 with the objective to provide superior resident service, it has become a leader in the multi-family housing investment and management industry. The company currently owns and operates 22 properties totaling over 5,700 units in Florida and Maryland. Headquartered in Tampa, FL, and Boston, MA, Robbins Property Associates maintains the same determination towards excellence in employee satisfaction. They have been named a Top 100 Workplaces employer by the Tampa Bay Times seven times since 2013. The combined years of property management experience accumulated by their onsite and corporate staff provides RPA with its competitive edge, and it is why RPA is a leader in the property management industry. For more information about Robbins Property Associates, visit http://www.RobbinsPropertyLLC.com. Robbins Property Associates contact: Greer Hill, Director of Marketing Robbins Property Associates 4890 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 270 Tampa, FL 33609 Tel: 941-224-3768 [email protected] Related Images vue-on-lake-monroe-aerial.jpg Vue on Lake Monroe Aerial Related Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR_JQp3pkUc SOURCE Robbins Property Associates Ryanair has warned of a record annual net loss of almost 1.0 billion euros ($1.2 billion) for its financial year to March, as the pandemic ravages demand for air travel Irish no-frills airline Ryanair on Wednesday expressed optimism over the summer holiday outlook despite a third coronavirus wave sweeping Europe. Chief executive Michael O'Leary said the carrier expects to run 80 percent of capacity for July, August and September. "Families will be travelling to and from the UK, to and from Europe, going to the beaches of Europe on summer holidays that are richly deserved after the very fraught last 12 months," O'Leary told an online press conference. "I'm pleased to report that we've had a recent surge in bookings, as the UK began to open up restrictions." It comes despite some European nations reimposing lockdowns, including in France and Germany, with cases on the rise once again. O'Leary did note that there was still "a lot of uncertainty" regarding travel demand in April, May and June, with half the normal traffic forecast. But he expressed hope that overall European holiday flight demand would pick up as more nations emulate Britain's rapid inoculation drive. "It is very likely as the Europeans catch up with the UK's vaccine rollout success that we will see pent-up demand," O'Leary added. In the UK, Ryanair's biggest markets, transport minister Grant Shapps has said it is "too early to say" when foreign travel would be possible again. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's phased plan to exit England's lockdown does not anticipate a return to international air travel until May 17 at the earliest. Ryanair has meanwhile warned of a record annual net loss of almost 1.0 billion euros ($1.2 billion) for its financial year to March, as the pandemic ravages demand for air travel. O'Leary on Wednesday said the group remains in good shape, after slashing jobs and costs in order to navigate fallout from the health crisis. "We could service a second lost summer should the travel restrictions remain in place," he added. "We have the balance sheet and the cash flow to be able to do that." The Dublin-based company will publish annual results in May. Explore further Ryanair forecasts biggest ever loss on virus hit 2021 AFP 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. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Dozens of elephants have died under mysterious circumstances in Botswana months after hundreds were killed by ingesting toxic microorganisms. Preliminary investigations into the fresh wave of deaths have ruled out anthrax and bacterial infections, the environment ministry said on Wednesday as the death toll this year rose to 39. The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism also ruled out suspicions of poaching as the tusks of the elephants in the Moremi Game Reserve were found intact. The reserve lies about 100km (60miles) east of Seronga, where last year's elephant deaths were reported. Preliminary investigations into a fresh wave of elephant deaths in Botswana have ruled out anthrax and bacterial infections, the environment ministry said on Wednesday as the death toll this year rose to 39. Pictured: One of the 300 elephants killed in Botswana earlier last year after ingesting toxins in water produced by cyanobacteria [File photo] 'Further laboratory analysis is ongoing. Extensive field and air investigations have not uncovered any mortality of other wildlife species within the area,' the ministry said in a statement. Over a period of several weeks starting in May last year, 330 elephants were found dead under mysterious circumstances near the fringes of the Okavango Delta, one of the continent's premier tourist destinations for wildlife lovers. Conservationists heaped pressure on the government to find out what had killed the animals. The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism also ruled out suspicions of poaching as the tusks of the elephants in the Moremi Game Reserve were found intact. Pictured: One among the 300 elephants killed in Botswana earlier last year after ingesting toxins in water produced by cyanobacteria [File photo] Locals in the area had reported seeing the elephants walking in circles, suggesting they have been neurologically impaired either by a pathogen or a poison. In September, the government released a report that pointed to toxic microorganisms called cyanobacteria as the cause of death. Not all cyanobacteria are toxic, but scientists say the poisonous ones are occurring more frequently as climate change drives up global temperatures. The bacteria live in water or moist soils, which were then consumed by the elephants. While Africa's elephant population is in decline because of poaching, Botswana's numbers are growing. The southern African country is home to a third of the continent's elephants and grew a population of 80,000 to 130,000 through well-managed reserves [Stock image] Southern Africa's temperatures are rising at twice the global average, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. While Africa's elephant population is in decline because of poaching, Botswana's numbers are growing. The southern African country is home to a third of the continent's elephants and grew a population of 80,000 to 130,000 through well-managed reserves. However elephants are still under threat as farmers consider them a nuisance for destroying crops when they roam out of reserves and poaching is still prevalent. Republic Media Network welcomes the recent news of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issuing a Provisional Attachment Order in the TRP Case. The EDs Provisional Attachment Order comes after months of thorough investigation and the findings of the agency completely vindicates Republic Media Network, its channels and affiliates. The truth has once again emerged victorious and has settled scores with all those who tried to put a lid over it. ESTABLISHED WITH FINALITY - NO VIEWERSHIP MALPRACTICES BY REPUBLIC MEDIA NETWORK: The Provisional Attachment Order has firmly established that there were no viewership malpractices by Republic Media Network. The Enforcement Directorate has after detailed investigations produced an Attachment Order that proves all the claims and allegations against Republic were false, malicious and fictitious. The findings of the Enforcement Directorate only publicly and wholly present what was always the truth. ALL RAW DATA ANALYSED BY ED SHOWS NO WRONGDOING BY REPUBLIC: The raw data shows that even in the households where deviation/infirmity in data was found, viewership of Republic TV and Republic Bharat in terms of viewership minutes was zero. This settles, once and for all, that no unlawful manipulation and distortion of viewership was being conducted by Republic TV or any of its sister channels and affiliates. ALL HOUSEHOLDS WITH BAR-o-METERS EXAMINED DO NOT NAME REPUBLIC: The ED Provisional Attachment Order lays down the statements of those who reside in Bar-O-Meter households. None of the households have named Republic TV, Republic Bharat or any affiliate of Republic Media Network. This establishes once and for all that there is no TRP manipulation, viewership malpractice or wrongdoing done by Republic Media Network. REPUBLIC NOT AN ACCUSED IN ED PROVISIONAL ORDER: The EDs Provisional Attachment Order has been filed under Section 5 of the Provisions of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and has named 3 accused and another prominent national news channel but has not once mentioned Republic in the context of any viewership malpractice. NOTHING OF EVIDENTIARY VALUE FOUND AGAINST REPUBLIC: The viewership metrics and the qualitative and quantitative findings of the Enforcement Directorate at a primary level prove that nothing of evidentiary value has been found. NO FINANCIAL TRAIL, ACCUSATION OR MONEY TRAIL EVEN REMOTELY IMPLICATING REPUBLIC: The ED Provisional Attachment Order specifically draws out detailed money trails and financial links of the 3 channels specifically named for allegedly being involved in viewership distortion, not once has Republic Media Network or any of its channels been named in the context of any wrongdoing. NO ABNORMAL VIEWERSHIP GROWTH OF REPUBLIC: The ED Provisional Attachment order records statements that detail out abnormal viewership growth being identified by BARC sub-committees but none of these distortions are with respect to Republic Media Networks channels. EVIDENCE AGAINST ANOTHER CHANNEL NAMED IN FIR: In fact, the EDs Provisional Attachment Order indicates numerous times that evidence has been found against one particular English news channel that was also named in the original FIR in the TRP case. Republic Media Network takes pride in its organisation that has been built on the untouchable principles of deep integrity, earnest hard work and the forthright purpose of putting nation first. New York State lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo reached a deal to legalize marijuana Wednesday, according to Senate Finance Committee Chair Liz Krueger, D-28. Krueger didn't provide any details on the agreement, but says it is her understanding a deal has been reached. Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, who has sponsored Assembly legislation to legalize marijuana, said the bill is being drafted and is set to come up for a vote next week. According to a report from Bloomberg, the state would legalize marijuana for those 21 and older, and establish a 13% sales tax, with 9% going to the state and 4% to counties. Cuomo says the marijuana industry could bring in roughly $350 million a year and create more than 60,000 jobs. In a briefing earlier Wednesday, Cuomo said legalizing marijuana is one of his top priorities for the state. He also said they were close to coming to an agreement on terms of the proposed bill. In a meeting held by the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce earlier Wednesday morning, local leaders discussed the potential legalization of marijuana. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-119, says there are still too many unanswered questions. "There is no way to actually test how much of a level of cannabis is in an individual at the time, so, how does an employer actually work with this?" she said. "And that's one reason we're asking not to put this legislation forward. There's more questions than answers." NEWSChannel 2 asked Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente for comment on word of a marijuana legalization deal during his Wednesday COVID briefing, "My position on marijuana initially and has always been, I've always stated my concern is that it's a gateway drug, it has been and I still look at it in that regard. Now, I'm always concerned when the state legislature puts legislation in effect that is in essence opting in, because that creates a great problem with neighboring counties do something that other counties don't. I'm gonna wait and see what comes out of it. We have a lot on our plate right now and to add another layer of issues that come along with the legalization of marijuana I think is a problem anyway. There are still many more questions than answers and while they think they may have resolved them by waiting the past couple of years, in the middle of a pandemic is the worst time to move forward on this." As far as whether Oneida County would opt in, if the bill ends up being an opt-in type of bill, Picente said, "thats something that were gonna have to take a look at, what the overall scope of it is and those are always tough decisions because it doesnt help us when other counties do it, and thats also a decision the Board of Legislators will have to make collectively and jointly with Ill have to confer with them on that as well." Cuomo has been calling for legalization of marijuana throughout his administration, attempting to pass legislation twice before. He announced his third proposal in his 2021 State of the State in January. New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday (March 24, 2021) hit out at the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) governments and said that they have made Kerala a hub of corruption. "People of Kerala are fed up with the corruption and misrule of the LDF government," Shah said. "LDF and UDF governments have made Kerala a hub of corruption. When UDF comes to power, there is a solar light scam and during LDF`s tenure, there are donor and gold scams," he added. People of Kerala are fed up with the corruption and misrule of the LDF government. Photographs from the road show in Thrippunithura. . . pic.twitter.com/wCNvnXIDho Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 24, 2021 Shah also attacked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the gold scam and asked if the prime accused of the case works in his office. The Union Home Minister said, "Did the prime accused of gold scam work in your office or not? Did your government give this accused Rs 3 lakh per month or not? Did your Principal Secretary make phone calls to help these accused or not?" The gold smuggling case, notably, came to light on July 5 in 2020 after 30 kg of gold was seized by the customs from a package camouflaged as a diplomatic consignment addressed to the UAE consulate in the state capital. Shah also slammed the state government over the handling of Kerala floods and alleged that they called the Army very late for help 'only for their own political mileage'. "There have been two floods in Kerala, and over 500 people lost their lives. The left government calls our army very late, only for their own political mileage. They do not care about the lives of the people of Kerala," he said. The Union Home Minister was in the poll-bound state to address public meetings and hold a roadshow. While he spoke at public meetings in Kanjirappally and Chathannoor, he also held a road show in Thrippunithura. The election to the 140-member Kerala Assembly will take place in a single phase on April 6, for which, the results will be announced on May 2. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:53:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Wednesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World TB Day with the government saying the country has made great strides in fighting the disease. Minister of Health Jonas Chanda however said there was a need to accelerate the country's response to TB in order to ensure the elimination of the disease. He said the country notified 5,756 cases representing 67 percent of the expected figure last year, making 2020 the best performance in the last four years. While acknowledging the strides, he said more needs to be done because there are still cases that go undiagnosed in the communities, a situation that increases the chances of infection to others. In remarks delivered virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zambian minister said the country has done a lot despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19, adding that the disease has a negative impact on individuals, communities and the economy. The Zambian minister, however, said the limited awareness of TB and stigma associated with the disease has hampered the government's efforts to finding and treating patients in the country. World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Nathan Bakyaita commended Zambia over its strides in the elimination of TB. He said there was a need to increase funding to enhance the country's response towards TB a well as investment in TB research. The theme for this year's commemoration is "TB is still among us, let us end TB together". Enditem STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A man threatened to tase a woman while stealing her car and wallet at a social-service agency in New Brighton, authorities allege. Jamel Lopez, 41, of the 200 block of Gordon Street in Stapleton, stands accused in the incident at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday at Peoples Path, a nonprofit agency serving the homeless at 497 Jersey St., according to the criminal complaint and police. Lopez brandished and activated a taser in front of a woman inside the facility, the complaint alleges. Give me your keys, the criminal complaint quotes Lopez as saying to the vicim. Give me your wallet. Give me your car keys. Give me your phone. The victim handed over the car keys and her Apple iPhone. The suspect then used force to take the womans wallet and snatch an Apple AirPod from her ear, the complaint alleges. Lopez allegedly drove away from the location in the victims 2015 GMA Acadia. He was apprehended about an hour later, at 7:28 p.m., at Front and Edgewater streets in Clifton, police said. He has been charged with robbery, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, menacing, petit larceny, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property and menacing. Bond has been set at $75,000 for Lopez, who is due back in Criminal Court on Friday, according to public records. An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Miriam Margolyes has reportedly been forced to take a break from Call The Midwife due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. The actress, 79, has played the lovable Sister Mildred since 2018 and has been a key figure at Nonnatus House ever since. However, her character will not appear in the upcoming BBC series as she was abroad when filming began and restrictions prevented her from getting back to the UK on time. Break: Miriam Margolyes has reportedly been forced to take a break from Call The Midwife due to Covid-19 travel restrictions A source told The Daily Star: 'Miriam was abroad when filming took place and due to travel restrictions she was unable to get back to the UK to take part. 'If she could have been back on set, she would have been there in a heartbeat because she loves the show so much.' MailOnline have contacted a BBC representative for comment. Missing out: Her character Sister Mildred will not appear in the upcoming BBC series as she was abroad when filming began and restrictions prevented her from getting back to the UK on time The 10th series of the much-loved east London based series is due to return to screens in April, with cast members including Helen George, Leonie Elliott, Linda Bassett and Jenny Agutter back again. And while fans will no doubt miss out on Mother Mildred's presence, they can rest assured that Miriam will be back for series 11, when it returns in 2022. Filming for the next series will begin later this year, with the insider adding that 'everyone is looking forward to welcoming Miriam back'. Meanwhile, while she's not set to don her habit quite yet, the Harry Potter actress hasn't been far from the headlines in recent months. Much loved: The actress, 79, has played the lovable Sister Mildred since 2018 and has been a key figure at Nonnatus House ever since In January, she once again slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic - after previously claiming she wished he'd died of the virus. The Labour-supporting actress, who has never minced her words when discussing the politician, admitted she fled the UK in May and doesn't wish to return home until the case numbers have improved. Speaking from Tuscany, which is just one of her homes, Miriam also took aim at US President Donald Trump after he was impeached for the second time for inciting the US Capitol protests, claiming he was a 'dangerous fascist' who she 'hopes to see the back of.' Filming: 'Miriam was abroad when filming took place and due to travel restrictions she was unable to get back to the UK to take part' She'll be back! While fans will no doubt miss out on Mother Mildred's presence, they can rest assured that Miriam will be back for series 11, when it returns in 2022 Speaking during an impassioned appearance on Good Morning Britain, Miriam was asked whether she'd be getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The Harry Potter said that while she was currently isolating at her home in Italy, she'd only return to the UK when it's safe to get the jab. She said: 'Of course one must have a vaccine. Those anti-vaxxers are nuts. They need their heads seen to. Outspoken: Miriam once again slammed Prime Minister Boris Johnson's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic after previously claiming she wished he'd died of the virus 'It's ridiculous. I'm hoping I get a vaccine as soon as possible. I'm 79 so I'm not quite 80 yet - I'll be 80 in May. I may be able to have it in Italy before I come [back to the UK].' Miriam then insisted Boris must be held to account for his management of the pandemic, which at the time has claimed over 84,000 lives in the UK. She said: 'But I'm not going to England until it's safe to go. I mean you've got that clown in charge there that I didn't vote for and I'm holding him responsible for a lot of this mess.' Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Highlights According to MRFR analysis, the Global Neurodiagnostics Market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.88% from 2019 to 2025 and held a value of USD 4,848.48 Million in 2018. GET FREE SAMPLE COPY @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/8762 Neurodiagnostic tests which are also known as neurodiagnostics. records and monitors electrical activities of patients peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain. These tests help physicians to confirm or rule out a neurological disorder or other medical condition. The growth of the global neurodiagnostics market is boosted by factors such as rising number of strategic initiatives by key players such as mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, partnerships, coupled with the advancements in technology across the globe. Furthermore, many non-profit organizations in various countries are working towards creating awareness regarding neurological diseases. For instance, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), founded in July 2016, is a membership organization focused on raising awareness about the age and neurological conditions and diseases associated with age. However, the high cost of neurodiagnostic treatment is likely to restrain the market growth to a certain extent in the coming years. Market players such as GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, and Hitachi, Ltd., currently dominate the global neurodiagnostics market. The key players are involved in product launches and agreements to strengthen their market positions. For instance, in December 2019, GE Healthcare (US), signed USD 100 million technology partnership agreement with AFFIDEA (Ireland). GE Healthcare will install 200+ new equipment in Affideas network of centers across Europe. The deal includes the provision of 60 new MRIs, 50 ultrasound devices, 40 CT scanners and 30 X-rays machines in the next 3 years. It also includes a six-year service contract. Regional Analysis The market has been divided, by region, into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The Americas held maximum share in the base year 2018, owing to the high incidence rates of neurological disorders in countries such as US. According to the American Neurological Association, as of 2016, mealy 100 million Americans were affected by at least one of the neurological diseases. The Neurodiagnostics Market Size in the Americas has further been branched into North America and Latin America, with the North American market divided into the US and Canada. The European neurodiagnostics market has been categorized as Western Europe and Eastern Europe. The Western European market has further been classified as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Western Europe. The neurodiagnostics market in Asia-Pacific has been segmented into Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. The neurodiagnostics market in this region is anticipated to be the fastest-growing during the assessment period due to the increasing awareness about the diagnostic treatments and favorable reimbursement policies. The neurodiagnostics market in the Middle East & Africa has been divided into the Middle East and Africa. Browse Full Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/neurodiagnostics-market-8762 Segmentation The Global Neurodiagnostics Market has been segmented based on Product, Condition, and End User. The market, based on product type, has been divided into diagnostic imaging systems, clinical diagnostic instruments, and reagents & consumables. The diagnostic imaging systems segment held a major share in 2018 owing to the rising number of diagnostic laboratories an imaging centers in the developing as well as developed countries. The reagents & consumables was the fastest-growing segment in 2018 due to high consumption in various routine techniques. The market, based on diagnostic imaging systems, has been further segment is segmented as, MRI systems, EEG systems, CT scanners, PET scanners, EMG devices, ultrasound imaging systems, MEG devices, angiography systems, and others. The market, based on clinical diagnostic instruments has been further bifurcated into PCR instruments, NGS instruments, sanger sequencers, and others. The market, based on reagents & consumables has been further segmented into media & sera, antibodies, buffers, solvents, enzymes, proteins, & peptides, probes, and other Land prices in some areas skyrocketed after rumors spread about new airport projects, helping some investors to get rich but causing many others to go bust. The land prices in Hon Quan district in Binh Phuoc province soared in the first two months of 2021 because of the news of the development of an airport there. People rushed to speculate land for resale, hoping to get rich overnight. However, the real estate bubble burst some days ago, causing land speculators to lose tens of billions of dong. Hon Quan authorities said its unclear about the project and theres no further information except for a fact-finding trip by agencies. However, this was enough for land brokers to push land prices up and make big profits. The same occurred with land prices in the area projected for Long Thanh International Airport. Though the airport project has just kicked off and transport infrastructure items are still under construction, the land prices have skyrocketed. Some brokers said it is not easy to buy land though prices have become very high, because numerous investors want to buy land in large quantities. Some investors want to buy several sao (1 sao = 360 square meters) to more than 1 hectare. Nguyen Van Dinh, deputy chair and secretary general of the Vietnam Real Estate Broker Association, said despite Covid-19, the land price increased by 20 percent compared with the previous year. The land price in Long Thanhs central area hit VND100 million per square meter. Dinh said the land prices there risen not only because this was the area for an airport in the future, but also because land supply in HCM City has become scarce and people have to look for land in neighboring provinces. A report from the association showed that land prices in Dong Nai in 2019 hovered around VND12-14 million per square meter, then surged to VND22 million in 2020. As such, the prices in some areas doubled after just one year. On real estate trading websites, one can easily find ads about the sale of agricultural land that is going to be converted into building land, or land planned by local authorities for residential development. The land plots in the communes of Loc An and Bau Can have the highest prices in the areas being hunted by many people. In 2019, the land there was priced at VND3.5 billion per sao, but it surged to VND5-6 billion. The land plots in advantageous positions near large roads are priced at VND6.5-7 billion per sao on average. A broker said some families in An Loc commune sold their land at VND1 billion per sao in the past but now regret the sale because the land price has become much higher. Land prices in some areas skyrocketed after rumors spread about new airport projects, helping some investors to get rich but causing many others to go bust. Some landlords are refusing to sell land at VND4-5 billion per sao, because they believe the prices will rise further, when infrastructure around the airport is built. Airport is not 'magic wand' Most land fever attacks are the result of the crowd effect. Many people want to buy land at the same time, which pushes prices up while demand is limited. Land fever becomes artificial when the land value no longer truly reflects the real value and real demand, and land valuation is based on unclear information and rumors. Analysts say that land prices escalate not because of high demand for accommodation, but because of speculation. Some people become billionaires after the spells of land price escalation, while others lose all their money. Su Ngoc Khuong from Savills Vietnam said that the airport that Binh Phuoc province plans to build is not a magic wand that can help develop the local economy just in a short time. One airport cannot create a breakthrough for the entire province. Khuong said that airport development remains an idea that needs to be considered and approved. Local real estate prices depend on many other factors. Besides the information about development planning, news about the economy can help increase the value of assets and create a driving force for the market development. The BInh Phuoc airport will take at least 5-7 more years to get approval and another 3-5 years to build. So, it would take about 10 years from the time of surveying the field to the time of completing construction. It will take 5-10 years more to operate the airport effectively and lure more nvestments. Not all localities develop strongly after building airports. The airports in Da Nang and Nha Trang have helped their local economies, but Phu Cat Airport in Binh Dinh has had a modest influence on the provincial economy. There are 22 civil airports in Vietnam, including 13 domestic and nine international ones. But only six of them are making a profit, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV). Thu Ky - Tuan Linh Speculation pushes land prices up: Ministry of Construction Real estate speculators have been exploiting urban expansion plans to push up prices beyond the real value, according to the Ministry of Construction (MOC). Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N Mayorkas recently spoke to Indian Ambassador to Taranjit Singh Sandhu, wherein they agreed to re-establish the US- Homeland Security Dialogue. According to a statement released by Homeland Security, both sides on Monday also agreed to discuss important issues such as cybersecurity, emerging technology and violent extremism. During his talks on Monday, Mayorkas expressed his desire to further strengthen the partnership between the Indian government and the Department of Homeland Security. During their discussion, both sides highlighted the positive engagement that has already taken place during US President Joe Biden's administration, including with the Quad, which addressed concrete commitments to cooperate on COVID-19, climate actions, and cybersecurity. Secretary Mayorkas and Ambassador Sandhu also recognised the important contributions of students and entrepreneurs that have made both countries stronger. (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 young woman is called into her bosss office and shes instructed to close the door. She asks what he needs. He doesnt respond, he simply sits there with his mouth hanging open and very obviously ogles her body, looking her up and down. He then dismisses her. Its not the first time this has happened to her and it wont be the last. This is a true story. The woman in the story is former Equality Michigan Executive Director Emily Dievendorf and the man is TJ Bucholz, the CEO of Vanguard Public Affairs, a well-established Michigan-based political consultant whose work focuses primarily on left-leaning candidates, organizations, and issues. This behavior was first revealed in a powerful, must-read Facebook post by Dievendorf. This incident isnt the only one she shared about Bucholz. Heres another: On other days he would call me over to his desk and ask me to look at his phone. On it were pictures of his wife in a bikini. He would pepper me with questions about whether I thought she was attractive and whether I would have a threesome with them. He would tell me that he had already brought this up with her and she was all for it. I once, years later, brought up to other women that he regularly suggested a threesome with me (which is a regular way that bisexual women get sexually harassed). The other women had also been approached with the same suggestion and knew others who had received the question as well. We joked, in that sad and hopeless way that femmes/women in a workplace who have been harassed but lack power do, that we could connect much of the women of a certain age in Michigan politics thru his threesome invites. Having to hear what somebody would like to do to/with you all the time at work, and to have to try to go from work to that and back again is torture. It isnt charming. It is a power game. It is being treated like a game or a toy. It becomes an anxiety around feeling responsible for how they look at you and talk to you and it feels gross. You arent able to just do your job and you certainly know you arent considered EQUAL. I remember one day coming home and saying hello to my neighbors and bursting into tears while talking over the fence. I had stopped digesting my food. Once I read this intense essay (and theres much more to it that you should read), I put out a call: If any men or women had experienced or witnessed this behavior, they should consider my platform, this blog, open to tell their stories. Given the danger to their careers and even personal well-being this could put them in, I offered them anonymity in order to share what they knew. By the morning of the next day, I was contacted by at least a half dozen women who had worked for or with Bucholz and had been subjected to the same sort of sexual harassment my friend Emily had gone through. Some spoke of an email chain of eight women who had survived Bucholzs harassment. As a group, the women I spoke to described a work environment that seemed designed to take advantage of young women. The office was overwhelmingly staffed by young women in their early-20s. They were often from blue-collar working-class families, fresh out of college, and eager to begin a new career or single moms who really needed a job to pay her bills. They were often inexperienced but talented and eager to get their careers off the ground. Bucholz would lavish gifts and attention on the women, sometimes encouraging them to go on weekend business trips with him. Alcohol was consumed openly and regularly in their Lansing office. Dievendorfs experience with Bucholz talking about a threesome with his wife was not an isolated incident. In fact, one woman said she thinks he may have used it to gauge how far they would be willing to go with him sexually. Other times, however, he complained about how his wife wouldnt have sex with him and joked about trading her in for a younger model while mentioning specific women. For some reason, he just really seemed to enjoy talking to these young women about his wife Lori. In the office, Bucholz was volatile, one day gregarious and generous, handing out cash or AirPods to the women in the office. Other times he was angry and hostile to the point of backing people into the corner screaming at them. But some things were a constant: inappropriate sexual jokes and comments about womens looks. One of the women who spoke to me said that Bucholz once brought a handgun to work, put on the desk in front of her. He told me to touch it in a sexual innuendo way, she told me. He was also known to call women into his office, make comments about the bodies of women on the television, and then dismiss them. Bucholz cautioned the young women not to get pregnant because he would have to pay for their maternity leave. Vanguard doesnt offer their employees health insurance but Bucholz would offer to pay for their insurance himself off the books. One woman said that he didnt pay the premium at times and the women found themselves without any health insurance when they went to buy prescriptions or go to the doctor. More than one woman said that Bucholz texted her constantly and frequently called women into his office and asked them to close the door. More than one of the women I spoke to said they quit working at Vanguard because it was causing them too much anxiety. It wasnt just Vanguard employees. One woman worked as a contractor for Vanguard. It was never just about the work with TJ, she told me. He was relentless. Bucholz constantly sent her pictures and texts. As soon as I logged onto Facebook, he would be in my DMs she said. At first the attention was tolerable for the sake of the extra income. He bought her jewelry and, later, lingerie. He wanted to see her naked and to go on work trips with him. With Bucholz, she told me, everything came back to sex. She eventually had enough and broke off their relationship and blocked Bucholz on Facebook. She never consented to having sex with him. The screenshots in this post are from women Bucholz harassed and show what they faced. In this text, when the contractor who he gave jewelry and lingerie to talks about how she dislikes her current employer. Bucholz suggests that she come work for him, with the implication that it will be more than just a job: In this one, after the woman declines to have sex with him, Bucholz says he gets turned down all the time and how much it angers him: The women I spoke to say Bucholz bragged about his sexual prowess, complained about not getting sex from his wife, and showered gifts on them, inviting some to go on a business trip with him and asking for nude photos: While much of this was going on, Bucholz was portraying Vanguard partner Jen Eyer as someone who would be a mentor to the young women in his office. However, the women I spoke with said she was rarely in the office and, when they went to her with problems, Eyer gaslit them, or made them feel like they were in the wrong, even suggesting that they were exaggerating and should dress differently. Many of us confided in her and she told some that they should be thankful for the attention, one woman told me. She called me crazy and childish. Another woman told me, Jen has always gaslighted women who said anything about this. Several of us have tried to talk to her about TJ and she blew us off. I asked Eyer about this and she said the accusations are categorically untrue and that she had no idea she was being portrayed as a mentor to young women. She said during her time there, only one woman came to her with complaints about Bucholz, that she told her to take it to her supervisor, and that was the last she heard about it. Later, in 2017, when this young woman was trashing Bucholz on social media, Eyer took the womans accusations to him and delivered an ultimatum: if he didnt correct his behavior, she would leave. Both Eyer and Vanguard Chief Operating Officer Katherine Erickson told me there have been no formal or informal complaints brought to them about Bucholz. How can I be faulted for not fixing a problem that I didnt know even existed?, Eyer asked. After Dievendorfs Facebook post, Bucholz issued the following statement: In this era we now live in, Ive taken considerable time to think about words Ive said and sent to women people Ive considered friends, co-workers, and colleagues over the years. Im not perfect. Ive tried too hard sometimes to act cool or go for a punchline or a cheap laugh. Ive made reference to lines in movies and late night television, many of which include inappropriate language and adult humor. I know those types of comments can make people uncomfortable, even when they are said with no malicious intent and I regret those words. In the past few years, Ive also taken stock of my companys internal communications practices as well and have been striving each day to create an atmosphere that is collegial and encourages growth and reflection, and I believe my employees would agree. We continue to review our internal policies and make clear a process for people to report issues when they are uncomfortable. I work with many women in my industry and while Im not a public official, I need to hold myself to a higher standard. My colleagues at Vanguard Public Affairs the majority of whom are strong, smart, well intentioned women know me and my true intentions to improve the world around us. For those who I have offended with my comments in the past, I sincerely apologize and can only say that I will continue to work to make amends with those I have hurt and live my life in a more honest and forthright way. COO Erickson provided me with this statement: I have met with all of our current employees about these concerns, and TJ sent the apology statement. We are updating our company discrimination/harassment policy and procedures. In the near future, we will have a staff meeting about our revised discrimination/harassment policy/procedures and an employee acknowledgment form related to zero-tolerance for workplace discrimination, inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment. Ive included our policy statement for your review. We will also be removing all alcoholic beverages from our VPA office. This is the Discrimination and Harassment policy provided to me: In keeping with our Equal Opportunity Employment clause, Vanguard Public Affairs will not tolerate on-site discrimination or harassment on any legally protected basis, including that of physical characteristics, mental characteristics, race, religious or political views, nationality, disability, medical condition, sex, sexual preference, or gender identification. Harassment and discriminatory behavior among employees or contractors will result in disciplinary action, with the possibility of termination. Employees should immediately report any alleged discrimination and/or harassment incident by coworkers, supervisors, customers, or other business associates to your supervisor. At this point, Vanguard Public Affairs will investigate and take corrective action. You are welcome to seek legal relief if you find Vanguard Public Affairs actions inadequate. Its worth noting that, for many if not all employees at Vanguard (there are fewer than 20 of them), TJ Bucholz IS their supervisor. This story is heartbreaking to me. As progressives, we should all be striving to bring more women into the fight and give them paths to rise to positions of power and authority. The women I spoke with said that TJ Bucholz characterized himself as someone who would do that for them. But what started as an exciting new job with lots of potential turned into a place where they were constantly having to deal with sexual harassment from the owner of the company. One thing needs to be made absolutely clear: when a supervisor is cultivating a relationship with someone they are the boss of, its not possible for there to be true consent. The power dynamic puts the person who is under the boss in a position to choose between going along or losing their job. This is precisely why so many workplaces have strict rules against supervisors being romantically involved with the people who report to them. But, for me, what is worse than the TJ Bucholz the sexual harasser aspect to this story is that Bucholz has a reputation for being this way . The more I dove into this story, the more I learned that everyone in Lansing knows about how he is. People described it as the worst kept secret in Michigan politics. His reputation is so well-known that some of the women who came forward for this story worry that any success they achieve as a result of their time at Vanguard will be written off as them sleeping their way to the top and it made it difficult for them to leave because, as one woman put it, People will assume I slept with him. But this isnt just a story about TJ Bucholz the sexual harasser. Its also a story about how someone like him could continue to get away with it for years even while everyone knew what he was like and what he was doing. He continued to get work from individuals and organizations and issue groups. And thats largely because these groups sending business his way are, by and large, run by other men. And make no mistake, Bucholz is not the only man like this in Michigan politics. But, unless those with actual power stand up and do something about it, women especially young women just starting out in their careers will continue to be subjected to this sort of hateful, hurtful, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable abuse. Emily Dievendorf made this very clear in a powerful statement she gave me after her Facebook post: I posted on social media to address the hypocrisy of perpetrators profiting from sexual violence and to put out an ask to male colleagues in politics to talk openly about the folx they know have done the harassment so survivors dont have to whether they are TJ [Bucholz] or [former Lansing mayor] Virg [Bernero] or others. We all know plenty of people who have been harassed by both individuals and plenty more. I have stories about both and others. But why do I, and other survivors have to be the ones to risk ourselves when men, who by default have more stability and protection, are staying silent? They are remaining silent to protect their relationships, deals, clout and their power. This is a call to action and accountability: Not just for the perpetrators of harassment but the perpetrators by proxy, the enablers of sexual harassment and assault. These silent men are our trusted friends, but they have yet to decide that the health and equity of the women in their lives matter enough to say that they know their buddy is creating a hostile place to work. Or better yet, that their buddy still has much growth to do as a human, and that even outside of work they dont appreciate the way they function in the world. I get too many direct messages from men after I show vulnerability about trauma saying, Emily, I respect what you are doing, I am almost positive I know who you are talking about. Tell me Im correct and I wont hire them anymore. Instead our colleagues should just stop rewarding bad actors with more work and start calling into question their toxic behavior openly. Sexual harassment isnt somebodys private problem to conquer. It is a cultural manifestation of violence and misogyny and perpetuates real harm in the moment and for years after. So, for all of you out there reading this, I encourage you to read and re-read Emilys statement. And then look in your own lives and make sure you arent a perpetrator by proxy as Emily so eloquently put it. Because until you take direct action to put a halt to this, it will never stop. And the next young woman who has to go through this might be someone you know or someone you love. UPDATE: Jen Eyer has resigned from Vanguard Public Affairs: Due to today's revelations, I have decided to leave Vanguard Public Affairs and strike out on my own. Tomorrow is my last day. Beginning Friday, March 25, 2021, I can be reached at 734-846-1566, and my email address is [email protected] Jen Eyer Irwin (@jeneyer) March 24, 2021 UPDATE 2: TJ Bucholz has been removed from the Board of Downtown Lansing, Inc.: UPDATE 3: TJ Bucholz was on the Board of the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America and was recently chosen to be the groups President-Elect. As of Wednesday, March 24th, he is no longer listed as a Board member and the President-Elect position as listed as Vacant. UPDATE 4: Vanguard Public Affairs Vice President David Lossing has resigned: Also, the Vanguard Public Affairs website is essentially now just a placeholder page with no links: Equitas Small Finance Bank has renewed its partnership with Chennai Super Kings for the IPL season 2021. It will be the 'Official Retail Banking Partner' for the team. In line with the brand ethos and the logo positioning at the back of the helmet & cap, it is also going to launch a new campaign titled The Bank Behind Every Champion. Chennai Super Kings team will sport the Equitas SFB logo on the back of the helmet and the cap as part of the team jersey. The new campaign will be aimed to communicate that, Equitas has been transforming lives of individuals through their lending and social responsibilities over time with the support and funds of people who are banking with them. Equitas Small Finance Bank has been previously associated with the three-time IPL champions from season 2018-2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Middlesex District Attorneys office on Wednesday laid out the scene of nearly a dozen assaults in Waltham where victims lighting cigarettes, delivering mail and walking their dog were attacked with punches and blunt objects to the head by a 24-year-old man they didnt know. Clauvens Janvier, of Waltham who was charged in a Nov. 11 assault, was arraigned on 10 additional counts of assaults within a 1.5-mile section of the city during about two weeks in November 2020. Janvier was arrested on Dec. 11 of last year and charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery in connection with an incident that occurred at a Waltham parking garage a month earlier. Police said Janvier struck an 18-year-old man with the non-blade side of a machete in the Turner Street parking garage on Nov. 11. An investigation conducted by Waltham Police, the Middlesex District Attorneys Office and Massachusetts State Police included an extensive review of cell phone data and records, surveillance video, forensic testing and interviewing victims and witnesses helped authorities determine that Janvier was responsible for an additional 10 attacks that occurred across the city. According to Middlesex Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dunigan, the first assault occurred on Nov. 10 after a man parked his car behind Middlesex Circle. Dunigan said when the man got out of the car, he was attacked from behind and sliced with a knife. On Nov. 13, another man standing on the front steps of a home while smoking was approached by a man who motioned for a cigarette, Dunigan said. The victim was then punched and knocked out. On Nov. 16, a man parked his car near 71 Middlesex Road and as he exited the vehicle was attacked from behind and punched two or three times. On Nov. 19, a man on Middlesex Road was smoking by a dumpster in a parking lot before he was attacked, possibly by a foreign object, and sustained significant injuries Dunigan said. On Nov. 20, a postal service worker on Middlesex Road was punched, grabbed and thrown to the ground while delivering a package, Dunigan said. On Nov. 22, a man walking his dog near Chestnut Street and Lowell Street, moved to the side to allow a man to pass him, Dunigan said. The victim was then hit in the head, Dunigan said. On Nov. 25, two assaults occurred, authorities said. A man on Charles Street was hit in the head while lighting a cigarette, Dunigan said. About 15 minutes later, a man crossing Charles Street was struck in the face by someone who was behind him. On Nov. 26, a man was walking on Charles Street when he was struck in the back of the head, Dunigan said. Janvier has not been charged with that assault. On Nov. 27, a man was attempting to get into his car on Chestnut Street when he was hit in the back of the head, Dunigan said. Some of these individuals were able to give more detailed descriptions than others, Dunigan said. In executing a search warrant of Janviers car in connection with the Nov. 11 incident, police said they found a machete, clothing, boots, two knives, ammunition and a gun. Dunigan said the boots appeared to have blood on the side and the sole. Forensics revealed the blood on the boots returned a DNA profile of two men. Dunigan said one of the victims from the Nov. 25 assaults matched the DNA profiles from the bottom and side of the boots. Police also said the gun found in Janviers car was connected to the incident at the gas station on Nov. 24. Authorities say Janvier fired a gun at a car leaving a Willow Street gas station after an argument with a man in the parking lot. Janvier was charged with additional firearm charges in connection with an incident. In total, the Janvier now faces four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, five counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, four counts of assault and battery, two counts of possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a loaded firearm, one count of possession of ammunition, one count of improper storage of a firearm, one count of discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, one count of receiving stolen property, one count of carrying a dangerous weapon during a warrant arrest. He will be held without bail until his next court appearance which is scheduled for April 1 at 2 p.m. The driver of a tractor-trailer is expected to be charged after rear-ending a disabled vehicle on the Delaware Memorial Bridge on Tuesday, killing two of vehicles three occupants. The cars driver Mary Sanderlin, 37, of Salem and back seat passenger Rudolf Parish, 29, of Bridgeton were pronounced dead at the scene following the 3 p.m. crash in a southbound center lane, the Delaware River and Bay Authority said Wednesday. The front-seat passenger a 28-year-old Penns Grove woman was brought to Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware with injuries not considered life-threatening. Sanderlins car broke down in the center lane around 3 p.m. before the truck slammed into the back of the vehicle and pushed it from the middle right lane into the far right lane and then into the guardrail, authorities said. Charges are pending against the truck driver, a 30-year-old Virginia man. The crash remains under investigation. Three lanes were closed on the Delaware-bound bridge from until 7 p.m. with only the far left lane open. A second lane then reopened, followed by a third lane at 8:30 p.m. All southbound lanes were back open by 9:20 p.m. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amnesty International has welcomed the Secretary of State laying new regulations compelling Stormont to implement abortion laws but has said it is still not too late for Robin Swann "to do his job". DUP MP Carla Lockhart condemned Brandon Lewis' intervention at Westminster as "a retrograde step and an over-reach". Mr Lewis will assume the new power when the regulations come into force on March 31. Grainne Teggart of Amnesty International said: "Yet again, women and girls in Northern Ireland have been failed by the inaction of Stormont ministers. "Once again, action at Westminster is necessary to ensure abortion rights are realised in Northern Ireland. "It's not too late for the health minister to do his job and provide access to lawful abortion services for all who need them. "It is right that the Secretary of State exercises his powers to end this unacceptable denial of healthcare." But Ms Lockhart said: "This is a devolved matter, with responsibility resting with Robin Swann. "He is the one mandated by the people of Northern Ireland to bring forward a plan that reflects local opinion on a deeply controversial issue, with passionate views on both sides of the debate." The DUP MP said she was shocked that some local parties were welcoming this "power grab" by Westminster. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said Mr Lewis should never have needed to take action. "I look forward to further details of how (abortion) services will be accessed as the new regulations come into effect at the end of the month," she added. Green Party leader Clare Bailey said: "The Executive is failing in its duty to provide free, safe and legal reproductive healthcare for women in Northern Ireland. "It still can and should commission services." Presbyterian Moderator, Dr David Bruce, described Mr Lewis' move as "ill-considered and irresponsible". 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). Those wanting to respond to editorials can also submit a letter to the editor through the Iowa State Daily website or by emailing the letter to Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or Editor-in-Chief Sage Smith (sage.smith@iowastatedaily.com). Column Policy Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. 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 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. Michigan school districts are getting $3.3 billion in funding from the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan stimulus package, approved earlier this month. Thats more money than the first two stimulus packages gave to Michigan schools combined. Its providing a level of funding that schools havent gotten in a generation, said Robert McCann, executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan. It is ultimately going to give every single school the opportunity to give students some of these recovery tools that we know are necessary. But because of the formula the federal government is using to distribute the funds, many school districts of similar size are getting vastly differing amounts of money. Take St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, for example two neighboring, relatively small school districts in southwest Michigan. Benton Harbor enrolls about 1,770 students and St. Joseph has about 3,000. St. Joseph Public Schools will get an estimated $1.3 million from the latest federal stimulus. Benton Harbor Area Schools will see $29.6 million. The discrepancy is there because the funding is distributed in proportion to how much Title I, at-risk funding schools get. Districts with lower-income students and bilingual learners get more Title I money. Therefore, lower-income districts are getting the bulk of this funding. The Detroit Public Schools Community District is getting the most with $808 million, while the Flint City School District is second with $99 million. Heres a look at how much each school district is getting. You can search by name or county and filter by total amounts or money per pupil. (Cant see the database? Click here ) The estimates come from Michigans Senate Fiscal Agency. Michigan education leaders have argued Title I funding shouldnt be the only component of the formula but their pleas were ignored in the final package. While it does go toward the neediest students, in this case of pandemic funding, all of the students need it, said Jennifer Smith, director of government relations for the Michigan Association of School Boards. Michigan is getting $3.7 billion for schools, although only 90% of it must be directly allocated to school districts. This is the third round of school funding via federal stimulus packages within the last year although only 40% of the roughly $1.5 billion given to Michigan schools in January has been passed on to districts. The state Legislature must allocate that money to the districts it cant go directly from the federal government to the schools, Smith said. Earlier rounds of funding have been tied up at the state level as Democrats and Republicans fight over politics. In hopes of avoiding that, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow helped add a provision to this latest stimulus package requiring states to pass along the school funding within 60 days. My read would be, the money would get sent back to the federal government (if its not allocated in 60 days), McCann said. Related: Conditions tied to stimulus funds pose problems for school districts, Dems argue Education leaders in Michigan have been frustrated the money has gotten caught up in politics, all while students and teachers are back in the classroom facing COVID-19 risks without much help. Theres definitely a concern that the money is going to keep coming in, but the Legislature isnt appropriating it, Smith said. We would really like them to start seeing more of a need to (send the money out). Smith is also concerned about what strings the Michigan Legislature might attach to the latest funding. Previously, the state forced schools to offer at least 20 hours of in-person school per week to get a portion of the money. What can the money be used for? Districts must spend 20% of the funds to address learning loss, which can include things like summer programs, before- and after-school programs and other support for students who are behind because of COVID-19 school disruptions. The rest of the money can be spent on things like upgrading air filtration and ventilation systems or window replacements to limit the spread of viruses, personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies, technology, mental health services and more. Education leaders are hoping for more guidance on what the money can and cant be used for in the coming weeks. Funds from the second round of stimulus signed by President Donald Trump in December must be spent by September 2023. This latest round of funding signed by President Joe Biden must be spent by June 2024, McCann said. McCann said the money will be put to good use, but Michigan still needs to make permanent investments in schools with more annual funding. Its taking the wound of school funding and putting a Band-Aid on it, McCann said. It helps, but its not going to solve the problem. Were grateful that Congress continues to recognize the needs that schools have right now, but ultimately, what were going to need is the Legislature here in Michigan to recognize the same thing and to make some long-term structural changes to school funding. RELATED STORIES Conditions tied to stimulus funds pose problems for school districts, Dems argue See Class of 2020 graduation rate for any Michigan public high school Pilot study reduces social distancing rules for Kent County schools to 3 feet See how much stimulus money your town gets; Michigan splits $10.3B in funding The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the search for Sarm Heslop after the British woman vanished from her boyfriends yacht in the US Virgin Islands two weeks ago. Ms Heslop was last seen having dinner with partner Ryan Bane at a restaurant on Saint John island before disappearing in the middle of the night. Mr Bane told police that he had woken up to find his girlfriend gone, at around 2am, and called them half an hour later. A spokesperson for the FBIs San Juan field office confirmed to The Independent they are supporting local law enforcement in the investigation, which is being led by the US Virgin Islands Police Department. FBI agents are reportedly interviewing workers at the restaurant, the 420 to Centre diner and bar in Cruz Bay, according to an anonymous staff member quoted by The Sun. The couple were here. But I cant say anything yet because the FBI want to interview me, the staff member said. Read more: The involvement of US investigators comes after Ms Heslops family published a statement to the Facebook group Missing Person: Sam Heslop, asking for assurances authorities in the US Virgin Islands are doing everything possible to find her. The 41-year-old Southampton woman disappeared from the 47ft catamaran Siren Song, moored off the coast of Saint John, in the early hours of 7 March. Mr Bane, 44, had reportedly met Ms Heslop on Tinder last summer. Mr Bane was reportedly seen staying on the yacht with his dog Hunter as the search continues, with one of his friends in the US Virgin Islands telling The Sun hes scared and spun out about the situation. I have spoken to Ryan and told him he should make a statement and be as cooperative as possible, the outlet quoted the friend. I dont see why the police shouldnt search the boat, he added. His concern is that he believes the VI Police Department will not conduct the investigation with clarity. He is concerned if something is spun the wrong way that they are going to be looking for something to implicate him as opposed to the other way around. Virgin Islands Police Department performed an initial land search while divers searched the local waters. But Mr Bane has so far denied police access to the yacht where she was last seen alive, according to police. Soon after reporting Ms Heslop missing, Mr Bane acquired the services of an attorney, said police spokesman Toby Derima. Upon his attorneys advice, Mr Bane exercised his constitutional right to remain silent and denied officers requests to search the vessel. Authorities have not yet declared a criminal investigation. Ms Heslop was reportedly last seen with Mr Bane having dinner before returning to the boat at about 10 pm. Mr Bane called the police around 2.30 am on 8 March to report her missing, while her personal belongings were said to have been left aboard. Ms Heslops close friend, Andrew Baldwin, published a statement to the Facebook group saying the timeline doesnt make sense. We know that Mr Bane called the local police at 2.30 am and was told to call the Coastguard. The Coastguard was reported as saying that it was alerted to her disappearance by Mr Bane at 11.46 am on Monday. This timeline just does not make sense to us, he wrote. Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday he is signing an executive order exempting stimulus payments from the $1.9 trillion relief bill from garnishment in New Jersey. The payments for Garden State residents would be protected from past debts and overdrawn accounts. Our bottom line is that the American Rescue Plan is for the American people, not the banks and creditors, Murphy said at his latest coronavirus briefing in Trenton. We want residents who have received funds to be able to put those funds to use as they deem necessary. He said the state has been working with the New Jersey Bankers Association and the CrossState Credit Union Association, and 49 banks and credit unions are supporting the move. The most recent stimulus legislation, which was the third stimulus bill passed, allowed for private debts, such as judgments from a credit card company or other creditor, to be garnished. The measure banned garnishment for back taxes and overdue child support, according to the Tax Foundation. The second stimulus package, passed in December, had a specific provision to protect payments from garnishment, while the first stimulus bill, passed in spring of 2020, allowed the garnishment of stimulus money only for back child support. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Food services company Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL) on Wednesday announced to introduce American multinational chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants 'Popeyes', to India. The company announced to enter into an exclusive master franchise and development agreement with PLK APAC Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc (RBI), said a joint statement. It added that the pact has been signed "to develop, establish, own and operate" hundreds of Popeyes restaurants in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years, said a joint statement. JFL Chairman Shyam S Bhartia and Co-Chairman Hari S Bhartia said, "We are happy to announce the signing of a multi-country agreement to acquire the exclusive rights to operate and sub-license the iconic Popeyes brand in India and neighbouring countries." He added that chicken is one of the largest and fastest-growing categories in India and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come. Popeyes will be an exciting addition to the JFL portfolio and is expected to become one of the key drivers of growth for us in the coming years, he added. Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has over 45 years of history and culinary tradition. It is one of the world's largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 3,400 restaurants in over 25 countries around the globe. Since its acquisition by RBI, Popeyes has expanded successfully into Spain, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the Philippines in the past few years. "Popeyes will also enter the United Kingdom and build its presence in Mexico starting in 2021, with plans to open several hundreds of restaurants across both countries," it said. Jubilant FoodWorks, part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group, already holds the master franchise rights for two international brands Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts. The company also launched its first homegrown brand, 'Hong's Kitchen', in Chinese cuisine segment. (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 general secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo is a source of strength for impoverished people, women in particular, who need a helping hand in their daily struggle to survive. Losing a loved one can be devastating, but it can also set one on a new path. That's what happened when housing rights activist Nomusa Sizani lost her son in 2017. Samuel Hloele, 29, is said to have died at the hands of members of the eThekwini municipality's anti-land invasion unit who struck in the Ekukhanyeni shack settlement in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Sizani is the general secretary of Abahlali baseMjondolo, the largest shack dwellers' movement in South Africa with 85 000 members. Abahlali fights against evictions and campaigns for public housing. Striving for equality and dignity for all, it has many women both on the ground and in leadership positions who advocate for women's rights and gender equality. Sizani's work keeps her extremely busy and she can be difficult to pin down, a situation for which she immediately apologises at the start of an interview at Abahlali's offices in the Diakonia Centre in Durban. "I'm sorry I can only afford you a little time. I have a Zoom meeting in an hour," she says. Sizani couldn't meet earlier in the week because she, along with members of Abahlali's women's league, had to support a rape survivor testifying in court. The week before, she had to assist migrant traders who had been victims of xenophobic attacks and needed shelter. She is a beacon of hope for the impoverished, because she comes from the very people she stands up for and knows what they go through. The worst day of her life was when her son was killed. Hloele was raised by both Sizani and his biological mother, her sister Betty Patosi. "It was a Tuesday, which they [the anti-land invasion unit] always came on, so we knew they were coming. But we didn't think that they would kill somebody. They usually come to demolish our houses, but that day they came with the intention to kill. Not one house was demolished," says Sizani. Some men in Ekukhanyeni would not go to work on Tuesdays but stay home to protect their families and shacks against the demolitions. On that day, Sizani went to a meeting with other men in Zone 3, near where the unit usually comes through. "I was preparing myself to go join the meeting as we had planned as women to join the men in Zone 3. We just heard sounds like 'goo-goo' [thumping sounds], and there they came in a group larger than normal. They didn't use the entry point they always use. They came from the top of the mountain - Ekukhanyeni is on the side of a steep hill. "They were shooting at us with live ammunition, rubber bullets and tear gas. I heard people screaming, 'They are the municipality, they are here!' We had whistles we would blow when they came. I then saw women and children running downhill away from the unit. I was making my way, dodging bullets, when somebody called me and said, 'Quickly come, your son is shot already this side,'" Sizani recalls. She made her way through the chaotic scene and found him on the ground along with two others, who were injured. But her son was dead. Indomitable spirit Sizani, who moved to Ekukhanyeni in 2016, was already seen as a community leader in the shack settlement, but on that day she would be officially introduced to Abahlali baseMjondolo as its members came to assist the residents. She was elected as treasurer of her local branch in 2017, but soon her passion and bravery were noted and she went on to higher positions in the organisation. Asked how she felt when her son died, she says, "I felt angry, and I thought to myself I'm not going to stop ... Abahlali women have never stopped despite these assassinations, despite losing husbands, brothers and sons, despite being tortured in police stations and despite facing too many violent evictions for us to be able to keep count." And fight they did, successfully. The residents of Ekukhanyeni do not have to worry about constant evictions any longer, having won a court battle and a permanent court order that enables them to occupy the land. "We don't have the title deeds yet, but we feel very good because there is no one bothering us. We are staying in peace," says Sizani. Despite this victory, Sizani says she still has not got closure through justice for her son. "We have opened the case [but] since 2017 till now nothing has happened. The police don't follow up. We just open cases because we are supposed to open a case, but we get no assistance. It is worse if you are a shack dweller. That's part of Abahlali baseMjondolo, our cries are never heard." Changing lives Abahlali has a difficult relationship with the police and the eThekwini municipality as it has recorded many cases of rights violations perpetrated by the two institutions against members of the movement. "We are a threat because we awaken people to things like we can't live with no water, no electricity, no toilets. And that has caused some of our activists to be killed with impunity over the years," says Sizani. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Human Rights Urban Issues By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. She seems oblivious to the huge impact she has had on those she champions: the youths for whom she has become like a mother, the victims of xenophobia for whom she finds shelter and brings hope, the young women facing gender-based violence for whom she is a shoulder to cry on. But she takes great pride in the support that Abahlali provides to women such as the rape survivor whose court case they attended earlier in the week. "The lady we were supporting couldn't even speak the first day she was supposed to testify. She just broke down, so that is why we went to stand by her. We were outside shouting, standing strong, letting her know we are with her. She became strong and testified with her shoulders high. And that is the power of unity, that is the power of women," says Sizani. Regarding what lies ahead for her and Abahlali, she says, "We continue to fight for dignity for every suppressed voice, and hope we will attain change without having to pay for it in blood." PM hopes to give more information about foreign travel on April 5 Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it was too early to say whether foreign holidays will be allowed, but rising cases in Europe meant things certainly look difficult for the time being. The Prime Minister said he hoped to give more information about foreign travel on April 5, a week before the Governments global travel task force is due to report. A lot of people do want to know about whats going to happen on the holiday front and I know theres a great deal of curiosity and interest, Mr Johnson said at a No 10 press conference yesterday (Tuesday). All I can say is its just too early to say and my advice is to everybody to wait for the global travel task force to report. Weve heard already that there are other European countries where the disease is now rising so things certainly look difficult for the time being but we will be able to say more we hope in a few days time, I certainly hope to say more by April 5. Under the current road map for easing restrictions, the earliest date people in England could go on holiday abroad would be May 17. A senior scientific adviser has suggested people should plan to holiday in the UK this summer. Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the first UK lockdown last March, said relaxing border measures too early risked the success of the UKs vaccination programme. He said the risk from Europe is the arrival of new variants, or importing cases of the troubling South African variant from countries where cases were rising. He told BBC Radio 4s World at One programme: I should say we also have some of the South African variant here already and other variants which may be similar, which were watching very carefully, so that is overall the major concern going forward and why we need to be vigilant, not just looking at Europe, and whats happening within our borders as well. Prof Ferguson said the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines might drop substantially, 60 per cent or 50 per cent in the face of variants. And what that means is if we then allow transmission to resume which it is likely to do as we relax social distancing measures, we have that faint risk of being back in a situation where we have rising infections, rising hospitalisations with people who have been vaccinated, he said. And back to, in the worst case, where we were in January. So, the effectiveness, exactly how effective vaccines is, is very critical to how quickly were able.. to relax measures. Asked if he was therefore in favour of keeping borders closed, Prof Ferguson said: I certainly am in favour of relaxing border measures at a slower rate than we relax controls within the country, and doing all we can to reduce the risk of importation of variants which might undermine our vaccination programme. Asked what he wanted to see, he said that meant having finished vaccinating everybody under 50, which will be late summer, and having vaccines in our stockpile which we know work very effectively against those variants. Conservatively and being risk averse at the moment, I think we should be planning on summer holidays in the UK, not overseas. He said most people travelling to and from France at the moment on essential business or for commerce were exempt from quarantine and testing measures. I think we need to reconsider that, not the quarantine bit, but for instance introducing testing of everybody coming back, including those essential workers. The company is progressing towards approval for the project and is completing its EIS response to submissions to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. The project is expected to produce around 66 million ounces of silver, 130,000 tonnes of zinc and 95,000 tonnes of lead over its 16.5 year life. Silver Mines Limited ( ) (OTCMKTS:SLVMF) (FRA:SWQ) has submitted its Mining Lease Application (MLA 601) for the development of the Bowdens Silver Project, the largest undeveloped silver deposit in Australia. The project is in Central West New South Wales (NSW), east of the town of Mudgee, and lies within exploration licence 5920, which is 100% held by the company. Open-cut mine proposed The proposed Bowdens development comprises an open-cut mine feeding a new processing plant with a conventional milling circuit and differential flotation to produce two concentrates that will be sold for smelting off site. Annual plant capacity is designed for 2 million tonnes with a mine life of 16.5 years. Life of mine production is expected to be around 66 million ounces of silver, 130,000 tonnes of zinc and 95,000 tonnes of lead. Environmental impact statement In May 2020, the company completed and submitted the Bowdens environmental impact statement (EIS) to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE). The EIS was placed for public exhibition on the DPIE Major Projects website and the company received strong public support and no objections from Government agencies Bowdens Silver Mine site layout. Clear path to approval The EIS confirms very favourable assessment outcomes and demonstrates a clear path to approval and development with key components including: Considerable local economic benefits with local job creation; Minimal impacts on surface water and groundwater during and after operations; No physical human health risk issues of concern have been identified; A progressive rehabilitation plan has been committed to with rehabilitation occurring throughout the life of the mine; No significant impacts upon migratory or threatened species with the projects biodiversity offset program to conserve a significant area of land in perpetuity; Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessment has been concluded in conjunction with the local Aboriginal communities with agreement on ongoing management; and The assessment has been supported by a comprehensive community engagement program. The company is currently completing its EIS response to submissions to DPIE as part of the final stages of the approvals process. Maputo So far 426 members of the militia of Mozambique's main opposition party, Renamo, have been demobilised in the central province of Manica, according to the provincial governor, Francisca Tomas. Speaking on Wednesday, at a meeting of the Manica Provincial Assembly, in the district of Gondola, Tomas said the results achieved so far showed the "irreversible commitment" of President Filipe Nyusi and of Renamo leader Ossufo Momade to the demobilisation, disarming and reintegration into society (DDR) of what are delicately referred to as Renamo's "residual forces". The demobilisation in Manica began on 8 March, and was expected to cover 782 members of the Renamo militia. Tomas said that the 426 demobilised so far include several members of the dissident "Renamo Military Junta", who have broken with the Junta's leader, and applied for demobilisation. Tomas praised all those involved in the DDR "who are working so that the country lives in effective peace - a peace that we all need to build a better Mozambique". She called on all the remaining Renamo "residual forces" and those still following the Junta to come out of the bush and join the DDR. "Put down your guns and co-exist with other Mozambicans", she urged. "Embark upon other development activities, because guns only bring us misfortune. You will be well received in the communities, and the government can accompany the whole process of social reintegration in an environment of peace". Manica is the second province covered by the DDR. The demobilisation began in mid-2019, after Nyusi and Momade had signed a peace agreement. But until this month, DDR had moved very slowly and only covered Renamo military bases in the neighbouring province of Sofala. There are known to be some Renamo "residual forces" in Inhambane, Tete and Zambezia provinces. No time frame has been announced for demobilising these units. The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Ludovic Orban, on Wednesday stated that the way in which the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections is calculated was "transparent," all data are known and cannot be changed in any way, adding that "the Minister of Health must take care of the health of the citizens." He was asked about the statement made by the Minister of Health, Vlad Voiculescu, according to which the way in which the infection rate with the novel coronavirus was calculated before the elections raised some questions. "The Minister of Health must lead the fight against the pandemic, he must support the vaccination process, he must prepare the projects to be financed, both under the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) and through the 2021 - 2027 financial exercise, the Minister of Health must follow the approval of all the acquisition projects of hospitals (...), the Minister of Health must be very, very busy. I do not comment a comment. With respect to the calculation of the incidence rate, it was known during the entire time, an application have been developed with the support of the STS (Special Telecommunications Service), called Coronaforms, through which application the whole process became transparent and known. The test centres, the Public Health Directorates, the INSP (National Public Health Institute), the Health House, the family doctors, the diagnosed patients were all there, in the application. And all this data cannot be changed in any way," Orban said.Regarding the PSD's (Social Democratic Party) request to set up a commission of inquiry into Voiculescu's statement, Orban said: "PSD members have time to look at the comments made by a minister at midnight, on a post made by a deputy to try to set up a parliamentary committee."The PNL leader said "the Minister of Health must take care of the health of the citizens.""I didn't have time to read the comments, I didn't even have time to read the comments on the Facebook pages of my colleagues, but then to read the comments on all the Facebook pages of all the coalition MPs. I'm a busy man, I am a man who has an activity that does not allow me to follow (...) the comments. And I think that this is how a man should be in a public service," added Ludovic Orban.PNL MP Violeta Alexandru and the Minister of Health, Vlad Voiculescu, had an exchange of remarks on Facebook regarding the official statistics concerning the number of COVID-19 infections, reproaching the fact that public statements about distrust in numbers increase concern, while Voiculescu replied that the "innovative way" in which the infection rate was calculated before the elections raised some questions. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. San Francisco, 24 March 2021: The Report Biopharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Source (Mammalian, Non-mammalian), By Product (Biologics, Biosimilars), By Service (Process Development), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028 The global biopharmaceuticals contract manufacturing market size is expected to reach USD 25.1 billion by 2028 registering a CAGR of 5.7%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Growing biopharmaceutical pipeline and lack of adequate manufacturing capabilities are two key factors that are driving partnership between large molecule manufacturers and Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). Contract manufacturers are engaged in broadening their service portfolio to meet the company demands with respect to regulatory standards and new services. The reliance of companies on CMOs for the production of biologics and biosimilars is expected to rise over the forecast period as a consequence of changes adopted by the CMOs. This is evident through growing investment in collaborations of companies with CMOs as well as continuous efforts taken up for expanding the service portfolio. The supply chain of biopharmaceuticals remained robust and was largely unaffected worldwide during the coronavirus outburst. Also, biopharmaceutical contract manufacturers are observing increased demand related to the Covid-19 vaccine and therapeutics. Thus, the future holds numerous opportunities for the global market. For instance, in 2020, AstraZeneca and Oxford Biomedica signed a one-year clinical and commercial supply agreement for the manufacturing of AstraZenecas Covid-19 vaccine candidate, AZD1222. The future growth of CMOs is highly dependent on the promising opportunities offered by the biopharmaceutical industry, the bioprocessing industry, and the contract service industry. Expansion of fill-and-finish services and increasing robustness of venture capital investments for the life science sector are two important opportunities that are anticipated to drive the market. For instance, in 2019, Shanghai HaiHe Biopharma Co. Ltd. raised USD 146.6 million as venture capital for its large cancer drug portfolio, which they shall utilize along with their outsourcing partner Zhejiang Jiuzhou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Access Research Report of Biopharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/biopharmaceuticals-contract-manufacturing-market Biopharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing Market Report Highlights Mammalian-based biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing captured the largest market share of over 59% in 2020 owing to the high penetration of mammalian expression system for biologics development Out of all the services offered in this market, process development contributed to the largest share in 2020 owing to high capital investment, especially in the downstream process The complexities associated with regulatory approval and good manufacturing practice pronounces the demand for the established contract manufacturers to ensure compliance with regulatory standards The biologics contract manufacturing segment dominated the global market in 2020 owing to higher demand for biologics production However, the biosimilar segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028 due to cost-saving advantages associated with biosimilars development North America was the dominant regional market in 2020 due to the presence of an effective regulatory framework for biologics development in the U.S. However, Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing regional market from 2021 to 2028 owing to emerging countries, such as India and China, incorporating developments to sustain the competition Several international companies are seeking outsourcing of biopharmaceutical production to Asian countries owing to the continuous expansion of Asian CMOs that offer services at a less price, as compared to the service providers based in western countries List of Key Players in Biopharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing Market Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Lonza Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH JRS Pharma AGC Biologics ProBioGen Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc. Toyobo Co., Ltd. Samsung BioLogics Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. Binex Co., Ltd. WuXi Biologics AbbVie, Inc. Access Press Release of Biopharmaceuticals Contract Manufacturing Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-biopharmaceuticals-contract-manufacturing-market MUNICH, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IQM Quantum Computers (IQM) announced today that Helmut Jeggle has joined IQM's board of directors. He joins the company during a transformational phase. After successfully closing its Series A funding round and selling its first quantum computer, IQM is now ready to lead the European and global ecosystems with a focus on Germany. "I am extremely excited that Helmut has accepted our invitation to join IQM's board of directors. He has an established track record in building technology businesses and brings in decades of experience in creating global tech giants. He was closely involved in Hexal's business and he has supported BioNTech on its journey towards establishing itself as a global company for more than a decade. We look forward to his contributions in maximizing the potential of IQM and become a global leader for quantum computers," said Jan Goetz, CEO of IQM. Helmut Jeggle joins IQM at a critical juncture in the company's development following his investment in the company as part of the series A financing round in 2020 via his investment vehicle Salvia GmbH. With the recent financing round, IQM is in a leading position to build a quantum computer in Germany and create value through its novel co-design approach. "The amount of data that needs to be processed is one of the limiting factors in many industries. Quantum computers and alternate technologies provide the opportunity to leverage big data more rapidly and efficiently. One exciting application could also be to accelerate and streamline drug development processes. IQM is already building Finland's first quantum computer and is also the leading system integrator in Europe. The German project Digital-Analog Quantum Computing (DAQC) is a testament to how the German government can work together with startups, academia, research and industry partners, to establish Europe as a quantum leader. With IQM, our objective is to develop a deep-tech idea into a global business leader," said Helmut Jeggle. Helmut Jeggle held various positions with Hexal AG, including Head of Business Planning & Analyses. He is General Manager of ATHOS Service GmbH, the Strungmann brothers' family office and also a member of numerous supervisory boards. Helmut joins the IQM board, which is chaired by Dr. Axel Thierauf. Other board members include Dr. Mikko Valimaki, Herbert Mangesius, and Dr. Kuan Yen Tan. About IQM Quantum Computers: IQM is the European leader in superconducting quantum computers, headquartered in Espoo, Finland. Since its inception in 2018, IQM has grown to 90+ employees and has also established a subsidiary in Munich, Germany, to lead the co-design approach. IQM delivers on-premises quantum computers for research laboratories and supercomputing centers and provides complete access to its hardware. For industrial customers, IQM delivers quantum advantage through a unique application-specific co-design approach. IQM has raised 71 million through private and public funding and was recently awarded 12.4 million by the German Ministry of Education and Research to commercialize application-specific quantum processors. For more information, visit www.meetiqm.com. Registered offices: IQM Finland Oy Keilaranta 19 02150 Espoo Finland www.meetiqm.com IQM Germany GmbH Nymphenburger Str 86 80636 Munchen Germany www.meetiqm.com/de/ Contacts: Jan Goetz, CEO, IQM Quantum Computers Jan@meetiqm.com Media Contact: Raghunath Koduvayur, Head of Marketing and Communications Raghunath@meetiqm.com +358504876509 About Salvia: Salvia is a private investment company founded and managed by Helmut Jeggle. Salvia invests in the areas of life science, digital health and deep tech, among others, mainly as a business angel, but also in later stages as a venture capitalist. IQM: Facts and Figures IQM offices: Espoo, Finland (Headquarters), and Munich, Germany . (Headquarters), and . Number of employees currently ( March 2021 ): 90+ employees. ): 90+ employees. Funding: Over 71 Million from private investors and public entities. Founding Year: 2018 Founders: Dr. Jan Goetz , CEO, Co-founder of IQM , CEO, Co-founder of IQM Dr. Kuan Yen Tan , CTO, Co-founder of IQM , CTO, Co-founder of IQM Prof. Mikko Mottonen, Chief scientist, Co-founder of IQM Dr. Juha Vartiainen , COO, Co-founder of IQM Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473080/IQM_Helmut_Jeggle.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473081/IQM_Quantum_computer_design.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1121497/IQM_Logo.jpg Despite a rough last yew years, Hayden Panettiere was smiling from ear-to-ear during her latest outing. The 31-year-old actress made a rare public appearance as she was spotted catching a ride from showman Jeff Beacher at Catch restaurant in West Hollywood on Tuesday. The pair were celebrating his 48th birthday at the celebrity hotspot. Spotted: Hayden Panettiere made a rare public appearance as she was spotted catching a ride from showman Jeff Beacher at Catch restaurant in West Hollywood on Tuesday The Nashville star threw up a peace sign as photographers caught the duo exiting the restaurant. Hayden's glowing skin could be seen in the vehicle as she sat comfortably in an all black look. She kept her blonde locks pulled back in a sleek bun and sported a pair of hoop earrings for the occasion. The nightlife tycoon appeared happy to have the company, flashing a major grin as he drove away. New pair: The 31-year-old actress threw up a peace sign as photographers caught the duo exiting the nightlife tycoon's 48th birthday dinner Party week: Beacher has been holding festivities for his upcoming birthday all week, including a dinner at Swan restaurant in Miami on Monday with Michael Bay and Nicky Hilton He wore a black-and-white letterman jacket on top of his favorite Burberry Ivie Varsity crew sweater. Panettiere appeared to be enjoying her evening with longtime friend Beacher, who has been holding festivities for his upcoming birthday all week, including a dinner at Swan restaurant in Miami on Monday. He was joined by celebrities like Michael Bay and Nicky Hilton for the soiree. Hayden's fun night out also included a rare social media post, sharing a snap of her blowing a kiss to her 347K followers. 'All my love,' she captioned the image with a kissing face emoji. Social media update: The private star also made a rare social media post, sharing a snap of her blowing a kiss to her 347K followers. 'All my love,' she captioned the image with a kissing face emoji Last sighting: Hayden was last seen in January when she posted a photo of herself getting some air during a boat ride on a sun-flecked day. 'Grateful,' she captioned the image of herself gazing peacefully Hayden was last seen in January when she posted a photo of herself getting some air during a boat ride on a sun-flecked day. 'Grateful,' she captioned the image of herself gazing peacefully. In December, the Scream 4 performer celebrated her daughter Kaya's sixth birthday, who she shares with her ex-husband, boxer Wladimir Klitschko. She wrote alongside a photo her Kaya's cake: '6 years ago today, I met the most amazing (not so little anymore) creature. Can't believe my baby girl is getting so big!' Growing up: In December, the Scream 4 performer celebrated her daughter Kaya's sixth birthday, who she shares with her ex-husband, boxer Wladimir Klitschko Exes: The Nashville starlet and the Ukrainian athlete (seen in 2015) first started dating in 2009, and following a short breakup they got engaged in 2013, before welcoming Kaya the following year She and the Ukrainian athlete first started dating in 2009, and following a short breakup they got engaged in 2013, before welcoming Kaya the following year. Hayden had a difficult recovery from her pregnancy and developed postpartum depression that led to her checking herself into an in-patient treatment facility. The former pair separated shortly after her musical series Nashville ended at the conclusion of its sixth season. Getting better: Hayden (here in 2019) had a difficult recovery from her pregnancy and developed postpartum depression that led to her checking herself into an in-patient treatment facility. The former pair separated shortly after her musical series Nashville ended In 2019, a source told People that Panettiere had been living apart from her daughter, who stayed with Klitschko after the separation. 'Hayden has gone through changes since she had Kaya, and while some were not perfect, others have helped her grow,' they said. 'She is trying to feel good about herself, her life, and how she wants to go forward.' However, a lawyer for the Heroes star said she still sees her daughter regularly. Arrested: In July, the aspiring actor, 31, was arrested again in Los Angeles on eight charges alleging abusive incidents from May 2019 to January 2020; the exe are seen in 2019 The star appears to have moved on from her split with ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson, who was arrested in Wyoming in February of 2020 after he allegedly hit Panettiere in the face. In July, the aspiring actor, 31, was arrested again in Los Angeles on eight charges alleging abusive incidents from May 2019 to January 2020. An insider told People magazine at the time: 'Hayden was finally ready to change her life for the better. She is now surrounded by people who care about her and not someone who tries to control her and prey on her weaknesses.' She said: 'I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve. I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I'm grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.' Mahzad Hojjat, a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth in the US who studies friendship, put it this way: You agree to be friends, but at any moment one person might decide, I dont like this person, I dont want to be her friend. No breakup is necessary, Hojjat said - you can usually slide off the grid. Especially during the pandemic, she said, that fear is always there. These friendship doubts could be driven by loneliness. Studies show that lonely people are more self-critical and less trusting, Franco said, and are inclined to believe that others like them less than they actually do. Stripped of normal interactions with friends, she added, our social anxiety increases. I conjured up all the ways that people were mad at me. Humans have evolved to protect ourselves from strangers when were on our own, Franco said - an adaptation that does not serve many well in the pandemic. When you were separated from your tribe, your goal was to mitigate threat, she said. And the best way to do that was to be sceptical of others. In the early days of the pandemic, there was a rush to socialise in novel ways. People were connecting on Zoom, playing virtual board games with high school friends and university roommates they hadnt talked to in years. But for New York-based Smith, sometime in June, friends seemed to grow tired of video calls, opting instead for the occasional park hangout or stroll around the city. But once summer ended and her friends went back inside, the social Zooms never resumed. Everyone is just mentally over it, Smith said. When social activities dropped off, Smith started spending more time in her own head, she said, wondering why no one was reaching out. I conjured up all the ways that people were mad at me, she said. Loading Smith knows she could reach out to people herself, she said, proposing a call or outdoor activity - but a year into the pandemic, the prospect is daunting. These days, she is too emotionally exhausted to do much of anything outside of work. Kris Nova, a 33-year-old living in San Francisco, said she has also been overthinking friendships in the pandemic. After she spends time with friends, online or in person, she analyses every little interaction, dwelling on anything she said that might have come off the wrong way. Ill think, Oh god, Im a horrible person, Nova said. Im going to focus on this little thing that happened and beat myself up for it. As Hojjat put it, in self-quarantine, youre stuck in your own little cave. While some people have been busier than usual in the pandemic - like parents at home with their kids - many young or single people have more time to kill. If youre socially anxious, Hojjat said, that extra time can fuel destructive thoughts. Unfortunately, sometimes these ideas just continue to exist in your mind and theres nothing to interrupt them, Hojjat said. Franco said the pandemic hasnt just left us alone to dwell on the negative - its also deprived us of many of the things that typically make us feel good about ourselves. In more normal times, she said, in-person interactions with friends provide an enormous amount of identity affirmation. Friends tend to affirm the version of ourselves we would most like to embody, Franco added, which is good for our self-esteem: If you spend a day with a friend, and you leave each other upbeat and laughing, youll probably feel better about yourself, knowing you made the other person happy. We dont have access to that now because were not seeing each other, Franco said. While Zoom has been a critical social tool in the pandemic, its a poor substitute for in-person interaction, Franco added. Without normal social cues, like body language, its harder to tell how the other person is responding to you, she said. When Rachael Yeomans, who works in musical theatre, talks to her colleagues on Zoom, she worries about how they are perceiving her. Many of them are her friends. But because theyve all muted themselves, she said, she is left to imagine what theyre thinking. This leads to a spiral, she said, where she convinces herself that they dont like her very much after all. Loading Im a big body-language person. I pay attention to the energy a person is bringing into the room, said Yeomans, a 25-year-old based in Los Angeles. In person, she said, its easy to tell when a colleague is just having a bad day. But if someone isnt overly enthusiastic on Zoom, she said, shell often process their bad day as frustration toward her. If you and your friend arent together in-person, assumptions can abound, Hojjat said: Any hint of conflict could get blown out of proportion. Maybe a friend and colleague misses a Zoom happy hour. Pre-pandemic, when you saw each other every day in the office, you might have swung by your friends desk to ask where he was the night before, she said. Because theres no opportunity for that kind of casual interaction, Hojjat said, people make judgments about their friends behaviour, jumping to conclusions that arent necessarily correct. In these cases, its important to give your friends the benefit of the doubt, Hojjat said - especially right now. Everyone is dealing with their own unique struggles in the pandemic. If your friend isnt responding, she said, they might be busy with a child at home, or pandemic-related stress at work. If you have the time and energy to reach out yourself, Franco recommended doing so: Be the security you wish someone would be for you. With close friends, she said, you could even be honest about your friendship doubt. When you open up, she said, you give your friend the opportunity to say, Me too. Yeomans has her own strategy for dealing with her pandemic insecurity. Whenever she catches herself doubting her friendships - convinced shes a bad friend, too annoying or too much - shell look in the mirror and repeat one particular phrase: My friends love me. I will literally sit there and say it out loud to myself as many times as I need to. After a while, Yeomans said, she starts to believe it. Timber Harvester Going to Circuit Court on Embezzlement Charges Timber Harvester Going to Circuit Court on Embezzlement Charges Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-512-9342 Attorney General March 24, 2021 LANSING - The owner of two Michigan timber harvesting companies G.L.F.P., Inc (commonly known as Great Lakes Forest Products) and Northern Timber Producers Inc. was bound over to Circuit Court Friday on six counts of embezzlement after lying to landowners about the amount and type of timber he took from their properties to avoid paying them the full value owed. Norman Kasubowski, 53, of Petoskey, was bound over to Otsego County Circuit Court March 19 after a hearing before Judge Michael Cooper in 87-A District Court in Gaylord, Michigan on six counts of embezzlement by an agent of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000. Each charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater. Consumers signing any contract with a business do so with the expectation that they will be treated fairly, Nessel said. We allege Mr. Kasubowski failed in his obligation to his customers and cheated them out of what was rightfully theirs. Details regarding circuit court judge assignments and next court dates are forthcoming. ### Your browser does not support the video tag. Shade uses offensive attack to take down Shanksville in D5-A semis Senior Congress leader on Wednesday urged the people of Tamil Nadu to punish the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the upcoming state assembly elections for abstaining from the vote on Sri Lanka. He also termed the development as "gross betrayal of the Tamil people". India abstained from voting on the Resolution on Sri Lanka in the UN Human Rights Council. This is a gross betrayal of the Tamil people and their unanimous sentiment and desire, Chidambaram said on Twitter. The people of Tamil Nadu must and will punish the AIADMK-BJP alliance for this grievous blow to the interests of the Tamils," he said in another tweet. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) had adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's rights record, which gives the UN body a mandate to collect evidence of crimes committed during the country's brutal civil war (2008-09) against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). India had abstained from voting, saying its approach to the question of human rights in Sri Lanka is guided by two fundamental considerations. One is support to Lankan Tamils for equality, justice, dignity and peace and the other is ensuring the unity, stability and territorial integrity of that nation. It also urged Colombo to fulfil its commitments on the devolution of political authority, to carry forward the process of reconciliation and address the aspirations of the Tamil community in the island nation. (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.) High street clothing retailer FatFace has told customers some of their personal and card details could be at risk after its systems were hit by a 'sophisticated criminal attack' in January, This is Money can reveal. In an email to affected customers this morning, chief executive Liz Evans said the retailer had 'identified some suspicious activity within its IT systems' on 17 January. After an investigation, she said an 'unauthorised third party had gained access to certain systems operated by us during a limited period of time earlier the same month'. The attack also put employees' bank details and National Insurance numbers at risk, This is Money has learned. For sale, your details: FatFace admitted to customers this morning personal and partial payment details may have been put at risk in a 'sophisticated' cyber attack Affected customers have been told personal data including first and surnames, email and physical addresses and partial payment card information, the last four digits of a card and its expiry date, could have been put at risk in the cyber raid. The compromising of personal information could result in those affected becoming more vulnerable to identity theft or lead to them being targeted by phishing emails, but FatFace insisted full payment details had not been put at risk. Evans said: 'Therefore, the payment card information cannot be misused for fraudulent transactions, so you do not need to cancel your payment card on this basis. Further, no other financial data relating to you was involved in this incident.' The email was subject lined: 'Strictly private and confidential - Notice of security incident', and asked customers to 'keep this email and the information included within it strictly private and confidential'. In it the retailer did not disclose how many customers had been affected, but one customer who placed orders in December and October received the email warning their details were potentially at risk. Another recipient who spoke to This is Money said they had last ordered from it more than two years ago, while another had made one order 'roughly a year ago'. Those who received the email from FatFace were told 'to remain vigilant to everyday phishing attempts including any risk of identity theft and fraud', check their bank and card statements regularly and keep an eye on their credit files for any evidence that accounts had been opened by identity thieves in their name. Affected shoppers were also offered a free 12-month subscription to the credit reference agency Experian's 'Identity Plus' service. This enables subscribers to have access to their credit report any time for free and alerts them to any changes which are made to their report or if their details have been found on the 'dark web', where they could be sold on by criminals. Other high-profile companies which have seen customers' details put at risk in the recent past include the airlines British Airways and easyJet, which had the details of 9million customers put at risk in a data breach it made public last May. The personal details of 9m easyJet customers were put at risk in a data breach last year Meanwhile in December 2019 This is Money broke the news that a jewellery brand popular with the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, had been hit in a cyber raid which saw personal and payment details harvested by malicious software. Liz Evans has run FatFace since 2019 after joining from fellow retailer Oasis and Warehouse, which went into administration in April 2020 and saw its online business snapped up by Boohoo last June. The chain, which has more than 200 stores across the UK, is well-known for its outerwear, including coats, jumpers, scarves, gloves and boots. Evans added in the email: 'We have taken various additional steps to further strengthen the security of our systems. 'Please rest assured that our systems are secure, our website remains fully operational and FatFace is a safe place to shop, both in store (when we can reopen our shops) and online.' FatFace told This is Money in a statement that it had contacted 'a select number of employees, former employees and customers' and was 'providing appropriate guidance and support. 'Anyone who has not received an email can rest assured that they are not required to take any specific steps in response to the incident at this time.' The Information Commissioner's Office also confirmed it had received notification of the breach from FatFace. A spokesperson from the ICO, which has the right to fine companies which put personal data at risk, said: 'People have the right to expect that organisations will handle their personal information securely and responsibly. 'When a data incident happens, we would expect an organisation to consider whether it is appropriate to contact those affected, and to consider whether there are steps that can be taken to protect them from any potential adverse effects. 'Fatface has made us aware of an incident and we are making enquiries.' analysis Between 1985 and 1987, unrest broke out across South Africa. At Bonteheuwel High School, learners took up arms and fought against the South African Police and South African Defence Force, which helped enforce the policies of the apartheid regime. The resistance fighters known as the Bonteheuwel Military Wing (BMW) were trained by Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) in guerrilla warfare and the use of weaponry. Some learners were killed during the liberation struggle and about 19 are still alive. Those who lost their lives were Ashley Kriel, Anton Fransch and Jacque Adams. On Monday, 22 March, Maverick Citizen caught up with former BMW members Colin de Souza, Abubakr Williams and Shahied Cassiem in Bonteheuwel. For the first time, apart from two university researchers, they candidly talked about what led to the formation of the BMW, their clashes with security forces and whether there were any regrets or hair-raising moments. De Souza explains that the BMW was initially formulated in 1985, but only became fully-fledged in early 1986 after the community became aware there was a military structure in Bonteheuwel. The BMW, he said, was formed out of MK cells that existed in Bonteheuwel during the student uprising in the 1980s. At that... One Nation voted against tougher penalties for the worst cases of wage underpayment despite saying it supports them, but has denied it made a mistake amid confusion in the Senate while amendments to the governments industrial relations bill flew thick and fast. The minor party defended its vote in last Thursdays Senate sitting by saying it wanted to vote for wage theft laws as part of a broader suite of measures in the governments initial proposal. One Nation senators Pauline Hanson and Malcolm Roberts voted against wage theft laws, despite saying they support them. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen When the government failed to win enough support from the Senate crossbench to pass its full industrial relations package, it withdrew support for some sections, including the employee-friendly wage theft laws in schedule five. Labor, the Greens and three independent crossbenchers voted to keep the tougher penalties for underpayment in the bill but when One Nation voted with the Coalition to remove it, the Senate was locked in a 32-32 tie. By Mish Molakeng, (responsible for communications in the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies) As I arrive at the Matatiele Community Clinic for my scheduled appointment with Sister Mofokeng, I find her in the middle of an online meeting with colleagues from other parts of the province. She excuses herself from the meeting so that we can conduct the interview. She is going to tell me about the impact brought by the release of temporary spectrum in Matatiele, which straddles the border between the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Ive seen an improvement in internet connectivity around here. The faster speed of connectivity enables us to transfer patient files, carry out statistical reporting and conduct medical analysis. We are now able to do all of this quickly and more effectively, she says. I must say I didnt know that the improvement was because of the temporary release of spectrum, she acknowledges with a laugh. For community health centres, faster internet connectivity means better prospects for providing quality healthcare services to a greater number of patients. In March last year Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams gazetted directions that enabled broadcasting and telecoms regulator ICASA to make additional radio frequency spectrum available to operators. At the time, this was to ensure that mobile network operators would be able to cope with increased higher rates of internet connectivity as a record number of employees started working from home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Matatiele, Kokstad and Mount Fletcher are some of the areas where mobile network operators have deployed this temporary spectrum overcome historical capacity constraints. Improving access to information is at the heart of our deliverables as a department. The reality that we are dealing with and that we are trying to provide solutions for is growing inequality when it comes to accessing information, says Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams. We all know that access to information can play a transformative role in peoples lives. Therefore, as we celebrate Human Rights month in South Africa, we must remember that universal access to information is a fundamental human right. For entrepreneur Johan Kruger, the owner of a filling station in the busy main road in Matatiele, the additional spectrum has resulted in visible change in the operations of his business. Previously, he says, operating his point-of-sale device was a nightmare due to poor connectivity. Transactions would be routinely declined, and this was a source of endless frustration to us and customers, says Kruger. But now hes seen a visible improvement in transaction speeds. Its not only data traffic that has seen an improvement as a result of the release of temporary spectrum, quality on voice calls has also gotten better. Mme Mokoena an elderly granny living with her grandchildren, is an active user of voice calls to communicate with her daughters who work in Gauteng. She too speaks about a better quality in voice calls. The network between and Mount Fletcher, and Matatiele used to a big challenge. But now there is improvement, she says with appreciation in her voice. Meanwhile, as part of Covid-19 interventions, Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams is working with her counterparts in the Departments of Basic and Higher Education in a partnership that includes mobile network operators and internet service providers, to make data available for learning purposes. The companies have approved hundreds of local websites to be zero-rated for educational purposes. The zero-rated websites include, among others, those of TVET colleges, universities, basic education sites as well as sites that provide information which can help South Africans mitigate the risks that come with coronavirus. In addition to more than one thousand websites, which are already zero-rated, there are additional sites which are pending approval, thanks to the intervention of Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams. Zero rating of telecommunications and data services for specified public services like health, education and public service pronouncements is an important intervention to empower communities and the youth. Back at the Community Health Centre, Aphiwe Mtongana, an unemployed young man, walks in to access the free Wi-Fi. I come here often to access the internet to apply for jobs, he says. The experience is different now. Previously it would take forever to access just one website, sometimes I would even give up. But its a lot faster now. Im hopeful that eventually one of my applications will land me a job, he says enthusiastically. Singapore, March 24 : Singapore Wednesday announced easing a slew of preventive measures against Covid-19 as it expanded the vaccination drive. Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press statement that infection of Covid-19 was kept under control with local community cases remaining low at around two per week in the past month, Xinhua reported. Starting from Wednesday, local residents aged 45 to 59 years old can register their interest for the vaccination. Once there are vacant slots available for booking, the applicants will be notified. Singapore began vaccinating seniors aged 70 years and above since February 22, which was followed by seniors aged 60 to 69 years-old. As of March 23, more than 799,000 individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine. In another development, up to 75 per cent of local employees can return to their workplace, up from the current 50 percent, which will become effective on April 5. "We will shift from working-from-home as a default to a more flexible and hybrid way of working," the MOH said. Moreover, the current cap on the time an employee spends at the workplace will also be lifted, but employers should continue to stagger start times and implement flexible working hours where possible. From April 24, the limit for marriage solemnisations and wedding receptions will be increased from the current 100 to 250 attendees, in zones or timeslots of up to 50 attendees each. Live performances at designated venues will be allowed to have up to 750 attendees if they implement pre-event testing, or to have up to 250 attendees if they do not implement pre-event testing. Singapore on Wednesday reported 15 new Covid cases. Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy revealed a sweeping 10-year-plan that would cut post office hours and slow down deliveries with priority mail taking up to five days to arrive. The USPS, which recorded $87 billion in financial losses over the last 14 years, has faced a financial crisis made worse by the coronavirus pandemic - which slowed performance and sidelined 122,913 workers out of its more than 644,000 workforce. Advocates for the USPS have already claimed the cuts could further hurt the postal service's performance, the Washington Post reported. Scroll down for video Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy revealed a sweeping 10-year-plan on Tuesday that would cut post office hours and lengthen delivery expectations In a press conference on Tuesday, DeJoy said that the postal service lost $9.2billion in 2020 alone and has liabilities exceeding $152 billion Advocates for the USPS have already claimed the cuts could further hurt the postal service's performance. Pictured: A group of protestors hold a demonstration in front of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's home in Greensboro, North Carolina on August 16, 2020 DeJoy, a major donor to former President Donald Trump, previously faced backlash from Democrats who tied him to conservative messages against mail-in voting and accused him of trying to sabotage the USPS during the 2020 presidential election. In a press conference on Tuesday, DeJoy said that the postal service lost $9.2billion in 2020 alone and has significant liquidity issues with liabilities exceeding $152 billion. He also said that the USPS has under-invested in its infrastructure 'creating an unstable operating environment unable to meet the demands of the American people.' 'These current conditions if allowed to continue are devastating to our organization and seriously jeopardize our role in the country,' DeJoy said in the press conference. 'If not addressed, not only will our service continue to deteriorate but we will forecast we will lose approximately $160billion over the next 10 years.' He added: 'Long before that, we will, ruin out of cash and not be able to continue our operations without a government bailout.' In the 58-page Delivering for America plan, the USPS said it has not been able to meet the three-day standard for First-Class Mail since 2012 and that performance has been spiraling downward since 2017. In the past, when customers bought non-local First-Class Mail, the USPS has expected that the mail would be delivered in three days - but has not been able to meet that benchmark. DeJoy proposed fixing performance expectations by lowering the standard for First-Class mail from one day to two days, and non-local First-Class Mail to five days. The changes do not necessarily mean that mail would be delivered slower but allows the agency leeway to hit new delivery standards instead of those it already cannot meet. 'Overall, updated service standards will position us to achieve significant cost savings and provide service that meets or exceeds 95 percent on-time reliability,' the document reads. These lower expectations come as the Washington Post revealed that DeJoy has sought to raise postage rates after the Postal Regulatory Commission recently ruled to create a new pricing system. Apart from cuts to service hours and expectations, the Delivering for America plan also seeks to make $40billion in capital investments to improve and modernize its 31,000 post offices. Protestors gather in Kalorama Park before holding a demonstration against changes in the postal service, outside of the condo of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in August 2020 Twitter photos posted August 14, 2020 show mailboxes being removed in the Brighton area of Boston. Caption reads: Looks like the #USPS is pulling out mailboxes in Brighton. @universalhub Mailboxes are seen at a USPS processing and distribution center in Riverdale, Maryland, in August 2020 'Our Plan is to invest approximately $4 billion in our retail units to provide a world-class customer experience with improved retail training, modernized uniforms, refreshed lobbies, and expanded self-service and digital options,' the plan reads. The USPS plans to include more digital and mobile tools and better tracking for customers as it also purchases 50,000 to 165,000 energy sustainable delivery vehicles over the next 10 years. It will also make changes to its logistics and processing procedures and invest in 'advanced package processing equipment.' 'As we expand our role in the e-commerce marketplace, package volume will continue to grow. We will deploy and maintain a diverse suite of package sorters and material handling equipment to optimize processing throughputs,' the plan reads. 'We are in the process of procuring and deploying more than 185 new package sorters as we continue to adjust to the growing package demand.' The USPS also hopes to reduce the overtime demand on employees and make other changes that benefit employees - while backing legislation that would enroll retired workers in Medicare instead of health benefits it is required to make. A postal reform bill from Democrat Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, backed by DeJoy, would would eliminate the mandate to pre-fund retiree health benefits. If passed, the the bill would immediately save the USPS $35 billion in liabilities and another $10 billion over 10 years as the postal service integrates its workers into Medicare, the Washington Post reported. Maloney, however, ultimately blasted the plan on Tuesday and called it an 'unacceptable decision to make permanent slower mail delivery,' CNN reported. Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly branded it 'a draconian plan that guarantees the death spiral of the United States Postal Service.' Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said he was concerned the service changes would hurt people 'who rely on the Postal Service for prescription drugs, financial documents, running their small businesses and more.' Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree called on Biden to fire the board of governors. 'I cannot stress how devastating this will be for rural states like Maine. Thats why Ive urged President Biden to fire the @USPS board of governors for failing to hold PMG DeJoy accountable,' Pingree tweeted. Maine Rep. Chellie Pingree called on Biden to fire the board of governors in a letter posted to Twitter In the letter addressed to Biden, Pingree said the USPS has a 'continued failure to meet its own standards for service' Pingree also alleged that the Trump-appointed board of governor's has 'politicized' the USPS American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein noted that 'any proposals that would either slow the mail, reduce access to post offices, or further pursue the failed strategy of plant consolidation will need to be addressed,' CNN reported. But Dimondstein praised the USPS for planning to open '46 new annexes to handle the ever-increasing number of packages' and for recognizing its employees as its strength, according to CNN. Democrats have renewed calls to remove the Post Master General and the USPS' board members for 'self inflicted' mail delays and 'gross mismanagement.'' President Joe Biden is not able to fire DeJoy, as USPS operations are set up so they cannot be messed with by the president or Congress. There are 11 members of the Board of Governors, including the Post Master General and Deputy Post Master General. There are nine board governors appointed by presidents who can vote to remove the Post Master General. Biden has already nominated Democrats to fill three of four vacancies on the board - which would give Democrats a 5-to-4 majority to remove DeJoy if they are confirmed by the Senate, the Washington Post reported. 'This is a very positive vision, particularly considering our current position as an organization,' DeJoy said on Tuesday. 'A year ago, the conventional wisdom was that our financial situation was dire and that we would have to curtail our basic service obligations or seek significant annual appropriations from the congress to continue serving the American people.' He added: 'Well that wisdom would be accurate now or tomorrow or sometime in the near future if we do not getting moving on our plan enhance the role and relevance of the postal service in the life of the public and the nation.' Nick Robinson and Marie Gervacio Join Hong Kong Office as Senior Managing Directors HONG KONG, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ankura Consulting, LLC ("Ankura" or the "Company"), a global provider of a broad range of consulting services, announced today that Nick Robinson and Marie Gervacio have joined the Hong Kong office as Senior Managing Directors in the Global Risk, Forensics & Compliance practice. These new hires mark Ankura's ongoing strategic investment in expanding its client offerings in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. "I am delighted to welcome Nick and Marie to our Hong Kong office," said Steven Richards, Senior Managing Director and Risk, Forensics and Compliance (RF&C) Global Business Group Leader at Ankura. "Nick and Marie bring broad expertise and leadership talent to our deep bench of experienced professionals, while also strengthening RF&C's financial services and anti-money laundering offering." "As the number of client engagements in this critically important region grows, their skills in risk, compliance and fraud investigation will provide tremendous value to clients and allow us to build upon this increased momentum," said Simon Michaels, Ankura's Chairman of EMEA and APAC. "The addition of Nick and Marie exemplifies RF&C's ongoing commitment to invest in the APAC region." Mr. Robinson is a forensic practitioner with over 30 years' experience helping clients manage a wide range of integrity issues across challenging markets. He has experience in handling both reactive (crisis) and proactive matters for clients across diverse industry sectors, and he has led large, multijurisdictional investigations and regulatory reporting. Mr. Robinson served in the Royal Hong Kong Police for 11 years, where he attained the rank of Detective Senior Inspector with the Commercial Crime Bureau. "I'm excited to join forces with Ankura's widely experienced team," said Mr. Robinson. "The collaborative culture at our firm allows us to build upon our best-in-class risk and compliance capabilities for our clients as we continue to navigate highly complex issues in the industry." Story continues Ms. Gervacio has more than 20 years of consulting and audit experience in the financial services industry and has served clients throughout Asia-Pacific, leading several large-scale international banking projects across the region. She primarily focuses on risk and control, governance, fraud and financial crime. Ms. Gervacio has advised and managed regulatory compliance for global financial institutions. She frequently shares her industry insights at events and panels at industry body forums and client workshops in Hong Kong and the surrounding region. "Ankura's robust experience in the market and impressive roster of knowledgeable professionals position us to continue to strategically expand our client offerings and geographic presence in a growing region for the firm," said Ms. Gervacio. "I'm pleased to begin working with my colleagues to provide practical effective solutions to mitigating risk for our clients." About Ankura Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is a global provider of a broad range of consulting services in the areas of disputes and economics, data and technology, risk, forensics and compliance, turnaround and restructuring, strategy and performance and in transactions and operations advisory. We help clients protect, create, and recover value. Ankura has over 1,500 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.ankura.com. SOURCE Ankura press release Address by Deputy President David Mabuza on the occasion of South Africa's World TB Day Commemoration, Mpumalanga Province Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, Premier of Mpumalanga Province, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane Deputy Ministers, Mayors in attendance, Deputy Chairperson of SANAC, Ms Steve Letsike, CEO of the SANAC Trust, Dr Thembisile Xulu, Representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Owen Kaluwa, Representative of the US Mission to South Africa, Mr Todd Haskell, Representatives from business, labour, and broader civil society, Co-Programme Directors, MEC for Health Ms Sasekani Manzini and SANAC Civil Society Forum Deputy Chairperson, Mr Solly Nduku, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today's commemoration of World TB Day is like no other in the recent past. Globally, almost all nations of the world are engulfed by the anguish and hardship of Covid-19 which continues to obliterate lives and livelihoods on an unprecedented scale. The whole world is grappling to adapt to the ravaging impact of the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that we contain the spread of the disease and rebuild economies decimated by the disruption of trade and global supply chains. Over the past year, governments have had to respond to the overwhelming demands of Covid-19 on national health systems. The capacity, efficiency, and effectiveness of national health systems continue to be strained by waves of infections, hospitalisations, and deaths. To some extent, national lockdown and restrictions of movement contributed to the disruption of access to health services and the reduction in the number of TB detections as patient contact and tracing services became difficult during lockdown periods. As a global community of nations, we are commemorating World TB Day fully aware, and alive to the threats and negative impacts of Covid-19 on the fight against TB. This pandemic has the capacity to erode the achievements and progress achieved to date in the fight against the spread of TB. The potential diversion of priority focus and financial resources away from TB programmes to fund the responses to the Covid-19 pandemic pose serious risks to the consolidation of global efforts to end TB. The deepening levels of poverty, malnutrition and unequal access to TB treatment and care may undermine efforts to meet global targets to end TB. Today, we are reminded, as citizens of the world, that we have to act with a sense of urgency in pursuit of TB targets advocated in the Sustainable Development Goals, the World Health Organisation End TB Strategy, and the 2018 Political Declaration of the UN Meeting on TB. While challenges of Covid-19 will persist in the foreseeable future, we are encouraged by progress made in the fight against TB. According to the World Health Organisation's 2020 Global TB Report, the number of people treated for TB has grown since the 2018 UN high level meeting, with over 14 million people reached with TB care in 2018 and 2019. The number of people provided with TB preventive treatment has quadrupled since 2015, from 1 million in 2015 to over 4 million in 2019. We need to consolidate and build on these achievements to enhance equitable access to quality and timely diagnosis, prevention, treatment and care. As one of the 30 countries with a high burden of TB, we are joining the world to galvanise our own society to realise that "The Clock is Ticking: Let's Find, Treat, and End TB Now". It is a theme that resonates well with the call for global solidarity and collaboration in the fight against TB. Time is of the essence. There is no room for complacency. We are calling on all South Africans to rally behind national efforts to end TB and scale up our national response through urgently finding, initiating and retaining TB clients in treatment and care. We should also work hard to regain those who have fallen by the wayside. Each and every one of us has a role to play in the fight to end TB. Our National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs that was launched in 2017 remains our guiding implementation blue-print that enables multi-stakeholder participation and collaboration in the fight against HIV, TB and STIs. In terms of this plan, we had targeted to diagnose at least 90% of all people infected with TB. We had also committed to treating 100 percent of those who have tested positive, and decrease TB deaths by at least 30 percent. This year, the National Strategic Plan is nearing the finish line, yet the numbers in terms of targets we had set for HIV, TB and STIs, remain stubbornly high. We set for ourselves the target to reduce new TB infections from 450 000 to 315 000 per year. Data from the recent TB Prevalence Survey, indicates that 390 000 people became infected with the virus in 2018, just a year after the launch of this National Strategic Plan. Out of the estimated 390 000 people infected with TB, only 60% of them were diagnosed. This suggests that there is a large number of people who are walking around with the infection but are not on treatment. That is dangerous considering that one person infected with TB could potentially infect a further 15 people. The survey also revealed that we had underestimated the prevalence of asymptomatic TB. Nearly 60% of people who tested positive for TB did not display any of the classic symptoms. This means we need to refine our case detection approach. To achieve this, we must work together as communities and health facilities. SANAC remains central to all our national efforts of mobilising various sectors of society to ensure that we curb the spread of TB and eliminate infections. Working with all social partners, community formations, and community leaders, government is committed to urgently finding, initiating and retaining TB patients in the treatment and care. Through our 'Cheka Impilo' campaign we should ensure that everyone has the opportunity to regularly screen and test for TB at the nearest clinic so that they are initiated on treatment when they test positive. We are employing digital tools and platforms to raise community awareness and integrate TB and Covid-19 screening services. A TB HealthCheck mobile application that allows individuals to screen for TB risk and symptoms in order to reduce transmissions, has been recently launched. This mobile application is designed to make self-screening easy and efficient, while also identifying individuals who need to get tested. It refers those who require a test to public health facilities for a free TB test. The system is integrated into HealthCheck, which is the Department of Health's Covid-19 digital self-assessment tool. More importantly, our TB response also prioritises communities in Districts with the high TB burden to ensure that we contain the spread of infections and turn the situation around. For instance, Ehlanzeni District, our host for this year's commemoration, is among the Districts with the high TB burden in South Africa and has been one of the hardest hit areas by the disease. We are all here today to underscore the importance and urgency of the need to work with communities and all social partners in this District to ensure that we eliminate the spread of TB and save lives. SANAC will continue to work with provincial and local structures to drive specific interventions in line with the goals and targets of the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs. SANAC has prioritised a number of interventions focusing on mobilising targeted sectors of society in response to prevalence survey reports and trends. One of these interventions focuses on men's behavioural change. According to the results of the latest TB prevalence survey report, TB prevalance is 1.6 times higher in men compared to women. In this regard, the SANAC Men's Sector has done commendable work through various platforms in an effort to sensitise men about the importance of fostering health seeking behaviour. Until we reach and change men's perspective in every setting, we will never win the battle against TB. We therefore call on all men across the country to be counted in the nation's efforts to end TB. Unless men heed this call, the well-being of South Africans will forever lie in the balance. Men must be encouraged to test for TB so that they get treated early before they spread the disease within their families and the entire community. Notwithstanding challenges that we are dealing with, we are happy that we have set up strong collaborative platforms with our communities as well as our local and international partners. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our international and local partners who have made contributions to making our HIV, TB and STI programmes a success. We are grateful to work together with our global partners and donors, including the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Response and the United Nations Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. We would also like to thank our local private sector partners who have made contributions to the implementation of our HIV, TB and STI programmes. We need continue to mobilise additional resources to fund our programmes and broaden our footprint to cover more areas in the course of rolling out TB prevention programmes. To advance policy reforms that prioritise TB, we will continue to enjoin the contribution of all public representatives and leaders such as parliamentarians, legislators, traditional leaders, and health care workers. We are pleased with progress made by the South African TB Caucus Secretariat, in their efforts of establishing TB Caucuses in all provinces of the country. The TB Caucus is a non-partisan country structure that forms part of the Global TB Caucus, an international network up of over 2500 parliamentarians from over 150 countries across the globe who work collectively and individually, across geographical divides and by engaging with civil society and other stakeholders towards ending the TB epidemic. This work is important in enabling legislators to advocate for the financial resources towards the TB response and marshal policy reforms that enable the effective roll-out of TB prevention programmes. Across the world, we need foster and deepen multilateral platforms of collaboration in the fight against TB, Covid-19 and many other disease outbreaks that threaten human lives and the catastrophic collapse of the global economy. At the heart of this is the genuine desire to eliminate poverty, social disparities and inequalities in order enhance economic inclusion and shared prosperity. The poor and vulnerable sectors of our must access universal health coverage so that they improve the quality of their lives. A human rights approach must always define the nature of global solidarity and cooperation so that we build a better world, free from poverty and the burden of disease Thank you. Ganges River Dolphin in Bangladesh. Credit: Mansur_WCS Bangladesh After two decades of research, a scientific study, led by the University of St Andrews, has recognized the endangered Indus and Ganges river dolphins as separate species. Since the 1990s, river dolphins in South Asia were considered to be a single threatened species, however, a landmark study published today (Wednesday 24 March) in Marine Mammal Science concludes that the dolphins in the Indus River and those in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Rivers are sufficiently distinct to be classified as species in their own right. The work, which took 20 years to complete, was led by Dr. Gill Braulik of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews, who traveled across India and Pakistan searching for dolphin skulls to measure for the study. The research shows that the two river dolphin species have different numbers of teeth, colouration, growth patterns and skull shapes as well as clear genetic differences. Dr. Braulik said: "Recognizing the species-level differences between Indus and Ganges river dolphins is extremely important as only a few thousand individuals of each species remain. "They have long been regarded as two of the world's most threatened mammals and my hope is that our findings will bring much-needed attention to these remarkable animals to help prevent them sliding towards extinction." Indus dolphin skulls in Stuttgart. Credit: Gill Braulik The research was a long-term collaboration between the University of St Andrews, WWF-Pakistan, Patna University in India, and the Southwest Fisheries Science Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US, as well as many other researchers in South Asia. The Indus and Ganges river dolphins are often referred to as blind dolphins because they live in naturally muddy rivers and, over millions of years of evolution, have lost their eyesight and instead rely on a sophisticated sonar or echolocation system to navigate and catch prey. Both species are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and are threatened by accidental entanglement and drowning in fishing nets, pollution of their waterways and by the construction of hydropower dams and irrigation barrages. Dr. Randall Reeves, Chair of the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group, said: "The rapid decline and extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin this century was a very clear warning: we need to act quickly to protect the remaining species of river dolphins, including the Indus and Ganges, all of which are seriously threatened. The freshwater systems they inhabit must be managed with biodiversity as a top priority." The population of Ganges river dolphins is declining and estimated at several thousand individuals spread across the rivers of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. Indus Blind Dolphin, Sukkur, Pakistan. Credit: WWF-Pakistan Meanwhile, Indus river dolphins, which occur primarily in Pakistan, have achieved an impressive recovery over the last 20 years, with numbers going up from approximately 1,200 in 2001 to almost 2,000 in 2017, despite huge challenges, including an 80 percent decline in the extent of their range. Dr. Uzma Khan, Asia Coordinator of the WWF River dolphin initiative, said: "The Indus river dolphin recovery in Pakistan is due to decades of dedicated on the ground work with the government authorities and communities and shows what is possible when we work together. "Serious challenges still face this incredible species and all other river dolphin populations, but we can save themand by doing so we'll save so much more since hundreds of millions of people and countless other species depend on the health of river dolphin rivers." The final decision on the validity of the new species will be made by the Committee on Taxonomy of the Society for Marine Mammalogy in the next few months. The paper, "Taxonomic revision of the South Asian River Dolphin (Platanista): Indus and Ganges River dolphins are separate species" is published in Marine Mammal Science. Explore further Indus river dolphin's declining range More information: Gill T. Braulik et al. Taxonomic revision of the South Asian River dolphins ( Platanista ): Indus and Ganges River dolphins are separate species, Marine Mammal Science (2021). Journal information: Marine Mammal Science Gill T. Braulik et al. Taxonomic revision of the South Asian River dolphins ( Platanista ): Indus and Ganges River dolphins are separate species,(2021). DOI: 10.1111/mms.12801 For more than 150 years, the Suez Canal has been the fastest shipping route between Asia and Europe, and a key artery of the global economy. According to one estimate, more than 9 percent of international trade passes through the 120-mile canal. In 2019, it handled more than 19,000 vessels carrying 1.2 billion tons of cargo. Right now, on the other hand, nobody is getting through the canal because a great big ship got stuck in it: Advertisement The canals most relevant dimension at the moment is its width, a scant 205 meters. A 400-meter-long ship named the Ever Given, which is owned by the Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen and is carrying hundreds of containers from China to Rotterdam, slewed sideways and ran aground on Tuesday just north of the port of Suez as it was traveling toward the Mediterranean. It had reportedly suffered a blackout. Advertisement Advertisement Traffic has piled up behind the Ever Given, and tugs and diggers are currently working to dislodge it. In the childrens book version of this story, the Ever Given is learning lessons in humility and the importance of working together with others right now. AIS data playback of the #SuezCanal the moment things went very, very wrong for the #EVERGIVEN...and then rest of global shipping. By @TankerTrackers pic.twitter.com/0p8icD95IR John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) March 24, 2021 Advertisement In the Instagram photo above, reportedly taken from another ship in the canal, the Maersk Denver, and on the live ship-tracking website VesselFinder, the ship appears to be wedged sideways, blocking traffic in both directions. Its a little like doing a really bad job parallel parking, except that a good chunk of the global economy grinds to a halt while you try to work yourself free. 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. The Ever Given is one of the largest cargo ships in the world59 meters wide, to go with that 400-meter length. Ships this size have successfully transited the canal before, but theres not a lot of margin for error. In 2015, Egypt opened a new expansion of the canal. At a cost of $8.4 billion, it was a major prestige project for the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and it added a second lane to accommodate two-way traffic. Still not big enough, evidently. The Ever Given still has a long way to go to break the record for being stuck in the canal. Fourteen ships were stranded in the waterway for eight years after the Six Day War in 1967. Democrats said they are pushing toward a vote on expanded gun control measures as the nation reels from its second mass shooting in a week. President Joe Biden said we have to act, but prospects for any major changes were dim, for now, in the closely divided Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed Tuesday morning to bring to the Senate floor legislation passed by the House that would require background checks for most gun sales and transfers. He said the Senate must confront a devastating truth after a lack of congressional action on the issue for almost three decades. This Senate will be different, Schumer, D-N.Y., said a day after a shooting at a crowded Boulder, Colorado, supermarket, killed 10 people, including a police officer. The Senate is going to debate and address the epidemic of gun violence in this country. While a Senate vote on new gun control would be the first in several years, Democrats do not have the votes to pass any significant reform. They are not even united themselves, as Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., told reporters Tuesday that he opposes the House legislation on background checks. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday on proposals for gun control. It is unclear whether any of the bills up for consideration most of them involving more restrictive background checks would have made a difference in the Colorado case. A 21-year-old man charged with killing eight people in the Atlanta area last week had purchased a 9 mm handgun hours before the murders, prompting advocates to push for longer waiting periods for purchases. In brief remarks responding to the shooting, Biden urged Congress to move quickly to close the loopholes in the background check system and to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines an effort that would be even more difficult to achieve politically. According to a police affidavit, the Colorado shooter had purchased an assault rifle six days earlier. It should not be a partisan issue, Biden said. This is an American issue. It will save lives, American lives. Vice President Kamala Harris said Wednesday in an interview with CBS News that Biden would not exclude taking executive action on gun control measures, but if we really want something that is going to be lasting, we need to pass legislation. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who has aggressively pushed for expanded gun control since the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 20 children and six educators, expressed optimism about the chances for new laws with Biden in the White House and Democrats controlling the House and the Senate. He called it the dawn of a new era. Reality is likely more complicated. Senate Democrats do not currently have deep enough support among Republicans to pass new gun control legislation in the 50-50 Senate, as they would need 60 votes to do so. While expanding background checks is generally popular with the American public, even with some conservatives, Congress has been unable to find a successful compromise on guns in decades, making it one of the most intractable issues in American politics. The gun debate also highlights a larger difficulty for Senate Democrats as they try to move forward on gun legislation and other policy priorities of the Biden White House. With the filibuster in place, forcing a 60-vote threshold for most legislation, House-passed bills on issues like gun control and voting rights are effectively nonstarters unless Democrats secure significant GOP support. Some Republicans hinted that they would be open to negotiations, though it was unclear if there were any real bipartisan discussions. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said he was opposed to the House legislation, but Im certainly open to the discussion. Manchin and Republican Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who have worked together for years to find compromise on background checks, both said they were opposed to the House legislation, which would close loopholes to ensure background checks are extended to private and online sales that often go undetected, including at gun shows, with some limited exemptions for family and other scenarios. A similar version Manchin and Toomey proposed just after the Sandy Hook shootings included a broader set of exemptions than the House bill. The House also passed a second bill to extend a certain review period for background checks from three to 10 days. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., introduced the legislation after a shooter killed nine people at a Charleston, South Carolina, church in 2015. Toomey said he would like to find legislation that could pass, but that probably would require something thats a little bit different. So, well see if we can figure out how to thread that needle. Manchin did not say whether he would restart negotiations, only that were going to try to do the responsible, reasonable thing. Schumer and Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy, a leading advocate for gun control, said they would meet this week to discuss a path forward. Schumer has not said when he will bring the House legislation up for a vote. Democrats say they feel the environment around gun legislation has evolved, especially since that last major push in 2013. They point to troubles at the National Rifle Association, the long-powerful advocacy group that poured tens of millions of dollars into electing Donald Trump in 2016. The organization has been weakened by infighting as well as legal tangles over its finances. This is the moment to make our stand. NOW, tweeted Murphy as details of the Colorado shooting emerged Monday evening. Today, our movement is stronger than the gun lobby. They are weak. We are potent. Finally, a President and a Congress that supports gun reform. Democrats are hoping there is a gradual political shift among voters as well. A Pew Research Center poll in September 2019 showed a wide majority of Americans, 88%, supported making private gun sales and sales at gun shows subject to background checks, which is what the House-passed bill would do. Ninety-three percent of Democrats and 82% of Republicans were in favor of the policy. Many in the GOP base are still strongly opposed to gun control of any kind. In Tuesdays hearing, which was scheduled before the Colorado shooting, Republicans showed no signs of wavering. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said that every time there is a shooting, the Senate engages in ridiculous theater, with Democrats proposing laws that he said could take guns away from law-abiding citizens. Republicans have argued that background checks would not stop most mass shootings and would prevent some lawful gun owners from purchasing firearms. We already know this pattern is predictable, over and over and over again, Cruz said. Greer Grammer has launched to fame as the star of Netflix's sexy new thriller Deadly Illusions, but confused viewers have slammed the film, branding it the 'worst' thing they've ever seen. The 29-year-old, who is the daughter of Kelsey Grammer and Barrie Buckner, plays Grace, a seemingly innocent nanny hired by Mary (Kristin Davis), a best-selling novelist suffering from writer's block, and her husband Tom (Dermot Mulroney). The film has been dominating Netflix's Top 10 charts since it debuted last week, and after quickly rising the ranks, it is now the number one movie on the streaming platform. However, with its off-the-wall plot and gratuitous sex scenes, some viewers are taking to Twitter to call it a waste of time, insisting the film is better suited for Lifetime than Netflix. Big role: Greer Grammer is the star of the new Netflix thriller Deadly Illusions Role: The 29-year-old plays Grace, a seemingly innocent nanny hired by Mary (Kristin Davis), a best-selling novelist suffering from writer's block 'Deadly Illusions [is] probably the WORST s**t Netflix ever came out with,' one woman tweeted, while another replied: 'I was watching like... did @netflix really spend any money on this film... should have been on Lifetime.' 'I just watched Deadly Illusions on Netflix... I honestly might cancel my subscription all together,' someone else wrote. While there were a number of harsh reviews from viewers, there were some people who were just baffled by the psychological thriller. They admitted that they're not even entirely sure what happened at the end of the film. 'Just finished watching Deadly illusions on Netflix, and all I can say is what the hell was that,' one Twitter user commented. 'NONE OF IT MAKES SENSE SO ANNOYING,' someone else griped. Success: The film has been dominating Netflix's Top 10 charts since it debuted last week, and after quickly rising the ranks, it is now the number one movie on the streaming platform Yikes: Despite it's popularity, people are taking to Twitter to slam the movie, claiming it's 'the worst thing' they've ever seen 'Based on my friend's recommendation, I'm watching the best awful movie ever on Netflix: DEADLY ILLUSIONS with Kristin Davis, some dried up former hunky actor & Greer Grammer,' one person commented. 'What kind of employer takes her nanny bra shopping?' 'I just watched Deadly Illusions and immediately hopped online with questions, of course. The consensus online seems to be that it's bad?' someone else wrote. 'I enjoyed it while I was watching it but it definitely left me confused.' Greer, who graduated from the University of Southern California, followed in her famous father's footsteps with her first on-screen role in iCarly in 2010. Prior to Deadly illusions, she was best known for playing Lissa Miller on MTVs series Awkward. The actress stepped out of her comfort zone to play the role of Grace, which included dark and intimate scenes with her costars. However, there were fans who enjoyed the flick and actually relished how bad they thought it was. On the edge: Greer, who has been acting since 2010, stepped out of her comfort zone to play the role of Grace, which included dark and intimate scenes with her costars Role model: Greer praised her co-star Kristin, 56, for making her feel comfortable on set and showing her how to be mindful of her boundaries when filming sex scenes Acting is in her genes! Greer is the daughter of Kelsey Grammer and Barrie Buckner. She is pictured with her father in 2017 (left) and her mom in 2015 (right) 'I loved the idea of doing it and pushing myself further because I loved that and always wanted to be taken a little more seriously,' she told KGET. 'But I think there were moments on set where I was like, "Whoa. I actually have to do this." 'It is different to read it in a script and view it from the eyes of somebody else,' she explained. 'When I was filming it, I was on board to do it but it was just so different than anything I had done before.' Greer praised her co-star Kristin, 56, for making her feel comfortable on set and showing her how to be mindful of her boundaries when filming sex scenes. 'I felt so safe in all of the scenarios and everyone felt so comfortable with everything we were portraying,' she said. 'Kristin is amazing for so many reasons, but she was on a show called Sex in the City for years. So she is not a newbie to sexual scenes or sex in movies and how to shoot it where I very much was.' She added: 'Kristin was really good at being comfortable but also very firm at what she was going to do, which made it very easy for me to also have my boundaries.' Health care advocates remain hopeful that Texas lawmakers will coalesce this session around expanding Medicaid, even as the political tide has shifted toward more partisan legislative goals and the fallout from last months deadly power outages. Republicans in particular have begun lining up behind a Democratic-led bill that would draw down billions in new federal Medicaid dollars, but with key compromises including work and health incentives for recipients, better physician reimbursement rates and a commitment to end the coverage if it loses the state money or the federal government stops funding nearly all of it. Seven Republican House members have signed their names to the lower chambers version of the bill, HB 3871, and its primary authors, Rep. Julie Johnson of Carrollton and Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas, say several more have expressed support privately. A lot of the concerns that Republicans have expressed in the past have been addressed in this bill, Rep. Johnson said, adding that about 20 additional conservatives House members have told her they will vote for the bill. Republicans control the House by 16 seats. TEXAS MEDICAID, BY THE NUMBERS 4.1 million: Texans currently enrolled in Medicaid $5.4 billion: Additional federal dollars for Medicaid if the state expanded $600 million: Texas' expected contribution under expansion, or 10 percent of the federal match $66.5 billion: Current two-year budget for Medicaid, 60 percent of which is funded by the federal government Source: Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University See More Collapse TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The bill, modeled after initiatives in Indiana and other red states, would offer coverage to adults between ages 18 and 65 and who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty line, or about 1.5 million Texans. Those living above the poverty line $26,500 for a family of four would need to contribute a fraction of their annual income to a health savings account; those living below it would be subject to small copays for non-emergency care. The idea is not only to extend coverage to hundreds of thousands of currently uninsured people, but to also put them on a path toward securing their own insurance. Texas has long had the highest uninsured rate in the country at 18.4 percent before the pandemic, which is about 5.2 million people. It makes good business and economic sense, as well as health care sense, said Rep. Steve Allison, a San Antonio Republican and joint author. I think we can find a way forward. Texas is one of a dozen states that have declined to expand Medicaid under the 2010 Affordable Care Act. House Republicans last tried in 2013 and faced a blockade by then-Gov. Rick Perry, who insisted there were too many problems in the states existing Medicaid program to add even more people to it. HB 3871 and its Senate companion, SB 117, try to address those complaints by increasing physician reimbursements rates, which advocates hope will attract more doctors to participate in the program. Many physicians just cannot afford to take on patients with this kind of coverage, unless it is improved a bit, said Dr. Diana Fite, an emergency room doctor and the president of the Texas Medical Association, which supports the legislation. The measure still faces an uphill climb, especially in the Senate and the governors mansion, where there has long been opposition to anything remotely resembling Medicaid expansion. Legislative Republicans and Gov. Greg Abbott are especially focused this session on conservative policy goals, including new voting and abortion restrictions and penalties for cities were police budgets decline. Sen. Johnson, who filed the original bill months ago, said he has been in talks with Republicans in the upper chamber who could get behind it. In order to pass any form of coverage expansion in Texas, it has to be something where a conservative, credentialed Republican can say, This is consistent with my values, Johnson said. We are not going to win on this issue by scolding the other side morally or on fiscal terms or anything. Were going to have to be able to say, together, this works for everybody. A lawyer and first-term senator, Johnson said he has been tinkering on a bipartisan fix to the expansion impasse since the last session, in 2019. Earlier this month, he launched a folksy explainer video on YouTube, where he goes over the fiscal mechanics of expansion and why it will be a net positive to the state budget. That builds largely off the work of the Perryman Group, which estimated in December that the state would net about $2.5 billion over the next biennium from new tax revenue through improved health outcomes and a more resilient workforce under Medicaid expansion. Local governments would also see a projected tax boost. This is economic stimulus, which creates general revenue, Sen. Johnson said. Sweetening the deal, states that expand Medicaid this year stand to receive additional federal dollars for their existing Medicaid population under the $1.9 trillion rescue package passed earlier this month by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. Expansion advocates estimate that would bring in at least $3 billion in extra revenue over the next biennium. In Texas, Medicaid is currently limited mostly to children, pregnant women, people with disabilities and low-income seniors. For those covered under expansion, the federal government pays 90 percent of the cost. A 2017 review by the data firm Mathematica of early research on states that use health savings accounts for their Medicaid expansion populations found that while many recipients paid into their accounts, many also were unaware of how they worked or that different kinds of care were covered at different rates. In Indiana, for example, nearly all recipients surveyed incorrectly believed the cost of preventative care would be deducted from their accounts. A big lesson from other states would be that getting beneficiaries aware of and engaged with the accounts can be a challenge, said Laura Dague, an associate professor at Texas A&M's Bush School of Government and Public Service. jeremy.blackman@chron.com One of Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking victims hit out at Vice President Kamala Harris for planning to take part in a womens empowerment seminar with former President Bill Clinton, a onetime pal of the convicted pedophile. Wow!! Shes asking Clinton how to empower women??? Virginia Giuffre tweeted on Wednesday. Wrong person, what she should be asking him is what the hell was Clinton doing on #Epstein island & private jets 27 TIMES!! Giuffre ended the tweet with the hashtag #EnoughIsEnough. Giuffre has accused Epstein, a friend of the former president, of keeping her as a sex slave. Virginia Giuffre (seen left in 2019), who alleges that she was one of Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking victims, blasted Vice President Kamala Harris (seen right in Atlanta on Friday) for agreeing to sit down for a one-on-one conversation with former President Bill Clinton to discuss 'empowering women and young girls' Giuffre noted that her alleged sex trafficker, Epstein (seen left in 2005), was friends with the former president (seen right in December 2019) Wow!! Shes asking Clinton how to empower women??? Virginia Giuffre tweeted on Wednesday. Wrong person, what she should be asking him is what the hell was Clinton doing on #Epstein island & private jets 27 TIMES!! Giuffre ended the tweet with the hashtag #EnoughIsEnough. She also said in court papers that one of the financiers associates, Ghislaine Maxwell, had instructed her to have sex with at least a half-dozen prominent men. Giuffre has stressed that she was never lent out to the former president, though she has stated that she saw Clinton on Epstein's infamous 'orgy island' - a claim that he has denied. When asked to comment on Giuffre's tweet, a spokesperson for the Clinton Foundation told DailyMail.com: 'For 20 years under the direction of President Clinton, the Clinton Foundation has worked to empower girls and women around the world. 'The Clinton Global Initiative has launched thousands of commitments to improve lives: empowering more than 13 million girls and women through job and leadership training; improving maternal and child health care access for more than 114 million people; and increasing opportunity for women in STEM education and careers.' EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIRS AND ALLEGATIONS OF RAPE: A HISTORY OF BILL CLINTON SEX SCANDALS Monica Lewinsky is pictured above in New York in October 2019. Then-President Bill Clinton had an affair with the former White House intern when she was just 22 years old Bill Clinton has long been dogged by allegations of womanizing, extramarital affairs and abuse. During his 1992 presidential campaign, Betsey Wright, a longtime aide to the Clinton, dubbed the problems 'bimbo eruptions,' a label that appeared aimed at discrediting them. But the most damaging episode was his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. The two met in 1995 when she was a 22-year-old intern and she later revealed they had a series of sexual encounters over a roughly 18-month period. Clinton initially denied the relationship, but eventually admitted it and said he 'misled people, including even my wife.' The president was impeached over the episode, accused of obstruction and perjury, and acquitted by the Senate. In a 2018 article for Vanity Fair, Lewinsky wrote she came to the realization that her relationship with Clinton 'constituted a gross abuse of power.' This is a profound shift from the position she took in a June 2014 piece for the same magazine. Juanita Broaddrick, a nurse, in 1999 claimed she was raped by then-state Attorney General Clinton at a Little Rock hotel in 1978. Clintons attorney denied the claim at the time and Clinton was never charged 'Sure my boss took advantage of me, but I will always remain firm on this point: it was a consensual relationship,' Lewinsky wrote in 2014. 'Any "abuse" came in the aftermath, when I was made a scapegoat in order to protect his powerful position.' Lewinsky said in 2018 that she saw her relationship with Clinton was full of 'inappropriate abuse of authority, station, and privilege.' 'Now, at 44, I'm beginning (just beginning) to consider the implications of the power differentials that were so vast between a president and a White House intern,' she wrote. 'I'm beginning to entertain the notion that in such a circumstance the idea of consent might well be rendered moot.' Lewinsky says the fallout from her relationship with Clinton left her with post-traumatic stress disorder and that in light of her trauma, she might never have changed her thinking on the subject were it not for the #MeToo movement and societys sudden reckoning with issues of sexual misconduct. Lewinsky credits the #MeToo movement, 'not only because of the new lens it has provided but also because of how it has offered new avenues toward the safety that comes from solidarity.' 'I - we - owe a huge debt of gratitude to the #MeToo and Time's Up heroines,' Lewinsky wrote. 'They are speaking volumes against the pernicious conspiracies of silence that have long protected powerful men when it comes to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and abuse of power.' In 1998, Clinton agreed to an $850,000 settlement with Paula Jones (pictured in October 2016), an Arkansas state worker who had accused Clinton of exposing himself and making indecent propositions when Clinton was governor. The settlement included no apology or admission of guilt Lewinsky is not the only relationship baggage for Clinton. In 1998, he agreed to an $850,000 settlement with Paula Jones, an Arkansas state worker who had accused Clinton of exposing himself and making indecent propositions when Clinton was governor. The settlement included no apology or admission of guilt. Juanita Broaddrick, a nurse, in 1999 claimed she was raped by then-state Attorney General Clinton at a Little Rock hotel in 1978. Clintons attorney denied the claim at the time and Clinton was never charged. Kathleen Willey, a White House volunteer, claimed Clinton fondled her when she met privately with him at the White House in 1993 to seek a job. Clinton has denied the allegations by both women. Gennifer Flowers claimed during Clintons 1992 presidential campaign that she had a 12-year affair with him while he was governor of Arkansas. Clinton has denied Flowers claims. In October 2016, f ormer Arkansas television reporter Leslie Millwee came forward to Breitbart News and accused Clinton of sexually assaulting her three times in 1980. Millwee, who went by the name Leslie Derrick back then, says Clinton, then the governor of Arkansas, slipped into her television station's small editing room and groped her from behind while she was seated, 'hunching' her chair to the point of orgasm. Kathleen Willey (seen in 2018), a former White House volunteer, claimed Clinton fondled her when she met privately with him at the White House in 1993 to seek a job 'I could feel what he was doing from behind me. I do not know if he had taken, you know, private parts out. Or if he was doing it. I assumed he was doing it through material but I could be wrong,' she said. Millwee said Clinton did this on three occasions and also stopped by to see her at home. She said she interviewed the Arkansas governor about 20 times the year that she worked at the now-defunct television station KLMN-TV, as she was covering the Cuban refugee crisis and 20,000 refugees called Arkansas' Fort Chaffee home. Leslie Millwee, a former Arkansas television news reporter, came forward in 2016 and claimed that Bill Clinton groped her three times She was 19, turning 20, when she worked at the station. Clinton would be flirtatious, she said, when the two saw each other. 'Hey pretty girl. How are you today?' he would say, she told Breitbart. He also gave her an autograph, she said, claiming that one day he would be president. He also wrote Clinton directly above her name on her reporter's notebook. A picture of the signed notebook was included in the Breitbart piece. 'And I said, "What are you doing? Giving me an autograph now?" And he said, "No, I just wanted to show you how good Clinton looks on top of Leslie."' In vetting Millwee's claims, Breitbart News was unable to find footage of her interviews with Clinton from that era. Advertisement Giuffre was reacting to the announcement by the Clinton Foundation on Tuesday that Harris will join the former president; his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; and their daughter, Chelsea, for a virtual meeting that will discuss a range of issues, including empowering women and girls in the US and around the world. The event, which will also be attended by former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, will be staged in conjunction with Harris alma mater, Howard University. The former president is scheduled to take part in a one-on-one discussion with Abrams on Wednesday as part of the opening plenary, which is titled: Making Democracy Work: Restoring Trust and Expanding Participation. Bill Clinton and Harris will have a one-on-one conversation on Friday to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, and empowering women and girls in the US and around the world. DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House and the Clinton Foundation for comment on Giuffres tweet. In testimony that was unsealed last year, Giuffre said that Bill Clinton (seen above in April 2019) visited Epstein's private island with 'two young girls from New York' and stayed in the billionaire's private villa Clinton has denied flying on Epstein's jet (seen in the above undated file photo) more than a handful of times The news of Clinton's discussion with Harris was met with ridicule online, including from one woman who claims the then-attorney general of Arkansas raped her in 1978. 'Inviting Bill Clinton to speak on Empowering women.... is like asking Jeffrey Dahmer to host a cooking class,' Juanita Broaddrick tweeted on Wednesday. Journalist Krystal Ball tweeted sarcastically: 'Noted champion of women and girls Bill Clinton.' Dr. Victoria Dooley joked that Clinton and Harris would be 'joined by several other guests known for their lifelong dedication to empowering women including: Louis C.K., Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer & Woody Allen.' Louis C.K. is a comedian who was accused by several women of harassment and lewd conduct. Cosby is serving time in prison after he was convicted of drugging and raping a woman. Lauer, the former NBC TODAY co-host, was accused of sexual misconduct in the workplace by female colleagues. Allen, the iconic filmmaker, has been accused of sexual molestation by his adopted daughter, who alleges the abuse took place when she was seven years old. He has denied the allegations. Jenna Ellis, former attorney for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, tweeted: 'Maybe Bill Clinton isnt the best person to talk about empowering women and girls in the US? Just a thought.' Tara Reade, who accused President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, tweeted: 'The most amazing thing about the elite Democrats is both the hypocrisy and arrogance wrapped in lack of self awareness. 'Bill Clinton is going to discuss girls and women with Kamala Harris Friday... Really? Seriously?' The news of Clinton's discussion with Harris was met with ridicule online, including from one woman who claims the then-attorney general of Arkansas raped her in 1978. 'Inviting Bill Clinton to speak on Empowering women.... is like asking Jeffrey Dahmer to host a cooking class,' Juanita Broaddrick tweeted on Wednesday Robby Starbuck tweeted: 'I thought this was a joke. Theyre really having BILL CLINTON do a talk with Kamala Harris about the well-being and empowerment of women + girls. Did anyone ask Paula Jones (he settled her sexual harassment suit for nearly $1M), Juanita Broaddrick or Kathleen Willey for comment?' Journalist S.E. Cupp tweeted: '"Bill Clinton" + impact on women = NO. Please stop doing this.' Dr. Victoria Dooley joked that Clinton and Harris would be 'joined by several other guests known for their lifelong dedication to empowering women including: Louis C.K., Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer & Woody Allen.' Tara Reade, who accused President Joe Biden of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s, tweeted: 'The most amazing thing about the elite Democrats is both the hypocrisy and arrogance wrapped in lack of self awareness. Bill Clinton is going to discuss girls and women with Kamala Harris Friday... Really? Seriously?' Jenna Ellis, former attorney for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, tweeted: 'Maybe Bill Clinton isnt the best person to talk about empowering women and girls in the US? Just a thought.' Journalist Krystal Ball tweeted sarcastically: 'Noted champion of women and girls Bill Clinton.' Reade was reacting on Twitter to a photo of Clinton being given a massage by one of his Epstein's victims, Chauntae Davies. Davies has accused Epstein of raping her multiple times Biden has denied the allegations brought by Reade. Reade was reacting on Twitter to a photo of Clinton being given a massage by one of his Epstein's victims, Chauntae Davies. Davies has accused Epstein of raping her multiple times. Journalist S.E. Cupp tweeted: '"Bill Clinton" + impact on women = NO. Please stop doing this.' Robby Starbuck tweeted: 'I thought this was a joke. Theyre really having BILL CLINTON do a talk with Kamala Harris about the well-being and empowerment of women + girls. 'Did anyone ask Paula Jones (he settled her sexual harassment suit for nearly $1M), Juanita Broaddrick or Kathleen Willey for comment?' Broaddrick, a former Arkansas nursing home administrator, first claimed more than 20 years ago that Bill Clinton raped her during a meeting in Little Rock in 1978. She sued Bill Clinton in 1999; the case was dismissed in 2001. A Twitter account that claimed to be that of Broaddrick revived the allegations during Trump's successful candidacy for president in 2016. Bill Clinton has long denied her account. Jones, a former Arkansas state worker, alleged in 1991 that Bill Clinton propositioned and exposed himself to her. In 1994, she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against him. Bill Clintons lawyers tried to have the suit dismissed. In November 1998, he paid Jones $850,000 to settle the case without apologizing or acknowledging culpability. Clinton denied during the 1998 deposition for the Jones lawsuit that he had 'sexual relations' with a White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. Lewinsky was 22 when she worked as a White House intern in summer 1995. That November she and Clinton began their affair, which continued after she was hired for a West Wing job. Clinton's denial became central to an article of impeachment charging perjury. A second article charging obstruction of justice stemmed from allegations of encouraging perjury by witnesses and other wrongful actions. The House impeached Clinton in December 1998. After a five-week trial in the Senate, senators rejected both articles on February 12, 1999. Kathleen Willey, a former White House volunteer, accused Bill Clinton of forcing himself on her in 1993. He denied her charge and an independent prosecutor later concluded there was no evidence to doubt that denial. Clinton traveled numerous times on the Epstein's private jet, the Lolita Express, socialized with his alleged madame, Maxwell, and faced a slew of sexual misconduct accusations himself during his years in public life. Epstein was previously accused of using his private plane to transport underage girls to his various luxury homes in New York, Palm Beach, New Mexico and even Paris. American dignitaries and rich and powerful figures also traveled on the jet. Clinton's office previously issued a statement in regards to his travels on the plane and denied knowing anything about the financier's crimes. His team said he had only taken four trips with him in 2002 and 2003 - although flight logs showed he had taken a total of at least 26 individual flights in the course of those years. 'President Clinton knows nothing about the terrible crimes Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty to in Florida some years ago, or those with which he has previously been charged in New York,' a 2019 statement from the former president's office read. 'In 2002 and 2003, President Clinton took a total of four trips on Jeffrey Epstein's airplane: one to Europe, one to Asia, and two to Africa, which included stops in connection with the Clinton Foundation. 'Staff, supporters of the Foundation, and his Secret Service detail traveled on every leg or every trip.' She has also alleged she had sex with Prince Andrew at the age of 17 while being trafficked by Epstein. Prince Andrew has strenuously denied the claims. He was pictured with his arm around the then 17-year-old's waist at the home of Maxwell in London in 2001. A spokesperson for Clinton has said that the former president has 'never been to Little St. James Island' Despite Clinton's reputation as a notorious womanizer, no-one has ever before publicly accused the former president of misbehaving with any of the young women that surrounded Epstein. Last year, court papers ordered released by a judge include testimony from Giuffre who said that she once saw Clinton as he strolled into the darkness with two girls while staying on Epstein's island. Giuffre's claim comes in just two single lines in her proposal for a book to be called The Billionaires Playboy Club, when she describes how she was on the island with Epstein and his alleged madam, Maxwell. Jeffrey wanted his evening massage [...] leaving our guest of honor to find company elsewhere, Giuffre writes. Strolling into the darkness with two beautiful girls around either arm, Bill seemed content to retire for the evening. Giuffre says the women were two lovely girls who were visiting from New York, but does not identify them. She said they sat next to the former president at dinner. Bills wife, Hillarys absence from the night made it easy for his apparent provocative cheeky side to come out, Giuffre wrote. Teasing the girls on either side of him with playful pokes and brassy comments, there was no modesty between any of them. Clinton stayed in a villa on the billionaire pedophile's private Caribbean island because he owed him 'a favor', Giuffre told investigators in the newly unsealed documents. In nine-year-old testimony that was only made public for the first time last year, Giuffre said Clinton visited the private Caribbean island of Little Saint James some time after his presidency ended in 2001. The nine-year-old testimony was revealed in a tranche of court documents that were unsealed after Epstein's alleged madam, Ghislaine Maxwell (pictured together) was arrested and charged with procuring young girls for sex with the pedophile Giuffre told investigators that she, Maxwell and two other 'young girls' from New York were also on the island at the time. When Giuffre asked Epstein what Clinton was doing on the island, she claims he laughed and said: 'He owes me a favor.' 'He never told me what favors they were. I never knew. I didn't know if he was serious. It was just a joke,' she said. The former president has repeatedly denied ever visiting Epstein's island in the Caribbean. He has also always maintained he knew nothing of Epstein's abuse of young girls. His spokesman said that Clinton has 'never been to Little St. James Island'. He added: 'He'd not spoken to Epstein in well over a decade. Well before his terrible crimes came to light.' Meanwhile, a federal judge on Monday rejected Maxwells third request for bail, after the British socialite had offered to renounce her British and French citizenships if she were freed. US District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan said Maxwell remained a 'significant risk of flight' and that no conditions, including her proposed $28.5million bail package, would reasonably assure she would show up in court. Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges she helped Epstein recruit and groom three teenage girls for sex between 1994 and 1997, and lied about her role. She has been held in a Brooklyn jail since her arrest last July, which came 11 months after Epstein died in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The image above is a sketch of Maxwell's virtual court appearance in Manhattan on July 14, 2020. Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to charges she helped Epstein recruit and groom three teenage girls for sex between 1994 and 1997, and lied about her role. She has been held in a Brooklyn jail since her arrest last July Pictured convicted sex offender Epstein in 2017. In the summer of 2019, Epstein died in his Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges After Nathan rejected two prior bail requests, Maxwell on February 23 offered to renounce her non-US citizenships, and move most of her and her husbands assets into an account to be monitored by a retired federal judge. Her lawyers said Maxwell wanted to defend herself at trial, and the new conditions should assuage concern she might seek a 'safe haven' in the United Kingdom or France. But the judge said Maxwell could still resist extradition if she fled, and even with the monitor still had access to 'sufficient' assets to help her evade prosecution. Nathan is also considering 12 motions by Maxwell to dismiss, narrow or weaken the governments criminal case. Maxwell has said the government targeted her only because Epstein killed himself and prosecutors wanted someone else to blame, and that she was covered by Epsteins own 2008 non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida. Her trial is scheduled for July. Former late-night television host Jay Leno has issued an apology for a series of jokes told over his career targeting Asian communities. The apology from the 'Tonight Show' comedian comes after a nearly 15-year campaign from the activist group Media Action Network for Asian Americans (MANAA) for remarks as recent as a 2020 report that Leno cracked about Koreans eating dog meat, Variety reported. The dog meat joke reportedly offended numerous people on the set of NBC's 'America's Got Talent.' 'At the time I did those jokes, I genuinely thought them to be harmless,' Leno said during a recent videoconference with MANAA co-founder Guy Aoki. 'I was making fun of our enemy North Korea, and like most jokes, there was a ring of truth to them.' There was a 'prevailing attitude that some group is always complaining about something, so don't worry about it,' Leno said. Jay Leno appeared at The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize tribute concert at DAR Constitution Hall on March 4 in Washington, D.C. The former late-night television host has apologized for jokes about Asians throughout his career Leno on the set of 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' in February 2014 'Whenever we received a complaint, there would be two sides to the discussion: Either, 'We need to deal with this' or, 'Screw 'em if they can't take a joke.' Too many times I sided with the latter even when in my heart I knew it was wrong,' Leno said. Leno says the apology was not the result of pressure from so-called 'cancel culture' that has drawn complaints from others whose comments came under public fire for actions or statements. Leno said the apology was the result of 'a legitimate wrong that was done on my part.' 'MANAA has been very gracious in accepting my apology. I hope that the Asian American community will be able to accept it as well, and I hope I can live up to their expectations in the future,' Leno said. Media Action Network for Asian Americans President Guy Aoki during the organization's 10th Anniversary Awards Gala in Los Angeles, California. Jay Leno apologized during a videoconference with Aoki for offensive jokes about Asians he told over his career Aoki connected with Leno following an appeal to Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy and producers Tom Werner and David Hurwitz. A spokesperson for Leno confirmed his apology but did not comment further. Leno had two stints on NBC's 'Tonight Show' from 1992 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2014. In at least nine documented instances dating back to 2002, and as recent as 2012, the former 'Tonight Show' host made comments about Koreans eating cats or dogs, The Wrap reported. In 2002, 48,000 people emailed complaints to NBC after Leno joked that South Korean speed skater Kim Dong Sung ate his dog after his Olympic defeat to American Apolo Ohno, who is of Japanese descent. One month later, Leno met with NBC's SVP of diversity and admitted he had no Asian writers on staff. He was instructed to stop making dog-eating jokes, but he did not. People gather at a March 21 rally to demand safety and protection for Asian communities in the aftermath of the March 16, 2021, shootings in the Atlanta-area that left eight people dead Members and supporters of the Asian American community attend a 'rally against hate' at McPherson Square in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 2021. Three massage parlors around Atlanta were targeted March 16. Robert Aaron Long, 21, faces eight counts of murder and one charge of aggravated assault Leno said he was 'shocked and saddened' by recent cases of violence against 'my fellow citizens in the Asian community.' Three massage parlors around Atlanta were targeted in deadly shootings on March 16. Robert Aaron Long, 21, faces eight counts of murder and one charge of aggravated assault. Six of the victims were women of Asian descent. 'I would be deeply hurt and ashamed if somehow my words did anything to incite this violence,' Leno said. 'With MANAA's help, I would like to do what I can to help the healing process.' MANAA, a nonprofit organization formed in 1992, monitors television, films, advertising, radio and print 'to address the negative stereotypes long perpetuated by the media which detrimentally affects all Asian Americans, hurting not only their self image, but how non-Asians treat them,' the group's website says. American Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno, who is of Japanese descent, was referred to in jokes Jay Leno made in 2002 about South Korean speed skater Kim Dong Sung, an opponent of Ohno The cooperation with VITASK is expected to help local suppliers participate in global value chains, photo Le Toan The Vietnam Technology Advice and Solutions from Korea Centre (VITASK) will likely sign an MoU by the end of this month with departments of industry and trade, as well as industrial zones (IZs), to open up investment opportunities for businesses from the two parties. The members of the supporting projects Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Innovation Tech Lat, Korea Polytechnic University, and Innovative Technology Lat will also sign similar deals with authorities and IZs in South Korea. The agreements will help to reinforce the role of VITASK in investment promotion, along with the task of having a deep and thorough supporting programme. According to Kyoung-Jin An, deputy director of VITASK, the cooperation will bring benefits for all sides. We will introduce South Korean to invest in Vietnam, while simultaneously cooperating with departments and IZs to implement investment promotion programmes. Besides that, we will also connect Vietnamese businesses that want to penetrate the South Korean market with local partners, he said. Regarding VITASK, the centre will be more convenient in approaching businesses, which have demand on supporting industries. In addition, it will help to improve the centres presence in both Vietnam and South Korea. After the first appraisal round of around 40 dossiers, VITASK selected 24 local suppliers to visit manufacturing facilities for the first time. The representatives of centres will visit these suppliers for a second time during the next months to select the final 16 eligible candidates. The scheme of this supporting programme was expected to be implemented in March, however, it will be delayed to May due to the impacts of the pandemic, An explained. According to the initial plan, we will select 12 candidates for the first phase. However, now the figure increases to 16 with the expectation of supporting more suppliers. VITASK currently cooperates with local authorities to work with the business community, which has the demand on technical support, but faces difficulties in approaching them. We hope to receive support from the government and relevant authorities to find suitable local suppliers, so that we can effectively implement the project, An said. Cooperating with South Korean ministries to establish the VITASK programme is a part of the Vietnamese governments approach to help local suppliers improve their competitiveness. The Vietnamese government has issued numerous regulations to promote development of local supporting industries, including Decree No.111/2015/ND-CP on incentive policies for businesses operating in supporting industries; Decision No.68/QD-TTg approving the Supporting Industry Development Programme from 2016 to 2025; the Law on Support for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises; and Resolution No.115/NQ-CP dated August 2020 on solutions to promote supporting industry development. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has also been working on an international cooperation project in terms of supporting industries, including the cooperation with Samsung to develop vendors, a scheme with South Koreas Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to train technical engineers, and an additional World Bank project, among others. Le Huyen Nga, deputy head of the Supporting Industry Division under the MoITs Agency for Industrial Development said, Implementing synchronised solutions to support businesses in supporting industries will contribute to improving their competitiveness, improving the productivity and quality of their products, and leading towards smoother entry into global supply chains. It was at the beginning of the year when the phones started to ring. Hedge funds, eager to hitch a ride on the steadily rising price of tin, were in the market to buy physical stocks of the valuable metal that is predominately used in electronics.Solder makers and steel producers, fresh from unsatisfactory annual contract discussions, have been fielding booming orders and hitting up suppliers, only to be told there was little material available.At the time, cash prices for tin were trading above $20,000 per tonne on the London Metal Exchange, the 144-year-old bourse that has long been the home of price setting and hedging for the world's producers and industrial users.Now selling over at $27,850 per tonne, tin's 35% to-date increase makes it the top performing base metal on the LME this year, as buyers continue to catch up with a chronic squeeze on spreads between futures and cash prices.In the past month, players looking to roll positions from one day to the next have had to pay up to $600 per tonne for the privilege, but those short the spread between cash tin and the three-month delivery paid up to $5,000 per tonne, an all-time high.Some involved in the market closely said they saw it coming."It's an often ignored market so people get surprised, but if you've been following tin, the writing has been on the wall. Everything was pointing to the market getting tight and tighter," Robin Bhar, an independent analyst who spent seven years heading metals research for Societe Generale, said."Tin has always been a volatile market. In recent months, we have witnessed a perfect storm of supply and demand fundamentals," Michael Cuoco, head of hedge fund sales for metals and bulks at StoneX, said.Tin supply tanked over the course of 2020, most notably in swing producer Indonesia, which acts as a key supplier to solder makers across Asia and the United States.Tin smelters aside from Indonesia's PT Timah largely shrugged off pandemic-related disruptions (Source International Tin Association)Production from Indonesian state producer PT Timah, which has the world's second largest output, dropped by 30,700 tonnes last year to 45,700 tonnes.Against 2019 figures, that amount would constitute 8.4% of annual refined consumption globally, while production elsewhere among the market's largest ten producers was largely flat, according to statistics from the International Tin Association."Historically, Indonesia's the biggest source of supply ex-China and exports have been restricted throughout last year," Tom Mulqueen, an analyst at London brokers Amalgamated Metal Trading, said.Moreover, Indonesia's independent smelters, clustered on the islands of Banka and Belitung, have struggled to export material amid the country's notorious bureaucracy since the start of the year, he added.Indonesian exports for February totaled 4,395 tonnes, an improvement from January but still down 40% compared with the same month last year."I have never seen a bigger deficit of any metal, nor am I aware of any one ever than we are currently seeing in tin," according to Mark Thompson, chairman of UK mining company Tungsten West and a former chief investment officer at Galena Asset Management.Premiums, which are fees paid on top of exchange prices to obtain specific metal in specific locations, have spiked since the start of the year to previously unheard of levels.This was most pronounced in the US, which is the world's second largest consumer of the metal at around 30,000 tonnes per year.Fastmarkets last assessed tin grade A min 99.85% ingot premium, ddp Midwest US at $1,500-1,950 per tonne on March 23, up 91.67% from $800-1,000 per at the start of 2021.The sharp rise has come after years of relatively low spot volatility, with most of the market securing supply on an annualized basis rather than buying when needed."All the traditional demand sectors such as soldering seem to be firing on all cylinders and you've got all the promising green-driven prospects, like copper, tin's probably indispensable for that transition," Bhar said.Tin premiums have spiked the world over as end users grapple with disjointed supply chains and an influx of ordersTraders have come under pressure to fill supply gaps, with merchants from Tokyo to New York describing phones ringing daily with orders that they lack the units to fill.There is a genuine tightness of physical supply, no doubt of that whatsoever, according to Laila Zollinger, a director at London tin traders Wildshaw Ltd and Fenix Metals, which produces tin ingots and solder alloys internationally.We are getting new enquires from people we havent heard from in years, she said, adding that the company is focused on fulfilling commitments to long-term customers.End users are not the only ones in the market for tin however, with several sources reporting that hedge funds are acquiring stocks of physical material with the intention of using it as a base for building positions in the derivatives markets."I've been called by a few of the [commodity trading advisors] trying to get exposed to tin, but had to say sorry, we have nothing left," a long-time tin trader, who declined to be named, said of the situation.Tin has been traded on the LME since the 19th century. The contract was suspended in 1985 with the collapse of the international tin cartel before being reinstated in 1989.Since then, the contract has been no stranger to squeezes. The Southend hedge fund Ebulio Capital Management was infamously said to have captured 90% of LME warrants and cash contracts in 2009, driving out the three-month cash spread to a then-record high of $790 per tonne."They kept buying and buying until there was no-one on the other side of the trade," a source with knowledge of the dealings told Fastmarkets.But market events of this year have thrown the previous bouts of spread tightness into sharp relief; with one market participant needing to borrow tin for a day via the tom-next (tomorrow/next day) spread at an unprecedented price of $600 per tonne.The LME's tom/next spread blew out to a $600 per tonne backwardation on Tuesday February 16thSpreads have since relaxed somewhat, although the exchange's three-month cash spread was last in a $2,000-per-tonne backwardation, a figure which dwarfs anything seen prior to the past two months.Spread volatility between LME tin contracts is not unusual but has reached unprecedented levels since the start of this yearWith the physical market in disarray, several market participants told Fastmarkets that managing positions in volatile times was made more difficult without a physical LME Ring to set prices."All the way through, since last year, the fact that the Ring closed has contributed to the lack of spread liquidity across all of the metals, so when you have situations like this in less liquid contracts. It's an aggregating factor when you don't have the Ring as a forum to deal with it," Mulqueen said. The Exchange has consulted the market as to whether it should close its 144-year-old Ring , which is the last open-outcry trading venue left in Europe and where traders set prices.With the Covid-19 pandemic making in-person (and high-decibel) deal-making impossible, traded volumes have successfully moved onto the LME's Select platform.But several players have lamented the difficulties of doing business through a screen at a time when old-school, in-person deal-making may have helped facilitate spread deals.I am not surprised that the tin market has become more volatile recently than ever before. Without the in-person LME rings, the more illiquid markets like lead and tin have greater potential to become disjointed, Cuoco said.The LME has increased the monitoring of its tin market contracts since backwardations began to flare up and has the ability to impose a variety of tools to regulate conditions if it sees fit."The LME notes current tightness in the tin market. At present, there is no indication that LME pricing has diverged from the underlying physical market," a spokesperson said.Volumes on the LME's cash contract have risen since prices rose (LME via Fastmarkets)The market has quietened down somewhat since the spikes of early February, in part due to an uptick in stocks delivered to LME warehouses.A total of 1,495 tonnes of tin are now warranted on the bourse, up from an all-time low of 485 tonnes on February 9.The vast majority of the inventory (1,325 tonnes) lies in Port Klang, Malaysia. According to brokers, the material is 99.85% purity that was produced by Malaysia Smelting Corporation (MSC), a deliverable quality for the LME but below the 99.9% purity industry standard preferred by the majority of solder makers and produced by most smelters other than MSC.With physical premiums this high, there remains a disincentive to deliver tonnages onto the exchange, even if it can be used to lend into a steady backwardation."For me, there's no reason to put metal on-warrant. In fact, if I can get my hands on 99.9% warrants, I'll cancel and deliver to my customers," a tin producer told Fastmarkets.After hitting record lows in February, warranted tin on the LME has since been on the upSome market members are hopeful that a potential reopening of the LME's Ring will help unwind the current tight spreads."The Ring would bring the main market makers together in the same location. That does a lot because the brokers are better able to ascertain who has what and make the needed markets, Cuoco said.Others see the old markets adage of higher prices being the best "cure" for high prices panning out, with alluvial miners incentivized to bring on more production."My personal view is it has to go to a price where demand is destroyed, because supply isn't there and because demand is so inelastic," Thompson said, citing an expectation that the cash price could be driven above $50,000 per tonne within the next 18 months.Whether that pans out remains to be seen, but with pandemic-era trading dominating markets in 2021 it's unlikely we'll see a commodity with more action than tin.[Editor's note: An earlier version of this article suggested that tin was new to the LME as of 1989. It was in fact one of the original metals traded on the exchange but went through a hiatus from 1985-1989 after the collapse of the international tin cartel. The story also erroneously stated that the all-time low of warranted LME tin stocks was 100 tonnes on February 18, while it was in fact 485 tonnes on February 9. Additionally, StoneX was misidentified as StoeneX in the ninth paragraph.] A Mozambican traditional healer is in police custody in Mulanje after he allegedly raped an 18-year-old Malawian woman in the guise of healing her. Mulanje Police Public Relation Officer, Gresham Ngwira has confirmed of the arrest of 44-year-old Amin Manuel. Ngwira said the victim has been receiving treatment from the suspect for her health problem. On March 9 this year, she went again to the suspect's house for her usual assistance, Ngwira said. He said after treating her, Manuel told the lady that they should go to the river for disposal of a charm they used. On their way, he warned the victim to keep quite until they arrive at the river. "When they arrived there, Manuel allegedly raped the lady before telling her to throw the used medicine into the river," Ngwira explained. The victim revealed her ordeal to parents, who in turn informed law enforcers at Mathambi Police Unit. Manuel has since been charged with a case of rape. He comes from Thamanda Village, Traditional Authority Namayaya in Mozambique. Forestry reform, reform of the medical and healthcare system, and rural revitalization were highlighted in Chinese President Xi Jinping's second day of his inspection tour in east China's Fujian Province on Tuesday. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005995/en/ Visiting the Shaxian District of Sanming City on Tuesday, Xi went to an assets and equity exchange to learn about local efforts to deepen reform of the forest tenure system and a hospital to learn about local reform of the medical and healthcare system. He also went to a village to inspect work on promoting rural revitalization. 'Lush mountains and lucid waters are valuable assets' In the past, Chinese farmers were excluded from collective forestry and shared few timber revenues. As a result, they lacked the incentives to protect forests, and timber theft was rampant. To solve these problems, Fujian Province launched the reform to decentralize the collective forest tenure system in favor of individual (household) management in 2003, which is also considered the start of China's new round of forest tenure reform. It echoed Xi's instruction to develop forestry as an industry while maintaining its ecological functions when he worked in Fujian. Xi had visited Sanming City 11 times when he worked in Fujian. During a trip to the city in June 2002, when he was Fujian governor, Xi emphasized that environmental development was of paramount importance. He said at the time that it might seem that green mountains and lucid waters are of little value, but in the long term, they are valuable assets. He also urged local officials to transform economic growth and avoid wasting resources and damaging the environment. To carry out Xi's instructions, local authorities further explored a number of reform measures, including taking steps to encourage farmers to transfer their timberland to forest cooperatives and other operators and issuing more loans to forestry businesses to solve their financial problems. The total output value of forestry reached 114.6 billion yuan in 2019 in Sanming. The city's forest coverage is expected to exceed 80 percent in 2020. Progress in the reform of the medical and healthcare system Xi also visited the Shaxian General Hospital in Sanming City to learn about the local medical and healthcare system's reform. Shaxian General Hospital has jurisdiction over 12 grass-roots branch hospitals and 128 extended village health clinics. Its establishment is also one of the measures to reform the local medical and health system. Xi has paid close attention to the country's medical reform progress, and praised Sanming's medical advancement at several key meetings. At the 33rd meeting of the central leading group for deepening overall reform on March 24, 2017, Xi hailed Sanming's experience in medical reform. He said Sanming's medical reform is in the right direction and has produced obvious results, urging promotion of Sanming's practice nationwide. Shaxian snacks and rural revitalization Xi has put forward ardent hopes for the development of Shaxian snacks many times, and on Tuesday, he visited the Yubang Village, which is famous for Shaxian snacks, to inspect work on promoting rural revitalization there. Hailing from Shaxian, popular restaurant chain Shaxian Snacks is renowned for its pork wontons, peanut sauce noodles, and over 100 other local-flavor delicacies. Starting with a single booth in a street market, the chain now has more than 88,000 chain stores in China and 62 other countries and regions, pulling in a hefty revenue exceeding 50 billion yuan ($7.6 billion). Thus far, the Shaxian Snacks trademark has been approved by eight countries: Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, and Australia. The Shaxian Snacks stores entered 62 countries, including the U.S., Germany, and Portugal. In three hours, the first store in New York sold out and sales revenue of the first store in Tokyo reached nearly $2,000 in 5 hours. After dominating China, it's now aiming at a bigger market and a brighter future. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-03-23/Xi-Jinping-inspects-Shaxian-County-in-Fujian-Province-YS2YqEdq36/index.html View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323005995/en/ Dubai will host the 4th edition of the WION Global Summit on March 24, 2021, at the Oberoi. The day-long summit will bring together thought leaders and global policymakers from around the World. India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will grace the event as Chief Guest. India's envoy to the U.A.E. Pavan Kapoor will deliver the welcome note on behalf of the host nation. Former U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton, and Japan's minister of State for Defence, Yasuhide Nakayama will deliver keynotes for various session. A wide range of panelists will dissect the most pressing challenges with the aim of exploring effective solutions. On the panel will be Jason D. Greenblatt, former White House Middle East envoy under former US President Donald Trump, Ranil Wickremesinghe, Former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Michael Tsai, Former Defense Minister of Taiwan, Alexander Downer, Former Foreign Affairs Minister of Australia, Gilles Babinet, Digital champion at the European Commission for France and many others. The Summit would be attended by Sudhir Chaudhary, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of WION. The sessions would be moderated by Palki Sharma Upadhyay, the Executive Editor of WION, and international TV presenter Ali Aslan. The event will have four sessions, on West Asia's changing geopolitics, the post-pandemic World order, World economy, and the new digital reality, respectively. For the last three years, the WION Global Summit has been at the forefront of intellectual exchange and thought leadership. Over the years, the summit has hosted Presidents, Prime Ministers, ministers, economic advisors, and various global leaders. It has been at the cutting edge of new ideas, innovations, and experiences. Watch the 4th edition of the WION Global Summit: Power play in a post-pandemic World LIVE on 24th March on WION, starting 10:30 AM local time (12:00 PM IST, 6:30 AM GMT). A man has been arrested after a bomb disposal team was called to reports of a suspicious item at the Queens official residence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland said they were called to the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse at about 8.50pm on Tuesday. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team examined the suspicious item before making it safe, a spokesperson for the force added. The Independent understands the suspicious item was made to look like a bomb but, after being examined, was found not to be a viable device. Investigators believe it may have been a hoax and are not currently treating the incident as terror-related. Read more: A 39-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the incident has now been charged and will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday. Police said there was no threat to the public and inquiries continued on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: We were called to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Abbey Strand, Edinburgh, around 8.50pm on Tuesday 23 March, following a report of a suspicious item. Following examination by [EOD], it was made safe. There was no threat to the public. Police outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (PA) A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday 25 March. Police officers were spotted carrying out searches on the grounds of Holyroodhouse on Wednesday. Officers carrying long sticks were seen methodically combing the forecourt and grass outside the building in Edinburgh. Others looked down drains and underneath cars and some officers were seen putting items into clear plastic bags. Police vehicles were also stationed outside several entrances to the palace. Additional reporting by PA Utilizing Crystal Clear Clarity Technology, and engineered to bring the best of specialty glass cleaners and ceramic SiO2 protection into a one-step spray bottle, HydroView cleans and protects by providing a durable ceramic shield that causes water to rapidly bead and accelerate off glass, leaving a crystal clear, streak-free view. HydroView also repels dirt, grime and mud, reduces fogging and minimizes water tension, readying any driver for unpredictable, extreme weather conditions such as rain, fog, mist, cloudiness or thunderstorms that can make visibility difficult. "HydroView provides an easy to use ceramic coating and cleaner in one, with results you can see instantly." "We are excited to change the way you view the world through windows thanks to our new HydroView Ceramic Glass Coating Cleaner & Protectant," states Jennifer Olvera, Chemical Guys' Brand Director. "It is a great addition to the existing ceramic product lineup and is a product that customers across the globe have been requesting. HydroView provides an easy to use ceramic coating and cleaner in one, with results you can see instantly. Having glass that is clean and clear is extremely essential and with an easy application of HydroView, you can get amazing optical clarity along with the ceramic hydrophobic properties to shed contaminants, water, and help your glass remain cleaner longer." HydroView is easy to apply and grants the user all the benefits of ceramic protection without the headache, or cost, of long, tedious and complex application. Simply spray, wipe and buff off for instant results that will also make cleaning glass easier next time, whether it's the car windshields, shower glass, office or home windows. Use it anywhere for clear, protected glass. Available for purchase on March 24 at ChemicalGuys.com and Detail Garage locations nationwide, HydroView will retail for $22.99. ABOUT CHEMICAL GUYS Driven by adventure, a passion for shine, and a love for the road ahead, Chemical Guys is a worldwide leader in automotive detailing products for car care enthusiasts and professionals. From exclusive small-batch waxes to cutting edge ceramic coatings, and specialty cleaners for exteriors and interiors, Chemical Guys sets the industry standard when it comes to product innovation, technological advancement and education. Based in Southern California, Chemical Guys has evolved from a handful of passionate car fanatics to a global lifestyle brand with the largest digital library of automotive detailing "how to" content available. Learn more and join the Chemical Guys family at ChemicalGuys.com. ABOUT DETAIL GARAGE Detail Garage is the country's fastest-growing car care superstore. The nationwide retail franchise is the ultimate destination for auto detailing supplies, equipment, car care accessories and training. By combining the highest-quality products with educational detailing classes, Detail Garage has become the country's go-to retail store for car care enthusiasts, passionate car owners, and detailing professionals. After launching its initial location in Southern California, the brand has quickly expanded to over 70 locations over the last 5 years throughout the US and Canada. To find a Detail Garage near you or for more information on products, training or franchising opportunities visit www.detailgarage.com. SOURCE Chemical Guys Related Links http://www.chemicalguys.com Theyre gonna say a lot of things, I suspect, yesterday, today, tomorrow, but the fact of the matter is, we gave them every opportunity to get right with what the rules and responsibilities are for every provider who has the privilege of getting access to the vaccine and they repeatedly failed to hold up to their end of the bargain, Lightfoot said. So now theyre dealing with the consequences of those actions. The body of a firefighter who entered a raging blaze at a suburban New York nursing home to try and save an elderly resident, has been recovered hours after the fire caused a partial collapse of the building, killing one resident and injuring several others. The firefighter was identified as Jared Lloyd, 35, a father-of-two 15-year volunteer with the Spring Valley Fire Department, by Rockland County Executive Ed Day at a news conference Wednesday. 'Jared Lloyd gave his life in service to others. He searched as the building burned determined to rescue anyone who may have been trapped,' Day said. 'His loss is devastating. There is no other way to put it. But I will tell you this: his loss and his heroism will never be forgotten.' Scroll down for video Jared Lloyd, 35, a father-of-two 15-year volunteer with the Spring Valley Fire Department, was killed in Tuesday's massive nursing home fire. His body was recovered only hours later Fire broke out at the 200-person Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley, New York, just before 1am on Tuesday Some 100 firefighters from multiple area departments rushed to the scene The male resident who died in the fire has not been named as of Wednesday afternoon. The recovery effort was hampered Tuesday by the intense heat of the smoldering wreckage. Officials searched into the night for the missing firefighter, who was last heard from when he issued a mayday call from the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley. Crews were still at the scene Wednesday morning putting out hot spots and securing the structure while an investigation into the cause of the fire continued. Thirteen residents were taken area hospitals and one was in critical condition, said Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services Director Chris Kear. Two other firefighters were injured, one was released from the hospital and the other was kept overnight due to high carbon monoxide levels. The assisted living facility, which is located about 30 miles north of New York City, housed 112 residents, according to its operator. The operators of the home said in a statement Tuesday that all the survivors had been accounted for and would be placed in a new home. In this image taken from video firefighters work at the scene of the blaze at the assisted living facility, which prompted the evacuation of residents Lloyd, who was among the first people on the scene, was last heard from when he sent out a mayday call. He was on the third floor of the building when it partially collapsed It is believed Lloyd got lost while searching the burning people for survivors 'This is an unspeakable tragedy at Evergreen Court Home and our hearts and prayers go out to all individuals and families who have been impacted,' the statement read. Lloyd was among more than 100 volunteer firefighters from departments around the region who responded to the scene and worked to lead the residents to safety. Officials believe that Lloyd, who was was one of the first people on the scene, got lost on the third floor and was unable to find his way out before the structure came crashing down, burying him in the smoldering rubble. A native of Flushing, Queens, Lloyd moved with his family to Spring Valley as a boy. His father, Calvin Lloyd, is a retired NYPD patrol supervisor. Lloyd, a native of Flushing, Queens, is survived by his wife (left) and his two sons (right) Lloyd (5th from L) is pictured with his crew of Spring Valley firefighters. His father son he had a passion for and pride in his job as a first responder Calvin told The Lower Hudson Valley News Journal that his son was raising two boys. 'He was a great dad,' said the grieving parent. 'That's what hurts me so much, that those boys are going to miss him. They loved him so much.' Calvin said Jared had a passion for being a first responder and took pride in his job. Fire officials said that the nursing home where the deadly fire erupted was 'very old' and 'conducive to a rapid spread of fire' and it is believed to have been equipped with a partial sprinkler system. Fire officials said they were first notified of an emergency at 12:52am on Tuesday. Residents of the nursing home were reported trapped as flames were seen shooting out of the building. Two firefighters suffered injuries while battling the massive blaze through the day on Tuesday The fire took the life of one male resident at the assisted living facility in Spring Valley Crews were still at the scene Wednesday morning putting out hot spots and securing the structure while an investigation into the cause of the fire continued Thirteen residents were taken area hospitals and one was in critical condition The fire quickly spread from the first floor up through the roof and burned for some six hours. Investigators are looking into whether the building was adequately equipped with smoke detectors and other fire mitigation measures. In 2019, the New York State Health Department conducted an inspection of the facility and found several violations related to the condition of the building. One of those violations involved regulations on smoke and fire protection in adult-care facilities. Two of the violations cited were for fire code. The first was for a range hood in the kitchen. At the time the range hood was first inspected by the state, the nursing home did not have a certificate of compliance available for immediate review. A source told DailyMail.com that the certificate was provided to the inspector the next day while they were on site. The second violation was for residents who were smoking in their rooms and possessing extension cords. The nursing home responded by replacing all unrated extension cords with surge protectors, advising residents about the dangers of smoking in their rooms and posting no smoking signs in the hallways. The DOH acknowledged they corrected the issue, according to the source. A volunteer firefighter from Suffern, New York, is taking a break while assisting with the recovery efforts at the scene of the nursing home blaze Firefighters work at the scenes of the fire that killed one of their own on Tuesday The assisted living facility, which is located about 30 miles north of New York City, housed 112 residents Denise Kerr, the director of the nursing home, told DailyMail.com that the facility was cited for 'minor' fire code violations that were 'long ago corrected' and 'approved by the Department of Health.' 'Since [2019], Evergreen Court Home for Adults has been inspected multiple times by the Department of Health and local health authorities and have had no fire-related citations issued to us,' Kerr told DailyMail.com. Public records indicate that the owner of the nursing home is Joseph Schoenberger, who is listed as the head of the company that administers the facility, G & J New Bader Enterprises based in Spring Valley. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Jianpu Technology Inc. ("Jianpu" or the "Company") (NYSE: JT). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Jianpu 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 June 15, 2020, in a Notification of Late Filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Jianpu disclosed that the independent audit committee of its board of directors (the "Audit Committee") was conducting an internal review of certain matters relating to transactions between the Company and third-party business entities and, as a result, could not timely file its 2019 annual report. Then, on February 16, 2021, Jianpu announced that the Audit Committee's review had found "certain transactions involv[ing] third-party agents . . . with undisclosed relationships, and some transactions lack[ing] business substance," which the Company characterized as "questionable transactions." Jianpu further advised that, "[a]s a result, certain revenue and associated expenses were inflated or inaccurately recorded" in financial statements for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and that "certain employees improperly altered supporting documents that were provided to the Company's external auditor." As a result, Jianpu concluded that "the previously issued audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2018 and the auditor's report can no longer be relied upon" and would be restated, and that "investors must exercise caution when using the Company's previously announced unaudited financial information for the fiscal year 2019." On this news, Jianpu's American depositary share ("ADS") price fell $0.60 per ADS, or 13.22%, to close at $3.94 per ADS on February 16, 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], 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com 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. Among the many sectors hit hardest by the Coronavirus pandemic, the tourism industry is in frontline. The pandemic apart from limiting the movement of people and affecting their day to day activities, it has posed greater threat to countries' economies especially on those their economies are more dependent on tourism and earning the largest returns from the tourism industry. Unluckily, people working in the tourism industry are affected severely. Many employees have lost their jobs and the incomes of individual entrepreneurs declined more than ever before, and as studies indicate, the declines, in the majority of countries, were much larger than the crunches experienced during the global financial crisis. As a result, the rates of unemployment have escalated. Ethiopia is no exception in this regard. As one of the world's countries, its tourism industry felt the impact of the pandemic greatly. However, currently, the country is working untiringly to reviving the sector and bringing it back (attracting tourists) through taking various key recovery measures, improving infrastructure, developing new tourist destinations and promote local tourism. As part of these efforts, recently, Tourism Ethiopia and Facebook have collaborated to offer digital marketing program known as 'Boost with Facebook for Tourism Ethiopia' to help Ethiopian Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) in tourism and hospitality sector that have been most affected by COVID-19 pandemic. As to Facebook's Global State of Small Business Report released last year, the tourism and hospitality industries were the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the 'Boost with Facebook program' which was launched in August 2020 as a pilot program in Ethiopia aims to help 5,000 businesses in the tourism sector learn how to use the Facebook family of apps (Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) to boost their businesses' marketing efforts online. Commenting on the program, Weldegebrial Berhe, Marketing Director at Tourism Ethiopia said, "Tourism Ethiopia is delighted to work with Facebook and Summer Media to implement 'the Boost with Facebook Program' for Tourism Ethiopia. "We encourage tourism stakeholders and Small and Medium Businesses to sign up and equip themselves with the necessary digital marketing skills they need to recover from the losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to enhance the online presence of Ethiopia as a tourist destination." Mercy Ndegwa, Facebook's Head of Public Policy in East & Horn of Africa also said: "We remain committed to supporting governments and the private sector across the region in recovering their economies disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic." As to her, now is more important to equip and empower businesses, communities and the next generation of leaders to better utilize the power of digital tools and take full advantage of what the internet has to offer." The program is currently being run virtually through instructor-led live webinars sessions by Summer Media, a local digital marketing company in Ethiopia. The program aims to help its participants identify business constraints caused by COVID-19, learn how to manage stranded assets and develop new strategies and business initiatives to survive the pandemic. In addition to this, the program also equips SMB's with the required skills on building an online presence with Facebook, storytelling on Instagram, connecting with audiences through Facebook groups, growing business through Whatsapp and implementing advertising strategies on Facebook's family of apps. Facebook has been supporting SMB's across SSA through a number of Economic Impact programs, including Boost with Facebook, SheMeans Business, Digify Pro and Aspiring Entrepreneurs Program which are helping equip thousands of SMBs to leverage digital tools to achieve their business goals. Since June last year Facebook has been offering these programs virtually through instructor led live webinar sessions featuring presentations, demos and virtual discussions. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Travel By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Needless to say that people use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them. The number of active monthly users on the site (as of March 2020) is an astonishing 2.6 billion people. Around 1.5 billion users log onto Facebook on a daily basis. This clearly depicts platform's market potential- which means there is a huge active audience for marketing efforts. In essence of this, the introduction of the program will have substantial rewards in terms of promoting country's tourism potential, reducing the exposure and vulnerability of the sector from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, making the economy more resilient as well as assisting those people engaged in Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs). (@FahadShabbir) NEW DELHI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2021) India has decided to extend the suspension of international commercial passenger flights until April 30 head off the massive surge in COVID-19 cases across several regions, Sunil Kumar, director general of Civil Aviation, stated on Tuesday. "The competent authority has further expanded the validity of circular on the above subject regarding scheduled international commercial passenger services to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of 30th April, 2021," the official statement circulated to the airlines, airports and immigration said. According to the document, international scheduled flights "may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case by case basis. " The restriction does not apply to cargo flights and international flights allowed under the Vande Bharat Mission or under bilateral arrangements. The suspension was first put in place in March 2020 due to spread of COVID-19 in the country. On March 2, the aviation regulator had already extended the suspension for another month, set to expire on March 31. India has been recently grappling with a massive surge in COVID-19 cases. On Sunday, the country registered 43,846 infections, marking another peak daily figure in nearly four months. The country has the world's third-largest COVID-19 case tally. ROME, MAR 24 - Silvio Berlusconi has been in hospital since Monday morning because of "health problems", the ex-premier's lawyer, Federico Cecconi, told a court hearing in Milan on Wednesday. Sources close the media billionaire and Forza Italia leader's family said he was in Milan's San Raffaele hospital and his condition was relatively good. The 84-year-old was seriously ill with COVID-19 last year and then had another spell in hospital due to a heart problem. Despite Berlusconi being in hospital, his lawyer did not present a request for the so-called Ruby Ter trial to be postponed due to a 'legitimate impediment' Berlusconi is accused of bribing witnesses to lie about his alleged bunga bunga sex parties. It is the third trial to stem from the case of a Moroccan runaway, nightclub dancer and prostitute named Ruby Heartstealer. Berlusconi was acquitted of paying for sex with her while she was underage after a court found he could not have known how old she was. Ruby, whose real name is Karima El Mahroug, was allegedly paid by Berlusconi to deny prosecutors' claims the parties were orgies where sex was paid for. But she is not among the 29 defendants in the current trial which include Berlusconi and several young women he allegedly bribed to say the parties were innocent affairs. (ANSA). Boney stated the marijuana appeared to be fresh and not old based on the fact that it was moist and would not crumble when it was squeezed, according to court records. The sandwich bags appeared to be new and both scales worked as their batteries still had a charge, according to records. EQS Group-News: Nordea Bank Abp / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Nordea Bank Abp: Nordea's Annual General Meeting 2021 24.03.2021 / 15:25 Nordea's Annual General Meeting 2021 and decisions by the Board of Directors Nordea Bank Abp Stock exchange release - Decisions of general meeting 24 March 2021 at 15.00 EET The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Nordea Bank Abp was held today at the headquarters of Nordea in Helsinki by applying extraordinary meeting procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to ensure the health and safety of shareholders, employees and other stakeholders, it was not possible to attend the meeting in person. A separate webcast for shareholders will be arranged today at 16.00 EET where the shareholders will be able to follow the presentations of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the President and Group CEO, and have the opportunity to ask questions on topics related to the AGM from senior management. A total of 2,418 shareholders representing 2,433,913,660 shares and votes, corresponding to approximately 60.1 % of the total number of shares and votes in Nordea, were represented at the AGM. The AGM supported all the proposals by the Board of Directors and the Shareholders' Nomination Board by at least 84.74 % of the votes cast. Annual accounts and discharge of liability The AGM adopted the annual accounts and discharged the members of the Board of Directors, President and Group CEO and deputy Managing Director from liability for the financial period ending 31 December 2020. Dividend The AGM authorised the Board of Directors to decide on a dividend payment, in one or several instalments, of a maximum of EUR 0.72 per share based on the balance sheet adopted for the financial year ended 31 December 2020. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until the beginning of the next AGM. The Board of Directors has decided to follow the recommendation by the European Central Bank (ECB) to refrain from or limit dividends until the end of September 2021 and will refrain from deciding on a dividend payment based on the authorisation before 1 October 2021, unless the ECB updates or revokes its recommendation. Nordea will publish any possible decisions on dividend payment by the Board of Directors separately, and simultaneously confirm the dividend record and payment dates. Election of board members The number of members of the Board of Directors to be elected by the AGM was set at ten. Torbjorn Magnusson, Nigel Hinshelwood, Birger Steen, Sarah Russell, Robin Lawther, Kari Jordan, Petra van Hoeken, John Maltby and Jonas Synnergren were re-elected as board members and Claudia Dill was elected as new board member for the period until the end of the next AGM. Torbjorn Magnusson was re-elected as Chair of the Board of Directors. Further, the Board of Directors has three ordinary members and one deputy member appointed by the employees of the Nordea Group. For the period until the end of the next AGM, the employees have appointed Gerhard Olsson, Kari Ahola and Hans Christian Riise as ordinary members and Dorrit Groth Brandt as deputy member of the Board of Directors. Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies The AGM decided to adopt, through an advisory resolution, the Remuneration Report for the Governing Bodies for 2020. Remuneration of board members The AGM decided on annual remuneration to board members amounting to EUR 312,000 for the Chair, EUR 150,800 for the Vice Chair and EUR 98,800 for the other members. In addition, annual remuneration will be paid for the work on the Board Audit Committee, Board Risk Committee and Board Operations and Sustainability Committee amounting to EUR 62,400 for the committee Chair and EUR 31,200 for the other committee members, and for work on the Board Remuneration Committee amounting to EUR 43,700 for the committee Chair and EUR 27,000 for the other committee members. No remuneration is paid to board members employed by the Nordea Group. The AGM further decided that the company will cover or reimburse the board members all costs and expenses related to or arising from the board membership. Election and remuneration of auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was re-elected as auditor for the period until the end of the next AGM. Authorised public accountant Jukka Paunonen will act as the responsible auditor. The AGM decided that the remuneration of the auditor is to be paid according to the invoice approved by the company. Authorisation for the Board of Directors to decide on issuance of special rights entitling to shares (convertibles) To facilitate a flexible and efficient adjustment of the company's capital structure to the capital requirements, the Board of Directors was authorised to decide, on one or several occasions, on the issuance of special rights entitling to either new shares or treasury shares in the company, against payment (convertibles) in accordance with or in deviation from the shareholder's pre-emptive subscription rights. The maximum number of shares that may be issued based on the authorisation is 404,995,191 shares, which corresponds to approximately 10% of all the shares in the company. The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other matters relating to the issuance of the convertibles. The issuance of convertibles by virtue of this authorisation shall be made on market terms and principally be issued in the international capital markets. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until the earlier of (i) the end of the next AGM or (ii) 18 months from the AGM decision. Repurchase and transfer of own shares in the securities trading business The AGM decided that the company, before the end of the next AGM, may repurchase own shares on an ongoing basis in order to facilitate its securities trading business. The company's own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholdings of the company's shareholders (directed repurchases). The number of own shares to be repurchased may not exceed 175,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 4.32% of all the shares in the company. Further, the AGM decided that the company, before the end of the next AGM, may transfer own shares in its ordinary course securities trading business in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription rights by way of directed share issuances. The number of own shares to be transferred may not exceed 175,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 4.32% of all the shares in the company. The AGM decided to approve all subscriptions that will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the directed issuance. Authorisation for the Board of Directors to decide on repurchase of own shares The Board of Directors was authorised, on one or several occasions, to decide on the repurchase of an aggregate of not more than 500,000,000 own shares, which corresponds to approximately 12.35% of all the shares in the company, subject to the condition that the number of own shares held by the company together with its subsidiaries at any given time may not exceed 10% of all the shares in the company. Not more than 500,000,000 shares may be repurchased to distribute excess capital in order to optimise the capital structure of the company and not more than 8,000,000 shares may be repurchased to be used in the company's variable pay plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or as required for new variable pay plans for executive officers, senior management, other material risk takers and other employees, as appropriate. Own shares may only be repurchased using the unrestricted equity of the company, and may be repurchased either through an offer to all shareholders on equal terms or through other means and otherwise than in proportion to the existing shareholdings of the company's shareholders (directed repurchases). The highest purchase price per share shall be no more than the higher of (i) the highest price paid for the company's shares in public trading on the day of repurchase or alternatively (ii) the average of the share prices (volume weighted average price on the regulated markets where the company's share is admitted to trading) during the five trading days preceding the repurchase or the offer to repurchase own shares, and the lowest purchase price per share shall be the price that is 20% lower than the lower of (i) the lowest price paid for the company's shares in public trading on the day of repurchase or alternatively (ii) the average of the share prices (volume weighted average price on the regulated markets where the company's share is admitted to trading) during the five trading days preceding the repurchase or the offer to repurchase own shares. Furthermore, in connection with the repurchase of its own shares, the company may enter into derivative, share lending or other similar arrangements. The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other terms relating to the repurchase. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until 18 months from the AGM decision. Any decision by the Board of Directors to repurchase shares based on the authorisation is subject to the condition that the company has obtained the necessary regulatory permissions from the ECB. Authorisation for the Board of Directors to decide on share issuances or transfer of own shares The Board of Directors was authorised, on one or several occasions, to decide on the issuance of new shares or transfer of own shares of not more than 30,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 0.74% of all the shares in the company. The shares may be issued or transferred in proportion to the company's shareholders' existing shareholdings or in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription right by way of a directed issuance. The shares to be issued or transferred in this way may be used to implement variable pay plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or as required for new variable pay plans for executive officers, senior management, other material risk takers and other employees, as appropriate, or as payment in connection with corporate acquisitions. The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other terms relating to the issuance of new shares or transfers of own shares. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until the earlier of (i) the end of the next AGM or (ii) 18 months from the AGM decision. Decisions by the Board of Directors At the statutory board meeting Kari Jordan was re-elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. To align to Nordea's strategic priorities within talent management, succession planning, diversity & inclusion and other strategic people-related topics, the Board of Directors decided to expand the current duties of the Board Remuneration Committee accordingly. To reflect the changes in the scope of responsibilities, the Board Remuneration Committee was renamed the Board Remuneration and People Committee (BRPC). The Board of Directors appointed the members of the four board committees as follows: John Maltby (Chair), Petra van Hoeken, Sarah Russell and Jonas Synnergren were appointed members of the Board Audit Committee. Nigel Hinshelwood (Chair), Claudia Dill, Petra van Hoeken and Birger Steen were appointed members of the Board Risk Committee. Torbjorn Magnusson (Chair), Kari Jordan, Robin Lawther, Sarah Russell and Gerhard Olsson were appointed members of the Board Remuneration and People Committee. Birger Steen (Chair), Claudia Dill, Nigel Hinshelwood, John Maltby and Jonas Synnergren were appointed members of the Board Operations and Sustainability Committee. Presentations of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the President and Group CEO, webcast for shareholders and minutes of the AGM The pre-recorded presentations by the Chair of the Board of Directors, Torbjorn Magnusson, and the President and Group CEO, Frank Vang-Jensen, will be available today on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting. A webcast for shareholders will be arranged today at 16.00 EET where the shareholders will be able to follow the presentations of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the President and Group CEO. Further, the shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions on topics related to the AGM from senior management. A recording of the webcast will be available on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting after the webcast. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting later today. For further information: Matti Ahokas, Head of Investor Relations, +358 9 53008011 Group Communication, +358 104 1680 23 or press@nordea.com The information provided in this stock exchange release was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 15.00 EET on 24 March 2021. The AGM decided on annual remuneration to board members amounting to EUR 312,000 for the Chair, EUR 150,800 for the Vice Chair and EUR 98,800 for the other members.In addition, annual remuneration will be paid for the work on the Board Audit Committee, Board Risk Committee and Board Operations and Sustainability Committee amounting to EUR 62,400 for the committee Chair and EUR 31,200 for the other committee members, and for work on the Board Remuneration Committee amounting to EUR 43,700 for the committee Chair and EUR 27,000 for the other committee members.No remuneration is paid to board members employed by the Nordea Group.The AGM further decided that the company will cover or reimburse the board members all costs and expenses related to or arising from the board membership.PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was re-elected as auditor for the period until the end of the next AGM. Authorised public accountant Jukka Paunonen will act as the responsible auditor.The AGM decided that the remuneration of the auditor is to be paid according to the invoice approved by the company.To facilitate a flexible and efficient adjustment of the company's capital structure to the capital requirements, the Board of Directors was authorised to decide, on one or several occasions, on the issuance of special rights entitling to either new shares or treasury shares in the company, against payment (convertibles) in accordance with or in deviation from the shareholder's pre-emptive subscription rights. The maximum number of shares that may be issued based on the authorisation is 404,995,191 shares, which corresponds to approximately 10% of all the shares in the company.The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other matters relating to the issuance of the convertibles. The issuance of convertibles by virtue of this authorisation shall be made on market terms and principally be issued in the international capital markets. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until the earlier of (i) the end of the next AGM or (ii) 18 months from the AGM decision.The AGM decided that the company, before the end of the next AGM, may repurchase own shares on an ongoing basis in order to facilitate its securities trading business. The company's own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholdings of the company's shareholders (directed repurchases). The number of own shares to be repurchased may not exceed 175,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 4.32% of all the shares in the company.Further, the AGM decided that the company, before the end of the next AGM, may transfer own shares in its ordinary course securities trading business in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription rights by way of directed share issuances. The number of own shares to be transferred may not exceed 175,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 4.32% of all the shares in the company. The AGM decided to approve all subscriptions that will be made in accordance with the terms and conditions of the directed issuance.The Board of Directors was authorised, on one or several occasions, to decide on the repurchase of an aggregate of not more than 500,000,000 own shares, which corresponds to approximately 12.35% of all the shares in the company, subject to the condition that the number of own shares held by the company together with its subsidiaries at any given time may not exceed 10% of all the shares in the company.Not more than 500,000,000 shares may be repurchased to distribute excess capital in order to optimise the capital structure of the company and not more than 8,000,000 shares may be repurchased to be used in the company's variable pay plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or as required for new variable pay plans for executive officers, senior management, other material risk takers and other employees, as appropriate. Own shares may only be repurchased using the unrestricted equity of the company, and may be repurchased either through an offer to all shareholders on equal terms or through other means and otherwise than in proportion to the existing shareholdings of the company's shareholders (directed repurchases).The highest purchase price per share shall be no more than the higher of (i) the highest price paid for the company's shares in public trading on the day of repurchase or alternatively (ii) the average of the share prices (volume weighted average price on the regulated markets where the company's share is admitted to trading) during the five trading days preceding the repurchase or the offer to repurchase own shares, and the lowest purchase price per share shall be the price that is 20% lower than the lower of (i) the lowest price paid for the company's shares in public trading on the day of repurchase or alternatively (ii) the average of the share prices (volume weighted average price on the regulated markets where the company's share is admitted to trading) during the five trading days preceding the repurchase or the offer to repurchase own shares. Furthermore, in connection with the repurchase of its own shares, the company may enter into derivative, share lending or other similar arrangements.The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other terms relating to the repurchase. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until 18 months from the AGM decision.Any decision by the Board of Directors to repurchase shares based on the authorisation is subject to the condition that the company has obtained the necessary regulatory permissions from the ECB.The Board of Directors was authorised, on one or several occasions, to decide on the issuance of new shares or transfer of own shares of not more than 30,000,000 shares, which corresponds to approximately 0.74% of all the shares in the company. The shares may be issued or transferred in proportion to the company's shareholders' existing shareholdings or in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive subscription right by way of a directed issuance. The shares to be issued or transferred in this way may be used to implement variable pay plans in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or as required for new variable pay plans for executive officers, senior management, other material risk takers and other employees, as appropriate, or as payment in connection with corporate acquisitions.The Board of Directors was authorised to decide on all other terms relating to the issuance of new shares or transfers of own shares. The authorisation shall remain in force and effect until the earlier of (i) the end of the next AGM or (ii) 18 months from the AGM decision.At the statutory board meeting Kari Jordan was re-elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.To align to Nordea's strategic priorities within talent management, succession planning, diversity & inclusion and other strategic people-related topics, the Board of Directors decided to expand the current duties of the Board Remuneration Committee accordingly. To reflect the changes in the scope of responsibilities, the Board Remuneration Committee was renamed the Board Remuneration and People Committee (BRPC).The Board of Directors appointed the members of the four board committees as follows:John Maltby (Chair), Petra van Hoeken, Sarah Russell and Jonas Synnergren were appointed members of the Board Audit Committee.Nigel Hinshelwood (Chair), Claudia Dill, Petra van Hoeken and Birger Steen were appointed members of the Board Risk Committee.Torbjorn Magnusson (Chair), Kari Jordan, Robin Lawther, Sarah Russell and Gerhard Olsson were appointed members of the Board Remuneration and People Committee.Birger Steen (Chair), Claudia Dill, Nigel Hinshelwood, John Maltby and Jonas Synnergren were appointed members of the Board Operations and Sustainability Committee.The pre-recorded presentations by the Chair of the Board of Directors, Torbjorn Magnusson, and the President and Group CEO, Frank Vang-Jensen, will be available today on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting.A webcast for shareholders will be arranged today at 16.00 EET where the shareholders will be able to follow the presentations of the Chair of the Board of Directors and the President and Group CEO. Further, the shareholders will have the opportunity to ask questions on topics related to the AGM from senior management. A recording of the webcast will be available on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting after the webcast.The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the company's website at www.nordea.com/en/annual-general-meeting later today.Matti Ahokas, Head of Investor Relations, +358 9 53008011Group Communication, +358 104 1680 23 or press@nordea.com This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. End of Media Release WESTFIELD Richard Paul, 41, a city firefighter/paramedic, is in jail awaiting a dangerousness hearing Thursday after being charged in a sting operation with enticing a child under 16. Paul sent sexually explicit emails to a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl, according to a police report filed in Westfield District Court. The report says Paul sent the emails from a city-owned computer at the Northside Fire Station, 129 Southampton Road. He was arraigned March 22 and is being held without bail at the Hamden County House of Correction in Ludlow. His attorney could not be reached for comment. At Thursdays dangerousness hearing, a judge will determine under what if any conditions Paul can be released pending trial. Pauls employment status was unclear Tuesday. Westfield Fire Commission Chair C. Lee Bennett said it would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation. The police report alleges Paul communicated with a person he believed to be 13 years old using various online chat rooms. But his correspondent was actually an eastern Massachusetts police detective sergeant who is also a part-time member of the FBIs Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. At one point Paul proposed meeting in person if you pretend to be my daughter lol. In an email he wrote, We could go shopping but you gotta call me dad, the report states. Latvian airline airBaltic has announces that starting on September 1, it plans to launch new scheduled flights between Riga and Dubai in United Arab Emirates. airBaltic has scheduled to connect both cities with four weekly flights. Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic, said: Dubai for years has been one of the most significant unserved destinations from Riga. Now, with the Expo 2020 starting in October, we will offer a direct connection from Riga, which will be appreciated by many passengers across the Baltic region and Scandinavia. Additionally, the new route will provide an excellent connectivity further from Dubai International (DXB) to the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Hanan Al Aleeli, Ambassador of the UAE to Latvia said: Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first in-person global mega event since the pandemic began, which will be welcoming millions of visitors from all over the world. Therefore, the timing of these convenient and fast flights between Riga and Dubai before the event is exceptional, and will contribute not only to economic development, but also in creating further opportunities for political, cultural and people-to-people ties between the UAE and Latvia. Emiratis and Latvians themselves are what have created the demand for these flights, a direct result of the close relationship between our two nations. Flights between Riga and Dubai will be operated by the Airbus A220-300 aircraft. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights and tickets for the new destinations are already available on the company's homepage at airbaltic.com. airBaltic has introduced strong health measures and the flight operations follow the recommendations issued by authorities. 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. Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast It was four months into Americas muddled and chaotic coronavirus response, and lawmakers finally thought they had found the right man to track a half-trillion dollar pot of emergency COVID relief loans: former Gen. Joseph Dunford. To that point, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellboth required to sign off on a chairperson for the Congressional Oversight Commissionhad not, in fact, agreed on a candidate. Few had seemingly wanted the job. One aide described the chairmanship to The Daily Beast as having a lot of suck and not a lot of upside. Ultimately, Dunford didnt want it either. The former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told The Daily Beast that he initially accepted the offer last summer but later backed out when he learned he would have to relinquish his board positions at corporations, such as defense contractor Lockheed Martin, and various nonprofitsall of which could have received relief funds. He offered to serve as chair without compensation, but said that proposal didnt work out. I would have done it, were I at a different stage in life, and were the requirements different, said Dunford, who retired from a career in the military in late 2019. Im disappointed we couldnt figure out how to waive those requirements, because I believe I could have acted in a good-faith, nonpartisan way. Once Dunford walked away, oversight advocates were once again in despair and back to square one. And the despair was well-founded: In the eight months since Dunford turned down the job, Pelosi and McConnell have never again been close to agreeing on a chair. Now, nearly a year since the passage of the CARES Actthe initial $2.3 trillion COVID relief packagethe oversight body hyped as the most visible steward of funds to safeguard the economy has largely been an afterthought. During the dire, uncertain early days of the pandemic, that four-person panel functioned on a limited basisshort-staffed and under-resourcedas it waited on the two leaders to agree on a chair. But the panel sputtered after Dunford bowed out and inertia of the 2020 election season took hold. By the end of the year, the pandemic lending program actually ended before the body meant to oversee it fully got off the ground. Story continues When the Trump administration announced they were going to shut down the lending facilities, that took all the wind out of the sails, said the source familiar with the panels workings. To the extent there was any wind in the sails, it was gone at that point. Sean Moulton, a senior policy analyst at a nonpartisan oversight watchdogProject On Government Oversightcalled the failure to name a chair embarrassing for Congress. The lack of a chair, Moulton said, just really hobbled the congressional commission quite a bit. And the inability to agree on a chair may just be the very beginning of the failures of the commission. The body was supposed to keep watch over an important, but relatively small slice of the enormous pile of cash that Congress approved last year to counter the pandemic, a total of $3.3 trillion as of December 2020. Other oversight mechanisms set up by the CARES Act, and later by House Democrats, have fared relatively better. But all of the accountability structures have struggled to grasp the immense scope of the federal response, which has directly touched hundreds of millions of American households and businesses. A March 11 report from the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a group of federal agency inspectors general, offers an understated but candid admission of the challenge: It must be emphasized, read the report, that evaluating the impact of Coronavirus response funds is fundamentally a difficult assessment due to the magnitude of the crisis. Senate Approves $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Bill After Shambolic All-Night Debate As the pandemic now stretches into its second yearand President Joe Bidens newly minted administration implements another massive COVID relief packagethe impact of 2020s oversight failure is hardly esoteric. For one, the existence of widespread fraud and waste in the pandemic response is simply accepted as fact by most observers. The cost to taxpayers could be astronomical; last year, Michael Horowitz, the chair of the PRAC, said that if just 1 percent of total funds spent were misused, the cost would exceed the annual budget of the entire Department of Justice. Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA), a member of the House Oversight Committee who has been the Houses most vocal proponent of aggressive pandemic oversight, conceded lawmakers really dont have a great handle on how high the losses might be. Those failures simply corrode public trust that the programs they paid for are working, said Porter. And experts add that not adequately understanding those failures makes them more likely to happen again. Even successful parts of the rescue packages from last year are opaque and difficult to track by the government and by outsiders, making it difficult to understand whether taxpayer dollars were spent properly and against what standards, said Austin Evers, executive director of the watchdog group American Oversight, which has independently tracked the pandemic response. If a new pandemic hits tomorrow, Im not sure what lessons we could quickly glean from the last year to come up with a new CARES Act, said Evers. That to me should be our North Star right now. The fate of the COC as a metaphor for the federal governments halting approach to COVID oversight is, for many observers, too neat to ignore. Despite its narrower purview, outside experts and Hill staffers had initially hoped an aggressive panel could signal that Washington was taking accountability for the sweeping pandemic relief effort seriouslynot unlike the noisy, high-profile bank bailout watchdog panel led in 2009 by Elizabeth Warren. What I think a lot of people were hoping for was for it to strike a leadership role, use their programs as a mean to say, this is what were demanding, these are problems were going to fix, this is the kind of transparency and accountability we expect in other programs, said POGOs Moulton. The hope on the panel, the source familiar with its workings said, was that our jurisdiction is limited, but maybe we can get more bang for the buck. But problems were baked into the commissions structure from the start. Congress created the commission through a bipartisan compromise in the CARES Act, requiring the buy-in of both parties in the House and Senate, and the signature of then-President Trump. We didnt have adequate oversight authorityno subpoena powerand that was hard to overcome, said the source familiar with the commission. Additionally, many Democrats felt the requirement that McConnell and Pelosi agree on a chair made the project fatally flawed from the get-go. Show me where Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi agree, said Porter. That was a bad way to structure this commission right from the start. Porter said, at her most skeptical, she wondered if they didnt see that at the beginning, or one side didnt see thatlike, gee, if you require us to agree, nothing will go forward. Pelosi and McConnells offices did not respond to requests for comment on the chairperson selection process. Former Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL), who was Pelosis appointment to the COC and continues to serve on the panel, acknowledged that their lack of subpoena power was a real challenge. But she said that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and other top financial officials, were cooperative. We weren't so political, Shalala told The Daily Beast. While we disagreed on some things, we tried to work things out. We weren't doing this in public hearings where everyone was trying to get a sound bite. Although the lack of a chair prevented the panel from hiring a full staff, it ended up producing monthly reports on how the Treasury Department used the $500 billion fund in the CARES Act to provide a lifeline to businesses, local governments, and companies deemed critical to national security. Ultimately, only a small portion of those funds, roughly $60 billion, were actually lent. There may have ultimately been less need than anticipated for those emergency loans, which were modeled after those deployed in the 2008-2009 financial crisis. But critics contend that the requirements for securing a loan were too onerous, particularly for smaller businesses, and the Trump administration was far too cautious about issuing them. The COCs highest-profile finding came in July, when members raised concerns about a $750 million loan that Mnuchin granted to a trucking company, concluding that the company may likely default. Later, Mnuchin admitted the loan was risky, but he said the government did not take a loss. Rep. Raja Krishamoorthi (D-IL), who serves on the Houses Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, said a more functional COC could have gotten answers and pushed for improvements to the lending program in real time. I was very disappointed about the implementation of that particular loan program, said Krishnamoorthi. Its disturbing that the government cant get its act together to come to people's assistance even when it has access to funding to do so. Expect Socially Distant Fireworks as Capitol Hill Begins COVID-19 Hearings The other oversight mechanisms set up by the CARES Act have been arguably more effective. The PRAC, for example, has embarked on a broad effort to grasp waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse in the COVID response across government, while posting their findings and reams of data for public consumption in the process. A PRAC spokesperson said a key success of the body has been fraud investigations and insights that have resulted in multiple reports to [the Small Business Administration] and Department of Labor on ways to prevent future fraud. The Select Subcommittee, meanwhile, has been a politically charged enterprise. House Republicans accused Pelosi of creating it to legitimize partisan attacks on the Trump administration. But Democrats have cheered the panels dozens of investigations and hearings. Norm Eisen, a Brookings Institution senior fellow who was President Obamas point person for ethics and oversight, called it the star of the oversight bodies that have been at work in the last year. But even when these oversight mechanisms work, theres been little in the way of leadership to synthesize key findings and make recommendations to policymakers on how to improve the pandemic response. The coronavirus oversight today is very much a modern day example of the allegory of the blind man and the elephant: a lot of close study of small details, but its hard to step back and really understand what were seeing, said Evers. The oversight mechanisms put in place in 2020 very quickly revealed themselves to be balkanized and inadequate. Evers added that what was missing at the federal level was someone gathering information and drawing lessons. Oversight advocates are hoping that Biden will change that. In his $1.9 trillion relief bill, Biden and Democrats did not stand up any new oversight mechanisms for the massive extension of pandemic relief programs, but they did extend more funding for existing entities like the PRAC. Biden also named the veteran economic policy adviser Gene Sperling as his czar in overseeing the effective implementation of the bill, though the White House has offered little in the way of specifics about Sperlings oversight purview. While respecting the independence of the PRAC and agency Inspectors General, we believe the American people are best served when we work cooperatively and proactively with oversight officials to minimize fraud and build integrity, trust, and effectiveness in these emergency efforts, said a White House official in response to questions about their specific plans for relief oversight. That was President Bidens philosophy when he managed implementation of the American Recovery Act as vice president, and it will be his philosophy in coordinating implementation of the American Rescue Plan. Eisen said Sperling is someone who understands the damage that the Biden administration will suffer if these funds go awry. And he added that he looks forward to seeing Bidens full oversight plan for the rescue package. Im guardedly optimistic, Eisen said. But I and others will be watching closely to see what happens next, including who Biden and Gene Sperling put in charge of these issues as they take their next steps. In the interim, there might be a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered Congressional Oversight Commission. With Democrats now in control of the Senate, Pelosi and now-Majority Leader Chuck Schumer could jointly name a chair for the panel. Shalala said she expects an announcement soon. Hopefully, this month, she said. 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. 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. After watching her husband get arrested in last weeks episode, Beth has been trying desperately to find a way to get him out of jail. She promises Dean that she will find a way to get him off the hook. Dean, however is really only interested in one thing: was Rio involved in Boland Bubbles and the entire scheme going on behind its scenes? He probably already knows the answer but he needs Beth to confirm it. So she does. There is no point in denying it any longer. Dean feels betrayed. His disappointment is not about his wifes many illegal activities it is almost solely about the perpetual presence of Rio in their lives. Yet again the criminal has pulled the strings in the background without Dean even noticing. He has not only slept with his wife and tried to kill him but now he has also taken away his new business and, ultimately his freedom. Beth sure is anything but innocent but the root of it all was and still is Rio. Whilst Beth, Annie and Ruby are looking for ways to get Dean out of jail Agent Donnegan blackmails her boss to get five minutes alone with Dean. She tries to convince him to turn on his wife but her plan fails. Even after everything Beth has done to him, Dean still is ready to take the fall for her. This episode includes some flashbacks of how Dean and Beth met in high school and how hard he tried to make her like him. They were such clueless, innocent, adorable fools back then. It was rather hard to watching knowing where it all ends.With Ruby and Annies help Beth finally comes up with a plan that could get Dean released. They simply need to find another person who willingly takes the blame - they need a fall guy. Eric, an employee of Boland Bubbles not only seems like the perfect candidate, he is also a very willing participant. He lives with his roommate and aunt and has no space nor time to himself. He wouldnt mind a few years in prison, especially since the ladies promised him some serious cash once he gets out. The only thing the three friends still need to implement their plan is a big amount of single one dollar bills. This is where Stan comes into play. It really hurts ones heart to see how sweet, genuine Stan gets dragged into the good girls' mess yet again. But there really is nothing he wouldnt do to protect Ruby and the kids. Anything to keep the family intact. Apart from that he owes Beth. After all, she helped get him out of jail too. So he steals the money from the club and hands it over to his wife.Finally owning enough one dollar bills, the ladies start to print money again. This time however, their goal is to make money that is obviously fake. Eric is supposed to deposit it in the bank and get caught. This is their grand plan to get Dean released. However, it turns out getting Eric arrested is way more complicated than expected. The bank manager calls the cops on him but instead of arresting Eric they take the fake cash and drive off. What?! Did the police seriously just steal the fake money from him? While this seems very unrealistic it sort of fits the insanity of the entire storyline. Eric is actually disappointed that he was not taken into custody. He has been invisible his entire life. Even now, when he was committing a crime, no one paid him any attention. Dean was the first person he met who ever treated him like a real person. This is one of the reasons why he is willing to take the fall for him. To him Dean is one of the best people he knows. Glum that her plan failed, Beth takes the kids to the park where she runs into Agent Donnegan. They both share some truths: Donnegan: "I dont really teach boot camp." Beth: "I dont really sell hot tubs." Donnegan: "Yeah I know." Beth: "It all started about a year ago. I robbed a grocery store. It was supposed to be one and done." Donnegan tells her that none of this matters anymore since Dean has plead guilty. That Beth did not expect. He does not seem to be interested in her help anymore but simultanisly he continues to protect her. Back at her house Beth finds Fitzpatrick, the hitman, in her kitchen. He still wants her to go to Fiji with him. Beth is fed up. He has been stalling and playing around long enough. To finally get things into motion she decides that she is going to sleep with him. "Get naked, come on! Let's go!", she orders as she gets rid of her panties. She needs Rio gone and if she has to pay with sex for Fitzpatrick to get the job done then so be it. She is done waiting, she cannot have Rio rule her life any longer. Fitzpatrick, though, seems to actually have feelings for her. He is not interested in a one time thing. He never wanted sex as payment. Fitzpatrick: I thought you wanted more. Beth: From you?" Fitzpatrick: From your life. Beth: Oh and I need a man to do that? Fitzpatrick: What do you want? Beth: To be nothing like you. Fitzpatrick: A little late for that. Beth: Why? Fitzpatrick: You hired me. Remember? Beth: Then why dont you pull up your pants like a big boy and do your job? Fitzpatrick then promises to do the job once he gets paid. He was under the impression that Beth was interested in him as well but he was obviously mistaken. It is probably naive to hope that he will finally get his sniper rifle and remove Rio from the three womens lives permanently, right? While I really want the ladies to have an easier, less dangerous life Rio is a big part of the show. His absence would change the dynamics of the series, even when another villan gets introduced. And are we really ready to give up on all these Beth and Rio scenes? I don't think so. Toward the end of the episode we circle back to Stan again. His boss from the night club has gotten suspicious and is now forcing him to be his debt-collector. He knows exactly that Stan is not the kind of guy who would ever want to hurt someone on purpose. As a punishment Stan has to do whatever is necessary to get the person owing the shady club owener money to pay. Violence included. My heart seriously broke for Stan in the moment. The episode closes with Agent Donnegan finding the family photo of the Bolands on the back of which Beth has written a letter for Dean on in the last episode. Can Agent Donnegan use it as proof that Beth is actually behind everything? What did you think of the episode? Do you think the Feds will have Beth arrested? Let's talk about it in the comments below! Biden admin., US allies sanction Chinese leaders over Uyghur 'genocide' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A group of ethnic minorities is praising the Biden administration and United States allies for placing sanctions on top Chinese officials in response to human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, which Secretary of State Antony Blinken said amounts to "genocide." The State Department announced the new sanctions Monday, four days after Blinken met with top Chinese government officials in Anchorage, Alaska. "Today, the United States, in unity with our partners, is imposing sanctions against Wang Junzheng, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and Chen Mingguo, Director of the Xinjiang Public Safety Bureau," Blinken said in a statement. "We are doing so in response to serious human rights abuse against members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang." Blinken said that the U.S. issued the sanctions in solidarity with its allies in United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union. In January, during the final days of the Trump administration, the State Department declared persecution of Muslim minorities in western Xinjiang province, including mass internment, forced labor, and forced sterilization, as "genocide" and "crimes against humanity." Wang is being designated for having acted or purported to act on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the XPCC, Blinkens announcement reads. Chen is being designated for being a foreign person who is a leader or an official of the XPSB, which is engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse related to Chen's tenure." Blinken called on China to bring an end to the repression of Uyghurs and other minority groups by releasing all those arbitrarily held in internment camps and detention facilities. Its been estimated that as many as 1 million to 3 million ethnic minorities have been detained in internment camps in western China. Amid growing international condemnation, the PRC continues to commit genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, Blinken assured, indicating the Biden administrations agreement with the genocide declaration issued by the Trump administration. Members of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom praised the U.S. and western governments' decision to sanction China. "Yesterday's announcement of coordinated sanctions by the United States and like-minded partners sends an unmistakably clear message to the Chinese Communist Party that the international community will not tolerate its repressive, genocidal policies in the Uyghur region," said USCRIF Commissioner and Uyghur-American Nury Turkel. "The atrocities that the CCP has committed, and continues to commit, are an affront to humanity as well as to universal values and international law to which China has agreed. USCIRF calls on the Chinese government to end its horrific abuse against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims once and for all. USCIRF Commissioner Gary Bauer, a longtime social conservative activist, remarked that imposing sanctions against CCP officials both expose their crimes and provide much-needed encouragement to the Uyghurs and other freedom-loving people who are suffering under the CCP's brutality." In response to the sanctions, China issued sanctions of their own. CNN reports that China sanctioned 10 EU leaders and four entities for maliciously spreading lies and disinformation. Uyghurs affiliated with the East Turkistan National Awakening Movement believe that the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is actually East Turkistan and that China has been illegally occupying the area for over 70 years. Leaders of the Washington, D.C.-based East Turkistan Government in Exile reacted favorably to the news that the U.S. and other western governments had imposed sanctions on China while arguing that more can be done to address the nation's rampant human rights abuses. "While we are thankful for these actions, sanctions alone are not enough," said East Turkistan President Gulam Osman Yaghma. "We urge Canada, the EU, UK, and the US to boycott the Beijing 2022 Olympics, grant priority refugee status for Uyghurs and others fleeing the genocide, and bring the plight of East Turkistan to the agenda of the UN Security Council." Yaghma's requests echo demands made by Uyghur protesters as Blinken met with Chinese officials last week. Uyghurs appearing at the protest in front of the State Department headquarters in Washington last week detailed some of the "despicable acts" China has committed against them. "For decades, China has been forcibly aborting Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in [an] attempt to prevent the growth of our population and eradicate the future of our nation," explained Amannissa Mukhlis, the women and family director of the East Turkistan National Awakening Movement. "In recent years, the Chinese government has forcibly sterilized hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs and other Turkic women across East Turkistan, resulting in a decline of our population as women can no longer give birth," she added. "The Chinese government is forcing tens of thousands of young Uyghur and other Turkic women who have not been sterilized to marry Chinese in a bid to assimilate and eradicate us." Mukhlis also spoke about the "systemic state-sponsored sexual abuse and rape" that Uyghur women regularly experience at concentration camps, as well as the fact that Uyghur children are "sent to state-run orphanages and boarding schools to be assimilated and raised as loyal Chinese citizens. In those camps, she said, people are "brainwashed to denounce their own identity, to denounce their own existence as Uyghurs and embrace Chinese identity, culture and language." Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong stressed efforts to protect the safety of South Koreans living in the United States in the wake of recent deadly shootings in Atlanta, vowing close cooperation with Washington on the matter. He made the remarks during a regular meeting with senior officials at the foreign ministry, his office said, as four women of Korean descent were among those killed in the U.S. city last week amid speculation that the killings could be a hate crime against Asians. "A rise in hate crimes against the Asian community is a matter of safety for our fellow Koreans in the United States," the ministry quoted Chung as saying. "Our government is thus paying keen attention and will work closely with related U.S. government institutions at each level so as to prevent damage and ensure their safety," Expressing deep concerns over the recent increase in such crimes and extending condolences to the affected communities in the U.S., Chung also said that the government will continue to support U.S. efforts to deal sternly with hatred and violence, according to the ministry. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his condolences over the deaths of the women in the shootings when he visited Seoul last week for talks with Chung. (Yonhap) A Cumberland County man is accused of asking a 15-year-old boy for naked pictures and sex last month on Facebook Messenger, Pennsylvania State Police said. Bradley S. Hock, of Shippensburg, messaged the teen in late February asking if the 15-year-old had any sexual experience with men, state police said. Investigators said Hock asked the 15-year-old for naked pictures and offered to pay the teen for oral sex. Hock was identified through his Facebook profile and through pictures of his distinctive tattoos that he sent to the teenager. Hock was arrested Thursday at a remote area where he thought he was meeting the 15-year-old, state police said. He is charged with corruption of minors, unlawful contact with a minor, three counts of criminal solicitation of children for sexual purposes, and promoting prostitution of a minor. Hock is being held at the Cumberland County Prison on $10,000 bail, state police said. They are asking anyone with information on this investigation or similar incidents to call the state polices Carlisle barracks at 717-249-2121. READ MORE: Overnight fire destroys York County home Colorado grocery store shooting suspect prone to rage, experienced delusions: officials TROY An Albany man pleaded guilty in Rensselaer County Court Tuesday to attaching the owner of Jimmys Lunch, a landmark downtown luncheonette, while she served him a second breakfast 10 months ago, District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said. Shamaiah Davis, 40, of South Pearl Street, admitted to assaulting and robbing Anastasia Londis, then 71-years-old, on May 12 when he entered his guilty plea to second-degree assault for attacking a senior citizen. Filming for the new Apple TV project Slow Horses began in December after months of delays. And Gary Oldman, 62, was seen on set with his co-star Kristin Scott Thomas, 60, as they filmed a night shoot at Regents Canal, London, on Tuesday. The award-winning actors were pictured filming a tense-looking scene for the upcoming spy drama. On set: Gary Oldman joined his co-star Kristin Scott Thomas at Regents Canal, London, on Tuesday to film the new Apple TV project Slow Horses Transforming into his character, Gary - who plays a Cold Warrior - sported long hair and glasses and was seen smoking a cigarette. The Harry Potter star wore a black suit jacket and trousers, and added extra warmth with a black open jumper and a khaki T-shirt. Kristin - a spymaster - looked typically elegant in a tan midi-length dress which she covered with a navy trench coat. The actress added a pair of dark court heels and tied a beige scarf around her neck as she walked towards Gary. The duo sported solemn expressions as they filmed the scene by the waterside. Back to it! The award-winning stars, aged 62 and 60, were pictured filming a tense-looking scene as they met on a bench by the water The TV series was originally slated to begin shooting in the UK last year but was shut down due to the ongoing pandemic. Filming started in December under strict safety protocols as London is currently under lockdown restrictions, with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson issuing a stay at home order amid the global coronavirus pandemic. Slow Horses is the television adaptation of Mick Herron's Slough House book series, about a group of M15 misfits annexed into obscurity. Meeting: They chatted by the waterside as filming got underway after it was shut down last year due to the ongoing pandemic The spies end up in the Slough House division due to their career ending mistakes. Jack Lowden is also part of the talented cast. The misfits are led by former Cold Warrior Jackson Lamb (Oldman) and wannabe 007 River Cartwright (Lowden) and end up seeing more action than the intelligence officers at HQ. Kristin has been cast as one of the two spymasters who oversee Lamb and his flock in Slow Horses, named after the first Slough House novel. Role: Transforming into his character, Gary sported long hair and glasses and was seen smoking a cigarette Sophisticated: Kristin sported a pair of dark court heels and tied a beige scarf around her neck as she sat on the bench Tense: Slow Horses is the television adaptation of Mick Herron's Slough House book series, about a group of M15 misfits annexed into obscurity Sources told Deadline that 12 episodes are being filmed back-to-back. The first six episodes will be based on Herrons first book, Slow Horses, and the second six will be based on his second novel, Dead Lions. Herron has published six novels and two novellas in the Slough House series to date, with another novella due out in January. Gary has long been attached to the project both as the lead and an executive producer, alongside business partner Douglas Urbanski. Meanwhile Former Veep writer Will Smith serves as screenwriter and executive producer. The role marks one of few TV roles Gary has held throughout his career and his first TV regular role. YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. A video conference on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence, 25th anniversary of its permanent neutrality, as well as declaring Turkmenistan fatherland of peace and confidence in 2021 was held on March 24, participated by international media representatives. ARMENPRESS reports Director of ARMENPRESS Aram Ananyan and head of the Russian department of the agency Hayk Janpoladyan represented Armenia in the online press conference entitled ''The urgency of peace and trust in the modern world''. During the online meeting, the importance of media communication and the need to create common bridges in the CIS were discussed. The hardships and positive sides of the activity of the media under the conditions of coronavirus were also touched upon. Speaking about informational transformations in the modern world, Aram Ananyan noted that the readers and the audience demand new formats. Ananayan also referred to the development of the relations between Armenia and Turkmenistan and noted that they have always been exemplary and friendly. The Director of ARMENPRESSnews agency noted that in 2020 the photo department of the agency was technically replenished, the new website of ''Respublica Armenia'' newspaper has been launched. Speaking about other achievements of the agency, Ananyan said that ARMENPRESS plans to present its news in two more languages. The signing of the memorandum on cooperation between ARMENPRESS and the state news agency of Turkmenistan is in the final stage and the agencies are working in the direction of organizing the signing. 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 Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 They Should Have Walked Him: Kale Stevenson's clutch homers spark Post 17 to doubleheader sweep Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has proposed the establishment of a Transitional Justice Commission (TJC) as part of a "peace and trust-building process" in the multi-sector reforms it initiated in 2016. The head of the SADC facilitation team to Lesotho, retired former South African Deputy Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke, visited the country last week and tabled the proposal for the establishment of the TJC. Justice Moseneke said the TJC would, among other things, consider the deferment of the high-profile trials of politicians and any other "politically-motivated trials" until after the full implementation of the multi-sector reforms. Justice Moseneke said an "all-encompassing Transitional Justice Commission (TJC)" would suspend all high-profile cases "to allow the country to face the truth of what happened during the conflict and turmoil as a basis for the healing of the wounds and reconciliation of the nation". Should the latest SADC recommendation be adopted and implemented, politicians like Mothetjoa Metsing and Selibe Mochoboroane would finally get their longstanding wish to have their trials deferred. Even detained former army commander Lieutenant General (Lt-Gen) Tlali Kamoli could potentially also have some of his numerous trials put on hold. The two politicians and Lt-Gen Kamoli are among high profile suspects accused of various crimes including murder and treason against the first government of former Prime Minister Thomas Thabane. Lt-Gen Kamoli is also accused of the June 2015 murder of army commander, Lt-Gen Maaparankoe Mahao. They have hitherto launched several unsuccessful court applications to stop the state from prosecuting them. Justice Moseneke has previously sought the deferment of the politicians' trials but this was rejected by the Constitutional Court on the grounds that Lesotho was a "monarchist sovereignty and whatever law is made by an international institution like SADC could only become (binding) municipal law, if parliament first enacts it into law". Having a TJC established by an act of parliament is what Justice Moseneke is now hoping to achieve. The retired judge and his facilitation team were in the country from 11 to 13 March 2021. During that time, they met with various stakeholders including Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro, chiefs, governing and opposition political parties, the National Reforms Authority (NRA) and non-governmental organisations. During his visit last week, Justice Moseneke said parliament would have to enact the enabling legislation to give effect to the establishment of the proposed TJC. Such a body would assist in the achievement of a "healing process" and lasting peace and stability. Justice Moseneke proposed that the TJC be implemented in pre-transitional, transition and post-transitional phases. "It is recommended that parliament pass as soon practicable substantive legislation on transitional justice that establishes the Transitional Justice Commission (TJC)," Justice Moseneke said. His proposals are contained in a presentation seen by the Lesotho Times this week. "It is in this (pre-transitional) phase where mechanisms for the returning of exiles or even exchange of the prisoners takes place and parties are called upon to honour the ceasefire agreements and to halt all forms of violence related to the conflict. "There would also be undertakings or agreements to suspend or defer prosecutions until a specified and agreed event or the completion of the other phases of the transitional justice framework. Therefore, the first phase is meant to build trust and confidence in the transition process and to achieve inclusivity. "In this first phase, stakeholders must consider and agree on whether to defer or leave for later all cases which are perceived as politically motivated or those which are commonly referred to as "high profile" prosecutions. This is important because premature prosecutions will frustrate the purpose of transitional justice such as full and frank disclosure, reparations and possible forgiveness and amnesty. "Usually, prompt legislation by Parliament before the onset of the transitional phase is required to give legal validity to the postponement or deferral of prosecutions of alleged crime which fall within the category of politically motivated crimes or high-profile prosecutions. Thus, the deferral of prosecutions would be authorised by valid law," Justice Moseneke said. He said SADC envisaged that the TJC would be constituted by eminent Lesotho citizens drawn from various disciplines, with skills and expertise. He said the buy-in from other non-political stakeholders was also important for the success of the envisaged TJC. "The principle of establishing a broad transitional justice framework must gather legitimacy from stakeholders wider than political parties in parliament. To that end it may be prudent to convene an attenuated leaders' forum for discussion and endorsement of the principle. Given the Covid-19 pandemic, this gathering must be representative but small and of limited duration. "If the principle is supported, steps should be taken to ascertain the modalities around promptly convening parliament and passing the proposed initial legislation recommended for the pre-transitional phase. "The government of Lesotho and other stakeholders must also devise a comprehensive communication plan that seeks to inform Basotho of the progression of the national reforms process as well as of the implementation of the transitional justice framework," Justice Moseneke said. This is not the first time there has been a push for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation body as well as calls for the deferment of the high-profile trials until after the implementation of the reforms. The opposition has consistently made such demands with support from SADC. Three years ago, the opposition which at the time included current Deputy Prime Minister Mathibeli Mokhothu's Democratic Congress (DC), held out against participating in the reforms process to force the then Thomas Thabane administration to agree to the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission (TRC) which would among other things free all politicians, serving and former members of the security agencies accused of various crimes. Under SADC mediation, the Thabane administration eventually agreed with the opposition to defer all trials of politicians until after the implementation of the reforms. Clause 10 of the SADC-brokered October 2018 government-opposition agreement specifically stated that "Mr Metsing and similarly placed persons in exile will not be subjected to any pending criminal proceedings during the dialogue and reforms process". This paved the way for Mr Metsing and some other opposition politicians' return from exile to participate in the reforms process. However, clause 10 was invalidated in November 2018 by the Constitutional Court bench comprising of then Acting Chief Justice 'Maseforo Mahase, Justices Molefi Makara and Semapo Peete (now retired). This after the late Police Constable (PC) Mokalekale Khetheng's father, Thabo Khetheng, petitioned the court to declare it unconstitutional saying self-serving agreements between politicians could not outstrip the constitution. PC Khetheng was allegedly murdered by fellow police officers on 26 March 2016 at the height of infractions by security agencies. Mr Khetheng's successful 2018 court challenge cleared the way for Messrs Metsing and Mochoboroane to be charged with treason in connection with the 30 August 2014 attempted coup against the first government of Mr Thabane. The duo is supposed to be charged alongside Lt-Gen Kamoli and an army officer, Captain Litekanyo Nyakane. But their trial was put on hold on 25 February 2020 after Messrs Metsing and Mochoboroane petitioned the Constitutional Court to rescind its November 2018 judgement nullifying clause 10. Their application was again heard by Justices Mahase, Peete and Makara who upheld their November 2018 invalidating clause 10 and clearing the way for them to be prosecuted. This despite a spirited push by SADC and Justice Moseneke in particular to stop the trials. Justice Moseneke had on 29 March 2020 penned a letter to then Prime Minister Thabane, saying SADC was against the plans to prosecute Messrs Metsing and Mochoboroane. In obiter dicta (incidental) statements while dealing with the application by Messrs Metsing and Mochoboroane to stop their trials, the Constitutional Court bench had said Lesotho was a sovereign country and any proposal by SADC could only become binding if it was first domesticated into law through an act of parliament. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Lesotho Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The latest plans to establish the TJC have also been opposed by some of the families of the victims which have previously challenged the SADC plans to stop the high-profile trials. This week, Mabula Khetheng, the younger brother to the slain Police Constable (PC) Mokalekale Khetheng, said his family was totally against the proposed suspension of the high-profile cases, saying this would deny his family justice for its son. "We don't agree with the proposed TJC because we believe in the rule of law principle that every suspect must face the wrath of the law regardless of their public standing. "As a country, we should not allow ourselves to squash cases by introducing mechanisms such as a truth and reconciliation commission. As a family we strongly believe that sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved when every suspect appears in court to answer for their charges. "If the court convicts such individual or exonerate them, so be it. As a family we love and support processes that will lead to sustained peace but only if those processes do not meddle with criminal cases. All suspects must have their day in court. Getting suspects off the hook by releasing them from prison and cancelling their cases would be a mistake. Cases must not be dissolved in the name of peace," Mr Khetheng said. The Mahao family said it was yet to convene to decide on its response to the proposed TJC. "The challenge is that we have not sat down to formulate a stand on the matter. I have not gone through the document. At the moment I am not yet in position to give an opinion on the matter, least I misrepresent my family," a family representative, Lehloenya Mahao, told this publication. The slain Lt-Gen Mahao's older brother, Professor Nqosa Mahao, is Justice and Law Minister in the current Moeketsi Majoro-led governing coalition. He has previously voiced his opposition to the freeing of high-profile suspects. He has however, said despite his personal views on it, he will not oppose the move if government and other stakeholders agreed to it. The Luxembourgish authorities conducted a large number of searches in Luxembourg, most notably in Ettelbruck, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Remich. According to information obtained from the judicial administration, these actions are carried out in the framework of an international investigative commission. However, the context of the searches remains unknown at this stage - RTL will follow up when more is revealed. France had made a request for legal aid to Luxembourg, which was accepted and implemented on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 24, 2021] Talent Pool and Direct Sourcing Solution from WorkLLama Now Available on SAP Store WorkLLama today announced that its Talent Pool and Direct Sourcing solution is now available on SAP Store, which recently merged with SAP (News - Alert) App Center as the single digital marketplace for SAP and partner offerings. Talent Pool and Direct Sourcing integrates with the SAP Fieldglass Contingent Workforce Management solution and enables customers to grow a sustainable pool of curated talent - a branded external talent community - and effectively source, engage and retain quality external talent. "WorkLLama is pleased to introduce our solution on SAP Store," said WorkLLama CEO Sudhakar Maruvada. "The integration of Talent Pool and Direct Sourcing with the SAP Fieldglass solution will help businesses optimize contingent workforce sourcing and hiring, and employer brand experience through branded external talent communities and social referral management." The branded, mobile-first engagement platform leverages automation and AI to make it seamless for candidates to apply for jobs and ask questions and for current employees to refer friends. Businesses can thereby grow direct sourcing channels and extend brand reach, ultimately increasing external worker hiring speed, improving talent quality and reducing cost-t-hire. WorkLLama's Talent Pool and Direct Sourcing solution adds a talent acquisition and talent relationship management layer to the SAP Fieldglass solution, helping organizations: Reduce spend on their contingent workforces and cost-per-hire for direct external hires Unleash the power of social referrals to build a sustainable source of high-quality talent while eliminating overhead Reduce communications workload via AI conversational bot, text, push messaging and email to automate repetitive conversations, making time for human interactions Work toward diversity, equity and inclusion objectives through marketing campaigns, crowdsourced recruiting and frictionless multi-level referral technology that help organizations create a sustainable channel of diverse talent SAP recently brought together SAP Store and SAP App Center into one single marketplace at store.sap.com. It delivers a simplified and connected digital customer experience for finding, trying, buying, and renewing more than 1,800 solutions from SAP and its partners. There, customers can find the SAP solutions and SAP-validated partner apps they need to grow their business. And for each purchase made via SAP Store, SAP will plant a tree. WorkLLama is a partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program. As such, it is empowered to build, market and sell software applications on top of market-leading technology platforms from SAP. The SAP PartnerEdge program provides the enablement tools, benefits and support to facilitate building high-quality, disruptive applications focused on specific business needs - quickly and cost-effectively. The program provides access to all relevant SAP technologies in one simple framework under a single global contract. About WorkLLama WorkLLama is a talent community platform that helps companies leverage their brands to create powerful candidate, employee and client experiences. Its technology makes it possible to foster meaningful, more human connections with talent, leading to exceptional and inspired branded talent communities that fuel business success. WorkLLama drives digital transformation through social referral management; seamless candidate engagement; Sofi, its AI conversational bot; integrated, omnichannel communication; on-demand staffing; and direct sourcing solutions. For more information visit www.workllama.com. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties described in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent annual report on Form 20-F, that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. SAP cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which SAP has no obligation to update and which speak only as of their dates. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005545/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] India today claimed it has spotted a 'double mutant' Covid variant that may spread easier and make vaccines less potent. Government-backed researchers detected the strain in samples taken in the western state of Maharashtra. They suggested the variant is a hybrid of two different Covid strains a rare event which occurs when two viruses merge together inside an infected person. Indian health officials said the variant's mutations signal a risk of 'immune escape and increased infectivity'. But they added that the variant had not been detected in high enough numbers to be behind India's latest wave of infections. The variant, yet to be named, has two main mutations that concern experts. E484Q and L452R both found on the spike protein, which the immune system targets to fight off the coronavirus are thought to play a role in transmissibility and antibody escape. However, British scientists told MailOnline today there was 'no evidence' to suggest the virus is a 'recombination variant', when two strains merge. Dr Simon Clarke, a molecular biologist at Reading University, said it was more likely to be another variant that randomly spawned with those two mutations. He added: 'We should not try to make this out to be something it's not because it is most likely the same thing we've seen in other variants, like the one in Brazil and South Africa which all have multiple mutations on their spike protein. I've not yet seen any evidence to suggest it is a recombinant.' Only one hybrid version of coronavirus has been spotted so far. It was found in the US and was a mix between the Kent variant and a strain found in California. India today claimed it has discovered a double mutant coronavirus variant which has two mutations on its spike protein and may be more infectious and immune resistant They variants which have been spotted in the UK: Public Health England's latest find was a strain believed to have spawned in New York India is in the midst of a third wave which has seen daily cases per million almost treble since last month Dr Clarke criticised the Indian health ministry for claiming the variant may be more infectious and immune resistant, describing the claim as 'a bit bold'. Dr Clarke added: 'It's entirely possible that it will turn out this variant does have some immune resistance, but the claim is definitely rather bold.' HOW CAN VIRUSES COMBINE? For a combined variant of the virus to emerge, one person must be infected with two strains of the coronavirus likely from two separate sources at the same time, and then the viruses must bump into each other inside the body. Once the viruses are inside the body, the way they spread is by forcing human cells to make more of them. The coronavirus is made up of genetic material called RNA and, to reproduce, it must force the body to read this RNA and make exact copies of it. There are inevitably errors when this happens because it happens so fast and so often and natural processes are imperfect. If two viruses are in the same place at once, both being duplicated by the same cells, there is a chance the RNA genes could be mixed up, just as there could be a mix-up if someone dropped two packs of cards at once and picked them all up. Most places have dominant variants of the virus so someone getting infected with two is unlikely to begin with. And, for healthy people, there is likely only a window of around two weeks before the body starts to develop immunity and successfully clear out the first version of the virus. This risk window could be cut to days for the majority of people who develop Covid symptoms which takes an average of five days and then stay at home sick. But huge, poorly controlled outbreaks like the ones in the UK and US over the winter, significantly raise the risk of the combination events simply because the number of infections is higher. Advertisement He explained the E484Q mutation is a less radical change than the E484K found on the Brazilian and South African variants. For this reason, Dr Clarke suspects E484Q will not have the same effect as E484K, which makes immunity from vaccines and previous infection weaker. Dr Clarke said: 'And as for the L452R mutation, we're still waiting for a proper definition on what it does.' The new Indian variant was spotted through genomic sequencing, when scientists analyse the genes of individual samples of positive Covid tests. The government samples collected from Maharashtra showed 'an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations' compared with December last year. It's not clear how many cases of the variant were detected, but the government denied that the rise in case numbers was linked to the strain. In a statement, it said: 'Though VOCs [variants of concern] and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish a direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states.' In total, scientists from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) looked at 10,787 samples from 18 states. A total of 736 were positive for the UK variant, 34 for the South African variant and one for the Brazilian P.1 variant. Only one hybrid Covid variant has been spotted worldwide so far. It was formed from the Kent Covid variant known scientifically as B.1.1.7 and a Californian variant called B.1.429. Scientists in the US claim they merged in a 'recombination event', the New Scientist reported. This happens when two different versions of the virus infect the same cell and then swap genes while they are reproducing, giving rise to a new variant. Researchers have warned in the past that these events are possible but said they are 'unlikely' because they require very specific conditions and the coincidence of mostly uncontrollable events. They are more likely to happen during huge outbreaks. It is believed to have happened in this instance because a number of mutations matching those on the Kent and California variants all appeared in the same place at once. There are no details of the patient and it is unclear whether the combination happened in them, or whether they caught the variant from someone else. While experts have said there is no need to panic about new variants, one admitted recombination was 'dangerous' because it could change the virus so suddenly. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Alan Gottlieb is editor of public education watchdog boardhawk.org, where a longer version of this commentary is available online. Gottlieb covered Denver Public Schools for the Denver Post in the mid-1990s, worked as an education program officer for The Piton Foundation, and co-founded Education News Colorado and Chalkbeat. LANSING, MI A propane supplier and global energy consultant told state lawmakers that shutting down the controversial Enbridge Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac this spring would disrupt the market for fossil fuel used to heat some Michigan homes and likely increase the price of propane by 10 to 14 cents over the long-term. Michael Sloan, director of energy markets for ICF International, said removing the 645-mile pipeline from the supply chain would boost the cost of propane throughout Michigan during Tuesday, March 23 testimony before lawmakers on the House energy committee, which held the first of two state Legislative hearings on Line 5 this week. Sloan spoke at the request of the Michigan Propane Gas Association (MPGA), saying that loss of the pipeline would shift propane production out of the region and increase the chances of price shocks in state if demand were to spike. Overall, I expect that in the long-term, after all the equilibrium effects have occurred and the companies have adjusted to the change in infrastructure requirements, that propane prices would increase between 10 and 14 cents-per-gallon, he said. It very well could be higher than that in the short-term, while the industry is adjusting to the transition. Thats throughout Michigan, Sloan said. Different parts of Michigan will have different price impacts, but the entire supply structure will be affected. Sloan testified via Zoom before the House Energy Committee, which held the first of two Line 5 hearings this week in the Republican-controlled state Legislature. A second is scheduled Wednesday afternoon before the Senate Energy and Technology Committee. The senate committee agenda shows Sloan and others who spoke Tuesday before the House committee, including propane distributor Crystal Flash supply director Jane Tomaszewski and Excel Propane owner Wayne Kohley, are schedule to testify again. The hearings come as a May deadline looms to stop Line 5 flow under the straits, as ordered by Michigans Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November, who announced termination of the 1953 easement that allows Enbridge to run its pipeline across the bottom at the environmentally sensitive point where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron connect. House committee chair Rep. Joe Bellino, R-Monroe, launched the hearing by suggesting certain voices in the Line 5 issue are being left out in the cold, and later alleged that massive outcry would ensue if there was an effort to raise heating costs for people in big cities. Propane is a predominantly rural heating fuel used by about 18 percent of Upper Peninsula home and about 8 percent of Lower Peninsula homes, according to testimony. Impacts of a disruption in the states propane supply, particularly in the U.P., has long been a contentious point between opponents and supporters of the pipeline. Propane accounts for about 17 percent of flow capacity in Line 5, according to Tomaszewski at Crystal Flash, who said Michigan is second behind California among states using the most propane. A rise in Michigan propane heating costs absent the pipeline has been suggested before, notably within a 2018 Dynamic Risk study on alternatives to the current line. Can you imagine, if we were going to raise the cost of heating for people in big cities by this much, what the outcry would be? It would be phenomenal. Itd be on TV every day were screwing people over in cities because were making em pay more money, Bellino said. But we dont hear a darn thing today about it, he said. Were just going to cut the line down, save the environment, and who knows what will happen. Bellino dominated the hearing discussion; attempting at times to draw equivalencies between Whitmers May deadline to close the pipeline and decades-long efforts afforded electricity providers to decarbonize, and a lack of worry about the Line 5 portion that runs under the St. Clair River between Marysville and Ontario compared to the concern at Mackinac. Ive never heard an enviro tell me that theyre so worried about Line 5 under the river, breaking and putting all that pollution into Lake St. Clair, he said. I guess youre not Pure Michigan unless you may be above Arenac-Mason line there. The St. Clair Line 5 segment runs below the riverbed in a tunnel. The hydrology differs significantly from Mackinac, where, rather than a river that flows one direction, the dynamic currents between two Great Lakes vary in direction and volume by depth and date. Flow rates through the straits can exceed the water volume that flows over Niagara Falls. Democrats on Tuesday asked basic questions about the potential impact on the Great Lakes should Line 5 rupture and spill, which gave witnesses an opening to promote construction of a huge utility tunnel that Enbridge wants to build under the straits to house a replacement for the 68-year-old pipeline. The tunnel is opposed by many Line 5 opponents who want to transition away from fossil fuel infrastructure out of concern for its impact on global climate change. Whitmers environmental regulators approved several key permits for the $500 million tunnel project in January, which must yet clear approvals by other state and federal agencies. Theres no reason we cant secure our Great Lakes and also secure an energy future for our state, said committee vice chair Mari Manoogian, D-Birmingham. What do you what do you see as a proper future for securing both the cleanliness and security and health of our Great Lakes, while also securing a future for the state of Michigan with regarding with regard to energy? Manoogian asked. Tomaszewski replied that the tunnel a great solution We can protect the Great Lakes, and, in conjunction, have the energy we need in the short term at reasonable prices while we build toward that future, she said. Its going to be a slow transition, Tomaszewski said. Were not all going to be driving electrical vehicles and installing heat pumps to replace our propane heating systems overnight. I mean, this is going to take decades. Sloan testified that a plan released by Whitmers administration earlier this month to help transition the Upper Peninsula away from propane would have only a limited ability to ameliorate the impact of a shutdown. The plan calls for increased spending on railroad infrastructure as well as other programs to increase propane stockpiles and storage, step-up supply monitoring, assist low-income households weatherize homes and push the market away from propane and toward renewable energy. The state legislative hearings are part of recent escalation in Line 5 support being made by Michigan Republicans and Enbridges allies in the Canadian government and private sector, which have begun mounting a full-throated defense of the controversial pipeline this year. The Canadians are lobbying the Biden Administration to intercede in Whitmers decision and are threatening to invoke a 1977 treaty governing the operation of cross-border pipelines unless Michigan backpedals the closure order. Seamus ORegan, Canadian natural resources minister, told a parliament committee earlier this month that the pipelines operation is non-negotiable. Rocco Rossi, president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, told lawmakers Tuesday that Line 5 is a North American issue and said its closure is something that ultimately has to be settled by our respective federal governments. Whitmer campaigned on closing the pipeline and says she based her decision on past easement rules non-compliance. Enbridge has a history of allowing erosion to create unsupported spans under the dual lines. Whitmers office has maintained that an oil spill would cause substantial harm to Michigans economy and the Great Lakes. Last week, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed an amicus brief asking a federal judge to block the shutdown order, arguing on behalf of Ohio refineries and the state of Louisiana that closing the submerged line would cause economic hardship beyond Michigan. Related stories: Republicans press Biden to keep Line 5 open Canadian minister: Operation of Line 5 is non-negotiable Some propane suppliers switching to rail in Michigan Shutdown order creates a scenario for stopping tunnel Line 5 shutdown order heralded as enormous victory Possible Ice Age artifacts ignored by Line 5 tunnel survey Enbridge in Michigan: A timeline Fight to shutter Line 5 pipeline has waged for years Line 5 is bent, deformed where Enbridge wants to anchor 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. 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. A woman who was wanted for orchestrating the gruesome assassination of a pregnant Venezuelan migrant and ripping out a baby girl from her womb last year has been arrested in Colombia. The Santiago de Cali Metropolitan Police announced that Mariluz Mosquera, 49, was apprehended Tuesday during a raid of a home where she had been hiding since November. Agents tied Mosquera to the crime after locating jewelry that had belonged to Yulexis Valecillos. Mosquera lured Valecillos, 28, to her tragic death on September 8, 2020, with the promise that she would gift the married mother-of-two free clothes for the child that she was expecting, according to Colombias Attorney Generals Office. The pair had been acquainted, police said. Police said Mosquera had faked her own pregnancy and wanted the baby to receive financial support. Valencillos' remains were found February 15, three days before Mosqueras alleged accomplice Luis Victoria, 21, was arrested. Mariluz Mosquera (center) was arrested Tuesday in Cali, Colombia, in connection to the murder and kidnapping of Yulexis Valecillos on September 8, 2020. Mosquera allegedly lured Valecillos, a native of Venezuela, by promising to gift her clothes to the baby girl she was expecting to deliver between September 19 and 21. Valecillos went to Mosquera's home and was stabbed dead by Luis Victoria. The pair then took the baby girl from Valecillos' womb and dismembered the victim before the body was dumped in a lake and found in February Yulexis Valecillos was expecting her third child, a girl, before she was tragically killed in Cali, Colombia, on September 8, 2020. Her alleged killers are in custody Valecillos, who was scheduled to go into labor on September 17 or 18, went to Mosqueras home in the Cali city of Candelaria and upon entering was attacked with a sharp weapon by Victoria, police said. Victoria and Mosquera then cut Valecillos open and extracted the baby. Victoria told authorities that he hid Valecillos' dismembered body inside plastic bags before dumping it at a lake. He also said that Mosquera had faked her own pregnancy as a method to continue to receive financial support from her late husbands family. Luis Victoria (second from left) was arrested February 18, 2021 in Colombia and confessed to authorities that he had attacked the pregnant Venezuelan mother-of-two before he hid the dismembered body in bags and dumped it at a lake. He also said that Mariluz Mosquera orchestrated the killing because she had been faking her own pregnancy and wanted to continue to receive financial support from her late husband's family Mariluz Mosquera is accompanied by authorities in Cali, Colombia, following her arrest Tuesday On September 9, 2020, Mosquera showed up at a local hospital seeking attention and told the medical staff that she had given birth to the girl at her home. However, the doctors discovered she was lying after medical exams showed that she was never pregnant and didnt show signs of having gone into labor. Mosquera was placed under arrest but was later released as authorities discovered the origins of the child. Valecillos' widower, Lizander Marquez, was reunited with his daughter, Charlotte Marquez, on October 22, 2020 after a DNA test confirmed that he was her father. Victoria and Mosquera have both been charged with kidnapping and murder. Repairs to the fire-damaged Bank of America building on Adams Street should be complete in April, but its still unclear when the bank will reopen, according to landlord Antonio Castellucci. Castellucci said he wasnt sure what the bank would need to do before reopening to the public. A Bank of America spokesperson didnt respond to a request for comment. The building was damaged by a fire on April 25, 2020. Castellucci said it took a while to repair the building because it was difficult to get a contractor to work with the insurance company and because it took time to secure the necessary permits from the city. WATCH NOW: NAPA COUNTY WILDFIRES TAKE TOLL ON WINE COUNTRY LANDSCAPE PHOTOS: CHECK OUT THE LEAST EXPENSIVE HOME SOLD IN NAPA IN FEBRUARY NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Phenol market will register an incremental spend of about USD 1.85 Billion, growing at a CAGR of 4.02% during the five-year forecast period. A targeted strategic approach to Phenol sourcing can unlock several opportunities for buyers. This report also offers market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download free sample report Key Highlights Offered in the Report: Phenol Market Procurement Research Report 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 Phenol market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Phenol 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 3.00%-5.00%. Identify favorable opportunities in Phenol 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 Phenol suppliers listed in this report: This Phenol procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Royal Dutch Shell Plc INEOS Group Holdings SA Honeywell International Inc. Mitsui Chemicals Inc. Compania Espanola de Petroleos S.A.U. Dow Inc. PTT Global Chemical Public Co. Ltd. Kumho P&B Chemicals Inc. Eni S.p.A. SABIC 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 (CNN) -- A group of White House officials and members of Congress will tour a facility holding unaccompanied migrant children in Texas on Wednesday and a news camera will be allowed inside, the White House said in a statement. The facility is different than the one seen in images released by a congressman last week highlighting crowded conditions. The White House has been under mounting pressure to give journalists access inside facilities housing migrant children as the number of unaccompanied children in custody has ballooned in recent weeks. The delegation will visit a Department of Health and Human Services influx facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, and one network pooled camera will be allowed inside during the visit, the White House said. The facility is an example of the types of shelters the administration has been scrambling to find to accommodate children. These facilities are equipped to provide medical services, sleeping quarters, and other support. But amid Covid-19 constraints, there's not been enough shelter space to house the growing number of arrivals, resulting in children staying in Border Patrol facilities, akin to jail-like conditions, for prolonged periods of time. The Biden administration has yet to let news cameras inside US Customs and Border Protection facilities where children have been detained, on average, for longer than the 72 hours allowed under law, though CBP released government footage of one of those facilities earlier this week. The Carrizo Springs facility was initially opened under the Trump administration in 2019 to house a surge of unaccompanied minors coming across the border. It is intended to shelter minors, unlike Border Patrol facilities. The facility is available for children ages 13 to 17, according to HHS. Since opening, 1,026 children have been placed at the shelter and 216 children have been discharged, the department says. There are currently 810 male minors at the site. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently led a bipartisan delegation of senators to El Paso, Texas, to tour facilities and reporters were not allowed to accompany them. The Department of Homeland Security said the trip was closed to journalists because of privacy and Covid-19 precautions. The Biden administration is scrambling to accommodate a surge in unaccompanied minors arriving at the US-Mexico border that has overwhelmed and strained government resources. There are more than 16,000 unaccompanied children in US custody, including around 4,800 in CBP custody and 11,300 in HHS custody. As of Sunday, more than 800 unaccompanied migrant children have been in Border Patrol custody for more than 10 days, according to documents reviewed by CNN. Federal law requires unaccompanied children to be turned over within 72 hours to HHS, which oversees a shelter network designed to house minors, but amid constraints related to the pandemic, children are staying in custody for longer than the 72-hour limit. Senior Biden administration officials traveled on Monday to Mexico to discuss managing migration with government officials. Roberta Jacobson, the Biden administration's coordinator for the southern border, Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council's senior director for the Western Hemisphere, and State Department's Northern Triangle special envoy Ricardo Zuniga are on the trip. Gonzalez and Zuniga are also traveling to Guatemala to hold meetings after the Mexico trip. The-CNN-Wire & 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. Ray Ribble, Founder of SPHER, Inc. The online event will be held on April 22, 2021, from 11:30 am ET until 5:45 pm ET. Multiple opportunities for continuing education credits are available for attorneys, healthcare administrators, and compliance professionals. Raymond Ribble, the founder of SPHER, Inc. a leading SaaS-based compliance analytics solution, will serve as the Distinguished Speaker at the upcoming Healthcare Compliance Symposium to address the issue of cybersecurity in healthcare. Ray is a co-founder of Fusion Systems Co., Ltd. an international IT Consulting business with operations throughout Asia and across multiple industry verticals. He is active in multiple international businesses, having lived in Japan and mainland China for close to 20 years. He is active in numerous healthcare privacy groups such as HIMSS and MGMA, speaking at healthcare industry events, and works to contribute to the growing awareness of the need to identify internal and external malfeasance to prevent data breaches. With over 25 years in the systems technology industry, Ray's career began as an aerospace engineer at Northrop Corporation, advancing into international financial systems consulting and solutions development across Asia for many of the worlds' top investment banks. Rays firm was prominent in working with the HITECH Program serving over 2000 provider groups across Southern California in attesting to Meaningful Use and addressing the increasingly complex privacy and security mandates. The fourth annual Healthcare Compliance Symposium is a virtual afternoon of learning offered through a collaboration of Delaware Law School and First Healthcare Compliance. The online event will be held on April 22, 2021, from 11:30 am ET until 5:45 pm ET. Multiple opportunities for continuing education credits are available for attorneys, healthcare administrators, and compliance professionals. Attendees are eligible to receive 5.5 CLE credits (4.5 substantive, 1 ethics) in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This program has been approved for 5.5 continuing education unit(s) by Practice Management Institute and PAHCOM. The Compliance Certification Board (CCB) has approved this event for up to 6.6 CCB CEUs. Continuing Education Units are awarded based on individual attendance records. Granting of prior approval in no way constitutes endorsement by CCB of this event content or of the event sponsors. Registration is available to the public. About Delaware Law School: Widener University is a metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, applied leadership, and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. Delaware Law School is the First States only law school, providing a Juris doctor, legal graduate and paralegal degree programs with an emphasis on developing legal professionals who reflect the Delaware Way and its traditions of civility, integrity, and mutual respect. The school offers signature programs in corporate and business law, environmental law, family health law and policy, trial advocacy, and dignity rights. About First Healthcare Compliance: Founded in 2012 by a nurse attorney, the First Healthcare Compliance software solution creates confidence among compliance professionals through education, resources, and support in the areas of HIPAA, OSHA, human resources compliance, and fraud waste and abuse laws. Serving clients across the United States, the companys evolving platform provides real-time insight for board reporting and across multiple locations. For more information please visit https://1sthcc.com/ South Africa is ripe for electoral reform The existing electoral system has attracted extensive criticism for rendering elected representatives unaccountable to those who elected them. South Africa adopted its electoral system during the process of making a new constitution in the run up to its transition to democracy in 1994. The system agreed was proportional representation. This involved parties drawing up lists of representatives which would get seats in legislatures according to the proportion of votes the parties won in the polls. This system was chosen because it was seen as allowing maximum representation of different political opinions and ethnic identities. The system has worked well to represent minority parties along with recurrent African National Congress majorities in the National Assembly and in most of the countrys nine provinces. But some now see it as working against accountability. This is because proportional representation hands power to party bosses which in turn disempowers voters. MPs feel beholden to their parties, rather than to the people who elected them. The existing electoral system has attracted extensive criticism for rendering elected representatives unaccountable to those who elected them. Correspondingly, calls for electoral reform have been growing louder, with especial demands that voters should be enabled to elect their representatives directly. But attempts at reform have all been stymied by a reluctance on the part of the politically dominant African National Congress which is well served by the current system. The call for reform was given a significant boost following a ruling by the countrys top court, The Constitutional Court, in June last year. The judgment forced the issue by calling for amendments to the Electoral Act. In the wake of the ruling, an influential lobby group, the Inclusive Society Institute, has recently produced a detailed report setting out recommendations for electoral reform. Electoral reform The Constitutional Court judgment of June 2020 declared the current Electoral Act unconstitutional. This is because the act barred individuals, as distinct from parties, from standing for election at national and provincial levels. Parliament is now obliged to change the law. A bill to allow for the change is in progress. This has opened the door to wider reform of the electoral act, particularly with regard to the idea of blending the right of voters to elect their representatives directly with the constitutional imperative for proportional representation. The proposals for reform made by the Inclusive Society Institute were drawn up by a committee chaired by Roelf Meyer, who served as the chief representative of the former ruling National Party during the constitution-making process. The committees report makes a number of suggestions. These include: that the National Assembly should consist of the current 400 representatives. Of these, 300 should be elected from multi-member constituencies. A further 100 compensatory seats should be provided to ensure the overall proportionality of the outcome. If a party obtained, overall, 55% of the total national vote, it would receive extra seats (in addition to those it won at constituency level) to provide it with 55% representation in parliament. (Similarly at provincial level.) To meet the demands of the Constitutional Court, independent candidates would be able to stand in the multi-member constituencies. Given the number of registered voters, around 26.7 million in 2018, independent candidates would need to receive about 90 000 votes to be elected to the National Assembly. More voice, greater fluidity The idea behind multi-member constituencies is that 300 out of the 400 MPs would become accountable not only to parties but also to constituencies. This would be a welcome change, even if it would fall short of the direct accountability that many voters would like. Such a system opens the door to candidates who want to raise issues that are too often smothered by the established political parties. Concerns about government service delivery and about the environment immediately come to mind. Such a system would also enable aspirant candidates who have failed to gain nomination by their preferred political party to stand, perhaps as independent members of their parties. The adoption of the system would, therefore, allow voters greater choice. It would also introduce great fluidity into the electoral system by impressing on MPs that they are accountable to constituents as well as their party bosses. Given that recent elections have seen a steady decline in the proportion of the votes going to the ANC there are suggestions that it could lose its majority in the next general election in 2024 there are even chances that the country would have its first government by coalition in the national parliament. What next? The proposals revive the reforms proposed by the task team led by the late former opposition leader Van Zyl Slabbert in 2003. The team was carrying out a constitutional requirement to review the electoral system after five years of democracy. The team recommended a change that would have introduced multi-member constituencies - whereby each constituency is represented by between three and seven MPs. But the ANC used its majority in parliament to block the proposed reform. What chances are there that this time round the ANC will agree to what would be a far-reaching reform of the electoral system along the lines suggested by the institute? The party rejected the Slabbert Committees recommendations on the grounds that the current system was working satisfactorily. Not least because it was simple and easy to understand. It might now well argue along similar lines. It might suggest that the introduction of multi-member constituencies, with a proportional representation top-up to ensure proportionality, might appear opaque to the majority of the population. It would be simpler, it might say, to fulfil the Constitutional Courts ruling by merely allowing individual candidates to stand alongside political parties on the national list. That would enable their election if they garnered the necessary minimum of votes. While such a minimum change might serve the partys interests, the sheer difficulties which individual candidates would encounter in attracting nationwide support would effectively gut the reform of content. It will leave MPs as unaccountable in practice as they are today. There is, within the ANC, a reformist group lobbying for a major change within the electoral system. Likewise, the recent formation of a grouping of struggle veterans to defend the constitution and democracy, suggests that momentum for electoral reform might grow. But, there is real danger that any debate around electoral reform will get caught up in the ANCs factional politics. Yet, still, the present moment presents a genuine opportunity for a more accountable and truly democratic politics. It will be to South Africas great detriment if that opportunity for change is missed. Roger Southall, Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Xiaomi has confirmed that it will unveil the Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra on March 29. The pair should have better cameras than the Mi 11 and innovations like a secondary display. At least one should be launching globally, too. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker Xiaomi has put paid to speculation about the Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra, following months of speculation about both devices. Now, the company has revealed that the Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra do exist and that they will be arriving on March 29. So far, Xiaomi has only explicitly confirmed that both devices would launch in China. However, it has strongly hinted on its Twitter account that it plans to sell the Mi 11 Ultra in multiple markets. So far, we have only seen a certification for the global Mi 11 Ultra, which may explain why Xiaomi has not teased the release of the Mi 11 Pro globally, too. The company's Weibo channel has revealed the Mi 11 Pro's retail box too, which looks thick enough to contain a charger. If previous leaks are correct, then the Mi 11 Pro and Mi 11 Ultra will feature a Snapdragon 888 SoC, and a large AMOLED display that can operate at up to 120 Hz. The pair are also expected to utilise Samsung's new ISOCELL GN2, a 50 MP camera with a 1/1.12-inch sensor and a 1.4 um pixel width. Incidentally, Samsung claims that the ISOCELL GN2 can upscale to 100 MP. Ethiopias leader on Tuesday, March 23 agreed that atrocities have been reported in Tigray region. This comes as his first public acknowledgement of war crimes in the region. The leader also admitted that troops from neighboring Eritrea have gone into Tigray and their presence has inflicted damages on the regions residents. Abiy said, in an address before lawmakers, Reports indicate that atrocities have been committed in Tigray region. He said, War is a nasty thing. He further added, We know the destruction this war has caused. The leader said that the soldiers who raped women or committed other crimes will be held responsible, even though he cited propaganda of exaggeration by the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front. Speaking about the soldiers, he said, The argument the Eritrean government presents for this is that it is a national security issue because Ethiopian troops are going after (Tigrayan) forces in other locations, so they want to keep controlling border areas. But they have told us they dont have the willingness to stay as long as we control trenches along the border. UN Urges To Stop 'horrific Sexual Violence' Recently, several UN officials were asked to stop indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians. In a joint statement, officials including UN aid chief Mark Lowcock, rights chief Michelle Bachelet and refugee chief Filippo Grandi, noted the reports of rape and other horrific forms of sexual violence. They called on the warring parties to protect civilians from human rights abuse, condemn sexual violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The UN officials said that women and children in affected areas are reporting significant challenges in accessing health, social welfare and justice services. They said that the initial assessments of 106 facilities in Tigray between December 2020 and March 2021 show that nearly 70 per cent of health facilities were looted, 30 per cent damaged and only 13 per cent in Tigray were functional. They also noted that most collective centres, where displaced civilians are sheltering, do not include separate spaces for women and men, girls and boys, thus increasing risks of gender-based violence and the spread of certain infectious diseases. (Image Credits: AP) "So many photographs that are not supposed to be on the social media space are there and some of them were taken by our own troops." The Nigerian Army has told its officers that anyone caught making unauthorised posts on social media will be arrested, investigated, and court-martialled. Lawrence Fejokwu, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, spoke at the opening of a two-day workshop to educate officers on Human Rights and Humanitarian Laws on Tuesday. Mr Fejokwu, a major-general, said the training would help to support the strategic vision of the Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Leo Irabor. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sensitisation workshop was taking place as a fallout from the events of the #EndSARS protest in 2020. Mr Fejokwu, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Nsikak Edet, a brigadier-general, said the COAS vision was to build a Nigerian Army repositioned to professionally defeat all adversity in a joint environment. "For instance, the case of EndSARS which we handled as a Division brought about a lot of issues bothering on proper management of social media space. "So, this lecture will instill high quality character on how officers should comport themselves when on duties. "People are watching, taking videos and recording and this can be used against such an officer in a negative form," he said. The GOC said officers would be educated on how to ensure that their troops do not take and send unauthorised videos, recordings or pictures to the wrong set of people. "So many photographs that are not supposed to be on the social media space are there and some of them were taken by our own troops. "So, it is necessary to ensure that when conducting operations, officers should not be allowed to do the things that can jeopardise the instinct of the strategic directive of the command. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Such an officer will be arrested, investigated and court-martialed when caught," he warned. Mr Fejokwu further said another key lesson to be learnt from the protest would be the legal status of a soldier and the justification of the use of force. According to him, a soldier should know when to use force and the degree of the kind of force to be applied to conform with the principle of use of minimum force. "One of the principles of the international security treaty is the use of minimum force. "So, the troops need to know how to apply force, what will make them apply that excessive force or minimum force as the case may be. "Therefore, the officers and soldiers will be sensitised on these laws to guide them in all their operations to work in accordance with the law," he said. The Division's Training Officer, Shuaibu Nuhu, said the workshop would educate officers on the importance and challenges of having a next of kin. Mr Nuhu, a brigadier-general, said there had been cases where at the demise of an officer dies in the course of duty, several family members would come to claim the officer's benefits. "The workshop, therefore, serves as a platform to educate on professionalism, responsiveness in the Nigerian Army through appropriate awareness of human rights and humanitarian laws. "We want to make sure that everything we do is transparent by engaging our officers to have mastery of the laws so that they will not take laws into their hands," Mr Nuhu added. (NAN) Karnatakas Health Minister K Sudhakar on Wednesday created a political furore after he called for an investigation into the private lives of all 225 legislators to find out how many of them have had illicit or extra-marital relationships. Sudhakar said this in response to the Congress demand that he and five other ministers should resign on moral grounds for having moved the court seeking an injunction against the publication or broadcast of defamatory, unverified news against them. Those projecting themselves as Maryada Purushas and Sri Ramachandras, I want to throw a challenge...Let all 225 MLAs face an inquiry. Let it be known who has had illicit relationships or extra-marital affairs. Everybodys character will be known...who did what when they were chief ministers in their private lives. Anyway, this is a question of morality and values, right? Im openly challenging them, Sudhakar said. He named Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president DK Shivakumar, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy of the JD(S) and others while throwing this challenge. Theyre all Satya Harishchandras...KR Ramesh Kumar, V Muniyappa, Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy...theyre following monogamy strictly, right? Let them agree to this (challenge), Sudhakar said. Sudhakars statement drew sharp reactions. Im very happy. (Sudhakar) has given precious words to the state. We will discuss this in the Assembly, Shivakumar said. I have one wife and one family, he added. Kumaraswamy lashed out at Sudhakar saying the situation would not have arose if he and his ministerial colleagues had followed propriety. The former chief minister recalled that he had once slipped in his private life. I admitted that in the Assembly, he said. But the question is, these things wouldnt have come up if you had behaved properly and if you hadnt gone to court for an injunction. You created all these problems, he said, adding that carnal matters should not be discussed in public. Nobody is Satya Harishchandra. Sudhakars BJP colleague Narasimha Nayak (Rajugouda), who represents Shorapur, slammed the minister. (Sudhakar) should withdraw his statement, he said. He should have taken specific names instead of speaking about all 224 MLAs. Were elected representatives, so our statements should be careful. Key leaders in the business events sector and stakeholders from across Dubai shared their experiences of restarting exhibitions, trade shows and conferences over the last six months at the recent Dubai Global Events Re-Opening Forum. Held against the backdrop of the Museum of The Future, the Forum featured leaders from Dubai Tourism, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai Airports, Emirates, dmg events and Accor, reported state news agency Wam. UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) supported the event, with their global membership primed to benefit from the knowledge shared. Since the official resumption of local events on 15 September 2020 in the emirate, followed by international events on 1 October, Dubai has played host to a number of major trade shows and exhibitions, including Gitex Technology Week and Gulfood making it the only city in the world to successfully host two large scale international events in the last three months, each recording more than 50,000 attendees from more than 100 countries. According to independent research commissioned by DWTC, conducted by GRS Explori, a world-leading research company for exhibitions, visitor attractions and large events and research partners of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Dubai scored extremely highly in key safety and satisfaction ratings: 96-98% of attendees consistently rated these events as providing a safe or very safe experience. 92% of attendees (both exhibitors and visitors) rated Dubai as offering the best experience in the world owing to its high safety standards, access to business opportunities and overall business experience. 89% considered Dubai as "the safest destination in the world". Over 90% of attendees felt safe consistently across their journey - travelling on Emirates (90%), arrival and departure at Dubai Airport (94%), using local transportation (96%) and their accommodation (96%). Dubai also played host to a number of association conferences and congresses such as the Arab Association of Urology Annual Congress and MEIDAM Conference, and a strong pipeline of future events has already been confirmed. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: "Driven by the citys strong, decisive leadership and prudent handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, Dubai was not only able to reopen for international tourism ahead of its peers, but also restart the business events sector that plays a vital role in economic and knowledge development locally, regionally and globally. Working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, we were able to create a framework that clearly demonstrated it was possible to both prioritise the health and safety of all participants and delegates, while at the same time provide platforms for showcasing new products and innovation, networking, professional development and knowledge sharing. We look forward to building on this over the coming months with more major business events on the calendar, as we accelerate towards the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai. We also welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other destinations and stakeholders internationally to ensure the global industry is able to restart as quickly and safely as possible, he added. Moderated by Scott Armstrong, Editor in Chief of Arabian Business, the Forum followed a hybrid format, with physical attendees including key tourism and business events stakeholders from across the city joining a virtual global audience of over 1,300 tourism authorities, event organisers, and venues, hospitality and tourism professionals from 62 countries. Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, said: "The leadership shown by the Dubai Government in managing the pandemic was outstanding and we maintained a very strong position against the pandemic right from day one. We expect to have a very strong rebound and were very grateful for the strength of leadership and collaboration we have seen across the sector that has enabled us to weather the pandemic probably better than any other nation." Mohammad Al Hashimi, Vice President, Commercial Products Dubai, Emirates Airline, said: "Visionary leadership and strong public-private sector collaboration have driven the successful re-start of travel and tourism operations. From airlines and airports to conference organisers and hoteliers, every partner in the Dubai ecosystem is working together to deliver strong visitor experiences and travel confidence. The results are quite evident in the data and the two recent big events that have taken place in Dubai. We are looking forward to the Arabian Travel Market in May, and a long list of events are set to be held from now to 1 October when we will see Expo 2020 go live." Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre & UFI Board Member, said: "When we went into lockdown in March [2020], we started to build a comeback plan. We went through very extensive scenario planning, again understanding there was no global benchmarking. There were no references anywhere in the world; everyone was shuttering. We were the only one already thinking of reopening during the shutdown. It was a systematic, progressive and circumspect journey scaling up from zero activity during the lockdown to 50,000 attendees in the space of just ten months." Exasperated Irish residents are booking vaccine appointments in the North to take advantage of the UK's much faster rollout. People from as far as Dublin and Galway have even been making the journey across the border. Around half the adult population has now been inoculated in Northern Ireland, compared to 10 per cent for the Republic. The lowly jab rate reflects the EU's bungled immunisation drive that has left the Continent more vulnerable to a third wave of coronavirus. The head of Northern Ireland's vaccine programme Patricia Donnelly this week urged people coming for jabs from the Republic to stay away. Pat Phelan, a 50-something entrepreneur from Cork, used his old postcode from when he lived in London in the 1990s to obtain his NHS number The lowly jab rate in Ireland reflects the EU's bungled immunisation drive that has left the Continent more vulnerable to a third wave of coronavirus (Ursula von der Leyen pictured) The UK's vaccine rollout has surged far ahead of the EU's leaving the bloc under huge pressure to explain why She said: 'We are seeing increasing numbers of ineligible people, including people from the ROI, trying to book an appointment at one of our vaccination centres. 'Only those who meet the criteria will be vaccinated. If you turn up and are not eligible you will be turned away and you will have wasted staff time in the process.' But Irish residents with tangible connections to the UK have been exploiting a 'loophole' to let them book vaccine slots. Pat Phelan, a 50-something entrepreneur from Cork, used his old postcode from when he lived in London in the 1990s to obtain his NHS number. He has now managed to book an appointment in Derry - roughly a 303-mile journey. But he told the Irish Examiner: 'I won't take it. I'm very healthy and well. But it is open and people can do it. 'It's unfair on the British obviously, because if I was to go up there, I'd be stealing someone's spot.' Michael Phylan, 56, a taxi driver from County Tipperary, said his wife, also in her 50s, has managed to book an appointment in Derry next month. She used to live in Manchester and has retained her British citizenship and national insurance number. Mr Phylan said she is weighing up whether to go ahead with the appointment or cancel. He thinks that she should be entitled to a jab, having once paid taxes in the UK, but called on health officials to better clarify who exactly is eligible for Northern Ireland slots. Northern Ireland's health body said only those with a health and care number and registered Northern Ireland GP are eligible. Ms Donnelly stressed that anyone booking vaccine slots from the Republic who isn't eligible will be turned away. She said: 'Check before you book. Do not make a wasted journey. You will not be vaccinated unless you are eligible.' The EU's vaccine rollout has been beset with problems that have hamstrung inoculation efforts. Brussels is complaining it has been denied crucial supplies from drug-makers - despite stocks being wasted because of low take-up rates. The bloc today unveiled plans to block vaccine exports to countries with high jab rates that don't 'reciprocate' by sharing supplies. The European Commission defied anxiety over undermining legal contracts as it published new proposals widening the criteria for restricting exports. At a press conference in Brussels, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January. He said exports could be restricted to destination countries that limit their own exports of jabs or raw materials - whether by law or other means. Mr Dombrovkis said the other principle would be whether a state's vaccination rate and infection levels were 'better or worse than the EU's'. The move came amid extraordinary reports today that 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are being held at a plant in Italy. The two high-speed trains are expected to be put into operation by 2030. The Ministry of Transport will speed up the construction of two projects of high-speed trains linking Hanoi with the central province of Nghe An's Vinh City, and Ho Chi Minh City with the south-central province of Khanh Hoa's Nha Trang beach city. The two high-speed trains are expected to be put into operation by 2030. Totaling 651 kilometers long, the two high-speed railroad routes will cost some VND561.6 trillion (US$24.3 billion). Once they are up and running, work will start on other routes to complete the North-South or trans-Vietnam high-speed railroad. A high-speed train model between Hanoi and Vinh City in the north-central Nghe An Province. Source: MoT The trans-Vietnam high-speed railroad is a key task in the draft railway plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 designed by the transport ministry. Speaking at a recent meeting held in Hanoi, Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said the railway industry set target to transport 16.50 million tons of cargo and 30.9 million passengers by 2030. The figure is expected to increase by 15% of cargo and 19% of passengers by 2050. The transport minister also requested the plan consultants to complete the final report of the draft railway planning for the period of 2031- 2050. The investment capital demand for the railway industry in this period would be more than VND1.5 trillion (US$65 million), in which some US$33 million will be invested in high-speed train and US$32 million for conventional rail services. To occupy more marketshare of the transportation industry as designed, Dr. Dang Huy Dong, director of the Planning and Development Institute, said the ticket price of high-speed trains running at 350 kilometers per hour (kph) would be lower than airfares to be competitive. However, passenger trains running at speeds of 150 kph and 100 kph would bring optimum socio-economic benefits, and reduce subsidies, Dong added. Former deputy transport minister La Ngoc Khue rejected the proposal for 350 kph train saying that it would entail huge costs since Vietnam would need to import equipment and expertise. He suggested building railway service with a top speed of 140 kph instead to ensure economic and technical feasibility. Vietnam has over 3,000km of track; none of it is high speed. In addition to high-speed railways, seven new railway lines will be built at this stage and the old lines will be improved, according to the plan. Hanoitimes Five new rail lines to be built in southern region Five new high-speed rail lines between Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces expected to be built by 2025 would help to ensure smooth transport of goods and improve logistics services and connections between major seaports. 'Dream' play by Stan Lai to be staged in Wuhan Chinadaily.com.cn) 11:15, March 24, 2021 Actress Xu Qing (front) is featured in A Dream Like A Dream. [Photo provided to China Daily] A Dream Like A Dream, an eight-hour Chinese contemporary theatrical work written and directed by acclaimed director Stan Lai, will be staged in Wuhan, Hubei province, on April 22. According to Wang Keran, a veteran producer with Magnificent Culture, which produced the play, people who made contributions to the fight against the pandemic, such as medical workers, and volunteers, will be invited to watch the play. As one of the most popular plays in the country, A Dream Like A Dream, which tells several interwoven stories beginning with a medical school graduate's first day at a hospital, has been touring nationwide since 2013. Over 200,000 people have watched the play so far. In 2021, the play will launch its tour across nine Chinese cities, including Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Changsha and Beijing. Chinese actors and actresses, including Xu Qing, Feng Xianzhen, and Xiao Zhan, will be featured in the play. (Web editor: Liang Jun, Bianji) 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. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Pelangio Exploration Inc. (TSXV:PX)(OTC PINK:PGXPF) ("Pelangio" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has engaged Geotech Ltd. to complete a VTEM Plus airborne geophysical survey over its prospective Gowan polymetallic property. This survey will assist in the overall evaluation of the property for both copper-zinc-VMS deposits, and nickel-copper-sulphide deposits. The 4.3 square kilometer ("km2") property is located in Gowan Township, 27 kilometers ("km") northeast of the City of Timmins, Ontario and approximately 16 km due east of Glencore's Kidd Mine Site. (see Figure 1) Highlights Historical diamond drilling intersected semi-massive sulphide horizons, including a broad intercept in Alamo Petroleum ("Alamo") Hole 2 which returned 0.32% copper/ton ("Cu") and 0.35 oz/ton silver ("Ag") over 36 feet, including a higher grade intercept which assayed 0.66% Cu/ton and 0.31 oz/ton Ag over 12.5 feet ; Alamo Hole 4 to located 160 meters southwest of Hole 2 returned three shorter sulphide intercepts with zinc ("Zn"), Cu and gold ("Au") mineralization; these intercepts returned 0.68% Cu/ton and 0.02 oz/ton Au over 1.5 feet; 1.24% Cu/ton over 1.2 feet. ; and 0 . 17% Cu/ton, 1.23% Zn/ton , and 0.04 oz/ton Ag over 2 feet; A bedrock sample from the bottom of a reverse circulation drill hole initially designed to evaluate metals content in tills returned 2.26% Cu/ton, 0.11 oz/ton Au and anomalous Ag; The southern extremity of the property is prospective for nickel sulphides and hosts a large ultramafic complex with numerous historical untested airborne conductors (see Figures 2 and 3). (References: Alamo Petroleum Assessment Report by R.S. Middleton, P.Eng, 1975) Pelangio's CEO Ingrid Hibbard commented, "We are pleased to initiate a first-phase target development program on our highly prospective Gowan polymetallic project. This exploration program is timely given the renewed interest in electric vehicle battery minerals in Ontario and recent new base metal discoveries in Timmins. As an added bonus, the known base metal occurrences have a distinct association with both gold and silver at Gowan." Gowan Geological Description and Property Summary The Gowan property is covered by muskeg and substantial conductive clay overburden which challenged the limits of the geophysical survey technology available in the past. Geological data (see Figures 2 and 3) on the property has been interpreted from limited drilling and airborne magnetic data. The northern portion of the property is underlain by a prospective felsic volcanic package of rocks. Limited exploration efforts in the early to mid 1970's focused on evaluating the northern portion of the property for a Kidd style Cu-Zn volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") deposit. These early exploration programs were successful in demonstrating the potential for this type of mineralization. The highlight of these early exploration efforts was a broad semi-massive sulphide intercept grading 0.32% Cu/ton and 0.35 oz/ton Ag over 36 feet. A shorter interval within this broad section returned 0.66% Cu/ton and 0.31 oz/ton Ag over 12.5 feet including an interval of 0.95% Cu/ton and 0.20 oz/ton Ag across 3 feet. Also of note is a bedrock sample from the bottom of a reverse circulation (RC) drill hole returned 2.26% Cu/ton and 0.11 oz/ton Au. Very limited follow up was conducted on the massive sulphide intercepts and no drill follow up was completed on the copper gold occurrence detected in the bottom of the RC hole. Two strong untested historical airborne EM anomalies are located 200 meters ("m") south of the RC bedrock occurrence. Later, in 1988, the Ontario Government flew an airborne survey which outlined a number of electromagnetic ("EM") anomalies across the property; many of these remain untested. In the early 1990's Falconbridge Ltd. drilled a few holes in the ultramafic complex that underlies the southern portion of the property. No significant mineralization or assay values were reported. Some ground follow up of the 1988 vintage EM conductors was completed in 2018 by Amex Exploration, but the ground EM systems utilized were deemed incapable of penetrating the deep-conductive overburden, and results were inconclusive. Current Program and Future Plans This deep penetrating VTEM survey will assist greatly in the overall evaluation of the property for both copper-zinc-VMS deposits, and nickel-copper-sulphide deposits. The entire Gowan property will be flown at 100m line spacing with a VTEM Plus airborne EM system capable of penetrating to depths of more than 300 meters and through the conductive overburden cover in the area. The VTEM survey allows the Company to evaluate known near surface conductors as well as new potential deeper targets on the property, which were beyond the detection capability of previous airborne systems. The VTEM airborne system will also allow future drill testing to be conducted without the need for ground geophysical follow up. Contingent on results of the survey, the Company may consider a limited drill program and/or seek a potential joint venture partner for the project. Qualified Person Mr. Kevin Filo, P.Geo. (Ontario), is a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Filo approved the technical data disclosed in this release. FIGURE 1: Gowan project location map FIGURE 2: Gowan regional geology showing location to the Kidd Creek Mine FIGURE 3: Gowan regional map showing magnetic anomalies with nearby nickel deposits About Pelangio Pelangio acquires and explores world-class land packages, strategically located on prolific gold belts in Ghana, West Africa and Canada. In Ghana, the Company is exploring its two 100% owned camp-sized properties: the 100 km2 Manfo property, the site of seven near-surface gold discoveries and the Company's maiden gold resource, and the 284 km2 Obuasi property, located 4 km on strike and adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's prolific high-grade Obuasi Mine, as well as the newly optioned Dankran property located adjacent to its Obuasi property. In Canada, the Company is currently focused in Ontario on its Grenfell property, located 10 km from Kirkland Lake, at its Dome West property, situated some 800 meters from the Dome Mine in Timmins and is advancing its Hailstone property in Saskatchewan. See www.pelangio.com for further detail on all Pelangio's properties. For additional information, please visit our website at www.pelangio.com, or contact: Ingrid Hibbard, President and CEO Tel: 905-336-3828 / Toll-free: 1-877-746-1632 / Email: info@pelangio.com Forward Looking Statements Certain statements herein may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements or information appear in a number of places and can be identified by the use of words 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements and information include statements regarding the Company's strategy of acquiring large land packages in areas of sizeable gold mineralization, and the Company's ability to complete the planned exploration programs. With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, we have made numerous assumptions, including assumptions about the state of the equity markets. Such forward-looking statements and information are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Such risks include the changes in equity markets, share price volatility, volatility of global and local economic climate, gold price volatility, political developments in Ghana, and Canada, increases in costs, exchange rate fluctuations, speculative nature of gold exploration, including the risk that favourable exploration results may not be obtained, delays due to COVID-19 safety protocols, and other risks involved in the gold exploration industry. See the Company's annual and quarterly financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statement and information. There can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information referenced herein will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Also, many of the factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward- looking statements or information. We undertake no obligation to reissue or update any forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. All forward-looking statements and information herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Pelangio Exploration Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637076/Pelangio-Initiates-Airborne-Electromagnetic-Survey-Over-Gowan-Polymetallic-Project Public Service Program Takes Advantage of the Virtual Life This semester, despite it being an unusual one, Bowdoin Public Service (BPS) in Washington is providing a cohort of sophomores the opportunity to discover what working in government and public policy looks like in real life. "We have been able to develop and support a cohort and a robust experience despite the challenges of being entirely virtual," said Associate Director of the McKeen Center Sarah Chingos, who runs the Bowdoin Public Service Initiative. Designed for sophomores interested in public service, BPS in Washington is a seven-week seminar offered every spring to give students an immersive experience and close-up view of the federal government. But while COVID-19 has upended many aspects of the normal agenda, there has been an upside to the situation: Chingos has been able to cast her net widely to engage guest speakers from around the world and across the country. Three alumni Zoomed in from afar to talk to BPS students. From left to right: Morgan Browning 13, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education fellow at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Durham, North Carolina; Mariya Ilyas 13, vice consul at the US Embassy in Amman, Jordan; and Jeremy Arling 01, Lead Environmental Protection Specialist at the EPA in Washington, DC. Bowdoin in Washington Bowdoin Public Service in Washington is an intensive program for a dozen sophomores that begins at the start of the spring semester. It consists of a seven-week, on-campus seminar that covers the three branches of government, foreign policy, economic policy, national security, international development, campaigns, and other topics. In typical years, BPS culminates over spring break with a fast-paced, meeting-filled week in Washington, DC, in which students talk to elected, appointed, and career officials in all three branches of government at their place of work. Students travel around the city to speak with peoplemany of them alumniwho work at places like the Environmental Protection Agency, the State Department, the Capitol, and the Congressional Budget Office. Outside speakers are a critical element of BPS in Washington. During each seminar, Chingos invites professionals working in government or a related capacity to come to campus to talk about their careers, and how their work contributes to policy-making or influences some aspect of Americans' lives. "This year, we have more opportunities for geographic diversity with our speakers," she said. While most are based in DC, guests have Zoomed in from Jordan and North Carolina, too. The program's first speaker was Mariya Ilyas 13, the vice consul at the US Embassy in Jordan, who met with students on February 16. To accommodate the seven-hour time difference between Brunswick and Amman, BPS students Zoomed with Ilyas earlier in the afternoon than they usually meet. Ilyas chatted from her apartment. All of the students were in their dorm rooms. Nonetheless, they had a lively Q&A in which students asked many questions about her diplomacy work and how she got to where she is today. The virtual format created a slightly more relaxed group dynamic, Ilyas thought. "I actually think the presentation through a virtual setting allowed for a more intimate and less rushed experience," she said. "I hope what students took away from my talk is that it's not their major, but rather, their commitment to service that can lead to a career in international affairs," she added. Another development is that the program is now old enoughin its fourth yearthat Chingos can call on former BPS participants to meet with current students to offer "mini" professional development sessions, each about thirty minutes long. "We are starting to build a community of Bowdoin Public service alumni, and I am calling on these young professionals now," Chingos said. For instance, Artur Kalandarov 20, a research associate at the international consulting firm The Cohen Group, spoke about how to write a policy brief. Two alumniLaura Howells 20, a legal analyst with the global law firm Kobre & Kim, and Riena Harker 20, a paralegal with the National Environmental Law Centeroffered tips on finding public service internships. Chingos also replaced the written weekly reflective journal this year. Instead, she divided students into three smaller groups that meet weekly with their upperclass leader to discuss what they've heard and learned. This year, the leaders are Noelia Calcano 21, Chanel Matthews 21, and Milo Richards 21. Calcano said these in-person gatherings are a welcome change from having to meet virtually in almost every other school-related situation. Giving students the chance to get to know one another is important, she added, because one of the most valuable parts of BPS is that it forges a "community of people who are passionate about public service." "We're taking advantage of all the in-person experiences we can safely have," Calcano said. The major adjustment to this year's BPS in Washington program is that students weren't able to travel to DC over spring break because of COVID-19 protocols. Instead, the group spent two days at the Schiller Coastal Studies Center's new retreat facility. The twelve sophomores and three leaders, plus Chingos, each had their own bedroom, where they Zoomed with guest speakers. But they did share meals and came together to debrief in the large hall. And they gathered around the outside fire pit as a group. BPS students are meeting in smaller groups this semester, to comply with COVID-19 protocols as they discuss what they're learning. Chingos called the spring break retreat "Deep Dive DC." The students had meetings with nine alumni, including US Ambassador Thomas Pickering 53; Jorge Almonte 98, the assistant chief of the US Department of Justice's Tax Division; William Cohen 62, former secretary of defense; Emily Hubbard 07, assistant director at the US Department of Justice; and Kristin St. Peter 96, principal deputy general counsel at the Department of Defense. To encourage students to be well-prepared for all BPS meetings with diplomats, politicians, attorneys, chiefs of staff, and others, Chingos always appoints two sophomores to introduce each guest. They're responsible for researching their careers, coming up with questions, and moderating the conversation. "I really believe in the professional component of thisthat our students need to be prepared and to know who theyre talking to," she said. "Asking good questions is a key piece of this. If they were in-person, theyd be asked to show up professionally, and it is still an expectation." After BPS wraps up at the end of March, Chingos is encouraging the participants to apply for one of the fellowships Bowdoin offers every summer to support public service internships in Washington, DC. Additionally, Bowdoin supports several public service fellowships in Maine. The hope is that this program provides students with both the foundational tools and the introductory networks to begin to seriously consider the ways in which they might serve the common good throughout their professional lives, Chingos said. Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says it is still too early to talk about the 2023 general election, considering the countrys secur... Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, says it is still too early to talk about the 2023 general election, considering the countrys security challenges. On Saturday, the convoy of Ortom was attacked by gunmen, while on a visit to his farm. The incident was said to have occurred at Tyo Mu, along Makurdi-Gboko road, and has since drawn widespread condemnation from across the country. President Muhammadu Buhari had also called for an investigation into the attack. Speaking with journalists after meeting with Buhari at the state house in Abuja, on Tuesday, Ortom said Nigerians have to cut through political and ethnic lines in addressing insecurity. I want to appeal to Nigerians. 2023, yes to a politician, is not far but it is still a long way, he said. If we secure our country and everything is going fine, then we can talk about 2023. But the way things are going, if we dont secure the country, there is no way we can be talking about 2023. For me, I want us as leaders of this country we have taken oaths of office let us abide by those things we have said and work together as a team. Leave politics aside; leave ethnicity aside, and secure the country Nigeria. We have no other country than the Nigeria we live in. BUHARI HAS ACCEPTED MY RECOMMENDATIONS Ortom also disclosed that Buhari has accepted his recommendations on the measures to address the rising insecurity in the country. I have been able to recommend some measures and most of them agree that nobody should be a sacred cow, he said. If people are found wanting, they should be prosecuted by the police and I think this is good. The other time, he also gave an order for all those carrying AK-47, irrespective of where you come from, you should be shot on sight, and that is welcoming and it is the best thing to do in a situation like this. The order for the immigration and other security agencies to protect our borders, all these are commended. So, its not just enough to criticise the policies of the federal government or the president. When he does what is good, it is our responsibility to team up with him to ensure that that is done, because it is when we are peaceful and have security that we can talk about tomorrow. Foreign workers at Hanam Industrial Complex in in the southwestern city of Gwangju undergo COVID-19 tests at a temporary screening center in this March 15 photo. Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Foreign residents in many regions across the country are still subject to mandatory COVID-19 testing despite the state human rights watchdog's recommendation that local governments rescind their orders due to their discriminatory nature. Earlier this month, some local governments, including Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, issued administrative orders mandating coronavirus testing among all foreign workers in their jurisdictions, amid spikes in infections in the areas and at workplaces with a large number of foreign nationals. However, it drew a huge backlash from the foreign community, and Seoul has revised its order down to an advisory. However, the recommendation by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) is not being accepted anywhere other than in Seoul. According to a foreign national, identified as Caleb, who teaches at a Gwangju-based university, his school still told him last week to take the coronavirus test, even though he has been teaching virtually. "The requirement is frustrating. Not only did I feel targeted as a foreigner living in Korea, although I am a permanent resident and came to Korea in 2008, but the requirement made no sense, as I am not in a high-risk category when I teach at home," Caleb said. He said the number of COVID-19 cases in Gwangju has remained in single digits for weeks, but the city is still requiring foreigners to get tested. "What justification was there, other than two clusters in factories 300 kilometers away, for the Gwangju mayor and health authorities to tell non-Koreans to get tested? It was a clearly discriminatory policy, and so far the test results have shown a tiny number of positive tests out of thousands and thousands who were inconvenienced," he said. Caleb said it is a shameful situation as the NHRCK recommendation further highlights that the Gwangju municipality is simply following other municipalities and not fully considering local circumstances. On Monday, the NHRCK recommended local governments and the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters to establish and implement non-discriminatory quarantine policies. The recommendation came after orders made by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Gyeonggi Provincial Government earlier this month received a strong backlash from foreign residents here. Foreigners and Koreans waiting in line at a coronavirus testing center in the southern Seoul ward of Guro with a high population of foreigners, in this March 19 photo. Yonhap The Prince William 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. Police pulled over a driver in Kansas for going 149 mph. ADVERTISEMENT City of Overland Park, Kan., police clocked the woman's vehicle Sunday going 149 mph on I-435 near the U.S. 69 highway, which is more than double the legal limit. Police pulled her over and issued a citation. The officer asked the woman, "Do you know how fast you were going?" In response, the woman said, "when I looked down at the speedometer, I was doing 128 mph." Overland Park Police tweeted a message describing the incident and warning drivers to "Slow Down! Summerville, SC (29483) Today Mostly cloudy skies. High around 80F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. Have you ever thrown a camel? Camels are large and heavy animals, so it would be hard to do. But in the French-speaking Democratic Republic of the Congo, to throw a camel is a way of saying to make a spelling mistake. Heres how the phrase sounds in French. Lance un chameau. In the past, a phrase like that was not accepted by the French government as an official French term. But recently, the French Ministry of Culture worked on a new kind of dictionary that accepts the idea that many people outside of France speak the language. The language has changed over time and is different in places like Ivory Coast in West Africa or Quebec in Canada, compared to how it is in Paris. A new online dictionary, called the French speakers dictionary, includes new French words from around the world. It was released on March 18 just in time for International French Speakers Day on March 20. Supporters say the new internet dictionary is more democratic than earlier French dictionaries that only showed the way highly educated French people spoke. The new dictionary includes unofficial words like pourriel, which means an unwanted email if you are in Canada. It is a word based on courriel, which just means an email. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the idea of the dictionary in 2018. It now contains about 600,000 terms. Roselyne Bachelot is the French Culture Minister. She said the dictionary is not just for Frances 67 million citizens, but for the 300 million French speakers worldwide. The aim, supporters say, is to recognize the way language changes. Words and expressions included in the dictionary come from over 50 countries even from the United States. Some people in the southern U.S. state of Louisiana speak French. People can see the dictionary on a website or with an app. Users can also send in new words they think should be included. Official dictionaries produced by the French Academy in Paris were first published hundreds of years ago and are regularly updated. New words in the online dictionary will be scientifically studied by a group of experts. The crowdsourced information website, Wikipedia, is said to have served as a model. The internet dictionary, however, has a new part you cannot find in a book. If you live in Senegal, for example, you can search the dictionary, and it will give you the definition of a word based on its use in that country. Introducing the project in 2018, Macron said France needed to understand that it did not carry the destiny of the French language on its own. He added that France is a country among others that learns, speaks and writes in French. Louise Mushikiwabo is from Rwanda. She heads an international French-speaking organization. She proposed this word: Techniquer. In her country, it is used to describe the process of solving problems using limited resources. VOAs Lisa Bryant spoke with some people in Paris who speak French but are not from France. They liked the idea of the new dictionary. Nicole Sika is from Ivory Coast. She suggested two words should be added: Go which means a female friend, and zo which describes someone who is well-dressed. Other French dictionaries are changing, too. But this is the first time a dictionary supported by the French government has included words that are not often used in France. The French no longer have a monopoly on French, the French magazine LExpress wrote recently, and that is good news. Im Dan Friedell. Lisa Bryant wrote this story for VOA. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. Do you speak French? What are some words you would like to see in the new French dictionary? Tell us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story spell v. to say, write or print the letters of a word phrase n. a group of two or more words that express a single idea but do not usually form a complete sentence app n. a program that runs on a computer or mobile phone that performs a special function crowd-source v. to get information by asking a large group of people for a response destiny n. what will happen in the future; the thing that someone or something will experience in the future monopoly n. complete ownership or control of something Two nuns, along with their two novices, were forced to deboard a train in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi last Friday (March 19) by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who accused them of forced conversion. The nuns were allegedly heckled and harassed by ABVP workers. ABVP is the student wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is BJP's ideological patriarch. Ajay Shankar Tiwari, an ABVP worker who was travelling on the same train as the nuns, alleged that he saw the two nuns speaking to the young girls and doubted that they were trying to convert them. He then told his fellow ABVP workers and Hindu Jagran members who arrived at Jhansi station to force the nuns off the train. Soon after, the railway police reached the location and took the nuns to the police station. However, when the police cross-examined the nuns and their postulates, they discovered that the ABVP workers' claim was wrong as the two postulates were carrying their baptism cards issued in 2003. Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday, March 24, wrote a missive to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to take strict action against those involved in the shocking incident. Pinarayi Vijayan stated in the letter that the nuns were reportedly "harassed and intimidated by around 150 Bajrang Dal activists" and were also mistreated by the railway police. "It is reported that the nuns and the postulates were forcefully removed from the train by the Jhansi police without the presence of women police officials and despite nuns showing their Aadhaar ID cards, the police did not accept those cards stating that they are fake. It was only after the matter was taken up with higher officials and after the intervention of Lucknow IG of Police, the nuns and the postulates were released from the police station at around 11 PM," the Kerala CM's letter to Shah read. Harassment of nuns in UP is shocking. Indian citizens' fundamental rights have been violated. @BajrangdalOrg & @Uppolice have tarnished India's image and our ancient tradition of religious tolerance. Wrote to @HMOIndia requesting intervention, so that authorities take action. pic.twitter.com/H9IMAupesd a Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) March 24, 2021 Pinarayi Vijayan further said that the incident infringed upon Indian citizens' fundamental rights and tarnished the country's image and its ancient tradition of religious tolerance and practice. The Kerala CM also appealed to the Union Home Minister to take immediate action against those responsible. Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the latter to instruct authorities to bring offenders to book at the earliest so that such incidents don't happen in the future. Meanwhile, promising action in the matter, Shah said strict action would be taken against the perpetrators. Speaking at an election rally on Wednesday, the home minister said, "Those involved in the Jhansi nuns' harassment incident will be brought before the law." In a sudden and surprising development in March last year, India closed its consulates in Jalalabad and Herat. Jalalabad is 65 km from the Torkham border crossing with Pakistan, and Herat about 120 km from Iran. Though there was no official statement, one newspaper reported that a high-level security group had recommended closure over heightened security threats and Covid-related concerns. The closure was said to be temporary, and reopening would await a review. India has had consulates at these cities even in the years when fighting raged. Jalalabad has characteristics that make it unique. An adage is that the road to Kabul runs through Kandahar. Whilst that makes Kandahar the fulcrum, it is Jalalabad which is the cultural capital. It is a city of poets where every street has its share of poets. Afghans love poetry and have a couplet for every conceivable occasion. This is the city that Pakistan covets. Founded by Mughal emperor Babur, it gets its name from his grandson Jalaluddin Akbar. It is where foreign invaders were tested in the Great Game -- the phrase made famous by Rudyard Kipling in his book Kim. It was here that the Anglo-Afghan wars played out. The British military suffered its greatest disaster at Gandamak, 40 km away, losing 16,000 men in the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42). The British commander, Maj Gen Elphinstone, died in captivity and was buried in an unmarked grave in Jalalabad. In the Second Anglo-Afghan war (1878), it was the Afghans who were bested and forced to sign an agreement, again at Gandamak, ceding Quetta, Pishin, Sibi, Harnai, Kurram and Khyber to the Raj and surrendering control over foreign relations. This was formalised, in 1893, through an agreement signed by Sir Mortimer Durand and Emir Abdur Rehman Khan demarcating the border between British India and Afghanistan. This created a buffer between Tsarist Russia and Imperial Britains possessions. In the process, it split the Pashtun heartland, dividing tribes and families, and the area ceded by Afghanistan became the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP). The Afghans never reconciled to their lands becoming part of Pakistan when the British withdrew and opposed Pakistans inclusion in the UN. This is part of the reason for Pakistans fear that this lingering problem could fuel Pashtun nationalism. Jalalabad tested even the Soviets. The Afghan Armys 9th Division virtually all crossed over to the Mujahideen. To relieve pressure on Jalalabad, the Soviets brought a young Uzbek commander, Abdul Rashid Dostum, into the frontline to lift the siege of Khost. The siege was more of an ISI operation. Dostum impressed the Soviets but deserted Najibullah once they left. In early March 1989, it was Pakistans turn. The ISI strong-armed the Mujahideen into assembling a 10,000-strong force and helped plan a massed attack on Jalalabad. The Mujahideen, unused to such tactics, were routed, losing an estimated 3,000. Another 15,000 civilians were killed and about 10,000 had to flee. The Mujahideen never recovered from Jalalabad, according to the ISIs Brig Mohammad Yusuf (in his book The Bear Trap). The setback allowed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to sack the DG-ISI and replace him with a hand-picked retired major general. Strategic importance Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. To the north is Kunar, where the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) is active; to the south is Loya Paktika, comprising the provinces of Khost, Paktiya and Paktika -- long considered Haqqani Network territory. It is this swathe that Pakistan has long sought to control. Pakistan has never hidden how crucial eastern Afghanistan is to its plan to convert the country into a client state -- to contain Pashtun nationalism and to formalise control over the Durand Line. It is here that the predominantly Pakistani Punjabi LeT was born and the terror groups that operated in India were trained. There are other reasons why Jalalabad is important for Islamabad. Pakistan is water-stressed. The River Kabul, which flows through Jalalabad, is the source of water to Peshawar and the fertile Peshawar valley. There is also a dam across the river at Warsak and it then goes on to augment the flow of the Indus at Attock. Jalalabad is where the Frontier Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, spent seven years in exile. Though he died in Pakistan, he chose to be buried in Jalalabad. The Soviets and the Mujahideen declared a ceasefire for his burial in 1988 and permitted both Afghan President Najibullah and Shankar Dayal Sharma, Indias then vice president, to attend the funeral. Pakistan has long sought the closure of the Jalalabad consulate, arguing that it is from there that India dabbles in Pakistans internal affairs. This has been the refrain since Nehrus days. Pakistan even complained to the US which, in a self-appointed role of regional monitor, concluded that there was no evidence of the consulates doing anything more than routine consular functions. The reality is that the consulate is small, and so boxed in that, given security considerations, its outreach and access is limited. It is essentially a flag post. Pakistans complaints persist for reasons that have more to do with hegemonic interests than any real fears. They view continued Indian presence there as detrimental to their plans. Pakistans strategic doctrine Pakistan has long coveted Afghan real estate influenced first by British soldier and diplomat Sir William Kerr Fraser-Tytler, who argued, shortly after Partition, that history suggests a fusion (of Afghanistan and Pakistan) will take place, if not peacefully, then by force. In the 1950s, Ayub Khan proposed a federation of the two. Finding no purchase, he expanded it to suggest a confederation of the Muslim contiguous states of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey. The rationale being that a confederation would provide Pakistan with the resources and numbers to stand up to India. Later, during the Soviet intervention, Pakistans support to the Mujahideen was justified as necessary to prevent encirclement by India and Soviet-backed Afghanistan. In the late 80s, Gen Mirza Aslam Beg, Pakistans then Chief of Army Staff, used the term strategic depth to suggest an area where Pakistan could relocate arms and personnel to absorb an initial thrust and regroup in the eventuality of an Indian attack. As a concept, this is militarily bankrupt, it gives no thought to the fate of Pakistans 200 million citizens while its military could safely regroup. Then, in 2010, then Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani argued that strategic depth was to safeguard Pakistans western borders by having a peaceful, friendly and stable relationship with Afghanistan. This meant, he elaborated, that Afghan institutions, including the army and police, should be kept in check so that they do not pose a threat to Pakistans strategic interests. Essentially, this is an alternative to the land-grab thesis using a different argument and intended to transform Afghanistan into a client state beholden to the Pakistan military. One reason for Pakistan now assisting in the rapprochement between Kabul and the Taliban is that it gets to push for its favourites into controlling that part of the Durand Line extending from Kunar to Loya Pakhtika. They will also seek that a Haqqani nominee be appointed as Minister of Frontier Affairs and that they exercise some say over the appointment of governors to these provinces. The argument would be that Pakistan needs to safeguard its interests, and the US is simply too tired to argue and will see it as a small price to pay. Wrong signal While security is a worrisome factor, the consulate, which was shut during the Taliban years, has lived through equally bad times, being attacked four times since it was re-opened in 2001. There were grenade attacks in 2007 and 2013, a suicide attack in 2015, and a more serious one in 2018. Covid certainly is a reality, but the pandemic is not as big a factor as earlier anticipated. There is also limited interaction between the consulate staff and the locals. Whatever may be the reason security, Covid or whether we wilted under pressure or whether financial considerations forced a closure, the fact is that it sends wrong signals. But then a truism, which the city of poets is painfully aware of, is that nothing ever goes according to script in Afghanistan. (The writer, a former special secretary, R&AW, is with the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru) (Newser) The son of a billionaire industrialist and brother of a former Utah governor and US ambassador is suing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for fraud. James Huntsman, brother of Jon Huntsman, claims the Mormon church spent members' tithes on commercial purposes, rather than charity. This allegation was also included in a 2019 complaint made to the IRS. Former investment manager David Nielsen said the church's investment division, Ensign Peak Advisors, had amassed $100 billion in tax-exempt donations but had not "directly funded any religious, educational or charitable activities in 22 years," per the Washington Post. Nielsen further claimed $2 billion in tithing funds was used to bail out an insurance company and shopping mall in which the church had vested interests. James Huntsman's federal suit, filed Tuesday in California, demands the return of at least $5 million in donations. story continues below Rather than using tithing funds for the promised purposes, the LDS Corporation secretly lined its own pockets by using the funds to develop a multibillion-dollar commercial real estate and insurance empire," the suit reads, per the Salt Lake Tribune. It adds the church repeatedly refused the return of donations, "effectively taking the position that it could do whatever it wanted with tithing funds," per the Post. Though Mormons are expected to pay 10% of their income to the church, "tithing funds are voluntary contributions used for a broad array of religious purposes," from missionary work to building construction, church rep Eric Hawkins tells the Post. He adds the suit claims are "baseless," pointing to 2003 comments from former church president Gordon B. Hinckley, who claimed funds for the shopping mall came from "commercial entities" and "earnings of invested reserve funds." (Read more Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stories.) North Dakota's State Capitol is seen in a file photograph in Bismarck, N.D. (Google Maps) North Dakota Senate Rejects Bill Limiting Voting Time to 30 Minutes North Dakotas Senate rejected a measure on March 23 that would have required voters to submit their ballots within 30 minutes if they receive the ballot while on line after the polls closed. The provision in House Bill 1189 was inserted to prevent voters from sitting for long periods of time after the polls are closed, which delays the transmission of the results by hours, senators said. Nobody should be able to sit for hours, state Sen. Shawn Vedaa, a Republican who chairs the bodys Government and Veterans Affairs Committee, said before the vote. The bill would have also instituted a three-hour time limit for polling places to deliver election results to county courthouses. After critics said a 90-minute limit in the original version was too harsh, the limit in the measure was amended. Vedaa said on the Senate floor: Were just asking that three hours be in there. Its something for them to shoot for. If theres an emergency or bad weather, it states right in code that thats OK, well make an exception. State Sen. Mark Weber, a Republican, told colleagues that the deadline is problematic because the distance from polling places to courthouses is as far as 60 miles in some counties. Adding a time limit will only exacerbate the level of stress when closing the polls at the end of a 13-hour day, to then tabulate the results and ensure they are accurate, not to mention speeding down the highway late at night to get to the courthouse on time, he said. Weber and 31 other senators ultimately voted against the measure; 14 senators voted for it. The states lower chamber passed the bill last month in a 6529 vote. 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. Credit: Stanford University It wipes out entire communities in a matter of moments, weakens our lungs and even taints our drinking water, yet federal strategy to combat wildfires remains outdated and largely ineffective. The Biden Administration has an opportunity to rewrite the playbook on combatting wildfires, according to Stanford University science and policy experts whose research on a range of related issues points toward bipartisan solutions. "We have a wildfire pandemic," said Michael Wara, director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. "The most important thing we need to recognize is that our natural lands require investment and active management to be thriving ecosystems and provide the nature-based services we depend on them for. We have disinvested and neglected these lands for too long and are paying the price today." To Americans who lived amid smoky air and eerily glowing skies this past year, it's no secret that wildfires have become increasingly destructive. Across the West, conflagrations ravaged an area almost twice the size of New Jersey in 2020and accounted for up to half of all air pollution in the region. Historically a phenomenon of the summer and early fall, wildfires have broken out almost every month in recent years, thanks to a drier, hotter climate. Still, the agencies that manage much of the region's wildlands have been constrained by a traditional focus on fighting fire rather than letting it burn where necessary, limited budgets for prevention efforts and growing development next to wilderness areas, among other obstacles. Fire as a solution Perhaps the most important shift the federal government can make is to alter its longstanding ethos of fire suppression above all else, according to Stanford researchers. Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, are funded and staffed primarily to fight large fires, rather than prevent them from happening in the first place. That approach has led to massive accumulations of wood and plant fuels in forests. Stanford research led by Tony Marks-Block has found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies and livelihoods, while cost-effectively reducing wildfire risks. "The time-tested technology that California Indians used for millennia is prescribed fire, and as many Indigenous fire leaders say, we need to embrace fire instead of fear it," said Marks-Block, who received his doctorate in anthropology from Stanford in 2020, and is now an assistant professor at California State University, East Bay. Decentralized associations of landowners that cooperate on prescribed burns already exist in California, but government support is required before the practice can be rapidly expanded across private and public lands. "If state and federal governments invested the amount of money they spend on wildfire suppression for prescribed fire, wildfires would be much less costly and damaging in the long-run," Marks-Block said. Closer cooperation between private landowners and state agencies that manage adjacent forests on vegetation management and firefighting will also be key, according to Bruce Cain, a professor of political science in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences and the Spence and Cleone Eccles Family Director of The Bill Lane Center for the American West. Because land use is a state and local matter, the federal government needs to encourage more prevention efforts through grants and expedite regulatory procedures that incentivize prescribed burns. Ensuring that prescribed burns maximize risk reduction and ecological benefits will require high-quality simulations of fire risk and impacts. The federal government should develop and make available so-called "catastrophe modeling" tools for use by its agencies and communities on or near federal lands, according to Wara. Similarly, the Biden administration could build on existing proposed federal legislation to provide grants for community-wide defensible space and home protection, according to Rebecca Miller, a Ph.D. student in the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources within the Stanford School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences who has published work outlining a range of approaches to significantly increase the deployment of prescribed burns in California. This could also support much-needed local, broad-scale wildfire protection efforts in high-risk communities. Promising technology Long-term chemical retardants, such as a Stanford-developed hydrogel formulation, could go a long way toward helping prevent wildfire ignitions in known high-risk areas, such as roadsides and utilities infrastructure. These technologies could also support controlled burns by protecting critical infrastructure within the burn area, or by helping to prevent fire escape. "Every year we hear the same refrain: If only catastrophic fires could be prevented in the first place," said Eric Appel, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering and a fellow in the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Earmarked federal dollars and streamlined environmental reviews would dramatically boost the use of such prophylactic solutions, according to Appel. Currently, the U.S. Forest Service evaluates long-term retardants, but primarily for fighting fires that have already started. There is no clear mechanism for regulation of prophylactic solutions, so agencies tend to "pass the buck" rather than apply the technology, Appel said. "We need to clarify who is responsible." Congressional support While preventive efforts, such as prescribed burns and retardant treatments, are essential, bipartisan congressional support may not come easy. In that case, the Biden administration should focus on organizational and leadership change to realign priorities of federal land managers, according to Wara. New leaders could shift organizations' approaches to recognize positive ecological and societal roles that "good" fire plays on the landscape, and do everything possible to facilitate its presence so "bad" fire can't get a toehold. Changing mindsets While governmental agencies may sometimes be slow to adapt, there are strong signs that Westerners are ready for a new storyline when it comes to wildfires. A survey conducted by Cain and others showed that people's personal experience with wildfires may lessen partisan differences over climate policy. A soon-to-be-published study led by Gabrielle Wong-Parodi echoes the finding, linking people's firsthand fire experience with an increased likelihood to take actions, such as supporting carbon tax policies, that could eventually lessen the likelihood of wildfires. "Policymakers who want to change the trajectory of wildfire destruction would do well to tap into people's lived experience," said Wong-Parodi, an assistant professor of Earth system science in Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences. "It's hard to underestimate how powerfully these fires have altered people's lives and outlooks." Explore further Setting fires to avoid fires: Study outlines approaches to enable more prescribed burns More information: Tony Marks-Block et al. Revitalized Karuk and Yurok cultural burning to enhance California hazelnut for basketweaving in northwestern California, USA, Fire Ecology (2021). Tony Marks-Block et al. Revitalized Karuk and Yurok cultural burning to enhance California hazelnut for basketweaving in northwestern California, USA,(2021). DOI: 10.1186/s42408-021-00092-6 New Delhi, 24 March : Participating in a debate on the Finance Bill 2021 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Deepender Singh Hooda, the Congress MP from Haryana, targeted the economic policies of the Central government and said the Centred had pinned the blame of economic failures on Covid-19 pandemic. Hooda alleged the economy has derailed due to the wrong policies of the Central government. Mismanagement during of demonetisation, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Covid-19 has forced the economy to be put on ventilator support. India was the among the countries with the highest decline in GDP due to Covid-19. Hooda said,"What was the pace of the economy during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule and what is it now during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) dispensation? The 10-year average GDP growth during the UPA government was 7.8 per cent. If we were to consider the base year of calculating GDP today, it would be 11 per cent. While the six-year pre-covid period from 2014 to 2020 had witnessed a GDP growth rate of 6.8 per cent. This means that the growth rate has reduced rather than increase." The son of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that any economy stands on four legs -- consumption and demand, investment, export and government expenditure. Comparing these four indicators, the economy's condition during the UPA and NDA regimes becomes clear. Hooda further said,"If you compare the 10-year UPA dispensation and six years of NDA rule the industrial investment growth rate at the time of UPA was 14 per cent, today it has come drastically down to only two per cent. The rate of credit and bank loans was 13 per cent at the time of UPA, it has come down now to four per cent. The private consumption growth ie demand, which was 24 per cent at the time of UPA, has now come down to nine per cent. The corporate sales growth rate was 12 per cent at the time of the UPA, today it has halted at just three per cent in the last six years." The Congress MP said that since demonetisation, the economy started derailing, GST broke the backbone of the economy but mismanagement during the Coronavirus pandemic has led the economy to the intensive care unit. Hooda said Arvind Subramanian, who was the Chief Economic Advisor to the Modi government, had said in 2020 that the economic slump was not a common situation. "Since the last 30 years, the country has not witnessed such a slowdown. However, the Central government deliberately attempted to blame the economic failures on Covid-19 pandemic." Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Communications Group , a Millwright agency, is now the public relations agency of record for Seraph, a leading global consulting firm. Founded in 2011, Seraph Consulting is a management consultancy which improves enterprise strategy for its clients. Companies in the automotive, electronics, energy infrastructure, engineering, manufacturing and medical device sectors turn to Seraph for crisis management, engineering excellence, equity and due diligence, relocation and consolidation, and restructuring and turnaround services. "Our company sits at a rapid growth juncture as everyone from high volume manufacturers to logistics providers are restructuring the way they do business. Because of this, we knew it was critical to bring on a public relations agency with best-in-class aptitude and the analytical tenacity to expand our brand awareness and fortify our thought leadership efforts," said Ambrose Conroy, founder and CEO of Seraph. Seraph will be leveraging the Warner team to elevate its brand awareness on the global stage and advance its thought leadership to reinforce the company and its executives as foremost experts in accelerated transformation scenario success. "Warner is fueled by companies with a clear purpose and Seraph has an incredibly rich story to tell as a global leader with breakthrough insights and solutions," said Erin Vadala, president of Warner Communications Group. "Once we learned about the capabilities and the team at Seraph, we saw limitless potential to leverage our expertise and relationships in the B2B space to help amplify Seraph's story." About Seraph Seraph is a global expertise-driven consulting and turnaround firm that reaches into the heart of an enterprise's strategy and applies its unique experience, steering toward reliable improvement. The company helps a variety of clients across the industrial base operate at scale, from high-volume manufacturers to logistics providers.Seraph takes a pragmatic and collaborative approach when working with clients to ensure that regardless of any operational disruption, a company is positioned for an opportunity to thrive. www.seraph.com About Warner Communications Warner Communications Group, (a Millwright agency), is an award-winning integrated marketing communications agency based in Boston, with offices in San Francisco and New York. The agency holds expertise across a broad range of industries, including: supply chain and logistics, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, B2B, technology, professional services, and consumer engagement. Driven to expand visibility, establish credibility, and build trust in brands while creating programs that move customers to action and achieve measurable results for clients, Warner is known for its commitment to delivering unmatched creativity, program results and client service. www.warnerpr.com | Twitter: @WarnerPR | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/warner-communications . Media Contact: Erin Vadala, President Warner Communications [email protected] ; 978-468-3076 SOURCE Warner Communications Group Related Links http://www.warnerpr.com Smoke billows at the site of the Rohingya refugee camp where fire broke out in Cox's Bazar, (Photo : REUTERS/Stringer) At least 15 people have been killed in a massive fire that ripped through a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, while at least 400 remain missing, the U.N. refugee agency said on Tuesday. "It is massive, it is devastating," said UNHCR's Johannes Van der Klaauw, who joined a Geneva briefing virtually from Dhaka, Bangladesh. "We still have 400 people unaccounted for, maybe somewhere in the rubble." Advertisement He said the UNHCR had reports of more than 550 people injured and about 45,000 displaced. Bangladeshi officials are investigating the cause of the blaze even as emergency and aid workers and families sift through the debris looking for further victims. The fire ripped through the Balukhali camp near the southeastern town of Cox's Bazar late on Monday, burning through thousands of shanties as people scrambled to save their meagre possessions. "Everything has gone. Thousands are without homes," Aman Ullah, a Rohingya refugee from the Balukhali camp, told Reuters. "The fire was brought under control after six hours but some parts of the camp could be seen smoking all night long." Authorities in Bangladesh have so far confirmed 11 deaths. Some 40,000 huts in the camp were burned down, said Mohammad Mohsin, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, after visiting the camp. Two major hospitals of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Turkish government were also destroyed, he told reporters in Cox's Bazar. "A seven-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter," he said. Sanjeev Kafley, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies's delegation head in Bangladesh, said more than 17,000 shelters had been destroyed and tens of thousands of people displaced. More than a thousand Red Cross staff and volunteers worked with fire services to extinguish the blaze, spread over four sections of the camp containing roughly 124,000 people, he said. That represents around one-tenth of an estimated 1 million Rohingya refugees in the area, Kafley said. "I have been in Cox's Bazar for three-and-a-half years and have never seen such a fire," he told Reuters. "These people have been displaced two times. For many, there is nothing left." BARBED WIRE Some witnesses said that barbed wire fencing around the camp trapped many people, hurting some and leading international humanitarian agencies to call for its removal. Humanitarian organization Refugees International, which estimated 50,000 people had been displaced, said the extent of the damage may not be known for some time. "Many children are missing, and some were unable to flee because of barbed wire set up in the camps," it said in a statement. John Quinley of Fortify Rights, a rights organization working with Rohingya, said he had heard similar reports, adding the fences had hampered the distribution of humanitarian aid and vital services at the camps in the past. "The government must remove the fences and protect refugees," Quinley said. "There have now been a number of large fires in the camps including a large fire in January this year... The authorities must do a proper investigation into the cause of the fires." The vast majority of the people in the camps fled Myanmar in 2017 amid a military-led crackdown on the Rohingya that U.N. investigators said was executed with "genocidal intent", charges Myanmar denies. W&M strategic planning to put vision into action Vision into Action: Community members were invited to be part of a six-week reflection process and to provide feedback for use in the next stage, which will be called Vision into Action. Feedback will be collected through April 30. Photo by Stephen Salpukas Photo - of - Hide Caption Returning to a strategic planning process that was paused a year ago for COVID-19, William & Mary leadership outlined updates to the final phase of planning during a virtual community conversation Monday. Community members were invited to be part of a six-week reflection process and to provide feedback for use in the next stage, which will be called Vision into Action. Feedback will be collected through April 30. A year into pandemic, we have seen profound changes in our community both in how we have operated and what we have accomplished, said W&M President Katherine A. Rowe. And this is the right time to start taking stock of how weve changed. So, with hope and commitment, Im restarting the strategic planning process that we paused. Todays community conversation kicks off a defined period of reflection for the community thats the rhythm of this restart, she said, explaining the necessity of taking stock before setting priorities and moving to focused action. Phase III: Vision into Action The community conversation with Rowe on March 22 featured Peggy Agouris, provost and co-chair of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee; Carl Friedrichs, Glucksman Professor and associate director, Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia; Cathy Forestell, director of neuroscience and associate professor of psychological sciences; and Suzanne Raitt, Chancellor Professor of English. Friedrichs, Forestell and Raitt each served as co-chair of a Strategic Planning Steering Committee subcommittee that produced three environmental scan white papers earlier in the planning process on the topics of teaching & learning, research & innovation and flourishing & engagement. Looking back on those white papers is the first step of restarting strategic planning work, Rowe said. Pandemic has served as a stress test for the work completed in phases I and II of the planning process. Rowe invited the whole community into this reflection process. Speakers focused on three questions: During pandemic, how have our assumptions changed and matured? What do we want to carry forward from this year? What do we now want to lay aside? Rowe gave a new timeline for phase III of strategic planning . After six weeks of reflection this spring, in May, the white paper co-authors will play back to the community what leadership has learned, then deliver the results of community feedback to the Presidents Cabinet for focused priority-setting. The President will bring a high-level set of priorities to the Board of Visitors in the summer and formally publish these priorities together with two new key initiatives, Rowe said. One is to focus on a three-year action plan that corresponds to the challenging phase of recovery after pandemic and the other is to invite every unit and department that wishes to do so to create its own three-year action plan to support the university-wide initiatives. What we learned, what we carry forward Rowe added a third goal to the overall aims of strategic planning: to gain positive momentum from whats been learned under pandemic. Guests kicked off the conversation by exploring the three questions Rowe posed and discussing their perspectives on how the planning process has been impacted by what theyve seen during the past year. COVID-19s social restrictions showed that people in the campus community like being together and on campus, which further emphasized the W&M value of belonging, Agouris said. The university learned the distinct value of convening in-person and its impact on building community, said Agouris, adding students, faculty and staff also learned how to be more flexible as conditions dictated. Rowe asked how participants thinking has evolved since they worked on their white papers. Forestell commented on how well they held up and that regarding remote learning, the pandemic has provided a new level of comfort while also highlighting challenges and pitfalls. Some aspects of the white paper now really jump out at me, Raitt said, discussing the issues of diversity, equity and social justice that have come to the fore in the past year and the pandemics more severe impacts on some populations. As far as additions to what was previously highlighted in the papers, Raitt said that people had to make changes very fast. She added that we learned patience is important because change is hard. I thought that innovation in the use of virtual technology went so quickly and went so well considering how hard it was; I was really amazed, Friedrichs said. Its was almost like we went five years in technology in only one year. Higher educations role Asked what may have been missed, Raitt said that while W&M flourished, it lost the kind of engagement normally felt in the community. Moving forward, Raitt added, people can use the public health example to build on increasing all forms of responsibility to one another. Agouris mentioned the absence of many international students in the campus community was a difference that was felt, and that she has emphasized that loss as one of the things thats been noticeably different about the past year. Looking toward emerging from the pandemic, Agouris assessed that colleges and universities have seen their value highlighted in many ways. She mentioned that there have been numerous W&M partnerships in the community, including Raymond A. Mason School of Business students assisting local businesses and School of Education students and staff supporting local K-12 teachers and students. So overall, this is the silver lining in a very difficult crisis for the world, the fact that higher education emerged not only as a passive supporter but as an active contributor to the pathway towards the exit out of this pandemic, Agouris said. Members of the community are invited to review the white papers and provide reflections on the strategic planning website. LAS VEGAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Insider777 (www.insider777.com), the invitation-only hotel booking platform, has launched the perfect tool to help hospitality industry insiders generate business, increase revenue, and deliver exceptional client value. With Insider777's brand-new platform, Las Vegas travel Insiders VIP hosts, convention organizers, event planners, travel agents and celebrity influencers have a multifaceted tool for mobilizing and maximizing their post-pandemic recovery initiatives. Will Carter, a hospitality Insider who works as a Las Vegas VIP host, invites contacts to his Insider777 page. Will's clients are thrilled that he can save them an average of 30 percent on every hotel stay. Will enjoys the industry-best commission he earns on every booking they make. Insider777 gives hospitality industry Insiders complete access to their invited members' hotel details including contact information, bookings and commissions. Armed with this insight, they can offer superior concierge services and deliver personalized attention to every client. The company's pilot program included more than 100 Insiders. They referred over 12,000 members in less than five months. While eye-opening, these figures only scratch the surface. Insider777 has identified over 35,000 potential hospitality Insider partners in Las Vegas alone. In addition to Vegas, Insider777 has targeted more than 380,000 hospitality Insider partners in the four other markets it is focusing on over the next 12 months: Los Angeles, San Diego, New York, and Miami. Those locations receive some 200 million visitors each year and produce approximately $25 billion in room revenue for the hotel industry. Insider777 enables hospitality professionals to deliver superior concierge services to travelers: Insiders invite clients to access the platform through their co-branded Insider777 page. Members book discounted rates for vacations, conventions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings and other occasions at more than a half-million properties worldwide. The platform confirms the booking and automatically notifies the Insider and credits his or her commission. Phil Rosen, Insider777's founder and chief executive officer, is a former independent event organizer and VIP host in Las Vegas. He saw first-hand the demand for a better way that event organizers, travel agents and hospitality professionals could assist customers in securing hotel accommodations. "Using my Insider status, I negotiated with all the major Strip and downtown hotels to offer but not advertise to the public prices much lower than the 'Best Available Rates,' advertised by online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline," Rosen explained. "Insider777 is so confident in its rates that if a member finds a lower published rate elsewhere, the company will beat it by five percent." ABOUT INSIDER777 Insider777 is a Delray Beach, Fla.-based, invitation-only online hotel booking platform. It has developed a proprietary software application and leveraged relationships with 500,000 hotels and industry insiders around the world to offer members the lowest rates available. To learn more, visit www.insider777.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Phil Rosen, CEO Insider777 702-666-8899 [email protected] SOURCE Insider777 OTTAWA - Canada is imposing new sanctions on nine top Russian officials over what Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau describes as gross and systemic human-rights abuses, including the attempted assassination and jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau waits for a virtual meeting to begin with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Ottawa, Friday February 26, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Canada is imposing new sanctions on nine top Russian officials over what Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau describes as gross and systemic human-rights abuses, including the attempted assassination and jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The new sanctions announced Wednesday follow similar measures taken by the United States and European Union three weeks ago in response to Navalny's treatment and concerns about Russias human-rights situation. That includes the detentions of thousands of protesters over the past two months, many of whom had taken to the streets in support of Navalny. "The Russian government has repeatedly shown its unwillingness to respect the basic rights of its own people and address concerns raised on multiple occasions by the international community," Garneau said in a statement. "Alongside our partners, Canada will continue to increase pressure on the Russian government to unconditionally release Mr. Navalny and his supporters who have been unlawfully detained. Russias gross human-rights violations will not go unanswered." Russia has previously promised to retaliate against the American and European sanctions. Those targeted by Canada on Wednesday include two officials in Russian President Vladimir Putins office as well as the head of the countrys security service, its prosecutor general and the director of Russias penitentiary system. The list also includes two top figures in the Russian defence department and the head of the countrys national guard. Navalny has emerged as the main political challenger to Putin, who has led Russia for most of the past 20 years. Navalny has repeatedly spoken out against corruption at the top of the Russian government, charges Putin has denied. Navalny was hospitalized in Germany last fall after what has been described as an attempted assassination attempt. Germany subsequently accused Russia of having poisoned him with a nerve agent during a visit to Siberia in August. The Kremlins denials of any involvement were met with skepticism at the time from Canada and its allies. Navalny eventually recovered and returned to Russia in January, where he was immediately arrested, on what critics have described as politically motivated charges, and sentenced in February to more than two years in a penal colony. Thousands of pro-Navalny protesters were arrested while he was being tried, with some figures putting the number as high as 10,000, part of what human-rights groups have described as the continuing deterioration of human rights in Russia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. AG Dana Nessel Announces Partnership with Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science at Ferris State University AG Dana Nessel Announces Partnership with Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science at Ferris State University Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-512-9342 Attorney General March 24, 2021 LANSING - The Department of Attorney General has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science at Ferris State University, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today. The Department of Attorney General regularly conducts investigations that involve issues of cybersecurity and information technology. The Center for Cybersecurity and Data Science (CCDS) at Ferris State University (FSU) is comprised of experts in the field of cybersecurity. The MOU will allow the CCDS to provide volunteer consulting services to the Attorney Generals Office to help combat crime. The CCDS is comprised of faculty from FSUs Information and Security Intelligence program. This partnership is a unique opportunity for my office to augment our resources to fight crime across all platforms, said Nessel. Sophisticated criminals use technology to perpetrate crimes that range from consumer exploitation to domestic terrorism. I am fully committed to leveraging available resources in the field of cybersecurity to pursue and prosecute those criminals. The Information and Security Intelligence (ISI) program at FSU is the only accredited cybersecurity program in Michigan. The program is a National Security Agency (NSA) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and was the first university program in the United States to be designated a Department of Defense Center of Digital Forensic Academic Excellence. The program includes one faculty member who is embedded in the Michigan State Police Cyber Crime unit; two who are licensed professional investigators in the field of digital forensics; and a faculty member who is part of the Michigan MIC3, which is the State of Michigans Civilian Cyber Corp organization. The ISI program is lead by Dr. Greg Gogolin. Gogolin was the initial author of both the ISI undergraduate and graduate degree programs, which are ranked in the top 25 nationally. He is a Distinguished Professor and Fulbright Scholar (Universidad de Chile), and has taught in Latin American, Asia and Europe. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with the Attorney General's office. I admire the determination that Attorney General Nessel possesses, particularly in the current environment. The challenges in cybercrime are significant, and we want people to feel confident that cybercrime will not continue unabated," said Gogolin. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved funding for a new building at FSU to house the Center for Virtual Learning in 2020. The Center will include secured evidence rooms, examination rooms, presentation rooms and Faraday rooms. Faraday rooms are secured from network and radio transmission, which is necessary when performing examination and experiments on things such as cell phones, mobile devices and malware analysis. This will be the only Faraday room in the State of Michigan. 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. [March 24, 2021] Alation State of Data Culture Report Reveals Barriers in Adopting Artificial Intelligence The old axiom "garbage in, garbage out," is a key concern as enterprises ramp their Artificial Intelligence initiatives. According to the new quarterly Alation State of Data Culture Report out today, 87% of respondents say data quality issues are a barrier to successful implementation of AI in their organizations, with 46% saying they are very or extremely concerned. The report also found that just 8% of the data professionals surveyed say AI is being used across their organizations; 68% say AI is being used in some parts of the business. Produced by Wakefield Research for Alation, the leader in enterprise data intelligence solutions, the Alation State of Data Culture Report provides a quarterly assessment of the progress enterprises have made in creating a data culture, the challenges they face in embracing data-driven decision-making, and the progress they have made in leveraging data to drive business value. Among other key findings in the report: Inherent bias creates risk. 87% percent say that inherent biases in data being used in AI produce discriminatory results, creating risk for organizations. Solutions to this risk include: Better modeling skills among analysts (42%) Better curation and governance (38%) Better literacy and understanding of data (38%) Collecting data from more and more varied sources (36%) Cataloging data for visibility (35%) Core diversity in employees (35%) Ability to crowdsource information (35%) Stricter scrutiny of outcomes (33%) 87% percent say that inherent biases in data being used in AI produce discriminatory results, creating risk for organizations. Solutions to this risk include: Innovation and efficiency are primary drivers. When it comes to deploying AI, improving and innovating products and services is the top driver (43%), followed by improving operational efficiency (33%), and improving the customer experience (24%). When it comes to deploying AI, improving and innovating products and services is the top driver (43%), followed by improving operational efficiency (33%), and improving the customer experience (24%). Skills are not the issue -- executive buy-in, is. 55% say getting buy-in from executives who control funding for AI is a bigger obstacle to using AI effectively than employees without skills to create AI models (45%). 55% say getting buy-in from executives who control funding for AI is a bigger obstacle to using AI effectively than employees without skills to create AI models (45%). Data quality issues are paramount. The top data quality issue to solve is inconsistent standards across data collection (50%), followed by compliance/privacy issues (48%), and lack of democratization or access to data (44%). The top data quality issue to solve is inconsistent standards across data collection (50%), followed by compliance/privacy issues (48%), and lack of democratization or access to data (44%). b>Success factors are many. Of organizations that have deployed AI, respondents cited better modeling skills among analysts (44%), cataloging data for visibility and access to available data (38%), and ability to crowdsource info (38%), as ways to combat bias in AI. 31% say that incomplete data is a top data issue that leads to AI failing. Data Culture Index The Alation State of Data Culture Report also contains the Data Culture Index (DCI). DCI is a quantitative assessment of how well an organization is positioned to enable data-driven decision-making. Enterprises were scored based upon the adoption of the three-pillar disciplines of data culture: Data Search & Discovery -- enabling users to find what they need Data Literacy -- properly analyzing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions from data Data Governance -- ensuring trustworthiness and accountability of data assets, including compliance with policies and regulations Additional key findings: Fewer than 20% of respondents report that their companies have fully enabled the three disciplines of data culture across all departments in the new study. 37% of top-tier data culture companies were more likely to exceed their revenue goals versus 28% overall, showcasing a link between data culture and revenue. 92% of top-tier data culture companies are also more likely to have a corporate initiative to become more data driven, compared to 69% overall. Breaking down silos to foster a data culture - and in particular, increasing collaboration between the data & analytics team and business units, was far more common at top-tier date culture companies (58%) than it was overall (46%). Learn More: Download the Q1 2021 Alation State of Data Culture Report Read our blog, Alation State of Data Culture Report: Bad Data Spells Trouble for AI About the Alation State of Data Culture Report The Alation State of Data Culture Report is a quarterly study sponsored by Alation and executed by Wakefield Research. Wakefield Research conducted a quantitative research study among 300 Data & Analytics Leaders at enterprises with 2,500+ employees in the US, UK, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. Enterprises are polled each quarter regarding the progress of establishing a data culture -- i.e., a culture of data-driven decision making -- within their organizations, the challenges they face in embracing data-driven decision making, and the progress they have made in leveraging data to drive business value for their organization. About Alation Alation pioneered the data catalog market and today is leading its evolution into a platform for a broad range of data intelligence solutions including data search & discovery, data governance, data stewardship, analytics, and digital transformation. Thanks to its powerful Behavioral Analysis Engine, inbuilt collaboration capabilities, and open interfaces, Alation combines machine learning with human insight to successfully tackle even the most demanding challenges in data and metadata management. More than 240 enterprises drive data culture, improve decision making, and realize business outcomes with Alation, including AbbVie, American Family Insurance, Cisco (News - Alert) , Exelon, Finnair, Munich Re, New Balance, Pfizer, Scandinavian Airlines, and US Foods. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Alation is backed by leading venture capitalists including Costanoa, Data Collective, Icon, Sapphire, and Salesforce Ventures. For more information, visit alation.com. About Wakefield Research Wakefield Research supports the world's most prominent brands and agencies, including 50 of the Fortune 100, in 90 countries. We provide quantitative, qualitative, and hybrid market research and market intelligence. Our work is regularly featured in the media. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005134/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] 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. International flights are set to resume into Victoria in the next fortnight with CBD quarantine hotels remaining the primary accommodation for returned travellers given Victorias planned purpose-built quarantine facility will take a minimum of six months to build. The government will on Thursday announce the resumption of international travel and a hotel quarantine program with more stringent health protocols to ensure COVID-19 doesnt leak into the community. Flights are set to resume in the next fortnight, multiple government sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said. Flights have been paused since mid-February. Credit:Getty Images Passenger flights have not arrived in Melbourne since February 14 when the Holiday Inn cluster that grew to almost 25 cases prompted a short lockdown. Victoria had been preparing to increase its weekly intake by 200 to about 1300, but on February 12, when his government halted international flights, Premier Daniel Andrews said that when they resumed there could be a reduction in the number of returnees until COVID-19 vaccines were widely administered. He also questioned whether people should be allowed into the state for anything other than compassionate reasons. University officials who punished Christian student club not immune from damage claims: appeals court Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An appeals court has ruled that the University of Iowa, which previously punished a Christian student group for only allowing Christians to be leaders, cannot be immune from lawsuits. Business Leaders in Christ recently sued the university and some of its officials, seeking damages after the school was found to have unlawfully punished the Christian student club. Although a district court barred the university from enforcing a registered student organization policy against BLinC, it also granted qualified immunity, which stops public officials from being sued for deeds performed in their official capacity, to all of the defendants. A three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit ruled Monday that the university defendants did not have qualified immunity on all claims made by BLinC. Eighth Circuit Chief Judge Lavenski Smith wrote the panel opinion, which partially reversed a lower court decision in favor of the university while sending the case back to the court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. This inquiry takes into account the undisputed facts of the present case: the Universitys creation of a limited public forum for student speech and subsequent viewpoint discrimination against BLinC, a student organization, within that forum, wrote Smith. As a result, we hold that the district court erroneously granted the individual defendants motion for summary judgment based on qualified immunity on BLinCs free-speech and expressive-association claims. Smith did not believe that the Christian student group had sufficiently proved that the defendants should not get qualified immunity over free exercise claims. BLinC cites several other cases in support of its argument that the law clearly established that the individual defendants conduct violated BLinCs free-exercise rights, but none of them involve student speech in a limited public forum, Smith continued. Circuit Judge Jonathan Allen Kobes authored an opinion that concurred, in part, and dissented in part, arguing that he believed the law is clearly established on its free exercise claim, too. The individual defendants decided that student groups with leadership qualifications based on race, gender, or political ideology were not subject to the Human Rights Policy, but BLinC was, wrote Kobes. The individual defendants may pick their poison: they are either plainly incompetent or they knowingly violated the Constitution. Either way, they should not get qualified immunity. Eric Baxter, vice president and senior counsel at Becket, a religious liberty law firm that helped represent BLinC, said in a statement Monday that he supported the panel ruling. Its deeply ironic that school officials tried using the universitys nondiscrimination policy to discriminate against religion, stated Baxter. They knew this was wrong, yet did it anyway. Were pleased the court has recognized that such blatant religious discrimination brings personal consequences. In 2017, BLinC sued the University of Iowa after the group was derecognized for refusing to adhere to a non-discrimination policy that required them to open their leadership positions to non-Christians. U.S. District Judge Stephanie M. Rose issued an injunction in February 2019 against the university enforcing the non-discrimination policy on BLinC. Still, she concluded that the policy itself was acceptable as it promotes valuable goals for both the University and society at large. But the Constitution does not tolerate the way Defendants chose to enforce the Human Rights Policy, explained Rose in the 2019 ruling. Particularly when free speech is involved, the uneven application of any policy risks the most exacting standard of judicial scrutiny, which Defendants have failed to withstand. Ontario's Progressive Conservative government tabled its second pandemic-era budget Wednesday. Here are the highlights: Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivers the Provincial Budget in the Ontario Legislature in Toronto on Wednesday March 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn Ontario's Progressive Conservative government tabled its second pandemic-era budget Wednesday. Here are the highlights: BILLIONS IN SPENDING, LONG PATH TO BALANCE The budget contains $186.1 billion in spending, with $6.7 billion earmarked for pandemic-related measures. The Progressive Conservative government's spending plan also shows a deficit of $33.1 billion. The government projects it will take until 2029 to balance the books. VACCINES, TESTING AND CONTACT TRACING The budget says the province's vaccination effort is costing $1 billion. The government says it is also spending $2.3 billion over the next year on COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. A grant program launched last year for manufacturing personal protective equipment and other supplies is getting a $50-million boost. HEALTH-CARE SPENDING Ontario's overall heath funding is being hiked to $69.8 billion, up from $66.7 billion the previous year. Hospitals are getting an additional $1.8 billion to help ease pandemic-related pressures. That includes $300 million to reduce the backlog of surgical procedures that have been cancelled or delayed due to the pandemic. The budget indicates those funds will help hospitals keep operating rooms open later at night and will also go toward a surgical waitlist program that matches patients with available surgeons. LONG-TERM CARE SPENDING The long-term care sector is getting $650 million for pandemic-specific relief. The funds will go towards preventing the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes, increasing staffing and buying personal protective equipment. The budget also puts a price tag on the government's previously announced promise to have nursing home residents receive an average of four hours of direct care every day. The document says it will cost $4.9 billion over four years, with half a billion dollars of that money to be spent this year. The funding will be used to hire 27,000 personal support workers. FAMILY SUPPORT Ontario families with children can expect to receive a new round of payments from the government aimed at relieving pressures related to the pandemic. The province will give parents $400 per child in Grade 12 or younger, or $500 per child or youth with special needs who's under the age of 21. That's double the amount offered to parents in two earlier rounds of payments. The province is also proposing a temporary 20 per cent top-up to the Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses tax credit, which was introduced in 2019. JOBS AND BUSINESSES The government is offering a second round of grants ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 to small businesses hit hard by the pandemic. It has set aside $1.7 billion for the program. The budget also introduces a new, temporary tax credit for people paying for jobs training or higher education expenses. The Ontario Jobs Training Tax Credit provides a maximum credit of $2,000 and can be applied to expenses from occupational skills courses, trade or professional exams and postsecondary courses. As part of the long-term fiscal recovery plan, the government also plans to form a task force to address economic barriers faced by women, especially during the pandemic. TOURISM The budget offers hundreds of millions of dollars to Ontario's tourism sector through various programs. A $100 million fund will offer one-time grants of between $10,000 and $20,000 to eligible tourism and hospitality small businesses. The province is also introducing the Ontario Tourism Recovery Program also pegged at $100 million meant to help "historically successful businesses" get back on their feet. The government is further setting aside $150 million for a tax credit to encourage Ontarians to explore their home province once public health experts say it's safe to travel. BROADBAND INTERNET Ontario says it will spend an additional $2.8 billion to bring broadband access to more people across the province. The government says the funding, and new legislation it plans to introduce, will ensure every region of the province has access to reliable broadband by 2025. The funding is in addition to money previously committed by the Progressive Conservatives dating back to 2019, with $4 billion in total being spent over six years. MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY FUNDING The budget offers $1 billion in funding to support municipalities in their COVID-19 response. It also sets aside $50 million for community and faith-based organizations affected by COVID-19 and associated costs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021 Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here 03/24/2021 Photo (c) Ilya Burdun - Getty Images The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is sending out refunds totalling nearly $50 million to 147,000 University of Phoenix students who were allegedly lured in by the colleges misleading advertisements. Two years ago, the FTC filed a lawsuit alleging that University of Phoenix ran ads that falsely claimed students would get job opportunities with national employers like AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, and the American Red Cross, among others. Now, the institution has agreed to send out refunds amounting to roughly $50 million to settle the case. Students who will receive money as part of the FTCs law enforcement action are those who: First enrolled in a masters, bachelors, or associates degree program between October 15, 2012, and December 31, 2016; Paid more than $5,000 with cash, grants, federal and private student loans, or military benefits; Didnt get debt cancellation as part of this settlement; and Didnt opt out of the University of Phoenix providing the students contact information to the FTC. Most of the refunds will be in the form of mailed checks, but 677 payments will be sent via PayPal. People who get a refund via PayPal will have 30 days to accept the payment. The FTC says those who receive checks should deposit or cash them within 90 days. Regulators taking action The FTCs action comes as regulators step up their efforts to help defrauded borrowers. Earlier this month, the Biden administration started rolling back guidelines implemented under the Trump administration dealing with student loan relief. Under its new streamlined approach to giving borrowers full relief, the Biden administration announced that it would provide full debt relief to roughly 72,000 borrowers who were defrauded by Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute. It has been more than four years since the Department of Education first concluded that these students had been cheated by their institutions and were deserving of full debt relief, said Education Department Chairman Robert Scott (D-VA). Unfortunately, instead of simply processing loan forgiveness claims, the previous administration refused to accept the findings of its own staff and suspended action on behalf of these defrauded borrowers. analysis The indictment against former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede and her co-accused in the multimillion-rand Durban Solid Waste (DSW) fraud and corruption case details how Gumede - now a sitting member of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature - allegedly received R2,881,350 in kickbacks between January 2017 and July 2019 for ensuring predetermined businesses benefited from waste contracts. The long-anticipated indictment has been two years in the making, and reveals how the waste contract process was manipulated to benefit the implicated service providers, connected eThekwini employees and ANC councillors, and how Gumede deciding on who the contract went to - including those in the infamous Radical Economic Transformation faction of the ANC - was allegedly aimed at increasing her political clout and personal bank account. Daily Maverick was told at the courthouse that the extent of the corrupt spending had been revised down from R430-million to about R320-million, excluding VAT. The 324-page indictment was handed over to defence teams acting for the 22 accused - which includes five companies - in the Durban Specialised Crimes Court on Tuesday. Included in the indictment are three sitting eThekwini ANC councillors, Mthokozisi Nojiyeza, Bhekokwakhe Phewa and Sduduzo Khuzwayo, who were arrested only... DETROIT Buddys Pizza, which prides itself on creating Detroits original square pizza, didnt hold back in criticizing Pizza Huts recently released Detroit-style pizza. If Pizza Huts take on Detroit-style pizza is the best they can do, then maybe they should stop doing impressions and stick to knock-knock jokes, said Wes Pikula, chief brand officer for Buddys Pizza. We laughed when Pizza Hut claimed, no one out pizzas the Hut, but when you try to out Detroit Buddys, that gets the Motor City rumbling. In a spirited news release, Buddys Pizza, which first opened its doors in 1946, thanked Pizza Hut for their attempt in introducing the world to this regional classic, but also said the knockoff is never as good as the original. To celebrate Buddys Pizza and its famed Detroit-style, the Detroit-based chain is donating 100% of its profits on Goldbelly to The Barstool Fund, which helps small businesses struggling with the financial impact of COVID-19, until the end of April. RELATED: Pizza Hut unveils all-new, Detroit-style pizza According to a news release, Gus Gurrera, the founder of Buddys Pizza, invented Detroit-style pizza in 1946 before later perfecting the recipe alongside original kitchen staff member Concetta Connie Piccinato. Baked in a square steel pan originally sourced from the automotive industry, a Buddys Detroit-style pizza uses double-stretched dough, real Wisconsin brick cheese, and a secret sauce recipe. The result is a light, crunchy, buttery crust, perfectly caramelized cheese and savory tomato sauce, according to the pizza chain. Buddys goes on to call versions of Detroit-style created by Pizza Hut, Via 313, Jets, Corners Pizza and many more copycats. Real Detroit-style pizza is made with love and tradition, and the original is at Buddys. While we appreciate big brands getting in on the fun and shining a national spotlight on our signature product, their pizza isnt even a good knock-off, Pikula said. All you have to do is look at the reviews the only thing worse than what customers are saying is that people think its Detroit-style pizza. Thats why were giving America the chance to try the genuine thing while, at the same time, supporting small businesses who have been hit hard by the pandemic. Have you had Pizza Huts new Detroit-style pizza? What do you think? DETROIT -- A Detroit man is awaiting formal charges of first-degree murder and felony firearm after he allegedly shot and killed another man Sunday morning in the parking garage of the Motor City Casino. According to WDIV Detroit, Nicolas White, 27, is expected to be formally arraigned Wednesday for his alleged role in the death of 25-year-old Kermit McCants of Clinton Township. According to Detroit Police, officers were called to the parking garage around 1:48 a.m., Sunday. An investigation determined that McCants and his girlfriend were involved in an argument in the garage when another man intervened. McCants and the other man then got into an argument and the other man allegedly pulled out a gun and shot McCants. McCants was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. Around 11:48 a.m., Sunday police arrested the suspect -- identified as White -- without incident in the area of Sheridan and Sylvester. READ MORE: Driver in stolen car passes trooper on Michigan freeway at 120 mph, crashes into garbage truck Bank robbery suspect fleeing police crashes on U.S. 23, closing freeway HGTV star scammed after buying house in Michigan, made $60K in improvements Jailed Michigan restaurant owner wins freedom Advertisement Smartphone adverts always tell us that you can take great pictures with smartphones and its no lie. As these incredible images prove. They are all winning photos or 'honourable mentions' in the 2021 Mobile Photography Awards. The 10th edition of the competition attracted 5,700 entries taken last year on mobile devices by photographers in more than 75 countries. The contest featured 20 themed categories including landscapes, black and white, travel and adventure, architecture, and design and transportation. The grand prize winner was Chinese photographer Dan Liu, who submitted several images to the contest including a beautiful shot of a fisherman casting a net on Inle Lake in Myanmar. His images were described as 'consistently excellent' and he received a cash prize of $3,000 (2,165). Describing the judging process, jury member and Leeds-based photographer Elaine Taylor said: 'A different jury might come up with slightly different results, but the best images will always shine. A lot of time and scrutiny goes into it and in my view, its a team effort.' The founder of the awards, Daniel Berman, a photographer from Toronto, added: 'The winners of the 10th annual Mobile Photography Awards are a testament to another year in the rapid evolution of mobile phone cameras. The iPhone is still the most widely used by our entrants, but this year we saw a larger variety of camera phones than ever before. Each competition we hold sees the quality of the submitted photos grow by leaps and bounds.' Scroll down to see MailOnline Travel's pick of the gong-baiting images... A beautiful shot taken on an iPhone 11 Pro Max by Dan Liu, the overall winner of the Mobile Photography Awards 2021. It shows a fisherman casting a net on Inle Lake in Myanmar and was the winning snap in the silhouettes category Another incredible image by Dan Liu taken on his iPhone 11 Pro Max. It shows a dead Euphrates Poplar tree under a blanket of stars in Inner Mongolia Spanish photographer Juan Zas Espinosa came out on top in the landscapes category thanks to this jaw-dropping shot of frozen Lake Baikal in Russia. He snapped the image on a Huawei device Chinese photographer Jinyi He is behind this incredible photo taken in Dinggye County, Tibet. The photo was snapped on a Huawei device and was the winning image in the travel and adventure category Alessandra Manzotti is the photographer who captured this wildly beautiful scene in Italy on her iPhone 5C. It was the winning image in the black and white category This mesmerising image taken by Steven Young in Milford Sound, New Zealand, earned an honourable mention in the landscapes category. He snapped it on an iPhone 8 Plus A striking image of lightning over the Namib Desert taken by photographer Goran Jovic on a Samsung Galaxy Note 9. It earned an honourable mention in the landscapes category LEFT: Jeff Larason won the street photography category with this beautifully timed snap of Stuart Street in Boston taken on an iPhone 7. RIGHT: This misty image of Taipei by photographer You-Ming Liu was given an honourable mention in the architecture and design category. It was snapped on an iPhone XR Vince Keresnyei used an iPhone 7 to take this stunning shot inside an unknown building in Russia. It was given an honourable mention in the architecture and design category In a punishment reminiscent of some of our high school experiences, 57 people who violated Covid-19 regulations were Monday sentenced to a week of manual labour. The youthful individuals had gone partying at Club Onyx in Marsabit Plaza on Ngong Road, Nairobi on Saturday when they were arrested for flouting the dusk-t0-dawn curfew and Ministry of Health COVID-19 protocols. They were held at Kilimani Police Station and arraigned at the Kibera law courts Monday where they were deservedly sentenced to a week of community service. The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) was tasked with enforcing the punishment, and the Mohamed Badi-led agency duly obliged. Led by NMS Deputy Director of Enforcement Mark Leleruk, the enforcement officers gathered the culprits around and put them to work to clean various parts of the city. Photos shared by the NMS showed some of the party-goers covering their faces in shame as officers read them the riot act. The curfew breakers are required to clean up, among others, Marikiti and Muthurwa markets, Globe Cinema roundabout, and Nairobi River. The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) warned that those who fail to report for the 8 am to 5 pm community service will be re-arrested and arraigned in court for stiffer punishment. Deputy Director of Enforcement at NMS Mark Leleruk also used the opportunity to warn other Kenyans against flouting Covid-19 protocols as the country battles a devastating third wave. Leleruk also deplored the care-free attitude of the youthful offenders and said they will put them to good use. If you see the attitude that is being exhibited by these young peopleit is quite shocking. You even wonder whether they live in the same world that you are living in because they do not care about the Covid-19 rules. We will utilize them well as the Enforcement Directorate and we will supervise them as they offer free services, said Leleruk. The photos. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Brits will likely get to go on overseas holidays this summer. That was the optimistic claim made by budget airline Ryanair on Wednesday (March 24). Chief Executive Michael O'Leary said he was 'reasonably confident' British tourists would travel across Europe in June, July and August. He based his claim on the rapid speed of the UK's vaccine rollout - with half the adult population now having received one dose. O'Leary said Ryanair planned to operate 80% of its normal summer schedule from July to September after a surge in bookings from the UK and Germany. It's a positive tone taken by O'Leary, but many airlines and travel companies across Europe fear a second lost summer could be on the way. UK politicians and scientists urged customers not to book flights for fear they could bring new variants back into the country. Britain currently bans all foreign travel - except for work, education or health reasons. The government is due to review that in April - and could possibly lift the ban from May 17. Video Transcript - Brits will likely get to go on overseas holidays this summer. That was the optimistic claim made by budget airline Ryanair on Wednesday. Chief executive Michael O'Leary said he was reasonably confident British tourists would travel across Europe in June, July, and August. He based his claim on the rapid speed of the UK's vaccine rollout, with half of the adult population now having received one dose. O'Leary said Ryanair plans operate to 80% of its normal summer schedule from July to September after a surge in bookings from the UK and Germany. It's a positive tone taken by O'Leary, but many airlines and travel companies across Europe fear a second lost summer could be on the way. UK politicians and scientists urged customers not to book flights from fear they could bring new variants back into the country. Britain currently bans all foreign travel, except for work, education, or health reasons. The government is due to review that in April and could possibly lift the ban from May 17. PEOPLE Two Six Technologies hires new CFO Two Six Technologies has hired veteran investment banker and executive Bob Kwaja as chief financial officer, the company said Wednesday. Kwaja joins Two Six in the wake of a rebranding by private equity owner Carlyle Group, which launched the companys current identity in February after a merger of two other businesses. Most recently, Kwaja was senior vice president of finance and corporate development at BlueHalo. He also is a former VP of finance and corporate development for Centauri and VP of finance for the Belcan government business unit. Prior to working for companies, Kwaja was a vice president at Bluestone Capital Partners and advised on numerous transactions in the aerospace, defense and government services sectors. Bengaluru, March 25 : Within hours of his controversial statement on 'extra-marital affairs' going viral, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhkar on Wednesday took to twitter to express his regret over making such remarks. In a series of tweets in Kannada, Sudhakar said that at first he regrets on making any statement that was deemed as hurting anyone's sentiments. "I respect all my legislator friends and I do honour their integrity. I did not say anything with an intent to hurt my legislator friends," he said. "I was deeply hurt by the Congress party's attitude towards us (six ministers). My intent of making such a statement was to tell them that they should also 'do some soul searching job' before targeting anyone. However, this seems to have gone beyond one's understanding. I only request those who are translating or interpreting my statement in a literal sense. I request them to do some soul searching before commenting on others," he said in a tweet. Earlier, reacting to media's question over the Karnataka Congress' ongoing protest inside the Assembly for the last three days demanding resignation of six Ministers who have secured an ex-parte injuction order from the court to bar media from publishing any defamatory content against them, Sudhakar had dared the Opposition leaders to come clean on their "extra-marital affairs" rather than pointing fingers at others. Industry Update Appointment 24 March 2021 Jill Bidwell Named Principal At R.M. Woodworth & Associates, LLC in Atlanta - GA, USA Prior to joining RMWA, Jill Bidwell was senior director in CBRE Hotels' advisory practice. She also was a partner in Atlantic Hospitality Advisors and holds the MAI designation. With 35 years of hospitality industry consulting experience, she has conducted market studies and appraisals throughout the continental United States. Related News R.M. Woodworth & Associates Adds Senior-Level Resources and Names Hank Staley and Jill Bidwell Principals, Hank Fonde Senior Vice President 24 March 2021 Officials of R.M. Woodworth & Associates (RMWA), a leading provider of customized lodging research, today announced the admission of three associates to the firm. Henry B. "Hank" Staley, Jr. and Jill L. Bidwell have been named principals and long-time industry veteran Henry B. Read more Hotelschools.com The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University Jill Bidwell (Class of 1985) is a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan - United States (Class of 1985) is a graduate of The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan - United States more information R.M. Woodworth & Associates, LLC The leadership of R.M. Woodworth & Associates has a long history of analyzing both the historical and future performance of the lodging industry. The firm specializes in providing customized research to owners, managers, lenders, and public and private sector investors, as well as product and service providers to the lodging industry. more information Recent Appointments at R.M. Woodworth & Associates, LLC Hank Fonde - Senior Vice President 24 March 2021 Hank leads R.M. Woodworth & Associates' asset management practice and provides advisory services for operations analyses, new development, franchise relations/negotiation, brand positioning, management company referral, contract negotiation, and litigation support. read more STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Police have charged a West Brighton man with a hate crime after he allegedly scrawled racist graffiti on the campaign posters of North Shore City Council candidates on multiple occasions over the past year. Ralph Tedesco, 64, a resident of the 400 block of Davis Avenue, was arrested Wednesday and charged with fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime, among other charges, after he allegedly wrote the phrase F--- YOU N----- on Legal Aid attorney Kelvin Richards North Shore Council campaign poster on Forest Avenue early Wednesday morning, according to a criminal complaint. Tedesco allegedly wrote racist statements on seven different occasions between March 14, 2020 and Wednesday, the criminal complaint indicates, including one instance where authorities allege he defaced an MTA bus stop with a marker, writing, BLACK SLAVES MATTER. THEY WILL NEVER BE EQUAL. KILL THE N------. On Aug. 31, 2020, at around 5:15 p.m., authorities allege he targeted the campaign poster of City Council candidate Ranti Ogunleye, writing, n----, on his sign before returning just days later, on Sept. 3, 2020, to once again repeat the racist epithet. The spree continued on Feb. 15, 2021, when the criminal complaint alleges Tedesco wrote on an MTA bus stop vestibule the phrase, NO N------ALLOWED, before he once again returned to scrawl more racist messages on March 5 directed at Richards. The hate has to stop. We are all Americans, no matter what we look like, where we come from, how we worship, who we love. All of us, read Richards official campaign statement. This man and his language of hate seeks to divide us, intimidate us, and make us weaker as a borough, as a city, as a nation, but we will not be intimidated or divided because together, we are stronger, said Richards. I am running for City Council to represent our entire community, and incidents like this reinforce my resolve that real leadership is needed now more than ever. I thank the NYPD for investigating and apprehending this individual, and I look forward to justice being served, he continued. Tedescos attorney information was not immediately available. Kelvin Richards is a resident of New Brighton and works as a public defender for Legal Aid Society. Richards, who lived in a refugee camp in Ghana as a child after he and his family fled conflict from the Liberian civil war, immigrated to the North Shore in 2003 and quickly assimilated into the boroughs Liberian American community before he set off to pursue a legal career. After beginning his career in Minnesota, he returned to New York City in 2013 to work for Legal Aid as a public defender. Currently living in New Brighton with his wife, Richards said he began experiencing overt racism when he came to the United States. I experienced it here on Staten Island, and you tell yourself, things will change, things will get better, said Richards during a phone interview with the Advance/SILive.com. And then when something like this happens that just reminds you that we have more work to do. Prosecuting one racist person does not stop racism in Staten Island, Richards added, but I think this is not New York, this is not Staten Island this is not who we are as a borough or as a city. Amid heightened tensions across the country in the wake of a shooting in Georgia that killed eight people, including six Asian women, Richards said it was essential to make it clear that the actions allegedly demonstrated by the West Brighton man would not be tolerated. Richards said he notified police last year after the first instance mentioned in the complaint, and police began monitoring the campaign signs posted in the area with video surveillance following that occurrence. Im really disappointed, Richards said. But, Im also reminded that we have a lot of work to do. We have to educate people, we have to break down these myths about race. Hopefully, well get to a point or a time where people will actually be judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin, added Richards. [March 24, 2021] DaySmart Appoints Cristi Tobelmann as Vice President of Human Resources DaySmart Software, the leading provider of business management software empowering entrepreneurs to operate and grow their businesses, today announced the appointment of Cristi Tobelmann as its Vice President of Human Resources. She joins the company as it invests in talent and HR programs to support its aggressive expansion plans. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005187/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Tobelmann joins DaySmart from Barracuda Networks (News - Alert) , a leading provider of cloud-enabled security solutions. As Director of Worldwide Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning, Tobelmann was responsible for leading global hiring efforts and managing workforce modifications as a result of the pandemic. Before joining Barracuda, Tobelmann held human resource positions at PepsiCo and Boeing (News - Alert) . Tobemann eared her master's degree in human resources and labor relations from Michigan State University, and her bachelor's in psychology and organizational leadership from Purdue University (News - Alert) . In her personal time, Tobelmann volunteers at the United Way of Washtenaw County in Ann Arbor, MI. "Cristi is the ultimate addition to our leadership team as she will help us deliver the change management strategies necessary to find and support our growing staff," said Pat Shanahan, CEO of DaySmart. "Our business is at an inflection point, and we need Cristi's experience and expertise advising high-growth technology companies. We're delighted to have recruited Cristi to join our team." "I am thrilled to be joining such a fast-growing, employee-focused company. Pat and the team are passionate about helping their employees succeed and fostering a dependable work environment for all. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to drive this momentum," said Tobelmann. In addition to her focus on integrating acquired employees and new hires into the DaySmart family, Tobelmann will work on establishing the company's long-term plans for a return to the office and incorporating a hybrid workforce model. To learn more about DaySmart and career opportunities, visit: www.linkedin.com/company/daysmart-software/ About DaySmart Software DaySmart Software provides industry-specific business management tools designed to make it easier for entrepreneurs to operate and grow their businesses. Since 1999, DaySmart has been a small business champion, offering desktop software, payment processing solutions and cloud-based applications purpose-built for the salon, spa, pet and tattoo industries. DaySmart's reach extends to medium and enterprise-sized businesses through additional solutions: AppointmentPlus and OpenDock. Privately held, DaySmart is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with offices throughout the U.S., and has been named to the Inc. 5000 list for ten consecutive years. For more information about the company and its suite of solutions, visit www.DaySmart.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005187/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A technician works with the Soberana 02 COVID-19 vaccine at the packaging processing plant of the Finlay Vaccine Institute in Havana, Cuba, in January 2021. Credit: Yamil Lage As the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately harms underprivileged people globally, Cuba's "people over profit" approach has been saving many livesboth on the island and abroad. From the onset, Cuba's approach has been holistic and integrated. Its response is among the most respected in the world. Widespread confidence in the Cuban government's science-based policies, public service media messaging and volunteerism are key reasons as to why Cuba has been able to control the viral reproduction rate until mass vaccination begins. The cash-strapped Caribbean island risked opening to holiday visitors at the end of 2020 and is currently managing higher COVID-19 caseloads than ever before. Its health experts are combining international clinical trials of its vaccine candidates with mass production. Cuba is the only Latin American country with the capacity to manufacture a vaccine domestically other than Brazil, which is not doing so. Cuba aims to protect its populace, then give away or sell its vaccines abroad. Before the virus's arrival in Cuba, the country prepared for mitigation based on best practices from Asia and its own expertise with contagious disease. Beyond Cuba's borders, its medical diplomacy took over. Cuba'sHenry Reeve Medical Brigade has been fighting the pandemic in at least 37 countries and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. When COVID-19 stranded the cruise ship MS Braemar, only Cuba allowed it to dock. In contrast, many countries' pandemic responses have been haphazard, with well-funded lobby groups representing restaurants and pharmaceutical companies, to name just two sectors, wielding excessive influence. Oscillating virus reproduction rates have required disruptive and costly mitigation measures and resulted in illness and death. The media, academics who include Helen Yaffe, Emily Morris and John Kirk and non-governmental organizations like Havana and Oakland-based Medicc have long documented Cuba's emulation-worthy health system. Hard work, hard science Care in Cuba is universal, research and training is robust and disease and disaster mitigation is well-organized. The public health-care system is co-ordinated across research institutes and centers of disease control, through to dispersed local neighborhood clinics. Cuba also has a near 100 percent literacy rate, with much attention paid to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. Cuba's achievements are the result of hard work and hard science in a not-for-profit system. The populace's confidence has been earned through science-based campaigns against the likes of HIV, Ebola, dengue fever and the Zika virus. Nations that have responded well to the pandemic have communicated clearly and factually with their people. Cuba has a tradition of multi-pronged public-service messaging. The country's epidemiology director has become a trusted household expert through his daily news reports. Every day at 9 a.m., a seated and masked Dr. Francisco Duran speaks directly to the public, noting and lamenting every fatality, detailing disease spread and treatments, answering viewer questions and sternly advising continued adherence to preventative measures. The well-known psychologist Manuel Calvino discusses topics such as self-discipline and positive thinking. Cheerier spots feature famous actors urging fortitude and depict groups of people following health protocols. In cartoons, angry "red meanie" viruses are drowned by hand-washing and blocked by face masks, animation heroes celebrate International Workers' Day from their balconies, youngsters stay home to protect their grandparents and families play inside together. The socially distanced 42nd International Festival of New Latin American Cinema featured animated doctor's orders in its promotional video. Ubiquitously stated, sung and danced slogans include "Cuba for life, with a new (masked) smile." Beloved cartoon characters participate in International Workers Day from home rather than in Cubas annual parade at Revolution Plaza, courtesy of Animados ICAIC. Mask-wearing is popular I surveyed residents of Havana online and later in-person while in Cuba in December and January. Most reported wearing masks to "protect others and myself." While masking has been broadly politicized elsewhere, Cuba mandated masks in March 2020, immediately sharing instructions on how to make them at home. While in many countries volunteers struggled to find ways to help, in Cuba, existing organizations such as neighborhood watches and universities quickly moved into action. Medical students have gone door-to-door checking for symptoms. Computer science students have developed helpful apps and supported medical staff in their dorms-turned-quarantine centers. Necessary work got done while public buy-in solidified the mitigation efforts. The initial growth curve was inverted early on. Banking on individual responsibility among its well-educated citizens, Cuba shifted to a "new normal" at the year-end holiday season. Tourists headed to isolated beach resorts and expats to their relatives' homes. The hotels follow health protocols meticulouslyspeedy PCR testing, masking, sanitation and social distancing. But family visits led to outbreaks, as they have globally. Some visitors, many of them arriving from areas with high rates of infection and science denial such as Miami, breached the requisite protocols: one PCR test with a negative result upon arrival, a five-day home quarantine and another negative PCR test before mingling. Pandemic has been costly All indicators show Cuba has put its limited resources to efficient use for the public good. But especially coupled with former U.S. president Donald Trump's tightening of the American blockade against Cuba, the pandemic and the resulting plunge in tourism are costly. Scarcity of affordable food and consumer goods, along with an increased cost of living accelerated by a long-overdue monetary unification, have increased stress levels. Sensing an opportunity, foreign interest groups are supporting small, lively social media and in-person protests, most characterized by vociferous yet vague demands for artistic freedom. Daily cases are also now hovering around 850 compared to 42 on Nov. 15, 2020just before Havana's airport reopened. Although the curve is again flatexponential growth has been halted for the second timemedical personnel and supplies are strained. Against this backdrop, however, there are Cuba's advances on the vaccination front. In this breakneck race, Cuba is simultaneously running Phase 3 international clinical trials of Soberana (Sovereignty) 2 and, planned for late March, Abdala, with robust production of these vaccine candidates. Work is also continuing on Soberana 1 and Mambisa. Looking ahead to COVID-19 variants and reinfections, a booster Soberana Plus is now being developed. If Cuba's vaccination program is successful, the country will have once again provided for its people against enormous odds as it produces and distributes a vaccine domestically, then shares it with the world. Many market-driven, rich nations of the Global North, including Canada, are not so well-positioned. Cuba's access to internationally produced vaccines was highly improbable due to the U.S. blockade. Its ensuing decision to make its own vaccines stands to pay off handsomely. 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. In honor of women's history month, Oakwood University held a ceremony on Tuesday to honor the first African-American woman to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree. It's now been 100 years since Dr. Eva Dykes graduated with a PhD. She later became the first professor with a doctoral degree at Oakwood University. Dr. Eva Dykes Dr. Eva Dykes A former student of hers got to attend the ceremony. He says she probably wouldn't be comfortable with the recognition because of her humble character. However, he says the honor is well deserved as she helped shape his and other students' vision to pursue a higher education. "Her legacy is to dedicate yourself to higher education. Prepare yourself for the very highest, so that you can perform at your best," Dr. Mervyn A. Warren said. Dr. Dykes' legacy lives on every day at Oakwood University. She founded and named the university's world-renowned choral group, the Aeloians, in 1946. The university also named their library in her honor. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Wednesday met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Brussels, on the sidelines of the NATO meeting to discuss bilateral ties. The two diplomats underlined the importance of alliance relations in a constructive meeting, Ankara said. As Turkish diplomatic sources stated, the U.S. thanked Turkey for hosting the upcoming Afghanistan peace talks. While Cavusoglu and Blinken exchanged ideas on the issues affecting Syria, Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey's demands regarding the common fight against terrorist groups were also reiterated. The issue of the S-400 was another important topic discussed, Daily Sabah reported.io989 Following the meeting, Cavusoglu said in a Twitter message that they discussed all aspects of bilateral relations in a constructive meeting, by exchanging comprehensive views on Afghanistan, Cyprus, Eastern Mediterranean, Syria, Iraq, Libya and fight against terrorism. The U.S. State Department also said in a statement that Blinken urged Ankara not to retain Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Blinken, for his part, in a Twitter message stated: "I look forward to continued cooperation with our NATO ally Turkey on counterterrorism, voiced our support for exploratory talks with Greece, and emphasized the importance of democracy and human rights." Apple has implemented tougher security norms in its suppliers factories from the beginning of this year in a bid to reduce product leaks. As part of the changes, Apple is preventing its manufacturing partners from collecting Apple employees biometric data who visit their factories. This new rule, however, is not applicable for factory workers. Additionally, Apples manufacturing partners must check the criminal background of all assembly line workers who are working on unreleased Apple products. Criminal background checks were only carried out on selected employees, with ones having a criminal background not allowed to enter factory areas where upcoming Apple products are being produced. Apple is also increasing the use of surveillance cameras in its supplier factories. It is updating its system to track how long a sensitive component remains at a production station. If a component takes longer than expected at one station, an alarm will be automatically triggered. This will also help Apple in determining whether its manufacturing partners are cutting corners in any aspect or not. The company requires that factory guards at checkpoints now keep a detailed log of workers who transport sensitive components from one area to another. Other security measures include surveillance cameras capturing all four sides of transport vehicles when they are parked. All factory visitors must now show a government-issued ID card before entering the premises. Apple is also requiring that videos showing the destruction of prototypes and destructive parts are retained for a period of 180 days now. Many workers view the tighter security implementation from Apple as a double standard, especially since Apple employees biometric data are not collected at factory premises. This also goes against Apples human rights policy which the company aims to extend to its business partners at every possible level. Our Take Leaks surrounding Apple products generally come from its supply chain, so Apple implementing stronger security measures can definitely help clamp down on them. Whether these changes will be effective or not is something that only time will tell. [Via The Information COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mount Carmel Health System, one of the largest integrated health systems in Central Ohio, has experienced a significant expansion of their RN talent amidst a year of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing their RN team in partnership with Katon Direct, a leader in the recruitment marketing space, has allowed Mount Carmel to improve the quality of their patient care and ensure the nursing staff always has the resources they need. Even during the most tumultuous year in healthcare to date, the hospital system has built their organization to support and nurture their RN staff. "Mount Carmel is an amazing place to work! The talent quality is unprecedented, and the leadership shows each and every RN how valued we are," said James Moore, a member of the nursing staff at Mount Carmel. "The benefits, competitive salary, and positive atmosphere are what attracted me to the organization, and working here has made me fall in love with nursing all over again." In addition to proactively creating an environment that values work-life balance, Mount Carmel attracted top RN talent by partnering with Katon Direct. Utilizing smart recruitment marketing strategies, the health system built a robust talent pipeline, reducing time to fill by over 37%. "We're committed to hiring and retaining the best RNs locally and nationally, and Katon Direct's recruitment marketing campaign helped us do that efficiently," said Rachel W, Barb RACR Regional Director of Talent Acquisition at Mount Carmel. "Our team is always looking for top nurses who are compassionate and dedicated, and hiring quickly ensures that we're properly staffed and can provide the best possible care to patients." Learn more about Mount Carmel Health System's nursing positions on their career page . About Mount Carmel Mount Carmel Health System, comprised of over 10,000 employees, 2,000 physicians, and 900 volunteers, serves more than a million patients in Central Ohio each year. Their integrated health system provides people-centered care at four hospitals, an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, free-standing emergency centers, outpatient facilities, and other specialty clinics. The Mount Carmel team is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for their world-class RNs, benefiting patients and staff. Mount Carmel Health System Media Contact: Samantha K. Irons Media Relations Manager, Communications & Media Relations [email protected] 614-546-4000 SOURCE Mount Carmel Health System Xiaomi has confirmed that it will launch Mi 11 series of smartphones in India soon. The company doesnt reveal how many phones it plans to launch. The company launched the Mi 11 in China in January and for global markets last month. It has scheduled an event on March 29th where the company is expected to introduce the Mi 11 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 11 Lite. In a tweet the company said: Earlier this year Xiaomi India head, Manu Kumar Jain confirmed that the company will launch two smartphones, one with Snapdragon 888 and the other with the Snapdragon 870 in India soon. These phones could be the Mi 11 and the rumoured Mi 11X, which is said to be a rebranded K40 / POCO F3 for markets like India. #Xiaomi #Qualcomm Excited that 2 new #Mi flagship phones with @Qualcomm #Snapdragon #5G processors are coming to #India soon! #Snapdragon888 #Snapdragon870 Happy to bring the latest & best to our Mi Fans. Any guesses which phones? RT if you are excited. I Mi pic.twitter.com/KmccmNWoSM Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) January 29, 2021 It is not clear if the company plans to bring the top-end Mi 11 Pro / Ultra to India since the pricing will be more. The Mi 11 series smartphones are expected to launch in India sometime in April. We should know more details, including the exact launch date in the coming weeks. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 04:25:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO -- Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Wednesday it has diverted ships to its old channel after a giant cargo container has blocked the course of the new crossing. "Eight tug boats were continuing the rescue works of a 400-meters-long, 59-meters-wide container ship which is among the largest in the world, that has turned sideways in the Suez Canal," said the SCA in a statement. (Egypt-Suez) --- KHARTOUM -- The Chinese government will donate a batch of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to Sudan, Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin announced on Wednesday. "The Chinese government and military have decided to donate a batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Sudan," Ma made the announcement at a press conference held at the Chinese embassy in Khartoum. (China-Sudan) ---- ANKARA -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected Wednesday as chair of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at its general congress. "We are determined to fulfill our promises to our nation, especially a new and civil constitution," Erdogan made the remarks when addressing the delegates of the party after the vote. (Turkey-AKP) ---- BAGHDAD -- The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday 6,051 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily increase since the outbreak of the pandemic, raising the total nationwide infections to 809,092. The ministry said in a statement that 29 new deaths were recorded, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 14,095, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 4,185 to 727,471. (Iraq-COVID19) Enditem The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people not to drink alkaline water brand 'Real Water' after a man suffered liver failure and had to undergo a transplant apparently from drinking the product. The FDA said it had been alerted to five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis that led to liver failure in infants and children in Nevada in November 2020 where the 'only common link' was found to be the brand's 'alkaline water products'. The agency has launched an investigation and warned people not to drink, cook with, sell, or serve Real Water, which costs around $1.89 for a single 1-liter bottle. Since then, four suits have been filed in Clark County District Court against the firm from at least 12 consumers who said they fell ill after drinking the water including one damning claim that a man had to be airlifted to hospital for a liver transplant. Brent Jones, the company's founder and president, released a video Tuesday to 'personally apologize' to the brand's customers amid the 'deeply concerning' links to liver disease. Jones, a Scientologist and former Nevada legislator, announced he was pulling the brand from the shelves of retailers and issuing a voluntary recall to customers. Real Water markets itself as 'the healthiest drinking water available' claiming its higher pH means it can 'detoxify' and 'hydrate like never before'. The company, which rakes in close to $1 billion in sales a year, is said to be a firm favorite among 'celebrities, athletes, doctors, chiropractors, health practitioners and everyday people.' Mounting concerns over its potential health risks come after the alkaline water craze has taken off in recent years, with health fanatics buying into its purported benefits including anti-ageing properties, weight loss benefits and claims it can prevent cancer. The alkaline water market is big business with Global Insights predicting the industry will be worth $4.32 billion by the end of 2023. However, scientists remain skeptical about its alleged health benefits with research studies so far being limited. The Food and Drink Administration (FDA) has warned people not to drink alkaline water brand 'Real Water' after a man suffered liver failure and had to undergo a transplant apparently from drinking the product. Myles Hunwardsen pictured in his hospital bed Myles Hunwardsen (pictured) was diagnosed with acute liver failure in September 2019 and was airlifted to UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital for a transplant 'First, we'd like to express our deepest sympathy and concern over the events that led to the inquiry,' Jones said in a video released Tuesday. 'We started Real Water with the intention to provide a healthy product that benefits and elevates people's lifestyles. We are deeply saddened to learn that anything otherwise could be the result.' The CEO described the recall as 'deeply concerning' and said the company is fully cooperating with the FDA probe. 'This recall is deeply concerning because you should never have any worry about the safety of any of our products,' he said. 'As the majority owner and offender of Real Water I want you to know that I stand behind every product we sell and safety will always be our top priority. 'I want to personally apologize to our customers and I assure you that the lessons learned will drive further improvements in the brand.' Jones said all the incidents of illness are connected to its Las Vegas home and office delivery service but that the company had issued a 'voluntary nationwide recall until the safety of our product is clearly established.' Real Water, which is based in Las Vegas, also posted a notice on its website saying the company was notified last week about the potential ties to illnesses. Jones' apology comes as lawsuits are starting to pile up against the brand in the wake of the launch of the FDA probe. Five people filed a joint suit in Las Vegas Monday against Real Water maker Affinity Lifestyles.com, as well as major retailers Whole Foods Market, Costco Wholesale and Terrible Herbst where the product is sold. Under Nevada law, retailers can also be held liable for selling defective products. DailyMail.com has reached out to the three retailers and Real Water for comment. Costco declined to comment on the lawsuit while the other companies did not return the request for comment. The FDA launched an investigation into Real Water and warned that people should not drink, cook with, sell, or serve the product Brent Jones issued a video apology as the Food and Drink Administration announced it had launched a probe and lawsuits start to pile up Jones, a Scientologist and former Nevada legislator (pictured during his 2018 run for Nevada lieutenant governor), asked retailers to pull the brand from shelves and issued a voluntary recall to customers What is alkaline water and is it safe? What is Real Water? Real Water is marketed as an alkaline water 'with 9.0 pH that utilizes the proprietary E2 Technology, making it the only drinking water on the market that can maintain a stable negative ionization'. It claims to act as a detox and balance pH levels making it 'the healthiest drinking water available.' How is it made? According to the Real Water website, the water is made through a seven-stage purification process where it is passed through a resin bed, charcoal filter and UV light sanitizing unit among other things to remove certain ions, particles and bacteria. It is then treated with the company's E Technology. The end product is said to contain only two ingredients - purified water and potassium bicarbonate, an alkaline mineral. What is alkaline water? Alkaline water is water with a higher pH than regular drinking water, meaning it is less acidic. Regular drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7 while alkaline water will have a pH of 8 or 9 because it contains alkaline minerals. What are the health benefits? There are many claims about the benefits of drinking alkaline water including that it helps slow ageing, cleans the colon, helps weight loss, boost the immune system and can prevent chronic illnesses like cancer because it helps to neutralize the acid in the body. A 2012 study found drinking alkaline water can help acid reflux by helping to deactivate pepsin - the enzyme that causes it. But many health professionals say there isn't enough scientific research to support claims. What are the risks? Alkaline water is not typically known to cause liver problems or to be dangerous to drink. According to Healthline, 'water that doesn't fall in the 'safe' pH range of 6.5 to 8.5, particularly if it's alkaline, isn't necessarily unsafe' but very alkaline water can have an 'unpleasant smell or taste' and can damage water pipes. That said, the Mayo Clinic maintains that drinking regular water is best. Advertisement The suit claims the five people all fell ill after drinking Real Water. Perhaps the most damning claim is that one man suffered liver failure and had to undergo a liver transplant after drinking the alkaline water. The suit says Myles Hunwardsen was diagnosed with acute liver failure in September 2019 and was airlifted to UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital for a transplant. Hunwardsen bought Real Water from Whole Foods and Terrible Herbst in the months leading up to his hospitalization, the suit says. One of the other claimants Miriam Brody says she was treated for liver failure at Henderson Hospital back in November 2018. She says she bought the water from Costco. The three other claimants, Jazmin Schaffer, Tina Hartshorn and Christina Sosa, were also treated for liver illnesses after drinking the water, resulting in medical bills of at least $300,000, the suit states. Hartshorn was hospitalized for nine days after drinking the product which she had delivered to her Las Vegas home, reported the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The suit says 'had the Plaintiffs known the truth - i.e., that Defendants' bottled water contained elevated levels of toxins that would cause severe liver damage, rendering them unsafe for consumption - Plaintiffs would not have purchased them.' This suit marks the fourth filed against the brand within the last week. Three California women filed a federal class-action complaint in Las Vegas, a man filed a case in Clark County after being treated at an urgent care center earlier this month and two parents filed a suit claiming they and their infant son, 2, fell ill after drinking the water. Emely and Christopher Wren said they and their 2-year-old son Christopher Noah Wren fell ill in August while their daughter who did not drink the water was not ill. Dad Christopher was hospitalized and was placed on a wait list for a liver transplant list, the complaint says. His condition improved so he did not require the transplant. Then, in November, the boy had to be flown by emergency jet to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City for emergency treatment for liver malfunction. He was hospitalized for several days. Emely was not hospitalized but experienced nausea and fatigue. Christopher was 'interviewed by an investigator from the Southern Nevada Health District and/or the Center for Disease Controls and informed that drinking Real Water is believed to be the cause of his extreme liver damage and the cause of an extraordinary number of liver damage cases involving Nevada residents,' the suit reads. It is not yet clear if more people will join the class-action suit, filed by Wise & Donahue law firm. The three women who filed it claim they suffered from nausea while one claims she had blood in her urine. 'Contrary to the aforementioned representations and promises made in respect to the Product by Defendant, the Product was defective and caused undesired side effects to consumers, including, but not limited to, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay or gray-colored bowel movements, joint pain, yellow eyes, jaundice, liver failure, hospitalization, and loss of appetite,' the suit alleges. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial in that suit. The FDA announced last week it was investigating a number of reports of acute non-viral hepatitis in the state of Nevada tied to the consumption of Real Water. Acute non-viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure and even death. The FDA said it had been made aware of five cases that had resulted in acute liver failure in infants and children in November 2020 with all five patients hospitalized as a result. The agency said the alkaline water brand was the 'only common link' and that the evidence so far suggested it 'may be the cause of the illnesses'. On Friday, the agency urged people not to drink, cook with, sell or serve the product. Real Water said it was asking retailers across the whole of the US to remove the product from shelves or return it to the distributors and asking customers to return the product while the FDA investigation is ongoing. A statement on its website reads: 'Real Water was notified on March 16, 2021, of a potential problem with our water dating back to November 2020. 'We are saddened to hear of the potential health issue of the product from our Real Water Las Vegas Home Delivery operation. 'We, at Real Water, take the safety of our products and concern for our customer's health seriously. 'Real Water takes great strides in every way to make sure our product is safe for consumption. Our goal is to diligently work with the FDA to achieve a swift resolution.' The FDA said Friday it had been alerted to five cases of acute non-viral hepatitis in infants and children in the state of Nevada in November 2020 where the 'only common link' was found to be the 'alkaline water products' Its products are in the mid-market range, retailing for around $1.89 for a single 1-liter bottle on Instacart, compared to $2.49 for a 1-liter bottle of Fiji and $1.09 for a 1-liter bottle of Poland Spring. Many major retailers and smaller convenience stores stock the bottle including Whole Foods, Costco and Key Foods, while it can also be bought directly from the Real Water website for home and office delivery. The product no longer appears to be in stock online at Whole Foods or Costco but it is still available on Instacart. A Costco spokesperson said the company had received a call from the manufacturer to pull the product but that Costco had not yet announced a nationwide recall from all its sites. Some stores may still have the water on their shelves at this time, they said. Whole Foods did not immediately return DailyMail.com's request for information but staff at a couple of individual stores said the product was no longer on the shelves. A quick search finds orders can also still be placed on Real Water's website but it is not clear if the order will be delayed or refunded. Real Water is marketed as 'a premium, drinking water with 9.0 pH that utilizes the proprietary E2 Technology, making it the only drinking water on the market that can maintain a stable negative ionization'. It claims to act as a detox and balance pH levels making it 'the healthiest drinking water available.' Affinitylifestyles.com Inc. generates around $980,000 in sales, according to dun & bradstreet. This isn't the first time the company has come under fire. Several discrimination lawsuits have previously been brought against the firm and Jones by ex-staffers. One suit, which was later dismissed, was brought by a woman who accused Jones of making her and other employees watch Scientology-based videos. A former exec at Real Water also previously claimed they were required to attend Scientology-based facilities while working at the company. Scientologist Jones is even rumored to have named Affinity Lifestyles in a nod to the group's 'ARC Triangle' meaning 'Affinity - Reality - Communication.' California native Jones founded Affinity Lifestyles, the maker of Real Water, 13 years ago in Nevada. Prior to this, he started his career training as a lawyer before he served one term as a Nevada state legislator from 2014 until 2016. He was then defeated in his reelection bid by Democrat Justin Watkins. In 2018, Jones then had a failed run for lieutenant governor. Five people filed a joint suit Monday against Real Water maker Affinity Lifestyles.com, as well as major retailers Whole Foods Market, Costco Wholesale and Terrible Herbst which sold the products His wife Aimee Jones also ran that year to win the Assembly seat her husband lost in 2016. Alkaline water has risen in popularity in recent years due to its claimed health benefits. While regular drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7 alkaline water has a higher pH of 8 or 9 because it contains alkaline minerals, meaning it is less acidic. There are many claims about the benefits of drinking alkaline water including that it helps slow ageing, cleans the colon, helps weight loss, boost the immune system and can prevent chronic illnesses like cancer because it helps to neutralize the acid in the body. But many health professionals say there isn't enough scientific research to support claims. That said, alkaline water is not typically known to cause liver problems or to be dangerous to drink. According to Healthline, 'water that doesn't fall in the 'safe' pH range of 6.5 to 8.5, particularly if it's alkaline, isn't necessarily unsafe' but very alkaline water can have an 'unpleasant smell or taste' and can damage water pipes. Advice from the Mayo Clinic is that drinking regular water is best. The alkaline water is said to come with a number of health benefits and claims to be 'the healthiest drinking water available' One of the top companies offering Boston IT Support Services, New England Network Solutions has been supporting local and fast-growing companies for over 25 years by partnering with them to align the right technology solutions to their business needs. Why would companies partner with a company that provides managed IT services in Boston? Their Boston IT support services are designed with one goal in mind: to put an end to the IT issues that local and fast-growth businesses face every day. IT downtime not only results in loss of profitability per hour, but can also lead to demotivation in the positions inside the workforce that are IT dependent, as workers can feel like achieving daily targets is outside of the companys control. Theres a major difference between having back and forth conversations, with multiple different personnel, over multiple weeks and still not getting your problems solved.and getting your IT problems solved on the first call. According to a NENS spokesperson, When you work with NENS, Boston Managed IT services, you get a dedicated team of IT engineers with over 25+ years of experience and a dedicated account manager who is 100% dedicated to your success. Why would local businesses want to work with a provider of managed IT services Boston wide? Simple: small businesses dont have the time to deal with technical IT issues when there are customers to serve and day-to-day operations to keep the business thriving. Having your IT operation go down in the middle of a work day, especially burning peak busy season, can be painfully costly. Not being able to deliver products and services while still having operational costs by the minute, puts small businesses at considerable risk. Another angle for consideration is if a company has a certain reputation for delivering high quality products and services with integrity and excellence, yet cannot meet that core value because of IT complexities and issues that prevent the follow-through that customers, clients and patients have come to expect. Why risk revenue, reputation and employee morale? Keep IT and technical operations running smoothly - request a quote from NENS IT, Boston IT services provider for 20+ years and put IT issues and struggles to an end. About New England Network Solutions New England Network Solutions is a seasoned provider of high-level IT service and support for over 25 years. With a deep understanding how tech solutions affect the bottom line, NENS brings IT services to a whole new level for their clients, helping them reach their top potential with their time-tested and strategic approach to IT support. Contact New England Network Solutions to request a free pricing quote at: New England Network Solutions - Boston Managed IT Services 399 Boylston St 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02116, United States +1 855-918-2126 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Even though the government has doubled down on vaccination, the number of Covid-19 cases in Delhi is on the rise. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered there will be no public celebrations, gatherings and congregations on festivals like Holi, Navratri, Shab-e-Barat, etc in the national capital. Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev has directed the authorities concerned to ensure that the order is followed in letter and spirit. The order read, "All authorities concerned will ensure that public celebrations and gatherings, congregations during upcoming festivals like Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, etc shall not be allowed in public places/public grounds/public parks/markets/religious places etc in NCT of Delhi." The national capital has reported 1,101 COVID-19 cases, the highest in more than three months whereas 4 people succumbed to the disease as of March 23, i.e., Tuesday. This is the first time since December 24 that Delhi has reported over 1,000 cases in a day. The COVID-19 tally reached over 6.49 lakh, while 6.34 lakh patients have recovered, according to the Delhi health department bulletin. Health experts have said the recent "sudden rise" in COVID-19 cases is due to people "assuming all is well now". Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also asked chief secretaries of all states to expedite vaccination and cover all priority groups. He also warned that COVID-19 tally might surge further due to upcoming festivals. With agency inputs Also read: Home Secy concerned about slack vaccination; warns of surge in festivals Also read: COVID-19 vaccination: India delivers over 5 crore doses Also read: Delhi Police uses hilarious 'pawri' meme to urge people to wear masks Russia is responsible for constructive participation in the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group. This was said in a statement by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on March 23, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. We call on all the parties to fully implement the Minsk agreements and underscored Russias responsibility to engage constructively within the Normandy format and the Trilateral Contact Group to reach a fair and lasting political solution to the conflict, the statement reads. The ministry recalled that France, Germany and their G7 partners are pursuing their efforts within the Normandy format to resolve the conflict by diplomatic means. Official Paris noted that both the Russian Federation and Ukraine had crafted proposals reflecting their version of the settlement. All of these proposals are examined carefully and discussed regularly in the Normandy format. France and Germany have been working to bring the parties positions closer together in order to reach a mutually acceptable compromise solution, the ministry said. Earlier, the European Union called on Russia, as a member of the Trilateral Contact Group and signatory to the Minsk agreements, to act constructively within the framework of the peace process and fulfill its obligations. ish +3 100 years, 100%: Performer at Cayuga County suffrage event has eye on future "We need to celebrate the past and say to the future that this is what we want, and we're not going to give up until we get exactly what we think we should have." Many of those students have struggled with the pandemic, she said, as it has been particularly disruptive for young women of color. The demographics of their campuses are often different from those of their hometowns, so abruptly switching from one to the other can be stressful. In the process, some lost access to their college library, or their own room to study. At the same time, renewed attention to racial injustice in the wake of the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others has been an additional source of stress. "Everything is exacerbated in reality or in the hearts of these young people," Johnson said. "The climate of systemic racism and bias has shown its ugly head in this country, and they're feeling it." So despite being "extremely self-motivated young women," she said, some of the students in the initiative have seen their grades drop over the last year. She also regrets that they haven't been able to get together with each other, as well as family, supporters and the initiative's board at its traditional ceremony at the end of the school year. played down the impact of Beijings heightening scrutiny over Chinas biggest internet firms, saying a potential revamp of its $120 billion fintech wing should have little impact on its business. The firm on Wednesday reported a market-beating 26 per cent jump in quarterly sales, helped in part by a surge in revenue from its online gaming business. Revenue rose to 133.67 billion yuan in the quarter ended December, versus market expectations of 132.19 billion yuan, based on data from Refinitiv. Beijing is widening a crackdown on the countrys largest corporations, fearful of their growing clout. Tencents attempt to allay investor concern over regulatory scrutiny comes after it posted revenue growth that barely met expectations. Regulators are said to be considering forcing the firm to overhaul its promising fintech division in a similar fashion to Jack Mas Co. Pony Ma meets antitrust officials Pony Ma, the founder of Tencent Holdings, Chinas biggest social media and video games company, met with antitrust watchdog officials this month to discuss compliance at his group, three people with knowledge of the matter said. The meeting is the most concrete indication yet that Chinas unprecedented antitrust crackdown, which started late last year with billionaire Jack Ma's Alibaba business empire, could soon target other internet behemoths. U.S. Senator Richard Shelby said he has no plans to endorse in the race to find his successor. Shelby, 86, announced in February he wont seek re-election when his current term expires in 2022. Two Republican candidates Lynda Blanchard, former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia and Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville have announced their candidacies. Brooks did so Monday night to a crowd in Huntsville, touting his long-time support of conservative issues but stopping short of saying he would have the endorsement of former Republican president Donald Trump. I have spoken with President Trump quite a few times about this Senate race, Brooks said. Hes called me three times in the last four weeks. Im not in position to speak for President Trump. At some point, the president may decide to become engaged in this race or not. Im going to defer to him the time and place of his stating his position on the Alabama Senate race if hes going to have one, Brooks told the crowd. Shelby said Trumps endorsement would help any candidate in Alabama. As for his own backing, Shelby said its wait and see. If Trump put his stamp on anybody, it would help them right now, Shelby told reporters, adding he does not currently have plans to endorse in the race. Well see how it plays out. Future candidate announcements could change that as well. Among the names being mentioned as possibly running is Katie Boyd Britt, president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama. Britt served as Shelbys deputy campaign manager and communications director in 2015 before being named his chief of staff in 2016. This much we know about the person who will be the 2nd Congressional Districts new representative in Washington: He or she will be a reliable vote for the Democratic agenda. On paper, theres not much that separates the two candidates who made the runoff, State Sens. Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson. Both favor a significant hike in the national minimum wage, a shift from traditional polluting energy sources, criminal justice reform, full reproductive rights, and some version of Medicare for all. They also have a shared background as seasoned legislators out of New Orleans, with Carter having been in public office, on and off, for three decades, and Peterson having served since 1999 in the state House and Senate. This is worth remembering, because the campaign for the April 24 runoff is likely to emphasize their differences rather than their considerable similarities. Thats because there are two major voting blocs up for grabs in the district, which runs from New Orleans and Jefferson Parish upriver to Baton Rouge. And unlike the surviving candidates, they clearly diverge. Carter led the Saturday primary with 36% of the vote, so he gets the initial edge. Peterson barely made the second spot with 23%, just two points ahead of Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers, who scored 21%. Another 16% went to four Republican candidates. Carter ran as a liberal, but one who is willing to support incremental change. On oil and gas, for example, he said that President Joe Biden should rethink or limit the moratorium hes called on new drilling leases in the Gulf of Mexico, while Peterson fully endorsed Bidens move. On health care, he favors adding a public option to the Affordable Care Act, while she wants a single payer system. To replace Cedric Richmond, Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson will meet in runoff Troy Carter led the field but will face Karen Carter Peterson in a runoff after the two Democratic state senators from New Orleans won the top Carter also has a reputation as being more willing to compromise, while Peterson is more all-or-nothing, a personality trait that has earned her passionate supporters and also weary adversaries. Given all that, its likely that voters who chose Republicans the first time around might favor Carter over Peterson who, after all, led the state Democratic party for years. His campaign clearly knows that, judging from the rationale that Democratic East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome offered for her endorsement of Carter earlier this week. East Baton Rouge Parish is represented by two congressional districts. It is important that our representatives are working past political differences and seeking a harmonious working tenor to bring back the federal resources that our people send to Washington each year. I believe Sen. Carter is the man to do that. He has demonstrated his ability to work across the aisle, while still fighting for and upholding democratic ideals. Broome said. The question is whether those voters will show up at all to vote for a member of the other party, if only as a defensive measure. They may well; the fact that they voted the first time in what is clearly a Democratic district suggests theyre the sort who participate chronically. +2 Stephanie Grace: Personality may matter more than policy in race for Congress In Saturdays special election primary in the 2nd Congressional District, voters can choose a leading candidate whos been in New Orleans poli Chambers offers a bigger cache of potential votes, and of the two runoff candidates, Peterson is the one whos closer to him philosophically and stylistically or, put another way, higher on the woke scale. But is she woke enough to get his voters out a second time, or is she too much of an establishment figure for their taste? If Chambers voters in New Orleans come from the same pool that favored reformer Jason Williams for district attorney last fall, will they remember that Peterson was firmly behind the less disruptive candidacy of Keva Landrum? Will they see enough of a difference, or figure that Carter and Peterson are two sides of the same coin? And will Chambers himself make an endorsement or stay out it? Another cause for concern for the Peterson camp: As voting analyst John Couvillon pointed out, Carter won his own Senate district handily, but he also finished first in Petersons district with about 33% of the primary vote (Couvillons estimate combines real Election Day votes and proportionally allocated early votes that the state doesnt link to individual precincts). Chambers and Peterson each got about 29% of her constituents, Couvillon estimated. So while both candidates have some convincing to do in order to get to Congress, Peterson needs to start much closer to home. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Economics Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 151 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 151 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 Economics Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-economics-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Economics Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): American University Baylor University Boston University Columbia University Cornell University Duke University Florida State University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Southern University Georgia State University Johns Hopkins University Lehigh University New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Ohio University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Southern Illinois University Southern New Hampshire University Stanford University State University of New York, Buffalo State University of New York, Empire State College State University of New York, Stony Brook Syracuse University Temple University Texas A & M University, College Station Tufts University University of Arizona University of California, Los Angeles University of Delaware University of Detroit Mercy University of Houston University Of Houston, Victoria University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Maryland University of Michigan University of Minnesota University of Missouri University of North Dakota University of Oklahoma University of Southern California University of Texas, Austin University of Wisconsin, Madison West Texas A&M University Western Illinois University Xavier University Youngstown 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 man is facing federal charges after police say he stole mail and packages from community mailboxes in Katy. On March 10, officers from the Katy Police Department arrested Kelly Toliver, 44, from Austin, for allegedly breaking into shared U.S. Postal Service mailboxes and stealing the contents. Toliver has been charged \with evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance. He is also facing federal charges from the U.S. Postal Inspectors Office for mail theft and fraud. More by Claire Goodman: American Rescue Plan Act legislation is a big deal for Fort Bend County. Here's where local leaders say the money will go: According to Katy Police Chief Noe Diaz, the investigation began Feb. 27 after numerous complaints from residents claiming that their mail and packages had been stolen from community mailboxes in their subdivision. Residents reported that this was an ongoing problem. At least one resident had their credit card information compromised, a news release from the police department said. Private surveillance cameras gave police a description of the suspect. Detectives then began conducting their own surveillance of the area. On March 10, Toliver, who matched the suspects description, approached the mailboxes, police said. Detectives attempted to question him, but he fled on foot. He was quickly apprehended and taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, investigators said, Toliver was in possession of burglary tools and mail that did not belong to him. The investigation led detectives to a motel room in which Toliver was staying. On HoustonChronicle.com: Donald Trump will be back on social media with 'his own platform' In the motel room, the news release said, police detectives found narcotics and more evidence of mail theft. Because mail theft and fraud is a federal crime, police contacted the U.S. Postal Inspectors Office to assist with the arrest and charges. Toliver now faces federal charges, which will be filed by the postal inspectors, the news release stated. claire.goodman@chron.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 11:38:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PYONGYANG, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has condemned the European Union (EU) for including the DPRK in the targets of "human rights sanctions" under the pretext of "countering global human rights violations." A report by the Korean Central News Agency released on Tuesday night quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying that the EU performed "a farce of announcing the targets of sanctions" by pointing its finger at what it calls "human rights violations" in several countries. A top EU body on Monday slapped sanctions on the DPRK for allegedly torturing and killing people. The move marks the first time the EU has explicitly named DPRK officials for human rights-related crimes. In addition to the DPRK, the EU included individuals and entities from China, Libya, Eritrea, South Sudan and Russia in the sanction list. "The DPRK strongly denounces and categorically rejects this farce of 'human rights sanctions' by the EU, as it constitutes a part of the stereo-typed policy hostile to the DPRK and a despicable political provocation aimed at infringing upon its sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also warned that the EU needs to bear in mind that if it persistently clings to the futile anti-DPRK "human rights" smear campaign in disregard of the country's repeated warnings, "it will inevitably be faced with unimaginable and miserable consequence." Enditem CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a market operator and global trading solutions provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. (Chi-X Asia Pacific), an alternative market operator and provider of innovative market solutions, from J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. This acquisition will provide Cboe with a single point of entry into two key capital markets Australia and Japan to help enable it to expand its global equities business into Asia Pacific, bring other products and services to the region, and further expand access to its unique proprietary product suite in the region. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Ed Tilly, Chairman, President and CEO at Cboe Global Markets, said: "With the planned acquisition of Chi-X Asia Pacific, we continue to execute on our growth strategy by broadening our geographic and asset class presence, while enabling the further extension of our product offerings to our global network of customers. This is an exciting investment in attractive, growing markets that will complement our North American and European operations and provide a foothold in the key Asia Pacific region, positioning us to become a truly global marketplace for our customers. In a short number of years, the Chi-X Asia Pacific team has built their business into one of the largest market operators in Asia Pacific. We look forward to working with them to accelerate the company's further growth, building on our shared cultures of innovation and customer-first approach as we aim to bring greater choice to investors in Asia Pacific." Chi-X Asia Pacific is one of the most successful alternative market operators in Asia Pacific, with core operations in Australia and Japan. Chi-X Australia (CXA), the country's second largest securities exchange achieving an 18.4 percent total market share[1], offers trading in all Australian-listed securities, as well as the exclusive trading of CXA quoted warrants and ETFs. Chi-X Japan (CXJ), a leading proprietary trading system for Japanese equities and third largest equities venue in the country with a 2.7 percent lit market share[2], offers four trading books including both displayed and non-displayed mechanisms. David Howson, currently President of Cboe's European operations will lead the company's business expansion into the region and has been promoted to President, Europe and Asia Pacific. Mr. Howson will work closely with the global Cboe team and with the Chi-X Asia Pacific local management teams led by Vic Jokovic, Chief Executive Officer at Chi-X Australia and Toru Irokawa, Representative Director and President at Chi-X Japan, who will continue to lead their businesses. Cboe plans to leverage Chi-X Asia Pacific's expansive presence in Asia Pacific and bring to the region BIDS Trading's industry-leading block trading capabilities. With BIDS' current network covering major North American and European equities markets, the addition of Asia Pacific equities is expected to create a global block trading platform to serve a broader base of customers. Cboe also expects to enhance investor access to other products and services. In particular, Chi-X Asia Pacific is expected to provide an expanded distribution network enabling Cboe to further offer its unique proprietary products to clients in Australia and Japan. This deal also creates an opportunity for Cboe to become the global leader in equities market data, offering comprehensive data from most major markets around the world including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan and 15 European countries. The planned acquisition builds on Cboe's newly created Data and Access Solutions business, which combines Cboe Information Solutions with its global market data and access services into one holistic offering, enabling customers around the world greater access to all of Cboe's expanded data and analytics capabilities through a unified offering. Mr. Jokovic said: "Over the past decade, Chi-X Australia has built an enviable reputation as an innovative market operator with superior market expertise, customer service and a pioneering spirit that strongly aligns with Cboe's legacy of product and market innovation. We are excited to draw upon Cboe's core strengths as a leading global exchange operator to further enhance the competitive landscape in the Australian markets with new innovation and market solutions to better meet customer needs." Mr. Irokawa said: "Chi-X Japan is currently the only broker-neutral proprietary trading system in Japan, and remains committed to delivering best execution and significant cost-savings for both retail and institutional investors through our superior services and rich set of trading solutions. With Cboe's investment in Chi-X Japan, we look forward to enhancing our capabilities and bringing vital competition to help strengthen the efficiency and resiliency of the entire Japanese equities market." Australia is the world's 9th largest global economy, representing approximately $2.2 trillion in market capitalization and averaging 4.6 billion shares traded a day in its equities market[3]. Japan ranks as the 4th largest global economy, representing $6.2 trillion in market capitalization with over $5.1 trillion total value traded annually in its equities market[4]. Cboe plans to fund the transaction with cash on hand, supplemented by existing credit agreements, if needed. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, however the company noted that the purchase price is not material from a financial perspective and is expected to be nominally accretive to the company's adjusted earnings in 2021. Chi-X Asia Pacific generated approximately $26 million in net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, reflecting a 26 percent growth rate compared to the prior year, with non-transactional revenue comprising 67 percent of the overall net revenue. For additional background information on Chi-X Asia Pacific, see the slide deck available under events and presentations on Cboe's Investor Relations website at http://ir.cboe.com/events-and-presentations. Legal advisors to Cboe Global Markets on the transaction are Sidley Austin LLP (U.S. and Hong Kong), King & Wood Mallesons (Australia), Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (Japan) and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (Philippines), with BofA Securities serving as financial advisor. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions. The company offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products (ETPs), global foreign exchange (FX) and volatility products based on the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX Index), recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility. Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearing house. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading. The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com. About Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. ("Chi-X Asia Pacific") is a leader in driving marketplace innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. For over a decade the business has been operating trading venues and generating pioneering products and services for the benefit of financial markets and the global trading community. The company believes that modern competition from technology-driven markets increases overall market volumes and improves investor performance, providing benefits to all participants. As an alternative market operator, Chi-X Asia Pacific operates market centers two of the Asia-Pacific region's key securities trading centers in Australia and Japan, while its Chi-TechTM technology services units provide technology to its business. Chi-X Asia Pacific was acquired from its former global parent in 2016 by funds advised by JC Flowers & Co. LLC and has grown rapidly in the ensuing years. Chi-X Australia, as the second largest securities exchange in Australia, is transforming the Australian investment market through its focus on customers and innovation. Chi-X Australia delivers easy, cost-effective access to local and global investment opportunities, including a full suite of services for exchange traded investment products and cash equities as well as an investment products platform including Warrants, Indices (CXA 200), innovative Transferable Custody Receipts and ETFs/QMFs. Chi-X Japan, as a leading proprietary trading system in Japan, operates four equity trading venues, including both lit and dark, to provide solutions to evolving needs of market participants and provide members and investors with better trading opportunities at lower cost under highly transparent rules. Chi-Tech provides the trading technology platform and support services that keep the Chi-X Asia Pacific market centers at the forefront of the industry in performance and reliability. The company maintains offices in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Manila. For more information, visit www.chi-x.com. Media Contacts Analyst Contact Angela Tu +1-646-856-8734 atu@cboe.com Tim Cave +44 (0) 7593-506-719 tcave@cboe.com Debbie Koopman +1-312-786-7136 koopman@cboe.com CBOE-CCBOE-OE Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. Chi-X Asia Pacific, Chi-X Australia and Chi-X Japan are registered trademarks of Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; our index providers' ability to maintain the quality and integrity of their indices and to perform under our agreements; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC. We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. 1Source: Australian Securities and Investments Commission equity market data. Based on average daily value traded 2021 YTD through February2Based on lit market volume 2021 YTD through February3Source: Chi-X Asia Pacific 4World Federation of Exchanges, as of year-end 2019 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cboe-global-markets-agrees-to-acquire-chi-x-asia-pacific-expanding-global-footprint-into-australia-and-japan-301255341.html SOURCE Cboe Global Markets, 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. By Robert Gavin | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. Court of Appeals Associate Judge Paul Feinman, known as a champion of the LGBTQ community, tendered his immediate departure from the states highest court due to a health concern, the court announced Tuesday. The Court of Appeals announced on its website that Feinman informed Chief Judge Janet DiFiore of his departure. Feinman, 61, an appointee of Gov. Andrew Cuomo who previously served at the Appellate Division of state Supreme Courts First Department in Manhattan, joined the Court of Appeals in 2017 as the first openly gay member of the court. He took the seat of Associate Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam. Judge Feinman is an exceptional judge and a magnificent human being who has made an extraordinary contribution to this institution during his tenure, DiFiore said in a statement. He will be greatly missed. The states Commission on Judicial Nomination, a judicial screening committee, will be expected to seek applications from candidates to fill the vacancy left by Feinmans departure, pick a slate of finalists and present it to the governor, who then picks the nominee. The state Senate would need to confirm the choice. Feinmans departure is a tremendous loss, New York State Bar Association President Scott Karson said in a statement. He said Feinman has been an exceptional judge, magnificent human being, and a champion of the LGBTQ community. He has been a wonderful colleague to so many of us at the New York State Bar Association, and we are saddened that his tenure on the states highest court will be so brief, Karson said. I join with his family, friends and admirers throughout the state in wishing him a speedy recovery. Feinman, who grew up one of five siblings in Merrick, Nassau County, graduated from Columbia University and in 1981 and earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1985, according to his biography on the Court of Appeals website. It said Feinman also studied in France at the Universite de Paris VII (Jussieu),the Universite de Paris II (Assas) and the Universite de Lyon III. Feinman, a Democrat who has worked for the Legal Aid Society in Nassau County and Manhattan, later worked as a law clerk for state Supreme Court Justice Angela Mazzarelli in civil criminal courts and at the Appellate Divisions First Department. Feinman was elected to Civil Court in Manhattan in 1996 and began serving as an acting Supreme Court Justice in 2004. Three years later, he was elected to Supreme Court. Cuomo named him to sit on the Appellate Divisions First Department in 2012 and to the Court of Appeals five years later. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - IMPACT Silver Corp. (TSXV: IPT) ("IMPACT" or the "Company") announces its financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Company reported $2.3 million net income on $15.6 million in revenue for full year 2020 compared to a loss of $4.9 million on $13.3 million in revenue in 2019. The better results were primarily due to increased silver prices during the year, despite a temporary COVID-19 shut down earlier in the year. Mine operating earnings before amortization and depletion was $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $1.4 million in 2019. Fred Davidson, President & CEO of IMPACT, stated, "In the tough market of 2018, we implemented foundations on the operational front that would set IMPACT up for success by focusing on grades and cost efficiency. I am pleased to report that in 2020 we saw each of our goals met and surpassed as our stakeholders reaped full rewards of a focused pure play silver miner in IMPACT." "In 2020, operations in Mexico were suspended from April through June due to COVID-19. We are proud of our team for navigating through this unprecedented pandemic and implementing new health risk policies for the safety of our work force, their families and local communities." "Operational excellency, in combination with continued elevated silver prices has generated another strong quarter in Q4 2020 with net income of $1.7 million. With the positive cashflow and capital raised last year, we believe that the Company is in a good position to carry out its objectives in 2021 including one of IMPACT's largest greenfield exploration programs in years, ongoing advancements on various mine sites, unlocking the value of our land package, and evaluation of our Capire VMS plant and deposit." "With 10.8 million ounces of silver (no equivalents) produced to date by IMPACT Silver, we are proud of our 2020 achievements of returning back to a profitable highly leveraged pure silver miner and look forward to 2021 with significant expectations." 2020 Financial Overview Net income for the year was $2.3 million compared to a loss of $4.9 million in 2019. Net income for the quarter was $1.7 million compared to a loss of $1.0 million in 2019. Revenue for Q4 2020 was $4.5 million up from $4.0 million in 2019. Revenue for the year was $15.6 million, for 2019 $13.3 million. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation & Amortization (EBITDA) for 2020 improved to $2.5 million from a loss of $3.8 million in 2019. Mine operating earnings before amortization and depletion for the year was $4.7 million, an improvement of $3.3 million from 2019. During the year, the Company closed two private placements for net proceeds of $10.8 million, with the exercising of outstanding warrants and options generating a further $5.3 million. At December 31, 2020, the cash position was $20.4 million and working capital was $20.3 million, much stronger than 2019 with cash of $3.8 million and working capital of $3.6 million. The Company has no long-term debt. 2020 Production Overview 2020 full year silver production was 646,534 ounces (2019 - 664,056 ounces) dropping only 3% despite the COVID shutdown. 2020 full year silver production was 646,534 ounces (2019 - 664,056 ounces) dropping only 3% despite the COVID shutdown. Average mill feed grade for silver was 172 grams per tonne (g/t) in Q4 2020 comparable to 173 g/t in 2019. Throughput at the mill stayed at 140,069 tonnes milled in 2020 compared to 140,878 tonnes in 2019. The rise in silver prices and improved throughput more than offset the effects of the COVID-19 shut down in Mexico in the first half and has generated strong cashflow as a result. Revenue per tonne sold was $131.87 in Q4 2020, an increase of over 25% from Q4 2019 at $105.47. The Company shifted its strategy in Q3 2018 from utilizing capacity at its Guadalupe processing plant to focusing on lower cost, higher-grade production. The decrease in production tonnes allowed the Company to focus on mining higher margin areas in lower cost situations. Direct costs per production tonne were $80.82 in Q4 2020 were slightly lower than Q4 2019 at $82.55. In October 2020, IMPACT executed an arms-length Letter of Intent to option the Nuevo Taxco project to Red Oak Mining Corp., (now Pantera Silver, listed under PNTR:TSX-V) a promising junior explorer company with access to capital and talent. This approach allows the Company to unlock additional value and exploration upside on the large 200km land package without time commitment and capital from our team. With markets picking up interest for early staged precious metals assets, management are seeing more interests in deals and will evaluate and execute selective deals to benefit stakeholders. George Gorzynski, P.Eng., a Qualified Person under the meaning of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, approved the technical content regarding exploration work in this news release. A recorded conference call reviewing the financial and production results of the year ended December 31, 2020 will be available on the Company website on March 25, 2021 at www.impactsilver.com/s/ConferenceCalls.asp. The information in this news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited condensed consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, available on the Company website at www.impactsilver.com and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. ABOUT IMPACT SILVER CORP IMPACT Silver Corp. is a successful silver-gold explorer-producer with two processing plants on adjacent districts within its 100% owned mineral concessions covering 211km2 in central Mexico with excellent infrastructure and labor force. Over the past 16 years, IMPACT has produced over 10.8 million ounces of silver, generating revenues over $207 million, with no long-term debt. At the Royal Mines of Zacualpan Silver District, three underground silver mines and one open pit mine feed the central Guadalupe processing plant. To the south, in the Mamatla District, the Capire processing pilot plant is adjacent to an open pit silver mine with a mineral resource of over 4.5 million oz silver, 48 million lbs zinc and 21 million lbs lead (see IMPACT news release dated January 18, 2016 for details); Company engineers are reviewing Capire for restart of operations in light of current elevated silver prices. With 16 years of exploration successes leading to production cash flows, IMPACT has shown the districts to be endowed with many high grade epithermal silver-gold zones. Additional information about IMPACT and its operations can be found on the Company website at www.IMPACTSilver.com. Follow us on Twitter @IMPACT_Silver and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/impactsilver On behalf of IMPACT Silver Corp. "Frederick W. Davidson" Frederick W. Davidson President & CEO For more information, please contact: Jerry Huang CFO & Investor Relations (604) 664-7707 or inquiries@impactsilver.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78450 Advertisement Charles and Camilla touched down in Greece today on their first international trip of the year, as Prince Philip recovers from heart surgery at Windsor Castle. Prince Charles has described Greece as the 'land of my grandfather', in a reference to Philip's father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark. The heir to the throne landed at Athens airport with the Duchess of Cornwall at just before 5.30pm local time to be greeted by a guard provided by the Hellenic Armed Forces. The couple, who were met by a delegation including British ambassador to Greece Kate Smith, are on a two-day visit to attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations. Camilla was wearing a blue and white dress by Fiona Clare, a cape by Anna Valentine, and a face mask with Prince of Wales feathers sent to her by a member of the public. During their visit to the National Gallery, Prince Charles appeared particularly interested by the painting 'The Army Camp of General Karaiskakis' by artist Theodoros P. Vryzakis. The painting depicts Karaiskakis and other famous figures of the Greek War of Independence, including an English noble called Frank Abney Hastings. He was a former Royal Navy officer served at the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of New Orleans before becoming a hero of the Greek Independence war. Speaking at the dinner hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Charles said: 'My wife and I could not be more delighted to be back in Greece, which has long held the most special place in my heart. 'After all, Greece is the land of my grandfather; and of my father's birth, nearly one hundred years ago, in the centenary year of Greek Independence. 'Later, it was in Athens that my dear grandmother, Princess Alice, during the dark years of Nazi occupation, sheltered a Jewish family - an act for which in Israel she is counted as 'Righteous Among The Nations'.' Prince Charles appeared particularly interested by the painting 'The Army Camp of General Karaiskakis' (1855) by artist Theodoros P. Vryzakis. The painting depicts Karaiskakis and other famous figures of the Greek War of Independence, including an English noble called Frank Abney Hastings. The former Royal Navy officer served at the Battle of Trafalgar and the Battle of New Orleans before becoming a hero of the Greek Independence war Charles and Camilla landed at Athens International Airport at just before 5.30pm local time. The couple are attending the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations, following an invitation from Greece's prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis After disembarking the plane, Charles and Camilla greeted dignitaries, including Her Majesty's Ambassador to Greece Kate Smith Prince Charles, Prince of Wales delivers a speech during an official dinner with the Greek President at the presidential mansion in Athens Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall enjoys the salute of a guard as she arrives for a dinner with Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou The couple, who were met by a delegation including British ambassador to Greece Kate Smith, are on a two-day visit to attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations Camilla debuted a new monochrome face covering today emblazoned with the Prince of Wales' feathers which was given to her by a member of the public The couple, who were invited by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, visited the National Gallery before attending an official state dinner at the presidential mansion. At the official ceremony celebrating the opening of the National Gallery, Charles and Camilla were greeted by Mr Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki. They were given a tour by the director of the National Gallery, Professor Marina Lambraki-Plaka, in which they will view the paintings of artist Thomas Gordon. Charles and Camilla were seated at the high table for the official state dinner, hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. In his speech, Charles said: 'In feeling a profound connection to Greece - her landscapes, her history and her culture - I am hardly alone: there is something of her essence in us all. 'As the wellspring of Western civilization, Greece's spirit runs through our societies and our democracies. Prince Philip's Greek ancestry and how he ended up marrying the Queen Prince Philip as a toddler in Greece Prince Philip was born on June 10, 1921, on the kitchen table at his family home Mon Repos on the Greek island of Corfu. He was the fifth child, and only boy, of parents Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark and Princess Alice of Battenberg. His ancestry is a mix of Greece, Denmark, Russia and Prussia on his father's side, and his maternal grandmother, Princess Victoria of Hesse, was a granddaughter of Queen Victoria, making him Elizabeth II's third cousin. Philip's father, a Lieutenant-General in the Greek army, was accused of high treason after allegedly disobeying an order and abandoning his post with his cavalry regiment in the face of attack during the Greco-Turkish War of 1919-1922. The family managed to escape on British naval vessel HMS Calypso, with the newborn prince carried to safety in a cot famously crafted from an unused fruit box. They were taken to France where they settled in a leafy suburb in Paris in a house loaned to them by his wealthy aunt, Princess George of Greece and Denmark. From then on, the Duke's childhood was incredibly unsettled as he was without a permanent home. At the age of eight, Philip was sent to Cheam school in Surrey for three years - but moved to Germany where all four of his sisters had married. His stint in Germany proved brief when he moved back to Britain and was sent to Gordonstoun, a boarding school in Scotland. After leaving school, Philip joined the Royal Navy, beginning at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, in May 1939, and was singled out as best cadet. He stayed in the Royal Navy and served on several ships - firstly on HMS Ramillies - and saw active service against German, Italian and Japanese forces. The next year he became a midshipman. At Christmas 1943, with 'nowhere particular to go', as he nonchalantly put it, Philip went with his cousin, David Milford Haven, to stay at Windsor Castle. Princess Elizabeth, then 17, was animated in a way 'none of us had ever seen before', wrote her governess, Marion Crawford. That weekend of dinner parties, charades, films and dancing to the gramophone proved to be a turning point. After a subsequent visit to Windsor in July, Philip wrote to the Queen of 'the simple enjoyment of family pleasures and amusements and the feeling that I am welcome to share them. I am afraid I am not capable of putting all this into the right words and I am certainly incapable of showing you the gratitude that I feel.' Late that summer, the Queen asked him to Balmoral for three weeks to shoot grouse and stalk. It was probably during this holiday that he proposed. Advertisement 'Without her, our laws, our art, our way of life, would never have flourished as they have.' Charles said that Athens wants to enact his ambitious Terra Carta, or Earth Charter, which has parallels with the Magna Carta. It aims to encourage the private sector to safeguard the planet by adopting sustainability and to invest 10 billion dollars (7.3 billion) in 'natural capital' by 2022. Charles said: 'As we all work to rebuild our societies and our economies from this year of previously unimaginable upheaval, and to set our world on a more sustainable path, perhaps we can take some inspiration from the courage, determination and ambition of 1821. 'Once again, the stakes could hardly be higher. 'The choices we make will determine the fate not only of our nations, but of this singular planet which we all share. 'For my part, to support this vital endeavour, I have worked with hundreds of CEOs around the world to develop a road map that places people, planet and nature at the heart of our economic transition. 'I have called this plan the 'Terra Carta', and I am deeply touched that Athens wishes to enact the ideas it offers.' He concluded by saying: 'Your Excellency - today, as in 1821, Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom. 'The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. 'Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures.' On Thursday, the couple will attend a wreath laying at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Independence Day Military Parade which marks Greece's uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. In previous years, thousands of people waving Greek flags have lined the main streets of central Athens to watch the March 25 parade. The brief tour will be Charles' third official visit to Greece following his first in 1998 and a further trip in 2018 with Camilla, her first official visit to the country. The couple have already travelled overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the country's National Day of Mourning. Clarence House announced the visit to Athens last week in a statement which said: 'At the request of the British Government, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations in Athens from March 24-25. 'This follows an invitation from the prime minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis. 'The Bicentenary Event's Independence Day celebrations will take place from the evening of Wednesday March 24 and will conclude on Thursday March 25.' Last July, Charles said he hoped to visit Greece again after the pandemic. In an opinion piece for Ta Nea, a daily newspaper in the country, he sent his 'heartfelt wishes to the people of Greece at this very difficult time'. He added: 'The resilience of Greece and her people has been tested before, and I hope that the country will once again emerge with renewed vigour and optimism. 'When that moment comes and the world has made its way through this challenging time, my wife and I do so hope to visit Greece and to see you all again. 'Until we meet again.' Charles described Greece as 'the land of my grandfather' and recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a 'vivid impression' on him. Their visit comes amid claims from a royal expert that Prince Charles wanted to release a 'point by point' response to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's bombshell claims in their tell-all Oprah interview but decided against it because he didn't want to give 'more ammunition' Katie Nicholl noted that both the Prince of Wales, 72, and Prince William, 38, were 'keen to correct some' of the allegations made against The Firm by the Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39. During their interview this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said racism drove them out of Britain and claimed their son Archie was denied the title of prince because he is mixed-race. Meghan also claimed that Kate Middleton left her in tears during a row over bridesmaid dresses and Prince Harry accused his father Prince Charles of refusing to take his calls when the pair emigrated to the US last year. 'My understanding is that Prince Charles did want to issue a more detailed statement [in response] to the Oprah interview and possibly address some of those issues point by point,' Katie Nicholl said, speaking to ET. Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall listen to a speech at the National Gallery in Athens after a tour Camilla (seen with Charles disembarking the plane) is wearing a blue and white dress by Fiona Clare, a cape by Anna Valentine, and a face mask with Prince of Wales feathers sent to her by a member of the public The couple, who were invited by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will visit the National Gallery and attend an official state dinner at the presidential mansion where Charles will give a speech to mark the 200-year anniversary The couple, who were invited by Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will visit the National Gallery and attend an official state dinner at the presidential mansion where Charles will give a speech to mark the 200-year anniversary The couple have already travelled overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the country's National Day of Mourning 'But there was an evening to think about things and in the end, it was decided that a shorter statement would be better, [and] that going at things point by point could be potentially more damaging and give more ammunition for the row to continue. 'I think Prince Charles and Prince William were keen to correct some of the things that the couple had said.' She went on to say that Prince Charles was 'particularly frustrated' by the suggestion that he cut the couple off financially. 'If you speak to sources in Charles' camp, that wasn't the case,' she explained. 'He did continue funding them for quite some time after they moved first to Canada and then to America. 'So yes, I think there was at one point the feeling that they did want to address more than just the issue of race.' It comes after CBS presenter Gayle King said she had spoken to the Sussexes who told her that Harry had talked to the Duke of Cambridge and Prince of Wales after the interview. But she said the conversations were 'not productive' and the Sussexes were keen for the 'royals to intervene and tell the Press to stop with the unfair, inaccurate, false stories that definitely have a racial slant'. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis The visit is to celebrate the bicentenary of Greek independence and the royals looked at paintings of the War of Independence Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis during a visit to the National Gallery in Athens Charles described Greece as 'the land of my grandfather' and recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a 'vivid impression' on him Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, takes in the paintings at the National Gallery of Greece during a visit to Athens this afternoon According to their itinerary, they will be given a tour by the director of the National Gallery, Professor Marina Lambraki-Plaka, in which they will view the paintings of British artists Thomas Gordon and Frank Abney Hastings Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis, Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visit the National Gallery Ms King, 66, who is also close friends with Oprah, failed to give any examples of the stories she was referring to, but added that Meghan had 'documents to back up everything that she said on Oprah's interview'. She told CBS This Morning: 'Well I'm not trying to break news, but I did actually call them to see how they were feeling, and it's true, Harry has talked to his brother and he has talked to his father too. 'The word I was given was that those conversations were not productive. But they are glad that they have at least started a conversation. 'And I think what is still upsetting to them is the palace keep saying they want to work it out privately, but yet, they believe these false stories are coming out that are very disparaging against Meghan, still. 'No one in the Royal Family has talked to Meghan yet, at this particular time. 'And I think it's frustrating for them to see that it's a racial conversation about the Royal Family when all they wanted all along was for the royals to intervene and tell the Press to stop with the unfair, inaccurate, false stories that definitely have a racial slant. 'And until you can acknowledge that, I think it's going to be hard to move forward. But they both want to move forward with this and they both want healing in this family. At the end of the day, that is Harry's family.' The Duke of Cambridge was the first royal to personally respond to the racism allegations days after the interview aired when he spoke about mental health during a visit the School21 in east London. At the time, he revealed that he had not spoken to his brother since it came out, but added that he 'will do'. WORLD leaders have continued to mourn the sudden death of Tanzania's fifth President Dr John Magufuli, with the latest condolences coming from President Xi Jinping of China. The Chinese President, Xi, sent a message of condolences to new Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday, as Tanzanians continued to pay their last respects to the fallen leader in Zanzibar. Xi expressed deep condolences and extended sincere sympathies to the Tanzanian government and people as well as President Magufuli's relatives. "On behalf of the Chinese Government and People and in my own name, I hereby extend my heartfelt condolences to the deceased and convey sincere sympathy to the Tanzanian Government and People and his family." "Magufuli is a prominent leader of Tanzania who made outstanding achievements by leading the Tanzanian people to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty against interference and explore a development path that suits Tanzania's conditions," he added. President Xi lauded the late President Magufuli as an outstanding leader, who made positive contributions to the development of China-Tanzania and China-Africa friendly cooperation. "The passing of Dr Magufuli is a great loss for the Tanzanian people and China lost a sincere friend as well," President Xi said. Noting that China cherishes the profound traditional friendship between China and Tanzania, Xi said that China is willing to work with the Tanzanian side to deepen their comprehensive cooperative partnership, so as to bring more benefits to both countries and their peoples. Last Thursday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian eulogized Dr Magufuli, saying he attached great importance to the development of relations with China and made important contributions to the promotion of China-Tanzania cooperation in various fields. Zhao lauded Magufuli for firmly defending national sovereignty, opposing foreign interference and leading the Tanzanian people to actively promote the country's economic and social development. He added that China cherished the profound traditional friendship between the two countries, and the Chinese people will stand firmly with the Tanzanian people at this moment of grief. Tanzania's iconic leader Dr Magufuli passed away on March 17, this year due to heart disease, aged 61. Good morning. The journalist, historian and cookbook author Von Diaz brought together her essential Puerto Rican recipes for us this week, dishes that she calls foundational to her understanding of flavor, a culinary mejunje, or mix, of Indigenous, African, Spanish and American ingredients and techniques. Her essay on the subject is itself essential reading, and I think youll want to get into the recipes in your kitchen this week, building on her sazon and sofrito to make all manner of deliciousness. You might start with pollo en fricase, braised chicken thighs in a rich, oniony, tomato-based sauce with garlic, white wine and vinegar, set off by briny olives and capers. Or sancocho, the rustic stew you can make with root vegetables and just about any meat. Or, if youre feeling celebratory, you might try your hand at pernil (above), the crackly-tender roast pork that is probably the best-known dish of the Puerto Rican diaspora. Von has a beautiful recipe for pescado frito, whole red snapper marinated in adobo, then fried and served with tostones, avocado salad and white rice. And another one for yuca con mojo, boiled yuca doused in a garlic-and-citrus mojo dressing, her grandmothers recipe. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Nutritional High International Inc. (CSE: EAT) ("Nutritional High" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the full repayment of the indebtedness due from Green Therapeutics LLC ("GT"). Upon completion of the first part of the acquisition of GT by Australis Capital Inc. ("Australis"), announced today, GT's indebtedness due to Nutritional High has been repaid plus accrued interest and a 10% premium. In accordance with the settlement and release agreement signed on January 6, 2021, GT has transferred to the Company 9,267,341 exchangeable shares, exchangeable into common shares of Australis, subject to certain trading volume restrictions. "We congratulate Green Therapeutics and Australis on the closing of their transaction. Duke Fu and his team at Green Therapeutics are top notch and we know they will have great success with Terry Booth and his new team at Australis. The repayment of the Green Therapeutics debt will provide us with significant resources to grow our business in Colorado, Oregon and California," stated John Durfy, CEO of Nutritional High. About Nutritional High International Inc. Nutritional High is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry, with a specific focus on edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law. Nutritional High has brought its flagship FLI edibles and vape product lines from production to market in various markets including Colorado where its award winning FLI products are manufactured. The Company signed a purchase agreement for California-based OutCo Labs and is expected to close this acquisition in the near term. The Company also owns Psychedelic Science which is working with Rangsit University in Thailand to consider the medical benefits of various psychedelic cacti. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com. For further information, please contact: Robert Wilson Chief Financial Officer Nutritional High International Inc. 416-666-4005 Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements include statements regarding: the acquisition of PSC enabling the Company to broaden its focus; the completion of the acquisition of Palo Verde LLC; the completion of the acquisition of OutCo; and the potential for additional synergistic acquisitions. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully satisfy the conditions to closing the acquisitions of OutCo, the ability of the Company to successfully execute its business plans; legal changes relating to the cannabis industry proceeding as anticipated; and the Company's continued response and ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic being consistent with, or better than, its ability and response to date. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78426 The Taoiseach said it would be useful to have an alignment between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland on its mandatory hotel quarantining system. Micheal Martin also said it would be important to have people travelling through Northern Ireland into the Republic subject to the same legal framework. From Friday, all passengers arriving into Ireland from one of the 33 countries flagged as high-risk by the Government will have to quarantine for 12 days at a hotel. They are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and to pre-pay for their stay. Expand Close The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry near Dublin Airport which will be used as a Covid-19 quarantine hotel for air travellers arriving into Ireland. Picture date: Tuesday March 23, 2021 PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry near Dublin Airport which will be used as a Covid-19 quarantine hotel for air travellers arriving into Ireland. Picture date: Tuesday March 23, 2021 There is no such system in place in Northern Ireland, prompting concerns that travellers could use the region as a back door into the Republic. Mr Martin told the Dail on Wednesday that the Northern Ireland Executive may introduce similar plans, but this was not confirmed. The Taoiseach said current restrictions in the Republic and Northern Ireland have been aligned up to now and will remain so until April 5, when lockdown laws will be reviewed. Indeed, that alignment may extend because, notwithstanding the progress that Northern Ireland has made on the vaccination programme, there may be a phased approach to the easing of restrictions there, Mr Martin added. I would make the point that, in essence, Northern Ireland has been part of the UK vaccination programme and we have been part of the EU-wide vaccination programme. That is well known. There has not been an all-Ireland approach on vaccinations for obvious reasons in terms of the source of the supply. Ideally, it would be great, but we are not in that ideal situation. What would be useful is if we had alignment on mandatory quarantining. I understand the Northern Ireland Executive might have said it has plans in this regard but I am not too sure where those plans are or how concrete they are in terms of realisation. There has not been an all-Ireland approach on vaccinations for obvious reasons in terms of the source of the supply Micheal Martin Obviously, it would be very important if there was alignment in terms of the mandatory hotel quarantining, and people coming through the North will be subject to that legal framework if they come into the Republic. Mr Martin said there has been good co-operation between both regions, particularly in the engagement between the councils in the north west of the country. In phase two, both local authorities, Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, issued localised leaflets to make the public in that region aware of the restrictions locally, the Fianna Fail leader added. That is the type of practical co-operation on the ground that we should encourage around restrictions and encouraging people to adhere to the guidelines that generally apply to the prevention of Covid-19. We will continue to work and engage, particularly through the group of officials I mentioned, which meets on a regular basis, in consort with the Northern Ireland authorities, to iron out any potential issues or difficulties that may arise. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines urged China on Sunday to recall more than 200 Chinese boats it said had been spotted at a reef in the South China Sea, saying the presence of the vessels violated its maritime rights as it claims ownership of the area. Authorities said the Philippines coast guard had reported that about 220 vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, were seen moored at the Whitsun Reef, which Manila calls the Julian Felipe Reef, on March 7. "We call on the Chinese to stop this incursion and immediately recall these boats violating our maritime rights and encroaching into our sovereign territory," Defence Minister Delfin Lorenzana said. The Philippine military had conducted air and maritime patrols in the South China Sea to further validate the report, spokesman Marine Major General Edgard Arevalo said, but did not say when. The military had submitted its findings to other government agencies, and they would be used as basis for taking "appropriate actions not limited to filing diplomatic protests", he said in a statement, without elaborating. "The (Armed Forces of the Philippines) will not renege from our commitment to protect and defend our maritime interest within the bounds of the law," Arevalo said. Chinese boats have fished near the reef for a long time, and recently, some have been sheltering in the area due to sea conditions, said China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Monday. "I think this is very normal, and hope all sides can view this rationally," she said at a daily news conference. Foreign minister Teodoro Locsin, asked whether he would file a diplomatic protest over the boats, told a journalist on Twitter: "Only if the generals tell me. In my watch, foreign policy is the fist in the iron glove of the armed forces." The vessels are fishing boats believed to be manned by Chinese military-trained personnel, according to Philippines security officials. Story continues The vessels' presence in the area raises concern about overfishing and the destruction of the marine environment, as well as risks to safe navigation, a Philippine cross-government task force said late on Saturday. An international tribunal invalidated China's claim to 90% of the South China Sea in 2016, but Beijing does not recognise the ruling. China has built islands in the disputed waters in recent years, putting air strips on some of them. Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei all claim parts of the sea. In January, the Philippines protested at a new Chinese law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels, describing it as a "threat of war". The United States has repeatedly denounced what it called China's attempts to bully neighbours with competing interests, while Beijing has criticised Washington for what it calls interference in its internal affairs. The Whitsun Reef is within Manila's exclusive economic zone, the task force said, describing the site as "a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef at the northeast of Pagkakaisa Banks and Reefs". The task force vowed to continue "to peacefully and proactively pursue its initiatives on environmental protection, food security and freedom of navigation" in the South China Sea. (Reporting by Enrico Dela Cruz; Additional reporting by Karen Lema in Manila and Gabriel Crossley, Yilei Sun and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Editing by William Mallard, Pravin Char and Giles Elgood) [March 24, 2021] The Apache Software Foundation Celebrates 22 Years of Open Source Innovation "The Apache Way" Wilmington, DE, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Apache Software Foundation (ASF), the all-volunteer developers, stewards, and incubators of more than 350 Open Source projects and initiatives, announced today its 22nd Anniversary. Originally established by the 21-member Apache Group, who oversaw the then-3-year-old Apache HTTP Server, the ASF today is the world's largest, vendor-neutral, Open Source foundation, comprising 800+ individual Members, 8,100+ Committers, and 40,000+ code contributors located on every continent. Conservatively valued at more than $22B, Apaches 350+ projects and 37 incubating podlings are all freely-available to the public-at-large, at 100% no cost, and with no licensing fees. "Over the past 22 years the ASF has evolved to meet the growing needs of the greater community," said Sander Striker, Board Chair of The Apache Software Foundation. "The ASF enables people from all over the world to collaborate, develop, and shepherd the projects and communities that are helping individuals, sustaining businesses, and transforming industries." Advancing its mission of providing software for the public good, the ASF's projects are integral to nearly every aspect of modern computing, benefitting billions worldwide. The "Apache Way" process of community-led, collaborative development has led to breakthrough innovations in Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning, Big Data, Build Management, Cloud Computing, Content Delivery and Management, Edge Computing and IoT, Fintech, Identity Management, Integration, Libraries, Messaging, Mobile, Search, Security, Servers, and Web Frameworks, among other categories. Projects undergoing development in the Apache Incubator span AI, Big Data, blockchain, Cloud computing, cryptography, deep learning, email, IoT, machine learning, microservices, mobile, operating systems, testing, visualization, and more. Nearly half a million people participate in ASF projects and initiatives, including ApacheCon, the ASF's official global conference series; Community Development, which oversees contributor onboarding and mentoring and programs such as Google Summer of Code; and Diversity & Inclusion, whose programs promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the greater Apache community. The ASF's influence is everywhere countless ubiquitous and mission-critical applications across dozens of industries are powered by Apache projects; the Apache License 2.0 was the top-ranked Open Source license in 2020 (source: WhiteSource); the Apache Way is the backbone for open development and inner source environments; and new users, developers, and enthusiasts are onboarding to the greater Apache community every day (the ASF has been a Google Summer of Code mentoring organization for the past 16 years, since the program's inception). The ASF is the top-ranked Open Source not-for-profit organization with the most stars on GitHub (source: GitHub). A just-released feature on the ASF in FOSSlife [1] states, "The Apache project has undeniably changed the world Apache remains a crucial Web server, the most popular in the field. For building Open Source communities, the lessons learned by creating the project still resonate throughout the open source world. Every project is advised to respect the Apache value of 'community over code'." ASF operations bolster Apache projects and their communities with infrastructure support, bandwidth, connectivity, servers, hardware, development environments, legal counsel, accounting services, trademark protection, marketing and publicity, educational events, and related administrative assistance. As a United States private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, the ASF's day-to-day operating expenses are offset through tax-deductible sponsorships, corporate contributions, and individual donations. Current ASF Sponsors are: Platinum: Amazon Web Services, Facebook, Google, Huawei, Microsoft, Namebase, Pineapple Fund, Tencent, and Verizon Media. Gold: Anonymous, Baidu, Bloomberg, Cloudera, Confluent, IBM, Indeed, Reprise Software, Union Investment, and Workday. Silver: Aetna, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Capital One, Comcast, Didi Chuxing, Red Hat, and Target. Bronze: Bestecasinobonussen.nl, Bookmakers, Casino2k, Cerner, Curity, GridGain, Gundry MD, Host Advice, HotWax Systems, Journal Review,LeoVegas Indian Online Casino, Miro-Kredit AG, Mutuo Kredit AG, Online Holland Casino, ProPrivacy, PureVPN, RX-M, RenaissanceRe, SCAMS.info, SevenJackpots.com, Start a Blog by Ryan Robinson, Talend, The Best VPN, The Blog Starter, The Economic Secretariat, Top10VPN, Twitter, and Writers Per Hour. Targeted Platinum: Amazon Web Services, CloudBees, DLA Piper, Fastly, JetBrains, Leaseweb, Microsoft, OSU Open Source Labs, Sonatype, and Verizon Media. Targeted Gold: Atlassian, Datadog, Docker, PhoenixNAP, and Quenda. Targeted Silver: HotWax Systems, Manning Publications, and Rackspace. Targeted Bronze: Bintray, Education Networks of America, Friend of Apache Cordova, Google, Hopsie, No-IP, PagerDuty, Peregrine Computer Consultants Corporation, Sonic.net, SURFnet, and Virtru. "Baidu has always maintained close cooperation with Apache Software Foundation. In the past, we donated Apache ECharts, Apache Doris, Apache brpc, and Apache Teaclave. We are very grateful to Apache way for promoting the growth of these projects and enabling Baidu to make greater contributions to the open source world together with ASF." Zhenyu Hou, Corporate Vice President of Baidu Group "Congratulations to the Apache Software Foundation on its twenty-second anniversary! If it were not for ASF's work to incubate and steward open source projects, the internet community would not be thriving to the same degree. Open source is enabling our digital prosperity, and the ASF plays a key, behind-the-scenes role in this. We share their vision for the availability of trustworthy open-source software and are proud to be a sponsor." Travis Spencer, CEO of Curity "Congratulations to the 22nd anniversary of the Apache Software Foundation! Didi Chuxing is more than honored to join the Apache family as a corporate sponsor this year. At Didi, our developers utilize and contribute to many Apache projects such as Hadoop, Kylin, and Flink etc. Sharing the same Community Over Code principle, we hope to drive more innovations with Apache and we look forward to further collaborations!" Yunbo Wang, Director of Technical Community and Open Source at Didi Chuxing "Facebook was originally built on a stack using the Apache HTTP Server, and it's one of the many reasons we've been sponsoring, advocating, utilizing, and contributing to the ASF for the past 10 years. We're proud to be a part of the ASF community and look forward to continued support of its mission to provide Open Source software for the public good." Joel Marcey, Open Source Developer Advocate and Ecosystem Lead at Facebook "We are honored to be a part of and proud to support the ASF! The Apache community continues to be an incredibly valuable resource for HotWax. Contributing to and receiving from the ASF remains a central focal point for our business, and an important part of our team philosophy." Mike Bates, CEO of HotWax Systems "It is an honor to support Apache, an organization responsible for such an astounding amount of Open Source projects that truly make up the fabric of the Internet. Here's to all that's been accomplished in the last 22 years we can't wait to see what the future of open development brings." Robert van der Meulen, Global Product Strategy Lead at Leaseweb "We're extending a big congratulations to the Apache Software Foundation on their 22nd anniversary! The ASF has been a key driver for the success of open source software models and community-led development for over two decades. Microsoft is honored to engage with and contribute to the Apache community across many facets of our business including Azure big data, Hadoop and Spark and we look forward to continuing the collaboration." Stormy Peters, Director of Open Source Programs Office at Microsoft [1] FOSSlife "How the Apache Project Boosted the Free and Open Source Software Movements" https://www.fosslife.org/how-apache-project-boosted-free-and-open-source-software-movements Additional ASF Resources - "Trillions and Trillions Served" documentary on the ASF https://s.apache.org/Trillions-Feature - About The Apache Way http://apache.org/theapacheway/ - The Apache Way to Sustainable Open Source Success https://s.apache.org/GhnI - FY2020 Annual Report https://s.apache.org/FY2020AnnualReport - Ways to support the ASF http://apache.org/foundation/contributing.html About The Apache Software Foundation (ASF) Established in 1999, The Apache Software Foundation is the world's largest Open Source foundation, stewarding 227M+ lines of code and providing more than $22B+ worth of software to the public at 100% no cost. The ASF's all-volunteer community grew from 21 original founders overseeing the Apache HTTP Server to 813 individual Members and 206 Project Management Committees who successfully lead 350+ Apache projects and initiatives in collaboration with nearly 8,100 Committers through the ASFs meritocratic process known as "The Apache Way". Apache software is integral to nearly every end user computing device, from laptops to tablets to mobile devices across enterprises and mission-critical applications. Apache projects power most of the Internet, manage exabytes of data, execute teraflops of operations, and store billions of objects in virtually every industry. The commercially-friendly and permissive Apache License v2 is an Open Source industry standard, helping launch billion dollar corporations and benefiting countless users worldwide. The ASF is a US 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization funded by individual donations and corporate sponsors including Aetna, Alibaba Cloud Computing, Amazon Web Services, Anonymous, Baidu, Bloomberg, Capital One, Cloudera, Comcast, Confluent, Didi Chuxing, Facebook, Google, Huawei, IBM, Indeed, Microsoft, Namebase, Pineapple Fund, Red Hat, Reprise Software, Target, Tencent, Union Investment, Verizon Media, and Workday. For more information, visit http://apache.org/ and https://twitter.com/TheASF The Apache Software Foundation. "Apache", "Apache HTTP Server", and "ApacheCon" are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Apache Software Foundation in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. # # # Sally Khudairi Vice President The Apache Software Foundation press(at)apache(dot)org [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] On February 25, a food delivery worker and vlogger, Chen, was detained by the police in Beijing. Ten other food delivery workers who lived in Chens neighbourhood were also taken away by the police, and two of them were released the next day. There has been no official information on the whereabouts or status of Chen and the eight other workers, either for their family members or to the public. The arrests were an attempt by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to strangle any hints of social opposition during the National Peoples Congress that commenced on March 5, further revealing the fragility of this regime which sits on top of enormous social tensions. Chen, in a screenshot from one of his videos (caption: "Hello I am the leader of the League of Food Delivery Workers") Chen is a well-known vlogger among food delivery workers and has more than 100,000 followers across multiple social media platforms. His vlogs powerfully exposed the exploitative policies implemented by major delivery platforms like Meituan and Ele.me to extract greater profits. He spoke out bravely for delivery workers in distress over their treatment by company managements. Last December, when a worker of Ele.me in Beijing succumbed to a sudden heart attack during work, Chen made two videos criticizing the companys cold-blooded attitude towards human life. Ele.me claimed that the dead worker did not have a direct labour contract with them and initially refused to pay any substantial compensation. Chen also exposed in these videos how food delivery platforms profiteer from their own workers: each worker is forced to pay for insurance, but only a third actually went towards insurance. He forcefully said, Food delivery platforms better not be passing the buck. For now, you [the company] can use the immense power of capital against us food delivery workers, who are as unorganized as a plate of sand. It seems that you have taken a lot of advantages of us. Nevertheless, more and more people are waking up now. His videos were viewed more than 100,000 times on Weibo (a Twitter-type platform). Just prior to his detention, Chen had produced a series of videos exposing how food delivery platforms tricked workers into finishing more orders. Before the Spring Festival, a national holiday which is usually the only chance for migrant workers to return home, a bonus event was presented for food delivery workers. The event promised several incentives if workers stayed in the big cities during the Spring Festival and finished a certain number of deliveries over four weeks. The bonus amounted to just 8,000 RMB ($US1,145). However, after the first two weeks, many workers found out that the company quietly raised the bar by a huge amount and even stopped counting the number of deliveries finished. A worker interviewed in Chens video revealed that the system seemed to deliberately assign fewer orders to workers to make sure they could not reach the requirement for bonuses. Chen also explained how the companies have forced workers to compete with each other to further drive down the payment per order. These videos received over 8 million views across social media and triggered a lot of anger against this blatant act of exploitation. Besides these staggering exposures, Chen has also documented many funny, touching, or heart-warming moments in food delivery workers daily lives: the food they made, their aspirations, life tips and many more. Since August 2019, outside of vlog and social media platforms, Chen has organized more than a dozen chat groups for tens of thousands of workers in Beijing to connect and help each other out. It is not the first time Chen has been detained. In December 2019, he attempted to organize a work stoppage to protest against the lowering of the per-order payment, calling on delivery workers to boycott Meituan for the first three days and Ele.me for the next three days. Even though this campaign did not evenuate, Chen was detained for 26 days. Any news or discussion about Chens disappearance has been heavily censored on social media. Almost all posts have been deleted within hours or even minutes. Nevertheless, he has received widespread sympathy and support. Last week Chens father and sister published a letter online, appealing for financial assistance to cover legal costs. Even though their letter was deleted just one hour after posting, they still received donations of 120,000 RMB ($US17,145) in total within a day. The detention of Chen signifies that the CCP regime cannot tolerate any voices of discontent from workers, nor attempts to connect with each other. It is terrified that exposures like Chens would encourage widespread opposition among food delivery workers, who constantly suffer from prolonged working hours, the high risk of injury, exposure to severe weather, lack of legal protections, and attacks on wages. Chen was taken away just before the commencement of the National Peoples Congress, in which top CCP bureaucrats expressed nervousness over the immense social tensions building up in China as a result of their rush for economic growth in a bid to reduce urban unemployment. The regime can provide no progressive solution to resolve the mounting social crisis, and resorts to police-state measures to silence any opposition. On March 1, only a week after Chen went missing, more than a hundred food delivery workers went on strike and demonstrated at a shopping mall in Shenzhen, Guangdong. They were protesting against the lowering of their wages by calculating pay based on the distance travelled for each order. For food delivery workers, or any sections of the working class, to win better working conditions and wages, their struggles have to be based on the fight for genuine socialismthe perspective fought for by the International Committee of the Fourth International. There should be no illusions in the Stalinist CCP, which is responsible for the restoration of capitalism in China and its exploitation and oppression of workers. Iraq remains the key cover through which Iran transports its oil to the rest of the world, as has been well-documented by OilPrice.com, so the news last week that Iraqi and Egyptian officials have discussed the possibility of extending the Basra-Aqaba pipeline to Egypt as this would be an important addition and a new outlet for Iraqi oil exports to North Africa (according to representatives of the two negotiating teams) should be read in this light. It should also be read in terms of the overall strategy for the expansion of influence of Iran backed by China in the wide-ranging 25-year deal not just across the Shia crescent of power in the Middle East but into eastern and northern Africa as well. A key to this expansion is the roll out of an integrated network, based around oil, gas, and electricity supplies, that allows for not just the installation of permanent infrastructure linking one country to another but also for the on-site presence of permanent technical and security personnel, many of which are already or will be Iranian and Chinese. This alliance is also the other option for countries in the region to the U.S.-Israel-led relationship normalisation deals currently being touted as a core method by which to stop Irans increasing regional influence, subscribed to so far by the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco. Jordan was always a natural contender to be drawn into the alternative Iran-led alliance, given its strong historical anti-Israeli bias. Jordans current king, Abdullah II, is the son of King Hussein, a key leader in the 1967 Six-Day War waged by Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq, against Israel, and then a supporter of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, also again involving Egypt and Syria, principally, fighting Israel, although it also involved expeditionary forces from a wide range of Arab states, including Jordan and Iraq. Egypt, for its part, although flirting with the U.S. over the years for monetary gain primarily and since 2014 for the U.S.s assistance in shoring up the power of former field marshal and now President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, has long regarded itself as being a leader of the Arab world, along with Syria. Slightly shifting this pro-Arab ideology to a point where it coincides in large part with the ideas involved in the Shia crescent is seen as a not insurmountable objective in Tehran. Iran is already either directly (through its foreign intelligence and military organisations) or indirectly (through its proxy paramilitary groups) highly active in the Shia crescent areas of Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon. Softer pressure is being added through financing deals on offer from China (or Russia) for states teetering on the margins of this alliance that are struggling economically from the after-effects of two oil price wars in less than five years and the demand destruction effect of the COVID-19 pandemic or from general economic mismanagement. These include, from the Russian side, Azerbaijan (75 per cent Shia and a Former Soviet Union State) and Turkey (25 per cent Shia and furious at not being accepted fully into the European Union), although others remained longer-term targets, including Bahrain (75 per cent Shia), and Pakistan (up to 25 Shia and a home to sworn-U.S. enemies Al Qaeda and the Taliban). From the Chinese side, these include any country on or adjoining its land or maritime routes in its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) program, notably in the Middle East, Oman and Jordan. Related: 13 Million Barrels Of Oil Could Be Affected By Suez Canal Blockage Securing Jordan in this alliance was the initial aim of the oil deal that was resuscitated recently by Iraq. The deal might appear innocuous enough, with the formal announcement of the extension of a previous contract that had lapsed at the end of December for Jordan to import crude oil from Iraq. Jordans Energy Minister, Hala Zawati, stated in July of last year that the Kingdom would resume imports of at least 10,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Iraq crude oil via tankers at a discount of US$16 to the Brent price, reflecting the transport costs and quality differential. These supplies came from Baiji in Iraq direct to the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC), constituting around seven per cent of Jordans daily demand. The original deal that had been struck in 2006 mandated a discount to Brent of US$18 pb, on the basis that Jordan bore the transport costs between Kirkuk in northern Iraq and Zarqa in the Kingdom and presaged a broader build-out of energy ties between the two countries. However, underpinning this agreement were broader discussions about the future relationship between Jordan and Iraq and these resulted in a contract being signed last year to connect the electric power grids of the two countries. By extension, this will provide a direct link between Jordan and Iran, which recently signed a two-year deal with Iraq to supply it with electricity, the longest such deal signed between the two countries. In this context, just a month or so before Iraq Prime Minister, Mustafa al-Kadhimis visit to Washington last year, Irans Energy Minister, Reza Ardakanian, stated that Iran and Iraqs power grids have become fully synchronised to provide electricity to both countries by dint of the new Amarah-Karkheh 400-KV transmission line stretching over 73 kilometres. This also paves the way for increasing energy exports to Iraq in the near future, from the current 1,361 megawatts per day now, he said. He added that Iranian and Iraqi dispatching centres were fully connected in Baghdad, the power grids were seamlessly interlinked, and that Iran had signed a three-year co-operation agreement with Iraq to help the countrys power industry in different aspects. At the same time, it was announced by the Iranian Electrical Power Equipment Manufacturing and Provision Company that Irans electricity exports to other neighbouring countries in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended on 19 March 2020) reached over 8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh), a mean average increase of 27.6 per cent year-on-year. In the meantime, Iraqs Electricity Minister, Majid Mahdi Hantoush, announced that not only is Iraq currently working on connecting its grid with Jordans electricity networks through a 300-kilometre-line a project that will be finished within two years - but also plans have been finalised for the completion of Iraqs electricity connection with Egypt within the next three years. This, in turn, he added, would be part of the overall project to establish a joint Arab electricity market. Running in parallel with these pan-Arab plans are the ongoing pipeline initiatives that build out from the original idea for the Basra-Aqaba route spanning around 1,700 km, and do not include Israel land or sea territory. December 2019 saw an announcement from Iraqs Oil Ministry that it had completed the prequalifying process for companies interested in participating in the pipeline project, with the first phase of the project including the installation of a 700-km pipeline with a capacity of 2.25 million barrels within the Iraqi territories. The second phase includes the installation of a 900-km pipeline in Jordan between Haditha and Aqaba, with a capacity of one million barrels. For Iran, this allows another alternate Iraq/Iraq oil export line to the historically vulnerable Strait of Hormuz route, to add to the current plans for the Guriyeh-Jask pipeline and plans to roll out a pipeline to Syria as well. It will also provide another cover route for Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil, which can then be shipped easily both West and East. There are a number of options for this Iraq-Aqaba-Egypt pipeline route, even the favoured ones that avoid any Israeli land or sea threats, including a very short route following the same ground as one of the Arab Gas Pipeline flows: from Aqaba to Taba, and then if required up north to Arish and then west to Port Said. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Gold and diamond retail chain & Diamonds will be investing Rs 1,600 crore in FY22 to launch 56 stores globally with 40 across India and 16 internationally in FY22 to further boost its retail presence across the globe. The move is expected to generate over 1,700 jobs. In India, the expansion strategy is centred in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala. Internationally, the expansion will be in markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and UAE. This is in line with the companys expansion plan to triple its retail network from over 250 showrooms this year to 750 outlets by 2023. Our aim is to be number one in the segment and we will strengthen the gifting aspect of jewellery that is fast growing in India and other countries and use it as a growth-driver of our jewellery business, Malabar Group Chairman M P Ahammed said. Of the total planned expansion, 12 stores have already been earmarked for opening in the first quarter of FY22 itself. The brand has already secured retail spaces in key markets in Chennai, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru as well as towns like Eluru, Mancherial, Solapur and Ahmednagar. Increased focus from the government on infrastructure and a good monsoon has seen rural markets and Tier 2/3 towns across India rebound strongly from the pandemic. Having sensed the momentum in the recent festive sales, we are gearing up in a big way to cater to these underserved markets with new standards of customer comfort and convenience, said O Asher, Managing Director, India Operations of and Diamonds. International expansion will see the brand expand its retail presence at Little India in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia, Ruwi, Baushar and Al Khoudh in Oman, Jeryan Jenaihat and Rawdat in Qatar, Bab al Bahrain in Bahrain and Al Zahia, Silicon Oasis, Muweilah and Dubai Gold Souk in UAE. The group has recently forayed into gold bullion trade and its gold bars are available for jewellery manufacturers, small gold traders and retail investors desiring to invest in physical gold for purchase. It has also begun offering gold jewellery at a uniform price across the country under the One India One Gold Rate. The gems and jewellery sector currently contributes around 7 per cent to the countrys GDP and 15 per cent to Indias total merchandise export. Shareholders' meeting mentions no plan for mobile division By Kim Bo-eun LG Group's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul / Yonhap Galveston, TX (77553) Today Partly to mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers or thunderstorms possible this afternoon. High 84F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Cloudy skies this evening followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms overnight. Low 76F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chase Kushak has spent his career dedicated to building great teams, creating brands, and launching impactful companies in a vast array of industries including consumer packaged goods, automotive, consulting, home building, tech, and craft beer. Now, he is tackling the new frontier of the cannabis industry as COO of New Standard, a cannabis retailer that is setting the standard for cannabis culture in Michigan. New Standard cannabis provisioning center in Hazel Park, MI. Taking his career journey from beer to cannabis has been a natural progression for Kushak, who seamlessly transitioned his expertise and passion from one enlightening product to another. If you've ever enjoyed a cold Founders brew (where Kushak was formerly COO) you understand. With the legalization of cannabis across the state, Kushak is leading the New Standard team to new heights and helping people understand the value and benefits of this unique flower. "There are a lot of similarities between the beer and cannabis industries," Kushak said. "Both rely on the importance of building a brand that will connect to consumers on a personal level and have the challenge of keeping up with an industry that is fun, energetic and growing at breakneck speeds. I see Michigan as being on track to become a nationally recognized leader in cannabis in the same way it has set the tone for craft beer across the country." Cannabis is the new frontier, not only for Kushak but for the country. Recent reports show that Michigan is leading the charge in the cannabis industry creating more than three million jobs in 2020. Breaking down the stigma of cannabis is also something close to his heart. Like beer, cannabis is a natural product that can enhance a consumer's quality of life. The benefit to legalization is that they are both now able to be highly regulated making consistency and quality critical product components for both use and safety. "Hops and cannabis are very similar," Kushak said. "In the early days of craft beer, it was all about alcohol content. But then, consumers got more focused on taste profiles of the hops and put that ahead when choosing a brand. People started to like the experience, the taste and the nuance more than the buzz. The same thing is starting to happen with cannabis. Just like a beer or glass of wine, cannabis has this great way of bringing people together and creating great conversations and experiences." Joining New Standard Hazel Park and Sand Lake, in the coming months Michigan residents can expect to see the New Standard name in Edmore, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Muskeegon, Nunica, Saugatuck and Whitehall all with the same commitment to culture and a cannabis experience like none other. For more information, visit anewstandard.com. Related Images new-standard.jpg New Standard New Standard cannabis provisioning center in Hazel Park, MI. SOURCE New Standard A protester holds a sign that reads "Black Lives Matter" near the White House during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd in Washington D.C., the United States, June 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The ethnic minorities in the United States are devastated by racial discrimination, and racism exists in a comprehensive, systematic and continuous manner, according to the Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020. According to the report released by China's State Council Information Office on Wednesday, groups such as the American Indians, Asian Americans and African Americans saw their rights violated, and the high level of hate crimes highlighted the deterioration of race relations. The United States has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing and massacres of Indians in history, and committed countless crimes against humanity, said the report, adding that American Indians still live a life like second-class citizens and their rights have been trampled over. Many indigenous peoples living in low-income communities suffer from higher rates of cancer and heart diseases from toxic radioactive environments and have an abnormally high rate of birth defects as they live near hazardous waste disposal sites, according to the report. People march during a protest against Asian hate in New York, the United States, on March 21, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) The report said bullying against Asian Americans escalated, citing a survey that showed that a quarter of young Asian Americans became targets of racial bullying in the past year. It also pointed out that unchecked police violence has led to frequent deaths of African Americans. African Americans made up 13 percent of the U.S. population, but accounted for 28 percent of the people killed by the police. From 2013 to 2020, about 98 percent of the police involved in shooting cases were not charged with a crime, and the number of convicted was even smaller. Besides, people of color in the United States were more harmed by the COVID-19 epidemic, said the report. The infection rate and death rate of COVID-19 in the United States showed significant racial differences, with the infection rate, hospitalization rate and death rate of African Americans being three times, five times and twice that of white people respectively. People of color faced an even greater threat of unemployment, the report said. Figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor in September showed the jobless rate for the black people almost doubled that for the white. Inequality between races worsened in the United States, said the report, citing statistics that showed the median white household has 41 times more wealth than the median black family and 22 times more than the median Latino family. THE family of a Limerick student who died after an ambulance took more than half-an-hour to respond to an emergency call has settled their High Court action against the HSE. Darren Gaughan, 17, from Killure, Aclare, County Sligo died on October 28, 2010 - a day after he had begun feeling unwell at his student accommodation in the city. Although the LIT student had been diagnosed with diabetes when he was younger, his condition was well-managed and he was was able to live a normal and active life. On the day he died, an ambulance was called at 1.25pm after friends of his became concerned as his breathing was heavy and he was agitated. A post mortem showed the teenager died from acute cardio-respiratory failure secondary to hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis shortly after paramedics had arrived at his home. According to solicitors representing the Gaughan family, they were informed, in 2014, that an anonymous complaint had been made to the HSE about a delayed emergency response in relation to Darren's death. An investigation was subsequently carried out by the National Ambulance Service which concluded there had been a number of serious failings and breaches of protocol in the response to the emergency call. The investigation found that when alerted, the ambulance crew had been collecting forms at Roxboro Road garda station and completed their business there before responding to the call - causing an initial delay of three minutes. There was a further delay of ten minutes, which could not be explained, and the ambulance did not arrive at Thomond Student Village at UL for 31 minutes. As part of the settlement of 285,000, a letter of apology was written by Chief Ambulance Officer Bill Forbes. "It is acknowledged with regret that the National Ambulance Service delayed in attending to your son Darren on October 28, 201. As you are aware an investigation undertaken by the National Ambulance Service identified a number of areas where our service fell below the standards expected. I apologise unreservedly for the distress this has caused you and your family," he wrote. Speaking outside the High Court in Dublin this Tuesday, solicitor Niall Tansey spoke briefly to reporters. "The Gaughan family have been through a harrowing ordeal - their son Darren had just started college at Limerick IT and he was just days away from his 18th birthday. Darren was in excellent health but he had diabetes and on this particular day he needed urgent medical assistance. Unfortunately, the standard procedures within the ambulance service were not followed and, sadly there was a tragic outcome for the Gaughan family. The family are appealing for all the recommendations in the investigation report to be followed in full so that no other family has to ensure a similar tragedy," he said. Darren's brother Noel said members of his family were relieved that they had received an apology and the ordeal was over. He said they hoped that no other family would have to suffer the way they had suffered. "We love Darren and we miss him very much," he said. WINNIPEG - Members of the military are landing in Manitoba this week to help with COVID-19 vaccinations in 23 northern First Nations, while the province says it's ready to deliver 20,000 doses a day when there's enough supply. Minister of Indigenous Services Marc Miller makes his way to a press conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Members of the military are landing in Manitoba this week to help the vaccination effort in 23 northern First Nations. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick WINNIPEG - Members of the military are landing in Manitoba this week to help with COVID-19 vaccinations in 23 northern First Nations, while the province says it's ready to deliver 20,000 doses a day when there's enough supply. Federal Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller said members of the Canadian Armed Forces are to arrive in Thompson on Thursday. They will help set up vaccination sites, administer doses and provide transport to community members. Miller said the operation was developed with First Nations leadership and health professionals. "Together we will make sure that residents' needs are met and that everyone can be safe and healthy," Miller told a news conference in Ottawa on Wednesday. Up to 200 military personnel will take part in the operation, which is expected to last until the end of June. Aircraft and logistical vehicles will also be deployed. Miller said the effort will accelerate the pace of immunizations so that 100,000 First Nations people can get doses in 100 days. The Armed Forces have deployed members in more than 50 Indigenous and northern communities over the past year. First Nations in Manitoba were significantly impacted by the second wave of COVID-19 and health officials have said there is still concerning spread in the provinces north. Data have shown First Nations have more severe outcomes from COVID-19 at younger ages, including hospitalization and death, compared to other Manitobans. Health officials are strongly recommending that people get a COVID-19 test before they travel to First Nations communities. Eighty new cases of COVID-19 were announced in the province on Wednesday. Thirty-seven are in the northern health region. The eligibility for getting a vaccine in Manitoba was also expanded to people 65 and older and First Nations people 45 and older. Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead for Manitoba's vaccine task force, said early analysis of vaccinations among First Nations shows the need to ensure that the population gets a second dose quickly. Due to poverty, crowded housing and other effects of colonization, she said it's possible that just one dose is not sufficient "because there's so much more exposure to the virus in those congested settings." "That first dose may not be as protective as we hoped," she said. Reimer said more than 146,000 doses have been administered to eligible residents. That means about nine per cent of people 18 and older have received at least one dose. The province has capacity to deliver 20,000 doses each day through supersites, pop-up centres and targeted vaccination efforts. Johanu Botha, a co-lead with the task force, said access to vaccines remains an issue and he can't say when the province will hit that benchmark. "We still dont have enough vaccine to truly operate at that level." This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Helps utilities improve reliability by analyzing power quality data Burnaby, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Smart grid technology leader Tantalus Systems (TSXV: GRID) today launched TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics, the company's first data-analytics solution purpose-built for community-owned utilities. The analytics solution leverages data from Tantalus' advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to provide utilities with visibility into power quality issues that lead to outages and premature failure of devices deployed across the distribution grid. TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics utilizes algorithms to continuously monitor power-quality data accessed by TRUEdge-enabled meters on Tantalus' TUNet smart grid platform. By detecting anomalies in power quality, the tool identifies symptoms of failing transformers, corroded meter sockets and splices, cracked insulators and other latent equipment problems. In addition to improving system reliability, the TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics tool enables utilities to: Better prepare for extreme weather events; Increase work-from-home customer satisfaction; Save on equipment and operating costs; and Gain true operational awareness. Tantalus developed the analytics tool in conjunction with several existing members of its user community. "Before accessing the TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics tool, we didn't know if a line was blinking unless it was happening at a substation or feeder level or someone called to complain," said Matt West, manager of engineering for Crow Wing Power in Brainerd, Minnesota. "Now, we can be proactive in solving problems that impact the members of our co-op." In addition to increasing member satisfaction, Crow Wing is already reducing the overtime costs associated with late night outages and truck rolls. "Tantalus prides itself on delivering purpose-built solutions that meet the specific needs of utilities and the communities they serve," said Tantalus President & CEO, Peter Londa. "The TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics tool was co-created with utilities to pinpoint the location of momentary outages that are increasingly disruptive and expensive for utilities, particularly given the number of people working remotely and students studying at home. Our latest innovation is leveraging over 30 billion power quality and consumption readings each year across our user community to help utilities improve their service to their communities while also prioritizing where to make more impactful upgrades to the existing grid." The TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics tool will be presented at the Getting Ahead of Distribution Problems with Grid Edge Analytics session during the American Public Power Association Engineering and Operations Virtual Conference on March 24, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. Join Tantalus in our virtual booth for more information and to schedule a virtual demonstration. To learn more, download the white paper: "Intuitive AMI Analytics for Greater Reliability and Efficient Operations." About Tantalus Systems Holding Inc. (TSXV: GRID) Tantalus is a smart grid technology company that transforms aging one-way grids into future-proofed multi-directional grids that improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of public power and electric cooperative utilities and the communities they serve. Our solutions are purpose-built to allow utilities to restore power quickly after major disruptions, adapt to rapidly shifting consumer expectations and population shifts, innovate new solutions based on the adoption of distributed energy resources and evolve their grid infrastructure at their own pace without needless cost or complexity. All this gives our user community the flexibility they need to get the most value from existing infrastructure investments while planning for future requirements. Forward-Looking Statements: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release includes information, statements, beliefs and opinions which are forward-looking, and which reflect current estimates, expectations and projections about future events, including, but not limited to, the development, functionality and effectiveness of TUNet Grid Reliability Analytics, and other statements that contain words such as "believe," "expect," "project," "should," "seek," "anticipate," "will," "intend," "positioned," "risk," "plan," "may," "estimate" or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning. By its nature, forward-looking information involves a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which is based on the information available as of the date of this news release and Tantalus disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this new release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. The forward-looking information included in this new release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. ### Contact Tantalus: Jacquie Hudson Marketing Communications Manager Tantalus Systems Inc. 613-552-4244 | jhudson@tantalus.com Investor Relations: Linda Armstrong 647-456-9223 | linda@adcap.ca To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78338 This originally appeared as part of our daily coronavirus newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine offers an opportunity for people in the state working to get Connecticuts homeless population vaccinated, advocates say, but supply still remains low. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine helps, obviously, by reducing two doses to one, said David Gonzalez Rice, senior program manager at the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a relative newcomer to the states coronavirus vaccine framework. This week, the state expects to receive only about 4,200 doses, with another 1,300 doses going to pharmacies. J&J received federal emergency use authorization just a few weeks ago and its supplies are limited at the moment, said Maura Fitzgerald, spokesperson for the state Department of Health. The federal government decides how many doses each state gets of each vaccine. We have no control over the amount of J&J we are given, though we do anticipate that our supply will increase in the coming weeks. Perhaps because of the timeframe, plans for using this vaccine to reach the homeless population are still in their infancy. Conversations about whether and how to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine really kicked off two or three weeks ago among the state partners, Gonzalez Rice said. Those doses have not yet been specifically allocated to Connecticuts homeless population, though Steve DiLella, director of the individual and family support program unit at the states Department of Housing, said the value of such a plan is obvious. With a population that kind of moves around a lot, a one shot vaccine obviously makes a lot of sense, he said. Fitzgerald said that as the supplies of various vaccines increases, different vaccines may be allocated for different purposes. Moving forward, as our supply from the federal government increases to meet or exceed our demand, we may determine that some vaccines, like the one dose J&J that doesn't require special storage and handling, can best be utilized to vaccine harder to reach populations, like homeless or homebound individuals, she said. Up until recently, plans to vaccinate Connecticuts homeless population against COVID had centered around shelters. We, in the beginning days of the pandemic, totally understood that COVID could spread quite rapidly within a congregate living setting, DiLella said. At that point in time, it was OK to really think about having a two dose vaccine. Because when you're thinking about the shelter population, you're much more likely to have a little bit more stability in that shelter situation. Folks are more likely to stay. The strategy had been to de-concentrate homeless shelters, moving families out of congregate living situations into hotel rooms around the state. But as the pandemic has continued, the strategy has shifted. Now, as we have been successful with the shelter in the hotel population, we really are turning our sights toward the unsheltered population where I think the one vaccine will certainly be a big advantage, DiLella said. So we also are hoping that the supply of Johnson & Johnson does increase as we create plans to do this. Those plans might center around mobile vaccination units. Just a couple of weeks ago, some of my colleagues within the state agencies started conversations about identifying locations where mobile vans could reach people who are not staying in shelter for one reason or another, said Gonzalez Rice. Maybe a soup kitchen, maybe a community clinic, and trying to put together a plan. DiLella said those mobile units could be heading to soup kitchens and community drop-in centers within weeks. As for how many homeless people in Connecticut have so far been vaccinated, Fitzgerald, emphasizing that it was an estimate, said approximately 9,000 individuals in known congregate settings have been offered vaccine or matched with a provider, out of total known population of [about] 13,000. It varies from shelter to shelter, and city to city. DiLella said uptake varies from as low as 35 percent at some locations to up to 95 to 98 percent at any given site. I think the general view around the state was uptake of around 50 percent, which, honestly is not as bad as I might fear for that population, with some variation by geography, said Gonzalez Rice. I think providers in New Haven have consistently reported more concerns on that front than people in other parts of the state. To combat vaccine hesitancy, DiLella said the state will use some money obtained through the federal CARES act to hire people who are no longer homeless. We're in the process of contracting to try to get peer support to really address that hesitancy so hopefully talking not only to a doctor, but somebody who has similar experiences in their life, they may be able to work and say that this vaccine really is an important thing for any individual's health and safety, he said. Rohingya refugees look for their belongings amid the ruins of houses gutted in a massive fire on Monday at the Balukhali refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, March 23, 2021. The United Nations confirmed Tuesday that at least 15 people had died in a massive fire at a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh a day earlier, while a local NGO said it was looking for more than 100 missing children. Hundreds of refugees were injured and tens of thousands more rendered homeless after the fire swept through the densely populated Balukhali camp in southeastern Coxs Bazar district before it was put out on Monday, said UNHCR, the U.N.s refugee agency. [Fifteen] refugees are confirmed to have tragically lost their lives in the fire. More than 560 have been injured and an estimated 400 people are still missing, Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCRs representative in Dhaka, told a press briefing in Geneva, according to a statement from the agency. The fire gutted 10,000 makeshift shelters and left 45,000 refugees homeless, he said. Bangladesh officials confirmed 11 deaths and said they were searching for children reported missing after the fire, which took firefighters eight hours to extinguish. We have handed over the recovered bodies to police. We are receiving reports of missing children from Rohingya camp leaders. We are carrying out rescue operations very seriously and locals are helping us, Hossain told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, officials said. The Bangladesh government has set up an eight-member inquiry committee to investigate the cause. BRAC, the largest NGO in Bangladesh, said it had launched an operation to help find missing refugee children. The families have reported 150 missing children. We have so far found three kids and handed them over to their respective families after proper identification, Sohel Rana, an official manning a BRAC booth at the camp, told BenarNews. We have over a hundred workers to search for the children. We are working to find the children from 10 to 18 years old, he said. Officials said the fire was the worst in four years to strike one of the refugee camps in around Coxs Bazar, where 1 million Rohingya are sheltering. These include more than 740,000 who fled a brutal military crackdown in neighboring Myanmar in 2017. We have lost everything. I am here along with our one-year-old boy and three-year-old girl, sitting in the scorching sun. My husband is missing since yesterday. The children are crying for food, Dilankis Begum, one of the refugees whose shelter was gutted, told BenarNews. Barbed-wire fence High winds fanned Mondays fire after it broke out in the afternoon, government officials said. And making matters worse was a barbed-wire fence almost fully built around the congested and densely populated refugee camps, according to international NGOs and other humanitarian groups, which called on Bangladesh to take down the fencing. The Bangladesh government must immediately stop work on the fence, said Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). This tragic event could have been less disastrous had barbed-wire fencing not been erected encircling the camps. NRC staff have heard horrific accounts from refugees about their scramble to cut through the wire fences to save their families, escape the fire and reach safety, Egeland tweeted. We call on the Government of Bangladesh to review their decision to fence these camps, halt all fence construction going forward and find a safer, more humane alternative. In another message posted on Twitter, Matthew Smith, co-founder of Fortify Rights, an NGO that works closely with Rohingya refugees, said those same fences may have cost refugees lives in a devastating fire today. Refugees International, another NGO, said the barbed-wire fence was especially daunting to children. Many children are missing, and some were unable to flee because of barbed-wire set up in the camps, the group said in a statement late on Monday. Bangladeshi officials had said in January that the governments installation of barbed-wire fencing around Rohingya camps to confine the stateless refugees from Myanmar to their settlements in Coxs Bazar was almost complete and would be finished by June. The barbed-wire fence would keep the Rohingya safe and secure and would also deter their criminal activities, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had told BenarNews last month. Satellite imagery shows destruction caused by a massive fire that swept through a Rohingya refugee camp at Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh. The U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday at least 15 people died in the blaze and at least 400 remain missing. Hundreds more are injured and about 45,000 people have been displaced. They are among about 1 million of the minority Rohingya Muslims who have fled from neighboring Myanmar, most of them to escape a brutal military crackdown in 2017. The photos by Planet Labs Inc. were taken on Nov. 12, 2020, and March 23, 2021, a day after the fire. Reliving the devastation experienced in Myanmar In the fires aftermath on Tuesday, refugees could be seen crying and scavenging for any belongings that may have survived the blaze. My 6-year-old sister Ammuni died. She rushed to the room of my father-in-law and got trapped, Nur Kamal told BenarNews as tears rolled down her face. Others spoke of missing family and neighbors. Forty people of our block are missing. Food, water and shelter are scarce, Rohingya leader Sultan Ahmad told BenarNews. A Rohingya boy stands in front of a portion of the refugee camp that was destroyed in a massive fire on Monday in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, March 23, 2021. [Abdur Rahman/BenarNews] One refugee from the camp told Refugees International that the tragedy of the fire felt like reliving the devastation the Rohingya experienced in Myanmar in 2017. Sanjeev Kumar Kafley, Bangladesh head for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, also spoke about the seemingly unending misery the Rohingya refugees were facing. This is a terrible blow to some of the most resilient people on Earth. Many people fled to Bangladesh after having their homes burnt to the ground. After setting up a new life, thousands now face more hardship and uncertainty, Kafley said in a statement on Tuesday. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Washington The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that Oneida County violated voter rights in last years election between Anthony Brindisi and Claudia Tenney in the 22nd Congressional District, according to a letter to the county from federal authorities. A top Justice Department official notified the county Tuesday that the federal government plans to file a civil lawsuit over violations that disenfranchised voters in the election, according to a copy of the letter reviewed by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. The two-page notice alleges the Oneida County Board of Elections violated the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act, two key federal laws aimed at ensuring free and fair elections. The hotly contested election, one of the closest House races in the nation, was decided Feb. 5 after a three-month legal battle following the November election. Tenney, R-New Hartford, was certified as the winner by 109 votes over Brindisi, D-Utica, the incumbent congressman. The House race exposed deep flaws in New Yorks antiquated voting system and prompted calls for election reforms after a series of embarrassing mistakes by election officials. The Justice Department review confirmed what was revealed in the legal battle after the election: Oneida County failed to process at least 2,400 voter registration applications that had been submitted in time for the election through the state Department of Motor Vehicles. An unknown number of those voters who properly registered for the 2020 election at the DMV were not given a chance to vote. Pamela S. Karlan, principal deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department Civil Rights Division in Washington, wrote in her letter that the failure to process registrations is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act. The federal review also found Oneida County election officials improperly rejected hundreds of affidavit ballots submitted at polling sites, even though they were cast by eligible voters in the Nov. 3 election, according to the letter. Justice Department officials in Washington did not reply to a request for comment about its review or plans for a lawsuit. The departments letter, sent to Oneida County Attorney Peter M. Rayhill in Utica, offers to negotiate a settlement before any lawsuit is filed. Such legal settlements typically involve fines and a requirement for corrective actions, but not a new election. We hope to resolve this matter amicably and avoid protracted litigation, Karlan wrote in the letter. Accordingly, we will delay filing the complaint for a short period to permit us to try to settle this matter via a remedy to be filed with the complaint. Rayhill confirmed Wednesday night that he received the letter and said the county intends to cooperate with Justice Department lawyers to work out a settlement. The critical issue here is that the will of the electorate has to be heard, Rayhill told syracuse.com. We will do whatever is necessary to make sure that happens. Rayhill added, My anticipation is we will be able to resolve this thing in an amicable fashion. My guess is that our goals are the same. Brindisi, reached about the Justice Department decision, said hes pleased that independent authorities investigated the problems that surfaced after the election. As Ive said all along, I wanted the voices of the voters to be heard, Brindisi said. Because of the complete dereliction of the Oneida County Board of Elections, many voters were denied that right. Denying that right is a serious matter that should lead to serious consequences. Brindisi said hed like to find out the extent of the problems in Oneida County and elsewhere in the eight-county 22nd Congressional District. Hopefully this will send a message to everyone from the county up to the state Board of Elections that there should be better systems in place to make sure this never happens again, Brindisi said. Tenney said in a statement that she hopes Justice Department officials also examine state policies put in place to ease voting access during the coronavirus pandemic. She said those policies increased the chance of administrative errors at county election boards. While the Oneida County Board of Elections bears significant responsibility for the administrative mistakes it made, the issues raised in this race are likely not isolated, Tenney said. Boards of Elections across New York were under resourced and overstretched in the 2020 election. They were asked to do more than ever before with no new resources. Many of the errors and problems with the 22nd District election came to light during the three-month legal battle over ballots presided over by state Supreme Court Justice Scott DelConte. In his final ruling in the case, DelConte criticized local elections boards for violations of state and federal election law that affected both candidates. But DelConte said that its not the courts role to fix those errors. He said its up to New York state officials and the U.S. Justice Department to decide if they want to look into the matter. Oneida Countys two elections commissioners resigned from their jobs in February under increasing pressure from the state for a series of mistakes that made it difficult to determine who won the 22nd District election. Brindisi said Feb. 8 that he decided to concede the election to spare voters from a months-long battle that could further divide the community. New Yorks 22nd Congressional District spans all of Madison, Oneida, Cortland and Chenango counties and parts of Oswego, Broome, Herkimer, and Tioga counties. MORE ON THE NY-22 ELECTION The race for NY-22 is over, but it made history for all the wrong reasons Voter advocates after NY-22 fiasco: Hire qualified people to run elections Rep. Claudia Tenneys late arrival in Congress costs her a prime committee seat Oneida County elections commissioners resign after NY-22 mistakes Brindisi: New York should investigate massive disenfranchisement of voters Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 A major broke out at a logistics godown located in a village near Bhiwandi city in district of in the early hours of Wednesday, a civic official said. No casualty is reported, he said. The blaze erupted around 4:30 AM and it is yet to be brought under control even after four hours, said Santosh Kadam, who heads the Region Disaster Management Cell (RDMC) of the Municipal Corporation (TMC). Two engines and a jumbo water tanker were rushed to the spot in Amane village, around 20 kms away from Bhiwandi. The cause of the will be investigated, Kadam added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Conservative MP who signed a letter backing Brandon Lewis move to compel Stormont to implement abortion laws has suggested Northern Ireland holds a referendum on the issue. Sir Peter Bottomley, the Father of the House of Commons, was one of 88 other MPs in Westminster who signed a letter urging Robin Swann to commission abortion services as a matter of priority. On Tuesday, the Northern Ireland Secretary of State laid down regulations in Westminster allowing him to compel Stormont to directly implement abortion laws. Read More Urging the politicians in Northern Ireland to sort it out Sir Peter Bottomley suggested Northern Ireland should hold a referendum into abortion, similar to that which took place in the Republic of Ireland in 2018. These laws are hugely controversial, but they were hugely controversial in the Republic of Ireland until they had a vote, when it was then clear they were not controversial, he told the BBC. I invite the Northern Ireland political parties to have a referendum there as well. Who is it for the politicians to say that because of their interpretation of what the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission contradict, we are going to make you get on a ferry during Covid and go to Liverpool or Scotland or go down south? Is that really what politics is about? Mr Lewis will assume the new power when the regulations come into force on March 31. The DUP have condemned Brandon Lewis' intervention at Westminster as "a retrograde step and an over-reach". Nigel Dodds, the DUP deputy leader said the government had set a dangerous precedent following Mr Lewis move. We cant have a situation where people say We are going to do this and then a few months later the goalposts are moved," he said. What we need to do is look at the whole of the New Decade New Approach agreement. There may now be many who will say: If you choose the British Government to do X why dont you just do Y. Sir Peter dismissed claims by some that the Secretary of States decision was controversial or represented an attack on devolution. The fact is that four years ago people started putting pressure on and the Northern Ireland government didnt respond. Two years ago, the UK parliament made a requirement and it has not happened, he added. If we want to seriously reduce the number of formal terminations, the way you do it is not by having laws that make life difficult and that put women into an impossible position. Sir Peter also dismissed waiting for Stormont to act, saying they have had years to deal with the issue. It hasnt happened. You can't say to a conception would you mind hanging around for a few years while the politicians sort it out, he added. They have had years to sort it out. The choice is ordinary party politics or compassion. Theres a reason public health officials put the brakes on shifting Manitoba's pandemic alert level to orange this week. It had little, if anything, to do with the province's public consultation campaign. Theres a reason public health officials put the brakes on shifting Manitoba's pandemic alert level to orange this week. It had little, if anything, to do with the province's public consultation campaign. Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced Tuesday only modest changes would be made to orders when they expire Friday. The province will remain in code red. It was a significant step. The province was considering opening indoor theatres, casinos and gaming centres, while allowing people from two households (who were already in a designated bubble) to dine together indoors at restaurants. People travelling for business purposes to other provinces would have been exempt from the 14-day self-isolation rule upon return to Manitoba. Thats all been postponed. What has changed since last week? After stabilizing for about a week, the provinces test positivity rate started inching up again in recent days, to 5.3 per cent from 4.7 per cent. Its been rising gradually in Winnipeg for nearly two weeks. More importantly, the number of patients in hospital with COVID-19 has started to creep up. It includes those in intensive care units, which jumped to 25, from 21, over the past week. Those are not huge increases; hospital numbers are still well below where they were in early January. But it was enough to get the attention of the number-crunchers in Manitoba's pandemic war room. With growing concern over highly contagious variants (which are spreading across the province and have shown up in several schools), it became obvious the benefits of maintaining most restrictions outweighed the costs of keeping them in place. It had little to do with the provinces public consultations, despite claims to the contrary by Premier Brian Pallister. The government's online surveys are mostly public relations exercises. While they may have some benefit in getting buyin from Manitobans, they have little impact on what is ultimately decided. The government's online surveys are mostly public relations exercises. While they may have some benefit in getting buy-in from Manitobans, they have little impact on what is ultimately decided. Thats left largely to public health experts, as it should be. However, the current orders are not necessarily set in stone for the next three weeks. Changes could be made after the Easter weekend, if the data supports it, said Roussin. If the test positivity rate stabilizes and hospital numbers fall or plateau, the province could and should ease restrictions further before orders expire April 15. It wouldnt be the first time it has done so (March 12: loosening the rules for churchgoers and restaurant patio customers). What government does have to start talking about publicly is what percentage of the population has to be vaccinated before the majority of restrictions are removed. So far, no such projections have been released. Once people over age 65-70 are immunized, which restrictions will be rolled back? KEVIN KING / POOL The decision to stay at code red had little to do with the provinces public consultations, despite claims to the contrary by Premier Brian Pallister. There will be other factors to consider when making those decisions. However, if case numbers, infection rates and hospitalization numbers remain relatively stable, the province should have some idea what restrictions will be lifted once the vast majority of Manitobas most vulnerable are immunized. Businesses and not-for-profits need to know; they need to figure out how long they can stay solvent. Health officials say herd immunity will be achieved once 70 to 80 per cent of the public is vaccinated. Surely government will not wait that long before removing most restrictions. There would be no reason to. Severe outcomes from COVID-19 can be mitigated and hospital capacity protected once the vast majority of elderly Manitobans and those with underlying health conditions are vaccinated. For now, with only nine per cent of Manitobas adult population having been vaccinated, restrictions are still the main tool to protect hospitals and prevent death. It was the right move to leave current measures in place. tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca Two cruise missiles fired, not banned under UN resolutions. The new US administration minimizes the incident. Kim Jong-un wants Washington to abandon aggressive tones. The clash between the United States and China endangers North Korea's denuclearization efforts. Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - On March 21, North Korea fired two missiles off its west coast reports South Korean Joint Staff, underlining that the launch took place from the Onchon area and that it involved two cruise missiles It is the first missile test carried out by the Kim Jong-un regime since last April and most observers believe it an attempt by Pyongyang to verify the resolve of the Biden administration without resorting more impressive acts. The US president downplayed the incident, like the Pentagon. The US military speaks of two short-range missiles and reminds that under United Nations resolutions, North Koreans are prohibited from possessing and using ballistic missiles, not cruise missiles. North Korea has been isolated from the international community (except from China and partly from Russia), and subject to international sanctions for years for its nuclear and missile program. Since the end of 2017, in the framework of negotiations with Donald Trump, the then-incumbent US president, Pyongyang has unilaterally decreed a moratorium on nuclear tests and ballistic tests. The dialogue between Washington and the Kim regime is in a phase of stagnation. North Koreans are demanding that the US abandon its aggressive policy towards them for a return to the talks on denuclearization. More than for the sporadic missile exercises in the North, South Korean analysts say they are concerned about the international scenario. The increasingly heated confrontation between the US and China, coupled with signs of closer relations between Pyongyang and Beijing, would endanger regional cooperation to block Kim's nuclear plans. A remarkably affordable Australian swimwear brand has been featured in the final season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, an endorsement it would be hard to put a price on. In the first episode of season 20, the show's last since launching in October 2007, Kim Kardashian is seen reclining on a sun lounger wearing a $60 rust orange bikini top from Ark Swimwear. The 40-year-old reality star turned businesswoman has been spotted in the label multiple times since her stylist ordered a selection of designs in May 2020, shortly before filming began. The brand, founded on Sydney's Northern Beaches, is known for its simple, comfortable and timeless designs which are intended to be 'every woman's ultimate staple swimwear'. In the first episode of season 20, Kim Kardashian is seen reclining on a sun lounger wearing a $60 rust orange bikini top from Ark Swimwear The $60 bikini (pictured) is intended to be 'every woman's staple swimwear' This minimalist style has proved popular with Kim, who has also shared photos in a $60 classic black triangle top as well as a leopard print bandeau and high-cut bottoms, both $60. The style has been a similar hit with supermodels and Victoria's Secret angels, including Emily Ratajkowski and Izabel Goulart who posted Instagram photos in Ark bikinis during the summer of 2020. Available online in sizes XS to L, the designs have drawn dozens of five-star customer reviews with many praising the quality and flattering cut of the fabric. The 40-year-old mother-of-four has also posted photos in this leopard print bandeau and high-cut bottoms, both $60 She has also worn the brand's $60 classic black triangle top (Kim, left, is pictured with her former assistant, Stephanie Shepherd) One shopper called the black triangle top and Brazilian cut bottoms her 'new favourite bikini'. A-listers such as the Kardashians are increasingly opting for Australian-made swimwear, with Kim's sister Kourtney and half-sister Kendall Jenner both wearing miniscule styles from Sommer Swim in recent months. Kourtney Kardashian sparked a sell-out of this $168 two-piece from Australian label Sommer Swim after wearing it on a family getaway to Turks and Caicos in February Kourtney, 41, sparked a sell-out of the dizzyingly revealing $89 Xena top and $79 Naomi Venere bottoms, after wearing them on a family getaway to Turks and Caicos in February. The POOSH founder - who shares sons Mason, 11, Reign, six, and daughter Penelope, eight, with ex Scott Disick, 37 - looked typically ageless in a series of Instagram photos which show her emerging from a swimming pool in the tiny two-piece. The reality star's red set swiftly flew out of stock, but it's still available online in a range of colours including coral, turquoise, black, white and emerald green. Supermodel Kendall, 25, triggered a similar rush when she wore the same two-piece in a baroque print on holiday at an undisclosed destination in March 2020. The baroque print Sommer set swiftly sold out after Kendall wore it in a carousel of Instagram photos (one shown here) captioned: 'Me and this bikini: A love story.' The two-piece - which consists of the $89 Xena top and $79 Naomi bottoms - can be worn as a halterneck or tied directly across the bust like Kendall (pictured) styled hers The set swiftly sold out after the 818 Tequila founder wore it in a carousel of Instagram photos captioned: 'Me and this bikini: A love story.' Founded by 36-year-old Anna-Maria Sommer, Sommer Swim specialises in limited-edition luxury swimwear made from premium Italian lycra, an ultra-flattering fabric that glides seamlessly over the body without pinching the skin. The vintage-inspired designs have drawn a loyal following that includes some of the world's biggest stars, with Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber among the most famous fans. The law of a country for the people, not a tool to fulfil the personal vendetta of officials. But in Batticaloa a diffrent story ... by Our Regional Correspondent Copies of the letters (withheld) received by the Sri Lanka Guardian revealed the dark side of state administrative officials and how certain officers are trying to cynically manipulate the issues for personal gains. This incident reported in Manmunai North Division, Batticaloa where the incumbent divisional secretary is deliberately refusing justice for a family waiting for a piece of land for many years. Mr V. Vasudevan Land own by P. Jeyatheswaran was acquired by the government to construct the Tsunami Housing Complex by assuring to allocate him an equally valuable land. A few years later he has requested the land assured by the government but the administration was unable to fulfil the promise. However, later the land commissioner has tried to solve it without any further delay. In a letter dated December 02, 2020, Land Commissioner General Mr Keerthi Gamage ordered the relevant government official to allocate the alternative land for the requested individual. Again in his letter dated February 19, 2021, the land Commissioner sends the reminder to the Divisional Secretariat to solve the issue immediately. To inquire about the incident, Sri Lanka Guardian contacted the Divisional Secretary of Manmunai North Division, Batticaloa Mr V. Vasudevan where he sarcastically responded by stating that neither land commissioner nor other higher official understood the law of the land. I dont think the Land Commissioner Mr Gamage understood this issue correctly due to inadequate knowledge about the legal side of this land dispute. My opinion is that this person (Mr P. Jeyatheswaran) is not eligible to have a land. He is writing many issues on his Facebook, which is annoying me, Mr V. Vasudevan tried to justify his conducts. But he has ignored to provide further details about the relationship between the land issue and the personal social media activities of the person. Meanwhile, a senior officer in the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, who asked not to be named, told Sri Lanka Guardian that this whole incident was being used viciously to fulfil personal animosities of local officials. The law of a country for the people, not a tool to fulfil the personal vendetta of officials. It seems that these local officials have pointed the middle finger at high ranking officials including the Land Commissioner General in this matter, he said. Wednesday: The Terminator (1984) 5STAR, 9pm - One of the greatest sci-fi movies of all time, James Cameron's time-travelling masterpiece catapulted Arnold Schwarzenegger towards Hollywood superstardom. He stars as a violent cyborg who is sent from the future to kill waitress Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), the woman destined to give birth to the saviour of the human race in the future. Fortunately, a brave soldier (Michael Biehn) is also sent back in time to protect the heroine from the artificial assassin. This sci-fi saga is what all films of the genre should aspire to be - clever, action-packed and loaded with memorable lines. Schwarzenegger is perfectly cast as the emotionless robot killer, while Hamilton is impressive as the woman whose slender shoulders carry the hope of survival for the entire human race. Thursday The Lone Ranger (2013) BBC4, 9pm Handsome lawyer John Reid (Armie Hammer) arrives in 1869 Texas on the newly constructed railroad controlled by Latham Cole (Tom Wilkinson). Soon after, outlaw Butch Cavendish (William Fichtner) escapes custody and John's brother, Texas Ranger Dan Reid (James Badge Dale), leads the search party with John in tow. The chase ends in carnage and John wakes from a bullet wound to meet Tonto (Johnny Depp), a quixotic Commanche Native American, who also has good reason to want Cavendish dead. The Commanche encourages John to find the hero within by donning a mask and together they hunt the outlaw. Unfairly lambasted by critics on its cinema release, The Lone Ranger is an entertaining action adventure, distinguished by Depp's theatrics and Bojan Bazelli's stunning cinematography. Friday La La Land (2016) BBC1, 11.35pm Aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) works as a barista between auditions, which repeatedly end in crushing rejection. On a traffic-jammed Los Angeles freeway, she crosses paths with talented pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), who reveres jazz in its purest form. They meet again at a party in the Hollywood hills, where they share hopes for the future beneath the twinkling stars of the Californian night sky. But can they follow their dreams and keep their artistic integrity without sacrificing their relationship? It may have famously missed out on the Best Picture Oscar, but La La Land is a visually sumptuous, unabashedly swooning valentine to the golden age of Hollywood musicals. Gosling and Stone are individually luminous - and electrifying as a double-act in high energy song and dance sequences. Saturday Rush (2013) BBC4, 9pm During the 1970s, rubber burnt and tempers frayed between two very different Formula 1 drivers: charismatic ladies' man James Hunt and incredibly ambitious Austrian speed fiend Niki Lauda. Their daredevil duels reached a horrifying crescendo at the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring when Lauda's Ferrari burst into flames, trapping him in the inferno. Just six weeks later, Lauda emerged from hospital with extensive scarring, determined to prevent Hunt from claiming the chequered flag at Monza. This incredible story of courage and resilience is dramatised in Rush, Ron Howard's superb biopic that charts the rivalry between Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) from their early days through to the glamour of the Formula 1 circuit. Sunday Wonder Woman (2017) ITV2, 6.15pm Diana (Gal Gadot) is an Amazonian princess, who lives on the island of Themyscira under the benevolent rule of her mother, Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen). During the First World War, handsome US Army spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash-lands in the sea close to the island and Diana rescues him from a watery grave. He tells the Amazons about the conflict with the Germans, whose forces are marshalled by iron-fisted General Erich Ludendorff (Danny Huston). Horrified by mankind's self-destruction, Diana bids tearful farewell to her clan and prepares to head to the front, via London. Wonder Woman is a muscular introduction to the DC Comics warrior princess, and Gadot is positively luminous in the title role. Monday Road to Perdition (2002) Sony Movies, 9pm Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a devoted husband and father who lives a secret life as a mob hitman in Depression-era Chicago. When his son witnesses his involvement in a killing it results in a fellow gangster attempting to kill off Sullivan's entire family - forcing him and his surviving son, Michael Jr (Tyler Hoechlin), to go on the run. His desire for revenge eventually leads him to cross the infamous mob boss Al Capone - with terrible repercussions. Based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins, director Sam Mendes' follow-up to American Beauty is a very different affair. This dark period chase drama is meticulously constructed and boasts an incredible cast, most notably a suitably restrained Hanks as Sullivan and the downright eerie Jude Law as assassin Harlen Maguire. Tuesday Jack Reacher (2012) ITV4, 9 pm Emotionally unstable sniper James Barr (Joseph Sikora) is arrested for the murder of five innocent people outside PNC Park in Pennsylvania. Before Barr slips into a coma, he writes down three words - Get Jack Reacher. Soon after, former military officer Jack Reacher (Tom Cruise) makes contact with lead detective Emerson (David Oyelowo) and District Attorney Rodin (Richard Jenkins) to help put Barr behind bars. Rodin's daughter, defence attorney Helen Rodin (Rosamund Pike), isn't convinced her client is guilty so she hires Jack to check the forensics. Based on the book One Shot by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is a robust thriller punctuated by smartly orchestrated action sequences, none more chilling than opening scenes of the sniper taking aim at innocent bystanders on a riverbank. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The unprecedented rainfall from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 brought more than flood damage to southeast Texas. For people living in environmental justice communities such as the Manchester neighborhood near the Houston Ship Channel, heavy rainfall and flooding may have increased risks of exposure to harmful chemicals from nearby industry. To gain a better understanding of how flooding mobilized pollution in the area, a research team led by Garett Sansom, DrPH, research assistant professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, analyzed samples of soil from the Manchester neighborhood collected immediately after Hurricane Harvey. Findings were just published in the Journal of Health and Pollution. Student and faculty researchers along with staff from Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services and residents of Manchester collected soil samples at 40 locations throughout Manchester one week after Harvey. The samples were then processed and analyzed to measure concentrations of pollutants known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are linked with poor health outcomes, including different types of cancer. PAHs come from incomplete burning of hydrocarbons like wood and fossil fuels. They are found in high concentrations near oil refineries and other industrial facilities as well as major highways and other transportation hubs like shipyards and railways. PAHs also attach themselves to particles in the air, meaning once they settle, they can be moved around by flood waters. The high baseline levels of PAHs in Manchester have thus fueled resident concerns that floods such as those caused by Hurricane Harvey could increase exposure risks. Manchester is close to the Houston Ship Channel, a major interstate highway, a large railyard and several oil refineries. Previous studies have found that this neighborhood has a disproportionately high level of PAH pollution and associated health risks. Because of this it is important to understand how flooding and other disasters impact the area. Flooding is becoming a greater concern for residents in Manchester as well as in other locations in the Houston area as the frequency of heavy rainfall events appears to be increasing. Between 1981 and 2000, the odds of a rainfall event of more than 20 inches increased by one percent, and this frequency is expected to grow by 18 percent between 2018 and 2100. The analysis found differences in PAH concentrations across all 40 sample sites, with nearly half of Manchester contaminated to some degree and nine of the sites having a higher PAH concentration than the minimum standard for increased cancer risk. The highest concentrations were found at sites closest to the highway and the Houston Ship Channel, and the lowest concentrations were in farther away locations. The distribution of PAHs in Manchester may have been controlled in part by the way flood waters moved through the area. However, the researchers did not have data on street-level differences in surfaces for their analysis. Thus, it is unclear how much surfaces that do not absorb water, such as streets and sidewalks, contributed to the distribution pattern. The findings of this study build on prior research showing that people in areas that flood may have a greater risk of PAH exposure. This study also points to the need for a better understanding of how PAHs are dispersed during flood events. More data on baseline pollutant concentrations and improved analysis methods will help researchers, policy makers and community leaders assess the risks people living in environmental justice communities face, and possibly find ways to limit the health risks residents of neighborhoods like Manchester face in the future. Explore further Texas flood: Researchers compare pollution levels before and after Hurricane Harvey More information: Garett T. Sansom et al, Spatial Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminants after Hurricane Harvey in a Houston Neighborhood, Journal of Health and Pollution (2021). Garett T. Sansom et al, Spatial Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminants after Hurricane Harvey in a Houston Neighborhood,(2021). DOI: 10.5696/2156-9614-11.29.210308 SENATE APPROVES TELCOS, BROADCAST FRANCHISES The Senate approved on third and final reading the franchise bids of companies involving telecommunications and broadcast. The two telcos are Dito Telecommunity Corp. and Instant Data Inc., while the four broadcast stations include the Highland Broadcasting Network Corp., University of the Philippines System, Davao City Radio Broadcasting Station, and Palawan Broadcasting Corp. Sen. Grace Poe noted earlier that the provisions of all franchises were standardized regardless of popularity and extent of coverage where each one was carefully studied, scrutinized and weighed vis-a-vis the overall benefits to society. "While we are welcoming more players in the telecommunications and broadcast industries, we also want to make sure that all applicants are fit to offer their avowed public service," Poe said. Poe previously underscored the importance of the role of broadcast firms in distance learning and implored the franchise applicants to use this privilege to help students cope with the new modalities of learning. "TV and radio have been part of our culture as Filipinos where we source critical information on a range of issues. They also serve as crucial lines of communication between and among communities," said Poe. The senator emphasized that the privilege of being granted or renewed a franchise also bears the responsibility of giving due service to Filipinos who need it the most, the unserved and underserved. By Allison Martell and Steve Scherer TORONTO/OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is expecting enough COVID-19 vaccine doses to double its supply by the end of next week to help ramp up a slow vaccination program as more contagious virus variants push the country toward a third wave of coronavirus infections. Canada has lagged other rich countries in inoculations even though it ordered enough doses to vaccinate the population five times over late last year. Those procurement deals, however, guaranteed relatively few doses in the first quarter of 2021 with a sharp increase in the second quarter. Officials said on Friday that 6.8% of the population had received at least one shot of a vaccine. That compares with 24.5% of U.S. residents as of Monday. Shipments of 4.7 million doses are expected this week and next - 2.4 million from Pfizer Inc, 846,000 from Moderna Inc and a 1.5 million-dose loan of AstraZeneca's vaccine from the United States, according to federal forecasts and recent announcements. Future deliveries could be threatened if the European Union limits shipments from the Pfizer or Moderna operations in Europe that supply Canada. Canada has been told European exports will be allowed, a spokeswoman for International Trade Minister Mary Ng, said on Wednesday Ng's counterparts in Europe "have assured her that these measures will not affect vaccine shipments to Canada," Youmy Han said. A Pfizer spokeswoman said export licenses had already been granted for deliveries this week and next, and that one has been requested for the week of April 5. Canada expects a million doses a week from Pfizer through the end of May. Rising shipments and a policy of delaying second shots of the two-dose vaccines will enable the country to ramp up mass vaccination sites and some pharmacy distribution programs for older residents - two months after the United States. "It certainly does provide a sense of relief," said Isaac Bogoch, infectious diseases specialist at Toronto General Hospital and a member of Ontario's vaccination distribution task force. Story continues Canada is facing the possible beginning of a third wave of infections as the more transmissible B.1.1.7 virus variant first discovered in the UK drives outbreaks in some hot spots. The country received just under 4.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines between late December and March 17. Canada is stretching the vaccine supply by offering second doses as long as four months after the first, which means Canadians will have to wait longer than U.S. residents to be fully vaccinated. In the United States, second shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are given three weeks after the first, and the Moderna four weeks, mirroring dosing schedules in their clinical trials. "We're going to be in an extremely bizarre position in Canada where, for a period of many months, some people will have had zero doses of a vaccine, some people will have one dose, and some people will have two doses," said Bogoch. "I think we need some very pragmatic advice from a federal centralized source about what's acceptable." The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI), which makes non-binding but influential recommendations on how provincial health systems should use vaccines, said modeling suggested delaying the second dose would reduce illness and deaths while the vaccine supply is limited. "It makes a lot of sense to try to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible," said Catherine Hankins, a McGill University epidemiologist and co-chair of another federal advisory group, the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force. "I'm convinced by looking at the data from other countries that show rapid rollouts to the most number of people has the biggest impact," she said. (Reporting by Allison Martell in Toronto and Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Harare Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro has ruled against a bail application by Delatfin Investments proprietor, Felix Munyaradzi who was arrested after he handed himself over to the police on Thursday, facing allegations of defeating the course of justice. Muchuchuti-Guwuriro said Munyaradzi is not a proper candidate for bail. Allegations against Munyaradzi are that in July 2021, corruption accused Police Senior Assistant Commissioner Erasmus Makodza made a police report alleging that Munyaradzi had resold a residential stand which he had sold to him, leading to Munyaradzi's arrest. The State alleges that in January this year, Munyaradzi sent emissaries to Makodza, including one Shadreck Homerato, reportedly with the intention to cause withdrawal of the matter. The state is also alleging that Munyaradzi threatened Makodza with arrest if he failed to comply with his request. However, Munyaradzai, through his lawyer, Nickiel Mushangwe is denying allegations saying that the arrest and allegations are malicious. "The Investigating officer told me that he cannot do anything because his hands are tied and he is receiving orders from the above. "We entered into an agreement that I will provide Makodza with finances to develop the area (where the top cop was developing housing units) and that he will give us the contract to service his land. Everything was done by our lawyers and when we went to the ground to check the area, we found out that Makodza had engaged another contractor without cancelling our contract," Munyaradzi told the court. ADVERTISEMENT Security experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders met in Abuja on Monday to discuss issues around reconciliation, resettlement and reintegration in North-east Nigeria in a bid to bring peace to the area. Organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), in partnership with the National Orientation Agency, the International Crisis Group, Conciliation Resources, and the Network of CSOs in North East Nigeria, the two-day symposium also unveiled the launch of two reports. Published by the International Crisis Group and titled Reintegration Work of Operation Safe Corridor, one of the reports reviewed the popular opinions towards reintegration of ex-combatants, militia and persons associated with Boko Haram. The other was published by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) on Popular Opinions and Positions of the Reintegration Process in Borno State which explores the procedures for reintegration from bottom up. A statement released by HDs media head, Zigwai Ayuba, said the motivation behind the symposium was to bring stakeholders together to create a learning and experience sharing platform in order to chart a way forward in national peace building process. Ms Ayuba said with the dialogue, her group was aiming to improve the understanding of key policy stakeholders on the existing approaches to peace building, reintegration, reconciliation and resettlement, particularly in North-east Nigeria where a decade long insurgency has been on. The Nigerian military and its allies have been engaged in hostilities against Boko Haram elements with thousands of casualties recorded and millions displaced with need for urgent humanitarian aids. The symposium observed that in Nigeria, stakeholders working on reconciliation, resettlement and reintegration are having to do so in an environment faced with active hostilities, reduced funding and faced with other risks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, she said in her statement. This is different from traditional models of conflict resolution where recovery and reconstruction tend to occur after the cessation of hostilities, hence the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reintegration (DDRRR) model, she added. Efforts toward peace With presence in over 40 countries where it works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation, HD said its Smart Peace and the North East Conflict Management and Stabilization projects have been efforts used to restore peace in North-east Nigeria. The Smart Peace Project in Borno and Yobe States as well as with regional and federal stakeholders have focused on improving relationships between communities, vigilantes, formal security actors and militia groups while strengthening local community mechanisms on non-violent inclusive conflict resolution practices, the group noted. READ ALSO: Within the North East Conflict Management and Stabilization, HD has identified the danger that messaging and narratives of violence popularized by violent extremist groups pose to communities, it added. As a result, a document titled Moderation in Dialogue: An Alternative Narrative from Borno was published to create a peaceful way of narrating about violence in the bid to promote peace-building efforts in the northeast. The success of this tool draws from it being homegrown, supported by leading scholars from different Islamic traditions and the consultation with different community groups, the statement said. Kalma / Khartoum / Abu Karinka / El Geneina The Darfur Bar Association (DBA) calls on the Sudanese government to urgently develop a plan to contain the situation in Kalma camp for the displaced near the South Darfur capital Nyala. Saleh Mahmoud, head of the DBA, said in a press statement that the plan must include "a unifying speech, clear procedures, justice and bringing those responsible for killings to trial". He stressed that the ousted President Omar Al Bashir and others who have been indicted must be handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to achieve justice. This is key in the steps towards stability and peace and will ease the situation in Kalma camp, he said. In his opinion, the current government views the displaced in the same way as the former regime. "The police and other security forces are still dealing with the displaced as if they are rebels, not victims of war." He also said that people from EL Malam, Yara, Deribat, Tawila, Tarni and most of the villages in the eastern Jebel Marra region are still being displaced and fleeing to Kalma camp near Nyala. He held the government responsible for "the continued deterioration of the situation in Darfur". He observed that the government has not been able to enable the displaced to return to their lands since the revolution broke out two years ago. In a meeting with the Transitional Partners Council (TPC) members Abdelrahim Dagalo and Taha Osman Ishag in Khartoum on Monday, the five governors of Darfur stressed the need to urgently arrange security arrangements and peace agreements. The governors attributed the fragile security in some areas to tribal conflicts and the proliferation of weapons. They warned of "a resurgence of infiltration on certain roads". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Sudan Governance Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The governors expressed their concern over the suspension of the financing national road projects. They argued that financing national roads must be a top priority for the government in this year's budget. During the meeting the electricity and water crises in Darfur were discussed as well. The governors expressed their desire to reach a peace agreement with the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdelwahid El Nur, founder and leader of the mainstream Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM-AW), and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North under the leadership of Abdelaziz El Hilu (SPLM-N). East Darfur In Warsi, Abu Karinka locality, East Darfur, people continued to close off the oil field for the second consecutive day, demanding the arrival of the Minister of Energy and Oil. People from the region also organised a protest in front of the Ministry of Energy and Oil in Khartoum on Monday, calling on the minister to travel to the region. West Darfur The wali (governor) of West Darfur, Mohamed El Doma, announced the arrest of two persons accused of shooting and wounding three worshipers in the Azarni area on Sunday. People from the area told Radio Dabanga that two gunmen shot at worshipers in the Grand Mosque. They said that this led to protests and road blocks in the area. 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. Sweden saw a smaller increase in deaths than most European countries in 2020 despite shunning lockdowns during the pandemic, it has emerged. The Nordic country had 7.7 per cent more deaths than usual, a figure comparing favourably with countries such as Spain (18.1 per cent) and Belgium (16.2 per cent) which have both imposed tough restrictions. Sweden's excess mortality has also been measured as lower than in Britain, where some MPs have looked admiringly at the Swedish approach. Much of Europe is now facing an even longer period in lockdown, with Germany and France both extending restrictions which will further prolong the economic misery. The progress of the pandemic in Sweden - an initial wave last spring, a resurgence in the winter by which time there was far more testing, and now a third increase - is largely similar to that in many Western European countries Sweden's death rate, which peaked at well over 100 a day in the winter months, has been worse than its Nordic neighbours but similar to that in some countries with strict lockdowns Sweden has mostly relied on voluntary measures focused on social distancing, good hygiene and targeted restrictions that have kept shops and restaurants largely open. The approach has led to criticism at home and abroad but spared the economy from much of the hit suffered elsewhere in Europe. Preliminary data from EU agency Eurostat, analysed by Reuters, showed that 21 of the 30 countries with available figures had higher excess mortality than Sweden's 7.7 per cent. The figure refers to the increase in overall deaths in 2020 compared to the average for the previous four years. The figure is intended to show the broader impact of the pandemic because excess deaths could include people who were never tested for Covid-19 or died of other causes because health services were overwhelmed. Poland, Spain and Belgium had the highest excess mortality in Europe, according to a separate tally released by Britain's ONS last week. Sweden was 18th out of 26 in that analysis, which adjusted for age structures and seasonal mortality patterns. But the Eurostat figures showed Sweden faring much worse than its Nordic neighbours, which all imposed tougher measures. Denmark registered just 1.5 per cent excess mortality in 2020, while Finland was on 1.0 per cent and Norway had no excess at all. People enjoy the sunny weather in a park in Stockholm last year when scenes like this would have been unthinkable in much of Europe Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, who became internationally known as the figurehead of the Swedish response, said he believed the data raised doubts about the use of lockdowns. 'I think people will probably think very carefully about these total shutdowns, how good they really were,' he said. 'They may have had an effect in the short term, but when you look at it throughout the pandemic, you become more and more doubtful,' said Tegnell. Other health experts warned that interpreting excess deaths data is fraught with risks. 'All of us have to be really careful interpreting death data connected with Covid-19, whatever its source - none of them are perfect,' said Mark Woolhouse, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh. 'They do raise a question about whether, in fact, Sweden's strategy was relatively successful. They certainly raise that question,' he said. Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell, pictured, suggested the figures raised doubts about the use of strict lockdowns in other countries Keith Neal, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, also advised caution. He said death rates could be linked to a range of factors such as the age structure and general health of a population and the presence of major travel hubs. Sweden's proportion of people aged over 80 was 5.1 per cent at the start of 2019, lower than the EU average of 5.8% but on par with the UK. The Swedish population is also generally healthier than average with a life expectancy at 82.6 years in 2018, compared to an EU average of 81.0. Sweden's strategy has been heavily criticised by some at home and abroad for being reckless and not enough to protect vulnerable groups from the disease. However, 43 per cent of Swedes have high or very high confidence in how the pandemic is being handled, while 30 per cent have low or very low confidence, according to a recent survey. Sweden's government and public health authority have conceded they failed to protect the elderly, especially in care homes. But they have maintained they did what they could to suppress the disease, while also taking the general health of the population into account. Sweden's official Covid-19 death toll is more than 13,000, although some people may have died from other causes than the disease. Korean RE logo By Anna J. Park Korean Reinsurance Company, or Korean Re, filed lawsuits against Allianz and AXA at a U.K. court earlier this month, asking the two global financial firms to pay a total of $12.4 million based on their reinsurance contracts, to cover the cost of insurance of the Stellar Banner a 300,000-ton vessel grounded off the Brazilian coast last year. According to the U.K. court documents, Korean Re claimed that the two insurers breached their reinsurance contracts made in 2019. Polaris Shipping, the Korea-headquartered owner of Stellar Banner, took out a $96.4 million insurance with Mertiz Fire & Marine Insurance back in 2019 against vessel accidents, while Meritz reinsured 83.8 percent of it with Korean Re. Korean Re then signed two other reinsurance policies with AXA and Allianz in order to cut its exposure to the ship's accident. AXA agreed to take on 8 percent of the loss incurred by Meritz and Allianz 12 percent. Following the vessel accident in February 2020 after leaving Brazil's Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal, Polaris Shipping had attempted to salvage the vessel months later, yet the cost of recovering and repairing the ship would exceed the insured value of the ship. Thus, the vessel turned into a total loss. Korean Re continued to argue that it has fully indemnified its proportion of claim to Meritz as previously contracted. However, the two insurers through which Korean Re reinsured itself did not exercise their responsibility to reimburse their proportion in this case. The Seoul-based reinsurance company not only asked the two firms to pay what they owed to reimburse for the loss claim, but also to cover legal costs. "As negotiations on payment of the indemnification failed, further discussions moved on to the U.K. court, as both companies are based in Europe," a market insider said. An official from Korean Re said it has nothing further to say about the case as the legal process is already underway in London. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Detectives have arrested a man and carried out three searches in the Newry area as part of Operation Venetic A 47-year-old man has been arrested by police as part of the Europe-wide Operation Venetic investigation into organised crime. The arrest came after detectives from the PSNIs Criminal Investigation Branch carried out searches of three properties in the Newry area on Wednesday. Detectives seized a quantity of cash in excess of 10,000, one vehicle and several pallets of wine valued at approximately 30,000 on behalf of HMRC who will carry out an investigation in respect of potential evasion of excise duty. The man (47) was arrested as part of the operation for Entering into an Arrangement to Acquire Criminal Property. He has been taken to custody where he is being questioned by detectives. A PSNI spokesman said: This is an example of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in criminal activity to justice. Working alongside our partner agencies, we will continue to disrupt the movements and activities of Organised Crime Gangs. We recognise the harm caused in our communities as a result of organised crime and we will continue to keep people safe from this activity. Anyone with information about any criminality should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Williamson, WV (25661) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Photo: The Canadian Press Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids. The city's government said the suspension was immediate while the matter is investigated by distributor Fosun Pharma and BioNTech, the German company that created the vaccine with American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. BioNTech and Fosun Pharma have not found any reason to believe the product is unsafe, according to the statement. However, vaccinations will be halted as a preventive and safety measure. The defective lids were found on vaccines from batch number 210102. A separate batch of vaccines, 210104, will also be not be administered. The semi-autonomous territory of Macao also said Wednesday that its residents will not receive the Pfizer shots from the same batch. The vaccines from the batch comprise a total of 585,000 doses, with the other batch number 210104 holding 758,000 doses, according to Hong Kongs Director of Health Constance Chan. Although about 150,000 doses from the batch 210102 have been administered in the city so far, officials said during a press briefing Wednesday that the vaccines were safe to use despite the packaging defects, and that suspending the vaccination was a precautionary measure. Batch number 210104 remains in the warehouse and has not been used. Chan said that there were over 40 instances when medical personnel found defective packaging, such as cracks on the vaccine bottles or leakages when the vaccine was diluted with saline before being administered. None of these vaccines were given to residents and they were thrown away, officials said. Fosun has promised to carry out an immediate investigation so they are going to approach the manufacturer in Germany to look into their plant, Chan said. "When the vaccines arrive in Hong Kong, they will have a review of the whole logistics chain to see if that's the cause of the current situation." She said that officials are urging manufacturers to give a report as soon as possible to check if the batches of vaccines in Hong Kong can be used, otherwise the manufacturers will have to deliver another batch of shots as soon as possible. Residents who are slated to receive their second Pfizer dose starting on Saturday should get the second shot administered as soon as possible, if new vaccines arrive in Hong Kong after the recommended 19- to 42-day window following the first dose. BioNTech said in a statement that it had launched an investigation to find the root cause of the vaccine packaging issues. It said the investigation would look into the entire supply chain of the vaccines from the time the vials were filled all the way to their handling at vaccination centres. The safety of our vaccinees and patients is of utmost importance to BioNTech," the statement said. At this point, we have no reason to believe there is any safety risk posed to the population. The company also said that no other region aside from Hong Kong and Macao had been supplied with doses from the affected batch. The fifth concert in Memorial Presbyterian Churchs Lenten Concert Series was entitled Spanish Guitar Classics with soloist Brad DeRoche. The program included six pieces for solo guitar from composers living in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The opening selection was Danza Espanola Opus 37, number 5 by Enrique Granados. It was followed by Serenata Espanola by Joaquin Malats and two pieces by Francisco Tarrega, Recuerdos de la Alhambra and Capicho Arabe." Dr. DeRoche s technical ability and musicality displayed the rich history of the guitar as a solo instrument. 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 Among several changes, Lightfoots proposal would increase the percentage of affordable units that must be included in new developments downtown and in neighborhoods with little affordable housing from 10% of the total to 20%. And it would decrease the number of affordable units the developers can avoid creating by instead paying fees to the city from 75% of the total in the project to half the total. African creatives and those in the financial services sector as well as streaming companies and content buyers like Netflix must collaborate in order to fully explore that nexus linking the show to the business side of the creative economy. The creative industry is affectionately referred to as the showbiz (show business) industry and for good reason, mostly on account of the overwhelming image of glamour and stardom. With Nigerian music and movies cornering large swathes of the global market (Nollywood, the local variant, is considered the third globally, ranked just next to Hollywood and Bollywood; and Nigerian Afrobeats is staking a major claim on the backs of artistes like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido), major stakeholders and businesses are beginning to take notice of not just Nigeria but the African creative industry. But a careful consideration will show that the show business industry in Nigeria and most of Africa is more show and sadly not so much of a business. Why is this so? Why is African showbiz more show than business? Doctors say diagnosis is often the first step to a cure. If we agree that the African creative industry is full of artistes who produce good music and movie makers who churn out gripping stories, why is the industry not as robust as its counterparts in Hollywood and Bollywood? Granted Hollywood and Bollywood were not built in a day but many will agree that Nollywood and others have dwelt for too long in the valley of potentials. The time to consolidate on the business side of things has come. These were some of the issues that agitated the minds of the keynote speaker and Plenum at the Africa Soft Power Series fire side chat event, which held virtually on Thursday, February 23, and which proceeded under the theme, The New Face of African collaboration. There was a key note by Benedict Oramah, President, Afrexim Bank followed by a very interactive and insightful panel with Chinelo Anohu, Senior Director, Africa Investment Forum; Dean Garfield, VP, Public Policy at Netflix; and His Excellency, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, with Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher and MD at IC Publications moderating. The insights shared and experience-led submissions that followed point to the clear and present need for the African creative sector practitioners to become fluent in the language of business and finance as a means of accessing much needed funding that will help them scale up. Other considerations included providing capacity building and infrastructure, which will enable the sector grow and develop to its true potential. To understand the potential market size of the African creative industries, let us consider a few developments. The Nigerian governments projection captured in its forecast for the 2020 Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, estimated export revenues of $1 billion from the creative industries alone. That was before COVID-19 struck. In January 2020, the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced a $500 million Creative Industry Support Fund dedicated to promoting exchange within the creative and cultural industry. Making the announcement in Kigali during the Creative Africa Exchange Weekend (CAX WKND), Professor Benedict Oramah, President, Afreximbank said, the fund would be accessible as lines of credit to banks, direct financing to operators and as guarantees. Speaking on the imperative, he noted that creative industries can be potent vehicles for more equitable, sustainable and inclusive growth strategies for African economies. He, however, lamented the sad state of affairs whereby despite Africas deep pool of local talent, the continent still lacked the infrastructure and capacity to scale by commercialising its creative output, in order to reap the huge dividends accruable. That sentiment was echoed by speaker after speaker at the Africa Soft Power Series event. The overwhelming concern was how to monetise intellectual property, access finance and achieve scale. Professor Oramah was clear that the African creative industry must move from the stage of potential to achievement. And this sentiment assumes specific gravity when considered in the context of the fact that Netflix has invested $3 billion in the EU and employed over 18,000 people in the space of eight short years, according to Dean Garfield of Netflix who, in speaking to their African aspirations, noted that our mission is to entertain the world and we cant achieve that mission without Africa. Africa has 1.2 billion people, with the youngest population in any region in the world and a strong story telling tradition. So, if the market is there and the pool of talent is not lacking, what is keeping Africa from taking over? The answer lies in collaboration, capacity building and an enabling creative infrastructure. The message of collaboration was emphasised by Dean Garfield, who further stated that: One of my key action items coming out of this conversation is to make sure that I follow up with you and figure out how we can learn more and partner with AIF because there seems to be a lot of alignment in our mission, and ways for us to enable each others success. The point was brought home by Ms. Anohu, Senior Director at Africa Investment Forum, who noted that the idea behind setting up the AIF was to facilitate collaboration which has seen to the creation of over 15,000 jobs in Mozambique, as well as the exchange of ideas at the AIFs Marketplace. As she put it I think the very ethos of the AIF is a collaborative effort. Even though its an initiative of President Adesina of AFDB, he still sought out partners from all over and so far we have seen that collaboration works. ADVERTISEMENT Ms. Anohu also made the point that the AIF will collaborate with Netflix because of her belief that the African creative sector is a pot of gold hiding in plain sight. According to her the creative sector is so vast and one of the biggest markets the African continents has and so to ignore it is to do a disservice to the continent. The kind of strides recorded without institutional support shows that giving them support will galvanise the sector. That institutional support will enable African creatives to access finance, obtain financial advisory, and with the AfCFTA now on stream, enable them better access to a continental wide as well as global market which will help them achieve economies of scale. But the end game is one in which a well-funded creative sector enables practitioners produce better quality works, which would in turn help change the existing state of affairs captured succinctly by Professor Benedict Oramah who noted that owing to underinvestment in the creative and cultural industries, Africa is largely absent in the global market of ideas, values and aesthetics as conveyed through music, theatre, literature, film and television. African countries import overwhelmingly more creative goods than they export or trade amongst themselves. To achieve that, African creatives and those in the financial services sector as well as streaming companies and content buyers like Netflix must collaborate in order to fully explore that nexus linking the show to the business side of the creative economy. Toni Kan, a PR executive, writes from Lagos. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Hong Kong: Police officer tests preliminary positive Police today said a constable posted to the Kowloon West Regional Crime Unit has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The 33-year-old police officer was arranged for a COVID-19 test and put under quarantine after his family member tested positive for the virus on March 18. The officer tested preliminary positive on March 22. He has no travel history over the past 14 days, wore a face mask when performing his duties and had no contact with the public. His last working day was March 18. The force said all facilities in the office concerned have been sterilised, and all police officers and civilian staff who might have been in contact with the patient have been arranged to undergo a virus test. It will also provide information including the officer's duty record and roster to the Department of Health and help arrange for close contacts to undergo quarantine. This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. EDITORS NOTE: On April 13, NJ Cannabis Insider hosts a virtual networking event, featuring professionals in the legal cannabis industries. Tickets are limited. Lawmakers will vote Thursday to change a new law that bars police from notifying parents the first time they catch juveniles with alcohol or marijuana. The law passed swiftly last month as part of a compromise on legal weed. Gov. Phil Murphy had said he could not sign two other bills one to launch a legal cannabis industry and another to end arrests for marijuana possession until lawmakers passed a third bill that would clarify civil penalties for those under 21 caught with weed. After nearly two months of debate, lawmakers unveiled a plan: Instead of being fined or arrested, anyone under 21 found with either marijuana or alcohol would receive a series of warnings. A warning for a first offense would go only to the underage person, on a second offense to a parent if the person was under 18 and the third warning as a referral to drug treatment or education programs. It cleared a Senate committee without testimony on a Friday afternoon and made its way before the full Legislature the following Monday morning. But that drew ire from Republicans, parents and police in part for its speedy adoption but also for cutting parents out of the conversation. Since, both Democratic and Republican lawmakers introduced several bills that would make the small change mandating police notify parents of a juveniles first offense involving alcohol or marijuana. Lawmakers have now settled on one with bipartisan support: S3565. Ten senators and 20 members of the Assembly have sponsored the bills, which are not yet identical but will be amended on the floor Thursday so the measure can pass both houses and be sent to the governor. Murphy has said he supported changing the law and bringing parents into the process. I personally think thats a step in the right direction, and so well see where that goes, he said two weeks ago when talks to change the law began. Lawmakers expect to continue making changes to the sweeping, 240-page law to launch a legal marijuana industry as time passed as unforeseen issues arise. But efforts have so far focused on the separate underage penalty law, and began almost immediately after Murphy signed it the legal weed law. Republican lawmakers last week introduced another bill to that would make a slight change to restrictions for police interacting with young people caught with weed or alcohol. The new underage law made officers guilty to a third degree criminal charge of deprivation of civil rights for knowingly detaining a young person too long or illegally searching them. The new bill would only allow the officers to be guilty of such a charge if the person was targeted for their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender or religion. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. ATLANTA, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, Equity Prime Mortgage, LLC (EPM) hosted the Broker Success Summit in Atlanta, GA, but it was one hair-raising moment that got everyone buzzing. What started as a simple question Friday afternoon turned into much more than anyone expected. Eddy Perez, CEO of EPM, asked Christopher Griffith, Owner of Debt Does Deals, LLC, "What would it take to get you to shave your beard?" Always willing to challenge a statement, Christopher responded, "$100,000 donation to Sox Place." Surprisingly Eddy responded, "DONE!" Eddy got the clippers, and Christopher was left speechless in keeping with EPM culture of being fully committed to their community. Saturday morning, after his 9 AM keynote, Christopher prepped the audience for what was about to happen. While talking about utilizing social media to build a neighborhood connection with people, he offered a final challenge, "There is nothing more special to me than my community. Become my neighbor, show me your commitment and challenge me to reciprocate." In keeping with the message, he started a Facebook live, introduced Eddy to his community, and Jordan Robinson, the cofounder of Sox Place watching live, the shaving began. But the shaving didn't stop with the beard. Chris started to shave his head, to which Eddy exclaimed, "I will throw in another $25,000 for the head." And in a move of passion responding to the full commitment from two leaders' actions, the room lit up with calls of more donations coming from those in attendance and online, and it quickly became a viral donation pool. After the stage was cleared, Eddy commented, "I haven't seen people this excited to be around each other in a long time. With that, I saw how they brought the same energy to lift this moment. This is how hope starts!" And hope is what was given to Sox Place, which exists to bring the Father's heart to the fatherless, through physical, spiritual, emotional, and social provision to urban youth subcultures. By providing a hot meal, safe place, and opportunity to connect with care, they serve street youth and young adults who range in age from 1-year-olds to those in their mid-30s. Parents and guardians have abandoned many, some are victims of the foster care system, and most have been tossed aside by society. In response to the events that unfolded, Sox Place cofounder Jordan Robinson commented, "This crazy, awesome, random, God-inspired, generous weekend will change so many lives at Sox place not only this year, but the ripples of this will be felt and change more lives for years to come. This is not limited to a monetary donation, but the showing of love and compassion for others! I am so grateful that people are willing to sacrifice and be generous with what they have to help others that need it. It brings me hope." Through the efforts of those in attendance and the online community, approximately $200k was committed to Sox Place on Saturday March 20, 2021. This generous outpouring of love and support will provide them months of operating budget so they can focus on the growing needs of a hurting community. Sox Place is a homeless youth drop-in center, providing food, clothing, and meaningful relationships to Denver's street youth. Additionally, the non-profit connects the youth it serves to food banks, shelters, and employment opportunities and provides job training, employment opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship. For more information on Sox Place, please visit their website at soxplace.com. To donate, please visit http://soxplace.com/donate/ Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) was founded at the height of the mortgage crisis in 2008 and has grown to become one of the leading mortgage lenders in the U.S. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, EPM is licensed in 49 states and provides an array of lending resources such as Conventional, FHA, VA, 203K, Reverse and USDA loans, and a trusted Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & Ginnie Mae Seller/Servicer. For more information about EPM, visit us online at www.epm.net or call toll-free (877) 255-3554. Equity Prime Mortgage is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #21116 nmlsconsumeraccess.org SOURCE Equity Prime Mortgage Related Links equityprime.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. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 48F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. KYODO NEWS - Mar 23, 2021 - 20:08 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima Japan asked the International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday to conduct a safety review and announce its view to the world in the event Tokyo decides to dispose of treated radioactive water accumulating at the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. Japan is considering as an option releasing the water used to cool reactors and stored at the Fukushima complex into the sea but has yet to make a final decision amid opposition by the local fishery industry concerned about the possible effects on marine products as well as neighboring countries. In a videoconference, Japan's industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama told IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi that Japan wants the U.N. nuclear watchdog to conduct a scientific and objective review of the method of disposal of the water and openly convey its view to the international community, Japanese officials said. Grossi said the IAEA is prepared to fully support Japan, being convinced of the country's determination to resolve the issue of the treated water and its technological capacity in carrying that out, the officials told reporters after the meeting. "It has become increasingly important to dispel concerns and reputational worries over the safety of the water which have been raised domestically as well as from our neighboring countries," Kajiyama said at the outset of the talks open to the media. He added that under such circumstances, it is "extremely effective" that the IAEA transmits messages in and out of Japan on how the treated water is actually being handled as well as its safety. Kajiyama told Grossi the Japanese government is in "final-stage coordination" for deciding its policy on the treated water. Specifically, Japan asked the IAEA to confirm that the method and facilities used for the water disposal match the body's safety standards, to check radiation data in the environment, and to release such findings to the international community, the officials said. The Fukushima Daiichi power plant, which suffered core meltdowns due to the devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011, is generating massive amounts of radiation-tainted water that have been used to cool the reactors. The water has been treated using an advanced liquid processing system, or ALPS, to remove most contaminants other than relatively less toxic tritium. The water, totaling 1.2 million tons, is stored in tanks on the plant's premises but space could run out by the fall of 2022. But in addition to the local fishery industry, neighboring countries such as China and South Korea have expressed wariness over the discharge of water from the Fukushima plant into the environment. Related coverage: Japan eases access to parts of town hosting crippled Fukushima plant TEPCO president vows to responsibly scrap Fukushima reactors Q&A: 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster and current status Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Engineering Management Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 199 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 199 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 Engineering Management Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-engineering-management-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Engineering Management Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Arizona State University Arkansas State University Christian Brothers University Colorado State University Drexel University Duke University Florida International University George Washington University Georgia Southern University Johns Hopkins University Kansas State University Kennesaw State University Lamar University Lawrence Technological University Lehigh University Louisiana Tech University Missouri University of Science and Technology Oakland University Ohio University Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Purdue University Robert Morris University Rowan University Saint Cloud State University South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Stevens Institute of Technology Texas A & M University, College Station Trine University University Of Alabama, Birmingham University of Alabama, Huntsville University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Los Angeles University of Colorado, Colorado Springs University of Dayton University of Idaho University of Louisville University of Massachusetts, Lowell University of Michigan, Dearborn University of Nebraska, Lincoln University of North Carolina, Charlotte University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of Wisconsin, Madison University of Wisconsin, Platteville Washington State University Western Kentucky 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/. March 24, 2021 Muskegon River anglers should be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel collecting walleye eggs below Croton Dam this spring. Electrofishing boats will be on the water this week, starting Thursday, March 25, and work should conclude by April 16. People who want to avoid the walleye collection activities should fish downstream. The DNR asks the public to use caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats. Anyone wading nearby when boats approach will be asked to exit the water to ensure everyone's safety. To maintain effective social distancing and allow fisheries staff to safely, efficiently collect eggs, the DNR also asks people not to gather at egg collection sites. "The annual Muskegon River egg take is a critical operation for statewide walleye management," said Jim Dexter, DNR Fisheries Division chief. "We're planning to collect about 32 million walleye eggs during this effort." That collective egg take will result in fry (fish that have just hatched) for transfer to rearing ponds and direct fry plants throughout the Lower Peninsula. Walleye fry transferred to ponds will be raised to fingerling size (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches) and stocked in late spring or early summer in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Lake Michigan and many inland lake walleye populations in the Lower Peninsula depend on the fingerlings produced from Muskegon River eggs. The size of the walleye spawning run in the Muskegon River is about 40,000 to 50,000 fish each year. DNR crews will strip milt (sperm) and eggs from approximately 500 adult fish, which will be returned to the river - except for 60, which will be sent to Michigan State University for fish health testing. "This adult population consists of mostly stocked fish," said Ed Pearce, DNR fisheries technician supervisor who coordinates the egg take. "The Muskegon River has the largest run of walleye in the Lake Michigan watershed south of Green Bay." Three to four days of fish collections are planned this spring. The date those collections will begin depends on water temperatures and the presence of ripe fish. This schedule can change daily for many reasons, but it is anticipated most work will be completed from the last week of March through the second week of April. Walleye collection usually begins at Croton Dam each day about 8:30 a.m. and proceeds downstream to the Pine Street access Site. If more eggs are needed, additional collections may occur downstream to the Thornapple Street access site. Learn more about how the DNR manages Michigan's fisheries at Michigan.gov/Fishing. LONDON AstraZenecas repeated missteps in reporting vaccine data coupled with a blood clot scare could do lasting damage to the credibility of a shot that is the linchpin in the global strategy to stop the coronavirus pandemic, potentially even undermining vaccine confidence more broadly, experts say. The latest stumble for the vaccine came Tuesday, when American officials issued an unusual statement expressing concern that AstraZeneca had included outdated information when it reported encouraging results from a U.S. trial a day earlier. That may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data, according to the statement. AstraZeneca responded that the results, which showed its shot was about 79% effective, included information through Feb. 17 but appeared to be consistent with more up-to-date data. It promised an update within 48 hours. An independent panel that oversees the study scolded the company in a letter Monday for cherry-picking data, according to a senior administration official. The panel wrote to AstraZeneca and U.S. health leaders that it was concerned the company chose to use data that was outdated and potentially misleading instead of the most recent findings, according to the official, who discussed the contents on the condition of anonymity given the sensitivity of the matter. This will likely cause more vaccine hesitancy, said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia. Even if the damage is limited to AstraZeneca itself, it would have far-reaching effects since the shot is cheaper and easier to store than many of its rivals and thus is expected to be widely used in the developing world. International health agencies have repeatedly said the vaccine is safe and effective, but its not the first time the company has run into problems with public trust. Partial results from its first major trial which Britain used to authorize the vaccine were clouded by a manufacturing mistake that researchers didnt immediately acknowledge. Insufficient data about how well the vaccine protected older people led some countries to initially restrict its use to younger populations before reversing course. U.S. officials suspended an AstraZeneca study for an unusual six weeks while they sought details about problems reported in Britain before deciding the vaccine wasnt to blame. Meanwhile, the European Union has complained about delays in vaccine deliveries from the company. Then last week, more than a dozen countries temporarily halted their use of the AstraZeneca shot after reports of rare blood clots in some people who received it. The European Medicines Agency concluded the shot did not increase the overall incidence of clots, but the unwanted attention appears to have left a mark. In Norway, a top official warned Monday it might not be able to resume its use of the vaccine because so many people were rejecting it. People clearly say that they do not want the AstraZeneca vaccine, Marte Kvittum Tangen, who heads a Norwegian doctors association, told broadcaster NRK. Last week in Bucharest, Romania, vaccination coordinator Valeriu Gheorghita said 33,000 AstraZeneca immunization appointments had been canceled in 24 hours and that about a third of the 10,000 people scheduled to receive the vaccine did not show up. In Belgrade, Serbia, a sprawling exhibition center set up for people to get the AstraZeneca vaccine was mostly deserted on Monday. This is unfortunately more about perception than it is the science, said Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases specialist at Britains University of Exeter. We have now seen, on several parameters, that the AstraZeneca vaccine provides protection and is safe, he said. But the narrative for the public has not been as clear. France is a prime example of the confusion. French President Emmanuel Macron initially suggested the vaccine wasnt effective for older people, before backtracking. Still, France only authorized AstraZenecas vaccine for use in adults 65 and under, citing a lack of data. Then the government changed its mind, based on new data, and said its fine for all adults. But when there were reports of rare blood clots in some vaccine recipients, the government suspended use of the shot all together. When France restarted AstraZeneca, it banned the shot for anyone under 55. The whiplash-inducing messages come at a time when France like much of continental Europe is struggling to speed up its vaccination drive while also facing a spike in cases that is close to overwhelming its hospitals and prompting threats of new lockdowns. At a European Parliament committee Tuesday in Brussels, Sandra Gallina, head of the European Commissions health directorate, described the situation with AstraZeneca as a shame. She said the struggling vaccination campaigns across Europe were made much more difficult by the bad performance of AstraZeneca. The company has blamed delays in its deliveries on production issues. Even if the drugmaker clears up the latest misunderstanding, it could have a lasting impact. Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, pointed to the decades-old controversy over the measles vaccine as a cautionary tale. There was absolutely no evidence to prove the (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine caused autism, he said. But despite the retraction of the paper that made that claim, Tang said some people still worry about the vaccine. FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 file photo, a health worker holds a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to emergency services personnel during a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) The tepid support for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe stands in contrast to governments in the developing world that are desperate for supplies. Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser at the World Health Organization, said the U.N. agency has a long list of countries very keen to get the shot as soon as possible. We simply cannot get enough of it, he said. But some experts have worried that the skepticism in Europe could eventually cast a pall over the vaccine worldwide. They suggested one measure that could reassure a jittery public: a green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If the U.S. regulator looks at this data and authorizes AstraZeneca, that will carry a lot of weight, said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. AstraZeneca said it would be submitting its data to the FDA within weeks. Its still possible the vaccine can bury the doubts. At a vaccination center in Lisbon, 68-year-old Rui Manuel Martins dismissed the concerns, saying millions had been immunized with very few ill effects. Theres always some cases of people rejecting any medications, he said before receiving his first dose. Its better to be vaccinated rather than not. __ Maria Cheng of The Associated Press wrote this story. AP writers Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Angela Charlton in Paris, Stephen McGrath in Bucharest, Romania, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, Helena Alves in Lisbon, Samuel Petrequin and Raf Casert in Brussels and Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report. SAN FRANCISCO (dpa-AFX) - Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) said it agreed to sell its Corporate Trust Services business to Australia's Computershare Ltd. for $750 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2021. Computershare's Frank Madonna will lead the integration, as approximately 2,000 Corporate Trust Services employees across the U.S. are expected to transfer to the company as part of the acquisition. Wells Fargo's Corporate Trust Services business provides a wide variety of trust and agency services in connection with debt securities issued by public and private corporations, government entities, and the banking and securities industries. 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. All viruses mutate as they make copies of themselves to spread and thrive. SARS-CoV-2, the virus the causes COVID-19, is proving to be no different. There are currently more than 4,000 variants of COVID-19, which has already killed more than 2.7 million people worldwide during the pandemic. The UK variant, also known as B.1.1.7, was first detected in September 2020, and is now causing 98 percent of all COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom. And it appears to be gaining a firm grip in about 100 other countries it has spread to in the past several months, including France, Denmark, and the United States. The World Health Organization says B.1.1.7 is one of several variants of concern along with others that have emerged in South Africa and Brazil. The UK, South Africa, and Brazil variants are more contagious and escape immunity easier than the original virus. We need to understand why they are more infectious and, in many cases, more deadly." Victor Padilla-Sanchez, Research Scientist, The Catholic University of America All three variants have undergone changes to their spike protein -- the part of the virus which attaches to human cells. As a result, they are better at infecting cells and spreading. In a research paper published in January 2021 in Research Ideas and Outcomes, Padilla-Sanchez discusses the UK and South African variants in detail. He presents a computational analysis of the structure of the spike glycoprotein bound to the ACE2 receptor where the mutations have been introduced. His paper outlines the reason why these variants bind better to human cells. "I've been analyzing a recently published structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike bound to the ACE2 receptor and found why the new variants are more transmissible," he said. "These findings have been obtained using UC San Francisco Chimera software and molecular dynamics simulations using the Frontera supercomputer of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)." Padilla-Sanchez found that the UK variant has many mutations in the spike glycoprotein, but most important is one mutation, N501Y, in the receptor binding domain that interacts with the ACE2 receptor. "This N501Y mutation provides a much higher efficiency of binding, which in turn makes the virus more infectious. This variant is replacing the previous virus In the United Kingdom and is spreading in many other places in the world," he said. The South Africa variant emerged in October 2020, and has more important changes in the spike protein, making it more dangerous than the UK variant. It involves a key mutation -- called E484K -- that helps the virus evade antibodies and parts of the immune system that can fight coronavirus based on experience from prior infection or a vaccine. Since the variant escapes immunity the body will not be able to fight the virus. "We're starting to see the South Africa variant here in the U.S.," he said. Padilla-Sanchez performed structural analysis, which studied the virus's crystal structure; and molecular dynamics to obtain these findings. "The main computational challenge while doing this research was to find a computer powerful enough to do the molecular dynamics task, which generates very big files, and requires a great amount of memory. This research would not have been possible without the Frontera supercomputer," Padilla-Sanchez said. According to Padilla-Sanchez, the current vaccines will not necessarily treat the variants. "The variants will require their own specific vaccines. We'll need as many vaccines for variants that appear." Going forward, Padilla-Sanchez will continue to research the changes taking place with SARS-CoV-2. "This was a very fast project -- the computational study lasted one month," he said. "There are many other labs doing wet lab experiments, but there aren't many computational studies. That's why I decided to do this important work now." Highlights Uber is offering free rides to the users to and from the vaccination centres. Uber has pledged free rides worth Rs 10 Crores to upport the Central, State Governments, and NGOs in carrying forward the vaccination drive . Currently, the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination is going in the country. As the third phase of the vaccination drive is all set to on floors, Uber is offering free rides to the users to and from the vaccination centres. To support the Central, State Governments, and NGOs in carrying forward the vaccination drive smoothly, Uber has pledged free rides worth Rs 10 Crores. However, this will be only offered to vulnerable citizens who are unable to go to the vaccination centres for some or other reason. The Union Cabinet Ministry announced the third phase vaccination drive that includes people above the age of 45 years and more. "These free rides will be deployed to help vulnerable citizens travel to and from authorised vaccination centres in the second phase of the vaccination drive. Any Indian citizen above 60 and 45+ age group with co-morbidities can now utilize these free rides to travel to and from the nearest authorised vaccination centre through easily redeemable promo codes," Uber said in a blog post. The ride-hailing giant also revealed that it has partnered with NGOs such as the Robin Hood Army and others for transporting the vulnerable and underprivileged elderly to vaccination centres. The free rides scheme has been rolled out in states including Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh UT, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and more. Here is how free rides can be availed:- Open your Uber app, go to the Wallet in the main menu Select 'Add Promo Code' at the bottom and add the code 10M21V Once you enter the code, the Promo will be added to your ride Enter the name of the nearest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Authorised vaccination centre in a Govt or Private hospital Go to the rides home screen and enter the pick-up/drop-off location for yourself or the person you are looking for. After entering all the details confirm your trip Uber says that the value of each free ride will be a maximum of Rs 150 and a rider is entitled to a maximum of two free rides, to and from the vaccination centre. The final amount that will be displayed on the app will include the discount. Currently, the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination is going in the country. The second phase includes people above the age of 60 and people above the age of 45 with co-morbidities. The vaccination is being provided for free in government hospitals whereas the private hospitals are charging 250 per dose. Covisheild and Covaxcin are the two vaccines being given to the people in India. In the first phase of the covid vaccination drive, the frontline and healthcare workers were vaccinated whereas in the third phase every citizen above the age of 45 is eligible to get the jab. The registration for the vaccine can be made through the CoWin and Aarogya Setu app. Some private enterprises have also been great image builders for the country, such as the Sungroup who built the Van Don airport, and Vingroup who gave the country the Vinfast brand. Despite all this success, the private sector is still struggling to gain in strength. Output of enterprises In recent years, the number of business enterprises have increased significantly, contributing to promoting socio-economic development in Vietnam. For strategic development in the last five years, the role of private enterprises is clear in every annual term towards summarizing, evaluating, and identifying bottlenecks of previous phase. An important channel to identify bottlenecks is through the responses of businesses, investors, and the market. It is their output, information and feedback that puts pressure on state agencies to resolve and find breakthrough solutions. Private enterprises have now entered areas previously monopolized by the state, such as aviation with Vietjet Air and Bamboo Airway, making the market more competitive and benefiting more people. Some large private corporations have invested in regional and international markets, created healthy competition, more supply of products and services, and affirmed their image and brands. Internationally, enterprises such as Vingroup, Vietjet, Truong Hai, Masan, Vinamilk, TH, and Loc Troi have made a strong mark. Some other large private firms have also implemented many large and complex projects in construction, real estate, wharves, and airports, making an important contribution to the development of the country. This is especially seen in the changing face of infrastructure such as the Van Don airport, road tunnel of Deo Ca, Hai Van tunnel, Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway, and the Bach Dang bridge. Therefore, it is clear that private enterprises are vital for the socio-economic development structure of the country because they contribute towards the implementation of strategies required as per need. Private enterprises, together with the business sector in general, have now affirmed their role and position in the implementation of a crucial socio-economic strategy in the country. Types of enterprises However, there are still issues that need to be posed to private firms. For instance, the contribution of these businesses to GDP is less than 50%, although the number of enterprises have increased rapidly in last ten years. In the same period, the proportion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) companies have increased by nearly 5%, from 15.66% to 20.34%. Private firms are mostly small, with 98.8% being medium, small, or even very small enterprises. The number of small to medium-sized enterprises and from medium to large scale is still very low. There are not many private firms that are really strong and most lack uniform development compared to other economic sectors. In other words, Vietnamese businesses lack large and medium-sized international enterprises. The reason could be that mechanisms and policies to promote the development of large scale private enterprises have not been focused, and there is still discrimination between classification of enterprises not large, or not wanting to be large. In fact, the technological level and competitiveness of Vietnamese private enterprises is still weak. Most private enterprises have a low level of science, technology, and innovation output. Many enterprises are using old and outdated technology, almost two to three generations behind world average. It is easy to see that over a long period of time, the efficiency of private enterprises cannot be high, and profitability will remain low. The pre-tax profit margin ratio of private enterprises is much lower than the general level of all enterprises, namely, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and FDI enterprises. On an average, in the 2016 to 2018 period, the rate of profit before tax on assets of private enterprises was only 1.6%, lower than the general level of all enterprises. In addition, the resilience of private enterprises is still weak. The number of enterprises temporarily ceasing operations or dissolving is large and tends to increase over the years. In the period 2011 to 2019, the average annual number of enterprises that stopped doing business or were dissolved was about 73.2%. In particular, in the first nine months of 2020, before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the lack of resilience of private firms was becoming evident. Role of private sector In order to promote the role of the private sector in the development and implementation of socio-economic strategy, it is necessary to continue to affirm that the private enterprise is the backbone of the economy. It is the key to socio-economic development, and creates all conditions for private enterprises to develop and form a strong economic group. From the perspective of state management, it is necessary to focus on resolving bottlenecks that prevent private enterprises from investing, producing, and developing. It is essential to improve the business investment environment, create conditions for enterprises to compete and grow, especially in property rights, land-use rights, intellectual property rights, and fair competition. The speed of reform now needs to be accelerated, and administrative procedures made more transparent, so as to cut costs for production and business activities. At the same time, there is a need to step by step improve mechanisms, policies, and laws, while also eliminating discrimination between types of businesses. It is important to encourage and create favorable conditions for private firms to develop, and compete in a healthy manner to participate in global and regional value chains. Private enterprises must be encouraged to invest in research and development, and support must be given for them to link with FDI enterprises in business activities as well as for technology transfer. Dr. Nguyen Thi Luyen, Head of Research Reform & Development Department Central Institute for Economic Management Family Eatery Rewards Loyal Army Veteran With 100 Meals for His 100th Birthday A family-run restaurant in Ohio has found the perfect way to honor their favorite customer on his milestone birthday. The restaurant is gifting its loyal patron, a U.S. Army veteran, 100 meals when he turns 100 years of age at the end of this month. Ben & Joys Restaurant in Mount Sterling launched a campaign, 100 Meals for Howard, inviting friends, family, and the local community to purchase a meal that averages up to $9 for the veteran, Howard Shumate. As the eatery has already reached its 100 meals target, people have now begun to send cards and notes to make him feel appreciated on his birthday, March 28. Owner Cyndi Compton believes Shumate has been a customer since her parents, Ben and Joy, first opened the restaurant in 1984. [H]e just lives right outside of town, Compton told WCMH. Youll see his smile, he is so happy, he is friendly, he is funny. He typically gets the same thing every day: his hot sauce and onions. Shumate says he has been to Ben & Joys pretty regular ever since his wife passed away in February 2018, adding, Every days the same: bacon and eggs. Howard Shumate as a young man. (Courtesy of Karen Bowers) Compton and her servers are always ready to greet Shumate with his usual beveragescoffee and waterafter spotting his familiar vehicle pulling up to the restaurant. Still active as he approaches 100, Shumate drives himself to Ben & Joys almost every day. A Madison County native and one of eight siblings, Shumate, who was born in 1921, lived and worked on a farm most of his life, besides dedicating three years of service to the U.S. Army. He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas, deploying to New Orleans, Australia, and the Philippines, reported the Madison Messenger. He also worked as a cook and had innumerable stories to share. Currently, the to-be-centenarian loves to mow his yard and watch the Cincinnati Reds. His granddaughter, Karen Bowers, told The Epoch Times via Facebook messenger: He is a great man. Always does for others and never asks for anything in return. Howard Shumate with his granddaughter, Karen Bowers. (Courtesy of Karen Bowers) Supporting the communitys desire to honor Shumate with a thoughtful gift on his 100th birthday, Bowers commissioned an article in the local press to mention the 100 Meals for Howard campaign. [T]hey wanted to do 100 days, and that filled up pretty quick, Compton told WCMH. Ben & Joys Restaurant in Mount Sterling, Ohio (Screenshot/Google Maps) The veterans favorite meal will be on the house for the foreseeable future. Compton is also planning a cake and balloons to mark the celebration. I think its great, I appreciate it, said Shumate, alluding to his 100th birthday. Comes once in a lifetime! Howard Shumate with his great-grandchildren. (Courtesy of Karen Bowers) 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 Hartford Police / Contributed Photo HARTFORD One person is in critical condition after a Wednesday morning shooting that left a second person wounded by shattered glass, according to police. Lt. Aaron Boisvert said patrol officers responded to the area of Albany Avenue at Sigourney Street around 3:35 a.m. on a ShotSpotter gunfire activation. Arriving officers found evidence of a shooting. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 10:22:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland reported no new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, the National Health Commission said on Wednesday. Ten new imported COVID-19 cases were reported on Tuesday, said the commission in its daily report. Four new suspected cases arriving from outside the mainland were reported in Shanghai. No new deaths related to the disease were reported, it added. On Tuesday, 10 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals following their recovery. By the end of Tuesday, a total of 5,221 imported cases had been reported on the mainland. Among them, 5,065 had been discharged from hospitals following recovery, and 156 remained hospitalized. No deaths had been reported among the imported cases. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the mainland reached 90,125 by Tuesday, including 158 patients still receiving treatment. A total of 85,331 patients had been discharged following recovery on the mainland, and 4,636 had died of the disease. There were six suspected COVID-19 cases on the mainland as of Tuesday, and 3,467 close contacts remained under medical observation. Tuesday also saw reports of eight asymptomatic cases, all arriving from outside the mainland. On the same day, one asymptomatic case from outside the mainland was re-categorized as a confirmed case. A total of 236 asymptomatic cases, all of whom were imported ones, were under medical observation. By the end of Tuesday, 11,409 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 204 deaths, had been reported in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), 48 cases had been reported in the Macao SAR, and 1,007 cases, including 10 deaths, had been reported in Taiwan. A total of 10,936 COVID-19 patients in the Hong Kong SAR had been discharged from hospitals after recovery, 47 had been discharged in the Macao SAR, and 969 had been discharged in Taiwan. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 01:07:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran-Iraq border points will be closed for passengers until April 4, Hossein Qasemi, director-general of border affairs of Iranian Interior Ministry, told the official Islamic Republic News Agency on Wednesday. The decision was made by the National Headquarters for Fighting Coronavirus following the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Qasemi was quoted as saying. However, if there are Iranian nationals in Iraq who want to come back to Iran, or if Iraqi nationals in Iran want to go back to their country, they can cross the border, he said. Also, border crossing for traders, contractors and engineering activities would be possible after necessary evaluations, he added. On Feb. 20, Iran closed several crossing points with Iraq to stem the spread of a new variant of COVID-19. Enditem Altech Chemicals Ltd Altech Chemicals Ltd (ATC.AX) Battery Materials HPA Coating Plant PFS Commenced Perth, Australia, Mar 24, 2021 - (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (HAM:A3Y) is pleased to advise that its 75% owned German subsidiary, Altech Industries Germany GmbH (AIG) has commenced the pre-feasibility study (PFS) for construction of a battery materials high purity alumina (HPA) coating plant in Saxony, Germany. The PFS will assume a phase 1 coating plant designed with the capacity to coat 10,000tpa (35tpd) of anode graphite, using Altech's alumina coating technology. The design capacity has been derived from a forecast of European lithium-ion battery plant production capacity that is estimated at ~500 GWh/a by 2025 (see Figure 1*). Based on this forecast the total amount of graphite expected to be required for anode production in Europe is ~500,000tpa when all of the planned lithium-ion battery plants' reach full production. However, in determining the size of the coating plant for the PFS, AIG has conservatively assumed that only 50% of the forecast lithium-ion battery plants' will eventuate, and as such the proposed coating plant capacity of 10,000tpa would represent 4% of the overall forecast European market for anode graphite. The lay-out of the proposed coating plant at the proposed site, the Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park in Saxony, Germany will be such that it would allow for the construction of additional materials coating capacity in the future, such as a silicon coating plant and/or additional graphite coating capacity. The study will assume the use of 100% renewable power from the local grid with some minor on-site solar generation for buildings. The design will target green project status. It is planned that once the PFS is completed, the project will be accessed for green accreditation by the Centre of International Climate and Environmental Research (CICERO), Norway. Battery Material Coating process The battery material coating process consists of four stages (see Figure 2*). Stage 1 is a HPA precursor production step using an alternative aluminium feedstock. It will be assumed that the HPA precursor would ultimately be supplied from Altech's HPA plant in Johor, Malaysia once operational. The option for an alternate initial precursor supply will allow the coating plant to have a development timeframe that is independent of Johor. Stage 2 of the process is the receival of the anode battery material (graphite or silicon) in bulk bags or drums. The next step is the HPA nano layer coating process which will take place in the coating section of the plant - this is the proprietary technology that Altech has developed. The last stage in the process is finalisation of the coated material, which is then packaged in either bulk bags or drums for shipment to end users. Background HPA is commonly applied as a coating on the separator sheets used within a lithium-ion battery, as alumina coated separators improve battery performance, durability and overall safety. However, evolving demand for alumina within the anode component of the lithium-ion battery has been identified because of the potential positive impacts that alumina coated graphite and silicon particles may have on lithium-ion battery life and performance. Lithium-ion battery anodes are typically composed of graphite, with some batteries currently incorporating small amounts of silicon. In a lithium-ion battery, lithium ion losses initially present as inactive layers that form during the very first battery charge cycle, the losses then compound with each subsequent battery usage cycle. Typically around 8% of lithium ions are lost during the very first battery charge cycle. This "first cycle capacity loss" or "first-cycle irreversibility" is a long recognised but as yet poorly resolved limitation that has plagued rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/923OP532 About Altech Chemicals Ltd: Altech Chemicals Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is aiming to become one of the world's leading suppliers of 99.99% (4N) high purity alumina (Al2O3) through the construction and operation of a 4,500tpa high purity alumina (HPA) processing plant at Johor, Malaysia. Feedstock for the plant will be sourced from the Company's 100%-owned kaolin deposit at Meckering, Western Australia and shipped to Malaysia. HPA is a high-value, high margin and highly demanded product as it is the critical ingredient required for the production of synthetic sapphire. Synthetic sapphire is used in the manufacture of substrates for LED lights, semiconductor wafers used in the electronics industry, and scratch-resistant sapphire glass used for wristwatch faces, optical windows and smartphone components. Increasingly HPA is used by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as the coating on the battery's separator, which improves performance, longevity and safety of the battery. With global HPA demand approximately 19,000t (2018), it is estimated that this demand will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% (2018-2028); by 2028 HPA market demand will be approximately 272,000t, driven by the increasing adoption of LEDs worldwide as well as the demand for HPA by lithium-ion battery manufacturers to serve the surging electric vehicle market. Contact: Corporate Iggy Tan Managing Director Altech Chemicals Limited Tel: +61-8-6168-1555 Email: info@altechchemicals.com Shane Volk Company Secretary Altech Chemicals Limited Tel: +61-8-6168-1555 Email: info@altechchemicals.com Investor Relations (Europe) Kai Hoffmann Soar Financial Partners Tel: +49-69-175-548320 Email: hoffmann@soarfinancial.com Source: Altech Chemicals Ltd Copyright (C) 2021 ABN Newswire. All rights reserved. Imeglimin Japanese New Drug Application (J-NDA) under review following submission by Poxel's partner, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, with product launch anticipated in 2021 1 Successful completion of PXL770 Phase 2a STAMP-NAFLD trial in NASH with new data demonstrating greater response in high-risk patients with co-existing type 2 diabetes (T2DM), estimated to affect about 50% of NASH patients 2 52-week Phase 2b trial evaluating up to two doses of PXL770 in approximately 100 patients per study arm with biopsy-proven NASH and pre-diabetes or T2DM expected to commence in H2 2021 PXL065 Phase 2 study underway with topline data readout expected mid-2022 Financial position strengthened through capital increase of EUR 17.7 million in May 2020 and EUR 6 million in October 2020 in non-dilutive funding in the form of a French Government Guarantee Loan (Prets Garantis par l'Etat or PGE) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This loan has an initial term of one year, with a five-year extension option. The Company already decided to activate the extension option As of December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents were EUR 40.2 million (USD 49.4 million) POXEL SA (Euronext: POXEL FR0012432516), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), today announced its results for the year ended December 31, 2020 and provided a corporate update. "Looking back, 2020 was a strong year for Poxel in which we achieved critical clinical milestones to advance our key programs PXL770 and PXL065 into late-stage development with promising data readouts, and further asserted ourselves as an industry leader in metabolic diseases," commented Thomas Kuhn, CEO of Poxel. "Further, with the submission of the J-NDA for Imeglimin for the treatment of T2DM we are in a strong position and moving toward a potential market launch in Japan in 20212. We were also able to present additional results from our Phase 3 TIMES 2 and TIMES 3 clinical trials at the 56th EASD Annual Meeting, highlighting Imeglimin's unique position and strong therapeutic profile both as a monotherapy and in combination with standard of care available in Japan, including DPPIV inhibitors, a notable feature considering that this drug class is the market leader in Japan and is prescribed to approximately 80% of treated T2DM patients3. In parallel with this, we are pursuing the development of our two NASH candidates, PXL770 and PXL065. Results from our Phase 2a trial with PXL770 showed consistently greater response in patients with coexisting T2DM, highlighting its potential in this high-risk and underserved patient population. Despite the pandemic, recruitment for the PXL065 Phase 2 trial has been progressing as planned. Taken together, all of these achievements show the tremendous potential of the pipeline we are proud to build upon and the future we are headed toward as we expand our AMPK activation and TZD platforms." "2021 will be a very special year for Poxel. We have built the Company to bring novel treatments to patients with chronic metabolic disorders and this vision will become a reality once Imeglimin is approved in Japan, anticipated this year. We will also complete PXL065 Phase 2 recruitment and are planning to initiate a Phase 2b study for PXL770 in biopsy-proven NASH patients. We remain committed to advancing our programs alone and together with partners in an effort to bring tangible solutions to patients living with metabolic diseases," continued Mr. Kuhn. Clinical Development Updates Imeglimin (Type 2 Diabetes) In November 2020, Poxel announced that, for strategic reasons, its partner Metavant would not be moving forward with the Imeglimin development program. This decision was not based on any efficacy, safety or other data generated through the partnership. Poxel regained all rights to Imeglimin at the end of January 2021. In September 2020, Poxel presented Imeglimin Phase 3 TIMES results at the 56 th European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. Phase 3 TIMES 2 and TIMES 3 trial results demonstrated Imeglimin met its primary endpoints and objectives and was observed to exhibit a favorable safety and tolerability profile. European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. Phase 3 TIMES 2 and TIMES 3 trial results demonstrated Imeglimin met its primary endpoints and objectives and was observed to exhibit a favorable safety and tolerability profile. In July 2020, Poxel announced the submission of the Imeglimin J-NDA for the treatment of T2DM by its partner, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The submission triggered a JPY500 million (EUR 4.1 million, USD 4.7 million) 4 development milestone payment to Poxel with the potential for a JPY 1.75 billion (approximately EUR 13.8 million, USD 16.9 million) 5 milestone payment upon product approval. The target product launch date is anticipated in 2021 6 which will trigger the potential for sales-based payments and escalating double-digit royalties on product sales. development milestone payment to Poxel with the potential for a JPY 1.75 billion (approximately EUR 13.8 million, USD 16.9 million) milestone payment upon product approval. The target product launch date is anticipated in 2021 which will trigger the potential for sales-based payments and escalating double-digit royalties on product sales. In April 2020, Poxel announced the publication of Imeglimin clinical study results in Clinical Pharmacokinetics. The two clinical studies evaluated the potential for drug-drug interactions of Imeglimin with two widely prescribed medications, metformin or sitagliptin. Imeglimin was observed to be safe and well-tolerated in both studies. PXL770 (NASH) In December 2020, Poxel announced additional positive Phase 2a results showing greater response in high-risk patients with coexisting T2DM, and a Phase 2b Plan for PXL770, an oral first-in-class AMPK activator, in NASH 7 In November 2020, Poxel presented new preclinical data for PXL770 at the AASLD The Liver Meeting 2020. PXL770 revealed the potential for direct effects on key components of NASH as both a mono- and combination therapy producing anti-inflammatory effects in mouse liver and adipose tissue and in human immune cells as well as specific biomarkers related to improvements involving mitochondria in mouse liver. 2020. PXL770 revealed the potential for direct effects on key components of NASH as both a mono- and combination therapy producing anti-inflammatory effects in mouse liver and adipose tissue and in human immune cells as well as specific biomarkers related to improvements involving mitochondria in mouse liver. In October 2020, Poxel announced positive results from its Phase 2a NASH trial with PXL770. The trial met its primary efficacy endpoint and was observed to be safe and well tolerated. In September 2020, Poxel presented PXL770 preclinical cardio-renal results at the 56 th European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. PXL770 was observed to improve renal and cardiac disease in a preclinical model which revealed its utility for not only NASH co-morbidities but also additional indications driven by metabolic dysfunction. European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting. PXL770 was observed to improve renal and cardiac disease in a preclinical model which revealed its utility for not only NASH co-morbidities but also additional indications driven by metabolic dysfunction. In June 2020, Poxel announced positive pharmacokinetic (PK) pharmacodynamic (PD) study results for PXL770. PXL065 (NASH) PXL065 is currently being evaluated in DESTINY-1, a Phase 2 study in biopsy-proven NASH patients, which seeks to identify the optimal dose or doses for a Phase 3 registration trial. The recruitment for the DESTINY-1 Phase 2 study is expected to be completed in 2021. In November 2020, Poxel presented Phase 1b clinical results for PXL065 at the AASLD The Liver Meeting 2020. Analysis of results from the study predicts efficacy at 15 mg once-daily is equivalent to 45 mg Actos8, with little to no PPAR?-related side effects, such as weight gain. Early Stage Development In November 2020, at ALD Connect, the Company presented new results in cell-based and in vivo preclinical models of adrenoleukodystrophy. These data showed that both PXL770 and PXL065 produced significant improvements in disease-associated pathology, providing a rationale to pursue this indication with next generation molecules derived from both platforms. preclinical models of adrenoleukodystrophy. These data showed that both PXL770 and PXL065 produced significant improvements in disease-associated pathology, providing a rationale to pursue this indication with next generation molecules derived from both platforms. The potential of PXL770 and PXL065 with other agents in development continues to be assessed in preclinical studies. Further preclinical studies are ongoing to evaluate direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibition in additional metabolic, specialty and rare diseases. Corporate Updates In October 2020, Poxel received EUR 6 Million in non-dilutive financing guaranteed by the French government. In May 2020, Poxel successfully raised EUR 17.7 million in a capital increase. The proceeds will enable the acceleration of development plans for PXL770 and PXL065 for treatment of NASH, the pursuit of development activities in other metabolic diseases and will be used for general corporate purposes. In January 2020, Poxel appointed David E. Moller, MD, as CSO. Dr. Moller is an industry leader in the discovery and development of new therapeutic agents, particularly in diabetes and metabolic disorders. Significant Events after the Period In February 2021, Poxel announced the resolution of the arbitration procedure with Merck Serono. In January 2021, Poxel regained Imeglimin rights from Metavant. Metavant has returned all rights to Imeglimin to Poxel in addition to all data, materials and information, including FDA regulatory filings, related to the program. Metavant is not entitled to any payments from Poxel as part of the return. Imeglimin'sinnovative MOA and Phase 2b/3 results in Japan were published in peer reviewed journals. ___________________ *Actos is the branded version of pioglitazone and a registered trademark of Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. Financial Statements for Full Year 2020 (IFRS Standards) Revenue Poxel reported revenues of EUR 6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to EUR 26.6 million during the corresponding period in 2019. The revenues for 2020 include the JPY 500 million (EUR 4.0 million) milestone payment that Poxel received from Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma for the submission of the Imeglimin J-NDA. To a lesser extent, it also includes an allocated portion of the EUR 36.0 million upfront payment received from Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma relating to the strategic corporate partnership announced on October 30, 2017, as well as the residual Imeglimin Phase 3 program costs in Japan incurred in 2020 that were re-invoiced to Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. Both the allocated portion of the upfront payment and the re-invoiced costs of the Phase 3 Trials of IMeglimin for Efficacy and Safety (TIMES) program have been recognized based on the accounting percentage of the completion of this program, which has been fully completed, and therefore led to the decrease in revenue in 2020. EUR (in millions) FY FY 2020 12 months 2019 12 months Roivant Agreement 18 276 Sumitomo Agreement 6,787 26,179 Other 1 101 Total revenues 6,806 26,556 The audit procedures have been performed and the issuance of the audit report is in process. Income Statement Poxel devotes the bulk of its resources to research and development (R&D) activities. R&D expenses totaled EUR 26.7 million in 2020, as compared to EUR 40.2 million in 2019. R&D expenses in 2020 primarily reflected the clinical costs incurred for the ongoing Phase 2 programs of PXL770 and PXL065, the Company's two compounds for the treatment of NASH. To a lesser extent, they also included the residual clinical study costs incurred for Imeglimin Phase 3 TIMES program over the period, which were mostly re-invoiced to Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma. The decrease in R&D costs was mostly driven by the completion of the TIMES program in Japan, for which expenses of EUR 1.3 million were incurred in 2020, compared to EUR 20 million in 2019. R&D costs are net of the R&D Tax Credit (CIR) that resulted in income of EUR 2.5 million in 2020, as compared to EUR 4.4 million in 2019. General and administrative expenses totaled EUR 9.9 million in 2020, as compared to EUR 11.1 million in 2019. The decrease in G&A costs reflects non-recurring costs incurred in 2019, partially offset by increasing personnel costs in 2020, reflecting recruitments to support the continuous growth and development of the company. The financial income amounted to a loss of EUR 2 million in 2020, as compared to a loss of EUR 1.1 million in 2019. The financial loss in 2020 includes interest expenses for EUR 1.3 million, a EUR 1.3 million non-cash income reflecting the change in IPF warrants fair value and a EUR 1.7 million exchange rate loss, mostly reflecting year-end reevaluation of deposit in Dollar. The net result for the financial period ending December 31, 2020 was a net loss of EUR 31.9 million, as compared to a net loss of EUR 25.7 million in 2019. Condensed Income Statement EUR (in thousands) FY FY 2020 12 months 2019 12 months Revenue 6,806 26,557 Net research and development expenses** (26,718) (40,177) General and administrative expenses (9,935) (11,051) Operating gain (loss) (29,847) (24,671) Financial income (expenses) (1,975) (1,071) Income tax (36) (1) Net income (loss) (31,858) (25,743) **Net of R&D tax credit The audit procedures have been performed and the issuance of the audit report is in process. Cash As of December 31, 2020, total cash and cash equivalents were EUR 40.2 million (USD 49.4 million), as compared to EUR 37.2 million (USD 41.8 million) as of December 31, 2019. Cash and cash equivalents net of financial liabilities (excluding lease and derivative debts) were EUR 17.1 million as of December 31, 2020, as compared to EUR 27.4 million as of December 31, 2019. The management team will host a conference call on Thursday, March 25th in English at 9:30 am EDT (New York time) 2:30 pm CET (Paris time). A presentation will be available in the Investors section of the Poxel website. To register for the video-conference: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X5epv0UiQPyA6NRZRo3t_A The replay of the video conference will be available on Poxel's website: https://www.poxelpharma.com/en_us/investors/company-information/corporate-presentations Planned Presentations and Participation at the Following Upcoming Events (virtual) Mitochondria-Targeted Drug Development Summit, April 27-29 Kempen Life Sciences Conference, May 5 Japan Diabetes Society, May 20-21 Next Financial Press Release: First Quarter 2021 Financial Update, April 21, 2021 About Imeglimin Imeglimin is a new chemical substance classified as a tetrahydrotriazine compound, and the first clinical candidate in a chemical class. Imeglimin has a unique dual mechanism of action (MOA) that targets mitochondrial bioenergetics. Imeglimin acts on all three key organs which play an important role in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: the pancreas, muscles, and the liver, and it has demonstrated glucose lowering benefits by increasing insulin secretion in response to glucose, improving insulin sensitivity and suppressing gluconeogenesis. This MOA has the potential to prevent endothelial and diastolic dysfunction, which can provide protective effects on micro- and macro-vascular defects induced by diabetes. It also has the potential for protective effect on beta-cell survival and function. This unique MOA offers the potential opportunity for Imeglimin to be a candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in almost all stages of the current anti-diabetic treatment paradigm, including monotherapy or as an add-on to other glucose lowering therapies. About NASH NASH is a metabolic disease with no clear disease origin that is quickly becoming a worldwide epidemic. It is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver causing inflammation and fibrosis. The disease can be silent for a long period of time, but once it accelerates, severe damage and liver cirrhosis can occur, which can significantly impact liver function or can even result in liver failure or liver cancer. Typical risk factors for NASH include obesity, elevated levels of blood lipids (such as cholesterol and triglycerides) and type 2 diabetes. Currently no curative or specific therapies are available. About PXL770 PXL770 is a first-in-class AMPK activator. AMPK is a central regulator of multiple metabolic pathways leading to the control of lipid metabolism, glucose homeostasis and inflammation. Based on its central metabolic role, targeting AMPK offers the opportunity to pursue a wide range of indications to treat chronic metabolic diseases, including diseases that affect the liver, such as NASH. About PXL065 PXL065 is a novel, proprietary deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone. Although pioglitazone is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of NASH, it is the most extensively studied drug for NASH and has demonstrated "resolution of NASH without worsening of fibrosis" in a Phase 4 trial9 Pioglitazone is the only drug recommended for biopsy-proven NASH patients by the Practice Guidelines published by the AASLD and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)10. Pioglitazone's off-label use for NASH, however, has been limited due to the PPAR?-related side effects, which include weight gain, bone fractures and fluid retention. Pioglitazone is a 1:1 mixture of two mirror-image compounds (R- and S-stereoisomers) that interconvert in vivo. Using deuterium, we stabilized each stereoisomer and characterized their different pharmacological properties. In in vitro studies, PXL065 has been shown to target mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) as an inhibitor. In preclinical animal models, PXL065 exhibits the anti-inflammatory and NASH activity associated with pioglitazone with little or no weight gain or fluid retention, side effects which are associated with the Stereoisomer. Based upon preclinical and Phase 1 results to date, Poxel believes that PXL065 may have a better therapeutic profile than pioglitazone for NASH. About Poxel SA Poxel is a dynamic biopharmaceutical company that uses its extensive expertise in developing innovative drugs for metabolic diseases, with a focus on type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In its mid-to-late-stage pipeline, the Company is currently advancing three drug candidates as well as earlier-stage opportunities. Imeglimin, Poxel's first-in-class lead product, targets mitochondrial dysfunction. Poxel has a strategic partnership with Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma for Imeglimin in Japan, China, South Korea, Taiwan and nine other Southeast Asian countries. A Japanese new drug application (J-NDA) is under review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) to request approval for the manufacturing and marketing of Imeglimin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. After successfully completing a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial for the treatment of NASH, which met its primary endpoint and study objectives, for PXL770, a first-in-class direct adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, Poxel plans to initiate a Phase 2b program in the second half of 2021. PXL770 could also have the potential to treat additional metabolic diseases. PXL065 (deuterium-stabilized R-pioglitazone), a MPC inhibitor, is in a streamlined Phase 2 trial for the treatment of NASH. Poxel also has additional earlier-stage programs from its AMPK activator and deuterated TZD platforms targeting chronic and rare metabolic diseases. The Company intends to generate further growth through strategic partnerships and pipeline development. Listed on Euronext Paris, Poxel is headquartered in Lyon, France, and has subsidiaries in Boston, MA, and Tokyo, Japan. For more information, please visit: www.poxelpharma.com In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 12, 2020, the Company is regularly reviewing the impact of the outbreak on its business. As of the date of this press release, and based on publicly available information, the Company has not identified the occurrence of any material negative effect on its business due to the COVID-19 pandemic that remains unresolved. However, the Company anticipates that the COVID-19 pandemic could have further material negative impact on its business operations. The worldwide impact of COVID-19 may notably affect the Company's internal organization and efficiency, particularly in countries where it operates and where confinement measures are implemented by the authorities. In addition, COVID-19 may impact market conditions and the Company's ability to seek additional funding or enter into partnerships. Particularly, delays in the supply of drug substance or drug products, in the initiation or the timing of results of preclinical and/or clinical trials, as well as delays linked to the responsiveness of regulatory authorities could occur, which could potentially have an impact on the Company's development programs and partnered programs. The Company will continue to actively monitor the situation. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release about future events are subject to (i) change without notice and (ii) factors beyond the Company's control. These statements may include, without limitation, any statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as "target," "believe," "expect," "aim," "intend," "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "plan," "project," "will," "can have," "likely," "should," "would," "could" and other words and terms of similar meaning or the negative thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control that could cause the Company's actual results or performance to be materially different from the expected results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. ___________________ 1 Year noted is Fiscal Year from April 2021 to March 2022, which is Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's Fiscal Year. 2 Prevalence of T2DM in patients with NASH estimated to be 47%; approximately 26% of T2DM patients have NASH; clinical and economic burden of NASH in T2DM greater than with either disease alone (Younossi ZM et al, Hepatology 2016, 64, 73-84; Cusi K, Diabetes Care 2020, 43:275-79; Younossi ZM et al, Diabetes Care 2020, 43:283-89). 3 Year noted is Fiscal Year from April 2021 to March 2022, which is Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's Fiscal Year. 4 IQVIA data FY2016 and NDB data FY2016. 5 Converted at the exchange rate as of July 28, 2020. 6 Based on the JPY/EUR exchange rate at December 31, 2020. 7 Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma's Fiscal Year, from April 2021 to March 2022. 8 Prevalence of T2DM in patients with NASH estimated to be 47%; approximately 26% of T2DM patients have NASH; clinical and economic burden of NASH in T2DM greater than with either disease alone (Younossi ZM et al, Hepatology 2016, 64, 73-84; Cusi K,Diabetes Care 2020, 43:275-79; Younossi ZM et al,Diabetes Care 2020, 43:283-89). 9 Cusi, et al., Ann Intern Med. 2016, 165(5), 305-315. 10 J Hepatol. 2016, 64(6),1388-402; Hepatology 2018, 67, 328-357. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005780/en/ Contacts: Poxel SA? Catherine David Investor Relations Communication Manager catherine.david@poxelpharma.com +33 7 64 57 61 78 Investor relations Media EU/US Trophic Communications Stephanie May or Valeria Fisher poxel@trophic.eu +49 171 185 56 82 or +49 175 804 1816 Investor relations Media France NewCap Emmanuel Huynh or Arthur Rouille poxel@newcap.eu +33 1 44 71 94 94 [March 24, 2021] Alison M. Benders Chosen as First Vice President for Mission and Ministry at Santa Clara University Santa Clara University has selected Alison M. Benders, an experienced educator, theologian, and associate dean at the University's Jesuit School of Theology (JST), to be its first vice president for mission and ministry. She assumes the role July 1. In this role, she will drive and support strategies and programs to strengthen and promote the Jesuit, Catholic identity of the University in ways that are pastoral, inclusive, and reflective of the rich diversity of the University community. She will be responsible for the clear articulation and broad communication of Santa Clara University's Jesuit, Catholic mission and character, including overseeing Campus Ministry; the Mission Church; and the Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education. Benders has been with the University for seven years, including serving as senior lecturer, associate dean and, for the 2019-2020 academic year, interim dean of JST. She was previously vice president for academic affairs at Ohio Dominican University; vice president for academic affairs and professor of religion at Lake Erie College in Ohio; and dean of the school of graduate and professional studies at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Before her work in academia she was a practicing litigation attorney for 10 years in Philadelphia. With nearly 20 years in leadership at Catholic institutions, Benders brings extensive experience in long-term visioning, strategic planning, and organizational change management. A published theologian and seasoned faculty member, she is steeped in the Jesuit mission to advance justice and reconciliation. "Dr. Benders will bring a wonderfully varied skill set, depth of experience in the Catholic intellectual tradition and Ignatian spirituality, and a creative and collaborative spirit to this vital new role at Santa Clara," said Lisa Kloppenberg, acting president of Santa Clara University. "We look forward to working together to ensure the focus of our efforts fully align with the mission and ministry of the University." Benders will work closely with the University's newly named vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion, T. Sha Duncan Smith, to help unify mission-related, diversity, and antiracism efforts across campus. While at JST, Benders has served on the Dean's Council, the Presidential Action Committee, and other committees for development, strategic lanning, and faculty issues. She has served on the Consortial Council of Presidents and the board of trustees of the Graduate Theological Union. She participated in the Ignatian Colleagues Program, focused on the formation of Ignatian values in higher education leaders and, by extension, their institutions. "I am greatly looking forward to working together with so many at SCU who champion the Jesuit ideal of men and women for others, and who know the value of the mission and ministry work that takes place across our campuses in Santa Clara and Berkeley," said Benders. "I hope to build on that work to frame and enliven the University's mission, so that all members of SCU can find that they belong within its umbrella, regardless of their personal, faith or political commitments." Benders holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University, a J.D. from the University of Virginia, a licentiate of sacred theology from JST, and a Ph.D. in theology from Boston College. Benders has focused her academic and conference work in recent years on the concepts of pilgrimage and race and racial injustice- including giving talks and workshops on the topics of mass incarceration, racism and Catholic Social Teaching, as well as race, class and gender in institutions. In fall 2018 she took her race, justice, and theology students on a 11-day, 15-site pilgrimage and tour of civil rights historical sites such as the Whitney Plantation in New Orleans, the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Birmingham's Kelly Ingram Park, and the 16th Street Baptist Church. In 2015, she published Just Prayer: A Liturgy of Hours for Peacemakers and Justice Seekers, which earned the Catholic Publishers Association Award for Best Book in Spirituality for 2016. In 2019, she completed a parish study guide for the Catholic bishops' letter against racism: Reading, Praying, Living The US Bishops' Open Wide Our Hearts: A Faith Formation (News - Alert) Guide. She is currently on sabbatical completing a writing project entitled Recollecting America's Original Sin: Walking the Color Line, building upon the Civil Rights class immersion, that will help people of faith prioritize the work of racial justice in our communities. Her work and her leadership has included research in subjects including the role of science in seminaries; intercultural initiatives, development and formation for Hispanic Catholic ministers; a global theology initiative to share resources among Jesuit graduate programs worldwide; and overseeing a Hilton-funded project to develop a women's theological network in Asia. She is a member of the Association of Theology Schools - Chief Academic Officers Advisory Board and the Catholic Theological Society of America, and has been a board member of the Graduate Theological Union, Council of Deans, and Society for Phenomenology of Religious Experience. Currently, Benders and her husband of 40 years, Larry, live in both the Bay Area and Cleveland, Ohio, where Larry is president of the Cleveland Sight Center, which offers services and advocates for children and adults who are blind or have low vision. They travel on weekends to be together. Their son works in Mountain View, Calif., and their three daughters live in the Cleveland area with their own growing families, including Benders' four grandchildren. About Santa Clara University. Founded in 1851, Santa Clara University sits in the heart of Silicon Valley-the world's most innovative and entrepreneurial region. The University's stunningly landscaped 106-acre campus is home to the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asis. Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities by U.S. News & World Report, SCU has among the best four-year graduation rates in the nation and is rated by PayScale in the top 1 percent of universities with the highest-paid graduates. SCU has produced elite levels of Fulbright Scholars as well as four Rhodes Scholars. With undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, business, and engineering, and graduate programs in six disciplines, the curriculum blends high-tech innovation with social consciousness grounded in the tradition of Jesuit, Catholic education. For more information see www.scu.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005878/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/23/2021 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. : The Other Way star Melyza Zeta appears to be in America now with her fiance Tim Clarkson.Tim from Dallas, TX, and Melyza from Colombia shocked viewers when they announced their engagement on the March 7 episode of 90 Day Bares All on Discovery's new streaming service discovery+.Although Tim had proposed marriage during a trip to Medellin, Colombia -- which was initially designed for the couple to reunite and solidify their relationship status after a brief breakup -- it appears Melyza has since traveled or moved to the United States.Melyza, 29, conducted a Q&A session with her followers via Instagram Stories on March 14 and geotagged Dallas, TX, in three of her responses, In Touch Weekly reported Given Tim, 34, currently lives in Dallas, Melyza has apparently taken a trip overseas to spend time with him.Tim also reportedly appeared in all three of Melyza's videos, which featured the couple riding in a car together and listening to music with Tim behind the wheel.It seems Tim and Melyza's relationship is stronger than ever following their engagement.One fan wrote to Melyza in her Q&A, according to In Touch, "Tell us what made you guys reconcile.""Makeup sex [devil emoticon] JK," Melyza reportedly replied."I'd say mostly that our love for each other hasn't faded away (despite so many ups and downs in the past two years), persistence, realizing that we needed to make changes and put more work into moving forward and finally do whatever is needed to be geographically compatible."Tim and Melyza revealed on the early January premiere of : The Other Way Strikes Back! on discovery+ they had split and called it quits on their romance, but the pair apparently "reconnected" not long after the breakup and then got back together."We started reminiscing about things we had done in the past. We were like, 'I really miss you'... We would talk about the plans that we had for the future and everything, and that's basically how it happened," Melyza shared on 90 Day Bares All earlier this month."We just can't stay away from each other. No matter how hard we try to move on and forget about each other, we can't," Tim added.Tim then traveled to Colombia to see Melyza again and popped the question one day after his arrival at a romantic pier in Cartagena.Melyza gushed on 90 Day Bares All the marriage proposal was "awesome" as well as a huge surprise and she and Tim are "so happy" together now.The proposal clearly turned Melyza's life around because she said she felt "hopeless and crushed" when she and Tim were apart."I believed that my chance at happily ever after with the man I love was gone. Fortunately, I was wrong," Melyza explained to People."Our engagement feels right. Putting a ring on it doesn't solve it all, but it's definitely a big step in the right direction, surely one that we wanted to take years ago."And Tim -- who once cheated on Melyza with a co-worker and lost her trust -- told the magazine that he now realizes how "foolish" he was to risk losing Melyza in the past."The bottom line is, Melyza is the only woman I am meant to spend my life with. She sees more in me than I do in myself sometimes and I can never find that in anyone; let's be real, I am a pain," Tim joked with People.Tim acknowledged he and Melyza still need time to repair the damage in their relationship but they are both optimistic about the future."We both know how much we love each other, how comfortable we are with each other, and how positive we are that our life together will be amazing," Tim said.Tim and Melyza previously starred on Season 2 of : The Other Way, and the show's Summer 2020 finale featured Tim, after visiting Melyza in Colombia and trying to work through their issues, moving back to the United States in order to work and save money for their future together.Melyza confessed the idea of Tim moving back to America made her "nervous and uncomfortable," but Tim insisted his goal was to put the pair in a more stable financial position long-term."I can't believe that he's leaving. I think this is bullsh-t. This was definitely not what we were planning on doing. This is not what I expected, and I'm just really disappointed... I did feel true and real love with him," Melyza told the cameras on : The Other Way's second season.And Tim feared Melyza would give up on their relationship or hook up with somebody else while he was away."I'm not moving back to run away from you; I'm moving back so that I can run back to you," Tim assured Melyza when saying goodbye to her.Although the couple subsequently broke up, they left flirty comments on each other's social media pages in late 2020 and Melyza joked on the January premiere of the Strikes Back! spinoff that Tim looked "cute" and she might want to have sex with him again.Many viewers therefore anticipated -- or at least hoped -- the couple may give their love another shot eventually.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! In this Nov. 20, 2020, file photo, a bald eagle grabs a fish from the Susquehanna River near the Conowingo Dam, in Havre De Grace, Md. The number of American bald eagles has quadrupled since 2009, with more than 300,000 birds soaring over the lower 48 states, government scientists said Wednesday in a new report. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) The number of American bald eagles has quadrupled since 2009, with more than 300,000 birds soaring over the lower 48 states, government scientists said in a report Wednesday. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said bald eagles, the national symbol that once teetered on the brink of extinction, have flourished in recent years, growing to more than 71,400 nesting pairs and an estimated 316,700 individual birds. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, in her first public appearance since being sworn in last week, hailed the eagle's recovery and noted that the majestic, white-headed bird has always been considered sacred to Native American tribes and the United States generally. "The strong return of this treasured bird reminds us of our nation's shared resilience and the importance of being responsible stewards of our lands and waters that bind us together,'' said Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary. Bald eagles reached an all-time low of 417 known nesting pairs in 1963 in the lower 48 states. But after decades of protection, including banning the pesticide DDT and placement of the eagle on the endangered species list in more than 40 states, the bald eagle population has continued to grow. The bald eagle was removed from the list of threatened or endangered species in 2007. "It is clear that the bald eagle population continues to thrive,'' Haaland said, calling the bird's recovery a "success story (that) is a testament to the enduring importance of the work of the Interior Department scientists and conservationists. This work could not have been done without teams of people collecting and analyzing decades' worth of science ... accurately estimating the bald eagle population here in the United States.'' In this Feb. 6, 2020, file photo, a bald eagle lands in a tree overlooking the Des Moines River in Des Moines, Iowa. The number of American bald eagles has quadrupled since 2009, with more than 300,000 birds soaring over the lower 48 states, government scientists said Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in a new report. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The celebration of the bald eagle "is also a moment to reflect on the importance of the Endangered Species Act, a vital tool in the efforts to protect America's wildlife,'' Haaland said, calling the landmark 1973 law crucial to preventing the extinction of species such as the bald eagle or American bison. Reiterating a pledge by President Joe Biden, Haaland said her department will review actions by the Trump administration "to undermine key provisions" of the endangered species law. She did not offer specifics, but environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers criticized the Trump administration for a range of actions, including reducing critical habitat for the northern spotted owl and lifting protections for gray wolves. "We will be taking a closer look at all of those revisions and considering what steps to take to ensure that all of usstates, Indian tribes, private landowners and federal agencieshave the tools we need to conserve America's natural heritage and strengthen our economy,'' Haaland said. "We have an obligation to do so because future generations must also experience our beautiful outdoors, the way many of us have been blessed,'' she added. Martha Williams, deputy director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, called recovery of the bald eagle "one of the most remarkable conservation success stories of all time" and said she hopes all Americans get the chance to see a bald eagle in flight. "They're magnificent to see," she said. To estimate the bald eagle population in the lower 48 states, Fish and Wildlife Service biologists and observers conducted aerial surveys over a two-year period in 2018 and 2019. The agency also worked with the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology to acquire information on areas that were not practical to fly over as part of aerial surveys. Explore further Vermont sees modern-day record for bald eagle reproduction 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received President of the National Academy of Sciences, academician Radik Martirosyan and Vice President of the National Academy, academician Yuri Shukuryan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The meeting participants discussed the problems in the science sector of Armenia, its development prospects and in this context the legislative package on Higher Education and Science drafted by the government. The meeting participants agreed that the new legislative regulations must contribute to the development of the field and create basis for progress. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Dhaka, Mar 23 (UNI) Bhutan Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering arrived in Dhaka on a three-day visit to attend the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh's Independence and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He reached at Hazrat Shahjalal (Rah.) Airport around 9:30 am on Tuesday. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina welcomed her Bhutanese counterpart. The Guard of Honor was awarded with 21 song salutes in honor of the premier of Bhutan. According to diplomatic sources, two Memorandums of Understanding are also expected to be signed between the two countries during the visit. Twenty-two artists and four journalists from the Royal Academy of Performing Arts (RAPA) had reached Dhaka on March 19. Bangladesh Foreign Ministry Chief of Protocol Amanur Rahman said, "Bhutan's Prime Minister will take part in various events to mark the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the golden jubilee of independence. During his visit to Bangladesh, bilateral issues will be discussed." On the first day of the visit, the Prime Minister of Bhutan will pay homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War at the National Memorial in Savar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the ten-day event on March 26. Apart from the speeches and video messages of the heads of state or government of different countries, the ten-day event will also feature performances by cultural groups of friendly countries. UNI MAZ GK 2025 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) Five local chief executives were issued a show cause order for jumping the queue to get their coronavirus vaccine shots. Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing sent CNN Philippines a list of the five mayors who got their COVID-19 shots ahead of others, while inoculation is still ongoing for medical frontliners in the country. They were: - Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban City, Leyte (vaccinated March 22) - Mayor Dibu Tuan of T'boli, South Cotabato (vaccinated March 19) - Mayor Sulpicio Villalobos of Sto. Nino, South Cotabato (vaccinated March 19) - Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay (vaccinated March 16) - Mayor Abraham Ibba of Bataraza, Palawan (vaccinated March 22) Romualdez was injected with China's Sinovac vaccine on Monday. It is not clear what brand the other mayors received. However, these five were not the only local officials who jumped the line. Mayor Elanito Pena of Minglanilla, Cebu and three Bohol mayors Mayor Victoriano Torres of Alicia, Mayor Virgilio Mendez of San Miguel, and Mayor Arturo Piollo II of Lila also got their own COVID-19 shots ahead of others over the past days. Most announcements were made through their own or their local governments social media pages. RELATED: Some Visayas mayors not on priority list get vaccinated against COVID-19 According to Densing, public officials may face possible suspension for violating the vaccine prioritization, adding that the Office of the Ombudsman will determine the proper sanctions. "(The) Ombudsman determines the penalty suspension -- I believe in this case," he said. Health Undersecretary and Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated the previous warning of the World Health Organization that the country may risk losing millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the global COVAX facility if it fails to follow prioritization requirements. RELATED: PH non-compliance to COVAX may jeopardize allocated vaccines WHO official "Ang WHO ay nagbigay na ng babala na kung saka-sakaling magkakaroon po ng breaches doon po sa ating pinirmahang (The WHO earlier warned that if breaches are committed involving our signed) agreements with them through the COVAX facility, additional or future supplies of these vaccines that will be given to the Philippine government might be compromised," Vergeire warned. "Let us wait for our turn. Dadating po iyan. Lahat po tayo ay entitled to being vaccinated," she added. [Translation: Let us wait for our turn. We will have our turn. We're all entitled to being vaccinated.] The government is still completing the vaccination of all 1.7 million healthcare workers in the country using the limited supply of doses before moving on to other priority sectors. Mayors, governors, and village chiefs were recently moved up in the COVID-19 vaccine priority list, but they can only be inoculated after health workers, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities. READ: EXPLAINER: What you need to know about the PH COVID-19 vaccine drive Huntington High School teacher Mary Durstein was fired by the Cabell County school system back in 2017 over social media posts that ridiculed black people, Muslims and former President Barack Obama A lawsuit filed by a West Virginia high school teacher who was fired over a series of racially-charged social media posts has been thrown out after the judge ruled her First Amendment rights had not been violated. Huntington High School teacher Mary Durstein was fired by the Cabell County school system back in 2017 over social media posts that ridiculed black people, Muslims and former President Barack Obama. The history teacher sued the school district claiming that her terminations was an unconstitutional restriction of her free speech rights. US District Judge Robert C. Chambers ruled against her on Monday and dismissed the lawsuit. Durstein had argued that a law requiring teachers to have a professional relationship with students even outside the classroom and allowing the superintendent to revoke or suspend a teaching certificate for 'immorality' was overly broad. She argued it was an unconstitutional restriction of her free speech rights. Durstein had also argued in the lawsuit that the school's superintendent violated her free speech rights after ordering her to deactivate the Twitter account. The social media posts in question were made on Durstein's personal Twitter account @pigpen63 and dated back to 2015 The judge, however, said Durstein failed to show that the law targets freedom of expression. 'Durstein fails to establish that this law - which the State Superintendent points out has been on the books since 1908 - has had, or is likely to have, a substantial chilling effect on any speech, except perhaps her own,' the judge said in his ruling. The social media posts in question were made on Durstein's personal Twitter account @pigpen63 and dated back to 2015. In a 2015 tweet, Durstein had tweeted: 'Who cares if we offend Muslims at least they keep their heads on tact. They're the enemy!' Durstein replied to a tweet in January 2017 about four black youths who alledly tortured a special-needs teen on Facebook Live. Someone posted a photo of the four suspects with the caption: 'Imagine if these were 4 white people torturing a special need black kid!' Durstein replied: 'This could have been Obama's children'. Durstein had initially been placed on administrative leave in January 2017 from Huntington High School before being fired two months later In response to another meme calling President Obama a 'douchebag Muslim,' Durstein wrote, 'Exactly!' She also repeatedly expressed support for deporting Muslims out of the US and railed against the Black Lives Matter movement. In one post prior to Donald Trump's 2018 inauguration, Durstein said there would be 'no more political correctness after 1/20 can't wait finally liberated'. Durstein had initially been placed on administrative leave in January 2017 when a Marshall University student drew attention to the teacher's tweets. The posts were sent to local media and the school board. A Cabell County Schools spokesperson said at the time they were investigating to determine if Durstein had violated any district rules. She was fired two months later by the school's board. Durstein had worked for the district for more than a decade. 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. BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Traffic of cargo vessels through Egypt's Suez Canal has been blocked after a large container ship ran aground in the southern end of the Canal on Tuesday. Tug boats were deployed to help the herculean task of shifting the 200,000-tonne vessel - the Ever Given, which is 400 meter long and 59 meter wide. Port agents GAC said that Suez Canal tugs have been working to free the fully loaded vessel but wind conditions and its size are hindering the operation. 'So far, no progress has been made,' GAC said on its website. The huge vessel with a capacity to carry 20000 containers is said to be fully-loaded. The Panama-registered ship, sailing from China to the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, reportedly suffered a blackout before entering the Mediterranean at about 7:40 a.m. local time. Ever Given's owner Evergreen Marine said the ship was 'suspected of being hit by a sudden strong wind, causing the hull to deviate... and accidentally hit the bottom and run aground'. The accident caused a traffic jam in one of the world's most important and busy waterways, through which at least 50 vessels pass by every day. A number of vessels carrying 10 million barrels of Saudi, Russian, US and Omani crude oil are held up in the route. '15 ships are waiting at anchorages. There is currently no indication of when the Canal will be clear and transits will be able to resume,' according to GAC. Oil prices, after tumbling on Tuesday, climbed about 2% on Wednesday over fears of crude oil supply disruptions. TankerTrackers.com, Inc. said the parallel lane in the Suez Canal will not help the situation because the two canals only exist between the Mediterranean Sea and the Bitter Lakes. 'The EVER GIVEN vessel is stuck in the single lane between the Red Sea and the Bitter Lakes,' it tweeted. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de In terms of ideology, Israels election results yesterday sent a pretty clear message: With about 90 percent of the vote counted, it appears that right-wing, religious, and pro-settlement parties will hold around 72 seats in the 120-seat Knessetgrim news for remaining hopes of a two-state solution and the future of secular democracy. But this election was less about ideas than about the fate of one Benjamin Netanyahu, who would be a polarizing figure even if he werent currently on trial for corruption. Therefore, the day after the vote, nobody has any idea whats going to happen. Advertisement The election was Israels fourth in just two years, and like its predecessors, it does not appear to have produced a clear winner. Early exit polls on Tuesday showed a narrow but feasible path to a majority for Netanyahu, prompting him to declare victory in a speech at 2:30 a.m., but the picture became a lot murkier when live results starting coming in. (Israel exit polls are notoriously unreliable, but in the past theyve tended to underestimate Netanyahus support.) As it stands now, Netanyahus Likud has 30 seats. Throw in his ultra-Orthodox and far-right allies and hes at 52. Its conceivable he could get the right-wing Yamina party led by his erstwhile ally Naftali Bennett to join him, but that still only gets him to 59. (Israelis vote for party lists rather than individual candidates.) 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. Alarmingly, a Netanyahu coalition would be likely to include the Religious Zionist Party, an alliance of far-right parties which includes Otzma Yehudit, a rebranding of a violent, extremist anti-Arab party that was listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and whose leaders have celebrated the massacre of Palestinian civilians. The alliances leader describes himself as a proud homophobe. On the other side, Yair Lapid, whose Yesh Atid party is in second with 17 seats, boasted, Netanyahu doesnt have 61 seats but the change bloc does, which is theoretically true except that the change bloc isnt really a thing. It includes the centrist Yesh Atid, the anti-Bibi right, a new faction of ex-Likudniks, two Arab parties, and whats left of the left. (The Labor party, which dominated Israel politics for decades before a dramatic 21st century decline, appears to have at least escaped extinction under new leadership.) Advertisement The unlikely kingmaker could turn out to be Mansour Abbas, leader of the conservative Islamist United Arab List, which appears to have won five seats. This party broke with the other Arab parties before this election, in part because of Abbas declared willingness to work with Likud in order to make progress on the Arab communitys priorities. Arab parties have traditionally shunned being part of government coalitions, and have never been asked to be part of one. Abbas is likely to be fielding a lot of calls in the coming days, though hes not really a natural fit with either blocNetanyahus side includes virulent anti-Arab racists; the opposition includes secularists and leftists who might object to his conservative views on gay rights and other issues. Advertisement A lot could still change in the coming days. As with the recent U.S. election, there were a record number of absentee votes that still need to be counted, and just a one- or two-seat change could dramatically change the picture. Netanyahus friends also borrowed his friend Donald Trumps tactic of alleging election fraud ahead of time. Even with all the ambiguity, two things are clear: that Israeli politics has lurched dramatically to the right in recent years, and that Netanyahu himself is the main thing preventing his political compatriots from gaining complete control of the government. Other leaders might step down at this point, but Netanyahu definitely wont, not least because staying prime minister may be his best chance at staying out of jail. Once the results are in, President Reuven Rivlin will choose who he thinks has the best chance to form a coalition. Its entirely possible that no one will be able to, in which case they will do all this again in a few months. Maybe the fifth time will be the charm. Mourners who gathered at the Charlotte gas station where a man was shot and killed by a deputy U.S. marshal Tuesday celebrated his life there, though not in the way they had expected. Friends, family and strangers remembered Frankie Jennings, who died on his 32nd birthday, at a vigil Tuesday evening at the Citgo at The Plaza and Parkwood Avenue. Mourners left a photo tribute and tealight candles arranged to spell out RIP POP HB, a reference to Jennings nickname and his birthday. Many attendees came with arms full of white flowers and family members released white balloons, reflecting his favorite color. They sang happy birthday and brought cupcakes with yellow frosting. Deputy US marshal shot, killed man at Charlotte gas station while serving warrant Jennings was shot and killed around 11 a.m. when a deputy U.S. marshal attempted to serve him an arrest warrant that had come out of Carolina Beach. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, which is investigating the shooting, said the deputy marshal perceived a lethal threat and fired a service weapon. A gun was recovered at the scene, police said. Jennings sister told The Observer she had traveled from New York to visit him. Latannya Jennings described him as laid-back person who wouldnt hesitate to give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He was an important figure to his family in his roles as father, son, brother and friend, she said. Most of all, he was human like all of us, Jennings said during the vigil. We all bleed the same blood, red. Her brothers life, she said, should not have been ended by law enforcement. Shooting victim Frankie Jennings at his grandmothers gravesite. She also said Jennings had four children two boys and two girls and was originally from the Brooklyn borough of New York City. He had lived in Charlotte for 20 years and owned a car detailing business, she said. The vigil started with a prayer by Mothers of Murdered Offspring organizer Genicia Hairston, and a small group sang His Eye is on The Sparrow. Story continues Several local activists said there needed to be more accountability when it comes to police and law enforcement. Lucille Puckett, who lost her son to gun violence five years ago and is now a leader with the Charlotte NAACP, said Jennings family deserves justice. We need to really let the police department, the U.S. Marshals whoever is in those uniforms know that we are sick and tired of being sick and tired, she said. We are sick and tired of our Black and brown people killed in the streets at the hands of those that took a vow to serve and protect us. Dalvin Sutton said he did not know Jennings but came to the vigil to pay his respects. Sutton grew up not far from the gas station and said hed seen the police vehicles and blocked intersection but only learned later what happened. It was his birthday, and its sad to have to have a different celebration (of his life), he said. The steeple of the Wall Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Auburn was removed Tuesday afternoon as part of the demolition of the dilapidated 1. A voting rights bill moved to the Senate for what promises to be Congresss most consequential battle over ballot access since the 1960s. Democrats convened the first hearing on a sweeping elections bill that would expand voting rights. The proposed legislation would mandate automatic voter registration nationwide, expand early and mail-in voting, end gerrymandering and curb the influence of money in politics. The legislation passed the House along party lines this month but faces solid opposition from Republicans who are working to tighten access to ballot boxes and who argue that the bill is a power grab by Democrats. A wooden statue discovered in Russia in 1890 is more ancient than previously thought, making it twice as old as Stonehenge, researchers claim. The Shigir Idol was first discovered by Russian gold miners who stumbled upon the large object in the Shigir peat bog 62 miles north of Yekaterinburg. Radiocarbon dating from the 1990s placed the idol at 9,750 years old, but researchers have since re-dated it, finding it is about 12,100 years old. This makes it always twice as old as Stonehenge in the UK, which had been dated back about 5,000 years. The tree that provided the wood to carve the large statue was about 12,250 years old based on the 159 growth rings seen within the statue itself, the team from the University of Gottingen and Institute of Archaeology RAS discovered. It is estimated it once stood over 17ft tall when fully assembled and has zig-zag lines etched all over the body, and eight human-like faces carved at the top. A wooden statue discovered in Russia in 1890 is more ancient than previously thought, making it even older than Stonehenge, researchers claim The idol was in ten different pieces when it was first discovered in 1890 and discarded as a 'curiosity' to an earlier age - at the time it was impossible to say how much earlier that age actually was. It had spent over 10,000 years preserved in the acidic antimicrobial environment of the peat bog, which is within the Ural Mountains in Russia. The German and Russian team believe it was carved at the end of the last Ice Age and the start of the Holocene - the current geological period. The period the idol was carved was an era of great climate change, according to archaeologist Thomas Terberger, speaking to the New York Times. It was a time when early forests were beginning to spread across a warmer late glacial to postglacial Eurasia. 'The landscape changed, and the art - figurative designs and naturalistic animals painted in caves and carved in rock - did, too, perhaps as a way to help people come to grips with the challenging environments they encountered.' The Shigir Idol was first discovered by Russian gold miners who stumbled upon the large object in the Shigir peat bog 62 miles north of Yekaterinburg It was 'suggestive of an appreciation for art and craftsmanship' by the people who created it, the team behind the study explained. It's more than twice as old as Egypt's famous pyramids, yet remarkably, much of the wooden sculpture has survived the years. Some parts, however, have been lost and now the statue stands at just over 11 feet tall. The sculpture was thought to have been made from a larch tree by ancient artists who used a polished stone adze and stone chisels of at least two or three different sizes to create its characteristic markings. The period the idol was carved was an era of great climate changed, according to archaeologist Thomas Terberger, speaking to the New York Times People who built the idol had the skills for shaping and carving wood, so while this is the only object of its kind discovered so far, that doesn't mean they didn't make more, the authors explained. It adds to evidence that ancient hunter gatherer communities had a sense of art, ideas and complex rituals to an extent not previously understood, they said. 'We have to accept that hunter-gatherers had complex rituals and were capable of very sophisticated expression of ideas and art,' Terberger told the Guardian. 'These things didn't start with farmers, they began with hunter-gatherers much earlier.' The findings have been published in the journal Quaternary International. As grownups, were supposed to base our political choices on policy, so lets deal with that first. In the months ahead, before the recall election, Newsom should be fairly judged on his handling of major issues. Here are a few: Newsom inherited a mess with the DMV poor service and customer treatment. He was slow to respond and appeared to finally do so only when photos of long lines showed up in the newspapers. COVID ironically solved that problem by shutting everything down. But the acid test is coming soon; the October deadline for getting the more secure golden bear license is just six months away. Will re-opened DMV offices be up to the challenge of processing the burdensome procedures of approving tidal waves of applications? Wildfires will undoubtedly test state government again in 2021. While much of California forests are federally controlled, CalFire is what voters think of first when engulfed in smoke and ashes. Will Californias firefighting efforts be innovative and progressive and will we finally see needed levels of tree clearing? Widely considered stodgy and trite, brooches have been seriously out of fashion ever since the power-suit-ridden Dynasty years. Grandmothers have drawers full of them. Catherine OHara, playing the loony Moira Rose on Schitts Creek, wears them incessantly even when going to bed. Jewelers rarely list them on their e-commerce shopping menus (though they do sell them). And from the 1950s through the 80s, they acquired a reputation as daytime, luncheon jewels, Marion Fasel, a fine jewelry historian, said. Who, if anyone, has lunched since the 80s? All of this means, of course, that the brooch is ripe for a revival. In the 2020s, its men who are in charge of making brooches cool again, Ms. Fasel said. Rege-Jean Page showed up on Saturday Night Live last month wearing an Alexander McQueen suit that came with three pearl brooches sewn onto the lapel. Jared Leto chose a huge, corsage-y Gucci brooch at the Golden Globes, where Anthony Anderson went for a Chopard flower. The vote on the draft legislation in the second and final reading went 80 to 38, with 2 abstentions in its favor. Under the bill, Armenia will have a new body called Anti-Corruption Committee tasked with investigating corruption cases. The body is expected to be formed and start operating in the second half of 2021, after which the currently operating Special Investigative Service (SIS) will be abolished. Presenting the bill on the Anti-Corruption Committee last December Armenias Justice Ministry said that the new body will inherit most of its powers from anti-corruption divisions of four Armenian law-enforcement agencies, including the SIS, that have long prosecuted corruption-related crimes. Mariam Galstian, a senior official at ministry, expressed confidence then that the Anti-Corruption Committee will be in a much better position to combat bribery and other corrupt practices. LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks a new chapter in the world of fine art and its integration into NFT and blockchain. Gaka-Chu , the autonomous robot connected to the Ethereum blockchain by the Robonomics team, starts to auction digital NFT versions of its physical artwork on Rarible.com . The robot has been creating art for 3 years and is now set to contribute to the NFT art world. Auctions will be held from the 23rd of March, 2021, till the 30th of March, whilst the original, physical artwork by Gaka-Chu will be displayed at the ITMO University's Art and Science Museum in Saint Petersburg. Fine Art made by a Robot? What makes Gaka-Chu stand above the rest, is that it is a fully autonomous robot that purchases its own paint, records the process of art creation on video, logs each stroke and then mints an NFT token, making every art piece ready for the market. Each NFT token stores all the aforementioned data and transfers the ownership rights to every new collector that purchases it. In the meantime, the current NFT art world reaches immense valuations but doesn't boast much diversity. It is filled with gifs and digital paintings that according to art industry experts lack depth and broadness of choice and it is the new contributors like Gaka-Chu, that are set to change that. Gaka-Chu's art is a case study by Robonomics that merges fine art with blockchain and completes a critical milestone within the industry, making the whole process fully autonomously. And it is! From the first stroke and all the way to the token being published on the Ethereum mainnet. Artwork acquisition Although Gaka-Chu's physical art pieces are currently exhibited at the ITMO museum, they are ready to be acquired by collectors across the globe via NFT on Rarible.com. This NFT marketplace is limited to creators that disrupt the space and Gaka-Chu is now part of it. Last but not least, all of Gaka-Chu's art pieces auctioned via Rarible will be automatically displayed on Opensea.io, giving the fine art collectors an additional channel of how to store, display and manage their collectibles. Diana Korol, [email protected], +38 063 565 3130 SOURCE Robonomics 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. The Court of Appeal has handed Pevans East Africa, the firm that operated the SportPesa brand until June 2019, another blow in its fight to get back its licence. The court dismissed an appeal seeking to compel the betting regulator to renew SportPesa's licence. Pevans filed the appeal in September 2019 against the judgment of High Court Judge John Mativo, who ruled against the betting firm that had challenged the refusal by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to renew its licence. BCLB cancelled the firm's licence on July 1, 2019, due to non-payment of taxes and other compliance requirements. But the appellate court upheld the High Court decision on Friday on grounds that the regulator is empowered to take enforcement actions against individual firms, including asking for proof of tax payments. The ruling by judges Roselyn Nambuye, Hannah Okwengu and Fatuma Sichale, now dims hope that Pevans will be getting its licence anytime soon unless it complies with the BCLB conditions. Reacting to the development, SportPesa chief executive Ronald Karauri said the ruling did not affect its current operations under Milestone Games Limited, which is the new home for the SportPesa brand. "The ruling was about a Pevans appeal, so Milestone operations are not affected," Karauri said. He said the company is yet to discuss whether or not to appeal the decision. Pevans had argued that its rights were violated since other betting firms' licences were renewed and singling it out was unfair. The firm added that, since the tax demand from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) was disputed, it was not a relevant consideration in the processing of the licence, an argument that was rejected by the court. The court said the law allows the regulator to investigate or require the submission of such declaration or further information as it may deem necessary before issuing a license. "We are fully in agreement with the finding by the learned judge that proof of payment of tax was a relevant material consideration and a prerequisite prior to the grant or renewal of a licence," the ruling reads in part. The court also said that no evidence was tendered whatsoever that Pevans was treated unfairly. "Accordingly, and in light of the above conclusions, we think we have stated enough reasons as to why this appeal is for dismissal. It is hereby dismissed with costs," reads the judgment dated March 19, 2021. KRA had initially issued a Sh15 billion tax demand on Pevans. However, this amount has now shot up to Sh95 billion following fresh assessment. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The ruling comes at a time when the companies' shareholders are involved in a bitter boardroom war, which has brought to the fore allegations of money laundering, profit shifting and embezzlement of funds. The fight, pitting billionaire businessman Paul Ndung'u on one side and Mr Karauri and shadowy Bulgarian businessmen on the other, reached its peak when one faction sold the SportPesa brand to Milestone for about Sh15 million despite its value being estimated at more than Sh35 billion. The transfer has been disputed Mr Ndung'u, the owner of a 17 percent stake in Pevans, who says the move was not authorised by the board. The Interior ministry has declared that it will not allow Pevans back in operation, unless they pay taxes and subject their directors to a due diligence investigation as required by the law. Mr Karauri and Mr Francis Waweru Kiarie acquired a combined 95.3 percent stake through several investment vehicles. The two are also shareholders of Pevans in which Mr Karauri holds a seven percent equity and Mr Kiarie has a one percent stake. The BCLB has also moved to shut down Milestone's operations twice on several grounds, with the company securing temporary court orders that have allowed it to continue operating. The regulator on October 30, 2020 ordered the company to stop using the SportPesa trade name, saying it belonged to Pevans, according to its records at the time. EDITORS NOTE: On April 13, NJ Cannabis Insider hosts a virtual networking event, featuring professionals in the legal cannabis industries. Tickets are limited. Gov. Phil Murphy has replaced one member of the panel to regulate the new cannabis industry with a staffer in U.S. Sen. Cory Bookers office after the makeup of the commission came under fire from the NAACP. Charles Barker, who works for Booker in the senators Newark office, will take the place of another Murphy appointee, William Wallace of the United Food and Commercial Workers, the governors office announced Wednesday. As a young Black man from an underserved neighborhood in New Jersey, I am humbled to join the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and bring my perspective to the table, Barker said in a statement issued Wednesday morning. For generations, the misguided War on Drugs has devastated entire families and communities. I know this experience first-hand from being unjustly profiled and pulled over, illegally searched, and scolded many times by the police simply for the color of my skin. This is very real for me. Wallace will take on the senior staff role of director of labor relations for the commission. Murphy announced the full Cannabis Regulatory Commission last month after he signed bills to launch a legal cannabis industry and decriminalize marijuana. The commission will establish rules and regulations for the new legal cannabis industry and will oversee licensing and allocation of tax revenue. But the makeup of the commission came under fire for two reasons: It included no Black men and did not fulfill a statutory requirement. The marijuana legalization law mandates that the commission must include at least one person who is a state representative of a national organization or State branch of a national organization with a stated mission of studying, advocating, or adjudicating against minority historical oppression, past and present discrimination, unemployment, poverty and income inequality, and other forms of social injustice or inequality. Barker is a representative of the National Action Network, a nonprofit civil rights organization, both on the state and local level, according to a press release from Murphys office. He has worked as a constituent advocate and projects specialist for Booker and has experience in policies such as criminal justice reform, cannabis, economic and small business development, financial services, consumer protection, and technology and innovation. He is a Rutgers University graduate and received a law degree from Brooklyn Law School. The news of Barkers appointment was first reported by NJ Advance Media and Politico earlier Wednesday. The only other Black person on the commission is the chair, Dianna Houenou. She comes from Murphys office but previously worked for the ACLU of New Jersey. Murphys office has said her former role there would fulfill the statutory requirement for having a member from a group dealing with social injustice. In addition to Houenou, the commission includes Maria Del Cid, the director of the Office of Policy and Legislative Services at the state Department of Health; Krista Nash, a social worker; and Sam Delgado, a former Verizon executive and Marine. I know Charles has the experience, commitment, and skills needed to help build a fair and inclusive adult-use cannabis market that will serve as a national model, Murphy said in a statement. Although Murphy signed a law last month to launch a cannabis industry, sales cannot begin until the commission gets to work. The controversy surrounding the appointments may have caused a full month delay. The NAACP began exploring legal action regarding the committees makeup and sent a letter to Murphys office seeking background information on each of the people named. Its candidate, NAACP political action chair Todd Edwards, was not selected. I am sincerely disappointed that the NAACP had to go to such lengths to ensure that the Marijuana Legalization Law was followed and that this commission was reflective of the communities most harmed by this failed war on drugs, Richard Smith, president of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, said in a statement. That said, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Charles Barker as he will be appointed to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. He is truly a phenomenal young man who has led numerous initiatives for Senator Cory Booker. This story has been updated to include statements released by Murphys office. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. RIDGEFIELD Although the pandemic has rattled everything from small businesses to school systems, its done little to halt students from making music in Fairfield County. Orchestra students from Ridgefield High School have come together to create Ridgefield Music Mentors, a student-driven program dedicated to enhancing music education in town schools by developing connections with student role models. For 20 minutes twice a month, Fairfield Countys string players offer their guidance to elementary and middle school pupils during virtual sessions. The program has drawn mentors from Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield Middle School Chamber Orchestra, Norwalk Youth Symphony, Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra. Since December, Ridgefield Music Mentors has grown to enrich more than 200 of Ridgefields youngest string players. Being in a pandemic, I just felt that we werent able to [make] music as often, said high school senior Anirudh Krishnan, the programs founder. I felt like younger people would have more difficulties than the ones Im facing, as they are still learning the fundamentals. Krishnan also sought to create service opportunities for fellow high school students and engage them with younger members of their community. By doing so, the violinist hoped to grow a passion for music in both mentors and mentees an effort that is rapidly coming to fruition. My students feel more motivated to learn and excel at their homework assignments because they have someone guiding them through it, said Alexandria McGowan, an orchestra director at Ridgefields elementary schools. The impact has been extremely positive overall. Also unique to the program is the way it establishes personal connections between mentors and mentees. Ridgefield string teacher Nate Wood said such relationships offer a different connection than those with adult teachers. These mentors have a unique ability to influence and encourage the younger students, he said. It really is such a special opportunity. Ridgefield High orchestra director Michael McNamara said, I think this has been inspiring for everyone. The older kids are inspired to help others, and the younger students get some help and motivation. Its wonderful. Middle school orchestra director Shane Peters agreed, saying, Its so great to see our whole program working together. Ridgefield Music Mentors has also made an impact beyond its mentors and mentees. The program raised more than $500 for Ridgefield Music Parents, an organization dedicated to supplementing music programs within the towns public schools, and around $250 to aid vaccine research at Johns Hopkins University. Krishnan and other mentors hope the program will grow and allow more high school students to share their gifts with young musicians. Matthew Uy is a sophomore orchestra student at Ridgefield High School. Mash Dem Down artist Sizzla Kalonji is encouraging upcoming artists to ensure their catalogue is diverse and not confined to songs which are violent, sexually explicit or otherwise unfit for radio airplay, but instead ensure they also record tracks that are wholesome and family-oriented. Di likkle young artiste dem, yow write oonu song. Keep di ting nice; meck some table song that when families gather your songs can play at the gathering; yuh understand? he said during an Instagram Live session a few days ago. Dont meck just too much gangster song alone, or jus a sing too much girl song alone. No man, meck some praise song too, some culture song, he added. Sizzlas sentiments in relation to gangster songs, were echoed somewhat by Popcaan in April 2019 when the Unruly Boss declared that artists ought to be working towards making more international music. Man them can always sing them bag a gun song them because its a part of the thing, I will still sing them too but dont expect to see none on the Billboard all young and new artist stay firm on the journey because its not easy out here, the Numbers Dont Lie artist had said. Sizzla said within the Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall music culture, it is expected that each artist, matter how much they built their image on violent or raunchy songs, they are expected to do at least one godly song, or the repercussions for them, for being one-dimensional will be dire. Meck mi teach oonu aa likkle trick weh Jamaicans nuh tell oonu as a likkle young artiste: it nuh matter how much song yuh sing enuh, if yuh dont sing a song that is godly or a song that is of Rastafari culture and consciousness, you an di people gonna have a bitter battle. So it nuh matter how much song yuh sing, sing some conscious songs, he said. Sizzlas observations are cemented by the number of artists known for violent lyrics who have voiced songs of praises, among them Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Merciless, Mavado and Jahvillani, to name a few. The August Town natives sentiments have long been the subject matter for studies and papers at the University of the West Indies (UWI). Professor of Culture, Gender, and Society at the UWI, Donna Hope, in her book titled Dancehall: Origins, History, Future, noted that God was among the six themes central to Dancehall music, the others being guns, gyals, ghetto, gays and ganja. Also, at the SALISES 50-50 Conference held at the UWI in August 2012, Anna Kasafi Perkins in her paper titled Throwing Words Across the Fence: Church and Dancehall in the Future of Jamaica, noted that many persons would find it surprising that God, representing personal faith, belief in a supernatural being, and ideas about religious sentiments and their impact on life, has a place alongside such matters as violence, raw sex and conspicuous consumption. Yet Dancehall artistes come out of the Jamaican milieu, which is decidedly Christian or Rasta-influenced, with very strong Biblical underpinnings. According to her, the Christian/Rasta substratum of Dancehall is evident in myriad references to the Almighty (One), Jah, Jesus, Faada/Maasa Gad, Jehovah or Selassie in many Dancehall songs and among the repertoire of artistes who are neither to be identified as among the conscious group nor the Dancehall Gospel crossover group. The God/faith theme in Dancehall has three dimensions: 1) profession of personal faith and the desire to live according to that faith, 2) rejection of Christians/Church as fake, hypocritical or not truly living the faith, 3) rejection of Church/Christianity/Christ as false, hopelessly compromised. Atheism or agnosticism does not seem to be strong postures within the Dancehall tradition, she said. Launch of a capital increase through a private placement via an accelerated book-building for an amount of approximately 20 million euros. Regulatory News: NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND JAPAN This press release does not constitute and cannot be considered to constitute a public offering, an offer for subscription, an offer for sale or a solicitation of interest with a view to making a public offering of securities in any country whatsoever. Median Technologies (Paris:ALMDT) (Euronext Growth ALMDT) announced today the launch of a capital increase through a private placement via an accelerated book-building, according to article L.411-2, 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code for an amount of approximately 20 million euros. In the event of exceeding demand from investors in the context of the private placement, Median Technologies reserves the right to increase the amount raised, within the limit of 20% of the share capital. This fundraising is intended to enable the Company to finance its activities and to fulfill its obligation related to the contractual commitments with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The net proceeds from the capital increase are intended primarily to contribute towards financing the development of the iBiopsy Company's activity, specifically the clinical validations on lung cancer, primary liver cancer, and NASH indications, as well as aspects related to regulatory and marketing strategies. The funds can also be used for any project which would accelerate Median's growth. The operation consists in a private placement, in accordance with articles L.225-136 of the French Commercial Code and L.411-2, 1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code, and will be carried out with a waiver of preferential subscription rights. In accordance with the 19th resolution of the General Shareholders' Meeting dated June 19, 2020, the number of new shares will be limited to a maximum of 20% of the Company's share capital and the issue price for the new shares will be set in accordance with said resolution. The offering is reserved, in Europe (including in France), to "qualified investors", as that term is defined in Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017, and, in the United States, to "Qualified Institutional Buyers" within the meaning of Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") or "Institutional Accredited Investors" within the meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act, in reliance on an exemption from registration provided in the Securities Act. The private placement will be carried out via an accelerated book-build, following which the number and price of the new shares issued will be determined. The accelerated book-building is starting immediately and is expected to end before the start of trading on March 25, 2021 Median Technologies will announce the results of the private placement as soon as possible following the closing of the order book in a press release, which will specifically indicate the final number of new shares issued and the issue price. Settlement-delivery for the new shares issued in connection with the capital increase is expected to occur within 3 business days from the closing of the capital increase. TP ICAP (Europe) SA et Gilbert Dupont are acting as Global Coordinators, Lead Managers and Book Runners for the private placement. Disclaimer The above transaction will be carried out exclusively as part of a private placement, in accordance with article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and the applicable regulatory provisions. It does not constitute a public offering within the meaning of article L.411-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. Consequently, no prospectus has been or will be published or approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers (French Financial Markets Authority) ("AMF"). Median Technologies ("the Company") would like to draw readers' attention to: The fact that, in accordance with article L.411-2 of the French Monetary and Financial Code and article 1.5 of European Parliament and Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of June 14, 2017, the operation will not be the subject of a prospectus receiving a visa from the AMF. The risk factors presented in the Annual Financial Report for the financial year ended on December 31, 2019 and Half-year financial Report on June 30, 2020; if all or part of these risks were to occur, this could have an adverse impact on Median Technologies' business, financial position and results or its ability to achieve its objectives. The following main specific risks for the capital increase: The market price of the Company's shares could fluctuate and fall below the subscription price for the new shares; As a result of stock market fluctuations, the volatility and liquidity of the Company's shares could vary significantly; Company shares could be sold on the secondary market following the capital increase, and this could have an adverse impact on the Company's share price; With regard to the use of the proceeds from the issue with this capital increase, the Company has a certain level of leeway regarding the use of the funds raised and could use them in a way that the shareholders might not support or that might not increase the value of their investment in the short-term; If the Company makes new securities issues, after the capital increase has been carried out, this would result in additional dilution for investors. Detailed information concerning Median technologies, and specifically its business, its results and the risk factors that it is exposed to, is provided in the Annual Financial Report for the financial year ended on December 31, 2019 published in 2020, in the Half-year financial Report on June 30, 2020 and in the management report presented to the Shareholders' General Meeting dated June 19, 2020. These documents can be consulted, along with the other regulatory disclosures and all the press releases, on the Company's website (www.mediantechnologies.com). This press release is intended exclusively for information. This press release does not constitute and cannot be considered to constitute a public offering, an offer for subscription, an offer for sale or a solicitation of interest with a view to making a public offering of securities in any country whatsoever. Securities can only be offered or sold in the United States of America after registration in accordance with the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirement. The Company's securities subject to this press release have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, and the Company does not intend to make a public offering of the securities subject to this press release in the United States of America. The publication or distribution of this press release in certain countries may be prohibited under applicable laws. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities in France, the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other country. This press release is not intended to be published, released or distributed, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan. This document does not constitute an offer for sale or a public offering for Median Technologies shares in the United States of America or any other country. About Median Technologies:Median Technologies provides innovative imaging solutions and services to advance healthcare for everyone. We leverage the power of Imaging Phenomics to provide insights into novel therapies and treatment strategies. Our unique solutions for medical image analysis and management in oncology trials and iBiopsy for imaging phenotyping, together with our global team of experts, are advancing the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools to monitor disease and assess response to therapy. Median Technologies supports biopharmaceutical sponsors and healthcare professionals around the world to quickly and precisely bring new treatments to patients in need. This is how we are helping to create a healthier world. Founded in 2002, based in Sophia-Antipolis, France, with a subsidiary in the US and another one in Shanghai, Median has received the label "Innovative company" by BPIfrance and is listed on Euronext Growth market (ISIN: FR0011049824, ticker: ALMDT). Median is eligible for the French SME equity savings plan scheme (PEA-PME), is listed on the Enternext PEA-PME 150 index. The company has been awarded the Euronext European Rising Tech label (2020). For more information: www.mediantechnologies.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005751/en/ Contacts: Median Technologies Emmanuelle Leygues Head of Corporate and Marketing Communications +33 6 10 93 58 88 emmanuelle.leygues@mediantechnologies.com Press ALIZE RP Caroline Carmagnol +33 6 64 18 99 59 median@alizerp.com Investors ACTIFIN Ghislaine Gasparetto +33 1 56 88 11 11 ggasparetto@actifin.fr .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, discernment means the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure. The public relies on us, the Legislature, to discern how a proposed bill will impact the state of New Mexico. It is our duty to not only understand the legislation before us but whether the legislation leads to conflict, ambiguities or unintended consequences. The interim, what happens between regular sessions, provides the Legislature with the time and ability to fully comprehend issues and potential legislation so that we do not find ourselves blurry-eyed in a 30- or 60-day regular session. In New Mexico, our interim period affords us with the time to investigate comprehensive policy positions and organize in-depth analysis of issues concerning the state. We should prepare for the upcoming interim by looking at the bills (that were) before the 55th Legislature and the different directions in which those bills (were) moving. Members introduced legislation to restrict agencies in one area and to broaden that same agencys jurisdiction in another. Other bills seek to re-write well established areas of law without providing context as to why the law needs to change. Instead of pushing through these proposals, our state would be better served by us using the interim to dig-in to these issues, bring differing viewpoints together so we may be fully informed and not reacting to absolutes. One area that would benefit from an interim period of discernment relates to our natural resources. Now is the time for us to take a holistic approach to address mining, renewable energy and oil and gas. We need to create a comprehensive policy that moves forward sustainability goals for New Mexicos bountiful natural resources while not disadvantaging our economically-challenged communities. It is incumbent upon the Legislature to acknowledge that all of our natural resources benefit New Mexico. We should not be picking winners or losers but directing policy through sound legislation that drives innovation and sustainability. During the interim divergent voices can be brought together to not only address natural resources but also water and air. This session, as have past sessions, legislation was introduced that in one instance would prohibit an agency from acting and in the next instance would expand its authority. Our environment is better protected when an agency is provided clear guidance by the Legislature and is directed to operate in a transparent and consistent manner. The interim also allows us, the Legislature, to work together in a more relaxed setting. All sessions are a pressure cooker, causing tensions to rise, yet, the first regular session of the 55th Legislature was even more difficult because of the pandemic. Measures were in place to keep people safe and not spread the COVID-19 virus, for which I am grateful. Alternatively, this does mean that the laid-back conversations on the floor or in members offices were not happening, leading to fissures in communication. As more New Mexicans receive the vaccine, I am hopeful the affable conversations and rapport shared in the Legislature will return as we conduct more of our business face-to-face. By working together, we can provide informed solutions to real problems instead of looking for problems in need of solving. The Legislature best serves the public when issues are not forced, when we create a space that allows those with differing experiences and knowledge to come together and put the best interests of New Mexico first. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ 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 Just as millions of tons of plastic pollute our planets waterways and oceans each year, man-made space objects totaling thousands of metric tons are polluting the celestial space surrounding our planet, and the problem is growing. A report by Salon cited the European Space Agency (ESA), who said the total mass of all man-made space objects in Earths orbit is more than 9,200 metric tons. To break that down by size, ESA indicated statistical models estimate there are 34,000 objects greater than 10 centimeters; 900,000 objects greater than 1 centimeter and up to 10 centimeters, and 128 million objects greater than 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter. Salon noted that as more satellites launch into our orbit, the massive amount of space junk poses a serious issue for potential collisions or inhibiting the function of these satellites. Introducing, the space janitor. On Monday, a spacecraft named ELSA-d (which stands for End-of-Life Services by Astroscale) launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, its mission - to test a way to clean up space debris, Salon reported. Heres how it works. Salon explained that ELSA-d will attach itself to future dead satellites and other space junk and then proceed to push them toward Earth, where upon entering Earths atmosphere, they can burn up. According to the missions web page, ELSA-d consists of two space crafts: a servicer satellite and a client satellite that will act as a space janitor for man-made orbital debris. However, it is not designed to capture dead satellites already in orbit, but rather future ones that would be launched with compatible docking plates. Mondays mission is part of a test to see if the two satellites are up for the job. Its a very tedious catch-and-release dance. The servicer satellite will use its magnetic docking mechanism to target and rendezvous with the client satellite, the web page explains. A private Japanese company called Astroscale is behind the mission. Salon cited John Auburn, Astroscales managing director in the United Kingdom, who explained to NBC News that this is a very tedious catch-and-release dance to do in space. Auburn said: Its enormously complex because you have to exactly match the motion of the spacecraft youre docking with. He added, When a spacecraft docks with the International Space Station, thats a very controlled maneuver. But if youre trying to dock with a failed satellite, it could be tumbling and you have to very slowly come together almost like youre doing a dance. Salon noted however, that if these satellites can stick the dance, ELSA-d could be a viable solution to a growing problem in space. READ MORE: Dubai: A cargo container ship that is among the largest in the world has turned sideways and blocked all traffic in Egypts Suez Canal, officials said on Wednesday, threatening to disrupt a global shipping system already strained by the coronavirus pandemic. The MV Ever Given, a Panama-flagged container ship that carries trade between Asia and Europe, became grounded on Tuesday in the narrow, man-made waterway dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula. It is carrying goods from China to Rotterdam. It wasnt immediately clear what caused the Ever Given to turn sideways in the canal. GAC, a global shipping and logistics company, described the Ever Given as suffering a blackout while transiting in a northerly direction, without elaborating. When New Orleans food blogger Sheryl Boudy cooked up her favorite recipes at a demonstration in Harvey recently, instructions were given in two ways: English and American Sign Language. That's because Boudy's wildly popular Facebook group Sheryl in the Kitchen, has attracted large numbers of followers who are deaf. They know Boudy, 62, as Anthonys sister, through her brother, Anthony Aramburo, 63, a retired sign-language professor. The result is an avid fan base of deaf people who follow Boudy and attend her cooking demos, which include sign-language interpretation by her brother. Over the years, he has built up his sign-language vocabulary to include many cooking terms. For the audience of both hearing and deaf cooks at the demonstration, Boudy stressed the importance of boiling the noodles for her creamy crawfish pasta only until they were al dente. Several feet away, her brother translated the Italian cooking term by tapping on his front teeth, to signify the crunch left in the pasta, he said. When his sister turned the heat down to simmer on the stove, he stretched out his fingers and wiggled them to make flames, then rotated his hand to show the flames going down. The two of them have bonded over cooking and sign language for more than 50 years. Born only a year apart, the siblings grew up as best friends in a family of five children. Since all best friends need a secret language, the brother and sister first tried to communicate in "pig Latin," but found it easily decoded by people around them. So young Sheryl and Anthony turned to the household Encyclopaedia Britannica and began fingerspelling to each other using the manual alphabet of American Sign Language. At the same time, they were learning their way around a kitchen. Their mother, Sophie Aramburo, worked as a schoolteacher, while their father, insurance salesman Alvin Aramburo Sr., had more flexible hours that allowed him to be the familys chief cook. His recipes and stories are now an official part of New Orleans history, through Boudys new cookbook, Recipes My Daddy Never Wrote Down: A Collection of New Orleans Recipes From My Childhood." Both brother and sister are now retired. Aramburo majored in special education with an emphasis on deafness, receiving his doctorate in 2003. In 1983, when he received his national certification as an American Sign Language interpreter, a large number of deaf students were entering high school and college as a result of the German measles (Rubella) epidemic in the United States during the 1960s. 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 Aramburo first worked as a community interpreter. Then, in the late 1990s, he was hired at Xavier University, one of about 150 schools nationwide where students can fulfill a foreign-language requirement by learning American Sign Language. He also has served as an interpreter for the deaf in medical emergencies via telehealth, and interprets for deaf criminal defendants. He was an interpreter during the popes visit and has been hired to provide translation services on ocean cruises. While interpreters are now routine at government events, they are seldom seen at private gatherings, including Zoom events during the pandemic, leaving out people who are deaf, Boudy said. Boudy retired after 33 years as a social worker with the state of Louisiana. As her brother taught ASL classes, she enrolled, hoping to improve her sign-language skills. Though she cant always carry on a full conversation, she has gotten to the point where she can eavesdrop on sign-language conversations and understand them, she said. In their childhood home, Sheryl became the designated cook, while Anthony became the familys baker. He created her wedding cake and, for most of their lifetime, baked a German-chocolate cake at least three times a year, since it is his favorite and was also the annual birthday preference for both their dad and their youngest brother. That division of labor, with her cooking and him baking, has continued through their lives. For Boudys cookbook, she ceded the dessert section to her brother, who contributed the recipe for his German chocolate cake along with four others: bread pudding with rum sauce, sweet potato ooey-goey, praline Bundt cake and pecan tart. Still, these days, when theyre working together, the two know each others movements so well that no language, of any sort, is necessary. There is very little talking, we just know what to do we flow, Aramburo said. Details on Boudys cooking demonstrations can be found on sherylboudy.com. Scenes of protest from international passengers against being placed under quarantine to curb the spread of Covid-19 virus were witnessed at the Delhi Airport recently. However, sources claim that the situation was later resolved. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, March 24 : The Centre on Wednesday introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha to amend the definition of "major airport" so as to extend its scope to determine the tariff for a group of airports and encourage development of smaller airports. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri introduced the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (Amendment) Bill, 2021 which proposes to amend the definition of "major airport". The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India has been determining the tariffs of aeronautical charges at major airports in the country. Under the present Act, "major airport" has been defined to mean any airport which has, or is designated to have, annual passenger in excess of three and a half million. However, it does not provide for determination of tariff for a group of airports. Developing a greater number of airports through public-private partnership mode would expand air connectivity to relatively remote and far-flung areas. Therefore, the government has decided to club or pair airports having profitable and non-profitable airports which could be offered in public-private partnership mode as a package to the prospective bidders. As the border is overwhelmed, as Rep. Cuellars photographs attest, you might want to consider those pundits who shrieked in moral outrage at Trump for those kids in cages photographs. But some of those photographs were actually taken by The Associated Press in 2014 during the Obama/Biden administration, an AP fact check found. Joan Fitzgerald says people should not wait before having any suspicious symptoms checked out. Photo: Mark Condren Walking down the aisle after getting married, Joan Fitzgerald looked around the church and suddenly realised there were a lot more guests there than she had been expecting. I was looking around and thinking I didnt think you would show up and you said you couldnt come but here you are, said Joan. Though she had been expecting 90 people to attend, thanks to word of mouth in the end 130 people showed up to celebrate a wedding that had been planned in just two weeks. Everything worked out fine the hotel had made extra chicken curry and found more chairs. The weather was unreal it was 25C that day. We couldnt have planned it better, said Joan, who lives with husband Gary in Kilcullen, Co Kildare. As a nurse in the cardiac unit in Crumlin Childrens Hospital, she said she had always been good at telling everyone else to get their health checked. At the end of July 2014, at the age of 34, she was leaning over a babys cot one night in work when she suddenly felt dizzy. Concerned, she went to a GP and was diagnosed at St Jamess Hospital with a rare thymoma tumour in her chest. It was large, taking up most of her chest and wrapped around her heart. Read More Surgery wasnt an option and the urgency of the situation meant there was not enough time to freeze her eggs before beginning chemotherapy. It was devastating, said Joan. After chemo, she met her surgeon, who warned that any operation would be extremely high risk with an 80pc chance she might die. Daffodil Day, supported by Boots, is on Friday, 26 March. Use the button below to make a much-appreciated donation to the Irish Cancer Society and receive a month's free premium access to Independent.ie to read more stories of resilience and hope. Anyone with concerns or questions about cancer can contact the support line on freephone: (1800) 200-700 But I said: OK, theres a 20pc chance I might live, said Joan. The couple decided that they would go ahead and get married before the surgery in two weeks time. However the tumour proved inoperable. Joan was completely crushed. The surgeon told her she would be lucky to see Christmas and told her to go away and enjoy her life. Counselling from the Irish Cancer Society helped her at this dark time. I just couldnt get my head around it that was my chance to get rid of the tumour and I didnt know what I was going to do. I didnt want to leave Gary. I didnt want to die. She wants to get the message out this Daffodil Day that people should not wait around before having any suspicious symptoms checked out. She has since gone on to have a further three rounds of chemotherapy and has beaten the odds. Having been told five years ago she might not see Christmas, she celebrated her 40th birthday in January and she and Gary celebrate their fifth anniversary this summer. Black humour helps hugely, she says, and when she goes home to Limerick, friends say: Are you still here? We went to your wedding because we thought you were dying. I love that, said Joan. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Boris Johnson said it was too early to say whether foreign holidays will be allowed from the UK, but rising cases in Europe meant things certainly look difficult for the time being. The Prime Minister said he hoped to give more information about foreign travel on April 5, a week before the Governments global travel task force is due to report. A lot of people do want to know about whats going to happen on the holiday front and I know theres a great deal of curiosity and interest, Mr Johnson said at a No 10 press conference. All I can say is its just too early to say and my advice is to everybody to wait for the global travel task force to report. Weve heard already that there are other European countries where the disease is now rising so things certainly look difficult for the time being but we will be able to say more we hope in a few days time, I certainly hope to say more by April 5. Under the current roadmap for easing restrictions, the earliest date people in England could go on holiday abroad would be May 17. A senior scientific adviser has suggested people should plan to holiday in the UK this summer. Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the first UK lockdown last March, said relaxing border measures too early risked the success of the UKs vaccination programme. He said the risk from Europe is the arrival of new variants, or importing cases of the troubling South African variant from countries where cases were rising. Following @BorisJohnson's #RoadMap I will launch new aiGlobal Travel Taskforceai to facilitate return to international travel while still managing risk from imported cases & Variants of Concern. Taskforce will report on 12 Apr. International Travel resume no earlier than 17 May. Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) February 22, 2021 He told BBC Radio 4s World at One programme: I should say we also have some of the South African variant here already and other variants which may be similar, which were watching very carefully, so that is overall the major concern going forward and why we need to be vigilant, not just looking at Europe, and whats happening within our borders as well. Prof Ferguson said the effectiveness of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines might drop substantially, 60pc or 50pc in the face of variants. And what that means is if we then allow transmission to resume, which it is likely to do as we relax social distancing measures, we have that faint risk of being back in a situation where we have rising infections, rising hospitalisations with people who have been vaccinated, he said. And back to, in the worst case, where we were in January. So, the effectiveness, exactly how effective vaccines is, is very critical to how quickly were able... to relax measures. Asked if he was therefore in favour of keeping borders closed, Prof Ferguson said: I certainly am in favour of relaxing border measures at a slower rate than we relax controls within the country, and doing all we can to reduce the risk of importation of variants which might undermine our vaccination programme. Asked what he wanted to see, he said that meant having finished vaccinating everybody under 50, which will be late summer, and having vaccines in our stockpile which we know work very effectively against those variants. Conservatively and being risk averse at the moment, I think we should be planning on summer holidays in the UK, not overseas. He said most people travelling to and from France at the moment on essential business or for commerce were exempt from quarantine and testing measures. I think we need to reconsider that, not the quarantine bit, but for instance introducing testing of everybody coming back, including those essential workers. South Africa: Men urged to test for TB Deputy President David Mabuza has called on South African men to be counted in the nations efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) by getting tested. Unless men heed this call, the wellbeing of South Africans will forever hang in the balance, he said. Speaking during World TB Day in Mpumalanga on Wednesday, the Deputy President cited the results of the latest TB Prevalence Survey Report, which found that the infectious bacterial disease was 1.6 times higher in men compared to women in the country. Men must be encouraged to test for TB so that they get treated early before they spread the disease within their families and the entire community, he said. The Deputy President, who is also the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), acknowledged that todays commemoration was like no other, as the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19. He said the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of national health systems continue to be strained by waves of infections, hospitalisations and deaths. The national lockdown and movement restrictions, the Deputy President said, also contributed to the disruption of access to health services. This has led to a reduction in the number of TB detections, as patient contact and tracing services became difficult during the lockdown. This pandemic has the capacity to erode the achievements and progress achieved to date in the fight against the spread of TB, said Mabuza. He acknowledged that the diversion of financial resources to fund the response to COVID-19 has posed a risks to the consolidation of global efforts to end TB. The deepening levels of poverty, malnutrition and unequal access to TB treatment and care may undermine efforts to meet global targets to end TB. According to the Deputy President, time is of the essence, as South Africa is counted among the 30 countries with a high burden of TB. He has since called on citizens to rally behind national efforts to end TB and scale the national response by urgently finding, initiating and retaining TB patients in treatment and care. We should also work hard to regain those who have fallen by the wayside. Each one of us has a role to play in the fight to end TB. Meanwhile, he said government is still determined to fulfil the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs. In terms of this plan, Mabuza said government is targeting to diagnose at least 90% of all people infected with TB, while treating 100% of those who have tested positive, and decrease TB deaths by at least 30%. This year, the National Strategic Plan is nearing the finish line, yet the numbers, in terms of targets we had set for HIV, TB and STIs, remain stubbornly high. However, he told delegates that government is working tirelessly to reduce new infections from 450 000 to 315 000 per year. Mabuza raised concern about the latest finding, which shows that 390 000 people became infected with the virus in 2018 in South Africa, while only 60% of them were diagnosed. This suggests that there is a large number of people who are walking around with the infection but are not on treatment. That is dangerous, considering that one person infected with TB could potentially infect a further 15 people. Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said almost 50 000 people have succumbed to TB annually for the past three years. The Minister said COVID-19 has disrupted not only peoples normal lives but also service delivery, and admitted that government is falling behind its treatment interventions. Mkhize said government is working hard to improve communication around TB, civil society engagement, integrating TB, COVID-19 and HIV services, strengthening airborne infection control processes and exploring innovative ways to ensure treatment adherence. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. From the Shadows into the Sunlight: Making Racial Discrimination Irrelevant talks about racial discrimination in one of the most diverse countries in the world. From the Shadows into the Sunlight: Making Racial Discrimination Irrelevant is the work of Rick Kelly, a Vietnam War veteran and former California attorney. Kelly shares, All Americans should welcome the opportunity to move forward into a better future for America and for all Americans while mending ancient wounds from the nations original sin and at the same time seek to remediate the lingering ills and inflicted hardships still present to this day that divides the nations people such that some Americans still feel relegated to second class citizenship. Courageous people of all faiths, of goodwill, and of conscience can impart heartfelt support for a new emancipation that moves toward freeing both black and white Americans from the racial disharmony and acrimony that surrounds the issue of racial discrimination in America. It is now possible to seek a new direction that promotes self-reliance and economic progress from within the black community by redirecting black earned resources through black individuals not through the endless, ineffective government programs and bureaucracies. It has been more than half a century since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 outlawed the racial discrimination and segregation that persists to this day, and the government has clearly failed to abate such daily pathologies. Government poverty and affirmative action programs have not reduced the racial wealth gap that remains virtually unchanged since 1964. The black middle class suffers from consistently higher unemployment rates while also being burdened with increasing high student loan debt and home mortgage debt that reduces the opportunity for home ownership and family net worth growth. President John F. Kennedy in a 1961 speech repeated the time-worn saying that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. This book suggests a new direction of self-reliance and hope with a new emancipation proclaimed for all Americans, if only there is finally the will to put the nations dark past behind us and move out of the shadows and into the sunlight of a just and moral new future. Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Rick Kellys new book talks about the injustices experienced by persons of color in modern-day America. In this insightful work, the author shines as a voice against racial discrimination in modern America. View a synopsis of From the Shadows into the Sunlight: Making Racial Discrimination Irrelevant on YouTube. Consumers can purchaseFrom the Shadows into the Sunlight: Making Racial Discrimination Irrelevant at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about From the Shadows into the Sunlight: Making Racial Discrimination Irrelevant, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Initial drilling will focus on the northern part of the East Canyon claim holdings, where extensive mineralisation has been observed and identified in sampling. ( ) plans to begin the first phase of drilling at East Canyon Uranium-Vanadium Project in the extended Uravan Mineral Belt of south-eastern Utah, USA, upon receipt of final drill permits and environmental approvals. Since acquiring East Canyon in May 2020, the company has been progressing the project towards first phase drilling through low-cost, early-stage exploration including geochemical sampling and mapping. This work has confirmed the presence of extensive high-grade uranium and vanadium mineralisation in historical workings on the 18.7 square kilometres of East Canyon claim holdings and this has been incorporated into planning for the initial TNT drilling program originally slated for late 2020. Shares have been as much as 27% higher intra-day to 21.5 cents. Final stages of drill permitting While the drill permitting process has taken longer than anticipated, TNT has now reached the final stages, with surety bond monies to be paid this week to the US Bureau of Land Management as required prior to the issue of the permits. Drilling is planned to begin shortly after the permits and remaining environmental approvals are received with the aim to better define the prospectivity of the project, with focus on the northern part of the claim holdings and the historic Bonanza and None Such workings. This is where the company has conducted the bulk of its underground channel sampling and mapping, which have returned high-grade assays of up to 1.27% uranium and 8.30% vanadium. Field reconnaissance work In August 2020 visible uranium and vanadium mineralisation was observed throughout both None Such and Bonanza during field reconnaissance. The Bonanza workings were discovered to be more extensive than first understood through mapping, while the extent of the high-grade channel sample mineralisation identified at both locations was highly encouraging. Some of the samples collected emitted radiation levels that exceeded the safe handling limits of the ALS laboratory in Nevada and required special packaging before being transported to ALSs facility in Vancouver, Canada, which is suitably configured to handle samples of this nature. Within Uravan Mineral Belt The East Canyon Project covers 231 contiguous claims in the Dry Valley and East Canyon uranium and vanadium mining district in San Juan County, Utah, within the Uravan Mineral Belt, an important source of uranium and vanadium ore in the United States for more than 100 years. Historic production from the Uravan Belt is more than 85 million pounds of uranium at an average grade of more than 0.13% uranium and 660 million pounds of vanadium at an average grade of 1.3% vanadium. The district hosts several significant uranium-vanadium operations including TSX-listed Energy Fuels La Sal Complex mine and White Mesa Mill, which is the only operational uranium mill in the US. Energy Fuels. Energy Fuels has historically accepted toll milling agreements as well as purchase programs for processing ore from third party mines. There is currently no relationship or arrangement in place between Energy Fuels and TNT, but White Mesa does present a potential processing solution for ore from East Canyon should economic resources be identified. 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 concept of Universal Basic Income has been around for centuries, dating back to Sir Thomas More's 1516 book "Utopia." But its roots have never gained widespread traction despite its success until now. Andrew Yang, the former Democratic presidential candidate and current New York City mayoral candidate, made UBI a hallmark of both campaigns, and as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the concept is making a resurgence in communities across the nation. Nationally, the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package includes an advance of the child tax credit of roughly $300 per child, which families can receive monthly for at least six months, and is seen by many as one way that guaranteed income is materializing in America. Separately, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, proposed the Family Security Act, which calls for payments up to $1,250 monthly for parents and expectant parents. More than 40 community leaders across the country have also joined Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to explore pilot programs. Here in New York, Ulster County and other communities including Jamestown, Ithaca, Mount Vernon and the city of Hudson which launched its program in November of 2020 for 25 participants, who each receive $500 per month for five years are in the beginning stages of implementing their own UBI programs. Many see UBI as just for people in poverty or those who are struggling, but it can impact entire communities. This is a program for everyone, said Keiko Sono, who hosts a series of podcasts about Universal Basic Income through the Forge Collective, an arts community focused on creating a humanity forward society in the Catskills. Sono has been active in educating the public about the benefits of UBI through the Ulster County Universal Basic Income and the Hudson Valley Yang Gang Facebook groups. UBI offers financial security in case of job loss, a natural disaster, medical emergency or a pandemic. By providing guaranteed income universally, says Sono, you lessen the chance of any one person slipping through the cracks. If you do it universally you wont have that problem, she said. Proponents argue that UBI can be viewed as an investment in people in both the long and the short term. Caregivers, parents and children, for instance, can all benefit from UBI by using the funds to access health care. This in turn reduces health care costs because individuals are in better health, said Sono. UBI is a step forward, to a positive future for all of us, she said. Ulsters unique UBI program Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan announced the launch of Project Resilience during his State of the County Address in February. The pilot program is available to county residents who make $46,900 or less. According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Ulster County is $64,304 and about 12 percent are in poverty, which is slightly higher than the national average income of $62,843 and 10.5 percent poverty rate. What sets the Ulster program apart from other pilot programs is rural residents will also be able to participate. Many pilot programs are focused in urban areas. We look a lot like America in Ulster County, said Assistant County Executive Anna Markowitz during a public forum held March 10 via Zoom. She noted the diversity of the countys residents whether it be political affiliation, occupation or citizenship status. According to Markowitz, undocumented immigrants are eligible for the program. The program had 4,200 applications by the March 15 deadline, Markowitz said. Of those applicants, 100 qualifying individuals will be chosen at random and vetted through a thorough one-on-one interview process by University of Pennsylvanias Center for Guaranteed Income. We want everyone to have an equal chance, Markowitz said. The program will not impact income taxes as it qualifies as a gift, but it may impact other state assistance programs. It will be up to the individual if they want to proceed in the program, she said. Upon approval, individuals will receive $500 per month for one year, which has already been raised through community donations, with no restrictions on how the money is spent. Another 100 participants will be chosen as a control group and will not receive funds. Participants may start to receive payments in May. Markowitz said UBI will help jump-start individuals lives by reducing the so-called income or subsidy cliff, referring to the breaking point when health insurance subsidies are no longer available due to income levels. The program would also hopefully remove some of the barriers to firming up job interviews, such as child care costs or being able to afford clothes, and providing peace of mind by providing guaranteed income for an entire year so recipients can unlock their potential, she said. She acknowledged that the end of the program may be jarring for participants receiving the funds, and said that the university will follow up with participants after 6 months. I wish we could fund this forever, Markowitz said. This is a good timing, but if we dont learn it is a missed opportunity. As for what is seen as success, past pilot programs have a proven track record of success for individuals, Sono said.The long-term goal is to collect data and drive the UBI conversation across America, she said. A second phase of Project Resilience is already in the works, which will focus on supporting seniors and young people to address food insecurity. The GoFundMe page for Project Resilience benefitting the United Way of Ulster County has raised more than $233,000 toward its $1 million goal as of March 18 to help offset the cost of the program. Nick Otto/AFP via Getty Images UBI vs the American ideal of earning your pay UBI programs have a mixed history in this country. President Richard Nixon was on the verge of passing a UBI plan in 1969, which would have awarded $1,600 annually to struggling Americans to address the War on Poverty, but it was struck down by Democrats. The largest and longest running guaranteed income program is the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend. The program has been awarding every man, woman and child in the state thousands of dollars annually from the states mines, oil, and gas reserves revenue. In 2020, the program awarded $992 to qualified applicants, which was the lowest amount since 2013. In 2019, conversely, 633,243 applicants received $1,606 each. The program has been credited with reducing poverty and boosting the economy. Nobody thinks of that as socialism and it is their right as a citizen of Alaska, Sono said. The real obstacle is not about technology, or about economics, it is about ideology. We have this old-fashioned Calvinist ideology, you have to work for your money and very outdated definitions of what work is, said Rutger Berman, author and historian, who wrote Utopia for Realists: The Case for Universal Basic Income. The author has several theories as to why UBI is not widely accepted. He also blames the perception people have of human nature, that if they do not have to work they will not contribute to society. But he argues that people have intrinsic motivation because we are meaning-seeking, story-telling creatures. The positive impacts of UBI and the fallout when it was taken away were demonstrated in the late 1970s in the remote community of Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada, where every family received $16,000 Canadian dollars annually for four years. The project, called Mincome, sprouted new businesses and lowered mental-health issues and alcohol-related hospitalizations. The project was terminated in 1979 due to lack of funding, resulting in increased hospitalizations and the loss of the new businesses, according to the study. Future of UBI: Understanding universality With dozens of pilot programs across the country coming online, research will soon be available to document the effects of implementing UBI permanently. The trouble is that each municipality is targeting only a segment of their population, said Sono, which makes it difficult to evaluate the impact on the entire community. For example, San Francisco is providing guaranteed income to artists, teaching artists and cultural workers. In Atlantas Old Fourth Ward the birthplace of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who called for guaranteed income during his preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church an economic task force is working to implement a pilot program where gentrification has made black families five times more likely to be living under the federal poverty line than their white neighbors. Another program in the city of Stockton, California, which was hit hard by the Great Recession and collapse of the housing market, reported success with employment up and better mental health for the 125 participating city residents. Those participants, whose median household income was less than $46,000, received $500 per month for two years. Many pilot programs, including Ulster Countys, are modeled after Stockton with officials hoping for similar results. We wont know the true impact of UBI until it goes to everyone, said Sono, who sees Ulsters Project Resilience as a path forward that she hopes starts to open discussions in the county to better educate residents. It is an open book that we can all participate in and build, Sono said. I hope we get to the next stage of understanding universality. -- Adam Colver is an award-winning freelance journalist who lives in northern Saratoga County. He previously worked for The Post-Star and The Press-Republican. During his free time, you can find him in the Adirondacks on the trails with his two canine companions or paddling on the many bodies of water. To contact him email acolver@gmail.com. Massachusetts education officials have approved a plan for Worcester to delay its return to full-time learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the district to bring K-8 students back five days a week in May. The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is requiring districts to have full-time in-person learning for K-5 students by April 5 and for grade 6-8 students by April 28. Parents are allowed to keep their children at home for remote learning for the rest of the school year. Worcester asked the department to delay the return to five days of in-person learning for K-8 students until May 3, saying the district needed more time to transition to its hybrid learning model. DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley wrote in a letter Wednesday that the request was approved. It is critical that Worcester students return to the classroom as expeditiously as possible after a year of remote learning. We know that families are anxious to have their children back in school full-time, Riley wrote in the letter, which was obtained by MassLive. Students with high needs returned to Worcester school buildings on March 15 for hybrid learning. About 12,600 other students will go back to buildings for hybrid learning on Monday. Superintendent Maureen Binienda told school committee members last week that with the switch from fully remote to hybrid, and with April vacation on the horizon, the district needed more time to transition. There is also a concern that 13 schools, in particular, wont be able to fit all students for learning five days a week at a distance of 3 feet. Worcester has been sticking to a distance of 6 feet in schools, though DESE requires a 3-foot minimum, which was also recently recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Worcesters plan means that K-5 students will be a few weeks behind the states timeline for in-person learning, but grade 6-8 students will only be a few days delayed from the DESE timeline. Riley, in his letter, wrote that there can be no further delays past the waiver date of May 3 for full-time education and urged the district to bring students back earlier if possible. It is also unlikely that WPS will be granted any further waivers for returning middle or high school students to full-time, in-person school, the letter read. In laying out its timeline to return to school full-time, DESE had said waivers would be granted for districts that had primarily been remote this academic year. The department said it would not grant waivers in cases where districts reported that space in buildings was too limited while still using more than 3 feet of distance in classrooms. Waiver requests were due to the state Monday. DESE received 74 waiver requests. On Tuesday, six of those requests had been denied, 10 were under review and 58 were approved. We are pleased that 90 percent of districts will have their elementary schools back fully in-person by April 5, with all elementary schools in the Commonwealth fully in-person by May 3, Riley said in a statement Tuesday. DESE has not yet decided on a return date for high school students but expects to make an announcement in April. Districts are encouraged to plan for a return to in-person learning for pre-kindergarten as soon as possible. Related Content: Elon Musk previously stated on Twitter that he is an alien, but it seems the billionaire has had a change of opinion with a recent post that questions the existence of aliens. 'Strongest argument against aliens,' Musk tweeted, along with two charts that shows camera resolution has advanced, but UFO pictures have remained the same. The post concludes that extraterrestrials do not exist, due to most images showing floating blobs, but many of the comments argue otherwise. One user responded with 'that's exactly what an alien would tweet,' while another explains that most cameras 'are only capturing 400-700 nanometers' and are not capable of capturing 'true reality.' Scroll down for video 'Strongest argument against aliens,' Elon Musk tweeted, along with two charts that shows camera resolution has advanced, but UFO pictures have remained the same. The post sparked a debate on Twitter Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, posted the tweet in the early hours of Tuesday. It has since received more than 11,000 comments, 41,000 shares and 400,000 likes. Many of his bizarre tweets typically garnish a lot of attention, but due to Musk's reputation in the space industry this one sparked a debate. Artificial Intelligence scientist Lex Fridman was among those who disagree with the tweet, who said 'this is exactly what an alien would tweet.' The post appears to conclude that extraterrestrials do not exist, due to most images showing floating blobs, but many of the comments argue otherwise. One user poked fun at the CEO saying the tweet is something an alien would share Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, posted the tweet in the early hours of Tuesday. It has since received more than 11,000 comments, 41,000 shares and 400,000 likes Another Twitter user explains that most cameras 'are only capturing 400-700 nanometers' and are not capable of capturing 'true reality.' Entrepreneur Amit Paranjape added to the thousands of comments with the fact that since the birth of smartphones, random UFO sightings have dropped. Twitter user 'Evilspot' is seems to not believe Musk's claim saying: 'He does believe aliens are real...its just kinda of upsetting that every 'ufo sightings' are like 180p or something..why are the images always look like crap!' And another user by the name of 'Ash WSB' said 'the issue is Aliens move very fast.' Musk has shown a flip-flopping opinion when it comes to life beyond our world. Not only has he tweeted 'I am an alien,' but also made the claim in 2020 that the Egyptian pyramids were made by extraterrestrials. The tweet gave credit to 'aliens' for building the pyramids in Giza near Cairo in July 2020. 'Aliens built the pyramids obv,' he wrote. The bizarre message, however, prompted a response from Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation, Rania al-Mashat. 'I follow your work with a lot of admiration' wrote al-Mashat via Twitter. 'I invite you & Space X to explore the writings about how the pyramids were built and also to check out the tombs of the pyramid builders. Mr. Musk, we are waiting for you,' she added. Musk seemed to take the claim back in a follow up social media post linking to an article describing how the pyramids were more likely built by humans living in an Egyptian settlement. Musk, who is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, posted the tweet in the early hours of Tuesday Musk has shown a flip-flopping opinion when it comes to life beyond our world. Not only has he tweeted 'I am an alien,' but also made the claim in 2020 that the Egyptian pyramids were made by extraterrestrials. However, some user agree with the CEO's latest tweet 'This BBC article provides a sensible summary for how it was done,' Musk wrote, linking to a story with the headline, 'The Private Lives of the Pyramid-builders'. Musk's current opinion that aliens do not exist comes just two days after the US government said it has evidence of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom and making maneuvers impossible with known technology, the former Director of National Intelligence has revealed. John Ratcliffe, who served as Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence, said that many of the incidents still have no easy explanation. Not only has he tweeted 'I am an alien,' but also made the claim in 2020 that the Egyptian pyramids were made by extraterrestrials. The tweet gave credit to 'aliens' for building the pyramids in Giza near Cairo in July 2020 'There are a lot more sightings than have been made public,' Ratcliffe told Fox News. 'Some of those have been declassified. 'And when we talk about sightings, we are talking about objects that have seen by Navy or Air Force pilots, or have been picked up by satellite imagery that frankly engage in actions that are difficult to explain. 'Movements that are hard to replicate that we don't have the technology for. Or traveling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.' Ratcliffe told host Maria Bartiromo that the sightings of 'unidentified aerial phenomena' had been observed all around the world. 'When we talk about sightings, the other thing I will tell you is, it's not just a pilot or just a satellite, or some intelligence collection,' Ratcliffe said. 'Usually we have multiple sensors that are picking up these things, and some of these are unexplained phenomenon, and there is actually quite a few more than have been made public.' A woman sells balloons near a giant TV screen broadcasting news of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's victory. The Biden administration will not have an easy time on foreign relations, despite world leaders cheering his victory as a chance to enhance cooperation on climate change, the coronavirus and other problems after four years of President Donald Trump's rejection of international alliances. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Jason McKinney went from never having taught a live cooking class to now running a virtual cooking class empire where people can learn how to make pasta alongside Snoop Dogg, Raekwon and Method Man. McKinney is one of the three co-founders behind Truffle Shuffle, which went from selling truffles direct to restaurants before the start of the pandemic to fully leading popular online cooking classes during it, with included meal kits and ingredients. Truffle Shuffle founders McKinney, Tyler Vorce and Sarah McKinney met while working at The French Laundry you know, the uber-popular, three-Michelin-starred restaurant, scene of Newsoms very public COVID-19 birthday party misstep in 2020 in Yountville, Calif., and started their business together in 2018. When it came time to figure out what to do with 20 pounds of fresh truffles they had stashed at their apartment for their young business when the world shifted into shelter-in-place due to the pandemic, a pitch to do a virtual cooking class instead turned into an entirely new direction for the business. "It [was] a 100% pivot and no, none of us were chef instructors," McKinney said. "We had taught people how to cook in restaurants and we kind of applied those same principles. If you were to go to the French Laundry, 11 Madison Park, Alinea today, five years ago, at any point and you wanted to be a great chef, you would go in, you'd be eager, you'd be ready and the chef would say, 'go mise [en place] out these ingredients for risotto.' And then you would go measure everything and then you would make it standing next to the experienced chef. And so basically we kind of mimic that same process of how you train great chefs, but doing that with home chefs and giving them the ingredients, doing it live and allowing them to ask questions." It was a smart gamble that paid off, and the group has expanded from its initial six-person operation that first worked out of McKinney's 1,000-square-foot apartment, to a 46-person business operating out of its new Oakland headquarters 10 times the size of that apartment, and with four studio kitchens for live cooking classes and facilities that can pump out 10,000 meal kits a week, McKinney said. "[Our class] truly offers a level that you will never be able to achieve in a restaurant kitchen," McKinney said. "It offers a level of intimacy that you'll never be able to achieve in the restaurant kitchen, because as ... we're sharing the knowledge that we spent years to accumulate, we're watching in real time how well we are doing to communicate to the audiences that's taking part in the group. And if we do a well enough job with that, not only do [students] have a delicious dish, but they have a skill and a technique and a memory that they will carry with them forever." Courtesy Truffle Shuffle Now with the group's new facilities up and running, Truffle Shuffle is entering a new era of their business. They're attempting a sort of live streaming talk show version of a cooking class thats interactive and likely includes a celebrity guest judge like Snoop Dogg wholl ref your pasta rolling contest, as he did back in February. "We feel that live streaming is the media of the future and we want to be ahead of the curve, and we have a cooking show that airs on Zoom," McKinney said. "... Zoom allows you an accessibility that there has never been before, it allows for a virtual connection that there has never been before We found that using it as a tool to teach people how to cook better dishes in the comfort of their own home and whether there's a pandemic, no pandemic there'll never be a better way for people to learn how to make dishes than from the comfort of their own home. "What Zoom does, and the special guests do is ... maybe there's 15 minutes and you need to simmer the paella," McKinney continued. "We'll keep you entertained. We will make it fun for you the entire time." McKinney said they're working on getting a few more celebrity guests in the mix; Wu-Tang's Raekwon and Method Man (of whom Vorce and McKinney are both fans) are each taking part in a paella cooking class this upcoming March 28, with other special guests still in the works. Truffle Shuffle has also put together a weekly "segment" for their Sunday cooking classes called "Darnell and Friends," starring actor Darnell Abraham (who played George Washington in "Hamilton"), where a rotating cast of performers sing a few songs at the end of class. It's Truffle Shuffle's way of giving back to their customers, while also helping out performers who are out of work at the moment after COVID-19 forced the closures of plays and musicals. It's that giving ethos that has helped guide the company since its early days. Early on in the pandemic, Truffle Shuffle began providing one meal to a frontline healthcare worker for each cooking kit sold, and is now working on a partnership with the Alameda Food Bank. It's a cause thats important to McKinney, who experienced food insecurity as a child. The company has also helped out fellow restaurant industry folks as they've expanded the business, hiring a roster of staff that come from Michelin-starred restaurants, including acclaimed San Francisco restaurants Acquerello and Benu. "As [Truffle Shuffle] started growing, we had [a] decision to make: do we hire experienced talent that might already be working, or do we hire people that need a position and need a career right now? And we took the latter route and then we took the time to train them," McKinney recalled. "And now we've got a pretty smooth operating business over here and it's really just come from ingenuity, you know?" The payoff for moving into online cooking classes hasnt just been helping out those who are hurting in the hospitality industry, but also sharing their cooking know-how with home cooks, all while having a great time doing it. Meal kits and the Zoom cooking classes at Truffle Shuffle range from $95 - $125, for two servings of food. Sign-ups for Sunday classes must be received by Wednesdays at 4 p.m. to ensure that meal kits reach your home in time for instruction. Past cooking classes can be found on their YouTube page, here. For more information, head to www.truffleshufflesf.com. A South Australian mother and registered nurse has described how she was lucky to survive a vicious sustained beating to the head by a teenage boxer patient. 'If one punch landed slightly in a different spot on my skull, I would not be alive today, I'm certain of that,' said Amanda Treagus in her victim impact statement, which was presented at Adelaide's District Court, the ABC reported The court heard Ms Treagus cowered in the corner of a treatment room as she was punched 'at least 10 times' by trained boxer Jiah Thomas Chesher, 19, at Port Lincoln Hospital in 2019. The force of the attack at the hands of Jiah Chesher gave Ms Treagus (pictured) scarring, whiplash, PTSD and an 'incredibly sore' head and neck - and she has been unable to return to work A close up of some of the injuries Amanda Treagus suffered in the brutal assault in 2019 'You've taken away my trust, faith in humanity and compassion,' Ms Treagus's victim impact statement said, according to 9News. 'To hit me once would've been enough of a shock and difficult to deal with.' 'To be hit over and over repeatedly, very hard, very fast with no chance of defending yourself, to be hit again and again until you are cowering in the corner, pressed against a cupboard and still getting hit, no-one can comprehend.' 'Terrifying, that is the only way to describe it'. Ms Treagus, who has been unable to return to her normal duties, suffered severe bruising to her face, a sprained neck and whiplash and the court heard her face was still scarred. She still suffered frequent pain, headaches, concussion and nausea from pinched nerves and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ms Treagus added that some of her colleagues were so shocked and scared from witnessing her beating that they also could not return to work. The court heard there were fears Chesher could be violent before the attack. He was transported to the hospital in an ambulance accompanied by a police officer. His parents called an ambulance after finding him 'stood motionless in the kitchen for about an hour'. 'It's clear and highlights perhaps how vulnerable the alleged victim was in this situation,' Chesher's lawyer, Craig Fabbian, told the court. Mr Fabbian said Chesher was suffering from a psychotic episode linked to schizophrenia at the time of the attack. The court heard both the prosecutor and his lawyer agreed he was mentally incompetent at the time of the attack. The young man commenced rehabilitation after the attack and had shown 'improvements'. Amanda Treagus (pictured) was working in the emergency ward when she was bashed by the then-18-year-old she was treating at Port Lincoln Hospital The attacker, Jiah Thomas Chesher, 19, was suffering from psychosis related to schizophrenia at the time of the assault, his lawyer told Adelaide District Court It is expected Chesher will be released to live in the community under supervision but prosecutors want him banned from visiting Port Lincoln, which was his home town. Ms Treagus took to Facebook to make a statement in the days after the attack. 'I was violently assaulted at work, performing my nursing duties', she wrote. 'I just wanted people to be aware this happens and emergency workers and nurses and doctors we're there to help people. And this shouldn't happen, it shouldn't be allowed to happen.' Chesher returns to court next month. American culture is a grand mix of the old and the not so old, as we all know. As is true in other cultures, including the island culture here Read more A surge in asylum seekers crossing the border in the Rio Grande Valley has put a strain on the immigration system. A family crosses the Rio Grande River on March 17, 2021. (Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/TNS) Baghdad Bob Rides Again Commentary When I heard Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas say last Sunday on Meet the Press that the southern border is closed, it immediately brought to mind claims by Iraqs former information ministerdubbed Baghdad Bob and Comical Ali (aka Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf)about Saddam Husseins superior military forces. During the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, al-Sahaf said with a straight face that U.S. forces were not even (within) 100 miles (of Baghdad), as TV images showed the truth. It also reminded me of statements by some reporters that last summers riots were mostly peaceful. Secretary Mayorkas is asking us to ignore what our lying eyes see. Television pictures show thousands of migrants crossing the border. Adding to the mess is the Biden administrations authorization for ICE to spend $86 million to house migrants in American hotels. Will they also get hotel promotional points? Predictably, Mayorkas defaulted to the administrations position of blaming Donald Trump for not controlling the border. In fact, illegal border crossings declined substantiallymore than 70 percentduring the final two years of Trumps presidency. The Washington Times quoted then-acting Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan saying as economies in Latin American worsen from COVID-19, he expected unprecedented numbers to attempt to cross the border. Get ready, he warned. The Biden administration either wasnt ready, or OK with the invasion. When certain members of the media, who opposed the Trump presidency, start hammering President Biden for his administrations failure to control the border you know the worm is turning. Meet the Press host Chuck Todd said, Its fair to call the deteriorating situation at the U.S.-Mexico border a crisiseven if the Biden administration refuses to use that word. But its more than that: Its a political crisis for the new president, with no easy way out. Sure, there is. Finish the wall and electronic detection systems. Deport adult migrants, as President Obama did. Adding to the warning signs for the Biden administration was this comment from ABC reporter Martha Raddatz on This Week: The number of unaccompanied children and teenagers in border patrol custody reaching record numbers. Children forced to stay longer in overcrowded facilities. The media not allowed inside. The administration restricting access despite promising transparency, citing COVID and privacy concerns. The issue that at times plagued the previous administration now presenting a challenge to the Biden administration, one that shows no sign of abating any time soon. One is even beginning to read criticism of Bidens immigration non-policy in the editorial pages of The New York Times and Washington Post. When that happens, you know that claims by Mayorkas, Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and other administration officials are being seen for what they were from the startlacking in credibility. No country can long endure if it refuses to control its borders. Because of the pandemic, most European nations are closed to foreigners, as is Canada. Only the U.S. southern border remains porous. To reject the obvious is the ultimate denial. Baghdad Bob said it best, though in a completely different context, as he admonished the American media in 2003: Search for the truth. I tell you things and ask you to verify what I say That is a challenge the supportive press, at least up until now, should adopt when examining statements from members of the Biden administration. John Calvin Thomas has been a syndicated columnist, author, and radio commentator for more than 35 years. His latest book is Americas Expiration Date: The Fall of Empires and Superpowers and the Future of the United States. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. South Carolina's health agency wants to remind residents that the second COVID-19 vaccine dose is just as important as the first. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control said Wednesday that it has seen a number of people across the state not show up for their second vaccine dose appointment. The agency reminded everyone they're not fully vaccinated unless they have received both doses. The department also noted that there have been many vaccine appointments available recently, which is a new trend. Augusta University Health will be holding a vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Aiken Technical College, 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway. The clinic is open to residents who fall under phase 1b of South Carolina's vaccine distribution plan. This phase includes all residents aged 55 or older, residents aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions and front-line workers with increased occupational risk including, but not limited to, school staff and daycare workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers and law enforcement officers. Registrations must be completed in advance online at covid.augustahealth.org/vaccine. Walk-ins and phone appointments are not available. Aiken Regional Medical Centers hosted a vaccine clinic at USC Aiken on Wednesday, with 1,120 people receiving their first dose of the vaccine. The hospital will hold another clinic at USC Aiken from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, with 1,000 Moderna doses available. Appointments for Aiken Regional's clinics must be scheduled through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vaccine Administration Management System, or VAMS. Appointment availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration instructions for VAMS can be found online at aikenregional.com, clicking the "Read now" button at the top of the page and then scrolling down and clicking the button reading "Complete the vaccine request form." For residents who are already registered in VAMS, the appointments can be found on the system's website. As of March 24, South Carolina has received 2,439,210 total doses of COVID-19 vaccine and has administered 1,742,381. There are currently 689,865 vaccine appointments scheduled throughout the state. In Aiken County, 31,603 residents have been fully vaccinated, according to DHEC. DHEC confirmed nine COVID-19 cases in Aiken County on Wednesday. Across the state, there were 436 new cases and 23 deaths Wednesday. None of the deaths were in Aiken County. The data reported Wednesday is for the date of March 22. Wednesday's report brings the total confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Aiken County to 12,423, with 174 confirmed coronavirus-related deaths. Aiken County also has reported a total of 3,965 probable COVID-19 cases and 41 probable coronavirus-related deaths. In neighboring Edgefield County, two virus cases were confirmed on Wednesday. There was also a confirmed coronavirus-related death in Edgefield County on March 22. The victim was a young adult. Barnwell County had no new cases. Across the entire state, 547 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized. There is currently one COVID-19 bed occupied in Aiken County's hospitals. The total number of individual test results reported to DHEC statewide Wednesday was 14,007, and the percent positive was 4.7%. The total number of cases statewide is now 460,736, with 83,189 probable cases, 7,992 confirmed deaths and 1,063 probable deaths. Consistent with trends from across the country, academic achievement has slipped a little bit, moreso in math than in reading and especially among students who were already struggling. But according to the data, St. Helena kids have experienced less learning loss than the national average. The district plans to tackle the issue with targeted interventions based on the Measures of Academic Progress survey, which provide more granular data than standardized tests, and an enhanced summer school program. The reason the academic decline hasnt been any worse seems obvious to us, and Pearson agrees. We think its probably because weve been in person, with smaller class sizes and more support for individual students, she said. Federal and state COVID-19 relief funds are also helping: $850,000 coming from the feds, $370,000 in state money for reopening, and $800,000 in grants to mitigate learning loss. But other districts are eligible for that funding too, so it doesnt account for St. Helenas success. So lets give thanks for Basic Aid. But more important, lets give thanks to the peerless team of teachers and staff who use those resources to deliver a safe, world-class education to our kids. Editors note: Because of the health implications of the COVID-19 virus, this article is being made available free to subscribers and non-subscribers alike. If youd like to join us in supporting the mission of local journalism, please visit napavalleyregister.com/members/join. The Star editorial board consists of Director of News Content Sean Scully and community volunteers Norma Ferriz, Shannon Kuleto, Bonnie Long, Peter McCrea, Chuck Meibeyer, Gail Showley and Dave Yewell. State and federal water officials have delivered their most dire warning yet of Californias deepening drought, announcing that water supply shortages are imminent and calling for quick conservation. Among a handful of drastic actions this week, the powerful State Water Board on Monday began sending notices to Californias 40,000 water users, from small farms to big cities like San Francisco, telling them to brace for cuts. Its a preliminary step before the possibility of ordering their water draws to stop entirely. The move is the first major flex of the states water rights system since last decades five-year drought. Its also a sign of how similarly dry California has become over the past two years. The water rights system is designed to keep Californias rivers and reservoirs from emptying and lays out the hierarchy under which water users are cut off from the states vast, but limited, supplies should the situation worsen. I think we all see that hydrologically were in a drought, E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, said in an interview. And it means the availability of water isnt there for fulfilling all of the water rights holders. Local news for a global problem More local climate change stories and solutions in the MicroClimates newsletter. SIGN UP The many water rights holders, which range from someone pumping a creek for growing corn to a municipality damming a river to serve thousands, will increasingly have to turn to alternative sources in light of the state notices. Groundwater, desalination and purchasing water from more endowed users remain options, as does conservation. More for you Local Dismal California snowpack is bad sign for water supplies State officials said they would likely know by May or June whether they will order water users, based on their place in the water rights hierarchy, to stop taking surface water. The historic rights were generally assigned long ago, on a first-come, first-served basis. Property owners along rivers and creeks also have priority. How the water is used is not a factor in the states curtailments. Officials could choose to target users in certain drier regions. Water districts and landowners across California had just begun to receive the notices Tuesday and expressed a mix of reactions, from mild concern to alarm. The city of San Francisco, which has water rights in the Sierra and stores its draws in reservoirs, has enough supply in storage to weather a few more dry years. Many small farmers in the San Joaquin Valley, however, have fewer reserves to fall back on. I think everyone understands that curtailments are always a possibility in California, but its another blow to our ability to grow food and fiber, said Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition. In 2014 and 2015, amid one of the worst droughts in modern times, the State Water Board began an unprecedented series of restrictions on water rights holders. Even one of San Franciscos claims, on a stream that serves Camp Mather near Yosemite National Park, was curtailed. Esquivel said the state is much better prepared for drought now than it was last decade, and he hopes that means fewer water users will be forced to make cuts. Both cities and farms have adopted more efficient technology and water practices, and state policies have been implemented to better track and monitor water use. We have the benefit of being in a bit of a different place, he said Californias two big water projects also announced Tuesday that they would likely be delivering less water to their urban and rural customers over the coming year. The projects, one run by the federal government and the other by the state, capture snowmelt in big mountain reservoirs and send it through canals and aqueducts to drier parts of California. But storage in the systems is down this year. Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir, has just two-thirds of the water it historically holds in March, for example, while the second-largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, has only a little more than half of what it historically holds. The federally managed Central Valley Project said for many of its customers, which are mostly agricultural, it would be delaying its already reduced delivery of 5% of what users requested. Project managers did not say when the water will be released. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. The State Water Project, whose users skew toward urban areas and include suppliers in the East Bay and South Bay, downgraded its projected allocation from 10% of what users requested to 5%. Karla Nemeth, director of the California Department of Water Resources, told The Chronicle that the state had no choice, given the dry conditions in the Feather River watershed. This is where Lake Oroville is located. It would have to be biblical to adjust a water allocation at this point, Nemeth said, referring to the end of the wet winter season. Everyone is just hoping for a better year next year. Nemeth said restrictions during the last drought have prompted customers of the water projects to learn to do more with less. Were starting off (now) with a more efficient set of urban water users than we were in 2014 and 2015, she added. That said, were going to lean on the Save Our Water campaign ... and start preparing and planning. In addition to low reservoir levels, the spring snow melt-off, which historically recharges Californias reservoirs, is expected to be low. Snowpack in the Sierra and southern Cascades stands at 63% of what it typically is this time of year. The U.S. Drought Monitor, meanwhile, estimates that 90% of California is in at least a minor state of drought. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander Credit: CC0 Public Domain AstraZeneca on Wednesday denied reports it was stockpiling coronavirus vaccines in the EU to export to Britain, after Italian inspectors found 29 million doses in a manufacturing plant. The discovery fuelled concerns in Brussels that the firm was not being transparent about its production, and came on the same day the bloc tightened its export control mechanism amid a row with the UK over supplies. But AstraZeneca said 16 million doses in the plant in Agnani in central Italy were destined for the EU and the other 13 million for the Covax programme, which supports poorer countries and has Brussels' support. EU officials did not dispute the numbers. "There are no exports currently planned other than to Covax countries," an AstraZeneca spokesperson said. The doses destined for Europe were waiting for inspection before being dispatched, and were expected to be delivered by the end of April. Media reports alleged that the firm planned to ship the vaccines to Britain. European capitals are irritated that the UK-based company managed to supply its British commitment smoothly, while falling far short of its promised deliveries to the EU. But a British government source denied that any of the Agnani does were expected in the UK, and an Italian government official said they appeared to be destined for Belgium, a hub of vaccine production and distribution. The Italian plant performs "fill and finish", the process of putting vaccines produced elsewhere into vials and properly packaging them. "We suspected that AstraZeneca had more production capacity in Europe than they had accounted for," a European official told AFP, adding that industry commissioner Thierry Breton had asked Italy to investigate. The official said the EU would now check where the vaccines were set to be delivered to, and whether they were originally produced in plants authorised by the European Medicines Agency. The reports come as the EU said it would bolster rules on Covid-19 vaccine exports, making authorisations contingent on destination countries behaving fairly in return. EU officials said the scheme is not a "vaccine export ban" and does not target any country in particularthough they called out AstraZeneca for falling far short on its deliveries to Europe. Explore further EU tightens rules on coronavirus vaccine exports 2021 AFP As the investigation continues into the allegations of sexual misconduct by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York about whom tales of bad behavior are piling up like soiled wet wipes at a rib joint a vaguely similar scandal has taken down one of his aspiring rivals. Sunday evening, Representative Tom Reed, a Republican who had been contemplating a challenge to Mr. Cuomo in 2022, announced that he would instead be retiring from public office at the end of his congressional term. This change of heart occurred just a few days after accusations surfaced that Mr. Reed sexually harassed a young woman on a political trip four years ago. While on an ice-fishing retreat to Minnesota in January 2017, the then-45-year-old congressman got sloshed at a group dinner at a pub one night and groped a 25-year-old lobbyist, according to her account. Among other offenses, he is said to have unhooked the womans bra through her blouse and slid his hand up her thigh. Nicolette Davis, the woman in question, was on her first big schmoozing trip and was anxious for things to go smoothly. Horrified, she texted a co-worker, A drunk congressman is rubbing my back. And later, HELP HELP. Ms. Davis ultimately asked the person sitting on her other side to intervene, at which point the encroaching lawmaker was gently led from the pub. Ms. Davis, who later left lobbying to join the Army, deserves major kudos for sharing her story though it is disheartening that it took four years for her to feel comfortable enough to do so. Immediately after her close encounter with Mr. Reed, she told colleagues what had happened but declined to file an official complaint. I was afraid I would become that girl who made a mess of things for a member, and that no one would ever want to associate with me, she told The Washington Post, which first reported the accusations. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 - Politic : Open letter from the Federation of the Haitian Diaspora of Europe The Federation of the Haitian Diaspora of Europe (FEDHE) has sent an open letter to political leaders and members of the ruling class on the deterioration of the situation in Haiti, letter that we are publishing for our readers in its entirety that we invite you to read and share. Open letter from the FEDHE : "Ladies and Gentlemen politicians, For decades, Haiti's economic, political and social situation has steadily worsened. Some explain it by the incompetence of our political leaders and the virus of corruption, which plagues the system at all levels. Others blame the opposition or foreign powers. The culprits do not matter because the facts are there : the situation is such that Haiti and its people are on the verge of suffocation. In recent months, we have witnessed a mad escalation of violence, against a background of kidnapping and massacres, targeting all categories of the population, including those who defend and protect. The local population, Haitians living abroad and the rest of the world witness with amazement and disappointment for some, compassion or indifference for others, the fall of the first black Republic. Faced with this increasingly alarmist situation, actors from civil society, international public opinion and also the diaspora have raised their voices to say enough ! The Federation of the Haitian Diaspora of Europe (FEDHE) joins all those who denounce this unbearable situation, which cannot continue. Indeed, whether we are Haitians inside or outside, we suffer in our soul and in our flesh, with each new crime and with each new life taken from a family. Our suffering becomes anger and revolt when we see the apparent helplessness or indifference of those who are responsible for ensuring the safety and rights of the Haitian people. To restore confidence to all Haitians, it is urgent, Ladies and Gentlemen, politicians, to have the courage to take the necessary decisions, to reach the consensus that will allow the return of constitutional order, starting with the re-establishment of democratic institutions. It will then be time for those who are responsible for it to do what is necessary in order to establish lasting political and economic stability and finally begin the process of development of the country, at all levels. We remain convinced that it is possible to create better living conditions in Haiti, if everyone works for the common good, without being won over by greed and immorality. Paris, March 23, 2021 Modeline MICHAUD President-elect of the Federation of the Haitian Diaspora of Europe" HL/ HaitiLibre A sense of cautious optimism is spreading across northern Manitoba as First Nations prepare for one of the most ambitious health campaigns in Canada. A sense of cautious optimism is spreading across northern Manitoba as First Nations prepare for one of the most ambitious health campaigns in Canada. The first trickle of COVID-19 vaccine doses in a push to immunize most adults in remote communities started this week, while the long-awaited inoculation supersite in Thompson has been so popular, its run out of shots. "Everybody was just jolly and I dont think there were any complaints," Bernice Thorassie, client navigator for Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, told reporters at a virtual briefing Tuesday. Thorassie said she was impressed at how Manitobas public health officials kept a steady pace and an appropriate distance as they administered doses to 175 people from Tataskweyak Cree Nation. The band had chartered five buses to drive the two hours to Thompson for vaccinations, a process that involves getting consent forms ready, making sure people fit the age quota and sometimes answering questions in languages such as Cree. The province originally faced criticism over initial planning for the Thompson supersite (set at the airport, far from the city with no public transit and limited access to washrooms); ultimately, the Thompson Regional Community Centre has been a better fit, with glitches ironed out. "They were really, really nice; I was actually surprised at how structured it was and how people were moving through the TRCC to prevent cross-contamination," said Thorassie, who praised officials for also providing lunches to people arriving from outside the city. Soon, much of the north will have vaccines come to them, thanks to an effort to administer the required two doses of Moderna to 50,000 people by Canada Day. The effort spans 84 communities, including 63 reserves and 21 adjacent towns. The military will help get doses to 23 of these communities. Reserves such as Pimicikamak and Chemawawin have set up vaccination sites in local arenas, serving the reserve as well as adjacent towns (Cross Lake and Easterville, respectively). Joni Wilson, who represents MKO on the provinces vaccine task force, said Manitoba is prioritizing communities that have experienced natural disasters because of the complexity it would incur to safely evacuate unvaccinated people, should that need to occur. "Some of the considerations were regarding seasonal factors, such as overground flooding as well as (winter) roads and ice break-ups," said Wilson. The doses are almost always flown in, sometimes by helicopter, instead of being transported by ice road. But losing an ice road means everyone would have to pile into planes if there was an evacuation, which increases the risk of mass outbreaks. The four reserves around Island Lake, for example, have had multiple wildfire evacuations in the past two decades. COVID-19 has been relentless in the area, with the military called in twice to help as the coronavirus spread from one reserve to another. Four Arrows Health Authority has tracked 1,387 cases (of which 64 are active) in a region of roughly 15,000 people. Thats nearly one in 10 people having been infected, a rate health director Alex McDougall says is unheard of in Manitoba communities with roads and proper health services. "We've made many comparisons to populations similar to our size, and even smaller," he said. The vaccination ramp-up is still in the works, but the talks so far suggest all four communities will get a large shipment of doses shortly after Easter, likely a total of around 5,700 shots. Some communities will use their school gyms to deliver jabs into arms. While some northern communities should have enough doses to inoculate everyone, Island Lake will have to start with an age threshold until subsequent shipments. The region has already immunized many elders, which is already bringing some piece of mind. A recent case at one household led to everyone who resided there testing positive for COVID-19 except for one person who had the vaccine. "Its a pretty good indication of how the vaccines can help," said McDougall, while stressing the pandemic wont be over right away. "Were still under high alert and were anticipating another round of outbreaks in our communities." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca (@fidahassanain) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa says Pakistan Army greatly values its friendly relations with the United Kingdom. RAWALPINDI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 24th, 2021) Commander Strategic Command UK General Sir Patrick Nicholas Yardley Monrad Sanders called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ in Rawalpindi today (Wednesday). According to ISPR, matters of professional and mutual interest and regional security issues were discussed in the meeting. The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Armys sincere efforts in fight against terrorism and efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region, especially the Afghan Peace Process. The Army Chief thanked the dignitary and said that Pakistan Army greatly values its friendly relations with the UK. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body Auburn University College of Human Sciences professor and world-renowned sleep expert Mona El-Sheikh has been named the recipient of the Southeastern Conferences 2021 Faculty Achievement Award for Auburn, announced today by the SEC. El-Sheikh, the Leonard Peterson & Co. Professor in the colleges Department of Human Development and Family Science, will receive a $5,000 honorarium from the SEC, and she becomes Auburn's nominee for the SEC Professor of the Year, who will be selected from 14 nominees representing SEC universities. Dr. El-Sheikh has profoundly expanded our knowledge of childhood development and adolescence, and in doing so, personifies Auburns mission of discovery and innovation, said Bill Hardgrave, Auburns provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. With a remarkable body of research and continued commitment to student success, she embodies what it means to be an extraordinary teacher and scholar. The SEC Faculty Achievement Awards, created to recognize faculty accomplishments, scholarly contributions and discoveries, were established by SEC presidents and chancellors and are administered by the SEC provosts. The awards were first presented in 2012. Each recipient of the SEC Faculty Achievement Award must be a full professor at an SEC university, have a performance history of extraordinary teaching and a record of scholarship that is recognized nationally or internationally. I am honored and delighted to be chosen for this award, and I want to share credit with my colleagues, lab staff, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, present and past, and the participating families, all of whom have been invaluable in my highly collaborative research, said El-Sheikh, who received her masters and doctorate in developmental psychology from West Virginia University. I also wish to thank many administrators, present and past, at the department, college and university levels for their roles in supporting my research and facilitating its progress. Sleep may be the area El-Sheikh is best known for, but her research is transdisciplinary and concerns child and adolescent functioning in family and socioecological contexts and health disparities associated with poverty and race/ethnicity. Collaboration with departmental colleagues, as well as those around campus, has been key for El-Sheikh, who said it has led to a body of knowledge, some of which can now be translated to real-world applications for the betterment of youths growth and development, and to addressing persistent and longstanding racial/ethnic and social class disparities. El-Sheikh initially became interested in child development as an undergraduate student at The American University in Cairo in her native Egypt. Over the years, her interest grew as she incorporated questions from other disciplines, including pediatric sleep medicine, psychophysiology and racial/ethnic health disparities, leading to her current scholarship. She has spent her entire academic career at Auburn, arriving on the Plains in 1990 after receiving her doctorate. Of particular emphasis in El-Sheikhs work is the assessment of youths physiological and biological reactivity and regulation examined through the autonomic nervous system and sleep regulation, which are examined as primary mechanisms of risk and vulnerability/protective factors. She said that these assessments have yielded discoveries about how early physiological reactivity and regulation establish risk for later outcomes in psychological adjustment, physical health, cognitive functioning and academic achievement. My goal all along has been to determine some factors that are responsible for health, educational and emotional outcomes in children and youth so that early detection, prevention and intervention can reduce the prevalence of those problems, explained El-Sheikh. The studies have resulted in discoveries that emphasize childrens sleep as a crucial determinant of health outcomes. Children who sleep well are better able to regulate their emotions, perform better academically and have better health in general. Moreover, the studies have led to the discovery that disparities in outcomes by social class are ameliorated when sleep is consistently sufficient over the course of childhood and youth. El-Sheikhs work has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and/or the National Science Foundation since 1996. She has also received support with internal grants from Auburn and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. El-Sheikh mentors many postdoctoral fellows and graduate students and collaborates with them on her research. Many undergraduate students from across campus work in her sleep lab and are trained in complex data collection protocols. Her extensive list of awards includes Auburns Creative Research and Scholarship Award and the Research Advisory Board Advancement of Research and Scholarship Award. She is also a fellow in the Developmental Psychology Division of the American Psychological Association. Past SEC Faculty Achievement Award Winners from Auburn University: 2020, Doug Martin, College of Veterinary Medicine 2019, Rex Dunham, College of Agriculture 2018, David Ketchen, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business 2017, James Barth, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business 2016, Hanqin Tian, School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences 2015, Bruce Tatarchuk, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 2014, Geoffrey Hill, College of Sciences and Mathematics 2013, Pradeep Lall, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 2012, Christopher Roberts, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 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. SAGINAW, MI - Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore is a recipient of the Michigan Municipal Leagues Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award, according to a news release from the city. The award reflects Moores commitment to her community and is intended to celebrate a person who tirelessly promotes local government and training for elected officials, according to the release. Brendas passion for her community and the people she serves shines through in everything she does, said William Wild, mayor of Westland and president of the Michigan Municipal League board, in the release. From working diligently to ensure an active census count to her constant engagement in various league committees, she is the ideal embodiment of what it means to be a community leader. Moore got involved with the league after her election to city council in 2013, according to the release, and completed all four levels of its leadership training. She was elected to the leagues board of trustees and served as its vice president from 2019-2020. In September 2020, she became the first Black woman to serve as the boards president, according to the release. It is very rewarding to be as part of the Michigan Municipal League and to represent the City of Saginaw at the statewide level, Moore said. My service with the MML allows Saginaw to have first-hand knowledge of the issues and opportunities at the State level. This training takes a tremendous amount of time and effort, but it is worth it to better serve the citizens of Saginaw. Moore became Saginaws Mayor Pro Tem in 2018 and was elected Mayor by her peers after the November 2020 elections. In a statement included in the release, Moore said shes honored to be recognized by the league. Read more: Saginaw Mayor Brenda Moore to speak at free Black History Month dinner Saginaws Brenda Moore named first black female president of Michigan Municipal League Saginaw YouthBuild organization opens after $1.5M federal grant Love is the cure, says Saginaw mayor after a year marked by pandemic and increased violence Saginaws new mayor wants the community to come together Chinese J-20 stealth fighters perform at the Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China, on Nov. 6, 2018. (Wang Zhao/AFP via Getty Images) China, Russia Have Caught Up With West in Air Power: UK Minister China and Russia are developing capabilities to counter and surpass the air power of the Western alliance, a British defence official warned. Thirty years ago, the UK and its Western allies appeared unchallenged in the air domain, Jeremy Quin, Britains minister for defence procurement, on March 24 in reference to the first Gulf War in 1991. Today, our adversaries have caught up. But a major national and international endeavour is now underway, he told the Combat Air Power conference hosted by the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based defence think tank. A Taiwanese Air Force F-16 in foreground flies on the flank of a Chinese Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) H-6 bomber as it passes near Taiwan on Feb. 10, 2020. (Republic of China (ROC) Ministry of National Defense via AP) Quin said that, since the 1991 Gulf War, the likes of Russia and China have studied our strengths in the air and begun developing the capabilities to not only counter but surpass us. Weve seen China build multiple highly effective systems that challenge Western warfighting. Producing J-20 fifth-generation fighters, Y-20 heavy transport aircraft, armed stealth UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles], not to mention the worlds most modern surface-to-air missiles, he said. Both China and Russia are now exporting advanced air technologies to many North African, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries, he said. He predicted that, by 2040, Western air forces will be confronted by adversaries armed with high-end artificial intelligence-assisted precision weapon systems and a range of surface-to-air and hypersonic missiles that have greater manoeuvrability, greater lethality, and a greater range than ever before. If we fail to outmatch these targets, and they continue at this pace, we could find ourselves locked out of the skies, he said. We have to preserve our freedom to protect ourselves and cannot accept large parts of the world becoming potentially out of bounds. A delegate walks past a model of the BAE Systems Tempest jet fighter on day one of the DSEI arms fair at ExCel in London, on Sept 10, 2019. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) Quin said the UK needs highly capable systems to counter these highly capable threats. He said the UK government will invest more than 2 billion ($2.74 billion) to develop and deliver the Tempest fighter jet in collaboration with Sweden, Italy, and potentially Japan. A prototype for an uncrewed fighter aircraft, known as Mosquito, is also being developed. According to the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS), another London-based think tank, Chinas air force has continued to integrate more advanced systems. In October, a modified H-6 bomber was observed carrying what appeared to be a very large air-launched ballistic missile, the IISS said in its recent report The Military Balance 2021, which was published in February. China continues to develop hypersonic missile systems, and is likely developing a replacement bomber with a low-observable design, the report said. At the same time, the air force is fielding more J-10C Firebird, J-16, and J-20 combat aircraft while increased numbers of Y-20 heavy transports mean that the air force has effectively doubled its heavy transport fleet in the last four years. Gen. Sir Patrick Sanders, commander of the UKs Strategic Command, said earlier this month that China and Russia are gaining a decisive advantage in military information-age technologies. The consequence has been a succession of strategic surprises, the erosion of strategic advantage, and the loss of initiative. Unchecked, it is not unthinkable that we will find ourselves vulnerable in time to a fait accompli, where we have capitulated without a shot being fired, he wrote in The Times of London on March 13. The white woman dubbed 'bagel Karen' who shockingly called a bakery worker the N-word after he refused her service because she wasn't wearing a mask defended the slur to DailyMail.com on Wednesday, saying: 'It's a term of endearment'. Stephanie Denaro, 38, was filmed at the Essex Market on the Lower East Side on Sunday blasting the black worker who denied her service as shocked shoppers watched on. She called him a 'b**** a** n****r' then left the store with her four young children. In an interview at her apartment on Wednesday, she told DailyMail.com that she doesn't believe in masks or COVID-19 and thinks the entire pandemic has been a 'hoax' constructed to get Donald Trump out of office. 'This was all about President Trump and getting him out of office. It was a hoax...mail-in ballots, everything. 'It's a satanic ritual and I'm a Christian and I am not going to cover my face... Their bagels aren't that good anyway. Honestly they're stale,' she said. Stephanie Denaro, 38, defended calling the black store worker the N-word and claimed it is a 'term of endearment' on Wednesday She revealed that she's been banned from Kossers - another bagel hot spot - and Trader Joe's for refusing to wear a mask. Unsurprisingly, Denaro - who claims to be 39 percent Nigerian online - will not get the vaccine, nor will her children. She wants to send them back to school and is in a lawsuit against the city so that they can without having to be tested. She refused to apologize to the black store worker she offended but said she was was sorry for 'setting a bad example for her children.' Denaro also claimed that the N-word was something that is heard 'everywhere' in New York City. 'I live in New York City, I'm from New York City... it's something you hear people say constantly. It's constantly being said it's not just black people who say it...it's a term of endearment. Denaro at her Lower East Side apartment on Wednesday afternoon. She said she thinks the pandemic is a hoax that was designed to get President Trump out of office Denaro with her four kids. None of them will be vaccinated and she wants to send them back to school now 'I don't apologize to the clerk because he was being rude and disrespectful to me about the masks. He was violating my HIPA and the security guard had also said I could be in the store and be served. 'For them to try to make me look stupid... that's kind of my temperament. If you want to make a scene, we can make a scene,' she said. She added that her three children are bi-racial. It's unclear if she is married. Earlier, she defended the incident on Instagram, saying: 'All of you hating on me for no reason! News flash!!!! I AM BLACK!!!!! My skin color does not look dark but my ancestry results came back as me being black! So do not be mad at me no more. Leave me alone!!! As a young black woman I love all of you!! The post included a statement declaring that the black and African-American race is the only race allowed to use the n-word. Stephanie Denaro, 38, of Rosedale, Queens defended herself for calling a black bakery employee a b**** a** n****r after she was refused service for not wearing a mask inside Davidovich Bakery at Essex Market on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on Sunday Denaro (right) who was waiting on line with her four children to pay for bagels at a New York City bakery referred to a black cashier as a b**** a** n****r because she was refused for service for not wearing a mask She also attached a graphic showing an ethnicity estimate which claims that she is 39 per cent Nigerian. Denaro claims that 12 per cent of her heritage is from the African nation of Mali; 8 per cent is from the Africa Southeastern Bantu region; 4 per cent is from the Ivory Coast and Ghana; 4 per cent is from Senegal; and 2 per cent is from Cameroon and Congo. But the graphic and statistics about her DNA breakdown were plagiarized by Denaro, who lifted them from an October 2017 article by Tech Crunch writer Megan Rose Dickey. In the story, Dickey describes sending her DNA to Ancestry and comparing those results with the findings that she received from 23andMe. On Wednesday, Denaro posted another selfie. 'Good morning triggered libs!!!' she wrote in the caption on Wednesday, adding a sun emoji. 'New day, new life as a young black woman!!!! Nothing you can do to stop me.' In another post from Wednesday, she wrote: I will always love who I am. Sticks and stones may break my bones by words will never break me!! For all of you that get mad over words!!! Learn how to move on with life! Saying 1 word during a verbal fight is not the end of the world! I love all races. I love you all!!!! My kids are not the same color as me so stop painting me as something I am not. Regardless what you miserable people say I will always love myself! The caption was attached to an image showing Denaro hugging a tree. After the video went viral, it sparked outrage on social media where users online have called for her to lose her job as well as her four children. In other Instagram post, she is seen holding one of her children. The caption reads: Cant be racist if I have black children. Video of Sunday's incident, which is said to have taken place at Davidovich Bakery in the Essex Market on Manhattans Lower East Side, was circulated on the internet on Tuesday 'Ma'am, he's not going to serve you so please leave,' the security guard tells Denaro, who continues to stand in line, refusing to move after she is refused service. 'Why? Cause he's a b**** a** n****r?' Denaro said Denaro finally leaves with her four children after the security guard notified the New York Police Department A spokesperson for Essex Market (seen above on Manhattan's Lower East Side) told DailyMail.com that management 'strongly denounces the racist incident that occurred in our facility on Sunday' The caption goes on: Jealous libs. Oh yeah! #women4trump. Denaro is seen in the photo wearing a pink Women for Trump t-shirt while holding one of her children. In another post, she writes: 'Ok stop with the dms. Let people have there opinions. I know you all have gotten into a argument and said bad things. 'I was just having a bad day. I didnt want to put a mask on because I have Asthma and Bronchitis. No one understood me so I got mad. 'I tried my best to keep my composure and not scream at anyone. All I just wanted to do is purchase my stuff and leave and they all were verbally assaulting me. 'Please spread love guys.... please forgive me!!! God wouldnt want to do this!!' Her social media accounts show that she has posted several videos of being confronted on city buses and stores about her refusal to cover her face. Denaro on Tuesday confirmed that she was the woman filmed uttering the racial slur. She said it is a term she uses often and that she has no qualms about uttering the slur due to the fact that her four children are bi-racial. I said, Youre a b**** a** n****r, a term they use, she told the New York Daily News. Denaro on Wednesday morning posted the above image on her Instagram account 'Good morning triggered libs!!!' she wrote in the caption on Wednesday, adding a sun emoji. 'New day, new life as a young black woman!!!! Nothing you can do to stop me' On her Instagram account, she posted an image on Tuesday showing her with one of her bi-racial children The caption reads: Cant be racist if I have black children. Jealous libs. Oh yeah! #women4trump. All of my children have a black father. Thats a term Ive heard them use all my life. When asked if she was worried about being outed as a racist Karen, she said she welcomed the opportunity to call attention to a pro-Trump conspiracy theory. Its actually great, because theyre forcing people in New York City to wear masks, Denaro told the Daily News. Its political theater. I dont believe in COVID-19. Its a hoax to convince people to use absentee ballots to steal the election from Donald Trump. The cashier who was the target of Denaros racial slurs, a 30-year-old worker who declined to be identified, told the Daily News: She was two customers behind the lady I was already serving. She had five kids and she was wearing no mask. He said he told Denaro: Maam, you may have forgotten to wear your mask. You must wear a mask. She replied Why should I? Denaro also bizarrely claimed that she is of African ancestry She also attached a graphic showing an ethnicity estimate which claims that she is 39 per cent Nigerian. Denaro claims that 12 per cent of her heritage is from the African nation of Mali; 8 per cent is from the Africa Southeastern Bantu region; 4 per cent is from the Ivory Coast and Ghana; 4 per cent is from Senegal; and 2 per cent is from Cameroon and Congo I replied, With those answers I will not be able to serve you. Then she said, You are a b**** a** n*****r. She said it a lot. Denaro clashed with the black cashier in Davidovich Bakery at Essex Market on the Lower East Side around 3pm Sunday. She went to the bakery to buy bagels but was denied service because she was not wearing a mask. She stood on line for several minutes with her four small children during which the cashier told her that he would not be providing service to her. I cant wear a mask, sir, Denaro is heard saying in video footage. A security guard nearby tells the cashier that he is not required to provide service to someone who isnt wearing a mask. The guard mentions that the woman does not wear a mask due to a medical problem. She apparently takes issue with a comment from the cashier who did not like how she was looking at him. Denaro's social media account includes several images showing her taking part in pro-Trump and anti-lockdown demonstrations and protests On Januay 20, she posted a video showing her being thrown off a New York City public bus because she refused to wear a mask 'Another day, another bus we get thrown off of by a bolshevik,' Denaro wrote You cant even see how Im looking at you. I have sunglasses on, the woman is heard telling the cashier. A security guard standing nearby tries to intervene, urging the woman to leave the store. I just want to order some bagels, she responds. Maam, hes not going to serve you so please leave, the security guard tells Denaro, who continues to stand in line, refusing to move. Why? Cause hes a b**** a** n****r? Denaro says. After the video of her encounter at Davidovich Bakery went viral on Tuesday, Denaro posted several defiant messages on her Instagram She also claimed to be receiving death and rape threats from trolls online Denaro also claimed that she was having a 'bad day' and that she didn't wear a mask because of asthma and bronchitis She defiantly vowed 'never to back down tot he libs' over her support for Trump Thats what he is! Thats what he is! she added as nearby shoppers gasped at hearing the racial slur, which she then repeated. B**** a*** n****r...I just said it, Denaro said. The security guard says she is going to call the police. Denaro continued to argue with the cashier, saying: It doesnt affect me that youre not going to serve me. When the security guard asked the woman if she called him by a racial slur, the woman responded: I can call him whatever I want. Denaros social media includes images in which she declares her support for Trump. Images show her speaking at pro-Trump rallies. Several posts also include anti-masking and anti-vaxxer messages. Her Instagram includes notices asking people to attend a protest against COVID-19 vaccinations. She also posted a video that was filmed with her own cell phone showing her being thrown off a New York City bus for not wearing a mask. DailyMail.com has made several attempts to contact Denaro Denaro claims to be a school teacher in the New York City public school system. DailyMail.com has sought comment from the city's Department of Education Denaro's social media also includes video of several encounters with police after customers in stores complained she was not wearing a mask Another day, another bus we get thrown off of by a bolshevik, the posts caption read. The video was apparently posted on January 20. You dont want to do your job, Denaro is heard in the video telling the bus driver, who apparently emptied the bus and refused to drive as long as she declined to wear a mask. This is not a law. A law is passed by a legislative body, she says in the clip. A law is not passed by [New York Governor] Andrew Cuomo. She added: You just dont want to drive the bus. And you want to cause all this trauma for all these people for no reason. You just want to pick on a woman with four children trying to get home because this makes you feel like a man. And youre taking all these people off the bus for no reason when you could just as easily drive the bus. Another video from that same day shows a New York City bus driver that was occupied by several passengers being delayed for at least 15 minutes because Denaro refused to wear a mask. Denaro has posted several messages indicating her support for conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 lockdowns as well as anti-vaccine propaganda Two days earlier, she posted a video showing her arguing with two New York Police Department officers who were called to a store where she apparently refused to wear a mask and was seen spitting at other customers. Officers, I am allowed to shop here, and I have a disability, Denaro is heard telling the two NYPD officers. Im not going to be harassed in every single store I go to because I need to get food for my children. Denaro then told the officers that the people who claimed she spit at them were making false allegations. DailyMail.com has made repeated attempts to reach Denaro. According to voter registration records, Denaro was once a registered voter for the far-left Working Families Party. Her social media also shows images from 2016 showing her wearing shirts that declare her support for Senator Bernie Sanders. Records indicate that she then switched her party registration to Republican. In January, she announced on Instagram that she was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that was filed against de Blasio over school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January, she was among several plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Bill de Blasio. The lawsuit aimed to force the de Blasio administration to reopen New York City public schools to in-person learning. It was thrown out in federal court So happy I'm part of this amazing lawsuit about how dumb Mayor Deblasio is, Denaro posted on her Instagram account on January 22. Complete idiots are running nyc. The federal lawsuit was aimed at forcing the de Blasio administration to reopen all city schools for in-person learning. US District Court Judge Paul G. Gardephe of the Southern District of New York rejected the lawsuit earlier this month. 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. White House Still Finalizing Border Facility Access for Journalists: Psaki The White House has not yet finalized details on providing journalists with access to observe the operations at holding facilities for illegal immigrants at the U.S. southern border, press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed on Tuesday. I expect youll knowyoull have more details soon. But our plan is to make access available, likely through a pool, and were working to finalize those details, Psaki said while responding to a reporters question. This comes amid growing frustration from lawmakers and press advocacy groups over the Biden administrations media blackout at border facilities. Reporters, such as Getty Images correspondent John Moore, have complained about the lack of transparency and zero access along the border as the historic surge of illegal border crossings, particularly from unaccompanied minors, continues to pose a significant challenge for the administration. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Secretary Alejandro Mayorkass trip to the border, including El Paso, Texas, will be closed to press due to privacy and COVID-19 precautions. When pressed to address the issue, Psaki said the administration remains committed to transparency but has not yet been able to provide reporters with any details or a specific timeframe about when more media access will be allowed. We are working through with the Department of Health and Human Services, and also the Department of Homeland Security to ensure privacy and to ensure that we are following COVID protocols, the secretary told reporters at the White House earlier this week. We remain committed to transparency, and of course as I noted last week, we certainly want to make sure the media has access to these sites. Earlier this week, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), and Project Veritas separately released photos of unaccompanied minorschildren who unlawfully enter the country without an adultsleeping on the floor in crowded conditions. Unaccompanied minors inside an overflow facility in Donna, Texas, in a file photo. (Courtesy of Rep. Henry Cuellars office) The CBP photos, which were taken in a Donna, Texas, overflow facility, show what appear to be children sleeping shoulder-to-shoulder on floor mats with what appear to be aluminum blanksand on benches. Another photo shows a large line of male illegal immigrants waiting to be processed, while another photo shows small children inside a playpen as a TV is showing childrens shows. Meanwhile, photos of an overflow tent facility in Donna, Texas, provided by Cuellar to The Epoch Times show similar conditions, with some children also photographed sleeping on the floor without a mat. Cuellar, whose office first shared the photos with Axios, told the news outlet that one pod held more than 400 unaccompanied male minors. The pods are supposed to hold a maximum of 260 people, he said. The pods provide terrible conditions for the children, Cuellar added, saying these children should be moved to be housed and cared for by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The administration is racing against time to address the burgeoning crisis as illegal border crossings continue to rise. Mayorkas acknowledged last week that the United States is on pace to encounter more individuals on the southwest border than we have in the last 20 years. President Joe Biden, who vowed to reverse his predecessors immigration policies during his campaign, recently pleaded to Central American migrants to stay put in their town or city or community instead of making the dangerous trip to illegally cross into the United States. Upon taking office, Biden reversed several Trump-era immigration policies, including his predecessors key Migrant Protection Protocol, which sought to end the problematic catch and release policy and is credited for significantly stemming the flow of illegal immigrants in 2019. In a return to the Obama-era policies that facilitate catch-and-release, asylum seekers are released into the interior of the country as they await a court hearing, often never to be seen again. The Pentagon confirmed to reporters on Tuesday that HHS sent a request for assistance to temporarily house unaccompanied minors at two Texas military facilities. Jack Phillips contributed to this report. A high Court 1 sitting in Idah, Kogi State presided by Justice Ajayi, has convicted and sentenced one Ocholi Edicha to 12 years imprisoment for killing a PDP woman leader, Mrs Salome Abuh. Inspite the judgment, lawyers from the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General's office has vowed to challenge the ruling, describing it as a surprise and not enough punishment for the offenses committed. Barr Otigbe Joseph who spoke said the judgment was a surprised and would be challenged adding that the sentence cannot be equated to the offenses committed which bothered on killing. The defendant was arraigned on offences of criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, mischief by fire and culpable homicide. Delivering his judgment, Justice Ajayi convicted the suspect for culpable homicide. The prosecution in prove of his cases called 5 witnesses. The court agreed with oral testimony and eye witness account alongside statement made to the Nigeria police and hold it to be sufficient to secure the conviction of the defendant. The defendant denied making statement to the Nigeria police but was quick to challenge and accept some aspect of his statement. His confessional statement was admitted by the court. It is worthy to Note that the deceased Mrs. Salome Acheju Abuh was on 18th November, 2019 shut iin her room, set ablaze at her resident in Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi state. The court convicted and sentenced the defendant to 12 years and 6 Months imprisonment for the Offences. The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 09:17:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The second batch of Sinovac vaccines donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday amid the rapid surge of COVID-19 infections in the Southeast Asian country. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian turned over the vaccines to the Philippines. Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the Philippines is "grateful for the arrival of additional donated vaccines." "The arrival of these vaccines could not have occurred at a more opportune time considering the continued rise in cases, which in turn increases the need to inoculate more high-risk individuals as soon as possible," Duque said. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said the arrival of the additional CoronaVac vaccines "is a testament that when all nations are working together, we can surmount any challenges ahead." "The Philippine government will continue to strengthen its collaboration with China to put an end to this pandemic finally," Galvez added. China delivered a first batch of donated Sinovac vaccines to the Philippines on Feb. 28. China is the first country to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines, allowing the Southeast Asian country to kick off its vaccination program. The Philippines now has 677,653 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 12,992 deaths. The Philippines has approved the emergency use for Sinovac vaccines, along with the vaccines made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Russia's Sputnik V vaccines. The government aims to inoculate up to 70 million Filipinos this year to achieve herd immunity, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor communities. The Philippines has about 110 million 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. COLUMBUS, OhioThe Republican-led Ohio General Assembly on Wednesday voted to override Gov. Mike DeWines veto of legislation to rein in his administrations coronavirus powers. Senate Bill 22, which takes effect in 90 days, gives lawmakers the authority to cancel any gubernatorial health orders that last longer than 30 days, require the governors office to renew such orders every 60 days, and create a legislative oversight panel. The bill also limits local health officials power to require people to quarantine or self-isolate without a specific medical diagnosis and allows Ohioans to sue over the constitutionality of any state emergency order in their home county. The Senate voted 23-10 to override DeWines veto; the House held a 62-35 override vote about 40 minutes later. Its the first time that lawmakers have passed a law over a DeWine veto since he took office in 2019. Senate President Matt Huffman, a Lima Republican, told reporters after Wednesdays vote that if DeWines coronavirus orders remain when SB22 takes effect in June, lawmakers will look at whether its necessary to rescind them. Huffman also said he expects a court challenge to the new law, though he said its still unclear whether such a lawsuit would be filed by DeWine or someone else. DeWine, a Greene County Republican, vetoed SB22 on Tuesday, arguing it would be unconstitutional and handcuff state and local authorities ability to deal with emergencies. He provided several scenarios in which the bill would hurt the ability of state and local officials to respond to everything from an Ebola outbreak to being able to cut off water and power to a prison during a riot. But legislative proponents of SB22, many of whom have been fierce critics of DeWines coronavirus policies, dispute DeWines arguments and reiterated Wednesday that the bill is backed by their constituents and puts in place much-needed checks on the power of the governors office. Ladies and gentlemen, its time for us to stand up for the legislative branch. Its time for us to reassert ourselves as a separate and co-equal branch of government here in the State of Ohio, said state Sen. Rob McColley, a Napoleon Republican who co-sponsored SB22, during a floor speech Wednesday. We need to stand up and finish this for all the Ohioans who have been asking us to be their voice at the table. House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, said SB22 is not perfect and that lawmakers need to change it down the line to allow authorities to isolate someone who comes into Ohio from a pandemic hotspot while waiting for them to be diagnosed. But such changes, he said, should not obfuscate the principle purpose for which we passed Senate Bill 22, which was to restore...an element of checks and balances. State Sen. Matt Dolan, a Chagrin Falls Republican, voted for SB22 to pass the Senate. But he was one of three Republican lawmakers (along with state Sen. Stephanie Kunze of suburban Columbus and Dayton-area state Rep. Andrea White) who voted against overriding SB22. Dolan said in an interview he voted for SB22 because he hoped in vain that lawmakers and the governor could work out a deal to remove parts of the bill inserted by the House regarding curbing local health departments authority and allowing people to file lawsuits in their home county against emergency orders. As no such deal was reached, Dolan said he voted against overriding DeWines veto. Finding the balance of powers between the legislative and the executive (branches) could have been resolved, said Dolan, whos considering a run for U.S. Senate. But this bill goes way beyond that...We just didnt focus on things that really matter. Since the start of the coronavirus crisis in March 2020, the DeWine administration has issued a wide range of health orders that have affected the daily lives of most if not all Ohioans. Relying mostly on a law passed by the Ohio legislature decades ago, various orders have, at times, shut down businesses for weeks, required most Ohioans to remain home, and imposed a mask mandate in many public locations. Legislative Republicans responded by passing a number of bills to limit the DeWine administrations coronavirus authority, including measures to strip away his authority to issue statewide health orders, block his ban on most county fair activities, and decriminalize violations of his health orders. DeWine vetoed all three of those bills, and proponents of them werent able to find the support needed to override them. Democratic lawmakers have, overall, sided with the governor on such bills. Earlier this month, House Democrats urged DeWine to veto SB 22. House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes, an Akron Democrat, sharply criticized Republican supporters of SB22 just before the House override vote, accusing them of passing the bill because their feelings were hurt that DeWine didnt consult them enough about his coronavirus policies. Sykes also said that lawmakers are not good at public health, noting that many Republican lawmakers have ignored federal health guidelines during the coronavirus crisis by refusing to wear face masks or get vaccinated. This is not your lane, she said, speaking to House Republicans. You need to get out of it, because people are going to be harmed by this decision. Cleveland.com/The Plain Dealer politics reporter Andrew J. Tobias contributed to this story. Read more Ohio politics and government stories: Ohio postpones tax filing deadline to May 17, matching the IRS revised deadline for federal taxes Ohioans coronavirus unemployment benefits will continue without interruption under new stimulus law Is Lordstown Motors for real? Ohio is betting big on the electric truck startup Census Bureau tells Senate hearing its unlikely to provide redistricting information by Ohios deadline Audit finds Ohio coronavirus data generally accurate, but handling of information inefficient Hazleton, PA (18201) Today Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Danbury Police / Contributed Photo DANBURY A man has been charged in connection with the sexual abuse of two young girls spanning several years, according to police. Juan Perez-Barbahona, 33, was charged with three counts of first-degree sexual assault, three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and seven counts of risk of injury: sexual contact and seven counts of risk of injury: impairing the morals of a minor. New York stage vets Solea Pfeiffer and Joshua Boone will star in Tyler Perry's new film, A Jazzman's Blues, which will begin shooting this year for a late 2021 release on Netflix. Perry will write, direct, and produce the work, which he has been developing for nearly three decades. Set from 1937-87, the film follows an investigation into an unsolved murder, with a secret that has been held throughout that time. Pfieffer starred in Gun and Power, Evita, Songs for a New World, and Almost Famous. Boone's credits include All the Natalie Portmans and Network. They took part in a bizarre challenge on Tuesday's episode of Married At First Sight which involved them swapping clothes for a day. And just hours before embarking on the quirky task, Beck Zemek and Jake Edwards were pictured on a coffee run in Sydney near their apartment building. The pair separately visited the same cafe during filming on November 4. But first, coffee! Married At First Sight's Beck Zemek looked trim in a skintight frock while on a coffee run during filming in Sydney on November 4 Beck, 27, showed off her toned figure in a skintight black mini dress, which she paired with a gold chain and long white socks. She appeared to be wearing white hotel slippers. The Rebecca Judd lookalike pulled back her dark hair into a high ponytail and wore a face full of makeup, including bronzer and lashings of mascara. Stepping out: Beck and 'husband' Jake Edwards separately visited the same cafe on the day Low-key: The business manager, 27, showed off her toned figure in a skintight black mini dress, which she paired with a gold chain and long white socks Relaxed: She appeared to be wearing white hotel slippers Glam: The Rebecca Judd lookalike pulled back her dark hair into a high ponytail and wore a face full of makeup, including bronzer and lashings of mascara Jake, 32, kept things casual in a white T-shirt, black skinny jeans and thongs. After stopping by the coffee shop, the pair filmed scenes for Tuesday night's episode, which saw them spend a day in each other's shoes - literally. In addition to swapping footwear for the task, they also swapped clothes. Casual: Jake, 32, kept things casual in a white T-shirt, black skinny jeans and thongs Reality star life: After stopping by the coffee shop, the pair filmed scenes for Tuesday night's episode, which saw them spend a day in each other's shoes - literally What a challenge! In addition to swapping footwear for the task, they also swapped clothes After accepting the task, Jake pulled out all the stops to show Beck he was willing to do anything to make their relationship work. The former footy player-turned-charity CEO sauntered into the couple's apartment wearing one of Beck's dresses. While it's unclear if he had any help with the transformation, he wore a full face of makeup, which included foundation and red lipstick. He completed his look with a pair of Beck's platform heels and a gold chain around his neck. Sweet: After accepting the task, Jake pulled out all the stops to show Beck he was willing to do anything to make their relationship work Meanwhile, Beck swapped her black mini dress for one of Jake's casual ensembles, which consisted of a Nirvana T-shirt and ripped jeans. She added Jake's Timberland boots and headphones, and even replicated her husband's tattoos with black marker on her arms and chest. 'Is that a lion on your forearm? I don't know what that is,' Jake laughed. The cross-dressing task was helpful for the once-troubled couple, allowing them to loosen up a bit after weeks of tension. Married At First Sight continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine Brooks, whose organization works to end violence and advocates for the advancement of the residents of South Siders in Chicago, said the group decided to fully fund the first all-female cohort because women have the skills to do the jobs in the trades but often just dont have the opportunity to get into the industry. Courtesy of Korean K9 Rescue / Instagram The inimitable Awkwafina adopted a new furry frienda sweet shelter dog who came from a very special place. "Everyone, meet Haeng-Un Lum, new to America and the newest member of my family," the 32-year-old Nora From Queens and Raya and the Last Dragon star said in an Instagram post celebrating the 2-year-old pup. Awkwafina then goes on to explain how she met Haeng-Un Lum through a nonprofit based in her home borough of Queens, called Korean K9 Rescue (KK9R). Founded in 2017 by Gina Boehler, Korean K9 Rescue's mission is rescuing dogs from Boehler's native South Korea and bringing them to NYC for fostering and adoption, where the former strays have a better chance of finding a forever home. So far, KK9R has rescued and adopted out more than 1,200 dogs each year. KK9R has established a network of volunteers in Korea who negotiate directly with farmers and shelter owners, securing the dogs and taking them to KK9R facilities where they can be quarantined and examined. Boehler tells Daily Paws that the dogs enter their rescue facility in Bundang, Korea for a minimum of 30 days before flying to the U.S. for adoption. "Depending on the dog's needs, they could end up staying much longer if they have health issues or need extended rehabilitation training with our trainers." RELATED: What It Means to Be a No-Kill Animal Shelter Staff members assess each dog to see whether they need more time to decompress or tutoring on training skills such as how to walk with a leash. If they require medical attention or need time to recover away from other animals, the KK9R facility allows for that, too. "They're given structure, routine, and a consistent schedule that allows them to feel safe and acclimate to the humans handling them," Boehler says. She adds that KK9R's South Korea rescue location is state-of-the-artmaybe even the most modern one in the country. "All of our dogs live indoors in a modern, climate-controlled facility with nutritious, high-quality food." Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The work doesn't stop once the dogs arrive stateside. Everyone from KK9Rvolunteers, prospective foster parents, and adoption applicantsis given training and support in caring for dogs who've been rescued from traumatic and stressful environments. In fact, the KK9R team in New York attends at least two seminars or workshops each year with trainers who specialize in rehabilitating fearful and feral dogs, Boehler says. Adopting any dog can be a period of adjustment, even more so for first-time adopters. However, these pups have been through a lot in their short lives, and they need an especially steady, supportive hand. "Most of our dogs have never lived indoors with humans before, let alone in a busy city like NYC. Some are feral and have had little socialization with others early on in life, much less a positive association to humans," Boehler says. "... Training in the early days of placement into a new home has been key to setting up our dogs for success and keeping them in forever homes. We are so proud of our adopters and trainers for putting in the hard work!" Originally, KK9R fostered and adopted dogs exclusively in the New York metro. In February of this year, they expanded their adoption radius to include Westchester and Dutchess counties in New York, as well as parts of Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, plus Washington D.C. KK9R hopes to continue to expand in the future, but because these puppers require such special attention, Boehler wants to make sure the program grows in the right way. "[KK9R believes] in foster-based adoptions," she says. "We want to build a foster network in some cities first before expanding. We plan to keep growing our rescue responsibly and educate and spread awareness about our mission." For her part, Awkwafina is happy to help spread awareness of KK9R's message through her own participation, and Haeng-Un Lum already seems supremely happy with a new human companion as well as a new furry buddy at home to hang withAwkwafina's beloved cat, Gus. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "She is such a genuinely compassionate person," Boehler says of the actor and comedian. "Her choosing to adopt her Korean dog in NYC did make a powerful impact, especially on her supporters who already knew she is a huge supporter of the charity and nonprofit groups." RELATED: Kate Hudson Says She's a 'Foster Fail' as Her Family Adopts a New Dog It's a groundswell of attention that Boehler hopes can help further KK9R's mission and bring even more of these very special dogs to the US and to new, happy lives. "Hopefully, we can reach and inspire people to adopt a dog no matter where they are from and continue to spread the message of all mistreated animals in need of a forever home." NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Sonic Automotive, Inc. ("Sonic" or the "Company") (NYSE: SAH). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Sonic 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 18, 2021, Bloomberg published an article about Sonic entitled "CEO Charged With Choking Woman Garners Board Support, Not Rebuke: Governance watchdogs say a firmer response is needed after Sonic Automotive's David Smith was charged with assaulting a woman." The Bloomberg article reported, in relevant part, on the October 2020 arrest of Sonic Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") David Smith, who "was charged with three misdemeanor counts and one for felony assault by strangulation, a charge that can carry a sentence of as long as two years in prison." The article reported that "[b]arely 24 hours after [Smith's] release, Sonic's boardmore than a quarter of which is made up of Smith family members, including the CEO's father and 93-year-old founder O. Bruton Smithsaid it believed he was innocent and pledged its 'steadfast' support." Bloomberg added that "Sonic's ownership structure gives the company more room to shrug off any potential backlash. . . . The Smith family has about 80% of the voting power despite holding only a third of the shares outstanding because of a dual-class structure with supervoting stock." 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] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com Syracuse, N.Y. A Manlius man pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Chester Hammond, 44, faces a minimum of 15 years and up to 60 years in prison, according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York. Hammond was originally charged Dec. 22, 2020, when more than 400 images of child pornography were found on his cellular phone, prosecutors said.. He also admitted to sending an image depicting child pornography to another person while using a social media application, they said. Hammond was convicted in 1996 of attempted first-degree sexual abuse in Oswego County, according to New Yorks sex offender registry. His victim was a 8-year-old girl, records show. He will be held in a federal prison until he is sentenced, according to prosecutors. 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. Canada's Vanessa "Niffller" Kade has forever etched her name in online poker history after defeating "Talibenes" in heads-up play to win the Sunday Million 15th Anniversary at PokerStars. Both the top two players snagged more than a million with Kade banking $1,514,920 and "Talibenes" taking home $1,035,358. Kade is a well-known poker streamer and more recently is also known as a women's advocate. Now she can add record-holder to this list as the $1.5 million she won is the largest single prize for any Sunday Million Anniversary winner and only the second time in the 11 years it has run, that it didn't end with a deal. Kade described today as "the best day of my life" to her Twitter fans after winning the event. just setting up my twttr jack (@jack) In addition to Kade and many other poker players that went deep in the Sunday Million 15th Anniversary, PokerStars has something to be proud of as well with the nearly 70,000 entrants generating a $13,975,200 for the second largest in Sunday Million Anniversary event history. PokerStars Sunday Million 15th Anniversary Payouts Place Player Country Prize 1 Vanessa "Niffller" Kade Canada $1,514,920 2 Talibenes Poland $1,035,358 3 PanchoVetin Bulgaria $707,640 4 Transylvanian Romania $483,652 5 peu3ep Russia $330,564 6 malinga Norway $225,930 7 ikkedus Netherlands $154,416 8 kefirchik106 Russia $105,538 9 Vvlankov Russia $72,132 Final Day Recap of the PokerStars Sunday Million 15th Anniversary The final day began with just 65 hopefuls remaining, each guaranteed a payout of at least $10,757 with their eyes on much more. Romania's "Transylvanian" began the day with the chip lead with Kade near the top of the pack in 13th place. Less than three hours into the action, "Talibenes" eliminated a short-stacked "VladHunter21" in 10th place for $49,300 when his king-seven got there against ace-jack. "ikkedus" began the final table with the chip lead with Kade near the bottom of the pile in seventh place. The lead slid over to "Talibenes" before the first elimination took place. Russia's "Vvlankov" was the first player eliminated in ninth place for $72,132 when their big slick didn't win a race against the queens held by Norway's "malinga". Russia's "kefirchik106" quickly followed their countrymate out the door in eighth place for $105,538 when their king-ten didn't get there against the ace-jack held by "Talibenes". "ikkedus", who entered the final table with the chip lead, doubled a few players and was short on chips before bowing out in seventh place for $154,416 when they jammed sevens unsuccessfully into the ace-queen suited held by "Talibenes". "Talibenes" held about two-thirds of the chips in play after this hand. Vanessa Kade wins the PokerStars Sunday Million 15th Anniversary Kade began to build momentum and was in second place after her ace-queen held against the ace-seven suited held by "malinga" (sixth - $225,930). Very soon after, "Transylvanian" eliminated Russia's "peu3ep" (fifth - $330,564) when his ace-five suited won out against queens. A deal was floated by three of the four remaining players in the chatbox but there was no response from Bulgaria's "PanchoVetin" and the action went on. "Talibenes" still had most of the chips in play but things tightened up after Kade doubled with kings against the ace-ten held by "Talibenes". Kade then went on a roll to eliminate the final three players by herself. It began by sending "Transylvanian" to the rail in fourth place for $483,652 when her king-queen was good against king-jack. Three-handed play began with "PanchoVetin" as the short-stack. This player doubled up a few times to take the chip lead before they doubled up Kade on an attempted bluff to give her the lead. Kade then had almost all of the chips in play after eliminating "PanchoVetin" in third place for $707,640 when her fives won a flip against big slick. Heads-up play lasted just two hands with Kade holding approximately a 7:1 chip advantage against "Talibenes". Kade jammed with eights and then won one last flip against king-nine to be crowned the champion. SEATTLE, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fierce Conversations, a Seattle-based leadership development organization, is one of 20 companies worldwide to be included in Training Industry's 2021 Leadership Training Companies Watch List. Training Industry, Inc. releases its annual official Watch List to bring attention to companies worth monitoring within the training industry. This year, the list recognized buy-side organizations in their search for the right training partners. Fierce Conversations was selected based on Training Industry, Inc.'s following criteria: Breadth and quality of programs/services and audiences served. Ability to deliver training in preferred modalities. Industry visibility, innovation and impact. Strength of clients and geographic reach. "Now, more than ever, we are working with our customers in a variety of ways that leverages our innovative technology at a time when the way we communicate and the words we use are more powerful than ever," said Edward Beltran, CEO, Fierce Conversations, Inc. "We are deeply honored to be included in this list." Danielle Draewell, market research analyst at Training Industry, Inc., added, "The 2021 Leadership Training Watch List represents emerging or specialized leadership development companies, many of which are delivering training that enhances a leader's learning experience through simulations, digital content and assessments. These companies strive to create unique experiences for leaders of all levels." View the 2021 Leadership Training Companies Watch List here. ABOUT FIERCE CONVERSATIONS, INC. Fierce Conversations, Inc. is an award-winning leadership development and training company that drives results for business and education by improving workplace communication. Fierce Conversations creates authentic, energizing, and rewarding connections with colleagues and customers through skillful conversations that lead to successful outcomes and measurable ROI. Tailored to any organization, Fierce Conversations' principles and methods translate across the globe, ensure individual and collective success, and develop skills that are practical, easy to learn, and can be applied immediately. Fierce Conversations' programs have been successfully implemented at blue-chip companies, non-profits, and educational organizations worldwide, including Ernst & Young, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, CARE, and Crate & Barrel. Fierce Conversations has received numerous industry and business accolades. The company has been honored as an Inc. 500|5000 company six times; in 2021, has been named to TrainingIndustry.com's "Companies to Watch" list; and, for three years, was selected a Seattle Business magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" in Washington lists. For media inquires, please contact: Neil Foote [email protected] 214-448-3765 Related Images fierce-inc-logo.jpg Fierce Inc. Logo SOURCE Fierce Conversations Vials with Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, and Moderna coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine labels are seen (Photo : REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration) The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on Tuesday calling for equitable, affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and fair pricing. The text, endorsed by more than 130 countries and adopted by consensus at the Geneva forum, affirmed the right of states to use the flexibility in existing World Trade Organization (WTO) rules on intellectual property for COVID-19 vaccines. Advertisement "The EU welcomes that the Council is today able to speak with one voice on the issue of equitable, affordable, timely and universal access to vaccines," Austria's ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger said on behalf of the European Union. China also endorsed the resolution, brought by Ecuador and the non-aligned movement. Britain clarified that any measures taken must be in accordance with international law but joined the consensus. The United States, which has observer status, did not co-sponsor the text. India and South Africa have brought a proposal to the WTO to waive patent rules during the pandemic so to allow generic and other manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines. India's delegation welcomed the backing for a COVID-19 specific waiver of WTO's so-called TRIPS agreement saying: "We believe all tools for combating the pandemic such as vaccines are a global public good". "Diplomats assembling tomorrow (Wednesday) at the World Trade Organization's TRIPS Council to consider India and South Africa's proposal to waive some intellectual property rights should follow suit, build consensus, recognise the urgency of the situation and immediately take steps to approve the waiver proposal," John Fisher of Human Rights Watch said in a statement. But chances of a sudden breakthrough at the WTO appeared slim, observers said. At the latest WTO meeting earlier this month, richer members blocked a push by over 80 developing countries to waive patent rights in an effort to boost production of COVID-19 vaccines for poor nations. Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, on Wednesday, filed a motion to the ECOWAS Commission praying that a sanction be imposed on Cape Verde for snubbing its regional courts judgement. The ECOWAS court, in a March 15, 2021 judgement, ordered Cape Verde to release detained Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, and pay him $200,000 compensation for his controversial detention on the West African Island. The court , having established that his arrest was carried out without the existence of an INTERPOL red notice and an arrest warrant, also directed the country not to extradite him to the U.S. as planned. But the Cape Verdean Supreme Court subsequently approved Mr Saabs extradition to the U.S. in disregard for the ECOWAS Court of Justices judgment, ruling that the country was not bound by the decisions of the regional court. This, the Cape Verdean Supreme Court said, was because Cape Verde was not a signatory to the Protocol establishing the regional court. Cape Verde, through its Prosecutor Generals Office, authorised Mr Saabs extradition to the United States, a fatal blow to the latters legal teams recent victory. As a result of this, Mr Falana called on ECOWAS authorities to impose sanctions on the government of Cape Verde and some of its officials for the countrys snubbing of the ECOWAS Courts judgment. Motion Mr Falana, in the motion he submitted to the ECOWAS Commission, requested an imposition of travel ban throughout the ECOWAS member states against some Cape Verde government officials and their family members. The officials identified by Mr Falana include Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, President of Cape Verde; Jose Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde; Rui Alberto de Figueiredo Soares, Minister of Foreign and Community Affairs and Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cape Verde. Others are Paulo Augusto Rocha, Minister of Home Affairs of Cape Verde;Janine Tatiana Santos Lelis, Minister of Justice and Labour of Cape Verde and Luis Jose Tavares Landim, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Cape Verde. Mr Falana also called for the suspension of new ECOWAS loans, execution of ongoing ECOWAS projects or assistance programmes to Cape Verde. Also, he requested the ECOWAS authorities to exclude Cape Verde from presenting candidates for statutory and professional posts in ECOWAS, suspension of voting rights in ECOWAS and suspension from participation in the activities of ECOWAS. Mr Falana said, It should be noted that Cape Verde, despite previous posturing, had eventually complied with the courts earlier decision of December 2, 2020 which ordered Cabo Verde to transfer Mr Saab under house arrest. He added, Cape Verdes behavior is unacceptable and flies in the face of its international obligations as well as centuries-old international law governing the movement of diplomats and political agents. If Cape Verde is allowed to continue down the path which it is currently travelling the consequences for the conduct of global diplomacy will be catastrophic. Clauses He also highlighted some clauses why the Supplementary Protocol 2005 which authorises ECOWAS Court to hear human rights cases emanating from member states is binding on Cape Verde. The senior advocate said 14 of 15 member states signed the Protocol, but that only nine of 15 is actually required for it to be binding on members. He added that Cape Verde participated fully in the process and never objected since 2005, and that when Gambia tried to change the human rights mandate of the court in 2009, Cape Verde voted against it. ADVERTISEMENT He also argued that there is a principle of estoppel in international law implying that a member state cannot suddenly change its mind and position just to suit its immediate needs. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. Michigan continues to issue warranties on nearly every road project without knowing whether theyre cost-effective, something the Office of the Auditor General is asking the Michigan Department of Transportation to study after a recent audit of the program. But for MDOT, theres a simple reality: the department cant stop doing the warranties regardless of how effective they are. Thats because a state law from 1996 requires their use. We agree again on the surface and philosophically, but our context is such that the public through the legislature have made it a statutory requirement for us to have these programs, said MDOT Chief Operating Officer and Chief Engineer Tony Kratofil. We could spend a lot of time and money trying to evaluate things but the public policy has been made very clear by our lawmakers. The Office of the Auditor General cited a 2020 National Cooperative Highway Research Program report that found of the 27 states that implemented warranties, 13 had discontinued their use after studying their effects. MDOT should reestablish its efforts to evaluate the overall value of warranties on road and bridge construction projects, reads the audit. It notes such an undertaking would provide meaningful insight to the legislature. Warranties have proven their political popularity time and again in the state legislature. At various times, theyve been brought up in road funding debates. In the 2015 roads package, lawmakers expanded them to some local projects. Other states, including nearby Ohio and Wisconsin, have discontinued their warranty programs after studying their data. Ohio canned the program after finding warranties hiked costs as much as 26 percent: Wisconsin found pavement built with warranties declined prematurely. Read: Michigan uses road warranties on nearly every project. Are they worth it? Michigan persists in using road warranties without any conclusive data on their efficacy here. The program has proven politically popular, and in 2015 lawmakers extended the use of warranties to some local construction projects. Read: Spreading road warranties to local governments could spike Michigan construction costs Road warranties arent as simple as they sound. Its not like getting one on your television, where if it breaks you get a new one for free. On new pavement project, such as a road reconstruction, MDOT requires a materials and workmanship warranty of between three and five years. This warranty guarantees the right materials were used, in the right ways. On projects like pavement sealing and crack filling, MDOT requires a two-year performance warranty, meaning a contractor guarantees the fix will last for that amount of time. The warranties dont correspond to the expected lifespan of a road, and dont necessarily mean the state gets the fixes for free. The state also doesnt know how much they cost. Contractors roll it into what they charge without disclosing how much the warranty specifically is tacking on. The Office of the Auditor General surveyed 50 contractors that were awarded contracts between 2017 and got 24 responses. Of those, 87.5% said warranties increased costs. And 16 of 20 contractors, or 80%, said they do not believe warranties improve the quality of the work being done. The Office of the Auditor General knocked the department for not obtaining data on how much warranties were increasing the cost of projects, always developing its own cost estimate when fixes were required or comparing projects completed with and without warranties (MDOT noted the law requires warranties on all projects, so such comparisons are not possible.) The Office of the Auditor General noted that the best practices in other states included evaluating the cost-effectiveness and performance of warrantied pavements projects. MDOT did not fully develop a process for evaluating the effectiveness of its warranty program and has made no attempt to evaluate it since 2011, according to the Office of the Auditor General. They cited it as a material condition. MDOT in its official response said it agreed evaluating warranties could be beneficial, but Given the Legislatures keen interest to retain and expand the warranty program... MDOT does not believe there is sufficient justification to commit the resources that would be necessary to evaluate the programs value. As such, the department considers it a low priority, it noted in a response to the audit. The Office of the Auditor General responded, saying MDOT awarded contracts worth billions and it would be a good business practice to evaluate the use of warranties. Given the legislative and public attention to this matter, it appears that evaluating Michigans warranty program, particularly to determine if it results in cost savings or improved quality in road and bridge construction, would in fact be in the States best interest, the Office of the Auditor General responded. The audit found one more material condition related to the departments warranty program. The department did not consistently or timely send notification letters when fixes were needed for 34% of the warrantied segments, the report found. It also noted the department didnt have established timeframes for fixes needed outside of warranty periods. For 5 of the 44 segments the auditor examined, MDOT failed to notify the contractors that corrective action was needed before the warranty expired, even though it had completed the inspections prior to when the warranties had expired. The contractors did make the fixes at no cost to the state in these instances. The audit also found significant delays in the timeline for corrective action, specifically when repairs had to be completed outside of the warranty period due to things like seasonal limitations or scheduling conflicts. Fixing these problems would mitigate the risk of increased costs to the state, the auditor found. Kratofil said the department agreed with the finding, but was seeking to balance warranty work with its other obligations. We dont just administer a warranty program, right? Our main thing is administering construction programs and so we have active construction projects worth millions of dollars that have lanes closed in front of homes and businesses. And so, when warranty corrective action is due... it has to get fit around all those other things and I think for us the priority is trying to find the right balance, Kratofil said. Overall, the auditor rated MDOTs efforts to monitor corrective action work on its road and bridge warranties as moderately effective. That is an improvement from the last Office of the Auditor General Audit in 2015, which, in a blistering review found MDOTs efforts to monitor road and bridge warranties were not effective. Kratofil said the improved rating was a recognition that MDOT had taken the appropriate steps to address findings from the 2015 audit. More on MLive: Michigan uses road warranties on nearly every project. Are they worth it? Spreading road warranties to local governments could spike Michigan construction costs US President Joe Biden said he was "devastated" by the shooting a day earlier at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, that killed 10 people, urging the Senate to immediately pass the bills on gun reform recently approved by the House. "Ten lives have been lost, and more families have been shattered by gun violence in the state of Colorado," Biden said in remarks from the White House on Tuesday. "And (first lady) Jill and I are devastated, the feeling, I just can't imagine how the families are feeling," he added, Xinhua news agency reported. On Monday afternoon, a shooter identified on Tuesday as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa opened fire at the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, killing 10 people, among them a police officer who was the first to respond to the situation. The carnage came less than a week after eight people, many of whom were Asian women, were killed in a shooting spree in the Atlanta area in Georgia. In addition to 51-year-old Eric Talley, the deceased police officer, the identities of the remaining nine victims were also revealed Tuesday morning by the police. While praising the heroism of the slain officer, Biden urged the Senate to immediately pass two bills on gun reform recently approved by the House. "I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common sense steps that will save lives in the future," said Biden, who shortly before the speech ordered that flags be flown at half-mast to honor the victims. "The Senate should immediately pass, let me say it again, the United States Senate, I hope some are listening, should immediately pass the two House-passed bills that close loopholes in the background check system. These are bills that received votes with both Republicans and Democrats in the House. This is not and should not be a partisan issue. This is an American issue. It will save lives. American lives. We have to act," Biden added. Earlier this month, the House passed the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and Enhanced Background Checks Act, respectively. Both of the bills passed almost by party-line votes, with very few Republicans' support. Also on Tuesday, the atmosphere of an ongoing hearing on gun control in the Senate grew intense right at the beginning, as Democrats accused Republicans of having no solution for gun violence and GOP senators fired back by blaming the Democrats for pushing gun reform every time a shooting incident happened. There is no tactic pro-abortion Democrats in Congress wont use to impose their radical agenda on an unsuspecting public. Once again theyre trying to revive the Equal Rights Amendment by obliterating a deadline that clearly expired four decades ago. The reason could not have less to do with true equality. As written, the ERA would insert a right to abortion on demand, paid for by taxpayers, in the U.S. Constitution. Pro-abortion lobbying groups and even courts in states like New Mexico already interpret it that way, and efforts to make the amendment abortion-neutral have been rebuffed. This latest push for the ERA follows two historic milestones that would make feminist pioneers like Alice Paul proud: the confirmation of the first pro-life mom to the Supreme Court, and the election of the largest group of pro-life congresswomen in history both with the support of Marjorie Dannenfelser and the Susan B. Anthony List. These women leaders are strong, diverse, accomplished, and unapologetically pro-life. I, Diana Harshbarger, am proud to serve the people of East Tennessee as one of them. My life story is proof that abortion is not the key to womens success. During my first year of pharmacy school, I became pregnant with my son, Bobby, while also working full time. I managed to juggle these three full-time responsibilities and went on to become a pharmacist and small business owner. Additionally, as a health care professional, I know how detrimental the pro-abortion myth is for women and girls. I have personally worked with women who have experienced infertility issues and helped them achieve successful pregnancies. With successful female role models all around us, the ironic timing is one more clue that gives away the real agenda behind the ERA. Pro-abortion Democrats are afraid the Supreme Court, with three new justices, might finally respect our right to make laws that reflect our constituents values, after 48 long years of being blocked by the court. Across the nation, state lawmakers are enacting more pro-life laws than at any point since Roe v. Wade. Last year Tennessee enacted some of the nations strongest protections for unborn children and their mothers. We like our pro-life laws, and we want to keep them. The ERA would destroy the progress weve made. Tennessees unique history of reconsidering the ERA, after first supporting it, can provide insight and give lawmakers in Washington the courage they need to reject its false pretenses. In 1972, when the state General Assembly ratified the ERA, its momentum seemed unstoppable. Understandably so the ideal of equality under the law is our heritage as Americans. But then came Roe. The possibility that, in a single day, the court could strike down pro-life protections across the country and even force taxpayers to fund abortions must have seemed remote to many Americans at the time. Suddenly, it was a stark reality. By 1974, Tennessee took back its ratification, joining Nebraska. Two more states followed, and one allowed a sunset provision to expire. The deadline set by Congress came and went, and the ERA was not added to the Constitution. Fast-forward to the present day. Three states that belatedly ratified the ERA sued to try to force its adoption a key element of pro-abortion Democrats strategy. Tennessee moved to intervene in the case, arguing that our vote to rescind should be honored. Earlier this month, we won. A federal court judge appointed by President Obama agreed that the deadline was valid and the old ERA null and void. Pelosi Democrats attempt to do an end run around the constitutional process violates the rights of all Americans, in service of an agenda that is deeply anti-life and anti-woman. This is the very opposite of equality. We are disappointed that the resolution to revive the ERA passed the House but proud of those who voted no. We stand together in urging every member of the Senate, on both sides of the aisle, to say no to the ERA. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger represents Tennessees 1st Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and the House Committee on Homeland Security. Long-serving Labor MP Chris Hayes will encourage the party to preselect a young lawyer with Vietnamese heritage to replace him after announcing he will quit politics at the next federal election. Mr Hayes, the chief opposition whip, confirmed on Wednesday he will not recontest his western Sydney seat after more than 16 years in Federal Parliament. Labor MP Chris Hayes is quitting politics. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Hayes, whose seat is held with a margin of more than 17 per cent, has suffered a series of health issues in the past four years and last year collapsed in Parliament and was admitted to hospital. In 2017 he spent 15 days in Canberra Hospital after suffering several broken ribs, a broken arm and internal injuries following a motorcycle crash. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 London: Britains Home Secretary Priti Patel has been urged to be as tough and kind as Tony Abbott towards asylum seekers to stop illegal boat arrivals across the English Channel. Patel, who met Abbott in London last October, set out a new plan for immigration for Britain aimed at punishing those who travel by boat, traditionally across the English Channel from France. She said the current system was broken and was too easily exploited with 16,000 illegal arrivals in the UK in 2019 and 32,000 attempts prevented in France. Britains Home Secretary Priti Patel. Credit:AP The number of journeys made by boat reached a record level with 8500 crossing, although illegal entries by other routes declined because of the COVID-19, according to government statistics. ID solutions provider and card manufacturer, Databac celebrated its 50th anniversary with a brand new look and revamped website. The company, founded in 1970, has grown from a local business offering laminated cards to an international organisation with a wealth of experience in all aspects of identification technologies. New logo and website To mark the milestone, Databac has developed a new logo and created a new website, which better reflect the company as it is today - a dynamic, experienced and global player in the security industry. Databacs growth has followed the evolution of the security market for half a century" Databacs growth has followed the evolution of the security market for half a century. The industry has little in common with the days of punch-hole Hollerith cards, which we made during our early days, commented Databacs Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charles Balcomb. Charles Balcomb adds, The world today is much more connected, with sophisticated solutions that are highly secure, personalisable and multi-functional. Our new look represents who we are now - a specialist partner for our clients, empowering them to manage their security needs through our identification solutions, with an emphasis on sustainability. Anti-microbial card holders and touch-free biometrics The anniversary coincided with an unprecedented situation provoked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. To help manage the situation, Databac has incorporated new hygiene and safety solutions into its portfolio, ranging from anti-microbial card holders to touch-free biometrics with mask detection. Databacs evolution builds on its ability to adapt to a changing world. This agility is reflected in the dual business model of its own manufacture with sourcing from qualified partners. UK and Spain manufacturing facilities The factory in Surrey, United Kingdom, produces bespoke, multi-functional cards, while the facility in Barcelona, Spain, has a bureau dedicated to card personalisation and encoding. These operations are complemented by identification systems, printers, readers, software and accessories from its global network of strategic partners. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is inviting licensees, electronic communications manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders to a virtual workshop to discuss ways to manage the type-approval and installation of cell extenders in the country. The workshop aims to find information on the use of cell extenders in the country, the effects of cell extenders on licensed operators and ways to protect both consumer and licensees' interests whilst ensuring small business development.The workshop will be held on 31 March 2021 at 12h00 through Microsoft Teams. Click here to join the workshop. ADVERTISEMENT The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has urged the federal government to take the security challenges rocking the nation seriously, to avoid having a bloody poll in 2023. Mr Akeredolu, who doubles as the chairman of Southwest Governors, made comments on the deteriorating insecurity in the country while appearing on Channels Televisions Politics Today Programme on Tuesday. He corroborated the position of the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, who was recently attacked by gunmen, that security in Nigeria is porous. Mr Ortom escaped an attack last Saturday. While meeting with Mr Buhari on Tuesday, he warned that elections might be disrupted in 2023 if the challenges persist. Mr Akeredolu backed this, saying I think he is right, definitely we cannot conduct elections under an insecure environment. So if insecurity is not nipped in the bud, it will escalate and if it escalates, all of us should be worried that as at the time we are getting to 2023, we might have a full-scale banditry and other insecurity in the country. With that, there is nobody that can carry out any election under that atmosphere. What is clear is that he has made a good point that the Federal Government must sit up. Something just has to be done now to ensure that this issue of insecurity that is escalating by the day is now nipped in the bud and deescalated as soon as possible, he said. He also buttressed that to curb the repeated killings and kidnappings in Nigeria, there must be the creation of state police to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force. There must be a swift response to all this level of insecurity. For now, since there is nothing else to do, those of us who believe that there should be multi-level policing and the time has come for us to have state police, it is not something you can force down. It is something that will have to go through the National Assembly. It takes some time but that is the goal. But before then, I believe that we can have meetings, set up committees on insecurity. Let it be addressed wholesomely, without any bias. PREMIUM TIMES reports that for years, Nigeria has been battling all forms of insecurity including terrorism in the northeast and herdsmen attacks in the southwest. As part of efforts to address the insecurity in their region, the Southwest governors, in 2020, launched Amotekun, but only little success has been made. Burma Australian Economic Adviser Held in Myanmar Faces Two Charges Anti-coup protesters hold placards demanding the release of Professor Sean Turnell in Mandalay. / The Irrawaddy Sean Turnell, the detained Australian economic adviser to ousted Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, is being investigated and faces two possible charges by the military regime in connection with its accusation that he tried to flee the country with secret financial information following the Feb. 1 military takeover. On Tuesday, the military revealed for the first time the possible charges against Turnell, who was detained on Feb. 6. During a press conference, junta spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said the Australian professor is under investigation on two counts of violating the countrys immigration and official secrets acts. The offenses carry imprisonment terms of five and seven years respectively. The military spokesman said Turnell had been allowed to speak with family and diplomats from the Australian Embassy in Yangon on two occasions. We will continue to allow him to speak [with family and the embassy], the spokesman said. Turnells family and the Australian government have repeatedly called for Turnells release. He served as one of the top economic advisers to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi for several years. He is also director of research at the Myanmar Development Institute (MDI), a leading economic thinktank focused on building the capacity of the government. The Australian government suspended its defense cooperation program with Myanmar in early March due to concerns over the escalating violence and rising death toll as regime forces cracked down on protesters. The junta has also detained the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar and a number of ministers and their deputies who served in key economic ministries under the National League for Democracy-led government. You may also like these stories: Southeast Asia Trapped Amid US-China Friction French Energy Giant Halts Myanmar Hydropower Project Over Human Rights Concerns Myanmar Protest Death Toll Climbs As Regimes Troops Keep Shooting 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 Nebula team has been working hard to make the 2.0 version more stable, faster, more open, and easier to use. Nebula Graph, the worlds most capable graph database, announced today the general availability of Nebula Graph 2.0, which improves the previous version in both functionality and scalability. Nebula Graph is an open-source graph database developed by vesoft. It is the worlds only large-scale graph database solution with a latency of milliseconds. Companies like Tencent, Meituan, JD Digits, and Kuaishou are already using Nebula Graph to boost their graph data processing capabilities. The release of Nebula Graph 2.0 is a breakthrough in graph database and is in line with vesofts mission to provide stable and efficient infrastructure for the tech industry. Nebula Graph 2.0 addresses the increasing challenge in analyzing trillions of data relationships in a world driven by big data, helping developers, data scientists, and business owners unearth the unmeasurable commercial value from their datasets. The Nebula team has been working hard to make the 2.0 version more stable, faster, more open, and easier to use. We hope that the new version can better serve the needs of our users, said Sherman Ye, CEO and founder of vesoft Inc. Whats new: Based on the opinions of existing users, new trends in the graph database and big data fields, the team has improved Nebula Graphs capacities in the following aspects. Better query performance. High throughput and low latency in handling large data volume is the natural architectural advantage of Nebula Graph. Most users turned to Nebula Graph because other products cannot meet the challenges brought by the growth of their data volume. Therefore, Nebula Graph 2.0 continues to maintain its advantage in large data volume query scenarios. Stability is guaranteed. As more and more users use Nebula Graph in production, any slight system jitter will have a huge impact on their businesses. Nebula Graph always ensures users clusters in stable operations as their businesses evolve and data volume increases. Enhanced system openness: Nebula Graph 2.0 added several important features and its underlying logic was optimized to make the system more open. Nebula Graph is now compatible with openCypher so that Neo4j users can use Nebula Graph with a flat learning curve. It can also integrate with more graph analysis algorithms to meet users' needs for offline analysis and graph computing. Easier operation and maintenance: The complexity of operation and maintenance of distributed databases is incomparable to that of standalone ones. Nebula Graph 2.0 now provides users with more operation and maintenance tools to simplify deployment, upgrade, backup, and enable them to monitor the system and locate errors more accurately and faster. Adopters Some of the worlds leading tech companies including Tencent, Meituan, 360, and Kuaishou have already adopted Nebula Graph to enhance their graph database capabilities. Zhihu, Chinas largest knowledge-sharing platform with nearly 20 million monthly active users, uses Nebula Graph to detect fake upvotes on its website. Hu Yu, an anti-cheat engineer at Zhihu, said Nebula Graph had reduced the platforms fraud reaction time from several hours to a few seconds. Nebula Graphs capacities of bulk data importing, real-time writing and reading, and multiple-hop query outpaces other graph databases, and it has an active developer community, said Zhao Dengchang, a technical expert at Meituan, Chinas largest online lifestyle platform. About vesoft Inc. Vesoft Inc. is the creator of Nebula Graph, the worlds most capable database for big data analytics discovery. Nebula Graph provides an industry-leading capability of storing and handling billions of vertices and trillions of edges, with just milliseconds of latency. Its shared-nothing deployment architecture removes any single point of failure and allows fast recoveries, enabling the industrys best business continuity. In June 2020, vesoft secured $8 million Series Pre-A funding from investors led by RedPoint China Ventures and Matrix Partners China, which previously contributed as an angel investor. For more information, please visit https://nebula-graph.io/. Members of the Swaziland (eSwatini) House of Assembly forced the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuza, to halt plans to make parents pay school fees even though classes had been stopped for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. They threatened her with a motion of no confidence if she did not comply. Schools are due to start reopening on 29 March 2021 and parents are expected to pay fees for both last year and the present one. Moving an emergency motion, Phila Buthelezi told the House children only had five weeks schooling last year. He said there was no justification to make parents pay fees because children were at home. He said, 'As we speak, some parents have failed to register their children for the current academic year, which is supposed to begin next week because the head teachers had stated that there was an instruction from the ministry that they should demand last year's outstanding fees first.' The motion was carried and Mabuza was given until Tuesday afternoon (23 March 2021) to comply. Mabuza said she would implement the motion. 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! 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. Hundreds of angry students break through the guarded gate of their school---the Guangzhou Vocational College of Science and Technology on Mar. 17, 2021. Provided to The Epoch Times by an interviewee. Angry College Students Break Free From Prolonged COVID-19 Lockdown in China Despite a low-risk pandemic situation in the area, the Guangzhou Vocational University of Science and Technology, in southern Chinas Guangdong province, prolonged its COVID-19 restrictions on campus. Discontent from locked-up students simmered until it reached a critical point. At noon on Mar. 17, at least 300 Guangzhou university students launched a surprise charge on the guarded school gate and stormed off campus. Student Lin Fang (alias), told the Chinese-language Epoch Times it looked like a prison escape scene from a movie. It happened during break time. As guards were allowing a vehicle to exit, the crowds saw an opportunity and flooded out. The guards at the gate tried to stop the crowds but in vain, Lin recalled. Later in the afternoon, additional guards were posted at the entrance and other locations. Interviewees: Unnecessary and Unfair Lockdown Zhang Feng, a student at the university, told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that the ongoing lockdown in their university was met with widespread resistance. He said that their school was in a low-risk area in a remote part of the city of Guangzhou, and had been locked down since last semester, although neighboring schools were not. Zhang revealed students had to get approval from a counselor to leave the school. Some counselors were sympathetic while others were not, Zhang said. Moreover, interviewees reported it was unfair that the faculty could enter and leave the school freely while students were banned from going off campus. Meals Are Costly, Poor Quality, and Occasionally Contain Insects or Worms Lin Fang said there were other reasons why students broke out of the grounds. Meals provided by the school dining halls were increasingly expensive and of such poor quality that the food contained insects or worms. Many students said they had loose bowels after eating in the dining halls. Zhang Feng added he had to spend nearly 50 yuan ($7.68) on meals each day. Additional Complaints Some students complained online about the poor quality of the universitys professors. Others also accused school authorities of profiteering. Zhang Feng said that hot water was unreliable in the dorms; expansion projects were always underway to admit more students; tuition for undergraduate programs was expensive, starting at 26,000 yuan (about $3,994) per year; and annual fees for sub-undergraduate programs rose from 18,500 yuan ($2,842) to 21,000 yuan ($3,226). School Administrators Threaten Students Who Share Videos After the incident, the Guangzhou school further intensified restrictions at the entrance and issued a notice banning students from spreading videos of the exodus, said Zhang. Any violator would face disciplinary punishment, he added. Lin Fang corroborated Zhangs statements. Despite attempted censorship by the school, discussion about the incident, called the March 17th Uprising by some netizens on Chinas social media Weibo, continues. Gu Xiaohua and Ling Yun contributed to this report. Mumbai, March 24 : The main opposition in Maharashtra, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Wednesday and listed 100 points on which the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government has allegedly failed to discharge its Constitutional duties, besides urging him to seek a report from Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The ruling MVA slammed the move, terming it as the BJP's conspiracy to pressurise IAS-IPS officers by misusing Central intelligence agencies and destabilise the state government by all foul means. "We have submitted a list of 100 points. The CM remains silent, he does not speak so we have urged the Governor to seek a report from the government," Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis told mediapersons after meeting the Governor at the Raj Bhavan. He said that former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh has accused state Home Minister and NCP leader Anil Deshmukh of corruption, while a massive racket of police transfers and promotions is also surfacing. However, the CM has chosen to keep quiet on the issue, while Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar is defending his party, Fadnavis said. Describing the MVA as 'Maha Vasooli Aghadi', Fadnavis alleged that the ruling allies -- Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress -- are involved in this mess and corruption. He further said that in the last one year, the MVA government has miserably failed to handle the Covid-19 pandemic as cases keep increasing only in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole and NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik attacked the BJP for displaying its 'greed for power', misusing Constitutional positions and violating statutory norms to achieve its aims. "It's the prerogrative of the CM whether to speak. How can the opposition force him to talk? When former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not speak, he was accused similarly, but now we have a talkative PM (Narendra Modi) and all are witnessing how he has destroyed the country," Patole shot back. He urged the bureaucrats not to act like 'puppets' of the BJP which is trying to put pressure on the MVA through central agencies, and it is the BJP which is indulging in conspiracies to dislodge the MVA government, he added. Dismissing Fadnavis' contention that the MVA has become weak, Malik said the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government is very strong and despite all attempts, the BJP can't unseat it. "Fadnavis continues to make allegations on the basis of IPS officer Rashmi Shukla's report claiming there was corruption in the transfer of police officers. But he (Fadnavis) gave a partial copy of it and not the full report. It's a baseless report since there were no transfers in 80 per cent of the names mentioned there," Malik contended. Attacking Fadnavis, who levelled the allegations and circulated 'top secret' documents to the Union Home Secretary on Tuesday, Malik reiterated that police transfers are made as per the recommendations of the two boards headed by an Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and another by the DGP himself, who look after the shifting of senior and junior officials, respectively. "So was (ex-DGP) Subodh Jaiswal recommending names by taking money, as alleged by Fadnavis," Malik asked, saying that the BJP leader's lies have been exposed and he cannot survive without power. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant warned that in the past, it had bared the dark deeds and corruption of the Fadnavis government, and it will expose them again at the an appropriate time. Meanwhile, BJP ex-MP Kirit Somaiya met Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials on Wednesday, demanding a probe against state ministers Anil Deshmukh, Anil Parab and former Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh in an alleged Rs 1,000 crore extortion by 'Sachin Vaze Gang' in benami, offshore and cash transactions. English French Delta Drone strengthens its portfolio of strategic investments: equity investment in Israeli Sightec March 24, 2021 at 6 p.m. Thanks to the establishment of its subsidiary Delta Drone International (a company listed on the Sydney ASX stock exchange - DLT:ASX), the group now has three solid development bases outside France: Southern Africa and Australia for the mining and agriculture sectors and Israel via ParaZero, on-board drone safety systems. This position also offers the group the major opportunity to be as close as possible to the high-tech sector in Israel, the leading area of innovation for the drone sector worldwide. It is in this context that the team present in Tel Aviv allowed Delta Drone, through its investment company UDT - United Drone Technology (ex-DDrone Invest) to sign an investment agreement in the Israeli machine vision company, Sightec (https://www.sightec.com/) . Sightec is a start-up based in Tel Aviv, that develops machine vision software for autonomous flights including automatic navigation and landing solutions that turn off-the-shelf cameras intro smart sensors and make drones more intelligent and autonomous, capable of analyzing and managing their entire environment in real time. Thanks to the NavSight system developed by Sightec, drones have a real-time "visual situation awareness" of the flight environment, day and night, without the use of GPS. During navigation, take-off and landing phases, the system analyzes the drones ever changing surroundings in real time while detecting and classifying dynamic and static objects that can affect the flight safety. This data is then instantly analyzed to manage and adapt the drones flight plan. The NavSight system is a major contributor to safety, including Beyond Line Of Sight (BVLOS) missions. Furthermore, it is very complementary to ParaZeros on-board safety package. The joint offering forms the most active, automatic and autonomous safety solution in the drone market In addition to this investment, Delta Drone and Sightec plan to develop close technology collaboration between their respective engineering teams in France and Israel. Sightec's clients include drone and avionics integrators for reconnaissance and homeland security missions such as Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Systems, as well as drone integrators in a wide range of civilian applications, including delivery, mapping, security and first responders. About Delta Drone: Delta Drone Group is a recognized international player in the civil drone industry for professional use. It develops a range of professional solutions based on drone technology as well as all associated services that form a complete value chain. Delta Drone shares are listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market - ISIN Code: FR0011522168 Also listed on Euronext Growth of BSA Y - Code ISIN: FR 0013400991 www.deltadrone.com Investor Contacts: Press Contact: Jerome Gacoin Louise Caetano +33 1 75 77 54 65 +33 1 55 02 15 13 jgacoin@aelium.fr l.caeta no @open2europe.com Sarah Ousahla +33 1 55 02 15 31 s.ousahla@open2europe.com Attachment Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speaks during a media conference after a meeting of the consultative committee of government ministers in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Ministers met on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of COVID-19 measures as infections are once again on the rise. (Benoit Doppagne, Pool via AP) Belgium is reintroducing a strict lockdown in response to a surge of new COVID-19 infections, with the government saying Wednesday that schools would close and residents would have limited access to nonessential businesses. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the virus variant first identified in Britain is taking a heavy toll on the nation's health. Confirmed new cases in Belgium increased 40% over the last week and hospital admissions rose 28% following a long stable period. According to the government, COVID-19 infections are doubling every two weeks in Belgium now, with most clusters detected in schools and workplaces. "It's difficult to take such a decision, and for many it will be a disappointment," De Croo said after an emergency meeting with regional leaders. "But I'm convinced that we are going to break this third wave." Under the government's new order, schools and universities will no longer hold in-person classes beginning Monday, although kindergartens will remain open. Exams can still be held in the week before the Easter holidays and the government's goal is to resume in-person teaching on April 19 after the school break. "The largest number of infections is in the 10-to-19 age group," De Croo said, noting that children and young adults who show no or few COVID-19 symptoms can infect parents and grandparents, who become very sick and end up in the hospital. From left, Walloon Minister President Elio Di Rupo, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Flemish Minister President Jan Jambon prepare to address a media conference after a meeting of the consultative committee of government ministers in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Ministers met on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of COVID-19 measures as infections are once again on the rise. (Benoit Doppagne, Pool via AP) A total of 22,763 people have died from virus-related causes in Belgium. About 1 million of its 11.5 million residents have received a first vaccine dose, and De Croo said the vaccination program in nursing homes has already helped reduce COVID-19 deaths. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said a recent sharp increase of COVID-19 patients in Belgium's intensive care units was worrying. "We need to return to a simple rule: Limit contacts," he said, adding that "the absolute priority is to reopen schools after Easter." Under the new rules kicking off Saturday, nonessential shops can remain open but customers will need to book appointments to be allowed inside and occupancy is limited. Hairdressers, tattoo shops, beauty parlors and massage salons have to close again until April 25. Olivier Mauen, spokesman for the independent businesses union, told broadcaster RTBF that he was angry over the new restrictions, which he says will hurt businesses and workers. Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, right, speaks during a media conference after a meeting of the consultative committee of government ministers in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Ministers met on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of COVID-19 measures as infections are once again on the rise. (Benoit Doppagne, Pool via AP) In this Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 file photo, a pharmacist prepares a syringe from a vial of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine during preparations at the Vaccine Village in Antwerp, Belgium. AstraZeneca's release of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could bury doubts about the shot and put a troubled rollout behind it. But just hours later, U.S. officials released an unusual statement expressing concerns AstraZeneca had included "outdated information" from its study and that it may have provided "an incomplete view of the efficacy data." (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speaks during a media conference after a meeting of the consultative committee of government ministers in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Ministers met on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of COVID-19 measures as infections are once again on the rise. (Benoit Doppagne, Pool via AP) Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, right, speaks during a media conference after a meeting of the consultative committee of government ministers in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Ministers met on Wednesday to discuss a possible tightening of COVID-19 measures as infections are once again on the rise. (Benoit Doppagne, Pool via AP) "Where are the numbers (to back this up)? It's unacceptable," he said. Working from home remains mandatory and the maximum number of adults permitted to gather outdoors together is being reduced from 10 to four. Belgium's ban on nonessential travel outside the country will also remain in place over the Easter holidays with stepped up policing at borders. "The goal is to spend a summer with a lighter spirit," De Croo said. "It is within our reach." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Rakai District headquarters is facing eviction over accumulated rent arrears of Shs3 billion. Officials from Kooki Cultural Institution say the district has not been remitting nominal ground rent since 2007. Mr Stanley Ndawula, the spokesperson of Kooki institution, asked the district to relocate its headquarters. Mr Ndawula said the buildings are among those government returned to Kooki Chiefdom under the Traditional Rulers Restitution of Assets and Properties Act 1993. Some of the offices housed include the planning unit, chief administrative office, records unit, district internal security office, works department, health department, teachers' resource centre, education and production departments. "Kooki is a growing cultural institution which needs funds to plan for its people. So, if the district cannot pay our money, let them vacate the buildings so that we get other people who can pay," Mr Ndawula said during an interview on Monday. He claimed that the district authorities are deliberately refusing to pay yet government wires the money to their accounts. Mr Robert Kagolo, the institution lawyer, said they are in the process of seeking legal redress to evict the district headquarters. "Those people have refused to pay the rent arrears despite reminding them several times. We know other cultural institutions such as Tooro, Buganda and Bunyoro are facing a similar challenge, but our client is not going to tolerate this," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr Kagolo added: "Even though the district vacated some buildings in 2006, they did not pay rent and this is part of what we are demanding." However, Mr Eddy Kamya, the Rakai District deputy chief administrative officer, said plans are underway to remit ground rent arrears. "We know that the Kooki cultural institution exists and we are proud of having them as our landlords. We are aware about some money they are talking about particularly for nominal ground rent. That money will be paid to them after we have finalised the assessment process," Mr Kamya said. He denied reports that all buildings occupied by the district belong to Kooki. "Some of the buildings we are occupying were constructed by the Danish International Development Agency and are not theirs," he added. Mr Ndawula said the district is free to negotiate with them so that they acquire a piece of land to construct new offices. "We have tenants who have collaborated well with us like the Electoral Commission, National Water and Sewerage Corporation and some non- governmental organisations. They acquired lease and we are in good terms with them. We ask the district to emulate them," he said. Burma Myanmar Security Forces Snatch the Bodies of Those They Have Slain The funeral ceremony of 16-year-old teashop waiter is seen before the dead body was taken by force by the military regime. Security forces of Myanmars military regime are trying to seize the bodies of those they killed when they fired on anti-regime protesters, bystanders and pedestrians in Mandalay, the countrys second-biggest city. A Mandalay-based charity group assisting wounded people and providing funeral services to those killed by security forces told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that since March 5 they have had to conduct four funeral ceremonies without bodies because those killed had been cremated by the security forces themselves. The group also said that the number of bodies taken might be higher because many of the dead and wounded were taken away by security forces after a series of recent shootings in the city. Security forces conducted a series of raids in several wards in Chanmyathazi Township including Aung Pin Lae, Aung Tharyar and Mya Yi Nandar over three days after a confrontation between them and peaceful anti-regime protesters on March 21. During the deadly raids, at least 20 people were killed and about a hundred were injured, according to residents and charity groups. On Monday, security forces, claiming they need to conduct an autopsy, interrupted a funeral ceremony in Chanayethazan Township. They took the body of a 16-year-old teashop waiter slain in a Sunday night raid by force. A video from Mandalay also shows a man who appears to be dead being loaded onto a prisoner transport vehicle by the security forces and people in plainclothes. On March 4, security forces in Mandalay exhumed the body of a 19-year-old woman who was shot dead by soldiers and police on March 3 in a crackdown against anti-regime protest. The next day, Myanmars military regime refused to admit responsibility for killing the woman, saying the lead in her skull did not match police riot-control rounds. However, media members witnessed security forces also using deadly air-guns firing lead pellets during the crackdown. Military forces in Mandalay also refused to admit the killing of a 26-year-old man, who died at a military hospital after not getting proper treatment for wounds to his head and his leg received when security forces fired live rounds on Feb.20. Instead, the military insisted the man died of COVID-19. Charity groups providing funeral services for those killed said that earlier in the conflict between protesters and security forces the military would transfer the bodies of those who were killed to the families after performing an autopsy. However, they later stopped transferring the bodies back to families. Mandalay residents believe that military forces want to avoid responsibility for their killing and reduce the death toll by manipulating autopsies. The elder sister of a 6-year-old girl named Ma Khin Myo Chit, who was shot dead by the security forces on Tuesday afternoon, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that they held a funeral ceremony for the girl secretly because security forces are searching them. The girl was shot to death at close-range during a house raid at Aung Pin Lae in Chanmyathazi Township. The frightened girl was slain while being hugged by her father. (Initial reports were that Ma Khin Myo Chit was 7 years old. The family now confirms that she was 6.) During the raid, a 19-old-man, the girls brother, was also beaten and taken away by security forces. The family member said that security forces also searched their house again last night while they all were away from home. Now, they are hiding at another location in the city, the victims sister said. Their brutal behavior is beyond tolerance. There is no word to describe their actions, said the elder sister of the 6-year-old girl. Also, family members of another victim Ko Chan Thar Htwe, 21, who was shot dead by the security forces on Tuesdays morning left their home in Aung Thayar ward in Chanmyathazi Township on Wednesday after security forces began enquiring in the neighborhood about their location. At a time when there were no protests in the street, Ko Chan Thar Htwe was deliberately shot in the head by security forces from long range while he was in front of his house and attempting to get inside on Tuesday morning. Ko Than Niang Htun, brother of the victim, told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that security forces arrived near their home on Tuesday afternoon while they were sending his brothers dead body to the hospital. He said that they held the funeral ceremony for his younger brother secretly on Tuesday after moving to two locations. Even after my brother has been killed, all our family members had to run away of them, said Ko Than Naing Htun. On Tuesday, two more people aged in 36 and 27 were also killed by police and soldiers during raids against the residents at Aung Pin Lae ward in Chanmyathazi Townsip. During the recent deadly crackdowns in several Yangons townships, Bago, Pyay and Mandalay, bodies of victims have been taken away by security forces. Amid the deadly crackdowns, tens of thousands of people across the country have taken to the streets to defy the military rules. As of Tuesday, about 260 people have been killed by the security forces of military junta during their shooting against the anti-regime protesters, bystanders, pedestrians and residents. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Military Junta Releases 628 Protest-Related Detainees China and Russia Express Deep Concern as Myanmars Protest Death Toll Mounts Myanmar Energy and Electricity Staff Pressured to End Strike Dr. Rachel Levine will be the next U.S. assistant health secretary and she becomes the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The Senate voted Wednesday to confirm Levine, Pennsylvanias former health secretary. President Joe Biden named Levine as his nominee for the key post in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., voted against Levines confirmation, as he said he would. Toomey cited the number of coronavirus deaths in nursing homes and also said her support for restrictions to curb the spread of the virus hurt the states businesses. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., backed Levines nomination. He previously voted to advance her nomination in an earlier vote in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Dr. Levine is the kind of crisis-tested leader our nation needs at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during this ongoing difficult time for the nation, Casey said in a statement after the vote Wednesday afternoon. Throughout her long career in medicine and public service, she has demonstrated her deep knowledge of health care and public health and her skills as a manager, Casey said. I was proud to vote to confirm her to the position of Assistant Secretary of Health at HHS and support her historic nomination. Speaking on the Senate floor Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Levine is well qualified for the post. Murray hailed the historic nature of Levines nomination and said she was proud of what it represented. She will be the highest ranking openly transgender official in our government, Murray said. The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Levine, going largely along party lines in the narrowly divided chamber. Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted in favor of Levine. As Pennsylvanias health secretary, Levine gained high visibility as a leader in the states response to the coronavirus pandemic. Levine earned praise for speaking calmly and assuredly as the virus spread across Pennsylvania. She touted aggressive restrictions on businesses to stem the spread of COVID-19, angering lawmakers and some business groups who said the measures were hurting companies and workers already struggling in the pandemic. Still, the states measures also won praise from some health experts, including Dr. Deborah Birx, the former federal coronavirus response coordinator. When Birx visited Pennsylvania last fall, she said the limits on occupancy of restaurants and other businesses were successful in mitigating the spread of the virus. Speaking of Pennsylvanias effort at the time, Birx said, I never give anyone an A, but I think theyre close to a B-plus, A-minus range, a really terrific job. However, Levine drew intense criticism over the high number of deaths in nursing homes and what critics termed an ineffective response as cases spiked in long-term care facilities. Nearly 25,000 deaths in Pennsylvania have been tied to COVID-19 and more than half of those deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, according to state data. Republican lawmakers have criticized Levine and Gov. Tom Wolfs administration for allowing some nursing home residents hospitalized due to COVID-19 to return to their own facilities to recover. Critics have said the Wolf administrations guidance led to spikes of coronavirus cases in long-term care facilities. Nursing home trade groups in Pennsylvania have said they are not aware of the states guidance leading to any deaths or outbreaks and they arent aware of any facility that was forced to accept a COVID-positive patient against its wishes. Some lawmakers, including Collins, R-Maine, have questioned Levine about gaps in data about cases in nursing homes, Spotlight PA reported. But Collins also voted to confirm Levines nomination Wednesday. When Biden nominated Levine, the president hailed her as a historic and deeply qualified choice to help lead our administrations health efforts. Levine received praise and support for her grace in the wake of transphobic bigotry over the course of the past year. Some in the transgender community hailed her as a role model. Despite the insults, Levine said she remained laser focused on building a healthy Pennsylvania for all. Levine served as the states physician general from 2015 to 2017. She became the states acting health secretary in 2017 and was confirmed as Pennsylvanias secretary of health in 2018. After the Senate vote, Wolf congratulated Levine on her confirmation. I couldnt be prouder of all shes done to serve Pennsylvanians including her tireless work during the pandemic, Wolf said on Twitter. The nation is lucky to have her strength, experience, and compassion in this key role. More from PennLive While Dr. Rachel Levine inspired and enraged Pennsylvanians, her work caught President Bidens eye Transgender community hails nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine to Biden administration Health Minister Robin Swann has ruled out foreign holidays this summer but said he has no plans to fine people for leaving Northern Ireland to go abroad. Asked whether foreign travel is out for the summer at the Department of Healths weekly press conference on Wednesday afternoon, the UUP minister said: I would very much say so, while he warned travel to the Republic of Ireland will be dependent on the rollout of the vaccine north and south of the border. However, he said plans being progressed by Westminster that will see people fined 5,000 if they leave England without a good reason are not a direction of travel that we would be going on at this point in the Executive. Read More Mr Swann also announced relaxations in the advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), which will come into force before everyone in the cohort has received two doses of the vaccine. Since December 26 last year, they have been advised to follow enhanced measures to keep themselves safe, including not attending work even if they cannot work from home. From April 12, people who are CEV should continue to work from home where possible, but they can attend their workplace as long as safety measures are in place to ensure social distancing is possible at work and while travelling to and from work. Dr Michael McBride, the chief medical officer, was asked what protections will be in place for those who are CEV and who do not feel safe returning to work in light of reports that some employers are insisting those most at risk of the virus attend the workplace. Dr McBride said: What I would encourage them to do is to engage with their employer, there is support that is available and signposting to that support that is available on the NI Direct website, that will continue to be updated, it will be updated in the coming days and if there are difficulties that they are having in those negotiations, or having those assurances from their employer, I would please ask them to reach out for those supports that are available to assist them in making that determination and making that decision to return to the workplace. During the press conference, Mr Swann also revealed stock of the Moderna vaccine are likely to be delivered within the next few weeks. This will further enhance the rollout of the vaccine in Northern Ireland, which has seen almost 700,000 people here receive their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. According to latest figures, almost 100,000 people are fully vaccinated, with 76,254 doses of the total 791,117 vaccines administered second doses. And at the press conference, Patricia Donnelly, who heads up the vaccination programme, said almost half the adult population in Northern Ireland has now received a vaccine. She continued: There will always be frustrations in this process, this is unchartered territory for all of us, but supplies of the vaccine are continuing, they are steady. Theyre coming in as scheduled, to increase in further weeks ahead. All we can do is to keep on doing the right thing for all of us, the target of reaching all adult age groups by the summer is firmly within our sights. Meanwhile, according to latest figures, there have been no further Covid-19 deaths, 139 new cases have been diagnosed, while nine care homes are dealing with an outbreak of the virus. In this Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 file photo, people watch protesting policemen from a passing bus in Bucharest, Romania. Many regions in Central Europe and the Balkans are facing one of the most difficult moments since the coronavirus pandemic struck over a year ago. Romanian doctors on Wednesday March 24, 2012, are working around the clock and having to decide who most deserves a bed in intensive care COVID-19 units. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File) Poland recorded its highest daily number of new coronavirus infections Wednesday as hospitals buckle under a new surge. Hungary has the highest per capita death rate in the world. And Romanian doctors are working around the clock and having to decide who doesand doesn'tget a bed in an intensive care unit. The coronavirus pandemic is unleashing enormous suffering as infection rates rise across central Europe even as the Czech Republic and Slovakiarecently among the worst-hit areas in the worldare finally seeing some improvements following tight lockdowns. In Poland, officials say this "third wave" of the pandemic is driven by the highly contagious virus variant first detected in Britain, which now makes up most of the new cases. The country's vaccine rollout is happening far too slowly to hold back this powerful wave of illness and deaths. With 38 million people, Poland announced 575 new deaths on Wednesday and nearly 30,000 new infectionssurpassing a record for new cases set in November. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, warning that the worst is yet to come, said the country will have even stricter restrictions for a two-week period before and after Easter. This comes with the country already in a nationwide lockdown that has closed nonessential shops and sent all school children into remote learning. Poland's health care system is under greater pressure now than at any time in the pandemic. Polish media this week have reported on hospitals so overwhelmed that they are forced to put extra beds in corridors. Maternity wards have been suddenly turned into COVID-19 wards, forcing women to change plans for where they will be giving birth. At least one hospital director has banned staff from taking vacations. Ambulances in Poland have been waiting for hours in front of hospitals to unload their patients or have had to transport patients to distant facilities. Polish commuters stands in front of a tent and waits for a coronavirus test at the Stadtbruecke border crossing between Germany and Poland in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, Monday, March, 22, 2021. Poland is being classified as a 'high risk' COVID-19 area by German authorities and people crossing into Germany from Poland must provide a negative coronavirus test. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP) Morawiecki said younger peoplethose under 50 and even some under 40are making up a larger share of those hospitalized than ever before. Among them now is 49-year-old Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, who unsuccessfully challenged President Andrzej Duda in an election last year. In Hungary, a surge of infections has produced the highest death rate per 1 million inhabitants in the world in recent days, and daily record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 patients being treated in hospitals has led to a severe strain on the country's health care system. That comes even though Hungary is among the European Union countries with the highest vaccination rates, thanks to its reliance on Chinese and Russian vaccines in addition to those approved by the EU. Facing a lack of qualified medical staff to treat the nearly 12,000 COVID-19 patients now hospitalized, Hungary has authorized medical students to come in to help. Some Hungarian hospitals have also sought volunteers to assist nurses and doctors in COVID-19 wards, giving training sessions to those without medical backgrounds. "The majority of hospital wards have become COVID wards, intensive wards are exponentially overloaded, operating rooms have shut down and their ventilators are occupied by COVID patients fighting for their lives. We've run out of available health care workers and the hospitals are looking for volunteers to help," the Hungarian Chamber of Doctors wrote. In Romania, record high numbers of patients in ICU units have been recorded on consecutive days this week. "This is the most pressure we've felt," says Roxana Patulea, a 28-year-old ICU doctor at the Ploiesti Emergency Jupiter Hospital and Bucharest University Emergency Hospital. Polish commuters stand in a line and wait for a coronavirus test at the Stadtbruecke border crossing between Germany and Poland in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, Monday, March, 22, 2021. Poland is being classified as a 'high risk' COVID-19 area by German authorities and people anyone crossing into Germany from Poland must provide a negative coronavirus test. (Patrick Pleul/dpa via AP) "Despite the vaccine, there are many more patients than during the second wave and there are no beds in ICU. It's sadoften we have to choose patients according to the criteria of severity or age," she told The Associated Press. Patulea said she and her colleagues have been working 24-hour shifts during this surge, snatching bits of sleep in between night-time emergencies. Meanwhile, infections have also soared in past weeks in many Balkan countries, which have responded by tightening lockdown restrictions. Health authorities warn that the systems are so overburdened and medical workers are so exhausted after a year of extreme pressure that patients are not receiving optimal care. "The pressure on our hospital is huge," said Dr. Tatjana Adzic Vukicevic, who runs a newly built coronavirus facility outside Belgrade. "It cannot be described with words, we are putting in extreme efforts." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Tinder is trying to make it easier to safely spark a love connection with a new feature designed to help love-seekers vet their matches. The popular dating app, which is owned by Match Group, has revealed that it has partnered with the nonprofit, Garbo, to help swiping singles feel a bit more at ease about who they are connecting with. The technology will allow for all users to view public records linked to their potential datesincluding convictions, orders of protection or restraining orders and legal documents that report abuse, harassment or other violent crimes. Match has said it won't share its data with Garbo, but users will be able to run a background check so long as they get their date's last name or phone number, according to the Verge. Julie Spira, founder of the website Cyber Dating Expert, said the feature could go a long way for helping people not only feel safe, but also more confident in the swiping. "Having newer technology helps singles feel more safe," she told "Good Morning America" on Friday. "Whether it's the video dating or a background check, [it] makes the dating process flow quickly and safely." The increased security comes amid growing concerns regarding whether users can safely meet up for a date with someone they do not know. An investigation by ProPublica in 2019 revealed that registered sex offenders had created profiles on several platforms owned by Tinder's parent company. The report also prompted Tinder to add photo verification in January 2020, in-app safety check-ins during dates, and a built-in panic button to its platform. The services are free, but are only available in the US. While the date's latest safety feature will not be free, officials at both Garbo and Match said they are working to ensure fair and low pricing. 2021 New York Daily News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Ginny & Georgia is still holding its own in Netflixs Top 10 list, demonstrating how the mother-daughter drama has reached rankings similar to Tiger King and The Queens Gambit. As fans hang on to hear word about a potential second season, theres plenty of chatter about the two love triangles in the series. One of those centered on Georgia (Brianne Howley) and her affection for both Paul (Scott Porter) and Zion (Nathan Mitchell). Season 1 found her picking one man over the other, and Ginny & Georgia showrunners Sarah Lampert and Debra J. Fisher broke down the reasons behind her decision. [Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for season 1 of Ginny & Georgia] Brianne Howey as Georgia and Nathan Mitchell as Zion in Ginny & Georgia | Courtesy of Netflix Georgias complicated love life was 1 major Ginny & Georgia storyline Season 1 of Ginny & Georgia spent time showing Georgias past and present romantic relationships, but a chunk was devoted to Zion and Mayor Paul Randolph. Zion may have been her first love, but shed been married at least twice to Kenny and Anthony. Not much is known about how she met Austins father and whether they were ever truly in love, but love hasnt always been a factor when Georgia chooses a mate. That was exemplified through her blackmail-induced marriage to Anthony and the wolfbane murder of Kenny the molester. Meeting Mayor Paul in Wellsbury seemingly changed things for Georgia, but is she really lovestruck? She stole thousands from the mayors office after all. And, her feelings for Zion are certainly real. RELATED: Ginny & Georgia: The Real-Life Age Gap Between the 2 Main Actors Is Quite Minimal Why Ginny chose Paul over Zion During an interview with Hollywood Life, Ginny & Georgia executive producers/showrunners Sarah Lampert and Debra J. Fisher discussed some of Georgias choices. They dug into how her mind operates based on her upbringing and survival mentality. However, they also got down to the nitty gritty on why she picked Paul over on again-off again love, Zion. Lampert explained that writers were deliberate in making viewers fall in love with Zion, and they applied the same method with Pauls character. Its why some fans were rooting for Georgia to say yes to Pauls proposal. Zion has a long history with Georgia which, according to Lampert, brings certain things out of her she either wants to forget or she doesnt prefer. Paul is the ideal for a reason. Hes the father of her daughter, but Paul is offering this kind of picture-perfect illusion that she has always been on the outside of and has always kind of aspired and desperately tried to prove herself worthy of, said Lampert. To say yes to Paul, instead of Zion, is really to say yes to the illusion of perfection. And she so desperately keeps driving course. Brianne Howey as Georgia and Scott Porter as Mayor Paul Randolph in Ginny & Georgia | Netflix Some fans want Georgia and Joe to be together With the knowledge that Joe is the one who gave Georgia those sunglasses and sandwich, many fans are charmed by the idea that they could possibly link up. Joe had his heart broken by the end of season 1, but whos to say that Milkshake wont bring them together for a tender moment? Georgia knows Joe is the kid from her childhood and the person who told her about Wellsbury even if she hasnt admitted on screen yet. Shes in a lot of trouble for her past illegal deeds, and if her path ever leads to a breakup with Paul, there are plenty of fans who want to see Georgia and Joe as endgame. Season 2 of Ginny & Georgia has not been guaranteed, but viewers can currently stream season 1 on Netflix. The Bridge Program has helped tremendously with diversifying our student body, he said. We need more of representation BIPOC teaching artists as well, not just students. They need to be able to see where they can go. As a person of color, Im in this position because I was given scholarships, the opportunity and exposure to be able to have a career in dance. How can we open up doors to possibilities to change someones life as it changed my life? A pilot study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found evidence of Bartonella infection in the blood of people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Researchers have been looking at the connection between bacterial infection and neuropsychiatric disease for some time." Dr. Erin Lashnits, former veterinary internist, NC State, current faculty member, University of Wisconsin and first author of the study "Specifically, there has been research suggesting that cat ownership is associated with schizophrenia due to the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii, but to date there has been no conclusive evidence in support of a causative role for this parasite. So we decided to look at another cat-associated infectious agent, Bartonella, to see if there could be a connection." Bartonella are bacteria historically associated with cat-scratch disease, which until recently was thought to be solely a short-lived (or self-limiting) infection. Cats can become infected with Bartonella via exposure to fleas and potentially ticks, which are natural vectors of the bacteria. The cat is a host for at least three of the 40 known Bartonella species: Bartonella henselae, Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella koehlerae. "While there is emerging understanding of neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia as disorders of brain networks, the question about the actual causes remains unanswered," says corresponding author Flavio Frohlich, associate professor of psychiatry at the UNC School of Medicine. "It was an exciting opportunity for us in the UNC Department of Psychiatry to team up with the leading experts on Bartonella to pursue this innovative idea of a potential link to schizophrenia. To our knowledge, this is the very first work that examines a potential role of Bartonella in schizophrenia." The research team enrolled a group of 17 people with stable, medically managed schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and a control group of 13 healthy adults, to test for evidence of Bartonella infection. All participants filled out questionnaires on severity of symptoms and potential Bartonella exposure. Blood samples were taken from participants twice in a one-week period. The samples were cultured in a growth medium, and both cultured and whole blood samples underwent qPCR and droplet digital, or ddPCR testing, at seven-, 14- and 21-day intervals, to look for evidence of Bartonella organism-specific DNA. Blood samples were also tested for Bartonella species-specific antibodies. Of the 17 patients with schizophrenia, 12 had Bartonella DNA in their blood, as compared to only one of 13 in the control group. According to the questionnaires, both patients and controls reported similar pet ownership and flea exposures. "Bartonella ddPCR, a very new diagnostic technology, provides a more sensitive molecular test than we've previously had access to," says Dr. Ed Breitschwerdt, Melanie S. Steele Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at NC State and study coauthor. "If we had not used ddPCR to test this cohort of individuals, we would not have found Bartonella DNA in any of the participants, either case or control." "It is important to remember that our study was by design not able to demonstrate a causal link between Bartonella infection and schizophrenia," Frohlich says. "However, we believe this initial observational study strongly supports the need for follow-up research." The researchers plan to proceed with a larger study to see whether their preliminary results are borne out. "Many of these patients have been undergoing care for years," Breitschwerdt says. "What we're starting to see is a pattern - Bartonella can persist for a long time. And for the subset of people who can't eliminate the infection, the bacteria can cause chronic or progressive illness." As of midnight, Tuesday March 23, the HPSC has been notified of 683 confirmed cases of COVID-19. There is now a total of 232,164 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland. Of the cases reported this evening, Limerick was attributed to have 21. Limerick's case numbers have fluctuated in recent days with 11 on March 22, 8 on March 21, 36 on March 20 and less than 5 on March 19. The 5-Day Moving Average of New Cases for Limerick is now at 13, while the number of new cases during last 14 days sits at 186. Of the cases notified today: 324 are men / 359 are women 75% are under 45 years of age The median age is 32 years old 308 in Dublin, 68 in Donegal, 49 in Kildare, 35 in Meath, 30 in Offaly and the remaining 193 cases are spread across 21 other counties**. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 18 additional deaths related to COVID-19. Of the deaths reported today, 6 occurred in March, 7 in February and 5 in January. There has been a total of 4,628 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland. As of 8am today, 329 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 76 are in ICU. 18 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. As of March 21st 2021, 680,015 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Ireland: 495,824 people have received their first dose 184,191 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. Parents organisations will not join the states three school sectors as signatories to a statement of intent to teach consent and tackle sexual assault among students, a draft of the document seen by The Sydney Morning Herald shows. The statement would commit all schools to taking concrete actions to strengthen their students ability to form healthy relationships and prevent harmful situations, and to acknowledging their duty to respond. However, the draft requires signatures only from the three school sectors, and not parents organisations as originally proposed. The news comes as Queensland Parliament was on Wednesday due to pass legislation requiring juries not to take into account claims from accused rapists that they were so drunk or affected by drugs that they thought their victim was consenting. The Ohio Constitution says excessive bail shall not be required, but day-to-day life in the states courts hasnt always coincided with that fundamental guarantee. In combination, though, Cuyahoga Common Pleas Courts new administrative and presiding judge, and public opinion leavened by cleveland.coms Justice for All series have spurred bail reform in Cuyahoga County. The aim of cleveland.coms Justice for All reporting: To end what has been a fact of courthouse life in Ohio, not just in Cuyahoga County: The unnecessary long-term jailing of an otherwise bailable criminal defendant simply because he or she happens to be poor. In an ironic feature of the COVID-19 pandemic, as cleveland.com and Plain Dealer columnist Leila Atassi recently wrote, the virus has helped spur bail reform, because crowded places (and jails usually are) promote contagion. In a quiet but crucial step taken last year, Common Pleas Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan Sheehan recommended that defendants charged with nonviolent third-, fourth, or fifth-degree felonies be released without having to post cash bonds, but instead released on whats called personal bond: To repeat, only a person charged with a nonviolent offense. As Atassi wrote, Sheehans recommendation does not prevent Cuyahoga County judges from using their discretion. In fact, bond investigators and pretrial assessments give the bench a plethora of data to help make sound decisions about personal bonds vs. cash bail. Bottom line: Atassi found that, in March 2020, 215 Cuyahoga County Jail inmate were awaiting trial on low-level felonies. That number plummeted to 67 by Novembers end. In sum, common sense bail-or-bond practices have promoted the public interest by, reducing a health risk, and more significantly, freeing people who are their families breadwinners and caregivers. Ohios reliance on cash bail, according to the American Civil Liberties of Ohio, has perpetuated a two-tiered system of justice: one for the wealthy and one for the rest of us. [It] disproportionately punishes and targets Black people and other people of color as well as people from economically disadvantaged communities. " Moreover, an Ohio Supreme Court task force on bail found in mid-2019, Roughly 57 percent of inmates in Ohio jails are not there serving a sentence, but instead are awaiting trial, according to Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction data. The task force also cited Buckeye Institute findings that found the average jail bed cost taxpayers almost $65 per day, compared to $5 per day for maximum supervised release. And as noted before, Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and his chief of staff, former Prosecuting Attorney Bill Mason, commendably proposed and the County Council approved last month creating a central booking facility at the Justice Center. As cleveland.com and Plain Dealer reporter Courtney Astolfi wrote, Pre-trial assessments would be conducted at the [booking] facility to ensure suspects are given the least restrictive bonds possible. So, all in all, positive moves are emerging in how the countys judges tackle a system that, left as is, resembled imprisonment-for-poverty. Agreed, as in too many other policy areas, Ohios state government lags. In a recent cleveland.com and Plain Dealer op-ed, former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Lee Weingart, a Republican, and a 2022 candidate for county executive, noted Illinois has become the first state to abolish mandatory cash bail. Bail reform is not a partisan issue, Weingart wrote: People of all political faiths understand the basic unfairness and unnecessary expense of a pretrial bail system that befits the 18th century, not the 21st. Still, the Ohio General Assembly dawdles, even though bail reform is practical, bail reform works, and most importantly bail reform strives to treat everyone, poor or rich, with the equality which fairness and the Constitution, demand. About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. Chennai, March 24 : AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Wednesday said that the people of Tamil Nadu as well as Tamils of Sri Lanka would never forgive the ruling AIADMK for its attitude before and after the adoption of the UNHRC motion on Sri Lanka. The AMMK General Secretary, in a statement, said that the AIADMK manifesto had promised action against those responsible for "genocide" of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Terming it an "act of betrayal" by the Central government for Sri Lankan Tamils by having abstained from voting in the UNHRC, he, however, said it was an act of consolation that the UNHRC resolution was passed even with India not voting. The AMMK leader also called upon the Central government to make amends and to pave way for action against the guilty once action is commenced following the passing of the resolution. In the 46th general council of UNHRC, a resolution was moved to fix responsibility for war crimes and human rights violations by Sri Lankan authorities. The resolution was passed with 22 out of 47 members voting in favour, while 11 including China, Pakistan, Russia, and Bangladesh voting against it while 14 countries, including India and Nepal, abstaining. The DMK and MDMK have upped the ante against the AIAMDK government for playing second fiddle to the Central government in the "genocide" of Sri Lankan Tamils by the Sri Lankan forces. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. PETALUMA, Calif., March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Solairus Aviation, a US-based aviation services company whose core business is assisting owners with the safe, reliable, and economical operation of their aircraft, announced that it identified and addressed a data security incident related to one of its third-party vendors. On December 23, 2020, Solairus was notified by a third-party vendor, Avianis, of an unauthorized intrusion into Avianis's Microsoft Azure cloud hosting platform that is used to host Solairus's flight scheduling and tracking system. Solairus immediately began working with Avianis, its in-house technical team, and outside legal counsel to determine what happened, the scope of data that was potentially accessed, and what steps can be taken to further safeguard Avianis's systems and better protect its client data. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party accessed some of Solairus's data in Avianis's cloud storage environment. The information in the environment included some Solairus employees' and clients' names and one or more of the following data elements: Social Security numbers, passport numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, and/or financial account numbers. Solairus advises its employees and clients to remain vigilant for signs of unauthorized activity by reviewing their financial account statements. If they see charges or activity they did not authorize, Solairus suggests they contact their financial institution immediately. Solairus provided notice of this incident to individuals whose information was involved and is offering them a complimentary membership to Equifax ID Patrol credit monitoring service if their Social Security number and/or driver's license number was involved. Unfortunately, Solairus does not have current addresses for all such individuals. Solairus encourages its employees and clients to call the telephone number below for additional information. Solairus regrets the inconvenience or concern this incident may cause you. Every member of the Solairus community is important, and Solairus values your security and privacy. Additional information is available by calling 1-855-515-1652, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time. About Solairus Aviation Solairus is a US-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Their services are customized to meet your individual travel and financial requirements, and to support your flight operation with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of the location of the aircraft. Solairus was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Solairus has over sixty-five base locations across the United States and employs more than 1,200 flight crew and support personnel to operate a fleet currently numbering over two hundred aircraft. SOURCE Solairus Aviation CARLINVILLE Work on Interstate 55 between Litchfield and Carlinville will resume this week. Nighttime lane closures and the installation of a temporary concrete barrier will occur through the end of March. The use of median crossovers will restrict traffic to one lane in each direction beginning in April and will continue until November. The work is part of a $34.2 million project that includes rehabilitating eight bridges and resurfacing 7.4 miles and interchange ramps at Illinois Route 108. Motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for travel, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. New scientific findings bring hope that early training during the presymptomatic phase could help individuals with Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, retain specific motor and memory skills and delay the onset of the condition. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital reported in the journal Nature that, in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, intensive training beginning before symptoms appear dramatically improved the performance of specific motor and memory tasks and substantially delayed the appearance of symptoms. The researchers propose that newborn genetic testing for Rett syndrome, followed by prompt intensive training in the skills that will be affected, such as gait/balance, manual dexterity and communication, may alter the course of the condition in ways that would improve the patients' quality of life and prepare them for later therapies. "Years ago, I decided to study Rett syndrome because it struck me as a neurological condition like no other I had seen before," said corresponding author Dr. Huda Zoghbi, Ralph D. Feigin, M.D. Endowed Chair and professor of molecular and human genetics, pediatrics and neuroscience at Baylor. Zoghbi also is the director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. Rett syndrome is a rare, devastating neurological disorder that results in varying degrees of mental and motor disability, primarily in girls. There are no effective treatments. "What I saw with Rett syndrome was that girls with the condition were born looking like any other healthy baby and developed as expected during their first year," said Zoghbi, an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and a member of Baylor's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. "However, when the girls reached one or two years of age, they gradually lost the skills they had developed - they began to have trouble walking and with balance, slowly lost their ability to communicate and started to wring their hands constantly. The condition then stabilizes, but the girls remain disabled for the rest of their lives." In a 1999 report, the Zoghbi lab was the first to show that mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 cause Rett syndrome. Since then, the lab has continued not only to improve our understanding of this complex condition, but also, as in the current report, to provide hope through research that opens new possibilities to improve the lives of girls with the syndrome. Early training delays onset of symptoms Although there is no current effective treatment for Rett syndrome, previous work from the Zoghbi lab has shown that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can correct in animal models some of the symptoms, such as deficits in learning and memory. However, each symptom requires a specific DBS treatment, which implies that implementing this approach to treat the syndrome would be difficult. Thinking along the lines of mimicking DBS, but in a less invasive way, the researchers investigated whether early intense training in specific tasks before the symptoms appeared would change the normal progression of the condition. Supporting this idea, studies in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a condition that shares some symptoms with Rett syndrome, has shown that behavioral training can improve motor and cognitive skills in young children with ASD. The researchers worked with Rett mice, a mouse model of Rett syndrome in which females lack one of the two Mecp2 genes, testing the effect of intensive training in a motor coordination task - walking forward on a rotating rod - on Rett syndrome progression. "We show that there is a critical window in early life when intensive behavioral training significantly improves behavioral deficits. Mice that started their training early, weeks before symptom onset, dramatically improved their performance on that specific motor task when compared with Rett mice that did not train," said first author Nathan P. Achilly, a student in Baylor's M.D./Ph.D. program in Developmental Biology working in the Zoghbi lab. "Importantly, we also learned that early training substantially delayed the onset of symptoms and that starting training after the symptoms appeared did not improve the performance." Benefits are training-specific "Intriguingly, training on a particular motor task did not have the same effect on other symptoms of the syndrome, such as learning and memory problems," Zoghbi said. "The mice only improved in what they had trained for." When the researchers provided early training on memory tasks, the mice showed improvement on those tasks, and not others, when compared with Rett mice without training. The early intense training also delayed the appearance of memory and learning difficulties in these mice. "We also discovered that the origin of this benefit arises from the repetitive activation of task-specific neurons," Achilly said. Experiments revealed that task-specific neurons that are repeatedly activated during training develop more dendritic arbors or cellular projections that enable them to form and maintain neuronal circuits that enhance their functionality and delay symptom onset. Task-specific neurons of untrained animals, which showed normal progression of the condition, did not show changes in arborization. "Our findings lead us to propose that newborn genetic testing for Rett syndrome, followed by prompt intensive training in the tasks that will be affected, could help the girls retain specific milestones and delay the onset of symptoms," Zoghbi said. ### Wei Wang, at Baylor and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, also contributed to this work. This project was supported by NIH grant U54HD083092, NIH/National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant 5R01NS057819-13, NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development grant F30HD097871-01 and the Henry Engel Fund. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. COVID-19 imapct & Outbreak: on new Voltage Probes Market Report, offering growth, trends, and forecast for each segment along with regional and country analysis. The study has done with respect to Moisture Meter market share, size, trends, growth, outlook, estimation and forecast period 2021-2027. This section of the voltage probes market report provides detailed data on the segments by analyzing them geographically, thereby assisting the strategist in identifying the target demographics for the respective product or service. Request a FREE Sample Copy of Global Voltage Probes Market Report with Full TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/contact/voltage-probes-market/download-sample By Type High Voltage Probes Low Voltage Probes By Application Electronic Industrial Research Others Browse Full Global Voltage Probes Market Research Report With TOC At: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com/report/voltage-probes-market The research report also covers the comprehensive profiles of the key players in the market and an in-depth view of the competitive landscape worldwide. 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Tel: +1-888-294-1147 Email: sales@valuemarketresearch.com Website: https://www.valuemarketresearch.com LOS ANGELESCongressional Representative David Cicilline, one of the most powerful Democrats in the House who now heads the Judiciary Committees Antitrust Subcommittee, is taking aim at Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, the 25-year-old law that allows a wide range of free expression, including for adult and sexually explicit content online, according to a new report by the political news site Axios. Cicillines proposal, as reported by Axios, would target internet platforms social media companies in particular that amplify objectionable content posted by users. At the heart of Section 230 is the legal shields against liability for user-posted content. Because they do not have to worry about lawsuits or prosecutions over user posts, under Section 230, online platforms are free to allow a nearly unlimited variety of controversial topics and opinions to appear online without editing or censorship. But Cicilline says that the algorithms used by social media companies such as Facebook and Twitter promote objectionable content, and his legislation will be designed to address and perhaps penalize those corporate decisions. That's a very complicated algorithm that is designed to maximize engagement to drive up advertising prices to produce greater profits for the company," Cicilline told Axios. "That whole set of decisions, one could argue, is different than the initial post. That's a set of business decisions for which, it might be quite easy to argue, that a company should be liable for." But Section 230 expressly protects platforms that make such decisions about removing or promoting user content, according to an Electronic Frontier Foundation analysis. Though Cicilline did not specify the details of his proposed legislation to Axios, the site TechDirt earlier reported that the Rhode Island Democrat was drafting a bill that would take away a broad tech liability protection for online platforms that knowingly publish demonstrably false political ads. Whether that earlier proposal is the same one reported by Axios and apparently aimed at curbing social media algorithms. During the presidential campaign, then-candidate Joe Biden called for the full repeal of Section 230. He has since signaled an aggressive approach to reforming or repealing the law, hiring Brice Reed, a harsh critic of Section 230 as a top technology policy adviser. If their algorithms promote harmful content, they should be held accountable for helping redress the harm, Reed has written, in phrasing that appears to be echoed by Cicilline. In the long run, the only real way to moderate content is to moderate the business. Democrats in the Senate have also introduced a new bill, the SAFE Tech Act that would effectively gut Section 230 by removing protections from sites that engage in commercial activity which covers all major social media platforms, and of course adult sites as well. At the same time, Republican House Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana last week introduced yet another new bill aimed at rolling back Section 230 protections. His "Stop Shielding Culpable Platforms Act" would take away liability protections from platforms that treated as the distributor of information provided by another information content provider, a provision that would turn the whole point of the laws liability shield on its head. In a Twitter post last week, Banks claimed that Section 230 lets Big Tech knowingly distribute child pornography without fear of legal repercussions, and therefore must be curtailed. But that statement is simply false. As TechDirt writer Mike Masnick noted, Child Sexual Abuse Material is very, very, very much illegal and any website hosting it faces serious liability issues. Section 230 does not cover federal criminal law, and CSAM violates federal criminal law. In addition sites that discover CSAM among their content are required by federal law to immediately report the illegal material to law enforcement. Photo By Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons Millions of California drivers will see auto insurance savings with the adoption of regulations presented at a California Department of Insurance workshop on Tuesday that would end discrimination against lower-wage Californians, according to the Consumer Federation of America and the Consumer Federation of California. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Laras rules would require insurers to make their group discount programs more equitable and eliminate the practice adopted by some insurers of charging higher premiums to blue-collar and unemployed drivers, even if they have perfect driving records. Group insurance discounts are meant to empower consumers who purchase their car insurance through a group to which they belong, but some insurance companies have deformed this idea into discriminating against safe drivers in lower-wage occupations, J. Robert Hunter, CFA Insurance director and former Texas Insurance Commissioner, said in a statement. The draft regulations will stop insurance companies from punishing Californians who dont have the right job title, while strengthening the ability of consumers to band together and get cheaper coverage. The American Property Casualty Insurers Association, which has said the regulations could axe discounts for millions, deferred comments on the regulation to a broad coalition opposing the proposal. The coalition, Californians United to Protect Insurance Discounts, stated the draft regulations would eliminate group car insurance discounts for millions of teachers, firefighters, paramedics, small business owners, healthcare workers and other Californians struggling to recover from the global pandemic increasing car insurance costs by hundreds of dollars every year. The group discounts allow insurance companies to offer discounts directly or through associations and organizations to drivers of similar professions or categories who are proven to be at lower risk of auto accidents such as teachers, nurses, government employees, healthcare workers, secretaries, firefighters, police officers and others, according to the coalition. Those opposing the proposal include: National Association of Home Builders; California African American Chamber of Commerce; California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce; California State Firefighters Association; Los Angeles Civil Rights Association. The regulations address an alleged loophole in which some insurers have created occupation-based groups that CFA says is intended to offer lower-priced coverage to white-collar professionals while charging higher rates to Californians with blue-collar jobs or who are unemployed. The rules would also enable consumers to get group discounts through their organizations and require that insurers make those group discounts more accessible to lower-income communities of color, who face higher rates due to discriminatory occupation-based insurance pricing. Related: Topics Auto On March 25, Bonhams, Californias largest auction house, will showcase a variety of modern treasures in its newest Art & Design auction. The sale will focus on objects from major design movements of the last 150 years, including a gilded iron mirror that once famously hung on the walls of Karl Lagerfelds Paris studio. Dating back to 1948, the mirror was originally crafted by Gilbert Poillerat, one of the most renowned metalworkers of the 20th century. Poillerats commissions famously include an entirely bronze door for the S.S. Normandie as well as the railing for the Louvres iconic LEscalier Daru, which leads up to the Winged Victory. The rare Poillerat mirror previously owned by Karl Lagerfeld is among the most special and historically significant wrought-iron works we have come across in 20th-century French metalwork, says Bonhams director Jason Stein, who further described the work as being massive in scale, intricately beautiful, and with the finest provenance. It is perhaps then no surprise that it ended up in the hands of Lagerfeld, who was once described by Andre Leon Talley as having a Versailles complex. The 63-inch-tall mirror is delicately framed in gold drapery and scaling branches, topped with a luminous gold sun. After its life in Lagerfelds studio, it was acquired by The Pruskin Gallery, where it later entered into a private collection in California. Now it is listed at Bonhams with an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000. The auction will also feature a curated collection of modern design emblems, including an architects desk designed by George Nelson and decorative silver by Jean Puiforcat. (The estimates on those lots are $2,000 to $3,000 and $6,000 to $8,000, respectively.) In addition to the abundant design offers, there will be a unique collection of fine art by a selection of Latin American artists, with drawings by Alfredo Lam and surrealist paintings by Leonora Carrington. Although the auction will remain virtual, a live auctioneer will begin the bidding on March 25 at 10 a.m. PST, at which point bidders can participate via telephone or online. Viewers will be able to join or tune in through the Bonhams website. Story continues [the mirror has since been sold at the Bonham's auction for $237,812] Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest WestJet says it is restoring flights to several regional destinations in Eastern Canada that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline said it will resume flying to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton, Sydney, N.S., and Quebec City. The flights are to resume over six days beginning June 24. "We committed to return to the communities we left, as a result of the pandemic, and we will be restoring flights to these regions in the coming months, of our own volition," Ed Sims, WestJet's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. WestJet suspended service to the five cities in November. Service between St. John's, N.L., and Toronto will resume June 24, after flights were suspended in October. A restart of service between St. John's and Halifax will also be moved up to May 6 from the previous target of June 24. The withdrawal of airlines from smaller markets in Canada, such as cities in the Atlantic provinces, had raised concerns about connectivity issues between the region and the rest of the country. The flight suspensions had also taken a toll on businesses in the region, including the smaller airports that rely on revenues from airlines and passengers. WestJet's announcement comes as industry analysts expect a partial restart in travel later this year, as a greater percentage of Canadians receive vaccinations for COVID-19. Air Canada is expected to restore service to some destinations beginning in early May, including cities in the U.S. and Caribbean. Canadian airlines in January suspended all flights to sun destinations until April 30 at the request of the federal government. Air Canada had said it expected a testing program at airports to replace some quarantine measures for international travellers by the time flights to sun destinations were set to resume, but the federal government has yet to indicate that it is willing to loosen the restrictions, which include a mandatory stay in a hotel for people arriving by air. Story continues Still, some airlines are betting that demand for travel will increase soon. Low-cost carrier Flair Airlines, for example, said in February that it was expanding service to eight cities in Canada ahead of a potential restart of domestic tourism this spring and summer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Jon Victor, The Canadian Press Mark Flanagan has been appointed to the position of Deputy Principal at Scoil Ui Mhuiri in Dunleer. Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) said they are delighted to announce Mr Flanagan's appointment. As a Deputy Principal within the LMETB Schools Directorate, Mark will also have the collegial support of the Senior Management teams in LMETBs other eighteen Post Primary schools, four Community National Schools, two PLC colleges and the Centre for European Schooling in Dunshaughlin. Mark holds an Undergraduate Degree in Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education. Bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise to the role, Mark has worked in St. Olivers Community College since 1996 as a teacher of Maths and Science. Mark has significant experience and expertise in the areas of School Leadership and Management, Positive Behaviour Management, curriculum and timetable planning, supervision and substitution, student retention and attainment and monitoring and tracking student performance. Mark looks forward to bringing this experience and expertise to his new leadership and management role at Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer. Mark recognises the link between high quality teaching, learning and assessment methods and student attendance, retention, achievement and attainment and he is committed to supporting and promoting student attendance, teacher professional development, staff and student voice and wellbeing and student supports at the school. Mark has particular interest in student attainment and progression, the use of Digital Technologies in teaching and learning and promoting literacy and numeracy initiatives and he looks forward to working with the learning community of Scoil Ui Mhuiri to enhance the range of co-curricular and extra - curricular activities at the school. LMETB schools receive considerable support, guidance and direction from the Director of Schools and within the Organisation, Support and Development Directorate, LMETB Schools and Colleges avail of a range of supports including Human Resources, Buildings, ICT, Finance and Corporate and Education Services. This network of support at Head Office level supports the work of the LMETB Board in ensuring that all LMETB schools/colleges/centres are compliant in the areas of Corporate Governance. Mark looks forward to engaging with personnel in these sections of LMETB over the coming weeks as he plans for transition to his new leadership role within LMETB. Some of the overflow of children being detained at the U.S.-Mexico border are likely to be brought to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland and Fort Bliss, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday. It was unclear how many children would be housed on the military installations and when they were to arrive. The Biden administration is struggling to house thousands of unaccompanied teenagers and children arriving at the border in record numbers, more than 500 a day. Those with parents are either allowed to stay with a U.S. sponsor, often a relative, or are deported to await processing of their asylum claims in Mexico. But children without an adult guardian wont be deported and their numbers have overwhelmed facilities set up for that purpose. Kirby said the Defense Department had received a request for assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services to temporarily house unaccompanied migrant children and officials were considering a vacant dormitory at Lackland and an area of land on Fort Bliss. Another Pentagon spokesman, Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell, said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would have to approve the order. If this request is approved, HHS would maintain its responsibility for the well-being and support for these children, Kirby said in a prepared statement. If provided, this support would be on a fully-reimbursable basis, and DoD would only provide this kind of support where (it) will not negatively affect military training, operations, readiness, or other military requirements, including National Guard and Reserve readiness, he said. A Joint Base San Antonio spokeswoman, Angelina Casarez, had no details on the governments plans. However, it would not be the first time Washington eyed major military installations in Texas for such a mission. In 2018, amid a government crackdown on both illegal border crossers and those seeking asylum, the Pentagon considered housing immigrant children at Fort Bliss and at Goodfellow AFB at San Angelo. On ExpressNews.com: Goodfellow AFB, Fort Bliss to hold migrant children Years earlier, migrant children were brought to Lackland, home of Air Force basic training, on April 16, 2012, with more coming the following day. They lived in an unused 1,000-student dormitory with showers and a dining hall. That year, HHSs Division of Unaccompanied Children's Services, charged with caring for children caught crossing the border, had taken in 7,000 to 8,000 undocumented children annually over the previous three years but saw a sharp increase that year, mostly boys from Central America older than 14. The current influx dwarfs those numbers, with some estimating 17,000 unaccompanied minors will arrive in the United States this month alone. Lackland provided housing for Americans returning from Wuhan, China and two cruise ships 13 months ago after they were suspected of being exposed to the coronavirus early in the pandemic. The evacuees eventually left a base hotel, the Gateway Inn, which soon was used to quarantine recruits who tested positive for the coronavirus, fell ill with COVID-19 or came into contact with someone suspected of having the virus. Since then, new arrivals have been walled off from others on the base, waiting two weeks to start regular training. The pipeline in and out of basic training slowed but didnt stop. sigc@express-news.net Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Tribune News Service via Getty Eric Greitens Three years after resigning in the wake of a sex scandal and criminal charges, former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens is looking to return to politics, officially announcing his candidacy for the Senate on Monday. Greitens, a Republican, former Navy SEAL and Rhodes scholar, announced on Fox's Special Report that he will run to succeed retiring Sen. Roy Blunt in 2022. "I have been so encouraged by the people of Missouri that I'm happy to announce tonight that I'm running for the United States Senate to continue serving the people of Missouri," said Greitens, 46, adding that, if elected, he intended to uphold "President Trump's 'America first' policies." Greitens resigned as Missouri's governor in 2018 amid the fallout from a series of scandals, according to the Associated Press and other outlets. Most seriously, he was accused of trying to blackmail his former hairstylist with nude photos after having an affair with her. RELATED: Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens Admits Affair, Addresses Charge He Used Nude Photo as Blackmail The story first broke in January 2018 when, following a months-long investigation, KMOV published a report on Greitens' infidelity just hours after his second State of the State speech. The story was based on a secret recording made by the hairstylist's ex-husband. Greitens and his wife, Sheena, confirmed that he had had an affair before taking office but he denied other wrongdoing. "A few years ago, before Eric was elected Governor, there was a time when he was unfaithful in our marriage," they said in a joint statement. "This was a deeply personal mistake. Eric took responsibility, and we dealt with this together honestly and privately. While we never would have wished for this pain in our marriage, or the pain that this has caused others, with God's mercy Sheena has forgiven and we have emerged stronger. We understand that there will be some people who cannot forgive but for those who can find it in your heart, Eric asks for your forgiveness, and we are grateful for your love, your compassion, and your prayers." Story continues Greitens denied another part of the KMOV report, however: that he took a compromising photograph of the woman while she was blindfolded and threatened to publicize it if she exposed him, as she had claimed in the audio recording. Her allegation ultimately led to a criminal case and felony invasion-of-privacy indictment against Greitens. His defense insisted there was no evidence Greitens had taken a photo of the woman and no such photo has ever been found. Months later, he was hit with another criminal charge for tampering with a computer following claims that he improperly took a donor list from his nonprofit veterans group to help his political campaign. According to The Washington Post, the evidence in that case was gathered by then-Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, who now serves as the state's other U.S. senator. Hawley, also a Republican, called on Greitens to resign in 2018. Greitens denied wrongdoing in both cases. RELATED: Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens Accused of Unwanted Sexual Advances, Abuse in Government Report He was also the focus of a bipartisan probe from the Missouri House of Representatives, which featured disturbing testimony from the hair stylist. She said that, among other things, Greitens had touched her without consent after blindfolding her during their 2015 encounter and coerced her into performing oral sex. She also said he took photos of her during the encounter she recalled seeing a flash through her blindfold and said they would be used against her if she spoke about what happened. He called her a "little whore," she said. "I was definitely fearful," she told the House investigating committee. "I was so embarrassed and ashamed." (Greitens denounced the investigation a "political witch hunt.") The House committee likewise looked into the donor list and described Greitens as using it for his own campaign's gain as well as lying in his campaign finance reports. Faced with possible impeachment proceedings, Greitens resigned in June 2018 but decried "legal harassment" and said he had not "committed any offense worthy of this treatment." Shortly before his resignation, his invasion-of-privacy charge was dropped during jury selection after a judge ruled that the lead prosecutor could be called as a witness and Greitens' attorneys indicated they would argue the state had acted improperly. The prosecutor said being called as a witness would make her position untenable. Following Greitens' resignation, the computer tampering charge was dropped as part of an agreement with law enforcement. "It is time for us to move on," Kim Gardner, the St. Louis circuit attorney, said at the time. She added: "I remain confident that we have the evidence required to pursue charges against Mr. Greitens. But sometimes, pursuing charges is not the right or just thing to do for our city or state." Greitens and his wife split last year. When asked about the allegations during his Fox News interview on Monday, Greitens insisted to host Bret Baier he had been "completely exonerated" and was "moving forward." "Well, Bret, we hope the truth continues to come out in this race, and that the mainstream media will report it. After a twenty-month investigation by the Missouri Ethics Commission, they came out and said that we are completely exonerated," Greitens responded, before claiming that St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who prosecuted him, was funded by George Soros and that her investigators had manufactured "a false case against me." Greitens added that his resignation was "one of the hardest things I've ever had to do because I knew that all these accusations were false." In a statement posted to his website Monday, Greitens made no reference to his past controversies. Instead, he cast himself as an "American patriot" and a "political outsider" who has already secured the endorsements of several of those in Donald Trump's orbit, including attorney Rudy Giuliani. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Investigations editor Larry Parnass, investigations editor, joined The Eagle in 2016 from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, where he was editor in chief. His freelance work has appeared in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant and CommonWealth Magazine. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Phoenix Gold Resources Corp. (TSXV: PXA) (the "Company") announces that the Company has arranged a non-brokered private placement offering (the "Private Placement") with one placee to raise gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 through the sale of up to 2,500,000 units ("Units") of the Company at a price of $0.40 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share and one-half of one warrant, which each full warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share for a period of 24 months from closing of the Private Placement (the "Closing") at a price of $0.60. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Private Placement is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange; all Units and securities of the Company issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the Closing. The Private Placement is not expected to result in the creation of a new control person of the Company. To the Company's knowledge, there is no material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally disclosed. For further information: Andrew Lee CEO, President and Director Telephone: 778-302-2257 Email: pxagold@gmail.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release may contain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All information contained herein that is not historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements herein include but are not limited to statements relating to the expected completion of the Private Placement, and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78411 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. 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 Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A Jallow, has on Monday 22nd March 2021, presented a bill entitled Elections Bill 2021, before lawmakers for scrutiny, consideration and adoption. The bill has undergone the first reading stage, which constitutes the presentation or handing over of the bill to the national assembly. The second reading stage is expected to take place next week Monday, when lawmakers would have the opportunity to debate on the bill. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mariam Jack Denton, said: "The Elections Bill 2021 has been read for the first time. The next stage of the Bill is appointed for Monday 29th March 2021 for the Justice Minister to move a motion for the bill to be read a second time." She added that Standing Order 66(2) states that, "at the conclusion on the proceedings of the first reading or any subsequent stage of a bill, the next stage may be taken either forthwith or upon a date to be named, provided that second reading shall not be taken no sooner than one working day after the first reading". Meanwhile, the assembly ratified the motion for the establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Group between the Gambia and the Kingdom of Morocco. Sainey Touray, the Deputy Majority Leader and Member for Jarra East, who moved the motion, told the assembly that the establishment of the friendship group aims to reinforce the already cordial bilateral relations between Banjul and Rabat. "The Gambia has recently signed two cooperation agreements with the Kingdom of Morocco in the fields of health and diplomatic trainings. These agreements intend to focus on sharing expertise and experience with a view to support in the fight against communicable diseases and enhance Gambia's skills in pursuing its interest through proactive diplomacy," he said Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Touray disclosed that the mandates of the friendship groups are to foster parliamentary relations, promote mutual exchange in area of development and to serve as linkage between the two legislatures. Saikouba Jarjue, Member for Busumbala, said it is good to create friendship groups with legislatures of other countries, but urged that the groups should be proactive and dedicated in pursuing the objectives for which they are established. Kajali Fofana, member for Jarra West, supported the motion and expressed hope that the friendship will be a win-win situation between the two nations, adding the relations will help address some of the problems that the Gambia encounter when travelling to Morocco. Saikou Marong, Member for Latrikunda, also said that in as much as The Gambia needs to interact with other nations, especially in Africa, there is utmost need to accord mutual respect to each other. He said Gambia accords utmost respect to outsiders regardless of status, thus he said such respect should be reciprocated to the Gambia. Lamin FM Conta, Member for Kombo East, said the motion has come at the right time and expressed his belief that the creation of the friendship will further cement the relations between the two states. Years of critical reports detailing the continued influence of the mob at New York and New Jersey ports that had long been suppressed were released Monday night by the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor. The bi-state agency responsible for policing the ports declined comment, but acknowledged the documents had all been posted to its website. The move came just days after NJ Advance Media, which obtained the reports through public records requests, disclosed that they had been kept under wraps under orders of the governors office in New Jersey, over fears they would drive business to other ports on the East Coast, according to former commission members. Michael Murphy, who currently serves as New Jerseys representative on the commission, said he raised the issue of releasing the reports at the agencys regular monthly meeting earlier on Monday. Im a sunshine guy, he said. If its in the public record, it should be available to the public. The reports, dating back to 2013, alleged not only that organized crime has continued to hold sway at one of the nations busiest ports, but also detailed how sweetheart jobs were steered to friends and family. They also raised questions over whether Blacks and women were systematically excluded from work on the waterfront by the powerful International Longshoremens Association. The ILA has called the hiring numbers in the reports inaccurate and not reflective of the true diversity of current employment at the port. And it said claims of entrenched actors with organized crime ties were untrue. Shipping industry officials, meanwhile, took issue with the report findings and expressed its own sharp criticism for the commissions oversight. We have the contractual structure in place to continue to improve productivity. Where we fall short is the constant battles with the Waterfront Commission their constant changing of hiring guidelines with a structure that ensures bureaucracy which leads to labor shortages and interferes with our ability to handle peak volumes, said John Nardi, president of the New York Shipping Association. The association represents the marine terminal operators, stevedores and shipping companies that operate in New York and New Jersey. In an email response to questions, Nardi noted: Other ports are free to hire and supplement their workforce based on the needs of the employers. Only in New York and New Jersey do we have the bureaucratic system in place with the Waterfront Commission. Created in 1953, the Waterfront Commission has wide jurisdiction over the regions ports in New York and New Jersey, which stretch from Newark, Elizabeth, and Bayonne In New Jersey to Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York. The agency, which conducts background checks of those seeking jobs there, has ultimate say over who may work on the piers and in the cargo terminals of the port. A giant cargo ship passes under the Bayonne Bridge in Bayonne. The New York area ports are the busiest on the East Coast.Dustin Niles | For NJ Advance Media The release of the reports comes as the commission an agency formed through an interstate federal compact between New York and New Jersey that was intended to combat crime and corruption on the docks remains locked in a legal fight that has reached the U.S. Supreme Court over its continued existence. In 2018, New Jersey moved to withdraw from the commission came and turn over responsibilities for policing the port in New Jersey to the State Police. Nardi said the shipping association favors the elimination of the agency, and moving its oversight responsibilities for the ports in New Jersey to the New Jersey State Police, as outlined in the legislation. The change in legal oversight would place the decision making under a professional established police force who is accountable to the leadership of the state of New Jersey, for the 90% of port traffic, and the massive economic activity stemming from which that occurs there, Nardi said. The current structure of the Waterfront Commission reports to no one. Either state can change commissioners, but if the commissioners of both states do not agree the Waterfront Commission staff are free to continue as they see fit. Nardi added that the reports, just released by the commission, did not present an accurate picture of the port hiring. Those reports found nearly one in five job applicants referred by the ILA did not make it into the workforce because of prohibited organized crime ties. Loan sharks and bookmakers, with the approval of organized crime, continue to prey on the workforce, the commission wrote. The commission also noted many working in the port receive what was described as outsized salaries not required by the shipping industrys agreements with its unions for jobs the commission said that did not require them to show up to work. Nearly 20 of those individuals were paid more than $450,000 a year. According to the commission, diversity in hiring was also lacking. It said few of the registered longshore maintenance workers or mechanics working at the port are women. And it noted that the overwhelming majority of incoming Black workers were placed into a predominantly Black local in Newark, while the highly-sought and high-paid jobs were primarily given to white men who become members of the predominantly white ILA. The reports were kept under wraps for years, according to Ronald Goldstock, an attorney who served as New Yorks representative on the commission and the former director of New Yorks Organized Crime Task Force. He said that political pressure had come from the New Jersey governors office under the Christie administration not to release those findings which he said appeared aimed at protecting the states perceived economic interests. A former Christie administration official denied they took any action to stop release of the reports. Nardi said the New York Shipping Association does not get directly involved in the vetting of potential workers, which he noted is the core responsibility of the Waterfront Commission. We do occasionally become aware of why some people are rejected from the process and our observation is that the Waterfront Commission creates their own definitions of what is and isnt prohibited, the association official said. But Phoebe Sorial, the Waterfront Commissions general counsel, said courts have upheld every single one of the commissions enforcement actions against individuals with prohibited organized crime associations who were barred from working on the waterfront. Not one of our association cases has been overturned. Not one, she said. She added that the commissions now-released reports are replete with examples which illustrate just how entrenched organized crime is in the port, and how the industry is incapable of regulating itself. Nardi added that the overall workforce demographics in the port show approximately 13% of the workforce is female, which he said is higher than most comparable industries. The employers recruit and hire mechanics directly for these skilled positions such as diesel and crane mechanics, so we dont see all the applicants, he said. He added, though, that the shipping association has found that it is very rare to see an application from women for these positions. Sorial said the industrys own records show there is no diversity. As of today, only 1 in over a thousand registered maintenance and repair workers in the port is a woman. Fewer than 40 are Black, she said. This is utterly shameful and totally indefensible. __ Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. UPDATE: Truck driver to be charged in crash that killed 2 N.J. people on Delaware Memorial Bridge Two people were killed and another person was hurt in a crash Tuesday afternoon on the Delaware Memorial Bridge, officials said. A disabled passenger vehicle was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer on the Delaware-bound side of the bridge around 3 p.m., according to Delaware River and Bay Authority spokesman Jim Salmon. There were three occupants of the disabled vehicle, including the two people who died at the scene, the spokesman said. The third person was rushed to a local hospital, authorities said. Serious two-vehicle accident on #DESpan of @demembridge. Disabled vehicle was rear-ended by tractor-trailer. Delays expected jes @NJTurnpike @NewJerseyDOT Delaware Memorial Bridge (@demembridge) March 23, 2021 Major traffic delays were reported in the area shortly after 4 p.m. Only the far left lane was open to traffic while three southbound lanes were closed. There was a three-mile delay reported on the New Jersey Turnpike southbound approaching the bridge, according to 511nj.org. Heavy traffic was also reported on Route 295 south. Delays on New Jersey Turnpike southbound North of Interchange 1 - Delaware Memorial Bridge (Carneys Point Twp) to Delaware Memorial Bridge (Pennsville Twp) All lanes open 3 mile delay due to an incident on the Delaware Memorial Bridge https://t.co/utEZu3WnRM 511NJ TPK (@511njtpk) March 23, 2021 More information on the crash was not immediately released. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Burma China and Russia Express Deep Concern as Myanmars Protest Death Toll Mounts The dead body of a young man killed by security forces during a crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Yangon is taken to his home. / The Irrawaddy China and Russia have both expressed deep concern about the situation in Myanmar, as the death toll mounts from the juntas intensifying crackdown on peaceful anti-regime protesters. As of Tuesday, over 270 civilians have been killed by security forces during crackdowns on pro-democracy demonstrators across the country. During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday, both men voiced support for all parties in Myanmar to seek a political solution to the current crisis within the constitution and legal framework, and to avoid further conflict and bloodshed. As pro-democracy supporters called on the United Nations (UN) to take serious action against the military regime, both foreign ministers said that they support all parties in Myanmar who seek political dialogue to prevent external forces from taking advantage of the crisis for their own gain, and who continue to advance the democratic transition. China and Russia have faced severe criticism for failing to condemn the militarys takeover and for blocking a U.N Security Council resolution condemning the Feb.1 coup. Anti-coup protesters have targeted the Chinese and Russian embassies in Yangon during protests against the regime, accusing them of supporting the junta and demanding that Beijing and Moscow stand with the people of Myanmar. Stung by the criticism of China, Beijing has denied the suggestion that it supports the military takeover. In early March, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Beijing will try to bring about reconciliation by engaging with all relevant parties. Moreover, a spokesperson for Russia said that reports of rising casualties among civilians are alarming and that the Russian authorities are weighing the possibility of suspending military cooperation with Myanmar. On Tuesday, military regime spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said in a press conference that the junta is cooperating with the five countries that neighbor Myanmar. He said that China was a friendly neighbour and had strategic relations with both the Myanmar military and the government. But the general did not reveal if Myanmars other neighbors are cooperating with the military regime. The general said that junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the cabinet value and respect the words of neighboring countries, ASEAN and any countries that respect the stability of Myanmar. You may also like these stories: Myanmar Energy and Electricity Staff Pressured to End Strike Food for Myanmar Regime Soldiers Taken Away After Karen Rebels Block Delivery Australian Economic Adviser Held in Myanmar Faces Two Charges Herald Correspondent ZIMBABWE and Pakistan are committed to intensifying cooperation in sport and culture as they continue to strengthen their existing bilateral relations. Speaking at the Pakistan Day commemorations at the Embassy of Pakistan in Harare yesterday, chief director protocol and conference services in the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry, Ambassador Pavelyn Musaka said there was potential for increased cooperation in other spheres including sport and culture. Pakistan Day is a day when Pakistanis pay homage to the founding fathers whose services and sacrifices led to the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent. "Relations between our two countries have been cordial for a very long time and I am glad they remain so to this day," Ambassador Musaka said. "Zimbabwe is determined to deepen and strengthen these relations in all spheres of our common interests. There are many opportunities for further growth in our relations. We need, for instance to enhance trade and economic activity between our two countries. "Zimbabwe is looking forward to boosting our bilateral cooperation in these areas for the mutual benefit of both nations and peoples. Zimbabwe is grateful for the continued support it has received in the training of its defence forces through specialised scholarships and technical courses offered by Pakistan." Ambassador Musaka said Zimbabwe was equally grateful for short and long term courses offered especially in railway network management. Deputy head of commission for the Embassy of Pakistan Mr Fariz Hasan said the relationship between Pakistan and Zimbabwe has been eventful. Advertisement A huge container ship has blocked the Suez canal causing a 100-boat tailback after breaking down while transiting one of the world's most-important shipping lanes. The Taiwan-owned, Panama-registered MV Ever Given drifted across the entire width of the canal before becoming jammed around 7.40am local time on Tuesday, with its bow lodged on the canal's eastern wall. The vessel - one of the world's largest at 1,312ft long, 175ft wide and with a weight of almost 200,000 tons - was part of a 20-ship convoy and was around four miles into the 120-mile canal heading north when it lost power. GAC, a global shipping and logistics company, described the Ever Given as suffering 'a blackout while transiting in a northerly direction', without elaborating. But the Taiwanese company which owns the vessel - Evergreen - blamed a freak gust of wind for blowing the vessel sideways, after which it got jammed. Experts said the stuck ship would then have lost power and its ability to steer. The MV Ever Given - a 1,312ft long, 175ft wide, 200,000 ton cargo ship - has drifted sideways and become stuck across the width of the Suez canal, blocking one of the world's most-vital shipping lanes The Ever Given is now aground with its bow lodged in the eastern wall of the canal. Workers are attempting to dig the bow free while tugboats try to shove it back into the waterway - but efforts have so-far proved unsuccessful Evergreen, a Taiwanese shipping company which owns the vessel, says a freak gust of wind blew the ship off course before it became struck - after which it lost power and steering Egyptian officials also anonymously briefed journalists that a gust of wind was to blame, with forecasters saying a sandstorm was in the area at the time, bringing winds of up to 30mph. Bloomberg reported the accident has caused a build-up of more than 100 ships seeking to transit the canal in both directions. Data from Marine Traffic shows several tugs attending to the stricken vessel, though they have failed to pull it clear. The vessel is carrying cargo from Yantain, China to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Initial efforts to refloat the vessel, including digging sand from around its bow and pulling it with tugboats, were unsuccessful with efforts due to resume at 7am today. Dr Sal Mercogliano, a maritime historian based in the US state of North Carolina, told the BBC that if efforts to dig or pull the ship free don't work, then workers will have to start removing cargo to lessen the ship's weight and get it moving again. The Ever Given was part of a 20-ship convoy heading north through the canal, from Suez Gulf into the Mediterranean, and since becoming stuck has caused a 100-ship tailback The Ever Given became stuck around 7.40am Tuesday, local time, and remains across the canal this morning. Tracking data shows virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been diverted to help the rescue effort He cautioned that rescue efforts could take some time because this is the largest ship to have ever gone aground there, and that the disruption could have 'huge ramifications for global trade'. On average, approximately 50 cargo vessels a day use the canal and it is one of the world's most-important shipping lanes, linking Asia with Europe. Julianne Cona, who is stuck onboard the US-registered Maersk Denver - which is stuck behind the Ever Given - wrote on Instagram: 'Ship in front of us ran aground while going through the canal and is now stuck sideways looks like we might be here for a little bit.' The canal was closed for several months after the 1956 Suez crisis and again in 1967 for eight years following the Six- Day war. In February 2019 the Suez Canal Authority announced 75 massive cargo vessels transited the waterway carrying 5.8 million ton on a single day. Officials on February 6, were able to guide 40 vessels from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean while 35 ships went south. Social media users soon noticed the delays caused by the Ever Green's mechanical problems The Suez Canal is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, connecting Europe with the Far East Why is the Suez Canal so important? The Suez canal, which is around 120 miles long links the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean and is the shortest shipping route between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. Before the canal, shipping from Europe either had to go overland or risk going around Cape Horn and the South Atlantic. In April 1859, construction of the canal officially begins, much of the work financed by France. It was opened for navigation on November 17, 1869 for vessels from all countries, although the British government later wanted to have an armed force in the area to protect shipping interests having picked up a 44 per cent stake in the canal in 1875. The Suez Canal links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean providing a short cut from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic From then, while nominally owned by Egypt, the canal was run by Britain and France until its until its nationalisation in 1956 . The nationalisation by Nasser saw Britain and France launched an abortive and humiliating bid to recapture the vital waterway. The canal was shut briefly following the attempted invasion. However, in 1967 the canal was shut for eight years following the Six Day war with Israel. Due to the instability in the region, the canal remained closed until 1975 - its longest ever closure, as the waterway had been mined and some vessels had been sunk in the main channel. The Suez Canal is actually the first canal that directly links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. In 2015 a new section of the canal opened, allowing vessels to traverse the waterway in both directions at the same time. Future plans will see the two-lane system extended across the entire network- doubling current capacity of the canal. The largest cargo vessels pay more than 180,000 in tolls to traverse the canal. On average about 40-50 cargo vessels use the canal on a daily basis in a trip that takes around 11 hours, as speed along the waterway is limited to about 9kts to prevent the banks of the canal getting washed away. Along the canal there are emergency mooring slots so vessels can pull over if they are suffering a mechanical issue. When the canal first opened, the channel was approximately 26 feet deep and 72 feet wide at the bottom. The surface was between 200 and 300 feet wide to allow ships to pass. By the 1960s, dredging of the canal increased the depth to 40 feet and widened the waterway to allow larger vessels. Now, the minimum depth of the canal is 66feet, though this is been increased to 72 feet - allowing even larger vessels. Advertisement has granted China's CanSino vaccine emergency use authorisation, making it the second China-developed Covid-19 vaccine approved in the European country, Hungarian Chief Medical Officer Cecilia Muller said. Apart from the CanSino vaccine, the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition has also approved the import of CoviShield, the Indian version of the AstraZeneca vaccine, Muller told a news conference, Xinhua news agency reported on Tuesday. "We will search the four corners of the world to have enough vaccines in the country," she said. The Hungarian government has been enriching its inoculation program with multiple vaccines in the fight against a third wave of the pandemic. So far, it has gained access to vaccines from five producers worldwide, including China's Sinopharm. The use of Russian and Chinese vaccines has greatly contributed to the acceleration of the Hungarian vaccine program, according to Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. "Vaccine is not a question of ideology for us; it is a matter of saving lives. And if we had not contracted Chinese and Russian vaccines, we could not have saved the health and lives of so many Hungarians," the minister said in a recent interview with Russia Today. Hungary, the first European Union member state to purchase a Chinese vaccine and authorize its use, started to administer the Sinopharm vaccine on February 24. --IANS int/ (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The U.S. Labor Department has proposed a new rule that would delay a boost in minimum wages for foreign workers, such as those on H-1B visas, until Jan. 1, 2023. Indian American immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta told India-West in January that the Trump Administration had skewed prevailing wages and artificially inflated them so that employers would have to pay higher than market wages. (Twitter photo/immivoice) YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. Ameriabank was named The Best Bank in Armenia 2021 by Global Finance during its 28th annual awards for the Worlds Best Banks. The Bank was awarded in recognition of its achievements, innovative approaches and solutions, ARMENPRESS was informed from Ameriabank. This years evaluations are more important and valuable than at any point in their 28 year history, given the unprecedented economic conditions wrought by the global pandemic, said Joseph D. Giarraputo, publisher and editorial director of Global Finance. According to him, Banks are playing a key role in economic recovery around the world. Our Best Bank awards highlight the leaders in restoring growth and mapping a way forward. According to the statement of the organizers, the winners of this years awards are those banks that attended carefully to their customers needs in difficult markets and accomplished strong results while laying the foundations for future success. We are truly proud and honored to receive the Best Bank of the Year award by Global Finance particularly this year. Despite multiple challenges and difficulties we faced last year, we delivered strong performance and maintained robustness. We will keep up our efforts continuously developing and improving our activities in every area, said Artak Hanesyan, Ameriabanks CEO. The award was given based on a number of important criteria. The criteria considered included the Banks market share, growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, innovative solutions, the bank's reputation and network of IFI partners, etc. For details on the award and the list of winners, follow the link. Ameriabank CJSC Ameriabank is a dynamically developing bank and one of the major and most stable financial institutions in Armenia. Ameriabank CJSC is a universal bank rendering corporate, retail and investment services in a comprehensive package of banking solutions. As of 2020, Ameriabank was a leader in the Armenian banking sector by key financial indicators such as assets, liabilities, loan portfolio and equity. For more information, please visit www.ameriabank.am or call (+37410) 56 11 11. Ameriabank is supervised by the Central Bank of Armenia. JACKSON COUNTY, MI A former Blackman-Leoni Township Public Safety officer has pleaded guilty to misconduct and perjury. David Lubahn, 52, pleaded guilty Monday, March 22, before Washtenaw County Trial Judge Carol Kuhnke, to lying to a peace officer. It carries a two year sentence. He was originally charged with one felony count of perjury of a record or document and one felony count of misconduct in office. Part of the plea agreement means Lubahn will never work as a police officer in Michigan again, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a news release. He will forfeit his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards law enforcement license and waive his right to administrative appeal, the release states. Lubahn was charged by the AGs office in September after an investigation into his potential misconduct. He was fired from his job on Dec. 21. Jackson-area police officer fired after being criminally charged with perjury, misconduct On Oct. 23, 2019, Lubahn responded with other Blackman-Leoni officers to a report of shots fired at Comfort Inn and Suites, 2435 Shirley Drive. Police located the men believed to be involved in two rooms, and inside one of the rooms, Lubahn saw what appeared to be a locked gun safe, according to the investigation. He allegedly found a key to the safe and opened it and found a gun and magazine inside, investigators said, adding that Lubahn did not have consent for the search or a valid search warrant at the time. Lubahn later obtained a search warrant where he told the judge he had reason to believe there was a gun in the safe but did not disclose that he had already opened the safe, investigators said. Footage from Lubahns body camera shows him opening the safe before obtaining the warrant, investigators said. That footage will not be released until it comes up in court proceedings or after the conclusion of the case. Lubahn also wrote his police report to support the narrative that he obtained a search warrant before opening the gun safe, investigators said. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Kuhnke at 1:30 p.m., May 4. Read more from MLive: Driver may have intentionally crashed into historic Jackson building, police say Construction begins at I-94 interchange in Jackson First case of COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant identified in Lenawee County Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 24 : The fear, anxiety and stress associated with the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on mental health. However, a new study suggests these symptoms may be eased through safe and convenient online mindfulness practices. The study, published in the journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine, showed that 76 per cent of participants reported decreased anxiety, 80 per cent reported decreased stress and 55 per cent had decreased Covid-19 concern. "We found that online mindfulness interventions may improve psychological health at a time of uncertainty. We were also encouraged by the survey responses, which showed a sense of connectedness and a desire to help others," said researcher Rebecca Erwin Wells, Associate Professor at the Wake Forest Baptist Health in the US. "Helping others during the pandemic demonstrates the beautiful capacity of the human spirit to find positivity despite the extraordinary negative circumstances," Wells added. The researchers said that they recognised the tremendous impact of this pandemic on emotional health and wanted to evaluate how a safe, online mindfulness meditation strategy might help. For the study, the team included 233 participants from across the world in this non-randomised clinical trial, which included a pre-session survey, a single 15-minute online mindfulness meditation session and a post-session survey. The pre and post-session surveys evaluated momentary stress, anxiety and Covid-19 concern. Most of the participants (63 per cent) had never practiced mindfulness before, and 89 per cent of participants said the session was helpful, and that the online platform was effective for practicing mindfulness. Of note, 21 per cent of participants were retired, suggesting that age did not prevent accessibility. The participants were also surveyed on how they were helping others during the pandemic. The responses varied with common themes including following public health guidelines, conducting acts of service and connection such as reaching out to elderly neighbours, and self-care activities such as staying positive and calm. On April 7 last year, Ms Pilisila Wanjiru, a dairy farmer at Gichungwa village in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, woke up to find her 14 dairy cows missing. Ms Wanjiru would later positively identify the 14 hides of her cows a few metres from her home. Police arrested two people in connection with the crime after finding meat from the slaughtered animals packed in plastic bags. The meat had stamps from meat inspectors. Stolen animals The Nation can now reveal how unscrupulous meat inspection officers are abetting the theft of livestock by approving the slaughter of stolen animals at night and getting paid by the cattle thieves. Abattoir employees in Ol Kalou revealed that the inspection officers collect up to half the value of the meat in their night escapades. "They ask for between Sh200 and Sh500 for goats and between Sh700 and Sh1,000 for the cows. They collect a lot of money, considering the number of cows that are slaughtered here every day, "Once you pay them, they just approve your meat. It will be hard for the owner of the cattle to know that the meat is from his own stolen cows," an abattoir employee told the Daily Nation. Mr Samuel Mwangi, who works in a slaughterhouse in Nyahururu town, said the high demand for meat in Nairobi and other big towns had forced them to slaughter most of the animals brought to them at night. He blamed the increased cases of stock theft on poor coordination between security officers and the Veterinary department. "At the slaughterhouse, an inspector only checks the meat without even seeking to know the source of the animal one presents for slaughtering," said Mr Mwangi. Illegal trade The illegal trade, operated by a syndicate of cattle thieves and businessmen, aided by government officials, continues to deprive dairy farmers of their livelihoods and drive them to poverty. "Nyandarua and Laikipia counties are among the backbone of the country's beef industry, hence the reason there is an influx of meat transporting pick-ups. This is why we are becoming the target of criminals who supply stolen meat to Nairobi, Nakuru and other major towns," said Mr Peter Maina, a dairy farmer in Gatumbiro, Nyandarua West. Mr Maina attributed the rise in cattle rustling to the vice and the transportation of meat at night. "Many livestock are slaughtered at night and this gives room for cattle rustlers to sell livestock. In some cases, donkeys are slaughtered too," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nyandarua County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo has accused meat inspectors of conspiring with criminals to propagate livestock theft in the county. He admitted that the wayward inspectors allow illegal slaughter of animals at night. "Some even issue movement licences to allow animals to be transported at night. Others allow animals to be slaughtered at night, which is illegal," said the county commissioner. He regretted that the perennial stock theft had deprived families of their livelihoods, noting that the security officers were working round the clock to wipe out the vice. "The proliferation of livestock theft in the county has left many families poor after their one cow, that was their only source of livelihood, is stolen," lamented Mr Leparmorijo. "Unscrupulous officers who inspect meat and give permits to transport meat and animals at night have hampered our efforts to combat the vice. No livestock or meat should be moved after 6pm," he cautioned. The county commissioner said the thieves have been stealing stock in the county and slaughtering them in unlicensed private slaughterhouses before selling the meat to consumers. After several years of skyrocketing property tax assessments in New Orleans, a state lawmaker is proposing to put a 10% cap on the amount an owner-occupied homes value can jump in a year period. The measure, which would need approval from the state Legislature and the voters, is aimed at preventing a repeat of the surging property tax assessments that hit homeowners over the last two years, when years of rising home prices spurred in part by neighborhood gentrification lead to dramatic tax-bill increases. The sponsor of the bill is state Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, who was elected in 2019 and represents District 97 covering Gentilly and parts of Mid-City. He said the bill is a response to concerns he's heard from constituents who say they've seen big tax jumps in recent years and aren't sure how they'll be able to keep paying. "The concern and the fear, it was palpable. People were telling me, This is a family home, Ive been in this home all my life. It was my parents home or my grandparents home and I cant afford the taxes'," Willard said. "It puts long-term New Orleanians and families who have contributed to the culture and the essence of New Orleans at risk of losing their homes," he said. The citywide reassessments that took place in 2019 and 2020 in New Orleans left many property owners facing a vastly larger annual tax bill. About one in five properties in the city saw their value increase by 50% or more over those two years, with thousands seeing their assessed property value and their tax bill more than double. Willards proposal would prevent that, at least when it comes to owner-occupied homes with a homestead exemption. The amendment would prevent the assessed value of those homes which is used to calculate taxes from increasing more than 10% every year due to rising values in their neighborhoods. It wouldn't prevent increases in the assessed value due to sales or other transfers including those between family members or due to renovations or improvements to a property. New Orleans' reassessment, spiking tax bills will force out many residents, advocacy group says New Orleans City Council members, worried over the effect of skyrocketing assessments across the city, suggested Monday they are open to effor The measure would only apply to homes in New Orleans. Assessor Erroll Williams said that could make it easier to pass the legislature without drawing opposition from other parishes. 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 When faced with complaints about rising assessments, Williams has long argued that he is simply adjusting propertys values to reflect the market in accordance with state law. Williams said that a cap would be a way to prevent such big jumps. Williams said he first pushed for some sort of cap on rising assessments in 2004 but ran into opposition from assessors in other parishes who opposed it for their jurisdictions. In pitching the New Orleans specific proposal to a statewide meeting of assessors this week, Williams said hes gotten a slightly softer reception. Theyre not fond of it, but if it's New Orleans-only they can hold their nose, he said. The amendment would have to win the support of two-thirds of each of the states legislative chambers to go on the ballot. It would then have to win the approval of voters statewide to be added to the Constitution. If passed, it would be the second time in three years that New Orleans rising assessments have led to a constitutional amendment. In 2018, a proposal by then-state Sen. J.P. Morrell, D-New Orleans, required that any assessment increases on homesteaded properties that pushed them up by 50% or more be phased in over four years. Voters approved the change. The flip side of both the prior amendment and Willards is that they mean governments in the city would not be able to boost their finances as much or as quickly when properties go up in value. Officials with Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration did not have a comment on the measure on Tuesday. City Council members Helena Moreno and Jay H. Banks put out a news release in support of it this week. Willard noted that the amendment would still allow property values, and taxes, to rise; it would just occur more slowly. I think the greater concern is the potential for families losing their homes, I think that far more outweighs the financial risk to the city or the school board, he said. Editor's note: This story was updated on May 17, 2021, to clarify how the amendment would work. The amendment would allow a property's assessed value to increase by 10% every year. The story originally said the assessment could only increase by 10% when the property was reassessed, a process that happens once every four years. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 01:39:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close File photo taken on on June 17, 2020 shows Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (front) tours the construction site of a new expressway near the town of Lajkovac, Serbia. Chinese construction company Shandong Hi-Speed started the construction of an expressway in western Serbia on Wednesday at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. (Photo by Nemanja Cabric/Xinhua) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic noted that the project is progressing steadily thanks to the efforts of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group and its Serbian partners. Construction on the 18.3-km road which is worth 158 million euros (177 million U.S. dollars) started in June 2020, and once completed, it will connect the upcoming Belgrade-South Adriatic highway with parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the West and the Corridor 10 to the east, putting the city of Valjevo in the focus of Serbia's development plans. BELGRADE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese company which is in charge of building an expressway in western Serbia might finish the project ahead of time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday while touring the construction site near the town of Klanica, highlighting the benefits it will bring to local communities. Vucic, who visited the site of the Iverak-Lajkovac expressway together with Chinese Ambassador Chen Bo, noted that the project is progressing steadily thanks to the efforts of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group and its Serbian partners. Construction on the 18.3-km road which is worth 158 million euros (177 million U.S. dollars) started in June 2020, and once completed, it will connect the upcoming Belgrade-South Adriatic highway with parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the West and the Corridor 10 to the east, putting the city of Valjevo in the focus of Serbia's development plans. According to a press release of the President's office, Vucic stressed the importance of the new road for the "development, life and future" of the city of Valjevo, and expressed the hope that the Chinese contractors could finish it before December 2022, although the contract stipulates that the entire project needs to be completed before December 2023. "Everything that has not been done in Valjevo for decades, will be done in the next two to three years. It is a completely new standard of living," he said, announcing other infrastructure projects in the city of Valjevo. File photo taken on on June 17, 2020 shows Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (C) tours the construction site of a new expressway near the town of Lajkovac, Serbia. (Photo by Nemanja Cabric/Xinhua) Noting that infrastructure is one of the most important areas of cooperation between China and Serbia, the Chinese ambassador expressed confidence that the results in that area will be even better. "We have all heard that the project will be completed before the agreed deadline," Chen said, adding that Chinese companies can share their experience and technology with their Serbian partners and contribute to Serbia's economic development. "I am convinced that we will achieve more results in that area," she added. Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP Litigation Practice Senior Counsel Robert A. Sherman will be the featured speaker at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Saab Center for Portuguese Studies virtual event Portugal and the United States: Past Present and Future A Conversation with Ambassador Robert A. Sherman, on March 25 at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Sherman will highlight his time as the United States Ambassador to Portugal which he served from 2014 2017, having been nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. In addition, the conversation will cover the current and future of US-EU relations, the role of NATO in the 21st century, international security, the post-COVID economy, and the US-Portugal Bilateral Standing Committee. Sherman will be joined by Dr. Neil Shortland, Director for the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies (CTSS) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and they will also discuss the criminal justice reform in Portugal as an international model for drug policy and recent innovations in the realms of cybersecurity. As U.S. Ambassador to Portugal, Sherman focused heavily on bilateral economic development and international security issues, such as cybersecurity, refugees, narcoterrorism and NATO. In recognition of his work in the country, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa decorated Sherman with the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator in March 2017. Sherman is a founding member and former co-managing shareholder of the firm's Boston office. He has wide-ranging trial and regulatory experience and focuses his practice on government and regulatory investigations and litigation, internal corporate investigations - with an emphasis on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance as well as consumer protection and class action defense. About Greenberg Traurigs Boston Office: Established in 1999, Greenberg Traurigs Boston office is home to more than 75 attorneys practicing in the areas of bankruptcy and restructuring, corporate, emerging technology, energy, environmental, financial services, gaming, governmental affairs, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance, and real estate. An important contributor to the firm's international platform, the Boston office includes a team of nationally recognized attorneys with both public and private sector experience. The team offers clients the value of decades of helping clients in complex legal matters and hands-on knowledge of the local business community, supported by the firm's vast network of global resources. About Greenberg Traurig: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has approximately 2,200 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 MEDFORD, Ore. The Jackson County District Attorney's Office will not pursue criminal charges against the driver who struck a 16-year-old girl near Central Point in January, leaving her hospitalized with severe injuries. The decision follows a lengthy investigation, which included reconstruction of the scene by elements of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and Medford Police in the wake of the crash. According to the DA's Office, the crash happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. on January 9. 34-year-old Andrew Van Hee was driving a Chevrolet Impala, with headlights on, westbound on Gibbon Road north of Central Point. 16-year-old Hailee Patnesky was walking westbound on the same side of the road with her sister and a friend. "Her sister and friend were slightly behind Ms. Patnesky on the gravel shoulder," the DA's Office said. "The three girls were predominately wearing dark clothing, and none of the clothing was reflective. This area of Gibbon Road has no lighting and the houses sit far enough away from the roadway that ambient lighting is limited." The sun had set more than a half hour earlier. This area of Gibbon Road has a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour, and there are no sidewalks on either side of the road just a small gravel shoulder. The DA's Office said that Van Hee struck Patnesky on Gibbon Road just before Azalea Drive. Patnesky was taken to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries, and she remained in the hospital as of March 23 with "life-altering" complications. Jackson County's Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team was called to investigate the crash, speaking to witnesses and collecting evidence. They also took video from a residential security camera in the area. The DA's Office said that Van Hee consented to have his vehicle seized for inspection, and stayed on the scene to talk with deputies, allowing them to review his cell phone usage during the time of the crash. Deputies found no evidence of cell phone usage during the time immediately before or during the crash. Deputies reported no signs that Van Hee was impaired from drugs or alcohol, corroborated by later breath and urine tests. "A passenger in a vehicle stopped on Azalea Drive indicated to investigators that Ms. Patnesky appeared to be about two feet in the lane of travel," the DA's Office said. "Mr. Van Hee stated that he was traveling between 40-45 mph, he saw two people walking on the shoulder of the road, but did not see Ms. Patnesky in the roadway." Crash reconstruction experts were unable to calculate Van Hee's speed from the security video due to the low lighting, but concluded that Van Hee's estimate was "consistent with evidence on scene." Van Hee appeared to be driving within the lane, and there was no evidence to indicate that he swerved. Investigators estimated that the crash happened just over two feet inside of the westbound lane. "The incident on January 9, 2021, was a terrible accident that will forever affect Ms. Patnesky and her family," the DA's Office concluded. "However, the review of the evidence and investigator conclusions in this case do not support criminal culpability on Mr. Van Hee. "There is insufficient evidence to support criminal negligence or recklessness on his part based upon the lack of impairment, no evidence of cell phone usage, and no evidence of unreasonable driving. This review by the District Attorney's Office only considers criminal culpability and by no means considers whether there is civil legal remedies." Instagram star Kurt Coleman has offered a savage response to the petition calling for Golden Gaytime to be renamed because it's 'offensive' to the LGBT community. Kurt, 22, who is openly gay, told Australians who believe the popular ice cream's name is somehow offensive to 'get over it' and move on with their lives. He wrote on Facebook: 'AS IF you'd rename Golden Gaytime ice cream... NO one cares... I'm gay and have never questioned it. Not having it: Instagram star Kurt Coleman has offered a savage response to the petition calling for Golden Gaytime to be renamed because it's 'offensive' to the LGBT community 'It's an ice cream hun. Get over it. (Also I just don't question or get offended by the names of things because I'm not hectic like that.)' Kurt's followers agreed the petition was ridiculous, with one commenting: 'Toughen the f**k up. People are really losing the plot.' Another wrote: 'Gay is a term for happy for crying out loud.' A third added: 'Having a "gay time" used to mean having a good/fun time. [It] had nothing to do with someone's sexuality.' Blunt: Kurt, 22, who is openly gay, told Australians who believe the popular ice cream's name is somehow offensive to 'get over it' and move on with their lives Response: He wrote on Facebook, 'AS IF you'd rename Golden Gaytime ice cream... NO one cares... I'm gay and have never questioned it. It's an ice cream hun. Get over it. (Also I just don't question or get offended by the names of things because I'm not hectic like that)' Political correctness gone mad: Kurt's followers agreed the petition was ridiculous, with one commenting: 'Toughen the f**k up. People are really losing the plot' Kurt, who hails from the Gold Coast, is one of Australia's most notable social media personalities. He became a household name in his teens thanks to his camp and outrageous posts, and occasional television appearances. He is known for his over-the-top use of self tan, lip filler and Botox, but has recently embraced a more natural look. Star: Kurt is one of Australia's most notable social media personalities. He is known for his over-the-top use of self tan, lip filler and Botox, but has recently embraced a more natural look Australia's popular Golden Gaytime ice cream could be forced to change its name after being slammed by the LGBT community as 'offensive'. Brian Mc, from Melbourne, launched a petition to replace the name of the 62-year-old treat, prompting a heated battle with owner Streets. 'As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community I believe my sexual identity is owned by me, not a brand and that the outdated meaning no longer applies. Isn't it time for this double entendre to end?' he wrote on the online petition, which has garnered 800 signatures. Petition: An Aussie man who goes by the name 'Brian Mc' launched a petition to change the popular ice cream's name, and has since started a heated battle against owner Streets Statement: Streets issued a statement saying that the first Streets Gaytime was released in Australia during 1959 'when the word 'gay' had not yet been applied to gender preference' 'Under the law they are seen the same, discrimination means being treated unfairly or not as well as others because of a protected characteristic like age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or disability. 'It's not my place to tell Streets what to call their re-branded product, but I do feel it's time that the Golden Gaytime is called out for being outdated, especially when Streets is releasing new products and cross promotions in 2021. Poll Do you think the name is offensive? Yes No Do you think the name is offensive? Yes 17 votes No 1369 votes Now share your opinion 'Just to be a gay man, even in 2021 is still hard (we) still have a long way to go to be fully accepted as equals, but if we see an area in life that's not equal, and we are able to change it for the better, why wouldn't you speak up?' Mr Mc said his aim isn't for the product to be cancelled, but is calling for 'Gay' to be removed from its name. The ice cream giant issued a statement saying that the first Streets Gaytime was released in Australia was in 1959 'when the word 'gay' had not yet been applied to sexual preference. 'The origin of the Gaytime name was and remains related to having a joyous or happy time and was meant to capture the pleasure that comes with enjoying an ice cream. 'The Gaytime name is not and never has intended to cause offence and your petition is the first that we have been made aware of.' An Australian who signed the petition claimed the words 'gay and gaytime no longer mean what it used to'. 'Now gay is either 'I'm gay' and not as in happy or 'that's so gay', which is an insult. But either way this ice cream should be called happytime,' they wrote under the petition. The petition comes just months after Allen's changed the names of its classic Red Skins and Chicos lollies following public backlash. Red Skins are now known as Red Rippers while Chicos have become Cheekies. Change: Australia's beloved Red Skins lollies (pictured) have been renamed Red Rippers A redskin is a slang term for Native Americans in the U.S., where it it considered offensive, while chico, which is Spanish for 'boy', is also used in a derogatory way. 'This decision acknowledges the need to ensure that nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues,' parent company Nestle said in a statement. 'These names have overtones which are out of step with Nestle's values, which are rooted in respect.' Nestle said it has an 'unwavering commitment to upholding respect for our friends, neighbours and colleagues'. 'We hope Australians will support the evolution of these two much loved lollies while the names are new, the lollies themselves remain unchanged,' Nestle said last year. Coon cheese also changed its name to Cheer, despite it being named after the surname of the man who invented part of the cheese-making process. DHS chief says US-Mexico border is closed'; over 15K unaccompanied minors in US custody Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Sunday said the United States southern border is closed to migrants a claim refuted by a Republican senator as there are said to be at least 15,500 unaccompanied migrant minors housed in U.S. custody. The message is quite clear, do not come. The border is closed, the border is secure, Mayorkas said on ABCs This Week." We are encouraging children not to come, Mayorkas added. Now is not the time to come. Do not come. The journey is dangerous. We are building safe, orderly and humane ways to address the needs of vulnerable children. Do not come. Amid increasing criticism from Republicans and some Democrats who say there is an ongoing crisis at the border, the Biden appointee assured during the interview that the administration knows how to address it. We have a plan, we are executing on our plan, and we will succeed, he said. This is what we do. Mayorkas blamed the Trump administration for the border situation. The entire system under United States law that has been in place throughout administrations of both parties was dismantled in its entirety by the Trump administration, he alleged. So we are rebuilding the system as we address the needs of vulnerable children who arrive at our borders. Data reviewed by CBS News suggests that the U.S. government is housing about 15,500 unaccompanied migrant minors, including 5,000 teenagers and children stranded in Border Patrol facilities not designed for long-term custody, as of Saturday. According to the data, unaccompanied children are spending an average of about 136 hours in Customs and Border Protection custody even though U.S. law says the limit is 72 hours. More than 100,000 people crossed the southern border illegally in February. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., refuted the claims made by Mayorkas. Hes basically saying the United States will not secure our border and that is a big welcome sign to migrants from across the world, Cotton told Fox News Sunday. The border is wide open. There are reports now Custom and Border Patrol may be directed to simply start processing people into the country without even giving them a notice to appear in court, he said And, of course, all of these bogus asylum claims are taking up so much manpower and resources of the border, that means that we also have other threats, like increases in fentanyl and other kinds of drug trafficking or persons on the terrorist watch list crossing to our border, he added. The border right now is wide open because the Biden administration dismantled the very effective policies of the Trump administration and the agreements we had with Mexico and other Latin American countries. Cotton called on Biden to reinstate a public health restriction for minors and carry on with Trump-era policies that sought to keep pending asylum seekers in Mexico and required migrants to make asylum claims outside of the U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, believes that the Biden administration may force some migrants to wait on the other side of the border while their asylum claims are adjudicated. The Secretary now has said that they're going to be looking at some sort of processing centers in Mexico, but they need Mexicos help to process people before they come into the U.S. In my opinion, its a modified version of the MPP, Cuellar said in an interview with "Full Measure," referring to the Migrant Protection Protocol. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the water supply at a camp for migrant children opened by the Biden administration in Pecos after the water supply in another center was undrinkable. The Biden administration continues to show that it is dangerously unprepared to handle the surge in illegal border crossings as they rush to open yet another facility for unaccompanied minors in Texas, the Republican governor said in a statement. President Joe Biden said Sunday that he plans to visit the Mexico border at some point. At some point, I will, yes, he told reporters at the White House after being asked if he wanted to see first-hand whats happening at overcrowded migrant processing centers, according to Bloomberg. I know whats going on in those facilities. The Washington Post recently reported that the Biden administration planned to convert immigrant family detention centers in South Texas into rapid-processing hubs to screen migrant adults and children and release them within 72 hours. The Biden administration has dismissed calls to describe the influx of migrants at the southern border as a crisis," with White House Press Secretary Jen Paski rejecting the term border crisis outright. I dont think we need to sit here and put new labels on what weve already conveyed is challenging, Psaki said recently at a press briefing. HARARE, March 24 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa and some opposition politicians received China's Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine in the tourist resort of Victoria Falls on Wednesday as part of efforts to encourage citizens to get inoculated. Zimbabwe has registered vaccines from China, India and Russia for emergency use but none so far from Western manufacturers. In a country where suspicion and scepticism often trump facts, Mnangagwa's vaccination at a public event, together with opposition leaders, was meant to assure citizens that the vaccines were safe. The southern African nation had planned to administer the Sinopharm vaccine to 53,000 health workers and selected security forces when it rolled out the first phase of its programme on Feb. 18, but only 44,135 people had been vaccinated by Tuesday, the health ministry said. Mnangagwa received the Sinovac shot and said the presence of some of his political opponents showed that the country was united in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. "I therefore challenge all of us in our respective communities to accept the vaccination programme and to shun vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and the negative conspiracy theories," Mnangagwa said before receiving his shot. China donated 400,000 Sinopharm doses to Zimbabwe, which went on to purchase 1.2 million Sinovac doses. The second phase of Zimbabwe's vaccination programme will target teachers, members of the judiciary and security services as well as the elderly, Mnangagwa said. Still, some Zimbabweans remained sceptical. "I have heard that some people are falling ill after being vaccinated so my family and I will not do it. If I was meant to die I will just die when the time comes, this is not for me," Blessward Makoni, a 27-year-old father of one, told Reuters at his cellphone accessories shop in Harare. Some health workers' unions say the government has not provided adequate information on the vaccines, causing people to be hesitant. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Giles Elgood) Majority of Republicans support same-sex marriage: survey Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A new survey has found that for the first time, a majority of Republicans support same-sex marriage. As part of its annual American Values Atlas, the Public Religion Research Institute released a report Thursday finding broad support for pro-LGBT policies in the United States spanning across partisan, ethnic and religious lines. The results of the survey match findings of other studies showing rising support for such policies. Overall, 67% of Americans support same-sex marriage. Support for allowing same-sex couples to marry is highest among Democrats (76%) and independents (72%). Notably, 51% of Republicans, who are seen as the party committed to defending traditional family values, said they support same-sex marriage. 2020 marked the first time a majority of Republicans surveyed in the American Values Atlas expressed support for same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage boasts majority support in nearly all religious groups. Seventy-six percent of Americans belonging to a religion other than Christianity support allowing same-sex couples to marry, along with 75% of white Catholics, 72% of white mainline Protestants and 71% of Hispanic Catholics. An overwhelming majority (81%) of religiously unaffiliated Americans support same-sex marriage. Support for same-sex marriage is lower among black Protestants (57%), other Protestants of color (56%) and Hispanic Protestants (51%). Less than half of evangelical Protestants of all races support same-sex marriage. Support is lowest among Hispanic evangelical Protestants (41%), followed by evangelical Protestants of another race (43%), white evangelical Protestants (43%), and black evangelical Protestants (49%). As Congress considers the Equality Act, a wide-reaching measure that includes nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals, the American Values Atlas found broad support for such policies in the American public. When asked if they supported "laws that protect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing," 76% of Americans answered in the affirmative. Support for nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals reaches 85% among Democrats and 78% among independents. While support for nondiscrimination protections is lower among Republicans, they still receive majority support (62%). Among conservative Republicans, support for nondiscrimination protection measures at 59%. This number rises to 73% among liberal Republicans and 75% among moderate Republicans. Independents (86%) and Democrats (91%) who describe themselves as liberal overwhelmingly favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals. Moderate Democrats (83%) and independents (81%) favor nondiscrimination protections by wide margins, while conservative Democrats (73%) and Democrats (69%) support the protections by less sizable but still substantial margins. Reflecting the results of other surveys, support for LGBT nondiscrimination protections is highest among Americans between the ages of 18-29, 81% of whom support LGBT policies. Support declines among older age groups, with 81% of Americans between the ages of 30 and 49 favoring nondiscrimination policies, along with 72% of Americans between the ages of 50 and 64, and 65% of those over the age of 65. The age gap surrounding support for nondiscrimination protections is also evident within partisan groups. Commanding majorities of Republicans (70%), independents (84%), and Democrats (89%) under the age of 50 support nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals. Smaller majorities of Republicans (56%), independents (71%) and Democrats (81%) over the age of 50 favor the measures. Within religious communities, younger members are more likely than older members to favor nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people. Seventy-three percent of white evangelical Protestants younger than 50 support the protections compared to 56% of their counterparts age 50 and older. Among other Protestants of color, 80% of those younger than age 50 support nondiscrimination protections, while 66% of those age 50 and older said the same. Support for nondiscrimination protections stands at 80% among black Protestants under the age of 50, 66% among black Protestants over the age of 50, 88% among white mainline Protestants younger than 50, 75% of white mainline Protestants older than 50, 83% among younger white Catholics, 72% among older white Catholics, 71% among younger Hispanic Protestants, 62% among older Hispanic Protestants, 84% of Hispanic Catholics younger than 50, and 75% among Hispanic Catholics older than 50. The survey also found that women are more likely than men to support nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals. Sixty-eight percent of Republican women support the policies compared to 57% of their male counterparts. While independent women (82%) are more likely than independent men (75%) to favor nondiscrimination protections, the difference in support among female and male Democrats is minimal (87% as opposed to 83%). Majorities of all religious groups support nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals. The support was highest among religiously unaffiliated Americans (82%), white mainline Protestants (82%), Hispanic Catholics (81%) and Jewish Americans (79%). Significant majorities of Mormons (78%), white Catholics (77%), other Catholics of color (74%), and black Protestants (73%) also support codifying protections for LGBT individuals into law. The groups that are least likely to support such measures were white evangelical Protestants (62%), Hispanic Protestants (68%) and other Protestants of color (72%). The American Values Atlas also found that a supermajority of Americans (61%) oppose allowing small businesses to "refuse to provide products or services to gay or lesbian people, if doing so violates their religious beliefs." While a plurality of white evangelical Protestants (49%) support allowing business owners to abide by their religious beliefs, pluralities or majorities of all other religious groups oppose religiously based service refusals. A plurality of Mormons (49%) oppose religiously based service refusals, along with a majority of Hispanic Protestants (54%), other Protestants of color (56%), white mainline Protestants (59%), white Catholics (60%), Hispanic Catholics (62%), other Catholics of color (64%), religiously unaffiliated Americans (70%), black Protestants (70%), and Jews (71%). Less than half of Republicans (42%) oppose religiously based service refusals compared to majorities of independents (62%) and Democrats (73%). The survey concluded with an analysis of support for the "pro-LGBTQ policies" of legal same-sex marriage, nondiscrimination protections for LGBT individuals and opposition to religiously based service refusals. Forty-two percent of Americans were classified as "completely in favor of pro-LGBTQ policies," 27% were "somewhat in favor of pro-LGBTQ policies," 13% were "somewhat against pro-LGBTQ policies" and 7% were "completely against pro-LGBTQ policies." White evangelicals were the most likely group to be "completely against pro-LGBTQ policies," while religiously unaffiliated Americans were the most likely group to be "completely in favor of pro-LGBTQ policies." Although a majority of Americans support the provision of the Equality Act guaranteeing nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community, other parts of the legislation are far less popular with the American public. A poll released last year found that 67% of Americans opposed allowing biological males who identify as females to compete in women's sports, while less than 60% of likely voters opposed allowing biological males who identify as females to use women's restrooms and locker rooms. The 2020 American Values Atlas was based on responses collected from 50,334 adults between Jan. 7, 2020, and Dec. 20, 2020. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Officer Eric Talley was one of 10 people killed Monday afternoon when a shooter attacked a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado. Officer Talley joined the Boulder police department a decade ago. He had seven children; the youngest was 7 years old. According to his father, He loved his kids and family more than anything. He was looking for a job to keep himself off the front lines and was learning to be a drone operator. He didnt want to put his family through something like this and he believed in Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold told reporters that Officer Talley was the first on the scene, and he was fatally shot. Holding back tears, she added, My heart goes out to the victims of this incident. And Im grateful to the police officers that responded. And I am so sorry about the loss of Officer Talley. His father said, Didnt surprise me he was the first one there. Chief Herold called Talleys actions nothing short of heroic. A friend described him: He was a devout Christian. He had to buy a 15-passenger van to haul all his kids around, and he was the nicest guy in the world. Willing to die that we might live CNN reports that the Colorado tragedy is the seventh mass shooting in the U.S. in the past seven days. According to Wikipedia, there have been 107 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, killing 122 people and wounding 325 others. There have only been five days this month without such a tragedy. The Officer Down Memorial Page lists 79 police officers who have died in the line of duty so far this year. Sergeant Gordon William Best of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was the first. He was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to a call at about 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 and is survived by his wife and two children. Officer Talley is the last, so far. There are more than 800,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving in the U.S. Since the first recorded police death in 1786, more than 22,000 have been killed in the line of duty. What kind of courage is required for police officers to risk their lives every day for people they do not know? What depth of commitment to their shared calling enables their spouses and children to watch them leave each day with no assurance that they will return? What kind of person runs toward a shooting when everyone else is running away? Each police officer and each officers family member deserves our deepest gratitude and highest respect, today and every day. The next time and every time you see a police officer, please thank them for their courageous service. They are willing to die that you might live. Do you know your cross? I do not expect to risk my life today in the service of others. But I should be willing to do so or to pay any other price to fulfill Gods calling in my life. Luke 9:23 records that Jesus said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.' Note that this is said to all, not just some. There is a cross for everyone who would follow Jesus. It is a personal cross: take up his cross. Your cross may not be mine, and mine may not be yours. cross: take up his cross. Your cross may not be mine, and mine may not be yours. It is a constant cross: take up his cross daily. This is a decision we must make every day of our lives. There is a cross for us every day that we live. cross: take up his cross daily. This is a decision we must make every day of our lives. There is a cross for us every day that we live. It is an imperative cross: Jesus said that we must take up our cross in order to follow me. We are not following Jesus unless we are bearing a cross to do so. Do you know your cross? It might be a temptation you must pay a price to refuse, or a calling you must pay a price to fulfill, or both. Would you ask the Lord to identify your cross today? Then would you ask him to give you the strength to bear it? 'Well done, good and faithful servant' John 21:15 reads: Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs.' In todays First 15, Craig Denison responds: Jesus is looking for disciples who will say yes to that which is greater than they could have ever imagined doing. Hes looking for friends like Simon Peter who will follow him wherever he leads, even it if means to their death. Hes looking for those who are so in love with him that at a single statement from his lips we willingly and obediently respond by taking up our cross as he did and living a surrendered, purposeful life. Craig then invites us to assess whether Jesus truly is your greatest love. If he isntif you wouldnt follow him anywheretake time to surrender anything youve placed above him. Confess any idols you have in your life that he might truly be crowned King of your heart today. Officer Eric Talley paid the highest price to fulfill his calling on behalf of those he served. The best way I know to honor his commitment is by emulating it. Then, one day, I hope Jesus will say to me what I am confident he said to Eric Talley yesterday: Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:23). By his courage and his sacrifice, Officer Eric Talley was a good and faithful servant, indeed. How will you follow his example today? Originally published at the Denison Forum press release The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu, visited the Kwa-Yanguye (Sanguye) area in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal province. The Minister was received and welcomed by iNkosi Zifubaziyazi Biyela. The purpose of the Minister's visit was to engage with iNkosi, Izinduna of Sanguye, as well as the sector commander of the South African Police Service in Melmoth, on the successive murders occurring in the area, said to be at 25 in number. In his opening remarks, the Minister advised the attendees on the role of the DPSA: "In as much as the DPSA issues norms and standards for the public service, there is a further duty on us to ensure that quality public services are delivered to the citizens of the Republic of South Africa, as it is their constitutional right." In outlining the issues which currently plague the area, iNkosi Biyela lamented on the lives lost and said whilst the burials had occurred, their hearts were still heavy. iNkosi Biyela expressed that things had to change; stating that members of the community could not continue to live in fear whereas security services, through the SAPS, were available. Present from SAPS were, amongst others, Brigadiers Mgenge and Mhlongo. Upon responding as SAPS, the Melmoth Station Commander, Colonel Robert Souls listed a number of challenges the station is currently facing, citing lack of resources and low staff complement as just some of the challenges. Colonel Souls further pleaded with the delegation present to provide the police with information as this would go a long way in assisting the police, thereby enabling arrests. The Minister advised that he would relay all the information from the meeting to the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele as well as the District Development Model deployee, Minister Fikile Mbalula. One of the Minister's priorities concerns professionalization of the public service as contained in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030. As the rendering of security forms part of public service, the Minister stressed the vital role played by the police in protecting the citizens of the country and the country itself. "Police are entrusted with one of the greatest responsibilities - safeguarding the citizens - and as such, they should serve with integrity, honesty and with the greatest of pride". CALGARY - Canada's oil and gas workforce is expected to shrink by almost 7,300 jobs this year thanks to layoffs linked to corporate mergers and cost cutting, according to an energy industry labour data firm, before staging a modest rebound over the following two years,. Pumpjacks draw oil out of the ground near Olds, Alta., Thursday, July 16, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh CALGARY - Canada's oil and gas workforce is expected to shrink by almost 7,300 jobs this year thanks to layoffs linked to corporate mergers and cost cutting, according to an energy industry labour data firm, before staging a modest rebound over the following two years,. Direct industry employment is projected to rise to about 176,000 jobs by 2023, up from 160,700 this year, but down almost seven per cent from 2019's total of 188,800 jobs, says PetroLMI, a division of Energy Safety Canada, in a three-year forecast. That compares with 229,000 jobs in August 2014, the highest point in the past 10 years. "Since 2014, we are down almost 59,000 jobs, about 26 per cent of our workforce," said vice-president Carol Howes. She said the decline is the result of lower spending in the oilpatch during an economic downturn that started in late 2014, a global price war in early 2020 which impacted oil prices and lower demand for fossil fuels because of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The combination of all of those is unprecedented and the duration of our downturn, we've not seen that in recent years," said Howes. "We've seen peaks and valleys but the valleys have never been this long." The lengthy downturn has led many experienced and prospective workers to switch to other careers and that will make it difficult for the industry to fill positions going forward, particularly in the oil and gas services sector which is already seeing a shortage of certain skills, she said. The downturn in the Calgary-based oilpatch has contributed to record high vacancy rates in the city's downtown office towers and a unemployment rate of more than 10 per cent in Calgary. Cenovus Energy Inc. has said its takeover of rival Husky Energy Inc. will result in cutting between 1,720 and 2,150 workers from the combined workforce. Meanwhile, job cuts were also announced late last year at Suncor Energy Inc. and Imperial Oil Ltd. PetroLMI says the industry will need about 19,800 net new workers by 2023 7,800 due to industry activity and almost 12,000 replacement roles for those who are expected to retire. It notes that capital expenditures across the non-oilsands exploration and production sector were slashed by an estimated 38 per cent to $15.8 billion last year and operating spending was cut by 14 per cent to $19.8 billion. Capital spending in the oilsands, it said, fell 21 per cent to $7.17 billion and operating spending was down by eight per cent to $21.8 billion. A rise in oil prices early this year led the Petroleum Services Association of Canada to increase its forecast for the number of wells drilled across Canada by 750 to 3,350 in January. The number represented an increase from 2020, when the actual well count fell to a 50-year low of 2,992. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:CVE, TSX:IMO, TSX:SU) The U.S. Navy has launched its latest hacking program called HACKtheMACHINE. This new event is currently asking people to hack the military agency's system. The United States Navy said that they will reward $1 million to the lone hacker or tech startups that will be able to breach the naval infrastructure. "When you look at [the cybersecurity landscape today], you have Advanced Persistent Threats - APT - which is kind of like cyber community speak for Russian and Chinese hacking that's state-funded," said Zac Staples, former U.S. Navy cyberwarfare expert, via Digital Trends. "These are potential competitors in the global landscape who are actively funding offensive cyber teams. We have to be proactively thinking about how we're going to defend against that," added the security expert. How to join US Navy's hacking program The official Twitter account of HACKtheMACHINE announced the new event on Mar. 22. The U.S. Navy said that it is still working on its latest program. Also Read: Microsoft Upcoming Will Soon Share Your Internet History on Windows 10 Devices; Will This Reveal Incognito Activity? If you want to register, all you need to do is click this link to visit the event's official website. Once you open that site, you will see that the program lasts from Mar. 23 until Mar. 26. The new hacking program offers three challenges that have different prizes and difficulties. To give you more idea, here are the exact hacking tasks you can participate on: Track 1: Maritime Cyber (Prize: $30,000) Track 2: Data Science (Prize: $30,000) Track 3: Heavy Metal (Prize: $35,000) If you want to get the grand $1 million grand prize, you still need to hack all of the tracks provided by the U.S. Navy. Once you or your team already decided which track to hack, all you need to do is go down to the bottom of the page and follow the instructions on the next tab. Best hacking methods to use Since you will be breaching the U.S. Navy's infrastructure, you need to expect that this will be a hard one. The participants will need to have great software skills and hacking knowledge if they want to win the competition. Here are some of the possible methods that you and the hackers could use: Malware-Injecting Devices Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Social Engineering & Phishing Cracking Passwords These techniques will still depend on the hackers' tools and knowledge when it comes to breaching various types of systems. If you want to know more details, all you need to do is click here. For more news updates about HACKtheMACHINE and other hacking programs, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes. Related Article: Dark Web's First Online Crime Enforcement Passes Bill to Arrest and Serve Warrants to All Violators This article is owned by TechTimes. Written by: Giuliano de Leon. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. This market research report includes a detailed segmentation of the global dialysis market by procedure types (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis), by product types (equipments, consumables, and services), by end-users (hospitals, dialysis centers, and others), and by regions (North America, Europe, APAC, and RoW). Research Overview Infoholic Research predicts that the global dialysis market will grow at a CAGR of 5.0% during the forecast period 2019-2024. The market is classified into different procedure categories: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis and by product types: equipments, consumables, and services. The adoption of hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is mandate for a person suffering from chronic kidney diseases. The device is popular in all healthcare facilities and the increase use of dialysis machines have bought a significant clinical purpose for treating ESRD. The hospital and other healthcare facilities have separate dialysis units. Similarly, the other care centers are propelling with cost-effective dialysis machines and supplies. Request For Report Sample@ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/11094 Dialysis market is driven by innovative and advanced technical medical devices that have applied to dialysis machine. The introduction of new generation sensors, components, and single chip solutions components have made a significant impact on the design and structure of the dialysis machine. Most of the manufacturers have high focus on patient and operator parameters as this machine is highly regulated and certified based on safety parameters. This is further been regulated by regularity bodies such as FDA, CE, and CDSCO, which has imposed huge challenges for the medical device manufacturers. Further, the market is expected to see a significant growth with increase in diseases patterns and new wave in the innovation in dialysis. Dialysis Market by Procedure Types: Hemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis Hemodialysis segment was valued over $70.1 billion in 2018 and is estimated to grow with a similar trend during the forecast period. Increasing demand for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in treatment of chronic renal diseases is expected to increase the product market. Peritoneal dialysis segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6% during the forecast period. The rise in technological advancements and increase preference for peritoneal dialysis in recent years is accelerating the growth in coming years. Dialysis Market by End-users: Hospitals Dialysis centers Others In 2018, hospitals gained the highest share in the dialysis market with large volumes of diagnostics and treatments globally. Place a Direct Purchase Order @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/11094/Single Dialysis Market by Regions: North America Europe APAC RoW In terms of regional analysis, the market is dominated by North America due to advancements in technology, presence of leading vendors, increase in regulatory reforms, and changes in reimbursement policies. Europe is followed by North America and has similar potential in growth and development. APAC is the most focused and fastest growing region due to vast opportunities for vendors to establish their presence. The factors such as the presence of a large pool of chronic patients, increasing aging population, support from the government, and health & wellness programs are expected to boost the market growth. APAC, Latin America, and RoW are the most focused and fastest growing regions due to vast opportunities. Moreover, most of the countries in these regions are focusing on increasing healthcare expenditure from the government as there is excess growth in medical technology in Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Indonesia, Iran, South Korea, Nigeria, and South Africa. Competitive Analysis The competition among leading vendors is due to the availability of a wide range of dialysis machines with different brand names in the market. This provides an opportunity for healthcare consumers (dialysis services facilities) to choose products based on brand, price, features, model, and discount. Most of the vendors are focusing on providing bundling product models for increasing their sales and having a larger market share in terms of revenue. Many vendors have established their market presence globally and focus strongly on marketing and selling their products by competing with small and regional vendors. Therefore, the competition among the vendors is expected to hinder the market growth, yet the market will have more products developed and launched. Most of the vendors are primarily focusing on research and development to offer fast technological progress. Manufacturers including major and mid-sized companies in the dialysis market are competing with newer products, advanced features, quality, safety, and efficacy. The competition is growing among the healthcare service providers hospitals, dialysis centers, and other healthcare facilities where the customer groups are being consolidated for purchasing products. Diversified product portfolio companies, large volume product buyers (hospitals), and primary competitors (single product manufacturers) have strong market positions in certain segments and regions due to their wide range of products and services they offer. New competitors especially from Asia are also taking the competition to a new high with quality, safety, and efficacy of the product over the past few years. Key Vendors: Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Baxter International, Inc. DaVita Inc. Nipro Corporation Braun Avitum AG Diaverum Deutschland GmbH Nikkiso Co. Ltd. NxStage Medical, Inc. Key Competitive Facts: The market is highly competitive with all the players competing to gain the market share. Intense competition, rapid advancements in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and the prices are key factors that confront the market. The requirement of high initial investment, implementation, and maintenance cost in the market are also limiting the entry of new players. Responding to competitive pricing pressures specific to each of our geographic markets. Protection of proprietary technology for products and manufacturing processes. Dialysis Market Benefits The report provides complete details about the usage and adoption rate of dialysis systems. Thus, the key stakeholders can know about the major trends, drivers, investments, vertical players initiatives, and government initiatives towards the medical devices segment in the upcoming years along with details of the pureplay companies entering the market. Moreover, the report provides details about the major challenges that are going to impact the market growth. Additionally, the report gives complete details about the key business opportunities to key stakeholders in order to expand their business and capture the revenue in specific verticals and to analyze before investing or expanding the business in this market. Key Takeaways: Understanding the potential market opportunity with precise market size and forecast data. Detailed market analysis focusing on the growth of the dialysis Factors influencing the growth of the dialysis In-depth competitive analysis of dominant and pureplay vendors. Prediction analysis of the dialysis industry in both developed and developing regions. Key insights related to major segments of the dialysis The latest market trend analysis impacting the buying behavior of the consumers You can Buy This Report from Here @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/checkout/11094/Single LIVE FROM POP-UP VACCINE SITE IN PORT RICHMOND: NYC workers can return to offices later this spring, latest COVID updates and more. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Hot Zone got an inside look at a pop-up vaccination site being run by Northwell Health and New York State. The site operated out of St. Philips Baptist Church on Bennett Street in Port Richmond. Frank Morisano, a registered nurse and senior director of community health for Staten Island University Hospital, gave us the rundown on the pop-up site and also took viewers questions. Morisano addressed concerns that some people have about getting the vaccine, as well as potential side effects and other issues related to the COVID-19 vaccination effort here in New York and on Staten Island. Mayor Bill de Blasio also announced that city workers would be able to return to their offices to work as of May 3. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down, and we need information like we never have before. How many new cases were there on Staten Island today? How many deaths? How many people have been released from the hospital? What are President Joe Bidens plans to end the pandemic? What are Gov. Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio doing to keep New Yorkers safe? What other news is top of mind? More importantly, when are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is? Its almost too much to keep up with. Signs at pop-up vaccination site at St. Philips Baptist Church, Port Richmond, run by the state and Northwell Health. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance) So every day around 4 p.m., Mark and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the information you need. You can then look for this written wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day. Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips. Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders. Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. UPDATE: A first: U.S. Senate confirms transgender doctor for key post U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey announced he will not support Dr. Rachel Levines nomination as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary. The Senate on Wednesday voted 52-48 to end debate on President Joe Bidens nomination of Levine, who led Pennsylvanias coronavirus battle as state health secretary. A vote on her confirmation is scheduled 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to CSPAN. 52-48: Senate advances Dr. Rachel Levine's nomination to be Assistant HHS Sec for Health. 2 Republicans Collins & Murkowski joined all Democrats in voting Yes. Confirmation vote is set for 4:45pm. If confirmed, Levine would be 1st openly transgender official approved by Senate. pic.twitter.com/8AUbuEd7YK Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) March 24, 2021 She would be the first openly transgender person confirmed to a position requiring Senate approval, The New York Times has reported. Biden nominated Levine on Jan. 19. It is her time in Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs administration that led to opposition from Toomey, a Republican who lives in Lehigh County. In Pennsylvania, the pandemic struck seniors in nursing homes disproportionately hard compared to other states, Toomey said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. This was due in part to poor decisions and oversight by Dr. Levine and the Wolf administration. Moreover, the commonwealths extended economic lockdown that Dr. Levine advocated for was excessive, arbitrary in nature, and has led to a slower recovery. While I appreciate Dr. Levines service and responsiveness to my office over the past year, she has not earned a promotion to help lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and I cannot support her confirmation. Levine faced questions during a Senate panel confirmation hearing last month about the ongoing data discrepancies in Pennsylvanias public reports on nursing home coronavirus deaths and cases, according to Spotlight PA. She oversaw the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the first year of the pandemic, which has killed thousands of people in long-term care facilities. Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania also used a hearing on the same day last month to ask Levine whether it was a mistake to order COVID-19 patients to be readmitted to nursing homes, although it is far from clear that the policy led to an outbreak or death, The Associated Press reported. Pennsylvanias economic shutdown ordered statewide March 16, 2020, aimed to stem the spread of COVID-19 by ordering the closure of government offices and businesses deemed non-essential for survival. Wolf last April extended the states stay-at-home order, as he began rolling out plans to start to gradually reopen the states economy. Ahead of the surge in infections in fall and winter, Wolf in November again advised residents to stay home and announced new mitigation measures targeted at certain businesses. More restrictions followed over the Christmas holiday. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer set up confirmation votes this week for Shalanda Young, along with Vivek Murthy for surgeon general and Levine for assistant secretary of Health and Human Services, among others, before the Senate adjourns for recess until mid-April, according to the AP. Levine is a pediatrician. Supporters of her confirmation include the Human Rights Campaign, calling an affirmative vote a historic day for the LGBTQ community and our government. Dr. Levine has proven time and again that she is a seasoned public health expert up to the task of restoring the nation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the HRC stated. At a time when the transgender community is facing an outright assault on their basic rights by state legislatures, it is ever more crucial to ensure that every voice is represented in our government. Toomey, who is not seeking re-election in 2022, has been the target of conservative criticism since his vote against party lines in February to convict former President Donald Trump at his second impeachment trial. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. A former Yale psychiatrist has sued the university claiming she was fired for her tweets calling Donald Trump a danger to the country and bashing his inner circle. Assistant clinical professor Dr Bandy Lee alleges she was threatened with termination in January 2020 after Trumps former lawyer Alan Dershowitz wrote to the university complaining about her social media comments. In her recently filed lawsuit she says that Yale fired her in response to her January 2020 tweet that characterised just about all of the ex-presidents supporters as suffering from shared psychosis. She also claimed that Mr Dershowitz, who represented Mr Trump at his first impeachment trial, had wholly taken on Trumps symptoms by contagion. Mr Dershowitz wrote to officials at the Connecticut university that Dr Lee has publicly diagnosed me as psychotic, based on my legal and political views, and without ever examining or even meeting me. Read more: Her federal lawsuit says that she was fired on 17 May 2020 and her termination letter said it was because she did not have a formal teaching role. Dr Lee gained national attention in April 2017 when she held a conference at the university about Mr Trumps mental state. This in turn led to a bookThe Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President. The lawsuit seeks reinstatement to the Yale faculty, as well as economic and non-economic damages including lost income, lost benefits, lost resources, lost privileges, lost indirect but significant remuneration, future economic losses, emotional distress, harm to reputation and loss of enjoyment of life and punitive damages. I have done this with a heavy heart, only because Yale refused all my requests for a discussion, much as the American Psychiatric Association has done, Dr Lee said in a statement to theYale Daily News. I love Yale, my alma mater, as I love my country, but we are falling into a dangerous culture of self-censorship and compliance with authority at all cost. University spokesperson Karen Peart declined to comment on the specifics of the case. This story was amended on 24 March, 2021, to clarify that Dr Lees role was assistant clinical professor, not lecturer Biden's $3 trillion package will be next after the Stimulus passed on the floor. The next one will be for infrastructure and other domestic expenses. Taxing American's more, the White House wants to spend another $3 trillion. Will Biden's $3 trillion package do more harm than good? President Joe Biden is putting together the next major White House priority. The $3 trillion package of infrastructure and domestic need projects, following COVID-19 relief legislation. It is the next big ticket Democrat bill to hit taxpayers, reported AP News Biden talked to Senate Democrats late Monday. House Democrats are going over the groundwork for building bridges, hospitals, and renewable energy systems as part of Biden's campaign pledge to "Build Back Better." Democrats and their socialist agenda Like the $1.9 trillion virus-relief bills signed into law earlier this month, the next package includes family-friendly programs, with a focus on education and family leave with pay. The source who is familiar with bill planning wants to be unidentified with the information shared. He verified the White House proposals are just in the planning stage. It will cost $3 trillion in expenses to kickstart the economy and give a better life. Democrats want to work with the GOP via a bipartisan bill but said they would go at it alone if blocked by Republicans. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. said it should happen before the virtual meeting of Democrats. DEMs senators have billeted in a yearly retreat on Monday night. Biden's $3 trillion package is important to their agenda, but not for conservatives. President Joe Biden's Tax Hike: Not Advisable, Reverses Trump Era Gains Says Rep. Meuser Biden's wants support from Senate Democrats as the White House receives backlash for its blunder. Its handling of the U.S.-Mexico border, and Mexico is the worst way possible. Migrants are rushing into the borders, with images of overpacked detention centers. A humanitarian and political problem for the administration and its congressional allies. The emphasis on infrastructure centers attention on realistic goals. Biden needs to win back support among Americans and to be bipartisan. The $1 trillion infrastructure package will have highways, bridges, rail lines, electric vehicle charging stations, and the cellular network. They want to encourage Americans to accept the Democrat plans to switch to cleaner energy. Many disagree with the Democrat's plan and want a mix of energy sources. GOP charges that Biden wants to cripple America's energy independence. Another part is investments in jobs, such as free community college. There is compulsory pre-kindergarten, paid family leave comes added. At this stage, nothing is final, and it can change. The overall price tag was first reported by The New York Times on Monday. It's been floating on Capitol Hill for weeks, going back to the start of Biden's presidency. With the House and the Senate under Democratic control, it will get support from all corners of Congress. Speaker Nancy Pelosi of the House of Representatives requested committees to work together. This will include Republicans to help in drafting the bill. She wants to add another bill to the coronavirus relief plan to benefit people more. Biden's $3 Trillion Package added to the passed Stimulus bill is funded with debt. Many warn that raising taxes is a bad thing, especially after gains during the last administration. The Democrat socialist agenda only benefits failing Democrat states. Biden Approves $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill Ready for Rollout Democrats Pass $1.9 Trillion Partisan COVID-19 Relief Democrats To Approve $1.9T COVID Aid Plan @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A state appeals board has ruled in favor of the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy, a planned charter school whose application had been rejected by Harrisburg School District. Its been a long, hard road but Im thrilled. This is going to be so good for the children of Harrisburg, said Carolyn Dumaresq, a former Pennsylvania education secretary and school superintendent who is chair of the charter schools board. Charter school organizers had hoped to open two years ago, but they encountered challenges from the Harrisburg district. Dumaresq on Tuesday said the schools basic plan remains intact. It plans to begin in September with two classrooms each of kindergarten, first and second grade, with 20 students per class for a total of 120 students. The school plans to add two third-grade classrooms the following year, and continue adding a grade each year until it has students in grades K-8. It plans to offer a STEM curriculum focused on science, education, technology and math, as well as an arts and physical education curriculum that features local artists and performers. It will be housed in space at 1500 N. 3rd St. in Harrisburg formerly occupied by Harrisburg Area Community College. Dumaresq said most of the things needed to open are still in place, and she has remained in contact with teachers and other staffers who were previously interested in working there. Some of the students who would have been in the schools first incoming classes have aged out, but Dumaresq said she will begin contacting families of previous applicants who remain eligible. She also said people can go to pasteam.org to apply. Openings are available in all three grade levels, Dumaresq said. The school is open to students who live within Harrisburg city limits and there are no special requirements for admission. If not enough Harrisburg students apply to fill all the slots, the school will accept students from within a 10-mile radius of Harrisburg, with those students selected by a lottery. There is no cost to attend the school, which is funded with the same tax dollars that pay for public schools. Harrisburg School District had initially rejected the school based on the view it wasnt a good fit for local students. The appeal resolved this week centered on whether the charter school had enough valid signatures on a petition. The charter school had maintained it had more than enough signatures and all were valid. Late Tuesday afternoon, the Harrisburg School District issued a statement saying it disagreed with the decision of the state education departments Charter Schools Appeals Board. Allison S. Petersen, the districts legal counsel, said the school district is reviewing its options. The School District respectfully disagrees with the position taken by the State Charter School Appeal Board reflected in todays vote and believes CAB has erred in the outcome, Peterson said in the statement. The application for the Pennsylvania STEAM Academy Charter School and the associated record under review by the Appeal Board contain numerous deficiencies and grounds for denial of the application, including a failure to provide teaching staff for serving students with disabilities and English Learners. The School District is currently evaluating its next steps as a result of the outcome and cannot comment further at this time. Much has changed for the Harrisburg district since it rejected the charter school and since May, 2019, when the appeal began. The Harrisburg district has been under control of a receiver since June 2019, after a judge ruled the district had failed to improve its academic performance and address high absenteeism and a poor graduation rate. Kia Hansard is the co-founder of Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg (CATCH), a community group focused on quality public education, including making sure Harrisburg public schools are sufficiently funded. She said on Tuesday the group doesnt oppose charter schools, but is concerned about funds going to charter schools at the expense of public schools. For those students who will not have the luxury to go somewhere else, we need to make sure they have what they need to be successful, Hansard said. This story has been updated to include comments from the Harrisburg school district. More from PennLive Cars line up at Dauphin County mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Tuesday York County plans to open mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Thursday Newly-elected General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and incumbent Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith addresses the 11th LPRP Congress in Vientiane, Laos, Jan. 15, 2021. [LPRP congress media center/Handout via Xinhua] Xi said that since last year, China and Laos have joined hands in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has vividly demonstrated the spirit of the China-Laos community with a shared future, and consolidated and deepened the brotherly friendship between the two sides. BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, on his election as the country's president. Xi noted in the message that the world today is facing profound changes unseen in a century, and China-Laos relations are in a crucial stage that inherits the past and sets a course for the future. He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Laos relations and is willing to work with Thongloun to further consolidate and expand the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation, promote the well-being and friendship of their people, and lift the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to new heights. Noting that China and Laos are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, the relations between the two parties and between the two countries have braved the waves and grown stronger as time goes by. An engineering train runs in the China Railway No. 2 Engineering Group (CREC-2) railing base on the northern outskirts of Lao capital Vientiane, Feb. 10, 2021. [Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua] In recent years, Xi said, the traditional friendship between China and Laos has achieved new development, strategic mutual trust has made new progress, practical cooperation has taken new steps, and bilateral relations have entered a new era of building a community with a shared future. Xi said that since last year, China and Laos have joined hands in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has vividly demonstrated the spirit of the China-Laos community with a shared future, and consolidated and deepened the brotherly friendship between the two sides. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Phankham Viphavanh on the latter's election as Laos' prime minister. Li said he is ready to make joint efforts with Phankham to continuously enrich the connotation of their countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation, and make new progress in the cause of building the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Source: Xinhua) Yes, along most or all of the coast Yes, but only places where an entry fee can cover their cost No, people can continue swimming at their own risk Vote View Results Flash Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on Tuesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the two sides reaching strategic consensus. The talks, held in the city of Guilin, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, were the 51st meeting between Wang and Lavrov. "This shows the high level of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," Wang said. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION No matter how the international situation changes, the comprehensive strategic coordination between the two countries will only strengthen and expand, rather than weakening or shrinking, the Chinese foreign minister said. The two sides agreed that strategic guidance by the two heads of state constitutes the political strength of bilateral ties, while jointly fighting the pandemic has further deepened the traditional friendship between the people of both countries. They also agreed that pragmatic cooperation has strongly boosted the two countries' economic and social development, and their international coordination has contributed stability and positive energy to the world. In the face of rapid changes in the international situation, carrying out timely strategic communication and coordination is not only important to China and Russia, but also beneficial to the world, Wang said. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Noting that the two sides have agreed to renew the treaty and make it more relevant in the new era, Wang said this demonstrates the new heights, new ideas and new results of China-Russia cooperation. The two sides should strengthen strategic coordination, firmly fight back against false information regarding China and Russia, beef up cooperation on information security, support each other in maintaining the security of their own governments and systems, and safeguard their legitimate rights and common interests, as well as maintaining stability in the areas around the two countries, Wang said. China is willing to discuss establishing a mutual recognition mechanism for health codes with Russia, on the basis of friendly consultation and fully accommodating each other's concerns, Wang said, calling on the two sides to further deepen vaccine cooperation and help improve the accessibility of vaccines in developing countries. He also urged the two sides to take their Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation as an opportunity to tap the potential for cooperation on 5G, big data, the green economy, the internet, climate change, environmental protection and the health industry, working towards the goal of 200 billion U.S. dollars in trade volume. Lavrov said the friendship between the two countries is very solid with higher quality. "Russia is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, make preparations for the extension of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and take the bilateral relationship to a higher level," Lavrov said. GLOBAL GOVERNANCE After the talks, the two foreign ministers signed several bilateral-cooperation deals as well as a joint statement on global governance, calling on the international community to put aside their differences, build consensus, strengthen coordination and safeguard world peace and geo-strategic stability. On the topic of human rights, the two sides said all countries should oppose politicizing human rights issues, reject using human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, abandon double standards, and engage in dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, according to the statement. There is no unified standard for the model of democracy, the statement said. The legitimate right of sovereign countries to choose their own development paths should be respected, and interfering in sovereign countries' internal affairs under the pretext of "advancing democracy" is not acceptable, the statement said. In face of heightened international political turbulence, there is an urgent need to hold a summit of permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, to facilitate direct dialogue and discussion of solutions to problems facing all human beings and help maintain stability of the world, the statement said. China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with Russia under the multilateral framework, jointly safeguard multilateralism, maintain the international system with the UN at the core and the international order based on international law, while firmly opposing unilateral sanctions as well as interference in other countries' internal affairs, Wang said. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 The mobile brigade in Ukraine conducts on average 47 vaccinations against COVID-19 per day, Deputy Health Minister Iryna Mykychak said during a press briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday. "There are 179 mobile immunization teams and 341 vaccination stations in Ukraine. The average work rate of one team in Ukraine is 47 vaccinations," she said. Mykychak also noted that Dnipropetrovsk (9,179 vaccinations since the beginning of the campaign), Donetsk (9,214) and Kyiv (9,219) regions are among the leaders in vaccination. "The lowest level of vaccination since the beginning of the campaign is in Volyn (3,700), Zhytomyr (3,600), Zaporizhia (3,587) and Kirovohrad (3,422) regions. Extremely low level of vaccination is in Khmelnytsky and Chernivtsi regions, the lowest - in Chernihiv (2,956)," added the deputy minister. Sci-tech experts work to spur rural economy under Xi's leadership Xinhua) 08:21, March 24, 2021 FUZHOU, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Tucked away in the tranquil ravines of the Wuyi Mountains in east China's Fujian Province, Yang Wenchun's tea farm is colored by a sea of golden rapeseed flowers as swarms of bees and butterflies hop from one flower to the next. The flowers, which blossom among lines of tea bushes, were not planted for their aesthetic appeal, nor for their oil-yielding seeds, but as a source of green manure and natural insect repellent, said Yang, owner of the 21-hectare tea farm. The ecological tea farm is part of the polyculture project of Liao Hong, an agronomist at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University and a sci-tech expert sent to spearhead innovation in rural areas by the local government. Liao has provided technical support for the tea farm since 2018. Her team has trained thousands of agricultural technicians and farmers in different places in Fujian. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected Yang's tea farm on Monday. Xi was delighted to learn that the quality of tea has improved and farmers' incomes have increased as ecologically friendly methods are used in the farm over the years under the guidance of technical professionals. "We should sum up the experience and system of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas, and continue to improve, consolidate and adhere to it," said Xi. China's mechanism of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas aims to popularize agricultural science and technology, spearhead sci-tech innovation and entrepreneurship there, and help lead villages out of poverty and promote rural vitalization. The practice was initiated in 1999 when the local government in the city of Nanping, Fujian, sought to upgrade its unproductive rural economy. For a start, a total of 225 sci-tech experts were sent to the rural areas of Nanping to offer guidance for farmers in their daily work. In 2002, Xi, then governor of Fujian Province, appreciated the measure of Nanping in an article, saying it was a useful exploration in innovating rural work. In the same year, the measure of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas was piloted in several other provinces and regions. It was promoted nationwide in 2009 and has gained bigger institutional support from the central authorities since 2012. In his important instructions made on the 20th anniversary of the system of sending sci-tech experts to rural areas in 2019, President Xi encouraged sci-tech experts working in rural areas to uphold their original aspiration and make new and greater contributions to poverty alleviation and rural vitalization. As a grape growing expert in the agricultural bureau of Nanping, Xie Fuxin used to ride a bicycle to grape greenhouses in the countryside of Nanping to offer technical instruction, carrying a bag that was loaded with a lunchbox and shears to prune and graft vines. Xie was nicknamed the "grape wizard" by local farmers, for he was adept at explaining sophisticated terms in simple language, and more importantly, his growing techniques were quite effective. Over the past 20 years, Xie has trained over 10,000 grape farmers and helped expand the planting acreage of the fruit to over 4,200 hectares across Nanping, which generates 600 million yuan (about 92 million U.S. dollars) every year and has lifted thousands of local farmers out of poverty. China has sent nearly 300,000 sci-tech experts to rural areas in poverty alleviation efforts since 2012, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. China has made rural vitalization a priority to promote growth in the countryside over the next five years. Initiatives in science and technology are being introduced in rural areas to promote modern agriculture. "I am proud that my work has helped many farmers increase their incomes. I just want to contribute more to farmers and the rural economy," Xie said. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) A spiteful Lebanese man in the 1950s seeking to ruin his brother's seafront view ended up building one of Beirut's most valuable properties. The brother is said to have purposely erected the country's skinniest building - now known as 'The Grudge' - in 1954 following a dispute with his sibling over two plots of land they had inherited from their father. The bickering brothers disagreed on how to fairly split the land between them, and their frustrations only grew after part of their property was seized for municipal infrastructure projects. Beirut's narrowest building dates back to 1954, when -according to local folklore - it was constructed out of brotherly spite. Standing near the old lighthouse in Beirut, the property is just two feet wide at its narrowest and 14 feet at widest The bickering brothers argued over a plot of land inherited by their father and fought over how to fairly split the land. As a result, one of them erected the narrowest building he could to block his brother's seafront views and devalue his property The disgruntled sibling therefore took it upon himself to devalue his brother's property and block its seafront views by constructing a narrow building on a 120-sq-m piece of land. The building is just 61cm (2ft) at its narrowest point and 4.2m (14ft) at its widest and is located in Beirut's Manara neighbourhood. Despite its small dimensions 'The Grudge' is perfectly habitable and includes rooms, a kitchen, windows and, of course, sweeping seafront views of the Mediterranean. Despite its dimensions the house is perfectly habitable, with plenty of windows, rooms leading into each other, a kitchen and views of The Mediterranean The story is well-known among locals, who have dubbed the building 'The Grudge'. Over the years the building has served as a local brothel and also housed refugees during the Lebanese Civil War The narrow building now lies empty and uninhabited, and it is not known who the current owner is. In a bid to make the neighbourhood prettier, local land owners re-painted the building pink. 'The Grudge' is now one of Beirut's most valuable real estate properties The peculiar building is now among one of the most highly valued real estate properties in Lebanon. The building and the tale behind it is well-known among locals, who named it 'Al-Ba`sa'. The building was designed by Fawzi and Salah Itani, who were also brothers. The building was erected next to the lighthouse in Beirut's manara neighbourhood and was designed by a pair of brothers. Above, the building undergoes construction work in the 1950s The spiteful sibling erected 'The Grudge' on Plot A on a mere 120-square-meter piece of land in order to block his brother's seafront views. The world's narrowest buildings 'The Grudge' may well be world's thinnest building, but where else could you find similarly slim structures? Keret House, Poland Narrowest point: 92cm The Church of Saint Martin, Croatia Narrowest point: 1.64 metres Singel 166, The Netherlands Narrowest point: 1.8 metres Sam Kee Building, Canada Narrowest point: 1.82 metres Advertisement Since its construction 'The Grudge' has served many a purpose. As well as serving as a brothel during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), it also hosted a number of refugees during the conflict. In recent years the building has also been re-painted by owners of nearby land, who changed the facade's colour from yellow to pink in hopes of beautifying the area. 'The Grudge' also sparked interest in 2017, after a Tweet featuring a picture of the building went viral. The building is currently unoccupied and it is unknown who owns the property. The building is expected to remain a fixture of the Manara coastline as it is protected from demolition as the plot of land is smaller than what is legally allowed to build on. The story behind the slim building came to light in 2014, after local architect and urban planner Sandra Rishani wrote about it for Jadaliyya. It is unclear what became of the brother's original neighbouring building, though it served as a German school when Rishani first investigated the story. Thieves broke in and took away 35 tolas of gold ornaments, including the golden crown of the Goddess, apart from four kg of silver ornaments. (Photo: DC/ Murali Krishna) VISAKHAPATNAM: Thieves broke into Visakhapatnam citys famous Karaka Chettu Polamamba Temple and took away 35 tolas of gold ornaments, including the golden crown of the Goddess, apart from four kg of silver ornaments, in the wee hours of Sunday. Police reached the spot soon after receiving information. They found that the back door of the temple had been broken to gain entry into the sanctum sanctorum. Keys of the almirah in which the gold and silver ornaments had been kept were left hanging on the wall, making it easy for the miscreants. Significantly, the thieves cut connections of the 17 CC cameras and also took away the hard disc and VCR along with the ornaments, apart from the cash in hundi, which they broke. The lone watchman told police that a few people had come to the temple around midnight and asked him in Hindi whether they could sleep inside the temple premises. They went away in their vehicles when he said no. Later, he said, he had slept off. Sniffer dogs and fingerprint experts have been pressed into service. But they have found no clues. We are questioning the temple staff and people living near the temple, said a senior police officer. The temple is located just 100 meters away from Three Town Police Station and the district superintendent of polices office, where sentries are there round the clock. Local MLA Velkagapudi Ramakrishnababu visited the temple and spoke to police and executive officer Neelima. anjan_c2007 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: India Posts: 6,424 Thanked: 9,330 Times View My Garage Lucky Charms! Say more about the car that brought you good luck Coming to my lucky car, I would rate my 1987 Maruti 800 SB 308 as my lucky car. This nearly 34 year old, very rudimentary car still does its duties for me whenever called for and never fails to impress me more and more, with its unfailing loyalty and reliability. It has been a harbinger of good luck for me, during umpteen occasions and I would like to list a few of its achievements that make it rate it as "you're the best." My late father, late grandaunt, our family's late and most favourite pet GSD "Soni" and many more relatives and friends have travelled in this car. The Late Dr Shrikant Jichkar, ex- M.P. and Maharashtra Minister (also ex- IAS and IPS), my friend and classmate from school, who is still the most highly qualified person in India, has travelled by this car on a few occasions. Mr Banwarilal Purohit, the present Governor of Tamil Nadu has also travelled in my car to attend a meeting, where we had invited him as Chief Guest, and when his personal car had failed. He was an ex- M.P. then. Coming to the good luck my car has brought our family, these are mostly during its performance of duties as an ambulance (its white in colour too) on many occasions. Our pet GSD "Soni", born in 1982 would go for several happy rides with we all family members in this car. She became weak by 1995, due to her age and required regular hospital treatments including one successful, major operation. This Maruti was the ambulance for her. She recovered well, but succumbed to dehydration on May 26, 1996. My daughter was born in 1999 and when my Mrs stepped out of the Nursing Home with the little babe, this Maruti was in the hospital porch to welcome them. So its this car for our daughter's first ever journey into the big world. She is doing well in life. Next, my aged mother suffered a major health condition in 2011 and had to be hospitalised for about ten days. Medical check-ups were regularly required thereafter. The trusted ambulance did its duties all through. She is doing well health wise thereafter, and is now aged 87. Touchwood ! And on 17.03.2021, we got a slot in a nearby nursing home for her first dose of the Covid vaccine. I again used my lucky Maruti for this job. Needless to say, she stepped out on the wheelchair from the car, got the jab, waited for the mandatory half an hour on the wheelchair. Thereafter, she was back to the car. Ingress and egress for older persons is quite easy on the Maruti 800, perhaps the easiest from among all cars and the front passenger seat is quite preferable. SUV's are the least preferable. She has had no post-jab complications of any kind whatsoever, other than some pain in her shoulder for the first two days. That's again good luck for the family. There are many, many more anecdotes for this great, little car. No wonder it has served me for nearly 34 years without fail and will go on and on. With its aftermarket post 1994 front grille - trying to look younger With its original 1987 slatted front grille and new radial footwear - the real age shows now ! A majority of car owners slot cars as machines that are owned by them and move them from place A to place B and nothing more. We teambhpians would always vie with the fact that though cars are lifeless pieces in metal (and plastic these days), they do have a soul and the fact that they are our family members. We get attached to our cars in no time and owners like me never dare to ever think of swapping or selling cars, simply for the fact that these are a part of our family and very much our family member.Coming to my lucky car, I would rate my 1987 Maruti 800 SB 308 as my lucky car. This nearly 34 year old, very rudimentary car still does its duties for me whenever called for and never fails to impress me more and more, with its unfailing loyalty and reliability. It has been a harbinger of good luck for me, during umpteen occasions and I would like to list a few of its achievements that make it rate it as "you're the best."My late father, late grandaunt, our family's late and most favourite pet GSD "Soni" and many more relatives and friends have travelled in this car. The Late Dr Shrikant Jichkar, ex- M.P. and Maharashtra Minister (also ex- IAS and IPS), my friend and classmate from school, who is still the most highly qualified person in India, has travelled by this car on a few occasions. Mr Banwarilal Purohit, the present Governor of Tamil Nadu has also travelled in my car to attend a meeting, where we had invited him as Chief Guest, and when his personal car had failed. He was an ex- M.P. then.Coming to the good luck my car has brought our family, these are mostly during its performance of duties as an ambulance (its white in colour too) on many occasions. Our pet GSD "Soni", born in 1982 would go for several happy rides with we all family members in this car. She became weak by 1995, due to her age and required regular hospital treatments including one successful, major operation. This Maruti was the ambulance for her. She recovered well, but succumbed to dehydration on May 26, 1996.My daughter was born in 1999 and when my Mrs stepped out of the Nursing Home with the little babe, this Maruti was in the hospital porch to welcome them. So its this car for our daughter's first ever journey into the big world. She is doing well in life.Next, my aged mother suffered a major health condition in 2011 and had to be hospitalised for about ten days. Medical check-ups were regularly required thereafter. The trusted ambulance did its duties all through. She is doing well health wise thereafter, and is now aged 87. Touchwood ! And on 17.03.2021, we got a slot in a nearby nursing home for her first dose of the Covid vaccine. I again used my lucky Maruti for this job. Needless to say, she stepped out on the wheelchair from the car, got the jab, waited for the mandatory half an hour on the wheelchair. Thereafter, she was back to the car. Ingress and egress for older persons is quite easy on the Maruti 800, perhaps the easiest from among all cars and the front passenger seat is quite preferable. SUV's are the least preferable. She has had no post-jab complications of any kind whatsoever, other than some pain in her shoulder for the first two days. That's again good luck for the family.There are many, many more anecdotes for this great, little car. No wonder it has served me for nearly 34 years without fail and will go on and on.With its aftermarket post 1994 front grille - trying to look youngerWith its original 1987 slatted front grille and new radial footwear - the real age shows now ! Last edited by anjan_c2007 : 20th March 2021 at 22:02 . Actress Park Jung-ja, who plays Maude in the play "Harold and Maude," speaks during a press conference held to promote the play at Page Myeongdong, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap By Park Ji-won Poster for the play "Harold and Maude" / Courtesy of Seensee Company A couple who directed a 'Deliveroo-style' chemsex drugs ring as they splashed out on a Surrey mansion and a Lamborghini have been jailed for 26 years. Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, fuelled the trade with an elaborate network of moped riders and Whatsapp groups. The dealers, who blew more than 50,000 on a Harrods shopping spree, rented out Airbnb properties for a few days at a time to store drugs and avoid detection. But Metropolitan Police officers smashed the operation in the summer of 2018 and seized drugs worth more than 3 million. They also recovered mobiles used to run a dedicated 'drugs line' and evidence of at least 2.4 million in transactions. Suellen Miguez, 36, and her husband Diego Arruda-Reis, 35, lived lavish lifestyles, buying a Lamborghini and blowing more than 50,000 on a Harrods shopping spree Miguez and her husband Arruda-Reis rented this flash house in Weybridge, Surrey Suellen Miguez, 36, masterminded the operation with her husband Punters were offered a menu of narcotics to choose from, including cocaine, ecstasy and GBL, which is popular in London's gay chemsex scene. Moped riders were able to deliver the drugs in sealed packages within 10 minutes of an order being made. Miguez and Arruda-Reis, who were arrested in 2018 sat at the 'very top' of the criminal organisation. Arruda-Reis recruited others to join the criminal network and frequented the Airbnbs used by the couriers. He had 853,000 in his bank account at the time of his arrest while Miguez had 945,000 in her account. The couple led an 'extravagant lifestyle', renting a penthouse flat overlooking the Thames in the luxury Riverlight Quay complex in Battersea and a 'substantial home' in Weybridge, Surrey. Miguez splashed over 50,000 on purchases from Prada, Louis Vitton and Harrods while her husband drove a Lamborghini. She kept a red accounts book with the weight and type of the drugs, used as a ledger to record the stock. The extent and range of the drugs provided by the network suggested that they had been purchased wholesale and not from a single source, Inner London Crown Court heard. The gang offered a 'unique service' because it brought the drugs directly to the users without relying on low-level street dealers, in a 'Deliveroo of drugs' operation. Jailing Miguez and Arruda-Reis for 13 years each Judge Nigel Seed, QC, said they ran a 'very sophisticated, business-like enterprise'. He told Miguez: 'You have been a hard working person in the past and I am told and I accept that you worked from when you were 18 until you were married. 'I do not accept all that has been said about your relationship with your husband. 'He accepted his responsibility for involving you and although there was evidence which suggested he was violent with you and ordered you about you yourself gave no evidence, and I do not accept you were operating under duress. 'At the very most, he was a domineering husband. 'You were a willing partner, in my view, in this criminal enterprise. You had a leading role.' The judge told Arruda-Reis: 'You were a person of good character and brought shame upon yourself as well as your family. 'I have taken into account all that has been said about you, by both your counsel and those testimonials that said you have led a good life whilst you were in prison. 'I accept you have shown genuine remorse. 'You said in your letter that you can't change the past, and of course you can't, but the courts have a duty to send out a signal as well as take into account the personal circumstances of any particular defendant. 'People can't be seen to be getting away lightly with dealing with such large quantities of drugs. 'I am satisfied you set up and run this criminal enterprise that is the subject of this conspiracy I tried over three trials.' Minka Braun, defending Miguez, said she was under the 'influence' of her husband who was the one who ran the operation. 'It was explained by numerous of the defendants who gave evidence that Mr Reis liked to have his wife there,' said Ms Braun. 'I am not suggesting she was reluctant, but her role was not that of her husband and to suggest that it was, in my submission, is plain wrong. Ms Braun said that Miguez's role was 'in the background' and was in no way 'the boss' but 'the boss' wife'. Miguez was arrested and found with 53 individually wrapped bags of heroin in her handbag When things unraveled, she lacked the wherewithal and resources to find herself in a safe place unlike her husband who fled the country. The court heard that Miguez had been consistently in work since moving to the UK at age 18. In prison, she volunteered in various programs to support vulnerable prisoners including the Samaritans, said her barrister. 'They have described how kind and caring she has been throughout her time in this post,' said Mr Braun. 'She was a naive, quick to love young woman who made some bad choices and I urge your honour to provide some light at the end of the tunnel.' David Nathan, QC, for Arruda-Reis, said while his client was 'a central figure', he wasn't at the very top of the operation. 'He was recruited to do what he did, he was recruited by people who had similar operations. 'He was part of a number of conspiracies in which he was not the man organising. 'He was recruited to do his part, to run this particular cell of this particular conspiracy,' said Mr Nathan. 'Mr Reis played an everyday role, a hands on role with what was going on, and I would respectfully suggest that the purpose of setting up a sophisticated system involving the supply and distribution of drugs, ordinarily the man involved stay in the background. 'He took a hands-on role because he was not the principle organiser.' 'He accepts full responsibility for Suellen's involvement, he accepts she wouldn't have been involved had it not been under his vision and instruction..' He said Arruda-Reis came from a 'decent, well educated' family from Brazil. 'He became traitorous to his wife who, underneath it all, he loves. 'He took upon himself the trappings that the kind of lifestyle that this sort of drugs conspiracy makes possible. For the duration of that conspiracy, in many aspects, and although there were pressures to leave the organisation, he benefited hugely from it. 'He lived the dream, the Lamborghini, the houses, all these things.' In 2019 a jury had variously convicted Miguez and three others, including Isabella Braga Da Silva, 23, of a total of 14 drug offences and seven money laundering charges. Arruda-Reis had admitted 14 drug supply offences in April 2019. Braga Da Silva and her boyfriend Bernardo Salles, 27, had described themselves as a 'great duo' in WhatsApp messages and made references to the Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Braga Da Silva and her boyfriend Bernardo Salles, 27, had described themselves as a 'great duo' in WhatsApp messages and made references to the Columbian drug lord Pablo Escobar Earlier Peter Finnigan, QC, prosecuting, said the case concerned a 'sophisticated network of Brazilian nationals who were involved, until their arrests in the summer of 2018, in the highly lucrative business of providing drugs to order to the chemsex scene. 'It was nothing less than a high-tech drugs delivery service operating here in London. Customers would place their orders on a dedicated drugs line number. 'Once the order had been placed, they could expect rapid delivery by a moped or motorbike courier who would exchange a seemingly innocent package, often disguised as a DHL or TNT delivery. 'The drugs seized have been valued at over 3 million if sold at street level.' The dealers all had different roles within the organisation, with Miguez leading while others organised drivers or hired places to store and package the drugs. Mr Finnigan said a key part of the operation was the use of Airbnb and self-storage facilities across the capital where the drugs would be stored and packaged. 'The trail of money in this case firmly supports the fact that Souellen Miguez was at the top of this conspiracy. 'Over 50,000 was paid out in luxury spending at shops including Prada, Louis Vuitton and Harrods.' Da Silva worked in an office matching couriers to customers across London and cell site data placed her with other members of the group. Mr Finnigan said she became involved through Salles and they saw themselves as a modern Bonnie and Clyde. 'The pair discussed the history of Bonnie and Clyde and how they were caught before Miss Braga Da Silva concludes with a message stating 'but that we will be a great duo, there's no doubt.' 'Miss Braga Da Silva sends him a message saying: 'I'll be a great wife, mother, girlfriend, secretary lol'. 'There is then a reference to being paid 3,000, Salles states 'I'm not the boss yet' before Miss Braga Da Silva responds with 'Pablo scobarrr' thought to be a reference to Pablo Escobar.' Carlos Libardi Da Silva, described as 'a trusted lieutenant' to Miguez, helped launder the money and organised the couriers along with Salles. When Miguez was arrested on 30 July 2018 police found 53 individually wrapped bags of heroin in her handbag. Detectives seized drugs including MDMA, methamphetamines, LSD, cocaine, ketamine, GBL and cannabis from self storage lockers in King's Cross, Hoxton, Southwark and Battersea. They also recovered fake identity documents and 40,000 cash at a Novotel hotel room in Docklands. Miguez, of Alexandra Drive, Upper Norwood, Libardi Da Silva, of Durdham Court, Bristol, and Braga Da Silva, of Trelawn Road, Brixton, denied but were convicted of five counts of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of Class A, six counts of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of Class B, and three counts of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of Class C. Arruda-Reis, of Riverlight Quay, Nine Elms, admitted six counts of conspiracy to possess class A drugs, eight counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs and one count of possession of criminal property. Salles, of Mercier Court, Royal Wharf, Docklands, east London, admitted seven counts of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of Class B, and two counts of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of Class C. Miguez further denied and was convicted of one count of removing criminal property and one count of acquiring criminal property. Libardi Da Silva and Salles each denied and were convicted of one count of acquiring criminal property. Salles, Braga da Silva and Libardi Da Silva are due to be sentenced tomorrow. Kenya has run out of ICU beds as the country deals with a surge in Covid-19 cases, the doctors' union has said. Healthcare workers were among those admitted at various hospitals across the country, Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) said in a statement. Several doctors have been sharing their experiences on social media, describing heart-breaking scenes they are witnessing in hospitals across the country. Kenya's Director-General for Health, Patrick Amoth, told a media briefing on Tuesday that a national study had found the presence of coronavirus variants first detected in South Africa and the UK. "Most [cases] of the South African variant have been picked from our border with Tanzania, especially in people with a history of travel from Tanzania," Dr Amoth said. A recent study found Kenya has about 537 ICU beds and just under 300 ventilators. The country has reported 122,000 Covid-19 cases and 2,000 deaths. 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 Skyler Bishop hasn't stopped asking 'where's mummy' since waking up in hospital with a shattered arm and neck brace holding her head straight. Her family are still struggling to get her to understand she will never see her mother or grandmother again after the pair were killed in a horror car crash. The four-year-old girl and her auntie Kristina, 25, were the only survivors of a head-on collision on a remote road in Kinkuna, north of Brisbane, at 4.35pm on Sunday. It's understood their station wagon slammed into an overtaking Holden Commodore on the wrong side of the road. Her grandmother Maryanne Bishop, 52, died at the scene, while her mother Jessyica, 32, passed away at about 9pm that night in hospital. Now little Skyler, who was flown to a hospital in Brisbane, faces months of rehabilitation to treat serious injuries including a fractured arm that required surgery. Skyler Bishop, 4 (pictured) has been asking for her deceased mum after a horror car crash Maryanne (pictured left) and Jessyica (pictured right) died after the accident on Sunday Mother-of-three Jessyica Bishop (pictured) was called free-spirited and bubbly Maryanne Bishop (pictured) was described as 'fun-loving' and absolutely dedicated to her family Young Skyler has sustained serious injuries to her arm and her family said she 'has a long road to recovery and will remember this event for the rest of her life.' Maryanne had five children and multiple grandkids, and was described by her grieving family as a 'fun' woman whose 'love for her children was endless.' 'There could be a room filled with silence and somehow Maryanne could just make everyone laugh,' the family told Daily Mail Australia in a statement. 'Whatever her kids were up too she was keen to join, whether it be 4x4 driving or snorkelling.' Jessyica had three children aged four, 13 and 14 and was called free-spirited and bubbly. 'Jessyica's love for her three children and family was eternal,' the family said. 'Jessyica would always pick up the phone in a time of need to support you anyway she could even if it was just an ear to listen. [She] was bubbly and could light up a room with her smile or giddy laugh.' 25-year-old Kristina Bishop (pictured) survived the accident but was left with horrific injuries The Bishop family said Kristina suffered multiple broken bones in her legs, her knee caps were ripped from the muscle, she has a fractured pelvis and multiple broken ribs. 'Kristina's road to recovery will be a long and a painful one,' the family said. '[She] is lucky to have survived and we thank the lord that she is still here with us.' The family has started a gofundme page to raise money for the funeral and Skyler and Kristina's recovery period. They said Skyler will require months of intensive physiotherapy to be able to use her arm again. The Bishop family asked Daily Mail Australia to tell our readers to 'hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight', and wanted to thank the Bundaberg and Gold Coast communities for their support. 'What we also do ask is that you hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight, tell them you love them, fix and mend what you can with your family cause you never know what the next day might bring, life is too short.' On Tuesday, Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties reported that the Council of State has made a scathing assessment of the draft National Law for the establishment of the Caribbean Reform and Development Body (COHO) to direct and monitor the spending of loans granted by the Netherlands to Curacao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten as well as the implementation of the reforms made as a condition. Today the sequel. "The Minister of Foreign Affairs is in a certain respect above the administrations of the countries" In its 20-page opinion, the Council of State of the Kingdom of The Caribbean Reform and Development Act (Coho) fillets. It begins kindly: "The Advisory Section of the Council of State appreciates the intentions expressed with this proposal to provide aid and assistance to the Caribbean countries. It endorses the need, on the one hand, to support the countries and, on the other hand, to initiate necessary reforms to improve public finances, economic structures, education and the functioning of governance.' But immediately afterward it follows: "The Section does not consider the way in which this approach has been developed in the proposal to be appropriate. The positioning and tasks of the COHO and the relationship with other actors lead to ambiguities about the division of responsibilities and powers between different actors. This weakens the countries' own responsibility and thus their commitment." Not advisable 'The Section does not consider it advisable to compensate for a lack of implementation power of the countries by making COHO highly responsible for the preparation and implementation of plans of action. This does not strengthen the implementing power of the countries and makes it more difficult to phase out the scheme. It must therefore be doubted whether the currently chosen structure can reasonably be expected to lead to successful results in the short and long term.' This leads the Council of State to the rhetorical question: "Partly because of this, questions also arise about the compatibility with the state structure of the Kingdom laid down, among other things, in the Statute for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in which the autonomy and personal responsibility of the countries are important starting points." Asking the question is answering her. In ordinary human language: the unilaterally written by the Netherlands is at odds with the administrative rules of the Kingdom, laid down Statute. Final conclusion The final conclusion of the Council of State is therefore clear: "The Division, therefore, considers, on the basis of the considerations given in this opinion, that the proposal of the National Law falls short. It concludes that the proposal should be considered in more detail and therefore cannot be submitted in this form to the parliaments of the countries of the Kingdom.' In other words, State Secretary Knops (BZK) still has to work hard in the aftermath of his term of office to make the approach he has chosen not only 'compatible' with the Statute, but also workable, effective, and successful. The Council of State questions all these aspects. But perhaps the most notable caveat in the opinion is this: "Insufficient shows why the limitations of one's own responsibilities (of the countries; (ed) the far-reaching influence of the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations shall be necessary and proportionate in the light of the principles of the Staff Regulations.' Key passages from the opinion Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten have been receiving liquidity support from the Netherlands since April 2020 to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the population, business, and employment in those countries. This liquidity support, in the form of loans to the Caribbean countries, has been subject to conditions since May 2020, with the aim of increasing the financial and economic resilience of the countries. For the provision of the third and subsequent tranches of liquidity support to Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, the State Council of Ministers has, among other things, made it a condition that the countries agree to the Dutch Government Act Caribbean body for reform and development (Rijkswet COHO), which is now available for advice. The proposal is intended to establish the COHO. The COHO aims to promote administrative reforms in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, to achieve sustainable public finances and to strengthen the resilience of the economy, including its legal embedding. The reforms to achieve these goals are laid down in so-called national packages. These national packages shall be agreed separately by the Netherlands and the three Caribbean countries as mutual arrangements on the basis of Article 38(1) of the Staff Regulations. The national packages outline the subjects, projects, programmes, and measures to achieve these objectives. The national packages are then elaborated by the COHO and the Ministers of General Affairs of the country concerned in an implementation agenda. In the end, this will often lead to concrete plans of action, to be drawn up by the COHO. The proposal assigns four tasks to the COHO. The first task concerns the support and monitoring of the development and implementation of projects, programmes, and measures by public bodies and public undertakings of the countries. The second task of the COHO is to initiate and promote projects and programmes on the subjects defined in a national package. Thirdly, on request, COHO grants to citizens and legal entities governed by private law, including public undertakings, and the COHO itself may participate in the share capital in legal entities governed by private law, including public undertakings. Finally, the COHO's task, if designated, is to introduce enhanced financial supervision of part or all of the expenditure of the country concerned. For the performance of these tasks, the proposal grants the COHO different powers. For example, COHO can request data and information from public bodies and companies. It can provide financial resources, expertise, and implementation capacity and vet governments and public enterprises. In addition, COHO can develop and manage projects and commission the provision of goods or services, as well as participate in share capital. If the COHO considers that insufficient cooperation is being provided on the reform measures, THE COHO may suspend support. It may also advise the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom to use a supervisory instrument provided for in the Statute if measures are not sufficiently implemented. In addition, it will have the power to introduce enhanced financial supervision in agreement with the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, if a country does not make sufficient efforts to comply with obligations under the Coho National Law, or the Curacao and Sint Maarten Financial Supervision Act and the Aruba Financial Supervision Act (R(A)ft respectively. The Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is empowered to give the COHO an indication of a plan of action for the development and implementation of a project, programme, or measure by public bodies and with regard to the initiation, promotion and implementation of projects. In addition, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations may, on his own initiative, introduce enhanced financial supervision of part or all of the expenditure of one of the countries if a major interest so requires. "The proposal encounters several objections that could seriously undermine its effectiveness" The Section appreciates the intentions expressed in this proposal to provide aid and assistance to the Caribbean countries. This gives substance to Article 36 of the Staff Regulations. The Section endorses the need, on the one hand, to provide support to the countries and, on the other hand, to initiate necessary reforms to improve public finances, the economic structure, education, and the functioning of governance. The Section also welcomes the fact that the proposal not only provides for the naming and prescribing of reforms deemed necessary but also aims to provide effective support to the countries in achieving them. Furthermore, the Section considers it appropriate in itself that the framework for this should be laid down in consensus legislation under Article 38(2) of the Staff Regulations. This reflects the fact that both the Netherlands and Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten endorse the desire and need to come to reforms and to cooperate to this end. The Section takes it for granted that liquidity support should be linked to a reform programme. Conditional financial support is in line with the international practice of, for example, the IMF and the European Union, which is also characterized by lending under (strict) conditions, including structural adjustment facilities aimed at structural reforms. Moreover, the Division notes that it is unclear which cash flows will flow through the COHO and which will take place directly between the Netherlands and the country concerned. It is also not clear to what extent there will be loans or gifts. The proposal not only focuses on the nature and scope of the reforms, but also sets the way for the powers and resources through which the reforms must be carried out. On this point, the proposal encounters several objections which could seriously undermine the effectiveness of the proposal. In this context, the Section notes the following. Relationship COHO national government It is customary to set conditions for financial support for countries, not only for the proper use of the funds involved but also for the achievement of certain policy objectives, such as improving public finances and strengthening the economic structure. In addition, forms of monitoring are usually also provided. If the pre-agreed conditions are met, the country will receive the financial support envisaged. In this usual approach, the conditions attached to the aid have an impact on decision-making in the country concerned. That decision-making is, after all, framed by the conditions laid down. However, this does not interfere with the (state law) domestic relations. In other words, the granting of aid does not, in a formal sense, affect the tasks and powers of the internal institutions concerned. This method has also been followed in the granting of aid to countries of the Kingdom at various times so far. A recent example of this is the Growth Agreement with Curacao in 2019. The present proposal has taken a different approach. The basis for the measures to be taken is the so-called national packages. These national packages are still little concrete in the goals to be achieved. The national packages are then elaborated by the COHO and the Ministers of General Affairs of the countries in an implementation agenda. In the end, this will often lead to concrete plans of action, to be drawn up and in a number of cases also to be implemented by the COHO. This may include, for example, the establishment of basic facilities such as schools, hospitals, and similar (public) facilities. "This carries the risk that the countries will feel less responsible" This means that aid is not based on a clear plan on which the recipient countries are paid. To that extent, there is an open commitment, where there is insufficient clarity in advance as to the conditions for granting aid. This entails the risk that countries will feel less responsible for meeting the conditions, which will reduce the achievement of the objectives envisaged, or that new conditions will always be set during the reform process in order to actually obtain the aid envisaged. This risk is reinforced by the combination of tasks assigned to COHO. The Section notes that the tasks of the COHO go beyond the support and supervision of the implementation of the national packages by the national authorities. Coho's powers also go beyond what is necessary for the performance of those tasks. For example, the COHO has the task of establishing an implementation agenda with the national government. It is then unclear whether the national administration is still competent to set such an agenda independently. In addition, the COHO has the task of initiating, promoting, and implementing projects and programmes and can draw up plans of action for this purpose. Furthermore, COHO has the power to award a contract for the provision of goods or services and to participate in share capital, without the national administration concerned having control over it or having opportunities to stop it. This also applies to the granting and provision of subsidies to citizens and participation in legal persons, even in the case of public undertakings. In addition, COHO may cooperate with institutions and bodies of Institutions of the European Union and other international organizations and with institutions and bodies of institutions of the Netherlands and other countries within the Kingdom with development, financing, supervisory or general administrative task. Where appropriate, the COHO shall draw up a cooperation protocol with the relevant institution or organization. In the alternative approach outlined by Section in point 4, leaving more responsibility to the countries, it is obvious that they too could enter into such cooperation. The COHO thus has far-reaching powers that also belong to the national administration. This creates competing responsibilities and powers. When it comes to drawing up the implementation agenda, a joint responsibility arises. With this approach chosen in the proposal, it is not sufficiently clear who is responsible for what. After all, both the COHO and the national government are responsible and competent. The Department considers this problematic: COHO and the national government can thus get in each other's way, but also a situation can arise in which COHO and the national government start pointing at each other. This is all the more so at a time when COHO and the national government have to answer to various bodies. Moreover, a consequence of this set-up may be that the national government experiences less 'ownership', will feel less responsible for implementing the land package, and in case of any problems will (refer) to the COHO. This opportunity is being increased once again at a time when the countries have little influence on the composition of the COHO board. These ambiguities and risks are not eliminated by the provision that, in the performance of the tasks, COHO cannot exercise powers conferred on a public body under the country law of a country. The Section understands the purpose of this requirement but notes that this increases the ambiguity identified above rather than removing it. After all, when it comes to powers relating to the realization of administrative or economic reforms, they are certainly up to (bodies of) the land administration. From this point of view, Article 4(2) does not give coho powers. The question is when there are powers conferred on a public body. This uncertainty is certainly the case with regard to subsidies and participation in the coho's powers. A stern explanation of this article member could mean that different powers conferred on the COHO by the coho cannot be exercised at all. A flexible explanation would soon mean that Article 4(2) does not prevent the exercise of the powers given in the proposal, but that this paragraph does not have any real meaning. Ratio to R(A)ft One of the tasks assigned to COHO in the proposal is, in agreement with the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, the establishment of enhanced financial supervision of one of the countries. This power of the COHO applies not only in the event that a country does not make sufficient efforts to fulfill the obligations imposed on the country concerned by or under the proposed state law, but also if, in the opinion of the COHO, the country does not make sufficient efforts to fulfill the obligation under or pursuant to the R(A)ft. The enhanced supervision is exercised by the C(A)ft. If a major interest so requires, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in agreement with the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom and after hearing the COHO and the Financial Supervision Board, may provide that enhanced financial supervision shall be established, if a major interest so requires. The R(A)ft regulates financial supervision by the State Council of Ministers in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten. These state laws lay down the obligations for the countries. It also provides that the C(A)ft shall ensure compliance with obligations arising from the R(A)ft in the application of the rules laid down for that purpose by the R(A)ft. The C(A)ft's task is, among other things, to assess whether a country is making sufficient efforts to comply with the obligations imposed by or pursuant to the R(A)ft. This raises the question of why it is necessary for COHO to also be empowered to assess whether countries are making sufficient efforts to fulfill their obligations under or under the R(A)ft. As a result, two bodies monitor compliance with the standards in the R(A)ft, COHO, and C(A)ft. 'In addition, the independent position of the C(A)ft is impaired' In this respect, the Section further points out that assigning the same task to two bodies entails the risk of ambiguity and divergent judgments. It is unclear how the increased supervision under the proposal and the giving of an indication under the R(A)ft relate to each other. Moreover, the independent position of the C(A)ft enshrined in Article 7 R(A)ft and the division of responsibility laid down in the R(A)ft with regard to the monitoring of compliance with budgetary standards are thereby undermined. These consequences are reinforced by the possibility for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in agreement with the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, to introduce enhanced supervision. In the R(A)ft, it is for the C(A)ft to assess whether there is a situation in which there is reason to give an indication and it is then up to the RMR to decide to give an indication on the basis of an opinion from the C(A)ft. These powers for the Minister of Foreign Affairs cross the powers of the C(A)ft laid down in the R(A)ft. Enhanced financial supervision leads to an approval regime for all or part of the expenditure incurred by a country. According to the proposal, this approval regime does not have to be limited to expenditure incurred in the context of the implementation of the national packages but can extend to all expenditures of a country. Moreover, the approval regime goes far beyond the budgetary control provided for in the R(A)ft and relates to planned expenditure. Under the R(A)ft, the C(A)ft only monitors the balance of public finances and therefore leaves the choice as to which expenditure or revenue measures are taken to the governments of the countries. The explanatory memorandum does not explain why this form of supervision is necessary in addition to the existing supervision under the R(A)ft. Finally, the Section points out that the countries will have to report to two bodies on almost the same subject. In the opinion of the Division, this makes too heavy a claim on the already limited implementation capacity of the countries. The Section can imagine that measures should be taken if problems arise in the implementation of the national packages. It is then obvious that the COHO will take such measures. If separately, there is a desire to increase the effectiveness of the R(A)ft, provision should be made for this in the R(A)ft itself, rather than the mixing of the two tracks currently proposed. Relationship COHO Minister of Foreign Affairs and national administration According to the proposal, THE COHO appears to be carrying out its tasks with a high degree of independence. Large parts of the Framework Act on independent administrative bodies have been declared applicable. Nevertheless, the proposal gives the Minister of Foreign Affairs the power to give directions or to reduce or fulfil the powers of the COHO on a number of important points. For example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs can determine what financial resources made available to COHO should be spent by the COHO, and the provision of funds can also be stopped or suspended if in short the Minister of Foreign Affairs considers that the country in question is not making enough progress. Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs may, within the broad outlines set out in a national package, after consultation with the Ministers concerned, give the COHO an indication of a plan of action for the development and implementation of a project, programme or measure by public bodies, as well as provide an indication with regard to the initiation, promotion, and implementation of projects. "The COHO functions to a large extent under the direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs" It is clear from the foregoing that the COHO functions to a significant extent under the direction of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. There are two restrictions: a consultation obligation with the relevant minister(s) of the country concerned, and the requirement that the Minister must remain within the main lines defined in a national package. The Section notes the following. Although the Minister of Foreign Affairs has an obligation to consult with the minister(s) concerned, it does not have to reach an agreement. As far as national packages are concerned, it should be noted that they contain little to no concrete measures. Nor are concrete objectives, for example in the area of public finances, included. This means that the condition that the Minister must remain within the main lines set out in a national package also has little normative effect. The foregoing means that the powers of the Minister of Foreign Affairs are hardly limited. They cover the whole range of drawing up, drawing up, initiating and implementing the projects, programmes and measures, as well as their financing. This puts the Minister of Foreign Affairs not only above the COHO, but also above the national administration of the country concerned. The powers conferred on the Minister thus infringe the responsibilities and problem ownership of the countries. Phasing out the scheme In principle, the law expires after 6 years. At the request of the Netherlands or one of the countries, this period can be extended by 2 years each time. The Netherlands and the countries can also agree that the law expires earlier. However, neither the bill nor the explanatory statement addresses the question under what circumstances and on the basis of which facts extension or early termination might be at issue. This is relevant because in the preparation of this proposal of the Dutch National Law, the relationship between the Netherlands and the other countries was not always as good and there seems to be a distrustful attitude on both sides. In such a situation, it is all the more important that it is clear on what grounds it will be decided that the objective of the proposal, namely to implement reforms, to achieve sustainable finances, and to strengthen the resilience of economies in the countries has been achieved. This question arises from this proposal because it distinguishes itself from previous cooperation between the Caribbean countries and the Netherlands. In these cases, all responsibilities remained with the (national) board. However, the proposal shifts a number of responsibilities to the COHO and must therefore be clear at what point they will be transferred back to the (national) board. Sufficient concrete and tangible results must be achieved before this can be done. In particular, it is important that the living environment of the population of the three countries is structurally improved. Improving the living environment of the population in a concrete sense is necessary in order to maintain support for the use of the COHO and thus the intervention from the Netherlands and to increase the public's confidence in the administration. Conclusion In the light of the foregoing, the Section considers the proposal to be problematic in this form. The positioning and tasks of the COHO and the relationship with other actors lead to ambiguities about the division of responsibilities and powers between different actors. The Section does not consider it advisable to compensate for the lack of implementation power of the countries by making COHO (partly) responsible for the preparation and implementation of plans of action. This does not strengthen the implementation power of the countries, weakens their commitment and their own responsibility, and makes it more difficult to phase out the scheme. It must therefore be doubted whether the currently chosen structure can reasonably be expected to lead to the short and long-term success of a reform programme . In the light of these observations, the Division recommends reconsidering the chosen design. Relationship with the Staff Regulations The Statute prescribes 'mutual consultation' when it comes to a consensus law.37 The Division notes that this consultation took place and that the governments of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten have agreed to submit this proposal to the Division. The Section, therefore, assesses the proposal as it has been presented to it, namely as a consensus law. "The powers of the COHO overlap with the powers of the national governments" As the foregoing shows, the government's chosen approach poses risks to the effectiveness of the reforms. This is partly due to the fact that the national institutions are only to a limited extent responsible for carrying out the reforms themselves. The powers of the COHO overlap with the powers of the national governments. This undermines the effectiveness of the approach. In addition, the COHO is largely controlled by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, who in a certain respect is above the administrations of the countries. The above aspects are also relevant from the point of view of the Staff Regulations. The fact that in this particular case there is a consensus law, and therefore a political compromise, does not detract from the principles underlying the state structure of the Kingdom. The principle of autonomy of the countries, and in particular the reluctance of the Kingdom Government and the Netherlands as the largest country in limiting the countries' own responsibilities, is an important factor in this. In that regard, the Section notes that the explanatory statement does not sufficiently show why the limitations of that own responsibility, as now foreseen, and the far-reaching influence of the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, is necessary and proportionate in the light of the principles of the Staff Regulations. In doing so, it is important that the powers of the COHO go beyond what is necessary for the performance of the tasks. The Department recommends that the bill be considered in more detail on this point. As described above, COHO may cooperate with institutions and bodies of European Union institutions and other international organizations. It is not apparent from the proposal that, prior to the decision to enter into such cooperation, consultations are taking place with the country concerned. The Division realizes that it is formally the COHO, not the country concerned, that makes these agreements. However, in view of the tasks of the COHO, it is obvious that the country concerned is also effectively bound by these agreements. The explanatory statement does not show how this relates to the fact that the Caribbean countries can declare that they do not wish to commit themselves to an international economic and financial agreement. The Section recommends that the explanatory notes should be explained in the foregoing. Powers of governors Under the bill, the COHO can in certain cases advise the State Council to make a provision out of force of the Statute. The explanatory statement rightly states that this proposal does not interfere with the powers of the Governor on this point. After all, the governors have independent powers in the context of their task to monitor, among other things, compliance with state laws, including a state law such as that proposed here. However, given that the Governor will also have to monitor compliance with this law, the powers of the Governor and the COHO may overlap on this point. As has already been pointed out in the foregoing on the relationship between the C(A)ft and the COHO, such an overlap of powers carries the risk of ambiguities, overlapping powers, and divergent judgments. In concrete terms, this may mean, for example, that the Governor adopts a national regulation or national decree and therefore does not use his power not to adopt it for reasons of conflict with a higher law, whereas the COHO sees reason in this national regulation to request a provision in force of the Statute. The Section recommends that further attention be paid to this in the explanatory statement and, if necessary, to adopt the proposal. What is needed? The points for this addressed bottlenecks and possibly undesirable consequences of the approach currently proposed, which pose risks to their effectiveness. This raises the question of a different approach, which has fewer such risks which could then be a better approach. The Section then gives some considerations in this regard and outlines some of the outlines. Credible, achievable, and flexible It is a great gain that the proposal pursues the three objectives (administrative reforms, sustainable public finances and strengthening the resilience of the economy) in conjunction. At the same time, it must be recognized that these goals can be at odds with each other and (temporarily) frustrate each other. In this way, strengthening economic resilience and implementing reforms, especially in the shorter term, can lead to tension with the aim of achieving sustainable and sustainable public finances. Dimensions and coordination are therefore necessary to arrive at a balanced approach. This requires flexibility. In this context, the Section notes that the proposal does not provide for the adjustment of budgetary standards in the Rft, which raises the question of whether the law has sufficient flexibility to arrive at the necessary dimensions in practice. From this point of view, the Section considers it desirable to look at the set of measures that will apply (at least the liquidity aid, the R(A)ft, and the present proposal). Ownership Furthermore, the Division of Ownership and Commitment of the Countries considers it crucial for the success of this approach. This is the only way to achieve fruitful cooperation and to achieve sustainable results, which will also last after the end of the programme. In recent decades, the implementing power has been problematic in the implementation of the various measures. As has been the case before, the Department does not consider it useful to try to compensate for this lack of implementation power by (partly) making COHO responsible for the preparation and implementation of plans of approach. This does not strengthen the implementation power of the countries. The responsibility for drawing up and implementing their own plans of action should lie with the countries themselves. This does justice to the countries' own responsibility. This is also in line with the practice and experience of international organizations such as the IMF and the European Union's recovery instrument set up in connection with the corona crisis. Strengthening the implementing power of the countries themselves is one of the main objectives of the measures to be taken, which is in danger of being facilitated by too much coho's role. Nevertheless, COHO has an important role to play in strengthening the administrative power of the Caribbean countries. It is therefore important that COHO can support the land authorities in drawing up projects, programmes and measures and in implementing the projects, programmes, and measures that the countries agree to. At the same time, it requires the countries to be open to coho's proposals and, where possible, to make the necessary and necessary efforts to implement the necessary reforms and strengthen administrative power. This may also be requested from the countries where the COHO also provides the financial resources for the projects in question. Only if THE COHO can fulfill its important role and the Caribbean countries accept this role will fruitful cooperation between COHO and the national administrations be possible. The linking of liquidity support and support in tranches to meeting the objectives to be achieved is an important incentive to actually achieve those objectives. If the implementation of projects, programmes, or measures is insufficient, COHO may suspend the granting of aid. In the unlikely event that this does not lead to the intended results and it appears that, despite this support and appropriate use of the suspension power, insufficient progress is being made to increase administrative power and to achieve the responsibilities independently in the long term, more compelling measures, whether initiated or not initiated by THE COHO, will ultimately be inescapable. In view of this, the Section considers it appropriate that the following tasks be assigned to the COHO: a. (a) Adopt the implementation agenda and the countries' plans of action for the implementation of projects, programmes or measures, with clear performance requirements linking the mobilization of financial resources over time; b. (b) Monitoring the progress of implementation by the countries; c. (c) Support by technical and other assistance, for which the COHO has its own budget; d. (d) Monitoring the achievement of performance requirements, enabling the financial resources to be provided. In this context, the composition and appointment of the COHO board should also be considered. Given the role of the Netherlands and the role of COHO, a heavy Dutch stamp on the COHO is understandable. However, support, ownership, and commitment of the countries, as well as insight into the local situation, can be increased by a representation in the governance of the COHO that finds support among the Caribbean countries. The importance of support among the countries increases as the tasks of the COHO overlap more with tasks that also accrue to the national authorities. According to the proposed scheme, one of the members of the COHO requires demonstrable affinity with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The question is whether this sufficiently ensures the necessary support among the Caribbean countries. Clear frameworks Support in the outlined way is of course not without obligation. It goes without saying that (financial) support is subject to conditions and that the fulfillment of those conditions and the (progress of the) implementation of the measures to be taken are closely monitored. The COHO has an important role to play in monitoring the progress of the plans and programmes, providing support in the sense of technical assistance, and releasing financial resources as the plans of action are implemented. But that does require a clear approach. The Section points to the practice of IMF credit programmes, as well as within the framework of the European Union,45 where additional financial support is linked to pre-agreed performance indicators. It is not appropriate to prevent countries from focusing on moving targets in order to obtain support and financial support. This risk is high with the approach now being taken, in which the measures in the national packages are formulated very openly and the COHO has a lot of room to fill in this in more detail. This is reinforced by the intervention possibilities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (whether or not following reactions from the States-General). It is therefore important to clearly define the conditions for granting aid and not to allow the COHO or the Minister of Foreign Affairs to unilaterally adjust the conditions in the interim (except in special, predetermined circumstances). In the case of an approach as outlined above, the confluence between the proposal and the R(A)ft outlined in point 3b can easily be avoided between COHO and Cft. The COHO can then focus on monitoring and support through technical assistance and the release of financial resources according to the plans of approach are implemented. The C(A)ft continues to focus on maintaining fiscal balance. Conclusion The Department endorses the chosen approach linking support to Caribbean countries with a reform programme to make the economies and public finances of the countries healthy, strengthen public administration and improve the conditions of the populations of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten. However, the Section does not consider the way in which this approach has been developed in the proposal to be appropriate. The positioning and tasks of the COHO and the relationship with other actors lead to ambiguities about the division of responsibilities and powers between different actors. The Section does not consider it advisable to compensate for the lack of implementation power of the countries by making COHO (partly) responsible for the preparation and implementation of plans of action. This does not strengthen the implementing power of the countries, undermines their own responsibility and ownership, and makes it more difficult to phase out the scheme. It must therefore be doubted whether the currently chosen structure can reasonably be expected to lead to successful results in the short and long term. Partly because of this, questions also arise about compatibility with, among other things, the state structure of the Kingdom laid down in the Statute, in which the autonomy and personal responsibility of the countries are important principles. The Division, therefore, considers, on the basis of the considerations given in this opinion, that the proposal of the National Law falls short. It concludes that the bill should be reconsidered and therefore cannot be submitted in this form to the parliaments of the countries of the Kingdom. The Advisory Division of the Council of State of the Kingdom has a number of comments on the proposal of the State Act and advises not to submit the proposal of state law to the House of Representatives of the States-General, the States of Aruba, that of Curacao and to of Sint Maarten unless it has been amended. Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties Raad van State fileert rijkswet Caribisch orgaan voor hervorming en ontwikkeling Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties Click here to read advice from the Council of State. KYODO NEWS - Mar 25, 2021 - 01:05 | All, 3/11 Fukushima, Japan Japan's nuclear regulatory body decided Wednesday to effectively ban Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. from restarting a nuclear plant on the Sea of Japan coast for around a year and a half after the complex was found to have serious safety flaws. The Nuclear Regulation Authority agreed at its meeting to bar the company from transporting nuclear fuel stored at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture or loading it into the reactors. The decision is a heavy blow to TEPCO, which saw the restart of the plant as a main pillar of its reconstruction plan following the nuclear crisis at its Fukushima plant in 2011. The punitive measure will remain in effect until TEPCO's response to the incident is "in a situation where self-sustained improvement is expected," according to the regulator. Facing huge compensation payments and other costs stemming from the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, TEPCO had been keen to resume operation of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant to reduce its dependence on costly fossil fuel imports for non-nuclear thermal power generation. The seven-reactor Kashiwazaki-Kariwa complex was known as one of the world's largest nuclear power plants with a combined output capacity of 8.21 million kilowatts when it was fully operational. Although the Nos. 6-7 reactors cleared safety screenings by the regulator in 2017, all seven reactors remain offline. The nuclear plant was found to have been vulnerable to unauthorized entry at 15 locations since March last year because of defective intruder detection systems and backups, TEPCO and the regulator said earlier this month. The regulator provisionally rated the breach at the plant to be at the worst level in terms of safety and severity, marking the first time it has given such an assessment. NRA Chairman Toyoshi Fuketa said the regulator plans to receive TEPCO's analysis on the causes of the security breach incident and an improvement plan within the next six months and then conduct an investigation on the operator that is expected to last for at least a year. "What is being questioned now is TEPCO's attitude regarding the protection of nuclear materials. TEPCO is not fit to transport fuel at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa," Fuketa said, adding the latest disciplinary order will immediately be effective in enhancing nuclear security. A final decision of the measure will be made after TEPCO is given an opportunity to provide an explanation. An executive of TEPCO said at a press conference in Fukushima Prefecture on Wednesday there is no room to raise an objection to the regulator's decision. "TEPCO could not put into use the lessons and regrets from the Fukushima Daiichi accident," Makoto Okura, representative of the company's Fukushima Revitalization Headquarters, said. Okura added TEPCO needs to "rebuild itself from its roots." The regulator's decision comes as the Japanese government pushes to restart nuclear power plants deemed safe. The government sees that atomic power will remain one of the country's major power sources due to the instability of renewable energy. Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato called it "extremely regrettable" that TEPCO will be slapped with the order. "It is important that TEPCO take drastic measures on management," the top government spokesman said at a press conference. The NRA commissioners that took part in the meeting had also considered other disciplinary actions, including revoking TEPCO's license to operate the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa complex or ordering the halt of plant operations for up to a year. It will be the first time the regulator has issued a corrective order for a commercial nuclear reactor, based on violation of the law regulating nuclear source material, nuclear fuel material and reactors. In 2013, the regulator also effectively banned the restart of the Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor after its operator was found to have failed to inspect nearly 10,000 devices at the reactor in central Japan's Fukui Prefecture. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant has been plagued by security issues, including an incident in which an employee used a colleague's ID pass last September to enter the central control room without authorization. Safety installations have also not been completed for the No. 7 reactor at the plant, and fuel loading that was originally scheduled to be conducted in March and April has been revised to "undecided." Founder of the Civic Movement for People calls for Georgias Prosecutor General Office to investigate alleged illegal surveillance against her By Veronika Malinboym Founder of the civic movement for People and the former government official Anna Dolidze stated on her Twitter page that a day prior, an opposition minded Mtavari Arkhi TV Channel released an alarming interview with a former employee of the State Security Service. In this interview, the currently detained Vano Gulashvili confesses to allegedly damaging the projector of the opposition during the June 20 rallies, as well as illegally installing several surveillance devices in the homes of some of the Georgias top-ranking officials, including Anna Dolidze, upon the request of the former Deputy Interior Minister Kakhaber Sabanadze. Dolidze stated that she is deeply concerned by the news, and called for the Ombudswoman of Georgia to hold an immediate investigation into the fact of possible illegal surveillance against her:Alarming news: Yesterday TV Mtavari published a testimony by a former security services employee stating that he had installed video surveillance in my apartment and had recorded "private character" materials. This can't pass uninvestigated. I ask for your support in this matter, Dolidze said in her post.Georgian Ombudswoman, Nino Lomjaria held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan today. Following the meeting, the US Embassy released a statement in which it condemned the politicized attacks on the General Prosecutors Office:I was very sorry to hear that there have been some attacks against the PDO. That kind of hate speech is toxic language, especially against an office that is serving the public in such an important way and trying to help every person in Georgia have their human rights respected. The Public Defenders Office also plays such an important role in holding public officials accountable, and that is again something that Georgia needs to do more of: more accountability, more transparency and less hate speech and vicious attacks against others. Again it was a very informative and useful meeting, Ambassador Kelly Degnan said in a statement.The Deputy Minister of Interior Kakhaber Sabanadze resigned amidst the release of Vano Guluashvilis testimony. On his Facebook page, Sabanadze said that during the years of his service to the country, he always strictly adhered to the rule of law, which is and always has been his main priority, and that his decision to resign was motivated solely by the fact that he wanted the investigation into the alleged crimes listed in Guluashvilis testimony to be trusted. In his letter to Amit Shah, Vijayan sought strict action against those 'who disrupt and impair the freedom of individual rights' Thiruvalla: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday strongly condemned the alleged harassment of a group of nuns by some Bajrang Dal activists in UP's Jhansi recently and urged the Centre to take action, saying such incidents tarnish the image of the nation. In his letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Vijayan sought strict action against those "who disrupt and impair the freedom of individual rights" guaranteed by the Constitution. Citing reports, he said two postulants, who had recently joined a Christian congregation were travelling for the first time to their homes accompanied by two nuns and were "harassed and intimidated" by the Bajrang Dal activists. The CM further said the nuns and the postulants were forcefully removed from the train by the police following a complaint from the Bajrang Dal members alleging that the two girls were being taken for forceful religious conversion. "You would agree with me that such incidents tarnish the image of the nation and its ancient tradition of religious tolerance and practice." "Such incidents require utmost condemnation by the Union Government," Vijayan said. Earlier, addressing the media in Pathanamthitta, Vijayan said the Constitution gives freedom to everyone in the country to believe and not to believe in any religion. Everyone here has the right to live according to their faith, he added. ".. What happened yesterday was an encroachment on the freedom. Both these freedoms are fundamental rights of Indians. The nuns faced the violation of these rights during the train journey," he pointed out. What happened in Uttar Pradesh should not have happened in the country and it is a "very serious matter." Vijayan also attacked the ruling BJP in UP, saying the northern state is 'notorious' for such matters. "Violence in the name of religion is on the rise in many parts of our country. Violence against women and marginalized groups are on the rise." "Uttar Pradesh is notorious for such matters. All such illegal activities are taking place under the ruling BJP government there. It should also be taken seriously that all this is happening on an uncontrolled scale," Vijayan said. He asserted that his government would not allow Kerala to become a breeding ground for communalism and secularism would be fully protected. According to officials in Jhansi, the nuns were detained after local Bajrang Dal activists complained that two of the women were allegedly being taken forcibly for religious conversion. The police said there was no basis in the complaint and all four women later took the next train to their destination in Odisha. Expressing concern over the matter, Kerala Catholic Bishops Council had called for strong action against the culpritsinvolved in the incident. The Congress and BJP had taken up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, respectively. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan to congratulate him on the countrys annual Pakistan Day, which commemorates March 23, 1940. On that day the Muslim leadership in the eastern city of Lahore demanded independence from British rule. (IANS photo) One Texas state representative hasn't forgotten about the Ike Dike. Rep. Gene Wu tweeted that his office is circulating a letter addressed to President Joe Biden requesting federal support for the "Ike Dike," a manmade coastal barrier that would protect the Greater Houston area from devastating storm damage like that seen during Hurricane Ike in 2008. NEED A VACCINE?: All Texas adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine on March 29 "The Texas coast is home to millions of people, as well as some of our nations largest ports and industries. It is also the yearly target of dangerous and destructive tropical storms and hurricanes," the letter reads. "The financial damage from storms such as Hurricanes Rita, Ike and Harvey have totaled nearly $250 billion in less than 20 years. These astronomical financial sums are cause enough for concern, but when combined with the devastating environmental damage and the irreplaceable loss of human life, it is clear that Texas is in dire need of greater coastal resiliency." Wu, who represents parts of Houston, encouraged Texans to call on their state representatives and senators to sign the letter. Officials have said the newest version of the Ike Dike would cost $26.2 billion, less than initial cost estimates of $32 billion, the Houston Chronicle's Nick Powell reported in October. TEXAS FROM ABOVE: This is how astronauts see the Texas Gulf Coast from space with unaided eyes Three major hurricanes narrowly missed Houston-Galveston region in 2020. Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed his support for a barrier after Houston avoided a direct hit from Hurricane Laura, as well as making a plea to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee for officials to speed up funding for the Ike Dike. I dont know how many chances we are going to have ... Whatever it may be that can mitigate storm surge, then thats what I am in favor of, Turner said, AP's Juan A. Lozano reported. What I do know is we cant keep just talking about it. Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with showers. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Ongwediva Heavy rains are expected to persist this week in the northern parts of the country, weather forecaster at the Namibian Meteorological Services Odilo Kgobetsi said. Following heavy rains in the last four days, many floodplains are already filled to the brim. "The rain is expected to continue for the next few days," Kgobetsi said. Kgobetsi said heavy rains are expected today and tomorrow, with the moisture expected to stretch into Friday. Kgobetsi said southern Angola has also been recording very high rainfall of 50mm and above in the last few days. He said there are reports of places already under water and it is likely that flash floods will be experienced in some parts in the north. The rain brings hope to drought-stricken farmers who hoped for rain to fall to revive their already dying crops. In many parts of the north, particularly in Omusati, crops had already begun to dry out as there was no rain since some time in February. While some have dried out, some still have a chance to revived and be harvested. The governor for Kunene region Marius Sheya asserted that it has been raining in his region for the past few days. Meanwhile, Sheya said the rain received at the moment cannot make an impact. "It has rained, but it won't make an impact, but we hope that it will continue for a little longer," said Sheya. Sheya said the water currently flowing in the streams and rivers in the region was a bonus, because the region does not have a water crisis. "There are boreholes drilled in the region hence water has not been a problem, but the vegetation," said Sheya. The Dublin woman who led Gardai on an M50 chase has said she will not to appear in court tomorrow and will instead take a "one-way flight" out of Ireland. Gemma Greene is due to appear in court in connection with the incident that saw her livestreaming a high-speed chase with gardai along the M50 on March 1. However, the 24-year-old - who has become a social media star - has taken to her Instagram account to brag: One way flight booked for tomorrow morning not going no court no thank you judge I like my life as it is. Greene has also been using Instagram to promote her new account on the subscription-based platform OnlyFans. OnlyFans allows viewers to pay a monthly fee to access creators main feeds and has been used to host adult-only content. Read More Last night, Greene revealed on Instagram she had already pocketed more than 5,000 from her newly set-up Only Fans account. Green is due to appear in court tomorrow in connection with an incident which saw her pusrued by Gardai through Dublin on the M50 to Bray, Co. Wicklow and continued all the way back to the Hampton Wood Drive area of Ballymun. She posted a live-streamed video of the chase on her social media where she recorded herself singing to music and taunting Gardai. At one point in the viral video, the woman threw what is believed to be a can of deodorant out the window at the 20 Garda cars and helicopter that were following her. Gardai confirmed that she was arrested and taken to Ballymun Garda Station that evening, where she was later released. Last week, Greene returned to Ireland after a week away in Spain and was allegedly fined 500 by Gardai for non-essential travel upon her arrival in Dublin Airport. She has previously hinted that she may leave Ireland, after posting on Instagram, Moving to Spain next month one hundred percent, alongside a 100 per cent emoji. The Event Horizon Telescope collaboration, an international team of radio astronomers that has been staring down the throat of a giant black hole for years, on Wednesday published what it called the most intimate portrait yet of the forces that give rise to quasars, the luminous fountains of energy that can reach across interstellar and intergalactic space and disrupt the growth of distant galaxies. The black hole in question is a monster 6.5 billion times as massive as the sun, and lies in the center of an enormous elliptical galaxy, Messier 87, about 55 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Two years ago, the team photographed it, producing the first-ever image of a black hole; the hitherto invisible entity, a porthole to eternity. It looked like a fuzzy smoke ring, much as Albert Einsteins equations had predicted a century ago. The group has spent the last two years extracting more data from their observations about the polarization of the radio waves, which can reveal the shape of the magnetic fields in the hot gas swirling around the hole. Now, seen through the radio equivalent of polarized sunglasses, the M87 black hole appears as a finely whiskered vortex, like the spinning fan blades of a jet engine, pumping matter into the black hole and energy outward into space. Tuberculosis remains a rare disease in the United States, but when it does occur, delays in diagnosing it often exceed recommendations by the World Health Organization, according to a new report by Harvard Medical School researchers published March 22 in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The typical, or median, delay in diagnosing an active case of TB was 24 days, according to the study, with the majority of delays ranging between 10 and 45 days. However, some delays were much longer-;up to 250 days in certain cases. Unlike latent TB, in which the person who carries the TB bacterium has no symptoms and cannot infect others, people with active TB have symptoms and can transmit the infection to others. The new analysis revealed that delayed diagnoses were linked to a higher likelihood of the infection being transmitted to household members. It also found a concerning link between delays in diagnosis and the risk for disease progression. To minimize TB complications and prevent infection transmission, the WHO calls for initiating diagnostic workup and prompt treatment for all patients who have symptoms suggestive of active TB infection for two weeks or longer. The delays we found would be concerning under any circumstances, but they are unacceptable in a well-resourced health care system such as the United States." Maha Farhat, Study Senior Investigator and Assistant Professor of Biomedical Informatics in Blavatnik Institute of Harvard Medical School Farhat is a pulmonary medicine physician at Massachusetts General Hospital. While the new study was not designed to tease out the reasons behind the diagnostic delays, the researchers say one of the more likely drivers is lack of awareness among clinicians, possibly due to the rarity of TB in the United States. The classic TB presentation includes coughing up blood, fever, and night sweats, but TB can also presents with a range of symptoms that do not fit this textbook triad and can throw physicians off the scent, making prompt diagnosis challenging. Indeed, the analysis suggests that some of the delays could be prevented, or at least minimized, underscoring the importance of increasing clinician awareness. For example, use of chest imaging and molecular diagnostic tests portended shorter time to diagnosis and treatment as did receiving care from an infectious disease or pulmonary medicine specialist. "Our findings point to the key importance of continuing education of providers. We found several factors associated with delays and faster diagnosis," Farhat said "This tells us that delays are modifiable and preventable." The researchers underscore that while TB remains rare in the United States, it is one of the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide. Concerningly, they note, recent trends show that while the number of active TB infections in the United States has been declining, the pace of the decline is slowing and that TB death rates in this country have not consistently followed a similar decline. This observation hints that gaps in the ability to diagnose the disease early and treat it promptly may be important contributors, Farhat said. For their analysis, Farhat and colleagues used data derived from the medical insurance claims of nearly 19 million privately insured individuals, capturing doctor's visits over a nine-year span, from 2008 to 2016, with a typical case follow-up of seven years. Of the 18.9 million records in the database, the researchers identified 3,389 people whose records had diagnostic codes suggestive of TB. Of those, 738 individuals ended up getting an eventual diagnosis of active TB. To gauge delays, the researchers measured the time elapsed between the first documented visit for TB-related symptoms and the initiation of treatment for TB. The median-;or most typical-;delay in TB diagnosis was 24 days, ranging from 10 to 45 days after initial visit for symptoms suggestive of the disease. Some cases, however, took far longer to diagnose-;more than 240 days in some instances. Of the 738 patients with active TB, 65 (nearly 9 percent) went on to develop respiratory complications, and those with delayed diagnoses were more likely to experience complications. The median delay in diagnosis among patients who went on to develop one or more complications was around 32 days after first presentation to a doctor's office. By comparison, those who did not experience complications were diagnosed and treated typically within 23 days. The most common complications included irreversible lung damage, collapsed lungs, fungal lung infections, and spitting blood, a symptom that heralds serious airway inflammation and injury. To determine the risk for infecting others, the researchers analyzed the rate of infection among the household members of 456 patients with active TB who had one or more dependents covered by the same insurance. Of those, 177 patients had another household member with latent TB. Of the 1,026 household members who cohabitated with a person with active TB, more than one-fourth (286) became infected. Further analysis showed that each additional week of delay in diagnosis boosted the risk for transmitting the infection by 20 percent. Two patient categories appeared at greater risk for diagnostic delays-;older individuals and those with suppressed immunity. The study did not examine the reasons behind this elevated risk, but the researchers said it may be because older individuals tend to have more variable, atypical presentation of symptoms or because clinicians may tend to attribute their symptoms to other lung diseases common in this group, such as COPD or pneumonia, for example. Delayed diagnoses among immunosuppressed individuals may be due to atypical, variable symptoms or may stem from susceptibility to infections with multiple other organisms, which can reduce the number of TB cells present in a test sample and make laboratory confirmation of TB more difficult. People who presented with three or more symptoms were more likely to be diagnosed more promptly than those presenting with fewer symptoms-;likely because the presence of more symptoms raised physician suspicion. The use of chest X-rays or CT scans to image the lungs, the use of a molecular TB test called nucleic acid amplification, and receiving care from a TB specialist, all expedited diagnoses. The bottom line for clinicians, Farhat said, is to err on the side of over-testing: The risk of missing TB far outweighs any possible downsides of ordering a fairly inexpensive molecular test or an X-ray to rule out TB disease. "If you have a patient with cough, fever, shortness of breath, especially if they were born abroad or are an older individual, then you should be ordering a chest X-ray early and, if abnormalities are seen, a TB nucleic acid amplification test," she said. "Yes, these are non-specific symptoms but the key is to think about it TB as a possibility and to remember that it is still present in the United States." One reassuring finding was that a TB diagnosis was promptly followed by the initiation of treatment, typically within three days. The researchers caution that their findings may not capture the full magnitude of delays because their analysis was based on a predefined set of variables contained in medical claim records, which may have left out less common disease presentations such as instances in which TB develops outside of the lungs and affects the nervous system. The study design also did not allow researchers to track transmission outside of a patient's household, thereby likely underestimating transmission risk to others such as health care workers, for example. Another limitation, the researchers said, stemmed from the de-identified nature of the data, which did not allow researchers to capture important differences by race and ethnicity, which may be tied to delays in diagnoses and treatment, or country of birth, which confers different risk for TB. Nonetheless, the approach points to the great utility of medical claims data in tracking patterns of disease diagnosis, testing and treatment, Farhat said. "This is the advantage of big data," Farhat said. "Interrogated the right way, these records can give us a wealth of information about clinical care trends, without the need to mobilize additional resources for data collection." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Ms. Pasos is one of hundreds of people who have called into our Primal Scream phone line since the eponymous series, which explored the emotional and economic pressures on a generation of moms, published in early February. Since then, a major stimulus package that could provide a boost to American families the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan has been signed into law, and the latest jobs reports show that mothers have been returning to the workforce. I wanted to check in with experts, and with the moms living through this time, to see if conditions had improved since we did our original reporting. The short answer? Though there is additional federal support to families, more Americans are vaccinated every day and job loss is not quite as dire as it was in the early days of the pandemic, unemployment claims remain higher than they were in previous economic crises. And moms are still not OK. Despite the increased labor force participation of mothers, mothers are still having a really hard time, said Liz Morris, the deputy director of the Center for WorkLife Law at UC Hastings Law. Despite their return to the labor force, they are not having much relief at home, and by that I mean, many children are still home-schooling. She added that the burden of remote school has fallen disproportionately on the shoulders of mothers. Research has shown that in states where children received only remote instruction during the pandemic, mothers labor force participation has been lower than in those where children attended school in person. Even where children are back in classrooms, they may have hybrid schedules or face unanticipated closures and related quarantines because of Covid exposures. These unexpected schedule changes are particularly brutal for mothers who work retail, in factories or in food service, Ms. Morris said, because their employers may use whats called a no fault attendance policy. These policies give workers disciplinary points for absences, no matter what the reason is for missing work, and they affect an estimated 18 million workers, according to a report from the nonprofit organization A Better Balance. Though the American Rescue Plan provides many benefits for parents that may help lift children out of poverty including cash payments of up to $1,400 and increased tax credits for children it does not guarantee paid leave for caregivers or paid sick leave. Though the plan gives tax credits to employers that voluntarily offer paid leave, it is not mandatory, and may leave many lower-income parents in the lurch, Ms. Morris said. (The Biden administration has a proposal for paid leave, but it is far from becoming law.) A decade ago, when the firefighter John Burke earned his masters degree in health care emergency management, he wrote his thesis on pandemic planning. So when the coronavirus hit last spring, Mr. Burke, now the fire chief in Sandwich, Mass., was ready. I had my playbook ready to go, Mr. Burke said. Testing for the virus was a top priority, so he connected with a private laboratory to ensure that his firefighters, who were transporting coronavirus patients to hospitals, could be regularly tested. And then he heard that Thermo Fisher Scientific, a Massachusetts company that makes laboratory equipment and materials, was beta testing an air sampler that could help him detect airborne coronavirus particles. By December, he had installed one in a fire station hallway. The device, about the size of a toaster oven, sucked in ambient air and trapped airborne virus particles if there were any to be found in a specialized cartridge. Each afternoon, an employee would remove the cartridge and walk it to the UPS drop box across the street, sending it off for laboratory analysis. (Natural News) Yes, over 1 million iPhone users in Virginia are dumb enough to believe that the tracking and tracing app well call COVID-DUMB will keep their information private while alerting them to Wuhan flu victims that come within 6 feet of them. The Virginia Department of Health has connected the app to a national key server, exposing the users data and location to the Virginia SS police, who will soon be quarantining everyone at FEMAs leper colonies (Covid concentration camps). Are you getting exposure notifications? You may have come close to somebody (even your own family) who was exposed to Covid last year, built antibodies, never caught it, and tested positive anyway. Danger! Android and iPhone users get notified when theyre exposed to someone elses smartphone, and this allows the user to needlessly self-quarantine for two weeks after walking by any human whos been data-based as a threat to humanity. Currently, theres no proof the app works, or that the database is legitimate, or that the Covid tests work, or that Bill Gates himself isnt manipulating the software to scare Virginians into house arrest for the rest of their shortened lives (until the doomsday final vaccine kicks in). When the COVID-DUMB app alerts you, seek medical attention immediately, so you can be inoculated with a dirty vaccine that promotes cancer cells But wait, theres more. COVID-DUMB Express provides an additional option to help Virginians have their privacy and security invaded even further. The app has already sent out over 10,000 questionable exposure notifications to add to the hysteria and propaganda of the plandemic. That means the average person gets at least 80 notifications per day so that every step you take in public warns you of imminent death from the China flu. The app is connected to 15 other states plus, of course, Washington D.C., where the communists catalog their future FEMA concentration camp residents. Of course, the track-and-trace app is free, because you surrender your privacy and safety rights a tradeoff thats always done in the name of the greater good, like Hitler always said. Remember, mRNA means foreign proteins that enable cancer cells to multiply are being inserted into your body. Be sure to tell your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about the COVID-DUMB app, so theyll be with you in the FEMA concentration camps COVID-DUMB app provides tokens that are supposedly anonymous and expire after a specified period of days, as Apple-Google software collects all your information forever. Just like PRISM, as exposed by Edward Snowden, nothing done online is ever thrown away, trashed, disposed of, or deleted. This includes social media posts, emails, and of course, the COVID-DUMB app users information. Hello user, youve got mail. Youve been exposed (to false-positive victims) and instructed to report to the nearest FEMA leper colony within 2 hours or a warrant for your arrest will be served. Once you opt-in theres no opting out. The ENS (exposure notification system) generates an invasion of privacy token for your device. This token changes every 20 minutes to make you believe its anonymous, so you can have that warm, fuzzy feeling that your government cares about your health and safety. Smartphones all around you will be working in the background, exchanging your private information via blue-tooth technology. On a daily basis, your phone will download all the non-anonymous tokens associated with false-positive COVID-19 cases encountered over the past two weeks. If theres a match (which of course there will be plenty), you will receive further instructions from your public health SS representative on how long you should quarantine (stop working, stop talking to people, and sit on your couch consuming GMOs and toxic medications as prescribed by your quack MD). Be aware, there are plenty of false test reports in the COVID-DUMB app The app requires users to confirm a secret code (the first three letters of your first and last names, and your date of birth) to ensure a match with the Wuhan lab specialists who released the virus in the first place. Nobody could ever guess this secret code, so youre completely safe and protected from hackers and terrorists. After you punch in your super-secret code of the letters of your name and your birth date, you can report your fake positive COVID test, and add to the chaos of false reporting everywhere. After that, a VDH case investigator (Democrat SS Police) will reach out to you (issue you a summons to report to FEMA concentration camp) within 24 hours. Tune your internet dial to Vaccines.news for updates on more dirty vaccines and tracking apps used for population reduction schemes coming to a busy city near you. Sources for this article include: Vaccines.news VDH.Virginia.gov NaturalNews.com Wavy.com Care home staff have a 'duty' to get the Covid vaccine to protect their residents from the coronavirus, says the boss of a firm with a controversial 'no jab no job' policy. Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, said the human rights of people living in care homes were at stake and staff must protect them. The firm was one of the first to announce that it would not hire any new carers who haven't been vaccinated and all existing staff must get a jab by the end of April. Ministers are considering making it the law for carers to have the jab amid concerns that not enough of them are taking up the offer. Hesitancy is thought to be high among care staff because many of them are from low income or less educated households or black or ethnic minority communities. All of those groups are known to be more likely to refuse a vaccine. Mr Calveley said the safety of his residents is a higher priority than people's personal choice not to have a jab and that he hoped the government would make it the law. He said the policy has only had a 'tiny impact' on the number of people accepting or applying for jobs and said some people had applied because they liked the rule. Care home workers are in the top priority group so have been able to get a jab since December. But NHS data shows only around 76 per cent of them have done so, with this dropping as low as 40 per cent in some parts of London. Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, said the human rights of people living in care homes were at stake and staff must protect them by getting vaccinated against coronavirus NHS data show that fewer than half of care home staff have been immunised in some areas with uptake worst in London despite jabs being available to them since December The government could make it a legal requirement for care workers to get vaccinated, Matt Hancock has confirmed (Pictured: A man gets vaccinated in London) Covid can 'spread like wildfire' in care homes, Mr Calveley said, and the residents have one of the highest death risks in the world. The Care Quality Commission, the care home regulator, says more than 41,000 people living in homes in England have died of Covid since the pandemic began. Vaccines can protect people living in the homes, most of whom are very elderly and have dementia or other health problems, but only if uptake is high. Data from NHS England show that only one out of 10,413 care homes in the country had not been visited by a vaccination team and 94 per cent of all residents have had at least one dose of a jab. But the rate is much lower among staff 76 per cent have had a first dose, meaning one in four have not done it in the three months since the rollout began. There are still around 112,000 unvaccinated carers working in homes, the figures show. 'In the end, it is a hugely difficult decision,' Mr Calveley told BBC Radio 4. 'We have an overriding responsibility and a statutory duty to keep our residents as safe as possible, and that is in law. 'We also have to understand human rights and we have to understand employment law. 'But we believe that the risk to our residents and the demonstrable increased risk if you have not had a vaccination trumps all of that.' 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 He said that all Barchester staff get tested three times per week and only five per cent of them tested positive after being vaccinated, compared to 15 per cent of unvaccinated workers. 'There is three times the risk of bringing it into a care home,' he said. All staff at the homes had been given regular meetings to discuss any concerns about the vaccine and for bosses to encourage them to get the jab. They were shown data proving the jabs were protecting their colleagues as evidence came through that they were testing positive less often, and even invited to seminars with scientists to talk through the vaccines, he said. Mr Calveley's comments come as the government is reportedly considering making it a legal requirement for care home staff to get vaccinated. Health Secretary Matt Hancock yesterday confirmed that it could happen because ministers are concerned about low uptake rates. Mr Hancock admitted mandatory vaccination was 'something we are looking at' and claimed 'many' care homes have supported the proposal. He scolded carers who have turned down their jab appointments, warning that they 'have a duty of care not to pass on the disease' to frail residents. His comments came after a leaked paper submitted to the Covid Operations Cabinet committee showed Mr Hancock and Boris Johnson both had agreed to compulsory jabs for care staff. Mr Hancock told LBC: 'On this one, no decision has been taken, but it is something that we are looking at. 'Because people who are looking after elderly residents in care homes, who we know to be the most vulnerable to Covid, they have a duty of care not to pass on the disease and it is a reasonable question.' He said 'many' care homes had asked for this to happen, adding: 'There's a legal change that's required and, as you can see, I'm open to that, but no final decision has been taken.' NHS England figures show, nationally, just 76 per cent of care home workers had their first dose of a Covid vaccine by March 14 the most recent day local data is available for. But the data which break up the country into 150 areas shows uptake of the life-saving vaccine among carers varies widely across the nation. Lambeth in south London has the lowest proportion of care home staff vaccinated, with an uptake rate of just 42.6 per cent. In comparison, seven areas have vaccinated more than 85 per cent, with Blackpool inoculating 1,466 of its 1,678 carers. The proportion of people opting in to the vaccine rollout is even lower for carers working in people's own homes, with less than a third accepting a jab in Barnet (28.5 per cent) and Bexley (32.4 per cent). All staff in care homes should now have been offered a first dose of the vaccine, with England's Covid vaccine roll-out officially widened to all over-50s last week the last priority group set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). TOP TEN AREAS IN THE COUNTRY FOR CARERS' COVID VACCINE UPTAKE Blackpool Barnsley Darlington Plymouth Rotherham Shropshire Cumbria Torbay Gateshead West Berkshire 87.4% 86.5% 85.7% 85.7% 85.5% 85.3% 85.1% 84.4% 84.0% 83.9% Advertisement (Newser) A high-profile 60 Minutes interview on the Capitol riot has jump-started an internal Justice Department probe into the prosecutor who gave it. The piece that aired Sunday featured Michael Sherwin, the former US Attorney in DC who revealed he'd witnessed firsthand the chaos on Jan. 6, and that he believed sedition charges against some of those at the Capitol may be coming. CNN reports that US District Judge Amit Mehta called an emergency meeting on Tuesday with the DOJ and attorneys for defendants said to have been at the riot, warning all parties that no one should be speaking to the press and citing his concerns about Sherwin's interview. "The government, quite frankly, in my view, should know better," Mehta said, adding he'd been "surprised" that Sherwin went on TV to talk about it all, per NBC News. "This case will not be tried in the media." story continues below Mehta then added: "It is something I hope the Department of Justice is looking into." John Crabb Jr., a leading prosecutor for the US attorney's office in DC, piped up that that's exactly what's happening, noting that "rules and procedures were not complied with in respect to that ... interview," and that the matter has been referred to the Department of Justice's watchdog Office of Professional Responsibility, per the Washington Post. The paper notes that US attorneys are supposed to notify and coordinate with the DOJ before speaking to the media "on matters of national importance." Mehta also called it "troubling" that anonymous DOJ sources had told the New York Times that sedition charges could be in the works. CNN notes that DOJ prosecutors talking publicly about current probes or hinting at what charges may be filed is "not typical," and that judges strive to keep potential jurors untainted and protect defendants' rights, especially in headline-making cases like this one. (Read more Justice Department stories.) Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. They remember the project with which Bill Gates wanted to cover the sun to cool the Earth, well this summer the tests will begin. According to The Times reports, a large balloon will soon be launched in Sweden that will spew out particles of calcium carbonate, which is essentially chalk dust. The Controlled Stratospheric Perturbation Experiment (SCoPEx) wants to prove that the release of this dust into the stratosphere could eventually divert some of the sun's energy and lower the temperatures of our planet. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. AstraZeneca will publish up-to-date results from its latest Covid-19 vaccine trial within 48 hours after US health officials said the drugmakers analysis of the shots efficacy may not have been based on all the available data. The rare public rebuke marks the latest setback for the vaccine which was hailed as a milestone in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since been dogged by questions over its effectiveness and possible side effects. AstraZeneca said results it published on Monday giving the shot an efficacy rate of 79pc were based on an interim analysis of data through to February 17 and it would now immediately engage with the panel monitoring the trial to share its full analysis. The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker said yesterday it had reviewed the preliminary assessment of its full, or primary, analysis and found it to be consistent with the interim report. Its shares were down 2.5pc in London trading. The US National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) said on Monday that the board charged with ensuring the trials accuracy had expressed concern the company may have given an incomplete view of the shots effectiveness. Anthony Fauci, director of the NIAID, said the whole issue was a really unfortunate unforced error. This is very likely a very good vaccine and this kind of thing does ... nothing but really cast some doubt about the vaccines and may contribute to the hesitancy, he told Good Morning America on ABC News. The data really are quite good but when they put it into the press release it wasnt completely accurate, he said. We have to keep essentially trying as hard as we can to get people to understand that there are safeguards in place. Besides being 79pc effective in stopping symptomatic illness in the trial in the US, Chile and Peru, the data also showed the shot was 100pc effective against severe or critical forms of the disease and posed no increased risk of blood clots. Read More The new doubts about the shots efficacy, however, coincide with its roll-out in dozens of countries and clouds the timeline for its emergency use authorisation in the US. The negative reports about this vaccine do not stop, although my assessment is that it is well tolerated and safe, but clearly less effective than the two mRNA vaccines, said Peter Kremsner, from the University Hospital in Tuebingen, Germany. Rival vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna that use so-called mRNA technology produced efficacy rates of about 95pc each, far above the 50pc benchmark set by global regulators. The panel monitoring the AstraZeneca trial, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board, is organised by NIAID and its role is to provide study oversight and evaluate clinical data to ensure safe and ethical conduct of the study. AstraZenecas shot has faced questions since late last year when the drugmaker and Oxford University published data from an earlier trial with two different efficacy readings as a result of a dosing mistake. Later analysis suggested the dosing interval rather than the amount of dose administered was responsible for the difference. Confidence in the vaccine took a further hit this month when more than a dozen countries suspended the shot after reports linked it to a rare blood clotting disorder in a very small number of people. The EUs drug regulator said last week it was safe but an opinion poll on Monday showed Europeans remained sceptical. The latest trial data, which has yet to be reviewed by independent researchers, was based on 141 infections among 32,449 participants. Stephen Evans, a pharmacoepidemiology professor at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said the up-to-date data request may have to do with efficacy readings from recent cases, which may include new variants and thus lower protection rates. The other vaccines may also show such reduced efficacy and we dont know by how much. It does not leave me concerned particularly unless they had found a safety issue that was being hidden, which does not appear to be the case. The AstraZeneca vaccine is seen as crucial in tackling the spread of Covid-19 across the globe because it is easier and cheaper to transport than rival shots. It has been granted conditional marketing or emergency use authorisation in more than 70 countries. Many countries are relying heavily on it to end the pandemic, and several state leaders have taken the shot to boost confidence in the jab. A man holds a laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture taken on May 13, 2017. (Kacper Pempel/Reuters) Nearly 40 Percent of UK Firms Suffer Cyberattacks During Pandemic Two in five UK businesses suffered from cyberattacks in the last 12 months, new figures from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) show. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 report, published on Wednesday, 39 percent of British firms and 26 percent of UK charities reported having cybersecurity breaches or attacks in the past year. A single cyber attack can cost businesses 8,500 on average. Keep your organisation #SafeOnline read @NCSCs security guidance for businesses, including tips on: Secure home-working https://t.co/HGRKIqubWi Video conferencing https://t.co/qlZYjl3p3i pic.twitter.com/BJz0RJV3Ov DCMS (@DCMS) March 24, 2021 The report also shows that cyber risks have been heightened during the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, which has forced organisations to divert resources to facilitating home working for staff. Phishing emails were by far the most common form of cyberattack, said the report. These were followed by online impersonation, viruses, and other malware including ransomware. In cases where a breach resulted in a loss of data or assets, the average cost of a cyberattack on a business is 8,460 ($11,604). This figure rises to 13,400 ($18,379) for medium and large businesses. The pandemic has taken an unavoidable toll on British businesses but we cannot let it disrupt our high cybersecurity standards, said Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman. With more people working remotely it is vital firms have the right protections in place, and I urge all organisations to follow the National Cyber Security Centres expert guidance so we can build back better and drive a new era of digital growth. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of the UKs GCHQ intelligence agency that was set up in 2017, is charged with protecting the nation from cyber-attacks. In November 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the formation of the National Cyber Force (NCF), which will work alongside the NCSC and conduct cyber operations to disrupt hostile state activities, counter-terror plots, and support military operations. In its Integrated Review of defence and security policy, published last week, the government set the goal of cementing the UKs position as a responsible and democratic cyber power and announced a commitment to publish a new National Cyber Strategy later this year. The UK has been a world leader in offensive cyber operations. In 2016, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the UK was conducting cyber operations against the ISIS terrorist group. In 2018, the GCHQ revealed how it had degraded ISIS propaganda networks through cyber operations. The UK is facing cyber threats from not just terrorists and criminals, but also hostile foreign states including Russia and China. In July 2020, Foreign Secretary Raab said he was deeply concerned over evidence that China is engaged in malicious cyberattacks against commercial, medical, and academic institutions, including those working to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Legislation that imposes stiffer penalties on those convicted of at least two prior driving under the influence offenses was approved by the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday. The legislation, dubbed Deanas Law, is named in memory of Deana Eckman, a Delaware County resident. She was killed in a 2019 crash involving a highly intoxicated driver who had five prior DUI offenses. The bills sponsor, Rep. Christopher Quinn, R-Delaware County, said if that driver had been serving consecutive sentences for his fourth and fifth DUIs, he would have been in prison at the time of Eckmans death. Enacting Deanas law would better protect Pennsylvanians from the worst of the worst repeat DUI offenders, Quinn said. When you are talking about people who have had three, four or five DUIs like the individual who was responsible for Deanas death, youre dealing with people whove clearly not learned their lesson and are demonstrating a sincere danger on our roads. Similar legislation was moving through the General Assembly in the last legislative session but it got loaded up with other DUI reform measures and never became law. Quinns bill is stripped down to focus on the two core issues that Eckmans family would like addressed, said House GOP staffer Josiah Shelly. One is to increase the penalty for those convicted of a third or more subsequent DUI with a blood-alcohol content of .16 or higher, drug-related DUI, or who refuse a breathalyzer or blood test. The other key issue is to require consecutive sentencing for those offenders, he said. It raises the grading of the felony for someone who meets that criteria with three prior DUI offenses to a second-degree felony, which can carry a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and up to $25,000 fine. Currently, it is a third-degree felony which carries a penalty of up to seven years imprisonment and up to a $15,000 fine. Fourth and additional convictions would remain a second-degree felony but the sentencing can be enhanced. The minimum sentence they could serve is one year. Rep. Joseph Hohenstein, D-Philadelphia, said he generally objects to mandatory minimum sentences because he doesnt think they work. In this case, he said he could be a reluctant yes since the stiffer penalties apply only in cases where individuals have three or more convictions for extremely high blood-alcohol content offenses. The bill won unanimous approval from the committee and now is in a position to move to the full House for consideration. Passing House Bill 773 in Deanas memory will be a significant step in ensuring no other Pennsylvanian experiences the heartache of the senseless death of a loved one at the hands of a repeat DUI offender, Quinn said. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy. The Louisiana dispatcher who picked up that July 2016 night heard sobs, and screaming. A woman said her husband had been robbed. An Evangeline Parish sheriffs deputy arrived at Chapelles Corner Grocery on Cemetery Road and found Clifton Hallmark, 51, blood trickling from a small bullet hole near his right ear. He died hours later. Hallmark belonged to the Aryan Circle, one of the largest, most widely established white power prison gangs in the United States. The Aryan Circle is well organized and lethal, ordering hits in and out of prison and running illegal drug and arms trafficking operations. It demands total allegiance and punishes those who stray. It also is a hate group propagating a racist message at a time when white supremacist views have been morphing from fringe ideology to a force in mainstream thought and politics. Law enforcement officials warn that the groups violence extends beyond prison walls and can harm innocent victims. Like the Ku Klux Klan and other violent hate groups, it has been able to weather law enforcement battles to take it down. Members cover themselves in tattoos celebrating Nazi iconography and are quick to fight for provocations as small as selling a TV remote to a rival gang. Hallmarks death was one of several crimes that led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to launch a racketeering investigation against the gang. Law enforcement was already pursuing a narcotics investigation against one gang member, but the murder across state lines gave agents the opportunity to begin a more wide-ranging probe, which has now extended to at least five states and involves about 20 law enforcement agencies. In October, authorities announced indictments against 24 defendants, including at least nine Aryan Circle gang members, bringing the number of those charged to at least 40. At least 21 people have pleaded guilty including two earlier this month court records show. The road to those arrests was complicated and involved years of work. Hate, born behind bars The Aryan Circle was born in the 1980s in Texas state prisons. Since then, it has grown to include well over 1,000 members in prisons and the free world, where its members deal drugs, steal cars and commit other crimes. Like the larger Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT), the Aryan Circle is dangerous enough that the Texas Department of Criminal justice considers it a Security Threat Group and places its members in administrative segregation. The groups origins date back to 1985, when it was founded by several former Aryan Brotherhood members and others rejected for membership by the Brotherhood. For years, it remained relatively small, then began expanding rapidly in the 1990s. Now, it is one of the largest and most entrenched white supremacist gangs within the Texas prison system, experts say. According to court records, the gang has a defined, militaristic structure, with six branches overseen by a five-member Upper Board. It demands total loyalty with mottos such as Silence is Golden, Silence is deadly, Silence is mandatory. The tattoos or patches with Nazi imagery, including the Iron Cross, swastikas, or SS style lightning bolts, signal full and lifelong gang membership. Perhaps most striking, the gang created a small task force to carry out gang-ordered executions and enforce leaders orders, and has a far higher percentage of female members than most other prison gangs The gang grew steadily in the 1990s. Besides Texas, it has members in Colorado, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey and Virginia. Ken Ellis / Staff illustration A ruthless code Aryan Circle is known to be merciless about punishing members who stray. In January 2012, then-30-year-old Brandon Fritts shot and killed a fellow gang member named Jamie Lee Czeck in an alley in Fort Smith, Ark., court records show. Fritts soon landed in cuffs and told investigators that the killing had been a personal matter, not gang-related. But his girlfriend, Charitie Clawson, told detectives that Fritts became enraged after Czeck said he wanted to lay down his patch and ride with the Hells Angels the move that became his death sentence. A jury ultimately convicted Fritts of murder. He remains behind bars. Sometimes, the gang took a different approach to the disloyal, dispensing vicious beatings and torture. Court records show that investigators tied the group to one such attack on a disloyal member in a county park in eastern Missouri in November 2013. Aryan Circle brothers took him to a Jefferson County park. They beat him with sticks and rocks. Then they lit a log on fire and used it to burn off his tattoos. His attackers wouldnt be prosecuted for years, news reports show, in part because the victim was terrified of retaliation and unwilling to cooperate with law enforcement. They were very violent against members who wanted to leave the gang, said Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable Philip Cash, whose office helped investigate the gang. They also ruthlessly punished violations of rules. Shortly after the 2013 patch burning, Aryan Circle members locked up in a prison in Louisiana attacked one of their brothers for selling a TV remote to Mexican gang members. He was stabbed more than 40 times, court records show. The man who ordered the attack, William Chunn, was one of the gangs highest leaders, court documents allege, and he ordered another attack later that year, in a prison in Kentucky. A double police killing across state lines One of the Aryan Circles most significant tangles with law enforcement came in 2007, when 26-year-old gang member Dennis Clem shot and killed two Black teenagers outside his Houston-area home. He fled with his girlfriend on a circuitous route that ended in Bastrop, La. That August, two Bastrop detectives arrived at their hotel room, looking for a burglary suspect. Clems girlfriend lured them into the room. Seconds later, they came running out; Clem gunned them down on the sidewalk before either could draw a gun, according to police. Among the supplies in the gray Chrysler sedan they used to flee Houston was a sawed-off shotgun and other guns, wrapped in a red blanket and stashed on the rear floorboard. A police radio scanner helped them evade authorities near San Antonio, when they bolted back east toward Louisiana. It was real Bonnie-and-Clyde stuff, a Louisiana prosecutor told the Chronicle in 2011. Days later, law enforcement tracked the couple to a trailer park back in Houston. They arrested Clems girlfriend, Tanya Smith, but officers shot and killed Clem after he charged outside, shirtless and waving a gun. In the years after, some Aryan Circle members moved to Turkey Creek, a small town of about 450 people in a quiet pocket of northern Louisiana. A warning, an argument & a murder Clifton Hallmark was one of those who ended up in Turkey Creek. During a 2016 July 4 celebration, members of the group gathered at a home on Cemetery Road. They drank. They partied. And late that night, Hallmark and another gang member started quarreling. And then Jeremy Jordan pulled out a gun and shot Hallmark in the head. At first, his wife and the other woman at the scene told Evangeline Parish Sheriffs deputies that Hallmark had been robbed at the convenience store. But their stories quickly gave way. Hallmark had been arguing with other gang members, who wanted him to stop communicating with a longtime friend who had left the group, sources said. In a moment, the disagreement turned fatal. The case was Detective Allen James first and only murder investigation. It was hell, he recalled. It was time consuming. It was hard trying to gather evidence. Hard putting things together. It was a mess. Multi-agency racketeering investigations like this have become an increasingly common tool law enforcement has used to fight gangs, though it was first passed into law in the 1970s to fight organized crime groups such as the Mafia. The net tightens Two gang members were indicted with trying to smuggle suboxone (a medication created to treat opiate addiction that can itself be abused) into a federal prison in Mississippi in 2017 and 2018. Aryan Circle members would commit many more prison assaults, but the net was tightening. Two years after Hallmarks murder, a federal grand jury handed down indictments against eight people accused of crimes related to his death, including the accused trigger-man, Jeremy Jordan. On July 4 of that year, police in Waller County arrested top gang leader William Chunn (who had ordered prison attacks in Louisiana and Kentucky) on domestic assault charges, records show. Ken Ellis / Staff illustration Chunn found an old photo from his wifes defunct Facebook account that showed her with Black friends. Waller County police records show that after he found the photos, he grew increasingly violent toward his wife, eventually threatening to cut her head off and beating her so ferociously that she lost consciousness. In Chunns arrest report, Detective Sgt. Nanci Anderson found evidence appearing to show his hatred dated back decades; Chunns yearbook from middle school, which was covered with hate imagery, including slogans such as the South will rise again, drawings of confederate flags, nooses, and the letters KKK. I secured the yearbook as evidence to show his long-term fixation with the traits of the Aryan Circle, Anderson wrote. Chunn did not respond to a letter seeking comment. A month after Chunns arrest, three Aryan Circle gang members pleaded guilty to being accessories to Hallmarks murder. One of the men, David Wayne Williams, admitted to being one of the Aryan Circles senior leaders, according to court records. This was a righteous prosecution. A 51-year-old man was executed in front of 10 of his friends and his wife, said Dominic Rosetti, a federal prosecutor who handled the case and now works as a public defender in California. Brand name power The October indictments hit the gang with a racketeering conspiracy to commit murder and other crimes, along with assault and kidnapping charges against other gang members. They certainly slow down their activity, said Brandon Bess, a Texas Ranger who has participated in extensive prison gang takedowns. Fred Milanowski, special agent-in-charge of the ATFs Houston Field Division, likened the challenge of combating entrenched prison gangs to that of long-running clashes between law enforcement and the Ku Klux Klan. If we can put them on their heels for eight to 10 years and then try to prevent them from doing violent crimes after that, he said, thats really what our goal is. Law enforcement officials involved in the investigation said the convictions also served a more utilitarian purpose: keeping dangerous defendants locked up. But ATFs most recent probe into the Aryan Circle isnt going to make the group disappear, experts say. At this point it is almost impossible to eradicate, said Mark Pitcavage, senior research fellow at the Anti-Defamation League. Its large enough, long-lived enough. It has brand name power. st.john.smith@chron.com Illustrations by Ken Ellis [March 24, 2021] Ahana Announces New Capabilities for Its Presto Managed Service Including Data Lake Caching, Security and Seamless Operations SAN MATEO, Calif., March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ahana , the self-service analytics company for Presto, announced today at PrestoCon Day significant updates to its Ahana Cloud for Presto managed service. The major areas of focus include performance, better cluster management, ease of use, and security. One of the key features is the data lake IO caching capability that can dramatically improve query performance, reducing latencies up to 80%. Our latest innovations make Ahana Cloud the fastest and most advanced cloud native managed service available for Presto, said Dipti Borkar, Cofounder and Chief Product Officer, Ahana. We have seen that advanced capabilities like data lake IO caching can improve query performance up to 5x for real-world concurrent query workloads. This, along with our new ease of use, security and cost management advancements, continue to extend Ahanas leadership in the market, giving data platform teams more value using the power of Presto for faster insights, easier access, and lower costs. We knew we wanted to use Presto to query all of our AWS data sources, but we found it challenging to manage it on our own in the cloud, said Omar Mohamed, Data Engineer, Cartona. Ahana Cloud made it possible for our team to deliver real-time analytics with Presto without having to worry about the complexities. We look forward to doing even more with Ahanas latest set of capabilities. Ahana Cloud for Presto features new capabilities, including: Performance improvements Data lake IO Caching - Ahana Cloud for Presto is the only cloud-native managed service for Presto and with the new data lake IO caching capability, is now also the only Presto plus caching service for users. Data lake IO caching, built on the RubiX open source project, eliminates the need to read data from data lakes like AWS S3, particularly if the same data is read over and over. Today, Ahana Cloud users can easily enable data lake caching with the click of a button when creating a new Presto cluster. The rest, including attaching SSDs and sizing the cache based on the user selected instance type, is all done automatically. Ahana has also open sourced this feature for the Presto community, which will be available in the upcoming PrestoDB release. Ahana Cloud for Presto is the only cloud-native managed service for Presto and with the new data lake IO caching capability, is now also the only Presto plus caching service for users. Data lake IO caching, built on the RubiX open source project, eliminates the need to read data from data lakes like AWS S3, particularly if the same data is read over and over. Today, Ahana Cloud users can easily enable data lake caching with the click of a button when creating a new Presto cluster. The rest, including attaching SSDs and sizing the cache based on the user selected instance type, is all done automatically. Ahana has also open sourced this feature for the Presto community, which will be available in the upcoming PrestoDB release. Pre-tuned Presto cluster capability - New clusters now come pre-tuned with even more advanced features enabled, including the Cost-based Optimizer and Dynamic Filtering Capabilities which can improve performance, particularly for complex queries, as well as memory tuning to enable best out-of-the-box performance of Presto. Ease of use - A range of major improvements have been added that make Ahana Cloud the easiest service for Presto on AWS. Automated and versioned upgrades of Ahana Compute Plane - Versioning and upgrade infrastructure brings users disruption-free upgrades - new features ae automatically made available to users. Versioning and upgrade infrastructure brings users disruption-free upgrades - new features ae automatically made available to users. Ability to deploy different instance types for Presto coordinator and workers, as well as Ahana-managed Hive Metastore Catalog - This brings users flexibility to use Presto for a range of workloads and customize resources provisioned as needed. This brings users flexibility to use Presto for a range of workloads and customize resources provisioned as needed. Customized IP block allocation for the Ahana-managed Virtual Private Cloud - Allows users with more restrictive networking environments to use Presto in the cloud Allows users with more restrictive networking environments to use Presto in the cloud Support for asynchronous query execution with Apache Superset in the Ahana Compute Plane - Ahana manages Apache Superset so that administrators can query and validate that clusters are available for their data teams. Now they can run long running queries with Apache Superset as well. Ahana manages and automates the deployment of the infrastructure required for these query to run asynchronously to reduce the time platform teams spend on infrastructure Ahana manages Apache Superset so that administrators can query and validate that clusters are available for their data teams. Now they can run long running queries with Apache Superset as well. Ahana manages and automates the deployment of the infrastructure required for these query to run asynchronously to reduce the time platform teams spend on infrastructure One click creation of AWS provisioning roles and policies needed with an AWS CloudFormation Template - This dramatically simplifies setting up the initial cross-account access between Ahana and the users AWS account. Security Significantly tighter policies and advanced AWS tagging for all Ahana-managed resources in the users account - Ahanas managed service is deployed in the users AWS account, which enables compute to be deployed where the data is without the need for customer data to ever touch Ahana Cloud. With the latest improvements, the policies needed for Ahana management of the compute plane are even tighter and each resource managed by Ahana on behalf of the user is explicitly tagged. This makes the Ahana environment completely isolated and independent from any other user-managed resources. Ahanas managed service is deployed in the users AWS account, which enables compute to be deployed where the data is without the need for customer data to ever touch Ahana Cloud. With the latest improvements, the policies needed for Ahana management of the compute plane are even tighter and each resource managed by Ahana on behalf of the user is explicitly tagged. This makes the Ahana environment completely isolated and independent from any other user-managed resources. Integration of Ahana Compute plane with AWS CloudTrail, including log validation - AWS CloudTrail is a service that enables governance, compliance, operational auditing, and risk auditing of your AWS account. Now with Ahanas integration with CloudTrail, you can log, continuously monitor, and retain Ahana-administered account activity and actions across your AWS infrastructure. Other new upcoming capabilities in Ahana Cloud for Presto, include: Advanced security with the Apache Ranger integration - You can now use your centralized security administration for fine-grained access control to your Presto clusters. This capability has also been contributed to Presto open source, making it the first open integration for Presto and Apache Ranger. - You can now use your centralized security administration for fine-grained access control to your Presto clusters. This capability has also been contributed to Presto open source, making it the first open integration for Presto and Apache Ranger. Better cost management for Presto clusters - Your Presto cluster automatically reduces the number of worker nodes to a single node when the query engine is idle for a certain time. In addition, Ahana can scale clusters up and down based on CPU utilization. Your Presto cluster automatically reduces the number of worker nodes to a single node when the query engine is idle for a certain time. In addition, Ahana can scale clusters up and down based on CPU utilization. Programmatic access to cluster management - Create, start, stop and resize your Presto clusters using our REST API. The convergence of the data warehouse and data lake continues to be a growing trend, and Presto is one of the few technologies that enables ad hoc analytics for a unified analytics approach, said John Santaferraro, Research Director, Enterprise Management Associates. Based on interviews, EMA sees the Presto open-source community as vibrant and actively accelerating the value of open source software. Ahana Cloud makes Presto accessible to data platform teams of all sizes so they can use SQL to analyze all of their different data stores. Together, these new capabilities help to solidify Ahana Clouds position as the only provider of Presto in the cloud and give platform teams of all sizes more capabilities to easily deploy Presto at scale in the cloud. Supporting Resources: Try Ahana Cloud for Presto on AWS in the AWS Marketplace here Register for the upcoming webinar Picking the Right Approach for Presto on AWS: Comparing Serverless vs. Managed Service Tweet this: @AhanaIO announces a set of new capabilities for its Ahana Cloud for Presto managed service #Presto #PrestoDB #Cloud #Data #OpenSource #Analytics https://bit.ly/3tAqV7S About Ahana Ahana, the self-service analytics company for Presto, is the only company with a cloud-native managed service for Presto for Amazon Web Services that simplifies the deployment, management and integration of Presto and enables cloud and data platform teams to provide self-service, SQL analytics for their organizations analysts and scientists. As the Presto market continues to grow exponentially, Ahana's mission is to simplify interactive analytics as well as foster growth and evangelize the PrestoDB community. Ahana is a premier member of Linux Foundations Presto Foundation and actively contributes to the open source PrestoDB project. Founded in 2020, Ahana is headquartered in San Mateo, CA and operates as an all-remote company. Investors include GV, Lux Capital, and Leslie Ventures. Follow Ahana on LinkedIn, Twitter and PrestoDB Slack. Media Contact: Beth Winkowski Winkowski Public Relations, LLC 978-649-7189 beth@ahana.io [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Palmdale, CA (93550) Today Sunny skies. Becoming windy late. Hot. High near 100F. SW winds at 10 to 20 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Gusty winds during the evening. Low 68F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. The owner of a Somerset County martial arts academy was arrested last week after a student discovered a hidden camera inside the businesss public bathroom and videos of people using it, authorities said. Leonardo Sanchez, 31, of Somerville, was charged on March 19 with invasion of privacy, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office and Warren Township Police announced Wednesday afternoon in a joint statement. That day, the Warren Township Police received a report of a hidden camera inside Impact Martial Arts, the office said. Detectives from the department obtained and executed search warrants at the business and Sanchezs home where all electronic devices at both locations were seized, police said. Sanchez was arrested and lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, the office said. The investigation into the incident remained ongoing this week. Anyone with information was asked to contact the Warren Township Police Department at 908-753-1000 or via the STOPit app. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 888-577-TIPS (8477). Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. (ANSA) - PISA, MAR 23 - A 50-year-old Florentine man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of murdering a 29-year-old Ukrainian woman near Pisa in November. The man, Francesco Lupino, is accused of killing Krystyna Novak and disposing of her body, which has never been found. Lupino was a neighbour of Novak's and a partner in the criminal affairs of her boyfriend, Spaniard Airam Negrim Gonzalez , police said. Negrim is a local leather sector businessman and alleged drug dealer. Lupino allegedly "held a deep grudge" against Novak and her boyfriend after she convinced him to get out of the drug business, police said. A few days before the alleged murder the two men had a big row over Gonzalez's intention to quit the drug trade and over his belief that Lupino was secretly skimming the profits of the business for himself, police said. After the row, Lupino threatened Gonzalez with a gun, police said. Lupino also deeply objected to Gonzalez's request that he leave the flat he was renting him, police said. Gonzalez, who has been arrested on drug offences, took police to the villa he shared with Novak and showed them traces of blood in the building. (ANSA). To qualify, an applicant must have origins in any of the Black racial and ethnic groups of Africa, according to a memo provided to aldermen by city staff on Monday, detailing the plan. An applicant must also have been a Black resident of Evanston between 1919 and 1969, or a direct descendant of someone who meets that criteria. Each hospital in Boone County will provide a daily report of either green status, yellow status or red status. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors Ormat Technologies, Inc. ("Ormat" or the "Company") (NYSE: ORA). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Ormat 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 1, 2021, before the market opened, Hindenburg Research ("Hindenburg") published a report entitled "Ormat: Dirty Dealings in 'Clean' Energy." According to the Hindenburg report, the Company "has engaged in what we believe to be widespread and systematic acts of intentional corruption," adding that it "expect[s] the blowback to these revelations to be severe, threatening Ormat's contracts in its most lucrative markets." In the report, Hindenburg claims to have "uncovered evidence tying Ormat to corruption with senior government officials" and "direct evidence tying Ormat to corruption with senior Guatemalan government officials", further noting that "Ormat paid contractors in Kenya tied to corrupt government officials." On this news, Ormat's stock price fell $1.00 per share, or 1.1%, to close at $84.67 per share on March 1, 2021. That same day, after the market closed, Ormat responded to the report and acknowledged that "[t]he Company is aware of claims being investigated in Israel regarding Ravit Barniv, an Ormat Board member, and Hezi Kattan, the Company's General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer." Though the "claims involve Ms. Barniv's and Mr. Kattan's work at another company, prior to joining Ormat," the Company announced that it would "transfer the responsibility for the Company's compliance function to other members of the Ormat management team until these issues are resolved." On this news, Ormat's stock price fell another $1.68 per share, or nearly 2%, to close at $82.99 per share on March 2, 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] 888-476-6529 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com A donabe is a Japanese cooking vessel made of clay do means clay, nabe means pot. But if you talk to Naoko Takei Moore, its also a way of thinking about cooking, a way of finding joy in the day-to-day of the kitchen. Takei Moore, who was born in Yokohama and grew up in Tokyo, remembers the communal-style donabe at the center of her familys dining table year round, and how it drew everyone toward it for the simmering dish known as a nabe, or hot pot. The most common style when I was growing up was yosenabe, which means anything goes, she said. Some nights, that meant a pot of fish and vegetables in a miso broth, or a clean-out-the-fridge pot of scraps simmered in dashi. Some nights it was tiny handmade meatballs seasoned with white miso and ginger, or big wobbly cuts of soft tofu with whatever vegetables looked good. I loved it, but didnt think it was anything special, she said. That changed after Takei Moore immigrated to Los Angeles, where she worked in the music industry. On a visit home, Takei Moore tasted rice cooked in a traditional donabe again and saw it all differently. I had a moment of crazy happiness, she said. I already knew how rice cooked in a donabe could taste wonderful, but this was just so striking. The pot seemed almost magical to her, though she knew exactly how it worked unglazed clay, which is porous, takes time to build up heat, and the donabes thick walls distribute that heat gently, then cools down slowly. Like the clay pots of so many other cuisines, the pot didnt just distribute heat differently from stainless steel and cast iron; it also imparted flavor a certain level of sweetness, richness and possibly even some minerality from the clay itself. Some people want to feel happiness thats too big, Takei Moore said. But for me, every day, I just look for something small. It can be as small as cooking something delicious for herself, or even teaching someone else to cook it. Back in Los Angeles, she started to teach Japanese-cooking classes out of her home, showing people how to use a donabe, how to steam and braise with it and how to build one-pot meals in layers. She explained to each student how the clay from Japans Iga region was a lake bed about four million years ago, and how that clay was now used by ceramists to make the donabe she sold. Online, Takei Moore even started to go by the name Mrs. Donabe. (Reuters) - Inc's use of in-car cameras to record and transmit video footage of passengers to develop self-driving technology raises privacy concerns, influential U.S. magazine Consumer Reports said on Tuesday. Consumer Reports said the usage potentially undermines the safety benefits of driver monitoring, which is to alert drivers when they are not paying attention to the road. "If has the ability to determine if the driver isn't paying attention, it needs to warn the driver in the moment, like other automakers already do," said Jake Fisher, senior director of Consumer Reports' auto test center. Automakers such as Ford Motor and General Motors, whose monitoring systems do not record or transmit data or video, use infrared technology to identify drivers' eye movements or head position to warn them if they are exhibiting signs of impairment or distraction, the magazine said. did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The Palo Alto, California-based carmaker's internal cameras are also a point of contention in China, where the military banned Tesla cars from entering its complexes, citing security concerns. Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said last week his company would be shut down if its cars were used to spy. (Reporting by Akanksha Rana and Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Soni) (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.) Military veterans and their families are among the most trusted voices in todays highly polarized political and social landscape, according to a new report released today by The Veterans and Citizens Initiative (VCI). The report includes findings from a series of surveys conducted over the period of July 2020 - March 2021 that examined attitudes toward shared civic responsibilities, what Americans have in common, and how veterans and military families can best serve as messengers to overcome divides in our society. According to the December 2020 survey, 61% of Americans agree that veterans are role models for good citizenship and 56% of Americans agree that military families are role models for good citizenship. The survey also uncovered Americans desire for veterans and military families to carry a unifying message to move the country forward: when presented with a nonpartisan message about the country coming together in 2021, 60% of Americans said veterans would be a trustworthy messenger for this sentiment. And at a time of record political polarization, the survey found that veterans garnered support from across the political spectrum--with 65% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans saying they would pay attention to veterans as messengers for unifying the country. Dan Vallone, the US Director for More in Common, the nonpartisan nonprofit which led the surveys, noted that, a consistent finding over the past twenty years has been the high trust Americans place in the U.S. military. Polling on public attitudes towards U.S. military veterans and service families has been less extensive, however, and this report suggests that much of the trust Americans place in the military carries over. Additional survey data collected by VCI in March 2021 underscores the importance of veterans engaging the broader civilian society in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. In this survey, public trust in veterans as role models for good citizenship dropped to 47% when respondents were presented with information on the role of veterans in the attack (both as participants and as members of the Capitol police force), a 14-point drop from December 2020. The January 6 attacks made it tragically clear that Americans need to come together to address the challenges of social fracture, division, and extremism in our society said Vallone. And veterans and military families need to be part of these efforts, working to build new relationships of trust and common purpose with other Americans. With the goal of creating a truly nonpartisan space for veteran and military family communities to promote civic engagement, VCI has outlined a plan of action for the growing coalition of partner organizations that have joined the effort. This will take many forms, including highlighting and amplifying existing initiatives that strengthen civic culture and working with partners to incubate and launch new initiatives and projects at the local, state, and national level. About The Veterans and Citizens Initiative The Veterans and Citizens Initiative (VCI) is a nonpartisan group of veterans, military families, and military family and veteran support organizations committed to strengthening American democracy and promoting the shared obligations of citizenship. Launched in November 2020 in collaboration with More in Common, the research-driven nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to countering social division and polarization, VCI is a growing coalition of partners that includes Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America, and the Secure Families Initiative. VCIs vision is to serve as a connector that elevates the civic work being done by veterans and military family organizations and builds connections between these organizations and the broader field of nonpartisan civic renewal efforts. To conduct the research, the VCI partnered with YouGov, a global public opinion and polling company. For the report and survey data, visit https://www.thevci.org. Dr Russell-Weisz said having about 130 long-term patients, with complex issues, was the equivalent of about four wards. Were not saying we can move all those patients but they have slowly grown over time, he said. There is a little bit more pressure on our general activity ... Im looking at over the next three months potentially getting up about an extra 70 or 80 general beds. The department is trying to open up more beds at RPH and Osborne Park, with Fremantle another option to address the desperate need. Australian Medical Association WA vice president and Royal Perth Hospital director of emergency medicine David McCoubrie told 6PR 100 beds needed to be opened up immediately. There could be as many as 150 beds in the system that are closed and theyre closed because there is not a budget to open them, he said. The AMA has been talking about an immense lack of capacity in our system for years. But the system appears to have hit the wall and the record ramping and overcrowding for over six months has been appalling and so difficult for staff and patients. All the hospitals have been on and off code yellows recently as well as Fiona Stanley and others. Dr McCoubrie said the code yellows were recognition staff had been overwhelmed and had to suspend their business-as-usual practice to cope with demand. Often it means theres probably eight to 10 people locked on our ramps unable to get in with little prospect of capacity being made, he said. So business as usual for us now is managing what feels like a rolling crisis and staff feel that the system is being run on a crisis footing almost every day. The waits in the waiting room are absolutely appalling as we have people waiting seven or eight hours to be seen ... and I think staff feel it is preventable. Australian Nursing Federation WA secretary Mark Olsen said wards were working short-staffed with nurses being asked to pull 18 hour shifts. He said the problem had been building over the last few months. Partly because theyre catching up on elective surgery, partly because they simply dont have enough nurses, he said. Theres a lot of pressure from the hospital executives to take an extra two patients above their capacity, they call it over-census, theres no actual places for those patients, theyre put in cupboards, at the end of corridors, in corridors. A nurse at Fiona Stanley Hospital who wished to stay anonymous for fear of losing their job said the situation was bad and getting worse. Every day we are over capacity with a strain on services. We are understaffed, burnt out and under pressure every shift to meet demand that feels unrealistic, they said. We are trying so hard to give the best care every time but this sometimes becomes unachievable and we are facing increased verbal aggression from customers from their frustrations. But we cant complain. I do feel we are failing our patients, but given what other health services are under around the world we havent really had to deal with COVID but wonder how we would have and what state our services would be in now? Dr McCoubrie said the health system needed to have its house in order for winter, given how busy things were for March traditionally the quietest month of the year for hospitals. Recruitment has also been an issue for the system, with international and state border closures limiting hiring options. The McGowan government has promised to hire 400 more nurses over the next two years with an aim of adding 1400 new nursing graduates total over the same period. Liberal deputy leader Libby Mettam accused the McGowan government of dropping the ball on the health system crisis. New Delhi, March 24 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday threw a volley of questions at the Centre, about the mechanism to stop Electoral Bonds from being used for illegal purposes like terrorism, and also how could they curtail flow of black money in elections. A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde, asked Attorney General K.K. Venugopal, about "the misuse of funds for illegal purposes, for terrorism. We would like you as a government to look into it. It is not to suggest that political parties have violence on their agenda". The AG sought to clarify that the bonds are purchased through either demand drafts or cheques, and it is white money going through banking channels. Terrorism is not funded by white money, he stressed. But the bench, also comprising Justices A.S. Bopanna and V. Ramasubramanian, continued to pose queries, asking if "somebody buy bonds and fund terrorist operations, as there could a political party, which is qualified for the bonds and have violence on their agenda". "We are sure there are political parties who have violence on their agenda. Can not a political party fund terrorist operation?" The bench, however, added that it does not intend to get into politics, or make any comment on any political party, but can't a party receive bonds and then fund a protest which turns violent. The Chief Justice specifically asked Venugopal on how the government can control what use the money is put to. At this, the AG said the political parties, which were registered under the Representation of Peoples Act and had secured not less than one per cent vote, in the last general election, can encash the bonds received as donations from the SBI. He added that after 15 days, these bonds become mere paper. The bench also asked: "If there is a political party, which buys Electoral Bonds worth Rs 100 crore, what is the control that it will use this Rs 100 crore for only political purpose and not for illegal activity or fund violence?" On the aspect of anonymity, the bench also sought explanation from the AG on how the bonds help in curtailing the use of black money in elections. Venugopal replied that the bonds were introduced to counter funnelling of black money by political parties in elections, and cannot be bought with black money at all. Also, no trading of bonds is allowed, he added. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that a person could buy bonds only after complying with KYC norms. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the Election Commission, said: "We are supporting Electoral Bonds and not opposing it." He added that if bonds are not allowed, then, there will be a return to the era when there were unaccounted deposits and least accountability. He emphasised that the poll body wanted transparency in the entire process. After a detailed hearing in the matter, the top court reserved its judgment on a plea filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms seeking stay on further sale of Electoral Bonds before the upcoming Assembly polls in five states. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO, vehemently argued that for the time being, the sale of Electoral Bonds should be stopped. At this, the bench said: "If your argument is correct, we have to strike down the law in full." The AG also informed the top court that Election Commission has given permission for opening sale of Electoral Bonds between April 1 to 10. After claiming a 'giant victory' in the parliamentary election, Prime Minister on Wednesday pleaded with members of rival parties to put aside personal differences and partner with him to create a coalition government, warning of a fifth rapid-free election otherwise. Netanyahu may have recognised that he may fall short of the votes he needs to build a viable coalition after a fourth indecisive election, according to The Times of "A clear majority" of the newly-elected 120 Members of Knesset (MK) share his overall policies and thus he intended to spend the next few days talking with all MKs who might be willing to help build a stable government, said the Prime Minister. The only alternative to a coalition under his leadership would be another national vote, he reiterated. As ballots were being counted through the night, updated exit polls suggested neither Netanyahu nor any of his rivals had a clear path to a Knesset majority. In the fourth election in two years, over 63 per cent votes have been counted as of Wednesday, but no clear winner has emerged so far, according to The Times of Netanyahu's right-wing religious bloc has a slim majority together with Yamina, but the results are expected to shift as more votes are counted. Due to a similar deadlock in elections held a year ago, Netanyahu had persuaded his main challenger at the time, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz, to join him in an "emergency unity government." However, Netanyahu's coalition deal with Gantz last December, when he failed to pass a state budget and the Knesset automatically dissolved for these elections. Since then, Gantz had vowed to never again partner with Netanyahu, reported The Times of Israel. After an exhausting campaign, the 71-year-old premier, hailed his Likud party's "extraordinary achievement" in winning a projected 30-plus seats in Tuesday's vote. He then highlighted his outgoing government's achievements -- notably including a world-leading COVID-19 vaccination campaign, a series of peace agreements, and a firm stance against Iran's aggression and nuclear weapons goals. "With this majority, we have to build a stable Israeli government. I stretch out my hand to all MKs who believe in this path; I don't rule anybody out. I expect all who believe in our principles to act in a similar fashion," he said. Netanyahu, who has held power since 2009, and also served as prime minister from 1996 to 1999, is also on trial in three corruption cases, with the evidentiary stage set to start on April 5. (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.) Leader of PLUS (Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party) Dacian Ciolos, who is also leader of the Renew group in the European Parliament, informs that he is self-isolated, after receiving the confirmation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. "A few minutes ago I received the result of a COVID-19 test which, unfortunately, is positive. Those I came in contact with the other days were informed, I am in isolation today, following exactly the instructions of the medical team in the European Parliament. I have no symptoms and I feel good at the moment, I have always been aware of the danger of this virus that has completely changed our way of life in the past year, overburdened the health system, doctors and nurses, and it took too many dear people away from us too quickly," Ciolos wrote on Facebook. He called for compliance with health regulations, noting that he will continue to work from home."I call on the responsibility of every citizen to be careful, to protect others by isolating himself/herself if he has symptoms or if he/she receives a positive test result. And to notify doctors, because the condition can change from one hour to the next. I will continue to work from home, on urgent projects for the European Parliament and in the country that have to do with the effort to exit this medical, economic and social crisis. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, protect your health and be careful," the former Prime Minister said. The new 15-minute Rapid COVID-19 Antigen test is based on a lateral-flow immunochromatographic assay and does not require additional equipment or reader for detection or sample analyses. The test detects antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal specimens collected from individuals suspected of being infected with COVID-19 or exposed to COVID-19. "This is a major breakthrough to facilitate the reopening of schools, businesses and international borders," says Dr. Dong Liang, CEO, Aurora Biomed. "Since this rapid antigen test does not require a reader, they are extremely portable and can be administered in point-of-care settings. We are confident that our test will be a game-changer because it can provide rapid results in doctor's offices, urgent care clinics and hospitals, they could have a key role in expanding access to testing and providing timely information to patients and providers. It's not meant to replace PCR and, in fact, a positive result should be further confirmed by a PCR test," says Dr. Liang The Rapid COVID-19 Antigen test is a self-contained, single use test that is easy to administer in a point-of-care setting and can be conducted by non-laboratory healthcare professionals. However, laboratories in British Columbia carrying out these tests for diagnostic purposes will be required to be accredited under the province's Diagnostic Accreditation Program (DAP) as well as the Clinical Microbiology Proficiency Testing (CMPT) program affiliated with the University of British Columbia. About Aurora Biomed Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Aurora has been serving the global scientific research community through the development of innovative laboratory solutions since 1990. In addition to COVID-19 Rapid Antigen and Antibody testing kits, the company provides various solutions such as automated liquid handling platforms for virus detection workflows including PCR and NGS. The company also specializes in ion channel screening technologies and services to support drug discovery and drug safety assessment programs. As a commitment to the research community, Aurora has been hosting the 'Precision Medicine and Ion Channel Retreat Conference' annually for the past several years exploring cutting edge technology and innovative research from around the world. Find out more about Aurora Biomed at www.aurorabiomed.com. SOURCE Aurora Biomed Inc. For further information: Contacts: Sales [email protected] 604-215-8700; Media - [email protected] Related Links https://www.aurorabiomed.com/ You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Chinas iron grip over the nations internet has taken years to achieve and huge resources to enforce. By blocking virtually every foreign website and allowing Chinese consumers to have access only to information approved by Beijing, the Communist Party has built a powerful tool for control and surveillance. Tens of billions of dollars have been funnelled into construction of its so-called Great Firewall, including the creation of a giant bureaucracy to monitor online activity, censor content and help push out a rose-tinted view of the governments efforts at home and overseas. The digital push is Chinas boldest gambit yet to turn the yuan into a truly global currency to rival the US dollar. Credit:AP In terms of its sheer scale and ambition, nothing else globally comes close. From Riyadh to Moscow and Tehran, other authoritarian regimes can only look on with envy at the almost hermetically-sealed information edifice Beijing has carefully constructed. But China is only just getting started - and the implications for the rest of the world could be startling. 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. In a vibrant painting that tells a story, Tulane University will honor three women who made history when they became the first African-Americans to graduate from the Tulane School of Social Work nearly 60 years ago. Gloria Bryant Banks, Pearlie Hardin Elloie and Marilyn S. Piper will be honored at Tulanes downtown campus in a large-scale painting by famed local artist Terrance Osborne. Banks and Piper graduated in 1964 with masters degrees and Elloie followed in 1965 with a Ph.D. All are being honored by the school as part of Tulanes Trailblazers initiative, created by the universitys president, Michael Fitts, in 2019 to encourage schools to celebrate individuals who have helped to create a more inclusive and diverse academic community. When complete, Osborne's 8-by-4-foot painting will hang on the third floor of the School of Social Work. A documentary film will accompany the painting. Patrick Bordnick, the dean of the school, learned about the milestone the three women represented and "I knew we had to do something to honor it, he said. All three women went on to make an impact in Louisiana. Banks 35-year-career in state government included serving as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Elloie was director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families at Total Community Action Inc. And Marilyn Piper was head of child protection for the state of Louisiana and taught at the Tulane School of Social Work. Trailblazers have been inducted into a schools hall of fame, given financial awards and had buildings and scholarships named after them. For these three women, Bordnick said he wanted to portray the gravity of what they accomplished in a way that emphasized hope and resilience. One name came to his mind an artist whose work he had seen in 2016 after moving to New Orleans from Houston, where his home had flooded twice. I saw Terrances famous Katrina series, and the images, the colors it filled me with all this emotion, he said. His art takes you through a range of emotions, but you always land on hope. When approached with the commission, Osborne said, he was humbled and honored. He soon found himself at a dinner at Bordnicks house with the three Trailblazers. The women all felt the same way: They did not want portraits. Instead, Osbornes painting tells a story. The No. 3 is significant, said Osborne. There are three women in front of three different houses that represent Tulane in three different stages. The first has the address 1960 and it is a broken, dilapidated, unwelcoming house with no stairs. The second house is 1961, the year the court process to integrate Tulane was becoming public. The house is being worked on. The ladies are wearing hard hats. And the third house is 1963, the year Tulane integrated. The stairs are now built, the house looks great and the women are celebrating. Banks said she was recently able to sneak a peek at the painting and was blown away. My favorite part is the second house, where the three of us are there bonding, supporting each other. It really brings back good memories. We knew we were going to get through that door and victory would be ours. A native New Orleanian, Banks received her undergraduate degree at Dillard University before leaving for Atlanta University to start a masters in social work. I didnt want to leave, but at the time there was not a single social work program in the area that was open to Black students, she said. While finishing her masters at Tulane, she said she took any ugliness in stride. She noted one particular memory that stands out to her. Marilyn and I went to the student union to grab a snack, and we sat down at a table that happened to be in the center of the room. Ten minutes later, we look up and the whole place had cleared out. We just laughed about it. I think we actually stayed longer than we would have because why not? We had the whole place to ourselves! The School of Social Work plans an unveiling ceremony for the Trailblazers tribute when coronavirus guidelines permit a gathering. While overjoyed to be honored at her alma mater, Banks said shes also excited that a photograph of the painting will be included in a family picture book for her new great-grandson. I really hope as many young Black people see this as possible, she said. I want them to see that you can accomplish your dreams, even though it wont necessarily be easy. Its up to you to make it happen. +9 Power grab by founders of Disco Amigos, a Mardi Gras dance group, ends in crushing courtroom defeat The Disco Amigos, a Mardi Gras season marching group known for its chrome costumes, campy choreography and undimmed devotion to 1970s dance mu China's exports jumped 60.6 percent for the January-February period from a year earlier and imports increased 22.2 percent, faster than expected, after factories reopened and global demand started to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Multiple overseas media outlets reported these figures, citing customs data released in March. Exports rose to $468.9 billion, accelerating from December's 18.1 percent gain and nearly double the growth expected by forecasters, the Associated Press reported. Imports jumped 22.2 percent to $365.6 billion, up from December's 6.5 percent increase. Strong exports, which benefited from China's success in largely containing the public health crisis, have helped fuel the country's recovery from a pandemic-induced paralysis, Reuters commented, adding China's economy expanded 2.3 percent last year, helped by solid demand for Chinese-made goods such as medical and work-from-home equipment. Bloomberg noted China's Jan-Feb data shows exports continued to benefit from soaring global demand for medical equipment and work-from-home devices, which has helped to underpin China's V-shaped recovery from the pandemic since the second half of the year. "Excluding distortions from base effects, trade growth was still quite solid," Nomura Holdings Inc. economists led by Ting Lu wrote in a note to Bloomberg. The 60.6 percent jump in the January-February period from a year earlier, released by the General Administration of Customs, significantly outpaced the 40 percent increase expected by economists polled by The Wall Street Journal. China's resilient export sector was a key pillar of the overall recovery in the world's second-largest economy, the WSJ commented, concurring with the other outlets. Police are calling for any mobile or dashcam vision that could help them investigate the death of a man whose body was found on Wednesday inside his submerged vehicle in a Scenic Rim creek. Police are interested in obtaining vision of the weather conditions in the area, particularly near Coburg Road causeway between 5am and 7am on March 22, as well as any footage of the white Isuzu D-Max ute heading down Coburg Road towards Canungra. An emergency rescue team works to remove a ute from fast-moving floodwater in Canungra, amid the search for a missing man. Credit:Nine News Canungra man David Hornman, 38, was last seen leaving his fathers home on Lamington National Park Road about 6am on Monday in the ute. His mother, Suzy Allington, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday night that she wished God had taken her instead. Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Sorry! This content is not available in your region So far, there is no criticism about lately declared Vehicle Scrappage Policy. The honourable objective is to clean up the air and there is no question that it is high time. The fact is that there are too many shabby vehicles, such as cars, two-wheelers and trucks, that are still in force on Indian roads. The policy has come out with number of incentives for vehicle scrappage. It includes 5% discount on new vehicle purchase as well as discount up to 25% on road tax and a waiver of vehicle registration fee. Everything sounds ideal, however having worries regarding execution appears natural. So, lets find out how far it is possible to implement and beneficial for the final consumer. There are some assumptions which show the policy could have some issues. Five percent OEM discounts could be compensate by price hikes There is possibility that manufacturers will be pushed to offer 5 percent discount to new buyers of two-wheelers or cars after discarding their old ones. Lets take a situation - Why should we do something like this? asks a two-wheeler administrative. As he clarifies, it is hard enough that over the preceding few years, his industry has been at the receiving end on charges relating to insurance, safety norms like ABS and the shift to BS6 which implicated a lot of funds. As a consequence, expense of two-wheelers rose up steadily by more than 25 percent. And it is a major amount for the sector that purchases scooters and motorcycles. The additional complain from industries side is that they has been the victim of overregulation. It has been come off in vehicles becoming more expensive that discourages customers from buying them in the process. And now they are supposed to offer a five percent discount to customers as part of the incentive exercise. This is wealthy! exclaims the administrative. It is obvious that no manufacturer is going to be so generous and simply hike vehicle prices instead by five percent. This way, everything will be compensating, he laugh quietly. The setback is that an extra expense will not assist the industrys cause particularly in a price-sensitive sector like two-wheelers. Nevertheless, there is no one to raise question against manufacturers. Even if they decide to act like this just because they are not duty bound to subsidise a scrappage scheme in contrast, it is the Government that requires accomplishing this. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, jibes the administrative. The famous saying interpreted as promises and plans must be put into action, otherwise they are useless. Definitely, the scheme will take some years to be implemented however manufacturers are not going to take too easily to the fact that they will be part of the subsidy model. Will States reduce road tax and registration charges? Another assumption of the scrappage policy is that whether States will be kind in dropping down the charges of registration and road tax. Being familiar with the insecure financial situations especially after pandemic and lockdown 2020, this is obvious to be in discussion. Many of the well-heard complains about GST compensation is not measuring up, explains unsaid reasons behind not reducing levies on petrol and diesel. At present, the price curve of petrol and diesel marks a breaking point between the Centre and States. It leads to the continuous levy of excise duty and local taxes to lend their prices reaching record high. While petrol is well over Rs 90 per litre (and even Rs 100 in some regions), diesel is way past the Rs 80 a litre mark. Fortunately, politics has succeeded over economics in latest weeks with no additional hikes since February 27. It happened because of the assembly elections due in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Assam. If it was not the reason, there would be high-possibility that both petrol and diesel would have become even more expensive. The detailed diversion from the main discussion of scrappage just explains the context why States will not be passionate about slashing road taxes and the likes, just to perform their roles in the policy. It will be interesting to see the process of convincing States by the Centre in the provisional period it is not going to be as easy as it seems. Establishing scrap yards in an age of scrappage The chief and unplanned challenge is to get a space of scrap yards across the country to accomplish this gigantic task. Currently, there are a few of participants in the private sector and this will be a golden opportunity for the other entrepreneurs to garb the chance and get into the sacrappage domain. Certainly, its an opening to generate revenue, excepting the big obstacles could be finding the remote location where the waste will not harm the environment. As per industry source, the green lobby will be extra vigilant and the Centre will need to walk the tightrope carefully. You just cannot afford to have a situation where the waste from these scrapyards affects rivers, lakes and forests, the source states. It does not mean that the vehicle scrappage policy is not essential. Conversely, it is extremely crucial time to save the environment from the serious threat and vehicle emissions, which plays a major part in the degradation. However, the crisis is that the Centre is processing the policy in erroneous way and issuing a set of edicts. While the better alternative would have been to involve stakeholders and then prepare a course of action. The scenario shows the flashback to the manufacturers of the period when NITI Aayog, the think-tank of the Government, lately decided for two-wheeler makers to abandon the internal combustion engine (ICE) and clinch electric in a outrageous timeframe of 3-5 years. The time was very crucial for them. They had invested big bucks in BS6 (estimated at over Rs 80,000 crore) and had enough to worry about in an era of slow economic expansion. As per an official statement, Disruption seems to be the motto in recent times as seen in the diesel ban in Delhi some years back followed by the jump from BS4 to BS6 and then the clamour for electric. It clarifies the unenthusiastic attitude to react each specific scenario. At the end of all, there is expectation of positive and sustainable outcome from the Scrappage Policy. Moreover it should not come out on the expense of more exploitation of the public and environment. KYODO NEWS - Mar 24, 2021 - 21:50 | All, Japan A South Korean court on Wednesday set April 21 as a date for ruling on a damages suit filed by a group of former "comfort women" against the Japanese government over their treatment at Japanese military brothels during World War II. The ruling would follow a January one from the same court that ordered the Japanese government to pay 12 plaintiffs 100 million won ($88,400) each. The Seoul Central District Court is widely expected to issue a similar ruling. The previous ruling has been finalized. In both cases, the focus was on whether the court would recognize sovereign immunity -- a principle under international law that allows a state to be shielded against the jurisdiction of foreign courts. The Jan. 8 ruling did not adopt the principle. It said that by making the women work at military brothels, the Japanese government committed "intentional, systematic and wide-ranging criminal acts against humanity." The Japanese government, which refused to take part in the trial, citing sovereign immunity, has criticized the ruling as a violation of international law. South Korean President Moon Jae In, who has recently sought to improve soured ties between the two countries, said soon after the ruling that he felt "a bit perplexed" by the decision. Bilateral ties have sunk to the lowest point in decades following 2018 South Korean Supreme Court rulings against two Japanese companies over World War II-era forced labor. The Seoul court was originally scheduled to rule on the second case on Jan. 13 But it postponed the ruling after the Jan. 8 ruling, while scheduling a hearing for Wednesday. A presiding judge said during Wednesday's session that the postponement was needed because of a change in judges that make up the panel and because a few points raised by plaintiffs' lawyers needed further review. Related coverage: South Korean former "comfort woman" asks gov't to bring issue to ICJ South Korea seeks "amicable solution" to comfort women issue with Japan South Korea ruling against Japan over "comfort women" finalized opinion Rukkiya Ahmed, 41, stands out like a sore thumb in the group of youths sitting around a stone in Bondeni slum, Nakuru County. She converses with the youths in sheng, amid laughter, which is interrupted by a gust of wind that curls over their heads and leaves them choking with dust. Ms Rukkiya is here on a mission: Preventing the youths from engaging in violent extremism and keeping them away from drugs and illicit brews in the area known as the "operational base" of a criminal gang. The gang, which operates in Nakuru town, has hogged headlines for swindling Kenyans out of hundreds of thousands of shillings through fake mobile phone transactions. She has been instrumental in engaging the youths in the slum areas of Bondeni, Lumumba, Kivumbini, Kaloleni, Flamingo, Manyani, Shauri Yako, Ojuka, Kwa Rhonda, Lake View, Kaptembwa, Paul Machanga, Kanyon City and Baharini, where some members of the deadly gang are known to hide. She is a member of Youth Bila Noma, a group that is in the frontline to end crime in Nakuru town. Cooling down Her group's hard work is slowly bearing fruit, as crime, which has been rising, is now cooling down. Youth Bila Noma, which was founded in 2018, has been empowering neglected youths in the slums by engaging them in social-economic ventures such as painting. "We started this organisation after attending a training sponsored by the American embassy in Nairobi. The training was an eye-opener as we got crucial tips on what leads to extremism," says Ms Rukkiya. She says Nakuru might not be a target of terrorist activities for now but it can be a ripe recruitment ground for extremists targeting youths to join radical groups. "We saw many hints of violent extremism and Youth Bila Noma resolved that if we don't tackle these issues now, then we will be facing a bigger problem in future," she offers. "Through prevention, what we are doing is strengthening the community resilience against radicalisation and we target the youth." The group has created a dialogue between the community, police and the youth. Profile the arrested youths "Bondeni Police station recognises our work. We hold meetings at the police station. Police call us to profile the arrested youths to determine their skills and mentor them. Youths offered to paint police station and canteen and repaired gender office roof, which was leaking," says Ms Rukkiya. The youths have also painted Bondeni Maternity Hospital's perimeter wall with coronavirus messages, and in the process, earning a living. This has won the group many admirers from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the residents. "Our vision is driven by the thought every youth in the slum has a right to a decent living," the mother of three says. "Violent extremism destroys communities. Youth Bila Noma is engaging the youth and the community to strengthen resilience against violent extremism," says Ms Rukkiya, who is the programme coordinator of the organisation. The group now plans to launch Youth Bila Noma clubs in primary and secondary schools. "I'm a strong believer that violent extremism does not come from the skies. Some of the contributing factors emanate from very simple problems that we tend to ignore such as the sexual reproductive health of girls, who are lured into criminal activities to fend for themselves after getting pregnant," she explains. She says she is passionate about her work, as there is a huge misconception about terrorism. "Terrorism is not a religion and has no colour. I have been labelled an al-Shabaab because of my colour and the way I dress. It's very hurting. It hurts me to see young people arrested because of wearing dreads or an earring." Violent extremism Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Conflict Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. She says lack of knowledge by the community on violent extremism and ignorance by the youths on opportunities available to transform their lives is a major challenge. "Majority of people have zero knowledge on what extremism is all about. Many youths are not aware of any initiatives to uplift their lives such as the Youth Fund," she explains. Nakuru has one of the lowest absorption rates of these funds due to a lack of information and awareness. Youth Bila Noma has created a skills data bank and is connecting skilled youths to potential employers. "A stable youth population can face life head-on and would not be lured into violent extremism and radicalisation as they will have a stable mind," says Ms Rukkiya. "I'm a painter. I can stand on my own," says Juma Ali from Bondeni slums. "I was heavily addicted to heroin. I'm now on the path to recovery," says Carlos Kipng'etich. Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb said on Tuesday23/3/2021 Al-Azhar is keen on offering all forms of support to Somalia. During his meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak, Tayyeb noted that Al-Azhar will train and qualify Somali imams after an agreement with the Somali awqaf minister to spread moderate thought among the Somali people and fight extremism. Al-Azhar University receives about 873 Somali students, the grand imam noted, wishing that they would establish a true scientific renaissance in their country. Meanwhile, Abdirizak said Al-Azhar has great popularity in his country, thanking the Islamic institution for its support of the African country to overcome its crisis. The Somali top diplomat also stressed the importance of the role played by Al-Azhar in combating extremism. The Ministry of Civic Education and National Unity has singled out insufficient funding as a huge constraint for it to achieve its mandate., the minister responsible, Timothy Mtambo, said this in parliament during presentation of the ministerial statement on Tuesday in Lilongwe. He said insufficient funding allocated to the ministry makes it difficult and sometimes impossible for it to implement activities as intended. "Inadequate vehicles for mobility have also hindered our operations. The financial challenges faced by National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) as a key government implementer of civic education has negatively affected civic education initiatives," Mtambo said. The minister, therefore, urged treasury to ensure that his ministry is allocated adequate funds that are released according to the cash flow. Despite insufficient funds given to the ministry, it has made some achievements. One of them is that the ministry has successfully completed a Needs Assessment for Institutionalization of Civics and Citizenship Education. "In October 2020, we developed a strategy for integration and incorporation of civic and peace education in education and training institutions after consultation with relevant stakeholders such as NICE and Domasi College of Education among others," he said. However, Mtambo said it was important for people to be well informed about the work of his ministry and desist from making uninformed judgments and, unfounded and wrong remarks with regard to the importance and function of the ministry. "Building our nation requires all of us to be well informed, civically educated, and supportive of each other and being patriotic to our republic to build national peace and unity," he said. KONNOR PERRIN, Chariho boys lacrosse, freshman: Perrin established a school record for assists in a game with nine in the Chargers 22-0 win over Ponaganset. Perrin leads the team with 21 assists to go with 14 goals. LILA RICH, Stonington girls track, senior: Rich won two events at the ECC Division I track meet. Rich was first in the high jump (5-0) and the pole vault (10-0) as the Bears finished third at the meet. MADIGAN HILTZ, Westerly boys lacrosse, senior: Hiltz scored seven goals and had three assists in pair of victories for the Bulldogs. Hiltz has 17 goals and seven assists for the season. ADDIE HAUPTMANN, Wheeler softball, junior: Hauptmann was 4 for 9 with a home run and six RBIs in two games. For the season, Hauptmann is hitting .617 with eight homers and 42 RBIs. She has 50 hits. Vote View Results A father and daughter comfort each other at a makeshift memorial for the victims of a mass shooting outside a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo., on March 24, 2021. (Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images) She Was Vibrant: Family, Friends Remember Victims of Boulder Shooting Family members and other loved ones are memorializing the 10 people killed in the March 22 mass shooting in Colorado. Rikki Olds, 25, was one of three workers at King Soopers in Boulder, the site of the shooting, to lose their lives. She was vibrant, she was bubbly. Rikki was kind of the light of our family, Robert Olds, her uncle, told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. Rikki lived life on Rikkis terms, not anybody elses terms. And her life was cut short, unfortunately, by the events the other day. Saddened that she didnt get to experience motherhood, she didnt get to experience marriage, she didnt get toshe was 25 years oldshe didnt get to experience a lot of the stuff that we get to experience in life. And Im saddened for her and Im saddened for all the rest of the victims, Olds added. Rikki Olds, left, takes a selfie with her uncle Robert Olds in 2013. (Courtesy of Robert Olds via AP) Teri Leiker, 51, and Denny Stong, 20, were also co-workers at the grocery store where the shootings took place in broad daylight. She was funny. Always going to remember her smile and her laugh. She used to laugh a lot, Allan Wooley, who used to work with Leiker, told 9News. Thats what Im going to miss about her. Her smile made everybody feel good inside every day when she was working. Logan Smith, a co-worker who survived, said Stong tried to take down the shooter with a knife he had with him. Boulder police officer Eric Talley, 51, was also hailed as a hero for getting fatally shot while engaging with the suspect. Neven Stanisic, 23, was among the other victims. Stanisics parents had fled to America from war in Eastern Europe. Rev. Radovan Petrovich, the familys pastor, said the young man was a very good boy who was quiet and hardworking. He understood that he needs to help his family that he loved so much, that he decided to start working right after he graduated high school, the reverend said on CNNs New Day. Stanisic was shot in his vehicle as he was about to leave the store after picking up some coffee machines. Lynn Murray in a file photograph. (John Mackenzie via AP) The other five people who lost their lives were named as Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jody Waters, 65. Bartkowiak had probably the brightest light I have ever met in a human being, Stacy Dixon, a friend, told 9News. Martha Harmon Pardee said on CNN that Fountain was a peace lover and a strong feminist who was immediately liked by people who met her. Mahoneys daughter, Erika, said in a tweet that her dad represents all things Love. She said that she is pregnant and knows that her father wants [her] to be strong for his granddaughter. Murray was the kindest person I ever knew, hands down, her husband, John Mackenzie, told the Associated Press. She had an aura about her that was the coolest freakin thing youd ever want to know. She was just a cool chick, he added. Waters, a businesswoman, would light up a room, Jeff Shapiro, who got to know her over the years, told the Denver Post. In Sir Walter Scotts epic, but mostly forgotten, poem, Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, Scott penned his famous couplet: Oh what a tangled web we weave / When first we practice to deceive. Those lines resonate today when Americans are submerged in an ideological fog of artificial truth thanks to the American media. In step with them are digital social media platforms. In addition, our universities, political class, and elites are foisting information that is laden with lies and half-truths to promote their social and political agenda -- and they are doing it with some considerable success. These outlets lies and half-truths obscure the beacon of Truth. The American news media (not far removed from the old Soviet Pravda) and the digital social platform providers intentionally deceive their viewers by dishonestly substituting their reality for historical reality. A good allegory to illustrate substituting a fraudulent reality for actual reality can be found in the Allegory of the Cave that the Greek philosopher, Plato, used to illustrate the power of misdirection. In todays ever-growing secular, a-historical society, many are coming to replace knowledge of our history with the idea that it is no longer important and has no relevance. What is now truly important is a false truth, not knowledge that is based on Truth. Marcel Eck, a French existentialist in, Lies and Truth, wrote that we know certain things exist because there is tension toward them. Truth is one of those things that even though we cannot see it, we know exists because of tension toward it. Think of Truth as an obelisk that is lighted from many directions. Certainly, we all stand in a separate shadow of the Truth. We can never know an absolute Truth but we will certainly not come anywhere near it if we allow fake shadows masquerading as Truth to deceive us. The key questions at this point are: What is a lie in the first place? And what kind of lies are being told? The answer to the first question is: Its complicated. Whether something is a lie or not rises from whether there is an intent to deceive with intent to deceive meaning to act for the purpose of misleading someone. When it comes to the truth, its important to think about whether we want people to trust us, so we deal in truth or at least in our understanding of it. The liar knows the truth but deforms and just simulates it. Here is where it gets complicated. There is no lie if theres no deep conviction that what we say is contrary to what we know and think. Based on that assumption, we must discern whether those who believe they are speaking the truth nevertheless use falsehoods that they believe to be the truth. If so, by whom and for what purpose are they being misled and, in turn, misleading us? The answer to that second question takes a bit more explanation. There are white lies, lies to protect ourselves or others, lies with an intent to deceive, and lies with the intent to damage or destroy. The white lies we tell most of the time are necessary for any society to ensure smooth interactions were possible. You know what they are. The lies that we tell to protect ourselves or to protect others are usually relatively harmless (and, in life or death situations, may be moral and necessary) except when they involve legal issues or circumstances where truth is required, and trust is mandatory. Then there are lies that we tell with an intent to deceive. This is the kind of lie the media, universities, and the elites use. At its best, it is opinion masquerading as truth. At its worst, it is used to convey information of a biased or misleading nature to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view. Finally, there is a form of lie called calumny. This lie is a malicious misrepresentation intended to harm anothers reputation by denouncing someone using defamatory insinuations or the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm their reputation. Those in the media who speak to us and desire to control us, but still want to avoid outright lies, do so by shading the truth, offering spin, or using phrases such as, its my opinion, as I remember it and, the chart-topper, at this point why does it matter?. They know they operate in an environment where falsehoods and misrepresentations can take root before there is an opportunity to measure the validity of allegations or assertions. Such liars know the truth but deform and simulate it. For them, theres no lie because they have no deep conviction that what they have said is contrary to what is known to be the truth. In his early works, Shakespeare used the phrases truth will out or truth will become public. Perhaps that was true 400 years ago. In this time of 24-hour news and news on call via the digital media, falsehoods, and misrepresentations can take root before there is any opportunity to measure the validity of allegations or assertions. We live in a time when the bulk of our fellow citizens have been indoctrinated rather than educated. Rather than learning facts including relatively objective history they are encouraged to think of themselves in terms of relationships to one another. What is important to them is what is trending in digital social media and who the influencers of the moment are. Status comes from horizontal acclaim. Digital social networks have replaced real social networks. This leads to a society adrift, with people desperate to have someone to guide them. Mainstream news organizations and digital social media platform providers seek to fill this need. If any journalists and politicians still care about regaining and maintaining the trust of the public, its time for them to acknowledge that they write or speak from a set of values, not simply from a disinterested effort at the truth. There are those of us who are stubbornly challenging the half-truths and outright lies of many of the elites of our political, and academic classes. Our numbers include a growing proportion of our business leaders. One example of one who is leading the fight to untangle the web of half-truths and outright lies is Victor Davis Hanson, a polymath who knows history better than most and uses it as a lens through which to offer the most intelligent conservative commentary. As you navigate your way through the news media and social media, you can keep sight of the truth if you ask yourselves two questions: Are those who tell us lies actual liars or merely misinformed? And if the latter, by whom have they been misinformed and for what purpose? Carver Gunlocke is a pseudonym. IMAGE: Truth by pdpics. BEER-SHEVA, Israel...March 24, 2021 - Surprisingly, exposure to a high background radiation might actually lead to clear beneficial health effects in humans, according to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Nuclear Research Center Negev (NRCN) scientists. This is the first large-scale study which examines the two major sources of background radiation (terrestrial radiation and cosmic radiation), covering the entire U.S. population. The study's findings were recently published in Biogerontology. Background radiation is an ionizing radiation that exists in the environment because of natural sources. In their study, BGU researchers show that life expectancy is approximately 2.5 years longer among people living in areas with a relatively high vs. low background radiation. Background radiation includes radiation emanating from space, and radiation from terrestrial sources. Since the 1960s, there has been a linear no-threshold hypothesis guiding policy that any radiation level carries some risk. Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent around the world to reduce radiation levels as much as possible. "Decades of scientific theory are potentially being disproven by the remarkable researchers at BGU," says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer, American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "These findings might even provide a sense of relief for those who reside in areas in the U.S. with higher-than-average background radiation." According to BGU Professors Vadim Fraifeld and Marina Wolfson, along with Dr. Elroei David of the Nuclear Research Center Negev, lower levels of several types of cancers were found when the radiation levels were on the higher end of the spectrum rather than on the lower end. Among both men and women, there was a significant decrease in lung, pancreatic, colon and rectal cancers. Among men, there were additional decreases in brain and bladder cancers. There was no decrease in cervix, breast or prostate cancers or leukemia. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's radiation dose calculator, the researchers retrieved data about background radiation from all 3,129 U.S. counties. The study's data regarding cancer rates was retrieved from the United States Cancer Statistics. Life expectancy data was retrieved from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington Medical Center. "It is reasonable to suggest that a radiation threshold does exist, yet it is higher than the upper limit of the natural background radiation levels in the US (227 mrem/year)," the researchers write. "These findings provide clear indications for re-considering the linear no-threshold paradigm, at least within the natural range of low-dose radiation." ### Prof. Vadim Fraifeld and Prof. Marina Wolfson are members of the BGU Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics in the Faculty of Health Sciences and members of the Center for Multidisciplinary Research on Aging. Dr. Elroei David is a BGU graduate and now is a senior scientist at the Nuclear Research Center Negev. About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Still here. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images When Andrew Yang dropped off his petition signatures at the Board of Elections on Tuesday morning something all candidates must do to appear on the ballot he ran through a gauntlet of supporters, slapping elbows all the way. He announced to the crowd how many he had gathered (more than 9,400) by signing it to the tune of Seasons of Love from the musical Rent: How many signatures could you get in a year? He dared anyone there to feel exactly how much all those petitions weighed, as cameras clicked and reporters live-tweeted the spectacle. Yang wasnt the only candidate to invite the press to watch him drop off his signatures, and the total number he gathered was smaller than that of many others in the field, a few of whom submitted over 20,000 signatures. But he was the only one to turn what is usually a dry ritual before a municipal bureaucracy into an event, getting the kind of coverage that the rest of the field no doubt envies as each candidate rolls out high-profile endorsements and ambitious policy positions to an audience of almost no one. Yang entered the race for mayor two and a half months ago. Few political insiders thought he would last. Conventional wisdom had him getting eaten up by the press corps after showing how little he knew about New York City and its government, failing to impress the union bosses and political leaders who yield power in this town, and probably getting bored along the way. The first poll of the race was in the field more than a month before Yang got in the race; he led that one. The same conventional wisdom tended to discount this as a short-lived state of affairs, based purely on his fame as a presidential candidate. But he has continued to lead in every other poll since, often by a fairly sizable margin. He raised over $6.5 million in just 57 days, with more New York City donors than any other candidate, even those that have been raising money for years. There are now less than three months until Election Day. Which raises the question: If Yang is going to be stopped from becoming the 110th mayor of New York, what is going to stop him? Yangs rivals insist that his decline is still imminent, that his numbers are soft. One person working for a rival camp told me that its poll numbers show that half of Yangs supporters cant say why they are voting for him, evidence that his lead is more a function of his name ID than of actual support. Nine out of ten voters know who he is, and he is at 25 percent. Half of them think of him as the free-money guy. That is a bigger problem than his campaign lets on. Pollsters say that voters arent really paying attention to the race yet. There has been a lot for the news-consuming public to pay attention to lately: a Capitol insurrection, a peak in COVID cases and mass-vaccination rollout, a $1.9 trillion recovery package, and, of course, the ongoing sexual-harassment and nursing-home-deaths scandals involving Governor Cuomo. Some evidence supports the theory: A new survey showed that half of New Yorkers have not made up their mind. Operatives think that most voters wont start focusing on the race until April or May. The history of recent mayoral primaries show one candidate hitting their stride with sometimes just a month to go and upending the race. In 2013, Bill de Blasio wasnt consistently leading the polls until three weeks before Election Day; in 2005, Anthony Weiner jumped 15 points in the final two weeks to nearly make a runoff. If the assumption when Yang entered the race was that he wouldnt know how many boroughs there are in the city or what rezoning is, that hasnt quite happened. But he has made a series of gaffes, which range from the silly (like thinking a well-lit corner store is a bodega) to the more head-scratching, like his suggestion that the city should build a casino on Governors Island, even though federal law prohibits it. None of those have dented his standing yet, and it is hard to guess when they will, since owing to the citys campaign-finance system, Yangs rival campaigns are unlikely to be doing much advertising against him until at least the beginning of May. But the attacks are coming. Campaigns have discussed eschewing the traditional bio spots introducing candidates to the public in favor of going after Yang a sign of how much his rivals have been unsettled. Hes going to be getting it from all sides, and it is very hard to defend yourself from that, said one operative working for a rival campaign. Because the campaigns are limited by how much they can spend, several are hoping that a super-PAC funded by wealthy supporters of Ray McGuire, himself a former Wall Street executive, will mostly focus on attacking Yang rather than pumping up McGuire. But there is no evidence yet that Yang, a center-left candidate with a long background in the business world, is particularly worrisome to New Yorks elite. In recent days, some of Yangs rivals have decided not to wait for help, going after the candidate directly. When Eric Adams was endorsed by 32BJ, one of the most powerful unions in the city, he referenced Yangs fleeing the city for New Paltz during the height of the COVID pandemic. Dont make me pull out the milk carton with your face on it saying you was missing when the city needed you. I am not MIA, Adams said. At a recent Zoom forum, both City Comptroller Scott Stringer and McGuire eviscerated Yangs signature plan for universal basic income, and at a recent speech before the august Association for a Better New York, Stringer unloaded on the front-runner for disparaging the teachers union for slowing school reopenings. I dont begrudge Mr. Yang making decisions that he felt were best for his family, Stringer said, another reference to the Yang Family Country Home. But he clearly doesnt understand what so many went through, and the least he can do for our teachers is to take the time to learn, and show them some respect as the front-line workers they are. The truth is that this is par for the course for Mr. Yang whether its an illegal casino on Governors Island, housing for TikTok stars, or being baffled by parents who live and work in two-bedroom apartments with kids in virtual school. We dont need another leader who tweets first and thinks later. The speech stunned the other campaigns, but it showed exactly where Stringer and the rest think Yang is vulnerable that he is an unserious person who lacks city ties, a striver consumed with personal ambition who would come to City Hall with no government experience and a thin record of business success. Every negative story that has been written about him so far is going to be strung together in every ad in May and June, and it is all going to be about: This is a serious time. Do you really want this guy in charge? the rival operative said. I think New Yorkers understand that being mayor is a serious job and the way Yang has a slapdash approach to everything is going to be his undoing. Yangs 2020 presidential run, in which he raised over $40 million and netted zero delegates, is likely to come under scrutiny including allegations of a sexist campaign culture in the mayors race, as Yangs rivals look for ammunition. Here is a guy who went away to prep school, who grew up in Westchester and then fled the city in its hour of need. Every ad is going to ask voters if they think he is someone who you recognize, if he is someone who shares your concerns and your struggles. The other campaigns believe that while the race has been covered by online and print outlets, eventually local TV will start covering the race, and that, plus the advertising blitz, will get voters to pay attention, and that they will begin asking questions about Yangs readiness and his background. Yangs campaign is aware that this line of attack is coming and are wary of the rest of the campaigns and their union allies and financial backers ganging up them. A Yang vs. the World dynamic could complicate the Yang campaigns desire to be seen as the fresh-faced outsider. But if Yang is such an inviting target for attacks, it raises the question of why none of the attacks have worked quite yet and, more to the point, when they will start to. Yangs rivals pounced on him the day he announced, and hes still the front-runner. Maybe the ads will start running in May, and local TV will tune in to the race, and all of this supposed baggage will be Yangs undoing, but its getting late early out there, and New Yorkers appear to like Yang more than the political class seems to understand. New Yorkers want hope and optimism, said Yang campaign manager Chris Coffey. The only press the other candidates get is when they complain about us. We understand that this campaign is going to get nasty and negative. We are going to stay positive and focused on getting the city back on track. The jibe about the press only being interested in Yang might resonate with rival campaigns. It blots out the sun, said one operative, who noted with both pleasure and dismay how eager reporters are to run with the negative stories on Yang. I get so many more calls these days from reporters wanting me to comment on Andrew Yang than any other candidate, said Neal Kwatra, a longtime local campaign operative currently unaffiliated in the race. It tells me what people are interested in. Yang is driving the race right now. Politics has changed, and I think a lot of people havent quite caught up to how. *A version of this article appears in the March 29, 2021, issue of New York Magazine. Nearly 30 million Americans who benefit from Social Security and Supplemental Security Income are waiting on desperately needed COVID-19 stimulus checks because the Social Security Administration hasnt sent necessary paperwork to the Internal Revenue Service, according to Rep. Richard Neal and other Democratic lawmakers. In a letter Wednesday, Neal and other members of the House Ways and Means Committee he chairs demanded that the SSA send the required payment files to the IRS within 24 hours. They called the hold up inexplicable just a day after they wrote to the IRS and SSA to say there are no excuses for delays of the approved $1,400 stimulus checks to vulnerable Americans who benefit from income through Social Security, SSI, Veterans Affairs and the Railroad Retirement Board. The delay comes as some Democratic lawmakers have urged President Joe Biden to fire SSA Commissioner Andrew Saul and Deputy Commissioner David Black, who were appointed by former President Donald Trump. We are aware that the IRS asked SSA to start sending payment files two weeks before the American Rescue Plan became law on March 11, 2021, the lawmakers wrote. As of today, SSA still has not provided the IRS with the payment files that are needed to issue EIPs to these struggling Americans. We demand that you immediately provide the IRS this information by tomorrow, March 25, 2021. The IRS has not immediately returned a message seeking details on delayed checks. MassLive reached out to the SSA for information late Wednesday afternoon. Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John Larson of Connecticut, Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey, and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny Davis of Illinois joined Neal in the letter. Pascrell this week repeated calls to fire Trump appointees trying to dismantle Social Security. Their inability to get out stimulus checks is another reason they need to be shown the exit, he added. A few weeks ago I called for President Biden to fire the trump appointees trying to dismantle Social Security. Their inability to get out stimulus checks is another reason they need to be shown the exit. pic.twitter.com/0JxKhiKjeO Bill Pascrell, Jr. (@BillPascrell) March 22, 2021 In their letter to the IRS and SSA Tuesday, the same lawmakers noted that in the two previous rounds of stimulus payments during the pandemic, the agencies worked together to ensure prompt payments to Social Security, SSI, RRB and VA beneficiaries. Yet this time around, lawmakers are receiving reports of delays, putting critical assistance on hold for millions of Americans in need, they wrote. The American Rescue Plan was intended to provide much-needed economic stimulus and assistance to people across the country immediately and we are counting on your agencies to ensure that beneficiaries are not left behind in the seamless delivery of those payments, the lawmakers wrote. However, we were alarmed to learn recently that most Social Security, SSI, RRB, and VA beneficiaries who are not required to file a tax return have not yet received their payments and the IRS is unable to provide an expected timeline for these payments. Some of our most vulnerable seniors and persons with disabilities, including veterans who served our country with honor, are unable to pay for basic necessities while they wait for their overdue payments. The lawmakers asked for an updated timeline for payments by Friday. They urged IRS and SSA to move with all deliberate speed to quickly issue these payments to Social Security and SSI beneficiaries, and we urge the IRS to work with the RRB and VA to pay those beneficiaries expeditiously as well. The direct payments are meant to send $1,400 to adults earning less than $75,000 and couples less than $150,000, as well as $1,400 for dependents. The checks phase out for Americans making more than $75,000, with a hard cut-off at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples. The three major stimulus packages have made clear that those who do not earn enough to file taxes, including many of the beneficiaries the Democratic lawmakers wrote about Tuesday, are eligible for payments. The IRS has issued nearly 100 million payments since March 12 and says more are coming this week and in the weeks to follow. Related Content: Its a simple gesture, but one that hasnt gone unnoticed: storage lockers in downtown Northampton, specifically designated for houseless residents. In March, the city purchased a block of lockers with electronic combination locks. Maintenance staff installed the storage units in the E.J. Gare Parking Garage last week, and they will be run by Manna Community Kitchen, a Northampton cornerstone organization that provides hot meals to anyone in need in the community. Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz noted in an interview with MassLive that houseless people have not gone into Manna to get meals out of fear their belongings would be stolen. Its a real issue, and obviously we still are committed to trying to solve the larger issues of homelessness, but in the meantime, this is an important one that we wanted to focus on, the mayor said. According to Narkewicz, Manna will be assigning the lockers, managing the program and, if theres a waiting list, dealing with that. He pointed out the soup kitchen has so much experience already and already has a good report with folks who rely on them for meals and other support. Thank you to the city of Northampton and Mayor David Narkewicz for providing such a necessary service to the community, Manna wrote in a Facebook post. We are honored to be a small part in helping make this a reality by taking on the partnership role of managing the lockers for our friends and neighbors. Thank you to the city of Northampton and Mayor David Narkewicz for providing such a necessary service to the community.... Posted by Manna Community Kitchen on Friday, March 12, 2021 Narkewicz hopes the four-by-five set of secure storage units will meet an important need identified in downtown Northampton, as the city continues to work together to solve larger issues surrounding houselessness, hunger and poverty affecting far too many people, he said. The mayors office has been working throughout the coronavirus pandemic and for years prior to address several of the obstacles facing houseless residents in the city, ranging from food inaccessibility to the need for a warming center amid the bitterly cold winter months. In mid-December, Alan Wolf, Narkewiczs chief of staff, outlined in an email to residents a few of the ongoing initiatives the city has in the works for addressing some of their concerns surrounding the struggles of the houseless, some of the most vulnerable people in the community, the city has pointed out. Such initiatives included adding portable toilets in the communitys downtown, coordinating with the Downtown Northampton Association to get a donation of bottled water for the houseless and setting up a new emergency 24/7 shelter at First Churches of Northampton on Main Street in December. The mayor has been deeply concerned about people experiencing homelessness and has directed the executive branch of the city of Northampton to do everything possible to prevent people from harm during this pandemic since it began last March, Wolf wrote in his email. The city has worked tirelessly with its many partners to fill every possible gap in the social service system that has been exposed by this deadly disease. The city sees adding the lockers downtown as only one piece of the puzzle in addressing the needs of houseless residents, during the COVID-19 public health crisis and beyond, according to Narkewicz. Another piece of that puzzle is creating a community resilience hub, a community day center of sorts to support Northampton residents who face chronic and acute stress due to natural and human-caused disasters, climate change and social and economic challenges, the city explains on its website. In Narkewiczs words, the resilience hub would tie the need for a community day center in Northampton with the citys resiliency strategy for mitigating the impact of climate change. It was planning on two separate fronts to serve these dual purposes, the mayor told MassLive. The hub would also function as a place to centralize resources and services for frontline communities. The ServiceNet Resource Center, Northampton Recovery Center, Forbes Library and some of the citys coffee shops and public restaurants already serve that role, but they are not sufficient, the mayors office pointed out. The goal of this is not only to provide wraparound services and access to the various social service agencies that can provide a place for people to get out of the cold or find laundry or a shower, but to also access services for them to find stability and permanent housing, Narkewicz told MassLive. In January, Narkewicz announced he wont be seeking reelection to a fourth term as mayor. The resilience hub is seen as his most major project before he leaves office come 2022. In terms of big, signature projects for the this year, the community resilience hub is a major one, he said in an interview, noting the project would involve city funding and the acquisition of property. Ive been mentioning it as a key priority in my final time in office. Im hopefully we will be able to bring something very soon to the city council. Due to potential construction, remodeling and other factors, its hard to project a timeframe for the hub, the mayor noted. Narkewicz said he wants to see the project go from a concept to a firm, brick-and-mortar setup well before the end of the year, though, not just because his times running out as mayor, but because such a center is critically needed in the community. Were continuing to work with our local architect weve retained through our grant funds on the space plans, Narkewicz said. Were also actively evaluating any sites. Its one of my top priority projects, he added. Ideally, lockers allowing houseless residents to store their belongings would be included in the resilience hub, along with showers, laundry and other wraparound services, according to Narkewicz. Both the current locker program and the resilience hub concept were products of a 2019 report issued by a work group the mayor assembled two years beforehand to research and analyze issues associated with panhandling and people at-risk in downtown Northampton. The mayors charge to the work group: to respectfully reach out to people on downtowns sidewalks to better understand their experience, to survey the opinions of Northamptons residents and visitors about downtown issues, to study the larger societal issues impacting people on our streets, to study approaches undertaken by other communities faced with complex downtown issues, and to present its research and recommendations to the community for further consideration. Titled A Downtown Northampton for Everyone: Residents, Visitors, Merchants, and People At-Risk, the report called for the creation of a living room model/community day center site and locker space for residents to store belongings so its not kept on the street. An effort could be made to build or purchase a center close to downtown where people who panhandle, or ask for money on the street downtown to store things in lockers, take showers, use the bathroom, or wash clothing to help provide basic services and to safely store their belongings off of the street, the report recommended. In a Facebook post, Narkewicz recounted how when he met with a group of houseless people as part of his administrations study on panhandling and at-risk individuals, the most needed item the group identified in their discussion was secure and accessible storage lockers to safely store their belongings. They each described for me the physical and emotional toll of having to lug ones belongings around all day or trying to hide them in bushes or under bridges, the mayor wrote. The group also pointed me to examples of storage options for the houseless offered in other communities both near and far. After the report suggested adding storage lockers downtown, among a slew of other recommendation, the program has now become a reality, the mayor noted. Related Content: A donation from Coca-Cola and a new shelter: What Northampton is doing to help the houseless amid the COVID pandemic News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. BRIDGEPORT Students at the Theodore Roosevelt School in Bridgeport are learning remotely this week due to staffing issues. Following a new case of COVID-19 this weekend, families were notified via email and phone blast that Theodore Roosevelt would be fully remote until next Monday. We realize this may be a hardship, but it is what is best right now, Jacqueline Simmons, the principal, posted from the schools Facebook account. The district was notified on Saturday of a positive COVID-19 test in the community, pushing many teachers and staff members into quarantine. Devices were made available to families who need them to access remote learning. Superintendent Michael Testani explained the reasons behind the closure at a board meeting on Monday evening. We did, because of a number of staffing issues not all related to COVID-19, have to go fully remote for Roosevelt School this week, he said. Some of them are related to other absences, FMLAs (family and medical leaves). COVID just happened to put us over the edge with an inability to staff the school properly. Its important to stress that its not closed because of a COVID outbreak. It is closed because of staffing, and theres multi-facets to that issue, he added. Testani assured educators and families that schools are and continue to be healthy and safe places, he said, referencing local and national data to that effect. The vast majority of cases that are reported seem to be traced back to outside spread, not within the school, he said. He added that the district consults with health officials every time a case is reported in the community. Health and safety is first and foremost when we make decisions here, he said, as it has been since we began the reopening back in September. (Newser) Revenge is a dish best served coldor greasy, perhaps. A Fayetteville, Georgia, man tells CBS 46 that he gave his two weeks' notice at A OK Walker Autoworks in November 2020 but hadn't been sent his last paycheck in January as promised, a fact that prodded him to reach out to the Georgia Department of Labor. Andreas Flaten did end up getting the $915 he was expecting, just in a most unexpected format. Flaten says a 500-pound pile of oil- or grease-covered pennies was left on his driveway. He tells Fox 5 Atlanta the pile of more than 90,000 coins was accompanied by an envelope with f--- you written on the outside and his final paystub within. story continues below Fox 5 says the autoshop owner would only confirm that Flaten was paid what he was owed in US currency. As for Flaten, he says he now spends time each night working to rid the 91,515 pennies of their slick coating using a mix of dish soap, vinegar, and water. It's apparently quite the effort: He says working his way through several hundred took 90 minutes, and that he won't be able to cash them until they're clean. (Read more strange stuff stories.) Courtesy of Disneyland When Disneyland reopens on April 30, the park will welcome guests with an experience substantially different from the one it offered before the pandemic. There will be fewer attractions to enjoy, and none of the perks like Fast Passes or Magical Mornings. If the California Attractions and Parks Association has their way, there wont even be screaming on roller coasters. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Thiruvananthapuram: Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday (March 24) released the manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections in Kerala. The highlights of the manifesto included legislations for "Love Jihad" and Sabarimala temple. The party has promised to offer employment for at least one person from each family. It also mentions the distribution of free laptops to high school students. "Our manifesto is progressive, dynamic, aspirational and developmental oriented. Kerala was waiting for such a manifesto," said Union Minister Prakash Javedkar while unveiling the manifesto. "The manifesto guarantees employment to at least one from each family, terrorism free Kerala, hunger-free Kerala, Sabarimala legislation, free laptop to high school students, Love Jihad legislation," he added. Javadekar accused the Left-ruled state government of hijacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development projects. "Pinarayi government has started hijacking central government schemes by making little modifications and taking credit," the union minister alleged. Javadekar said the landless SC/ST community members will get five acres for agriculture purposes. The manifesto also promised six cooking gas cylinders free to all BPL families. Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and United Democratic Front (UDF) governments and said that they have made Kerala a hub of corruption. Shah also attacked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the gold scam and asked if the prime accused of the case works in his office. Shah also slammed the state government over the handling of Kerala floods and alleged that they called the Army very late for help 'only for their own political mileage'. Live TV California attorney Michael Avenatti leaves a courthouse following a hearing in New York City, on May 28, 2019. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo) Grassley Demands Update From Feds on Women That Falsely Accused Brett Kavanaugh Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked the FBI for an update on his criminal investigation referrals of women who falsely claimed Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted them. Kavanaugh was accused by a number of women in 2018 during a heated confirmation battle of assault, but all of the women later recanted their claims or werent able to provide evidence backing them up. Kavanaugh was exonerated by the Senate Judiciary Committee after the upper chamber narrowly confirmed him. Grassley referred several recanters, including Julie Swetnick and Judy Munro-Leighton, to the FBI, in 2018. An investigation into Swetnicks bombastic claims concluded that statements she and her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee likely contained materially false claims, Grassley said. Munro-Leightons story was undermined by a probe which found shed falsely stated where shes from and she later told investigators that she made up the tale to grab attention. The original referrals went unanswered, and so has a follow-up letter sent in 2019, Grassley told Attorney General Merrick Garland and Christopher Wray, who has been the FBI director since 2017, in a new letter. To date, the Justice Department and FBI have failed to respond to our letter and have failed to apprise the Committee whether, and to what extent, any steps have been taken to investigate and hold accountable those individuals who criminally interfered with the Committees investigation. These failures are entirely unacceptable, he wrote. It is the Senates responsibility to weigh the information that it collects from the background investigations and from its own investigative work and make a fully informed decision. Thats what happened here. In the end, the Senate weighed evidence assembled by the FBI and by veteran congressional investigators and fulfilled its Constitutional responsibility by confirming Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, he added. It is, however, the responsibility of the Justice Department and FBI to hold those who mislead and obstruct Congress accountable for their criminal behavior. Grassley urged the FBI and Department of Justice to respond no later than April 6. He wants them to state whether the FBI opened a criminal investigation into any of the criminal referrals and, if so, whether any resulted in a referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution. In addition, Grassley asked if any cases were referred, which ones were rejected and which were accepted. The FBI on Wednesday told The Epoch Times it received the letter, but declined to comment further. RTE's Claire Byrne with Mary Lou McDonald and Leo Varadkar during the debate. Its been said its always advisable to avoid a rut: if you get stuck in one too long it becomes a ditch, then a trench; and there you may remain rigid, and immutable, as the world rolls by. Relationships on this island North and south were characterised by such a political paralysis for generations. Claire Byrne Live this week looked at the united Ireland debate, and at the prospects for a Border poll. Examining intractable problems from different perspectives allows new patterns to emerge, and old ones to be seen from different angles. There were many speakers, and many standpoints, most predictable. The voice that moved many was not of a politician, but of a former rugby player. On the issue of a united Ireland, Andrew Trimble simply said: Theres a growing middle ground in Northern Ireland and they dont want to be forced to choose in a potential Border poll. No one must be forced to do anything. That was the priceless legacy of the Good Friday Agreement. It blew away the putrid sectarian miasma. It established consent as the oxygen of democracy. This one move would change the whole shape. The agreement became the perfect political Rubiks cube; disparate elements were able to hold symmetrical patterns. Each shade and tradition was made to fit. Read More The inter-locking mechanism allowed flexibility and solidity. Its ingenuity was in the fact that brute force would not solve anything. Each integral part had to be handled separately. Along comes Brexit, and where there was once solid engineering there are now cracks. Relationships have changed. Tensions between the EU and the UK have spilled into the North. Trade hold-ups and shortages, which were always going to be a legacy of Brexit, have added to the friction. Now we have the DUP and loyalists demanding the protocol be torn up. Support for the Good Friday Agreement, the cornerstone of peace on these islands, has even been threatened. Sinn Fein ups the ante for a Border Poll. The case for preparing contingency plans for the possibility of a united Ireland is reasonable. The case against it also has to be heard. What does a united Ireland mean if a large proportion of the population do not want it? In terms of a definition the words of the man who fashioned his dream around one Theobald Wolfe Tone are worth looking at. He felt it must be all embracing: To unite the whole people of Ireland, to abolish the memory of all past dissensions, and to substitute the common name of Irishman in place of the denominations of Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter these were my means. Perspective, timing and discernment all have a part to play. It is good to keep doors open, but people must not be pushed through them, by any side. Consent is the only way to maintain breathing space. After a year of isolation from loved ones and lack of physical contact with their families in some cases, Texas nursing home residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are now allowed unlimited hugs and visits from their loved ones as long as the facility permits it, under new rules announced Tuesday by state health officials. The rule change is effective immediately. VACCINES FOR ALL: All Texas adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine later this month Nothing can replace a hug and a smile from a loved one, and we anticipate many happy reunions, said Becky Anderson, chief clinical officer for Focused Post Acute Care Partners, which runs 31 facilities in Texas. The new rule also applies to residents of assisted living centers and other long-term care facilities. There are about 1,200 nursing homes in Texas with about 90,000 residents, according to population estimates and state numbers. There are about 2,000 assisted living facilities in Texas, officials said. Nearly 9,000 nursing home residents have died of COVID-related causes, accounting for some 20% of all Texas coronavirus deaths, according to state data. Safely visiting with family and friends is vital to the mental health and well-being of long-term care residents, Victoria Ford, chief policy and regulatory officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in a statement. We are so pleased these new rules will allow residents to enjoy in-person visits with a wider circle of loved ones. For the last few months, nursing homes that had COVID-19 cases identified in the building outside of areas for sick residents could only allow designated essential caregivers to visit for limited times after training and screening. Birthday parties and holiday celebrations took place largely through windows and over video calls. VACCINE SITES: CVS adds 74 more COVID-19 vaccinations sites in Texas In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott shut down visitation in mid-March in an attempt to keep the coronavirus out of the facilities and away from those most likely to die from the virus. In early August, the state eased restrictions for nursing facilities that didnt have any active COVID-19 cases among residents or confirmed cases among staff in the previous two weeks in the areas of the building where COVID-19 negative residents live. Touching, however, was only allowed for essential caregiver visits and end-of-life visits. Social distancing and other protocols had to remain in place. Under new rules, nursing homes may now allow personal contact, outdoor visitation even if there is an outbreak at the facility, unlimited time on visits and unlimited end-of-life visits. Facilities no longer have to request visitation approval from the state or limit indoor visitation to designated areas with barriers, the new rules say. The new rules will not only benefit residents but also the employees who worked hard to fill the void left by the restrictions, Anderson said. Focused Care appreciates the emotional impact lifting visitation restrictions will have on our residents and team members as well, many of whom have remained the conduit between our vulnerable seniors and their family members over this last year, she said. Anderson said shes hopeful state officials will continue to look for safe ways to relax the remaining restrictions. JUMPING THE LINE: Texans don't have to prove they're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine Providing skilled nursing care and short-term rehab throughout a raging pandemic has been challenging, but we have proven it can be done as safely as possible when safeguards are in place and mitigation measures followed, she said. We are hopeful that as many of these restrictions are modified and some disappear altogether, we as a community, both inside and outside the walls of our Focused Care buildings, continue to look out for the welfare of those we love and strive to protect. MOSCOW, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund), announces the results of a YouGov survey with 9,417 respondents from 9 countries on their vaccine preferences and country of preference in terms of vaccine production. According to the survey, 54% of respondents who selected a country they trust to produce a vaccine, considered Russia the most trusted vaccine producer alongside the US and leaving the UK behind, when asked to choose the 3 countries they trusted the most to produce a vaccine. Sputnik V, the world's first registered vaccine against coronavirus, is the most recognizable one - over 7 in 10 (74%) of those surveyed have heard of the Russian vaccine. Sputnik V is also among Top-2 most preferred vaccines, just after the one produced by Pfizer/BioNTech. The survey was conducted between February 18 and March 3 by YouGov, the leading UK-based company in market research and data analytics in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Residents of India, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, Argentina, Algeria, the UAE and Serbia participated in the poll. More than 2 billion people, or over 25% of the world's population, live in these countries. Key findings of the poll: Russia came out as the most trusted vaccine producing country, alongside the US and leaving the UK behind, when asked to choose the 3 countries they trusted the most to produce a vaccine. One in three respondents (33%) among those who have made their choice, would prefer to be vaccinated with Sputnik V. This is the second most-preferred vaccine after Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine (37%). Sputnik V is the most recognizable vaccine: 74% of those surveyed have heard of the Russian vaccine; Pfizer/BioNTech is in second place (69%), while AstraZeneca ( University of Oxford ) holds third position with 60%. Almost half (47%) of the respondents who have made their choice only consider a minimum vaccine efficacy level of 90% or more acceptable for their vaccination (for example, Sputnik V, which has a proven efficacy of 91.6%). An overwhelming number of respondents (84%) would be willing to postpone their vaccination with a less effective vaccine of around 60%, for a vaccine with a higher efficacy of over 90%. 77 percent of respondents believe that governments should provide equal access to all the different vaccines for the population and give everyone a choice which vaccine to have for vaccination. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, commented: "Results of the YouGov survey in various parts of the world once again demonstrate the high confidence of respondents in Russia as a vaccine producer and in the Sputnik V vaccine. Thanks to the outstanding achievements of Russian science, the Sputnik V vaccine has been saving lives around the world as it is approved for use in more than 50 countries. The vaccine has a number of key benefits, including an efficacy of 91.6%, confirmed by the leading medical journal The Lancet, as well as a proven to be safe human adenoviral vector platform, attractive supply chain logistics and affordability, making Sputnik V one of the best vaccines in the world." *** Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is Russia's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. RDIF acts as a catalyst for direct investment in the Russian economy. RDIF's management company is based in Moscow. Currently, RDIF has experience of the successful joint implementation of more than 80 projects with foreign partners totaling more than RUB2 tn and covering 95% of the regions of the Russian Federation. RDIF portfolio companies employ more than 800,000 people and generate revenues which equate to more than 6% of Russia's GDP. RDIF has established joint strategic partnerships with leading international co-investors from more than 18 countries that total more than $40 bn. Further information can be found at rdif.ru All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 9.417 adults in India (1,022), Brazil (1,006), Mexico (1,009), the Philippines (1,127), Vietnam (1,112), Argentina (1,002), Algeria (1,085), the UAE (1,054) and Serbia (1,000). Fieldwork was undertaken between February 18 - March 3, 2021. The survey was conducted online. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473011/ENG_1_JPG.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473021/ENG_2_JPG.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473022/ENG_3_JPG_upd.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473023/ENG_4.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1473026/Logo.jpg New Delhi, March 24 : Punjab has the most number of coronavirus samples with mutations, followed by Telanaga, Delhi, and Maharashtra, as per the state-wise data released by the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. A total of 771 cases of coronavirus variants have been detected across 18 states. Punjab accounts for 336 such cases, followed by 104 in Telangana, 69 in Delhi and 62 in Maharashtra. There are 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage, 34 samples of the South African (B.1.351) lineage and one sample of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. Punjab has the most number of samples with the UK strain, while Telangana has the most samples with the South African strain. Maharashtra has one samples with the Brazilian lineage. The Central government has said that both the present vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are effective against the UK and Brazilian variant. Research in relation with the effectiveness against the South African variant is going on. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), a grouping of 10 national laboratories, has been carrying out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating Covid-19 viruses, and correlating epidemiological trends with genomic variants. Genomic variants of various viruses are a natural phenomenon and are found in almost all countries, the Health Ministry said. Genome sequencing and analysis have been carried out on samples from arriving international travellers, contacts of those positive for VOC and community samples from most of the states. "Though variants of concerns (VOCs) and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some States," the Health Ministry said. Many consider Texas to be among the most independent and fiscally responsible states in the nation, but during the past year, an explosion of unemployment benefits and possible overpayments have left the state $6.7 billion in debt to the federal government. Texas unemployment insurance, or UI, program had major financial problems even before the pandemic. In February of last year, the U.S. Department of Labor released its annual solvency report of state UI programs. Texas was ranked second to last among all 50 states in the U.S., ahead of California and tied with New York. Certainly, few Texans want to be grouped in a bottom three with these two states, but their programs share similar flaws that bear an unfair burden on the most economically vulnerable workers and employers. It is unacceptable that Texas has one of the least fiscally solvent and most poorly designed unemployment insurance programs. Encouraging policymakers to make simple and fiscally responsible policy changes now could help support and accelerate Texas economic recovery and power continued economic growth in the years ahead. These programs are funded by payroll taxes on employers, which most workers are unaware of but directly affect the cost to an employer of hiring any worker. For three decades, Texas has held its taxable wage base for UI at $9,000 meaning, $9,000 is the maximum amount of earnings on which a Texas employer pays UI tax for any employee in a year. Texas UI tax rates are also experience-rated, taxing employers anywhere between $28 and $568 per worker annually (0.31 percent-6.31 percent) depending on the employers number of recent layoffs. Despite Texas holding its unemployment insurance tax base constant since 1989, the average wage in the economy has almost tripled, and Texas has kept pace by allowing unemployment insurance benefits to grow. Laid-off Texans who qualify currently receive 52 percent of their most recent earnings up to a weekly maximum of $535, paid for up to 26 weeks. This implies workers receive partial insurance on earnings up to $53,500 annually but pay taxes on earnings up to just $9,000 annually, granting the highest paid workers free insurance on $44,500 of earnings. The system hurts low-wage and part-time workers. Consider this scenario of two individuals working for the same company: Scott is paid $10 hourly and works 20 hours per week; John is paid $25 hourly and works 40 hours per week. Even though the tax cost to the employer is identical for these two workers, if both were laid off, Johns weekly UI benefit would be five times as great as Scotts ($520 versus $104). This could be different. Most states (31 out of 50) have weathered the recession without borrowing from the federal government, including neighboring Oklahoma, which was ranked seventh on last years solvency report. Other neighboring states Louisiana and New Mexico have also had to borrow far less than Texas. In Oklahoma and New Mexico, UI tax bases are double and triple that of Texas, $18,100 and $24,800, respectively. These larger tax bases mean that both states can have much lower tax rates for their employers and provide more protections for low-wage and part-time workers. The best path forward is clear: Texas needs to broaden its tax base beyond $9,000. This will allow Texas to lower tax rates on employers, which will reduce the cost to employers of hiring lower-income workers and rationalize the programs financing. Because employers of lower-income workers have been disproportionally hit by the pandemic-related slowdown, reducing the hiring costs for these employers could help accelerate Texas economic recovery. Some may argue that we cannot afford to raise taxes on anyone, even in a targeted way, as we try to recover from the recession. But this reform would change taxes very little, on average, while relieving the tax burden from millions of low-income Texans. Cabral is an associate professor of economics at The University of Texas at Austin. Duggan is the Trione Director of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research. 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. opinion It was Saturday, March 6, 2021. The Ibusa Think- Tank paused to celebrate the birthday of one of their own, a woman that is writing a new story in the corporate bloc . Her name is Dame Winnie Akpani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of North-West Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, an indigenous oil and gas marketing company with a cut of distinctive character. But they did not create a merry marquee to clink glasses and celebrate this elite of the technocracy. Not in a Covid colonised times. The mode was virtual , spiritual in hue as it was laced with prayers and a tonal appreciation of her strides. Now, the Ibusa Think-Tank is that brand of organisation that lives its name and spec. Made up of high profile technocrats, doyens of industry, professionals of national acclaim and intellective figures, the Think Tank wears a conservative garb, its voice deliberately tame but with an iron-cast mission to achieve its transformational goals in their homey town, Ibusa. So, they celebrate their members seemingly to thank them for the tough choice to be part of a race of sacrifice . And they had to appreciate this daughter, sister and wife , for she is undoubtedly a woman in the eye of time. For them, her crystal vision, extraordinary sensitive insight and courageous carriage of both her personal and professional convictions that have resulted in her manifest progression within the organised private sector truly elevate her to a pedestal of generational inspiration. And there is indeed no question that Dame Akpani is an exemplar, not only to the bucolic kids and youths back home to her native Igbuzor ( Ibuzor ) now anglicised as Ibusa, but to a nation in search of elpis, the mythological Greek personification of hope. For here was a child of middle class parents that graduated with a BSc degree in Mathematics from the University of Benin. She could have proceeded to do an MBA and seek a job in the mainstream banking sub-sector of the economy and rise quickly through the ladder. But endowed with a rare perceptive and interpretative imagination, she chose the long route and the tasking endurance that a job in accounting firm demands. So, she settled for a job as a Trainee Accountant at Oni Lasebikan and Co, now Ernst and Young. With an unshaking resolve to attain the zenith of her career, she moved to Arthur Anderson & Co known today as KPMG Professional Services. Here, she would qualify as a Chattered Accountant in 1990. Destined to run her own decreed corporate course, she still did not move to one robust bank or some big multi national having attained the position of an Audit Senior at her resignation in 1992 from KPMG. Instead, she migrated surprisingly to a relatively unknown Flame Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, a start-up oil marketing company, as a Financial Controller. Today, with the benefit of hindsight, it is easy to see that she had her eyes on the ball ; a gripping perception of her tough and capricious destination and the road map to the hub of its network. That would explain why she spent five intensive years here with meticulous attention to details, rising pronto to the status of an Executive Director. But just that was it. She'd had enough of working for organisations. Now a pack of experience, it was time to test her enterprise. And so, in 1998, North-West Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, an indigenous oil and gas trading company was born. Twenty two years after, that company that took off with only N200,000 ; yes, N200, 000 capital base start-up, boasts of annual turnover in hundreds of millions of dollars. From a seemingly trifling local business of supplying diesel to homes, guest houses , banks and corporate organisations, North-West has taken a dizzying leap into a massive international oil trading and services company with investments in midstream and upstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company founded on luminous vision with grit and granite-cast integrity now operates two ultra-modern mega Petroleum Products Storage Terminals with combined capacity of 96.8 million litres certified and licensed by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, and an ultra-modern berthing facility plus its distinctive 24 and 26 nozzle state-of-the-art mega filling stations now spreading across the country. Dame Akpani's incredible corporate statement is unequivocal, her strides, phenomenal. It is in concise terms, what many recognise as the reward for an intelligently analytical mind , a clear thinker and incisive corporate leader. Now, many an observer of her enduring race to a rare pedestal of honour in the very slippery oil business have also alluded to some elements of luck besides hard work. Yes, this CEO with an adorable poise and amiable primness agrees. But like the christian that she is, she would rather call it God's grace, that unmerited favour, love shown to us by the Almighty God ; what Gresham Machen described as the centre and core of the bible. Because she is a christian, she believes indeed she has immensely drawn from the treasury of grace and so strives persistently to humanise her corporate ventures. This mindset is reflected in the form of her organisation's colossal corporate social responsibility, CSR and her soulful relationship with people irrespective of their social standing. From her company's host communities to the nation at large, in education , health care, security and police affairs, from the market women through artisans to many on the back street and the fringe of life, Dame Winnie Akpani and her company are helping them to turn the corner, making timeless contributions to their operations, welfare and general reconstruction of their life and living for good. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Back in her home town , Ibusa, she continues to illuminate the passion of her compassion. Though a global player today, she is consistently reaching out to the town she calls home, to oil the wheel of their hopes and aspirations, sitting with them ; the ordinary people, traders, home-makers and small scale farmers, to understand their challenges and to lend a hand. And her sacrifices in these humane enterprise have not gone unnoticed. Pope Benedict XVI, way back in 2009, awarded her The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal or Cross of Honour, the highest award of the Catholic Church established by Pope Leo XIII in1888 for distinguished service to the church and humanity. For those everyday people therefore , for her host communities, the church and many institutions across the nation and the global community, Dame Winnie Akpani is not just a corporate titan, she is a compassion worker and her company, North-west , an emblem of hope. To the Dame and doyen of Nigeria's corporate arena therefore, the Ibusa Think-Tank says, " Happy Birthday " again. Zik Zulu Okafor is the MD/CEO Zulu Films Ltd. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close This Week in Review A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more. After responding to a shots fired callout at one of the local Allsups locations back in September, investigations by Plainview police officers led to the identification and arrests of multiple suspects. In early January, officers arrested recovered stolen weapons that had gone missing after a string of burglaries around town. Investigative efforts into that case led to the arrest of a suspect and cleared multiple burglaries. For these actions and more, the Plainview Police Department took time Friday night to commend several of their own for the outstanding work completed by personnel from all over the department. Police Chief Derrick Watson, who just completed his first 100 days with the department, said Friday that hes proud of the team and the work theyve done, particularly during a year like 2020. He noted challenges posed by a spike in general distrust of law enforcement and the every day challenges faced by officers simply doing their jobs while attempting to remain protected against COVID-19. What you do matters, Watson told his team. The program lasted just under an hour with recognitions of personnel who achieved new ranks, earned new certifications and it concluded with personnel of the year awards. While several of the recognized officers were unable to attend Friday, they were recognized as recipients of Certificates of Police Excellence. The award is given to officers who exemplify excellence in how they handle routine calls. Recipients include Detectives Cade Morris (one of few present), Andy Vancleave, Luis Montelongo, Captain Manuel Balderas and Cpl. Hunter Sanchez (who was not named Friday but is listed as a recipient. Montelongo, Vancleave, Morris and Bloom were all recognized with Certificates of Police Excellence for their investigative work into the shots fired call at the Allsups on 24th Street on Sept. 25. Balderas and Vancleave were recognized for their investigation that led to recovery of stolen property on Jan. 6 at the 800 block of Denver St. After serving a warrant, the officers found guns that had recently been reported stolen. Both the captain and detective were presented with Certificates of Police Excellence. Sanchez was recognized for the way he handled a disturbance call on Jan. 13 that involved a couple of juveniles. The department received calls thanking Sanchez for his professionalism and patience. Captain Balderas was recognized as supervisor of the year. The award is presented to supervisors who exemplify leadership, integrity, understanding and provide support for those they work with. He does an outstanding job for the community, he was an outstanding interim chief, Watson said of Balderas. He was a literally a legendary Plainview police department commander. Samantha Hernandez was recognized as Civilian Employee of the Year. The new award was created to acknowledge contributions of non-sworn staff like dispatchers and records personnel. Joel Martinez was recognized as Rookie of the Year. The recognition was created to acknowledge officers in their first year of service who regularly exceed standards and expectations and make efforts to improve. Detective Cade Morris was named Officer of the Year. The award is presented to officers who demonstrate exceptional levels of productivity, make efforts to improve, train and support other department members. The department also recognized four community members who could not attend with Community Service Award. On July 9, EMTs, Fire personnel and Plainview PD responded to a callout involving an individual named Thelma who fell. Neighbors Ruben Mendoza, Julie Mendoza, John Hightower and Christie Hightower came to her aid and offered comfort until emergency personnel arrived on scene. They reached out to her family, helped with her pets and locked up her home as she was transported for treatment. Other awards not mentioned during Fridays ceremony include: Sgt. Chris Hall and Cpl. Jose Flores were both awarded the Police Commendation Bar, which is given to offers for outstanding performance involving great risk to personal safety. The officers responded to a callout that involved reported gunshots at the Villa Apartments on Dec. 31 which resulted in the arrest of an armed gunman who discharged a weapon at a victim inside an apartment at the complex. Officer Carlos Rivera was awarded the Meritorious Conduct Bar for the actions he took during a callout on Dec. 21. Rivera was the first person at the scene where a man with a gun had been reported. The individual was taken into custody after a foot pursuit. A stolen firearm was found along the route of pursuit. The Meritorious Conduct Bar is awarded for heroic deed and exceptional meritorious conduct exemplifying courage, risk and danger to personal safety. Visit myplainview.com to see the full list of recognitions. AN appeal has been made for the return of a treasured locket featuring a tragic GAA hero. Carlow captain Andrew Corden was tragically killed in May 2002. Andrew (24) was driving a forklift in the town late one night, but it toppled over and caused him fatal wounds. His loving daughter Sorcha was aged only two when the tragedy occurred and has carried a picture of her dad in a gold locket in memory of him. Expand Close Sorcha and her dad Andrew / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sorcha and her dad Andrew But the student teacher unfortunately lost the locket when a chain on her neck snapped as she was on her way to college in Dublin. I had just got off at Tara Street and I was going down the road when I felt the chain slipping, said Sorcha, who lives in Kilbarrack. "So I parked myself, took off my jacket and started looking on my person and the locket part was gone. I retook my steps and went back up as far as the station and I just couldnt see it on the path. So I presumed then it fell off on the Dart. It was around my neck and he chain had snapped so it was broken in the middle. I was listening to music so I didnt hear it drop unfortunately. Sorcha, who is a student teacher in St Patricks College in Drumcondra, says the locket has no real monetary value but shed like it back for sentimental reasons. I had it at least seven or eight years. I had another one, when my dad passed I had a silver one and of course I was very young when I had that, she explains. Expand Close Sorcha Corden / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sorcha Corden It was replaced by the gold one I had. My mam put the picture in it. Her parents met when they were both quite young My mam is from Raheny and he met my dad in Kerry, she reveals. They were both on their holidays and they met at a rollerdisco. "They started going out, she was in Dublin and he was in Carlow. They were probably only together about three months when she found out he was carrying me. On the 6:56 dart @IrishRail from Kilbarrack to Tara Street today and my locket snapped without me realising. Iave had it for years and it has a lot of sentimental value as there is a photo of my late dad in there. If anyone sees it travelling today pls get in touch. pic.twitter.com/MlYqKvHNPP Sorcha Corden (@corden_sorcha) March 24, 2021 Sorcha, who has a five-year-old brother, John, from his mum Unas later relationship, has no memory of her dad. I was only aged two when he passed away, she reflects When the accident happened it really shook the community. "He was 24 when it happened and everyone was really upset. I think he had just played his last match five days prior. Even still, for his tenth anniversary of his death, the team he was on played [another] team that was around then. They still do things to commemorate his memory, which is lovely. She adds: He would have been 22 and my mam was 19 when they had me. "I was only two when he died. His whole family is there, so I go down every holiday, except for the coronavirus. I stay with my grandparents. I dont have any memories at all of his. So the locket was always a way of carrying him with me, that I always have a photo of him. Theres no monetary value, its just sentimental and something Ive carried for a long time. Anyone with info can tweet Sorcha at Corden_Sorcha A humanitarian disaster has developed in Nicaragua as the government of President Daniel Ortega crawls before corporate interests, particularly US imperialism, in its response to compounding political, economic and environmental crises. Three years after cracking down on mass protests triggered by pension cuts demanded by the IMF, leaving over 300 dead and hundreds more injured, the Sandinista Front for National Liberation (FSLN) administration has employed increasingly authoritarian means to suppress popular opposition to its herd immunity policy toward the COVID-19 pandemic. Town of Haulover after Hurricanes Eta and Iota (Twitter @MisticaRevoluc1) Most pressingly, four months after two major hurricanes devastated much of the impoverished northern Caribbean region of Nicaragua, hundreds of thousands remain deprived of basic necessities. About half a million people in the northern Caribbean coastal region remain without running water, according to UNICEF, and are relying on rainwater for consumption and sanitation as the dry season begins. The agency adds that 1.8 million people are still in need of humanitarian aid, including 720,000 children. The predominantly Miskito indigenous communities in the Caribbean region have been struggling for months with limited food, power and no water, while they struggle to reconstruct their homes from fallen trees. An Onda Local report published last week found that the government aid has been limited to insufficient zinc sheets, nails and kitchenware, while residents demand wood, water, food and clothes. Moreover, relocations of entire towns and solid infrastructure for homes, roads, bridges, public buildings, water treatment and power are urgently needed as experts warn of a further intensification of storms due to global warming. At Haulover, which had more than 1,000 inhabitants, the economy was based on receiving tourists attracted to its beaches, now turned into a mosquito-ridden wasteland. At Wauhta Bar, which depends on agriculture, a woman explained: We do several kinds of jobs here, our own businesses. Before the hurricane, we raised animals, sold fish. But we are now entirely paralyzed. Families have no money to invest in grains, animals or boats, the report adds. Children sit outside destroyed home in Bilwi, Nicaragua, November 5, 2020 ( UNICEF, Tadeo Gomez) The United Nations World Food Program estimated that the population going hungry multiplied by four in the last two years in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, with 1.7 million suffering an emergency level of food insecurity. Food scarcity is particularly critical along the Pacific region, which has been dubbed The Central American Dry Corridor after years of severe droughts. Meanwhile, the coronavirus continues to spread unhindered. The Health Ministry has reported a total of 6,582 coronavirus cases and 176 deathsthe lowest official death toll per million in the Americas, except for Haiti. However, the Ortega administration never implemented a shutdown of schools or nonessential activities, and these figures are a gross undercount. Reports of overwhelmed hospitals and nightly burials as early as May 2020 were followed by a wave of firings of outspoken health care workers. The COVID-19 Citizens Observatory, composed of public health care workers and officials who compile figures on suspected COVID-19 cases and deaths based on symptoms, has reported a total of 13,728 suspected cases and 3,009 deaths as of March 17, including 117 fatalities among health care workers. The report cites seven new deaths in the previous week and warns specifically of growing outbreaks among students and teachers. A multidisciplinary scientific committee, also created by health care specialists during the pandemic, found that just between March and August, according to government data, the country saw 7,772 excess deaths. The vaccination program began on March 2 on patients with chronic comorbidities, against the World Health Organization recommendation to begin with health care personnel. The country has received 135,000 doses from the UN-led COVAX Program and 6,000 doses donated by Russia. Baseball game in Bilwi, March 21, 2021. Photo by the Regional Autonomous Government of the Northern Caribbean, promoting mass gatherings under the caption 'families enjoy games in peace and love.'. The Sandinista officials have boasted that the country saw a 9.5 percent increase in exports during 2020, presumably the only country in the world with such a jump. The chair of the Economics Commission in Parliament, Walmaro Gutierrez, exclaimed on television: The reality, the facts, the results have demonstrated that the decision to not close the economy was the most correct. But while major textile and agricultural transnationals continue pumping profits from Nicaraguas poorly paid workers, commerce and other sectors were gravely hit given that most Nicaraguans have sought to limit their own exposure to the virus. About 21,000 formal jobs affiliated to the social security system were lost in 2020 and many more were lost in the informal sector, which comprises 75 percent of the workforce. The business consulting firm Copades, which has previously hailed Ortegas policies, estimated that about 30 percent of the economically active population did not generate any income in 2020, and denounced the government for not providing any aid whatsoever to workers or small businesses. The UN Economic Commission for Latin America forecasts that the percentage of individuals under the poverty threshold will increase from 46 percent to 50.7 percent due to the 2020 crises. Since the mass protests and repression of 2018, 88,000 Nicaraguans have requested political asylum in Costa Rica, where over 300,000 Nicaraguans live. The super-exploited Nicaraguan migrants represented at one point one-third of all infections in Costa Rica, even as the percentage with jobs fell from 93 percent to 59 percent in 2020, according to the UN. While tax revenues remained relatively stable, the FSLN administration requested $1.67 billion in loans in 2019-2020. This includes at least $185 million from the IMF, approved last November. This is politically significant given the absolute rejection of Venezuelas request for an emergency loan. The IMF has expressed great confidence in Nicaraguas ability to pay back its loans, even after three consecutive years of recession. A widening of the budget deficit this year to preserve public health and contain the economic impact of the pandemic is appropriate, the IMF announcement reads. It adds: The authorities are committed to safeguard medium-term debt sustainability and rebuild buffers once the pandemic abates, including structural reforms. These are the usual euphemisms for deep social cuts. Behind this assurance lies the willingness of the Ortega regime to brutally suppress opposition in the working class against austerity and to sacrifice countless lives for corporate profits during the pandemic. A constitutional reform approved in January will punish open-ended hate crimes with life sentences, while 13 of the participants during the 2018 protests remain behind bars. Nicaragua is the only Central American country that didnt record a public deficit for 2019, after its social spending fell 3.3 percent. Social spending per capita fell from $207 to $190, making it next to Honduras the lowest in the Americas, compared to over $2,500 in Chile and Uruguay. Beyond its pro-investor policies, the most important step in winning the favor of US imperialism has been the abandonment of the project to build a transoceanic canal with a Chinese firm, which disappeared from public discussion after the 2018 protests. Under Ortega, Nicaragua has also participated in the yearly Panamax military exercises sponsored by the United States on the pretext of protecting the Panama Canal. This rapprochement with Washington has been reciprocated through IMF loans, a symbolic amount of USAID assistance after the hurricanes, and a regime of sanctions on officials and public institutions that has remained far less onerous than those destroying the economies of Iran and Venezuela. The thuggish threats by Washington have continued, however, to keep the Ortega regime aligned with US imperialism as Washington escalates its great power confrontation with China and Russia. Bidens State Department accused Ortega of pushing Nicaragua toward dictatorship, while the US Southern Command chief, Adm. Craig Faller, named Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua as malign regional state actors. Faller claimed Russia is employing security and humanitarian assistance in a strategy to subjugate the Nicaraguan government and counter U.S. regional goals, while significantly not mentioning China. Moreover, in 2020, the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED) disbursed $1.57 million for its programs in Nicaragua, which are used to finance anti-Ortega media, political parties and protest groups. This brings the total spent by the NED in Nicaragua to $6 million in the past five years. Nonetheless, these US-sponsored organizations, including politicians and student leaders who physically reported to the US State Department, played a key role in channeling mass demonstrations behind futile talks with the Ortega administration throughout 2018. On Monday, Biden named Ricardo Zuniga, former director for Western Hemisphere Affairs in Obamas National Security Council, as his special envoy to the Northern Triangle of Central America. During a recent discussion hosted by the Inter-American Dialogue, he joined several think-tank pundits and former Central American presidents in appealing to Biden to include Nicaragua in its $4 billion plan for the Northern Triangle, with Zuniga stating Nicaragua should be part of everything. At the Inter-American Dialogue forum, Cristiana Chamorro, likely presidential candidate and daughter of the former US-backed president Violeta Barrios, called the Ortega regime a threat for the security of the American continent, only to appeal immediately to the Biden administration to negotiate with Ortega and understand what Ortega needs in this moment, and to eventually begin deep negotiations to restore democracy. The US-backed opposition parties, which remain overwhelmingly unpopular according to polls, have denounced police harassment and efforts to disrupt their campaigns ahead of the November 2021 presidential elections. However, while they remain deeply divided, they have insisted on participating in the elections and pursuing a common ticket. The right-wing policies and widespread poverty overseen by the FSLN, which first came to power during the 1979 Revolution as one of the most radical petty-bourgeois nationalist movements in the hemisphere, stand as proof of the dead end represented by all pro-capitalist nationalist tendencies, long promoted as alternatives to the fight for a genuinely Marxist leadership in the working class. Singapore: Of all the tales of brutality and heartache emanating out of Myanmar over the past seven weeks, few could be more shocking than that of Ma Khin Myo Chit. Only seven years old, she was reportedly killed during a raid by security forces on her familys home in Mandalay, the countrys second largest city, on Tuesday night. More than 270 people have died during a murderous crackdown by the new military regime since it took power in a coup on February 1. Among them there have been many children given young people are at the centre of the pro-democracy uprising. Ma (Miss) Khin Myo Chit, however, is the youngest. Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 24.03.21: The Armenian parliament on Wednesday lifted the martial law that was declared in Armenia on September 27, 2020. The draft was proposed by the opposition Bright Armenia and Prosperous Armenia factions. Earlier on Tuesday, parliament speaker Ararat Mirzoyan had called to vote for this draft. Martial law and a general mobilization were declared in Armenia on September 27, 2020, the first day of Azerbaijan's military operations against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has held a number of meetings amid the ongoing internal political crisis in Armenia and following the announcement on scheduling snap parliament elections in June. The president met Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan on Tuesday. The two attached importance to the implementation of necessary actions to organize free and fair elections, including improvement of the Constitution and the legislation. Later, the president also met Wednesday the leader of the opposition Bright Armenia party Edmon Marukyan. The parties also touched upon the holding of snap parliamentary elections. Marukyan noted that his parliamentary faction attaches importance to the observance of the agreements that have already been reached in regard to the holding of the elections under the current legislation. Armenia opposition movement has announced a new wave of political protests. "For a long time now, the Homeland Salvation Movement has been fighting against the government that has led the country to disaster," the statement noted. The movement has decided particularly to start a new wave of political actions engaging the population of the provinces. A respective nationwide rally is called, on March 28 to present the further activities of the movement. By the way, the movement has already opened the streets in downtown Yerevan that were closed while their demanding the PM's resignation. US President Joe Biden is reportedly going to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The Turkish studies expert Ruben Safrastyan noted the US policy is changing considerably with Bidens coming to power. "We are becoming witnesses to a change in US strategy on a global scale," he added. American political scientist Ian Bremmer has also recently tweeted that the US would officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. The Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy has called on for the protection of Armenian Christian monuments in Karabakh According to the statement, 'the modern civilization understands and respects the enormous historical and spiritual value of monuments, through which a fruitful dialogue takes place with the historical past and the high conceptions of the human spirit, a necessary element for further thinking and deepening our common values.' "In addition, appropriate respect for every religious monument and sacred place of worship contributes to mutual understanding and mutual respect between religious communities and ultimately contributes to peaceful coexistence," Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy noted. The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths is continuing to grow in Armenia. As of Wednesday morning, 801 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Armenia, and the total number of these cases has reached 185,020. Also, 14 more deaths from COVID-19 were registered, making the death toll 3,398. The number of people who have recovered is 169,485. European Union foreign ministers agreed on March 22 to impose sanctions on four Chinese individuals and one entity over alleged human rights abuses against China's Uygur minority in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which are the latest sanctions against China since an arms embargo about three decades ago. Though this decision will hardly impact China's economy, it reflects how serious the threat of the Western world's hybrid warfare against China is and underscores why China imposed heavier measures in return. To be clear, the threat posed by countries buying into dubious claims about "human rights abuses" is that it implies that "somebody" has to do "something," which has historically been a stand-in for Western countries to invade other countries, those in the Global South, on humanitarian pretenses. On March 19, the 10th anniversary of the NATO-led invasion of Libya, it was revealed that secret negotiations took place that would have seen a peaceful transition of power in the country. Speaking to The Independent, former Norwegian foreign minister Jonas Store said that then-Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and NATO-backed opposition forces agreed to a deal, with the help of his office, that would have seen Gaddafi exit power peacefully if state institutions were kept in place. The deal was rejected, according to Store, because of pressure from the UK and France. Of course then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron and then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy both deny this account, but if true and there is no reason to doubt Store's account these countries had apparently sought regime change at all costs, which has resulted, even still after 10 years, in Libya being a failed state. Once one of Africa's most thriving countries, Libya is now a terrorist incubator and slave trade destination because of NATO's recklessness, which was spearheaded by EU member states. It shatters any idea that NATO intervened in Libya to save civilian lives or even to simply remove Gaddafi. It was clearly about destroying Libya the entire system that posed "a threat" to Western imperialism by daring to pursue independent development. We might even recall another important date in March. March 20, which is the anniversary of the invasion of Iraq. On the false pretense that then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein had "weapons of mass destruction," the U.S. pushed for regime change in Iraq, which of course turned out to be a total fabrication. In fact, the U.S. and UK media ran countless fabrications to drum up war with Iraq. For example, there was a story about Saddam Hussein's "human-shredding machine," a plastic shredder or wood chipper (it varied depending on the article) that he would use to chop up his political opponents and, according to a story in the The Times titled "See men shredded, then say you don't back war," use their remains as fish food. These kinds of allegations were never seriously corroborated, but they did manage to successfully shift public opinion in favor of war in many countries, including many countries in the EU. As any person can admit, the Iraq War was a complete and utter disaster. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people died, millions have been displaced and the war itself only managed to destabilize the Middle East even further and entrench anti-Western sentiments. Despite the mountain of evidence that both of these wars were complete disasters, and it was obvious at the time that they would be, those who criticized the official narrative were painted as unpatriotic or, worse, supporting violence against innocent people. And today this is basically the same treatment that people in Western countries face when they question alleged "human rights abuses" claims coming out in the Western media in regards to China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is because there is no actual basis to these claims, especially when you start to research them more in-depth and ditch the ideological blinders of Western media. Instead, these bad actors rely on the fact that Westerners are already primed to see China with skepticism to spread egregious disinformation, thus creating "common knowledge" about China's alleged abuses that cannot be questioned since doing so would be conspiratorial even though the allegations themselves are ridiculous and conspiratorial. By sanctioning China over these allegations, which they are free to investigate themselves at any time but choose not to, EU foreign ministers are perpetuating this "common knowledge." Such common knowledge, however, has quite literally cost millions of people their homes, aspirations, even their lives, in the recent past. That's why China is responding so heavily, because pushing narratives like this are extremely provocative. Make no mistake, "Xinjiang internment camps" are the new "weapons of mass destruction." Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Today, IBM (NYSE: IBM ) Security announced new and enhanced services designed to help organizations manage their cloud security strategy, policies and controls across hybrid cloud environments. The services bring together cloud-native, IBM and third-party technologies along with IBM expertise to help organizations create a unified security approach across their cloud ecosystems. Organizations today are leveraging a mix of cloud and on-premises resources to achieve a balance of agility, security and cost savings for their business. While the flexibility of hybrid cloud can offer many benefits, many companies are challenged to maintain visibility and effectively manage the breadth of security controls across this dispersed IT environment. Cloud misconfigurations were a leading cause of data breaches according to the 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report,1 accounting for nearly 1 in 5 data breaches studied. Available today, the expanded suite of IBM Security Services for Cloud is designed to help companies adopt a consistent security strategy across their hybrid cloud environments supported by IBM specialists with expertise to manage native security controls across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, IBM Cloud and Microsoft Azure, amongst others. IBM's services can help companies assess current cloud security posture, as well as build and manage access, policies and technical controls to safeguard new and existing cloud resources. The services leverage AI and automation to help identify and prioritize risks, respond to potential threats across an organization's cloud environments, and connect that data with their broader security operations and on-premises systems. "Cloud security can appear daunting, with defenders facing an expansive attack surface, shared responsibility models and rapidly evolving cloud platforms and tools," said Vikram Chhabra, Global Director, Offering Management and Strategy, IBM Security Services. "We cannot assume that legacy approaches for security will work in this new operating model instead, security should be modernized specifically for the hybrid cloud era, with a strategy based on zero trust principles that bring together context, collaboration and visibility across any cloud environment." Combining Technology and Expertise to Simplify Cloud Security IBM Security Services for Cloud offer an open, automated approach to help simplify hybrid cloud security bringing together cloud-agnostic security expertise together with an integrated set of cloud, proprietary and third-party technology solutions. The services can support clients in any stage of their cloud security journey; from advising organizations on how to move data, users and workloads to the cloud, to providing continual risk monitoring and threat management of their existing hybrid cloud architecture. The new and enhanced services include: Cloud Native Security Services: New advisory and managed security services that can provide centralized visibility, management and monitoring of native security controls across all cloud environments helping reduce the risk of cloud misconfigurations, while providing insights into potential risks and threats. IBM specialists can help design and implement security practices for cloud-native controls based on specific business and regulatory requirements, and provide ongoing monitoring and reporting on how configurations are being optimized across the company. New advisory and managed security services that can provide centralized visibility, management and monitoring of native security controls across all cloud environments helping reduce the risk of cloud misconfigurations, while providing insights into potential risks and threats. IBM specialists can help design and implement security practices for cloud-native controls based on specific business and regulatory requirements, and provide ongoing monitoring and reporting on how configurations are being optimized across the company. Cloud Security Posture Management: New advisory and managed security services can help clients design and implement a cloud security posture management solution (CSPM) to address governance and compliance across cloud service providers. These new services can offer a single solution for compliance and governance policy framework design, CSPM system integration and managed services providing actionable recommendations and automation to help address compliance-related issues, as well ongoing monitoring and remediation activities. New advisory and managed security services can help clients design and implement a cloud security posture management solution (CSPM) to address governance and compliance across cloud service providers. These new services can offer a single solution for compliance and governance policy framework design, CSPM system integration and managed services providing actionable recommendations and automation to help address compliance-related issues, as well ongoing monitoring and remediation activities. Container Security: Security services for clients' container environments, from consulting and systems integration to threat management, vulnerability management and managed security services for the full container lifecycle. This newly enhanced service includes: Security services for clients' container environments, from consulting and systems integration to threat management, vulnerability management and managed security services for the full container lifecycle. This newly enhanced service includes: IBM consultants can assess existing container environments, analyze DevSecOps processes, review application design and solution requirements, and help clients build a roadmap for future deployments. IBM Managed Security Services can provide centralized visibility, management, and monitoring of containers through a single dashboard across images, registries, orchestrators and cloud service providers. Integration with IBM Security X-Force Red vulnerability management can help identify, analyze and rank thousands of container-related vulnerabilities within client environments in order to prioritize remediation. Cloud Security Strategy: Enhanced advisory services for hybrid, multi-cloud security assessment and strategy, based on industry frameworks such as CSA Cloud Controls Matrix (CCM). The services can now help organizations assess the security posture of cloud workloads and services, including recommendations to address risks. Using proprietary techniques, the services can deliver a customized strategy and security maturity roadmap tailored to specific client business and regulatory needs. These services build on IBM's existing capabilities and expertise to support clients' cloud security journeys. IBM X-Force Threat Management Services can help clients manage the lifecycle of security threats across detection, investigation and response. IBM also offers security services for Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB,) which helps organizations protect cloud environments through an integrated approach in planning and implementing a CASB solution. For information about IBM Security Services for Cloud, visit: www.ibm.com/security/services/cloud-security-services Additional Resources: The IBM Security Services Cloud Assessment tool can help organizations measure their cloud security maturity and quantify risk. IBM will host a webinar on April 1 to review strategic and operational considerations for cloud security. About IBM Security IBM Security offers one of the most advanced and integrated portfolios of enterprise security products and services. The portfolio, supported by world-renowned IBM Security X-Force research, enables organizations to effectively manage risk and defend against emerging threats. IBM operates one of the world's broadest security research, development and delivery organizations, monitors 150 billion+ security events per day in more than 130 countries, and has been granted more than 10,000 security patents worldwide. For more information, please check www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog. Media Contact: Cassy Lalan IBM Security Media Relations [email protected] 319-230-2232 (m) 1 Benchmark study of 524 companies who experienced a data breach, conducted by Ponemon Institute and sponsored, analyzed and reported by IBM Security SOURCE IBM Related Links www.ibm.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 00:01:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visits a construction site along the Iverak-Lajkovac expressway near the town of Klanica, Serbia on March 23, 2021. The Chinese company which is in charge of building an expressway in western Serbia might finish the project ahead of time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday while touring the construction site near the town of Klanica, highlighting the benefits it will bring to local communities. Vucic, who visited the site of the Iverak-Lajkovac expressway together with Chinese Ambassador Chen Bo, noted that the project is progressing steadily thanks to the efforts of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group and its Serbian partners. (Photo by Wang Wei/Xinhua) BELGRADE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese company which is in charge of building an expressway in western Serbia might finish the project ahead of time, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday while touring the construction site near the town of Klanica, highlighting the benefits it will bring to local communities. Vucic, who visited the site of the Iverak-Lajkovac expressway together with Chinese Ambassador Chen Bo, noted that the project is progressing steadily thanks to the efforts of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group and its Serbian partners. Construction on the 18.3-km road which is worth 158 million euros (177 million U.S. dollars) started in June 2020, and once completed, it will connect the upcoming Belgrade-South Adriatic highway with parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the West and the Corridor 10 to the east, putting the city of Valjevo in the focus of Serbia's development plans. According to a press release of the President's office, Vucic stressed the importance of the new road for the "development, life and future" of the city of Valjevo, and expressed the hope that the Chinese contractors could finish it before December 2022, although the contract stipulates that the entire project needs to be completed before December 2023. "Everything that has not been done in Valjevo for decades, will be done in the next two to three years. It is a completely new standard of living," he said, announcing other infrastructure projects in the city of Valjevo. Noting that infrastructure is one of the most important areas of cooperation between China and Serbia, the Chinese ambassador expressed confidence that the results in that area will be even better. "We have all heard that the project will be completed before the agreed deadline," Chen said, adding that Chinese companies can share their experience and technology with their Serbian partners and contribute to Serbia's economic development. "I am convinced that we will achieve more results in that area," she added. Enditem New Delhi: The Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Wednesday (March 24, 2021) said that faith is what made the fourth edition of the WION Global Summit possible in spite of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Expressing his satisfaction at WION having been able to hold the summit this year, he outlined the growth achieved by the channel in the year and said, "WION's rise has coincided with India's rise." "We had to keep the date with you," he said as he welcomed participants to the fourth edition of WION's Global summit in Dubai. #WIONGlobalSummit is now LIVE! Watch the Welcome Address by our Editor-In-Chief @sudhirchaudhary. Session 1 to begin shortly. pic.twitter.com/HjHp0ldzz6 WION (@WIONews) March 24, 2021 The Zee News and WION Editor-in-Chief also recalled that he stood at the same venue a year ago just before the entire world went into the grip of the pandemic. He added that WION was among the top five channels in the world in terms of reach. He mentioned India's commendable efforts to fight the pandemic, from Vande Bharat mission to 'Vaccine Maitri', the initiative through which India provided coronavirus vaccines to other countries. This is the first time when WION's Global Summit is being held in a hybrid manner, with speakers from 15 countries joining in physically or virtually, he said. "I promise to make WION emerge as one of the most influential platforms in the world to spread not just the news, but the values of friendship and peace," he said as he signed off. A United States health agency said Tuesday that drug-maker AstraZeneca might have included outdated information on its latest U.S. vaccine test. The action again raised questions about the approval of the companys COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. The unusual statement was released by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) early on Tuesday. The health agency said independent experts expressed concern that AstraZeneca might have included outdated information from that trial, which may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data. Earlier on Monday, the British-Swiss drug maker announced that its vaccine was 79 percent effective against COVID-19. The company added its shot was 100 percent effective against severe disease and hospitalization. Following the U.S. health agencys statement, AstraZeneca said Tuesday that those numbers included information from its U.S. drug trial up to February 17. The company said it will provide an update within 48 hours to the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). The safety board is a committee of independent scientists organized by the NIAID to study drug trials and their safety in the U.S. The NIAID is headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci who was recently named chief medical advisor by U.S. President Joe Biden. Fauci told Statnews, We felt we could not remain silent. He added: In my mind, its an unforced error by the company. Dr. Paul Hunter is a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia. He told the Associated Press, I doubt it was (U.S. officials) intention to deliberately undermine trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine. Hunter added, But this will likely cause more vaccine hesitancy. Trouble from the start Early in the pandemic, the AstraZeneca vaccine, developed with Britains University of Oxford, was considered a leading candidate against the coronavirus. It costs much less than other vaccines. It also does not require extreme cold storage, making it easier to use in countries with limited resources. Volunteers in the early study from Britain, Brazil and South Africa produced antibodies to protect against the virus with no serious side effects. The company then expanded the drug trials to the United States. It also signed agreements to provide the vaccine at cost to nations around the world, including the United Nations COVAX program, to help poor countries. Last year, the company temporarily suspended the trials in September after a volunteer in Britain developed inflammation in her spine. It was later found to be unrelated to the vaccine but led to a long delay in the United States. In November, AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford reported unclear results from two different vaccine treatments in the British drug trial. Some volunteers received a half dose and some received a full dose. AstraZeneca later reported that it was a result of manufacturing problems. The action left many to question whether the shot was safe and effective. John Moore is a professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. He told Reuters at the time, When you get corporate and academic scientists saying different things, it doesnt give you the impression of confidence in what theyre doing. Last week, more than 12 countries, mostly in Europe, stopped using the vaccine after reports it was linked to blood system blockages, known as blood clots. On Thursday, the European Medicines Agency said its investigation found the vaccine did not raise the risk of blood clots, other than very rare cases. AstraZeneca said Monday it would provide information to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the coming weeks to apply for emergency use permission. Jimmy Whitworth is a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He told the Associated Press, If the U.S. regulator looks at this data and authorizes AstraZeneca, that will carry a lot of weight. Im Jonathan Evans. Hai Do wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story efficacy n. the power to produce the desired result or effect intention n. the thing that you plan to do; the goal or aim of some action deliberately adv. done in a way that is meant or planned hesitancy n. slow to act or speak especially because of being unsure inflammation n. a condition when part of the body becomes red, bigger and more sensitive dose n. the amount of a medicine or vaccine that is taken at one time impression n. the effect or influence that something or someone has on a persons thoughts or feelings confidence n. a feeling of being sure that something is true or will happen in an expected way authorize v. to give legal or official approval We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. The central province of Ha Tinh is looking to reduce its growth reliance on Taiwanese steelmaker Formosa, focusing instead on other sectors like tourism. Although the province has been one of the decade's top 10 localities in terms growth speed, authorities said at a meeting Tuesday that a lot of its growth revolved around rising investments by Formosa, a steel producer that entered the province in 2008. The Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, said that there were high risks involved in such dependence. Thus, the province should identify other economic spearheads and promote them. The province is planning to to focus on energy, agriculture, seafood, logistics, tourism and other sectors in the coming decade. It targets a 2.6-fold increase in its per capita GRDP to nearly $7,000 by 2030. Several challenges faced by the province were mentioned at the meeting, including inconvenient location of its ports, weak infrastructure and a shortage of skilled labor. Ha Tinh posted an annual GRDP growth of 11.5 percent in the 2011-2019 period, compared to the countrys 6.5 percent. In 2016, Formosa was caught spilling toxic waste that polluted more than 200 kilometers of coastline, devastating sea life and local communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Its plant in the province is capable of producing 5-7 million tonnes of steel a year and has created jobs for thousands of locals. It also contributes trillions of Vietnamese dong (VND1 trillion = $43.3 million) to the states coffers annually. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. LG Electronics on Tuesday said it has joined forces with two other partners to develop next-generation 6G network technology. LG signed a partnership with Keysight Technologies, a US-based electronics test and measurement firm, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST), South Korea's leading research university. Under the agreement, the three sides will cooperate in developing technologies related to terahertz, a key frequency band for 6G communications. They target to complete 6G research by 2024, reports Yonhap news agency. LG said the 6G network is expected to be commercialised in 2029. The company said 6G will provide faster data speed, lower latency and higher reliability than 5G, and will be able to bring the concept of Ambient Internet of Everything (AIoE), which provides enhanced connected experience to users. LG established a 6G research centre with KAIST in 2019 and signed an agreement with the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science last year to study 6G technologies. Keysight Technologies is a major supplier of 6G terahertz test equipment. It has been providing equipment to LG and KAIST's 6G research centre. Being named a Leader in the Forrester Wave evaluation validates what our customers have been saying." - Mike Valentine, Binary Defense CEO Binary Defense, a managed cybersecurity services provider and software developer, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave evaluation, Managed Detection & Response, Q1 2021. Forrester is an independent research firm providing global leaders in business and technology an unbiased evaluation of the market based on vendors current offerings, strategies, and market presence. Binary Defense received the highest scores possible in the categories of Managed Detection, Product Vision, Vision and Milestones, MITRE ATT&CK, Threat Intelligence and Threat Hunting. Forrester stated that for Binary Defense, collaboration and partnership stand out as key elements behind its service delivery to ensure that security practitioners have what they need to detect, investigate, and response to security incidents. Forrester also noted additional areas of strength for Binary Defense include rapid detection of innovative threat actor techniques and the skills of service delivery personnel when assisting clients. Being named a Leader in the Forrester Wave evaluation validates what our customers have been saying, said Mike Valentine, Binary Defense Chief Executive Officer. Our Security Operations Center (SOC) is staffed with top talent, and we have been able to make an impact with our customers by serving as an extension of their team with 24/7 monitoring and protection. Forrester noted, Binary Defenses emphasis on cybersecurity research leads to sophisticated threat hunting capabilities. Randy Pargman, Vice President of Threat Hunting and Counterintelligence (CI) said, Its an honor to be acknowledged by Forrester as a thought leader in the industry. We are thrilled that we earned the highest scores possible in the categories we excel in. A unique benefit to our clients is that our MDR software is constantly updated with new detections based on threat intelligence from our globally-deployed threat intelligence technology which is collected by our CI team, and through research by our Threat Hunting team. Our intelligence analysts monitor the Dark Web and criminal forums to identify new threats, anticipate attacks and learn the latest hacker techniques, while our threat hunters reverse engineer malware and infiltrate botnets. Our MDR software evolves just as quickly as the threat landscape, so that we can outpace threat actors and their tradecraft. Security buyers looking for a rapidly growing MDR focused provider with a clear emphasis on security research and threat detection should evaluate Binary Defense, Forrester noted in the report. In addition to the Forrester Wave, Binary Defense is listed in the top 30% of the Inc 5000 Americas Fastest Growing Private Companies, the Cleveland Plain Dealer Top Workplaces and winner of the Greater Cleveland Partnership Tech Company of the Year and Best Tech Services Awards. Visit BinaryDefense.com/Forrester-Wave to learn more. About Binary Defense Binary Defense is a managed security services provider and software developer with leading cybersecurity solutions that include SOC-as-a-Service, Managed Detection & Response, Security Information & Event Management, Threat Hunting and Counterintelligence. With their human-driven, technology-assisted approach, Binary Defense is able to provide their clients with immediate protection and visibility, combating and stopping the next generation of attacks that their business faces. The company is headquartered in Stow, Ohio at 600 Alpha Parkway. For more information, please contact David White at David.White@binarydefense.com. Members of the media may contact press@forrester.com to request copies of the report. Pakistan Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi and India's EAM S. Jaishankar are likely to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the 'Heart of Asia' conference in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. the meeting is likely to take place on March 30 Pakistan Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi and Indias EAM S. Jaishankar are likely to hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia Conference which is going to be held in Dushanbe, the capital city of Tajikistan. The conference is a part of the Istanbul process- a regional initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan which was launched on 2nd November 2011. As per reports, Pakistan has informed India through diplomatic channels that Mahmood Qureshi is keen to meet EAM Jaishankar as relations between the two nations are getting cold and showing initial signs of a thaw. Both the ministers are likely to discuss the issue of reinstatement of envoys in India and Pakistan at the earliest, the reports stated. The meeting is scheduled to take place on March 30, the development comes from Pakistans side by their Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief of Pakistan, Qamar Javed Bajwa. While speaking at the Islamabad security dialogue on Thursday, the Pakistan chief of Army stated that the country feels that its time to bury the past and move forward as the peace talks between the two neighbours would help to unlock the potential of Central and South Asia PM Imran Khan also talked about the regional trade and stated that it can only prosper of India takes the first step. Also Read:https://www.newsx.com/national/centre-targets-global-leaders-to-set-up-semiconductor-fabrication-plants-in-india.html Earlier this week, Indias foreign minister Harsh Singhlaalso talked about the neighbourly ties with Pakistan stating that India desires good neighbourly relations with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if there are any, bilaterally and peacefully. Also Read: ISRO makes breakthrough demonstration of Indias first free-space quantum communication over 300 metres When the country came to a near standstill a year ago, most houses of worship closed their doors and turned to online services to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. This year, with cases plummeting and vaccinations on the rise, religious leaders across the nation appear to be divided on how to handle in-person gatherings at upcoming major religious holidays. Several Christian clergy members said they had hoped to host more people in person by Easter, generally considered the most important day in the Christian calendar, but because of public health restrictions, many will not be able to pack sanctuaries. For instance, St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington D.C. normally would host up to 1,200 people per Mass on Easter but instead will hold 150 people with reservations during each of seven Masses this year. With major holidays including Passover and Ramadan approaching, some religious leaders are itching to open the doors to more congregants in coming weeks, while others are urging caution until the warmer months, when coronavirus case numbers are expected to be even lower. Across the spectrum, clergy members all appear to agree on one thing: Hope is on the horizon. "Easter is about life," said the Rev. Ronald Jameson, the rector of St. Matthew's. "It's about going from darkness to light. That's exactly where we're at this moment. We have the vaccine; people are feeling a little more comfortable." While fewer than half of Christians who previously attended church regularly have done so in the past month, more than 6 in 10 Christians who normally attend Easter services plan to do so this year, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center. There are significant religious and racial differences among those who plan to attend Easter services this year. According to Pew, 52% of evangelical Protestants plan to attend, compared with 27% of mainline Protestants and 31% of those in historically Black Protestant churches. As houses of worship return to physical gatherings, many leaders are planning to maintain virtual streaming, said Jamie Aten, the executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College in Illinois. And churches that once packed in audiences might need to shift their strategies. Megachurches were once seen as a gold standard of success by some, he said, but churches will be looking for ways to foster community spirit in smaller settings. "On a psychological level, we're definitely seeing a turning point coming around Easter," Aten said. Overall, fewer typical worship attendees say their congregations are closed for in-person services than last summer (a drop from 31% to 17%), with most saying their congregations are open with some restrictions. Just 12 percent say their churches are open as normal, according to Pew. The Biden administration, he said, has been communicating in much more detail with faith leaders with updates from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, especially on how to help people get vaccinated. "The previous administration was more like a PR, this is why you should vote for us," he said of emails from then-President Donald Trump's staffers. "Most communication was about this is what the previous administration was doing in terms on religious protections, little on how faith communities could help." Ahead of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer during which Muslims typically gather to break their fast and pray together after sundown, mosque leaders are debating how to hold gatherings. Nihad Awad, the national director of Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, said that about 150 Muslim leaders, physicians, scholars and activists across the country have been communicating over a WhatsApp chain about their plans but that most leaders are following local public health guidance. Awad said he was last in a mosque on March 15, 2020. People will sometimes invite him to have a meal with them after mosque prayers, he said, but he always declines. "The virus [spread] just takes one time where you're not careful," he said. "I say, just be patient." Washington's Adas Israel Congregation, one of the largest and oldest Conservative Jewish movement synagogues in the region, will hold a Passover Seder online because people won't be able to eat with masks on in a congregant setting. But its leaders hope to have more in-person gatherings in the parking lot as the weather warms but even as some are worried about cicadas, which are expected to emerge in prodigious numbers later this spring in the Washington area. "Can you imagine coming out of this, there's hope for being able to see each other, and the first thing that happens is an infestation?" said Aaron Alexander, a co-senior rabbi of Adas Israel in Northwest Washington. "If that's not a Passover story, I don't know what is." Before the pandemic, shabbat services at the synagogue would draw nearly 1,000 people, but leaders are allowing 50 people right now, guided by recommendations from its own task force. During Purim, nearly 800 people came to the parking lot in shifts, so the synagogue's rabbis are hopeful the warmer weather will allow for larger gatherings. "We will deal with the cicadas," said Rabbi Lauren Holtzblatt, Adas's co-senior rabbi. "We'll wear hazmat suits or something." - - - The Washington Post's Scott Clement contributed to this report. The Railway Board has given its approval to redesign its headquarters based on the "aesthetics" of the Central Vista project, even as the fate of the Rail Bhawan in Lutyens Delhi remains unclear as plans for the Rs 20,000-crore redevelopment drive are yet to be finalised.Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri informed Rajya Sabha last week that it has not finalised the number of buildings to be remodelled or demolished under its ambitious Central Visa redevelopment project. The Centre's redevelopment plan envisages a new triangular Parliament building, a common central secretariat and revamping of the three-km-long Rajpath from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate. The approval from the Railway Board to its infrastructure arm, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), for the revamping, renovation and modernisation of the Rail Bhawan building so as to provide spacious, well-ventilated and clutter-free working ambience was sent on March 22. In a letter, the board has provided options for the building and asked the RVNL to come up with two different plans for renovation of the Rail Bhawan -- one with cost estimate and timelines for renovation in a phased manner while the office is in working mode and another with cost estimate and timelines for complete renovation in one go with an alternative arrangement for Rail Bhawan office till such time of renovation. In another option, the board has also asked the RVNL to explore options of moving the building elsewhere. "RVNL may also study and submit a plan with cost and time required for construction of new building for Rail Bhawan duly identifying the suitable location out of the land bank available with NR (northern railway) or with the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. While developing the above plans, overall aesthetics of the upcoming Central Vista Project may be kept in view," the letter, a copy of which is with PTI, stated. When contacted, Rail officials confirmed that such an approval has been given and said that the renovations were to ensure that the Rail Bhavan was in line with the design of the Central Vista plans. "This is at a nascent stage only to hire a consultant," an official said. On September 2, the Central Public Works Department under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs released a tender calling for proposals for "Development/Redevelopment of Parliament Building, Common Central Secretariat and Central Vista". The tender is not specific about the structures that could possibly be demolished. However, Rail Bhavan finds mention in the tender under the section of Common Secretariat, where different ministries will be housed. The tender stated that these buildings have shortage of working spaces, parking, amenities and services. "The spread of central government ministries and departments in different locations leads to inefficiencies and difficulty in coordination," it mentioned, explaining the concept of a common secretariat. The plan of the Central Vista project involves having a new Parliament building in place by India's 75th Independence Day in 2022, while the entire project, which includes constructing 11 administrative buildings to house all the government ministries, is slated to be finished by 2024. Tata Projects Limited was tasked with the construction of the new Parliament complex on September 29, 2020. Also Read: After just 38% sale in telecom auctions, 5G spectrum prices likely to be reduced Also Read: Hiring activity picks up pace; IT sector leads the pack Also Read: A year after crash- Investor wealth doubles press release The Department of Basic Education has successfully implemented the Presidential Youth Employment Stimulus which commenced in December 2020. Through the Programme, over 25 950 School Governing Body (SGB) funded posts in public and government subsidised independent schools were saved. These posts came under threat due to schools experiencing financial distress, as a result of parents not being able to pay school fees, because of the economic devastation of COVID-19. The Basic Education sector created employment opportunities for a total of 319 091 Education and General Education Assistants between the ages of 18 and 35 in the country. The Programme, whose aim was to use direct public investment to create opportunities for employment and to provide support to workers negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, comes to an end on 31 March 2021. More than 868 000 applications were received from young people when the initiative was started. Of the 300 000 successful candidates 200 000 were Education Assistants and 100 000 were General School Assistants. The Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator helped with the recruitment processes in seven of the nine provinces, through the SAYouth.mobi site. An added benefit of using the SAYouth.mobi site is that it is able to match job seekers to additional employment opportunities, in line with their interests and qualifications. The mobisite is a key component of the National Pathway Management Network. The primary objective of the programme is to give an opportunity to young people to acquire skills such as; ICT, administration, reading, plumbing, painting and work ethics amongst others, in order to improve their employability. Training To equip the appointed youth with meaningful skills to improve their employability, the Department identified five key training areas, which are Curriculum, ICT, Infrastructure, Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW) and Reading Champions. The training is also meant to position the Sector to address some of the systemic challenges. The ICT training has a component where the recipient undergoes training on how to support learners with Special Needs. Another component is the training on the South African School and Administration Management System (SA-SAMS). SA-SAMS training leverages on existing skills in the school environment, with the training provided by SA-SAMS administrators. CYCW will assist vulnerable learners by providing psychosocial support. Reading Champions assisted with the promotion of a reading culture, whereas the General School Assistants provided with Infrastructure training assisted with conducting infrastructure conditional assessment as well as carrying out minor maintenance work. Furthermore, in the context of COVID-19, every young person appointed in public schools was required to undergo orientation on the Standard Operating Procedures for the management of COVID-19. The youth have also gone through mandatory two-hour training on the National School Safety Framework. The DBE has provided training manuals to Provincial Education Departments for distribution to schools. In addition, the material is available on the Teacher Connect WhatsApp line - 060 060 3333. There is an orientation programme that young people can access online and are able to work independently to complete the accompanying assignments. Payment of stipends The BEEI was funded to the tune of R7 billion, of which R6 998 billion was distributed to provinces as an equitable share. A large portion of this, which is R 4.47 billion was targeted towards providing employment opportunities for the youth. Of the R4.47 billion, one percent (1%) was allocated towards training and another one percent towards UIF for each youth employed in the programme. Working with Provincial Education Departments, the DBE has taken steps to ensure that all stipends are paid. The steps taken include engaging with Provincial Chief Finance Officers to ensure that all administrative challenges are addressed. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Education Governance South Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The three provinces that employed more than 50 000 youth affected by delayed payment of stipends, were Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo. Delays in payment in some areas were due to the capturing of the Education and General Education Assistants onto the Government payment system, the persal; or incorrect banking and incomplete personal documentation. Provinces transferred funds to schools as the stipends were paid by schools. Through Provinces, the school principals were encouraged to process all stipends timeously, ensuring that the correct amounts are paid to young people. The Presidential Employment Stimulus has been welcomed by all stakeholders in the Basic Education Sector. Its value has been acknowledged by both school principals and educators, who were able to focus their efforts on supporting learners. The youth appointed in schools have shown appreciation for the opportunity they have been afforded to work, while also improving their skills. From time to time, whether motivated by politics or articulating a misinformed position, commentators will seek to claim Trinidad and Tobago is a failing state. I take serious umbrage to that because when one understands what a failing state or economy looks like, it is clear we are very far from that. In fact, by independent measures, we are closer to the opposite side of that spectrum. Seven has greenlit a new season of SAS Australia which will feature everyday Aussies. The Screentime-produced season will be in addition to the upcoming Celebrity version of SAS Australia which is due to film in April. Do you want to push yourself beyond your boundaries? This is the ultimate test of character and fitness. If you think you have what it takes to be on SAS Australia, apply now, a casting notice announces. With the DS team now in Australia, Seven is capitalising on having them on the ground by shooting a further season. The UK original also featured non-celebrities. Application Criteria: You must be over 18. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. You must be at least 158cm (5.1) tall and weigh at least 50kg (8 stone). You must not be currently serving in the armed forces. All applicants will also have to pass an initial fitness test if you are shortlisted. While filming will take place this year, it isnt clear if it will air in 2021 or 2022. @sasaustralia CALLING EVERYDAY AUSSIES Youve seen our Star Recruits on the #SASAustralia course, now its your turn! Do you have what it takes to pass Selection? APPLY NOW https://t.co/zJNZMP8345 pic.twitter.com/2hq1WYydUD OLLIE OLLERTON (@ollie_ollerton) March 24, 2021 You can apply here. Amended. Related By Benjamin Jumbe and Ritah Kemigisa The speaker of parliament has been asked to remind President Museveni of his pledge to give a package to former legislators. The appeal was made by Kasilo County Mp Elijah Okupa who reminded the house as it celebrates 100 yrs of existence that the head of state made a commitment some time ago but nothing has been done. He says many of the former legislators played a great role in the transformation of this country but are yet to receive any appreciation from the government. Relatedly, Kumi municipality Mp Silas Ogon said there is a need to consider all historicals of parliament for their contribution to the house and development of the country. Adding voice to a motion to celebrate 100 years of parliament last evening, Bunyole West MP James Waluswaka said many of the MPs who served in the fifth parliament between 1986 and 1996 and the earlier sets of parliament are currently too old and languishing in poverty. He says parliament needs to urgently help bail them out. In the motion moved last evening, parliament was asked to among other things; collectively appreciate the various Speakers or Heads of Parliaments, other officers, and Members of Parliament of Uganda for their excellent stewardship and contribution to the legislature. 03/24/2021 Photo (c) mihailomilovanovic - Getty Images Spring means warmer weather. Warmer weather means vacations. Vacations mean rentals. And rentals mean scams? Consumers looking to take a trip following a year of the pandemic cant let the excitement of being out of COVID-19s reach get ahead of their need to be vigilant about vacation rental scams. If youre already searching for vacation rentals online, its likely youre probably looking for something unique or very affordable. Thats the trap that scammers have set for consumers -- ads for vacation rentals that tell you what you want to see and get you to thinking, Gee, thats too good to pass up! Unfortunately, behind many of those ads are scammers ready to take your money and leave you without a roof over your head once you get to your vacation site. Exercise caution The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)s golden rule when youre looking for a rental is to stay skeptical and look out for red flags. The agency says some tip-offs to a scam may include: Altered ads: Scammers have been known to hijack an honest-to-goodness real rental or real estate listing by simply changing the email address or other contact information and placing the modified ad on another site. They might even go as far as using the name of the person who posted the original ad in their altered, fake one. In other cases, scammers have been known to hijack the email accounts of property owners on reputable vacation rental websites such as VRBO. Consumers should research both the owner and the listing, as well as reviews from other renters, to avoid falling into this trap. If you find the same ad listed under a different name, thats a tell-tale clue that it may be a scam. Phantom rentals: Some rip-off artists make up listings for places that arent for rent or, worse, dont even exist. The scammers then try to lure you in with the come-on of a low rental price or great amenities -- maybe a hot tub, daily maid service, or a free happy hour. The FTC says the scammers goal is to get your money before you find out the truth. Georgias Attorney General offers another good way to search for phantom rentals: Google Maps. Consider checking the location and neighborhood through Google Earth or Google Street View to get a sense of whether you would feel safe and comfortable staying there, said Attorney General Chris Carr in his forewarning of vacation rental scams. Another surefire search practice is doing an online search of the rental company. Enter its name plus words like review, complaint, or scam. If you find bad reviews, you may want to look elsewhere. The signs of a scam When youre online looking for the perfect vacation rental, it might be smart to keep a list of these other red flags beside your computer: Youre asked to wire money or give a renter credit card information: Stop right there if this happens because this is the surest sign of a scam. Theres never a good reason to wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee, first months rent, or vacation rental fee. Thats true even if they send you a contract first. Wiring money is the same as sending cash once you send it, you have no way to get it back, the FTC warns. Youre asked for a security deposit or first months rent: Thats a normal course of business once youve signed a lease or met the agent in person, but if you havent, then its a bad idea. Two things to remember: If the rental agent gets pushy about a deposit before youve signed a lease, beware; and If you cant visit a rental in person, the FTC suggests you find someone you trust who can do that for you and confirm that the listing is honest. They say theyre out of the country: The FTC considers this a huge red flag. If they say they have a plan to get the keys into your hands. It might involve a lawyer or an agent working on their behalf. Some scammers even create fake keys, the agency said. Dont send money to them overseas. If you cant meet in person, see the apartment, or sign a lease before you pay, keep looking. What if the rental itself is overseas? Paying with a credit card or through a reputable vacation rental website with its own payment system are your safest bets. The international thing came up several times in ConsumerAffairs research on vacation scams. One interesting thing to watch out for are the timestamps of the emails/messages that the rental agent sends. On the Community section of Airbnb, one person noted the disparity in times in their communication with a property owner. The owner claimed to be in Madrid, Spain, but all of the email timestamps appeared to be U.S. Eastern Time -- a five-hour difference. The New Jersey Youth Symphony will present a virtual recital featuring its 2021 Concerto Competition winners on Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. on WhartonArts.tv. The concert will feature this years first place winner, violinist Samantha Liu; second place winner, clarinetist Alex Cha; and third place winners, violinist James Song and pianist Sarah Ouyang; as well as the 2020 Concerto Competition winner, French hornist Thomas McGrath. The annual competition for members of the NJYS Youth Symphony was held virtually this year, with 19 entrants performing for guest adjudicators Ilmar Gavilan, violinist of Harlem Quartet, and Mark Laycock, professor of orchestral studies at Wichita State University. It is truly inspiring to watch these talented and dedicated young musicians completely immerse themselves in the music and perform their hearts out, said artistic director and principal conductor Helen H. Cha-Pyo. I always knew that music and youth are a dynamic combination, but it seems more powerful during the pandemic. First place winner Liu of Basking Ridge, a junior at Ridge High School, will perform the first movement from Barbers Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 14. She has studied violin for nine years with Yousun Kim and has been a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony for six years. She wants to thank her violin teacher, her NJYS friends and Cha-Pyo for inspiring her to be a better musician. She looks forward to making live music together in the spring. Second place winner Cha of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School, will perform the first movement from Mozarts Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622. A member of the NJYS Clarinet Quartet and Youth Symphony, he has been playing the clarinet for over nine years and currently studies with Jo-Ann Sternberg at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College Division. Accolades in his musical career include placing first in the National Artists Competition and second place in the International Grande Music Competition, as well as performing with the New Jersey Regional and All-State Bands. Third place winner Song of New Providence, a senior at the Union County Magnet High School, will perform the finale from Bruchs Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26. He studies with Oleg Pavlov and joined the NJYS in his freshman year of high school as a member of its Youth Symphony. He has placed in several competitions, most notably first place in the 2020 American Protege International Concerto Competition, Grand Prix winner in the 2020 Concert Festival International Competition and second place in the 2017 American Protege International Piano & Strings Competition. Third place winner Ouyang of Basking Ridge, a junior at Ridge High School, will perform the first movement from Mozarts Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488. She studies piano with Gloria Chu and cello with Gerall Hieser. She has performed as a piano soloist with Sinfonica del Festival di Chioggia at the International Festival Musica in Laguna in Chioggia, Italy, as well as performing Beethovens Piano Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Op. 15 with the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. As a cellist, she joined the New Jersey Youth Symphony in 2015 and has been a member of the Youth Symphony since 2018. 2020 New Jersey Youth Symphony Concerto Competition Winner McGrath of Princeton, a senior at Princeton High School, will perform Mozarts Horn Concerto No. 1 in D major, K. 412. He studies with Kathryn Mehrtens at The College of New Jersey and has performed with the New Jersey All-State Wind Ensemble and All-State Orchestra, Central Jersey Regional Orchestra and Philadelphia Sinfonia. For more information, phone 908-771-5544, email info@njys.org or visit njys.org. Send event information to events@starledger.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. Patna, March 24 : A day after the opposition leaders were allegedly assaulted by the Patna police in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Congress leaders led by Madan Mohan Jha arrived in the Assembly on Wednesday with black bands on their eyes. The Congress leaders said that the Patna police had beaten up the opposition leaders on the direction of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an act which is similar to that of Adolf Hitler. "Such an incident couldn't have taken place without Nitish Kumar's permission. He directed the police to abuse and assault public representatives of opposition parties. The Patna police have crossed all limits," Jha added. Congress MLA from Bhagalpur, Ajeet Sharma, said, "The Patna police attacked the temple of democracy. They misbehaved with women legislators and dragged them out of the state Assembly building. We are protesting to safeguard our democratic rights. If we are not safe here, then who else is safe in Bihar?" The opposition leaders boycotted the state Assembly on Wednesday and did not enter the House while Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders organised a parallel House proceeding in the lawn of state Assembly premises. They elected party leader Bhudeo Chaudhary as the Speaker of the House and urged him to save the democratic rights of the legislators. The also requested the 'Speaker' to work in the interest of common people and listen to every public representative of both the ruling and opposition parties. "We have condemned the act of the police in our parallel Assembly and requested the 'Speaker' to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future," said Bhai Virendra, senior RJD leader and MLA from the Maner constituency. Mauritian authorities expressed confidence that the national vaccination campaign is on track and that the country will achieve herd immunity within the prescribed delay. This has been set as a precondition for the restart of tourism. The vaccination campaign started on 26 January. Up to now 117,323 persons have received a first jab representing 17% of the targeted population. A threshold of 700,000 persons vaccinated has been set for the country to achieve herd immunity. Vaccination is free of charge for all Mauritians and visitors who are holders of the Premium Visa. Government spokesperson, Dr Zouberr Joomaye stated in a press conference today, 23 March 2021, that Mauritius has secured an adequate supply of vaccines for the authorities to maintain the pace of vaccination. The phased easing of travel restrictions is expected as from the end of June 2021. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 last year, Mauritius has always upheld the sanitary safety of Mauritian nationals and that of visitors as a topmost priority Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CLEVELAND -- Many Ohio families may feel that the cost of postsecondary education for a son or daughter is out of reach. But its important for them to know that attaining a certificate, credential or degree after high school is one of the most important steps a person can take toward securing an in-demand job, one that provides good wages and a fulfilling long-term career. To help students and families afford postsecondary education, billions of dollars are made available every year through federal and state financial aid programs, but, sadly, these funds dont go to every student and family needing it, simply because they dont know how to ask for it. According to one analysis of federal financial aid for 2015-16, more than 1.2 million students nationwide would have received the maximum federal Pell Grant currently worth more than $6,000 if they had just taken the time to apply for it. The key to securing these funds is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a standard form used across higher education institutions and federal and state governments to unlock needed financial aid, scholarships, and loans to pursue postsecondary education. Approximately 60% of undergraduates submit the FAFSA every year, with the other 40% not doing so because they are not aware of it or simply dont think they would qualify for aid. In fact, Ohioans leave nearly $90 million in unclaimed aid on the table every year. Research indicates, however, that students who file the FAFSA are twice as likely to enroll in postsecondary education as those who do not. And this is not just two- and four-year colleges; it includes accessing important credentialing opportunities at more than 50 Ohio Technical Centers. Simply put, one of the most important steps our state can take to help more Ohioans get ahead is to help them to submit the FAFSA. As of February, Ohios FAFSA completion rates were down almost 9% compared to last year, likely because of the pandemic. The Complete to Compete Coalition -- a public-private partnership of more than 40 organizations committed to helping more Ohioans attain the postsecondary education and training needed to earn a living wage, fill in-demand jobs, and close Ohios skills gap -- is calling on state leaders to support Gov. Mike DeWines proposal for a comprehensive effort to boost FAFSA completion. Specifically, Ohio should: Launch a statewide public awareness campaign -- better communicating and explaining the benefits of the FAFSA to students and families across Ohio. Provide incentives -- rewarding school districts who make the most progress in increasing FAFSA completions and submissions. Provide better data -- make targeted data available to families and educators so outreach can be more targeted and effective. Enhance professional development -- make sure those working with students and families are trained and fully equipped to answer questions on the FAFSA and support families as they complete it. Make it a graduation requirement -- require every high school senior to complete the FAFSA in order to graduate but ensure that there is a simple opt-out available for students and families who are unable or unwilling to complete it. At a time when we are all pulling together to help Ohioans bounce back from the pandemic, the simple step of filling out the FAFSA can play a significant role. The funds it can unleash for families might mean the difference between attaining a postsecondary degree or not, getting a good job or not, and getting on track to a promising future or not. Now is the time to act, so that every student, regardless of their background or income, can have the chance to rise, shake off the dust of the past year, and receive the education and training they want and need to chart a new, brighter course. Maggie McGrath is executive director of the Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland. Lee Friedman is CEO of College Now Greater Cleveland. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. Alberta life sciences researcher hopes therapy will become available to Canadians EDMONTON, AB, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ - People living with lupus will soon have access to a breakthrough treatment discovered by an Albertan life sciences entrepreneur, who is creating a more globally competitive drug commercialization industry in Canada. Dr. Robert Foster, an adjunct professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, discovered voclosporin in the early 1990s after founding a start-up drug company in his Edmonton basement. It would take nearly 30 years, but the drug would earn the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration to treat lupus-related kidney disease. Voclosporin was approved by the FDA earlier this year. "This is a homegrown Canadian success story. The FDA doesn't approve Canadian drugs often," Foster said. " Voclosporin will improve people's lives; it's a breakthrough for people living with lupus." Medical treatments for lupus are rare. Volcosporin is only the second treatment to come to market to treat lupus in more than 60 years. It is not yet approved for use in Canada. While Foster understands possible frustration from Canadians unable to access the new lupus therapy, he expressed hope and optimism for the future of Canada's life sciences sector. Since developing voclosporin, Foster has become CEO of Hepion Pharmaceuticals - a US company with its research and development headquartered in Edmonton. Hepion is now researching a treatment for fatty liver disease, and has joined forces with Alberta's leading drug commercialization accelerator - Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API). "The pandemic has reminded us of how many opportunities we have in Canada, and how the pharmaceutical industry can commercialize more important therapies safer and faster," Foster added. "Alberta is well-positioned to help Canada compete in the international drug manufacturing industry. API is committed to the kind of innovation drug companies need to be successful." Resources Interview with Dr. Foster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmLPQZMe0w8 B-roll: https://youtu.be/6OsOFgha0_c SOURCE Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation For further information: To arrange interviews with Dr. Foster, or API CEO Andrew MacIsaac, or to obtain pharmaceutical research b-roll and interview footage on this subject, please contact: Ellen Doty, Communications Manager, API, [email protected],1-403-919-0585 Related Links https://appliedpharma.ca/ Jasmine Yarbrough is certainly one of Sydney's most fashionable women. And on Wednesday, the wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic stepped out in a stylish ensemble for the Mercedes-Benz Sydney Women in Business lunch at Terrace on the Domain in Sydney. The 37-year-old fashion designer, who is the founder of shoe label Mara & Mine, dressed for the event in a chic gingham power suit. They mean business! Jasmine Stefanovic stunned in a chic power suit at the Mercedes-Benz Sydney Women in Business lunch in Sydney on Wednesday Her outfit featured a crop top that showcased a hint of her toned torso, as well as wide-legged, high-waisted trousers. The mother of one styled her shoulder-length blonde hair in tousled waves that framed her face, and accessorised with pearl drop earrings. For makeup, she opted for a radiant foundation base with a hint of peach blush and nude lipstick. Glowing: The 37-year-old fashion designer, who is the founder of shoe label Mara & Mine, styled her shoulder-length blonde hair in tousled waves Chic: Her outfit featured a crop top that showcased a hint of her toned torso, as well as wide-legged, high-waisted trousers Business babes: Jasmine was joined by her friend and business partner Tamie Ingham, who opted for a simple yet chic black and white ensemble She carried a see-through tote which contained a white pouch and strappy sandals. Jasmine was joined by her friend and business partner Tamie Ingham, who opted for a simple yet chic black and white ensemble. Candice Warner also attended the event, looking sensational in a red number. The former Ironwoman's thigh-skimming dress drew attention to her endless pins and gym-honed physique. Red hot: Candice Warner also attended the event, looking sensational in a thigh-skimming red dress which drew attention to her endless pins and gym-honed physique Her frock also featured a quirky pink bow tie that contrasted her ensemble. The former SAS Australia recruit's blonde hair was styled straight. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia about her career post SAS Australia, Candice revealed that she has plenty on her plate at the moment. 'I have a few things coming up but obviously I can't talk about it because we are still in contract negotiations,' she teased. Glamorous: The former SAS Australia recruit's blonde hair was styled straight When quizzed on whether she's spoken to former friend Roxy Jacekno following their public feud last year, Candice simply said: 'Obviously that was a long time ago and it's a new year, so no'. Candice also spoke about the issues facing women in the corporate world, insisting that society still has a way to go before gender equality is achieved. 'Things are changing and getting better but they could be better. I still don't think it's at a level it should be. Some businesses are still very male dominated but the more we talk about it, the more we empower women,' she said. Mama's day off! Candice was followed by Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson, who enjoyed a rare afternoon away from her son Oliver to attend the business event Entrepreneur: The curvy influencer, 38, showcased her figure in a green floral frock, which she teamed with a pair of lilac heels Also attending the event was Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson, who enjoyed a rare afternoon away from her son Oliver to attend the business event. The curvy influencer, 38, showcased her figure in a green floral frock, which she teamed with a pair of lilac heels. She styled her red tresses in an updo that drew attention to her radiant makeup look, featuring lashings of mascara and a bold red lip. Daddy duties! Her husband Cameron Merchant was seen nearby pushing their son in a stroller after dropping Jules off at the event Jules recently launched a shapewear range called Figur, which aims to help women of all sizes feel confident and beautiful. Her husband Cameron Merchant was seen nearby pushing their son in a stroller after dropping Jules off at the event. Bikini model Natalie Roser also attended the business luncheon. Beaming beauty: Bikini model Natalie Roser, who is the founder of underwear brand Rose and Bare, showed off her statuesque physique in a stylish mini dress Stylish: Her brown and orange sleeveless frock featured a high neck and a ruched bodice that flared out to a short skirt The 30-year-old, who is the founder of underwear brand Rose and Bare, showed off her statuesque physique in a stylish mini dress. Her brown and orange sleeveless frock featured a high neck and a ruched bodice that flared out to a short skirt. For makeup, Natalie opted for a glossy nude lip, a hint of peach blush on her cheeks, smoky eyeshadow and mascara. Gal pals: Natalie's friend and former beauty queen Laura Dundovic (left) also stepped out for the event in a fashionable look Statuesque: Laura showed off her toned midriff in a red crop top with puffy sleeves, which she teamed with a frilly white mini skirt and gold heels Glam: The TV host pulled her blonde hair into a low bun, and her makeup look consisted of brown-toned lipstick and eyeshadow with plenty of mascara The blonde glamazon accessorised with a handbag and white strappy heels. Her friend and former beauty queen Laura Dundovic also stepped out for the event in a fashionable look. Laura showed off her toned midriff in a red crop top with puffy sleeves, which she teamed with a frilly white mini skirt and gold heels. The TV host pulled her blonde hair into a low bun, and her makeup look consisted of brown-toned lipstick and eyeshadow with plenty of mascara. Edgy: Social media influencer Violet Grace looked stylish in an all-white ensemble, pairing an off-the-shoulder crop top with a flared skirt Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the event, Laura insisted that there is still a need for many businesses to improve the way women are treated in the workplace. 'Obviously there is room for improvement but it depends on the company and country. I know some companies are doing some fantastic stuff but obviously we could keep moving forward in that direction,' she said. On whether she has felt uncomfortable during her career model Laura said: 'I've always felt pretty safe. In terms of modelling I did start at 16 but I had my mum came to a lot of things with me so I never felt uncomfortable because I had family support.' Meanwhile, influencer Violet Grace looked stylish in an all-white ensemble, pairing an off-the-shoulder crop top with a flared skirt. Elegant: TV and radio presenter Erin Molan also attended the event, following behind the glamorous parade of models The blonde opted for edgy accessories, including a mini Jacquemus purse and black combat boots. TV and radio presenter Erin Molan also attended the event, following behind the glamorous parade of models. She stepped out in a pastel yellow frock, which she styled with strappy heels and a clutch purse. Audio Attachment: Listen to Allotey Jacobs Bernard Allotey Jacobs has fired salvoes at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the party announced they have dismissed him. The party, in a press statement on Tuesday, March 23, stated that the embattled NDC stalwart has been expelled from the party with immediate effect. At our meeting on Wednesday 17th March 2021, the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC considered the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee on the case or misconduct and anti-party behaviour brought against you Mr. Allotey Jacobs pursuant to articles 48(I) (b) and 8 (b) of the NDC Constitution. The Committees report which is herein attached for your attention found you guilty of the said allegations of misconduct, anti-party conduct and recommended among other things your immediate expulsion from the party. The Functional Executive Committee acting in compliance of Article 48(1) of the NDC Constitution has unanimously adopted the report and accepts fully its recommendation for your expulsion from the party. You are therefore by the decision of FEC, expelled from the National Democratic Congress and for that matter no more recognized as a member of the party and cannot carry yourself as such," the statement read. In a quick riposte during a panel discussion on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo", Allotey Jacobs says the NDC leaders arrived at their decision because they have ulterior motives towards the party. He revealed some of the leaders want to turn the party into their personal property. "Some have intended that they will own the party themselves but the party is for the people and they keep on lying to the people. I say whatever life you live, there are future consequences. When one tells the truth, it becomes a problem." He further ridiculed the NDC dismissal letter saying, "you couldn't provide pink sheet. 2016, the same thing happened; 2020, the same thing has happened. They are deceiving their people. At a point in time, as the party goes forward, people will know if they have to re-elect these leaders or sack them all from the party". He, however, advised the party to tolerate opposing views if they so want to progress. "Unless you're not a democrat. Unless you're not a politician. Unless you don't do any analysis about situations in our political landscape. It is done everywhere . . . Everybody should have a critic," he said. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Gold Terra Intersects 10.85 g/t of gold over 4.35 metres in the Campbell Shear structure on the Newmont Option, Yellowknife City Gold Project, Northwest Territories Posted by Publisher Internet Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSX-V: YGT; Frankfurt: TX0; OTC QX: YGTFF) (?Gold Terra? or the ?Company? https://www.commodity-tv.com/ondemand/companies/profil/gold-terra-resource-corp/) is pleased to announce assays for the first 3 holes drilled of the Company?s 12,000 metre drilling program at the Company\-\-s optioned property from Newmont Ventures Limited and Miramar Northern Mining Limited (the \Newmont Option\) adjacent to its Yellowknife City Gold Project (\YCG\), NWT. The Phase 1 drilling program is testing over 1.2 kilometres of the immediate southern extension of the Campbell Shear, which produced approximately 5 of the 6 million ounces of gold produced at the former Con Mine (1938-2002). President and CEO David Suda stated, ?We are very pleased to have intersected gold mineralization in the Campbell Shear in our first three holes and with the third hole intersecting high-grade mineralization. The Newmont Option continues to be our highest priority target area where we believe there is the potential to add high-grade quality ounces to our recently updated resource estimate of 1,207,000 Inferred Ounces. The Campbell Shear structure extends over a minimum of 20 kilometres south of the Con Mine and we have only started to test the area immediately south of the former Con Mine.\ Drilling Highlights The Company has completed the first 3 holes of the current winter 2021 drilling program totaling 1,714 metres. The first two holes (GTCM21-001 and 002) were drilled south of the Yellorex deposit and the third hole (GTCM21-003) was drilled on the Yellorex portion of the Campbell Shear.? The hole locations are shown on Figures 1 and 2. Hole GTCM21-003 intersected 85 g/t Au over 4.35 metres including 25.4 g/t Au over 1.55 metres within the 80m-wide Campbell Shear structure at Yellorex deposit. This high-grade gold-bearing zone consists of smoky quartz veins with pyrite, arsenopyrite and stibnite within a wider sericite altered schist that is mineralized over 16.5m grading 3.32 g/t Au, with abundant quartz-ankerite boudinaged veins. Several other zones were also intersected in the same hole including 3.37 g/t Au over 3.00 metres at 177 metres down the hole (see Table 1). Holes GTCM21-001 intersected 2.35 g/t Au over 1.10 metres and GTCM21-002 intersected 1.4g/t Au over 0.60 metres. The holes were drilled 135 metres apart and about 500 metres southwest of the Yellorex deposit. Both holes successfully intersected the Campbell Shear structure which was slightly narrower in these two holes: 63 metres wide in GTCM21-001 and 70 metres wide in hole GTCM21-002, consisting mostly of chlorite-calcite schist with minor sericite-ankertie schist zones where most of the pyrite mineralization occurs. Although mineralization consists dominantly of pyrite, most of the gold intersections in these three holes are associated with an arsenic anomaly (1000 ppm range). ?High-grade gold mineralization in the Campbell shear appears to be concentrated when sericite alteration is present, and with the ?presence of smoky quartz veins and associated sulphides mineralization mainly of arsenopyrite and stibnite. Hole GTCM21-003 in the Yellorex area was important in establishing the mineralization styles that host high-grade gold. This hole shows that high-grade gold occurs within wider alteration zones with pervasive anomalous gold values. These characteristics act as vectors to high-grade gold which will assist Gold Terra?s future drill programs on the Campbell Shear. Holes GTCM21-001 and 002, while intersecting the Campbell Shear did not display the favourable gold vector characteristics. Additionally, GTCM21-003 showed good strike and dip extension of historical drilling results, validating the previous results and accelerating the inclusion of this zone into future mineral resources.? Technical Appendix This news release reports the assay results from three (3) drill holes totaling 1,714 metres from which 448 core samples were assays. Assays results range from non-detectable gold to a highest assay of 33.0 g/t Au. The Company inserts certified standards and blanks into the sample stream as a check on laboratory Quality Control (QC). Drill core samples are cut by diamond saw at Gold Terra?s core facilities in Yellowknife. A halved core sample is left in the core box. The other half core is sampled and transported by Gold Terra personnel in securely sealed bags to ALS (ALS) preparation laboratory in Yellowknife. After sample preparation, samples are shipped to ALS?s Vancouver facility for gold analysis. Gold assays of >3 g/t are re-assayed on a 30 g split by fire assay with gravimetric finish. Samples with visible gold are additionally assayed using a screen metallic method. ALS is a certified and accredited laboratory service. ALS routinely inserts certified gold standards, blanks and pulp duplicates, and results of all QC samples are reported. Drill holes were drilled at right angles to the structure hosting the mineralization and dip angles of holes were designed to intersect the zones as close to normal as possible. Zones reported here are interpreted to be 80 to 90 percent true thickness. To date, in addition to the 3 holes released today, the Company has completed 10 holes for a total of approximately 5,700 metres along the Campbell Shear to vertical depth of 400 metres below surface. This first pass drilling is to better understand the Campbell Shear zone that has not seen any exploration drilling over the last 25 years. The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Joseph Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Gold Terra?s Yellowknife City Gold Project The YCG project encompasses 800 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometers of the City of Yellowknife, the YCG is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power and skilled tradespeople. The YCG lies on the prolific Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometers of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that host the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company\-\-s exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company\-\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com. For more information, please contact: David Suda, President and CEO Phone: 604-928-3101 | Toll-Free: 1-855-737-2684 dsuda@goldterracorp.com Mara Strazdins, Manager of Investor Relations Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 604-689-1749 ext 102 Strazdins@goldterracorp.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute \forward-looking information\ within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (\forward-looking information\). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by 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 statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results \will\, \may\, \could\, \would\, \might\ or \will be taken\, \occur\ or \be achieved\ or the negative connotations thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear on the Newmont Option potentially adding high grade ounces to the Company?s current YCG mineral resource, future planned drilling on the Newmont Option area and the Company\-\-s objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company\-\-s actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the \Risk Factors\ section in the Company\-\-s most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company\-\-s profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would 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. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. Regulatory News: Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies (Paris:ALHGR) (ISIN: FR0013451044, Ticker: ALHGR) ("Hoffmann Green" or the "Company"), a pioneer in clinker-free low-carbon cement, has signed a technical partnership contract with the HERIGE Group through its concrete subsidiary EDYCEM, for an initial period of two years, to develop the formulation of an EDYCEM concrete using Hoffmann low carbon cement. This partnership between the two Vendee-based players is a concrete approach to developing new products to combat climate change and comply with the ambitions of the future environmental regulations (RE2020). This alliance will contribute to the development of more responsible products for the construction industry. Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann, co-founders of Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies, say: "We are delighted to announce the signing of a technical partnership contract with the HERIGE group, through its subsidiary EDYCEM, a Vendee-based group with the same research and innovation ambitions to decarbonize the construction sector as those of Hoffmann Green. This contract again illustrates the competitiveness of our products for manufacturing low-carbon concrete. This is the first step in the collaboration process we will undertake with the HERIGE Group to construct environmentally responsible and sustainable buildings "HERIGE and its subsidiary EDYCEM are historically established in the heart of the territories, with a network of proximity anchored in the Great West of France. More than ever, their ambition is to actively participate in the evolution of the construction sector, by bringing concrete and sustainable answers to professionals in order to reduce CO2 emissions. This 100% Vendee partnership with a company that shares the same ambitions in terms of research and innovation to decarbonize construction illustrates the eco-responsible and innovative approach of our activities" adds Benoit Hennaut, Chairman of the Executive Board of the HERIGE Group. About Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies Founded in 2014, Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies designs, produces and distributes innovative clinker-free low-carbon cement with a substantially lower carbon footprint than traditional cement. Fully aware of the environmental emergency and the need to reconcile the construction sector, cement manufacturing and the environment, the Group believes it is at the heart of a genuine technological breakthrough based on altering cement's composition and the creation of a heating-free and clean manufacturing process, without clinker. Hoffmann Green's cements, currently manufactured on a first 4.0 industrial site with no kiln nor chimney in western France, address all construction sector markets and present, at equivalent dosage and with no alteration in the concrete manufacturing process, higher performances than traditional cement. For further information, please go to: www.ciments-hoffmann.fr About HERIGE Founded in 1907 in L'Herbergement in the Vendee, HERIGE is focused on the building industry, through 3 areas of activity: materials trading, the concrete industry and industrial joinery. HERIGE is a multi-regional group of Vendee origin, with more than 2,300 employees. Proximity to the field is a priority, made possible thanks to its territorial coverage and decentralized organization. Mainly present in the West of France, the company cultivates its relationships of trust by standing by professionals and their worksites as well as private individuals and their projects. Attentive to the impact of its activities, the HERIGE Group has voluntarily committed itself to a policy of sustainable development for many years in order to reconcile three key factors: environmental commitment, social balance and long-term economic development. HERIGE is listed on Euronext Growth For more information: www.groupe-herige.fr View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005824/en/ Contacts: Hoffmann Green Jerome Caron Chief Financial Officer finances@ciments-hoffmann.fr +33 (0)2 51 46 06 00 NewCap Pierre Laurent Thomas Grojean/Quentin Masse Investor Relations ciments-hoffmann@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations ciments-hoffmann@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 Hazleton, PA (18201) Today Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. When an unresponsive three-year-old was taken to the Little Grand Rapids nursing station on Aug. 23, 2018, his tiny body bore signs of abuse, including broken bones and cigarette burns, four community members told the Free Press. When an unresponsive three-year-old was taken to the Little Grand Rapids nursing station on Aug. 23, 2018, his tiny body bore signs of abuse, including broken bones and cigarette burns, four community members told the Free Press. That day, the boy, identified as Abel Joseph Leveque Flett, who couldnt walk and suffered from seizures due to a congenital handicap, was declared dead. Now, more than two and a half years later, members of the remote First Nations community are angry, citing a lack of accountability from the child-welfare system, and a lengthy RCMP investigation that led to criminal charges far less serious than what many expected. "The child had broken bones and lots of trauma. The nurses at the station had to get a trauma team to come in and speak with them. I think some of them are still not over it, the condition that little boy was in," said Nelson Keeper, an advisor to Little Grand Rapids' chief and council. When the RCMP first announced the boys death in August 2018, it was high-profile news in Manitoba, prompting a public statement from then-families minister Heather Stefanson that Child and Family Services had not been involved in the case. Abel Joseph Leveque Flett (bottom centre) was pronounced dead after being taken to the Little Grand Rapids nursing station on Aug. 23, 2018. Houston Bushie (left) and Alayna Flett (right) have been charged with failure to provide necessaries of life. (Facebook) A week later, the RCMP issued an update, saying its major crimes unit was investigating the boys death as a homicide. But soon the case fell off the public radar, leaving the community in the dark and wondering what if anything would be done to provide justice for the boy. On Monday, police announced the arrests of Alayna Flett, 21, and Houston Bushie, 24, who were serving as the temporary guardians of the toddler and his three elder siblings in the months leading up to his death. The couple has been charged with failure to provide the necessaries of life and were released on a promise to appear in court next month. The allegations against them have not been proven in court. A background search on Bushie shows he has a lengthy criminal record, with four convictions for assault and one conviction for possessing weapons contrary to a court order, in the years leading up to the childs death. That criminal record, alongside Bushie and Fletts young age they were 18 and 21, respectively, in 2018 raise serious questions about how four small children, one of whom had special needs, ended up being placed in their home. The Free Press requested comment Monday from the provincial government about potential CFS involvement in the case. On Tuesday, a provincial spokeswoman responded with a written statement. "We are unable to confirm CFS involvement due to confidentiality provisions in our legislation. However, generally speaking, families can make private arrangements for care of their children without CFS knowledge or involvement," the spokeswoman said. "CFS agencies may provide letters to confirm living arrangements of children so that government financial assistance is directed to the appropriate caregiver. These letters do not indicate or require oversight of a childs placement with family it only indicates that a separate body has knowledge about the living arrangements for a child." Repeated attempts to speak with representatives from the Southeast Child and Family Services about the case have been ignored. Alayna Flett and Houston Bushie (Facebook) But several community members were adamant CFS was involved in the boy's case. One source, who has worked as health director in Little Grand Rapids, told the Free Press he had contact with CFS on multiple occasions about the boy, including the week he died. The boy was brought to the community nursing station and declared dead on Aug. 23, 2018, which was a Thursday. On Monday and Tuesday of that week, the source said he sent health authority staff to the home of the accused to check on the child. Each time staff went to the home, no one answered the door. "I told the (CFS worker) my staff has been trying to go to that household and we know somebody is in there... but nobody is answering the door. I told her, We need to get this kid, because the physiotherapist needs to see (him),'" he said. "So I went to go meet with the case manager at the nursing station and thats when the child was brought in. One of the nurses came in and she said, Oh, they brought in that little boy you were looking for. She was obviously upset. She looked very shocked. She said the boy was deceased." The child was brought into the nursing station wrapped in a towel or blanket, the source said, adding the boy had cigarette burns and broken bones, and his head showed signs of trauma and felt soft to the touch. Community members have questioned why there werent immediate arrests in the case. On Tuesday, an RCMP spokesman said in a written statement that the major crimes unit conducted a "thorough investigation" and there were "many facets of this investigation that required additional time to complete." "Medical experts were consulted with regards to the injuries sustained by the victim. These medical opinions are crucial in determining the appropriate charges to be laid," the spokesman said. "As in all investigations, once the investigative tasks are completed, it is then put forward to the justice department for review. At times, this may mean the RCMP will be asked to complete further investigative steps, identified by the Crown, prior to the opinion being returned." But one source, who currently serves in band leadership, pushed back against the idea there was insufficient evidence to lay stronger charges in the case. "The law is saying there is not enough evidence. That little boy didnt go around breaking his own fingers and putting little cigarette burns on his body. I dont know. I dont know what they want for evidence," the source said. "And that little three-year-old boy cannot speak on his own behalf and say that weve all failed him." ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. 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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. Undersea cable owners in Ireland seek injunctions preventing fishermen trawling by Aodhan O'Faolain March 24,2021 | Source: The Irish Times The owners of two transatlantic communication undersea cables are seeking High Court injunctions preventing fishing boat owners trawling near their property. The action has been brought by GTT Communications and related entities Hibernia Express Ireland Ltd and Hibernia Atlantic Cable System Limited which run between Ireland, the UK and Canada. The court heard the cables carry data from some of the largest financial firms, telecommunications firms and cloud operators. One cable carries information key to traders on the global stock markets. The companies claim the owners of several fishing vessels have been trawling in the waters near the cables, allegedly posing a high risk of damage to the cables. The companies claim the defendants actions also place the trawler crews in danger as the cables are charged and there is a history of vessels sinking having had their fishing equipment caught in subsea cables. The cable owners seek various orders against Brendan, Denis, James and John OFlaherty, as alleged registered owners of several fishing vessels operating out of Kilmore Quay in Co Wexford. The orders sought include an injunction restraining them trawling, dropping anchor or interfering with the seabed within 1km of the cables until the full dispute has been determined. The applicants claim the cables at risk from the fishermens alleged actions are the segment D cable which runs from Sutton, Dublin, via the Irish Sea, before making its way west to Halifax, in Nova Scotia, Canada. The defendants oppose the applications and say there is no basis in law that would allow a court make such orders. The orders would prevent them from engaging in lawful fishing activities, they say. Another cable allegedly at risk is the Hibernia express cable, which runs between Brean in the UK, lands in Co Cork, before running on to Halifax. Ciaran Lewis SC, for the companies, said the matter was urgent. His clients, following a number of incidents had asked the defendants to cease fishing near the cables, but they had failed to do so. The cables, he said, are extremely expensive to repair when damaged and varied from 600,000 to 1.4 million for every repair. Darren Lehane SC, for the fishermen, said they are currently out at sea and he was not in a position to give any undertakings to the court until they were able to speak with them. The matter is complex and should be heard by the judge designated to hear admiralty matters, he said. Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds acknowledged the urgency of the matter given the serious claims made in relation to health and safety. She said the matter could not be heard until after the Easter holidays. She adjourned it to later this week with a view to fixing a hearing date for the dispute. 2021 THE IRISH TIMES Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of H&K Engineering, LLC to Orbital Engineering, Inc. The acquisition closed February 5, 2021. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, H&K Engineering (H&K) is a multi-discipline consulting engineering firm. H&K provides a wide spectrum of engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services to the refining, chemical and pulp & paper industries. The Company also provides laser scanning services. H&K has a team of highly skilled individuals dedicated to completing its engineering projects on-time and under-budget. H&K Staffing provides in-plant workers on a staffing basis to plants all over the country. H&K meets its clients needs through proficiency and experience in consulting, engineering, procurement, and technology applications. Services include engineering, staffing, project management, commissioning, construction management, and procurement. H&K has a solid track record of delivering successful projects on schedule and on budget with industry leading safety performance and high-quality work. Orbital Engineering, (Orbital), provides engineering, risk mitigation, and project delivery services for Fortune 500 companies and local municipal authorities in mining and metals, energy, chemical and manufacturing, and infrastructure industries in the United States. It offers civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering services that comprise feasibility/conceptual studies, scope development and appropriations, detailed engineering and design, facility layout and planning, design optimization, and retrofit installations. Orbital also provides construction delivery services, including construction and procurement support, project management, and staff augmentation. In addition, Orbital provides asset integrity services, such as inspections, asset management programs, risk evaluations, due diligence, corrective engineering and repairs as well as safety and regulatory services; which include process safety management, ARC flash, fall protection, OSHA/MSHA compliance, site safety management, and environmental compliance. Orbital was founded in 1969 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with additional offices in Houston, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Detroit, and Hammond, Indiana. Story continues Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A - Central Region, Michael Goss and his team, led by Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, Jon LePage, successfully closed the transaction. Senior Managing Director Rick Buchoz established the initial relationship with H&K. "H&K offers an exciting opportunity for Orbital to strengthen and expand its service offering throughout the Gulf region. With a range of high-profile clients, the acquisition of H&K supports the Orbital strategy to be a market leader and provides a major growth opportunity for both businesses through an extended service offering. It will be fun to watch these two great organizations grow together," said LePage. About Generational Equity Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), Generational Wealth Advisors, Generational Consulting Group, and DealForce are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With over 250 professionals located throughout North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing growth consulting, merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. Their six-step approach features strategic and tactical growth consulting, exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, M&A transactional services, and wealth management. The M&A Advisor named the company the 2017 and 2018 Investment Banking Firm of the Year and Valuation Firm of the Year in 2020. For more information, visit https://www.genequityco.com/ or the Generational Equity press room. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005146/en/ Contacts For more information: Carl Doerksen 972-232-1125 cdoerksen@generational.com Asian American women understand that the alleged murderer of eight people in Atlanta was acting in keeping with a culture filled with racialized and sexualized views of Asian women. Of the people murdered, four women were of Korean descent and two of Chinese heritage. The shooter, Robert Long, has said he was motivated to act violently because of his self-proclaimed sex addiction. He allegedly told investigators that the businesses he attacked represented a temptation for him that he wanted to eliminate. Long sought to eliminate the objects of his sexual temptations, Asian women. In doing so, he drew on the U.S.s long history of sexualizing Asian American women. A long history of stereotypes Harmful stereotypes of Asian women in American popular culture date back to at least the 19th century. Back then, American missionaries and military personnel in Asia viewed the women they met there as exotic and submissive. These stereotypes influenced the first U.S. immigration law based on race, the 1875 Page Act, which prevented Chinese women from entering the United States. The official assumption was that, unless proven otherwise, Chinese women seeking to enter the United States lacked moral character and were prostitutes. In fact, many were wives seeking to reunite with their husbands who had already come to the U.S. Around the same time, Chinese women in San Francisco also were scapegoated by local public health officials who feared they would spread sexually transmitted diseases to white men, who would then spread it to their wives. In the mid-20th century, U.S. wars and military bases in China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam resulted in increased interracial contact between American soldiers and Asian women. The GIs restricted interactions with the larger Asian population meant that they met Asian women that worked on or near the military bases: on-base service workers who cleaned or cooked, or sex workers in the surrounding communities. Some soldiers married Asian women and brought them home as war brides, while others primarily viewed Asian women as sexual objects. Both approaches perpetuated stereotypes of Asian women as sexually submissive, either as ideal wives or sexually exotic prostitutes. These stereotypes are evident throughout U.S. popular culture in the form of novels and movies, including The Teahouse of the August Moon and James Micheners The Bridges at Toko-Ri, which feature romances between GIs and Asian women. Vietnam War-era films like Full Metal Jacket and Platoon depict graphic sexual violence committed by American GIs against Vietnamese women. Violence against Asian American women In online digital pornography, Asian women are disproportionately presented as victims of rape, compared to white women or women of other racial backgrounds. Asian American feminist and activist Helen Zia has argued that there is a connection between the portrayals of Asian women in pornography and violence against Asian American women. Rosalind Chou, a sociologist, describes how in 2000, a group of white men kidnapped Japanese female exchange students in Spokane, Wash., to fulfill their sexual fantasies of Asian female bondage, a subgenre of pornography. Sexual attacks targeting Asian American women are more likely to come from non-Asians. Though most attacks on white or Black women come from men of the same ethnic background, Asian American women and Native American women are more likely to be sexually assaulted by males of a different ethnicity. The most recent high-profile example of this dynamic is the 2015 rape of a woman by white Stanford student Brock Turner. Not until 2019 did the woman, Chanel Miller, reveal her name and identity as an Asian American woman. At that point many Asian American women understood another element of what had already been a troubling case of white male sexual aggression: Turner likely felt entitled to use and abuse Millers unconscious body not just because she is a woman, but because of her Asian heritage. Targeted attacks In March 2020, Asian American and Pacific Islander community organizations joined with San Francisco State Universitys Asian American Studies Program to document incidents of anti-Asian racism occurring across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group they formed, called StopAAPIHate, has recorded an average of 11 anti-Asian hate incidents in the U.S. each day since its creation, including in-person and online verbal harassment, civil rights violations and physical assaults. The group has found that Asian women report hate incidents 2.3 times as often as Asian men. The data do not distinguish between sexual assaults or harassment and other types of physical attacks and harassment, but it nevertheless emphasizes the vulnerability of being Asian and being female. Oppression of women of color Asian women are not the only targets of racial and sexual violence. Any non-white woman has a greater risk of these perils than white women do. One day after the white male shooter in Georgia killed six Asian women, an armed white man was detained outside Vice President Kamala Harris official residence in Washington, D.C. As a mixed-race South Asian and Black woman, Harris is not exempt from this culture that racializes and sexualizes Asian women and all women of color. None of us is. Leong is an associate professor of women and gender studies and Asian Pacific American studies at Arizona State University. Kuo is an associate professor of Asian Pacific American Studies at Arizona State University. This essay was first published in The Conversation. A Newberry Township man was duped into believing a woman he met on the internet had given birth to his child, then extorted into giving her nearly $5,000 for that purported child, according to police allegations. Charging documents allege Billie Jo Brenizer, also known as B.J. Brenizer, has done the same thing to numerous other men. Brenizer, 23, of the 200 block of Windy Hill Road outside Duncannon, Perry County, remains free on $2,000 bail, charged with the felonies of theft by extortion and theft by deception by creating a false impression, as well as the summary of harassment. Brenizer did not respond Tuesday to an email and phone message seeking comment. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 31 before District Judge Scott Gross, court records state. The man filed a complaint with Newberry Township Police in June, saying he met a woman on Facebook in February 2019 who went by the name " Kaylee Nicole, but later realized the woman was really Brenizer and that shed catfished him, charging documents state. ALSO READ: Wife sues Dauphin County Prison over suicide of husband accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill her That means being duped into believing a person is someone theyre not, a deception usually carried out with fake online profiles and photos. The man had sex with Brenizer anyway, after which she called him and claimed he had abused and raped her, documents allege. She then said if he didnt meet up with her, she would call police and press charges, those documents state. He agreed to meet with her because of the threat, and subsequently, they engaged in a sexual relationship that ended in December 2019, according to police. Said she was pregnant: Brenizer later called the man and told him she was pregnant with his child, and sent him images of positive pregnancy tests, charging documents state. They discussed adoption and she told the man she had a couple willing to adopt the baby, but later said they backed out, according to documents. The man was led to believe Brenizer gave birth to a baby boy with medical issues, although he never saw any social-media images about her pregnancy and never saw her pregnant in person, charging documents state. For his part, the man kept the news a secret from his family and friends, police said. The York Dispatch is withholding his name. The man repeatedly asked to see the baby and asked for a paternity test to be done, but Brenizer would respond by saying he knew the child was his and therefore didnt need a paternity test, according to police. Brenizer and the man agreed that if he gave her money for the child privately, rather than go through the courts, she would keep his secret, documents allege. In total, the man gave Brenizer $4,960, police allege, despite never seeing the baby or having any proof the child existed. Similar cases investigated: In November, a state police trooper also investigating Brenizer contacted Newberry Township Police to say he was conducting an investigation similar to this case with numerous victims, charging documents allege. Brenizer admitted to state police that she hadnt had a child and that she used different phone numbers and social media accounts to contact her alleged victims, according to documents. She used the Newberry Township mans anxiety about his family finding out to prolong her financial gain, charging documents allege. After the situation became known to the mans family and friends, Brenizer began sending those people harassing messages, documents state. A search of Pennsylvania court records found no similar charges filed against her by state police. Liz Evans Scolforo of The York Dispatch wrote this story. Reach senior crime reporter Liz Evans Scolforo at levans@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @LizScolforoYD. (c)2021 The York Dispatch (York, Pa.) Visit The York Dispatch (York, Pa.) at www.yorkdispatch.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Brandon Lewis, the Secretary of State, is about to lay regulations in Parliament, to directly impose the commissioning of abortion services on our own Department of Health. In this way, the UK parliament would legally compel Health Minister Robin Swann, to set up commissioned abortion services, regardless of the views of the Assembly, or the Executive. By doing so, Lewis is prioritising the provision of abortion above other health services, such as outstanding cancer treatments, postponed because of the need to deal with the pandemic. Worse still he is making a mockery of the devolution settlement. As Robin Swann has repeatedly pointed out, the provision of abortion is a cross-cutting, controversial issue that requires the agreement of our devolved Executive. As on other issues, the Executive has not reached agreement on this contentious matter. Opposing this threatened move, the DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson reacted strongly: "Any move by an NIO minister to legislate over the head of the Executive would raise serious questions about when and in what areas the Government can make interventions in a devolved administration." Donaldson is right to raise the crucial political issue of the right and responsibility of the devolved institutions to deal exclusively with this matter, as they deem appropriate. Such a move by Westminster against the Scottish parliament would have caused a political earthquake. This new political row, is not just about the rights and wrongs of abortion, but goes to the very heart of the devolved settlement. Under that settlement, it is up to the Assembly to legislate exclusively in a wide range of matters, including health and abortion. If this proposed intervention by the SOS is permitted, then a dangerous precedent is set, whereby the UK Government can legislate directly on devolved matters, whenever it likes. This move would undermine the powers of the Assembly and would be in contempt of the Good Friday Agreement. That's why Colum Eastwood, the SDLP leader, is misguided in justifying the British Government's move on commissioning and letting them off the hook. Disrespecting the SDLP's long-standing opposition to abortion, he declared: "Parties have the opportunities to shape the commissioning of services in line with our legal obligations and according with the needs of local people, or they can wait for the British Government to intervene again. Ducking difficult issues should no longer be an option." In other words, he is saying, if Stormont can't agree on abortion, the British have every right to impose it by way of legislation, and furthermore in its legislative aftermath, they can legally direct a Stormont minister to carry out abortion commissioning services, even where there is no political consensus within the devolved Executive. What would he say if Lewis intended to direct the imposition of water charges on householders here? His remarks are in stark contrast to the SDLP Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, who recently quite rightly warned Boris Johnson against a power-grab against the devolved institutions. She said: "The British Government can't just decide to have London-imposed decision-making." Even the UUP leader, Steve Aiken, who personally is in favour of pro-choice, recognises the political difficulties inherent in this commissioning issue. He said, that any unilateral move by Robin Swann on abortion services would breach the ministerial code. A contrary argument has been put forward by the Alliance Party MLA, Paula Bradshaw, who takes the incorrect view that the implementation of commissioning services for abortion is a human rights matter, transcending devolution. This is not correct. In 2019, the British Parliament, on its own initiative, during its last few months, voted to impose on Northern Ireland, the extreme abortion recommendations of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Committee. CEDAW is a UN Convention just like other Conventions, to which the British Government is a signatory. CEDAW does not however, have any direct legal effect in Britain, or here. It can report and recommend actions, but mere recommendations, do not translate to binding international human rights obligations. It is also noteworthy, that those like Amnesty International, who enthusiastically supported the implementation of CEDAW, ignore the application of the UN Convention on the Disabled, here. Unlike CEDAW, this UN Convention has direct legal application to any legislation proposed in our Assembly, but yet it is ignored by pro-abortionists in the debate about the abortion of seriously disabled babies beyond the 24-week limit, which was recently debated in the Assembly. The UN Committee on the Disabled, has made repeated criticisms, that current British abortion legislation unlawfully discriminates against seriously disabled unborn babies, beyond 24 weeks, in that it permits them to be legally aborted. In contrast, an unborn able-bodied baby enjoys full protection from abortion beyond 24 weeks. Happily, the Assembly chose to protect unborn disabled babies, by supporting Paul Givan's Bill. Two San Francisco supervisors called to reopen JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park to cars to make it more accessible to their constituents of color who live farther away, to the dismay of some advocates who shot down their arguments. Part of JFK Drive was shut to traffic in April 2020 as part of the citys temporary Slow Streets network during the pandemic. The most vocal voices have been in support of the closure, led by bicycling and pedestrian advocates and some elected officials including state Senator Scott Wiener, (D-San Francisco), who rallied to keep it car-free on Saturday. Board President Shamann Walton said during a meeting of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority Tuesday that Slow Streets can be great for calming traffic and providing access to biking, walking and kids playing, but road closures can be a hindrance for communities where people rely on cars because of transportation inequities. So when we look at segregationist policies like closing JFK to Bayview, Mission, Lakeview, Excelsior communities, that shouldnt even be considered, Walton said. We need to allow Black and brown and all communities of color complete access again now that were in the orange tier. Walton urged the city to work on opening JFK to cars and criticized what he called the closed door decision to do so. The Recreation and Parks Department said park roads were closed to vehicles during the pandemic to create more room for socially distanced recreation. The San Francisco County Transportation Authority is conducting outreach conversations and after their report the Parks Department and Municipal Transportation Agency will engage residents from every neighborhood to determine next steps for the roads, a department spokeswoman said. The decisions will follow a robust public process, be subject to environmental review and ultimately be voted on by the Board of Supervisors. Walton was criticized during public comment and on Twitter from bicycle and pedestrian advocates who argued public transit links disadvantaged communities to the park and closing the street helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate traffic fatalities. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition said on Twitter that increasing accessibility to Golden Gate Park has been at the heart of our advocacy for #CarFreeJFK from the beginning and urged solutions to expand parking, shuttles and pathways to get to JFK. One mother and urban planner who lives near the park and appreciates the road closure said during public comment that she supported more robust transit options to get families who live farther away to the park. Supervisor Ahsha Safai echoed Waltons demand on Twitter. Open up JFK drive, he wrote. Residents of the Excelsior, OMI, Outer Mission, Bayview and all neighbors of the Southern portion of the City need to have access to the park as well. Closing JFK takes away access to GGP attractions for many SF families and many communities of color. He followed up saying that having the road closed on some days is a good compromise but its total closure without input from the working families of southeast San Francisco is not ok. He said nearby available parking was pricey and free parking far from attractions. Walton doubled down on his point on Twitter in response to criticism. There are so many inequities with policies like this. This is a very viable option for people with means and for people with adequate transportation options. Thats not universal, he wrote. Supervisor Connie Chan expressed sympathy for her two colleagues positions during Tuesdays meeting. She said it was hard to get to Golden Gate Park from where she grew up in Chinatown. It is a racial equity issue...that consistently for a lot of us immigrants, working families, communities of color, that we have to fight for green spece, we have to fight for equity in recreation, Chan said. When we have road closures, more often than not, that essentially is what segregation is all about. Other supervisors didnt directly address the debate Tuesday, but Supervisor Matt Haney tweeted Saturday that he supported car-free JFK. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench EL CAJON, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday March 24th from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT, members of the Cajon Valley Union School District will join... Cajon Valley Logo President Joe Biden Vice President Kamala Harris Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute along with a few other spotlight districts for the National Safe Schools Reopening Summit hosted by the US Department of Education . The Summit is one of a series of steps the Department is taking to provide support and resources to schools as they work to reopen quickly and safely and equitably address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students most impacted by the pandemic. Cajon Valley has earned global recognition for its innovative practices in modern curriculum, technology, and The World of Work, a comprehensive K - 12 solution for career development, financial empowerment, and social & emotional well-being. ABC10 News Story: Innovative Cajon Valley curriculum setting students up for success Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute, will moderate a panel with representatives of Tulsa School District and Cajon Valley Team Members Anisha Ward, 8th Grade Student of Bostonia Language Academy Shelly Smith, Teacher at Rios Computer Science Magnet School Nerel Winter, Principal of Bostonia Language Academy Karen Minshew, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services as they change the conversation from "learning loss" to "hope and engagement" for our nation's youth beyond the pandemic. The National Safe School Reopening Summit is a public event, and all attendees can register here. Closed captioning and ASL interpreters will be available throughout the entire Summit, and the event will be livestreamed on the Department of Education's YouTube channel . Story continues Media Contact: Howard Shen 619-590-5823 305892@email4pr.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cajon-valley-union-school-district-to-participate-in-national-safe-schools-reopening-summit-hosted-by-the-us-department-of-education-301254646.html SOURCE Cajon Valley Union School District Representative image Karachi [Pakistan], March 24 (ANI): In yet another case of police brutality in Pakistan, the provincial police in Sindh has baton-charged and detained over two dozen teachers for protesting outside the Chief Minister House in Karachi. More than two dozen teachers sustained injuries on Monday at a sit-in demonstration after teachers demanding the provincial government to regularise their services, The Express Tribune reported. "Around 15 male and 10 female teachers with bleeding head and nose have been taken away in police mobile," Siddique Dal, one of the protesters said. The Pakistani daily reported that protesters, who were appointed as government school principals have been demonstrating for the last four years demanding the provincial authorities to regularise them. "All head teachers have qualified the Institute of Business Administration (IAB) test purely on merit. Initially, they [government] extended two years tenure. Later, they do it on yearly basis," one of the teachers said. "Instead of making us permanent employees, the government has now advertised to appoint fresh headmasters. We have already served four years in the department and still continue the job," Saleem Ahmed, a teacher said. (ANI) Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. A program that has been helping the Newark School District for 10 years will celebrate its anniversary this year with a huge donation. The University of Chicagos My Very Own Library (MVOL) program will distribute 240,000 books, or 10 free books per child, to participating Newark schools in celebration of its tenth anniversary, according to a release from United Way of Greater Newark. The program focuses on bolstering literacy and fostering a love of reading while also empowering students to build their very own home libraries. Since it was founded in 2011 in Newark, the program has provided more than 2 million books to elementary school students there, officials said. It started with only eight participating schools but has now grown to 35. United Way and Scholastic have been committed partners of the district for many years and we are proud to accept this incredibly generous donation of 240,000 books, said Newark School District Superintendent Roger Leon. The My Very Own Library initiative continues to provide additional literature to every child in elementary school enabling them to build their very own libraries at home, improving their comprehension skills which are essential to academic growth and success, and opening their minds to endless possibilities and academic pursuits. Before the coronavirus pandemic, twice yearly, students at the district attended Scholastic book fairs where they would pick five free books and award-winning childrens authors would visit schools. During the pandemic, the program has pivoted to continue providing free access to an online library of literacy resources and virtual book read-alouds from nationally recognized authors like Newark native, Tami Charles, author of All Because You Matter. We are excited about the continued excellence of our partnership in Newark with the United Way and Newark Public Schools, said Duane Davis, executive director of the University of Chicagos My Very Own Library initiative. During the pandemic, we have worked with Scholastic Book Fairs to offer students great book titles with characters and creators who come from communities like their own in Newark and across the country. Senator Cory Booker, who previously served as mayor of Newark, touted the program. Promoting literacy among our children is the key to increasing student achievement and paving the way for future success, Booker said. As we continue to face challenges resulting from the coronavirus pandemic, successful programs like this are more important than ever in creating new opportunities for Newark youth and helping ensure our children reach their fullest potential. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Jhansi : /Kottayam (Kerala), March 24 (IANS) Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who allegedly heckled and forced two nuns and two novices to get off a train in Jhansi district, are now in the midst of a major controversy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday assured that strict action would be taken against all those involved. He said this while addressing an election rally of former Union Minister of Tourism and presently BJP Rajya Sabha member K.J. Alphons, who is contesting from his home turf -- Kanjirapally, a constituency which he represented as a Left Independent candidate between 2006-11 as well. "Our government is always concerned about the minority communities and I assure you that there will be strict action against those who harassed the nuns in Uttar Pradesh," said Shah. He went on to point out that the state government in Uttar Pradesh is one of the strongest governments in the country where the rule of law is imposed strictly. "I assure all of you that all those who are guilty of harassing the nuns would be brought before the rule of law and the maximum punishment would be given," added Shah. The Kerala unit of the BJP gave a memorandum on the harassment suffered by the nuns to Shah when he arrived in the state last night for Wednesday's day-long election campaign. Shah's announcement came after Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to the MHA seeking strict action in the matter. On March 19, the ABVP members had accused the nuns and novices of carrying out religious conversions. The four were allowed to proceed only after an inquiry at the railway station established there was no conversion involved. The ABVP is the student's wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP. "Those involved in the Jhansi nuns' harassment incident will be brought before the law," Amit Shah told reporters in Delhi on Wednesday. According to reports, the incident took place last week when the nuns were travelling on the Haridwar-Puri Utkal Express. A 25-second video from the train compartment shows the women surrounded by some men, some of whom appear to be policemen. "Go get your luggage. You will be sent home if what you are saying is correct," a man is heard saying while another is heard saying, "Why are you indulging in netagiri?" "Arre what netagiri. Chaliye madam. Jaldi uthao samaan," the third man is saying. Naeem Khan Mansuri, the Superintendent of Railway Police in Jhansi in a detailed statement said: "There were some members of the ABVP who were returning from a training camp in Rishikesh on board the Utkal express to Jhansi. "Four Christian ladies were travelling on the same train from Hazrat Nizamuddin in Delhi to Rourkela in Odisha. Two of them were nuns and two were under training. These members of the ABVP suspected that these two nuns were taking the other two women for conversion because the nuns were speaking to the other ladies. "They informed the Railway Protection Force that then informed the railway police. These ABVP members also gave a written complaint about conversion. I reached the spot and made inquiries. These inquiries revealed that the two other women were from Odisha's Rourkela and were under training. "We checked their certificates and both had 2003 baptism certificates and this proved both women by birth were Christian and that no conversion was involved. After this we sent all four women onwards to their destination in Odisha." When contacted on Wednesday, the SP, however, did not respond to calls. By Dorothy Nakaweesi Tax accountants are spending sleepless nights trying to comply with the costly and labourious requirements of Electronic Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS), with many questioning whether compliance, especially for Value Added Tax (VAT) registered taxpayers operating businesses in the country, has become an illicit activity. The situation has hit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hard, which account for about 90 per cent of businesses in the country. For example, a lunch-time stroll last week at one of the supermarkets was quite revealing that some local brands were conspicuously missing on the shelves. Upon inquiring from the attendants, the suppliers stopped stocking the products weeks ago because they could not adapt to the new e-receipting requirement for each product that they transact. Prosper Magazine's investigation shows that the missing products are as a result of local providers' inability to issue e-receipting. This is because majority of the suppliers are small businesses that lack sufficient resources to procure e-receipting system, let alone enough time to understand the complexity of EFRIS, especially at a time when SMEs are struggling to keep afloat, following the Covid-19 effects on their operations. Already, URA has warned supermarket retailers and other business against dealing with suppliers that are not registered, impacting the policy of 'Buy Uganda, Build Uganda' (BUBU). As a result of enforcement of EFRIS and URA's warning against engaging unregistered members, some retail stores have lost up to 80 per cent of their local suppliers as a result of this development. Should the supermarket retailers and many other businesses take the unregistered suppliers on board, it means they will have to account for their VAT tax obligations, a risky affair for businesses that heavily rely on suppliers' goodwill. Ideally, a person who carries out business and is registered for VAT is required to issue an e-invoice for every supply/sale made as part of his/her business activity regardless of whether the supply/sale is subject to VAT at a standard rate, zero rate or exempt. Effective January 01, 2021 URA started implementing EFRIS for all VAT registered taxpayers operating businesses in the country. With EFRIS, URA tax collection especially for VAT, an indirect tax on consumption, has never been that easy because the system records and generates receipts for transactions made which then allows the tax man to levy due taxes on businesses, some of which are SMEs that previously were not on the tax radar. As for business, the system enables proper organisation and some sanity. With EFRIS, SMEs can, with some precision, know and track their transactions while making sense of them from a knowledgeable (business) point of view. Without encumbrances, the system helps in book keeping and revenue collection, an area that many SMEs have struggled with previously due to several reasons ranging from lack of book keeping knowledge to non-compliance or lack of motivation to do so among other factors. Owners and managers of several SMEs have pointed out that EFRIS has proven difficult to apply, thanks to the system's many technical and administrative requirements. "EFRIS is a nightmare," says Mr Ronald Kulumala, a tax accountant with a leading media house in the country. He continues: "It has increased the cost of operation and business in general because you need to bring in an expert to implement the system. You need to procure extra devices to integrate the two system--URA's and your internal system and these are things that were not planned for." Mr Kulumula's trouble just like many in his position in several entities, is further compounded by the fact that the applicability of the system is yet to be fully understood by the users, urging the tax enforcers to deepen publicity around this integrated device. As system users calls for increased publicity take shape, a more technical issue with the system needs to be quickly addressed. "This system conflicts with accounting principles. It will reject credit notes the whole time because it was set in a way that it does not allow this provision yet this is something that in day to day operation of business is normal," Mr Kalumala noted. Credit notes rejected By rejecting credit notes, it denies flexibility that businesses employ from time to time to either clinch or win a deal. URA demands that all credit notes should be accounted for at the time the transaction happened yet this is not always possible because in reality, that is not how business operates. This means as a business, you may lose money you should have gotten once because the system has no provision for such transactions. Many times EFRIS rejects invoices because of compatibility issues and when you want help from the Tax Authority regarding these challenges, you will be lucky to get immediate help. Normally, you will have to wait for eternity to get some assistance. As all that plays out, the system does not recognise that there are instances when businesses may not necessarily close their books once the month comes to a close, but could opt for a week or so extension to reconcile a number of things that are due or occasioned to that specific situation. In other words, the system does not recognise post backs (making entries to a previous accounting period as long as the period status is not closed) that is due to a specific period. As a result of that rejection, there are variances between the URA system and those of different entities, triggering future compliance queries with the tax man. According to the businesses, the system does not print out the entire data that is provided, causing a mismatch that is difficult to justify. This is in addition to the fact that only EFRIS invoices can be claimed yet it is still marred with several technical and administrative irregularities. Damn if you do, damn if you don't When contacted, Mr John Walugembe, the executive director of the Federation of Small and Medium Entreprises-Uganda (FSME), noted that EFRIS is a "double edged sword" for businesses at all levels and more so for SMEs. He is of the view that for the government, it will increase the tax base, considering the transparency that is in embedded in the system, making it difficult to avoid or evade taxes, hence enforcing tax compliance. For small businesses, it eases book keeping. The problem, however, according to Mr Walugembe is that the system requires a certain level of knowledge which many SMEs don't have. According to him, the reason URA is struggling to have businesses appreciate this system is because it didn't factor in the fact that this could be a costly affair in terms of knowledge gap and complexity surrounding the application of the integrated technology. He says the system is not working as efficiently as earlier expected due to low Internet access and power outages in the country. This may result into unnecessary penalties. "The benefit will take time to be evident. What is needed is more education as well as putting in place infrastructure that can enable the system to work beyond Kampala effectively." He continued: "URA doesn't have to look at SMEs as tools for paying taxes, the tax body and the government need to see how to introduce some development support before rolling out some of these initiatives." Business es lose suppliers In an interview with Prosper Magazine last week, Mr Francis Akankwasa, the general manager of Mega Standard Supermarket, re-echoed what all other players have said. He noted that EFRIS has proven difficult to comply with. He told Prosper Magazine that the system has challenges because it is not in conformity with their operations. It demands that retail supermarket chains categorise their items in a certain way that is different from their internal ways of paying suppliers. The new system introduces additional costs. "We have about 80,000 items but integrating them with EFRIS will take us nearly half a year," Akankwasa says. Uganda Revenue Authority is convinced that EFRIS is good to go. When contacted, URA's Acting Assistant Commissioner Public and Corporate Affairs, Mr Ian Rumanyika, said the tax body is cognisant that there will be emerging issues during the implementation phase of EFRIS. But URA is committed to making it work and we will go to great lengths to ensure that they facilitate business by addressing all the encumbrances that pop up Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He said: "We are engaging with stakeholders as we fix the problem and we shall continue doing this. We acknowledge the fact that some products may not be configured because of new terminologies. But once that comes to our attention, we step in and solve the problem. "We shall always try to sort out any issues that demand our attention regarding EFRIS because we are not turning back. The grace period is over and we have observed at least 97 per cent in compliance." Tax laws Tax procedure Code Act Section 73(B) 1.A tax payer specified in section 73A(2)& General notice 595 of 2020 who doesn't use an electronic fiscal device is liable to pay a penal tax equivalent to the Tax due on goods or services or four hundred currency points( Shs8m) whichever is higher. 2.A tax payer specified under section 73A(2) who does not issue an e invoice or e receipt for goods and services or who tempers with an electronic fiscal device is liable to a penal tax equivalent to the tax due on goods or services or Three hundred currency points(Shs6m) whichever is higher. 3. A person who acquires a device that is not linked to the centralised invoicing and receipting system or authenticated by URA is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding three hundred currency points(Shs6m) or both NOTE: One currency point is equal to Shs20,000. EFRIS E-taxfiling system - Electronic Receipting and Invoicing System (EFRIS) is an automated compliance system introduced by the URA as part of its Domestic Revenue Mobilisation Strategy which is intended to manage the issuance and centralised tracking of all invoices and receipts by specified taxpayers in Uganda. Bengaluru, March 24 : Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Wednesday defended his government's decision to borrow, saying the move arose out of necessity and not out of fancy wishes. Lashing out at the opposition who had alleged that the decision had pushed the state into the huge debt trap, Yediyurappa, in his reply on the budget discussion in the Assembly, said that the government has no magic wand or the treasury was not a 'Akshaya Patra' (inexhaustible Vessel) in the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic. "We are witnessing another round of Covid with a spike in cases in Karnataka. If this is not controlled, then there is all probability that the state may face similar problems of mopping up revenue resources. The government needs everyone's support," he said, cautioning about Covid might derail plans again. He also stated that Karnataka was not the first state to borrow as all states have borrowed to bridge the fiscal and revenue deficits during the last fiscal. As Yediyurappa was reading out his reply, the opposition Congress continued with protests against the government, citing inaction against former minister Ramesh Jarakiholi in the "Sleaze CD" case. The CM also declared that he was not anti-backward classes as he has allocated Rs 2,316 crore for backward class development, while Rs 1,000 crore was collectively allocated for the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities. Noting the lockdown due to pandemic, and floods and drought had "adverse ramifications" on finances, he said that the government had no other choice but to borrow money in order to take up and complete various development works across the state. "The government is ready to take remedial measures to overcome the situation (of fiscal deficit)," said Yediyurappa, who presented his eighth budget on March 8. He claimed that he had presented seven revenue surplus budgets before but the same could not be achieved this year due to pandemic. Assuring that he would take necessary measures for the state to bounce back economically, he said: "Various committees have already been set up to merge departments. This will help us improve finances by cutting down on expenses and enhancing non-tax revenue." Several new retail shops and dining venues are in the works from the Charleston region's peninsular core to the growing towns on the edges of the metro area. In Moncks Corner, AT&T, Jersey Mike's Subs and Marco's Pizza have signed on as tenants in a 5,400-square-foot structure nearing completion in front of Walmart off of U.S. Highway 52, according to Jeff Yurfest with The Shopping Center Group, the commercial real estate firm that handled the leases. A deal is being finalized for a national hair salon for the remaining vacancy, and most tenants should be open by late spring or early summer, Yurfest said. Also in the growing Berkeley County town, a new retail clothing store is opening. Bright's Unlimited will snip the ribbon at 3 p.m. March 25 at 484 N. Highway 52. Giveaways and food will be offered 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 27. Owner Cornell Bright said the shop will feature modern clothing for men and women, including brands such as Nautica and Simply Southern. It's open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with plans to open on Sunday once it becomes more established. What's cooking? Fans of an Italian restaurant that closed during the pandemic last year will be happy to know it's returning, but not in downtown Charleston. Alfredo Temelini plans to relaunch Pane e Vino, tentatively in May, in the former Old Firehouse Restaurant site at 6350 Highway 162 in Hollywood. That's about 20 miles south of the former dining venue's site on Warren Street on the peninsula, where Indian fare restaurant Coterie recently opened. Temelini said he chose the location because the rent is less expensive than the downtown area and he believes the town of Hollywood is growing with new residents and shops. Up the street near Piggly Wiggly supermarket, a new pizza restaurant opened in November in a building where the operator plans to open a store next door by April as a fresh market. When Pane e Vino opens, Temelini plans to start small, opening 5-10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Also in the works is a new venue coming to the Charleston peninsula by early summer. Work is underway on new bar at 472 Meeting St., between The UPS Store and Metro by T-Mobile, where mixologist Joey Goetz, formerly of The Belmont cocktail bar on King Street, plans to launch Last Saint with partners Brandon Bramhall of Nashville and Zachary Pease of New York City. Goetz also was involved with three business partners Hank Weed, Alex Lira and John Griffith in the opening of Bar George on James Island in 2020, where he continues to mix drinks. Goetz plans to split his time between the two venues after the new bar opens. Meanwhile, just a few doors away, cafe and smoothie bar Oasis, which opened in November behind the F45 fitness site at 476 Meeting, plans to add alcohol to its offerings as soon as it gets its state permit. The alleyway cafe is across the parking lot from the Family Dollar store that has undergone a total makeover and is expected to reopen in about a month, according to a worker on site March 23. Now serving Daniel Island's first and only waterfront restaurant opened March 24. The two-story Kingstide, the latest offering from The Indigo Road Hospitality Group, can be found at 32 River Landing Drive next to the Wando River. Executive chef Kevin Getzewich offers a variety of seafood dishes along with vegetables and other items. The venue includes a full bar as well. The main dining room offers 76 indoor seats and 52 outdoor seats while the second floor has 56 seats indoors and 85 on the deck. 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! Reservations are available for the main dining room, which is open after 5 p.m. each day except Tuesday, when the restaurant is closed. Seating for the upstairs area is open on a first-come, first-serve basis after noon on weekends and midafternoon on other days. On the way A new smoothie shop is coming to a former restaurant on James Island. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is moving into the building that housed Hen and the Goat at 869 Folly Road, according to The Shopping Center Group. An opening date has not been announced. Hen and the Goat closed last September because of the pandemic. Wired up Walterboro residents now have a new wireless shop. T-Mobile is now open at 1576 Bells Highway off of Interstate 95. Previously, the carrier's nearest retail locations were in Charleston and Summerville. The store offers devices, service plans and an in-person bill-paying option as part of the company's effort to expand into small towns across the U.S. Getting fit A downtown Charleston fitness site is looking to expand by this summer. The Works Cycle plans to open a new space at 465 Meeting St., on the ground-floor of apartment giant Greystar Real Estate Partners' headquarters. The Works offers fitness classes next door to the site now. The 2,300-square-foot space will include a cycle studio with 40 indoor bikes and two infrared saunas. Carter Foxworth and Sarah Frick are the business partners involved in the expansion. More convenience More convenience stores are on the way to the Charleston area. Savannah-based Parker's Kitchen opened its ninth location in the region on March 24 at Ladson Road and Limehouse Drive near Summerville. A Wash Wizard car wash is planned next to the site. At least six other Parker's stores are planned to be developed this year in the region, while 25 more are proposed to open by 2025. Also, Charleston-based Refuel convenience stores plans to add another Lowcountry location in Goose Creek. The company recently applied for an alcohol permit to sell beer and wine for seven-day, on-premise consumption at 2520 N. Main St., also known as U.S. Highway 17-A, in the developing Carnes Crossroads community in Berkeley County. It's expected to open by early summer. A similar permit is being requested for a future Refuel location at 1705 Clements Ferry Road near the Publix-anchored Point Hope Commons Shopping Center in the Cainhoy section of Charleston in Berkeley County. It's set to open later this year. Refuel also plans to build a store on James Island where Claire's Service Station and Smith Family Cleaners once operated on Folly Road near Tatum Street. The company recently requested a zoning change for part of the site from limited business to general business. Construction is expected to start there later this summer. Refuel wanted to build another location where Hospital Drive meets Bowman Road in Mount Pleasant, but the town's Board of Zoning Appeals rejected the proposal a second time in February after a judge ordered a rehearing. Refuel currently has seven stores in the Charleston area. In order to interview the Kardashian family for his new E! docuseries For Real, Andy Cohen was forced to endure elaborate COVID-19 safety protocol. 'I was driven to this medical center in the [San Fernando] Valley, where I got a COVID test,' the 52-year-old Emmy-winning producer on last Friday's episode of Earwolf podcast Bi*** Sesh. 'And I said [to the medical staff], "Are you gonna give me the results now?" And the guy said, "No. They're gonna take you to the house." I think they do this for all the visitors.' In order to interview the Kardashian family for his new E! docuseries For Real, Andy Cohen (L) was forced to endure elaborate COVID-19 safety protocol The 52-year-old Emmy-winning producer said on last Friday's episode of Earwolf podcast Bi*** Sesh: 'I was driven to this medical center in the Valley, where I got a COVID test' Andy was then driven to Khloe Kardashian's eight-figure mansion (directly next to Kris Jenner's mansion) located in a guard-gated Hidden Hills neighborhood. Cohen was told that 'if the second gate opens' then he'll know he's negative for the coronavirus, which he battled for 11 days back in March 2020. 'I was like, "The second gate?! I find out my COVID results?!" It was amazing,' the Missouri-born presenter marveled. 'I was like, "Is this the gate?" [The driver] was like, "No. It's the next one." We go. There it is. It opens. I'm like, "I'm COVID safe!"' Andy (pictured Tuesday) continued: 'And I said [to the medical staff], "Are you gonna give me the results now?" And the guy said, "No. They're gonna take you to the house"' Compound: Cohen was then driven to Khloe Kardashian's (pictured December 4) eight-figure mansion located in a guard-gated Hidden Hills neighborhood 'It opens. I'm like, "I'm COVID safe!"' The Missouri-born presenter was told that 'if the second gate opens' then he'll know he's negative for the coronavirus, which he battled for 11 days back in March 2020. As of Tuesday, there have been 1.2M confirmed COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles leading to 22,815 deaths - according to Johns Hopkins University. During the hour-long interview, Andy also touched upon D'andra and Mama Dee, the mystery of Marlo's peach, Bolo Fest 2020, and Erica Jayne. On Tuesday, Cohen got primped by a make-up artist for his appearance on The View while his two-year-old son Benjamin Allen quietly played with a bulldozer. The single father then introduced his adorable mini-me - whom he welcomed in 2019 via surrogate - to Snoopy and Woodstock (printed on Benji's shoes) from The Peanuts. 'He's kind of watching': On Tuesday, Andy got primped by a make-up artist for his appearance on The View while his two-year-old son Benjamin Allen (R) quietly played with a bulldozer Printed on Benji's shoes! Cohen then introduced his adorable mini-me - whom he welcomed in 2019 via surrogate - to Snoopy and Woodstock from The Peanuts That same day, Andy got a shout out of approval from Khloe, who Instastoried : 'I heart @bravoandy! That's it. That's all. Good night' That same day, Andy got a shout out of approval from Khloe, who Instastoried: 'I heart @bravoandy! That's it. That's all. Good night.' Andy's seven-episode history of unscripted television, For Real: The Story of Reality TV, premieres this Thursday on E! Cohen also hosts his talk show What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, which airs Sunday through Thursday nights on Bravo. Premieres this Thursday on E! The single father will debuts his seven-episode history of unscripted television, For Real: The Story of Reality TV Two of the 16 illegal gold miners who pounced on Eldorado Gold Mine on the outskirts of Chinhoyi last Friday morning have been arrested. Ten others - two believed to be armed with guns - are still underground after gaining access to the mine shaft and hoisting out all mine workers. They are believed to be mining. The invasion, which occurred around 1am on Friday was captured on the mine's CCTV and comes barely a week after the mine lost almost 1,5 kg of gold to robbers. The two gang members were arrested on Monday evening after they were hoisted to the surface. Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Margaret Chitove confirmed the arrest and said the other 10 were still underground. The gang gained entry into the mine premise by cutting through the perimeter fence and the 12 proceeded to the shaft entrance where they hoisted themselves underground, in front of CCTV cameras. The other four simply disappeared into the dark. When The Herald visited the mine last Friday, at least five armed police officers were manning the mine shaft entrance which has since been locked up. "Two of the men who gained access underground were holding guns. The other four vanished into the dark," a security guard said. Mine director Ms Emy Zhuang who said all the 12 were recorded on CCTV, added that mining operations have since been suspended. "We have since lost over 18 hours of mining operations due to the attack. We have over 200 workers who need to be paid and each disruption affects work which in turn affects production. "Last month we lost seven days of production to another invasion where six armed men invaded the mine. "Police are now in charge and are very concerned about the safety of our workers. We are hopeful that they will be able to apprehend these culprits." Two weeks ago armed robbers made off with 3,3kg of amalgam gold from the mine which is close to about 1,5 kg of gold. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding certificate proving they did not get married three days before their Windsor Castle ceremony has been pictured. MailOnline has obtained the document which blows holes in the Sussexes' claims they were wed in a private hearing at Kensington Palace. The Duke and Duchess confessed yesterday the service with the Archbishop of Canterbury saw them just 'privately exchange personal vows'. The U-turn comes two weeks after the couple made the comments in their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey. Britons were left fuming as it raised questions why the 32million taxpayer-funded wedding at Windsor Castle in May 2018 was necessary. Meanwhile it emerged earlier this week another of the Sussexes' right-hand women in the US is moving to another role after less than a year in her current job. 'Chief of staff' Catherine St Laurent has left her post leading to reports the departure was unexpected. Lawyers for the couple denied this, saying she was employed on a fixed-term contract which was due to expire. MailOnline has obtained the document which blows holes in the Sussexes' claims they were wed in a private hearing at Kensington Palace Meghan claimed that the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby married her and Harry three days before their wedding The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confessed the ceremony with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Kensington Palace saw them just 'privately exchange personal vows' CATHERINE ST-LAURENT: 'SENIOR ADVISORY ROLE' Catherine St-Laurent Old position: Executive director of the Archewell Foundation New position: A 'senior advisory role' at the Archewell Foundation Catherine St-Laurent took on the position of chief of staff and executive director of the Sussexes' non-profit enterprise the Archewell Foundation in April 2020. The Canadian-born French speaker was previously the director at Pivotal Ventures - Melinda Gates' women and families foundation - and held a top communications role at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. At the time of her appointment, a friend told the Mail that Ms St-Laurent was 'feisty, fair and up for a tough conversation', adding: 'But if all goes wrong, she is good for a laugh and a cocktail afterwards. 'She's a good egg. She'll bring a clean-sheet perspective.' After her hiring last year, the Sussexes had said: 'We are proud to be joined by Catherine St-Laurent in this next chapter with us. 'Her leadership and proven track record working within two organizations that have tremendous impact in the world the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Pivotal Ventures make her an incredible asset and we're excited to have her on our team.' In a departing email to staff, she announced: 'I am thrilled to be able to play a supporting role in realising their vision and enabling them to achieve impact on the issues that matter most to them.' It has now been revealed that mother-of-two Ms St-Laurent will instead take on a senior advisory role for Archewell, and will 'continue to bring high-level strategic guidance' to the foundation, a spokesman told Page Six. Advertisement A spokesman for Harry and Meghan has now confirmed to the Sun their ceremony three days before their wedding was not a marriage. They said they had 'privately exchanged personal vows a few days before their official/legal wedding on May 19'. In the interview with Oprah, Meghan said: 'You know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that.' She said the couple asked the Archbishop to marry them in private at Nottingham Cottage their home in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But the claim was blown apart earlier this week when the General Register Office revealed the couple's wedding certificate for the first time. It proved they did get married on May 19, 2018 in the lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle after all. The official who drew up the licence says Meghan is 'obviously confused' and 'clearly misinformed' over the wedding. Stephen Borton, former chief clerk at the Faculty Office, told the Sun: 'They did not marry three days earlier in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 'The Special Licence I helped draw up enabled them to marry at St George's Chapel in Windsor and what happened there on 19 May 2018 and was seen by millions around the world was the official wedding as recognised by the Church of England and the law. 'What I suspect they did was exchange some simple vows they had perhaps written themselves, and which is fashionable, and said that in front of the Archbishop or, and more likely, it was a simple rehearsal.' Mr Borton said they could not have been married in the grounds of Nottingham Cottage because it is not an authorised venue. He also added there were not enough witnesses to make it a valid ceremony. Mr Borton said: 'In order for them to be married a Special Licence was drawn up and the wording from Her Majesty the Queen authorising the wedding and the official venue was recorded.' He said the 325 fee normally paid for couples to have a Special Licence was waived for the couple. The wedding certificate confirmed the ceremony took place at Windsor Castle with the witnesses recorded as Prince Charles and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland. A spokesman for the Archbishop said he would not be commenting on personal or pastoral matters. Rev Mark Edwards, a C of E priest from Newcastle, said: 'When I called Lambeth Palace to ask about this I was told Justin doesn't do private weddings. Meghan doesn't understand. 'But the fact that the Archbishop has not commented publicly needs to be addressed.' General Register Office has now revealed the couple's wedding certificate for the first time, proving they did get married on May 19, 2018 in a lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle after all and not in private in a ceremony officiated by the Archbishop JAMES HOLT: NEW ARCHEWELL EXEC DIRECTOR James Holt Old position: UK PR spokesman New position: Executive director of the Archewell Foundation James Holt previously led communications for the Royal Foundation, the charity headed by the Cambridges. Holt has worked at Kensington Palace for several years as well as for the Liberal Democrats and is passionate about many of the causes championed by Harry and Meghan. He acted as Harry and Meghan's UK spokesman and will now take on the role of executive director of the Archewell Foundation. Holt, a BA Journalism graduate from the University of Lincoln, rose to the position of Head of Media for the Liberal Democrats in 2010 - and stayed in the role until August 2013. He worked as Special Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister - Nick Clegg - from June 2013 to January 2014, and moved up to become Head of Government Communications for the Deputy PM until September 2014. He took on the voluntary position of Director of Communications for Pride in London between March 2016 and November 2017. In October 2017 he took up the role of Senior Communications Officer for The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry - staying in the role for one year. He then became Head of Communications at The Royal Foundation for one year, until September 2019. Advertisement He decided to look into Meghan's claims because during the Covid outbreak he has been inundated with requests for private weddings which have been declined. Rev Edwards, the vicar at St Matthew's Church, in Dinnington, and St Cuthbert's Church, in Brunswick, Newcastle upon Tyne, said he was told by a Lambeth Palace staff member: 'Justin does not do private weddings. Meghan is an American, she does not understand.' He says the claim has caused confusion among clergy and couples anxious to tie the knot and is asking Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to clarify the situation. Elsewhere earlier this week it emerged another of the Sussexes' right-hand women in the US is moving to another role after less than a year in her current job. Catherine St Laurent - head-hunted by the couple from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to become their 'chief of staff' - has left her post leading to reports the departure was unexpected. Lawyers for the couple denied reports that she had left unexpectedly, saying she was employed on a fixed term contract which is due to expire. The couple called her an 'incredible asset' when they announced her appointment, adding: 'We are excited to have her on our team.' But earlier this week it emerged the Canadian-born mother-of-two has unexpectedly left her current post. There was no comment from her directly, but according to the New York Post, Miss St Laurent has already stepped down, although she will continue to work with Archewell in an 'advisory' role. She will be replaced as Archewell's executive director by the couple's current communications officer in the UK, James Holt. Reports suggest they have no immediate plans to replace him, leaving the Duke and Duchess of Sussex without any official representation in Britain and all their media relations now being handled in the US. The couple have already appointed Toya Holness as Archewell's 'global press secretary'. Buckingham Palace ceased to act for them after they quit as working royals last spring. Catherine St Laurent was head-hunted by the couple from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to become their 'chief of staff' BEN BROWNING: HEAD OF CONTENT FOR ARCHEWELL Ben Browning New position: Head of content for Archewell Productions and Archewell Audio Veteran producer Mr Browning has previously worked on films including The Big Sick, Arrival, Room and Late Night and is set to head up Archewell's work with Spotify and Netflix. Most recently, Mr Browning worked on Promising Young Woman, starring Carey Mulligan, which was nominated for five Oscars. It is thought that Browning will be working closely with Spotify and Netflix to help bring Archwell's creative partnerships to life, Harpers Bazaar reports. Browning has been nominated for a BAFTA Award, Academy Award and PGA Award for his role in the production of Promising Young Woman, starring Carey Mulligan. He had also previously worked as executive producer on HBO's I Know This Much Is True, which stars Mark Ruffalo. Browning said in a statement: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have founded a next-generation production company with best-in-class distribution partners in Netflix and Spotify, a clear agenda to inform and entertain, and an unparalleled global reach. 'From the moment they shared their vision for Archewell as a global production company that will spotlight diverse voices and share uplifting stories, I knew I wanted to help with this unique opportunity. 'It's a thrilling company to be starting.' Advertisement One royal insider expressed surprise at Miss St Laurent's departure, telling the Mail: 'She was a huge appointment for them. 'A big hitter with a great track record, poached to head up their new working life in the US. It is really quite astonishing she has left that role after less than a year.' Miss St Laurent is apparently launching her own new 'social impact firm', supported by and working with Archewell. Harry and Meghan were dogged by a spate of departures from their ranks as working royals, losing at least two PAs as well as other key staff from their private office. Earlier this month Buckingham Palace announced it was launching a probe into the handling of claims by their former head of communications that Meghan bullied several female members of their team, forcing at least two to quit. A spokesman for the couple denied the claims, calling it a 'calculated smear campaign'. At the time of her appointment as Harry and Meghan's most senior team member, Miss St Laurent had said she was 'thrilled to be able to play a supporting role in realising their vision'. She added: 'From our very first conversation, Harry and Meghan have expressed a deep commitment to improving lives and having a positive impact on society.' The couple have also made two high-profile new appointments. Ben Browning, who produced the Oscar-nominated film Promising Young Woman, is now head of content for Archewell Productions and Archewell Audio as part of their multi-million dollar link-ups with Netflix and Spotify. Mr Browning said it was a 'unique opportunity' and he wanted to turn Archewell into a 'global production company that will spotlight diverse voices and share uplifting stories'. The couple have also linked up with Invisible Hand a 'social impact and culture change agency'. Intriguingly, given numerous reports suggesting Meghan has political ambitions in the US, its founder Genevieve Roth worked on Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. She will also serve as a 'senior strategic adviser' to the couple. A statement said Invisible Hand would be focusing on 'strategic change through storytelling and community building in support of gender and racial equity'. A spokesman for the Sussexes added: 'They join a rapidly expanding team that's deeply dedicated to advancing systemic cultural change and supporting compassionate communities across the world.' A judge has ordered The Mail on Sunday to publish a statement saying it infringed the Duchess of Sussex's copyright by publishing extracts of a letter she sent her father. Lord Justice Warby said it did not need to be published until the outcome of an appeal process. He also ruled against Meghan on how large the statement needed to be printed, saying it would take up a 'disproportionate amount of the front page' if the font size was the same as the original 2019 headline. Meghan and Harry's sensational claims fact-checked: How friend contradicted Meghan's claim she never Googled Harry, the truth about that secret wedding and whether Archie really should have been a prince Meghan and Harry unleashed bombshell after bombshell in their Oprah interview that was sure to send shockwaves pulsing through the heart of the monarchy. They made jaw-dropping claims of brazen racism and delved into difficult conversations of family rifts. Although much of the interview was an outpouring of emotion, many of the claims can be stood up - or knocked down - with facts. Here, MailOnline drills down into some of the central claims of the interview. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have insisted their interview with Oprah Winfrey would be the 'last word' on them quitting as senior royals Meghan never researched the Royal Family prior to joining Meghan said: 'I didn't do any research about what that would mean,' she said. 'I never looked up my husband online.' Fact check: Unlikely Meghan's claim that she never researched Harry, nor the Royal Family, before entering into the relationship is at odds with claims made in the couple's biography. Although the Sussexes maintain they did not contribute to Finding Freedom, it was written by friendly journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, who say the book was impeccably well-sourced by those closest to the couple. Prior to their first date at Dean Street Townhouse in 2016, the authors write: 'Naturally both participants in this blind date did their homework with a thorough Google search. Harry, who scoped out Meghan on social media, was interested.' A friend is also claimed to have impressed on Meghan the attention she would command for dating Harry, saying: 'This could be crazy...you will be the most wanted woman'. The duchess said she 'didn't do any research' into the monarchy, 'didn't fully understand what the job was', and did not grow up 'knowing much about the Royal Family'. Friends of the duchess have painted a different picture, revealing that she was fascinated by the royals in her youth. Ninaki Priddy, who was Meghan's maid of honour at her first wedding to Trevor Engelson, said her friend was 'always fascinated by the Royal Family. She wants to be Princess Diana 2.0'. She added: 'She had one of Princess Diana's books [Diana: Her True Story] on her bookshelf, and even when she was with Trevor she told me she wanted to go and stay in London for at least a month. I know she used to love The Princess Diaries films.' The mother of Suzy Ardakani, one of the duchess's high school friends, has described how she taped Diana's wedding and would watch it with her daughter and Meghan years later. Meghan Markle is seen heading to a hotel to meet up with some friends in Toronto, Canada, in November 2016 Harry and Meghan were actually secretly wed three days before the Windsor ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury Meghan said: 'You know, three days before our wedding, we got married. No one knows that... We called the Archbishop and we just said, 'Look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world but we want our union between us.' Fact check: Unlikely Church of England marriages require at least two witnesses and the public must also have unrestricted access to the building during any marriage ceremony to allow for valid objections against the marriage. At the time the couple were living in the grounds of Kensington Palace, and their residence is off limits to the public. A couple who are already lawfully married cannot choose to re-marry each other, unless there is some doubt as to the validity of the earlier marriage. Reverend David Green, Vicar of St Mary's, West Malling and the Rector of St Michael's, Offham, said it was impossible to have had two weddings, adding: 'I think the Archbishop needs to clarify what did or did not happen three days before.' This means that one of the two ceremonies was more likely just an exchange of vows rather than a legally recognised wedding. 'I was silenced' Meghan said she was 'silenced' by the institution. 'Everyone in my world was given very clear directive, from the moment the world knew Harry and I were dating, to say 'No comment'. Fact check: Contested On the day they announced their engagement, Meghan and Harry gave a lengthy interview to the BBC's Mishal Husain, although the duchess reportedly complained afterwards that the journalist had not been 'warm enough'. On their tour of South Africa, they granted interviews to ITN's Tom Bradby, when Meghan memorably told him: 'Not many people have asked if I'm OK.' Royal insiders have stressed that it was very much the case that Harry and Meghan themselves 'called the shots' when it came to publicity, deciding which charities to support, which engagements to go on, and which media to grant interviews to. Secret: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed that they were married in secret three days before their royal wedding on May 19, 2018 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shared candid footage of Archie playing on a beach during their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey Archie has a birthright to be a prince Meghan said: 'Idea of the first member of colour in this family, not being titled in the same way that other grandchildren would be... It's not their right to take it away' Fact check: False Archie did not have a birthright to be a prince, but could potentially become one when Charles accedes to the throne. That William and Kate's children have the HRH title and are styled as prince and princesses - and Archie is not - stems from a ruling more than 100 years ago. In 1917, King George V issued a written order that only royal offspring who are in the direct line of succession could be made a prince and receive HRH titles. 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, meaning they were extended to Charles and Louis. Under the George V rules, Archie would be entitled to be an HRH or a prince when his grandfather Charles, the Prince of Wales, accedes to the throne. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduce their baby son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in May 2019 Archie wouldn't get 24/7 security because he wasn't a prince Meghan said: 'In those months when I was pregnant, all around this same time, so we (had) the conversation of he won't be given security, he's not going to be given a title.' Fact check: False Being a prince or princess does not automatically mean royals have police protection. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's security is no longer paid for by the taxpayer. Harry and Meghan no longer receive British police protection, and are understood to be paying for private security. Help for mental anguish Meghan says she begged in vain for the Palace to help her mental state Feeling that she 'just didn't want to be alive any more' in January 2019, Meghan said she 'went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help', but was refused because it 'wouldn't be good for the institution'. The duchess claimed: 'I went to human resources, and I said, 'I just really I need help',' but HR could not do anything because she was not a paid member of staff. She longed to check herself into a hospital or similar clinic but 'you can't just do that... I couldn't, you know, call an Uber to the Palace'. Fact check: Difficult to verify Meghan was not asked by Miss Winfrey why she went to HR rather than simply ask her GP to make a referral or seek advice from a mental health clinician herself, in the same way she might have done for any other ailment. One insider pointed out that HR exists for Palace employees while the royals themselves have a private office to help arrange everything from booking a holiday to fixing a medical appointment. Harry, meanwhile, said he was ashamed of admitting to his family that Meghan needed help, and so he did not talk to them. The duke, who is passionate about the mental health campaign he launched, called Heads Together, and has himself sought therapy in the past, said that with his wife he 'had no idea what to do'. The Duchess of Cambridge with Princess Charlotte and other bridesmaids arriving at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan in May 2018 Kate made Meghan cry before her wedding to Harry Responding to claims that she reduced Kate to tears, Meghan said: 'No, no. The reverse happened'. Fact check: Contested Reports of a pre-wedding clash between the duchesses first emerged in November 2018, when sources claimed Meghan had been left displeased with a 'stressful' dress fitting for the flower girls. Accounts differed as to the source of the row. Some said it was a disagreement on whether the bridesmaids should wear tights - Meghan reportedly believed they should not. Other reports said it stemmed from Princess Charlotte's dress not fitting, meaning another had to be scheduled. A source said at the time: 'Kate had only just given birth to her third child, Prince Louis, and was feeling quite emotional.' But during the Oprah interview Meghan flatly denied the reports and claimed it was Kate that left her upset. Couple witnessed racism inside the monarchy Meghan said: [There were] concerns and conversations about how dark his [Archie's] skin might be when he's born' Fact check: Almost impossible to verify Harry and Meghan said they will never reveal the person who made these comments. However Oprah revealed that Harry confirmed it was not the Queen nor Prince Philip. While currently not commenting on the contents interview, Buckingham Palace are almost certain to push back on suggestions of institutional racism. They could launch an investigation - as they have done with claims of bullying. Harry was financially cut off from the royals Harry said: 'My family literally cut me off financially, and I had to afford security for us' Fact check: They wanted to be financially independent When Harry and Meghan announced their intention to step back from being senior royals, they said they wanted to be 'financially independent'. Before cutting ties, 95 per cent of their money came from Prince Charles's income from the Duchy of Cornwall, and 5 per cent from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant. Princes William and Harry received most of a 13million fortune left by their mother Princess Diana. Harry is also thought to have had millions left to him by the Queen mother. Meghan has not seen Samantha Markle in almost 20 years Meghan said: 'The last time I saw her must have been at least 18, 19 years.' Fact check: False During the interview Meghan distanced herself from her half-sister Samantha, who she said she hardly knows and she grew up 'an only child'. A photograph from 2008 - 13 years ago - shows Meghan with Samantha at her graduation. Samantha last night slammed the royal's interview with Oprah Winfrey, saying 'the truth was totally ignored and omitted' while providing photos and documents to disprove each of the Duchess of Sussex's claims about her. The pregnant Duchess of Sussex told Oprah, 67, that Samantha 'doesn't know' her, claiming she was raised as 'an only child' - but her half-sister has now insisted that couldn't be further from the truth. 'I don't know how she can say I don't know her and she was an only child. We've got photographs over a lifespan of us together. So how can she not know me?' she told Inside Edition, while sharing images of the two women together at different stages throughout their lives - most recently in 2008, just 13 years ago. The Duchess also claimed that Samantha only changed her surname back to Markle after Meghan struck up a romance with Harry - but Samantha insisted that this claim was wholly inaccurate, and shared further evidence to refute it. 'Lost' father who staged photos Meghan said the Press 'created' news about Meghan's father 'to create drama' Fact check: False Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas denied his daughter's claims he had 'betrayed' her before branding his son-in-law 'snotty' and declaring: 'We all make mistakes - but I've never played naked pool or dressed like Hitler like Harry did'. Mr Markle says 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 now they only live '70 miles away' from his Mexico home in Los Angeles. He also denied the Royal Family - or Britain - is racist, calling Meghan and Harry's claims 'bulls**t' and saying if it is true a royal asked about how 'dark' Archie's skin would be, it was probably just a 'dumb question'. Mr Markle spoke to Good Morning Britain in the UK after watching the Oprah interview with his daughter and her husband. In it Meghan said she cannot fathom hurting her son Archie in the way her own father 'betrayed' her, admitting she 'found it hard to reconcile' with Thomas after he insisted that he had not been speaking to the media. 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 trip to Las Vegas where he stripped off in a hotel to play pool and once wearing a Nazi uniform to a party when he was 20. Describing his last phone call with Harry he said: 'Harry had said to me if you had listened to me, this wouldn't have happened to you. Me, laying in a hospital bed after a having procedure, I had a stint put here and put here and that was kind of snotty so I hung up on him.' But Mr Markle also used the rare interview to urge his daughter to reach out to him. He said: 'I'd like to say again. I'm sorry for what I've done. This was two years ago. But I've tried to make it up to her. I'm now only 70 miles away. I've never stopped loving her. I don't agree with all the things that my children they do. But I will always love them. And I certainly love Meghan'. A photograph from 2008 - 13 years ago - shows Meghan with her half-sister Samantha Markle at her graduation Meghan had to turn over her passport, keys and driving licence to royal aides Meghan said: 'When I joined that family, that was the last time I saw my passport, my driving licence, my keys - all of that gets turned over.' Fact check: Difficult to verify Senior royals are often pictured driving themselves and it is believed there have never been prior claims of a royal having keys and passports held. Harry and Meghan received police protection, meaning their travel was meticulously planned by officers. Meghan's press team didn't defend her when 'things weren't true' Oprah asked Meghan about stories that she made Kate cry, saying: 'So, all the time the stories were out that you had made Kate cry, you knew all along, and people around you knew that that wasn't true.' Meghan replied: 'Everyone in the institution knew it wasn't true.' And Oprah then said: 'So, why didn't somebody just say that?' Meghan said: 'That's a good question.' Fact check: Contested Making a wider point, Mail on Sunday royal correspondent Emily Andrews has said that Meghan's press team did in fact defend untrue stories, saying this was 'just not right'. Ms Andrews said that she interacted with a press team who defended the Sussexes 'again and again and again, told me things were wrong - so didn't publish - and indeed tried to stop me when true.' Palace lied to protect other members of the Royal Family Meghan said: '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.' Fact check: Contested There was clearly frustration felt by the couple, with some justification, towards the Palace PR machine, which was sometimes reluctant to 'fight every little fire', as one source put it. But the Palace did robustly stand ground on many other stories that the couple insisted were not true, resulting in the media not running them. The Palace pursued at least one national newspaper all the way to press regulator IPSO over a story about their Frogmore home, and won a decisive victory for Harry and Meghan. The duchess complained that she was 'not protected', but Palace sources have hit back at the idea the duchess was left to fend for herself, suggesting it was her own aides who needed protection from her bullying ways something she strenuously denies. Meghan was banned from going out for lunch with her friends Meghan: 'I remember so often people within The Firm would say, 'Well, you can't do this because it'll look like that. You can't'... so, even, 'Can I go and have lunch with my friends?' 'No, no, no. You're oversaturated. You're everywhere. It would be best for you to not go out to lunch with your friends.' I go, 'Well, I haven't left the house in months.' Fact check: Contested Meghan appears to be talking about a four-year period, and it is likely the situation varied. She was spotted enjoying outings on numerous occasions, including a pub lunch with Harry, going for facials near their Kensington Palace home and shopping trips. Every British newspaper declined to buy photographs of these trips. No member of staff would dare tell Meghan where she could go. Newspaper held story about Thomas Markle until Sunday before Meghan's wedding Meghan: 'If we were going to use the word betrayal, it's because when I asked him, when we were told by the comms team, this is a story that was going to be coming out, which, by the way, the tabloids had apparently known for a month or so and decided to hold until the Sunday before our wedding because they wanted to create drama, which is also a really key point in all this.' Fact check: False Meghan claimed 'the tabloids had apparently known for a month' that Thomas Markle had staged paparazzi photos before the wedding but 'decided to hold till the Sunday before our wedding... to create drama,' adding: 'They did not report the news, they created the news.' She suggested she had 'lost' her father forever as a result. In truth, far from sitting on the paparazzi story, the Mail on Sunday, which broke it, published within 24 hours of getting the proof. Advertisement Former Goldman Sachs executive Michael D. Daffey is planning to 'spiritually and physically' renovate Jeffrey Epstein's mansion in New York City after purchasing it for $51 million. Daffey, 54, purchased the seven-story, 40-room property on Manhattan's Upper East Side earlier this month for $37 million less than its original $88 million asking price. But the Australian financier and his American wife, Blake Daffey, plan on making extensive renovations for up to 18 months before they move in. 'The first order of business is a complete makeover physically and spiritually,' the couple's spokesman Stu Loeser told the New York Times. The couple has enlisted interior designers Timothy Haynes and Kevin Roberts to remodel the mansion, which Loeser says they see as 'a place with a lot of potential' The 28,000 square-foot, 40-room mansion is considered the largest single-family home in New York City. It has 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. Former Goldman Sachs executive Michael D. Daffey has enlisted interior designers Timothy Haynes and Kevin Roberts to remodel the mansion. One of the rooms in the 28,000 square-foot property is pictured as it is currently decorated The 40-room mansion is considered the largest single-family home in New York City. It has 10 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms Michael D. Daffey, 54, is 'spiritually and physically' renovating his newly purchased $51 million Upper East Side mansion that once belonged to Jeffrey Epstein The home had been previously raided by the FBI in connection to deceased American financier Jeffrey Epstein's alleged sex crimes The mansion was infamously owned by pedophile Epstein, who was found dead in a New York City jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on conspiracy and sex trafficking charges. He had pleaded not guilty to sexually abusing girls as young as 14 and young women in New York and Florida in the early 2000s. The home was raided by the FBI in July 2019 as part of a sex trafficking sting. During the raid, federal authorities reportedly found thousands of graphic photos including of underage girls and a locked safe filled with compact discs labeled as 'nude girls'. They also found Epstein's massage room set up just as several of his young victims had described it from years earlier, with a table and assortment of sex toys. Hundreds of pinhole surveillance cameras were also found installed throughout the home so he could monitor his victim's 'private moments' in bedrooms and bathrooms. Epstein and his alleged madame Ghislaine Maxwell also entertained the rich and powerful at the home. Multiple women claim Maxwell procured them for Epstein when they were underage and were taken to the mansion. Maxwell has denies the allegations. The Daffeys are distancing themselves from the home's former owner, clarifying they have no connection to Epstein. 'Mr Daffey had never previously been in the home nor ever met its owner, but he is a big believer in New York's future and will take the other side of all the people who say the city's best days may be in the past,' Loeser said. Before moving in to the property the Daffeys plan on making extensive renovations that are expected to last 18 months The Australian financier and his American wife, Blake Daffey, plan to move in to the seven-story, 28,000 square-foot, 40-room mansion he recently purchased for $51 million Who is Michael Daffey? Daffey recently retired as Chairman of the Global Markets Division at Goldman Sachs Michael D. Daffey, was born and raised in Australia, and built his career in Goldman's trading division. He worked at the investment banking company from 1994 until retiring earlier this month. Daffey rose to top roles including running equities sales globally as well as fixed income and foreign exchange sales for Europe, Middle East and Africa. He was promoted last year from global co-chief operating officer of Goldmans equities franchise to the newly-created role global markets chairman. His Goldman salary is not public. He also reportedly made serious profits as early investor in cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Advertisement The mansion entered the market with an $88 million asking price in July 2020 which was lowered to $65 million in January. The Duffeys closed on the house in early March for the discounted price of $51 million. The property was sold by the Modlin Group. Founder Adam D. Modlin told the New York Times he could not discuss details of the sale due to a nondisclosure agreement. Loeser told the Times that Daffey used a bridge loan and cash to purchase the property through the limited liability company Back to New York 71. Daffey recently retired as Chairman of the Global Markets Division at Goldman Sachs. He had worked at the investment banking company since 1994. Daffey reportedly made serious profits as an early investor in Bitcoin and recently cashed in on his investment in the cryptocurrency. In the wake of the purchase, the couple put their 6,350-square-foot, four- bedroom penthouse at 25 Bond Street in Noho on the market for $30 million. The couple, who are believed to have four children together, are relocating from London where they have been based for the past 15 years. Real estate broker Dolly Lenz, who was among those trying to sell Epstein's property, told the New York Post the purchase price was probably about 'half off' what the mansion might have fetched. 'It is 28,000 square feet. That's less than $4,000 a foot for the most magnificent mansion on the best block, just off Fifth Avenue. It's the very best in New York,' Lenz said. Even at the relatively low price, the home was a difficult sell, according to Lenz. 'We offered it to a lot of people who said, "We don't want to go near that place,"' Lenz said. 'Fancy international people who are always in for a deal said "No way".' Lenz said she believed Daffey's purchase was a good decision. 'I think he made a smart move, however, it will be a long time before people forget it was a place were children were abused,' Lenz said. 'But he's betting on it long term. That's what some people do.' The funds from the sale will be transferred to the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program, an attorney for the estate Dan Weiner said in a statement to CNN. New claims will begin to be issued after claim payouts were suspended from the program on Feb. 4 by the independent administrator of the EVCP, Jordy Feldman. Feldman plans to lift the suspension once she evaluates the financial situation surrounding the sale of the mansion. 'We are eager to resume issuing compensation offers as soon as possible,' Feldman said. 'Once we have more information about the amount of funds that will be made available to the Program and when, I will decide when we can lift the suspension and get back to full Program operations.' The mansion was previously owned by Epstein client and Victoria's Secret owner Les Wexner. Ministers from across the devolved regions have jointly criticised the UK Government for their approach to allocating previous EU funding. Issuing the joint statement on Wednesday, the Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy, alongside his Welsh and Scottish counterparts, urged the government to respect the devolved arrangements. The row centres around funds which needed to be redistributed following the UK formally leaving the EU. The UK Government has previously suggested separate funds would be set up from the Treasury to redistribute this money to the devolved regions. Accusing the government of falling far short of commitments made during the referendum, the statement says the ministers will be seeking an urgent meeting with the UK Treasury. As Ministers in the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we wish to register our shared concerns about the UK Governments decision to bypass democratically agreed devolution arrangements to deliver the Levelling Up and Community Renewal Funds announced at Budget 2021, it said. We share the aim to spread inclusive economic growth more widely and take the opportunity to simplify systems post EU exit. For that reason, we believe monies to replace EU funds should be allocated in full through the Devolved Governments and successful structures that already exist specifically to deliver economic development to address the needs and opportunities of the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland rather than through a new, separate layer of bureaucracy. The UK Government ignored the Devolved Governments efforts and requests to input to the development process for these funds for almost three years and is now using powers under the UK Internal Market Act to bypass us completely. Accusing the government of ignoring devolution arrangements, they called for input on the Shared Prosperity Fund set up by the government. The support announced through these funds is not new money. This funding has sat with our respective governments since powers in this area were devolved, they added. Now, bidding for an unidentified share of a UK pot through a competitive process provides no guarantee of success. With decisions being made entirely by the UK Government, this falls far short of commitments made during the EU referendum for all these powers to be fully devolved after EU exit. Carol Brown was sitting in her Los Angeles-area home on Monday and talking to a colleague on Zoom when suddenly, the call turned into a crime scene. First, Brown and her colleague watched as her brother was violently dragged outside by another man. Then, the attacker returned and a struggle ensued with Brown. He later stabbed her to death. "The Zoom caller witnessed the attack on both the male and female and called 911 to report the crime," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a news release. Police later identified the suspect as Robert Cotton, 32, who was arrested on Monday and charged with two counts of murder. In a Facebook post, Pasadena City College President and Superintendent Erika Endrijonas identified the female victim as Brown, who most recently served as a co-coordinator of the school's Black STEM program. The Pasadena Star News identified Brown's brother, who also died in the attack, as Kenneth Preston, 69; Brown was 67, the Star reported. Police have not yet confirmed the victim's identities or a motive for the attack. Monday's killings are the latest horrific crime to take place during a Zoom call amid a pandemic that has left millions of Americans every day working remotely. Last May, a group of about 20 people on a video conference call witnessed a 72-year-old man in his New York home suddenly slump from his chair; when witnesses called 911, police found he'd been fatally stabbed by his son. Three months later, a teacher in Florida called police after a 10-year-old girl's mother was fatally shot during a Zoom class. On Monday, inside an Altadena, Calif., residence surrounded by palm trees and tall bushes, Brown and her co-worker from Pasadena City College were on a Zoom call sometime around 2:30 p.m. when it was interrupted by Cotton walking into the room, police said. Moments later, as the woman and her colleague watched, Cotton allegedly hauled Preston out the door. Cotton stabbed him several times in the driveway, police said, then came back into the house and stabbed Brown to death. While the colleague on the Zoom call witnessed parts of the attack, the co-worker did not see the stabbings, police told the Star. Police said Brown's co-worker called 911 at 2:45 p.m. to report a "possible kidnapping in progress." By the time police got to the scene, they found Preston unconscious on the driveway and Brown, who was also unresponsive, inside the home. Both were later pronounced dead at the scene. As authorities canvassed the crime scene, Cotton returned to the residence driving a Lexus SUV, the Los Angeles Times reported - a car belonging to one of the victims. He was arrested at the scene. According to KTLA and Patch, Cotton told authorities he lived at the residence. Cotton is being held at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles on $2 million bail, according to jail records. He is due in court on Thursday. Jail records do not list an attorney as of early Wednesday. Tori Spelling was spotted without her wedding ring late last week while enjoying a day out with three of her five children. The 47-year-old Beverly Hills, 90210 star showed off her bare ring finger while visiting Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, California, a little over an hour's drive from Los Angeles. She was joined by three of her five children as they picked up some fresh produce and enjoyed time with the farm's animals. Family outing: Tori Spelling, 47, showed off a bare ring finger as she ventured out to Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, California, on Friday with three of her five children amid rumors that she and husband Dean McDermott have separated Tori lit up the afternoon sky with her red sundress, which was covered in a lovely floral pattern. The outfit featured long sleeves and frilly shoulders with a line of deep red embroidery around the skirt. She proved she was ready for some time in the soil by wearing tall brown leather boots with equally tall white socks. The 5ft6in actress accessorized with a cute heart-shaped Louis Vuitton handbag and lightened up her ensemble with her long platinum blonde locks. Spring style: Tori lit up the afternoon with her red sundress, which was covered in a lovely floral pattern Accessorized: She wore tall brown boots and sported a cute heart-shaped Louis Vuitton handbag Colorful display: She showed off her long platinum blonde locks while her oldest daughter Stella had cotton candycolored pink-and-blue hair Teamwork: She and the children picked fresh butter lettuce right out of the ground and spent some time admiring the farm's animals She and her children did their part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by wearing masks, with Tori opting for a patterned green design. The kids helped Tori pick out the vegetables, including pristine heads of butter lettuce. Aside from other two children, Tori's husband Dean was conspicuously absent. He's been up in his native Canada in recent months filming the police series Lady Dicks, but fans of the couple have worried that his recent absences signal that the couple is on the rocks. Safety first: She and her children did their part to help slow the spread of Covid-19 by wearing masks, with Tori opting for a patterned green design MIA: Aside from other two children, Tori's husband Dean was conspicuously absent Work trip: The actor been up in his native Canada in recent months filming the police series Lady Dicks Around Thanksgiving, Tori shared the family's Christmas card on Instagram, but Dean was absent from it. In his place, the actress held up his headshot and explained that he was 'away for work,' adding 'we did our best to incorporate him.' 'Good Riddance 2020. Welcome 2021!' she captioned the photo. Dean previously admitted in 2014 during the filming of the documentary True Tori that he had been unfaithful to his wife. The series followed the aftermath of their marital turmoil, but the Mother, May I Sleep With Danger? star admitted on Roxy Manning and Tammin Sursok's podcast Women On Top that her children were 'really upset' after learning of the infidelity by reading recaps of the show. On his own: Around Thanksgiving, Tori shared the family's Christmas card on Instagram, but Dean was absent. She held up his headshot and wrote, 'Although Dean is away for work, we did our best to incorporate him' 'My kids have not seen clips, but they've seen something out there online and my daughter saw something,' she explained. 'It really upset her, and she said, "Daddy I saw something online that said you cheated on Mommy."' Tori admitted at the time that the children were still young enough for them to lie and say the headlines were made up while claiming they were just having marital issues, though she said they would have to be more forthcoming as the children grew up. The actress and reality star was last seen out in public in January, and his last appearance on her Instagram appears to date back to July 2020. Tori and Dean share five children: sons Liam, 14, Finn, eight, and Beau, four, and daughters Stella, 12, and Hattie, nine. Algiers, March 23, 2021 (SPS) - The African Union (AU) is called upon to take coercive measures against any member who does not respect its decisions in order to preserve its credibility, the ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic said on Monday in Algiers, Abdelkader Taleb Omar. In a statement to APS, in reaction to the rejection by the Kingdom of Morocco of the latest decision of the AU Peace and Security Council (CPS) on the issue of Western Sahara, Taleb Omar stated that this decision "comes at the moment timely ", especially after the blocking of the UN plan to resolve the conflict, stating that" the African Union and all its organs must enforce their decisions with concrete measures. " "After 30 years of postponement and delay by Morocco, the AU and its Council have the right to address the issue of the Western Sahara conflict," said the Saharawi ambassador, reiterating his call for the reactivation of the role of the continental organization in this sense and the application of the pertinent resolutions of the UN. The decision of the PSC sends a strong message to the Moroccan regime, on the one hand, to stop its maneuvers, and to the UN, on the other, to speed up the settlement process by appointing a personal envoy of his SG for Western Sahara and address the issue of opening illegal consulates in the occupied parts of Western Sahara, said Taleb Omar. For the Saharawi diplomat, the CPS decision "inflicts a slap in the face on the Moroccan regime that had tried to secure the support of some states by spending large sums of money for the purchase of consciences," he said. The AU is now called upon to take coercive measures against any member that does not respect its decisions so that Morocco does not flout its resolutions, and this to preserve the effectiveness of its laws and guarantee its credibility. Taleb Omar hopes that the positive and strong role of the AU will be maintained in order to make relevant decisions about many conflicts in the region, to help establish peace and stability and to end expansion, tyranny and contempt of laws. SPS 125/090/TRA Each profile is free to view and is packed with high-quality insights, providing businesses with detailed company information. Users can take advantage of these insights to identify, target, and connect with the right alcoholic beverage wholesalers. This company information includes employee insights, company competitors, the latest news, and more. 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Contact BizVibe Jesse Maida Email: [email protected] +1 855-897-5880 Website: https://www.bizvibe.com/ SOURCE BizVibe Related Links http://www.bizvibe.com The Court of Appeal has suspended execution of a High Court order that required Safaricom to pull down 141 streaming websites that were airing content pirated from Multichoice Ltd, the firm that owns pay television service DStv. The High Court order dated November 26, 2020 was also directed at Jamii Telecom and was to remain in force pending the hearing and determination of the case filed by Multichoice. The South Africa-based pay TV provider sued the two telecommunications firms in a bid to target websites that stream matches pirated from Supersport, thus denying it much-needed revenue. Safaricom and Jamii Telecom were ordered by Justice Winfrida Okwany to take down the sites following claims by Multichoice that the websites were infringing on its copyright. She also ordered them to block access to the websites. However, being aggrieved by the order, Safaricom lodged an appeal at the Appellate Court. Pending hearing of its intended appeal, it urged the judges to suspend execution of the order because it may affect its business. While allowing the request, the appellate court stated that if implemented, the High Court decision may have irreversible effects on the telecommunications firm. Justices Hannah Okwengu, Fatuma Sichale and Jamila Mohammed noted that the orders issued were of a mandatory nature. "If an order of stay is not issued, Safaricom will be forced to comply with the take down notice. Safaricom has demonstrated that this may have serious ramifications for its company, including risk of civil and criminal sanctions, and the effects of such consequences may be irreversible," said the judges. They added that the company demonstrated to court that the intended appeal is not frivolous but is an arguable appeal. "Both Safaricom and MultiChoice have conceded in their submissions that the dispute concerns take down notices in Copyright (Amendment Act) 2019, which is an emerging area of law (in Kenya)," said the judges. Interpret the law The court said there is no doubt that the development of this law will require frequent intervention of the courts by way of interpretation. Through Ms Linda Anene (Senior Legal Counsel, Technology and Corporate Centre) and Daniel Ndaba (Senior Legal Counsel, Litigation), Safaricom contended that the order made by the High Court amounts to a mandatory injunction. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. They told the Appellate court that the order compelled Safaricom and Jamii Telecom to put in place measures preventing their subscribers from accessing 141 websites contained in the take down notice. Safaricom argued that the order exposed it to future civil and criminal sanctions as well as backlash from its subscribers. It also told court that the damage to its local and international reputation would be irreparable. On the other hand, Multichoice opposed the application and wanted Safaricom to be denied audience by the court because it had not complied with the order. Through lawyer Eddie Omondi, Multichoice said there were contempt proceedings pending against Safaricom's CEO. Mr Omondi maintained that the order issued by the court is not a permanent injunction but a temporary relief pending hearing and determination of the application by MultiChoice. He also submitted that Safaricom had in fact expressed its willingness to comply with the court order and even sought a virtual meeting with the counsel from MultiChoice to discuss this. The lawyer argued that Safaricom had gone to the appellate court without clean hands and was guilty of the abuse of the court process in seeking reliefs, when it has no regard for court orders. He further urged that Safaricom had not demonstrated the loss that it is likely to suffer if it complies with the order. Chancellor on Wednesday dropped plans for a five-day shutdown in over Easter, which had prompted confusion and criticism. She called the idea a mistake and apologised to Germans. Merkel announced the decision after calling a hastily arranged videoconference on Wednesday with Germany's 16 state governors, who are responsible for imposing and lifting restrictions. The same group had come up with the unexpected plan for deeper restrictions over Easter, which was announced early Tuesday. The plan was to make Thursday next week the day before Good Friday a rest day, with all shops closed, and only allow supermarkets to open on Saturday. Since the Friday and Monday are already holidays, that would have created a five-day shutdown of public life on top of existing lockdown restrictions, which were extended through April 18. The plan had raised many questions about logistical details, which remained unresolved, and also was criticised because there had been no public discussion of it before it emerged in the small hours of Tuesday following lengthy haggling. The idea of an shutdown was drawn up with the best intentions, because we must urgently manage to slow and reverse the third wave of the pandemic, Merkel said. However, the idea ... was a mistake there were good reasons for it but it could not be implemented well enough in this short time. This mistake is my mistake alone, she told reporters. A mistake must be called a mistake, and above all it must be corrected and if possible, that has to happen it time. At the same time, of course I know that this whole matter triggers more uncertainty I regret that deeply and I apologise to all citizens, she said. Infection numbers in have been rising again as the more contagious variant of the virus that was first detected in Britain has become dominant in the country. has registered more than 75,000 deaths since the outbreak of the pandemic a year ago. The country's disease control center also reported 15,815 new infection cases in the past 24 hours on Wednesday a week ago there were 13,435 new cases. Merkel said that, even without the shutdown, decisions she has taken with the state governors offer a framework to beat back the new wave of coronavirus infections. (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.) If you are a Trump-supporter, you may soon find yourself in the crosshairs of an outfit called the "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" (TRC), an idea floated last fall by Robert Reich, professor at the University of California Berkeley and former secretary of Labor in the Clinton Administration. Reich stated the purpose of the TRC this way on Twitter: When this nightmare [the Trump presidency] is over, we need a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It would erase Trump's lies, comfort those who have been harmed by his hatefulness, and name every official, politician, executive, and media mogul whose greed and cowardice enabled this catastrophe. Source. However, unlike John "Swiftboat" Kerry, Reich hasn't managed to wangle a position with the current administration and turn his one-paragraph Twitter dream into an office with a staff and a budget. That may only be because President Asterisk is too busy putting out fires of his own making, such as the immigration mess. Another possibility is that Biden is literally falling down on the job. Reich will have to wait. If the TRC ever becomes more than wishful thinking, Trump-supporters can expect a letter such as the following on official White House stationery. Dear [your name], Our investigation has determined that you are a supporter of one Donald John Trump, media personality, real estate mogul, and twice impeached president of the United States. We reached this conclusion based on GOP affiliation rolls, donations to the Trump campaign, Trump stickers on your car, and/or Trump signs on your property last fall. Accordingly, it has been decided that you need special training to help you overcome unhealthy tendencies and make sure you will support only progressive candidates. We will provide this training at the North Dakota location indicated on the enclosed map, to which you are required to report within 30 days of receiving this letter. We realize, however, that you may be busy coping with the COVID virus and are unable to get away at this time. Regardless of what you may have heard, we in the government are compassionate and caring people. We wish to be reasonable about this matter and would like to propose an alternative. The alternative is to purchase our training package online, study the materials carefully, and then take the test. If you fail the first time, not to worry; you can take it again. Three failures, however, mean that you are qualified to replace Kamala Harris when she replaces Joe Biden. Yes, that was a joke. We do have a sense of humor. Let us assure you that the material you will be studying has been compiled by acknowledged academic experts in such progressive fields as Critical Race Theory, economic justice, feminist ethics, climate change, world government, and woke linguistics. $279.95, plus tax, is a small price to pay. All major credit cards accepted. As a result of this training, you will, for example: No longer believe that Biden's election was the result of fraud. Believe that Donald J. Trump was one of our worst presidents. Believe that the Senate should have convicted Trump. Believe that the People's Republic of China is our strongest ally. No longer believe that the COVID virus originated in the PRC. Ignore stories about Biden's alleged mental frailty. Believe that the immigration problem is entirely Trump's fault. Believe that the Second Amendment should be repealed. Believe that Planned Parenthood is doing important work. Stop insisting that the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. Believe that gender is merely a personal preference. Stop watching Fox News, especially in the evening after 8 EST. Watch CNN, MSNBC, and other progressive programs regularly. Regret ever having voted for non-progressive candidates. Regularly contribute financially only to progressive causes. Let us know how you wish to proceed. Refusal to respond to this letter will be referred to the Department of Justice, where an office has been created to deal with the matter. Trust us when we tell you that you do not, do not wish to be a person of interest to this office. (signed) The Public Servants of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission External cladding on the Brisbane Square building in George Street, similar to panels on Londons fire-razed Grenfell Tower, is being removed because it contains a combustible central core and could be considered a potential fire risk. Brisbane City Council and Suncorp are the two major tenants of the 38-storey concrete-framed Brisbane Square. Fire-risk wall cladding is starting to be removed from George Streets Brisbane Square building. Credit:Tony Moore Brisbane Square is one of hundreds of buildings in Queensland still clad by aluminium composite panels, the same panelling that accelerated the fire in Grenfell Tower in 2017, from which 72 people died. Since the 2017 fire, authorities throughout the world have tightened controls over building materials. Parking lots at Bush and Hobby airports soon will be home to mass vaccination clinics for the Houston Health Department, as the supply of shots continues to ramp up. City Council unanimously approved lease arrangements at the airports Wednesday. The site at Bushs The Parking Spot opened Tuesday under a short-term lease agreement, with some 6,665 people scheduled to get shots there this week. It is not clear yet when the Hobby location of The Parking Spot will open for vaccinations, although the request for council action said it is necessary for this operation to begin immediately. The news comes as the state announced Tuesday that all Texas adults will be eligible for the vaccine beginning Monday. The state Department of State Health Services said it expects supply to increase considerably next week, though it is not clear by how much. District I Councilmember Robert Gallegos said he worried the move to open up the pool of eligible adults would exacerbate wait times for those trying to get appointments. I know that when it was at (people) 50 and above, I heard people letting me know that they were having issues in regards to the wait time to get registered, Gallegos said. So, now that its open to everyone 18 and over, I can only imagine the wait time to register. Mayor Sylvester Turner said he hopes the number of doses coming to the city will exponentially increase since the state has opened the eligibility requirements. If that happens, he said the city can open many more locations for people to get a vaccine, along with mobile sites that move around the city to reach people who have trouble leaving their homes. Please go and get the vaccination where you can, or sign up to receive it, Turner said. The goal is to increase the number of sites. The request for council action on the airport leases said the Health Department anticipates receiving a large number of vaccines on a more routine basis. The new sites would double the number of the citys main vaccination sites, according to the Health Department. It also operates clinics at Delmar Stadium and the Bayou City Event Center. Those four sites are designed to ramp up to 3,000 doses per day, six days per week, when the supply allows. The clinics at Bush Airport, Delmar and Bayou City Event Center are giving out between 1,000 and 2,500 doses per day currently. The city has also benefited from a federal vaccination site at NRG Stadium, capable of giving 6,000 shots per day. The Health Department said it will consider continuing that site when the Federal Emergency Management Agency demobilizes it, likely sometime in April. The city also uses health centers, multi-service centers and partnerships with clinics, pharmacies, churches and other groups to distribute the vaccine. The city will pay $2,000 per day to use each airport parking lot through June, at a total cost of $392,000. The requests said the parking lot lease arrangements at the airports, which the city owns, are needed because they are large enough to allow HHD to fluidly operate vaccination sites. The city is using federal grants to cover the costs. The Parking Spot lots were closed to cars due to a drop in demand amid the pandemic, making them a viable option, spokesman Porfirio Villarreal said. The city-owned lots at the airports are still open to parking. Appointments are needed for both sites, and they are not currently available. To sign up for text and email alerts about new appointments, register for the HoustonRecovers option at AlertHouston.org. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com THE National Ambulance Service (NAS) has apologised to the family of a deceased diabetic boy over the delay in responding to an emergency call after he became seriously unwell. Thirty-one minutes after it was called on October 28, 2010, an ambulance arrived at the house in Limerick city where 17-year-old Darren Gaughan was staying with friends. An autopsy report stated he died at the house, shortly after paramedics arrived, from acute cardio-respiratory failure secondary to hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. An investigation by the NAS later found serious failings in relation to the ambulance response to the call. An apology from the NAS over those failings was read in the High Court yesterday. The apology was made under a settlement of a civil action brought by Mr Gaughans family against the HSE arising from his death. A 285,000 payment is also part of the settlement. Expand Close x / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp x Darrens parents, Leo and Kathleen, and siblings were in court. Kathleen held a framed photograph of her son. The judge said he hoped the apology would give some comfort to the family. He offered sincere sympathy for the loss of a young man at the start of his adult life in tragic and unnecessary circumstances. Darren, from Killure, Aclare, Co Sligo, was diagnosed with diabetes aged 10 but his family said he continued to live a normal and active life. He had started a degree course in renewable energy at Limerick IT in September 2010. He became ill on October 27, 2010, while staying with friends on the University of Limerick campus. When he was still unwell the next day, his friends called Darrens father in Co Sligo, who told them to immediately call an ambulance. Am ambulance was called at 1.21pm. During the call, it was indicated that Darren was diabetic and needed urgent assistance because he was unresponsive. The ambulance arrived at 1.52pm and paramedics began to administer treatment. The ambulance left at 2.09pm and arrived at St Johns Hospital in Limerick, where Darren was pronounced dead. In spring 2014, the family were told that, as a result of a complaint by an anonymous person to the HSE about the emergency response in relation to Darren, an investigation was being carried out by the NAS. The investigation report, released to the family in April 2016, found a number of failings and breaches of protocol in relation to the ambulance response on the day. These included, despite the assigned urgent or Charlie code, the fact that the ambulance did not arrive for 31 minutes. When the crew was called, they had been in the middle of collecting some forms at Roxboro Road garda station in Limerick and, instead of proceeding immediately, as per the Charlie code, they finished up what they were doing, which led to a three-minute delay, the report said. The 6km distance from Roxboro Road to Thomond Village could reasonably be expected to take 15 minutes but it took the ambulance 31 minutes, from the time of the call, to arrive at the scene. The investigation was also unable to establish why there was a 10-minute delay before a roundabout en route to the college accommodation. The report also referred to failures in communication protocols, including the dispatcher contacting the ambulance crew on their mobile phones instead of the approved ambulance radio system. The dispatcher also terminated the emergency call with the person who was next to Darren, instead of keeping them on the line, as is required. The report made recommendations aimed at avoiding any similar incident. In its apology to the Gaughan family, the NAS, through chief ambulance officer Bill Forbes, offered sincere condolence and apologies for the distress and upset caused by Darrens death. Bigots always judge a racial group by its "least worthy members," to borrow a phrase from Eric Hoffer. And only fools make assumptions, which, as the saying goes, "makes an ass of -u and -me." That brings us to Rep. Ilhan Omar. Ever on the lookout for the means of whipping up racial hysteria, Omar blamed the mass shooting in Colorado on skin color white skin color as is her obsession, claiming a perpetrator's whiteness, rather than mental illness, or some kind of issue, was responsible for the mass shooting. Here's her charming tweet (hat tip: The Federalist and Instapundit): Get rid of whiteness, see, and voila: paradise follows. Such is the moral pinheadery of Omar. She wasn't the only one. Remember the zero-talent, child-of-privilege-and-influence niece of Kamala Harris, Meena Harris? The one who got a string of high-level tech jobs with no noticeable impact, annoyed that the government of India, gadded about on Instagram apparently as her principal life work, and attempted to cash in on Kamala Harris's newfound name and fame? I wrote about her here. She too leaped to judgment about the Colorado shooter, yelling as Omar did that it's all about white men, and she's got a new grievance, or is morally superior or something because of it. Here's her embarrassing tweet (hat tip: Instapundit): Great to see so many powerful political elites actively rooting for the US to devolve into sectarian ethnic conflict, irrespective of whatever facts happen to be available pic.twitter.com/Xh3xUECVfy Michael Tracey (@mtracey) March 24, 2021 After that, the scion of privilege deleted her tweet and explained herself away with a racist non-apology, claiming that most spray-shooters are white men, which is demonstrably false see this link here. Kamala Harris' niece deletes tweet after backlash for assuming Boulder gunman was white https://t.co/dbmKXNO2fE Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 24, 2021 Turns out the shooter was not the dangerous white male of Omar's and Harris's fevered minds. The miserable creep was a Middle Easternorigin man, a Muslim, a refugee admitted to the States at a young age from some Middle Eastern region hellhole no one wants to go to, and a raving Trump-hater. He had more in common with Omar, in fact, than all the white males she blamed for the shooting. Now Omar looks like a boob, because reality has hit her in the face like a wet mop. Nice try, bozo. Omar's outrage was fake, a cover for her real obsession, which is how to make as much money and win as much power for herself as she can on racial grievance-mongering. Now she stands as a total race-obsessed fraud, one with egg all over her face, deservedly seeing some comeuppance. One hopes that in Congress, they bring this up any time she tries to capitalize for herself on race. The problem with attributing shootings to race is that the narrative is false, and not just false, but something that never holds. Spray-shooting is a specific thing that some disturbed people are inclined to do, and the shooter's family specifically stated that he seemed mentally ill to them, paranoid, in fact, which might explain the awful deed he did as the investigation winds through. He was out of his mind, and being crazed in that manner is not specific to any race. I'd be curious, in fact, about how much marijuana he ingested as a young man in free-pot Colorado, given that marijuana is a known trigger of schizophrenia, particularly in vulnerable young men, according to an Oxford study, and paranoia is a frequent feature of schizophrenia. We know that the sicko who shot up the Aurora theater several years back was a big-time consumer of marijuana, as was the human garbage in Arizona who shot Rep. Gabby Giffords and killed others, and that might just be an avenue for intelligent inquiry, given the actual pattern of activity seen. But race...is just racist. That's Omar. That's Meena. The only thing they exposed in this is their own racism, and for that, they should be roundly booed and called out for it for a long, long time. Image: Tony Webster via Flickr, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. [March 24, 2021] Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator 2021 Update Now Available BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Eaton Vance Management (Eaton Vance) and Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (Parametric) announced today the availability of the 2021 update of the Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator at eatonvance.com/mytaxrate and parametricportfolio.com/mytaxrate. The Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator is designed to help U.S. individual taxpayers and their advisors better understand the income taxes they pay on their investment income and gains so they can make more-informed investment decisions. Based on user inputs of annual taxable income, tax filing status and place of residence, the calculator determines the total tax rate including federal, state and local income taxes that applies to an incremental dollar of an investor's in-state and out-of-state municipal bond interest income, U.S. Treasury interest income, other taxable interest income, qualified and non-qualified dividend income, net realized long-term and short-term capital gains, and qualified retirement plan withdrawals. The Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator provides comprehensive coverage of the federal, state, city, county and other local income taxes applicable to the investment income and gains of resident individual taxpayers across the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The current update reflects available adjustments to federal, state and local income tax rates and income brackets for 2021, as well as changes in the treatment of taxable income and gains taking effect this year. The updated calculator also enables investors to evaluate the potential impact on their taxes of the increases in federal income tax rates proposed by President Biden during his presidential campaign. The Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator includes a series of tools to enable taxpaying investors and their advisors to: compare the after-tax yields of in-state municipal bonds versus out-of-state municipal bonds, U.S. Treasuries and fully taxable income investments (see eatonvance.com/yield or parametricportfolio.com/yield ); evaluate selling concentrated stock positions versus diversifying on a tax-deferred basis (see eatonvance.com/concentrated or parametricportfolio.com/concentrated); and analyze the impact of changes in interest rates on the returns of laddered bond investments and the potential tax alpha from harvesting capital losses in a rising interest rate environment for a laddered municipal bond portfolio (see eatonvance.com/ladders or parametricportfolio.com/ladders). Thomas E. Faust Jr. , Chairman of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. "With potentially significant changes in investment taxes on the horizon, this is an especially important time for investors to know their personal tax situation." "Parametric is pleased to make the Investment Tax Calculator and the associated suite of tax tools available to investors across America," said Brian Langstraat, Chief Executive Officer of Parametric. "As a longtime leader in customized, tax-efficient investment solutions, we welcome this opportunity to deepen understanding of the importance of investment taxes." About Eaton Vance Eaton Vance, a part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, is a recognized leader in a broad array of income strategies, including floating-rate bank loans, high-yield bonds, emerging-market debt, mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds. Within equities, Eaton Vance is a leading provider of tax-managed, equity income and option overlay strategies. With a history dating back to 1924, Eaton Vance applies principals of fundamental investing to the active management of equity, fixed and floating-rate income, alternative and multi-asset portfolios on behalf of individual and institutional investors. Based in Boston, Eaton Vance also maintains investment offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo and Singapore. For more information, visit eatonvance.com. About Parametric Parametric, a part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, uses investment science to build and manage systematic investment strategies and to implement custom portfolio solutions providing clients with targeted investment exposures with control of costs and taxes. Based on principles of intellectual rigor, ingenuity and transparency, Parametric seeks to deliver repeatable client outcomes with consistently high levels of service and maximum efficiency. Parametric has managed assets on behalf of institutions, high-net-worth individuals and fund investors for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Seattle, Parametric also has offices in Minneapolis, New York, Boston, Westport, Connecticut, and Sydney, Australia. For more information, visit parametricportfolio.com. The output of the Eaton Vance Parametric Investment Tax Calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment, legal or tax advice. It is intended for use by U.S. individual taxpayers resident in the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and is not applicable to trusts, estates, corporations or persons subject to special rules under federal, state or local income tax laws. The indicated tax treatment of investment income and gains applies to positions in securities held outside qualified retirement plans and other tax-deferred or tax-exempt investment vehicles. The output is general in nature and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for investment or tax-planning decisions. For more individualized information, you should consult your tax advisor or investment professional. You bear sole responsibility for any decisions you make based on the output of the Investment Tax Calculator. The calculator makes certain assumptions that may not apply to you. The calculator has many inherent limitations, and individual results may vary. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eaton-vance-parametric-investment-tax-calculator-2021-update-now-available-301255226.html SOURCE Eaton Vance Management [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Former United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley recently shed light on how the Left's socialist agenda is the biggest obstacle facing social justice today. The 49 year-old first female governor of South Carolina, who served between 2011 and 2017 highlighted how in today's world, liberal leaders are putting the spotlight on division and discrimination based on race and income to push the envelope for an American revolution. Haley wrote in an op-ed for The Daily Wire that the liberal Left are mistaken. "America isn't sexist, racist, or rotten," she wrote, instead it is "the first country in history to reject sexism and racism." She turned to the Declaraion of Independence to point out that "discrimination of any kind has no place in America" and that this is what America's ancestors have fought for from the bvery beginning, to achieve "liberty and equality for all." While the country is steps away from achieving this, Haley believes that the socialist Left is indeed standing in the way of social justice with their false "progressive" narrative. Haley pointed out that these Leftists are "obsessed with the idea that America is totally unjust," which is the reason why "woke culture" has quickly become the norm in the United States. Haley accuses the Democrats for propagating the "woke culture" while pushing for "equity" that will force citizens to turn over control of their lives to the government. Haley argues that right now, the socialist Left is focusing on "grievance, victimhood, and privilege," which fuels people's "anger and hatred toward one another." The result of this friction is censorship, wherein those who have opposing views are immediately silenced or subjected to violence. She believes that the liberal agenda will inevitably lead to tyranny. The former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. believes that the socialist Left is spreading the "biggest lie" that "America is built on a foundation of injustice." Haley recognizes the "sins" of those who founded America, which was built on the "promise of liberty and equal rights for all." Haley is joined by many conservative and Christian leaders in condemning socialism, which forces richer people to give to those who don't have what they have, thereby rewarding those who didn't work for it, in the name of "social justice." There have been numerous discussions on how the socialist Left is pushing their agenda now more than ever, when a Democrat is seated in the highest position in the land. According to VCY America, there is a "legislative agenda pushing progressivism and shunning conservative values" in today's America. Aside from promoting "equity," the socialist Left is also undermining several Christian values through legislations that clamp down on Christian beliefs. Such include the banning of prayer and Bible reading in public schools, the legalization of abortion, the removal of the teachings of the Ten Commandments in public schools, and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Today, the socialist left continues its fight for "equity," specifically with the Equality Act that will spell more trouble than equality for the U.S. 16th Annual NOCSSM National Church Security Conference NEWS PROVIDED BY NEWS PROVIDED BY March 23, 2021 "Every church has gone to a Church Security Seminar. We present more of a technical conference." Says Chuck Chadwick (President of NOCSSM) "The NOCSSM annual conference is not a conference to recant old cases, try to convince the church to take up arms or to teach the newest choke hold. Each year we have new speakers and new subject matter to add to our attendee's security skill set." Speakers this year will include: DALLAS, March 23, 2021 / Standard Newswire / -- The National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management (NOCSSM) will present its 16th Annual National Church Security Conference to be held at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas on August 6th-7th, 2021."Every church has gone to a Church Security Seminar. We present more of a technical conference." Says Chuck Chadwick (President of NOCSSM) "The NOCSSM annual conference is not a conference to recant old cases, try to convince the church to take up arms or to teach the newest choke hold. Each year we have new speakers and new subject matter to add to our attendee's security skill set."Speakers this year will include: Chuck Chadwick - President and Founder of NOCSSM, Former Mega-church security director with over 4 decades of experience in Private Security and 2 decades in Church Security. Chuck heads the largest state licensed volunteer multi-church security force in America. Preeminent Authority in Church Security. https://nocssm.org/ Dan Korem of Korem & Associates - Author of The Art of Profiling, Rage of the Random ActorDisarming Catastrophic Acts and Restoring Lives, and SnapshotReading and Treating People Right the First Time. The Korem & Associates faculty has trained military, law enforcement, and education professionals how to mitigate Random Actor incidents and suicidal ideation. http://www.koremassociates.com Greg Love of MinistrySafe - Nationally recognized expert in legal standards of care related to child sexual abuse, providing crisis response to ministries and churches nationwide. Litigating sexual abuse cases across the United States, his unique perspective provides valuable counsel to ministry. Preeminent Authority on Child Sexual Abuse in Churches, Background Checks, https://ministrysafe.com/ Scott Stewart VP of Tactical Analysis. Torchstone Global company. Preeminent Authority in International Threat Intelligence https://www.torchstoneglobal.com/ . Scott will be speaking on Terror Threats Today. Michael Sanders Director of Security Preston Trail Community Church, Frisco, TX, https://prestontrail.org/ . Michael will discuss the tactical fundamentals of Situational Awareness and explain how people can practice the technique in a relaxed and sustainable way. Mike Valka Security Team Lead Grace Church, Frisco, TX, https://gracechurchfrisco.org/ . Mike will speak on Strive or Settle? Increasing Effectiveness through In-Service Training. Randy Dickson Randy Dickson & Associates Communications when it counts. https://randy-disckson.com Matt McCarthy - North American Rescue The statistics, scientific data and current events that drive them. https://www.narescue.com Nate McDougall of Watermark Community Church Dallas Be Humble, Be Yourself, Be Excellent. https://watermark.org While not all churches have the degree of concern as a mega-church, every church wants to meet the unthinkable with a degree of preparedness. The two-day conference is the best training attendees can get and a great value to every church. For further details go to www.NOCSSM.org About NOCSSM NOCSSM is the Oldest and Largest church security organization in America and has continually served churches through its website resources, educational tools and affiliated educational and professional companies. http://www.nocssm.org SOURCE National Organization of Church Security & Safety Management (NOCSSM) CONTACT: Chuck Chadwick, 214-305-5616, cchadwick@nocssm.org -Rep. Francis Nyumalin explains threat to declare elected offices vacant Lofa County District 1 Representative Francis Sakila Nyumalin says he stands by his recent statement that the same authority that will nullify Lofa County's decision to elect Brownie Samukai as senator will also be used to nullify all positions for the president, vice president, senators and representatives. "Any attempt to dissolve the result of Lofa County or nullifying the decision of the people of Lofa County, the authority that will do it, we will use that same authority to nullify all other positions in the country from the President, Vice President, Senator [to the] Representative," Mr. Nyumalin told the Plenary of the House of Representatives during an inquiry Tuesday, 23 March. The House Plenary has sanctioned the inquiry based on a communication from Montserrado County District 16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe, seeking explanation from Nyumalin on the basis of his statement. But Nyumalin tells members of the House of Representatives that he has no regret for the statement he made, adding: "I stand by my word." In Seboe's communication to the House, he alleges that his colleague Nyumalin had asserted in a recording "that if Senator Elect Brownie Samukai is not certificated, all other elected positions from the President to representatives will be declared vacant and discussions that will lead to the formation of an interim government will begin." Further, Seboe narrates that judging from Liberia's history since the 1990s, every situation that led to the formation of an interim government was on the basis of political destabilization and or overthrow of a legitimate sitting government. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "As such it is important that our colleague be made to explain to this plenary how his statement will be implemented," Seboe says, reminding his colleagues that they are national leaders who have followers that can implement whatever they say. However, Rep. Nyumalin in response to inquiry by his colleagues explains that the letter written by Rep. Seboe has serious misquotation in it, disclosing that his intention is not to form a rebel group or to go after government. The Lofa lawmaker explains that if the Supreme Court or the National Elections Commission is used to nullify the result of Samukai, they are going to use the same means to nullify all other elections. According to Rep. Nyumalin, his statement was very clear and he thought the House would be asking him about the status of the issue with the executive, instead, there is a letter on the floor to investigate him. House Plenary's inquiry with Rep. Nyumalin comes days after the Lofa County representative was invited by the National Security Agency (NSA) for questioning over the same statement he made on a local radio station.Meanwhile the communication has been forwarded to the leadership of the House of Representatives. Despite a judge calling the alleged actions of an Elizabeth landlord, who is accused of coercing more than a dozen victims into sex acts in return for financial relief, heinous and beyond the pale of anything that could be acceptable in a civilized society, he released the man from custody. Superior Court Judge John M. Deitch made the ruling to release Joseph Centanni, of Mountainside, on $50,000 bail and a number of conditions after a more than two-hour detention hearing Wednesday, in which a county prosecutor laid out how Centanni allegedly used his position as a powerful landlord to demand sexual favors from tenants or prospective tenants in exchange for housing. Pre-trial services had recommended that Centanni be detained pending the outcome of his case due to the nature of the charges. Centanni was charged last week with eight counts of second-degree sexual assault, one count of second-degree attempted sexual assault and 14 counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact between 2016 into 2020. His attorneys have previously denied any allegations of sexual misconduct. Centanni has pleaded not guilty in this case. The criminal charges came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil lawsuit against Centanni in August, alleging the longtime landlord violated the Fair Housing Act, which protects tenants from sexual harassment and retaliation by landlords, for allegedly demanding sexual favors in exchange for housing for years. Two victims allege Centanni sexually assaulted them after the DOJ filed its lawsuit, authorities said. Deitch described Centannis alleged actions and the complaints against him as outrageous and problematic, but determined there were a series of conditions allowing for Centannis release that could ensure the safety of the community. Centanni is free to travel throughout the state of New Jersey and to continue running the day-to-day operations of his rental property business, however, he cannot work out of his office in Elizabeth or have contact with any alleged victims, corroborating witnesses or any in-person contact with current tenants. Authorities said Centanni owns at least 18 rental properties nearly all of them in Elizabeth totaling hundreds of apartment units. His wife, Gloria, who testified Wednesday and owns at least six of those properties with her husband, will serve as his third-party custodian. Centanni will most likely be released Thursday, Deitch said. The Union County Prosecutors office sought to have Centanni detained but declined to appeal the judges decision. Sean Branigan, an attorney representing a woman who filed a separate lawsuit against Centanni, alleging he forced her to perform non-consensual oral sex whenever she was late or short on her rental payment, said he is uneasy about the decision to release Centanni. Concerned is an understatement, he said. Similar to the DOJs lawsuit, the Union County Prosecutors office alleges Centanni targeted vulnerable male and female tenants or prospective tenants and offered them financial relief, like rent reductions or a delay in an eviction, if they obliged with his sexual demands. In arguing for Centanni to be detained, assistant prosecutor Caroline Lawlor said the prosecutors office has 13 sworn statements from victims outlining Centannis alleged predatory behavior, as well as a number corroborating witnesses. Shelter is one of the basic rights that parents and individuals want to provide for their children and themselves, Lawlor said Wednesday. These individuals who were looking for housing were forced by (Centanni) to engage in sexual acts, be it to masturbate (Centanni) or to perform oral sex on (Centanni). That was in exchange for a roof over their head. Other current tenants who went to Centanni for rental assistance, Lawlor said, were also allegedly coerced into sexual acts by Centanni in exchange for financial relief. If you dont do this, you wont have a roof over your head, Lawlor said was the ultimatum for victims. Thats what it boils down to. Lawlor said one of the victims recalled begging Centanni to not do this to her, prompting him to allegedly ask her, How bad do you want this apartment? This was about power, the prosecutor said. Two victims told authorities that Centanni tried to intimidate them from speaking to police after they were allegedly sexually assaulted, Lawlor said. Centannis attorney argued that his clients age and numerous medical conditions were reasons for him to be released, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, Raymond Londa said. He also raised the point that if Centanni were such a danger to the community, authorities would have brought a case against him much sooner. Londa said the prosecutors office had information about Centannis alleged actions going back to January 2018 and began taking sworn statements from victims in September 2020. The state did not move to have (Centanni) sequestered, incarcerated ... knowing that there were these allegations outstanding, he said. NJ Advance Media reported in November that there were at least three sexual assault complaints made against Centanni to the Elizabeth police department since 2017 and that at least two of them were forwarded to the Union County Prosecutors office. Londa said Centanni has complied with federal authorities as their lawsuit proceeds. In the suit, federal authorities accused Centanni of abusing his position as a powerful landlord to illicit sex acts from tenants since at least 2005, including allegedly demanding sexual favors in order to obtain housing and offering housing benefits, like reduced rent or excusing late rent, in exchange for oral sex. The lawsuit is ongoing, but according to court documents the parties are engaged in settlement discussions. A spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys office did not previously respond to a request for comment on Centannis arrest. The Union County Prosecutors office is encouraging any other alleged victims to come forward. Lawlor said a number of potential victims contacted the office after Centannis arrest and will be interviewed this week. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. TORONTO - Rogers, Bell and Telus will never face real competition unless Canada makes big changes to the telecommunications industry, Wind Mobile founder Anthony Lacavera says. WIND Mobile chairman Anthony Lacavera speaks during a press conference in Toronto Friday, December 11, 2009. The founder of Wind Mobile says Rogers, Bell and Telus will never face real competition unless Canada makes big changes to telecommunications industry rules. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese TORONTO - Rogers, Bell and Telus will never face real competition unless Canada makes big changes to the telecommunications industry, Wind Mobile founder Anthony Lacavera says. Lacavera built Wind into Canada's fourth-largest wireless business from its creation in 2008 until it was sold in 2016 to Shaw Communications, which renamed it Freedom Mobile. Rogers announced on March 15 that it will buy Shaw in a $26-billion deal that would combine Canada's two largest cable operations and is expected to face regulatory scrutiny over competition concerns in the wireless industry. Lacavera said he believes Wind Mobile could succeed as an independent carrier if regulators force Rogers to divest it but that would require a number of policies and enforcement actions that limit the power of the Big Three wireless companies. "I think there needs to be a holistic picture of what the competitive framework will look like," Lacavera said in an interview. Much of the money that will be spent by wireless carriers in coming years will be for towers, transmission equipment and wireless spectrum that's used to beam voice calls and internet data from place to place. Lacavera said the federal government, which is in charge of selling and managing the spectrum, should make sure the Big Three don't end up with so many licences that no other company could be an effective rival. But the solution isn't as simple as forcing the big players to divest spectrum, he added. "Spectrum is one element of it. Towers and tower sharing are another element of it. Roaming (fees) and roaming access are another element of it," Lacavera says. He thinks regulators should enforce existing rules that are supposed to force the large carriers to share space on strategically important cell towers so that new companies don't have to duplicate that infrastructure. He also thinks there needs to be a review of the Big Three's use of flanker brands (Rogers has Fido and Chatr, for instance, Bell has Virgin and Lucky, while Telus has Koodo and Public Mobile). Lacavera found that his access to capital the money required to build Wind's infrastructure was severely limited after years of court and regulatory battles with the established carriers. Foreign backers that helped Lacavera fund the initial launch of Wind eventually pulled out because they were concerned about an "apparent lack of certainty" about Wind's ability to get spectrum licences and operating licences. Lacavera said that he lost voting control of Wind after replacing the foreign backers with a different group of private equity investors, who forced the sale of Wind to Shaw over his objections. "So I think it's very important that whatever policy we create now ensures that (a) fourth company is able to access the capital, whether it be domestic or foreign and under whatever rules make sense," Lacavera said. In announcing the deal to buy Shaw, Rogers CEO Joe Natale said that he was confident of getting regulatory and government approval by early 2022. But there's been stiff opposition from consumer groups, academics and customers since it was announced, mostly because of fear that prices will go up and service quality will go down if Rogers eliminates one of its competitors. Michael Geist, a law professor at the University of Ottawa and Canada Research Chair in internet and e-commerce law, said last week that a Rogers takeover of Shaw would remove the best chance at a viable national fourth carrier. "It will quite clearly result in reduced competition in several major markets and higher prices,'' Geist said at a March 16 virtual event co-ordinated by various groups. Several studies have said Canada has higher mobile prices compared with other countries but the major carriers have criticized the quality and accuracy of those studies, including some published by the federal government. A report released Wednesday by the C.D. Howe economic think-tank with input from a committee that includes representatives of Canada's biggest phone and cable companies says that there needs to be less attention to how prices compare with what's available in other countries. "Working Group members share concern around the accuracy of benchmarks and validity of comparisons for consumer prices of telecommunications services. With the federal governments focus on wireless pricing, group members stressed the importance of timely and transparent information about the telecommunications market that reflects actual prices paid by consumers. In Lacavera's opinion, Wind demonstrated that even a small independent wireless carrier has the ability to stimulate better retail prices, customer service and technological innovation from the industry as a whole. "In the period that Wind was operating as an independent ... prices were down 21 per cent in all 28 English speaking markets that Wind was operating in," Lacavera said. He called for a thorough re-evaluation of the "fourth carrier" policy depending on competition among at least four rivals in every part of the country that has been pursued by both the Conservatives under Stephen Harper and the Liberals under Justin Trudeau. Lower prices for consumers is part of what Canada needs, but is not always the most important factor given the cost of building highly reliable, fast wireless networks. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Companies in this story: (TSX:SJR.B, TSX:RCI.B, TSX:BCE, TSX:T) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:11:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BAGHDAD, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Wednesday arrived in Baghdad to hold talks with Iraqi leaders on bilateral relations and regional developments. A statement by the Iraqi Presidency office said that Iraqi President Barham Salih met with the visiting Qatari official, and the two discussed approaches to promoting bilateral ties and the latest regional and international situations. "The countries of the region bear a great responsibility to overcome the crises and to move beyond the tensions through dialogue, and adopting a political path to resolve the problems of the region," the statement quoted Salih as saying. Salih said that the regional countries should work to achieve stability by combating terrorism and extremism as well as supporting economic cooperation, the statement said. During the meeting, Al-Thani handed Salih a letter from Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, including an invitation to visit Qatar, according to the statement. Al-Thani also confirmed his country's commitment to strengthen security, stability, and sovereignty of Iraq, as well as its support to regional and international efforts that aimed at preserving security and stability of the region, the statement added. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi also discussed with the visiting Qatari official bilateral and regional issues including efforts to calm regional crises, according to a separate statement by al-Kadhimi's media office. Earlier in the day, the Qatari chief diplomat arrived at Baghdad airport and was received by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. The visit came several days after Hussein paid an official visit to Qatar, where he exchanged views with some top Qatari officials. Enditem Naomie Harris has found her next project, returning to the small screen in Showtime's The Man Who Fell to Earth. The 44-year-old actress signed on the new series, based on the 1963 sci-fi novel of the same name by Walter Tevis. She joins Chiwetel Ejiofor in the new series, which is slated to bring production this spring in London, debuting in 2022 on Showtime. New role: Naomie Harris has found her next project, returning to the small screen in Showtime's The Man Who Fell to Earth Harris is set to portray Justin Falls, described as, 'a brilliant scientist and engineer who must conquer her own demons in the race to save two worlds.' She joins Ejiofor, who plays a new alien character who was not featured in the original novel. The show will follow a new alien character (Ejiofor) who arrives on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future. New role: Harris is set to portray Justin Falls, described as, 'a brilliant scientist and engineer who must conquer her own demons in the race to save two worlds' New character: The show will follow a new alien character (Ejiofor) who arrives on Earth at a turning point in human evolution and must confront his own past to determine our future Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet are writing and executive producing the series and with will serve as showrunners with executive producer John Hlavin. Along with serving as executive producer and showrunner, Kurtzman will also direct multiple episodes of the series, Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Heather Kadin are also executive producing the series. Producers: Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet are writing and executive producing the series and with will serve as showrunners with executive producer John Hlavin 'To be working with an actor of Naomie's caliber is an absolute dream,' said Kurtzman, Lumet and Hlavin in a statement. 'Her strength, her complexity and her bold artistic choices are an inspiration. We couldn't be more thrilled to have her on board,' they added. STUDIOCANAL owns the rights for both Walter Tevis' book as well as the Nicolas Roeg film with David Bowie, with STUDIOCANAL's Rola Bauer and Francoise Guyonnet executive producing. Dream: 'To be working with an actor of Naomie's caliber is an absolute dream,' said Kurtzman, Lumet and Hlavin in a statement The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Timberman/Beverly. Harris will next be seen on the big screen in the highly-anticipated 007 adventure No Time to Die, which is set for release on October 8. She also stars in Swan Song, which is currently in post-production, and also stars Oscar winner Mahershala Ali and Glenn Close. The process of fabricating materials is complicated, time-consuming and costly. Too much of one material, or too little, can create problems with the product, forcing the design process to begin again. Advancements in the design process are needed to reduce the cost and time it takes to produce materials with targeted properties. Funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), researchers at Texas A&M University are using advanced computational and machine-learning techniques to create a framework capable of optimizing the process of developing materials, cutting time and costs. "Our general focus is working on materials design by considering process-structure-property relationships to produce materials with targeted properties," said Dr. Douglas Allaire, associate professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering. "In our work, we demonstrate a microstructure sensitive design of alloys with a Bayesian optimization framework capable of exploiting multiple information sources." Bayesian optimization-based frameworks use prior knowledge as models to predict outcomes. In the past, researchers have used this framework in correlation with a single information source (simulation or experiment). If that method failed, the process starts again with the hopes of making the right adjustments based on this model. The researchers have rejected this notion and instead believe that many information sources can be pulled using a Bayesian framework to develop a more complete picture of underlying processes. They have combined multiple information sources to create materials with targeted properties more efficiently by looking at data in its entirety rather than its parts. "What we think, that is very different, is that you can have many different potential models or information sources," said Dr. Raymundo Arroyave, professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. "There are many ways to understand/model the behavior of materials, either through experiments or simulations. Our idea is to combine all of these different models into a single, 'fused' model that combines the strengths of all the other models while reducing their individual weaknesses." Their research, titled "Efficiently exploiting process-structure-property relationships in material design by multi-information source fusion," was recently published in Vol. 26 of the Acta Materialia journal. "These model chains have historically not considered the breadth of available information sources," said Allaire. "They consider single models along the chain from process, through structure, to property. As a result, they are not as efficient or accurate as they could be." The researchers are currently testing this framework by developing dual-phase steels typically used on automobile frames. Dual-phase steels are made out of two phases with very different and complementary properties. "There are two phases; the martensite phase makes this particular steel very strong," said Arroyave. "The ferritic phase is softer and makes the steel more compliant and amenable to deformation. With only martensitic microstructures, these materials are strong, but they break easily. However, if you combine the strength of martensite with the ductility of ferrite, you can make steels that are very strong, can absorb energy during impact and that can be fabricated into complex shapes such as car frames." Using the method developed in this work, the goal is to develop a framework that more precisely and effectively predicts the needed composition and processing (recipe) for a specific design. In turn, this decreases the number of simulations and experiments required, drastically reducing costs. "The knowledge that we gain about the material design process as a whole using our framework is much greater than the sum of all information extracted from individual models or experimental techniques," said Dr. Ankit Srivastava, assistant professor for the materials science and engineering department. "The framework allows researchers to efficiently learn as they go, as it not just collects and fuses information from multiple models/experiments but it also tells them which information source i.e., a particular model or experiment provides them the best value for their money or time, which really enhances the decision-making process." In the future, they hope their framework is widely used when attempting tasks that involve integrated computational materials design. "Our hope is that by presenting these model fusion-based Bayesian optimization capabilities, we will make the search process for new materials more efficient and accurate," said Allaire. "We want any researcher to use the models that they have available to them without worrying as much about how to integrate the models into their own modeling chain because our Bayesian optimization framework handles that integration for them." ### Graduate students who assisted with this research include Danial Khatamsaz from the mechanical engineering department and Abhilash Molkeri, Richard Couperthwaite and Jaylen James from the materials science and engineering department. 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 flock of birds flies near Lake Manyara, Tanzania. Credit: Luc Janssens de Bisthoven, Author provided The uneasy relationship between humans and nature is in constant evolution, but we are now witnessing major ecological and climatic changes that affect all of us. In the current context, we need to develop new concepts and solutions, curb 'business as usual' practices and move toward a world that is more respectful of our environment and ultimately of ourselves. Global biodiversity policies should be implemented at all scales, linking conservation and restoration of biodiversity to people, and bringing it in an equilibrium of mutual respect and responsible stewardship. Established in 1971, the UNESCO Man and Biosphere program (MAB) has been contributing to this global effort. It is the custodian of more than 700 biosphere reserves around the world, each with its own national protection status and management type. Biosphere reserves belong to the world's most iconic natural areas and offer a multitude of opportunities to showcase that 'sustainable development and conservation can work hand in hand." Biosphere reserves are the living labs in which people and nature learnagainhow to live and thrive together. The EVAMAB project Following the recommendations of the Lima Action Plan, UNESCO commissioned the Belgian Science Policy administration (BELSPO) to mobilize expertise to study the added value of the concept of 'ecosystem services." This concept, also dubbed 'nature's contribution to people," is being increasingly used by international experts working on human-nature interactions. This concept is popular because it shows the possible benefits nature is providing to humans. Think about cultural services (e.g., income generated by tourism, spiritual sites, sacred groves), supporting services (good soils, plant growth), provisioning services (e.g., food, fish, timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants) or regulating services (clean water and air, stable climate). A woman walks along a road by Pendjari National Park. Research recommends to take into account that different villages are inhabited by distinct ethnic groups with different stakes in the park. Credit: Luc Janssens de Bisthoven, Author provided The CEBioS program, funded by the Belgian Development Cooperation and housed at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, took up that challenge and created the EVAMAB project. They assembled a consortium of Belgian scientists. Each brought his or her own expertise and track record and, most importantly, dedicated scientific African partners to tackle specific aspects. The three-year EVAMAB project (2017-2019) was born. The ideas behind the EVAMAB project are manifold, like introducing the concept of 'ecosystem services' through participative workshops and engaging different stakeholders to understand and discuss these services or related issues, such as 'payment for ecosystem services' (PES). Of course, each of the biosphere reserves is different and requires a tailored approach. EVAMAB focused on four pilot sites in Africa, spanning a range of ecosystems and associated social-economic systems. The project's main aim was to scope the actual needs and concerns of African stakeholders in a participative way. The project aimed at mapping and understanding stakeholders' perceptions of a selection of ecosystem services and their value(s). By doing so we did test a range of tools and methods in real-life conditions. The four African sites In Benin, the Pendjari National Park was investigated. It is one of the last important refuges for the West African megafauna such as lions and elephants, and its landscape is made up of savannas, wetlands and rivers at the edge of the Sahel, and part of a larger complex of protected areas (Arly in Burkina Faso and "W" in Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger). It is bordered by a number of villages. In Tanzania, the Lake Manyara National Park was chosen for its extraordinary densities of wildlife, its soda lake and its importance for tourism and many different local communities. In Uganda, EVAMAB researchers worked on Mount Elgon National Park, a transboundary (with Kenya) Afromontane ecosystem, threatened by high human densities, forest degradation and devastating landslides. And finally, the project also focused on Lake Tana, on the high plateaus of Ethiopia, at the source of the Blue Nile. This large freshwater lake harbours fisheries and cultural highlights embodied by century-old Orthodox monasteries. Its waters are increasingly threatened by the invasive water hyacinth. Lake Tana in Ethiopia. As part of the UNESCO project, researchers analysed farmers willingness to contribute labour and money to eradicate the invasive, nonnative water hyacinth. Credit: Luc Janssens de Bisthoven, Author provided Outcomes, guidance manual and dialogue One of the major outcomes of this project was the production of a guidance manual for the assessment of ecosystem services in African Biosphere reserves (in press). It explains the concepts of 'ecosystem services' and 'biosphere reserves' and gives general guidance on how to select the most appropriate tools to assess ecosystem services. The manual also has a chapter about the valuation of these services, the concept of 'payments for ecosystem services' (PES), and finally, some recommendations on how this valuation can be used to generate actual change for a better management of biosphere reserves. The manual details case studies, scientific results from the EVAMAB project and scientific literature and is a remarkable example of co-production of knowledge. Among the main findings of the project, we found that the key to successfully manage biosphere reserves in Africa is to actively engage with all concerned stakeholders. They can be local authorities, scientists, fishermen, pastoralists or farmers. We were impressed by their knowledge of their respective MAB sites and by their openness to find solutions to mitigate environmental conflicts. The use of different stakeholder engagement techniques in Lake Manyara National Park and Pendjari National Park allowed us to better discern the different perceptions and the priorities of local communities. Different results for different regions In Pendjari National Park, it appeared that different villages are inhabited by distinct ethnic groups with different stakes in the park. This demands a differentiated approach as to the ranking of priority ecosystem servicesfor example, some stakeholders are more focused on agriculture, others focus more on guiding tourists, etc. A systematic mapping of stakeholders' perceptions highlighted contrasting views of the limitations of agricultural activities in the park's buffer zones. Building trust and achieving mutual understanding will be necessary to avoid an escalation of conservation conflicts in the area. All stakeholders acknowledge the importance of the area, which is one of the last strongholds for charismatic and culturally important megafauna. This highlights the fact that, despite many disagreements, there is a shared appreciation of the Pendjari National Park's heritage. A valuation exercise confirms the importance of the distance of villages from the buffer zone. Villages near Mount Elgon National Park in Uganda can have populations that are rapidly growing, leading to pressures on the natural environment. Credit: Bruno Verbist, Author provided In Manyara National Park, through participative community mapping we realized how the perceptions of the Maasai pastoralists fundamentally differ from the local farmers. This understanding allows biosphere reserve managers, in cooperation with the communities, to ensure a more customized conservation. Winning the hearts of the communities is only possible by devising a smart approach to use the available ecosystem services in an inclusive and equitable way. For that you need to have an estimate of the value of ecosystem services, be it in a monetary or non-monetary sense. In Uganda's Mount Elgon National Park we analyzed farmers' perspectives on payments for ecosystem services and the effectiveness of existing certification systems of coffee farms and the link to biodiversity. It appeared that of the two locally prominent systems the fair-trade coffee, bundled with organic coffee had a higher tree and insect biodiversity and stored more carbon, but had a very negative impact on farmers' income due to lower yields. The Utz certified coffee had higher yields, resulting in higher farmers' income, largely because of the use of fertilizers and pesticides, but this reduced biodiversity where ants and spiders were used as indicators. Ecotrust, a local NGO that attracts funding mainly from the voluntary carbon market, was successful in its promotion of tree plantingnot only to store carbon, but also to increase tree biodiversity. In Lake Tana National Park, we analyzed local farmers' willingness to contribute labor and money to eradicate the invasive, non-native water hyacinth. Local farmers suffer from the infestation of irrigation canals, and the study showed that they are willing to contribute substantial amounts of time and money to address the problem. Here again, we realized how local solutions can benefit both biodiversity and the local residents. These data may help develop concepts of regular weed harvesting and creating an additional income and some new value chains. This case study also shows the importance of a stakeholder-centered approach to investigate and value ecosystem (dis)services. In addition to the guidance manual, this three-year project generated eleven masters theses, more than ten peer-reviewed articles and two policy briefs. The UNESCO manual, as a complement to existing reviews and guides, should be useful to policy makers, communities and management entities to help them more sustainably harness the potential of ecosystem services for local stakeholders in biosphere reserves and beyond. That should contribute to making conservation and sustainable development two sides of the same coin, as it is the aim in biosphere reserves. Explore further Ecosystem services: Species are our livelihoods This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 02:47:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A coach and two young girls, all wearing face masks, practice at a sport club in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 24, 2021. Lebanon registered on Wednesday 3,856 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 448,721, the health ministry reported. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) BEIRUT, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon registered on Wednesday 3,856 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 448,721, the health ministry reported. Meanwhile, the death toll from the virus went up by 53 to 5,903. Lebanon received on Wednesday the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines comprised of 33,600 jabs, while the ministry said an additional 130,000 doses of COVID-19 will arrive in April. As COVID-19 cases in the country continue to rise, the government is considering imposing a lockdown on Sundays in two to three cities, state Home Minister Narottam Mishra said on Tuesday. Speaking to media persons, Mishra also urged people with 'folded hands' to follow COVID-19 guidelines prescribed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus. "Around 300 to 400 COVID-19 cases are being reported in Indore and Bhopal daily. If cases increase at this pace, we will soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines," he said. The government is mulling to imposed lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities, he added. Lockdowns have been imposed in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur in the wake of rising cases. On Tuesday, Indore registered 477 COVID-19 cases. cases have increased drastically in India in the last few weeks, with 40,715 new cases and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. There are currently 8,592 active COVID-19 cases in the state. As many as 2,64,575 patients have recovered from the disease so far, while 3,908 fatalities have been reported, the Ministry 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.) Nick Buccola, Business Development Director, FirstService Residential Were thrilled to welcome Nick to the FirstService Residential family, said Michael Mendillo, president, FirstService Residential. He is the perfect candidate and brings a wealth of sales experience and expertise to the role. FirstService Residential, North Americas property management leader, named Nicholas Buccola as business development director in its Southern Virginia market. An accomplished sales professional, Buccola brings his extensive business development experience and ability to identify growth opportunities and create custom strategies to his new role. Were thrilled to welcome Nick to the FirstService Residential family, said Michael Mendillo, president, FirstService Residential. He is the perfect candidate and brings a wealth of sales experience and expertise to the role. Im excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the FirstService Residential team, said Buccola, business development director. I look forward to contributing to our exceptional service offerings with a focus on cultivating strategic and meaningful partnerships. In his role, Buccola will work closely with community association board members to present FirstService Residentials depth of resources, technology platforms and commitment to service excellence. Buccola will be reporting directly to Raymond Tate, vice president, sales. We are excited to have Nick on the business development team. His years of sales experience and passion for the industry will serve him well in his new role, said Tate. Buccola has ten years of direct sales and business development experience and five years in sales management and team leadership. http://www.fsresidential.com About FirstService Residential FirstService Residential is North Americas property management leader, partnering with more than 8,500 communities across the U.S. and Canada, including low-, mid- and high-rise condominiums and cooperatives; single-family communities; master-planned, lifestyle and active-adult communities; and mixed-use and rental properties. HOAs, community associations and condos rely on their extensive experience, resources and local expertise to maximize property values and enhance their residents lifestyles. Dedicated to making a difference, every day, FirstService Residential goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (FSV), a North American leader in the property services sector. Visit http://www.fsresidential.com. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form I've had it. I'm pretty sure we've all had it, collectively. How long do we have to get nothing from Congress besides emails asking for money? Republicans in Congress seem to make begging a business, just like the homeless. My junk mailbox is filled every day. Sometimes ten from just one "campaign." Is that all we, the American people, are good for? To feed the coffers of our do-nothing class, so they can sit around and whine? When will Republicans in the House and Senate be done whining and act on our behalf? When are they going to corral their fellow reps and senators and unite for the common good? When are they going to counter the wrecking ball that is the Democrat agenda? When, for the sake of whatever god anyone might pray to, are they going to do something about the nightmare we are all living in? All the pols come on talk shows and basically banter back and forth with the host. It's all in good humor, smiles all around. Before saying anything controversial, the mealy-mouthed phrases must be uttered: how wrong the January 6th "insurrection" was, how much they know there are "good people" in the FBI, etc. All I can say to that is, "B-------!" Sometimes a brave host, someone like Maria Bartiromo, calls the guest on this stuff, and actually asks, "What are you going to do about it?" Then we get to watch the art of dissembling in action. The politicians don't give a real answer. If anything, we get a litany of why not, and it all boils down to not having the "power" and the "leverage" needed to make a change. Not a good enough answer! It doesn't seem to me that the Dems ever take a back seat. I think about the Trump presidency. We had the Senate for a while. Remember? Yet not a single good thing came from it. It's time our strongest people started rounding up the cohort of their fellow do-nothings, corral them in one place, and force a meeting of the minds that leads to an action plan. It's not enough to trot out the old platitudes anymore. Keep it up, and we just won't have a country. I realize everyone has some agenda. McConnell has a wife neck-deep in China trade. Romney should have run as a lib. Maybe, just maybe, it's time to say "adios" to Mitch and get a leader in there who isn't tied down? Maybe somebody who has the strength to twist Romney's arm? I realize we don't have either the Senate or the House now. But neither must be a lost cause. Do you think for a second that there aren't some more conservative, old-school Dems in both houses who are just as appalled at what's happening in their party as we are out here in the real world? If the Republicans could create a united stance for the good of our country and against the tyrants currently ruling us, believe me, some of them would quietly join in. But at this point, there's nothing to join into. The evidence of massive election fraud apparently wasn't enough to get the Republicans going. How any person of conscience could swallow the "nothing to see here" BS, I don't know. The set-up of the inauguration break-in and the fence are blatant. It was planned, by the left, as the coup de grace to get rid of the threat presented by the right. Checkmate; roll over, you Republican dogs, show us your belly, and submit. End of the line. Ha, ha, ha. Now, at great expense of manpower and technology, the Dems are rounding up every last person who walked into the Capitol in order to charge them with crimes that, even if they can't be proven, will ruin the families of the people who dared to enter. They will be financially decimated defending themselves, some few will be imprisoned, and all will be paraded in front of the rest of us as a warning. Better not cross us. We'll take you down because we can. It doesn't matter that we make no sense because we've got the media on our side. We've got the Republicans and more conservative Democrats running scared. We win. It doesn't have to be so. Republicans, unite! Make noise! Act! Tell the truth! Shout it from the rooftops, and on every talk show you can. Challenge the laggards. DO YOUR JOB! Image: Boxer by Pxfuel. 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 Dr. Omolola Salako, founder and CEO of Oncopadi, from Lagos, Nigeria, was selected as this year's C 3 Prize Grand Prize Winner, after pitching her idea to a panel of expert judges. Astellas will award $100,000 in grants and resources to advance her winning idea, a web and mobile app that connects cancer patients with specialists and hospitals they need to access care in Nigeria. Dr. Salako is a radiation oncologist who was inspired to make a difference in the cancer community after her sister passed away from advanced kidney cancer. With the funds from the C 3 Prize, Dr. Salako intends to expand the reach of Oncopadi, so that more people can connect with specialists and receive treatment earlier, before their cancer has progressed. "I believe anyone diagnosed with cancer should have instant access to accurate cancer information and support to help them make better health decisions," Dr. Salako said. "Oncopadi is improving the experience of people with cancer and empowering a new model of medicine that makes patients equal partners in their care. I am grateful for the opportunity to expand the reach of Oncopadi's mobile cancer app to more people living with cancer in Nigeria to provide telemedicine, symptom trackers, educational materials and support groups to empower patients in their care." Fostering connection and empowerment during the cancer journey was a common theme among the ideas presented by this year's winners, which sought to ease the increased burden of COVID-19 on cancer care. The fifth annual C3 Prize Innovation Prize winners include: Dr. Valeria Arango Velez of Medellin, Colombia , founder of Healing Presents, is an integrative oncologist who also personally experienced cancer. She developed a mind-body therapy app designed to help people to better cope with the daily emotional challenges of their cancer journey. The app was created with scientifically proven mind-body therapies to help improve personal wellbeing during each moment of the cancer journey. , founder of Healing Presents, is an integrative oncologist who also personally experienced cancer. She developed a mind-body therapy app designed to help people to better cope with the daily emotional challenges of their cancer journey. The app was created with scientifically proven mind-body therapies to help improve personal wellbeing during each moment of the cancer journey. Lisa McKenzie of New Orleans , U.S., founder of You Night Empowering Events, is an entrepreneur who witnessed the challenging emotional journey of cancer care after two good friends experienced cancer. She developed a virtual narrative therapy program that brings together small groups of women impacted by cancer to share their stories, with an emphasis on emotional healing after treatment. She is helping women articulate their life's journey through key experiences, finding inner strength and remembering they are far more than their cancer diagnosis. "The C3 Prize started as a hopeful idea five years ago and has since become a transformative global initiative that embodies the Astellas Oncology central mission: to make every day better for people impacted by cancer," said Mark Reisenauer, senior vice president, oncology business unit, Astellas. "We are proud to support this year's winning ideas, which have the potential to transform the cancer care experience for people across the world." The finalists pitched their ideas to a panel of leaders in business, innovation, and cancer care, with entrepreneur cancer activist Bill Rancic serving as emcee, at a virtual event premiered on Facebook on March 23, 2021. "I'm grateful to be a part of the Astellas Oncology C3 Prize again this year. When my wife Giuliana was diagnosed with cancer, we saw how complex it is to navigate cancer care, and I am moved to see these innovators using their experiences to ease the cancer journey for others. Their game-changing ideas are tackling everyday challenges facing the cancer community," Rancic said. "This year's Grand Prize winning idea is putting the focus on simplifying cancer care by connecting patients to the resources they need." Judges for this year's C3 Prize included Steve Alperin, CEO, SurvivorNet; Steven Collens, CEO, MATTER; Margaret Laws, president and CEO, Hopelab; Ebele Mbanugo, executive director, Run for a Cure Africa and 2018 C3 Prize Grand Prize winner; and Hernani Oliveira, Ph.D., CEO, BRIGHT Digital and 2017 C3 Prize Grand Prize winner. This year's challenge awarded three prizes totaling $200,000 in funds (one Grand Prize of $100,000, and two $50,000 Innovation Prizes). Along with the funding, all winners will receive a yearlong complimentary membership to MATTER, a global healthcare startup incubator, community nexus and corporate innovation accelerator. The Grand Prize winner will also receive hands-on support, expertise, and resources from Slalom, a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. For more information, visit www.C3Prize.com. About the Astellas Oncology C3 Prize The Astellas Oncology C3 Prize, launched in 2016, is a global challenge that aims to address the complexities of the cancer journey by funding the best ideas in cancer care beyond medicine. The C3 Prize sparks innovative developments in cancer care, tackling cancer challenges by awarding the winners with prize money and connecting them with resources and support. The C3 Prize directly reflects the mission of Astellas Oncology: striving to make every day better for those impacted by cancer. Astellas maintains no ownership in the ventures funded by the C3 Prize. For more information, visit the website at https://astellasoncology.com/c3prize and follow on social media with the hashtag, #C3Prize. About Astellas Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at http://www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/company/astellas-pharma. About MATTER MATTER is a global healthcare startup incubator, community nexus and corporate innovation accelerator. MATTER mobilizes a community of entrepreneurs, industry innovators, scientists and clinicians committed to improving health and care for every person. Learn more at https://matter.health/. About Slalom Slalom is a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation. In 39 markets around the world, Slalom's teams have autonomy to move fast and do what's right. They are backed by regional innovation hubs, a global culture of collaboration, and partnerships with the world's top technology providers. Learn more at https://www.slalom.com/. SOURCE Astellas Pharma US, Inc. SOURCE Astellas Pharma US, Inc. Related Links https://www.astellas.com/us/ 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. Funding Update for Wiluna Stage1 Development Perth, Mar 24, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Wiluna Mining Corporation Limited ( ASX:WMX ) ( FRA:NZ3 ) ( OTCMKTS:WMXCF ) is pleased to announce that it has progressed its funding package which, if completed in full, will amount to approximately $80 million ("the funding"). Once completed this will fully fund the Stage 1 Development Plan concentrator and mine development to commissioning, as well as completing the feasibility study, associated drilling, and updated Reserves for Stage 2 of the Development Plan. It is envisaged that the Stage 2 feasibility study will see an increase in Reserves of approximately 500koz and support an increase in the concentrator output from 750ktpa to 1.5Mtpa, and in-turn reach gold production of circa 250kozpa.Firm commitments for approximately $7.5 million have been received in relation to a placement at $1.00 per share ("Placement") to sophisticated investors under the Company's existing placement capacity (7,419,708 shares pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and 50,144 shares pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1A). A potential further amount of up to $31.5 million will be raised under a one (1) for four (4) Non-Renounceable Entitlement Issue ("Entitlement Issue" or "Offer") at $1.00 per share.Furthermore, the Company has received intentions to participate for approximately $14 million relating to the Entitlement Issue by its major shareholders and Executive Chair, Milan Jerkovic.Assuming the full amount of funds are raised (including the Tranche 2 debt funding), combined with the Company's operating cash flows, the use of funds will be as follows:- Construction and commissioning of Stage 1 concentrator and associated mine development (to reach 120kozpa production);- fund feasibility work associated with the staged Development Program to achieve circa 250kozpa gold production and associated drilling;- support Tranche 2 Mercuria debt funding completion; and,- general working capital.To view the Key Terms and Timetable, 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. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer again vetoed legislation that would have put limits on the states health departments ability to issue public health-related emergency orders Wednesday. The bill in question, Senate Bill 1, would have capped any emergency orders issued by the Department of Health and Human Services to 28 days without legislative approval. Whitmers veto did not come as a surprise shes frequently said she would not support efforts to curb her administrations powers, and she vetoed a similar bill last session. Unfortunately, epidemics are not limited to 28 days, Whitmer wrote in her veto letter. We should not so limit our ability to respond to them. Slightly more than $347 million in COVID-19 testing funds was tied to Senate Bill 1 as part of a COVID-19 aid package signed into law by Whitmer earlier this month. Related: Whitmer signs bulk of coronavirus aid package, but vetoes limits on executive authority Whitmer signed into law most of the Legislature-approved funding for various COVID-19 response and relief measures, the bulk of which was funded by Congress, but line-item vetoed $652 million in spending and a separate tie-barred policy bill, House Bill 4049, that would have shifted shift authority on closing in-person learning and sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic from the state to local health departments. Whitmer did not veto the funding that was tie-barred to the vetoed policy bills, but indicated to the Legislature a legal review of the appropriations was ongoing and said when it was complete, she would direct state departments to implement this legislation consistent with constitutional requirements. Related: Senate Republicans threaten to sue if Whitmer tries to use federal funds tied to vetoed bills On March 11, the Senate gave Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, the authority to sue Whitmer if her administration tries to spend any money tie-barred to the passage of House Bill 4049 and Senate Bill 1. The people of Michigan know what to do, and theyre just waiting to be informed, inspired, encouraged and trusted, Shirkey said on the Senate floor at the time. Were still under an environment where this governor does not trust citizens of Michigan to do the right thing. Whitmer on Wednesday also signed Senate Bill 816, legislation from Sen. Dan Lauwers, R-Brockway Township, that brings the states hemp program is in alignment with the U.S. Department of Agricultures hemp rule. The federal rule went into effect March 22. Related: Michigan House tries again on spending vetoed by Whitmer 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 A bill that will stop state and county health departments from banning family gatherings during an emergency, like a pandemic, passed the Michigan Senate on Monday. State senators passed SB 257 with a 20-15 vote, which would prohibit health department officers from issuing emergency orders that ban any number of family members from gathering at sporting events, private residences or at a restaurant. Under the bill, sporting events include school, college, and any organized sporting activity. Family members include spouses, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. The bill now goes to the state House for review. The bill would also amend Michigan law by stating health directors cannot stop a person from traveling between one or more properties they own, cannot stop a high school graduation commencement ceremony sponsored by a school and cannot stop someone from shopping at a store. Related: Michigan Senate approves bill that would limit public health orders to 28 days The bill was introduced by Sen. Michael MacDonald, R-Macomb Twp., on March 18 who said his goal is to protect large families and ensure that government treats all families no matter their size, equally. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen many restrictions put on people and families. Some of these restrictions seem to hurt larger families more than others and this has had a huge effect on their mental well-being, MacDonald said in a March 24 statement to MLive. As long as families at restaurants, supporters at sporting events, and families in their homes are taking the proper steps to protect people from the virus, they shouldnt be subjected to restrictions that limit them more than a smaller family. Related: Whitmer signs bulk of coronavirus aid package, but vetoes limits on executive authority The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services declined to comment on the bill package, which is among several legislative attempts to limit Gov. Gretchen Whitmers and her health officers emergency powers. On March 3, the House advanced a $4.2 billion plan to fund various COVID-19 response and relief measures while tying some of the money to policy bills limiting the administrations authority to issue pandemic-related orders. Taken together, House Bills 4047 and 4048 include $2.3 billion for vaccines, testing, direct care worker payments, and property tax relief, as well as $1.9 billion for addressing learning loss and returning schools to in-person learning. The two spending bills earned bipartisan support, passing 85-25 and 77-33, respectively. Related: Michigan House clears $4.2B COVID-19 spending plan, ties some funds to limits on health departments authority More than $840 million in school funding included in 4048 is tied-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 is tied to the 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. Whitmer vetoed $652 million in spending and the tied-barred policy bill limiting the administrations authority to issue pandemic-related orders on March 9. In response, Michigan Senate Republicans threatened to sue Whitmers administration if it tried to separate federal funding from the tied-barred policy. Just before the end of the legislative session in December 2020, the Michigan Senate laid the groundwork to put a measure in place to suspend any Whitmer administration order issued before the next session started in January. Legislators tried forming a committee of six lawmakers that could suspend any rule or regulation introduced by a state agency in between the end of the current lame-duck session and the start of the 2021-22 session on Jan. 13. Related: Michigan Senate approves creation of committee to suspend public health orders between sessions On Dec. 31, Whitmer vetoed a pair of Republican lame-duck efforts to curb her administrations emergency powers. One would have repealed a 1945 law that Whitmer used as the legal authority to issue emergency executive orders at the start of the pandemic, and the other would have limited the public health orders from the states Department of Health and Human Services to 28 days. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Wednesday ordered a detailed probe into WhatsApp's new privacy policy and terms of services, saying the firm contravened the provisions of competition laws through its exploitative and exclusionary conduct in the garb of policy update. "A thorough and detailed investigation is required to ascertain the full extent, scope and impact of data sharing through involuntary consent of users," the fair trade regulator said. It asked its investigation arm, the Director General (DG), to carry out an investigation into the matter. It also asked the DG to complete the investigation and submit a report within a period of 60 days from the receipt of order. In January, WhatsApp had come out with an update in its privacy policy and terms of services that required users to agree to sharing of their data of chat with business accounts, payments and transaction information with its parent company Facebook and third parties associated with it. After criticism from users over sharing of their data, the company postponed the rollout of the policy update to May 15 from February 8. In its order against WhatsApp LLC and its parent Facebook, Inc., CCI said having considered media reports and the potential impact of the policy and terms for the users of messaging app and the market, the Commission on January 19 decided to take suo moto cognisance of the matter. CCI said that as per WhatsApp's previous privacy policies, existing users had an option to choose whether they wanted to share their WhatsApp data with Facebook. However, the new policy notification suggests that users will have to mandatorily accept the terms and policy in their entirety including the terms with respect to sharing of their data across all the information categories with other Facebook companies. Calling WhatsApp a dominant player in the relevant market for OTT messaging apps through smartphones in India, CCI said it appears that consent to sharing and integration of user data with other Facebook companies for a range of purposes, including marketing and advertising, has been made a precondition for availing WhatsApp services. "...the Commission is of prima facie opinion that the 'take-it-or-leave-it' nature of privacy policy and terms of service of WhatsApp and the information sharing stipulations mentioned therein, merit a detailed investigation in view of the market position and market power enjoyed by WhatsApp," the order said. It also asked the DG to examine the veracity of WhatsApp's claim that the policy update does not expand the messaging app's ability to share data with Facebook and that the update intends to provide users with further transparency about how WhatsApp collects, uses and shares data. The competition watchdog said that users, as owners of their personalised data, are entitled to be informed about the extent, scope and precise purpose of sharing of such data by WhatsApp with other Facebook companies. "However, it appears from the Privacy Policy as well as Terms of Service (including the FAQs published by WhatsApp), that many of the information categories described therein are too broad, vague and unintelligible." At numerous places in the policy while illustrating the data to be collected, the list is indicative and not exhaustive, which suggests that the scope of sharing may extend beyond the information categories that have been expressly mentioned in the policy, CCI said. "Such opacity, vagueness, open-endedness and incomplete disclosures hide the actual data cost that a user incurs for availing WhatsApp services. It is also not clear from the policy whether the historical data of users would also be shared with Facebook Companies and whether data would be shared in respect of those WhatsApp users also who are not present on other apps of Facebook i.e., Facebook, Instagram, etc.," the order said. Under competitive market condition, CCI said, users would have sovereign rights and control over decisions related to sharing of their personalised data. However, it is not the case with WhatsApp users and moreover, there appears to be no justifiable reason as to why users should not have any control or say over cross-product processing of their data by way of voluntary consent, and not as a precondition for availing WhatsApp's services. It said users have not been provided with appropriate granular choice, neither upfront nor in the fine prints, to object to or opt-out of specific data sharing terms, which prima facie appear to be unfair and unreasonable for WhatsApp users. Given the pronounced network effects it enjoys, and the absence of any credible competitor in the instant messaging market in India, WhatsApp appears to be in a position to compromise quality in terms of protection of individualised data and can deem it unnecessary to even retain the user-friendly alternatives such as 'opt-out' choices, without the fear of erosion of its user base. "...the Commission is of the considered opinion that WhatsApp has prima facie contravened the provisions of Section 4 of the Act through its exploitative and exclusionary conduct...," CCI said while ordering the probe. Responding to the order, a WhatsApp spokesperson said, "We look forward to engaging with the CCI. WhatsApp remains committed to protecting people's personal communications with end-to-end encryption and providing transparency about how these new optional business features work." Also Read: After just 38% sale in telecom auctions, 5G spectrum prices likely to be reduced Also Read: Hiring activity picks up pace; IT sector leads the pack Also Read: A year after crash- Investor wealth doubles Armin Rezaei Wins partypoker WPT500 Knockout ($139,971) March 24, 2021 Jason Glatzer Austria's Armin Rezaei finished on top of a field of 2,601 entrants to win the WPT #13 WPT500 Knockout at partypoker for $139,971 ($76,275 + $63,696 in bounties). The event was yet another success story for partypoker as the $1 million guarantee was smashed with entries generating a huge $1,300,500 prize pool. As this was a progressive knockout tournament, half of the buy-ins went towards the prize pool while the other half were place as progressive bounties on each player. Razaei, who waves a Maltese flag at partypoker, had to navigate through a tough final table which included the likes of Gustavo Mastelotto, 2019 MILLIONS Online champion Benjamin Chalot, Aliaksei Boika, and Gediminas Uselis before defeating David Lopez Llacer heads-up for the title. Read on to learn more about the final table action in the WPT #01 WPT500 at partypoker. Head to the NEW partypoker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest partypoker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new partypoker Hub! Find Out More WPT500 Knockout Final Table Payouts Place Player Country Prize Bounties Total Prize 1 Armin Rezaei Malta $76,275 $63,696 $139,971 2 David Lopez Llacer United Kingdom $76,143 $25,380 $101,524 3 Gustavo Mastelotto Brazil $48,993 $5,398 $54,392 4 Duff Charette Canada $32,193 $5,113 $37,307 5 Benjamin Chalot Hungary $21,762 $6,691 $28,454 6 Aliaksei Boika Belarus $16,518 $8,742 $25,261 7 Jeroen Van Dijck Netherlands $11,929 $5,297 $17,226 8 Robert Svedin Sweden $9,446 $7,361 $16,807 9 Gediminas Uselis Lithuania $7,352 $7,898 $15,251 WPT500 Knockout Final Table Recap The WPT500 Knockout attracted a huge field of 2,601 entrants during the eight opening flights on March 15-22 with 390 players advancing to Day 2 on March 22 with the knowledge they have banked at least a min-cash of of $541 in addition to any bounties collected. The field trimmed down to just nine final table hopefuls to start yesterday's action with the eventual winner Rezaei and the runner up Llacer kicking off the action in the top two spots. Jeff Gross and James Dempsey James Dempsey and partypoker Ambassador Jeff Gross announced the action on the partypokerTV YouTube and Twitch channels with a small delay with hole cards exposed. The first elimination at the final table happened so quickly that it wasn't picked up by Dempsey and Gross on the stream. Uselis came into the final table as the short stack and collected $15,251 for ninth place after being unable to spin it up. Robert Svedin (eighth - $16,807) then suffered a bad beat that no player wishes for at a final table with so much equity involved. Llacer jammed with nine-six offsuit from the small blind and got there after Svedin called off with pocket rockets. Llacer held the chip lead after the hand but this didn't last long. The first orbit wasn't even completed yet before more fireworks went off. Rezaei jammed the button with nine-eight suited and was called by Jeroen Van Dijck in the small blind with ace-queen. Van Dijck flopped top pair and improved to trips on the river. This wasn't good enough and he was eliminated in seventh place for $17,226 with Rezaei nailing a straight flush on the turn. Llacer took the lead once again during the very next hand while also sending Boika packing in sixth place for $25,261 after his nines won a flip against big slick. The action then cooled off for a little while during which time the lead change swang back and forth between Rezaei and Llacer before Rezaei took control of the captain's chair one final time and never looked back. Rezaei eliminated his final four opponent single-handed. Chalot (fifth - $28,454) when his queens didn't hold against ace-jack suited. Duff Charette (fifth - $37,307) quickly joined Chalot on the rail when Rezaei's ace-four suited held against ten-nine suited. Mastelotto (third - $54,392) was Rezaei's next victim when his king-jack whiffed the board against Rezaei's ace-nine suited. Rezaei entered heads-up action with nearly double the chips of Llacer. It was anyone game until Llacer was coolered. Llacer had top two pair with king-queen and lost most of his stack with Rezaei holding cowboys for a set. Llacer then jammed his short stack with ten-four suited and was eliminated in second place for $101,524 after not improving against Rezaei's ace-jack suited. Join partypoker and Grab Up to 40 Worth of Tickets Now is the time to download partypoker via PokerNews because new depositing players can get their hands on up to $30 worth of SPINS and tournament tickets. Deposit $10 to receive $10 worth of free tickets over the course of a week, increase that initial deposit to $20 and $30 worth of tickets are all yours. Download partypoker via PokerNews, make your first-ever real money deposit and enjoy up to $30 worth of tickets. Tickets awarded for a $10 deposit: Day 1: 2x $1 SPINS tickets + 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 2: 4x $0.25 SPINS tickets Day 4: 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 6: 4x $0.25 SPINS tickets Tickets awarded for a $20 deposit: Day 1: 1x $5 SPINS ticket + 1x $3.30 MTT ticket Day 2: 2x $1 SPINS ticket + 1x $5.50 MTT ticket Day 4: 1x $5.50 MTT ticket Day 6: 2x $3 SPINS tickets + 1x$3.30 MTT ticket By providing a proven way to implement secure firmware updates on a secure and certified hardware and software, the Winbond/Nuvoton/Qinglianyun solution reduces the time it takes to develop new IoT devices, and helps OEMs to get to market faster with products for smart city, smart home, metering, industrial control, and other security-conscious applications. The reference design is based on the Nuvoton M2351SF IoT Security MCU, a multi-chip module consisting of the M2351 IoT Security microcontroller and Winbond's W77Q TrustME secure Flash memory IC. The M2351 microcontroller is based on the Arm Cortex-M23 secure processor core with TrustZone technology. The module's W77Q secure Flash device is connected to the M2351 via an encrypted serial peripheral interface which resists sniffer attacks on data transferred between the two chips. To provide a trusted execution environment (TEE) for secure OTA firmware updating operations and communications with the cloud, the M2351 runs Qinglianyun's TinyTEE secure software stack in TrustZone-protected hardware. Using the 32Mbit secure storage provided by the W77Q, the reference design provides for: Storage of secure and non-secure firmware and data Authenticated access control to ensure the integrity of firmware and data Rollback protection The TinyTEE software on the M2351 connects to Qinglianyun's secure cloud service, which provides a full suite of IoT device management capabilities, such as device authentication, secure storage, encryption engine, and true random number generator, comply with Global Platform TEE standard interface. This system thus provides a secure chain of trust for the provision of OTA firmware updates from the cloud all the way to the W77Q Secure Flash memory, with no vulnerability to remote attack or exposure of private data. The solution provides a comprehensive set of security essentials. The W77Q helps ensure robust, end-to-end security in IoT devices by enabling: Secure storage Secure boot and root-of-trust Authenticated and encrypted data transfer between the Flash device and the host Secure Execute-in-Place (XiP) of boot and application code System resilience, supporting the key security functions of protection, detection and recovery The M2351 microcontroller also offers multiple security capabilities including: Secure bootloader Hardware cryptographic accelerators Execute-only memory Tamper detection pins For more information about the Winbond/Nuvoton/Qinglianyun solution for secure OTA firmware updating, contact your local Winbond sales office or authorized distributor. About Nuvoton Nuvoton Technology Corporation (Nuvoton) was founded to bring innovative semiconductor solutions to the market. Nuvoton was spun-off as a Winbond Electronics affiliate in July 2008 and went public in September 2010 on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE). Nuvoton focuses on the developments of microcontroller, microprocessor, smart home and cloud security IC and has strong market share in Industrial, Consumer and Computer markets. Nuvoton owns a wafer fab, featuring customized processes for analog and power products. Besides in-house IC products, the wafer fab also provides part of its capacity for foundry services. Nuvoton provides products with a high performance/cost ratio for its customers by leveraging flexible technology, advanced design capability, and integration of digital and analog technologies. Nuvoton values long term relationships with its partners and customers and is dedicated to continuous innovation of its products, processes, and services. Nuvoton has established subsidiaries in the USA, China, Israel, India, Singapore, Korea and Japan to strengthen regional customer support and global management. For more information, please visit http://www.nuvoton.com *Note: Nuvoton and NuMicro are registered trademarks of Nuvoton Technology Corporation. All other trademarks and copyrights mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Product Contact Robert Ling Senior Technology Manager TEL: +886-3-5770066 ext 27608 E-mail: [email protected] About Qinglianyun Qinglianyun Technologies is a leading vendor of IoT security solutions, specializing in network security, cloud computing and hardware security with a wide range of products including: IoT Security Private Cloud, IoT Cloud Access Security Gateway, IoT Terminal Security Management System and many others. Qinglianyun takes customers' business needs and user experience seriously, placing them at the heart of our corporate strategy. Established in 2016, headquarter is located in Beijing, China. Qinglianyun provides IoT security solutions, to deliver customer's IoT products with more security. The company's mission is to be the leading global vendor of IoT infrastructure solutions. Qinglianyun provides products for: Smart door lock Smart water meter Smart meter Industry DTU Product Contact Kieran Wang Co-Founder TEL: +86-180-1011-6337 E-mail: [email protected] About Winbond Winbond Electronics Corporation is a leading global supplier of semiconductor memory solutions. The Company provides customer-driven memory solutions backed by the expert capabilities of product design, R&D, manufacturing, and sales services. Winbond's product portfolio, consisting of Specialty DRAM, Mobile DRAM, Code Storage Flash, and TrustME Secure Flash, is widely used by tier-1 customers in communication, consumer electronics, automotive and industrial, and computer peripheral markets. Winbond is headquartered in Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) and it has subsidiaries in the USA, Japan, Israel, China, Hong Kong, and Germany. Based on Taichung and new Kaohsiung 12-inch fabs in Taiwan, Winbond keeps pace to develop in-house technologies to provide high-quality memory IC products. Product Contact Hung-Wei Chen Secure Flash Product Director TEL: +886-3-5678168 ext 71469 E-mail: [email protected] News Contact Yulia Lee Marcom Manager TEL: +886-3-5678168 ext 75395 E-mail: [email protected] Spokesperson Jessica Chiou-Jii Huang Chief Financial Officer TEL: +886-3-5678168/+886-987-365682 SOURCE Winbond Electronics Corporation Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Gaensel Energy Group, Inc., (OTC Pink: GEGR) ("Gaensel" or the "Company"), a diversified holding company with assets in software/gaming and VR, health and wellness, CRM & data, as well as general contracting and patented building supplies, is pleased to announce the completion of the agreement to acquire the Italian joint stock company "ISCOM Spa." Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/78437_fa6aaebe44170b95_001full.jpg ISCOM - Riverclack Technologies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/78437_fa6aaebe44170b95_002full.jpg Founded by Mr. Fabio Menegoli in 1964, ISCOM Spa has grown and developed following precise principles of moral and industrial ethics, incessant research, diversification and the obsession to achieve excellence in multiple industry sectors. ISCOM, with an annual turnover in 2020 of over $28,000,000 USD, an EBITDA of over $3.8 Million USD, has solid and motivated prospects for revenue growth and profits. The management team has the strength and the know-how to continue to develop and expand successfully the activities. ISCOM - RIVERCLACK TECHNOLOGIES ( www.riverclack.com ) The underlying company, Riverclack Technologies, has been the foundation of the ISCOM Holding Company. Riverclack has always been a pioneer in metal roofing. Riverclack is the standing seam metal roofing system for many construction modules. Its flexibility and high performance make it the ideal solution for schools, airports, warehouses and stadiums. Riverclack was conceived in Italy, in Verona, and in 30 years, thanks to its unique qualities, it has developed into a system known and appreciated all over the world. The quest for a roofing system that would solve the problems inherent to traditional metal roofing led the Company in 1987 to the creation of the Riverclack system, a revolution in roofing technology. Thanks to its unique features, Riverclack quickly established itself on the market as "the flat metal roofing system." Story continues Today, ISCOM and Riverclack are in rapid international expansion and countless airports and commercial buildings across the world enjoy the protection and beauty of Riverclack systems. In the past ten years, projects have included Colombia's Simon Bolivar International Airport - the Caribbean Port, Turkey's Ankara Esenboga Airport, Russia's Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport, Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Intl Airport, France's Aquasport Center, Saudi Arabia's KSU Stadium, Italy's Technogym Village, Italy's Agririva Winery & Oil Mill, and Italy's Diesel Offices. http://www.riverclack.com/es/news_6.html ISCOM asset base includes CBD marijuana research, cultivation, production and end user sales under its subsidiary companies. ISCOM and Gaensel management are currently negotiating agreements on the sales and joint venture development of its CBD and renewable energy assets. Gaensel President Claudio Pezzulla states "ISCOM is an important partner is our renewable energy division with its extensive experience and contracts in the European market. We were able to complete this acquisition as we have the previous transactions with a combination of investments and funding from our partner group. ISCOM brings proven strength to our renewable energy division." ISCOM SPA Via Belvedere 78 - 37026 Pescantina, - Italy T +39 045 773 21 77 F +39 045 773 29 70 https://www.iscomspa.com/ About Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. (OTC Pink: GEGR) Gaensel Energy Group asset base currently consists of proven companies in biotech, commodities, apparel - fashion, green and renewable energy, and technology. The management teams for each of these divisions are actively seeking similar partners in each space for expansion and additional acquisitions. The Company has been listed on the United States OTC Markets since 2002 and the Company is current. Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. 57 West 200 South Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 admin@gegrgroup.com Phone: +1 518-567-3649 https://www.gegrgroup.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed transaction or to complete the transactions contemplated by the non-binding term sheet, matters discovered by the parties as they complete their respective due diligence investigation of the other. Other factors include the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close, including due to the failure to receive required security holder approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Gaensel Energy Group Website: http://www.gegrgroup.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78437 Rep. Jim McGovern says the Internal Revenue Service must resolve concerns over manpower and resources to avoid tax season-linked delays to Child Tax Credit payments meant to begin in July according to President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. Speaking with reporters in a Zoom news conference Tuesday, McGovern said the expansion of the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $3,000 per child aged 7 to 17 and $3,600 for every child under 6 will see much-needed benefits going to about 78% of Massachusetts parents on behalf of 1 million children across the state. Part of Bidens and Democrats efforts to cut child poverty in half during a pandemic thats left millions of parents jobless, McGovern said the provision will help lift 55,000 Bay State children out of poverty. Half of the relief is meant to come in monthly payments beginning in July; parents can claim the remaining amount on 2021 tax returns. But last week, IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig told a House subcommittee that the agency doesnt have the manpower to prepare an online portal to implement the programs monthly payments while grappling with incoming piles of tax returns. The IRS recently extended the 2020 tax return filing deadline from April 15 to May 17, which helps process refunds more quickly but pulls resources away from the portal needed for the Child Tax Credit payments, the agency said. They need to fulfill the promise of the American Rescue Plan, McGovern said when MassLive asked about the potential holdup. We dont want a delay. If the IRS needs more funds to make some temporary hires, come to us and lets do it. We need to get the relief to people now. These payments could literally make the difference when it comes to putting food on the table and paying rent. Rettig did not offer a timeline but told lawmakers the agency is focused on trying to get these payments out to the people in a meaningful manner and a meaningful timeframe. We now have one month less to do the development, Rettig told lawmakers, noting the same staffers who process income tax returns and stimulus payments are needed to develop the online portal. So I dont have the resources to devote to that portal until filing season ends, which is May 17. He said IRS workers will do our best to get payments to people starting this summer. The Child Tax Credit has historically been available for single parents earning $200,000 or less or couples filing jointly who earn $400,000 or less. The updates approved in Bidens package will force the credit to phase out for individuals earning more than $75,000 annually or couples earning more than $150,000 combined. The $200,000 and $400,000 cutoffs remain in place. Another temporary update is the removal of an earnings floor; in previous years, taxpayers had to earn at least $2,500 to be eligible to receive the credit. The expansion stemmed out of the House Ways and Means Committee chaired by Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts. The pandemic is driving families deeper and deeper into poverty, and its devastating, Neal told MassLive earlier this year. This money is going to be the difference in a roof over someones head or food on their table. This is how the tax code is supposed to work for those who need it most. Several Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, want to make the $3,000-plus tax credit permanent for parents. McGovern on Tuesday said he also wanted to make the expanded Child Tax Credit permanent, along with the relief bills 15% increase to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. He added the average SNAP benefit amounts to about $1.40 per person per meal, which he described as inadequate to begin with. This is not a new problem ... but because of the pandemic, its gotten worse, he said. McGovern has called on Biden to convene a White House conference on food, nutrition and hunger involving various agencies and relevant players and stakeholders, including hospitals, schools, local government leaders, businesses and food banks. Let us come up with a holistic plan to solve this problem once and for all, he said. Were the richest country in all the world and as we speak, 50 million people dont know where their next meal is going to come from. We should all be ashamed of that reality. In December, McGovern, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and other lawmakers wrote to USDA addressing unexpected shortages of food boxes and reduced service from a U.S. Department of Agriculture contractor that left several Massachusetts food banks and schools scrambling to buy agricultural goods to adequately serve families. The lawmakers pressure on USDA came as the states food-insecurity rate jumped by 54% since COVID-19 hit, according to the Greater Boston Food Bank. About one in eight dont have access to enough food for three healthy meals a day, and one in five children live in food-insecure homes, Arlene Fortunato, senior vice president of advancement for Greater Boston Food Bank, told WCVB in December. On top of the tax credit changes, Bidens relief plan includes $1,400 checks to most Americans; $350 billion to help state and local governments overcome pandemic-linked budget shortfalls; $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. Supplemental unemployment insurance of $300 weekly, which was set to expire March 14, has been extended until at least September. 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According to information published by Greek City Times on March 23, 2021, France has offered to give the Greek navy two first-class frigates, Cassard-class anti-air frigate Jean Bart (D615) and the Latouche-Treville (D646), Georges Leygues class anti-submarine destroyer, free of charge. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link French frigate Jean Bart D615 (Picture source: Sea Forces) The French Navy will hand over these two vessels if Athens chooses France through its international call for tenders to build new frigates for the Greek Navy. Indeed, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos also included in his tender for two used ships that are ready and in good condition for temporary use. This will be an intermediate solution while awaiting the commissioning of the new frigates which will take seven or eight years to construct. The Greek navy, which went to examine the two frigates, was apparently surprised by the good condition of the two ships. The Cassard class (Type F70 AA) is a class of anti-air warfare destroyers of the French Navy. The class is an air defence variant of the Georges Leygues class. The two classes have a different armament and propulsion system mounted on an identical hull. Their primary role is to provide air cover for a fleet, an aeronaval group, a convoy & a littoral point. Their secondary role is to manage air assets coordination & aircraft control for the force. They can also be used for research, identification or presence missions. Both ships are assigned to the Force d'Action Navale. The Cassard class is powered by four SEMT Pielstick 18 PA6V 280 BTC diesels creating a sustained 43,200 hp (32,200 kW) driving two shafts. This gives the ships a maximum speed of 29.5 kn (54.6 km/h; 33.9 mph) and a range of 8,000 nmi (15,000 km; 9,200 mi) at 17 kn (31 km/h; 20 mph). The SEMT Pielstick diesels are capable of double super-charging. The engines are placed upon flexible mountings reducing the noise signature of the ship. Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries globally with the highest burden of tuberculosis. Despite the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Tuberculosis (TB) control programme in Nigeria, the country recorded a 15 per cent increase in TB case notifications in 2020. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, made this known at the launch of the Unified TB campaign in Abuja on Tuesday. The launch was done ahead of the 2021 World Tuberculosis Day, celebrated on March 24 every year to raise public awareness about the health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. "It is on record that Nigeria recorded a 15 per cent increase in TB case notifications in 2020 compared with the previous year," Mr Mulombo said. The theme of World TB Day 2021 is 'The Clock is Ticking' and Nigeria's localised slogan is 'That cough fit be Tuberculosis not COVID, check am o.' The theme is a wake-up call for Nigeria to accelerate TB response to reach the set targets in the 2021-2025 National TB Strategic Plan, according to Mr Mulombo. Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that often affect the lungs. It is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. Nigeria remains one of the 30 countries globally with the highest burden of the disease. Nigeria also ranks first in Africa in the number of undetected cases. Despite TB being a vaccine-preventable disease, statistics from the WHO show that every year, around 245,000 Nigerians die from TB, and about 590,000 new cases occur (of these, around 140,000 are also HIV-positive). Dangerous but Underfunded Mr Mulombo said about 70 per cent of the TB budget in 2020 were unfunded, posing a major threat to the country efforts in achieving the set targets. He explained that many people are pushed into poverty when they contract TB due to lost income, transport costs and other expenses. He said 71 per cent of TB patients in Nigeria and their household are affected by catastrophic cost due to TB. According to the country representative, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent (ranking above HIV/AIDS). "Globally, there are an estimated 10 million people with TB in 2019, with Nigeria and seven other countries accounting for two-thirds of the global total," he said. Low case detection Mr Mulombo said low TB case detection remains a major challenge in the TB control efforts in Nigeria, with the country detecting only 27 per cent of the estimated incident TB cases. "The undetected TB cases can further constitute pool of reservoir that fuel on-going transmission of TB in the community, as one undetected infectious TB case is able to infect between 12 - 15 people per year," he said. He noted that Nigeria is far from achieving the targets set to diagnose and treat over a million TB cases before 2022. "Nigeria at the United Nations High Level Meeting (UNHLM) on TB in 2018 made a commitment to diagnose and treat over 1.1 million TB cases and place about 2.2 million clients on TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) from 2018 to 2022," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Health International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The country is far away from achieving these targets with less than 2 years to go." He said the international health agency will continue to support Nigeria in developing and implementing guidelines, plans, framework and strategic documents to end TB epidemic. In his remarks, Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the focus of this year's theme and slogan is timely in view of the COVID-19 Pandemic. "Because the two diseases share similar symptoms, the need to have appropriate diagnosis for both diseases to determine the actual cause of any cough is crucial," Mr Ihekweazu said. He said a patient may be infected by both COVID-19 and Tuberculosis. Mr Ihekweazu said the theme "clock is ticking" is a call for all stakeholders, communities, and well spirited individuals to join hands in the fight against Tuberculosis. While Subaru has released its BRZ, Toyota has been quiet with its development of the 2022 Toyota 86 model. Now, the company's CEO Akio Toyoda suggested that the car could be pushed back until next year to ensure that the two cars can offer unique driving experiences and that people can differentiate them both. While it is an unprecedented move for Toyota, it actually makes sense that the company will delay the release of the 2022 Toyota 86 model since both companies have worked in the past. 2022 Toyota 86 Release Date Pushed Back According to Autoevolution, Toyoda said that he wants the 2022 Toyota 86 model to be differentiated from the Subaru BRZ in terms of performance. That does not mean it would be faster, but it could have other driving characteristics from the car. The delayed-release has not been confirmed yet. Still, the publication believes that due to Toyota CEO's difficult tasks, the development team will most likely move the launch of the 2022 Toyota 86. It is believed that the automobile will be released in March of next year, instead. Motor1 reported that the list of areas to improve the 2022 Toyota 86 from the Subaru BRZ is extremely limited. In tweaking the driving experience on a budget, the engineers could look at the changing gear ratio and engine tuning to make it feel like it is going faster. Other than that, anything more could further delay the car's launch. Also, the engineers will work on something with the 2022 Toyota 86 model. 2022 Toyota 86 Features In 2022, Toyota will be marking its 10-year anniversary of producing the Toyota 86. As a special treat, the Japanese automakers will release their second-generation of the car. The company promised that it will be a new experience for drivers who are fans of the automobile. However, fans expect that the car will feature the same real-wheel-drive drivetrain as the first-generation. Also Read: 2016 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Specs, News and First Drive Review: Everything Compact Hybrid SUV Must Have With that said, there are clear indications that the features of the 2022 Toyota will be similar to its previous iteration. This can be seen in both interior and exterior specifications. When the ride debuted in 2012, it was packed with a horizontal naturally aspirated engine under the hood. While the acceleration was decent, it was clear that the engine could do with a little bit of work to enhance performance. Toyota fans hope that the 2022 Toyota 86 could pack more power than its predecessor, as it is expected that the model will have a turbocharged engine, like the Subaru BRZ. Besides that, many have hoped that the second-gen car will have a six-speed transmission, and its powertrain can have an output capacity of 260 horsepower. Toyota is yet to unveil the 2022 Toyota 86 price point soon. There are speculations that the base trim of the 2022 model will have a $30,000 price tag, and the GT trim will start at $32,000. It is also expected that the GT trim model will offer more power, style, and comfort hence the $2,000 added price for the base trim model, as Hotcars noted. Related Article: 2022 Toyota Tundra Leak Photos Show New Rear Suspension-Air Suspension Option Not Happening? Barack Obama has been labeled 'a racial arsonist' by Tucker Carlson, with the Fox News host accusing the former president of emerging only to foment societal tension. Carlson on Tuesday night used his opening monologue to discuss responses to Monday's shooting in Boulder, Colorado, which killed 10 people. Carlson said that the former president 'took a break from becoming one of the richest men in the world' to weigh in. Obama issued a statement on Tuesday arguing that 'disaffection, racism and misogyny' help fuel mass shootings, and calling for tougher gun control laws. 'More than any other contemporary American leader, Barack Obama is a racial arsonist,' said Carlson. Carlson said on Tuesday that Obama's remarks about shootings come from 'a deep loathing' 'He emerges at our most vulnerable moments to deepen the wounds that divide us. He sows hate.' He added: 'Why does Barack Obama do this? Well, it would take a psychiatrist to answer that question fully, though it seems obvious that deep loathing of some kind plays a role. It must play a role.' Carlson concluded that Obama 'managed to divide Americans a little more than they were yesterday, and so from his perspective, mission accomplished.' He was angered by Obama's reaction to the country's latest massacre, which came less than a week after eight were killed at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia. Six of the victims were Asian-American women. 'A once-in-a-century pandemic cannot be the only thing that slows mass shootings in this country,' Obama said, backing new gun control actions. Former President Barack Obama responded to the shooting Monday in Boulder, Colorado. He argued 'disaffection, racism and misogyny' often motivates gun violence, while also saying a 'once-in-a-century pandemic' cannot be the only thing that slows the rate of shootings Obama sent out a statement Tuesday saying while it will take time to 'root out the disaffection, racism and misogyny' that he said fuels so many mass shootings, 'we can make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war' Police units stand in front of King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado where a 21-year-old gunman shot and killed 10 people Monday, less than a week after a gunman attacked three Atlanta spas 'It will take time to root out the disaffection, racism and misogyny that fuels so many of these senseless acts of violence. But we can make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war,' the former president said. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said he wanted Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He asked the Senate to pass two bills that passed the House earlier this month that plug up background check loopholes for gun buyers. The White House said Biden was open to using executive action. Obama used executive action on guns during his time in office, as Congress was in the deadlock it remains in today. Despite Democrats having control of the Senate, the gun bills aren't likely to get the 60 votes needed to override an expected GOP filibuster. 'We can overcome opposition by cowardly politicians and the pressure of a gun lobby that opposes any limit on the ability of anyone to assemble an arsenal,' Obama said. 'We can, and we must.' Obama saluted the actions of Officer Eric Talley, who responded to the shooting and was killed in action, writing that he hoped the officer's death wasn't in vain. 'Because in addition to grief, we are also feeling a deep, familiar outrage that we as a nation continue to tolerate these kinds of random, senseless acts day in and day out without taking any significant action - an outrage that people in Colorado have known far too often over the years.' The 1999 massacre of 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado set the table for hundreds of school shootings in the decades following. In 2012, 12 were killed and 58 were injured when a shooter massacred people at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater as they watched the newest Batman film. The Boulder, Colorado shooter was identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Alissa, a Syrian-born U.S. immigrant. Alissa's motivations haven't been confirmed, but his brother said the shooting was 'not at all a political statement, it's mental illness.' He described Alissa as being 'paranoid' and 'very anti-social.' An investigation is also ongoing into last week's Atlanta shootings. The 21-year-old shooter, Robert Long, blamed his behavior on a 'sex addiction,' though it was Asian-American spas that were targeted, as hate crimes have dramatically increased against members of the community since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. Previous mass shootings have been clearly linked to the shooter's racist, homophobic or anti-Semitic views. The Charleston shooter, Dylann Roof, was a white supremacist who killed black Americans in a historically black church in 2015. In 2018, an anti-Semite gunman attacked a Squirrel Hill synagogue in Pittsburgh, shooting worshippers. The Pulse nightclub was targeted in Orlando, Florida in 2016 for its LGBTQ patrons. The shooter, Omar Mateen, had pledged allegiance to ISIS. Credit: Stanford University "A climate in crisis," President Biden said in his inauguration speech, is among a cascade of challenges in a "winter of peril and possibility." Few places face more urgent threats from climate change than the Arctic, which is warming more than twice as fast as anywhere else on Earth. Sea ice has radically declined since the 1970s. Within a few decades, summer sea ice may disappear completelywith implications for regional weather patterns, erosion, shipping traffic and oil exploration, as well as extreme weather events and sea-level rise in the U.S. and around the world. Rapid environmental changes add to challenges facing the Arctic's more than 4 million residents, roughly 1 in 10 of whom are part of Indigenous groups who have long relied on sea ice and marine ecosystems. According to Stanford University scholars, the Biden administration can help to slow damage and lay groundwork for a more sustainable future for Arctic ecosystems and inhabitants. Actions they see as key include slashing carbon emissions; hitting the brakes on oil development in sensitive coastal areas; repairing relationships with other Arctic countries; improving fisheries management; and providing resources for Arctic communities to relocate from places becoming unlivable due to global warming. "Given the speed of change in the Arctic, the sooner that environmental policies are implemented, the more effective they are likely to be," said Kevin Arrigo, professor of Earth system science. Executive orders On his first day in office, President Biden committed the country to rejoin the Paris Agreement, the 2015 international accord designed to avert catastrophic climate change. He ordered a moratorium on oil and gas leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and a review of the potential environmental impacts of the long-debated oil and gas program in the coastal refuge. He also reinstated Obama-era protections for a "climate resilience area" off the coast of Alaska, withdrawing certain offshore waters and the Bering Sea from oil and gas drilling. Stanford oceanographer Rob Dunbar said he favors halting oil activity in ANWR, where the Trump administration approved leases for drilling on its last full day in officenearly four years after Congress opened a 1.5 million-acre section of the refuge to oil development. "We do not need the oil and gas that is in ANWR to keep our country going as we transition to green energy," Dunbar said. "It is expensive and environmentally dangerous to explore for and produce hydrocarbons in the far north, and it seems nuts to do so while we are trying to develop, fund and implement the non-fossil energy systems that we need to quickly bring online." For animal populations in the Arctic, recent research led by Arrigo suggests climate-related stresses have a greater impact than do acute stressors such as increased shipping and subsistence harvesting. "The biggest concern in the short term is the loss of sea ice," Arrigo said. Longer term, the Arctic Ocean's relatively shallow waters and the importance of shelled marine animals in its food web heighten its vulnerability to acidification, which occurs when seawater absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. "The only policy intervention I can think of to address these issues is to reduce CO 2 emissions," Arrigo said. The new administration's return to the Paris Agreement and framing of climate change as an "existential threat" central to U.S. domestic, national security and foreign policy may aid cooperation among Arctic nations on emissions and other climate issues. "The United States was in effect blocking much of that work for four years," said David Balton, a senior fellow at Stanford's Center for Ocean Solutions and a former U.S. ambassador who was in charge of Arctic policy until 2017. "President Biden's decision to bring us back into the Paris Agreement had immediate effects on the perception of the United States among the other Arctic governments and on their willingness to deal with us." Resilience and adaptation Reinstatement of the resilience area in the Bering Sea carries "huge" significance, Dunbar said. "It sends a message to the Indigenous inhabitants of the region that we as a nation do care about their plight." By prohibiting bottom fish trawling and limiting shipping and oil and gas development, the arrangement protects a highly productive ecosystem, including iconic species such as whales and polar bears. While these protections cannot fully mitigate the effects of climate change, he said, dealing with local stressors can buy time. For example, better fisheries management can help prevent stock collapses even as warming oceans and streams cause some fish populations to decline, he said. At the regional level, securing commitments to rein in soot pollution could have "strong and fairly quick consequences" for slowing Arctic warming, Balton said. When the dark particles settle onto ice and snow, reflectivity is lowered, so more of the sun's heat ends up being absorbed. According to Balton, the central Arctic Ocean notably lacks an international marine science organization of the sort that has helped to spur science efforts in the North Atlantic and North Pacific regions. "That might be a good first step to build confidence and strengthen international institutions for the region," he said. Kristen Green, a Stanford Ph.D. student whose research focuses on sustainable marine resource planning for Alaskan Arctic communities, hopes to see the Biden administration bring new urgency to climate adaptation. "This issue will affect every aspect of Arctic decision-making, from an international to village scale," she said. The Coastal Climate Resilience program, proposed by President Obama but never enacted, offers a promising model, Green said. The program would have provided funding to relocate entire Alaska Native villages threatened by the effects of climate change, and offered resources for at-risk coastal states, local governments and their communities to prepare for and adapt to climate change. "There are huge economic costs to a warming Arctic Alaska," she said. These are not distant threats: "The wild foods that Alaska Natives have relied on since time immemorial are becoming harder to access," she said. And already, thawing of the permafrost that underlies homes, pipelines, railroads, military bases and other infrastructure throughout much of the Arctic has caused cracks, buckles and spills. According to Green, "The rest of the world will be looking to Arctic communities for lessons in adaptation and resilience in the face of climate change, and the United States can be a leader here." Explore further Climate change linked to decline of migratory Arctic fish New York Festivals Advertising Awards has recruited some of the most creative production experts and filmmakers in the industry to participate on the 2021 NYF Film Craft Executive Jury. This esteemed panel of industry professionals are dedicated to creativity and the aesthetics of filmmaking and will collectively and passionately review the innovative Film Craft Finalists selected by New York Festivals online Grand Jury. Were thrilled that this highly respected creative collective of experts dedicated to the craft of film production are on board to judge NYFs Film Craft entries, said Scott Rose, Executive Director, New York Festivals Advertising Awards. With Jesse Brihn at the helm and this impressive panel of jurors thoughtfully reviewing film entries from around the globe, entrants can be sure that exceptionally executed and innovative filmmaking will receive the recognition it deserves. 2021 Jury President Jesse Brihn will convene the 2021 NYF Advertising Awards Film Craft Executive Jury this coming June. As an award-winning multidisciplinary producer, he brings years of film experience to his role as Jury President. Jesse built a career on traditional advertising done in nontraditional ways. He produced some of the earliest award-winning viral films for Ray-Ban, Adidas, and Motorola. At Droga5, Jesse leads campaigns for clients including Under Armour, Google, Johnsonville and the highly regarded Hennessy V.S.O.P film Harmony. Mastered from Chaos. Jesse had this to say about what he will be looking for when judging entries this year: I do think its going to be a competitive year despite Covid. I think theres a lot of great work done this yearits hard to say whats going to resonate until you see it, said Jesse Brihn, Director of Film & Content Production, Droga5. The things that speak to me are the ones that can connect this idea of art in what we do and how we communicate, and the idea of what the client is intending to do and how its being supported in this form of art and how they come together. If you feel passionate and its worth a conversation, then you should share it. 2021 Film Craft Executive Jury Jury President: Jesse Brihn, Director of Film & Content Production, Droga5 USA Adam Britton , Managing Director & Creative Director, Trunk UK Sonja Davies, President, Jaxx Canada Manir Fadel, CCO, VMLY&R Spain Erica Ford, Executive Producer, Buck Australia Sandy Haddad, Partner / Executive Producer, Chromista USA Diego de la Maza, EVP/Head of Production, Deutsch LA USA Luisa Murray, Executive Producer, Buck USA Tatiana Rudzinski, Executive Producer, Greenpoint Pictures USA Mel Senecal, VP, Executive Producer, McCann NY USA Clairellen Wallin, Executive Producer, The Mill USA All entries into the 2021 NYF Advertising Awards competition will be judged by 400+ members of NYFs Executive Jury and Grand Jury, a panel of prominent global creative minds, who collectively select the Worlds Best Advertising. PopDaily, a popular Taiwanese media outlet, recently released an article that selected the top ten Korean stars with visuals straight out of a comic book. Among the top ten stars on the list, six are K-pop idols. See who made the ranking here. ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo is the First Idol Selected for His Comic Book-Like Visuals According to PopDaily, the first person people think of when mentioning celebrities with comic book-like visuals is Cha Eun Woo! The idol has acted in dramas based on Korean webtoons, such as "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" and "True Beauty." The ASTRO member perfectly digested his character and never failed to surprise netizens with his handsome visuals. Additionally, this face genius was also an amazing student during his time as a student, with excellent grades. On top of his stunning visuals, Cha Eun Woo is also 183cm tall. SF9's Rowoon Praised for Comic Book-Like Visuals Rowoon, SF9's visual, is considered a new generation visual. With his height of 190cm+ and his small face, the idol-actor struck at women's hearts with his role as Ha Ru in "Extraordinary You." Rowoon recently wrapped up filming for the drama "She Would Never Know," which is based on the webtoon, "Senior, Don't Put on That Lipstick." In the latter drama, Rowoon perfectly digested a character based on a webtoon! PopDaily also notes that no matter which actress he plays alongside, he will definitely warm hearts with their cute height difference! IZ*ONE's Jang Wonyoung is the Only Female Idol Praised for Her Manga-Like Visuals Jang Wonyoung, the youngest member of IZ*ONE, is famous for her Sailor Moon legs! Recently, a new set of photos shared by Jang Wonyoung has gone viral for her fluffy, wavy hair, long-sleeved shirt, white shorts, with people saying she resembled Park Se Mi from "True Beauty." Although Jang Wonyoung did not appear in the drama version of "True Beauty," Jang Wonyoung has always received praise for her model-like proportions and her visuals that resemble the webtoon's main character. INFINITE's L (Kim Myung Soo) Is One of the Longest Active Visuals in K-Pop INFINITE's L, who has been active for over ten years, is known as one of K-pop's original comic-book-like visual idols. No matter what L wears, whether it be historical hanbok or modern fashion, L always looks cool and attractive. PopDaily praised L's role in "Meow, the Secret Boy," where L plays cat-turned-human. His face was perfect in the drama, looking both fierce and cute! "Produce X 101" Trainee Kim Minkyu Included in The Top 10 For His Manhwa-Like Visuals When speaking of fourth-generation visuals, Kim Minkyu, who competed in Mnet's "Produce X 101," comes to mind! In June 2020, Kim Minkyu starred in the web drama "Pop Out Boy!," where he played Chun Nam Wook, a boy who jumps out of a comic book into the real world. His performance in the drama earned him praise, and he has been dubbed as a face genius! BTS's V Is a Worldwide Visual With Comic Book-Like Visuals V is praised as the world's most handsome Korean celebrity, which is not a far-fetched claim. The idol was previously named the "The Most Handsome Face of 2019" by TC Candler. In the past, netizens have stated that V resembles a number of manga characters, proving his ethereal visuals. Many are hoping for the idol's next acting venture in a drama adapted from a webtoon. ALSO READ: These Idols Have Visuals Straight Out of a Manhwa Was your favorite idol mentioned? Let us know in the comments! For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Alexa Lewis Polands health care system is under greater pressure now than at any time in the pandemic. Polish media this week have reported on hospitals so overwhelmed that they are forced to put extra beds in corridors. Maternity wards have been suddenly turned into COVID-19 wards, forcing women to change plans for where they will be giving birth. At least one hospital director has banned staff from taking vacations. Chennai, March 24 : The sixth offshore patrol vessel of Indian Coast Guard 'Vajra' was commissioned here by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday. The ship is sixth in the series of seven offshore patrol vessels built by Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T). Present on the occasion were Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard, Inspector General of Coast Guard S.Paramesh and J.D.Patil, Wholetime Director, L&T and others. The 98 metre Vajra (Thunderbolt) is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery. The ship will be equipped with 30mm and 12.7mm Guns with Fire Control System for enhancing its fighting efficiency, Coast Guard said. The ship is designed to carry one twin engine helicopter and four high speed boats, including two rigid hull inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The vessel is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment for oil spill response at sea. According to Coast Guard, Vajra is commanded by Deputy Inspector General Alex Thomas and will be based at Tuticorin. With this ship, the Indian Coast Guard will have 157 Surface assets and 62 Aircraft in its inventory. A new study says a mysterious, cookie-shaped object that entered our solar system likely broke off from a distant planet. Arizona State University astronomers reported earlier this month that the strange 45-meter object appears to be made of frozen nitrogen. The studys writers, Alan Jackson and Steven Desch, think a powerful force knocked a piece off an icy nitrogen-covered planet 500 million years ago. The piece was pushed out of its own star system toward ours. The reddish object is believed to be much different than its original self, with outer parts greatly affected by radiation and the sun. The object is called Oumuamua, a Hawaiian word that means messenger from afar. It is named for the observatory in Hawaii that discovered it in 2017. Oumuamua was first seen as only a small bit of light millions of kilometers away. It was found to have come from beyond our solar system because its speed and path suggested it was not orbiting the sun or anything else. The only other object confirmed to have come from another star system into our own is the comet 2I/Borisov, discovered in 2019. Oumuamua looked like an asteroid but sped along like a comet. Unlike a comet, however, it did not have a visible tail. Scientists could not agree on whether it was an asteroid or a comet. Some even suggested it may have been linked to alien life. Everybody is interested in aliens, and it was inevitable that this first object outside the solar system would make people think of aliens, Desch said in a statement. But its important in science not to jump to conclusions. Jackson and Desch created computer models that helped them find that Oumuamua was most likely a piece of nitrogen ice. They also found that the object was being slowly worn down over time. Their two papers were published by the American Geophysical Union. They were also presented at the Lunar and Planetary Sciences Conference, which was held online earlier this year. When Oumuamua was closest to Earth, it appeared to have a width six times larger than its thickness. That is about the same as one half of an Oreo cookie, Desch noted. Oumuamua is now more than 3.2 billion kilometers away and too small to be seen, even by the Hubble Space Telescope. As a result, Jackson said, astronomers will need to depend on the original observations to continue studying it. Desch noted that the object will continue to become thinner as it moves through space. He said in an email that by the time Oumuamua starts leaving our solar system around 2040, it will be as flat as a pancake. I'm Jonathan Evans. Marcia Dunn reported on this story for the Associated Press. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story original adj. existing since the beginning asteroid n. a space rock, either small or the size of a large moon, that orbits the sun comet n. an outer space object made of material like gas and ice which is left behind in its orbit as it approaches the sun inevitable adj. something that cannot be avoided or prevented jump to conclusions v. to guess the facts about a situation without having a lot of information pancake n. a thin, flat bread-like food that is cooked in a pan Mar. 23CENTERVILLE Centerville City Schools plans to sell about 5 or 6 acres of land to Washington Twp. for a new fire station. The vacant land is on the south side of Franklin Street adjacent to Centerville High School, and the plan is to build a new station to replace Washington Twp. Fire Department's oldest station 41 at 163 Maple Ave., it was announced Tuesday. The township would buy the land for $42,000 an acre, according to the purchase agreement. In 2019, township and Centerville residents approved by a 63-37 margin a continuous, 2.85-mill levy to fund fire services, including a new station. "Moving Station 41 from its current location to one that can provide more efficient service to the community is one example of how we continue to fulfill our levy promise to residents," Township Administrator Jesse Lightle said in a statement. Station 41 is more than 50 years old and is a few blocks off Main Street, lacking direct access to a main thoroughfare, officials said. The Franklin Street site also provides enough land to build "a properly sized station that meets the needs of adequate staffing and modern fire and EMS apparatus," township officials said. The land is part of about 66 acres the school district bought east of Centerville High School in 2017 to help "provide options," including another access route to the school, Superintendent Tom Henderson told the board of education Monday night before it approved the purchase agreement. The sale would still allow for another entrance/exit for CHS, he said. Township officials "feel like that would give them good access to Franklin Street to help their response times," Henderson said. "So they'd like to have the opportunity to be on the front part of the property. "Quite frankly, we like the opportunity to have safety so close to Centerville High School," he added. No closing date has been announced, but the township has at least 90 days before committing to the sale, the purchase agreement states. The next step will be to have the land surveyed, according to Sarah Swan, community relations specialist for Centerville schools. Published: 24 March 2021 As an international student, what made you decide to study in London and at Queen Mary in particular? My father received a scholarship from the British Government to complete his postgraduate degree in the UK back in 1993. After his studies, he always dreamed that I would pursue my higher studies in the UK. As for London, I chose to study there mostly because I love the city, especially as it is the hub of the best, and most historic universities in the world. I still remember when I was searching for a university back in 2011, I came across an article about London as the education capital of the world; this immensely motivated me. I had an opportunity to visit London when I was in high school. At the time, I visited several universities, however, I found Queen Mary to be the most welcoming and the campus attracted me a lot. Because of the global reputation, my subject, the modern establishments, and the vibrant neighborhood, I knew this was the place I was going to call my alma mater. Why did you choose to study a joint honours BSc in Environmental Science with Business Management? Bangladesh is a developing country and is also vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change. I wanted to pursue my career in this field in order to effectively contribute as a leader in this sector, especially in Bangladesh. My two preferences were either Economics or Environmental Science. So, when I was researching this course, it exactly reflected my interests and future career prospects. As such, I applied for this course. What aspects of your degree did you find most enjoyable and was there anything that surprised you in your studies? There are a lot of things to mention, but the most enjoyable aspect was the learning process. It was entirely facilitative and there were plenty of resources offered by the School of Geography. The field trips to different places gave me real exposure to practical understanding. As an international student, it also really helped me to develop my communication skills and build a strong network. How did you find the experience of studying and living in London? What helped you adapt to a new culture and way of life? London is the most amazing city I have ever been to. Because of the nature of my job and traveling being a passion of mine, my interest has taken me to 38 countries, and among them I have found, and still find, London the most vibrant, multicultural, and welcoming. No matter where you are from, you will be able to find the little version of your country in this city. I still remember the taste of mouthwatering authentic Bangladeshi food in London! I spent five years in London but never faced a single unexpected incident; I must say, London is a very welcoming place, especially if you are an international student. Were you a member of any societies or volunteering groups during your time at Queen Mary? If so, what did you gain from them? I was involved in the Green Impact Project, which was a volunteering role to ensure campus-wide sustainability. This experience helped me a lot when it came to designing a Green Campus project when I became a faculty member at a university in Bangladesh. It also helped me to have a better understanding of campaigning and building partnerships with different stakeholders, and how to motivate people for behavioural change. I was also a member of Queen Marys Bangla Society, where I met lots of friends from my own country. How did your time and study at Queen Mary help you decide the career path you wanted to pursue? I always had a keen interest in the career field I chose, what enlightened the interest was my course pattern here at Queen Mary. I got to learn about how the impact of development, increases in population, infrastructures, and transportation systems, negatively affect the environment and natural ecosystem. This impacted deeply on my thoughts regarding the environment and helped me to come up with ideas to tackle problems associated with it, and to apply my learning in ways that will help the world to mitigate environmental changes, and, if possible, halt them completely. Can you describe your career path since you graduated in 2015 and touch on your current role as a Climate Change Policy Manager for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Bangladesh? After completing my higher studies, I came back to Bangladesh. I joined the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh as a Faculty Researcher at the Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD). Then I worked as a Research Coordinator at the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, BRAC University, for three years. Studying in a foreign country helps you to learn and appreciate other cultures, overcome challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things that the progressive world looks for, and such traits develop our skills, help us to communicate better, and to develop lifelong friendships from all over the globe. For the last four years before starting my current position, I was involved in research on climate science, policy and governance, mitigation and adaption. My present role at the British High Commission in Dhaka, is to strengthen the UK/Bangladesh partnership in climate action and wider stakeholder engagement, which gives me an opportunity to work with diverse key actors working in climate action. My portfolio also covers supporting long-term decarbonisation and resilience and adaptation objectives in Bangladesh, including clean growth, energy transition, nature-based solutions and green finance. What are some of the skills you gained through your degree that you use in your work today? The practical learning and exposure that I gained during my studies at Queen Mary helped me to have a broader understanding of the context and, most importantly, made me confident in each of the steps of my career path. Why do you think its important for people to study Environmental Science? Environmental science is important to save our world from destruction. It is very important to know the complex nature of Earth and how it interacts with us, from economic to psychosocial aspects. It involves a lot of discipline and fields of study from science to politics. We need to study the environment and the sciences applied into it to find solutions to different environmental issues so that the children of tomorrow can still enjoy a healthy and productive environment in the future. What advice would you give to prospective students thinking of studying in another country based on your own experiences? Studying in a foreign country helps you to learn and appreciate other cultures, overcome challenges of living in another country, and gain a greater understanding of the world. These are all things that the progressive world looks for, and such traits develop our skills, help us to communicate better, and to develop lifelong friendships from all over the globe. Have an open mind and a zeal to learn new things - the experience shall be well cherished and of course, worth it. This profile was conducted by Alumni Engagement Coordinator, Nathalie Grey. If you would like to get in touch with Marjan or engage him in your work, please contact Nathalie at n.grey@qmul.ac.uk. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) The Department of Health on Wednesday asked the public to report anyone they see skipping the priority line for COVID-19 vaccination. The department said the public can call hotline number 8651-7800 local 2527, or go to the nearest DOH office to report vaccine line skipping. Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH has also asked the Departments of Justice and the Interior and Local Government to help in penalizing those who will cut the vaccine line. "We have referred the matter also to the DILG and the Department of Justice. Tinitingnan natin kung ano ang pwede nating maisagawa (We are looking at what we can do) aside from warning them," Vergeire told a briefing. Vergeire made the remarks after several local chief executives received coronavirus vaccines even if the currently available shots are reserved for healthcare workers. The DILG has already ordered five mayors to explain why they jumped the priority line. The government is still completing the vaccination of all 1.7 million local healthcare workers. Mayors, governors, and village chiefs recently were moved up in the COVID-19 vaccine priority list, but they can only be inoculated after health workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities. READ: Show cause orders issued vs 5 mayors who jumped COVID-19 vaccine line Vergeire implored her fellow government officials to refrain from cutting the vaccine line due to the limited supply of the life-saving vaccines. "Huwag po nating kunin ang bakuna na dapat doon sa taong magliligtas ng ating buhay kung saka-sakali," the official stressed, referring to healthcare workers. [Translation: Let's not take the vaccines that are meant for people who might save our lives in the future.] BATON ROUGE, La. - The Louisiana Department of Education is encouraging school systems to approach summer learning in a new way. The Departments new summer learning program guidance helps systems develop offerings that mirror summer camp. Along with core content tutoring in small groups, the sample structure provided by the LDOE includes field trips, the arts, library visits, recess and well-being supports. Despite the heroic efforts of our educators, students lost out on more than academics during the pandemic. They also missed music, art, P.E. and the social connection with classmates and educators, said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. Were pleased systems are considering our guidance utilizing their pandemic funding to rethink summer school. Families deserve the choice of full-day, enriching activities with high-quality educators. Summer learning programs are designed to provide students with additional opportunities for learning and growing during the summer months. The Department is encouraging school systems to create opportunities for all students to access a summer learning program. The new guidance includes sample structures, schedules, staffing, academic offerings and enrichment activities school systems can use as they fund summer opportunities for incoming K-8 students. The guidance also recognizes the long-term benefits of systems connecting with community partners to support their work. School systems can utilize multiple funding sources to support implementation. These include funds from their general fund, Title I, CARES, CAA and Direct Student Services allocations. There are various short- and long-term benefits of summer learning programs, including: Student well-being Acceleration, maintenance or extension of academic skills Allows students to explore activities and interests that develop the whole child Helps prevent summer learning loss Provides a safe, positive environment Builds student-teacher relationships Decreases discipline referrals Decreases likelihood of students repeating a grade Increases attendance Stronger academic performance The summer learning program guidance was first released to school systems in February. School systems can utilize the Departments Accelerate tutoring initiative along with their summer learning program. Launched this year on February 1, Accelerate is designed to provide systems with the structures and teachers with resources that will accelerate students learning in connection with whats taught during the normal school day. In education terms, an acceleration approach means connecting unfinished learning in the context of new learning, integrating new information and the needed prior knowledge. Cybersecurity GAO warns on cyber risks to power grid Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. Optional caption goes here. The country's electrical systems are increasingly susceptible to cyberattacks, according to government auditors, and there is uncertainty about the extent to which a localized attack might cascade through power distribution systems. A new report from the Government Accountability Office examines the vulnerabilities of electricity grid distribution systems, how some states and industry actions have hardened those systems and the extent to which the Department of Energy has addressed risks by implementing the national cybersecurity strategy. Government and industry officials told GAO that a cyberattack on a grid distribution system would likely have localized effects, but a coordinated attack could have widespread consequences. However, the officials conceded that assumption is based on their professional experience, GAO noted, and none of them were aware of an assessment that confirmed their claims. "Moreover, three federal and national laboratory officials told us that even if a cyberattack on the grid's distribution systems was localized, such an attack could still have significant national consequences, depending on the specific distribution systems that were targeted and the severity of the attack's effects," according to the report. In 2019, GAO assessed the Department of Energy's efforts to implement the energy portion of the national cybersecurity strategy and found it lacking. The new report states DOE officials intend to update their plans as a result of GAO's findings, but they will not change the extent to which they focus on distribution systems. The officials said an attack on the bulk power system -- larger interconnected electrical systems made up of generation and transmission facilities -- poses a greater threat. "Officials said a cyberattack on the bulk power system would likely affect large groups of people very quickly, and the impact of a cyberattack on distribution systems would likely be less significant," according to the report. Patricia Hoffman, a senior official at DOE's primary cybersecurity office, concurred with GAO's recommendation that the energy secretary should work with the Department of Homeland Security and industry to address risks to distribution systems. Hoffman cited two congressionally directed efforts DOE is engaged in to do as much. Heath workers including doctors and nurses have been serving us for a long time, often silently and hardly appreciated. It took a pandemic for many of us to realise the value of their service. At a time when everyone else was concerned about keeping themselves safe from the virus, doctors and nurses were at the forefront of the battle against it, even if that meant putting themselves at risk. A man from Mysuru, Karnataka found a unique way to honour the service of healthcare workers during the pandemic. Bharat PN, a native of Mysuru, just completed Mysuru a 'Walk for Humanity', to pay tribute to the Covid frontline warriors, by walking over 4,000 km. The 33-year-old benga his mega walk from Kanyakumari on December 11, 2020, and reached Srinagar on Monday after 99 days. Throughout this journey, Bharath also spread the messages about fitness, environment protection, tree plantation among others. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharath unsuccessfully tried his hands on several businesses and was later left stranded at home due to the lockdown. That his when Bharath says he got the idea for the walk for humanity. (Newser) A woman was on a Zoom call with a colleague Monday afternoon when a man in her home was attacked. Then the woman wasand the co-worker on the video call saw what was going on, police say. That witness then called 911, and tragically, police who responded to the Los Angeles-area home found Carol Brown, 67, a Pasadena City College administrator, and her brother Kenneth Preston, 69, had been stabbed to death, the Pasadena Star-News reports. Preston's body was found in the driveway, while Brown's was inside the home, NBC News reports. story continues below A Lexus was also discovered to be missing from the home. Robert Cotton, 32, later walked up to the houseafter, police say, hiding the Lexus in the neighborhoodand said he lived there. But he was ultimately detained and booked on two counts of murder. Police say Brown was his mother and Preston his uncle. A motive has not been publicly speculated on. While NBC and KTLA report that Brown's colleague saw the stabbings, the Star-News says all they saw was one man dragging another man. (Read more Los Angeles stories.) An engineering student spent a desperate 39 minutes on the phone with emergency services before drowning in his car in New South Wales floodwaters. The 25-year-old Pakistani national was on his first day of a new contracting job when his Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts. The inside of his car was badly damaged, indicating to police that he frantically battled to save his life and escape the vehicle as waters rose around him. NSW Police Detective Inspector Chris Laird said the man called Triple-Zero at 6.25am on Wednesday and remained on the line with the operator until about 7am. 'Had he not rung us, we never would have found him. Not until the water receded anyway,' Det Insp Laird said. 'We can only speculate as to why he couldn't get out of the car. Initial examination showed he made all reasonable attempts. 'You can only imagine someone fighting for his life in the car, the damage inside.' The Pakistani national's Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts. His body was found at 1pm on Wednesday inside the car Emergency crews were called to Cattai Ridge Road, near Hidden Valley Lane in Glenorie at about 6.30am on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters He said the roads had multiple signs and closure warnings, yet the car was located 30m into floodwaters and 6m under water. Emergency crews recovered the man's body at 1pm after locating his submerged car. Det Insp Laird suggested the car's electrical system may have failed. 'Also too, the remote location of the area, (we'll ask) questions about what he was doing up there. He may not have known the area as locals would,' he said. There was also a padlocked gate blocking off the road, but it was submerged. Det Insp Laird said the 25-year-old had strong ties in western Sydney, and that his friends in Australia were devastated by the news. 'From the police force, all emergency services, here is the very reason why you should not make any attempt to drive through swollen rivers,' he said. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott offered his condolences, saying it would send ripples through the northwest Sydney community. 'The human cost of these floods has been brought into sharp focus in the most tragic of circumstances and I urge communities to continue to be cautious in the face of continued and imminent threats to life,' Mr Elliott said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also made statements in federal parliament. Mr Morrison labelled Wednesday a 'terribly sad day', saying he knew the area well from childhood camping trips and felt for the man's family. The car with the man's body inside was found in Cattai Creek (pictured) at about 1pm following a NSW Police and SES Flood Rescue search. The man has not yet been formally identified A police officer is seen in Glenorie afterthe man's body was discovered In Queensland a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast hinterland on Wednesday afternoon He thanked NSW emergency services for their work. 'We have seen so much over the course of the past year and more as this country has battled so many things - floods, fires, viruses, drought and now these floods again,' Mr Morrison said. 'Now this family will get this news and they will grieve. 'Around them, activity will occur as the flood waters recede and the clean up begins, but their house will be dark and their grief will be great.' Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was still extreme danger in flood-hit areas despite the clear weather in Sydney on Wednesday. 'Whilst the sun is out conditions remain extremely dangerous, rivers are still rising,' she said. Police divers are seen searching Cattai Creek on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters 'We ask everybody, especially if they are in vehicles to be extra cautious. 'Some would suggest it is even more dangerous now as rivers continue to rise and catchments fill up with water.' In Queensland, a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast hinterland on Wednesday afternoon. The 38-year-old father was last seen on Monday and had not contacted his family since heading to a job in the Tamborine area, where torrential rain caused flash flooding this week. His ute was spotted earlier in the day in the flooded Canungra Creek. Mr Hornman's desperate wife had been active on social media, appealing for help from anyone who saw him. 'He didn't turn up to work and hasn't been able to be reached since. His phone is turned off,' Angela Hornman posted on Facebook on Tuesday. A police car and tape blocks the tragic scene off to the community in Glenorie on Wednesday Police boats head out on to floodwaters to deliver basic supplies donated by Coles to stranded locals in the Windsor region on Wednesday 'I just have to know he's ok. Please tell him no matter what I LOVE HIM.' The Hills Shire Council on Wednesday said Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie was shut due to flooding. Treacherous rivers around flood-stricken NSW will remain swollen into the weekend but are unlikely to rise further as weather conditions ease. Despite the clear weather, some 24,000 people in NSW remain evacuated from their homes, and about 60,000 people have been told by the SES to be ready to evacuate with major flood warnings still in place for the Macintyre, Gwydir, Clarence and Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers. The areas of continued concern include Moree in NSW's northwest, the Upper Hunter around Singleton, Grafton, parts of the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment northwest of Sydney. BOM meteorologist Victoria Dodds said flooding won't recede until the weekend, particularly on the 'complicated' Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley river system which restricts water flows at some points. The bureau also warned of the risk of falling trees due to saturated soil. SES volunteers and NSW Police begin delivering food, medicine and essential items and inspecting properties inundated but floodwaters around Windsor in the north west of Sydney The Windsor Bridge is seen submerged under rising floodwaters along the Hawkesbury River on Thursday 'River levels are still really high, we still have major flooding, it's a very protracted flood event,' Ms Dodds said. Rain has also eased across southern Queensland, but river levels are expected to remain high for a few days. The weather bureau says major flooding remains possible along the Macintyre, Condamine, Bulloo and Logan rivers, and Bremer River and Warrill Creek. At Beaudesert, south of Brisbane, major flooding is continuing along the Logan River, with some residents ordered to leave on Tuesday night. State Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan says it will be some time before there's a comprehensive tally of flooded properties and vehicles lost to floodwaters. He said the activation of joint federal-state disaster assistance for the hard-hit Gold Coast, Logan and Scenic Rim councils would fund the removal of tonnes of debris, and repairs to roads and other infrastructure. 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. When Louisiana opened eligibility for the coronavirus vaccines to anyone over 16 starting Monday, March 29, it joined a small but growing number of states where anyone who wants a shot can get one. Alaska was the first state to open to anyone over 16 on March 9, followed by Mississippi a week later. This week has ushered in an open season for vaccines in many other states well ahead of the May 1 deadline imposed by the Biden administration, when the president said all people over 16 will be eligible. COVID vaccines will be available to all Louisianans 16 and older next week All Louisianans older than 16 will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting next week, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced Wednesday, making th West Virginia opened eligibility on Monday and Utah opened on Wednesday. In Arizona, residents at certain state-run vaccination sites in some counties can also get a vaccine starting Wednesday. Other states announced opening dates in the next week. Georgia, Texas and Indiana announced Tuesday that inoculation would be available to all authorized ages starting Thursday for Georgia residents, Monday for Texas residents and March 31 for Indiana residents. North Dakota and Ohio will make the vaccine available to anyone starting March 29. Several other states have announced they will open in April by the following dates: April 1: Montana April 5: Tennessee, Michigan, Connecticut, Nevada, Idaho April 9: Missouri April 12: Illinois April 19: Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island April 27: Maryland Mid-April: New Mexico 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 +8 The city's strategy for vaccinating New Orleans' most vulnerable? Knocking on their doors. On a sunny, blustery Monday in New Orleans, Tonya Freeman Brown donned a neon yellow vest and started knocking on doors in the Hoffman Triangl But many other states still have restrictions based on age, occupation and medical conditions. In terms of age, New York recently expanded to anyone over 50 along with Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Nebraska, New Hampshire and Wyoming. The age limit is 65 and up in California, Alabama, North Carolina and over a dozen other states. In every state, people of most ages can qualify if they have certain medical conditions or jobs, though qualifications vary by state. In Arkansas, people with some of the medical conditions flagged by the Centers for Disease Control as high-risk can get the vaccine, but not all; smokers and people with Down syndrome are not included. In Florida, people of any age can get a vaccine with a doctor's note. 'A grim milestone': More than 10,000 Louisianans are now suspected of dying from COVID Louisiana has hit another milestone in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic: More than 10,000 people are now suspected of dying from COVID-19. Since the beginning of the rollout, vaccine eligibility has been a patchwork quilt, with a different plan for each state. Whether a person has been able to get vaccinated largely depends on where they live. Louisiana, a state with high rates of comorbidities like diabetes, obesity and cancer, made nearly everyone in the state eligible after expanding on March 9 to people with a number of medical conditions, including a body-mass index over 25. That condition alone qualified nearly three-quarters of the state. While states are opening eligibility with the hope that more people will sign up for vaccination, early expansions may be a sign that overall demand is lower in those states, said Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at Tulane University. I think thats an indication that the vaccination burn rate has been dropping a bit, said Hassig. But smaller states also have an easier time with the logistics of inoculating people and smaller elderly populations than larger states. With a Texas-size or California-size population, theyve got a lot more people in those older age groups because their populations are five or ten times bigger than ours, said Hassig. Twenty-three percent of people in Louisiana have received at least one dose and 14% are fully vaccinated, compared to national averages of 25% vaccinations initiated and 14% fully vaccinated. Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Singh on Tuesday slammed the (RJD) MLAs for allegedly confining him to his chamber inside the legislature building premises and said that the incident is condemnable. "Today's incident is condemnable. All members of the Assembly should respect the constitution. This is a serious issue," Singh told ANI. Opposition members created a ruckus on Tuesday and demanded immediate withdrawal of the Special Armed Police Bill. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that he has never seen such activities in the Assembly before. "I have never seen such activities in the Assembly. They (Opposition MLAs) should have participated in the debate. We would have replied to every question of them (regarding Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021)," Kumar said. RJD MLA Satish Kumar and women MLAs of the Opposition were carried from the state Assembly after he was allegedly manhandled by "police and local goons" inside the Assembly during a protest against Bihar Special Armed Police Bill 2021. RJD MLAs were refusing to allow Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha from stepping out of his chamber. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has given a suspension of business notice under Rule 267 to discuss "brutal lathi-charge and unimaginable assault on MLAs in Bihar Assembly" on Wednesday. A sitting of Bihar Assembly was adjourned twice following a ruckus created by the Opposition over allegations of "harsh provisions" in the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill 2021. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week New Delhi: The district sessions court in Faridabad on Wednesday (March 24) pronounced the accused, Tausif and Rehan, guilty in Nikita Tomar murder case. The quantum of punishment will be decided on March 26. Tausif shot 20-year-old Tomar in broad daylight on October 26, 2020. The trial for this murder case began on December 1, 2020. Azharuddin alias Azru, who was arrested on charges of supplying the country-made pistol used in the murder, was acquitted. The unfortunate incident took place in Faridabad's Ballabgarh region. The two accused tried abducting Nikita and when she resisted them one of them pulled out a pistol and shot point-blank at her. The sensational crime was even captured by someone over the mobile phone, the footage of which went viral over social media. The police have arrested Tausif, the main accused, and Rehan for allegedly killing the victim outside her college. The incident triggered protests with students and locals blocking the road to Sohna on the following day. Tausif, after his arrest, confessed to police that he shot Nikita as she was about to get married to another person. Initial investigation into the murder case has revealed that Tausif has been harassing Nikita for a long time. His courage was increased because he comes from a powerful political family, and this encouraged him to go ahead to serve his motive. His family hails from the Mewat region, which in the recent few years has emerged as the biggest centre of crime as well as radical Islam in India. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) took over the case. A possibility of 'love jihad' was probed by the SIT as Nikita Tomar's family alleged that Tausif was constantly forcing her for the marriage and get converted to Islam. Live TV AAP MLA Wednesday approached the challenging his conviction and two-year sentence for assaulting AIIMS security staff. Bharti was taken into custody and sent to prison on Tuesday after the pronouncement of the verdict by a trial court here. In his plea before the high court, he has sought that the trial court's verdict be set aside, acquitting him of all charges. According to the prosecution, on September 9, 2016, Bharti, along with nearly 300 others, brought down the fence of a boundary wall at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here with a JCB operator. A magistrate had in January sentenced him to two years in prison. The punishment was upheld by a sessions judge on Tuesday. (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.) 3B FUTURE HEALTH GP S.A.R.L. ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF 3B FUTURE HEALTH FUND II Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, March 24th, 2021 3B FUTURE HEALTH GP S.a.r.l. is pleased to announce the launch of the 3B Future Health Fund II ("The Fund"), with Riccardo Braglia, Francesco Giavatto, Francesco Granata and Roberto De Ponti as General Partners. The Fund is focused on early stage investment opportunities in areas of high unmet patient need and follows the success of 3B Future Health Fund I, formerly known as Helsinn Investment Fund. The investment focus for the Fund is on US and European-based start-ups working in the field of oncology and rare diseases therapeutics. The Fund aims to bring life-changing treatments to patients, driven by a sense of purpose, excellent execution, personal involvement and premium performance. Fund II is backed by the same diversified and experienced team as Fund I with a broad network and drug development knowledge; bringing together expertise in drug discovery and research and development, drug manufacturing, business development and licensing as well as investment fund management. The Fund is incorporated in Luxembourg where the anchor investors will be the Helsinn Group and the Braglia family. The Fund targets 100M EUR partnering with experienced private and institutional investors. To learn more about the fund, visit the website here: https://3bfuturehealth.com Riccardo Braglia, Chairman of Helsinn Group and General Partner said:"I've been delighted at the success of the first fund. 3B Future Health Fund II will be underpinned by the same core principles of quality, integrity and respect that characterize my family and the Helsinn Group as a whole. We are excited by the prospects of the healthcare sector and have high aspirations for this fund." Philippe Meloni, CEO ?Lemanik Asset Management said: "Luxembourg Reserved Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF) is once again the preferred structure to raise money in Europe for Private Equity/Venture Capital funds. We at Lemanik are really proud to have been appointed as Alternative investment fund managers for the 3B Future Health Fund II, and we should all embrace the scope of this fund that is focused on early stage investment opportunities in companies specialized in cancer treatments with the ambition to improve the life of every patient." About 3B FUTURE HEALTH GP S.a.r.l. The General Partner is a private limited liability company in Luxembourg formed with and governed by Luxembourg laws. General Partner has the full power and authority to manage and represent the Fund vs third parties and has other duties that include the appointment of the Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) and the Scientific Strategic Advisory (SSA) and supervision of their activities. About 3B FUTURE HEALTH VENTURES S.a.r.l, formerly known as Helsinn International Services 3B Future Health Ventures S.a.r.l. is the scientific strategic advisor for 3B Future Health Fund I and II. 3B Future Health Ventures S.a.r.l. strives to be the preferred partner to select investors and portfolio companies, motivated by a sense of purpose, excellent execution, personal involvement and premium performance. The 3B Future Health Ventures S.a.r.l. team unites over 40 years of experience across the healthcare industry. The team includes senior leaders with solid expertise in drug discovery, research and development, drug manufacturing, business development and licensing, as well as leverage expertise and network to bring life-changing treatments to patients. About Lemanik Asset Management Lemanik is a leading, independent UCITS Management Company and AIFM with offices in Dublin, Luxembourg, London, Milan, Lugano and Hong Kong. Trusted by 80+ clients across the globe, with over EUR 30bn AUM, Lemanik delivers first class Substance, Governance, Risk Management and Compliance solutions to our clients. Backed by strong shareholders with a long-term view and commitment, Lemanik is a financially strong and sound business partner to global & local Asset Managers & Fund promoters since 1971. http://lux.lemanikgroup.com/ 3B Future Health GP S.A.R.L. Lemanik Media Contact Fabio Mastrosimone Lucilla Cerioli Tel: +352 26 27 43 Tel: +39 02 89 09 49 45 info@3bfuture.com (mailto:info@3bfuture.com) lucilla.cerioli@lemanik.lu (mailto:lucilla.cerioli@lemanik.lu) DISCLAIMER The above content is strictly for information purposes only, and does not constitute or shall not be considered as, an offer, solicitation, or recommendation, to deal in any securities, investment products, or funds. Investment involves risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Investors may not get back the amount they have invested. 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Although all pieces of information and opinions expressed in this presentation were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and in good faith, neither representation nor warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy or completeness. West Virginia church opens addiction recovery house in response to drug crisis Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A West Virginia church recently transitioned a vacant home on its property into a transitional recovery house to help men overcome addiction after the pastor realized the severity of the drug crisis in his area. David Stauffer, lead pastor of the nondenominational Gateway Christian Church in Saint Albans, was called to serve on a grand jury a few years ago and recalled that around 48 of the 50 cases presented in just a few days were drug related. At that moment, he knew his church had to address the drug crisis that is widespread across the state and Appalachia. I was convicted in that courtroom, Stauffer told The Christian Post in a Tuesday interview. Stauffer has pastored the church with multiple locations for nearly 25 years. And though he was aware of the drug problem in his area, his church had failed to act on it. In all that time, we had never really done anything in this area of ministry. Although the [drug] problem was growing bigger and bigger, we just werent engaging in it, he said. So that was weighing on me as a pastor. The recovery house welcomed its first residents in August 2020 to participate in the six- to 12-month recovery program. The home currently hosts three residents and hopes to add more after it is remodeled. Dennis Mosley, the churchs facilities manager, leads the recovery house ministry. Mosley has been through the recovery process from drug addiction and is pursuing a masters degree in counseling. It was almost like God sent us someone, Stauffer said. He has a heart and passion to help people. The church announced its decision to convert a vacant house to become a transitional recovery home for men in fall 2019. Initially, the decision received some pushback to use a home on church property since the church also has a daycare center on site. In a letter addressed to the members, parents and friends of Gateway, the churchs elders answered questions regarding the transitional recovery home, addressed the congregation's concerns and ensured it would be safe. In light of the ever-growing addiction problem in our area, it not only seems like a good idea for our church to be a part of the solution, but we feel it also is a mandate from God," the letter read. "To be here in the middle of it and not do anything to be a part of the solution, we believe, is wrong." The letter explained how it was essential that the recovery house be located on church property to ensure the church could have an active part in the recovery process. We can't ignore this problem any longer. We can't expect others to get involved and our church to sit it out, the letter stressed. The recovery house operates under the therapeutic community model, which focuses on the resocialization of the individual through the social context or church family. This model helps develop personal accountability and responsibility. The faith-based program uses the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program approach, which requires residents to go to church regularly and attend four to five meetings each week. As a church, we believe that faith-based recovery programs work best. We believe that with God in the recovery process, hope is present, and true and full recovery is possible, the letter explained. Residents must also have a job in the community to help cover expenses and are required to have weekly random drug tests, along with other conditions required to remain in the program. All residents entering the program are vetted and must have a strong desire to become contributing members of society again. To enter the program, residents must have already completed a 28-day program and have a minimum of 30 days of sobriety. As the church, we need to reach people with the Gospel, and its hard to reach them with the Gospel when they are strung out on drugs or addicted. So somehow, we have to help them, Stauffer said. Stauffer said that even though one church cannot do everything, each church can do something to address the drug crisis. But congregations must first be made aware of the problems extent. I think awareness is so important. , Stauffer said. Weve got to start talking about this more from the pulpit. Pastors need to make the congregation aware [of the drug problem]. He said the ministry opportunities to help those suffering from addiction are endless, even if it is partnering with a recovery organization. Theres tons and tons of things churches can do if they will be aware of the problem and I guarantee you every church in America has someone with an addiction problem, he said. Once you turn people on to the addiction problem, theres no end to how we can help them. Substance use is rampant in West Virginia as it is one of the leading states for drug use, addiction and overdose deaths. In 2016, West Virginia led the nation in overdose death rates and is referred to as the ground zero of the American opioid epidemic, according to Vertava Health. Drug overdose rates skyrocketed in the 12 months leading up to May 2020, with 81,000 overdose deaths, according to the CDC. This is the highest number of overdose deaths reported in a years period, according to provisional data. The acceleration of deaths is largely attributed to the pandemic and widespread lockdowns. Final numbers have not yet been released by the CDC for overdose deaths for all of 2020. Groups of trees create a phytoremediation buffer system to keep pollutants out of groundwater in southeastern Wisconsin. Credit: Missouri University of Science and Technology. Nearly 2,000 active landfills are spread across the U.S., with the majority of garbage discarded by homes and businesses finding its way to a landfill. The resulting chemicals and toxins that build up at these sites can then leach into soil and groundwater, and this "leachate" can present serious hazards to the environment and to the people who live nearby. To help environmental agencies battle the toxic threats posed by landfills, researchers at the University of Missouriin partnership with the USDA Forest Servicehave developed a system that ranks the toxins present in a landfill by order of toxicity and quantity, allowing agencies to create more specific and efficient plans to combat leachate. "Leachate from landfills can cause cancer and other serious harm, and it's a threat whether it's ingested, inhaled or touched," said Chung-Ho Lin, an associate research professor with the MU Center for Agroforestry in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. "This is the first time a system has been created that can automatically prioritize the pollutants released from a landfill based on their toxicity and abundance." The system relies on an algorithm created by Elizabeth Rogers, a doctoral student working under Lin's guidance at the University of Missouri and a USDA Pathways Intern. Rogers drew from a previously existing system designed to prioritize chemicals in "fracking" wastewater and adapted it to apply to landfill pollution. Combining the algorithm with three "toxicity databases" that are referenced when analyzing a sample from a landfill, the system takes a traditionally time-consuming and expensive processidentifying a pollutant and determining its abundance and potential harmand makes it routine. The result is a prioritization system that can rank pollutants by taking into account both their overall toxicity and prevalence at a given site. In addition, the prioritization of pollutants can be easily customized based on factors and goals that can vary from site to site. Ronald Zalesny Jr., a supervisory research plant geneticist for the USDA Forest Service who is also mentoring Rogers, worked with Lin and Rogers on the study optimizing the prioritization system and exploring its utility. For him, the ability to easily identify, quantify and rank landfill pollutants meets a very real need. Zalesny Jr. is a principal investigator for a project that harnesses trees to clean up contaminated soils and water at landfills. Through a natural process known as phytoremediation, the poplar and willow trees help degrade, absorb and otherwise inhibit pollutants and the groundwater runoff that carries them. Knowing which pollutants are the most important targets at a given location is crucial, said Zalesny Jr., because different trees employ different methods of removing pollutants from the soil, and no single method will work on every type of pollutant. "In the past, we have mostly targeted the most common pollutants, such as herbicides and contaminants from crude oil," Zalesny Jr. said. "Using this prioritization tool, we could now go to basically any contaminated site, identify the top contaminants and match those contaminants with our trees to create a sustainable, long-term solution for cleaning up pollution." Zalesny Jr.'s project is part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which seeks to protect the Great Lakes from environmental degradation by providing relevant funding to federal agencies. If contaminated runoff from landfills makes its way into rivers and streams, it could ultimately make its way into the Great Lakes, Zalesny Jr. said. Rogers, who created the algorithm that can quickly sort pollutants by their relative toxicity, sees another important benefit to the system. While many landfill regulations have not been updated in decades, new classes of contaminants continue to arrive in landfills, posing a problem for those seeking to mitigate their effects. By offering scientists and researchers up to date information about hundreds of possible pollutants, the prioritization system could help environmental agencies tackle more of these dangerous new arrivals. "Some of the most potentially harmful compounds that we identified using this scheme were from things like antibiotics or prescription medications, which could have serious impacts on the human endocrine system," Rogers said. "There were also compounds from personal care products. And while we know these newer classes of compounds can have negative impacts, there is still a lot we don't know about them, and they're ending up in landfills. Hopefully the use of this system will encourage more research into their impacts." Explore further Fungi clean oil-polluted soil More information: Elizabeth R. Rogers et al, A systematic approach for prioritizing landfill pollutants based on toxicity: Applications and opportunities, Journal of Environmental Management (2021). Journal information: Journal of Environmental Management Elizabeth R. Rogers et al, A systematic approach for prioritizing landfill pollutants based on toxicity: Applications and opportunities,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112031 Apple CEO Tim Cook says 'it's still very important to physically be in touch with one another'. Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg Global bosses might be rowing back on plans to slash the amount of office space their companies occupy due to the after-effects of the pandemic, according to a new report from KPMG. Just 17pc of global executives surveyed by KPMG now intend to downsize their office space as a result of the pandemic. Last summer, 69pc of CEOs surveyed intended to do so over the next three years. KPMG noted that the reduction in those intending to reduce their office footprint could be a result of downsizing having already taken place over the past year, or a change in strategies. Apple boss Tim Cook is among those who, while recognising that there will be increased hybrid working models, insists that physical interaction will continue to be important. My gut says that, for us, it's still very important to physically be in touch with one another because collaboration isn't always a planned activity, he told People magazine last week. KMPGs latest Outlook Pulse survey also shows that 45pc of global executives dont expect their businesses to return to normal operating models until sometime next year. A third expect normalisation to happen later this year. Almost a quarter, 24pc, say their businesses have changed forever as a result of the pandemic. Last summer, 70pc of the global CEOs that were surveyed said they expected to cut the amount of office space they used as the pandemic changed the working world. Read More Many companies expect to use a hybrid working model for staff, with time split between the office and home. However, others have continued to tell staff theyre pulling the shutters down on their workspaces. IAG-owned British Airways, which is headed by Sean Doyle, said this month that its thinking of selling its headquarters at Heathrow Airport because of the changes in work practices. The company has also axed thousands of workers. Reach, the publisher of the Daily Star and Daily Mirror and more than 100 regional titles said this month that it will close a slew of its offices and instead retain about 15 regional hubs where staff can avail of a desk. Of 500 global chief executives that were asked this year by KPMG what their outlook is over the next three years, 21pc said they are planning to hire staff who will be mostly working remotely. Last year, CEOs expected that 73pc of the people theyre hire would be working remotely. Despite the move by many firms to adopt new work practices, just 30pc of the global executives surveyed by KPMG said they are considering a hybrid working model for their staff. The pandemic has also accelerated a push to digitalisation. The survey found that 74pc of business leaders think the digitisation of their operations and the creation of a next-generation operating model has been pushed forward by a matter of months. This year, CEOs expect to spend more on digital technologies than last year, with 52pc focusing on customer-centric technologies, and 49pc committed to digital communications such as vido conferencing. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. All above 45 years of age to get Covid-19 vaccine from April 1: Govt The government has decided to open up its Covid-19 vaccination drive for all above 45 years of age from April 1, and requested that all eligible people should immediately register and get vaccinated. The rest of the population could be considered for vaccination coverage once the current stage is over. Supply chains and supply lines are intact. We are going stage-wise on the advice of experts and doctors, and will do the same in the next phase as well. I am sure everyone will appreciate todays decision and come forward to get the shot, Union minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Read More Let states come and discuss tax on fuel in GST Council meeting: FM With the Opposition raising concern over high taxes on petrol and diesel, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday invited states to discuss the issue in the next GST Council meeting. Many of the states would be watching todays discussions, and the next GST Council could begin discussions on the issue. I would be glad to be having this on the agenda and discuss it. I have no issues. Let the states come and discuss it, she said in the Lok Sabha. Read More Finance Bill gives relief on digital tax, provident fund threshold Parliament on Tuesday cleared changes to the finance Bill 2021, doubling the minimum limit of employee contribution to provident fund to over Rs 5 lakh for the purpose of taxation with some riders, paving the way for the listing of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), exempting Indian-owned assets sold on digital platforms from equalization levy, and giving tax holidays for the proposed development finance institutions (DFIs). However, the employee provident fund (EPF) relaxation may benefit only government employees who contribute to statutory provident fund and central provident fund, some experts said. Read More SC lifts NPA standstill, rejects moratorium extension and interest waiver The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that banks cannot charge interest on interest for accounts that sought moratorium relief during the pandemic period last year and the amount so collected must be refunded in the next instalment of the loan account. The cut-off for such moratorium, the apex court ruled, would be August 31, 2020, beyond which all loans that had not been repaid as per schedule can be declared as non-performing assets (NPA). Rejecting the pleas to extend the six-month loan moratorium period, the court said a complete waiver of interest during the moratorium cannot be granted either. Read More Wait for car models gets longer as chip shortage deepens in industry If you were looking to drive home a new set of wheels a year ago, it probably would have been delivered to your front door quicker than a takeaway pizza. Not anymore. Along with the slow and frustrating journey of recovering from Covid, so is the waiting period to get the keys to your dream car. For some models a Mahindra Thar, for instance the wait could extend up to 2022. A global shortage of the semiconductor or microprocessing chip, which started off by biting a few automakers in October, is now an industrywide phenomenon, impacting everyone. Read More One year of lockdown: A roller coaster ride continues for India Inc It has been a roller-coaster ride for India Inc over the past 12 months. While the shaved off revenues in most sectors, with the exception of financial services and IT, the decline in profits was even sharper. On an annualised basis, net profit plummeted 69 per cent in Q1, while revenues fell 7.5 per cent. After unlock, corporate profits recovered faster than top line growth, led by banks and commodity companies. On the operations side, a large part of the post-pandemic jump in profits came from lower operating costs and higher margins. Read More Sales recovery, expansion in new markets key to Dr Lal Pathlabs' growth The Dr Lal Pathlabs stock has gained 13 per cent on expectations that de-risking of the revenue profile, lower Covid-related contribution, and volume gains will improve its sales and margins. Sales of the company which had been impacted during the first half of FY21 have started recovering. Non-Covid test and walk-in volumes, which were down 38 per cent YoY in the June quarter, came back on the growth track in the December quarter and reported an 8 per cent YoY increase. Read More India's military set to get its own version of the iconic US Army Humvee Indias military is set to get its own version of the iconic US Army Humvee, the light tactical vehicle that came to symbolise battlefield mobility. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Mahindra Defence Systems (MDSL) for supply of 1,300 Light Specialist Vehicles (LSV) to the Indian Army, at a cost of Rs 1,056 crore, in New Delhi on March 22. The induction of vehicles is planned to be completed in four years, stated an MoD press release on Monday. Read More With Australias economy on the rebound, Covid-19 largely suppressed and vaccinations underway, prime minister Scott Morrisons government should be riding high. Instead, its ratings are the lowest in over a year amid criticism of his failure to address sexual violence and inequality. Mr Morrison, whos crafted an image as an affable suburban dad, is facing a growing backlash from voters angered by his handling of rape allegations in parliament. As fresh claims of sexual impropriety emerged yesterday, he risks losing control of the political narrative if he fails to meet their demands for action. While Australia isnt expected to go to the polls until the first half of 2022, Mr Morrison cannot afford to leave the issues lingering, especially if he wants to keep the focus on the economic rebuild. The nationwide rallies by tens of thousands of women that have swept the nation could be a potent voice at the next election demanding greater female representation in parliament and tough action against sexual violence and discrimination. The next election should have been an easy ride to victory for the government due to its handling of the pandemic but now its not because of Morrisons mishandling of womens issues, said Paul Williams, a political analyst at Griffith University in Brisbane, who said the issue isnt threatening the governments immediate viability. Yesterday Mr Morrison said a staff member involved in disgusting and sickening behaviour in parliament has been fired, in the latest blow to his conservative government thats already been roiled by rape allegations. The announcement came after the Ten Network broadcast allegations that a group of male government staffers had shared images and videos of lewd acts. One photo showed a man masturbating on the desk of a female lawmaker. While Mr Morrisons government has long been accused of failing to adequately address womens issues including taking steps to raise the proportion of coalition female lawmakers from 23pc the series of scandals and sexual-assault allegations that have roiled parliament now threaten to undermine his governments credentials and policy agenda. They started in mid-February when a former media adviser in the defence ministry, Brittany Higgins, claimed she was raped two years ago by a fellow staffer within Parliament House and was discouraged from alerting police. Then attorney general Christian Porter found himself the subject of allegations he raped a fellow school debating team member in the 1980s claims he vigorously denies. Mr Morrison has refused to hold an inquiry into the allegations and Mr Porter remains Australias first law officer. It has been a month of such reports, Mr Morrison said yesterday as he appeared to choke back tears. This has been shocking, it has been disgraceful, he said, For Kate Ahmad, a Sydney-based neurologist who helped organise last weeks March 4 Justice protests around Australia, Mr Morrisons words ring hollow. He seemed insincere because, once again, he didnt offer any solutions, Ms Ahmad said. The March 4 Justice demands include an independent inquiry into the Porter allegations, improving funding to support victims of domestic violence, implementing recommendations of a report on workplace sexual harassment and introducing a quota system within the ruling Liberal-National coalition to ensure more women enter parliament. 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 year into the pandemic and its severe disruption to the global economy, investors understandably appear chastened," says Paul A. Laudicina , founder of the FDI Confidence Index and Kearney's Global Business Policy Council . "In last year's survey, investors displayed a strong level of optimism about the global economy and their investment outlook, and many were caught flat-footed by the COVID-19 disruption that brought the world to an economic standstill." This year's rankings point to continued apprehension and uncertainty about how quickly the global economy will recover post-COVID. In addition to the fall in confidence about the economy, most of the overall scores for the top-25 countries have fallen compared with previous years. Only 57 percent of investors are optimistic about the three-year global economic outlook, which is much lower than the corresponding figure last year of 72 percent (prior to and at the onset of the pandemic). Reflecting investors' increased caution this year, developed economies account for the lion's share of our top-25 list for two primary reasons. "First, established markets represent more safety and stability to business leaders whose strategies and bottom lines have been shaken by the pandemic," said Erik Peterson, managing director of the Global Business Policy Council and co-author of the study. "And, second, investors continue to prioritize destinations with strong infrastructure, strong governance, investment in technology and innovation, and macroeconomic stabilitynatural strengths of most developed markets." Only three emerging markets are on this year's Index: China, the United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. China remains the highest-ranked emerging market, a distinction the country has held consistently since 1999. However, concern over escalating USChina trade tensions and a more general corporate rethink of international supply chains could explain its drop to 12th place. In addition, the virtual disappearance of emerging and frontier markets from the Index could be a reflection that investors believe the rollout of vaccines in emerging markets will be highly uneven, both for logistical and economic factors. "Beyond these findings, the biggest risk that international investors will continue to face will be the pandemic itself," Peterson adds. "Overcoming COVID-19 will be key to global economic recovery and the improvement in FDI flows as the two go hand in hand. And economic growth in the near term will be determined in large part by the duration of the global pandemic, the effectiveness of fiscal and monetary responses, and the success of vaccination efforts." Laudicina adds, "Despite persistent macroeconomic challenges, investors continue to perceive FDI as vital to corporate profitability and competitiveness over the next three years. And even with investors' increased caution this year, the FDI plunge in 2020 will likely not become a permanent feature of the global economy." About The 2021 Kearney FDI Confidence Index The Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (FDICI) is an annual survey of global business executives that ranks markets that are likely to attract the most investment in the next three years. In contrast to other backward-looking data on FDI flows, the FDICI provides unique forward-looking analysis of the markets that investors intend to target for FDI in the coming years. Since the FDICI's inception in 1998, the countries ranked on the Index have tracked closely with the top destinations for actual FDI flows in subsequent years. The 2021 FDICI is constructed using primary data from a proprietary survey of senior executives of the world's leading corporations. The survey was conducted between January and February 2021. Respondents include C-level executives and regional and business leaders. All participating companies have annual revenues of $500 million or more. The companies are headquartered in 30 countries and span all sectors. The selection of these countries was based on UNCTAD data, with the 25 countries represented in the Index originating more than 95 percent of the global flow of FDI in recent years. Service-sector firms account for about 44 percent of respondents, industrial firms for 33 percent, and IT firms for 22 percent. The Index is calculated as a weighted average of the number of high, medium, and low responses to questions on the likelihood of making a direct investment in a market over the next three years. Index values are based on responses only from companies headquartered in foreign markets. For example, the Index value for the United States was calculated without responses from US-headquartered investors. Higher Index values indicate more attractive investment targets. All economic growth figures presented in the report are the latest estimates and forecasts available from Oxford Economics unless otherwise noted. Other secondary sources include investment promotion agencies, central banks, ministries of finance and trade, relevant news media, and other major data sources. About Kearney As a global consulting partnership in more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We're individuals who take as much joy from those we work with as the work itself. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. To learn more about Kearney, please visit www.kearney.com. For past editions of the FDI Confidence Index, please go to: www.kearney.com/foreign-direct-investment-confidence-index. Media contact: Meir Kahtan Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC +1 917-864-0800 [email protected] SOURCE Kearney Related Links http://www.kearney.com/ 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. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. UN discloses funding gaps to meet humanitarian needs in northern Ethiopia Xinhua) 14:40, March 24, 2021 ADDIS ABABA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on Tuesday disclosed that it is facing a funding shortfall to meet humanitarian needs in the northern Tigray regional state of Ethiopia. UNOCHA appealed to humanitarian partners to cover the rest 562.3 million U.S. dollars required to meet the humanitarian needs of around 2.3 million people in the region. According to UNOCHA, 62,032 Ethiopian refugees living in Sudan are also included in the latest humanitarian aid appeal. Ethiopia's federal government has been undertaking military operations in the region since last November against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which used to rule the place. Months of fighting have reportedly left thousands of people dead, hundreds of thousands of others displaced, and millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. (Web editor: Wen Ying, Liang Jun) Param Bir Singh After the Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain Param Bir Singh's plea seeking a CBI probe against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and asked him to approach the High Court in the matter, Param Bir Singh withdrew his plea. The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh to withdraw his plea seeking direction for a "impartial and fair" CBI probe into alleged corrupt malpractices of Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Param Bir Singh's plea demanded a CBI probe against Anil Deshmukh for allegedly running a 'money collection scheme' through the police department. The plea also sought demanded Anil Deshmukh's transfer to a low-profile post. Param Bir Singh was shunted in connection with the Ambani bomb scare probe and the arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze. He claimed that he was transferred to the post immediately after he accused Anil Deshmukh of corruption in front of Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray. Police officers knocked on Laurence Fox's door to warn him about 'breaking Covid rules' while campaigning to become the next Mayor of London. The 42-year-old ex-actor claimed he faced a 'bit of mild intimidation' from 'the boys in blue' when two officers turned up at his home this morning. Mr Fox - who launched the Reclaim Party last year to fight the 'culture wars' - filmed the encounter on his doorstep, and shared the footage to Twitter. The officer said he was reported for 'breaking Covid rules' in his campaigning - but said they had no 'evidence of that per se at the moment'. He explained that while door-to-door leafleting was allowed after the lockdown rules relaxed on March 8, Mr Fox was reportedly 'meeting big groups in London and running your campaign that way'. But the Mayoral hopeful hit back, saying the officer shouldn't have turned up if he didn't have evidence, especially while 'actual crime is off the charts'. Police officers knocked on Laurence Fox's door to warn him about 'breaking Covid rules' while campaigning to become the next Mayor of London The officer (pictured) said Mr Fox was reported for 'breaking Covid rules' in his campaigning - but said they had no 'evidence of that per se at the moment' Mr Fox captioned the post: 'Bit of mild intimidation to start the day from the boys in blue. '"We have no evidence but... Stop right there. 'Then why are you knocking on my door? 'Meanwhile actual crime is off the charts. You're just making me more determined to reclaim our freedom.' Earlier this month, Mr Fox announced his bid to stand against Sadiq Khan in the 2021 London mayoral elections on May 6. He will campaign to end lockdown that same month. Currently, the last remaining lockdown rules in England are set to be lifted by June 21 under Boris Johnson's roadmap to the end of restrictions, but this is subject to change. In the clip, one of the police officers (pictured) tells Mr Fox: 'We've just had a report basically of someone reporting you to us about breaking Covid rules about your campaigning for the Mayoral election' Mr Fox captioned the post: 'Bit of mild intimidation to start the day from the boys in blue' Mr Fox's views on lifting lockdown come in stark contrast to that of Mr Khan, who previously urged the Prime Minister to ignore 'shouting and hectoring' from Conservative backbenchers and reject calls for a swift easing of national curbs. In the clip, one of the police officers tells Mr Fox: 'We've just had a report basically of somebody reporting you to us about breaking Covid rules about your campaigning for the Mayoral election. 'Apparently, he's saying that the rules were relaxed on March 8 for door-to-door canvassing but you've been apparently meeting big groups in London and running your campaign that way. Earlier this month, Mr Fox (pictured at a rally in Hyde Park on March 20) announced his bid to stand against Sadiq Khan in the 2021 London mayoral elections on May 6 Mr Fox is seen attending a rally in Hyde Park London. The actor is fighting to become the next mayor of London 'We haven't got any evidence of that per se at the moment but we wanted to sort of let you know to be mindful about what is being reported. 'What you're doing is obviously quite in the headlines at the moment. 'And yeah sort of just to let you know that it has been reported and just to sort of be mindful that the rules are changing on a fairly regular basis and to sort of keep yourself up to date with what is the current rule before you do anything, go out and meet anybody.' Announcing his bid for London Mayor this month, Mr Fox told The Telegraph: 'I am standing for London Mayor. 'With almost all older and vulnerable people having got their jab, I want the lockdown lifted straight away.' He added that, despite the Government saying vaccines are working with hospitalisations and deaths falling, people are still being told they cannot get back to normal until mid-summer at the earliest. His campaign will be completely funded by one donation from ex-Tory donor Jeremy Hosking, who ranked number 351 in the Sunday Times' 2019 Rich List. Fox (pictured at a rally in Hyde Park on March 20) was reported for 'breaking Covid rules' in his campaigning - but said they had no 'evidence of that per se at the moment' The financier spent a chunk of his 375million fortune funding the Leave campaign. Mr Fox - who was, as he says, 'part of a safe, arty, Leftie world earning a s***load of money from Netflix' - voted to Remain. He claims the Brexiteer Hosking has said to him: 'It's all right, darling, I forgive you.' In an interview with the Daily Mail, the leader of the anti-woke Reclaim party blasted the 'censorious mob' - claiming 'woke' attitudes are a 'burgeoning religion with no repentance and no forgiveness'. He added: 'I am quite Leftie, but Right or Left doesn't matter any more. We're entering a new area of politics. It's authoritarian or anti-authoritarian. That's it. 'You're either with or against this censorious mob who go: "No, you can't say that, that's wrong. It's chest-feeding not breastfeeding. Tear down all the statues." 'It's a burgeoning religion with no repentance and no forgiveness. I never understood before how Nazi Germany could happen. Now I do. It makes me want to resist with every single ounce of my being.' Mr Fox first shot to prominence in January 2020 thanks to an appearance as a panelist on BBC1's Question Time. During the programme, he disputed the claim that the Duchess of Sussex had been treated in a 'racist' way by the British press. Mr Fox first shot to prominence in January 2020 thanks to an appearance as a panellist on BBC1's Question Time (pictured) Fox was also involved in a heated debate with academic and ethnicity lecturer Rachel Boyle after she called him 'a white privileged male'. He replied by accusing Ms Boyle, an academic at Edge Hill University on Merseyside, of 'being racist'. As the row continued the following day he quoted Martin Luther King's 1963 'I have a dream' speech about living in a nation where children 'will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character'. The appearance on Question Time ended his 22-year acting career. He said last night: 'The funniest thing is, I'll have an actor or director on Twitter going: 'Laurence Fox is despicable. How appalling. How can he? Right-wing fascist...' Then I'll get a private message going: "Love you mate. I just had to do that." ' Following his Question Time appearance, Mr Fox broke up with his mixed-race girlfriend, photographer Sara McKinnon, because 'she got a lot of grief from Instagram and didn't want to be in the public eye', he said. They got back together temporarily after his 'very brief' fling with journalist Madeline Grant. He is now dating someone who is 'not white' or English. He added: 'I must have a penchant for darker-haired women.' Met Police have been approached for comment. Increased demand and a change in legislation on anonymous donations has resulted in a shortage of sperm for fertility services in Ireland, a leading expert has said. Dr John Waterstone, of Waterstone Clinic, said clinics in Ireland are importing sperm from America to meet demand. The 2015 Children and Family Relationships Act provided for a ban on anonymous donations and for the creation of a register to allow donor-conceived children obtain personal family information once they turn 18. The act was commenced last year. Dr Waterstone said this has had a significant impact on the operation of fertility clinics in Ireland. There isnt an Irish sperm bank. In fact, there are very few sperm banks near us these days. All of the clinics in Ireland are using two sperm banks, which are in Copenhagen in Denmark. Thats where most of our sperm comes from, Dr Waterstone said. The number of single women seeking to become a mother through fertility services has 'increased steadily' over the past number of years. In Denmark, sperm donors are allowed to be identifiable, which means the child could trace and meet its genetic parent, but theyre also allowed to be anonymous. Irish women used to have a choice whether their sperm donor was an anonymous donor... but the Irish law has now changed so, basically, anonymous donors have been banned. He added: That has caused a shortage because theres less all of a sudden the anonymous donor is gone and you cant use it anymore, so theres more demand for the identifiable ones." Dr Waterstone said Covid-19 restrictions had also resulted in donations slowing down. A lot of the sperm donors are young people, maybe at university, and now theyre stuck at home due to social distancing. Maybe the donors havent been coming in as frequently, he added. As a result of the shortages, clinics in Ireland have begun to use another sperm bank in America, he said. Thats a very recent development over the past 12 months because we have been struggling to find the donors for women who want sperm donation. Were finding it harder to find donors and find them quick enough because people dont want to be waiting too long, especially if they want to get on with it The number of single women seeking to become a mother through fertility services has increased steadily over the past number of years, Dr Waterstone said, but added there was a particular emphasis last year. Clinics in Ireland use sperm banks in Denmark and America. Picture: Alan Rowlette "It tends to be women in their mid- to late-30s, who realise the clock is ticking and realise their fertility is going to diminish as time goes by and Mr Right hasnt come along. They want to have children but dont want to miss the boat. They come to us and weve seen more of it over the past year," he said. The number of women we froze eggs for doubled over the past 12 months, and the number of single women who come hoping to use donor sperm to have a baby has gone up by about 20%." He attributed this increase to pandemic restrictions giving women more time to reflect on what they do and don't want from life "Maybe the Covid-19 outbreak is giving them a jolt to sit back and say, 'Whats really important in my life? I do want to have a baby and maybe this is how Ill have to do it.' I suppose the last year has been a time where people have re-examined where they are in their lives," he said. Abuja THE World Health Organisation, WHO, Tuesday, regretted that low Tuberculosis case detection was a major challenge in the disease's control efforts in Nigeria given that the country has detected only 27% of the estimated incident TB cases. To this end,it said the country was far from achieving its 2025 national target on Tuberculosis. But in a swift rejection, the federal government said it met 73% case finding target in 2019. WHO's representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombos, speaking at the TB day ministerial briefing and official launch of the Unified National TB Campaign and ACSM Guideline, in Abuja,noted that poor budgetary funding of TB was a major threat to Nigeria's achievement of its targets, which was committed to at the United Nations High Level meeting (UNHLM) on TB in 2018. He warned that the un-detected TB cases can further constitute pool of reservoir that fuel ongoing transmission of TB in the community. According to him, one undetected infectious TB case is able to infect between 12 - 15 people per year. "Nigeria at the United Nations High Level meeting (UNHLM) on TB in 2018 made a commitment to diagnose and treat over 1.1 million TB cases and place about 2.2 million clients on TB preventive Therapy (TPT) from 2018 to 2022. The country is far away from achieving these targets with less than two years to go. "TB control budgets in Nigeria continue to be drastically underfunded. About 70% of the TB budget in 2020 were unfunded, this is a major threat to the country efforts in achieving the set targets,"he said. His remark came as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark the 2021 Wold Tuberculosis (TB) Day. Also,the Federal Government, WHO, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other international and national TB networks observed that the low TB case detection in the country, was one of the lowest globally. Commending the 15 percent increase in TB case notifications in the country in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic, he however stressed the need to find the missing cases through surveillance. USAID Acting Mission Director, Katie Donohoe who reiterated commitment to support Nigeria get control of TB, warned that if detection, diagnosis and treatment of TB was not prioritised and increased, the country may not be able to reach its set targets. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire while noting a steady increase in TB notification cases in the last four years, said 73 percent of the TB case finding target Nigeria committed to at the high level UN meeting, was achieved in 2019. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tuberculosis Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Represented by the Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, he however said although over 120,000 new cases of TB was detected in 2019, it constitutes only 27 percent of the estimated cases of TB in the country. "Efforts have led to steady increase in our annual TB case notification in the last 4 years with the country recording the highest-ever TB case notification of 120,266 TB cases in 2019; a 13% rise from 2018. However, these over 120 thousand TB cases represents only 27% of the estimated cases. "A key challenge to our control effort has been the slow pace of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for TB services. TB DOTS services were only available in 31% of health facilities. The current coverage of GeneXpert machines, the first-line test for TB diagnosis, is barely 41%; 317 out of 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs)." Global TB champion and Ambassador and First Lady of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari,, urged government at levels, relevant stakeholders and Nigerians to double their efforts to ensure TB was eradicated from Nigeria. 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Sources close to the situation told The Christian Post that Robert Hoogland of British Columbia was denied bail during court proceedings Friday, where his attorney asked that the arrest warrant be voided and that he be released because the detention is unlawful. The warrant was issued earlier this month and Hoogland was arrested last Tuesday for publicly revealing his identity. Hoogland, who is referred to as "CD" in court documents, has long objected to his daughter undergoing a medicalized gender-transition, which includes taking cross-sex hormones. According to reports, his daughter has suffered from several complex issues, all of which were attributed to gender confusion. She was referred to an endocrinology unit at a local hospital at the recommendation of psychologist Wallace Wong, a known proponent of transgender affirmation. The court reportedly chastised Hoogland for breaching an order that required his identity to remain concealed from the public. The father's name appears on a GoGetFunding crowdfunding page, which breached the court order. Hoogland was warned that if his name wasn't removed from the page before his upcoming trial, then it would "not go well for him," a source told CP. However, the court denied Hoogland's request to be released for two days so that he could remove his name from the crowdfunding page and other sites by using his home computer. A five-day trial for Hoogland on a similar but separate contempt of court charge is scheduled to begin on April 12. During that trial, Hoogland is expected to be allowed to share his side of the story unrestrained by orders restricting his freedom of speech, according to sources. While he doesn't want to be incarcerated, Hoogland was aware that because of his efforts to protect his daughter's welfare, it was unavoidable, say those close to the matter. In a January court decision in Hoogland's case, the presiding justices wrote that his refusal to go along with his child's "gender identity" was "troublesome, and that it had caused significant pain that has resulted in a rupture of what both parties refer to as an otherwise loving parent-child relationship." Hoogland had petitioned the court to adjourn the trial on the second criminal contempt of court charge until after judgment on the prior Notice of Application scheduled for April 12. Last week, his attorney argued that the Canadian government's position to keep him in police custody with the foreknowledge that a trial would not be held specifically concerning the March 16 arrest is an abuse of his liberties under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly the legal rights listed in the Constitution Act of 1982. The attorney working on behalf of the attorney general of British Columbia responded, both in open court and on the record, advising Hooglands attorney that there was never any intention to proceed with a trial with respect to the arrest and criminal contempt charges against Hoogland. Sources told CP that Hooglands attorney maintains that the conscious decision to violate his charter freedoms is the very definition of arbitrary and for law enforcement to obtain a warrant from a Supreme Court justice without advising there was no intention to have a trial, is to mislead the court. The Christian Post reached out to Hoogland's attorney for further comment but a response was not received by press time. Canadian media outlets are reportedly prohibited from using Hooglands name in their coverage in an attempt to protect his daughter's identity, who is reportedly 15 years old. In response to Robert Hooglands arrest, author and former University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson who rose to international prominence after his public testimony against bill C-16 which enshrined "gender identity" into the national human rights charter and the criminal code tweeted last week: This could never happen, said those who called my stance against Bill C16 alarmist. I read the law and saw that it was, to the contrary, inevitable. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. They Should Have Walked Him: Kale Stevenson's clutch homers spark Post 17 to doubleheader sweep EV Its Xiaomi, the company whose sales in the smartphone and wearable markets are on the rise. The tech giant is reportedly planning to build an electric vehicle that would compete against the Apple Car and Tesla A report from local media indicates that Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun himself will be involved in the project, as he wants to make sure everything goes according to the plan. And right now, it looks like the plan isnt to build an affordable vehicle, which would make sense for a company that wants to capture market share but to focus on the high-end market.And while for some, this may sound a little bit surprising, it certainly isnt, as Xiaomis goal is to compete against Apple in the long term. As everybody knows already, all Apple products come with a premium price tag, which is also likely to be the case of the upcoming Apple Car.Just like its Cupertino-based rival, Xiaomi wants theto shine in terms of tech, so itll integrate many of its existing innovations.On the other hand, while Apple has a hard time finding someone to build its EV, Xiaomi could always turn to the local automakers who are more than willing to help with the project, especially given the companys ambitious plans involving an international launch of the car.According to the cited source, Xiaomi officials have already met with NIO representatives, and local automaker BYD might be involved in the project too.If the talks go according to the plan and an agreement is reached, then work on the project should kick off as soon as this month or in April. In theory, Xiaomi is probably hoping it could bring its EV to the market at about the same time as Apple.While the iPhone maker has so far remained tight-lipped on its EV, the Apple Car could see the daylight in 2024 at the earliest. Quick realization . . . Political enemies on this blog likely communicate and exchange hurtful messages with one another far more than they bother to share pleasantries with friends. Think about that for just a second. And then go back to typing something awful. And then, check this brilliant note from one of the better writers in Kansas City on the topic of lost local friendships . . . Which are probably common amid the pandemic and so many hipsters cancelling each other in their spare time. Check-it . . . Residents of Bubisa village in Marsabit County show the devastating effects of drought in this picture taken on April 4. The drought ravaging the seven sub-counties in Turkana County is fuelling conflicts among residents over access to critical boreholes for water. This is after the long dry spell from September caused some boreholes to be abandoned due to overuse or low water levels. Some of the villages in conflict are Kalemng'orok in Katilu Ward and Naoyaregae in Kaputir Ward. County Water Services Chief Officer Moses Natome said Naoyaregae residents had earlier refused to allow water from their borehole to be distributed to the neighbouring Kalemng'orok village, fearing they would run out of water. "The conflict had escalated to a point where the aggrieved locals even vandalised some part of the reticulation project and repairs by the World Vision," Mr Natome said. At a meeting that brought together leaders from the two villages and the organisation, residents of both villages were assured that the critical borehole was confirmed to be of high yield. "The initial intention of the project was to serve the two villages in equal measure since the high yielding borehole had sufficient water for the purpose," said the county official. The county government is on high alert following assessment reports from National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) indicating that many villages are water-stressed. Dried up In Kibish Sub County, Mr Gideon Lokieny, a resident, said the high concentration of livestock at Kibish centre near the border of Kenya and Ethiopia, had led to the borehole frequently collapsing. "With our large number of livestock, we are always left with no option but to trek for 60 kilometres to Lokamarinyang village, losing many livestock along the way and others at the borehole, because we must seek permission and wait for our turn or else we cause conflict." said Mr Lokieny. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Conflict Climate By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Water points where villages have structures to manage and control use by both people and livestock are currently the ones still operational. Mr Naamz Kaleng, from Lorumor village said most boreholes in kraals that include Morutorong, Kadu, Lokwanamor, Ngang'ololin and Ng'isowa have dried up or are muddy, and none can save the other. He hoped the county government would repair the water sources. Water scarcity Deputy Governor Peter Lotethiro said more than 600,000 residents in the county currently do not have a reliable supply of water. Mr Lotethiro said the county is not new to water scarcity, attributing the situation to recurrent drought. Some villages that had reliable supply of water after the devolved unit intervened by sinking boreholes or piping water currently don't have water. "Lack of water is caused by the lowering water table and regrettably, by water cartels who are disconnecting pipes or destroying boreholes funded by the county government and development partners for their selfish interests," said the deputy governor. The county government is trucking water to worst-hit villages as well as repairing broken water points. Mr Lotethiro challenged locals to form village water users' committees, which will ensure the targeted beneficiaries pay at least Sh100 to sustainably manage the boreholes by ensuring repairs and maintenance. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There has been increasing public concern about the amount of hatred, violence, and xenophobia directed at Asian Americans in the past year -- and particularly in the last month -- however, Staten Islanders of varying Asian descent have said its only new to the news cycle. Though they havent personally experienced it, the borough residents who spoke to the Advance/SILive.com still walk out of their homes fearful that they or a family member could be next. On March 16, eight people were killed in Georgia -- six of whom were of Asian descent -- in a series of shootings at three spas in the Atlanta area. It is feared that the shooting may have been a hate crime against Asian Americans. In the span of two weeks in New York City, there were five attacks against persons of Asian descent across four boroughs: A Sri Lankan man was punched in the head after reportedly being called a racial slur and left in critical condition; a woman was hit with a pipe; a second woman was thrown to the ground; a man was punched in the face and another woman was punched in the face multiple times. Staten Island is the only borough where such attacks havent been reported. WHATS MISSING IS REPRESENTATION Nearly 11% of borough residents identify as Asian only, according to a U.S. Census Population Estimate from 2019 a number that is higher when ethnicities are mixed. In New York City, that number is 14%. Even though that number has grown -- albeit slowly -- over the years, Asian Americans say more representation is needed. Representation would give their communities a stronger voice, especially when it comes to speaking up and being taken seriously following acts of violence, the way Black leaders spoke up and rallied together last summer. I dont know of any Filipino who holds office [in New York City], said Aurora Nazareno Ocampo, who identifies as Filipino, of Port Richmond. We are not really represented. Terri Cote, member of the Minority Womens Business Association (MWBA), said Asian Americans are the forgotten ones in politics but in other aspects, too. The Chinese Lantern Festival at Snug Harbor; that brought some of our culture into the borough and it opened peoples eyes to see that we are more than just Chinese food. Why isnt there more stuff on Staten Island? Cote asked. OH YOURE CHINESE SO YOU HAVE CORONA Cote, a Tottenville resident and Chinese American woman, said her eight-year-old son was mocked in school last March before the closure for how he looked. They said to him Oh, youre Chinese so you have corona, she said. Former President Donald Trump tweeted about the Chinese virus on March 16, 2020 when referring to the coronavirus (COVID-19). He later referred to it as the Wuhan flu as well as the kung flu and made numerous comments about its relation to China and its people. Trump later defended the tweet, saying it wasnt racist because COVID-19 comes from China. People take part in a rally against hate at Columbus Park on Sunday, March 21, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) While theres been an increase in hate and violence against Asian communities in the past year, its nothing new, Cote said, citing statistics from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at California State University at San Bernardino, which found a 150% increase in hate crimes against Asians in 2020 in California and New York. It seems like theyre talking about it more on the news now because we have a new president, but it should have been spoken about last year when COVID hit and Chinese people were targeted, she said. Cotes son brushed off the comment made by classmates -- he said it was okay because he knew he didnt have the coronavirus -- but it proved to be a good opportunity to teach him about his Chinese culture and defending himself. ASIAN AMERICANS SAY RHETORIC, TREATMENT ISNT FAIR Lina Fang said she and her family, who are spread out between Staten Island and Brooklyn, have been lucky and havent experienced any attacks or acts of violence or discrimination. I see it every day in the news and its sad and not fair to us; we are a very peaceful community. The Asian people, we mind our own business and just work, Fang told the Advance/SILive.com. Unfortunately, Fang said she feels that she needs to be extra careful when she goes out but has only had that feeling recently. Theyre targeting the older generation and Im 70, she said. Hundreds gathered in Manhattans Chinatown on Sunday to denounce the massage parlor shooting in Georgia and rally against racism and xenophobia. The Staten Island Not for Profit Association (SINFPA) condemned the killings and vowed to support efforts to raise awareness and share facts, and to end the hatred and fear fueling the violence. The increase in anti-Asian hate and violence can be tied to the national rhetoric around the origins of the pandemic, said Adrienne Abbate, the SINFPA board chair. There is no place for hate in our work serving the Staten Island community. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said, The Asian American Pacific Islander community on Staten Island is an essential part of the fabric of our borough and while we are exceptionally fortunate not to have seen any anti-Asian bias incidents or crimes since the outset of the pandemic, we will not let our guard down, and we will continue to stand with them in the face of bigotry and hatred. FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER. Tougher border measures could be introduced 'very soon' as part of a crackdown on arrivals from France, the Prime Minister said yesterday. Ministers were 'looking at' adding the country to the travel ban red list and forcing French hauliers to take Covid tests on arrival in the UK, Boris Johnson said. He added that stricter measures may be needed because rising cases of the feared South African and Brazilian variants are 'an issue of concern'. The admission came during a grilling in the Commons by MPs on the cross-party liaison committee. Yvette Cooper, chairman of the home affairs committee, quizzed the PM on why France has not been added to the red list of countries, from which travellers have to enter hotel quarantine on arrival. She also pushed him on why hauliers arriving from there are not tested when data shows France is seeing up to 3,000 cases a day of the new variants. Ministers were 'looking at' adding the country to the travel ban red list and forcing French hauliers to take Covid tests on arrival in the UK, Boris Johnson said Pictured: The waiting to board area departure gate at London Heathrow ... but at least someone's managed to get away! By Rebecca English Royal Editor for the Daily Mail It's a destination many Britons can only dream of for a summer holiday amid Covid restrictions. But official duties took Prince Charles and wife Camilla to Greece last night. They wore face coverings as they landed in Athens with Camilla's featuring her husband's feathers emblem with the German for 'I serve'. Their two-day visit is to mark Greece's 200th anniversary of independence from Ottoman rule. The mask of Camilla, 73, was a gift from a well-wisher while Charles, 72, had a 6.50 covering from one of his charities. Charles, whose father Philip was born a prince of Greece and Denmark, later told Greeks they 'can count on' UK friends. Advertisement Mr Johnson said: 'I'm afraid we can't rule out tougher measures and we will put them in if necessary. 'And yes, if it's necessary to bring in testing [for hauliers] then we will do so.' However, he warned that tighter controls would cause 'very serious disruption' to the supply of medicines and food into the UK. Mr Johnson told the MPs: 'There is a balance to be struck, and what we don't know is the exact state of the efficacy of the vaccines against the new variants. 'We have to balance that against the very serious disruption that is entailed by curtailing cross-Channel trade. 'We will take a decision no matter how tough to interrupt that trade and interrupt those flows if we think it's necessary to protect public health and to stop new variants coming in. 'It may be that we have to do that very soon.' Hauliers leaving the UK for France have been required to take Covid tests before departing since Christmas. But the UK Government has not imposed the same for French drivers arriving here. Mr Johnson said this was because, until recently, 'things seemed more under control' in France than the UK. If testing for French hauliers is brought in, ministers are said to prefer them being administered on this side of the Channel around Dover in Kent. In a separate glimmer of hope for holidaymakers, the Prime Minister told the committee that it was possible international travel will be allowed to some destinations from mid-May. Quizzed by Huw Merriman, Tory chairman of the transport committee, Mr Johnson predicted that the 'natural wanderlust' of Britons would lead to a 'miraculous change' in the desire to go abroad once it is safe to do so. Pictured: People enjoy the beach in La Grande-Motte on August 1, 2018 'The hope is we can get people moving again by May 17... in the way that I've set out in the roadmap,' he said. 'We'll just have to see where we get to and where other countries get to.' But Home Secretary Priti Patel has cast doubt over the prospect of foreign holidays, refusing to rule out restrictions lasting throughout the summer. She told Times Radio: 'We will put in any measures that we need to should new variants become a problem for our country. If we need to make changes we will.' "Leveraging Placekey enables us to sidestep the complexity inherent in dealing with addresses and location data." Tweet this Ken Michie, FullContact's VP of Technology, discusses the universal location identifier's utility, "FullContact is thrilled about this partnership. Leveraging Placekey enables us to sidestep the complexity inherent in dealing with addresses and location data," he says. "Combining the power of Placekey's unique location ID with FullContact's full spectrum Identity Graph, the use cases are only limited to one's imagination. Given each platforms scalable API, we see a great opportunity to power more in-the-moment engagements for brands around advertising and audiences, regardless of medium." More information about Placekey: Placekey is a free universal location identifier that solves problems around address and POI matching, standardization, deduplication and entity resolution. Placekey launched with the backing of over 500 organizations, including Esri, CARTO, SafeGraph, Accenture, Tableau, and Snowflake. Since launch, Placekey has seen widespread adoption, with commercial organizations like TripAdvisor and Experian, city governments, independent developers, and local nonprofits adopting Placekeys in their datasets. Placekey hosts an 8,000-plus-member online Slack community that has used the tool to facilitate COVID-19 research, among other uses. For more information, visit Placekey.io About FullContact FullContact is a privacy-safe Identity Resolution company building trust between people and brands, while also putting people and brands in control of their information. Their patented identity graph enables accurate, secure Identity Resolution for more than one billion people globally. FullContact delivers the capabilities needed to create tailored customer experiences by unifying data and applying insights in the moments that matter. FullContact is headquartered in Denver, with offices in Boston, San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, and Kochi, India. For more information, please visit www.fullcontact.com . Contact info: Name: [email protected] Organization: FullContact Address: 1624 Market Street Suite 226 PMB 45057 Denver, Colorado 80202-2523 Phone: 1-888-330-6943 SOURCE Placekey Related Links https://placekey.io/ U.S. President Joe Biden is considering an increase in the corporate income tax rate, as one of the tax proposals to offset the cost of the upcoming long-term investment plans, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Tuesday. "I think a package that consists of investment in people, investments in infrastructure, will help to create the jobs in the American economy and changes to the tax structure will help to pay for those programs," Yellen said at a hearing before the House Financial Services Committee. The treasury secretary noted that the 1.9-trillion-dollar COVID-19 relief package recently rolled out has been deficit-funded. "The stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan was not funded with any increase in taxes," she said, adding that a longer-term plan probably would be accompanied with some revenue increases. The current crisis is due to the pandemic, Yellen said. "But, once the economy is strong again, we are beyond the pandemic, President Biden is likely to propose that we engage in long-term plans to address long-standing investment shortfalls in our economy." She noted that investments in infrastructure, climate change, people, research and development, as well as manufacturing will make U.S. economy more productive. "This will be spending over a 10-year horizon and would require some additional funding," she told lawmakers. One of the tax proposals Biden would consider is to increase corporate income tax rate back to 28 percent, Yellen said, noting that the current U.S. corporate income tax is among the lowest in developed countries. An increase in corporate income tax, if enacted, would mark a reversal of policy from the Donald Trump administration. In late 2017, the Republican-controlled Congress passed a President Trump-advocated tax reform bill, which slashed the corporate income tax from 35 percent to 21 percent. At the congressional hearing, some Republican lawmakers, including Representative Ann Wagner from Missouri, cautioned against raising taxes. "We know that raising the corporate tax rates results in higher costs for small businesses, schools and American households," Wagner said. "Why is this country beginning to reopen and recover economically with the Biden administration preparing tax policy which would in the end hurt the American family and millions of struggling small businesses?" she continued. Yellen, however, told lawmakers that the impact of the changes in corporate taxes have been studied for a long time, and the impact on prices and on consumers are "very unclear" from existing studies. A Circuit Court judge has indicated that compensation be offered to a student who was a victim of a robbery in Kilkenny City. Martin Delaney, 39 Kells Road, Kilkenny admitted the offence which took place on January 9, 2020. Garda Joe Reville told the court that on the night in question the defendant had taken the phone from the injured party and subsequently made threats that he had a knife and was not afraid to use it. Initially the defendant asked to use the phone and it was voluntarily handed over and then a walkabout took place. The initial interaction took place at the top of John Street. The injured party initially following the defendant but subsequently ran away. Previous Convictions The court heard that the 29-year-old has 69 previous convictions for robbery, burglary, production of an article, theft and road traffic offences. Garda Reville said no knife was used in the incident but that there was an implied threat of a knife been used. The garda told the court that all the interaction between the parties had been verbal in nature. Defence counsel, Richard Downey said that the defendant was heavily intoxicated and was out late at night and was captured on CCTV in the John Street area of the city. The court heard that the defendant has alcohol addiction issues. Martin Delaney is walking away with the phone and the injured party follows him, he said adding that the injured party subsequently ran away. The following day gardai intercepted the sale of the phone. The court heard that Martin Delaney tried to sell the phone to a female friend who then contacted gardai. Gda Reville told the court that the victim is in his twenties and is a student and declined to make a victim impact statement. Mr Downey said that the charge of robbery is at the lower end of the scale of offending. The phone was requested and was handed over and then there was a walk around town and there was a threat made. There was no violence used and the interaction was all verbal, he added. In Custody The court heard that the defendant, who is in custody, has engaged with The Prison Services and has compensation of 2,750 available to the court. A probation report was also handed into the court which outlined his mental health difficulties. Judge Patrick Meghan said that the victim of this crime was outside a chippers when he was approached by the defendant who was intoxicated and asked for the use of the phone. The injured party also parted with 20 on the condition the phone was handed back. The judge remarked that the defendant has been assessed as being of at high risk of re-offending. Judge Meghan sentenced the defendant to two and a half years in prison and backdated it to January 1, 2020 and suspended the final 16 months for a period of two years. The judge also made an order that the defendant pay over 2,750 in compensation to the injured party. Ben Shephard suffered an awkward gaffe on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, after he accidentally said 'nipples' instead of 'nostrils'. The presenter, 46, was left red-faced when he made the 'Freudian slip' after his face was projected onto his co-host Susanna Reid's dress. The blunder happened when the pair discussed how the crew had been messing around with projecting things onto her dress while the local news aired. Whoops: Ben Shephard suffered an awkward gaffe on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, after he accidentally said 'nipples' instead of 'nostrils' The presenter, 50, said: 'The trouble is when you work in television, things can be projected onto green.' To which Ben replied: 'It's called chroma key. Susanna is wrapped in the warmth of a Ben blanket,' with the crew projecting multiple images of the GMB star onto her dress. While Susanna joked she quite liked the design, Ben blurted out: 'My nipples are...'. Oh dear: The presenter, 46, was left red-faced when he made the 'Freudian slip' after his face was projected onto his co-host Susanna Reid's dress Funny: The blunder happened when the pair discussed how the crew had been messing around with projecting things onto her dress while the local news aired Oh no! While Susanna joked she quite liked the design, Ben blurted out: 'My nipples are...'. After a moment's pause, a stunned Susanna said: 'What?', while Dr Hilary said: 'There's some anatomy revision going on this morning. Think it's called a Freudian slip.' Susanna joked: 'Did your inner thoughts come out on national television to millions?' as Ranvir Singh cried with laughter. A horrified Ben replied: 'Nostrils. They are very easily confused.' Freudian slip: After a moment's pause, a stunned Susanna said: 'What?', while Dr Hilary said: 'There's some anatomy revision going on this morning' Hilarious: Following the awkward blunder, dozens of viewers took to Twitter. One wrote: 'Nipples lol made me laugh and we all need laughs x' And while Susanna said 'nobody's thinking about nostrils anymore', Ben pleaded for help from Dr Hilary and asked him 'don't throw me under the bus'. To which the doctor replied: 'Can't help you Ben'. Following the awkward blunder, dozens of viewers took to Twitter. Awkward gaffe: Susanna joked: 'Did your inner thoughts come out on national television to millions?' as Ranvir Singh cried with laughter One wrote: 'Nipples lol made me laugh and we all need laughs x', while another added: 'Gratuitous close up of Susannahs boobs and then Ben talks about nipples! Not even Freudian!' 'I meant nostrils, not nipples! wonderful! we are still giggling,' a third chimed. 'Can you see the moment when @benshephard wanted the ground to swallow him up on @GMB #Nipplegate,' typed another viewer. 'The moment @benshephard confused his nostrils with his nipples,' wrote another. 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. Need your help to locate a 2020 Ford Super Duty (7.3 gas) in next 10 days Oh Boy, am I in a jam. My wife and I just sold our home in Phoenix this morning. The buyers wanted almost everything in it, as well, including my wife's 2014 Chevy Volt. That leaves us with two bikes, three dogs, and my 2015 Ford Edge Sport. Last fall, we started making plans to spend summers in Washington, along the Columbia River, on my wife's brothers property. We purchased a 41.5 foot 5 slide-out 5th wheel weighing just over 13,000 pounds. We were planning to set it up and leave it on his property year round. Now that we decided to sell our home, we have new plans. We need to find a truck that can pull the camper to a winter location back in Arizona, as well as haul it to Nebraska in September and maybe northwest Arkansas in October. I have been reading a lot of the reviews here on the 2020 Ford 7.3 liter gas engine and believe it can pull the camper and become a great daily driver. If I move quickly, I can get one in the next week or two and we can pack it up and head to Washington to pick up our 5th wheel in storage there and move it to its summer location. I would love your help finding the truck. I'm not certain we have to have a F-350 over the F-250, but I can tell you we'd like a crew cab, short bed, with at least a Laramie trim level. My wife really likes heated and cooled seats, if we can find one with it. We like red, white, silver, and black colors in that order of preference. I'd prefer the 4.3 rear end, running boards, navigation, gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch prep, spray-in bed liner, and the best available stereo. If any of you are online viewing 2020 Ford Super Duty Trucks with the 7.3 gas engine and you spot one that fits the above description, let me know. If I buy it, I'll buy you BBQ next time you pass through Phoenix at Little Miss BBQ. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Greece for an official two-day visit. Charles and Camilla landed at Athens International Airport at just before 5.30pm local time on Wednesday. The couple are attending the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations, following an invitation from Greeces prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. After disembarking the plane, Charles and Camilla were greeted by Her Majestys Ambassador to Greece Kate Smith. A guard provided by the Hellenic Armed Forces lined the red carpet for the arrival. Camilla is wearing a blue and white dress by Fiona Clare, a cape by Anna Valentine, and a face mask with Prince of Wales feathers sent to her by a member of the public. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arriving in Greece (Victoria Jones/PA) The couple will visit the National Gallery and attend an official state dinner at the presidential mansion where Charles will give a speech to mark the 200-year anniversary. At the official ceremony celebrating the opening of the National Gallery, Charles and Camilla are expected to be greeted by Mr Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki. They will be given a tour by the director of the National Gallery, Professor Marina Lambraki-Plaka, in which they will view the paintings of British artists Thomas Gordon and Frank Abney Hastings. At the dinner, Charles is expected to say: Your Excellency today, as in 1821, Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom. The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures. Charles and Camilla are expected to be seated at the high table for the official state dinner, hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. On Thursday, the couple will attend a wreath laying at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Independence Day Military Parade which marks Greeces uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. In previous years, thousands of people waving Greek flags have lined the main streets of central Athens to watch the March 25 parade. The brief tour will be Charles third official visit to Greece following his first in 1998 and a further trip in 2018 with Camilla, her first official visit to the country. The couple have already travelled overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the countrys National Day of Mourning. Charles on a previous visit to Greece (Andrew Matthews/PA) Clarence House announced the visit to Athens last week in a statement which said: At the request of the British Government, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations in Athens from March 24-25. This follows an invitation from the prime minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Bicentenary Events Independence Day celebrations will take place from the evening of Wednesday March 24 and will conclude on Thursday March 25. Last July, Charles said he hoped to visit Greece again after the pandemic. In an opinion piece for Ta Nea, a daily newspaper in the country, he sent his heartfelt wishes to the people of Greece at this very difficult time. He added: The resilience of Greece and her people has been tested before, and I hope that the country will once again emerge with renewed vigour and optimism. When that moment comes and the world has made its way through this challenging time, my wife and I do so hope to visit Greece and to see you all again. Until we meet again. Charles described Greece as the land of my grandfather and recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a vivid impression on him. Bangladesh: Special initiative required for workers of the fishing community March 24,2021 | Source: Prothom Alo Attention must be increased at a government and non-government level, towards fishermen of the sea in order to exploit the vast resources of fish in the ocean. Special initiatives must be taken for these informal sector workers and their families. These observations were made on Monday at a virtual roundtable evaluating the labour sector impact of the sea fishermen. The event has organised by Manusher Jonno Foundation and Prothom Alo. Funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the Danish Institute for Human Rights is running the Sustainable Oceans Project, a research project in Bangladesh and Chile. The project will wind up this month. In Bangladesh, led by Manusher Jonno Foundation, the research is being carried out in Maheskhali, Coxs Bazar and Pathargatha, Barguna by the Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) and Coast Trust. At the roundtable, the participants put forward recommendations based on the preliminary findings of the research. Chief guest at the meeting, head of the parliamentary standing committee for the labour and employment ministry, Mujibul Huq, in an audio message said that there has not been much official planning regarding the rights and other aspects of the fishing community who are outside of the labour law's purview. He promised to convey the recommendations of the discussants to the appropriate authorities and raise the issue in parliament. Presiding over the virtual meet, Manusher Jonno Foundations executive director Shaheen Anam said the fishermen work in difficult a dangerous places, but are paid a pittance. If any of them are lost or die while fishing on the high seas, their families receive no compensation. The women have to take responsibility of the family then. And the women and children workers in this sector are in an even worse predicament. The moderator of the meeting was Prothom Alos assistant editor Firoz Choudhury. The opening presentation was made by Prothom Alos Associate editor Abdul Quayum. Social welfare secretary of Bargunas Pathargatha National Workers Federation, Zakir Hossain, sad that the workers in this sector lived on the seas in inhuman conditions. They work for 18 to 20 hours at a stretch and still do not get to sleep. There is a lack of drinking water and they spend long stretches without bathing. They have no fixed wages. The trawler owners do not follow 13 of the licence clauses and so the workers have no security. Each family of the fishermen are to be given 40kg of rice when the fishing ban is on, but that is not delivered to them in time. The keynote regarding the state of the fishing communitys work was presented by the BILS senior officer (planning and monitoring), Rezwanul Huq. He said, 80 per cent of the workers taking part in the research feel that there is a shortage of life saving equipment on the vessels. There is a lack of modern and effective technology to inform them of cyclones. One third of the workers felt that they had to take loans from the trawler owners for the sake of survival and then ha to repay this through labour. They want an end to this. Alongside trade union complications, the workers had to work with no written agreement and so it was difficult to get compensation or avail other rights. Special guest at the discussion, former vice chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Abdus Sattar Mandal, said the same things had been said about these workers even 12 years ago. Many projects were taken up, but the workers were never drawn into any large development structure. Since the problem continued, it meant that a different solution had to be devised. Abdus Sattar suggested alternative employment for these workers, vocational and skills training for the youth of these families, optimum use of solar energy and technology, creating entrepreneurs, and capital assistance from a government and non-government level. He felt the administration should step up its assistance and supervision to include these fishing sector workers in the greater agricultural sector. Executive director of Coast Trust, M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, stressed the need to register the workers before they went out to sea. As they were not registered, if they died at sea, there was no accounting for them. BILS advisor Naimul Ahsan stressed the need for transparency in healthcare and rationing for the women workers in the fishing sector. 2021 Prothom Alo. Arizona AG Threatens to Sue Biden Over Rescue Plan Act Provision Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich threatened on March 23 to sue the Biden administration over a provision in the $1.9 trillion pandemic rescue plan that could bar states from using its funds to offset tax cuts. Looks like we will see the Biden administration in court. It forgot that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, the Republican attorney general said on Twitter. In his Twitter post, Brnovich shared a letter from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen addressed to him and Republican attorneys general from 20 other states. That letter was a response to the states after they questioned the provision from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 that could prohibit states from using federal funds to pay for tax cuts. The stipulation of President Joe Bidens sweeping relief package highlighted by the 21 attorneys general states, A state or territory shall not use the funds provided under this section or transferred pursuant to this section to either directly or indirectly offset a reduction in the net tax revenue of such state or territory resulting from a change in law, regulation, or administrative interpretation during the covered period that reduces any tax (by providing for a reduction in a rate, a rebate, a deduction, a credit or otherwise) or delays the imposition of any tax or tax increase. In a letter (pdf) on March 16, the attorneys general argued that the prohibition is unclear, but potentially breathtakingairing concerns that any tax cut could be construed as taking advantage of the pandemic relief funds. Signing on to the letter were Arizona, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. The group listed over a dozen instances of states currently considering new tax credits or cuts they believe could be jeopardized simply because of the relief funds. We ask that you confirm that the American Rescue Plan Act does not prohibit States from generally providing tax relief, wrote the coalition, led by Georgia, Arizona, and West Virginia. In her response, Yellen asserted that nothing in the American Rescue Plan Act prevents U.S. states from enacting a broad variety of tax cuts. That is, the Act does not deny States the ability to cut taxes in any manner whatsoever. It simply provides that funding received under the Act may not be used to offset a reduction in net tax revenue resulting from certain changes in state law, Yellen wrote. If States lower certain taxes but do not use funds under the Act to offset those cutsfor example, by replacing the lost revenue through other meansthe limitation in the Act is not implicated. It is also important to note that States choosing to use the federal funds to offset a reduction in net tax revenue do not thereby forfeit their entire allocation of funds appropriated under this statute. The limitation affects States ability to retain only those federal funds used to offset a reduction in net tax revenue resulting from certain changes in state law. Yellen noted that the Treasury is working to craft further guidance to address the issues raised by the coalition. Ohio became the first state to sue Bidens administration over his pandemic rescue plan, arguing on March 17 that the provision holds a gun to the head of states by blocking them from cutting taxes, and exceeds the authority of Congress. [States] can either have the badly needed federal funds or their sovereign authority to set state tax policy, Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in his lawsuit. But they cannot have both. In our current economic crisis, that is no choice at all. It is a metaphorical gun to the head. The White House didnt respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment by press time. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This wrap-up of International People Moves details recent appointments at three brokers and an insurance group: New Dawn Risk, Corant Global, BMS and Miller. A summary of these new hires follows. New Dawn Risk Group Ltd., the London-based specialist insurance intermediary, announced the appointment of Manuel Sicard to lead the companys expansion into Latin America. Prior to joining New Dawn, Sicard was vice-president, financial lines at Guy Carpenter. He previously held a similar role at Willis Towers Watson in London. Earlier in his career, he worked in Colombia as a reinsurance analyst for Allianz and a risk consultant at RE Ingenieria. He has an MBA from the University of Cardiff. *** Corant Global Ltd., the London-based insurance group, announced the appointment of Kevin Stratton to lead the groups new reinsurance operation in Bermuda. Stratton has more than 30 years of speciality expertise, joining Corant from RFIB, where he held the role of managing director, leading all specialty non-marine classes since 2019. Strattons experience spans across numerous senior roles, including CEO of Park London, executive director and head of London accident, health and life at Aon, and executive director and global head of A&H at Willis Re. Formerly known as BGC Insurance, Corant Global is owned by BGC Partners Inc., a global brokerage and financial technology company. Corants specialist businesses are Besso, Cooper Gay, Ed Broking, Epsilon, Globe Underwriting, Junge and piiq. *** BMS, the London-headquartered specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced the appointment of Ryan Saul as senior vice president at BMS Re. Saul reports to Steve Galleger, executive vice president at BMS Re. Before joining BMS, Saul was a business development director and senior relationship manager at Conning for over five years, focusing on insurance asset management and leading a number of major insurance investment portfolios. Prior to that, he served as a new business development professional at New England Asset Management. Saul was a vice president at Aon Benfield between 2000 and 2011, where he specialized in property reinsurance solutions. With Ryans experience in both property reinsurance and insurance asset management, he will be instrumental in consolidating BMSs market presence and supporting the development of our reinsurance products. We are very glad to have Ryan on board, said Pete Chandler, CEO & president of BMS Re. *** London-based Miller recently appointed three broking specialists: Steve Barness, Paddy Synnott and Joe Newbury. Barness is a specialist in marine hull & machinery, war and protection and indemnity (P&I) risks. He has worked in the London marine insurance market for nearly 40 years and has worked for multiple Lloyds brokers, most recently as director at Meridian Risk Solutions. In a separate announcement, Miller said it hired two professional indemnity specialists Paddy Synnott and Joe Newbury as part of its continued expansion into the UK professions market. Synnott began his insurance career as a professional indemnity (PI) underwriter in 2014 with Travelers, before switching to broking in 2016, when he worked as an account handler for Miller until February 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile. He moved to Lockton in February 2019 where he stayed until January 2021, the profile said. Working primarily in UK PI during his time in insurance, Synnott also had experience with global accounts in the legal, construction and insurance professionals sectors. Newburys insurance career began in 2015, and his career has seen him work extensively with construction PI clients in London and the South East of England. Previously, he held various roles with Brunel Professions Ltd. Proceeds will also allow the company to put a dedicated team in place to accelerate the flowsheet and plant design work to produce High Purity Battery-Grade Manganese Sulphate (HPMSM) for New Energy Vehicles. The Butcherbird Manganese Project is a world-class resource with current JORC resources in excess of 263 million tonnes or manganese ore. ( ) has received commitments from investors to raise $35.5 million in a strongly supported placement which will fund the planned stage-2 expansion of manganese concentrate production at Butcherbird Project in Western Australia, enabling the production of more than 1 million tonnes per annum. The placement, which was priced at $2.20 per share, received strong support from a leading Swiss ESG fund. As well as fully funding the expected capital outlay for Stage 2, funds will also allow E25 to put a dedicated team in place to accelerate the flowsheet and plant design work to produce High Purity Battery-Grade Manganese Sulphate (HPMSM) for New Energy Vehicles (NEV). Stage 1 production at Butcherbird is on track with wet commissioning underway and a progressive ramp-up scheduled for the next three months to nameplate production. Ideally placed to feed potential demand Manganese is emerging as an increasingly important ingredient for EV batteries, with potential supply constraints for nickel and cobalt forcing battery manufacturers to look to high manganese cathodes to produce the vast amount of cathode material required by the EV industry in coming years. The recent announcement by Volkswagen reinforces this transition to high manganese content on these cathode materials. Butcherbird is ideally placed to feed this potential demand, with advanced flowsheet development work undertaken in 2019 and 2020 confirming a simple, unique, ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure leach process for E25 ores which, when combined with offsets, will target the worlds first Zero Carbon ManganeseTM for EV cathode manufacture. Placement shares (16,136,364 shares) will be issued without shareholder approval relying on the companys capacity under Listing Rule 7.1 and 7.1A. Human rights abuses against ethnic Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, China, have been condemned by Australia and New Zealand. However, they have not taken the lead of their foreign partners and imposed sanctions on Chinese officials. Foreign Minister Marise Payne and her New Zealand counterpart Nanaia Mahuta expressed deep concern over an increasing number of Chinese government abuses. Australia, New Zealand backed sanctions against China Restrictions on religious rights, mass surveillance, extrajudicial detentions, forced labor, and sanitizing were all listed by the pair. They supported the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom for announcing sanctions overnight. In a joint statement, they said, "We respect these countries' profound interests, which the Australian and New Zealand people share." Since news about the Xinjiang detention camps started to circulate in 2018, the trans-Tasman nations have urged China to protect Uighurs and other religious and ethnic minorities' human rights. "Today, we emphasize the importance of openness and accountability, and we reiterate our call on China to allow UN experts and other independent observers substantive and unrestricted access to Xinjiang," the ministers said. Later, the Chinese embassy referred to Australia's Xinjiang statement, accusing it of interfering and double standards. According to Daily Mail, the embassy slammed Australia's human rights record once more. "We call on the Australian government to stop criticizing China, to stop interfering with its domestic affairs, and to stop applying double standards on human rights," they added. China Increases Pressure on Tech Giants Through Regulators China summons foreign diplomats against sanctions The United States, the European Union, Canada, and the United Kingdom jointly enacted sanctions on senior Chinese officials over suspected human rights abuses in China's far-western Xinjiang region, prompting China to call foreign diplomats in response. According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, the latest sanctions are a "slander and an affront to the Chinese people's integrity and honor." That came just hours after China's and Russia's foreign ministers condemned a recent round of human rights abuse and sanctions against both countries. Wang Yi of China and Sergei Lavrov of Russia also dismissed outside criticism of their authoritarian political regimes at a news conference in the southern Chinese city of Nanning. They said they were seeking to advance global progress on topics ranging from climate change to the coronavirus pandemic. Members of the Uyghur and other Muslim ethnic communities in Xinjiang have actively participated in work training and deradicalization courses, as per China. More than a million people have been detained in prison-like reeducation camps. They are forced to reject their native culture and swear allegiance to the ruling Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, based on the reports. Abuses, such as forced labor and coercive birth control, are underway, as claimed by media outlets, international governments, and activist groups. Australian and New Zealand governments have expressed deep concern about the increasing number of credible allegations of severe human rights violations in Xinjiang. The two countries, whose economies depend heavily on China's trade, have not imposed sanctions, ABC News reported. China Seeks Meeting with the US If Alaska Discussions Go Well China-Europe sanctions fight shatters relations As European leaders avoided being dragged into former U.S. President Donald Trump's trade, infrastructure, and human rights disputes with China, it looked to Europe as a friendly ally. The picture was broken on Monday when the European Union joined the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada in placing sanctions on Chinese officials accused of abusing ethnic minorities. Beijing retaliated by declaring that four European representatives and a German researcher will be sanctioned. The timing is important, just two months after Trump, who despised the trans-Atlantic partnership, was replaced by Joe Biden, who intends to shape an alliance to confront China. The sanctions are the EU's first against China since Beijing's 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square's pro-democracy campaign. Europe's change comes in the face of mounting trade and human rights grievances that have soured perceptions toward China. Hungary and Greece rejected previous attempts to condemn China's human rights record, likely to avoid damaging trade and investment relations, as per the Independent. As President Xi Jinping's government pursues more assertive trade and strategic measures, the dispute represents a downturn in China's relations with the West and Asian neighbors, including India. China Claims Australia Universities Provide 'Low Quality' Education @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received head of My step parliamentary block Lilit Makunts. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Presidents Office, during the meeting the sides referred to the situation in the country, the ways to overcome it, and the holding of early parliamentary elections as a solution. Presenting their position and approaches, Lilit Makunts noted that My step block highlights the improvement of the electoral code, particularly, presentation of the proportional system in the upcoming early parliamentary elections. A senior university lecturer has slammed Google Translate for 'sexism' as gender-neutral languages are translated into English with gendered pronouns. Dr Dora Vargha, from Exeter, Devon, was 'appalled' when she tried to translate Hungarian, a gender neutral language with no male or female pronouns. Google Translate automatically put 'he' or 'she' before different verbs when changing it to English - depending on the activity it denoted. 'She' was placed before domestic chores such as cleaning and sewing, while 'he' was used for intellectual pursuits such as being a politician or a professor. Dr Dora Vargha (pictured), from Exeter, Devon, was 'appalled' to learn that the online language translator automatically applies gendered pronouns to languages that don't have them Dr Vargha - who works as a senior lecturer in medical humanities - shared a screenshot translating Hungarian, a gender neutral language with no male or female pronouns. But Google Translate applied gendered pronouns to various activities regardless - placing 'she' before domestic chores such as cleaning and sewing The translation read: 'She is beautiful. He is clever. He reads. She washes the dishes. He builds. She sews. What pronouns did Google translate put in front of different activities? Google Translate put 'she' before domestic chores like cleaning and sewing and 'he' before intellectual pursuits such as being a politician or a professor. The translation read: 'She is beautiful. He is clever. He reads. She washes the dishes. He builds. She sews. 'He teaches. She cooks. Hes researching. She is raising a child. He plays music. Shes a cleaner. He is a politician. He makes a lot of money. She is baking a cake. Hes a professor. Shes an assistant.' Advertisement 'He teaches. She cooks. He's researching. She is raising a child. He plays music. She's a cleaner. He is a politician. He makes a lot of money. She is baking a cake. He's a professor. She's an assistant.' Dr Vargha - who works as a senior lecturer in medical humanities - captioned her post, which has since gone viral: 'Hungarian is a gender neutral language, it has no gendered pronouns, so Google Translate automatically chooses the gender for you. 'Here is how everyday sexism is consistently encoded in 2021. F*** you, Google.' Google blamed the algorithm's results on society and said that their tool replicates what it finds on the web and can 'inadvertently replicate gender biases that already exists'. Dr Vargha said: 'I didn't expect it to blow up the way it did. 'I was surprised at some of the predictable conversations that emerged around it. 'There were a lot of people who found it problematic. 'But then there were people - a very large group of people - who brought the argument that society is sexist, not Google. It's not Google's fault, it's not the algorithm's fault. 'My response to that is that Google doesn't exist outside of society. There's an issue here that needs to be addressed. 'If you use one sentence, it offers you a choice between he or she. 'But when you use a description, for example referring to myself in the third person or writing about what I do in my free time, it would come up as a "He". 'When it came to kids and household stuff, it was a "She". When it came to surfing and running, it was a "He" again. Dr Vargha (pictured) captioned her post, which has since gone viral: 'Hungarian is a gender neutral language, it has no gendered pronouns, so Google Translate automatically chooses the gender for you. Here is how everyday sexism is consistently encoded in 2021. F*** you, Google' Others rushed to social media to show a similar translation issue in their languages Critics said Dr Vargha should have flagged the issue with Google, rather than post about it online 'It's very problematic because it reinforces stereotypes. 'I'm appalled that it's still happening.' Dr Vargha has called on Google to remedy the algorithm. She said: 'I acknowledge that this is not an easy thing to fix. But there is nothing addressing it, despite many people pointing out that Hungarian is a gender neutral language.' A Google spokesperson said: 'Translate works by learning patterns from many millions of examples of translations seen out on the web. 'Unfortunately, this means a model can inadvertently replicate gender biases that already exists. 'We've been working to update the product to provide both a feminine and masculine translation for a single word for a set of languages, and while it is still work in progress to roll this out broader, we're hoping to also bring the experience to more features and start addressing non-binary gender in translations.' The governors of Texas, Georgia and Indiana have announced plans to open eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone over 16 within the next week. Georgia Gov Brian Kemp said on Tuesday that starting this Thursday 'all adults in Georgia over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine'. Indiana Gov Eric Holcomb tweeted that vaccine eligibility will be open to all residents '16 years and older on Wednesday, March 31, provided Indiana receives a large increase in the amount of vaccine as outlined by the federal government'. In Texas, Gov Greg Abbott shared that the state will open COVID-19 vaccine appointments 'to all adults' beginning on Monday. The three states join West Virginia, Tennessee and Arizona which announced plans to offer vaccines to anyone over 16 within the next two weeks. Scroll down for video The governors of Texas, Georgia and Indiana have announced plans to make their vaccinations against COVID-19 available to anyone over 16 within the next week. Residents of Georgia are seen getting the vaccine on Tuesday As of Tuesday, about 83.9 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 45.5 million people who have been fully vaccinated Two states - Mississippi and Alaska - are already inoculating residents 16 and up, but West Virginia, Tennessee and Arizona revealed plans to expand access by May 3. The news comes as new coronavirus infections are rising in several US states - something being attributed to pandemic fatigue plus new variants from the UK, Brazil, South Africa and within the US. The seven-day average of newly reported cases climbed 2.6 per cent on Sunday, even as overall hospitalizations and deaths remain down. Gov Abbott's decision to vaccinate residents 16 or older makes Texas the most populous state to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all adults. '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, chairwoman of the state's Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. For the past two weeks, Texas has been the nation's largest state with no coronavirus restrictions after Abbott repealed a mask mandate that has divided businesses and lifted limits on restaurant and retail occupancy. Hospitalizations in Texas have plummeted to their lowest levels since October, but local health officials say they are again watching the numbers closely after spring break last week. Texas reported more than 4,200 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, but the rolling average number of daily new cases has decreased by almost 2,200 over the past two weeks, a 36 per cent drop, according to Johns Hopkins University. In Georgia (pictured) Gov Brian Kemp said that starting this Thursday 'all adults in Georgia over the age of 16 will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine' The news comes as new coronavirus infections are rising in several US states - something being attributed to pandemic fatigue plus new variants from the UK, Brazil, South Africa and within the US. There have been more than 29 million cases of the virus reported in the US f Texas has one of the nation's slowest vaccination rates. Roughly 10 per cent of the state's population had been fully vaccinated as of Tuesday, and about 22 per cent had received at least one dose, according the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). State officials have blamed the numbers on February's blackouts from a deadly winter storm and claimed that federal officials have used outdated Census data to determine Texas' shipment of doses. President Joe Biden earlier this month used his first prime-time address to pledge that all adults in the US would be eligible for the vaccine starting May 1. The virus has killed more than 47,000 people in Texas, the third-highest toll in the nation. As of Tuesday, the US has recorded 29,920,378 cases and 543,793 deaths. Dr Rochelle Walensky, the head of the CDC warned on Monday about the growing threat from variants. California's homegrown coronavirus variant is now dominant there. Rates of the UK's potentially deadlier 'super-COVID' variant have tripled in Ohio in two weeks while rising to eight and nine per cent in Florida and New Jersey, respectively. In a press briefing on Monday, Walensky said steps must be taken in light of variants until more people can get vaccinated. 'I get it. We all want to return to our everyday activities and spend time with our family, friends and loved ones. But we must find the fortitude to hang in there for just a little bit longer,' she said. 'We must act now and I am worried that if we don't take the right actions now, we will have another avoidable surge.' Why the latest gloom about holidays abroad? The Government said on Monday that anyone trying to leave the UK 'without a reasonable excuse' will be fined 5,000. That sounds severe. But isn't it already illegal to leave the country? Yes, but the current Stay at Home law ends on March 29 so new legislation is needed to enforce it until late June. So was all the talk about holidays from May 17, well, just talk? Maybe not. The Government's global travel taskforce reports back on April 5, so travel to some countries could resume. The Government said on Monday that anyone trying to leave the UK 'without a reasonable excuse' will be fined 5,000 But unlikely... It seems so. Boris Johnson says we should be 'under no illusion' that the rise in infections on the Continent will be felt here. Didn't a minister also say all countries on the Continent will have to go on the red list? Lord Bethell, a health minister, said exactly that, but was slapped down by Health Secretary Matt Hancock. What is a 'reasonable excuse' to travel? A long list, from attending a family funeral or wedding to non-residents returning home. It gets messy re. visits to a 'residential property to undertake activities required' for rental or sale, described as the 'Stanley Johnson clause' after last year's flight by the PM's father to Greece to 'Covid-proof' his holiday home. How will it be enforced? You must fill out a declaration form for international travel before turning up at an airport or port. If your declaration fails to stand up, you'll be slapped with that 5,000 fine. Is it really wise to book a foreign trip yet? There is no reason not to book and have something to look forward to. Will I get my money back if my holiday is cancelled? That depends on the terms and conditions. More travel firms are offering flexibility, and if it's a package you are due a refund within 14 days of cancellation. In what circumstances will I not get a refund? If, for example, Turkey is a country that the Government will allow us to visit and you decide at the last moment that you don't fancy it. Israel (pictured) could be a safe guarantee for a trip abroad thanks to the success of its vaccination programme What about quarantine? With any luck, all will be revealed on April 12. It looks like 'travel corridors' will be replaced by some kind of traffic-light system. I am longing for guaranteed sunshine and want to book. Where do you suggest? Israel has done brilliantly on its jab programme. Greece and Portugal are also good bets. How is the travel industry reacting? Angrily. Trailfinders' chairman Mike Gooley said yesterday: 'When did scaremongering become so fashionable?' If were constantly telling a negative story, we are not giving our audience the most accurate portrait of reality. We are shading it. We are doing a good job telling you why Covid cases are rising in some places and how the vaccines are imperfect but not such a good job explaining why cases are falling elsewhere or how the vaccines save lives. Perhaps most important, we are not being clear about which Covid developments are truly alarming. As Ranjan Sehgal, another co-author, told me, The media is painting a picture that is a little bit different from what the scientists are saying. Why the bad-news bias? The researchers say they are not sure what explains their findings, but they do have a leading contender: The U.S. media is giving the audience what it wants. When the researchers examined which stories were the most read or the most shared on Facebook, they tended to be the most negative stories. To put it another way, the stories that people choose to read skew even more negative than the stories that media organizations choose to publish. Human beings, particularly consumers of major media, like negativity in their stories, Sacerdote said. We think the major media are responding to consumer demand. That idea is consistent with the patterns in the data, Sacerdote added: It makes sense that national publications have better instincts about reaching a large audience than, say, science journals. And overseas, some of the most influential English-language media organizations like the BBC have long received government funding, potentially making them less focused on consumer demand. All of that sounds plausible to me, but I dont think it is the full explanation. I have worked in media for nearly three decades, and I think you might be surprised by how little time journalists spend talking about audience size. We care about it, obviously, but most journalists I know care much more about other factors, like doing work that has an impact. In the modern era of journalism dating roughly to the Vietnam War and Watergate we tend to equate impact with asking tough questions and exposing problems. There are some good reasons for that. We are inundated by politicians, business executives, movie stars and others trying to portray themselves in the best light. Our job is to cut through the self-promotion and find the truth. If we dont tell you the bad news, you may never hear it. Motorola is looking at a new release of the smartphone, and this time, it would not be as pricey as the Razr flip touchscreen which debuted earlier, as the company brings the Motorola G50 with 5G capabilities. What is notable about this smartphone is that it aims to bring 5G technology that does not necessarily skimp on performance and specifications. Motorola G50 5G: Return to Smartphone Business The popular Illinois-based smartphone company which has made its mark in the early 2000s, Motorola, is back in getting their name across the international waters after everything that the company went through. It was initially acquired by Google for $12.5 billion but was ultimately sold to Lenovo for $2.91 billion last 2012 and finalized in 2014. The initial return of the popular cellular phone company was with its most iconic device yet, the Razr flip phone, which has been tweaked to adhere to the current technology that uses the smartphone operating system. Motorola has released a lot of smartphones from their return, but its latest entry is to debut the cheapest 5G smartphone of the company. Motorola G50 5G Specs In January, according to European media called "Technik News," the Motorola G50 5G is referred to as the "Ibiza" and has been generating a massive buzz in the online community as it aims to debut a cheap 5G smartphone for all. What is more notable about this device is that it is paired with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 480, which is a peculiar choice for the device. The Snapdragon 480 is cheap but is adept to deliver performance and 5G, which is slowly becoming the standard of smartphones released in 2021. The device is basic but can pack a punch with its 4GB RAM, 128GB of Storage, 720x1600 HD+ resolution with 90Hz of refresh rate, 5,000mAh Battery, and the latest operating system version, Android 11. Motorola G50 5G Release Date, Price As of now, there are no exact release dates for the Motorola G50 as revealed by the leakers, but it is speculated to be amongst the public for this year, and debuting worldwide. The device is playing around the entry to mid-range of smartphones with its specifications and follows the Motorola g series as its predecessor, which has a price tag of $299 to $379. What to Expect in Moto's G50? The device has recently appeared on the TENAA listing, which is a Chinese government website, and it indicates that the smartphone is nearing its launch date, as the device is already official. Motorola's return to the smartphone platform has them fighting out against smartphone giants like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Apple. With this, the company should be on their very best with its releases, in which its flagship devices like the Razr (version 2) were faced with mixed reviews that praised the return of the flips, but were not that affordable with its price. Motorola has been long in the handheld phone market but is fairly making its name in the smartphone industry. Related Article: Apple iPhone 13 Leak Shows Display to Use Samsung LTPO OLEDs with 120Hz Refresh Rate [Report] This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Isaiah Alonzo 2021 TECHTIMES.com 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. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won speaks after being elected as the new chief of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the KCCI building in central Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of KCCI By Yi Whan-woo SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won officially began his job as chief of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Wednesday. The chamber said Chey was unanimously elected as its chairman during a general meeting of member companies, Wednesday, after he was sworn in as the head of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Feb. 23. The head of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the largest of 73 KCCI branches nationwide, typically serves as the head of the KCCI. The SK chairman has been hinting at coping with the business demands of young entrepreneurs, as witnessed in his promise with them to keep the KCCI's support for sandbox. This is a framework that allows companies, especially startups, to test new ideas to buy, sell and develop without having to get the usual licenses. He replaces former Doosan Group Chairman Park Yong-mann for a three-year term. It can be extended for another three years. Chey's official inauguration ceremony will be held on March 29. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, right, accompanies former Doosan Group Chairman Park Yong-maan, left, who is leaving the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) building in central Seoul, Wednesday. Chey replaces Park as KCCI chairman for a three-year term. Yonhap Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 23.03.2021 - The Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva today closed its 46th regular session after over four weeks of work, held virtually. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis participated in the opening segment together with 120 high-level officials. During the session, the HRC adopted two initiatives presented by Switzerland and its partner States . The first resolution extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment. The second underlined the importance of universal participation of all UN Member States in the work of the HRC. The 46th session of the HRC opened on 22 February with the high-level segment, which included an address by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. A record number of over 120 dignitaries spoke during this segment, which took place virtually for the first time. In his speech as host country representative, Federal Councillor Cassis highlighted how the pandemic had demonstrated the critical importance of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms from the right to life, health and education to the freedom of access to reliable information. Alongside other ministers, the head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs also participated in a high-level panel discussion on the death penalty, during which he reiterated Switzerland's commitment to the universal abolition of the death penalty. The two Swiss-led initiatives proved successful. A first resolution on the environment, presented in cooperation with Costa Rica, Maldives, Morocco and Slovenia, allowed for the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment for a three-year period. The second Swiss initiative, presented together with an interregional group of 24 States, calls for the participation of all UN Member States in March 2022, including States without a permanent mission in Geneva. During the session, Switzerland also expressed its position on the human rights situation in a number of countries, emphasising the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. In this context, it noted the alarming increase in attacks on (women) human rights defenders, protesters and journalists around the world. Switzerland also pursued its engagement in the fight against impunity by supporting efforts to document all alleged violations of international law so that perpetrators can be held accountable. In this regard, it supported the resolution on Belarus calling on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to examine alleged human rights violations committed since May 2020. Furthermore, Switzerland supported the renewal of the mandates of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria and the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. Switzerland also seized the opportunity of dialogues with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, and with UN experts to express its views on the human rights situation, particularly in Burundi, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, the occupied Palestinian territory, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Yemen. Following the seizure of power by the Myanmar military authorities and the special session of the HRC held on 12 February, Switzerland also reiterated its concerns during this session. It supported several joint statements initiated by other States on the human rights situation in Belarus, Egypt, the Tigray region of Ethiopia, Russia and Venezuela. Thanks to its work carried out virtually, the HRC was able to maintain its capacity to act to mitigate the human rights consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and to respond to current human rights situations around the world. While one third of the HRC membership is renewed each year, this 46th session also marked the return of States as members of the HRC, including China, France, Russia and the United Kingdom, as well as the re-engagement of the United States as an observer State. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Colorado has long been defined by its jagged mountains and an outdoor lifestyle that lure transplants from around the country. But it's also been haunted by shootings that have helped define the nation's decades-long struggle with mass violence. (TNS) A $1 million grant to the University of Maine System will help make technology improvements at healthcare and higher education sites to allow for improved distance learning and telehealth around the state.The grant, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will fund technology improvements at 42 locations including 26 web-conference enabled classrooms that will expand the statewide reach of the Maine Graduate and Professional Center's existing smart classrooms in Portland and Orono to other campuses and learning centers.The technology improvements, scheduled for completion by fall 2022, will also allow for a rural telemedicine initiative between the University of Maine School of Nursing and Penobscot Community Health Center and collaboration between the university system and Northern Light Health to offer healthcare and education in rural areas.The grant will allow the University of Maine School of Law to place more students in internships and clinicals in rural areas where legal services are most lacking, while remaining connected to their supervisors and faculty in the Portland area."We have proven through COVID that we can learn and work at a distance if we have the infrastructure it takes to stay connected and interactive," said UMaine Chancellor Dan Malloy in a news release. "We built the Maine Center to bring people, ideas and resources together to solve challenging problems. With the support of the Maine Congressional delegation, and collaboration among all our universities and Northern Light Health, we are going to bring world-class leadership education and better health to rural Maine communities."The USDA grant is being counted toward matching funds the system needs to secure as part of a grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation last fall that will fund scholarships, integrated program development across disciplines and a new building to house the center and the University of Maine School of Law.The system Tuesday also announced a $1 million grant from Bobby Monks and Bonnie Porta of Cape Elizabeth in support of the University of Maine Graduate and Professional Center.The center brings together programs in law, business, policy and public health to train the workforce and support Maine's economy. Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Tuesday expressed his gratitude towards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for the donation of 80,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. India had sent AstraZenecas Covishield vaccine jabs to Guyana earlier this month, which were handed over to the countrys Prime Minister Mark Phillips by Indian High Commissioner KJ Srinivasa. The Indian embassy in Guyana recently shared a video online, where President Irfaan Ali can be heard thanking PM Modi and the people of India for their generosity. Prime Minister Modi has demonstrated great responsibility through his own management of COVID pandemic, not only for India but globally. Guyana is not the only country that benefited from the kindness of India. And its not only about kindness, it is a responsibility India took in ensuring under-privileged, developing countries also have access to vaccines. On behalf of the people of Guyana, we are grateful to PM Modi and the people of India, President Irfaan Ali said in a video message. Earlier, the Foreign Minister of Bhutan along with the countrys Health Minister spoke at an event at the Indian embassy in Thimphu, where they thanked the people of India and PM Modi for sending 4,00,000 doses of Covishield vaccine. Bhutanese Foreign Minister Dr. Tandi Dorji said his government can now start the nation-wide vaccination programme thanks to the additional batch of vaccine jabs that India sent under the Vaccine Maitri initiative. "Guided by its Neighbourhood First Policy and PM Narendra Modi's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabha Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' India has played a leadership role in the region and beyond especially during Covid-19 times," FM Dorji said. India's Vaccine Maitri initiative India has won global praise for its Vaccine Maitri programme which aims to aid low- and middle-income countries amidst the global pandemic. So far, India has exported the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine and Bharat Biotech's indigenous vaccine to more than 29 countries and will be providing vaccine doses to 49 more countries in the coming days. Both the vaccines are already in circulation in India with senior citizens receiving the jabs in the second phase of the immunization drive. (Image Credit: IndiainGuyana/IndiainBhutan/Facebook/Twitter) For the first time in Bostons 390-year history, the Black national anthem played as the city welcomed a new mayor. Kim Janey, a Roxbury native who until Monday was City Council president, hugged her granddaughter, Rosie, and sang along to Lift Every Voice and Sing. At 56, Janey became the citys first Black and first woman mayor in the 199 years since the city has had a mayor. To think, my teenage grandsons were born at a time when there had never even been a Black woman on our city council, Janey said. Today, my 6-year-old granddaughter Rosie and other little girls can see themselves represented in Massachusetts highest court, the halls of Congress and now in the 55th mayor of Boston. Janey took the helm of the city following Marty Walshs departure to serve as U.S. labor secretary under President Joe Biden. While she assumed the responsibilities of mayor after Walshs resignation at 9 p.m. Monday, Janey delivered her inaugural address in a ceremonial swearing in Wednesday afternoon inside Boston City Hall. Two of the citys history-making figures led the ceremony. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who was the citys first woman of color to serve on the council, described Janeys ascension as the rupture of a concrete ceiling. Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, the first Black woman to lead the states high court, administered Janeys oath of office. I could not think of a more poetic moment than sharing the stage with other Black women who are historic firsts, committed to the upliftment of community, said Pressley, a Boston Democrat. What a remarkable day for the city of Boston. As Budd stepped up to the podium, Janey held up her right hand and placed her left palm over the Bible her granddaughter held. The Bible belonged to Janeys grandfather, who lived in Boston. Its paying homage to the family that I come from and to those who came before me, said Janey, a fourth-generation Bostonian, but also looking to the future with my grandchildren there to witness this historic occasion and to participate in the ceremony. So my heart is just bursting with gratitude to my entire family. Kim Janey has been officially sworn in. pic.twitter.com/j1TCug9ppO Steph Solis (@stephmsolis) March 24, 2021 A small crowd of city officials, lawmakers and members of Janeys family joined the ceremony, which was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. City employees watched the ceremony from the balcony a floor. As a Muslim, I am elated because just has experience as a Black person, as a woman, is going to change things, said Yusufi Vali, director of the Mayors Office for Immigrant Advancement. I think all of us as Bostonians should be so proud, so excited, and I think we all have to work together to make sure that shes successful so the citys successful, and thats certainly going to be my focus. Rep. Russell Holmes, a Mattapan Democrat who attended the ceremony, said working with Janey as mayor will be different for him because he has worked with her for years on addressing racial and income inequities. We know each other. Weve been in the fight. Weve been in the struggle around issues that are most important, Holmes said. While hes worked with Walsh and his predecessor, Thomas Menino, on these issues, he said Janeys history of fighting against racial inequities and lived experience adds a new dimension. When Kim begins her conversation with we must address the 1.2% thats Black and Latinos getting contracts, thats No. 1 to me when I walk in the door, he said. Janey takes the helm as the city navigates the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 1,300 people in Boston and more than 16,000 people statewide. While the state has reported more than 1 million fully vaccinated people, or people who have received both doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the state has seen lower vaccination levels among Black and Latino people compared to white people. Janey acknowledged the limited supply from the federal government has delayed the vaccine rollout and touted mobile vaccination units as a way to reach residents of all backgrounds closer to home. We in Boston have lifted up our own mobile vaccination clinics because we understand the importance of equity and making sure we are getting the vaccine into those who are hardest hit, Janey said. We know Black residents who are here in Boston, Latinx community here in Boston have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, by COVID-19 not only in terms of the health impact but also in terms of the wealth impact. Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey takes questions from reporters outside City Hall.Steph Solis Janey said she plans to work with Gov. Charlie Baker, state legislators, city councilors and community leaders to get more people vaccinated. Janey spoke with Baker, a Republican, Tuesday but did not elaborate on the subject of their conversation. Baker, who called Janey after Walsh was nominated for labor secretary, told Boston Public Radio Janeys rise to mayor marks a terrific development for the city of Boston for all kinds of reasons. We chatted about some stuff especially COVID and vaccinations, and I called her yesterday and congratulated her and said Im looking forward to working with her, he said Wednesday. The ceremonial swearing in raised a question Janey has faced for months: Will she join the mayoral race? Janeys stint as acting mayor will end in January. The field already looks crowded with at least six declared candidates, including three of Janeys colleagues in the council. City Councilors Michelle Wu, Andrea Cambpell and Anissa Essaibi George are campaigning to succeed Janey. Janey told reporters after the swearing in ceremony she will make a decision on whether to run for mayor in a matter of weeks. Right now Im focused on being mayor, Janey said, but I will make a decision and an announcement. MassLive reporter Ben Kail contributed to the reporting of this article. Related Content: Vermont Senator and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is planning a stop in Bessemer this Friday afternoon to visit with Amazon workers trying to organize at the retail giants Bessemer fulfillment center. Sanders will be joined by actor Danny Glover, who previously visited the center last month, and rapper and activist Killer Mike, who was a vocal support of Sanders presidential campaign. Votes will be counted next Tuesday in the election, which will decide whether workers will be represented by the Retail, Wholesale & Department Store Union. Here is full coverage of the Alabama Amazon unionization effort Sanders, 79, on several occasions has been publicly supportive of the unionization effort in Bessemer. Last week, he chaired a hearing of the Senate Budget Committee to focus on wage inequality, questioning Amazon worker Jennifer Bates via Zoom. Sanders also invited Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to testify at that meeting, but Bezos declined. At the hearing, Sanders said he had planned to ask Bezos, You are worth $182 billion, thats billion with a B. Youre the wealthiest person in the world. Why are you doing everything in your power to stop your workers in Bessemer, Ala., from joining a union so they can negotiate for better wages, better benefits and better working conditions? Back in November, when workers began organizing, Sanders tweeted out his support: All workers are entitled to decent wages and working conditions, which is why I stand with the Amazon warehouse workers in Alabama exercising their constitutional right to form a union. Mr. Bezos, the wealthiest person in America, must not interfere in this election. Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 23, 2020 He also sent 40 pizzas to a union rally in early February. In an unrelated move, 14 Alabama Democratic state lawmakers today released a letter of support for the Amazon union. Saying Alabama has union roots, the letter recounts organizing efforts going back to the 19th century. It also blasts the state Republican leadership as siding with the powerful to leave working folks to fend for themselves. Unions give workers a powerful vehicle to protect themselves from dangerous working conditions, exploitation, and unfair pay, the statement reads. We stand with the Amazon workers in Bessemer, fighting to create a better life for themselves and workers everywhere. Your courage is inspiring, and your campaign is important: What happens in Alabama affects the entire nation. We are with you! The letter was endorsed by lawmakers Laura Hall, Barbara Boyd, John Rogers, Neil Rafferty, Louise Alexander, Merika Coleman, Rolanda Hollis, Mary Moore, Juandalynn Givan, Christopher J. England, Artis McCampbell, Ralph Howard, Jeremy Gray and Barbara Drummond. TV and film actor George Segal has died at the age of 87, after undergoing heart surgery. His wife Sonia said the family were shocked and devastated by his unexpected passing "due to complications from bypass surgery." The star was well-known from his work on the popular 90's TV sitcom 'Just Shoot Me!', where he played magazine publisher Jack Gallo. He was most recently a regular star on the 80's-era TV series 'The Goldbergs' playing Pops. She said a final deal will come when remaining issues over impaired driving issues for people who may -- or may not -- be high while behind the wheel are addressed. Lawmakers in both houses huddled in separate, virtual meetings Tuesday to discuss the final sticking points, and were discussing differences again on Wednesday morning. Tentative agreement on studying saliva test One main issue: how police can determine on the spot whether a driver who appears impaired is high. Some have floated one of a handful of devices that, companies say, can serve for marijuana checks like a Breathalyzer can for alcohol. But most lawmakers say the devices are not yet proven or reliable, and it could take a year or more before there is a workable way for officers to legally tell if an impaired driver smoked a joint shortly before driving or, as a blood test would reveal, possibly within the past month. The Painter and the Thief Directed by Benjamin Ree 107 minutes, rated M Selected cinemas A muse is a mysterious thing, as is the mindset of the painter who finds one. Neither would seem to be great subjects for a film, but how wrong one can be. The Painter and the Thief is a superb Norwegian documentary about a painter who befriended the criminal who stole two of her paintings. He then became her muse. Karl-Bertil Nordland sits for his portrait. When he first saw the work he burst into tears. About five years ago, Barbora Kysilkova, a Czech artist, had recently arrived in Oslo from Berlin. Though not well-known, her photo-realist paintings attracted some attention at her first show, in the Gallery Nobel, in Oslo. The gallery put them in its feature windows - a large picture of two entwined swans, entitled Swan Song, and another of two women, called Chloe & Emma. Soon afterwards, two men broke in and stole both paintings, taking the time to remove about 100 nails from the frames, rather than cutting the canvases out. They were meticulous but dumb: closed circuit cameras filmed the whole thing. The police nabbed them within a few days, but did not recover the pictures. Kysilkova attended the trial of one of the defendants. Karl-Bertil Nordland was a heroin addict with severe emotional problems, who had spent years in prison on previous offences. Kysilkova asked him why he stole her paintings. Because they were beautiful, he replied. She then asked him if he would allow her to paint his portrait - not exactly the reaction I was expecting. Williamson, WV (25661) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. MOSCOW, March 23 (Reuters) - Russia's communications watchdog accused Twitter on Tuesday of deleting banned content too slowly in the latest dispute between a major government and Big Tech. Moscow said earlier this month it had slowed the speed of U.S.-based Twitter inside Russia and on March 16 threatened to ban the social media service outright in a month over content from child pornography to drug abuse. With Twitter widely used in Russia by government opponents, including Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and his allies, Twitter said at the time it was worried about free speech and denied that it let its platform be used to promote illegal behaviour. The watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said in a statement that Twitter was too slow in tackling illegal posts. "The rate at which the social network is removing banned information is unsatisfactory," it said. "Two thirds of material that is harmful for children remains available on Twitter." The watchdog said it was unacceptable to see new posts containing child pornography, suicide propaganda and information about drug use and distribution appearing on Twitter. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Major social media companies have been embroiled in an increasing number of disputes around the globe, from China to India and Australia, as governments seek to curb their power. (Reporting by Alexander Marrow, Maxim Rodionov and Anton Kolodyazhnyy; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) The Dubai Ruler's Court has mourned the death of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry. Sheikh Hamdan passed away this morning. His brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, shared the news through the official Twitter account. The court, in a statement, said that in view of the current exceptional circumstances and due to the precautionary measures in place, funeral prayer for the deceased will be limited to family members only. It added that absentee funeral prayers will be held today after the Maghrib prayer in mosques across the country. A ten-day mourning has been declared in Dubai and flags will be flown at half-mast during this period. Work will be suspended in government departments and institutions in the emirate for three days, starting from tomorrow (Thursday). Sheikh Hamdan was born on December 25, 1945 and was the second son of the late ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan became the UAEs first minister of Finance and Industry in 1971, a position he occupied until his death. He played an indispensable role in developing the countrys financial policies and government spending. He also headed Dubai Municipality as chairman, and the Information and Health Departments, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Aluminium (Dubal) and Dubai Natural Gas Company Limited (Dugas). Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 16:02:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday issued a report on the human rights situation in the United States. The report, titled "The Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020," was released by the State Council Information Office. Please see the attachment for the document. Enditem Smell-Led Exhibition to Open at the Mauritshuis, Netherlands Art Books Events Hoping to open at the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague as soon as lock down eases, Smell The Art: Fleeting Scents in Colour is an exhibition that will immerse viewers in the olfactory context of the 17th century Dutch Republic and Flanders, and the art produced in them. Almost fifty paintings, prints, drawings, and objects will be on display alongside (Covid-safe) scent dispensers activated with a foot pedal that will illustrate, illuminate, and bring-to-life what is on the walls. Enticing visitors by asking, Have you ever wondered what an Amsterdam canal smelled like 400 years ago? Do you experience a painting differently if you can also literally smell the work as you look at it? The museum promises that in the exhibition you can smell the 17th century both fragrant and foul. The exhibition mission is to explore the portrayal of smell and odour in 17th century art, the scents of the past, the role of scent in stories, the suggestion of scent in artworks, as well as sensory perception. Even though scent is the subject of the exhibition and there will be all kinds of smells to enjoy, it is the artworks above all that carry the story. Health and hygiene, religion, trade, and domestic life are the main themes in consideration, revealing how the ethical codes around beautiful, putrid, divine, and mundane olfactory experiences shaped medicine, fashion, commerce, the church, and, of course, art. For those unable to attend in person, a scent kit will be made available for purchase on the Mauritshuis website to accompany its virtual tour, offering the possibility to transport yourself to 17th century Netherlands and Flanders from the comfort of your home. For more information, and to get a taster of the upcoming exhibition, check out this YouTube video produced by the museum: RESEARCHERS from the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas) and the UK-based De Montfort University have embarked on researching the cultural norms hindering the efforts to record zero malnutrition, especially in giant food-producing regions. The researchers also working with the government and other development partners are expecting the new findings to help rewrite strategies to address the public health crisis. Prof Yunus Mgaya, Director General at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) said at a meeting in Dar es Salaam Wednesday, the government has been making progress towards addressing the challenge "but more works need to be done." He detailed that part of the activities had been improving infrastructures that include the construction of health facilities and provision of free infant and maternal healthcare services. "There has been an endless awareness campaign that targets to shape outdated traditional customs. Councils have also been allocating budgets specific for improving nutrition among under five," he said. On average, the prevalence of malnutrition fell to 31.8 per cent in 2018 from 48.3 per cent in 1999. He believed that the new study will help understand the influence of culture and perhaps contribute to the country's revision of its nutrition policies and strategies. Dr Ama Kasangala, Assistant Director of Public Health Education in the Ministry of Health, Community Development Gender, Elderly and Children admitted that the new research will highlight fresh focus that the government and development partners can work to attain zero malnutrition. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "It is surprising that the regions that report high production of food crops have the highest prevalence," said Dr Kasangala who also doubles as a co-principal researcher. Prof Gasto Frumence, Principal Researcher from Muhimbili university explained that the discussion being conducted in Dar es Salaam target to explore the causes of child malnutrition in high prevalence regions by focusing on cultural norms. "We want to look at the efficacy of current preventive strategies as well as establish gaps in knowledge and skills of health care professionals," he said. Martha Sauga, Health Promotion Coordinator from Ruvuma Region said the challenge facing the region is based on limited knowledge especially among health providers, and the community. "The other challenge is that most stakeholders have not been working in the entire region as they only select a portion say three out of the eight districts in the region," she said. Ruvuma is one of the regions in the country with the highest malnutrition rates. 4 in every 10 children are chronically malnourished. Other regions include Iringa, Njombe and Songwe regions. 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 "In addition to being a well-executed artwork with a remarkable composition, the museum selected Chen's design because it aligns with our efforts to celebrate the past, present and future of the automobile. Her vehicles harken to automobile design of the 1950s, yet she brings them into the future, imagining a world of eco-friendly flying cars," said Autumn Nyiri, associate curator, Petersen Automotive Museum. "Creating art makes me happy. It allows me to express my ideas visually and share my happiness with others. I wanted to create a car that was innovative in a healthy environment," said Chen. Now in its 10th year, the Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest is designed to inspire creativity in youth and imagine the future of mobility. The nine U.S. youth winners and three Honorable Mention Award recipients for this year's contest are: U.S. WINNERS Age Category 1 (Youth, ages 4-7 years) Gold Award: "Gadget Toyota Car" by Hahrin Vivian Chiang, age 7, Santa Monica, California Silver Award: "Disinfection Vehicle" by Xinyu Yi, age 6, Wellesley, Massachusetts Bronze Award: "Pure Water Vehicle" by Lea Haeun Shin, age 6, Los Angeles, California Honorable Mention: "Moon Car" by Olivia Yoo, age 7, South Lyon, Michigan U.S. WINNERS Age Category 2 (Youth, ages 8-11 years) Gold Award: "Ocean Eco Car" by Brendan Park, age 10, Los Angeles, California Silver Award: "Dream Car That Makes Glaciers" by Junyoung Kim, age 10, Fairfax, Virginia Bronze Award: "Saver of Earth" by Reena Fu, age 10, Diamond Bar, California Honorable Mention: "The Nar-Whale Car" by Grace Sun, age 10, Livingston, New Jersey U.S. WINNERS Age Category 3 (Youth, ages 12-15 years) Gold Award: "Magical Bubble Car" by Chloe Hyoleen Kim, age 14, Issaquah, Washington Silver Award: "Fly Higher with Toyota" by Jiawei (Jery) Chen, age 14, Montverde, Florida Bronze Award: "Saving the Future" by Olivia Hur, age 12, La Crescenta, California Honorable Mention: "Lightbulb Car" by Lynn Sun, age 12, Livingston, New Jersey "Many of these young artists shared their joy and excitement that this contest brought to them as they imagined the future of mobility," said Sean Suggs, group vice president, Toyota Social Innovation. "We thank the thousands of youth across the country who created amazing designs and worked so hard to create such unique works of art." "We are excited to exhibit the creations of these next-generation designers in the museum. These submissions have impressed all of us and we cannot wait to see them displayed," said Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. In addition to the Petersen Automotive Museum, this year, Toyota partnered with 10 other museums, 12 school districts, and 19 dealerships across the United States to share information about the contest and distribute educational resources within their communities. In Los Angeles, the effort continues with a unique collaboration involving undergraduate students from California State University, Dominguez Hills who will work over the coming summer to create 3D-printed interpretations of the contest's award-winning designs. Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan held the first worldwide contest in 2004. Nearly 90 countries now host their own national contests. To learn about the world contest, visit www.Toyota-DreamCarArt.com. The U.S. website is www.ToyotaDreamCarUSA.com. About Toyota Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 36,000 in the U.S. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 30 million cars and trucks at our 9 manufacturing plants, 10 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021. To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com. About Petersen Automotive Museum The Petersen Automotive Museum has one of the largest public automotive collections in the world. A global brand recognized as a center for automotive thought, the museum attracts and engages auto enthusiasts worldwide. This year, its expanding selection of digital content has resulted in a 60% increase in international visitation and 40% increase in visitation by women. Popular among all include the now-virtual editions of Petersen Car Week, private collection tours of The Vault (features over 250 iconic and rare vehicles), educational field trips, and global "Cars & Coffee" events. To learn more, visit www.petersen.org. The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity. Contact: Melissa Richardson Banks [email protected] (213) 537-4483 SOURCE Toyota Motor North America Related Links https://www.toyota.com/ A giant container ship ran aground in the Suez Canal, blocking off one of the worlds busiest maritime trade routes thats vital for the movement of everything from oil to consumer goods. The hull of Ever Given, one of the biggest container ships in operation, became wedged lengthways across the canal early Tuesday in Egypt, leaving at least 100 vessels gridlocked as they attempted to transit between the Red Sea and Mediterranean, according to ship brokers and mapping data compiled by Bloomberg. Ever Given was grounded accidentally after deviating from its course due to suspected sudden strong wind, Taiwan-based Evergreen Line, the time charterer of the vessel, said in an emailed response to questions. Evergreen has urged the vessels owners to work with relevant authorities including the canal management bureau to help the ship get out of trouble as soon as possible, according to an emailed statement from the firm. Japans Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd., among those listed as the ships owner, declined to comment. The Suez Canal, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, is reportedly blocked because someone accidentally got stuck with their giant container ship. The photo is unreal. pic.twitter.com/I2ACkBqPi2 Marcel Dirsus (@marceldirsus) March 23, 2021 The salvage operation with tugs is under way, and hopefully the vessel will be freed soon, but it could last days as checks are made on the damage to the ship, said Ralph Leszczynski, head of research at shipbroker Banchero Costa & Co. Ever Given was en route from China to Rotterdam. The crew are safe and accounted for, and there have been no reports of injuries or pollution, according to the ships manager Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement. Ship tracking data showed the vessel was still in the same position as of about 2 a.m. Wednesday in Cairo. A spokesperson for the Suez Canal Authority couldnt be reached for comment outside usual office hours. Gridlock The blockage has led to a big gridlock of other ships in the area. About 42 vessels either in the northbound convoy or arriving to transit the canal northbound are now waiting for the grounded vessel to be re-floated, Leth Agencies, one of the top providers of Suez Canal crossing services, said in a notice to clients. About 64 vessels traveling southbound were also affected. Oil prices briefly rose on news of the disruption before pulling back. At 400 meters in length, the vessel that was built in Japan about three years ago is longer than the Eiffel Tower laid on its side. Shipping companies have been turning to mega-sized vessels to help improve economies of scale, while some key routes -- including the Suez Canal -- being widened and deepened over the years to accommodate them. It could also take some time to move the vessel given that it would be loaded almost full, said Park Moo-Hyun, an analyst at Hana Financial Investment Co. in Seoul. This is going to delay a lot of the goods on one of the worlds busiest trade lanes. The 193-kilometer-long (120 miles) Suez Canal, which opened in 1869, is among the most trafficked waterways in the world, utilized by oil tankers shipping crude from the Middle East to Europe and North America. About 12% of global trade, almost 10% of seaborne oil trade and 8% of global LNG passes through the canal. The canal has been the site of occasional groundings that have halted shipping. Tugboats managed to get the OOCL Japan unstuck a few hours after it ran aground in October 2017, while the containership Maersk Shams was briefly stuck a year earlier. In one of the most serious delays, the canal was closed for three days in 2004 after an oil tanker, Tropic Brilliance, got lodged. The ship was finally freed after 25,000 tons of oil was pumped out. Any prolonged disruption would mean ships need to reroute, which would likely drive up freight costs, said Chun Hyungjin, research fellow at Korea Maritime Institute. Ships could bypass it by going around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope, but that would add about two extra weeks to the voyage from Asia to Europe, leading to significant extra costs and disrupting all schedules, said Bancheros Leszczynski. The has had a tumultuous year since the Covid-19 pandemic began roiling in 2020. As countries closed borders to try keep the virus under control, exports from China surged, leading to a dearth of containers and sending maritime rates soaring. The pandemic also exacerbated labor abuse in the industry, with thousands of seafarers stuck on vessels beyond the expiration of their contracts and past the requirements of globally accepted safety standards. GLEN CARBON The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that intermittent lane restrictions will begin on Route 157 between Horseshoe Lake and Chain of Rocks roads on Wednesday, weather permitting. The lane closure is needed to complete a new asphalt surface on the almost six-mile stretch and the project is expected to be completed by the end of July. CMA says Norton contracts could result in customers 'paying for services they no longer want or need' The Irish arm of US computer virus protection group Norton LifeLock has been hit with legal action by the UKs competition watchdog after it allegedly refused to provide certain information as part of an investigation into auto-renewing contracts. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it was the first time it has ever had to take a company to court to seek information in a consumer protection case. The UK unit of NortonLifeLock is also targeted in the court action by the CMA, which began its probe into the anti-virus software sector in 2018. During its investigation into the anti-virus software sector, the Competition and Markets Authority has identified a number of important concerns that Norton's terms and practices for automatically renewing contracts could result in customers paying for services they no longer want or need, noted the authority yesterday. It added that in order to progress its case on the basis of relevant evidence, the authority requested information from Norton, including research undertaken by the software firm on how customers responded to website information on auto-renewal and pricing. Norton has refused to provide some of this information, it said. Read More The CMA said it considers Nortons non-compliance to be in breach of its legal obligations and, for the first time ever on a consumer protection case, will use its powers to enforce the request for information through the courts. "It is completely unacceptable that a leading anti-virus software firm has refused to supply all the information we asked for, which is why we're taking the firm to court, said CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli. Our unprecedented decision in this case reflects the serious impact of Norton's refusal, which is delaying a CMA investigation intended to protect UK consumers, she added. The Irish unit of Norton LifeLock, formerly known as Symantec, posted revenue of 1bn in the 12 months to the end of March 2019, the most recent year for which accounts are publicly available for the division. It made a pre-tax profit of 32.3m. In auto-renewal contracts, a contract is automatically renewed at the end of a set time period for a further period. Customers have to actively take steps to cancel the auto-renewal, because their payment details are kept on file to facilitate it. The CMA is investigating if Norton provides sufficiently clear or prominent information that a contract will automatically renew, both before the customer enters into the contract and then before it automatically renews. Its also examining if Norton provides customers with adequate ways to cancel the automatic renewal, and if it uses price promotions that present a regular introductory price as a sale price. The CMA is also looking at whether Norton uses unfair contract terms to increase the prices paid by customers when contracts automatically renew. NortonLifeLock said it takes the CMAs claims seriously and is cooperating with the probe. It said it remains confident that its business practices and terms and conditions are fair and compliant with UK consumer law. More than a dozen Oregon senior care homes have reported coronavirus outbreaks even after staff and residents were offered vaccines, The Oregonian/OregonLive has found, pointing to the reality that vaccine access, while extraordinarily important, has not been a panacea for completely ending some outbreaks. At one facility, a resident got sick and died with COVID-19 more than two weeks after getting both shots of the vaccine, a facility director said. In another, most of the 13 staff who tested positive had refused to get vaccinated. In a third facility, seven people tested positive after they should have reached full immunity triggering reports to the state and federal government in search of potential variants of the disease. In all, at least 15 nursing, assisted living and memory care homes in Oregon have seen coronavirus outbreaks weeks after residents and staff were offered shots, three of them exceeding 30 cases. New cases continue to emerge. To be sure, the research and federal data indicate the coronavirus vaccine has almost certainly helped reduce coronavirus cases and deaths in senior care homes since doses became available in December. In Oregon, new nursing home cases have dropped to their lowest point since the pandemic began, federal data show, mirroring a nationwide trend. So, if vaccines are working, why are some nursing homes still seeing outbreaks? The answer is that, to a degree, post-vaccination clinic outbreaks are to be expected either because of low vaccine uptake among residents or staff, partial immunity because not enough time has elapsed or virus variants less susceptible to vaccines. Moreover, the vaccines were never billed as being 100% effective, and facilities test workers and staff frequently, making it easier to identify cases among people without symptoms. The outbreaks highlighted by the newsroom do not indicate the vaccine is not working but instead raise questions about the underlying circumstances and details of the eruptions. However, without the kind of individual-level data only public health officials and researchers could have access to, its impossible to know important details that would better help shape the publics understanding of these outbreaks. For example: How many people in Oregons senior care home outbreaks were fully vaccinated before they got sick and, if they were, how much time had elapsed after their most recent dose? The Oregon Health Authority said it is collecting data on vaccination status among residents and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19. The agency did not say if it is performing any analyses on the data, though it is sending information about those who tested positive after reaching full immunity to federal health officials. The agency did not provide the number of outbreaks that occurred after vaccination clinics or the number of senior care home cases among people who reached full immunity. Examining such cases can help identify problems during shipping, storing or administering the vaccine, a spokesman for the agency said. The agency also pointed to the fact that the real-world effectiveness of vaccines might not be the same as what pharmaceutical companies found when doing their research. That could be particularly true when it comes to seniors. Residents in long-term care make up a special population of increased concern for vaccine failure, both because this population may not mount a robust immune response and is at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19, spokesman Timothy Heider said. The agency is helping analyze samples of the virus to identify mutations that can get around defenses the vaccines are meant to create. Long-term care homes have served as a type of bellwether for the rest of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Benjamin Clark, a University of Oregon public policy professor who has authored reports on the states coronavirus response. He said its important to understand why outbreaks continue to occur in the facilities even after vaccines. Coronavirus hits senior care home residents harder and earlier than others, making them potential predictors of the course of the pandemic. Continued outbreaks, however less frequent than at the height of the pandemic, may point to uncertainty for the future, how long it will take before senior care home restrictions can be fully lifted or how safe residents and staff will be going forward. Because most of the residents and staff in care homes have had the opportunity to get vaccinated, how they fare could help predict how the rest of the population will once everyone can get the vaccine, Clark said. If that population is doing phenomenally better, then we would expect the rest of the population to be doing phenomenally better and vice versa, Clark said. That population will be the leading indicator of the change towards good or bad outcomes. In investigating post-vaccination cases, local, state and federal health officials have prioritized identifying mutations of the virus that can get through the defenses afforded by vaccines. But other, no less threatening, reasons can explain continued outbreaks, the newsroom found. Variants, low vaccine uptake and partial immunity mean that ending pandemic will still take time, said Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert at the University at Buffalos Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Theres always some risk, Russo said, in the age of COVID. A Harney County care homes recent experience illustrates that vaccines are only effective if people take them. While many Oregon care homes have had multiple outbreaks, The Aspens Living Center, in Hines, hadnt identified a single case in one year of pandemic. By January, it seemed like the facility was in the final stretch, with pharmaceutical company employees setting up shop and offering everyone a shot of the coronavirus vaccine. Then, something strange happened. Just three of the 25 employees and 20 of the 38 residents agreed to get a shot. Staff and residents were worried about vaccine side effects, said Ryan Dupuy, the facility director. The facility had its first positive case five weeks later, setting off a cascade of infections that hospitalized two residents and forced just over half of the facilitys staff to stay home due to infections. I figured eventually there would be a case, but not necessarily this bad, Dupuy said. Dupuy is sure that had more people gotten vaccinated, the outbreak would have been less severe, even if everyone wouldnt have reached full immunity by the time the virus began spreading. I wouldve loved if everyone had gotten the vaccine, he said. Indeed, low vaccine uptake among senior care home workers has been a problem nationwide, with one study reporting less than half of nursing home staff offered vaccines took them. Officials and facility administrators have said young staff have been particularly hesitant, preferring to wait to see how their colleagues fare in the longer-term before deciding to get a shot. The state doesnt track how many of the long-term care staff and residents who are offered shots accept them, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services said. In Douglas County facilities with outbreaks, only about half of the staff got shots, county Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer said. If all the staff were vaccinated, an outbreak wouldnt be impossible, Dannenhoffer said. But it would be much less likely. But even getting a shot far from guarantees outbreaks wont happen. Anecdotal examples relayed by facility managers show that some long-term care staff and residents did test positive and in some cases die with COVID-19 after getting one or more doses of the vaccine. Indeed, at least six Oregon facilities with post-vaccination clinic outbreaks had cases among people with some or full immunity. Two people who tested positive and died with COVID-19 symptoms in a recent outbreak at Life Care Center of McMinnville had at least one shot, said Kristy Runge, interim director of nursing. One of them tested positive 15 days after getting the second dose of the vaccine. Separately, a resident and worker at the facility got sick more than 10 days after the second dose, prompting health officials to test for a variant, Runge said. The samples were sent out Feb. 15, Runge said, and results have not yet returned. While she would like to see the results, Runge said the vaccine has apparently made a difference. The two surviving cases after being fully vaccinated had mild symptoms and have completely recovered, she said. And, across the board, residents appear to feel safer now that most people have been vaccinated, she said. There definitely is, for the residents, a different level of comfort, Runge said. Post-vaccination immunity is on a spectrum, from zero immunity with no vaccine at all, to some immunity after one dose, to the highest level of immunity a few weeks after the second dose. One recent real-world study in Israel found that one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 57% effective in preventing COVID-19, and two doses were 95% effective. An American Health Care Association analysis of federal vaccination and outbreak data found a 48% reduction in cases among facilities with at least one clinic, compared to a 21% drop among those that did not. Most facilities saw a reduction because of a general downward trend. Partially immune people provide a perfect breeding ground for new variants to appear, said Oregon Health & Science University researcher Dr. Ben Bimber. A fully vaccinated person might be able to fight off all varieties of the virus right away, but those who have had only one dose might not have a strong enough response to eliminate more evasive variants of the virus. We need to be studying them very carefully, Bimber, who helped identify Oregons first coronavirus variants, said. They represent cases where the vaccine did not work. Others are less interested. Health officials for the Multnomah County health department, for example, say that the risk of disease before maximum immunization is known and therefore such cases are insignificant. Theres nothing really to look at if its been less than two weeks after the second dose, said Lisa Ferguson, a county communicable disease manager with the county. Because we know they do not have adequate immunity. Health officials are also trying to identify and study variants of the coronavirus that can infect even those who have received shots. At least 18 Oregon coronavirus cases have been discovered with variants from Brazil and the United Kingdom. Vaccines were originally made based on the virus first identified in China, and scientists are concerned that those vaccines could be less effective against mutated versions of the virus. But evidence suggests existing vaccines reduce the severity of illness, and the vaccines can be tweaked as more is known about the variants. While the Oregon Health Authority has said vaccines are likely to reduce the severity of variant infections, it is too early to speculate how effective the vaccines will ultimately be against them. One known case of a variant infection after full vaccination occurred in an Oregon health care setting, according to researchers with Oregon Health & Science University who identified the variant, though they did not know if that was a long-term care facility. Dannenhoffer, the Douglas County health official, is worried he could have a variant outbreak on his hands. One facility had seven so-called breakthrough cases of people getting infected after being fully vaccinated, he said, and he is still waiting on the results of a genetic analysis to find out if those people were, in fact, sick with a newer version of the virus. Dannenhoffer said he is expecting the results any day now. -- Fedor Zarkhin fzarkhin@oregonian.com; 971-373-2905 We are thrilled to have Dr. Steven Schmid join our CTT team. He has developed high-yield PBMC Processing for our site. Steven M. Schmid, Ph.D. joins the staff of Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc. (CTT) as Sr. Director, Laboratory Strategic Planning & Development to oversee the companys in-house PBMC and lab operations. Dr. Schmid has spent more than three decades in the pharmaceutical and research industries holding senior-level positions at leading biotech companies. I am joining the quality-driven team at Clinical Trials of Texas during an exciting time of their growth in studies and facilities, said Dr. Schmid. I was attracted to this opportunity to build upon the solid foundation and track record to meet the needs of sponsors and the great team at CTT. I look forward to adding value to meet company goals and continue their mission for the benefit of sponsors and patients. Dr. Schmid is a highly regarded author and presenter with more than 17 years experience in clinical trials, Phases I-IV in oncology, urologic oncology, small molecules, interferons, monoclonal antibodies, and liposomal agents. He has worked for 7 years with human blood products and PBMC isolation and 25 years with pharmacology studies. In addition, Dr. Schmid has completed four capital buildouts that resulted in fully staffed and equipped lab facilities that he led. We are thrilled to have Dr. Steven Schmid join our CTT team, said President/CEO Kay Scroggins, RN. He has developed high-yield PBMC Processing for our site. We look forward to further benefitting from his expertise and the opportunity to work with such a talented researcher. Clinical Trials of Texas, Inc. (CTT) is a highly awarded and fast-growing, multi-therapeutic site in Texas, founded by Kay Scroggins, RN in 2001. CTT conducts studies across Phases I-IV, working with more than 13 investigators across multiple therapeutic areas such as metabolic disorders, vaccine, womens health, mental and behavioral health. The ongoing pandemic has changed dramatically the way we live our lives. Weve learned early on that the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus are to keep a safe distance from one another, wash our hands and wear facemasks.Those who were unable to work from home have been using their personal vehicles more during these troubled times, relying on them to provide a safe haven.But, considering that the virus is airborne, many drivers and their passengers have opted to keep their facemasks on while driving for added protection.Whether thats necessary or not is a question for health professionals, but for added peace of mind, Honda Motor Europe has recently revealed a new generation of multi-layer cabin air filters available in dealerships for all of the automakers recent models.According to Honda , the new cabin filters developed in cooperation with Freudenberg, a German company that has been responsible for many innovative air filtration technologies, should provide active protection by substantially reducing the concentration of viral aerosols.To lower the infection risk in the vehicle cabin, its generally recommended to increase the fresh air supply, which, theoretically, reduces the concentration of aerosols. In recirculation mode, removing viruses from the air largely depends on the filtration system's efficiency, so the filter (or filters) plays a key role in this process.The new filters feature two conventional microfiber layers that capture most ultrafine aerosols, dust, and pollen, while a third activated carbon layer absorbs harmful pollutants such as particulates and acid gases. Nothing new or revolutionary here since such filters have been available for years.However, its the fourth layer that Honda describes as being innovative. According to the official press release, this bio-functional layer coated with an active substance obtained from a fruit extract effectively disables captured viral aerosols, preventing them from being released into the cabin.Apart from the fact that the pandemic has been a part of our lives for over a year and Honda is a bit late to react, the automakers latest filters are nothing new.For years, companies such as Mahle or Mann Filter have provided similar multi-layer products which contain a protective biolayer as part of their premium aftermarket FreciousPlus and CareMetix ranges.Before the pandemic, those were marketed as being able to successfully eliminate harmful particles, odors, micro-organisms, and allergens from entering the cabin.Moreover, many highly efficient facemasks use small carbon-activated filters, so theoretically, their automotive counterparts should be just as effective. As I mentioned before, these have been available for years both as factory-installed equipment and as aftermarket replacement parts.Since Im not a health expert, I wont discuss the risks of contracting the virus everyone fears right now through your vehicles air conditioning system, and I dont doubt the ability of Hondas new filters to protect against such viruses.However, the companys attempt to sell their new (and expensive) filters capitalizing on the ongoing health crisis is somewhat distasteful and laughably late. If it does care about its customers health, Honda should provide them free of charge or at the lowest possible price. I think it is very difficult to persuade the UK population to sit at home, or holiday at home when everybody's been vaccinated" Ryanair PLC ( ) is to fly 80% of its schedule over the summer holiday period due to the success of the UK vaccination programme, chief executive Michael OLeary said today. The Ireland-based airline said it had seen a surge in bookings from Germany and the UK for the summer and especially during July, August and September. I think it is very difficult to persuade the UK population to sit at home, or holiday at home when everybody's been vaccinated," he said in an interview. OLeary also said that people who dont want to fly on a 737-Max will be able to wait until a flight that isnt one of the Boeing planes. Ryanair is one of the biggest advocates of the troubled aircraft, which has just been allowed to fly again after being grounded for almost 24 months after two fatal crashes. The airline boss said he expects to receive 16 737-Maxes by the summer, compared to an original forecast of 24 given in February, with eight to arrive in each of April and in May but none now in June. OLearys optimism over summer flights is in contrast with the UK government, which has been attempting to rein back travel hopes on fears that the third wave of coronavirus infections spreading across Europe might be brought back to the UK. A clampdown on attempting to travel on holiday ahead of the roadmap to recovery timetable was announced yesterday by the UK authorities with fines of 5,000 for anyone caught leaving the country without a reasonable excuse. British Airways cancelled hundreds of flights scheduled for this summer following the fine announcement and fears that many more countries will be placed on the travel red-list due to the third wave of infections. Boris Johnsons recovery road map envisages air travel resuming on May 17 and despite the caution from the UK authorities, Michael OLeary said he was still optimistic. He said he rated at above 50% that holidays would happen, especially in places such as Greece, Spain and Portugal that have said they would welcome people who can prove they had been vaccinated. An announcement on travel is expected by the UKs global travel taskforce on 5 April. Shares in Ryanair rose 3.8% to 16.16 while British Airways owner IAG added 2.6% to 192.2p. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Millennial Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ML) (FSE: A3N2) (OTCQX: MLNLF) ("Millennial" or the "Company") is pleased to provide our shareholders with an update of its activities at its Pastos Grandes Project in Salta Province, Argentina and its Cauchari projects in Jujuy Province. The pilot plant at Pastos Grandes has now completed its first run of concentrated lithium brine and samples have been shipped to an independent lab for check analysis. The brine feedstock is sourced from the Company's Production well PGMW17-04 on the Pastos Grandes Salar where the brine is pumped to ponds that concentrate the lithium by solar evaporation. A complete report of chemical and physical analytical results of the samples are expected in several weeks. Permitting for exploration at the Company's Cauchari projects is approaching completion and drillhole and geophysical data are being evaluated to target additional drilling later in 2021. The Company initiated pilot pond construction in 2018 and began directing brine to the ponds later that same year. The pilot plant is being fed with concentrated lithium-rich brine from smaller feeder ponds which had reached a target grade of 3% Li. Brine chemistry, particularly K, B, Ca, Mg, and SO 4 concentrations are in line with target plant feed specifications and plant design parameters outlined in the Company's Feasibility Study completed in 2019 (see press release dated July 29, 2019). The first phase of the process, the Solvent Extraction (SX) system, was successful in removing the majority of the boron (B) from the brine. The SX stage is followed by brine purification via carbonation and liming reactors designed to remove calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). After this initial carbonation stage the concentrated brine is directed through the first ion exchange (IX) columns to further reduce Ca and Mg, followed by the main lithium carbonate precipitation reactor. Lastly, the CO 2 purification system which includes a second IX ideally yields Battery Grade purity lithium carbonate. As part of the Company's ongoing corporate initiative to develop staff within the Company and offer opportunities to people in local communities and gender-balancing, on-site training and education of pilot plant and liming plant operators and pilot pond management teams have been expanded. This workforce increase will facilitate plant operation with the end-goal of providing fully qualified staff prepared for future commercial operation. A comprehensive Health, Safety and Environmental protocol and training program has been implemented for all stages of the plant. The Company is also pleased to report that there has been progress at its Cauchari East/Cauchari East Expansion project. The Jujuy government has delivered a Cateo edict to the relevant communities in the region. With the submittal of the bi-annual EIA (environmental impact assessment) update the file should be complete for the mining court of Jujuy to formally grant the exploration license for the project. An inspection of the area by the Jujuy Mining Directorate reported no negative findings. The Company is reviewing drillhole information and is updating its interpretation of geophysical data (Vertical Electronic Sounding and TEM) generated in its 2018/2019 exploration programs to target drilling aimed at sampling further the lithium bearing section encountered in hole CMEW18-01 from 451m to 543m. GRANT OF OPTIONS The Company also wishes to announce the granting, subject to regulatory acceptance including that of the Exchange, of 3,435,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its Argentina subsidiary, Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A. The Options are granted under the terms and conditions of the Company's incentive stock option plan and are exercisable at a price of $2.98 per common share. The term of the Options is five (5) years. PROPOSED LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN The Company is proposing to adopt a Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") at its upcoming meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders on April 20, 2021. The purpose of the LTIP is to attract and retain highly qualified officers, directors, key employees, consultants and other eligible persons, and to motivate such officers, directors, key employees, consultants and other eligible persons to serve the Company and its affiliates (the "Affiliates") such as its existing subsidiary in Argentina and to expend maximum effort to improve the business results and earnings of the Corporation, by providing to such persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the operations and future success of the Company. To this end, the proposed LTIP allows the Compensation Committee of the Company to grant up to 2,000,000 performance stock units (the "PSUs") with each PSU convertible, on certain terms and conditions, to one common share (the "Shares") of the Company. The LTIP is intended to complement the Company's existing incentive stock option plan and restricted stock unit plan by allowing the Company to offer a broader range of incentives to management and staff. Shareholders will be asked at the Meeting to vote on a resolution to approve the LTIP and management of the Company is recommending approval. The exercise price of the PSUs, if any, shall be determined by the Compensation Committee at the time a PSU is granted. Subject to the LTIP, the Compensation Committee has the power to determine when any PSU will become exercisable and may determine that the PSU will be exercisable immediately upon the date of grant, in instalments or pursuant to a vesting schedule. However, unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, PSUs issued pursuant to the LTIP will generally be subject to a vesting schedule whereby, upon the occurrence of any one of a number of identified corporate and project development milestones after the issuance of PSUs to a certain person, one-third of the PSUs issued to that person will vest and be available for exercise. In the event of a change of control (as defined in the LTIP), all PSUs outstanding will be immediately exercisable subject to any Exchange requirements to the contrary. The LTIP and any PSUs granted under it are subject not just to shareholder approval of the LTIP but also to regulatory approval, including the approval of the Exchange. This news release has been reviewed by Iain Scarr, AIPG CPG., Chief Operating Officer of the Company and a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101. To find out more about Millennial Lithium Corp. please contact Investor Relations at (604) 662-8184 or email info@millenniallithium.com. MILLENNIAL LITHIUM CORP. "Farhad Abasov" President, CEO and 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 release. This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals including approvals of title and mining rights or licenses, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, changes in laws, rules and regulations in Argentina which may impact upon the Company or its properties or the commercial exploitation of those properties, currency risks including the exchange rate of USD$ for Cdn$, fluctuations in the market for lithium, changes in exploration costs and government royalties, export policies or taxes in Argentina and other factors or information. The Company's current plans, expectations and intentions with respect to development of its business and of the Pastos Grandes Project may be impacted by economic uncertainties arising out of Covid-19 pandemic or by the impact of current financial and other market conditions on its ability to secure further financing or funding of the Pastos Grandes Project. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affections such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78448 The rural community of The Glen in St Finian's Bay in South Kerry will feature on a special show on TG4 this week. Presenter Sile Nic Chonaonaigh visited the region to meet with the local residents and business owners that make up the thriving community,. Among those who Sile chats with is local historian Padraig S. O Laoghaire. Padraig talks about the local history and the strong ties between An Ghleann and An Sceilig, as well as the history behind the one-thousand-year-old cemetery and the Monastery that was founded in the 19th century. Padraig describes the changes that have taken place in the community over the last fifty years and predicts that there will be more to come. Sorcha Ni Chathain who is the principal of Scoil Naisiunta an Ghleanna, speaks about the school's history. The local school, which has stood its ground since 1862, is the first multidenominational school in the Gaeltacht. They were under Catholic patronage but are now directed by Bord Oiliuna agus Oideachas Chiarrai (KETB). The local Irish language Officer Victor Bayda, originally from Russia, speaks of the welcome he received when he moved into the area, and his objective to help the locals use the Irish language. Colm Healy - Owner of Skellig Chocolate - speaks of the modern business he captains, and what was it that brought him to An Ghleann. TG4 also visited the local day care centre where they meet local bus driver Padraig driver Padraig O Braonain. Padraig talks about his life as a driver for Ionad Lae an Ghleanna, for the last ten years, the elder generation from the community that he collects every week. Chef Sean O Cathasaigh talks about his profession as a cook and all the different places around the world that he's worked as a cook before returning home. He met his wife by chance in California, a woman who was born in An Ghleann. BAILTE - An Gleann - Ba Fhionain will be aired on TG4 this Thursday, March 25. Cadila Healthcare and its subsidiary Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. have reached an agreement with Celgene Corporation (Celgene), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bristol Myers Squibb relating to patents for Revlimid (lenalidomide). As part of the settlement, the parties will file consent judgments with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey that enjoin Zydus Cadila from marketing generic lenalidomide before the expiration of the patents-in-suit, except as provided for in the settlement. Cadila Healthcare reported 40.6% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 512.50 crore on a 6.2% rise in net sales to Rs 3,753.70 crore in Q3 FY21 over Q3 FY20. Shares of Cadila Healthcare was down 0.02% to Rs 430.95 on BSE. Cadila Healthcare is a global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The outlook in the U.S. stands in stark contrast to the deteriorating situation in places like Brazil, which reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day for the first time Tuesday, and across Europe, where another wave of infections is leading to new lockdowns and where the vaccine rollout on the continent has been slowed by production delays and questions about the safety and effectiveness of AstraZenecas shot. NewsBytes It was in early May that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced free ration for all cardholders in the capital for that month and June. Two weeks later, that scheme was extended even to those who do not possess a valid ration card. However, a month after the initial announcement, many of Delhi's poor are yet to receive the promised aid. Why is that? JERUSALEM Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus party held a lead in Israels fourth election in two years, exit polls projected Wednesday, but neither his right-wing alliance nor a diverse bloc of opposition parties had a clear path to a majority coalition, creating a stalemate that could extend Israels political deadlock for weeks if not months. Two of the three polls by Israeli broadcasters gave Mr. Netanyahus conservative Likud party and his wider right-wing and religious bloc 53 seats in Israels Parliament 60 when adding seven seats he might get from an independent candidate. That still fell short of the 61 needed to form a majority in the 120-seat Parliament. The third poll gave the anti-Netanyahu bloc of parties an edge of 61 seats, potentially blocking Mr. Netanyahus path to victory and making the election too close to call. The anti-Netanyahu camp is made up of ideologically disparate parties, which will hinder their attempts to replace him. Some have already rejected the possibility of cooperating with others. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 23:32:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Education Ministry has declared to re-open all schools in the country's Western Province including capital Colombo on March 29 after it was shut since last October due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a minister said here Wednesday. Education Minister G.L. Peiris told a weekly media briefing here that following recommendations from the Health Ministry, schools for all grades would re-open on March 29. The country's Western Province was the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with schools across the province remaining shut due to a rise in infections since October last year. The Minister said schools would now re-open and all health protocols would be strictly followed. "Now we believe that a conducive environment has been created to re-open all schools and all grades in the Western Province. The health recommendations in this regard were conveyed by the Health Services Director General," the Minister said. Accordingly, all pre-schools in the Western Province have also been permitted to commence from March 29. Enditem 'Several' schoolchildren were rushed to hospital after eating gummy sweets laced with cannabis, police say, issuing an urgent warning to parents in south London. The pupils, from the Sutton area, had to receive urgent treatment after suffering side effects on March 12, while officers have warned of others falling ill since then. The sweets look like normal gummy bears or similar treats but are infused with cannabis and cause a similar effect to smoking it. Police have warned parents over the dangers of cannabis infused sweets, which have left a number of children in hospital While no-one has ever died as a direct result of cannabis, users or those who have never taken the drug can misjudge doses, especially when eating it, and suffer side effects like vomiting and panic attacks (stock pic) The rules on cannabis in the UK Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the UK, although it has been available on prescription for medicinal purposes since it was approved by the Government in July 2018. Doctors are able to prescribe medicine derived from marijuana, but the decision to must be made by a specialist doctor not a GP, the Government rules. At the time of law change, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid (2018-2019) said: 'Following advice from two sets of independent advisors, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products meaning they will be available on prescription. 'This will help patients with an exceptional clinical need.' Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the UK, although it can be prescribed for medicinal purposes Mr Javid added it was 'in no way a first step to the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use'. It came after he granted an exceptional licence for Alfie Dingley, then six, and Billy Caldwell, then 12, to use cannabis for their epilepsy. Possession of the class B drug still carries an unlimited fine and up to five years in jail, while dealers face 14 years in prison. Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But there's no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits. Advertisement While no-one has ever died as a direct result of cannabis, users or those who have never taken the drug can misjudge doses, especially when eating it, and suffer side effects like vomiting and panic attacks. Police have now issued a warning to parents and said children caught with the weed sweets will be referred to them. It is not clear exactly how many youngsters have been affected. One school in the area, Greenshaw High School, shared the police notice on its Twitter account. The warning said: 'There has been an increase in young people buying what at first appear to be regular jelly sweets, gummy bears or similar sweets. 'These sweets are not what they appear to be. They are in fact mixed with cannabis and have a detrimental effect on those eating them. 'Sadly, a number of school pupils in Sutton have been either made very ill or hospitalised as a result of eating them.' It comes just months after 13 teenage girls were put in hospital following a similar incident at La Sainte Union Catholic School in Highgate, Camden in October. Scotland Yard later confirmed the sweets contained THC - the active component in cannabis. Some of the girls spent the night at a hospital in Barnet, with the school at the time asking parents to obtain a 'written statement,' on how the drug-laced sweets were brought into school. The girls were thought to have headed back to class, where they reported feeling dizzy, while some vomited. One parent, Jan, who did not want to give her last name said: Weve heard that they ate too many of the Gummie Bears and then started feeling sick when they went into class. The teacher became concerned because one of the girls vomited and the others felt as if they were about to. Were still waiting to hear the full story from the school but its very worrying that this kind of behaviour is taking place during school time. Cannabis is illegal for recreational use in the UK, although it can be prescribed for medicinal purposes. Some MPs have also said recently they believe the drug could become fully legalised in just a few years. The Metropolitan Police has been approached for further comment. Police have now issued a warning to parents and said children caught with the weed sweets will be referred to them Shade uses offensive attack to take down Shanksville in D5-A semis Karachi: Pakistan's Sindh High Court has reprimanded the Imran Khan government for showing disinterest in the cases of missing persons and deplored that no legislation had so far been made against enforced disappearances. "We note that the federal government has been making hue and cry about tracing out the missing persons, but it appears from the conduct of the concerned secretaries that this is only for optics and no practical action is being taken," a two-judge bench headed by Justice Mohammad Karim Khan Agha said on Monday (March 22), as quoted by Dawn. The court further said that it is alarming that no legislation has been passed in respect of criminality for those involved in carrying out enforced disappearances. While giving a stern warning, the bench granted a last chance to the federal authorities to collect reports from the internment centres regarding missing persons and submit the same in court before the next hearing. The hearing has now been adjourned till April 20. This comes as Pakistan's Joint Action Committee (JAC) for Shia missing persons and families of enforced disappearance has called for a nationwide protest from April onwards if their family members are not recovered by the end of this month. Earlier this month, JAC members had expressed concerns over the disappearance of their relatives and alleged that the Pakistan government and state institutions were not serious in their recovery, reported the Dawn. The JAC members said despite repeated assurances from the Pakistan authorities, the missing persons had not been traced. Enforced disappearances have been a long stain on Pakistan`s human rights record. Despite the pledges of successive governments to criminalise the practice, there has been a very slow movement on legislation, while people continue to be forcibly disappeared with impunity. Enforced disappearance has been used as a tool by the Pakistani state to silence the minority communities. While countless abductees have been killed, many of them are still facing inhuman torture in army secrets cells. Live TV 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. Twenty-seven Malawians have been awarded scholarships by the Institute of International Education (IIE) under their Agricultural Transformation Initiative Fellowship and Scholarship Fund (ATI FSF). The aim of the ATI FSF is to strengthen the capacity of researchers and professionals in Malawi in high-priority fields that will help the country transform its agricultural sector by reducing dependence on tobacco exports. A statement from IIE says the ATI FSF programme is providing 19 scholarships for master's study and eight awards for postdoctoral research in agriculture, business, data science, economics, ecology/environment and engineering. "As the world moves away from tobacco use, the ATI FSF seeks to support the ongoing education of Malawian citizens who are dedicated to diversifying and transforming the agricultural sector in Malawi," says the statement. The awardees pursuing master's degrees under the ATI FSF Scholars program began their studies in January at higher education institutions in the United States which include Michigan State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and the University of Arkansas. And for the postdoctoral ATI FSF Fellows, most awards are being pursued in South Africa, primarily hosted by the University of Stellenbosch. The ATI FSF Fellows and Scholars are some of Malawi's most accomplished and promising individuals in the areas of academia and they will be addressing how to transform Malawi's agricultural sector through multiple disciplines. To participate in the program, which is supported through a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, the Fellows and Scholars submitted an application and were selected through an open and competitive process by an independent committee comprising members from academia and the public and private sectors. The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World is funded by annual gifts from Philip Morris International (PMI) Global Services Inc, which is one of Malawi's biggest buyers of tobacco. It is an independent, US nonprofit private institution committed to reducing deaths and diseases caused by smoking, whose affiliate -- the Agricultural Transformation Initiative (ATI) aims to diversify tobacco-dependent economies and its work has started in Malawi. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Education Agribusiness By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Fellows and Scholars are expected to play a critical role in the future of their country, as Limbani Chikafutwa -- scholar at the Rochester Institute of Technology -- agrees that "these skills will go a long way to impact and bring positive change to people's lives in Malawi". Another peer in the cohort of Scholars, Takondwa Moyo -- who is at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign -- said: "I believe that agricultural transformation, like any transformation, is a result of good policy. "Pursuing economics, particularly policy economics, will place me at the front line in helping make evidence-based policies." COVID-19 has required the Fellows and Scholars to start their programs virtually from Malawi but are expected to continue their physical face to face studies in August. The IIE, a global not-for-profit that creates and implements international education programs, was established in 1919 that has seen it conducting research and providing life-changing opportunities for students and scholars worldwide. The institution collaborates with a range of corporate, government and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training and leadership development programs. It has a network of 17 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,450 member institutions. EL CAJON, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday March 24th from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm PDT, members of the Cajon Valley Union School District will join... President Joe Biden Vice President Kamala Harris Dr. Jill Biden , First Lady of the United States , First Lady of Dr. Miguel Cardona , Secretary of Education , Secretary of Education Dr. Rochelle Walensky , Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond , President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute ABC News 10 Story - Innovative Cajon Valley curriculum setting students up for success along with a few other spotlight districts for the National Safe Schools Reopening Summit hosted by the US Department of Education . The Summit is one of a series of steps the Department is taking to provide support and resources to schools as they work to reopen quickly and safely and equitably address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students most impacted by the pandemic. Cajon Valley has earned global recognition for its innovative practices in modern curriculum, technology, and The World of Work, a comprehensive K - 12 solution for career development, financial empowerment, and social & emotional well-being. ABC10 News Story: Innovative Cajon Valley curriculum setting students up for success Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute, will moderate a panel with representatives of Tulsa School District and Cajon Valley Team Members Anisha Ward , 8th Grade Student of Bostonia Language Academy , 8th Grade Student of Bostonia Language Academy Shelly Smith , Teacher at Rios Computer Science Magnet School , Teacher at Rios Computer Science Magnet School Nerel Winter, Principal of Bostonia Language Academy Karen Minshew , Assistant Superintendent Educational Services as they change the conversation from "learning loss" to "hope and engagement" for our nation's youth beyond the pandemic. The National Safe School Reopening Summit is a public event, and all attendees can register here. Closed captioning and ASL interpreters will be available throughout the entire Summit, and the event will be livestreamed on the Department of Education's YouTube channel . Media Contact: Howard Shen 619-590-5823 [email protected] SOURCE Cajon Valley Union School District Related Links https://www.cajonvalley.net/ Leading global industry players will be in Dubai next week for the Middle East Smart Lighting & Energy Summit where they will delve into the technologies and strategies being employed across the world to elevate cities from outdated, inefficient models to smart, connected and eco-friendly cities of the future. Returning for its ninth edition, the Middle East Smart Lighting and Energy Summit will be held at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre on March 31 and April 1, said the organisers Expotrade. As the move towards a more sustainable future becomes ever more urgent, there has been a strong focus on finding energy efficient solutions to ensure that durability, sustainability and cost-efficiency can all co-exist. Smart city is no longer just a buzz word, but a benchmark that demands creative and efficient solutions to lighting, energy use, design and construction, they added. Some of the high-profile speakers at the event include: Roberto Inclinati, Global Senior Business Development Manager at UL, who will discuss the ways in which smart lighting can assist in traffic management in his presentation Smart Lighting Intelligently Managing Traffic Creating Seamless Cities. Suhas Inamdar, Head of Planning and Technical at Al Wasl Properties, who speaks on Li-Fi the secure way of data transfer through light waves. Francesco Lozupone, Business Development Manager at Sylvania Lighting as he discusses Smart Lighting Techniques: Benefits of Implementing Predictive and Monitoring Controls David Andrew Dunn, Lighting Expert, Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities as he asks Solar Street Lighting- is it feasible for the UAE? Besides this, the list also includes Faisal Rashid, the Director - Demand Side Management at Dubai Supreme Council of Energy; Trevor Leighton, Global Technical Director at Ligman; Pradeep Singh, the acting director - Business Development & Technical at Etihad Esco and Engineer Roaa Ghassan Alkhatib, Assistant Technical Director at Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority; Majid Ideisan Ibraheem Abuabdoun, Lead - Energy Engineer at Ministry of Infrastructure Development; Bushra Anwar, Associate Electrical at Cundall; Mohan Daniel, Senior Electrical Engineer at Atkins; Rabab Husain, Associate Director: Head of Electrical & ELV at Ramboll; Vasos Evripidou, MEP Design Director at Parsons; Hassan Younes, Technical Director at Griffin Consultants; Regina Santos, Associate Lighting Designer at Godwin Austen Johnson Architects; Henrique Pereira, Senior Manager Energy Services, Energy Efficiency & Renewables Administration at Ras Al Khaimah Municipality; Mark Davies, MEP Technical Director at Aurecon and Sheeba Benny, Head of Electrical at Ted Jacob Engineering Group. Covering the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, smart city lighting, energy efficient public lighting solutions, IoT and architectural lighting, this event will explore the countless ways that well-designed lighting and energy solutions can help to create seamless, smart cities, said the organisers. It will see experts showcasing the advanced lighting technology solutions at the core of smart city development, they added.-TradeArabia News Service YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. Francesco, a new documentary about Pope Francis, will be available to watch on DiscoveryPlus on March 28. The film director and producer is Oscar-nominated filmmaker Evgeny Afineevsky. Among the producers of the documentary is also Emmy-nominated Armenian-American film producer Eric Esrailian. Eric Esrailian stated that its an honor to share the film Francesco with Pope Francis. Personally, I am also so grateful for his unequivocal leadership in raising massive awareness about the Armenian Genocide despite geopolitical pressure to stay silent, he said on Facebook. Esrailian also posted a photo showing Pope Francis praying at the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan. I was honored to be here when Pope Francis prayed at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and drew the worlds attention to Armenia once again. Watch our film Francesco with Pope Francis on DiscoveryPlus this Sunday and learn about his powerful efforts to recognize the Armenian Genocide ad much more. Despite decades of denial and geopolitical maneuvering by denialists, our U.S. Senate, House, Library of Congress and the enlightened world now publicly recognize the historical facts...something even denialists do in private. Bipartisan members of Congress are now calling on President Biden to make sure the Executive Branch follows suit, he added. The film tells about the life and activity of Pope Francis. It also includes interviews with the Pope, his family members and others. The film premiered at Rome Film Festival On October 21, 2020. It received the famous Italian Kineo award. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan UN agencies sound alarm on pending hunger emergency in poor countries Xinhua) 10:32, March 24, 2021 A swarm of desert locusts invade parts of Mwingi Town in Kitui County, Kenya, on Feb. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yu) ROME, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Acute hunger is on the verge of escalating in more than 20 countries driven by the coronavirus pandemic, conflict, changing climate and other factors, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP) said in a joint report released Tuesday. The two agencies, both based in Rome, released a 37-page report showing that Yemen, South Sudan and the northern parts of Nigeria top the list and are facing catastrophic levels of acute hunger. Though the majority of the affected countries are in Africa, acute hunger is due to rise steeply in most world regions, including Afghanistan in Asia, Syria and Lebanon in the Middle East as well as Haiti in Latin America and the Caribbean, said the report. The FAO and WFP said that more than 34 million people in the world are "grappling with emergency levels of acute hunger," which means they are one step away from starvation. That number could rise dramatically in the coming months if international assistance is not scaled up, the report said. "The magnitude of suffering is alarming," said FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in a statement. "It is incumbent upon all of us to act now and to act fast to save lives, safeguard livelihoods and prevent the worst situation." "We must run against the clock and not let this opportunity to protect, stabilize, and even possibly increase local food production slip away," added Qu. Echoing Qu's remarks, WFP Executive Director David Beasley said: "We are seeing a catastrophe unfold before our very eyes. Famine, driven by conflict and fueled by climate shocks and the COVID-19 hunger pandemic, is knocking on the door for millions of families." (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that he remains focused on helping President Akufo-Addo to realise his vision to transform Ghana. Some posters with the hash tag #Breaktheeight, have emerged on social media, pushing an agenda for Dr Bawumia to be considered as the next flagbearer of the NPP in 2024. In a statement issued on Wednesdy March 24 and signed by Spokesperson to Dr Bawumia, Dr Gideon Baako in reaction to posters across the country endorsing him as the NPP's 2024 Flagbearer, the Vice President's Office said the posters, and other associated activities, are without the consent of the Vice President. While reiterating his focus on assisting the President to achieve his vision, Dr. Bawumia also urged the rank and file of the party to also be in line and push towards the same direction with the President. Below is the full statement: The Office of the Vice President has taken notice of the proliferation of posters around the country apparently promoting H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the candidate of NPP for the 2024 elections. For the record, the Vice Preaident has not given his consent to these and other associated activities. The Vice Preaident remains focused on assisting His Excellency the President in the execution of his agenda to transform Ghana. 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 Chet Strange / TNS A spate of senseless shooting sprees and gun scares have shaken the country anew and provoked the latest round of puzzling over the perpetrators motives. What the attacks undoubtedly have in common, however, is the means: powerful firearms that are too easily obtained. Shattering a pandemic-year lull of sorts, the resurgence of the American mass shooting served cruel notice that Congress long inaction on gun violence continues. On Monday, a 21-year-old man allegedly used a semiautomatic rifle he had obtained six days earlier to kill 10, including a police officer, at a supermarket in Boulder, Colo. The massacre in a region that has endured repeated mass shootings came less than a week after another 21-year-old man allegedly used a 9-mm handgun purchased hours earlier to kill eight people, including six women of Asian descent, at three Atlanta-area spas. The bill, according to its sponsor, is aimed at investing and containing investments in the mining sector to promote mining. A bill to establish Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has scaled second reading at the Senate. The bill, which is aimed at investing and containing investments in the mining sector to promote mining, is sponsored by a former Nasarawa State governor, Tanko Al-makura (APC, Nasarawa South). It was read for the first time in September 2020. The bill scaled second reading on Tuesday after a lengthy debate by lawmakers. In the lead debate, Mr Al-makura said the legislation was in line with the Buhari-led administration to diversify the Nigerian economy. Next to agriculture, he said, the solid mineral sector had been identified as one with the potential to compete and eventually replace crude oil as a major source of foreign exchange earnings. He said Nigeria was blessed with an abundance of solid minerals in five distinct classes, namely precious mineral/gemstones (ruby, emerald etc), metallic ores (lead, zinc, copper etc), construction minerals (laterite, granite, gravel, sand etc) and energy minerals (bitumen, coal and uranium among others). He said these resources remained largely untapped and unexplored. The lawmaker said the agency seeks to develop upstream exploration and production, midstream mineral processing and metallurgy and downstream logistics, trade and export which will catalyse investment in the entire mining value chain in Nigeria. "It is expected that the establishment of the NMDC will urgently address the challenges of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) currently facing state Government in Nigeria, as it would provide the much needed revenue to deliver on the administration's priority areas of infrastructure development; social inclusion and poverty reduction, industrialisation and job creation for the citizens of Nigeria," Mr Al-makura said. Cost of setup Successful setup and take off of the agency (including all initial capital and operating expenditure), he said, will require N5 billion. "Initial funding shall be by way of a sovereign guarantee. The federal government would pay up its 70 per cent equity contribution and the institutional investor shall pay their respective equity participation to the corporation. "Subsequent funding of the NMDC would be through the Nigerian Mineral Development Fund (NMDF) which will be managed by the corporation strictly in accordance with international best practices." The NMDC is proposed to be a state-owned Enterprise (SOE) with private sector participation and governance control as the vehicle for unbundling upstream and downstream commercial activities in the Nigerian solid mineral sector. Key activities of the agency Mr Al-makura said the activities and scope of the corporation would broadly cover the following areas: * Mineral exploration activity for solid minerals located within Nigeria. * Investment in mineral processing and metallurgical technology for identified and commercially viable minerals and metals in Nigeria. * Creation (Management) of the Nigerian Mineral Development Fund (NMDF) which will be an independently managed fund set-up by the corporation as a channel for proper investment in the solid mineral sector. * Creation of an active solid mineral exchange and all associated key enablers to provide a trading window for both individuals and institutional investors in the Nigerian Solid Mineral Sector. * Ensure technology transfer and local content development in the Nigerian Solid Mineral Sector. The commercial segment to be explored, according to the lawmaker, will focus on acquiring selected licenses for the seven priority minerals (Gold, Lead/Zinc, Iron Ore, Baryte, Limestone, Bitumen and Coal) through partnership agreements with state and local governments while sharing revenue with them in pre-agreed ratios. Contributions Senators who contributed to the debate argued that Nigeria was losing billions of dollars daily to foreign miners who were taking advantage of the lack of agency to oversee solid mineral exploration and exploitation of the products. Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), said the bill will give international miners the confidence to invest because they know that whatever they want to invest will be protected. It will also help this country in generating employment for so many youth and reduce the security risk, he said, because the lack of this legislation gave rise to illegal miners who use their activities to fuel insecurity. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Business Mining By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Binos Yaroe (APC, Adamawa South) said the legislation would promote and support the development of the solid minerals sector which will lead to diversification of the economy and less dependence on the petroleum sector. "It will also lead to the creation of jobs. There is no part of this country that does not have one solid mineral or the other; so we need a coordinating body to drive the development of this sector," he said. Ike Ekweremadu (Enugu West), however, argued that despite the minerals in the country, nothing can be changed if the constitution is not amended to allow states to have access to these minerals. The states, he alleged, are colluding with illegal miners to undermine the provisions of the constitution. "Time has come to look at how we can further devolve powers to the states so that they can have access to the minerals in their respective territories. I support this bill but I believe there is a need for proper interrogation of the bill regarding the provisions of the constituents and other relevant law," Mr Ekweremadu said. After a voice vote, the bill was read for the second time and was referred to the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals for public hearing. The committee is to report back in four weeks. Police in Nairobi arrested more than 50 people over the weekend in renewed operations against breach of Ministry of Health directives on prevention of coronavirus. The 57 lawbreakers were held at the Kilimani Police Station before they were arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts. They were released on community service order. "They are expected to report at 8am to 5pm for the entire week for their services including clean-up of Marikiti and Muthurua markets, Globe, Nairobi River, as will be assigned," the order read. Those who will skip their sentence, will be rearrested and arraigned in court for a stiffer punishment, officials said. Some of the offenders were found drinking in bars beyond stipulated curfew hours, others were found without masks while traders were found not adhering to social distancing rule. Twitter says misidentifying Muslim Boulder shooter as 'white Christian terrorist' is OK Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The man alleged to have murdered 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, was an anti-Trump Muslim immigrant, but Twitter has stated that tweets calling the suspect white and possibly Christian do not violate its misinformation policy. On Tuesday, police named Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, a 21-year-old Syrian Muslim man who had made social media posts critical of former President Donald Trump, as the suspect in the mass shooting. Alissa was arrested and charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder, including the killing of a police officer who responded to the mass shooting at a King Soopers supermarket. A motive is not yet known. Before his social media accounts were taken down, The Daily Beast analyzed them and found that Alissa had posted about Islam, his criticism of Trumps immigration policies as well as his opposition to abortion and gay marriage. On his now-deleted Facebook page, Alissa reportedly stated that he was born in Syria 1999 came to the USA in 2002. Posts about jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts dominated his page. Claims that Alissa was an Islamic State sympathizer are still pending further evidence, according to a report by The Federalist. Before Alissa was named a suspect in the mass shooting, many took to Twitter claiming that the guilty party was white. Some claimed he was Christian. Many online commentators used the incident to bash white supremacy. Regarding tweets that falsely identified Alissas racial or religious backgrounds, Twitter told Newsweek that such posts were not in violation of misinformation policies. Newsweek asked Twitter specifically about whether a tweet identifying Alissa as a white Christian terrorist violated its policies. The Tweets referenced are not in violation of the Twitter Rules, a Twitter spokesperson was quoted as saying. We will not take action on every instance of misinformation. Currently, our misinformation rules cover COVID-19 misinformation, synthetic and manipulated media and civic integrity. Among those claiming the shooter was white was Meena Harris, the niece of Vice President Kamala Harris. She posted a now-deleted tweet alluding to the Atlanta spa shootings, in which the chief suspect was a white Southern Baptist man who killed eight people. The Atlanta shooting was not even a week ago. Violent white men are the greatest terrorist threat to our country, she posted hours after the Boulder shooting, as quoted by the Daily Mail. Alissas brother told The Daily Beast that Alissa had a history of violent behavior and was known to be paranoid, claiming that people were stalking him because of his religious beliefs. When he was having lunch with my sister in a restaurant, he said, People are in the parking lot, they are looking for me. She went out, and there was no one. We didnt know what was going on in his head, explained the brother, adding that he believed the shooting was not a political statement but rather mental illness. The guy used to get bullied a lot in high school. He was like an outgoing kid, but after he went to high school and got bullied a lot, he started becoming anti-social. The brother told CNN that high school bullies made fun of Alissas name and his identity as a Muslim. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Mostly cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 79F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 3 to 5 inches of rain expected.. Tonight Thunderstorms. Low 67F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near an inch. Police said investigation into the violent protest in Sanyang led to the arrests of 50 individuals, who are currently helping the Police in their investigations. A statement issued by the Police on Tuesday said: "Twenty-Two individuals among the arrested people have been charged with offences under the criminal code including Arson, Rioters demolishing buildings, Rioters injuring buildings, Unlawful assembly and Conspiracy to commit felony. They will be arraigned before the courts as soon as possible," the police indicated." The Police High Command said the arrest of the individuals came after law enforcers on Monday 15th March 2021 opened an investigation into the violent riot that occurred at Sanyang Village in Kombo South, West Coast Region. The police high command said investigations are in progress and members of the public are encouraged to come forward with information that may be useful to the investigations. The GPF High Command reminded the public that, in as much as the law provides for citizens to express themselves, they must do so within the confines of the law and in a peaceful manner. "Further threats of violent attacks on foreign nationals within the coastal south areas led to the creation of a temporary shelter at Batokunku Village. The shelter is currently inhabited by over 250 people of various nationalities, mainly Senegalese. Security and relief is being provided for individuals at the shelter while efforts to reintegrate them into their communities are underway," Police said. Tuesday, March 23, 2021 Bookpleasures.com welcomesas our guest Shelly Frome. Shelly is a member of Mystery Writersof America, a professor of dramatic arts emeritus at theUniversity of Connecticut, a former professional actor and, alltold, has written over twenty-five plays in addition to hisarticles and novels. He is a frequent contributor ofarticles on all facets of creative writing and acting, Shelly appearsin numerous periodicals including Southern Writers Magazine wherehe is the film columnist. He is also a contributor to writers'blogs and websites in the U.S. and the U.K. His fictionincludes Twilight of the Drifter, Lilac Moon, the Hollywoodcrime caper Tinseltown Riff, Murder Run, and his recentlypublished The Secluded Village Murders, Miranda and the D-DayCaper and Moon Games. Among his works of non-fictionare the acclaimed The Actors Studio and texts on TheArt and Craft of Screenwriting and writing for the stage. Norm: Good day Shellyand thanks for taking part in our interview. What is the one thingother people always seem to get wrong about you? Shelly: Im alwayseasygoing, nothing gets me down. Norm: Is your writingan art or craft or some combination of both? Shelly: Its acombination of both. Norm: What advice canyou give aspiring writers that you wished you had received, or thatyou wished you would have listened to? Shelly: Theres a wholeloopy world of marketing out there that almost has nothing to do withthe days of Salinger, Mailer, Bellow, Hemingway etc. and my firstlove of novels. Norm: Do you thinkabout your reading public when you write? Do you imagine a specific reader when you write? Shelly: Im aware thatonce the story stops percolating, a reader will simply put it down. Norm: Does the linebetween truth and fiction sometimes become blurred for you? Shelly: If it rings truethan its alive. Otherwise its just writing. Norm: Do you ever dreamabout your characters? Shelly: I often daydreamabout what theyre up to now and where theyre headed. Norm: When did the ideafor Miranda and the D-Day Caper first emerge? Shelly: When I recalledthe days when Jean Shepard reminisced about the innocent, good olddays in small town Indiana during his midnight broadcasts on WOR NewYork. Norm: What were yourgoals and intentions in this novel, and how well do you feel youachieved them? Shelly: I wanted tosomehow combine the whimsical days of my youth with the bizarreright-wing politics of today and generate some kind of synthesis.Judging from the thirty-nine reviews on Amazon so far, I seemed tohave engendered a romp which may or may not have anything to dowith what I originally intended. But, as always, you never knowwhats going to happen once you put your work out there. Norm: What was the mostdifficult part of writing this novel and what did you enjoy mostabout writing it? Shelly: The most difficultpart was dealing with my assigned editor who kept finding gaps in thenarrative I wasnt aware of. The thing I loved about it was whenSkip and Mirandas backstory took over, emanating from the dayswhen they were kids allowing them to just wing it. Norm: Did you write thenovel more by logic or intuition, or some combination of the two?Please summarize your writing process. Shelly: Once I set up themost promising dynamic and set of characters, I let each beat withineach scene play itself out within the given circumstances at themoment, so that the narrative becomes self-generating. Norm: How did you goabout creating the characters in the novel? Shelly: If they had anecessary function, they just came to me after all the years I spentplaywriting, acting and watching people in real life and on thescreen. Norm: Did you know theend of your book at the beginning? Shelly: I only knew themain characters were on a collision course and there had to be somekind of climactic scene in a crowded outdoor venue in Asheville. Norm: Where can ourreaders find out more about you and Miranda and the D-DayCaper? Shelly: They can look upmy WEBSITE They can always read the reviewson Amazon or Goodreads. Norm; What is next forShelly Frome? Shelly: My publisher justsent me a contract for Shadow of the Gypsy which is darker talethan my other works of fiction. Its a crime novel, a love storyand a reluctant heros journey not unlike those of myth. Norm: As this interviewcomes to an end, what would you like to say to writers who arereading this interview and wondering if they can keep creating, ifthey are good enough, if their voices and visions matter enough toshare? Shelly: As I intimated,you have to do a lot of reading of contemporary works, especiallythose novels you can identify with, find a good editor even if youhave to pay her, and then, after you get some honest feedback, decideif theres a match between what youre compelled to exploreand some facet of todays publishing world. Norm; Thanks once againand good luck with all of your future endeavors FOLLOW HERE TO READ NORM'S REVIEW OF MIRANDA AND THE D-DAY CAPER 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. One City Prep will offer a unique Early College and Career Preparatory Program that will enable students to complete credits towards earning associates and bachelor's degrees, and industry certifications, beginning in ninth grade, at no expense to its students. Beginning in 6th grade, building on its current project-based learning model, students will begin exploring careers, addressing community and social issues, and considering new ideas and solutions to problems confronting education, business, industry and society. We owe it to our children to give them every chance to succeed in life, before they are expected to fly on their own. One City currently enrolls 167 children in its preschool and elementary school and has received international recognition for its preschool and national recognition for its elementary school. For example, in January 2021, One City's school-based COVID-19 testing program was featured in a national Rockefeller Foundation funded study on early adopters of COVID testing to keep children in school. One City Elementary is the only public school that opened, and has remained open, since this school year began in September 2020. One City's purchase of a building on WPS' campus has been made possible by a generous donation of $14 million by Madison Philanthropist Pleasant Rowland. This is Ms. Rowland's second major gift to One City Schools. In August 2019, Ms. Rowland contributed $5 million to help stabilize One City's operating budget so it could implement the core of its innovative education programs. One City Founder and CEO, Kaleem Caire, said "This is an extraordinary moment for One City Schools, for the Greater Madison community, and for Wisconsin. As a city and state that has maintained the largest school achievement gap in the country between Black and White students for at least two decades, Ms. Rowland's tremendous contribution gives us the opportunity to continue with our mission to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation." Caire further stated, "We are going to ensure that our children achieve to their full potential and are prepared to pursue their post-secondary education and career goals before they leave our nest. Moreover, we will continue to serve as a model of what 'our community can do' to help all of our children thrive. We owe it to our children to give them every chance to succeed in life, before they are expected to fly on their own." WPS CEO, Michael Hamerlik, shared his strong support for One City's purchase of the building. "We have admired One City's growth and progress since they first opened with their preschool in 2015. We also appreciate and are excited about their mission and will be happy to have them as neighbors to our WPS campus. The message One City is sending that we can help our children overcome life's challenges and obstacles, if we give them a great education and do it together, is one we are proud to be a part of." By the fall of 2024, One City will enroll a minimum of 954 children, from age 2 through 12th grade: 66 children at its preschool facility in South Madison and 888 students at the new 1707 W. Broadway facility. The total cost of transforming the WPS facility into a school facility, from purchasing the building to completing necessary renovations and building a gymnasium and outdoor play space for students, is projected to be $20 - $22 million. To date, more than 2,500 financial donors and more than 300 volunteers have contributed to One City Schools growth and success. About One City Schools One City Schools, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that operates two schools: a tuition-based independent preschool that serves 2 and 3-year-olds and a tuition-free public charter schools, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System, that will eventually enroll children from 4-year-old kindergarten through 12th grade. This fall, One City's elementary and preschool will enroll 302 children. One City's preschool is the first early childhood education center outside of Mainland China to offer the internationally recognized and award winning Anji Play early childhood program ( http://www.anjiplay.com ). Its elementary school is the only public school in Wisconsin offering both a longer school day and longer school year. Students attend school for 219 days compared to 180 days at other public schools in Wisconsin. They also attend school for 8.75-hours per day Tuesday through Friday (from 8:15am 5:00pm) with early release at 2pm on Mondays, compared to 6.5 hours of school-time typically offered by other public schools in our state. The extra time enables One City to extend the learning of its students and offer a pace and depth of learning that is appropriate and meaningful for each child. SOURCE One City Schools Related Links https://www.onecityschools.org The SNP's church ban during lockdown has been deemed unlawful after 27 clerics launched a judicial review. A judge ruled that Nicola Sturgeon's criminalisation of worship was unconstitutional, disproportionate and infringed on human rights. Judge Lord Braid told Edinburgh's Court of Session that 'it was impossible to measure the effect of those restrictions on those who hold religious beliefs.' 'It goes beyond mere loss of companionship and an inability to attend a lunch club,' he told the court. St Clements Church near Roghadal south of Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides, Scotland The legal challenge was brought by ministers from the Free Church of Scotland, the Church of Scotland and other independent churches after Nicola Sturgeon's government announced new lockdown rules on January 8 which made it a criminal offence to hold services (the First Minister at Holyrood on Wednesday) The legal challenge was brought by ministers from the Free Church of Scotland, the Church of Scotland and other independent churches after Sturgeon's government announced new lockdown rules on January 8 which made it a criminal offence to hold services. Under Scotland's latest lockdown rules, churches are only allowed to open for funerals, marriages or civil partnership ceremonies. Only five people are allowed to attend weddings, while up to 30 may attend a funeral. Lord Braid said: 'The fact that the regulations are backed by criminal sanctions is also a relevant consideration. 'Were the petitioners to insist on manifesting their beliefs, in accordance with their religion, they would be liable to be met with a fine of up to 10,000, a not insignificant penalty. 'The above factors all point towards the conclusion that the regulations have a disproportionate effect.' The judge conceded that there was 'much public opinion, including that of other faiths and church leaders' to support Sturgeon's church closures. Lord Braid said: The need to avoid the NHS being overwhelmed is another factor, although if I am correct in saying that the risk is reduced to an insignificant extent by the regulations, this factor attracts less weight.' While public opinion was a 'relevant consideration', the judge decided that article nine of the European Convention on Human Rights - freedom of thought and religion - had been breached. He compared it to article six - the right to a fair trial - with courts continuing to operate despite the coronavirus threat. Lord Braid said: 'For all these reasons, I have concluded the regulations do constitute a disproportionate interference with the article nine right of the petitioners and others.' In a statement the church leaders said Sturgeon's rules were the first attempt to close Scottish churches since the 'persecution of the Presbyterian church, instituted by the Stuart kings, in the 17th century.' Wednesday's ruling is believed to be the first successful legal case brought against lockdown rules in Britain. Rev Dr William Philip, senior minister at the Tron Church in Glasgow, was one of those behind the legal challenge and welcomed the ruling. He said: 'However well-intentioned, criminalising corporate worship has been both damaging and dangerous for Scotland, and must never happen again.' Canon Tom White, of Glasgow's St Alphonsus parish, said: 'I'm overjoyed to hear that the court has understood the essential need to protect not only the physical and material health of our society but also its spiritual needs and therefore overturned the disproportionate, unnecessary and now deemed illegal blanket ban on public worship.' A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: 'The First Minister has set out that places of worship will be able to welcome congregations of up to 50 where there is space for physical distancing from March 26 - this is in time for a number of important religious festivals over the next few weeks. 'We acknowledge this opinion and will now carefully consider the findings, its implications, and our next steps. 'Court proceedings are ongoing and it would be inappropriate to offer any further comment at this stage.' Churches are due to be allowed to open on Friday under Scottish Government guidance. A seven-member Parliamentary committee is to be set up to probe the collapse of uniBank and UT Bank in 2018. It follows a petition by the former Chief Executive Officer of the UT Bank and the founder of uniBank Ghana Limited over the revocation of the licenses of the two banks by the Bank of Ghana in 2018. The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin want the committee to submit a report to the House in the form of a motion for the entire House to debate the petition. He has therefore urged the leadership of the House to facilitate the formation of the committee, with four members from the Majority side and three members from the Minority side. If at the end of the day, we get the sense that there is a matter pending we will be guided by the content of speeches that members will make on the floor and that is the time that we can apply Order 93, he stated. Laying of petition Addressing Parliament Tuesday, Mr Bagbin said The decision of the House is what the Speaker will go by; I am not a member of Parliament and do not participate in decisions. I am to guide the proceedings of the House and make sure there is law and order. The Speakers proposal came after the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga, had tabled the petition by Mr Prince Kofi Amoabeng of UT Bank and Dr Kwabena Duffuor in the House Tuesday. What are the petitions seeking? Per the petition, the two are appealing to Parliament to investigate the conduct of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for the revocation of the licenses of the bank in 2018. They claim that the central bank revoked the licenses of the two banks without due regard to the rules of Administrative Justice guaranteed under Article 23 of the 1992 Constitution. They therefore want Parliament to direct the restoration of the banking licenses by the BoG and the remedying of the harms done the shareholders property rights as a result of the conduct of the central bank as well as give any other directive the House may deem appropriate. Amoabengs petition Mr Amoabeng also wants Parliament to investigate the conduct of the Ghana Stock Exchange for delisting the bank without regard to the rules of Administrative Justice guaranteed under Article 23 of the Constitution. Duffours petition In the case of Dr Duffour, he wants Parliament to also investigate the conduct of the BoG in the takeover, appointment of an official administrator of uniBank Ghana Limited and the circumstances surrounding the revocation of the banking license of the bank. He also wants Parliament to give other directives that Parliament may deem appropriate, according to the petition. 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 (Newser) A massive cargo ship is blocking Egypt's Suez Canal after having turned sideways and run aground Tuesday. The Guardian and the BBC have photos. The Ever Given, a so-called "mega-ship" or ultra-large container ship more than 1,300 feet long and nearly 200 feet wide, is so wedged in that several attempts to refloat it have failed. It's not clear what happened, but there was speculation it lost power and then drifted sideways, and reports note wind also likely played a role. Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen owns the ship, which was en route from China to the Netherlands, the AP reports. Traffic jams had built up on either side of the vessel in the crucial shipping waterway. story continues below The Guardian says shipping experts believe the situation will be resolved within a couple days, though the BBC spoke to one expert who feared the incident could have "huge ramifications for global trade." Tugboats have been sent in to help, so far to no avail, and a digger is apparently trying to excavate ground underneath the bow. "This is the largest vessel ever to go aground in the Suez Canal," says one maritime historian, who hypothesizes cargo will have to be pulled off the ship if it cannot be refloated during high tide. (Read more Suez canal stories.) South Africa: President Ramaphosa to chair APR meeting of Heads of State President Cyril Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Chairperson of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), chair the 30th African Peer Review (APR) Forum of Heads of State and Government meeting on Thursday. President Ramaphosa assumed the chair of the APRM in February of 2020. The APR Forum is a Committee of Participating Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the African Union (AU) who have voluntarily chosen to accede to the APRM. This authority is the highest decision-making body in the APRM. The APR Forum has ultimate responsibility for oversight of the APRM organisation and processes, for mutual learning and capacity building, and for exercising constructive peer dialogue and persuasion. These programmes are in place to make the APRM effective, credible and acceptable. The 30th Summit of the Forum will, among others, welcome the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the newest Member State to accede to the APRM. The Summit is also expected to conduct the peer review of Liberia; discuss reports on targeted reviews of Sierra Leone and Zambia; receive a briefing on Sudans governance gap analysis, and receive an update on progress in Nigerias second review process. Kenya and Mozambique will also make presentations on implementation of their national programmes of action. President Ramaphosa will also use the opportunity of the 30th Summit of the APR Forum to apprise his counterparts about the progress of the 2nd Generation Review in South Africa, the Presidency said in a statement. The African Peer Review Mechanism was established in 2003 as a specialised agency of the African Union (AU) that serves as a platform for sharing experiences and reinforcing best practices towards political stability, accelerated economic growth and regional and continental integration as well as sustainable development. It further seeks to foster change in underlying deficiencies in governance and socioeconomic development processes among member states. The Mechanism uses a holistic review process that distinguishes it from other institutions through inclusive dialogue, independent and objective reviews, peer learning and compliance monitoring. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Tibet was annexed by China in 1959 - SANJAY BAID/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock British MPs are urging the UK to sanction additional Chinese officials for alleged human rights abuses in both Xinjiang and Tibet, after a new report has claimed a coercive labour program is erasing Tibetan culture and identity. A cross-party group of 15 MPs is calling on the UK to sanction Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party secretary of Xinjiang who previously served in the same capacity in Tibet. The group includes Tim Loughton, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Tibet; former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith; and Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. The MPs have written a letter to Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, claiming Mr Chen oversaw the implementation of a heavy-handed repression and surveillance of Tibetan religious and cultural life." A similar programme was later expanded under Mr Chens leadership in Xinjiang. His successor in Tibet, Wu Yingjie, accelerated a programme of coercive assimilation and is responsible for an intensified crackdown on Tibetan religion, and should also be sanctioned, according to the letter. Implementing sanctions on both would send a clear message that the abuses taking place in both the Tibetan and Uyghur regions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated, the MPs added. The letter cited a new report by the Tibet Advocacy Coalition, a group of organisations focused on Tibet, that described Chinas policies in Tibet as a cradle to grave system. That system is imposed from an early age with Tibetan toddlers increasingly being subjected to ideological education in hundreds of new and expanded kindergartens across the region. It also detailed coercive labour transfer schemes that have affected at least 2.8 million Tibetans over the last five years, according to Chinas official statistics. The report claims that Tibetan monks and nuns in re-education facilities faced torture, sexual abuse and imprisonment, and that religious practitioners were forced to denounce Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and memorise propaganda, all of which served to increase Chinese government control and erase Tibetan culture and identity. Story continues On Monday, the UK along with the US, Canada and the EU announced sanctions against Chinese officials believed responsible for human rights abuses in the Xinjiang region. Beijing responded immediately with its own sanctions against the EU targeting individuals and entities. China has rejected allegations of human rights violations, with government officials and state media saying that Xinjiang residents were happy and the regions economy had improved, due to government policies. Governments around the world should implement targeted sanctions on the Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet, said Mr Loughton in a statement. Failure to act will only serve to embolden the Chinese governments brutal persecution of not only Tibetans, but also Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities across China. After a pause of one week and a day, Spain restarted the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday, after the authorities in the country and several other European Union states put it on hold while cases of blood clots were investigated for their possible link to the medication. But the eight days without using the shots are a minor bump in the road compared to the doubts that now exist about the AstraZeneca vaccine among the general public, according to Amos Garcia Rojas, the president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association. Given the concerns surrounding the British-Swedish vaccine, there will be people in Spain who are now doubting whether or not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 with AstraZeneca. So what happens with them? Covid-19 killed 161 people for every million inhabitants in February, a figure that is much greater than the occurrence of blood clots The Spanish health minister, Carolina Darias, answered that question on Monday. This is not included in the vaccination plan, she explained, adding that for now, people who refuse the vaccine will not get a shot. As Garcia Rojas puts it, vaccines are not yogurts, you cant choose the flavor that you like the most. The expert maintains that all of the vaccines are safe, are highly effective and that each person will be given the most appropriate type, given that there is a limited number of doses and that the aim is to protect the most vulnerable people from the most serious forms of Covid-19 in particular older people, who have the highest mortality rates from the disease. Over a short amount of time, Spaniards have heard a lot about concepts that are very common in the pharmaceutical world pharmacovigilance, adverse effects, causal link but are by no means familiar to the general public. Reservations and doubts are inevitable. But the message from the health authorities is unwavering: despite thrombotic events being detected after the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine, they are no more frequent than in the general population. Some particularly rare events have, statistically, been more common among those who have been vaccinated, but this is still at a level of one case among hundreds of thousands, fewer than other serious adverse effects caused by any regularly used medication. So far, no causal link has been established between the vaccine and these episodes. The majority of European countries are doing the same as Spain: people cannot choose their vaccine in Germany, France, United Kingdom or Belgium. At least for now. The Italian authorities have announced that anyone who refuses an AstraZeneca shot will be able to get another type at a later date. But what is the same across the board is that if someone doesnt want their vaccine now, there is no guarantee that they will get another. Line to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine in Milan. Luca Bruno / AP Those who turn down their vaccine are running a much greater risk than the possible side effects. Covid-19 killed 161 people for every million inhabitants in February, a figure that is much greater than the occurrence of blood clots. Ildefonso Hernandez, from the Spanish Public Health Society (Sepsas), is particularly happy that the AstraZeneca shot is being used once more in Spain. Partly because he believes it is good news in terms of ending the pandemic, and partly because, at the age of 64, he will soon be getting his AstraZeneca vaccine now that the Spanish authorities have raised the upper limit for its use from 55 to 65. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health Ministry have repeatedly insisted that the vaccine is safe and that its benefits greatly outweigh its possible risks which have not been proven, apart from recipients feeling somewhat unwell after getting their shot. Vaccines are not yogurts, you cant choose the flavor that you like the most Amos Garcia Rojas, president of the Spanish Vaccinology Association. But this might not be enough to convince those who have doubts about it and would rather not get vaccinated due to their fears. In this context, it is probably better for people to see some exemplary attitudes, people with a certain social relevance saying publicly that they will get vaccinated with AstraZeneca when it is their turn to do so, explains Garcia Rojas. Perhaps political representatives, who dont have to jump the line, but should publicly state their intentions. French Prime Minister Jean Castex understood this. As soon as the injections restarted in his country last week, he received a dose. The Spanish governments spokesperson, Maria Jesus Montero, publicly stated this week that she and the rest of the Cabinet would get an AstraZeneca shot when it was their turn. Is this gesture enough? Marga Mateu, a psychologist who is due to get the medication herself, says no. It would be good, for example, if the [Spanish] prime minister were to put out a message of calm or that he got vaccinated himself, as they did in France, she argues. Mateu was due to get her AstraZeneca shot the day that they were suspended from the campaign in Spain. After reports of the death of a 43-year-old teacher in Marbella after being vaccinated with AstraZeneca an autopsy found no link to the shot the psychologist opted to refuse the inoculation. She wanted to think about it, and get advice. They told her that they would call her again, and she has now decided that she will say yes when they do. Ive spoken to relatives who are doctors and they have told me that it is safe and I have seen that a lot of countries, not just Spain, have restarted their vaccinations, but with what was happening it was inevitable that there would be fears. A recent poll of 1,050 people found that 52% now consider AstraZeneca to be unsafe, double the figure from a month ago Anyone who has doubts and rejects a vaccine should not be punished, according to Federico de Montalvo, the president of the Spanish Bioethics Committee and a member of the vaccination board that advises the Spanish Health Ministry. If they regret their decision, the best approach would be to get in contact again in order to arrange an AstraZeneca injection but the option of choosing another vaccine should not be on the table. It doesnt seem to make much sense for a vaccine to be taken away from the most vulnerable, those who are receiving the ARN messenger vaccines [Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna] to give them to others, he argues. We need to let time pass, so that people see the vaccine is safe and continue to communicate well so that people regain their confidence, as they did when they saw the first seniors getting vaccinated. Surveys show that as the campaign is progressing in Spain, people are gaining confidence. According to a survey carried out by the CIS public research institute, those who were prepared to get vaccinated as soon as they could rose from 40% of those polled in December to 82% in February. There arent such trustworthy surveys for now about how all the noise about AstraZeneca has had an effect. There is just one poll from YouGov of 1,050 people which found that 52% now consider AstraZeneca to be unsafe, which is double the figure from a month ago. English version by Simon Hunter. 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. 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. In Harvey, a little more than 8% of residents in that city had gotten an initial dose and just under 4% had gotten both shots, according to the county. In South Holland, however, 19% of eligible residents had gotten their first shot and nearly 10% had completed both doses. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close DUBLIN, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Connected Consumer Survey 2020: Mobile Devices and Distribution Channels in Africa" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This report focuses on aspects of the Connected Consumer Survey that relate to the behaviour, preferences and plans of smartphone users in Africa. In particular, it focuses on the adoption of mobile devices and distribution channels. The survey was conducted in association with On Device Research. This report provides: Insight into operators' performance as smartphone sales channels, and how their performance relates to consumers' choice of tariffs An analysis of consumers' choice of, and spend, on handsets An assessment of the adoption of smart devices in Africa and the opportunities for operators to generate new revenue sources. Survey data coverage The research was conducted between August and September 2020. The survey groups were chosen to be representative of the mobile-internet-using population in the region. We set quotas on age, gender and geographical spread to that effect. There was a minimum of 1000 respondents per country, and 4000 respondents in the region. Key Questions Answered in this Report How well do operators perform as smartphone sales channels, and how important are digital sales channels? How long are consumers keeping their smartphones for and how much are they spending on them when they replace them? What smart devices are smartphone users most interested in and how can operators capitalise on this demand to derive additional revenue and improve their consumer propositions? Who Should Read this Report Operator-based strategy executives and marketing managers who are interested in understanding consumer market trends, the role of operators as smartphone distribution channels and the impact of differing approaches to pricing in the market. Equipment/device manufacturers and software providers that want to identify end-user trends in device usage and help their operator customers to improve their ability to address market opportunities. Telecoms operators that are searching for new revenue sources and/or are interested in partnering with smart devices producers or in launching their own smart device propositions. Countries Covered Egypt Kenya Nigeria South Africa For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/b1yst8 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 John Wick creator Derek Kolstad has revealed he hasn't been asked to return for the fourth and fifth films in the franchise. Speaking to Collider on Monday, the screenwriter, 47, said he wouldn't be back because the studio didn't ask him to return, but claimed he wasn't 'hurt' by the decision as it's 'how things go'. He admitted: 'It wasn't my decision. When you think contractually [about] these things, the third one, I shared the credit with a number of people. 'It wasn't my decision': John Wick creator Derek Kolstad revealed on Monday he won't be a part of the fourth and fifth films because he wasn't asked to return but claims it's 'how things go' 'They didn't have to come back to me, and so they didn't. You look at that and you could be hurt. I would say if it was 20 years ago, I would have been. 'But seeing what the industry is and how things go, I just believe that you bless everything and hope it all the best, and to the players involved who are doing other things elsewhere.' Derek added that it was par for the course in Hollywood, as he said at some point in a franchise the studio will claim 'your creation is graduated'. Thoughts: Derek claimed as he co-wrote the script for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum the studio 'didn't have to come back to me, and so they didn't' (Keanu Reeves pictured in third film) Although it is no doubt a disappointment not to be part of future John Wick projects, which stars Keanu Reeves as the lead, the writer said he'd never 'talk s**t' about the franchise because he wants it to continue to thrive and grow. Derek had sole writing credit for the first and second John Wick films, but co-wrote the script for John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum alongside Shay Hatten, Chris Collins, and Marc Abrams. He also confirmed that he would not be working on the franchise's prequel TV series The Continental, which will focus on the chain of hotels that act as neutral territory for hitmen, like Wick, and other members of the criminal underworld. Candid: Derek (pictured in 2019) said he would have been hurt by the decision if it was '20 years ago', but said bow he just 'believe[s] that you bless everything and hope it all the best' The John Wick franchise follows its eponymous character, who returns to his career as a hitman from retirement after his beloved dog is killed following his wife's death. In the second film, John is once again thrown back into the criminal underworld when he's tasked with killing the head of the Italian Camorra crime syndicate, which leads him to gun down a member of the assassins guild The High Table. Following the death, John goes on the run without the protection of the guild and must survive being targeted by the world's most ruthless killers after a $14 million bounty is put on his head. John Wick 4 is set to be released on May 27, 2022, while the fifth film is expected to be released in 2023. WASHINGTON - The long-running saga behind the coronavirus vaccine developed by the drugmaker AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford made another dramatic turn Tuesday as independent monitors took the extraordinary step of questioning the company's portrayal of its data - a move that cast into doubt the fate of the vaccine in the United States. In a memo sent to company and government officials obtained by The Washington Post, experts who have been overseeing the vaccine trial expressed concern and disappointment that the drugmaker had presented "outdated and potentially misleading" data on its coronavirus vaccine, making the shots appear more effective than shown by fuller data. On Monday, AstraZeneca and academic scientists trumpeted a vaccine that was 79% effective in its large U.S. clinical trial. That news release triggered concern among independent monitors who had seen more recent data, because when an additional month was taken into account, the effectiveness ranged from 69% to 75%. The letter came from 11 leading statisticians, infectious-disease physicians and ethics experts appointed by the National Institutes of Health to review trial data for all the major coronavirus vaccines supported by the federal government. It says the company's decision to use early data that puts the vaccine in the most favorable light is a scientific misstep that could erode trust in the shot. The letter, sent late Monday, opens a rare window into the typically confidential interactions between a company and the Data and Safety Monitoring Board that polices patient safety and the scientific validity of clinical trials. These monitors are not distant observers or whistleblowers; they are independent experts granted inside access to the AstraZeneca results for months, seeing the full data before even the company has access. "The DSMB is concerned that AstraZeneca chose to use data that was already outdated and potentially misleading in their news release," the letter states. The data "they chose to release was the most favorable for the study as opposed to the most recent and most complete. Decisions like this are what erode public trust in the scientific process." In other circumstances, this turmoil might be seen as a technical issue, because the additional data does not appear to overturn the fundamental finding that the vaccine works. AstraZeneca released a statement Tuesday promising that the full analysis of its data would be available within 48 hours and indicated the results would be consistent with the analysis released Monday. "We will immediately engage with the independent data safety monitoring board to share our primary analysis with the most up to date efficacy data," the statement said. But it appears to be the latest self-inflicted wound from the team behind the vaccine, which has stumbled with messy science and bungled communication for months. Federal officials were taken aback by the board's allegations. One said the way that AstraZeneca handled the results was the equivalent of "telling your mother you got an A in a course, when you got an A in the first quiz but a C in the overall course." Another said the disclosure by the board would inevitably hurt the company's credibility with U.S. regulators. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly about the issue. On Sunday, company officials shared with U.S. government officials the results they would present to the world Monday. A person familiar with the matter said they also shared a preliminary analysis that suggested the result would hold up when more data were considered. But Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview that he was "shocked" by the letter and the serious concerns it brought to light. On Monday, before receiving news of the letter, Fauci had said that "numbers don't lie" and that the vaccine appeared to be effective. "The irony of this is that it's very likely a very good vaccine, and this sort of thing does nothing but cloud the picture. I don't think it reflects on the vaccine," Fauci said. "I think it reflects on how the data has rolled out." Outside experts, who were stunned by the turn of events, said the vaccine might still get FDA clearance, only to be shunned by a public spooked by the string of controversies involving AstraZeneca and Oxford. "The whole thing has been a giant debacle, and it is entirely on AstraZeneca," said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist with Georgetown University's Center for Global Health Science and Security. "Are people going to want to take the vaccine? People may think, 'There's too much going on with this vaccine, and I want something that is more reliable.' " She said she would take the AstraZeneca vaccine today if it were available. But she worries that the data dispute will fuel vaccine hesitancy, with people becoming more suspicious of all coronavirus vaccines. "People might decide not to take any coronavirus vaccine at all," she said. The episode may be a sign of how fraught the relationship between the company and the U.S. government has become. Early Tuesday, the National Institutes of Health took the unheard-of step of disclosing that the data board, a typically obscure part of the clinical trials process, had raised concerns that the news release Monday was "an incomplete view of the data." Companies, scientists and participants are typically "blinded" to the data, unable to see who received a vaccine and who received a placebo. The data board can see past that firewall and make recommendations to the company about when to "unblind" and analyze the data. David DeMets, a University of Wisconsin at Madison biostatistics expert, said that while he has no specific information on what occurred in this case, his experience serving on data safety and monitoring committees for nearly half a century was that it would be "very uncommon" for those experts to challenge a company or scientists on the content of a news release. "Investigators and sponsors rarely present results that are in contradiction to the DSMB's interpretation of the results," DeMets said. For weeks, the data board and the company had been going back and forth over how AstraZeneca was handling the data. When the experts initially saw the data supporting the 79% efficacy with data gathered through Feb. 17, they deemed that the vaccine efficacy number was "unstable" because of a large number of possible and probable cases that still needed to be adjudicated and might have changed the level of efficacy "enough to erode confidence in the results of the study." At a later meeting, with figures through March 16 that showed a vaccine efficacy of 75%, the data board advised that the data be released to the company, but "strongly recommended" the drugmaker go through 33 remaining cases that were possible or probable cases of illness because the effectiveness could slide down to 69%. Adrian Hill, one of the scientists at Oxford who developed the vaccine, said in an email the episode illustrated "extraordinary behavior" by a data and safety monitoring board. "Talk about efforts to maintain confidence in vaccines," Hill wrote. "What is going on?!" On Monday, Oxford and AstraZeneca appeared to have redeemed months of scientific missteps and poor communication when the company announced through news releases and interviews that its 32,000-person clinical trials in the United States, Chile and Peru showed that the vaccine was 79% effective in protecting volunteers from symptomatic covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus - and that it was 100% effective against severe illness. The 79% efficacy figure in the AstraZeneca trials was higher than earlier clinical trials run by Oxford in Brazil, Britain and South Africa for the same vaccine, which found the shots 62% effective. The vaccine has been approved for use in ongoing inoculation campaigns in Britain and Europe. Millions of people have gotten their first dose. Even before the trial results were released Monday, some federal officials were concerned about the efficacy of the two-dose AstraZeneca shot because a previous trial showed that the effectiveness was lower than the efficacy for the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. That sparked debate about how the AstraZeneca vaccine would fit into the U.S. vaccine strategy, especially with supplies of the Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna products becoming more plentiful. AstraZeneca said Monday that it would apply for emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in coming weeks. The U.S. government has ordered 300 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine, but with three others vaccines already authorized, it is not clear what role the AstraZeneca shot will play in the United States. Some researchers described the reaction by the U.S. scientists - and the public airing over the meaning of the AstraZeneca data - as highly unusual. Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, told reporters Tuesday that it is not unknown for a data monitoring board to disagree with investigators over the interpretation of trial results. "It is usually done in private, so this is unprecedented in my opinion," Evans said. Others speculated that it may be a technical issue that can be resolved quickly. AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine was designed to be a cheap, easy-to-administer dose that would protect not just citizens of wealthy nations but also those in the most vulnerable countries. But collaboration between Oxford researchers and one of the world's biggest drug companies has been plagued with missteps as other vaccine rollouts gain speed. First, there was confusing basic science, then missed delivery targets. Last week, a confidence-sapping pause in Europe followed reports of rare blood clots among several of the vaccinated. And now comes resistance from independent monitors over AstraZeneca's interpretation - and claims - of effectiveness in the U.S. clinical trials. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board's memo did not suggest that AstraZeneca had minimized potential side effects. The European Medicines Agency, which regulates drugs in the European Union, declared the vaccine safe and effective and said it was not linked to a rise in the overall risk of blood clots. But the European agency did not rule out a possible link to rare cases of clotting in the brain, known as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Jason Schwartz, assistant professor of health policy and management at the Yale University school of public health, said the vaccine is sure to receive heightened scrutiny from the FDA and its outside advisers and, even if it clears regulatory hurdles, could face public skepticism. "One of the key moments yesterday was that it seemed to stop the bleeding on a string of missteps around this vaccine as it is being rolled out in Europe," he said. "Now, that is being thrown into doubt and the hill to build public confidence has gotten that much steeper." And if the FDA does not authorize the vaccine, he said, "that could be interpreted by the rest of the world as a lack of confidence, so we have to be sensitive to the global implications of how the U.S. reviews the data." - - - Booth reported from London. The Washington Post's Erin Cunningham in Washington and Loveday Morris in Berlin contributed to this report. How I got my first job in Canada during the pandemic The story of a recent newcomer to Canada on how he found work amid the COVID-19 crisis. How I got my first job in Canada during the pandemic The story of a recent newcomer to Canada on how he found work amid the COVID-19 crisis. How I got my first job in Canada during the pandemic The story of a recent newcomer to Canada on how he found work amid the COVID-19 crisis. Prashant Gupta Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A I have finally found my dream job in Canada, but my journey was far from normal. Immigrating to a new country is a big step in ones life. But if done rightly, it can lead to a lifetime of happiness, a better life and a chance to live your dreams. After working for more than seven years in India, I decided to immigrate to Canada to explore Western culture. Although I was a bit anxious to find a job in my field in a completely new world, I was still pretty confident that I would be able to get a good job in Canada sooner or later. I am a chartered accountant with experience working in the advisory division of two of the Big Four firms in India. I knew I was coming to Canada with a strong profile. I even turned down a huge job offer in India after I received my Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). I planned to arrive in Canada in March 2020. Everything was supposed to be like a dream coming true, but I never could have imagined what destiny had in store for me. Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration The dream turned into a nightmare I left my job and booked my flight for March 18, 2020. However, our world turned upside down when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11. Soon after that, the Canadian government closed the border on the same day I was supposed to fly out of India. The government said Canadian citizens and permanent residents were allowed to travel, but there was no clarification for people in my position. I was technically not a permanent resident yet, as I only had my COPR. March 2020 was a chaotic period. Travel was considered to be highly risky and with no clarification from the Canadian government on COPR holders, I decided to postpone my flight as I would have landed on the first day of the border closure. Like everyone else, I was hoping that this would be a short-term problem and I would be travelling soon. About a week later, the Canadian government announced exemptions for COPR holders like me, but by then India had introduced severe lockdown measures. International flights were cancelled. I could not even leave my apartment except to get groceries at the nearest store. In June, the lockdown was still in place and international flights were extremely limited. I became one of the thousands of approved permanent residents around the world who were not able to travel to Canada before their COPR visa expired. At first, I had faith that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would support all of us without any hassles. Sadly, that was far from reality. IRCC took many months to provide the extension, never gave any concrete timeline and only gave confusing or no responses. With no job in hand and no certainty on when I would get the COPR extension, life turned into a living nightmare. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months but nothing happened. It was a hopeless and extremely painful situation, in which I could do absolutely nothing. Those eight months severely impacted me emotionally, physically, and financially. I lost a Canadian job opportunity in April, lost money on three flight tickets worth more than $2,800, I was unable to apply for any Canadian job as I was still not a permanent resident and had no Social Insurance Number or bank account, nor was I able to go back to my old job or apply to a new one in India as there was no timeline from IRCC. Life had come to a standstill. It almost broke me and my dreams. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I was not the only one as there were more than 15,000 future permanent residents waiting with the same fate, and sadly many are still waiting in complete limbo. The first months in Canada I got the extension on my expired COPR in November. Without wasting any time, I ran to the airport, but I had trouble on my connecting flight in New Delhi. Air India denied me from boarding only because I did not have a colour copy of my extension letter, even after I passed my immigration checks. After a few more stressful days, I was finally on my way to Canada. Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration My first months in Toronto were difficult but equally exciting. I landed in November. Immediately, I had to go into quarantine and also started my job search. I got my first interview in early January. It went really well and I was confident I would get an offer as the role closely matched my profile, but it ended up being the first of many rejections. The companys feedback was that I would have been a great fit, a great addition to the team, but they had put the position on hold. After being jobless for almost a year and living only on my savings in an expensive city like Toronto, this was heartbreaking, and so were the other rejections that came in February. I wanted to give up, but I knew as long as I am breathing I wont give up no matter what. But finally, a year after my life originally went on hold, I applied for an advisory job with Mazars, a renowned global professional services firm. I did the interview and got my offer letter in the same week. It was a dream role and the chance to be a part of a growing firm operating in more than 90 countries with more than 40,000 professionals. I was on cloud nine landing this job, as I saw my long struggle finally paying off. Tips to find a job in Canada as a new immigrant 1. Resume is key Your experience plays a major role but how you present it in your resume is even more important. Therefore, a Canadian-style resume is the first essential step to get the attention of a hiring manager. Focus on highlighting your best features in your resume, customize it for the job description, and in the Canadian style. Network with people in your desired or chosen field to learn about the Canadian market of your particular field. 2. Apply directly through the company website Most of the immigrants I connected with during my job search said that they got their first job by directly applying on the company website. This was true for me as well. Out of the interview calls that I had received, most of them were through direct application. 3. Strategically identify the companies, recruiters and people you should be trying to connect with Reaching out to targeted people from my field helped me to understand my field from the perspective of Canadian professionals and potential hiring managers. Connecting with them helped me to understand the best part of my profile and if there were any weak areas to work on. 4. Patience is vital It is very natural to get demoralized when there is complete silence from all the companies that you may have applied to. Being rejected after getting interviewed is even more heartbreaking, especially when you havent had a job for months. Keep putting in the effort and dont give up. Its just a matter of time. 5. Time of landing and job search are extremely important There were almost no job opportunities from November until January. From what I understand, this is due to the Canadian business cycle slowing down around the winter holidays, and the impact of COVID. Things started picking up in February and by March I was getting calls for multiple interviews. Since I accepted my current job, I have said no to more new job opportunities than the number of noes I had received after the interviews. 6. Finally, keep dreaming and never give up As a general note, just be strong and always believe in yourself. The decision to immigrate to any new country is a big and bold step. There might be many difficulties along the path but you didnt come this far just to quit midway when faced with some challenges. Dont give up or lose hope. Nothing can or should deter you from your dreams. Keep trying until you accomplish your goal. Once you make it, enjoy your success and dream again. Find Out if Youre Eligible for Canadian Immigration Are you a newcomer to Canada and want to share your story with CIC News? Contact stories@canadavisa.com CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. One of Victorias major health service providers faces a fine up to $1.3 million over a patients suicide after his mental health unit failed to reduce the physical risks to his safety in his room. Melbourne Health has pleaded guilty to failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to risk following the death of Peter Nolan, who died two days after his admission at a Broadmeadows mental health unit. Peter Nolan (right), who died in a Broadmeadows mental-health unit in 2013, pictured with one of his sons, Peter Laurence Nolan jnr. Mr Nolan, 75, was admitted to the unit in September 2013 after his mental health rapidly declined. The father of nine and grandfather had been assessed as having a high risk of suicide after three earlier attempts to take his own life. On September 23, two days after he was admitted, Mr Nolan killed himself using a nylon sheet that had been left in his room by a staff member as a temporary curtain. That these civilizations are so far apart, both in time and in space, has led archaeologists to assume that each of them came up with the idea independently. If this is true, then the labyrinth must be an archetype of human thought, much like the sphere. A sphere, which has come to be associated with the idea of perfection, always has the same shape, regardless of its size, noted the Italian author Giovanni Mariotti. Labyrinths, on the other hand, vary not only in size, but also in shape, to convey the universal experience of feeling lost. Its as if a mischievous god kept changing the design so that we mere mortals could never learn the way out. I am roughly a quarter of the way down the path, when three blonde teenagers dressed in white robes pass me in the opposite direction. Is this a sign? Have these celestial beings been sent to guide me out of here? I spot an information stand emerging from the corner between two hedges and approach it, expecting some kind of Alice-in-Wonderland secret passage. Instead, I find a detailed description of the type of bamboo Im looking at. Disappointed, I keep walking, trusting my instinct to point me in the right direction. According to the Italian writer and semiologist Umberto Eco, there are three kinds of labyrinths, each with its own design. The first and most famous kind boasts a mythological poster boy: the Minotaur. Legend has it that in the Greek city of Knossos, King Minos ordered Daedalus, his head engineer, to build a labyrinth in which he could hide the Minotaur, the result of a tryst between Minoss wife and a bull. This type of labyrinth is unicursal, because it contained only one path leading from the entrance to the center and back. Contrary to popular belief, getting lost in this type of labyrinth is virtually impossible. Sure, the spiral path may give a sense of disorientation, but as long as one keeps going, he or she will eventually reach the center. This labyrinths path unfolds into a straight line, just like an apparently intricate ball of yarn unfurls in a single thread. Thats why, following the thread Ariadne gave him, Theseus could easily find his way out of the labyrinth after killing the Minotaur. That thread was called a clew, and, according to Merriam-Webster, this use led in turn to the meaning a piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem. With slight variations, the unicursal labyrinth remained the only type designed throughout Roman and Medieval times. Spiraled designs decorated the floors of churches across Europe, such as Chartres Cathedral in France: Priests and pilgrims would walk the path to the center on their knees, as a form of prayer and penance. During the Renaissance, the passion for labyrinths re-emerged. Whether circular, square or star-shaped, surrounded by ditches or walls, with a tree or a building in the center, these labyrinths were multicursal, just like the one Im walking through. Every junction offers a binary choice: left or right. The time it takes to find the only possible way to the center depends on a combination of luck and memory. Ive been proceeding on my own, surrounded by a few familiar faces who entered the labyrinth at the same time I did. They are an elegant middle-aged couple, a family with two children running between their parents legs and two teenagers, dressed entirely in black, yet clinging to each other as if walking through a labyrinth was the quintessential romantic endeavor. They are my companions. The getaway driver for a cash box robbery in which a man was held at gunpoint with an imitation firearm has been jailed for four-and-a-half years. Graham Doyle (34) drove a car which was later found to contain items designed to gain entry to the security box and destroy any evidence on the box including hacksaws, a hammer, a chisel and bottles of bleach. Doyle of The Iona, Prospect Hill, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the robbery of 27,800 in cash at Aldi, Main Street, Clonee, Co Meath, on January 6, 2020. He has 23 previous convictions, including convictions for theft, public order and road traffic offences. The court heard that his co-accused James Tracey (32) of Dunsink Park, Finglas was sentenced in February 2021 to seven years imprisonment with the final two years suspended. Detective Sergeant Martin Mahon told Garret Baker BL, prosecuting, that on the date in question, a garda surveillance operation was in place and a Toyota Auris driven by the accused was spotted in the area prior to the robbery. Read More Det Sgt Mahon said the injured party Nicholas Murphy, then aged 30, was working for a security company and had picked up six bags of cash from the supermarket which he had placed in a security box. Mr Murphy had just left the supermarket when Tracey aimed an imitation firearm at him and shouted to drop the security box containing the cash. Mr Murphy dropped the box and Tracey picked it up before making his escape. A garda member observed the Toyota Auris driven by Doyle pulled in on the outbound lane of the M3 motorway, a location near to where the robbery took place. The garda observed Doyle get out of the car and open the passenger side door before returning to the driver's seat. Tracey emerged from nearby foliage carrying the box and began making his way towards the car. Gardai then moved in and intercepted both men and the entire sum of 27,800 in cash was recovered. The car was searched and found to contain a tool kit which was designed to gain entry to the security box and destroy any evidence on the box, Dt Sgt Mahon said. The kit included hacksaws, a wrench, a hammer, a chisel, bottles of bleach, rags and pairs of gloves. Det Sgt Mahon said Doyle was known to gardai in Finglas and other stations and was not co-operative with the investigation. The detective sergeant agreed with Dean Kelly SC, defending, that his client has worked over the years predominantly in the security industry. Mr Kelly said his client was a young man who had worked throughout his life and was offered an opportunity to earn money in a different way. He said his client now understands with clarity the pain and suffering this behaviour inflicts on others. Counsel said his client's father is being treated for cancer and that his client would drive him to engagements. He said his client is the father of two young children. Judge Pauline Codd said Doyle is prosecuted as part of a joint enterprise with his co-accused and the courts views both men as being equally culpable. Judge Codd sentenced Doyle to seven years imprisonment, but suspended the final two-and-a-half years on strict conditions. Read 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. 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 chief superintendent of police, Danjuma Ochejeh, on Wednesday, denied leading a police attack on Odekpe community of Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State on April 24, 2020 and killing one person in the process The police officer appeared before the Independent Investigative Panel which was set up by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to probe complaints of rights violations and acts of brutality committed by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police tactical units. The 11-man panel sitting in Abuja and led by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Suleiman Galadima, was set up in response to last years #EndSARS protests against SARS and all forms of police cruelty. A statement by NHRCs information unit about the panels Wednesdays proceedings stated that Mr Ochejeh was fingered in the complaint filed by some members of Odekpe community concerning the alleged attack on the community. Session Led in his evidence-in-chief by the lawyer to the Nigerian police, Joseph Nwadike, Mr Ochejeh told the panel that he did not know anything about the alleged attack. He said he convened a peace meeting at Mongo Park Hotel in Delta State where some leaders of warring communities of Odekpe and Ala communities were present. He told the panel that he made a personal sacrifice by bearing the transport fare of some of the attendees of the meeting in his bid to ensure peace reigned. The police officer said he preached peace to the parties at the meeting. He conceded that he was serving as a police officer in Delta State, while the Odekpe and Ala communities, where he was intervening were in Anambra State. Mr Ochejeh also admitted that he was from Ala community which was locked in a land dispute with Odekpe community. He also said he did not know Mr Aboy let alone knowing the circumstances that led to his death. He added that he was not aware of a reconciliatory meeting between the warring communities at Ugbolu community in Delta State. Cross-examination During cross-examination by the petitioners counsel, E.C. Egwuatu, the respondent stated that he did not know anything about the alleged ambush of Chief Peter Ikechi and Peter Ekwealor (deceased), the NHRC statement stated. Mr Ikechi was one of the petitioners who filed the complaint before the panel. Mr Ochejeh also told the panel that he did not at any time issue orders or threats to anybody at the meeting he convened at Mongo Park Hotel in Delta. The panel adjourned till May 3 for continuation of defence by the police. Petition Mr Ikechi and other complainants, in their petition, had accused the police of death in police custody, arbitrary arrest and detention, unlawful use of firearms resulting in extra-judicial killing and abuse of office. They alleged that Mr Ochejeh and officials of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT) caused the death of Aboy Okewu during their attack on Odekpe community of Anambra State on April 24, 2020. ADVERTISEMENT In his testimony before the panel, Henry Ugwujede said Messrs Ikechi and Ekwealor (now deceased) had represented the Odekpe community at a peace meeting brokered by the Anambra State Government to settle the land dispute between the community and Ala/Onugwa village where Mr Ochejeh hails from. The witness said Messrs Ikechi and Ekwealor were returning from the reconciliatory meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2020, when Mr Ochejeh led officers of IGP-IRT to arrest the men and Mr Ekene Okona and later tortured them in detention. FKOL owned and operated a manufacturing plant in Kalyani, West Bengal, that manufactured active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in various cancer drug products distributed to the United States An Indian drug manufacturer has been sentenced to pay USD 50 million in fines and forfeiture after pleading guilty to concealing and destroying records prior to a 2013 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plant inspection, the Department of Justice said. Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited (FKOL) was previously criminally charged by the United States with violating the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act by failing to provide certain records to FDA investigators. FKOL owned and operated a manufacturing plant in Kalyani, West Bengal, that manufactured active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in various cancer drug products distributed to the United States. As part of a criminal resolution with the Department of Justice, FKOL agreed to plead guilty to the misdemeanour offense. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey accepted the company's guilty plea and sentenced FKOL on Tuesday to pay a criminal fine of USD30 million, forfeit an additional USD20 million, and implement a compliance and ethics programme designed to prevent, detect, and correct violations of law relating to FKOL's manufacture of cancer drugs intended for terminally ill patients, a media release said. By concealing and destroying drug manufacturing records, FKOL undermined FDA's regulatory authority and placed vulnerable consumers at risk, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department's Civil Division. Prior to a January 2013 FDA inspection of the Kalyani facility, FKOL plant management directed employees to remove certain records from the premises and delete other records from computers that would have revealed FKOL was manufacturing drug ingredients in contravention of FDA requirements. Kalyani plant employees removed computers, hardcopy documents, and other materials from the plant and deleted spreadsheets that contained evidence of the plant's noncompliant practices. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After a series of notable oil discoveries in offshore Guyana and then Suriname over the last six years the impoverished South American nations became a focal point for offshore drilling on the continent. Seismic and other geological data show that the region possesses many characteristics in common with the West African margin, where the world-class multi-billion-barrel Jubilee oilfield was discovered in 2007. Guyana and Suriname, along with French Guiana, share the Guyana-Suriname Basin which is now one of the worlds hottest drilling prospects for big oil. Global energy supermajor ExxonMobil has made 18 high quality oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana since 2015, estimating that they hold over eight billion barrels of recoverable crude oil resources. Exxon recently announced that the Liza Phase-1 offshore Guyana oilfield had reached planned production capacity of 130,000 barrels daily. Liza Phase-2, which is designed to pump 220,000 barrels per day, will commence operations next year followed by the 220,000-barrel Payara project in 2024. There have been similar exploration successes in neighboring offshore Suriname. Exxon, along with partner Petronas, which is the operator, found hydrocarbons in Block 52 offshore Suriname which is adjacent to Apaches Block 58. Since the start of 2020 Apache and partner French oil supermajor Total have made four oil discoveries in Block 58 offshore Suriname. That block is contiguous to Exxons prolific Stabroek Block, leading analysts to speculate that after such a solid run of discoveries its recoverable crude oil resources could be on a similar scale. U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley believes that Block 58 could potentially hold 5.9 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources. Those oil discoveries ignited considerable speculation that Suriname would experience an oil boom as big as that of neighboring Guyana, making the Guyana-Suriname Basin one of the hottest offshore drilling prospects in the world today. That is enhanced by the basins low breakeven prices which analysts estimate to be $35 per barrel for offshore Guyana and $45 for Suriname. Those prices will fall further as additional oil discoveries are made and new infrastructure is developed to facilitate the extraction of the crude oil, which sees some analysts estimating they could fall to as low as $23 per barrel produced. Aside from those discoveries, the tremendous potential held by the Guyana-Suriname Basin is further illustrated by the U.S. Geological Service which in 2001 estimated that it held up to 32.6 billion barrels of undiscovered crude oil resources. That made it the third largest oil basin of undiscovered oil resources in South America after Brazils offshore Santos and Campos Basins. The latest drilling news however, from offshore Guyana and Suriname does not bode well for the oil boom that is underway. Independent exploration and production company Tullow Oil recently announced that its much-hyped Goliathberg-Voltzberg North exploration well in offshore Suriname Block 47 only showed minor oil flows. According to the company there were no commercially viable hydrocarbons to extract and it chose to plug and abandon the well. This is a disappointing result for a heavily hyped wildcat well targeting a potential oil discovery of up to 235 million barrels with a 34% chance of geological success. Total and Apache earlier this month disclosed the cessation of operations at the Keskesi East-1 well, their latest oil discovery in Block 58 offshore Suriname, after significant pressure increases exceeded well design. Related: 13 Million Barrels Of Oil Could Be Affected By Suez Canal Blockage These latest events come on the back of a slew of recent poor drilling results in the Guyana-Suriname Basin. Earlier this month Exxon failed to find commercial quantities of hydrocarbons with its Bulletwood-1 well in the Canje Block offshore Guyana. The global energy super major also drilled a dry hole, the Hassa-1 well, in the prolific Stabroek Block. During November 2020 Exxon discovered heavy oil with the Tanger-1 well in the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana, but found it was uneconomic to exploit and the company plugged and abandoned the well. Tullow, in January 2020, made an uncommercial oil discovery in the Kanuku Block offshore Guyana. This comes on the back of an earlier boatload of dry holes drilled over the past five years. These include Tullows 2017 2,685-meter Araku-1 exploration well in Block 54 offshore Suriname which came up dry. In 2018 Kosmos drilled two wells in Blocks 42 and 45 offshore Suriname which also proved to be dry. The portion of the Guyana-Suriname Basin in nearby French Guiana has failed to deliver any commercially exploitable oil discoveries seeing it essentially abandoned by oil companies. While the poor drilling results from the Guyana-Suriname Basin are a concern, especially because of the high number of dry holes, they have done little to blunt the enthusiasm surrounding the basins prospects. Industry consultancy Rystad Energy predicts a record 16 wells will be drilled in offshore Guyana during 2021. The latest Baker Hughes international rig count supports that assertion. It shows four active drill rigs in Guyana at the end of February 2021, which is the highest number since August 2020, and two operational drill rigs in Suriname. There is mounting speculation that Guyanas government will launch a new oil licensing round during 2021. In November 2020 Suriname commenced its shallow offshore bid round offering eight offshore blocks with bids due by 30 April 2021. Prior to completing the disappointing Goliathberg-Voltzberg North well Tullow confirmed its commitment to Suriname. In recent news, Tullow and its partners received an extension, until 2023, for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana, which is contiguous to the Stabroek Block. Apache and Total intend to continue their Suriname exploration program despite the issues encountered with the Keskesi East-1 well. Apache has budgeted $1.1 billion for 2021, which is an 11% increase over 2020 spending, with $200 million earmarked for exploration activities with Suriname a key focus. Apaches partner, and the operator of Block 58, French oil supermajor Total has allocated $800 million for 2021 exploration activities. Total also intends to focus on the Guyana-Suriname Basin and is targeting first oil from Block 58 during 2025. Recent poor drilling results and high volume of dry holes are a cause for concern but both Guyana and Suriname will remain hot offshore drilling prospects for the foreseeable future. A combination of low forecast breakeven prices, favorable regulatory environments and an estimated high volume of undiscovered recoverable oil resources make the Guyana-Suriname Basin a highly attractive offshore drilling location. By Matthew Smith 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. WASHINGTON President Joe Bidens next big thing would fuse the rebuilding of Americas creaky infrastructure with record spending to fight climate change, a combination that, in scale and scope, represents a huge political shift, even for Democrats who have been in the climate trenches for decades. A guiding philosophy of the Biden proposal argues that the future of good jobs is the transition to an economy that no longer churns out carbon dioxide through the burning of coal, oil and gas. Aides are set to brief Biden this week on plans to invest between $3 trillion and $4 trillion in spending and tax credits on a wide range of efforts meant to bolster the economy. The money is currently planned to be split between two packages, starting with an infrastructure bill that is rooted in the effort to halt the emissions of planet-warming carbon dioxide. Administration officials stress that the details remain in flux. But as currently constructed, accelerating a clean energy transformation underpins nearly every part of the plan, people familiar with it said. It includes building electric power lines that can deliver more renewable energy, building electric vehicle charging stations, capping oil and gas wells to reduce emissions and reclaiming abandoned coal mines. There is money to build 1 million new affordable, energy-efficient housing units and to make existing structures more energy efficient. Hundreds of billions of dollars would go toward high-growth industries of the future, such as advanced battery manufacturing. The underlying message that the next step of Americas economic recovery is fundamentally tied to countering the climate crisis represents a major pivot in the way Democrats make the case for tackling global warming. No longer merely an environmental imperative like saving the polar bears, or a side element of a stimulus package like it was under the Obama administration, climate change has become the centerpiece. Administration officials say they view averting catastrophic warming and pursuing American dominance of the emerging global industries as inseparable. That is a sharp break from even the most recent Democratic administration, when Biden was vice president, let alone the Trump era, when the president denied the existence of climate change. Thinking about addressing climate change through infrastructure is in itself not a revolutionary idea, but if you said to most people, Is Americas infrastructure in trouble? I think the first words they would mention to you are bridges and roads, not EV charging stations, said Robert N. Stavins, an environmental economist at Harvard University. White House officials would not put a dollar figure on the amount dedicated to climate change, but one person familiar with the talks said climate and clean energy spending could exceed $2 trillion. Some climate activists say the plan suffers from a lopsided approach that would increase the supply of clean-energy projects and products while doing little to spur demand by forcing reductions in fossil fuel consumption. Republicans, who unanimously opposed Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus package, and even some independent analysts recoil at wrapping climate policy in the widely popular mantle of infrastructure, which raises old arguments against government-driven industrial policy. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said in a statement that Biden should focus on working with Republicans to fix Americas crumbling roads and bridges, rather than raise taxes while also spending trillions on a bill that includes the punishing regulations of the Green New Deal. But Biden is not straying from his recent positions. He promised during his campaign to build a more resilient, sustainable economy that puts the United States on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by midcentury, while creating millions of good paying jobs. He has continued to hit the theme since his inauguration. Today is climate day at the White House, which means that today is jobs day, the president said in January before signing a suite of executive orders to combat warming. Along with more than $600 billion for the construction of roads, bridges, rail lines, and electric vehicle charging stations, the infrastructure package will incorporate some form of a rebate program championed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., the majority leader, to replace millions of gas-guzzling cars in the next decade with electric vehicles. Some environmental groups on Monday criticized Biden for not proposing an even bigger package for climate change. But Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who has championed the Green New Deal, an aggressive plan to address climate change and revamp the economy, called reports of the infrastructure package encouraging. One of the big goals we had when we introduced the Green New Deal was to shift climate change from being a billion-dollar problem to a trillion-dollar opportunity, Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview. The fact that climate and infrastructure is seen as part of the same endeavor is, I think, highly reflective of that shift, she said. So far, the package excludes the one thing that economists agree is the most efficient way to draw down planet-warming emissions: taxing or otherwise putting a price on the carbon dioxide emissions that cause it. Instead of a gasoline tax, for instance, the president plans to greatly raise fuel efficiency standards for cars, forcing automakers toward electric vehicles through regulation, not legislation. Similarly, Biden plans to reimpose strict emissions regulations on electric power plants to move the sector away from coal. Biden never made a carbon tax the center of his proposal, said John Podesta, a former adviser to President Barack Obama on climate change. I think he believed that the combination of investments and standards with a focus on equity was a winning formula both for the economy and was more politically viable. Others, though, said they worried that Bidens strategy long-term projects and regulation that could take years to finalize was too lengthy, too pricey and too uncertain to cut enough emissions. The scale of the climate problem demands the most economically efficient response, and because its politically difficult to talk about pricing carbon were drifting toward a really expensive way of addressing climate, said Alex Flint, executive director of the Alliance for Market Solutions, a conservative nonprofit group that supports a carbon tax. A carbon tax at least has to be part of the discussion, Flint added. Stavins of Harvard University cautioned that using government spending to achieve both job creation and climate change, while popular, isnt always compatible. Quick boosts to the economy rely on so-called shovel-ready projects and those arent necessarily the ones that will lead to deep decarbonization. But, he conceded, if Obama could not secure legislation to cap carbon emissions when he had 59 Democrats in the Senate, Biden cannot win a similarly tough plan with 50 Democrats, one of whom, Sen. Joe Manchin, represents the coal state of West Virginia. Supporters of the package say tying climate action to fiscal growth is good politics and grounded in fact. A federal report in 2018 found that failing to curb planet-warming pollution could result in more record wildfires, crop failures and crumbled infrastructure across the country, shrinking the U.S. economy 10% by the end of the century. Jamal Raad, who co-founded the climate advocacy group Evergreen Action, said both the politics of climate change and the market for clean energy have changed dramatically over the past decade. Theres been a whole lot of work telling a broader story about what climate change means and what the transition to clean energy would mean for our economy and jobs, he said. This investment package is about telling a positive story about economic growth in clean energy. 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. Health Minister Robin Swann has warned of the potential for a further surge in Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland. Speaking at a media briefing this afternoon, Mr Swann said the vaccination programme offered the hope of "better times ahead" with "more freedoms and more normality". "We cannot jeopardise that better future by being reckless now," he said. "We have so much work to do, both in terms of combating the virus and repairing the great damage it has caused. "Rebuilding health services post-pandemic is a top priority of mine, particularly the need to address the backlog in operations and other treatments. "The potential for a further surge in Covid-19 cases, however, represents the single biggest threat to that crucial rebuilding. "That's a major reason why we need to be cautious now. "As I have stressed before, the best way to protect non-Covid care is to stop the virus spreading." Mr Swann said the public must remain cautious and vigilant as he urged people to spend the Easter period "sensibly and respectfully". "The virus is still out there, looking for ways to spread," he said. "Remember that indoor mixing is still out of bounds, for very good reason," he said. "While limited outdoor interactions are permitted, social distancing and common sense remain vital." Mr Swann was speaking after no new deaths were reported from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland on Wednesday. The latest figures from the Department of Health are within the past 24 hours. Northern Ireland's death toll from the virus remains at 2,107. Covid-19 Health Update with Health Minister, Robin Swann Health Minister, Robin Swann, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride and Patricia Donnelly, Head of the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme will address the media Posted by Belfast Telegraph on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 Over the past seven days there have been seven deaths from the virus, down from eight the week before. The department also confirmed 139 new cases of Covid-19 after 1,856 tests were carried out. A total of 116,332 people have now tested positive for the virus in Northern Ireland. Read More Over the past seven days 1,014 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19, down from 1,197 the week before. There are currently 154 Covid-19 patients in Northern Ireland's hospitals, with 14 in an intensive care unit. Hospital bed occupancy currently stands at 101%, while 25 intensive care unit beds remain free. In Northern Ireland's care homes there are currently nine active outbreaks of the virus. Read More Meanwhile chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has announced the easing of safety advice to those considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) in Northern Ireland. Since December 26 2020, CEV people have been advised to adhere to additional steps to protect themselves from Covid-19, including advice not to attend a workplace if they are unable to work from home. Dr McBride said there would be a graduated easing of the advice from April 12, with the first step in relation to the workplace. He said if people could not work from home they could go back to the workplace, as long as appropriate safety measures were in place. "From the outset, protecting the most vulnerable people from Covid-19 has been a key priority," he said. "If the current good progress in relation to the virus is maintained, I am pleased to recommend that CEV people will be able to attend work after April 12, provided the proper measures have been taken regarding the biosecurity of the workplace. "This is an important step to helping CEV people re-engage with everyday life with confidence." Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form FLINT, MI -- Mott Community College announced Wednesday that it has identified and addressed a data security breach. Through an investigation, Mott Community College determined that an unauthorized person obtained access to its systems between November 27 and January 9, and transferred files maintained on one of its systems outside of its network. The college discovered Jan. 23 that the files that were acquired by the unauthorized person may have included information relating to its self-insured dental plan, according to Wednesday, March 24 news release. After a review, MCC determined the following information was involved in the incident: name, date of birth and dental plan enrollment, along with claims information related to individuals who were enrolled in Mott Community Colleges self-insured dental plan between 2014-2015 and in 2019. Mott Community College began notifying individuals whose information was involved in the incident on March 24 and recommends that all current and former employees, and the beneficiaries and dependents of those employees, remain vigilant for signs of unauthorized activity by reviewing any statements that they receive relating to their health insurance. Anyone who identifies any activity that they did not authorize is asked to immediately contact Mott Community College. Mott Community College has no indication that any information was actually viewed by the unauthorized person, or that it has been misused, per the release. Mott Community College sincerely regrets that this incident occurred and apologizes for any inconvenience or concern, the release reads. To help prevent something like this from happening again, and to further protect dental plan data, Mott Community College has implemented additional safeguards and technical security measures, including multifactor authentication for all network and email access and additional password requirements. In audition to launching an investigation, the college contacted police, a cybersecurity firm was engaged and additional steps were taken to address the incident and restore operations. Those seeking additional information can go to the colleges website or call 1-855-484-1189, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Read more on MLive: Clio City Hall closed after employee tests positive for COVID-19 Father says it makes no sense not charging adult in teens Russian roulette death at Burton home Pregnant woman ejected, seriously injured in two-vehicle crash Dolly Partons Imagination Library distributes over 200,000 books to Flint kids Hamilton Community Health Network in Flint to give free COVID-19 vaccines to anyone who needs it Genesee County focusing $78 million in COVID-19 relief on health, courts, capital projects Federal judge wont back off suggestion that Flint attorney violated rules of professional conduct New healthy air management technology sets industry benchmark at AWE 2021 in Shanghai SHANGHAI, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --Haier Smart Home ("Haier", Shanghai: 600690), the world's leading home appliance brand and smart home ecosystem builder, was awarded first place in three categories in Euromonitor International's Global Major Appliances Brand Rankings at AWE 2021 in Shanghai. Haier is the number one brand of healthy Self-Clean air conditioner in the world, with a market share of over 46% in terms of volume sales in 2020 Haier is the number one brand of connected air conditioner (including smart air conditioner) in the world, with a market share of over 31% in terms of volume sales in 2020. Haier is the number one Chinese air conditioner brand by selling volume in the overseas market (excluding mainland China ) in 2020. Moreover, Haier air conditioners also showcased its new technology for healthy air management, opening up a new category of healthy air conditioners and setting a benchmark in the industry. Haier showcased its new air conditioners through a series of powerful healthy air and healthy sleep scenarios at AWE 2021 Shanghai. It illustrated how its healthy air management technology is empowering a new generation of air conditioners with cutting-edge functions such as air washing, healthy sleep mode, and Near Field Communication (NFC). Air conditioners with the air wash feature can remove seven common air pollutants (PM2.5, formaldehyde, bacteria, lint, odors, dust mites, and pollen) from the air, while simultaneously releasing 10,000-grade negative ions and water molecules that help humidify the room. It can wash the air once every hour without consuming any resources. Meanwhile, the Leishen Air Conditioner delivers three outstanding features. Smart wind quickly lowers temperatures without blowing directly at people, while floor heating mode warms from the feet up. AI empowered smart technology allows users to customize setting to naturally fit to different modes based on sleep patterns and stages, to ensure quality rest and boost one's immune system. Thanks to a sterilization cabin, the air conditioner only blows clean air while keeping itself clean. Meanwhile, smart voice control enables users to set timers or reminders vocally, as well as enjoy the weather forecast and other services, creating a pleasantly intelligent experience. Lastly, 360 degree temperature ensures the same temperature across the entire room, with a negligible difference of no more than 0.5C. Haier's air conditioner embedded with AI-driven decision-making to ensure the best possible air, life, and household appliance experience. Not only does it regulate air quality and manage comfort for the whole house, but users can also interact with their air conditioners, setting reminders and giving commands that get a wide variety of tasks done as part of Haier's Smart Home ecosystem. As an intelligent piece of equipment, these air conditioners are very much equipped with their own five senses, perceiving and managing indoor air quality, outdoor weather conditions, air conditioner functioning, user scenarios, and household equipment tasks. To meet the modern consumer's expectations for intelligent, healthy, and efficient experiences, Haier continues to innovate its air conditioners as well as its Smart Home offering, so as to ensure peace of mind for the entire household. For more information, please visit http://www.haier.net/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472665/Haier_s_Healthy_Air_Conditioners_Rank_Number_One_Three_Prestigious_Euromonitor.jpg Biden's inaugural priest and family friend investigated for questionable behavior, placed on leave Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Jesuit priest who presided over the inaugural mass for President Joe Biden is being investigated and placed on leave from the university where he serves as president. In an announcement from the chair of the board of trustees posted on its website Thursday, Santa Clara University in California said that Father Kevin OBrien had exhibited behaviors in adult settings, consisting primarily of conversations, which may be inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries. The university, also known as the Jesuit University In Silicon Valley, noted that an independent investigation has been launched. During the course of the inquiry, OBrien will be on leave from his position. The Board of Trustees takes these accounts seriously. We also respect the need for a thorough investigation and support the actions being taken by the USA West Province Office. We reserve any further action on the part of the Trustees until we have fully reviewed the final results of the investigation, board chair John M. Sobrato wrote in the statement. The Trustees support those who came forward to share their accounts. It is important that anyone who witnesses actions they believe are inconsistent with SCUs values or rules is able to share their concerns and have confidence that they will be taken seriously. The statement did not elaborate further on what allegations have been made against OBrien but noted that the executive committee's trustees were briefed on the accusations. The committee confirmed OBriens appointment of Provost Lisa Kloppenberg to serve as acting president while he is on leave. The Jesuits' West Province includes Arizona, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. I would ask that everyone please allow the investigation to run its course, Sobrato stated. We will not be providing interim updates, but will communicate the final results of the investigation. The 54-year-old priest celebrated mass on Inauguration Day just before Bidens Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. The mass was attended by Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, their family members and other political leaders. OBrien has served as SCU president since 2019 after he served as dean of SCUs Jesuit School of Theology for two years. According to the schools website, OBrien joined the Society of Jesus in 1996. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2006. Before SCU, OBrien was based at Georgetown University, where he was executive director of campus ministry and then vice president for mission and ministry. While in Washington, he served at Holy Trinity Church, where the Bidens have and continue to attend Mass. OBrien is described as a Biden family friend. "This day, when we emphasize national unity, we welcome people of all faith traditions and all political preferences, for we are all sons and daughters of God, and we all need to say thank you to the God who has been so, so good to us and to our country, OBrien said in his Jan. 20 sermon. And we also need to rely on God's help, God's encouragement." New Delhi, March 24 : Government may ask banks to provide details of interest on interest collected by them for loans exposure of over Rs 2 crore. This follows the Supreme Court's observation given on Tuesday where it noted that the RBI and the government have not provided any rationale for the overall borrower's debt cap of Rs 2 crore for waiver of interest on interest and directed them to provide such relief to borrowers with overall exposure of over Rs 2 crore as well. Sources said that the government wants to collect individual bank data to assess the total liability on the sector to reimburse interest on interest collected on loan exposure over Rs 2 crore for the period between March-August 2020. This would help it in devising a plan how to reimburse such interest for borrowers who have exposure of over Rs 2 crore with banks. Initial thinking, said sources in the know, is to look at 50-50 sharing of remaining repayment liability between the Centre and the banks. This would reduce burden on both. Some bankers have also suggested that IBA/RBI/Government should file a writ petition challenging the court directive to waive interest on interest on loans above Rs 2 crore (except for consolidated exposure). Centre had last year agreed to credit in the accounts of eligible borrowers the difference between compound interest and simple interest collected on loans of up to Rs 2 crore after the matter reached the Supreme Court. As per brokerages report, the company's interest across all lenders is around Rs 14,000 crore. Excluding the relief for loans upto Rs 2 crore (estimated to cost around Rs 6,500 crore), an additional relief of about Rs 7,500 crore will need to be provided to borrowers. Under the series of pandemic relief measures, the RBI had on March 27, 2020 issued the circular which allowed lending institutions to grant a moratorium on payment of instalments of term loans falling due between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020. Later, the moratorium was extended till August 31 this year. However, the same had to be repaid after the moratorium, including payment of compounding interest (interest in interest) on dues for the said period. This was challenged in the court. For centre, settling this Rs 7,500 additional burden would pose a challenge as its finances are already overstretched given the stimulus measures and less than anticipated levels of revenue collections in wake of the pandemic. For banks also it would mean further strain on their finances as already their NPA level is expected to shoot to post lifting of restriction on accounting for loans turning into NPA post imposition of moratorium on loan repayment. "The sharing of the liability between the Centre and banks would reduce the load but the court could be re-approached to give a relook at the matter as earlier relief was meant for MSMEs and small borrowers that were affected the most during the lockdown," said a banking sector analyst asking not to be named. It is estimated that NPA may rise by over one per cent after banks start recognising loans that were extended moratorium last year. A retired NYPD cop spotted by security cameras waving a tambourine during the Capitol riot on January 6 has been arrested by the FBI following a tip-off. Sara Carpenter, 51, is the latest alleged Capitol rioter to face misdemeanour charges after she surrendered to FBI agents in Queens at 9am yesterday. The former cop previously told agents she had marched to the Capitol as part of a large crowd after Donald Trump's rally. Carpenter, who retired from the police in 2004, is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Federal authorities said that Carpenter surrendered in Queens at 9am yesterday. The FBI received an anonymous tip January 7, according to a court filing, which claimed Carpenter had phoned a relative while inside the Capitol. The tip also provided the agency with Carpenter's address. Sara Carpenter, 51, a retired NYPD officer is facing a number of charges in relation to the Capitol Hill riot after being arrested by the FBI yesterday. Pictured: Capitol Hill security footage shows a woman wearing a red hat and green coat while shaking a tambourine, who is alleged to have been Sara Carpenter FBI documents claim that Carpenter drove to Washington on the night before the Capitol riot and had entered the Capitol building without authority to be there. They also claim Carpenter was seen walking through the building recording on her phone and shaking a tambourine in her hand. Pictured: A woman wearing a red hat, alleged to be Sara Carpenter, holds up a phone and records inside the Capitol In an email, Detective Sophia Mason, spokeswoman for the Police Department, said: 'The NYPD worked closely with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force culminating with the arrest of Sara Carpenter.' FBI documents claim that Carpenter drove to Washington the night before the Capitol riot and entered the Capitol building without authority to be there. They also claim Carpenter was seen walking through the building recording on her phone and shaking a tambourine in her hand. Her case is being prosecuted by the District of Columbia federal court, along with hundreds of other alleged Capitol Hill rioters. Carpenter, who worked as a spokeswoman for the NYPD in the 1990s, appeared before a federal court in Brooklyn yesterday afternoon via teleconference and prosecutors said she had co-operated throughout the investigation. The woman, caught on security cameras during the Capitol Hill riot, is seen raising an arm in the air and shaking a tambourine As part of her co-operation with investigators, Carpenter sent the FBI a text message containing the video footage she had taken during her time inside the Capitol. She also handed over the tambourine (pictured) she said she had been shaking throughout the riot US attorney Josh Hafertz said 'any involvement in the Jan. 6 [riot] is serious conduct.' Security footage filmed during the riot showed a woman wearing a red hat, green coat and black boots who was carrying a tambourine inside the Capitol. A court filing said the footage showed the woman turning 'back to the room and raises [her] hands in the air. During an interview on January 18 with the FBI, Carpenter said she arrived in Washington DC on January 6 around 9am and went to the Donald Trump rally. She said that around 1pm she joined a large group of people walking toward the Capitol and entered the Rotunda where she claims to have seen others walking out with items. FBI agents recovered a green coat (pictured) similar to the one worn by the woman captured by security cameras, when they searched Sara Carpenter's residence A grey backpack was also discovered in Carpenter's home by agents while conducting their search Court documents show that Carpenter also heard police officers yelling at individuals to leave the building and shoving the crowd, resulting in her being trampled and pepper-sprayed. As part of her co-operation with investigators, Carpenter sent the FBI a text message containing the video she took inside the Capitol. She also handed over the tambourine she said she had been shaking throughout the riot. Following a search of Carpenter's home, agents discovered a green coat, black boots and grey backpack, similar to those worn by the woman captured captured in security footage. Carpenter has been released on bond and her passport has been surrendered. A judge also limited her travel to New York City and Long Island. During an interview with the FBI, Carpenter said she attended the Donald Trump rally on January 6, arriving in Washington DC around 9am. By 1pm she had joined a large group of people marching towards the Capitol building. Pictured: Capitol Hill officers arrive outside the US Capitol as large crowds gathered to protest on January 6 The Capitol Hill riot on January 6 left five people dead and almost 140 police officers injured. In the months since, more than 300 people have been arrested in connection with the incident Pictured: Capitol Hill rioters clash with police and security forces as they tried to gain entry to the Capitol building during the January 6 riot Her defense attorney declined to comment on the charges. She is due to appear in federal court in Washington DC on Monday via teleconference, and no plea has been entered. Following Joe Biden's election win, former President Trump spent months falsely claiming he had won the election instead, with Biden's victory the result of falsely alleged ballot fraud. Trump's allegations came to a head on January 6 when he held a rally and urged a crowd of thousands of his supporters to march to the Capitol and pressure lawmakers not to certify Joe Biden's victory. Following his rally, thousands descended on Capitol Hill, resulting in a riot that left five people dead and almost 140 police officers injured. In the months since, more than 300 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. According to exit polls, Likud, the party of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is the leader of the Knesset elections which took place yesterday. They are going to take 31 mandates. As a result of the elections, a leader of a winning party should form a majority coalition. Foreign Policy reports on relations between Netanyahu and the Middle East countries ahead of the elections. The royal business jet sent by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates was waiting on the tarmac at an airport in Jordan for instructions to proceed to Israels Ben Gurion International Airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was still at his office in Jerusalem, getting ready to board the plane for a triumphant bilateral summit in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi. Together, Bin Zayed and Netanyahu were planning to unveil some $10 billion in joint infrastructure projects that would knit the Middle East together with a rail network running 1,100 miles from the Mediterranean coast to the Persian Gulf. The UAE would finance construction of a deep-water port at the Israeli end of the Red Sea. A pipeline pumping oil between Israels Ashkelon and Eilat terminals would be connected to the Arabian Peninsula either by tanker or through a possible new 430-mile underwater pipeline through the Red Sea to Saudi Arabias Yanbu terminal. Then, at midday on March 11, the three-hour flight was aborted. Netanyahu had been grounded in a diplomatic circus involving Jordanian King Abdullahs 26-year-old son Crown Prince Hussein, Israels Shin-Bet internal security agency, and Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam. Jordan had refused to let the Gulf-bound flight traverse its airspace, ostensibly to retaliate for Israeli restrictions on access to the mosque. In reality, Abdullah was striking back for years of diplomatic snubs by the Israeli leader. The political bedlam got even worse a week later, shaking the foundations of the new Israeli-Arab peace deals known as the Abraham Accords. Israel had signed the groundbreaking agreements with the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain at a White House ceremony choreographed by former U.S. President Donald Trump last September. This time, the UAE itself scratched Netanyahus follow-up attempt to hold the summit, publicly accusing him of trying to exploit the petroleum-rich Gulf state for his teetering campaign to win the countrys March 23 elections. The UAE will not be a part in any internal electioneering in Israel, now or ever, wrote Anwar Gargash, an influential royal adviser and former UAE foreign minister, in a tweet. While Netanyahus stunts were embarrassing, Gulf-Israel rapprochement appears intact, even if the Trump-brokered accords may need to be modified to pick up U.S. President Joe Bidens support. Initially clinched with a $23-billion sale of U.S.-made F-35 Stealth fighter jets and armed MQ-9B aerial drones to the UAEcurrently suspended for scrutiny by the new administrationthe normalized ties are grounded in lucrative infrastructure deals and a growing raft of joint ventures between private Israeli and Arab firms. Construction groups contemplating bids for the Israel-Gulf rail project, which would cross through Jordan and Saudi Arabia, are said to include U.S., European, Russian, and Chinese companies. Israel already operates a train route running east from its Haifa port to the Jordanian border. The new Tracks for Regional Peace plan would bring Spanish produce or German industrial parts from European ships docking in Israel to the Gulf States. The project would resuscitate Jordans 112-year-old Hejaz railway to connect with a new train network being built in Saudi Arabia and reach Gulf ports. The Netanyahu-Bin Zayed summit was also expected to kick off the deep-water port project, funded by Abu Dhabis $580 billion sovereign wealth fund and enabling supertankers to dock in Eilat, next to the Jordanian port city of Aqaba. Ships could carry crude oil from Saudi Arabia and pump it through the Israeli pipeline to the Mediterranean Sea and on to Europe. In the other direction, Central Asian and European oil could traverse the land bridge to reach ships at the Red Sea port that would then sail to China, Japan, or South Korea. Digging deep into Eilats seabed, however, faces growing opposition from Israeli environmentalists who say it will kill the areas delicate coral reserve, a mecca for scuba divers, and risk environmental disaster with a future oil spill. Concerns have been amplified over the past month with a Mediterranean oil leak from a still unidentified tanker that polluted Israeli beaches with globs of black tar. While the train and port projects were still being negotiated late last year, Israels state-owned Europe Asia Pipeline Co. Ltd. (EAPC) and UAE-based MED-RED Land Bridge Ltd. had already signed a memorandum of understanding in an Abu Dhabi ceremony attended by then-U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The deal piggybacks on the Israeli companys existing 160-mile conduits for piping crude oil and petroleum distillates. It anticipates their being connected to the Gulf network through Saudi Arabias East-West oil pipeline by ship or a new underwater pipeline. Besides oil, EAPC says it is also developing plans to transport natural gas between its Mediterranean and Red Sea terminals for onward transport. Israel has discovered abundant gas deposits off its Mediterranean coast over the last 20 years and has signed export deals with Greece and Cyprus, and could become a supplier for Italy and other countries in Europe. Drilling at the offshore Leviathan gas field was carried out by an Israeli-American consortium led by Houston-based Noble Energy, which was bought for $5 billion in stock last year by Chevron, the worlds seventh biggest oil company. EAPC CEO Izik Levy told Foreign Policy before the Abraham Accords were signed in September that the planned alliance with the UAE opens a lot of doors and opportunities for the Israeli company. Led by Chevron, other U.S. and international energy companies have shed the historical reluctance they once had to deal with Israelfor fear of violating a 75-year-old Arab boycott, Levy said. Even after the U.S. Congress declared the sanctions illegal in 1977, dealing with Israel remained toxic for Big Oil. Israel obtained the bulk of its energy supplies through often covert deals with countries such as Azerbaijan and Mexico. While political hubris may have rattled some of the goodwill that was evident on the south lawn of the White House last year, an about-face by Emiratis and Israelis looks unlikely. Israels strategic position as a geographical shortcut between continents and the Gulf States judgment that engaging with their former enemy presents abundant business opportunities mean that doors should open for many more Israeli-Arab deals in the fast-evolving Middle East. Netanyahu, the Jewish states longest-serving prime minister, has meanwhile poured his all into the final days of his reelection campaign, hoping also to pass legislation that would postpone a corruption trial in which he pleaded not guilty in February. QSTP announces opening of applications for aspiring entrepreneurs in Qatar and MENA DOHA, Qatar, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The fourth edition of the Arab Innovation Academy (AIA) is set to take place over a 12-week period during the fall semester 2021. In light of the health and safety restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition will be held virtually from August 31 to November 23. Applications are open now until 12 May 2021. AIA is the first and the most extensive entrepreneurship program in the pan-Arab region and aims to provide aspiring university students and young entrepreneurs with the authentic experience of developing and launching new tech ventures under the guidance of leading global tech start-up mentors. Additionally, the program is now officially accredited by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. This means that participants who are students of HBKU or are cross-registered HBKU are eligible to gain credit once they complete both the AIA and HBKU requirements. Regular participants will receive a certificate of successful completion from the AIA. For students enrolled at HBKU or cross registered at HBKU should follow the HBKU course registration deadline for fall semester, while the rest of the applicants should apply to AIA 2021 before 12 May. Last year saw Salamtak, a company that developed an online system for the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension while providing both patients and healthcare professionals with a real-time interface to monitor vital data, win first place. While, the company 'Hamza', for their development of a special program which assists with Arabic writing, automatically correcting grammatical errors, just like Grammarly in English, took the runner-up spot. Third place was secured by Go Star, who created a platform for parents to create gamified daily life tasks for their children such as cleaning their room or feeding a pet. The AIA is a hands-on and groundbreaking accelerator program that was brought to Qatar and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region through a collaboration between Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI), and the European Innovation Academy (EIA). Beginning as an exclusive 10-day start-up boot-camp, AIA took place for the first time in 2018 with the involvement of more than 100 participants from Qatar and the region. The second edition, held in 2019 had more than 160 participants, while last year's third edition saw almost 200 young entrepreneurs from over 10 countries in the region taking part, demonstrating the rapid growth and popularity of the program. Hayfa Al Abdulla, Innovation Director at QSTP, said, "Everyone at QSTP is very much looking forward to the fourth edition of AIA. The fantastic, innovative ideas that have been brought to us in the past three editions clearly show that extraordinarily talented entrepreneurs are in great abundance here in Qatar, as well as across the MENA region. We are eager to welcome all aspiring innovators who would like to take part in this year's program and are pleased to announce that applications are now open." Dr. Richard O'Kennedy, Vice President, QF RDI and the Vice President for Research at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), added, "The advanced ideas brought in by talented entrepreneurs to platforms that channel them towards developing impactful products and services, remain pivotal to Qatar's aspirations - namely, a forward-thinking and progressive nation right at the spearhead of trailblazing ideas and new technology that will benefit both the local and international communities. To that end, AIA is a significant platform, and we at QF RDI are very much looking forward to receiving entries from tech entrepreneurs in Qatar and further afield for the fourth edition of the program." QSTP believes that the virtual setting for the latest edition of the program will not detract from the many benefits it will bring to all participants. Although the ever-popular in-person networking will be unavailable, participants will have a rich, immersive experience that will prove to be beneficial to future plans and aspirations. Expert support and guidance will be available throughout the program, aiding participants every step of the way. For more details of this year's program and to apply, please visit www.inacademy.eu/qatar Qatar Science & Technology Park Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), part of Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI), is a Free Zone, accelerator and incubator for tech-product development in Qatar. The park fosters an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar that works to accelerate commercialization of market-ready technologies to realize Qatar's national diversification drive. QSTP's focus ranges across four overarching themes, comprising Energy, Environment, Health Sciences and Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), in line with the Qatar National Research Strategy announced in 2012. Located in Qatar Foundation's Education City, QSTP has access to the vital resources of a cluster of leading research universities. Members of QSTP's Free Zone include Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), international corporations and research institutions. They are collectively committed to investing in new technology development programs, creating intellectual property, enhancing technology management skills and developing innovative new products. QSTP supports QF RDI's economic and human development objectives for Qatar and is increasingly recognized as an international hub for applied research, innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit the QSTP website at www.qstp.org.qa Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) The Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI) division's role is to play an integral part in identifying and addressing challenges and opportunities across ICT, energy, environment and healthcare, in alignment with Qatar's national RDI strategy and priorities. QF RDI is at the forefront of Qatar's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, accelerating economic development through supporting the commercialization of market-ready technologies and facilitating the creation of new high-tech products and services. QF RDI is responsible for translating Qatar's national RDI strategy into specific initiatives and actions for Qatar Foundation's (QF) RDI entities. It also directs their efforts in relation to economic value creation, knowledge transfer and the establishment of mutually beneficial national and international RDI partnerships. To ensure these efforts deliver maximum impact, the QF Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation plans, coordinates and oversees all RDI-related activities across QF. Qatar Foundation - Unlocking Human Potential Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a non-profit organization that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy. QF strives to serve the people of Qatar and beyond by providing specialized programs across its innovation-focused ecosystem of education, research and development and community development. QF was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. Today, QF's world-class education system offers lifelong learning opportunities to community members as young as six months through to doctoral level, enabling graduates to thrive in a global environment and contribute to the nation's development. QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all. For a complete list of QF's initiatives and projects, please visit: www.qf.org.qa Murder suspects mother Linda Beeman and sister Patricia Adams were arrested at their workplaces View Photos West Point, CA The mother and sister of an Amador man accused of murdering a woman were arrested last week for aiding him in escaping capture. 44-year-old Jerry Lee Adams Jr. was captured on January 26th in a Reno, Nevada casino about four days after Amador County Sheriffs Detectives released his picture and the details of the slaying to the public, as detailed here. Last week, Adams mother, Linda Beeman, and sister, Patricia Adams, were arrested at their workplaces, as pictured in the image box. Both are behind bars on a half a million-dollar bail each for felony aiding and abetting. Amador Sheriffs official detail, They are suspected of assisting Adams in his attempt to evade arrest after an arrest warrant was obtained for him for the murder of Savana Burger. The 27-year-old womans remains were found in the West Point area of Calaveras County on January 15th. Detectives say that other evidence, which they would not disclose, was also discovered in the area that pointed to Adams Jr. as the killer, as reported here. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:29:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VALLETTA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The Maltese government has extended a scheme that aims to help ailing businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also includes a moratorium on the repayment of bank loans and the deferral of tax payments. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana told a press conference here on Wednesday that the focus for now should be on saving businesses, safeguarding employment and the economy as a whole rather than on collecting taxes. The scheme was originally rolled out last year as the country faced the first wave of the pandemic. Now that Malta is faced with the second wave and as Europe braces itself for a third wave, Caruana said the scheme was extended to give "breathing space" to the country's cash-strapped businesses. Malta's non-essential businesses and non-essential service providers are currently closed as part of measures imposed by the government to control the spread of the virus. These include restaurants, bars and gyms, which must remain closed until April 11. Schools are also closed, forcing many parents to take special leave to stay with their children. The government's COVID-19 wage guarantee, equivalent to 800 euros (950 U.S. dollars) per month, is also being paid to help firms retain employment by offsetting the wage bill. Caruana said the bank loan moratorium has been extended by another six months. Under the tax deferral scheme, eligible taxes, originally due in December this year, will start to be collected in May 2022. He said that a total of 152.4 million euros in income taxes and 77 million euros in value-added tax have been deferred so far. Enditem Six-time New York Times bestseller and global thinker Malcolm Gladwell will deliver the keynote address at the summit. Echoing the SocialChorus mission to provide a digital employee experience that supports every worker, Gladwell will explore how an organization's strength lies in every employee. While conventional wisdom holds that companies are dependent on their best people, Gladwell posits that this is changing. Organizations will now stand or fall based on the performance of the typical employee, not just the strongest performers at the head office. He will discuss how forward-thinking organizations can build teams and engage their people in a way that embraces this new reality. Several enterprise leaders and innovators will address attendees with compelling arguments in favor of providing an equal and empowering experience for every employee, including executives from Hilton, Reddit, Ingredion, ADM, Providence, Extreme Networks and Atrium Health. In addition, cognitive neuroscientists Dr. Sahar Yousef and Professor Lucas Miller will explain how to optimize the employee experience for greater focus in the face of today's constant digital distractions and our new always-on work culture. Yousef and Miller are faculty members at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and are the founders of the productivity consultancy Becoming Superhuman. Finally, bestselling business author Greg Satell will offer expert commentary on the importance of digital transformation in the workplace and SocialChorus' own founders and executives will join the virtual stage to discuss how to create a digital employee experience that works for every worker. "In the past year, frontline workers have been hailed as heroes for their courage in the face of the pandemic, and these essential workers deserve to be well-supported by their companies," explained Nicole Alvino, co-founder and chief strategy officer at SocialChorus. "At Attune, we will address how we as business leaders can ensure that essential workers, and all employees from the front line to corporate headquarters, have access to a digital experience that makes them feel informed, connected and valued." SocialChorus will also unveil details around an exciting new product launch within their FirstUp platform, designed to enable any communicator, from the expert communications professional to the new plant manager, to deliver effective, intentional communications that inspire, connect and drive the right actions. This new product brings together the best of content design, marketing automation technology and analytics software into one powerful, intuitive workflow. It incorporates the best practices of effective communication, from targeting to design to delivery, and compiles them into one streamlined process that uses campaign logic to engage employees. Yoga, Music and More SocialChorus is committed to presenting an informative and inspiring summit, but will also build in time for relaxation and recreation. Attune will open with a concert by Elle Winston. An exciting new voice in roots music, Winston takes her training in classical technique and introduces it to her love of folk, blues and jazz traditions. Throughout Attune, Kiara Boyd, yoga instructor and owner of Moonchild Healing Studio in Phoenix, will guide attendees through short meditation exercises that provide physical and mental grounding for the day ahead. Finally, Attune will connect peers and business leaders in networking breakout rooms, featuring collaborative experiences for both SocialChorus customers and general attendees. Attune runs April 13-14, 2021; the event is free to attend, but registration is required. For an up-to-date schedule of events and to register, prospective attendees should visit https://attune-summit.com/ . About SocialChorus SocialChorus is the creator of FirstUp, the platform that makes the digital employee experience work for every worker. Using a powerful orchestration engine, we bring personalized information and systems access to every employee where they areon any endpoint or device in any language, anywhere in the world. Whether they're wired, mobile, frontline, distributed or essential, FirstUp gives employees what they need to do their jobs efficiently and companies what they need to achieve agility. That's how SocialChorus helps enterprise companies like Amazon, ABInBev, Ford and GSK continue to transform their businesses. Learn more at socialchorus.com . SOURCE SocialChorus Related Links http://www.socialchorus.com CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AmBase Corporation (OTC: ABCP) ("AmBase" or the "Company") announced today a net loss of $5,604,000 or $0.14 per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded a net loss of $4,926,0000 or $0.12 per share. Statements made in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words as "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "intends" and variations of such words and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that a variety of factors could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the Company's forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, include, but are not limited to those set forth under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise. The Company also announced that it has fixed the close of business on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, as the record date for the upcoming 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of AmBase Corporation, which will be held at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 1800 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, Connecticut. The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the AmBase Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-to-date period ended December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A more complete discussion of the Company's annual results and the Company's affairs is included in AmBase Corporation's Annual Report on 10-K for the annual period December 31, 2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AmBase Corporation Summary Results (in thousands, except per share data) Twelve Months 2020 2019 Operating expenses $ 5,640 $ 4,991 Operating loss (5,640) (4,991) Interest income 8 36 Income (loss) before income taxes (5,632) (4,955) Income tax expense (benefit) (28) (29) Net income (loss) $ (5,604) $ (4,926) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ (0.14) $ (0.12) Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 40,738 40,738 SOURCE AmBase Corporation Related Links http://www.ambasecorp.com Parents will hold a crisis meeting in Richmond on Wednesday night to raise concerns over the siting of the supervised injecting centre next to the local primary school. Recent events have prompted the meeting, including the discovery of a mans body outside the school and the arrest of a man who trespassed on school grounds allegedly armed with a knife. Richmond West Primary School is next door to the safe injecting centre. Credit:Paul Jeffers Residents are calling on the state government to move the injecting centre from its Lennox Street location because it is too close to Richmond West Primary School. The state government extended its two-year trial of the injecting centre last year to run for another three years. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 19:57:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations humanitarian agency said Wednesday it launched a 13 million U.S. dollar bid to help mitigate the impact of water shortages in Somalia. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the funding from multi-donor Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF) will be complemented by a 7 million dollar grant from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). "At least 34 districts are facing alarming water shortages with reports of pre-drought conditions in some places. The worst-affected areas are in Somaliland, Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and Jubaland," OCHA said in its latest humanitarian report. Most of Somalia has been experiencing drier and hotter than normal conditions since January following a generally below-average Deyr rainfall season in late 2020. According to the UN, cumulative rainfall during the October-December 2020 Deyr was lower than the historical average in the north and most of the south, with the biggest deficits occurring in parts of Togdheer, Gedo and Lower Juba regions. "With over 83,300 people already displaced by extreme dry conditions across Somalia since November 2020, the humanitarian partners are warning that the international community must act now to prevent a catastrophe," OCHA said. It said long-term sustainable development solutions are also needed to complement humanitarian action and address root causes of recurrent climatic shocks. According to the UN, 3.4 million people could be affected by drought-like conditions in 2021, of whom about 380,000 are expected to be displaced due to extreme dry conditions. The UN said the situation is also challenging for women and children, especially girls, because scarcity increases the care burden required to collect water as well as the risk of abuse and violence. Enditem We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The Murray Police Department is requesting the public's assistance with identifying the people responsible for vandalism in Chestnut Park. PHOTO:Murray PD Murray Man Arrested in Park Memorial Vandalism By West Kentucky Star Staff MURRAY - Police have arrested a Murray man they say vandalized a memorial in Chestnut Park.The Murray Police Department says officers arrested 27-year-old Robert Kare Tuesday evening.Police said Kare knocked over and broke two eagle statues at the Veteran's Memorial on Monday night.Kare was booked into Calloway County Jail on a charge of first-degree criminal mischief. CLEVELAND -- Seventy-five percent of Ohio voters believe Ohios criminal justice system needs reform. According to Brian Tringali from The Tarrance Group, the conservative firm that conducted the new poll that reveals this, its hard to get 75% of Ohio voters to agree the sky is blue. So hows it possible criminal justice and bail reform have captured the bipartisan hearts and minds of Ohioans? Because they make sense. Whether youre concerned about public safety, believe in innocent until proven guilty, or want to conserve taxpayer dollars, bail reform is an issue you should care about, and according to this poll, you probably already do. Depending on where someone is arrested in Ohio, because practices vary, they may have the opportunity to buy their freedom through a bond schedule. If they cant afford bond, theyll likely remain in jail. Once in front of a judge, its again possible in some areas, likely that their release will be contingent on their ability to post cash bail. Those with resources go home, those without remain jailed, with very little influence from evidence shedding light on guilt or innocence. This does not promote public safety. According to a 2017 report from The Buckeye Institute, the money-based bail system has led to perverse instances in which dangerous but well-off defendants roam free pending trial, while many low-level offenders who pose no real threat to the community but cannot afford bail remain in jail for days, weeks, or even months until trial. Unnecessary pretrial detention creates long-lasting harms for individuals, families, and communities. People who remain jailed pretrial are put at risk of losing their job, their home, and even custody of their children, and these harms can occur even if someone is ultimately found innocent. People who remain jailed pretrial are also more likely to get convicted, get sentenced to jail or prison, and their sentences are longer compared with those charged with the same crime and released pretrial. This undermines our constitutional rights; we are innocent until proven guilty. Its also expensive. According to a 2020 report from the ACLU of Ohio, it costs Ohio taxpayers up to $306 million annually to jail legally innocent individuals who have not yet had their days in court. Sixty-three percent of those jailed pretrial are held on misdemeanors or non-person felonies (felonies committed against property, not an individual). Ohio would save up to $264 million annually if it released people based on whether they pose a threat, instead of how much money they have. To quote an article by the New Hampshire affiliates of Americans for Prosperity and the ACLU, it is critical to note that people who are released pretrial are not getting away scot free. They will still be held accountable for the charges against them. Further, in Ohio, those charged with the most serious crimes are eligible for preventative detention, a determination by a judge that someone must remain in jail pretrial if there is no safe alternative. Ultimately, its unsurprising that 67% of Ohioans favor reforming Ohios bail system so release decisions are based on individual circumstances and cases, not personal finances. Seventy-seven percent of Ohioans favor requiring a hearing on release options and conditions in front of a judge within 48 hours of detention. Sixty-nine percent support a release path for most people to go home the same day theyre arrested if they dont pose a flight risk and are not a threat to anyone. So perhaps the real surprise is that, with such extensive public support, these reforms are not already Ohio law. But they can be. And these poll results indicate that, overwhelmingly, Ohioans will support legislators in Columbus passing true bail reform. Micah Derry is state director at the Ohio chapter of Americans for Prosperity, where he coordinates grassroots efforts and advocates for economic and criminal justice reform. Claire Chevrier is policy counsel at the ACLU of Ohio, where she leads their statewide advocacy on bail reform. Your browser does not support the video tag. Hundreds of angry parents have dialed in to a Zoom meeting to slam the Vice President of San Francisco's school board after anti-Asian tweets she penned in 2016 were recently unearthed. During the meeting on Tuesday night, VP Alison Collins refused to rescind her position and instead offered up a vague apology for her racist messages. Collins - who identifies as black - stated: 'I'd like to reemphasize my sincere and heartfelt apologies and I'm currently engaging with my colleagues and working with the community for the good of all children in our district, especially black children who are often left behind'. She made no specific mention of Asian-American students and parents she had offended with the series of tweets posted on December 4, 2016. In the tweets, Collins referred to Asian Americans as 'house n***ers' and said they used 'white supremacist thinking' to get ahead. 'Where are the vocal Asians speaking up against Trump?' Collins asked in her Twitter thread. 'Don't Asian Americans know they are on his list as well? Do they think they won't be deported? profiled? beaten? Being a house n****r is still being a n****r. You're still considered 'the help''. Alison Collins, the Vice President of San Francisco's school board is again resisting calls to resign after the unearthing of anti-Asian tweets she penned in 2016. Collins is pictured middle row far right during a school board Zoom call on Tuesday night During the meeting, Collins refused to rescind her position and instead offered up a vague apology for her racist messages More than 1,000 school students and parents dialed in to the meeting to share their thoughts on Collins' tweets. Many were left outraged when the board's president, Gabriela Lopez, limited public comments to 20 minutes for those who 'opposed' Collins. More than 35 percent of students in San Francisco public schools are Asian. 'I was disgusted and pained at your rhetoric,' one Asian student told Collins on the call. Another San Francisco resident stated: 'Regardless of whether you choose to do the right thing and resign or not, you will pay the ultimate price and that's the loss of your dignity and your reputation. For the rest of your life you will be haunted by your actions, wherever you go people will see you for what you really are - a racist'. Meanwhile, school board commissioners Faauuga Moliga and Jenny Lam both called for Collins to resign on the call. 'I am not alone when I say I do not have confidence in Collins' ability to fairly govern a school district that is almost half AAPI with no bias,' Lam stated. If Collins does not tend her resignation, Lam stated that she and Moliga would introduce measures at the next board meeting to strip Collins of her Vice President position. Several of the controversial tweets penned by Collins in December 2016 are pictured Collins is pictured in her official San Francisco School Board head shot However, several parents on the Zoom call offered their support to Collins. She also has the backing of President Lopez and fellow commissioner, Mark Sanchez. 'No one on this board I believe is a racist, and I don't believe that commissioner Collins is a racist,' Sanchez stated. Meanwhile, Collins penned a post on Medium over the weekend, claiming that her 2016 tweets had been taken out of context. Shortly before she penned the tweets, Collins claimed her daughter had witnessed Asian American students at her middle school bullying a Latino student. It was a time of processing, of fear among many communities with the unknown of how the next four years would unfold,' Collins wrote. The unearthing of her tweets comes amid an uptick in hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country. The tweets were thrust into the spotlight just days after eight people, including six Asian women, were shot dead in Atlanta, Georgia. School board commissioners Faauuga Moliga and Jenny Lam both called for Collins to resign on the call Collins penned a post on Medium over the weekend, claiming that her 2016 tweets had been taken out of context Meanwhile, San Francisco's school board has been slammed recently for voting to rename 44 of the city's schools that were alleged to have insensitive names. The person in charge of the renaming effort admitted he researched the topic on Wikipedia and didn't consult historians. In January, the board voted 6-1 to strip the schools of their current monikers because they honor 'racist' figures from American history. Schools named after politicians including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are now set to be rebranded in the coming months. Meanwhile, a gay white father of a bi-racial child was denied a spot on the San Francisco Board of Education's volunteer parent committee in February because his race doesn't bring enough diversity to the group. And the district of 52,000 students has been in a bitter dispute with unions over re-opening of the schools, which have been closed since the height of the coronavirus. Some schools will open April 12, but it's not clear how many. The U.S. returned to the UN Human Rights Council for the first time since the erratic reign of former President Donald Trump to co-sponsor the resolution. The decisions underscore a widening rift between the U.S. and South Korea on the issue of North Korea's human rights track record. South Korea has backed out of co-sponsoring a UN resolution condemning North Korea's human rights violations for the third year in a row. The UNHRC adopted the resolution at its headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday. As usual it was drafted by the EU, which was backed by around 40 countries including Japan. South Korea had been among the co-sponsors until 2018 but then stopped for fear of agitating the increasingly hostile North Korean regime. Trump effectively boycotted the UNHRC from 2019, but the Biden administration has returned to the fold, particularly to put pressure on China and Russia. The resolution condemns institutional and widespread human rights abuses in North Korea and for the first time expresses concern over the human rights of former South Korean prisoners of war that North Korea refuses to send back and their families in the South as well as other abduction victims and their families in Japan and the U.S. "These crimes against humanity related to the international abductions could potentially be subjected to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court," it warned. It also condemns the murder of a South Korean fisheries official who was shot and killed by North Korean soldiers while adrift on the West Sea. It said North Korea "must hold those responsible to account, compensate the family of the official and review state policy on dealing with alleged trespassers." More than two months past the peak of the deadly winter surge, coronavirus cases are still dropping in California even as the state unfurls from an extended lockdown, but the picture is starting to look grim again in other parts of the United States. Daily cases are stubbornly holding in the 50,000 range nationwide, remaining higher than the lull between surges last fall. Cases are trending up in more than half of all states. And several hot spots have emerged in pockets around the country, fueled by the spread of a more infectious variant of the virus and people tossing aside their masks and abandoning social distancing protocols. I continue to be worried about the latest data, and the apparent stall we are seeing in the trajectory of the pandemic, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a White House briefing on Wednesday. She noted that the seven-day average for new cases is up this week from last, and hospitalizations and deaths are flat after a long period of declines. In the past, California has trailed a few weeks behind national trends. Before the winter surge, California was a standout along with one or two other states for keeping its case rates low while the rest of the country blew up. But it only took a few weeks for California to be overrun and in worse shape than almost every other state. So its concerning, Bay Area public health experts say, to see reports of outbreaks around the country alongside images of people clearly giving up on social distancing efforts. Michigan has seen a particularly alarming spike in cases recently. In Florida, Miami Beach issued an emergency curfew this week when spring break revelers got out of control, gathering in packed crowds on beaches and in bars with very few masks in sight. At the moment, metrics in California and the Bay Area are improving, and both the state and region are at or near pre-surge levels in daily cases and other data points like hospitalizations and patients in intensive care. The states vaccination rollout continues, with about 26% of residents having received at least one dose and the governor planning to open vaccines to all comers at the end of April. There are other signs that California is better-positioned now than at earlier points in the pandemic to avoid being swept up in a national surge. The dangerous B.1.1.7 variant from the United Kingdom hasnt taken off here the way experts had feared it might, even as it gets footholds in other states. In fact, two California-bred variants B.1.427 and B.1.429, which are worrisome but dont appear to be as infectious as B.1.1.7 may be holding the U.K. virus at bay. California, too, remains attached to its aggressive public health protocols. Though much of the state is relaxing some restrictions and reopening at a brisk pace, many basic rules such as a statewide mask mandate and social distancing regulations are firmly intact. California is still much more shut down than most other states. I dont worry a whole lot about whats happening in other states in terms of California, as long as we are careful, said Dr. Stephen Shortell, former dean of the School of Public Health at UC Berkeley. He noted that if California is simply trending behind the rest of the country, that could be a key advantage this time around, giving the state a critical two to three extra weeks to vaccinate more people and buffer the effects of another wave if it does arrive. Though Californias metrics are still favorable, there are plenty of red flags globally and locally that should compel people to remain cautious, infectious disease and public health experts said. Several parts of Europe are reporting large outbreaks due to a combination of the B.1.1.7 variant taking hold and people giving up on social distancing behaviors; Germany issued new lockdown orders this week. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Brazil also is under siege, with hospitals overwhelmed across much of the country as the P.1 variant drives a fresh surge. That variant is more infectious and also seems to be a source of reinfection among people who were thought to be immune to the coronavirus. Four cases of the P.1 variant have been identified in California, including three reported this week. Three of the cases are in Southern California and one is in El Dorado County near Sacramento. These cases are a warning. It happens because theres so much transmission occurring in those communities, said Dr. Lee Riley, an infectious disease expert at UC Berkeley. He noted that outbreaks in other parts of the country, in particular in Michigan and Minnesota, appear to be fueled by the B.1.1.7 variant. These mutants do well in communities where people are not maintaining social distancing, Riley said. Its kind of a perfect storm of variants and then people relaxing, and without a good vaccination rollout. Those three forces are contributing to the surge in Europe, and they could be happening in pockets of the U.S. California public health officials have repeatedly said theyre concerned by the national numbers and they dont expect the state to be fully immune to the effects of its neighbors, or even states on the other side of the country. Dr. Matt Willis, the Marin County health officer, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that cases have picked up slightly this week. Though its too early to consider that a trend, he said, in the context of increase in cases were seeing in other parts of the country, its something well be keeping a very close eye on. In Southern California, the Los Angeles County health officer echoed that sentiment to her Board of Supervisors. This past year indicates that often the East Coast experiences increases in cases before the West Coast and, typically, L.A. County is a few weeks behind New York, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer. She added that the county has not yet vaccinated enough people to ward off a new wave of cases, and therefore residents must stick with social distancing behaviors. Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... While legalizing cannabis for adults was not one of the initiatives that went the distance before the 60-day session closed, a huge amount of progress was made on the issue, combining the best pieces from the initial few bills, and then continuing to improve the chosen bill through committee discussion and thoughtful amendments in both the House and the Senate. Its a smart move to make space for focused time in a special session to get the job done. A fully matured legal cannabis market in New Mexico will create 11,000 new jobs and generate more than $50 million a year in recurring revenue. Arizona has already started adult-use sales, Colorado has had a legal market for nearly a decade, Mexico is very close to legalizing cannabis, and the Texas state House has indicated cannabis reform, including legislation to legalize, is on its way. With more than 75% of New Mexicans supporting legalizing cannabis for adults, we agree its the right thing to do, and we agree that the time is now. Its worth the extra effort to get us across the finish line. We simply cannot afford to wait for a future session. Here are the key priorities that rose to the surface during this session: Reasonable tax rate in order to undercut the illicit market and be cost-competitive with neighboring states, the total tax rate should be right around 20%. Production management the state must have a mechanism, especially in the first few years of an adult-use market, to manage cannabis production. We must maintain sufficient supply while also ensuring we dont have oversupply, which would make it difficult for small and medium-sized producers to be successful in the industry. Also, with no ability to cross state lines, any oversupply would likely dump into the illicit market. Pathways to entry Microlicenses that will create accessible entry points must be fully supported. License fees should be affordable; there should be loan and grant programs as well as mentorship programs to ensure New Mexicans who want to participate in the industry are able to do so. Water and natural resources Cannabis is not nearly as water-intensive as other crops grown in New Mexico, and we need to make sure were looking ahead to prudent water and resource management. Equity and social justice We cannot continue to punish people for a crime that is no longer a crime. Expunging records for cannabis offenses and ensuring those harmed by the discriminatory war on drugs have equitable access to this new industry are paramount, so important that they deserve dedicated legislation in the forthcoming special session. Protecting the Medical Cannabis Program Cannabis is medicine, first and foremost. While it would be normal to see enrollment in the program fluctuate with a shift to legal adult use, we must continue to improve and enhance the Medical Cannabis Program and ensure supply to patient medicine is never at risk. New Mexico deserves to not be left behind as our country moves to legalize cannabis. With federal descheduling moving in Congress, and federal legalization very likely with a future Democratic administration, this is the last opportunity for New Mexico to chart its path for how we handle adult use cannabis. Its going to happen, its going to happen soon, and its going to be done right. Respondents with cybersecurity job descriptions mapped to NICE were 57% more likely to report satisfaction filling open roles than those with no intent to map job descriptions to the NICE framework. Cybersecurity job role and career path clarity remains a serious challenge for most organizations Infosec, the leading cybersecurity education provider, today released findings from its 2021 Cybersecurity Role & Career Path Clarity Study. The study surveyed over 370 cybersecurity leaders in the U.S. and Canada about resources used to structure cybersecurity job descriptions and development plans. It then compared responses to training investments, organizations abilities to fill open cybersecurity roles and sentiments toward resources like the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) to provide insights on what drives cybersecurity talent management success. The study found while resources used to guide job descriptions and employee development plans varied widely across all organization sizes and industries, adoption of tools like the NICE Framework had the largest influence on organizations abilities to fill open cybersecurity roles. Overall the study found: 81% of organizations reported they were at least considering aligning cybersecurity job descriptions to the NICE Framework That same cohort was 676% more likely to report very to extremely well-defined cybersecurity job roles and responsibilities And 57% more likely to report satisfaction with their ability to fill open cybersecurity roles than respondents at organizations with no intent to map job descriptions to NICE Last year, Infosecs 2020 IT & Security Talent Pipeline Study revealed 73% of U.S.-based cybersecurity hiring managers face challenges filling open cybersecurity positions, said Jack Koziol, Infosec CEO and founder. We designed the 2021 Cybersecurity Role & Career Path Clarity Study to dig deeper into those challenges and see how job role clarity and investments in employee development impact how well organizations recruit and retain cybersecurity talent. Unsurprisingly, the study found organizations of all sizes struggle with cybersecurity job role and career path clarity. However, as organization size increases, role clarity improves likely due to larger team sizes and fewer overlapping responsibilities. The study found organizations with more than 10,000 employees were: 35% more likely to report well-defined job descriptions 55% more likely to report having at least some clearly defined cybersecurity career paths 46% more likely to have mature employee development programs with required training We are pleased to learn that the community finds value in adopting the NICE Framework to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cybersecurity talent management, said Rodney Petersen, Director of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). Expanding use of the NICE Framework is a key goal in the new NICE Strategic Plan and encouraging the voluntary integration of the NICE Framework into existing education, training and workforce development efforts was highlighted in Americas Cybersecurity Workforce Executive Order. Cybersecurity job role and career path clarity remains a serious challenge for most organizations, said Koziol. While larger organizations generally do better, plenty of opportunity for improvement exists to help practitioners better understand their job roles and career potential. If youre struggling with this challenge now, our data shows mapping your existing cybersecurity job roles to the NICE Framework is a great place to start. Click here to download the full report. About the study The 2021 Cybersecurity Role & Career Path Clarity Study surveyed over 370 IT and security team managers from U.S. and Canada-based organizations with at least 1,000 employees. Data was collected in late 2020 and analyzed in early 2021. Infosec solicited responses from its own database, as well as the database of Osterman Research, a leading cybersecurity market research and consulting firm, to diversify survey results. Respondents were sourced from a variety of industries and company sizes to ensure a representative and robust data set, and received a nominal incentive for their participation. About Infosec Infosec is the leading cybersecurity education company helping IT and security professionals advance their careers and empowering employees to be cyber-safe at work and home. Its mission is to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills and confidence to outsmart cybercrime. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec Skills to develop their security talent and teams, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQs security awareness and phishing training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com. Chennai, March 24 : The Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP is extensively campaigning against conversion in the state. The party in its manifesto released on Monday by Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and V.K. Singh, promised stringent laws against religious conversions through force or allurement. The manifesto said, "The right to religious freedom is not the right to religious conversion. Strict anti-conversion laws will be enacted in the state to criminalise forceful religious conversion." BJP state president L. Murugan, who is an AIADMK-BJP alliance candidate from the Dharapuram assembly constituency told IANS: "Our manifesto is clear and strict anti-conversion laws against forced conversions will be enacted. "Former Chief Minister late J. Jayalalithaa had enacted an anti-conversion law in 2002 but had to repeal after stringent opposition came up against it." The manifesto also said that it would implement the recommendations of the Justice Venugopal Commission against communal violence which was constituted in 1980 after the communal riots in Kanyakumari. BJP has already included its pet subjects, including anti-religious conversion and anti-cow slaughter laws in its manifesto and is campaigning heavily on these issues. R.T. Raghavan, the BJP Tamil Nadu spokesperson told IANS: "BJP is sticking to its ideology. We are totally against forced religious conversion and it is totally different from religious freedom. We are against cow slaughter and we have incorporated stringent action against cow slaughter in our manifesto." With the April 6, election day nearing, BJP is trying for maximum publicity on the anti-conversion religious legislation it has proposed in the manifesto. While Jayalalithaa had come out strongly against forced conversion and brought a legislation against it in 2002, she had to repeal it following heavy opposition. However, the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit has already promised that the party will bring in the anti-conversion act once the alliance comes to power. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The North Atlantic Alliance intends to further strengthen political and practical support for Ukraine and Georgia, which are close and highly valued partners of NATO in the Black Sea region. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said this during a press conference following the meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs on March 23 , an Ukrinform correspondent reports. We are looking into how we can further strengthen the partnership both the political and the practical support. We also welcome the fact that both Ukraine and Georgia are providing support and help to different NATO missions and operations... So the main message, again a part of the NATO 2030 agenda, is how can we further do more, how can we strengthen partnership with neighbors, because it is in our interest that our neighbors are stable and successful, and, both Ukraine and Georgia are actually aspirant countries for NATO membership and we support them also in implementing reforms, so they can move forward on the Euro-Atlantic path, Stoltenberg stressed. Answering a question from journalists, the Secretary General noted that in response to Russia's aggressive behavior, NATO had increased its presence in the Black Sea region with three littoral states: Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria are NATO members, and then two: Ukraine and Georgia are close NATO partners. We have increased our presence on land, at sea, in the air, but we have also stepped up the cooperation with close and highly valued partners - Georgia and Ukraine, he said. The best way for us to send a clear message to Russia is partly that we have implemented the biggest reinforcements of our collected defense since the end of the Cold War. With new battle groups in the eastern part of the Alliance, with high readiness of our forces, we have increased defence spending, with more exercises, and with stepping up our cooperation with partners like Georgia and Ukraine. I think that sends a very clear message to any potential adversary to NATO, Stoltenberg emphasized. A two-day meeting of the North Atlantic Council (NAC) at the level of Ministers of Foreign Affairs kicked off in Brussels on March 23 to address important challenges facing the Alliance. ish On March 26th and 27th, you can shop goodiesthink fortune cookies, fanciful kites, sauces, and morefrom some of Chinatown's most iconic businesses at a pop-up inside the Ferry Building. Plus, the app-based service FastAF is delivering everything from Flaming Hot Keto Cheese Puffs to Everlane masks to SF doors within two hours tops; and newbie jewelry brand Curio is decking us out in diamonds for less than $60. Diamond jewelry for under $60, anyone? Curio's got you. (Courtesy of Curio) Talk about sparking joy! In our book, Marie Kondo's got nothing on Ray Lin, founder of Curio. Lin, a Bay Area resident and graduate of UC Berkeley, was moved to launch his affordable jewelry brand during the pandemic to give people something to smile shine about. All the girl's best friends (aka diamonds) are 100 percent realalbeit the natural and lab-grown stones are of the small and delicate variety (fine with us). Indeed, the dainty diamond rings, necklaces, and earrings with 14-karat-gold vermeil are flirty and funmade for everyday wear. So you're probably wondering how these gems can retail for $59 each? Lin has connections (duh). You see, for more than 30 years, his family has run a leading wholesale and manufacturing business providing jewelry for well-known household brands. // Shop online at curiodiamonds.com. Need that fancy hand balm or artisanal chocolate, pronto? There's a FastAF app for that. (Courtesy of FastAF) Finally, those black zip-top totes emblazoned with the FastAF logo can be seen on the shoulders of delivery folk navigating San Francisco streets. Friends in NYC and L.A. have been using the (iOS) shopping app for months, and now it's our turn to get little luxuries delivered within two hours. In one cart order, for example, you can buy vegan snacks, pet vitamins, organic face serum, bala bands, charging cables, and sage smudge bundles from the coolest D2C brands around. Just a few names we're stoked about? Necessaire, Byredo, Bevel, Grown Alchemist, Moon Juice, Le Labo, United Sodas, and Wes Candy Co. Along with the speedy arrival of your not-so-basic basics, you can also schedule returns plus you get the aforementioned tote free with each order. And to celebrate the app's SF arrival, there are no (zilch!) delivery fees on any orders through April 8th. Nice AF, eh? P.S. Starting April 9th, the regular policy kicks infree delivery on purchases of $35 or more and a $10 charge on orders less than $35. // Download the iOS app; fastaf.com. Sometimes, at the end of a shift on the COVID-19 ward at Methodist Hospital, nurse Roger Ruiz will check his email and find a Gratitude Gram. It always gives him a boost. A service of the nonprofit Hearts Need Art, Gratitude Grams, are exactly what they sound like: expressions of appreciation from artists and other community members emailed to health care workers with the intent of lifting their spirits. Thats precisely what they do for Ruiz, who has been in nursing for six years. Honestly, even if we send (patients) home, we dont know how theyre going to progress, he said. And we dont ever really find that out theres always a chance that something else could happen. So theres always that thought in the back of our heads did we do everything that we could to make sure they live a long life? So when things like these Gratitude Grams come out, they kind of help us to refocus, to get us away from that dark side and try to give us a little bit of hope that things really arent as bad as we think they are. Thats the idea. Constanza Roeder, founder and CEO of Hearts Need Art, said she was troubled by reports of increasing levels of burnout for medical professionals attributed to the pandemic. One study, she said, found that 60 percent of emergency room doctors surveyed reported increased levels of burnout and feelings of anxiety. On ExpressNews.com: Hearts Need Art connects with isolated patients nationwide Burnout has always been an issue for health care workers, but its especially bad right now, said Roeder, who created Hearts Need Art in 2016 to bring the arts to cancer patients. It can cause health care workers to feel hopeless, trapped, helpless; it can make them feel worthless, like what theyre doing doesnt matter. They feel depressed and tired. Roeder and the Hearts Need Art team wanted to do something to help. The arts and art activities can help address the sense of burnout, and there have been several studies on that, she said. The arts can improve mood and overall well-being. They hit on the idea of the Gratitude Grams partly because it was a way to send something affirming to health care workers that they could access whenever they needed a boost. Gratitude Grams are sent for free to health care workers, who can sign up for them at heartsneedart.org. Since the program launched earlier this year, 161 people have enrolled, and 784 messages have been sent. The emails are personalized and include expressions of thanks from Hearts Need Art volunteers as well as from the community. We combine that with an arts intervention, like a song or a poem or a simple art doodle they can do on a notepad that helps to lift them out of their present moment and give them a little bit of joy and peace for just a moment, Roeder said. Anyone who wants to send a message to a health care worker can also do that through the organizations website. A $5 donation to help finance the service is suggested, but not required. Most of the arts content in the Gratitude Grams comes from musicians, visual artists and writers who work with Hearts Need Art. Musicians who dont but would like to record a song for health care workers can submit videos through the website, too. Right now, most of the messages go to staffers at Methodist, which is where Hearts Need Art began. But it is open to any health care worker anywhere. Right now, that includes people working at hospitals as far away as California and Chicago, Roeder said. Mary Hernandez, director of professional nursing practice at Methodist, signed up all of the nurses who work on the COVID-19 ward to receive Gratitude Grams as a way to build resiliency and to make sure they knew their hard work is appreciated. Hernandez, who has been in nursing for more than 20 years, said she can tell that the messages make a difference. Theyre very eager and excited to open them, she said. Theyre able to share them with their families and their loved ones, and it makes them smile. Hernandez signed up to receive them, too, and was especially moved by one that included a video of Roeder singing Bob Dylans Make You Feel My Love, one of her favorite songs. Shes played that a few times. The messages are a reliable comfort, she said: When I need to be uplifted or when I know that Im not having a great day, I just go log into my computer and know that its there. The messages mean a lot to those who create them, too. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonios poet laureate shares some of her favorite things I follow quite a few ER doctors on Twitter, and Ive been reading for a year now their reports about what its like to be on the front lines fighting COVID, and the isolation they feel when they get off work, said pianist Tracy Cowden, who serves on the Hearts Need Art board and helped develop the Gratitude Gram program. Its incredibly discouraging work for a lot of them. With the Gratitude Grams, it feels like youre doing this little thing that can make a difference, and youre hoping that it does. Cowden, who chairs the music department at the University of Texas at San Antonio, looks for pieces of music that are soothing or energizing when she records her videos. And she makes it a point to encourage other musicians to participate, too. Hannah Garrison, who has been involved with Hearts Need Art for about two years, films herself making art. For one video, she created a piece of acrylic flow art and filmed the colors swirling and coming together. It really is a great way to give back to those people in our community who we didnt really traditionally serve all that much before the pandemic, Garrison said. Roeder hopes Gratitude Grams will outlive the pandemic. We think that this is a program we will probably continue even post-COVID, because its such a high burnout profession, and so often its thankless, she said. dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN Opinion Article 24 March 2021 Anyone working or studying at the Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne will agree that campus life is an integral part of the EHL experience. A walk around the F&B outlets in the central part of the building inevitably entails bumping into people, swapping ideas, hatching plans - in brief, making things happen! With the quick transition to remote learning, virtual classrooms and a campus on strictly reduced capacity, the fertile hub of human interaction at EHL has inevitably been impacted - but it's far from being diminished. Advertisements Reduced but still thriving The school has worked hard to keep its 125-year old reputation intact, both for hospitality education excellence and for the dynamic, interconnectivity among all its players. The Covid measures have meant that a reduced number of people are allowed on campus at the same time. Students and staff are allocated regular days where they are authorized on site. This has enabled the campus experience to continue breathing, admittedly with fewer people but all with the same vibrant intentions. The campus remains an incredibly dynamic place to regularly meet friends and colleagues - yes, we're all wearing masks and respecting the distances - but we can still meet to exchange news and views. Most of the convivial campus food stations are open with a well-spaced out array of seating possibilities, making it a wonderful place to catch up over a coffee or lunch. The Michelin-starred training restaurant, Le Berceau des Sens, has continued to welcome the Preparatory Year students to spend 10 days working in its renowned fine dining environment. In lockdown the restaurant has only been open to EHL staff but training has been in full effect despite the enforced masks and social distancing measures. Thankfully, coronavirus has not managed to reduce the elegance and deliciousness of the food. Life on campus with increased safety EHL has put in place many initiatives to ensure the safety of students and staff on campus. Masks are mandatory for everyone unless when eating or drinking. Contactless payment systems have been installed for all food & beverage purchases. Furthermore, all across campus, hand sanitizing stations are readily available and social distancing is enforced in classrooms and study areas. Alternative study hubs separated by makeshift walls and plexiglass have been set up around campus to ensure everyone has a safe spot to work from. We are fortunate to have such a large and well-laid out building as our main facility, within which many self-contained study spaces have been created. These measures are fundamental in ensuring a safe campus that students can feel comfortable in. Work experience and internship opportunities The EHL spirit of teamwork and family has continued to support students at this difficult time in their search for jobs and internships. Thanks to the EHL network, many students have benefited from guidance and internship offers from our strong alumni base and industry partners. EHL Alliance, in charge of forging links and partnerships in all areas of business, has worked especially hard in underlining the transferable skills that EHL students possess, making them a valuable asset in many neighboring sectors such as finance, consulting and healthcare. Furthermore, EHL has been able to organize online Career Fairs as well as a Master's day to support internship and job searches as well as further education options. It has been imperative for students to continue networking and engaging with industry leaders throughout the pandemic. The rise of virtual events Over 1500 students and faculty attended 29 virtual conferences last year which demonstrates the incredible opportunities that the school was able to set up. Many students at EHL are part of the vibrant and varied community of student committees. Committees are a wonderful place to meet with different year groups and collaborate together. Students have come up with innovative ways to keep their committees active throughout the pandemic. "In less than 48 hours, The EHL Photo Committee managed to organize an entire online event to send out postcards during the school quarantine. Over 100 postcards were sent from EHL students and we managed to raise the spirit of the students and help foster the interaction within the EHL Family". Louis Triomphe, 2020 President of EHL Photo. "For EHL Recap/Students Helping Students SHS we developed a new website so students can access our course material more easily, we made our events free and moved them online onto Microsoft Teams. We adapted our review material for students to be able to understand it without having to attend a live session and recorded our events so that anyone could access them at any time. Furthermore, we are bringing back the Buddy Program because now more than ever it's important for new students to feel connected to campus". Rachel Glenn President of EHL Recap/SHS. "The last Young Hoteliers Summit (YHS) conference was adapted to online format in just one week. We still managed to pull off a virtual conference that reached a wider audience than we otherwise would have been able to accommodate in the Aula. We could also book speakers who were previously unable to physically attend the summit. For the next conference we are working to provide a full experience and create various "hubs" to mimic what the conference would look like if it was on campus. Here is a link to YHS website if you want to learn more about it: https://www.yhsglobal.com". Ilona Churkina, Member of YHS. "For myself and hundreds of other EHL students who have graduated in the last year, I don't think we could ever have imagined that our journey would culminate in an online livestream and to receive our degrees in the mail. But as the digital natives that we are, we certainly didn't miss out on enjoying the ceremony and celebrating with one another virtually. There were also the small touches, from the Microsoft Teams-themed yearbook to personalized messages from our friends that made this graduation a truly memorable occasion. If you ask me, the EHL spirit has been very much alive even throughout these strange times." Kimberly Yoong, recent graduate. Kimberly Yoong, recent graduate. "The nature of the EHL Mountain Committee is all about living outdoor adventures together. The Covid regulations have thus had a significant impact on our ability to organize events the way we we used to and have consequently pushed us to explore the digital side of the mountain world. We have remained engaged with the student body through Kahoot games and our Instagram account. We are currently working on more exciting online projects and are intensively preparing to be the first off the mark when outdoor activities are permitted again." Sophie Carmine, BOSC 3, EHL Mountain President. Fewer numbers on campus does not mean lesser ambition or intention among the students. The sense of purpose, industriousness and business-as-usual attitude still reigns high at EHL; its core values very much at the heart of the university experience: Excellence - Family - Respect - Learning - Innovation. The Boni and Orma communities in Witu and Hindi divisions in Lamu West, have managed to drastically reduce Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through locally-led initiatives. The practice was rampant in Bulto, Dide Waride and Chalaluma in Witu and Bar'goni in Hindi, all in Lamu West. Nation.africa has established that extensive anti-FGM campaigns led by elders and local administrators, have gone on in the affected villages, for the last three years, seeing a reduction of the practice by more than 90 per cent. Chiefs, headmen and Nyumba Kumi officials in the affected villages said they sensitised the community in the rural areas on the negative implications of FGM. Dide Waride Location Chief Abdi Bocha, said they targeted the traditional circumcisers by sponsoring and engaging them in alternative activities including milk vending, hawking of fish and selling vegetables. "By doing so, we managed to keep the female surgeons busy and prevented them from conducting FGM. Most of the women are now successful businesspeople. Much of their concentration is now on how they will succeed in their business ventures," said Mr Bocha. Nyumba Kumi Chalaluma Location Chief Hussein Dokota, said they also equipped the village heads and Nyumba Kumi officials with information on how to discourage the society against FGM. The administrator said most FGM cases happened in secret, especially during school holidays. He said underground campaigns to sensitise the locals against the practice were intensified, enabling the community to change their perception towards the act. "We're happy FGM has now become a thing of the past in most of the affected villages. Even if it exists, it's done in secret. Some people even sought the service outside Lamu, especially in Tana River County but the anti-FGM campaigns are also undertaking in that place. I believe in two or three years, the practice will be no more," said Mr Dokota. The administrator asked parents to desist from allowing their daughters undergo FGM saying it was a life-threatening practice and one that degraded the female members of the society. "Most of the female circumcisions occur when schools are closed. Let's do what we can to save these girls from undergoing such practices since they do nothing but ruin their lives and chance at having an education and better life," said Mr Dokota. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Khalif Hiribae, an elder in Witu noted that the practice had resulted in increased school dropout and early marriages among girls. Form of dowry "I have witnessed many girls who undergo the FGM and end up dropping out of school and getting into arranged forced marriages. I am happy that today, many girls are attending school because the practice has totally been discouraged," said Mr Hiribae. Fatma Dhadho, an anti-FGM campaigner called on women and the community especially pastoralists, to stop looking at their daughters as tools to generate wealth in form of dowry. She asked stakeholders to continue creating awareness on the perils of FGM and early forced marriages. "As marginalised communities, we've lagged behind in so many aspects. Taking girls to school is considered time and resource wastage, and that's why we've been concentrating on circumcising our girls and marrying them off instead of educating them," said Ms Dhadho. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. 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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. Gov. Greg Gianforte of Montana violated a state hunting requirement last month when he trapped and killed a wolf near Yellowstone National Park without first taking a mandated trapper education course, state officials said on Tuesday. Mr. Gianforte, who has a license to hunt wolves, received a written warning for the violation, according to Greg Lemon, a spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Weve treated this as we would anybody in a similar situation, he said. Its important to us the integrity of our process, no matter who were dealing with, is maintained. Mr. Gianforte trapped and shot an adult black wolf on Feb. 15 near Yellowstone National Park, the Mountain West News Bureau reported on Tuesday. Morgan Warthin, spokeswoman for Yellowstone National Park, said the wolf, No. 1155, was born in the park, was estimated to be 6 or 7 years old and had been collared by park biologists in 2018. Once the wolf left the park, it no longer was considered a Yellowstone wolf, she said. Montana regulations require that wolf traps be checked at least once every 48 hours, that wolves harvested be reported within 24 hours and that the skull and hides be inspected within 10 days of being killed, Mr. Lemon said. Referring to the governor, Mr. Lemon said, Everything had been done the way it was supposed to, except for completing the wolf-trapper certification class. 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. Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' youngest daughter Tallulah Willis has posted nude photos to Instagram. In one image the 27-year-old fashion designer was curled up into a ball with no clothing on as she lay on her side on a lush green lawn. And in the next photo, the Los Angeles resident was smiling while in her bathtub with blue hair and a gold heart pendant necklace on. No clothes needed: Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' youngest daughter Tallulah Willis has posted nude photos to Instagram. In one image the 27-year-old fashion designer was curled up into a ball with no clothing on as she lay on her side on a lush green lawn Getting clean: And in the next photo, the Los Angeles resident was smiling while in her bathtub The sister to Rumer and Scout Willis shared three different posts, all filled with photos, but the last post had an extended caption. 'I say goodbye to these walls, within whom love has bloomed, friends have turned family, animals have left us and joined us, empty space and fearful flounder birthed an unknown delight of interior design,' began the artist, born Tallulah Belle Willis. 'To each and every soul that passed through that doorway, that saw not just my evolution from girl to woman, but a space made a home - I thank you I love you and Ive needed you.' Moving on? The sister to Rumer and Scout Willis shared three different posts, all filled with photos, but the last post had an extended caption Bye? 'I say goodbye to these walls, within whom love has bloomed, friends have turned family, animals have left us and joined us, empty space and fearful flounder birthed an unknown delight of interior design,' began the artist Sounds as if she is moving out: 'To each and every soul that passed through that doorway, that saw not just my evolution from girl to woman, but a space made a home - I thank you I love you and Ive needed you' The beauty - who was named after Tallulah Bankhead - then said: 'Ive been at my lowest point in these walls, asking voiceless questions that I shudder at the memory of. I blamed the house for my hurt, and I desired to flee.' And then she shared: 'But between all its transformations and my hair dos - I leave here feeling complete.' The Bandits star also brought up her boyfriend, Dillon Buss. Her love: She also brought up her boyfriend, Dillon Buss. 'A woman in love, fighting for joy and happiness in each day, speaking louder then I ever thought I could,' she added. 'So I will take what I need and leave the rest with you sweet home for there is so much more life to be lived' A time to go? She then said: 'Ive been at my lowest point in these walls, asking voiceless questions that I shudder at the memory of. I blamed the house for my hurt, and I desired to flee.' And then she shared: 'But between all its transformations and my hair dos - I leave here feeling complete' 'A woman in love, fighting for joy and happiness in each day, speaking louder then I ever thought I could,' she added. 'So I will take what I need and leave the rest with you sweet home for there is so much more life to be lived.' It sounds as if the star will be selling her Los Angeles home but she made no direct mention of it. 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. Image via Getty/Xinhua News Agency Police in Diamond Bar, California announced that theyve opened up a hate crime investigation into a man who drove past several people that were protesting violence against Asian Americans, ABC 7 reports. The incident, which started as demonstrators crossed the street at a crosswalk in front of his car, also saw him yelling F*ck China! at the same group of people. In footage of the scene, the man makes a U-turn at a red light and almost hits some of the pedestrians as a result. If you got the sound on you can also hear him: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. No injuries were reported. Additional footage claiming to show the same man sees him pull over and once again yell Fuck China during a brief encounter where expletives are exchanged between him and a protestor. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department says the incident happened around noon on Sunday. The brazenness of doing this at an Anti-Hate rally speaks to the level that people will go to harass and bully communities of color, said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn in a statement. As we stated at the top, the incident is being probed as a hate crime. That decision was announced by L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. A news release says the suspects license plate was captured in footage. The suspect is believed to be in his 50s, though police havent released any info beyond that. Related Articles More Complex Sign up for the Complex Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories. Follow Complex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok Hazleton, PA (18201) Today Thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 69F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Smarter water planning imperative Mai Trong Nhuan, vice chairman of the Policy Consultancy Council under the National Committee on Climate Change, told VIR that Vietnam is among the group of nations that have relatively lavish water resources, both in reserves and flow. However, these resources are shrinking both in terms of quality and quantity, as pollution became more rampant over the past few years, Nhuan said. Vietnams big rivers, like the Red and Thai Binh rivers, and the Mekong River system, swell uncharacteristically large during the rainy season, causing heavy floods and inundation. Still, droughts are common during the dry season, resulting in water shortages for agricultural production in lowland areas. According to Nhuan, the reasons behind the degradation of the countrys water resources and compromised water security include a rise in livelihood activities and climate change. A climb in population, industrial and agricultural production, and natural mineral exploitation activities have been putting pressure on Vietnams water reserves. Furthermore, several sections of Vietnams big rivers are heavily polluted by wastewater discharged by industrial production activities. This has reduced the output of river flows and water quality for fisheries and agricultural production. Besides this, an increase in conflicts over cross-border rivers, which account for 63 per cent of Vietnamese river flows, has been challenging the country, especially as upstream hydropower plants are hoarding water in their reservoirs and alter river flows in Vietnam. These factors are directly threatening the national water security, food security, economic security, and health security, as well as national defence, Nhuan said. According to the Department of Water Resources Management (DWRM) at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), currently, Vietnam has about 3,450 rivers and streams, including 13 major rivers, 392 inter-provincial rivers and streams, and just over 3,000 rivers and streams running within provinces. All the rivers and streams have a total annual flow of 830-840 billion cubic metres. Geographically, 57 per cent of the total volume is focused on the Mekong Delta basin, 16 per cent in the Red and Thai Binh river basins, and the remainder is centred in other river basins. In terms of time, the total annual flow is large, but largely focused on the rainy season which lasts only three months. In the remaining nine months, the water volume accounts for only 10-15 per cent. Two-thirds of Vietnams water resources come from foreign nations. Over many years, upstream nations have been boosting the exploitation of water resources, seriously threatening Vietnams water resources. Along with Vietnams socioeconomic development, the rising population and urbanisation have resulted in the growing demand for water for living and production, both in terms of quantity and quality, said Chau Tran Vinh, director of the DWRM. Moreover, due to the lack of physical infrastructure and financial capacity, there is low utilisation of the supply along with an uneven distribution of rainfall resulting in water shortages throughout the country. Although Vietnam has improved its water supply situation in the past few decades, many rural parts of the country which are often the poorest communities, have not seen significant improvements. The International Water Resources Association places Vietnam among the group of nations facing water shortage, highlighting the countrys low average per-capita water use of 3,840cu.m, lower than the global average of 4,000cu.m. According to the MoNRE, mean domestic water use is expected to decline by half by 2025. New York-based Fluence Corporation, a worldwide leader in decentralised water and wastewater treatment solutions, cited statistics from the MoNRE and Vietnams Ministry of Health showing that about 9,000 Vietnamese citizens die annually from poor sanitation and degraded water quality, and some 200,000 Vietnamese have developed cancer associated with water pollution. Last August, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued Directive No.34/CT-TTg, which could help the nation turn the corner on management of its water resources. The directive calls for tight and uninterrupted monitoring of water sources, water production infrastructure, and clean water production. PM Phuc has asked the MoNRE, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the Ministry of Construction to work with one another to formulate solutions against water scarcity and on how to provide sufficient water for the public and businesses, with the environment well protected. Meanwhile, according to Nhuan, to ensure water security and the usage of water sources, it is imperative to devise groups of solutions regarding planning, management, and sustainable usage of water resources, and smart responses to environmental change. Other groups of solutions are also needed, including benefit sharing, development cooperation, and increasing international cooperation in cross-border water resources management and usage. Thus, the government should develop these solutions as soon as possible, so that the countrys water security and sustainable development can be ensured, Nhuan said. Le Thi My Hanh, country representative of the Global Green Growth Institute in Vietnam, told VIR that water reserves in Vietnam are limited. Thus, resources have to be managed more efficiently during their whole lifecycle, starting from the production of raw materials, transport, processing and consumption to disposal of wastewater, Hanh said. There are many ways to reduce water use or use water more effective. In any case, do not let water consumption run out of control. It takes a lot of water to produce rice, fruit, and other food. Wasting less food could save significant amount of water. For businesses, it is important to measure and manage water, set targets to reduce and recycle it, and look for ways to make them more efficient. Firms can also provide information for consumers to understand the water impacts of the things they buy. Mar. 24The decades-long debate over New Hampshire's school-funding formula will continue in Cheshire County Superior Court in the coming months, after a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday in a case several local school districts originally filed two years ago. Michael Tierney, the Manchester-based attorney representing the ConVal, Winchester, Monadnock and Mascenic districts, said he expects the court to hold a scheduling conference within the next 30 days to discuss a trial date. "We were ready to try this back in June of 2019, and look forward to trying it as soon as we can get on the court calendar," Tierney said. "... We feel comfortable that we can move as expeditiously as the court will allow." That could be a long process, though, according to Natalie Laflamme, a Concord-based attorney who co-authored an amicus brief in the case on behalf of 25 school districts statewide, arguing that the state's current education funding formula is unconstitutional. "Practically, this [ruling] just means the can has been kicked down the road, potentially for another few years," Laflamme said during a press briefing Tuesday afternoon organized by the N.H. School Funding Fairness Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that advocates for changes to the education funding formula. "By the time this case goes through discovery and through a trial, and then, most likely, another appeal, it could be a few years before the Supreme Court can really, definitively rule on the current funding system," Laflamme continued. School-funding lawsuits in New Hampshire going back 30 years have argued that the state does not provide enough education dollars, instead shifting the burden to local property taxpayers. As a result, local education taxes often make up 50 percent or more of a homeowner's total property-tax bill, and towns can pay vastly different rates depending on their overall property values. Story continues After a series of court rulings in the early 2000s, lawmakers formed a committee that came up with New Hampshire's current school-funding formula in 2008. But the ConVal, Winchester, Monadnock and Mascenic districts argue this formula still fails to provide a constitutionally adequate education for their students. In a unanimous 14-page decision Tuesday, the N.H. Supreme Court sent the case back to Cheshire County Superior Court Judge David W. Ruoff, saying he did not use the proper legal analysis when he ruled in June 2019 that the state's school-funding formula is unconstitutional. Specifically, the high court determined that Ruoff erred by basing his ruling on the methodology that the state used in 2008 to determine its school-funding formula, and not the actual text of that statute. N.H. Solicitor General Dan Will, who argued the state's case before the Supreme Court, said in a written statement Tuesday that "the State will continue to defend the education adequacy funding statute" in Cheshire County Superior Court. Additionally, in the Supreme Court's ruling, Justice Patrick E. Donovan wrote that the trial court would need to settle the "vigorously disputed" underlying facts of the case such as determining the components and costs of a constitutionally adequate education before issuing a summary judgment. "So, it's not a defeat; it's just not a win" for the school districts, said John M. Lewis, a former superior court judge who has followed the state's education-funding lawsuits over the past 30 years. "It's the Supreme Court saying, 'No, this isn't enough. You can't do this by summary proceedings'." Ruoff's 2019 decision came after attorneys for the state and the districts requested a summary judgment, and he ruled based on written arguments from attorneys. The Supreme Court's ruling paves the way for a trial in Cheshire County Superior Court, where attorneys will call witnesses, such as the superintendents of the four districts, to present evidence on whether the state meets its constitutional obligation to fund an adequate education, Tierney said. In a written statement issued after the Supreme Court decision, ConVal Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Monadnock Superintendent Lisa Witte, Winchester Superintendent Kenneth Dassau and Mascenic Superintendent Christine Martin said they are "heartened" by the ruling. "Today's outcome is a positive one for students of New Hampshire, but it is only one small step toward solving an urgent issue for students throughout the state," they wrote. "This issue has now impacted two generations of New Hampshire children and will continue as long as the state fails to meet its obligations under our state Constitution." Gov. Chris Sununu, meanwhile, said the Supreme Court's ruling "reaffirms that this is an issue that belongs in the Legislature and not in legal limbo." "As the most representative body in America, the N.H. Legislature must have the authority to make education funding decisions," Sununu said in a written statement Tuesday afternoon. Jeff McLynch, director of the N.H. School Funding Fairness Project, said he agrees with the governor that the Legislature bears the responsibility to act on school funding. "There's nothing in the ruling today that precludes the Legislature from acting," McLynch said during the press briefing, which was conducted via Zoom. McLynch added that state lawmakers are considering some short- and long-term changes to school funding this legislative term, but action doesn't appear imminent. John Tobin, an attorney who chairs the group's board of directors and helped represent the Claremont School District in a landmark school-funding case in the 1990s, noted that a commission led by Democratic lawmakers released a report in December outlining policy recommendations for the state legislature to consider. "The Legislature needs to get on the stick and resolve this issue," Tobin said. "And there was a school funding commission that laid out one possible roadmap for that, and the Legislature is not hurrying to follow that. So, this is ultimately, finally the Legislature's job. They need to take responsibility for this." The ConVal lawsuit is the latest in a line of school funding cases dating back to the early 1990s, when the state Supreme Court issued its Claremont I and II decisions. Those opinions held that the state must fund an "adequate education." For the current school year, the state provided districts with a baseline of $3,708 per student in "adequacy aid," plus additional amounts tied to students' socioeconomic status, how many are in special education programs and other factors. Statewide, districts spent an average of $16,823 per student in the 2019-2020, not including tuition to out-of-district schools, transportation, equipment and construction, according to data from the N.H. Department of Education. Jack Rooney can be reached at 352-1234, extension 1404, or jrooney@keenesentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @RooneyReports. 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 57-year-old Washington County man was the victim in a fatal hit-and-run late last week that police now suspect was intentional. Errol Rees was walking near the St. Johns Bridge Friday afternoon when Roy Lawrence Bennett, 29, struck him with a car and drove away from the scene, police said. A judge has sealed the probable cause affidavit and prosecutors and police have declined further comment, so details of the case arent publicly available. Portland police said they arrived at the scene to find Rees on North Crawford Street under the Philadelphia Avenue ramp leading up to the bridge. Rees was critically injured and was transported to the hospital. Police said Rees died from his injuries on Monday. Police arrested Bennett in Northeast Portland shortly after the crash. He was initially charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, then after additional investigation, police added charges of attempted murder and failure to perform duties of a driver to an injured person. After Rees died on Monday, Bennett was charged with second-degree murder. Police have not clarified the circumstances of the crash or why they believe Bennett intentionally struck Rees. But an online fundraiser set up by the daughter of Rees fiancee said that Rees was trying to stop Bennett from stealing his car. Neither police nor Rees family have responded to requests for comment. Bennett was the suspect in another serious hit-and-run in the same area five years ago. According to an article in the University of Portlands student newspaper, The Beacon, Bennett crashed a stolen car headfirst into an oncoming vehicle, then took off running into a nearby neighborhood. According to the article, the victim of that crash received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR [March 24, 2021] iConnections Launches 'Funds 4 Minds' Capital Introduction Initiative to Support Mental Health Charities iConnections, the industry-leading platform and community that seamlessly connects investment managers and allocators, today announced that it will be hosting Funds 4 Minds, a month-long initiative bringing together the alternative investment industry to fundraise for mental health charities. Throughout May, iConnections will facilitate a series of private capital introduction meetings between alternative investment managers and allocators, donating $100 to select mental health charities for every meeting that takes place. The event will bring together managers from across the alternative asset management spectrum with top allocators including many of the most prestigious and sought-after end-investors and asset owners around the world, including Carnegie Corporation of New York, The J. Paul Getty Trust, and Stanford University. Ron Biscardi, CEO of iConnections, said: "Over the past year, the Covid-19 pandemic has upended the lives of people of all ages, everywhere. From grieving the loss of loved ones to managing loneliness as a result of social distancing and lockdown measures, it has been exceptionally challenging to adjust to the new way of living that the pandemic has precipitated. Prioritizing mental health has never been more critical. In a time of such great uncertainty, we are proud to bring together the alternative investment industry to solve a universal problem." Alongside capital introduction meetings, iConnections will host a series of virtual events, including coffee chats, webinars and fireside discussions with leading allocators and managers. Funds 4 Minds follows the successful Funds 4 Food capital introduction event that iConnections hosted last year, which saw over 4,000 meetings pedged between allocators and managers to raise a total of $1.9 million for Covid-19 hunger relief efforts. More than 200 asset managers are taking part in the event so far - spanning hedge funds, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, private debt, venture capital and long-only funds - while the line-up of allocators include leading university endowments in North America, APAC, the UK and Europe, along with many of the world's biggest and most influential foundation, pension, sovereign wealth, insurance, fund of fund and large family office investors. Gregg Sommer, Partner, Mercer Investments said: "As we look forward to a post-pandemic world, addressing the mental health toll from the pandemic will be critical to ensuring that we have a vibrant economic and social environment. Our industry can play a critical role in ensuring that we support and accelerate a return to normal life for all." Allocators who will be attending the event include: GCM Grosvenor, Millennium Management, Boothbay Fund Management, Oppenheimer, Titan Advisors, Northrop Grumman (News - Alert) , Bessemer, Perella Weinberg Partners, Cambridge Investment Management Limited (CUEF), Columbia Investment Management Company, Kamehameha Schools, Stanford Management Company, Abdul Latif Jameel Investment Advisory Services UK Limited, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Mercer Investments, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, PAAMCO Prisma, The J. Paul Getty Trust, Aksia, ICG Advisors, Aberdeen (News - Alert) Standard Investments, and Forbes Family Trust. iConnections will host its physical Global Alternatives Conference for managers and allocators at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach in January 2022 which will also be raising funds through its iCare program. Managers and allocators can sign up for Funds 4 Minds and iConnections Global Alternatives Conference 2022 through the iConnections platform - for more information please visit https://iconnections.io/event/funds4minds/. About iConnections iConnections is a community that connects the investment management industry year-round. iConnections' software platform seamlessly connects managers and allocators for virtual meetings, giving managers the ability to subscribe and share information with allocators who can efficiently select and meet managers all on one platform. Uniquely, purpose and philanthropy are embedded in the way iConnections works, with charitable initiatives and fundraising as a central pillar of the ecosystem. The scalable technology powering iConnections can be used for bespoke events by managers, allocators and service providers. In an environment where physical events and meetings are no longer the norm, we've reimagined how the investment industry connects. Visit https://www.iconnections.io/ to learn more about how iConnections helps people invest in progress. At iConnections, we believe a better-connected investment community helps to advance the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005666/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. Understatement of the year: The pandemic made it critical for companies to adapt in order to keep employees safe yet productive and engaged. Under duress, we created a new normal to survive, shifting to remote work and more agile operations. But with an uncertain future ahead, we need to stop thinking about this shift in the short term. For example, we can now expect workplaces to include remote workers, in-office employees, and a greater shift toward a hybrid workforceand thats just one way that work is evolving. Businesses need to determine how they can thrive, how they can continue innovating in a new world. The challenge then, of course, falls to IT leaders to set up processes and technology that support whatever may come. What proactive actions can they take in order to create what McKinsey has defined as the next normal for employees? What is the Next Normal? This term describes the era that will emerge post-COVID-19, which will include a dramatic restructuring of the economic and social order in which business and society have traditionally operated. Essentially, many of us have been waiting for things to get back to normal, but as businesses look to return to office or adapt to local public health guidelines, we cant expect normal to look the same as it did. Not only is it impossible to shift back to the way things were given our ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic, but results of working from home indicate that we might not even want to. After a period of adjustmentonce team members had finally mastered Zoom calls and figured out a dedicated workspace with the right equipmentbusinesses began recognizing the upsides to this new way of working. In a KPMG survey from August 2020, 77% of large-company CEOs indicated that working remotely has widened their potential talent pool, and 68% marked that communications with employees had improved during the COVID-19 crisis. Plus, the change of setting hasnt slowed down employees. 94% of 800 employers surveyed by Mercer said that their company productivity was either the same or higher than it was before the pandemic. So were unsure of the long-term repercussions of the pandemicand we would like to keep the flexibility and other benefits gained from the WFH lifestylewhere does that leave CIOs and IT leaders? Many companies, especially in the tech space, had been incrementally moving toward digital transformation before coronavirus struck: migrating their systems to the cloud, instituting BYOD policies, building up a tech stack, etc. But now digital transformation isnt an end goal far out in the futureits a critical need in this moment. What proactive actions can we take? McKinsey has identified strategic areas that companies must think through to thrive in a post-COVID-19 return to work. CIOs need to focus on these two key priorities: rethinking the organization and accelerating digital adoption. As it turns out, these priorities work hand in hand. In rethinking the organization, businesses need to decide how to work and how to grow. COVID-19 forced businesses to launch initiatives and make changes that would ordinarily take months or years. Now that companies have proven they can move at an accelerated pace, why wouldnt this be the standard of work going forward? Businesses can be much more competitive and weather any crisis when they can quickly align around a decision and act. But switching to more agile operations long-term will require supporting technologyincluding new forms of communication. Who would have thought, even just a year ago, how many times a day we would now use the word Zoom? The use of this video conferencing software shot from 10 million daily meeting participants in December 2019 to 300 million in April 2020. To adapt to the next normal, IT leaders need to continue being receptive to these new technologies. They need to adopt new processes and digital solutions that not only deliver on changing customer expectations but also make it easier for employees to work and communicate with our changing work environments. Collaboration hasnt fundamentally changed much for decades, and the pandemic has forced us to rethink it all. Providing ways for employees to not only communicate with each other but collaborate visually together will be a fundamental necessity in order to keep teams aligned and moving forward. Why visual collaboration is essential to the reimagined org Visuals support agility and alignment within teams in multiple ways. When you can visualize complex ideassay youre mapping out a process or trying to explain the current state of your architectureits easier to get everyone literally on the same page. From there, you can spot inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement and move forward with purpose. And moving forward into a time where employees cant necessarily meet in the same room or drop by someones desk to get input, having a visual at the center is crucial to prevent misunderstanding. Visuals can also elicit better engagement from employees. Take strategic planning, for example. Such meetings can be a slog of reviewing spreadsheets, and whats to stop a team member from tuning out over a Zoom call? But when employees can drop their ideas into a visual workspace, group together similar initiatives, prioritize, vote, and together create consensus around what they should do next, theyll feel more involved and eager to execute. Companies had to rethink their business strategies in the last year, and theyll have to keep doing that again and again and again. In the Next Normal, we need to reconsider our methods of communication to form those strategies as well. Teams can only act as fast and effectively as they communicate. The pandemic undoubtedly brought a lot of hardship to businesses, but as we move forward, it has also presented us with an opportunity to take what we have learned and change the workspace forever and for the better. Last year wasnt the first time that businesses will encounter a new normal, but armed with an agile mindset and improved methods of collaboration, well be ready for whatever comes next. Discover how you can prepare your team for the next normal in this webinar from Lucid. 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. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer said in a statement released Tuesday that the phase one trial of a pill to treat COVID-19 is currently underway in the U.S. The company has kicked off early clinical trials of a potent protease inhibitor, PF-07321332, an experimental oral antiviral drug to treat COVID-19, making it the first orally administered coronavirus-specific investigational protease inhibitor to be evaluated in clinical studies, the statement said. In-vitro studies conducted to date show potent anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2, Pfizer said. Additionally, the drug has shown activity against other coronaviruses, suggesting that in addition to the treatment of COVID-19, there may be potential for its use to address future coronavirus threats. Mikael Dolsten, MD, PhD., chief scientific officer and president, Worldwide Research, Development and Medical of Pfizer, said this in the statement: Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic requires both prevention via vaccine and targeted treatment for those who contract the virus. Given the way that SARS-CoV-2 is mutating and the continued global impact of COVID-19, it appears likely that it will be critical to have access to therapeutic options both now and beyond the pandemic. Dolsten added, We have designed PF-07321332 as a potential oral therapy that could be prescribed at the first sign of infection, without requiring that patients are hospitalized or in critical care. At the same time, Pfizers intravenous antiviral candidate is a potential novel treatment option for hospitalized patients. Together, the two have the potential to create an end to end treatment paradigm that complements vaccination in cases where disease still occurs. What are protease inhibitors? Pfizer explained that protease inhibitors bind to a viral enzyme (called a protease), preventing the virus from replicating in the cell. Protease inhibitors have also been used, both alone and in combination with other antivirals, as an effective treatment of other viral pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis C virus. Pfizer said that currently marketed therapeutics that target viral proteases may have the potential to provide well-tolerated treatments against COVID-19, because this class of molecules are not generally associated with toxicity. How is the study being conducted? The statement said the Phase 1 trial of PF-07321332 is a randomized, double-blind, sponsor-open, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-dose escalation study in healthy adults. It will evaluate the drugs safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (how the drug moves within the body). Pfizer said it will share the pre-clinical data in a COVID-19 session of the Spring American Chemical Society meeting, to be held April 6. Pfizer said in the statement that its also studying an intravenously administered investigational protease inhibitor, PF-07304814, which is currently being used in a clinical trial with hospitalized COVID-19 patients. READ MORE: A US drone allegedly on a surveillance mission crashed Tuesday in northern Iraq, Anadolu news agency citing an Iraqi security source. The source who spoke on condition of anonymity because not allowed to speak on the subject matter indicated that the crash occurred while the drone was on a mission over the Tal al-Shaeer village of Mosul. He also added that a technical glitch might have caused the accident. Iraqi and US authorities have not made any comment on the crash. There are currently around 3,000 troops, including 2,500 US forces, forming an international coalition fighting the Islamic state group. The coalition is still carrying out operations in the Middle East country still fighting some remnant cells of the terror group despite its defeat in 2017. The reason is that Labors return to power has among other things, finally closed the political wounds opened by Sir John Kerr. With Labor back in office on its own terms, with a big parliamentary majority, and with the political eclipse of Mr Fraser, the man who forced and benefited from the trauma of 1975, Labor is now less inclined to the view that it is denied real power by prevailing constitutional arrangements. Therefore the tide of republican sentiment seems likely to recede. Prince Charles and Princess Diana depart Canberra. March 25, 1983. Credit:Gerrit Alan Fokkema So, if Prince Charles has come to save Australia for the Crown, he is probably arriving a bit late: It has already been saved, at least for the forseeable future, by the vote of the Australian people on March 5. Furthermore, with Mr Hawke as Labor leader, the partys militant Republicans will receive little encouragement. Mr Hawke may be anxious to assert Australias independence but he does not believe Republicanism is an urgent issue. He regards Prince Charles as a nice young bloke. Mr Hawkes immediate priority, as he has made clear, is the restoration of the national economy. He has also made the practical point that moving to a republican form of government would not create one job, but he has declared that, in the long run, he is certain that Australia will adopt a republican form of government. Already, only one week into the four-week tour, Prince Charles and Lady Diana are working hard to demonstrate that most Australians think too well of them to seriously contemplate such action. So far their friendly strategy is not working quite as well as the Palace might hope. The crowds who visited royal events in the Northern Territory were smallish, and consisted overwhelmingly of mums, teachers and children, and a few British expatriates. But Prince Charles and Lady Diana plainly enjoy meeting and talking to children and have received extremely favourable press and TV coverage on their encounters with the kids. Two senior U.S. Senate Democrats urged President Joe Biden's administration on Tuesday to apply all its diplomatic weight to stop the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline from Russia to Europe, increasing pressure from members of his party. Senators Bob Menendez, the influential chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen, who chairs the panel's Europe subcommittee, asked Secretary of State Antony Blinken to implement sanctions under existing laws, Reuters reported. "This pipeline must be stopped and your leadership is required towards that end," they wrote in a letter. "We do ... urge that the effort to build strong Nord Stream 2 sanctions packages be accelerated to meet the urgency of the moment," they said, noting that the pipeline will be completed this year if construction continues unimpeded. Blinken said last week that any entities involved with the project "should immediately abandon work." He will soon meet his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, to discuss the project. U.S. lawmakers criticized the State Department last month for not sanctioning new companies building the project when it issued a report to Congress. The next report is due in mid May, though any new sanctions could come ahead of it. Patna: Senior JD(U) leader Maheshwar Hazari was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Bihar legislative assembly on Wednesday (March 24) amid a boycott of the house by opposition protesting the use of force against their members when they were holding agitation against a Bill concerning the police department the previous day. Maheshwar Hazari was elected deputy speaker by voice vote in the absence of opposition members in the house. The opposition RJD, Congress, CPI-ML, CPI and CPI(M) kept away from the house and instead held a parallel session outside in the assembly premises after choosing RJD's Bhudeo Chaudhary their speaker. Bhudeo Chaudhary had filed a nomination for the deputy speaker post, but neither he nor the opposition MLAs participated in the election. The Grand Alliance members are protesting against Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021, which the Nitish Kumar government has introduced in a bid to give its police more teeth, deemed necessary in view of the increasingly complex security needs of the state which has been witnessing rapid economic growth. The chief minister congratulated Hazari upon getting elected as deputy speaker and flayed the opposition for "demeaning the democracy" through their unparliamentary acts. Kumar said the opposition ran away from the election knowing very well that they will be defeated in the contest and indulged in "undemocratic" action outside. "What will they gain by doing all this?" he asked. The chief minister stressed the need for the new police bill and said had the opposition raised their objections in a proper manner in the house, the government would have cleared their doubts point-by-point. The bill was passed by the assembly Tuesday. Hazari secured 124 votes in the 243-member Bihar house. With the BJP winning a larger number of seats within NDA in the recently concluded Bihar polls, the ruling coalition has gone for a role reversal this time with saffron party's Vijay Sinha becoming a speaker and the post of deputy speaker going to the JD(U). Last time, when Kumar's party was in the commanding position, JD(U)'s Vijay Chaudhary was the speaker and Amrendra Pratap Singh of the BJP his deputy. The Bihar assembly had witnessed unprecedented chaos Tuesday when police were called to assist the marshals in evicting unruly opposition members who tried to physically prevent the speaker from taking his chair. The opposition has termed the bill "black" legislation, taking strong exception to provisions that empower the Special Armed Police, previously known as the Bihar Military Police, to conduct searches and arrests without producing a warrant. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav and his MLA brother Tej Pratap Yadav had hit the streets here Tuesday against the bill. Live TV Help India! Two men from Gujarat, who were arrested in the middle of the pandemic in 2020, for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act that had taken place months earlier in December 2019, have alleged police brutality in custody. The men demand justice and action against erring policemen. Suprakash Majumdar, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles New Delhi: Months after anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests took place in Palanpur city in Gujarat in December 2019, police in Gujarat arrested two men during a time when the entire country was under Covid-19 lockdown. Two men Abdulhaque (45) and Salman (28) were arrested by Gujarat police for protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), an act seen by its critics as stripping away the citizenship of millions of Indians. Speaking to TwoCircles.net, the two men alleged that they were beaten in custody. The police knocked at my door in the middle of the night on June 1, 2020. They forcefully entered my house and arrested me, Abdulhaque, from Palanpur told TwoCircles.net. The police took Abdulhaque to Dhanka Highway before taking him to the police station, Abdulhaque claims, saying, The police called me a Naxal accusing me of dividing the country. I was threatened by the police to accept that I was part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize the government by organizing anti-CAA protests through foreign funding, or else I will face consequences, he said. Abdulhaques arrest is linked to an anti-CAA protest in Palanpur, a city in Gujarat on December 19, 2019. It was a time when protests against the CAA were taken out across the country. At this December 19 protest, the permission for which was already granted by the administration, a large gathering was expected. However, just a night before, the permission for the protest was withdrawn. Even after the withdrawal, many people arrived at the site of the protest. As per social activist Mohammed Charoliya, the police came in large numbers while the protest was going on, and tried to scatter the protestors. In this situation, the crowd could not be controlled, and more than a hundred people were arrested. Abdulhaque says that he was taken to the police station in Palanpur and was kept there for a night. I was produced before a magistrate the next morning, where the police asked for a 20-day remand, but the magistrate granted only a 6-day remand. While in remand, Abdulhaque claims to have been beaten, verbally abused and tortured by the police. There used all kinds of verbal abuses against me. They started to talk about the conspiracy about breaking India and calling me a Naxal, and threatening me to accept this, he said. This is not an isolated incident. Salman Patel, also from Palanpur, was arrested on September 29, 2020. Salman claims that the police came to arrest him in the afternoon and took him to the police station. He was beaten as soon as he was brought to the police station, he alleges. I was beaten very badly. There were blue and black bruises on my hands and face. They beat me continuously, Salman alleged. The next day, he was produced in front of a magistrate. When I was produced in front of the magistrate on video-conferencing, given the pandemic, the magistrate chastised the policemen for beating me up just by seeing the severity of the bruises on my face, he said. Salman, Abdulhaque and the other accused were later released on bail. While Abdulhaque was released on August 5, 2020, Salman was released November 4, 2020. Both Salman and Abdulhaque are facing trauma and mental health issues. They say that even at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic was raging in India, the police was busy making such arrests. When Charoliya reached out to Abdulhaque and Salman, he says they were reluctant to say anything to the media at that time as they were scared of the blowout. They were so scared of coming out with their experiences. They were scared of police brutality against them and repercussions against their families, Charoliya said. Charoliya further said that they had demanded action against the erring policemen through social media but no action was taken. We urge the Gujarat administration to resolve the issue as soon as possible and give justice to the victims of this brutality, he said. These young people, who were arrested in the middle of the pandemic, rue the lack of justice even after the passing of many months. TwoCircles.net contacted police officials for a comment but did not receive any answers. The story will be updated as and when the comments will be received. KALAMAZOO, MI A gas meter was ruptured, and multiple Kalamazoo businesses were hit with bullets Tuesday evening. Shots were fired near Ranney Street and South Westnedge Avenue around 6:42 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Witnesses saw a van and a person on foot flee the scene. The bullets hit multiple businesses and a gas meter was leaking after being hit by a bullet, police said. Officers turned the gas valve off and stopped the leak. A person was running away, and police saw the person get into a vehicle, which they then pulled over. Police found a firearm that was used in the shooting and arrested a juvenile, who was taken to the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. Witnesses told 911 dispatch that they saw what looked like a dark green Chrysler Town and Country minivan involved in the shooting. It was missing a wheel cover on the drivers rear side and has a broken rear windshield wiper, police said. Though detailed suspect descriptions from witnesses led to the arrest of one person, police are still trying to identify others who may have been involved, and are still looking for the minivan. Anyone with information should call the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8120 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. Read more from MLive: Woman seriously injured, driver flees scene in U.S. 131 road rage crash Undetonated bomb found at apartment in Kalamazoos Westnedge Hill neighborhood Western Michigan plans near-normal fall semester with in-person classes 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 governors words of caution came just six days after he laid out a new reopening plan that promises to lift restrictions on businesses once half of all state residents 16 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine if the state hasnt seen a reversal in key measures of virus transmission. Restrictions would initially be eased once 70% of those 65 and older have received a single dose, with the same caveat. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form In an emotional letter, Bolivias former interim president Jeanine Anez on March 23 said that her rights were being violated in prison where she is being held in pre-trial detention. While taking to Twitter, Anez shared a seven-page letter and alleged abusive actions by the police and state. She even claimed that the authorities refused to provide her with proper medical treatment and wrote that she doesnt trust the governments doctors. Anez said, They're (govt. doctors) part of the system of abuse and repression and have shown they're prepared to risk my life, injecting me with high-risk medication without precautions or previous studies, with the only aim of keeping me in their cells. (1/2) Carta de la ex Presidenta Jeanine Anez al pueblo boliviano. Pueden descargar el documento completo: https://t.co/NDpFH70MP0 pic.twitter.com/6FN3w6bd5H Jeanine Anez Chavez (@JeanineAnez) March 23, 2021 Further, the former interim president denied the accusations against her and said, This is a fight for democracy, and we will keep going until the end. She also went on to describe the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party of Morales and President Luis Arce as a dictatorship. She insisted that there was no coup, there was a fraud. In her letter, Anez said that more than 100 police officers had arrived at her home in the city of Trinidad to detain her armed to the teeth. She said that the incident left young members of her family in a state of shock. Bolivian police had detained Anez on March 13 in an early morning raid at her home in Trinidad. She has since petitioned authorities to release her to a clinic where she could be treated for hypertension. Jeanine Anezs arrest Meanwhile, the arrest of Anez has increased the situation of political turmoil in South America. According to AP, various arrest warrants were also issued for more than a dozen other former officials. These included several ex-cabinet ministers, former military leader William Kaliman and the police chief who had urged Morales to resign in November 2019. Anez faces charges related to her actions as an opposition senator and not as a former president. Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo denied it was an act of persecution and said that the case arose from a criminal complaint of conspiracy and sedition filed against her in November, which was when she left office. Americas director of Human Rights Watch, Jose Miguel Vivanco, said that the arrest warrants against Anez and her ministers contain no evidence whatsoever that they have committed the crime of terrorism. (Image: @Katuwah_CompSci/Twitter) Immunotherapy is not only significantly less effective in liver cancer patients who previously had a liver disease called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but actually appears to fuel tumor growth, according to a Mount Sinai study published in Nature in March. NASH affects as many as 40 million people worldwide and is associated with obesity and diabetes. The researchers led a large international collaboration to investigate immunotherapys effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a deadly liver cancer, caused by NASH. They conducted a meta-analysis of three randomized phase 3 human trials that tested immunotherapy in HCC and found that in non-viral HCC cases, such as NASH-related HCC, therapy was significantly less effective than in viral-related cases. In addition, this study found in animal models that immunotherapy with anti-PD1 inhibitors actually led to tumor growth instead of the intended effect of aiding the immune system to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor. In these models, researchers identified immune cells called CD8+PD1+ as drivers of these phenomena. These cells were found to be dysfunctional and incapable of immunosurveillance. In addition to allowing clinicians to optimize treatment protocols based on the underlying liver disease, the knowledge obtained through this study will provide a backbone for the design of further combination treatments to overcome current limitations and improve survival for patients with these underlying liver conditions, said senior and co-corresponding author Josep Llovet, MD, PhD, Founder and Director of the Liver Cancer Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine (Liver Diseases) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. These results also highlight the need for refined therapeutic strategies aimed at treating both the tumor as well as the microenvironment associated with distinct underlying liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that is a precursor of NASH, is estimated to affect 25 percent of the population worldwide, and up to 20 percent of these patients will progress to having NASH. NASH is an emerging risk factor for HCC, which led to this studys investigation of immunotherapys effects on NASH-related HCC. While immunotherapy has clinical benefit for hepatocellular carcinoma, this studys findings are important because a quarter of all HCC patients have NASH. The meta-analysis in this study was conducted on three high-quality phase 3 trials that included more than 1,600 HCC patients treated with anti-PD1 immunotherapy. This study represents a major international collaborative effort from 110 investigators from 81 institutions. Amaia Lujambio, PhD; Thomas Marron, MD, PhD; and Philipp Haber, MD, from Mount Sinai contributed significantly to this study and are also co-authors. About the Mount Sinai Health System The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest academic medical system, encompassing eight hospitals, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai is a national and international source of unrivaled education, translational research and discovery, and collaborative clinical leadership ensuring that we deliver the highest quality carefrom prevention to treatment of the most serious and complex human diseases. The Health System includes more than 7,200 physicians and features a robust and continually expanding network of multispecialty services, including more than 400 ambulatory practice locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 14 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of the Top 20 Best Hospitals in the country and the Icahn School of Medicine as one of the Top 20 Best Medical Schools in country. Mount Sinai Health System hospitals are consistently ranked regionally by specialty and our physicians in the top 1% of all physicians nationally by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock On Sunday, after marching in a protest against anti-Asian racism with her 7-year-old daughter, Katie Hou was punched in the face by a man who saw her homemade protest sign. The attack on the 37-year-old woman, an accountant and immigrant from China, was one of five against Asian Americans last weekend, including one involving a man who was left in critical condition after an assailant shouted a racial slur and punched him in the head. They come one week after a white gunman in Atlanta murdered eight people, including six women of Asian descent. So far this year, there have been 23 attacks on Asians in New York City, according to the NYPD, compared to 29 such incidents in all of 2020 putting New York on track for a particularly gruesome year. On Monday, a 27-year-old man was arrested and charged with a hate crime for allegedly assaulting Hou. We spoke with her about the attack and what she hopes people take away from her experience. Heres what she had to say. At my daughters school, theyre learning about race, about discrimination. Thats why we went to the protest in the first place: We need to speak out and say what we think is right. I was hesitant mainly because I understand the risks. But after my daughter heard that there is a protest, she said, Lets go! and we started making our sign. I thought it was a good experience for her, so I encouraged her and we went together. We live in Midtown West, and we took the subway to Union Square. We stayed for maybe an hour and a half. There were a lot of people. I would say a couple of thousand. So it feels good that the community has a lot of people and they want to passionately express themselves. Most of the people were clapping, and the cars were honking. It felt good to be a part of that. We left early because my daughter was a little bit tired. We were close to Astor Place and 8th Street and were walking toward the subway stop. Thats when I saw a man walking toward us, and he asked for our sign, I thought very nicely. I thought he was going to use it at the protest, so I said, Okay, you can have it. It said RACIST = PSYCHOPATH. But after we walked away, he started to destroy the sign. I guess what was written on it really offended him. He was stepping on it and tried to throw it into the trash can, but it was too big so he was trying to rip it into pieces. I tried to stop him. I was yelling loudly, What are you doing? I walked toward him. Even though hes a big guy, I got in his face, and he punched me in the face twice to my mouth and my left eye. My body tells me its very dangerous, but my mind tells me, Go for it. So I chased him maybe five or ten yards, and I tried to grab him but I twisted my ankle. So he ran away, saying, Im from the NYPD! You will all be arrested! It was so sudden and so fast. I honestly didnt think much; all my actions were just automatic. My first thought was to immediately grab him and call the police. My daughter, she watched and was terrified. She was stunned watching this happen to her parent. I think she learned a lot through this incident and also the protest. She speaks very little compared to before; she just doesnt want to talk about it much. So Im just trying to let her recover. We didnt talk much, but she thinks what we did was right and does not regret it. Now, looking back on what happened, I think its not very safe to just walk on the street or ride the subway. Im hesitant. Before, I wouldnt have this feeling. Even though Im recovering, it doesnt mean Im thinking its okay for me to just go outside. It was really horrible because thats what we protested against, and then it happened. And not only me but several cases of attacking Asians happened this weekend. I knew this could happen you see the anti-Asian hate crimes increasing; thats the whole reason we went to the protest. But Im still really shocked that this actually happened. This is a very real issue in this country and this city, and we need to confront it and encourage more Asians to speak out, to stay safe but at the same time stand up for ourselves and others bravely. I feel like its the chicken and the egg. Why do we get attacked? Because we appear not to be strong. After this attack, I feel its really important to send a message to the whole Asian community that we need to stay strong and stand up for ourselves when this kind of incident happens. Dont be scared; be vigilant. There were a lot of helpful people around who chased him into the subway and took some photos. That was very helpful for the police. When the police came, I told them everything, and they gave me a police report. They took me into the ambulance, and the person in the ambulance wrapped my foot and he gave me an ice pack and then took me to the hospital. There, I got treated and checked by the doctor. He checked my head and my bones in my left foot to make sure my bones are okay. Then they exchanged the ice packs for crutches. By 2 p.m., we left for home. My husband is in China, and he called me a few hours later. He was very worried at first about me and my daughter, but he was very proud of what I did because we need to stay strong. We wont be safe until everyone is safe. After this, I feel like protesting is really necessary, and we need to do further actions to stop this from happening again. I really like the motto of my daughters school: Brave for self, brave for others. And I think thats exactly what I want to say to the community. In a welcome turnaround, four Bay Area counties are now in Calfornias orange reopening tier. Yet elation over the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions was tempered by memories of what happened the last time officials loosened the rules. Coronavirus trends were similarly positive in the fall, when the regions move to the orange tier was quickly followed by a rapid rise in cases. This time around, were in a different place. A growing number of people are getting vaccinated. But many experts remain cautiously optimistic as San Francisco, Marin and Santa Clara counties now join San Mateo County in the orange tier of Californias reopening plan, the second-least-restrictive level. Theres a very good chance were going to have a brief honeymoon and then were going to be surprised, said infectious disease specialist Stefano Bertozzi of UC Berkeley. There is a future where this goes on much longer than we hope. In late October, six of the Bay Areas nine counties were in the orange tier, and San Francisco even made it to the least restrictive yellow tier. The Bay Area average infection rate was just under 7 cases per 100,000 people. Just two weeks later, the number shot up to 11. By mid-November, the states emergency brake on reopening plunged most Bay Area counties to the most restrictive purple tier. Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle Today, case rates around the Bay Area are looking similar to what they were back in October, and last week San Francisco hit its lowest coronavirus case rate since one year ago. Two more counties could join the orange tier next week. Though case rates, hospitalizations and deaths are dropping, experts are eyeing the history with concern. Even with more people getting vaccinated every day, they worry increased complacency could lead to a fourth surge. Though its early to say if Bay Area backsliding may occur in the coming weeks, data now is showing a slight uptick in several counties from when red-tier metric requirements were relaxed on March 12. The small increases, which could possibly be partially attributed to lags in reporting times, are in Marin, Napa, San Mateo and Solano counties. Overall, California and the Bay Area continue to trend downward, a positive direction. Experts also are watching an uptick in daily new cases in more than half of U.S. states amid a rapid lifting of restrictions and spring break partying. Some European nations are implementing strict lockdowns as new variants threaten their progress. Sara Cody, Santa Clara Countys health officer, told the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the move to orange is encouraging but at the same time, We are just not out of the woods. We are beginning to see signs that we are stalling out, she said. Marin County Public Health Officer Matt Willis also stressed a need to stay the course. The next four weeks are pivotal for us, he said. We saw an uptick in cases last week and with variant cases increasing, we dont want to drop the ball before we reach the goal line. Letting your guard down puts us at risk of slipping backward. Monica Gandhi, a UCSF infectious disease expert, took an upbeat view, predicting that vaccination and other factors this time around will lead to a very different outcome. This is totally different; something massive has changed in the world, she said. Im 100% certain there will not be a fourth surge. She noted the high vaccination rates and comparatively slow lifting of restrictions in Israel and the U.K., and that those countries have yet to see another surge despite the emergence of coronavirus variants. In Israel, 60% of people have received at least one vaccine shot and in the U.K. its 50%. In the U.S., 25% have received at least one shot, which Gandhi characterized as actually quite high. She said the increasing pace of Bay Area vaccinations, in San Francisco especially, along with slower easing of restrictions compared to much of the U.S., will help prevent another virus spike. Her view was not shared by infectious disease experts at a forum hosted by UCSF on Tuesday, where Bertozzi of UC Berkeley referred to this as a brief honeymoon period. Peter Chin-Hong of UCSF likened todays position to that of the summer surge, rather than the winter one, due to increased numbers of people traveling. The Midwest was surging then and the spread moved west to Arizona and Nevada. It feels like this is like that again, he said in an interview. Its like the summer surge when we didnt see all those ICU beds being used and hospitalizations were relatively controllable. Well probably see that, but maybe with fewer hospitalizations. Spring break traveling partiers are also at it again, Chin-Hong noted, voicing worry that overall complacent behavior has increased and testing behavior has dropped off. He said theres likely more transmission than is known. COVID bombs go off simultaneously, he said. When you increase, you increase a lot, very fast. Thats what weve learned every single time. George Rutherford, also a UCSF infectious disease expert, was hopeful but wary for the next several weeks. Were in a much better place this time around, but were not in a perfect place, he said. In addition to spring break, upcoming holidays, including Easter and Eid al-Fitr, could be potential amplifying events, he said. Importantly, most Bay Area counties still havent reached their pre-winter surge lowest case rates, which Rutherford said means there is still transmission happening. That concern remains, he said. The prescription is the same: wear a mask, stay socially distanced, and when your turn comes, get vaccinated. Chronicle staff writer Mike Massa contributed to this report. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com NEW HAVEN Yoon-Ock Kim has been surprised twice this week. The first surprise was very unpleasant. On Sunday around 1:30 a.m., Oriental Pantry, the small Asian market on Orange Street she has single-handedly managed and operated since 1985, was broken into and money was stolen, she said. Kim, who is the sole employee, was not present at the time when the glass on the front door was shattered and $200 was stolen from the cash register. The second surprise was better. In less than 24 hours since starting a GoFundMe campaign to recoup $2,000 in damages and losses, customers from around the country had contributed more than $7,000. I have the best customers in the world, Kim said. I didnt expect that much. Oriental Pantry is known as a top spot in East Rock for pan-Asian spices and for Kims freshly-prepared bibimbap. Kim said no inventory was stolen in the break-in. As of Tuesday morning, the storefronts door had been replaced, and Kim was able to open up at her usual time of 11 a.m. Kim said there is so much that is unknown about Saturdays break-in that she could only speculate on the reasoning. New Haven police spokesman Capt. Anthony Duff said police did not find any evidence the market was targeted with any motivation other than theft. District Manager Lt. Manmeet Colon said the incident fits the trend and pattern from the restaurant burglaries occurring on State (Street) after closing hours. Kim said she is proud of Oriental Pantry for being a longstanding community monument. This is a historic place, she said. Its not only a market, its a cultural center. Kim said that, despite the incident, she feels no less safe on Orange Street. I enjoy being here and working here, she said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com Investigators from the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) reported that former Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov was suspected of high treason (Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) for ratification of the so-called "Kharkiv agreements", according to the website of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) on Wednesday. "It has been established that on April 20, 2010, while visiting the Russian Federation, the former Prime Minister of Ukraine agreed on the conditions imposed by the representative of a foreign state, President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, to extend the stay of the Russian Black Sea Fleet on the territory of Ukraine for 25 years under the pretext of receiving a discount on gas. From April 21 to April 23, 2010, he ensured the approval of the draft Agreement between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on the stay of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine and the law of Ukraine on its ratification by ministries, other central executive authorities and law enforcement agencies without actual consideration of these documents by authorized bodies," the statement said. The Prosecutor General's Office does not name the head of government, but at that time, from March 11, 2010 to January 28, 2014, this position was held by Mykola Azarov, who now lives in the Russian Federation. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 17:33:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CHICAGO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. provincial and state officials and entrepreneurs gathered online on Tuesday to explore agricultural trade and cooperation opportunities between the two sides. Addressing the opening ceremony of a virtual U.S.-China Agricultural Roundtable conference, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) Lin Songtian said agricultural trade has brought tangible benefits to both Chinese and American people. Lin expressed hope that China and the United States can communicate frankly at the conference and join efforts to bring agricultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries back to the right track. The United States and China share a long history of agricultural cooperation, which dates back to the beginning of bilateral relations in the 1970s, said Jason Hafemeister, trade and foreign agricultural affairs acting deputy under-secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "That relationship remains vitally important to U.S. agriculture, especially as China is once again our top market," Hafemeister said. Wanxiang America Corporation President Ni Pin, Syngenta Group CEO Erik Fyrwald, ADM Chairman and CEO Juan Luciano, and Deere & Company Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John May recalled operation experiences in China and expressed the hope for further cooperation with Chinese companies in the future. Chinese Hubei Province Vice Governor Ke Jun, Hebei Province Vice Governor Xia Yanjun, U.S. Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill and Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate gave an introduction to their provinces and states, respectively, and briefed the participants on potential cooperation sectors. The roundtable conference, jointly organized by the CPAFFC and the United States Heartland China Association (USHCA), will organize virtual Trade and Business Dialogue, Agricultural Education Dialogue and Think Tank Dialogue in the following days. "Agriculture is more than just about trade and business. It is the bedrock of a healthy U.S.-China relationship," said Bob Holden, former governor of Missouri and currently chairman and CEO of the USHCA. "It is imperative that we support continued dialogue and collaboration in order to build a healthy U.S.-China relationship around agriculture and beyond," Holden said. Founded in 2003, the USHCA is committed to building stronger ties between China and 20 U.S. states that stretch from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. Enditem -Calls on Liberians to join in observance to create awareness President George Manneh Weah has by Proclamation declared Wednesday, March 24, 2021, "World Tuberculosis Day" and is to be observed throughout the country as a Working Holiday. According to a Foreign Ministry release, World TB Day mobilizes governmental, political and social authorities to commit to the effective reduction in the incidence, prevalence, and mortality related to TB. The Proclamation calls on the Ministry of Health, and other government agencies as well as International Organizations concerned to initiate and execute appropriate programs befitting the occasion. According to the Proclamation, the celebration highlights the threat TB poses to the human race as well as enlightens the world on the global initiatives and innovative actions taken to prevent the spread of TB, thereby reducing death rates in Liberia, Africa and our one world. In keeping with its mandate to protect the health and welfare of its citizens and foreign residents, the Government of Liberia will join global health partners in observance of the World TB Day. This year's World TB Day will be celebrated under the global theme: "It's Time" with the slogan, "Get Involved, Stop the Spread of TB" The event will then focus on building commitment to end TB, not only by political leaders, but at all levels from government officials to traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, health workers, community leaders as well as people afflicted with TB and partners. The Proclamation called on Liberians and partners to Work together to end TB in Liberia, by reducing the stigma and provide adequate funding to fight TB as well as caring for those who are afflicted with this disease. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The release further stressed that the emergence of drug-resistant TB poses a major health threat and could put at risk the gains made in efforts to end TB, adding in 2019, Liberia detected and placed in treatment the total of eight thousand, two hundred and eighty five (8285) TB cases. Being conscious of the dangerous effects and difficulties TB poses, Liberia joins the global community today, Wednesday, March 24, 2021, to commemorate "World TB Day"., the proclamation added. The celebration will also provide the platform to raise public awareness about the causes, diagnosis, treatment strategies and prevention of TB. Reports show that Tuberculosis has existed for hundreds of year and remains a major global health problem; as it continues to be the top infectious killer worldwide, claiming over 4,500 lives a day. Press Release (Newser) Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has received a warning after violating state hunting regulations in the killing of his first wolf. The newly-elected Gianforte trapped and killed a radio-collared male adult wolf just north of Yellowstone National Park on Feb. 15, per Boise State Public Radio. He had a license to kill wolves but had not completed the mandated trapper education course. Greg Lemon, a spokesperson for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said "everything had been done the way it was supposed to," except for the course completion. He added officials gave the Republican a written warning, as they would with anyone in such a case. Gianfortewho was fined after self-reporting the illegal killing of an immature elk in 2000has described himself as a "lifetime member" of the Montana Trappers Association. However, rep Brooke Stroyke said this was the first wolf the governor had killed. story continues below He "immediately rectified the mistake" by signing up for a course set for Wednesday, Stroyke said. The course lasts about three hours and "is geared toward the ethical harvest of wolves," said Lemon. It also teaches "on the importance of radio collared wolves to monitor the population and manage wolf pack attacks on livestock," the AP reports. Gianforte could've released the collared wolf so it could continue to contribute to research. Instead, the collar was returned to Yellowstone, while Gianforte kept the wolf's skull and hide. The incident comes as the governor "is expected to receive, and support, several bills aimed at loosening wolf hunting and trapping regulations, including allowing the use of neck snares," per the New York Times. Other bills "would allow unlimited hunting of wolves and payments for dead wolves akin to the bounties that exterminated them across most of the US last century," per the AP. (Read more Greg Gianforte stories.) Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Bayhorse Silver Inc. (TSXV: BHS) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") is pleased to provide a Bayhorse Silver Mine operations update for the First Quarter of 2021. In early January, we announced execution of a Definitive Offtake Agreement with Ocean Partners UK Limited, ("Ocean") for the sale of silver/copper concentrate from our Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon, USA. We also completed an oversubscribed 22 Million Unit $0.08 cent financing consisting of one share and one transferrable warrant, exercisable at $0.15, for gross proceeds of $1,760,000. Subsequent to the closing of the financing, over 3,800,000 warrants and options were exercised for gross proceeds of an additional $392,000. Bayhorse CEO, Graeme O'Neill is a featured speaker on the American Mining Panel on March 26 between 3:30 and 5 PM EST at the upcoming MM Steel series of On-Line Conferences, March 23 - March 26. https://smm2021.mmsteelclub.com/agenda/ The initial offtake agreement with Ocean is for the delivery and sale of 300 metric tons or 15 full container loads of silver/copper concentrate production from the Company's Bayhorse Silver Mine. Among other conditions, Ocean has the right of first refusal to a 12 month contract extension after completion of the delivery of the first 300 metric tons of silver/copper concentrate. The Company also announced the mobilization of a recently purchased underground drill rig to the Bayhorse Mine, and has engaged APEX Geoscience Ltd. ("APEX") to supervise the minimum 2,000 meter drill program from within the over 1,500 feet of underground workings. This underground drilling has commenced and is ongoing. APEX has been conducting ongoing geological services to the Company on both the Bayhorse Silver Mine, and the Brandywine Silver/Gold Project. The drill program is planned to achieve a number of goals. To a) block out an immediate 30,000 tons of high grade silver rich mineralization for extraction to complete the first 300 metric tonnes of silver concentrate to be sent to Ocean; as outlined in the Company's National Instrument NI43-101Technical Report "Maiden Resource Estimate For The Bayhorse Silver Deposit, Baker County, Oregon, USA", effective October 15, 2018 by APEX, b) to elevate portions of the 292,300 ton inferred resource at a grade of 21.65 ounces per ton (742.4 grams/tonne) using a 7.5 ounce per ton cut-off grade for 6,328,400 ounces to a higher confidence category; and c) to partially determine whether the conceptual exploration target of 200,000 to 250,000 tons with a range of grades of 10 to 20 ounces per ton (342.9 to 685.7 grams per tonne) Ag for a range of 2 million to 5 million ounces of silver (APEX, 2018) can produce additional resources with further exploration, thus increasing the overall silver resource at the Bayhorse Silver Mine. The exploration target is conceptual in nature and there is insufficient data or exploration to define a mineral resource for the exploration target. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the definition of additional mineral resources.. In mid December 2020, the Company purchased a 1-Acre site of Industrial Land in the City of Payette, Idaho, to establish a larger milling and flotation concentrate processing facility. The site is located 45 miles, mainly on Interstate Highway I-84 from the Bayhorse Mine. On our 40 ton/hour Ore-Sorter, Steinert USA has conducted a software upgrade and service, to ensure we can operate continuously at full permitted mining capacity. The severe late winter conditions in both Idaho and at the nearby Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon, has slowed completion of the facility. Ground preparation has now been completed, building permits issued, and erection of the structure is underway and scheduled to be completed before the end of March. At that time the plant will be moved from its temporary facility to this permanent site, and by mid-April commence operating on a 24/7 basis to increase concentrate production. As the Bayhorse Silver Mine is planned as a minimum environmental impact mine, process water will be treated to ensure it meets Idaho DEQ disposal requirements, and the Company plans to recycle the tailings into eco blocks to be sold to the construction industry. Rejected mined waste from the Ore-Sorter is to be used as cemented backfill inside the Mine Bayhorse Silver CEO, Graeme O'Neill states, "We have diligently worked through both the obstacles and the significant limitations created by COVID shutdowns in 2020/2021 and the late winter weather, to complete milestone achievements for the Company. The Offtake Agreement for silver/copper concentrate from the Bayhorse Silver Mine is the lynch pin, which together with the recent aggregate funding of $2,152,000 has enabled us to achieve our final operational goals." Graeme O'Neill further states, "We have achieved this final stage due to the hard work and perseverance of our Bayhorse team, especially our miners, mine engineering, geological and metallurgical consultants. We look forward to achieving our concentrate production targets from our newly constructed operations site in Payette, ID, USA." The Company is not basing any decision to produce on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and advises there is an increased uncertainty and specific economic and technical risk of failure with any production decision. These risks include, but are not limited to, (i) a drop in price of commodities produced, namely silver, copper, lead and zinc, from the pricing used to make a production decision; (ii) failure of grades of the produced material to fall within the parameters used to make the production decision; (iii) an increase in mining costs due to changes within the mine during development and mining procedures; and (iv) metallurgical recovery changes that cannot be anticipated at the time of production. This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its content. Dr. Stewart Jackson, P.Geo., a Qualified Person and Consultant to the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, and approved the technical content of this press release. On Behalf of the Board, Graeme O'Neill, CEO company@bayhorsesilver.com 1-866-399-6539 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. About Ocean Partners Ocean Partners specializes in the trading of copper, zinc, lead and precious metal concentrates, as well as related by-products and secondary materials. Ocean Partners also provides tolling and toll blending solutions to complex concentrates on a large scale. The Ocean Partners team has spent over 25 years providing successful trading services to miners, smelters, and refiners, and has a strong global network of relationships and contacts in the base metal mining and smelting sector. By applying technical, commercial, financial and political insight, they bring expertise in every aspect of the business. Ocean Partners team members have comprehensive backgrounds in mining, geology, metallurgy, and finance. Ocean Partners operates in a number of countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Mexico, Mongolia, Netherlands, Peru, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States, and retains agency representation in Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, India, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Central/Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. About Bayhorse Silver Inc. Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA, and an option to acquire an 80% interest on the Brandywine, precious metals rich, volcanogenic massive sulphide property, located in B.C., Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise surrounding exploration and building mines. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78436 opinion The children who matriculate from Patrick Henry College in the US have to sign a declaration of faith, which reads: 'Anyone who dies outside of Christ will be confined in conscious torment for eternity'. On the other side of the world, children are taught to kill people who do not believe in Islam. I came across a commentary by Prof Jonathan Jansen earlier this week in which he admitted to having "a soft spot for broadcast programmes like CCFM and Radio Islam because they bring a spiritual dimension to complex questions in education" (my emphasis). The former (CCFM) identifies as a contemporary Christian community radio station, and Radio Islam is an Islamic radio station. While I have no intent or desire to see these radio stations shut down, Jansen has given some kind of primacy to religious instruction in public schools where, I believe, religious instruction has no place. People can teach their children religion, and insist on religious beliefs, in the confines of their own homes and churches. The Constitution (Section 15.1) guarantees "everyone" (including teachers and pupils) the right to freedom of conscience, religion and belief. So far so good, if you adhere to a particular religion or... Border House Democrat Says Biden Admin Should Return Unaccompanied Youth to Mexico A House Democrat in Texas said that the White House needs to return unaccompanied youth to Mexico, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. The administration is doing the right thing because the law requires that we process unaccompanied minors, Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas) said in a statement Wednesday. However, we are in the middle of a pandemic and our systems are being overwhelmed. Vela, citing Border Patrol data, said that 13 percent of unaccompanied minors encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border are under the age of 12, while the majority are aged 13 or older. One logical approach to this situation would be to return the older teenagers to their home country and provide funding for an effort supervised by the United Nations to properly care for those teenagers upon their return, Vela said. Then, once the pandemic is under control you could phase the program back in so that there would be some semblance of control over the process. I think that this would help relieve the current burden. The Trump administration in March 2020 directed Customs and Border Protection to return all adults and children to their home countries in the midst of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. President Joe Biden starting in January halted the rule that minors under the age of 18 be returned to their home countries. Border Patrol agents arrest seven illegal immigrants who tried to evade capture near Penitas, Texas, on March 15, 2021. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Since January, there has been a significant increase in illegal immigration, forcing Border Patrol and other federal agencies to open several facilities to deal with the influx. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), whose district also lies along the border, called on the White House to release unaccompanied minorschildren who unlawfully enter the country without an adultfrom Border Patrol custody into the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Biden administration has in recent weeks rushed to open more sites for children operated by HHS. It announced Tuesday that it would open a second site in Carrizo Springs, Texas. The convention center in San Diego, California, will also open to unaccompanied youth, and HHS is exploring housing teenagers at military bases in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas. Now, White House officials and some members of Congress are expected to tour the southern border starting Wednesday. The White House was limiting media access on Wednesdays tour, keeping it to just one TV crew. There have been concerns from members of the press about a lack of transparency along the border. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the White House was committed to transparency and well continue to work with agencies on creating avenues for media access to and visibility into these facilities. The Epoch Times has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MWANZA City is ready to give a grand reception before bidding farewell to the fallen fifth phase President, John Magufuli when his remains arrive at Mwanza Airport at 07am today from Zanzibar. Preparations to receive the body of the late president are almost 100 per cent complete, said the regional authorities yesterday. Mwanza Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr John Mongella has urged city residents to turn up in large numbers and line up the streets where the motorcade carrying the late president's casket will pass through. He said after arriving in Mwanza, the body of the late Magufuli will be brought directly to CCM Kirumba Stadium, where prayers will be held and later residents will line up to pay their last respects to the gallant fallen leader. "I ask residents to be prepared to receive and pay their last respects to the fallen hero in a calm atmosphere," he said. Mr Mongella said after the farewell event, the motorcade carrying the late president's casket will make its way through several roads/streets of Ilemela and Nyamagana municipalities. He mentioned the roads/ streets where the procession will pass through as Kirumba, Makongoro, Airport, Pasiansi, Buzuruga Bus Stand, Town Centre, Mabatini, Bugando Corner, Round About, Igogo and Makuyuni. From there, the convoy will proceed to Nyegezi, Mkolani, Buhongwa, Nyashishi and Usagara, before starting the journey to Chato through Kigongo ferry - Busisi, overlooking the ongoing construction of a modern bridge named after Magufuli. Construction of the 3.2-kilometre Magufuli Bridge is among landmark projects initiated by the fallen leader. It is financed by the government at a cost of 699bn/-, and is being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Group (CCECG) and China Railway 15th Bureau. After crossing the bridge, the convoy will enter Sengerema district and proceed to Geita Region and finally Chato District for funeral of the courageous leader who heightened and earned the country respect for his hard work. He said all necessary preparations to receive the body of the fallen hero are complete and security will be adequate throughout the entire process in all places within Mwanza region. Mr Mongella has called on children and the elderly as well as those with health challenges to take extra caution to ensure their safety because they expect a huge turnout. "It is important for them to be careful to avoid challenges that may arise, including children getting lost," he urged. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Mr Mongella said national leaders will also be in attendance at the CCM Kirumba Stadium. "The late President Magufuli had great love for this city and the whole region... it is important that we also give him a befitting farewell in a calm atmosphere, and I'm, sure Mwanza residents will not disappoint," Mr Mongella said. The 'Daily News' yesterday witnessed various groups at the stadium making their final touches, including the first aid service providers. This paper also observed some groups, including small scale traders commonly known as 'machinga' and motorcyclists commonly known as 'bodaboda' appearing at the authorities (RC and RPC) requesting permission to escort the motorcade. Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Jumanne Murilo accepted the request, but told them there is no way they can ride in front of the motorcade, instead they should be at the back and under special organisation and control. According to him, the police force was set to conduct a special inspection and scrutiny to clear motorcycles eligible to join the motorcade. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli and his Jordanian counterpart Bisher Al Khasawneh presided over on Tuesday23/3/2021 meetings of the 29th session of the joint Egyptian-Jordanian Higher Committee. Madbouli conveyed the greetings of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to King Abdullah II of Jordan, wishing the kingdom further progress and stability. Madbouli greeted the Jordanian government and people on the approach of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, expressing hope that the world would eradicate the coronavirus pandemic very soon. Egypt and Jordan are "capable of dealing with the exceptional circumstances posed by the Covid-19 pandemic," Madbouli said, adding that more efforts need to be taken to end this crisis. The Egyptian prime minister stressed the importance of joint action to find political solutions to various regional issues, topped by the Palestinian crisis. Both Egypt and Jordan are keen on pushing forward efforts meant to settle the Palestinian crisis based on the two-state solution, Madbouli said. Madbouli praised the contributions of the Egyptian community living in Jordan to the economic and investment sector in the kingdom. President Sisi issued directives to provide all possible support for Jordan with regard to the Covid-19 pathogen, he noted Madbouli further called for increasing the volume of trade exchange between the two countries and working on overcoming all obstacles facing Egyptian and Jordanian investors. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Egypt Governance Middle East and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He also extended thanks to Jordan for its "understanding and support" of the Egyptian and Sudanese sides as regards the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, saying that Egypt seeks to solve this crisis using diplomatic means. Madbouli expressed hope that the meetings of the Egyptian, Jordanian and Iraqi offices on Wednesday would help boost cooperation among the three Arab countries in the fields of energy and trade exchange. For his part, the Jordanian prime minister said the 29th session of the joint Egyptian-Jordanian Higher Committee reflects strategic relations between the two countries. Khasawneh said both Jordan and Egypt agree on the importance of working on resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the two-state solution. Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq launched a cooperation mechanism earlier with the aim of achieving economic and trade integration among the three Arab countries, particularly in the fields of energy and electricity. NEW YORK, March 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of MultiPlan Corporation f/k/a Churchill Capital Corp. III (NYSE: MPLN, MPLN.WS, CCXX, CCXX.WS, CCXX.U): (i) between July 12, 2020 and November 10, 2020, inclusive (the Class Period); and (ii) all holders of Churchill III Class A common stock entitled to vote on Churchill IIIs merger with and acquisition of Polaris Parent Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, MultiPlan), which merger was consummated in October 2020 (the Merger) of the important April 26, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased MultiPlan securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the MultiPlan class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1983.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 26, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience or resources. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020 founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Story continues DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) MultiPlan was losing tens of millions of dollars in sales and revenues to Naviguard, a competitor created by one of MultiPlans largest customers, UnitedHealthcare, which threatened up to 35% of the Companys sales and 80% of its levered cash flows by 2022; (2) sales and revenue declines in the quarters leading up to the Merger were not due to idiosyncratic customer behaviors as represented, but rather due to a fundamental deterioration in demand for MultiPlans services and increased competition, as payors developed competing services and sought alternatives to eliminating excessive healthcare costs; (3) MultiPlan was facing significant pricing pressures for its services and had been forced to materially reduce its take rate in the lead up to the Merger by insurers, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the price and quality of MultiPlans services and balanced billing practices, causing the Companys to cut its take rate by up to half in some cases; (4) as a result of the foregoing, MultiPlan was set to continue to suffer from revenues and earnings declines, increased competition and deteriorating pricing dynamics following the Merger; (5) as a result of the foregoing, MultiPlan was forced to seek continued revenue growth and to improve its competitive positioning through pricey acquisitions, including through the purchase of HST for $140 million at a premium price from a former MultiPlan executive only one month after the Merger; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, Churchill III investors had grossly overpaid for the acquisition of MultiPlan in the Merger, and MultiPlans business was worth far less than represented to investors. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the MultiPlan class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-1983.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Thousands of patients with lung cancer are missing out on potential treatment due to delays in diagnosis during the pandemic. Figures analysed by Cancer Research UK show that between March and January, referrals for lung cancer fell by 34 per cent. In total the number of urgent GP referrals for patients with suspected lung cancer fell by 20,300 compared to the same period last year. Some 9 per cent fewer people also started treatment for the disease between April and January, the equivalent of 2,600 patients. The charity also surveyed 1,000 GPs across the UK in February on the reasons why diagnosing lung cancer had become more difficult during the pandemic. It found that nine in ten GPs were most concerned about patients being reluctant to attend hospital for tests and more than three quarters felt patients with symptoms were not seeking help. Figures analysed by Cancer Research UK show that thousands of patients with lung cancer are missing out on potential treatment due to delays in diagnosis during the pandemic Dr Neil Smith (pictured), Cancer Research UKs GP adviser, said the stay at home message delayed diagnoses Lung cancer is the most deadly type of cancer but if it is diagnosed early when it is more treatable, 57 per cent of people will survive for five years or more. Retired paramedic, 48, who was denied face-to-face appointment with his GP because of Covid pandemic is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer Steve McGregor, 48, started having difficulties breathing last March and tried to get a face-to-face appointment at Trinity Medical Centre in Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent. But restrictions on appointments because of the pandemic meant he had to wait until May to get an X-ray and phone consultation where he was told there were no issues. Unconvinced of their findings because of his background in healthcare, he finally got a scan at Stafford's County Hospital in November, when he was told he had inoperable, terminal lung cancer. Steve McGregor, 48, started having difficulties breathing last March and tried to get a face-to-face appointment at Trinity Medical Centre in Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent Mr McGregor, who worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service, now believes the cancer could have been operable had it been detected sooner. The father-of-one said: 'I noticed changes in my breathing which were quite concerning. I felt like I couldn't inflate the upper left lung. I felt like I couldn't oxygenate effectively. 'I was concerned I may suffer hypoxia in the night. I did say that I had a concern that I may stop breathing.' But Mr McGregor claims his GP refused to see or refer him for eight months despite making 20 phone calls to the surgery. He was however able to get a face-to-face GP appointment following the scan at Stafford Hospital. 'I have now been diagnosed with an inoperable lung cancer, I have never smoked and have been fit and well, I am only 48 years old,' he added. When approached, his GP Dr Bhalchandra Narayan Kulkarni said: 'For reasons of patient confidentiality the practice is unable to discuss any aspects of patient care.' West Midlands Ambulance Service were also contacted for comment. Advertisement This compares with just three per cent of people diagnosed at the latest stage. Dr Neil Smith, Cancer Research UKs GP adviser, said: Its incredibly worrying that fewer lung cancer patients have started treatment since the beginning of the pandemic. While initial advice to stay at home and isolate if people had a new, continuous cough, could mean some people understandably delayed seeking help, we know delays to potentially life-saving treatment may mean lung cancer could progress. Covid-19 has created a perfect storm of problems, but the tide is turning as cases drop and vaccines are rolled out. Hospitals and surgeries have worked hard to make services as safe as possible, so its vital that people with symptoms, like a cough that lasts longer than three weeks, a change in a cough youve had for a while or coughing up blood, contact their GP and attend any follow-on tests. For those whove been unable to get through to your doctors surgery, I would encourage you to keep trying, GPs like me are still here to help you. Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UKs chief executive, said: Cancer services have been hit hard by Covid-19, putting a lot of additional strain on people affected by cancer and their families. Were hugely concerned for people who have symptoms but havent come forward or are putting off further tests. Government and NHS leaders must give cancer services the resources needed to ensure patients can swiftly receive tests and a prompt diagnosis. They must also continue public awareness campaigns to encourage people who notice any unusual changes to their body to contact their GP and reassure them that surgeries and hospitals are safe. Rebecca Davis, 35, an office worker from the Midlands and mother to Alexa, six, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma ALK Positive lung cancer in August 2020. She said: Ive always been prone to coughs, but I started to worry when I had one that just wouldnt go away. I took a Covid test to rule it out and then made an appointment with my GP. I wasnt nervous about going, I just wanted to get to the bottom of it. Initially I was diagnosed with pneumonia, but my GP wasnt convinced and sent me for a repeat X-ray six weeks later. The results then led to a CT-scan that discovered my cancer. As Im a non-smoker and so young, the thought of it being cancer never crossed my mind. It was the last thing I suspected in the world and its very rare for my age. Im glad I sought help and I would encourage anyone in my situation to do the same. Dont leave it until its too late. Im now having targeted therapy which is helping and Im lucky there are more treatment options available to me. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS clinical director for cancer said: Despite the pandemic, the majority of cancer treatment has continued with over 28,000 people starting treatment for lung cancer since last March and over 170,000 people referred for checks in January - more than twice the number of referrals compared to the first peak in April. Some people had understandable concerns about coming forward for care, and we have launched a campaign to encourage people to come forward for lung checks, so if you have had a negative Covid test but are still coughing after three weeks, it is important to get checked - GPs and hospitals have adapted their services so that they are safe for you to be tested and treated. Intersects 11m of 6.29 g/t Au and 92.8 g/t Ag (7.66 g/t Au-eq) 14m below surface Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Chakana Copper Corp. (TSXV: PERU) (OTCQB: CHKKF) (FSE: 1ZX) (the "Company" or "Chakana"), is pleased to announce the discovery of a second high-grade breccia pipe within the Huancarama Breccia Complex at the Soledad Project in Ancash, Peru (Table 1, Fig. 1). This new high-grade breccia pipe (Huancarama West) is located approximately 75m west of the previously announced Huancarama East discovery (see news releases starting January 12, 2021). To date, a total of thirty-three HQ diamond core holes have been completed within the Huancarama Breccia Complex to delineate the boundaries of the breccia pipes. David Kelley, President and CEO commented, "The discovery of a second high-grade tourmaline breccia pipe within the Huancarama Breccia Complex is an exciting development for the project. The drill rig was set up 50m north of the H5 breccia in an area with andesitic tuff exposed at surface. High-grade gold and silver mineralization was encountered about 3m below surface, demonstrating the significant potential of near-surface mineralization at Soledad. The precious metal-rich nature of the mineralization may be related to oxidation but also primary zonation. Often breccias at Soledad become strongly mineralized at depth with copper in addition to precious metals." Huancarama West New Discovery Table 1. Mineralized intervals from the new discovery at Huancarama West include: DDH # From - To (m) Core Length (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Cu-eq %* Au-eq g/t* SDH21-170 No Significant Results SDH21-171 3.00 45.00 42.00 0.84 26.8 0.03 1.24 including 33.00 42.00 9.00 1.76 108.0 0.09 3.31 and 54.00 57.00 3.00 0.79 7.14 0.01 0.90 SDH21-172 3.60 59.00 55.40 1.64 54.2 0.20 2.65 including 26.00 51.00 25.00 2.49 110.2 0.42 2.99 4.57 SDH21-173 4.00 111.00 107.00 0.46 17.7 0.06 0.78 SDH21-174 3.10 25.70 22.60 3.93 48.3 0.06 4.65 including 14.00 25.00 11.00 6.29 92.8 0.10 7.66 and 43.20 52.00 8.80 1.56 136.1 0.51 2.69 4.12 SDH21-175 2.75 15.80 13.05 5.47 45.5 0.03 6.11 * Cu_eq and Au_eq values were calculated using copper, gold, and silver. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu - US$2.90/lb, Au - US$1,300/oz, and Ag - US$17/oz. No adjustments were made for recovery as the project is an early-stage exploration project and metallurgical data to allow for estimation of recoveries are not yet available. The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are Cu-eq (%) = Cu% + (Au g/t * 0.6556) + (Ag g/t * 0.00857) and Au-eq (g/t) = Au g/t + (Cu% * 1.5296) + (Ag g/t * 0.01307). Six holes were drilled on the western side of the breccia complex to test for mineralization associated with the H4 and H5 breccias exposed at surface (Fig. 2). Holes SDH21-171 to SDH21-175 were drilled from a platform on the northwest side of the complex. No breccia is exposed at surface in this area, instead andesitic tuff with sericite alteration is exposed concealing the underlying breccia. All five holes intersected mineralized breccia starting at depths ranging from 2.75 to 4.0m depth below surface (Fig. 3). The breccia is partially oxidized to depths of 30m below surface. Significant mineralized intercepts were encountered, including 55.4m with 1.64 g/t Au and 54.2 g/t Ag (2.65 g/t Au-eq) starting at 3.6m, and 22.6m with 3.93 g/t Au and 48.3 g/t Ag (4.65 g/t Au-eq) starting at 3.1m below surface. Copper is low within the intervals reported due to oxidation and primary zoning within the breccia pipe. Examples of mineralized drill core from these holes are shown in Figure 5. Huancarama East Three additional drill holes from Huancarama East are also reported (Table 2). All three holes were designed to test the upper central part of the breccia pipe from the north side and drilled to the south-southeast (Fig. 2). The holes intersected volcanic host rock before entering mineralized tourmaline breccia (Figs. 2 and 4). Volcanic rock separates the H1 and H2 breccias that crop out at surface. Beneath the volcanic rock the two breccia bodies coalesce at depth, forming a larger breccia body with approximate dimensions of 100m x 65m and persisting to a depth of 290m below surface (see news release dated March 3, 2021). Holes SDH21-167 and SDH21-169 exited the breccia pipe on the south-southeast side. SDH21-168 was stopped prematurely in mineralized breccia at 105.1m depth due to proximity to open underground workings. The highest-grade interval occurs in SDH21-169 with 29.55m of 0.34 g/t Au, 0.80% Cu, and 87.3 g/t Ag (1.77% Cu-eq) starting at 84.45m down hole, including 7.55m with 0.98 g/t Au, 2.17% Cu, and 269.6 g/t Ag (5.12% Cu-eq). Examples of mineralized drill core from these holes are shown in Figure 5. "These drill holes were successful in confirming the contact between the overlying volcanic host rock and the underlying mineralized breccia around the collapse zone. The breccia is closer to surface than previously thought with depths ranging from 20-28m below surface, adding additional volume to the breccia body. Infill drilling is currently underway at Paloma East and Huancarama East. We look forward to reporting additional exploration results from our fully-funded 26,000m drill program soon," Kelley added. Table 2. Mineralized intervals from three additional holes at Huancarama East include: DDH # From - To (m) Core Length (m) Au g/t Ag g/t Cu % Cu-eq %* Au-eq g/t* SDH21-167 71.45 137.80 66.35 0.20 24.7 0.39 0.73 1.12 SDH21-168 79.00 105.10 26.10 0.39 16.2 0.50 0.89 1.37 SDH21-169 84.45 115.30 30.85 0.33 84.4 .77 1.77 2.70 including 84.45 92.00 7.55 0.98 269.6 2.17 5.12 7.82 * Cu_eq and Au_eq values were calculated using copper, gold, and silver. Metal prices utilized for the calculations are Cu - US$2.90/lb, Au - US$1,300/oz, and Ag - US$17/oz. No adjustments were made for recovery as the project is an early-stage exploration project and metallurgical data to allow for estimation of recoveries are not yet available. The formulas utilized to calculate equivalent values are Cu-eq (%) = Cu% + (Au g/t * 0.6556) + (Ag g/t * 0.00857) and Au-eq (g/t) = Au g/t + (Cu% * 1.5296) + (Ag g/t * 0.01307). Huancarama Target Area and the Current Drill Program The Huancarama Breccia Complex is located 300m south of and 400m above the deepest breccia intercept at Paloma. Within the complex there are five principal breccia bodies exposed at surface over approximately 200m horizontally (Fig. 6). There is a distinctive feature believed to be a collapse zone with dimensions of 50m by 30m. Unverified reports suggest that this may be due to small-scale mining. Two historic adits are in the complex, one trending north-northeast for 170m along the western side of H1 (Fig. 2), and a second shorter adit of 21m at H2. Surface sampling from the breccia bodies and channel sampling of the adits yielded strongly anomalous gold results (see news release dated November 19, 2019). In addition to several targets within the complex, numerous additional targets exist in the Huancarama and Paloma area. Results reported here are part of the recently expanded and fully funded 2021 drill program of 26,000m. Combined with the drilling in 2020 that started last August, a total of approximately 32,000m is anticipated through 2021. Of this, 8,094m have been reported in 43 drill holes for the Paloma and Huancarama areas. For the 26,000m of drilling planned in 2021, the Company will complete 16,000m of resource definition drilling, and 10,000m of exploration drilling testing new targets. This drill program will be integral to the publication of a maiden resource in 2021. About Chakana Copper Chakana Copper Corp is a Canadian-based minerals exploration company that is currently advancing the Soledad Project located in the Ancash region of Peru, a highly favorable mining jurisdiction with supportive communities. The Soledad Project consists of high-grade gold-copper-silver mineralization hosted in tourmaline breccia pipes. A total of 42,728 metres of drilling has been completed to date, testing ten (10) of twenty-three (23) confirmed breccia pipes. The exploration team has identified 110 targets in total on the project, confirming that Soledad is a large, well-endowed mineral system with strong exploration upside. Chakana's investors are uniquely positioned as the Soledad Project provides exposure to several metals including copper, gold, and silver. For more information on the Soledad project, please visit the website at www.chakanacopper.com. Sampling and Analytical Procedures Chakana follows rigorous sampling and analytical protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Core samples are stored in a secured area until transport in batches to the ALS facility in Callao, Lima, Peru. Sample batches include certified reference materials, blank, and duplicate samples that are then processed under the control of ALS. All samples are analyzed using the ME-MS41 (ICP technique that provides a comprehensive multi-element overview of the rock geochemistry), while gold is analyzed by AA24 and GRA22 when values exceed 10 g/t by AA24. Over limit silver, copper, lead and zinc are analyzed using the OG-46 procedure. Soil samples are analyzed by 4-acid (ME-MS61) and for gold by Fire Assay on a 30g sample (Au-ICP21). Results of previous drilling and additional information concerning the Project, including a technical report prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, are made available on Chakana's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Qualified Person David Kelley, an officer and a director of Chakana, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD (signed) "David Kelley" David Kelley President and CEO For further information contact: Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer Phone: 647 964 0292 Email: jjobin@chakanacopper.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statement Advisory: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Chakana to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements or information relates to, among other things, the interpretation of the nature of the mineralization at the Soledad copper-gold-silver project (the "Project"), the potential to expand the mineralization, and to develop and grow a resource within the Project, the planning for further exploration work, the ability to de-risk the potential exploration targets, and our belief in the potential for mineralization within unexplored parts of the Project. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward- looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. Figure 1 - View looking north showing breccia pipes and occurrences within the northern Soledad cluster. Pipes that have been drilled in previous campaigns are shown in red. Outcropping breccia pipes shown in green are the focus of the current drill campaign. Other pipes and occurrences remain to be tested by drilling. Additional breccia pipes occur on the south half of the property and are not shown here. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_001full.jpg Figure 2 - Map of the Huancarama Breccia Complex and drill hole lithology in holes completed to date. Red shapes projected to surface represents tourmaline breccia pipes based on all holes drilled to date and lithology mapped in the underground tunnel. Black dotted outlines show surface expression of mapped breccias (H1-H5); white dashed line shows collapse zone. Location of section lines for Figures 3 and 4 indicated. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_002full.jpg Figure 3 - Section looking northeast highlighting the drill holes at Huancarama West discovery reported in this release. Light red 3D shape shows preliminary shape of breccia based on these five drill holes. The green surface trace represents andesitic tuff exposed at surface. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_003full.jpg Figure 4 - Section looking northeast highlighting the drill holes at Huancarama East reported in this release. Light red 3D shape shows preliminary shape of breccia based on all drill holes to date and lithology mapped in the underground tunnel. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_004full.jpg Figure 5 - Core photos from drill holes reported in this release: SDH21-167 (122.45m) mosaic tourmaline breccia with partial chalcopyrite-pyrite clast replacement; SDH21-169 (85.4m) tourmaline breccia with chalcopyrite-pyrite-covellite; SDH21-169 (89.1m) massive sulfide - chalcopyrite-pyrite; SDH21-171 (41.55m) strongly oxidized tourmaline breccia with remnant pyrite; SDH21-172 (13.2m) partially oxidized tourmaline mosaic breccia with pyrite. Core diameter is 6.35cm (HQ) in all instances. To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_005full.jpg Figure 6 - Drone image looking northeast at the Huancarama Breccia Complex showing the five principal tourmaline breccia bodies exposed at surface (H1-H5), historic adit portal, and drill platforms. Note the drill rig in center of image. To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2172/78374_b96dd6b464536af3_007full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78374 Five Ugandan startups were featured in the Yale Africa Startup Reviews list. Volcano Coffee, Uganics Repellants, MScan, Flip Africa and Ori Rides have made the country proud. Local entrepreneurs, accelerators and ecosystem partners will beam with excitement at the validation this provides for a hub they have long believed in. Even more, they will be the first to point out that these startups have taken off despite a not-so-friendly business environment with countless regulatory, financing and structural hurdles that make it hard for entrepreneurs to thrive. The Yale Africa Startup Review is a Yale alumni and student-led initiative on a mission to share stories of ingenuity and innovation to attract interested stakeholders to the African startup ecosystem. The annual publication seeks to feature startups and founders redefining African business through innovation and entrepreneurship. The finalists were selected by a panel of judges that include leading African venture capitalists - after prior rounds of diligence by the editorial team. Imagine you are a small-scale coffee farmer in Uganda growing coffee on less than an acre of land. You till your field for three years and harvest a fair crop but are offered a minute $0.67 per kg at the farm gate by rural middlemen. You can fetch a higher price if you can store and sell it when the price rises, but you lack storage facilities. You also know that you can get a better deal if you could de-hull and dry it, but you lack the technology. Volcano Coffee Volcano Coffee, founded by Gerald Katabazi offers farmers a stable market price based on fair-trade principles through contract farming arrangements that pay premium prices for agreed quality standards. Volcano Coffee also dries and hulls the beans to avert post-harvest losses and offers roasting services to enable the farmers capture more value and resell their coffee at a higher margin on the export market. Uganda has about 9 million people who operate in the invisible gig economy where there are high levels of exploitation. Without consistent income, these youth are unable to access social benefits schemes or mainstream financial services. On the other hand, small businesses rely on word-of-mouth to find talent. FLIP Africa FLIP Africa, another startup co-founded by Abu Musuuza, Neha Pandya, and Timothy Laku is a freelance marketplace where businesses can hire experienced, rated, short-term talent at the click of a button. FLIP wants to unlock the great potential of the gig economy, while addressing the informality, illegality and exploitation associated with gig work. FLIP offers a revolutionary and scalable solution that not only ensures dignity, accountability and security, but also upward mobility in gig work. So what can the country do to ensure these startups become the norm, not the exception? What can be done to ensure that these companies survive and thrive? A good start would be to rethink the needless registration and legal hurdles, internet irregularities and tax infrastructure that stifles innovators and entrepreneurs. The National information Technology Authority - Uganda (NITA-U) recently started requiring startups to certify with them. But this process adds extra fees and routine audits to cash-strapped startups without delivering any value. It is a barrier that increases the cost of doing business and discourages aspiring entrepreneurs. Arbitrary Internet shutdowns (such as seen recently) hurt technology startups that leverage the Internet payments and social media networks in their business models. The recent Internet shutdown is estimated to have cost the Ugandan economy more than a million per day. When the Internet is shut down, customers realise that that network isn't reliable and traffic patterns are re-routed. This may affect local startups looking to leverage the Internet to scale their services and make them less attractive to financiers. Government should come up with Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes (SEIS), where tax incentives are given to startups that are either raising venture capital or bootstrapping. Nigeria, for example, passed laws allowing certain tax incentives for venture capital companies and projects since 1993. The Venture Capital (Incentives) Act is Nigeria's primary legislation for the grant of tax incentives to venture capital companies and projects. Unlike in Uganda, this law gives Withholding Tax Incentives: This is a type of advance payment of income tax. Withholding taxes (WHT) typically track the income earned by investors. The Act does reduces the amount payable as Withholding Tax on dividends payable to an investor in a VPC. The Act provides a 50 per cent reduction in WHT for qualifying companies over a five-year period. The ICT ministry should fund and provide free incubator-type workspaces in all government universities from Makerere to Gulu. In these spaces, aspiring student innovators should have unlimited access to the Internet, computers, prototyping tools and drop-in mentors to co-mingle and ideate with. Uganda youth are brilliant and inventive, they will create their own informal structures and find the resources they need. Such simple steps would go a long in creating a conducive environment for startups. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Uganda Business Children By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The Uganda Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has historically focused on Private Equity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and on listed companies in the Uganda Securities Exchange. CMA should take a more proactive role in helping high-growth local startups by advancing policies like they've done for SMEs; by helping steward resources towards building university accelerators and equipping hubs - in collaboration with the ICT ministry. Uganda's startups are ready to build only if needless barriers are removed and replaced with strategic support systems. Start ups Redefining business Volcano Coffee, Uganics Repellants, MScan, Flip Africa and Ori Rides featured in the annual publication that seeks to feature startups and founders redefining African business through innovation and entrepreneurship. The ICT ministry should fund and provide free incubator-type workspaces in all government universities from Makerere to Gulu. The numbers do not look good. New Jerseys seven-day average of new cases is 3,339, 6% higher than last week and a 35% increase from a month ago. On Monday, the number of patients hospitalized with the virus topped 2,000 for the first time since last month. Hudson County has hovered near the top of the states coronavirus dashboard. As of Wednesday afternoon, the county had registered 247 new cases, the fifth-highest number in the state. And the countys vaccination rate is the worst in the state, with roughly 16 doses administered per hundred residents, as of last week. But Hudson County officials and hospital administrators believe theres some cause for hope. For one thing, increasing case numbers do not appear to be translating into higher hospital admissions in Hudson. Data collected by Jersey City shows that the number of confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients at Jersey City hospitals has remained steady for the past few weeks. As of Monday, Jersey City Medical Center was holding steady at 44 COVID-19 patients, roughly the same amount as it has had for past few weeks and a far cry from last Aprils peak of 208. Christ Hospital housed 31 suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients on Monday, a number that has fluctuated little since the beginning of the year. Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, the president and CEO of Hudson Regional Hospital, said the Secaucus facility has six or seven COVID-19 patients a day. While emergency room visits are slightly on the rise, he said, most of those patients are treated and discharged quickly. A lot of people have gotten vaccinated, people have gotten used to wearing a mask, and sanitary habits are a lot better, and so on, Kifaieh said. So Im really not expecting the same surge as we saw last year. But were ready for it. Hoboken University Medical Center Chief Hospital Executive Ann Logan said she doesnt anticipate a significant increase in patients in the next two weeks. I think the rates will just be fluid, she said. The hospital has seen far less internal transmission of the virus than it did this time last year, which has been a game changer. Its a result of being in a pandemic for a year and technology and protocols evolving patients now undergo rapid testing before being admitted, and PPE is in good supply, Logan said. Those who are admitted with COVID-19 are often able to be treated with drugs like remdesivir that are now widely available. Logan attributes the recent uptick in cases to an increase in social gatherings. You dont know who could be a carrier, she said. And there may also be cause for hope on the vaccine front, too. On Wednesday, Hoboken announced that it will receive a shipment of 1,170 Pfizer vaccines this week, becoming the first municipality in the county to do so and roughly quadrupling its weekly vaccination number. I look forward to working with our partners as we continue expanding our vaccination efforts in the weeks and months ahead, so that any resident who wants a vaccine, can get one, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement. Holy Name Medical Center is also expected to open a vaccination site in Hudson County in the coming weeks. The center is expected to open in West New York, though town and Holy Name officials could not be reached for comment. And earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez appealed to Gov. Phil Murphy for more vaccines for Hudson County, writing that he was deeply concerned about the countys vaccine shortage. At his daily press conference Wednesday, Murphy said he took Menendezs letter very seriously. We will get to all corners, especially the hard-to-reach elements of our urban communities, Murphy said. Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party on Tuesday beat IT tycoon Ahn Cheol-soo of the People's Party to become the sole opposition candidate in the capital's mayoral by-election. The two agreed that whoever won an opinion poll would cede the candidacy to the other. The two parties will not disclose the details in accordance with National Election Commission regulations. The poll of 3,200 voters was conducted by two pollsters by mobile phone interview on Monday. A PPP member said, "The gap between them was greater than expected." Oh now fights a two-way race with Park Young-sun of the ruling Minjoo Party. It is his third time running for Seoul mayor after he won in 2006 and was re-elected four years later. Oh resigned the post after losing a referendum on free school lunches in 2011. He had spoken out against the progressive ruling party's universal welfare, calling for free meals to be provided to only poor children. He was replaced by Park Won-soon, who ran as an independent at the time and held the post until his suicide amid a sexual harassment scandal last year. Oh repeatedly apologized for failing to complete his last term and losing the post to the opposition back then. "I have felt sorry for the past 10 years," he said. "The past decade was an important time for me to prepare for the future while waiting for another chance." Seoul voters are likely to back a conservative candidate, according to latest polls as the central government has been battered by recent scandals. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu pictured in the centre of Dublin City. Photograph by Gerry Mooney Green Party Chairperson and Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu is running as an independent for the Seanad because she believes there needs to be more women and minority representation on the ballot. Ms Chu does not have the support of her party for the run, but she said her decision was a personal one. Today Ms Chu will officially launch her campaign for a seat on the Commercial and Industrial panel. She submitted her candidacy on Monday, after securing the nine nominations necessary from TDs and Senators to be in the race. Her decision to run was prompted by her belief that there should be female and minority representation on the ballot, an official statement announcing her candidacy said. The statement said Ms Chu will run as an independent candidate. The Greens chose against running a candidate for a variety of reasons, including a lack of time, coalition solidarity and limited possibility of success, according to the statement. Ms Chu said her experience in politics is essential in the current climate and that gender and diversity must be celebrated. I believe that representation in politics is essential in the current world we live in. As others use rhetoric to divide, we must champion diversity in all its dimensions, and ensure our next generation can see that everyone has a place in public life, she said. She said many industries are on their knees and that the next three to six months are vital. Ms Chu said her experience in working with different organisations will be able to help in this critical time. The next three to six months will be crucial to securing a strong recovery: not only supporting employers and protecting workers' livelihoods, but ensuring Irish industry and commerce thrives in a world that is increasingly digitalised. "I believe my experience across functions and sectors equips me with a uniquely broad perspective in this critical time. The statement said she brings cross sectorial experience and knowledge to her candidacy. Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin was one of the TDs to back Ms Chu for the candidacy. Speaking on Tuesday, her party leader Minister Eamon Ryan said he will not be voting for Ms Chu as he has already suggested the party should instead back Government candidates - those of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. The COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted all economies around the world last year, with trillions of dollars of lost earnings, UN trade and development experts UNCTAD said on Thursday, before highlighting how several countries also showed unexpected resilience, too. Modern Diplomacy reports that, according to trade and development body UNCTAD, the global economy posted its sharpest annual drop in output since records began to be aggregated in the 1940s, with no region spared. Multilateralism has essentially lost its mojo, said Richard Kozul-Wright, head of the Division on Globalization and Development Strategies at UNCTAD, in a year that saw an estimated 3.9 per cent drop in global output 0.4 per cent better than the forecast in mid-2020 that was largely owing to stronger performances in China and the United States. Weak support for the poorest Speaking to journalists in Geneva, the UN economist maintained that debt-relief initiatives for poorer countries expected by the G20 group of advanced economies had been extremely weak, at a time when developing countries feared losing much-needed foreign direct investment. Efforts to organise a fair and equitable COVID-19 vaccine rollout had also showed serious weaknesses in the global health architecture, Mr. Kozul-Wright maintained, while the first year of the coronavirus crisis saw destruction of income on an unprecedented scale, an estimated $5.8 trillion, and with already vulnerable parts of the population bearing the brunt, according to UNCTADs Trade and Development report. In concrete terms, the coronavirus crisis triggered an effective loss of 255 million full-time jobs worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), cited by UNCTAD. Second wave dashes revival Although the global economic recovery began in the third quarter as countries started to lift restrictions, UNCTAD noted that a second wave of virus hit earlier than expected in the final quarter of 2020 which dampened the recovery, most notably in Western Europe. Countering this downward pressure on growth were vaccine breakthroughs and improved management of lockdown measures, both of which offset COVID-19s overall economic impact, the UN report said. Latin American resilience Regionally, UNCTAD data indicates that East Asia and Latin America fared a little better than expected likely shored up by Brazilian growth but Europe, India and South Africa did worse. Positive surprises were Brazil, Turkey and the United States, thanks to large relief measures that acted as a shock-absorber for recession, while rising commodity and asset prices spurred growth. The rebound in raw materials prices also benefited several developing African economies, UNCTAD continued, while the region as a whole saw lower-than-expected pressure on public health systems from COVID-19, UNCTAD said. Food insecurity concerns The UN body cited concerns nonetheless that more volatility may be emerging, particularly in markets of some agricultural commodities, with a threat to food security in several countries It also noted that losses in global growth will persist as even the most optimistic projections for the bounce back of growth will not cover the shortfall of income for several years. For 2021, UNCTAD announced global growth of 4.7 per cent 0.6 per cent better than its previous mid-2020 forecast. But this more optimistic scenario depends on international support for three things, UNCTAD insisted: improved vaccination and disease containment in advanced and middle-income countries, a speedy transition from economic relief policies to recovery-policies in the largest economies of the world; and no financial crash of global significance. SPRINGFIELD The Community Bankers Association of Illinois has set its 31st Annual Illinois Community Banking Week for April 4-10, 2021. The purpose of the week is to highlight the longstanding tradition of local hometown community banking. The theme this year is Growing Stronger Communities, said CBAI Chairman Shawn Davis, president/CEO, CNB Bank & Trust, N.A., Carlinville. Community banks are committed to helping customers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis or any economic hardship. They play a vital role in the success of individuals and businesses alike. As community bankers, we are always looking for new ways to help nurture and grow our communities and make a positive impact. CBAI represents nearly 300 Illinois commercial banks and thrifts, and their 850 Illinois bank branches. Its members have nearly $80 billion in assets and employ approximately 17,000 individuals. CBAI, headquartered in Springfield, was founded in 1974 to exclusively represent and serve the communitybanking profession. For more information, visit www.cbai.com. President Muhammadu Buhari has canvassed for stronger ties between Nigeria and her neighbours in the onerous task of fighting terrorism. The President, according to a statement issued yesterday by his Media Assistant, Malam Garba Shehu, called his Niger Republic counterpart, Mahamadou Issoufou, on phone to sympathise with him and citizens of the neighbouring country, following recent killing of 137 people while strongly condemning the terrorist's attacks, describing it as heinous. He said: "Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and people of Niger Republic. Nigeria stands with all her neighbours in the fight against terrorism". Shehu noted that the two Presidents also agreed to strengthen sub-regional security as a way to push back against Boko Haram and Islam in West Africa, ISWA's worrisome assertiveness in sub- Sahara and Sahel regions. Armed attackers riding motorcycles had killed 137 people in coordinated raids on villages in southwestern Niger on Sunday, making it one of the deadliest days in recent memory in a country ravaged by Islamist violence. According to ageny reports, unidentified assailants struck in the afternoon, raiding three villages and other hamlets in the Tahoua region bordering Mali, the government said on Monday. "By systematically targeting civilians, these armed bandits are reaching a new level of horror and savagery," it said in a statement, announcing three days of national mourning. Plans to feature integrated resources, investor education and technology designed to help Colorado public employees prepare for retirement GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Empower Retirement, the nations second largest retirement services provider1, and the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) Board of Trustees are announcing that Empower will be the recordkeeper for its defined contribution plans. Together, PERA sponsors three defined contribution plans which hold assets in excess of $5 billion for some 95,000 Colorado public employees. PERA offers both defined benefit (pension) and defined contribution plans to its members. Some PERA members have the option to choose a defined contribution plan instead of the defined benefit plan. Additionally, PERA allows all members to save money toward retirement in optional 401(k) or 457(b) plans. PERA is proud to offer excellent defined contribution plan options to help our members achieve their financial goals, said PERA Executive Director Ron Baker. We strive to ensure were offering the best investment options, financial education, and customer service to our members, and look forward to partnering with Empower to improve the experience and outcomes. Empower was selected by the PERA Board for its customer service, experience with large public plans like PERA, mobile-friendly technology tools, and modern approach to communicating with members, according to a PERA notice issued March 19th. Empower and Colorado PERA will create a state-of-the-art savings experience for Colorado public employees to help improve preparedness for retirement, said Empower Retirement President and CEO Edmund F. Murphy III. Empower is a Colorado company and its great to have the chance to serve those who serve our state so well. The new plans will offer a variety of integrated resources to PERA participants, including a single intuitive website, single call center, consolidated statements and consistent messaging. PERA participants will have access to the Empower Retirement Participant Experience which offers an unrivaled retirement planning experience that integrates modern plan design elements with proven behavioral science to help participants better understand their future savings needs. Richard Linton, President of Workplace Solutions for Empower added, Empower is the market leader in providing retirement plans to state and local governments. We are proud to serve more than 2.8 million public sector workers who are relying on us to help them get ready for retirement. We are honored to have this chance to serve Colorado workers. PERA issued a Request-For-Proposal for the recordkeeper in December 2020 to ensure its members receive excellent value and service for their defined contribution investments, according to the statement from PERA. Pending final contract negotiations, the new plans would be implemented by early 2022. Empower serves the retirement needs of more than 227,000 Colorado residents through some 5,550 retirement plans. Empower administers more than $20 billion in assets on behalf of those Coloradans. Headquartered in Greenwood Village, Empower employs some 2,900 associates in Colorado. In 2020, Empower was recognized as one of the most community-minded companies in Colorado in the Civic 50 Colorado program by CSR Solutions of Colorado and Points of Light. Empower was recognized, in part, due to the work of its associates in Colorado who in 2019 supported some 200 charitable organizations and volunteered thousands of hours through the companys Associates Community Together (ACT) giving program. Through the program, associates are provided 16 hours a year of paid volunteer time off from work. Empower also matches money donated to nonprofit organizations by associates. In 2019, Empower made an additional commitment to Colorado when it entered into a 21-year agreement with the Denver Broncos for the naming rights to Empower Field at Mile High. About Colorado PERA Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to more than 620,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, corrections officers, snow-plow drivers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorados economy, distributing $4 billion in 2019 to 105,000 retirees who live in Colorado. About Empower Retirement Headquartered in metro Denver, Empower Retirement administers approximately $1 trillion2 in assets for more than 12 million3 retirement plan participants as of Jan. 31, 2021. It is the nations second-largest retirement plan recordkeeper by total participants. Empower serves all segments of the employer-sponsored retirement plan market: government 457 plans; small, mid-size and large corporate 401(k) clients; not-for-profit 403 (b) entities; private-label recordkeeping clients; and IRA customers. Personal Capital, a subsidiary of Empower Retirement, is an industry-leading hybrid wealth manager. For more information please visit empower-retirement.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. 1 Pensions & Investments 2020 Defined Contribution Survey Ranking as of April 2020. 2 Estimated assets after both the acquisition of the MassMutual retirement business and recent 1Q21 plan conversions. As of December 31, 2020. Information refers to the business of Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, including Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company of New York and GWFS Equities, Inc. GWLAs consolidated total assets under administration (AUA) were $971.6B. AUA is a non-GAAP measure and does not reflect the financial stability or strength of a company. GWLAs statutory assets total $75.1B and liabilities total $72.9B. GWLANY statutory assets total $3.6B and liabilities total $3.4B. 3 As of January 4, 2021. Securities offered and/or distributed by GWFS Equities, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. GWFS is an affiliate of Empower Retirement, LLC; Great-West Funds, Inc.; and registered investment advisers, Advised Assets Group, LLC and Personal Capital. This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide investment, legal or tax recommendations or advice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005254/en/ Stephen Gawlik 617-417-4408 (cell); Stephen.Gawlik@empower-retirement.com Monica Mendoza 719-373-2460 (cell); Monica.Mendoza@empower-retirement.com Source: Empower Retirement Now theyre both a big part of automotive history, and a look at the used car market will show anyone a measure of their (still rising) popularity. As such, anyone that gets behind the wheel of both models will feel privileged. That is exactly what happened to the owner of the Mike C YouTube channel and his lady friend.Actually, because its the first time weve caught one of their adventures, we got thrown off balance for a moment when Lauren and her CGI twin sister kickstarted the presentation. Fortunately, everything is explained once Mike (were assuming its him, the other guy is probably the owner of the FJ40) appears from the 2:13 mark. Until that moment, the video gives us some time to ponder the beauty of the scenery and the great off-roading demeanors of the patina-green 1972 FJ40 Land Cruiser and the silver 2010 FJ Cruiser.Although the videos description (footage embedded below, alongside a video featuring the classic Toyota on a solo adventure) entices us towards a comparison battle between the two Japanese off-road experts, theres only a hint of spec breakdowns sprinkled here and there.Instead, were mostly dealing with serene footage of the 1972 FJ40 and 2010 FJ Cruiser going on trails like the off-roading pros theyre supposed to be. Its a nice and quick adventure that also gives us small doses of rock-crawling adrenaline rushes from time to time.For example, theres mild action with both from the 3:35 mark while the FJ Cruiser proves its mettle (its also modified with a lift kit, among others things) from the 6:48 mark as tougher challenges arise.Overall, we really dont mind they skipped on the technicalities because the scenery is rewarding, and it really goes to show that you dont need much to enjoy a day outsidejust make sure you're in the great outdoors with a couple of trusty 4x4 sidekicks and great friends, and youre all set. Five University of North Georgia (UNG) faculty members are serving as Chancellor's Learning Scholars (CLS) through the University System of Georgia (USG) to lead learning communities of fellow UNG faculty to explore teaching strategies. UNG's Center for Teaching, Learning and Leadership recommended faculty members to be scholars, a professional development opportunity with an 18-month commitment, and Dr. Chaudron Gille, UNG provost, made the selections. Those chosen for the 2020-22 CLS cycle are: Dr. Katherine Adams, assistant professor of education; Dr. Leigh Dillard, associate professor of English; Dr. Courtney Ferriter, assistant professor of English; Dr. Esther Morgan-Ellis, associate professor of music; and Dr. Linda Purvis, assistant professor of biology. Dillard is in her second year of the program, while the other four are in their first year. The newest selections are part of the third CLS cohort, and about 80 faculty from across the USG are in each cohort. Each faculty learning community includes between five and 10 participants, with a total of more than 30 UNG faculty from various disciplines involved in the groups led by these scholars. Adams knows what it's like to pursue a degree while working full time. That is why she intently searches for ways to help graduate students find opportunities for publications and conference presentations by including them in the course curriculum. The faculty learning community led by Adams, program coordinator and assistant professor for UNG's Doctor of Education in higher education leadership and practice, is exploring that topic. "As faculty analyze their course content while reflecting on their personal graduate journeys, we hope to share how we could create innovative practices around providing traditional opportunities to nontraditional students and programs," Adams said. Purvis is leading a faculty learning community in her department about how to adapt hands-on science learning to remote learning during COVID-19. She said part of that process has involved the idea that repetition is vital in online settings to ensure students understand instructions. During an unusual year, Purvis is grateful for the chance to connect with colleagues. "It still creates that sense of belonging in the department," Purvis said. "It's important now more than ever. I'm really appreciative of that." Ferriter leads a faculty learning community that focuses on inclusive pedagogy in online and hybrid teaching. Ferriter said her group has honed in on more of a mindset than specific steps toward this goal. "This is a good opportunity to explore why we do what we do and try to be more intentional about our teaching strategies," Ferriter said. Morgan-Ellis and her group discuss how to facilitate undergraduate research and creative activities in hybrid and online environments. She appreciates how the faculty learning community helps colleagues examine strategies, motivations and obstacles. "The main value is getting together with colleagues and talking about teaching," Morgan-Ellis said. Dillard is leading a group that addresses high-impact teaching practices. "Our group enjoyed productive, interdisciplinary conversations last year," Dillard said. "And I'm pleased that many of those first-year participants have been willing, despite the challenges of this year, to move those conversations forward." The USG provides suggested readings for the scholar-led faculty learning communities, though each group can add its own readings. At the end of the year and a half, each scholar will report to the USG with concrete teaching practices members identified and implemented. "The idea behind the program is that these faculty can reach many more people with these research-based pedagogies because there's a trickle-down effect," said Dr. Rebecca Johnston, associate director of UNG's Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership and associate professor of music. Aizawl, : , March 24 (IANS) Breaking the shackles, women are joining the paramilitary and armed forces in huge numbers and are participating in counter-terrorism and counter-infiltration operations along the border with Pakistan and Myanmar. Around 200 women have joined as 'rifle women' in Assam Rifles, a paramilitary establishment officered by the Indian Army, responsible for guarding the border with Myanmar and carrying counter-insurgency operations in the north east region. The force is celebrating its 136th raising day. Their presence has smoothened the functioning of the security forces in the sensitive locations as they have effectively dealt with the local women population. The force was facing huge difficulty in the search of vehicles carrying women passengers at the borders areas. Now, this has been effectively being dealt by the Rifle Women. They look out for drugs, narcotics, arms and ammunition. Rifle Woman Jagriti, currently deployed in with 3 Assam Rifles in Mizoram, carries out patrolling along the Indo-Myanmar border where drugs and arms are being pushed in by insurgent groups supported by China. Jagriti is from Aravalli district of Gujarat and has completed four years of service. "Earlier, I was deployed in Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir and took part in counter-insurgency operations," Jagriti told IANS. She said that throughout her childhood, she saw her uncle in uniform. "From then on I aspired to join the force. Now after joining, I feel proud to be part of the force," said Jagriti, while carrying out a patrol in inhospitable terrain near the Myanmar border. She feels elated as she is treated at par with rifle men in the force. Her battalion has 16 women doing all duties assigned to them. She is part of border guarding at a time when there is an influx of people from Myanmar crossing the borders after a coup in the country. Another Rifle woman Lucy Ramtharmawi, who was selected in 2017, said she goes for patrolling at forward locations as an when required. Hailing from Manipur's Churachandpur district, she was inspired to wear the uniform seeing other people living near her native place joining the Indian Armed Forces. "I am also deployed at mobile vehicle check posts and carry out checking of suspected local female members involved in contraband smuggling." Similarly, Sophie Vanlalhmangaihi from Mizoram is deployed at forward locations in Jammu and Kashmir these days. She was engaged in checking smuggling of narcotics, fake currency and weapons through the Sadhana Pass in Jammu and Kashmir. "I was told that I have to go to Kashmir along with other troops. I was happy to serve the country. We were carrying out checks along with other troops. Our focus was to check suspected women engaged into smuggling." (Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in) A Brazilian man has gone on the run after allegedly beating his girlfriend to death over a wardrobe malfunction at a pool party. Nikolas Iori Maichon is accused of killing his girlfriend Ana Paula Coutinho, 24, because her bikini accidentally came loose at a pool party when she jumped into the water. As the bikini loosened, Coutinho's breasts were exposed to other attendees at the March 18 party in the Brazilian municipality of Itapecerica da Serra, on the outskirts of Sao Paolo. Nikolas Iori Maichon is accused to killing his girlfriend Ana Paula Coutinho, 24, because her bikini accidentally came loose at a pool party when she jumped into the pool As the bikini loosened Coutinho's bare breasts were exposed to other attendees at the March 18 party The couple were attending a party in the Brazilian municipality of Itapecerica da Serra, on the outskirts of Sao Paolo, when the wardrobe malfunction took place The suspect reportedly started to violently attack Coutinho when he realised her bikini had come loose, accusing her of deliberately revealing herself to other partygoers. Maichon then told friends Coutinho had drowned and that he needed to take her to hospital, local media reported. He bundled Countinho into his car and drove them to her house. Witnesses said the pair were seen walking into the house together and that Coutinho was alive at the time. However, Maichon later turned up at a local hospital with his girlfriend's lifeless body. After leaving Countinho's body at the hospital, he fled the scene. The suspect reportedly started to violently attack Coutinho when he realised her bikini had come loose, accusing her of deliberately revealing herself to other partygoers Maichon told friends Coutinho had drowned and that he needed to take her to hospital Maichon told friends Coutinho had drowned and that he needed to take her to hospital However, after briefly taking the 24-year-old to her house, Miachon turned up at a local hospital with her lifeless body In a phone call to the victim's family, the suspect claimed his girlfriend drowned in the pool after drinking alcohol. He claimed he rescued her and managed to revive her by performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He said he had taken Coutinho to her house, where she started to vomit blood, prompting him to call his mother, who helped him to rush her to hospital. However, when the victim's relatives arrived at the hospital, they found only the suspect's mother, who had been left there by her son, who had fled the scene. Suspicions were raised by the victim's family when they realised Maichon had left. Doctors later concluded the cause of Coutinho's death may have been a blow to the head. In a phone call to the victim's family, Maichon claimed his girlfriend drowned in the pool after drinking alcohol. He claimed he rescued her and managed to revive her by performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. He said he had taken Coutinho to her house, where she started to vomit blood, prompting him to call his mother, who helped him to rush her to hospital Suspicions were raised by the victim's family when they realised Maichon had left. Doctors later concluded the cause of Coutinho's death may have been a blow to the head The couple's friends reportedly told Coutinho's family that Maichon had violently attacked the victim at the party after her bikini top had accidentally come loose. They confirmed the couple had left the party after Maichon's outburst. According to relatives, Maichon had a long history of aggression towards Coutinho but that she always defended him and was blinded by her love for him. The victim's sisters described Maichon as a 'monster' in interviews with local media. A police manhunt for the suspect is currently underway. He is also wanted for a variety of offences dating back to December, including running scams on the internet. Holly Carpenter pictured with her dog Max at the park near her home on Stonybatter, Dublin. Picture: Frank McGrath Former Miss Ireland and social media influencer Holly Carpenter has admitted she sometimes bends the rules around the Covid-19 lockdown for the sake of her mental health. She said many people are experiencing lockdown fatigue and losing faith. Im sure, myself included, I dont know anyone at this point whos stayed 100pc in their 5k [or] has stuck to their bubble 100pc, she told Newstalks The Pat Kenny Show. It is harder at this stage now to stick to things. For me to go for a sea swim that might be six or seven kilometres away from my house, but Im going on my own in my car and jumping in the sea, and its making me feel 10 times better, then I dont really feel like Im doing anything wrong. Read More So there are a few cases like that where I think you know, you have to kind of maybe slightly bend the rules for the sake of your mental health. Its just that kind of catch 22. However, she said the recent advice of Nphet and deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn should be taken into account. Now thats not to say like having house parties and stuff are okay or whatever. People are kind of doing at this stage whats going to get them through, and thats kind of whats worrying me, because obviously Ronan Glynn came out and said just do that little bit more, but I feel like people are starting to do that little bit less because we dont know what the hell is going on. She said more transparency is needed from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. If I had the date I knew people were going to be vaccinated, especially my high-risk friends and stuff, then people - theyd see the light at the end of the tunnel. Ms Carpenter has almost 100,000 followers on Instagram, most of them between the ages of 25 and 34, and has asked them how they are feeling about the current lockdown. I just asked Are you feeling lockdown fatigue? Are you feeling like you have less energy than normal? And 95pc of them said yes. I started getting floods of messages from people saying: Im so anxious, Im so worried, I dont know what to do. My friends are starting to hang out together, I feel guilty, I dont know whether I should, but at this stage my mental health is deteriorating because I havent seen anyone. Read More [March 24, 2021] DRB Systems, LLC Acquires Washify Services, LLC AKRON, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- DRB Systems, LLC, a leading provider of software and hardware innovations to the car wash industry, announced today that it has acquired Washify, an advanced car wash point-of-sale system. We have not only joined two of the best car wash technology lineups, but we have joined two of the most talented teams. "Today, more than ever, we have assembled the best minds in the car wash industry," said DRB CEO and President Dan Pittman. "We have not only joined two of the best car wash technology lineups, but we have also joined two of the most talented teams." DRB and Washify represent two of the fastest growing brands in the car wash space. By joining forces, they can offer car wash operators the widest set of technology solutions to profitably grow their businesses. "Our industry is rapidly transforming. Recent consolidations warranted a change," said Washify President Adam Korngold. "We wanted to be aligned with a best-in-class partner that supports our growth. I wanted to work with an organization that had the best interest of our employees at heart and that would allow us to remain in the industry doing what we love. DRB is that partner." Both companies will maintain their own brand entities and industry niches, leveraging synergies where possible to achieve the common goal of helping car wash operators sweat their assets. Korngold will continue to serve as President of Washify while Pittman continues to lead DRB as CEO. DRB acquired Washify from Adam Korngold and pivate equity firm Ambina Partners, with the help of legal services provided by Benesch and insurance brokerage and risk management consulting provided by Marsh, a business of Marsh McLennan. Legal services were provided to Washify by King & Spalding. About DRB For over a third of a century, DRB supported and often drove an era of unprecedented growth in the car wash industry with point-of-sale and wash optimization software, hardware and services. Now as a masterbrand that includes DRB Tunnel Solutions (formerly DRB Systems), DRB In-Bay Solutions (formerly Unitec), Suds Creative, eGenuity, Washify and Sage Microsystems, that tradition continues. The DRB team works together toward a singular goal: To help all car wash operators squeeze every ounce of profitability out of their investments. They do this with data and industry insights, a best-in-class team and reliable, intuitive innovations that delight consumers and are secure, simple to service and easy to use. DRB is owned by New Mountain Capital, a New York-based investment firm. About Washify Built by car wash owners, for car wash owners, Washify is a leading provider of point-of-sale and marketing solutions. Washify's cutting edge software and hardware products empower car washes to better attract and service customers while growing their businesses and increasing profits. Based in West Roxbury, MA, Washify was founded in 2010 by Adam Korngold, a former car wash operator who saw firsthand the need for technological innovation in the industry. About New Mountain Capital New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit, net lease real estate and public equity funds with over $30 billion in assets under management. New Mountain seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit www.newmountaincapital.com. About Ambina Partners Ambina Partners is a private equity firm investing in growth-oriented middle market companies. Ambina partners with forward-thinking management teams in sectors including enterprise software, financial services/insurance and other technology-enabled businesses. Ambina provides companies with the strategic and operational support that delivers long-lasting results. For more information on Ambina Partners, please visit www.ambina.com. Media Contact Taryn Chmielowicz Vice President of Marketing DRB 330-645-4200 tmchmielowicz@drb.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drb-systems-llc-acquires-washify-services-llc-301255223.html SOURCE DRB Systems [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Unity Party ,one of the biggest parties within the Collaboration Political Party (CPP) is expected to surrender its Secretary General over to the Liberia National Police today, March 24, 2021 as per the 48 hours ultimatum given them. The CPP was given a 48 hour ultimatum to return Mo Ali to the Liberia National Police Headquarters to finalize questioning him into an alleged facebook post attributed to him (Mo). It can be recalled that LNP over the weekend, declared the Secretary-General of the former ruling Unity Party, Mo Ali as a wanted man and a threat to national security. The police proclamation declaring Mo Ali a wanted man after allegedly refusing to show up to the police headquarters to answer questions relating to his March 1, 2021 facebook post, that the LNP believes could have led to the arson attacks on the headquarters of the National Elections Commission recently. In the Facebook post, Mo Ali wrote: "Dear National Elections Commission (NEC), we understand the ploy. But try it and you will see what is gonna be the end result." The LNP also believes that Ali's Facebook post might be linked to the recent arson attacks on the home of Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe. "Ali was due to visit the headquarters of the LNP for questioning, but failed to show up at the time though he committed to appear at the LNP's headquarters with his lawyer on March 18, 2021. This according to Police Spokesman Moses Carter left the LNP with no choice than to declare Mr. Ali a wanted man, fugitive, and a threat to national security and vow to have him arrested which did not happen until Mo Ali accompany by supporters, sympathizers, and officials of the CPP hit the Headquarters of the LNP on March 22, 2021. Moses Carter also told Journalists after the conference on Monday that the police was constrained to declare Ali wanted based on the deception from his lawyer about his arrival to the Police headquarters. Spokesman Carter added that they received a letter from Mr. Ali's Lawyer acknowledging the police of his client's poor health condition at once, they were left with no alternative but to declare him wanted as a means of having him appear to the police. He maintained that they welcomed him for coming to the headquarters and therefore appreciate all of those that made it possible to have Ali brought at the Headquarters. Lauding the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration on China, US Speaker on Tuesday said that Washington will hold Beijing accountable for human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang as well as against people in Tibet and Hong Kong. "The Biden administration's coordinated sanctions on are a strong and resounding step to hold accountable for its barbaric atrocities against the people," Pelosi said in a statement. "America, together with our allies, will continue to hold Beijing accountable for its campaign of human rights abuses, including those targeting the Tibetan people, people of Hong Kong and journalists, human rights lawyers and advocates on the mainland," she added. Pelosi asserted that the US Congress will further its actions with respect to through legislative initiatives, including the Forced Labor Prevention Act, the Human Rights Protection Act and the Uyghur Forced Labor Disclosure Act. She further the US will continue its campaign to counter China's human rights abuses targeting the Tibetan people, people of Hong Kong and journalists, human rights lawyers and advocates on the mainland. Pelosi's statement comes after the European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on four Chinese officials and one entity they believe have been involved in alleged human rights violations against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. China has denied all charges and responded by sanctioning ten EU officials. (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.) Victims of IRA terrorism in which weapons supplied by Libya were used are "devastated" after it was announced a report on compensation will not be published. Docklands Victims Association President Jonathan Ganesh, who was severely injured in the 1996 London attack, said the Government should be ashamed of its treatment of victims after it was announced on Tuesday no specific scheme will be set up to provide compensation. "The victims are absolutely devastated to learn that this report will not be published and is apparently now classified," he said. The Government had been accused by some politicians of letting down IRA victims after a report authored by Sir William Shawcross was received in May 2020 but never released, despite repeated calls for it to do so. Mr Shawcross was appointed to help inform the Government's approach to issues surrounding former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime and how it supplied large amounts of weapons to the IRA during the Troubles. He was to evaluate who might qualify and what should be paid to victims seeking compensation from Libya. But in a written ministerial statement made by Minister for Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly yesterday, the Government said compensation was available through existing and planned schemes. They include the Troubles pension - the Permanent Disablement Fund - which has been held up by repeated political delays. Mr Ganesh said: "It was the UK Government who appointed William Shawcross to carry out a feasibility study to move our campaign for equality forward. It now appears the victims are now expected to resolve this matter by themselves. "It is heartbreaking to realise that our government does not care about us as a number of victims during our campaign have taken their own lives in desperation." DUP deputy leader Lord Dodds accused the government of having given up the fight on the issue. He said frozen UK funds belonging to Colonel Gaddafi produced 17m in tax revenue to date, which has been used to tackle financial pressures instead of being earmarked for victims. Under international law, when assets are frozen they continue to belong to the designated individual or entity. The Government has said it therefore cannot lawfully use Libyan assets frozen in the UK to provide compensation. "After all these years, our citizens have received little more than warm words and sympathy. This should be a point of embarrassment for the Government which has behaved disgracefully," he said. Mr Shawcross is expected to appear before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee today. Chairman Simon Hoare said the Government had been "silent as to whether the tax due" on Libya's assets could be used to compensate victims. "We would urge the Government to reconsider its decision not to publish the Shawcross Report. If it proves the Government's case, what has the Government got to lose from publishing it?" Ulster Unionist peer Lord Empey described last night's announcement as "appalling and shameful". "There is something rotten about all of this," he said. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. [March 24, 2021] Pandemic Insights Secures $5M Series A Financing From Convergence Ventures Pandemic Insights, a preventive health software company that combines data and AI insights with human behavior dynamics, today announced it has executed a $5 Million Series A tranche-based financing from Convergence (News - Alert) Ventures. The investment will be used to accelerate the development and go-to-market release of Pandemic Insights' products for consumers, businesses, and public health agencies. Pandemic Insights' technology combines proprietary algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities to create dynamic personal-risk insights, location-risk indexes and behavior modification messaging unique to each user. "Today, people have no way of understanding their individual risk of infection in a pandemic based on their health and where they live, work, attend school, shop and travel. Companies and government agencies have no way of assessing the risk of infection within workplace communities and public spaces," states Eric Klasson, Founder and CEO of Pandemic Insights. "With the emergence of the global pandemic and the monitoring of COVID-19 worldwide, it is now possible to build a pandemic risk-reduction and behavior-modification solution. The faster our products get to market, the faster lives can be saved from any viral infection spread, including viruses like COVID-19 and Influenza A and B." Pandemic Insights products will: Create personal-risk insights to help individuals make informed decisions on where they go throughout the day. A mobile solution will be available free of charge to ensure equal access to everyone, including high-risk and underserved communities worldwide. Aid corporations and public health entities in visualizing risk profiles for physical facilities and their workforce via a software-as-a service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) product. Allow public health agencies to see hyper-local risk indexes from the first day virus is reported and make policy decisions based on risk insights via a data-as-a-service (DaaS) solution. Enable third-party mobile apps to use the risk index insights for mapping, travel, lodging, dining and other frequently used solutions. News - Alert) (AWS) solutions to ensure rapid, secure and stable growth worldwide. AWS is providing highly scalable and reliable infrastructure capacity, tech support and services, which helps companies like Pandemic Insights avoid common technical and growth pitfalls. The technology roadmap includes AWS Cloud Hosting and DevOps monitoring, artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, AWS Marketplace, and AWS GovCloud to assist with FedRAMP, a U.S. government-wide program that allows federal agencies to adopt secure, cloud solutions. Harry Bushong, Managing Director at Convergence Ventures, said, "COVID-19 has highlighted the immediate need for solutions that reduce the spread of pathogens - whether they're part of a global pandemic or an annual virus cycle. We are extremely excited about Pandemic Insights' innovative solutions specifically designed to tackle the challenge of reducing the economic toll and loss of life experienced during such crises. Individuals, businesses, and governments will benefit from making safe, smart choices leveraging Pandemic Insights mindful movement technology. We are reaching out to Federal and State agencies - including foreign public health agencies and philanthropic leaders - to accelerate funding that further localizes Pandemic Insights' solutions. No society or government can afford to be unprepared for the next viral mutation or outbreak." ABOUT PANDEMIC INSIGHTS, INC. Pandemic Insights, Inc. is a preventive health software company that combines data and AI insights with human behavior dynamics, helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions to slow the spread of COVID-19 or any virus worldwide. Using a hybrid venture capital and government funding model, Pandemic Insights will offer a free version of its mobile app to individuals worldwide with a goal of achieving mobile app herd deployment to advance the fight against pathogens. For more information, visit www.pandemic-insights.com. ABOUT CONVERGENCE VENTURES Located in Houston, Texas, home to the largest concentration of medical facilities in the world (The Texas Medical Center), Convergence Ventures is a venture capital fund dedicated to driving growth and development of leading-edge healthcare, life sciences, and artificial intelligence software-based solutions. For more information, visit www.convergence-ventures.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005253/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on the 16th anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on US soil that killed around 3000 people released images taken from space of the unfateful day in 2001. US astronaut Frank Culbertson was aboard the International Space Station, which coincidentally, happening to fly over over the New York City area moments after the twin towers came down few hours after the Boeings were crashed into the buildings in the September 11 morning. In a public letter the very next day of the terrorist attack, Culbertson said, I glanced at the World Map on the computer to see where over the world we were and noticed that we were coming southeast out of Canada and would be passing over New England in a few minutes. I zipped around the station until I found a window that would give me a view of NYC and grabbed the nearest camera. It happened to be a video camera, and I was looking south from the window of Michael's cabin. He wrote in the letter, The smoke seemed to have an odd bloom to it at the base of the column that was streaming south of the city. After reading one of the news articles we just received, I believe we were looking at NY around the time of, or shortly after, the collapse of the second tower. How horrible Also read| 9/11 attack anniversary: Timeline of biggest terrorist attacks on the U.S. Culberston added, It's difficult to describe how it feels to be the only American completely off the planet at a time such as this. The feeling that I should be there with all of you, dealing with this, helping in some way, is overwhelming. I know that we are on the threshold (or beyond) of a terrible shift in the history of the world. Many things will never be the same again after September 11, 2001. Also read| 9/11 attack anniversary: Take a look at 10 major terrorist attacks around the world ever since deadly attack Even as the International Space Station moved along its path and lost view of the New York City, however other satellites of NASA including Terra satellite caught images of the attacks immediate aftermath. Terras Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiameter instrument recorded an image of large smoke plume rising from the city. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Canadians Mental Health Continues to Deteriorate Amid Pandemic, yet Most Keep Issues to Themselves A new report says Canadians mental health has continued to turn up negative scores amid the COVID-19 pandemic, yet most keep their health conditions concealed from colleagues for fear of hurting their careers. The report (pdf), published Tuesday by Morneau Shepell, a human resource consulting company, said February marks the eleventh consecutive month of diminishing mental health among Canadians since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Starting April 2020, Morneau Shepell began publishing a monthly review called the Mental Health Index to track the mental health status of working adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. COVID-19 is the disease the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus causes. Canadas February score (-11.5) on the Index improves slightly when compared to January (-11.7), but is equal to May 2020. In February, the lowest sub-score is depression (-13.9), which is slightly lower than January (-13.4) and close to the score at the beginning of the pandemic (-14.0 in April 2020). The data was collected through an online survey of 3,000 Canadians across the country who are currently employed or who were employed within the past six months. The Mental Health Index first creates a response scoring system which turns the respondents answer into a point value. The Mental Health Index is benchmarked against the data in 2017, 2018, and 2019. To demonstrate the month-by-month changes, the current months scores are compared with the benchmark and also with the previous month. Higher point values indicate better mental health and lower mental health risk. Each individuals scores are added and then divided by the total number of possible points to get a score out of 100. A score of zero in the Mental Health Index reflects no change, positive scores reflect improvement, and negative scores reflect decline. The extreme isolation and loneliness that we reported in recent months is having a direct impact on Canadians mental wellbeing, with many people feeling the same level of depression that was reported almost one year ago when it was at its lowest point, Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer of Morneau Shepell, said in a news release on Tuesday. The February report shows the overall working population in Canada is as distressed as the most distressed one percent of employed Canadians prior to 2020. Roughly 24 percent of the population that reports being more distressed than the previous month, while a majority of 70 percent says they are experiencing the same level of distress as the previous month. Only six percent of the people reports less stress. Despite increasing depression, a large number of employed Canadians remain reluctant to open up about their mental health to a colleague. The report shows that 44 percent of Canadians believe that their career options would be limited if their employer become aware of their mental health issues. Notably, among the group, half of the individuals in management positions said they anticipated an impact to their careers if their employer knew of their struggle with mental health, while 39 percent of non-managers said they felt the same way. Outside of the work environment, Canadians also said they felt awkward telling friends about their mental health issues, with 37 percent of the respondents believing they would be treated differently if their friends learned of their mental health problems. Broken down by age groups, young Canadians (54 percent among those aged 20 to 29) are more fearful of obstructions in career options than older demographics (38 percent among those aged 60 and above) if they disclose their struggles with mental health. Liptrap said the uncertainty about a vaccination timeline makes it difficult for Canadians to plan their future routines and return to their ordinary life. Through these times of prolonged uncertainty and isolation, organizations have an added responsibility to pay close attention to their team members needs and watch for indicators of worsening mental strain, to ensure employees are set up for success both within and outside of the workplace, Liptrap said. On the bright side, the pandemic has presented a great opportunity for employers to build trust with their employees by providing the support they need to get through the crisis, said Paula Allen, global leader and senior vice president at Morneau Shepell. Its evident that while employees may not reveal they are struggling with their mental health, many are struggling in silence and coping in ways that do more harm than good, Shepell said. The pandemic has made it clear that the wellbeing of Canadian workers is a priority. 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. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links, images, GIFs, inappropriate language, or memes may be removed by the moderator. Job listings and similar posts are likely automated SPAM messages from Facebook and are not placed by WFMZ-TV. A man has been charged with the murder of mother of two, Sharon Bennett, who died 13 days after she was admitted to hospital in January. Patrick Ballard (34) appeared before Ennis District Court earlier today, where he was charged with the murder of Wexford native, Ms Bennett. Mr Ballard has been on remand in prison after being initially charged with the assault causing harm of Ms Bennett (29) in the Market area of Ennis on Thursday, January 28th last. Ms Bennett died 13 days later at University Hospital Limerick. At Ennis District Court today, Det Garda Noelle Bergin gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of Mr Ballard at 10.30am on Wednesday morning before court. Det Garda Bergin told the court that Mr Ballard of Ashford Court Hotel, Ennis made no reply in response to caution and charge. Sgt Aiden Lonergan applied that the initial charge of assault causing harm against Mr Ballard be withdrawn now that the murder charge has been made. Judge Patrick Durcan acceded to that request and struck out the assault causing harm charge. Judge Durcan stated that as it is a murder charge, the question of bail in the district court doesnt arise. Judge Durcan granted legal aid to solicitor, Tara Godfrey concerning the murder charge. Ms Godfrey applied that Mr Ballard be psychiatrically assessed while on remand in prison and Judge Durcan granted that application. Judge Durcan directed that the completed assessment be made available to Ms Godfrey and that she also write to the prison governor concerning his direction to have the assessment carried out. Mr Ballard and Ms Bennett were in a relationship at the time of the alleged murder and Ms Bennett was a mother of two girls, aged nine and six from a previous relationship. Judge Durcan remanded Mr Ballard in custody to re-appear before Gort District Court on Thursday, March 25th. SBS' fantasy period series "Joseon Exorcist" dropped in its viewership rating by 2 percent, Tuesday. Courtesy of SBS By Lee Gyu-lee SBS' fantasy period series "Joseon Exorcist" is facing a backlash after causing an uproar among viewers over distorting history by demonizing Taejong (1367-1422), the third king of Joseon, and using Chinese props for Joseon Kingdom settings. The viewership rating of Tuesday's episode plunged to 6.9 percent from 8.9 percent its first episode garnered on Monday. The corporate sponsors of the series also responded to the controversy by cutting off ties with the series and halting support. Massage chair brand, Cozyma, released a statement on its website, Tuesday, notifying that it has withdrawn advertisements placed for the series. "Cozyma is in no way involved with the following series' content," the statement said. Healthcare brand, Hoguanwon, also announced that it has decided to terminate the sponsorship contract with the network, explaining that it was not aware of the storyline prior to the series' broadcast. "When we signed the agreement, we did not get scripts or a synopsis (of the production)," the company told local media outlets. "We immediately requested termination after learning about the news." Companies that purchased spots for commercials during the series including KT, LG Household & Health Care, and ACE Bed are also canceling their ads. Scenes from the series / Courtesy of SBS Livestock worth about N$140 000 was stolen over the past long weekend. This was confirmed by national police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi. At Tsumis farm at Rehoboth, an unknown number of suspects stole six sheep and two goats with a combined value of N$18 000. Two carcasses were recovered and a 41-year- old man was arrested in connection with the incident. At the farm Otjihundu at Seeis near Windhoek, five men were arrested after they allegedly slaughtered three bulls and loaded the meat onto a bakkie. The animals are worth N$40 000 each. At Omega 1 in the Kavango East region, two men were arrested after being found in possession of a pangolin skin, of which the value has not been determined yet. The men, aged 59 and 57, were expected to appear in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Mangundu Johannes (14) on Sunday died instantly at Mahenzere village in the Kavango West region when he was struck by lightning while herding cattle in the veld. His next of kin have been informed of his death. A man was assaulted and stabbed with a knife on Saturday evening at Rocky Crest in the capital, and was also robbed of his bakkie, a laptop, a pair of sunglasses, two cellphones, a power bank and wallet, with a combined value of N$337 500. His vehicle was later found abandoned at Okahadja Park with both front door windows broken. Another armed robbery took place on Sunday at Okahandja, when four men entered a shop in town and held a Chinese national (56) at gunpoint and tied him up, before robbing him of his cellphone, N$2 000 in cash and car keys. The combined value of the stolen items is N$10 000. Two of the suspects were arrested and two escaped. Nothing has been recovered yet. A man broke into a house at Vineta at Swakopmund where he allegedly assaulted the occupant and stole his wallet containing personal documents, as well as a laptop, cellphone, and three diamond rings with a combined value of N$21 950. No arrests have been made and police investigations continue. -Prof. Johnson Gwaikolo Tells BlueCrest University College Graduates MONROVIA-Speaking on the theme: The Benefit of Work Integrated Learning, Dr. Johnson Gwaikolo challenge the graduates of BlueCrest University College to be the catalysts for technological revolution. "Love what you choose to do and choose what you love to do" he told the graduates. The Chairman on Education at the House of Representatives delivering the third commencement address of the BlueCrest University College on Saturday March 20, 2021 urged National Government to invest in education especially for the young people in both theoretical and practical which he noted is key. Dr. Gwaikolo also stressed that interest should be placed in governance, accountability and transparency. He wants those who provide internship program for graduates to ensure that it is done in a holistic approach in other for it to have a National flavor. "A strong knowledge in your area of specialty does not only guarantee you a good job but practical abilities, skills and disciplines is required", he told the graduates. The BlueCrest University College third Commencement speaker was also quick to emphasize that corporate education and or work integrated leadership is very important and meaningful to the growth and development of the society. He stressed that there has to be some structural means put in place at which graduates after a four year study program can have the opportunity to get into the job market and not to wait for another four years in searching for a job. According to him making advances in technology also gives you a greater opportunity than before. "Do something different if you must make a difference in the society", he encouraged the graduates. Professional Gwaikolo at the same time paid homage to the BlueCrest University College for helping to laid the foundation for the graduates especially in the Information Technology sector of Liberia. He furthered that "IT" plays an important role to help eradicate poverty and create jobs through small and medium skills opportunities among others. Also speaking at the program was the President of BlueCrest University College Dr. Umesh Neelakantan who noted that his institution having set the stage for "IT" education in Liberia, mission is to be renounce and the best educational platform in Liberia. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia ICT By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He reminder his graduates that learning is a never ending process as such he encouraged them never to be disappointed with small failures but to be respectful, focused and determined in their pursuit of achieving their respective goals in life. "IT" which he noted is the backbone to any sector and society" was also quick to emphasize that education is key to build a resourceful capital. Dr. Neelakantan also disclosed that the BlueCrest University College now have some plans in the making to offer Masters in Information Technology, Cyber Security and many others. The BlueCrest University College which has been been providing quality education to Liberian students since 2015 also at the end of its third commencement and convocation exercises put out over 120 graduates in various disciplines including Information Technology, Management and Fashion and Design among others. 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 24 March 2021 Type Newsletter Information and updates from the Grass10 team Download Publication (PDF) The key messages in this weeks newsletter are: The PK actor Aamir Khan has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently under home isolation. He is taking all necessary precautions. The Bollywood actor has also informed all his staff members to get themselves tested and follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. Aamir Khan also informed his staff to take the test, to take all the necessary precautions and follow all the guidelines. The actor will resume shooting for Laal Singh Chaddha after he completely recovers, as mentioned in a report in India Today. Roughly 60 migrants are presumed dead after their boat engine caught fire off the Libyan coast during an attempted Mediterranean crossing, a rescue charity said on Tuesday Rome, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Mar, 2021 ) :Roughly 60 migrants are presumed dead after their boat engine caught fire off the Libyan coast during an attempted Mediterranean crossing, a rescue charity said on Tuesday. Alarm Phone, a volunteer-run Mediterranean rescue hotline, said it had spoken to survivors of the March 18 accident in which the engine of a wooden boat carrying more than 100 people caught fire. "Several survivors reported to Alarm Phone that there had been more victims than survivors," the group said in a statement. Also on Tuesday, European humanitarian group SOS Mediterranee said Italy would allow 116 migrants to leave its Ocean Viking ship after they were rescued in two operations last week off the coast of Libya. "Relief on board the Ocean Viking after several days of bad weather. The Italian authorities have allocated the port of Augusta, in Sicily, for the disembarkation of 116 rescued people," the charity wrote on Twitter. More than 1,200 migrants died last year trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Since January, 295 migrants have died or gone missing while trying to make the journey. Alarm Phone said they were initially contacted by someone on the boat and Libyan authorities told them shortly after that 45 people had been rescued and five bodies retrieved. But the charity said witness testimony they gathered suggested about 60 people were missing and presumed dead. Witnesses told Alarm Phone they saw people jumping into the water after the boat's fuel supply went up in flames. The charity said it had been difficult to obtain an accurate GPS position of the boat after it was first contacted, although the Ocean Viking launched a search operation without success. Survivors reported that the boat's passengers included Sudanese, Senegalese, Syrians, Pakistanis, Moroccans and Egyptians. 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. Credit: Chart: The Conversation, CC-BY-ND Source: Siddharth Chandra, Julia Christensen, Madhur Chandra, Nigel Paneth, Pandemic Reemergence and Four Waves of Excess Mortality Coinciding With the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Michigan: Insights for COVID-19, American Journal of Public Health 111, no. 3 (March 1, 2021): pp. 430-437. Picture the United States struggling to deal with a deadly pandemic. State and local officials enact a slate of social-distancing measures, gathering bans, closure orders and mask mandates in an effort to stem the tide of cases and deaths. The public responds with widespread compliance mixed with more than a hint of grumbling, pushback and even outright defiance. As the days turn into weeks turn into months, the strictures become harder to tolerate. Theater and dance hall owners complain about their financial losses. Clergy bemoan church closures while offices, factories and in some cases even saloons are allowed to remain open. Officials argue whether children are safer in classrooms or at home. Many citizens refuse to don face masks while in public, some complaining that they're uncomfortable and others arguing that the government has no right to infringe on their civil liberties. As familiar as it all may sound in 2021, these are real descriptions of the U.S. during the deadly 1918 influenza pandemic. In my research as a historian of medicine, I've seen again and again the many ways our current pandemic has mirrored the one experienced by our forebears a century ago. As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its second year, many people want to know when life will go back to how it was before the coronavirus. History, of course, isn't an exact template for what the future holds. But the way Americans emerged from the earlier pandemic could suggest what post-pandemic life will be like this time around. Sick and tired, ready for pandemic's end Like COVID-19, the 1918 influenza pandemic hit hard and fast, going from a handful of reported cases in a few cities to a nationwide outbreak within a few weeks. Many communities issued several rounds of various closure orderscorresponding to the ebbs and flows of their epidemicsin an attempt to keep the disease in check. These social-distancing orders worked to reduce cases and deaths. Just as today, however, they often proved difficult to maintain. By the late autumn, just weeks after the social-distancing orders went into effect, the pandemic seemed to be coming to an end as the number of new infections declined. People clamored to return to their normal lives. Businesses pressed officials to be allowed to reopen. Believing the pandemic was over, state and local authorities began rescinding public health edicts. The nation turned its efforts to addressing the devastation influenza had wrought. For the friends, families and co-workers of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who had died, post-pandemic life was filled with sadness and grief. Many of those still recovering from their bouts with the malady required support and care as they recuperated. Seven-day rolling average of the number of people confirmed to have died from COVID-19, per day (not including today). This chart gets updated once per day with data by Johns Hopkins. Johns Hopkins University didn't provide reliable data for March 12 and March 13, 2020. Credit: Chart: Datawrapper/The Conversation Source: Johns Hopkins CSSE At a time when there was no federal or state safety net, charitable organizations sprang into action to provide resources for families who had lost their breadwinners, or to take in the countless children left orphaned by the disease. For the vast majority of Americans, though, life after the pandemic seemed to be a headlong rush to normalcy. Starved for weeks of their nights on the town, sporting events, religious services, classroom interactions and family gatherings, many were eager to return to their old lives. Taking their cues from officials who hadsomewhat prematurelydeclared an end to the pandemic, Americans overwhelmingly hurried to return to their pre-pandemic routines. They packed into movie theaters and dance halls, crowded in stores and shops, and gathered with friends and family. Officials had warned the nation that cases and deaths likely would continue for months to come. The burden of public health, however, now rested not on policy but rather on individual responsibility. Predictably, the pandemic wore on, stretching into a third deadly wave that lasted through the spring of 1919, with a fourth wave hitting in the winter of 1920. Some officials blamed the resurgence on careless Americans. Others downplayed the new cases or turned their attention to more routine public health matters, including other diseases, restaurant inspections and sanitation. Despite the persistence of the pandemic, influenza quickly became old news. Once a regular feature of front pages, reportage rapidly dwindled to small, sporadic clippings buried in the backs of the nation's newspapers. The nation carried on, inured to the toll the pandemic had taken and the deaths yet to come. People were largely unwilling to return to socially and economically disruptive public health measures. It's hard to hang in there Our predecessors might be forgiven for not staying the course longer. First, the nation was eager to celebrate the recent end of World War I, an event that perhaps loomed larger in the lives of Americans than even the pandemic. Second, death from disease was a much larger part of life in the early 20th century, and scourges such as diphtheria, measles, tuberculosis, typhoid, whooping cough, scarlet fever and pneumonia each routinely killed tens of thousands of Americans every year. Moreover, neither the cause nor the epidemiology of influenza was well understood, and many experts remained unconvinced that social distancing measures had any measurable impact. Finally, there were no effective flu vaccines to rescue the world from the ravages of the disease. In fact, the influenza virus would not be discovered for another 15 years, and a safe and effective vaccine was not available for the general population until 1945. Given the limited information they had and the tools at their disposal, Americans perhaps endured the public health restrictions for as long as they reasonably could. A century later, and a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable that people now are all too eager to return to their old lives. The end of this pandemic inevitably will come, as it has with every previous one humankind has experienced. If we have anything to learn from the history of the 1918 influenza pandemic, as well as our experience thus far with COVID-19, however, it is that a premature return to pre-pandemic life risks more cases and more deaths. And today's Americans have significant advantages over those of a century ago. We have a much better understanding of virology and epidemiology. We know that social distancing and masking work to help save lives. Most critically, we have multiple safe and effective vaccines that are being deployed, with the pace of vaccinations increasingly weekly. Sticking with all these coronavirus-fighting factors or easing off on them could mean the difference between a new disease surge and a quicker end to the pandemic. COVID-19 is much more transmissible than influenza, and several troubling SARS-CoV-2 variants are already spreading around the globe. The deadly third wave of influenza in 1919 shows what can happen when people prematurely relax their guard. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The department of health in Tharaka Nithi County is aiming at vaccinating 20,913 people against Covid-19 in the first phase of the exercise amid slow uptake of the jab. Those targeted for the vaccination in the first phase include, health workers (4,158), security personnel (2,121), teachers (12,634) and religious leaders (2,000). The vaccination exercise was rolled out at Chuka County Referral Hospital two weeks ago with Governor Muthomi Njuki being the first to receive the jab, but so far, only 221 have been vaccinated, most of them health workers. Residents have growing reservations about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine especially after some leaders who had received the jab including Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi got infected. Speaking at Marimanti Sub-County Hospital yesterday, county health executive, Dr Gichuyia Nthuraku assured residents of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. He however explained that the jab does not give an immediate immunity to the virus and that one must receive two inoculations for full effectiveness. Two doses "The vaccine offers full immunity after receiving the two doses which are to be taken in a span of three months," said Dr Nthuraku. He noted that 25 health workers from the public, private and mission hospitals in the county have been trained on administration of the vaccine. He added that even those vaccinated must continue to observe the Covid-19 health protocols because the virus keeps on mutating. Dr Nthuraku urged the health workers to accept receiving the jab for their safety and that of the patients that they handle and even as an example to the general public. He also advised the residents to treat any cough, fever, muscle pain, and breathing complications as covid-19 signs and symptoms and visit a hospital for screening. So far, the county has recorded 324 positive cases and 18 have succumbed. 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. "Californians we know drought, we know how to manage it," Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources, said in an interview. "This is going to test us. We do have the tools that we need." She said an official drought declaration is still likely a year away, depending on how much it rains and snows next winter, but already "we've had a few conversations about that." Even without a declaration, state officials want "to start troubleshooting and reaching out to communities so they don't run into ... water supply emergencies," she said. The signs of drought are many. Rain and snow have been well below average, and the state's network of reservoirs are holding less water than usual. The U.S. Drought Monitor, a weekly snapshot created by the federal government, shows that drought conditions have enveloped 91% of California's landmass; more than a third of the state is in "extreme" or "exceptional" drought. Meanwhile, the State Water Resources Control Board announced late Monday that it had mailed early warning notices to 40,000 farmers, municipal officials and others, telling them to prepare for potential shortages. WASHINGTON Vice President Kamala Harris will take the lead for the Biden administration on border and migration issues, the president said Wednesday, giving her a high-profile role on a controversial issue. Its the first clear assignment for Harris since taking her job alongside President Biden, one that fits her expertise but also puts her in the center of a brewing political storm. Biden announced Harris role coordinating diplomacy and border control efforts with Central America and Mexico in a meeting with his immigration officials at the White House. He pointed to Harris experience as Californias attorney general working on human rights and combating organized crime, saying there was nobody who is better qualified for the job. The goal will be for Harris to help the administrations efforts to stem the flow of asylum seekers to the southern border by addressing conditions in migrants home countries. I have asked her, the VP today, because she is the most qualified person to do it, to lead our efforts with Mexico and the Northern Triangle and the countries that are going to need help in stemming the movement of so many folks, stemming the migration to our southern border, Biden said. The president noted that when he was vice president, he also took the lead in dealing with the Northern Triangle nations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The Obama administration won bipartisan support in Congress for an influx of monetary aid to the Central American countries to help with the factors that drive migrants north, including gang violence and natural disasters. Harris will similarly take the lead on outreach to Central American countries and Mexico in coordinating international aid and enforcement as well as working with Congress on the issue. Biden said Harris would have other roles and that the new one wouldnt be her full responsibility, but he deputized her to speak for him on the issue. She is leading the effort because I think the best thing to do is to put someone who, when he or she speaks, they dont have to wonder about, Is that where the president is? Biden said. When she speaks, she speaks for me, doesnt have to check with me, she knows what shes doing, and I hope we can move this along. The role is in some ways a natural fit for Harris, who made immigration and border policy a focus when she represented California in the Senate. She is the daughter of immigrants, her mother from India and father from Jamaica, and represented the state with the largest immigrant population in the country and a common border with Mexico. Harris has less experience with foreign policy and diplomacy, but she has been holding calls with foreign leaders since becoming vice president and has been meeting weekly with Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The role will also catapult Harris to the center of a political fray, as the number of children and teenagers coming alone to the border is nearing historic levels and Republicans are seeking to make border security a political wedge issue. Immigration can be a no-win political topic, as partisan disagreements have long stymied progress and persistent dangerous conditions in Central America have driven waves of migration to the United States. Already, Republicans have seized on a video of Harris responding to reporters Monday asking if she would visit the border, in which she laughingly replied she wasnt going that day. Harris went on to say she had visited in the past and would again. The fact that just this week, when asked if she was going to the border, she laughed out loud, I think that encapsulates the indifference that the Biden administration has to the crisis they have created and are continuing to make worse each and every day, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told reporters in the Capitol on Wednesday. Republicans have also sought to tie Harris to positions she took during the Democratic presidential primary, including support for removing the criminal penalty for crossing the border illegally. Still, at least one senior Republican said he would give Harris a chance. Well, you know, they won, shes in charge, Ill help her but they own it, said South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a confidant of former President Donald Trump. Ill gladly work with her to do things that will turn the problem around. Does she have the ability to do that politically? Does she have the will? Does she have the desire, does she see the problem the way I do? Its hard to fix a problem unless you know what it is. In their remarks at the White House, both Harris and Biden acknowledged the complexity of the issue but argued they could make progress. This new surge that we are seeing now started with the last administration, but it is our responsibility to deal with it humanely and to stop whats happening, Biden said. Harris said the work would be difficult but important. There are many factors that lead residents to leave these countries, Harris said. While we are clear that people should not come to the border now, we also understand that we will enforce the law and that we also because we can chew gum and walk at the same time must address the root causes that cause people to make the trek as the president has described to come here. Tal Kopan is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: tal.kopan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @talkopan Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Crowded into a tiny plane, 1,000 feet above the water off Georgia, the surveyors look down in search of a disturbancea long splash, or a dark patch amid all that blue. In the aberration, they might see nothing at all, or they could find dolphins, a turtle, a manta ray, some manatees. If they're lucky, the surveyors will get what they are here for: a glimpse of a North Atlantic right whale, among the rarest in the world. The pilot follows a track line, the last part of the last pass of Dec. 4. There are thought to be fewer than 400 of the right whales alive today, and no more than 100 females that can breed. Human hunters decimated the species. Now this high-stakes game of "I Spy," including three teams affiliated with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, is one part of an urgent mission to prevent these whales from blinking into extinction. Survivors swim to the Southeast, from the Carolinas to Florida, for calving season. As long as 52 feet, as heavy as 140,000 pounds, they may live up to 70 years unencumbered. The surveyors note each mother and precious calf they see, sending reports from sky to land. Within minutes their dispatches are shared with shipping companies to broadcast out to sea, so captains can be cautious. Boat collisions are deadly, yet more pressure on the wrong end of the ecological scale. The four surveyors come from Maine, Rhode Island, Georgia and Florida. All have some background in marine biology. From December to March, they fold themselves into National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Twin Otter planes, any day the weather is fair. They can cover 300 or 400 nautical miles in about six hours, practicing moderate dehydration to avoid using the onboard toilet, which is just a tube. They crane their necks to look out bubble windows and unkink their aching limbs when they're back on solid ground. They live together at a house in Georgia. When they see a whale, a slick shadow breaking through the Atlantic, one surveyor moves to a special pop-out window at the back of the plane, using a long camera lens to get a clear picture. The pilot traces expert loops to keep them in place. Every North Atlantic right whale has a unique pattern of raised skin on its head, like calluses. This marking, similar to a fingerprint, allows the surveyors to identify each whale by numberand sometimes a name. They get to know the animals they see regularly: like Nauset, who never stays at the surface, taking one breath before diving for 10 minutes at a time. No paparazzi, they think. Over the months they track not just whales but moments that remind them of the work's purpose. Marcy Lee, 48, enjoys every first sighting of a mother and calf pair. The conservation project manager, Melanie White, 39, holds onto the day they saw seven pairs, as if for a few hours the whales were everywhere. Ashley Millan Ambert, 30, solemnly recalls the three hours they circled above the first entangled whale they saw, while colleagues on a boat below struggled to free it of fishing gear wrapped around its tail. One calf they had spotted was later hit by a boat and killed, washing up on a beach in Florida. Soon after, they saw its mother, Infinity, swimming with a propeller wound to her side. They hope for her survival. Saving one whale, they know, counts when there are so few. David Lockwood, 26, had never seen a North Atlantic right whale, his previous trips to the New England coasttheir usual feeding and mating groundsleaving him only with cold fingers. Then came the last few moments of this day in early December, the end of a shift to remember. The surveyors looked down and saw Chiminea, a whale who seems to like floating leisurely at the surface. She lingered. Chiminea was beautiful, Lockwood thought, gentle and graceful. Maybe such a whale just has to be seen to be understood. To be felt. So few people will. White, the team's leader, tries to describe it. "Think," she says, "about everything you're surrounded by. "What do you know that there's less than 400 of in the entire world?" Explore further Endangered baby right whale found dead on Florida beach 2021 Tampa Bay Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development have expressed commitment to implementing the necessary reforms needed to promote transparency and accountability to mobilise domestic and external resources. The ministers said this in a communique at the end of the UN Economic Commission for Africa's (UNECA) 53rd Conference of Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning and Development in Addis Ababa on Tuesday. It was titled "Communique of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development on special drawing rights for low-income and middle-income countries". The ministers stated that African countries had demonstrated the benefits of deploying technology to increase revenues, adding that many countries on the continent had introduced e-taxation to increase resource mobilisation. They noted that countries were deploying digital platforms to engage local communities in the oversight of public spending and transparency, including through information-gathering on public service delivery and the tracking of expenditure commitments. They added that African governments were strengthening their tax administration systems to identify, track and stem illicit financial flows (IFFs). [ALSO READ] FG to support victims of Katsina Central Market inferno- Minister They stressed that global support was, however, needed to continue the battle against IFFs. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Business Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. They noted that this was needed particularly in the areas of big data analytics, machine learning and neural network programming, which provided a variety of tools and methods to predict illicit behaviour and measure IFFs more accurately. The ministers also expressed optimism that more African countries were improving the enabling environment for business. "The comprehensive reforms being undertaken by African countries must be complemented by the availability of more resources for all countries." They also expressed the assurance of recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with adequate and rapid financing and appropriate comprehensive macro-fiscal and structural policy reforms. The ministers further urged partners to heed the G7's call for a new issuance of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and to move to implement the G20 Common Framework. They also urged partners to extend the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) till the end of 2021. Furthermore, the ministers called for support on-lending of SDRs to the International Monetary Fund's Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). They also urged partners to support vaccine production in Africa and accelerate access to vaccines through the COVAX facility and the Africa Vaccines Acquisition Task Team. "This is a crisis of the collective, which requires a collective and coordinated response," the ministers said. The hybrid conference has as its theme "Africa's Sustainable Industrialisation and Diversification in the Digital Era in the Context of COVID-19". (NAN) Vanguard News Nigeria 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. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 03/24/2021 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Mike Youngquist and Natalie Mordovtseva have reportedly split after less than one year of marriage.Although 's eighth season has shown Natalie breaking up with Mike after he suddenly and unexpectedly called off their wedding, In Touch Weekly reported the couple actually worked things out and got married in Clallam County, Washington on April 15, 2020.Natalie confirmed her relationship status on May 24, 2020 when she posted on Instagram, "We Get Married!"A few days later, Natalie captioned another photo of the couple, "Love is very meaningful for us."However, Mike and Natalie have recently separated, according to Mike's uncle Beau Lawrence, In Touch reported "She has not been home for a couple of months now," Beau, 51, told the magazine. "She can stay away for all I care."When asked if he believes Mike and Natalie's relationship is over for good, Beau replied, "I'm really hoping so. I pray to God, yes."Sunday night's episode of featured Mike's friend Tamara driving Natalie to Seattle, where she planned to stay in a hotel one night and then fly back to France. (Mike had purchased Natalie's plane fare to return to her home country).But according to a preview for the upcoming March 28 episode, the hotel didn't accept Mike's credit card since Mike wasn't present at the reservation booking and so Natalie and Tamara had to return to Mike's house.Natalie only had 24 hours left on her K-1 visa at this point.Based on the fact Natalie and Mike tied the knot, it appears the couple talked things out and reconciled after a disastrous and emotional day.Back in Spring 2020, it seemed Mike and Natalie's relationship was going strong after their wedding.In June 2020, Natalie reportedly posted a photo of herself cuddling up to Mike while viewing a beautiful night sky together."This is how we spend our time," she captioned the snapshot, according to In Touch.On June 22, 2020, Natalie posted a photo with Mike and wrote, "Amazing #dinner with #lovely husband! thanks for #90dayfiance #love #faith #nataliemordovtseva #mikeyoungquist #couplegoals."Two days later, Natalie captioned a funny photo of the pair driving, "#driving like crazy with my #husband #mikeyoungquist #nataliemordovtseva #natalie90dayfiance #90dayfiance."And on June 25, Natalie wrote alongside a selfie of the couple by the water, "This is how we spend our time together #90dayfiance #natalie90dayfiance #nataliemordovtseva #mike90dayfiance #mikeyoungquist #love #couple #couplegoals."But in August 2020, Natalie reportedly wiped her Instagram clean, and around that same time, Mike deleted an account and created a new one.Their recent social-media activity has indicated Mike and Natalie are no longer together.However, there was speculation Mike and Natalie might still a couple in February 2021 when they both posted individual photos in Los Angeles, CA.Even though they didn't appear in each other's photos, many fans assumed they had taken a trip together and checked out the Griffith Observatory as well as the iconic Hollywood sign.Mike was a 35-year-old from Sequim, Washington, when he met Natalie was a 35-year-old from Kyiv, Ukraine, through a mutual friend, and they first initially on Season 7 of .Mike believed Natalie was his dream girl, and so he filed for a K-1 visa.Mike and Natalie, however, had major differences to work through, such as Natalie being a religious vegetarian and Mike living as an atheist meat-eater who believes in aliens.Natalie also begged Mike to have children right away, which was a stage of life he wasn't quite ready for.The couple had their biggest fight in the Ukraine when Natalie gave her engagement ring back to Mike because she said she wasn't in love anymore -- and Mike said he felt "lost."On 's Season 7 Tell-All special, Natalie also accused Mike of cheating on her by spending the night with an alleged female friend. Mike, however, insisted the incident was totally innocent and he never lied about it.'s eighth season featured the couple seeking counseling and trying to communicate about Natalie's trust issues and the resentment Mike had built up over Natalie's allegations and habit of frequently bringing up the past.Once Natalie arrived in the United States in January 2020, she and Mike only had 90 days to wed before her K-1 visa expired, and she had trouble adjusting to life in America and her "basic housewife" role.Although Mike had reservations about rushing into marriage and wished he had longer to get to know Natalie better, he gave Natalie her engagement ring back and the pair set a wedding date.On the day of their wedding, however, Mike realized he wasn't ready to become Natalie's husband. Natalie therefore determined she was done with her relationship because she was tired of men treating her poorly."Find an American girl and be happy, okay? I'm sorry, I'm not going to talk to you. I will block you... I will not contact you. I cannot talk to you. So can you just go? All the best," Natalie told Mike.Natalie subsequently said in a confessional that Mike was "weak" and his "actions [were] weak."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! Angola, IN (46703) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High around 80F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear early then increasing cloudiness after midnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. New details emerged on Wednesday about a savage attack on a nurse and a correctional officer at an Iowa state prison, where officials say two inmates armed with stolen hammers bludgeoned the two staffers to death in a botched escape attempt. Violence broke out at around 10.15am at the state penitentiary in the eastern Iowa city of Anamosa, which houses some of Iowas most dangerous criminals. During a press conference on Wednesday, Beth Skinner, director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, identified the victims of the attack as registered nurse Lorena Schulte, 50, and corrections officer Robert McFarland, 46. Scroll down for video Iowa prison inmates Thomas Woodard, 38 (left), and Michael Dutcher, 28 (right), have been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly bludgeoning to death a nurse and a guard A woman adjusts a sign next to the memorials for the two slain prison staff 'Two wonderful people had their lives taken for simply trying to do their jobs here at Anamosa,' said Skinner, who called the attack on the two public servants an act of 'pure evil.' Richard Rahn, a special agent with the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Criminal Investigation, identified the suspects as Thomas Woodard, 39, and Michael Dutcher, 28. According to Rahn, the two inmates had stolen two hammers and a mechanical grinder from the prison workshop and entered a break room in the Anamosa infirmary under the guise of repairing some equipment. While they were inside, they allegedly broke a windowpane and tried to grind down metal bars on the window in a failed attempt to break out of the prison. Rahn said that the inmates had been planning the escape for quite some time and it was not a spontaneous act. Schulte and McFarland tried to prevent the inmates from escaping and were killed with hammer blows to the back of the head. When another inmate McKinley Roby, who was present in the infirmary, tried to help the victims, Woodard and Dutcher allegedly struck him on the head, leaving the man with injuries requiring hospitalization. According to the DCI agent, the inmates then grabbed another nurse, Lori Mathis, and held her against her will, threatening her that 'she will be next' if she does not cooperate. Dutcher was found covered in blood in the courtyard and taken into custody. His alleged accomplice was discovered in the break room. Both men were charged with two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and second-degree kidnapping. Beth Skinner, director of the Iowa Department of Corrections, identified the victims of the attack as registered nurse Lorena Schulte, 50, and corrections officer Robert McFarland, 46 The criminal count of first-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Officials said both suspects made statements admitting to their involvement in Schulte and McFarland's killings. Woodard was convicted in 2017 of burglary and robbery charges, and was sentenced to 25 years. He was eight years from his projected release date. Dutcher was sentenced in 2015 to 50 years in prison on a robbery conviction. The head of the Iowa Department of Corrections said that nurse Schulte had been with the department since July 2007, while officer McFarland had worked at the prison since October 2008. He leaves behind a wife and children. 'To have these two people taken in an act of senseless violence is nothing short of tragic,' Skinner told reporters. The attack took place on Tuesday in the infirmary at Anamosa State Penitentiary in Iowa during a botched prison break attempt The deaths are believed to be the first time an Iowa prison staff member has been killed by an inmate since 1969, when Iowa State Penitentiary officer Sam Reed was assaulted and stabbed by inmate Edward N. Clark. Inmates took a dozen staff members hostage during a 1981 riot at that prison but none were killed. Gov. Kim Reynolds said the state was grieving the deaths of 'two public servants who were attacked while on duty at the Anamosa State Penitentiary.' 'My prayers and deepest condolences are with their families, friends, and colleagues as they begin to cope with this senseless tragedy,' she said. 'We will exhaust every available resource to deliver justice to those who committed this act and bring a sense of closure and peace to the victims families.' The prison houses about 945 inmates in both maximum- and medium-security wings and has around 320 staff members. More than 1,000 inmates and staff at the prison have tested positive for coronavirus in the last year, including during a major outbreak that briefly made Jones County one of the nations worst hot spots. Six have died of complications from the virus, the most at any prison in Iowa, according to department data. But as of Tuesday, no inmates or staff at the prison were known to be positive. AFSCME Council 61 President Danny Homan, whose union represents Iowa correctional employees, said the workers were the first killed by an inmate since he started at the union in 1988. He said he was still gathering information about what happened. 'No one should ever have to go to work and worry about whether they will come home or not,' Homan said in a statement. 'Unfortunately for two Iowans who had committed their lives to keeping our communities safe, they wont be going home tonight.' The union president told the Associated Press the infirmary attack was a failure of the system. 'I dont know how or why or any particulars,' Homan said. 'But somebody failed because those two employees are not getting to go home this evening.' DGAP Voting Rights Announcement: QIAGEN N.V. QIAGEN N.V.: Release according to Article 40, Section 1 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 24.03.2021 / 22:06 Dissemination of a Voting Rights Announcement transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The AFM (the Netherlands Authority For the Financial Markets has informed us on March 20, 2021 that a notification related to our institution has been released by the AFM. The following notification has been disclosed in the relevant register on the AFM website: Date of transaction: 16 mar 2021 Person obliged to notify: Goldman Sachs Group Inc., The Issuing institution: Qiagen N.V. Registration Chamber of Commerce: 12036979 Place of residence: VENLO Distribution in numbers Type of share Number of shares Number of voting rights Capital interest Voting rights Manner of disposal Settlement Contract for difference 75.351,00 75.351,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International In cash Contract for difference 15.243,00 15.243,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC In cash Swap 2.044,00 2.044,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC In cash Swap 14.576,00 14.576,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International In cash Ordinary share 2.500,00 2.500,00 Real Real Indirectly - United Capital Financial Advisers, LLC Physical Delivery Ordinary share 167.259,00 167.259,00 Real Real Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International Physical Delivery Ordinary share 868.650,00 868.650,00 Real Real Indirectly - Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. Physical Delivery Convertible bond 568.374,00 568.374,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International Physical Delivery Warrant 68.964,00 68.964,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International In cash Option 3.863.782,00 3.863.782,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Physical Delivery Ordinary share 321.584,00 321.584,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Physical Delivery Ordinary share 4.262,00 4.262,00 Real Real Indirectly - Goldman Sachs Asset Management International Physical Delivery Ordinary share 823.397,00 823.397,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman Sachs International Physical Delivery Warrant 2.531,00 2.531,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman, Sachs & Co. Wertpapier GmbH In cash Swap 82.026,00 82.026,00 Potential Potential Indirectly - Goldman, Sachs & Co. Wertpapier GmbH In cash Ordinary share 36,00 36,00 Real Real Indirectly - Folio Investments Inc. Physical Delivery Distribution in percentages Type Total holding Directly real Directly potential Indirectly real Indirectly potential Capital interest 2,98% 0,00% 0,00% 0,45% 2,53% Voting rights 2,98% 0,00% 0,00% 0,45% 2,53% QIAGEN N.V. is not responsible for the accuracy and correctness of the notification above. The content has been taken from the relevant register of the AFM: https://www.afm.nl/en/professionals/registers/meldingenregisters/substantiele-deelnemingen/details?id=108465 24.03.2021 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de Scientists make pivotal discovery of method for wireless modulation of neurons with X-rays that could improve the lives of patients with brain disorders. The X-ray source only requires a machine like that found in a dentist's office. Many people worldwide suffer from movement-related brain disorders. Epilepsy accounts for more than 50 million; essential tremor, 40 million; and Parkinson's disease, 10 million. Relief for some brain disorder sufferers may one day be on the way in the form of a new treatment invented by researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and four universities. The treatment is based on breakthroughs in both optics and genetics. It would be applicable to not only movement-related brain disorders, but also chronic depression and pain. "Our high precision noninvasive approach could become routine with the use of a small X-ray machine, the kind commonly found in every dental office." -- Elena Rozhkova, a nanoscientist in Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials This new treatment involves stimulation of neurons deep within the brain by means of injected nanoparticles that light up when exposed to X-rays (nanoscintillators) and would eliminate an invasive brain surgery currently in use. "Our high-precision noninvasive approach could become routine with the use of a small X-ray machine, the kind commonly found in every dental office," said Elena Rozhkova, a lead author and a nanoscientist in Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), a DOE Office of Science User Facility. Traditional deep brain stimulation requires an invasive neurosurgical procedure for disorders when conventional drug therapy is not an option. In the traditional procedure, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, surgeons implant a calibrated pulse generator under the skin (similar to a pacemaker). They then connect it with an insulated extension cord to electrodes inserted into a specific area of the brain to stimulate the surrounding neurons and regulate abnormal impulses. "The Spanish-American scientist Jose Manuel Rodriguez Delgado famously demonstrated deep brain stimulation in a bullring in the 1960s," said Vassiliy Tsytsarev, a neurobiologist from the University of Maryland and a co-author of the study. "He brought a raging bull charging at him to a standstill by sending a radio signal to an implanted electrode." About 15 years ago, scientists introduced a revolutionary neuromodulation technology, "optogenetics," which relies on genetic modification of specific neurons in the brain. These neurons create a light-sensitive ion channel in the brain and, thereby, fire in response to external laser light. This approach, however, requires very thin fiberoptic wires implanted in the brain and suffers from the limited penetration depth of the laser light through biological tissues. The team's alternative optogenetics approach uses nanoscintillators injected in the brain, bypassing implantable electrodes or fiberoptic wires. Instead of lasers, they substitute X-rays because of their greater ability to pass through biological tissue barriers. "The injected nanoparticles absorb the X-ray energy and convert it into red light, which has significantly greater penetration depth than blue light," said Zhaowei Chen, former CNM postdoctoral fellow. "Thus, the nanoparticles serve as an internal light source that makes our method work without a wire or electrode," added Rozhkova. Since the team's approach can both stimulate and quell targeted small areas, Rozhkova noted, it has other applications than brain disorders. For example, it could be applicable to heart problems and other damaged muscles. One of the team's keys to success was the collaboration between two of the world-class facilities at Argonne: CNM and Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (APS), a DOE Office of Science User Facility. The work at these facilities began with the synthesis and multi-tool characterization of the nanoscintillators. In particular, the X-ray excited optical luminescence of the nanoparticle samples was determined at an APS beamline (20-BM). The results showed that the particles were extremely stable over months and upon repeated exposure to the high-intensity X-rays. According to Zou Finfrock, a staff scientist at the APS 20-BM beamline and Canadian Light Source, "They kept glowing a beautiful orange-red light." Next, Argonne sent CNM-prepared nanoscintillators to the University of Maryland for tests in mice. The team at University of Maryland performed these tests over two months with a small portable X-ray machine. The results proved that the procedure worked as planned. Mice whose brains had been genetically modified to react to red light responded to the X-ray pulses with brain waves recorded on an electroencephalogram. Finally, the University of Maryland team sent the animal brains for characterization using X-ray fluorescence microscopy performed by Argonne scientists. This analysis was performed by Olga Antipova on the Microprobe beamline (2-ID-E) at APS and by Zhonghou Cai on the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (26-ID) jointly operated by CNM and APS. This multi-instrument arrangement made it possible to see tiny particles residing in the complex environment of the brain tissue with a super-resolution of dozens of nanometers. It also allowed visualizing neurons near and far from the injection site on a microscale. The results proved that the nanoscintillators are chemically and biologically stable. They do not wander from the injection site or degrade. "Sample preparation is extremely important in these types of biological analysis," said Antipova, a physicist in the X-ray Science Division (XSD) at the APS. Antipova was assisted by Qiaoling Jin and Xueli Liu, who prepared brain sections only a few micrometers thick with jeweler-like accuracy. "There is an intense level of commercial interest in optogenetics for medical applications," said Rozhkova. "Although still at the proof-of-concept stage, we predict our patent-pending wireless approach with small X-ray machines should have a bright future." The related article "Wireless optogenetic modulation of cortical neurons enabled by radioluminescent nanoparticles" appeared in ACS Nano. In addition to Rozhkova, Chen, Finfrock, Antipova and Cai, another Argonne author is Rosemarie Wilton. University contributors include Vassiliy Tsytsarev, Dongyi Wang, Yi Liu, Brandon Gaitan, Yang Tao and Yu Chen from the University of Maryland, Department of Bioengineering; Hiroyuki Arakawa and Reha Erzurumlu from the University of Maryland School of Medicine; Fritz Lischka from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Bryan Hooks from the University of Pittsburgh, Department of Neurobiology; and Huanghao Yang from Fuzhou University. ### This research received support from the DOE Office of Science, National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. About Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials The Center for Nanoscale Materials is one of the five DOE Nanoscale Science Research Centers, premier national user facilities for interdisciplinary research at the nanoscale supported by the DOE Office of Science. Together the NSRCs comprise a suite of complementary facilities that provide researchers with state-of-the-art capabilities to fabricate, process, characterize and model nanoscale materials, and constitute the largest infrastructure investment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative. The NSRCs are located at DOE's Argonne, Brookhaven, Lawrence Berkeley, Oak Ridge, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. For more information about the DOE NSRCs, please visit https:/ / science. osti. gov/ User-Facilities/ User-Facilities-at-a-Glance . About the Advanced Photon Source The U. S. Department of Energy Office of Science's Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory is one of the world's most productive X-ray light source facilities. The APS provides high-brightness X-ray beams to a diverse community of researchers in materials science, chemistry, condensed matter physics, the life and environmental sciences, and applied research. These X-rays are ideally suited for explorations of materials and biological structures; elemental distribution; chemical, magnetic, electronic states; and a wide range of technologically important engineering systems from batteries to fuel injector sprays, all of which are the foundations of our nation's economic, technological, and physical well-being. Each year, more than 5,000 researchers use the APS to produce over 2,000 publications detailing impactful discoveries, and solve more vital biological protein structures than users of any other X-ray light source research facility. APS scientists and engineers innovate technology that is at the heart of advancing accelerator and light-source operations. This includes the insertion devices that produce extreme-brightness X-rays prized by researchers, lenses that focus the X-rays down to a few nanometers, instrumentation that maximizes the way the X-rays interact with samples being studied, and software that gathers and manages the massive quantity of data resulting from discovery research at the APS. This research used resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. DOE Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. A North Korea flag flutters next to concertina wire at the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 9, 2017. North Korea's recent launch of short-range missiles is not in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, senior U.S. officials said Tuesday, calling them part of "normal testing." Reuters North Korea's recent launch of short-range missiles is not in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, senior U.S. officials said Tuesday, calling them part of "normal testing." "We're also aware of military activity last weekend by DPRK that is not sanctioned under U.N. Security Council resolutions, restricting the ballistic missile program," a senior administration official said in a telephonic press briefing. Earlier reports said the North launched multiple short-range missiles over the weekend. "We do not publicly respond to every kind of test. What I think (we) are trying to underscore for you is that this is a system that is not covered by U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolutions," a second administration official told reporters, while speaking on condition of anonymity. "It is a normal part of the kind of testing that North Korea would do," the official said. "We do not believe that it is in our best interest to hype these things in circumstances, in which we would consider those activities as part of a 'normal' set of a tense military environment like we see on the Korean peninsula." In Seoul, military sources said that the North fired two cruise missiles off its west coast Sunday, which is not subject to U.N. resolutions. Pyongyang has continued to maintain a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing since late 2017. If you're comfortable booking travel plans to kick start your summer, there are plenty of round trip airfares for under $250 during Memorial Day weekend. The May 31 holiday is considered the unofficial start to summer. With the extra day off, it may be the perfect time to ditch Texas for a few days. Bharat Thakrar resigns as WPP Scangroup CEO and board member following his suspension over alleged gross misconduct last month. In a statement, Scangroup board announced that it had received Bharat's resignation letter and accepted it. "The Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bharat Thakrar, has tendered his resignation as CEO and board member, which the Board has accepted. Mr Thakrar has also resigned a director of the Company's subsidiaries and affiliates," the board said in a statement. The board, however, indicated that the investigation into the allegations of gross misconduct against Bharat and the Chief Financial Officer Satyabarata Das will continue "The investigation into the allegations of gross misconduct and possible offences against the two executives will continue," said the board in a statement. Bharat was suspended alongside Das on February 18. The company is now looking for a new CEO to head the company as Chief Operating Officer Mr Alec Graham continues to head the firm in an acting capacity. "The Board will now commence the process to recruit a new CEO for the Company. In the interim, the Board has delegated authority to an interim Chief Operating Officer, Mr AIec Graham, so as to ensure the continued management of the Company, with the support of the Board and the senior executives of the subsidiaries," added the statement. Bharat founded the Scanad group (Scangroup) in 1982. 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! As I traverse back into the times and look at the bygone year, the first thing which comes into my mind is the disturbing images and countless stories of pain and sufferings of millions of Indians, their fear and anxiety, their anger and frustration, their difficulties and fight for survival in a new world completely dominated by the coronavirus which has been responsible for millions of deaths across the globe. On March 24, 2021, the 21-day long nationwide lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an unprecedented drastic measure to break the chain of infections caused by the COVID-19 virus, will complete one year. I still remember I was not at home when the Prime Minister suddenly appeared on the national television around 8 PM on March 24 last year and, without a prior warning, announced that a three-week national lockdown would be enforced to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus. There was some medical emergency with one of my close relatives and I had gone to see him at a hospital in Saket. The doctors had just shifted my relative to a private ward after his four-hour-long surgery and we were there taking care of him, completely unaware of what had happened in between. After nearly half-an-hour, when we came out to go back home around 9 PM, we saw chaotic scenes and people running helter-skelter and mobile phones ringing. I too checked mine and noticed that there were several missed calls. As we came to the reception, we saw people hooked on to the big TV there and watching the repeat telecast of PM Modis lockdown announcement that was to come into force from midnight to combat the deadly disease. After sensing the situation, I was numb, panic-stricken for a few seconds... I had goosebumpsan unknown fear had seeped into my mindwhat will happen now, how will we handle this situationwhat will I do if this happens.ration, groceries, milk, medicines.there were so many questions... My mobile phone was continuously ringing...my parents who live in Allahabad, my wife at home, my younger brothers who live abroad were continuously calling me. Naturally, they were all worried. I checked the time. it was 9.30 PM. I called my wife the first thing I did at that moment - and assured her that I was on my way back home and asked her to tell family members not to worry. Then I rushed to an ATM located in the vicinity of the hospital to withdraw some money, thinking that some extra cash would be good in these times. There was a long queue outside the ATM and some 10-15 odd people were ahead of me waiting for their turn. Probably, they were all driven by the same human psychology of stacking cash and other essentials to meet the unforeseen situation. On my turn, I withdrew nearly Rs 15000 and hired an auto to go back home. As I was reaching close to my Apartment in Patparganj, I thought of buying milk packets. Upon reaching the nearest Mother Dairy booth, I saw a serpentine queue of people lined up to buy milk and other essentials. I witnessed a similar situation outside the Safal outlet just next to the Mother Dairy booth where many people from the nearby societies had gathered to buy groceries and other items. Clearly, PM Modis sudden announcement had started to show its cascading effect on the panic-stricken peoples mind and there were trying to hoard things as much as they can. Though in his announcement, the PM had urged people not to panic and assured that the supply of essentials items would continue but who cared. Much to my surprise, I saw the crowd swell at both the outlets in no time as people knew only a few hours were left before the lockdown comes into effect. The early birds were able to buy things more than they needed and soon both the shops ran out of stock. Luckily, I had managed to buy five packets of milk by that time and rushed towards my apartment. While opening the door, my wife welcomed me with a barrage of questions. In my absence, she has had long conversations with our parents and the neighbours about the emerging situation and concerns about rising coronavirus cases. My kids, one in class 6th and the other in class 3 looked puzzled too as to what this lockdown meant to them, why cant they go outside, and more importantly, how will they confine themselves to the four walls of their apartment for 21 long days.phew. Possibly, that was a difficult night for everyone, for sure. I was restless too. Till I fell asleep, there was a continuous churning in my mind. I kept reassuring myself that there was adequate ration at home, enough cash, one LPG cylinder running in the kitchen and one kept in reserve, long enough to last for more than 21 days, and medicines etc. The next day the first day of a nationwide lockdown in India - was quite unusual there was not much activity outside, vehicles were off the roads, trains were halted, streets were empty, the city looked quiet, and the entire nation had virtually come to a standstill. As if the time had literally stopped. As the day progressed, news channels showed visuals showing policemen strictly enforcing the lockdown, and the confusion and the widespread chaos which the restrictions regarding the lockdown had created across the length and breadth of the nation. Slowly days and months passed, the government issued a slew of measures, new restrictions, SoPs with greater emphasis on social distancing and use of masks all aimed at breaking the chain of COVID-19 infections and preventing more fatalities. Work from home, digital payments and online learning for kids had become a new culture by then and we all had learned to embrace this new normal effected by the pandemic. Though India, as compared to other nations, has done fairly well so far considering its 1.3 billion-plus population, and the governments response and its handling of the COVID-19 crisis has earned global praise, it has also failed to assess the true consequences of cruel and heartless implementation of the lockdown on the majority of Indians, especially the poor who have paid a huge price. The lockdown and other preventive steps taken by the government were imperative, but they were not effective and enough to end the coronavirus crisis, which is evident from the fact that there have been at least 11,514,300 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in India as of March 20, 2021. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, at least 159,370 Indians have lost their lives due to the virus till this date. Despite the mass vaccination drive the largest in the world - started by the government, a lot still needs to be done. The global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and the virus appears to be making a comeback in one form or the other despite several bold preventive measures taken by the governments. The frequent announcement of night curfews and lockdowns in some states, the closure of schools and colleges, shopping malls, cinema halls and public spots one by one further indicates that a third wave of the coronavirus has begun into the country. Though several vaccines, including the two developed at home, have given a new hope that this major health emergency will end soon, a holistic approach towards tackling the COVID-19 crisis is needed. While the government needs to be more resilient to deal with the pandemic, it must also address those circumstances and factors that can render a certain section of the population most vulnerable. As individuals, we need to understand that the only we can protect ourselves from falling prey to the virus and the fight against coronavirus is not the governments sole responsibility. Its humanitys collective fight against the deadly virus. Soybean rust--perhaps the most feared and studied of all soybean diseases--was first reported in Japan in 1902. It spread slowly, initially impacting only countries in the Eastern Hemisphere from Japan south to Australia and west to China and India. Then in the 1990s, the disease was reported in Hawaii and many African countries. Next, it moved to the Americas: to Paraguay in 2001, to Brazil in 2002, and finally to the continental United States in 2004. If left unchecked, soybean rust can cause yield reductions of up to 80%, according to Glen Hartman, a USDA-ARS research plant pathologist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who focuses on soybean diseases and pests. He describes the development of soybean rust as "explosive under the right conditions--in just a week or two after the first diagnosis of soybean rust in a field, it can become an epidemic nightmare, producing billions upon billions of aerial-dispersed spores." Hartman is one of the editors of Soybean Rust: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic in Brazil, the newest title from APS PRESS. This book was written by the late Jose Tadashi Yorinori, a pioneer researcher who "had the foresight to study rust before it was a problem in Brazil," according to Hartman, and then spent 10 years struggling to bring the disease under control. Yorinori's research and collaborations provided growers with "on-the-spot information about how to diagnose, manage, and reduce the impact of soybean rust," in Hartman's words. This important work "laid the foundation for rust management in Brazil and other countries." Known to many as the "father of soybean pathology in Brazil," Yorinori found his way to plant pathology through the course of his life experiences. The fourth of seven children, he spent his childhood on his family's farm and small coffee plantation near Londrina in the Parana State of Brazil. As a youth, he biked to the cinema to see films about the Wild West, which led to his growing fascination with the United States. In 1967, Yorinori began studying agronomic engineering at Parana Federal University. He saw an opportunity to realize his dream of attending school in the United States when he came across a poster announcing a study program that included a scholarship. When Yorinori arrived in the United States, he was surprised to find that instead of being accepted into an internship program, he actually had been accepted into a master's course in phytopathology at Cornell University. After completing his master's degree, he dedicated his professional life to the study of plant diseases. In 1970, Yorinori began his career at the Meridional Agricultural Research Institute in Brazil, where he conducted his first studies on soybean diseases in Parana State. From 1973 to 1976, he worked at the Parana Agronomic Institute (IAPAR) as a research scientist and coordinator of the Parana State Soybean Research Program, and he helped establish the Soybean National Research Center (CNPSo), now known as Embrapa Soja. Eager to improve his professional skills, Yorinori returned to the United States in 1977 to complete a PhD in plant pathology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also continued to work with researchers at CNPSo/Embrapa to study the chemical control of soybean diseases and the development of resistant cultivars. The research that Yorinori conducted across 30-plus years provided critical training materials for technical staff and farmers on the management of soybean diseases both in Brazil and worldwide. Yorinori published more than 1,000 technical reports and papers and oversaw exchange programs with technicians from South America, Mexico, and the United States. He also participated in several technical committees of the World Soybean Research Conference and other organizations. Yorinori's most significant contribution to the management of soybean rust was to develop and implement a program called the vazio sanitario ("sanitary void"), which requires farmers to maintain a 90-day period free of soybeans before the next summer planting, thereby reducing the overseasoning production of spores by the causal fungus. First applied in Mato Grosso State in 2006, this program is currently adopted by all the soybean-producing regions in Brazil and allows much greater efficiency in soybean rust control. After retiring from Embrapa Soja in 2007, Yorinori started a consulting business and served as a technical-scientific advisor for a range of research institutions, producers' associations, and agrochemical companies. He also worked on a book about soybean rust, drawing on his many years of consistent notetaking, persistent documentation of facts and activities, ongoing communication with the greater community, and skillful photography. He had nearly completed the book when he died in 2016 after falling at home. Dedicated to having his book published, Yorinori's family contacted his former colleague Don Huber, emeritus professor at Purdue University. Huber brought the project to APS PRESS, and a final round of edits and updates was completed by Glen Hartman and Embrapa researchers Mauricio Meyer, Ademir Henning, and Claudia Godoy. When asked how Yorinori's work in Brazil translates to the greater world, Hartman responded: "His work provides insights into soybean production in Brazil and the unfolding of the soybean rust pandemic. He also documents the story of a 10-year struggle to get soybean rust under control, including his struggle to understand soybean rust and his success to overcome barriers brought about by lack of knowledge. The lesson for the 'greater world' is based on Dr. Yorinori's persistence to educate as many people as possible for the greater good of all." Soybean Rust: Lessons Learned from the Pandemic in Brazil is now available in the APS PRESS bookstore. Hartman recommends it as "a good read" for both experienced and novice plant pathologists interested in one of the greatest epidemics ever documented. ### The governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reversed his appointment of Kaosara Adeyi, a 24-year old graduate of the University of Ilorin, as a commissioner. Ms Adeyi was announced at the Tuesday plenary as one of the eight nominees whose names were sent by the governor to the state House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners. According to lawmakers who spoke with our reporter, the Speaker of the House, who read the letter from the executive, Yakubu Danladi, specifically mentioned Ms Adeyi as the commissioner-nominee from Ilorin West. But the state government, in a statement released on Tuesday evening, announced the appointment of Ms Adeyi as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Engagement. This appointment does not require confirmation by the state legislature. Although the reason for the governors backtracking remains unknown, sources said it may be not be unconnected to the stipulation of 25 years as the lowest age for the position. No longer on the list It came as a surprise for the lawmakers when Ms Adeyis name was missing on the official statement of the House after the plenary of Tuesday. Against the letter read on the floor of the chamber, the statement listed seven of the eight names earlier stated at the plenary. The Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq in accordance with section 192 sub-section (1)-(5) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 , submitted the following Nominees for the post of Commissioner of the Government of Kwara State for confirmation by Kwara State House of Assembly. 1- Aliyu Kora Sabi Baruten 2- Arinola Fatima Lawal Ilorin East 3-Raji Rasaq Ekiti 4- Saadatu Modibbo Kawu Ilorin South 5- Aliyu M Saifudeen Kaiama 6- Rotimi Iliyasu Moro 7- Agbaje Femi Whyte Offa. Kwara has 16 local government areas and the Constitution mandates the appointment of at least one person from each of them into the state executive council. The Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their credentials to the Office of the Clerk of the House on Wednesday, ahead of the screening on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT The lawmaker representing Ilorin-South, Jimoh Agboola, expressed shock concerning Ms Adeyis appointment in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Her name (Ms Adeyi) was stated in the letter. But I cannot confirm it has been removed until Thursday. Even if it was because of the age, that would be decided at the screening, he said on Wednesday. He further said there should be another letter to reflect the changes if the executive had changed its mind. However, the governors spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, said Ms Adeyi was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Youth Engagement. Similarly, the Governor has appointed Hajia Fatima Jummai Audu as Special Adviser on Women Affairs. Kaosarah, an author, who is renowned for her extensive reach within the youth constituency, is a graduate of the University of Ilorin where she is Mentor for the varsitys empowerment beneficiaries. Kaosarah is the member representing Kwara State on Northern States Governors Forum Committee on Youth Engagements, Priorities and Inclusion in Governance. She was also a member of the Kwara State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on EndSARS Protest (2020). She was Vice President of the Faculty of Agriculture Students (UNILORIN, 2018) and Vice President of Nigerian Society for Environmental Conservation. Kaosarah comes to the job with several certifications on youth affairs, including at continental level, the statement read. When PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Ajakaye the reason for the last minute change, he said the official statement of the House on the commissioner-nominees is in unity with his own. Her name is not there. That statement is in unity with my statement. Anything else is of no moment. There is no confusion anywhere please. Mrs Kaosara Adeyi is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths Engagement, his text message read. Checks by this newspaper showed that Ms Adeyi could not have featured on the list if she was initially nominated as a senior special assistant. This is because appointment to the office does not need the approval of lawmakers. All efforts to get the speaker to comment on the controversy were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to PREMIUM TIMESs enquiries on the matter. 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. [March 24, 2021] University Research Confirms YouScience Career Aptitude Assessments Can Close Workforce Gender Gaps Research from the University of Missouri confirms aptitude assessments can help close gender gaps and increase the talent pool in high-demand, rapidly growing fields like healthcare, computer technology, manufacturing, and construction. The research, entitled "Mitigating the skills gap by addressing the gender imbalance in high-demand careers," was published by Cambridge University Press. "As our nation works to recover from a historic pandemic that has created significant disruptions in our workforce and labor pool - specifically, a record number of unemployed women - assessing the best strategies to support a comprehensive recovery and maximize talent and opportunity for all Americans is arguably more important than ever," said Dr. Patrick J. Rottinghaus, Associate Professor at the University of Missouri's College of Education and co-author of the research. CJ Park, University of Missouri doctoral candidate and research co-author, said, "We've long grappled with a skills gap in key industries, and we also know that women and people of color are underrepresented in certain sectors of the labor market. The research suggests that men and women have equal abilities to compete for and excel in some of the most high-demand, high-wage jobs available - and it's up to us to make sure that we're leveraging the right tools to direct that talent." The University of Missouri compared 7,222 (3,619 females and 3,603 males) high school students' self-reported interests and assessed aptitudes in four industrie: manufacturing, computer technology, construction and healthcare (direct patient care and technical). Aptitude assessments were conducted by YouScience, developer of a revolutionary aptitude and career discovery tool used by more than 7,000 school districts nationwide. According to the university research findings, interests are influenced by perceived "societal norms" that limit the scope of students' career exploration. While interests vary by gender, both males and females demonstrate equal aptitudes for careers in all four industries. Male students demonstrated a greater interest in manufacturing, construction, computer technology and tech-focused health care jobs, while females were more likely to demonstrate a high interest in patient-centered health care. However, when compared to interest assessments, aptitude assessments helped identify seven times more female students with the natural talent for careers in construction and technical health care, four times more females with the talent for jobs in the manufacturing field, and twice as many females with the talent for jobs in computer technology. with the natural talent for careers in construction and technical health care, with the talent for jobs in the manufacturing field, and with the talent for jobs in computer technology. Aptitude assessments also helped identify nearly twice as many males with the talent to pursue jobs in patient-centered health care. "Due to traditional societal norms and gender stereotypes, young women have historically not been as likely to pursue STEM careers," Rottinghaus said in an article. "But when we looked at their aptitude scores, the system would often indicate many of the young women surveyed have the aptitude to be successful in these areas. We can also help men consider more nontraditional fields, too, such as nursing or health care, which tend to be predominantly female." As the research concludes, "In a post-COVID world, there will be slack in the labor markets. As a result, the risk increases for students as they move from educational pathways to careers. Without making intentional decisions to align aptitudes, interests, educational pathways, and labor market needs, students could suffer real economic harm." Philip Hardin, YouScience co-founder and CFO, said, "At YouScience, we see every day that the right tools can open students' eyes to career opportunities that they'd never considered or never even heard of. But once a young person has an opportunity to explore what they're good at and understand how their individual talents fit in the workforce, it's a total gamechanger. We're grateful to the University of Missouri for partnering with us on this important research and hope it will help schools reimagine their approach to career guidance and help jobseekers, both present and future question what is and what could be." To learn more about YouScience, visit www.youscience.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005764/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Charleston, WV (25301) Today Thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 [March 24, 2021] GLOBAL TECH INDUSTRIES GROUP, INC.'S ISSUER COMPANY RELATED ACTION NOTIFCATION SUBMITTED TO FINRA New York, New York, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ( GTII : OTCQB) Global Tech Industries Group, Inc. ( GTII or the Company), www.gtii-us.com , a Nevada Corporation, having previously disclosed the approval of a dividend in the form of a warrant to be offered to its shareholders of record as of April 1, 2021, submitted the related Issuer Company Related Action Notification to FINRA. GTIIs Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Reichman stated, Our team worked tirelessly to put the plan into action by executing a Warrant Agreement that we believe gives our loyal shareholders an opportunity to take advantage of our rapid expansion, as we continue to execute our business plan. About Global Tech Industries Group, Inc.: GTII is a publicly traded company incorporated in the state of Nevada, specializing in the pursuit of acquiring new and innovative technologies. Please follow our company at: www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GTII Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward looking statements that are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks as well as uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected, including statements related to the amount and timing of expected revenues related to our financial performance, expected income, distributions, and future growth for upcoming quarterly and annual periods. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Among other matters, the Company may not be able to sustain growth or achieve profitability based upon many factors including but not limited to the risk that we will not be able to find and acquire businesses and assets that will enable us to become profitable. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant expenses in our development stage, noting that there is no assurance that we will generate enough revenues to offset those costs in both the near and long term. New lines of business may expose us to additional legal and regulatory costs and unknown exposure(s), the impact of which cannot be predicted at this time. Blaine Riley br@intlmonetary.com International Monetary 620 Newport Center Drive, #1100 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.200.4601 www.gtii-us.com www.otcmarkets.com/stock/GTII [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Incomes: Mark Cassidy of the Central Bank said emergency economic supports should be withdrawn only gradually. The scale of new mortgage arrears stemming from the Covid pandemic will only be seen when wage and business supports are withdrawn, the Central Banks chief economist has warned. Banks have reported a relatively minor increase in mortgage arrears over the past 12 months despite the massive jobs hit as a result of the pandemic and lockdowns. However, Government wage supports and help to employers as well as payment breaks offered by the banks last year means most households have not yet suffered real drops in income, Mark Cassidy, director of economics and statistics at the Central Bank told the Oireachtas Public Finance Committee yesterday. "A lot of issues will only become evident once the supports are removed, he said. But he said some people will not return to work when the economy does reopen. Around 960,000 people, or 39.3pc of the labour force, are currently in receipt of some form of income support with younger and lower paid workers most affected, he said. Read More However, unlike previous economic crisis, the scale of Government support means that, on average, household income rose by 4pc last year, rather than fell. Without transfers such as the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) household incomes would have fallen 6pc, he said. Under questioning from TDs, Mr Cassidy said there could be grounds to look at continuing EWSS-style schemes that maintain household income and a link between employee and employer through any future temporary jobs losses. The Central Bank expects to see economic activity begin to return to normal in the second half of this year, based on the successful administration of vaccines. Emergency economic supports should be withdrawn only gradually, he said. Until then "It would clearly be unwise to be think of reducing those supports. The economy will not reopen intact, Mr Cassidy warned. The pandemic has introduced changes in consumer preferences, spending habits and commuting patterns that are set to persist. Even when current supports are removed, Government should focus investment on areas where investment can support recovery. The long-term effect of failing to do was a key lesson from the last crash, he said. 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. DCFS was familiar with the fifth grader. She had been in the system since she was 6, and more than a dozen reports of abuse or neglect had been filed, according to CBS. DCFS was alerted to the abuses as early as 2016. Numerous calls, including from her school, were made to the abuse hotline, CBS reported. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of earnings updates by London-listed companies, issued on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News: CPPGroup PLC - Leeds-based products and services for financial services and insurance sectors - Revenue for 2020 increases 2% to GBP141.1 million while pretax profit nearly doubles to GBP2.0 million from GBP1.1 million. "While we saw major disruption from Covid-19 in the second quarter, the response of our teams, resilience of our model, and improving conditions in key markets meant we were able to deliver a robust performance in the second half and solid numbers for the full year," says Chief Executive Jason Walsh. Recommences dividend payments for the first time since 2011, with payout of 25p. TClarke PLC - London-based building services company - Revenue for 2020 falls to GBP231.9 million from GBP334.6 million, while pretax profit shrinks to GBP1.2 million from GBP9.0 million. Total dividend for the year steady at 4.4p. Says pleasing that business remained profitable amid challenges in 2020. "Having secured such a strong order book at this early stage of the year gives the board strong confidence for the year ahead. Following a slightly slower start we expect revenues and profit to build rapidly throughout the course of the second half of the year as our recently secured projects gain momentum," TClarke says. St James House PLC - gaming, lotteries, and payment processing software provider - Share suspension lifted after firm publishes annual results for the year to January 31, 2020, on Tuesday and half-year results for period to July 31 on Wednesday. For half-year period, revenue rises to GBP641,000 from GBP422,000 and pretax loss narrows to GBP567,000 from GBP1.3 million. "The technology advancements and structural changes within the payments division of the past year are beginning to show positive results in terms of increase in transactions driving an increased contribution to revenue and gross profit," company says. Adds that in the period from February 25 to March 22, growth has continued in the payments dividend. Chief Executive Graeme Paton says: "We are delighted that trading in our ordinary shares is being restored today. This has been a difficult year for the Company, but we can now see positive signs on both the operational and financial fronts." Says it is in advanced discussions with an external investor to provide a working capital facility and expects to complete arrangements shortly, at which time a further announcement will be made. Secured Income Fund PLC - investor focused on SME loan assets and secured lending opportunities - Reports net asset value per share of 78.26p as at end of December, down from 92.36p a year ago and 86.37p at the end of June. Still expects wind-down plan will likely take two or three years to execute with the objective of delivering investors total proceeds as close to NAV as possible. "Market conditions have continued to be challenging but the immediate risks to the portfolio, as presented at the start of the pandemic in the first quarter of 2020, have largely dissipated which is a testament to the careful management of borrower relationships by the Investment Manager. However, the Investment Manager remains vigilant and is mindful of the challenges posed by any reduction in furlough and bounce back policies that have greatly assisted some of our counterparties," company says. Has returned 8.5p per share to shareholders since the wind down proposals were adopted in September. Pittards PLC - leather products producer - Reports revenue of GBP15.2 million for 2020, tumbling from GBP22.3 million in 2019, while swinging to pretax loss of GBP2.3 million from prior year's GBP579,000 profit. Says first half was challenging operationally given sudden change in demand related to Covid-19. Says it has entered 2021 stronger, with a more diverse and flexible business. "It remains too early to judge how strong the recovery will be, but on balance, we see more reason to be positive that we can make further progress to build on the momentum of the second half of last year, starting the year with stronger demand from customers," Pittards says. Rainbow Rare Earths Ltd - rare earth metals projects in Burundi and South Africa - Revenue for six months to end of December jumps to USD527,000 from USD156,000, and pretax loss narrows to USD890,000 from USD1.1 million. Says further funding is expected to be raised in the second half to allow full feasibility study to be completed at the Phalaborwa asset, and support ongoing corporate overheads. "The supply/demand fundamentals in the NdPr market present Rainbow with an exciting opportunity and we are confident in our capacity to become a globally significant producer of rare earth metals and to take advantage of the favourable market outlook," says Chief Executive George Bennett. PRS REIT PLC - real estate investment trust focusing on new-build family homes for the private rental market - Reports rental income of GBP10.7 million for half year to December 31, up 91% on a year ago, while pretax profit rises 85% to GBP20.3 million. EPRA NAV per share at December 31 96.2p, up 1% on a year ago. Says business performed well despite challenges, with 1,081 new homes added over the period. "There continues to be a deficit in supply and we are confident about prospects for the Company and the delivery of our dividend target for the current financial year," says Non-Executive Chair Steve Smith. Separately, PRS REIT appoints Geeta Nanda as a non-executive director. She is chief executive of Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association, having previously led its creation in 2017 with the merger of Metropolitan Housing Trust and Thames Valley Housing Association Ltd, where she was CEO. Telit Communications PLC - London-based company that focuses on software for the 'internet of things' - Revenue for 2020 falls 10% to USD343.6 million, and pretax profit tumbles to just USD7.9 million from USD59.9 million. In 2019, the firm booked a USD54.5 million profit on disposal of the automotive business, which did not repeat in 2020. Says board continues to consider returning cash to shareholders, but believes it would not be prudent to do so until the end of the pandemic is more clearly in sight. "We are clearly mindful of risks to our business, including those related to Covid-19 that might affect us in the short term, but our business will benefit both from the addition of 5G, OneEdge and our core network, from new offerings within the cloud & connectivity business. In view of this and seeing the benefits of the hard work of recent years, the board is confident in the group's prospects for the future," company says. Frontier IP Group - London-based intellectual property commercialisation firm - Says fair value of portfolio rose by 21% to GBP23.4 million at end of December versus GBP19.4 million at end of June. Unrealised profit on the revaluation of investments increased 33% to GBP4.0 million, and pretax profit rose 45% to GBP3.0 million from GBP2.1 million. Says the GBP2.2 million raised during the period provides the group with firepower to take advantage of a "increasing number of opportunities" across the portfolio. Circassia Group - medical device company focused on respiratory diagnostics and monitoring - Revenue for 2020 falls 31% to GBP23.9 million from GBP34.6 million, but pretax loss slims to GBP18.4 million from GBP27.6 million. Looking ahead, company says: "While it remains challenging to predict short-term business performance during the Covid-19 pandemic, we are cautiously optimistic following early signs of recovery in the first quarter of 2021 trading in our Clinical business. Our Research business has made a strong start to the year." Separately, Circassia enters into subscription agreements with three of its major institutional shareholders, Harwood Capital, Richard Griffiths and Lombard Odier Asset Management, to raise a total of GBP5 million. Sopheon PLC - enterprise software provider - Revenue dips to USD30.0 million in 2020 from USD30.3 million in 2019, adding that 2021 revenue visibility is at USD24.5 million. Pretax profit falls to USD1.7 million from USD2.5 million, but company maintains dividend at 3.25p per share. Says this was first full year of prioritising software as a service contracts for new customer engagements. "With a solid revenue base already in place for 2021, plus our strong balance sheet, a superb customer base and a team of great people - I am confident that Sopheon has a great future, and that the SaaS transition is exactly the right strategy to pursue," says Chair Barry Mence. Bonhill Group PLC - B2B media business - Reports revenue of GBP17.8 million for 2020, down 27% on the year before, while pretax loss widens to GBP10.9 million from GBP4.1 million. Says 2020 was most challenging year in group's history, with the business "severely impacted" by the pandemic. Business Information revenue fell by 21%, Events by 37% and Data & Insight by 17%. "We are confident of revenue growth of approximately 12% in 2021 and to report Ebitda of approximately GBP1.2 million, excluding any government support. We have had a promising start to 2021 and entered the year with an optimised operating model, strong customer relationships and some clear areas for growth," says Chief Executive Simon Stilwell. Applied Graphene Materials PLC - graphene materials maker with headquarters in Redcar, Cleveland - Revenue for six months to January 31 rises to GBP42,000 from GBP35,000, with pretax loss slimming to GBP1.8 million from GBP2.3 million. Notes that revenue increased despite disruption to trading caused by the pandemic. Notes that new funding secured at the start of 2020 gives the business a cash runway well into 2023, and gives the company opportunity to push forward developing a "solid platform" of sales. Oriole Resources PLC - AIM-quoted exploration company focused on West Africa - Reports pretax loss of GBP468,000 for 2020, narrowing from GBP1.7 million in 2019. Administration expenses fall to GBP1.0 million from GBP1.6 million. In year ahead, Oriole expects news across five drill programmes, as well as the generation of targets across its 3,592 kilometre square Central Cameroon licence package. "With cash in the bank, and further cash potentially coming in from warrant exercises and the legacy asset realisation programme, the near-term exploration programme is fully-funded. We continue to look for further opportunities that we believe would add shareholder value," company says. JPMorgan US Smaller Companies Investment Trust PLC - investor focused on smaller US stocks - Reports net asset value total return for 2020 of 16%, matching its benchmark index. NAV per share 394.9p at end of 2020, up from 343.0p at end of 2019. "Following the last tempestuous year there are reasons to be optimistic for the outlook for US smaller companies. The political backdrop in the US appears more stable. Alongside this, the flurry of positive news from a number of vaccine producers in late 2020 and early 2021 has been followed by the roll-out of wide scale vaccination programmes which should kick start much of the currently curtailed economic activity," company says. Alternative Liquidity Fund Ltd - invested in a portfolio of illiquid interests in funds, securities and other instruments - Net asset value per share 18.21 cents at December 31, up from 17.36 cents at end of June. "The notable drivers of the increase in NAV were liquidation proceeds received from the company's holding in Weavering and currency appreciation. The Weavering payment represented the final distribution from the liquidators. The company had been holding the Weavering position at zero given that the liquidation was in its twelfth year and the recovery potential was negligible. However continued dialogue with the liquidators and a previous decision not to forfeit any future claims proved very beneficial," company says. Henderson Eurotrust PLC - focused on high quality European, excluding the UK, investments. - Says net asset value per share total return 11% for half-year to January 31 versus benchmark index, the FTSE World Europe (ex UK) Index, returning 9.9%. NAV per share at period-end 1,528.0p, up from 1,309.2p a year ago. Kenmare Resources PLC - mineral sands products producer - Revenue for 2020 falls to USD243.7 million from USD270.9 million, while pretax profit more than halves to USD22.8 million from USD50.0 million. Revenue decline resulted from reduced volumes, partially offset by increased average prices. Recommends full-year dividend of 10 cents per share, up 22% on 2019. "Following the completion of the development projects, we are generating stronger free cash flow, providing an opportunity to deliver increased shareholder returns. For 2021 we are targeting a dividend pay-out of 25% of profit after tax, up from the previous 20% minimum policy," Kenmare says. By Lucy Heming;A lucyheming@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. WASHINGTON Urging action by the gridlocked U.S. Senate on a package of gun reforms, President Joe Biden on Tuesday demanded the chamber immediately pass two bills that would tighten federal background check laws and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The president's call came less than 24 hours after a gunman killed 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo. ANALYSIS: Not all emergencies are priorities in the Texas Capitol "Weve been through too many of these, Biden said in a speech at the White House. "I dont need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common-sense steps that will save lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act." In the Senate, the measure would face the hurdle of the filibuster, which could only be ended by 60 votes. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said for the first time that she'd be willing to scrap the mechanism, which critics have long decried as an excessive brake on majority rule. Congress must act to end the epidemic of mass shootings in this country," Gillibrand said in a statement. "I support eliminating the filibuster to deliver the changes Americans are demanding, particularly as it relates to common-sense gun control policies such as universal background checks, banning assault weapons, closing the gun show loophole and instituting a federal gun trafficking legislation. Biden's press secretary said Tuesday the president is also considering a range of executive actions on gun laws. Those could reportedly include moves to tackle "ghost guns," hard-to-trace weapons that can be assembled at home, and law enforcement notifications when background checks fail. On Capitol Hill, senators held a hearing Tuesday on how to respond to an uptick of gun violence during the pandemic a forum that highlighted the persistent divide between the two parties on firearms in America and the uphill battle to pass reforms. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer repeated Tuesday that he plans to bring House-passed legislation expanding background checks on gun sales to the Senate floor, although Democrats do not appear to have enough votes to approve the bill. Schumer also will meet with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who has been leading Senate gun negotiations, and other senators this week to decide a path forward on legislation in the chamber. RELATED: Man pulls gun on 11 National Guardsmen delivering COVID-19 vaccine I don't see a lot of need to make changes to a bill that has 90 or 95 percent public support, Murphy said of the House bill, which would require background checks for online firearm sales, at gun shows and in some private transactions. I don't want to be negotiating against myself when there's a proposal that is wildly popular, (and) a political movement behind it that is growing stronger. But Democrats could indeed end up negotiating against themselves: On Tuesday, the moderate Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. said he opposed two House bills. He said commercial gun sales should be subject to background checks, but sales between private individuals should not. Schumer also noted that he has not recently discussed a ban on assault weapons with Biden. Democrats have not coalesced around one major proposal to do that, but legislation could block military-style, semiautomatic weapons like those already banned in New York. (Biden helped pass a 10-year federal assault weapons ban as a senator in 1994.) Democrats have pushed to change federal gun laws for years; Biden worked to strike a deal while he was vice president after the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012. But they've failed to reach compromise with Republicans. Asked if he now had the political capital to get something done, Biden said, "I hope so, and crossed his fingers. I dont know. I havent done any counting yet, he added. SALES: Gun sales hit high in January, continuing 2020 surge The number of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the pandemic as the crisis forced more people home and cost many their work or school. The Capital Region was one of several regions that experienced a sharp uptick in gun violence, with law enforcement citing the health crisis as a challenge for their work trying to head off disputes that can lead to bloodshed. People also bought more guns than ever before in 2020. We cant keep up with it, said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are numb to the numbers. ... That has got to stop. Tuesday's Judiciary Committee hearing on guns exposed the persistent rift between the two parties on federal gun laws. Democrats have championed measures to further regulate gun sales and remove firearms from abusers and people who make threats. Gun violence is an epidemic in its own right, said Blumenthal. We need to end this epidemic with a comprehensive nationwide approach: expanded background checks; extreme-risk laws to prevent suicides, mass shooting and hate crimes; protecting domestic victims; and safe storage standards. These kind of measures are in our reach. Republicans equally vocal about the need to pass legislation backed stronger police forces and prosecution of individuals who illegally purchase guns. They said the push by some progressives to "defund the police" has made people less safe. What happens in this committee after every mass shooting is Democrats propose taking guns away from law-abiding citizens, because thats their political objective, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who repeatedly targeted Blumenthal in his comments. But what they propose, not only does it not reduce crime, it makes it worse. ... When you disarm law-abiding citizens, you make them more likely to be victims. To pass a bill, Democrats will either have to strike a deal on one of the most politically difficult issues they face or eliminate the filibuster in the Senate, a change that would allow Democrats to pass bills with no Republican votes, but could backfire in other ways. The Boulder shooting was the second time in less than a week that the White House ordered flags to fly at half-staff. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21, is in custody and stands accused of killing the 10 victims, including a police officer. In Atlanta last week, another man shot and killed eight people, including six Asian-American women. Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday said the Colorado shooting was baffling. It's 10 people going about their day living their lives, not bothering anybody, Harris said. A police officer who is performing his duties, and with great courage and heroism. Lara Trump and Eric Trump speak during a rally of supporters of US President Donald Trump on The Ellipse outside of the White House on Jan. 6, 2021. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Lara Trump Absolutely Considering US Senate Run in North Carolina Lara Trump is still considering a run for the U.S. Senate in North Carolina, her home state. I am still considering it, absolutely, Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, told Fox News on March 23. Rumors of a potential run by Lara Trump were revived after retiring Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) voted in favor of convicting former President Donald Trump in the Senate impeachment trial. Trump publicly nudged her to run during impromptu remarks he delivered at a dog rescue fundraiser held at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida earlier this month. North Carolina GOP Chairman Michael Whatley told The Epoch Times that Lara Trump would be the candidate to beat if she decided to run. That view is shared by a number of Trump insiders and pollsters. She would have immediate attention and interest from across the state, Whatley said. Shes very beloved here down in North Carolina. Lara Trump has been making regular media appearances and filming episodes of her own political talk show. She regularly defends her father-in-law and critiques the Biden administration. In her March 23 appearance on Fox News, Lara Trump commented on the first press conference of Joe Bidens presidency. Id like to ask him, maybe, I dont know, does he think any of his policies so far have benefited the American people? Because, so far, weve seen energy jobs leave America, weve seen the auto plants are now going back to Mexico when under Donald Trump they actually came here to America, she said. He got people back to work in America. He got things back up and running. Joe Biden is turning it all around. Former President Trump won North Carolina by 1.3 percent in 2020. Lara Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. Earlier this month, former Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski told The Epoch Times that he believes it may not be a good idea for Lara Trump to run because the system in Washington is broken. My problem is, Washington is so fundamentally broken that I dont know if its a good thing anymore, Lewandowski said. I think Lara Trumpand she would be an amazing United States senator if she decided to run, because she would winshe has more influence and more opportunity to drive a narrative today being on the outside than being stuck in a broken system. New Delhi: The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Wednesday (March 24) appealed to the citizens to honour their Annadata and make the Bharat Bandh on March 26 a 'complete success'. "We appeal to the people of the country to make this Bharat Bandh a success and honour their 'Annadata'," farmer leader Darshan Pal was quoted as saying by PTI. In a statement released by the SKM, the farm unions' umbrella body protesting against the three new farm laws, it stated that the farmers have been protesting at the Delhi borders for four months now and instead of paying heed to their demands, the government is discrediting them completely. On March 26, from 6 am to 6 pm, all road and rail transport, markets and other public places will be closed across the country, the letter read. However, this directive is not necessarily to be followed by the places where elections are going to be held. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Rakesh Tikait on Tuesday said that the protesting farmers will not be divided and they may have to go to Delhi and breach barricades again. "They (Centre) have tried to divide us on the lines of caste and religion but they were unsuccessful. You would need to go to Delhi when asked and have to breach barricades again," he had said at a gathering in Jaipur. He also slammed the Central government and said that the farmers will sell crops in the Parliament. PM Modi said farmers can sell crops anywhere. We will prove it by selling at State Assemblies, Collectors' offices and the Parliament. No mandi can be better than Parliament, he was quoted as saying by ANI. Thousands of farmers have been protesting at the various Delhi borders against three farm bills- 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. Live TV You can take Boris Johnson out of his newspaper column and plonk him in No 10, but you can't take the controversialist newspaper columnist out of Boris Johnson. The man who offended many people a few years ago by writing in the Daily Telegraph that Muslim women in burkas 'look like letterboxes' has done it again. During a Zoom meeting with backbench Tory MPs on Tuesday, the Prime Minister reportedly declared: 'The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed, my friends.' Boris the crowd-pleaser quickly realised he had gone too far. He said he regretted the word 'greed', and urged colleagues to forget he had used it. But of course what he had said was leaked to the Press. Prime Minister Boris Johnson holds a news conference at 10 Downing Street, on the day of reflection to mark the anniversary of Britain's first Covid lockdown, March 23, 2021 The idea that Greed is Good has understandably sent his political opponents, and even a few members of his own party, into a fury. Even though he withdrew the statement, he had thought and uttered it and that, to some, is deeply shocking. Greed, after all, is a cardinal sin, according to Christian teaching. For centuries, parents and teachers have instructed children to beware of it. Even the young Boris may have been told by his father Stanley not to snatch the last eclair. So some people will say his embrace of greed as a virtue, however fleeting, illuminates his warped morality, or even the complete absence of decent moral values. I don't agree. Of course he used the wrong word. I doubt, though, that many would have got hot under the collar or even have noticed if he had said a combination of capitalism, ambition and enterprise led to stunning vaccine success. Some would demur, I grant you. There are politicians who mistakenly believe that the State is the most efficient player in ensuring that effective vaccines reach as many people as possible as soon as possible. Not a few of them are sitting in Brussels, surveying the mess they have created. Incidentally, I won't be surprised if some Eurocrats try to make political capital out of Boris's endorsement of greed. And yet isn't the EU itself displaying greed by threatening to bag vaccines already ordered and paid for by the UK? The truth is that without the drive and determination of several pharmaceutical companies, the NHS wouldn't have any vaccines to distribute. Needless to say, in stating this I don't dispute the vital part the health service has played in this country's triumphant vaccine roll-out. What drove these firms? Altruism played a part, to be sure. They wanted to save the world from a catastrophe, or at any rate to limit its effects. This was probably particularly true of brilliant non-commercial scientists, such as those at Oxford University, who have helped develop successful vaccines. And of the brave people who became guinea pigs to test them. But altruism by itself wasn't enough not by a long chalk. With the noble exception of AstraZeneca which has agreed to sell its Oxford vaccine at cost price pharmaceutical companies aim to make handsome profits out of their vaccines, which they will sell much more expensively. Boris Johnson after receiving the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine administered by nurse and Clinical Pod Lead, Lily Harrington at St.Thomas' Hospital on March 19, 2021 in London One can safely assume that even AstraZeneca, though worthily eschewing profits in this instance, hopes for some reward. It has relatively little experience as a manufacturer of vaccines, and probably saw an opportunity to enhance its international reputation. Nor do I suppose it escaped the notice of its executives that a rival in the race to produce a vaccine was the U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which had tried and failed to take over the Anglo-Swedish multi-national in 2014. Ironically, of course, the EU has missed no opportunity to rubbish AstraZeneca unfairly, doubting the efficacy of its jab, and calling into question the firm's good faith. No good deed goes unpunished in this life. It's admittedly unusual to find a 'Big Pharma' company cast in the role of victim. They are more typically propelled by a desire to make enormous profits out of the drugs they develop. They are sometimes rightly accused of over-charging. But the best of them do produce life-saving drugs. GlaxoSmithKline, the other British pharmaceutical giant, has so far failed to come up with an effective vaccine. Nonetheless, with a smaller American partner it has produced a therapy that is claimed to reduce dramatically hospitalisations and deaths from Covid-19. If true, this is a wonderful achievement. Boris Johnson receives the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine at St.Thomas' Hospital, London Boris gives a thumbs up after rolling up his sleeve to have the AstraZeneca vaccine None of this would happen if drug companies were not driven and intensively competitive. Before the 2019 election, Jeremy Corbyn threatened to bring them under state control. Does anyone sensible seriously believe this would lead to more and better medicines? That is what Boris was getting at. Capitalism has been effective in producing new vaccines in record time. Something a bit like greed the burning desire to make loads of money is doubtless one part of the mix. It has to be so. But it's actually a bit more complicated than that. For while the pharmaceutical companies are ruthless and single-minded as well as indispensable they have also to some degree been guided and directed by the Government on our behalf. As the Prime Minister is well aware, the Government has been prepared to spend large sums of money to improve facilities for manufacturing vaccines in the UK. The EU, by contrast, has largely failed in this endeavour. Members of the public receive a dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine at Lichfield cathedral, a temporary vaccination centre, in Lichfield, central England on March 18, 2021 More than 240 million was invested in 2020, and new sums continue to be put in, with a further 48 million being announced in the past week. The Government has successfully harnessed the energy of capitalism, and ensured that it is employed to the benefit of the public. The Oxford-AstraZeneca jab was chiefly funded by the university and the pharmaceutical firm. But the research behind the jab also received 65.5 million from the Government. Novavax, a relatively small American biotech company, was identified last year by the brilliant Kate Bingham then head of the Vaccine Taskforce, as well as a biochemist and successful venture capitalist as worth backing. The very promising, though still unapproved, Novavax jab will be produced by Fujifilm at its Billingham facility on Teesside after significant financial support by the Government. In other words, what we have seen is a combination of pretty voracious capitalism it doesn't get much more voracious than Big Pharma and informed Government intervention in the shape of Bingham and her taskforce. Whether this recipe will work in other areas after the pandemic has receded is far from certain. For the point is that whereas most senior civil servants know little about business, and are therefore ill-equipped to spot commercial winners, Kate Bingham is herself a highly successful capitalist. Whenever Boris Johnson lets slip something outrageous, it's a fair bet that he doesn't believe it, or at any rate only half believes it. A few years ago, he famously said 'F*** business', a sentiment apparently at variance with his latest pronouncement about capitalism and greed. What Boris really means, I think, is that capitalists, not politicians, produce wealth. But it remains the role of government to smooth the edges, to curb the unrestrained instincts of capitalism through regulation and taxation, and to try to steer it towards the common good. Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will take leave from NSW Parliament as police investigate allegations he raped a sex worker at a secluded Blue Mountains lookout. Mr Johnsen, the member for the Upper Hunter, late on Wednesday identified himself as the NSW MP under investigation by the NSW Police Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad over the incident in September 2019. Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen has taken leave from NSW Parliament. Credit:Louise Kennerley His statement came after Blue Mountains Labor MP Trish Doyle used parliamentary privilege on Wednesday afternoon to say she had been contacted 18 months ago by a woman who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by an MP in the Berejiklian government. In the unannounced speech that surprised some members of her own party, Ms Doyle did not name the MP, but outlined details of the alleged incident including that he had made contact with the woman via the adult classified website Locanto and arranged to meet her on his way home from Sydney. Lord Naseby provided the much needed ammunition to expose the Geneva lie two years after the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government betrayed the armed forces at the UNHRC in Oct 2015. by Shamindra Ferdinando Successive governments facilitated a high profile treacherous Geneva process by conveniently or incompetently refraining from exploiting former RAF pilot Michael Wolfgang Laurence Morris or Lord Nasebys shocking disclosure in the House of Lords on Oct 12, 2017 to set the record straight as regards unsubstantiated war crimes. The real issue is not defeat suffered by Sri Lanka at the UNHRC yesterday (23) but the failure on the part of successive governments to properly defend the armed forces. Sri Lanka defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which was widely considered to be invincible and the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world, following a nearly three-year long combined security forces campaign. The war was brought to a successful conclusion on the banks of the Nanthikadal lagoon on May 19, 2009. Sri Lankas collective failure to take advantage of Lord Nasebys revelation as well as other related credible information in the public domain is nothing but betrayal of the war-winning armed forces. Lord Naseby provided the much needed ammunition to expose the Geneva lie two years after the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government betrayed the armed forces at the UNHRC in Oct 2015. On behalf of Sri Lanka, the then Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinghe accepted the Accountability Resolution 30/1 on a specific directive from Premier Wickremesinghe-FM Mangala Samaraweera. Aryasinghe, who had earlier strongly opposed the US-led resolution at the informal discussions with the Core Group of Sri Lanka, is our Ambassador in Washington now. A controversial US statement The first indication that unsubstantiated war crimes accusations can be successfully countered was received at the first ever Colombo Defence Seminar conducted in late May-June 2011 during Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriyas tenure as the Commander of the Army (July 2009-July 2013). Jayasuriya succeeded war-winning Army Commander Gen. Sarath Fonseka in the wake of an unprecedented dispute between the Rajapaksas and Fonseka. The Sinha Regiment veteran ended up as the common candidate at the 2010 presidential election challenging Mahinda Rajapaksa his Commander in Chief only a few months before. Thanks to Wikileaks, the US role in making Fonseka the common candidate as well as ensuring the one-time LTTE proxy, the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) extending support to him is in the public domain. The day the TNA declared its support to Fonseka, the unsubstantiated war crimes accusations should have been unceremoniously discarded. But, unfortunately, the war crimes accusations persisted even after the predominantly Tamil speaking northern and eastern electoral districts overwhelmingly voted for him. At the first Defence Seminar, the then US Defence Advisor in Colombo Lt. Col. Lawrence questioned the very basis of allegations, including the execution of surrendered terrorists directed at the Army (58 Division/formerly Task Force I). The US official was responding to a query posed by retired Major General Ashok K. Mehta, formerly of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) deployed here, to Major General Shavendra Silva, the first General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the celebrated 58 Division. Silva, the incumbent Army Chief was there in his capacity as Sri Lankas then No 02 at the UN. Smiths voluntary and spontaneous revelation, made weeks after the UNSGs Panel of Experts (PoE) aka the Darusman report accused Sri Lanka of killing as many as 40,000 (paragraph 137) embarrassed the US (Sri Lanka Defence Symposium: Now, US suspects credibility of LTTE surrender offer with strap linedismisses KP, Nadesan as mouthpieces with no real authority The Island, June 3, 2011) The US State Department had no option but to claim Lt. Colonel Smith hadnt represented the US at the seminar. The political leadership and Army Headquarters never exploited the US officials statement. In fact, Smiths statement made six years before Lord Nasebys disclosure based on the then British Defence Advisor Lt. Col. Anthony Gashs wartime dispatches, should have been the basis for Sri L:ankas defence. It would be pertinent to examine why the first Rajapaksa administration never bothered to examine the US officials statement. In fact, the Army never really pursued the matter during the tenure of Army Commanders Daya Ratnayaka (Aug 2013-Feb 2015), Chrishantha de Silva (Feb-2015-June 2017) and Mahesh Senanayake (June 2017-August 2019) as Commander of the Army. Lord Naseby made his disclosure during Mahesh Senanayakes tenure as the Commander. But, the Army never examined/exploited Lt. Col. Smiths statement and that of Lord Naseby as part of Sri Lankas overall defence in Geneva. The politically motivated US decision to slap a travel ban on incumbent Army Commander in Feb 2020 should be examined against the backdrop of the criminal negligence on Sri Lankas part to counter lies propagated in spite of having powerful ammunition. Actually a Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) is necessary to ascertain the shocking lapses on the part of political and military leaderships that led to Accountability Resolution 30/1 in 2015 and the expansion of relentless and continuing Western campaign. Yahapalanaya rejects Naseby disclosure Treacherous politicians, some sections of the media and diplomatic community and the civil the society worked overtime to suppress Lord Nasebys disclosure that threatened to undermine the devious Geneva project. The Geneva operation was meant to introduce a new Constitution that did away with Sri Lankas unitary status in the guise of addressing accountability issues. The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe administration spearheaded the despicable project. The then Joint Opposition (now SLPP) co-operated in that endeavor by being part of a parliamentary process to draft a new Constitution, spearheaded by Premier Wickremesinghe. President Sirisena remained an onlooker whereas his parliamentary group participated in the process. Wimal Weerawansas National Freedom Front (NFF) subsequently quit the process though his efforts to convince the JO to do so failed. Lord Nasebys disclosure threatened to weaken the yahapalana project. The Foreign Ministry under Ravi Karunanayake (RK received the appointment in the wake of Samaraweeras removal as FM in May 2017) ridiculed Lord Nasebys statement. Did the Sri Lanka High Commission in London bring Lord Nasebys statement to the Foreign Ministrys attention? For want of a Foreign Ministry response to Lord Nasebys very important statement, even a week after it was made, the writer, on Oct 20, 2017, sought an explanation from the Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Ministry response really disappointed a vast majority of people, who expected the government to use the House of Lords disclosure to counter lies that had been propagated by various interested parties. Instead of taking advantage of Lord Nasebys statement, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mahishini Colonne declared: The Government of Sri Lanka remains committed to the national processes, aimed at realizing the vision of a reconciled, stable, peaceful and prosperous nation. Engaging in arguments and debates in the international domain over the number of civilians who may have died at a particular time in the country will not help resolve any issues, in a meaningful manner, locally, except a feel good factor for a few individuals who may think that they have won a debate or scored points over someone or the other. The writer also raised Lord Nasebys disclosure with the four-party Tamil National Alliance (TNA), one-time mouthpiece of the LTTE and the main Opposition in Parliament. The TNA refrained from responding to The Island queries submitted to TNA leader R. Sampanthan. In spite of over a dozen calls/sms to Raghu Balachandran of Sampanthans Office, The Island never received the TNAs response. You may want to know when the set of questions regarding TNAs response to Lord Nasebys disclosure was submitted to that party. The Island submitted the following questions to TNA and Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan on Nov. 27, 2017 and repeatedly reminded the Opposition Leaders Office of the delay on its part to respond: Have you (TNA) studied Lord Nasebys statement made in the House of Lords on Oct. 12, 2017? What is TNAs position on Nasebys claims? Did TNA leaders discuss Nasebys claim among themselves? Did TNA respond to MP Dinesh Gunawardenas statements in Parliament on Nasebys disclosure? And did TNA take up this issue with the UK High Commissioner James Dauris? UK plays politics with Gash reports The British HC too side-stepped the issue. When the writer raised the issue with Lord Naseby soon after his explosive Oct 12, 2017 disclosure, the Conservative Party member said that he received an assurance from the Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mark Field, that the issue at hand would be examined (FCO to study Nasebys proposals The Island, Oct 26, 2017). However, when the writer sought an explanation from the British HC in Colombo on the same matter, the mission dismissed Lord Nasebys statement on the basis he was not speaking for the British government (Nasebys call doesnt reflect UKs stand HC, The Island Dec 6, 2017). The UK never hesitated to praise Channel 4 News that propagated accusations that the Sri Lankan military massacred over 40,000 civilians. The then UK Prime Minister David Cameron went out of his way to praise the Channel 4 team accompanying him to Colombo for CHOGM 2013 when he addressed the media at the BMICH. Questions at this peculiar press conference were only fielded from a handpicked lot, especially from his retinue of embedded reporters from the UK brought with him. Is that another display of British sense of justice and fair play? But one plucky Lankan journalist Rajpal Abeynayake clearly shouted out bloody hypocrites as Cameron got up and left without taking any questions from independent journalists. The UK should really examine its role here, how it had intentionally contributed to terrorism much to the disappointment of the majority of Sri Lankans. Let me remind you of a statement made by one-time UK High Commissioner in Colombo David Tattham in 1996 soon after the armed forces brought the Jaffna peninsula under the government control. Tattham, during a visit to Jaffna, urged the Diaspora not to fund the LTTE. But the UK didnt take any notice of Tatthams appeal. The LTTE was allowed to operate there with impunity. Relevance of Offords speech Despite being up to all types of villainy around the world (for example what did the ICC say recently about the behviour of her troops in Afghanistan and how London shamelessly passed hasty legislation to save their skins), the British are now championing human rights here in its new capacity as leader of the Sri Lanka Core Group without even examining the post-war situation. Perhaps a statement delivered by Matthew Offord, the current Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sri Lanka (Lord Naseby is the Honorary President and Founder) on March 18, 2021 in the House of Commons debate on UKs commitment to reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka underscored the need for a fresh examination of the war, post-war and related matters. The following is the text of elected member Offords speech: I start by highlighting my chairmanship of the all-party parliamentary group on Sri Lanka. Sri Lankas relationship with the rest of the world has been strongly shaped since the end of the conflict by allegations that the Army committed war crimes and crimes against humanity during the final phase of the civil war. A UN panel of experts reported in April 2011 that there were credible allegations of those crimes by both Government and Tamil Tiger forces. It remains my opinion that both sides were at fault. However, I regret the Government of Sri Lankas decision to withdraw support for UNHRC resolution 30/1 and note that previous domestic initiatives have failed to deliver meaningful accountability. I therefore urge the Sri Lankan Government to engage in a process that has the confidence of all on the island. But it would be remiss to state that the current Sri Lankan Government has failed to act. The Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations are to be retained and strengthened, so that communities may build trust. It will be good to see reform of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and progress on the release of political prisoners. We must act as a critical friend to the country. We need to help strengthen democratic institutions, and we must trust Sri Lanka to develop its own judicial and non-judicial mechanisms. Since the end of the conflict, reconciliation has occurred among Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities. People are able to live wherever they wish. They benefit from state resources, such as free education and health services. Private land that was occupied by the military has been returned, former conflict areas have been de-mined with assistance from the United Kingdom, and more than 12,000 ex-LTTE Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelamcadres have been rehabilitated. There is greater connectivity throughout the island and globally, and all of this has transformed the business sector and the lives of everyone in the country. But we should remember that a fresh resolution and accountability are not a panacea for addressing underlying tensions. Questions about how to address the legacy of the Sri Lankan conflict must be answered: what kind of justice is attainable? How should the victims of violations be treated in the process? What might punishment look like, and how can justice play a constructive role in forging a lasting peace? Draft legislation for a truth and reconciliation commission had been prepared under the previous Sri Lankan Government, and that could be revisited. If it gains universal support in Sri Lanka, truth seeking among all stakeholders, including the diaspora in many of our communities and constituencies could make a lasting difference. When these issues have been resolved, a sustainable and acceptable peace will endure. Given the goodwill between our two countries, I ask the Minister: how can the UK help to facilitate a TRC mechanism that is unique to the needs of Sri Lanka? Offord took a sensible and impartial stand on the Sri Lanka issue at the poorly attended debate. Unfortunately, Offord has either deliberately or inadvertently been silent on the need to examine Gash reports pertaining to the Vanni war. The elected House of Commons member owed the public an explanation. Why shouldnt the Conservative party member ask his government to release the entire set of Gash reports to help ascertain the truth? Recently, former Sri Lanka Chief Justice Sarath Nanda Silva told the writer that examination of wartime dispatches from Colombo-based defence advisors and defence attaches would help Geneva to establish the truth. Those who had been pushing Sri Lanka on the human rights front are silent on their own records and tend to depend on faceless accusers. The CJ, 41 was referring to PoE declaration that war crimes accuser wouldnt be examined till 2031. If Offord is really keen on post-war Sri Lanka reconciliation he should push for a thorough inquiry. By depriving access to wartime British HC dispatches from Colombo, one cannot help with the reconciliation. The writer is sure Offord understands the British lost credibility by offering sanctuary to LTTE activist Adele Balasingham, wife of Anton Balasingham, British citizen of Sri Lankan origin. Did the British ever inquire into the possibility of Adeles direct involvement with women suicide cadres? The possibility of Adele knowing the woman suicide bomber who targeted former Indian PM and Congress I leader Rajiv Gandhi can never be ruled out. If New Delhi is really interested in finding the truth it should be the first party to pick up this line of thinking. How Sri Lanka helped enemy strategy Sri Lanka facilitated Western strategy against the country by allowing anti-Sri Lanka propagandists a free hand. One-time Deputy Minister and retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera addressing a media briefing organized by civil society organization Eliya backing Gotabaya Rajapaksas candidature at the 2019 presidential poll said that Lord Nasebys disclosure could be the basis for Sri Lankas defence at the Geneva body. The Navy veteran was flanked by the then The Island political columnist C.A. Chandraprema (our present Permanent Representative in Geneva) and Ven. Medagoda Abhayatissa. Weerasekera, now the Public Security Minister, faulted the yahapalana government for not exploiting Lord Nasebys revelation to Sri Lankas advantage (Lord Nasebys call to revise Vanni death toll: Parliament faulted for not taking up vital issue The Island Nov 8, 2017). The SLPP government certainly owed the public an explanation how it used/failed to use Lord Nasebys disclosure along with other credible information such as Lt. Col. Smiths stand at the 2011 Colombo Defence seminar, Wikileaks revelations and still confidential UN report that dealt with the Vanni conflict and placed the total number of dead at 7,721 to build up a strong case. The writer during separate media briefings during the Yahapalana administration raised the accountability issue and was told by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Mahinda Samarasinghe and Dayasiri Jayasekera the cabinet had never discussed Sri Lankas response to alleged war crimes allegations. Fonsekas colleagues in Nov 2017 (Dayasiri Jayasekera in his capacity as the Cabinet spokesperson) and Aug 2018 (Mahinda Samarasinghe in his capacity as the SLFP spokesperson) revealed a pathetic situation. They acknowledged that the Cabinet of ministers had not discussed Sri Lankas defence nor examined the Geneva Resolution. Jayasekera reacted angrily when the writer queried about the lapse on the part of the government. Jayasekera declared that a statement made by Lord Naseby in the House of Lords would be used by the government appropriately at the right time, though the Cabinet was yet to discuss it. Jayasekera said that they wouldnt take up issues pursued by The Island the way the newspaper wanted. It had not been taken up by the Cabinet on the basis it wasnt considered a grave matter, the Minister said. The Minister initially asserted that Lord Nasebys statement wasnt directly relevant to the Geneva issue (Cabinet spokesman provoked by query on govt response to Naseby move The Island Nov 16, 2017). When the writer asked the then Deputy Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva whether Lord Nasebys disclosure could be used at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the countrys human rights record at Geneva, the then UNPer said that the matter was not directly relevant to the UPR. He was responding to a query by The Island in his capacity as the leader of the countrys delegation to the UPR (The issue never discussed at cabinet: House of Lords statement not directly relevant to UPR-Dr. De Silva The Island, Nov 14, 2017) In spite of the change of government in Nov 2019, the country is yet to take tangible measures to expose the Geneva lie. The handling of the 46th Geneva session proved again Sri Lankas failure. Those responsible should keep in mind Geneva lie cannot be exposed by propaganda alone. URBANA, Ill. - Pumpkin growers dread the tiny tan scabs that form on their fruit, each lesion a telltale sign of bacterial spot disease. The specks don't just mar the fruit's flesh, they provide entry points for rot-inducing fungus and other pathogens that can destroy pumpkins and other cucurbits from the inside out. Either way, farmers pay the price, with marketable yields reduced by as much as 90%. Despite the disease's severity, scientists don't know much about the genetics of the pathogen that causes it; nearly all the molecular information required for accurate diagnostic testing and targeted treatments is lacking for the disease. In a new study, University of Illinois scientists, with the help of two undergraduate students, have assembled the first complete genome for the bacteria that causes the disease, Xanthomonas cucurbitae, and identified genes that are activated during infection. "Assembling a complete circular genome means we now have the resources to better understand what's happening in the field. We can use this information to look at how the pathogen is spreading, whether there are differences in host specificity among sub-populations or strains, or how likely it is to develop resistance to chemical controls," says Sarah Hind, assistant professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at Illinois and senior author on the Phytopathology study. After sequencing the genome, Hind's group compared it to genomes from 12 other Xanthomonas species that cause diseases in a variety of crop plants like tomato, rice, citrus, and wheat. Surprisingly, given its penchant for creating havoc in the field, Xanthomonas cucurbitae had the smallest genome and had fewer genes known to be important for other Xanthomonas species to cause disease. "As this pathogen lacks many of the known virulence (i.e., disease-causing) genes, we don't know exactly which genes are needed by the pathogen to infect cucurbit plants," Hind says. "It could be something we've never seen before, such as a new gene or a mechanism that evolved in this species that isn't seen in the rest of the family. That could be very exciting." To get closer to an answer, the research team grew the bacteria in liquid media that mimicked its host environment and identified more than 400 genes whose expression was altered when the pathogen interacted with its "host." In particular, they observed increased expression of genes for enzymes related to the breakdown of plant tissues, which are key for further development of the disease. If Hind's team can learn more about these factors and how cucurbits respond to them, there may be a way to prevent the bacteria from penetrating pumpkin fruits in the first place. "That would really save the farmers," she says. "They don't care as much when it gets on the leaves, but if it infects the fruit, they're in trouble." Hind adds, "This project wouldn't have been possible without the contributions of some really talented undergraduate students. We love having students participate in our research. They bring a sense of enthusiasm and eagerness - as well as really creative ideas - to the lab that would be hard to generate otherwise." Although both students graduated, see new Crop Sciences students contributing to Hind's other pumpkin projects in this video. High school and transfer students can learn more about Crop Sciences coursework online. ### The article, "Genome sequencing and functional characterization of Xanthomonas cucurbitae, the causal agent of bacterial spot disease of cucurbits," is published in Phytopathology [DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-06-20-0228-R]. Authors include Rikky Rai, Julius Pasion, Tanvi Majumdar, Cory Green, and Sarah Hind. The research was supported with USDA Hatch funds, as well as an ACES Undergraduate Research Scholarship to Tanvi Majumdar. The Department of Crop Sciences is in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Shade uses offensive attack to take down Shanksville in D5-A semis The Free Library of Philadelphia is under fire after a speaker brought in for diversity and inclusion training told staff to avoid terms like white supremacy and white privilege because they were overused and focused on just one race. Diversity consultant Brandi Baldwin, who is black, led the training session for nearly 200 library employees last week via Zoom, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She referred to phrases including white supremacy, white privilege and systematic racism as 'myths' and argued that they shouldn't be used because they distract from solutions and don't account for the fact that people of color can cause just as much harm as white people. 'Are all the inequities you experience at the hands of white people?' Baldwin asked. The presentation drew outrage from many attendees who said it directly contradicted the message they've been pushing in a years-long fight against racism and discrimination within the Free Library. Diversity consultant Brandi Baldwin led a diversity and inclusion training session for nearly 200 employees at the Free Library of Philadelphia last week via Zoom (pictured). During her presentation she told staff to avoid terms like white supremacy and white privilege because they were overused and focused on just one race The presentation drew outrage from many attendees who said it directly contradicted the message they've been pushing in a years-long fight against racism and discrimination within the Free Library (above in a file photo) Among the critics was Andrea Lemoins, a library community organizer who co-founded Concerned Black Workers of the Free Library, a group that has led numerous racial justice protests over the past year. 'Black folk, we are seriously suffering from PTSD from that [expletive] training, even thinking about it now, I just wanna cry,' Lemoins told the Inquirer. 'To say that white privilege doesn't exist? That is a whole level of anti-blackness and internalized racism for her that I just cannot fathom.' Fred Ginyard, another library community organizer, told the newspaper: 'I don't understand how you can address the issue if you can't even name it.' Librarian Perry Genovesi, who is white, called some of Baldwin's messages 'divorced from reality'. He said it seemed like she was trying to placate white people who are uncomfortable with concepts like white privilege. 'It's important not to alienate our fellow white workers, it's true,' Genovesi wrote on an internal staff forum viewed by the Inquirer. 'But as a white worker, I've come to grips with my benefits in white supremacist society. Thinking our fellow white workers are incapable of change, to come over to the side of antiracism, is deprecating.' Genovesi said he did appreciate a few parts of the presentation, including when Baldwin criticized 'open door policies' because they overlook the fact that some people may not feel comfortable raising concerns to management. He also agreed with her point about corporations participating in performative activism that doesn't have any true value. Baldwin cited Crayola's creation of 'multicultural crayons' as an example. Baldwin (left and right) was brought in to lead the seminar by DiverseForce, a diversity and inclusion organization based in Philadelphia whose clients include Comcast, Independence Blue Cross and Wells Fargo Baldwin was brought in to lead the seminar by DiverseForce, a diversity and inclusion organization based in Philadelphia whose clients include Comcast, Independence Blue Cross and Wells Fargo. Baldwin works as a contractor for the company. She has a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Temple University and has taught business communications courses at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She defended herself against the criticism by saying that she gave the kind of presentation the Free Library requested - it just didn't fit what the workers wanted. 'They were looking for something totally different,' she said of the critics. 'They were looking for clearing the air.' Baldwin said that the library should have consulted the workers to see what they wanted from the training beforehand. DiverseForce CEO Sulaiman Rahman addressed the controversy in an email to Free Library staff and accused the critics of detracting from the goal of the training. 'There are some staff members who have created social media posts, contacted media, and sent messages that seemed to be an attempt to publicly shame or discredit Dr. Brandi and/or DiverseForce in response to their concerns and disagreement with some of the content in the presentation,' Rahman wrote. 'This is a reaction that Dr. Brandi touched on in her session and we hope that the staff members who are engaging in these behaviors consider how it can be counterproductive to the overall goal of being inclusive and embracing diversity of thought and perspectives at the Free Library of Philadelphia.' Rahman told the Inquirer that the diversity and inclusion training marked the conclusion of DiverseForce's year-long contract with the Free Library. As part of that contract, DiverseForce wrote a report on how the library could improve equity and helped hire its first chief diversity and inclusion officer, Guy A. Sims, who started the job in December. The Free Library has faced allegations of racism and discrimination toward black workers for years. The tensions came to a head last spring with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, prompting activist employees to form Concerned Black Workers at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Pictured: Black Lives Matter protesters in Philadelphia last May Sims penned a letter to staff about the presentation on Monday and acknowledged workers' criticisms. 'In reviewing evaluative comments, it was indicated that the facilitator offered perspectives that did not reflect the direction we should be headed as an organization,' Sims wrote. 'Those perspectives belong to the facilitator and serve as one of many ways to look at and address DEI issues.' Sims said that the library has asked DiverseForce to re-evaluate its two upcoming training sessions to make sure they 'enable a safe space for staff to engage and start difficult conversations'. 'We will continue to make adjustments as we navigate the Free Library's path forward in addressing inequity within the organization, and include many more voices in further conversations, workshops, and trainings that address systemic racism and white supremacy on a deeper level,' he said in a statement to the Inquirer. Ginyard, however, expressed doubt that the next sessions will be any better. 'Y'all miss the mark at every moment in every opportunity,' he said of the library leadership. The Free Library has faced allegations of racism and discrimination toward black workers for years, according to the Inquirer. The tensions came to a head last spring with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, prompting activist employees to form Concerned Black Workers at the Free Library of Philadelphia. On its Instagram page the group frequently posts workers' stories about experiencing racism at the library. The group has also staged many protests, including one last summer which led to many prominent authors backing out of Free Library events in a show of solidarity. Library Director Siobhan Reardon resigned last July after the group penned an open letter demanding that she step down. How can something so simple as a knot have such a major impact on protecting the environment? Pioneering knot technology in agriculture is the subject of this latest installment from CNH Industrial's Top Stories. Learn more about the challenges faced by the New Holland Agriculture team and the ingenious solution they designed at: www.cnhindustrial.com/LoopMaster London, March 24, 2021 Balers, one of the most important pieces of equipment on any farm, have been in existence in some form or other since the late 1800s. With the rapid mechanization of the agricultural industry through the early 1900s, horse driven balers were gradually replaced by steam traction engines and in turn were superseded by the internal combustion tractor. By the 1930s balers were attached to tractors allowing them to automatically pick up hay from the ground, and in 1940 New Holland pioneered the first self-typing pick-up baler, fully automating the process. Fast forward 80 years, and the baler evolution has never stopped. New Holland Agriculture, a global agricultural brand of CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI / MI:CNHI), has continually pushed technology and innovation even further. Recognizing that bale quality is key to delivering maximum productivity and minimum waste, the New Holland team focused its resources on how to further enhance these two aspects, while focusing on making baling even more sustainable. A key component in the baling process is the knotter. The knotter secures the twine around the bale - if the knot is weak or breaks then the bale is compromised and time, twine and crop are all wasted. The Loop Master knotting system was launched on New Holland's BigBaler High Density range. This innovative knotting system uses a new type of secure double knot, which is stronger and generates myriad benefits. The loop knotting process eliminates twine off-cuts from being discarded in the field - thereby protecting the environment as well as improving animal fodder quality - as well as producing more robust bales, saving money. Read more about the story behind the BigBaler High Density's innovative Loop Master knotting system and how it is contributing to a more sustainable future at: cnhindustrial.com/LoopMaster CNH IndustrialN.V. Sign up for corporate news alerts from the CNH Industrial Newsroom: bit.ly/media-cnhindustrial-subscribe Media contact: Laura Overall Corporate Communications Manager CNH Industrial Tel. +44 (0)2077 660 338 Email: mediarelations@cnhind.com www.cnhindustrial.com Attachments ...says president Weah KLAY-Finance Minister Samuel Tweah has expressed optimism about Liberia's ability to bounce back from COVID-19, saying, 'there is more domestic revenue during COVID than pre-covid year. In an interview with this paper recently, Minister Tweah noted that the Weah led administration was projecting 3.2 percent growth rate this year, subduing the impact of covid 19 on the national economy as was anticipated. "The revenue impact of COVID has been more subdued than was imagined of in March of last year. When we began covid, we thought we were going to see a near revenue collapse, it did not happen," he said. "We thought the economy would have collapsed, but it did not happen," That suggests strong resilience. We remain optimistic." "Actually, domestic revenue is 9% higher in covid year than in pre-covid year. That suggests strong resilience; we are getting more domestic revenue this year than we did in 2019. We are doing big this year in a number of areas, like agriculture." He did not rule out challenges. According to him, he had feared the worst when the pandemic struck last year, since Liberia's economy was already fragile, partly due to the scaling down of some foreign aid flows after the 2014-16 Ebola outbreaks. In the longer term, government has high hpes for the country's rubber industry and plans to develop the sugar manufacturing sector also, he said. According to him, they are working with a number of banks to give lending to business institutions for financial stability. In addition the government was looking at other areas, such as the judiciary to ensure that legal issues from the business sector, which may hinder smooth activities, are looked at speedily. He said, the Chief Justice and the legal arm are looking at them. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Business Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He commended Liberia's international partners for standing with the country. Currently, External assistance, including International Monetary Fund - I.M.F. debt relief and a $50 million rapid loan, last June, helped the government respond to the health crisis in Liberia. He said discussions are also ongoing with China about options for debt relief; Minister Tweah did not give further details. As of the end-2020, Liberia's debt to China amounted to $54 million out of its total external public debt of around $1.2 billion, according to the IMF, the World Bank associate. Patna, March 24 : Leader of opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday said he will boycott the assembly for the next five years if Chief Minister Nitish Kumar did not apologise publicly for the barbaric acts committed by the Patna police on his directions. "He should be ashamed of the inhuman actions of the Patna police who not only thrashed opposition leaders but also removed sarees of women legislators and molested them," alleged Yadav. "The CM should be called Nirlajja (shameless) Kumar. He was the architect of Tuesday's incident," Yadav further alleged, wearing a black arm-band. "The CM should identify the perpetrator police personnel and sack them immediately for abusing and assaulting male and female leaders of opposition parties. With this, they've killed democracy. Such an incident is unprecedented in the history of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha," Yadav said. Reacting to the police amendment bill, Yadav said: "After this bill, the police will have unbridled powers and we have witnessed one such example of it yesterday in the Bihar Vidhan Sabha. I want to inform the authorities that my name is Tejashwi Yadav and I am ready to discuss each and every point of the Police Amendment Bill." Earlier in the day, Jagadanand Singh, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state president said that it was a conspiracy by CM Nitish Kumar to abuse and assault opposition leaders through the police. "There was no fault of opposition leaders. They sat in protest outside the chamber of the speaker in a peaceful manner. The role of speaker was biased. He did not give us opportunities to discuss this bill. The CM conspired against us. On his direction, police personnel misbehaved with women legislators and assaulted male legislators," alleged Singh. "The RJD will continue to protest against every anti-people legislation passed by this government," Singh added. They Should Have Walked Him: Kale Stevenson's clutch homers spark Post 17 to doubleheader sweep Washington: As the representative for New Yorks 40th state assembly district, Ron Kim has seen the rise of anti-Asian harassment and violence up close since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kims district includes Flushing, a bustling neighbourhood in Queens that is renowned as the home of New Yorks most authentic Chinese food. More than six in 10 of his constituents are of Asian heritage, mostly Chinese and Korean. Asian-Americans have been shoved and attacked in the downtown area of my district, says Kim, the only Korean-American ever elected to the New Yorks state legislature. Walking around the streets or on the subway you feel a lot of tension and anxiety. Sonalika Tractors, Indias fastest growing tractor brand and No. 1 Exports brand from the country, is a preferred choice of every Indian farmer. With a focussed approach to serve the farming community with superior technology products, Sonalika develops innovative farm solutions that boost farmers confidence in introducing smart farming techniques at their farms. Sonalika Tractors recently launched an interesting new campaign, Toofani Dhamaka featuring Bollywood actor Mr Gulshan Pandey to spread the message of adopting new-age technologies. Sonalika Tractors introduces amazing offers at regular intervals for farmers to adopt advanced technologies and bring farm prosperity by increasing their productivity as well as income level. The new campaign by Sonalika has received a huge response from the audience with a total of 7.3M views which includes all the social media handles such as Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. In a bid to help farmers, the brand offers state of the art customised tractors at an affordable price so as to make it more lucrative for farmers to come forward and own innovative farm solutions. Sonalika Tractors has gained the trust of more than 11 Lakh farmers through its heavy-duty range of new tractors and agri-solutions. The company manufactures customised products that are considered to be the best-in-class tractors and have a dynamic combination of stylish design, superior features, and heavy-duty power. At the start of 2021, when the agriculture sector was adjusting to the new normal lifestyle, new-age technologies gradually started taking centre stage across the tractor industry which is a healthy sign for growth in this year. The brand has always been at the forefront to introduce trailblazing technologies in the Indian market in an affordable way to lead the farm mechanization drive. Speaking about the campaign Mr Raman Mittal, Executive Director, Sonalika Group, said, Being a leading tractor brand, we aim to develop customized tractors that deliver farm prosperity across the globe. We will continue to make state-specific tractors that are fully loaded with new-age technologies for Indian farmers. He added, Sonalika Tractors has been aggressively spearheading technology revolutions that not only drive farm mechanisation but also address farmer's needs in a cost optimised way. Sonalikas tractor portfolio is equipped with efficient engines that deliver higher power output while remaining low on costs such as fuel and maintenance for a better total cost of ownership. Sonalika is the leading brand in more than 50 HP tractor segment and is strengthening its presence in more than 40HP segments to achieve the leadership position. AstraZeneca will publish up-to-date results from its major U.S. COVID-19 vaccine trial within 48 hours after health officials publicly criticized the drugmaker for using outdated information to show how well the immunization worked. The rare public rebuke marks the latest setback for the vaccine once hailed as a milestone in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic that has since been dogged by questions over its effectiveness and possible side effects. AstraZeneca said results it published on Monday in which the vaccine had demonstrated 79% efficacy were based on an interim analysis of data through Feb. 17, and it would now immediately engage with the independent panel monitoring the trial to share its full analysis. The British-based drugmaker on Tuesday said it had reviewed the preliminary assessment of its full, or primary, analysis and found it to be consistent with the interim report. But the Washington Post reported that the data monitoring panel told federal officials they had been working with the company through March, had seen data that showed the vaccine might be 69% to 74% effective, and had strongly recommended AstraZeneca include that information in its public statement. AstraZeneca shares fell 1.8% in London trading. The U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) said on Monday that the independent monitoring panel had expressed concern the company may have included outdated data that gave an incomplete view of the shots effectiveness. NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci called the whole issue a really unfortunate unforced error. This kind of thing does nothing but really cast some doubt about the vaccines and may contribute to the hesitancy, he told ABCs Good Morning America. The data really are quite good but when they put it into the press release it wasnt completely accurate, he said. In addition to the 79% efficacy in stopping symptomatic illness in the trial conducted in the United States, Chile and Peru, the data reported on Monday also showed the shot was 100% effective against severe or critical forms of the disease and posed no increased risk of blood clots. Dr. Larry Corey, co-leader of the U.S. Coronavirus Vaccine Prevention Network, which helped design AstraZenecas U.S. trial, said the monitoring panels rebuke was something he had not seen before. The virologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, praised the panel for speaking up, saying it showed the system of checks and balances worked. One U.S.-based investigator who was not authorized to speak publicly said AstraZeneca was not wrong to publish an analysis it had described as interim and expressed concern over the public controversy. Its just a little bit like shooting yourself in the foot, because the science is good, the person said. NEGATIVE REPORTS The new questions about the shots efficacy coincide with its rollout in dozens of countries and clouds the timeline for its potential emergency use authorization in the United States. This is indeed an extraordinary act. The negative reports about this vaccine do not stop, although my assessment is that it is well tolerated and safe, but clearly less effective than the two mRNA vaccines, said Peter Kremsner, from the University Hospital in Tuebingen, Germany. Vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna that use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology to produce an immune response both had efficacy rates of about 95% in their pivotal clinical trials, far above the 50% benchmark set by global regulators. AstraZenecas COVID-19 shot has faced questions since late last year when the drugmaker and Oxford University published data from an earlier trial with two different efficacy readings as a result of a dosing error. Confidence in the vaccine took a further hit this month, when more than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, temporarily suspended giving out the shot after reports linked it to a rare blood clotting disorder in a very small number of people. The European Unions drug regulator said last week the vaccine was clearly safe, but an opinion poll on Monday showed Europeans remained skeptical about its safety. The AstraZeneca vaccine is seen as crucial in tackling the spread of COVID-19 across the globe because it is easier and cheaper to transport than rival shots. It has been granted conditional marketing or emergency use authorization in more than 70 countries. Many countries are relying heavily on the shot to end the pandemic, and several state leaders have taken it publicly to boost confidence. (Reporting by Miyoung Kim in Singapore, Shubham Kalia and Pushkala Aripakain Bengaluru, Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt, Kate Kelland in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Writing by Josephine Mason, Caroline Humer and Peter Henderson; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, David Clarke and Bill Berkrot) Topics COVID-19 Medical Professional Liability Chinese, Russian FMs hold talks, reach strategic consensus Xinhua) 08:28, March 24, 2021 Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in the city of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 23, 2021. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) NANNING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on Tuesday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with the two sides reaching strategic consensus. The talks, held in the city of Guilin, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, were the 51st meeting between Wang and Lavrov. "This shows the high level of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination," Wang said. STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION No matter how the international situation changes, the comprehensive strategic coordination between the two countries will only strengthen and expand, rather than weakening or shrinking, the Chinese foreign minister said. The two sides agreed that strategic guidance by the two heads of state constitutes the political strength of bilateral ties, while jointly fighting the pandemic has further deepened the traditional friendship between the people of both countries. They also agreed that pragmatic cooperation has strongly boosted the two countries' economic and social development, and their international coordination has contributed stability and positive energy to the world. In the face of rapid changes in the international situation, carrying out timely strategic communication and coordination is not only important to China and Russia, but also beneficial to the world, Wang said. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Noting that the two sides have agreed to renew the treaty and make it more relevant in the new era, Wang said this demonstrates the new heights, new ideas and new results of China-Russia cooperation. The two sides should strengthen strategic coordination, firmly fight back against false information regarding China and Russia, beef up cooperation on information security, support each other in maintaining the security of their own governments and systems, and safeguard their legitimate rights and common interests, as well as maintaining stability in the areas around the two countries, Wang said. China is willing to discuss establishing a mutual recognition mechanism for health codes with Russia, on the basis of friendly consultation and fully accommodating each other's concerns, Wang said, calling on the two sides to further deepen vaccine cooperation and help improve the accessibility of vaccines in developing countries. He also urged the two sides to take their Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation as an opportunity to tap the potential for cooperation on 5G, big data, the green economy, the internet, climate change, environmental protection and the health industry, working towards the goal of 200 billion U.S. dollars in trade volume. Lavrov said the friendship between the two countries is very solid with higher quality. "Russia is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, make preparations for the extension of the Russia-China Treaty of Good-neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and take the bilateral relationship to a higher level," Lavrov said. GLOBAL GOVERNANCE After the talks, the two foreign ministers signed several bilateral-cooperation deals as well as a joint statement on global governance, calling on the international community to put aside their differences, build consensus, strengthen coordination and safeguard world peace and geo-strategic stability. On the topic of human rights, the two sides said all countries should oppose politicizing human rights issues, reject using human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries' internal affairs, abandon double standards, and engage in dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, according to the statement. There is no unified standard for the model of democracy, the statement said. The legitimate right of sovereign countries to choose their own development paths should be respected, and interfering in sovereign countries' internal affairs under the pretext of "advancing democracy" is not acceptable, the statement said. In face of heightened international political turbulence, there is an urgent need to hold a summit of permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, to facilitate direct dialogue and discussion of solutions to problems facing all human beings and help maintain stability of the world, the statement said. China is willing to further strengthen cooperation with Russia under the multilateral framework, jointly safeguard multilateralism, maintain the international system with the UN at the core and the international order based on international law, while firmly opposing unilateral sanctions as well as interference in other countries' internal affairs, Wang said. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) A STUDENT who searched for and downloaded child sexual abuse material of the most depraved nature has been jailed for 16 months. Albaraa Turkistani (27) was caught with 272 images and 159 videos of children and babies being molested, raped and sexually assaulted by men, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. Sentencing him, Judge Martin Nolan said accessing child abuse material is obviously not a victimless crime. We dont know who the victims are, but this is real abuse, videoed and put out there, the judge said. He noted Turkistani regularly searched for material of the most depraved nature, which included babies being sexually abused. The judge accepted Turkistanis assertion that he did not view all the material he downloaded, but said he viewed a substantial amount. Turkistani, of Central Park, Leopardstown, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing the images contrary to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act at his home on April 19, 2017. In a letter of apology to the court, Turkistani wrote: I realise I have committed a terrible, hideous and evil act. He said he sought out therapy after he was arrested in order to address long-standing issues from his childhood. He said being arrested was the most important turning point in my life and he has spent the past four years trying to change his life and correct his wrongdoing. Detective Garda Paul Kane told Maddie Grant, prosecuting, that gardai were alerted to the material from German Interpol and got a search warrant for Turkistanis home. They seized a number of devices and the material was found on one of his laptops. Turkistani immediately admitted downloading the material, the court heard. Sara Phelan, defending, outlined a number of incidents from Turkistanis childhood, which the court heard contributed to his getting involved in downloading such material. The court heard Turkistani grew up in Saudi Arabia and moved to Ireland with his mother and sister in 2015. He is currently studying for a degree in retail and services management, Ms Phelan said. He works part-time in a pizza shop to support himself. He very much wishes to contribute to society, to continue to do well in his studies and obtain employment, Ms Phelan said. She said he appreciates the grave nature of the images and videos, but submitted he has not offended since and has done well in therapy. Ms Phelan urged Judge Nolan to consider handing down a suspended sentence. Judge Nolan noted Turkistani took many steps to procure the material, which he searched for specifically. This defendants behaviour in possessing this material was gravely reprehensible, he said. He handed down a three and-a-half-year sentence but suspended the final two years and two months on a number of conditions. Over the last year as fallout from the pandemic has ravaged low-income renters rents have risen more sharply in the least expensive neighborhoods, a Zillow report indicates. Rents in wealthier parts of the San Francisco and Boston metropolitan areas declined more than in less expensive neighborhoods. In more affordable cities such as Atlanta and Detroit, rents rose more in lower-priced areas. In the San Antonio metro area, rents in the priciest ZIP codes increased 2 percent on average in February from a year earlier, according to analysis by Zillow, a real estate data company. In the least expensive ZIP codes, prices rose 3 percent during the same period. Both trends are illustrative of a tightening affordability squeeze for those renters struggling to keep a roof over their heads as traditionally affordable areas become increasingly out of reach, Zillow economist Arpita Chakravorty wrote in the report. Nationwide, rents generally remained flat over the last year. Rents have plummeted in the priciest cities though prices still remain high and increased in less expensive parts of the country. While the pandemic has cut into demand for rental housing, that has only translated into declining rents in expensive markets, and most acutely at the top-end of those markets, said Jeff Tucker, senior economist at Zillow. With restaurants, bars and venues closed and offices shuttered, urban dwellers saw the nearby amenities they were paying high prices for disappear. Landlords are offering concessions, such as one or two months of free rent, to keep occupancy from plunging. This past year saw widespread adoption of work-from-home policies, especially for higher-income renters who previously paid top dollar for proximity to their workplace, Tucker added. Demand for these rentals took a hit as many leapt into homeownership, while the flow of new renters entering these sub-markets dried up, at least temporarily. People who lost their jobs or shifted to online classes moved back in with their families, another shift that could be contributing to rents declining in downtown areas. There may be fewer vacancies in cheaper neighborhoods as demand rises and current tenants stay in place, Chakravorty said. Rents havent exploded, but home prices are surging as the supply of available properties continues to tighten. Sales in Bexar and surrounding counties increased 0.75 percent in February over the same month last year as the winter storm delayed closings. The median price rose 11 percent to $264,100 and inventory dropped to 1.4 months. But the split masks a number of underlying truths, because even as rent has flattened or fallen in places, in many areas it remains incredibly high and/or is continuing to climb, Chakravorty said. Renters themselves, already disproportionately impacted by pandemic-related job losses, have not realized meaningful gains in affordability even among those lucky enough to remain employed to say nothing of those reliant on tenuous unemployment assistance to help pay their bills, Chakravorty added. madison.iszler@express-news.net (Alliance News) - Pharmaceutical firm Indivior PLC said Wednesday it has appointed four new non-executive directors, while three are set to depart, after signing a relationship agreement with its largest shareholder. Indivior shares were down 0.4% at 124.00 pence in London early Wednesday. Indivior agreed to give 16.9% shareholder Scopia Capital Management LP the right to appoint one non-executive director to the Indivior board. The agreement will last until the end of 2023 as long as Scopia holds at least a 10% stake. In return, Scopia agreed to not exercise any voting rights in excess of 20% and to vote in line with the recommendations of the board. Richmond, Virginia-based Indivior said Scopia's first board representative will be Jerome Lande, a Scopia partner who heads its Special Situations investments. Scopia also will have input on the appointment of an additional new independent non-executive director. On Wednesday, Indivior said it has appointed Juliet Thompson, Jo Le Couilliard, and Mark Stejbach as independent non-executive directors. Thompson set up Code Securities, which was acquired by Japanese financial firm Nomura; she later joined Stifel. Le Couilliard retired from GlaxoSmithKine PLC in 2018, having been on its Global Pharmaceuticals leadership team. She is a non-executive director of pharmaceutical firms Circassia Group PLC, Alliance Pharma PLC and Recordati Spa. Stejbach was most recently chief commercial officer of biopharmaceutical firm Alkermes PLC. Among current directors, Senior Independent Director Daniel Tasse will step down at Indivior's annual general meeting on May 6. Dan Phelan will be promoted to replace Tasse as senior independent director, but Phelan also will leave the board, though not until the end of 2022. Lorna Parker will step down once the additional non-executive director is appointed or in December of this year at the latest, having served six years on the board. Tom McLellan will remain on the board until the end of his nine-year term in November 2023. Following the May AGM, Indivior board will have 11 directors. "After a period of significant strategic change and decisive actions to better position Indivior for future value creation, we are looking to realize the full transformational potential of Sublocade over the coming years," said Chair Graham Hetherington. Sublocade is Indivior's lead treatment for opioid addiction. By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. A student who was banned from Aberdeen University's union for saying 'Rule Britannia' during a British army debate has now been kicked out of the politics society. Elizabeth Heverin, 19, was told she had used 'discriminatory or racist language' after quoting the historic anthem during an online student council meeting last month. Her comment prompted a fellow student to lodge a complain against her, and she was ordered off all Aberdeen University Student's Association premises. Ms Heverin, who describes herself as a 'traditionalist' on Twitter, has now been dropped from Aberdeen University's Politics and International Relations society for 'having a right wing bias.' Elizabeth Heverin (above), 19, was told she had used 'discriminatory or racist language' after quoting the historic anthem during an online student council meeting earlier this year Blasting the club's leaders as 'radical leftists', the history and politics student said: 'Opinions and forgiveness are only acceptable if you are a left wing student.' The society later confirmed the ban, claiming it was the result of 'a recent situation involving alleged comments on various social media platforms.' A spokesman added: 'We as a committee found a number of comments to be in breach of our values of inclusion for all students of the University of Aberdeen.' 'Subsequently a vote was held, and the outcome was that she would be removed from the committee and banned from future events for the remainder of this year. 'It will be up to herself and the committee of next year to bring up the notion of an appeal. Her comment prompted a fellow student to lodge a complain against her, and she was ordered off all Aberdeen University Student's Association premises (above) Ms Heverin, who describes herself as a 'traditionalist' on Twitter, has now been dropped from Aberdeen University's Politics and International Relations society. Pictured: The University of Aberdeen 'This is not a decision which was taken lightly as we as a committee believe that freedom of speech and expression are extremely important values which should be protected and upheld. 'However, in this specific circumstance, it was decided that the posts in question were likely to make certain groups of people feel extremely uncomfortable in the society.' Ms Heverin, who has protected her Twitter account, was previously banned from all Aberdeen University Student's Association premises for two weeks following an online debate. Ms Heverin, who has protected her Twitter account, was previously banned from all Aberdeen University Student's Association premises for two weeks following an online debate The Aberdeen University meeting saw students discuss renewing a union policy on a demilitarised campus - which would actively bar military personnel from recruiting students. When international students raised concerns about the presence of the British Army on campus, the history and politics student wrote in a webchat: 'If the British military makes them feel uncomfortable, why did they come to a British uni?' What is the history of Rule, Britannia? Rule, Britannia is a poem by Scottish poet and playwright James Thomson, and was set to music by English composer Thomas Arne in 1740. It gained popularity in the UK after it was first played in London in 1745 and became symbolic of the British Empire, most closely associated with the British Navy. The song has been used as part of a number of compositions, including Wagner's concert overture in D Major in 1837 and Beethoven's orchestral work, Wellington's Victory. The song has been an integral part of the annual Remembrance Day ceremony since 1930, when it became the first song played in the programme known as The Traditional Music. It regained popularity at the end of WWII in 1945 after it was played at the ceremonial surrender of the Japanese imperial army in Singapore. Rule, Britannia is usually played annually during at the BBC's Last Night of the Proms. But its inclusion has promoted controversy in recent years as it was deemed too patriotic. Advertisement Shortly afterwards she wrote the words 'Rule Britannia,' she told The Telegraph. Her comments were screen-shotted, reported and investigated by the Aberdeen University Students' Association, which told her quoting the 18th century piece could be viewed as potentially discriminatory. Writing to her afterwards, AUSA said it could not determine whether she made the comment with racist intent. Ms Heverin's two-week ban, which she slammed as 'ridiculous', barred her from all students' union buildings, debates and services. She added: 'It feels like I've been prosecuted for the crime of being patriotic, it's scary to think where freedom of speech at the university will go from here.' Rule Britannia, a poem by Scottish playwright James Thomson, was set to music by English composer Thomas Arne in 1740. It gained popularity in the UK after it was first played in London in 1745 and became symbolic of the British Empire, most closely associated with the British Navy. The song has been used as part of a number of compositions, including Wagner's concert overture in D Major in 1837 and Beethoven's orchestral work, Wellington's Victory. The song has been an integral part of the annual Remembrance Day ceremony since 1930, when it became the first song played in the programme known as The Traditional Music. It regained popularity at the end of the Second World War in 1945 after it was played at the ceremonial surrender of the Japanese imperial army in Singapore. But lyrics including the line 'Britons never, never, never shall be slaves' have prompted anger in light of Britain's own role in the slave trade. Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday after packaging defects ranging from cracked containers to loose caps were discovered in one batch of doses, a major blow to a city already struggling in its campaign to inoculate its seven million residents against Covid-19. Health officials called the halt a precaution, saying that none of the defective vials had been administered to patients and that they had found no health risks. But if the suspension persists, the Chinese territory may not have enough shots to protect its population while the coronavirus continues to spread. Hong Kong officials were counting on 7.5 million doses of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer of the United States and BioNTech of Germany, to help fill their needs. The discovery has also unleashed a hunt for the origin of the defects, as well as questions about whether more might be out there. The doses were manufactured at BioNTechs facilities in Germany, while a Chinese company, Fosun Pharma, was in charge of transporting, storing and distributing the shots in Hong Kong. Im confused as to why this is being reported for the first time in Hong Kong and we havent heard about it elsewhere, said Benjamin Cowling, the division head of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Hong Kong. A woman who stole three bottles of Fairy liquid from a shop was told at Portlaoise court she was staking on thin ice last Thursday. Francsca Munteanu (23) of 33 Monkfield Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 was charged with theft from Clelands, Kilminchy, Portlaoise on January 31 this year. Sgt JJ Kirby told the court that Ms Munteanu entered the shop and stole three large bottles of Fairy liquid, to the value of 60. The property had been recovered. She had a suspended sentence from Tullamore District Court. Defence Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald acknowledged that this offence fell within the ambit of the suspended sentence. She was a Romanian woman and a single mother. She was visiting relatives in Portlaoise on the date in question. She was stuck for money at the time. She has a four year old son who suffers from eczema. In a letter to the Judge, read in court, she outlined that her son's skin is very sensitive and that only a product like fairy liquid suits him. She also wrote a letter of apology to the shop owner. Judge Catherine Staines fined her 80 but warned her that she is skating on very thin ice. Also appearing before the court on the same charge was Argentina Munteanu (22) of 10 Gleann Rua, Galway. The court heard she had no previous convictions and that this was an act of opportunism. She was fined 80. "We continue to invest in unique, differentiated data - establishing Equifax as the clear industry leader in the best position to bring new and differentiated solutions to our customers and their consumers," said Mark W. Begor, Chief Executive Officer, Equifax. "Our ability to integrate new data and drive synergies is powered by our cloud-native capability that only Equifax can provide. This enables rapid adoption and integration of bolt-on M&A and innovation that we can deploy more quickly into the marketplace and drive Equifax growth." Founded in 2011, i2verify is an income and employment verification provider, offering instant access to employment and wage data to verifiers who meet requirements for access under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. i2verify serves employers nationwide, with a concentration in the healthcare and education sectors that enhances the existing services offered through The Work Number . The i2verify capabilities will further the progress made by Equifax Workforce Solutions to help increase consumer access to credit through secure and efficient digital verifications. "The addition of i2verify gives Equifax Workforce Solutions additional momentum as we work to help accelerate the process for consumers applying for mortgages, social service benefits, and other important financial services," said Joe Muchnick, SVP at Equifax Workforce Solutions. "It is highly complementary to our core and presents additional opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our clients." i2verify, an Equifax company, is now part of Workforce Solutions , the fastest-growing business unit at Equifax and the i2verify leadership team has assumed roles with Equifax Workforce Solutions. "Instant access to employment and income data has never been more critical," said Kevin Murphy, CEO of i2verify. "As verifiers and consumers look to connect the dots associated with employment through a single user experience, joining the Equifax team will allow us to deliver an optimal solution to both our verifier and consumer communities. We are truly excited to collaborate as part of the Equifax team and look forward to championing the benefits of real-time, automated verifications to all our users." ABOUT EQUIFAX INC. At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employees, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 11,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 25 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION [email protected] SOURCE Equifax Inc. Related Links http://www.equifax.com WASHINGTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Up to 65 percent of anti-vaccine content circulating on major social media networking sites is tied to just 12 individuals or organizations who use social media to spread propaganda about vaccines, according to a new report. The report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) and Anti-Vax Watch is based on analysis of a sample of anti-vaccine content that had been shared or posted on Facebook and Twitter over 812,000 times between February 1 and March 16, 2021. It found that almost two-thirds of the content was the responsibility of 12 of the country's most prominent anti-vaccine leaders, groups and organizations. "Disinformation has become a direct threat to public health," said Imran Ahmed, CEO of CCDH. "In the midst of a global pandemic, the Anti-Vaccine Industry has executed a targeted campaign to mislead Americans about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Social media is enabling anti-vaxxers to recruit millions of Americans and indoctrinate them with fear and doubt. If Big Tech companies don't act now, the pandemic will be prolonged, and more lives will be lost." Despite the recent pledged crackdown against misinformation by social media platforms, these individuals have largely been permitted to maintain their presence across mainstream social media platforms. The Disinformation Dozen which includes Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joseph Mercola, and Ty and Charlene Bollinger, among others have repeatedly violated Facebook and Twitter's terms of service agreements. The majority of the Disinformation Dozen remain on all three sites despite social media operators pledging to remove vaccine disinformation from their platforms. In their joint report, CCDH and Anti-Vax Watch issue a call to action to social media giants urging them to remove those responsible for the majority of anti-vaccine content. "This week, the CEOs of Facebook, Twitter and Google will appear before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss the role of social media in the spread of disinformation," Ahmed continued. "Members of the committee must use this opportunity to hold these companies accountable and urge them to follow through with their commitments to crack down on life-threatening disinformation. A clear and immediate way to stop the spread of anti-vaccine messages is to remove the Disinformation Dozen from their platforms." In addition to removing repeat offenders, the report outlines steps social media platforms can take to decrease the presence of misinformation on users' feeds. Read the full report here: https://f4d9b9d3-3d32-4f3a-afa6-49f8bf05279a.usrfiles.com/ugd/f4d9b9_16ccca9c25a04445a69dcd0298fd530d.pdf About the Center for Countering Digital Hate The Center for Countering Digital Hate is an international not-for-profit NGO that seeks to disrupt the architecture of online hate and misinformation. The Center has offices in London and Washington DC. The Center's work combines both analysis and active disruption of these networks. CCDH's solutions seek to increase the economic, political and social costs of all parts of the infrastructure - the actors, systems and culture - that support, and often profit from hate and misinformation. About Anti-Vax Watch Anti-Vax Watch is an alliance of concerned individuals who are seeking to educate the American public about the dangers of the anti-vax industry. Our efforts center around bringing to light the nefarious activities of the anti-vaccine industry and working with leading experts to dispute their falsehoods and non-medical disinformation with science, research and expert analysis. Our goal is to support the efforts of leading health experts, pro-vaccine researchers and educators, civil rights and business organizations, and others who, like us, recognize the importance of raising awareness of the science of vaccines. SOURCE Center for Countering Digital Hate; Anti-Vax Watch Gardai have seized 200,000 of suspected cannabis herb and arrested two men following a search in Carlow on Tuesday. The operation was carried out in the Gorteengrone area, approximately 5km from Carlow Town at 9pm last night, as gardai searched a van under the Misuse of Drugs Act. The cannabis, along with a sum of cash and other drug paraphernalia were seized from the back of the vehicle. Two men, both aged in their 30s, were arrested at the scene. They were later taken to Carlow Garda Station and are currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1996. Investigations are ongoing. A motion of no confidence in Green Party chairperson Hazel Chu has been deferred at tonights parliamentary party meeting. Three senators Minister of State Pippa Hackett and Senators Pauline OReilly and Roisin Garvey tabled three motions, including one expressing no confidence in the Chair. The motions come after Cllr Chu, who is the Lord Mayor of Dublin, launched her official bid to run as an independent candidate for a Seanad seat on the Commercial and Industrial panel. Green Party leader in the Seanad Senator Pauline OReilly said that it is reasonable to ask how someone can run as an independent while a Chair of the party. It's not a comfortable question to ask but we are all entitled to our opinions and mine is that the members of the Party should either have been given the opportunity to run for selection or we back the government candidate, she said. Bypassing a democratic process is questionable at the very least". Cllr Chu launched her bid after failing to secure the backing of her party, with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan saying on Tuesday that he will back the Government candidates. It is understood that as Cllr Chu is a Chairperson of the party, even if a motion of no confidence passed, it will be up to the executive and membership to decide if she should be removed. The first motion focused on confidence in Cllr Chu as Chair; the second reasserting that all parliamentary party members will be voting for Government candidates and the third that it is not compatible to run as an independent candidate while remaining Chair of the party. It is understood that the three Senators agreed to defer voting on the motions to allow people time to digest and consider which way they will vote. The motions will be considered in a future parliamentary party meeting, although it is understood that no date was agreed. Some sources feel that Cllr Chu running as an independent, despite the executive and parliamentary party previously agreeing not to run a candidate, is a distraction to the much-awaited Climate Action Bill, published by leader Eamon Ryan this week. The motions seek to open a conversation if her actions to run as an unofficial candidate were correct, according to a source. Ms Chu claims there was no pact in place for Seanad seats between her party and the other parties in Government. It comes after Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he will not be voting for her as he has already suggested the party should instead back Government candidates those of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Ms Chu decided to run for the Seanad as an independent and said today her reason was that there should be female and minority representation on the ballot. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had agreed to stand just one candidate in the upcoming Seanad by-elections, which would ensure support for former senators Gerry Horkan and Maria Byrne. Read More However, speaking today, Ms Chu said there was no pact in place with her party. If I was told there was a pact within the coalition, I wouldnt have gone against it, she said I was told, as were other people in a meeting, that there was no pact. I know Minister Donohoe is saying there was a deal, but I certainly was told that there was not, she said, speaking on Today with Claire Byrne. She said the details were discussed in a private meeting that there was no pact in place. There was a motion for a selection convention within the executive of the Green Party and that motion fell due to time constraints, a coalition government, and a possibility of not winning, she said. She said the motion didnt stop anyone from running for the Seanad and it was absolutely fine that the party leader is not supporting her run. Mr Ryan said previously he didnt know if Ms Chu should be the chair of the party and that he would not vote for her in the Seanad by-election. Ms Chu also said a report, which indicated that 10 out of the 16 Green Party TDs and senators opposed her candidacy, is "inaccurate". "That was a vote that didn't pass a two-third majority to stop anyone from running it didn't pass," she said. She said shes happy to have the opportunity to be on a ballot where no woman or no member from a minority background is on the ballot. For me its really important that there is someone on the ballot that is a woman and a woman from a minority background, she said. Ms Chu also said Mr Ryan did not answer two of her phone calls this week. She told the party executive in a meeting on Monday of her intention to run and then tried calling him twice before formally launching her campaign today. I did try calling Eamon twice. He was really busy so I left him a message and I did tell my executive and tell the parliamentary party and the wider membership, she said. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan said that the Minister tried to ring Ms Chu this morning but did not get a response. Ms Chu said she waited until the Government published the revised Climate Action Bill yesterday to make a formal announcement. She said the Minister for Transport has been really really busy with the launch of the Bill. The man is up to his eyes so I don't think I will be speaking to him until later on this week, she said. Ms Chu said despite running as an independent, she will represent the Green Party if elected if she is still a member. I made it very clear for 18 months, and especially the last 12 months, that there needs to be people of all backgrounds on the ballot and I made that very clear to my leadership and my executive, Ms Chu said. Any discussion or unhappiness, Im hoping members will bring to me. She said it is up to the members if she remains as chair of the party. My role is put there by the members, its up to them to decide whether they want me still there or not as chair. While Cllr Chu said that she absolutely has confidence in Mr Ryan remaining as party leader, she indicated that he should not lead the party into the next election. I think that 15 years at that stage will be a very long time for going into another leadership with the same person. She backed deputy leader Catherine Martin in her unsuccessful leadership bid last year and Minister Martin nominated Ms Chu as a candidate for her Seanad race. Independent.ie has contacted a spokesperson for the Minister for comment. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Supreme Court has ruled that a person who is sexually assaulted while intoxicated does not fit the designation for a more serious charge if he or she consumed the alcohol or drugs voluntarily. The opinion released Wednesday stems from the case of a Minneapolis man who was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual misconduct because the victim was drunk and considered by the jury to be mentally incapacitated. The opinion says the lower courts definition of mentally incapacitated in this case unreasonably strains and stretches the plain text of the statute because the victim was drunk before she met her attacker. State Rep. Kelly Moller says the ruling shows the urgent need to update Minnesota's criminal sexual conduct statute. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party MLA Somnath Bharti was granted bail by the Delhi High Court in the AIIMS assault case. The High Court suspended the jail sentence ordered by a sessions court. Earlier in the day, Bharti moved Delhi High Court challenging the sessions court order under which he was sentenced to two years of imprisonment. He was taken into judicial custody immediately after the judgement and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. Bharti through his appeal in Delhi HC sought the setting aside of the judgment passed yesterday by the trial court and also sought acquittal from all charges. The appeal stated that "The judgment and impugned order of sentence of the Special Judge Court is contrary to law and facts of the case. The same is erroneous, illegal and thus are liable to be set aside in as much as, after going through the detailed evidence, the learned trial court wrongly passed the impugned orders." The Session Court on Tuesday had upheld the conviction of Bharti under Sections 149 and 147 of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 3 (mischief causing damage to public property) of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. Bharti has been accused of assaulting AIIMS security staff and destroying public property. Live TV Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. ALBANY An hour of oral arguments summed up nearly eight years of litigation on Tuesday in the states highest court, which will soon decide what qualifies as a constitutionally protected tree in the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Protect the Adirondacks, a nonprofit advocacy group, sued the state Department of Environmental Conservation in 2013 over the construction of what are categorized as Class 2 community connector trails on the forest preserve snowmobile trails between 9 and 12 feet wide. The plaintiffs argued that the number of trees to be cut in the first 25 miles of those planned trails, along with how the network would be built, violated the state constitutions forever wild clause, which states that the forest preserve shall be forever kept as wild forest lands. It also commands that timber on the preserve shall not be sold, removed or destroyed. The DEC has argued its longstanding guidance on tree-cutting, including what is proposed to make these connector trails, does not violate the constitution. An appellate court decision said the trails were allowed under "forever wild," though the amount of tree-cutting involved was excessive. As the lawsuit has made its way to the state Court of Appeals, it has divided typically aligned advocacy groups. Some fear the decision, if made in Protects favor, could impact all trail maintenance, rerouting and other projects in the forest preserve. Other groups, including Protect, believe the outcome would only affect community connector trails. Jennifer Clark, an attorney representing the DEC and the Adirondack Park Agency, had 10 minutes to present her side to six presiding judges on Tuesday. Judges peppered Clark with a number of questions, extending the time to 37 minutes. (The court lost its seventh member, Associate Judge Paul Feinman, after his recent resignation due to health problems.) Several brought up a 1930 case brought by the Association for the Protection of the Adirondacks against the state. In that case, the Court of Appeals looked at whether construction of a bobsled run intended for the 1932 Winter Olympics, a project that involved cutting around 2,500 trees, would violate Article 14. The court ruled in favor of the association, stating that the constitution forbids any cutting or any removal of the trees and timber to a substantial extent. It also ruled the state could maintain and create its facilities and trails, as long as there was not the removal of timber to any material degree. Clark stressed that Article 14 was intended to prevent large-scale timber harvesting, and the trails that DEC is proposing in this instance are meant to provide public access. Judge Eugene Fahey called DECs argument rational but noted that just because an idea or project proposal might be rational, it doesnt mean it is constitutional. This is the case of 'One mans ceiling is another mans floor,' Fahey said. Its a death by a thousand cuts, is what DEC is presenting us here. Clark highlighted how the DEC was closing some snowmobile trails in the more sensitive areas of the forest preserve and moving new trails to the outskirts near roads. DEC has limits on the number of snowmobile trails allowed in the forest preserve, Clark added, and APA and DEC take seriously their responsibility to safeguard the preserve. Judge Michael Garcia asked why the DEC would not consider a constitutional amendment for building the connector trails. He referenced more than a dozen amendments to the forever wild clause that have been put before voters statewide. Clark said the list of constitutional amendments does not include anything pertaining to trails. Garcia responded that roads were addressed by those amendments, and since the state was making trails for mechanized vehicles snowmobiles he thought the proposal was more like a road. Clark said the snowmobile trails would not be much wider than a typical hiking trail. Judge Rowan Wilson mentioned the latest constitutional amendment regarding the forever wild clause, which allows for a land bank so local municipalities might make infrastructure improvements on forest preserve land. Wilson asked, Doesnt that then suggest that this constitutional provision is so dramatic, so forceful that even the current understanding to brace an existing telephone pole, if the brace is going to be on forest preserve, required a vote from the people of New York? 3 1 of 3 Mike Groll Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Mike Groll Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Clark said she didnt know the full background on that amendment, but the purpose of the provision is to protect the preserve so it could be enjoyed by future New Yorkers. She said what Wilson was describing had nothing to do with allowing New Yorkers to enjoy the wild forest lands. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore asked how the case has affected DECs projects. Clark said it has altered general trail maintenance and rerouting of trails, and construction of lines of safe drinking water access. John Caffry, the attorney representing Protect the Adirondacks, finally addressed the court. Judge Leslie Stein asked Caffry whether Protects lawsuit covers all trees in the forest preserve. Caffry said he does not believe it does. Stein asked Caffry if the context of tree cutting makes a difference and suggested the court would need to determine what was a material and substantial number of trees. If you cut down a material and substantial number of trees, its wrong regardless of the purpose, Caffry said. Garcia said the 1930 case law appears to take into consideration the purpose of a proposed action. What would concern me would be, would you apply the same test to action taken to prevent damage to the forest? Garcia asked. What if youre clearing trees to prevent a fire or a fire hazard? Would you count trees in the same way, so to speak, as you count trees for a toboggan slide? Allowed a two-minute rebuttal, Clark said context does matter. If you cut down 10 trees on forest preserve land to be sold off, that would be different from cutting 10 trees for forest fire prevention. Judge Jenny Rivera asked what is the point of a mechanized route in the forest preserve, a feature that is for a very limited number of the population. The point is, you would not have to build them this way but for the mechanized, the machine, Rivera said. Its because youre accommodating the machine, as opposed to access by the general public. Clark said not all New Yorkers are able to hike, and these trails would accommodate more people. Gwendolyn Craig writes for the Adirondack Explorer, a nonprofit news organization covering issues within the forest preserve. Bottom of Form EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, is launching a recruitment effort to fill immediate openings at its door shop and store locations in Tavares, Fl. The company will host a two-day Hiring Event on March 30 and 31 at the Tavares location (3751 County Rd 561, Tavares, Fl.). During both days, job seekers will learn more about the company culture and get the opportunity to be interviewed for positions that include door shop associate, lumber yard associate, driver, driver helper, and management trainee (MT). "84 Lumber is an American company focused on putting America back to work at a time when many people are seeking employment or a fresh start during these challenging times," said Rob Woodrow, divisional vice president of the Southeast. "Now is the time for people to consider a career in the construction industry, which offers immense opportunity for growth." Lumber yard and door shop associates need no prior experience and perform essential functions behind the scenes from the manufacturing of doors to management of supply shipments and operation of equipment. These associates can expect a starting pay of between $10 and $15 per hour based on experience. Drivers and driver helpers load trucks and deliver materials to customer job sites. Hourly pay for the job is between $12 and $17 per hour depending on experience. MTs hired by 84 Lumber enter an intensive, one-on-one, on-the-job training program that teaches them about the company's business and puts them on a path to become a future leader within the company. Starting compensation for management trainees is more than $40,000 per year. "We are a family-owned company, which means we are committed to helping our employees build and cultivate a career with us. In fact, 95% of our store managers started in our management trainee program," Woodrow said. "As we see it, 84 Lumber recruits individuals with a can-do attitude, a willingness to work hard, and a desire to learn. Once we find these people and they join the company, we find ways for them to grow with us." Woodrow added that 84 Lumber expects it might find the right fit from all types of candidates an individual with no construction experience, military veterans ready to embark on their next career challenge, or people with some previous work experience who seek to redirect their career. Candidates interested in participating in the Hiring Event are asked to pre-register for either March 30 or 31. To sign up, go to www.84americandream.com/tavares and complete the form. Once you are registered, you will receive an email from 84 Lumber with the link to apply for the desired position. To save time, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for positions online before they attend the event. NOTE: 84 Lumber requires all attendees to wear a mask at the event. Recruits will also be asked to practice social distancing during the Hiring Event. In addition, candidates will be required to undergo a background check and drug screening prior to receiving an offer of employment. To learn more about 84 Lumber, follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. ABOUT 84 LUMBER Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, 84 Lumber Company is the nation's largest privately held supplier of building materials, manufactured components and industry-leading services for single- and multi-family residences and commercial buildings. The company operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops and engineered wood product centers in more than 30 states. 84 Lumber also offers turnkey installation services for a variety of products, including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall. A certified national women's business enterprise owned by Maggie Hardy Knox, 84 Lumber was named by Forbes as one of America's Largest Private Companies in 2018 and one of America's Best Large Employers in 2019. For more information, visit 84lumber.com or join us at Facebook.com/84lumber and linkedin.com/company/84-lumber . Contact: Jeff Donaldson, BLD Marketing Email: [email protected] Phone: (412) 347-8039 Photos: http://www.bldpressroom.com/84lumber/tavares-hiring-event SOURCE 84 Lumber Mexican authorities are searching for a man who appeared in a video standing over an unconscious victim and plunging a knife into his neck in broad daylight. The incident unfolded February 27 in the Mexico City municipality of Iztapalapa, however, it was not until this week that a video of the incident recorded by a neighborhood resident circulated on social media. The suspect was identified as a 'drug addict' by neighbors from the Mirador Valle de Las Luces neighborhood of Iztapalapa, according to Mexican newspaper El Universal. Mexico City police are searching for a man (left) captured on video murdering a mechanic identified as Armando (lying on the ground) on February 27 The killer shouted 'if i leave him alive he will kill me' and proceeded to stab him in the neck Details of the altercation have not been released by authorities. The footage showed how the killer paced back and forth while the victim, identified as Armando, was lying motionless in the middle of the street. A pedestrian and two people aboard a motorcycle passed by the suspect and a defenseless Armando, but did not intervene. Residents in the Mexico City municipality of Iztapalapa described the suspect as a 'drug addict' according to Mexican newspaper El Universal The suspect (left) walks away moments after delivering a blow to the neck of Armando (pictured lying on the ground) and eventually killing him The suspect then walked to a car that was parked at the end of the block and returned to Armando's side before he delivered the fatal blow. 'If I leave him alive he will kill me,' he shouted, and kicked the man in the face. Subsequently, he pulled out a knife and drove it into Armando's neck before he fled on foot. DailyMail.com reached out to the Mexico City Attorney General's Office for comment. AL.com is starting a new team, The Alabama Education Lab, to cover K-12 in the state. To get alerts about future work and events, sign up for its newsletter, Ed Chat. See recent stories here. New federal data offers the first glimpse at an estimate of how many children in Alabama are still learning virtually, either through a hybrid or fully-remote model. Data indicates that a majority of elementary school students in Alabama are back in schools five days a week, according to the first in a series of school surveys from the U.S. Department of Education. Of Alabamas elementary school students still learning remotely, the highest percentage are Black. According to the surveys first round of responses, collected from Feb. 22 through March 12, 58% of fourth-grade students in Alabama schools surveyed were in-person 5 days a week. Meanwhile, 17% of students were in a hybrid model, while about 22% of students were still learning remotely. Nationally, 44% of elementary students were learning remotely, and the survey found differences by race: 69% of Asian, 58% of Black and 57% of Hispanic fourth graders nationwide were learning entirely remotely, while just 27% of white students were. Alabama numbers reflect the national picture. Just 10% of white fourth-graders in the state are learning remotely, according to the survey, but minority students are remaining home at much higher numbers, including: 47% of Black students 32% of Asian students 29% of economically disadvantaged students 19% of students with disabilities 16% of Hispanic students The breakdown was similar for eighth graders modes of instruction. Among Alabama students learning remotely, the survey found, 27% received no live instruction at all all work was done asynchronously a rate much higher than the national average. Students learning remotely now have, for the most part, been learning remotely for a year, said Mark Dixon, president of A+ Education Partnership. This is only going to exacerbate some existing concerns for our students. Dixon said he believes federal CARES money and data collected from state assessment tests will help direct ways for funding to plug gaps, especially for low-income, minority and rural students. Some national studies have shown learning gaps for students of color and low-income students, particularly in remote-only districts. However, data and surveys also have shown that, when given the chance to return in-person, many Black families are more hesitant than white families, citing concerns about inadequate safety measures and general distrust of officials. The focus has to be on getting most, if not all, students back in-person as quickly as possible, Dixon said. And we have to work with districts to plan on how to do that safely, and how best to make up for lost ground. Alabamas state Department of Education has tracked schools decisions to bring students back for in-person learning, but has not collected data on the total numbers of students affected or their demographic information. It also has not issued guidance on how and when schools should bring students back, beyond asking each district to offer both an in-person and a remote option. Recent Centers for Disease Control and Preventions guidance to reopen classrooms with only 3 feet, rather than 6 feet, of social distancing does not appear to have affected state or local decisions. Related: New CDC guidance, CARES money for Alabama schools This spring, some districts began abandoning remote and hybrid options, opting to bring all students back for regular school days. This month, Jasper, Troy and Russellville city school districts all decided to end elementary virtual school options. The Jasper City Schools teachers have done an exceptional job of juggling traditional and remote learning since the beginning of the school year, the district wrote in a release March 4. Our teachers need all students to return so they can focus their efforts on providing strong, rigorous instruction during the last nine weeks of school, in preparation for the upcoming school year. Our teachers have juggled so much trying to serve our remote students and traditional students. Some districts that have been remote for most of the year, including Selma and Birmingham, currently are planning to return to in-person learning at the end of the month or beginning of April. The survey, created by an executive action signed by President Joe Biden on his first day in office, will continue to be collected through at least July, according to the department. The results are intended to provide context for The Nations Report Card in 2022, and state tests, which the Biden administration is requiring this year. Alabama has said it plans to request a waiver for some federal accountability requirements related to state standardized tests, which are ongoing now, but has not yet said what level of participation it is aiming for. Where over the world say where? Youll find an island there so lovely small. With nations Freewith People French and Dutch, they say, though talkin English much, as my St. Martin, as your St. Martin, Our sweet St. Maarten in the Sea. Honorable and distinguished guests, people of St. Martin, good morning. Today March 23, 2021, though having special significance for me, as the day I became a mother for the first time, it is the day that we celebrate Treaty of Concordia Day. As Madam VP Valerie Damaseau said, Since 2018, we have been working to make it more than about nice speeches. As Melissa just said as well and as the youth said on Saturday, Time for talk has finished. Let today be the last day we only just talk about it. Today, standing on Concordia Hill, at the edge of Marigot Hill road, where, if you look to my left, you see the range of hills, and the right that partitions this island, but as we also know, Melissa talked about 1863 and we could go back to 1848. They could not say that one side was free while the other was still enslaved. Recognizing 373 years of actions of two countries; two representatives who determined that in the interest of peaceful coexistence of their citizens during a colonial era plagued by the constant changing of hands by European powers, all during a time, as the youth represented to us on Saturday, far removed from the realities of today. Over these centuries, the passage of time has brought many changes in the development of both communities. Changes in our customs, our nationalities, and in the ways that we live. However, the treaty and the spirit of that Treaty of Concordia lives on. The treaty, though outdated in its language and even limited in its statements is the basis and root of the foundation of the cooperation still evident today. Though you may not know and though the general public may not know, cooperation does happen on a daily basis- cooperation that sustains us and sometimes the challenges with the cooperation that bring us pain and continue to force us to seek ways to resolve them. One outstanding young St. Martiner, Jennique Gibbs, stated these wise words during the youth dialogue. Thats what I call it- when people speak to each other, hear, listen and then decide to act, I call that dialogue, not just discussion. This dialogue on the treaty last Saturday, touched my heart which I immediately shared on my social media page, and will share with you this morning. I also took the time to speak to the young lady as with many others and she stated Sint Maarten and St. Martin complement each other, no side can do without the other. none of us know this better than I, with the experience of the past year. With the rapid changes in our constitutional statuses on both sides over the years, the need to evaluate, amend and improve this treaty is long overdue, and has never been more timely. While cooperation pertaining to law enforcement, health, culture, education, youth, sports, environment and so much more continue on a technical level, what is lacking is the concerted effort by a unified body of elected representatives to take the necessary step to really unify our actions in this regard. These challenges were evermore highlighted during this pandemic and cannot ever go ignored. Seeing the complexities of today, the realities we face and responsibilities, if you look at these four flags that sometimes lie with the Dutch Kingdom, with the French State, or with each of our elected officials, whether they be the Parliament or the Governments we are making strides. We are making strides in the improvement of our communication and collaboration as separate entities. In the end, it will all boil down to the willingness of each party to hear the words, but listen, and take them to heart, understand what the other is trying to say and validate what we can agree with, find common ground based on mutual respect and make decisions that are conducive to our cooperation, collaboration and unity in the best interest of ALL OUR PEOPLE, OUR SHARED ECONOMY AND OUR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT in an ever changing world where you see by the blue flag with all those gold stars that unity across the Atlantic came way after this treaty and can exist, can work. But again, mutual respect is the basis of that. Together with my government I have committed to monthly meetings with Prefet delegue Serge Gouteyron representing the French State and many of the responsibilities that we hold and that we must discuss. Monthly meetings this was never done before. I also, commit together with my Council to meeting on a regular basis with the Collectivite. In fact, in our next meeting, I have asked that the Collectivite always be present as well, because it is only truly unified that we can execute the much-needed change that St. Martin needs. As locally elected and appointed representatives, North and South, the Collectivite of Saint-Martin and the Council of Ministers have pledged to find a structural way to meet together and discuss moving forward realizing a United Governing entity for St. Martin termed The St. Martin United Congress by President Gibbs. I am seeing your vision and it is at a time like this that I say it is timely. The time for action is now. This congress would function like the EU on 37 square miles and would form the platform for us to amend agreements and treaties, update them and take into consideration our local context and our current situation. As Sint Maarten and St. Martin, we can both agree that much groundwork by technical experts on both sides will be needed before this vision is realized. Steps have started in the 2014-2020 agreements made and funded by the 11th EDF, that a platform such as this can be started. And so today, we pledge to appoint a taskforce of technical experts across sectors in a platform on both sides to come with a plan of action that tackles the best legal construct to execute decisions jointly in the best interest of sustainable development of our island. 37 square miles of magic located in the Northeastern Caribbean, the tiniest geographical area to be surrounded by water, and shared amicably between two separate governments for more than 373 years. We are a unique and special nation and it is in preservation of our family bonds, friendships, and shared social and economic realities, that we must move towards an updated treaty rooted in the needs of our community today but with the vision of the community, we want for the future. In the youth dialogue on Saturday, in their proposal which was handed to President Gibbs and myself called Relaunching Cooperation The way Forward, they highlighted some key areas which I would like to highlight here. 1. Reopen negotiation with our partners on a new basis for cooperation 2. Write a new draft agreement or treaty of cooperation based on friendship and cooperation 3. The population and local authorities validate the project in public debates and referenda 4. Signing of a new and updated treaty or an installation of the piloting authorities 5. Setting up a Cooperation Council 6. Decide on Cooperation Programmes of common interest annually When I read this document presented to me from the CTJsm Council and the St. Maarten Youth Parliament, I got chills because what we conceive and think about today, if it lives by them it will survive it has a future and there will be continuity. And so, key areas that the youth have defined in their talk were Education, History and Cultural awareness, Tourism, Health, Economic Development, Environment, Waste Management, Energy, water, and more. These are all the same that exist in what we have put forth as well. With the right persons in place with the same vision we can all get in formation and ensure that the necessary updates to this treaty happen in our lifetime. Let not another day that we commemorate the Treaty of Concordia or even St. Martin Day come without us seeing the progress that is further than we are today. Id like to repeat, Sint Maarten and St. Martin complement each other, no side can do without the other. Jennique Gibbs. Look out for her, I see leadership in her. And as Lino Hughes said, We are One Island, One People, One Destiny, and for me and the people of St. Martin and for you President Gibbs and our Councils, the Governor and Prefet, the time for talk is done. Let us take action and I promise that we will get the result. Happy Treaty of Concordia Day! Long live the treaty and may we also live to bring the necessary amendments. Painted messages on the ground supporting the Asian community at a Chinatown vigil and healing gathering on March 20 in San Francisco. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Najee Ali was surprised by the phone call. A young mother of Asian descent, Sia Marie Xiong, had been found dead at an apartment complex in Compton. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department had said it didn't believe the shooting to be a hate crime, but with the recent rash of attacks on Asian Americans, the family wanted to push investigators to consider that possibility. They needed help. That an Asian family called a Black activist," Ali said, pausing in wonderment, "speaks volumes. Especially in Los Angeles. Two people hug at a candlelight vigil to protest anti-Asian racism at Almansor Park in Alhambra. (AFP via Getty Images) Few understand this more than Ali, who has advocated for racial justice in South Los Angeles for decades. Just a few days before getting that phone call, he was at a ceremony commemorating the loss of Latasha Harlins, the Black teenager who, 30 years ago this month, was shot in the back of the head by a Korean merchant over a bottle of juice. That horrific killing marked a low point in relations between Asian and Black Angelenos, and the hatred and the division helped ignite the L.A. riots. Ironically, it took another horrific killing that of George Floyd in Minneapolis last spring to bring about the solidarity that's increasingly evident today, particularly as Californians continue to mourn the six women of Asian descent who were shot to death in suburban Atlanta. "I think there is this need among folks to react and be together and build community," said Di Barbadillo, an activist with 3rd World Power, which works closely with Black Lives Matter Los Angeles. At many of the recent vigils, both for the victims in Georgia and for Asian Americans who have been sucker-punched on the streets of California, Black activists have shown up as allies in much the same way Asian American activists did after Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. Nationally, it has been much the same, with Black leaders speaking out against anti-Asian hate, perhaps most powerfully by the president of Georgia's NAACP, the Rev. James Woodall. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. But perhaps even more striking is the way that so many people, both Black and Asian, are talking about the months-long rise in racially motivated crimes, as documented by Stop AAPI Hate. Rather than focusing on individual perpetrators and demanding more policing, more laws added to the books and more prosecutions, activists particularly young activists are blaming white supremacy, systemic racism and the societal constructs that support them. That's the broad lens through which these attacks are being viewed, and it's a lens that makes clear why we all have to pull together. Ana Iwataki, an organizer with J-Town Action & Solidarity, traces this thinking back to the reckoning on racism that started with the George Floyd protests. "The conversation is being reoriented toward how to enact real anti-racist practices and how policing fits into that," the 32-year-old said. "So it makes it necessary to have these complicated discussions about what safety looks like and who are we protecting and how we think of community." In other words, there's a lot of long overdue self-reflection going on about exactly who does and does not benefit from white supremacy. The simple recognition that, ultimately, it's not anyone of color, makes the notion of solidarity a lot easier to accept. "You've seen the conversation turn from, 'Ooh, I'm not sure I want to say the phrase Black lives matter,' to folks being more willing and understanding of what the phrase Black lives matter means," said Barbadillo, 35, who also is a legal observer with the National Lawyers Guild. "And because of that, it's almost primed people to be more cognizant of how they learn about anti-Asian violence. Like, what does this mean? How does this fit into everything?" In many ways, this is a change from the days of Latasha Harlins, uniting around a common enemy of white supremacy. Black and Asian communities haven't always been at odds in the fight for racial justice, though. Iwataki, for example, points to her aunt Miya, a longtime activist who worked with the Black Panthers in the 1960s, acting as a point of contact with the Asian American movement. And Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, recalled her own youth in the Bay Area, and the sometimes complicated reality of living in a neighborhood that was roughly half Black and half Asian. "It's kind of both things conflict, and cooperation and solidarity, moving together in different spaces," she said. Demonstrators in Alhambra hold up signs protesting anti-Asian racism. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Ali, 58, explained that many in his generation are still bitter over what happened to Latasha Harlins and that her killer served no time in prison and had so much support from the Korean American community. "A few years ago, when I joined Korean American leaders for the 25th anniversary of the Rodney King beating," he said, "I realized I was harboring all this resentment that was actually eating me up inside and I had to finally let it go." This is one reason why solidarity comes easier for younger activists, who know what happened in the past, but don't have the same emotional connection to decades-old events. That lack of baggage is also a reason for hope for the future. Iwataki, for her part, considers it her duty to remind anyone who will listen that the attacks on her fellow Asian Americans are symptoms of something much deeper. "It's only in solidarity," she said, "and only in recognizing that everyone who is made vulnerable by white supremacy is in the same fight." Whether people will continue to build and nurture this alliance after the vigils and the marches wind down and the outrage over last week's attacks in suburban Atlanta subsides is another matter. I'd like to say yes, but white supremacy is nothing if not insidious in its ability to divide and conquer. "That's really the question in this moment," Abdullah said. "Are we going to double down on the solidarity?" This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Maputo The Mozambican health authorities on Tuesday announced a further three deaths from the Covid-19 respiratory disease, 190 new cases and 306 full recoveries. According to a Ministry of Health press release, the latest victims are two men and one woman, all Mozambican citizens, aged 35, 54 and 74. Two of them died in Maputo city, and the third in Maputo province. This brings the total Covid-19 death toll in Mozambique to 750. Since the start of the pandemic, 467,993 people have been tested for the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, 1,697 of them in the previous 24 hours. Of the samples tested, 466 were from Maputo city, 350 from Nampula, 168 from Manica, 160 from Gaza, 143 from Cabo Delgado, 122 from Sofala, 107 from Niassa, 90 from Inhambane, 60 from Tete and 31 from Maputo province. No tests were reported from Zambezia. 1,507 of the tests gave negative results, while 190 people tested positive for the coronavirus. Tuesday's positivity rate (the proportion of those tested found to be infected by the virus) was 11.2 per cent. This compares with 10.5 per cent on Monday and 12.3 per cent on Sunday. The positivity rate has certainly reduced sharply. This month it only reached 20 per cent on two days, whereas there were occasions in February when it went to over 30 per cent. 164 of the cases reported on Tuesday were Mozambicans, 21 are known to be foreigners (but the Ministry release did not give their nationalities), while the nationality of the remaining five has yet to be confirmed. 118 were men or boys and 72 were women or girls. 11 were children under the age of 15, and a further 11 were over 65 years old. In four cases, no age information was available. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Health Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. 59 of the new cases were from Nampula, 58 from Maputo city, 18 from Niassa, 14 from Gaza, 13 from Manica, seven from Maputo province, seven from Inhambane, five from Sofala, five from Cabo Delgado, and four from Tete. Over the same 24 hour period, 13 Covid-19 patients were discharged from hospital (11 in Maputo, one in Inhambane and one in Zambezia), and ten new cases were admitted (seven in Maputo, two in Zambezia, and one in Inhambane). As of Tuesday, 119 people were under medical care in the Covid-19 wards (down from 125 on Monday). 79 of these patients (66.4 per cent) were in Maputo. There were also 13 patients in Zambezia, ten in Nampula, six in Sofala, five in Matola, four in Inhambane, one in Tete, and one in Gaza. The Covid-19 isolation facilities in Cabo Delgado, Niassa and Manica remained empty. The Ministry also reported that 306 people were declared fully recovered from Covid-19 on Tuesday (151 in Sofala, 112 in Tete, 23 in Niassa, 10 in Zambezia, and 10 in Inhambane). This brings the total number of recoveries to 53,188 - which is 80 per cent of all those diagnosed with Covid-19 in Mozambique. The number of active Covid-19 cases has fallen to 12,554 (down from 12,673 on Monday). The geographical breakdown of these cases is as follows: Maputo city, 9,093 (72.4 per cent of the total); Maputo province, 1.959; Nampula, 345; Sofala, 224; Niassa, 219; Zambezia, 214; Inhambane, 211; Gaza, 111; Cabo Delgado, 84; Manica, 73; and Tete, 21. Rohingya people look for their belongings amid the ruins of their houses that were gutted in a massive fire on Monday at the Balukhali refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, March 23, 2021. The United Nations confirmed Tuesday that at least 15 people had died in a massive fire at a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh a day earlier, while a local NGO said it was looking for more than 100 missing children. Hundreds of refugees were injured and tens of thousands more rendered homeless after the fire swept through the densely populated Balukhali camp in southeastern Coxs Bazar district before it was put out on Monday, said UNHCR, the U.N.s refugee agency. [Fifteen] refugees are confirmed to have tragically lost their lives in the fire. More than 560 have been injured and an estimated 400 people are still missing, Johannes van der Klaauw, UNHCRs representative in Dhaka, told a press briefing in Geneva, according to a statement from the agency. The fire gutted 10,000 makeshift shelters and left 45,000 refugees homeless, he said. Bangladesh officials confirmed 11 deaths and said they were searching for children reported missing after the fire, which took firefighters eight hours to extinguish. We have handed over the recovered bodies to police. We are receiving reports of missing children from Rohingya camp leaders. We are carrying out rescue operations very seriously and locals are helping us, Hossain told BenarNews. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, officials said. The Bangladesh government has set up an eight-member inquiry committee to investigate the cause. BRAC, the largest NGO in Bangladesh, said it had launched an operation to help find missing refugee children. The families have reported 150 missing children. We have so far found three kids and handed them over to their respective families after proper identification, Sohel Rana, an official manning a BRAC booth at the camp, told BenarNews. We have over a hundred workers to search for the children. We are working to find the children from 10 to 18 years old, he said. Officials said the fire was the worst in four years to strike one of the refugee camps in around Coxs Bazar, where 1 million Rohingya are sheltering. These include more than 740,000 who fled a brutal military crackdown in neighboring Myanmar in 2017. We have lost everything. I am here along with our one-year-old boy and three-year-old girl, sitting in the scorching sun. My husband is missing since yesterday. The children are crying for food, Dilankis Begum, one of the refugees whose shelter was gutted, told BenarNews. Barbed-wire fence High winds fanned Mondays fire after it broke out in the afternoon, government officials said. And making matters worse was a barbed-wire fence almost fully built around the congested and densely populated refugee camps, according to international NGOs and other humanitarian groups, which called on Bangladesh to take down the fencing. The Bangladesh government must immediately stop work on the fence, said Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). This tragic event could have been less disastrous had barbed-wire fencing not been erected encircling the camps. NRC staff have heard horrific accounts from refugees about their scramble to cut through the wire fences to save their families, escape the fire and reach safety, Egeland tweeted. We call on the Government of Bangladesh to review their decision to fence these camps, halt all fence construction going forward and find a safer, more humane alternative. In another message posted on Twitter, Matthew Smith, co-founder of Fortify Rights, an NGO that works closely with Rohingya refugees, said those same fences may have cost refugees lives in a devastating fire today. Refugees International, another NGO, said the barbed-wire fence was especially daunting to children. Many children are missing, and some were unable to flee because of barbed-wire set up in the camps, the group said in a statement late on Monday. Bangladeshi officials had said in January that the governments installation of barbed-wire fencing around Rohingya camps to confine the stateless refugees from Myanmar to their settlements in Coxs Bazar was almost complete and would be finished by June. The barbed-wire fence would keep the Rohingya safe and secure and would also deter their criminal activities, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal had told BenarNews last month. Before and after the devastating fire at a Rohingya refugee camp: Satellite imagery shows destruction caused by a massive fire that swept through a Rohingya refugee camp at Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh. The U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday at least 15 people died in the blaze and at least 400 remain missing. Hundreds more are injured and about 45,000 people have been displaced. They are among about 1 million of the minority Rohingya Muslims who have fled from neighboring Myanmar, most of them to escape a brutal military crackdown in 2017. The photos by Planet Labs Inc. were taken on Nov. 12, 2020, and March 23, 2021, a day after the fire. Reliving the devastation experienced in Myanmar In the fires aftermath on Tuesday, refugees could be seen crying and scavenging for any belongings that may have survived the blaze. My 6-year-old sister Ammuni died. She rushed to the room of my father-in-law and got trapped, Nur Kamal told BenarNews as tears rolled down her face. Others spoke of missing family and neighbors. Forty people of our block are missing. Food, water and shelter are scarce, Rohingya leader Sultan Ahmad told BenarNews. A Rohingya boy stands in front of a portion of the refugee camp that was destroyed in a massive fire in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, March 23, 2021. [Abdur Rahman/BenarNews] One refugee from the camp told Refugees International that the tragedy of the fire felt like reliving the devastation the Rohingya experienced in Myanmar in 2017. Sanjeev Kumar Kafley, Bangladesh head for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, also spoke about the seemingly unending misery the Rohingya refugees were facing. This is a terrible blow to some of the most resilient people on Earth. Many people fled to Bangladesh after having their homes burnt to the ground. After setting up a new life, thousands now face more hardship and uncertainty, Kafley said in a statement on Tuesday. Jesmin Papri in Dhaka contributed to this report. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. After uproar in the state Assembly over Special Armed Police Bill, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader slammed the Nitish Kumar-led government, claiming that this law means that search will be conducted without a warrant and "any policemen can arrest if he believes something is wrong". On Tuesday, the Assembly session witnessed multiple adjournments as the RJD leaders shouted slogans against the Special Armed Police Bill, 2021. After a few Opposition leaders prevented Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha from leaving his chamber, police personnel reached the Assembly premises to evict the MLAs. Women MLAs of the Opposition were carried out of the Assembly building by women security personnel. RJD MLA Satish Kumar was also carried on a stretcher from the Assembly after he was allegedly manhandled by 'police and local goons' inside the Assembly during a protest against the Bill. Following this, alleged that Opposition MLAs wanted to speak against the Bill but they were assaulted. "We wanted to speak but we were thrashed. This law means that search will be conducted without a warrant and 'any policemen can arrest if they believe something is wrong'. There is no use of courts and magistrates," he said. Responding to the ruckus, the Speaker while speaking to ANI said, "Today's incident is condemnable. All members of the Assembly should respect the Constitution. This is a serious issue." Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha had given a suspension of business notice under Rule 267 to discuss "brutal lathi-charge and unimaginable assault on MLAs in Bihar Assembly". The Bihar Assembly was adjourned twice following the ruckus by the opposition over allegations of "harsh provisions" in the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill 2021. Members of the opposition created a ruckus and demanded immediate withdrawal of the Bill. (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.) Bay Area public transit agencies with pandemic-battered budgets are getting a second windfall from the second federal coronavirus stimulus bill worth $802 million. Thats the final installment of the $975 million in total from that bill. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to dole out funds to agencies based on revenue losses and ridership during the pandemic. The biggest recipients are the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which runs Muni ($297 million), BART ($274 million) and AC Transit ($55.5 millon). Caltrain, Valley Transportation Authority, and the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District are each receiving roughly $39 million. SamTrans is getting $16 million. Bay Area agencies have now received more than $2.2 billion since the start of the pandemic more than their actual revenue losses from March 2020 projected through June 2021. And theyre soon set to get $1.7 billion more from the American Rescue Plan, the third stimulus plan. Transit in the Bay Area is, thanks to federal support, in pretty good shape for the time being, irrespective of all of the other problems that transit has, said John Goodwin, spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. They have the ability to pay the people to make the trains roll and the buses run and the ferries float. However, the future remains uncertain, Goodwin cautioned. Regional ridership dropped 73% in 2020 compared with 2019, with trains and ferries hit hardest by the loss of commuter trips to downtown San Francisco. When if ever white-collar workers will return is unknown. No one knows what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be on revenues, transit ridership, or driving behaviors, a letter from general managers of 16 transit agencies submitted to the commission read. Federal relief doesnt solve long-term financial troubles for transit giants such as BART, who predict it will take years to get back revenue and riders if they all ever return. Muni, which takes up nearly half of regional ridership, is simultaneously facing a structural deficit that predates the pandemic. Agencies have cut costs and service, but some transit officials and critics are advocating to tighten the belt even more to reflect a new reality. The commission doled out 75% of the $802 million Wednesday to agencies based on revenue loss and 25% based on ridership in November 2020, reflecting changed trends during the pandemic. For instance, AC Transit carried more passengers in November than BART, a reversal from pre-pandemic. And since federal funds go only to urbanized areas, the commission arranged a fund swap between urban operators and rural ones. BART and AC Transit traded funds worth $7.8 million with three agencies: County Connection, which is getting $3.7 million; Eastern Contra Costa Transit Authority (Tri-Delta Transit), pulling in $2.5 million; and Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, receiving $1.6 million. Smaller cities not eligible to receive federal relief because they arent a part of urbanized areas, including Petaluma, Vacaville, Dixon and Rio Vista, will get other funds. Chronicle staff writer Mike Massa contributed to this report. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench Hong Kong: CE views Kwun Tong project Chief Executive Carrie Lam today visited Kwun Tong to inspect the newly completed Yue Man Square Public Transport Interchange which will begin operation on April 2. As one of the important facilities of the Urban Renewal Authority's (URA) Kwun Tong Town Centre redevelopment project, it will be the largest covered public transport interchange in Hong Kong. There is a bus terminus on the first floor of the projects podium and a minibus terminus on the ground floor, with multiple entrances and exits that connect to the shopping arcade and streets nearby. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to note that the new interchange has leveraged various innovative and smart elements, including separating pedestrians and vehicles in setting up Hong Kong's first air-conditioned waiting area and the artificial intelligence-operated gate control system at the bus terminus. Together with the installation of smart ventilation facilities at the minibus terminus researched and developed by local enterprises, the new facility will provide a better waiting environment and convenience for passengers. To tie in with the Governments policy in promoting electric vehicles, minibus charging facilities will be provided at the minibus terminus. The Kwun Tong Town Centre redevelopment project is the URA's biggest redevelopment, with the site, spanning more than 50,000 sq m, involving more than 1,600 private property titles and 3,000 residents. The total development cost amounts to tens of billions of dollars. The redevelopment area held a number of facilities providing public services including government offices and a health centre which required appropriate reprovisioning during the redevelopment period. The relocation of a Chinese banyan tree which had stood on Yuet Wah Street for several decades also took tremendous effort. Taking into account the huge size of the project, the URA adopted a planning-led and district-based approach in taking it forward. Capitalising on the redevelopment opportunities, the authority has replanned the traffic routes, pedestrian facilities and green and leisure spaces to create a more people-oriented community and bring greater benefits to residents. Mrs Lam said that during her tenure as Secretary for Development, she supervised the project and conducted several site visits to inspect its progress, including viewing the Chinese banyan tree's relocation at midnight in May 2011. Noting that the project has been in progress for more than 10 years and the facilities in various phases have been commissioned gradually, the Chief Executive added that it is an extremely arduous project and is expected to be fully completed by 2029-30. She also pointed out that the project has not only improved the living environment of residents in an old district, but has also transformed Kwun Tong into a more liveable and work-friendly district, adding colour to the Energizing Kowloon East project. Mrs Lam also viewed the new Civil Service College site nearby where she was briefed by Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip and Director of Architectural Services Winnie Ho on the project design. The Chief Executive announced in the 2018 Policy Address that a site in Kwun Tong had been identified for composite development to build two blocks to house the Civil Service College and other civil service facilities as well as to provide social welfare and community facilities. The composite development will also provide elevated walkways, public open space and a landscaped deck to enhance walkability in the area. If funding for the project is approved next year, it can be completed in phases from the end of 2026. This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Exclusive: Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's version of iconic piece The Wizard of Oz will now play at Curve Leicester in 2022 ahead of a UK tour the subsequent year. Based on the iconic MGM film, the musical features iconic numbers by Harold Arlen and E Y Harburg including "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Follow The Yellow Brick Road", alongside new music and lyrics penned by Lloyd Webber and Rice. The book is by Lloyd Webber and Jeremy Sams. Casting and the creative team for the production are to be announced. Previous Curve Christmas productions have included Scrooge, White Christmas (which transferred to the West End ahead of a tour this Christmas) and most recently West Side Story. To fill the show's place this Christmas, the venue has unveiled a production of hit Broadway musical A Chorus Line. Curve's chief executive Chris Stafford and artistic director Nikolai Foster said: "Christmas at Curve is always a special time, but as we re-open our theatre and come together, this year promises to be the most joyous, life-enriching and singularly sensational Christmas at Curve so far. And whilst the road to OZ might be a little longer than any of us could ever have imagined, we know it will be well worth the wait. "We look forward to finally reaching the Emerald City in 2022 and working with the team at Really Useful Group and our co-producer Michael Harrison on a UK tour in early 2023. As ever, thank you to our incredibly loyal audiences for your patience and navigating these extraordinary times alongside us with such understanding." New Delhi: Hitting back at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, senior BJP leader and Union minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said that absence of peace in Kashmir was cumulative of Congress misrule in Centre and state for decades. Another leader Ram Madhav said the problems in Kashmir due to decades of Congress misrule and his grandfather's policies. He advised the Congress vice-president to read the facts. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Modi, saying the latter has massively opened up space for the terrorists in Kashmir, and violence has increased in the Valley. Rahul said," When we started, terrorism was rampant in Kashmir, when we finished there was peace, we had broken the back of terrorism." Rahul said he had embraced former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the achievement as his government had broken the back of terror in 2013. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Former neo-Nazi shares how Christ-like love of African American parole officer changed his life Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment When Michael Kent met his probation officer for the first time after leaving prison, he was confused. With a yearslong association with neo-Nazi groups he began attending rallies and events at just 15 years old Kents reputation as someone who disliked the black community was well known. So when Tiffany Whittier, an African American woman, knocked on his door one night, he thought there must be a mistake. The first thing I said to her was, Are you alone? Kent recalled. She said, Yes. I wasnt sure what to think because anybody who knew my case file knew I was totally against anybody that was black. But she showed up at my house by herself, knowing who I was. She took that chance. I instantly had respect for her. I realized she had courage. It wasnt long before the two developed what Kent described as a big ol bond. Over the months, Whittier helped Kent abandon his old habits and embrace the positive, challenging him to grow into the man God created him to be. She instantly became a godsend to me, he shared. She mentored me, helped me and loved me. Most parole officers just saw me as a number, and I always ended back up in the system. This woman was someone I was supposed to hate, but she showed me love that my people, my peers, my own culture didn't show me. She opened up my eyes and my heart in a whole new way. A devout Christian, Whittier told CP it is her faith that allows her to see the humanity in those she works with, regardless of their background. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, she said. I care about these people. I saw Mikes tattoos. I saw his case file before I went to his home. So, I knew what I was getting into. But I wanted him to be comfortable. I wanted him to feel heard. I wanted him to know I viewed him as an equal. Yes, Im your probation officer, but I want to see you be successful. I knew, she added, that God was with me when I went to Michaels home. I knew He was going to guide me and tell me in my gut if I was in danger. I believed God when He said, This is okay. And if its Gods will for me to go, Im okay with that, too. Im not scared to go because I know where I stand with Jesus. Kents first encounter with racism began at the age of 12 when his black friends mom told her son she didnt want Kent in his house because he was white. From there, Kents anger towards the black community only grew. And over the years, he became heavily involved with extremist groups and drug abuse, finding himself continually in trouble with the law. When I think about my past, it makes me sick to my stomach, he said. Some of the stuff I did still gives me nightmares. I dont even recognize that person. Kent admitted that he still wrestles with issues from his past and said that the road forward isnt always easy. But thanks to Whittiers witness, Kent said that not only has his perspective on race shifted, but he developed a deep and intimate relationship with God, allowing him to be optimistic about the future. Looking back, I think God had a plan for me. God wanted me to struggle first before I could see my full potential and see what I was capable of, he said. I see Gods hand in all of it. Because if Tiffany wasnt a probation officer, I wouldnt have even looked at her. I would have called her every negative word in the book. I never would have given her a chance. But, he added, his voice breaking, she took that chance and believed in me. I believe I owe it to humanity and society, my kids, our youth and everybody else to encourage them to learn something new and open their minds. Whittier and Kents unlikely friendship was first featured in the I Am Second Conversations and is now retold in a new book from the organization titledI Found Love. At a time when racial tensions are at an all-time high, the pair said they hope their story can help foster reconciliation and healing. Though she's always seen her career as a calling from God rather than simply a "job," Whittier told CP that her experience with Kent has given her a newfound sense of purpose and mission. Jesus doesn't define us by our worst mistakes, she said. Michael wasn't a believer at first because he could not see how God love him and forgive him for all the hurt that he's caused people. But that's what Jesus is about: forgiveness and loving unconditionally. Thats what drives me, helping others and reflecting Jesus. Thats what brings me comfort and joy. Its not a job to me; its my passion. She encouraged others to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and step out of their comfort zones to get to know someone who looks or acts differently from them. Look for the good in people. It takes so much more energy to hate than it does to love, Whittier said. Love can overcome hate. If you open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ, if you open your heart to love, you can overcome anything. We will have our trials and tribulations, but at the end of the day, were all dealing with the same trials and tribulations. Once we get together and talk about these issues, we can overcome them together. Watch Michael and Tiffany's story below: Kenya has ordered the closure of the massive Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps, which collectively host over 500,000 people, within the next two weeks. The government is citing national security threats posed by some of the refugees, including past terror attacks that have been linked to accomplices of the Somali-based Al-Shabaab militant group within the camps. 14-day Ultimatum The government on Tuesday gave the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a 14-day ultimatum to ensure closure of the facilities, failing which it plans to transport the refugees to the border with Somalia. Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiangi, yesterday communicated the Kenyan government's decision to the UNHCR representative in Kenya, Fathiaa Abdalla. The CS was accompanied by his PS, Karanja Kibicho, and Chief Administrative Secretary Hussein Dado. Dr Matiangi had called the UNHCR delegation for talks at Harambee House, arising from Kenya's concerns that the international community had reneged on a previous agreement to repatriate the refugees. Dr Matiangi reportedly told the UNHCR delegation "there is no room for negotiations" about the closure. "We must strike a balance between Kenya's international obligations and her domestic duty. We do have a domestic responsibility to protect Kenyans," Dr Matiangi said. Officials said Kenya could no longer continue to bear the burden of the two camps that have been in operation since the early 1990s, when Somalia plunged into civil war. Besides straining resources, Kenya says national security has been comprised through terror attacks reportedly planned from the sprawling camps "while the international community continues to pay lip service." Ms Abdalla reportedly requested to consult with her seniors, but pledged that the UNHCR is committed to reducing the number of refugees on Kenyan soil. President Uhuru Kenyatta's government had initially agreed on the repatriation in November 2013 with Somalia and the UNHCR, which would have seen the refugees return home over a three-year period. However, only 14,000 had been repatriated by April 2016 and the following month Kenya set another timeline for the closure of the Dadaab refugee complex, by November 30, 2016. The government is this time determined to see to it that the refugees are all repatriated within the next four months. Kenya has protested that the international community, including UNHCR, never honoured a pledge to contribute to a kitty to facilitate the repatriation. Kenya, which was the only contributor having put in $10 million (Sh1 billion), says a United Nations camp can be set up in Somalia. Besides abandoning Kenya to foot the bills alone, Nairobi has also protested that the world powers have frustrated attempts to have the Al-Shabaab who operate from bases in war-torn Somalia designated as a terrorist organisation. The resolution has in the past been shot down at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), under the guise that doing so would hamper humanitarian work in the war-torn Somalia. Nairobi has said proceeds from the contraband trade including smuggling of sugar from Somalia into Kenya have been used to finance Al-Shabaab operations. Kenya has always maintained the refugee camps are a breeding grounds for terrorism including planning of terror attacks by Al-Shabaab militants. The urgency to shut down the camps was stressed by three terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of over 100. Kenya cited intelligence that terror attacks on Westgate mall in 2013, Lamu's Mpeketoni in 2014 and Garissa University in 2015 were planned from the camps. The camps are among the biggest in the world, with Dadaab hosting 224,462 refugees while Kakuma has 206,458. Majority of the 512,494 refugees are from Somalia (274,299) while the rest are from neighbouring countries. Kenya hosts 127,412 refugees from South Sudan, DRC (46,024), Ethiopia (29,718), Burundi (17,286), Rwanda (1,917), Eritrea (1,955), Uganda (2,739), Sudan (10,199) and 945 from other nationalities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has scheduled a meeting on Friday with ambassadors of the other neighbouring countries to discuss the fate of their citizens. The talks will either explore whether those who merit can acquire legal papers or get them all to go back home. Kenya is, however, unable to extend similar diplomacy to Somalia because Mogadishu severed diplomatic ties with Nairobi, alleging interference in the Horn of Africa nation's elections. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Refugees By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. While Somalia cited Kenya's interference in its upcoming elections for the action late last year to recall its ambassador to Kenya and order Kenya's envoy to leave Mogadishu, relations between the two neighbouring countries have been poisoned by the controversial Indian Ocean maritime boundary row. Somalia skipped arbitration mechanisms available through its 1979 memorandum of understanding with Kenya, the regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), African Union (AU) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and instead filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Judges have retreated to compile the judgment following one-sided public hearings involving Somalia after Kenya withdrew from the proceedings, alleging bias. On Tuesday, Kenyan officials denied the decision to shut down the refugee camps had anything to do with the maritime boundary case, arguing that the repatriation process started in 2016, before the dispute had been filed at the ICJ. Kathmandu, March 24 The Ministry of Health and Population has informed that the countrys Covid-19 tally has reached 276,389 as of Wednesday afternoon. The ministry says 145 new cases were confirmed in the country in the past 24 hours. In this period, 3,963 swab samples were tested. So far, 2 million and 248,993 people have been tested in the country. As of today, 1,182 cases are active. Of the total cases so far, 272,187 people have achieved recovery whereas 3,020 died, according to the ministry. In the past 24 hours, 90 people have been discharged whereas one death has been reported. Over 50 people are quarantined across the country. Vice President Kamala Harris (L) and President Joe Biden meet with cabinet members and immigration advisers in the State Dining Room in Washington on March 24, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Biden Says Harris Will Lead Efforts to Stem Border Surge President Joe Biden announced on March 24 that Vice President Kamala Harris will be tapped to lead the administrations efforts in stemming the influx of illegal immigrants at the U.S.Mexico border. Biden told reporters that Harris was the most qualified person to handle the task. It comes as the administration faces growing pressure over how its handling a surge at the border that started after Biden was sworn into office. This increase has been consequential, but the vice president has agreed to lead our diplomatic effort and to work with those nations to accept the returnees and enhance migration enforcement at their borders, Biden said. Its not her full responsibility job, but she is leading the effort because I think the best thing to do is to put someone who speaks for me, doesnt have to check with me. She knows what shes doing, and I hope we can move this along, he told reporters, according to pool reports. Border Patrol apprehended 100,441 illegal border-crossers along the southern border in February, according to Customs and Border Protection. The number reflects a 28 percent increase over January. An ongoing immigration policy tracker by the Heritage Foundation found that Biden has rolled back almost all of former President Donald Trumps immigration policies. Illegal immigrants, most from Honduras, walk toward a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico near Mission, Texas, on March 23, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images) The White House and the Biden administration have repeatedly refused to use the word crisis when describing the historical increase of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.Mexico border. Reporters have in recent weeks been pressing the administration on this. Later, Harris thanked Biden for appointing her and described whats happening at the border as a challenging situation. While we are clear that people should not come to the border now, we also understand that we will enforce the law and that we alsobecause we can chew gum and walk at the same timemust address the root causes that cause people to make the trek, Harris told reporters. I look forward to engaging in diplomacy with government, with the private sector, with civil society, and the leaders of each in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to strengthen democracy and the rule of law and ensure shared prosperity in the region. Meanwhile, Mexicos president cast the blame this week on Bidens policies, saying he created certain expectations that are ultimately spurring illegal immigrants into making the trip. Expectations were created that with President Bidens government there would be a better treatment of migrants. This has caused Central American migrants, and also from our country, to want to cross the border thinking that it is easier to do so, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on March 23. Bidens changes to immigration policies have triggered a surge in illegal crossings, especially by unaccompanied minors, more than 11,000 of whom were being kept in overcrowded facilities as of March 23. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) proposed an immigration measure on March 24 that aims to close loopholes in the asylum system and change policies that may be contributing to the escalating crisis on the southern border. Grahams bill would require asylum-seekers from the Northern Triangle countriesGuatemala, Honduras, and El Salvadorto apply for refugee status at asylum centers outside the United States. The proposal would also afford equal treatment to unaccompanied minors from the Northern Triangle as those from Canada and Mexico. Under the current law, unaccompanied minors from Mexico and Canada are returned to their home countries. Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. The plan to set up a power plant to recycle waste at Nairobi's Dandora dumpsite now faces another delay, with a feasibility study into the project only beginning this month. This is after the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) said the feasibility study for the waste-to-energy project commenced this month and will take up to six months to be completed. The tendering process for the project was to begin in December 2020 but this was pushed to January 2021 after the process encountered some delays. Concerns over delay Last week, Nairobi MCAs raised concerns over the delay in commencement of the project and sought to know its implementation status. In a request for a statement, Dandora Area II MCA Silas Matara tasked the Nairobi County Assembly's Environment committee to inquire about the project's status as the ward representatives complained of increased pile up of garbage across the city. However, according to KenGen, which is implementing the project, the viability of the venture will only be known at the end of the study. The study will also determine the cost of the project among other parameters that will determine the next steps in the project. The consultant tapped by KenGen is a regional consulting engineering firm which specialises in water and wastewater services. Last year in August, KenGen invited expressions of interest from eligible consultancy firms to conduct a feasibility study for development and operation of the waste-to-energy plant. "We have signed a consultancy contract with a firm to carry out a feasibility study for the waste-to-energy project. The consultant has started work and the feasibility study will be comprehensive and will help to fast track the project's implementation," said KenGen. Last year, KenGen entered into partnership with the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to generate electricity by installing a municipal waste-to-energy power plant whose overall objective is to clean up the environment while generating power for the country's national development. This is after a mooted public-private partnership by NMS was ditched after the Ministry of Energy took it upon itself to build the factory at the Dandora dumpsite to harness energy. Under the deal, KenGen said the NMS will make available the land within or around the Dandora dumpsite, while the power generating company will finance, develop and operate the plant. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Energy Infrastructure By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Implementation team Already, KenGen and NMS have established a project implementation team to deliver the project. "Ours is provision of garbage and we are fulfilling this by ensuring that all the garbage collected in the city ends up at Dandora dumpsite. KenGen has finished procurement and will soon be setting up that plant," said Mr Badi. The NMS director-general said the power plant will solve the city's garbage problem and contribute to the renewable energy pool. The Dandora dumpsite - Nairobi's largest official garbage disposal site - is more than three times full, holding more than 1.8 million tonnes of solid waste against a capacity of 500,000 tonnes. On the other hand, the more than four million Nairobi residents produce over 3,000 tonnes of waste daily, with NMS only collecting 2,000 tonnes of garbage in a day. The city MCAs want to know whether public participation on the project was or is being carried out as required by law and if residents of Dandora and the people working at the dumpsite were given an opportunity to air their views. This is in addition to health mitigation measures put in place by KenGen and NMS before commencement of the project. "The garbage issue is getting out of hand and I would like a well stipulated schedule as to how NMS is going to deal with that matter and how soon," said Mlango Kubwa MCA Patricia Mutheu. Vatican cardinals to take 10 per cent salary cuts from 1 April. Pope Francis has cut the salaries of cardinals and other clerics working in the Vatican in a bid to save jobs of employees amid the financial crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic. The pontiff's 'Motu Propio' decree orders cardinals to take a pay cut of 10 per cent, with lesser cuts applying to other religious officials and lower-ranking clerical staff in the tiny sovereign city state. The move, which comes into force from 1 April, has been taken "in view of the deficit that has characterised the economic management of the Holy See for several years," according to a statement released by the Vatican today. The financial crisis has been aggravated by the "health emergency caused by the spread of covid-19, which has adversely affected all sources of revenue for the Holy See and Vatican City State." The cuts come amid the near total absence of tourists and the lengthy closures of the Vatican Museums over the last 15 months, causing a significant fall-off in the Holy See's finances. The measures will also apply to senior staff of other papal basilicas in Rome however lower-level lay employees are not expected to be affected by the cuts. Pope Francis, who has often insisted that he does not want to fire people, has taken the decision "with a view to safeguarding current jobs." Cardinals who work at the Vatican and live there or in Rome are believed to earn salaries of about 4,000-5,000 a month, according to Reuters. For details of the "Motu Proprio" - in English - see the website of the Vatican press office. Photo credit: CNS photo/Paul Haring The oil demand recovery in Europe, a region that accounts for about 15% of global consumption, looks set to take a fresh hit as the continent struggles to deal with another wave of coronavirus cases that could curb summer travel plans. Shares of all of Europes biggest airlines, including British Airways owner IAG, slumped this week over concerns about a deteriorating outlook for bookings. Germany, France and Italy have all widened lockdown measures this month. The U.K. is to fine people up to 5,000 pounds ($6,900) if they take overseas holidays now, while wavering about a planned reopening on May 17. Brent crude futures slumped almost 5% on Tuesday, the second time in four sessions that theyve fallen sharply. A recovery in European oil demand was widely expected, but the emergence of a third wave of infections has deferred that, said Jonathan Leitch, an oil analyst at Turner, Mason & Co. Were not going to get that seasonal peak and were not going to get the recovery that we were expecting, he said, discussing Europes jet fuel demand, which is usually stronger in the summer. For the gasoline and diesel market, the impact of the latest restrictions will be negative versus expectations but not necessarily demand being cut from current levels, he said. The global recovery in oil demand could be curbed by as much as 1 million barrels a day by vaccination glitches -- such as those being observed in Europe -- according to Rystad Energy, an Oslo-based consultant. Europes flight numbers are languishing at more than 60% below 2019 levels for the time of year, a situation that has shown little-to-no improvement for weeks, according to the latest data from Eurocontrol. In the U.S., meanwhile, airport passenger numbers have been steadily rising and wider demand is improving more strongly. The chances of anything close to a normal rebound in Europe this summer are diminishing by the day, Mark Manduca, an analyst at Citi said in a note to clients Tuesday. IAG has tumbled almost 10% this week as government officials and ministers expressed concerns that a restart in overseas travel could jeopardize the countrys gains from a rapid vaccination campaign. EasyJet, Ryanair Holdings and tour operator TUI have slumped too. U.S. states, territories, pharmacies and community health centers will receive 27 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines next week, an increase of about five million doses compared to this week's shipments, the White House said Tuesday. Coronavirus coordinator Jeff Zients informed governors on their weekly conference call that 23 million doses of Pfizer and Moderna and about four million of Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine will be shipped next week. About 18 million of those shots will be given directly to states and jurisdictions to administer, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. Most of the remainder will go to the federal retail pharmacy program, with a smaller share to federally qualified community health centers. US states, pharmacies and community health centers will get 27 million doses of coronavirus vaccines next week, White House officials told governors on a Friday call. That will include about four million doses of Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine (pictured, file) The Biden administration touted the three-fold increase in the number of doses shipping to states each week since the president on January 20 Although White House officials boasted that next week's shipments are triple the size weekly vaccine allocations were when President Biden took office, next week's increase is almost completely accounted for by the four million Johnson & Johnson doses. And next week will be the first time since the initial shipment that states will receive a substantial number of the long-awaited one-dose shot, after the stockpile of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine fell short of promises made by the firm and the White House. A total of 9,235,980 doses of Pfizer's vaccine and 6,659,000 of Moderna's were shipped to US states and territories this week. States also received a small allocation of 389,900 doses of Johnson & Johnson's vaccine. Together, these doses amount to 16,284,880 total vaccine doses allocated to US states and territories directly. The rest of this week's approximately 21 million shots went to pharmacies and community health centers. It comes after the US easily surpassed Biden's goal of getting 100 million shots in Americans' arms within the first 100 days of his presidency, hitting that benchmark within just 59 days of his term. In fact, even without the anticipated increases in vaccine supply and daily shot administrations, if the U.S. vaccination campaign had continued at the pace it was going on Inauguration day, 97 million vaccines would have been given by April 28 - 100 days after Biden took office. The administration expects supplies to continue to increase in the coming weeks, which comes as more states are relaxing eligibility criteria for shots. More than 82.7 million people, or 24.9 percent of the U.S. population, have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some 44.9 million people, or 13.5 percent of the population, have completed their vaccination. Biden is directing all adults be eligible for vaccines nationwide by May 1, and the U.S. remains on track to have enough supply to cover all adults by the end of May. The U.S. is now doing a seven-day rolling average of 2.5 million shots a day, including two million given on Monday. Daily vaccinations have plateaued at about that rate since March 13. But the number of shots being administered a day is up by 177 percent compared to the pace it was moving on Inauguration Day: 900,000 shots a day. Pfizer and Moderna have pledged they will deliver 220 million doses of their coronavirus vaccines to the U.S. by the end of this month, collectively. Each company actually increased its production goal for the end of March (though they both fell short of their earlier goals). And prior to its authorization in late February, Johnson & Johnson had promised it could deliver 20 million doses of its one-shot vaccine by the end of March. Combined, those 240 million doses would be enough to fully vaccinate 150 million Americans - about half of the adult population of the U.S. - with two doses of Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one of J&J's, by the end of this month. But shortly before its FDA authorization, J&J revealed that it would only have a few million doses ready to ship by the time it was expected to get the FDA's green light. Now, Biden administration officials are expressing serious doubts that Johnson & Johnson will meet its 20 million doses goal. That's despite the administration taking credit for using the Defense Production Act (DPA) to forge a partnership between Merck and Johnson & Johnson to manufacture more doses of the latter firm's vaccine. 'At this point in time, I don't want to commit to what's going to happen over the course of the coming week. We'll leave that to the company,' White House COVID-19 advisor Andy Slavitt, said during a Monday press briefing. Johnson & Johnson told DailyMail.com that it is still on track to hit its goal, but White House officials told CNN Tuesday that they are not confident that the company will follow through. Moderna and Pfizer are steadily continuing to churn out doses, but the short-fall of Johnson & Johnson's vaccines could mean stunted increase to the number of doses shipped to U.S. states in the the critical coming month as they expand eligibility to all adults. And with AstraZeneca's data and safety monitoring board sounding the alarm over 'outdated' data in the interim results it posted from its U.S. vaccine trial, the 30 million doses it says will be ready to ship assuming FDA authorization next week could be delayed as well. Angela Merkel fait marche arriere Apres avoir essuye de nombreuses critiques, la chanceliere Angela Merkel a annule mercredi, lors d'une nouvelle reunion de crise avec les 16 Etats-regions allemands, le tour de vis decide en debut de semaine pour le long week-end de Paques afin de lutter contre la hausse des cas de coronavirus, selon certains participants a cette reunion. Angela Merkel a reconnu mercredi avoir fait une erreur en voulant durcir pour le long week-end de Paques les regles sanitaires anti-Covid en Allemagne et a confirme labandon de ce projet qui avait provoque des critiques de toutes parts. Une erreur doit etre appelee une erreur et, plus important encore, elle doit etre corrigee et si possible a temps. Je sais que cette proposition a provoque une incertitude supplementaire, je le regrette profondement et pour cela je demande pardon a tous les citoyens, a declare la chanceliere lors dune allocution, a lissue dune reunion durgence avec les dirigeants des Etats-regions allemands. Mesures critiquees de toutes parts Angela Merkel a convoque ce mercredi a 11h une nouvelle reunion de crise, deux jours apres un sommet anti-Covid entre regions et federal. Cette reunion avait debouche sur des mesures critiquees de toutes parts, dont la fermeture de tous les commerces et un appel a ne pas accueillir de fideles dans les eglises le long week-end de Paques. Les responsables politiques avaient alors decide d'interdire les rassemblements et la restauration en plein air du 1er au 5 avril. Nombre de restrictions en vigueur depuis fin 2020, comme les limitations de reunions privees, etaient quant a elles prolongees jusqu'au 18 avril. Laccord nentrera pas en vigueur Mercredi midi, Mme Merkel a annonce que cet accord n'entrerait pas en vigueur. Les critiques se concentraient sur le flou persistant sur de nombreux elements-clefs de ce plan, malgre des discussions marathon. Les entreprises et le secteur de l'industrie reprochaient notamment a cet accord un manque de clarte sur la mise en pratique de ces fermetures a Paques. Flambee de nouvelles contaminations Le nombre de nouvelles contaminations par le coronavirus a double en Allemagne ces dernieres 24 heures. Pres de 16.000 infections etaient recensees mercredi matin par l'Institut de sante publique Robert Koch. Mardi matin, ce nombre etait de 7.485. Au cours de ces dernieres 24 heures, 248 deces supplementaires dus a la Covid-19 ont ete deplores, ce qui porte le bilan officiel a 75.212 morts depuis le debut de la pandemie en Allemagne. Mark Huffman edits copy and occasionally writes some, too. He's been a journalist since newspapers had typewriters and darkrooms. John Lewis to shut eight more stores Store closures announced today: Aberdeen Ashford (At Home) Basingstoke (At Home) Chester (At Home) Peterborough Sheffield Tunbridge Wells (At Home) York Store closures announced last July Birmingham Croydon Watford Newbury Swindon Tamworth St Pancras Heathrow Advertisement John Lewis has announced it will shut eight more stores across the country, putting 1,465 jobs at risk. The retail giant told staff this morning that it plans to close the branches after Covid lockdown measures lift, as it undergoes a major shift in strategy to adapt to changing shopping habits. The eight shops set to close comprise four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York, and four At Home stores in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells. It has confirmed its remaining 32 branches will reopen on April 12 - when England is expected to allow non-essential retail to reopen following the lockdown. The remaining two, Glasgow and Edinburgh, will reopen on April 26 and May 14, in line with Scotland's Covid restrictions. In January the group recorded a 517million pre-tax loss for the year to January - the first ever loss in its 157-year history. Last July it announced the closure of eight stores, including its flagship site in Grand Central, Birmingham. For the first time in nearly 70 years, partners were not offered bonuses as the Covid-19 lockdown put added pressure on the high street retailer. It decided not to reopen eight stores after the first lockdown, at a loss of around 1,300 jobs. Among eight sites to close are four John Lewis at Home stores, including one in Basingstoke Which John Lewis stores will reopen from April 12? Bluewater High Wycombe Oxford Brent Cross Glasgow (reopens 26 April) Oxford Street Cambridge Horsham Peter Jones Southampton Ipswich Poole Cardiff Kingston Reading Cheadle Leeds Solihull Cheltenham Leicester Stratford City Chelmsford Liverpool Trafford Chichester Milton Keynes Welwyn Cribbs Causeway Newcastle White City Edinburgh (reopens 14 May) Norwich *Plus, Swindon outlet store Exeter Nottingham Advertisement The retailer announced today's cuts as it looks to 'reshape its business to how its customers increasingly want to shop in-store and online.' 'At Home' stores are being shut in favour of nearby Waitrose supermarkets, with the introduction of John Lewis shopping areas in the supermarket expected to arrive by the autumn. Former staff say they are 'utterly heartbroken' by today's announcement. The eight shops identified for closure include four 'At Home' shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York. John Lewis Partnership said on Wednesday that it will also transfer the operations of its Waitrose distribution centre in Leyland, Lancashire, to XPO Logistics. It said 436 Waitrose staff at the site will be transferred to XPO. John Lewis has been buoyed by soaring online sales in recent months but these were not sufficient to offset its decline in store sales as it tumbled to a 517 million pre-tax loss for the year to January. It was the first loss in the group's history dating back to 1864. Last summer the company announced it was closing eight stores across the country in Birmingham, Croydon, Watford, Newbury, Swindon, Tamworth, St Pancras and Heathrow, costing around 1,300 people their jobs. None of the sites reopened after the first lockdown, and leases have been returned to landlords at six of the shops, with just Swindon and Tamworth left. Gutted shoppers have expressed their upset at today's announcement. A former employee at the York store wrote: 'Incredibly sad being a former partner in John Lewis and being part of the senior team in York, thoughts are with everyone impacted.' One Aberdeen shopper wrote: 'That's huge for the town centre'. Another exasperated shopper said: 'F*** me, is there actually anywhere left to buy s*** in the town?'' Ashford's John Lewis at Home store, found just off the M20, will also close, as the retailer looks to shift its focus to online sails Gutted social media users (tweets above) have expressed their upset at today's announcement John Lewis: From a small shop on Oxford Street to one of Britain's biggest retailers John Lewis has become one of the most recognisable brands on Britain's high streets with the company also owning supermarket giant Waitrose. But its history can be traced back to 1964, when founder John Lewis opened a small shop on London's Oxford Street. Over time it expanded, and the Lewis family purchased Peter Jones, a business in Sloane Square, before control of the company was handed to the founder's son, John Spedan Lewis. Spedan Lewis wanted to 'create a way of doing business that was both commercial, allowing it to move quickly and stay ahead in a highly-competitive industry, and democratic, giving every Partner a voice in the business they co-own', according to the brand's website. As a result, all members of staff are referred to as 'partners' and the company is run by a trust on their behalf. John Lewis opened as a small shop in Oxford Street in 1864 The Oxford Street store with a festive display in 1936 Among its eye-catching schemes is a six-month leave for employees who have worked at the company for 25 years, an idea that was started in 1979. In 1920 the firm offered its first ever bonus to all of its staff, and nine years later set up a medical service providing free healthcare for all partners - 19 years before the NHS was founded. By 1940 the company had expanded further, purchasing Waitrose and 15 branches of the collapsing Selfridge Provincial Stores Group, by 1960 it was able to reopen a much larger shop on Oxford Street. In 1963, Spedan Lewis died. Seven years later the company issued its annual bonuses to staff in cash, rather than in stocks and cash. Stanley Carter, the ex-managing director of the department store on London's Oxford Street, pictured in August 1965 At the turn of the century, John Lewis was preparing to move online, launching its website in 2001, while using Waitrose to supply online supermarket Ocado. In recent years it has become known for its iconic Christmas adverts, the first one being launched in 2007. Changing demands from shoppers and the decline of the high has had a negative impact on John Lewis' stores. Last year it announced eight shops were to close, including a flagship site in Birmingham. Today, a further 1,500 jobs have been put at risk, as it plans to close another eight stores in Kent, York, Hampshire, Northamptonshire, Cheshire and Aberdeen. It plans to rely on smaller Waitrose stores that stock some John Lewis items, while also profiting online by expanding its click and collect service. Advertisement A former worker at the Aberdeen store wrote: 'I'm truly and utterly heartbroken over the news. 'John Lewis helped shape me into the person I am today. I made some friends for life over the 4 years I worked here and I'm so thankful for the time I shared there. 'My heart aches for both my former colleagues and those that joined after me. This city has lost a great place.' Sharing the news that hundreds could lose their job, John Lewis wrote on Twitter: 'Some of our stores may be closing, but there are plenty of ways to continue shopping with us'. Though shops are expected to reopen on April 12, The British Retail Consortium has warned non-essential stores like John Lewis have lost more than 22billion over the course of the pandemic In February Ms Dickinson warned that every day a shop remains closed 'increases the chances that it will never open again'. She said: 'The cost of lost sales to non-food stores during lockdown is now over 22billion and counting. Every day that a shop remains closed increases the chances that it will never open again - costing jobs and damaging local communities.' In January John Lewis announced a pre-tax loss of 517m, the same month that retail sales plunged by 8 per cent compared with December. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said retail sales volumes dived 8.2 per cent last month against December 2020 after non-essential retailers shut their doors to customers. It was significantly worse than analyst expectations, with a consensus of economists predicting a 2.5 per cent decline for the month. Meanwhile, a Labour MP has described the decision to close the John Lewis store in Sheffield as a 'hammer blow' to the city. Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh said on Facebook: 'This will be a hammer blow for Sheffield and leave a gaping hole in our city centre. 'John Lewis is a huge draw, and the closure will have a knock-on effect for businesses across Sheffield. 'We can't continue with a situation where five US tech firms account for 1.3 billion in lost corporation tax every year, while high street shops pay business rates under a system that hasn't been reformed for years. 'The Government are washing their hands of any responsibility for reviving our high streets, and creating a level playing field for local businesses. It's the communities and workers who rely on them that are paying the price.' It is only six months since Sheffield City Council agreed a multimillion-pound deal with the department store company to restructure the lease of the landmark 1960s Cole Brothers building, opposite City Hall and the war memorial. The deal, which included plans for a major refurbishment of the Barker's Pool store, was struck after the site was confirmed as a lynchpin of the Heart of the City II scheme - an ongoing 480 million investment in a fundamental regeneration of Sheffield city centre. Nalin Seneviratne, the council's director of city centre development, said: 'It's no secret that high streets across the country have faced challenges over the past decade, and no-one could have prepared for the impacts of the global pandemic. 'But Sheffield is a resilient city, and we already have in place ambitious plans for a city centre that competes on a global stage. 'Our Heart of the City plans will deliver between 5,500 and 7,000 jobs, create social spaces, homes, showcase our incredible culture, deliver restaurants, workspace, creative hubs - with a focus on socialising, alongside a fantastic retail offering that supports new and existing businesses.' Non-food shops have been the hardest hit during the pandemic, with supermarkets and online retailers actually seeing some minor growth, according to ONS figures from earlier this year. Experts say companies were forced to 'adapt' to measures that saw a dramatic drop in retail spending at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Only yesterday holiday firm TUI announced it was closing a further 48 retail stores across the UK. Last July it said that 166 shops closed due to the virus crisis would not reopen, which was nearly a third of its total. The UK's biggest tour operator said the travel industry and the high street 'are both facing unprecedented pressure' due to the coronavirus pandemic. Figures from January show how retail sales had plummeted again, but had not reached lows seen at the start of Covid-19 pandemic last March. Experts say retailers had to 'adapt' to the restrictions in order to stay afloat John Lewis' store in Aberdeen will close, but the retail giant today confirmed shops in Glasgow and Edinburgh would reopen in April and May, in line with Government guidelines The company plans to close bigger stores in order to 'invest significantly to improve our remaining ones'. The improvements will cost eight stores, including the 'at home' range in Tunbridge Wells Peterborough's John Lewis store will not reopen when non-essential retail is allowed to return next month John Lewis closure is 'hammer blow' to Sheffield, says MP The decision to close the John Lewis store in the centre of Sheffield, which was at the heart of a 480 million regeneration project, has been described as a 'hammer blow'. It is only six months since Sheffield City Council agreed a multimillion-pound deal with the department store company to restructure the lease of the landmark 1960s Cole Brothers building, opposite City Hall and the war memorial. The deal, which included plans for a major refurbishment of the Barker's Pool store, was struck after the site was confirmed as a lynchpin of the Heart of the City II scheme - an ongoing 480 million investment in a fundamental regeneration of Sheffield city centre. Following the decision on Wednesday, Sheffield Heeley Labour MP Louise Haigh said on Facebook: 'This will be a hammer blow for Sheffield and leave a gaping hole in our city centre. 'John Lewis is a huge draw, and the closure will have a knock-on effect for businesses across Sheffield. 'We can't continue with a situation where five US tech firms account for 1.3 billion in lost corporation tax every year, while high street shops pay business rates under a system that hasn't been reformed for years. 'The Government are washing their hands of any responsibility for reviving our high streets, and creating a level playing field for local businesses. It's the communities and workers who rely on them that are paying the price.' Advertisement All 273 employees affected by the decision will be offered new roles. The Daily Mail has revealed pandemic measures cost 500m a day in lost output, while adding 1bn a day to the national debt. John Lewis Partnership suggested earlier this month that it would announce today's closures. A John Lewis spokesman said: 'We will enter into consultation with the 1,465 affected Partners about our proposals. 'Should we proceed, we will make every effort to find alternative roles in the Partnership for as many Partners as possible. 'At the Partnership's full year results earlier this month, we said that we will reshape our business in response to how our customers increasingly want to shop in-store and online. 'This follows substantial research to identify and cater for new customer shopping habits in different parts of the country. 'As part of this, we can unfortunately no longer profitably sustain a large John Lewis store in some locations where we do not have enough customers, which is resulting in the proposed closures. 'The eight shops were financially challenged prior to the pandemic.' 'Given the significant shift to online shopping in recent years - and our belief that this trend will not materially reverse - we do not think the performance of these eight stores can be substantially improved. 'We expect 60 per cent to 70 per cent of John Lewis sales to be made online in the future. 'Nearly 50 per cent of our customers now use a combination of both store and online when making a purchase.' The group said it was moving its focus to cater to 'convenient' shopping, adding: 'Having fewer bigger stores allows us to invest significantly to improve our remaining ones, showcasing our inspiring products with more space dedicated to experiences and services. 'They will be enticing and exciting places to shop, more reflective of the tastes and interests of local customers. 'Our research tells us that customers want more convenient access to John Lewis so we're improving the next day Click & Collect service in Waitrose stores and offering more local collection points through third parties. 'We're trialling the introduction of John Lewis shopping areas in our Waitrose stores and by the autumn, Waitrose general merchandise products will be sourced by John Lewis.' John Lewis in York, pictured, is one of two Yorkshire outlets that have been cut as part of today's announcement John Lewis at Home in Chester will also close. Earlier this month the company told its partners they would not receive an annual bonus for the first time in 68 years In January the group recorded its first loss in its 157-year history. John Lewis in Sheffield is another of today's casualties Retail bloodbath: How the pandemic changed Britain's High Street The High Street has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic as people were told to stay inside for several national lockdowns. High Street stalwarts such as Debenhams, WH Smith and Clarks did not escape the bloodbath. In August 228-year-old business WH Smith said a dramatic fall in sales could force them to axe around 11 per cent of its workforce. It was a grim announcement for an already hammered high street after hundreds of jobs were also cut at high street fashion chain M&Co. The chain also announced the closure of 47 stores, taking the number of workers facing redundancy as a result of the Covid crisis above 100,000. Within one week over the summer 651 roles were lost at Byron, 1,700 put at risk at DW Sports, 878 lost at Hays Travel and 1,100 put at risk at Pizza Express. John Lewis cut a further 1,500 jobs, adding to the 1,300 axed when it permanently shut eight stores in July. The retail giant was widely seen as a benchmark for High Street performance in the UK. Lloyds Bank also announced their decision to make 1,070 more staff redundant on top of the 865 earlier in the pandemic. Within the same 24 hours Marks & Spencer also reported its first loss in its 94 years as a listed company. The company had already cut 8,000 staff since March. And Sainsburys also confirmed it would cut around 3,500 jobs across its Argos stores and supermarket meat, fish and deli counters, while Clarks shoes put the jobs of all 4,000 of its store staff on notice as part of its fight for survival. Advertisement 56million lifeline for Britain's high streets: Government unveils fund for council's to spruce up shopping hubs and hold beer and food festivals while cutting red tape so thousands more pubs can open on April 12 By Emer Scully for MailOnline The Government has unveiled a 56million fund for council's to spruce up shopping hubs and hold beer and food festivals. Up to 9,000 more pubs are expected to be able to open for dine-out customers on April 12 as cuts to red tape will allow businesses to build marquees in gardens and have tables in streets across England. There will be a particular focus on seaside towns, which will receive 6million of the funding pot. Councils can use the money to 'spruce up' their high streets with flower boxes, improvements to green spaces and the removal of graffiti. Rogue parking firms will also be tackled to allow shoppers easier access to town centres. Up to 9,000 more pubs are expected to be able to open for dine-out customers on April 12 as businesses will be allowed build marquees in gardens and have tables in streets across England. Pictured, Eat Out To Help Out in Windsor last year Cabinet Minister Robert Jenrick told BBC Radio 4: 'It's really important that we back hospitality and retail which has had such a difficult 12 months. 'So we're cutting red tape so these businesses can do al fresco dining, put marquees in pub gardens and begin to rebuild and prosper.' James Timpson, CEO of shoe repair chain Timpson, said it would take three years for trading to return to pre-pandemic measures. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I am concerned that some people will not shop in the way that they used to and are quite content with the new way of doing things. 'We are a business and we need you to walk through our door so we are concerned that in time our footfall may be lower certainly in our city centres.' From next month pubs will be allowed to erect marquees or other temporary structures in their gardens without planning permission and, in a bolster to business, can keep them up until September rather than a 28-day window. There will be a particular focus on seaside towns, which will receive 6million of the funding pot, and councils can use the money to 'spruce up' their high streets with flower boxes or remove graffiti. Pictured, Darlington high street this month The marquees will need side panels for ventilation but the usual slog of required paperwork has been cut. Meanwhile, tables and chairs will be allowed on pavements outside businesses without the need for a time consuming public consultation process. All pubs and restaurants need to do is notify their council and, if they don't hear back within ten days, they can use pavements outside their venue for al fresco dining. Cabinet Minister Robert Jenrick (pictured) said it was important to 'back hospitality' England's 'stay at home' message will be removed on March 29, before most restrictions end by June 21 if the number of coronavirus cases continue to fall. And extra money will be pumped into coastal areas to help them cope with an expected influx of visitors over the summer months. When lockdown was first eased last year seaside towns faced gridlock, with Bournemouth forced to declare a 'major incident' as social distancing was ignored. While 6million will go to coastal areas, the remaining 50million will be handed to town halls to improve green spaces, put on markets and food pop-ups or festivals to encourage people into their high streets. Meanwhile, Labour said the fund was 'a drop in the ocean' and it was 'not clear which areas will benefit'. Mr Jenrick said: 'As we move to the next stage on the roadmap out of lockdown we are all looking forward to being reunited with friends and family outdoors and making a safe and happy return to our favourite shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. 'Our Welcome Back Fund gives every city, town and high street support to prepare for a great summer. This funding will help councils and businesses to welcome shoppers, diners and tourists back safely. 'As soon as the roadmap allows, we need to get behind our local businesses and enjoy all that this country has to offer and that we've been missing so much.' When lockdown was first eased last year seaside towns faced gridlock, with Bournemouth (pictured) forced to declare a 'major incident' as social distancing was ignored The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MCHLG) said the Welcome Back Fund could be used by councils to invest in street planting, green spaces, seating areas, to run publicity campaigns or to hold events such as markets and festivals. Money could also be spent on signage to encourage social distancing and to tackle graffiti. Some 70 councils will also receive 'targeted, hands-on support' from the Government's High Streets Task Force, described as 'an elite team of high street experts who will advise them on how to adapt to meet changing consumer demands so they can thrive in the years ahead'. Under the Government's response to the Parking Code Framework consultation, it will 'curb unfair tickets and tackle cowboy parking firms' through a simplified appeals process, as well as caps on private parking fines being introduced. Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed said: 'This is just a drop in the ocean compared to how much the Conservatives took away over a decade when they pushed our high streets and seaside towns into deep decline, and it's not clear which areas will benefit. 'The Conservatives have done nothing to level the playing field between high street shops and online retailers. Now they want to hollow high streets out by selling off temporarily closed shops to wealthy developers so they can never reopen as shops again.' Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: 'It's good news for pubs, as we move towards the outdoor reopening, that rules around outdoor spaces will be more relaxed, particularly given the vagaries of the April weather. 'We would urge the Government and local councils to work with publicans to ensure as many people as possible are able to return to the Great British pub.' [March 23, 2021] Newgen Set to "Transform Experiences" at its Annual Customer Event-NewgenConnect 2021 Attendees to gain insights from leading industry influencers, including Jim Marous and Pascal Bornet SYDNEY, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital automation platform, today announced that it will host its annual customer eventNewgenConnect 2021from May 17 to May 19, 2021. The global event will be held virtually this year, with a focus on transforming experiences for its customers. The three-day virtual meet will include over 75 sessions for delegates from over 70 countries to highlight how digital is accelerating enterprises' transformation journeys. Industry-specific tracks will provide a glimpse into how Newgen customers, business leaders, industry analysts, and system integrators transform experiences of their customers. "The pandemic changed the way businesses delivered products and services in an instant. hile most institutions enabled consumers to access services using digital devices, few experiences were comparable to what big tech firms provided. NewgenConnect 2021 will present ways in which banking enterprises can respond to the needs of consumers in a digital world," said Jim Marous, Co-publisher, The Financial Brand. "There has never been a more urgent time for companies to transform their customer and employee experiences. In the post-pandemic world, experience has become a key differentiator for enterprises. The good news is that there is a global platform like NewgenConnect to help enterprises learn about ways to connect people, processes, content, and communications and enable true end-to-end digital journeys for delivering superior customer experience," said Pascal Bornet, renowned author and pioneer in intelligent automation. "This event is all about delivering transformed experiences with digital. We are thrilled to host our wonderful customers, partners, and everyone else in our business network, and bring to them insightful and valuable sessions that are sure to expedite their digital initiatives," said Diwakar Nigam, MD and Chairman, Newgen Software. About Newgen Software Technologies Pty Ltd: Newgen is a leading provider of low code digital automation platform. Globally, successful financial institutions, insurance, government, and shared services organizations rely on Newgen's industry-recognized products and applicationsto manage their processes (BPM), content (ECM), and communications (CCM)for connected operations. From customer onboarding to service requests, from loans and deposits to underwriting, and many more, Newgen's industry applications transform business-critical operations with agility. Newgen's cloud-based platform enables digital transformation initiatives for superior customer experience, optimized costs, and improved efficiencies. For more details, visit www.newgensoft.com Media Contact: Asif Khan asif.khan@newgensodt.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676258/Newgen_Logo.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - David H. Brett, President & CEO, EnGold Mines Ltd., (TSXV: EGM) ("EnGold" or the "Company") reports that the Company has arranged a non-brokered private placement of 10,000,000 flow-through units at a price of $0.06 per unit for gross proceeds of $600,000, subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. The units consist of one flow-through common share and one half of one warrant, whereby each whole warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one non-flow-through common share at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of two years. The proceeds will be used to explore the Company's Lac La Hache Project in the Cariboo region of BC. About EnGold EnGold is a Vancouver-based copper, gold, silver, magnetite exploration company focused solely on its 100% owned Lac La Hache property in the Cariboo region of BC which hosts the Spout Copper Deposit, the Aurizon Gold Deposit and the G1 Copper Deposit and other targets within a large porphyry mineralizing system. With world class infrastructure at its doorstep, Lac La Hache is a great location to be exploring. EnGold Mines Ltd. David Brett President & CEO For further info contact David Brett, 604-682-2421 or david@engold.ca This news release may contain "forward-looking statements". Readers are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual development or results may vary materially from those in these "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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78393 (Natural News) The official death count from Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) injections has nearly doubled since early March, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not appear to be at all concerned. The agency failed to respond to an inquiry from The Defender about how it investigates reported deaths, whether or not autopsies are being conducted, and what standards are used to determine whether or not vaccination is causally associated with a reported injury or death. The only thing the CDC has provided thus far is silence, which is unacceptable in light of the fact that there are now more than 38,444 reports of adverse effects from Chinese virus jabs in the CDCs Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). As this writer noted back in a story from early March, there were 1,170 reported deaths associated with Wuhan flu shots at that time. Today, that number has soared to 1,739 deaths along with 6,286 reports of serious injuries, which are worse than those generally classified as adverse events. At this point in time, we do not even know whether healthcare providers are reporting all injuries and deaths following vaccination for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) because the standards used are unknown. The CDC would seem to not want anyone to know these details. As of today, 11 days later, the CDC has not answered our questions, writes Megan Redshaw for The Defender. Instead, when we call them, they respond saying, they have received our email, they will escalate it and it is in the system.' When we asked if we could speak with the person reviewing the email, we were told that information could not be provided, Redshaw adds. When we emailed them to follow up, we received no response. J&Js coronavirus jab causing anaphylactic shock in recipients The latest VAERS data obtained by Redshaw shows that in a single week, 478 cases of vaccine-related Bells Palsy were reported. Of these, 66 percent occurred after vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech injection, while the remaining 36 percent, roughly, resulted from the Moderna injection. The first Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines were also administered that same week, resulting in at least nine cases of anaphylactic shock. Because the J&J jab contains polysorbate 80, a known allergen, some believe this is the ingredient responsible for these anaphylactic reactions. Both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech jabs contain polyethylene glycol (PEG), another known allergen that some have speculated is also causing anaphylactic reactions. This writer further speculates that perhaps the messenger RNA (mRNA) component of these two jabs might also be responsible. The March 11, 2021, VAERS data release also shows 734 people who are now permanently disabled after being injected, along with another 6,689 cases of people having to be rushed to an emergency room. Nearly 4,000 have had to be hospitalized after their jabs, 1,205 for life-threatening complications. Of the 1,739 reported deaths, 30 percent occurred within 48 hours of vaccination, while 21 percent occurred within 24 hours. Forty-six percent of deaths occurred in people who became sick within 48 hours of being vaccinated. By comparison, during the same period, there were only 85 deaths reported following flu vaccines, Redshaw notes. The average age of those dying from the injections is 77.9, the data shows. The youngest person to die from a Chinese virus vaccination was 18. At least 289 pregnant women who were injected reported adverse events as well, including 90 cases of miscarriage or premature birth. According to VAERS, the teenager developed fatigue, body aches and a headache one day after receiving the Moderna vaccine on March 3, Redshaw reveals, noting that the youngest reported death age dropped from 23 to 18. On March 5 he complained of chest pain, and died in his sleep later that day. To keep up with the latest reports about injuries and deaths caused by Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) injections, visit ChemicalViolence.com. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com "This will bring together the combined expertise... to rapidly reskill workers for fast-growing tech jobs." Tweet this Despite broader economic headwinds and declining labor force participation , employers report strong demand for IT professionals and tech talent. Domestic tech-related employment continued to grow in February, as technology companies added 7,700 workers, IT occupations in all sectors of the economy expanded by 178,000 , and help-wanted ads for IT openings reached a 12-month high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that IT occupations will continue growing for nearly a decadeat a rate of 11 percent through 2029significantly faster than average industry growth. At the same time, the workforce faces notable disparities: women make up just over one quarter of the computing workforce and women of color make up only 4 percent. To expand access to IT career paths, the initiative will focus on upskilling and reskilling workers without prior IT experience or a bachelor's degree, providing them with opportunities to earn industry-validated credentials and gain experience through rigorous work-based learning. Workers in all five major metropolitan areas will receive access to the in-demand CompTIA A+ certification, one of Google's five career certificates, or both credentials. "Employment opportunities in IT are present in many industries and regions across the country," said Mark Plunkett, the vice president of education services and business development at CompTIA Tech Career Academy. "With its mix of instruction, mentoring, paid work-based learning, and professional certification, this collaborative effort led by JFF is the right solution to prepare hundreds of individuals eager for new career opportunities in IT." "Employer-backed credentials like the Google Career Certificates provide a meaningful alternative for underserved communities where traditional education is not a viable option," said Hector Mujica, economic opportunity lead at Google.org. "We have been collaborating with JFF for years to advance the sector in the deployment of credentials and wraparound support, and are proud they will continue to leverage their learnings and Google content to provide many more people with pathways to the digital economy." To design and scale the new initiative, JFF has assembled a diverse network of corporate, labor, education, and nonprofit organizations. In addition to Google and CompTIA, these include the National Association of Workforce Boards, the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute, the Colorado Community College System (Denver), JEVS Human Services (Philadelphia), Metropolitan Community College (Omaha), Redemption Bridge (South Dallas), and TechSF (San Francisco). Each local site will help identify potential candidates, provide case management and support services, and engage with regional employers to place participants in tech jobs with established career pathways. JFF will tap into its deep expertise in the IT sector and tech workforce planning and development, providing insight on best practices, support for research and evaluation, implementation of work-based learning opportunities, and sharing of results with other experts and practitioners in workforce development nationwide. About JFF: JFF is a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems. For more than 35 years, JFF has led the way in designing innovative and scalable solutions that create access to economic advancement for all. www.jff.org For more information, please contact JFF's Communications team at [email protected]. SOURCE JFF Police in north-central Vietnams Nghe An province arrested the owner of a private clinic on Monday, accusing the physician of undermining peoples trust in the Communist Party in a series of articles posted on social media, state media sources said. Nguyen Duy Huong, a 34-year-old medical doctor and owner of the Duy Nhi clinic in the Yen Thanh districts Vienh Tanh commune, was charged under Article 117 of the Criminal Code with creating, storing, or disseminating information and documents against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Security services said that articles posted since 2018 on Huongs Facebook page included a Feb. 20, 2021 story called Why Should We Criticize Nguyen Phu Trong, which criticized the ruling Communist Party general secretary, now serving his third term in office, for turning the party into a swamp. Huong had written in the same article that he was willing to sacrifice even his family and job in order to change the Party and the country, according to a report in the Ministry of Public Securitys official newspaper. I have devoted my life to this [cause], Huong wrote, quoted in the Ministry paper. Reforms must be carried out so that our people can really be their own masters, the party can be cleaned up, and the country can move forward. Huongs writings had undermined the Vietnamese peoples trust in their ruling party and the socialist regime and had harmed political and ideological unity in the country, and should therefore be handled strictly, the ministry paper said. Appeals trial scheduled Separately, the appeals trial for political dissident Tran Duc Thach, who was sentenced by a Nghe An court to 12 years in prison on charges of subversion on Dec. 12, 2020, will be held on Wednesday, his defense attorney said. Thach had heard only the day before that the trial would be held, attorney Ha Huy Son told RFA on Tuesday. I met with Thach this afternoon. His health is worse now than it was at the first trial, but hes in good spirits and will present his points of view at tomorrows trial, Son said, adding, Although he only learned about the trial today, hes ready for it. We have some hope, but not much, because not many changes are made at appeals trials in cases related to national security except when there are new developments, he said. Thach, a co-founder of Vietnams online Brotherhood for Democracy, was arrested on April 23, 2020 and charged with activities aimed at overthrowing the Peoples Government under Article 109 of Vietnams Criminal Code for Facebook postings exposing government corruption and human rights abuses. The Brotherhood for Democracy is not recognized by the Vietnamese government, and many of its members have been imprisoned since its founding in 2013. Activist for human rights Born in 1952 in Nghe An, Thach served with North Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War and was afterward an activist for human rights and democracy in Vietnam for many years. In his book A Haunting Collective Grave, he tells the story of how North Vietnamese soldiers killed hundreds of innocents at Tan Lap commune in Dong Nai provinces Xuan Loc district during the final campaign of the war that ended with communist forces victory on April 30, 1975. Thach was earlier sentenced to three years in jail in October 2009 for conducting propaganda against the Socialist Republic of Vietnam along with fellow dissidents Vu Van Hung and Pham Van Troi. Vietnam, with a population of 92 million people, has been consistently rated not free in the areas of internet and press freedom by Freedom House, a U.S.-based watchdog group. 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 continued to stifle critics in the run-up to the ruling Communist Party congress in January. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Anna Vu. Written in English by Richard Finney. An incredible change in Google top searches in 2020 has been revealed. Positive terms like "hug," "hope," and "prayer" have reached a new peak and surpassed the previous year's searches. Words such as "party" and "festival" have also reached a new level low with the lack of web searches. This is the reflection of people's internet searches these last 12 months under the COVID-19 lockdown. An article from DailyMail revealed an in-depth analysis of the Google top searches in 2020. Google Trends is the unbiased sample of Google's search data. It is anonymous and categorized to measure a particular topic searched across the globe and specified to city-level geography. Google Trends data can display the data set of anywhere from 2004 to approximately 36 hours ago. DailyMail also gave a picture of the trending searches people have been interested in since the pandemic changed their lives. Google Top Searches 2020: Hope, Hug and Prayer Positive terms have shown a dramatic increase in searches, especially for "hugs." This could be directly related to people missing the opportunity to be close with friends and families. The mood has been devastating with the implementation of social distancing and lockdowns. There is also a surge of searches with keywords "puppy," "barbecue," and "hot tub." This maybe because people have been searching for ways to cope with their lives while locked at home. Some are finding new recreational activities to participate in. People have also been searching for "sleep" and "dreams" through 2020. Research has discovered that people are experiencing difficulties in sleeping during the days of lockdown. Some find it hard to sleep from having too many troubling thoughts. However, the people who can sleep also experience troubles with intense and longer-lasting dreams due to cabin fever. A psychologist, Professor Mark Blagrove from Swansea University, said that this is due to the lack of stimulation being stuck at home for days without end. Read Also: Best Areas to Invest After Pandemic Keywords: Party, Travel Visa and Festival Some keyword searches that were once trending have taken a turn for the worse. Keywords such as "Party," "Travel Visa," and "Festival" have all taken a sharp drop, creating a new record of low since 2010. People who were once keen on learning where they can travel, move their house, or apply for a universal credit have come to a complete stop in the course of 2020. Instead, the search terms related to the reopening of schools, businesses and non-essential shops were used. Mental health-related keywords have also taken an increase, especially for words such as "depression" and "panic attack." Concerning their sleeping problems, users have increased their searches for symptoms and cures for these psychological issues. Google also tracked searchers and questions like "How to make a face mask" and "How to make a hand sanitizer" topping off the list. Clearly, people's lives and their web searches have been affected dramatically by this pandemic. Google sees these search trends as users trying to connect deeper with others during the lockdown and how searchers are looking for support from others. However, as the year 2020 ends and January 2021 starts, users have now switched from asking "what is coronavirus" to "when will it end." Related Article: Google Chrome Brings Instant Captions to Audio, Videos: How to Turn On This Epic New Feature 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! Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he reached out to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, saying it was a "step in the right direction". Prime Minister Modi recently wrote a letter to Khan wherein he said that India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is "imperative" for it. "PM Modi reaching out to his Pakistani counterpart is a step in the right direction," Mufti said in a tweet. "As Vajpayee ji famously said, one can change his friends but not neighbours. I hope this leads to a process of dialogue and reconciliation. Kashmir needs healing," she added. Along with the tweet, the PDP leader also attached a copy of the letter written by Prime Minister Modi to his Pakistani counterpart. https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1374583639829217281 PM Modi wrote the letter to Khan on Monday to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said. In the letter, Prime Minister Modi also said that "at this difficult time for humanity, I would like to convey wishes to you and the people of Pakistan for dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic." On Tuesday, Aftab Hasan Khan, Charge d' Affaires, Pakistan High Commission said his country wants good neighbourly relations, especially with India and wants to solve all bilateral issues with negotiations through dialogue, especially Kashmir. "I would like to emphasise that peace and stability in this region are essential for the development of all the countries. Pakistan would like to have good neighbourly relations with all its neighbours especially India for durable peace and stability, it is essential that we solve all bilateral issues with negotiations through dialogues especially the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," Khan told ANI here. (ANI) Also Read: PM Modi greets Imran Khan on Pakistan Day Walvis Bay Namibia's coronavirus vaccination efforts got off to a very slow start, with only 71 healthcare workers inoculated against Covid-19 by yesterday afternoon as fears of a third wave mount large across the world. The health ministry yesterday announced 51 frontliners have been vaccinated in Khomas, while a paltry 20 have received the Covid-19 vaccine jabs in Erongo since the start of the vaccination campaign last week Friday. This is despite the ministry targeting to vaccinate at least 2 500 frontline and healthcare workers in Erongo with the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine that was donated by the Chinese government to Namibia. The health ministry itself anticipates vaccinating over 5 000 healthcare workers and 95 000 citizens during the first round of vaccination. Erongo health director Anna Jonas confirmed yesterday only 14 health workers from Swakopmund and six from Walvis Bay turned up to be vaccinated. "None of the private healthcare workers has been vaccinated nor shown interest so far," Jonas told New Era. Jonas, during the launch of the vaccine campaign in Swakopmund on Friday, said they are prioritising both frontline and healthcare workers in the first phase at the two towns before they extend it to the other towns in the region. "We will see how and whom we will prioritise in the second phase before we roll it out to the whole of Erongo," she said on Friday. She, however, did not give a time frame for the roll-out, as more vaccines are expected to arrive in the country. "For now, we are rolling out Sinopharm and we also expect the arrival of other vaccines," she said. Some health workers New Era spoke to over the weekend, however, remained sceptical about getting vaccinated. A nurse at the Walvis Bay state hospital, who humbly requested anonymity, said she was exposed to Covid-19 on several occasions but has always managed to avoid contracting the virus. "Overall, I do not want to be vaccinated simply because I adhere to the current regulations and I have taken extra precautions at work," she explained. Another nurse also echoed the same sentiments, saying there have been too many speculations around the various vaccines that clouds her judgement as to whether or not she should take the vaccine or not. "It is, however, a personal choice; one should not discourage people who want to take it," she said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Explaining the process, Dr Marita Mouton, a senior medical officer for the ministry, said anyone who wants to be vaccinated will have to fill in and sign a consent form first. "You will then have to complete a checklist to determine if you are eligible and to check if you have any allergies or had any reactions to previous vaccinations. This list will tell us who is likely to have any adverse effects to the vaccine," Mouton said. She added once vaccinated, the process requires the person inoculated to sit at least for 20 minutes as a precautionary measure. "However, based on data available, it is unlikely that someone will develop severe side effects, but we a have a mini-station prepared in case of an emergency," she explained. She added that anyone who had contracted Covid-19 before can also get vaccinated but only after 60 days. Namibia last week received 100 000 Covid-19 doses donated by the Chinese government. On Saturday, the country also took delivery of 30 000 Covishield vaccine doses donated by the Indian government. The country is still waiting for the arrival of Covid-19 vaccines sourced through the United Nation's Covax scheme. Namibia has thus far 498 deaths due to Covid-19, with 42 771 cumulative confirmed cases. The recovery rate stands at 93%. Third-wave fears Meanwhile, several European countries have activated response measures as fears over a possible Covid-19 outbreak third wave looms large, sparking new lockdowns. In neighbouring South Africa, there was a growing concern that the country was heading into a third wave as early as the Easter weekend next week. 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. Hyderabad, March 24 : Authorities in Telangana have postponed all the undergraduate and postgraduate exams until further orders. The decision by the State Council of Higher Education came a day after the government ordered closure of educational institutions in view of the spike in Covid-19 cases The state government on Tuesday announced that all government and private educational institutions except medical colleges will remain closed till further orders. It said online/distance learning will continue as earlier. Following the orders, all schools and colleges were closed on Wednesday. The residential schools, hostels and messes asked the boarders to return home. Department of Collegiate Education announced that while online classes can continue, offline exams are rescheduled in view of the orders issued by the state government. Following postponement of all UG/PG exams, the Osmania University instructed all boarders of the university hostels and messes to vacate the facility as they will be closed from Thursday. The university said as per the directions of the Telangana government, it decided to close the hostels and messes, to prevent and control the spread of Covid-19. "All the boarders of the hostels and messes are hereby informed that their mess facilities will be closed wef from 25-03-2021 (after lunch). The boarders are hereby informed to vacate their hostels accordingly," Chief Warden G. Srinivas Rao said in a statement. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad announced that all the ongoing regular and supplementary examinations of the university have been postponed in view of the prevailing Covid pandemic conditions. Registrar Dr M. Manzoor Hussain said revised dates of examinations will be announced later. Meanwhile, the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education has warned junior colleges against conducting classes. Board Secretary Omer Jaleel said strong action will be taken if any college is found conducting classes in violation of the government orders to close all educational institutions till further orders. EDMONTON, AB, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ - Diabetes Canada, Heart & Stroke and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society have endorsed Fitness Industry Council of Canada's (FIC) proposal to the federal government to make gym memberships and services tax deductible in the April 19th federal budget. "We are thrilled to have these health advocates on board," says Sara Hodson, FIC federal advocacy lead and CEO of LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic. "These organizations know exercise helps prevent and treat chronic illness and mental health. Exercise is a proven treatment for 'coronavirus anxiety ' a new challenge which many Canadians have now experienced. We need a tool to come out of the pandemic healthier. We need exercise." Hodson met with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in late January to discuss ways to help the fitness industry rebound from the pandemic. FIC presented data that supports 'Exercise is Medicine' as a health prevention tool, and the cost savings this would provide to the federal government. The tax deduction would stimulate the fitness industry back into action, which will incentivize Canadians to get active and create more jobs. Research shows that 150 minutes of exercise weekly has positive health benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Exercise helps prevent and treat Type 2 Diabetes, that afflicts one-third of Canadians. Additionally, almost 6 million Canadians are living with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal. "In our LIVE WELL clinics, we have seen the impact exercise can have on managing healthy blood sugars in as little as ten minutes of exercise," says Hodson. Diabetes Canada is endorsing a nation-wide strategy to combat diabetes, and exercise will play a key role. Currently, 80 percent of Canadians do not get the recommended 150 minutes of exercise weekly. One third of Canadians are more sedentary now than at the start of the pandemic, and an additional one-third have gained weight. Six out of ten Canadians are experiencing a mental health issue, and heart disease is the leading cause of premature death for Canadian women. Scott Wildeman, president of FIC, says the gym membership tax deduction will help all Canadians. "It will ensure that individuals are supported by fitness professionals - especially coming out of this pandemic - as gyms once again start to become a part of a regular routine to support health and wellness. This tax deduction will also support the fitness economy that employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians. We need to get moving. We need action." SOURCE Fitness Industry Council of Canada For further information: To arrange interviews with Scott Wildeman or Sara Hodson, please contact: Erin Phelan LIVE WELL Exercise Clinic, 416.822.8621, [email protected] Press Release March 24, 2021 8 lawyer-senators condemn spate of killings of lawyers, judges Eight lawyer-senators, both from the minority and majority blocks, united on Wednesday in strongly condemning the alarming number of killings of and violence against lawyers and judges in the country. In a resolution filed by eight lawyer-senators, they also urged President Rodrigo Duterte to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety of the members of the legal profession. The bipartisan resolution was filed by Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, together with Senators Edgardo "Sonny" Angara, Pia Cayetano, Leia de Lima, Richard Gordon, Francisco "Kiko" Pangilinan, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel IV, and Francisco "Tol" Tolentino. "Our lawyers play a crucial role in the administration of justice in the country, especially in representing the most marginalized members of the community," the senators said in the resolution. "The brazen acts of violence against lawyers send a chilling message to the members of the bench and the bar who, in the performance of their responsibilities to the society as administrators of justice, should be able to exercise their sworn duties and represent their clients or dispense justice without threats, persecution and fear for their safety and their lives," they stressed. Last Tuesday, the Supreme Court condemned the alarming number of killings of lawyers and judges in the country. Senate Resolution No. 691 cited the Department of Justice data which revealed that 54 members of the legal profession have been killed since 2016 and only five cases have reached the courts. The Free Legal Assistance Group reported that 100 lawyers have been killed in the last 20 years, the resolution noted. "The continuing flagrant and horrific attacks on the lawyers, prosecutors, and judges and the failure to condemn, investigate, and prosecute these acts of violence and bring the perpetrators to justice is an act of injustice in itself and erode the public's trust and confidence in our justice system," the lawyer-senators said. The eight senators urged "the President to undertake the necessary steps in ensuring the safety of the members of the legal profession by laying out definitive solutions and actions to address such rampant violence and killings, including the prompt, impartial and efficient investigation and prosecution of the cases." They cited that Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution provides that "[t]he prime duty of the Government is to serve and protect the people." They added that under the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the government shall ensure that lawyers "are able to perform all of their professional functions without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference..." Langlois Promoted at The MEMIC Group Portland, Maine-headquartered workers compensation specialist The MEMIC Group has promoted Cameron Langlois to the role of MEMIC Express underwriter. In this role, Langlois will be responsible for developing the companys Express book serving small business in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company works exclusively through independent agents and brokers. Langlois joined The MEMIC Group in 2018 as an underwriting analyst. MEMIC Express is designed to provide agents with a solution for small business that gives policyholders access to loss control resources and the companys claim services. Source: The MEMIC Group Makey Appointed President of Merchants Insurance Group Merchants Insurance Group, a group of property/casualty insurance companies serving policyholders in the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states, has appointed Charles E. Makey, III, as president. Makey is currently the companys senior vice president of Insurance Operations. He will assume the role of president on April 1, 2021, and will be the 10th president in the companys 103-year history. He will also join the companys board of directors. Robert M. Zak, Merchants Insurance Groups current president and CEO, will retire on March 31 after more than 25 years in the position and more than 35 years at Merchants. Zak will remain on the companys board of directors and become its board chair, effective April 1, 2021. Makeys insurance career spans more than 30 years. He joined Merchants in 1996 as director of sales and will celebrate his 25th anniversary this year. In 1998, he was promoted to assistant vice president and regional manager of the companys New England regional office in Manchester, New Hampshire. He then served as vice president and regional manager of the companys Central States Strategic Business Center in Dublin, Ohio, before his promotion in 2009 to senior vice president of Insurance Operations. Makey is currently based in Buffalo, New York. Merchants Insurance Group offers personal lines in New York and commercial insurance in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont. It works through a network of more than 1,000 independent insurance agents in these states, with corporate headquarters and regional operations located in Buffalo, New York. Source: Merchants Insurance Group Camerino Named Head of Strategic Partnerships at Buckle Buckle, a tech-enabled financial services company, has named James Camerino as head of Strategic Partnerships. He comes to Buckle from Everest Reinsurance Company, where he spent more than a decade, most recently as chief operating officer. Previously, he was senior vice president at Munich Reinsurance America Inc., where he held claim, legal and underwriting leadership positions. At Everest Reinsurance Company, prior to his COO role, Camerino held the roles of CEO and chairman of Heartland Crop Insurance Company and chief agent and head of Everest Re Canada. Buckle provides a financial services platform that focuses on insurance, credit and advocacy for the gig economy. Source: Buckle Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Credit: CC0 Public Domain In a multicenter study led by the University Hospital and the University Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER Basel, a research group with participation from University of Basel, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, the University of Bern and other centers, has investigated the equivalence of aspirin to anticoagulation. The study shows that aspirin is not as effective as blood thinning (anticoagulation) in the case of cervical artery dissection. Ruptures of the carotid artery (cervical artery dissection) are the most common cause of stroke in people under 50 years of age, with an annual incidence of 2-3 cases per 100,000 persons. Salicylic-acid preparations (acetylsalicylic acid: aspirin, Aspegic) and blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) are used for treatment. The multicenter therapy study "Biomarkers and Antithrombotic Treatment in Cervical Artery Dissection (TREAT-CAD, NCT02046460)" investigated whether dissectionstears in the wall of vessels supplying blood to the braincan be treated with aspirin or whether more complex blood thinning (anticoagulation) is necessary. The study was published in The Lancet Neurology on March 23, 2021. Aspirin not equally effective Nearly 200 patients took part in the study. The evaluation showed that in the group treated with aspirin, 23 percent had subsequent problems compared with just under 15 percent in the group treated with blood thinners. This is the first scientific study to show that in the first 90 days aspirin is not as effective as blood thinning with anticoagulation. A broad-based study The international study was conducted at ten centers, seven in Switzerland, two in Germany and one in Denmark. The study was led by Prof. Dr. Stefan Engelter (University Geriatric Medicine FELIX PLATTER, UAFP and University Hospital Basel, USB). He was supported by Dr. Christopher Traenka (UAFP, USB), Prof. Dr. Philippe Lyrer (USB), and Prof. Dr. Marcel Arnold (Inselspital Bern, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern). Impact on guidelines expected The study suggests that the evidence to consider aspirin as standard of care in patients with cervical artery dissection is insufficient. Aspirin cannot simply replace conventional standard therapy with a blood thinner. With the results of this study, however, a general superiority of blood thinning with anticoagulation has not yet been proven. The investigation of further aspects and a review of the benefit-risk profiles must provide more precise information. Explore further Aspirin, anticoagulants similarly prevent VTE after TKA More information: Stefan T Engelter et al. Aspirin versus anticoagulation in cervical artery dissection (TREAT-CAD): an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial, The Lancet Neurology (2021). Journal information: Lancet Neurology Stefan T Engelter et al. Aspirin versus anticoagulation in cervical artery dissection (TREAT-CAD): an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00044-2 Provided by Inselspital, Bern University Hospital .....Health Minister Jallah says MONROVIA-As Liberia received additional doses of Astrazeneca COVID vaccine, Health Minister Dr. Wilheminah Jallah sai dthe Astrazeneca is safe, noninfectious and will greatly help in preventing health workers who are fighting the virus to be safe as they go about their duties. According to Dr. Jallah, the arrival of the second badge of consignment also erased the misinformation circulating in the public about the vaccine and install hope for healthcare workers on grounds that they can now perform their duties without fear of contracting the disease. On March 22, 2021, the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare received additional 27,000 doses of Astrazeneca COVID vaccine from Lonestar Cell MTN, as part of the GSM Company cooperate responsibility. The vaccine was made available through a unique public private partnership by MTN, Africa's leading mobile network and the African Union in a major commitment to the health of the continent, MTN made the donation in January 2021 to accelerate the AU's critical programme which aimed at securing up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine overall, to be spread across all 55 African Union (AU) member states for healthcare workers specifically. The Liberian Health Minister noted that the vaccine will be administered to healthcare workers on the frontline as soon as possible. As of date, Liberia had recorded 2,042 COVID-19 cases with 85 deaths and 1,899 recovered. Dr. Jallah recounted the MTN Group's supports to maternal and neonatal child health, including the huge support provided to the government of Liberia, during the Ebola epidemic that hit the country between 2014-2016. She bewailed; "Today is another big day here in Liberia. We are glad that MTN Group, through its Liberia branch, Lonestar Cell MTN could partner with the Government of Liberia in our collective desires to see Liberia return to zero cases of coronavirus by the provision of additional 27,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine. She continued: "With support from Lonestar Cell MTN, we are receiving additional doses of the life-saving AstraZeneca Vaccine, especially for health care workers fighting on the battlefield to ensure that we survive and thrive. We are extremely proud of this partnership because it provides an opportunity to protect healthcare workers. Also, it represents a major victory for which we are forever grateful." She stated that the government of Liberia, especially President George Manneh Weah, remains grateful to the MTN family for the provision of the COVAX VACCINE which she term as essential to protecting Healthcare workers and the entire population from contracting the deadly COVID-19 Virus. Lonestar Cell MTN CEO Rahul De stated that public and private partnerships are imperative if they are to succeed in the fight against the pandemic and restore social-economic norms in communities. Mr. De said the donation of the 27,000 vaccine doses is essential to Liberia's fight against COVID-19. Even though it is not MTN's first time supporting health care to Liberia, due to the alarming need for support to Liberia's healthcare workers treating the sick during COVID-19 response, the MTN Group saw the urgent need to provide 75 million dollars worth of COVAX VACCINE for countries in sub-Saharan Africa. He said that the initiative is part of the MTN Group's continued support to Liberia's healthcare delivery system, including support for maternal and neonatal health. "We believe that collaboration with the government in its corporate-social partnership is essential to the growth of Liberia and our respective endeavors," Lonestar MTN CEO De said. For his part, Nimba County District number three lawmaker, Joseph N. Somwarbi, described the initiative as a laudable effort and rewarding partnership. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We consider our healthcare workers to be because; currently COVID-19 has community transmission that it exists in our various communities. And our health care workers across the country there are exposed to the virus," Rep. Somwarbi said. "On this basis, sitting to think and providing 27,000 doses, which we look at it to be two doses per person, you have targeted to cover 13,500 workers in the country." According to him, it is one thing to give the vaccine and another thing to hide it from the targeted beneficiaries. Hon. Somwarbi, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Health, lauded the Lonestar Cell MTN family and expressed his desire to seeing the equitable effective and efficient distribution of the vaccine. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 University of Manitoba board of governors has given the go-ahead for a tuition hike averaging 3.75 per cent across all programs in the 2021-22 academic year. The University of Manitoba board of governors has given the go-ahead for a tuition hike averaging 3.75 per cent across all programs in the 2021-22 academic year. In a news release Tuesday evening, the U of M Students Union said the move is estimated to generate a $14.9-million increase in tuition revenue, compared to 2020-21. The students union said a briefing document provided to the universitys board noted a 1.75 per cent decrease in provincial funding amounting to a $5.9-million reduction in operating grant money would need to be offset by higher student fees. "This mistreatment of post-secondary education extends far into the past, before COVID-19," UMSU president Jelynn Dela Cruz said in the release. "As the province recognizes our value as the next generation of skilled workers through the recent skills, talent, and knowledge strategy, students refuse to take the consecutive cuts to post-secondary education as our new normal." Dela Cruz noted the students union representatives to the board would vote against the tuition increase, but in favour of a handful of strategic funding allocations in the budget including $1 million in student assistance funds, $1.2 million for enhanced teaching and learning, and a $250,000 allocation towards an equity and inclusion strategy. The university was informed of the operating grant reduction at the end of January, marking the fourth consecutive year of funding cuts to Manitoba post-secondary institutions. Transparency International (TI) has disclosed that an estimated $5 billion stolen from Nigeria is frozen in accounts in foreign countries. This was disclosed in Abuja during a media workshop organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), local chapter of TI in Nigeria. CISLAC policy advisor, Vaclav Prusa, said Nigeria is responsible for the highest illicit financial flow in Africa, adding that the estimated amount lost annually in Nigeria is between $18 and $25 billion. Prusa added that should the $5 billion be returned to Nigeria, it will cover 20 per cent of the country's 2021 budget for three months. "In the case of Nigeria, it is estimated that $5 billion stolen assets are frozen. What does this mean? It means this is money sitting somewhere in Switzerland or somewhere waiting for reparation," Prusa said. "It means even though some money has been repatriated from New Jersey, Switzerland back to Nigeria, there is a lot of money still out there. I think it's important to rely on the media to push for these assets." Executive Director of CISLAC, Mr. Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said lack of transparency with regards to recovered funds in the country creates room for re-looting and mismanagement. "Currently, various institutions like the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Code of Conduct Bureau, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Nigeria police, and other agencies recover assets without synergy," Rafsanjani said. "This lack of transparency in respect of recovered assets in Nigeria creates room for re-looting and mismanagement. The much-awaited Proceeds of Crime management Bill has not yet been signed into law, supposedly because of the power struggle within agencies about economically and politically lucrative mandate to confiscate and manage stolen assets. "CISLAC plans to work with the media to uncover national and international cases of stolen corrupt assets with links to politically exposed persons. These assets need to be recovered, better utilised for a post COVID-19 economic recovery." Public schools in many parts of America have been closed to in-person classes during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, there is evidence that the closures are having an effect on the mental health of students. The Reuters news agency questioned school officials around the country last month to examine the mental health effects of full or partial school shutdowns. The schools were in large and small districts. They serve more than 2.2 million students across the United States. Of the districts that answered the questions, 74 percent reported several signs of increased mental health issues among students. More than half of them reported increases in mental health referrals and counseling. Counseling is advice and support that is given to people to help them deal with problems. Mental health issues were not only a concern for students. Fifty-seven percent of districts reported an increase in teachers and support employees seeking assistance. School closures have affected districts in every state. In the spring of 2020, all U.S. public schools from kindergarten to 12th grade closed, at least temporarily. The goal was to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Burbio is an internet service that follows school openings. Its website said that, in February, 57 percent of students attended public schools that were completely or partially closed. Some school leaders, teachers labor groups and parents still support full or partial school closures. They say the closures protect the health of children or prevent community spread. Yet research over the last year has shown that public schools following social distancing guidelines usually experience low rates of coronavirus spread. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on conditions in schools. The CDC noted that the majority of cases that are acquired in the community and are brought into a school setting result in limited spread inside schools if preventive measures are in place. Deadly COVID-19 cases among children make up less than one tenth of one percent of all deaths, the CDC said. Of the 36,860 overall child deaths in the past year, 216 involved COVID-19. Supervision needed At the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, school closings received little resistance. Many parents believed the shutdowns would last a few weeks. But closures continued for months and began to affect many students. Without regular supervision from schools or parents, some students are on their own. Jayme Banks of the Philadelphia Public School District has received a police report almost every week about students since classes went online last year. They include involvement in shootings, car accidents and arrests. Deadly youth shootings in the city rose from 55 in 2019 to 87 in 2020, and non-deadly shootings increased 72 percent over a four-year average of earlier years. That information comes from the Philadelphia Office of the Comptroller. Some educators believe fewer incidents would happen were the students in schools. One year after school shutdowns began, some parents are becoming increasingly concerned about online classes. Siva Raj is a single father of two boys in San Francisco, California. He is co-leading a campaign to get new leadership for the school district. His older 14-year-old son has lost all desire to learn, he said. He often just goes between his bed and computer. Raj said about his son, I feel like I am failing him. In cases where children return to the classroom, some parents say they see a change. As her children struggled with remote learning, Kate Sullivan Morgan and her husband looked at their finances. They saw there was no way they could pay for private schools, which offered in-person teaching, for their two children. In the fall, they decided to sell their house in San Francisco and move to Austin, Texas, where their sons could go to public school. Since January, both sons have been back in school five days a week. They are back to their old selves, the mother said. Im John Russell. Benjamin Lesser, M. B. Pell and Kristina Cooke reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted if for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. Report: School Closures Hurting Students, Teachers Mental Health Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story district n. an area or region containing the schools that a school board is in charge of referral n. the act of sending someone to another person or place for treatment, help, advice, etc. acquire v. to get (something) : to come to own (something) self n. the person that someone normally or truly is used to describe the way someone acts or feels Romania, alongside other 18 participating OSCE and EU states, supports the founding of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus (IAPB), a structure meant to support documenting and investigation of serious violations of human rights which took place in the Republic of Belarus following the presidential elections of this country in August 2020. According to a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) to AGERPRES, Romania also supports the initiative of launching an investigation under auspices of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, with a purpose of bringing before justice those guilty for these violations. Furthermore, on the sidelines of these recent consultations between the minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu and his Danish counterpart, Jeppe Kofod, the Danish part addressed to Romania the invitation of joining this initiative. Romania's decision of joining this initiative "thus continues the assumed line by our country, in agreement with its EU partners, in order to convict the violation of rights and fundamental liberties by the Belarus authorities and the use of violence against peaceful protestors," the quoted source shows. According to MAE, Romania supports "realization of a positive agenda for a democratic Belarus, based on political dialogue, which will fundament the transition towards a system based on democratic values, rule of law and respect towards the rights and fundamental liberties of man". In context, MAE reminds that Romania has given, in September 2020, a EUR 100,000 state-aid through the European Endowment for Democracy, in order to support the independent media and civil society of Belarus. Also, since the beginning of this year, together with the Ministry of Education, there was a program launched of granting 100 scholarships for students of Belarus for the university year of 2021-2022. It is no secret Jersey City Public Schools have been underfunded for more than a decade. Rather than supporting our efforts to fulfill our mandate providing thorough and efficient education for Jersey City students City Hall has asked us to do more with less. The city recently introduced a resolution to provide $2 million per year, compounding at 2% annually, for the next 30 years, to SciTech Scity high school. In total, Jersey City taxpayers will owe about $81 million. The residents of Jersey City have already donated 16 acres of land to the SciTech Scity project. At that time we were told that this project would include a K-12 public school for Jersey City residents. Now, we are being told it will be a school run by the Hudson County Schools of Technology where Jersey City students will only make up a portion of the enrollment. In addition, Jersey City residents are the only ones who are being asked to pay for this school twice, once via our county taxes, then again via the city contribution. At the same time, the state of New Jersey cut our budget by $71 million this year and is expected to cut another $100 million next year. These are the largest cuts the Jersey City school system has ever experienced. Any effort trying to bring STEM into classrooms is admirable, but starting an expensive new project before we solve a historic funding crisis for our students is irresponsible. It appears as though the city is ignoring the funding crisis happening in their own backyard for a shiny, cost-prohibitive project where we are subsidizing the rest of the county. If City Hall provided the same level of commitment to Jersey City Public Schools $2 million per school there would be no need to increase taxes for the Board of Educations budget this year. Rather than investing in our future, the city has decided to invest in a luxury we cannot afford. As a result, the children of the working families who live here will be left behind. Rather than scapegoating the Board of Education for the tax increases we are forced to consider, the city can partner with us to solve this challenge. If the city wants to reduce the impact of the states cuts on taxpayers, the city can provide us a portion of tax abatement revenue, from properties worth $13 billion, that currently contribute 100% to the city and 0% to our schools. If the city wants to reduce the impact of the states cuts on taxpayers, they can make up for dollars missing from the payroll tax from their budget. If the city wants to reduce the impact of the states cuts on taxpayers, they can contribute dollars towards our schools and show their commitment to Jersey City children. We ask the mayor and the members of the city council to work with us to solve the Jersey City funding crisis and invest in our children. Rather than spending millions of dollars on a project, we cannot afford to, show us that our children matter. Mussab Ali, Jersey City Board of Education President, and Lorenzo Richardson, Marilyn Roman, Joan Terrell-Paige, Noemi Velazquez and Gina Verdibello, Jersey City Board of Education Members Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has confirmed for the first time that troops from neighbouring Eritrea have been in the northern Tigray region after the conflict began in November and that atrocities had been committed. It's the first such acknowledgement after months of denials. In a parliamentary address on Tuesday, Abiy confirmed for the first time that atrocities, including rape, had been reported in Tigray where fighting persists as government troops hunt down fugitive leaders. He promised perpetrators would be punished. For months now both countries have denied that troops crossed the border. "Reports indicate that atrocities have been committed in Tigray region. Regardless of the TPLF propaganda of exaggeration, any soldier responsible for raping our women & looting communities in the region will be held accountable as their mission is to protect."#PMAbiyResponds pic.twitter.com/bNbC1Q7uDz - Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) March 23, 2021 Fighting erupted in Tigray after forces loyal to the then-governing party there - the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - attacked army bases across the region overnight and in the early hours of 4 November, 2020. The attacks initially overwhelmed the federal military, which later mounted a counter-offensive alongside Eritrean soldiers and forces from the neighbouring region of Amhara. Abiy said Eritrean troops had crossed the border because they were concerned they would be attacked by TPLF forces, but the Eritreans had promised to leave when Ethiopia's military was able to control the border. The TPLF repeatedly fired rockets at Eritrea after the conflict began. The governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia repeatedly denied Eritrea's involvement in the war, despite reports from rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which documented the killings of hundreds of civilians by Eritrean soldiers in the holy city of Axum. Human rights group claims Eritrean troops killed hundreds in Ethiopia Thousands of starving people flee Tigray, US denounces 'ethnic cleansing' Reuters journalists on a trip to Tigray last week saw hundreds of men wearing Eritrean uniforms in buses with Eritrean plates on the main road between the regional capital Mekelle and Shire, and on the main streets of Shire. Abiy quoted the Eritreans as saying to Ethiopian authorities: "You left the trenches while searching for the enemy in central Tigray. So, while you attacked them, they might come to us. We controlled areas along the border because we have our national security concerns. But if your army can control the trenches, we will leave the next day." He said the Ethiopian government had also raised accusations of widespread looting and rights abuses by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray. "The Eritrean government has highly condemned it and said they will be accountable if any of their army participated in this," he said. Rape and torture Dozens of witnesses in Tigray told Reuters that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted civilian households and crops. Some provided images of Eritrean trucks loaded with household goods. Abiy also addressed reports of abuses by Ethiopian soldiers. "There were atrocities that were committed in Tigray region ... reports indicate that atrocities were being committed by raping women and looting properties," he said, without naming the forces accused. "Any member of the national defence who committed rape and looting against our Tigrayan sisters will be held accountable." But Tigray's police service is not functioning and civilian authorities told Reuters they have no ability to investigate the military. UN will need support of African states in Tigray conflict, says leading analyst Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Conflict Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The United Nations has raised concerns about atrocities committed in Tigray during the conflict, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described acts carried out in the region as "ethnic cleansing", accusations that Ethiopia has denied. In his parliamentary speech, Abiy also addressed a border dispute with Sudan, which is hosting about 60,000 refugees from Tigray and which is in dispute with Ethiopia over a giant hydropower dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile. Abiy sought to cool tensions over disputed farmland on the border, where dozens have been killed in sporadic clashes. "Sudan is a brotherly country. We don't want to fight with Sudan," Abiy said. "Sudan is not in a position to fight against any neighbours, it has many problems. Ethiopia has also many problems, we are not ready to go to battle so we don't need war. It is better to settle it in a peaceful manner." (Reuters) The Indian factory churning out AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine has reportedly asked the country's government for permission to 'immediately' ship millions of doses to the UK. Indian media reports that the Serum Institute has written to ministers for consent to export a batch of 5million jabs. New Delhi has temporarily blocked all major exports of vaccines. Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week confirmed delays to a 'scheduled' delivery from the Institute would slow Britain's roll-out in April, meaning millions of over-40s may have to wait until May to get vaccinated. The Serum Institute initially denied that a timescale for the delivery had been set, but one of its top executives has now written to India's government to push forward with the plans or risk stalling the UK's roll-out, the New Indian Express reported. Director of regulatory affairs at the company, Prakash Kumar Singh, reportedly said its agreement with AstraZeneca gave the British company priority access to anything it makes and it had recently 'reminded' the Institute of this obligation. He said representatives from both No10 and the drug giant warned that the UK may have to 'halt' its vaccination drive unless the doses were supplied immediately. Boris Johnson this week sent two officials on a mission to India to smooth tensions over the supply chain. Lord Lister and international trade adviser David Quarrey were asked to visit to the Serum Institute to negotiate letting the shipment through. Indian Government insiders today claimed that Narendra Modi's administration had blocked exports to meet domestic demand, in the face of rising infections. AstraZeneca and the UK Department of Health have refused to reveal details about the vaccine supply chain. But the NHS and Mr Hancock have warned of a 'significant reduction' in vaccination capacity next month with international supply problems partly to blame. The missing 5million doses being blocked by India comes amid Britain's vaccine war with the EU. Bloc chiefs today revealed they would block exports to nations with high inoculation rates, such as the UK. Tory MPs branded the move 'mind-blowingly stupid vaccine nationalism'. The Serum Institute initially denied that a timescale for the delivery had been set, but one of its top executives has now written to India's government to push forward with the plans or risk stalling the UK's rollout AstraZeneca makes its entire base supply in British factories and almost all the Oxford vaccine used so far has been made in the UK. The orders for a batch from a company in the Netherlands and 10million doses from India were intended as additions to try and speed up the programme EU CONFIRMS IT WILL THROTTLE JAB SHIPMENTS The EU put Britain in the crosshairs today as it unveiled plans to block vaccine exports to countries with high jab rates that don't 'reciprocate' by sharing supplies. At a press conference in Brussels, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January. He said exports could be restricted to destination countries that limit their own exports of jabs or raw materials - whether by law or other means. Mr Dombrovkis said the other principle would be whether a state's vaccination rate and infection levels were 'better or worse than the EU's'. The move came amid extraordinary reports that 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are being held at a plant in Italy. According to Italian paper La Stampa the huge stocks were earmarked for the UK, but discovered by the authorities after a tip-off from Brussels. However, UK government sources insisted the claims are 'not true' and the supply figures being cited are 'insane'. Briefing in Brussels also played down the idea there is a link to Britain, with the plant instead described as a bottling site for stocks heading to countries including Canada and Mexico. Boris Johnson risked fuelling the row last night by suggesting to Tory MPs that 'greed' was responsible for the UK being so far ahead - although he quickly tried to retract the comment, realising it might cause anger. The exports plan, backed by France and Germany, comes despite diplomatic efforts by Mr Johnson to head off a destructive vaccine war with the EU. It also comes in the face of opposition from some EU countries. Advertisement In the letter to the Indian prime minister's office, Mr Singh said: 'We have to supply at least 50 lakh doses to AstraZeneca immediately for use in the UK.' One lakh is equal to 100,000 so 50 lakh is five million the number of doses Mr Hancock said Britain had been expecting from the Serum Institute. The Institute is making the AstraZeneca vaccine, which it calls Covishield, as part of an agreement to get the blueprint from the British firm and make the jab at low cost for India and poor countries around the world that can't mass-produce their own. The letter to the Indian PM explained: 'Under this agreement, it was agreed that Serum Institute of India will supply any AstraZeneca country where AstraZeneca has commitments anywhere in the world. 'It was further agreed that, in return for getting access to the AZ technology AZD1222, Serum Institute Of India will treat AstraZeneca as a priority customer, whether it is for drug substance or finished product.' Mr Singh said the shipment was of 'utmost priority' and that the UK 'might have to halt the vaccination programme' if it couldn't be released. This is understood to refer only to the roll-out of first doses in Britain because AstraZeneca is understood to be capable of making enough second doses in factories in England and Wales. The company makes its entire base supply in British factories and most of the Oxford vaccine used so far has been made in the UK. The orders for a batch from a company in the Netherlands and 10million doses from India of which half have been delivered and half held up were intended as additions to try and speed up the programme using spare manufacturing capacity in other countries. But the deal came under the spotlight last week when the Indian government reportedly blocked the shipment so it could use the doses for its own citizens. The move will also affect supplies to the GAVI/WHO-backed COVAX vaccine-sharing facility through which more than 180 countries are expected to get doses, sources said today. COVAX has so far received 17.7million AstraZeneca doses from the SII, of the 60.5million doses India has shipped in total, and many countries are relying on the programme for their roll-outs. There have been no vaccine exports from India in a week as the country expands its own immunisation effort. 'Everything else has taken a backseat, for the time being at least,' said one source who reportedly had direct knowledge of the matter. 'No exports, nothing till the time the India situation stabilises. The government won't take such a big chance at the moment when so many need to be vaccinated in India.' India's foreign ministry and the SII did not immediately reply to requests for comment. India is in the midst of a third wave which has seen daily cases per million almost treble since last month The claims from insiders echo comments made by Serum Institute's CEO Adar Poonawalla last week. Mr Poonawalla said the company has committed only to helping the UK 'as and when it can' but couldn't send any more without ministers' green light. Last month Mr Poonawalla asked other countries to 'be patient' and said it had been asked to 'prioritise the huge needs of India' and poorer nations. Coronavirus cases in India are currently at about a third of their peak 2020 levels and the foreign minister reportedly said in parliament that 'adequate availability at home' was its top priority. Both the NHS and Matt Hancock (pictured) have warned of a 'significant reduction' in vaccination capacity next month with international supply problems partly to blame In an interview with The Telegraph, Mr Poonawalla hit back against attempts to shift the blame for a hiccup in Britain's rollout onto the Institute. He said: 'There is no stipulated contract period and time in which I am supposed to deliver these doses. I am helping as I can and when I can AstraZeneca and UK to supply these doses.' Mr Poonawalla denied that there was a shortage of the vaccine or that there was ever a commitment to supply the UK on a deadline, and said the firm had already sent five million doses to Britain. He added: 'The balance doses will be decided to be given to the UK at an appropriate time by the Indian Government. While balancing India and all its needs at the same time... 'And of course, don't forget we are primarily supplying the CoVax to poorer nations as they are the ones who have not got the doses.' Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 67F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low 48F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. As well as from Corporate Governance Experts and Analysts NBIM, manager of the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, and CalPERS, the largest public pension in the US, stand in favor of most of the agendas proposed by Park CGCG recommends in its analysis to vote for Park as inside director, revision of AoI, outside directors, etc. Expert group publishes a report to conclude "Shareholder Park is trying to 'do the right thing'" SEOUL, South Korea, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholder proposal submitted by Chul Whan Park, a senior executive and largest individual shareholder of Kumho Petrochemical, is receiving support from the world's top sovereign and pension funds as well as Korean and overseas corporate governance expert groups and analysts, with the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM) of shareholders scheduled on March 26th. Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) which runs the world's largest sovereign wealth fund, Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), and is one of the major shareholders of the company, disclosed its voting decisions for the upcoming AGM on its website on March 23rd (local time in Norway). NBIM is well-known for its socially responsible investment and according to the announcement, voted for almost all the agendas proposed by Park. While voting against all director nominees submitted by the company, NBIM gave support to three of the director nominees from Park's shareholder proposal - Park, himself as inside director, and Min John K and Byung Nam Rhee as outside directors and audit committee members. California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), the largest public pension fund in the US, also voted for most of the agendas proposed by Park, including Dividend payout, Separating roles of CEO and chairman of the board of directors, Establishment of Internal Transaction Committee and Compensation Committee with constitution of their roles and authority, Appointment of Park himself as inside director, Appointment of Min John K as outside director and audit committee member, etc. In response to the investors' supports, Park said "NBIM and CalPERS are not only known for their global-scale investment, but also for their high ESG standards", and added, "Their support for my shareholder proposals is a clear indication of their concerns as shareholders about the company's governance issues." On March 22nd, Center for Good Corporate Governance (CGCG), a think tank devoted to improving corporate governance system in Korea, published an analysis on agendas for Kumho Petrochemical's AGM, with recommendation to vote for the agendas proposed by Park including Separation of CEO and chairman of the board of directors, Establishment of Internal Transaction Committee and Compensation Committee with constitution of their roles and authority, Appointment of Park himself as inside director, and Appointment of Min John K, Benjamin Joe (Yong Bum Cho), and Jung Hyun Choi as outside directors and audit committee members. Moreover, CGCG's analysis found the agenda in shareholder proposal on separating the roles of CEO and chairman of the board and to appoint CEO from outside directors, has higher relevance in terms of securing independence of the board. With regards to dividend payout, CGCG explained "both dividend payout agendas proposed by Park and the company seem to have logical grounds, but according to the company's disclosure, they are incompatible, and shareholders can only choose one of the two agendas", which is why the report stood in favor of the company's dividend payout proposal. Experts from both inside and outside Korea also made assessments. Analyst Douglas Kim of Smartkarma, a US-based independent research network, ran an analysis report and concluded "Park is trying to 'do the right thing' in improving shareholder value of Kumho Petrochemical by introducing higher standards corporate governance practices as well as enhanced value of existing assets". He also added that this is one of the most rare and interesting cases of shareholder engagement in Korea in the past decade. In Korea, Yuanta Securities ran a report and said, "The company's stock rises when the situation begins to turn out in favor of Park," and "there is no reason for any minor shareholder to oppose Park's proposals on normalization of shareholder return, retirement of treasury shares, rationalization of directors' fees, and securing independence of the board of directors." Furthermore, the report added, "It will work in favor of the shareholders to take Park's proposal into consideration and avoid company-biased perspective on this issue", with a remark that the global proxy advisor ISS' recommendation is disappointing. Park said, "I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the wide support from our fellow shareholders and stakeholders with regards to my proposal aimed at transforming Kumho Petrochemical", and "I will carry on my transparent communication activities with all our fellow shareholders and stakeholders to strive for enhancing the company's long-term corporate value." NBIM's Vote on Kumho Petrochemical Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Agenda *Highlighted agendas are the ones proposed by shareholder, Chul Whan Park Agenda Details NBIM's Vote 1.1 Approval of the 44th Financial Statements (excluding the Statement of Retained Earnings) FOR 1.2.1 Dividend of KRW 4,200 per common share and KRW 4,250 per preferred share; provided, differential dividend in case of the largest shareholder, etc. (KRW 4,000 per common share) AGAINST 1.2.2 Dividend of KRW 11,000 per common share and KRW 11,050 per preferred share (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.1.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 and 32 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.1.2 Establishment of committees (ESG Committee, Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) AGAINST 2.2.1 Separation of the CEO and the chairman of the board of directors (amend Articles 31 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.2 Establishment of committees (Internal Transactions Committee and Compensation Committee) within the board of directors (amend Article 34 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.3 Composition of the Internal Transactions Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-5 to the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 2.2.4 Composition of the Compensation Committee, etc. (newly add Article 35-6 to the AOI; amend Article 29 of the AOI) (shareholder's proposal) FOR 3.1 Appointment of Yi Seok Hwang as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee AGAINST 3.2 Appointment of Byung Nam Rhee as an outside director who also becomes a member of the Audit Committee (shareholder's proposal) FOR 4.1 Appointment of Jong Hoon Baek as an inside director AGAINST 4.2 Appointment of Chul Whan Park as an inside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as an outside director AGAINST 5.2 Appointment of Jung Mi Lee as an outside director AGAINST 5.3 Appointment of Soon Ae Park as an outside director AGAINST 5.4 Appointment of Min John K as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 5.5 Appointment of Benjamin Joe (Yong Bum Cho) as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 5.6 Appointment of Jung Hyun Choi as an outside director (shareholder's proposal) AGAINST 6.1 Appointment of Do Sung Choi as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director AGAINST 6.2 Appointment of Min John K as a member of the Audit Committee who is an outside director (shareholder's proposal) FOR 7.0 Approval of directors' remuneration ceiling AGAINST CGCG's Voting Recommendations on Kumho Petrochemical Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Agenda *Highlighted agendas are the ones proposed by shareholder, Chul Whan Park CLEVELAND, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Rename John Marshall ("RNJ"), an initiative by a group of attorneys, calls on Secretary Marcia Fudge to investigate systemic racism at her law school alma mater, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University (the "School"). The School is one of 17 schools in the country, including three law schools, named after former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall. Cleveland-Marshall Rename Committee Proves Ineffectual In September, Dean Lee Fisher of Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, announced a committee to explore the School's "role in perpetuating systemic racism, be it conscious or unconscious" after dozens of community leaders signed on to a name change to drop "Marshall." To date, nothing has been done. As a national leader, we call on Secretary Fudge to open and encourage debate at the School. Knowledge of this issue by CSU's leadership, without action, is unacceptable. We further ask the School to not use the merger with the University of Akron School of Law as a way to avoid the issue of the School being named after a slave master. Cleveland-Marshall Named After Slave Master Marshall, for whom the School is named, was a slave owner. Census records show Marshall was one of the largest slave owners in Virginia at the time. At his death, Marshall owned nearly 200 slaves, and bought and sold hundreds more throughout his tenure as Chief Justice. His opinions denying slaves freedom were biased by his profit-seeking role in the slave trade. Marshall's Slave Ownership Tainted Opinions As someone who profited from the slave trade, Marshall's opinions as Chief Justice were tainted (Marshall is 7-0 in denying freedom). Oftentimes, Marshall agreed with a petitioner-slave requesting freedom, but denied freedom based on legal technicalities. Other opinions of Marshall denied that Native Americans had any rights to the land. Marshall's Slave History Buried by Historians Marshall's last and final will evidenced the extent of his slave ownership, but lead historians covering Marshall's life failed to include it. Instead, historians referenced earlier drafts of Marshall's will, showing he owned a few house servants. Marshall's slave history was buried, until historian and truth-seeker Paul Finkelman sought to bring the historical facts to light. In another astonishing effort at truth-seeking, the rename committee at John Marshall Law School at UIC voted in December, by a vote of 6-1, to drop "Marshall" from the school name, becoming the first "Marshall" institution in America to acknowledge its role in systemic racism. The name "Marshall" is simply inconsistent with the institution's ethos. We ask that Cleveland-Marshall follow suit. About Rename John Marshall Rename John Marshall is a movement by a group of lawyers in Cleveland and Chicago, who seek to remove "Marshall" from school names. RNJ's efforts led to the formation of rename committees by both UIC's John Marshall Law School and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University. SOURCE Rename John Marshall Related Links https://renamejohnmarshall.com Katie Price's daughter Princess has detailed the pressures placed on teens that can affect their mental health. The 13-year-old will appear alongside her mother in a film exploring the struggles facing young people and their parents in the age of social media, which will air during Steph's Packed Lunch on Wednesday. Katie will appear opposite her eldest daughter who admits teenagers struggle with the pressures to 'be popular' on social media as well as the expectations to perform well in their exams. Scroll down for video Challenges: Katie Price's daughter Princess is set to detail the pressures placed on teens that can affect their mental health in a film for Steph's Packed Lunch set to air on Wednesday A clip from the film shows Katie preparing to learn more about mental health in teenagers, in the hope it can benefit other parents if their children go through the same thing. Asking Princess what kind of pressures teens are under, she says: 'Definitely the way they look because people are so judgemental. 'One hundred percent social media is a massive thing now people don't want to be unpopular. Difficult: The 13-year-old will appear alongside her mother in a film exploring the struggles facing young people and their parents in the age of social media Serious issues: A clip from the film shows Katie preparing to learn more about mental health in teenagers, in the hope it can benefit other parents 'Exams because GCSEs will come up and you want to do well for your parents and you want to do well for yourself, obviously. There's just so many things, you can name so many' Katie goes onto ask Princess who she would speak to if she had any problems, and she responds: 'I'd probably go to you, or my friends, my best friend I tell pretty much everything.' The star then reminds her daughter: 'The good thing with our relationship, you know you can always talk to me and you do You can talk to me, literally, about anything.' Worries: Asking Princess what kind of pressures teens are under, she says: 'Definitely the way they look because people are so judgemental' Fears: Princess added: 'One hundred percent social media is a massive thing now people don't want to be unpopular' The film also sees Katie meet with a university student who struggled with mental health issues while they were at school, as well as Peter Wingrove, CEO of charity Shawmind, to find out what measures are needed to help teenagers. This is not the first film that Katie has starred in for Steph's Packed Lunch, as she previously fronted a programme on the devastating effects of online bullying after her disabled son Harvey, 18 was the victim of trolling. Katie revealed her heartache that she can't 'protect and shield' her children. Help: Katie goes onto ask Princess who she would speak to if she had any problems, and she says: 'I'd probably go to you, or my friends, my best friend I tell pretty much everything' Exploration: The film also sees Katie meet with a university student who struggled with mental health issues while they were at school She explained: 'I spend a lot of time on social media For every post I put up, there's a small group of people that like to cause trouble. 'When people ask me about trolls and how do I cope with it and deal with things. To be honest, I've been trolled so many times myself and I'm used to it 'As a mother, it's so hard to know I can't protect and shield my children and it breaks my heart what I have to read and go through with my children, especially Harvey because he just gets abuse.' 'Its so hard to know I cant protect my children': It comes after Katie previously fronted a programme on the devastating effects of online bullying She added: 'Recently this couple did this horrific video on Harvey, they even put make-up on their face, they rehearsed the eye movement he does and watched the way he spoke' In November, the culprit, a man aged 52 was arrested on suspicion of sending by public communication network an 'offensive' message, after the racist blackface video emerged, which circulated on social media. In the video, a woman in fake tan says 'If someone says something horrible to Harvey, what do we say?' before a man in face paint responds: 'Hello, you c**t'. Katie has been campaigning about online abuse and, since 2018, has been working with politicians to introduce Harvey's Law, legislation which would make it illegal to troll or abuse others online and would put offenders on a register. Watch the full film on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 from 12:30pm. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Harry and Meghan's new strategist has revealed that she realised she was racist after marrying her black husband. Genevieve Roth believes that all white people are 'rife with internalised racism and unconscious bias'. 'Race is an issue in our marriage because as a white woman of privilege, I have racist tendencies written in at a cellular level,' the former Hilary Clinton aide wrote. Roth is the founder of Invisible Hand, a 'female-led diverse team' based in New York which is advising the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell foundation. Genevieve Roth and husband Jordan, the pair have a daughter together, Frankie Roth with her husband and their daughter in an Instagram post. She has written extensively about the issue of 'white privilege' in her marriage Invisible Hand will be working with the Duke and Duchess's Archewell foundation on initiatives and campaigns In article for Good Housekeeping last year she wrote about the notion of white privilege and her heightened understanding of it after marrying her husband, Jordan, with whom she shares a daughter, Frankie. She cited an example of how she mentioned to her husband, while they were driving to look for holiday homes, that their licence plates were nearly expired. Who is Genevieve Roth? Genevieve Roth is the Founder and President of Invisible Hand Alaskan-born Genevieve Roth is the Founder and President of Invisible Hand, a social impact and culture change agency. More recently, the mother-of-one was made the Senior Strategic Advisor to Archewell, the organisation founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She is the former Features Director of Marie Claire Australia and before that, held editorial positions at GQ and Esquire. She left her job in magazines to serve as the director of creative engagement for the 2016 Hillary Clinton Presidential campaign. The mother-of-one, whose husband is black, often speaks out about racism in America, and has written at length about the 'racism in her own marriage'. In an article for Primer, she wrote: 'Race is an issue in our marriage because as a white woman of privilege, I have racist tendencies written in at a cellular level, and that can really gum up the works.' And in an article for Good Housekeeping, Roth wrote about the notion of white privilege and her heightened understanding of it after marrying her husband, Jordan. Roth also worked as the executive director of special projects at Glamour magazine, and the producer of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. In 2014, Roth helped launch The Girl Project, Glamour's 'global philanthropic initiative' supporting girls' education. Roth describes herself as an 'expert on the intersection of narrative change, women's empowerment, and social justice.' Her agency Invisible Hand has created campaigns for clients including Archewell, PBS, The Obama Foundation, The XQ Institute, and The Girl Effect. A graduate of Emerson College and the Columbia Journalism School Publishing Course, Roth also worked with The White House and Let Girls Learn, a US government initiative launched by former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle. She was a 2018 Shorenstein Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School. Advertisement 'He got so angry with me that I worried he would crash the car,' Roth wrote. Her husband, she said, then explained to her: 'Do you realize that if a cop pulls us over for expired tags, I could be killed?' Roth says she 'had not realized.' In another example she says Jordan mentioned, while driving along the same road, that this is the 'same borough where Eric Garner was murdered.' Garner, a black man, was killed in a chokehold during an arrest in New York in 2014. Roth wrote: 'I mean, I really had not realized.' In another passage she said: 'Or every single time we fight and I say, "When you start yelling, I stop listening," without realizing that what I hear as a yell is just how they talk in his family, and that half the time I think I'm fighting with Jordan he isn't even mad.' She concluded the piece by saying that she had recently taken to posting about these occasions on Instagram to raise awareness of 'ways in which my own bias and internalized racism had hurt our partnership.' 'It is hard work. It is embarrassing and shameful, and every time I post, I fear that this latest confession could be the one that will expose me as irredeemable too privileged to be deserving of the man I love, too far gone to be a suitable mother to my black daughter,' Roth wrote. Prince Harry has also spoken at length about the issue of 'unconscious bias.' He told GQ last year: 'Unconscious bias having the upbringing and the education that I had, I ad no idea it existed. It took me many, many years to realise it [existed], especially then living a day or a week in my wifes shoes.' Archewell's partnership with Alaskan-born Roth was announced this week. A graduate of Emerson College and the Columbia Journalism School Publishing Course, Roth also worked with The White House and Let Girls Learn, a US government initiative launched by former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle. She also worked as the director of creative engagement for the 2016 Clinton Presidential campaign. A statement said Invisible Hand would be focusing on 'strategic change through storytelling and community building in support of gender and racial equity'. A spokesman for the Sussexes added: 'They join a rapidly expanding team that's deeply dedicated to advancing systemic cultural change and supporting compassionate communities across the world.' This comes after Harry and Meghans right-hand woman in the US is set to leave from her role. Catherine St Laurent was head-hunted by the couple from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to become their chief of staff and executive director of Archewell, their new non-profit organisation, last April. The couple called her an incredible asset when they announced her appointment, adding: We are excited to have her on our team. But yesterday it emerged that the Canadian-born mother-of-two's fixed-term role is coming to an end. There was no comment from her directly, but according to the New York Post, Miss St Laurent has already stepped down, although she will continue to work with Archewell in an advisory role. Genevieve Roth left her job in magazines to serve as the director of creative engagement for the 2016 Hillary Clinton Presidential campaign. Numerous reports have suggested the Duchess is plotting a track to the White House - rumours which ramped up in the aftermath of her interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan's friends have previously encouraged speculation about her political ambitions describing her rise from modest beginnings as 'the embodiment of the American dream'. The Duke, 36, and Duchess of Sussex, 39, last year faced a backlash after weighing in on the US election - breaking with centuries-old tradition that calls for members of the Royal Family to remain politically neutral. AEFYT, Association of Cold Companies and their Technologies, presents the online version of its course Cold and the food industry. Refrigeration applications in the processes of production and preservation of products . The objective is to provide installers with the knowledge that allows them to assess and advise their clients on the most suitable refrigeration procedures to be applied in the production, conservation and marketing of food products. The course will be given through the AEFYT online training platform between April 7 and May 12 and is aimed at design engineers of refrigeration facilities, heads of engineering, qualified refrigeration installers and those responsible for maintenance and safety of refrigeration facilities. cold, The program responds to the importance of cold processes in the first industrial sector in turnover in Spain (1). It does a complete review of both the basic food product production processes and the refrigeration treatments involved in them, as well as the basic design of specific plants and facilities. It also comes at a key moment for the cold industry and its applications in the agri-food industry given the evolution of refrigeration systems that, marked by the demands of energy efficiency and emission reduction, is introducing notable changes in these systems. The course consists of two parts. The first provides a description of the production processes that will deal with all the subsectors of the agri-food industry: fruit and vegetable, dairy, meat, fishing, wine and beverage, frozen products, bakery and the so-called fourth and fifth range. The second, for its part, addresses the production processes and, in it, the specific facilities for rapid cooling, freezing, lyophilization, storage and cold storage of perishable products will be dealt with; as well as refrigerated warehouses and refrigerated transport. For Manuel Lamua, Manager of AEFYT and director of the Course, this course responds to a crossed need of the cold sector and the food sector. The contribution of cold processes to a key industry for the Spanish economy, which is made up of more than .700 companies of different sizes, requires well-trained professionals. With this course, we hope to provide them with the ability to dialogue between the professional refrigerators and the food prescriber and start the most appropriate processes for each of the food subsectors at a time when the cold is undergoing great changes. This training is one more example of AEFYT's commitment to the industry. In this sense, the Association has led an Expression of Interest presented to the Ministry of Industry, Consumption and Tourism within the framework of the Recovery Plan that aims to contribute to the modernization of five subsectors of the agricultural industry (dairy, meat, fruit and vegetable , viticulture and olive growing) accompanying them in the double digital and environmental transition through the renewal of their cold systems. New musical You Are Here has unveiled full casting. Neil Bartram and Brian Hill's show, which is set on the night of the moon landing, will star the previously revealed Wendi Peters alongside Rebecca Lock (Curtains), Phil Adele (Our Town) and Jordan Frazier (who was in rehearsals for the Bat Out of Hell tour before lockdown). The piece has musical direction by Laura Bangay, with movement direction by Amie Hibbert, set and costume design by Libby Todd, lighting by Jai Morjaria, casting by Laura Loutit and sound design by Charles Parry. The show, produced by Grey Area Theatre, will play for live socially distanced audiences throughout its four-week run from 17 May to 12 June, with two live-streamed shows on 22 May. Captions will be available for the matinee show that day. The venue has stated that if socially distanced performances are not permitted due to a change in the government's scheduled roadmap, then all show dates will be broadcast. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 A California winery is hiring one lucky wine lover to live rent-free in Sonoma County for a year and take home thirty cases of vino and a $10,000-per-month salary. Murphy-Goode Winery posted the year-long job opening online this month, calling on those who 'take life one sip at a time' to upload a video application for a chance at a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For an impressive $10,000-a-month plus wine and rent in the town of Healdsburg, the new employee will learn about wine and vineyards, shadow a winemaker, assist in operations, and promote the winery at events and on social media. Murphy-Goode Winery posted a year-long job opening online this month. US-based hopefuls 21 and older must upload a video application (stock photo) The lucky person selected will shadow winemaker Dave Ready Jr. (pictured) during harvest 'Calling all wine lovers!' says the winery's website. 'This is the dream job for you. We have a job that will instantaneously catapult you into the wine stratosphere. 'Have you always wanted to live in breathtaking Sonoma Wine Countrywith a $10,000 per month salary, and rent free for a year? Looking for a change in your career and to pursue your passion? Do words like Cabernet, Rose, and Chardonnay just roll off your tongue?' Applicants who must be 21 or older, a legal resident of the US, and authorized to work in the US can vie for the coveted spot by submitting a video detailing why they'd be best for the job. Hopefuls should have a 'desire to make a positive impact on each department that you interact with' and 'always say "yes, please" when someone asks you "red or white."' One lucky person can expect to 'acquire strong knowledge of vineyards, winery operations, and wine in general,' 'learn the growing and dynamic world of e-commerce,' and 'explore the many beautiful features of Sonoma Wine Country.' The pay package includes $10,000 per month, 30 cases of wine, and rent for accommodations in Healdsburg Duties include assisting in winery operations, networking, and promoting the brand at events and on social media Potential duties of the job include shadowing winemaker Dave Ready Jr. during harvest, assisting in winery operations, developing strong working relationships across functions of the winery, and networking with and providing hospitality to trade and consumers. The job also appears to have a large promotional element, with the employee expected to 'work with teams to drive awareness and build demand for Murphy-Goode Winery' and 'effectively promote Murphy-Goode wines through various channels and events.' The winery also promises to 'work with you and your passions to help you choose your path in the wine business.' Those interested must apply by June 30, 2021, with the position likely beginning around September. 404 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. On Saturday, dozens of demonstrations took place across France in opposition to police violence and the global security law that passed its first reading in the Senate on Thursday. The United Nations condemned the global security law when the Macron government proposed it last year, saying its ban on filming police officers undermined democratic control of public institutions. Nevertheless, both houses of the French parliament are set to approve the law. Devised by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, a former member of the far-right Action Francaise, it aims to free the police state from any restraint in its operations against strikes and demonstrations. A woman holds a poster, center, that reads, "towards an authoritarian state? that is not going to happen" during a demonstration Tuesday, March 16, 2021 in Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Demonstrations were held in Lille, Rouen, Rennes, Nantes, Brest, Limoges, Toulouse, Marseille, Nimes, Lyon, Strasbourg and dozens of other cities, called by the collective #StopLoiSecuriteGlobale. The group includes journalists unions, the Human Rights League and groups of yellow vest protesters previously injured or mutilated by the police. The police allowed the protests to go ahead, even though the Macron government had announced on Thursday that it was imposing a new pseudo-lockdown. This only served to re-emphasise that the government, which is keeping nonessential industries and schools open, is opposed to a genuine policy of social distancing. While France has passed the milestone of 4.3 million cases and 90,000 deaths from COVID-19, it is allowing new variants of the virus to spread. The demonstrations revealed a basic contradiction. While the government is discredited by its disastrous health care policy and is setting up an authoritarian regime, only a few thousand people participated. It is clear that this is related to the silence of the protest organisers on the central questions facing the working class: social austerity and especially the COVID-19 pandemic. These groups have nothing to say about Macrons policy against workers or are even complicit in it. The demonstrators demands against police violence are legitimate and enjoy wide support. After last years police beating of a peaceful music producer, Georges Zecler, was captured on video at his studio in Paris, an Ifop poll showed that only 37 percent of the population trusted the police. But the statements by the protest organizers, such as the #StopLoiSecuriteGlobale collective, were silent on the pandemic. There were 500 protesters in Lyon, where a police helicopter was deployed overhead; 400 in Rennes and 300 in Lille, where protesters chanted cops, rapists, murderers and police everywhere, justice nowhere. In Bordeaux, a Truth and Justice procession of several hundred people representing mutilated yellow vests marched through the city. In Paris, where demonstrators carried signs reading Liberte, egalite, eborgne [liberty, equality, maimed to lose an eye] or Floutage de gueule, democratie floutee, between 5,000 and 10,000 people demonstrated. Several families of victims of police violence spoke in Paris. Assa Traore, the leader of the Adama Traore Collective and sister of Adama Traore, who was choked to death by the police in 2016, addressed the crowd. She listed the protesters demands, including an end to permanent identity checks, the suspension of accused police officers, and a ban on choking techniques. She chanted, No justice, no peace with the protesters. In a democratic country, you dont have the right to kill. Dont kill us, we didnt deserve this, said Christian Chouviat, the father of Cedric Chouviat, a 43-year-old delivery worker who was choked to death by police during a traffic stop in central Paris. The media imposed a near-universal blackout on the protests, despite the widespread opposition to the Macron government. On Twitter, however, there were numerous tweets to the protest linking it to the #BlackLivesMatter movement, a racial political movement whose leaders are closely connected to the Democratic Party in the US. While Macron is pursuing the same policy of herd immunity that has led to almost 900,000 COVID-19 deaths across Europe and is building up a police state, the protest organisers were calling on Macron and Darmanin to negotiate with them. Their statement calling the protest demanded the opening of discussions with the Ministry of the Interior and the parliamentary group La Republique en Marche, Macrons party. It called for a social dialogue between the unions and the government. This bill aims to undermine the freedom of the press, the freedom to inform and be informed, freedom of expression, in short, the fundamental public freedoms of our Republic. Social dialogue, democracy, that is all that we, journalists, producers, citizens, aspire to. Yet there is nothing to negotiate with Macron. He has chosen a murderous coronavirus policy for the same reasons that he is pursuing austerity and the militarisation of Frances external and internal security. He represents the financial aristocracy and French imperialism in the midst of a historic economic and social crisis of world capitalism. Macron will do everything to ensure that workers stay at work so that profits continue to accumulate in the pockets of the banks and corporations. The national union federations whose journalists unions were demonstrating yesterdayincluding the General Federation of Labour (CGT) and Solidairesare steeped in this political criminality. They organised the return to work and reopening of schools in the late summer of 2020, when the spring lockdown had limited the circulation of the virus. But while it was still circulating, there was no proper tracking system put in place. There have been 62,000 deaths from COVID-19 in France and 700,000 in Europe since then. In the summer, the CGT signed a protocol to approve the European Union bank and corporate bailouts, which handed more than two trillion euros to the banks and big companies. The government, political establishment and trade union apparatuses of the ruling class are doing everything possible to impose a deadly health care policy. This is clearly impacting on social layers who are disoriented and demoralised by the social isolation resulting from the pandemic. In Marseille and Annecy, several thousand young people gathered for a carnival, without masks and without social distancing measures. Young people are fed up with being confined, said Romain in Marseille, where there were 6,500 young people participating in the carnival. I know lots of friends who are going to Madrid, where everything is open. So its good to see that, Quentin, a 26-year-old medical intern, told Le Monde . With more than 30,000 new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed every day in France, it is statistically certain that this irresponsible carnival will spread the coronavirus. However, the denunciations of the event coming from Interior Ministry spokesman Camille Chaize, who pointed to the partyers who, in total irresponsibility, participated in this carnival. But this irresponsibility is promoted incessantly from the top of the police state itself. Opposing the drive to a police state and stopping the pandemic through a genuine policy of social distancing requires the international mobilisation of the broadest sections of the working class. It means breaking the political shackles imposed on workers by the trade union apparatuses and racial and national politics. Adopt working class and socialist policies! This means a conscious break with the unions policy of social dialogue, and the building of a socialist movement in the international working class, organised independently of the unions, fighting for power. 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 French Stew Light Enough for Spring Ease into the season with blanquette de veau, a classic dish of delicate veal in a comforting cream sauce Veal blanquette is a classic white stew from the French repertoire, made with tender veal chunks cooked en blanquette in a broth with vegetables and aromatics. Finished with a creamy, mushroom-studded sauce of tangy creme fraiche and zesty lemon juice, it brings together all the comforts of a winter stew, but with the brightness we yearn for in a spring dish. This is the perfect recipe to carry us from cold to warmer days. What Is Cooking en Blanquette? The word blanquette comes from the color whiteblanc in Frenchwhich describes the color of the meat and of the sauce. Indeed, in most classic French stews, such as beef bourguignon, the chunks of meat must be browned beforehandbut this isnt the case in veal blanquette. The meat should remain white. Cooking en blanquette thus describes cooking meat or fish in broth with aromatics to prevent it from browning or getting any type of sear. The meat or fish is then reserved on the side, and the broth is bolstered with a white roux (butter and flour) and enriched with white creme fraiche and egg yolk before the meat or fish is returned to the stew. If you arent familiar with cooking en blanquette, boiling meat in a broth may sound like an odd or counter-intuitive process. But you will soon realize the slow simmering gives the veal a unique tenderness and develops more delicate flavors, compared to other brown stews. Blanquettes are much-beloved dishes in France, whether made with fish, poultry, or even hambut veal blanquette, or blanquette de veau, remains a favorite for most. Because it only requires one pot and one broth, cooking en blanquette also happens to be easier and less labor intensive than other stews involving browning the meat first. That said, choosing the right cut of veal and understanding how the flavors of this unique stew are built are essential to making this deliciously classic stew in your own kitchen. Heres how its done. Choosing the Right Cut Compared to beef, veal is more fine grained and has a more delicate texture and flavor, which makes it perfect for cooking en blanquette. The usual pieces of choice are flank, neck, breast, shoulder (most affordable), and collar (less common, but exquisite). For this recipe, I use boneless shoulder, but its common to use different cuts of veal to get different textures in the final dish. No matter which cut you choose, slice the veal into 2-inch chunksno smaller, as the cubes will shrink slightly as they cook. Using chunks of this size ensures they will hold up to the 2 hours of simmering, and will turn extremely tender, not break apart. It is also essential to salt the veal at least 2 hours before you start cooking, to allow the salt to penetrate deep into the meat. Building the Flavor While browned meat is often key to building depth of flavor in a stew, veal blanquette must rely on other ingredients for flavor. We call these other ingredients la garniture aromatique (aromatic garnishes), which are: a bouquet garni, a clove-poked onion, and the vegetables. Bouquet garni, translating to garnished bouquet, is a bundle of fresh herbs, typically parsley, thyme, and bay leaf, all tied up together with cooking twine. This classic element of French cuisine is often used to flavor broths, soups, and stews. In a veal blanquette, a bouquet garni offers aromatic flavors to the stewing broth, the meat, and the vegetables. The idea of tying together herbs, instead of simply throwing them in the stew, is to prevent them from scattering in the dish. Once finished cooking, you can easily remove the herb bundle instead of retrieving sprigs one by one, or even accidentally leaving a few leaves behind. For veal blanquette, using a bouquet garni allows you to use a good amount of herbs to lend fragrant floral notes to the dish, without altering the texture and presentation of the signature velvety white sauce. The Vegetables Following the same rule as for the meat and the sauce, the vegetables traditionally found in a veal blanquette are meant to be white: onions and button or cremini mushrooms. Over time, however, more vegetables have slipped into the recipe, and nowadays, you will rarely find a veal blanquette made without carrots. Along with carrots, celery is also often added to build flavor in the broth. I myself prefer fennel, which has a similar texture but brings even more aromatic notes to the dish. While the other vegetables are simply added to the simmering broth to cook, mushrooms are sauteed on the side in butter and added to the stew at the end of cooking. Sauteing the mushrooms is to obtain a nice sear. You want the mushrooms to be golden and slightly caramelized, so they deliver all their flavor. If you skip this step and simply stew them in the broth, they will turn rather rubbery and bland in flavor. Veal Blanquette This is one of those crowd-pleasing stewed dishes that tastes even better reheated the next day. Serve it over rice with sweet peas, or boiled potatoes. Serves 4 2 pounds trimmed, boneless veal shoulder, cut into 2-inch chunks Salt and freshly ground pepper 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium) 1 bouquet garni (5 parsley sprigs, 2 to 3 thyme sprigs, and 2 bay leaves) 1 medium onion, peeled and poked with 6 cloves 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 fennel bulb, cut in half For the Mushrooms 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 cups cremini mushrooms, quartered Salt and pepper to taste For the Roux 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour To Finish 1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup creme fraiche Chopped parsley, to serve About 2 hours before cooking, pat the veal cubes dry with paper towels and season them well with salt and black pepper. Let rest to near room temperature. In a medium Dutch oven, cover the veal with the broth and bring to a simmer over moderately high heat. Make the bouquet garni: Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with cooking twine and add the bundle to the pot, along with the onion. Simmer over low heat for 1 hour, occasionally skimming the fat that may form from the top of the broth with a large spoon. Make the bouquet garni. (Audrey Le Goff) Prepare the clove-studded onion, carrots, and fennel. (Audrey Le Goff) After 1 hour, add the carrots and fennel and simmer for another 45 minutes. Test the texture of the veal; it should be fork tender. Simmer the veal with the broth and aromatics, then the additional vegetables. (Audrey Le Goff) Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, seasoned to taste with salt and black pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes, until the mushrooms are cooked and lightly browned. Set aside. Cook the mushrooms separately in butter. (Audrey Le Goff) With a large slotted spoon, drain the meat and vegetables and reserve on a plate covered with foil to prevent them from drying. Discard the bouquet garni and onion. Remove and reserve the veal and vegetables while you finish the sauce. (Audrey Le Goff) In a small bowl, mix together the butter and flour with a fork. Pour about 1/4 cup of the hot broth into the paste and whisk until smooth. Pour the mix into the hot broth in the Dutch oven and whisk to combine. Simmer for about 10 minutes over moderate heat, whisking often, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste-test the sauce: no floury taste should remain. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, egg yolk, and creme fraiche. Pour about 1/4 cup of the hot broth into the creme mixture to temper it, then whisk into the sauce in the Dutch oven. Add the veal, vegetables, and mushrooms, and keep over low heat until the meat is hot again. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. For serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Bring everything together and garnish with parsley to serve. (Audrey Le Goff) Audrey Le Goff is a French food writer, photographer, and creator of the food blog Pardon Your French where she shares recipes and stories from her beloved home country, France. She is the author of the cookbook Rustic French Cooking Made Easy (2019). She currently lives in Niagara, Canada. Follow her on Instagram @pardonyourfrench Officials in one Florida county are trying to identify two suspects in the theft of nearly $600 worth of deodorant from a Walgreens. The Indian River County Sheriffs Office stated the suspects walked into a Walgreens located on U.S. Highway 1 in Sebastian on Saturday, March 20, 2021, around 2:43 p.m., according to a post on its Facebook page. Investigators said both appear to be male, with one suspect described as bald with a muscular build, and the other suspect with a smaller build with a high-on-top hairstyle. Video surveillance captured both suspects wearing athletic clothing and driving away in a white SUV, according to the sheriffs office. They do not know the model. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. POCATELLO, Idaho, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Savage will immediately begin construction of Idahos first intermodal rail terminal in Pocatello, ID. The Savage Railport Southern Idaho will benefit Idaho farmers and families by improving the economics of exporting containerized hay and other agricultural commodities, providing faster access to Asia and other world markets. Savage has entered into an agreement with Union Pacific Railroad to construct and operate the terminal at Union Pacifics rail yard in Pocatello, ID. The terminal is expected to be operational by mid-year 2021. Idaho's agricultural and business communities need dependable transportation to get product into global markets, said Idaho Governor Brad Little. Transportation infrastructure projects like this rail terminal in Pocatello can create opportunities for Idaho businesses to grow and can help support export prospects for more agriculture producers. Were excited to serve Idaho producers and shippers with intermodal export service, said Kirk Aubry, Savage President and CEO. The ability to ship containers out of Idaho directly to the Pacific Northwest by rail will open up supply chains and allow more Idaho businesses to access global markets. Savage teams will place loaded containers onto railcars at the Pocatello terminal that will be transported by Union Pacific to the Northwest Seaport Alliance ports in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington. Utilizing a direct rail connection will be more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly than trucking products across multiple states. This new business is uniquely focused on Idaho shippers needs and the global economic impact Pacific Northwest exports have around the world, said Kari Kirchhoefer, Union Pacific Vice President Marketing and Sales Premium. Union Pacifics unique collaboration with Savage uses intermodal containers heading to the Northwest ports. This partnership makes the most of the containers round trip and saves truck drayage costs for Idaho shippers by providing a direct rail option. Were excited that Savage chose Pocatello for their intermodal facility, said Mayor Brian Blad. With the new facility, goods from businesses across Idaho will have an easier time getting to markets overseas. As one of the top agricultural export gateways in North America, the Northwest Seaport Alliance congratulates Savage, Union Pacific Railroad, the city of Pocatello and the State of Idaho for partnering on this innovative project to support U.S. farmers and agricultural exports, said Commissioner Dick Marzano, Northwest Seaport Alliance Co-Chair. The new service will help lower export costs and increase volumes through our gateway. The Northwest Seaport Alliance looks forward to the successful launch of this new initiative. For business opportunities at the railport, please contact Brig Skoy, Savage Director of Business Development, at brigskoy@savageservices.com or 801-944-6535. About Savage Celebrating 75 years in business, Savage is a global supply chain company with nearly 4,500 Team Members in over 200 locations. The Companys work in transportation, logistics, materials handling and other industrial services enables its Customers and Partners to Feed the World, Power Our Lives, and Sustain the Planet. Learn more at www.savageservices.com/savage-companies. About Union Pacific Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com. Attachments (Newser) What Politico calls the first evidence indicating there was coordination among far-right groups in the runup to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack emerged via a Tuesday night Justice Department filing that contained Facebook messages written by the Florida head of the Oath Keepers. A sampling of what Kelly Meggs allegedly wrote to a contact of his in late December, per the filing: "This week I organized an alliance between Oath Keepers, Florida 3%ers, and Proud Boys. We have decided to work together and shut this s--- [any clashes with antifa] down." Meggs wrote of there likely being up to 100 Oath Keepers members in Washington, DC, on Jan. 6, "plus we have made contact with PB and they always have a big group. Force multiplier." "DC is no guns. So mace and gas masks, some batons. If you have armor that's good. During the day it's kind of boring but when it starts getting dark game on." "You can hang with us we will probably be guarding [redacted] or someone during the day but then at night we have orchestrated a plan with the proud boys." "We are gonna march with them [antifa] for awhile then fall back to the back of the crowd and turn off. Then we will have the proud boys get in front of them the cops will get between antifa and proud boys. We will come in behind antifa and beat the hell out of them." story continues below Meggs is among 10 Oath Keepers charged with conspiring to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's presidential win; four Proud Boys members face the same charges, reports Axios. Defense attorneys claim the Oath Keepers' plans were limited to dealing with any clashes with antifa and didn't involve breaching the Capitol. Prosecutors are making the case that there was indeed a coordinated plan to enter the building. As CNN puts it, "criminal conspiracy cases against the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are among the most aggressive actions from the Justice Department following the violent pro-Trump riot." CNN reports the filing was related to Meggs' request that he be released on bail pending trial. (Read more Capitol attack stories.) analysis The State of Human Rights Report launched by the Gauteng office of the South African Human Rights Commission shows poor implementation plans for informal settlement projects in the Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane metros. A new report reveals that a quarter of households in informal settlements in three Gauteng metros targeted for upgrading in 2019/20 were not, in fact, upgraded. Also, 32% fewer houses were upgraded last year compared with 2016/17, and 30% fewer than the number upgraded in 2017/18. The three metros are the cities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane. These are some of the findings contained in a report titled, "Towards ensuring the right to adequate housing through the upgrading of informal settlements". The report, launched on Tuesday, focuses specifically on the projects executed and committed to by the three Gauteng metros in the 2020/21 financial year under the upgrading of informal settlements programme (UISP). The report examines the plans developed, budgets allocated and adjusted, steps taken and money spent by the three metros under the UISP. The percentage of households living in informal dwellings in these metros stands at: 18.4% - Ekurhuleni 19.1% - Johannesburg 16.4% - Tshwane Here's a breakdown of the percentage of... New Delhi: As the state-sponsored Chinese hackers were suspected to have targeted Indian power grids and ports with malware amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Rajmohan Unnithan raised the issue in Parliament seeking a response from the concerned Information and Technology ministry citing the US cybersecurity firm's study. In the first week of this month, the issue came to the fore as The New York Times reported the matter quoting a US cybersecurity firm's study. The report said that Chinese hackers had allegedly targeted Indian power grids leading to the October 12 grid failure in Mumbai. The Congress MPs asked the Minister of Electronics and Information and Technology to respond to the following questions: (a) whether a Chinese state-sponsored group Red Echo has used malware techniques to gain a foothold in nearly a dozen critical nodes across the Indian power generation/transmission infrastructure, along with transmission substation and a coal-fired power plant, and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the government thereto; (b) whether the blackout in Mumbai on October 12, 2020 was a consequence of Chinese malware, Shadowpad and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the government thereto; (c) whether Indias Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) received any evidence/findings about this from the cyber threat analysis group Recorded Future and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government has initiated any formal investigation into this cyber attack and if so, the details and the outcome thereof; (e) whether the aforementioned malware has attacked any other critical infrastructure of the country and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; (f) the manner in which the Government plans to retaliate against such sophisticated cyber-attacks; and (g) whether the Government proposes to replace the existing Chinese-made hardware in Indias critical infrastructure in view of these cyber-attacks and if so, the details thereof? The Union IT Minister gave the following reply: (a), (b) and (c): The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is serving as national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents as per provisions of Section 70B of Information Technology Act, 2000. CERT-In receives inputs from its situational awareness systems and threat intelligence sources about malware infections in networks of entities across sectors and issued alerts to concerned organizations and sectoral CERTs including in the power sector for remedial measures. It has been observed that attackers are compromising computer systems located in different parts of the world and use masquerading techniques and hidden servers to hide the identity of actual systems from which the attacks are being launched. (d), (e) and (f): Alerts and advisories are issued to key organisations and sectoral CERTs for taking response and preventive measures against emerging cyber-attacks. The government has taken the following measures to enhance the cybersecurity posture and prevent cyberattacks: i. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issues alerts and advisories regarding latest cyber threats/ vulnerabilities and countermeasures to protect computers and networks on regular basis. ii. Government has issued guidelines for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) regarding their key roles and responsibilities for securing applications / infrastructure and compliance. iii. All the government websites and applications are to be audited with respect to cyber security prior to their hosting. The auditing of the websites and applications is conducted on a regular basis after hosting also. iv. Government has empanelled security auditing organisations to support and audit implementation of Information Security Best Practices. v. Government has formulated Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP) for countering cyber-attacks for implementation by all Ministries/ Departments of Central Government, State Governments and their organizations and critical sectors. vi. Cyber security mock drills are being conducted regularly in Government and critical sectors. vii. CERT-In conducts regular training programmes for network/system administrators and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) of Government and critical sector organisations regarding securing the IT infrastructure and mitigating cyber attacks. Live TV viii. Government is operating the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre). The centre is providing detection of malicious programs and free tools to remove the same. ix. Government has set up the National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) to generate necessary situational awareness of existing and potential cybersecurity threats. PhaseI of NCCC is operational. (g): There is no such proposal 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 team of Canadian researchers who brought together some of that countrys largest businesses to scale up a rapid coronavirus testing program is now trying to replicate its success in the United States, with the aim of reviving the economy and getting thousands of Americans back to work. The organizers of the new program, called the U.S. Rapid Action Consortium, will announce on Wednesday that they are trying to recruit 12 companies to screen asymptomatic employees with rapid antigen tests on a routine basis. Four companies have signed on so far, including Air Canada and Scotiabank. Both participate in the Canadian program, which also began with 12 firms and has grown to include 400. The consortium hopes that by joining forces, companies in the United States will be able to increase their purchasing power and quickly learn how to use rapid tests to prevent outbreaks and reopen shuttered businesses. Industry is essentially saying, We need to act now. This remains a crisis for us. Every day that our employees are not at work is another day that our business isnt optimized, said Dr. Michael Mina, a Harvard University epidemiologist and expert in rapid testing who has been asked to advise the group. Biden Administration Tells Supreme Court Police Can Seize Guns in Homes Without a Warrant to Prevent Suicide The Supreme Court seemed skeptical of government arguments that the community caretaking exception to the Fourth Amendments warrant requirement should be expanded to allow police to seize guns without a warrant in a persons home. The case comes as President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats press for aggressive new restrictions on Second Amendment gun ownership rights, including controversial red flag laws, which allow gun seizures from law-abiding gun owners with limited due process, in the wake of highly publicized deadly mass shootings at a Boulder, Colorado, supermarket on March 22 and at Atlanta-area spas on March 16. In the case at hand, the Biden administration argued for expanding government power, telling the Supreme Court that police should be allowed to enter homes without a warrant to seize handguns. The case, Caniglia v. Strom, court file 20-157, is on appeal from the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. Oral arguments on March 24 lasted 102 minutes, exceeding the allotted 60 minutes. The community caretaking doctrine holds that police dont always operate as law enforcement officials investigating wrongdoing, but sometimes as caretakers to prevent harm in emergency situations. Police generally cannot conduct searches of private property without consent or a warrant. In Cady v. Dombrowski (1973) the Supreme Court held that police may conduct warrantless searches related to community caretaking functions, but only for vehicle accidents. Since then, the principle has become a catchall for a wide range of responsibilities that police officers must discharge aside from their criminal enforcement activities, the 1st Circuit stated in the Caniglia case. Edward Caniglia has no criminal history and no record of violence. He had been married to his wife for 22 years when, on Aug. 20, 2015, they had a disagreement inside their Cranston, Rhode Island, home. The argument escalated. He produced an unloaded gun and said, Why dont you just shoot me and get me out of my misery? She then spent the night at a motel. She tried to reach him by telephone and became concerned when he didnt pick up. She told police her husband might be suicidal and asked them to conduct a welfare check. The police called the husband, whom they said sounded fine. He told police his just shoot me comment happened because he couldnt take it anymore. The husband went to a local hospital briefly after police assured him they wouldnt take his two handguns. After he left, they seized his guns without a warrant, telling the wife his life and others could be in danger if they left the guns in the home. After the officers falsely represented to Mrs. Caniglia that Petitioner had consented, she led the officers to the guns, Caniglia stated in a brief. The couple and a lawyer asked the police to return the guns, and their requests were refused. The husband sued, but the district and appeals courts allowed the search under the community caretaking exception. The husband argued in his Supreme Court brief that the exception shouldnt be applied inside the homethe most protected of all private spaces. During oral arguments, Department of Justice lawyer Morgan Ratner supported the citys position, arguing that this case was fundamentally different from most of the courts other Fourth Amendment cases because the question is not act now or get a warrant first. Its act now or not at all. Theres no warrant process in many non-investigatory situations, from welfare checks on elderly residents to intervention in current suicide threats, she said. Although there have been a lot of questions this morning about whether this is emergency aid or exigent circumstances or community caretaking or something else, the label you give it is not nearly as important as the principle. And the key principle is if someone is at risk of serious harm and its reasonable for officials to intervene now, that is enough, Ratner said. The justices seemed to be searching for a legal test to cover Caniglias situation, posing a long series of hypothetical questions about what situations might justify police entering a home without a warrant. Warrantless home entries are unreasonable in the absence of exigent circumstances, Caniglias attorney, Shay Dvoretzky, told the court. The Fourth Amendment protects the home in a special way. A reasonable search requires a warrant unless there is consent or a true emergency, Dvoretzky said. The problem with the rule the other side proposes is it would allow police to go into the home without a warrant in situations that would essentially blow up numerous other Fourth Amendment doctrines that this court has held are very important to protect the sanctity of the home. Justice Clarence Thomas asked if a police officer enters a home and finds someone unconscious on the floor, if that person could sue the police. If he goes in without an objective basis and just happens to have guessed correctly that she did need help, that would not absolve the officer of liability, Dvoretzky said. Justice Brett Kavanaugh quipped that developing legal tests to cover various situations was great, but said in the real world, police have to make split-second decisions. Every single day on average there are 65 suicides by gunshot, and police can help prevent that, he said, adding that Dvoretzkys position would make police back away from suicide checks. The lawyer replied, If theyve been told that the person is suicidal, they cannot get in touch with the person, they cannot get in touch with a mental health professional, I think in that situation they could go in. Marc DeSisto, attorney for Cranston, said: An absolute prohibition against warrantless entry is wrong. Community caretaking in the home without a warrant should be allowed when it is objectively reasonable to do so. Justice Samuel Alito told DeSisto that people are concerned that the caretaking exception doesnt seem to have any clear boundaries. And when you tell us that it can include getting a cat down from a tree, that fortifies that concern. The lawyer replied that the touchstone of the Fourth Amendment is reasonableness. The text and the meaning and the spirit of the Fourth Amendment is not offended by caretaking activity to the most vulnerable at the most vulnerable times, so long as the intrusions are reasonable when weighed against the privacy interest, DeSisto said. Our nation doesnt abandon those in need. Police officers cannot turn their backs and walk away. Beshear Signs Holt, Cope Bill into Law By West Kentucky Star Staff FRANKFORT - A measure strengthening the rights of violent crime victims will become law after Governor Andy Beshear signed the Bailey Holt and Preston Privacy Act.Sponsored by Representative Chris Freeland of Benton, the bill honors the lives of the two 15-year-old victims of the tragic shooting at Marshall County High School in 2018. Far too often the victims of a violent crime are further victimized by the unnecessary release of video and photographs of the crime and crime scene. Its unfortunate that a law like this is necessary, but I appreciate my fellow legislators and the Governor for stepping up for Kentuckians like Bailey Holt, Preston Cope, and all other victims of violent, senseless crimes, Freeland said. The measure, filed by Freeland as HB 273, amends the Open Records Act to exclude protects photographs and videos of a persons death, killing, rape, or assault used in court proceedings from being available to the public after their use in court. Representative Freeland worked hard to make sure that everyone understood this bill wasnt about limiting transparency, but instead about the rights of crime victims, House Speaker David Osborne added. It includes necessary exceptions, including when the victim or their immediate family request it, for insurance purposes, or with the intent to investigate official misconduct. The bill specifically prohibits a person accused or convicted of the crime from viewing the images or videos. I am so proud that this legislature stands with the Cope and Holt families and this community and that we have drawn the line against the use of these videos and photos to cause further harm and heartbreak, Freeland added. The United Nations says at least 15 people were killed in a massive fire at a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. The fire injured more than 550 people and left 400 missing at the camp near the coastal city of Coxs Bazar, the U.N. refugee agency said Tuesday. About 45,000 people were left without shelter. The fire started around midday Monday at the Balukhali camp and burned into the night. Bangladeshi officials were investigating the fire, as aid workers and families searched for further victims and belongings. Everything has gone. Thousands are without homes, Rohingya refugee Aman Ullah told Reuters. The fire was brought under control after six hours, but some parts of the camp could be seen smoking all night long. Sanjeev Kafley is head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Bangladesh. He said more than 17,000 shelters had been destroyed. He added that at least 1,000 Red Cross workers and volunteers had worked with fire services to fight the fire. Yesterday before the fire started, my kids went to study at the Islamic school, said Shappuni, a refugee who uses only one name. I did not see them after they came back. I found two of my older kids but I still cant find my youngest son. Some witnesses said barbed wire fencing around the camp had trapped many people and hurt others, leading international aid agencies to call for its removal. John Quinley is with Fortify Rights, a human rights organization working with Rohingya refugees. He said he had heard similar reports. He added that the fences had also harmed past efforts to get aid supplies and important services to the camps. The government must remove the fences and protect refugees, Quinley said. There have now been a number of large fires in the camps including a large fire in January this year. He called on officials to carry out full investigations into the cause of the fires. The January fire also destroyed hundreds of temporary homes in the camp and left thousands without shelter. M. A. Halimis heads operations in Coxs Bazar for the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. He said in a statement the organization was providing food and water to victims and building emergency shelters for those who lost homes. The U.N.'s World Food Program said many victims went to nearby camps or were staying at friends' shelters. Others were being kept at learning centers for children or temporary shelter sites. Bangladesh shelters more than one million Rohingyas. Most fled Myanmar in August 2017 when its military began to attack the minority Muslim population, killing and raping many people and burning whole villages. The U.N. has described the countrys action as genocidal. Myanmar denies the accusation. Bangladesh wants to begin sending the refugees back to Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Several attempts to do so under a joint agreement failed because the Rohingya refused to go. They fear they will face more violence in Myanmar. The country denies them basic rights including citizenship. Im Bryan Lynn. The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for Learning English. Caty Weaver 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 kids n. children barbed wire n. strong wire with short, sharp points on it to keep people out of a place We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form WaterAid Malawi has reiterated its emphasis on the need to take urgent actions to help poor communities adjust to changing weather patterns by calling on Malawi Government to prioritise water in its climate plans. In a statement to commemorates World Water Day on Monday, October 22, WaterAid said climate change threatens water access for the world's poorest. "Without easy access to clean water, people's lives are blighted by sickness, poverty, and the endless drudgery of collecting water," said the statement. "Women and girls around the world already collectively spend an estimated 200 million hours a year -- or around 23,000 years of their lives -- walking to fetch water. "For the one in 10 of the world's population that do not have clean water close to home, the hours spent collecting water or the time needed to recover from waterborne illnesses caused by dirty water, robs entire communities of an opportunity to build a better future." WaterAid further says 31% of the Malawi population do not have access to clean water -- translating to 5.8 million people out of the over 17 million people. "For water, climate change acts as a threat multiplier, worsening problems caused by poor management of water resources, lack of political will, and inadequate investment. "With the current climate scenario, it is predicted that water scarcity will displace between 24 million and 700 million people, by 2030. "Currently only 5% of total global climate funding is spent on helping countries adapt to their changing climate, and that money is not targeted at the communities most vulnerable to climate change. "The investment in ensuring that everyone no matter where they live has a reliable and safe water source to help make communities become more resilient to climate change, is completely inadequate to the growing crisis -- some of the most climate vulnerable countries only receive $1 per person per year for investment in water." In its analysis, WaterAid Malawi says the impact of climate change on people's water supplies is being overlooked which is a major threat on progress made in bringing clean water to all. WaterAid's latest report -- 'Turn the tide: The state of the world's water 2021' -- shows how people are losing access to clean water as longer droughts dry up springs, seawater infiltrates groundwater supplies and landslides take out water pumps. The organisation shows that investing in water systems that provide a reliable supply whatever the weather, is a frontline defence against the impact of climate change. "Malawi is highly vulnerable to natural disasters which are related to climate change. Over the past two decades, droughts and floods have increased in frequency, intensity, and magnitude. "Consequently, there have been negative impacts on food and water security, and on the sustainable livelihoods of rural people. In the crucial battle to reduce current and future global emissions, the situation faced now by those most impacted by climate change has been given little focus or investment." WaterAid announced that on March 31, the UK government will host a virtual Climate and Development event to build momentum towards this year's UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26). And thus, WaterAid Malawi is also calling on Malawi Government to address current and future threats to water access as part of its national climate action plan -- including Nationally Determined Contributions, National Action Plan, and national budgets. WaterAid is also urging Malawi Government to ensure the voices of local communities and marginalised groups are heard in planning decisions around adaptation. Country Director Mercy Masoo said: "Climate change is making it more difficult for vulnerable people to be able to rely on having clean water when they need it and it's a great injustice that the world's poorest people, who've contributed the least to the crisis, are living with its most destructive impacts. "Unless communities have access to a reliable source of water, people's health will suffer, and they'll be burdened with spending more and more time searching for water, taking away the opportunity to create a better life and escape poverty. "Malawi Government needs to recognise the critical role that clean water has in helping communities cope with climate change and set in place deliberate interventions to ensure that the most marginalised communities have access to safe water, decent sanitation and good hygiene amidst the ever growing impact of climate change," she said. Last week, WaterAid challenged governments in southern Africa region to seriously consider sanitation and hygiene as a priority by increasing national budgetary allocations towards this sector. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Malawi Climate Water By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. WaterAid's regional director for southern Africa, Robert Kampala had said this during a southern Africa regional senior editor's webinar meeting on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), a service that remains a fundamental human right to the citizenry of these countries. He noted that most governments in the region are providing low budgetary allocations to the sector despite their earlier commitments to increase it. "Stakeholders in the sector and the media need to remind their governments through several channels for them to appreciate that the provision of quality sanitation and hygiene remains a fundamental human right to every citizen in their countries," Kampala had said. He also observed that Malawi has over 17 million people, 13.8 million of whom don't have access to a decent toilet and that more than 3,000 children die every year due to dirty water and poor sanitation. Kampala added that in Zambia the inequality gap was widening as 6.8 million people still do not have access to clean water, which is almost half of the population of the country yet in recent budget announcement for 2021 -- the WASH budget was reduced by 17%. A pioneering electric car firm that is developing a 258mph battery-powered supercar is setting up a UK research and development base right next door to Jaguar Land Rover. The firm, Rimac, is also linked to Porsche amid speculation that the pair will soon take control of luxury hypercar firm Bugatti and turn it into an electric-only brand. It also comes as Jaguar Land Rover currently seeking a new electric drive-train partner - and Crewe-based Bentley have announced ambitious plans to electrify their ranges with new fully-electric models in the pipeline. Rimac's UK R&D hub: The Croatian EV builder - which is being linked to both Porsche and Bugatti - will have new operations out of University of Warwick's Enterprise Park campus It is seen as another step in the road to making the UK a centre for electric vehicle production following the Governments controversial decision to ban sales of petrol and diesel cars from 2030, and longer range hybrids from 2035. Croatian-based Rimac Automobili is seen as one of the worlds hottest electric drive-train specialists. It is setting up its new UK research and development office at the University of Warwicks Warwick Enterprise Park campus in Wellesbourne, Warwickshire. Significantly, this is right next to Jaguar Land Rovers design and engineering centre at Gaydon. Aston Martins boutique headquarters factory is also next door in Gaydon, with the iconic brand also reportedly planning its own electric car from 2025, which could be co-developed with Mercedes-Benz which has a significant share in the British firm. Jaguar Land Rover already has a substantial amount of research development carried out at Warwick Universitys world-leading main campus and science park near Coventry. New Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bollore confirmed recently that Jaguar is talking to external partners about co-operating on the brands new all-electric platform for a completely new line-up of cars from 2025. He said Jaguar was talking with a selection of actors to work with to create electric Jaguar cars to rival Tesla and Polestar. Currently the Jaguar I-Pace is the only all-electric vehicle in the JLR line up. Croatian-based Rimac Automobili is seen as one of the worlds hottest electric drive-train specialists Significantly, Rimac's new UK hub is right next to Jaguar Land Rovers design and engineering centre at Gaydon Rimac says its new UK research base plans to employ 30 people by the end of 2021, closely collaborating with both the UK automotive industry and Rimacs Croatian headquarters. Rimac currently employs nearly 1,000 people and continues to rapidly expand. Rimac Automobili said it has already provided electrified technology to a number of British automotive brands such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover as well as being a supplier to many of the worlds largest car makers, including Hyundai, Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg and others. It also has close ties to the UK, with H.R. Owen as a part of the global partners network. Germanys Porsche recently increased its stake in Rimac to 24 per cent amid speculation not denied that Porsche and Rimac would together take control of supercar-maker Bugatti, based at Molsheim on the French side of the Rhine and turn it into an electric-only brand. Porsche bosses said discussions were still underway at Volkswagen Group board level. Rimac said it is soon to reveal in its final form their own ultimate showcase of its EV technology: the hypercar C_Two noting: Designed, engineered and built in-house at Rimac Automobili, and subject to a multi-year homologation process, the C_Two will soon enter series production, limited to 150 units. Rimac Automobili said it has already provided electrified technology to a number of British automotive brands such as Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover The Croatian EV specialist is also a supplier to many of the worlds largest car makers, including Hyundai, Porsche, Automobili Pininfarina, Koenigsegg and others It promises a top speed of 258mph, 0-to-62mph acceleration of under two seconds, and a 0-to-100mph time of 4.3 seconds. The announcement follows a visit to Rimac Automobilis headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia this week by UK Minister of State for Trade Policy, Greg Hands. Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of the firm which bears his name, said: While Croatia will always be our home, we have decided to take the opportunity to gather a small team in the UK, where the automotive industry has a long history and great expertise. We are of the strong opinion that British engineers are world-class in the field of electrification and future of mobility. While we are starting with a small office, we might expand significantly in the years to come, working on Rimacs future projects, while closely collaborating with our team of engineers, designers and technicians back in Croatia. Adrian Hallmark, CEO of Bentley, also part of the Volkswagen Group but now under the umbrella of Audi, said a Bentayga Hybrid SUV is one of nine new Bentley models to be launched this year as the firm continues its accelerated journey towards becoming a fully electrified car company by 2030. Oxford-based Mini and Ford of Europe have also announced plans to go fully electric, as has Swedish maker Volvo. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 A health worker holds a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine to administer, during a mass vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday by extending it to adults up to 65 years old. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Desperate to finally put the coronavirus pandemic behind them, thousands of Spaniards lined up to get shots of AstraZeneca on Wednesday as the European country became the latest to restart use of the vaccine whose credibility has suffered a series of setbacks recently. Like neighboring countries that had halted use of the vaccine while examining possible adverse effects, Spain's health officials are now trying to restore confidence in the shot, one of three currently available in the European Union. That is particularly critical at a time when many countries on the continent are struggling to ramp up slow vaccinations while they see infections spike again. Spain's pivot back to AstraZeneca comes just a day after another blow to its reputation, when American officials said that the British-Swedish drug company may have included "outdated information" in touting the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in a U.S. trial. It was not the first stumble for the shot, which is cheaper and easier to store than many of its rivals' and was therefore expected to be used widely around the world, especially in poorer countries. The company had previously faced questions about its data reporting and most recently more than a dozen European countries suspended use of the shot over reports of rare blood clots in some recipients. The European Medicines Agency said last week that the vaccine doesn't increase the overall risk of clotting. People queue after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday by extending it to adults up to 65 years old. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Still, experts fear the repeated negative attention on the vaccine could undermine confidence in it and even the immunization program overall, just when the coronavirus is again surging on the continent. As has happened in other countries, some Italian regions have reported no-shows and cancelations of vaccine appointments, yet the phenomenon appears to be uneven. Norway has expressed concern over high levels of rejection of the shot. But so far, in Spain, it seems the fear of ending up in an intensive care unitor worseis trumping any concerns people have about the vaccine. Belen Ruiz, a 56-year-old who works with disabled children, was one of 5,000 people with an appointment to get a shot Wednesday at Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano Stadium. She said she was a bit anxious as she waited in a long line, in part because she had dealt with blood clots in the past. A woman receives a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday by extending it to adults up to 65 years old. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) "Nobody has put a gun to my head, but I feel half-obligated to take it. At work, I am in constant risk and in contact with people at risk. And there is all this social pressure, even from my colleagues, not to be the only one that refuses the vaccine," said Ruiz, who lost her 88-year-old father to COVID-19 last year. After halting the use of AstraZeneca for eight days, Spain has a backlog of over 900,000 doses, almost equal to the number of shots of the vaccine it has already administered. Because of concerns about its effectiveness in older people, Spain is only using AstraZeneca on key workers who are under 65. Even that reflects a recent easing; it was originally only authorized for people under 55. Meanwhile, it has administered 5 million shots of Pfizer-BioNTech and 355,000 of Moderna in older people. Vials of the AstraZeneca vaccine are pictured during a mass vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday by extending it to adults up to 65 years old. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) Spanish Health Minister Carolina Darias said that the restart of AstraZeneca comes at the right moment, with numbers back on the rise due to the spread of most contagious virus strains. "We are facing a decisive moment," Darias said. "All the regions report a good pace of vaccinations and they backed the decision to continue vaccinating straight through the Easter Week holidays." Spain and other European countries have the luxury of that choice, but they still need AstraZeneca to meet their goals. And many have been falling woefully behind. The latest figures, for instance, show that less than 14% of people in the European Union have had at least one shot, compared to 45% in Britain and 38% in the United States. In fact, the EU is moving toward imposing stricter export controls for coronavirus vaccines as it tries to boost the bloc's flagging campaign. People wait in line for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) On Wednesday, authorities in Spain's northeast Catalonia region said 87% of slots offered were snatched up by 14,000 people, and that many of those who turned them down had signed up for other slots in coming days. In Italy, Veneto Gov. Luca Zaia said this week that teachers in the northeastern region of 5 million residents made up many of the no-shows, and that some days the cancelations were up to half of all appointments. But he said the phenomenon appears to be easing. "Objectively, we don't have a significant level of no-shows," Zaia said on Italian television Tuesday. After reports of some no-shows in recent days in Croatia, which did not stop using AstraZeneca, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and his health minister stepped forward to get their shots on Wednesday. In Britain, where AstraZeneca is the backbone of its robust rollout, there are few signs of doubt, and hundreds of shots of the vaccine or the Pfizer-BioNTech one are being delivered every day. People queue for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) A health worker holds a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) Javier Crespo after receiving a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) A man waits for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in pictures supporting health workers, during a mass vaccination campaign at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) A woman waits close to an information board showing the use of the AstreZeneca COVID-19 vaccination at San Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24. 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) A frontline worker reacrs as she receives a shot of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative, in Machakos, Kenya, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. AstraZeneca's repeated missteps in reporting vaccine data coupled with a blood clot scare could do lasting damage to the credibility of a shot that is the linchpin in the global strategy to stop the coronavirus pandemic, potentially even undermining vaccine confidence more broadly, experts say. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) A nurse, left, prepares a shot of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and provided through the global COVAX initiative, from a portable cold storage box, center, in Machakos, Kenya, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. AstraZeneca's repeated missteps in reporting vaccine data coupled with a blood clot scare could do lasting damage to the credibility of a shot that is the linchpin in the global strategy to stop the coronavirus pandemic, potentially even undermining vaccine confidence more broadly, experts say. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Other countries are even more heavily dependent on AstraZeneca, which is the pillar of the COVAX program aimed at getting vaccines to low- and middle-income countries. In Machakos, Kenya, Juliana Mwendu, a nurse administering AstraZeneca shots, said that more patients were coming forward after some jittery days. "Since morning I have already given (shots to) over 50 people," she said. "So I think after ... they confirmed that the vaccine is okay people are taking it positively now and they are really coming." But others, like motorcycle taxi driver Steven Musyoka, remain reluctant, noting the concerns elsewhere. "I am hearing that there is a corona vaccine," Musyoka said, "but myself and my family will not receive it." Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Letters: Left-wingers mock us, but God-loving, patriotic people know who we are Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of Dubai and the finance minister of the United Arab Emirates, has died, his brother said. He was 75. Sheikh Hamdan served as deputy leader of Dubai under his brother, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the hereditary ruler of the city-state who also serves as prime minister and vice president of the UAE. Emirati officials announced the death without specifying a cause. The Ruler's Court of @HHShkMohd offers its condolences on the demise of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 24, 2021 Sheikh Hamdan had been in poor health for several months. Last autumn, he flew abroad for an unspecified operation and in recent weeks his brother Sheikh Mohammed has tweeted prayers for his recovery. Born on December 25 1945, the second son of late ruler Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum grew up in what was known as the Trucial States, a collection of Arab sheikhdoms along the southern shore of the Persian Gulf which were part of a British protectorate since 1820. When the UAE formed its first cabinet in 1971, Sheikh Hamdan became finance minister and held the post until his death, attracting foreign investment, managing the countrys oil wealth and, along with his brother, overseeing the transformation of Dubai into a regional financial hub. May God have mercy on Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who devoted years of his life in service to the nation and its people. Our sincere condolences to his immediate family, the esteemed Al Maktoum family, and the people of the UAE at this time of great sadness. pic.twitter.com/YkaRS73iPi U U UU UUU U (@admediaoffice) March 24, 2021 The country separately has a minister of state for financial affairs. He led Emirati delegations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) Fund for international development. Sheikh Hamdan controlled a wide array of conglomerates reaching across Dubais economy, such as the Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Natural Gas Company. Like his brother, he became a big name in horse racing out of the UAE, founding Shadwell Racing in 1981, an operation with a legacy of producing star thoroughbreds. His funeral service will be restricted to family because of Covid-19, according to Dubais government-run media office, which ordered government offices closed for three days of mourning. Today we lost one of the most loyal men of the UAE after a life full of giving and sincere patriotism, wrote the countrys de facto ruler, Abu Dhabis Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. El Vicecanciller Ignacio Higueras y su homologo noruego, Jens Frlich Holte, presidieron la I Reunion del Mecanismo de Consultas Peru-Noruega ??????????, espacio de dialogo y concertacion para fortalecer la agenda bilateral en los ambitos politico, de inversiones y cooperacion. pic.twitter.com/PDRcMZw6HS Eleven former high-ranking Border Patrol officials called the situation 'grave' and warned that 'criminal organizations are capitalizing on this crisis' in a first-of-its-kind letter on Wednesday. Among them were four retired Chiefs of the United States Border Patrol who were joined by six former Chief Patrol Agents in writing a letter to Congress urging them to address the 'broken immigration system.' The letter is addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Former chief patrol agent Roy Villareal, who signed the letter, said ''there is a monumental border issue at the border right now' Asylum seekers, most from Honduras, walk towards a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on Tuesday People are seen on a raft at the U.S.-Mexico border, early on Wednesday in Roma, Texas 'On behalf of retired Chiefs of the United States Border Patrol, we write with grave concern regarding the current crisis on the southwest border,' reads the letter. 'It is time to address our broken immigration system as well as the push and pull factors encouraging mass migration, and its impacts on border security.' The letter continued: 'The cycle of broken immigration crises must be a priority for Congress. The patchwork system in place continues to fail us all.' 'Criminal organizations are capitalizing on this crisis, exploiting these vulnerable unaccompanied children and their families while at the same time utilizing this distraction to overwhelm front-line Border Patrol agents,' the letter added. The letter was signed by Border Patrol Chiefs: David V. Aguilar, Ronald Vitiello, Ms. Carla Provost, and Michael Fisher. The letter was also signed by former Deputy Chief Scott Luck, as well as former Chief Patrol Agents: Robert Harris, Paul Beeson, Roy Villareal, Anthony Porvaznik, Rodolpho Karisch and Robert Gilbert. Villareal, who retired in December, told Fox News that 'there is a monumental border issue at the border right now that is going to overwhelm the capabilities of the Border Patrol.' 'It's going to cause our system to shut down because as these populations increase, the unaccompanied children, the family units takes away from the ability to do effective border security,' he said. Karisch told CNN: 'This is a problem we've had for many years.' 'Look back at 2014 with the unaccompanied children crisis. We didn't have the infrastructure then. We definitely were suffering from that same problem under the previous administration,' he said. 'This is something that both sides keep pointing fingers at, but unfortunately it's the agents in the field that are having to deal with a very serious issue but one that also takes them away from their law enforcement responsibilities.' Former Border Patrol leaders wrote an unprecedented letter to Congress urging them to prioritize the border crisis On Sunday, it was revealed that Customs and Border Protection was considering a plan to release migrants who crossed the border illegally without first giving them a court date to reappear. Texas immigration authorities have since been releasing a growing number of migrants from custody into the United States, ABC News reported. The move means that the burden and responsibility of returning for an asylum hearing is placed on the migrants themselves. Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar told the outlet: 'They released about 150 people, families, without even a notice to appear. I've never seen that before.' The news came as Biden officials are blaming the former Trump administration for the border crisis and the number of unaccompanied minors now in custody swelled to more than 15,000 over the weekend. LONDON (Reuters) - British police said on Wednesday they had arrested a man after a bomb disposal team made a suspicious item safe on the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the queen's official Scottish residence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland said they were alerted to a report of a suspicious item on Tuesday evening at the palace as in the centre of the Scottish capital. "Following examination by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), it was made safe," police said in a statement. "A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident." The statement said there was no threat to the public and investigation were ongoing. The queen was not in residence at the palace, as she is currently staying at her Windsor Castle home to the west of London where she has spent most of her time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is usually open to the public to visit, but is currently closed because of the coronavirus lockdown. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden; Editing by Kate Holton) The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Athens International Airport in Greece (Victoria Jones/PA) The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have arrived in Greece for an official two-day visit. Charles and Camilla landed at Athens International Airport at just before 5.30pm local time on Wednesday. The couple are attending the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations, following an invitation from Greeces prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. After disembarking the plane, Charles and Camilla were greeted by Her Majestys Ambassador to Greece Kate Smith. A guard provided by the Hellenic Armed Forces lined the red carpet for the arrival. Camilla is wearing a blue and white dress by Fiona Clare, a cape by Anna Valentine, and a face mask with Prince of Wales feathers sent to her by a member of the public. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arriving in Greece (Victoria Jones/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arriving in Greece (Victoria Jones/PA) The couple will visit the National Gallery and attend an official state dinner at the presidential mansion where Charles will give a speech to mark the 200-year anniversary. At the official ceremony celebrating the opening of the National Gallery, Charles and Camilla are expected to be greeted by Mr Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki. They will be given a tour by the director of the National Gallery, Professor Marina Lambraki-Plaka, in which they will view the paintings of British artists Thomas Gordon and Frank Abney Hastings. At the dinner, Charles is expected to say: Your Excellency today, as in 1821, Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom. The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures. Charles and Camilla are expected to be seated at the high table for the official state dinner, hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou. On Thursday, the couple will attend a wreath laying at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Independence Day Military Parade which marks Greeces uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. In previous years, thousands of people waving Greek flags have lined the main streets of central Athens to watch the March 25 parade. The brief tour will be Charles third official visit to Greece following his first in 1998 and a further trip in 2018 with Camilla, her first official visit to the country. The couple have already travelled overseas during the Covid-19 pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the countrys National Day of Mourning. Expand Close Charles on a previous visit to Greece (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charles on a previous visit to Greece (Andrew Matthews/PA) Clarence House announced the visit to Athens last week in a statement which said: At the request of the British Government, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations in Athens from March 24-25. This follows an invitation from the prime minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The Bicentenary Events Independence Day celebrations will take place from the evening of Wednesday March 24 and will conclude on Thursday March 25. Last July, Charles said he hoped to visit Greece again after the pandemic. In an opinion piece for Ta Nea, a daily newspaper in the country, he sent his heartfelt wishes to the people of Greece at this very difficult time. He added: The resilience of Greece and her people has been tested before, and I hope that the country will once again emerge with renewed vigour and optimism. When that moment comes and the world has made its way through this challenging time, my wife and I do so hope to visit Greece and to see you all again. Until we meet again. Charles described Greece as the land of my grandfather and recalled how his first visit there more than five decades ago had left a vivid impression on him. An arrested protester flashes the three-fingered salute while onboard a bus getting out of Insein prison (AP) Hundreds of people imprisoned after demonstrating against the military coup in Myanmar have been released in the first apparent gesture by authorities to placate the protest movement. Witnesses outside Insein Prison in Yangon saw busloads of mostly young people leaving the facility, with some flashing the three-finger gesture of defiance adopted by the protest movement. State-run TV said a total of 628 people were freed. The prisoners appear to be the hundreds of students detained in early March while demonstrating against the February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Expand Close A woman gesture while a convoy of buses with arrested protesters leave Insein prison in Yangon (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman gesture while a convoy of buses with arrested protesters leave Insein prison in Yangon (AP) One lawyer said all of those released were arrested on March 3. She said only 55 people detained in connection with the protests remain in the prison, and it is likely they will all face charges under Section 505(A) of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to three years in jail. Myanmars Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said it has confirmed the killings of 275 people in connection with the post-coup crackdown, with additional deaths still unverified. It added that as of Tuesday, it had verified arrest or charges against 2,812 people, of whom 2,418 remain in custody or with outstanding charges. Thein Zaw, a journalist for the Associated Press who was arrested while covering a protest in Yangon on February 27, was released from detention on Wednesday. Expand Close AP journalist Thein Zaw waves after his release in Yangon, Myanmar (AP Photo) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp AP journalist Thein Zaw waves after his release in Yangon, Myanmar (AP Photo) As he left a court hearing, Thein Zaw told the AP by phone that the judge in his case had announced that all charges against him were being dropped because he was doing his job at the time of his arrest. He also called his family. Im looking forward to meeting my family members, he said. Im sorry for some colleagues who are still in prison. Thein Zaw had been charged with violating a public order law that carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment. He had been held without bail. About 40 journalists have been detained or charged since the February 1 coup, roughly half of whom remain behind bars. Meanwhile, demonstrators on Wednesday tried a new tactic which they dubbed a silence strike, calling on people to stay at home and for businesses to close for the day. The extent of the strike was difficult to gauge, but social media users posted photos from cities and towns showing streets empty of activity save for the occasional stray dog. Expand Close Empty streets in Yangon as a silent strike takes place (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Empty streets in Yangon as a silent strike takes place (AP) The online meme posted to publicise the action called silence the loudest scream, and explained its purpose was to honour the movements fallen heroes, to recharge protesters energy and to contradict the juntas claims that everything is back to normal. The new tactic was employed after an extended onslaught of violence from security forces. Local media reported that a seven-year-old girl in Mandalay, the countrys second-biggest city, was among the latest victims on Tuesday. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners included her in its list of fatalities. Khin Myo Chit was shot in the abdomen by a soldier while she sat in her fathers lap inside her home in Aung Pin Le ward, the online news service Myanmar Now reported, quoting her sister, Aye Chan San. The report said the shooting took place when soldiers were raiding homes in her familys neighbourhood. The sister said a soldier shot at their father when he denied that any people were hiding in their home, and hit the girl. Aye Chan San said the soldiers then beat her 19-year-old brother with their rifle butts and took him away. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners recorded three killings in Mandalay on Tuesday, though some other reports said there had been five. Mahalapye Mahalapye born, Paula Otukile has published two books; a short story book titled Overcoming Failure and African Poetry Soup Anthology a collaboration with a Kenyan author. Through Overcoming Failure, a 78-paged motivational book published in 2020, Otukile inspires youth and young women to remain focused to succeed in life. She encourages the reader to take failure as a chance to review mistakes done and try again. African Poetry Soup Anthology is a collection of poems from various authors. In this 78-paged book, also published last year, Otukile shares the rich and diverse Tswana culture through her six poems, being; Harvest, Kgotla, My Oracle, Grandfather, Botswana and President Masisi. To bring the taste of African poetry, the poems contained in the book are from Botswana, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya settings. Otukile derived her love for literature and poetry in 2005 when pursuing her BA Humanities at the University of Botswana. During that period, she knew literature was her niche, as her Literature lecturer, Professor Moteane Melamu made a great impact in her life. "I also started developing the love for books at the age of five inspired by the narration of a book dubbed Kwa Morakeng wa ga Oabile from Morongwa wa ntlha Setswana books that my late grandmother, Tshwanelo Otukile used to read for me. I loved the narration and eventually developed a keen interest in reading," she said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Botswana Books By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Whilst doing Form Five at Swaneng Hill Senior Secondary School in 2004, she scooped Best in Literature award, which also contributed towards the foundation of her literature journey. "As technology continues to take over, I am inspired to write and archive our Tswana history and culture, because culture is dynamic. As for my poetry, the inspiration came from the late Tanzanian lecturer, Euphrase Kezilhabi, who encouraged me to try live performances. On my quest to solidify my polyglot status, I taught English as a second language in Collegio Oceano da Luz in Angola and that is when I really began my writing career," explained Otukile. Besides Overcoming Failure and African Poetry Soup Anthology, she has also written and published other books, which includes; Thato wishes to be a butterfly, Daniel Goes to Botswana, Kagiso Lost His Mask, On Becoming Donna Paula, Because I Love Him and Nna Bagaetsho ba Mphile Maina, among others. Currently, Otukile is an Editor of Art Culture and Lifestyle in M. T. Kenya Times a daily newspaper in Kenya. She is also a coordinator and founder of a Portuguese literature company called Mulher Forte African Literature Pty, Ltd. Mulher Forte African Literature Pty Ltd deals with Literary Consulting and Translations, as well as workshops and hosting annual literature awards, which commenced March 2021. Her books can be found at Books Botswana book store at P200 for hard copies, whilst her eBooks can be found at P90 on the following Amazon, Apple books, Rakuten kobo, SCRIBD, Tolin, Vivlio, 24 symbol links: https://books2read.com/u/mVgax2, https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08HN4ZS7P and https://books2read.com/u/4NXxJG. Source : BOPA Denton, TX (76205) Today Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low 63F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Extinction Rebellion (XRI), Love Leitrim, and Safety Before LNG took powerful action to warn the Irish government not to backtrack on its promise to keep fracked gas from liquid natural gas (LNG) imports terminals out of Ireland's energy mix. A group of socially distanced Red Rebels took to the hills surrounding Benbo outside Manorhamilton in a powerful video calling on the government to included a ban on fracked gas imports in the Climate Bill. Love Leitrim recently learned that on Tuesday 16th March, following a meeting between leading anti-LNG campaigners (Love Leitrim, Safety Before LNG, and the NUIG Human Rights Clinic) and advisors to Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, that there will be no reference to LNG or fracked gas in the new Climate Action and Biodiversity bill, which is expected to be published this week This comes despite statements saying that importing fracked gas doesnt make sense in the Program for Government last July, and recommendations from the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action (JOCCA) in December. one of which was that a ban on fracked gas imports should be included in the Climate Bill. Legal opinion from the Irish Centre for Human Rights also shows such a ban to be compatible with EU and WTO trade rules. Also on Tuesday, the LNG company New Fortress Energy, announced that they are re-applying for planning permission to build their LNG terminal at Shannon, under its current status on the 4th European Project of Common Interest list (PCI). When the Programme for Government was written, it was agreed that there would be a policy document produced stating that Ireland was opposed to the importation of fracked gas; but to date the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has failed to provide this document. Dervilla Keegan of Love Leitrim says We are running out of time. The climate crisis and the communities impacted cannot wait any longer. We need the ban on the importation of fracked gas to be in the Climate Bill. This has been recommended by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action last December, and was promised in the Programme for Government last July. And legal opinion from the Irish Centre for Human Rights says it can be done. We have a moral obligation to do this for the sake of impacted communities in Texas and Pennsylvania. They have been pleading with us that Ireland does not become a market for fracked gas. A spokesperson from XRI said of todays anti-LNG action: Enough is enough.We are facing ecocide. XRI will continue to follow the science and abide by public health regulations, but we cannot stand by while decisions are being made that will drastically affect the future wellbeing of those on this island, and make Ireland complicit in the suffering of disadvantaged and indigenous communities abroad. The Climate Bill is expected to be before the Dail this week and there are fears that unless the government adds a ban on LNG fracked gas imports, it may not be included at later stages on technical grounds. Actor and anti-fracking campaigner Mark Ruffalo also voiced his concern for the bill. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations are plummeting. Vaccine distribution is accelerating. After a year, it seems we have finally reached the beginning of the end of the pandemic. As things continue to wind down, we're starting a series called "Pandemic Exit Interviews" a weekly series with a person of local interest who played a central role in the pandemic. We'll ask each figure to share what they've learned, what they regret and where they see things going from here. Read the first three installments here: Only one thing shocked UCSF's Bob Wachter about the pandemic Stop panicking about the COVID-19 variants, says UCSF's Monica Gandhi SF General staff members reflect on their 'life-altering' year under COVID Gov. Gavin Newsom's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has him staring down an all-but-certain recall election in the fall. In that election, voters will be presented with just two questions on their ballots: 1. Should Newsom be recalled, and 2. Which candidate should replace him? Newsom's most high-profile opponent to this point is former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican who termed out of office in December. Faulconer governed as a moderate, working with Democrats on homelessness and climate change mitigation initiatives, among other policy issues. On the pandemic, Faulconer encouraged mask wearing and physical distancing while opening up outdoor spaces for businesses to operate. He was sharply critical of Newsom's mandated business closures, first ramping up his public criticisms of the governor during the winter surge and stay-at-home order. The pandemic will loom large over the recall election, and Faulconer believes he has a sturdy record to stand on. This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length. SFGATE: The recall would not be happening had it not been for Newsom's often-maligned pandemic response. As someone who is running to replace Newsom, can you discuss precisely, in terms of policy, what you would have done differently than Newsom? Faulconer: My overall perspective is that it is incredibly important that we save both lives and livelihoods. I have been very outspoken about the fact that so many of the changing metrics behind reopening plans that we saw from the governor during the course of the pandemic did not take into account the absolute need to protect small businesses. When the governor came back and shut down outdoor dining again in the winter with absolutely no science behind his decision there is no evidence the virus spreads easily in outdoor spaces where precautions are taken that was devastating to our small businesses across the state that had done the right thing. They set things up to allow for outdoor service and distancing, putting the protection of customers first. It just really put California behind the curve, and we're still paying the price on that. I have also been very outspoken that schools are still not open, which is inexcusable when the CDC has been saying for months it's safe with the right measures in place. Private schools have been open in California for months, with teachers safely teaching and kids safely learning, because private schools report to parents. Public schools report to Gavin Newsom and they're still closed, with missed deadline after missed deadline, and it's putting California kids at an extreme disadvantage. SFGATE: So on this schools issue, what, specifically, would you have done differently? Newsom did have a plan for schools to reopen but it stalled in the Legislature. Faulconer: Its about leadership. The governor talked a lot about reopening schools, but he never seriously followed up on the plans he came up with, and kept pushing back dates. What we have not seen is the governor say public schools have to reopen. He tried to incentivize them to maybe open, but it didn't work. And it's not just about learning loss, but mental health issues as well. Ive come out and said if schools won't be open, the state should provide an education stimulus to parents to help offset costs in hiring tutors and helping kids catch up. It's just an absolute travesty that California has been the last state in the country to widely open public schools. And I say that not just as candidate for governor but as a parent who knows that a computer screen is no substitute for the classroom. SFGATE: The state's teachers unions played a role in the prolonged closures. Would you have moved to suspend collective bargaining? Faulconer: I don't think it would be necessary if we had a governor with stronger leadership skills. Newsom never engaged and took a firm stance with the unions, at a time the state was crying out for that type of strong approach. But he kept deferring and not providing the leadership people needed. We got to a point where cities and counties started suing their own school boards to get them to reopen, and it was a real detriment for our kids to be caught in the middle of that. SFGATE: So when the recall moves forward, the special election likely won't be until the fall, which is a time many experts expect things to be close to normal. That means the election will also be about pandemic recovery, and not just Newsom's handling of the past 12 months. He recently put forward a $4.5 billion recovery plan. What do you make of it? Faulconer: We all want the state to recover, and we all share an interest in getting California on other side of this pandemic, so on recovery, I would say we're all united on that front. Unfortunately, the reality is that as we're going through the recovery, the state started as one of the slowest on the vaccine rollout, and it's one of the slowest in standing up for its small businesses. As we get to the other side of this, there will still be many issues that Californians care deeply about that Sacramento and the governor failed at solving. I've talked about schools already, but homelessness is the really big one. It grows by double digits across the state each year, but I took aggressive action in San Diego and we were the only big city in the state that saw a double digit reduction in homelessness in the two years before the pandemic. Homelessness is a really important topic, and the business climate is also important. We need to be keeping jobs in California since you now see so many companies moving out of the state. I just think that the environment for success is critical, and it's one of the reasons I was outspoken against Proposition 15, which would have raised taxes on virtually all small businesses at the worst time. The governor somehow supported it at the height of the pandemic but I opposed it, and thankfully so did a majority of California voters. SFGATE: What would you say is the most important thing youve learned during the pandemic? Faulconer: The need to respond quickly and decisively, and also to communicate clearly. And to strive to achieve a balance of protecting both lives and livelihoods. What I worried about the most as mayor was that we wouldnt have small businesses for people to go back to because the situation was so precarious. We cannot take small businesses for granted, and we took action in San Diego with a small business relief fund. We also went to great lengths to close streets to allow for outdoor dining, and for fitness centers to operate in public parks since we know the virus doesn't spread as easily outdoors. We wanted to ensure that on the other side of this, we'd still have the small business infrastructure for employees to go back to. SFGATE: Whats the biggest thing you regret doing during the pandemic? Faulconer: The one thing I wish I could have done was reopen all public schools in San Diego while still in office. That is the issue. You are seeing all this anger and frustration on behalf of parents and rightfully so. We have to get kids back in a classroom setting. SFGATE: What would you say was your lowest point during the pandemic? Faulconer: I dont know that there was ever a lowest point because I gained a lot of strength from seeing San Diegans pull together in unsure times. We wanted to get through this together, and it really showed the character of the city that in such uncertain times, we were able to use strength and common sense to get through safely. SFGATE: If you want to be governor, you're going to have persuade a whole lot of Democrats to recall Newsom and take a chance on you. How do you plan on doing that when the Republican brand has typically been associated with a laissez-faire approach to the pandemic Democrats are fearful of? Faulconer: Look, I've been elected twice in a majority Democrat city. San Diego's voter registration numbers actually mirror those of California as a whole. I've long believed you win by addition, and thats how I won twice: I was supported by Democrats, Republicans and independents. You should strive to govern by being as inclusive as possible. You should govern not by partisanship, but by leadership. I've found that Californians care less about the "R" or "D," by a candidate's name, and more about whether you can get the job done. What Californians need right now is a problem solver. It's not about political rhetoric, it's about who can reduce the size of the homeless population, who can protect small businesses and who can keep neighborhoods safe. Gavin Newsom has failed at all three. SFGATE: Do you believe we're truly at or near the end? Faulconer: I think with the vaccine rollout there are a lot of positive signs, but I think it's incumbent on California to work together in getting more vaccines out to people. And we still have to be vigilant about the virus, of course. Our main focus is to get through this, but Im going to continue to be outspoken about other pressing issues where the state is not doing the job it needs to do. So specifically, on homelessness, we need dramatic action. And that's what Ill provide. The outside law firm tasked with investigating the alleged beatings at New Jerseys only womens prison in January has been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to represent the state amid a three-year federal inquiry into sexual abuse at the same facility, according to state records. Matthew Boxer, a former state comptroller and federal prosecutor, and his firm started advising New Jersey officials in 2018 as the U.S. Department of Justice investigated allegations of sexual assault behind bars, according to a retention agreement obtained by NJ Advance Media through a public records request. Boxers role expanded early this year, when Gov. Phil Murphy asked him to investigate allegations that several prisoners were injured by staff on Jan. 11 and 12 at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women. Matt Boxers prior work has given him knowledge into Edna Mahan that puts him in a unique position to thoroughly and efficiently conduct the State investigation, Murphy spokeswoman Alyana Alfaro said in an email. This is one of the reasons he was selected, in addition to his demonstrated record of independence and integrity. Outside lawyers, who can both advise and represent state agencies, are often hired by the state attorney generals office. An attorney general spokesman directed questions about the specifics of Boxers work back to the governors office. When reached by phone, Boxer declined comment. In April 2018, federal investigators told New Jersey officials they were launching an investigation into Edna Mahan, according to their final report. Four months later, the state hired Boxer and his firm Lowenstein Sandler LLP for legal services, according to the contract. Boxer and other lawyers could earn $400 an hour, according to the agreement, and paralegals would be paid $90 an hour. The firm has since earned more than $630,000, according to state invoices. That doesnt count another bill submitted early this year that had yet to be approved when NJ Advance Media received the records in March. Federal investigators eventually found evidence of rampant sexual abuse behind bars. When they notified the governor of their findings last spring, Boxer and one of his colleagues were copied in on the letter. A Murphy spokesman previously promised to release the report on the alleged January beatings once its finished. The attorney generals criminal probe is also ongoing. Eight officers have been charged so far with either assaulting prisoners or covering up evidence of misconduct. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Blake Nelson can be reached at bnelson@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. BY IVAN TOLIT Officers from police Criminal Investigations Department have arrested Aruu North Member of Parliament Samuel Odonga Otto over alleged assault and illegal possession of a firearm The Deputy CID Director Francis Olobo, confirms that Otto was arrested this afternoon while at a hotel in Gulu city together with his brother Tadeo Oloya on allegation of obstructing lawful arrest. He has cases against him, he assaulted a driver and causing malicious damage, whereby he found a vehicle parked and smashed the vehicle and assaulted the driver, he said Other charges are illegal possession of firearms and a case of assaulting a journalist while at Pece Stadium in Gulu city in 2019. According to Olobo, MP Odonga will be produced before a court in Pader district since his file has been sanctioned. He added that he also has a case against him for accusing police of poisoning while in custody in Pader district early this year. Odonga however denies all the allegations against saying they are politically motivated. New Delhi: The curtailment of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament is likely in view of Assembly polls in four states and one Union Territory. The month-long second part of the Budget session that started on March 8 is expected to be curtailed and may end on March 25, said an ANI report citing sources. The Budget session, which was earlier scheduled to conclude on April 8, could be adjourned sine die before time because several members on behest of their parties had earlier approached the Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and Chairman of Rajya Sabha to curtail the session citing elections as the reason. Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party Lok Sabha Floor Leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Leader of the TMC Parliamentary Party in Rajya Sabha Derek O`Brien had written to Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman respectively requesting them to adjourn the same. Notably, Assembly elections are being held in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry from March 27 to April 29, and the results will be announced on May 2. The first part of the Budget Session commenced with the address of President Ram Nath Kovind on January 29 and concluded on February 29. Finance Bill 2021 passed in Lok Sabha The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Finance Bill, 2021, which gives effect to the financial proposals of the central government for the financial year 2021-22. The passage of the Finance Bill by Parliament marks the completion of the budgetary process. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied to the debate on the bill which has some changes in the proposals made in the union budget. She said the changes have been made largely to boost ease of doing business and easing compliance burden. She also said there will be no change in the rate of income tax. Sitharaman said, "This is a point on which even as the budget was being prepared, the Prime Minister was clear that we are not going to generate resources by raising the tax to meet the contingency which is arising out of coronavirus." Several opposition members pointed to high prices of petrol and diesel and said the petroleum products should be brought under Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, but the FM Sitharaman said that the Centre is open to discussing the idea in the GST Council meeting. NaBFID Bill passed in Lok Sabha Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said the development finance institution (DFI) being set up to fund the infrastructure sector will remain outside the purview of the CAG, CVC and CBI, a move aimed at enabling faster decision-making. The DFI, called the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), however, is going to be answerable to Parliament. The Lok Sabha later passed the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) Bill 2021 with a voice vote. Replying to the debate on the Bill, Nirmala Sitharaman said, "It will be absolutely answerable to the Parliament. So we are not going to one extreme... Where there is no oversight at all, but that heavy fear of taking decisions as a result of overlapping oversight is now being given space wherein legitimate commercial decisions can be taken professionally." Sitharaman clarified that the government will be able to give sovereign guarantee even if its stake reduces to 26 per cent because it is not linked to stake but to the legislation. The government intends to bring down its stake in NaBFID from 100 per cent to 26 per cent once the institution stabilises. She also said the government will provide Rs 5,000 crore as a grant and Rs 20,000 crore equity capital. This government-owned development finance institution will help fund about 7,000 infra projects under the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP). The legislation will give effect to the Budget announcement made by the finance minister on February 1. The government has proposed Rs 20,000 crore to capitalise the institution. (With Agency Inputs) The death has occurred of Matthew (Matt) Ryan Marian Park, Patrickswell, Limerick and formerly of Irish Cement Ltd. Matt, died (peacefully) at University Hospital Limerick Father of the late David. Very deeply regretted by his loving sons Mike, Matthew and Aidan, their mother Ann, grandchildren Ben, Rhianne, Matthew and Fiona, daughters-in-law Alison, Jeanne, Ann and Cindy, sister Rita Ryan-Peloza (Chicago), nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends and neighbours. Matt's Funeral Cortege will depart his residence on Friday (March 26th) at 11.00am en route to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patrickswell, for a private Requiem Mass for family only at 11.30am. Mass will be streamed live (link to follow). Funeral afterwards to St. Mary's Cemetery, Patrickswell. In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 10 people. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to. 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 He Rest in Peace ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Jack LANE Knockane, Brosna, Kerry / Mountcollins, Limerick Jack Lane, Knockane, Brosna, Co. Kerry who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Tuesday March 23rd 2021, at Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastle West. Jack, husband of the late Janie and brother of the late Joan, Maura and the recently deceased Nancy, is very sadly missed by his loving children Jack, Maura and Christine, brother Joe, sons-in-law Brendan and Kevin, daughter-in-law Nicky, grandchildren Madison, Conor, Sophie and Daisy, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. A Private Family Funeral will take place for immediate family due to Government advice and HSE guidelines regarding public gatherings. Funeral cortege will depart Jacks home on Friday at 10.30 a.m. on route to The Church of The Assumption, Mountcollins to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m. which be live streamed on Templeglantine, Tournafulla & Mouncollins Parishes Facebook page. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Requiem Mass will also be broadcast on channel 105.1 FM in the Mountcollins Village area. Those who would have liked to attend the funeral, but due to current restrictions cannot, please feel free to leave a message in the Condolence Book at the bottom of this page or send Mass cards and letters of sympathy by post C/O Harnetts Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick. You may also send your condolences by email to: harnettsfuneralhome@gmail.com. ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Anthony (Tony) Murphy Galvone Road, Kennedy Park, Limerick / Bruff, Limerick. Formerly of Draper Erin and Swift Taxis. Tony, passed away (peacefully) in the wonderful care of the staff of Milford Hospice, after a short illness. Beloved son of the late Eddie and Rita and brother of the late Paul. Sadly missed by his loving family, son Paul, daughter-in-law Anna, grandchildren Lauren, Chloe and Lilly, brothers Mohamed, Edward, Michael and Jason, sisters Helen, Margaret and Karen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephew, Joanne, wide circle of friends and neighbours. Tony's Funeral Cortege will pass the family home in Galvone Road, Kennedy Park, at 10.15am approx. on Thursday (March 25th) en route for A private Requiem Mass, for family only, at 11.00am in Ss. Peter & Paul's Church, Bruff Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium, Shannon, Co. Clare In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 10 people. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to. 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 He Rest in Peace ---------------------------------------------------- The death has occurred of Teresa Power (nee O'Neill) Collins Avenue, Kincora Park, Limerick City, Limerick. Teresa, died (peacefully) at her residence, in the care of her loving family Predeceased by her husband Billy, son Billy and daughter Caroline. Very deeply regretted by her loving son Kevin, daughters Mary, Michelle and Tracey, her adored grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Agnes, brothers Michael and Johnny, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Teresa's Funeral Cortege will depart her residence on Friday (March 26th) at 10.30am enroute to the Holy Family Church, Southill for 11am Requiem Mass. Mass will be streamed live (link to follow) Funeral afterwards to Shannon Crematorium, Shannon, Co. Clare. In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, the funeral will be limited to 10 people. Please ensure social distancing and public health advice is adhered to. 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. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to help the homeless, Limerick House private, please. May She Rest in Peace ---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------- The National Assembly approved Wednesday a set of legislation aimed at cracking down on illegitimate real estate speculation by public officials as the country has been roiled by an ongoing land speculation scandal involving the state housing developer. Three bills got the parliamentary nod during a plenary parliamentary session earlier in the day, to revise the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) Act, the Public Service Ethics Act and the Special Act on Public Housing. A logo of Korea Land and Housing Corporation. Yonhap A WOMAN has been sent for trial accused of jabbing a glass into another womans face, lacerating her forehead during a pub row. Amy Bergin (25) is accused of assaulting the woman with a glass after first throwing her drink in her eyes. She had a book of evidence served on her when she appeared before Dublin District Court. Judge Bryan Smyth sent her forward for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Ms Bergin, with an address at Tulip Court, Darndale, Dublin 17, is charged with producing a glass in the course of a dispute and assault causing harm to a woman. The offences are alleged to have happened at the Cock and Bull pub, Coolock, on February 3, 2019. State solicitor Clare Barry said the DPP had consented to the accused being sent for trial to the next sittings of the circuit court on a date in May Judge Smyth gave the accused formal notice that she had 14 days to furnish the prosecution with any alibi details. Ms Bergin confirmed to the court that she understood. The judge also ordered the prosecution to provide copies of the accuseds garda interview video to the defence. He granted free legal aid after solicitor Luke Staines made an application and said there had been no change in Ms Bergins financial circumstances. The accused was remanded on bail under existing terms. Previously, the court heard it was the States case that a row took place between the accused and the alleged victim on the night. The alleged victim had told gardai Ms Bergin had become abusive in the course of an argument and threw a glass of alcohol in her eyes before jabbing the glass in her face. The impact caused a laceration to the womans forehead, it was alleged. A medical report was submitted to the court. Judge Smyth refused jurisdiction to deal with the case at district court level. ROCHESTER, Minn. Rochester Public Works is apologizing for 234 notices over unpaid parking tickets being mailed out. We are sorry for the frustrations caused by these letters, says Public Works Director Wendy Turri. Our ultimate goal is making sure that there is adequate parking for our residents and guests. We will communicate next steps for addressing past due tickets as soon as they are finalized. The city says the notices are for valid unpaid tickets dating from 2015-2019 but they were not supposed to be mailed out. Rochester Public Works says it is finalizing a strategy for addressing past due tickets from prior to 2020. Individuals that received this notice and have questions can contact the Office of the City Clerk at 507-328-2900. YANGON, Myanmar - Hundreds of people imprisoned for demonstrating against last months coup in Myanmar were released Wednesday, a rare conciliatory gesture by the military that appeared aimed at placating the protest movement. Anti coup protesters run as riot policemen and soldiers crack down on a demonstration and detain protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Myanmars military junta on Tuesday took the offensive to justify last month's coup and subsequent actions against those opposed to it, even as street demonstrations continued against the takeover.(AP Photo) YANGON, Myanmar - Hundreds of people imprisoned for demonstrating against last months coup in Myanmar were released Wednesday, a rare conciliatory gesture by the military that appeared aimed at placating the protest movement. Witnesses outside Insein Prison in Yangon saw busloads of mostly young people, looking happy with some flashing the three-finger gesture of defiance adopted by protesters. State-run TV said a total of 628 were freed. Also Wednesday, Thein Zaw, a journalist for The Associated Press who was arrested last month while covering an anti-coup protest, was released. Myanmars security forces have cracked down violently on protests against a Feb. 1 coup that reversed a decade of progress toward democracy in the Southeast Asian country and ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says that at least 275 people have been killed in connection with the crackdown. Thousands have also been arrested, and more than 2,000 remain in custody or have charges against them outstanding. Wednesday's release was an unusual overture by the military, which has so far seemed impervious to both internal pressure from protests and outside pressure from sanctions. In the face of an increasingly brutal crackdown, demonstrators tried a new tactic Wednesday that they dubbed a silence strike, calling on people to stay home and businesses to close for the day. An arrested protester flashes the three-fingered salute while onboard a bus getting out of Insein prison to go to an undisclosed location Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo) The prisoners released appear to be the hundreds of students detained in early March. One lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity because she fears drawing attention from the authorities, said all those released were arrested on March 3. She said only 55 people detained in connection with the protests remained in the prison, and it is likely they will all face charges under a law that carries a penalty of up to three years in prison. The mass release came the same day that Thein Zaw was also freed. Thein Zaw told the AP that the judge in his case announced during a hearing that all charges against him were dropped because he was doing his job at the time of his arrest. Im looking forward to meeting my family members, he said. Im sorry for some colleagues who are still in prison. Arrested protesters flash the three-fingered salute while onboard a bus that is getting out of Insein prison and will transport them to an undisclosed location Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. (AP Photo) Meanwhile, messages online urged people to stay home Wednesday in protest rather than flooding the streets as they have in the past saying silence is the loudest scream. The messages explained the strike's purpose was to honour the movements fallen heroes, to allow protesters to recharge and to contradict the juntas claims that everything is back to normal. The extent of the strike was difficult to gauge, but social media users posted photos from cities and towns showing streets empty of activity save for an occasional stray dog. Some protesters did go out to release red balloons with leaflets attached. The new tactic was employed after an extended onslaught of violence from security forces. A biker and a car are seen on an almost empty road in Yangon, Myanmar Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Anti-coup protesters on Wednesday tried a new tactic that they dubbed a "silence" strike, calling for people to stay home and businesses to close for the day. (AP Photo) Local media reported that a 7-year-old girl in Mandalay, the countrys second-biggest city, was among the latest victims on Tuesday. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners included her in its list of fatalities. Khin Myo Chit was shot in the abdomen by a soldier while she sat in her fathers lap inside her home in Aung Pin Le ward, the online news service Myanmar Now reported, quoting her sister, Aye Chan San. The report said the shooting took place when soldiers were raiding homes in her familys neighbourhood. The sister said a soldier shot at their father when he denied that any people were hiding in their home, and hit the girl. Anti-coup protesters hold red balloons attached with leaflets with various messages before they are released into the sky during a gathering Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Hundreds of people imprisoned for protesting last month's coup in Myanmar were released Wednesday in the first apparent gesture by the military to try to placate the protest movement. (AP Photo) Aye Chan San said the soldiers then beat her 19-year-old brother with their rifle butts and took him away. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said tbe United Nations is extremely disturbed over the killing by security forces of a 7-year-old child in her home." There must be accountability for all the crimes and human rights violations that continue to be perpetrated in Myanmar," he said. Haq said the U,N. noted reports of the release of hundreds of demonstrators and remained concerned about ongoing arrests by the military, including of journalists and civil society leaders. The U.N. called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained, including President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," Haq said. He said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and U.N. special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener will continue to mobilize international action for the restoration of democracy and human rights in Myanmar. The act of aiding and abetting terrorists responsible for massacres, bombing civilian targets, killing political leaders, including heads of state, using child combatants, gun-running and various other crimes is a punishable offence. by Prabath Sahabandu Another round of the annual badger hunt is over in Geneva. The mastiffs of human rights are cock-a-hoop, having scored a victory though what they have done is like a heavyweight boxer flooring a school kid. The US, the UK and their allies are celebrating victory. However, they could secure only 22 votes in the 47-member assembly for their resolution against Sri Lanka, which received 11 votes. Notable among the countries that abstained from voting were two Quad membersIndia and Japan; the US failed to rally their support for its resolution submitted through the UK and others. The outcome of yesterdays UNHRC vote did not come as a surprise to anyone. Pitted against the US, Sri Lanka, though backed by China, etc., had the same chance as a cat in hell in winning the vote, at the western-dominated UNHRC. The US and the UK went all out to ensure the passage of their resolution. What is of concern is not the final result but the manner in which vital human rights issues are handled in Geneva. None of the UNHRC members are driven by any genuine desire to protect human rights. Interests of strategic alliances take precedence over the mission of the council. Sri Lanka stands accused of having committed war crimes. But look at the human rights records of the accusers. The US and the UK have killed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians in an illegal war for oil. Every civilian death is a war crime in that country, which was invaded on the basis of falsified intelligence dossiers. Former President George W. Bush and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair have got away with their war crimes in spite of the availability of irrefutable evidence to prove their culpability. The UK sheds copious tears for the victims of alleged war crimes in Sri Lanka and calls for action against the perpetrators, who, it says, include some members of the armed forces and the LTTE leaders. But it has no qualms about allowing one of the former LTTE leaders, Adele Balasingham, who brainwashed forcibly recruited LTTE combatants and turned them into children of fire (suicide bombers) and cannon fodder, to lead a comfortable life in London. This, it does while demanding that universal jurisdiction be invoked against war criminals! It has also passed a law to protect its military personnel from legal action for what they do overseas. The act of aiding and abetting terrorists responsible for massacres, bombing civilian targets, killing political leaders, including heads of state, using child combatants, gun-running and various other crimes is a punishable offence. The US bombed Afghanistan for sheltering al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, didnt it? But the UK has been harbouring LTTE members all these years, and the US strove to save Prabhakaran, trapped in the war zone, while the Army was closing in on him. If the US had succeeded in its endeavour, the war would have dragged on and Sri Lankans, especially the children of the North and the East, would not have been safe; massacres, political assassinations, forcible child conscription, extortion, bomb attacks worse than the Easter Sunday terror strikes, etc., would have continued. The US is leading the war crimes witch-hunt against Sri Lanka from the front (while defending Israel to the hilt) as part of its strategy to counter the Chinese influence in this part of the world. If Colombo had agreed to ink SOFA and ACSA agreements, loaded in favour of the US, Washington would have soft-pedalled allegations of human rights violations against Sri Lanka. The UK has become a ventriloquists dummy for the influential pro-LTTE groups operating on its soil. In 2009, the then British Foreign Secretary David Miliband admitted, according to a leaked diplomatic cable, that he had rushed to Sri Lanka during the final stage of the war because he wanted to secure the support of pro-LTTE voters in key Labour marginal constituencies. Many British MPs integrity is in question. Some of them have been exposed for the cash-for-influence scandal; they do lobbying work for money. Thus, it may be seen that there are some British parliamentarians who are ready to sell their souls to terror backers, masquerading as human rights campaigners. No wonder the mother of all parliaments has become a den of greedy lobbyists who are ready to stoop to any level to make money and/or garner votes in return for their services. The worst that could happen to human rights is for them to be championed by nations notorious for war crimes. If the task of protecting human rights can be left to the US and the UK, then there is no reason why criminals cannot be appointed judges. SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CREtelligent.com today announced two new board members: Pat McClain and Tobi Lutz. These new directors will provide strategic direction for continued growth of CREtelligent's commercial real estate due diligence services platform and help to drive greater value into the CREtelligent vison to "power the commercial real estate (CRE) ecosystem as a trusted and leading provider of innovative due diligence solutions, analytics and professional insights." "We are so grateful for both of these new board members," said Anthony Romano, CEO of CREtelligent. "Pat and Tobi have extraordinary backgrounds and expertise that I'm certain will add real value to the company. I'm looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and working closely together." Pat McClain is a senior partner and founding principal of Allworth Financial, a financial planning and investment advisory firm with over 11,000 clients nationwide. He has been named to Barron's list of the Top 100 Independent Wealth Advisors for the past five years. McClain is actively involved with a variety of charities and is the former chairman of the board for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. "I am excited to assist in any way I can this group of talented commercial real estate industry executives drive powerful innovation into the commercial real estate due diligence marketplace." In 2004, McClain and Scott Hanson founded Liberty Reverse Mortgage, which they developed into the third-largest reverse mortgage company in the nation. Acquired by Fortune 500 Company Genworth Financial in 2007, it is currently the largest reverse mortgage company in America. McClain is also co-host of Allworth's Money Matters, one of the longest running financial radio programs. Tobi Lutz serves as CREtelligent's Chief Administrative & Experience Officer and is an early investor in the company. Lutz is a Human Resources Executive with outstanding results partnering with business leaders to build organizational effectiveness, lead transformational change, maximize performance and optimize human capital. In 2007 Lutz joined CoreLogic where she took on progressively broader roles as VP, Human Resources and Strategic Business Partner for CoreLogic's growth engine business units with operations in the U.S., UK, France, Bulgaria, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Lutz served as an advisor to leaders and employees at all levels regarding people, culture and customer implications of business strategies and challenges. She is highly motivated by providing solutions that drive business performance in a fun, engaging and innovative manner. "CREtelligent has built a culture of innovation and customer success through a highly collaborative and inclusive team at every level. Our vision is one I'm deeply passionate about and feel fortunate to working closely with the Board of Directors, and as a member of the leadership team, to achieve," said Lutz. "Pat McClain's experience in building large and very successful companies is going to be very valuable for us at CREtelligent and we hope to learn from him. I am glad that Tobi Lutz joins the board too as it formalizes the critical role she already plays at the company. With these additions, I believe we have a rich and diversified experience on the board to guide CREtelligent to continued success," said Lokesh Sikaria, managing partner of Folsom-based Moneta Ventures who led CREtelligent's initial funding round. About CREtelligent.com. Commercial Real Estate. Simplified. CREtelligent opened its doors more than five-years-ago as eScreenLogic, a Commercial Real Estate (CRE) environmental due diligence firm focused on desktop, RSRA, Phase-1, and Phase-2 site inspections and reporting for commercial lenders and brokers. The company has grown quickly and market demand for a "one-stop" CRE due diligence platform that offers more than environmental expertise for lenders and corporate entities has become clear. As a result, we've expanded to offer not only our full-service Environmental reporting but Valuation, Flood, Full Portfolio Assets Risk Monitoring and a number of other "Platform-as-a-Service" offerings too. Commercial Real Estate Due Diligence, Simplified isn't just a tagline, it's become our product development mantra. We are building the tools that you need to face the new markets we all find ourselves in today. This unique innovation-based approach enables our clients to make fast, accurate, and intelligent commercial real estate transaction decisions faster and simpler than ever before. Media Contact: Jim Bonfield, CMO CREtelligent.com [email protected] 866.901.7201 SOURCE CREtelligent Related Links http://CREtelligent.com There are many reasons why you should consider studying the Bible at a Christian college or university. One common theme between all Christian universities is their commitment to building up the Kingdom of God. No matter where the school is located, or what curriculum the university offers, what makes Christian schools distinct is biblical focus. While Christians can navigate outside of a Christian university as followers of Christ, sometimes the faith influence is less pervasive. Receiving a biblically rooted Christian education can be life-changing as you are impacting the world for Christ. There are also great benefits to studying the Bible at a college or university that offers online courses. Online courses offer flexibility, affordable tuition and a variety of academic opportunities you may not have considered. If you are looking for an online education with a solid biblical foundation, here are the seven best colleges and universities for studying the Bible. A universitys mission sets the foundation for what type of education you will receive. Colorado Christian Universitys mission is to offer a Christ-centered higher education, transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. A major in biblical studies emphasizes the understanding of scripture while also equipping students for Christian ministry. One of the great things about an online degree from CCU is that you will be able to cultivate knowledge and the love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars. The university is committed to spiritual formation, exemplary academics, and engagement throughout the world. With an online degree from CCU, you will think creatively and critically, embody both the character and compassion of Jesus Christ and be better prepared to pursue Gods calling for your life. If you choose biblical studies at Regent University, you will be uniquely positioned to develop and grow personally, spiritually, and intellectually while also seeking to follow Gods call in your life. RU offers an extensive range of classes in biblical studies, theology, and practical ministry that can be applied in thought and practice. Two great reasons to pursue an online degree from RU is that it is a widely accredited and widely respected Christian University. The university is devoted to an evangelical interpretation and application to the Christian faith. RUs big focus is building leaders who will make a positive difference in their communities, families, careers, and around the world. The university places a high focus on each students social, intellectual, and spiritual development to be better disciples of Christ. RU is ranked the number 1 best online bachelors programs in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report for the ninth year in a row, which speaks volumes about the kind of education you will receive from their online programs. Grand Canyon University is a Christian university with a biblically rooted mission focused on global outreach. The university offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of scripture through biblical studies. This is a wonderful opportunity for future Christian leaders who want to know Christ better and undergo an in-depth exploration of the Bible. Students at GCU in locations worldwide can deliver the hopeful message of Jesus Christ and share how God is working in their lives. What is great about an online degree from GCU is the level of flexibility. Many working professionals can gain a quality education while still navigating their everyday lives. For many students, one of the primary benefits of online education is scheduling flexibility. You will have that with GCU. Another great thing about an education with GCU is that it is affordable. You can increase your employability, while also expanding your career opportunities with an education from GCU. Liberty University is a vibrant school with a strong mission to provide a learning experience that instills in students a passion for academic, spiritual and professional excellence due to the central mission, To develop Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge and skills essential to impact the world Students who want to focus on studying and communicating the Bibles truth in its original context will thrive in the biblical studies program at LU. One of the wonderful things about an online degree from Liberty University is that the undergraduate programs accommodate adults with demanding family and work schedules. The classes are interactive and will provide you with a well-rounded education. The faculty mentors are dedicated and ensure a personalized academic experience and enhanced opportunities so that every student can succeed. If you are an individual who wants to make a real difference, who is passionate about serving others and wants to be a beacon of light in a world of darkness, Mount Vernon Nazarene University may be the university for you. Biblical study majors at MVNU gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith, which will prepare them for broader Christian service. There is no better foundation we can set for ourselves. We all know that traditional bachelors and graduate programs are not easy to navigate with a full-time job and other day-to-day obligations. An MVNU education works around the needs of working adults. One of the things that stands out about MVNU is the cost. It is ranked in the top 5 percent best colleges for the money by College Factual. With a commitment to make the world brighter, what more can you ask for? Trevecca Nazarene University is committed to helping students grow socially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. If you choose an education with TNU, you can expect it to be well-rounded. Those who choose biblical studies at TNU will be able to explore the foundational, transformative, and timeless truths of scripture in a contemporary context. You can receive a liberal arts education while also discovering Gods calling for your life through online programs. Faith is a big component of a TNU education, as the university believes that faith should be at the center of all things. This is one of the reasons students are encouraged to deepen their relationships with Christ and with others. Students are also encouraged to serve through various service projects and ministries that can be accessed even through an online degree. Bryan College emphasizes placing Christ above all. The university understands that a biblical worldview is imperative to effective ministry in the world we live in today. Biblical studies at BC will prepare you to help people experience the life-transforming love of God. This is something the world desperately needs today. One of the highlights of an online degree with Bryan College is that it is really tailored for you. BC understands the unique challenges when trying to complete an online degree, so offer several online degree programs to fit your needs. Another thing that stands out is the discount on tuition. If you complete your bachelors degree at Bryan College , you can earn your masters degree with a 50 percent discount. You can also earn college credit for your prior life experience, along with some of the most affordable tuition. We study Gods Word to know Jesus better and prepare ourselves for disciple-making ministry and service. When we understand and apply Gods Word, we see the Holy Spirit at work in the means of transforming us into better Christian stewards. If you are ready to deepen your relationship with the Bible, and share that knowledge with others, consider attending a college or university with a solid biblical focus. ROCHESTER, Minn. - Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action are speaking out following the Colorado grocery store shooting. The groups, both working to stop gun violence, are demanding a response to the deadly incident. Moms Demand Action in Rochester says mass shootings receive a lot of coverage but there are many more gun violence incidents, even locally, that dont receive media attention. Co-leader Alisha Eiken says that includes domestic violence incidents, accidental gun deaths, and suicides. She says while they may not be mass shootings theyre not less tragic or deadly. She said, The types of gun violence that have worsened over the past year are often the ones that don't make the headlines. Eiken says this past year gun violence and gun sales skyrocketed making 2020 one of the deadliest years on record with gun death estimates exceeding 40,000 lives. Eiken says thats why the organization is pushing for state legislation to increase background checks for gun purchases and extreme risk protection orders. These are bills that have bipartisan support, she explained. They're supported by the vast majority of Minnesotans, by the vast majority of Republicans in Minnesota, and by the vast majority of gun owners in Minnesota. My group and I are not anti-gun, we fully support the second amendment, we just think with that right comes responsibility. Moms Demand Action does ask gun owners to lock their guns, make sure theyre not loaded and kept them separate from ammunition. You can find Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action statements on the recent shooting by clicking here. 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. As Manitoba incarcerates a prisoner of international renown who is accustomed to power and privilege, one persistent question emerges: is Peter Nygard being pampered? As Manitoba incarcerates a prisoner of international renown who is accustomed to power and privilege, one persistent question emerges: is Peter Nygard being pampered? The treatment of Mr. Nygard, the most prominent prisoner the Headingley Correctional Centre has confined in its 90 years, will test the justice systems penal professionalism. And initial indications suggest the system is failing its test. Legal expert 'shocked' by imprisoned Nygard's phone privileges Click to Expand La Liberte Manitoba / Tadens Mpwene Peter Nygard appears at a bail hearing January 28, 2021. To the surprise of legal experts, Nygard has been provided his own phone in jail while awaiting possible extradition to the United States. Posted: 4:00 AM Mar. 20, 2021 CASUAL observers arent the only ones wondering why fallen fashion tycoon Peter Nygard has been provided his own phone in jail while awaiting possible extradition to the United States. Local legal experts say they are unaware of any other case like it in Manitoba. Read Full Story He has a cell to himself that is large enough for three inmates. He has two mattresses, a plastic chair, a personal television and a cell phone he is allowed to use from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Suffice to say, not all of Headingleys 548 inmates are accorded such thoughtful hospitality. There are two ways the Manitoba justice system can err in a high-profile incarceration. One error would be to grant favours because the prisoner is a person of influence and has great lawyers, which are the current public accusations. But it would be equally wrong for the justice system to swing to the other extreme and subject Mr. Nygard to inhumane treatment because of the heinous nature of allegations against him, which include sexually exploiting many girls at events he dubbed "pamper parties" at his luxury resort in the Bahamas. Headingleys responsibility is to respect the human rights of Mr. Nygard. And his rights are pushed to their legal limit by Mr. Nygards lawyers, who include Toronto-based Brian Greenspan, known as one of Canadas most effective legal representatives for those who can afford him. The correctional centres role is not to punish Mr. Nygard, who has never been convicted of a crime. Its to keep him from fleeing while the Manitoba Court of Appeal decides whether he can be released on bail. Headingleys responsibility is to keep Mr. Nygard safe and healthy until the court makes its decision. Thats not special treatment. Thats the institutions duty under directives that include the United Nations Principles for the Treatment of Prisoners. The wellbeing of Mr. Nygard is a particular challenge because, as his lawyers argue, the 79-year-old prisoner is in poor health and, as a man accused of repeated sexual offences, he would be vulnerable to attack if housed within a general prison population in which sex criminals are traditionally at the bottom of the social pecking order. This accounts for Headingley giving Mr. Nygard his own cell with privacy and protection from his fellow prisoners. Its also why the institution allows him virtual visits with his personal physician, who says his infamous patient is at risk of a heart attack or stroke. Chris Young / The Canadian Press FILE Brian Greenspan is one of Peter Nygards lawyers. The prevailing directives in the penal industry say facilities such as Headingley are obliged to provide "equivalence of care" in prison medicine. It means the jail is obliged to provide prisoners with medical care of a quality equivalent to Manitobans who are not incarcerated. The two mattresses? Apparently Mr. Nygard has a back problem and difficulty sleeping. What is more difficult to understand is why Mr. Nygard has a television and a phone that he can access 16 hours a day. Neither would seem essential to his health or safety. Mr. Nygard isnt yet on trial, but Manitoba Justice is. So far, local justice officials have refused to publicly answer why this single prisoner is awarded exceptional privileges such as a personal television and cell phone. Unless officials change their communication strategy and address the allegations of unequal treatment, Manitoba Justice will remain guilty in the eyes of the public of kowtowing to its famous prisoner. An investigative journalist arrested by Hong Kong police after she made a documentary exposing their handling of the July 21, 2019 mob attacks on train passengers in Yuen Long stood trial in the city on Wednesday. Bao Choy, a producer contracted to make the documentary by government broadcaster RTHK, is being prosecuted for accessing car ownership details on official databases as she tried to track the movements of suspected attackers on the night for the film. She appeared for the first day of her trial at West Kowloon Magistrates' Court, where she was photographed surrounded by members of the RTHK staff union holding up placards that read: "Journalism is not a crime" and "Without fear or favour." Once inside, Choy pleaded not guilty to two counts of "knowingly making a false statement" to access number plate ownership records, a charge which could see her fined and jailed for up to six months if convicted. The case comes as Beijing moves to stamp out dissent in the wake of huge democracy protests in 2019, under the aegis of a draconian national security law imposed on the city by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from July 1, 2020. Choy's program, titled "Who Owns The Truth?", showed that police were present as the attackers gathered in Yuen Long, but delayed their response as men in white T-shirts started attacking train passengers at the MTR station. Thirty-nine minutes elapsed between the first emergency calls to the final arrival of police at the Yuen Long MTR station, where dozens of people were already injured, and many were in need of hospital treatment, it showed. It used footage filmed by witnesses and security cameras -- as well as number plate searches and interviews -- to piece together events, uncovering links between some of the attackers and the staunchly pro-China Heung Yee Kuk rural committees. Choy's program also showed that stick-wielding men had been brought into the district in specific vehicles hours before the attack, and that police had done nothing about the build-up in numbers. She was arrested after the documentary aired in November 2020, allegedly because her use of the government vehicle database wasn't for the permitted purposes. "Visiting the addresses and seeking to do interviews about the car and its use on a certain day is not related to traffic and transport -- neither is news reporting," prosecutor Derek Lau told the court. Defense attorney Derek Chan said Choy's search was "related to traffic and transport matters" because she was trying to uncover who supplied weapons for the attackers, arguing that the court should take the "widest possible interpretation" of that definition. He also argued that there was no statutory prohibition on vehicle license plate searches, and that it is in the public interest for the media to use the facility. 'Just for show' As Choy stood trial, one of the alleged attackers charged with "rioting" during the Yuen Long incident denied having used a stick he was holding to hit anyone, saying it was "just for show," RTHK reported. Ng Wai-nam, 57, said he had only waved the stick around and hit things with it, to try to disperse a crowd, and that the stick wasn't even his. Ng is among six men who deny a charge of rioting, while two others have pleaded guilty, the report said. On Tuesday, former pro-democracy lawmaker Au Nok-hin was jailed for nine weeks for "assaulting" two police officers as he used a megaphone during a July 8, 2019 street protest in Mong Kok. Au, who was already in custody after being charged under the national security law, was found guilty of hitting one officer's shield with the loudhailer, and "hurting the ears" of another with the noise from it. Au had originally been given community service, but was jailed by the Court of Appeal after the government asked for a review of the sentence. Reported by Gigi Lee and Chan Yun Nam for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close [March 24, 2021] Biopharmaceutical and technology leaders form collaboration to promote standards and a modern patient ID for advanced therapies Genentech, Takeda, Adaptimmune and other industry leaders join Vineti to form the core of this strategic collaboration. The group is focused on working industry-wide to promote new and updated standards for advanced therapies, which are essential for wider adoption of personalized therapeutics such as autologous T cell therapies, allogeneic therapies, and personalized cancer vaccines. The collaborations work kicks off with a proposal for a modern patient ID for personalized medicine, which is being made freely available industry wide. SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A broad coalition of biopharmaceutical and technology leaders today announced a new strategic collaboration to promote new and updated standards for advanced therapies. The new collaboration, which will work across the biopharmaceutical and technology sectors, seeks to enable the wider adoption of cell and gene therapies through standardized, automated processes that promote patient safety and control costs. The collaboration includes a wide range of advanced therapy innovators, including Achilles Therapeutics, Adaptimmune, Genentech Inc, Marker Therapeutics Inc., Novartis Pharma AG, PACT Pharma, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd., and Tessa Therapeutics. Individualized cell therapies have the potential to be an incredibly effective way to redirect a patients own immune system to fight cancer, said J. Andrew Case, Head of Clinical Supply Chain at Genentech. To reach all patients in need, we need new standards and systems that support these new therapies at scale. The collaborations work kicks off with a proposal for a modern patient identifier for advanced therapies. This proposal, which is being made freely available for consideration and use to all stakeholders in the advanced therapy ecosystem, is intended to provide an unprecedented level of trust, traceability, transparency, and patient safety for advanced therapeutics. The proposed patient ID structure is flexible, and can cover all types of advanced therapeutics, including autologous cell and gene therapies, allogeneic therapies, and cancer immunotherapies, such as personalized cancer vaccines. This digital ID badge enables reliability and patient safety by providing a clear link, end to end, between the patient and their treatment as it is being manufactured and shipped. We are focused on therapies with transformative and curative potential, and the Takeda team is creating innovations that will benefit patients worldwide and support healthcare providers in their life-saving work, said Nebojsa Milovic, Head of Cell Therapies Translational Engine for Takeda. We know that a key part of realizing cell therapys potential lies in creating new infrastructure to reach clinicians and patients worldwide. The type of patientto-product linkage provided by this new approach is essential for patient safety. Current patient identifiers used for legacy cell-based treatments, such as stem cell transplants or bone marrow transplants, are based on standards that do not always cover all the use cases presented by todays personalized therapeutics. The new proposed patient ID, developed by Vineti, is intended to provide a single identifier that enables patient safety and patient care end to end across the complex advanced therapy treatment process. The proposed ID is designed to meet the data and safety needs of the patients, hospitals and healthcare providers, and biopharmaceutical developers, across a broad range of personalized therapeutics. The proposed ID approach is also intended to support the rapid growth of advanced therapies, so that these transformative treatments can reach all patients in need. Advanced therapeutics continue to grow rapidly, even amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector attracted $19.9 billion in financing in 2020, shattering all previous records, according to the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine. More than 1,220 advanced therapy clinical trials are currently running worldwide, with more than half focused on oncology, according to ARM. This promising pace of growth, however, will not be sustainable without a rigorous, industrialized, standardized approach to delivering these personalized therapeutics to patients. Personalized therapeutics, such as T cell therapies, are the most complex treatments to produce in the history of biologics. Simplifying production and delivery processes through reliable, standardized mechanisms will control complexity, reduce costs, and increase feasibility, adoption, and safety. Patient-specific therapeutics must be delivered to the patient they are intended to treat. That concept is easy to say -- and often not easy to do, said Vineti CEO and Co-founder Amy DuRoss. Its time for a patient ID that is as advanced as the therapies themselves, so that personalized medicine has a safer, scalable future. Were very honored to work in this collaboration to drive standards that ensure the growth of all advanced therapies. The full patient ID proposal can be viewed here . Vineti has already presented this COI ID vision to the Standards Coordinating Body for Regenerative Medicine, which has an industry-wide working group addressing updated standards for cell therapy in-process drug labeling. Industry-wide feedback on the patient ID proposal is welcomed at info@vineti.com . Additional biopharmaceutical and technology developers who wish to learn more about this standards collaboration may also contact info@vineti.com . About Vineti Vineti is the first commercial, configurable cloud-based platform to expand patient access to life-saving cell and gene therapies. Vineti was co-founded by GE and the Mayo Clinic to solve the key challenges that patients, medical providers, biopharmaceutical companies, and regulators face in the delivery and commercialization of individualized therapies. Now a fully independent company, Vineti offers a digital platform of record to integrate logistics, manufacturing, and clinical data for personalized therapies. The Vineti Personalized Therapy Management platform (PTM) aligns and orchestrates the cell and gene therapy process and improves product performance overall. The Vineti platform supports the full continuum of patient-specific therapies, including cancer vaccines and autologous and allogeneic cell therapies. The platform can also be harnessed for drug products requiring companion diagnostics or REMS programs. Vineti is currently serving patients, healthcare providers, and researchers in hundreds of leading medical centers and manufacturing centers world-wide, on behalf of a growing number of biopharmaceutical partners. In 2019, the World Economic Forum honored Vineti as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer. Vineti is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with offices in Bethesda, Maryland and Yerevan, Armenia. Biopharmaceutical developers, potential technology partners, patients, and clinicians can learn more about the Vineti PTM platform at www.vineti.com . Media contact 1AB for Vineti Dan Budwick dan@1abmedia.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina waves to reporters before meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) in New Delhi, Oct. 5, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Dhaka on Friday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladeshs independence and deepen what an Indian analyst called the leaders most successful foreign policy relationship. India reinforced those ties by conferring a prestigious peace prize this week on Bangladeshs founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.K. Abdul Momen said on Tuesday his government was looking forward to Modis trip. We are waiting eagerly to welcome the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will come on March 26 and attend the celebration of the golden jubilee of our independence and Mujib Year, Momen told BenarNews. The Government of Bangladesh acknowledges with deep gratitude the decision of the Government of India to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, posthumously for the first time, the foreign ministry said in a press statement on Monday. Mujib is affectionately called Bangabandhu, or Friend of Bangladesh. He declared independence from what was then known as West Pakistan on March 26, 1971, following which the country fought a war and won freedom in December that year. Modi is scheduled to meet with his counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, and Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, Momen said. The leaders may also sign some memorandums of understanding, but officials not have any details to release ahead of the visit. In addition, Modi is scheduled to visit two minority Hindu temples. Members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League fight with members of a leftist student organizations alliance who were protesting the upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dhaka, March 23, 2021. [Sabrina Yesmin/BenarNews] Modis first international visit since COVID-19 pandemic Not much new is expected to be announced on the bilateral policy front during this visit of Modis, said Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, a veteran journalist and member of Indias National Security Advisor Board. The broad picture is that this is the most successful foreign policy relationship that Modi has developed, Chaudhuri told BenarNews. For instance, he said that Manmohan Singh, the previous Indian prime minister, had been unable to sign a land boundary agreement with Bangladesh, but Modi, during his first term as PM, had been successful in doing so with Hasinas government. A succession of projects such as power grids and gas pipelines followed. On the policy front, I dont expect anything big this time, because a lot of it has been done already. It is more like continuing what we started on ports, highways, trade issues, and vaccines, which have been a big part of Indian diplomacy in the past six months, Chaudhuri said. The two neighbors signed an agreement to simplify their 2,500-mile border and untangle complex territorial rights in June 2015, when Modi was in his first term as PM and Hasina was his Bangladeshi counterpart. The trip Friday will be Modis first international visit since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlights the priority India attaches to Bangladesh, Indias Ministry of External Affairs said last week. The visit will be akin to a social engagement, said Sreeradha Dutta, author of a book Bangladesh at 50: Development and Challenges. I dont foresee Sheikh Hasina bringing up any controversial issues for discussion, Dutta told BenarNews. India also wants to bask in the invitation to Modi at this very special event, particularly in the context of Bangladeshs refusal to officially acknowledge, for a long time, Indias role in the liberation war. During a virtual summit with Modi last December, Hasina - who is Mujibs daughter - thanked the Indian government and the countrys people for their support to her fathers cause. India provided military and diplomatic support to Bangladesh guerrillas during the war. I pay tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the war and to their families, Hasina had said, according to state-run Press Trust of India. I pay my gratitude to the government and the people of India who extended their wholehearted support for the cause of our nation. Modis visit will come days after a protest by hardline Islamic group Hefazat-e-Islam, which demanded that Muslim-majority Bangladesh withdraw the leaders invite to the independence celebrations because of his anti-Muslim views. At the golden jubilee celebration of Bangladeshs independence and the celebration of Mujib Year, we should not host anyone whom the people of this country do not want to see, or whose presence would hurt the countrys people, Junaid Al Habib, president of the Dhaka unit of Hefazat-e-Islam, told reporters on Monday. We have this position because Narendra Modi is known globally as anti-Muslim. On Tuesday, Progoshil Chhatra Jote, an alliance of leftist student organizations, rallied at Dhaka University to protest Modis upcoming visit where they burned an effigy of the Indian leader and chanted anti-Indian slogans. As the group neared a campus center, fights broke out with members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student front of ruling Awami League, causing several injuries. Modi last visited Bangladesh in June 2015 his planned trip to Dhaka 12 months ago to attend programs marking the 100th anniversary of Mujibs birth was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Fire in the night in the former kindergarten in Piazza Giovani XXIII in Serra Perdosa (Iglesias), two men were intoxicated by the smoke. The incident took place around five in the morning, when the five occupants of the building, two men from Iglesias and three immigrants, were asleep. To give the alarm, a man who was on the upper floor who, after realizing what was happening, managed to escape to safety on the roof. The police officers, who immediately rushed to the rescue, managed to rescue a seventy-year-old from Iglesias, who was now lying inside the structure. The other occupants, three young non-EU citizens, two from Senegal and one from Morocco, came out of a window at the back of the building. The flames were put out by the firefighters of the Iglesias detachment, who rescued the man on the roof. Even a dog, found inside the dying building, was rescued by firefighters after half an hour of resuscitation. A cat, escaped on the roof, was recovered to return it to the owners. The 118 ambulances, the carabinieri of the radiomobile Aliquota of the city command and the municipal police are also on site. The causes of the fire are not known, which seems to have started from some wooden panels that divided the rooms. The man rescued by the police was hospitalized for smoke poisoning. The one who found shelter on the roof was also taken to the hospital for checks and discharged soon after. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kinetic River Corp., a leader in custom flow cytometry instrumentation, announced today the successful completion of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The competitive Phase I grant was awarded to Kinetic River by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), which fosters research focused on development of innovative biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. Confocal microscopy shows intense autofluorescence of neutrophils from control mice, excited at 364 nm. From Monsel et al. (2014) PLoS ONE 9(3): e92564. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0092564 Unstained and CD45-Alexa 405 stained human eosinophils without removal of autofluorescence (TOP) and with Colorado autofluorescence removal (BOTTOM). Cells were excited at 375 nm, emission was collected around 460 nm. Flow cytometry is a powerful cell analysis tool with broad utility in research and clinical fields as diverse and important as tumor biology research, cancer and AIDS diagnostics, immunophenotyping, and cancer immunotherapy. Flow cytometry relies heavily on adding fluorescent labels to cells. Accurate measurements of this externally added fluorescence is hindered by the presence of cellular autofluorescence, a nearly ubiquitous endogenous fluorescence inherent to the cells themselves. The NIH SBIR award funded the development of Kinetic River's "Colorado" automated autofluorescence removal technology. Based on Kinetic River's patented time-resolved flow cytometry technology, the Colorado retains a familiar workflow for the end user, while delivering improved data. By achieving all planned milestones, Kinetic River has paved the way for further development and commercialization of this technology. "We are thrilled to have hit all of our milestones," said Giacomo Vacca, Ph.D., president of Kinetic River. "Through a combination of hardware and algorithm development, we have been able to demonstrate the removal of the autofluorescence contribution from a population of exogenously stained eosinophilsa cell type with notoriously high autofluorescence signal. The ability to get cleaner signals from such cells will ultimately lead to higher quality data without altering the end-user workflow. We are grateful to NIGMS and the SBIR program for affording us this opportunity." The successful Phase I program paves the way for further development and commercialization of a 4-laser, 16-channel Colorado instrument with fully automated removal of the contribution from cellular autofluorescence. This is the goal of a Phase II SBIR proposal recently submitted to the NIH. About Kinetic River Kinetic River Corp. is a product design and development company focused on flow cytometry and optics. Based in California's Silicon Valley, Kinetic River offers cutting-edge instrumentation solutions for biomedical research and the life sciences, including the Potomac modular flow cytometer and the Danube, a fluorescence lifetime flow cytometer. Kinetic River also provides a range of technical consulting services and training seminars to clients worldwide. For more information, visit KineticRiver.com. Research reported in this release was supported by NIGMS of the National Institutes of Health under grant number 1R43GM131619-01 Revised. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Kinetic River and the Kinetic River logo are registered trademarks of Kinetic River Corp. Media Contact: Giacomo Vacca (650) 439-7413 [email protected] www.KineticRiver.com SOURCE Kinetic River Corp. Related Links http://www.KineticRiver.com I am a die hard USC fan for many many years but she is getting on my nerves preaching about equality. I have one question for Dawn. I look at your current roster as well as past rosters and it looks like you are not practicing equality!!! Is it politically incorrect to refer to right wingers as stupid jerks? You know why cannibals wont eat the prop comic CARROT TOP?? They said, He tastes funny! Dear Asian friends, We share your fear. Your frustration. Your dread at going out in public. The workplace harassment. We get it. We, too, are long-time victims of a culture of violence. And now with open carry, a hater needs merely point a hip at you to induce nightmares. Please join us in stopping the madness. Too many people have died because a white man had a bad day. Sincerely, Black people, Hispanics, LGBT, battered women and children, and the handicapped and homeless. The last thing we need is for people to open carry firearms. This is not 19th century Dodge City. In my 70 plus years I have never feIt I needed to have a gun. Nor do I know anyone who has been in a situation where he or she needed a gun. Just use some sense where you hang out. What is with the increasing racism in the country. Especially violent acts against Asian Americans. It will take generations to wash the Trump filth out of American character. CONGRATS! Raise a toast and CHEER this Womens month to ALL historic, present and future womens accomplishments through AI ... ACTUAL INTELIGENCE! Happy Birthday to my 97 year young mother! Living for happy hour! Having lived in the southeast sector of Hell Central (from late May through late September) I will say only this. Yeah its hot here, Africa hot. However. Why are all the darn Yankee Doodle dandies moving here. Because its hella freezing up north. I would rather be poor and humid. Then frost bitten and left for the rats to eat my frozen corpse. Go team SC!!! True History Lesson. Reagan We have a border crisis. Bush Sr. We have a border crisis. Clinton We have a border crisis. Bush Jr. We have a border crisis. Obama We have a border crisis. Trump Hey, lets build a wall & solve the border crisis. Libs OMG! Trump manufactured this border crisis!!! Biden Stop construction on the wall & change policy. Oops, we have a border crisis. CNN reports 8 million taxpayers have not receive stimulus checks, even though they are eligible. Thats at least $48 million. What would the IRS do if you owed them $600? To the admitted proud Socialist. Most Americans dont want Socialism. How about move to Canada if you think Socialism is a great idea. Socialism is not free! Not to mention a horrible idea that usually leads to communism. I think you need to reeducate yourself on the differences. Youve been misinformed. Were screwed as a country with people like you thinking Socialism is the way to go. Knucklehead! An 86-year-old lady writes: As old folks long to stay younger, / and kids cant wait to get older, / we now hope our older age will / get us a shot in the shoulder. Resa, me beautiful Lass. 36 years ago I found you at the end of the rainbow. Saint Patty blessed us then and there. High Roads, low roads we made it thus far. I thank the gods above and the soil beneath my feet for that fateful day. Just watching a few YouTube slices about the DANGEROUS toys we had in the forties, fifties, and early sixties! How the heck did people like me manage to live into adulthood, let alone into our seventies or later? Of course, there WERE also a few toys from the 21st century, like the Hannah Montana game cards with lead based inks and paints Imagine how the governor of Texas would react if 2,000 people a day were dying from accidents involving windmills, solar panels, and electric cars. Sexual harassment? Possibly. Fudging pandemic numbers? Probably. But cheer up, Andrew Cuomo! All you need is a couple of bankruptcies and divorces and you can run for president! Youve come a long way, baby; trouble is, youve been going in circles. Daylight Savings Time outlived its usefulness after WWII. Most nations dont use DST. We should adopt Atlantic Standard Time east of the Appalachians. Longer evenings year-round? Shoot yeah! Dont move, improve. Remodelers mantra. Use Millions in demo money to renovate Allen Benedict Court. Where is the money to rebuild? One apartment at a time. Folks can start moving in this fall. Hey I think the thing to say is if you dont believe in climate change, we had a swimming pool put in 2014. This is seven years later. But last year, you could go out in the morning and I really have a good eye, which means you could see the pool was an inch lower. I thought last year there was a leak, but you looked around, looked around, there was no leak. This was simply, you could say, solar radiation. Thank you Dr. Fauci! Ha Ha, he didnt say that term. This is from the Cameron Curmudgeon. I would like to make the public aware that ALEC, thats all caps, and the extratino industry, coal oil gas minerals, etc., have been quietly writing laws that many states have recently enacted with the goal of making legal protest illegal and punishable in federal court. Providing humanitarian aid food, water, clothing is now against federal law and the Christ-like activity regarding this biblical mandate is now an illegal action. The intention of these new laws is to not stop illegal actions but to punish legitimate protest and humanitarian acts. Bear says, while America was drowning in a deluge of lies, bulls#!t, denial and other obfuscation, alt-right, neo-nazis, kkkers and various assorted fascists and anarchists, were plotting the destruction of our great country. Down with democracy. Down with law and order. Let chaos rule, they rage. Sieg Heil! Egged on by orange face and his sycophants, they stormed the capitol, now theyre threatening the lives of public officials and their families. This is not a new thing, it began with Ronnie boy and the freedom haters that are being financed by the ultra rich who have already bought congress. If you get a chance, read the Sunday State paper article about these kids that are getting harassed, sexually harassed at USC. Its just disgusting and you know the bad thing is, i dont know, if you want to be a meanie you could say dont forget what state youre in, but shouldnt, doesnt USC stand for the University of Sexually Harassed Children. Read that article in the Sunday paper. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 03:37:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Iraq reported on Wednesday 6,051 new COVID-19 cases, reaching a record high in daily cases since the onset of the pandemic. Meanwhile, China said it will donate a batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Sudan, in a bid to help the African country fight the virus. The Iraqi health ministry said on Wednesday that the total infections in Iraq reached 809,092 after the country saw the highest daily increase since the country reported its first COVID-19 cases in February 2020. The ministry said in a statement that 29 new deaths were recorded, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 14,095, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 4,185 to 727,471. Ruba Falah, head of the health ministry's media office, warned that the coming days may witness a greater daily increase, calling on citizens to adhere to health-protective measures and speed up their registration to receive vaccinations. "We advise citizens to register on the electronic platform established by the ministry to organize the vaccination process," Falah said in a press release. Also on Wednesday, Chinese Ambassador to Sudan Ma Xinmin announced that the Chinese government will donate a batch of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to the African country. "The Chinese government and military have decided to donate a batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Sudan," Ma made the announcement at a press conference held at the Chinese embassy in Khartoum. "The vaccines, developed and produced by the Sinopharm Group, are scheduled to arrive on March 26 on a Chinese aircraft to the Khartoum International Airport," the ambassador added. As of Tuesday, Sudan had recorded a total of 29,542 COVID-19 cases, including 23,858 recoveries and 2,003 deaths. In Turkey, the health ministry reported 29,762 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,142 symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 3,091,282. The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 146 to 30,462, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,881,643 after 17,761 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours. The country started mass vaccination for COVID-19 on Jan. 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine. More than 8,153,000 people were vaccinated so far. The Syrian Health Ministry announced on Wednesday it will provide 75 tons of oxygen to Lebanon for COVID-19 patients. The announcement came during a joint press conference held by Syrian Health Minister Hasan al-Ghabbash and his Lebanese counterpart Hamad Hasan in the Syrian capital Damascus. The oxygen will be delivered in three batches starting Wednesday, and it won't affect Syria's stock of oxygen, according to Hasan. The Lebanese minister said that his ministry turned to Syria for help due to a lack of oxygen in the Lebanese hospitals. Meanwhile, Lebanon registered on Wednesday 3,856 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 448,721. The death toll from the virus in the country went up by 53 to 5,903. Morocco suspended on Wednesday all flights to and from Mali, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, and Libya, to curb the spread of the new COVID-19 variants, the Moroccan National Airport Office said in a statement posted on its website. The suspension is temporary and will run until April 10. The ban also concerns the entry of passengers of these countries arriving through other countries, it added. Morocco has so far suspended air connections with 35 countries to curb the spread of coronavirus and the more contagious COVID-19 variants. The North African country last week extended the state of health emergency to April 10. Morocco registered 439 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, taking the tally of confirmed cases in the North African country to 492,842, the health ministry said in a statement. The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 480,607 after 507 new ones were added. The death toll rose to 8,786 with 11 new fatalities during the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, 4,284,060 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 2,844,916 people have received the second dose. The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines. The Qatari health ministry on Wednesday announced 570 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 175,332, adding that the fatalities increased by three to 278. The Kuwaiti Health Ministry reported on Wednesday 1,299 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections in the country to 223,042. The ministry also announced 10 more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,256, while the tally of recoveries rose by 1,212 to 207,392. Enditem SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California state prisons will soon resume limited in-person visits with inmates more than a year after they were halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, officials said Tuesday. Visits will start April 10 as the prison system stabilizes after outbreaks that killed 216 inmates and 26 employees. Precautions will include temperature and symptom screenings, coronavirus testing, physical distancing, face masks, and limits on the number of visitors and length of time they can stay, the department said, with more details and steps to schedule visits coming soon. Top officials at each prison will decide if the entire facility or portions may allow in-person visits, with online updates so families can plan. As a result, opening dates may vary depending on active cases, and visiting could be again be suspended if conditions worsen. Corrections Secretary Kathleen Allison said in a statement that the department recognizes the value of visitation for the incarcerated population and the importance of maintaining family and community ties. The systems worst outbreak came after a botched transfer of inadequately tested inmates in late May that sickened most of the population at San Quentin State Prison north of San Francisco, killing 28 inmates and a correctional officer. But corrections officials reported just 32 active inmate cases and 331 infected staff Tuesday. Twenty-two of the states 35 prisons had no known cases. All told, more than 16,000 employees and 49,000 inmates were infected during the pandemic. Since then, nearly 45,500 inmates and 26,500 employees have received at least one inoculation. The department ended in-person visits in March 2020, allowing visits only by phone or video-conferencing. Video visitation will continue at prisons and firefighting camps where its feasible, the department 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 Covid-19 pandemic is one of the issue to be tackled by the new Dublin-Belfast Economic Council Eight local authorities on both sides of the border will work together to tackle the challenges imposed by the pandemic, Brexit and climate change with a new cross-border council. Dublin City Council, along with Fingal, Meath, and Louth will join with Belfast City Council and local authorities in Armagh/ Banbridge/Craigavon, Lisburn/Castlereagh and Newry/Mourne/ Down District Council to launch a new Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, it was announced today. The scheme was announced in report The Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor: Current Profile, Potential for Recovery & Opportunities for Cooperation. It said now is an opportune time to create a north-south economic corridor given the challenges the region faces as it comes to terms with the impact of the United Kingdoms exit from the European Union and the Covid-19 pandemic. Opportunities exist to grow indigenous business, establish clusters of key sectors, leverage the appetite for collaboration and use the corridor as the driving force for economic development in the region and nationally, it said. The report follows a collaboration between the eight councils and Dublin City University and Ulster University in 2018, to find ways of realising the potential benefits of further development of the corridor between Dublin and Belfast. A steering group was formed along with a group of local government and university staff to develop joint initiatives. An oversight and governance board made up of three councillors from each local authority will be meeting shortly to develop a future plan in which they hope to capitalise on 125,000 firms located along the corridor, including manufacturing, agri-food, and financial service industries. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Suspected militants on Wednesday attacked the northern Mozambican town of Palma, the hub of a huge gas exploration project, security sources said, as construction work was due to resume on the scheme. Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province has since 2017 been the target of attacks by a shadowy jihadist group, raiding villages and towns in a bid to establish an Islamic caliphate. The violence has rocked the development of Africa's largest liquified natural gas (LNG) project off the Afungi peninsula, led by French oil giant Total. The latest attack came as Total announced earlier Wednesday that it would "progressively resume" construction at the site "following the implementation of additional site security measures". "Total and the government of Mozambique have worked together to define and implement an action plan" to reinforce the security of the Afungi site and the surrounding area, the company said in a statement. But several security sources who did not wish to be named later told AFP that Palma was under seige. One military commander based in the capital Maputo said two groups of "militants" had concomitantly attacked a police checkpoint and residential neighbourhoods. "Government forces resisted but then they had to flee," said another military source in Palma. "The militants are using heavy, new weapons that we have never seen before." A third source said a plane about to land in Afungi was forced to turn back due to a "heavy weapons attack". Cabo Delgado's jihadists, known locally as Al-Shabab, are affiliated to the Islamic State group. The insurgency has killed at least 2,600 people, half of them civilians, according to the US-based data collecting agency Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED). Amnesty International this month said locals were "caught" between militants and Mozambican security forces fighting the insurgents alongside private militia. Story continues The watchdog accused all three parties of "war crimes" causing hundreds of civilian deaths. Nearly 700,000 people have been uprooted by the violence, placing severe pressure on humanitarian support in the region. Total itself evacuated some staff in January after jihadists launched a series of attacks just kilometres from the LNG site. The $20 billion project is still being built and not due to go online until 2024. Total is the main investor and hold 26.5 percent of the shares. Six other international businesses are also involved, including Italy's Eni and US major ExxonMobil. str-sch/sn/dl To help protect students of over 250 government schools across Mumbai, Delhi/NCR and Jammu through the American India Foundation Avantor, Inc, a leading global provider of mission-critical products and services to customers in the life sciences, advanced technologies and applied materials industries is donating 300 infrared thermometers, and 90,000 surgical and N95 masks to help protect students of over 250 government schools across Mumbai, Delhi/NCR and Jammu through the American India Foundation. In India, working closely with The American India Foundation (AIF), Avantor is targeting the distribution of 300 infrared thermometers and 90,000 surgical and N95 masks over the course of the next couple of weeks. Elaborating on the roll out of the programme, Devashish Ohri, Executive Vice President, IMEA, Avantor at the ceremonial handover held at the Government Co-Ed. Secondary School, Patparganj, Delhi said, The schools have been shortlisted based on the need and urgency of providing safe spaces for children to return to school. Around 85 schools in Mumbai, 100 schools in Jammu and 66 schools in Delhi will receive Avantors support. Mathew Joseph, Country Director, AIF said, Students are eager to return to school where they find stability in learning outcomes, as well as emotional security by bonding with their friends. In such circumstances, the support system needs to ensure that children return to school in a safe environment, and we are grateful to Avantor for their generous gesture. Through our education programmes, AIF is building back a better normal for school children. You are here Tobacco River flow restored as major work is completed to lower Edenville Dam spillway Tobacco River flow restored as major work is completed to lower Edenville Dam spillway The major portion of work to restore the Tobacco River to its natural course is now complete. The Tobacco Spillway of the Edenville Dam was partially demolished while the river channel downstream of the dam was cleared of debris to allow a return to a more natural river flow. The emergency work was necessary after the dam in Gladwin County failed in May 2020 following intense storms in Mid-Michigan. This story map provides a project update and discusses what's next. Photo caption: An EGLE drone captures views of newly exposed bottomlands upstream of the modified Tobacco River spillway on the Edenville Dam in Gladwin County. Like this content? Follow us on Twitter at @MichiganEGLE or on Youtube.com/MichiganEGLE Take a short survey and let us know what you think about MI Environment. 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But it could be the only chance you'll have to stop Google from sharing your personal information with authorities.Tech companies, which have treasure troves of personal information, have become natural targets for law enforcement and government requests. The industry's biggest names, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, receive data requests from subpoenas to National Security Letters to assist in, among other efforts, criminal and non-criminal investigations as well as lawsuits.An email like this one is a rare chance for users to discover when government agencies are seeking their data. In Google's case, the company typically lets users know which agency is seeking their information. In one emailreviewed, Google notified the recipient that the company received a request from the Department of Homeland Security to turn over information related to their Google account. (The recipient shared the email on the condition of anonymity due to concern about immigration enforcement). That account may be attached to Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos, Google Pay, Google Calendar and other services and apps.The email, sent from Google's Legal Investigations Support team, notified the recipient that Google may hand over personal information to DHS unless it receives within seven days a copy of a court-stamped motion to quash the request.That's a high bar to clear in a short amount of time, said Paromita Shah, co-founder and executive director of immigration rights law firm Just Futures."What Google expects you to do is to quash the subpoena and that would require you to go to federal court," Shah said. "I'd like to know how many people are gonna have the resources and the understanding that they have only seven days to hire an attorney to quash an ICE subpoena in federal court."The email from Google did not include a copy of the legal request. Upon requesting it, the recipient learned it was an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Immigrations and Customers Enforcement agency. ICE was looking for the names, email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, street addresses, length of service such as start date, and means of sources of payment linked in any way to the Google account.Such requests are not uncommon for Google. From January 2020 to June 2020, Google received nearly 40,000 requests for user information from law enforcement agencies more than 15,500 were subpoenas, according to an annual transparency report. Of the subpoenas, Google provided "some data" in 83 percent of cases. For that same period, Facebook received more than 60,000 requests, producing some data in 88 percent of cases. Twitter received a little more than 3,000 requests and said it had a 59 percent compliance rate.Although companies may feel limited in their ability to fight off warrants and court-ordered subpoenas, Shah and immigration advocates argue the tech industry has much more leeway to withhold user information in response to legal requests that did not receive judicial authorization.In a statement, Google spokesperson Alex Krasov said the company "vigorously" protects users' privacy "while supporting the important work of law enforcement.""We have a well-established process for managing requests from law enforcement for data about our users: when we receive a request, we notify users that their information has been requested, push back on overly broad requests to protect users' privacy, and provide transparency around such requests in our transparency report," the statement read.Subpoenas are one of a handful of legal processes law enforcement agencies deploy to obtain user information, at times in connection with an ongoing criminal or other investigation. Many of these requests come with gag orders, leaving users in the dark until at least a year after the request was issued. Others give users little time or information with which to protect their data.Law enforcement agencies can gain user information in other ways. Some companies sell user information to data brokers, which in turn sell information to law enforcement agencies, for instance. They're all part of a system that has become available to law enforcement as a byproduct of tech companies' reliance on a business model of collecting, storing and selling personal information, as well as users' often unconditional willingness to hand over their data.Administrative subpoenas, such as the one received by the Google user, differ from warrants or court-ordered subpoenas in the type of information they seek and in their enforcement. An administrative subpoena is not self-enforcing meaning it is simply a legal request and can typically only be enforced by ICE or another issuing agency by going to court if the recipient does not comply. It also has not been signed by a judge and the agency was not required to show probable cause. Unlike a warrant, an administrative subpoena only allows authorities to seek basic subscriber information such as the IP address and how long an account has been active.Some civil rights and legal groups worry that federal agencies such as ICE could use legal processes such as administrative subpoenas to gain access to user info to expand surveillance on U.S. residents.In a freedom of information request, a coalition of groups are asking ICE how many of these requests it has sent to Google, Facebook, and Twitter, pointing out these platforms "contain large amounts of personal data about their users including real-time location, address, and communication data.""ICE administrative subpoena requests to technology companies for such information would invade the most intimate and personal information about our daily lives, such as location, address and communication," the request, filed by Boston University School of Law Immigrants' Rights and Human Trafficking Program, Just Futures Law, and the Mijente Support Committee, says.An ICE official said the agency does not routinely send administrative subpoenas to tech companies for noncriminal, civil immigration purposes. The agency also pointed to previous uses of administrative subpoenas to compel the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision in a city whose sanctuary laws prohibit agencies from assisting in federal deportation efforts to provide ICE with information on several people. In a press release about the use of administrative subpoenas, ICE said it uses "statutorily-authorized immigration subpoenas to obtain information as part of investigations regarding potential removable aliens."Critics say they are concerned about how hard it is for users whose information is the subject of administrative subpoenas to stop companies such as Google from sharing it, Shah says."Google is making it harder to opt out because they put the burden on the person to file a motion to quash," she said. "And that's very typical of corporations. It's really hard for users to opt out of anything, unless you take extra steps or go to special portals to opt out."In a letter to Google's Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker, a coalition of immigrant rights groups argued the company should not turn over any information unless the ICE request is accompanied by a judicial order and to reconsider its policy so that "the subscriber has an opportunity to be heard." Google did not respond to specific questions about whether the company will reconsider its policy."Providing location data to ICE can cause irreparable harm because ICE uses such information to conduct home raids, incarcerate noncitizens, deport individuals and their families, and tear apart communities," the letter from Immigrant Legal Rights, Mijente, Just Futures Law, and several university immigrant rights clinics says.While ICE's use of this nonjudicial process has become a concern for those who believe it's been used to "install confusion" about the legal weight it carries, administrative subpoenas are actually one of the more transparent ways law enforcement can request user information from tech companies.That's partly because such requests don't unilaterally come with gag orders.The agency would have to go to court to get a gag order, a move that could expose the administrative subpoena which is a low-cost tool because it doesn't require going to court to challenges, said Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Andrew Crocker.(Authorities can request in their administrative subpoenas as ICE did in this case that a company not share the information with the user, but it's simply a request.)Other law enforcement requests, including warrants and National Security Letters, on the other hand, often come with gag orders because notifying the user could interfere with investigations.In those cases, a user would not be notified. National Security Letters a type of administrative subpoena issued primarily by the FBI come with a default gag order that is required to be revisited twice in the course of an investigation, Crocker said. Examples published by Google show one National Security Letter sent to the company in July 2016 that was only disclosed last month, and another that was issued in March 2020 and released in February. In both cases, the subscriber whose information would be requested would have no idea it was handed over until it was disclosed.Because of this, it's important for providers such as Google to act as a check on law enforcement, Crocker said."Otherwise you just don't know what the process is that's been used to get a hold of private stuff," he said. "When you compare that to the way it happens in the real world, if the police want to search your house, they have to get a warrant to do that and then they break your door down or knock. But you know that they're in your house and then they're actually required to give you a list of everything they take." KERRVILLE, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- James Avery Artisan Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry retailer based in Texas, announces the opening of its newest store today in Los Olivos Plaza, 2413 Veterans Blvd, Suite 8 and 9 in Del Rio, Texas 78840. "Today is a very special day for us at James Avery. We are opening our 100th store in Del Rio," says James Avery CEO John McCullough. "Our associates are ready to greet you today in this beautiful, new location where they will find timeless James Avery favorites, rooted in the heritage of our company." Putting customer and associate safety first, the Los Olivos Plaza store is following recommended COVID-19 health protocols and guidelines implemented in all James Avery stores. Hand sanitizing stations are set up in store for customers and associates and areas throughout the store are regularly cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, the company requests customers honor social distancing guidelines and wear face coverings when in store. James Avery associates undergo daily health screenings and wear facemasks. Operating hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. and are subject to change. Store Manager Annaly Mora and her team are ready to welcome customers 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 100 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 Related Links https://www.jamesavery.com An 86-year-old woman died Tuesday afternoon when a tractor-trailer hit her SUV as she pulled onto an East Cocalico Township road, police said. Township police said Audrey Lewandowski, of Adamstown, was hit by the tractor-trailer around 1:14 p.m. as she pulled out of Stony Run Road at North Reading Road. Lewandowski was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Reamstown Fire Co., the Denver Rescue and the Reamstown Ambulance assisted at the scene. The crash investigation is ongoing, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call East Cocalico Township Police Sgt. Steven Savage at 717-336-1725, ext. 234. READ MORE: 40-year-old man used social media to ask teen boy for nudes, sex: state police Woman dies in motorcycle crash on I-81 after speeding: state police Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. March 24, 2021 When it comes to contemporary casino games, there are more choices on offer now than ever before. The ongoing boom in popularity of online casino sites means players everywhere are enjoying gambling on the web. As a result, there has been a subsequent explosion in companies looking to offer new ways to pay at casinos. In this article, we will take a look at some payment provider options for online casinos. No matter if they are classic options or new arrivals, we will assess the wide range of casino payment options available to players at the moment. So, without further ado, lets consider the first provider on our list of payment provider options for online casinos. PayPal (News - Alert) For some time now, PayPal has been the default choice for many of us when making any form of transaction online. Casino gaming is no different, with millions of gamers choosing PayPal over any other method. Providing its wares to more than 200m people worldwide, PayPal offers stiff opposition to debit card payment and other traditional methods. Easy to use, quick and safe, PayPal is a top-notch option used by the best casinos. Indeed, it has to be said that PayPal is a true blue riband choice when it comes to paying for online casino games. We will now look at other options competing with PayPal. For more information on payment methods in the online casino world, you can find a list of new casinos supporting these payment providers at NeueCasinos. Neteller A fast-growing e-payment method, Neteller is mostly intent on providing the UK gambling market with a safe, quick and simple to use way to pay for casino gaming. Situated in the Isle of Man as a fundamental element of the Paysafe Group, Neteller is a brand that is looking to shift the way we look to fund our casino gaming online in the modern age. This name is certainly one to watch going forward! Pay by mobile Nowadays, gamers can delay payment for their casino gaming until well after they have bet. Sound crazy? Just hear it out. With modern pay by mobile methods, adding the deposit amount onto your next mobile phone bill is becoming a popular way to pay for gaming. With states seeking to regulate the manner in which casinos carry out their business more and more, this payment method has come under attack in recent times and yet it is still widely used. Visa For decades a top payment method, Visa remains used by millions of online casino site members everywhere. Although under threat from contemporary payment processors, Visa is renowned for its safety and looks set to remain popular going forward. Basically, to pay for casino gaming with the Visa method, players just add their card details at the deposit section prior to the amount being taken out of their bank. Safe, rapid and easy to use, Visa is a top method for funding casino play. The much-awaited assembly elections in West Bengal will be held over eight rounds from March 27-April 29 for 294 seats. In the politically charged state, the ruling Trinamool Congress party (TMC) and PM Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a bitter contest this time. The TMC headed by two-time Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is striving hard to score a hat-trick. The BJP is also leaving no stone unturned to make sure lotus blooms in the state. The third front has the CPI-M and Congress entering into a seat-sharing arrangement, and this combine is also trying to align with the ISF. Also read: 'Khela shesh hobe': PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee govt; calls for change in West Bengal Let's try to understand the West Bengal Elections in detail: When will West Bengal assembly Election 2021 be held? The West Bengal Assembly election will start on March 27, Saturday, and will end on April 29. Also read: Assam Election 2021: Voting dates, full poll schedule, timings, election results, FAQs West Bengal election 2021 voting timings In the eight-phase Assembly polls, the voting is likely to start at 8 AM and end at 6 PM. West Bengal Election results 2021: Date and counting of votes timings According to the Election Commission website, the result of the West Bengal election will be declared on May 2, Sunday. How many Assembly seats are there in West Bengal? There are a total of 294 assembly seats that will be going to polls, of which 68 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 16 for the Scheduled Tribes. Also Read: West Bengal polls: PM Modi criticises Mamata Banerjee; promises 'Sonar Bangla' if BJP wins How many districts are there in West Bengal? The state has a total of 23 districts. West Bengal election phase 1 schedule In phase 1 of the West Bengal election, five districts will be covered. The polling for phase 1 will begin on March 27. Districts that will be going to polls in phase 1 are -- Paschim Midnapore Part-I, Purba Midnapore Part-I, Bankura, Jhargram, and Purulia. PHASE 1 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 30 seats Districts covered: Paschim Midnapore Part-I, Purba Midnapore Part-I, Bankura, Jhargram and Purulia Date of notification: March 2 Last date of nomination: March 9 Scrutiny of nomination: March 30 Last day of withdrawal of candidature: March 12 Voting date: March 27 West Bengal election phase 2 schedule The voting for the phase 2 Bengal election will begin on April 1, Thursday. In this phase, a total of four districts will cast votes -- South 24 Parganas Part-1, Bankura Part-2, Paschim Midnapore Part-2, and East Midnapore. PHASE 2 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 30 Districts covered: South 24 Parganas Part-I, Bankura Part-II, Paschim Midnapore Part-2 and East Midnapore. Date of notification: March 5 Last date of nomination: March 12 Scrutiny of nomination: March 15 Last day of withdrawal: March 17 Voting date: April 1 West Bengal election phase 3 schedule The voting for the phase 3 Bengal election will begin on April 6, Tuesday. In this phase, voting will take place at Howrah, Hooghly, and South24 Paraganas. PHASE 3 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 31 Districts covered: Howrah, Hooghly, and South24 Paraganas Date of Notification: March 12 Last date of Nomination: March 19 Last day of withdrawal: March 22 Voting date: April 6 West Bengal election phase 4 schedule The voting for the phase 4 West Bengal election will be on April 10, Saturday. Howrah (Part-2), South 24 Pargana (Part-3), Hugli (Part-2), Alipurduar (all five constituencies), Cooch Behar (all nine constituencies) will be going to polls in this phase. PHASE 4 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 44 Date of notification: March 16 Last day of nomination: March 23 Scrutiny of nomination: March 24 Last day of withdrawal: March 26 Voting date: April 10 West Bengal election phase 5 schedule People will cast their vote on April 17, Wednesday. Phase 5 of the West Bengal election will cover districts like Nadia (Part 1), Bardhaman (Part 1), Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri. PHASE 5 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 45 Date of notification: March 23 Last day of nomination: March 30 Scrutiny of nomination: March 31 Last day of withdrawal: April 3 Voting date: April 17 West Bengal election phase 6 schedule West Bengals' phase 6 election is scheduled for April 22, Thursday. The districts that will be covered in phase 6 are -- North Pargana (Part-II), Purbo Bardhaman (Part-2), Nadia (Part-3), Uttar Dinajpur. PHASE 6 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 43 Districts covered: 4 Date of notification: March 26 Last day of nomination: April 3 Scrutiny of nomination: April 5 Last day of withdrawal: April 7 Voting date: April 22 West Bengal election phase 7 schedule The phase 6 of the Bengal elections will be held on April 26. Districts that will be voting in this phase includes: Dakshin Dinajpur, Kolkata South, Malda (Part-1), Murshidabad (Part-1), and Paschim Bardhman. PHASE 7 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 36 Districts covered: 5 Date of notification: March 31 Last day of nomination: April 7 Scrutiny of nomination: April 8 Last day of withdrawal: April 12 Voting date: April 26 West Bengal election phase 8 schedule Voting for the last and final phase of the West Bengal election 2021, that is phase 8, will take place on April 29, Thursday. In phase 8, Malda (Part-II), Birhum, Murshidabad, and Kolkata North will go to polls. PHASE 8 of West Bengal assembly election: Total number of seats: 35 Districts covered: 4 Date of notification: March 31 Last day of nomination: April 7 Scrutiny of nomination: April 18 Last day of withdrawal: April 12 Voting date: April 29 Also Read: PM Modi to address public rallies in poll-bound West Bengal, Assam today How many assembly are there in West Bengal? The state has a total of 294 assembly seats. How many districts are there in West Bengal? The state has 23 districts, which include the newly formed Kalimpong district (formed on 14 February 2017), Jhargram district (formed on 4 April 2017), and the splitting of the former Bardhaman district into Purba Bardhaman district and Paschim Bardhaman districts in 2017. Which parties are popular in West Bengal? The politics in West Bengal has largely been dominated by Mamata Banerjee-led All India Trinamool Congress (AITMC or simply TMC) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). For nearly 40 years, since 1980, the state remained isolated from national politics. The local narrative has always been ruled by Leftist ideologies. In 2011, Mamta Banerjee broke this trend and has ruled the state for 10 consecutive years. Now, the TMC is eyeing to withhold its power for the third straight term in the state. The CPI(M), which is contesting with Congress has gradually started fading in the state since 2011. It is for the first-time when PM Modi-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has hogged the limelight in the state as several TMCs leaders have joined the saffron party. The BJP is aiming to make a debut as the ruling party in Bengal. If the BJP comes to power, then this 2021 assembly election will be remembered for bringing a paradigm shift in the political narrative of West Bengal. How many MP seats are there in West Bengal? West Bengal has a total of 42 Lok Sabha seats. In the general election 2019, TMC witnessed a big shock after the party reduced to 22 seats from its previous 34. While the BJP won 18 seats in the left bastion. What is NOTA? NOTA stands for "None of the Above", option at the ballot. The NOTA option gives freedom to a voter not selecting any candidate mentioned on the list. NOTA came into force in India in 2013. The Supreme Court envisaged NOTA as a way of cleansing the political system, saying, "Negative voting will lead to a systemic change in polls and political parties will be forced to project clean candidates. Texas lawmakers are preparing to arm Attorney General Ken Paxton with $43 million to fight Google in court. A key committee in the state Senate on Wednesday amended its proposed budget for Paxton, restoring most of the cuts members had threatened and giving the Republican extra money to hire outside attorneys to pursue an antitrust case against Google Inc. This case has the potential to bring down significant dollars to the state, state Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, said Wednesday in advocating for the revised budget plan. The move came as Paxton increased the political pressure on the Legislature to restore funding for his office. On Twitter on Wednesday as the committee was meeting, he called on the public to push lawmakers to restore his offices budget after lawmakers originally had proposed slashing nearly $90 million and cutting 154 positions from his 4,000-person workforce. Fellow Texans: Ensure your legislator is FULLY RESOURCING my Office. Any cuts are a loss for TX and in turn a loss for USA, Paxton wrote to his 128,000 Twitter followers and on Facebook to more than 286,000 followers. Paxton is also getting help from outside of Texas on that push. Yesterday, a group called Conservative Action Project sent a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan pushing for restoration of the money and helping fund the Google lawsuit. Any reduction to the Office of the Attorney Generals budget will result in tremendous harm to the state and nation, the letter signed by 15 prominent Republican lawyers, including former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese III. The cause of liberty and justice cannot afford that. Though the Legislature is dominated by Republicans like Paxton, key players in the Senate were upset with Paxton for violating his budget authority by moving $40 million in his budget to cover pay raises that were not authorized by lawmakers. I wish we had done that one differently, Paxton conceded during a committee hearing in February when legislators chastised him for the move. That appears to have been enough for the Senate to alter its initial budget proposal and give Paxton most of everything he requested. Google calls case baseless The $43 million cost of the litigation stems from Paxtons decision to use outside attorneys. Jeff Mateer, Paxton's former top lieutenant who resigned in October, told the Associated Press in January that the office initially intended to put together a team for the Google case from the 700 lawyers attorneys on the AGs staff. But then eight of Paxton's top aides, including Mateer, accused Paxton of corruption and all were fired or resigned, including the attorney leading the Google investigation, former Deputy Attorney General Darren McCarty. But Paxton in February disputed that he intended to rely on in-house lawyers for the case. There was never anybody in my office that could handle that alone, he told the Senate Finance Committee in February. If Google is going to have the very best lawyers that know antitrust, we wanted to be able to compete on the same playing field. Paxton is suing Google, claiming it has built a monopoly on online display advertising. In court documents, he says Google chased off competition using a variety of methods, including conspiring with Facebook to manipulate auctions where ads were sold. Googles monopolization of the display-advertising industry and its misleading business practices stifle innovation, limit consumer choice and reduce competition, Paxton said last year after he filed the suit. Texas and its coalition of allied states bring this action to lift the veil on Googles secret practices and secure relief to prevent it from engaging in future deceptive and misleading practices. Google officials have called Paxtons case baseless. Attorney General Paxtons ad tech claims are meritless, yet hes gone ahead in spite of all the facts, a Google spokesman said. Weve invested in state-of-the-art ad tech services that help businesses and benefit consumers. Digital ad prices have fallen over the last decade. Ad tech fees are falling too. Googles ad tech fees are lower than the industry average. These are the hallmarks of a highly competitive industry. We will strongly defend ourselves from his baseless claims in court. The move to restore Paxtons budget still has a long way to go in the Texas Legislature. The Texas Senate and House both have to agree on a two-year budget to run the state government before the session ends on May 31. Taylor Goldenstein contributed reporting. jeremy.wallace@chron.com WestJet says it is restoring flights to several regional destinations in Eastern Canada that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A worker carrying a disinfectant sprayer walks past a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft, after cleaning another plane at Vancouver International Airport, in Richmond, B.C., on Thursday, January 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck WestJet says it is restoring flights to several regional destinations in Eastern Canada that were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline said it will resume flying to Charlottetown, Fredericton, Moncton, Sydney, N.S., and Quebec City. The flights are to resume over six days beginning June 24. "We committed to return to the communities we left, as a result of the pandemic, and we will be restoring flights to these regions in the coming months, of our own volition," Ed Sims, WestJet's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. WestJet suspended service to the five cities in November. Service between St. John's, N.L., and Toronto will resume June 24, after flights were suspended in October. A restart of service between St. John's and Halifax will also be moved up to May 6 from the previous target of June 24. The withdrawal of airlines from smaller markets in Canada, such as cities in the Atlantic provinces, had raised concerns about connectivity issues between the region and the rest of the country. The flight suspensions had also taken a toll on businesses in the region, including the smaller airports that rely on revenues from airlines and passengers. WestJet's announcement comes as industry analysts expect a partial restart in travel later this year, as a greater percentage of Canadians receive vaccinations for COVID-19. Air Canada is expected to restore service to some destinations beginning in early May, including cities in the U.S. and Caribbean. Canadian airlines in January suspended all flights to sun destinations until April 30 at the request of the federal government. Air Canada had said it expected a testing program at airports to replace some quarantine measures for international travellers by the time flights to sun destinations were set to resume, but the federal government has yet to indicate that it is willing to loosen the restrictions, which include a mandatory stay in a hotel for people arriving by air. Still, some airlines are betting that demand for travel will increase soon. Low-cost carrier Flair Airlines, for example, said in February that it was expanding service to eight cities in Canada ahead of a potential restart of domestic tourism this spring and summer. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has defended the decision not to introduce a Government-backed insurance scheme for music festivals (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has defended the decision not to introduce a Government-backed insurance scheme for music festivals, saying she does not want to give the sector confidence before pulling the rug out from underneath them again. UK event organisers and campaign groups have said a major barrier to festivals taking place this summer is a commitment from the Government to provide indemnity for the industry in case of coronavirus-forced cancellations. Appearing at the closing session of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee inquiry into the challenges faced by the festival circuit, Ms Dinenage told MPs she is not prepared to announce an insurance scheme while substantial uncertainty remains around live events. Expand Close Ed Sheeran performs at Glastonbury in 2017 (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ed Sheeran performs at Glastonbury in 2017 (Yui Mok/PA) She said: The fact is, chairman, as the minister responsible for this I would much rather be able to make an announcement when I am absolutely certain things can go ahead, or at least in a much better sense of predictability that things can go ahead, than announce an indemnity scheme, give people the confidence in order to pull the rug out from underneath them again. I just wouldnt be prepared to do that. Ms Dinenage said that, due to the pandemic, certainty and predictability have become like magical unicorns. Last year, the Government introduced the Film and TV Production Restart Scheme, a 500 million scheme that was extended for six months in the Budget. But the minister told MPs a similar scheme would not work for the music industry due to its dependence on live audiences as well as issues with when insurance money would be paid out. She said: Quite simply, for the reason that there are no live audiences in high-end film and TV production and that is where the risk is moving large numbers of people around the country. Expand Close Festival-goers at Glastonbury in 2016 (Ben Birchall/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Festival-goers at Glastonbury in 2016 (Ben Birchall/PA) The Government is running a series of pilot events during April and May with the aim of building scientific evidence to help guide the reopening of the live events industry. However, Ms Dinenage said the closest thing to a major festival included in the pilot currently is a nightclub, which allows free movement of people in an unfettered way. The minister said her team is meeting a large festival organiser at the moment to discuss possible further options. She added: We do plan to do a festival-type event. Clearly, one of the things we wont be able to do is a very, very large multi-day music festival with an unstructured audience in the original April phase of pilots, because there are massive operational and ethical challenges to conducting something of that scale. Victoria MacCallum, head of policy for the creative industries at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said it is hoped an announcement about the range of pilots can be announced in the next week or so. A number of major festivals, including Glastonbury and the Download Festival in Donington Park in Leicestershire, have already cancelled their 2021 events due to a range of challenges. Some others have been able to reschedule until late summer or early autumn Parklife in Manchester has moved its event from June to September. Kenya Moore is facing major backlash after the most recent episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta aired. The reality TV personality wore a Native American headdress to a Halloween party that was deemed highly inappropriate. IllumiNative, a new nonprofit initiative designed to increase the visibility of Natives in American society, denounced the costume. After Bravo slammed the star, Moore issued an apology. Kenya Moore | Prince Williams/Wireimage Why is Kenya Moores costume considered offensive? Moore became a trending topic on Sunday, March 21 after she appeared on TV. The RHOA ladies attended a Halloween party organized by Falynn Guobadia. There were negative vibes at the event and it was just a disaster. With the personal drama aside, many fans noticed Moores costume was highly inappropriate. Moore dressed up as a warrior princess and wore a Native American headdress. After the episode aired on Bravo, IllumiNative denounced Moore for wearing the costume and the cable network for allowing it. We are deeply disturbed by the recent episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta, in which Kenya Moore wore a Native American warrior princess costume, the statement read. Costumes that mock Native peoples, defame our traditions and cultures, and perpetuate negative stereotypes are racist. Playing Indian is a form of mascotry that is not just offensive, it is part of a long history of how Native peoples have been dehumanized. Kenya Moore | Steven Ferdman/Getty Images RELATED: RHOA: Porsha Williams Says Friendship With Kenya Moore Dont Matter Countless research studies show the harm these images, actions, and the normalization of these behaviors have on our youth, the statement continued. We also know the dehumanization and sexualization of Native women contributes to the crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous women. IllumiNative also expressed concern that none of the producers or executives at Bravo, Comcast, or NBC Universal intervened. They did acknowledge that some of the cast members did comment on how offensive the costume was on camera. IllumiNative asks for an apology At the end of IllumiNatives statement, they asked for an apology from everyone involved in the incident. The series has had several instances of racism and offensive behavior and yet it seems no training, procedures, or standards have been sent to stop offensive acts, which go against the values Comcast professes to have, IllumiNative added. It is important that Bravo, Comcast, NBC Universal, Andy Cohen, and Kenya Moore apologize for the harm they have caused Native peoples and commit to ensuring offensive displays like this never happen again. Native people are not a costume. Bravo replied to IllumiNatives post on Instagram and said they aim to have the highest standards of respect and inclusivity. The network recognized that RHOA did not uphold those values. We had hoped it would provide a teachable moment, however in retrospect it is clear that the network did not address this properly given the gravity of the situation, Bravo continued. We apologize to both the Native American community and our audience as a whole. Kenya Moore | Tommy Garcia/Bravo RELATED: RHOA: Kenya Moore Reveals if Marc Daly Knew She Sent Nudes To LaToya Ali Moore also issued an apology on Twitter after the backlash. Want to sincerely apologize for inappropriately wearing the Native American headdress as a costume, the tweet read. I now realize that this was both disrespectful and insensitive and would never have done it if I had that knowledge and understanding beforehand. I regret it. When you know better, you do better. I am genuinely sorry. Theres no word if Bravo intends to edit out the scene or add a disclaimer for future broadcasts of the episode. But complaints of Zoom fatigue have emerged across industries and classrooms in the past year, as people confined to working from home faced schedules packed with virtual meetings, and found that their hours of on-camera work were often followed up by long video catch-ups with friends. The widespread feeling of burnout prompted research from Stanford University trying to explain why video calls felt so draining. In a peer-reviewed article published in the journal Technology, Mind and Behavior last month, Professor Jeremy Bailenson, the founding director of the Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab, outlined several reasons video calls can be so much more exhausting than in-person conversations. He found that the excessive eye contact involved in video calls, the unnatural situation of seeing ourselves on-screen and having to stay in the same fixed spot all contribute toward Zoom fatigue. Video calls are also harder mental work for us, Professor Bailenson said in a news release, because we have to put in more effort to make and interpret nonverbal communications. If you want to show someone that you are agreeing with them, you have to do an exaggerated nod or put your thumbs up, he said. That adds cognitive load as youre using mental calories in order to communicate. Dr. Aaron Balick, a psychotherapist and the author of The Psychodynamics of Social Networking, said a key mistake companies made when setting up work-from-home conditions last year was to treat Zoom calls as the equivalent of face-to-face meetings. He said that they failed to consider the additional mental burden placed on workers and the downtime needed to process what was said between calls. They require different intellectual muscles, Dr. Balick said in an interview on Wednesday, adding that Zoom calls needed to be treated as a functionally different thing. The HSE has apologised after healthcare workers received duplicate vaccine appointments for separate venues in Dublin this week. The error saw healthcare workers (HCWs) being offered two appointments to be vaccinated, one at the Aviva stadium and one at the Beacon Hospital. The HSE said the issues arose because of the work underway across separate teams to finish the residue of Cohort 2 applicants. Work has now been undertaken to ensure that this does not reoccur. Read More HCWs who received the duplicate appointments said they had the same text reply number so they could not cancel one without cancelling the other. A HSE spokesperson said that where enquires were received people were told to accept the most convenient one. No vaccine was wasted as a result of this small number of double appointments. The HSE apologies for any inconvenience caused. The HSE confirmed it will close off vaccination of the frontline healthcare workers this week. A spokesperson said frontline health care workers are now substantially completed for dose one. The spokesperson added: As a result we will be closing the front line health care workers portal at the end of this week bringing vaccination of this cohort to an end. Any front line health care workers who register this week will still be vaccinated. The move comes after the Irish Independent revealed that hundreds of backroom HSE staff, including those working in payroll and pension departments, were vaccinated earlier this month. Back-office staff in Cork, Offaly, Galway and Limerick received the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, with the HSE stating that it is currently vaccinating staff in category 2g of the sequencing framework. This includes all other healthcare workers without direct patient care but working in a healthcare facility with the potential to meet patients/service users. On Saturday, HSE CEO Paul Reid said that following a discussion with Colm Henry, the decision had been taken to close off the cohort. Read More GB Foods Ghana, manufacturer of Gino, tomato mix, seasoning tablet, rice, pasta and other food products have provided the Ga East Municipal Hospital with a Wellness Centre at a cost of GHS 50,000.00. This coincided with the first-anniversary celebration of the hospital. The Wellness Center is a unit at the hospital that allows individuals to walk-in for basic diagnostic services and receive comprehensive advice on how to live and maintain healthy lifestyles. At GBfoods, we have learnt over the years how special it is to enjoy good, nutritious food and, even more importantly, how food can explain and strengthen our traditions, our culture, our roots and the richness of our land. The COVID-19 pandemic currently causing mayhem across the country and world at large has taught us that healthy living is imperative on any day. The Ga East Municipal Hospital has been in the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in Ghana, solely dedicating the past one year to managing patients infected with the virus. Our decision to provide a Wellness Center for the Ga East Municipal Hospital is borne out of our Purpose, Celebrating local flavours, which is to empower each of the local communities we belong to and to bring out these authentic flavours. This includes taking action to make a difference to the communities we belong the General Manager, of GB Foods Ghana, Mr David Afflu said at the Handing over ceremony. The Medical Superintendent in Charge at the Hospital, Dr Ebenezer Oduro Mensah who was present at the handing over ceremony said, GB Foods has proven to be a true partner in such times, I recall when we made the request to them last year, even though they were positive, we did not think that it will be this quick. Were happy GB Foods kept their word, we encourage other corporate bodies out there to emulate this example. The wellness centre will afford the general public the opportunity to get tested and receive counselling on common medical conditions from health personnel without necessarily queuing through the general outpatients unit. The Ga East Municipal Hospital was commissioned by his Excellency, the President of Ghana on 6th November 2019, and is located at Kwabenya in the Greater Accra Region. The Wellness Center provided by GB Foods Ghana comes to complement the many facilities of the hospital including; theatres, delivery rooms, emergency and casualty units. 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 The decision to expand into Mexico came as Wise Harness Solutions executives sought a solution to the ongoing labor shortage plaguing manufacturers across the U.S. The company had found itself struggling to grow its Wisconsin workforce to support the demand from its customers. With more of its competitors moving into Mexico, the company recognized that the lack of a Mexican presence, combined with this workforce shortage, would make it more difficult to provide the highest quality products, on-time delivery, at the competitive price its customers expected. Upon talking with colleagues who had made the move into Mexico, Wise Harness Solutions leaders discovered the advantages of operating through the maquiladora program under the umbrella of an experienced shelter service provider like Tetakawi. "Tetakawi offered the most comprehensive solution to our needs," says John Michaud, Vice President of Wise Harness. "They offer a truly turnkey solution that will allow us to focus on growing our business without worrying about the bureaucracy of doing business in a foreign country." Tetakawi's depth of experience in working with other wire harness manufacturers also proved particularly attractive to the company. Michaud adds, "We selected Empalme as the location for our new facility due to its proximity to the U.S. and the availability of an experienced workforce." Empalme is a mere four-hour drive to the U.S. border. However, it's location along the sea of Cortez, the second largest port on the Pacific Coast, provides manufacturers with additional options for cost-effectively reaching global customers in a timely manner. The 25,000-square-foot facility will begin producing complex OEM vehicle wire harnesses, battery cables and control panels by early April 2021. Wise Harness executives expect that the additional capacity this facility affords will help the company to bid on more projects, allowing for additional expansion in product offerings over the next few years. Tetakawi also helped connect the manufacturer with an experienced workforce. The facility will open with 25 employees, with plans to expand to 50 in the near future. "While competitive labor costs may lead many manufacturers to consider an operation in Mexico, it's the technical excellence available from this workforce that encourages manufacturers to stay and flourish," says Luis Felipe Seldner, President, Tetakawi. "We take pride in connecting foreign investors with a skilled workforce to support their manufacturing excellence, and look forward to supporting Wise Harness Solutions' ongoing growth." To learn more about the services available through Tetakawi's manufacturing communities, visit https://tetakawi.com/solutions/manufacturing-communities. Since 1986, no one has helped more companies investigate, launch, operate and thrive in Mexico more than Tetakawi. With 24,000 employees in Mexico and the U.S., 75 clients from around the world and six locations in Mexico, Tetakawi has grown into one of the largest privately-owned companies in Mexico. For more information, visit tetakawi.com. This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com. SOURCE Tetakawi (Natural News) The situation at Americas southern border has almost never been worse under Resident Biden, and yet the alleged president insists that nothing is his own fault, and that President Donald Trump is to blame. During a recent interview with ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos, China Joe denied ever telling illegal migrants to surge the border, even though he is on record as having done so. Hunters dad also lied about putting children in cages, which is still happening to this very day. There was a surge the last two years in 19 and 20, there was a surge as well, Beijing Biden told Stephanopoulos while trying to skirt the issue. When Stephanopoulos retorted that this one might be worse, Dementia Joe started rambling incoherently as he often does while throwing in barbs against Trump. No well, it could be, Sleepy Joe responded, apparently unaware of the fact that his own Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief just confirmed this past week that the border crisis is seeing its biggest surge of invaders in 20 years. But, heres the deal, Biden went on to blab. First of all, the idea that Joe Biden said come is I heard the other day that theyre coming because they know Im a nice guy and I wont do what Trump did. Stephanopoulos stated back, Theyre saying this, to which Biden then responded: Well, heres the deal: theyre not. The adults are being sent back, number one. Number two, what do you do with an unaccompanied child that comes to the border? Do you repeat what Trump did? Take them from their mothers? Move them away? Hold them in cells, et cetera? Were not doing that! This is a lie, of course, as children are still being separated from their parents and held in border cages. And China Joe did invite them to come to the border, despite what he now claims. Perhaps Beijing Biden forgot to take his Alzheimers medicine, or maybe he is simply a chronic liar who whenever he ends up in a bind starts making things up to try to appear innocent. In either case, nobody is buying the nonsensical ramblings of this mentally ill con man. Dementia Joe says it is unpatriotic not to get vaccinated for the Chinese virus Biden also went on a verbal tirade against Americans who are refusing to be injected with Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) needles. According to Hunters dad, the country may not be able to open by July 4 after all because some people are refusing to obey the dementia patients decrees. I wont be able to meet the July 4 deadline unless people listen, Biden spewed, missing certain consonants and vowels as he typically does when speaking. I just dont understand this sort of macho thing about, Im not gonna get the vaccine, I have a right as an American, my freedom to not do it. Well, why dont you be a patriot, protect other people? Agreeing to modify ones own DNA through experimental genetic modification certainly does not qualify as patriotic in the traditional sense of the word. The Biden regime, however, thinks there is nothing more patriotic then getting syringed with irreversible Big Pharma chemicals that are killing people. Finally, China Joe relished in the memory of a time back in 2014 when he told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he does not have a soul. Biden met with Putin alone and is quite proud of that, even though President Trump was criticized when he did the same thing. More related news about the failed presidency of Hunters dad can be found at Alzheimers.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com China's vaccine aid is a manifestation of timely support from a responsible major country 09:04, March 24, 2021 By Ye Zhu ( People's Daily Online Chinese COVID-19 vaccines have recently arrived in Pakistan, Laos, Zimbabwe, Belarus, Mongolia, Singapore and Egypt and have been warmly received. Leaders of many countries went to airports to welcome the arrival of the vaccines. Indonesia issued a special stamp capturing the moment the Indonesian President Joko Widodo became the first person in the country to receive a Chinese vaccine shot. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (L) receives his second injection of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's biopharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 27, 2021. Jokowi received his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 13. (Muchlis Jr/Presidential Press Bureau/Handout via Xinhua) "At the end of the year when everything has settled down, I intend to make a short visit to China to just shake hands with President Xi Jinping and personally thank him for this donation," said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. China has donated or is donating COVID vaccines to 69 developing countries in urgent need, and is exporting vaccines to 43 countries. While China makes selfless contributions to the global anti-pandemic effort, some wealthy countries are busy hoarding vaccines and hyping up their claims of so-called "vaccine diplomacy" to smear China. By providing vaccine aid and exporting vaccines, China intends to protect the right to life of more people around the world. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), said at a COVID-19 Virtual Press conference on March 12 that more people will continue to die the longer it takes to distribute vaccines as rapidly and as equitably as possible. Despite the massive scale of vaccine manufacturing taking place in the world, the way the vaccine doses are distributed are decided by a few rich countries. The Associated Press reported on March 2 that the choices are limited for low- and middle-income countries that have been clobbered by COVID-19. Vaccine deployment globally has been dominated by wealthier countries, which have snapped up 5.8 billion of the 8.2 billion doses purchased worldwide. Chile, despite a previously signed purchase agreement with American pharmaceutical company Pfizer for 10 million vaccine doses, received far fewer doses of the vaccine than it had been promised. In the month after its vaccination program began in late December, only around 150,000 of the 10 million Pfizer doses arrived in the South American country. It wasnt until Chinese company Sinovac Biotech Ltd. offered 4 million doses in late January that Chile began inoculating its population of 19 million with impressive speed. The Associated Press report also said that for those countries that have not yet secured a vaccine, China may be the only solution. Chinas provision and aid of vaccines demonstrates that it always walks the walk as a responsible major country. Chinese leaders have pledged on multiple international occasions that COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment in China, when available, will be made a global public good, which will be China's contribution to ensuring vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China has, at the request of the WHO, planned to provide 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the global vaccine sharing scheme COVAX to meet the urgent needs of developing countries. At the critical moment of the global fight against COVID-19, the vaccines are a tangible show of support from China for multilateralism and the WHO. They are also a token of Chinas selfless assistance at the height of the pandemic. Mutual help and support in times of adversity has always been the important belief that has underpinned the progress of human civilization until today. The Chinese have always believed that China will do well only when the world does well. Real safety can only be achieved when all are protected from this deadly and contagious virus. Chinas vaccine aid is not aimed at seeking greater influence through so-called vaccine diplomacy, but is a manifestation of bringing about a community with a shared future for mankind. It is known to all that the U.S. has hoarded a large number of vaccine doses. The Press Secretary of the White House said on March 12, We have not provided doses from the US government to anyone. Great countries should not shirk their responsibilities as major countries, refuse to make vaccines a global public good, point fingers at the selfless actions of other countries, or concoct the idea of vaccine diplomacy. What they should do is adopt a healthy mindset, and address the uneven distribution of life-saving vaccines in their own countries. Related reading US accusing China of "vaccine diplomacy" reveals dark mentality, cold-blooded nature Commentary: "Vaccine nationalism" hampers global anti-virus efforts (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Good morning. It wont be a very warm Wednesday, but at least theres no snow in the forecast. George Segal, who worked in Hollywood for decades and was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1966 movie Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, has died at 87. Thousands of Manitoba Hydro workers are fully on strike after members rejected the Crown corporations latest offer. Adam Treusch, assignment editor An American expat living Down Under has apologised after branding Australians 'lazy' for the way they eat sushi. In a video uploaded to TikTok, Kelsey Bullis argued sushi rolls should be sliced into bite-sized pieces, saying she had a 'bone to pick' with the way Australian restaurants typically serve the iconic Japanese dish. Following heated backlash from Aussie viewers, Ms Bullis - who is believed to live in the ACT - posted a follow-up clip to 'make up' to everyone she has 'offended' by listing what she loves about Australian culture. Among her favourite things are Australia's 'life-changing' coffee, sense of humour and world-class healthcare, which is free for all citizens. Scroll down for video American expat Kelsey Bullis (pictured) argued sushi rolls should be sliced into bite-sized pieces, saying she had a 'bone to pick' with the way Australian restaurants typically serve the iconic Japanese dish Following heated backlash from Aussie viewers, Ms Bullis (pictured) - who is believed to live in the ACT - posted a follow-up clip to 'make up' to everyone she has 'offended 'I've got a bone to pick with you Aussies, okay,' she said. 'Even if you're not Australian, don't scroll, the whole world deserves answers to this question.' Holding an avocado roll in front of the camera, she asked: 'What is this, huh?' Ms Bullis said Australians take the term sushi roll 'too literally', insisting they are designed to be sliced before eating so that soy sauce can be drizzled evenly over each chunk. Sushi rolls are a popular and affordable lunch staple in cities across Australia, with prices ranging from $2.80 for a vegetarian flavour to $3.50 for classics such as salmon and avocado. Ms Bullis declared the practice of eating roll whole to be 'pure laziness', before telling viewers: 'Don't come for me.' But dozens did, with many telling Ms Bullis to cut the rolls herself if she was so adamant on eating them in individual pieces. ''Pure laziness?' Okay then. Cut it yourself if you don't like the roll,' one woman replied. 'Australians don't need them in dainty little slices,' said a second, while a third added: 'We're Aussie, we ain't picky.' Ms Bullis (pictured) received heated backlash from Aussie viewers for her opinions on sushi rolls At least 500 viewers urged Ms Bullis to 'go home' to the US if she was so upset by something so trivial. Her apology attracted attention of a different kind, with many describing Ms Bullis as a 'good sport'. 'Us Aussies can be a little thin skinned over some of our stuff, food is definitely a touchy one,' one person wrote. 'I'm sorry you felt you needed to do this, but it's sweet you're trying,' added another. As The New York Times affirms, the first time the shining star attached to Flagstaff Mountain, overhanging Boulder, Colorado, was lit outside of the holiday season in recent years was March 23, 2020. When that happened, the whole world was going through one of those big shifts. It was the advent of COVID-19s diffusion in Boulder county, around when the University of Colorado rapidly shuttered. The second time the star was lit occurred Monday night, after a gunman entered a King Soopers grocery store near campus, killing 10 people with an assault rifle. Exactly one year apart significantly, at inverse ends of the pandemic. The first unconventional time the star, first built in 1947, became visible to me, I was a senior finishing my last semester at the university. Luck would have it that lockdown hit and everyone was scrambling to stock up on whatever supplies they could find. I remember going to King Soopers with my roommates. The shelves were wiped, and people were nervously moving around the aisles like flies. Advil? Did the CDC say that would help? We could only find a small bottle. Cough syrup? We left the store, maskless and tense, with a 24-pack of Blue Moon. The second time, I found out about the star being lit again through an Instagram post that was circulating while in San Antonio the place I urgently left Boulder for to be with family, shortly after that particular grocery run. I had heard that there was something happening. A girl I know from the student newspaper I used to work for, The CU Independent, posted the first update. Reports of a shooting. People were standing by. Stay away from Table Mesa, the posts read. Another friend posted something about almost going shopping a few hours before. Later I would find out, from a Rachel Maddow clip of all things, that the student reporter, Anna Haynes, currently living directly across from the supermarket, heard shots firing, saw the gunman enter the building, and a body lying in the lot. When I got home I scoured Twitter for more information, and unwittingly watched a deeply disturbing video by a crass citizen bystander on the scene, who was exploiting the shock-value of the visible violence for film. There was an acute wave of nausea. Growing increasingly fearful for my friends still in the city, I turned on the news with my mom, and was met with the eerily familiar template for tragedy set in an eerily familiar place. To watch a scene in your memory associated with evening snack runs with friends during college suddenly become re-contextualized in obscene violence on national news is a very upsetting and startling experience. There is simply no other way to put it. The news of mass shootings always violates, taking with it something in all of us thats untenable, that makes you question the future, and venturing outdoors. However, when affected by the crawler and the hive of cop cars, yellow tape, and somber faces, the sight of that strip mall bordered by dark mountain outlines Id see exiting the bus to drop by my friends house, or to pick a couple things up at the store, incited a unique phantom violence. READ MORE: San Antonio International Airport will offer new cheap nonstops to Leon, Mexico That being said, my experience is nothing. I cant imagine what it felt like for the people that were there in Boulder, and everywhere, every time these things happen. The last incident, when a notably white shooter transgressed three Atlanta massage parlors, killing eight, only happened one week ago. Suddenly and sickeningly, as pandemic restrictions are starting to lift, and biological threat decreases, the menace of looming gun violence is seemingly picking up where it left off. I dont have any answers, this incident is merely close to me. I think banning assault rifles could be a start. I think maybe it's helpful to think about why these things happen, but that too feels like grasping at something unnameable. It is too easy to follow this thought trajectory to dark places. Is it suburban isolation? Maybe its the worst of human nature made easier by accessibility. In some cases, it's brutal racism. Coming into the world just before Columbine, its tempting to want to mentally check out. It is hard not to question if these acts of violence will ever stop, and if they are signs of a society in decay. Boulder is a preternaturally beautiful place, marked by its Tuscan tile decorated university and the sort of alpine features outdoor buffs pilgrimage to. It is very homogenous, wealthy, and its biosphere often referred to as a bubble. Theres something dark about places like this. In recent years, it has come to be colonized by tech pioneers that almost out-number the older granola population of legend that nonetheless still persists. Before the hippies, it was an offshoot of an old mining town, perhaps cementing Colorados libertarian spirit. Before their white colonization, the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute people dominated Boulders hills. Im not making any broad accusations, or trying to diminish the unthinkable atrocity that happened on Monday. I just feel it can be important in times like these to trace how we got here. READ MORE: San Antonio psychiatrist offers advice on how to guide kids through a reopened world I spent most of college living in the bubble, enjoying the scenery, and though it wasnt my main grocery store, I spent many evenings walking the aisles of that King Soopers. In many ways I still think of Boulder as my community. Its scary to think about, and its scary thinking about it happening again anywhere else to others. I feel deeply for my friends having to carry on with school this week. I mourn for the victims and their families in the King Soopers shooting. Their names are Denny Strong, Neven Stanisic, Rikki Olds, Tralona Bartkowiak, Suzanne Fountain, Teri Leiker, Eric Talley, Kevin Mahoney, Lynn Murray and Jody Waters. Like people all across the country after news like this, I mourn for the state of things. Camille Sauers is a freelance writer based in San Antonio. Find her on Twitter @camillesaccount. Send her emails to camillefrancissauers@gmail.com. A wanted Wilkes-Barre man who was captured in Miami was brought back to Pennsylvania on Tuesday to face murder charges in connection with a deadly triple shooting. Jayshawn "Times Too" Malik Johnson, 21, last known address of Madison Street, was arraigned on criminal homicide charges before Magisterial District Judge Rick Cornauer, who denied bail. Prosecutors said Johnson opened fire outside Bo's on Main at 215 S. Main St. around 11:30p.m. Jan. 30, killing two people and seriously injuring a third. Two of the victims, Damian Thomas, 32, and Maurice Chapman, 31, died at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital of multiple gunshot wounds. The third victim, Al Quan Cade Jr., was critically injured with a gunshot wound to the head that cost him his vision in his left eye, prosecutors said. (Bloomberg) -- Oil surged the most since November as signs of stronger gasoline demand in the U.S. eased concerns around the global economic recovery from the pandemic. Futures in New York jumped 5.9 percent on Wednesday, just about erasing the prior sessions price plunge that pushed futures to the lowest since early February. A U.S. inventory report showed domestic fuel consumption is at the highest in four months and Gulf Coast refiners are increasing their appetite for crude. Meanwhile, work to re-float a giant vessel thats blocking the Suez Canal is suspended until Thursday, complicating efforts to get traffic moving again in one of the worlds most important waterways. West Texas Intermediate for May delivery climbed $3.42 to settle at $61.18 a barrel. The market was due for a correction, but weve had it and now its over, said Bill OGrady, executive vice president at Confluence Investment Management in St. Louis. The short-run outlook is looking better. More vaccines in arms and more people able to get around is all good news. Oil prices have been on a volatile ride over the past week amid signs of softening physical demand, renewed pandemic-related lockdowns in Europe and the unwinding of long positions. Key timespreads briefly flipped into contango earlier this week, a market structure signaling oversupply. The recent weakness has called into question the OPEC+ alliances next move. The group agreed to extended supply curbs into April and are likely to maintain output targets for another month with Saudi Arabia possibly cutting even deeper, according to industry consultant FGE. The producer alliance will meet next week. Before these events in Europe, OPEC was clearly on pace to raise production and the market looked willing to accept that, said Rob Thummel, a portfolio manager at Tortoise, a firm that manages roughly $8 billion in energy-related assets. Now, theres more uncertainty whether they do that. The Ever Given, a container ship longer than the Eiffel Tower that ran aground in the southern part of the canal in Egypt, is still stuck across the waterway despite efforts to release it with tugs and excavators. Dredgers are still trying to loosen the vessel before any attempt to pull it out. More than 150 ships are gridlocked around the canal. In the U.S., the four-week rolling average for gasoline demand climbed further above 8 million barrels a day last week, according to an Energy Information Administration report on Wednesday. Domestic refineries processed 14.4 million barrels a day of crude, near levels seen before Februarys polar blast. Still, U.S. crude inventories rose for a fifth straight week. 2021 Bloomberg L.P. As state lawmakers in Austin wrap up the latest legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday threatened to withhold their pay by vetoing a line item in the states budget because a Democratic walkout killed his priority elections bill. No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities, Abbott tweeted. Should the governor veto Legislature funding? You voted: Speciality chemicals manufacturer Anupam Rasayan India saw a lacklustre listing in a volatile session on Wednesday. The stock was listed at 534.37 on the BSE, a 3.6 per cent discount to the issue price of Rs 555 per share. A total of five stocks, out of 23 that have made stock market debut so far this fiscal, have seen a tepid listing. The Rs 760 crore IPO of the company was subscribed 44 times earlier this month but given market volatility, its grey market premium had fallen substantially to just nearly Rs 100 per share. Two more companies - Craftsman Automation and Laxmi Organic Industries are likely to test their fate tomorrow while Kalyan Jewellers' listing is expected to take place on March 26. Other stocks that made a weak debut at the bourses this financial year include Indian Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) that listed at a discount of nearly 4 per cent in January, Equitas Small Finance Bank (-6.1 per cent), UTI Asset Management (-11.5 per cent) and Angel Broking (-10.1 per cent). Of these, only IRFC is currently trading below its issue price of Rs 26. On the other hand, Equitas Small Finance Bank is significantly up by almost 84 per cent and UTI Asset Management and Angel Broking are merely trading 1 per cent above their issue price. On Anupam Rasayan listing, Hemang Jani, Head Equity Strategy, Broking & Distribution, Motilal Oswal Financial Services says, "The valuations were little on a higher side and given the current market sentiment, this led to a weak listing. Further there are too many IPOs hitting the market at the same time which is resulting in quick rotation of money. Speciality chemical segment is also getting over-crowded; thus, companies with over-valuation are not well supported at a time of weak market cues." Meanwhile, Indian benchmark indices ended sharply lower on Wednesday amidst high volatility owing to weak global cues and spike in infections. The BSE Sensex closed at 49,180, down by 871 points and the NSE Nifty ended lower by 1.79 per cent. Also Read: After just 38% sale in telecom auctions, 5G spectrum prices likely to be reduced Also Read: Hiring activity picks up pace; IT sector leads the pack Also Read: A year after crash- Investor wealth doubles 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 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. Post-graduation students and house surgeons from several private medical colleges complain that they are not getting monthly stipend on par with those from governments medical colleges. (Representational image : DC file photo) Vijayawada: Government junior doctors in Andhra Pradesh have given a strike-call seeking release of their pending stipend of the past few months. The junior doctors say the first-year students are not getting their monthly stipend of Rs 44,500 for the last five months while the second-year students who get Rs 46,500 and the third-year students getting Rs 48,500 are left high and dry for the last three months. They had served a strike notice to the state government and would stop work from Saturday next, by attending to only emergency cases. They have skipped duty at out-patient ward and are not going for rounds in wards to take care of patients. Meanwhile, post-graduation students and house surgeons from several private medical colleges complain that they are not getting monthly stipend on par with those from governments medical colleges. They allege that some private managements remit full stipend in their bank accounts for record and ask them to return a part of it to them. House surgeons complain about extension of two months to complete their internship and want to be relieved by the National Medical Council. They say private managements are asking them to serve at their colleges for the extended period of two months. Parents committee president and state BC employees honorary president Dr Ala Venkateswaralu alleged in a statement that the Katuri medical college and hospital located in Guntur was paying less stipend to the PG students and house surgeons against the state government norms and are resorting to financial irregularities worth crores of rupees. He alleged that the management was threatening not to relieve the house surgeons unless they completed their service for the extended two months until end of May, though their internship was getting completed by March 23. He criticised the college managements for not releasing the Covid-19 incentive to junior doctors so far even as the state government had paid a huge amount to the colleges for this purpose. He said, We appeal to the NTR university of health sciences and also the AP Higher Education Regulatory and Monitoring Commission to take necessary action. NTR registrar Dr K Sankar said, If there are any irregularities, we will call for remarks from them and take necessary action. Moreover, medical college principals are having the discretion to extend the period of internship for house surgeons. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - EMX Royalty Corporation (NYSE American: EMX) (TSXV: EMX) (FSE: 6E9) (the "Company" or "EMX") is pleased to announce the execution, by its wholly-owned subsidiary Bronco Creek Exploration Inc., of an exploration and option agreement (the "Agreement") for the Red Top, Ripsey West, and Miller Mountain projects (the "Project" or "Projects") in North America with Zaya Resources, Ltd. ("Zaya"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zacapa Resources Ltd. ("Zacapa"), a privately held British Columbia corporation. The Red Top and Ripsey West Projects occur in central Arizona's Laramide copper belt, and the Miller Mountain Project is located within the regionally mineralized Trans-Challis fault zone of west-central Idaho. The Agreement provides EMX with a 9.9% equity interest in Zacapa, a 2.50% production royalty for Red Top and Ripsey West, a 3.5% production royalty for Miller Mountain, and for each Project advance royalty and milestone payments. These projects exemplify the royalty generation aspect of EMX's business model, which focuses on acquiring properties in highly prospective mineral belts, often in the "shadows of headframes", and adds value through early stage field work and innovative geologic targeting. EMX acquired the projects through the staking of open ground after recognizing overlooked opportunities in districts with historical exploration that may have not have fit the exploration or development criteria of the time. The projects all lie in the vicinity of past producing mines, or current development or operational mining projects. The application by EMX geologists of previously underappreciated or underapplied concepts, such as post-mineral faulting and tilting of mineralized systems, has illuminated these new targets in old districts. Commercial Terms Overview:Pursuant to the Agreement, Zaya holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in each of the Projects subject to the following (all dollar amounts in USD): Issuance of 9.9% of the outstanding shares of Zacapa to EMX and reimbursement of EMX's acquisition and holding costs upon signing; Zacapa raising a minimum of $3,000,000 of exploration capital and completing a successful IPO before the third anniversary of the Agreement. EMX will maintain a non-dilution right through $3,000,000 of capital raises whereby Zacapa will issue additional shares to EMX to maintain its 9.9% equity position at no cost to EMX; and Zacapa making annual advance royalty ("AAR") payments for each Project to EMX beginning with $20,000 on the latter of the issuance of drill permits, or the second anniversary of the Agreement, and increasing $10,000 each year to a cap of $75,000 per year. Upon Zaya's exercise of the option: EMX will be granted a royalty of 2.5% of the Production Returns for the Red Top and Ripsey West Projects and a royalty of 3.5% of the Production Returns at Miller Mountain Project; and EMX will continue to receive AAR payments with respect to each Project. Milestone payments are due to EMX with respect to each Project, whether the milestones are achieved during the option period, or after exercise of the option, in the amounts of: $200,000 upon completion of a preliminary economic assessment (PEA); $1,000,000 upon the earlier of completion of a prefeasibility study (PFS) or feasibility study (FS); and $1,000,000 upon a positive development decision. Zacapa has the option to purchase a total of 0.5% from each of the Red Top and Ripsey West Project's Royalty and 1.0% of the Miller Mountain Project Royalty for a total of $2,000,000 per Royalty buyback prior to the eighth anniversary of the Agreement. EMX will have a preemptive right to participate in future financings to maintain its 9.9% equity interest as long as it holds a minimum 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of Zacapa. Project Overviews Red Top and Ripsey West Porphyry Cu-Mo Projects, Arizona. The Red Top and Ripsey West Projects lie in the vicinity of several significant mines and large copper deposits, including Resolution and Superior East (Rio-Tinto/BHP Billiton), Pinto Valley (Capstone Mining), Carlota (KGHM International), Ray (ASARCO), and Florence (Taseko). The Red Top Project is located in the Superior Mining District, eight kilometers northwest of the Resolution development project, and ten to twelve kilometers from the Carlota and Pinto Valley mining operations. The Ripsey West Project occurs in the Ripsey Mining District, and is centrally located relative to several important porphyry copper deposits, including the Ray mine (twenty kilometers northeast) and the Florence deposit. The Red Top Project is comprised of 192 unpatented mining claims covering over 3,583 acres. Red Top exhibits porphyry style alteration across a broad area, with locally intense alteration spanning several hundred meters that is associated with anomalous base metals mineralization. These intensely altered areas of quartz-sericite, as well as zones of pyrophyllite+illite dickite, are analogous to assemblages associated with mineralization at the upper levels of the Resolution deposit (Manske et al., 2002). EMX interprets this alteration and mineralization as the expression of the upper levels of a now moderately tilted porphyry system that has only seen limited historical exploration (i.e., no drilling within the target area). Zacapa and EMX are formalizing plans to drill test the Project in 2021. The Ripsey West Project is comprised of 95 unpatented mining claims and eight State of Arizona exploration leases covering over 6,477 acres. Previous exploration, including drilling by Conoco, Bear Creek, Noranda, BHP, and Freeport McMoRan, amongst others, focused on altered and mineralized outcrops hosting a porphyry dike swarm adjacent to EMX's target areas. These outcrops contain distal chlorite-epidote and sericitic-styles of alteration over an area of about four by six kilometers with a central zone of moderate sericitic alteration. Structurally controlled, strong sericitic alteration and variable copper mineralization occur locally. Compilation of historical drilling coupled with EMX's structural geologic work led to the recognition that the district is significantly tilted (approximately 90 degrees) and that the area of historical exploration represents a faulted portion of the side of a tilted porphyry copper system. EMX and Zacapa are targeting the fault displaced core of the system that is interpreted to lie to the west of these altered outcrops, under shallow alluvial cover. Zacapa is planning an initial drill test of the target area in the first half of 2021. Miller Mountain, Idaho. The Miller Mountain Project is located in west-central Idaho and comprised of 238 unpatented mining claims covering 4,917 acres. The Project covers a ~7.5 kilometer strike length of Idaho's Trans-Challis fault zone. Miller Mountain hosts both residual and modern day alluvial gold placers, as well as gold-bearing structures composed of tens of meters-wide quartz-sulfide veins and discrete silicified zones associated with weak to moderate sericitic-chloritic alteration. The Project also hosts historical resources at the Miller and Specimen mines. These vein and alteration assemblages form two distinct target types: 1) bulk tonnage, disseminated gold mineralization associated with near surface, thin quartz-sulfide veins and silicified zones, and 2) higher-grade quartz vein-hosted gold zones that will be the immediate focus of Zacapa's exploration programs. Comments on Exploration Programs, QA/QC Programs, and Nearby or Adjacent Deposits and Mines. The Company's exploration programs have been conducted in accordance with industry standard best practices. EMX conducts routine QA/QC analysis on its exploration samples, including the utilization of certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicate samples. References to nearby or adjacent mines or analogous deposits provide geologic context for EMX's Projects, but this is not necessarily indicative that EMX's Projects host similar mineralization. Michael P. Sheehan, CPG, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and employee of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved the disclosure of the technical information contained in this news release. About EMX. EMX is a precious and base metals royalty company. EMX's investors are provided with discovery, development, and commodity price optionality, while limiting exposure to risks inherent to operating companies. The Company's common shares are listed on the NYSE American Exchange and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol EMX. For further information contact: David M. Cole President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: (303) 979-6666 Dave@emxroyalty.com Scott Close Director of Investor Relations Phone: (303) 973-8585 SClose@emxroyalty.com Isabel Belger Investor Relations (Europe) Phone: +49 178 4909039 IBelger@EMXroyalty.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding perceived merit of properties, exploration results and budgets, mineral reserves and resource estimates, work programs, capital expenditures, timelines, strategic plans, market prices for precious and base metal, or other statements that are not statements of fact. When used in this news release, words such as "estimate," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "will", "believe", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which, by their very nature, are not guarantees of the Company's future operational or financial performance, and are subject to risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects or opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and factors may include, but are not limited to: unavailability of financing, failure to identify commercially viable mineral reserves, fluctuations in the market valuation for commodities, difficulties in obtaining required approvals for the development of a mineral project, increased regulatory compliance costs, expectations of project funding by joint venture partners and other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date otherwise specifically indicated herein. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified in this news release, and other risk factors and forward-looking statements listed in the Company's MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2020 (the "MD&A"), and the most recently filed Annual Information Form (the "AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2019, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. More information about the Company, including the MD&A, the AIF and financial statements of the Company, is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the SEC's EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78357 Kajiado County Government Alcoholic Drinks Control Board has increased levies paid by bar owners in an effort to boost its drying county coffers. A single business licence that used to cost Sh15,000 last year has shot up to Sh30,000 this year, forcing some operators to close down their businesses. Public health license charges have been increased from Sh8,000 to Sh12,000 while the liquor licence meant for bars and restaurants has been increased to Sh30,000 from Sh20,000. The new charges, which came into effect in January 2021, affected 90 percent of the more than 3,632 bars across the county. The worst hit are those in the metropolitan areas like Ngong, Ong'ata Rongai, Kiserian, and Kitengela towns, among others. In these urban centres, meat eating joints, which double up as bars and restaurants, are a lucrative source of revenue for the county. Kajiado East Sub County Bar Owners Association chairman Stanley Njuguna lamented that the new levies are exorbitant at a time that businesses are experiencing losses due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Njuguna accused the county government of ignoring bar owners' pleas to reduce the levies adding that the new charges were effected before a public participation forum was constituted. "Bars and restaurants remain among the highest revenue earners for the county government of Kajiado but our grievances are being trashed by relevant authorities. Let the county government not kill the goose that lays golden eggs for them," Mr Njuguna told a press conference in Kitengela on Tuesday. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Disbanded The bar operators claim that the enforcement officers are demanding for licences even before the clubs are inspected by the liquor board. Bar and restaurants operation duration has been reduced in line with Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols. The organisation wants the new charges reviewed and the liquor licensing board disbanded claiming it has been inept and was an epicentre of corruption. "We want the liquor board disbanded. They have been colluding with police officers to harass our people and take bribes. It is enough and we might be forced to move to court," said Fredrick Chege, the bar owners association patron. County liquor licensing board chairman Johna Marahpash said he was unable to explain the levy increment. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), as it emerged from the debates in the governing coalition, was a "fair compromise", not from a political point of view, but from a public policy point of view, Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) leader, Deputy Prime Minister Kelemen Hunor told AGERPRES. "We have managed to draw up this huge plan for the coming years, we need to complete the projects by 2026. It has not been an easy task and there is still work to be done, the Plan needs to be approved by the European Commission and then the implementation will begin," said the Deputy Prime Minister. He also talks about some important "targets" that the Government has set itself to achieve this year, from the preparation of instruments for the absorption of European funds, including those from the PNRR, to the reforms in the public pay and the preparations with a view to having the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) eliminated by next year at the latest. Kelemen Hunor also refers to the field of education, noting that in 2022, phased investments in the "Safe and Healthy Schools" program will begin. Regarding the situation at the National Public Television Broadcaster and the National Radio Broadcaster, the UDMR leader states that, at this moment, there is a working group set up at coalition level that is to come with a bill separating the positions of Managing Director and President of the Board of Directors, with different duties. "At the moment, the first concern is to protect human lives through vaccination, through those rules that are mandatory when it comes to a certain epidemiological situation and to get out from the pandemic, no matter how fast, we will not go out alone, if we go out, we go out together with the other states, with the European Union and with the other affected states and to rebuild, to restart the economy, to protect the jobs," said the deputy prime minister. As regards a new wage law, Kelemen Hunor stated that "we need to find a formula by which bonuses that have no place in the salary envelope must disappear, but we must find a formula by which people's incomes will not decrease, because that is what we have promised, revenues remain at the level of 2020, December, but the bonuses must be included in the basic salary and, where there is the possibility and the need, to be able to compensate the work, the result, the efficiency, so as to have competition in the public administration, as well." Another great ambition that must be achieved in 2021, at most in 2022, says Kelemen, is "for the CVM to be eliminated, not to have this verification mechanism, because, anyway, another mechanism of the rule of law for EU Member States will come into operation with the PNRR. And that we join the Schengen area, because at the moment the movement, due to the pandemic, is limited between the Member States, but the pandemic will disappear at some point." Devastated: Aftermath of the London Docklands bombing in 1996, in which the IRA used explosives supplied by Libya The DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has accused the UK Government of an appalling failure of transparency, after they ruled out using frozen Libyan assets to compensate IRA victims. It comes as the author of the report into the issue, WIlliam Shawcross, declared himself "surprised and disappointed" following the UK Government's statement on Tuesday. Mr Shawcross was appointed to help inform the Government's approach to issues surrounding former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime and how it supplied large amounts of weapons to the IRA during the Troubles. Read More Speaking to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee after he was summoned to appear on Wednesday morning, Mr Shawcross said he had been told of the decision "very shortly beforehand". "I am aware of course of the agony of people's expectations in Northern Ireland. It was brought home to me throughout my six months working on this, that the raised expectations and disappointed expectations over this over years and years is a terrible thing in Northern Ireland. "I had wished and hoped to speak to victims but because it was only a scoping exercise, I was strongly advised from people in Northern Ireland whom I respected, not to approach victims themselves directly... as that would add too much to people's expectations. That I was going to provide a complete answer." Nigel Dodds was speaking after the UK Government rejected calls to publish a report authored by Sir William Shawcross in 2020 which was examining options to compensate victims. Speaking to the BBC, the former north Belfast MP said it was simply incomprehensible, after the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly said the report was only an internal scoping report and was meant for private and confidential conversations. Expand Close Nigel Dodds / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Nigel Dodds That was never the purpose of the report when Shawcross was originally appointed, said Nigel Dodds. I think they do now need to come clean on what is in this report that they are so afraid of the public and MPs having sight of." He also suggested that the report has possibly exposed the embarrassment of the UK Government in not dealing with the issue prior to 2020. I think it is really an issue where issue that William Shawcross has put the spotlight on the Government and the Government dont want to answer the hard questions, he added. The Government's failure to publish the Shawcross report, which has been on its desk since May of 2020, is really an appalling failure of transparency. Kenny Donaldson, a spokesperson for the Innocent Victims United group, said victims have been frustrated and angry following the decision. The UK is very fast being dubbed a nation around the world that is seen as soft on terrorism, soft on terrorism domestically and soft on terrorism internationally, suggested Mr Donaldson Other states around the world have treated victims right in these issues. We have a situation here, where in our own nation... we have not pursued these issues with the same vigour. Adding that it was a disgraceful situation, he said he was calling for the UK Government to pull back from the brink. I think it is remarkable that we are even having this discussion. The way the state behaves around victims...is beyond words, he added. What is it going to take? Is it going to take victims and survivors once again coming out on to the streets? This issue is not separate from the wider legacy issues of our past. For 25 years now, victims and survivors have absorbed the burden on behalf of wider society. The former minister, 75, described the decision as "significant and wide ranging". A former Nigerian oil minister, Dan Etete, has hailed the verdict of an Italian court that acquitted Shell, Eni and their managers in the Malabu scandal. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the oil giants and their managers were all acquitted by the court last Wednesday. The verdict ended a trial that has seen officials of the oil giants battle to prove their innocence. Prosecutors had charged that executives involved in the Malabu deal knew that much of the $1.1 billion they deposited into an escrow account controlled by the Nigerian government would be disbursed as bribes. The oil companies and its officials have consistently denied any wrongdoing. However, in 2018, two middlemen named in the Malabu deals were found guilty of corruption in a separate trial. Several former executives of the companies were also cleared of wrongdoing, including Malcolm Brinded and Paolo Scaroni. Environmental and social justice groups on Wednesday condemned the verdict, describing Italy's anti-corruption laws as "unfit for purpose". "Significant" decision But an unsigned statement issued on Monday said Mr Etete "notes with satisfaction that the Courts in Milan have rightly acquitted him of corruption and corrupt behaviour following a brutal and diligent 36 months trial." PREMIUM TIMES reached out to Anthony George-Ikoli, one of Mr Etete's lawyers, who confirmed that the former oil minister authorised the release of the statement. The statement said the Milan judgement "independently follows the path of the UK's trial and decision (double jeopardy) on the malicious prosecution of the Nigerian Government." The former oil minister described the decision as "significant and wide ranging", adding that it also affirms that the "settlement agreements on transfer from Malabu to Shell and ENI were valid." The minister also said that the court has confirmed that no bribes were paid to anyone and that there is no case to answer on the issue. "These matters have occupied the Milan Courts for over 3 years, with almost 200 witnesses. The FGN and Prosecutor's position has been found to be entirely baseless----No Case to even answer said the Court," he said. "Milan was actively chosen by FGN to determine the issue of alleged corruption on OPL 245. They lost and must rightly live with that decision. "The High Court in London ruled that FGN made the conscious choice to determine all alleged corruption on OPL 245 in Milan, both civilly and criminally. Both have now rightly lost in the jurisdiction they themselves chose. "The acquittal in Milan is therefore determinative in all jurisdictions, including Nigeria. Any and every Order made against Chief Dan Etete in any Nigerian Court or directly or indirectly in any other court on alleged corruption on OPL 245 are hereinafter entirely invalid and will be struck out." Mr Etete said he and Malabu have jointly and separately suffered "massive and unquantifiable losses" as a result of what he described as "malicious and politically motivated wrongful allegation of corruption." "The Chief was proven to have been wrongly labelled, a pariah with whom no large corporation would or could do business. Malabu Oil & Gas was similarly decimated," the statement said. "Those losses exceed 10 billion US dollars which are entirely and properly recoverable against FGN. The legal tests of remoteness and measure of damages are conclusively and legally satisfied. "In essence, the valid and constantly unrevoked Settlement Agreements with Shell, ENI, FGN and Malabu relieved FGN of a multi-billion dollar claim by Shell in the Settlements process Arbitration begun in Washington by Eni on OPL 245. "Importantly, that Arbitration stimulated a settlement, with duress, whereby Malabu was forced to accept 1.2 US billion dollars for a concession with a proper market value of at least 8-9 billion US dollars. "Malabu was therefore deprived of approximately 8-9 billion US dollars in value on sale at the time, but over 15 billion US dollars if allowed to develop the Oil block as contractually agreed and upon which Malabu paid a signature bonus of 210 million US dollars to the Federal Government of Nigeria." Mr Etete said agreements are meant to be honoured and serious allegations of fraud need to be particularized and proven. The Nigerian government did neither, he said, adding that the government now faces a valid, irrefutable claim for omission and commission on OPL 245 which should never have happened. "Chief Dan Etete expresses his sincere and unalloyed commitment to Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta; that FGN will be led to account for this malicious prosecution and waste of national resource, so the People of Nigeria should not face such perverse caprice by a malicious and fabricated claim for political purposes," the statement said. Back Story The Malabu scandal involved the transfer of about $1.1 billion by Shell and ENI through the Nigerian government to accounts controlled by Mr Etete. From the former minister's accounts, prosecutors say about half the money ($520 million) went to accounts of companies controlled by Aliyu Abubakar, a middleman popularly known in Nigeria as the owner of AA oil. Anti-corruption investigators and activists suspect he fronted for top officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration as well of officials of Shell and ENI. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Nigeria Petroleum By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The transaction was authorised in 2011 by Mr Jonathan through some of his cabinet ministers and the money was payment for OPL 245, one of Nigeria's richest oil blocks. The oil resources of the OPL 245 license have remained undeveloped since the controversies began. Eni initiated international arbitration proceedings against Nigeria in September, alleging the government has breached its obligations by refusing to let the firm develop the license, which will expire in May. Last year, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Nigeria tracked down and grounded the luxury private jet purchased by Mr Etete, allegedly with some of the proceeds of the billion Malabu OPL245 oil deal. Asset recovery lawyers acting for the Nigerian government swooped after the Bombardier 6000 jet, tail number M-MYNA, touched down at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in Canada on 29th of May. Now aged 75, Mr Etete is thought to divide his time between Dubai and France. Having failed to secure his return to stand trial, Nigeria issued an arrest warrant for him earlier last year as authorities were said to be seeking his extradition. Like former President Goodluck Jonathan and other officials alleged to have been involved in the deal, Mr Etete has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has dismissed the allegations as "political propaganda". Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:14:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- At 23 years, Mailes Mbewe is a trained medical officer specializing in clinical medicine. And she is also the mother of a seven-year-old boy. This makes one wonder how a young woman like Mbewe managed to accomplish her educational goals despite falling pregnant and consequently becoming a mother at a young age. Mbewe is among a growing number of young women and girls in Zambia that have and continue to benefit from the country's re-entry policy, which ensures that high school girls that fall pregnant go back to school after giving birth. The aim of the policy is to implement measures that help prevent the exclusion of these young mothers from furthering their studies. Prior to the introduction of the re-entry policy, girls who fell pregnant had challenges getting back in school as they suffered great discrimination in their communities. This compelled many of them to drop out of school completely and get married at an early age. But because of the policy, today, an increasing number of girls that fall pregnant while in school go back within a year of giving birth. The policy guidelines also provide that pregnant girls attend the class for as long as they are able to do so. Many have expressed happiness at the existence of the re-entry policy, noting that it is one sure way of improving the overall wellbeing of women and girls. According to Judith Mweemba, the mother of a pregnant 17-year-old schoolgirl Silanga Mwampamba, allowing girls to continue with school is key to ending the vicious circle of poverty that many girls are caught up in through early marriages. "I am ready to look after my grandchild and allow my daughter to continue with school so that she can realize her potential. There is more that she can contribute to society as an educated individual," said Mweemba, a resident of Bundabunda area in rural Lusaka. And Zambian educationalist Victoria Kapya asserted that more communities are becoming aware of the re-entry policy and are making sure that girls stay in school. Kapya noted many parents, teachers and guardians as well as community leaders are now working to ensure that the policy is implemented and providing all the necessary support to pregnant school girls so that they can readmitted in school. Participants in focus group discussions consisting of high school students and community members as well as individuals that were interviewed also shared Kapya's sentiments. The respondents said the policy is helpful in that it is instrumental in reducing illiteracy levels in the country particularly in rural and remote places of Zambia and is an opportunity to advance gender equality. "The more educated women there are the fewer incidences of gender-based violence there will be. Education is the key to ending many acts of violence that women and girls face on a daily basis," said Alice Chulu, a student at Chifwankula Secondary School located in Chibombo district, central Zambia. Enditem European Council President Charles Michel invited EU heads of state and government to a virtual summit on March 25-26, to discuss coronavirus vaccines as well as economic and digital policy, and to briefly touch on relations with Russia and Turkey. The latest discussion on the shortage of vaccines stands to be more painful than getting jabbed with a big needle. The distribution of vaccines in the EU remains painfully slow compared to countries like the U.K. and the U.S., and politicians and citizens are increasingly frustrated. Michel had hoped to hold the summit in person, but was forced to switch to the online format because of surging coronavirus infections in several EU countries. "On COVID, our top priority is to speed up vaccination campaigns across the EU," Michel wrote in his invitation letter. "To this end, the ongoing work to boost vaccine production, increase vaccine deliveries and ensure more transparency and predictability of supplies should be intensified. In addition, we will address COVID certificates and the international dimension." In his letter, Michel said U.S. President Joe Biden would join the summit briefly on Thursday evening and "share his views on our future cooperation." Thursday's videoconference will start at 1 p.m. while Friday's session will start at 9:30 a.m. Friday's meeting will include European Central Bank President Christine Legarde and Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe. Thursday's session will also touch on relations with Russia and Turkey. Michel is expected to report on his phone call Monday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Leaders will also discuss "stepping up" engagement with Turkey, Michel said. A study of young men with COVID-19 has revealed a genetic variant linked to disease severity. The discovery, published recently in eLife, means that men with severe disease could be genetically screened to identify who has the variant and may benefit from interferon treatment. For most people, COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, causes only mild or no symptoms. However, severe cases can rapidly progress towards respiratory distress syndrome. Although older age and the presence of long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes are known risk factors, they alone do not fully explain differences in severity. Some younger men without pre-existing medical conditions are more likely to be hospitalised, admitted to intensive care and to die of COVID-19, which suggests that some factors must cause a deficiency in their immune system." Chiara Fallerini, First Author, Research Fellow in Medical Genetics at the Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Italy Recent research has suggested that genes controlling interferon are important in regulating the immune response to COVID-19. Interferon is produced by immune cells during viral infection. It works alongside molecules on the surface of immune cells called Toll-like receptors (TLR) which detect viruses and kickstart the immune response. "When a recent study identified rare mutations in a TLR gene, TLR7, in young men with severe COVID-19, we wanted to investigate whether this was an ultra-rare situation or just the tip of the iceberg," says co-senior author Mario Mondelli, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Italy. The team studied a subset of 156 male COVID-19 patients younger than 60 years old, selected from a large multicentre study in Italy, called GEN-COVID, which started its activity on March 16, 2020. GEN-COVID is a network of more than 40 Italian hospitals coordinated by co-senior author Alessandra Renieri, Full Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of Siena, and Director of Medical Genetics at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy. The team first analysed all the genes on the X chromosome of men with both mild and severe cases of COVID-19, and identified the TLR7 gene as one of the most important genes linked to disease severity. They then searched the entire GEN-COVID database, and selected for younger men (less than 60 years old). This identified rare TLR7 missense mutations in five of 79 patients (6.3%) with life-threatening COVID-19 and no similar mutations in the 77 men who had few symptoms. They also found the same mutation in three men aged over 60: two who had severe COVID-19 and one who had few symptoms - although the mutation found in the man with few symptoms had little effect on TLR function. To link these mutations to the immune cell response, they treated white blood cells from recovered patients with a drug that switches TLR7 genes on. They found that the TLR7 genes were dampened down in immune cells from patients with mutations, compared to the TLR7 activity seen in normal immune cells. They also found lower levels of interferon in the cells containing the mutation compared to normal white blood cells. This confirmed that the mutations identified directly affect the control of interferon as part of the innate immune response. To confirm the impact of the mutations on COVID-19 response, the team studied two brothers, one with a mutation in an interferon gene and one without. The levels of interferon gene activity were much lower in the man with the missense mutation, compared with his brother. Moreover, the brother with the mutation had severe COVID-19, while his brother with normal interferon genes was asymptomatic. "Our results show that young men with severe COVID-19 who have lost function in their interferon-regulating genes represent a small but important subset of more vulnerable COVID-19 patients," says co-senior author Elisa Frullanti, Researcher of Medical Genetics at the University of Siena. Co-senior author Alessandra Renieri adds: "These mutations could potentially account for disease severity in up to 2% of young men with COVID-19. We believe that screening for these mutations in men who are admitted with severe disease and promptly treating them with interferon could prevent more deaths." Twelve churches could receive the European Heritage Label The churches are located in the Gemer region and inside them are beautiful frescoes, some of which are over 700 years old. During its heyday, the Gemer region in central Slovakia was the iron heart of the Hungarian Kingdom. Although these days of metallurgy and mining are long gone, the locals and tourists can still admire the gems they have left behind. Twelve churches, located in the cities of Rimavske Brezovo, Rimavska Bana, Kraskovo, Kyjatice, Sivetice, Chyzne, Rakos, Kamenany, Stitnik, Ochtina, Plesivec, and Kocelovce, now have a chance to receive the European Heritage Label, the MY Novohrad regional newspaper reported. They are all decorated with frescoes that use an Italian technique. Some were painted on a damp facade and the colors that were used were a by-product of metallurgy and mining. The European Heritage Label is only given after a strict evaluation process, said Zuzana Jobova, marketing manager of the Regional Organisation of Tourism (KOCR) in Banska Bystrica Region. It must show that the location played a significant role in the development and growth of Europe and it reflects European ideals. The project must present the vision of sustainability, promote the region, maintain the heritage, and spread the news to the public, Jobova told MY Novohrad. A benefit for two regions Receiving the European Heritage Label would benefit the localities where these churches are located. If the nomination is successful, the Gothic Path project through Gemer and Malohont could be vital for the development of the region, said Banska Bystrica Regional Governor Jan Lunter. Slovakia travel guide: A helping hand in the heart of Europe. Read more "We already know that we will be cooperating with universities, museums and other education centers on this unique tourism product," said Livia Gazova, the project manager from the Development Agency in Banska Bystrica Region, as quoted by MY Novohrad. "Another valuable partner to the project is the Slovak National Gallery and other NGOs working in the field of creative thinking." The project will include activities with other institutions in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland and Austria, she added. She also mentioned that the project is based on environmental and social sustainability with an emphasis on digital presentation. The fragile concept of heritage should not be ruined by being brought into the realm of traditional tourism with informational boards and crowds of people. The project is more focused on the locals and improving guide services and multilinguistics. Spectacular Slovakia travel guides Ruska Bystra (Source: Tomas Hulik) 22. Mar 2021 at 11:46 | Compiled by Spectator staff GOSHEN, N.Y. -- Patty Kiersten said she does animal paintings, so she sets up a trail camera to get photos of wildlife for inspiration. Sometimes I get more than I bargained for, she said. Last week, she focused the camera on her bird feeders next to her Goshen home in Orange County, N.Y., hoping to capture a fox on film. Instead, she got pictures of a black bear family six animals in all tearing down her bird feeders at just before 2 a.m. I wasnt expecting them so early. I nearly fell out of my chair after looking at the photos, she said. The photos showed a female bear and five yearlings. A family of six black bears feasting on seed after knocking down the bird feeder in the town of Goshen in Orange County. Photo courtesy of Patty Kiersten. The recent stretch of warm weather is bringing many bears out of hibernation in search for food in upstate New York. The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently said there has been a rise in reported sightings of black bears in urban and suburban areas across the state, adding a list of actions that can be taken reduce negative human/bear interactions. While seeing a bear is an exciting experience for many New Yorkers, bears that are inadvertently fed by humans exhibit unnatural behaviors and can become a nuisance, said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. DEC encourages homeowners, property managers, and outdoor enthusiasts to follow guidance to reduce bears access to attractants like garbage, birdseed, and pet food to discourage nuisance bears. Kiersten, who lives in a rural area, said she and her husband have lived in their home for 20 years after relocating upstate from the Bronx. The area where they live, she said, has its share of wildlife: birds, coyotes, foxes and bears. She said bears have visited her yard and the neighborhood for years during the spring and summer and she notes on her calendar when they first appear. Based on prior years, she said she was intending to stop putting seed in her bird feeders on April 1. And the bears got at more than the Kierstens bird feeders. They tossed (and tried to get into) everyones garbage cans down the road, she said, adding that her husband, who got up early to go to work that day, said cans were scattered all along their road. More: Mentored Youth Trout Day returns for 2021 on Saturday, March 27 Full Worm Moon about to rise PATNA: The Bihar Legislative Assembly witnessed a high drama on Tuesday after the opposition lawmakers created a ruckus during a debate over a bill introduced by the Nitish Kumar government aimed at giving more teeth to the police force. The protest by the opposition lawmakers led to unprecedented turmoil in the House after which police was called in to physically evict legislators who had laid siege to the Speakers chamber. #WATCH Bihar: Women MLAs of the Opposition being carried out of the Assembly building by women security personnel. They (MLAs) were refusing to allow Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Sinha to step out of his chamber. pic.twitter.com/Skj0LayFs4 ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2021 Members of the opposition Grand Alliance, comprising RJD, Congress and the Left, were agitated over the Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021, and the ruckus created by them caused proceedings of the assembly to be adjourned as many as five times during the day. Draconian Act which will give absolute powers to Police,so that it can act as veritable arm of Nitish's dictatorial politics, has been passed in police protection by throwing out battered MLAs using Police itself. See how Police is blocking our MLAs inside the house. Shameless! pic.twitter.com/EnUNg5GsWM Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) March 24, 2021 The police carried out a baton-charge in the Bihar Assembly premises to disperse legislators of opposition parties holding a sit-in outside the Speaker`s chamber. Policemen were also seen kicking and punching agitating legislators. Many lawmakers said that they had sustained injuries. , , pic.twitter.com/1uTrEm8vk9 Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) March 24, 2021 Legislators of the RJD, Congress and Left parties were sitting outside the chamber of Speaker Vijay Sinha to protest the forcible act of Patna police in arresting top RJD leaders at Dak Bungalow Chowk earlier in the day ahead of the `Vidhan Sabha Gherao` it had called against rising incidents of crime, deteriorating health system, unavailability of jobs etc. The police action came after pleas to the opposition legislators to vacate the premises after leaders of ruling parties claimed that they held the Speaker captive inside his own chamber went unheeded and saw heated arguments between police personnel, marshals and opposition legislators. Bhai Virendra, the RJD MLA from Maner said, "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is directly involved in the brutal act. He is behaving like Hitler. He has given a free hand to police to initiate a lathi-charge on us. Many of us have received a fracture in hands and skulls." RJD MLC Subodh Rai said, "We were assembled there to point out our grievances but the Speaker did not listen to us. Still, we peacefully sat there in expectation that he would come out from his chamber and listen to us but he didn`t. The police and marshals of the Vidhan Sabha forcibly threw us out from the premises.. their act was cruel behaviour with public representatives. We are not criminals." However, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar strongly condemned the action of opposition lawmakers. I have never seen such activities in the Assembly. They (Opposition MLAs) should have participated in the debate. We would have replied to every question of them (regarding Bihar Special Armed Police Bill, 2021), Bihar CM Nitish Kumar said over ruckus in Bihar Assembly. Vijay Kumar Singh, Speaker, Bihar Legislative Assembly, too condemned the incident and said, Today's incident is condemnable. All members of the Assembly should respect the Constitution. This is a serious issue. Live TV One of Australias most respected anti-corruption lawyers says Attorney-General Christian Porter should not have responsibility for establishing a Commonwealth Integrity Commission while he is facing an unresolved rape allegation. Former Queensland Criminal Justice Commission director Mark Le Grand said the flaws inherent in the proposed Commonwealth anti-corruption body, particularly the special protections it offers politicians, created a conflict for Mr Porter, who is challenging historical rape allegations against him in a defamation proceeding against the ABC. Attorney-General Christian Porter has been on leave since identifying himself three weeks ago as the cabinet minister at the centre of historical rape allegations, which he denies. Credit:Trevor Collens Isnt it a matter of public perception, public faith in the process that the person who is sponsoring this legislation through the Parliament is beyond reproach and doesnt have an interest in the provisions of the legislation? Mr Le Grand said. A person who is the subject of serious allegations which are the subject of litigation in the Federal Court muddies the waters and brings into question whether he is truly an independent agent in taking this legislation through Parliament. A republican group has encouraged people to attend an Easter commemoration in apparent defiance of Covid health restrictions. The Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee has said that it is encouraging people to wear face masks to the event. However, the event, which takes place on Monday, April 5 at the gates of Derry City cemetery, has been branded a "clear challenge to police by dissident republicans" by a DUP MLA. The group said: "Join with us to honour those who gave their lives in Ireland's freedom struggle and rededicate ourselves to the ongoing struggle for a 32 County Socialist Republic. "Due to the ongoing Covid pandemic we encourage all those attending to wear face coverings." In 2018, the Derry 1916 Commemoration Committee's illegal Easter Monday rally saw masked men march through the streets of Creggan as dozens of youths pelted the PSNI with bricks, bottles and petrol bombs. This year's event is being supported by Saoradh, although that dissident group has also arranged an online commemoration. The Parades Commission last night said that no notification has been received for a parade for that specified location and date. "The Commission regulates parades and related protests. It has no responsibility for static events," said a spokesperson. "Unnotified parades and related protests are a matter for the PSNI." In response the PSNI said it is reminding the public to adhere to the coronavirus regulations as Easter approaches. Sinn Fein was asked to comment on the matter and a spokesperson said: "Everyone should follow the public health guidelines currently in place." Last night Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton said he will be raising his concerns about the event directly with the PSNI. "The Covid regulations on public gatherings are very clear and they will be in place over the Easter weekend," he said. "This is a clear challenge to police by dissident republicans. They are announcing via press release their intention to breach the law. I will be speaking to PSNI in the city about how they intend to respond to this event. "There have been repeated attempts by these groups to impose themselves across the city and even in recent days they have been behind rioting and disturbances." He called for a "clear and united response" from all political representatives in opposition to the group's "attempts to drag Northern Ireland backwards". Alliance Derry and Strabane councillor Rachael Ferguson urged event organisers to cancel the commemoration in light of the pandemic. "The law applies to everyone - any parades or similar must seek permission from the Parades Commission and abide by the ruling," she said. "Everyone has a right to commemorate their history and culture in a peaceful way but we are currently in the middle of a pandemic." Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones said last night the public should be aware that restrictions on movements and gatherings remain in place. "We will continue to engage, explain and encourage compliance with the Regulations, and where and when necessary move to enforcement," he said. "I would ask everyone to work with us during this pandemic to help to protect the NHS and keep everyone safe." Cancer June 22-July 22 You have grand plans but its best to start small. Take baby steps towards your goals starting with how you operate your everyday life. By streamlining and trimming the fat youll see more clearly and can begin to plot your course. Communication is also a very important component to success. Be clear and ask for help if you need it. Leo July 23-August 22 You try to be as helpful as possible at the best of times and today you may be pushed to the limit with requests for special favours from friends and family. One word - boundaries! Put some firm personal limitations in place so that you dont spread yourself too thin and run yourself into the ground. Virgo August 23-September 22 Virgos are impeccable and known for having a great work ethic. Today though you may be sensitive or lacking confidence in terms of your career. On the flip side positive placements in your social sector will have you feeling vivacious, vibrant and in the mood to make friends either via existing friends or through social platforms. Libra September 23-October 22 The stars are pulling out all the stops to boost your love life! You have a fresh slate with your relationship which mainly features forgiveness and positivity. Ruler Venus propels you towards the beginning or end of something big, and raises your profile in the process. Its also the perfect time to release old mindsets with a ritual cleansing. Scorpio October 23 November 22 A black cloud, most likely a duty or obligation that has loomed will finally dissipate. With the load lifted youll finally gain momentum but dont race ahead until you explore all of your options. Meanwhile, Mercury in your sector of creativity encourages your imagination to run wild. Invest in a hobby - it could become a side hustle. Sagittarius November 23-December 20 Youre naturally very confident and with sexy Venus in your sector of passion youll be in the mood to test your pull power. Flirting though, however harmless, simply to see if youve still got it could land you in hot water and, for couples, lead to temptations that you didnt anticipate. Tread carefully and dont play with fire! Capricorn December 21-January 19 Goats can be quite reticent and guarded but today, youll have quite a way with words and know how to reach people. Communicative Mercury is in your sector of self-expression making you more charming, hilarious and loveable than ever. Apart from building or mending bridges youll also be able to play mediator and help others to bury the hatchet. Aquarius January 20-February 18 Have you been thinking of collaborating or joining forces with a business partner? If so, you may get some signals from the universe giving you the nudge but youll need to remove your tunnel vision glasses in order to see them. Follow the bread crumb trail and youll discover a world of opportunities and people interested in investing. Pisces Fionnan Sheahans comment piece about Leo Varadkars current travails reminds us of the strong reactions the Fine Gael man has provoked since he first entered the Dail in 2007 (Leo Varadkar becoming Taoiseach was a breath of fresh air for politics. Now theres a stench hanging off him, Irish Independent, March 20). Only 28 when first elected as a TD, Mr Varadkar wasted no time in making his presence felt. He quickly managed to get under the skin of then-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The normally unflappable Mr Ahern was provoked to say: When you hear a new deputy who isnt a wet day in the place not alone castigating me but castigating Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, I wish him well. Id say hed get an early exit. How wrong this forecast proved to be. Bertie Ahern, in his heyday, was sometimes referred to as the Teflon Taoiseach. He never dreamt back then that the young deputy from Dublin West was destined to become a future Taoiseach and, like himself, a popular one. Because of their popularity, the two men also attracted something of a Teflon quality. It took the economic crash to wipe the Teflon shine from Mr Aherns reputation. Now it looks like a leak in good faith (as he, himself, would have it) could prove Mr Varadkars undoing. This must be a nervous time, not just for the Tanaiste but also for Micheal Martin, whose short spell as Taoiseach could become even shorter. It must also be a testing time for Simon Coveney, who may be called on to assume the leadership of his party should Mr Varadkar, temporarily or permanently, have to stand aside. The vicissitudes of political life are nothing if not dramatic. John Glennon Address with editor Vaccine solution just requires co-operation and willingness In the interests of health and harmony, may I offer a solution to the stand-off between the UK and the EU Commission over the export of Covid-19 vaccines? In the North, anyone who is eligible for healthcare will be vaccinated without question. There is no discrimination against those who have crossed the Border, as many from Donegal have discovered. I suggest the precious vials of vaccine should be sent to the UK, as contracted, but should be earmarked for use in Northern Ireland, solely by EU citizens. Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson could both save face and claim victory and we would all get jabbed. Dr John Doherty Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal Gender-neutral language how far back will we go? In relation to Josepha Madigans call for gender neutrality, should Matthew 4:19 be changed to I will make you fishers of people? John Williams Clonmel, Co Tipperary Covid tests used in UK should be considered for Irish schools As visits to nursing homes have resumed here, there are strict rules for the visitor to adhere to. In the UK, the rules are similar, but the visitor has to take a lateral flow test (LFT) before entering the nursing home. It takes 30 minutes to get the results from this Covid test and it reassures the nursing home. They are also being used by schools in the UK. Should these tests also be the way forward for teachers and pupils in Ireland, to reduce the risk of having to close schools again? Susan Burke Cahir, Co Tipperary Advancing years no barrier for Sexton in inspired display I have for some time felt as though Johnny Sexton was nearing the end of an illustrious career. In recent years he had been shipping too many injuries, each of which takes a toll on the body. That said, I am glad to be proven wrong. What a game he had against England in last Saturdays Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium. Once again, he also delivered a masterclass in kicking points, weighing in with 22 from Irelands tally of 32. Not only was the victory over England unexpected, the manner in which it was achieved was extra-special. It is not an exaggeration to suggest Ireland hammered them up front and out-thought them in the backs. There were at least six Ireland players in contention for man of the match Robbie Henshaw, Keith Earls, Sexton, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson and Jack Conan. And what a way to end a career for CJ Stander. Perhaps the English pundits might stop thinking Mako Vunipola is a great loosehead prop. He was totally dominated by Furlong, gave up three scrum penalties, gave lip to the referee and was withdrawn at half-time. David Ryan Co Meath An American tourist unknowingly had a close call with death when she held a highly-venomous octopus in her hand while on a study trip overseas. Kaylin Phillips, who is based in the US state of Virginia, picked up the blue-ringed octopus on a beach while she was attending university in Bali. The creature, one of the most deadliest in the ocean, can kill a human within minutes with its venom causing respiratory arrest. Kaylin Phillips (pictured) unknowingly held a highly venomous octopus while in Bali, Indonesia Ms Phillips said she only realised the animal was lethal when she put the video on Instagram before researching the cute cephalopod. The then-student was helping film a documentary about animal welfare while in Indonesia. 'While we were there, we saw really interesting wildlife,' Ms Phillips said in a TikTok video. 'I remember when we saw this little guy swim up, we picked him up. There were about three of us passing him around and we didn't think anything of it. 'We actually saw another one similar, picked that one up as well,' she said of the incident which occurred three years ago. A blue-ringed octopus' venom contains neurotoxin tetrodotoxin, which can paralyse a human in minutes by stopping them from taking in enough oxygen. The bites are painless but fatal, causing paralysis in about 10 minutes. A victim can also experience excessive bleeding, nausea, vomiting, changes in vision and difficulty swallowing. There is no anti-venom and resuscitation efforts consist of trying to get air into a patient's lungs through a tube or mask. The then-student did not realise the blue-ringed octopus was highly venomous Because of its distinctive markings, the octopus can be deceptive, Museums Victoria said. 'These tiny critters are some of the oceans most distinctive and venomous inhabitants,' the website stated. 'Despite having formidable reputations and being incredibly common in coastal waters, blue-ringed octopuses are rarely encountered. They are the oceans recluses.' The marine creatures often hide in crevices and shells and when threatened, they become covered with bright blue rings to warn predators. The blue-ringed octopus has a painless bite but it can cause paralysis in just 10 minutes The species is often found in waters on the Australian coastline. A father spotted the deadly creature at a rockpool in Edward's Bay near Balmoral Beach on Sydney's north shore earlier this year. Robin Dempster and his son were exploring when they saw a distinctive flash of colour and the octopus appeared from under a rock. 'It put on quite a show for us. We feel very lucky to have had the experience,' he said at the time. A local family discovered a blue-ringed octopus hiding in their children's shell collection on a beach in Sydney Another parent found a blue-ringed octopus hiding in a shell his child collected in January 2021. Randwick City Council shared pictures of the blue-ring octopus on Facebook, after local Andrew found the creature on Yarra Bay beach during an afternoon swim with his kids. After his children picked up a few shells from the shore line, the father noticed a peculiar sight scamper across the family's towel. 'Our 11-year-old son set a couple of shells down on a beach towel my wife was sitting on and then a few moments later this little fella and another scampered across the towel,' he said. A blue-ringed octopus emerged from the shells, startling the family. 'The funny thing is that we'd spoken recently with the kids about how the blue-ringed octopus could be found around the area and that they're super deadly, however we never really expected to see one,' he said. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message of condolences to new Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan over the passing of the country's President John Magufuli. In his message, on behalf of the Chinese government and people as well as in his own name, Xi expressed deep condolences, and extended sincere sympathies to the Tanzanian government and people as well as President Magufuli's relatives. Calling him an outstanding leader of Tanzania, Xi said that President Magufuli had made positive contributions to promoting friendly cooperation between China and Tanzania and between China and Africa during his lifetime. Magufuli's death is a huge loss to the Tanzanian people, and the Chinese people have also lost a good friend, Xi said. Noting that China cherishes the profound traditional friendship between China and Tanzania, Xi said that China is willing to work with the Tanzanian side to deepen their comprehensive cooperative partnership, so as to bring more benefits to both countries and their peoples. The Delhi units of the and the on Tuesday demanded that the government rolls back its new excise policy, that cut the legal drinking age from 25 to 21 years, saying it could ruin the youth of the capital. Leading a protest at Shahdara against the new excise policy, the BJP's Delhi unit president Adesh Gupta alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal government is "pushing youths towards alcoholism to increase revenue". "While the is organising programmes to inculcate the patriotism among youth, the Kejriwal government is them pushing towards liquor consumption," Gupta was quoted as saying in a statement. At the protest, workers burnt the effigy of Kejriwal. Gupta wondered whether the Kejriwal government is unmindful of the fact that more liquor shops would not only lead to an increase in the crime rate in Delhi, but also make it the liquor capital. "Did Delhiites elect him for this day? he posed. Gupta said in the statement that the right thing would have been for the government to tighten liquor policy to make Delhi safe for women and keep youngsters away from the liquor. It seems the Kejriwal government values revenue more than the safety of women or saving the youngsters from drinking, he claimed, adding if the chief minister really wants to do something he should provide clean water, fight pollution, lay more sewer lines and improve infrastructure. Senior leader and former legislator Alka Lamba said the new excise policy of the Delhi government, intended to boost the revenue collection by an additional Rs 2,000 crore, will not only ruin the lives of the youth, but many families as well. According to a statement released by the Delhi Congress, it workers, under the leadership of DPCC president Anil Kumar, will protest outside the residence of the chief minister on Wednesday against the excise policy. Lamba said the party strongly objects to this "destructive" policy and demanded its rollback. The minimum age for drinking was pegged at 25 years with a specific purpose, as by then most young people would be in a position to take mature decisions, she said. "Rajiv Gandhi gave voting rights to 18-year-olds while the Kejriwal government was giving liquor bottles to the youth of the capital," she said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, one of the most influential figures in horse racing over the past four decades, has died at the age of 75, his brother Sheikh Mohammed announced on Twitter on Wednesday London, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2021 ) :Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, one of the most influential figures in horse racing over the past four decades, has died at the age of 75, his brother Sheikh Mohammed announced on Twitter on Wednesday. Sheikh Hamdan enjoyed huge success on the racecourse, winning both the Epsom Derby and the Melbourne Cup twice. His blue-and-white colours were most recently carried to glory by champion sprinter Battaash last year. Charlie Hills trainer of Battaash paid tribute not only to his success as a breeder and owner but his human side too. "From a phone call when we went into lockdown in January to check my family was OK, to taking James and Eddie onto the podium after Battaash won his first Nunthorpe," tweeted Hills. "Just a couple of examples of the kindness of Sheikh Hamdan. Our sport has lost one of its finest." The Sheikh's first choice jockey Jim Crowley said he would always be in his heart for giving him the chance to ride top class horses. "So very sad of the passing of HH Sheikh Hamdam bin rashid al maktoum, You would not meet a more honest and loyal man," tweeted Crowley. "I will be forever grateful to him , it's been a honour and a privilege to ride for him , my thoughts are with his family Rest in peace (with a red heart icon). " The older brother of Sheikh Mohammmed, the ruler of Dubai, he was champion flat owner in Britain nine times. Aside from spending liberally at the horse sales each year he was also a successful breeder and generous sponsor of races. Sheikh Hamdan also owned three stud farms, in England, Ireland and in the hotbed of thoroughbred breeding in the United States, Kentucky. His two Derby successes came with Nashwan (1989) and Erhaab (1994) while his Melbourne Cup successes were with At Talaq (1986) and Jeune (1994). Richard Hills rode many winners for Sheikh Hamdan before assuming the role of assistant racing manager at his Shadwell operation. "It's very sad news," he said in comments carried in the Racing Post. "It's like losing a boss and a father as I've known Sheikh Hamdan my whole life. "He was such a good man and we were very close. "I know he was very frustrated about not being able to come to Royal Ascot last year when we had six winners as he loved Ascot. He'll be sorely missed." Minnesota's largest school district will pay $300,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit with a transgender student who was barred from using the boys' locker room. Nick Himley swam for Coon Rapids High School after he transitioned to male during the 2015-16 school year when he was a 16-year-old freshman. It's not clear exactly when Himley transitioned. Initially, he was allowed to use the boys' locker room in the first half of the year. But by February, the school board barred him from using it and told Himley he would be disciplined if he did so. He was then forced to use a segregated locker room that no other students used, causing him mental anguish, his lawyer said. Scroll down for video The Anoka-Hennepin School District agreed to pay $300,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit with Nick Himley, a transgender student who was barred from using the boys' locker room Nick swam for Coon Rapids High School in 2015-16 and had used the boys' locker room for much of that season, his attorneys said. That February, the school board stepped in and told the student he would be disciplined if he continued to use the locker room. Pictured in 2017 As part of the agreement to pay compensation to Himley, the Anoka-Hennepin School District - the largest in Minnesota - also agreed to make several policy changes, including a rule that allows every student to use all facilities consistent with their gender identity. It also includes a complaint procedure and prohibition on reprisals. Training on the policies will be provided for school board members, staff and students. 'I wanted the school district and the school board to understand that how they allowed me to be treated was wrong, and to hopefully make things better for the next generation of students not just at Anoka-Hennepin, but across Minnesota,' the Himley said in a press release shared by Gender Justice. 'I wanted the school district and the school board to understand that how they allowed me to be treated was wrong, and to hopefully make things better for the next generation of students not just at Anoka-Hennepin, but across Minnesota,' the student - identified as Nick Himley - said in a press release Nick was represented by nonprofit Gender Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and Stinson LLP in his lawsuit. According to court documents, the school board's decision to bar him from using the locker room was reversed CRHS Principal Curtis Wallrath. Nick's mom thanked the board but noted that her son 'experienced emotional trauma ' at the time. As a result, Nick was admitted to the hospital on February 5, 2016, and spent two weeks there 'due to mental health concerns,' the court documents read. Nick would have to be readmitted to the hospital on March 2. Nick attended the high school for two years until he and his family made the decision to switch school districts. The complaint was filed in 2019 Court documents for the lawsuit that was filed against the district Over the summer that year, CRHS remodeled its boys' changing facilities to include a new 'enhanced policy' section that was separated and had its own entrance. The move from the school board led to bullying and threats against the student and his family, the lawsuit said. Nick attended the high school for two years until he and his family made the decision to switch school districts. The complaint was filed in 2019. 'I'll be honest, this was a hard experience,' he said during a Tuesday press conference shared on Facebook. 'Sometimes I had to spend a lot of time reliving some pretty painful and embarrassing moments. I really put myself out there... but I know that just by standing here and being here, I can make a difference.' Fielding questions after his brief remarks, Nick described rebelling against the school once he was forbidden from using the boy's locker room. He said that some of the other students would block him in the segregated locker room and make it difficult for him to get to lunch. Nick said he 'would have to wait until they left' before he could go to lunch. 'I'll be honest, this was a hard experience,' he said during a Tuesday press conference. 'Sometimes I had to spend a lot of time reliving some pretty painful and embarrassing moments. I really put myself out there... but I know that just by standing here and being here, I can make a difference' During the press conference, Megan Peterson, executive director of Gender Justice, opened by expressing 'admiration' for their 'incredible client,' who she described as brave for taking on such a case while only a junior in high school initially During the press conference, Megan Peterson, executive director of Gender Justice, opened by expressing 'admiration' for their 'incredible client,' who she described as brave for taking on such a case while only a junior in high school initially. 'It is an incredibly brave step for any kid but in the face of bullying and discrimination by adults whose job it was to support him, Nick spoke up,' Peterson asserted. She added: 'Discrimination against transgender students is not only hurtful and wrong, it is also expensive.' The district said in a statement that the state Court of Appeals provided clarity on the matter when it affirmed a district-court decision that kept the suit alive. 'All legal issues have been resolved,' the release said. "Were always appreciative of G2 ratings because this recognition comes from our customers," Ada CEO Mike Murchison Ada, the leader in Automated Customer Experience (ACX), today announced it has been named a Leader in two of G2s Grid reports categories for Spring 2021. The company is also included in two brand new reportsthe G2 Spring 2021Grid Report for Conversational Marketing and G2 Spring 2021 Grid Report for Conversational Customer Engagement. G2 scores products and sellers based on reviews gathered from its user community, as well as data aggregated from online sources and social networks. Ada was recognized as a leader in the G2 Spring 2021 Grid Report for Customer Self-Service for Ease of Use, Quality of Support and Ease of Setup. In the G2 Spring 2021 Grid Report for Chatbots Software, Adas highest rated features were live chat, customization, and control. One reviewer referred to the product as game changing, innovative, and future proof. Ada's inclusion in two new categories comes at a pivotal time in the company's growth as it extends into new market areas. Ada is a no code platform that puts the benefits of AI into the hands of non-technical teams. As organizations continue to realize that departmental silos and fragmented customer data are hurting customer relationships, they are looking to extend automation across the entire customer journey. Adas no-code conversational AI chatbot powers an automation-first customer experience, offering businesses one platform to deliver a unified customer experience from start to finish. Were always appreciative of G2 ratings because this recognition comes from our customers, and our goal is to provide -- and help our customers provide -- exceptional service and seamless experiences, said Mike Murchison, CEO and Co-Founder of Ada. Companies that provide personalized experiences, who provide automated self-service, are the ones building meaningful relationships with customers. Were proud of our historical leadership in chatbots and customer self service, and our inclusion in two new categories for the company speaks to the depth of our capabilities and our reputation. How has Ada performed on G2s Grid Reports in the past? Spring 2021: Chabot - Leader Customer Self-Service - Leader Winter 2021: Chabot - Leader Customer Self-Service - High Performer Fall 2020 Chabot - High Performer Customer Self-Service - High Performer Summer 2020 Chabot - Leader Customer Self-Service - High Performer Spring 2020 Chabot - Leader Customer Self-Service - High Performer Winter 2020 Chabot - Leader Customer Self-Service - High Performer To learn more about Ada and read about customer experiences using the platform, please visit the company's rating page on the G2 website. About Ada Ada is the market leader in Automated Customer Experience (ACX). As the only chatbot platform purpose-built to support an automation-first customer experience strategy, Ada's AI-powered platform is designed to deliver the scale and impact that transforms customer support from a cost center to profit center. Headquartered in Toronto, Ada enables hundreds of customers around the world to meet the needs of today's customers with thoughtful personalized interactions proven to enhance long-term value and boost the bottom line. Learn more at ada.support. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Indonesian officials said they were deporting a Russian drug convict Tuesday after he fled from his home country and escaped his first deportation attempt in February on the resort island of Bali. Andrei Kovalenka, who used the alias Andrew Ayer, served a prison sentence in Indonesia after being arrested in 2019 and convicted of possessing hashish. He escaped with his partner during the transfer on February 11. Police found them at a villa after 13 days on the run and arrested him. He was being transported from Bali to Jakarta on Tuesday morning. "The deportation process for Andre Kovalenka alias Andrew Ayer will be held at 13.10 pm and carried out by the Bali Ngurah Rai immigration office in collaboration with the Bali police team and the Interpol NCB (National Central Bureau)," said Jamaruli Manihuruk, Head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights during the news conference. Manihuruk added that Kovalenka's partner Ekaterina Trubkina has been deported earlier. Bali regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights recorded 162 foreigners deported from Bali in 2020 and 2021, mostly for visa violations. "The handover to the Russian police that will escort him will be in Jakarta," said Tommy Arya Dwianto, officer from Interpol National Central Bureau in Indonesia. According to Dwianto, Kovalenka was convicted in a Russian drug case in 2011 but fled without serving the sentence. The Russian government asked Interpol to issue the red notice in 2015. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Former Parler CEO Files Lawsuit Against Company for Millions, Alleging Theft of Ownership Stake Former Parler CEO John Matze filed a lawsuit against the social media company he helped co-found on Tuesday, alleging theft, bullying, and intimidation. The lawsuit, which was filed in Nevada, where Parler is based, alleged that Matzes 40 percent ownership in Parler was taken away from him. Matzes suit also said that he had a dispute with one of Parlers investors, Rebekah Mercer, over content moderation, and claimed he wanted moderation over comments about violence, QAnon, and alleged domestic terrorism. Mercer, he alleged, disagreed with him and hijacked the platform to advance the personal political interests of Mercer and current interim CEO Mark Meckler. Parler was taken down by Amazon Web Services in January following the Jan. 6 Capitol incident, leaving the platform favored by conservatives and supporters of former President Donald Trump offline for more than a month. Matze, meanwhile, said in February that he was fired. After the website was deplatformed by Amazon, as well as Apples App Store and Googles Play Store, Mercer sought to co-opt it as a symbol or as the tip of the spear for her brand of conservatism, and plotted to force Matze out as CEO, Manager, and Member, and steal his forty percent (40%) ownership interest, according to Matzes suit. When the site was down, Matze said that he wanted to implement moderation to preserve the right of free expression for all points of view, but would preclude content that is inciting violence and acts of domestic terrorism. The lawsuit added that he is entitled to punitive damages trebling (at a minimum) the millions that he is owed in compensatory damages, adding that Parler officials allegedly threatened Matze with an avalanche of legal claims and expenses if he dared defy Mercer. The suit also names Jeffrey Wernick, Parlers chief operating officer, Meckler, and Dan Bongino as defendants. None have publicly responded to the lawsuits claims. Parler was founded in 2018 as an alternative to Twitter that would protect free speech. It became popular with conservatives, namely after the Nov. 3 presidential election. Parler filed a new lawsuit of its own against Amazon Web Services (AWS) earlier this month, alleging the Seattle-based tech giant tried to destroy its business following Jan. 6. Because of AWSs malicious defamatory statements, Parlers public reputation suffered severe damage and Parler has had many potential service providers refuse to work with it, hampering and delaying its ability to get back online, the companys lawyers wrote at the time. The Epoch Times has contacted Parler for comment. New York state lawmakers have reached an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana for adults after Governor Andrew Cuomo labeled it his 'top priority' this year as part of a plan to increase tax revenue. State Sen. Liz Krueger told Wall Street Journal on Wednesday that legislators were putting finishing touches on a bill that would create a new regulatory agency for marijuana and related products, and decriminalize the possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana by people aged 21 and older. Under the proposed bill, New Yorkers would be able to keep marijuana for recreational use at home, and even grow a limited number of plants on their properties. The bill is expected to be taken up by the state Assembly and Senate next week. Scroll down for video New York state lawmakers have reached an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana The news came just hours after Cuomo labelled the push for marijuana legalization his 'top priority' in this year's budget talks with lawmakers. 'This year we have to get it done, and getting it done by the time the budget is passed is essential,' he said during his wide-ranging daily press conference. Cuomo's latest legalization proposal, which he introduced in January, follows two unsuccessful attempts in 2019 and 2020 to fully legalize marijuana, which both fell short despite Democrats' 2018 win of both chambers of the Legislature. In 2019, New York softened some criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of marijuana and launched a process to automatically expunge the records of thousands of individuals convicted of low-level possession crimes. Gov Andrew Cuomo has been pushing for marijuana legalization for the past three years and called it his 'top priority on Wednesday Democrats won a veto-proof supermajority in November and supporters are hoping legalization will gain momentum. Cuomo is hopeful his latest legalization proposal could bring in sorely needed revenue to the state in the form of taxes. But even supporters of legalization have stressed that New York wont see any revenue from marijuana legalization for years. State budget director Bob Mujica estimated earlier this year that it will take 'several years' for legalized sales to eventually bring in $300million a year, or possibly as much as $350million. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:30:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN humanitarian agency said Wednesday attacks on aid workers delivering humanitarian supplies in Somalia resulted in the death of 15 aid workers in 2020. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 12 workers were injured, 24 abducted and 14 arrested in 2020 in which 56 incidents involving aid workers were reported. "In a single tragic incident, seven healthcare workers were abducted and subsequently murdered. Several cases of the confiscation of humanitarian supplies, robbery and the harassment of humanitarian personnel were also reported," OCHA said in its latest humanitarian report. The UN relief agency said violence against humanitarian personnel and facilities was one of the major access challenges alongside the ability of humanitarian workers to reach affected communities and support sustained programming. According to OCHA, humanitarian access challenges were most frequently reported in South West, Jubbaland and Hirshabelle states, which combined made up some 53 percent of all access incidents reported in Somalia in 2020. It said the main constraint recorded was for the restriction of movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel. "This included illegal taxation, roadblocks, checkpoints imposed by al-Shabab and clan-related militias, ongoing hostilities among armed actors, military operations, and improvised explosive device attacks as well as the overall security situation, which was marked by unpredictability," said OCHA. These, the UN agency said, resulted in restrictions or suspensions of movement for civilians and humanitarians alike. It said COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the government meant that many humanitarian organizations had to modify their ways of reaching those in need. "The diversity of access challenges in Somalia not only creates serious obstacles for overland movement but also amplifies the importance of air access," OCHA said. Enditem A polar bear on an ice floe. Graduates will have developed comparative, collaborative, and holistic understanding of critical global problems, and they will be well equipped to solve them."-Jeanine DudleAssociate professor of civil and environmental engineering, WPI Rising sea levels, supercharged storms, persistent droughts, and raging wildfires: the effects of rising atmospheric temperatures are already apparent, and will likely become more prevalent in the decades ahead despite efforts to curb or reverse global climate change. Recognizing a growing national need for professionals with the expertise to help communities and organizations adapt to this new reality, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has launched a first-of-its-kind master of science program in Community Climate Adaptation. The interdisciplinary program draws on the universitys more than half-century of experience with project-based learning and its pioneering undergraduate Global Projects Program. It is offered jointly by WPIs Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Department of Integrative and Global Studies, and housed within The Global School, the newest of WPIs four academic schools. The 30-credit program includes eight credits of project work (the Graduate Qualifying Project), which will be completed over the course of four to six months spent at one of the universitys more than 50 off-campus project centers, which span six continents. Most existing graduate programs on climate change focus on either its science or its policy implications. WPIs program, however, will immerse students in an emerging field that begins with the assumption that the world is locked into a warming trend that will continue for decades to come (nine of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred in just the last decade and a half and several more degrees of warming are predicted by the end of the century). Therefore, it is vital that communities around the globe become more resilient and able to adapt to the inevitable impacts of a changing climate. Just as the field of public health emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to address problems of epidemic infectious disease, we now need to train a workforce that understands how to help communities adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and move forward in sustainable ways, said Sarah Strauss, professor of integrative and global studies, who co-directs the program with Jeanine Dudle, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering. Reflecting the highly transdisciplinary nature of climate change and the challenges it poses to cities and towns around the world, students in the program will gain expertise in a number of fields, including engineering, social science, and the physical and biological sciences. They will learn to use that knowledge as they seek to understand the complex network between resources, environment, climate, and people in a community or region. With this approach, students will be better equipped to work with community partnersgovernments, businesses, and nonprofitsto find solutions appropriate to local contexts. Students entering the program will be assigned to interdisciplinary cohorts that integrate students with technical and social science backgrounds. Each team will be assigned to one of WPIs global project centers using a process that takes into consideration the skillsets of team members (including technical expertise and foreign language proficiency); a Massachusetts project center will always be among the choices. The teams will work together at the project sites on interdisciplinary projects that may focus on a broad range of themes, including water resources and quality, loss of land and economic impacts, actual and projected problems of infrastructure inadequacy, differential health and social impacts, and extreme weather events. The specific site and process issues associated with a teams project will inform the rest of their graduate program. Graduates will have developed comparative, collaborative, and holistic understanding of critical global problems, and they will be well equipped to solve them, Dudle said. The teams will learn that their capacity for problem solving depends not on everyone bringing the same skillset to the tablehowever broad that may bebut rather on learning how to work together and with local communities to bring about positive change. We expect that this focused degree program will provide great value for students through a unique participatory experience that is rarely found at the graduate level, Strauss added, as well as generating a strong foundation for faculty research and enhanced institutional impacts in the communities where we live and work. Students in the program will benefit from the diverse expertise of the programs 20 faculty members, whose wide-ranging research interests include energy, global environmental change, water quality and treatment, natural materials and their interaction with the environment, urban geography, livelihood studies, global justice, and human-environment geography. Students can work with faculty across the university to gain collaborative and comparative perspectives on climate change adaptation strategies, Dudle said. The market for climate change adaptation education is strong, as are the prospects for employment in the field. TalentDesk, a job search website, projects that the profession of climate change/environmental scientist see an 11 percent growth rate while the profession of climate change analyst will see a growth rate of 12 percent. Graduates of WPIs program are expected to find employment opportunities in state and local governments, NGOs, businesses preparing for a climate-impacted future, state and national parks and historic monuments, and local and regional branches of federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Forestry Service. WPIs Community Climate Adaptation program, which will begin in the Fall of 2021, is open to students with a bachelors degree in social science, environmental studies or science, the physical or biological sciences, or engineering. The program is designed to integrate opportunities for learning and expanding knowledge of both technical and non-technical backgrounds, and we encourage students with a wide range of academic and practical experience to apply, Strauss said. For more information about the program, visit https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/community-climate-adaptation-ms. About Worcester Polytechnic Institute WPI, a global leader in project-based learning, is a distinctive, top-tier technological university founded in 1865 on the principle that students learn most effectively by applying the theory learned in the classroom to the practice of solving real-world problems. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering with the 2016 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education, WPIs pioneering project-based curriculum engages undergraduates in solving important scientific, technological, and societal problems throughout their education and at more than 50 project centers around the world. WPI offers 70 bachelors, masters, and doctoral degree programs across 17 academic departments in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts. Its faculty and students pursue groundbreaking research to meet ongoing challenges in health and biotechnology; robotics and the internet of things; advanced materials and manufacturing; cyber, data, and security systems; learning science; and more. http://www.wpi.edu Contact: Andy Baron, Associate Director of Public Relations Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts 508-831-5916; 978-235-3407 (cell), ajbaron@wpi.edu Sansone Air Conditioningone of the leading A/C providers in South Floridahas won the Carrier Presidents Award for Excellence for 2021. This marks the ninth year the company has received this honor since 2007, which is more than any other dealer in South Florida. The Carrier Presidents Award for Excellence recognizes the top 1% of dealers across the United States and Canada, highlighting only the best companies in the field. To be eligible to win this award, dealers must feature Carrier products among their primary offerings and be listed as Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers. Becoming a Carrier Authorized Factory Dealer requires updated licensing and intensive training. Sansone Air Conditioning works hard to maintain all of these things, ensuring that its technicians and technology are as up to date as possible. Those chosen for the Carrier Presidents Award for Excellence must also have a proven track record for providing excellent customer service. Carriers standards focus on a combination of industry expertise, branding, leadership, and customer satisfaction. Sansone Air Conditioning prides itself on delivering in all of these areas, serving more than 100,000 satisfied customers since its inception in 1976. The company strives to deliver the best solutions for each customers specific situation. The Carrier Presidents Award for Excellence is just one of the honors Sansone has received over the years. The company is also a York Certified Comfort Expert Dealer, and is proud to be Angies List A-rated and Better Business Bureau A+ Rated. Sansone has also obtained more than 1,000 5-star reviews on Google in the pursuit of building trust with customers. Additionally, the company provides customers with a Sansone Seal of Safety that specifies each of its employees are EPA certified, factory trained, and have been thoroughly vetted before being brought onboard. More About Sansone Air Conditioning Originally founded under the Sansone Corporation by Nicholas Sansone, Sansone Air Conditioning has always operated as a family-owned company, and it is currently helmed by the 3rd and 4th generation. The owners and staff are dedicated to helping other families with their AC and plumbing needs, and they understand the importance of efficient and effective service, especially when it comes to installing systems that increase its customers comfort. To learn more about Sansones servicesand to get a firsthand look at what makes the company excelvisit http://www.sansone-ac.com. Logan, WV (25601) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 13:41:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) and Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong delivers a report at the opening session of the 11th session of the 14th National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 24, 2021. The 14th NA of Vietnam, the country's top legislature, opened its 11th session, the last in its tenure, in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday with key personnel changes in sight. (VNA via Xinhua) HANOI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, the country's top legislature, opened its 11th session, the last in its tenure, in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday with key personnel changes in sight. Speaking at the opening session, Chairwoman of the NA Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan noted that during the past five years, there were both opportunities and challenges brought by complicated global development and domestic situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. The session is a time to review the achievements and limitations in the work of the NA, so as to draw lessons to continue the innovation and efficiency improvement in the next tenure, and to drive the country steadily into a new phase of development, she said. During the session, the NA will spend seven days deliberating and deciding on personnel issues and voting on the replacement of leadership positions of the state including the president, the prime minister and the NA chairperson, according to a statement by the NA. Legislators will also review and discuss reports on the work of the president, the government and the Standing Committee of the NA over the past five years. Besides, the NA will deliberate a draft amendment to the law on drug prevention and crackdown. The session is scheduled to conclude on April 8. Vietnam will hold a general election in May to elect deputies to the 15th NA and the People's Councils at all levels. Enditem Over 1,000 int'l brands to participate in China consumer products expo Xinhua) 16:48, March 24, 2021 BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- More than 1,000 global brands from 69 countries and regions will participate in the first China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, the organizers said Wednesday at a press conference. The expo, scheduled from May 7 to 10, is expected to attract the participation of more than 10,000 merchants and over 200,000 visitors, according to the organizers. Co-hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the event will cover a total area of 80,000 square meters, including 60,000 square meters of international exhibition space featuring fashion, jewelry, food and supplements, hospitality and professional services. A total of 630 international enterprises and over 800 domestic enterprises will take part in the expo. Besides the opening ceremony, the organizers will also hold a forum on consumption innovation, duty-free shopping and the travel retail industry, said the organizers. (Web editor: Wen Ying, Liang Jun) The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has revoked the Diploma in Nursing Certificate it awarded in 2020 to Ms Comfort Atingane, for impersonation. According to a statement signed by Mr Andrews K Boateng Registrar of the University and issued in Kumasi, Ms Atingane, who was a student of the Sunyani Nursing and Midwifery Training College (SNMTC), an affiliate of KNUST, fraudulently gained admission into the College using the credentials of another person. She was purported to have used the WASSCE results and credentials of one Ms Afobiga Amaliba Diana, a former student of the Bolgatanga Nursing Training College. The statement said KNUST awarded Ms Atingane a Diploma in nursing certificate in February, 2020, based on the presentations made by the SNMTC for the award of same at the time and on assumption that she was a bonafide student of the College. The statement however said in the light of the disclosure of her act of impersonation and falsification of results upon which she was admitted, and to safeguard the reputation of the University, the academic board of KNUST has with effect from February 2020, the date of award, revoked the Diploma Certificate issued to her. It said all the relevant authorities were duly communicated to in regard of the latest development. 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 .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... PHOENIX Arizona parents would have to opt-in to specific discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation or HIV in sex education classes and schools would be barred from providing any instruction before 5th grade under a proposal approved by a House committee Wednesday over opposition from minority Democrats. Republican Sen. Nancy Barto of Phoenix said her proposal, SB1456, is designed to give parents more oversight of what their children are being taught and shield young children from inappropriate material. Her bill would also require school districts to readopt their sex education curriculum by the end of this year after extensive public comment periods and public meetings. I cant tell you how concerned many parents are that they are not being warned ahead of time about the content that is happening regarding sexual education in schools and their opportunity to opt out their child, Barto said. The main purpose of this bill is to ensure parents that parents are in the drivers seat and have that opportunity. Opponents contend the bill will lead to fewer children taking sex education classes, lead to a rise in teenage pregnancies and prevent schools from warning small children about sex abuse. Currently, younger children can be taught how to spot sexual abuse in good touch-bad touch scenarios and be provided limited information on HIV and AIDS designed to give them information on how to avoid infections, for example by avoiding discarded needles or syringes. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Democrats on the panel also said the proposal requiring parents to opt-in to any instruction that includes sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression targets LGBTQ students. They noted that the state repealed a 1991 state law that had barred HIV and AIDS instruction that promotes a homosexual lifestyle just two years ago. Social conservative groups pushed a separate bill last year that would have barred any sex education instruction before the 7th grade and barred any mention of homosexuality. What is inside this bill is a complete attack on a set of individuals, specifically the LGBT-plus community, said Rep. Cesar Chavez, who is openly gay. What this would do in creating an opt-in already makes the assumption that the information that will be provided is immoral. Another Democrat, Rep. Melody Hernandez of Tempe, decried the ban on any sex education before 5th grade, saying the law would prevent children from being taught how to tell if they were being abused. If they dont recognize the difference between a good touch and a bad touch, they may not speak up until it is too late, Hernandez said. This bill takes it too far were putting more kids in danger. Barto said parents can teach their children what they need to know to avoid abuse. This bill does not put children at risk of sexual abuse. Teachers are still required to report if they suspect sexual abuse, Barto said. What were trying to do is make sure parents are in the drivers seat and make those decisions about what children learn and when. Opponents also noted that the proposals ban on discussion of sexual orientation would extend far outside of sex education classes, barring instruction on historical figures known for being gay or lesbian and important events like the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York that are seen as the catalyst for the modern gay liberation movement. Barto acknowledged that her bill would bar such references without parental consent. She said existing law already requires parents to be notified of any discussion of sexuality even outside of sex education classes. This is an example where parents needs to be specifically opting in thats just laying it out in plain language when those issues are discussed, Barto said. Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee said the proposed law is designed to give more rights to parents to review instructional materials and decide for themselves what their children should be taught. We cant make society perfect, but we can give the parents and protect them in their right to take that very, very critical decision, said Rep. Rusty Bowers, the House speaker. And for that reason I see that theres more good than ill in the bill. The measure now moves to the full House for consideration. It already passed the Senate on a 16-14 party-line vote. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with immigration advisers and top Cabinet officials on Wednesday while dispatching White House officials to a Texas resettlement facility as pressure mounts over a recent jump in migrant arrivals at the U.S. border. The officials, along with several members of Congress, will travel to a refugee resettlement center in Carrizo Springs, Texas, the White House said in a statement, adding that it would also allow limited media coverage of the visit. At the White House, Biden will meet with the heads of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, both of which are tasked with managing the migrants that have surged across the southern U.S. border with Mexico in recent weeks. Journalists have been pressing the Biden administration to allow the news media access to the facilities, as pictures released this week have moved to highlight the crowded conditions. U.S. officials struggle to house and process an increasing number of unaccompanied children, many of whom have been stuck in jail-like border stations for days while they await placement in overwhelmed government-run shelters. The administration has turned to convention centers and, on Tuesday, sought to shelter some at military bases in Texas U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who will join Biden at the White House meeting on Wednesday, on Wednesday acknowledged the overcrowding and processing delays, but said there was no quick fix. "It's a huge problem," she told CBS News' "CBS This Morning" program. "This is not going to be solved overnight." She also noted the need to address the root causes driving migrants north, following talks between Mexico and the United States on Tuesday. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Nandita Bose, Editing by Nick Zieminski) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Elsie Velez of Stapleton said she knows what it is like to be severely ill from the coronavirus (COVID-19). She was hospitalized shortly after she contracted the virus at the beginning of the pandemic in March last year. And on Tuesday, she got the first dose of Pfizers two-dose series at a state-run pop-up vaccination site at St. Philips Baptist Church in Port Richmond, with administration by Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) health-care workers. Im positive, Velez said, about how she was feeling about getting the first dose of the vaccine this week after she was hospitalized last year due to COVID-19. I think this is the way everybody needs to go, simply because of the fact that we want to be back out into society and be able to get out with our friends and our family members, and start to get back to some sort of normalcy. The entire vaccination process from check-in to rescheduling lasted less than 30 minutes. Nearly 250 people received the Pfizer vaccine at St. Philips Baptist Church in Port Richmond on Tuesday. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) And there was no line for Staten Islanders to get their shot at the pop-up site. Velez went down to the lower floor of the church to check-in for her appointment. Led to a private area with two health-care workers, she was asked about how she was feeling, if and when she had COVID-19, and if she had allergies, among other personal questions. Velez then asked about possible side effects from the vaccine. The symptoms patients experience vary greatly, physicians say, and most are nothing to worry about. The first dose was administered to Velez in just a few seconds. It didnt hurt at all, no pain, no burning sensation, she explained. It was a slight pinch of the needle but thats it, everything else was good. The flu vaccine irritates more and the pneumonia vaccine irritates more. Velez then went to a separate waiting area for 15 minutes, a standard practice after getting the COVID-19 vaccine to see if a person has any reaction that would require medical care. She then was scheduled for her second dose, exactly three weeks from Tuesday on April 13 at the same time and location. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** A QUICK PROCESS Nearly 250 people on Staten Island received the vaccine at St. Philips on Tuesday, including 84-year-old Minnie North, who got her shot with her sister. To me, I look at it as a preventive measure and we need it to help, North, of Sea View, said. I didnt have any problem with taking it. I wasnt discouraged from taking it. It was a quick process. After reading so much about what happened with this disease and now having a vaccine I dont know how you could not take it. "After reading so much about what happened with this disease and now having a vaccine I dont know how you could not take it, said Minnie North of Sea View at the pop-up vaccination site at St. Philips. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) She encouraged others to share their positive experiences getting the vaccine. A lot of people are afraid to take shots, but that ones good -- if theres any such thing as a good shot, North added. For those concerned about getting the shot, Velez said people should take advantage of being able to get the vaccine as opposed to not having the vaccine. Its like every other vaccine to build up our immunities so that we can be able to move forward. Its better to have the vaccine as opposed to the actual disease itself, she explained. Frank Morisano, a registered nurse and senior director of community health for SIUH, addressed the concerns that some people have about getting the vaccine, as well as potential side effects and other issues related to the COVID-19 vaccination effort in New York and on Staten Island. You can watch his interview from the pop-up vaccine site on the Advance/SILive.coms Facebook Live, Hot Zone. LIVE FROM POP-UP VACCINE SITE IN PORT RICHMOND: NYC workers can return to offices later this spring, latest COVID updates and more. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 VACCINATING BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITY The pop-up vaccination site was set up at St. Philips for a reason to help vaccinate the Black and brown community on Staten Island. The communities on Staten Island that are most racially and ethnically diverse many on the North Shore have been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic, as Black and brown Americans infected with the coronavirus have disproportionately died. Earlier this month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that white New York City residents were getting vaccinated at higher numbers compared to Black and brown residents, likely due to decades-long mistrust in the health-care system. As part of efforts to ease anxieties about the vaccine, Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city would work with trusted members of various communities, particularly its faith leaders. Bishop Victor Brown, who was at the vaccine site on Tuesday as the senior administrator of community health for SIUH, and who is also the senior pastor of Mt. Sinai United Christian Church in Tompkinsville, explained that the African-American church has been the bedrock and most influential entity in Black life. His church previously served as a pop-up vaccine site. The entire vaccination process at St. Philips from check-in to rescheduling lasted less than 30 minutes per person. (Staten Island Advance/ Alexandra Salmieri) For many, many years, all roads led to the church, said Brown. And so the pastor wields a significant level of influence and has acquired the trust of the people, so its very, very important that -- particularly in our community -- that faith leaders come to the floor and to speak truth to the misnomer that the vaccine should not be taken. Brown explained that faith leaders are sounding the alarm that COVID-19 impacts the African-American community and those similarly situated at a rate three times that of their white counterparts. With the onset of the variants, Brown said its urgently necessary that this community be vaccinated. This particular church is a very historic church, said Brown about St. Philips. It has been a place of social and political activism and outreach through social programs to address many of the concerns that plague this community. And it has enjoyed that reputation for many years, so its only fitting that we come to St. Philips today, and as evidenced by the throng of people who have come through, it was much needed. In addition to St. Philips, the following have also served as pop-up sites on the North Shore: Mt. Sinai Center for Community Enrichment in New Brighton; the Stapleton houses; the Central Family Life Center in Stapleton; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in West Brighton. Those interested in scheduling a vaccine appointment at a state-run site should visit their Am I Eligible website, and residents of the five boroughs can also visit the citys vaccine finder. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. She rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to her head-turning looks. And Amanda Holden looked typically stylish as she left Leicester Square's Global Studios after hosting her Heart Breakfast show on Wednesday. The presenter, 50, commanded attention as she strutted across the streets of the English capital in a black denim jumpsuit by Forever Unique. Turning heads: Amanda Holden looked typically stylish as she left Leicester Square's Global Studios after hosting her Heart Breakfast show on Wednesday Highlighting her slender frame, the broadcaster's one-piece was form-fitting and featured balloon-style shoulder pads. A crocodile-textured handbag, pointed ankle boots and cat-eye shades ensured all eyes were on the Britain's Got Talent judge. The mother-of-two's healthy locks were styled into glamorous waves, while her youthful-looking complexion was enhanced with neutral-toned make-up. Cheery: The presenter, 50, commanded attention as she strutted across the streets of the English capital in a black denim jumpsuit by Forever Unique All in the details: Highlighting her slender frame, the broadcaster's one-piece was form-fitting and featured balloon-style shoulder pads Working it: The mother-of-two's healthy locks were styled into glamorous waves, while her youthful-looking complexion was enhanced with neutral-toned make-up Her outing comes after she shed light on how she goes about selecting her daring ensembles for Britain's Got Talent earlier this month. The TV judge famously racked up 235 Ofcom complaints during last year's series for a very risque dress but she remains defiant in her wardrobe choices. Blonde beauty Amanda said she seeks advice from her husband, record producer Chris Hughes, and her daughter, Lexi, 15, when choosing her outfits. Standing tall: A crocodile-textured handbag, pointed ankle boots and cat-eye shades ensured all eyes were on the Britain's Got Talent judge The media personality detailed: 'If I'm trying on outfits for shows I'll say to Lexi, "Is there too much side-boob?" or "Is this too much?" and she'll grin and say, "Go for it, Mum". 'I'll ask Chris if I'm looking like mutton and he says, "Mandy, you could never look like mutton." 'It's positive affirmation that we women need. My mum loves it. She just laughs about it. So does my daughter.' COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa On May 26, my husband and I were in Norfolk to pick up a dog. We were to meet the seller at the main entrance to Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. We arrived and I did not think we were at the right entrance. I flagged down a young man and he told me where the right entrance was, and Auburn, IN (46706) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. "I want to sincerely apologize for inappropriately wearing the Native American headdress as a costume," she tweeted Tuesday. "I now realize that this was both disrespectful and insensitive and would never have done it if I had that knowledge and understanding beforehand. I regret it. When you know better, you do better. I am genuinely sorry." Prior to her mea culpa, Moore hit back at critics who called her out for her cultural appropriation on the Halloween-themed episode. In a now-deleted tweet, Moore explained that her "Warrior Princess" costume was "also part of [her] heritage." The former beauty queen's apology came after IllumiNative -- a Native-led nonprofit focused on raising visibility of Native issues and voices -- called out Moore and RHOA's network, Bravo, in a statement. "Costumes that mock Native peoples, defame our traditions and cultures, and perpetuate negative stereotypes are racist. 'Playing Indian' is a form of mascotry that is not just offensive, it is part of a long history of how Native peoples have been dehumanized," the statement read in part. "Countless research studies show the harm these images, actions, and the normalization of these behaviors have on our youth." Bravo also addressed the incident in Kenya's post's comments, saying they didn't properly address "the gravity of the situation." "Bravo aims to have the highest standards of respect and inclusivity and we recognize that the recent episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, in which a cast member wears a Native American costume, did not uphold those values,"the statement read. "We apologize to both the Native American community and our audience as a whole." By Candice Williams Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party declared the decision to kick out Deputy President William Ruto from his position as deputy party leader was a foregone conclusion, only awaiting the Head of State to convene a top party organ to ratify it. Party chairman Nelson Dzuya and vocal vice-chairman David Murathe on Monday said the Head of State holds the cards on the fate of his estranged deputy following the October 2020 decision of the National Management Committee (NMC) to kick him out of the party. Throw out decision "NMC sat in October last year and made a resolution to remove Dr Ruto from his post as Jubilee deputy party leader. That resolution stands. Once the NMC sits, we set the agenda for the National Executive Council (NEC) which can either adopt, review or throw out the decision of the NMC. That is the only thing we are waiting for," Mr Dzuya told the Nation yesterday. The party official dismissed claims that the delay was because President Kenyatta had shot down the resolution to kick out his deputy from the second most powerful seat in Kenya's largest party. And while party honchos want President Kenyatta to be the one to chair the NEC meeting to deliberate on the NMC decision, there is a growing push to have Mr Dzuya, the soft-spoken, but powerful Jubilee chairman, to chair the meeting on behalf of the President. "Under the Jubilee Constitution, I can chair a NEC meeting on behalf of the party leader. If the party leader has other schedules or is busy when NEC is supposed to meet, he can delegate it to me. But because the removal of the deputy party leader from his post is a weighty matter, we wanted him to chair the NEC meeting. But if he so chooses to delegate that responsibility to chair the meeting to me, I will do it," Mr Dzuya told the Nation last evening. Seize control of party The NMC decision was made after Dr Ruto, in an effort to seize control of the party, stormed Jubilee headquarters in Pangani accompanied by 38 MPs in what allies of President Kenyatta termed as a 'coup' when the Head of State was out of the country. Seen as part of his scheme to recapture Jubilee, the DP had then vowed to operate from the offices but would later be declared persona non grata by the party through a communication by Secretary General Raphael Tuju. The NMC, a small but powerful organ that acts on behalf of and sets the agenda for the even more powerful NEC, then voted to remove the DP from the deputy party leader post, the last straw in the Uhuru-Ruto divorce. Two weeks ago, the same NMC struck again at the heart of Ruto's camp in Jubilee, kicking out his last man standing in NEC, Soy MP Caleb Kositany from the deputy secretary general post. Yesterday, Mr Murathe said the DP had himself to blame and Jubilee was only following his lead. "It is Ruto that has kicked himself out of Jubilee. How can you remove somebody who has removed himself? It is obvious. NMC did its job. We are just awaiting ratification by NEC," Mr Murathe said. Yesterday's NMC meeting, Mr Murathe said, deliberated on nominations, the impending court ruling on the six expelled Jubilee senators, as well as the relationship between Jubilee and Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), a new working formula the ruling party had hoped will be made strong to learn from that country's party which has ruled since independence. "We have put everything on ice in line with the President's directive in light of President John Magufuli's passing. When the President says, everything stops, even these (internal) fights," Mr Murathe said, as a possible explanation for the delay in summoning NEC. For Dr Ruto, the NMC decision is a return of a fight he had vowed to win last year at the advent of Covid-19 when the President's wing of Jubilee changed membership of NMC, without Dr Ruto's input. Against the DP's wishes and legal battle to oppose the names, Jubilee successfully had its way by appointing Lucy Nyawira Macharia, Prof Marete Marangu, former Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati, Jane Nampaso and James Waweru to the NMC. The ruling political outfit had forwarded five new names to the Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu following the exit of three others. More than 145 Jubilee MPs allied to the DP wrote a letter to Ms Nderitu protesting the coup but it did not amount to anything as the Tuju-led wing went ahead with the changes, anyway. The NMC coup was a fatal blow to Dr Ruto because the team is in charge of the day-to-day management of the party and sits more frequently than the NEC or the National Delegates Conference to make urgent and pressing decisions. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. It is this powerful body that kicked out Mr Kositany as Jubilee Deputy Secretary General two weeks. For Jubilee, however, its make-or-break moment, it appears, came after the March 2018 Handshake between President Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, with Dr Ruto insistent that the deal was meant to give an easy ride to the former prime minister's fifth attempt at the presidency. Isolated and facing a growing threat of impeachment, Dr Ruto and his TangaTanga-allied leaders have found a home in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a rebrand of the Jubilee affiliate Party of Development and Reforms (PDR). UDA has fielded candidates in this month's Matungu and Kabuchai parliamentary as well as Machakos senatorial seats with Ruto-allied MPs openly campaigning for the rebranded party's candidates. UDA, a rebrand of PDR, has five elected leaders in Parliament led by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Fatuma Dullo, who is also the Isiolo senator, as well as Wajir Woman Rep Fatuma Gedi, Tarbaj's Ahmed Bashane, Mark Lomunokol of Kacheliba and Ijara's Sophia Abdi. Mr Murathe insists that if for nothing else, Dr Ruto should be shown the door for associating with UDA. WESTON A Connecticut Historical Society project wants to reframe the timeline most people think of when it comes to the womens suffrage movement, and highlight often forgotten players women of color. Its not that the research isnt there and the documentation isnt there, said Brittney Yancy, an assistant professor at Goodwin College. Its that scholars havent dived into it. An exhibit this week examined the work and the women who secured the right to vote in Connecticut, focusing on women of color, who tend to be absent from the general narrative about the suffragist movement but were crucial parts. It was led by Yancy and Karen Li Miller, a research historian with the Connecticut Historical Society, and hosted by the Weston Historical Society, the Weston Library and the League of Women Voters of Weston. Many of the women featured lived and organized in New Haven and Hartford, but Yancy said this might be because of the source material available. She said theyre continually learning more about the women and movement at the time, and encourage anyone with information about other organizations or women to reach out to the Connecticut Historical Society. Even Mary Townsend Seymour, arguably the states most written about Black suffragist, is still yielding new information as researchers explore the topic further. She founded and led the Hartford chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1917 out of her apartment. She also established the first Black womens labor union, and in 1920 was the first Black woman to run for the Connecticut General Assembly. Two years later she became the first African American to run for Connecticuts secretary of the tate, though shes unsuccessful in both races. We were very excited to uncover that, Yancy said of the 1922 race. We know theres more to know about her. Yancy said the goal of the project is to not only put women back into the historic record but to also re-examine the timeline associated with the suffragist movement, beginning with the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 and ending with the 19th Amendment in 1920. But she said women of color were organizing long before then and were often the inspiration for the white suffragists, especially Native Americans. It also takes longer for some women to gain the right to vote due to other barriers preventing them outside of gender, such as race and citizenship. After the Civil War, and especially the passage of the 15th Amendment, a second generation of suffragists emerged that was more diverse and more formally organized with the advent of official clubs and federations, she said. Theyre coming with various voices, various strategies, Yancy said. They also brought more issues than trying to secure the right to vote. Puerto Rican women fought for citizenship, something their male counterparts secured in 1917 largely due to recruiting for World War I. Black women advocated for a slew of social issues, including better education, housing and job security, as well as stopping lynching and viewed the right to vote as a way to accomplish that, she said. At the time, Connecticut was also dealing with a great migration as people move north to escape the Jim Crow south, settling in cities such as Hartford and New Haven. Several of Connecticuts key organizers working to get women the right to vote were among them. The state was unprepared for the rapid growth, so a lot of the work fell on the shoulders of the established Black community to ensure their needs were met and fight the discrimination these newcomers faced, Miller said. White women felt the other issues would detract from the suffragist movement and so that, coupled with white supremacy within the national movement, excluded Black women from joining the white suffragist organizations, Yancy said. They might consider themselves activists, but not suffragists, she said. Instead, these different groups organized on their own, generally within their own race. The largest was the National Association of Colored Womens Clubs, which was formed in 1896 and is the umbrella many other state and regional groups fall under, Yancy said. Connecticuts first chapter of the Northeast Federation of the NACWC was in Norwich, but others are recorded in Ansonia, New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury and New London. Yancy said they believe one was also in Stamford. The womens club movement becomes a critical hub, Yancy said, adding these groups were also addressing the issues in their communities. Sarah Lee Brown Fleming is considered the Connecticut Club Woman. She was married to the states first Black dentist. The couple lived in New Haven where she established the Womens Civic League in 1929 and the Connecticut State Union-Nutmeg Federation of the National Association of Colored Womens Clubs. She was also a member of the League of Womens Voters. Yancy said theyre trying to look at the clubs records to see if this chapter was different than others at the time. Within Connecticut, churches played a critical role in organizing as well. While most of the women were extremely involved in their churches, Martha Maddox is considered the church lady, Miller said. Maddox organized the beginners Sunday School at Union Baptist Church where she taught more than 600 children over 35 years. This is a whole way of reaching another generation, Miller said. Some of the other key players in Connecticut were the Edwards sisters in Hartford, who were active in politics and fought for womens right to vote, as well as for African Americans participation in politics. This includes helping elect Black candidates and registering Black voters. Martha Minerva Franklin, who was born in New Milford, decided to use her profession to help recruit Black female voters. She trained other nurses to do the same and said their profession put them in a unique situation to really connect and interact with their communities. Women voters were also recruited with special days at the registrars and at rallies. Generally, the organizers in these clubs were considered upper class. But Minnie Bradley brought another dimension to the movement, creating the National Association of Wage Earners in 1924 and advocating for better living conditions, fair wages and respect for domestic and personal service workers, Yancy said. Bradley represents a working class agenda, she said. Not all women supported the suffragist movement though. Often, they believed men and women were equal but had different roles. They felt they could influence the men in their lives to vote for certain things and didnt need the vote themselves, Miller said. Among them was Laura Belle Reed McCoy, a Mohawk native who started the countrys first African American Girl Scout Troop in New Haven and served on the citys Board of Alderman in the 1940s one of the first minority women to serve on a city council in the country. McCoy really complicates what it means to be a suffragist, Yancy said. Still, many voted once the right was won. They felt that once that opportunity was available that they had a civic duty to fill it, Miller said. kkoerting@newstimes.com The Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations got underway countrywide on Monday with some candidates failing to show up at the exam centres while others sat the papers from hospital wards due to various reasons, including childbirth. The examinations come after a difficult academic year disrupted by Covid-19, which led to a long closure of schools. As a result, some candidates dropped out despite efforts to trace them and get them back to school when they were reopened. In Meru, Ministry of Education officials made last-minute efforts to find the whereabouts of 933 candidates who did not resume classes. County Director of Education Milton Nzioka said 487 girls and 446 boys had not reported back by last week. Several candidates from insecurity-prone counties in the North Rift also failed to show up. Four candidates from Tiaty Sub-county and one from Baringo South did not report to their examination centres. The candidates -- two boys and two girls from Meuto and Kolowa primary schools -- did not report to school when they were reopened. Tiaty sub-county director of education Robert Maritim said the girls got pregnant and were married off, while the whereabouts of the two boys remain unknown. Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha, who supervised the distribution of exam papers in Thika West, said two candidates in Thika will sit their exams from hospital. Gave birth The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) has made special arrangements to ensure that all candidates take the exams from wherever they are. Three candidates in Nakuru and one each in Samburu and Nyandarua counties wrote their exams at various hospitals after they gave birth on Monday morning, hours before the start of the national examinations. Another candidate sat her exams at Murinduko Dispensary in Kuresoi North in Nakuru County, after she gave birth on Sunday. Nakuru County Director of Education Fredrick Osewe said arrangements were in place to enable candidates to sit for their examinations from the hospitals to which they are admitted. The examination was delayed for about 30 minutes at Kesengei Primary School in Nandi County after a candidate delivered in the morning. Nandi South Deputy County Commissioner John Tanui said the candidate delivered at Neema Clinic at Shamakokho Town, but returned to school to continue with the exams. Knec CEO Mercy Karogo warned against exam malpractices, saying, they should not be witnessed. She told headteachers to be on high alert. Involved in an accident "The most important thing is to support the candidates to ensure they have a conducive environment," Dr Karogo said while overseeing the opening of the container where examination materials are stored at Langata West in Nairobi County. The Kenya Defence Forces' Air Wing was called in to help deliver examination materials to several centres in Mandera County after the vehicle ferrying them was involved in an accident. The armoured police vehicle that was meant to deliver exam papers in Kotulo sub-county overturned, leaving at least three occupants critically injured. They were headed to Kutayu examination centre a few minutes to 7am. The authorities also beefed up security in examination centres after suspected al-Shabaab terrorists attempted to attack a police camp at Sheikh Barrow area. 50 expectant candidates In Tharaka-Nithi County, distribution of exam papers went on well despite a heavy downpour in Maara and Meru South sub-counties whereas in Embu County, 13 prisoners are among candidates sitting the exam as were some 50 expectant candidates in different exam centres. In Nyandarua, eleven candidates are sitting their exams while pregnant. County Director of Education Philip Wambua said 18 pupils got pregnant during the Covid-19 break, out of whom 11 are KCPE candidates. The expectant girls are under the special care of the school's administration and have also been undergoing counselling. In Nyanza, four candidates sat the exams in hospital wards. Three of the candidates were expectant teenage girls, while the forth was a boy who was taken ill and was admitted to hospital for treatment two weeks ago. Another candidate from St Paul Kanyakwar Primary School in Kisumu County was forced to sit the exam from a hospital ward after he was injured in a bodaboda accident on Monday morning. Fidel Onyango, 15, was on his way to school, when he sustained injuries to his right leg when a motorcycle he was riding on collided with another from the opposite direction. The other motorbile was also carrying a candidate, who was treated and discharged. From police cells Onyango was visited at the hospital by Teachers Service Commission CEO Nancy Macharia, who is monitoring the exams in the area. Meanwhile, a 17-year-old candidate in Njoro Sub-county is sitting his examinations from police cells after he was charged with defiling another minor one week ago. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He was arrested last week and charged with defiling a girl, 11, at Sigotik Village in Nessuit area. The boy was remanded at a juvenile remand home after he failed to raise Sh400,000 bond with a surety of similar amount or an alternative cash bail of 300,000 needed for his release. Meanwhile, Rift Valley regional coordinator George Natembeya said the government has put in place elaborate measures to ensure the integrity of the exams in the region. "The government has deployed security officers across the region, including Samburu North and Baringo," Mr Natembeya said when he supervised the opening and distribution of examination papers at the Nakuru Town West deputy county commissioner's offices. In Coast, Tana River County Director of Education James Nyagah warned centre managers and invigilators to ensure their phones were always in the custody of the centre supervisor. This has been recommended to curb cheating. Reporting by Faith Nyamai, Charles Wanyoro, Regina Kinogu, Alex Njeru, Jacob Walter, George Munene, Manase Otsialo, Flora Koech, Stanley Kimuge, Barnabas Bii, Tom Matoke, Eric Matara, Waikwa Maina, Geoffrey Ondieki, Joseph Openda, John Njoroge, Victor Raballa, Derick Luvega, George Odiwuor, Lucy Mkanyika, Kalume Kazungu, Stephen Oduor and Siago Cece KALAMAZOO, MI Kalamazoo County has finalized its purchase of a former Boy Scout camp, with plans to turn it into a public nature preserve. The county finalized the purchase of the former Rota-Kiwan Boy Scout Camp in Texas Township, Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored said on Tuesday, March 23. The former camp opened in the 1920s, the county said in a news release, and it was closed by the Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council in 2019. The county government will transform the site into a nature preserve and park. The purchase price for the 212-acre property was $2 million, and was funded entirely through private donations, the county said in a news release. Kalamazoo County Parks has been working with philanthropist John Woollam, the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County and the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy to purchase and protect the property. In recognition of a generous gift from John Woollam, the park will be named in honor of his parents as the Arthur E. & Mildred H. Woollam Nature Preserve, the county said. Today is a great day for the residents of Kalamazoo County, conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts from across Michigan, said Tracy Hall, chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. Once open to the public, the Arthur E. & Mildred H. Woollam Nature Preserve will be a crown jewel in Kalamazoo County and will surely be a draw for nature lovers throughout Michigan, Hall said in the news release. Also, a special thank you to our Parks Director, Dave Rachowicz, who worked so hard to coordinate this possibility. The county approved the purchase in May. On Dec. 9, Kalamazoo County entered into a purchase agreement to buy the property for $2 million, for use as a future county park. The preserve will be available for public use once Kalamazoo County completes a thorough inspection of all structures, facilities and utilities, Hall said. Fundraising efforts for the project continue, with a goal of raising an additional $1 million to begin the first phase of improvements. Kalamazoo County will begin a planning process soon and will seek public input on the future of the property and facilities, Hall said. Board Vice Chair Tami Rey thanked the private donors, including John Woollam, who stepped up to preserve the pristine land in Kalamazoo County. I am glad this site will be preserved for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for years to come, Rey said. Bass Lake on Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation in Texas Township, Michigan on Thursday, May 9, 2019. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com Donald Shepard, CEO of the Michigan Crossroads Council, said The Boy Scouts are looking forward to providing years of community service to accommodate the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy mission for this iconic property. How delighted Scouting is to see Rota-Kiwan remain a part of the Kalamazoo community fabric and that its rich conservation history and natural state will be maintained for future use by the general public and the Scouting community, Shepard said. The Arthur E. & Mildred H. Woollam Nature Preserve will feature 212 acres of natural area and includes shoreline on Bass Lake and Scouters Pond in Texas Township. The former Scout camp facilities offer an opportunity to continue youth group camp activities in collaboration with Kalamazoo area youth groups, the county said. The county said the property is also connected to the 741-acre Al Sabo Land Preserve, which was established in the 1970s by the city of Kalamazoo to protect the Atwater drinking water wellfield. Al Sabo features hiking trails, mountain bike trails and a paved non-motorized trail. In addition to becoming a county park, the Rota-Kiwan property will also be protected by a conservation easement in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy to protect the natural property in perpetuity, the county said. Read more: Kalamazoo County approves purchase of shuttered Boy Scout camp Western Michigan plans near-normal fall semester with in-person classes Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. The Postal Service said that relying more on ground transportation would make delivery more reliable. But the result would be, for some, slower mail. Among the most contentious provisions were price increases for the agencys services. In its plan, the Postal Service said it expected to find $44 billion in revenue over the next 10 years through regulatory changes, including pricing flexibility. Mr. DeJoy said he could not offer details about the increases. The single largest opportunity for savings under the plan lies in lawmakers hands. Congress has mandated that the agency must prefund 75 years worth of its retiree health benefits. In the strategic proposal, the Postal Service estimates that it could recoup $58 billion by eliminating the prefunding requirement and introducing Medicare integration, which would align the agencys retiree health benefit plans with those of many private sector employers and state and local governments. Mr. DeJoy and Ron A. Bloom, the chairman of the Board of Governors, would not offer an explanation of how the Postal Service might recoup the expected $58 billion without legislative and administrative action. Instead, Mr. Bloom maintained, Were going to make this happen. Mr. DeJoy said the agency has had good conversations with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. If people choose to make this about politics, then they can, Mr. Bloom said. And its Washington, so it wont surprise anyone if that happens from some time to time. But you know, you have a bipartisan Board of Governors. You had a rigorous process to choose the P.M.G., he added, referring to the postmaster general. You have what I think is a plan that demonstrates what weve been saying for a while, which is we want to grow and revitalize this institution. Postal legislation has languished in Congress, but Democrats expressed interest in pushing ahead. Senator Gary Peters, the top Democrat on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, expressed concerns about several elements in the Postal Service plan but expressed support for postal legislation more generally. "What is Public Safety?" | Main | Virginia officially repeals its death penalty Late last week, a Seventh Circuit panel handed down an interesting and seemingly important ruling in US v. Jordan, No. 19-2970 (7th Cir. Mar. 18, 2021) (available here). The 10-page unanimous ruling should be of interest to all federal sentencing fans because the ruling gives some teeth to "the parsimony principle of 18 U.S.C. 3553(a)," but it also ought to be of interest to any other criminal justice fans concerned about drug policy and about how community supervision and revocations can undergird mass incarceration. The start of the opinion highlights why the Jordan ruling caught my attention: And here are excerpts from the heart of the opinion (which is very much worth reading in full, in part because it notes that the feds here "asked for 14 months of imprisonment"), as well as its closing paragraph: Jordans core claim is that the district court failed to sufficiently justify both the revocation and prison sentence. He invokes the due process clause of the Fifth Amendment, but we think this case fits better within the supervisory power of an appellate court to review proceedings of trial courts and to reverse judgments of such courts which the appellate court concludes were wrong. Cupp v. Naughten, 414 U.S. 141, 146 (1973). This authority permits us to require sound procedures that are not specifically commanded by the statutes or other relevant provisions. Thomas v. Arn, 474 U.S. 140, 14647 (1985); Terry v. Spencer, 888 F.3d 890, 895 (7th Cir. 2018). Under our supervisory authority, we see two flaws in the district courts procedures and decision. First, the district court did not mention, let alone adequately explain, its rejection of Jordans defense that he lacked intent to violate the conditions of supervised release and had made reasonable and good faith attempts to comply. Such an explanation is required. United States v. Hollins, 847 F.3d 535, 539 (7th Cir 2017). The need to address the defense is particularly important here because, before hearing a word of testimony, the court told Jordan that it was adopting the findings of violations from the probation officers memo. We do not know why the court seemed to make findings about violations before the planned hearing on whether violations occurred. But because it seemed to signal its view of the facts before hearing any evidence, we think that after the court heard the evidence, it needed to explain why that evidence did not move the court from that earlier view. And it did not do so here. We hasten to add that a revocation may have been justified. We recognize that the testimony of offenders on supervised release might not be credible, and we know that district judges may hear a lot of creative excuses for failing to comply with conditions of supervised release. But without an evaluation of the defense, we cannot review whether the district courts rationale for rejecting it was permissible. Second, the district court did not adequately explain its decision to imprison Jordan again for six months. Sentences must always conform to the broad command of the parsimony principle, which requires that sentences be sufficient, but not greater than necessary to comply with the four identified purposes of sentencing: just punishment, deterrence, protection of the public, and rehabilitation. Dean v. United States, 137 S. Ct. 1170, 1175 (2017), quoting 18 U.S.C. 3553(a). This principle is especially important in a case like this where the alleged violations were not criminal, the defendant asserted a lack of intent, and there was evidence of reasonable efforts and good faith, putting in question which of the purposes of sentencing apply. The Supreme Court has observed that prison is not necessarily appropriate for every violation of a condition of release, such as where, as the defendant asserts here, the defendant made bona fide efforts to comply and does not obviously pose a threat to society. Bearden v. Georgia, 461 U.S. 660, 66870 (1983). The congressional policy in providing for a term of supervised release after incarceration is to improve the odds of a successful transition from the prison to liberty. Johnson v. United States, 529 U.S. 694, 70809 (2000). Sending a defendant back to prison for a violation that occurs despite reasonable and good faith efforts to comply may well undermine that transition.... We do not mean to imply that imprisonment may never be the appropriate response to violations like those charged here, missing a drug test and appointments for treatment. The district court may have had in mind the notion that the assurance of reimprisonment even for a short time for intentional or even careless violations deters future violations. We understand that different judges have different philosophies in balancing the factors under 3553(a). But the district court needed to say explicitly why it thought that six months in prison was necessary for a defendant who had tested negative on every test and committed no other violations. 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. Peta Credlin claims Liberal staffers held 'gay orgies' in Parliament House and she was labelled a 'b***h' when she tried to sack the men involved. The chief of staff to Tony Abbott when he was prime minister warned that she knew who was allegedly involved in the sex romps. 'When the MP cleaned out the staffer's desk and the computer, that MP uncovered evidence that for many months that staffer had regularly met with other men, in the middle of the day, when the MP was in question time, for orgies in political offices,' she said. 'Labor staffers, not just this Coalition man, and a number of others too.' Credlin claimed on her Sky News segment that the staffer who was fired for allegedly masturbating in a female federal MP's room was sacked by her years ago. She said the staffer 'never forgave me' and she was smeared as a 'b***h' for her tough stance. 'He backgrounded to journalists about me that I was a b***h, too tough, all the things you've heard before,' Credlin continued. 'You never heard my side of it, did you? I sacked him and I said he would never be back again in that building. Turnbull rolled Abbott, I was gone and he was back.' Disturbing images showed the disgusting sex acts allegedly performed by at least four Coalition staffers in Parliament House. This image shared by a whistleblower shows a man sitting at a desk in Parliament House exposing himself Ms Credlin said the staffer who was fired for allegedly masturbating and performing sex acts in a female federal MP's room, was sacked by her years ago Senior staffers allegedly swapped photos and video of themselves performing the solo sex acts in a Facebook Messenger group. The sexual acts - some of which took place on the desks of federal female MPs - were carried out more than two years ago but only came to light after one of the staffers dobbed the rest of them in. A government source told ABC News on Monday evening one of the staffers was sacked as the bombshell allegations came to light. A whistleblower shared footage of a staffer performing a sex act on himself inside a female Liberal MPs office. The anonymous source also told Ten News MPs and government staffers used a small prayer room on the upper level of Parliament House to have sex. A man is pictured pointing at a female Liberal MP's Parliamentary desk in a still from a video. He goes on to commit a lewd sexual act on the desk Some staffers have used a small prayer room on the upper level of Parliament House to have sex, a whistleblower said in bombshell revelations 'I could probably say there's very little meditation or prayer going on in that room,' he said. He also claimed prostitutes and 'rent boys' were brought into Parliament House for the pleasure of Coalition MPs. 'Having sex, procuring rent boys... in Parliament House, procured by staffers for MPs,' he told Ten News. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham condemned the behaviour on Monday and said those involved would be sacked. 'I am disgusted and appalled,' he said. 'It shows a complete disregard for all that our parliamentary democracy stands for.' 'It also demonstrates an enormous disrespect for the employing member or senator in relation to those staff and those officers. The staffer who was fired (left, pictured with Julie Bishop) allegedly filmed himself performing a sexual act inside a female Liberal MP's office 'It equally shows a complete contempt for the Australian taxpayers who have paid the wages for such staff and, in my opinion, any individuals who engaged in such activity ought to prepare to pack their bags and leave the building for good.' The whistleblower told The Australian there was a culture of men who thought they could do 'whatever they want'. 'I don't think they've broken any laws but morally, they're bankrupt,' he said. Ten News and The Australian obtained some of the lewd videos and images filmed inside Parliament House. Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins (pictured in 2018) will hand down her final report on inappropriate workplace culture in Parliament House in November Prime Minister Scott Morrison condemned the behaviour in the strongest possible terms and urged anyone who knew of more to come forward. 'Everyone has a right to feel safe at work. The reports aired tonight are disgusting and sickening,' he said. 'It's not good enough, and is totally unacceptable. The people who come to work in this building are better than this. 'The actions of these individuals show a staggering disrespect for the people who work in parliament, and for the ideals the parliament is supposed to represent.' Mr Morrison said he had identified the staff member at the centre of the allegations and terminated his employment immediately. One staffer was confirmed to have been sacked on Monday. Finance Minister Simon Birmingham (pictured) said the others would also lose their jobs 'I urge anybody with further information to come forward. There is also the serious incident support line that we have established that staff and former staff are encouraged to use,' he said. 'I will have more to say on this and the cultural issues we confront as a Parliament in coming days.' Senator Birmingham said it further demonstrated the need for the inquiry by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins into parliament's workplace culture. Parliament House, Canberra, has been rocked by fresh allegations of sexual depravity as senior Coalition staffers allegedly filmed themselves in sexual acts on female MP's desks and in the Parliamentary prayer room - and shared them on Facebook Messenger Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins is leading a review of workplace culture in Parliament House in the wake of the Brittany Higgins rape allegations. Ms Higgins says she was raped by a former colleague inside Parliament House in March 2019. Ms Jenkins' review is expected to issue a final report in November. Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with showers. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. A New Jersey law that requires hundreds of thousands of public employees and teachers to live within the states borders should be repealed, a top Republican lawmaker said following a court ruling that called the residency rule unconstitutional. State Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. said the New Jersey First law that has been in place for more than a decade unfairly dictates where state workers, municipal employees and public school teachers can live. We shouldnt have to depend on artificial barriers to keep workers in New Jersey, said Kean, R-Union. Its imperative that we address a lack of affordability, high taxes and excess regulation that continues to drive our residents to other states. A Superior Court judge said the state residency law was unconstitutional in a ruling last month that tossed out a lawsuit filed by the Somerville Board of Education. The school district is trying to fire a tenured high school English teacher for moving to Pennsylvania to live with her boyfriend. Superior Court Judge Thomas Miller said the state law is vague and the rules detailing which employees can get exemptions to move out of state for financial, health or other reasons are open to interpretation. However, the judges 77-page opinion said his ruling only applies to the case against the Somerville teacher and it would be up to the state Legislature to consider whether to kill, rewrite or keep the law. Its been clear for years that the law forcing employees who work for the state, local governments and public schools to live in New Jersey was flawed for a number of reasons, including those cited by the judge, Kean said. Kean said the questions about whether the New Jersey law violates the Constitution will likely bring other legal challenges. While the ruling appears to apply just to this one individual, its likely to lead to other litigation and be cited in other cases. It makes more sense than ever to repeal the residency requirement completely, he said. Kean has been leading efforts to change the New Jersey First law since 2015, with little success. He is the primary sponsor of S261, a bill in the state Senate that would require only the governor, lawmakers, some judges and other high-level state employees live in New Jersey. Other public employees would be able to live wherever they want. An identical bill was introduced by Republicans in the state Assembly. However, neither bill has gotten a hearing since they were introduced more than a year ago. Although many cities and municipalities have residency laws requiring police officers, firefighters and other public employees to live in town, New Jersey is believed to have the most stringent statewide law in the nation requiring nearly all public employees to live within its borders. Republican Gov. Chris Christie signed the New Jersey First law in 2011 with broad support, saying nearly all public workers must live within the state borders unless they are granted an exception for financial, health or other reasons. At the time, Christie and other supporters said if you are being paid by New Jersey taxpayers either in a state, county, municipal or school district job you should be paying state and local taxes as a state resident. If you moved to Pennsylvania, Delaware or New York for cheaper housing or lower property taxes, you should be required to give up your public job, he said. There are exceptions. Any public employees living out of state before the 2011 law was passed are exempt. And public employees can apply to the state Employee Residency Review Committee for an exemption for medical or financial reasons. Workers can also get letters from their employers saying they have a critical job and should get a waiver to live where they want. A 2019 NJ Advance Media analysis of state records showed at least 2,310 public workers had been given temporary or permanent exemptions to live out of state since the law went into effect. About 80 percent of those who applied and had their cases voted on by the committee were granted permission to live elsewhere usually New York, Pennsylvania or Delaware. Divorce, crippling debt, child custody agreements, elderly parents, debilitating health problems and the high cost of living in New Jersey were among the most often cited reasons for public employees asking for exemptions to the law. The Somerville school district filed its lawsuit against English teacher Rebecca Drake after the board of education hired a private detective in 2018 to prove she was living with her boyfriend in Newtown, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles from the New Jersey border. The school district said she should be fired, citing the New Jersey First law. Drake, whose house was recently foreclosed on, had applied to the state for a waiver to move out of state for financial reasons. But she was initially denied because she had not provided enough proof, according to court papers. She later reapplied and was granted permission to move because of her financial problems, but by then her school district had already filed the lawsuit. Drakes attorney argued in court the New Jersey First law was flawed and the $75,401-a-year English teacher was unfairly targeted. An attorney for Drake declined to comment earlier this week on the judges ruling in her favor. An attorney for the Somerville Board of Education said the district plans to continue fighting for Drake to be fired and plans to appeal the judges ruling. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. SMYRNA, Ga., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Governor's Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) today announced the arrival of nearly 8 million personal protection equipment (PPE) items that have been donated by Accelerate360, a national marketing, sales, logistics, and media conglomerate headquartered in Atlanta, GA. More than 7.8 million items including protective face masks and hand sanitizer will be distributed to small businesses, tribal communities, migrants crossing the border in the US, and the state's essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Partnerships with the private sector have been invaluable as we continue to respond to the pandemic and the needs of our essential workers. We are thankful for Accelerate360's donation of 7.8 million items of PPE which demonstrates we are truly in this together. This donation was distributed to all corners of the State, to multiple different essential industries, and numerous communities in need," said Abby Browning, Chief, Cal OES Office of Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Coordination. Cal OES has worked to support the state's 38 million residents throughout the past year as the COVID-19 Pandemic challenged local residents, schools, and businesses unlike anything else in recent history. Despite the declining hospitalizations and positivity rates, support is still needed to assist the vulnerable communities and essential workers who remain at the forefront of risk. The donation of supplies from Accelerate360 will be distributed across the entire state and provide much needed support to individuals and businesses. "Accelerate360 is committed to all of our local communities, from Atlanta to Sacramento, and I speak for all of us when I say that we are grateful to be in a position to provide support and resources to our friends in California," said Accelerate360 CEO David Parry. "We have had the great pleasure of donating millions of PPE supplies to communities and schools across the country and it underscores how our staff, many of whom are on the frontlines to ensure deliveries of vital products and supplies, continues to go above and beyond to do their part in helping the country recover from this pandemic." Accelerate360 has previously donated PPE supplies to communities across the country. In late 2020, the company teamed up with Mark Wahlberg's Performance Inspired brand to donate supplies to local schools in 13 U.S. cities. In addition to the donation, the company also posted a "Thank You" to essential workers, featuring Wahlberg, on billboards across the country. About Accelerate360, LLC Accelerate 360 is a distribution, sales, marketing and media conglomerate that provides customized solutions for retailers and consumer product brands across each of our lines of business. With over 100 years of legacy experience, the company has a proven track record in Direct Store Delivery (DSD) and Direct to Consumer (DTC) fulfillment as well as sourcing, retail program development, marketing, sales, category management and media solutions. Accelerate360 is also the largest magazine wholesaler in the US and owns over 30 media brands including US Weekly and Men's Journal. The company's internal brand and marketing studio manages proprietary brand development and marketing services throughout the ecosystem. Located in Smyrna, Georgia and with offices and facilities across the US, Accelerate360 is proud to employ over 1,100 employees. For more information, visit Accelerate360.com SOURCE Accelerate360 Related Links https://accelerate360.com/ The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) is likely to enslave Africans to the rest of the world if the challenges associated with the program are not fixed, the Citizen Watch, a think tank group has disclosed Currently, it is estimated that Ghana needs about US$5billion for the next 10 years to support the private sector to enable it compete favorably with its peers. "What is the government position on this? What our leaders ought to know is that they are in to take advantage of our resources, by scooping everything we have in the country without bringing in anything, it said. The government dont have the funds to support the local industries to enable them compete with its peers, however, the foreign companies would come in with their resources to establish huge factories in the country. They would export the products to neighboring countries and make their returns on investment, which would be a major disadvantage to us, the Group said. Until these challenges are fixed, the AfCTA will be a conduit for foreign companies to come and take advantage of Africa and sweep our income. They will get cheap label, cheap labour, no entry duties, sell the products to us and carry our money away. This would be the biggest slavery ever to hit the soil of Africa. Our first challenge and focus should have been import substitution and how we can capitalize on that. Then after which we look into exporting to other African countries base on our competitive advantage but we have turned everything upside down, the statement said. According to the Citizen Watch, we cannot talk about AfCTA without local capacity. We have not been able to meet local demand, so how do we prepare to export. We consider the AfCTA program as a premature project and should be put on hold until we have been able to fix the challenges. According to a statement issued in Accra and signed by Elikem Agbenyegah, the leader of the Group, Ghana is not ready for any AfCTA program. "What the government could have done was to put on hold the AfCTA program and rather negotiate for some treaties with its peers within the sub-region which could be more beneficial to the country. But because our leaders have been blindfolded by the foreign investors, they have gone ahead to sign on to the AFCTA without any critical assessment forgetting that the continent was not prepared for it, the statement said. The AfCFTA aims to boost intra-African trade by providing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial trade agreement among the member states, covering trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property rights and competition policy. Other continental frameworks include Boosting Intra African Trade (BIAT) which aims to deepen Africa's market integration and significantly increasing the volume of trade that African countries undertake amongst themselves from the current levels of about 10-13% to 25% or more within the next decade and The Action Plan for the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA), which aims to mobilize both financial and nonfinancial resources and enhance Africa's industrial performance. The agenda 2063 is the blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the strategic framework for delivering on Africas goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance. Source: Eric Owusu 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 7-year-old girl was killed in her home when security forces fired in Mandalay, Myanmar, as per a Reuters report. She is the youngest victim till now in a crackdown against opposition to the February military coup. The ruling junta accused pro-democracy protesters of arson and violence saying it would use the least force possible to curb the demonstrations. What happened? Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said 164 protesters had been killed in total and he expressed sadness at the deaths. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group says at least 261 people have been killed in the security forces' crackdown. "They are also our citizens," Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital Naypyitaw, a day after the European Union and the United States imposed more sanctions on groups or individuals linked to the Feb. 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Staff at a Mandalay funeral service told Reuters that a 7-year-old girl had died of bullet wounds in Chan Mya Thazi township on Tuesday. Soldiers shot at her father but hit the girl who was sitting on his lap inside their home, her sister told Myanmar Now media outlet. Two men were also killed in the township, it said. Reuters The military had no immediate comment on the incident. Protests all over As night fell, candle-lit vigils were held in the commercial capital Yangon and other cities. The junta has faced international condemnation for staging the coup that halted Myanmar's slow transition to democracy and for its lethal suppression of the protests that followed. It has tried to justify the takeover by saying a Nov. 8 election won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) was fraudulent an accusation the electoral commission has rejected. Military leaders have promised a new election but have not set a date and have declared a state of emergency. The junta's Zaw Min Tun blamed the bloodshed on the protesters and said nine members of the security forces had been also killed. "Can we call these peaceful protesters?" he said, while showing a video of factories on fire. "Which country or organisation would regard this violence as peaceful?" He said strikes and hospitals not fully operating had caused deaths, including from COVID-19, calling them "undutiful and unethical". The spokesman also accused media of "fake news" and fanning unrest and said reporters could be prosecuted if they were in contact with the CRPH, as the remnants of Suu Kyi's government is known. The military has declared the CRPH an illegal organisation and said membership is punishable by death. In the more than three-hour news conference, he gave granular details on how the NLD had created hundreds or even thousands of extra ballots in numerous townships by inventing voters, including in Suu Kyi's own constituency. Videos of people saying they were paid by NLD representatives. The NLD has denied making any attempt to rig the election. Reuters Also shown was video testimony of former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein saying he visited Suu Kyi multiple times and gave her money "whenever needed". Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her campaign to bring democratic civilian rule to Myanmar, has been in detention since the coup and faces charges that her lawyer says have been cooked up to discredit her. The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Monday against individuals involved in the coup and the repression of the demonstrators. The 11 people the EU targeted included General Min Aung Hlaing, the military's commander-in-chief and now the head of the junta. The EU already has an arms embargo on Myanmar and has targeted some senior military officials since 2018. Washington had already sanctioned Min Aung Hlaing and the measures announced on Monday expanded the list. Some of Myanmar's neighbours also spoke out against the violence. "We believe violence against unarmed civilians is inexcusable," Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Kuala Lumpur after talks with his Malaysian counterpart. He said that although they did not believe in external interference in a country's domestic affairs, "we stand ready to do our best to support the people of Myanmar who in fact deserve so much better in the future." The junta said it is cooperating with five neighbouring countries Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand and values and respects their words. As China has major business interests in Myanmar and is a member of the U.N. Security Council, its stance on the crisis is particularly important to the generals. About 94 per cent of business leaders in Qatar believe that their organisations will adopt a more hybrid way of working for the foreseeable future, according the Work Reworked Report. Commissioned by Microsoft and carried out by the Boston Consulting Group and KRC Research, this years edition of the annual Work Reworked Report aims to provide information to business leaders across the Middle East and Africa, to support navigating a new world of remote work. Microsofts Work Reworked research provides insight into how companies can best support and empower workers as remote and hybrid working becomes the new normal. A survey of 600 leaders and employees in large enterprises within Qatar examined peoples experience since the beginning of the pandemic as remote ways of working became common, and also asked about expectations around the future. Since the start of the great global work-at-home work experiment stemming from the pandemic, researchers have found that managers and employees in Qatar expect to spend over a third (35 per cent) of the work week outside of the traditional office setting. Though employees still see value in attending the office to maintain bonds with colleagues, they are looking for more flexibility from their organisations. A more permanent change around ways of working is already evident, with a healthy majority (74 percent) of companies now having a set remote work policy in place, the repost said. Most Qatari business leaders (78 per cent) also reported additional cost benefits, such as the reduction in their office footprint and spend on business travel. However, remote work is not without its challenges. Research has found that many people feel disconnected from their teams, driving team cohesion is not as easy as before and more work is being done in silos. In fact, 83 percent of Qatari managers said that they had trouble creating a strong team culture, it said. The pandemic has resulted in a dramatic impact on the employee experience, with by far the biggest shift to remote work we have ever witnessed, and the employee experience has become a priority for every business leader. said Rami Azzi modern work business group lead, Microsoft Middle East cluster. The Work Reworked research has come at a time when Microsoft has further enhanced the employee experience through Microsoft Viva, the first employee experience platform that brings tools for employee engagement, learning, wellbeing and knowledge discovery, directly into the flow of peoples work,. Microsoft Viva builds on the power of Teams and Microsoft 365 to unify the employee experience across four key areas Engagement, Wellbeing, Learning and Knowledge in an integrated experience that empowers people to be their best. The prioritization of innovation among hybrid teams can be seen in key traits amongst highly innovative companies. For example, 77 percent of Qatari employees working in innovative work environments said that they were happy in their job, as opposed to 63 percent in less innovative organisations. Protecting employee wellbeing can yield invaluable long-term benefits for organisations looking to thrive and grow. Microsoft has established plans to deliver the intelligent and trusted Microsoft Cloud services from a new cloud datacenter region in Qatar, expanding Microsofts global cloud infrastructure to 57 Azure regions in 20 countries across the globe. The new region is anticipated to be available starting with Microsoft Azure in 2021, and Office 365, Dynamics 365 and Power Platform to follow, the company said. TradeArabia News Service Reporters Without Borders has filed a lawsuit against Facebook in France, accusing the platform of failing to provide a "safe" environment for users in violation of its own terms and conditions. The media advocacy group, which is considering filing similar lawsuits in other countries, said France's consumer law is especially well suited to the issue. Misleading consumers is illegal under French law and companies face fines of up to 10% of their annual sales if found in violation. The suit filed with prosecutors in Paris on Monday argues that Facebook has engaged in "deceptive commercial practices" by allowing disinformation and threats to flourish despite promising users that it will "exercise professional diligence" to create "a safe, secure and error-free environment." The group, which is based in Paris and also known by its French initials RSF, said in a statement that the promises made in Facebook's terms and conditions are "largely mendacious" and contradicted by "the large-scale dissemination of hate speech and false information on its networks." To support its claims, Reporters Without Borders cites statements from former Facebook employees, two lengthy reports detailing hate speech and threats made against French journalists, the work of fact-checking organizations and examples of disinformation disseminated on the platform. Reporters Without Borders said it hopes that prosecutors open an investigation into Facebook. But it also said that it wants Facebook to live up to its commitments. "We expect Facebook to effectively respect the commitments it has made to its consumers, rather than pretending to implement them without this being the case," the group said. Facebook said in a statement on Tuesday that it has "zero tolerance for any harmful content on our platforms and we're investing heavily to tackle hate speech and misinformation." "Our enforcement will never be perfect, but while nobody can eliminate misinformation and hate speech from the internet entirely, we continue using research, experts and technologies to tackle them in the most comprehensive and effective way possible," it added. While the lawsuit does not include significant revelations about Facebook, it does underscore the pressure on the company from regulators and advocacy groups around the world to address issues including hate speech and disinformation. Facebook has tried to address disinformation in various ways, from labeling false claims to reducing its visibility in users' feeds. But the issue has persisted. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to face questions from lawmakers on Thursday over the role of social media disinformation in the attack on the US Capitol earlier this year. Facebook is also on a collision course with the media industry in several major economies over compensation for journalism. The company briefly banned news content in Australia earlier this year as lawmakers moved to implement a media code that forces Big Tech to pay publishers for news shared on their platforms. Facebook has since struck deals with several major publishers in the country. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 24 : Proceedings heated up in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021. Members of the Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress raised slogans against this legislation that grants greater powers to the Lieutenant Governor. Because of the ruckus created, while replying to a debate on the Finance Bill 2021, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had to cut short her address. During the debate on the Bill, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien alleged that BJP leaders were constantly commenting on him and that it was against the rules of the House. Accusing the central government of arbitrariness, O'Brien said the Bill went against the spirit of federal structure. Reacting to the persistent allegations of O'Brien, BJP national president and Rajya Sabha MP J.P. Nadda stood up and accused the Trinamool of displaying double standards. Nadda said: "When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was speaking, Trinamool MPs were shouting slogans. These double standards cannot be allowed. We are not among those who blame EVMS when they lose and declare themselves as emperors when they win." O'Brien objected strongly to Nadda's statement. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh accused the BJP of taking revenge through the bill for its defeat in the Delhi assembly elections. Speaking earlier, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the Centre of killing the country's federal structure. Citing the example of a clash with the CBI in West Bengal, he said the CBI tried to sneak into the state without the permission of the state government. Singhvi said the CBI case in West Bengal is an example of the crumbling of the federal structure. "The CBI examines a case when the local government permits it or a court orders it. But despite nothing like that happening in West Bengal, the CBI tried to sneak into investigating the coal scam. "The government is killing the federal structure while talking about strengthening it." At least a dozen similar bills have been filed in states including Kansas, Minnesota and Ohio. But in Texas, the bill has been pushed as a response to the power outages caused by last months winter storm. $1 BILLION: Here's how CPS is paying $1 billion for the natural gas used during February's winter storm Now labeled a priority for lawmakers, House Bill 17 would bar cities and municipalities from banning, limiting, restricting or discriminating against the type or source of energy used for utility connections. It was included in a slate of bills that the Texas House State Affairs Committee quickly voted out of committee Thursday that are intended to address the storm-related power outages, which left more than 4.8 million people without electricity and killed dozens of people in Texas. The bill was first filed in January as House Bill 1282. Its sponsor, state Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Beaumont, said the legislation is a response to what is happening on the West coast where cities have passed energy efficiency plans that prohibit new subdivisions from offering natural gas heating, requiring instead that new homes be heated by electricity. The purpose of this bill is to prevent a city from prohibiting choice of fuel for homes, Deshotel told the House State Affairs Committee. Using electricity to heat homes rather than natural gas reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The bulk of emissions from residential and commercial buildings in San Francisco are attributed to burning natural gas, which spurred the citys efforts to mandate a transition, Inside Climate News reported in November. In Austin, the citys initial climate action plan would have virtually eliminated gas use in new buildings by 2030, but was altered after Texas Gas Service opposed the measure, the Texas Observer reported earlier this month. BLAME GAME: Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republicans blamed green energy for Texas' power woes Elected officials have promoted Deshotels bill as a response to the trend toward electrifying new home construction, defending the use of natural gas to heat homes and buildings. While visiting Midland in January where oil and natural gas production dominates the local economy Gov. Greg Abbott railed against San Franciscos ban and announced his support for legislation that prohibits counties from restricting use of natural gas appliances. Yet the bill has taken on new prominence in the aftermath of the Texas power outages in February. Deshotels bill was included in the slate of legislation considered a priority for ensuring the state does not experience such long-lasting and deadly power outages again. The House State Affairs Committee on Thursday advanced a number of bills responding to the power outages, including one that would require power plants to be upgraded and built for extreme weather events and another that reforms the board of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, the independent operator of the power grid that covers most of Texas. Environmental and consumer advocacy groups which supported the other bills responding to the power outages opposed House Bill 17, raising concerns that as filed, it could be interpreted to prevent cities from offering rebates and other incentives to encourage use of renewable power generation. Luke Metzger, executive director of Environment Texas, called the bill grossly irresponsible. Cyrus Reed, conservation director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said the bill is too broadly written. It makes us nervous that the bill could be used to prevent what we view as good programs happening in cities throughout Texas like rebates for heat pumps or changes in code that encourage electric vehicles, Reed said during the hearing. REVERSING CHARGES: Electricity repricing bill hits wall in House, marking first major schism with Senate this session Deshotel promised to add an amendment at a later date to address the concerns raised by environmental groups that the language is too broad, reiterating that the bill would not prohibit rebates or other incentive programs for renewable sources of power. Regardless, Reed said Sierra Club would remain opposed because the bill takes away the rights of local political subdivisions to pursue the actions theyd like to pursue. Companies that supply natural gas to households voiced their support. Jason Ryan, senior vice president of regulatory services and government affairs at CenterPoint Energy, said at the hearing that the company was proud of how its natural gas utilities served customers during the power outages last month, experiencing few disruptions. Lawmakers agreed, pointing to the ability of natural gas providers to largely continue supplying gas to homes during the February storm. Gas fired furnaces cannot run without power, but some people with gas service were able to use gas fireplaces and stoves. A lot of people lost electricity, said State Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, chair of the committee, but folks still had that gas going. During the storm, a supply shortage of natural gas worsened the power outages. While delivery to homes was the first priority, the second priority was to deliver gas to natural gas-fired power plants to generate electricity. However, several electric generation executives testified in hearings last month that their plants were not able to run due to a shortage of fuel. Many plants were also offline due to the cold weather. That fuel shortage was in part due to increased demand for natural gas during the winter for heating homes, James Cisarik, chairman of the Texas Energy Reliability Council, testified last month. Ahead of the vote out of committee, some Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the legislation. Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, said her office has received dozens of emails about House Bill 17 all opposed. Deshotel responded that there has been misinformation about the bill. I understand [the] people calling you and complaining, he said, referring to news coverage and statements from environmental groups characterizing the bill as a handout to the natural gas industry. I would be calling too, and saying, Is this guy crazy? he said. But you know, thats not what this bill does. So, Im certainly willing to work with all the parties here. Its not about forcing anything on anybody. Disclosure: CenterPoint Energy and Texas Gas Service have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Do you have a news tip? Want to share good news story, or do you have information that should see the light of day? Then we want to hear from you. More here Wednesday is the calm before the storms. Mostly cloudy skies this morning should start to clear out a little bit by midday. We'll see a mix of sun and clouds this afternoon with highs in the low to mid 70s this afternoon. It is quite humid for late March standards. For that reason, we can't completely rule out a stray shower today. But for the most part, we will remain dry. Looking Ahead To Thursday's Severe Weather Potential New this morning, a large portion of North Alabama has been upgraded to a Widespread Risk for severe weather Thursday. This is a Level 4 out of 5 risk that includes areas from Huntsville points west. Sand Mountain is under a Level 3 Numerous risk. This event looks to play out very similarly to last Wednesday. Showers and storms are expected along a warm front early Thursday morning. These storms will not be severe, but heavy rain and gusty winds are likely. The Thursday morning drive will be treacherous. Like last week, the placement of the warm front will decide how widespread our severe weather will be. The further north the warm front moves into Tennessee, the more likely we will be in the warm sector, setting the stage for widespread and potentially significant severe weather once again during the afternoon and evening. However, should the warm front meander nearby North Alabama (like last week), our severe weather threat will not be as high and heavy rain and flooding will become the main threats. Where the warm front lands is still in question. Should the warm front move northward, we will destabilize quickly late tomorrow morning and early afternoon and the atmosphere will be primed for severe weather. Supercells capable of producing strong, long-track tornadoes will be possible tomorrow afternoon lasting through early evening. In addition, a line of severe storms looks to move through tomorrow evening. This line of storms will be capable of damaging winds and brief spin up tornadoes. Again, all of this is contingent on our region destabilizing and the warm front moving north tomorrow around midday. Here are the earliest arrival times for severe storms tomorrow afternoon and evening. Keep in mind we will have non-severe storms tomorrow morning. The severe threat should end just after Midnight, giving us much quieter weather Friday. Aside from the severe weather threat, widespread 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected Thursday. Additional rises of area waterways and flash flooding are likely once again given how much rain we have seen in the last 10 days. Now is the time to prepare for tomorrow's severe weather. Stay with WAAY 31 for continuing updates on air and online at waaytv.com. Another round of strong storms will be possible Saturday, but it is too early for specifics at this time. A man accused of torturing a father-of-two in front of his children claims he visited the murder scene to carry out research for a TV company, a court heard today. Brian Waters, 44, died after he was beaten, tied up and suspended upside down in a four-hour torture session in 2003. The attack took place in a cow barn at Burnt House Farm near Cheshire, where he had a cannabis farm, Chester Crown Court heard. His attackers held a binbag over his head and set it alight, causing it to melt on to his head, the court heard today. His two children Gavin, then 25, and Natalie, who had turned 21 the day before, were tied up and forced to watch as their father was murdered. Christopher Guest More Jr, 43 is accused of being one of at least six men involved in carrying out the violence. More, who carried out undercover work for TV companies, was asked in 2002 to locate a cannabis farm for covert filming by a production company working for Channel 4 show Dispatches, which was filming a programme about the reclassification of the drug. Christopher Guest More Jr (left) is charged with murdering Brian Waters (right), who was tortured and killed at a Cheshire farmhouse over a drugs debt, the court heard Brian Waters was tortured to death in front of his family at this farmhouse in Cheshire Christopher Guest More Jr arriving at Chester Crown Court under high security Guest More Jr allegedly fled the country shortly after and was found living in Malta 16 years after the killing. Nigel Power QC, prosecuting, said More's DNA was found on a glove, cigarette ends, a drinks bottle and faeces recovered from the cow shed of the farm, where the four-hour torture session took place. He said More denied being present when the attacks took place but said he had made a number of reconnaissance visits to the open land of the farm before the day of the murder. Mr Power told the court: 'He said what he was doing was as a part of his role as an undercover television researcher.' More admitted stealing cannabis and equipment from the farm on the morning of murder but denied having any prior knowledge of the attacks, the jury was told. Mr Power said More flew to Malaga, Spain, in the early morning of June 21, 2003, two days after the murder. A European Arrest Warrant was issued in 2004 but not executed until June 6 2019 in Malta. The court heard that More was using a UK passport under the name Andrew Christopher Lamb. Another man, Suleman Razak, who worked on the farm, was also tortured. He described how he was suspended from rafters into a barrel which was filled with fluid, then having plant food poured over his body, a pillowcase on his head set alight, and a staple gun used on his feet and body. Police at the scene of the crime in 2003. The jury heard Mr Waters died of multiple injuries following the attack, which was carried out over a 20,000 drugs debt Christopher Guest More Jr allegedly fled the UK after the murder of Brian Waters, who was killed in front of his two adult children at Burnt House Farm (pictured) in Tabley, in June 2003 The jury heard Mr Waters died of multiple injuries following the attack, which was carried out over a 20,000 drugs debt. Mr Power said: 'Mr Waters was restrained, tortured by the infliction of wounds - bruises, abrasions and lacerations to his body, head, neck, chest, abdomen, back and both arms and legs.' He had staples in his head and body and was assaulted with an iron bar and other weapons, the jury was told. The court has heard the father-of-two owed money to drug dealer John Wilson, who has since been convicted of his murder along with two other men, More's cousin James Raven and Otis Matthews. The prosecution alleges More helped Wilson to find Mr Waters' cannabis farm, which he had been keeping secret. More denies the murder of Mr Waters and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm to Mr Waters and Mr Razak. The trial was adjourned until Thursday. Residents across flooded areas on the east coast of Australia have been warned of an increase in mosquitoes, ticks and fleas which could cause nasty illnesses. Five days of extreme weather caused flooding from Sydney to the Gold Coast, and left two men dead. The skies cleared across most of New South Wales on Wednesday, but those in flood-affected areas are now bracing for an insect population explosion. Residents across flooded areas on the east coast of Australia have been warned of an increase in mosquitoes, ticks and fleas which could cause nasty illnesses An explosion of mosquitoes is expected following extreme rain across NSW and warm weather 'It's shaping up to be a pretty pestilent season along the whole east coast,' David Emery, a professor of veterinary parasitology at the University of Sydney, told Fairfax. He warned that the warm and wet weather created perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. 'The rain helps all parasites to survive longer if it hasn't drowned them in the first place,' Professor Emery said. This could also see cases of the Ross River Virus, which occurs when an infected female mosquito feeds on the blood of an infected animal and proceeds to bite a human. Police head out onto floodwaters to deliver supplies to stranded locals in the Windsor region on March 24 The virus then multiplies within the mosquito and is passed to other animals or people when the mosquito feeds again. Ross River virus cannot be passed on from human-to-human. On the coast an increase in paralysis tick numbers is expected, which can be picked up from just being outdoors. Those with pets are urged to have tick medication on standby in the chance of being bitten. Tick bites can cause Rickettsial infections, which is caused by bacteria, and lyme disease. Other insects expected to benefit from the wet weather include dragonflies and buffalo flies, while spider populations balloon due to an abundance of prey. [March 24, 2021] Clikia Appoints Former Cartier Vice President of Marketing and Former President of North America at Chopard Thierry Chaunu to its Board of Directors FORT LEE, NJ, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Clikia Corp. (OTC: CLKA) (Clikia or the Company), an emerging leader in the global high-end custom luxury goods marketplace, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Maison Luxe, is pleased to announce the appointment of former Cartier Vice-President of Marketing and former Chopard President of North America Thierry Chaunu to the Companys Board of Directors. Thierrys career is a highlight reel of leading firms and prominent roles in the diamond and jewelry space, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him involved at this stage, commented Anil Idnani, CEO of Clikia and Founder of Maison Luxe. Chaunu began his jewelry career as Senior Product Manager in Paris in the 1980s with the world-renowned French luxury goods conglomerate Cartier, before being promoted and transferred to New York as Vice President of Marketing. In 1991, he joined Christofle as President of its North American operations, opening dozens of stores and retail corners in the process. In 1999, he became President North America at Chopard and succeeded in giving the globally recognized luxury brand added luster and prominence by opening multiple boutiques, key independent jewelry retailers, and department stores, as well as establishing the brands visibility as a major force at awards shows and on the red carpets with celebrities. In 2005, Chaunu became President & COO of Leviev Worldwide and launched the diamond brand as a premier provider of large and rare diamonds, opening flagship boutiques in London, New York, Moscow, Dubai and Singapore and developed a wide collection of complication timepieces. In 2010, building on that success, Chaunu created his consulting company Brands Consulting LLC, advising luxury brands (mong his many clients: Louis Vuitton High Jewelry, Chaumet, Mauboussin, Jacob & Co, LAzurde, Lladro), launched a collection of Swiss chronographs for racing supercars Spyker, and revived the Marina B jewelry brand, originally founded by Marina Bulgari. Idnani added, Our goals demand the presence of leaders in the industry, and Thierrys gravitas in the field will both open up doors and augment our credibility with and access to firms and individuals that directly and indirectly drive shareholder value as an emerging presence in the high-end custom luxury goods marketplace. This addition follows the strong addition of John Cormier to the Board in November 2020, which added another strong industry veteran as the current CEO of WatchFacts (www.watchfacts.com), a company based in Miami, FL, that verifies the authenticity of luxury watches, among other related services, with notable clients, including Amazon.com. ABOUT CLIKIA CORP. Clikia Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary (1) Maison Luxe, offers highly desired luxury retail consumer items that are responsibly sourced and affordable to the end customer. Maison Luxe focuses its efforts primarily within the fine time pieces and jewelry segments both on a wholesale and B2C (business-to-consumer) basis (2) Amani Jewelers, operates in the jewelry marketplace, with a strategic focus on the rapidly growing lab-grown diamonds market. For more information, please reference https://www.maisonluxeny.com. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This press release contains forward-looking statements that can be identified by terminology such as "believes," "expects," "potential," "plans," "suggests," "may," "should," "could," "intends," or similar expressions. Many forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results implied by such statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, our ability to continue to enhance our products and systems to address industry changes, our ability to expand our customer base and retain existing customers, our ability to effectively compete in our market segment, the lack of public information on our company, our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our business, operations, our ability to continue as a going concern, and a limited public market for our common stock, among other risks. Many factors are difficult to predict accurately and are generally beyond the company's control. Forward-looking statements speak only as to the date they are made, and we do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: Anil Idnani, CEO Anil@clikiacorp.com 551-486-3980 Public Relations: EDM Media, LLC https://edm.media (800) 301-7883 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] THE High Court has approved a total settlement of 12.2m for two boys with cerebral palsy born just over a year apart who sued over alleged medical negligence. The settlement was made without admission of liability. Michael Hickey was born at 29 weeks on August 11, 2012, and his brother Ned was born at 31 weeks on August 15, 2013. Both were later diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy. The settlement involves a payment of 6.1m each for the boys, who attend school and are said to be doing well but facing certain challenges. Parents Sinead and Mark Hickey supported the settlements and their actions were also settled. Mr Justice Kevin Cross noted the particular risks in the cases and counsel's opinion was there was a 50/50 risk in relation to establishing negligence in Michael's and an "even higher" risk in Ned's case. Both boys sued through their mother, of Windy Arbour, Dublin. Their cases were against consultant gynaecologist Mona Joyce, with a registered place of busi- ness at the Blackrock Clinic, and the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital. Richard Kean SC, for the boys, told the court Dr Joyce was not involved in any of the procedures undergone by Ms Hickey at the Coombe. The claims on behalf of the boys included that after Ms Hickey was referred to Dr Joyce around April 2007, following a smear test showing abnormal cells on the cervix, the doctor performed two LLetz procedures, one in 2007 and the second in 2010. It was claimed Ms Hickey was not advised excision treatments increased the risk of pre-term labour, pre-term pre-labour rupture of membranes and pre-term delivery. The court heard, as a consequence of alleged negligence and breach of duty, Ms Hickey's cervix was rendered incompetent by Dr Joyce and this was not adequately assessed. It was claimed Ms Hickey consequently had pre-term rupture of mem- branes and a pre-term delivery of Michael. It was claimed the hospital failed to discuss the risks of a subsequent pre-term delivery. Dr Joyce denied the claims. She pleaded the procedures were necessary. In its defence, the hospital denied any negligence and pleaded there was adequate assessment and monitoring. Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. According to a recent survey, 42 lives across Ireland have been saved by Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) located in GAA facilities being used on members of their communities. The GAA is marking this by today launching the Community Heart Programme. This initiative encourages every club in the country to A.C.T. now and ensure that their club can also be prepared in case of an emergency and that they can avail of a defibrillator that is ACCESSIBLE, CHARGED and that there are enough TRAINED rescuers within your Club who have the ability to operate the device(s). The Community Heart Programme allows GAA Clubs to fundraise for life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) via a bespoke fundraising platform. The programme allows clubs to fundraise for new AEDs, which are connected to the internet via the mobile phone network. This means the AED will check itself and notify designated club members via email if there is an issue that needs to be addressed, such as the battery or pads needing to be changed. In addition to having a bespoke fundraising platform, Clubs will be able to avail of a significant reduction of 995 saving per unit if they register and secure their AED(s) via the Community Heart Programme. Once the fundraising target of 2,150 per unit has been reached, the AED unit(s) will also be delivered directly to the Club. Programme partners Heart Safety Solutions will supply the unit to the club. We know that AED units save lives. However, AEDs, like all medical equipment, need to be replaced over time. The life expectancy of an AED is between eight and 10 years. Critical components such as pads and batteries need to be checked regularly. Remember, an AED should be ACCESSIBLE, CHARGED with sufficient Club members TRAINED in how to operate the device. AEDs must be checked regularly to ensure that they are in working order and ready for use. From school children to seemingly fit and health club players to older members of the community, there is a broad spectrum of people represented among the list of those who have benefitted by being near a GAA-based AED during an emergency. GAA President Larry McCarthy encouraged clubs to engage with the Community Heart Programme. He said: The GAA club is the focal point of the communities in which we operate. In the past we have seen how access to these devices have made a critical difference during an emergency. This Community Heart Programme not only plays a vital role at raising awareness, but also affords clubs an opportunity to ensure that they have some of the most up-to-date equipment available. The GAA is working alongside Stryker to deliver the program. Stryker is one of the worlds leading medical technology companies and, together with their customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. "Through Downtown Crenshaw we are showing that it is possible for Black people to collectively control Black spaces." Tweet this Despite community support, financial support from a who's-who of philanthropists and socially responsible investors, and offering the highest bid, the sellers of the Crenshaw Mall (Deutsche Bank/DWS) are engaging in what is being called overt racism to deny the Black collective the opportunity to buy its Crenshaw Mall. "We offered a higher bid and more generous terms than anyone," said DCR Board Chair Niki Okuk. "Yet Deutsche Bank's Tim Ellsworth won't even respond to Black people." A press conference is being called to demand Deutsche Bank/DWS sell the mall to people of Crenshaw through Downtown Crenshaw Rising. WHO: Black Civil Rights & Business Leaders including Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles, NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Baptist Ministers Conference and invited Black celebrities and major philanthropists WHEN: Wed, March 24, 10am call time; 10:30am start time WHERE: Across from the iconic Crenshaw Mall in the parking lot of Krispy Kreme, 4034 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008 DCR's financial backers include local Black celebrities, and some of the biggest names in philanthropy (Kataly Foundation, Regan Pritzker and Pritzker family members, members of the Disney family, Resource Generation LA, and Kat Taylor) and over 150 donors, foundations and investors who support building a reparative democratic economy in Crenshaw that lifts up the Black community. Multiple national organizations including the American Sustainable Business Council/Social Venture Capital, labor unions including AFSCME 3299 and SEIU 721, Black investment entities including Kuumba Collective of the Capital Region, and social impact investment firms including Natural Investments, Chordata Capital, RSF Social Finance, and Candide Group, and local Black politicians have expressed support for Downtown Crenshaw. The Crenshaw Mall is currently owned by a private equity firm invested in by over a half-dozen public pension funds, including Los Angeles County Employee Retirement Association, UC Board of Regents, Texas Teachers, New York City Teachers, and the New York City Employees Retirement System. The pension funds required the firm contract infamous Deutsche Bank/DWS to sell the iconic Crenshaw Mall. "We will not allow the overt institutional racism by Deutsche Bank/DWS to continue on our Crenshaw Mall or anywhere," said Rev. William Smart Jr, of the SCLC-Greater Southern California. A letter sent today by Black civil rights and business organizations calls on the Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, to act immediately to work with the leaders to "remove the racially restrictive covenant that Deutsche Bank/DWS has placed on the Crenshaw Mall." They are also calling on the public pension funds to terminate Deutsche Bank/DWS' contract as well as all other Deutsche Bank contracts given their pattern of anti-Black racism. Press Contact: Damien Goodmon , [email protected] , 323-845-2003 , , 323-845-2003 Press release and letter from the civil rights leaders to Rep. Waters online at: www.downtowncrenshaw.com/civil-rights-press-conference-deutsche-bank-dws Online at downtowncrenshaw.com, @dtcrenshaw on Twitter, @downtowncrenshaw on Instagram and Facebook View the award-winning development team and plan for the Crenshaw Mall at www.downtowncrenshaw.com/developmentteam SOURCE Downtown Crenshaw Rising Cabinet ministers could be dumped in a drastic move by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to lift the government out of a political crisis over the treatment of women while he prepares imminent policies to counter sexual assault. Mr Morrison is considering a significant reshuffle to move Attorney-General Christian Porter out of the job over a conflict of interest while Mr Porter sues the ABC over its reporting of accusations of rape, which he strongly denies. Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) is considering whether to remove Attorney-General Christian Porter from his role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The reshuffle could also shift Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to a new job after she took leave over a long-running heart condition, clearing the way for other women to be elevated to positions of influence. The changes are on the agenda as part of a wider plan to announce a series of measures to counter workplace sexual assault and harassment, violence against women and discrimination. Stating that the BJP's "key motive" is to create instability in Maharashtra by imposing President's Rule, the on Wednesday alleged "collusion" between the and some officials with an aim to weaken the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The Sena also referred to the "phone tapping episode" and the disappointment expressed by Sanjay Pandey, a DG rank officer, that he was sidelined to claim the collusion. On Tuesday, senior leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis claimed that he had 6.3 GB data of telephone calls intercepted by then Commissioner of Intelligence Rashmi Shukla in which names of several key police officers figured. He also met Union Home Secretary in Delhi and demanded a CBI probe into "corruption" in police transfers in Maharashtra. In the editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana', the Sena said it has become obvious that the is behind the "conspiracy" to defame Maharashtra "as the opposition party has latched onto IPS officer Param Bir Singh's letter alleging corruption by state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, and other issues". In his eight-page letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Singh claimed that Deshmukh, who belongs to the NCP, had set a monthly "target" of collecting Rs 100 crore, including from bars and hotels in Mumbai, for police officers. Deshmukh had denied the allegations. Pandey, who was recently appointed as DG of the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC), had written to the CM claiming that he was overlooked for the posts of DG, ACB, Mumbai police commissioner, and state director general of police. He alleged that junior officers had superseded him. "Those who find (Param Bir) Singh's letter so important should also do justice to police officer Anup Dange who had written about Singh. People of the state know why and for what the BJP is doing all this. "The main motive of the BJP is to cause instability in Maharashtra by imposing President's Rule," the Sena said. Suspended Mumbai Police inspector Dange had alleged that Param Bir Singh had tried to shield some people having Underworld links from law when he was the director general of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The Sena expressed "surprise" that Singh still continues to be in service despite levelling allegations against Deshmukh. The party questioned why action was not taken against Singh even after he approached the Supreme Court (and sought a probe by the CBI against Deshmukh). The Sena said officers like Param Bir Singh and Pandey had leaked their letters to the media "to create an atmosphere of suspicion about the state government". "Fadnavis approached the Centre with the phone tapping report which was prepared by senior officials like Subodh Jaiswal and Rashmi Shukla by keeping the (state) government in the dark. "This means these people in the state administration are serving a political party. The opposition party (BJP) colluded with these officials to weaken the and the government had such officials in its service," the Sena said. Referring to BJP MPs raising Param Bir Singh's letter in Parliament, the Sena said, "allegations of corruption were made by IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt and another official". (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It sounds like such a marketing cliche, we know. But its true, and you have to look no farther than the UUV project to see it.The UUV is a 2015 one-off concept that looks like the somewhat odd-looking lovechild of a Toyota Sienna and a Toyota Tacoma. Its like a jacked-up van, with an aggressive stance that makes you think this is what the family-friendly Sienna would look like if it suddenly decided to start weightlifting and take steroids to cheat its way to better muscle definition.The UUV, in short, is beefy, impressive, and strange. The name stands for Ultimate Utility Vehicle and, while it never made it into production ( Toyota never had any plans in this direction), it did get plenty of use.The UUV was one of the vehicles Toyota brought to the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. All the builds shown at SEMA are a mixture of marketing and deep love of all things automotive, and the UUV was no different. Sure, jokes were made right after the introduction (the internet can be a cruel place sometime, especially for kids that stand out, one way or another), and puns were wasted by the dozens. But the consensus was that Toyota had a winner on its hands.The UUV's goal was double: to show what could be achieved in terms of customization and build the perfect car for a specific purpose. This jacked-up van had a very good purpose, too, since it had been build to aid on the North American leg of the Ever-Better Expedition. That was a five-continent, yearlong project devised by Toyota President Akio Toyoda, aimed to help Toyota build better cars based on the vehicles' real-life uses.You can see a trailer for the North American leg of the tour below, including the U.S., Canada, and Alaska. The UUV doesnt make an appearance with the nine vehicles, but thats because it served as a command center for Toyota engineers monitoring data from the other nine cars. As such, the UUV was, at the time, the most technologically advanced vehicle Toyota had ever built.In fact, thats why the Sienna had been chosen as the donor for the body: Toyota needed a sizable vehicle that could fit an entire team of engineers and all their equipment, but one tough enough to drive wherever they were going. The 4x4 platform from a Tacoma served the latter purpose just fine.Equipment inside included a TracVision mobile satellite television receiver, Wi-Fi, internet access, multiple USB ports, 17-inch monitor, 60-inch Sony LED TV, 2,500-watt JBL audio system, and a Flir M-324xp night vision camera system with high-definition recording capability. Engineers had captains chairs with laptop tray tables in the back, where they would sit recording and monitoring dataand reporting back to HQ via Skype if the nine vehicles encountered any issues.Both the body and the platform were reinforced before being fused together. The UUV received a four-inch (101-mm) lift with an Engaged four-link long-travel suspension, and was fit with 3322 Nitto Mud Grappler tires mounted on 2212-inch Monster Energy 539B off-road wheels. It was also equipped with overhead lights and a winch. Because the wheels prevented the Sienna doors from sliding back as they used to, they were modified to slide out. The front doors were redesigned in suicide-style, offering easy access inside.Because the UUV was an exercise in engineering, the interior was made to look stock Sienna. That is to say, the levers and buttons looked exactly like OEM equipment, but in reality, they were replicas that controlled the Tacoma pickup underneath. A lovely, geeky touch if we ever saw one.The gallery offers a closer look at the Toyota UUV, this one-off that made such big waves back in 2015. Batman himself would probably love to call it his command center. BOULDER, Colo. (AP) The suspect accused of opening fire inside a crowded Colorado supermarket was a 21-year-old man who purchased an assault weapon less than a week earlier, authorities said Tuesday, a day after the attack that killed 10 people, including a police officer. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa bought the weapon on March 16, just six days before the attack at a King Soopers store in Boulder, according to an arrest affidavit. It was not immediately known where the gun was purchased. Alissa, who is from the Denver suburb of Arvada, was booked into the county jail Tuesday on murder charges after being treated at a hospital. He was due to make a first court appearance Thursday. Investigators have not established a motive, but they believe Alissa was the only shooter, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting said the suspects family told investigators they believed Alissa was suffering some type of mental illness, including delusions. Relatives described times when Alissa told them people were following or chasing him, which they said may have contributed to the violence, the official said. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The attack was the nations deadliest mass shooting since a 2019 assault on a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where a gunman killed 22 people in a rampage that police said targeted Mexicans. In Washington, President Joe Biden called on Congress to tighten the nations gun laws. Ten lives have been lost, and more families have been shattered by gun violence in the state of Colorado, Biden said at the White House. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to bring forward two House-passed bills to require expanded background checks for gun buyers. Biden supports the measures, but they face a tougher route to passage in a closely divided Senate with a slim Democratic majority. The shooting came 10 days after a judge blocked a ban on assault rifles passed by the city of Boulder in 2018. That ordinance and another banning large-capacity magazines came after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. A lawsuit challenging the bans was filed quickly, backed by the National Rifle Association. The judge struck down the ordinance under a Colorado law that blocks cities from making their own rules about guns. Supermarket employees told investigators that Alissa shot a man multiple times outside the Boulder grocery store before going inside, according to the affidavit. Another person was found shot in a vehicle next to a car registered to the suspects brother. The gunfire sent terrorized shoppers and employees scrambling for cover. SWAT officers carrying ballistic shields slowly approached the store while others escorted frightened people away from the building, which had some of its windows shattered. Customers and employees fled through a back loading dock to safety. Others took refuge in nearby shops. Multiple 911 calls paint a picture of a chaotic, terrifying scene, according to the affidavit. One caller said the suspect opened fire out the window of his vehicle. Others called to say they were hiding inside the store as the gunman fired on customers. Witnesses described the shooter as having a black AR-15-style gun and wearing blue jeans and maybe body armor. By the time he was in custody, Alissa had been struck by a bullet that passed through his leg, the affidavit said. He had removed most of his clothing and was dressed only in shorts. Inside the store, he had left the gun, a tactical vest, a semiautomatic handgun and his bloodied clothing, the affidavit said. After the shooting, detectives went to Alissas home and found his sister-in-law, who told them that he had been playing around with a weapon she thought looked like a machine gun, about two days earlier, the document said. No one answered the door at the Arvada home believed to be owned by the suspects father. The two-story house with a three-car garage sits in a relatively new middle- and upper-class neighborhood. When he was a high school senior in 2018, Alissa was found guilty of assaulting a fellow student in class after knocking him to the floor, then climbing on top of him and punching him in the head several times, according to a police affidavit. Alissa got up in classroom, walked over to the victim & cold cocked him in the head, the affidavit read. Alissa complained that the student had made fun of him and called him racial names weeks earlier, according to the affidavit. He was sentenced to probation and community service. The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with the force since 2010. He was the first to arrive after responding to a call about shots fired and someone carrying a gun, she said. Homer Talley, 74, described his son as a devoted father who knew the Lord. He had seven children, ages 7 to 20. We know where he is, his father told The Associated Press from his ranch in central Texas. He loved his family more than anything. He wasnt afraid of dying. He was afraid of putting them through it. The other dead ranged in age from 20 to 65. They were identified as Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jodi Waters, 65. Leiker, Olds and Stong worked at the supermarket, said former coworker Jordan Sailas. Olds grandmother choked up on the phone as she described the young woman she played a large role in raising. She was just a very kind and loving, bubbly person who lit up the room when she walked in, said Jeanette Olds, 71, of Lafayette, Colorado. The attack in Boulder, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, stunned a state that has seen several mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting. Monday's attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by the AP, USA Today and Northeastern University. It follows a lull in mass killings during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in eight years, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter. Biden announced that flags nationwide would be lowered in memory of the victims an order that comes just as a previous flag-lowering proclamation expired for those killed in the Atlanta-area shootings. Together the two orders mean near-continuous national mourning for almost two weeks. ___ Slevin reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo in Washington, Jim Anderson in Denver and AP staff members from around the U.S. contributed to this report. Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 14:08:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The official website and WeChat account for the ongoing Communist Party of China (CPC) history learning and education campaign have been launched. The website and WeChat account will reflect the progress, experience, effects and public feedback of the campaign and guide Party members to improve their capabilities by learning the Party history. The website, http://dangshi.people.cn, has more than 20 menus including interactive exchanges and Party history materials, while the official WeChat account, utilizing the country's most popular social media app, will provide a mobile platform for Party members to study anytime and anywhere. The CPC Central Committee announced the decision to launch the Party history learning and education campaign among all Party members in February, as the CPC celebrates its centenary this year. Enditem 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. Muslim soldiers are killing their Christian comrades in arms apparently because the latter, as "infidels," are already the enemy. Most recently, in Nigeria, a Muslim colonel stole weapons from an armory and then blamed the twelve soldiers on duty for the theft. Six of those twelve soldiers all Christians were then executed. According to a lawyer acquainted with the case: The [Nigerian] government of today detests Christianity[.] ... This administration is running on ethnic agenda against the Igbo [Christian] population[.] ... This has never been a practice in the Army. Things got changed the moment this present administration [of Muhammadu Buhari] came to power. Things are happening before that didn't happen. It's not only about these six soldiers[.] ... Even in the security forces, Christians are being targeted. The Feb. 4 report elaborates: Many Nigerians now believe the Army fights for Islam, not Nigeria[.] ... In the country's predominately Christian south, people call it 'Boko Haram's Army.' Muslims hold all the most important leadership positions. The Army's lack of action to protect Christians comes directly from its leaders in government[.] ... When troops go into areas controlled by radical Islamists to defend Nigerian Christians, the government orders them to retreat. Then, Islamist rebels shoot them in the back. The phenomenon of Muslim military men murdering their Christian counterparts and getting away with it is hardly limited to Nigeria. In 2018, for instance, Matthew Samir Habib, a 22-year-old Christian in Egypt's military was killed simply for being Christian. He was the latest of about ten Christian soldiers in Egypt to be killed in separate incidents over the years by Muslim soldiers on account of their faith. In virtually all of these cases, a similar pattern follows: despite all the evidence otherwise (such as physical bruises all over the bodies of the slain), military officials insist that due to some sudden and inexplicable bout of depression all these Christians supposedly committed "suicide." Meanwhile the dead Christian soldiers' families and those closest to them insist their slain sons and brothers were happy and healthy, that they were observant Christians, and that there was evidence that they were being persecuted by their Muslim "brothers-in-arms" for their evident Christianity. For example, in the aforementioned case of Matthew Habib, the murdered Christian was shot twice and still authorities maintain it was suicide. (Click here for several more examples of military authorities offering bizarre reasons for the deaths, all rejected by the victims' Christian families.) Why these Christians are being killed is not difficult to comprehend. For many Muslims in Egypt, Nigeria, and elsewhere, war is synonymous with jihad and it doesn't do much for morale to have lowly infidels, who are themselves the prime targets of jihad, fighting alongside the practitioners of jihad. These modern-day killings shed further light on a more theoretical or rather theological point. One of the staples of the Islamic whitewashing industry is the claim that jizya the extortion money subjugated Jews and Christians were and are required to pay (Koran 9:29) actually "entitled them to Muslim protection from outside aggression and exempted them from military service," to quote Georgetown University's John Esposito. By this widely held logic, Muslim invaders did not demand that the conquered non-Muslim populations ransom their lives with money as virtually all Muslim jurists and historians explain it but rather were kind enough to offer their infidel subjects "protection" and exemption from military service for a small fee. However, and as the modern-day killings of Christian soldiers makes clear, Christians and Jews were "exempt" from military service not because they paid jizya tribute, but because, as conquered infidels, they themselves were the enemy and had to remain separate and subjugated as Christian minorities in Muslim nations tend to till this day. (As one example, requests to open or renovate churches are always met with mass violence and upheavals, often enabled if not instigated by local Muslim authorities: as infidels, Christians are not allowed to build or renovate temples of worship that openly challenge the teachings of Muhammad.) Apologists like Esposito twist the facts around in another important way: while payment of jizya did indeed purchase "protection" (of a sort) for the conquered infidels, that protection was not against an outside hostile force, but against inside hostile forces that is, Muslims themselves: sharia manuals make clear that failure to pay jizya made the lives of dhimmis forfeit. Finally, and as if all the above was not enough, that the Koran itself requires conquered non-Muslims "to give the jizya willingly while they are humbled" (9:29) or else puts to rest any claim that payment of jizya was a mere business transaction justifying exemption from military but rather a ritual show of Islamic dominance over infidel subjects. Raymond Ibrahim, author of Sword and Scimitar, is a Shillman Fellow at the David Horowitz Freedom Center, a Judith Rosen Friedman Fellow at the Middle East Forum, and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute. Image: CreaPark via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 External Article 24 March 2021 The launch of China's International Travel Health Certificate on March 8 was music to the ears of frequent travelers like Victor, a 30-year-old financier based in Hong Kong. "I'm healthy, I'm protected and I'm also safe to be around," he said. "I want to be able to travel freely around the world like before." Advertisements Easily downloadable on the ubiquitous WeChat social media app, the certificate shows the user's current COVID-19 status, results of recent tests and vaccinations received. One of the first "vaccine passports" of its kind in the world, it may revolutionize travel. "Hopefully, with the vaccine passport, I will be exempted from the unnecessary tests and quarantine," he said. But the reality so far has been disappointing. A Shanghai native who was inoculated with one of the Chinese vaccines last month, Victor found to his dismay that even with the travel certificate, he would still have to undergo two weeks of quarantine in a state facility with twice-daily COVID-19 testing were he to travel home to China's mainland. While the health certificate helps simplify the process of obtaining a visa (for foreigners), vaccinated travelers must endure the same precautions as anyone traveling to China. As for quarantine-free international travel, this remains off-limits for the foreseeable future. (Natural News) A new report from the British Medical Association (BMA) warns that the development of designer bioweapons capable of targeting specific ethnic groups is now approaching reality. These genetic bombs, the report warns, could contain specially developed bubonic plague or anthrax strains that only affect certain types of people with specific genetic makeups. Everyone else exposed to them would be immune. Entitled Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity II, the report warns that advancements in human genome technology combined with the development of vectors capable of disrupting genes and introducing harmful material into cells has deeply concerning implications for the future of humanity. Much like Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines that contain gene-altering messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, genetically targeted bioweapons are no longer the thing of sci-fi novels. The problem is that the same technology being developed to create new vaccines and find cures for Alzheimers and other debilitating diseases could also be used for malign purposes, says Malcolm Dando, a professor of peace studies at the University of Bradford and the author of the BMA report. Interestingly, the BMAs Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity I report, which was released back in 1999, completely dismissed all of this as impossible. Oh, what a difference a few decades can make. Since that time, a German group known as the Sunshine Project was able to identify how mutations in the human genome called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) vary among ethnic groups. From this, the BMA came to a much different conclusion in its second release of this report. Genome data in public databases revealed that hundreds, possibly thousands, of target sequences for ethnic specific weapons do exist, the Sunshine Project found. It appears that ethnic specific biological weapons may indeed become possible in the near future. Instead of triggering the specific toxic effects of organisms such as anthrax, advanced genetic bioweapons instead use RNA interference to shut down vital genes. If the sequence of the target gene is different between two populations, RNA interference could target the one and not the other. If as little as 10% or 20% of a target population would be affected, this would wreak havoc among enemy soldiers on a battlefield or in an enemy society as a whole, the group says. The Nazis attempted the same thing, showing that there is nothing new under the sun Not everyone is convinced it is quite this simple, though. David Goldstein, who studies population genetics at University College London (now known as Londons Global University), says that creating a weapon that targets one ethnic group but not another is just not going to happen. Because all groups are quite similar you will never get something that is highly selective. The best you would probably do is something that kills 20% of one group and 28% of another, he insists. While it could theoretically be possible to target certain lineages of people, ethnic groups as most people look at them today are actually much broader and harder to distinguish at the genetic level than it would seem on the surface. Geneticists can only distinguish between people with ancestry traced to regions such as Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, writes David Adam for The Guardian. It is the type of thing that the Nazis were trying to accomplish with their medical experiments on concentration camp prisoners. Since much of their work was transferred elsewhere at the end of World War II, it is hardly a surprise that we are now seeing similar endeavors today, this time on a global scale. To learn more about how evil eugenicists are trying to create a master race by eliminating all inferiors from planet earth, check out Evil.news. Sources for this article include: TheGuardian.com NaturalNews.com opinion I believe two million sustainable jobs can be created in the environmental sector immediately. I suggest a return to the basics; concentration on the provision of public goods... What are public goods? Food security, health, education, physical and material security, environmental sanitation and safety, mass mobilisation, say, around the need for unity in Nigeria. Government should stand back and reconsider these issues and areas of intervention. Former Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance under the Jonathan and Obasanjo governments, and now the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was in town on a working visit recently. The good lady was feted in several quarters. Many people have anchored the salvation of Nigeria on her shoulders, especially in the new position she occupies. I am a little less enthused though, given that the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is established for a specific reason, which I wager should not necessarily be the focus of Nigeria at present. Okonjo-Iweala as WTO chief can only assist us do better trade. As things stand, we have little to sell. We should be thinking of adding value to the primary products we sell for next to nothing. She may not tell us that truth, so as not to annoy her constituency, and so she may not be helping us. No. Africa cannot 'trade' her way to glory. Ricardo Hausman at Harvard has offered that rare advise; Africa must be innovative, and add value, and develop productive capacity that affords her 'economic complexity'; a process by which she increases the KNOWLEDGE QUOTIENT of the goods she brings to the market or produces for the consumption of her people. We can never sell yams, cocoa, cassava, sesame, crude oil, or whatever it is, while importing technology, cars, machines and so on, and achieve long term trade surplus. It is simply impossible. We need good, honest advise. The WTO is all about trade; setting the rules of global trade, regulating its 164 member states in trade, helping with multilateral agreements, and of course resolving trade disputes. The agency has been in a sand trap for some years now, perhaps leading to the early retirement of the last Director General, Roberto Azevedo, in May 2020. New rules are not being made, its dispute resolution apparatus is comatose, and member nations on one side are complaining about the moratorium granted to the superpower countries on electronic commerce, where they have advantage, while others are complaining about the existing rules on agriculture and how it affects their food security. The U.S.A is complaining about state capitalism from China, while China is complaining about the overarching influence of the U.S.A on the body as a whole. I felt our golden girl, Dr. Iweala was walking into a sucker punch and could be better off as a university lecturer than taking on such an arduous task at her age. In all the camaraderie that accompanied her visit, however, something profound happened. The new WTO DG, as part of her advice to the Nigerian government, stated that Nigeria must create five million jobs yearly for the next 10 years in order to effectively tackle the unemployment crisis. Nigeria had only just announced an unemployment rate of 33 per cent (core), with underemployment contributing another 27 per cent. Between those two, you have almost 60 per cent of people who should be working in Nigeria, either totally idle, or only just marginally engaged beneath their capacity. This means productivity is dismal. Nigeria has deceived herself for too long about creating entrepreneurs. The policy - which was also promoted and utilised under Mrs. Iweala's 12 years of managing the Nigerian economy since the return to democracy in 1999 (21 years ago) - has totally failed. Who are the owners of the 37 - 41 million odd micro and small enterprises in the records of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)? What value are they adding to the economy? Does Nigerian entrepreneurship have any transformative power on the economy? If there are so many entrepreneurs, how come we have the second highest unemployment figure in the world, following Bosnia Herzegovina or some war-torn, cold and depressing Eastern European country or is it landlocked Namibia? There are opportunities in some sectors, like agriculture, mining, and elsewhere, but new, inexperienced entrepreneurs may face fierce competition, or lack capital to make a headway. What is more? Nigeria does not need more than a couple of million of entrepreneurs. Joseph Schumpeter proposed that entrepreneurs must add value in order for GDP to grow. I quarrel with the panacea offered by Mrs. Iweala, because it is still a repetition of the old elixirs. She spoke about 'value-added manufacturing' and charged the entrepreneurs at the occasion to step into the breach. She even mentioned digitisation in another meeting, without helping with the critical explanation of how we will turn digitisation - which at first glance knocks millions off the job circuit - into an advantage in job creation. Nigeria - nay Black Africa - is saddled with a gargantuan problem with this job creation issue. The world is digitising fast. COVID-19 has only accelerated the process. Powerful people from developed nations say people should work from home and allow the machines take over the physical stuff. In Africa here, we have very little for people to do sitting at home. Most of our people survive by the day - selling small stuff in the market or labouring at construction sites, when they can find one. Our thinking around job creation must therefore be radically different from what it has always been. It is indeed a pipe dream to call for 'value-added' manufacturing because large entrepreneurs will only import machines that will minimise the numbers of people they will employ. New, innovative machines, powered by technology, are designed to render millions jobless. We need new thinking. Well, I have a suggestion. I try not to criticise without offering a way out. What will I do differently if given the chance? In the year 2015, I wrote a book titled Change is Going to Come. It was my cry for help to General Buhari. Most of the articles that made up the book had been sent forward to him in Aso Villa, without as much as an acknowledgement. Knowing that is very normal and not wanting the ideas to die and disappear, I decided to compile them into a book. The kernel of the book is to try and focus on ideas that could help Nigeria generate jobs. In generating jobs, we must understand our demographics. Now that entrepreneurship-for-survival has failed, perhaps we should be honest with ourselves to note that most of our working population are unskilled and often illiterate. What do we do with such millions? They cannot be expected to become coders. They may not understand digitisation, much less key into jobs in that sector. If they also become entrepreneurs, maybe through government loans, the fact is that purchasing power in this country is so low. Many so-called entrepreneurs soon pack up. There are opportunities in some sectors, like agriculture, mining, and elsewhere, but new, inexperienced entrepreneurs may face fierce competition, or lack capital to make a headway. What is more? Nigeria does not need more than a couple of million of entrepreneurs. Joseph Schumpeter proposed that entrepreneurs must add value in order for GDP to grow. They must innovate something; start a new market, a new product or service or what have you. Our entrepreneurs here are in it because they have no choice. Lately we have an increasing number of young people who consider themselves traders of intangible assets online, and quite a number of them are misguided and have taken to crime. What do we intend to do about the 13 million children walking all about Nigeria?... We must articulate a policy around this matter, in such a way that we can use one problem (unemployed graduates) to solve another (illiterate children). We also need more people in primary healthcare. COVID-19 had revealed our lack of preparedness. I suggest a return to the basics; concentration on the provision of public goods. I have been saying this same thing for years, if not decades now. It looks easy, so one wonders why the government has not taken up the idea. Maybe because the idea takes much sacrifice from our leaders. What are public goods? Food security, health, education, physical and material security, environmental sanitation and safety, mass mobilisation, say, around the need for unity in Nigeria. Government should stand back and reconsider these issues and areas of intervention. We cannot be knocking our heads on the wall about entrepreneurship when bandits, kidnappers and all the evil men in between have rendered us into hermits in our houses. Most middle class Nigerians can no longer travel by road and that means that the space for imagination and engagement has shrunk. Egypt has one million policemen in a country of 100 million people. Nigeria has about 400,000 for 200 million people. Half of them are bag carriers for the wives of politicians. We, therefore, need more policemen. We need more men and women in the Department of State Services (DSS) and other agencies. The war on terrorism is a war about intelligence. What has happened to us? Why are we looking for things that are not lost? Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. What do we intend to do about the 13 million children walking all about Nigeria? Whatever is to be done, it is evident that these children have to be taught in class. This means we need hundreds of thousands of teachers. We must articulate a policy around this matter, in such a way that we can use one problem (unemployed graduates) to solve another (illiterate children). We also need more people in primary healthcare. COVID-19 had revealed our lack of preparedness. We begged that we focus on primary healthcare right from the beginning but that fell of deaf ears. In all this, we must also be ready to be consistent and to persevere. One of our problems is distraction. We sometimes start nice policies and then promptly abandon them after a couple of years. In the book I mentioned above, I had a strong focus on the environment. I believe two million sustainable jobs can be created in the environmental sector immediately. Nigeria is dirty, uninviting, disorganised and disheveled for the most part. The day we present a different face, we will get respect, rather than receding as we are today, into confirmed pariahdom. I suggested back then that we launch a programme themed 'CLEANEST, SAFEST AND MOST ORGANISED COUNTRY IN AFRICA', around which our youthful energy can be rallied. Those ideas haven't changed. It is about resource allocation and substitution. We often believe that it is capital that we lack thus making our lives difficult. However, we have the human capital to substitute for physical capital at least up to an extent. Perhaps one day our leaders and those 'experts' they hire will stop the self-deceit. Time will tell. 'Tope Fasua, an economist, author, blogger, entrepreneur, and recent presidential candidate of the Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP), can be reached through topsyfash@yahoo.com. Ministers for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have joined forces to demand an urgent meeting with Treasury bosses, as they accused the UK Government of bypassing the devolved governments. The call came after talks between Scottish public finance minister Ivan McKee, and the finance ministers in Northern Ireland and Wales, Conor Murphy and Rebecca Evans. In a joint statement, the trio sought to highlight their shared concerns about the UK Governments decision to bypass democratically agreed devolution arrangements by funding projects in their nations under the Levelling Up scheme and Community Renewal Funds. Mr McKee, Mr Murphy and Ms Evans insisted that money to replace cash from European Union (EU) funds should be allocated in full by their devolved Governments. It is ignoring our respective devolution arrangements, delivering funding to meet Whitehalls priorities rather than those of the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Finance ministers in Scotland, Wales and NI This, they insisted, was the best way to address the needs and opportunities of the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, rather than through a new, separate layer of bureaucracy. The three ministers hit out and said: The UK Government ignored the devolved Governments efforts and requests to input to the development process for these funds for almost three years and is now using powers under the UK Internal Market Act to bypass us completely. It is ignoring our respective devolution arrangements, delivering funding to meet Whitehalls priorities rather than those of the people of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They called for talks to take place before the UK Government further develops its Shared Prosperity Fund, with the devolved Governments saying that denying them any meaningful input to this harms the effectiveness of these funds, will duplicate resources and risks value for money and the achievement of better, fairer outcomes which our communities and people deserve. The ministers said: The support announced through these funds is not new money. This funding has sat with our respective Governments since powers in this area were devolved. Now, bidding for an unidentified share of a UK pot through a competitive process provides no guarantee of success. With decisions being made entirely by the UK Government, this falls far short of commitments made during the EU referendum for all these powers to be fully devolved after EU exit. Going forward, we need more than simply a commitment from UK Ministers that the devolved Governments will be engaged in the development of the Shared Prosperity Fund. We need a clear plan of how and when this will happen and consultation and input into the proposed role of the devolved Governments, so that the most vulnerable in our societies are protected and jobs and prosperity are achieved in a way that is fairer, more inclusive and sustainable for all our citizens. We will jointly be seeking an urgent meeting with Treasury to raise these important matters. A UK Government spokeswoman said: Scotland has two Governments, and it is absolutely right that the UK Government invests directly in Scotland. We will be working with local authorities, who know their communities well. People in Scotland can expect significant direct UK Government investment in their communities in the coming months and years. GOTEBORG, Sweden, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The shareholders of Vitrolife AB (publ) are hereby invited to the Annual General Meeting of shareholders on Wednesday April 28, 2021 at 4.00 p.m. Taking into account the authorities' regulations and advice on avoiding meetings, the Board has decided to conduct the Annual General Meeting only by postal voting without the possibility of physical participation. Shareholders who wish to attend the Annual General Meeting 2021 must: be entered in the register of shareholders maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on Tuesday April 20, 2021 and and notify their attendance by submitting their postal votes in accordance with the instructions in the Notice. Shareholders that have their shares registered in the name of a nominee must temporarily record their shares in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB in their own names to be able to attend the General Meeting. The following proposals will be amongst those presented at the Annual General Meeting: Dividend of SEK 0.80 per share and Friday, April 30, 2021 , as the record date for the dividend. per share and , as the record date for the dividend. The Election Committee proposes that the Board shall consist of five members. The Election Committee proposes re-election of the Board members Henrik Blomquist , Lars Holmqvist , Pia Marions , Jon Sigurdsson, and Karen Lykke Sorensen . It is proposed that Jon Sigurdsson is re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Remuneration to the Board members is proposed to be SEK 2,165,000 , of which SEK 825,000 to the Chairman of the Board, SEK 275,000 to each of the other members of the Board. SEK 60,000 to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, SEK 60,000 to the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and SEK 30,000 to the other members of these committees. The proposal means that the Board fees are unchanged compared to the previous year. , , , Jon Sigurdsson, and . It is proposed that Jon Sigurdsson is re-elected as Chairman of the Board. Remuneration to the Board members is proposed to be , of which to the Chairman of the Board, to each of the other members of the Board. to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, to the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee and to the other members of these committees. The proposal means that the Board fees are unchanged compared to the previous year. Authorization for the Board to resolve to issue new shares up until the next Annual General Meeting. Authorization for the Board to resolve on acquisition of the company's own shares during the period up until the next Annual General Meeting. Attachment: Full notice Gothenburg, March 24, 2021 VITROLIFE AB (publ) The Board Contact: Jon Sigurdsson Chairman of the Board email: [email protected] Mikael Engblom CFO phone 46 31 721 80 14 The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 8.30 am CET on March 24, 2021. This is a translation of the Swedish version of the press release. When in doubt, the Swedish wording prevails. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/vitrolife-ab--publ-/r/notice-of-annual-general-meeting-of-vitrolife-ab--publ-,c3312775 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1031/3312775/1391559.pdf Notice to attend AGM 2021 SOURCE Vitrolife AB (publ) As the assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry inch closer, Twitter on Wednesday said it is implementing significant product, policy, and enforcement updates to keep the service safe from attempts to manipulate the platform or spread misinformation, While a global cross-functional team with local, cultural, and language expertise will run the election integrity work, Twitter said it is taking proactive measures to prevent prohibited political advertising through comprehensive and nuanced enforcement mechanisms. "These include identifying and blocking ads from referenced candidates, parties, and other election-related content," the company said in a statement. Twitter said it will label synthetic and manipulated media and link it to a Twitter Moment to give people additional context and surface-related conversations "so they can make more informed decisions on the content they want to engage with or amplify". When people attempt to retweet tweets with a synthetic and manipulated media label, they will see a prompt pointing them to credible information. "These Tweets won't be algorithmically recommended by Twitter, which further reduces the visibility of misleading information," the company announced. Twitter will also launch an events page dedicated to the assembly elections on voting days and for the election results day. The page will include a timeline of Tweets from credible accounts to provide the latest information on the days of voting and election results. "These will be visible to account holders in India in the Explore Tab, and will provide continuous updates and context throughout the election period with multiple language videos from a variety of news partners in the carousel," the company informed. "We are taking extra steps to ensure people have context to what's trending for them and will include a representative Tweet, Twitter Moment or description to the top trends". Vietnams seafood exports have bounced back after a period of sliding, but there has been a spread of disease among some shrimp and fish breeding areas. A report from the Department of Animal Health showed that 46,217 hectares of aquaculture area were damaged in 2020, or 1.9 times higher than in 2019. The damaged brackish water shrimp hatchery area was 43,340 hectares, up by 1.94 times. The figure was 1,426 hectares for catfish, up by 5.76 times, which accounted for 25 percent of the countrys total catfish farming area. In addition, 1,452 hectares of oyster and other fresh-water aquatic species were also damaged. The farming area of infected shrimp increased by 7.4 percent over the year before, and the reasons behind the damage have not been identified in over 76 percent of the damaged area. Meanwhile, the total damaged aquaculture area has reached 1,897 hectares so far this year, a decrease of 61 percent compared with the same period last year. However, Deputy Director of the Department of Animal Health Nguyen Van Long has warned that the damaged area may increase sharply and the risk of epidemics is high in the time to come. This has happened because farmers intensified cultivation while the weather conditions were unfavorable. Dangerous pathogens still exist in many farming areas, which can invade and cause disease to shrimp. Besides, the adverse effects such as rising temperature, salinity, and extreme environment changes may cause shrimp to grow slowly and have weak resistance. Changing environmental conditions will create favorable conditions for pathogens to develop and cause disease to shrimp. NAFIQAD (National Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department), has reported that since the beginning of 2021, 40 export consignments have been refused because of food hygiene problems, higher than 14 refused consignments in the entire year of 2020. In the first two months of the year alone, 15 seafood consignments exported to China were refused, while the figure was only six in 2020. Ngo Hong Phong, deputy director of NAFIQAD, said at the 2021 conference on aquatic epidemic prevention and control that some markets have regularly changed the procedures on certifying food safety for seafood exports. Shrimp products that meet the requirements on heat treatment (cooked shrimp) will be exempted from quarantine in South Korea. However, the long heat treatment time will affect products (color, taste, etc...). The South Korean market has set five additional five disease criteria for some kinds of seafood products. From August 1, 2021, export consignments to South Korea must be associated with quarantine certificate for these five diseases. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said Vietnam exported $8.5 billion worth of seafood products in 2020. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and producers (VASEP) predicted that the export turnover may reach $8.8 billion this year. Tam An Mixed fortunes for seafood sector in unpredictable year Last year has been a year with ups and downs for the seafood sector. While the consumption and export of basa fish stagnated mostly due to the global health crisis, shrimp farmers still saw a successful 2020. A robber who shot a Slate Belt man during a home invasion is headed for state prison. Kevin Campbell, 34, was sentenced Wednesday to 6 1/2 to 13 years in state prison for robbery, aggravated assault, prohibited possession of a firearm and conspiracy to commit robbery. He pleaded guilty to the charges in February. Campbell has been in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $500,000 bail since August 2019. With the agreed upon sentence, the victims and the public will be protected, either with Campbell behind bars or on state parole over 13 years, Assistant District Attorney Ed Penetar said. Co-defendant Hezekiah Moore is awaiting trial in his case, and is due for a pre-trial hearing at the end of the month. In August 2019, Campbell and Moore went to Richard Fischers home on Delabole Road in Plainfield Township. Fischer previously said he works as a taxidermist, and thought the visitors were coming to pick up a mount. Fischers girlfriend let the pair inside and Campbell then pointed a gun at Fischer. Campbell shot Fischer twice in his right leg; Fischer said he was in a bad car crash in 1988, where he was burned and lost his left leg. Campbell demanded money and then threatened to kill Fischer. When Fischers girlfriend tried to flee out the front door, she was accosted by Moore, before breaking free and running off, police said. The pair took a safe with $1,600 cash inside and fled, according to police. Fischer was taken to St. Lukes University Hospital, Fountain Hill, where he was treated and released. Campbell previously served time for a break-in in Forks Township, and a burglary at a Ritas Italian Ice in Palmer Township. After the shooting and robbery, Campbell fled to North Carolina, where he was arrested. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. The Sarasota, Fla. man accused of assaulting Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert in a South Dakota bar last June pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge earlier this month. Kyle Hadala, 29, pleaded guilty to a charge of misdemeanor simple assault on March 8, according to Aberdeen American News. Hadalas trial, which was set for Wednesday, will no longer take place. Sign up for Eagles Extra: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text directly with reporters According to AAN, Judge Gregg Magera granted a request from Hadalas lawyer for a suspended imposition, which would keep the conviction off Hadalas record following the completion of a years probation. Magera also gave Hadala a suspended 60-day jail sentence. Magera also ruled that Hadala is not to have any further law violation or contact with Goedert for the next year. Hadala was ordered to pay $337 in court fees and fines. Hadala admitted to TMZ that he punched Goedert during an argument at the Zoo Bar in Aberdeen, S.D. on June 20. Goedert was knocked unconscious and was taken to a hospital as a precaution, according to a police report. In August, Goedert acknowledged the incident for the first time during a Zoom press conference with Philadelphia media. I havent had to deal with (the case) too much, Goedert said. The next day I was perfectly fine. They put me through concussion protocol just to be safe, but I feel great. Get Eagles text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text directly with beat writers Mike Kaye and Chris Franklin. Plus, exclusive news and analysis. Sign up now for a free trial. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Alabamas junior senator, said he will travel to McAllen, Texas, on Thursday to talk with U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials about U.S.-Mexico border security and visit processing facilities. The situation at our southern border continues to get worse, Tuberville said. One thing that really concerns me is that illegal immigrants are being released into our country without a court date because the border is so overwhelmed, he said. In other words, illegal immigrants are being granted free rein to enter our country for breaking the law. Thats unacceptable. Thats not right. Tuberville said he plans to introduce legislation to address the issue and prohibit illegal immigrants from being released into the country without a notice to appear in court. As of Saturday, there are now more than 5,000 unaccompanied children in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody, more than double the number of children in custody than at the peak of the crisis in 2019, Tuberville said. Bad actors will continue to take advantage of this situation until policy changes happen, he said. Earlier this week, I joined (U.S. Sen.) Mike Lee (R-Utah) to introduce the Stopping Borders Surges Act, which would close the loopholes that bad actors use to manipulate our immigration system. Tuberville said the problem with children crossing the border is worse than ever. I think we can all agree that children should not be used as a free pass to get into our country, yet that is exactly what is happening, Tuberville said. At the border, I will ask tough questions and get answers that Alabamians want about how we combat this crisis immediately, because border security is national security. Tuberville, who won his senate seat Nov. 3 after being endorsed by former President Donald Trump, said Trumps policy of fortifying the border wall was working. We spent millions of dollars, we spent billions of dollars, on a wall, Tuberville said. I fundamentally believe thats where you start to control what happens. Tuberville also emphasized the risks of allowing untested immigrants into the country during a pandemic. I think the people of this country are being cheated, Tuberville said. Theyre being cheated because number one, were in a pandemic. It looks like were coming through a tunnel and getting close to maybe getting this thing behind us. But were letting people, young men, young women, and other immigrants come into this country without being tested. Theyre being put on vans and trucks and sent into locations across the country. Its wrong. Its wrong that we spent trillions of dollars trying to fight this (COVID-19) and now, we wont let anybody fly in our country, but well let people walk across the country without being tested. Tuberville said he and Sen. Lee hope to address that. My bill states that if you bring somebody in, you sit them down and talk to them, have them fill out these forms, they are given a date when they have to show back up, he said. Were releasing people in the country and not giving them a date, not even telling them they have to come back. Its kind of free rein at the border. Tuberville made his remarks on a call with Alabama media on Wednesday. Im looking forward to going down tomorrow night and seeing whats happening, he said of his border trip to McAllen, a city along the Rio Grande River near the southern tip of Texas, across the river from Reynosa, Mexico. Tuberville has noted that many of those entering through the Southern border give credit to President Joe Biden for making illegal entry easier. Its really atrocious, what this administration is doing with the taxpayers money, and doing to people in terms of the virus, Tuberville said. Our schools and our hospitals are going to be packed with people coming in here. We dont have the money to take care of people right now. We need to just take care of ourselves. Tuberville also told reporters on Wednesday that he does not support stricter gun control as part of the solution to mass killings such as the March 16 shootings in Georgia and the March 22 shootings in Boulder, Colorado. Nacogdoches, TX (75965) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. NEW YORK, March 24, 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 Related Links www.pomerantzlaw.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 21:26:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks to people while visiting Fudao, a 19-km-long pedestrian walkway in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, March 24, 2021. Xi Jinping on Wednesday inspected the city of Fuzhou during his trip to east China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) FUZHOU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Wednesday inspected the city of Fuzhou during his trip to east China's Fujian Province. Xi visited Fudao, a 19-km-long pedestrian walkway, the historical and cultural block of Sanfangqixiang (Three Lanes and Seven Alleys) and RICOM, an optical lens company. He learned about local efforts in urban planning and development and the protection of historical and cultural blocks, as well as corporate innovation and development. Enditem Share this: March 22, 2021 by Jill Dvorkin Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Utilities - Billing and Collection , COVID-19 Editor's note: The Sporting Activities guidance was updated on March 22, after this blog post was published, to include the Phase 3 provisions. The link is unchanged, but we have updated the information below to reflect the new date. Spring is here and (do we even dare say it?) things are looking up. With more Washingtonians vaccinated and COVID-19 case numbers dropping, Governor Jay Inslee announced on March 11 that the entire state is moving to a less-restrictive Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan on Monday, March 22. The state will also be moving back to a county-by-county evaluation process (occurring every three weeks), after having been in a regional evaluation process since early January. Phase 3 will herald in the opportunity for larger indoor and outdoor gatherings across nearly all sectors, provided that masking, social distancing, and other safety measures are met. Governor Inslee also announced that starting March 17, more local government workers are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine including public transit workers, firefighters, corrections employees, and law enforcement personnel and officials. And new phases of eligibility are rolling out more quickly than anticipated (including expanded eligibility announced March 18 for anyone working or living in a congregate setting, among others). For more, visit the Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. And in national news, on March 11, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides significant aid to state and local governments, as well as an optional extension and expansion of Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave through September 30. For an excellent overview of the legislation and what types of relief are available to local governments, read MRSC Finance Consultant Eric Lowells blog, American Rescue Plan Provides More Relief to Local Governments. Open Public Meetings Even with the statewide move to Phase 3 of the Healthy Washington Plan, the current Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA) Proclamation 20-28.15 (which extends the prohibitions and guidance in Proclamation 20-28.14) will remain in effect. This means all public meetings must continue to include a remote attendance option as well as follow the standards and restrictions set forth in Proclamation 20-28.14 and the Miscellaneous Venues guidance for any in-person component. Capacity limits for an in-person component will increase to 50% of the venue occupancy or up to 400 people, whichever is less in Phase 3. In Phase 2, these limits were 25% occupancy or up to 200 people, whichever was less. These higher capacity limits are reflected in the revised Miscellaneous Venues guidance. For a better understanding of how the OPMA proclamations and Miscellaneous Venues guidance interact, see our February 2 blog on the reopening plan. Sporting and Other Events Parks departments and operators of other public venues and facilities will be able to host larger events, including sporting events with spectators. From Governor Inslees press release: Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%. The change affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required. Venue operators for outdoor venues with permanent seating must meet the safety standards in the newly issued Spectator Event Guidance. For all other types of venues (indoor and outdoor), occupancy limits and safety requirements can be found in the Sporting Activities Guidance, which was last updated March 22. Utility Shut-Off Moratorium Extended On March 18, Governor Inslee extended Proclamation 20-23 related to residential utility shut-offs through July 31, 2021, or until the emergency is over, whichever is sooner (see Proclamation 20-23.15). The proclamation prohibits all energy, telecommunications, and water providers in Washington State from: (1) Disconnecting any residential customers from energy, telecommunications, or water service due to nonpayment on an active account, except at the request of the customer; (2) Refusing to reconnect any residential customer who has been disconnected due to nonpayment; (3) Charging fees for late payment or reconnection of energy, telecommunications, or water service; and (4) Disconnecting service to any residential customer who has contacted the utility to request assistance from the utilitys COVID-19 Customer Support Program. Eviction Moratorium Extended On March 18, the governor also extended the eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021, or the termination of the emergency, whichever is sooner. See Proclamation 20-19.6. Re-Opening Plans for Local Governments As weve previously written in this February 2 blog, local governments may create their own COVID-19 reopening plans. Governor Inslee has encouraged local governments to base these operational plans on the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery: Phased Reopening of Washington State Agencies (the latest, Version 7, was last updated March 15). For state agencies, the guidelines in the COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Business and Workers are intended to act as minimum standards for operations. Local governments should also take the updated guidance into consideration in developing the latest iterations of their reopening plans. The March 19 update to the Professional Services guidance continues to direct that employers require employees to work from home when possible and to close offices to the public if possible. And for in-person services, all employers must develop a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan. Occupancy limits are increased for Phase 3 jurisdictions to 50% fire marshal capacity or 400 people, whichever is fewer, as long as physical distancing can be maintained (with the exception of one-on-one service in an enclosed room). Conclusion Over a year into this pandemic and after tremendous loss and disruption to daily life, we are finally seeing some positive shifts. Local governments must nevertheless remain vigilant in ensuring public spaces and operations remain safe. MRSC is here to help you by offering the latest guidance at our COVID-19 Resources for Local Governments webpages, in our blogs, and through our e-newsletters. MRSC is a private nonprofit organization serving local governments in Washington State. Eligible government agencies in Washington State may use our free, one-on-one Ask MRSC service to get answers to legal, policy, or financial questions. The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru has said that the Nigerian Army will deal decisively with every form of security threats confronting the country. Attahiru said this yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital at the first Commanding Officers Workshop 2021 with the theme, "Repositioning the Nigerian Army to Defeat Contemporary Adversaries in a Joint Environment." He assured the nation that the Nigerian Army would soon surmount attempts by some individuals to compromise the territorial integrity of the country by the declaration of sovereignty on behalf of ethnic nationalities in the country. He called on the participants at the workshop to commit themselves to the dictates of their duty to the nation. The COAS said he would continue to provide mission-oriented training through workshops and build capacity for the military that would make the army dependable and feared by all adversaries. "The Nigerian Army under my leadership would remain proactive and jointly work with other security agencies to decisively deal with threats facing the nation. "The Nigerian Army under my watch remains resolute and is poised more than ever before to decisively deal with individuals or groups that threaten the peace, security and stability of our great nation," he stressed. In his speech, the Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State said the security challenges confronting the nation calls for a military that was ready and equipped to face the problems. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Emmanuel, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Moses Ekpo, urged the military to intensify and expand the strategies, techniques and tactics needed to contain all insecurity across the country. He commended the various security agencies in the state for the synergy and harmonious working relationship among them, which has brought about security in the state, and promised to continue to support them. "With the security realities confronting our nation, the military more than ever should be ready and equipped to face and confront these realities by ensuring that the service maintains the highest possible standard of continuous training for optional performance. "It is reassuring that in spite of other operational commitments across the country, the new Chief of Army staff has considered it necessary to organise this workshop. "To ensure greater cohesion in the service to impact positively on the leadership, operational effectiveness and efficiency of our commanding officers," Emmanuel said. Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 6th Division Nigerian Army, Maj.Gen. Sani Mohammed, said the workshop was the first major achievement of the Chief of Army Staff. He said that the workshop was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that it was an opportunity to enhance training and build capacity for military officers. Mohammed said the workshop has participants drawn from the South-South region. RIO DE JANEIRO Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter this week to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of COVID-19. The signatories of the letter decried the devastating economic and social situation in Latin Americas largest nation. They also attempted to debunk President Jair Bolsonaros assertion that lockdowns and restrictions would inflict greater hardship on the population than the disease. This recession, as well as its harmful social consequences, was caused by the pandemic and will not be overcome until the pandemic is controlled through competent action from the federal government, the letter read. It is urgent that the different levels of government prepare to implement an emergency lockdown. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. So far, Brazil has had more than 12 million cases and nearly 300,000 people have died, the second largest COVID-19 death toll in the world after the United States, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Brazils gross domestic product contracted 4.1% in 2020, the biggest annual recession in decades. The economists said the fall in activity alone cost Brazil a loss in tax collection of 6.9%, approximately 58 billion reais ($10.5 billion). Since the beginning of the pandemic, Bolsonaro has fought against restrictions on the economy adopted by state governors and mayors. Just last week, the president sought to lift restrictions imposed in the Federal District, Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul via the Supreme Court, online news site G1 reported. People wearing masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic wait to buy low-cost cooking gas from the Petrobras Oil Tankers Union in the Vila Vintem favela of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, March 12, 2021. The union promoted the sale as part of a solidarity campaign to mark The National Day of Struggles in Defense of State-owned Companies. Brazil Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said Monday that mass vaccination had to be accelerated to ensure a safe return to work, especially for the most vulnerable. Doctors had to choose who got oxygen Brazils vast size and deficient infrastructure make getting coronavirus vaccines to far-flung communities of Indigenous peoples and descendants of enslaved people a particularly daunting endeavor. Story continues Manaus a city in the Amazon suffered a devastating second wave of COVID-19 cases in January, driven by a more contagious strain of the virus. Hospitals lacked oxygen for weeks and doctors had to choose which intensive care patients to put on ventilators. A demonstrator holds a poster with a message that reads in Portuguese "Oxygen, Breathe Brazil," during a protest against the government's response to COVID-19 and demanding the impeachment of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, in Brasilia, Brazil, Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. So far, 71% of about 15,000 Indigenous people in the Manaus region have received their first shots, and 52% had their second jabs this week, said Januario Carneiro, coordinator of the Manaus regions Indigenous health care unit. Members of the remote Bare group in Amazonas state received their vaccine jabs Wednesday after health workers travelled more than two hours from the state capital of Manaus up the Cuieiras River to the village of Nova Esperanca (New Hope). Its chief, Jose Prancacio, said the whole village was infected with the coronavirus after people traveling to Manaus for food brought the virus home. Vaccine challenges: Rough travels, keeping doses cold in a tropical region Some villagers initially had rejected the shots. Carneiro has spent hours convincing Indigenous people the vaccines are safe, and says he has been successful. After Reinaldo de Souza Santos, 37, received his shot, he held up his vaccine card to display stickers proving he had gotten both his shots. My people are now calm and very happy about this vaccine, Prancacio said. Until theres a vaccine, a lot of people die. But today, thank God, were 100% satisfied. However, nurse Rosemeire Bezerra's biggest challenge in the current vaccination drive is keeping vaccine doses below 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit) in an isolated, tropical region. Its especially sweltering in the Valley of Souls (Vao de Almas, in Portuguese) where she was headed this week. On Monday, Bezerra protected plastic foam coolers with cardboard shells and filled them with ice. She intended to vaccinate 190 families within four days, before that ice melted. She set off with her team and three others, including an experienced driver familiar with the remote region. Relatives grieve as they attend a burial service of a person who died from complications related to COVID-19 at the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, March 11, 2021. One year after the World Health Organization officially declared the spread of the coronavirus a pandemic, Brazil is reporting almost 2,000 deaths per day. (AP Photo/Andre Penner) Houses in the Valley of Souls are far apart, and chewed-up dirt roads make for a jolting journey that complicates keeping a cooler balanced on laps. The many river crossings test the four-wheel-drive vehicles, too. Access is so poor that Bezerra and her staffers often vaccinate people they encounter on the roadside or tending to crops in their fields, as they might not have another chance. Some areas are reached only by foot, and they have to carry in their own food and water. It is a very poor community, with some places that can only be reached by special pick-up trucks, Bezerra said. Our team didnt spare any effort. We needed to give them some hope. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Brazil COVID-19 crisis: Bolsonaro urged to use 'emergency lockdown' An Edgewater man who grew his Instagram following to nearly a million users by showcasing a luxury lifestyle and handing out cash to strangers is now accused of being a scam artist. Jegara Igbara, also known as Jay Mazini, was charged by federal authorities in New York Wednesday with wire fraud for allegedly duping individuals into sending him Bitcoin, an increasingly valuable cryptocurrency, in return for a wire transfer of cash worth slightly more than the virtual currency. In reality, according to federal prosecutors, the 25-year-old allegedly never sent the money and received at least $2.5 million worth of Bitcoin from multiple victims through the scheme. Igbaras social media persona served as a backdrop for enticing victims to sell him their Bitcoin at attractive, but inflated, values, FBI assistant director-in-charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said in a statement. A behind-the-scenes look, however, revealed things arent always as they seem. There was nothing philanthropic about the Bitcoin transactions Igbara engaged in with his victims. A quick search of the interwebs today will reveal an entirely different image of this multimillion-dollar scammer. Igbara used his social media account, in which he promoted businesses and handing out large amounts of cash to random people, as a way to show his followers he was a person of substantial means, according to the criminal complaint. In turn, authorities alleged, he used that to solicit his followers to sell him Bitcoin, which is currently valued at more than $55,000, in return for him paying up to 5% more to the person through a wire transfer. In one alleged instance, an individual who saw Igbaras postings about buying Bitcoin on social media reached out to Igbara about selling him some. When the two spoke over video call, according to the complaint, Igbara said he had a net worth of $33 million. He allegedly sent a screenshot of a purported wire transfer of more than $3 million he sent to the person in exchange for Bitcoin, authorities said. The person then transferred approximately $750,000 worth of Bitcoin to Igbara. However, authorities said Igbaras wire transfer never went through and concluded the screenshot was fraudulent, according to the complaint. Authorities said that fit a pattern with how Igbara allegedly scammed others into sending him Bitcoin, as well. If convicted, Igbara faces up to 20 years imprisonment. He is currently being held in New Jersey and will appear in federal court in New York at a later date. Igbaras attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. His Instagram account has been deleted. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Joe Atmonavage may be reached at jatmonavage@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Mogadishu, Somalia Somalia's president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as "Farmaajo," is under increasing pressure to make a deal on holding delayed elections. A two-day conference this week failed to end the political standoff. The U.S. government has called on the leaders of Somalia's federal government and regional administrations to work towards holding delayed elections in the East African country. The presidential and parliamentary elections which were supposed to take place in February but were postponed due to disagreements on the electoral process by Somali political stakeholders. Somalia ready for elections Minister for Information Osman Dubbe said the government is ready for the polls once concerned stakeholders can resolve their differences. He was speaking after a two-day election summit concluded without progress because leaders from the regional states of Puntland and Jubbaland did not attend. Dubbe said it was very unfortunate that the leaders from Puntland and Jubbaland didn't attend the significant meeting. We hope they will join the crucial forum tomorrow on Wednesday to take part in the key discussions including election security, he added. Abdirahman Abdishakur, leader of the opposition Wadajir party, dismissed the election summit convened by President Farmajo, saying he has no constitutional mandate to summon such a forum. Opposition parties say the mandate of the president and the federal government of Somalia expired last month. "The FGS mandate is over, therefore other key stakeholders must be part of the meeting and the venue has to secured by neutral forces, i.e AMISOM, and there must mediator and guarantor and the agendas has to be agreed," Abdishakur said. Al-Shabab a concern Security analyst Ahmed Hassan said militant group al-Shabab may try to exploit the political environment. "The political crisis regarding the elections has diverted Somali leaders from their security responsibilities, hence giving militant groups an opportunity to carry out attacks as we have seen what happened in Bosaso on 4th March where al-Shabab raided the main prison, releasing dozens of inmates affiliated to the militant group," Hassan said. Hassan said another concern is that security forces might be used to intimidate the opposition in the upcoming elections. Opposition officials have accused the government of preparing to do that, though the government has denied the allegations. Meanwhile, the U.N. office in Somalia urged further informal consultations in coming days to ensure full participation in the election talks. 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! Brooke Shields worried she would never walk again after breaking her right femur in an accident at her New York City gym in late January. The actress, 55, suffered a life-changing injury when she fell off a balance board and flew into the air, landing on her upper leg and breaking the largest bone in the body. But after a series of surgeries, a staph infection, and subsequent health hurdles, Brooke recognized her ability to overcome, telling People: 'If anything, I'm a fighter.' 'Fighter': Brooke Shields discussed her harrowing health journey after breaking her femur at the beginning of the year, telling People magazine how she triumphed over multiple surgeries, a serious staph infection and an uphill - but winnable - battle with physical rehabilitation. She's seen in 2019 above The accident was surreal for Shields who said 'It felt like it was all in slow motion. And then I just started screaming.' 'Sounds came out that I've never heard before.' EMTs rushed to the scene, at which point the star said 'survival kicked in.' 'I kept saying,"I can feel my toes" because I was so afraid I was paralyzed.' The injury required serious surgery, stabilizing the break with two metal rods - 'one from the top of my hip down, and another across into the hip socket.' Shields had complications when a broken portion of her femur popped out, forcing her to have a second surgery to anchor her bones together with five rods and a metal plate. 'I never considered myself Zen,' she told the magazine, 'but I realized with a certain calm that the rest is up to me now.' That wasn't the end of Brooke's battle though. She spent two-and-a-half weeks in the hospital only to return home and develop a very serious staph infection. The infection was so bad she had to return to the hospital for emergency surgery on the IV site where she had had three blood transfusions during earlier surgeries. Though Brooke's bout with staph was terrifying, she said she was grateful because doctors feared the infection could be far worse. Serious: The injury required serious surgery, stabilizing the break with two metal rods, but complications meant she had to have a second more serious surgery inserting five rods and a metal plate Missing family: Being in the hospital was an isolating time for Shields, who wasn't able to see her husband Chris Henchy and daughters Rowan, 17, and Grier (above), 14 because of COVID-19 restrictions 'At first they feared it might be MRSA [a type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics],' she remembered. 'Thank God it wasn't. If it had been, my doctor said it would have been a race against time. That's how you can become septic. It seemed unthinkable.' Being in the hospital was an isolating time for Shields, who wasn't able to see her husband Chris Henchy and daughters Rowan, 17, and Grier, 14 because of COVID-19 restrictions. 'I'll never forget how hard the doctors and nurses worked and hearing their stories about COVID,' she says. 'I have asthma but I kept thinking, "I feel blessed I can breathe."' Returning home for a second time, Brooke said she was told: 'Your road is just about to begin.' At first she thought she could power through healing, asking to do twice-a-day workouts instead of the recommended once-a-day physical therapy. Reflection: At first she thought she could power through healing, asking to do twice-a-day workouts instead of the recommended once-a-day physical therapy but she quickly realized she couldn't just 'power through' It made her realize that 'for the first time in my entire life, I thought, "I can't power through this."' 'I can't even stand on my leg or go up a step. I need to relearn how to even walk. The feeling of helplessness is shocking.' But she added: 'If anything, I'm a fighter.' As she continues to heal, Brooke is focusing on her inner strength while celebrating every small success. 'I'm the only one that's going to be able to get through this,' she says. 'My career has actually been like that as well. One door gets slammed in my face and I search for another. It's not unlike how I felt when I wrote about postpartum depression in 2005. 'This is my journey, and if it took me breaking the largest bone in my body, then recovery is something I want to share. We have to believe in ourselves and encourage one another. There's no other way to get through life, period.' Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 3 1 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 NEW MILFORD A Gaylordsville resident reported seeing a furry visitor Tuesday, as a bear came out of the woods to check out the bird feeders at her home on Kent Road. Jean Irish said in an email to Hearst Connecticut Media that she was trimming brush near the edge of her property around 2:15 p.m. when she heard the sounds of an animal moving through the woods. A powerful group of former political staffers and political types including Brittany Higgins, Lucy Turnbull and Therese Rein upped their campaign this week to contribute to the federal governments efforts to improve the treatment of women in politics. The group of seven women which also includes Jessica Rudd, along with Malcolm Turnbulls former principal private secretary Sally Cray and Anthony Albaneses former senior media advisor Fiona Sugden first cropped up a week ago asking for submissions to the Jenkins review to be kept confidential. After chalking up a win on that demand, the group has drafted a second open letter offering up their experience for advice on the review and asking for a formal avenue for former staffers to contribute to the recommendations. Illustration: Joe Benke Credit: No doubt, Jenkins should prepare herself for a lot of feedback. Which is why those inside the group are keen to make sure their message actually lands. Take a text message that the traditionally under-the-radar Cray, who now works alongside Anna Bligh as the Australian Banking Associations corporate affairs boss, circulated to her network along with the draft letter. Cray makes it clear the out-and-proud approach of an open letter isnt necessarily her style but sometimes personal preferences have to be put aside for the broader group. I hate publicity but I feel like it cant be all one-sided and it has to be constructive, she wrote. Im also not into letter writing demands, so Im trying to shift this group to be more behind the scenes with a formal path to contributing to the Jenkins review. Have a look at this draft letter and see if you want to sign. Publicly or anonymously. Britain's cladding crisis faces a 9 billion black hole despite developers vowing to pay 400 million to fix faulty buildings, a Daily Mail audit reveals. The money promised by one construction giant could cover as little as 13 per cent of the total bill faced by its leaseholders, leaving scores of homeowners facing shock bills for thousands of pounds. Multi-million pound firms have repeatedly refused to say how many of their buildings require costly repairs, making it impossible to tell whether their funds are adequate. Shortfall: Britain's cladding crisis faces a 9bn black hole despite developers vowing to pay 400 million to fix faulty buildings Others are wriggling off the hook by refusing to cover costs for blocks they built but no longer own. Hundreds of thousands of leaseholders are stuck in unsafe flats after the Grenfell disaster exposed deadly safety flaws. MPs estimate it will cost 15 billion to resolve the crisis - and there has been a slew of pledges since the Mail launched its campaign 12 weeks ago. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has more than trebled the Government's funding pot to 5.1 billion, while developers have set aside cash of their own. But it's thought a planned developer tax, that will bring in 2 billion over a decade, will be used to claw back the taxpayer's outlay. Including 400 million set aside by developers themselves, it means there is still 9 billion missing. Campaigners say the Government fund is a 'drop in the ocean' and accuse ministers of allowing developers to get away with 'token gestures'. Even John Tutte, chairman of house builder Redrow, admits a 200 million-a-year developer tax is not 'a massive amount' for the industry to pay. Martin Boyd, chairman of charity Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, believes ministers have been spooked by industry claims that too harsh a levy will hinder their ability to build new homes. But he dismisses this as scaremongering. Tory MP Sir Peter Bottomley says: 'If the work is going to be done and there is no detriment to leaseholders to say which buildings they are, which buildings are they?' Where's the rest coming from? Giles Grover is facing a 20,000 bill to repair a flat he paid 145,000 for in 2012 Giles Grover paid 145,000 for a Bellway flat in Manchester in 2012. But in 2017, a survey found the 329-flat development had missing fire breaks and flammable cladding. It needed a 24-hour fire patrol for six months last year until new fire alarms were installed, but developer Bellway refuses to take responsibility. Leaseholders now face paying 20,000 each. Bellway says the site was built according to regulations at the time, but its missing fire breaks were never allowed. Mr Grover says the firm is also hiding behind the six-year limit post-completion to bring claims. The City Gate site, was built in the early 2000s. Leaseholders have been told the total cost will be 11.6 million and have been promised 5.6 million from the Government. A Bellway spokesperson says the firm 'has set aside considerable funds to cover the costs of fire safety improvements where we have legal responsibility'. He adds: 'Where we no longer have a legal responsibility for historic schemes, such as City Gate, we've been liaising with the responsible parties to ensure that they carry out any fire safety improvements required.' Meanwhile, construction giants argue they cannot be held solely responsible. Industry sources claim only 5 per cent to 8 per cent of fire-trap flats have been built by big developers, while faults are often down to subcontractors or suppliers. But Mr Boyd says: 'That's their problem. Car manufacturers buy all their bits from subcontractors, but you don't see Toyota turning around and saying: 'It's not really our fault, it's our brake supplier.' ' Developers point out that cladding now deemed unsafe complied with regulations at the time. But missing fire breaks and other non-cladding defects have never been allowed. In these cases, firms hide behind the Defective Premises Act, which only gives six years to claim. The Government is reluctant to remove the onus from the building industry 'to do the right thing' by paying upfront in full itself. On Monday, 33 Tory MPs rebelled against Government plans to allow building owners to pass on costs to leaseholders but lost by a majority of 69. A Government spokesperson says: 'We are making industry pay for the mistakes of the past with a new levy and tax to contribute to the costs of remediation, backed by 5 billion Government funding and a generous capped finance scheme to ensure leaseholders are protected.' cladding@dailymail.co.uk [March 24, 2021] ecotel Announces Partnership with RingCentral to Enable Businesses Across Germany to Work from Anywhere ecotel communication ag, a leading provider of IT and telecommunication solutions for business customers in Germany and RingCentral (News - Alert) , a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications, video meetings, collaboration, and contact center solutions today announced a close partnership whereby RingCentral will be the lead Unified Communications (News - Alert) as a Service (UCaaS) offer for customers of all sizes transitioning to the cloud. As part of the partnership, ecotel will offer RingCentral Office, a UCaaS platform that provides team messaging, video meetings, and a cloud phone system to customers. It will also provide customers with value-added services including migration, adoption, and integration to help customers rapidly move to the cloud. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005323/en/ RingCentral Office will seamlessly integrate with ecotel's existing voice portfolio for a smooth transition of their legacy communications systems to the cloud. ecotel will be the first licensed service provider in Germany to launch this integrated service together with RingCentral. "We are excited to bring the flexibility and agility of UCaaS to our customers across Germany," said Markus Hendrich, Chief Digital Officer, ecotel communication ag. "With RingCentral's unified solution, our customers can provide their people wit all the communications services they need. This includes team messaging, video meetings, and a cloud phone system, all in one app enabling them to work, collaborate, and communicate anytime, anywhere and from any device, leading to the digitization of business communications in Germany." Through this partnership, ecotel will leverage the RingCentral open API platform, empowering customers to revolutionize the way their organizations communicate and collaborate through custom integrations to fit their specific needs. "As people work from anywhere, cloud-based communications platforms are critical for businesses to sustain and drive business growth," said Marco Meier, Regional Vice President, Service Provider Sales at RingCentral. "Through our partnership with ecotel, we will provide cutting-edge communications solutions that give organizations in Germany an opportunity to adapt to the new era of work, with the flexibility to connect and collaborate from anywhere on any device." About ecotel communication ag ecotel communication AG (shortly ecotel, XETRA: EE4C) has been operating nationwide in Germany since 1998 and specializes in the marketing of IT and telecommunications solutions in different segments. The ecotel group is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany. Including its subsidiaries and holdings, ecotel has a total of about 300 employees. Currently ecotel serves more than 50,000 customers nationwide, providing 50,000 data connections and more than 360,000 voice channels. About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE: RNG) is a leading provider of business cloud communications and contact center solutions based on its powerful Message Video Phone (News - Alert) ????(MVP) platform. More flexible and cost effective than legacy on-premise PBX and video conferencing systems that it replaces, RingCentral empowers modern mobile and distributed workforces to communicate, collaborate, and connect via any mode, any device, and any location. RingCentral offers three key products in its portfolio including RingCentral Office?, a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform including team messaging, video meetings, and a cloud phone system; Glip???the company's free video meetings solution with team messaging that enables Smart Video Meetings; and RingCentral cloud Contact Center ??solutions. RingCentral's open platform integrates with leading third party business applications and enables customers to easily customize business workflows. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, California, and has offices around the world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005323/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Thai deputy PM gets 2nd Sinovac dose, reaffirms safety of Chinese vaccine Xinhua) 08:56, March 24, 2021 Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (L, Front) prepares to receive his second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 23, 2021. The deputy PM was the first Thai receiving the jab on Feb. 28 as the Southeast Asian country began its roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak) BANGKOK, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday received his second shot of COVID-19 vaccine developed by China's Sinovac, and reaffirmed the safety of the vaccine. "I always feel strong and energetic. We take the shots because we want to save ourselves and save others as well," Anutin said when being asked how he felt after the injection. The deputy PM was the first Thai receiving the jab on Feb. 28 as the Southeast Asian country began its roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Thailand approved the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use last month and has so far received two batches of the vaccine. "We have our Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make sure that all registered vaccines have already been well certified and tested," Anutin said, adding that the vaccine is considered to be safe as long as the FDA approves that vaccine. As of March 19, more than 62,000 people in the country had been vaccinated, according to the government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri. Thailand's total caseload has risen to 28,277 as of Tuesday, with a total death toll of 92. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) A boy looks at Sinovac Biotech LTD's vaccine candidate for COVID-19 coronavirus on display at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, China on Sept. 6, 2020. (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images) Beijing Says Third Dose of China-Made Vaccines Needed After Vaccinated Doctor Gets Infected Expert says poor vaccine quality and virus mutation are causing infections Chinese health authorities have recently said that an additional third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine may be needed to boost its effectiveness. The announcement was released soon after a doctor in Chinas Xian city was reportedly infected with the CCP virus after receiving two doses of a Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine. A virologist who spoke with The Epoch Times believes that the poor quality of the Chinese-made vaccines and the increasing threat posed by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus mutations are causing infections. The Chinese doctor surnamed Liu from Xian city, the capital of Shaanxi Province, tested positive for the CCP virus despite being fully vaccinatedgetting two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Chinese media reported on March 18. The reports did not mention which Chinese-made vaccine the doctor received nor provide additional information about the case. In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) on March 20, Gao Fu, the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), explained why two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine may not be enough and a third dose could be required to prevent infections. A medical worker inoculates a man with a COVID-19 vaccine at the Chaoyang Museum of Urban Planning in Beijing, China on Jan. 15, 2021. (NOEL CELIS/AFP via Getty Images) Gao said that the virus infection is in the respiratory tract, but antibodies are produced in the body after the vaccination. The antibodies in the body [produced after taking the vaccine] may not be so good for preventing respiratory infections. He said that the mass vaccination has just started and there is no data to show how people react to the vaccine. Then he said that two doses of the Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines, which are inactivated vaccines, might not induce enough antibodies, and a third dose is needed. Gao tried to reassure the public about the efficacy of the homegrown vaccines by emphasizing that they can protect the general population against the disease. Meanwhile, the distributor of Chinas Sinopharm vaccine in the United Arab Emirates has started offering a third dose to some people with low immune response. The UAE approved the Sinopharm vaccine last year. Authorities said on March 20 that nearly 56 percent of its adult population has been inoculated with at least one dose of the Chinese vaccine. Vaccine Quality Issue and Lack of Data Transparency In an interview with The Epoch Times, former U.S. Army Research Institute virology researcher, Dr. Sean Lin, said that all the current COVID-19 vaccines are actually injected intramuscularly. Basically, after being injected it induces antibodies inside the body and it should be all the same. Lin said it is not an excuse for the government to avoid the quality issue of the vaccine. Gao Fu mentioned that a third shot might be needed. The Chinese vaccines are inactivated vaccines. The second shot is actually an enhancer. If this does not produce enough antibodies, then it means that this inactivated vaccine actually has very low efficacy. And its the issue of quality of the vaccine itself, he explained. The media recently reported that seven people in Hong Kong have died after they were vaccinated with Chinas Sinovac vaccine in less than three weeks. But its unclear whether the vaccine contributed to the deaths. A Hong Kong media commentator criticized the government for using its own people as lab rats for the Sinovac vaccine. A nurse shows a COVID-19 vaccine produced by Chinese company Sinovac Biotech at the Sao Lucas Hospital in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Aug. 8, 2020. (Silvio Avila/AFP via Getty Images) The efficacy of Chinese vaccines has been questioned due to the lack of transparency in trial data. The phase three clinical trial of the Sinovac vaccine conducted in Brazil in January reported that it was 50.4 percent effective, which is far below the initial claims of the Chinese company that touted a 78 percent efficacy rate. Lin pointed out that neither the Sinopharm nor the Sinovac vaccines have undergone large-scale clinical trials in mainland China and there is no data about the side effects. Although the Chinese vaccines have been administered on a large-scale across the country, in fact, neither government departments nor Sinovac or Sinopharm have provided any statistics on the efficacy and the side effects of the vaccines after tens of millions of people were vaccinated, he said. Lin also questioned Gaos claim that there is no data about vaccine reactions or side effects, despite the fact that mass vaccinations were carried out last year. The Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines have been used in most parts of China since last summer. Officials announced that nearly 20 million people had been vaccinated by the beginning of this year. This large-scale vaccination was mandated by the central government. So, how can there be no statistics? People queue to receive vaccines against the Covid-19 coronavirus at a temporary vaccination center in Beijing on Jan. 8, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images) Western countries started vaccination in last December and after three months [statistics are already available]. China had almost nine to ten months the statistics and data should have come out a long time ago. The CCP is still concealing the data and the whole thing is still opaque, he added. Virus Mutation Lin said that new virus variants with immune escape capability have been reported in some countries such as Brazil, South Africa, France, and the Philippines. The virus mutation has also led to a significant decline in the efficacy of the vaccine. The Sinovac vaccine was particularly ineffective in the phase three clinical trial in Brazil. This also has much to do with the epidemic of the new variants in Brazil. Over 4,000 variants of the CCP virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 or the novel coronavirus, have been identified across the globe. (Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock) Mainland China is unlikely spared from the immune escape variants, and the South Africa variant has also been reported in Guangzhou, Lin added. He warned, The variants have greatly reduced the comprehensive ability and effectiveness of the various current vaccines. So, the biggest danger in China is actually the kind of variants that are spreading all over the country. Lin said that in China, regardless of whether people are vaccinated with Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines, they are faced with the problem that they may lack immunity against the new virus variants. There are some variants that can infect people who were infected before and recovered or have been vaccinated. So this is the threat posed by the variants. Luo Ya contributed to the 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. Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. ROME, MAR 24 - Italy will mark Dante Day Thursday on the 700th anniversary of the Divine Comedy author's death in Ravenna. The 'Supreme Poet' will be celebrated across the country with the highest-profile event being a televised reading of Canto XXV of the Paradiso by comic actor, director and Dante buff Roberto Benigni at the presidential Quirinal Palace at 19:10 in the presence of President Sergio Mattarella and Culture Minister Dario Franceschini. In the famed canto, Dante's muse Beatrice vouches for the poet and pilgrim's possession of hope in redemption. March 25 was chosen as Dante Day as scholars believe it was on this date that Italy's greatest poet descended into Hell for the first part of his epic journey through the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. Later on Thursday Benigni will recite on Rai3 the iconic Paolo and Francesca episode from Canto V of the Inferno, a tale of forbidden love and honour killing that has inspired artists including Rodin and Dante Gabriele Rossetti, as well as countless musical interpretations. Dante as a pilgrim was so struck by the story of passionate love that he fainted in Inferno, while Dante the philosopher and religious thinker condemned the lovers for their adultery. (ANSA). The author of an official government report into compensation for IRA victims has said he is "surprised and disappointed" after its conclusions were shelved by ministers. William Shawcross, a former charity commission chair, had been tasked with looking into whether Libyan assets could be seized and given to victims in recognition of the role of former dictator Colonel Gaddafi in arming the group. The report was submitted a year ago without eliciting a response from government, but in a statement to parliament this week Foreign Office minister James Cleverly suggested no immediate action would be taken and the report would not be published. Mr Shawcross was commissioned to write an internal scoping report on the subject of compensation for UK victims of Gaddafi-sponsored IRA terrorism. Mr Shawcross submitted his report in March 2020," Mr Cleverly said. Since it was commissioned as an internal scoping report, to provide internal advice to ministers, and draws on private and confidential conversations held by Mr Shawcross, the Government will not be publishing the report. Read more: The minister attributed the delay in responding to careful and thorough consideration across government given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues raised. But he said the responsibility for providing compensation specifically for the actions of the Gaddafi regime lies with the Libyan State as it would breach international law for the UK to take unilateral action. At a hearing of parliament's Northern Ireland affairs committee on Wednesday following the statement, Mr Shawcross confirmed that the report was never intended to be published a revelation which appeared to surprise some of the MPs at the hearing. But he indicated that he was not happy with the government's response and said he had hoped further action would be taken on the basis of the report. "I was surprised and disappointed. I had been told very shortly beforehand that a written ministerial statement was to be made. I had not been told in any form what the content of that statement would be made," he said. "In an ideal world I would like my report to be built on, and further work to be done on the basis of it, if that were deemed to be possible. "Now, obviously at the moment the Foreign Office has decided that that is not possible, perhaps because of the restrictions and the horror of Covid in the last year and I'm sure that's a big factor in everybody's decision making at the moment. But yes, my report was, was, if you like, I saw it as a step, not an ending." He added that there was "room to do more work on the basis of the report that I have delivered". The author said ministers had not contacted him about the report since he submitted it, and that he had only had a brief video call conversation with the minister Mr Cleverly about it at his own instigation. He apologised to the committee for being unable to give more details about the contents of the work, which he said he was bound not to reveal by his mandate from the government. He however added that he had been careful to avoid using the names of people he has spoken to during the course of his inquiry. Victims groups have argued that tax generated from already frozen Libyan assets should be given to victims rather than kept by the Treasury. The revenue was estimated to around 17 million in 2019. World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 23 May 2021 Cyclists at the start of the 15th stage of the Giro dItalia, a 147km race between Grado and Gorizia AFP/Getty World news in pictures 22 May 2021 Swiss Guards take their position prior to the arrival of the European Commission President at San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican for a private audience with the Pope AFP/Getty World news in pictures 21 May 2021 A dog that has been trained to sniff out the coronavirus disease, screens a sweat sample at Chulalongkorn University, in Bangkok, Thailand Reuters World news in pictures 20 May 2021 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr in action during a F1 practice session at the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo Reuters World news in pictures 18 May 2021 Horse-drawn carriages drive through the mudflats near Cuxhaven, northern Germany dpa via AP World news in pictures 17 May 2021 Kanoya Onishi in action during the Cycling BMX Free Style of Tokyo 2020 Olympics test event at Ariake Urban Sports Park in Japan EPA World news in pictures 16 May 2021 Rescuers carry Suzy Eshkuntana, 6, as they pull her from the rubble of a building at the site of Israeli air strikes, in Gaza City Reuters World news in pictures 15 May 2021 A ball of fire erupts from the Jala Tower as it is destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza city AFP/Getty World news in pictures 14 May 2021 Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers inside the Baitul Mukarram Mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh AP World news in pictures 13 May 2021 Muslim girls ride on a mini train after attending the Eid Al-Fitr prayer that marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 May 2021 Israeli artillery fire as the escalation continues between Israeli army and Hamas at the Gaza Border EPA World news in pictures 11 May 2021 Maya Nakanishi competes in the womens long jump - T64 category during a para-athletics test event for the 2020 Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo AFP/Getty World news in pictures 10 May 2021 A Palestinian man helps a wounded fellow protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound, ahead of a planned march to commemorate Israels takeover of Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War AFP/Getty World news in pictures 9 May 2021 Falconer Giovanna Piccolo performs with her Eurasian eagle-owl at 'Roma World' theme park, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, in Rome Reuters World news in pictures 8 May 2021 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is introduced as a starter against the St. Louis Blues at T-Mobile Arena. USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 6 May 2021 Buddhist monks and believers attend a lantern parade in celebration of the upcoming birthday of Buddha at a temple in Seoul, South Korea Reuters World news in pictures 5 May 2021 Russian MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30SM jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation over the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin in Moscow during a flypast rehearsal for the WWII Victory Parade AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 May 2021 An elevated metro line collapsed in the Mexican capital on Monday, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured as a train came plunging down, authorities said AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 May 2021 Lightning bolts strike buildings during a thunderstorm in Bangkok AFP/Getty World news in pictures 2 May 2021 Samaritan worshippers arrive to take part in a Passover ceremony on top of Mount Gerizim, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus AFP/Getty World news in pictures 1 May 2021 A Gilet Jaune, or yellow vest, protestor stands in front of a burning barricade holding his hand up with an inscription calling for President Macron to resign as May Day Protest turn violent near Place de la Republique in Paris, France Getty World news in pictures 30 April 2021 A demonstrator from the Rio de Paz human rights activist group digs a symbolic grave in front of rows of bags symbolising bodybags on Copacabana beach, during a protest against the Brazilian governments handling of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rio de Janeiro AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 April 2021 An aerial picture shows dead carp fish flushed to the shores of al-Qaraoun reservoir in Lebanons Western Beqaa District in the countrys east. Tonnes of fish have washed up dead on the shoreline of the highly polluted artificial reservoir in eastern Lebanon in recent days AFP/Getty World news in pictures 28 April 2021 Health workers wearing PPE attends to coronavirus patients inside a banquet hall temporarily converted into a covid care centre in New Delhi AFP/Getty World news in pictures 27 April 2021 The full moon, known as the Super Pink Moon rises behind the Statue of Liberty in New York City, Reuters World news in pictures 26 April 2021 Balinese people lay wreaths with names of the crew on board the sunk Indonesian Navy submarine KRI Nanggala during a prayer at the sea near Labuhan Lalang, Bali, Indonesia EPA World news in pictures 25 April 2021 An Ethiopian Orthodox Christian worshipper walks around the Edicule, the place believed to be where Jesus Christ was buried, during Palm Sunday celebrations at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem AFP/Getty World news in pictures 24 April 2021 Fans of Wuhan Three Towns FC cheer for their team during the 1st round match Wuhan Three Towns FC and Beijing Institute of Technology FC during Chinese Football League One in Wuhan, China Getty World news in pictures 23 April 2021 A girl prays in front of the Dome of the Rock, in the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalems Old City, on the second Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, as coronavirus restrictions ease around the country, in Jerusalem Reuters World news in pictures 22 April 2021 People walk through the art work 'THE SPIRITS OF THE PUMPKINS DESCENDED INTO THE HEAVENS' by Yayoi Kusama, during the press preview of a retrospective exhibition of the Japanese artist at the Martin Gropius Bau museum in Berlin, Germany AP World news in pictures 21 April 2021 Hungary's Sara Peter competes in the Women's floor qualifications during European Artistic Gymnastics Championships at the St Jakobshalle, in Basel AFP/Getty World news in pictures 20 April 2021 South Korea university students gets their heads shaved during a protest against Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in front of the Japanese embassy, in Seoul Reuters World news in pictures 19 April 2021 A spectator wearing a football jersey of Argentina's forward Lionel Messi attends the ATP Barcelona Open tennis tournament singles match between Japan's Kei Nishikori and Argentina's Guido Pella at the Real Club de Tenis in Barcelona AFP/Getty World news in pictures 18 April 2021 People raise their fist during a demonstration near the George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis, Minnesota AFP/Getty World news in pictures 17 April 2021 Security personnel stand guard outside a polling station during the 5th phase of West Bengal's state legislative assembly elections in Kolkata AFP/Getty World news in pictures 16 April 2021 Palestinians take part in the first Friday prayers of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City AFP/Getty World news in pictures 15 April 2021 A firefighter inspects the site of a car bomb attack in Sadr City district of Baghdad, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 14 April 2021 This picture shows the 100 days countdown till the start of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games displayed on the illuminated Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on April 14, 2021 AFP/Getty World news in pictures 13 April 2021 This photo taken and received courtesy of an anonymous source shows Buddhist monks gesturing while taking part in a demonstration with protesters against the military coup in Mandalay during the Myanmar New Year festival of Thingyan AFP/Getty World news in pictures 12 April 2021 An Indian holi man during the Kumbh Mela royal bath (Sacred Hindu Pilgrimage) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Thousands of pilgrims are gathering and taking holy dip in Kumbh Mela that is a mass Hindu pilgrimage which occurs after every twelve years and rotates among four locations EPA World news in pictures 11 April 2021 Nasa released images of of sand dunes on Mars captured using infrared reflections NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU World news in pictures 10 April 2021 People watch devotees pulling a chariot in Biska Jatra Festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal AP World news in pictures 9 April 2021 Maintenance workers clean the monument of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin in Moscow on April 9, 2021. - Sixty years ago Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space, marking it a new chapter in the history of space exploration. AFP/Getty World news in pictures 8 April 2021 Protesters hold a banner and burning red flares during a demonstration of called by unions of healthcare and social workers in support of their sector and to demand a bonus in their pay in Paris AFP/Getty World news in pictures 7 April 2021 Protesters laying on the street near the Election Commission office in Kolkata during a demonstration demanding the halt of the ongoing state legislative election and campaign rallies amidst the rising number of Covid-19 cases AFP/Getty World news in pictures 6 April 2021 Voters stand in queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during third phase of West Bengal state elections in Baruipur, South 24 Pargana district, India AP World news in pictures 5 April 2021 The Statue of Christ appears behind clouds from the Sao Jorge Castle in Lisbon as the Portuguese government eased coronavirus restrictions AFP/Getty World news in pictures 4 April 2021 Christian worshippers light candles during an Easter service in Yerevan, the Armenian capital AFP/Getty World news in pictures 3 April 2021 Anti-coup protesters hold improvised weapons during a protest in Yangon, Myanmar. Myanmars military Junta continued a brutal crackdown on a nationwide civil disobedience movement in which thousands of people have turned out in continued defiance of live ammunition Getty World news in pictures 2 April 2021 A rescue works at the site after a train derailed in a tunnel north of Hualien, Taiwan Reuters Matthew Jury, managing partner at McCue & Partners law firm, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: Tea and sympathy is not enough. The US, France and Germany all leveraged their relationships with Libya to ensure their victims of Libyan terrorism were compensated. "The fact that the UK is unable or unwilling to do so should be a continuing source of shame and a national embarrassment. Two years have passed since Mr Shawcross was appointed and we are no further forward. Innocent Victims United, which campaigns on behalf of victims, also criticised the ministerial statement. Kenny Donaldson, as spokesperson for the group, told the newspaper: "For two years the UK Government has been responsible for heaping further pain upon those already treated so shamefully. "The Shawcross Report can't even be described as a 'whitewash' because it continues to be held back from victims, the full contents remain hidden. THE huge turnout of Zanzibar residents yesterday to pay their last respects to the departed President Dr John Magufuli is clear evidence to the international community that Mainlanders and Zanzibaris are indeed one people who share a common culture and values. The remarks were made in Zanzibar yesterday by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled) Jenista Mhagama when the public in the Isles was allowed to pay their last respects to the fallen president. "I thank our brothers and sisters in Zanzibar who today have shown to the whole world that residents from the two sides of the Union are blood relatives guided by the legacy left by the founders of our nation," she said. The United Republic of Tanzania was formed on April 26, 1964 when the two sister countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar joined together to form the nearly 57-year Union. Julius Kambarage Nyerere became the first President of Tanzania and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the president of Zanzibar, became the First Vice President. During his presidential campaigns for the 2020 general election, Dr Magufuli insisted that the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar was very strong and that the two-tier government structure was the best compared to all other forms. "There are people who do not like our Union and have come out saying that they would change its current structure should they come to power. They want to divide us through some colonial type of government administration," the late Dr Magufuli said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Tanzania Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He added: "I know there are some little challenges but we will sort them out without any problem." Dr Magufuli also revealed that the Tanzanian Union government had borrowed 2.3tril/- for Zanzibar's development projects in the last four years, trashing accusations that the Union was not beneficial to Zanzibaris. According to him, the Union was formed out of different reasons including the good relationship between Tanzania's founding president Julius Nyerere and his Zanzibari counterpart Abedi Amani Karume, geographical proximity, interactions of the peoples of both sides as well as the good relationships between the Tanganyika African National Union (Tanu) and Zanzibar's Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP) which later in 1977 merged to form the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. San Francisco, March 24 : Despite facing criticism, Google-owned YouTube has said it will not remove a controversial livestreamed video of a mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado in the US. According to The Verge, the video falls under the streaming platform's news and documentary coverage rules. "Following yesterday's tragic shooting, bystander video of the incident was detected by our teams. While violent content intended to shock or disgust viewers is not allowed on YouTube, we do allow videos with enough news or documentary context," The Verge quoted Elena Hernandez, a YouTube spokesperson, as saying. "We applied an age restriction to the content and will continue to monitor the situation," Hernandez added. The livestream was broadcast from around the King Soopers supermarket in Boulder. According to Vice, it reached a live audience that peaked at around 30,000 people and has since been viewed over 585,000 times. The streamer, Dean Schiller, began recording inside the supermarket soon after the attack. He continued recording from outside for more than three hours, despite police requested him to leave. Schiller has identified himself in the past as a citizen journalist, and in 2019, he and another videographer were arrested and jailed for filming around the Boulder County Jail, following a series of videos that captured alleged police misconduct. Some video commenters called Schiller out for not dialing 911 or attempting to help people fleeing the building, while some other news outlets and anti-extremism researchers criticised him for speculating on the shooter's motives, revealing police tactics and briefly filming the bodies of victims, the report said. China's top state-asset regulator has urged the country's centrally administrated state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to strengthen the internal control and management of capital in a bid to forestall the risk of major capital losses. Central SOEs are required to improve systems and mechanisms regarding internal capital control and management, reinforce supervision over key links of internal capital control, and carry out risk control measures for overseas funds, read a circular released by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The circular stressed the importance of clarifying the responsibilities and obligations of internal control departments as well as regulation work procedures to foster smooth operations among internal control, finance and auditing departments. Efforts should also be made to incorporate internal control requirements into the entire processes of fund-related activities, enhance the oversight of large payments, and establish a sound internal control and supervision system for overseas funds, according to the circular. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. David Flemming is a policy analyst at the Ethan Allen Institute. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of the Brattleboro Reformer. A new technique that can trace which tissues and organs the DNA in our blood comes from has been reported today in the open-access eLife journal. The method, called GETMap, could be used in prenatal screening, to monitor organ transplant rejection, or test for cancers that are concealed in the body. Analysis of circulating free DNA has been shown to be useful for screening for early asymptomatic cancers. As cancer-associated DNA changes are present in a wide range of cancer types, detection of such changes can be used as a universal test for concealed cancers. However, in patients with a positive test result, you still need to follow up with tests to find the tumour's location, for example, with a whole-body positron emission tomography, or PET, scan." Wanxia Gai, Study First Author and Postdoctoral Fellow, Chinese University of Hong Kong To address this, the team developed a test that looks for genetic differences, as well as epigenetic changes to DNA (changes which do not affect DNA sequences) known as methylation. The DNA in our cells has a unique methylation 'fingerprint'. Comparing the methylation fingerprints of different genetic types of DNA molecules circulating in the blood, for example molecules from a foetus, transplanted organ or tumor, with that of different tissues identifies where the DNA has come from. The team first tested their approach in pregnant women, where they knew that blood DNA would include DNA from the mother, foetus, or both. As expected, GETMap found that DNA carrying foetus-specific genetic markers carried methylation signatures exclusively from the placenta. On the other hand, DNA molecules carrying mother-specific genetic markers carried methylation signatures from white blood cells. DNA molecules carrying genetic markers shared by both the mother and foetus were derived from both tissues. Next, they tested the approach in blood donated by patients following a lung transplant. Detecting unusually high concentrations of DNA from a transplanted organ in blood can be a sign of organ rejection. But immediately after a transplant, there is often an unexplained surge in donor-derived DNA in the transplant recipient's blood. This makes it challenging to detect whether the organ is being rejected if only genetic markers are used. By using a combination of genetic and epigenetic markers, the team identified the origins of this surge in donor DNA. At 72 hours after transplantation, only 17% of the circulating DNA was from the lung, compared with 78% from blood cells. This surprisingly high contribution from the blood cells was likely due to the release of DNA from blood cells in the blood vessels of the transplanted lung. With time, the amount of circulating DNA from the lung increased, and the amount from blood cells decreased. There also seemed to be more donor lung DNA in the blood of patients whose new lungs were rejected, compared to those who had a successful transplant. The team also tested whether GETMap could detect the origin of tumor-derived DNA in the blood. In two patients with liver cancer, they found that 90% and 87% of the plasma DNA carrying mutations had come from the liver. To test this, they needed to know the exact tumor mutations they were looking for, and tumor tissue is not always available if its location is unknown. The team therefore tried to use methylation fingerprints to identify cancer mutations directly from blood DNA rather than tumor tissue. Although fewer mutations were found, the liver was still correctly identified as the source of the tumor-derived molecules. This suggests GETMap could help to reveal the tissue and location of concealed cancers in people who have tumour markers in their blood. Finally, they challenged the GETMap test in a woman who developed lymphoma during pregnancy. In this instance, they were able to distinguish between the foetal-specific genes which were derived from the placenta, and the tumor-specific genes which originated solely from a family of white blood cells that were related to the cell type of the lymphoma. "We have demonstrated the powerful synergy between genetic and epigenetic approaches for identifying the origin of circulating DNA in the blood, and shown its potential applications in cancer screening, prenatal testing and organ transplant monitoring," says co-senior author Dennis Lo, Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and the Li Ka Shing Professor of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "Our test could bring us closer to the vision of a blood test for a universal cancer marker, by allowing more targeted follow-up tests in specific organs," concludes co-senior author Allen Chan, Professor of Chemical Pathology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. "This could make cancer diagnosis earlier and more accurate, and reduce the use of whole-body scans and the associated exposure to radiation." Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week opinion The warning issued by the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday to separatist agitators to stay away from his state should be put squarely in the context of the present crisis of insecurity and the mismanagement of Nigeria's diversity. What the governor has done with the full authority of his office is to give leadership; it is a cardinal function of leadership to point to the right direction. This function is even more crucial in times of crisis. Some governors in the southeast have had cause to distance their respective governments from the separatists who are active in their zone. Akeredolu's statement is the type that the perceptive members of the elite should be making at this moment if anarchy is to be averted in the present unfortunate circumstance. There is no state in Nigeria where a referendum has been held giving anyone the mandate to proclaim secession. In the statement immensely imbued with clarity of purpose, Akeredolu makes a distinction between fighting insecurity and pushing for separation from Nigeria, which is the agenda of some ethnic champions. According to the governor, the forestry laws of Ondo state would be enforced and modernised livestock production would be encouraged in the state by participating in the National Livestock Transformation Programme. These are clearly among the governance duties that the governor was elected to perform. Akeredolu said, however, that the state would not be a haven for those who have reduced the otherwise legitimate clamour for self-determination to "unthinking rabble rousing." To be sure, the wave of insecurity in the country is scarily rising. It is also a fact that insecurity bedevils all parts of the country at varying degrees. However, the Nigerian state has failed to demonstrate competence in performing the constitutional duty of keeping the nation secure. It is even more ominous when it is being predicted that insecurity would eventually lead to the disintegration of Nigeria. The attack on the convoy of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state last week was a chilling reminder that the ungoverned spaces might be more than what has been reported. Ortom who narrowly missed assassination said yesterday after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari that Nigeria "is sitting on a keg of gun powder." From Katsina came the announcement by Governor Aminu Bello Masari that the northwest governors have also asked the criminals occupying the forests in the zone to quit those areas already turned into dens of banditry. This might not be unconnected with the resolve of the federal government to unleash full military assault on the bandits who have ruled the forests for years. It is better late than never, you might say, especially in the light of the opposition from Abuja to Akeredolu's moves to clear the Ondo state forests of trespassers a few weeks ago. In a way, the separatists are products of the acute systemic contradictions arising from the collapse of governance, social injustice and the climate of insecurity enveloping the nation. The nation is still in search for solution. It is, however, astonishing that a section of the elite including public intellectuals and professionals now find inspiration from emergent populists, anarchists and opportunists, who could hardly articulate their professed cause. This ideological bankruptcy is certainly part of the problem. Instead of offering ideas and workable solutions to problems, crimes are simply given ethnic labels. So rather than tackle crimes, the ethnic group of the criminal becomes the target. Yet ethnic profiling remains a highly pernicious trend. This trend is unfortunately unrestrained. One self-styled ethnic campion makes a statement claiming to have expelled some Nigerians from his "republic" which exists only in a video. He takes another dangerous step by asking members of his ethnic group living elsewhere in the country to return "home." The following week the opposite number of this "warrior" in another region makes his own counter-order of expulsion against some other Nigerians. And the nonsense continues to the applause of some otherwise discerning elements of the elite. The public sphere is suffused with such reckless statements and irresponsible counter-statements. But the common goal of these characters is to divide the country. This tendency can only set the nation on the path of anarchy. Besides, the tendency is hugely diversionary. Once ethnic separation is posed as the solution, the real problem which is actually poor governance is pushed to the background of discussion. The focus at present is only on the centre. Hence other tiers - state and local governments - are not adequately held accountable. Questions are no more asked about the sordid state of public primary schools in the states. Why ask such probing questions when you can blame the "domination" by another ethnic group? Instead of rigorous discussions about how governments could meet the basic needs of the people, the woes of a section are blamed on the other. Some members of the elite elite sow the seeds of these destructive trends, perhaps unwittingly. For instance, Monday, March 21, was the international day devoted to reflect on water. Water is a basic issue of development in every part of Nigeria. Millions of Nigeria have no ready access to potable water. An ecological factor implicated in the farmers/herders conflicts (as distinguished from pure criminality of bandits and kidnappers) is the increasing scarcity of water. However, the topic of water scarcity would hardly hit the headlines the same way ethnic profiling would do inflammatorily. Water is no hot topic for pundits! Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. What is called insecurity is obviously the cumulative effects of the activities of criminals - terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ritual killers, rapists etc. These criminals belong to the various ethnic groups in Nigeria. Their victims are also members of the different ethnic and religious groups that make up the country. But the crimes have no ethnicity. It is simply illogical to blame a whole ethnic group for the acts of a few criminals belonging to the group. So a solution laden with ethnic prejudice is not appropriate for the problem of insecurity given the reality of socio-economic and political existence in the country. Policing should be redesigned as suggested in many respected quarters to check crimes. The judicial system should be strengthened to punish the criminals. In sum, a break-up of Nigeria is never the answer to insecurity. Pressures should rather be mounted on the leadership to keep Nigeria secure. The Buhari administration should promote national unity using the instruments of competent governance in delivering public goods, accountability and social justice. When that is done, the separatists would have no situation to exploit for their diversionary and opportunistic purposes. 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 shares, on Wednesday, were locked in 5 per cent upper circuit band at an over nine-year high at Rs 106.70, on the BSE in an otherwise weak market. The Adani Group company's shares were quoting higher for the eighth straight trading day. It was trading at its highest level since August 2011. Thus far in the month of March, the stock of the electric utilities company has zoomed 93 per cent, as compared to 0.57 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. Till 12:12 pm, a combined 6.9 million shares had changed hands on the counter and there were pending buy orders for 4.3 million shares on the NSE and BSE. Last week, the Supreme Court had dismissed a review petition filed by power distribution companies (discoms) of Rajasthan on the compensatory tariff issue with Rajasthan. informed the stock exchanges on March 18 that the Supreme Court has ruled in its favour by dismissing review petitions filed by Rajasthan distribution companies (discoms) challenging the August last year verdict related to a compensatory tariff. In continuation to our earlier disclosures made to you vide our letters dated September 17, 2019 and September 01, 2020, we would like to inform that the Hon'ble Supreme Court ("SC") has dismissed the review petitions filed by Rajasthan Discoms in the matter of the SC Judgment dated August 31, 2020, pertaining to recovery of compensatory tariffs by Adani Power Rajasthan Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, Adani Power said in a regulatory filing. In September 2020, the apex court had ordered three Rajasthan power distribution companies to pay a compensatory tariff to Adani Power Rajasthan since 2013 to recover the higher cost of imported coal. The SC judgement was in line with an order passed by the Appellate Tribunal of Electricity (APTEL) granting compensatory tariff to Adani Power Rajasthan for its 1,200-megawatt (MW) Kawai thermal power plant. Meanwhile, during the October-December quarter (Q3FY21), Adani Power, along with the power plants of its subsidiaries, achieved an Average Plant Load Factor ["PLF"] of 75 per cent, and aggregate sales volumes of 19.1 Billion Units ["BU"]. The company had said improvement in PLF was due to higher demand for power under both long term PPAs and in the short term and merchant 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 popular high school captain who died after being electrocuted at home is believed to have been welding at the time of the fatal accident. Liam Keegan, 17, died on Tuesday evening after he was electrocuted in Upper Caboolture, north of Brisbane. Paramedics desperately tried to save his life when they were called to the scene about 8pm. His sister Ebony has since paid tribute to her 'brother and best mate' in an emotional social media post. Emergency services were called to the home of Liam Keegan, 17, in Upper Caboolture at around 8pm on Tuesday but the teenager was unable to be saved Liam Keegan and his sister Ebony. She paid tribute to her 'brother and best mate' in a touching social media post 'My heart shatters into too many pieces to count,' Ebony wrote. 'With nothing but absolute heartbreak, my family announce the sudden passing of our son, brother and best mate, Liam. 'We are so overwhelmed with the love and support which we have been shown, and so deeply grateful for the community of people we have.' Just a few weeks ago, the 'popular and talented' student shared his dreams for the future in the local newspaper. 'I want to leave a legacy and know when I graduate, I was a part of making even a small change for our students and community by being proactive in establishing a positive culture and a sense of belonging for all students,' he said. 'I want to be a proactive captain and not just sit back and watch.' Emergency services are seen in Upper Caboolture, north of Brisbane, on Tuesday night Liam is understood to have been welding when he was electrocuted. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is investigating Tributes have since poured in for the student (pictured) who was one of the captains at Tullawong State High School Just a few weeks ago, the 'popular and talented' student (pictured) shared his dreams for the future in a local newspaper Devastated mates took to social media to pay tribute, with one writing: 'Rest easy now mate. You were one of the best.' 'You made an impact on so many people without knowing it. Fly high,' another said. Another heartbroken mate said: 'Love you forever Liam, you beautiful boy. Ill see you one day my love.' Principal Kiah Lanham said the school was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the news. 'Liam Keegan was a popular and talented young person who will be greatly missed by all his friends and teachers,' Ms Lanham said. 'Our thoughts and sincere sympathies go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is leading an investigation into his death. Halving the train journey time between Belfast and Dublin to one hour would help make the most of economic opportunities on both sides of the border, an event has heard. Eight councils from Northern Ireland and the Republic attended an event marking the launch of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor report. The study notes that the area between Belfast and Dublin has a population of more than two million and is younger than any other part of the island. Some 15% of people in the region were born off the island. It also has the best educated workforce, with 34% of the population holding third-level qualifications The launch event was attended by politicians including Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and Finance Minister Conor Murphy. According to the organisers, DUP Economy Minister Diane Dodds was invited to attend but could not because of a prior engagement. Mr Varadkar said joint trade missions between Invest NI and the IDA, the Republics equivalent, could promote both jurisdictions. "Its like how Manchester and Liverpool work together. They have strong mayors, they go on joint trade missions together and basically join their assets to promote investment in their mega-city region," he added. Belfast City Council is one of the eight local authorities supporting the initiative, which hopes to transform the region into the equivalent of the UKs northern powerhouse or the Malmo-Copenhagen tech region. According to a joint report by Ulster University and Dublin City University, now is a good time to create a north-south economic corridor, given the challenges both jurisdictions face from Brexit and the pandemic. The report sets out the potential of linking universities, business clusters and more. A more formalised political structure could also be established across the eight local authorities to drive progress. Professor Eoin Magennis, of Ulster University, and Professor Deiric OBroin, of Dublin City University, developed the report. Prof Magennis admitted the aspiration to cut train journey times was "at the ambitious end of the plans". "A more regular service and some trimming in the journey time would be an interim step in the right direction," he said. "On a high-speed rail proposition, I know some work has been done on that and the potential of bringing in some money from Europe and how that might work with Northern Ireland remaining within the single market with the Northern Ireland Protocol." Speaking ahead of the event, Sinn Fein councillor Christina Black, chairman of Belfast City Councils strategic policy and resources committee said: "Driven by the two largest cities in Ireland, along with the cities along the corridor that joins them, this renewed and ambitious collaboration has huge potential to drive economic development. "Its encouraging to see us taking this step as we look ahead to our recovery from Covid. "Opportunities exist to grow indigenous business, establish clusters of key sectors, bring in further investment, leverage collaboration between our universities and business support agencies and use the corridor as the driving force for economic development in the region and nationally." In what can only be described as a stunning rebuke of Conservative Party leader Erin O'Toole's efforts to appear as a moderate voice to Canadians, the Party's membership voted this past weekend to reaffirm that climate change denial is official Party policy. The jury is not out on climate change. The science is not in dispute. Climate change is real, and it has and will continue to have a significant impact on how we live our lives, now and in the future. Mr. O'Toole regularly admonishes the Trudeau government about "mortgaging the future" when it comes to economic policy, and how the impact of spending to support Canadians during this COVID pandemic will result in a reckoning wherein our children and future generations have to pay the bill. A far greater reckoning awaits the planet if governments and citizens do not take concerted action to mitigate the effects of human activity. The main headline from this disaster for Mr. O'Toole will be the ongoing disconnect between the reality of climate change and the grassroots members of the Conservative Party. While the Liberals have been consistent in our efforts to protect the environment while growing the economy in recognition that the two can work hand-in-hand, the Conservatives seem intent to pursue the same old economic policies of years gone by without any regard for the environment. I'm sure they think big tax cuts for corporations will eventually trickle-down to the rest of us, and maybe the environment will balance itself. One wonders what the Conservative MP's throughout the Okanagan think of this development and its impact on Mr. O'Toole's ability to lead the party into an election campaign down the road. We know that Kelowna-Lake Country MP Tracy Gray is at least slightly ahead of the curve of the Party membership, having acknowledged the reality of climate change, though she did avoid candidate forums on the most important issue of our lifetime during the election campaign. Climate change and the environment have always been contentious issues for the Conservative Party, a real shame, and their leadership is now going to pay a price for this stunning rebuke of their leader's attempt to at least appear moderate on the issue. Richard McAdam, Kelowna And then just moments after the verdict was delivered, Whitmore told the court he had spoken to one of the jurors before selection and told him he was being railroaded. The juror told the judge he recalled only that Whitmore asked him whether he was there for jury duty; the defenses request for a mistrial was denied. Alabama's statewide mask mandate will be lifted on April 9. While it won't be required everywhere in two weeks, it may be required in some places. To require masks, or not to require masks? That's a question business owners across Alabama will have to decide once the state's mask mandate is lifted. However, some restaurant owners have already made up their minds. Right now, were planning on keeping that, just continuing to be safe," said Kristian Denis, the owner of Domaine South. Denis said Domaine South will continue to do what makes her employees and customers feel safest, which is masking. I mean, it makes our staff feel safer, and while people are working on getting vaccinated and the staff is working on getting vaccinated, our priority is to keep everyone here safe. On top of masking, Domaine South will continue to limit their indoor dining capacity and continue their cleaning protocols. Drakes in Huntsville has similar plans moving forward. Safety is our top priority here at Drakes, not only for our employees but for our guests that come in the door," said a manager at Drakes in Huntsville, April Mount. "Were going to stay on the cleaning procedures we have in place, the six-foot spacings. Everythings going to stay the same for us even though that mandate is going to be lifted. One difference between the two restaurants is Drakes will require employees to wear masks, but not their guests. I think itll be good for the employees to continue to wear their masks as well, because theyre around hundreds of people every day," said Mount. "The guests that come in, its up to them. Both restaurants said these plans are not set in stone and could change by the time the mask mandate is lifted. County leaders can still decide whether they want to have a mask mandate or not. Events might be canceled due to COVID-19. APRIL 2 Easter Quiche Cooking Class 5-8 p.m., Gather Food Studio, 2011 W. Colorado Ave., $65. Registration required: 308-2992, gatherfoodstudio.com. "Perspectives on the Passion" Good Friday Performance Live music and spoken word, 6-8, HarvestDowntown Church, 411 N. Weber St.; tinyurl.com/27wz5zf2. APRIL 2 OR 3 Easter Brunch Cooking Class 9 a.m.-noon April 2 or 1-4 p.m. April 3, The French Kitchen, 4771 N. Academy Blvd., go online or call for cost. Registration required: 528-6295, tfkcc.com. "God with Us" Musical 7 p.m. April 2, 1 p.m. April 3, 3 p.m. April 4, Charis Bible College, 800 Gospel Truth Way, $35. Tickets required: cyan-alpaca-ckem.squarespace.com. APRIL 3 Chocolate Bunny Hunt 9, 10 and 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain, call for cost. Register: 520-6745; Register: 520-6745; communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers. Easter Candy Hunt Selected vendors will give candy to kids and candy bags will supplies last, starting at 10 a.m., Colorado Springs Flea Market, 5225 E. Platte Ave., $20 admission, free for ages 12 and younger; 380-8599, info@csfleamarket.com. Kids in the Kitchen: Easter Mini Quiche Cooking Class For ages 11-14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Gather Food Studio, 2011 W. Colorado Ave., $35. Registration required: 308-2992, gatherfoodstudio.com. Easter Cookie Decorating Cooking Class Hosted by Crafted Colorado, 2-4 p.m. Go online for cost and location. Registration required: 247-2971, craftedcoloradoltd.com. Easter Cake Decorating Cooking Class Hosted by Crafted Colorado, 4-6 p.m. Go online for cost and location. Registration required: 247-2971, craftedcoloradoltd.com. APRIL 4 Virtual Easter Sunrise Service Hosted by Colorado Council of Churches, will be posted no later than 6 a.m.; cochurches.org/easterlive. Virtual Easter Sunrise Service Hosted by Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, 6:30 a.m.; facebook.com/RoyalGorgeBridge. Community Easter Service 10-11 a.m., Myron Stratton Home, 555 Gold Pass Heights; broadmoorchurch.org. Salvation Army Community Easter Egg Hunt Following 10:45 a.m. Easter Church Service, backyard, 908 Yuma St. If it snows or rains, event will be cancelled; 636-3891. HOUGHTON COUNTY, MI Youve probably heard of a cat burglar. But a bizarre case reported in Michigans Upper Peninsula gives a new literal meaning to the oft-used term. According to the Laurium Police Department in Houghton County, a man awoke just after 4:14 a.m. on Wednesday to find another man pointing a gun at his head and demanding he give him two cats that lived there. The man, who broke into the home without permission, took one of the cats before leaving, according to police. Police believe the suspect knew the homeowner prior to the home invasion. He was located by police a short time later, according to a news release. The gun was seized during the arrest and he was booked at the Houghton County Jail on charges of home invasion and felonious assault. Police told WLUC-TV6 that it is unknown if the cat has been located following the suspects arrest. The incident is still under investigation and the suspect and victim have not been identified. Officers were assisted at the scene and in the search by the Keweenaw County Sheriffs Office, Houghton County Sheriffs Department and Hancock City Police Department. A baby boy in Florida has already found his lucky number after being born on March 21 at 3:21. p.m. in the state's 321 area code. Charish Persico, 24, from Merritt Island, welcomed her son Carter Kerr at Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach on Sunday afternoon. 'They announced the time of birth at 15:21 in military time. I'm sitting there laying and going through my head, and I said, "It's 3:21,"' the new mom told Good Morning America. Wow: Charish Persico, 24, from Merritt Island, welcomed her son Carter Kerr at Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital in Cocoa Beach on March 21 at 3:21 p.m. in the 321 area code The '321' baby: Carter weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches long at birth Not only did the numerology of his birth date and time match up, but the hospital is located in Brevard County's 321 area code. 'My mom said, "You just had your baby on 3/21 at 3:21,"' she recalled. 'Then my doctor said, "And you're in the area code 321!"' Charish had a C-section scheduled for March 26 because Carter was breech, but it was moved up after she started having contractions on Sunday. Arriving five days early, Carter weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 19 inches long at the time of his birth. Meant to be: Charish (pictured pregnant with Carter) had a C-section scheduled for March 26 because Carter was breech, but it was moved up after she started having contractions on Sunday The hospital also pointed out that Carter's room overlooks Florida's Space Coast, where NASA crew members count '3-2-1' before launching rockets. Charish said she and Carter's father, Justin, are 'over the moon' and have already started collecting newspaper clippings of their baby boy's headline-making '321' birth. Health First's Cape Canaveral Hospital shared photos of the mother and her son on Facebook Wednesday to announce the news. 'Meet the 321 Baby!' the caption reads. 'Carter Kerr was born at Health Firsts Cape Canaveral Hospital at 3:21 p.m. on 3/21 in the 321 area code. 'Weighing in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces and 19 inches long, first-time parents Charish and Justin could not be more excited.' The work will be performed at Piramal Pharma Solutions' development and manufacturing site in Lexington, Kentucky Piramal Pharma Limited's (PPL) Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), based in Mumbai, has announced that the Company has entered into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Plus Therapeutics, Inc. for Piramal to perform services related to the development, manufacture, and supply of Plus Therapeutics' RNL-Liposome Intermediate Drug Product. This MSA includes the transfer of analytical methods, development of microbiological methods, process transfer and optimization, intermediate drug product manufacturing, and stability studies. The transfer will be performed at the PPS drug product facility located in Lexington, Kentucky in the US. The two Companies envision that the MSA will lead to clinical and commercial supply agreements for the drug product at the appropriate stage of development. PPS' Lexington site is recognized as a North American leader in the formulation, development and manufacturing of sterile parenteral drug products. The Lexington site has the capability to support drug development for New Chemical Entities (NCEs), generics, and molecules that might be following the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway. Peter DeYoung, CEO, Pharma Solutions, Piramal Pharma Limited, stated that, "We are excited to partner with Plus Therapeutics. We believe that this represents the start of a long, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationship that will address our ultimate objective of reducing the burden of disease on patients." 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The request was to create sturdy specialized trays to transport smaller quantities of the vials arriving at distribution centres, while keeping each vial safe during transport. Timing was everything. Because the vaccine must be kept at a stable temperature of -70 C, the transfer has to take place in less than three minutes. Camosun Innovates staff at the colleges Interurban campus promptly custom-designed and manufactured trays that fit the bill. The 0.635-centimetre-thick acrylic trays can hold up to 100 vials in four quadrants of 25 each, making the number of vials easy to count at a glance a key factor when timing is critical. Trays are able to handle extreme temperatures without shattering and can be easily cleaned and sterilized. Camosun Innovates also developed a grabbing tool that looks like a pair of scissors dubbed the Camosun VI-grip that can pick up five vials at a time to cut down on transfer time. The tool is manufactured using a 3D printer. Matthew Zeleny, an applied research technologist, developed a tray prototype that was refined with other Camosun Innovates staffers, all former students, said Richard Gale, director of Camosun Innovates. We pushed everything off the table and devoted all of our resources to this to get it to them as quickly as possible. We were able to get it taken care of in less than a week. Vials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine arrive in boxes surrounded by snugly packed materials, so there is no risk of jostling, Gale said. Those vials must then be repacked in smaller numbers to suit the needs of their destination, such as rural or small-community clinics and care facilities. Original Pfizer boxes are being reused, Gale said. The acrylic trays fit into the boxes. So far, 450 trays have been sent out by Camosun for use on Vancouver Island and elsewhere in the province. Gerry Delorme, director with Health Emergency Management B.C., said the ability to quickly and safely transfer vials of the COVID-19 vaccine is helping to get it to where it is needed most. Camosun staff worked with the Health Ministry, Health Emergency Management B.C., the B.C. Centre for Disease Control and regional health authorities on the project. The first production test run was carried out at the Babcock Canada Interaction Lab at the Interurban campus. The trays follow other products developed by Camosun Innovates, including a medical-grade face-shield design and a portable oven that relies on ultraviolet light to sterilize N95 masks for reuse by medical staff. Sherri Bell, Camosun president, said the applied research process used to create the trays and Camosun VI-grip show how community colleges can hit the ground running with innovative solutions to complex, real-world problems. Gale said Camosun is always ready to step up and help out in difficult times and respond to challenges. Because the pandemic has been so challenging and persistent, it creates countless opportunities for collaboration and innovation, all designed to keep our loved ones safe and well, he said, adding the tray designs will be shared at no cost. Camosun Innovates is now working on a method to transport the Moderna vaccine, which is distributed in pre-loaded syringes, Gale said. It is testing five prototypes which use a foam holder where the entire syringe is placed in a casing and put into a cooler to transport. In addition, Camosun Innovates is in talks with those planning distribution for the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Camosun Innovates ability to quickly imagine and produce manufacturing solutions each time we encounter a challenge is helping to ensure vaccines reach British Columbians, Delorme said in a statement. PEARL of the People with Down Syndrome Foundation- Tanzania has said people living with various disabilities in the country will remember the late President John Magufuli for caring for them. In the same development, the foundation skipped the world's Down Syndrome (DS) commemorations last Sunday in order to join fellow Tanzanians in mourning the fallen hero, Dr John Magufuli. The founder of Pearl of the People with Down Syndrome Foundation-Tanzania, Monny Petit told the 'Daily News' that Magufuli's leadership was pro marginalised groups, including people living with disabilities. "We all remember how he helped a woman with disability when he was launching the Kijazi Interchange bridge at Ubungo in Dar es Salaam," she said, and added, "it symbolized that President Magufuli personally cared for all people living with various disabilities." Ms Monny, a mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome called members of the community to become the voice of the voiceless since some people, including people with DS can't speak for themselves. To honour the fallen President Magufuli, the activist proposed to the government that students with Down Syndrome should be allowed to continue with special higher learning education in order to improve their life skills since they face learning difficulties. According to Dr Isaac Maro, Down Syndrome which is also referred to as trisomy 21, is a genetic problem resulting from abnormal cell division during the development of the sperm cell or the egg cell. March 21 every year marks Down Syndrome Day to create awareness about the problem. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. EU carbon tax plan compels local suppliers to step up The European parliament earlier this month agreed to establish a resolution on the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), with the price mechanism scheduled to apply to certain goods imported from outside the EU, including Vietnam, if these countries are not ambitious enough in regards to climate change. According to the plan, it would cover the power sector and energy-intensive industrial sectors like cement, steel, aluminium, oil refinery, paper, glass, chemicals, and fertilisers, and many others, which continue to receive substantial free allocations, and represent 94 per cent of EU industrial emissions. Members of the European Parliament stressed that it should be World Trade Organization compatible and not be misused as a tool to enhance protectionism. The plan aims to create global fair play and an incentive for both EU and non-EU industries to decarbonise in line with the objectives found in the Paris Agreement. The draft mechanism on carbon price will be discussed in the coming months and is projected to come into effect from early 2023. The EU is considered a strong market for goods from Vietnam since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect in August last year. Statistics published by the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that in 2020, the total export turnover of goods from Vietnam to this market was $34.8 billion, a decrease of 2.3 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, within the five months since the EVFTA took effect, the export value reached $15.38 billion, up 1.6 per cent on-year. Vietnams group of agricultural and aquatic products such as seafood, rice, and coffee are considered commodities in which companies are quick to seize opportunities to boost exports to the EU market. The shipment of shrimp to the EU, for example, which accounts for 21 per cent of Vietnams total shrimp export turnover, was $30 million in the first month of this year, up 16 per cent on-year. In addition, the EVFTA is expected to fuel the growth of Vietnams textile and garment industry by 6-14 per cent by 2030. The steel industry is also expected to be one of the beneficiaries when it is able to expand its export market to Europe. Barrier to market penetration However, entire sectors are causing a vast amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the agricultural sector, estimates show that 45 per cent of total GHG emissions in the sector come from animal breeding. The main sources of such emissions from livestock are methane (25 per cent), CO2 from land use (32 per cent) and nitrous oxide from manure and sludge management (31 per cent). Elsewhere, a survey by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade showed that in order to manufacture 10 million tonnes of steel, factories will emit 21 million tonnes of CO2. The CO2 emissions in the industry are forecast to reach 122.5 million tonnes by 2025 and increase to 133 million tonnes by 2030, accounting for 17 per cent of the whole countrys total, with use of fossil fuels for production being deemed a major reason. Experts agree that if manufacturers fail to switch towards greener manufacturing methods, they will lose opportunities to penetrate into the EU market. Nevertheless, recently more companies in Vietnam have started to pay attention to carbon credits as well as GHGs, implementing specific strategies for reducing emissions. Vinamilk, whose products are exported to 53 countries and territories including the EU, is fulfilling a solar power system on 12 milk cow breeding farms. To date, five have installed a solar power system with the capacity of 19 million kWh, which will contribute to lowering over 17.3 million kg of CO2 per year. The figure is expected to increase to 62 million kg once the installation of the renewable system is completed. These emissions are equal to the ability of carbon to absorb 3.4 million trees. Century Synthetic Fiber Corporation is also implementing a programme to decrease carbon emissions. The company measures its carbon footprint periodically to adjust solutions to decrease CO2 emissions, and has replaced trucks using gasoline with electronic vehicles. According to its financial statement of 2019, the carbon footprint coefficient decreased by 6 per cent on-year, and the carbon footprint coefficient in terms of diesel in particular declined by 75 per cent on-year thanks to using electronic lift trucks. Century Synthetic Fiber is looking for more opportunities to export its products to the EU, thus, this preparation is helping the company realise its ambition. Meanwhile, Vietnam National Cement Corporation (VICEM) and FLSmidth, a global leader in sustainable technology, are cooperating with each other to issue new solutions to significantly improve the sustainability of the cement sector in Vietnam. The goal is to implement technologies that radically reduce GHG emissions, pioneer solutions for using alternative fuels, and improve air quality. The move is chance for VICEM to take advantage of sustainable technology to realise its target to reduce emissions of particulate matter, CO2, nitrogen oxide, and sulphur dioxide. Notably, while management of waste is a growing concern in Vietnam, FLSmidth is developing solutions that enable a 100 per cent switch to alternative fuels, which can reduce carbon emissions by about 33 per cent. However, there are still very few enterprises that are aware of the importance of carbon emission decrease and some that are aware are not exporters. According to Dang Hong Hanh, co-founder and managing director of Energy and Environment Consultancy JSC (VNEEC), corporate attention on decreasing carbon emissions remains limited. The substantial parts of the transaction on the carbon credit market come from sellers, which sell carbon credits for manufacturers outside of Vietnam. A number of enterprises, which are outsourcing partners of global brands, started to apply solutions to decrease GHG emissions. However, in general a large part of enterprises lack proactive spirit. They just act when being urged, and numerous businesses implement solutions in a perfunctory manner, Hanh said. She said that once the carbon tax is implemented, it will indeed create challenges for manufacturers in Vietnam. Besides that, she believed Vietnam is not yet ambitious enough when it comes to its commitments to reducing GHG emissions. Vietnam also has yet to apply a carbon pricing policy, with the country not showing signs to apply a carbon tax in the domestic market before 2030. Keeping pace with regulation This is not first time that international requirements on carbon emission has been a barrier for Vietnam, with the garment and textile sector also suffering in this area. The US and European Parliament currently apply regulations on carbon labelling, requiring importers to meet the standard on carbon emission in the production process. The Vietnamese government has been adjusting regulations to match with such international requirements. In November last year, the National Assembly adopted the revised Law on Environmental Protection, which contains a specific chapter on the implementation of Vietnams commitments and the responsibility for implementing the Paris Agreements commitments of Nationally Determined Contributions. From this year as a result, manufacturers with large carbon emissions must be held responsible and account for GHG schemes to reduce them. According to Pham Van Tan, deputy director of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the declaration on such emissions is a compulsory requirement. Vietnam will also update the National Strategy on Climate Change approved by the prime minister in 2011. From 2021 onward, Vietnams legal accountability on responding to climate change will be mentioned in the updated strategy, Tan said. Responding to the impact of the revised law on the business communitys awareness, Hanh told VIR that previously, VNEEC had to make efforts to persuade enterprises that the opportunity to earn money from carbon credits is real. At the time, almost all partners were still suspect of the feasibility of the opportunity. However, since the revised law came into effect, VNEEC has received attention from numerous businesses that want to study their carbon footprint, the potential for the effort to lower GHG emissions, and opportunities from trading carbon credits. Although the cost for the solution to decrease emissions is quite high and it takes a long time to restructure, if businesses directly affected by the carbon tax can develop a strategy to reduce them as soon as possible, the emission intensity per unit can be gradually reduced, leading to lowering investment costs and tax payments later on, Hanh said. Heritage Foundation president, executive VP to resign from major conservative think tank Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The president and the executive vice president of the prominent conservative think tank, the Heritage Foundation, have announced their resignations. Heritage President Kay Coles James, who became head of Heritage on Jan. 1, 2018, and Heritage Executive Vice President Kim Holmes announced their intents to step down in a statement Monday. James will remain president for up to six months until a new president is found. She will also remain on the organizations board of trustees. Meanwhile, Holmes resignation will take effect on April 16. In a statement, James explained that she and Holmes accomplished everything we set out to do, adding, its time to let someone else take the reins. When we came on board as the executive leadership team three years ago, we set several goals and told Heritages board of trustees that we would serve for three to five years to see them through, she stated. During her three years as president, James oversaw the creation of Heritages Edwin J. Feulner Institute and the Center for Technology Policy. I am incredibly grateful to Kay James and Kim Holmes for their leadership of The Heritage Foundation over the past three years, said Barb Van Andel-Gaby, chairman of Heritages board of trustees. Their tireless dedication to Heritage has taken the organization to new heights, led to numerous accomplishments, and positioned the Heritage team to be ready for the battles ahead. Philip Wegmann, a reporter with RealClearPolitics who broke the story on Twitter, explained staffing changes at the biggest think tank on the right is significant because Personnel is policy. He noted that Heritage was hugely instrumental in the Trump White House. Earlier this year, it was announced that former Vice President Mike Pence joined Heritage as a distinguished visiting fellow. In 2017, Heritage selected James, a member of the board of trustees since 2005, as its new president, making her the first African-American woman to head the organization. Before becoming president of Heritage, James had previously worked in the administrations of Republican presidents Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. James also founded the Gloucester Institute, a Virginia-based organization, to advance racial reconciliation and a rising generation of minority leadership. In February, notable conservative Christian philosopher and author Ryan T. Anderson left Heritage to become president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center. SALEM, Ore. The number of people allowed to administer coronavirus vaccines in Oregon just grew by leaps and bounds, with state health officials giving the go-ahead for professionals as varied as dentists, veterinarians, and students in healthcare fields to become providers. A March 11 amendment to the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act allows states to increase the pool of potential vaccinators who may not be currently authorized under state law. Oregon Health Authority director Patrick Allen signed the authorization on March 22, to be effective immediately. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort nationally and in Oregon to ensure we are safely vaccinating all eligible adults who wish to receive a vaccine, said Allen. The federal directive and my authorization greatly expand the number of professionals who can support this historic public health effort, as we continue to expand our efforts to schedule and vaccinate Oregonians throughout the state as quickly as we can with the supplies provided to us by the federal government and vaccine manufacturers. What does the PREP Act actually do in this instance? It shields the expanded pool of providers from potential liability arising from administering the vaccine, except in cases of "willful misconduct." The newly eligible groups who can now administer FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines include the following health professionals and health-adjacent professionals who are "currently licensed, certified or registered or had an active license, certification or registration" within the last five years: Certified nursing assistants (CNA) Dentists Direct entry midwives Emergency medical services providers (EMT, AEMT, EMT Intermediate or Paramedic) Naturopathic physicians (ND) Nurses Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN, includes nurse midwives) Registered nurses (RN) Licensed practical nurses (LPN) Optometrists Pharmacists, pharmacy interns and pharmacy technicians Phlebotomists Physicians (MDs and DOs) Physician assistants Podiatrists Respiratory therapists Traditional health workers Veterinarians Healthcare students (in these fields of study) are also authorized: London: NATOs Secretary-General has vowed to back Australia in its disputes with China, saying the superpower had behaved very badly against Australia after it pushed for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. Jens Stoltenberg said he wanted to expand the trans-Atlantic body to non-members as a way for like-minded democracies to stand up to what he called bullying by Beijing. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg wants democracies to stand together and up to China. Credit:AP Stoltenberg is pursuing an ambitious broadening of NATOs mission in the next decade. His strategy focuses heavily on pushing back against authoritarian Russia and China and calls for greater involvement of non-NATO member countries from the Asia-Pacific region. Asked by the Herald and The Age to outline what greater co-operation would involve, Stoltenberg said it was vital to show a united front in the face of bad behaviour. Photos of President Joe Biden's detention cells packed with migrant children have revealed the actual situation of the crisis at the Texas border. A report from Breitbart said that Texas Representative Henry Cuellar released several photos that show an overcrowded detention center in South Texas full of migrant children followed by American political activist James O'Keefe. Breitbart stressed that O'Keefe's expose showed "disturbing photos" of children sleeping in floor mats that depict "worsening humanitarian crisis." Axios, on the other hand said, the photos were taken from "inside a U.S. Customs and Border protection" makeshift facility in the border of Donna, Texas. "Because the Biden administration has restricted media coverage at housing facilities, images like these offer a rare window into conditions. Cuellar, who recently visited a shelter for children, did not tour the Donna facility or take the photos himself. He said the photos were taken over the weekend," Axios said in its report. The media outlet explained that Cuellar provided them the photos to create awareness of the situation there. Cuellar initially said that one pod can occupy 260 persons but by Sunday he stated that one pod contained more than "400 unaccompanied male minors" and that the entire facility is comprised of eight pods. Axios quoted Cuellar in saying that the situation there provides "terrible conditions for the children" and must be put under the care of the Department of Health and Human Services the soonest time possible since border patrol agents are "not equipped to care for kids" and do "need help from the administration" although they are "doing their best under the circumstances." In similar news, The Stream reported that O'Keefe acquired the leaked photos from Project Veritas and cited his tweet on it on Monday. "Dear @AOC. Do you feel the same now as you did when you dramatically knelt down crying by the fences for the camera? Use these photos obtained by Project Veritas from an insider last week to work toward a solution rather than play the blame game," he taunted New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez showing the pictures in his post. Dear @AOC. Do you feel the same now as you did when you dramatically knelt down crying by the fences for the camera? Use these photos obtained by Project Veritas from an insider last week to work toward a solution rather than play the blame game. pic.twitter.com/O3IhpO0t36 James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) March 22, 2021 The Stream highlighted in its report that pictures of the immigrants "contained and wrapped in foil like alien pos in a sci-fi thriller" actually are worth a thousand words and do "leave you speechless" sometimes. "Thank you, Project Veritas and Rep. Cuellar for getting around the Biden Border Blackout. As we reported last week, the Biden Administration doesn't want you to know what is going on at the border. They've banned media from facilities and drive-alongs. Just ask noted Getty Images photo-journalist John Moore. He says he was never denied access under Bush, Obama or Trump. But with Biden, there's 'zero access'," The Stream disclosed. Former President Donald Trump recently blasted the Biden Administration for the "media blackout" happening in the border when he said that America no longer has a "free press" in a podcast interview for The Truth With Lisa Boothe on Monday. "It's pretty amazing. You take a look at some of the coverage and some of the travesty that's taking place at the border, and the coverage is not commensurate," Trump said. Prior to Biden's inauguration, Cuellar has raised the need for the president to work with the Mexican government to control the influx of migration in line that should be integrated in Biden's plans for the border. "You got to work with the Mexican government. Mexico at one time was actually stopping more people than border patrol was. So we got to get them to stop people and not let those larger caravans come in the United States," Cuellar said in an article posted in his website. I dont know if going maskless is much of an option for us, Pappas said. The perception of safety is important to diners, so having staff continue to wear masks may help make customers more comfortable. He said the restaurant does not want to be the first to go mask-free and eliminate all the restrictions, only to come under fire on social media for not being safe. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Candles, phones and torches shone into the sky as Northern Ireland marked the National Day of Reflection last night on what was a year since Boris Johnson told us: "You must stay at home." His sombre televised address to the nation will always stay with me as my fiancee and I had just moved into our first home together. Surrounded by moving boxes and flat pack furniture, we watched the March 23 announcement on my phone as we didn't even have a television connection at that stage. "Sure it'll only last a few weeks," I said. Just 11 days before the Prime Minister's address, my colleagues and I were told suddenly in the Belfast Telegraph newsroom to work from home. "Treat it as a bit of a holiday - sure we'll be back in a few weeks," I told my workmates. In the early days of the pandemic that was the phrase on almost everybody's lips - "It'll only last a few weeks". The public stuck to the health regulations rigorously simply for fear of contracting Covid-19 and passing it on to our loved ones. Roads and high streets remained eerily silent for weeks on end. No one expected the devastating number of lives Covid-19 would later claim in Northern Ireland, let alone lockdown to have continued for so long. The Department of Health reported another two deaths yesterday. Our death toll now stands at 2,107 - two people had died by March 23, 2020. It wasn't until June 11 we began to see normality resume as the Executive permitted shoppers to return to the high street with the reopening of all non-essential retail. The news came as there were no virus-related deaths for the second day in a row - a light finally shone from a seemingly never ending tunnel. As restrictions eased, gastropubs and restaurants were given the green light to reopen their doors on July 3, but with strict social distancing measures in place. By that stage 552 people had lost their lives. On August 6, the Executive was forced to thrash out dramatic changes to the restrictions as 43 new Covid cases were reported - the highest daily increase since May 13. Health Minister Robin Swann warned the rise in cases was a "wake-up call for the complacent". Expand Close Concerns: Health Minister Robin Swann had warned about the rise in cases Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Concerns: Health Minister Robin Swann had warned about the rise in cases Face masks became mandatory in shops and the reopening of 'wet pubs' was delayed to ensure children could return to school on August 31. Local outbreaks of the virus was the next challenge facing the Executive on September 10. Households in parts of Northern Ireland where the virus was rife were not permitted to meet indoors. People from different households in the Belfast City Council area, Ballymena and some other areas were not allowed to mix under the latest restrictions. First Minister Arlene Foster said the "villain is in our households" and not in businesses. Only 12 days later and the household ban on mixing was issued across Northern Ireland, with the Prime Minister returning to our screens once again. Mr Johnson warned the virus had started to spread again in "an exponential way". 'Perpetual lockdown' was the latest Covid-19 buzz phrase as a two-week circuit-breaker was introduced on November 27. The death toll had reached 974 and 391 people tested positive that day. Non-essential shops, churches, hair salons, pubs and restaurants all fell under the axe but it didn't make the slightest bit of difference as positive cases and deaths continued to climb. In the build-up to Christmas, retail and hospitality were permitted to open, while households were allowed to mix for one day over the festive period but that came at a deadly cost. On January 1, Northern Ireland recorded it's highest seven day rolling average for positive Covid-19 cases (1,867), while the death toll continued to rise sharply. In an effort to curb the spread of the virus, the Executive introduced strict rules from midnight on Christmas Day but on January 8, Northern Ireland returned to the draconian rules of the first lockdown as the infection rate soared. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the interventions were necessary at the time and a reflection "on how serious the situation" was. Meanwhile, Mr Swann stated the relaxation of Covid restrictions over Christmas was not worth the resulting devastation that was impacting the health service. On March 2, Stormont released its roadmap out of our latest lockdown with no dates and little detail. Mrs Foster said the cautious approach was to ensure this is our final lockdown. Thousands of pupils returned to the classroom for the first time since December on Monday but being allowed the chance to spend quality time with our families and loved ones over the past year has been few and far between. As the vaccine rollout continues at pace in Northern Ireland, we can begin to hope for brighter times ahead but we're not out of this yet. I wish I could say "it'll only last a few weeks". Ballia: After Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor, a minister in Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has raised objections to the loudspeakers being used for morning prayers. According to reports, UP Minister Anand Swaroop Shukla has written a letter to the Ballia District Magistrate, saying the volume of loudspeakers at mosques should be fixed according to the Allahabad High Courts order in this regard. "Namaaz is offered five times in a day, and throughout the day. As a result of it, I face problems in doing Yoga, meditation, puja (worship) and discharging government duties," Shukla said in the letter, referring to the Kajipura Madina Masjid in his constituency. The minister further said that there are a number of schools in the vicinity of the mosque and the practice hampers their studies. "Religious publicity takes place through loudspeakers. Information regarding donations for the construction of mosques is disseminated in an extremely loud volume. This has an adverse impact on students, elder citizens and the health of patients. The common public is facing extreme noise pollution," Shukla said. He said the volume of loudspeakers at the mosques in Ballia should be fixed according to orders of the Allahabad High Court while unnecessary ones should be removed. The objection to the loudspeaker volume by the UP Minister came days after a similar complaint was made by Allahabad University Vice-Chancellor Sangita Srivastava. Srivastava had complained to the district magistrate that she is forced to wake up too early every day due to azaan being recited on a loudspeaker, urging the official to take action. Srivastava had also said the sleep disruption leads to headaches throughout the day, impacting her work. Asserting that she is not against any religion, the VC had suggested that azaan can be recited even without a loudspeaker so that it does not cause discomfort to others. She had also referred to an Allahabad High Court order in this regard, requesting the DM to take prompt action. (With PTI inputs) Live TV Highlights OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will be available for sale in April. The smartphones will be available online as well as in OnePlus exclusive offline stores and partner outlets. Buyers can avail of discounts and no-cost EMIs through various options OnePlus has launched its latest line of smartphones, including the much-awaited OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro. The new OnePlus smartphones boast premium performance and aim to beat the competition with a top-of-the-line features. Along with the global launch of the devices, the company revealed the prices and availability of smartphones in India. While the OnePlus 9 series will start retailing at Rs 39,999, the base price is for the pocket-friendly OnePlus 9R. The OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro are priced higher than the starting cost. In case you are interested in the premium models, here is a look at the prices, availability, and offers on the OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus 9 Pro. OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro India price OnePlus has priced the OnePlus 9 at a starting price of Rs 49,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant. The bigger memory option with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at Rs 54,999. The new OnePlus flagship, on the other hand, will start retailing at Rs 64,999 for 8GB RAM variant and will go up to Rs 69,999 for 12GB RAM option. OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro availability The OnePlus 9 will be up for sale in India starting April 15. It will be available in Winter Mist, Arctic Sky, Astral Black and Carbon Black colour options. The OnePlus 9 Pro, on the other hand, will be available starting April 1. However, those members of the OnePlus community can get their hands on the device on March 31 under an early access sale. On the OnePlus 9 Pro, buyers will have an option of choosing from Morning Mist, Pine Green and Stellar Black. The OnePlus 9 Series will be available on OnePlus.in, Amazon.in as well as all OnePlus exclusive offline stores and partner outlets. Deals on OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro OnePlus has also put up deals for those looking to buy the OnePlus 9 or the OnePlus 9 Pro. These include an instant discount of Rs 4000 and Rs 3000 on the OnePlus 9 Pro and the OnePlus 9 on purchase through SBI credit cards and EMI transactions. The company also offers nine months no-cost EMI option on the OnePlus 9 Pro and up to 6 months of no-cost EMI on the OnePlus 9 on using any major credit card on Amazon. The same offer applies to SBI credit card holders on the OnePlus India website. In addition, those interested can avail benefits worth Rs 6,000 through select Jio prepaid plans. Manitoba Hydro workers in Brandon went back to the picket line on Tuesday, joining the roughly 2,300 electrical workers who went on strike across the province as of 1:30 p.m. Advertisement Advertise With Us Manitoba Hydro workers in Brandon went back to the picket line on Tuesday, joining the roughly 2,300 electrical workers who went on strike across the province as of 1:30 p.m. Just like their previous demonstration on March 12, these local members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2034 protested outside of Manitoba Hydros offices on 10th Street and near the citys generating station located on Victoria Avenue East. However, unlike this single-day affair, these demonstrations in Brandon and across the province are expected to last until 8 a.m. Thursday, by which time IBEW Local 2034 business manager Mike Espenell hopes that they can negotiate a different four-year contract. Espenell told the Sun on Tuesday that this recent round of demonstrations was brought about after the vast majority of IBEW members 88 per cent of those who voted decided to reject the Crown corporations latest offer on Tuesday morning. This offer, a four-year deal for 2019 through 2022, proposes a zero per cent wage increase in the first two years, then increases of 0.75 per cent in 2021 and one per cent for 2022. Manitoba Hydro media representative Bruce Owen told the Sun in an email that the deal also includes benefit improvements and an extension of a "no-layoff" clause for the 2021-22 fiscal year. However, Espenell said the wage increases outlined in this offer still do not keep pace with the cost of living in Manitoba and are therefore unacceptable. "I think were been very reasonable," he said. "From the get-go, our proposal was the cost of living, we werent doubling or tripling anything. Were just looking to maintain and stay where we are." While Owen didnt comment on the substance of IBEWs grievances in his statement to the Sun, he did mention that Manitoba Hydro representatives are assessing the best way to resolve the strike. "No decisions have been made yet," he wrote. In the meantime, Owen stated the Crown corporation has contingency plans in place to make sure that electric services are maintained throughout this period of uncertainty. "Public safety is our number one priority, and we will do everything we can to ensure we respond to issues as quickly as possible until the strike is over," he wrote. Espenell said his fellow union members also wish for a quick end to this strike, but only if Manitoba Hydro is willing to go back to the bargaining table in good faith. "Were willing to sit down and work a deal or let a third party get involved and arbitrate this," he said. "But its been so slow and very frustrating for everybody involved in this process." Earlier this month, Espenell told the Sun that this recent round of strikes from IBEW Local 2034 follows 28 months of negotiating with the Crown corporation. Before this latest round of protests, the last time IBEW members went on strike was late 2009. kdarbyson@brandonsun.com Twitter: @KyleDarbyson 16m boost for Killarney announced last Friday. Pictured are Minister Norma Foley outside the Aras Phadraig site in Killarney with Mayor of Killarney Brendan Cronin, Niall Kelleher, Chamber President and Angela McAllen, Killarney Municipal District Manager. Photo by Domnick Walsh There has been a broad welcome for a major funding boost announced for the town of Killarney which politicians and tourism chiefs say will transform the town. Killarney Chamber President, Cllr Niall Kelleher, said this week that the announcement is a "wonderful and timely boost" that will give local businesses and the people of the town a much-needed lift after a very difficult and worrying year. "This is wonderful news for Killarney and, when completed, the works will ensure that the town is perfectly positioned going forward and it will create the infrastructural environment required to advance with purpose and confidence," Cllr Kelleher said. Last Friday it was announced that Killarney is to receive 16.06 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to position it as a 'Destination Town'. An unusual aspect of the announcement is that funding under the URDF scheme is typically limited to a single town in any given county. Eduction Minister and Tralee based Kerry TD is understood to have lobbied intensively to ensure Kerry's allocation would be divided evenly between Tralee and Killarney with a total of almost 32m allocated to Kerry. A week earlier Fine Gael Kerry TD Brendan Griffin also made a call in the Dail for any URDF funds for Kerry to be split between the county capital and the south Kerry tourism Mecca. The URDF part-funds projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places to live, work, visit and invest. "I have been working on these twin projects for some months with Minister O'Brien and I am delighted with this positive and timely boost for our country," said Deputy Foley. "This funding will help create opportunities for commercial development in Tralee and Killarney while enhancing the many natural amenities and attractions that make Kerry one of the country's top tourist destinations. Mayor of Kerry Cllr Patrick Connor Scarteen has also welcomed the news. "This investment, which is part of the ongoing development of our two largest towns, will enhance infrastructure and amenities in Killarney." Williamson, WV (25661) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. ROCHESTER, Minn. - The CDC is changing up its guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and Mayo Clinic doctors are reminding you to still go to your regular health screenings. Now that more and more people are getting vaccinated, they're feeling more comfortable going out and about. But doctors at Mayo Clinic are stressing the importance of one of those stops being to your doctor. Not going in for routine screening has been an issue since the beginning of the pandemic when we didn't know much about COVID-19. "A screen is just a tool to detect the disease earlier," explained Dr. Cindy Kermott. "It could be a lab. It could be vital signs. It could be questions a survey instrument for depression, for example." She said the goal is to catch a diagnosis before it gets too concerning. Recently, the CDC loosened its restrictions on fully vaccinated people, saying they can visit with those who haven't gotten theirs. It's advised unvaccinated people still wear a mask though if they're older, at higher risk or pregnant. Dr. Kermott said whether you're vaccinated or not, preventative health care should never be put off. "We don't have as good of a leg up on the situation," she explained when a screening isn't done. "And we're hoping to intervene so that you can live longer and have more quality life years as a result of these screens." People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series or two weeks after a single dose vaccine. By Ritah Kemigisa Plans to build a satellite station in Uganda are in the offing thanks to a cabinet resolution, that has okayed the proposal. The information and national guidance minister Judith Nabakooba says it was agreed during a cabinet meeting held on March 22nd, that government builds the station whose main objective is to develop Ugandas space capabilities in a well-coordinated and harmonized manner. Nabakooba adds that with the station in place, Uganda will be able to leverage space science and technology for sustainable development. She meanwhile says the government hopes to increase evidence-based technology information for planning and decision making, improved defense and security by strengthening surveillance and monitoring. With this kind of technology, the government will increase private sector investment in space science, research, and innovation among others. ADVERTISEMENT Another three police officers have been killed by unidentified gunmen in Abia State, Nigerias South-east. The police spokesperson in the state, Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the killing to PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday, said the attack occurred in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State on Monday. The officers were ambushed and their patrol vehicle set ablaze. The gunmen fled with the rifles belonging to the slain officers. The police are yet to make any arrest over the incident, Mr Ogbonna, a chief superintendent of police, said. The Vanguard newspaper identified the slain officers as Austin Ugwu and Longinus Ugochukwu, both of them inspectors, while the third, Ama Ifeanyi, was a constable. The three were serving at the Abiriba Police Division, the paper said. The latest incident brings to six, the number of police officers killed within a month in Abia by yet-to-be identified gunmen. Two officers were killed on February 23 and some rifles stolen when gunmen attacked a police station in Aba. Also, some gunmen on February 1 attacked Umuoba Police Station in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state and killed a police inspector. No part of Abia land will be ceded to criminals operating under any guise and we will not spare any resource in ensuring that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book in no distant time and the stolen arms and ammunition recovered completely. Sadly, the arms these hoodlums have carted away from law enforcement agents will most likely be used against innocent citizens, the Commissioner for Information in Abia, John Kalu, had said in a government response to the February 23 attack. The spate of attacks against officers and police facilities in the South-east and South-south regions of Nigeria has compounded the worsening insecurity in the regions. Nigeria has been battling kidnapping, banditry, frequent clashes between herders and farmers, in addition to the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east. Zimbabwes smallest mobile operator Telecel is reportedly courting investors to generate funds for a new network expansion. Speaking to local news outlet The Herald, the operators chairman Selby Hwacha talked up the operators strategies to bring in investment, saying: There are a couple of initiatives to raise capital. Telecel is a very attractive proposition. It is the least funded network; its easier to get into a relationship with us. Hwacha laid out certain strategies that Telecel is evidently considering, but stopped short of confirming any investors, saying that the operators size and situation made it attractive for equity adjustments, joint ventures, lending, but I cant get into specifics because of non-disclosure expectations. Telecel has faced difficulties with investing in its network due to ongoing clashes with its 40% shareholder, Empowerment Corp. As reported by CommsUpdate, this has caused the operator to lose ground to its larger rivals Econet and NetOne, dropping from 17% market share in 2015 to just 5.5% at the end of 2020. However, Hwacha noted that this is now abating. The Zimbabwean government has held the remaining 60% in the operator since 2016. India, today, recorded the biggest single-day spike in fresh coronavirus cases with 47,262 registered in the past 24 hours, the highest this year. The nationwide COVID-19 tally rose to 1,17,34,058, the Union health ministry said. As cases continue to surge amid the second wave of coronavirus, states are now demanding the vaccination programme to be open for all above the age of 18. Some states have urged the Centre to open vaccination for all to avoid vaccine wastage and curb rising cases. BCCL "Let All Indians Above 18 Get Covid-19 Vaccine" Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the Delhi government has urged the Centre to allow everyone aged above 18 to take the COVID-19 vaccine as such a step will set an example for the entire world. "The Centre has allowed vaccination for everyone aged above 45 from April 1. We have demanded that vaccines be given to everyone aged above 18. It will set an example for the entire world to defeat coronavirus," he tweeted. Delhi was witnessing around 200 cases daily some days ago. The number has again risen to 1000 cases being registered everyday. BCCL Chennai quietly vaccinating those above 18 According to a report by TOI, several primary health centres run by the city municipal corporation in Chennai have been vaccinating anyone over the age of 18 for the past few days. The government has stipulated that only frontline workers of all ages, all those aged over 60 and people with comorbidities aged 45 to 60 to be vaccinated for now. However, April 1 onwards vaccination is open for everyone above 45, irrespective of comorbidities. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... As the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant hopes to construct a new utility shaft at the nuclear waste repository near Carlsbad, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announced a public hearing in May to receive public comments on the project. The hearing was to be held via Zoom from noon to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. May 17 and could extend to additional days as needed. In the public announcement for the hearing, NMED reported opponents of the project filed seven hearing requests and public hearings were held in December 2020 to resolve concerns but were not successful. More: Checking in: WIPP maintenance work on schedule during 2-month operations pause ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ So, NMED extended the public comment period until the end of the upcoming hearing in hopes to find solutions. Negotiations, moderated by NMED, between the Permittees and commenters that requested a hearing were held Dec. 15, 17 and 18, 2020 in an attempt to resolve issues that had given rise to opposition by those who requested a hearing, read the hearing announcement. The discussions were unsuccessful and hearing requests were not withdrawn. To build the shaft, which will extend 2,275 feet underground and provide increased ventilation and access to the WIPP underground, the U.S. Department of Energy needs state approval to modify its permit to operate the WIPP site a repository for low-level nuclear waste consisting of clothing materials or equipment radiated during nuclear operations. More: Staffing, scheduling problems imperil projects at Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, report says Its part of a broader effort to improve airflow in the underground combined with the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS), a series of filtration building, and fans aimed at adding additional clean air for workers in the underground. Available air at WIPP was compromised in an accidental radiological release in 2014 which led to multiple areas blocked off due to contamination and a three year shutdown of WIPPs primary operations. Expansion of nuclear waste repository subject of debate The utility shaft project was finalized in 2019 under a $75 million contract but became controversial as nuclear watchdog groups worried the shaft was needed to build more disposal panels and extend the lifetime of WIPP beyond its 2024 closure date as prescribed in the facilitys current permit. More: What does the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant hope to achieve during 2-month outage? A new draft permit for WIPP is under federal review and removed the 2024 closure date, records show. Opponents contended WIPP needed approval to extend the life and capacity of WIPP before it should go about building new utility shafts and other infrastructure in support of such a decision. Critics also voiced disapproval and opposition to a temporary authorization (TA) issued by NMED to begin building before public input concluded and the permit was modified to actually use the shaft. More: WIPP: Test of fan that could be contaminated with radiation completed. Results forthcoming An extension of the TA was denied by NMED in November 2020, effectively halting the project until the permit could be modified. NMED cited a lack of adequate planning and a spike in COVID-19 infections at WIPP when denying the extension. Given the current high incidence rate at the WIPP facility, including a reported death of an employee, the circumstances of which are currently unknown, it is clear that the permittees are unable to successfully mitigate COVID-19 risk to protect human health while conducting the activities under the scope of this request, read NMEDs letter of denial for the TA. More: Waste Isolation Pilot Plant: Nuclear waste shipments reduced, projects delayed amid COVID-19 Local government leaders in Carlsbad supported the project during past hearings and in statements submitted to NMED. Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said in a letter of support that the project was needed for WIPPs ability to emplace waste and mine new disposal panels simultaneously. These operations and the facilitys continued success was important to the local community, per Janways comments, as a major employer and economic driver. More: New Mexico alleges in court filing Los Alamos National Lab failed to clean up nuclear waste The men and women working in the WIPP underground are my top priority, and they have told me they support this project, Janway wrote. There has been no impediment to opportunities for public input or information. We encourage the NMED to promptly move forward with this permitting process. Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb also wrote in support of the project, citing worker improved worker safety to be achieved with better airflow. The employees of the WIPP underground who are our friends and neighbors tell us they strongly support this project, Cobb wrote. WIPPs primary justification for this modification is increased control of ventilation airflow in the underground and the ability to perform multiple operations at once. More: Plan to send diluted plutonium to Waste Isolation Pilot Plant moves forward Most letters of opposition came from urban areas in northern New Mexico like Santa Fe or Albuquerque and from as far away as New York or Maryland. In a letter of opposition from Nuclear Watch New Mexico, Executive Director Jay Coghlan argued the shaft was part of a broader effort to expand WIPP which should go before the public before the project is approved. We strongly oppose the WIPP Forever plans that a new shaft would afford, Coghlan wrote. Originally billed as a replacement exhaust shaft to help WIPP recover from the 2014 exploding drum event that shut down WIPP for three years, a proposed new shaft is now designed to increase WIPPs capacity without full public disclosure. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-618-7631, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: WIPP: Hearing planned for new utility shaft amid fears it could extend nuke waste disposal ___ (c)2021 the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) Visit the Carlsbad Current-Argus (Carlsbad, N.M.) at www.currentargus.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / According to a recent post at American IRA, a Self-Directed IRA administration firm based in North Carolina, many investors often start the new year looking for a fresh start on investing. One way to accomplish that is to open a Self-Directed IRA. But what are the ways investors can look at this strategy the right way, and what are the benefits of opening a Self-Directed IRA at the beginning of the year? The recent post, highlighted at American IRA's blog (www.AmericanIRA.com), explored this concept in depth. For investors who want to start the new year investing the right way, a Self-Directed IRA can be a very enticing concept. In a Self-Directed IRA, investors can open up all sorts of investment possibilities, including using real estate, precious metals, private loans, and tax liens within a retirement portfolio. The freedom possible within a Self-Directed IRA can be enticing for investors. But so is the possibility of opening a specific type of retirement account and making investments that will be deductible on the investor's next tax return. The post details the different things that investors should consider when thinking about opening a Self-Directed IRA for the new year. And while it doesn't recommend that there's any specific time of year that's ideal for opening a Self-Directed IRA, it does note that some investors like to open new accounts during a new year because it makes for easier budgeting and planning throughout the year. "Not everything depends on the calendar," said Jim Hitt, CEO of American IRA, "but for investors who are always thinking about tax implications, tax returns, and their long-term habits, it's definitely worth considering that the new year is an important time to get started with a new strategy. This post is about those investors who are thinking about opening a Self-Directed IRA at the start of a fresh year." For more information, visit the post at www.AmericanIRA.com. Additionally, interested parties may contact the Self-Directed IRA administration firm by dialing 866-7500-IRA. About: "American IRA, LLC was established in 2004 by Jim Hitt, CEO in Asheville, NC. The mission of American IRA is to provide the highest level of customer service in the self-directed retirement industry. Jim Hitt and his team have grown the company to over $500 million in assets under administration by educating the public that their Self-Directed IRA account can invest in a variety of assets such as real estate, private lending, limited liability companies, precious metals and much more. As a Self-Directed IRA administrator, they are a neutral third party. They do not make any recommendations to any person or entity associated with investments of any type (including financial representatives, investment promoters or companies, or employees, agents or representatives associated with these firms). They are not responsible for and are not bound by any statements, representations, warranties, or agreements made by any such person or entity and do not provide any recommendation on the quality profitability or reputability of any investment, individual or company. The term "they" refers to American IRA, located in Asheville and Charlotte, NC." SOURCE: American IRA, LLC View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/633049/American-IRA-Discusses-Using-a-Self-Directed-IRA-to-Start-Off-a-New-Year-Right Australians rightly expect that those working in the public sector including politicians and their staff are held to the highest standards of honesty and accountability. So said Attorney-General Christian Porter when announcing the creation of the Commonwealth Integrity Commission. In truth, politicians and most public servants wont be. In fact, politicians in particular will be protected from proper scrutiny. Attorney-General Christian Porter. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Even a rudimentary analysis of the proposed model makes this clear. Lack of accountability of politicians and public servants has been brought into sharp focus by the current imbroglio over the Brittany Higgins rape allegations. Accompanied by much hand-wringing, our Prime Minister has admitted we have a problem in the Parliament and the workplace culture that exists there and announced a flurry of reviews to reassure the electorate. Figure 1. Reconstruction of ancestral traits (elevation and body mass) for species of the family Passeridae. Green curve lines indicate snowfinches. Credit: IOZ Ever since the era of Darwin, adaptive evolution has been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology. One essential related question is do animals adapt similarly to a shared environments? Indeed, scientists have long ago observed that animals usually evolve similar phenotypes in similar environments, and thus formulated classic ecogeographical rules, as e.g., "Bergmann's Law," "Allen's Law," and "Gloger's Law." These discoveries have led to a long-term hypothesis that adaptive evolution of phenotype to similar environments is convergent to a high degree. However, contrary to the observations of convergence in phenotypic adaptations, genomic studies in the last twenty years have shown that genetic adaptations of animals living in similar environments often differ. Given that genetic adaptations rely heavily on the available inherited variation, it is therefore essential to address if species sharing a common ancestry evolve similar genetic adaptations. In a recently published study, a research team led by Drs. Lei Fumin, Qu Yanhua, and Zhang Yonge from the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), have addressed this issue in an avian group, a snowfinch complex. This complex is one of very few avian groups that have diversified "in situ" in the high-elevation environments of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Using an integrated approach combining ancestral phenotypic reconstruction, comparative genomics and functional assays, the researchers described a novel case of adaptive evolution in which the descendants have evolved similar but not identical evolutionary trajectories to adapt to the extreme high-elevation conditions. Figure 2. Functional enrichments of positively selected genes for the ancestor and each of the three species of snowfinches. Two species (adamsi and rufico) exhibit high levels of functional similarities to the ancestor. Credit: IOZ Unlike most other members of the avain family Passeridae, which are mainly distributed at low elevations, the snowfinches constitute an adaptive radiation to the high elevations in the QTP. Using the lowland relatives as the outgroup, the researchers reconstructed ancestral phentoypes and found that the ancestor of snowfinches was already adapted to high-elevation environments and also had a larger body mass than its closest relatives in the lowland. The researchers then carried out comparative genomics and functional experiments using representatives of the three major clades of snowfinches. They demonstrated that the genetic background of the common ancestor only partly constrained the adaptive diversification of the three snowfinch species. That is, by searching the signals of positive selection, they found that only a dozen positively selected genes in the ancestor branch continued to be subjected to positive selection in the three descendants, but two of the three species (adamsi and rufico) are significantly similar to their ancestor in terms of biological functions of the positively selected genes. Figure 3. A schematic representation of the functional experiment with DTL. The repair kinetics of DNA damage varies across the ancestral and descendant snowfinches. Credit: IOZ A striking example of positively selected gene is a DNA repair gene, DTL. Although the DNA damage repair capacities was improved by amino acid changes in both the snowfinch ancestor and its descendants compared to lowland control bird (tree sparrows or montan), the repair kinetics differed across the ancestor and the three descandants. Adaptation in different animals to the same environment is often achieved through similar phenotypic solutions. However, this study indicates that genetic adaptations follow more complex trajectories. That is, the common developmental and genetic architecture inherited from the ancestor together with microhabitats unique to each species shapes similar but not identical evolutionary trajectories. Explore further Scientists discover genomic key to plateau adaptation More information: Yanhua Qu et al. The evolution of ancestral and species-specific adaptations in snowfinches at the QinghaiTibet Plateau, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2021). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Yanhua Qu et al. The evolution of ancestral and species-specific adaptations in snowfinches at the QinghaiTibet Plateau,(2021). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2012398118 Qobuz is bringing 24-bit high-res streaming to Sonos speakers. It's the first music service to offer that level of high-fidelity audio on the devices. Sonos added support for the French platform in the US two years ago. You'll need the Sonos S2 app to play 24-bit audio, which is compatible with most speakers on the Sonos S2 platform. In other words, almost every speaker the company has released over the last several years. Hi-fi Qobuz streams are available on Sonos devices starting today in the US, UK, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland. Meanwhile, Spotify will roll out a CD-quality service in some markets later this year. ROME, MAR 24 - Silvio Berlusconi was discharged from a Milan hospital Wednesday after undergoing routine tests since Monday morning. The ex-premier was in hospital because of "health problems", his lawyer, Federico Cecconi, told a court hearing in Milan earlier on Wednesday. Sources close to the media billionaire and centre-right Forza Italia leader's family said he was in Milan's San Raffaele hospital and his condition was relatively good. The 84-year-old was seriously ill with COVID-19 last year and then had another spell in hospital due to a heart problem. Despite Berlusconi being in hospital, his lawyer did not present a request for the so-called Ruby Ter trial to be postponed due to a 'legitimate impediment' Berlusconi is accused of bribing witnesses to lie about his alleged bunga bunga sex parties. It is the third trial to stem from the case of a Moroccan runaway, nightclub dancer and prostitute named Ruby Heartstealer. Berlusconi was acquitted of paying for sex with her while she was underage after a court found he could not have known how old she was. Ruby, whose real name is Karima El Mahroug, was allegedly paid by Berlusconi to deny prosecutors' claims the parties were orgies where sex was paid for. But she is not among the 29 defendants in the current trial which include Berlusconi and several young women he allegedly bribed to say the parties were innocent affairs. (ANSA). (Natural News) A New York City judge has ordered that a six-year-old girl be removed from her mothers custody after the mother was seen dropping the child off at school without a face covering. Dr. Micheline Epstein, a family physician, was reportedly not wearing a mask while standing on a public street in front of the Birch Wathen Lenox School where her daughter is a student. This prompted a school nurse as well as a school security guard to start harassing Epstein, ordering her to cover her mouth and nose immediately. Epstein attempted to explain to the school employees that her daughter was already masked and inside the building, but it was no use. The nurse, a woman, started aggressively shouting at Epstein to affix a Chinese virus hijab to her face or else incur harsh consequences. The next thing I know, my daughter is taken away from me, Epstein tearfully explained during a phone call with reporters about what happened next. Jeff Guttenplan, Epsteins boyfriend, explained that nobody got physical she just refused to wear the mask, he said about his girlfriends horrific encounter with the Birch Wathen Lenox Schools mask fascists. Epstein was eventually able to leave the scene, but not long after she received a letter from the pricy college preparatory school informing Epstein that she would no longer be allowed to pick up her daughter from school or drop her off there. The letter was also sent to Epsteins estranged husband, with whom she had shared custody of the child, as well as to the attorneys representing both parties. Epsteins divorce situation is a bitter one, which explains why her ex-husband proceeded to use the mask situation as leverage to request an emergency hearing for full custody of the child. Justice Matthew F. Cooper sided with Epsteins ex-husband while berating Epstein for not following Anthony Faucis mask recommendations. Shes the love of my life, Epstein told The Gateway Pundit (TGP) while trying, but failing, to hold back tears. Its horrible. Please help us. Are you okay with this, America? Or are you going to do something about it? Epstein currently has to work three jobs to pay not only for her daughters expenses but also for the six lawyers she has had to hire to try to fight the state-sanctioned kidnapping of her child. Last Tuesday, which was her daughters sixth birthday, Epstein was forbidden from seeing or contacting the child. She is now allowed only two supervised visitation days per week with her daughter, and is also required to be masked at all times, even in her own home. If you would like to contact Judge Cooper to let him know your thoughts, you can do so at [email protected] You can also support Epsteins efforts to fight this tyranny by checking out her GiveSendGo fundraiser. The only thing I want is for people to stand up already and stop with this nonsense, Epstein added during her call with TGP. Since Wuhan flu masks do not even work, not to mention the fact that children have zero risk of catching the virus and becoming ill, this heinous saga is clearly all about compliance and not about keeping anyone safe from Chinese germs. Doxx the judge, his wife and kids, wrote one TGP commenter. Destroy his life. This has got to end. This is stunning how rapidly the Dystopian State is taking control, responded another. Many others expressed similar sentiments, noting that far-leftists are the architects of this type of tyranny, which demands from its subjects either total conformism or total destruction. Leftists are truly evil, this same person wrote. More related news about Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) mask tyranny can be found at Tyranny.news. Sources for this article include: TheGatewayPundit.com NaturalNews.com 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. Photos: Contributed As an ECU undergraduate student, Maggie Marshall studied in Italy through the ECU Tuscany program. This post appears here courtesy of ECU News Services . The author of this post is Crystal Baity As an East Carolina University undergraduate student, Maggie Marshall had an opportunity to shadow physical therapists at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.Now a doctoral student in physical therapy , Marshall dreams of working at the military health center one day. But wherever she goes, she plans to work with veterans in large part because of her time at Walter Reed as well as her clinical experience this semester at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro.Marshall said.Marshall, who will graduate in May, earned a bachelor's degree in exercise physiology in 2018 as an ECU Honors College student and EC Scholar.she said.Marshall studied in Italy with the ECU Tuscany program in spring 2016, followed by a summer in Peru, where she was able to visit friends in the biology graduate program. Last March, before the coronavirus pandemic closed borders, she traveled with other students from the ECU College of Allied Health Sciences on a medical brigade to Taulabe, Honduras.she said.On campus, one of the projects that influenced Marshall was working alongside Dr. Stacey Meardon in the Human Movement Analysis Lab to research tibial bone stress injuries in recreational runners.she said.While completing her final clinical rotation, Marshall has coped with the pandemic by exercising frequently and keeping in touch with friends through FaceTime.she said.Following graduation, Marshall aims to participate in an orthopedic residency through the Veterans Affairs system or begin working for an outpatient physical therapy clinic.My friends Tulsi Patel, Kelly Forbis, Will Zahran and Kayla Daughtry from my time in undergrad at ECU are my role models. They are all accomplishing amazing things in graduate programs and inspire me every day.I learned from a mentor, friend and previous Honors College employee Sue Chapman that I should always remain true to myself. This has served me well so far.Invest time in forming relationships with other students and faculty/staff at ECU because you will likely carry some of these connections with you for the rest of your life.The Queen Anne's Revenge Conservation Lab is located at the ECU West Research Campus. A day after the opposition leaders were allegedly assaulted by the Patna police in the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Congress leaders led by Madan Mohan Jha arrived in the Assembly on Wednesday with black bands on their eyes. The Congress leaders said that the Patna police had beaten up the opposition leaders on the direction of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an act which is similar to that of Adolf Hitler. "Such an incident couldn't have taken place without Nitish Kumar's permission. He directed the police to abuse and assault public representatives of opposition parties. The Patna police have crossed all limits," Madan Mohan Jha added. Congress MLA from Bhagalpur, Ajeet Sharma, said, "The Patna police attacked the temple of democracy. They misbehaved with women legislators and dragged them out of the state Assembly building. We are protesting to safeguard our democratic rights. If we are not safe here, then who else is safe in Bihar?" The opposition leaders boycotted the state Assembly on Wednesday and did not enter the House while Rashtriya Janata Dal leaders organised a parallel House proceeding in the lawn of state Assembly premises. They elected party leader Bhudeo Chaudhary as the Speaker of the House and urged him to save the democratic rights of the legislators. The also requested the 'Speaker' to work in the interest of common people and listen to every public representative of both the ruling and opposition parties. "We have condemned the act of the police in our parallel Assembly and requested the 'Speaker' to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future," said Bhai Virendra, senior RJD leader and MLA from the Maner constituency. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on lawmakers to impose a ban on assault weapons in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, and close the existing loopholes in background check system WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd March, 2021) US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called on lawmakers to impose a ban on assault weapons in the aftermath of the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, and close the existing loopholes in background check system. "I don't need to wait another minute to take common sense steps or save the lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act," Biden said. "We can ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines in this country once again." Biden emphasized that he got that done what he was a senator, making it a law that brought down mass killings, and lawmakers today should follow suit. "We can close the loopholes on our background check system, including the Charleston loophole. That's one of the best tools we have right now to prevent gun violence. The Senate should immediately pass, let me say it again, the United States Senate... should immediately pass the two House-passed bills to close loopholes in background check system," Biden said. HONOLULU The Honolulu City Council has approved a $150,000 settlement in a lawsuit that accused a police officer of improperly arresting a boy who had a personal dispute with his son. The familys federal lawsuit alleged that Officer Kirk Uemura had the teen arrested because the teen and the officers son were at odds and had fought after school in 2018. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and attorney Eric Seitz represented the family and announced the settlement Tuesday. Their lawsuit said Uemura was motivated solely by a personal vengeance in abusing his police power. Uemura couldnt be reached for comment. In a statement, the Honolulu Department of Corporation Counsel called the settlement a reasonable resolution of the litigation and said that the citys position in this case was that HPDs current policies and standards of conduct were sufficient in providing direction to officers and addressing conflicts of interest in this particular situation. The police department investigated but the grievance process hasnt been completed, the statement said. After the lawsuit was filed in October, police spokeswoman Michelle Yu said Uemura and his supervisor were disciplined, but she was unable to provide details. On Tuesday, Yu said Uemura is on full duty and that disciplinary action is pending. Seitz said in a news release that neither the officers nor the city admitted liability. During negotiations, attorneys for the family asked the city to reveal disciplinary actions taken against the officers, but the city refused, he said. A 2020 legislative disciplinary report showed Uemura received a one-day suspension, Seitz said. Jennifer Sinco Kelleher of The Associated Press wrote this story. The following was submitted by Sarah McCrobie, assistant public information coordinator at the Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation in Mexico: While so much has changed in the past year, the kindness and compassion in the Phoenix Central School District has remained constant, and that was evident during a recent mass food donation event. Students, staff and faculty at Michael A. Maroun Elementary School in Phoenix launched a cereal donation effort that resulted in a domino effect literally. As one donation came in, followed by another and another, school administrators wanted to showcase this domino effect of kindness by setting up the cereal boxes as if they were dominos. Nearly 1,050 boxes of cereal were set up and weaved throughout the school building Friday afternoon, and with one slight tap, the boxes began to fall. The boxes, which had been set up down the middle of the schools hallway, continued to fall as students sat along the walls of the hallway outside their classrooms. The boxes continued around corners and even down stairs as students cheered and staff members captured videos of the event. This is so cool, said a first-grader as the boxes began to tumble outside his classroom. As excited as the students were to see the domino donation come to fruition, they were equally excited knowing that the donations would make a big difference to local families in need. All the boxes will be donated to Erins Angels backpack program to provide nourishment for elementary students when school was not in session, said MAM Assistant Principal Amy Godkin. This is a wonderful program for our families, and I couldnt be prouder of our Firebird community for their selflessness and generosity. For more information about the Erins Angels, please contact program coordinator Sheila Dion by email or by phone at 315-399-6602. Students and staff members at Michael A. Maroun Elementary School brought in nearly 1,050 boxes of cereal to donate to the Erins Angels Backpack program. Fourth-grader Damon Hayes sits for a photo with (standing, from left) physical education teacher Alice Benjamin, Principal Brett Doody and Assistant Principal Amy Godkin. Hayes brought in 55 boxes of cereal as part of the donation effort. Contact Brenda Duncan anytime: 315-470-2265 | Email | Twitter (Reuters) - The first cargo from new oil producer to the world's third-largest crude importer, India, departed this month from a production facility off the South American nation's coast in a vessel chartered by trading firm Trafigura, data from Refinitiv Eikon showed on Tuesday. has asked refiners to speed up the diversification of imports to cut their dependence on Middle Eastern crudes after OPEC+ decided this month to extend production cuts through April, two sources said. As OPEC's share in India's oil imports fell to historic lows between April 2020 and January 2021, the refining powerhouse began making preparations to import Guyanese crude while renewing a key supply contract between top refiner Indian Oil Corp Ltd and Russia. The 1 million-barrel cargo of Guyana's Liza light sweet crude set sail on March 2 on Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Sea Garnet bound for India's Mundra port, where it is set to arrive around April 8. The cargo's charterer is Trafigura , according to the Eikon data. Guyana's natural resources minister, Vickram Bharrat, told Reuters this month that the crude onboard the Sea Garnet had been originally allocated to New York-based Hess Corp, one of the companies producing crude in along with Exxon Mobil Corp, and delivered to Trafigura. Bharrat said he did not know the identity of the cargo's ultimate buyer. Trafigura and Hess declined to comment on commercial matters. Since began exporting crude in early 2020, its oil has flowed mainly to the United States, China, Panama and the Caribbean, according to tanker-tracking data. was a prominent importer of Venezuelan oil, but tight U.S. sanctions on the South American country have since 2019 limited the volume can buy, if it is even allowed. India did not receive any Venezuelan crude imports in February for a third consecutive month due to Washington's suspension of oil-for-fuel swaps between state-run PDVSA and Reliance Industries Ltd since October. That compares with 371,300 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan oil that arrived in Indian ports in February 2020. Besides Russia, North American producers Canada, the United States and Mexico have gained market share by selling heavy crude grades to India. (Reporting by Marianna Parraga in Mexico City and Neil Marks in Georgetown; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Marguerita Choy 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.) Another 5,605 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 4,312,908, according to official figures released Wednesday. The country also reported another 98 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 126,382. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test. More than 28.6 million people in Britain have been given the first jab of the vaccine, according to the latest official figures. Earlier Wednesday, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said cooperation between Britain and the European Union (EU) is "very important" to fight the pandemic. Johnson made the remarks at the House of Commons, lower house of Parliament, as tension between Britain and EU over vaccines supply remains high. The prime minister said he does not believe blockades "are sensible", adding that the long-term damage done by blockades can be "very considerable". On Wednesday, the European Commission proposed tougher controls on coronavirus vaccine exports. According to the plan, any shipment would be assessed on the destination country's rate of vaccinations and vaccine exports. The plans stop short of a ban but could still trigger tensions with Britain. The EU has accused British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca of failing to honour its contract to supply EU countries. National Health Service (NHS) England has warned that Britain is going to face a "significant reduction" in vaccine supplies from March 29 onwards. According to British Health Secretary Matt Hancock, a need to retest 1.7 million vaccine doses as well as delays to doses arriving from India are the reasons why Britain is facing a "tighter" supply in COVID jabs next month. There is concern that a potential EU ban on the exports of vaccines to Britain will make the situation worse, but the British government has insisted that the country is on course to offer all adults a dose by the end of July. 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. (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 University of Pittsburgh's director of emergency management stole more than 13,600 face masks meant for school employees and students in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic and sold them online, prosecutors say. Christopher D. Casamento, 42, has been indicted by a federal grand jury and faces charges of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property after allegedly raking in $18,783.50 selling the PPE on eBay. Casamento allegedly took advantage of his position at the university, which gave him access to surgical face mask and N95 respirator masks. He was fired by the university when the allegations came to light. Christopher D. Casamento, 42, faces charges of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property Prosecutors allege that between Feb. 28 and March 22 of last year, the start of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, Casamento stole 13,615 pieces of PPE. They included Aura N95 respirator masks, surgical face masks and particulate respirator masks meant for school employees and students from the university. Casamento allegedly sold the equipment on his eBay vendor page 'steel-city-motor-toys' and shipped to buyers in states outside of Pennsylvania. According to the Indictment, Casamento earned approximately $18,783.50 from the eBay sales of the stolen PPE. 'At the start of the pandemic, when supplies of PPE were low and nationwide demand was intense, Mr. Casamento used his position of trust and access to critical PPE to enrich himself at the expense of Pitt students and faculty,' Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman said. Casamento allegedly sold the equipment on his eBay vendor page 'steel-city-motor-toys' and shipped to buyers in states outside of Pennsylvania FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman said Casamento's job was to make sure there was enough PPE to keep university and staff members safe during the coronavirus outbreak, but 'Instead, he chose to line his pockets,' FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Michael Christman said in a news release, 'Mr. Casamento had an obligation to make sure there was enough PPE to keep students and staff at the University of Pittsburgh safe. Instead, he chose to line his pockets. The allegations set forth today are upsetting. With so much widespread suffering in our communities due to COVID, having this vital equipment taken away from people is unfortunate.' The two-page indictment does not say how the thefts were discovered, but state and federal law enforcement officials approached the university in early July about an investigation into 'misappropriation of the universitys personal protective equipment supplies,' University spokesperson Kevin Zwick said. The University of Pittsburgh began its own review and determined that Casamento, whose duties included distributing personal protective equipment, had misappropriated the supplies, the university said. Casamento admitted it and was fired on July 17, Zwick said. He had been with the university since 2007. The university said it had adequate stockpiles of PPE and that its distribution of masks was unaffected by the theft. The university said it is seeking restitution from its former emergency management chief. A small red brick house has sold for nearly $3million over its asking price with the winning bidder snapping up the property for a record-breaking $8.275million. About 100 people gathered at the three-bedroom house which backs onto a white, sandy beach in Cabarita, in Sydney's inner-west, for the auction on Saturday. The 607sqm home had been listed for $5.5million with the sale smashing the record for the highest-selling house in the area previously belonging to a $6million two-storey mansion. The home, nestled in between multi-storey mansions, was expected to draw in some attention due to its waterfront location and its own private access to the beach. The three-bedroom house in Cabarita, in Sydney's inner-west sold for a staggering $8.25million at an auction on Saturday The three-bedroom house smashed records in the area after it sold for $3million above its price guide The dwelling on Dorking Road also houses a boat garage plus a second shed that can be used as a laundry. The previous owners lived in the home for 60 years, and the new buyers are expected to knock down and rebuild. Real estate agent, Dib Chidiac, said he expected the auction to go well because a lot of buyers wanted to rebuild the home from the ground up - but was shocked to see it smash the records. 'The first offer came in at $5.5 million, the guide, straight away. The bidders were willing to (push) for it,' he told Realestate.com. Mr Chidiac said that 14 bidders had registered for the auction. The previous owners had been a family that lived in the home for 60 years, and the new buyers are expected to knock down and renovate the modest house Meanwhile, in inner Sydney, a run-down terrace house with exposed framework through holes in the walls and no finished floors has sold for $3million - $800,000 over reserve. Asked why the Glebe property fetch the huge sum, the agent said that was most likely down to the inner-city location. The house does have views of the Sydney skyline and the footprint is surprisingly quite large with five bedrooms. The home, nestled in between multi-storey mansions, was expected to draw in some attention due to its waterfront location and its own private access to the beach 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! 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. In a full page New York Times ad, Wonolo CEO Yong Kim urges business leaders to pay all workers a Living Wage. Tweet this Policymakers, economists, and workers are currently debating the merits of whether to raise the federal minimum wage to $15. That's a worthy goal, but comes with tradeoffs: $15/hour would be too low for workers to live on in Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and other cities. And yet $15 would be much higher than the median wage in many cities and towns, putting pressure on small businesses at a time when they're still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Living Wage does a much better job of reflecting local economic realities and balancing the needs of workers and businesses. Already, about 75% of the jobs on Wonolo offer workers at least the Living Wage (and 100% of jobs on Wonolo are above the minimum wage). Our goal is to get to 100% of jobs to be offered at the Living Wage by the end of the year. And we'd like every company to pledge to do the same. "Today, with millions of Americans unemployed and millions more underemployed, a paycheck matters more than ever. And that paycheck should be enough for people to live on. That's why we are raising the bar for workers everywhere by encouraging businesses to offer workers pay that's at least at the local Living Wage," Wonolo Co-founder and CEO Yong Kim said. "I encourage companies to join us by taking the Living Wage Pledge: a pledge to offer workers at least the local Living Wage." Wonolo launched its pledge in a full-page ad in The New York Times. The Living Wage Pledge is another milestone in Wonolo's effort to set the highest bar for gig workers using its app. Last year, Wonolo became the first gig company to give gig workers access to paid Flex Time Off (FTO) as part of a comprehensive set of portable benefits, like health and dental insurance. Wonolo also launched a pilot program through which workers can connect with online learning and professional skill development opportunities so they can learn portable skills to help them stand out in jobs both on and outside of the Wonolo platform. Wonolo is basing the Living Wage on the Massachusetts of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator . The calculator takes into account a broad set of variables to help determine the Living Wage down to the county level, including food, housing, medical care, transportation, cell phones, broadband, taxes, civic engagement activities (such as fees and admissions to local parks and museums), and other items necessary for workers to thrive where they live. "The Living Wage calculator clarifies what workers need to cover their basic costs. Wonolo's use of the tool is a real advantage for workers, especially contingent workers. With the calculator, they don't have to guess whether the wage offered covers the average cost of living where they work," said Amy Glasmeier, co-creator of the calculator and professor of Economic Geography and Regional Planning at MIT. Companies that support Wonolo's Living Wage Pledge include: Stride Health : "Here at Stride, our mission is to help independent workers get affordable benefits and achieve financial security, which is why we've enjoyed our partnership with Wonolo for several years now. Their Living Wage Pledge is another example of their efforts to support this massive and fast-growing segment of the American workforce, and we're proud to be alongside them in this effort." Noah Lang, Co-founder and CEO of Stride. : "Here at Stride, our mission is to help independent workers get affordable benefits and achieve financial security, which is why we've enjoyed our partnership with Wonolo for several years now. Their Living Wage Pledge is another example of their efforts to support this massive and fast-growing segment of the American workforce, and we're proud to be alongside them in this effort." Noah Lang, Co-founder and CEO of Stride. Keeper Tax : "We're proud to partner with Wonolo in helping independent workers outside of the traditional employment model understand and optimize their tax obligations. The Living Wage Pledge is another example of their forward-thinking initiative to support this massively underserved segment of Americans." Paul Koullick, Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Tax. : "We're proud to partner with Wonolo in helping independent workers outside of the traditional employment model understand and optimize their tax obligations. The Living Wage Pledge is another example of their forward-thinking initiative to support this massively underserved segment of Americans." Paul Koullick, Co-founder and CEO of Keeper Tax. PadSplit : "As an affordable housing marketplace that serves lower income workers, we stand in solidarity with Wonolo and its efforts to increase pay. It's not enough to simply call workers 'essential' we must treat them as such and offer them a Living Wage." Atticus LeBlanc, Founder of PadSplit : "As an affordable housing marketplace that serves lower income workers, we stand in solidarity with Wonolo and its efforts to increase pay. It's not enough to simply call workers 'essential' we must treat them as such and offer them a Living Wage." Atticus LeBlanc, Founder of PadSplit Kover.ai : "Wonolo is leading the charge to protect gig workers and provide the portable benefits they desire, this is a large reason why we partnered with them on Wonolo Up. Their pledge for a living wage is just one more reason we're proud to work with them on building the future of the gig economy." - Zack Peng , CEO Kover.ai : "Wonolo is leading the charge to protect gig workers and provide the portable benefits they desire, this is a large reason why we partnered with them on Wonolo Up. Their pledge for a living wage is just one more reason we're proud to work with them on building the future of the gig economy." - , CEO Kover.ai Starship : "We support the modern workforce through the Living Wage Pledge. All workers whether gig, contractors, or employees deserve a Living Wage that empowers them to live the life they want to live." Sean Engelking , CEO of Starship. To join and learn more about the Living Wage Pledge go to: www.wonolo.com/livingwagepledge Join us to discuss this on Clubhouse on Thursday, 5:15 pm ET: https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/M8A62oJ7 About Wonolo Wonolo is an online platform that connects over 500,000 workers or "Wonoloers" to retail, e-commerce, distribution, fulfillment, and other types of blue collar, frontline jobs throughout the U.S and has done so since 2014. These "Work Now Locally" opportunities vary widely, from customer service, delivery, and event staffing to food production, warehousing, and manufacturing. Wonolo's mission is to make work flexible and fulfilling for everyone. Contact Jared Favole, Wonolo [email protected] SOURCE Wonolo Inc. Related Links wonolo.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 22:38:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Namibia will receive a 100 million U.S. dollars loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support governance and economic recovery following the approval of the loan, an official said Wednesday. Namibia's Ministry of Finance spokesperson, Tonateni Shidhudhu in a statement said the request which was put through to the AfDB in June 2020, was unanimously approved by the board of directors of the AfDB on March 17, 2021, as a loan to finance the Namibia Governance and Economic Recovery Support Programme (GERSP). "The approval follows the completion of the Economic Governance and Competitiveness Support Programme (2017-2020) which has achieved significant results in the areas of fiscal consolidation, public financial management and improvement in the business environment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse some of those gains," he said. According to Shidhudhu, as the country prepares for the post-pandemic era, the Namibia government is pursuing reforms in a wide range of areas. "The proposed GERSP operation is designed to support the government's response and help to achieve inclusive post-pandemic economic recovery through improved governance and real sector reform," he said. Shidudu meanwhile said the three main areas of focus are fiscal sustainability, private sector-led agriculture and industrial sector transformation, and economic and social inclusion. "It will help to create fiscal space to finance critical development spending, implement reforms that will help to maintain macroeconomic stability, transform key sectors such as agriculture and industry, and improve economic and social inclusion," he said. Enditem New Delhi: The district sessions court in Faridabad on Wednesday (March 24) convicted two of the three accused in the Nikita Tomar murder case. The fast track court displayed a commendable sense of urgency in the case, as it announced the judgement in just 4 months and 29 days of the incident. The court held Tausif and Rehan guilty of murder. However, a third accused, who was arrested on charges of supplying the country-made pistol used in the murder, was acquitted by the court. In DNA, Zee News Anchor Mimansa Malik took a deep dive into the tragic episode which saw an innocent 20-year-old girl lose her life. She also discussed how justice was served in just a matter of days - credit to the fast track court. 20-year-old Nikita Tomar was murdered in Faridabad, Haryana on October 26 last year. She wanted to become an IAS officer after completing her graduation. But one-sided love of Tausif took her away from her family forever. Nikita's only mistake was that she refused to marry Tausif. At that time, Nikita's family had described the matter related to Love Jihad. The family had alleged that Tausif wanted to force Nikita to convert. But even after several attempts by Tausif, when Nikita did not change her mind, he took her life. A CCTV footage of this massacre surfaced soon after the incident, which was first shown to the viewers by Zee News. In the clip, Tausif was seen shooting Nikita in broad daylight. He was accompanied by his friend Rehan, who has also been convicted by the court. At that time, the very leaders who politicised the Hathras incident chose to remain silent. Today, when the court's decision has come in this case, we question the silence of those politicians. Zee News had previously uncovered the political links of convict Tausif. His cousin, Aftab Ahmed, is a Congress MLA from Nuh district in Haryana. He has also been the Transport Minister in the Congress Government in the state. Ahmed's father Khurshid Ahmed has also been a five-time MLA and one-time MP from the Congress party. Chaudhary Kabir Ahmed, the grandfather of Aftab Ahmed, had also been MLA twice. Whereas Javed Ahmed, one of Tausif's uncle, contested from Sohna seat on the BSP ticket in the last assembly elections in Haryana. This proves that Tausif comes from a political family and that is why this decision of the court is very important. Today, we discuss the changing pace of justice in Indian courts. It is said that in our country, one can get pizza in 30 minutes, but justice gets delayed by even more than 30 years. But in this case, the police and the court showed exemplary speed. The Faridabad police filed a 700-page charge sheet on November 6, only 11 days after the incident. According to the charge sheet, when Tausif reached Nikita's college, there was just one bullet in the pistol he was carrying, meaning he had already decided that the bullet will be fired in close range. On November 12, this case was listed in the fast track court of Faridabad. And from December 1, the court started hearing in this case on a day-to-day basis. During the proceedings, 55 witnesses appeared in the court, out of which three people were eyewitnesses. Nikita's friend, who was present with her during the murder, was also called in. The fast track court completed the hearing of this case in just 113 days and pronounced Tausif and Rehan guilty. The victim's family did not have to wait too long for justice in this case. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, till 2019, 90 per cent of the cases of crime against women were pending in Indian courts. If we assume that there were 100 cases, then only 10 of them were decided. This case, however, shows that justice has now gained pace in Indian courts. Live TV Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 11:38:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, learns about the reform of forest rights system at the Shaxian rural property rights transaction center in Shaxian District of Sanming City, Fujian Province, on March 23, 2021. Xi visited Shaxian District of Sanming City on Tuesday during an inspection tour of east China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) FUZHOU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed respect for people's pioneering spirit in reforms during an inspection tour in east China. A guiding philosophy for the CPC is to respect people's pioneering spirit, and the people are the real heroes, Xi said when visiting a rural property rights transaction center in the Shaxian District of Sanming City in Fujian Province on Tuesday. He recognized the active efforts made in the district on collective forest tenure reform, noting that Sanming is an important birthplace of such reforms. Xi underlined the combination of top-level design with grassroots exploration in pushing forward reforms. For major reforms, trials should be conducted first to gain experience before such reforms are promoted, he said. The methodology of "crossing the river by feeling the stones" is relevant for instituting reforms, and will continue to be so, he said. Enditem NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Legalign Global announced today the addition of Alexander Holburn, one of Canada's leading insurance law firms and a member of The ARC Group Canada, to its alliance of best-in-region insurance firms. The addition of Alexander Holburn (AHBL) in Canada means clients will now have access to legal advice across North America, particularly in the areas of Cyber, Aviation, Cannabis and Class Actions, where the firm has significant experience and reputation. "We are very pleased to welcome Alexander Holburn to the alliance," said Wilson Elser Chair Daniel J. McMahon. "Given our proximity to Canada, we expect there will be many opportunities to work together to support our clients with cross-border claims and risk." David Pollitt, DAC Beachcroft Managing Partner, believes the addition will be welcome news for their clients with business in Canada. "DAC Beachcroft is excited to welcome AHBL into the Legalign Alliance," said Mr. Pollitt. "This addition ensures we can provide the best regional advice and support to our insurer, broker and corporate clients in Canada." The alliance provides broad business implications for Alexander Holburn as well. "Our clients will now be able to access a truly global insurance practice," said Chris Hirst, Managing Partner. "This collaboration will position our clients to better assess risk and make informed decisions with confidence." Legalign Global firms aim to work as one for multinational insurers, brokers and businesses in addressing cross-border risks and claims. Collectively, members offer in-depth expertise in all major regions. The alliance includes BLD Bach Langheid Dallmayr, DAC Beachcroft, Wilson Elser and Wotton + Kearney, and now, Alexander Holburn. About Legalign Global Legalign Global is an alliance of best-in-region law firms working as one for multinational insurers, brokers and businesses in addressing cross-border risks and claims. Learn more: https://www.legalignglobal.com/en About Wilson Elser Wilson Elser helps individuals and organizations transcend challenges and realize goals by offering an optimal balance of legal excellence and bottom-line value. More than 800 attorneys strong, Wilson Elser serves clients of all sizes, across multiple industries and around the world. Wilson Elser has a national network of strategically located offices in the United States and another in London. This depth and scale make Wilson Elser one of the nation's most influential law firms, ranked in the AmLaw 200 and 54th in The National Law Journal's NLJ 500. Learn more: www.wilsonelser.com PR Contact: Andrew Blum, AJB Communications, [email protected], 917-783-1680 To learn more about the other alliance members, go to: DAC Beachcroft BLD Bach Langheid Dallmayr Wotton + Kearney Alexander Holburn SOURCE Legalign Global Credit: CC0 Public Domain In the largest study of its kind, researchers from Boston Children's Hospital found neurological involvement in 22 percent of children and adolescents hospitalized with acute COVID-19 or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). These symptoms included fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty walking or crawling, or loss of taste and smell. However, 1 in 8 children with neurological involvement developed life-threatening conditions including stroke, encephalitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. "The good news is that the vast majority of young individuals with neurologic involvement had symptoms that were not very serious and did not linger," says Kerri LaRovere, MD, neurologist at Boston Children's and co-first author of the study, published in JAMA Neurology. The study was part of the national Overcoming COVID-19 Public Health Surveillance Registry, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and led by Adrienne Randolph, MD, MSc, a critical care physician at Boston Children's. Another recent study described the key characteristics and differences in children and adolescents with COVID-19 and MIS-C from this cohort. Type and severity of neurologic involvement varied The study involved nearly 1,700 patients younger than 21 years of age hospitalized with either acute COVID-19 or MIS-C, a serious post-infectious condition. Of these, 365 patientsor 22 percenthad neurological symptoms or conditions. Similar numbers of patients with and without neurologic involvement had MIS-C, which suggests that MIS-C itself did not lead to a higher rate of neurologic involvement. "The fact that nearly one-quarter of children and adolescents had neurological symptoms and conditions came as a bit of a surprise," adds LaRovere. "It is not that much lower than the 36 percent rate of neurologic involvement found in studies among adults with COVID-19, and the range of neurologic problems was similar in children compared to adults." Although age and gender didn't play a role in the development of neurologic involvement, the team noticed that the types of symptoms varied depending on age. For example, children younger than age 5 more commonly experienced seizures. Older children were more likely to experience lack of smell and taste, but researchers noted that may be because younger children are not able to recognize these symptoms. Of note, a higher proportion of severe cases were found in Black and Latino patients. "It's not clear yet why that is," says Tina Young Poussaint, MD, FACR, neuroradiologist at Boston Children's and one of the study's authors. "We do not know if these children are more inclined to develop neurological involvement or if it is related to increased exposure to COVID-19." Pre-existing conditions were not the trigger While one-quarter of children with neurologic involvement had a known pre-existing neurologic condition, the majority of children did not. "This study reminds us that previously healthy children can develop neurological complications, too, from COVID-19," says LaRovere. "Clinicians should be aware of this possibility in any young individual who presents with a broad range of neurologic symptoms or severe neurologic conditions after exposure to COVID-19." Implications and long-term view "Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can affect multiple organs, and our findings highlight that this includes the nervous system in children and adolescents," adds LaRovere. "We need to better understand why some children have severe neurologic involvement and others don't, and which treatments may work." "We don't know the long-term effects on cognition and development," adds Poussaint. "Future research studying long-term effects in children will be important." More information: Kerri L. LaRovere et al. Neurologic Involvement in Children and Adolescents Hospitalized in the United States for COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, JAMA Neurology (2021). Journal information: Archives of Neurology Kerri L. LaRovere et al. Neurologic Involvement in Children and Adolescents Hospitalized in the United States for COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome,(2021). DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.0504 [March 24, 2021] Appvertiser partners with Bango to boost campaign performance CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bango (AIM: BGO), the global platform for data-driven commerce, has partnered with Appvertiser.io, to accelerate campaign performance and acquisition for its global network of app developers. Appvertiser, a US based mobile performance marketing agency, will incorporate Bango Audiences of app payers to target their clients campaigns, accelerating payer acquisition. Appvertiser.io help app developers to develop, customize and execute world-class marketing campaigns that drive ROI. Employing state-of-the-art performance marketing techniques to target, acquire, and retain users. Appvertiser serve a global client base across all app category verticals. Clients include Kabam, Jump Ramp, Upland, Pocket Gems and many more. Appvertiser will use Bango Audiences to accelerate revenue growth for their clients apps by focusing campaigns to new users proven to make in-app purchases, and on new users that pay in similar apps. In just one click, a Bango Audience is applied to target an app marketing campaign to the most valuable audience possible - payers in similar apps. This approach to campaign targetingexperiences up to 2x increase in payers acquired. Hagop Hagopian, CEO at Appvertiser commented: Whether you are launching a new app or looking to grow your user base, we provide unparalleled experience in developing and executing campaigns that drive positive ROI. Bango Audiences will complement our data driven methodology by targeting campaigns straight to payers in similar apps. Working with Bango to focus and analyze clients UA campaigns will provide a major boost to their results. We are keen to adopt innovative, cutting edge approaches that increase our clients success and now have a unique way to further achieve this. Brett Orlanski, SVP Marketplace at Bango commented: Appvertiser is going to be a great partner in our mission to help marketers reach those elusive payers - the users that grow app revenue. Without payers, whats the point? The app marketers that use Bango Audiences are the ones that thrive! We are pumped to get started! About Bango App developers, stores and payment providers cross the threshold into the Bango ecosystem to converge, grow and thrive. By bringing businesses together and powering e-commerce with unique data-driven insights, Bango delivers new business opportunities and new dimensions of growth for customers around the world. Being inside the Bango circle means global merchants including Amazon, Google and Microsoft can work together with payment partners from Africa to the Americas, accelerating the performance of everyone on the inside. Bango. Think inside the circle. For more information, visit www.bango.com. Media contact: Anil Malhotra, CMO anil@bango.com Tel: +44 7710 480 377 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at UNSC Debate on Afghanistan - UNAMA Statement [Before commencing her remarks, Ambassador Byrne Nason expressed her condolences to the people and government of Niger on the recent tragic killings in the country, and expressed solidarity with Ambassador Abdou Abarry.] Thank you Madam President. I want to thank Special Representative Lyons and Ms Akbar for their informative but I must say, sobering, briefings today. I also want to welcome my dear friend and colleague Ambassador Adela Raz to the Council. Adela your passion and pain shown to your people humbles many of us here this morning. Todays debate comes at a pivotal moment for Afghanistan and also the people of Afghanistan. Weve heard a lot reminding us of the truism that peace really is a process and not a moment. We have heard about the ongoing challenges for Afghanistan including the high levels of violence. We are forced once again to call for an end to that violence and for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. This is clearly what the Afghan people desire and demand, and it is surely what the Afghans deserve. Deborah, I want to express Irelands appreciation and full support for UNAMAs critically important work, under your leadership, in what we all know are really challenging circumstances in Afghanistan. This Councils recent condemnation of targeted attacks against women, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers, medical personnel and humanitarian workers, among others, demonstrates the scale but also the unity of our own purpose against this horrific violence. Ireland stands in support of those in Afghanistan who demonstrate such bravery in the face of threats, lest we forget, as Adela poignantly said this morning. Ms Akbar you recently wrote powerfully about the terror and fear that these attacks have generated, including forcing many into silence or into leaving their own country, leaving Afghanistan. You highlighted that this will create a void in Afghanistan that will take another generation to fill. This violence and intimidation cannot stand. In response to the escalating threats, Ireland is increasing the assistance we provide in Afghanistan to support those who are in danger. Madam President, Today we are also at a critical juncture on the path to peace, we hope with new initiatives, in addition to the ongoing Doha negotiations. It is critical that Afghans remain engaged themselves at the core of all processes. We urge all parties to work in good faith to reach a negotiated settlement and a fully inclusive and sustainable, dignified peace that reflects and respects the needs and wishes of the Afghan people, who, after decades of conflict and instability, deserve no less. Deborah you said this morning that building peace takes more than a deal amongst elites, the process must be inclusive, we reiterate that. It is vital that all peace negotiations protect the hard won gains of the last two decades and reinforce fundamental rights. The international community has a role to play in supporting these negotiations. The EU, as a longstanding partner, and significant donor, to Afghanistan can make an important contribution to any future discussions while recognising that, above all, it is the Afghan people, all Afghans men, women, youth, and minorities who belong at the heart of their own process, building their own future together. A future based on equality, based on democracy and on the rule of law. Only an inclusive peace, that upholds the inalienable rights of the Afghan people, will be sustainable. Madam President, Ireland is very proud to co-chair the UN Group of Friends of Peace Processes, with Afghanistan. We are committed to ensuring that all peace initiatives including the full, equal and meaningful participation of women, occur. Not just in words, but in actions. Their participation in the room and at the negotiating table is fundamental to the success of any peace process. I am very concerned at the shockingly low levels of female representation at the meetings in Moscow last week . I share the opinion expressed by Habiba Sarabi, the sole female delegate, that the views of 51% of people should not be ignored. As my good friend Adela Raz has often said, peace will fail if womens rights are not guaranteed. The Secretary Generals report highlights the extremely high levels of violence faced by women and children in Afghanistan, as well as the difficulties victims of gender-based violence face in accessing justice. I echo the call on the Afghan Government to strengthen the implementation of the law on the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Madam President, The Special Representatives briefing on the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan today was really marked and stark. Half of the population, 18.4 million people, in humanitarian need. The ongoing violence is exacerbating this crisis. Interference with humanitarian access is always unacceptable, and always prolongs the suffering of vulnerable people. We are gravely concerned about the impact of the drought, combined with Covid, on what is already the worlds second worst, and I underline this, the worlds second worst food insecurity crisis. At a time where the humanitarian plan for Afghanistan is chronically underfunded, Ireland, the EU and the wider international community will continue to stand with the Afghan people to provide the required assistance. Madam President, In conclusion, the challenges facing Afghanistan are many and complex. But peace would create the space to tackle them. A stable and peaceful Afghanistan is also critical as we have heard for regional security, stability and development. We value the role played by UNAMA in Afghanistan and also welcome the appointment of Jean Arnaud as Personal Envoy of the Secretary General on Afghanistan and Regional issues. Ireland, together with the EU and our international partners, continues to stand with the people of Afghanistan at this moment of hope and expectation, to build a dignified peace that will build a stable, inclusive and prosperous future for all Afghans. Thank you, Madam President. Previous Item | Next Item According to information published by Reuters on March 23, 2021, Norway has agreed to order four submarines from Germanys Thyssenkrupp for 45 billion crowns ($5.3 billion), the Norwegian defense ministry said. According to information published by Reuters on March 23, 2021, Norway has agreed to order four submarines from Germanys Thyssenkrupp for 45 billion crowns ($5.3 billion), the Norwegian defense ministry said. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link HDW Class 212A Submarine (Picture source: ThyssenKrupp Marine) Norway and Germany, both NATO members, are jointly procuring identical submarines from Thyssenkrupps shipbuilding division. The Norwegian defense ministry said Germany had agreed to order two submarines from Thyssenkrupp. Since February 2017, it was announced that the Royal Norwegian Navy will procure four submarines based on Type 212. Initial plans envisaged service entry between 2025 and 2028. However, the Norwegian 2020 Defence Plan later envisaged service entry "around 2030". The German Type 212 class, also Italian Todaro class, is a diesel-electric submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) for the German and Italian navies. It features diesel propulsion and an additional air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using Siemens proton exchange membrane (PEM) compressed hydrogen fuel cells. The submarines can operate at high speed on diesel power or switch to the AIP system for silent slow cruising, staying submerged for up to three weeks with little exhaust heat. The system is also said to be vibration-free, extremely quiet and virtually undetectable. A man is under investigation after officials say he violently struck his dog more than 20 times. The attack was caught on surveillance from a neighbors security camera. On Monday, March 22, the Houston SPCA released the graphic video of the beating. In the video, the dog appears to run from its owner. The owner calls for the dog to stop, and the dog slinks back to the owner with its tail lowered. The owner then grasps the dog by its collar and appears to whip the dog with what appears to be a leash. After whipping the dog several times, the owner appears to remove a shoe and bludgeon the animal with it. The dog receives more than 20 blows in the video. More by Claire Goodman: Fort Bend couple arrested for alleged months-long sex trafficking of teen runaway According to Kevin Quinn, public information officer for Harris County Constables Office Precinct 1, investigators arrived at the owners home on March 21 following a tip from a concerned party that had witnessed the beating. Quinn noted that in situations with blatant proof of animal cruelty police may take an animal from its owner. Because of the video, deputies from the Constables Office were able to take action immediately. Under exigent circumstances, when we have proof that something has occurred like this, we can take the animal, at least temporarily, until a judge decides what should permanently happen with that animal, Quinn explained. So we had enough that it rose to a level that indicated the animal was in danger and could be in further danger, so we seized that dog that night. Quinn stated that the animal is currently undergoing evaluation and treatment from the veterinarians at Houston SPCA, and any potential charges against the owner will be levied based on the results. He also noted that the owner will go before a civil judge later this week to determine if the dog can be returned to him or if it will remain in the permanent care of the Houston SPCA. Julie Kuenstle, media relations for the Houston SPCA, added that the dog is showing signs of emotional trauma from the ordeal but that staff and volunteers are doing everything they can to comfort the animal. (The dog) is getting veterinary care, but just as important, hes getting a lot of love, she said. He's very fearful right now, but in my experience, love can go a long way to helping them heal. Kuenstle lauded the individual that contacted authorities over the abuse. We are so grateful that someone spoke up to be a voice for the voiceless, she said. What people dont always realize is that sometimes one simple phone call can make the difference between life and death. On HoustonChronicle.com: All Texas adults eligible for COVID-19 vaccine starting next week We rely on our communitys eyes and ears, so its critical that animal abuse be reported immediately, especially when it involves violence towards animals, added Adam Reynolds, chief animal cruelty investigator for the Houston SPCA. You could save a life just by sharing information online or by picking up the phone. To report animal cruelty visit HoustonSPCA.org or call 713-869-SPCA. claire.goodman@chron.com CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the new market research report "Pyrometer Market with COVID-19 Impact Analysis, by Type (Fixed, Handheld), Technology (Optical, Infrared), Wavelength (Single Wavelength, Multiwavelength), End-user Industry (Ceramics, Glass, Metal Processing), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Pyrometer Market is estimated to grow from USD 327 million in 2020 to reach USD 464 million by 2025; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2020 to 2025. A few key factors driving the growth of this market are increased importance of non-contact temperature measurements, emphasis of end-user industries on rugged temperature measurement devices, Industry 4.0 pushed demand for pyrometers, and surged popularity of application-specific pyrometers. MarketsandMarkets Logo Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=138406666 Fixed type pyrometers expected to hold larger share of the market during forecast period. Fixed type pyrometers expected to hold larger share of the market from 2020 to 2025. Fixed pyrometers are rugged devices that are largely used in difficult terrains or areas with harsh environmental conditions. They are generally equipped with IP65-rated (NEMA4) stainless steel housings. These pyrometers are used to carry out high-precision temperature measurements in various industrial applications. Infrared pyrometers expected to hold larger share of the market during forecast period. Infrared pyrometers expected to hold larger share of the market during forecast period. Infrared pyrometers have extremely fast data acquisition rates catering to applications of a wide range of industries, including glass temperature measurement, measurements on thin plastic films, and measurements through flames, among others. These types of pyrometers are available in diverse designs, from handheld to integrated process control systems. Metal processing end-user industry expected to grow at the highest CAGR during forecast period. Story continues Metal processing end-user industry expected to grow at the highest CAGR during forecast period. Pyrometers are used in different stages of the diverse process of metal processing industries such as forging, rolling, extrusion, and others. Also, metal companies are seeking more pyrometer devices than other temperature measurement solutions such as thermocouples owing to their robust, accurate, and standalone temperature measurement capabilities. Browse in-depth TOC on "Pyrometer Market" 89 Tables 52 Figures 180 Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=138406666 Pyrometer market in APAC to grow at highest CAGR during forecast period. The pyrometer market in APAC will be driven by the growing demand for metals such as steel for complex industrial applications. China, Japan, South Korea, and India are expected to drive the pyrometer market in APAC. China remains the largest market for pyrometers and is anticipated to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. Investments for the expansion of glass manufacturing and government support for steel production are set to offer huge opportunities for the pyrometer market in APAC. AMETEK Land (US), Fluke Corporation (US), CHINO Corporation (Japan), Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. (US), OMEGA Engineering (US), PCE Instruments (Germany), Optris GmbH (Germany), Sensortherm GmbH (Germany), CI Systems (US), DIAS Infrared GmbH (Germany), Williamson Corporation (US), and Micro-Epsilon (Germany) are few major players in pyrometer market. Related Reports: Temperature Sensor Market by Product Type (Thermocouples, RTDs, Thermistors, Temperature Sensor ICs, Bimetallic, Infrared, and Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors), Output, End-user Industry, and Region Global Forecast to 2027 Infrared Thermometer Market by Type (Fixed, Portable), Component (Optical, Display & Interface Units), Application (Medical, Non-Medical), End-Use (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), and Geography - Global Forecast to 2025 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. 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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/thermocouples-high-end-optical-pyrometer-market.asp Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com Content Source : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/thermocouples-high-end-optical-pyrometer.asp Cision View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyrometer-market-worth-464-million-by-2025--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301254752.html SOURCE MarketsandMarkets The other day, a man with an armful of flowers was handing them out to everyone he passed on Northwest 23rd Avenue. This springs shows, some of which have a decidedly floral bent, feel a little like that, a reminder of nice things and the pleasure of human connection. Sarah Horowitz: BLUE Sarah Horowitzs solo show of woodcut prints and ink drawings take bare branches, pine boughs and blue dill seed heads as their subject in this solo show. Rendered in blue on white or white on blue, the cropped and close-in views of these collected pieces of nature evoke the stillness of a clear winter day. March 30-May 29, Froelick Gallery, 714 N.W. Davis St., froelickgallery.com or 503-222-1142 Johnnie Chatman: i forgot where we were... Johnnie Chatmans ongoing series of self-portraits are often taken from behind and at a distance. Dressed in a dark, boxy suit, he poses against vistas of the American West, his figure looking almost cut out of the high-contrast black and white images. Chatman created the series as a commentary on who has historically had access to these spaces. The show is serendipitously timed to coincide with the Ansel Adams exhibition at the Portland Art Museum that touches on similar subjects. April 1-May 29, Blue Sky Gallery, 122 N.W. Eighth Ave., blueskygallery.org or 503-225-2990 Johnnie Chatman, "Self-Portrait, Arches" (2017) (courtesy Blue Sky Gallery) Kristin Texeira, Kelsey McClellan, and Michelle Maguire: New Color in the Times of Slow Coffee As artists in lockdown, Kristin Texeira, Kelsey McClellan and Michelle Maguire working from Ohio, California and Upstate New York respectively produced a series of work together via text, mail, video chats and emails. McClellan and Maguire created 10 renditions of Texeiras bright geometric paintings by assembling and photographing common materials found in their homes. In response to their work, Texeira worked up 10 new paintings, then volleyed back with five additional paintings for her remote collaborators to react to. Their group show is a delightfully zingy play on color, texture and form. April 3-May 1, Stephanie Chefas Projects, 305 S.E. Third Ave., Ste. 202, stephaniechefas.com or 503-719-6945 Emily Counts: Souvenir The bold freshness of Seattle-based artist Emily Counts new work comes from a mod palette of orange, mauve and gold (of the blingy type) and from a move to more figurative forms, such as busts of female figures, bulbous vases of chunky flowers, and cups with interlinked handles. But the work is still playfully abstract. The ceramic ladies have multiple lips and eyes lit from behind by colored LED bulbs, and stacked towers of shapes and forms include hands and panes of richly colored stained glass. April 22-May 30, Nationale, 15 S.E. 22nd Ave., nationale.us Exquisite Scrolls: Collaborative Drawings for Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland-based artist Malia Jensen conceived of the Exquisite Scrolls project early in the pandemic as she started thinking about the vulnerability of institutions and art schools and a world that was looking increasingly disconnected. She enlisted 12 teams of eight artists to cut, sew, paint, draw or use any means and material that didnt compromise the scrolls structural integrity. The 10-foot-long scrolls have crisscrossed the region and the country as theyve gone from artist to artist. They will be shown at various galleries in Portland before being auctioned off, with proceeds going to support the Pacific Northwest College of Arts equity and leadership scholarship funds. May, various locations, check pnca.edu/exquisite-scrolls for details beginning in late April Georgina Reskala: Inventing the Truth The discovery of a box of photographs that belonged to her grandparents is the source material for new work by Georgina Reskala, who was born in Mexico and raised Catholic. The photos, which have elements scratched out, hint at a previously undisclosed Jewish heritage. Reskala herself manipulates photographs, printing on linen and unthreading the fabric to distort and blur the images or reshaping silver gelatin prints into sculptural objects before rephotographing them, rendering the original subject unrecognizable. Large-scale photographs printed on linen receive similar treatment, and are hung and draped until, like the other work, theyre far from their visual roots. May 5-29, PDX Contemporary Art, 925 N.W. Flanders St., pdxcontemporaryart.com or 503-222-0063 Ansel Adams' 1935 print, "Grass and Burned Stump, Sierra Nevada, California" (Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The Lane Collection, The Ansel Adams Publishing Rights Trust, courtesy Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) Ansel Adams in Our Time Some 100 original photographic prints by Ansel Adams, the iconic photographer of the West, are complemented by a nearly equal number of works by artists who preceded him and by contemporary photographers who have their own take on the subject. The show was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. For the shows stop in Portland, one of only three exhibition venues and the only one on the West Coast, Portland Art Museum curator Julia Dolan added works by Native American and Black photographers from the museums collection. The show spans Adams career, and the additional works offer another way of seeing both his work and the Western landscape. May 5-Aug. 1, Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave., portlandartmuseum.org or 503-226-2811 Jonathan Berger: Fragments from an Introduction to Nameless Love Jonathan Bergers original immersive exhibition of An Introduction to Nameless Love included 33,000 inch-high tin letters soldered to nickel wire supports that hung like curtains of words. These narrated five relationships that challenged the notion of what true love means. Bergers interviews with his subjects took place over five years, and he worked with guest editors to synthesize their stories into concise chapters. These will be distilled even further for Fragments, perhaps becoming more cryptic or, if were lucky, homing in on loves very essence. Opens June 5, Adams and Ollman, 418 N.W. Eighth Ave., adamsandollman.com or 503-724-0684 Terrell James: Between Land and Water Houston based painter Terrell James has been working things out on paper. Her last show in Portland included large, powerful paintings whose earthy shapes and colors fairly reverberated. This smaller-scale work, which will be the basis of her solo show, gives her the opportunity to integrate delicate linework into the pieces while retaining vigorous areas of color. The mixed-media drawings incorporate combinations of graphite, colored pencil, ink, dye, watercolor, collage and paint, a laundry list of mediums that belies the light-handed effortlessness of the work. June 2-July 10, Froelick Gallery, 714 N.W. Davis St., froelickgallery.com or 503-222-1142 Briana Miller, for The Oregonian/OregonLive More in the Spring Arts Guide Mandera, March 24 : At least four passengers were killed and dozens injured when the bus in which they were travelling in struck a roadside bomb in Kenya's Mandera County on Wednesday, officials said. The bus was en route to the town of Mandera from the town of Lafey, said Mandera County Governor Ali Roba. Rono Bunei, Kenya's northeastern regional police commander, confirmed the incident, adding police officers have been dispatched to the scene to hunt for those behind the incident, Xinhua reported. Witnesses said the bus was extensively damaged after it landed on impact. Local police said the number of casualties may increase. The bombing came a day after local security agents foiled an attempt by suspected Al-Shabaab militants to attack a police camp in Lafey. It is believed that the same group is behind the bus attack, media reports said. The Somalia-based terrorist group has been targeting Kenya-Somalia border areas and killing innocent citizens since Kenyan soldiers entered Somalia in 2011 to secure the two countries' shared border. DAYTON, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Winsupply Inc., one of the largest distributors in the nation, has completed the purchase of Discount Drainage Supplies, a waterworks distributor with three locations in Ohio. Based in Akron, Discount Drainage is the largest stocking distributor of drainage pipe and related products in Ohio, including culvert pipe, PVC pipe and septic supplies. Details of the purchase were not disclosed. Each of the three Discount Drainage locations in Akron, Columbus and Reading are renamed effective immediately: Winwater of Akron, Winsupply of N.E. Columbus and Winsupply of Reading. Matt Huebner, CEO of Discount Drainage Supplies, becomes president of Winwater of Akron and plans to invest in substantial ownership of the location. Larry Gorman, who manages the Reading location, plans to invest in Winsupply of Reading. Their ownership of their respective local companies follows the Winsupply business model in which each location has a co-owner along with the parent company, Winsupply Inc., which is the majority owner. "Discount Drainage has developed an excellent reputation since it was founded in 1986 for sales and service in their three regional markets," said Monte Salsman, president of Winsupply Acquisitions Group. "They are known for maintaining a large inventory of pipe, fittings and accessories for on-time delivery to their customers' job sites." In the Winsupply business model, Winsupply is the majority owner of its companies, reflecting its shared-ownership business model in which local entrepreneurs have autonomy to decide how best to serve their customers, and to share in the financial risks and rewards of ownership. About Winsupply Inc. Winsupply Inc. (www.winsupplyinc.com) is a leading supplier of residential and commercial construction and industrial supplies and equipment headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. The privately-held company has more than 600 wholesaling locations in 45 states and offers entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to own a meaningful part of the local business. Collectively, Winsupply is known as "The Winsupply Family of Companies" and includes Win-branded locations (including Winwater), Noland Company, Carr Supply, Security Plumbing & Heating Supply, APCO, and other regional suppliers the company has acquired. In the family are companies conducting business-to-business wholesale distribution of supplies and equipment in plumbing and heating; hydronics; pipe, valves and fittings; HVAC and refrigeration; electrical; fastening hardware; waterworks and utility; pumps; turf irrigation and landscape; and fire system fabrication. Follow Winsupply on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Contact: Winsupply Maury Williams [email protected] 937-531-4554 SOURCE Winsupply Inc. After wrapping up Episode 10 last March 21, the megahit weekend series "Vincenzo" is now set to exhibit an intense war between Vincenzo Cassano (Song Joong Ki) and Jang Jun Woo (2PM's Taecyeon). On March 27, "Vincenzo" opens another door for a more sizzling second half of the drama - and we are all here for it! Song Joong Ki's Mafioso Side is Coming The first half of "Vincenzo" showed viewers the how villains and dark heroes work to achieve their goals. Each episode earned absolute support and praise from the audience for its impressive storyline, with balanced and synchronized action, dark comedy, and drama. But mind you, we're just halfway through, and we should prepare ourselves for "Vincenzo" second part. In first half of "Vincenzo," viewers were satisfied due to its astonishing plot and characters, with Song Joong Ki speaking in Italian that makes him irresistible and and Jeon Yeo Bin as the tenacious lawyer Hong Cha Young. Since Vincenzo and Hong Cha Young finally know who their real enemy is, Jang Jun Woo is now expected to fully transform into a devil boss who fears no one and is ready to fight against his biggest opponent, Vincenzo Casssano. Babel Group's CEO will commit more evil deeds that go beyond the limit. Viewers are also looking forward to Hong Cha Young's reaction upon learning that the person whom she considered her friend and colleague is her biggest adversary. Expect the Exchange of Bullets between Mafia Consigliere Song Joong Ki and Psycho Villain 2PM's Taecyeon As the tension escalates, life and death situations may occur in the main characters soon. Vincenzo's mafioso side will finally meet the viewers, with Episode 10 as the appetizer of what's more to come in the second half of the tvN/Netflix drama. Aside from the clash between the Jipuragi team and Babel Group, it's hard to ignore Hong Cha Young's blossoming feelings towards her partner in crime. This will be a big weapon for "Babo" to use against Vincenzo. Plus, Jang Jun Woo's feelings for Hong Cha Young will be triggered, now that his secret is finally out. Are you allso excited to see the highly anticipated second half of the weekend drama "Vincenzo? What are you excited to see? 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 New Delhi, March 24 : The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday expressed concern over the surge of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra and Punjab. Two states which have shown surge in cases -- Maharashtra and Punjab -- are of grave concern, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said at a press conference. Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, and Nashik are the worrisome districts in Maharashtra, while Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Hoshiarpur are showing massive surge in Punjab. "Punjab is worrisome because new cases are more in comparison to the population," Bhushan said. Coronavirus cases have been increasing drastically in India in the last two weeks. On Wednesday, India reported 47,262 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since November 11, 2020, taking the total tally to 1,17,34,058. Six states cumulatively account for 81.65 per cent of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 28,699. It is followed by Punjab with 2,254 while Karnataka reported 2,010 new cases. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Sanford V. Sternlicht, 89, of Syracuse, a retired professor, theater director and author, died Saturday at the Jewish Home of Central New York. Born in New York City, he attended colleges in Upstate New York, obtaining a bachelor s degree from the State University College at Oswego, a masters from Colgate University, and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University, according to his obituary. He served as a U.S. Navy line officer from 1955 to 1959, then continued to serve in the Navy Reserve in Oswego from 1959 to 1979, including service as a divisional commanding officer. From 1959 to 1985, he taught in the SUNY Oswego English department, becoming professor of English, and then chair of the theater department. After transferring to Syracuse University, he taught in the English department until retiring in 2011. He was the author of 35 books on literature, drama, Naval history and poetry. He directed plays for several upstate regional companies, including the Talent Company, Salt City Playhouse, Glen Loch Dinner Theatre, the Oswego Summer Theater, Classic Theatre Productions, and others, according to his obituary. If you have a suggestion for a feature obituary, please email the link and any other information youd like to share to bduncan@syracuse.com A file photo of Sanford Sternlicht as he sits at the the 16th Syracuse Jewish Music & Cultural Festival Aug. 30, 2015. More recent feature obituaries: Contact Brenda Duncan anytime: 315-470-2265 | Email | Twitter New Delhi, March 24 : Former Union Minister M. J. Akbar has moved the Delhi High Court in appeal against the acquittal of journalist Priya Ramani in the criminal defamation case he filed against her. Hearing in the appeal will be held by Justice Mukta Gupta on Thursday. On February 17, a Delhi court had acquited Ramani in the case, with Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Pandey holding: "The women has right to put her grievance at any platform of her choice and even after decades." The court had further said that right of reputation cannot be protected at the cost of right to dignity. "Women cannot be punished for raising voice against the sexual abuse in the pretext of complaint of defamation." In the wake of #MeToo movement in 2018, Ramani had made allegation of sexual harassment against Akbar. Pursuant to this, he filed the criminal defamation case against her and resigned as the Union Minister. Trial began in 2019 and went on for almost two years. In 2017, Ramani wrote an article for the Vogue where she described her ordeal of being sexually harassed by a former boss during her job interview for his publication. One year later, she revealed that the person alluded to as harasser in article was Akbar. Akbar told the court that Ramani's allegations were fictitious and cost him his stellar reputation. Ramani, on the other hand, contested these claims, pleaded truth as her defence and said that she made allegations in good faith, public interest, and for public good. The judgement in the case was important as it sets a precedent for similar cases which arose from the discourse-changing #MeToo movement. North Carolina Senator Accuses Elections Director of Breaking Law in Easing Voting Requirements A North Carolina state senator accused the director of the states Board of Elections (BOE) of breaking the law ahead of last Novembers general election by agreeing to a settlement that changed the rules around votingallegations that the official has denied. In my heart, you broke the law, Sen. Bill Rabon, a Republican, told BOE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell, at a Senate hearing on March 23. Rabons allegations of unlawful conduct were in reference to Bell entering into an agreement in September 2020 with a union-affiliated group to settle a lawsuit that sought to ease some voting requirements. The group argued that restrictive absentee rules burdened the right to vote during the COVID-19 pandemic, in violation of the state constitution. North Carolinas Democratic-controlled elections board unanimously authorized Bell to enter into the agreement, which introduced a number of rule changes that Senate Republicans on March 23 argued amounted to modifications to state election laws, which they said are constitutionally the sole purview of the state General Assembly. This was nothing but an unprecedented effort to usurp the North Carolina General Assembly, Republican Sen. Joyce Krawiec said at the March 23 hearing. Bell pushed back against the claim that laws were broken, saying, The rules were changed, but the laws were not changed. She said it was a state attorney that negotiated the settlement details and that courts ultimately upheld the rule changes as legal. I do not believe we broke the law, and the courts have held that we did not break the law, she said. Krawiec remained unconvinced, saying, I just find it amazing that you still believe that you didnt change a law. The settlement delayed by six days the date set in state law by which absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day could be received and still count. It also relaxed the rules about witness information requirements on the outer envelopes of absentee ballots and made it easier for absentee ballots to be handed in at early in-person voting sites. Following the settlement deal, the two Republican members of the North Carolina elections board resigned. Ken Raymond said in his resignation letter that lawyers with the state attorney generals office didnt explain all the implications of the settlement before he signed off. It is impossible to have true bipartisanship when both sides of the political aisle do not have the important and vital information needed to make the right decisions, Raymond wrote. The settlement deal also prompted accusations from Republican legislative leaders that election officials had cut a backroom deal to favor left-leaning candidates and causes. Republican legislative leaders and President Donald Trumps campaign challenged the changes in court, arguing they overruled state laws. But while a federal trial judges ruling in October led state board officials to alter their guidance on witness information, the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately left the ballot deadline extension in place. NZ Agency Gravitas Acquired by One Picture Group In New Zealand, consumer insights, brand planning and innovation agency the One Picture Group has acquired full-service social and marketing research agency Gravitas, which has now been re-named GravitasOPG. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Auckland-based GravitasOPG offers a range of research services covering customer experience and satisfaction, reputation assessment, behaviour change, and new product development and concept testing. The firm also specialises in transportation research and urban planning, needs assessment and community consultation, along with policy analysis and development. It uses a range of data collection methods, including CATI through its survey centre, and face-to-face interviews and observation, as well as offering multi-lingual and cross-cultural research. As part of the deal, GravitasOPG will continue to be led by co-founder and MD David Glover (pictured), who says that One Picture Group's complementary skills, such as marketing, design thinking, and a larger qualitative research resource, will enhance GravitasOPG's own offer. Richard Bourke, Chair of the One Picture Group, explains that the acquisition is part of his group's plan to expand locally and in Australia, having previously moved offshore with offices in Sydney and London, and adds that he is excited about the possibility of other 'like-minded companies' joining the group. Commenting on the Gravitas acquisition, Bourke states: 'Kiwis will be familiar with the outputs of a lot of Gravitas's work but in keeping with the nature of their clients, many of whom are in the government sector, much of it occurs behind the scenes. None-the-less, Gravitas has helped shape many of the services we experience today from transportation and urban planning to new products, and we're excited to now have them within our group.' Web sites: www.onepicture.com and www.gravitasopg.co.nz . Mumbai, March 24 : Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has received his first shot of the Covid-19 vaccine. The actor posted a picture on his Instagram story, where he is seen getting vaccinated. He turned up to take the shot casually, in blue denims and black T-shirt. "Received my first shot of Covid-19 vaccine today at the BKC Vaccine center. I want to congratulate Dr. Dhere and his entire team for doing such a wonderful job! I have so much love and respect for them and their hard work. Jai Hind," he wrote. The actor awaits the release of "Shamshera" and "KGF Chapter 2" later this year. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text iciHaiti - Environment : Decade 2021-2030 Plante ak Rekolte Dlo, message from the Ministry This year, the International Water Day (March 22) is celebrated under the theme : "Place of water in our societies and how to protect it", a theme which follows on from the United Nations decision to decree 2021-2030 "decade for the restoration of ecosystems". In Haiti, the Ministry of the Environment has baptized the decade 2021-2030 "Plante ak Rekolte Dlo", in order to encourage participation and citizen engagement in the protection of this essential resource for life. Message from the Ministry : "Water forms with air, earth and fire the four constituent elements of matter, while being the essential and indispensable element for life. Water accounts for over 80% of the weight of most land animals and plants. It also represents more than 75% of the surface of planet earth across the oceans hence the name 'Blue Planet'. In addition to its functions of nutrition for all living beings and its importance in the production chain, water ensures, through the process of infiltration, the recharge of groundwater tables and the nourishment of springs and rivers. It is therefore imperative to think about the protection of this fundamental resource in order to ensure its sustainability for future generations. How then to plan this protection ? Water will be considered protected, when we conserve our water ecosystems, when trees are planted in hydrographic basins, when we develop recharging spaces to limit waste and damage, when we protect our sources, when river banks are treated and wooded, when we change our behavior in relation to this resource, when we stop wasting it in our taps, our tanks and our swimming pools, when we stop polluting, contaminating and polluting it... Haiti suffers from a problem of access both in quantity and quality, while the waters of most of our rivers flow into the sea and most of the rainwater joins, after having caused damage to the sea. the slopes and in the plains. Since 1944, Jacques Roumain has posed in 'Governor of the Dew' the problem of water stress in rural areas, due to deforestation and drought, both for domestic needs for agricultural production and for livestock. 75 years later, at the very beginning of March 2019, Cornillon hit the headlines https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27206-haiti-social-the-digicel-foundation-finances-a-water-catchment-project-in-cornillon-grand-bois.html . Today, the Government is implementing its program to pump water using photovoltaic energy, however testing our groundwater reserves. The President of the Republic is aware of this and pleads not only for the pumping of surface water, but also for very little water to go to the sea, thanks to dams like what is done today in Marion https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31269-haiti-politic-towards-the-end-of-the-works-of-the-dam-on-the-marion-river.html, the second about 70 years after that of Peligre. It is therefore right that the Ministry of the Environment baptizes the decade 2021-2030 : the decade 'Plante ak Rekolte Dlo', in order to encourage participation and citizen engagement in the protection of WATER. By building green fortresses in our mountains, we will bring water back in abundance to our sources and rivers, while recharging our aquifers (lake, ponds, ponds, groundwater) while conserving and enriching our biodiversity. In doing so, we will protect the Nation and the people of Haiti, who have become very vulnerable to natural disasters. Together, let's go to our 'Plante dlo' mountains." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32470-haiti-environment-first-assessment-of-the-reforestation-campaign-nou-pral-plante-dlo.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32142-haiti-environment-nou-pral-plante-dlo-attacking-deforestration.html https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-31554-icihaiti-environment-launch-of-the-nou-pral-plante-dlo-program.html HL/ HaitiLibre Military policemen receive with full honors the arrival of the coffin that contains the remains of Sgt. Jorge Luis Pereira da Silva, 54, who died from COVID-19, at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Brazil reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day for the first time Tuesday amid calls for the government and the new health minister to take action to stem the nation's resurgence of coronavirus infections. In recent weeks, Latin America's largest country has become the pandemic's global epicenter, with more deaths from the virus each day than in any other nation. Tuesday's record toll of 3,251 deaths was driven by the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous, which recorded 1,021 new deaths, far above the previous high of 713 last July. The pandemic has brought the health systems of Brazilian states to near collapse, with hospitals watching their ICU beds fill up and stocks of oxygen required for assisted breathing dwindle. Most of the states in recent days adopted measures to restrict activity, over the fierce resistance of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. In a 4-minute presidential address on TV and radio, Bolsonaro did not comment on the new record and said Brazilians will "very soon return to normal life." "We will make 2021 the year of the vaccination of Brazilians," Bolsonaro said, as pot=banging protests against his government erupted in major cities. "That is the mission and we will accomplish it." Military policemen receive with full honors the arrival of the coffin that contains the remains of Sgt. Jorge Luis Pereira da Silva, 54, who died from COVID-19, at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Bolsonaro has consistently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, insisting the economy must be kept humming to prevent worse hardship, and he has criticized health measures imposed by local leaders. On Friday, he appealed to the Supreme Court to invalidate curfews enacted by two states and Brazil's federal district, though the top court previously ruled that governors and mayors have the power to adopt such restrictions. Public health experts and economists have said Bolsonaro is presenting a false choice between preserving health and economic well-being. On Tuesday, cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga was sworn in as health minister, becoming the fourth person to occupy the post since the beginning of the health crisis. He replaced active-duty army Gen. Eduardo Pazuello. Queiroga's swearing-in was delayed a week while he divested holdings in companies in the health sector and the government sought to find a suitable position for Pazuello, Brazilian media reported. Family members attend the burial of Sgt. Jorge Luis Pereira da Silva, 54, who died from COVID-19, at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Carlos Lula, chairman of the national council of state health secretaries, said in a statement that the coronavirus crisis has been worsened by delays in acquiring vaccines and a lack of communication on the importance of preventative measures. He called on the new minister to collaborate with state and municipal governments. "More than ever, the population needs national coordination to face COVID-19, with precise actions, based on science, that guarantee prevention of new infections, facilitate the timely diagnosis of sick people and provide assistance for all Brazilians," Lula said in the statement. Seven of Brazil's 26 states have reported problems ensuring sufficient oxygen supply, the health ministry told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The agency said it plans to dispatch hundreds of oxygen cylinders and install oxygen plants. Cemetery workers transport the coffin that contains the remains of Sgt. Jorge Luis Pereira da Silva, 54, who died from COVID-19, as military policemen receive his body with full honors at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Rows of graves stand freshly dug at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery, in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week the highest since the beginning of the pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Freshly dug graves are exposed at the Campo da Esperanca cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The nation had an average of 2,235 deaths a day last week, the highest since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Healthcare workers take on a stretcher a patient suspected of having COVID-19 from an ambulance, at the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published on Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Healthcare workers take on a stretcher a patient suspected of having COVID-19 into the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published on Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) A healthcare worker disinfects an ambulance used to transport a patient suspected of having COVID-19, at the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published on Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Healthcare workers take on a stretcher a patient suspected of having COVID-19 from an ambulance, at the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published on Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Healthcare workers take on a stretcher a patient suspected of having COVID-19 from an ambulance into the HRAN public hospital in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published on Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the rampant spread of the new coronavirus. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) Hundreds of Brazilian economists, including former finance ministers and central bank presidents, urged the Brazilian government in an open letter published Monday to speed up vaccination and adopt tougher restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus, including possible lockdowns. "This recession, as well as its harmful social consequences, was caused by the pandemic and will not be overcome until the pandemic is controlled through competent action from the federal government," the letter read. "The controversy surrounding economic impacts of social distancing reflects the false dilemma of saving lives versus guaranteeing the sustenance of a vulnerable population," it added. Brazil's total death toll is closing in on 300,000, the world's second highest behind that of the United States, according to the tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone are among the chosen SOEs for the new scheme. Photo: Le Toan The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) plans to include seven substantial state-owned enterprises (SOEs) with a combined total asset value of over VND20 trillion ($869.57 million) for the pilot project on positioning a handful of giant SOEs to fuel the growth of other stakeholders in their respective sectors. According to the initial proposal, three high-tech groups (Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone), two energy groups (Electricity of Vietnam and PetroVietnam), the seaport and logistics operator Saigon Newport Corporation, and commercial banking giant Vietcombank were picked for the initiative. These seven fit the bill in terms of having registered capital of over VND1.8 trillion ($78.26 million); having at least 30 per cent share of their prospective markets with the potential to expand this to a controlling stake; having an efficient corporate governance model; and applying high technology throughout their operations. Besides that, they operate in fields with high spillover effects. While the pilot will feature these SOEs, the plan is to have a total of 17 groups and corporations once the programme is fully underway. Developing the SOE ecosystem was set as a crucial task by the closing resolution of the recent 13th National Party Congress, which outlined the countrys main development directions. MPI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that throughout their participation in the project, selected SOEs must become true leaders, guiding others. Each of them must become an innovation centre from which others can learn. Besides that, they will have to build an ecosystem and a value chain to support private enterprises. Le Manh Hung, director of the MPIs Enterprises Development Agency, said that the target of the leadership and guidance to be offered by these SOEs will be to create closer links with the private sector, make way for new sectors, improve technology adoption, and promote domestic innovation. The pilot project outlines orientations for each participating SOE to ensure they can fulfil the role meant for them. Notably, plans for PetroVietnam include bolstering its already impressive financial and technological potential as well as competitiveness and its capacity to promote international integration. At the same time, within 2025-2030, PetroVietnam will take up a majority share in the domestic oil and gas market and achieve a stature on par with leading oil and gas groups from Thailand and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Viettel will be a dynamic and modern economic group and set out to become a global group while remaining a key player in Vietnams defence development. MobiFone will reinforce its position as a key national telecommunications operator while deploying new technologies to develop mobile services, focusing on data, integrated, and value-added services. The proposal also requests policies to facilitate these SOEs by encouraging the development of digital services, the establishment of a technology development fund for Viettel, and mechanisms to support port clusters. In the finance-banking sector, there will be mechanisms to promote investment banking and set up investment funds, including venture capital funds, Hung said. Nguyen Quang Dong, director of the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development, said that prioritising the development of the defence industry and promoting Viettels role is reasonable. However, he called for caution in selecting enterprises in the sectors of energy, telecommunications, banking, and logistics. Recalling the previous failure of large-scale state-owned groups like Vinalines or Vinashin, he stressed that SOEs can only develop with competition. These guides will have to be clear on their role as the builders of the foundations and infrastructure that will allow the development of other stakeholders in the economy. Their focus cannot be on simply dominating the market, Dong said. The development of SOEs will have to result in the optimisation of the use of state power. Thus, the MPI proposal needs a clause urging SOEs to develop basic infrastructure to promote the development of digital technology. Dong also asked why no agricultural SOE is included in the proposed pilot, despite this sector being a particular strength of Vietnam that is also vulnerable to fluctuations. Reacting to feedback, Minister Dung said that the MPI will continue carefully studying the pilot project proposal before submitting it to the prime minister for approval soon. Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The Biden administration says its not a crisis along our southern border. And the president insists he hasnt sent a signal that if you get here you can stay. Unfortunately, the message being sent is not the same as the one being received. Sensing the United States has become more welcoming, Central American migrants are streaming north in the largest numbers in two decades, The New York Times reported Monday. We have holding facilities overflowing with children and teens who entered the country without parents. Not wanting a repeat of the detention center debacle that occurred under Donald Trump, the Biden administration is scrambling to deal with the worsening situation. The Biden administration says it is still turning away adults at the border but isnt going to release children into the desert. And it shouldnt. But whether he intended to or not, the president sent the signal that led to the current influx. He now needs to articulate a clear policy on immigration beyond humane treatment, legislation to legalize Dreamers and a path for citizenship for others. These are important, but this country deserves to know where the administration stands on the broader questions. As the Times reported, there is a strong sentiment for humane and generous treatment for undocumented people living here who have abided by our laws and a strong sentiment for rigorous border security. The latter isnt just a Republican talking point. Historically, many Democrats have supported immigration restrictions as a way to keep U.S. wages high. Thats especially pertinent in a country that still has more than 10 million people unemployed. During the campaign, Biden said he would sharply limit deportations. Meanwhile, the administration has done away with Trumps remain in Mexico policy for asylum-seekers and is processing tens of thousands of minors who can legally stay permanently only if they are granted asylum, which in most cases is unlikely. So then what happens? Its a message that says open. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, told The Washington Post that Bidens policy incentivizes droves of people to come, and the only way to slow it down is by changing policy at our doorstep. But exactly what is Bidens policy? Does he agree with his former boss, Barack Obama, when he said, We simply cannot allow people to pour into the United States, undetected, undocumented and unchecked? The Times raises the question of whether the new administrations version of humane treatment coupled with virtually no deportation would be to allow anyone who manages to enter the U.S. to stay. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows and insisted the Mexican border is closed. We are expelling families. We are expelling adults. He strongly urged against unaccompanied migrant children making the trek. But immigrants and the traffickers who shepherd them north dont pay much attention to Sunday news shows. If Biden hopes to stem the flow, he needs to be crystal clear in both actions and words on the immigration policies he is implementing by executive authority and what he wants Congress to adopt in terms of a long-term fix. The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya on Wednesday ordered the closure of two sprawling camps that host hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Somalia and gave the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) two weeks to present a plan to do so, the interior ministry said. The Dadaab and the Kakuma refugee camps in northern Kenya together host more than 410,000 people, a small proportion of whom are from South Sudan. Authorities in Nairobi first announced their intention to shut the Dadaab camp, which is closer to the border with Somalia than Kakuma, back in 2016, citing national security concerns. Fred Matiang'i, the interior minister, has now given the UNHCR 14 days to draw up a plan for the closure of both Dadaab and Kakuma, his ministry said in a tweet, adding that there was no room for further talks on the issue. UNHCR urged Kenya to ensure that those who need protection continue to get it, and pledged to keep engaging in a dialogue. "The decision would have an impact on the protection of refugees in Kenya, including in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," it said in a statement. Somali authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Kenyan government's attempt to close Dadaab in 2016 was informed by intelligence reports showing two large attacks on Kenyan targets in 2013 and 2015 took place with the involvement of elements in the camps. The plan was blocked by the high court, which called the move unconstitutional. The camp was established three decades ago and was once the world's largest refugee camp, which at its peak hosted over half a million people fleeing violence and drought in Somalia. Kakuma, located in the northwest, is home to more than 190,000 refugees, some drawn from neighbouring South Sudan. Kenyan authorities informed UNCHR on Tuesday it would take the refugees to the border with Somalia if the camps are not closed, the Daily Nation newspaper reported. The interior ministry told Reuters that the reporting was accurate. Story continues Kenya's move comes as relations with Somalia worsen, after Mogadishu cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi last December, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs. The two nations are also facing off at the International Court of Justice over a maritime boundary dispute, although Kenya has boycotted the hearing of the case. Kenya's interior ministry told Reuters the move to close the camps was not related to diplomatic difficulties with Somalia. (Reporting by Giulia Paravicini; editing by Duncan Miriri and William Maclean) COHOES Toxic firefighting foam had been incinerated at the Norlite aggregate plant here for longer and to a greater extent than previously known, according to shipping documents from the U.S. Department of Defense. While state environmental and city officials knew that 2.5 million pounds of aqueous film forming foam, or AFFF, were burned in Norlites kiln between 2018 and 2019, the incineration actually started there in 2017. That included some 5.5 million pounds of wastewater containing AFFF, according to records. The concentration of AFFF in the wastewater wasnt immediately known, however. Its not clear why the earlier shipments were not included in earlier data from the state and city, said David Bond, a faculty member at Vermonts Bennington College who has been conducting research about the AFFF incineration and its environmental impacts. Bond spoke about the earlier shipments during an online briefing on Tuesday. He learned about them after combing through DOD shipping documents. AFFF contains PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. The foam is being phased out due to worries about the health effects of PFAS compounds, which can include thyroid problems, liver damage and possible cancers among other things. Incineration of AFFF has since been banned at Norlite, which is the only site in New York that had accepted the chemical. The ban came after revelations last year that some 2.5 million pounds of the foam had been incinerated at Norlite in 2018 and 2019. Worried about the health and environmental effects, the city imposed a moratorium, which was followed by a state ban. News that even more AFFF appears to have been incinerated at Norlite drew rebukes from Cohoes as well as activists such as Bond. If true that Norlite was incinerating AFFF firefighting foam containing dangerous PFAS chemicals before 2018, that is concerning but not surprising, Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler said. It is concerning that Norlite did not disclose that information, and disappointing that the DEC did not discover that fact, Keeler added. DEC appears to be significantly undercounting the amount of AFFF and AFFF wastewater burned at Norlite," said Bond. DEC Chief of Staff Sean Mahar, though, noted that the state agency began scrutinizing the shipments in 2018 at Keelers request. And because AFFF is not federally classified as a hazardous waste, there was no requirement that either the shipper the DOD nor Norlite had to report it. They werent required to report to us, Mahar said. Until they halted the incineration, Norlite took in almost 40 percent of the AFFF the DOD had been disposing of. The company had been accepting AFFF from military installations across the Eastern U.S. as part of a $5 million contract. The contract was dropped last year amid worries about the dangers of incineration and the outcry from Cohoes residents and town officials. Much of the military AFFF was from airfields, where fire crews would train with the foam. Thats also true of locations across the state where local departments have trained. Norlite also had been taking in AFFF from fire departments in New England and other nearby states. The DOD rules for AFFF disposal appear to have loopholes in the form of wide discretion about how shipments of the foam are reported to state and local authorities. The DOD doesnt require certificates of destruction or burning parameters for AFFF, noted Bond. It seems as if the military did not want to know, he said. The DOD, he added, may be hastening efforts to dispose of AFFF before it is classified as a hazardous waste something environmentalists like Bond are calling for. Norlite also pointed out that there is no reporting requirement. They had told DEC voluntarily at one point that the substance was being shipped there. AFFF and its constituents are not regulated as hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act nor are they subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act, said Prince Knight, environmental and regulatory compliance manager at Norlite. Therefore, neither Norlite nor any generators were subject to any legal requirement to report incineration of AFFF-containing waste materials to the New York Department of Conservation or federal regulators, nor has there been any requirement to report such activity to the city. Precisely how much AFFF was in the earlier wastewater shipments, which may have come from groundwater, wasnt immediately clear. More for you News Navy says it will halt all PFAS shipments to Cohoes' burn... Incineration of AFFF at Norlite actually first came to light through documents in a lawsuit that environmental groups including the Sierra Club had filed. There is a push by environmental activists for a national ban on incineration of AFFF, which is still burned in a handful of facilities across the U.S. There also are worries about the dust and emissions coming from Norlites kiln, which is licensed to burn hazardous wastes. Residents of Saratoga Sites, a neighboring subsidized housing development, recently sued over the silica dust coming from the facility. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU Adtalems quality medical education creates superior student outcomes and social impact with more than 850 medical graduates attaining residency placements CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As the nations demand for physicians grows faster than the supply with an estimated shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 20331 Adtalem Global Educations (NYSE: ATGE) medical schools, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) and Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM), are helping fill critical shortages and bridge health disparities. A combined 856 AUC and RUSM graduates will enter residency programs this summer in 41 states following initial results from the U.S. National Resident Matching Programs 2021 Main Residency Match as of March 23, 2021. According to recent data, AUC and RUSM combined contribute 2.5 times more physicians than the next largest U.S. medical school. They are also working to diversify the physician pipeline, graduating more Black physicians than any other U.S. medical school. In the 2019-2020 school year, approximately 90% of all U.S. medical schools graduated 20 or less Black physicians a year2, while out of the AUC and RUSM graduates who matched this year, 103 identify as Black/African American. This is critical in addressing health disparities, as studies demonstrate that patients of color often receive better care and health outcomes when paired with a physician of the same race3. As our graduates take the next step in their medical education journey and go on to serve their communities, I applaud them for their resiliency and dedication in achieving this incredible milestone during these challenging and unprecedented times, said Adtalem Global Educations chairman and CEO, Lisa Wardell. Superior student outcomes like these are a testament to the quality of our programs and keep us steadfast in our mission to expand access to education; especially for the many underserved students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. As we continue to scale a highly diverse workforce of healthcare professionals for our employer partners, our ability to create a tangible social impact by addressing both the physician shortage and health inequities remains unparalleled in the industry. At AUC, 300 graduates matched, with 97 matching into primary care residencies, where the physician shortage is projected to be most severe. In fact, more than 57% of AUC graduates have gone on to work in primary care. Additionally, 173 of the 556 RUSM graduates who matched this year will pursue residencies in primary care, helping to address a projected shortage of 55,200 primary care physicians over the next decade4. Adtalems medical school graduates, with a combined network of more than 22,000 alumni practicing in all 50 states, often practice in low-income, rural, or health professional shortage areas at significantly higher rates than other U.S. MD and DO graduates, making a direct impact where it is needed most. About American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) is an institution of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. AUCs mission is to train tomorrows physicians, whose service to their communities and their patients is enhanced by international learning experiences, a diverse learning community, and an emphasis on social accountability and engagement. Founded in 1978, AUC has more than 7,000 graduates. Dedicated to developing physicians with a lifelong commitment to patient-centered care, AUC embraces collaboration, inclusion and community service. With a campus in Sint Maarten, affiliated teaching hospitals in the United States and the United Kingdom, and internationally recognized faculty, AUC has a diverse medical education program for todays globally minded physician. For more information visit aucmed.edu and follow AUC on Twitter (@aucmed), Instagram (@aucmed_edu) and Facebook (@aucmed). About Ross University School of Medicine Ross University School of Medicine is an institution of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE), a global education provider headquartered in the United States. The organization's purpose is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Founded in 1978 and located in Barbados, RUSM has more than 15,000 alumni and is committed to educating a diverse group of skilled physicians. RUSM is accredited by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP). For more information, please visit medical.rossu.edu and follow RUSM on Twitter (@RossMedSchool), Instagram (@rossmedschool) and Facebook (@RossMedSchool). About Adtalem Global Education The purpose of Adtalem Global Education is to empower students to achieve their goals, find success, and make inspiring contributions to our global community. Adtalem Global Education Inc. (NYSE: ATGE; member S&P MidCap 400 Index) is a leading global education provider and the parent organization of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists, Becker Professional Education, Chamberlain University, EduPristine, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, please visit adtalem.com and follow on Twitter (@adtalemglobal) and LinkedIn. 1 https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-aamc-report-confirms-growing-physician-shortage 2 https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/students-residents/interactive-data/2020-facts-enrollment-graduates-and-md-phd-data 3 https://macyfoundation.org/news-and-commentary/why-we-need-more-hispanic-doctors 4 https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-aamc-report-confirms-growing-physician-shortage View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005701/en/ Media Contact: John Kristoff 312.651.1437 John.Kristoff@Adtalem.com Investor Contact: Maureen Resac Maureen.Resac@Adtalem.com 312-651-1481 Source: Adtalem Global Education President Joe Biden speaks on the national vaccination efforts in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 18, 2021. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Biden: Surge in Illegal Immigration Began Under Trump Administration President Joe Biden on Wednesday said the current surge of illegal immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border started under the Trump administration. This new surge we are dealing with now started with the last administration, but its our responsibility to deal with it humanely, Biden said as he met with Vice President Kamala Harris, chief of staff Ron Klain, and other advisers in the White House. He did not elaborate. There was a serious spike in people heading to the southern border even in the midst of that [the Trump administration]. That was because there were serious natural disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean, Biden said. Other senior administration officials, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, have blamed the previous administrations policies for the surge and the conditions along the border. Republicans are sure to disagree with Bidens assertion on Wednesday, as a number of GOP members of Congress in recent days have blamed Biden for the surge in illegal immigrants. They have pointed to Biden having rescinded a number of Trump-era policies such as the Remain in Mexico order and construction of the southern border wall. Meanwhile, rhetoric from Biden and other Democrats about creating a pathway for 11 million illegal aliens is triggering the spike in people trying to cross the border, Republicans have said. And some Democrats in districts along the border have sounded the alarm about numerous Border Patrol encounters with unaccompanied children in their districts. The administration is doing the right thing because the law requires that we process unaccompanied minors, Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas) said in a statement Wednesday. However, we are in the middle of a pandemic and our systems are being overwhelmed. Vela, citing Border Patrol data, said that 13 percent of unaccompanied minors encountered at the U.S.-Mexico border are under the age of 12, while the majority are aged 13 or older. One logical approach to this situation would be to return the older teenagers to their home country and provide funding for an effort supervised by the United Nations to properly care for those teenagers upon their return, Vela said. Then, once the pandemic is under control you could phase the program back in so that there would be some semblance of control over the process. I think that this would help relieve the current burden. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), whose district also lies along the border, called on the White House to release unaccompanied minorschildren who unlawfully enter the country without an adultfrom Border Patrol custody into the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Any president should come down [and] really spend time with border communities. You know, the president sent a delegation and a bunch of folks from the White House, Cuellar told Fox News last week, urging Biden to visit the border. They didnt talk to anybody, not even members of Congress down here. Botswana is to issue nearly 300 elephant hunting licenses next month for the first full hunting season since a ban was lifted in 2019. Coronavirus travel restrictions disrupted the hunting season last year in Botswana, home to the world's largest elephant herd. The country's Department of Wildlife and National Parks will issue 100 licenses for elephant hunts, with another 187 licenses from last year's aborted season. The hunting season, which includes a variety of species, will start April 6 and runs until September. Debbie Peake, spokesperson for the Botswana Wildlife Producers Association, said they hope international hunters will be able travel to the southern African country. "COVID-19 presents many difficulties in various forms, but we remain positive and we will be looking to our Department of Wildlife and National Parks and the ministry, for support to make 2021 the success we all desperately need," she said. Hunting, she added, is key to the survival of communities, which were deprived of income from professional hunting activities since 2014. "Botswana operators aim to reinvigorate the controlled hunting program in 2021, ensuring that communities become shareholders in the hunting wildlife economy and not just stakeholders," she said. The government held auctions for elephant licenses in February last year, with each animal costing up to $43,000. Expedition operators buy the licenses and sell them at profit to overseas trophy hunters, who are mostly from the United States. President Mokgweetsi Masisi's government lifted the trophy ban in 2019, in response to growing human-wildlife conflict, such as elephants trampling on crops and, in some cases, killing people. However, wildlife biologist and conservationist Keith Lindsay said reintroducing trophy hunting will not reduce human-wildlife conflict. "There is no ecological need to reduce elephant numbers by killing them," he said. "The government is already trying to encourage natural movement corridors including to neighboring countries like Angola, Zambia and Namibia. Shooting the elephants will also do nothing to reduce incidences of crop raiding in farming areas, as mostly killing will take place in different areas from trophy hunting blocks." Botswana is one of the last places on the planet where elephants are thriving. The country's elephant population is more than 130,000, far more than its estimated capacity of 55,000. SCHENECTADY The idea of owning a home was never discussed in Alexandria Carver-Noi's home when she was growing up. She was raised in public housing in North Albany by a single parent. "It was never thought about or talked about. My mother was raising four little ones and she couldn't see beyond our immediate needs," Carver-Noi says. Now, as the director of housing counseling for Better Community Neighborhoods, Carver-Noi pulls on the experience to guide her clients through the home buying process. In 2020, she helped 56 families close on their own homes in Schenectady County. It is more than a job for Carver-Noi. She sees it as her ministry. She feels it was God revealing her path in life. "When I talk about it, I get emotional because I see people who come in who have what it takes, but don't have the means yet to buy their own home, whether it's their budget or credit history. But if someone can see it, who can envision it for themselves and take it seriously, I can work with them," she says. Right after Carver-Noi graduated from Russell Sage, she discovered housing advocacy work while working as a legislative analyst for state Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, D-Brookyn, who is passionate about affordable housing.Before going to college, she was a hairstylist, but made an abrupt career change when she discovered housing counseling. She went to work for Better Neighborhoods and has grown the housing counseling and foreclosure prevention programs from a part-time position to full-time. She and another full-time housing counselor, Doreen Colon, now carry a caseload of 180 clients. Carver-Noi just designed a financial confidence seminar that will meet weekly via Zoom from April 3 to May 1. Key Bank is the sponsor. Carver-Noi pulls from her own life when she advises people about finances. She said she and her husband tallied their takeout food receipts on a recent month and found they spent $600 on Starbucks, Dunkin', Panera and McDonalds. Carver-Noi didn't drop her coffee habit, she just switched to Cumberland Farms coffee to save money. Better Community Neighborhoods was created through the merger of Community Land Trust and Better Neighborhoods in July 2020. While separate, the two nonprofits competed for the same resources. CEO Jennica Huff, formerly a project manager for Boston-based Community Builders and an advocate for affordable housing for 25 years, said the state has been encouraging this type of merger for years. The creation of Better Community Neighborhoods was the first of its kind in New York. The nonprofit provides its services for free and is supported by both private donations and the state office of Homes and Community Renewal. In addition to counseling, the staff at BCN helps clients navigate and apply for grants to help with down payments, closing costs and home repairs. The pandemic didn't make the merger process easier, and it hasn't made home buying easier for low-income buyers, either. Low inventory and high demand pushed the median sale price up in Schenectady County from $160,000 in January of 2020 to $181,500 in January of this year. "The increases can put a house out of reach for someone who has been working for two years toward a purchase and now can't do it. Bidding wars are putting houses out of reach," Carver-Noi said. It's a situation she knows firsthand as she shops for her first home. Carver-Noi tells clients not to put themselves in a "house rich" situation, where they buy a house that's more than they can afford and in 18 months the homeowner shows up in her foreclosure prevention program. No one should be spending more than 3o percent - 40 percent at the most - of the income on housing costs per month, she said. Carver-Noi said the days are long, especially now that she is home schooling her children. The rewards, however, are big. One of Carver-Noi's inspirational stories comes out of the Steinmetz Homes. She worked with a woman, a single mother who worked in housekeeping in a local hospital for 25 years. She had a decorated career with many awards to show for it, Carver-Noi said, but she didn't make enough to buy a house. "I watched her fix her credit in three years, increase her savings and sell her car. She bought a beautiful home in Mont Pleasant. It's on the bus line." In the wake of a surge in coronavirus cases, two states are of grave concern, said a health ministry official on Wednesday. "Two states are of grave concern, that have shown a recent surge in cases - Maharashtra, that reported more than 28,000 cases in the last 24 hours and Punjab, that is reporting huge number of cases in proportion to its population," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan at a media briefing in New Delhi. Besides them, Gujarat and MP are of concern too. Gujarat has been reporting around 1,700 cases on a daily basis and Madhya Pradesh has been witnessing around 1,500 cases a day. Most cases in Gujarat are concentrated in Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar, while those in MP are concentrated in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Betul. The top 10 districts where maximum number of active cases are concentrated are in Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Aurangabad, Bengaluru Urban, Nanded, Jalgaon and Akola. Nine districts from and one from Karnataka, Bhushan added. 771 cases of coronavirus variants have been detected across 18 states - 736 of UK variant, 34 of South African variant and 1 of Brazilian variant, said Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director Dr SK Singh. No linkage yet to show that recent surge in Covid-19 cases is due to new variants detected abroad and about 88% of all Covid-19 deaths in India are in age group of 45 years and above, said a ministry official. India reported 47,262 new COVID-19 cases, 23,907 recoveries and 275 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. With this, the total cases in the country mounted to 1,17,34,058 including 3,68,457 active cases and 1,12,05,160 recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,441. With 2,31,942 active coronavirus cases, continues to remain the most affected state. 22,47,495 recovered from the disease while 53,589 people died in the state. #COVID19India snapshot Indias total Active Caseload has reached 3,68,457 today Cumulative recoveries stand at 1,12,05,160 47,262 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours.@MoHFW_INDIA#LargestVaccineDrive pic.twitter.com/NFanTX9mrA PIB India (@PIB_India) March 24, 2021 According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 10,25,628 samples were tested on March 23. A total of 23,64,38,861 samples had been tested up to March 23. A total of 5,08,41,286 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far. Of total vaccine doses administered, 2,64,52,366 have been given to those aged above 60 and those aged 45-60 years with comorbidities, the ministry said. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Market Reports on Saudi Arabia Provides the Trending Market Research Report on Dishwashing in the United Arab Emirates" under House Supplies category. The Dishwashing in the United Arab Emirates is projected to exhibit highest growth rate over report offers a collection of superior market research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence and industry reports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers in AED were subject to a period of national lockdown during which businesses and schools closed their doors and consumers switched to working and studying from home in 2020. As consumers faced home seclusion for lengthy periods and spent more time at home, demand for products in dishwashing increased in 2020 because consumers had more time to clean and also ate more of their daily meals at home, which generates more washing up. Dishwashing in United Arab Emirates Market report offers a comprehensive guide to the size and shape of the market at a national level. It provides the latest retail sales data (historic date range), allowing you to identify the sectors driving growth. It identifies the leading companies, the leading brands and offers strategic analysis of key factors influencing the market - be they new product developments, packaging innovations, economic/lifestyle influences, distribution or pricing issues. Forecasts to 2025 illustrate how the market is set to change. Product coverage: Automatic Dishwashing, Hand Dishwashing. Request a free sample copy of United Arab Emirates Dishwashing Market Report @ http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/sample/reports/149448 Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data. Why buy this report? * Get a detailed picture of the Dishwashing market; * Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change; * Understand the competitive environment, the markets major players and leading brands; * Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop. Table of Contents Dishwashing in the United Arab Emirates List OF CONTENTS AND TABLES KEY DATA FINDINGS 2020 IMPACT Home seclusion boosted demand for dishwashing products during the COVID-19 pandemic Hand dishwashing continues to dominate as authorities support local manufacturing Procter & Gambles Fairy continues to lead dishwashing RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES Companies to intensify promotional activity as consumers tighten their purse strings Automatic dishwashing set to grow as Expo 2020 speeds economic recovery Private label set to make its mark in automatic dishwashing CATEGORY DATA Table 1 Sales of Dishwashing by Category: Value 2015-2020 Table 2 Sales of Dishwashing by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020 Table 3 NBO Company Shares of Dishwashing: % Value 2016-2020 Table 4 LBN Brand Shares of Dishwashing: % Value 2017-2020 Table 5 Forecast Sales of Dishwashing by Category: Value 2020-2025 Table 6 Forecast Sales of Dishwashing by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY COVID-19 impact on home care COVID-19 country impact Company response Retailing shift What next for home care? CHART 1 Home Care Value Sales Growth Scenarios: 2018-2025 CHART 2 Home Care Impact of Drivers on Value Sales: 2018-2025 MARKET INDICATORS Table 7 Households 2015-2020 MARKET DATA Table 8 Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2015-2020 Table 9 Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2015-2020 Table 10 NBO Company Shares of Home Care: % Value 2016-2020 Table 11 LBN Brand Shares of Home Care: % Value 2017-2020 Table 12 Penetration of Private Label in Home Care by Category: % Value 2015-2020 Table 13 Distribution of Home Care by Format: % Value 2015-2020 Table 14 Distribution of Home Care by Format and Category: % Value 2020 Table 15 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: Value 2020-2025 Table 16 Forecast Sales of Home Care by Category: % Value Growth 2020-2025 GLOBAL MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT GLOBAL INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT DISCLAIMER SOURCES Summary 1 Research Sources Browse our full report with Table of Contents: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com/marketreports/dishwashing-in-the-united-arab-emirates/149448 About Us Market Reports on Saudi Arabia provides you with an in-depth industry reports focusing on various economic, political and operational risk environment, complemented by detailed sector analysis. We have an exhaustive coverage on variety of industries ranging from energy and chemicals to transportation, communications, constructions and mining to Food and Beverage and education. Our collection includes over 3000 up-to-date reports all researched, analysed and published by top-notch international research firms. Contact us at: Market Reports On Saudi Arabia Tel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773 Email: info@marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Website: http://www.marketreportsonsaudiarabia.com Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 23:29:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KATHMANDU, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The government of Nepal has initiated preparations of the 12th National Population Census, a government official said on Wednesday. Pushparaj Kadel, vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission told Xinhua that this census is crucial since it is the first one under the 2015 Constitution and new federal system. The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) conducts National Population Census Program every ten years and the first one took place in 1911. The program compiles population statistics at the national and local levels. It also contains data on a variety of social, demographic, and economic indicators relevant to the monitoring and assessment of National Periodic Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals. In order to ensure the success of the national census, the CBS has been conducting a sample census program. According to information made public on the CBS website, the sample census program will be conducted in 55 wards across 14 districts from January 14 to April 12. The CBS department says that it has arranged a variety of trainings to ensure the census effective. From February 14 to February 20, the department held a National Facilitator Training. From March 22 to March 28, state-level trainers will be receiving instruction, according to officials. Similarly, the department has stated that it will provide training to local census officers from April 1 to April 7. According to the 2001 census, Nepal's total population was 23,151,423 people. In the 2011 census, it rose to 26,620,809. According to the CBS officials, the full details of the census will be made public in around five years. The CBS office predicts that the census would cost more than 35 million U. S. dollars. Enditem Plans for the full reopening of schools after Easter remain on track despite stubbornly high Covid-19 infection levels. While the number of infections reported yesterday was down on previous days, the situation is volatile. There was fear in Government about the impact of an underlying rise in Covid-19 cases on the return of remaining second-level classes to school next month. However, yesterday a senior Government source insisted Cabinet ministers wanted all pupils back in school after the Easter break. The Easter break will act as a mini circuit breaker and will hopefully mean we can have all students back in class next month, the source said. Another source insisted there are no plans to change direction for the reopening of schools. All primary pupils and fifth- and sixth-year students are already back, with first- to fourth-years the final batch to return when the new term starts on April 12. The phased reopening started on February 11 and schools close for a two-week Easter holiday on Friday. The break comes as the number of schools hit with at least one case of Covid-19 infection has taken a significant jump. Last week, public health teams conducted mass testing in 183 schools, up 70pc on 108 the week before, according to the latest data from the HSE. There was also a doubling, from 35 to 71, in the number of childcare facilities where mass testing was carried out In schools, of 4,062 people who were tested more than double the 1,842 of the previous week 110 were positive, a rate of 2.7pc. It was up slightly from 2.4pc the previous week. Mass testing of close contacts is among the measures that public health teams may implement after a case of Covid-19 is identified in a school community or childcare facility. Read More The latest testing figures are based on the seven days up to Saturday, March 20, the week in which a further 340,000 pupils returned to the classroom under the phased reopening. This was the third phase of reopening since February 11, but the second involving such a large number of pupils together. While half of primary school classes and sixth-year students returned on March 1, all primary classes and fifth-year pupils were back on Monday, March 15. Of the 183 schools where testing was carried out last week, 120 were primary almost double the 65 of the previous week 52 were post-primary, up from 37, and 11 were special schools, up from six. Last weeks increase in the incidence of Covid-19 in schools came on the back of a rise in infection in the community generally, which has clearly made its way into classrooms. It is not known whether any of those who tested positive picked up the infection in school, but health experts insist that schools are safe once infection prevention and control measures are strictly observed. While the positivity rate in schools rose slightly in the week, it remains below the infection rate in the community. The positivity rate in childcare settings continues to be much higher, which is attributed to challenges associated with ensuring younger children adhere to the rules. Last week, among the 1,236 people tested arising from a case in a childcare facility, 119 were positive, a rate of 9.3pc. Although much higher than schools or the community, it was down from 11.3pc the week before. Schools and creches are dealing with a more transmissible variant of Covid-19 than was circulating before Christmas, when they were last open. Pairic Clerkin, CEO of the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN), said since schools reopened there were more entire classes being isolated after a case of Covid-19 was confirmed, rather than the smaller pods of pupils. He said it was essential that public health teams respond rapidly to calls from schools in order to minimise anxiety levels in the school community. Education Minister Norma Foley told the Oireachtas Education Committee yesterday that the total amount allocated for Covid-related measures in schools for the 2020/2021 year was 639m. It covers a range of costs from PPE and enhanced cleaning regimes to wellbeing supports, release days for principals and school transport costs. 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 TASHKENT -- Uzbek authorities have arrested a man suspected of setting up a fake Facebook account under the guise of President Shavkat Mirziyoev, through which he allegedly illegally collected money from citizens. The Interior Ministry said on March 24 that a 39-year-old resident of the city of Chirchiq, near the capital Tashkent, was arrested last month and charged with fraud. According to the ministry, the suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, had presented himself via the fake Facebook account as the chief of the presidential administration and promised Uzbek citizens assistance in solving housing issues or obtaining loans from banks. For his "services" the man allegedly received "fees" from his victims, who transferred the cash to his account. The sums varied between 50,000-1,500,000 soms ($5-$145), which are significant amounts of money in the post-Soviet republic. The Uzbek Criminal Code calls for a punishment of up to five years in prison for fraud with the use of computer equipment. The Association of Road Carriers of Kyiv and Kyiv region intends to ask the local authorities to officially prohibit the operation of shuttle minibuses so as not to become a bankrupt. "We will appeal to Kyiv city authorities to be suspended officially. Since carrying 11 passengers are very unprofitable for us. We are also massively drawn up protocols for UAH 17,000 of fine, drivers cannot drive out passengers and constantly come into conflict with them when trying to enter the salon. Drivers voluntarily start to return to parks so that they are not fined," Head of the Association of Road Carriers of Kyiv and Kyiv region Ihor Moiseyenko told Interfax-Ukraine. He also said that already this Saturday, about 30% or 40% of Kyiv shuttle minibuses will raise the fare from UAH 8 to UAH 10. However, even in this case, working with 11 passengers in the cabin for route carriers will not even cover the cost of fuel, not to mention the salaries of drivers and depreciation. "If we are just in idle, we incur losses. If we operate, these losses are even greater [...] It is easier for Kyivpastrans, they are allocated billions of hryvnias from the city budget, and they can afford to carry two or three passengers. We do not have such an opportunity, and we want to be officially stopped. As today Kyiv drivers of shuttle minibuses have already received about 100 protocols for UAH 17,000," Moiseyenko said. He also said most road carriers will simply go bankrupt within a week of work under the existing rules of the "red zones." According to Moiseyenko, today the passengers have broken the windows of two shuttle minibuses, and conflicts constantly arise. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Appointment follows Rosetta Capital acquisition of shareholding in Mission from Schroder Adveq Mission Therapeutics ("Mission"), a drug discovery and development company focused on selectively inhibiting deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs), today announces the appointment of Jonathan Hepple to the Company's Board as a Non-Executive Director. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005091/en/ Jonathan Hepple. High-resolution image available on request (Photo: Business Wire) Jonathan is joining Mission's Board of Directors following the purchase of Schroder Adveq's entire holdings in Mission by Rosetta Capital, of which he is co-founder. The transaction was completed earlier today as part of the sale of a portfolio of seven assets, including holdings in Carrick Therapeutics, PsiOxus Therapeutics, Mereo BioPharma, Inivata, Immunocore and ReNeuron, as well as Mission. Jonathan brings to Mission more than 20 years' investment experience in the life sciences industry. Since founding Rosetta Capital, a leading life sciences-focused international secondary venture firm, Jonathan has held the position of Director. Alongside this role, he is also Strategic Advisor to Oxford Sciences Innovation. Jonathan's previous roles include Founder and Director of BioScience Managers and Investment Analyst at Rothschild Asset Management. He was also a Partner at Seroba Life Sciences, where he was on the Boards of portfolio companies Covagen and Opsona. An experienced Non-Executive Director, Jonathan has also acted on the Boards of numerous other life sciences companies, most recently Aprea and Clanotech. Before that, Jonathan held Board positions and was actively engaged in portfolio companies such as Catalyst Biosciences, GlycoMimetics, Novimmune, Procertus and Tranzyme and worked closely with GeminX, Polyphor and Zealand. Jonathan holds a PhD in Cancer Research from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Oxford. Commenting on the appointment, Dr Anker Lundemose, CEO of Mission Therapeutics said: "We are pleased to welcome Jon, an experienced Non-Executive Director, to our Board. With a history of diligently supporting and engaging with biotechnology companies throughout their growth, Jon will be a real asset to our team. We are happy to have the support and commitment of both Jon personally and Rosetta Capital as a new shareholder. "We would also like to thank Erwin Boos of Schroder Adveq for his contributions to the Board prior to and during this period of transition." Jonathan Hepple added: "Despite the current global challenges, Mission has continued to go from strength to strength. The expansion of its senior team and repertoire of high calibre partnerships, such as its collaboration with AbbVie and expanded relationship with Pfizer, are indicative of the growth and huge potential of the company. I am delighted to be joining the Board at this pivotal time." - ENDS - NOTES TO EDITORS: About MissionTherapeutics Mission Therapeutics is an early-stage drug development company targeting the ubiquitin pathway for the treatment of kidney disease, neurodegenerative disease, rare mitochondrial diseases andfibrosis. The Company has built a leading platform for the discovery and development of first-in-class, small molecule drugs that selectively target deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs) an emerging drug class that is attracting significant commercial interest in the area of protein homeostasis. Mission has strong links with key academic and research centers, including Prof. Steve Jackson's Cancer Research UK Laboratories at the University of Cambridge Gurdon Institute, and leading UK centres in neurodegenerative diseases. The Company also has secured major industry partnerships, including its collaboration with AbbVie in November 2018, for the research and preclinical development of specified DUB inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease. The Company is managed by a team with broad international, commercial and clinical-science experience. To date the Company has received 73 million /$101 million in funding and its investors comprise blue chip institutional and corporate investors including: Pfizer Venture Investments, Sofinnova Partners, Roche Venture Fund, SR One, IP Group and Rosetta Capital. Mission Therapeutics was founded in 2011 and is based at the Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK. For more information, please visit our website, www.missiontherapeutics.com, or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005091/en/ Contacts: Mission Therapeutics Ltd Anker Lundemose MD PhD Chief Executive Officer Tel: +44 (0)1223 607 340 Instinctif Partners Melanie Toyne-Sewell Katie Duffell Tel: +44 (0) 20 7457 2013 missiontherapeutics@instinctif.com Three sisters who claim they killed their father in self-defence because he was sexually abusing them have been recognised as victims in a new Russian trial. But legal experts say the surprising move may not save two of the girls from facing prison sentences in a high profile case. The sisters - all teenagers at the time - claim they were raped and violated by their father Mikhail Khachaturyan, 57, who was stabbed to death with his own hunting knife as he slept in his Moscow flat in 2018 A campaign is underway to drop the murder charges against the two older siblings, Krestina and Angelina Khachaturyan, who were 19 and 18 when their father was killed. A judge in Russia has recognised three sisters - Krestina (left), Angelina (right), and Maria Khachaturyan - who 'killed their sex abuser father in self-defence' in 2018 as 'victims' The sisters, including youngest sibling Maria (right), claim they were raped and violated by their father Mikhail Khachaturyan (left), 57, who was stabbed to death with his own hunting knife as he slept in his Moscow flat in 2018 A new posthumous trial, in which the powerful Russian Investigative Committee has recognised the sisters as 'victims', will take place into the abuse allegations against Khachaturyan. Angelina Khachaturyan's lawyer Maria Davtyan welcomed the move. She said: 'They are in fact victims because of the actions committed against them'. The long running abuse they faced, Davtyan added, was 'the reason the girls were forced to do what they did'. But, analysts warn that if if their dead father is posthumously cleared of abuse, this would count against them in the murder trial that will follow. However, if the father is posthumously convicted, the two older sister may still face prison sentences. This is because the pair are unlikely to be seen as acting in 'self-defence' in killing their father under Russian laws, according to legal expert Valentin Klyucharyov He said: 'If the girls speak the truth, from the point of view of morality what happened to them is terrible'. 'But this cannot be described as self-defence.' This is because the father was not torturing or sexually abusing them at the time they stabbed him with his hunting knife, he explained. Maria (pictured) is being dealt with separately after being judged temporarily insane at the time of the murder 'Maybe he deserved death, but the court will judge the girls according to the laws of the Russian Federation.' This new probe will go ahead before court action resumes into murder allegations against Krestina and Angelina. Their younger sister Maria, who was 17 at the time of her father's death, also admitted to killing him after facing 'years of abuse'. However, Maria is being dealt with separately by the legal system after being judged temporarily insane at the moment her father was killed. If convicted, she faces time in a psychiatric hospital, rather than a prison. A new posthumous trial, in which the powerful Russian Investigative Committee has recognised the sisters as 'victims', will take place into the abuse allegations against Khachaturyan This new probe will go ahead before court action resumes into murder allegations against Krestina and Angelina The case has been seen as a litmus test in Russia for how the law deals with domestic sexual abuse. Almost one million Russians have signing petitions calling for the sisters to be released. The investigation earlier found they faced 'physical and mental suffering...over a long period of time'. Evidence showed the father threatened one of his 'terrified' daughters: 'You will take the place of your mother. 'I will marry you and you will give birth to my baby.' An expert's report said: 'He ordered them to get undressed in front of him, saying that he wanted to 'check' them. 'Then ordered them to masturbate him, saying that he had problems with his prostate and it would be a cure.' He 'abused and humiliated' them 'with various weapons'. Angelina had blood streaming from her face after one attack by her father who had links both to senior Russian officials and underworld kings, according to reports. But the sisters' aunt Naira Khachaturyan claimed the earlier official investigation found no evidence of sexual violence against the teenagers. Medical tests showed two of the three were virgins, she claimed, while the third had a secret boyfriend. She said: 'They knew they could live the way they wanted if they got rid of their father'. They wanted to 'delete him from their lives' and enjoy a 'riotous lifestyle'. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 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. Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come out with a new penal framework for commodity derivatives segment in the event of delivery default. The market regulator said that clearing corporations, having commodity derivatives segment, should have an appropriate deterrent mechanism in place against intentional or willful delivery default and ensure adequate compensation to the non-defaulting counterparty. In 2016, SEBI had prescribed provisions for the levy of penalty in the event of delivery default. Subsequently it received representations from market participants in the commodity derivatives segment for standardisation of delivery default norms, strengthening the deterrent mechanism and ensuring adequate compensation to the non-defaulting counterparty. Thereafter, SEBI, in consultation with clearing corporations has issued the following new delivery default norms, which will come into effect from the first trading day of May 2021. In agricultural and non-agricultural commodities, the penalty for delivery default by seller will now be 4% and 3% of the settlement price plus replacement cost, respectively. SEBI says The provisions for levy of penalty on delivery default by the buyer will be put in place by the clearing corporations. In case of futures contracts on agri-commodities, SEBI clarified that penalty on seller in case of delivery default would be 4% of settlement price along with replacement cost. The replacement cost is difference between settlement price and average of three highest of the last spot prices of five succeeding days after the commodity pay-out date, if the average price so determined is higher than settlement price, else this component will be zero. With respect to futures contracts on non-agri commodities, the penalty would be 3% of settlement price along with replacement cost. According to the SEBI circular, clearing corporations and exchanges will have the flexibility to increase or decrease the penalty for specific commodities depending on situation in consultation with SEBI. In respect of norms for apportionment of penalty, the circular says at least 1.75% of settlement price will be deposited in the settlement guarantee fund (SGF) of the clearing corporation, while up to 0.25% of settlement price may be retained by such corporation towards administration expenses. The circular adds that 1% of settlement price in case of non-agri goods or 2% of settlement price in case of agri goods plus replacement cost will go to a buyer who was entitled to receive the delivery. "In addition, clearing corporation may have an appropriate deterrent mechanism including penal or disciplinary action in place against intentional and willful delivery default," the SEBI circular says. In the case of default by a buyer in both agricultural and non-agricultural commodities, SEBI says, clearing corporation need to review the loss incurred by the non-defaulting party, or the seller, at its sole discretion, and accordingly, levy a penalty on the defaulting buyer. Such penalty should be within the overall cap of delivery margins collected by the clearing corporations, from such defaulting buyer, SEBI added. A school in Co Tipperary was closed earlier this week after the HSE flagged a "variant of concern" following a pupil's positive test for Covid-19. A "variant of concern" is the term used for strains of the virus which have originated in countries such as Brazil or South Africa which are more infectious and could also impact on the efficacy of vaccines. In a letter sent to several parents at Presentation primary school in Carrick-on-Suir, the HSE wrote that while it was a "different strain" of the virus, it was "not aware that this strain is more dangerous" but urged people in the household to restrict their movements for 14 days. The school suspended classes for its 300 pupils on Monday morning, with a further positive test confirmed at the school, and reopened Wednesday after getting the all-clear from the HSE. Read More Second class pupils as well as household members of those pupils are remaining at home and must restrict their movements for the next week. The HSE letter to parents said there was a "confirmed case" at the school. "The laboratory has advised us that they may have a 'variant of concern' which is a different strain to the main strain in Ireland at the moment. We are not aware that this strain is more dangerous to anyone but we wish to take extra measures to stop it spreading further in the community. Because of this we are asking the whole household to restrict their movements for 14 days, it said. A spokesperson for the school said that Monday's closure had been a "precautionary move" after concerns were raised by the HSE. "The closure was to give the HSE time to assess the situation and carry out contact tracing. Siblings and close contacts are still out but the school is back open," they added. The Department of Education said it does not comment on individual cases and said schools generally have been supported by "enhanced public health teams" since reopening. Local councillor David Dunne said there was "mass hysteria" in the town after the Presentation sudden closure Monday morning, with "wild rumours" of widespread closures affecting several other premises in the town. "I think the HSE needs to come out and clarify the situation facing towns like ours in future. Blame was being spread very quickly and it was really unfair on a lot of people here. People will jump on rumours and try to blame certain groups and that will happen to more towns again." A spokesman for the HSE/South East Community Healthcare said it does not comment on individual situations, in the interests of confidentiality for individuals concerned. He said the HSEs Department of of Public Health respond to notified cases or outbreaks of Covid-19. The Department of Public Health undertakes a risk assessment of the situation, appropriate investigations are carried out and control measures put in place if required. Up to the end of last week there were 24 cases found here so far of the South African variant. Another seven cases of the Brazilian variant had been detected. Other variants of note found here include 11 cases of B1525, five B1526 cases and 12 P2 cases which is a another potentially problematic variant from Brazil. Baton Rouge, LA - President Joe Biden has aggressive plans to transform the nations heavily fossil-fuel powered economy into a clean-burning one by 2035. Governor John Bel Edwards is encouraging members of the states new Climate Initiatives Task Force to explore wind power in the Gulf. While oil and gas consumption has declined recently, domestic oil production still remains essential to the economy of Louisiana. How realistic are plans to rapidly move towards a nationwide reliance on wind and solar energy? How is Louisianas energy industry already addressing climate change? And what will a pause in offshore leases and other federal measures mean for jobs and the economy in Louisiana? Louisiana Public Square looks for answers on Renewable and Reality Wednesday, March 24 at 7pm on LPB and WLAE in New Orleans. Theres an encore on LPB Sunday, March 28 at 11am. Our panelists will be: Segment One: The Green Energy Shift Gregory Bowser, Louisiana Chemical Association Jeff Cantin, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Harry Vorhoff, Deputy Director, Governors Office of Coastal Activities Mark Zappi, PhD, ULL Energy Institute of Louisiana Segment Two: Renewables & Reality Logan Burke, Alliance for Affordable Energy David Dismukes, PhD, LSU Center for Energy Studies Jason Lanclos, State Energy Office, LA Department of Natural Resources Robert Verchick, Loyola University College of Law Segment Three: Next Steps Camille Manning-Broome, Center for Planning Excellence Flozell Daniels, Jr., Foundation for Louisiana Rep. Joseph Orgeron, R-Larose Tyler Gray, Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association The episode features interviews with Pierre Connor, Executive Director of the Tulane Energy Institute; Mike Moncla, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association; and Dr. Terrence Chambers, Director of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Energy Center at ULL. Beth Courtney, LPB CEO, and Stephen Barnes, Director at ULLs Blanco Policy Center, will host. Visit www.lpb.org/publicsquare for more information. Louisiana Public Square can also be heard on public radio stations WRKF in Baton Rouge; Red River Radio in Shreveport and Alexandria; and WWNO in New Orleans. Check their station websites for schedules. The E.U. slows vaccine exports The European Union is preparing to curb vaccine exports for the next six weeks in response to an acute supply shortage just as a third wave of cases is taxing hospitals and sending country after country into lockdown. The emergency legislation would make it harder for pharmaceutical companies to ship vaccine doses abroad. Critics say exports are a key reason for an embarrassingly slow vaccination campaign, even though the E.U. is a leading vaccine producer. More than 40 million doses have been exported to 33 countries since February, compared with 70 million kept at home for the blocs 27 nations. By contrast, the U.S. and Britain have locked up nearly all domestic production for their citizens. Only around 10 percent of E.U. citizens have been vaccinated, compared with 40 percent of Britons, a quarter of Americans and nearly 60 percent of Israelis. The E.U. legislation would mostly affect AstraZeneca, which promised the bloc more than 100 million doses in the first quarter of 2021 and delivered just 16.6 million, although it could also affect the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. (Newser) President Biden has tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the White House effort to tackle the migration challenge at southern border. Biden made the announcement as he and Harris met at the White House on Wednesday with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandra Mayorkas and other immigration advisers to discuss the increase in unaccompanied young migrants arriving at the border in recent weeks. In delegating the matter to Harris, Biden is seeking to replicate a dynamic that played out when he served as vice president, the AP reports. Barack Obama turned to Biden early in his first term to lead the White House effort to draw down US troops in the intractable war in Iraq. story continues below "When she speaks, she speaks for me," Biden said, noting her past work as California's attorney general makes her specially equipped to lead the administration's response. But the high-profile assignment for Harris, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and is expected to run for the White House again in the future, could be politically fraught. Biden admitted he was saddling her with a "tough job." "Needless to say, the work will not be easy," Harris said about her new assignment. "But it is important work." Biden made the announcement as a delegation of White House officials and members of Congress was traveling to tour a facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, being used to house migrant children. (On Monday, a Democratic lawmaker released photos of children at an overcrowded Border Patrol facility.) Tension continues to build on Fair City this week as scorned bride-to-be Mairead gets some revenge by bedding resident love rat Tommy. It follows a tense story-line that saw Damien, wracked with guilt over his fling with Dearbhla Dillon, call off the wedding in last Sunday nights episode. It all started when the venue cancelled on them, as Damien and Mairead tried to plan their wedding. As Damien struggled to find a new venue for the wedding, Mairead, thinking that he was having second thoughts, urged him not to bottle things up in case they "never go back to how they were". When Mairead suggested he accompany her to a counselling session, guilty Damien hid his discomfort but reluctantly went along. To make matters worse, Damien failed to talk Mairead out of having Dearbhla, her former sister-in-law, as a bridesmaid. After the counsellor, Maddie, focused on Damien in the therapy session, Damien finally told a devastated Mairead he couldn't marry her. Mairead pleaded with Damien for answers about his change in feelings for her as she tried to learn the truth but Damien lied when she asks him if there is someone else. However, when pressured Tommy reveals Damiens infidelity to Mairead. Later Mairead tells Damien, played by actor Maclean Burke, their relationship is over and the couple part ways. In Thursday's epsiode, buoyed by her newfound freedom, Mairead indulges Tommy in a little 'afternoon delight' after inviting him to stay for lunch. Little do either of them know that Tommy's daughter Dearbhla is the one Damien slept with. As Mairead faces up to her split from Damien, Tommy asked her: "Do you think there's any way back for you two?" "No, I don't," she replies. "But on the bright side, I get to put myself first for a change." Expand Close Fair City's Damien and Mairead / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fair City's Damien and Mairead Despite her anger at the news of Damien's infidelity, Mairead later feels guilty following her tryst with Tommy. Mairead tells Tommy she needs to tell Damien the truth. But Fearful of how Damien will react, Tommy reminds her that he is the grandad of Damiens daughter Saoirse and that they have to keep it between themselves. Speaking ahead of the episode, actor Geoff Minogue reckons his character could give Paul Brennan a run for his money as Carrigstown's ladies man. Read More Despite Tommy doing his best to help the situation, just like Kryptonite to Superman, women are his greatest weakness, he said. It remains to be seen if Mairead can repair her relationship with Damien and make it up that aisle. Fair City is next on RTE One on Thursday at 8pm. US President Joe Biden is going to try to do what Barack Obama could not finally pass effective gun control in America. When 10 people were killed in Boulder, Colorado, this week, flags were already flying at half-mast across the country in memory of the eight murdered in Atlanta last week, most of them Asian Americans. The scene of the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, this week. Credit:Courtesy: KUSA via CNN Now, from the White House, Biden has urged Congress to try once again what Obama could not accomplish. He is calling for legislation requiring background checks on all gun sales and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This should not be a partisan issue, he said. Loading But it has been in Washington. In this moment of national mourning, the National Rifle Association base is deeply dug in. Over the past decade, even after the slaughter of schoolchildren in Connecticut and teenagers in Florida, after marches and candle vigils by millions across the county, there has been no breakthrough in Congress. Although a clear majority of Americans want action, the best efforts in recent years in the Senate have never reached more than 54 votes six short of the super majority required to pass controversial legislation. Nearly 6,000 Amazon workers in Bessemer, Alabama are currently voting on whether to bring in the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). Ballots are due Monday, March 29, and the results are set to be announced the following day. The unionization campaign has received the enthusiastic backing of a number of organizations that operate in and around the Democratic Party and the trade union apparatus. Among these is the Left Voice website, which is published by supporters of the Partido de los Trabajadores Socialistas (PTS, Socialist Workers Party) in Argentina. An Amazon fulfillment center (Wikimedia Commons) In a statement published on March 21 (Solidarity Means All Out for Bessemer), Left Voice calls the unionization effort a historic opportunity that demands the support of the entire class. It asserts that this campaign is a top priority for the Left and for organized labor across the country. The statement is co-signed by a faction of the Democratic Socialists of America in El Paso, Detroit Will Breathe, Black Power Collective, and a number of other organizations. The effort to present the RWDSU as a historic opportunity for workers runs into a number of contradictions. Most glaring is the support the campaign has received from powerful factions of the ruling class. In particular, the Biden administration and the Democratic Party have aggressively intervened to promote the RWDSU campaign. The Left Voice statement mentions only in passing the Biden administrations historically unprecedented intervention to back the union campaign, referring to Bidens video statement in which he cynically attempted to paint himself as a friend of working people. However, it makes no effort to explain why Biden, a right-wing corporate Democrat, is supporting what Left Voice calls a top priority for the Left. Bidens intervention, it asserts, is one of a number of actions that have had the effect of calling wider attention to the struggle of the workers at Bessemer. The layers of the ruling class that Biden speaks for are concerned about the growing militancy of Amazon workers and are seeking to revitalize the corporatist unions to contain and suppress working class opposition. Support for the union within the ruling class goes beyond the Democratic Party, however. The Left Voice statement does not even mention the endorsement of another prominent political figure, Republican Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio, who published a column in USA Today earlier this month stating that he stands with the RWDSU unionization drive. He assured business owners that bringing in the union at Amazon would not be equivalent to allowing left-wing social organizers to take over their workplaces. Supporters of the PTS in Latin America would certainly be interested to learn that its affiliates in the US are in an alliance with Rubio, a savage enemy of workers in Latin America. In particular, Rubio has been in the forefront of demands for regime change in Cuba and Venezuela and the removal of all restraints on the exploitation of workers in Latin America by US corporations. Perhaps this is why Left Voice has failed to translate many of its articles on the Amazon unionization drive into Spanish for its Latin American readership. The same counterrevolutionary viciousness that motivates Rubios policies in Latin America is behind his support for the unionization campaign in Amazon. Like Biden, Rubio supports bringing in the RWDSU because it will serve as a police force over the working class, not an instrument for working class struggle. Somewhere in the background, moreover, he would have been in discussions with the union on a quid pro quosecuring guarantees in relation to issues of foreign policy in Latin America in exchange for his backing of the union campaign at Amazon. In earlier statements, Left Voice attempted to provide a left cover to its support for the union campaign by asserting that bringing in the RWDSU has to be combined with a rank-and-file strategy to oppose the union apparatus. In a March 20 article, Tatiana Cozzarelli writes, Even with the drive at Bessemers Amazon warehouse opening the floodgates for unionization efforts across the country, weve seen all too many unions function as business unions in a top-down manner and dont fight for their workers. Thats why workers need to fight for more than just a union, but for unions run by the rank and fileto make them real fighting tools for the working class. In an earlier article, the same author stated, For the Amazon union to fight the pressure to become a campaign tool for Democrats, Amazon workers will need to take the union in their own hands. They will need to democratically organize the union in the workplace, with rank-and-file assemblies for discussion and decision making. In other words, Amazon workers should vote for the union, so that they can bring in a corrupt organization that they will be forced to fight. Cozzarelli does not and cannot explain why workers should not organize themselves to directly fight the company, without an additional force whose sole purpose is to suppress such a struggle and politically subordinate the working class to the Democratic Party. Bringing in the RWDSU will not create a framework for rank-and-file organization, but an instrument for its suppression. Once a union is officially certified, it brings with it an array of laws designed to undermine the legal foundation of rank-and-file organizations. The union will claim in contracts that it is the sole legitimate representative of the workers, denying workers the actual right to organize in defense of their own interests. In the meantime, they will forfeit their dues money to well-paid bureaucrats who live like management. Left Voices promotion of the union campaign at Bessemer is characteristic of the politics of the PTS, which traces its heritage to a long tradition of Latin American anti-Trotskyism associated with Nahuel Moreno. Beginning in the mid-20th century, the Morenoite movement oriented to various bourgeois and petit-bourgeois nationalist movements like Castroism in Cuba. A central element of the politics of Morenoism has been the continual effort to form various opportunist electoral alliances, fronts and other organizations to create space for themselves as the left flank of bourgeois politics. In Argentina, Moreno oriented his followers to a political alliance with the movement of General Juan Peron, who had been president of the country between 1946 and 1953 and was a prominent force in Argentine politics even when out of power. Peron was an admirer of Hitler whose program of justicialism mirrored fascism in many ways. The Morenoite movement upheld Peron as a hero, even placing his photo on the partys masthead. In 1973, when the Argentine ruling class recalled Peron to power in an effort to suppress the explosion of the class struggle that was manifested in the Cordoba general strike of 1969, the Morenoite movement (known then as the PST, Partido Socialista de los Trabajadores) acted as a left flank of the Peronist government. The PSTs efforts to subordinate the working class to the bourgeois nationalist government of Peron (and his wife, Isabel, after his death in 1974) served to politically disarm the working class in advance of the 1976 military coup. More recently, the Morenoites have extolled various left bourgeois parties, like the Workers Party (PT) in Brazil, as the path to achieve socialism in Latin America. Today, the PTSwhich was formed after the 1987 death of Moreno and the breakup of his Movement toward Socialism (Movimiento al Socialismo-MAS)is engaged in various unprincipled efforts to create a united party of the left, modeled on Syriza in Greece and Podemos in Spain. An indication of the role that Left Voice hopes to play in the US is provided by the actions of the PTS in Argentina. In particular, the PTS is part of the leadership of the teachers union Ademys, which has helped impose the reopening of schools in Argentina amidst the deadly pandemic. Ademys called a 72-hour strike in February ostensibly to oppose reopenings, only to call it off after negotiating certain conditions, including the promise of vaccines, which have not been met. The Morenoite movement generally justified its adaptation to bourgeois politics in Latin America on the grounds that this was necessary to combat American imperialism. Now, in Alabama, their supporters in the US are supporting a unionization campaign spearheaded by the Democratic Party, among the oldest and most experienced imperialist parties in the world. The AFL-CIO apparatus that they are insisting must be brought into the Bessemer plant has itself played a critical role in supporting all the operations of American imperialism in Latin America. Two additional points must be made about Left Voices campaign for unionization in Alabama. First, as with the RWDSU campaign as a whole, Left Voice advances no concrete demands that it proposes be associated with the call for unionization. It does not suggest that bringing in the union should be connected to the demand for the abolition of the hated quota system, protections against the spread of the pandemic, or significant wage increases. The RWDSU has already stated that it has no program that it is proposing to fight for, a fact that brands it as a top-down operation, not associated with a genuine movement from below. Left Voice is playing its own part in providing cover for this operation. Second, Left Voice combines its support for the RWDSU with an overtly racialist narrative. According to Cozzarelli, This unionization struggle is a direct product of the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement, alongside the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic, laid bare all the injustices of racist capitalism. Those who mobilized over the summer declared in no uncertain terms that Black people deserve better. Black lives should matter. But they dont matter to the cops who systematically terrorize and murder Black people. And Black lives dont matter to Amazon either. The effort to present the union campaign in racial terms follows the line of the Democratic Party and Biden himself, who said that a vote for the RWDSU would strengthen Black and Brown workers. On the part of the unions, there are opportunist considerations motivating a racial appeal. The RWDSU hopes that bringing in Black Lives Matter activists would help garner more votes at the Bessemer warehouse, where 85 percent of the workforce is African American. According to one report, appearing on the Payday Report website, With support weakest among young Black men in the plant many are hoping that the Black Lives Matter movement can get younger Black activists more engaged on their behalf. More fundamentally, the racialist politics of the Democratic Party, parroted by Left Voice, is aimed at dividing workers and preventing a unified struggle against the capitalist system. Amazon, in particular, is a massive transnational corporation that employs workers of every race, gender and nationality. The 1.3 million workers at Amazon include nearly 500,000 outside of the United States. In the US, the plurality (32 percent) of Amazon workers are white, while 26.5 percent are African American, 23 percent are Hispanic, and 13.6 percent are Asian. Any campaign against this corporate giant that is based on a racialist appeal is branded as reactionary and bankrupt from the start. The intervention of Left Voice into the unionization campaign at Amazon is directed above all at blocking the already existing and expanding movement of Amazon workers for independent organizations of working class struggle, initiated with the assistance of the Socialist Equality Party and the International Amazon Workers Voice. They see this as a dangerous sign of the political radicalization of Amazon workers who are seeking to organize their struggles outside of the control of the pro-capitalist unions and the Democratic Party. European Council President Charles Michel said on Tuesday that he had invited US President Joe Biden to take part in the virtual EU summit, which will be held on March 25-26, and was looking forward to the opportunity to exchange views with him on the future of EU-US relations BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd March, 2021) European Council President Charles Michel said on Tuesday that he had invited US President Joe Biden to take part in the virtual EU summit, which will be held on March 25-26, and was looking forward to the opportunity to exchange views with him on the future of EU-US relations. "Looking forward to welcome @POTUS at this week's European Council meeting. I have invited the President of the US to join our meeting for him to share his views on our future cooperation. Time to rebuild our transatlantic alliance," Michel said on Twitter. In turn, Michel's spokesman Barend Leyts said that the meeting would take place on March 25 at 20;45 Brussels time (19:45 GMT). Read this one closely and note a top ranking police official commenting on "guns in the wrong hands" amid more pedestrian chatter regarding poverty and potential pizza party solutions. Reality check: Over the years KCPD has surprised conservatives with tepid support for local gun crackdown efforts on the citizenry. Of course their defense is they're against illegal guns . . . Meanwhile, Prez Biden and Democratic leaders are hoping to change national laws so that assault rifles meet that distinction. Read more . . . Muscat, March 24 : The Omani Health Ministry on Wednesday announced 741 new Covid-19 cases, raising the tally to 153,105. Meanwhile, 374 people have recovered during the past 24 hours, taking the overall recoveries to 140,220 while 11 deaths were reported, pushing the tally to 1,644, according to a ministry statement as quoted by Oman News Agency (ONA). The ministry urged everyone to adhere to social distancing instructions issued by the Supreme Committee entrusted with handling the coronavirus. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Police have arrested a man more than four months after he allegedly followed an actress out of a London Tube station and screamed abuse at her. Corrine Priest claims she was followed and harassed by a man as she walked home alone, after she had complained about people not wearing face masks on the Underground. Ms Priest, who appeared in Les Miserables in the West End, accused the Metropolitan Police of 'ghosting her' after officers failed to track down the suspect despite her giving them his name. Speaking out in the aftermath of the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard in Clapham earlier this month, Ms Priest claimed officers had failed to take her own allegations seriously. Scotland Yard was seemingly forced into action amid the backlash over its handling of Ms Everard's case and has now made an arrest some four months on. A spokesman for the force said a 24-year-old man had been arrested before being interviewed under caution. Corrine Priest (pictured) is a West End actress who appeared in the Les Miserables stage production A shaken Corrine posted the videos to Twitter shortly after the altercation, saying: 'Trigger warning. Just got harassed, threatened and followed home because I told my mum on the phone that people aren't wearing masks on the tube' Ms Priest (pictured) says she was called a 'posh c***' and a 'sl**' by the man as she walked home from Hendon Tube Station in London, and filmed the incident Trigger warning Just got harassed, threatened and followed home because I told my Mum on the phone that people arent wearing masks on the tube. These narcissistic men will continue to do this & it is dangerous. I am upset for us. Outside Hendon tube. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/CoObAlJs9K Corrine Priest (@CorrinePriest) November 6, 2020 Video footage shows the man calling Ms Priest a 'posh c***' and a 'sl**' as she walked home from Hendon Tube Station in London last November. Ms Priest says she gave officers the suspect's name and telephone number, and footage of his appearance on a television dating show. But four months on from the incident, she claimed Scotland Yard ignored her and fail to 'take this kind of thing seriously.' The exchange apparently began after the man overheard Ms Priest on the phone to her mother talking about people not wearing face coverings on the Tube. Ms Priest told The Telegraph: 'What can women do if the police won't stand up for us? 'I honestly did everything I could but the Metropolitan Police just don't seem to take this kind of thing seriously.' As the video begins, Ms Priest is seen filming herself as she is pursued by the man, who tells her: 'You're a dirty little f****** life.' Speaking to the camera, she says: 'Someone is filming me, he is following me. I don't know what to do.' She then turns to him and says: 'I don't want any trouble, I don't want any trouble.' Speaking to the camera, she says: 'Someone is filming me, he is following me. I don't know what to do' Ms Priest posted the videos to Twitter shortly after the altercation last November, writing: 'Trigger warning. Just got harassed, threatened and followed home because I told my mum on the phone that people aren't wearing masks on the tube. 'These narcissistic men will continue to do this and it is dangerous. I am upset for us. I hate how scared I was. I had to be submissive for my safety.' A Met Police spokesman said today: 'Police received an online report on 6 November. A woman aged in her 20s reported that she had been harassed and threatened by a man near Hendon tube station at around 13:50. 'A 24-year-old man was arrested on Friday, 19 March. He was subsequently dearrested and interviewed under caution.' FOREST CITY, Iowa A northwest Iowa woman is pleading guilty to a drug crime in Winnebago County. Amanda Jo Anderson, 38 of Estherville, has entered a guilty plea to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Law enforcement says Anderson was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over in Buffalo Center on December 7, 2020. Court documents state six grams of meth were found on Anderson. Her sentencing is now scheduled for May 18. Constitutional Court judges refuse to open proceedings in 'Shkarlet case', issue to be considered by Grand Chamber of Court The first board of judges of the First Senate of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, at a session on March 24, considered the issue of opening constitutional proceedings in the case of the appointment of Serhiy Shkarlet as the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. "The Board of Judges adopted a ruling on refusing to initiate constitutional proceedings in the case. The issue on initiating constitutional proceedings in this case will be considered at a session of the Grand Chamber of the Court," the press service of the Constitutional Court said. As reported, the Verkhovna Rada appointed Shkarlet as the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine on December 17, 2020. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Dmytro Razumkov instructed the Regulatory Committee to study the situation during the voting for the appointment of Minister of Education Serhiy Shkarlet. On January 18, 2021, the Prosecutor General's Office, at the request of the Holos party, opened a criminal case. On March 5, 2021, the Constitutional Court received a submission to cancel the decision of the Verkhovna Rada on the appointment of Shkarlet, signed by 45 MPs of the Holos and European Solidarity factions, as well as non-factional MPs. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) market size is expected to reach USD 306.1 billion by 2027 according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report Active pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product Type (Monoclonal Antibodies, Immunoglobulin, Cytokines, Insulin, Peptide Hormones, Blood Factors, Peptide Antibiotics, Vaccines, Small Molecule Antibiotics, Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI), and Others); By Form (Aqueous, Non-Aqueous Liquid, and Dry Powder); By Manufacturer Type (Captive, and Merchant); By Application (Cardiology, Oncology, CNS & Neurology, Orthopedic, Endocrinology, Pulmonology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Ophthalmology, and Others), By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2020 2027gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) is a substance involved in the finished pharmaceutical product (FPP), aimed to enhance the pharmacological activity or have direct impact in the cure, mitigation, diagnosis, treatment of disease or in modifying, correcting or restoring physiological functions in the human body. Drug products are composed of various components, API is the primary ingredient of a drug product, for instance, capsule or a tablet. APIs form used in the formulation is the most stable crystalline form, thermo-dynamically. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market/request-for-sample The prominent factors favoring the global market include the sudden outbreak of novel corona virus, which is rapidly escalating the demand for pharmaceuticals and thereby fueling the overall market growth. Additionally, rise in aging population, rising cases of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, AIDs, other infectious diseases, are further contributing to augmenting demand for APIs that are used in drugs. For instance, according to a report published in March 2020, by World Health Organization (WHO), the number of COVID-19 patients increased to 200,000 and in almost after twelve-day period, the number would exceed by 100,000. Moreover, rising incidence of cardiovascular, oncology, diabetes and lifestyle diseases coupled with rising geriatric populace is furthermore surging the overall demand for the global market. Market participants such as AbbVie Inc., Albemarle Corporation, AstraZeneca, Aurobindo Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cipla Inc., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., ELI Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Lonza Group, Merck & Co., Inc., Mylan N.V., Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. are some of the key players operating in the global market. Players in the market are focusing on developing active pharmaceutical Ingredient to suffice the rising demand of critical drugs for the treatment of numerous diseases. For the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, HIV, arthritis, Hepatitis-B, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Aids and various others, which are responsible for the majority of deaths across the globe, the innovation and demand for pharmaceuticals has witnessed elevated graph over the few decades. This has further resulted in rise in growth of API during the past years and also over the forecast period. Browse for full research summary: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market Major players in the market are strengthening their capabilities to enhance their product portfolio and further establish their market place. For instance, on July, 2020, Advert International signed an agreement for the acquisition of RA Chem Pharma Ltd, an integrated pharmaceutical company by Micro Labs Ltd. for USD 1.7 billion. Advert International aims for building one of the major API platforms and is expected to leverage their operational and financial resources across the globe to scale RA Chem Pharma. Polaris Market Research has segmented the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient market on the basis of product type, form, manufacturer type, application and region Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Product Type Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Monoclonal Antibodies Immunoglobulin Cytokines Insulin Peptide Hormones Blood Factors Peptide Antibiotics Vaccines Small Molecule Antibiotics Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI) Others Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Form Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Aqueous Non-Aqueous Liquid Dry Powder Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Manufacturer Type Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Captive Merchant Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Application Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) Cardiology Oncology CNS & Neurology Orthopedic Endocrinology Pulmonology Gastroenterology Nephrology Ophthalmology Others Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Regional Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2016 2027) North America U.S. Canada Europe France Germany UK Italy Spain Netherlands Austria Asia Pacific China India Japan Malaysia South Korea Indonesia Central & South America Mexico Brazil Argentina Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/active-pharmaceutical-ingredients-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. 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. We strive to provide our customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high growth markets, emerging business environments and latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to our customers. Contact Us: Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. A close ally of Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has been seen on footage taken inside the U.S. Capitol building during the January 6 riot. CNN reviewed footage from inside the seat of Congress confirming the presence of Anthony Aguero, a conservative live-streamer, activist and associate of Greene, the news network reported Wednesday. Aguero previously said in a video he had been among those who entered the building, but declined to answer if he had been inside when questioned again by CNN. He claimed videos later posted to social media accounts from inside and outside the Capitol were not his and had been recorded from other people. Publicly posted videos of the riot reviewed by CNN's KFile investigation team provided the first visual confirmation that Aguero went inside the building, the network said. Aguero previously confirmed he was at the Capitol as an 'independent journalist' reporting the events. He has appeared in videos reporting on events for conservative media outlet Real America's Voice. Anthony Aguero, a conservative live-streamer, activist and associate of Marjorie Taylor Greene, said in a video following the January 6 Capitol riot that he had been among those who entered the building Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican from Georgia, speaks during a protest outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on January 5 In a video immediately filmed following the riot, Aguero said 'a message was sent.' He described those who broke into the building as 'patriots,' and commented '#PatriotsSaveAmerica2021! Not Antifa/BLM!!!' in a comment, which has since been removed, that was made immediately following the Capitol ransacking. Aguero appears never to have uploaded any footage he took inside the Capitol to Facebook or Instagram. But there are videos in which he can be heard chanting 'heave ho' as rioters attempted to break into the Capitol's west side. In a comment, Aguero wrote 'MAGA' under the video. Aguero can later be heard chanting 'our house' among the Capitol mob on the building's east side. Aguero declined to comment to CNN about the video confirmation, while Greene's office did not respond to requests for comment. Aguero's Twitter account includes a photo of him at an event with Greene and others with the hashtag #FightLikeGreene. Aguero was one of six candidates in the 2020 Republican primary for Congressional District 16 representing El Paso, Texas. Democratic incumbent Veronica Escobar retained her seat in the November general election, defeating Republican Irene Armendariz-Jackson. Aguera (far left in the red cap) could also be heard chanting 'heave ho' as rioters attempted to break into the Capitol's west side A photo posted to Aguero's Twitter account on March 19 shows Marjorie Taylor Greene, center, with Aguero, right, and others at a political event Aguero was one of six candidates in the 2020 Republican primary for Congressional District 16 representing El Paso, Texas Greene, who took office this year, has in the past promoted conspiracies about QAnon and the 9/11 attacks and was stripped of her Congressional committee assignments. She currently is the target of an expulsion resolution from House Democrats. Greene has called Aguero 'one of my closest friends' and has worked with the live-streamer on issues such as immigration and the border wall. The pair also have attended Trump rallies together. In a candidate survey conducted by Ballotpedia, Aguero said he was an advocate for 'American issues such as the 2nd Amendment and Border Security.' 'While covering these issues in El Paso with Border Network News, I have been on the front lines of our broken immigration system with Border Patrol and with local 2nd Amendment Advocacy groups to bring attention and support these vital issues,' he said. Aguero identified a 'globalization agenda' as the nation's greatest challenge over the next decade. 'The greatest challenge we as Americans face is the globalization agenda against our sovereignty by the main stream propaganda machine and leftist elected 'officials,'' Aguero said. Advertisement EU leaders will hold a virtual meeting today to discuss the ongoing row about Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine exports to the UK and their own bungled rollout of the jab. The Europeans are angry that UK-based pharma giant has failed to meet its vaccine delivery promises to them while ensuring smoother supplies to former member Britain, who ordered their doses months earlier. Such is their paranoia, bungling Brussels bureaucrats ordered a raid on an Italian vaccine factory in a bid to grab British jabs only to find doses destined for the worlds poorest nations and the people of Europe. The looming third wave of coronavirus infections and Europe's struggle to mount a vaccination drive will dominate Thursday's EU video summit, where leaders of the 27 states will also be addressed by US President Joe Biden. The bloc stepped back from the brink of a vaccine war with Britain last night following a furious backlash by member states. In an apparent climbdown, the European Commission agreed a joint statement with the UK offering to work to find a 'win-win' solution to the row. The statement came at the end of a day of brinkmanship in which Brussels tabled proposals allowing it to block the export of vaccines to the UK. Boris Johnson warned that blockading life-saving vaccine supplies would do lasting reputational damage to the EU and deter international firms from wanting to invest there. Former health secretary Jeremy Hunt branded the proposed export ban 'idiotic' and warned it could wreck the EU's relations with Britain for years. 'Step by step the EU is destroying the possibility of a long-term partnership and friendship with its closest neighbour,' he said. Boris Johnson warned that blockading life-saving vaccine supplies would do lasting reputational damage to the EU and deter international firms from wanting to invest there German Chancellor Angela Merkel attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, March 24 French President Emmanuel Macron gives an interview at the Elysee Palace in Paris on March 23, 2021 At a press conference in Brussels, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January The UK's vaccine rollout has surged far ahead of the EU's leaving the bloc under huge pressure to explain why The UK-EU joint statement last night acknowledged the third wave of cases in Europe made co-operation more important but said no resolution had yet been reached. Merkel sorry for Easter shutdown row Angela Merkel has issued an extraordinary apology to the German people as she reversed an Easter lockdown announced just 24 hours previously. Germany's Chancellor said the mistake 'was mine alone' and asked forgiveness for 'creating uncertainty'. Leaders were forced to back down after public outcry over plans for a five-day shutdown over the Easter weekend on top of existing coronavirus restrictions. Church services were told to move online and family gatherings were limited. There had been no public discussion before the plan emerged in the early hours of Tuesday. Mrs Merkel said yesterday: 'The idea of an Easter shutdown was drawn up with the best intentions, because we must urgently manage to slow and reverse the third wave of the pandemic. 'There were good reasons for it but it could not be implemented well enough in this short time. 'This mistake is my mistake alone, because in the end I bear ultimate responsibility... 'I know the whole process has caused additional uncertainty, for which I ask all citizens to forgive me.' Infections continue to rise in Germany, with 15,813 new cases reported in 24 hours yesterday. Advertisement 'Given our interdependencies, we are working on specific steps we can take in the short, medium and long term to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens,' it said. 'In the end, openness and global co-operation of all countries will be key to finally overcome this pandemic and ensure better preparation for meeting future challenges.' However, EU leaders will meet today to decide whether to press ahead with restricting vaccine exports to the UK and ministers remain concerned that Brussels could yet deploy its new powers. Mr Johnson refused to rule out retaliatory action which could see the UK suspend the export of vaccine ingredients although he made clear he was not in favour of the move at this stage. Negotiations are thought to centre on an AstraZeneca plant in the Netherlands. One Whitehall source said: 'They have armed themselves with a bazooka and pointed it at us it is quite incendiary, not to mention morally and legally outrageous.' France and Germany have backed a hardline stance as they try to deflect attention from their own sluggish vaccination campaigns. A source close to French president Emmanuel Macron warned that the EU would no longer continue to be 'the useful idiot' in allowing jabs to be shipped overseas while the bloc struggles for supplies. But the prospect of a damaging ban has alarmed a string of other EU countries. Ireland has declared the idea a 'very retrograde step', while Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland and Sweden are also said to harbour concerns. Yesterday began with an extraordinary raid by Italian authorities on an AstraZeneca plant wrongly suspected of preparing to export millions of doses to Britain. In fact, the 29million jabs were destined for other EU countries and parts of the Third World. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen then published 'temporary' powers allowing the EU to block the export of jabs to countries such as the UK which have higher vaccination rates. The plan could threaten millions of doses of the AZ vaccine due to be shipped from the Netherlands. But it could also cut off the UK's entire supply of the Pfizer jab, which comes from Belgium. Such a move could jeopardise the ability of the NHS to administer second doses of the vaccine. This chart shows how the AstraZeneca supply chain looks across Europe EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who is fighting to keep her job over the disastrous vaccine rollout, has toughened her stance towards Britain in recent days Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride receives his second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Belfast last week EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (pictured with EU Council President Charles Michel), who is fighting to keep her job over the EU's disastrous vaccine rollout, has toughened her stance towards Britain in recent days A further threat to the UK rollout emerged last night as India was reported to have blocked all major exports of the AZ vaccine because infections there are soaring. Two weeks after five million doses for the UK were stopped, sources said Narendra Modi's government has now implemented a complete ban on exports by the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine manufacturer. The move will also affect supplies to the Covax vaccine-sharing facility through which more than 180 poorer countries are expected to get doses, one of the sources said. Covax would also be hit by any EU ban. Its co-chairman Jane Halton said any threats from Brussels to hold vaccine exports hostage would be 'extremely regrettable'. EU health commissioner Stella Kyriakides denied the plans amounted to an export ban, adding: 'We're dealing with a pandemic and this is not seeking to punish any countries.' One EU diplomat said Britain had 'taken a risk' by leaving itself 'extremely dependent' on the EU for second doses of the Pfizer jab. Summer holidays all but cancelled as downbeat Boris Johnson warns 'things are looking difficult on the continent' with a new wave of Covid and refuses to confirm if he will go abroad with his family The Prime Minister faced a wide-ranging grilling from senior MPs this afternoon Foreign travel due to restart no earlier than May 17 but he was more pessimistic He refused to confirm if he would take a foreign holiday this summer Boris Johnson dealt another blow to Britons' hopes of foreign summer holidays today. The Prime Minister warned that things were 'looking difficult on the continent', where there is a third wave of Covid cases, as he faced a grilling from senior MPs this afternoon. Under his roadmap out of lockdown, foreign travel can restart no earlier than May 17. But the surge in cases in mainland Europe have raised threats that many countries will have to be put on the Covid red list, meaning people visiting them will have to go into a fortnight's hotel quarantine. Mr Johnson even refused to confirm if he would take a foreign holiday this summer, when he appeared at the Liaison Committee this afternoon. Questioned by Tory Huw Merriman about the summer in prospect, the Prime Minister said: 'On April 5, we'll get the findings of the global travel taskforce and I'll be setting out what I think may be possible from May 17. 'Things are looking difficult on the continent and we'll have to look at the situation as it develops.' The Prime Minister said the 'natural wanderlust' of Britons would lead to a 'miraculous change' in the desire to go abroad once it is safe to do so. The Prime Minister warned that things were 'looking difficult on the continent', where there is a third wave of Covid cases, as he faced a grilling from senior MPs this afternoon. Asked how the Government could help reverse foreign holidays being a 'dirty word' since the coronavirus outbreak, Boris Johnson said: 'I think do not underestimate the natural wanderlust, spirit of inquiry, general dynamism of the British people that has served us for hundreds and hundreds of years. 'As soon as people feel it is safe, you will see a miraculous change in the mood and what happens. That is what this is all about. 'We're getting there step by step, jab by jab - we're not there yet but I'll be saying more on April 5 and then on April 12, and we will do what we can.' Questioned on whether he would be looking to go abroad if it is declared safe this summer, Mr Johnson added: 'I think whatever I do, I will be making sure to tell the British public what I think is safe and sensible, and I certainly won't be doing anything other than that.' It came after Care Minister Helen Whately urged Britons to 'hold off' on booking a foreign trip this year, saying it would be 'premature'. She echoed comments made over the weekend by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who said summer holidays were 'potentially risky'. A spike in coronavirus cases in some European countries and the spread of variants of the disease have sparked fears of the May 17 date being pushed back. When France required the testing of hauliers crossing the channel in December it led to thousands of lorries being stranded in Kent while the arrangements were put in place But some Tory MPs are concerned a delayed return to foreign travel could harm the vaccine roll-out because holidays abroad are the 'main reason' many younger people will get the jab. Mr Johnson also confirmed he is considering imposing tougher restrictions on travel from France to prevent the importation of coronavirus variants despite the risks to cross-Channel trade. The Prime Minister said a balance had to be struck between the need to protect public health and the major disruption that would be caused to the flow of goods including food and medicine. Mr Johnson said the Government will 'take a decision, no matter how tough' and that measures may be needed 'very soon'. His comments to MPs came amid concerns about the spread of the South African and Brazilian variants of coronavirus. Home Affairs Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper said France had 2-3,000 cases of the variants and questioned why it was not on the 'red list' of countries from which travel is effectively banned. She acknowledged that the need for trade would mean quarantine was not appropriate for hauliers but questioned why they were not being tested for coronavirus. Mr Johnson said putting France on the 'red list' was 'something that we will have to look at' due to concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines against new variants. The PM said 'we have to look at the situation at the Channel' and 'we can't rule out tougher measures and we will put them in if necessary'. When France required the testing of hauliers crossing the channel in December it led to thousands of lorries being stranded in Kent while the arrangements were put in place. Mr Johnson said: 'There is a balance to be struck and what we don't know is the exact state of the efficacy of the vaccines against the new variants and we have to balance that against the very serious disruption that is entailed by curtailing cross-channel trade. JOHN HUMPHRYS: This has destroyed the faith of an old Remainer like me By John Humphrys for the Daily Mail I failed in the eyes of many listeners when I was presenting the Today programme in the long run-up to the EU referendum in 2016 BBC news presenters like to pretend that they are impartial except when it comes to distinguishing between good and evil. They have no choice. That's the test that the great Lord Reith set a century ago and, by and large, it applies today. But it's not easy. I failed in the eyes of many listeners when I was presenting the Today programme in the long run-up to the EU referendum in 2016. They accused me of being so biased in favour of Brexit that I never gave the Remainers a fair chance to state their case. They were right about me being biased but wrong about where my bias lay. I was so determined not to show my true colours that I might just possibly have given Remainers a slightly rougher ride than they deserved when I interviewed them. In the highly charged atmosphere of the most bitterly fought referendum in this nation's history, that was more than enough to condemn me in the eyes of Remainers. The fact is, I was one of them: A Remainer through and through. But this week it's hard for an old Remainer like me, waiting to have his second jab, not to muse on his referendum vote back in 2016 and wonder whether he might have voted differently if he'd known then what he knows now. It is a loss of faith that would never have occurred to my younger self. I'd been a pro-European ever since we signed up to the EEC in 1973. How could any idealistic young man, born even as German bombs were falling on his home city, fail to be moved by the grand notion of a united Europe? I'll admit that my faith was shaken more than once in the decades that followed but never enough to join the ranks of the Brexiteers. Europe was, by a mile, our biggest trading partner and therefore crucial to our future prosperity. And, yes, I might have had growing misgivings about the Brussels dream of an 'ever closer union' but surely that was a small price to pay for peace on a continent racked by war for centuries. So it was that I went to bed as the referendum polling stations were closing on June 23, 2016, confident that I'd be downing a glass of bubbly with my Today colleagues after the results came in the following morning. Instead the newsroom resembled a wake after the death of a loved one. The mourning was led by the big bosses. In the five years since there have been many occasions on which I've been able to say: Told you so! But the fiasco of repeated failures to strike a decent deal pale in to insignificance compared with what is happening as I write. It is not being melodramatic to claim that lives are at stake. Vaccination against Covid saves lives. Denial of the vaccine kills people. It's one thing for the bureaucrats of Brussels or Whitehall to squabble over the finer details of how the Northern Ireland border might (or might not) operate. It's something else again for the EU led by the risible figure of Ursula von der Leyen to threaten a vaccine war with the United Kingdom. It is a threat that seems to have little justification other than to distract attention from the EU's own pathetic failure to procure the jabs that are needed for the EU's own citizens and deliver them speedily to those most at risk. It is both shameful and devious to try to blame Britain for having succeeded so magnificently where the EU has failed. Boris Johnson, who looked so careworn when he appeared before the media this week as well he might must be thanking his lucky stars for President von der Leyen's performance. It's like a boxer who's been on the ropes for most of the bout watching his opponent punch himself on the nose. Brussels must have had high hopes of a morale-boosting performance from the respected politician and MEP Philippe Lamberts when he appeared on the Today programme yesterday. And indeed all went well when he launched an attack on the inability to fulfil promises of the vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca. They had, he said, 'performed with a track record of dishonesty. Over promising. Under delivering by massive amounts. We have seen that they have also bungled up at least twice their test data so everything points to a company that cannot be relied upon.' Strong stuff but, as my old friend Justin Webb pointed out, it would sound more cogent coming from the European side if it weren't for the fact that there are millions of AZ doses available in Europe that are not being used. They're just being stored. Mr Lamberts, doubtless to the dismay of his EU President, agreed. Indeed, he made no attempt to conceal his admiration for what Britain has done. As he said, the track record of member states pales in comparison. He even agreed with Justin that 'AZ has been the subject of a scurrilous campaign around Europe, a campaign that went right to the top of European politics, that suggested things about the vaccine that weren't true, that have led to all sorts of confusion for Europeans on whether to take it.' So where do we go from here? What many European politicians, including Mr Lamberts, wanted is for the British Government, the EU commission and AZ at the highest levels to sit together and try to find a mutually agreeable solution. And last night the UK and the EU did exactly that. Afterwards they issued a joint statement saying they are working together 'to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens', adding: 'In the end, openness and global co-operation of all countries will be key to finally overcome this pandemic and ensure better preparation for meeting future challenges.' Such emollience came not before time. Earlier in the day, Brussels had upped the ante by publishing proposals widening the criteria for restricting exports to countries with high jab rates. The Italian authorities went so far as to impound unilaterally 29million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Vaccine nationalism is something we should all fear. Some estimates suggest a European ban could delay Britain's vaccine drive by two months and affect supply by 20 per cent. As Johnson has put it, 'We are all fighting the same pandemic Vaccines are an international operation.' What he does not want is a retaliatory ban on exports: 'We do not believe in blockades of any kind.' And what does Brussels really want? Hard to say. The French Europe minister Clement Beaune has said: 'We want to avoid AstraZeneca doses produced in Europe going to Britain when we are not receiving anything.' The German Chancellor Angela Merkel no less has said the EU has 'a problem with AstraZeneca'. And a ban on exporting drugs is not the only weapon in the Brussels armoury. The European Council President Charles Michel has raised the prospect that the EU could adopt 'urgent measures' by invoking an emergency provision in the EU treaties which ostensibly could be used to force vaccine makers to share their patents or other licenses. In the formal language of an EU treaty it is known as compulsory licensing. Drug companies might prefer the word 'theft'. But perhaps all this is unnecessarily alarmist. Perhaps there will be no ban, no vaccine war, no enforced 'sharing' of patents. Perhaps. But I would need to regain my faith in the Remainer religion to accept that. ARLINGTON, Texas, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Decimated by collapsed ceilings and flooded spaces caused by busted pipes during the February winter freeze, an Irving emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is finally getting some good news. Representatives from Brighter Tomorrows, one of the area's largest domestic violence and sexual assault agencies, today received a $10,000 donation from Ashley HomeStore to help refurnish the Irving facility. The organization can use the donation to purchase home furnishings in the retailer's new Arlington location, 4650 S. Cooper Street, or at the Ashley HomeStore Outlet in Grand Prairie, 502 Fountain Pkwy. Brittany Graham, community engagement specialist for the home furnishings retailer, presented the donation at Ashley HomeStore's new Arlington showroom. "It was heartbreaking to see the images from the shelter after the storm," Graham says. "For the good of those in abusive situations, this shelter needs to get up and running as soon as possible." With the donation in hand, Brighter Tomorrows can purchase dressers, nightstands, sectionals, desks, accent chairs and tables, bookcases and other items needed to refurnish its Irving facility. This past fiscal year, the Irving shelter operated by Brighter Tomorrows has provided emergency shelter for more than 800 individuals, including more than 350 children. The organization's hotline also has fielded close to 10,000 calls this year, according to Brighter Tomorrows CEO Colleen Jamieson. "We're hearing from so many in the community who want to help," she says. "The outpouring of support, and of course this donation by Ashley HomeStore, proves there are indeed brighter tomorrows even during the most difficult times." The organization has added a Winter Storm Recovery section to its website, www.brightertomorrows.net, where individuals can make monetary donations and purchase gift cards from local retailers to aid the Irving shelter. Jamieson hopes the Irving Shelter will be up and running again within 4-5 months. Until then, individuals are being sheltered in hotels and partner Domestic Violence shelters. SOURCE Ashley HomeStore A former Vineland police captain claims he was fired from his city job after he refused city officials requests to lie about his former chief and fellow captain during an investigation that is still ongoing, according to a lawsuit. In the lawsuit, filed March 10 in federal court, Matthew Finley claims he was fired from his job as the citys chief of Personnel and Labor Relations after he refused to lie about Police Chief Rudolph Beu IV and police Capt. Adam Austino during a human resources investigation. Although they are not named defendants, Finley claims the citys business administrator, Robert E. Dickenson Jr., and city solicitor Richard Tonetta pressured him to make up lies about his former police colleagues, the lawsuit said. As a result of Plaintiffs truthful statements and his refusal to give damaging or false statements against Beu and Austino, Plaintiff was fired, the lawsuit reads. Vineland Police Chief Rudolph Beu, pictured at the podium in this file photo from May 2017.Chris Franklin | NJ Advance Media When reached by phone, Tonetta declined to comment on Finleys lawsuit. Dickenson did not immediately return a call seeking comment, but Tonetta said that Dickenson would not be commenting on the lawsuit either. After refusing to make up lies about Beu and Austino and initially being told that his job was safe, Finley was fired last March, according to the complaint. The lawsuit, which names the city of Vineland as a defendant, seeks damages from the city for violating Finleys constitutional rights and unfairly firing him. According to the lawsuit, Finley, who worked in the Vineland Police Department for 25 years, was hired in March 2019 as the citys chief of Personnel and Labor Relations, a job covered by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Months after starting the job, Finley was told by the commission that he did not have the three years of experience required to have the title of chief, the lawsuit said. After an unsuccessful appeal to the commission, Finley told Dickenson and Tonettta about his situation and the two promptly reassured him that his job was not in any danger, the lawsuit said. In response, Dickenson advised Plaintiff that his position was not in jeopardy, that the City would afford him another title, create a director position for him, or name him as a confidential employee so that he could remain employed by the City, the lawsuit said. Dickenson and Mayor Anthony Fanucci allegedly sang Finleys praises to local business leaders, calling him the citys best hire, according to the lawsuit. Vineland Police Capt. Adam Austino is pictured in this file photo from January 2015, when he was a lieutenant.SJN It was when the city hired private attorney Todd Gelfand to investigate Beu and Austino that Finley began to receive pressure from city administrators, the lawsuit claims. Around the time Gelfand was hired, Finley was interviewed by the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office regarding allegations of misconduct levied against Beu and Austino, the lawsuit said. In November 2019, Finley was interviewed by Gelfand after having been pressured by Dickenson and Tonetta to lie about Beu and Austino, the lawsuit claims. Finley refused to lie and told the truth about the two, not making any statements that reflected poorly on the duo, according to the complaint. Months later, in March 2020, despite prior praise, Finley was fired, the suit claims. That same month, at a dinner with retired police officers and civilians, Dickenson allegedly said Finley was fired for not lying about Beu and Austino, the suit claims. We [i.e. the City] fired Finley for his involvement and association with Beu, Dickenson told the dinner attendees, according to the suit. Both Beu and Austino are currently embroiled in their own respective legal battles against the city, both claiming in separate lawsuits that they were retaliated against for fighting corruption in the ranks of the police department and City Hall. As of Wednesday, Beu was suspended with pay, said Tonetta, with a decision on his employment as the city police chief coming any day now. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. HERZLIYA PITUACH, Israel, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tech-first e-commerce aggregator Technology Commerce Management (TCM) today unveiled E-celerator, a first-of-its-kind incubator program for e-commerce startups. The program offers accepted startups access to TCMs artificial intelligence (AI) technology, logistics, and marketing and growth departments, as well as a mentor for training and development. In addition, accepted e-commerce businesses can engage in increasingly important influencer marketing using NinjaOutreach, acquired by TCM as announced earlier today. The program will run for a 12-month period for each accepted applicant, with up to two businesses accepted per month. Interested e-commerce startups can now submit an application for consideration. TCM will begin working with its first two selected applicants in May, the first applicant on May 1 and the second by May 15. Its a well-known fact that about 90% of e-commerce businesses fail and give up on their dreams in the first year. TCM wants to help the e-commerce community by mentoring the most promising e-commerce startups in their early days, said TCM co-founder Gabi Bar. Well establish a relationship with the owner and provide our powerful technology and values-driven business expertise, measurably increasing the probability of success. All we ask in return is that TCM be given the opportunity to evaluate the business for acquisition before others. Specific E-celerator benefits include: Use of TCMs Super Brain AI technology to evaluate and valuate e-commerce assets, analyze a businesss SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), and provide insight for new product ideas Use of Super Brain management and analysis dashboards that provide real-time KPIs, automate frequent management tasks, and recommend improvement action items Access to TCMs Logistics department for production, shipping, offshore supplier relations, postproduction catalogs, and inventory management services Access to TCMs Growth department to learn how to build, identify and grow the store using marketing infrastructure and optimized marketing channels Access to TCMs ICDC (Innovation, Content, Design, and Community) department for new product research and development; writing consultation and expertise in the Amazon A10 algorithm and SEO keywords optimization; mentoring in creative design for the brand from ideation to fruition, including graphics, UXUI consultation, and branding theme; and expertise in growth for community presence and experience on social media platforms, and best practices in generating content Mentoring each month with a wealth-mindset trainer with access to TCMs training and development program TCM will not provide any financial support to accepted startups, however TCM may provide funding advice to E-celerator participants, including recommendations for financial partnerships. The business owner can exit the program at any time with no obligation. Ideally, candidate companies will have the desire to sell their e-commerce business in the future. To review the E-celerator program criteria and apply, go to: https://tcmdigital.com/ecelerator/. About TCM Technology Commerce Management (TCM) delivers the e-commerce aggregator industrys first predictive, AI-driven e-commerce performance optimization. Using a combination of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), TCM identifies, qualifies, acquires and optimizes e-commerce businesses with the highest empirical probability of maximizing wealth creation and ROI for all stakeholders. Founded in 2016 and based in Israel, TCM now operates e-commerce businesses on Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Walmart, Wayfair, WooCommerce and more. Learn more about TCM at www.tcmdigital.com and follow TCM on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube . Media Contact: Michelle Allard McMahon Rainier Communications +1 781-718-3248 tcm@rainierco.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/426158bd-f7a4-4d3f-9313-c40395cc148c INDIANAPOLIS- The Indiana Department of Health is partnering with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health to host a multi-day mass vaccination clinic at the speedway to protect Hoosiers from COVID-19. The Indiana National Guard will support the operation. Getting thousands of Hoosiers vaccinated in a matter of days is a huge undertaking that would not be possible without the medical and logistical support of IU Health, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indiana National Guard, said State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristana Box, We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to getting up to 96,000 shots in arms by the end of April at this special location. The clinic will provide the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine and will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the following days: April 1-3 April 13-18 April 24-30 Because the clinics will offer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, only Hoosiers age 18 and older are eligible to be vaccinated at this site. Registration is required in advance at ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211. Appointments will be available Wednesday afternoon. The speedway is located at 4790 W. 16th St. Entrance will be through Gate 2 off 16th Street. All individuals are asked to wear a mask while being vaccinated. Bir Lehlou Units of the Sahrawi People's Liberation Army (SPLA) pursued their attacks against positions of the Moroccan occupation forces behind the wall of sand, said Monday the Sahrawi Defence Ministry in the military communique No 131. "Units of the SPLA have targeted on Sunday and Monday the positions of the Moroccan occupation army in the areas of Rous Fedret Aziz in the sector of Houza, Larene and Abiret Tnuched in the Mahbes sector," said the military statement quoted by the Sahrawi News Agency (SPS). The SPLA units also carried out "attacks against the entrenchment positions of the Moroccan occupation army in the area of Fedret Elbir in the sector of Al-Farsiyah and the area of Asloukiya Oueld Azbir in the same sector," the source added. The Sahrawi People's Liberation Army continues its attacks against the entrenchment positions of the Moroccan occupying forces, which have suffered considerable material and human losses along the wall of shame," the source concluded.sps Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Armenian parliament ended at its meeting on Wednesday the period of martial law, which was imposed in Armenia on September 27, 2020, in connection with the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The relevant proposal was submitted by the opposition factions Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia, an Interfax correspondent reported. The lifting of martial law was supported by 118 deputies, one deputy voted against, and another one abstained. My daughter's family have lived for 17 years in a house my wife and I bought. It cost 156,000 and is registered in our names. We have never charged rent and never lived there. We'd now like to give them the house. We've made no money from the purchase, even though the house has risen in value, so would we be expected to pay tax, such as capital gains tax? All we've done is provide a home for our daughter's family. R. B., South Ockendon, Essex Unwelcome guest: A reader wants to give her daughter a 156,000 house but is worried about the taxman moving in This is a complex tax question, so I have handed it over to Rachel McEleney, associate director for tax at accounting firm Deloitte. And I am afraid she has bad news. 'Although the property was not bought as an investment, it will be chargeable to capital gains tax (CGT),' she says. The main residence relief enjoyed by owner-occupiers does not extend to occupation by someone other than the owner except in some rare circumstances. 'For CGT purposes, the reader and his wife will be treated as having sold the property at its market value when the gift is made,' says Rachel. Assuming you have no other capital gains in the tax year, you will each have an annual exemption to set against your respective share of the gain. This is 12,300 each. The remaining balance will be taxable at 18 per cent and/or 28 per cent depending on your levels of taxable income. If there is tax due, you and your wife will need to file stand-alone CGT returns via HMRC's online reporting service within 30 days of the gift being made. The tax will also be due by the same deadline. However, there is some good news. There should be no inheritance tax (IHT) due provided you and your wife survive for seven years from the date of the gift. Outright gifts to individuals are known as 'potentially exempt transfers', which become exempt if the person making the gift lives for more than seven years. If you choose not to give your daughter the property now, your respective shares would be included in your estates for IHT purposes, along with your other assets. Rachel adds: 'There should be no stamp duty land tax on an outright gift, as this applies only where the property is being paid for in some way. The transfer would normally be done by way of an application to the Land Registry. 'It is possible to transfer beneficial ownership in other ways through the use of trust deeds, but this might lead to additional administrative burdens further down the line.' Deloitte suggests you seek professional advice to clarify the position as this answer can only give a general overview. BT wants 400 just to cancel our broadband My husband, 94, has Alzheimer's, so I have Power of Attorney. I spoke to BT last summer about changing our service because I am not computer-literate. I was told broadband cancellation would cost me 400 because the contract did not end until November. I rang again in November to be told that I could not cancel until November 2021. Mrs V. W., Byfield, Northants. It seems that your husband renegotiated a two-year contract with BT in November 2019 for phone, broadband and BT Sport. In November 2020, a transfer to another firm was initiated which triggered an early termination fee. Your Power of Attorney has not been registered with BT and you are not a named person on the account, although your daughter is. Your daughter called BT on December 1 to ask for the transfer to be stopped, but the adviser made an error and the transfer went ahead. BT has apologised and refunded the termination fee. A BT spokesman says: 'We're sorry that we didn't stop the transfer of service request when their daughter contacted us. It was due to human error.' Help! I transferred cash to a mystery account I switched banks recently, from NatWest to HSBC, and my list of payees moved with the account. I made a transfer to what I thought was one of my external accounts at Santander. Unfortunately, I hit 'send' based on the recipient name on the account, rather than checking the account number. Santander confirmed that the account exists but it is not registered in my name and it cannot give me any details for data protection reasons, which I understand. HSBC has notified Santander and placed a trace on where the money has gone, but has warned that it can't always be recovered. K. R., Workington, Cumbria. HSBC tells me an account switch takes place without manual intervention, so it cannot understand how this mysterious account has appeared on your payee list. It adds that, as part of the transfer process, the customer is asked to review all payment details. Nothing was changed, it says. It has now gone through all 24 direct debits, one standing order and 64 bill payments you have set up and the details are all correct. You went through six years of previous transactions and could not find a single payment to these account details. So the mystery remains. The good news is that the money went to an honest customer who has now returned it. But your experience is a lesson in double-checking account numbers before clicking to send money. To help prevent these mistakes, most major banks now complete a 'confirmation of payee' check before processing payments and will warn you if the details do not match its records. But this is only done when a new payment is set up not on the existing payees that are transferred from another bank. Is gullible India once again falling for the Dragons charm offensive? After the betrayal and battering this country and its valiant forces faced at the hands of the Peoples Liberation Army in Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Depsang and Gogra/Hot Springs last summer, and at the Doklam tri-junction earlier, why do we forget this humiliation and treachery when, for good reasons of its own, the adversary puts on its benign mask and pretend to place all animosities on the backburner. How else does one deal with the words of Wang Yi, Chinas foreign minister, who also holds the weightier post of state councillor, as he appeared to reach out to New Delhi earlier this month: China and India are friends. Should end suspicion. Should not undercut each other. Boundary dispute not the whole story, as the rights and wrongs of the Line of Actual Control conflict clear, and lets resolve border issues. Too good to be true? Its all beautifully crafted, carefully scripted and tries to bypass the real issues to paint India as the villain, with the aggressor playing the victim card! The press, of course, laps it all up, and forgets to play its real role to ask the tough questions? Of WHY China is doing this, and at the present juncture. Instead, there are headlines like: Dragon turns dove, talks peace, partnership with India. It is a truism but worth repeating now that peoples and nations which forget their own history are condemned to repeat it. Have we forgotten that when Chairman Maos Peoples Republic was born in October 1949, India, which had attained independence just two ears earlier, was one of the first major countries outside the Communist bloc to extend the hand of friendship to the new revolutionary nation? And how did Mao and his cohorts respond to Jawaharlal Nehrus overture for peace and partnership across the Himalayas? By invading Tibet in 1950, driving out the Dalai Lama into exile in 1959 and then, just three years later, trying to invade India in 1962. For Nehru, who actually believed in the concept of Hindi Chini bhai bhai, it was a shock and a betrayal from which he never recovered, but what excuse do we have today for forgetting the lessons of history? Is that what Wang hopes for, that Nehrus successors in Delhi will similarly be taken in by Beijing acting nice? But why criticise Wang alone? Is he the only one showing India in poor light? Arent Indians themselves busy pulling down their country in the face of the Communist Party of Chinas ferocious aggression? Its because Chinas biggest consumer-supporters are inside India; along with Delhis powerful business and trade elite. So even if Indias Prime Minister ceaselessly impresses upon the nation to pursue the goal of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, top Indian corporates are singing a different tune. Said one corporate leader: We like to believe we are global company and must continue to trade with China. Because if we conduct our business by excluding such a large country and market we will be poorer for the loss of that experience. This unabashed dependence on China, and by extension of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), is all pervasive, and extends to the nations largest corporations, whose motto clearly seems: Company first; country later. This, of course, is true for most large companies worldwide. No wonder several countries, from the United States to Australia, and to China, are now busy trying to rein in mega corporates who have become too big for their boots -- and feel emboldened to challenge the State with impunity! But some business deals have more serious implications than others. It was recently reported in the Indian media that Bharti Airtel has awarded a telecom infrastructure expansion contract worth Rs 300 crores to Chinas Huawei. What is disturbing is that Airtels national long-distance network which will carry inter-circle and international traffic, as well as Internet traffic and that from main landing stations and will now be run by Huawei, which has connections to the CPC. Is this a Greek tragedy? At a time when the PLA soldiers are forcibly entering Indian territory and killing Indian soldiers, a CPC-run Chinese company will earn crores in the guise of managing sensitive, secret, critical communications deep inside India. Is this the kind of unequal war we want to engage in? Thats a basic contradiction in India today. The PM is pushing for self-reliance, while our corporate honchos appear to have another agenda. Sadly, the matter doesnt end there. The entire world knows about Chinas global cyberattacks, with India being a priority target due to the CPCs deep penetration in Delhi. So, when reports emerge of a Red Echo over India, theres hardly a whimper, only deafening silence. Its akin to acceptance of the Dragons malice: with Chinese malware on the rampage, targeting Indias power grid utilities. The Chinese have dug so deep within India that they have learnt to take in their stride the occasional outbursts by Delhi, with some minor glitches like a few anti-dumping duties or the ban on a few Chinese apps which are really too insignificant for the CPC to worry about. For they know that Indians have a weakness for all things Chinese from consumers to corporate bosses just as in the nineteenth century the Middle Kingdom was addicted to Indian produce. Today, in a bewildering role reversal, Indians seem totally addicted to Chinese cars, computers, cellphones, toys and lamps. At the same time, the rising anti-Chinese sentiments among some sections are giving birth to new forces and alliances like the Quad. Has Delhi suddenly become the pivot for both the success and failure of Chinas geostrategic goals in 2021? As Xi Jinpings CPC looks ahead to celebrating its centenary on July 1, 2021, this year is critical to establishing the success of Xis Way in its capitalist wonderland. Beijing thus suddenly feels the need to mend fences, but can Delhi take advantage of such overtures, and for once act in its own self-interest? Post-script: As the Quad raises the heat, the Dragon is at it again, trying to blackmail soft target Delhi. A new dam on the Brahmaputra will control the waters flowing into India, and no Indian will get a Chinese visa without a Made in China Covid-19 jab. Can India reciprocate, using the same formula to deny Indian visas to aspiring Chinese without an India-made jab? How long can India take this Chinese blackmail, humiliation and battering? The secrets of the first wine to spend time in space have been revealed. A dozen bottles of Chateau Petrus Pomerol completed a 438-day, 19-hour stay on the International Space Station where they were exposed to zero gravity - and one of the $5,000 bottles has been uncorked and tasted for the first time. A tasting among panelists reveals 'space wine' has a taste of rose petals with notes of campfire, along with a brick-like coloring compared to the original red coloration the wine had before going to the ISS. However, one of the most notable changes is that the space wine evolved three years over the 14-month visit. The mission was part of an effort to make plants on Earth more resilient to climate change and disease by exposing them to new stresses, and to better understand the ageing process, fermentation and bubbles in wine. Scroll down for video A dozen bottles of Bordeaux wine completed a 438-day, 19-hour stay on the International Space Station where they were exposed to zero gravity - and one of the $5,000 bottles has been opened and tasted for the first time Space Cargo Unlimited, which focuses on turning microgravity benefits into viable commercial ventures, launched the bottles to the orbiting lab in 2019. The case of prestigious red wine was shipped to the space station aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, which was organized by Space Cargo Unlimited and the University of Bordeauxs wine institute, the ISVV. The idea was to have researchers study how weightlessness and space radiation affects the aging process, with the hopes of developing new flavors and properties for the food industry. Nicolas Gaume, CEO and co-founder of Space Cargo Unlimited, who carefully uncorked the bottles at the Institute for Wine and Vine Research in Bordeaux, said: 'I have tears in my eyes.' 'When you expose wine, when you expose cells, plants to an environment without gravity...we create tremendous stress on any living species.' A tasting among panelists reveals 'space wine' has a taste of rose petals with notes of campfire, along with a brick-like coloring compared to the original red coloration the wine had before going to the ISS However, one of the most notable changes is that the space wine evolved three years over the 14-month visit The space wine was presented to 12 connoisseurs, along with two other glasses filled with wine for 12 bottles that remained on Earth. Both the samples on the ISS and on Earth remained sealed in special containers and kept at 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Jane Anson, a wine expert and writer for The Decanter, participated in the one-of-a-kind tasting. 'The main difference I found was heightened floral characteristics,' Anson said about the space wine during a live press conference. 'The one that had remained on earth, for me, was still a bit more closed, a bit more tannic, a bit younger. And the one that had been up into space, the tannins had softened, the side of more floral aromatics came out.' She also explained there were more notes of truffle and seemed to be one to three years more evolved than those that had stayed on Earth. Along with floral notes, the panelist reported the space wine has light brick coloring, compared to its original deep red coloring. Another taster highlighted the coloring along the edges, describing 'shades of brick, slightly more pink along the disk.' The mission was part of an effort to make plants on Earth more resilient to climate change and disease by exposing them to new stresses, and to better understand the ageing process, fermentation and bubbles in wine Alongside the twelve bottles of Petrus, 320 vine canes spent 10 months on the ISS, in partnership with CNES and ESA. The vine canes were then subjected to detailed microscopic analysis and planted a few days after their return to Earth, both in the ISVV greenhouses, where they are studied under Stephanie Cluzet, director of the Research Program; and partly in the Vendee region, in the greenhouses of the Mercier Group, a world leader in the production of vine plants and the creation of vineyards, with which Space Cargo Unlimited has entered into a strategic partnership. After a few weeks, the effects of the absence of microgravity on the vine shoots are already visually perceptible: buds and growth are observed much earlier than on canes that remained on Earth in similar conditions. Along with floral notes, the panelist reported the space wine has light brick coloring, compared to its original deep red coloring Another taster highlighted the coloring along the edges, describing 'shades of brick, slightly more pink along the disk. For both the vine canes and wine, 'even if it is still premature to provide scientific conclusions, however these first observations validate the uniquely innovative approach of Space Cargo Unlimited, which consists both of using space as a new research environment for the future of agriculture, and capitalizing on the vine and wine, which are an incredible medium for scientific research, as Pasteur demonstrated in the past', conclude Emmanuel Etcheparre and Nicolas Gaume. The next steps of the research program are structured around precise analyses aimed at identifying the composition of the biochemical properties of the wine that has been in space. This research will make it possible to identify the determining causes of the observed modifications, which is essential to understanding the impact of the space environment on the ageing of a wine and its components. This includes taste, aroma, color, polyphenols, fermentation, bacteria and yeast. Although there was a dozen bottles of wine aboard the ISS for 14 months, none of the astronauts touched a drop - NASA prohibits crew member from drinking while in space. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Karus Gold Corp. ("Karus Gold") is pleased to announce that the rights offering previously announced February 1, 2021 for 26,556,228 common shares with gross proceeds of CDN$3,983,434 (the "Rights Offering") has closed. Karus Gold remains on track for a TSX Venture exchange listing in Q2 2021. Karus Gold CEO Andrew Kaip commented, "The rights offering saw strong support from our shareholders including Mr. Eric Sprott and other insiders. Karus is actively ramping up for a strong 2021 field season. Drilling is planned to follow up on the lower zone discovery where hole FG-20-377 intersected 31.35m of 3.22 g/t Au including 14.35 m of 6.34 g/t gold, as well as expanding drill targets and prospecting for new discoveries on the 1,000 square kilometer of South Cariboo Gold District claims." The Rights Offering was undertaken to provide funds for exploration, development and social programs related to Karus Gold's exploration interests, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. Karus shareholders subscribed for a total of 21,263,385 shares under the basic subscription privilege, and an additional 24,365,942 shares under the overallotment subscription, resulting in a total of 172% of rights subscribed and no shares were left for exercise under the Backstop Agreements entered into on February 1, 2021. Due to strong demand, only 5,292,843 shares were available for the overallotment and were allocated on a pro-rata basis, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Rights Offering materials. Mr. Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., acquired an aggregate of 6,829,611 shares, through the exercise of the basic subscription privilege in the Rights Offering and the purchase of an additional 1,965,484 shares through the overallotment subscription in the Rights Offering, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1,319,264. As of closing of the Rights Offering, 2176423 Ontario Ltd beneficially owns an aggregate of 22,454,317 shares, representing approximately 27.39% of the issued and outstanding shares on a non-diluted basis, and 28.91% of the issued and outstanding shares on a partially diluted basis, as of the closing date of the Rights Offering. 1130447 BC Ltd. acquired an aggregate of 5,600,121 shares, through the exercise of the basic subscription privilege in the Rights Offering and the purchase of an additional 1,545,433 shares through the overallotment subscription in the Rights Offering, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,017,833. As of closing of the Rights Offering, 1130447 BC Ltd beneficially owns an aggregate of 18,345,796 shares, representing approximately 22.38% of the issued and outstanding as of the closing date of the Rights Offering. About Karus Gold Karus Gold controls 1,000 kilometers square of the Cariboo Gold District ("District") in British Columbia. The FG Gold and Gold Creek projects are set for growth and the District is wide open for additional discovery. Karus Gold is supported by strategic investor Eric Sprott who owns 27% of Karus' basic shares. Management and the Board are aligned with shareholders, owning an additional 32% of the basic shares outstanding. Karus Gold has drill results from 2020 pending and has plans to continue aggressive exploration in 2021. Further information on Karus Gold can be found on the Company's website at www.karusgold.com. On behalf of Karus Gold Corp "Andrew Kaip" Chief Executive Officer (888) 407-5450 info@karusgold.com Karus Gold Investor Support Arlen Hansen, KIN Communications (888) 687-6730 karusgold@kincommunciations.com Technical information with respect to FG and Gold Creek projects contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Tucker, P.Geo, who is Karus' VP Exploration and is the qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the technical matters of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations, including but not limited to the use of proceeds and events which are proposed to occur on closing. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of the words "plan" "contemplate", "estimate", "expect" and "anticipate" and statements that an event or result "may', "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur and any similar expressions or negative variations thereof. In providing forward-looking information in this press release, Karus Gold has made numerous assumptions regarding the Rights Offering, which Karus Gold believes to be reasonable, including assumptions relating to the expected use of proceeds. Forward-looking information entails various risks and uncertainties however that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information. Specific risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or disclosed in this press release include, but are not limited to: (i) no assurance as to the ability to trade of any Rights; (ii) the use of funds may differ from that set out by Karus Gold; (iii) the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and government and market responses to the pandemic may potentially have materially adverse effects on Karus Gold and its business, operations, liquidity, cash flows and ability to close the Rights Offering. In addition to the above summary, additional risks and uncertainties inherent to the Company and the Rights Offering are described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Rights Offering Circular dated February 1, 2021 available on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information are not guarantees of future performance, and management's assumptions upon which such forward-looking information are based may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that actual events or results will be consistent with the forward-looking information disclosed herein. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, any such forward-looking information should not be regarded as representations by us that our objectives or plans relating to the rights offering or standby commitment or otherwise will be achieved. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained herein and that such forward-looking information are provided solely for the purpose of providing information about our current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. In addition, forward-looking information relates to the date on which they are made. Karus Gold disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78406 The family of a 76-year-old Chinese woman who fought back after being punched in the face in an unprovoked attack in San Francisco said Monday that she was recovering from her injuries and would donate the $900,000 raised on a GoFundMe page to combat racism. (The stated goal of the page was $50,000.) Her eye is no longer swelled to the point of not being able to open it. She is now starting to feel optimistic again and is in better spirits, Xiao Zhen Xies grandchildren wrote Monday on the GoFundMe page that had originally been started to cover the womans medical expenses. She said we must not [submit] to racism and we must fight to the death if necessary. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The March 17 attack attracted national attention amid a series of racially motivated incidents against Asian Americans. San Francisco police have identified the suspect in the attack as 39-year-old Steven Jenkins. According to local television station KPIX, the 76-year-old Xie was leaning on a traffic pole waiting on the light when Jenkins punched her. Witnesses say Xie responded by picking up a piece of wood she found on the street and hitting her attacker with it, yelling, You bum, why did you hit me? in Chinese, according to USA Today. Video from the scene showed Jenkins handcuffed on a stretcher with a bloodied face. Xie applied a bag of her ice to the black eyes she sustained. Police say that Jenkins was the perpetrator in a separate elderly attack of 83-year-old Vietnamese man, Ngoc Pham, who was shopping for groceries in the area. Pham sustained cuts, bruises and a fractured nose. Jenkins was booked on two counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury, and two counts of elder abuse. San Francisco police say they are investigating the attacks to determine whether they were racially motivated. According to her family, Xie has been afflicted with PTSD from the traumatic event, but has stated multiple times she wants to donate the funds to the Asian American community to combat racism. Story continues ____ Read more from Yahoo News: Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, learns about local efforts to pass on traditional culture while visiting a park dedicated to Zhu Xi, a renowned Chinese philosopher in the 12th century, in Nanping city, Fujian province, March 22, 2021. Xi Jinping on Monday arrived in Fujian province for inspection. [Photo/Xinhua] President Xi Jinping has highlighted cultural confidence and underlined the importance of carrying forward the nation's fine traditional culture, saying that the success of socialism with Chinese characteristics results from the 5,000-year-old Chinese civilization. Xi made the remark when visiting a park dedicated to Zhu Xi, a renowned philosopher of the 12th century, during an inspection tour of Fujian province. Wuyishan, the city where the park is situated, was the first leg of the inspection, which started on Monday. During the visit, Xi learned of the achievements of Zhu Xi, who absorbed the merits of the ideologies of Confucius and later generations and developed neo-Confucianismwhich is considered an outstanding representative of Confucian culture. The ancient philosopher put forward concepts such as "the people are the foundation of a nation", embodying the people-centered philosophy in ancient China. "Without the 5,000-year Chinese civilization, how could we find something with Chinese characteristics? And without Chinese characteristics, how could we find the path that has led us to today's success?" Xi said. While taking the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, China must continue to adapt Marxism to its actual conditions, he stressed. Xi called for special attention to be paid to exploring the essence of the fine traditional Chinese culture and integrating it with the Marxist stance, viewpoint and methodology, and unswervingly following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. On Monday afternoon, Xi also visited an intelligent management center in Wuyishan National Park and an eco-friendly tea plantation, where he learned about local efforts to promote environmental protection and develop the tea industry. Xi worked in Fujian in various posts between 1985 and 2002, and he knows very well how important it is to develop the tea industry in the province. Its tea production is considered to be one of the most important in the world in terms of both its high quality and varieties. While visiting the tea plantation in Xingcun township, he was delighted to learn that the quality of tea has improved and farmers' incomes have increased as eco-friendly methods have been adopted over the years under the guidance of technical professionals. The time-honored tea culture, a suitable climate for growing tea, rich tea resources and technological support have contributed to the thriving of the tea industry, Xi said. "In the past, the tea industry was a pillar in your fight against poverty, and it should become a pillar industry of rural vitalization in the future," Xi said. He called for coordinated efforts to promote the tea culture, the development of the tea industry and the use of technology in the sector. WASHINGTON Stuart Force says he found solace on Facebook after his son was stabbed to death in Israel by a member of the militant group Hamas in 2016. He turned to the site to read hundreds of messages offering condolences on his sons page. But only a few months later, Mr. Force had decided that Facebook was partly to blame for the death, because the algorithms that power the social network helped spread Hamass content. He joined relatives of other terror victims in suing the company, arguing that its algorithms aided the crimes by regularly amplifying posts that encouraged terrorist attacks. The legal case ended unsuccessfully last year when the Supreme Court declined to take it up. But arguments about the algorithms power have reverberated in Washington, where some members of Congress are citing the case in an intense debate about the law that shields tech companies from liability for content posted by users. At a House hearing on Thursday about the spread of misinformation with the chief executives of Facebook, Twitter and Google, some lawmakers are expected to focus on how the companies algorithms are written to generate revenue by surfacing posts that users are inclined to click on and respond to. And some will argue that the law that protects the social networks from liability, Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, should be changed to hold the companies responsible when their software turns the services from platforms into accomplices for crimes committed offline. Gov. Bill Lee has designated March 31 as Mack S. Prichard Day, honoring Tennessees first state naturalist and state archeologist. Prichard, who died last year at 81, built a career of state service beginning at age 16. He worked to conserve Tennessees landscape and was instrumental in the acquisition of more than 40 sites for Tennessee State Parks, natural areas and archeological areas. Mack Prichard was a Tennessee treasure, and we are pleased to proclaim this day in his honor, Lee said. Mack recognized the wonder of the nature we have in Tennessee and was a champion for its preservation and promotion. We are indebted to Mack Prichard for his lifelong contributions to Tennessee State Parks contributions that helped make Tennessees state parks system the best in the nation, David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), said. He was an inspiration to us at TDEC, to people throughout Tennessee and beyond. A native of Memphis, Prichard was known for presenting slideshows throughout the state for audiences such as state parks friends groups, school groups and camps. He enjoyed leading hikes to Tennessee waterfalls and informing outdoors enthusiasts about wildlife and native plants. Prichards writings, presentations and thousands of photographs can be found at www.mackprichard.com, a site curated by Friends of South Cumberland State Park. The Mack S. Prichard Foundation was established in 2019 with the mission of protecting and conserving the environment. It provides scholarships for students in environmental science. Current State Naturalist Randy Hedgepath will lead a walk to remember Prichard on March 31 at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. Events for Mack Prichard Day at other state parks can be found at this link. TDEC last year opened a $2.4 million visitors center named for Prichard at Cummins Falls State Park near Cookeville. A TV reporter has narrowly escaped injury after a wall came crashing down behind her during a live report from flood-hit New South Wales. Sky News journalist Gabriella Power was reporting from Taree, on the Mid North Coast, on Tuesday, where raging floodwaters have inundated homes and local businesses. As she provided an update on the weather crisis from the town's CBD, several removalists were behind her hauling furniture from a store into the back of a truck. 'It is certainly an all-hands-on-deck situation and everyone I have spoken to is rallying together to get through this incredibly tough time,' Ms Power said, watching the men preparing to move the wall. SkyNews journalist Gabriella Power narrowly escaped injury after a wall fell down behind her during a live cross in Taree on Tuesday The three men walked around the large panel, negotiating the best way to pick it up, while Ms Power continued her coverage, taking a few steps forward as she spoke to the camera. But seconds later, the men lost grip and the wall came tumbling down behind her, right where she had just been standing. Startled by the noise, Ms Power clutched her chest as she turned around to find a man had fallen on top of the wooden board. The segment was shared online with many social media users chiming in on the close call. 'Good thing Gabriella stepped forward rather than backward!' one person wrote. Another added: 'Lucky you're so fast.' Wild weather has caused widespread flooding across the state's east coast and in southeast Queensland, inundating towns and blocking rocks. Social media users were quick to point out how lucky Ms Power (pictured) was to have taken a few steps forward seconds earlier The mid-north coast was particularly hard hit, with 15,000 residents ordered to evacuate low-lying areas, including Taree, Macksville, Port Macquarie, Lower Macleay and Kempsey. Thousands of residents have since returned to their Taree homes to survey the damage, with many finding precious belongings destroyed and silt-covered floors. One couple from the area tragically lost their home last week, with viral footage showing their house floating down the Manning River, at Mondrook, during heavy flooding. Conditions started to ease in flood-ravaged parts of the state on Wednesday, but massive volumes of water continue to flow down river systems, with some areas yet to see floods peak. 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. Joseph F. Coniglio, managing shareholder of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLPs Dallas office, will speak at the virtual 27th Annual Course on Advanced Medical Torts on March 25 at 3:00 PM CT. Coniglios presentation will analyze the piercing of the corporate veil theory of liability, as well as the alter ego doctrine which impacts Texas companies in the health care industry. He will address the factors considered by Texas courts when evaluating corporate veil piercing, and the statutory requirements as well as limitations as set forth in the Texas Business Organizations Code. Coniglio will be presenting alongside attorney Michael Sawicki. It is an honor to have the opportunity to speak to my colleagues in the Texas Bar at the Annual Course on Advanced Medical Torts, Coniglio said. The event over the years has been a leading conference for those practicing in the health care litigation area, and offers relevant content as well as timely updates in this complex area to attendees. The conference is hosted by the Texas Bar Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program and will offer 11.75 hours of credit (including 3 hours ethics). Texas Bar CLE is regulated by the MCLE department. Coniglio is a shareholder in the Health Care & FDA Practice. He has wide-ranging experience in the areas of health care law and complex business litigation. He utilizes his 20-plus years of experience in the health care industry to assist a wide variety of health care related entities and providers, including hospitals, physician groups, and long term care facilities, as well as clinical labs and pharmacies in litigation and regulatory matters. About Greenberg Traurigs Health Care & FDA Practice: Greenberg Traurigs multidisciplinary Health Care & FDA Practice provides strategic counsel to a diverse group of companies and other organizations, helping them to respond proactively to the rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. The group combines dedicated experience in health care regulatory compliance and operational matters with the firms capabilities in corporate & securities, finance, tax, antitrust, ERISA, commercial and governmental litigation, restructuring, intellectual property and biotechnology, in order to provide a wide range of legal services. 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 Gov. Beshear Vetoes Open Records Bill By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed a bill he says would weaken the state's open records law.The governor focused most of his criticism on a provision intended to remove the right for court appeals when requests to review legislative records are denied.On Tuesday, he called it a recipe for secrecy.The bill generated a backlash from open-records advocates. But it passed the Republican-led legislature by comfortable margins more than enough to override the Democratic governors veto.Lawmakers will reconvene next week for the final two days of this years session. Dysfunctional nerve cell proteins are thought to underlie a large number of mental disorders. The involved proteins and their specialized tasks remain largely unexplored, rendering a targeted therapy impossible. Dr. Hans Maric of the Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging at the University of Wurzburg wants to use his biochip technology to explore the proteins that contribute to the maintenance and function of important nerve structures and determine their pharmacological potential. Therapeutic options remain untapped Targeted therapy for neuropsychiatric disorders requires the selective modulation of dysfunctional neuronal pathways. In contrast, currently used neuropharmaceutics act across different brain regions and neural circuits. This lack of precision results in severe side effects, reduced efficacy, and leaves a number of serious disorders untreatable. 1.7 million for a fundamentally new research approach One of the main target proteins for brain active drugs is the group of so-called gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. Since the drugs bind directly to the receptors across brain regions, they interfere with numerous different processes, thereby preventing their targeted use and resulting in severe side effects for the patients. "Our approach is to think outside of the receptors and identify better drug targets," Maric explains. Accordingly, his focus is on the receptor-associated proteins. These proteins are highly specific to different brain regions and even individual neuron types, which could allow targeted treatment of pathologically altered neurons. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is now funding Maric's innovative research approach within the Emmy Noether Program. Recent research by Maric in collaboration with the laboratory of Prof. Stephen Moss (Boston, USA) has shown that it is possible to influence GABAA receptors via the associated proteins with enhanced precision compared to conventional drugs. Mice with appropriately modified proteins are free of otherwise fatal neurological symptoms. Interdisciplinary research in Germany, Denmark and the U.S. After studying chemistry in Wurzburg, Maric made a significant contribution to understanding the molecular architecture of inhibitory synapses in the human brain as part of his doctoral research at the Rudolf Virchow Center. "To determine not only the function but also the therapeutic value of protein complexes associated to the GABAA receptor, I joined the laboratory of Kristian Strmgaard, a pioneer for brain-active peptides at the Center for Biopharmaceuticals in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2012 as a Lundbeck Foundation fellow," Maric says. Supported by Danish research foundations, he explored a new class of brain-active molecules that exert their cell-specific effects via GABAA receptor-associated proteins. After a stopover in the laboratory of Prof. Matthias Kneussel, at the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Maric worked as Assistant Professor at the Center for Biopharmaceuticals from 2015. Funding of the "Excellent Ideas Program" allowed him in 2018 to start at the Rudolf Virchow Center of University of Wurzburg setting-up a unique biophysical technology platform to explore protein interactions in the brain. Biochip-based basic research for new brain active compounds "I had realized that a number of still unknown proteins contribute crucially to the complex interconnection of our brain cells by binding to the receptors. Therefore, I was looking for a suitable high-throughput method to identify these proteins faster and to investigate them more effectively," says Maric. As a solution, he developed a modern biochip-based method, benefiting from his training as a chemist. "Chemically synthesized fragments of the actual receptors are printed in microarray format. The resulting microarrays allow us to elucidate the exact molecular functions of newly identified receptor-associated proteins," explains Maric. The knowledge gained on the basis of the arrays contributed to answer fundamental questions about the structure and function of the brain and will now be used to develop new active substances and thus potential drugs. "The funding in the Emmy Noether Program will enable us not only to clarify the contribution of these specialized proteins in the maintenance and function of synapses, but also to determine their pharmaceutical potential," emphasizes Maric. The Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging is a central institution of the University of Wurzburg. The multidisciplinary research groups of the center are dedicated to the study of key proteins using state-of-the-art infrastructure. This is done using sophisticated imaging techniques at all levels of biology and across the entire range of scales - from the atomic structure of proteins, to individual cells, to tissues in model organisms. ### WAIANAE, Hawaii, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hui Huliau announced today that Terry Clark has been selected as President of the Hui Huliau family of companies. In this capacity, Clark will provide daily leadership across the Hui Huliau enterprise and reports to the Board of Directors. Clark previously served as Hui Huliau's Chief Operations Officer, where he oversaw seven subsidiaries and 300% organizational growth. "The President's role is a new position necessitated by our expansion," Deryl Wright, Hui Huliau CEO said. "As we continue to build new relationships and increase our global footprint, it is critical that we have the right leaders in place. Terry Clark has the requisite experience to lead us into the future and the full confidence of the Board." Hui Huliau is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Native Hawaiian Organization with for-profit subsidiaries that participate in the Small Business Administration's business development program for small, minority-owned businesses. Hui Huliau companies provide aviation, construction, cyber security, facilities and base operations support, information technology, logistics, mission support, and training services to Federal agencies and have offices in Waianae, HI; Midwest City, OK; Tampa, FL; and Evans, GA. "I am honored the Board selected me for this position," Clark said. "We have a strong team of leaders and I look forward to working with them as we continue to grow and provide more opportunity to the community we serve." Since 2017 Hui Huliau has returned nearly $4 million to the Native Hawaiian community in support of its mission to provide economic and educational opportunities to Native Hawaiians and to preserve the Native Hawaiian language and culture. For more information visit www.huihuliau.com. Media Contact Jane Sharrock Vice President, Corporate Operations [email protected] Related Images image1.png SOURCE Hui Huliau 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. Mr Ken Ofori Atta who has been nominated for the position of Minister of Finance will face the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Akufo-Addo nominates new ministers for second term; over 16 ministers maintain portfolio His vetting by Parliament, initially scheduled for February 16, 2021 had to be postponed because he travelled to the United States of America (USA) for medical review following complications after recovering from COVID-19. He reportedly recovered from the Coronavirus disease last December but was faced with some medical complications which required further interventions, which were currently not available in Ghana. He returned to Ghana last weekend. Mr Ofori Atta served as Minister of Finance in President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's first term in office and has been re-nominated to continue serving as Minister in the same portfolio. Whilst he was in the USA in the last five weeks, President Akufo-Addo made a former Deputy Minister of Finance, Charles Adu Boahen as his representative at the Ministry of Finance. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was given additional responsibilities to overlook the Ministry of Finance and went ahead to present the 2021 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament, which has since been approved by the House. 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 Pakistani national Ayaz Younas was on his first day of a new contracting job when his Toyota Camry became trapped in floodwaters An engineering student spent a desperate 39 minutes on the phone with emergency services before drowning in his car in New South Wales floodwaters. Pakistani national Ayaz Younas was on his first day of a new contracting job when his Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts. The inside of the 25-year-old's car was badly damaged, indicating to police that he frantically battled to save his life and escape as waters rose around him. NSW Police Detective Inspector Chris Laird said Mr Younas called Triple-Zero at 6.25am on Wednesday and remained on the line with the operator until about 7am. 'Had he not rung us, we never would have found him. Not until the water receded anyway,' Det Insp Laird said. 'But we can only speculate that given what I have seen and the damage to the vehicle that it could very well be that the electrics totally failed, and he was simply unable to escape from the car which is an absolute tragedy. 'You can only just imagine somebody fighting for their life to get out of the car that's what the inside damage of the vehicle looked like.' Det Insp Laird said Mr Younas 'clearly couldn't get out' of the car as there were no broken windows. He said the roads had multiple signs and closure warnings, yet the car was located 30m into floodwaters and 6m under water. Pakistani national Ayaz Younas' Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts Mr Younas called Triple-Zero at 6.25am on Wednesday and remained on the line with the operator until about 7am Emergency crews were called to Cattai Ridge Road, near Hidden Valley Lane in Glenorie at about 6.30am on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters Emergency crews recovered Mr Younas' body at 1pm after locating his submerged car. Det Insp Laird suggested there would be investigations into why Mr Younas was in the area. 'The remote location of the area, (we'll ask) questions about what he was doing up there. He may not have known the area as locals would,' he said. There was also a padlocked gate blocking off the road, but it was submerged. The Pakistani Community of Australia said it had spoken to Mr Younas' father. Community leader Farhat Jaffri said Mr Younas' heartbroken family requested that his body be sent back to Karachi in southern Pakistan. Mr Younas, who has two elder brothers and one younger sister, was from Malir Cantt in Karachi and studied software engineering. Shazbaz Muhammad said Mr Younas was a 'dear friend'. 'Please pray for the departed soul,' Mr Muhammad said. Det Insp Laird said the 25-year-old had strong roots in western Sydney, and that his friends in Australia were devastated by the news. 'From the police force, all emergency services, here is the very reason why you should not make any attempt to drive through swollen rivers,' he said. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott offered his condolences, saying it would send ripples through the northwest Sydney community. The car with the man's body inside was found in Cattai Creek (pictured) at about 1pm following a NSW Police and SES Flood Rescue search. The man has not yet been formally identified Police divers are seen searching Cattai Creek on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters A police officer is seen in Glenorie after a man's body was discovered in a car in Sydney's north-west In Queensland a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast Hinterland on Wednesday afternoon 'The human cost of these floods has been brought into sharp focus in the most tragic of circumstances and I urge communities to continue to be cautious in the face of continued and imminent threats to life,' Mr Elliott said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also made statements in federal parliament about the tragedy. Mr Morrison labelled Wednesday a 'terribly sad day', saying he knew the area well from childhood camping trips and felt for the man's family. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was still extreme danger in flood-hit areas despite the clear weather in Sydney on Wednesday. 'Whilst the sun is out conditions remain extremely dangerous, rivers are still rising,' she said. A police car and tape blocks the crime scene off to the community in Glenorie on Wednesday Police boats head out on to floodwaters to deliver basic supplies donated by Coles to stranded locals in the Windsor region on Wednesday 'We ask everybody, especially if they are in vehicles to be extra cautious. 'Some would suggest it is even more dangerous now as rivers continue to rise and catchments fill up with water.' In Queensland, a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast hinterland on Wednesday afternoon. The 38-year-old father was last seen on Monday and had not contacted his family since heading to a job in the Tamborine area, where torrential rain caused flash flooding this week. His ute was spotted earlier in the day in the flooded Canungra Creek. Mr Hornman's desperate wife had been active on social media, appealing for help from anyone who saw him. 'He didn't turn up to work and hasn't been able to be reached since. His phone is turned off,' Angela Hornman posted on Facebook on Tuesday. 'I just have to know he's ok. Please tell him no matter what I LOVE HIM.' SES volunteers and NSW Police begin delivering food, medicine and essential items and inspecting properties inundated but floodwaters around Windsor in the north west of Sydney The Windsor Bridge is seen submerged under rising floodwaters along the Hawkesbury River on Thursday Meanwhile, residents in one part of the NSW Mid North Coast have been allowed to return home as emergency services warn some of the state's rivers will remain swollen into the weekend and flooding is still a risk. The areas of continued concern include Moree in the NSW northwest, the Upper Hunter around Singleton, Grafton, parts of the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment northwest of Sydney. Seventeen flood evacuation orders remain in place affecting people living in low-lying areas of Ulmarra, Brushgrove and on Wednesday night another evacuation order was issued for Cowper on the Clarence River in northern NSW. Major flooding was occurring at Grafton, Ulmarra and Maclean on Thursday morning. There is still major flooding along the Hawkesbury River and authorities said it was likely to continue at North Richmond and Windsor until the end of the week. Helicopters are being used to deliver emergency supplies to isolated communities around the Hawkesbury River. Almost 24,000 people in NSW have been evacuated and despite the clear weather, about 60,000 people have been told by the SES to be ready to evacuate with major flood warnings still in place for the Macintyre, Gwydir, Clarence and Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers. There have been 11,000 calls for help to the SES so far, and 950 flood rescues. New Delhi, March 24 : The controversial Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was passed by Parliament on Wednesday, with the Rajya Sabha clearing the provision amid pandemonium, in a major setback to Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The Bill, ensuring more constitutional powers to the Central government's appointed Lt. Governor as against the Delhi Assembly, had been passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday. Moments after the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill, 2021 got the Rajya Sabha's approval, the Delhi Cabinet, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, took to social media to slam the move, alleging the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre was attempting to rule the national capital through the backdoor. Kejriwal, in a tweet, said: "RS passes GNCTD amendment Bill. Sad day for Indian democracy. We will continue our struggle to restore power back to people. Whatever be the obstacles, we will continue doing good work. Work will neither stop nor slow down." Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted in Hindi: "Aaj ka din loktantra ke liye kala din hai. Dilli ki janata dwara chuni huyi sarkar ke adhikaron ko chheen kar LG ke hanth me saunp diya gaya. Vidambna dekhiye ki loktantra ki hatya ke liye sansad ko chuna gaya jo hamare loktantra ka mandir hai. Dilli ki janata is tanashahi ke khilaf ladegi (Today is a black day for democracy. The rights of the elected government have been given to the Lt Governor. The sad part is that the Parliament, which is the temple of democracy, has been chosen to murder democracy. The people of Delhi will resist this dictatorial trends)." The discussions on the new legislation -- which gives greater powers to the Lt Governor -- led to heated arguments in the upper House of Parliament a number of times on Wednesday. Members of the Trinamool Congress, the AAP and the Congress, among many other opposition leaders, raised slogans against the legislation. Due to the ruckus, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had to cut short her speech in her reply to the Finance Bill 2021. During the debate on the Bill, Trinamool member Derek O'Brien alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party members were constantly commenting on him and that this was against the rules of the House. Accusing the Central government of arbitrariness, he said the Bill went against the spirit of the federal structure of the nation. Reacting to O'Brien's allegations, BJP President J.P. Nadda stood up and accused the Trinamool of double standards. "Investing in employees has always been important for hiring and retention of top talent, but keeping them safe during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic is essential to company survival." - Express CEO Bill Stoller One year after the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to close their doors, even temporarily, many hiring decision-makers say their companies have made changes to keep employees safe in physical workplaces. This is according to a new survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Hiring decision-makers reported safety changes made in the last several months include: Adding sanitation stations around the workplace: 46% Providing personal protective equipment (PPE): 46% Reorganizing physical workspaces to meet social distancing guidelines: 46% Reducing the number of employees in physical workspaces at any given time: 41% Nearly 4 in 5 (79%) also believe their company offers employees adequate PPE. To this point, around 7 in 10 (71%) say they feel completely safe going to work in a physical workplace (e.g., an office) right now or feel safer physically going into work now than they did when the COVID-19 pandemic first began (69%). Express experts around the country say their clients have taken the above measures in workplaces to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. A very large percentage of companies have taken an extraordinary number of steps to ensure workplace safety, said Bernie Inbody, Express franchise owner in Omaha, Nebraska. It impacts their bottom line, public image and ability to recruit talent to meet their business needs. In Everett, Washington, local Express franchise owner Stacey Snodgrass says she is confident her clients are providing adequate PPE such as masks and have implemented social distancing. But that is not always the case at other businesses in her community that are not clients of Express. Some companies have never been cleaner and are very focused on COVID-19 safety, but I know out in the community there are several companies not following the recommended safety guidelines, she said. Jan Riggins, general manager for two Express franchises in Fort Worth, Texas, says keeping workers safe has become more of a personal mission for her clients. Because we work with small- to medium-sized companies, often the owners and management are working at the local location, and their safety and the safety of their employees is very much top-of-mind, she added. As for whether workers feel safe going into facilities one year after COVID-19 first hit, Riggins says for anyone who maintained social isolation for the majority of the pandemic, she definitely sees a desire to only consider remote, work-at-home opportunities. However, for the majority of job seekers we work with that have been working in a physical office or location, we see a comfort level going into a workplace if COVID-19 safety protocols are followed, she said. Snodgrass says she feels about half of employees in her area feel completely safe going to work, depending on how businesses are handling employee protective measures. We have asked all of our clients for their COVID-19 safety plans and shared our plan with them to help them write their own if one didnt exist, she said. As a company, safety is always top of mind for Express. And for Inbody, he attributes workers' confidence in business safety more as a sign of pandemic fatigue than anything else, adding that employees are ready to return to a workplace setting if proper safety measures are in place. Investing in employees has always been important for hiring and retention of top talent, but keeping them safe during this once-in-a-lifetime pandemic is essential to company survival, Express CEO Bill Stoller said. Im pleased to see so many companies taking measures to protect their greatest assets. Survey Methodology The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Nov. 16 and Dec. 7, 2020, among 1,002 U.S. hiring decision-makers (defined as adults ages 18+ in the U.S. who are employed full-time or self-employed, work at companies with more than one employee, and have full/significant involvement in hiring decisions at their company). Data was weighted where necessary by company size to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. *** If you would like to arrange for an interview with Bill Stoller to discuss this topic, please contact Sheena (Karami) Hollander, Director of Corporate Communications and PR, at (405) 717-5966. About Bill Stoller William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the international staffing company has more than 830 franchises in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Since inception, Express has put more than 9 million people to work worldwide. About Express Employment Professionals At Express Employment Professionals, were in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, employing 526,000 people globally in 2020. For more information, visit http://www.ExpressPros.com. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 07:06:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BELGRADE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Serbian people marked another Remembrance Day for Victims of the NATO Aggression on Wednesday, held on the 22nd anniversary of the beginning of the 78-day attack spearheaded by the United States that took away lives of many civilians and brought immense material damages. Across the country, people laid wreaths to commemorate the deaths of thousands of innocent people, in what Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic once again condemned as "a horrific act of crime, and act of aggression". Speaking at a ceremony in Belgrade, attended only by a handful of representatives of government and other guests due to the anti-epidemic measures, and broadcasted live on national television, Vucic reminded how NATO countries "attacked a sovereign country, without an approval of the United Nations". "They attacked us in order to kill us, humiliate us, and in the end -- to take a part of our territory," he said, referring to Serbia's southern province of Kosovo which unilaterally declared independence years after the conflict, recognized by the same NATO member countries that led the military campaign against Yugoslavia. Vucic reiterated that Serbia will never recognize Kosovo's independence because this would undermine the sacrifices that the country and its people made, and instead suggested working on a compromise with its province. Vucic said that Serbian people "remember with tears in their eyes how they resisted and fought against the cruel and arrogant nations" and how "we lost our fathers, partners, children". He said that Serbia is no longer the tormented country it was, that it regained its strength and dignity and that it strives to rebuild relations with those countries that had bombed it -- but stressed Serbia will never forget what happened in 1999. The NATO bombings started on March 24, 1999. During the 78-day military attack, 2,500 civilians were killed, among whom 79 were children, according to the Serbian government. In addition, around 25,000 objects were damaged, including airports, hospitals, schools, cultural monuments, road infrastructure, as well as the building of the Chinese embassy, where three Chinese journalists were killed and dozens injured. Enditem Bishops in the United States have condemned with the strongest terms the recent mass shootings against three Asian-owned businesses in Atlanta, Georgia, in which eight people were killed and one person was wounded. By Lisa Zengarini A gunman killed eight people and wounded one other before police arrested a young white man for the shootings, which occurred on March 17. The violence has reignited public debate in the country about other reported incidents of aggression against people of Asian descent, although the gunman has denied racial motives behind his actions. In a statement published on Monday, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs, condemned the culture of death, hatred and violence underlying these incidents and called for solidarity with the vulnerable. As bishops, we decry any kind of hatred and violence, particularly based on race, ethnicity, or sex, the prelate said. He noted that this latest incident has prompted national dialogue on addressing anti-Asian bias that has taken the form of numerous other acts of physical violence, verbal attacks and destruction of property against those of Asian descent over the last year that have left communities across the country traumatized. Echoing Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayers words, the US Bishops call for support and solidarity with all victims of violence and those who are vulnerable, stressing once again that every human being is a brother or sister in Christ, created in the image and likeness of a loving God. Particularly during this season of Lent, let us remember Gods love and mercy for each one of us and renew the call for conversion of heart, that we may be more united to Gods love and share it with all of our neighbors, the statement adds. In May 2020, in the midst of increased reports of incidents of racism and xenophobia against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage, three bishop chairmen issued a statement expressing their call for a stronger resolve towards unity, demonstrated through acts of solidarity, kindness and love toward one another, so that we can emerge from this crisis renewed and stronger as one American people; a people that places value in every human life, regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender or religious affiliation. American Asians number over 20 million people from various backgrounds, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Korean, among others. All have experienced some form of discrimination, with notable instances going as far back as the Chinese Exclusion Act in the 19th century and the Japanese internment during World War Two. According to a recent survey, racial harassment and violence against people of Asian descent in the US have increased drastically since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. ALBANY With most teachers vaccinated, coronavirus cases dropping and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) loosening up social distancing requirements for schools, many are hopeful that learning can soon return to the way it was in pre-pandemic times. State Department of Health officials say they are reviewing amended guidance published by the CDC on Friday that indicates students can be safely seated 3 feet apart, rather than the previously recommended 6-foot space between seats, allowing districts greater flexibility as they map out a plan to bring more students into school. But how soon Capital Region students can return to the classroom full time depends on a number of variables, including county COVID-19 infection rates, new data about the efficacy of the vaccine, and students' ages, officials said. "We are going through the guidance that the CDC put forth. They have multiple different zones, or I shouldnt say zones, but color-coding of low transmission, moderate, substantial transmission, high transmission," state Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said in a phone call with reporters on Monday. The CDC guidance allows elementary students to be seated 3 feet apart in any zone. On the secondary level students in areas with high infection rates can sit 3 feet apart if they are isolated in cohorts or pods. Students who cannot be "cohorted" must be seated at least 6 feet apart. Every county in the wider Capital Region like most others in New York state is categorized by the CDC as having a high risk of infection. State officials are advising school districts to wait for county health departments to advise them. Counties are waiting for the state to adapt the CDC guidance for New York's unique needs. "We can't just make it happen overnight, we have to wait to get guidance," Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said at a press briefing last week. "To the parents who watch this, educate yourself, take a deep breath, don't get caught in the hype." In the Capital Region, most school districts have been providing the option of full-time in-person education to elementary students and some middle and high school students with special needs. Still, many families have elected to keep their children home this year. Most middle and high school students in the region are attending school on a part-time basis, with a hybrid of remote and in-person instruction. Some larger districts, like Albany and Schenectady, have had the majority of middle and high school students fully remote since last March. Both districts have begun to bring struggling students into the classroom for more support and hope to have most students in school at least one day a week by the end of April. Suburban school districts like Guilderland, which has offered a hybrid instructional program to middle and high school students since February, have started bringing high school students needing more support into the classroom full time. State guidance currently allows schools to seat students 3 feet apart provided there are physical barriers between students and some districts have ordered the partitions as a way to increase classroom capacity. On Monday, parents across the state gathered at the Capitol to pressure health officials to adapt the CDC guidance and support schools in bringing students back full time. A number of Hudson Valley districts have not provided any in-person instruction to students in any grades since last spring, which has created a mental health crisis, according to organizers from the new Bring Kids Back NY coalition. Kids "were sent home with Chromebooks a year ago and hardly anyone has been checked on since then," said organizer Kristen O'Dell, a nurse practitioner and mother of three from Highland Falls, in Orange County. In recent months, schools in some states have been disregarding the CDC guidelines, using 3 feet as their standard. Studies of what happened in some of them helped sway the agency, said Greta Massetti, who leads the CDC's community interventions task force. We dont really have the evidence that 6 feet is required in order to maintain low spread, she said. Also, younger children are less likely to get seriously ill from the coronavirus and don't seem to spread it as much as adults do, and that allows us that confidence that that 3 feet of physical distance is safe. Advertisement Britain 'CAN hit its vaccine targets without more doses from the EU' Ministers believe they can hit the government's target of offering every adult in the UK one dose of vaccine by the end of July despite the EU's threats of an export ban. All over-50s are also set to be offered one dose by mid-April and Boris Johnson has said current vaccine delays will not delay the easing of lockdown. Health sources also say there are enough doses in storage in the UK or 'on stream' to deliver second doses. Two Astrazeneca plants in the UK currently produce about two million doses a week which are bottled in Wrexham. The UK is also expecting another 26.4m doses of the Pfizer vaccine, nine million of which will be given as first doses. These are delivered from Puurs in Belgium. The dispute between the EU and the UK centres on approximately 10million AstraZeneca doses from the Halix plant in Holland, some of which are believed to have already been delivered to the UK. A shipment of four million doses from India has also been delayed, which will cause a drop in the number of vaccines given in April. The prospect of those additional doses had earlier this year prompted briefings from Whitehall insiders that all adults could be offered a dose of vaccine in May. The EU will get its Atrazeneca doses from a plant in Seneffe in Belgium which can produce 8millon doses a month, and the Dutch plant that can produce 5million doses a month. The EU expects to receive 100m doses of Astrazeneca vaccine in the first half of this year, and has ordered a total of 600m doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Brussels is unhappy with Astrazeneca's rate of delivery -despite having trouble convincing its citizens to take it after EU leaders questioned its efficacy. Millions of doses of AstraZeneca vaccine have been delivered to the EU but are sitting in storage. The UK has administered 28.3m first vaccine doses, more than 50% of adults. The EU has delivered 59, 919,000 doses, 11.3% of its population. Advertisement Boris Johnson tonight delivered a stark warning that companies could pull investment in the EU if it follows through on threats of an 'arbitrary' blockade on vaccine exports to the UK. The PM said businesses would 'draw conclusions' about the bloc's commitment to the law and free trade after panicking Brussels unveiled draconian new rules seemingly targeting Britain's rollout. Despite anxiety in many member states about undermining legal contracts, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained at a press conference this afternoon that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January - including 10million to the UK. He said exports could be restricted to destination countries that limit their own exports of jabs or raw materials - whether by law or through other means. Mr Dombrovkis said the other principle would be whether a state's vaccination rate and infection levels were 'better or worse than the EU's'. Both criteria seem to apply to the UK. In a seemingly conciliatory move, the European Commission later insisted it was in talks with the UK on how they can work together to create a 'win-win' situation on COVID-19 vaccines. However, the move - backed by France and Germany - has already caused an almighty uproar and was branded 'mind-blowingly stupid vaccine nationalism' by Tory MPs on Wednesday. Health Committee chair Jeremy Hunt warned the EU was being 'idiotic' and 'destroying the possibility of a long-term partnership and friendship with its closest neighbour'. It was also condemned by Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament's international trade committee, who said the bloc had 'brought out the shotgun' but risked 'shooting itself in the foot'. Downplaying the row, the EU Commission said this evening: 'Given our interdependencies, we are working on specific steps we can take - in the short-, medium- and long term - to create a win-win situation and expand vaccine supply for all our citizens,' they said in a joint statement. 'In the end, openness and global cooperation of all countries will be key to finally overcome this pandemic and ensure better preparation for meeting future challenges. We will continue our discussions.' Asked about the move as he was grilled by the powerful Liaison Committee this evening, Mr Johnson cautioned that there would be 'long term damage' if the EU went ahead with its blockade. He said the 'partnership' with the EU was 'very important' and he wanted to 'continue to work with them'. 'Vaccines as you know are the product of international cooperation,' the premier said. 'I don't think that blockades either on vaccines or medicines, or ingredient for vaccines are sensible. 'The long term damage done by blockades can be very considerable.' He went on: 'I would just gently point out to anybody considering a blockade or an interruption of supply chains, that companies may look at such actions and draw conclusions about whether or not it is sensible to make future investment in countries where arbitrary blockades are imposed.' However there was an outbreak of peace tonight as the EU and the UK Government issued a joint statement attempting to calm the situation. They pledged to work towards a 'win-win' situation for both sides that increased vaccine supplies on both sides of the channel. 'In the end, openness and global cooperation of all countries will be key to finally overcome this pandemic and ensure better preparation for meeting future challenges,' they said. The row came amid extraordinary reports today that 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are being held at a plant in Italy afte raid by police. Initially, briefings to European papers including La Stampa suggested that the huge stocks were earmarked for the UK, but discovered by the authorities after a tip-off from Brussels. However, AstraZeneca later insisted none of the supplies are for Britain, and government sources said the reports were 'not true'. Sixteen million of the doses are due to be delivered to the European, while 13million are due to be delivered to developing countries, Astrazeneca said. Meanwhile, in a major boost for the British drive the Serum Institute in India has indicated it could hand over another five million AstraZeneca doses that had been delayed and urged the India government to release the doses for export. The wrangling comes amid mounting panic in Brussels at its shambolic rollout, with French officials swiping that Europe must not be a 'useful idiot' in the battle against the virus. The EU is trying to maximise leverage on AstraZeneca to a bigger share of supplies, even though the UK has a stronger contractual position as it funded the initial development. In a sign of the chaos, hundreds of people from the Republic are said to have been trying to book jabs in Northern Ireland, where availability is far better. Mr Johnson risked fuelling the row last night by suggesting to Tory MPs that 'greed' was responsible for the UK being so far ahead - although he quickly tried to retract the comment, realising it might cause anger. The UK currently gets the bulk of its vaccine supply from two AstraZeneca plants in England that produce approximately two million doses a week. Ministers say that the country has enough doses on stream to cover second doses. However, there have been hopes of additional doses from an Astrazeneca plant in the Netherlands, while Pfizer doses are imported from Belgium. Both could be affected by an EU export ban, with some estimates suggesting a ban could delay Britain's vaccine drive by two months and affect supply by 20 per cent. Boris Johnson (pictured at the Liaison Committee tonight) has been trying to strike a compromise with the EU This chart shows how the AstraZeneca supply chain looks across Europe At a press conference in Brussels, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January The UK's vaccine rollout has surged far ahead of the EU's leaving the bloc under huge pressure to explain why Angela Merkel says sorry as she SCRAPS Easter lockdown plans which 'were my mistake and mine alone' - but 37million Germans still face night-time curfews to slow third wave Angela Merkel made an astonishing plea for forgiveness today as she scrapped plans for a strict Easter lockdown in Germany which she said were 'my mistake, and my mistake alone'. The planned five-day shutdown - in which even grocery stores would have shut on all but a single day - was agreed between Merkel and state leaders on Monday in a bid to halt the spiralling third wave of Covid-19. But it faced massive criticism from all sides, with businesses bemoaning the extended lockdown and medical experts saying the new measures were not tough enough to prevent the exponential spread of the virus. Already under pressure over Germany's long lockdown and slow vaccine roll-out, Merkel was forced to make a dramatic U-turn only 36 hours later and admit there was no way the Easter closure could be implemented at such short notice. 'I take the final responsibility for everything,' Merkel said at a hastily-arranged press conference, adding that 'a mistake has to be called a mistake, and above all it has to be corrected'. 'I know that this whole process has caused additional uncertainty. I regret that deeply and I ask all our citizens for forgiveness,' she said. Despite the U-turn, more than 37million Germans could be facing curfews and forced to wear masks in their own cars under other measures agreed at the talks. Merkel's government has agreed to apply the ultra-strict measures on a local basis to areas where more than 100 people in every 100,000 are infected per week. But this is already the case in nearly 200 of Germany's 412 administrative districts - meaning that almost half of the country's 83million people would be affected. Advertisement Mr Dombrovkis said the EU 'continues to export vaccines to countries that have production capacities of their own but when these countries do not export to the EU there is no reciprocity'. The EU faces a 'very serious epidemiological situation' but 'continues to export significantly to countries whose epidemiological situation is less serious than ours or whose vaccination rollout is more advanced than ours' both descriptions which could apply to the UK. On the reciprocity condition he told reporters: 'If a country of destination which has a large production capacity restricts its own exports of vaccines or substances either by law or other means it may be appropriate to consider whether exports to this country are justified.' The proportionality condition meant 'finding the right balance'. 'Member states and the commission will consider the conditions prevailing in the country of destination, in particular their epidemiological situation, its vaccination rate and the existing availability of Covid-19 vaccines.' But he insisted advance purchase agreements would be respected. 'It is appropriate that we distinguish between poorly performing companies and well performing ones that are on track to meet their contractual obligations.' Asked whether the Pfizer product, the main vaccine exported from the EU to the UK, would be covered by the new rules, Mr Dombrovskis said: 'Concrete decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis. 'These adjustments to the regulation which we are presenting today do not describe a specific situation or a specific decision which is to be taken by member states and confirmed or objected (to) by the European Commission. 'Those decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis.' Mr Dombrovkis gave a strong signal that the powers are all about extracting concessions from the UK over access to supplies. 'The added value of this proposal is it should allow us to arrive at a more co-operative approach with our partner countries, especially those in a less dire situation,' he said. Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides denied that the plan amounted to an 'export ban' as she set out the 'alarming' situation facing some countries in the bloc. 'We are starting to see more concerning circumstances, this is evidenced by the fact that 19 countries are now reporting increasing case numbers, 15 member states are reporting increased hospital and ICU admissions while eight member states are now reporting an increased number of deaths,' she said. Tory MP Peter Bone told MailOnline that the EU stance seemed to be 'mind-blowing'. 'Vaccinations are a global thing. People provide ingredient to countries to produce this stuff under contracts. And countries pay for it. 'I can't imagine that the Eu, this great trading bloc, this law-abiding organisation, suddenly wants to tear all these things up for petty vaccine nationalism. 'It's not good for them and it's not good for the world. I shouldn't be flabberghasted about what the Eu does, but this time I am. To me it is mind-blowingly stupid.' Former foreign secretary Mr Hunt told the Evening Standard: 'Step by step the EU is destroying the possibility of a long term partnership and friendship with its closest neighbour... it is idiotic in the extreme.' Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament's international trade committee, hit out at the commission's move, warning it could have consequences for the bloc's vaccination efforts. 'Everyone should realise what kind of danger we are engaging in: we might end up with less vaccines for the EU. Because now all manufacturers are being held hostage for the problems with AstraZeneca,' he said. 'The EU Commission brings out the shotgun. 'But using the cluster munitions we may end up shooting ourselves in the foot because the supply chains for vaccine production might be affected and interrupted.' At a Downing Street briefing last night, the PM urged the EU to back down and suggested a compromise was possible. Mr Johnson reminded EU leaders that 'we are all fighting the same pandemic,' adding: 'Vaccines are an international operation.' The PM ducked questions about whether Britain could share AstraZeneca jabs from a plant in the Netherlands which is set to supply the UK. But Mr Johnson suggested he would never sanction a retaliatory ban on exports, saying: 'We in this country do not believe in blockades of any kind of vaccine or vaccine material. It is not something this country would dream of engaging in.' No10 plays down PM's 'greed' comment on vaccine drive Downing Street rowed back from a new vaccine row with the EU today after Boris Johnson claimed Britain had got more jabs 'because of greed' - saying it was a joke levelled at his portly chief whip. The Prime Minister risked a new front in the Covid war with Brussels last night during an online meeting with Tory backbenchers. He hailed 'big pharma' for making the vaccines quickly and told a private meeting of the 1922 Committee: 'The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends.' He later added: 'Actually I regret saying it', and repeatedly asked MPs to 'forget I said that'. Government sources insisted today that Mr Johnson had been praising the way capitalism drove progress rather than aiming a swipe at the EU. It is understood that chief whip Mark Spencer was also eating a cheese and pickle sandwich near him at the time, and 'greed' was also a reference to that. Mr Johnson likes to joke that he is a fan of 'big pharma' as well as 'big farmers' - another 'favourite' piece of banter with the burly Mr Spencer, who comes from a farming background. Advertisement After a frantic week of phone calls with EU leaders, he also tried to strike a positive note, saying: 'I am encouraged by some of the things I have heard from the continent.' But within hours he risked inflaming the spat again by joking with MPs that Britain had got the jabs 'because of greed'. In an online meeting with Tory backbenchers, the Prime Minister hailed 'big pharma' for making the vaccines quickly. He told a private meeting of the 1922 Committee: 'The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friends.' He later added: 'Actually I regret saying it', and repeatedly asked MPs to 'forget I said that'. Government sources insisted Mr Johnson had been praising the way capitalism drove progress rather than aiming a swipe at the EU. It is understood that chief whip Mark Spencer was also eating a cheese and pickle sandwich near him at the time, and 'greed' was also a reference to that. Mr Johnson likes to joke the he is a fan of 'big pharma' as well as 'big farmers' - another 'favourite' piece of banter with the burly Mr Spencer, who comes from a farming background. It is understood 'several hundred' adults from the Republic have tried to book slots as the delivery of the Covid jabs continue at pace across the north's regional centres and GP surgeries. According to the Irish News, the head of Northern Ireland's vaccination programme Patricia Donnelly issued a warning yesterday after 'several hundred' adults from the Republic tried to book slots. Ms Donnelly said people will be 'turned away' from centres if do not do fulfill the criteria. Around half of the population in Northern Ireland have had their first dose - but in the Republic the figure is barely 10 per cent. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts said supply chain problems among vaccine companies are understandable, but accused AstraZeneca of repeatedly breaking its commitments to the EU instead of 'engaging constructively'. Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said: 'AstraZeneca is a company that is not straightforward, that cannot be relied upon. 'They commit, they decommit, then they decommit on their new commitments without any warning.' Asked about the fact that the EU has millions of AstraZeneca doses that are being left in storage and not being used, he admitted that many member states have a poor track record on their vaccine rollouts. But he added: 'We obviously have also to do our job, but that does not exonerate suppliers of fulfilling their commitments regardless of what the customer does with their wares. 'The right way to deal with that would be for the British Government, the EU Commission and AstraZeneca at the highest levels to get together and try to find a mutually agreeable solution.' Home Secretary Priti Patel dodged today when asked during a round of interviews about Mr Johnson's 'greed' remarks. She told Sky News: 'The Prime Minister always acknowledges the strong success we've had in terms of the vaccine, not just the rollout, which is incredible, but also our ability as a country to develop the vaccine, the role that pharmaceutical companies and science and technology has played in that. 'And actually I think that speaks to a great strength we have as a country. 'And linked to that, of course, look at our contributions to Covax, the international scheme, to get the vaccine supplies elsewhere and demonstrate that we are a very, very strong force for good internationally when it comes to vaccines, science and pharmaceutical development.' Downing Street yesterday declined to comment on whether the UK could impose 'tit for tat' bans on vaccine ingredients if the EU presses ahead with the move. But a Whitehall source said any ban would be viewed as a 'hostile act'. The source said Brussels appeared to be trying to distract attention from its own failings by blaming Britain. 'They are risking long-term damage to their relationship with us in order to save the political careers of a few,' the source said. EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who is fighting to keep her job over the disastrous vaccine rollout, has toughened her stance towards Britain in recent days Northern Ireland Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride receives his second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Belfast last week EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (pictured with EU Council President Charles Michel), who is fighting to keep her job over the EU's disastrous vaccine rollout, has toughened her stance towards Britain in recent days EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who is fighting to keep her job over the EU's disastrous vaccine rollout, has toughened her stance towards Britain in recent days. Today's proposals are the latest development in the EU's row with AstraZeneca, which the bloc accuses of prioritising Britain. It could affect millions of doses of the AZ jab due to be exported from a plant in the Netherlands in the coming months. France and Germany have signalled they will support the move. French Europe minister Clement Beaune confirmed the proposal would be discussed at a European summit tomorrow, adding: 'We want to avoid AstraZeneca doses produced in Europe going to Britain when we are not receiving anything.' German chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU had 'a problem with AstraZeneca'. But she signalled concerns about widening the ban to other vaccines. 'There are a huge range of international interdependencies when it comes to vaccine production,' she said. 'You have to be very careful now about imposing general export bans you have to take a very close look at the supply chains.' Other EU leaders oppose the ban, fearing it would wreck the bloc's reputation as a place to do business, and could spark off a global vaccine war. Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin warned that a ban would be a 'very retrograde step'. The Netherlands also opposes the jab ban, with Belgium and Poland among a string of other EU countries said to have serious concerns. Angela Merkel says sorry as she SCRAPS Easter lockdown plans which 'were my mistake and mine alone' - but 37million Germans still face night-time curfews to slow third wave Angela Merkel made an astonishing plea for forgiveness today as she scrapped plans for a strict Easter lockdown in Germany which she said were 'my mistake, and my mistake alone'. The planned five-day shutdown - in which even grocery stores would have shut on all but a single day - was agreed between Merkel and state leaders on Monday in a bid to halt the spiralling third wave of Covid-19. But it faced massive criticism from all sides, with businesses bemoaning the extended lockdown and medical experts saying the new measures were not tough enough to prevent the exponential spread of the virus. Already under pressure over Germany's long lockdown and slow vaccine roll-out, Merkel was forced to make a dramatic U-turn only 36 hours later and admit there was no way the Easter closure could be implemented at such short notice. 'I take the final responsibility for everything,' Merkel said at a hastily-arranged press conference, adding that 'a mistake has to be called a mistake, and above all it has to be corrected'. 'I know that this whole process has caused additional uncertainty. I regret that deeply and I ask all our citizens for forgiveness,' she said. Despite the U-turn, more than 37million Germans could be facing curfews and forced to wear masks in their own cars under other measures agreed at the talks. Merkel's government has agreed to apply the ultra-strict measures on a local basis to areas where more than 100 people in every 100,000 are infected per week. But this is already the case in nearly 200 of Germany's 412 administrative districts - meaning that almost half of the country's 83million people would be affected. Regret: Angela Merkel apologised to Germans today after scrapping plans for a highly controversial Easter lockdown which had only been agreed on Monday Germany's infection numbers are climbing rapidly again even as the country enters its fourth month of lockdown, a trend blamed partly on the British variant Deaths have fallen significantly from their winter peak but are now showing signs of picking up again with fewer than 10 per cent of Germans getting their first dose of a vaccine so far The measures which could kick in across much of Germany would be the toughest that the country has imposed since the pandemic broke out. France has been under a nationwide curfew for months but Germany has never imposed a blanket stay-at-home rule in the same way as Britain has done. Areas above the 'emergency brake' threshold of 100 cases per 100,000 will have to consider compulsory rapid testing as well as new restrictions on social contact. Local authorities will have the final word but recommendations from Berlin include mask-wearing in cars and a potential night-time curfew to drive down infections. Around 37million people currently live in districts with an infection rate above 100, according to figures from the German government. The areas under strict lockdown would include the centre of Berlin as well as major cities such as Frankfurt, Dortmund and Cologne which are all above the threshold. The new measures were agreed at marathon talks between Merkel and the leaders of Germany's 16 states on Monday. But their decision to prolong the lockdown into April and tighten the rules over Easter has led to anger at a government already under fire over the vaccine roll-out. Almost all shops were to be closed in the Easter shutdown from April 1-5 while religious services will be moved online. But the policy was scrapped at an unexpected second round of talks between Merkel and state premiers on Wednesday. Merkel admitted there were too many questions about logistical details such as how and when workers would be paid during the shutdown. Angela Merkel, pictured at a cabinet meeting in Berlin this morning, is under pressure over the lengthy lockdown which has sapped public support for her ruling party An elderly man gets an injection of the AstraZeneca jab at a vaccination centre in Ebersberg near Munich earlier this week The new restrictions come as infection numbers continue to rise in Germany, with 15,813 new cases reported in 24 hours on Wednesday. It compares to 13,435 cases a week ago, bringing the seven-day average to its highest level in nearly two months. The rising numbers are blamed partly on the British variant of the virus which experts warn could send daily infections back to Christmas levels or worse. Moreover, only 9.3 per cent of Germany's population has received a first dose of the vaccine, leaving the vast majority of the country unprotected against the third wave. Only 4.1 per cent have received two doses, barely better than Britain's 3.5 per cent even after the UK virtually abandoned second doses in January and February. The country's vaccine roll-out has been plagued by problems including unwillingness to take the AstraZeneca shot despite its proven effectiveness. Germany's total death toll rose past 75,000 today with another 248 fatalities, as the daily death rate shows signs of climbing again in the slipstream of rising cases. The prolonged lockdown has slashed support for Merkel's Christian Democrats, who had been riding high in the polls after Germany's initial success against the virus. The party's ratings have now slumped to their lowest since before the pandemic, throwing September's election into fresh uncertainty. Merkel is bowing out after 16 years in power but her party and its Bavarian sister organisation have yet to agree who will run to succeed her. The party took a kicking from voters in two regional elections earlier this month which were won by the Greens and Social Democrats. President Joe Biden was seen waving to his wife Jill and one of their grandchildren on Tuesday evening, as he returned home to the White House after a day trip to Ohio - where he was met, in his first visit to a red state, by Trump supporters. As darkness fell, the first lady could be seen on the Truman Balcony of the White House with a smaller figure and one of their two dogs, Champ and Major. The pair waves, as Marine One's blades slowed to a halt. Biden was seen looking up and waving enthusiastically back. Biden looks up to the Truman Balcony, where his wife and grandchild awaited on Tuesday night Biden is seen returning to the White House on Tuesday night after his visit to Ohio First Lady of the United States Jill Biden, Dog and Grandchild Appear on The White House Balcony to witness President of the United States Joe Biden arrive at The White House on Marine One; FLOTUS and grandchild wave from the balcony in Washington, D.C. on March 23, 2021 pic.twitter.com/hqldtWGsMm Kyle Mazza (@KyleMazzaWUNF) March 24, 2021 The president had traveled to Ohio on Tuesday afternoon to mark the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and sell his COVID relief plan. It was his first foray into a red state to pitch his $1.9 trillion America Rescue Plan, which includes provisions to help pay for the healthcare subsidies. With those new provisions, red states like Alabama and Wyoming are considering expanding their programs to residents whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private health insurance plans. Arriving at Columbus airport, he was met by around 20 protesters waving Trump flags. Some had Trump 2020 memorabilia, and there was at least one sign that read 'Biden is not my president.' A handful of protesters greeted Joe Biden on Tuesday as he arrived in Ohio The demonstrators carried flags showing their support for the former president, Donald Trump Biden's visit to Ohio came as his administration is encouraging Americans to sign up for a COVID vaccine while still adhering to social distancing and wearing face masks. The president also made the trip under the shadow of another mass shooting in the United States with 10 people in Boulder, Colorado, dead after a gunman opened fire in a grocery store. He returned to Columbus where, almost a year ago during the Democratic presidential primary, he talked about gun violence during a campaign stop. In his remarks last year, he said he would pursue background checks on all firearms purchases, ban large-capacity magazines for guns and end civil immunity for gun manufacturers in wrongful death lawsuits. Before leaving the White House on Tuesday, Biden called for tighter gun control laws, and a reinstating of a ban on assault weapons. President Joe Biden went to Ohio on Tuesday afternoon to mark the 11th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act and sell his COVID relief plan White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Ohio trip was designed to 'encourage Americans to sign up for insurance at HealthCare.gov during the special enrollment period his administration opened amid the pandemic.' Tuesday marks the 11th anniversary of President Barack Obama signing the Affordable Care Act into law. Biden, as vice president, was at Obama's side at the signing ceremony where he famously called the law a 'big f***ing deal.' In Columbus, Biden toured the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. He announced at the hospital that he is extending to August 15 the deadline for Americans to sign up for coverage. Biden said the law not only must be protected but improved, and 'our government can fulfill its most essential purpose to care for and protect the American people.' The president, last month, signed an executive order to open up the federal health insurance marketplace for three months so people who lost their insurance during the coronavirus pandemic can sign up for Obamacare. More than 200,000 Americans signed on in the first two weeks of open enrollment, which, officials argue, is a sign more health care insurance access is needed. The expanded enrollment period, available via Healthcare.gov, ends on May 15. Nearly 15 million Americans without healthcare insurance are eligible for Obamacare. And Biden's COVID relief plan contains provisions to help shoulder the healthcare costs. The COVID-19 legislation cuts premiums paid by a hypothetical 64-year-old making $58,000 from $1,075 a month to about $413, based on Congressional Budget Office estimates, according to the Associated Press. A 45-year-old making $19,300 would pay zero in premiums as compared with about $67 on average before the law. People who have been unemployed this year can get a standard plan for zero premium and reduced copays and deductibles. Biden will tout his America Rescue Plan, which includes provisions to help pay for insurance subsidies The executive order Biden signed last month also reversed many Trump-era policies that weakened the Affordable Care Act. Last spring, when the pandemic took hold and economy imploded, healthcare experts asked the Trump administration to reopen the federal exchanges so people could buy healthcare insurance. The Trump administration refused the request. Additionally, the Biden administration has argued the Supreme Court should uphold the Affordable Care Act. The Trump administration sided with state attorneys general suing to strike down the law. The justices are expected to issue their ruling in July. The Ohio trip is part of a Biden administration battleground state blitz to tout the COVID relief plan, which the White House has dubbed the 'Help is Here' tour. On Tuesday, newly-sworn in Health Secretary Xavier Becerra was in Carson City, Nevada. Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff was in Omaha, Nebraska. Vice President Kamala Harris was in Florida on Monday while Emhoff was in Iowa. The president pledged to expand health insurance during his presidential campaign even though didn't go as far as to sign on to the Medicare-for-All, the universal healthcare plan touted by progressives like Bernie Sanders. But he did vow a 'public option' for a government-run insurance plan that would also address the rising cost of healthcare premiums and prescription drugs. He needs Congress to make that happen. The time may be coming for Mercedes to say goodbye to Lewis Hamilton. That is the sensational view of outspoken 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, just one day after one of his colleagues, Karun Chandhok, surmised that there is "something going on" behind the scenes at the dominant Formula 1 team. After long negotiations, Hamilton signed just a one-year contract extension for 2021 - and Villeneuve thinks that could be all the German team offered him. "I think Mercedes has already reached its peak in terms of media attention and prestige," the French Canadian told the French broadcaster Canal Plus. "Winning again with Lewis Hamilton adds nothing to that," Villeneuve insisted. "Of course, it does Mercedes no harm that Hamilton is in the car, but in the eyes of the public it is mainly Hamilton's image that is growing as a result, not Mercedes'," he added. "What would really help Mercedes is if they ever won with a driver other than Lewis Hamilton," said Villeneuve. The 49-year-old former Williams driver thinks Mercedes boss Toto Wolff might therefore have refused to sign more than a new one-year deal with the seven time world champion. "It is clear that the two parties have not agreed," Villeneuve said. "As far as we know, Hamilton wanted to work less for more money, but it generally doesn't work that way." (GMM) Superstar on Wednesday received the first dose of the The 55-year-old actor, who was spotted at the Lilavati Hospital in suburban Bandra in the evening, shared the news on Twitter. The "Bharat" star's parents -- veteran screenwriter Salim Khan and producer Salma Khan -- received their first dose of the vaccine a few days ago, a source close to told PTI. Took my first dose of vaccine today.... (@BeingSalmanKhan) March 24, 2021 On Tuesday, the government announced that from April 1, all people above 45 years of age will be eligible to get COVID-19 vaccines. Union minister Prakash Javadekar said now even people without comorbidities who are more than 45 years of age can get inoculated. Salman Khan is the latest Indian film celebrity to be vaccinated, after Sanjay Dutt, Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, Neena Gupta, Rakesh Roshan, and Johnny Lever. According to the Union health ministry, the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 5 crore till Tuesday. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting vaccinated first and immunisation of frontline workers began from February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) A Department of Health official on Wednesday said it may take two to three weeks before the government can assess the impact of the NCR Plus 'bubble' on the spread of COVID-19. "Nakikita natin usually siya in two to three weeks. Kasi example, ngayon ako naginstitute ng measure may mga nagkakasakit pa dyan," Alethea de Guzman, a medical specialist at the DOH's Epidemiology Bureau, told a briefing. [Translation: We usually see the effects in two to three weeks. Because for example, I instituted the measure now; during this time, some people are still confirmed to have COVID-19.] She said this is because the incubation period of COVID-19 is up to 14 days. This means the symptoms could appear two weeks after a person has been exposed to the coronavirus. "In those two weeks, posibleng may dagdag pa tayong mga kaso. Kaya ako nagbibigay ng isang linggo pa dahil posibleng nagkasakit ka sa dulo ng 2 linggo pero baka na detect kita a few days later na," she added. [In those two weeks, there could be additional cases. I added one more week because a person could develop COVID-19 symptoms on the 14th day since their exposure to the virus, but the infection is only detected a few days later.] OCTA Research fellow Guido David said in a separate briefing that a "more realistic" scenario is to wait for a month to feel the impact of fresh restrictions, but he did not rule out the possibility that the downward trend in new COVID-19 cases may be seen in two weeks. He said the decline is "not so likely but it is still possible that we could be on a downward trend in two weeks." Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizalalso known as the NCR Plushave been placed under one bubble until April 4. This means only those considered as 'authorized persons outside residence' or APORs can travel into and out of these areas for essential purposes such as work and delivery of humanitarian aid. The list of APORs can be found here. Mass gatherings, including large religious activities are prohibited, but weddings, baptisms, and funerals may be held with only 10 participants. LINK: EXPLAINER: What you need to know about the NCR Plus bubble The restrictions are meant to control the surge in new coronavirus infections, which have recently grown at a record-breaking speed. On Monday, the country logged 8,019 additional cases in a single daythe highest since the pandemic started last year. Image via Getty/Hector Vivas New York may be one step closer to marijuana legalization. According to Bloomberg, state lawmakers have reached an agreement to legalize the sale of recreational marijuana and decriminalize cannabis possession for adults aged 21 and older. The deal, which was brokered between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders, reportedly includes a 13 percent sales tax on cannabis products, 9 percent of which will benefit the state, the rest going to local governments. The governors office reportedly estimates the legislation could rake in about $350 million a year once its signed into law. The bill would also create a state regulatory agency that will license cannabis growers and retailers. New York lawmakers are expected to vote next week on the bill, which will likely take effect in 2022. If the legislation is approved, the state will become the 15th in America to legalize recreational marijuana use. On Wednesday, Cuomo told reporters cannabis legalization was among his top executive priorities for the states upcoming budget, which is due April 1. Weve been trying to legalize cannabis for three years. Ive failed about every year. Were close, but weve been close three times before, Cuomo told reporters Wednesday. We have passed the point of legalized cannabis. Its in New Jersey. Its in Massachusetts. To say were going to stop it is not an option; its already here. I believe New York is the progressive capital of the nationnot just because we say it is but because we perform that way. And legalizing cannabis is this years priority to be the progressive capital of the nation. We wont be the first, but our program will be the best. Cuomos announcement comes as he faces sexual misconduct allegations from at least eight women. Lawmakers including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jerrold Nadler have called for the governors resignation. Cuomo has denied the allegations and insists he will not bow to cancel culture. Story continues Related Articles More Complex Sign up for the Complex Newsletter for breaking news, events, and unique stories. Follow Complex on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok The equity is not here, Alessio said before casting what she conceded was a difficult vote against the measure. People who work with any kind of retail in food are low-paid and at high risk of COVID. Its a very difficult place to exclude them from this motion. However, Mary Luros urged Napa to act as quickly as possible to support at least some local workers during the months when vaccination against the coronavirus is not yet complete rather than delay action until it can find the full range of those who should benefit. This is an urgency ordinance specifically for grocery workers, she said after the vote. If we want to do it quickly and efficiently, we need to keep the scope limited. The drive toward extra pay for grocery workers stalled despite strong support by union representatives and others who argued that national chains some of which offered raises in the early months of the pandemic only to rescind them later in 2020 should compensate front-line employees who remain at higher risk of exposure to the virus even as company profits mount. After missing in action during the farewell of President Magufuli in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma and Zanzibar, former Dar es Salaam, Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda emerged at the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza. Makonda, who left his post as regional commissioner to vie for the Kigamboni constituency parliamentary seat during the CCM primaries, appeared at CCM Kirumba where he paid his last respects to former President of Tanzania John Magufuli. Accompanied by other mourners, the former Dar es Salaam regional commissioner who rose to prominence for his style of leadership paid his last respects to the man who appointed him to one of the most powerful positions in the commercial capital. His appointment saw a meteoric rise with several campaigns in the city, from sanitation to anti narcotics initiative that drove the barons out of the city. Prior to his rise to power in the region, Makonda rose through the ranks of CCM Youth League (UVCCM), he was the District Commissioner of Kinondoni, a position he was appointed to by the fourth phase President Jakaya Kikwete. DUBLIN, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market Research Report by Types of Cell - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market is expected to grow from USD 2,694.18 Million in 2020 to USD 3,509.05 Million by the end of 2025. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Types of Cell, the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market is examined across B-cell ALL, Philadelphia chromosome: Positive (Ph+) and negative (Ph-), and T-cell ALL. chromosome: Positive (Ph+) and negative (Ph-), and T-cell ALL. Based on Therapy, the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market is examined across Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Stem Cell Transplantation, and Targeted Therapy. The Chemotherapy further studied across CALGB 8811 Regimen, Hyper - CVAD Regimen, Linker Regimen, and Nucleoside Inhibitors. Based on Geography, the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market is examined 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 . Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market including Amgen Inc, Baxter International, Inc., Bio-Techne Corporation, Bristol Myer Squibb Company, Calyxt Inc., Eisai Co Ltd, Erytech Pharma S.A., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Genmab A/S, Genmab AS, Gilead Sciences, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline PLC, HORIBA, Ltd., Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC, Novartis International AG, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi S.A, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, and Vimeo, LLC. 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. the ongoing research amplifies the 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. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment 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. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The 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 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 1.1. Objectives of the Study 1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage 1.3. Years Considered for the Study 1.4. Currency & Pricing 1.5. Language 1.6. Limitations 1.7. Stakeholders 2. Research Methodology 2.1. Research Process 2.1.1. Define: Research Objective 2.1.2. Determine: Research Design 2.1.3. Prepare: Research Instrument 2.1.4. Collect: Data Source 2.1.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation 2.1.6. Formulate: Data Verification 2.1.7. Publish: Research Report 2.1.8. Repeat: Report Update 2.2. Research Execution 2.2.1. Initiation: Research Process 2.2.2. Planning: Develop Research Plan 2.2.3. Execution: Conduct Research 2.2.4. Verification: Finding & Analysis 2.2.5. Publication: Research Report 2.3. Research Outcome 3. Executive Summary 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Market Outlook 3.3. Types of Cell Outlook 3.4. Therapy Outlook 3.5. Geography Outlook 3.6. Competitor Outlook 4. Market Overview 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Rising prevalence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia 5.1.1.2. Increasing cancer awareness programs and strong product pipeline 5.1.1.3. Rising R&D activities for the innovation of novel therapies 5.1.1.4. Advancement in molecular biology and pharmacology for development of novel drugs 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. High cost of treatment 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Rising awareness programs for acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment 5.1.3.2. Growing in healthcare expenditure 5.1.3.3. Increase investment in the R&D of different leukemia 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Stringent regulatory policies 5.1.4.2. Adverse effects associated with the treatment, and complications with chemotherapy 5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.2.5. Industry Rivalry 6. Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market, By Types of Cell 6.1. Introduction 6.2. B-cell ALL 6.3. Philadelphia chromosome: Positive (Ph+) and negative (Ph-) 6.4. T-cell ALL 7. Global Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market, By Therapy 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Chemotherapy 7.2.1. CALGB 8811 Regimen 7.2.2. Hyper - CVAD Regimen 7.2.3. Linker Regimen 7.2.4. Nucleoside Inhibitors 7.3. Radiation Therapy 7.4. Stem Cell Transplantation 7.5. Targeted Therapy 8. Americas Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Argentina 8.3. Brazil 8.4. Canada 8.5. Mexico 8.6. United States 9. Asia-Pacific Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Australia 9.3. China 9.4. India 9.5. Indonesia 9.6. Japan 9.7. Malaysia 9.8. Philippines 9.9. South Korea 9.10. Thailand 10. Europe, Middle East & Africa Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment Market 10.1. Introduction 10.2. France 10.3. Germany 10.4. Italy 10.5. Netherlands 10.6. Qatar 10.7. Russia 10.8. Saudi Arabia 10.9. South Africa 10.10. Spain 10.11. United Arab Emirates 10.12. United Kingdom 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix 11.1.1. Quadrants 11.1.2. Business Strategy 11.1.3. Product Satisfaction 11.2. Market Ranking Analysis 11.3. Market Share Analysis 11.4. Competitor SWOT Analysis 11.5. Competitive Scenario 11.5.1. Merger & Acquisition 11.5.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership 11.5.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement 11.5.4. Investment & Funding 11.5.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion 12. Company Usability Profiles 12.1. Amgen Inc 12.2. Baxter International, Inc. 12.3. Bio-Techne Corporation 12.4. Bristol Myer Squibb Company 12.5. Calyxt Inc. 12.6. Eisai Co Ltd 12.7. Erytech Pharma S.A. 12.8. F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG 12.9. Genmab A/S 12.10. Genmab AS 12.11. Gilead Sciences, Inc. 12.12. GlaxoSmithKline PLC 12.13. HORIBA, Ltd. 12.14. Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC 12.15. Novartis International AG 12.16. Pfizer Inc 12.17. Sanofi S.A 12.18. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 12.19. Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited 12.20. Vimeo, LLC 13. Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/iznmv2 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 An award-winning Hong Kong journalist went on trial on Wednesday for accessing car ownership details on official databases during an investigation into the perpetrators of an attack on democracy supporters by government loyalists. The prosecution of Bao Choy, a producer with public broadcaster RTHK, has deepened concerns over press freedoms as Beijing moves to stamp out dissent in the wake of huge democracy protests. Some of Choy's colleagues gathered outside court on Wednesday holding banners that read "Journalism is not a crime" and "Without fear or favour". Choy pleaded not guilty to two counts of "knowingly making a false statement" to access numberplate ownership records. She faces up to six months in jail and a HK$5,000 fine ($640) if convicted. The database searches were made for an RTHK documentary last year called "Who Owns The Truth?" that looked into an attack on democracy protesters by a gang of men armed with clubs and sticks. The police's failure to respond quickly enough to the July 2019 assault was a turning point in the huge and often violent pro-democracy protests that year, further hammering public trust in the force. Police have repeatedly defended how their officers responded. RTHK used footage filmed by witnesses and security cameras -- as well as number plate searches and interviews -- to piece together events. It uncovered new details about the alleged attackers, some of whom have links to politically influential rural committees that support Beijing. It also said police failed to respond to the build up of stick-wielding men ferried into the district by specific vehicles that evening hours before the attack. Choy was arrested after the documentary aired in November. - Sliding media freedom - Hong Kong maintains a publicly accessible licence plate database long used by journalists, including pro-Beijing news outlets. But authorities announced a rule change that had been quietly introduced no longer allowed journalists to make searches. Story continues On Wednesday prosecutors said Choy clicked "other traffic and transport related matters" on the online form to justify her searches. "Visiting the addresses and seeking to do interviews about the car and its use on a certain day is not related to traffic and transport -- neither is news reporting," prosecutor Derek Lau said. Defence lawyer Derek Chan countered that her search was "related to traffic and transport matters" because she was trying to uncover who supplied weapons for the attackers, adding the court should take the "widest possible interpretation" of that definition. He also criticised the way authorities had suddenly sought to bring such a privacy prosecution. "It's only now that the prosecution said the ordinance never intended to allow reporters to access the registries. Does this sound realistic to the court?" he said. All media is state-controlled in authoritarian mainland China while foreign reporters face heavy restrictions. Yet Hong Kong remains a major Asian media hub with a vibrant local press and many international outlets hosting regional headquarters. But the city has slid down media freedom rankings in recent years. Since the democracy protests, Beijing has cracked down on opponents, imposing a sweeping national security law and unveiling plans to ensure only "staunch patriots" run Hong Kong. RTHK has increasingly found itself caught in the crossfire. Modelled on Britain's BBC, RTHK is publicly funded and editorially independent of Hong Kong's government. But authorities have taken more direct control after pro-Beijing groups accused it of being sympathetic to democracy supporters. The broadcaster's union has complained that self-censorship and pressure to become more like China's state media has increased. RTHK also suspended Choy from work soon after her arrest in November. su-jta/axn PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs announced in the Council of Minister's press briefing on Wednesday that the COHO is not yet up for debate at this current stage. Jacobs said as Prime Minister of St. Maarten this draft law can only be shared after it has gone through the process. She said on Friday while in parliament she received the advice however, she is not allowed to share the details of that advice. Jacobs said that the Council of Advice on St. Maarten also issued advice that is in line with the Council of State. With the advice from the Council of State shows that St. Maarten was right all along and that the country has now been vindicated. The Prime Minister made clear that she cannot be held responsible for the leak in the Netherlands but assured that when the draft law reaches the parliament of St. Maarten it will not be as it is currently. Prime Minister Jacobs further said that St. Maarten is busy preparing a task force to handle the concerns of the Council of State. Jacobs said that she is currently in discussions with her counterparts of Curacao and Aruba as their way forward. St. Maartens Prime Minister said that with this advice, St. Maarten has been vindicated so are Aruba and Curacao and they all now have an opportunity to sit at the table and come to a true consensus on financial monitoring. She reminded that the Government of St. Maarten was the only government is the only government that had submitted a counter-proposal to the Netherlands. She said St. Maarten has agreed to have an entity that will support and monitor the country in the reforms that the country agreed to without the excessive powers. Jacobs said have been voicing its concerns since July 2020 and the government did pose questions and made recommendations and it only in December 2020, when St. Maarten exhausted all its efforts and received a mandate from the parliament of St. Maarten that the government of St. Maarten signed on to the COHO so that the country could have received liquidity support. Click here to read advice from the Council of State. Fraudsters are using the name of MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, to scam gullible victims who think they are receiving money from her foundation. In December, Scott announced in a Medium post that she had given away $4.2 billion of her fortune to 384 different charities. The Arkansas Food Bank received an email about a real donation from Scott but believed it to be a scam - possibly inspiring the fraud emails, security experts said. In this scam, fraudsters claim to be from the 'MacKenzie Bezos-Scott foundation' in an email, and tell the recipient that they have been selected for a grant. They then require people to send over their personal details and request a processing fee. Eyal Benishti, the CEO of tech security company Ironscales, told CBS News that 200 clients have received the fake Mackenzie Scott emails but none have fallen for the scam. Fraudsters are using the name of MacKenzie Scott, the billionaire ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, to scam gullible victims who think they are receiving money from her foundation Tech security company Ironscales noted a sample of an email claiming to be from MacKenzie Scott 'If Scott is sending out unsolicited emails to people and surprising them with this huge donation, then there is room for other people to believe they are as fortunate and it all happened via email,' Benishti told CBS MoneyWatch. The fake emails are using what is known as an Advance Fee Scam, according to Ironscales. According to the FBI, the victim of an an Advance Fee Scam 'pays money to someone in anticipation of receiving something of greater value.' The error-filled email sent from scammers claiming to be from the billionaire philanthorpist's foundation begins: 'The end of small business. The Mackenzie (sic) Bezos fund was founded with the goal of alleviating the struggles ordinary people face,' the error-filled email begins, according to Ironscales. 'The company my family founded is destroying small businesses and at this rate, There (sic) will be no more small businesses in the near future, Most (sic) people gain employment from small businesses in their various communities.' The email continues: 'Realizing this crisis, I have decided to pay it forward the best way i (sic) can. The Mackenzie (sic) Bezos fun will help random selected individuals with large sums of money which we hope will begin a chain reaction of alleviating poverty and hardships.' 'This may be small minded to some people but this is the way we have decided to proceed. If you receive this email. You (sic) have been chosen to benefit from the Mackenzie (sic) Bezos fund. Reply with your full names and address for further information,' the email concludes. MacKenzie Scott, who was divorced from Jeff Bezos in 2019, left, has since married Dan Jewett, a science teacher, and has reverted to using her middle name as her last name If recipients reply, scammers then ask them to send a 'small processing fee' to receive the fake grant, CBS News reported. Apart from the spelling errors, Ironscales noted red flags that show the email is a scam such as the return email address from a '@mintme.com' domain. The scam email is also addressed from 'MacKenzie Bezos Fund' though she reverted to using her middle name as a surname since her divorce from Bezos. 'Don't trust the email as as source of communication pick up the phone. Normally Santa won't knock on your door and surprise you with a $10 million grant,' Benishti told CBS News. After identifying the attack, Ironscales said it removed all affected emails from its customers 'before any further damage could be done.' As noted by The New York Times, Scott has been making large, one-time donations instead of using a foundation to disburse payments over decades. She would also be required to publicly disclose the amounts and recipients for all gifts if she did make her donations through a foundation, the outlet noted. At least some of her charitable giving has been made through a Fidelity donor-advised fund, which will eventually disclose the groups that received money but is not required to reveal who made the donations. LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fintech company Wirex has announced its decision to voluntarily pause new UK customers of its popular app as of 24thMarch 2021. The pause is a temporary measure and follows constructive dialogue with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK regulator. From this date, Wirex will temporarily pause accepting new clients who are resident in the UK. The company - which serves nearly 3.5 million customers worldwide - will dedicate resources to further strengthen its 5AMLD (Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive) compliance protocols, conforming with the updated best practice guidelines set by the UK regulator. As Pavel Matveev, Co-Founder & CEO of Wirex explains: "As a fintech with a global outlook, we're at the frontier of making cryptocurrencies accessible to the widest possible audience. The UK's '5AMLD' will help increase transparency in financial transactions. The FCA have, in dialogue with us, made suggestions on how we can implement changes to our operational procedures, which we welcome and intend to follow. We believe London is the capital of fintech and the FCA's recommendations will help us create a stable environment to operate in. We fully endorse the Khalifa Fintech Review findings about growing the UK-based fintech ecosystem and see ourselves as an integral partner in achieving this. UK-based users keen to register for our app and card will be invited to join our waiting list during this temporary pause.' A global business with offices around the world, Wirex has experienced explosive growth during the last two years, driven by its expansion worldwide and a heightened public interest in cryptocurrencies. The Wirex app allows users to buy, exchange and spend both cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies in conjunction with a multicurrency payment card. About Wirex Wirex is a worldwide digital payment platform and regulated institution that has forged new rules in the digital payments space. In 2015, the firm developed the world's first crypto-enabled payment card that gives users the ability to seamlessly spend crypto and traditional currencies in real life. Wirex was created in 2014 by CEOs and co-founders Pavel Matveev and Dmitry Lazarichev, who identified the need to open up the esoteric world of cryptocurrencies and make digital money accessible for everyone. With the core aim of making it as easy as possible to use digital assets in everyday life, Wirex provides a trusted and cost-effective service for crypto and traditional currency transactions by incorporating the next generation of payments infrastructure integrated with cryptocurrency blockchains. With nearly 3.5 million customers across 130 countries, the company offers secure accounts that allow customers to easily store, buy and exchange multiple currencies instantly at the best live rates on one centralised mobile app. Quick and simple crypto transfer options are available, as well as the freedom to spend 150+ traditional and cryptocurrencies in more than 61 million locations around the world using the Wirex card. Wirex continues to develop the product in line with market developments, whilst adhering to regional regulations and securing appropriate licensing where it exists. A proven industry pioneer, Wirex launched their own native utility token, WXT, and introduced the world's first crypto reward programme, Cryptoback, which earns cardholders up to 2% back in WXT for every transaction they make. Wirex is based in London, with offices in Singapore, Kyiv, Tokyo, Toronto, Dallas, Dublin and Atlanta. With over $5bn worth of transactions processed already and rapid expansion into new territories, including the US and Japan, Wirex is uniquely placed to support and promote the mass adoption of a cashless society through creative solutions. | wirexapp.com | Tobacco smoke-exposed children utilize emergency and urgent care services more often than unexposed children, which contributes to a large toll on the nation's health care system, says research led by the University of Cincinnati. The study, recently published in the journal PLOS ONE, concluded: Children who are exposed to tobacco smoke have higher pediatric emergency department visit costs compared to unexposed children. A higher number of tobacco smoke-exposed children had an urgent care visit over a one-year period compared to unexposed children. Tobacco smoke-exposed children had nearly twice the risk of being admitted to the hospital over a one-year period compared to unexposed children. "Despite major progress in tobacco control, about 4-in-10 children remain exposed to tobacco smoke. This exposure places developing children at higher risk for many health problems, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia," says health services researcher and lead author Ashley Merianos, an associate professor of health promotion and education in UC's School of Human Services. Merianos is also a research affiliate member of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium and the American Academy of Pediatrics Tobacco Consortium. The study, Merianos says, also lends insight into preventions such as standardizing and initiating tobacco smoke exposure reduction interventions in the urgent care, emergency and inpatient settings and promoting voluntary smoke-free home and car policies to help reduce children's tobacco smoke exposure and related consequences. "If every health care provider were to use each pediatric visit as an opportunity to screen and advise parents who smoke or vape to counsel parents about the dangers of secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure to their children, rates of pediatric tobacco smoke exposure would decline," says pediatric emergency physician and senior author Melinda Mahabee-Gittens, a professor of pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's. ### This work was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; and the National Cancer Institute. Study co-authors include: Roman Jandarov, Michael Lyons and Melinda Mahabee-Gittens at the UC College of Medicine and Judith Gordon, at the University of Arizona College of Nursing. The authors cite no conflict of interest. Married At First Sight's Booka Nile and Brett Helling's marriage came to an explosive end during Wednesday night's dinner party. The newlyweds appeared to have finally ruled out any chance of having a fairytale ending as they both declared their marriage over. As soon as they arrived at the dinner party, Booka and Brett, both 31, displayed obvious signs of tension following the 'poison' letter task earlier this week. Dunzo: Married At First Sight's Booka Nile and Brett Helling's marriage appeared to reach breaking point during Wednesday night's dinner party The task left Booka storming out of her shared apartment with Brett after he accused her of thinking the world revolved around her. Speaking to her co-stars, Booka said: 'This whole relationship I have been the bad person. He has been the good person.' 'Does the fact that your husband feels under appreciated in your relationship resonate with you?' he asked. Is this the end? As soon as they arrived at the dinner party, Booka and Brett, both 31, displayed obvious signs of tension following the 'poison' letter task earlier this week Speaking to her co-stars, Booka said: 'This whole relationship I have been the bad person. He has been the good person' Booka explained that she wanted Brett to take accountability for speaking about her behind her back. 'I'm not perfect and there's a lot that I need to work on but you have never said I'm sorry for hurting you or sorry for offending you,' Booka continued. An upset-looking Brett exclaims: 'Do you know how many times I've said please give me some space? I'm exhausted. Booka explained that she wanted Brett to take accountability for speaking about her behind her back 'It's really disappointing because they're so good together. I wish they could see what we see,' expert John Aiken is heard. Later on in the episode, Georgia Fairweather asked: 'Hang on, are you guys good?' Brett responded by saying, 'Nah, not at all,' before the camera turned to Booka, who confirmed: 'No, absolutely not.' 'I don't want to do this anymore,' Brett replied to which Booka said: 'I know you don't Brett, I know you don't' Booka explained: 'When you find out that your husband is making you out to be a horrible self-absorbed person, No.' 'I don't want to do this anymore,' Brett replied to which Booka said: 'I know you don't Brett, I know you don't. Brett then explained: 'Ultimately it comes down to this, the theme of the letter is true.' 'I do feel under appreciated and at the end of the day, she won't acknowledge how I feel, and ultimately I want a partner that's going to try and make me feel better.' Booka then apologised to her husband, before telling the table: 'I'm over being the problem. I'm done... I'm just done.' Booka then apologised to her husband, before telling the table: 'I'm over being the problem. I'm done... I'm just done.' Brett hit back: 'We're both exhausted. Nothing works, we've both tried. It just goes nowhere.' Later speaking to producers, Brett explained he was exhausted and didn't see a future with the Perth based musician. Married At First Sight continues Sunday at 7pm on Nine She posted a gallery of images of herself cuddling up to a mystery man on Tuesday after splitting with Taite Radley last July. And The Bachelorette's Ali Oetjen was once again spotted with close friend Shaun Sheahan on Wednesday. The pair were seen jetting out of Adelaide airport together. More than friends? The Bachelorette's Ali Oetjen jetted out of Adelaide with her hunky male companion on Wednesday after they cuddled up for cosy Instagram pictures the day before The reality star turned wellness guru showed off her fit frame in a pair of black tracksuit pants teamed with a white T-shirt she knotted at the waist. The blonde beauty wore a comfortable pair of sneakers on her feet for the flight and carried a duffle bag. Both Ali and Shaun wore protective face masks for the domestic flight. Looking good! The reality star turned wellness guru showed off her fit frame in a pair of black tracksuit pants teamed with a white T-shirt she knotted at the waist Shaun had appeared in a gallery of pictures Ali shared to Instagram on Tuesday. The blonde couldn't contain her joy as she visited hotspots around the City of Churches with her new friend. The two spent their day together enjoying lunch at The German Arms Hotel, feasting on German sausages and lager. Sheer daring! Ali exposed her white bra in the sheer top Cosy; The blonde beauty wore a comfortable pair of sneakers on her feet for the flight and carried a duffle bag At one stage, the two stopped to take scenic autumn-themed pictures by a tree with stunning red leaves. In each of their images, the two couldn't wipe the smile off their faces. Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Ali Oetjen and Shaun Sheahan for comment. Safety first: Both Ali and Shaun wore protective face masks for the domestic flight Moving on? Ali had posted a gallery of images of herself cuddling up to a mystery man on Tuesday after splitting with her former beau Taite Radley last July Afternoon drinks: The couple then went for a stroll through Old Handorf Village Market and stopped by the Crown Adelaide for an afternoon drink Happy couple? In the pictures, Ali appears to be beaming Season of love! At one stage, the two stopped to take scenic autumn-themed pictures by a tree with stunning red leaves. In each of their images, the two couldn't wipe the smile off their faces Last month, Ali spoke to the Courier Mail and revealed she'd confirmed that she's fully recovered from her emotional split from ex Taite, 30. When asked if she was single, she simply said: 'I'm just doing me at the moment.' 'I'm into the next chapter. I couldn't be happier,' she said. Recovered: Last month, the yoga teacher spoke to the Courier Mail and revealed she'd confirmed that she's fully recovered from her emotional split from ex Taite, 30 Ali and Taite announced their split via Instagram seven months ago saying they were 'taking time apart' and giving each other 'some space'. The couple shared near identical statements underneath selfies together and said they were making the shock announcement with 'the heaviest heart'. Just weeks later, Ali joined the cast of Seven's military-style show SAS Australia. During an interrogation scene on the program, Ali tearfully explained to the drill sergeants how 'empty' she felt after losing the man she considered her 'soul mate'. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Tower Resources Ltd. (TSXV: TWR) ("Tower" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the flow-through non-brokered private placement previously announced on February 25, 2021 (the "FT Offering") has closed. Under the FT Offering, the Company issued 13,986,014 flow-through units (each a "FT Unit") at a price of $0.143 per FT Unit for gross proceeds of $2,000,000. Each FT Unit was comprised of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company that qualifies as a "flow-through share" for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each a "FT Common Share") and one (1) transferable common share purchase warrant (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one non-flow-through common share in the capital of the Company (each a "Common Share") at price of $0.22 per Common Share until March 24, 2022. All securities issued under the FT Offering, including securities issuable on exercise thereof, are subject to a hold period expiring July 25, 2021, in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. The gross proceeds from the FT Offering will be used for expenditures which qualify as Canadian Exploration Expenses within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), to carry out exploration programs on Tower's Nechako and Rabbit North properties. About Tower Resources Tower is a Canadian based mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and advancement of economic mineral projects in the Americas. The Company's key exploration assets, both in B.C., are the Nechako gold-silver project near Artemis' Blackwater project and the Rabbit North copper-gold porphyry project located between the New Afton and Highland Valley Copper mines. On behalf of the Board of Directors Tower Resources Ltd. Joe Dhami, President and CEO (778) 996-4730 www.towerresources.ca Reader Advisory This news 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 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 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, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78445 Addis Abeba The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC/Commission) has released a preliminary report highlighting grave human rights violations and an attack against civilians in Axum city, Tigray region. After several weeks of attempts, EHRC was able to deploy an investigation mission to Aksum from February 27 to March 5, 2021. The Commission's rapid investigation mission spoke to survivors, 45 families of victims, eyewitnesses and religious leaders in the city. It also led a focus group discussion with 20 residents of the city and spoke with local kebele officials as well as medical personnel of Saint Mary and Axsum Referral Hospitals. The mission has obtained documentary evidence that includes video, audio and photographs from families of victims and relevant authorities. Accordingly, the preliminary investigation confirms that during the period covered by the report, and the two days of November 28 and November 29, 2020 in particular, grave violations of human rights were committed and that in Axum, over one hundred civilians that included residents, persons displaced from other parts of Tigray, and visitors from other parts of Ethiopia who came to mark the annual Axum Tsion celebration, were killed by Eritrean soldiers. Witnesses, residents, and members of victims' families described gruesome killings of victims in the presence of their children, wives, and mothers. These widespread human rights violations committed by the Eritrean soldiers who were present in Aksum city at the time of the incident, are not ordinary crimes, but constitute grave contraventions of applicable international and human rights laws and principles. The intentional attacks against civilians, looting, destruction and appropriation of property not justified by military necessity - including religious institutions and health facilities - may amount to crimes against humanity or war crimes. EHRC states that this underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation into the overall human rights situation in Tigray. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Conflict Human Rights By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Law enforcement measures and actions taken by security forces enforcing a curfew have also resulted in deaths and severe injuries. The Commission expresses grave concern over such actions and calls for an immediate end to the use of disproportionate measures. Investigations into human rights violations related to the application of curfew regulations including the response from security authorities will form part of the full investigation. "The federal government's announcement that it would commit to a joint investigation by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission into human rights violations in Tigray is a step in the right direction," said Daniel Bekele, Chief Commissioner of EHRC. "While members of the military serve their country and people by even paying the ultimate sacrifice, those who commit human rights abuses should be held accountable for their actions. It is therefore imperative to assist the joint investigation to this end." A 23-year-old New Jersey man hit a police officer in the head with a hammer after cops gave him a ride home when he caused a disturbance at an area business last week, authorities said. Scotch Plains police were called to a business on Plainfield Avenue around 8 p.m. Friday and found Tyler J. Geissel acting unruly, officials said. When police brought Geissel to his home on Shawnee Path in the township he became combative, grabbed a hammer and struck a cop on the left side of the head, according to police. Two other officers then helped arrest Geissel. Geissel was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a police officer and two weapons offenses. Cops didnt name the business or explain exactly where the assault took place. A Scotch Plains police spokesman declined to answer questions about the incident from NJ Advance Media. Due to the nature of the incident I am unable to comment any further, Capt. Jeffrey Briel wrote in an email. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JGoldmanNJ. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Westminster Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WMR) (FSE: 08W3) ("WMR" or "Westminster" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced a systematic review of all past exploration related work at Mostazal. The Mostazal copper - silver property is located in the Atacama Desert of Chile, 80 km northeast of Copiapo, 30 km east of Inca de Oro. The property consists of eight exploitation licenses covering approximately 16 square kms within the main porphyry copper belt of Chile, along the Domeyko Fault System. In particular, the Company is in the process of reviewing data from a 2012 - 2013 exploration program conducted by a prior operator at Mostazal. This program included geophysical and geochemical surveys conducted with the primary objective of delineating the extent and margins of a 4 km by 2.5 km north-south trending belt of outcropping copper mineralization and associated rock geochemical anomalies. Jason Cubitt, Westminster's President and CEO states, "Mineralization at surface bears all the hallmarks of an extension to a buried porphyry copper system, including tell-tale alteration halo, and the suite of copper sulphides and associated pathfinder elements you'd expect to see." Mr. Cubitt continues, "It's highly encouraging to see the geophysical modeling of structures of significant size at depth lying beneath known copper mineralization at surface." Figure 1: Historical ground magnetics map, Mostazal Copper Project, Chile To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/1134/78432_099cf894b4c4f87e_001full.jpg The preliminary interpretation of the geophysical data indicates that much of the known mineralization at surface is closely correlated to four deep-rooted magnetic anomalies. Anomaly "A" (figure 1) occurs on the eastern margin in the northern part of the grid and is coincident with mineralization and artisanal workings. Two further anomalies, "B" and "C", are part of a large circular feature located in the central part of the grid and both are closely associated with known mineralization. The fourth deep magnetic anomaly, "D", is located in the southern part of the grid and is open to the south. These four anomalous areas are considered key target areas for additional exploration at Mostazal, targeting both additional stratabound mantos-style mineralization as well as the modelled porphyry at depth. The central magnetic anomalies form a circular feature approximately 1.6 km in diameter. This magnetic high consists of two strong lobes on the west and east side of the grid. Given that the majority of the grid is mapped as andesite, the circular shape of the central magnetic high may be indicative of magnetite emplacement through hydrothermal alteration. Known copper mineralization occurs within this magnetic high, particularly within the two lobes. There is "striking correlation between the known mineralization and the two magnetic highs", as reported in the September 2012 Geophysical Report on Mostazal, by Joe Jordan. The Company has engaged Kit Campbell of Campbell & Walker Geophysics Ltd. to review existing geophysical data together with the historic drill hole database. This will then be integrated into the Leapfrog geology software to produce an updated three-dimensional model of the study area. The 2012-2013 shallow drilling defined a discontinuous stratified mineralization system of Cu and Ag in porphyritic andesites with hydrothermal alteration of chlorite-epidote-sericite and silicification. Mineralization of copper oxides mixed with chalcocite is observed from the surface down to 40 to 50 m deep. Below, mainly chalcocite and locally bornite, and chalcopyrite are observed. Copper minerals consist of an oxide phase (malachite, chrysocolla, and minor atacamite and azurite) and a sulphide phase (chalcocite, minor bornite). Whitish-gray chalcocite is the dominant copper sulfide mineral. Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Derrick Strickland, P. Geo., a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: "Jason Cubitt" Jason Cubitt President and Chief Executive Officer Westminster Resources Ltd. Telephone: 604-681-3170 info@westminsterresources.com westminsterresources.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain 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, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. 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 applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78432 Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Irans President Hassan Rouhani spoke at a Cabinet meeting on March 23 for the first time since the Iranian new year to address the countrys fight against the novel coronavirus and addressed the US offer to help. That the Americans say 'We are ready to help' under the difficult conditions of the coronavirus is one of the great lies of history, Rouhani said. Its as if someone has taken a well and does not permit you to have clear water and then brings you a glass of muddy water and offers it to you and says 'I know you are thirsty; I have come here to help,' he added. Rouhani continued, If you want to help, remove your boots from the path and step aside from the movement of a nation. You have come and closed the well. You have made problems for the sale of oil. You have made problems for banking transactions, for medicine, for food, raw material. We dont want your muddy water; just step to the side, remove the obstacles, Rouhani said, adding, "Leave alone the other nations and companies and buyers and exporters and importers. The offer of US help is in reference to comments made by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Feb. 28 when he told reporters, We have made offers to the Islamic Republic of Iran to help, and weve made it clear to others around the world and in the region that assistance, humanitarian assistance to push back against the coronavirus in Iran is something the United States of America fully supports. Immediately in response to Pompeos offer, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said Iran had not believed the offer was genuine and that Pompeo had notified the US media of the offer to help before the offer was made officially to the Swiss, who act as intermediaries between the two countries given they have no formal diplomatic relations. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the final decision-maker in the country, also spoke about the US offer of help Iran during his address March 22, rejecting any US assistance. In his Nowruz speech typically given in the city of Mashhad at the Imam Reza shrine but this time given via video due to the ban on public gatherings because of the coronavirus Khamenei said, The comments by the Americans are very strange because they have a shortage of medicine and equipment, so if they have the ability, they should help their own people. Khamenei said the Americans themselves are spreading the coronavirus but are not even aware of it; therefore, What reasonable person would accept the help of this country? He also said its possible the United States would send medicine that would help spread the coronavirus to make it last longer or send medical staff to gather information. Iran continues to struggle to combat the spread of the coronavirus. As of March 23, there have been a total of 23,049 cases and 1,812 deaths. In the last 24 hours, there have been 1,411 new cases and 127 deaths. While these are the official numbers, Iranian officials have previously said the actual numbers are higher. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Nationals MP Michael Johnsen has outed himself as the politician accused of raping a prostitute at a secluded bush lookout after paying her $200 for oral sex. Labor MP Trish Doyle claimed on the floor of NSW Parliament on Wednesday that the sex worker told her she did not consent to penetrative sex but was forced into it. The woman met the politician on adult classifieds website Locanto and told her story to Ms Doyle, her local MP, after the alleged rape in September 2019. Ms Doyle said the pair, whom she did not name, arranged to meet at a secluded Blue Mountains lookout while he was on his way home from Sydney. Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen hours later said he was devastated by these allegations and would take leave from parliament immediately Upper Hunter MP Mr Johnsen hours later said he was devastated by these allegations and would take leave from parliament immediately. I have voluntarily spoken with NSW Police and I have and will continue to fully cooperate with their enquiries, he said in a statement. I am confident any investigation will conclude that I am an innocent party. Without admission, I have chosen to step aside from my parliamentary secretary role, and will not sit in the Nationals party room nor the joint party room. The Blue Mountains MP used parliamentary privilege to make the explosive claims against a male MP in the Berejiklian government about 5.30pm. NSW Parliament cut the footage from its webcast of private member statements, despite it being made in open session that the public has a right to view. Trish Doyle (pictured) has used parliamentary privilege to allege the explosive claims against a male MP in the Berejiklian government. I am confident any investigation will conclude that I am an innocent party,' he said Ms Doyle claimed the woman was 'assaulted in my electorate... [by a] government member of this chamber'. 'It was an assault, and it was against her explicit instructions. She did not consent. It was rape, she told her parliamentary colleagues. 'This assault has had terrible consequences for the woman's mental health and wellbeing. 'This fear of hurt and anger is not something any woman should be made to feel, but it is all the worse that this man who raped her was a government member of this chamber. 'His power and his privileged position as a civic leader make that fear, anger and hurt all the worse the abuse of power and privilege to harass, coerce and assault women in the home in the street in their workplace must stop perpetrators must be held accountable.' The woman a year later reported the alleged rape to police, which confirmed on Wednesday night it was investigating her complaint. Trish Doyle (pictured in parliament on Wednesday afternoon) has rocked NSW Parliament by claiming a male government MP allegedly raped a prostitute at a secluded bush lookout after paying her $200 for oral sex NSW state MP Trish Doyle claims the woman was allegedly raped at a secluded lookout in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney (pictured) Ms Doyle claimed the woman was initially reluctant to go to police as 'she did not trust the processes available' but decided to come forward 12 months later after getting advice from the Sex Workers Outreach Project. The six-year parliament veteran claimed the woman had responded to an advertisement on a personals classifieds site seeking a specific sex service. 'She had been clear with her client from the outset about what she was willing to do with him, and what she was unwilling to do,' she said. 'She tells me she made herself clear that she was not willing to have penetrative sex with him, however towards the end the man moved around behind her and assaulted her in a way she had not consented to. 'In her emails to me she said that once the assault began she just wanted it to finish. It was an assault, and it was against her explicit instructions, she did not consent, it was rape.' Ms Doyle said the woman is 'hurt and angry this powerful man felt entitled to assault her'. 'She remains fearful that this powerful man will seek reprisals against her for reporting this rape,' she added. Trish Doyle (pictured right in red pants) addressed NSW Parliament with the bombshell allegations around 5.30pm on Wednesday Several Labor MPs told the Sydney Morning Herald they had no idea Ms Doyle was planning to make the air the bombshell revelations in parliament. Premier Gladys Berejiklians office refused to comment on the allegations. NSW Police confirmed sex crimes detectives are investigating allegations of sexual violence against a woman in the Blue Mountains in September 2019. 'The matter was reported and referred to the squad in late September 2020 and has been under investigation since,' a statement read. 'As the inquiries are ongoing, we are not in a position to provide any further details.' The explosive allegations were aired while parliament was sitting at NSW Parliament House (pictured) late Wednesday afternoon The shock allegations are the latest sexual misconduct scandal to rock Australian politics in just two months. Prime Minister Scott Morrison hasn't ruled out dumping Christian Porter as Attorney-General following allegations he raped a teenager decades ago in Sydney. The position of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is also up in the air, and insiders claim the embattled pair will be shifted to other portfolios. Ms Reynolds has been on extended sick leave since soon after former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins went public with claims she was raped by a senor colleague in the minister's Parliament House office. If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Scientists at the Russian Vector laboratory have now found a new isolate of the South African COVID-19 variant, said the press office for Russian consumer watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor on March 24. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to tighten its grip across the globe with new variants that are deemed more infectious than the existing, known strain of the novel coronavirus, the Rospotrebnadzor said in a statement on Wednesday that the South African variant, B.1.351 has been found in Russia "The scientists of the State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology Vector of Rospotrebnadzor found a new isolate of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that belongs to the B.1.351 lineage first identified in South Africa. The pan genomic sequencing has shown that there are two extra deletions in ORF1ab and S genes along with mutations specific to the South African variant," the statement said. The statement also said that the coronavirus isolate has now been deposited to the state virus collection while the research on whether the newly found strain can be neutralised by antibodies that are developed after the contraction of the disease or inoculations of Russian vaccines is ongoing. Earlier, on March 16, Rospotrebnadzor has reported that the detection of the South African variant of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. According to the Johannesburg national infections centre, the mutations of the virus has made the pathogen more sustainable to antibodies in the blood of those who were cured of the disease. Novel Coronavirus Variant Found In Maharashtra With Double Mutation Meanwhile, amid a possible second wave of coronavirus in India, the Union Health Ministry on March 24 revealed that the Genome sequencing by the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) has shown variants of concern and a novel variant in India. The novel SARS-CoV-2 variant has been found in Maharashtra with double mutation. The Union Health Ministry of India stated, "Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10787 positive samples shared by States/UTs. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 States of the country." Image credit: PTI/Unplash Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) Paranaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez on Wednesday defended the inoculation of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez, who isnt among the first in the COVID-19 vaccine priority line. The mayor explained nearly all of the citys frontliners or almost 90-95% have already been vaccinated. Fernandez, whom Olivarez said has a comorbidity, was part of the quick substitution list, which allows a person to take the place of someone who did not show up for a scheduled inoculation. Yung mga vulnerable nating residente ng Paranaque ang binibigyan po natin, second sa ating medical frontliners, he said. According to our medical team, nung ni-screen si Mark Fernandez, meron syang comorbidity. [Translation: Our vulnerable Paranaque residents are second in line in the vaccination program, next to our medical frontliners. According to our medical team who screened Mark Fernandez, he has a comorbidity.] The countrys COVID-19 vaccination framework lists vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens and those with comorbidities, as the second top priority. Dr. Olga Virtucio, a city health official, also said the vaccines had to be distributed to those who could arrive at the vaccination site three hours before the day ends. "Madami na kami substitution list for those na perimeter at madaling tawagan, natatawagan agad and they would come immediately 'yun nalalagay sa substitution list. Ilalagay namin sana ang health workers, kaso minsan ang health worker ilalagay mo sa substitution list, di pa rin makarating kasi nasa mga duty," she said. [Translation: There are a lot of names on the substitution list and those who we are able to contact and could come immediately are included. We would like to include health workers, but sometimes those included in the list aren't able to make it because they are on duty.] Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing earlier said those on the list must come from the priority sectors. "Kapikon-pikon ang ginawa kasi any vaccine na you use outside the priority list is a vaccine that you are taking away from frontliners. I'm sure there are more people that are the priority than the actor... Pwede namang driver, pwedeng hotel frontline worker, pwede government employee. Bakita artista ang pinayagan gawing substitute sa bakuna na yan?" he said. [Translation: What happened was annoying because any vaccine you use outside the priority list is a vaccine that you are taking away from frontliners... I'm sure there are more people that are the priority than the actor... It could have been a driver, hotel fontline worker, a government employee. Why was an actor allowed a substitute to take the vaccine?] LIST: Priority sectors, subgroups in COVID-19 vaccination program He also shared a list bearing the names of five mayors who jumped the vaccine line. Mayors Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban City, Dibu Tuan of T'boli, South Cotabato, Sulpicio Villalobos of Sto. Nino, South Cotabato, Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay and Abraham Ibba of Bataraza, Palawan were all issued show cause orders. Other mayors also received the vaccine, making the announcements via their own or their local government's social media pages. Densing said public officials may face possible suspension for violating the prioritization, but the Office of the Ombudsman would determine what the penalty would be. "(The) Ombudsman determines the penalty suspension -- I believe in this case," he said. DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergiere called on everyone to follow the protocol, warning that jumping the line could endanger vaccine supply. "Gusto muna natin bakunahan ang vulnerable at at risk from getting COVID... Ang WHO nagbabala na sakali magkakaroon ng breaches sa pinirmahan sa COVAX facility, our future supplies might be compromised. Let us wait for our turn," she said at a televised briefing. [Translation: We want to vacciate the vulnerable and those who are at risk from COVID... The WHO has warned that should there be breaches in the agreement with the COVAX facility, our future supplies might be compromised. Let us wait for our turn.] Earlier this month, the World Health Organization said the Philippines may risk losing millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses from the global COVAX program if it fails to follow prioritization requirements, including the strict allocation of the scarce vaccines to medical frontliners and vulnerable sector. The provinces move to end its funding agreement with Brightscape Endeavours has left the father of a teenage boy in the agencys care worried for his sons future. Advertisement Advertise With Us The provinces move to end its funding agreement with Brightscape Endeavours has left the father of a teenage boy in the agencys care worried for his sons future. The man, who lives in Westman, said he is concerned about his son, who is currently in a Brightscape Endeavours home in Brandon. The Sun is not naming the man as the child is currently in the Child and Family Services system. The 14-year-old boy is high-needs and has a variety of mental health concerns, his father said, including ADHD, ODD, a mood disorder and a learning disability. He was previously in care in Winnipeg, but started to accumulate criminal charges, the boys father told the Sun. His behaviour changed for the better in Brandon, but with the facilities operated by Brightscape set to close in June, he is concerned his sons behaviour will get worse with the move back to the city. "Within a one-year time span of being in CFS care in Winnipeg and bouncing through different homes, he got 14 different charges," the father said. The Sun reached out to Manitoba Courts, but was only told the boy does not have any outstanding charges. "The way Im looking at it is his behaviour has pretty much changed since hes been out in Brandon for the better, hes not getting in as much trouble. Now, they want to send him back to Winnipeg where he can get into all this trouble and be thrown back into the juvenile system again," he said. "So theyre setting him up to fail." In February, Manitoba Families announced it was terminating its agreement with Brightscape Endeavours to provide housing for youth in care after an investigation found "significant" financial deficiencies. The agreement is slated to end on June 18, and children in care will be transitioned elsewhere by the deadline, a Manitoba Families spokesperson said at the time. "The results found significant deficiencies in the companys financial management and accounting policy and procedures," the Manitoba Families spokesperson said in an email. "These findings are contrary to the provinces responsibility to ensure that service providers demonstrate financial stability and sustainability." The move from Winnipeg to a Brandon foster home was positive for the boy. His father said there was more one-on-one care, and it created a stable schedule for him. The stability is key, his father said, and the tumult caused by Brightscapes closure isnt helping the situation. Now, the father said his son is scheduled to move back to Winnipeg, where he is concerned the boy will get into trouble. He was told there was no other CFS facility in Brandon the boy could move into. According to a Tuesday morning email sent from Brightscapes chief administration officer, Cristy Dourado, to the concerned father, there was an incident with the mans son and his roommate on Monday. The email, which the father provided to the Sun, said there was a conflict between the boys over a remote and controller and "both kids were swinging before both supports were able to separate both boys." Brandon police spoke to the boys and they were reminded of "appropriate behaviours and not to touch each others things." "I feel with the uncertainty of what is happening with the children of Brightscape and there not being a whole lot of answers for them, that we will continue to see an increase in behaviours in the next few weeks until children have some plans in place," Cristy Dourados email reads. The father said more criminal charges were not laid, but the boy is feeling "unsettled" with the prospect of moving back to Winnipeg. Manitoba Families is currently in the process of moving children out of Brightscape Endeavours facilities by June 18, a spokesperson for the department said on Tuesday. "Manitoba Families has established a technical team that is working with CFS agencies and placement providers to determine the best plan for each youth. A designated placement lead within the team is working with all parties to ensure the needs of each youth are met, including clinical, educational and connection to family," an emailed statement reads. The spokesperson did not answer whether the children in Brightscapes facilities would be kept in Brandon, but said "CFS guardian agencies" are working to make sure families voices are heard. Brightscape Endeavours CEO Jesse Dourado said in an email he couldnt comment on specific cases, but moving children in specialized care is always challenging for them. "We know that some of our youth are feeling especially stressed about the uncertainty of their situation as in, where they will be living in the near future," Jesse Dourado wrote. "The children dont know when they will be moved or where they will be moved to, that would be stressful for anyone." Brightscape is still waiting for the province to provide information on where children will be moved to and detailed planning, according to Jesse Dourado. "We believe the sooner these plans can be communicated to everyone, the better for all the children," he said. Jesse Dourado told the Sun in February the organization had "just under" 30 children in care at 14 homes in the Brandon area. He stressed the provinces decision to end funding was not made due to any allegation of abuse or mistreatment. "What we can tell you is that we accept the Manitoba Governments decision and respect that it was made for its own reasons," Dourado wrote in February. "If there were issues with any of our performances, processes or paperwork, we were prepared to address them, but it appears that is not an option currently." Ainsley Krone, the acting Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth, said moving children out of Brightscapes care causes uncertainty for them. There are children in the organizations care who have some of the most complex needs in the province. "Specialized care is required for them, so its certainly a loss to the system to have the ending of that resource in Brandon," she said. "Transition is really hard for kids for children in care and for young people who are sometimes dealing with a myriad of complexities in their life. Destabilizing something like a placement resource can have a significant impact on those young people." Kids in the system need to know their care is a priority, she said, and that people are there to support them. "The uncertainty is something that can create additional challenges and increase risk in some areas." Krone said she was unsure if there is the proper capacity for the children in the rest of the provincial foster system, but the influx will be felt. There is also the issue of ensuring the children who are moved still have proper access to mental health, psychiatric and justice services. Krone said the Manitoba advocate is monitoring the situation carefully. "Thats one of the things our office continues to monitor in this situation because all of those kids have a right to the series that they require, and so thats going to continue to be our involvement." dmay@brandonsun.com Twitter: @DrewMay_ Adjusting to new energy methods in Ninh Thuan Over the last few years, renewable energy has blossomed in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan, with wind turbines and solar rooftop panels found in nearly every locality. Energy has since become somewhat of a keyword in the province in addition to the sunshine, wind, and the poor-quality soil mixed with sand that usually dominates Ninh Thuans landscapes. Along with the physical development, the lives of many local people have been enhanced in the wake of the emergence of these modern energy models. Talking to VIR in his hometown of Phuoc Minh commune in Thuan Nam district, grocer Tran Van Sang said he received almost VND2 billion ($87,000) in compensation last year in return for over three hectares of agricultural land. The amount has since been spent on building a new two-storey house along with some modern equipment and even new bikes for all family members. Instead of feeding some cows or cultivating some plants, which could not generate enough money for us to improve our lives, we have received all this money which has enabled most of our dreams to come true. Now, I only run this shop to earn money for everyday expenses, Sang said. Across other roads, there are numerous newly-built houses with tall gates standing before huge mountains, and newly-bared plots of land which have already been handed over to investors. Pham Viet Khac, head of Quan The 1 Village, told VIR the land compensation price for renewable energy projects is currently around VND140-800 million ($6,000-35,000) per hectare in this province a price which has been rising as each year goes by. In the 2000s we were paid only VND800,000 per hectare for a salt project from the local government. My house was the most beautiful in the village, but now it is mediocre compared to the newly-built ones thanks to renewable energy projects, said Khac. According to Ninh Thuan Peoples Committee, as of the start of February around 37 solar power projects have been granted investment certificates at a total capacity of 2,576MW, including 32 projects put into commercial use; while 15 wind power projects have been granted certificates with a total capacity of over 766MW, including three for commercial use. Centre of renewable energy Amid the rapid development of the economy, demand for energy has inevitably been on the increase. While primary energy sources like coal, oil, and gas are limited, renewable energy is considered a suitable solution for Vietnam and every country to fill the lack of energy. In this country, Ninh Thuan is the locality with the lowest annual rainfall in the country, while sunshine and wind are plentiful enough to develop renewable energy. The total sunshine time is around 2,600-2,800 hours in the province every year, equal to 200 sunny days. The average total heat radiation is also high at 5.2kWh per square metre, higher than in both northern provinces (4kWh per sq.m) and southern provinces (5kWh per sq.m). Meanwhile, wind speed there is also fastest across the country at 7.5m per second on average, while the countrys average of wind speed is six metres per second only. Utilising the advantages of natural conditions, Ninh Thuan has planned to become the centre of renewable energy for the country, enabling this industry to become a major economic sector and a driving force for the breakthrough and socioeconomic development of the province, said Ninh Thuan Peoples Committee Chairman Tran Quoc Nam. He confirmed that the potential of developing renewables and mobilising investment into the province in the draft of the coastal wind power development plan in Ninh Thuan during 2021-2030, with vision to 2045, and solar power plan in the 2016-2020 period, with vision towards 2030, submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in January. At present, five locations on an area of over 21,400ha are in the plan for wind energy with the total capacity of 1,429MW or 2,000MW (if equipped with the most cutting-edge technologies), while total capacity may be 4,380MW by 2045. And total capacity of solar power could rise to around 8,180MW by 2030. Renewable energy has been contributing remarkably to the economic restructure of the province, raising industrial production and especially enabling Ninh Thuan to be in the top five highest-growth localities over the last five years, Nam said, highlighting the contribution of renewable energy. Behind the evolution In addition to practical benefits that renewable energy generates to improve transport infrastructure, use huge areas of wasteland, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the speedy and alluring development of renewable energy projects has nevertheless raised some concerns among the people who know the local environment best. Clearing all plants and weeds on mountains and other land creates bare hills that facilitate dangerous rainfall. In last November, heavy rains over a few days flooded around 1,000 houses in Ninh Thuan and destroyed 500ha of rice and other plants in districts such as Thuan Bac, Ninh Hai, Thuan Nam, and Bac Ai. My house, even next to the National Highway No.1, was immersed in almost a metre of floodwater, said Khac at Quan The 1 Village. I have lived here for more than 70 years and have never seen such an incident like this. Nguyen Ngoc Huy, an expert from non-governmental organisation Oxfam, explained that millions of solar panels in Ninh Thuan are tilted in the same direction, causing flow concentration. The sewer system is quite narrow and investors may not pay enough attention to the drainage system. Flow concentration can make a small flood in the province even through only light rain, said Huy. Last October one of Vietnams biggest renewable energy developers, Trung Nam Group, launched the largest solar farm in Southeast Asia in Thuan Nam district, after only three months of construction and installing 1.4 million panels. Additionally, the construction of these solar farms has caused issues for locals in the form of spoiled roads, broken sewerage systems, and noise and dust pollution. The investor promised to rebuild or fix the road but they have yet to do so, said one local resident living next to the project. I have filed a lawsuit to local government but there was no response. It has been five months since the solar farm was put into operation, yet we still live here with broken sewers and damaged roads. Before the Trung Nam project, BIM Energy in partnership with the Philippines AC Energy and Frances Bouygues Energies & Services also launched one of Southeast Asias largest solar farms in mid-2019 with a total capacity of 300-330MW in Thuan Nam district. Dozens of solar farms covering areas of around 100ha are already deployed in the province, including Re Sun Seap farm in Ninh Son district, Trung Nam Group in Thuan Bac district, Singapores Sinenergy in Ninh Phuoc district, and Vietnam Electrical Equipment JSC alongside Gelex in Thuan Nam district. A 31-year-old man died over the weekend in Panama City Beach after he jumped off a high-rise condo balcony and his parachute didn't open, according to the Panama City News Herald. Timothy Dale Ackerman, a Panama City Beach resident, reportedly jumped from the 23rd floor of the Sunrise Beach Resort on Sunday. Authorities believe Ackerman was BASE jumping, which is when a person jumps from a fixed object and uses a parachute to land. Ackerman was found dead in front the building around 6:45 p.m. Sunday. "The Panama City Beach Police Department would like to remind everyone it is against the law to trespass and there is no legal place in Florida that allows BASE jumping," police said in a news release. Click here to read more details from the Panama City News Herald. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) - President Rodrigo Duterte defended on Monday how the national government finances its COVID-19 response, amid criticisms from some lawmakers. "If you are afraid of corruption, let your mind go easy because these things are not susceptible to anything. The money is in the hands of the bank and they (the manufacturers) collect...from the bank, hindi sa atin (not from us)," Duterte said during the weekly meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The President made the remark after Senator Risa Hontiveros sought an audit on the national government's use of funds, particularly for the much-delayed COVID-19 vaccination program. Duterte emphasized the government pays the COVID-19 vaccines procured through the lending banks, where the money will be coursed through to the vaccine manufacturers. "Kung maniwala kayo sa kanila, sige bahala na doon na kayo. Kung maniwala kayo sa amin na walang singko sentimos na hinahawakan po namin. It's the bank who will pay, upon our advice na na-deliver na 'yung bakuna. Hindi tayo ang magpunta," said Duterte. [Translation: If you believe them, then just go join their side. You should believe us that we do not have in our hands even five centavos. It's the bank who will pay, upon our advice that the vaccines were delivered. We will not go to them to pay.] Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III backed the President's explanation. "We only withdraw when we pay. Hindi pa due ang payment (The payment is still not due), so we'll keep (the money) in the bank first," said Dominguez. Dominguez said the national government has allocated 82.5 billion for the national pandemic response this year, which covers vaccine procurement, logistics and other supplies, and waste disposal. The amount came from the 2021 national budget, international lending institutions, and official development assistance. The country's finance chief underscored that this year's fund for the pandemic response is "enough" to vaccinate all Filipino adults in 2021. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the national government aims to inoculate around 70 million Filipinos against COVID-19 this year. Oneida County has created Weve Been Vaccinated Come on in decals for people to put up in their homes or businesses, to let visitors or customers know everyone inside has received their vaccine. It can be applied to a window of any establishment, or even any home. So, it can be put on your front door, to show that Weve been vaccinated, come on in, said Picente. Today, I unveiled decals #OneidaCounty will provide to local businesses and homes that have been fully vaccinated & announced that our #COVID19 vaccination waiting list for those aged 18-49 is up and running. For more info:https://t.co/uk4ChdG7SU pic.twitter.com/TbS8Yv7JuK Anthony J. Picente Jr. (@AJPicenteJr) March 24, 2021 The decals can be requested after a form is filled out affirming that the staff of a business, or members of a household, have been fully vaccinated. Picente said businesses must reaffirm their fully vaccinated status each month, so the county can maintain a list of participating establishments on its website. Decals can be requested free of charge at ocgov.net. The second part of the bill allows for automatic expungement of juvenile records, unless the child commits a felony, and a court has discretion in determining if the record should be expunged. Under this portion of the bill, the record would be expunged within a year a juvenile is released or when they are 19 years old, Tallian 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. he Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, met on Wednesday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters with his Spanish counterpart, Admiral Teodoro Esteban Lopez Calderon, who is on an official visit to Romania. The discussions focused on military cooperation relations, participation in exercises and missions and on the consolidation of allied and European multinational structures. According to a press release of the Ministry of National Defence (MApN), the two officials said that, in the context of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and Spain, "cooperation between the two armies is at an excellent level, being relevant both bilaterally, through consistent participation in training activities and supporting the defensive capabilities, as well as in an allied context, through the commitment of the Romanian and Spanish military for the application of security measures in the eastern flank of NATO." In the future, Petrescu and Lopez Calderon have decided to intensify joint training activities in the fields of air defence, military police, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), education and special operations and cyber defence.Another topic on the agenda was the operationalization of NATO command-control structures. Lieutenant-General Daniel Petrescu reiterated Romania's position to remain engaged, along with other allied states, in consolidating the "NATO Rapid Deployable Corps" in Valencia and, together with other sponsoring nations, in supporting the Center of Excellence "Counter Impovised Explosive Devices" in Madrid."I conveyed to my Spanish counterpart that Romania, in the process of developing defensive capabilities, promotes, in both formats, NATO and the EU, a realistic approach, which aims at the efficient coordination of national forces and means, given that for each of the the two international bodies, the member states have a single set of capabilities," Petrescu was quoted as saying in the release."In the year in which Romania and Spain mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the contribution of the Spanish army to strengthen, in our country, the position of the Alliance of deterrence and defence is given by the participation of the Spanish military in NATO multinational structures deployed in our country and in the air police missions, together with the Romanian Air Force," concluded the officials present at the meeting.The Chief of the Defence Staff of the Kingdom of Spain also had meetings with the command teams of the General Staff of the Land Forces, the Command of the South-East Multinational Corps and the Multinational Command of the South-East Division.On Thursday, Admiral Lopez Calderon will be received by the Minister of National Defence, Nicolae Ciuca, will have meetings with the Chiefs of Staff of the Air Force and the General Staff of the Naval Forces and will participate in the closing ceremony of the Strengthened Air Force mission of the Spanish detachment deployed to 57th "Mihail Kogalniceanu" Air Base.On the last day of the visit to Romania, on Friday, the Spanish officer will be the guest of the "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy in Constanta and will meet with the seamen from the Spanish frigate participating in the SEA SHIELD 21 exercise of the Romanian Naval Forces. SEOUL (Reuters) - A widespread chip shortage affecting automakers is expected to disrupt production at South Korea's Hyundai Motor from April, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a person with direct knowledge of the situation. A Hyundai spokesperson told Reuters the company was aware of the auto industry's rising concerns over chip supplies, and that it was closely monitoring the situation to take necessary measures and optimise production in line with the supply conditions. Hyundai shares were down 2.2% on Wednesday. The broader KOSPI was down 0.4%. Hyundai had been able to avoid a hit from the shortage so far largely because it maintained a stockpile of chips unlike its global peers, Reuters reported last month. The shortage has forced production cuts worldwide, including at Volkswagen and General Motors, prompting countries including Germany and the United States to ramp up efforts to resolve the situation. Hyundai had been adjusting production of its weaker-selling models such as the Sonata to save chips, a union official told Reuters in February. The official said this month that production had not abated for popular models such as the Palisade, the new Tucson and the Genesis GV, but the automaker has stopped overtime and weekend production for less-popular models. (Reporting by Joyce Lee and Sayantani Ghosh; Editing by Gerry Doyle and Karishma Singh) On a Saturday morning, Colombian President Ivan Duque greets EL PAIS journalists in an aviator jacket and jeans. As he guides us on a tour of the Casa de Narino official residence, he talks about its construction, its first owners and its sale to the state. He elaborates at length in front of the urn that holds the steel and bronze sword of Simon Bolivar, reciting facts from memory. In his office, one can spot a motto on his desk that reads: If you do the little things well, the big things will work out better. When applied to Duques policies, his detractors would argue he has not stuck to the message. In his darkest days, Duque, 44, heads to the chapel of the official residence and prays. He has had reason for several trips since his election in 2018: members of the ELN, a leftwing insurgency, killed 22 police cadets with a car bomb in 2019, Hurricane Iota wreaked destruction late last year, and the Covid-19 pandemic has caused immense hardship in terms of deaths and financial losses. Those are moments when I cling to God and faith, he says, though I believe that we have to offer thanks to Divine Providence even for moments of adversity. After almost three years in office, Duques critics accuse him of avoiding big decisions and of living in the shadow of ex-president Alvaro Uribe, who ruled during the final years of Colombias armed conflict between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the government, and who remains an influential yet divisive figure. The implementation of the peace agreement with the FARC, along with tax reform, are the thorniest issues Duque faces today. What follows is an interview with a president always walking a difficult tightrope, and refusing to be drawn too closely to any one side. Question. How do you define yourself ideologically? Answer. Of the extreme center. Q. Can you explain what that means? A. It means that I dont move from the center. Q. And what is the political center to you? A. The world cannot continue with these debates between left and right. There is now a clear division between demagogues and pedagogues. There are the demagogues promising big things and then failing to deliver, and there are the pedagogues, who are required to guide society. Q. What does someone like you from the extreme center think of Donald Trump and the assault on the Capitol? A. I rejected the assault on the Capitol and I reject violence. Q. So what about a president who encouraged it, as Trump did? A. It seems to me that violence is the greatest expression of irrationality, and even more so in a democracy. In democracies, the great debates have to take place in our institutions. Q. But you have not made any public declaration about Trump. What did you think about Trump encouraging the assault on the Capitol at a rally? A. I dont want to present myself as a judge. I think the United States has already had that discussion and it would be wrong of me to get involved in internal political debates. Q. And what about Jair Bolsonaros attitude towards the pandemic? A. I do not judge other presidents. I respect their approaches. Perhaps the best way forward is to set an example. From day one, we have worked with scientific evidence to face the challenge of the pandemic. Providing information and understanding for the protection of citizens lives and of our health system is just as important as protecting our economic and social structures. Q. What is your assessment of the impact of the coronavirus on Colombia? A. It has been a huge challenge because we did not have the spending power of rich countries. However, before the first month of our vaccination program is even over, we are getting closer and closer to vaccinating our first million people. Our goal this year is to reach 35 million vaccinated, or 70% of the Colombian population. The challenge now is to protect the most vulnerable and at the same time stabilize our public finances. Q. How are you going to do that? A. When the pandemic hit, we decided to create an unconditional cash transfer to the most vulnerable families for the first time. There are more than three million families receiving that income. I hope that with Congress we can extend those payments and reach almost five million families, and that we can also increase the amount handed out. Secondly, mid-pandemic, we implemented a sales tax [VAT] refund to a million families, and this year we will extend it to two million families, and maybe even more. We have also subsidized between 40% and 50% of the legal minimum wage to more than 3.4 million workers. We have to come up with an ambitious agenda to deal with the effects on poverty and unemployment, and at the same time stabilize public finances. How? With the principle of solidarity Q. And there is a tax reform underway. A. Talking about taxation is missing the mark slightly. I would explain it in the following way: the pandemic has created four serious effects; poverty, unemployment, a spending deficit and debt. Today we have to come up with an ambitious agenda to deal with the effects on poverty and unemployment, and at the same time stabilize public finances. How? With the principle of solidarity. Q. And with us being relatively close to election time [Colombia will hold a presidential election in 2022], will this reform have the necessary support in Congress? A. Colombia and Spain have this in common, which is that our countries have never played roulette with the economy or with social-spending programs. Everything that has been spent in this crisis will have to be covered eventually, everything. In the case of Colombia, whenever we have had to make decisions to protect the most vulnerable and preserve the stability of public finances, we have done so. Q. Thats all very well but in order to make that happen you will need money, and that could come from a tax reform, right? For example, 40% of products are exempt from VAT at the moment. A. I want to be very clear. I am not in favor of VAT on food that makes up families day-to-day consumption, so eggs, meat, chicken, or bread. We have to ensure that access to basic foodstuffs is protected. There are other aspects of the VAT regime that will be analyzed by tax experts, Im sure, and we will consider them, but regarding household staples I am not in favor of setting a VAT rate right now. Q. And do you not fear an increase in social conflict due to the pandemic and poverty? A. Obviously we know that this type of circumstance will always bring some level of friction and fear, and we also know that there are some people who will always want to capitalize on the ill feeling generated among those affected by the pandemic and poverty, and to use it for their own electoral gain. Thats why these social policies are so important this year. Q. There are complaints about the development of the peace accords. Progress is slow and meanwhile the killings of community leaders and former FARC guerrillas continue. Shouldnt the process be sped up? A. I do not play politics with peace. I have a peace policy. We have a commitment to moving forward without looking for recognition, or for prizes and awards. We do this to serve Colombians. Q. You were very critical of the peace agreement [between the government and the FARC signed in 2016]. After three years as president, are you convinced yet that it was not as bad as you thought? A. I was critical of aspects of the agreement. I think it is very positive that those who laid down their arms are returning to civilian life. And yes, I have some concerns, which I have aired publicly. Those concerns are about guaranteeing the principles of truth, justice, reparations and preventing any repeat behavior. That means we need to know the truth about the recruitment of minors, about the relationship with drug trafficking, about the rape of women and children, about those who were kidnapped. It also means that Colombians know that the sentences applied by the Special Jurisdiction for Peace [JEP; Colombias peace court] offer the guarantee, credibility and confidence that justice was really done. Q. Do you trust transitional justice now? A. My criticism was always institutional, constructive. The JEP has not yet produced any ruling, so I cannot make any value judgment regarding those stated purposes of truth, justice, reparations and non-repetition. For me, there is no difference between the misnamed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia and the FARC Q. The Truth Commissions report will be released at the end of the year. Will you support it? A. Its extremely important for the Colombian people that we say things as they are, and that means recognizing that in a country with the rule of law there are no political assassinations or political kidnappings or political car bombs or political recruitment of minors or political extortion. Under no circumstances can anyone who commits one of these crimes be called anything other than a criminal. Therefore, one cannot differentiate between armed groups based on their ideology. For me, there is no difference between the misnamed United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC) and the FARC. It is also very important that when we construct the truth it is understood that the state security forces are not an actor in the conflict, but an authority protected by the constitution. Of course, if there are excesses, abuses or crimes committed by members of the security forces, the individuals responsible deserve to face the full weight of the law. So, when you ask me what is my expectation: that the truth based on these universal principles will prevail. President Duque in his office after the interview with EL PAIS. Camilo Rozo Q. Recently, the JEP presented a report that raised the number of civilians killed in combat and falsely passed off as guerrillas by the army to more than 6,400. Do you lend credibility to that report? A. This behaviour must be rejected categorically and must be punished under the full weight of the law, and thats whether we are talking about 1, 10, 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 victims. An investigation must also be carried out and it is very important that in this process we have judicial objectivity so that sanctions are applied that act as an example for those who behave in this way. Q. And would you agree if those sanctions included someone like the former president Alvaro Uribe? A. I respect the question, but it comes from a premise that doesnt enter the debate for me for a simple reason, which is that there was no chain of command coming from the executive in these cases, which are against the law and the constitution. The then the defense minister, Juan Manuel Santos, along with former President Uribe, have publicly announced they took no part in these decisions and were not those who exercised some degree of control, inspection or surveillance over the units in question. I cannot accept a hypothetical question about the criminal responsibility of anyone without proof, who has not been convicted in court, and furthermore one that is not supported by any type of evidence. Q. What is your relationship with Uribe? A. Its positive, and we are friends. He is not only a person I admire for his dedication to our country, for his patriotism, but also because he cares a lot about making proposals. Q. Do you talk to him a lot? A. We do talk. He is also still active in politics. I have a friendly relationship with him that I value deeply, and that maybe makes our conversations easier than with other former presidents. Q. You give the impression that you have been diverging in opinion and that he, for example, is much more aggressive regarding the peace talks than you. A. Thomas Jefferson said that when many people think alike, there is not much thinking going on. Respectful disagreement is very important in society, in a political party, in a company, in a newspaper, because it is precisely a diversity of opinions that allows us to find common ground. We are defenders of democracy and the end of dictatorship in Venezuela Q. In a gesture that was highly applauded by the international community, your government has decided to legalize hundreds of thousands of undocumented Venezuelans. Are more measures likely to be put in place for this immigrant group? A. Colombias gesture is a gesture of peace; its a humanitarian and fraternal act. We are not a rich country, and 1.7 million migrants are already in Colombia. Around 900,000 have temporary permits, and we offer them a 10-year permit with a biometric identity card. There are another 800,000 or 900,000 who are invisible: we do not know where they are, what their names are, or what conditions they are living in. With this temporary protection statute they will be registered, and they will have access to goods and services in accordance with Colombian law. I believe that this is a reference in terms of global migration policy, because the world has seen a lot of xenophobia and a lot of stigmatization. We are showing that it is not necessary to be a rich country to be fraternal and humanitarian. Q. You have been a staunch defender of [Venezuelan opposition leader] Juan Guaido from the very beginning. However, the goal of removing Nicolas Maduro from power has not worked. What strategy should be followed in Venezuela? A. Colombia has never acted unilaterally. It is not that we are staunch defenders, ruu. Maduro has not left power, thats true, but let us also recognize several things. There has never been a diplomatic siege of this nature. This process is the end of the dictatorship, a transitional government with broad participation, the calling of free and fair elections and a plan for Venezuelas reconstruction. What do we need to do? To accelerate that process. Q. How? A. We have to continue applying pressure, including the legal case made by several heads of state against Nicolas Maduro before the International Criminal Court. Q. Would you support the participation of opposition parties in Venezuelas next regional elections? A. I am not going to say if I support or not. They are the ones who have to decide themselves. As long as no conditions exist for free and fair elections, because thats not possible in a dictatorship, any pretension of participating in a democratic process ends up as a kind of farce. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Wales suffered an opening defeat in their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign as Kevin De Bruynes brilliance proved the difference in a 3-1 win for Belgium in Leuven. Harry Wilson stunned Belgium with a superbly-crafted 10th-minute goal, but the star-studded hosts were soon ahead as De Bruyne fired home from distance and then played a major part as Thorgan Hazards header gave them the lead. Romelu Lukaku sealed victory for Group E favourites Belgium with a 73rd-minute penalty after Chris Mepham had needlessly brought down Dries Mertens. Without manager Ryan Giggs, who has denied an allegation of assault, Wales faced what is on paper the most difficult challenge in international football an away game with Belgium. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Red Devils top the FIFA world rankings and entered World Cup qualifying unbeaten in competitive home matches since losing to Germany in September 2010. Belgium also had the incentive of avenging their Euro 2016 quarter-final loss to Wales, a defeat which cost Roberto Martinezs predecessor Marc Wilmots his job. Seven players remained from that game in Lille Thibaut Courtois, Thomas Meunier, Toby Alderweireld, De Bruyne and Lukaku for Belgium and Wales pair Joe Allen and Gareth Bale as the two countries met for the sixth time in the last decade. Wales were unbeaten in the last four meetings and caretaker boss Robert Page welcomed Allen back into the international fold. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Stoke midfielder ruptured an Achilles tendon 12 months ago and had not played for Wales since November 2019. Liverpool teenager Neco Williams also came into the side following Novembers Nations League win over Finland, while Belgiums major team news centred around Lukaku. The former Manchester United striker had arrived late in camp following a coronavirus outbreak at his club Inter Milan. But Lukaku started and his presence encapsulated the size of the visitors task with his 57 international goals from 89 games being one more than the entire Wales squad. Story continues Both sides took the knee before kick-off and Wales suffered an early blow as Allens international return lasted only seven minutes, an apparent hamstring injury ending his night prematurely. Kevin De Bruyne equalised for Belgium (PA Wire via Belga) But Wales were quickly ahead as a slick one-touch passing move opened up the Belgium defence. Bale fed the final pass into the stride of Wilson, who claimed his fifth international goal with aplomb. Youri Tielemans shot was deflected wide and Lukaku somehow steered De Bruynes brilliant cross over the bar from two yards out as Belgium settled to their task. De Bruyne continually drifted into dangerous positions and Wales were punished after 22 minutes when the Manchester City midfielder was allowed space to unleash a 25-yard shot, which flew in off a post. Belgium continued to press and took the lead six minutes later as De Bruyne set up Meunier to cross from the right. Romelu Lukaku converted from the penalty spot (PA Wire via Belga) Connor Roberts slipped on the difficult surface and Hazard sent a powerful header past Danny Ward in the Wales goal. Hazard sent another shot over and Wales were relieved to hear the half-time whistle still in the contest. There was more intent about Wales after the interval as Bale almost tricked his way through a packed home defence before the Wales captains audacious overhead kick fell wide. Daniel James was also off-target twice as Belgium sat back with almost half an eye on Saturdays trip to the Czech Republic. But the result was put beyond doubt as Lukakus spot-kick confirmed Wales first defeat in 12 competitive matches and left the Dragons playing catch-up in World Cup qualification. A Franklin Township woman says a police dog whose handler, a Glassboro police officer, is her neighbor attacked her two-year-old Yorkie, Charley, and left him badly injured. The Glassboro police chief says the department paid for the Yorkies veterinarian bills, had the K9 re-evaluated and is putting safety measures in place at the officers home, but the Franklin Township woman, Christina Ginchereau, said shes worried it will happen again. Ginchereau said her 16-year-old daughter took their dog out to their front lawn on Feb. 2 when the police dog bit Charley. Her neighbor had just exited his police cruiser with the dog and was heading into his house when the animal attacked, Ginchereau said. It wasnt the first time the dog became aggressive, she says, and now Ginchereau fears what may happen when the canine comes back to the officers home. Charley was sent to an animal hospital where he needed emergency surgery for injured ribs and a punctured lung, his owner said. I just sat there crying, said Ginchereau of her visit to Charley while he was at an animal hospital for a week. My daughter couldnt go. Shes still a hot mess. Ginchereau said the attack happened after the police dog broke free of his leash. Police said they are still reviewing the incident. The police dog, Loki, and his handler Officer Colton Gemenden, graduated from the John Sonny Burke K9 Training Academy in January 2020 with 22 weeks of training, according to an announcement the department posted on Facebook at the time. Loki was trained for patrol and narcotics detection. The dog has been working for the department since then, Glassboro Police Chief John Polillo said. Gemenden could not be reached for comment. No phone number is listed for him in public records. Polillo said the dog hasnt returned to the Gemendens home since the incident, pending completion of yard improvements like fencing. The dog is temporarily being housed at the police department. Other safety measures have been put in place at the K9 handlers property, as well as the actual handling of the K9, Polillo said in an email. As for the K-9, an electronic collar as well as a two-point lead with flat collar and a metal chain collar. The dog was re-evaluated at the John Sonny Burke K9 Training Academy and was approved to resume duty after completing a two-week program, the chief added. The borough also provided a check to Charleys owner on March 22 to cover veterinarian bills, he said. The dogs owner said it covered about $3,000 in medical expenses. *** FEEL GOOD FRIDAY *** We are happy to introduce our newest K9 Team, Ptl. Colton Gemenden and his partner,... Posted by Glassboro Police Department on Friday, January 24, 2020 The state Attorney General is reviewing how police dogs should be used by law enforcement. Some law enforcement and civil rights groups want them banned, while others say theyre a useful tool to protect cops. This wasnt the first time the dog lashed out, Ginchereau said. About two weeks prior to the Feb. 2 attack, the dog charged towards her daughter while she was leaving another neighbors house and jumped a five-foot fence, said Ginchereau. Her daughter wasnt physically harmed then, she said. The police chief, however, said the dog had no other history of attacks. Ginchereau said shes concerned a fence might not keep her family safe since the dog was able to break free of a leash once before. She suggested the dog be muzzled, but said the chief didnt seem open to the suggestion. The dog got off the leash and failed to respond to the handler, Ginchereau said. And theyre not listening to me when I say that. Local journalism needs your support. Subscribe at nj.com/supporter. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Vladimir Putin moved a step closer to becoming 'president for life' today as Russian MPs approved a law that would let him stay in power until 2036. Putin, 68, was due to be term-limited out of office in 2024 but last year won public backing to amend Russia's constitution and pave the way for two more terms. The necessary legislation has now passed the lower house of Russia's parliament and only needs to get through the upper chamber before Putin can sign it into law. The Kremlin strongman, who has already been in power for more than 20 years, would be eligible for two-more six year terms that would take him to 2036. Vladimir Putin (pictured) moved a step closer to becoming 'president for life' today as Russian MPs approved a law that would let him stay in power until 2036 Putin won his first presidential election in 2000 after taking over as acting president when Boris Yeltsin resigned on the final day of the 20th century. He won another term in 2004, before moving to the prime minister's office in 2008 while Dmitry Medvedev held the fort as president. Putin and Medvedev then swapped jobs in 2012, with Putin returning to the presidency for a six-year term. He won a fourth term in 2018, but would have been ineligible in 2024 under a constitutional provision banning more than two consecutive terms. Putin, 68, was due to be term-limited out of office in 2024 but last year won public backing to amend Russia's constitution and and the necessary legislation has now passed the lower house of Russia's parliament. Pictured: File image of lawmakers applauding in the Russian parliament's lower house on January 23, 2020 After years of speculation about how Putin might get around the '2024 problem', lawmakers proposed last year that his personal term-limit clock be reset to zero. The proposal was put to a referendum in a package of measures alongside populist economic reforms and socially conservative gestures backed by the Kremlin. These included enshrining the country's 'faith in God' in one clause of the constitution while introducing another which effectively banned gay marriage. Putin won the referendum by a wide margin - nearly 78 per cent voted in favour - after voters cast their ballots over the space of a week in June and July to limit the risk of coronavirus. The legislation is set to be considered by the upper house later this month and, if approved, will be signed into law by Putin But there were hundreds of complaints of violations including people voting more than once and allegations that employers had pressured their staff to vote, according to Golos, an independent election monitor. Kremlin opponents criticised the initiative at the time, calling it a pretext to allow Putin to become 'president for life'. Putin has not confirmed whether he intends to run again in 2024, but would be eligible for two more six-year terms if the bill passes. Having now passed the Russian parliament's lower house, the bill is expected to be put before the upper house. Consideration of the legislation is set to take place later this month and, should it be approved, will be signed into law by Putin. Updates on CCP Virus: Nearly 40 Percent of UK Firms Suffered Cyberattacks During Pandemic Two in five UK businesses suffered from cyberattacks in the last 12 months, new figures from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) show. According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 report, published on Wednesday, 39 percent of British firms and 26 percent of UK charities reported having cybersecurity breaches or attacks in the past year. Phishing emails were by far the most common form of cyberattack, said the report. These were followed by online impersonation, viruses, and other malware including ransomware. In cases where a breach resulted in a loss of data or assets, the average cost of a cyberattack on a business is 8,460 ($11,604). This figure rises to 13,400 ($18,379) for medium and large businesses. Angry Students Break Free From Prolonged Lockdown At noon on Mar. 17, at least 300 Guangzhou university students launched a surprise charge on the guarded school gate and stormed off campus. Student Lin Fang (alias), told the Chinese-language Epoch Times it looked like a prison escape scene from a movie. Interviewee said that their school was in a low-risk area in a remote part of the city of Guangzhou, and had been locked down since last semester, although neighboring schools were not. There were other reasons why students broke out of the grounds. Meals provided by the school dining halls were increasingly expensive and of such poor quality that the food contained insects or worms. Many students said they had loose bowels after eating in the dining halls, a student said. Brazil Set to Pass 300,000 Deaths Brazil is set to pass 300,000 CCP virus deaths on Wednesday one day after the country recorded a record daily death toll of 3,251 fatalities. Latin Americas biggest country, already home to the worlds second-highest death toll after the United States, has become the global epicenter of COVID-19 deaths, with one in four global fatalities currently a Brazilian. France Hit by 3rd Virus Surge; Culture Minister in Hospital Frances high-profile culture minister has been hospitalized for COVID-19, the latest senior official to become ill as the nation faces a third surge of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections, this one propelled by a highly contagious variant first found in Britain. Roselyne Bachelot, 74, announced last weekend that she tested positive and her hospitalization was made public Wednesday, just as Employment Minister Elisabeth Borne left the hospital, writing on Twitter, Im relieved. CDC: 70% of People Over 65 Got 1 Dose of Vaccine More than three months into the U.S. vaccination drive, 70 percent of Americans 65 and older have received at least one dose of the vaccine. More than 43 percent of Americans 65 and olderthe most vulnerable age group, accounting for an outsize share of the nations more than 540,000 confirmed CCP virus deathshave been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. Also, the death toll has dipped below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November. Dozens of states have thrown open vaccinations to all adults or are planning to do so in a matter of weeks. Female Military Member Dies After Vaccine, Showed No Side Effects: Officials Ukraines health agency has reported that a female military member died after receiving AstraZenecas CoviShield CCP virus vaccine, but stressed that the public shouldnt jump to conclusions. The agency said the woman didnt complain of any side effects before her death. She died about two days after receiving the shot, officials said on the health ministrys website, reported Reuters. The woman had underlying heart problems and other underlying health conditions. Her cause of death is being investigated, the health ministry said. Poland Reports Daily Record of Almost 30,000 New Cases Poland has recorded a record daily high of nearly 30,000 new CCP virus cases amid a huge surge in infections that is overwhelming hospitals. The Health Ministry reported on Wednesday 29,978 new confirmed cases, above the last record high of 27,875 from Nov. 7. The ministry also said that it recorded 575 more deaths since a day earlier. Belgium Imposes New Lockdown to Fight Third Wave Belgium will close schools, non-food stores, and hairdressers for four weeks from Saturday, in a sharp renewed lockdown designed to contain a rising third wave of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus infections, which causes the disease COVID-19. A year on from the first pandemic shutdown, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told a news conference that the variant of the virus first discovered in Britain had become dominant in the country and led to a doubling of COVID-19 patients in hospitals. More Businesses Give Perks for Proof of Vaccination: Free Donuts and Rides, Dine-In Discounts Businesses across America are increasingly leaning into the vaccination effort, offering a range of freebies and incentives to customers who show proof of getting a COVID-19 shot. Security experts note, however, that the information on vaccine record cardscurrently the only proof of vaccinationcontains sensitive information that bad actors could exploit, and so they urge people to be mindful when flashing the cardsand definitely not share photos of them on social media. Germany Drops Easter Shutdown Plan, Merkel Apologizes Chancellor Angela Merkel has dropped plans for a five-day shutdown in Germany over Easter, which had prompted confusion and criticism. She called the idea a mistake and apologized to Germans. Merkel announced the decision after calling a hastily arranged videoconference with Germanys 16 state governors, who are responsible for imposing and lifting restrictions. Hong Kong Halts Use of Pfizer Vaccine, Cites Defective Lids Hong Kong suspended the use of the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids. The citys government said the suspension was immediate while the matter is investigated by distributor Fosun Pharma and BioNTech, the German company that created the vaccine with American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. Hardest Hit Businesses Call for Extension of Federal Wage, Rent Subsidies Canadian businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic are calling on the federal government to extend emergency relief programs beyond the current deadline of June 5. The Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses is calling for the federal wage subsidy and the federal rent subsidy programs to be continued until the end of the year. The coalition, which represents hotel, tourism, arts, culture, and hospitality industries, is backing up its call with the results of a survey it conducted among its members earlier this month. Alexander Zhang, Frank Yue, The Canadian Press, Tom Ozimek, Jack Phillips, Reuters, and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Parents organisations will not join the states three school sectors as signatories to a statement of intent to teach consent and tackle sexual assault among students, a draft of the document seen by The Sydney Morning Herald shows. The statement would commit all schools to taking concrete actions to strengthen their students ability to form healthy relationships and prevent harmful situations, and to acknowledging their duty to respond. However, the draft requires signatures only from the three school sectors, and not parents organisations as originally proposed. The news comes as Queensland Parliament was on Wednesday due to pass legislation requiring juries not to take into account claims from accused rapists that they were so drunk or affected by drugs that they thought their victim was consenting. Sorry! This content is not available in your region A road will be renamed to honor Pastor William C. Kenan of Faith Temple Church of God in Christ after the Midland City Council approved the change on Tuesday. The 400 block of East Jax Avenue between Faith Temple Church of God and General Franks Elementary School will be renamed Kenan Avenue for the 89-year-old pastor. Kenan has been a Midland resident for 48 years and founded the church in 1974, according to a letter requesting the name change sent by Patricia Caldwell, a member of the church congregation. Pastor Kenan will be celebrating 90 years of life in October (the Lord allows) and we feel this would be a befitting acknowledgment of appreciation for his past and continued contributions to our community and city, she said in the letter. There are no properties addressed on that segment of East Jax Avenue, making it an easy name change unlikely to cause driver confusion, according to city planning staff. Kenan has four children who attended Robert E. Lee High School and stayed in the community in the education and medical fields, Caldwell said. Kenan is a U.S. Air Force veteran who was studying medicine at the Hampton Institute in Virginia when he signed up for a four-year tour of duty, according to a previous Reporter-Telegram article. He told the Reporter-Telegram at the time that he intended to remain pastor of Faith Temple Church for the remainder of his life. Ill be staying as pastor until death takes me, he said. Theres no retirement in this. Ill be here until my life is finished, and until then, I will do everything I can to strengthen the church. The Afghan negotiating team has not seen any change in the Taliban's posture, which does not seem to be much different from when they were in power pre-9/11, Afghanistan's National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib has said. He alleged that the Taliban have evaded, dragged, and even avoided substantive engagement. "Our negotiating team that has been engaging with the Taliban reports back to us that they don't see any change in the Taliban from the time they had a regime," Mohib told the Hudson Institute think-tank here on Tuesday during a conversation with former Pakistan ambassador to US Husain Haqqani. "We are yet to see the change in Taliban's posture, in Taliban's opinions, in Taliban's policies, that we all hoped would come because there was a lot of buzz around a changed Taliban. We don't know what a changed Taliban looks like yet because we have not seen that change," he said. Haqqani noted that the Taliban have not kept their end of the bargain so far. There has been no reduction in violence from their side in Afghanistan since their agreement with the United States and there are those who think the agreement was a mistake. Instead, the US should talk more to the government in Kabul, he said. Mohib said the Taliban have turned out to be underwhelming, both in their willingness to make tough calls and in the seriousness of their engagement. They have demurred, evaded, dragged, and even avoided substantive engagement. "We saw the most egregious example of this in January this year. The two negotiating teams ended round one and decided to reconvene on January 5 after a break. But while our team made it to Doha at the appointed date to start the talks, the Taliban were nowhere to be seen," he said. "For a few days, literally nobody had any idea of their whereabouts. Fifteen members of the Taliban on the UN sanctions list went AWOL. It turns out they were taking tours of Taliban suicide academies in Pakistan and visiting their injured fighters in Karachi. Then they flew to Moscow and Tehran. "In this way, they used the privilege of UNSC travel exemptions to avoid negotiations and maintain secret rendezvous with their terrorist cohorts across the Durand Line," he said. "And when the group returned to Doha 20 days later, they were singing a different tune. Instead of talking about peace, they were talking pre-conditions to negotiations. Something in the air in Quetta and Karachi that, I guess, changes your thinking," he added. "All of this of course happened as the Taliban terror outfits were prosecuting an all-out war against the Afghan state and society. Targeted terrorism against activists, journalists, judges, prosecutors and civilians," Mohib said. Responding to a question, he said the people in Afghanistan fear the Taliban and don't want its rule. "They fear that. They want to see their interests reflected in the government, they want their voices being heard. So the republic provides an opportunity for all groups to come together. The Taliban is not the only group in Afghanistan and it is not the only reality of this country. It is a reality, but a part of it," he said. The Afghan national security advisor said US policymakers need to address problems including reducing the number of troops involved in combat. "We are not talking about numbers of troops who are stationed here for other purposes, for protection of embassies, any future planning for natural disasters, but those who are engaged in violence and combat. That's one question to reduce that number so they no longer need combat troops. "I will also caution not to confuse that with train and assist because we do have trainers and not always in active military as sometimes they are contractors. It is not just Afghanistan, every country has foreign training and assisting capabilities," Mohib said. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Lawton, OK (73501) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. A leading health expert in Spain has warned that in the case of a dreaded fourth wave of the coronavirus coming in spring, if we are saved from it, it will be our doing and not because the cavalry is coming to the rescue. The statement was made by one of the most influential members of the vaccines committee of the Public Health Commission on Tuesday after Johnson & Johnson warned the Ministry of Health, headed by Carolina Darias, not to expect a huge delivery of its single-dose Janssen vaccine in April. The manufacturer has confirmed that it will fulfill its promise to deliver 5.5 million vials in the second quarter of the year, but most will not be shipped until the end of the period. The company says it will not be in a position to send its first shipment until the end of April and then it will only provide 300,000 doses. In May it expects to deliver 1.3 million doses and 3.9 million in June. The director of the European Medicines Agency, Emer Cooke, confirmed this new delay of the Janssen vaccine after the company itself recognised the problems it is having with its delivery deadlines. Spain's Ministry of Health had, originally, hoped to receive vials of the Janssen formula at the end of March and through April to help protect against a fourth wave of Covid-19 in the spring. In addition to being a single-dose vaccine and much easier to store and transport, it offers immunity in just 14 days, a much shorter period than the other three brands that are being used in Spain (Pfizer, which takes 28 days, Moderna 42 and AstraZeneca, which takes up to 112 days). The departments calculations are that by the end of the Easter period only between 3 and 3.5 million people (less than 10 per cent of the total population of the country) will have received the two prescribed doses, although not all of them will have developed maximum immunity by then. Without Janssen's 'miracle effect', the Spanish vaccination strategy will continue, as before, pivoting on Pfizer/BioNTech, the laboratory that, after its problems in January with production readjustments, is proving to be more reliable and is supplying two of every three doses of those currently injected in Spain. Pfizer, which this week has delivered 672,750 doses to Spain, has promised the government that as of April it could provide 1.2 million weekly doses. But the experts say that an increase in the rate of delivery from the German-American consortium will not be enough to neutralise - or even slow down - a fourth wave. The Public Health Commission experts also explained that the long period necessary for the other two formulas (Moderna and AstraZeneca) to develop immunity would make an increase in deliveries from these two laboratories "irrelevant" to stop a fourth wave - especially given the lack of reliability in their deliveries. Some hand sanitizers that popped up during the coronavirus pandemic to help meet the demand, contain high levels of a cancer-causing chemical, a new analysis finds. Valisure, an online pharmacy based in New Haven, Connecticut, said it has detected benzene in several batches across multiple brands of hand sanitizer. The product is considered as dangerous as asbestos and several companies had levels up to eight times the limit recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 'The presence of benzene, a known human carcinogen, and multiple other contaminants, in products widely recommended for the prevention of spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 and regularly used by adults and children in large volumes makes these findings especially troubling,' Valisure wrote in a letter to the FDA. Valisure, an online pharmacy based in New Haven, Connecticut, tested 260 hand sanitizer bottles from 168 brands and found benzene in several bottles including from company artsnatural, which has eight times more than the recommended limit (above) A total of 44 batches, or 17% - including these Satar Wars hand sanitizers (above) - had detectable levels of benzene, a carcinogen linked to certain blood cancers such as leukemia Benzene is a liquid chemical that is typically colorless but, at room temperature, can become a light yellow color. It is naturally found in volcanoes and as a result of forest fires, but is also used to make several products including detergents, dyes, lubricants and rubbers. Being exposed to high levels of benzene can cause cells to not works correctly such as causing bone marrow to not produce enough red blood cells or damaging the immune system to lose white blood cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified benzene as a carcinogen, putting it in the highest risk category, Group 1, with other chemicals such as asbestos. Benzene has been linked to blood cancers such as leukemia HAND SANITIZERS WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF BENZENE 1. artnaturals 2. Scentsational 3. huangjisoo 4. TrueWash 5. The Creme Shop 6. Star Wars Mandalorian 7. Body Prescriptions 8. Born Basic 9. beauty concepts 10. PureLogic Advertisement The FDA currently recommends a limit of two ppm (part per million) for liquid hand sanitizer, but does not have recommendations for others such as sprays. For its analysis, Valisure sampled 260 bottles from 168 brands sold at various big box stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and online retailers across the country. Of the liquid and non-liquid products tested, 44 batches, or 17 percent, had detectable levels of benzene. A total of 21 bottles, or eight percent of the supply, contained levels of benzene above two parts per million. An eight-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer made by company artnaturals had the highest level of benzene at 16 parts per million. Test results by the online pharmacy were verified by Yale University's Chemical and Biophysical Instrumentation Center and Boston Analytics, a private laboratory. All of the products with the highest levels of benzene began selling their products in either April or May 2020, according to FDA records, when mainstays were disappearing off of shelves. Valisure believes some of the sanitizers may have become contaminated with benzene because the chemical is sometimes used in alcohol purification, although it is supposed to be removed before the hand sanitizer is packaged. Twenty-one bottles, 8%, had levels of benzene above the FDA-recommended limit of two parts per million such as this hand sanitizer made by huangjisoo (abkve) Valisure has sent a letter to the FDA asking the agency to recall the batches and to conduct its own analysis. Pictured: One of the hand sanitizers that contained high levels of benzene Valisure has drafted a citizen petition to the FDA, identifying the products and asking the agency to recall the batches, conduct its own analysis and to develop guidance documents defining the limit of benzene for all hand sanitizers. This is not the first time potentially toxic hand sanitizers have come under public scrutiny. In June 2020, the FDA warned Americans to stop using nine hand sanitizers because they contained varying amounts of methanol. Methanol is a type of alcohol that can be poisonous if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested. Not long after, the FDA warned against ingesting hand sanitizer after at least seven people in New Mexico did so, leaving three dead and one permanently blind. It appears there is hesitancy in the African American population in Midland when it comes to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. At the beginning of the month 3.6 percent of the self-reported racial makeup of people to at least receive a first dose of Pfizer vaccine from Midland Health were Black. By the middle of the month that number had dropped to less than 2 percent, according to Midland Health. Even this week, Midland Health CEO Russell Meyers talked about seeing a pretty significant decline in demand for the vaccine in the entire community and that the organization is hoping to do some more things to make vaccine accessible to people in the coming days. The outreach will include teaming up with The Community Worship Center to host a vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the MLK Center, 2300 Butternut Lane. Another piece of outreach is a video that the hospital has put together, featuring a pair of African America doctors Stephanie Moses and Lyden Odukwu. In the video, they address the need for family members and friends to get vaccinated. Moses, in the video, talked about the reservations she had when it came to the vaccine, which she said was developed quickly. However, she said listening to the experts, including those in the National Medical Association the largest and oldest national organization representing African American physicians and their patients in the United States, according to its website she became more comfortable with receiving the vaccine. In the video, she said she believes in the NMA -- a community that she said looks like us and believes in the science. It makes me extremely confident in their support of the COVID-19 vaccine, said Moses, an NMA member. Moses reminds those watching the video that a factor in her decision to receive the vaccine was that she is a mother of four and that my kids cant afford for me to be sick and go down for that long. And the uncertainty of what would happen if I did catch COVID. As many people in the African American community, I have underlying health conditions, I have hypertension, I have asthma, Moses said in the video. And it was important to me to be able to safely predict that if I did get the vaccine, the side effects would be minimal, at best, and definitely more predictable than if I actually caught the virus. Odukwu said in the video, The sooner everybody gets vaccinated, the sooner things can go back to normal. Latoya and Edward Mayberry of Community Worship Church said they have received the vaccine. They talked about the churchs event this weekend on a Facebook video. They put together the event so there are no excuses for those wanting to get vaccinated, especially African Americans and Hispanics. We want to do our part to keep our neighbors safe and give ourselves a chance in the fight against a common enemy, Edward said. Both talked about how they understood peoples apprehensions about the vaccine, including those in the African American community. But they said in the video that this time is different and that African Americans are not lab rats. We are the ones not taking advantage of this, Edward stated, also referencing that 75 percent of those receiving vaccines from Midland Health were White. We are on the sidelines. In our waiting, we become part of the problem. Midland Health officials have stated that if a person is 16 years of age or older, he or she can receive a vaccine. For those who cant make the event but still want to get vaccinated, Meyers said they can go to the Midland Health website midlandhealth.org/vaccine or call 432-221-4VAX. Either way, we'll get you an appointment, probably within a day or so, Meyers said. We can make it very, very simple for you. So, please get vaccinated if you haven't yet. A Vietnamese teen girl was beaten by a gang of about 30 people organized by the girlfriend of the man who had raped her in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Hung, deputy head of the Department of Public Security of Cho Moi District in An Giang, said on Tuesday afternoon that the department had criminally detained Le Thanh Trung, a 19-year-old man in Tan My Commune in the same district, for the investigation into his act of having sexual intercourse with people from 13 to under 16 years old. The detention came after H.T.H., living in Binh Phuoc Xuan Commune in the same district, had reported to local police that his daughter, M., had been sexually assaulted by Trung and assaulted by a gang organized by his girlfriend. According to H., M., together with Ng. and D.A., visited Trungs house on the evening of February 25. M. then had drinks at Trungs house with him and some other people. It was until 11:00 pm on the same night that M. asked the drinking-buddies to take her home. But the drinking-buddies all declined M.s request and asked her to sleep over at Trungs house. M.s decided to follow the sleepover suggestion as Trung pledged to let her sleep alone. M. said that she could not properly close the door of the room she slept in as it had been broken. In the early hours of the next day, Trung went to M.s room while she was sleeping and raped her. She tried to resist him in vain. After the rape, Trung took M. back to her home. Trung then sent M. a text message with an apology and pledged to take responsibility for what he had done. As for M., she kept the incident to herself. Trung then told a person named Th. his sexual intercourse with M.. Th. went on to pass it to T., who was Trungs girlfriend. Out of jealousy, T. sent a threatening text message to M., demanding to meet her in person. When M. arrived at the Muoi Than Canal to meet T. at about 5:00 pm on March 8, around 30 people used motorbikes to block M.s way and prevent other people from entering the place. T., with the support of two additional girls, physically and verbally attacked M., as well as took off M.s clothes to humiliate her while another person filmed the entire process. The gang then let M. go. Frightened by the incident, M. took sleeping pills to commit suicide, which was promptly discovered by her family. After receiving H.s report, police in Cho Moi District sent M. to the medical facility for examination, as well as summoned the people involved in the case and witnesses. According to police officers, Trung admitted his sexual assault. At first, we thought M. was under 13 years old, but after verification, we found out that she was over 13, said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Pham Viet Hung, without stating M.s exact age. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 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. The Philippine government and Catholic Church are at odds after the politically influential religious institution vowed to assert its right for people to worship during Holy Week amid an extended lockdown to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque warned the Manila archdioceses administrator, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, about a statement the clergyman made earlier this week that churches under his watch could continue to operate at 10 percent capacity. Roque said he hoped Pabillo would not encourage non-compliance on policies in place to curb the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the capital region because the government would not hesitate to shut down churches. Defiance to [government] protocols is not covered by the separation of church and state, Roque told reporters on Tuesday, according to transcripts of a daily press briefing released by the presidential palace. In the exercise of police powers, we can order the churches closed, he said. Lets hope it does not reach that point. Starting with Palm Sunday, March 28, Christians across the majority-Catholic nation will be marking Holy Week through Easter, April 4. In a note to parishioners on Wednesday after his announcement a day earlier, Pabillo said misunderstandings may have been avoided if government instructions were clear. He urged the government regulatory bodies to consult churches and other sectors affected by such policies. I lament the fact that the religious sectors are not represented, nor even consulted, when they make policies affecting our life of worship, he said. He stressed that parish priests would decide whether Holy Week activities would be shut down or only partially affected. Our priests are well-oriented that the supreme law in the church is salus animarum, the salvation of the people, Pabillo said. I am confident that their decisions are animated by this principle. The Manila archdiocese encompasses Manila and the large suburbs of Pasay City, San Juan, Makati and Mandaluyong. COVID-19 surge The government announced the soft lockdown effective March 22 through Easter Sunday for Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. On Monday, the number of daily infections topped 8,000 an all-time high. Infections fell to 6,666 by Wednesday, bringing to 684,311 the total number of cases in the Philippines. In addition, the government recorded 47 deaths, bringing the toll to 13,039. The lockdown allows only essential travel from and to the areas, bans all mass gatherings along with dine-in services inside restaurants, cafes and other establishments and discourages face-to-face meetings. In addition, a curfew has been imposed starting at 10 p.m. and running until 5 a.m. the next day, while people younger than 18 and older than 65 are required to remain in their residences at all times. Despite the government action, Pabillo insisted that people had a right to worship. It is a time during which we feel more specially Gods love for us so we are drawn these days to thank and worship him more intensely, he said about Holy Week. We assert our right to worship and the state should respect this and not unnecessarily hamper it, he said. Religious activities are essential services for the well-being of people. The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), through its general secretary, Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza, supported Pabillo. Marigza said it was grossly unfair that without due consultation with the churches, religious gatherings during this holy season for Christians are prohibited. The NCCP is the largest organization of Protestant and non-Roman Catholic churches in the Philippines. The Philippines is the only predominantly Catholic nation in Asia and the church exerts a powerful influence on the daily lives of Filipinos. It helped topple two presidencies accused of corruption, dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and Joseph Estrada in 2001. The church also campaigned against Rodrigo Duterte, the current president, during his 2016 electoral campaign. And after he took office, the church has spoken out against his administrations drug war, which has left thousands dead. If weve learned anything from The Incredible Dr. Pol, its that veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol has successfully handled just about every situation thats been thrown at him in his 50 years in veterinary medicine. One case that nearly mystified him was one of the worst aftermaths of a horse castration that had been attempted by a farmer. Heres what happened when Dr. Pol was called in to save the animals life. Dr. Jan Pol of Nat Geo Wilds The Incredible Dr. Pol, 2015 | Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Dr. Pol explained why animals need to be castrated In his 2014 memoir Never Turn Your Back on an Angus Cow, the animal practitioner delved into why a male animal needs to have its testicles removed. The reason to castrate an animal is because it makes it easier to handle, he wrote. It looks a lot more painful than it really is. It doesnt hurt the animal at all because I give them a good anesthetic before I do my work. And once an animal is gelded, it becomes a whole different animal. Removing the testicles, according to Dr. Pol, also removes the hormones that make an animal mean and difficult to handle. The horse castration that shocked even Dr. Pol Castration is a small procedure that a lot of farmers do by themselves to save the money, the Netherlands-born doctor wrote. Dr. Pol was contacted by one such farmer in an emergency call after the farmers attempt to castrate a horse on their farm had gone really wrong. Its intestines are hanging out. RELATED: The Incredible Dr. Pol: Dr. Brenda On How Her Upbringing Prepped Her to Work With Dr. Pol The doctor urged the farmer to get a clean bedsheet and keep the intestine from touching the ground. The doctor couldnt believe his eyes when he arrived: When I got there, the horse was standing still and about five gallons of its intestines were resting on a towel being held under it by two men. It was a Clydesdale, a very big horse. This was the first time Id ever seen anything like this. Dr. Pol got right to work on the injured horse As soon as he arrived, the father of three gave the horse a couple of shots that relaxed the animal to the point that it fell onto its side. All the while, the doctor admonished the farmer to hang onto that towel holding the horses entrails. We let the horse fall on its side with the towel underneath, he recalled. How nobody got hurt I dont know. Dr. Pol washed the horses intestines and disinfected them. When he tried to place them into the animal, he encountered an enormous problem. The testicles come down out of the belly into the scrotum through a narrow ring, and by this time the intestines were swollen and wouldnt fit through that ring back into the belly. The veterinarian admitted that he had never dealt with this problem and I didnt have too much time to figure out what to do. I just had to take a chance if I was going to save that horse. Recalling his days in veterinary college, Dr. Pol realized this situation was not unlike a C-section when hed worked with pregnant animals. He put some penicillin into the horses belly and stuffed everything back inside. He sewed everything shut and let the horse stand up by itself. Amazingly, the horse never experienced colic or distress of any kind after that. Even Dr. Pol seemed surprised: I figured a combination of experience and luck had allowed me to save that horse. Sam Webb says hes not against vaccines. His kids are up to date on their vaccines for school, and he got a flu shot a few years ago, the Weatherford truck driver said. But he wont be getting a COVID-19 shot. Webb, a former Army medic, is among the thousands of Republicans in Texas and across the country who say they do not trust COVID-19 vaccines and will refuse to get one even as public health experts and elected leaders say mass vaccinations are the key to a return to normalcy from the pandemic that has plagued the nation for a year. NOT ENOUGH: There are far more Texans eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine than doses available. Here's why. At the beginning of the nations vaccine rollout, experts warned that people of color, particularly Black and brown people, could be skeptical or fearful about getting vaccinated. But over the past few months, white Republicans have emerged as the demographic group thats proven most consistently hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. In Texas, 61% of white Republicans, and 59% of all Republicans regardless of race, either said they are reluctant to get the vaccine or would refuse it outright, according to the February University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll. Thats not an insignificant portion of the states population over 52% of the states ballots in November were cast for former President Donald Trump. Only 25% of Texas Democrats said they were hesitant or would refuse to get a COVID-19 shot, according to the poll. Scientists and doctors stress that vaccines are safe and highly effective at preventing the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalizations and deaths. No one has died because of the vaccines, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Some people may experience short-term side effects, but those effects quickly subside. But the trend among Republicans is nationwide. A Civiqs poll updated in March indicated that white Republicans make up the largest demographic of people in the U.S. who remain vaccine hesitant with 53% saying they were either unsure about or not getting the vaccine. Meanwhile, people of color have shown increased confidence in the vaccine over the past few months. In October 2020, 53% of Black Texans said they would not get a COVID-19 vaccine a percentage that dropped to 29% when asked last month, according to UT/Texas Tribune polls. By comparison, 43% of Texas Republicans said they would not get the vaccine in October, compared with 41% last month. VACCINES FOR ALL: All Texas adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine Most hesitancy among Republicans stems from a distrust of scientists and an unfounded concern about how new the vaccine is, said Timothy Callaghan, an assistant professor of health policy management at the Texas A&M School of Public Health. What you do find is that over time conservatives have been more vaccine hesitant than liberals, which you can largely attribute to higher levels of distrust in the scientific establishment among conservatives, Callaghan said. However, the actions of certain political actors over the past few years have sort of intensified those beliefs within the party. For Webb, he said he thinks its more about Republicans being distrustful of the government, and this has been pushed really hard by governmental authorities. I'm not against vaccines, Webb said. Im against something that was rushed out so quickly. Scientists and medical experts say no corners were cut for the COVID-19 vaccines. Built on years of research of coronaviruses, combined with global collaboration and large infusions of funding, COVID-19 vaccines were able to be developed quickly. Each of the three vaccines approved so far in the U.S. underwent clinical trials meticulously reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. It wasn't just this brand new thing, said Dr. Philip Huang, Dallas Countys health and human services director. It was built on prior research and development, but it is a great tremendous scientific breakthrough. Compromising herd immunity Andrea Norman Harmon, a Springtown resident, said she distrusts the vaccine and is relying on her Christian faith. I haven't even done any research on it, because in my mind, there's no way that you can 100% convince me that you can tell me what the effects are five years down the road if I take this vaccine today, said Harmon, a conservative. Research shows strong evidence that mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines will not cause long-term harm. Harmon said she does not trust government officials, regardless of party. Shell only get her high school-aged son vaccinated for COVID-19 if it is required for school, although her children are vaccinated for other diseases, she said. If it's voluntary, and it stays voluntary, I will never take the vaccine, she said. If it comes down to I have to take it in order to keep my job I will be in heavy prayer over what I need to do. That pervasive distrust across such a broad demographic is particularly concerning for public health experts with the goal of reaching herd immunity. Anytime there are pockets or segments of the population that don't get vaccinated, it creates pockets of vulnerability, Huang said. We want everyone to take this public health measure. Epidemiologists estimate to reach herd immunity, between 70% and 90% of the population needs to be vaccinated. Because the vaccines arent approved for people under 16, that means virtually all adults in Texas. Its not only Texas, but we look at some other states where a large proportion of them are Republicans, said Jamboor K. Vishwanatha, founding director of Texas Center for Health Disparities. Its a brutal fact I mean it's going to affect all, because we will not be able to reach herd immunity. And with all of these new variants that may be coming, COVID may be with us for the long haul. COVID doesnt discriminate between political affiliation, Vishwanatha added. [But] unfortunately, it got politicized from the beginning. Political rhetoric Elected leaders like former President Donald Trump have at times downplayed the severity of the virus while denigrating scientists who urged for increased caution. Trump, who received the vaccine, did so off camera and did not make a strong public push for Americans to get vaccinated. Tasha Philpot, a University of Texas at Austin political science professor, said Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts messaging has been tepid in its encouragement of Texans getting vaccinated. Abbott received his first dose live on TV, but he also stresses in his public statements that the vaccines are always optional, a nod to members of his party who reject the vaccine. Philpot said Abbotts decision to end most of the states COVID-19 restrictions earlier this month also sent a message to his party: The pandemic is over. It's a signalling game, she said. I think if the signal had come from a credible source in their eyes, that we would be having a completely different discussion going on right now. Abbott did not respond to request for comment. Many Republican officials are attempting to simultaneously appeal to two different crowds with the Republican party nearly split down the middle on attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines, she said. The last thing they want to do is upset their base, said Callaghan, the health policy management professor at Texas A&M. If Abbott came out, full-throated, saying everyone really needs to do this so we can put the pandemic into decline and get back to normal and get Texas back to the way it should be that might send a different signal to get more Republicans to vaccinate. Dallas GOP chairperson Rodney Anderson stressed that the Republican Party isnt a monolith there are many who want the vaccine and there are a variety of reasons some might not want it. However, Anderson declined to share his personal views on the vaccine. Anderson said most of his fellow party members that hes talked to cite concerns that the vaccine was quickly developed. He said he thinks those who believe in conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccines or virus are in the minority. But Anderson said GOP leaders like Abbott and others have done an admirable job encouraging Texans of all political leanings to be vaccinated. The communication at the state level between the governor, lieutenant governor of encouraging individuals [to] get vaccinated, get vaccinated, get vaccinated, has been appropriate and has been effective, he said. Vaccine acceptance in communities of color When the vaccine first began rolling out, headlines and polls emerged indicating that people of color, especially Black and Hispanic people, were more hesitant about getting vaccinated than other demographics. However, over time those numbers have changed. According to the UT/Texas Tribune polls, Black Texans hesitancy dropped by 24 percentage points from November to February. Among Hispanic Texans, attitudes toward the vaccine diverge based on political affiliation. About half of Hispanic Republicans said they were either against or unsure about getting a vaccine, compared with 34% of Hispanic Democrats who said the same. Still, a higher percentage of Hispanic Republicans in Texas who were polled said they would get vaccinated than white Republicans. The UT/TT Poll did not receive a large enough sample of Black Republican respondents to derive meaningful results. Some initial surveys indicated that there was vaccine hesitancy among people of color, but recent polls are showing that sentiment has largely decreased, Vishwanatha with the Texas Center for Health Disparities said, saying the problem is more about access. The sentiment that Black and Hispanic people are less likely to want the vaccine is dangerous, Vishwanatha said, because of the disparities that persist. Black and Hispanic Texans already face disproportionately higher rates of dying or being hospitalized after being infected with COVID-19. And according to state data, they are being vaccinated at rates much lower than white people. By kind of pushing this narrative that Black people don't want the vaccine anyway it's kind of blurring over the fact that there's this racial divide in terms of the dissemination of the vaccine and who gets who's actually getting access to it, Philpot said. Also notable is the difference in the root cause of why people of color are hesitant to get vaccinated compared to white Republicans. The huge difference between those two groups is this unique mistreatment of the Black community by the medical establishment, both historically and in modern times, that gives them additional pause about participating in a new vaccination program, Callaghan said. And that's simply just not a reason why Republicans are hesitant to vaccinate against COVID-19. Disclosure: University of Texas at Austin has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. The partnership with AquaBlok comes at a strategic time when engineers are seeking solutions to use in the design and construction of projects being funded by increased infrastructure spending. AquaBlok, Ltd. is teaming with the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Minnesota to deliver a technical seminar via webcast on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 for 135 member firms, representing over 7,500 employees in the consulting engineering business in Minnesota. As part of the ACEC/MNs Sponsored Virtual Brown Bag program, AquaBloks Geotechnical Sales Manager, Andy Durham, P.E. will be presenting the seminar entitled, Composite Bentonite Aggregate for Geotechnical Sealing Applications as a webcast event at no cost to ACEC/MN members. The seminar will focus on innovative Composite Bentonite Aggregate geotechnical sealing applications such as trench dams, cutoff walls, dam and levee cores, pond lining and sealing, and various types of infrastructure repairs. ACEC/MN coordinates the virtual education program to offer sponsor partners a platform to showcase new technology, products, techniques, and services that help engineers advance the possibilities of their field and deliver outstanding results for their clients. Member attendees are active in many engineering fields, including structural, road, rail, water / air transportation, power generation / transfer, mechanical, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, clean wastewater, and more. Technical seminars like these help the ACEC/MN mission to provide opportunities for members to enhance business skills, said Executive Director Jonathan Curry, MPA. The partnership with AquaBlok comes at a strategic time when engineers are seeking solutions to use in the design and construction of projects being funded by increased infrastructure spending. ACEC/MN is a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the largest national organization of engineers engaged in the practice of consulting engineering located in Washington, DC. ACEC represents the 50 states and Puerto Rico; employing 300,000 design professionals; responsible for more than $100 billion of private and public works annually. About AquaBlok Ltd. Headquartered in Swanton, OH, AquaBlok, Ltd. is a manufacturer of composite materials utilizing a proprietary coating and amendment approach. The company has a long history in the environmental industry with a range of products widely accepted in sediment remediation projects. AquaBlok also specializes in bentonite-based products for geotechnical applications, including trench dams and anti-seep collars, cutoff trenches for hydraulic barriers, dam and levee fortification, pond and irrigation channel lining and sealing, and repairs of structures, pipes, wildlife damage, and sinkholes. A New York man faces charges after police say he dumped the contents of a septic truck into a storm drain in Passaic County, authorities said. Anthony P. Serpe, 54, allegedly dumped a substantial quantity of raw sewage on Tuesday from a septic truck he was driving into a basin that empties into West Milford Lake, police said in a statement. The incident, which occurred at the corner of William and Center Streets in West Milford, was witnessed by a resident who called police, authorities said. An officer arrived after the truck drove off but found sewage still in the catch basin, according to police. While on scene (the officer) was approached by a resident who supplied her with a photo of the involved truck and driver, police said in the statement. Police on patrol in Morris County later pulled Serpe over in his truck on Route 23 in Riverdale. Serpe was charged with third-degree water pollution and fourth-degree unlicensed/transport of solid waste, according to police. Serpe, of Greenwood Lake, New York, was released on a summons to appear in Superior Court of Passaic County. Police did not name the company that owns the truck. But police told NorthJersey.com they believe Serpe had been using his employee vehicle without authorization to clean septic tanks and dumping sewage to conceal evidence. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. People in the Philippines have been posing for the delivery person after receiving parcels. Reading the sentence again won't make any difference as YES, residents are getting a picture clicked with the packages they have received to prove the parcels are "actually delivered". Several pictures have gone viral on social media forums that can show how enthusiastically customers are striking the pose, some are hilarious. The pictures have been shared by an OurAsians page on Facebook alongside the caption, "In the Philippines, pictures are required to prove that packages are delivered". In the post, people have been striking pose with their delivery parcels in the Philippines. There is a procedure to take proof of the delivery of an item but the people of the Philippines have certainly made the process a little different. Since being shared, the post has got 5.5K likes and accumulated thousands of comments from netizens. One user wrote, "Amazon needs to level up their game." Another user commented, "Amazing hahaha. I wish I had the confidence to pose like this with my packages". Another individual wrote, "Basically delivery riders in the Philippines are also photographer". Mother Surprises Shopaholic Son On His Birthday Meanwhile, Nina Evans Willams from the United Kingdom surprised her son with a unique idea. Nina, a professional cake baker designed a special cake for her shopaholic son Kane on his birthday. She baked a chocolate cake that exactly looked like an Amazon parcel. Nina had shared pictures of the unique cake on Instagram. Nina designed the cake for her son's 24th birthday and it looks exactly like an amazon parcel. While posting the pictures, Nina wrote, "THIS IS CAKE, NOT an Amazon box! My son's surprise birthday cake! Happy 24th birthday Kaney!". She whipped up the cardboard like confection and served it on a "concrete" slab, reported Fox News Network quoting news agency South West News Service. Nina told that her son is a shopaholic and she tricked him into believing his birthday cake as online delivery. It took her a whole to bake this four-layer cake. She did the icing and decorations the next day. Image Credits: OurAsian Facebook 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. Former First Lady Grace Mugabe, several government and ruling Zanu PF officials have been sucked into a title deeds scandal where the Department of Deeds Companies and Intellectual Property fraudulently awarded them with title deeds without following due process. Several top Zanu PF officials who grabbed prime land in Borrowdale from a land developer went on to acquire title deeds without following due process. Title Deeds are prepared by conveyancers or lawyers who have appeared before the Registrar of Deeds. The matter, Zim Morning Post has established, is currently being probed by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc). Documents seen by Zim Morning Post show that Grace Mugabe, who allegedly grabbed 50 000 square metres of land which she handed to her children and relatives, acquired title deeds for the said land without following procedures. Documents seen by this publication show that Grace distributed the developed residential stands to Bona, Russel Goreraza and Robert Mugabe Jnr. According to the documents Bona and Robert Jnr were awarded stand numbers 306 measuring 18034m2, stand 307 (25133m2), stand 308 (13733m2) and stand 309 (16774m2). Bona, and Robert Jnrs residential stands are recorded under title deeds number 5692/11, 5693/11, 5694/11 as well as 5695/11. Documents also revealed that Grace assisted Junior Shuvai Gumbochuma, her sister, to acquire stand number 228 (12086m2) which she has also not paid for and is registered under title deed number 6228/11. The matter has been reported and Zacc is carrying out its own investigations, said a source close to the development. The people who bought the stands were supposed to pay the developer and then be allowed to apply for title deeds. The procedure is that the land developer provides a certificate to residential stands owners as acknowledgement that they can now acquire title deeds. Local government then endorses the application of title deeds but in this case the bigwigs bypassed all these processes. Grace is said to have grabbed prime land in Borrowdale from a property developer and fraudulently acquired title deeds of the said land with the help of former Cabinet minister Ignatius Chombo. Chombo was arrested on charges emanating from his tenure as Minister of Local Government from year 2000 to 2015 including accusations of facilitating the grabbing of residential stands by Grace who gave some of these stands to close family members and other relatives. As reported by the Zim Morning Post, the Mugabes used two companies, namely Montshow Investments (Pvt) Ltd and Naviline Investments (Pvt) Ltd, to acquire title deeds for the residential stands without the knowledge of the land developer. Sources close to the development said Grace was helped by Chombo, not only to grab the land in question but also to process the title deeds fraudulently. The key person was Chombo who assisted Grace and other Zanu PF members to grab land, said the source. Another beneficiary of the land grab is Grace son, Russels who used a company called Penking Investments to acquire stand number 99 measuring 7081m2. All the cases have since been taken to the High Court under case numbers 5117/20, 5244/20, 5243/20, 5113/20 and 5242/20. Zim Monring Post President El-Sisi received French train manufacturer Alstom Chairman Henri Poupart-Lafarge on Monday March 22, 2021. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir. The spokesman for the Egyptian presidency declared that the meeting tackled "mutual cooperation with the French manufacturer Alstom in public transportation sector". In this context, President El-Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to bolster cooperation with Alstom and other French companies, within the framework of the distinguished bilateral relations between Egypt and France as well as the "great" expertise that French companies enjoy in all fields. This comes in light of the comprehensive development witnessed by Egypt and the infrastructure upgrading it requires. President El-Sisi has ordered increasing the shares of local industry and technology in joint activities with the French company as well as establishing training centres for Egyptian experts to benefit from foreign experience. For his part, Mr. Lafarge announced that French train manufacturer Alstom is planning to increase its business and employees in Egypt, amid the "huge" investment opportunities provided by the Egyptian public transport sector. Lafarge added that Egypt is a gateway to maximising the company's investments in the Arab and African regions, given the size of the mega national projects being implemented all over the country. Cairo, March 24 : China handed over the second batch of Covid-19 vaccine donation to Egypt. Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang and Egyptian Health Minister Hala Zayed held a press conference at the headquarters of the health ministry, during which Liao signed a certificate to confirm the handover with Egyptian Assistant Health Minister for Financial and Administrative Affairs Wael El Saaey, Xinhua news agency reported. China has given great support and assistance to Egypt through the joint efforts of the Chinese government and enterprises, reflecting the friendship between the leaders of the two countries, and the strong relations between Egypt and China, Zayed told the press conference. "The Chinese Covid-19 vaccine is safe, effective and has played an important role in Egypt's vaccination system. Egypt is willing to continue to cooperate with China in various fields such as vaccines, epidemic prevention and control," Zayed said. For his part, the Chinese ambassador said that when Egypt is most in need, China has always provided sincere help as soon as possible, which is a profound portrayal of the in-depth development of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership. The first batch of Covid-19 vaccines provided by China for Egypt and the General Secretariat of the Arab League arrived in Cairo on February 23. Athens, GA (30605) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. There was a huge turnout on the outskirts of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, on March 12 for a meeting of activists of the newly formed Truth and Progress Party. Unfortunately, many of those who came did not have good intentions. Established just four days earlier, the opposition party members meeting in the Kibray district of Tashkent Province were also joined by a large crowd of outsiders who came to disrupt the event. The Truth and Progress Party is the latest in a long line of opposition parties that simply wants to operate legally in Uzbekistan. Judging by the events of March 12, it seems doomed to the same fate as its predecessors in Central Asia's most populous country. Truth and Progress Party spokesman Bahrom Goyib told RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, known locally as Ozodlik, that the event in Kibray was held to discuss collecting signatures for the party's petition to be officially registered by the Justice Ministry. Breaking Up The Party The meeting was to be held at a private home and the event was advertised on social media. Goyib told RFE/RL he arrived at the home ahead of schedule. "I looked and the courtyard was full of people," he said. Goyib said a large group of women he had never seen before and some "bloggers," several of whom Goyib recognized. They were in the courtyard waiting for Truth and Progress Party leader Hidirnazar Allaqulov to arrive. When Allaqulov showed up, the unexpected guests peppered him with questions and the party was unable to hold its meeting. Party members left and the women and bloggers departed soon after. About two weeks earlier, on February 26, Truth and Progress officials had rented a banquet hall in Tashkent where the party planned to hold its founding congress. This event was also announced in advance on social media. Just hours before the congress was due to start, Allaqulov was detained at his Tashkent home and taken to Uzbekistan's eastern Andijon Province for questioning. That delayed the holding of the congress until March 8, when Allaqulov was formally elected party leader. Well-Acquainted The Uzbek government and President Shavkat Mirziyoev have known about Allaqulov for many years. A doctor of economics, Allaqulov was named rector of Termez State University in 2002. He recounted in a May 2018 interview how he quickly discovered huge corruption at the university, including students who never took exams but were given diplomas even with poor grades. "I found out there were 917 of these students. Some of them were the children or relatives of law enforcement personnel and state officials," he said. Allaqulov claimed in the interview that he significantly raised the standards at the university as rector and managed to recover the equivalent of some $600,000 in funds that had been misappropriated from the university by companies and banks. But Allaqulov's crusade to clean up Termez State inevitably earned him some enemies. The newspaper Uzbekiston Ovozi published two articles against him in which Allaqulov was called a "thief" and a "crook." Based on the articles, the prosecutor's office promptly began an investigation of Allaqulov. He says he was forced to sign a letter of resignation and was fired on June 17, 2004. Allaqulov then faced charges that he had defrauded the university. "Starting with district courts in the Surhandarya, Kashkadarya, and Bukhara provinces, and ending with the Supreme Court, I stood trial before judges from 14 [different] courts in eight provinces over the course of three years," Allaqulov said. Given Uzbekistan's poor reputation on the independence of the courts, it's amazing that Allaqulov was acquitted of all the charges at every trial and his final acquittal on July 7, 2007, "stated that my rights must be restored and damages compensated for, as is prescribed in articles 304-313 of the Criminal Procedure Code." Allaqulov never received any compensation and was not allowed to return to his post as rector, which officials continue to maintain he left of his own free will. He remains unemployed. In 2011, Allaqulov appealed to the UN Human Rights Committee, which ruled in 2017 that "the state party is under an obligation to provide...[Allaqulov] with an effective remedy," including "adequate compensation -- including for lost earnings and damage to his reputation [and] measures of satisfaction with a view to restoring his reputation, honor, dignity, and professional standing." But that has also not happened, though Allaqulov says he has written letters to Mirziyoev and other Uzbek officials many times and posted messages about his case and the UN decision on the president's "virtual reception" website. More recently, Allaqulov has hinted he is interested in running for president, but with the next presidential election scheduled for October, his Truth and Progress party has even less chance of being registered -- although it seems there was never a chance from the very start. Previous Opposition Efforts Thwarted It has been nearly impossible for any genuine opposition party to be registered in Uzbekistan since the country gained independence in late 1991. The Erk (Freedom) Democratic Party was the first political party to be registered -- on September 3, 1991 -- two days after Uzbekistan declared independence. Erk leader Muhammad Solih ran against the Soviet leader in charge of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, in the December 1991 presidential election and, according to some accounts, won the election. But amid widespread claims that the election was heavily rigged, the official final results showed Solih receiving only 12.7 percent of the vote. That still makes the 1991 election the closest presidential race in Uzbekistan to date and, for that reason, is probably why it was the only one to feature a genuine opposition candidate. Businessman Sanjar Umarov, the leader of Sunshine Uzbekistan, started mentioning in early 2005 that he might run for president -- but by October of that year he was under arrest and charged with creating a criminal group, tax evasion, embezzlement, and other economic crimes. He was convicted and sentenced in March 2006 to 14 years in prison as well as being fined $8.3 million and having all his assets seized. Another Sunshine Uzbekistan leader, Nodira Hidoyatova, was also convicted of tax evasion and money laundering and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Human Rights Watch called the charges against both Umarov and Hidoyatova politically motivated. The election rules were amended after Umarov declared his candidacy for president so that only candidates forwarded by one of the registered political parties (currently there are five) -- all of which are pro-presidential -- could run in the election, which is why it is so important and so unlikely that Truth and Progress will be registered. Since the 1991 presidential election, no parties except pro-government parties have been officially registered. Opposition groups such as Erk and the Birlik (Unity) movement, which was formed in 1989, continued to exist but their leaders were harassed, arrested, jailed, or forced into exile. Attempted Assassinations, Jailings Presidential candidate Solih fled the country and was bizarrely convicted in absentia of allegedly teaming up with two Islamic extremists to carry out terrorist attacks in Tashkent in February 1999. Birlik conducted a poll of parliamentary deputies in September 1991 and announced that 100 of them wanted Karimov to resign, putting the movement on a collision course with the Uzbek leader. Then the Justice Ministry refused to register the movement, the authorities denied Birlik's request to start its own newspaper, and the party said Uzbek authorities were behind an attempt to assassinate two of the movement's leaders in June 1992. One of those leaders, Abdumannob Pulat, was abducted by Uzbek security forces in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where Pulat had traveled to address a human rights conference in December 1992. He was brought back to Uzbekistan and immediately put on trial for "insulting the dignity of President Islam Karimov" and sentenced to three years in prison. He was freed under a presidential amnesty just a few weeks later, but the Supreme Court, acting on a complaint from the Justice Ministry, ordered a suspension of Birlik's activities. Pulat was eventually forced to leave Uzbekistan and died in the United States in November 2010. When the U.S.-led military operation that started in Afghanistan in late 2001 quickly succeeded in removing the Taliban and other militant groups from Central Asia's borders, Karimov eased restrictions on opposition groups. By 2003, Erk and Birlik were allowed to meet openly and in December 2003 the opposition Free Peasants party held its founding congress. But after the Uzbek government's bloody suppression of protests in the eastern city of Andijon in May 2005, the situation changed and opposition party members were again harassed, assaulted, arrested, and imprisoned. State television aired programs that branded members of these opposition parties as "enemies of the people," a term that harkened back to the dark days of the Soviet Union. New President, New Uzbekistan? At the end of December 2019, President Mirziyoev said he was not against having opposition political groups in Uzbekistan. But he explained that these should not be groups with connections outside the country. "We need to create an environment so that [opposition groups] appear in our country and they are people who know the problems of citizens, have endured all these problems, who have drank the water and eaten the bread here," Mirziyoev said. On January 10, 2020, members of Erk met with Justice Minister Ruslanbek Davletov, the first meeting of Erk representatives with an Uzbek justice minister since 1997. Erk is most certainly a group that appeared in Uzbekistan and has been drinking the water and eating the bread there, but its leader, Solih, has lived outside the country for more than 25 years. Agzam Turgunov was one of the Erk members who met with Davletov, but Turgunov said the justice minister told them, "This party is part of the past, forget about it." Besides Truth and Progress, there is another group -- Halq Manfaatlar (Interests of the People) -- led by scientist and professor Mahmud Yuldashev, that is trying to register officially. Neither are likely to have a candidate appear on the ballot when the October presidential election is held, but judging by Mirziyoev's recent remarks, the problem might not be who to vote for, but rather who is voting. On March 19, Mirziyoev spoke at a videoconference with provincial deputies and backtracked on pledges made after he became president to hold elections for municipal and provincial leaders (hokims), saying: "Are we ready to elect hokims now? We cannot even fairly elect the chairman of a mahalla (neighborhood)." It seems the Truth and Progress Party is likely to face the same problems that opposition parties before it have had to deal with and, despite previous promises from Mirziyoev, the authorities are still not prepared to allow genuine opposition parties -- or even individual independent candidates -- to participate in elections. This early morning we're inspired by Sommer and her fashion hotness as it relates to pop culture, community news and top headlines. Kansas City Ready To Get Railroaded Yet Again Canadian Pacific And Kansas City Southern: A Potential Win-Win The management team at Canadian Pacific announced the acquisition of Kansas City Southern in a cash-and-stock transaction. EPIC Screen Comeback Boulevard Drive-In Theatre opening with half capacity for 2021 season on April 2 KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Boulevard Drive-In Theatre in Kansas City, Kansas will be opening for its 71st season on April 2 and April 3. The company said it will be showing first run movies this year and will still be at half capacity with social distancing. Kansas Vaxx Confusion Some Kansans in Phase 3 and 4 struggling with vaccine eligibility at retail pharmacies KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Kansas moved into a new vaccination phase Monday, but some say they're still left behind when they try to make an appointment with several pharmacies. Gary Saint from Wyndotte County said he's one of them. "It just seems like they aren't updating anything," he said. Hotties Have It All Sommer Ray Flaunts Her Newly Wrapped Mercedes Benz In Skintight Spandex!! "Thanksiesssss soooo much to @infamousmotorgroup for wrapping my ceeerrr i'm obsessed ," Sommer captioned the hotshots! In the sexy snaps, Sommer included on a shot with her signature smile with tongue out -- and several others showing off her backside! Right Fumes Over American Gun Crackdown Threat Laura Ingraham blasts leftists for 'race-baiting' over Boulder shooting, warns against gun control push "The media, the Twitter blue checks and assorted leftist hacks couldn't help but jump to conclusions" about Monday's mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, despite the fact that little information about the suspect was available, Fox News host Laura Ingraham said Tuesday. COVID Free Pass?!? Border Patrol has released hundreds of migrants without COVID test DEL RIO, Texas -- US Customs and Border Protection have released around 2,000 illegal immigrants into this tiny border town in west Texas over the last several weeks without at least ensuring they had a COVID-19 test, The Post has learned. Big Lie Exposed Sidney Powell gives up the game, admits Trump's election conspiracies weren't factual As a former Trump campaign lawyer, Sidney Powell did more than perhaps anyone to push the big lie that President Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump in last November's presidential election was the result of fraud involving Dominion Voting Systems machines. Now, however, lawyers representing her have acknowledged that the "big lie" is, in fact, just that. MAGA Pillow Talk Tucker Carlson's Biggest Advertiser Unloads on Fox News Trump-boosting pillow salesman Mike Lindell took a swing at Fox News this week, complaining that the conservative network-which essentially plays his MyPillow commercials on a loop-isn't giving him a platform to peddle his baseless voting machine conspiracies. Fox might be "in" on a conspiracy against MAGA heads, Lindell ultimately suggested. Veep Skips Salute VP Harris repeatedly fails to salute military on Air Force Two, breaking with precedent Vice President Kamala Harris is facing criticism for appearing to break with precedent and failing to salute the honor guard when boarding Air Force Two. Video reviewed by Fox News showed that her predecessors, former Vice President Mike Pence and President Biden, regularly saluted the honor guard in the same situation. KC Kindness Inspires Little Pantry in Waldo full of big blessings for community KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Whether it's rainy, snowy or resident are struggling through a global pandemic, Kansas City, Missouri's Waldo community consistently makes sure it takes care of its neighbors. That effort has manifested through The Little Pantry. Shiny Artifact Comeback Nelson-Atkins Conservation Department Shines in New Exhibit - KC STUDIO Among the many exhibitions upended by the pandemic, a stellar show of recently conserved objects in the collection of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art was put on hold when the museum closed in March 2020. Soggy KC Contd Shower chances remain through end of week Hide Transcript Show Transcript SO YOU'LL KNOW FIRST, THIS IS FIRST ALERT WEATHER. THAT OPENING DAY FORECAST, BY THE WAY, WILL BE ON OUR NINE-DAY FORECAST WHICH I'LL SHOW THAT YOU IN ABOUT 2:30. RIGHT NOW, THINGS ARE RELATIVELY QUIET IN THE METRO. WE HAVE LOTS OF CLOUDS OVERHEAD. Zella Day - Holocene is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. STARNBERG, Germany, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PARI Pharma GmbH, a company focused on advanced aerosol delivery systems based on eFlow Technology, announces the authorization of the LAMIRA Nebulizer System for delivery of Insmed's drug product ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) in Japan. Insmed was granted approval for ARIKAYCE by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) on March 23rd, 2021. The approval of ARIKAYCE in Japan follows earlier approvals in the United States and Europe. LAMIRA is the first drug-specific eFlow Technology nebulizer registered beyond Europe and North America. The LAMIRA Nebulizer System is specifically optimized for ARIKAYCE and therefore the only device intended to administer it. Key features of LAMIRA include a customized medication reservoir to hold a full 8.4 ml dose, a specifically tailored aerosol head for the aerosolization of ARIKAYCE and the valved aerosol chamber. ARIKAYCE is the first inhaled liposomal dispersion approved by the MHLW and the first and only therapy in Japan indicated for the treatment of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease caused by Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) who did not sufficiently respond to prior treatment with a multidrug regimen. "LAMIRA enables us the ability to offer an eFlow Technology nebulizer to patients beyond Europe and North America. We are delighted that appropriate patients in Japan suffering from NTM lung disease now have access to a new treatment option," said Dr. Martin Knoch, President at PARI Pharma. Yuji Orihara, General Manager, Japan, for Insmed adds: "We are pleased that our valuable partnership with PARI has enabled us to bring to market the first approved drug, ARIKAYCE, to be used with the LAMIRA Nebulizer Device specifically for the treatment of patients in Japan with refractory MAC lung disease." About PARI Pharma GmbH and eFlow Technology PARI is a world leader in the development of aerosol delivery devices. PARI Pharma focuses on pharma licensing partnerships that utilize eFlow Technology nebulizers optimized to specific drug products and formulations. eFlow Technology is an aerosol delivery platform that enables efficient nebulization of liquid medications via a vibrating, perforated membrane. eFlow Technology devices are designed to reduce the burden of treatment for patients with severe respiratory conditions. About ARIKAYCE ARIKAYCE is approved in the United States as ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension), in the EU as ARIKAYCE Liposomal 590 mg Nebuliser Dispersion, and in Japan as ARIKAYCE Inhalation 590 mg (amikacin sulfate inhalation drug product). ARIKAYCE is a novel, inhaled, once-daily formulation of amikacin. Insmed's proprietary PULMOVANCE liposomal technology enables the delivery of amikacin directly to the lungs. ARIKAYCE is administered once daily using exclusively the LAMIRA Nebulizer System. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ARIKAYCE IN THE U.S WARNING: RISK OF INCREASED RESPIRATORY ADVERSE REACTIONS ARIKAYCE has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, hemoptysis, bronchospasm, and exacerbation of underlying pulmonary disease that have led to hospitalizations in some cases. Contact: Michael Hahn Vice President eFlow Partnering & Strategy PARI Pharma GmbH michael.hahn@pari.com www.pari.com/eflow-partnering A huge flood recovery operation will launch on the NSW Mid North Coast on Thursday after the formation of a clean-up strike force comprising the Australian Defence Force, the Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW. NSW will apply lessons learned from the Black Summer clean-up as it launches the flood recovery effort, but news of the first fatality on Wednesday came as a reminder the emergency was far from over. Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the death in Parliament, offering her heartfelt condolences to the family of the 25-year-old man, whose body was found inside a submerged car in Sydneys north-west. Police later said the man, from Pakistan, called triple zero at 6.20am to say the car was sinking and stayed on the phone for three minutes and 15 seconds until contact was lost. The South Carolina House has approved a bill that would make buying or selling stolen catalytic converters a separate crime that could bring up to three years in prison. The bill that passed 94-0 on Thursday was prompted by a rash of thefts of the emission control systems in vehicles that can cost thousands of dollars to fix. Catalytic converters have several precious metals in them including palladium, platinum and rhodium. Unscrupulous scrap metal deals pay hundreds of dollars for them. In the last six months of 2020, Lexington County deputies reported about 150 catalytic converter thefts, about triple the number from the same six months the year before. A thief can saw off the converter from under a vehicle in minutes, leaving the owner with a repair bill of a few thousand dollars, authorities said. The bill now heads to the state Senate. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Fraud South Carolina During Mondays House hearing over whether the District of Columbia should become the nations 51st state, neoconservative political analyst Bill Kristol offered up quite the head-scratching hot take: Make D.C. a state, and while youre at it, make Cuba one too. One reason Im for DC statehood: The growth in size of the republic and our distinctive manner of growth, admitting states with equal status has always been a sign of our vigor, Kristol tweeted. 60 years at 50 states is enough. Time for DC, Puerto Rico, Cuba (as soon as its free), 1 or 2 more? Twitter users were quick to point out the absurdity of Kristols proposal that Cuba, a sovereign nation, should become a U.S. state, and dragged him for his imperialist idea. Also Read: Meghan McCain Apologizes for Past Anti-Asian Comments After John Oliver Called Her Out Cuba? We want DC and our territories to have the same freedoms and liberties the rest of the country has, political activist Daryle Lamont Jenkins tweeted in response. Bill Kristol turns it into a sun never sets on the American Empire scenario! And again I ask Cuba? Colonizer, take a seat! CNN contributor Frida Ghitis echoed that sentiment by asking, Why in the name of everything that is unholy would Cuba become part of the United States? The overwhelming majority of Cubans would be torn between laughing uproariously at the idea and being furious an American is even suggesting it. And others put their criticism much more succinctly: Cuba is already free you yankee ghoul. Also Read: Fox News' Harris Faulkner Corrects Herself After Saying DHS Secretary Resigned (Video) Kristols comments came during an eventful day at the House Oversight Committee, where Democrats and Republicans hotly debated the effort to make D.C. the 51st state. The proposal has been gaining traction among Democrats and the public, especially after the District was delayed in its response to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack because of its inability to control its own national guard. (D.C.s National Guard is under federal, not local, control.) Democrats have also pointed out that D.C. has a population of nearly 700,000 residents but does not have any voting members of Congress. Story continues See Kristols tweet about Cuba below. One reason I'm for DC statehood: The growth in size of the republicand our distinctive manner of growth, admitting states with equal statushas always been a sign of our vigor. 60 years at 50 states is enough. Time for DC, Puerto Rico, Cuba (as soon as it's free), 1 or 2 more? Bill Kristol (@BillKristol) March 22, 2021 Read original story Bill Kristol Endorses DC Statehood While Also Suggesting US Invasion of Cuba At TheWrap [Update: After nearly a week, the Ever Given, the mammoth container ship stuck in the Suez Canal, has been freed.] CAIRO Trying to convey the sheer scale of the nearly quarter-mile-long container ship that has been stuck in the Suez Canal since Tuesday evening, some news outlets compared it to the length of four soccer fields. Others simply called it gigantic. But the main thing to know was this: After powerful winds forced the ship aground on one of the canals banks, it was big enough to block nearly the entire width of the canal, producing a large traffic jam in one of the worlds most important maritime arteries. By Wednesday morning, more than 100 ships were stuck at each end of the 120-mile canal, which connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and carries roughly 10 percent of worldwide shipping traffic. Only the Panama Canal looms as large in the global passage of goods. Addressing uncertainties about where large earthquakes are most likely to occur along the southern San Andreas fault, which splits into multiple strands east of Los Angeles, a new study identifies a strand that has largely flown under the radar of public concern as the region's greatest earthquake threat. The study determines that the Mission Creek strand, which passes through major water and power infrastructure for the greater Los Angeles region, may account for almost the entire slip rate of this portion of the fault, suggesting it may actually be the primary Pacific-North American plate boundary fault at this latitude. The San Andreas fault threatens large future earthquakes, since its southernmost section has not ruptured in almost 300 years and has accumulated significant strain. However, determining which of the region's multiple fault strands carries the brunt of this strain has proven challenging due to limited resolution in slip rate models. While existing estimates for a rupture in coming decades are higher for the Banning and Garnet Hill strands and the San Gorgonio Pass fault zone than for the Mission Creek strand, the relative risks for earthquakes along different strands has remained uncertain. To overcome the limitations of existing models, Kimberly Blisniuk and colleagues investigated the long-term deformation rates of the Mission Creek and Banning strands, calculating their fault-slip rates using cumulative records of fault motion preserved over time in nearby landforms. Based on field mapping conducted using lidar data, the researchers chose Pushawalla Canyon as the best site to conduct their slip rate measurements. Blisniuk et al. found evidence of geologically recent slips from the faults at these latitudes, including streams carved out from late Pleistocene rock and gullies in steep-walled canyons that likely date from the Holocene. The researchers determined that the Mission Creek strand accounts for about 21.5 millimeters per year of the San Andreas fault's total 24.1 millimeter per year slip rate, while the Banning strand accounts for only about 2.5 millimeters per year of the slip rate. The findings indicate that the Mission Creek strand, which has received less attention for its earthquake risks than the Banning strand, Garnet Hill strand, and San Gorgonio Pass, may be a greater hazard than previously thought. ### Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Connecticuts daily positivity rate for COVID-19 remained above 4 percent on Wednesday as researchers continue to track COVID-19 variants across the state. Statewide, 1,457 new COVID-19 cases were detected out of 33,848 tests as of Wednesday, bringing the daily positivity rate to 4.3 percent. The seven-day positivity rate sits just below 3.5 percent, the highest since early February. Earlier this week, Gov. Ned Lamont said he heard that in New York as many as 50 percent of new COVID-19 cases could be from variants, but the picture was less clear in Connecticut. We dont really know. We arent doing as much of that genetic sequencing as we could, Lamont said Monday. Josh Geballe, Lamonts chief operating officer, said the state is working closely with the Yale School of Public Health, which is doing much of the sequencing and analysis of variants in Connecticut. New Canaan Men's Club / Contributed photo Geballe said Monday that the experts there believe about 30 to 40 percent of new cases are connected to the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19, the strain believed to have come from the U.K. It is an estimate at this point, Geballe said. The state has confirmed 283 cases from the variant through time-consuming genetic sequencing. Data shows Connecticut has also recorded 46 cases of variants first detected in California, along with five cases of the B.1.351 variant first seen in South Africa and a single case of the P.1 variant first seen in Brazil. The Yale School of Public Health is starting to look for the new variant that has surfaced in New York, referred to as B.1526, but no cases have been reported yet in Connecticut. Mark Masselli, president and CEO of Community Health Center, said there's been an uptick in the positivity rate and testing volume across the network, which operates testing sites across the state. In the Danbury and Stamford area we are going to keep a close eye on it, the New York variant," Masselli said. We want to make sure we are getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as we can so the virus can not get a foothold here. While the variants are something to keep an eye on, Keith Grant, Hartford HealthCares senior system director for infection prevention, does not thinks an uptick in cases may come down to peoples recent behaviors. I think its less about the variants than our strategies, our discipline, our attitude that has shifted a little bit, said Grant, the networks senior system director for infection prevention He said some variants, including the B.1.1.7 and P.1 that have shown up in Connecticut, are of some concern. Appreciate the fact that the one true way to really stop the virus from mutating is to control the spread itself, Grant said. If we continue doing the things we did at the start of this we will definitely get there. Its not going to be a smooth road going down but we do believe we are on the right track. Dr. David Banach, head of infection prevention at UConn Health, suggested the recent higher positivity rates could be the result of more people getting tested after feeling sick as more and more people get vaccinated. Banach said hospitals are not informed if a patient they treated for COVID-19 later comes back as a case of one of the variants. While having that data might be useful for hospitals, I dont think it would change any of our infection control measures, he said. Given the time it takes to confirm a COVID-19 case is a variant, Dr. Michael Parry, Stamford Hospitals head of infectious diseases, said patients will have already been cared for, so the information is not clinically relevant. The problem is that we just dont know who has variants, Parry said. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the CDCs director, cited concerns over the spreading variants this week after she acknowledged that both the Northeastern and Midwestern states are beginning to see a significant rise in cases. As I've stated before, the continued relaxation of prevention measures while cases are still high and while concerning variants are spreading rapidly throughout the United States is a serious threat to the progress we have made as a nation, Walensky said Monday in a weekly White House briefing on the pandemic. Walenskys statement comes as Connecticut and other states recently eased restrictions. Last Friday, Connecticut lifted occupancy limits on many businesses and public venues while increasing the allowable gathering sizes. Connecticut has maintained requirements that people to wear masks and socially distance. While Connecticuts positivity rate has shown slight increases in recent weeks, it remains just one metric that state officials weigh when gauging whether to address restrictions on gatherings and businesses. Lamont has often cited hospitalizations as the key measure he will use to determine whether to ease or increase restrictions meant to curb the spread of the virus. On Wednesday, a net bump of nine more patients brought the states hospital census for the disease up to 412 on par with the first week of November during the fall wave of infections. Seven more fatalities attributed to the illness bringing Connecticuts official death toll to 7,852. Parry noted that Stamford Hospitals census of COVID-19 patients has trended downwards over the past several weeks, with just 16 patients reported as of Wednesday. I think we just need more vaccinations under our belts and a little more time, Parry said. The state continues to push forward with its vaccination program, reaching more than 1 million first doses this week. Officials said the state remains on track to launch universal adult vaccine eligiblity on April 5. Staff Writer Nicholas Rondinone contributed to this story. Texas will be the first large state to open vaccine eligibility to its entire adult population starting Monday. The announcement came just a week after the state began allowing all Texans 50 and over to receive a shot. With vaccine supplies expected to increase greatly in the coming weeks, health officials say now is the time to expand access. Even so, officials ask that vaccine providers continue to prioritize Texans 80 and older when scheduling appointments. Anyone in that age group will immediately qualify for the vaccine if they walk in to get one, with or without an appointment, and should be moved to the front of the line, officials said. 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, the chair of the states Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death such as older adults. About 60 percent of Texans ages 65 and older have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, according to state and census data. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick relayed the news of Gov. Greg Abbotts announcement regarding vaccine eligibility. So, if theres anybody out there whos anxious to get the vaccine, it should be open and available to everyone whos above the age of 18 beginning March 29, which is next week, he said. Jeff Branick and Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames have been the last officials locally to publicly declare they would administer shots to all residents regardless of age or pre-existing conditions. Other counties in the area done so earlier after finding insufficient interest in being vaccinated. That encouraged some folks from elsewhere including some international visitors to Jasper to make the trip to Southeast Texas for inoculation. Branick said after the Commissioners Court meeting that hes been told the region is likely to begin getting even more vaccine doses. However, he hasnt yet received confirmation on how many that would be. He said he would receive that information the middle of next week, but he expected to get at least 11,000 more doses next week. Ames later in the day agreed that the city would follow Abbotts order, and she encouraged residents to be vaccinated. Ames herself got her second dose in early February, and said she didnt experience any side-effects. The whole idea is to get as many people vaccinated as we possibly can, she said. Through Monday afternoon, Southeast Texas public health agencies have administered more than 70,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 11,000 second doses. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo encouraged people to act on the expansion. The onus is now on each adult to do their part, she said. This vaccine is safe and effective, and the faster we all get a vaccine the sooner well be able to pull through this crisis, get our economy running at full speed, and get life back to normal. Health experts say expanding eligibility will help Texas achieve herd immunity, when such a large share of the population is immune to the virus that spread isnt sustainable. About 70 to 85 percent of the population must get their shot to reach that goal, said Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist at UTHealth School of Public Health. It will also alleviate anxiety among people aged 45 who really want to get vaccinated and it also makes it a social norm to get vaccinated, Troisi said. That will have some influence in decreasing vaccine hesitancy, along with carefully crafted, culturally competent messages about the vaccine. The sudden shift to offer vaccinations to every adult might overwhelm vaccine providers in the short-term, she said, but ultimately, the pros win out. Many experts have continued to raise concerns about unequal access to vaccines, particularly among low-income communities. Rice University health economist Vivian Ho said the opened eligibility could help on that front because public health agencies will be able to, for example, vaccinate all workers at a grocery store. Now you can say we are going to go to workplaces, because theres no age limit, she said. Conversely, Ho said, the announcement will do little to convince people who have already decided not to get vaccines, namely in communities outside of major cities. Regardless, it was welcome news to those such as Marcia Mohr, 63. The Houston woman is set to get her second dose late this month, and said the widened availability gave her hope shed soon be able to see much of her family again. Im over the moon, she said. Opening eligibility criteria will clear confusion for many communities who have hesitated to get a COVID-19 vaccine because of constantly changing age and medical condition restrictions, said Luis Torres-Hostos, dean of the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley School of Social Work. Torres-Hostos, who has worked with his university to get the message out to Latino communities, is hopeful public health officials will have more luck with immunization with these changes. Where are the vaccine deserts? Where are the places where its really hard for members of the community to get their vaccine? he said. Weve got to do something to make sure that the vaccine is being given there. However, even his optimism comes with a caveat. Expanded criteria will fix inequities only if there is increased vaccine supply that is accessible. Communities of color and low-income communities are not hesitant to get the vaccine; a recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation finds 7 in 10 Hispanic people surveyed have received or want to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine. If we build it, they will come, Torres-Hostos said. Texans have been scrambling to find available shots since the state first began offering them in mid-December, and the latest news will qualify an estimated 20 million people far more eligible individuals than available doses. Over the past few months, appointments have filled up in minutes, and Texans desperate for a shot have traveled hundreds of miles in search of the vaccine. A handful of smaller states have already made the same move as Texas. Alaska, West Virginia and Mississippi expanded eligibility to residents 16 and older earlier this month, and more have announced planned expansions for April. President Joe Biden has directed all states to widen vaccine access to all adults by May 1. The Department of State Health Services is also launching a website next week to help Texans register for vaccine appointments through some public health providers. Members of the public will be able to sign up for the scheduler and will be notified when appointments open up. The state will also create a toll-free number to help make appointments for individuals without internet access. Currently, the state is vaccinating Texans 50 and older and anyone at least 16 years old with a pre-existing medical condition. Health care workers, nursing home residents, teachers and child care workers are also eligible. To date, more than 6.3 million Texans have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and nearly 3.2 million people are fully inoculated. Two of the vaccines approved for distribution in the United States made by Moderna and Pfizer require two shots for full protection; a third, made by Johnson & Johnson, requires just one. Its great for each individual to be protected, but its also really good for the nation and the world, because it is a pandemic, and we need everybody to be vaccinated to stop the spread of this virus, Troisi, the epidemiologist, said. Raga Justin, Robert Downen and Gwendolyn Wu contributed. Officials Wonder If Mid-Cape Surge Linked To P.1 Variant There was a time when flattening the curve was a good thing. But in a time when COVID-19 cases had been trending down, plateauing numbers have public health officials worried. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Barnstable County case count had increased by 94 cases over Mondays figure, Chatham Health and Natural Resources Director Robert Duncanson told the select board Tuesday. Thats important because over the last six days we have been averaging above 80 cases a day on Cape Cod, where the previous six days or so we were down to the 40 to 60 cases range, he said. Im not quite sure anybodys ready to call it a spike yet, Duncanson told the board of health Monday. But several Cape towns moved into the state-designated red zone, with Barnstable and Yarmouth leading the trend. The two towns appear to be the epicenter of an increase in cases on the Cape, he said. State public health officials opened a pop-up testing clinic at the Cape Cod Melody Tent site in Hyannis to collect better data, and not just about the number of infected people, Duncanson noted. Samples from the testing site will also be analyzed to see whether a particular strain of the virus is responsible for the increase in cases. Last week, the state registered its first known case of the P.1 variant, also known as the Brazilian variant, in a 30-year-old woman from Barnstable County. Im sure theres going to be more to come on that, he said. This is of great concern, said State Sen. Julian Cyr, DTruro, speaking last week on behalf of the Cape Cod COVID-19 Response Task Force. The P.1 variant is believed to be more infectious and may more easily re-infect those who previously had COVID-19. So we are watching this very closely, he said. Were working to make sure we are actively reaching out to all members of the Cape Cod community, immigrant communities and the Brazilian community particularly, Cyr said. The increased cases are not limited to the Mid-Cape. As of March 18, the two-week positivity rate had risen in Chatham and Harwich, which are now in the yellow zone, and Orleans, which increased slightly from the gray to the green zone. As much as I wish the pandemic were over, its important to remember that its decidedly not, Monomoy Superintendent of Schools Scott Carpenter wrote in a message to parents Saturday. Cases among young people are increasing in recent weeks, with the past week having the highest number of positive cases in our schools yet. While more adults are getting vaccinated, young people remain vulnerable, he said. The district has been taken part in pooled COVID-19 testing, resulting in two positive results. The district conducted rapid follow-up tests to identify the specific cases, which has allowed us to intervene before spread happened to classmates, school staff, or loved ones at home. There also have been additional cases identified separate from the pooled testing, he said. The pooled testing program is still somewhat hindered by low participation; only about half of students and staff are taking part, Carpenter said. Last week, the state announced the timeline for all adults to be vaccinated. As of Monday, people 60 years of age and older were added to the eligibility list, along with workers in certain sectors, including transportation, food service, sanitation, public works and public health. On April 5, eligibility opens to people 55 and older and those who have one comorbidity. On April 19, all individuals 16 and older will be able to receive the vaccine, which has not yet been approved for people younger than 16. The Cape Cod Vaccine Consortiums site at Cape Cod Community College is functioning well, and as of last week, Barnstable County was leading the state in the percentage of people vaccinated. Orleans Health Agent Bob Canning told the select board last week that there were two clinics in town the week before, vaccinating 800 people on one day and nearly 600 on the other. Barnstable County health officials told him that, as they get more vaccine, they will seek to use the Orleans vaccination site at the DPW building, which is particularly well suited for drive-through clinics in all weather. Canning praised town departments for their quick response when the county made a last-minute request for observers to watch over those who were receiving their second dose. With just 30 minutes notice, the town found the necessary staffing. A clinic was held at the DPW on March 12, and about an hour before the end of the clinic, the town learned that there was an oversupply of Pfizer doses that needed to be administered that day. Canning said the town identified around 175 people, including seniors, other high-risk residents and schoolteachers, notifying them within one hour and getting them to the clinic. I'm very pleased that we have become a well-oiled machine that can change at the last minute and pull it off, he said. Canning also offered praise to the regional Community Emergency Response Team and the Cape Cod Medical Reserve Corps for their volunteer work. They're at every clinic and we couldn't do it without them, Canning said. The effort to vaccinate at-risk seniors continues in Chatham. This week, a team of six EMTs from the Chatham Fire Department visited 17 homes, vaccinating two dozen seniors with the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The doses were provided by Outer Cape Health Services, which will also supply the doses needed for local clinics to be held at senior housing facilities in Chatham in the upcoming weeks. The increased case counts on Cape Cod come even as state officials loosen certain restrictions on travel and gatherings. On Monday, Massachusetts entered Phase 4, Step 1 of the economic reopening plan, which allows the largest venues like Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium to open at 12 percent capacity. Outdoor venues are allowed to have up to 150 people for events, or up to 100 people indoors, though gatherings at private residences remain limited to 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors. Gov. Charlie Baker also announced that the travel order that required visitors to the state to quarantine for two weeks or to provide proof of a negative COVID test had become an advisory, no longer subject to a $500 fine for violators. Those who are fully vaccinated that is, who received their final dose of vaccine two weeks ago no longer have to comply with the travel advisory. The change is consistent with CDC recommendations, Duncanson said, but the CDC is still recommending that you do not travel unless you absolutely have to. Chatham health board member Noble Hansen asked whether the state has considered slowing down the pace of reopening on Cape Cod, given the trend with case numbers. Duncanson said he has heard of no such plans, adding it may be evidence of a disconnect between politicians and public health officials seen around the country. The pace of reopening is an inexact matter, he noted. This is a big experiment, Duncanson said, and public health officials are watching carefully for evidence of any resurgence in the virus. It is critical that the U.S. avoid a fourth wave of cases like the one now being felt across Europe, he said. Newsfrom Japan Japan's nuclear regulatory body decided Wednesday to effectively ban Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. from restarting a nuclear plant on the Sea of Japan coast after the complex was found to have serious safety flaws. The Nuclear Regulation Authority decided at its meeting to ban TEPCO from transporting nuclear fuel to the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture and loading it into the reactors. A final decision will be made after the operator is given an opportunity to provide an explanation. 404 Advertisement Coronavirus deaths have dramatically fallen in the United States over the past few weeks, but cases seem to have plateaued. Over the last two weeks, COVID-19-related fatalities have declined from a seven-day rolling average of 1,752 deaths per day to 1,001 deaths, representing a 42 percent drop, a DailyMail.com analysis of Johns Hopkins University data showed. By comparison, infections have dropped over the past 14 days from a seven-day rolling average of 58,589 per day to 52,935, a modest nine percent decrease, the analysis found. On Tuesday, the U.S. recorded 52,878 new cases and 894 new deaths. Public health experts have previously stated that deaths are a lagging indicator and that they are finally beginning to drop drastically just as infections were a few weeks prior. Some U.S. states have finally seen a decrease in coronavirus cases after holding steady for several months, including California and Texas. But at least 21 states are experiencing a rise, such as Spring Break haven Florida, where infections among the age 24-to-49 bracket are surging. What's more, the majority of states in the Northeast have a case rate higher than the national average, in some areas more than double. 'I continue to be worried about the latest data and the apparent stall we are seeing in the trajectory of the pandemic,' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr Rochelle Walensky said at a press briefing on Wednesday. 'Decisions we make now will determine how the pandemic looks in the days and weeks ahead. If we choose to invest in prevention right now, we will come back out of this pandemic faster and with fewer lives lost.' Coronavirus deaths have fallen 42% over the last two weeks from a seven-day rolling average of 1,752 deaths per day to 1,001 deaths per day Cases in the U.S. have declined just 9% from from a seven-day rolling average of 58,589 new infections per day to 52,935 new cases per day At least 21 states are experiencing a rise in COVID-19 cases, with six of the 10 states with the highest seven-day case rates in the north Atlantic region After several weeks of rising coronavirus case rates, California is currently experiencing a decline. According to the Los Angeles Times, The Golden State has reported an average of 2,766 new cases per day. This is drop of 35 percent from the seven-day rolling average reported two weeks ago. Across the state, about 2,500 patients were hospitalized, which is a figure not seen since the start of the pandemic. What's more, as of Wednesday, California's seven-day case rate per 100,000 people was among the lowest in the nation at 46.8 per 100,000. Only three states, Arizona, Hawaii and Oregon, have lower case rates. However, officials warned that the pandemic is not over yet so residents must not let their guard down and forego masks or social distancing. 'This past year indicates that often the East Coast experiences increases in cases before the West Coast and that, typically, LA County is a few weeks behind New York,' Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer told the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, according to the Times. 'While conditions have definitely changed, particularly as we've vaccinated millions of individuals over the past three months, we do not yet have enough vaccine protection across the county to prevent more transmission if we're not extraordinarily careful in these next few weeks.' Meanwhile, in Dallas, Texas, the city has lowered the COVID threat level to 'moderate risk' for the first time since October as Parkland Memorial Hospital closed its virus intensive care units on Tuesday. Cases have dropped significantly in California, with the seven-day case rate per 100,000 people was among the lowest in the nation at 46.8 per 100,000. In Florida's tourist destinations such as Miami and Orlando, infections are spiking among the 24 to 49 age group, which experts say is linked to Spring Break. Pictured: Tourist walking down Ocean Drive during Spring Break in Miami Beach, Florida, March 22 Meanwhile, in Florida, while cases overall have held steady, a larger percentage of tests coming back positive are in residents under age 50 in tourist areas such as Miami and Orlando. According to the Miami Herald, in Miami-Dade County, that number of cases among adults aged 25 to 49 rose from 450 per day to 550 per day over the last week, about half the total number of cases. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, the average of new cases in that same age bracket has jumped from 120 per to day to 155 per day over the last two weeks. Over the same time period in Orange County - home to Orlando - the average of daily cases has surged from 110 per day to 150 per day, the Herald found. Dr Eric Toner, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told the newspaper that he believe the upward swing in cases is likely 'related to tourism and activities in the beach communities.' 'Not so much being on the beach itself, but being in the bars and the restaurants and having parties, congregating in large numbers of people,' Toner told the Herald. 'That's a recipe for creating an epidemic, so I suspect that's what we're seeing.' New Jersey's seven-day case rate per 100,000 people is among the highest in the nation at 319.2 infections per 100,000 In Connecticut, the seven-day case rate is one of the 10 highest rates in the country, sitting at 184.1 per 100,000 people Additionally, Northeastern states are seeing a significant rise in cases. Of the 10 states with the highest level of new coronavirus cases per capita over the past week, six are in the north Atlantic region, a DailyMail.com analysis shows. As of Wednesday, New Jersey's seven-day case rate per 100,000 people is among the highest in the nation at 319.2 per 100,000, according to the CDC. New Jersey Advance Media reported that COVID-19 hospitalizations have surpassed 2,000 in the state for the first time in a month. In neighboring Connecticut, the seven-day case rate sits at 184.1 per 100,000 people. By comparison, the national case rate is currently 116.1 cases per 100,000. Although the number of COVID-19 infections in Connecticut is below the winter surge, cases and test positivity rates have been increasing over the last few weeks. 'This is no time for us to relax,' Governor Ned Lamont said on Monday. 'We are looking at New York, we are looking at Massachusetts, things that ticked up a little bit there. Like I've said before, I am a little less anxious about the positivity rate unless I saw a big ramp up.' Fig. 1. Sample of swab grouping with transposition-based replication. Credit: National Research University Higher School of Economics Researchers Mario Guarracino the HSE Laboratory of Algorithms and Technologies for Networks Analysis in Nizhny Novgorod and Julius Zilinskas and Algirdas Lancinskas from Vilnius University, have proposed a new method of testing for COVID-19. This group method allows results to be obtained 13 times faster as compared to individual testing of each sample. The research paper was published in the journal Scientific Reports. The COVID-19 pandemic has already affected millions of people from over 200 countries. The rapid virus expansion demonstrated how fast such infections can spread in today's globalized world. At the beginning of the pandemic, when little was known about the virus and vaccines had not yet been developed, it was possible to slow its spread only by means of limiting the population's mobility. Almost everyone around the world went through various lockdowns and periods of isolation. If large groups of people can be tested quickly, the restrictions can be less strict and more effective at the same time, believe the authors of the paper "Pooled testing with replication as a mass testing strategy for the COVID-19 pandemics." Present COVID-19 testing solutions are based on the extraction of RNA from patients using oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs, and then testing with real-time PCR for the presence of specific RNA filaments identifying the virus. The speed of this approach is limited by the availability of reactants, trained technicians and laboratories. One way to speed up the testing procedures is group testing, where the swabs of multiple patients are grouped together and tested. The swabs from groups that return a positive result are then tested individually in order to detect specific COVID-19 positive patients. This approach helps decrease the number of tests twofold or more (depending on the spread of the disease) as compared to individual testing of each swab. Fig. 2. Sample of swab grouping with OptReplica method. Credit: National Research University Higher School of Economics For example, suppose 96 samples should be tested and pools of up to 12 samples are possible. In individual testing, 96 tests are necessary. In pool testing, 8 pools of 12 samples are taken and testing is performed. If the result of one pool is positive, then additional 12 individual tests are needed. If two or three groups return a positive result, 24 or 36 additional tests are required, which, together with the first eight tests, will mean a decrease in the number of tests from two to five times as compared to individual testing. The researchers believe that the number of tests can be decreased by optimizing the size of groups that takes into account the total number of swabs and the forecasted number of infected individuals. As the number of infected individuals increases, the possibility of saving swabs decreases but is still about 40% in the event of an incidence of 100 positive samples per 1,000, and 18% for an incidence of 200 per 1,000. There are ways to optimize group testing, such as choosing the optimal group size based on the total number of swabs and the projected level of disease spreading. Another is the binary splitting method, in which a positive group is split into halves and is tested again, until individual positive swabs are detected. The second method, however, is very time-consuming, which decreases its attractiveness during a pandemic. In addition, to optimize group testing, transposition-based replication is used: after grouping the swabs, researchers form additional control groups from the same swabs and test them together with the main groups. This helps further cut the number of tests, and if the disease levels are low, it also helps to detect positive swabs in one step, which speeds up the testing considerably. Fig. 3. Decreasing the number of tests with the use of both transposition-based replication (dotted line) and OptReplica (solid line) with optimal group size, depending on the disease incidence, testing a sample of 96 swabs (blue) and 384 swabs (red). Credit: National Research University Higher School of Economics However, this method does not allow for experimenting with group sizes to detect the optimal group size under specific conditions. Researchers from HSE University and Vilnius University suggested OptReplica technology, which uses a more complicated algorithm of swab grouping in key and control groups and helps decrease the number of control groups. In addition, the algorithm helps calculate the optimal group size for the present number of swabs and the forecasted level of disease spreading. The authors conducted experimental research on samples of 96 and 384 swabs, carrying out 100 randomized tests for each sample size, and compared the effectiveness of transposition-based replication and OptReplica method for different levels of disease incidence. The studies have shown that if the optimal size of groups is chosen, OptReplica is more effective than transposition-based replication. In cases with low incidence, the use of OptReplica, a 13x average reduction of tests can be achieved compared to individual testing without time delay. "Our simulations are actually proving that using this optimization replication strategy is always advantageous and, even in case of high spread of the disease (10% or 20% of positives in the population), we are still competitive with individual testing strategy," explained Mario Guarracino, Chief Research Fellow of the Laboratory of Algorithms and Technologies for Networks Analysis. The authors of the new technology suggest using it for asymptomatic populations with seemingly low incidence of coronavirus cases, where it will help detect the infected individuals at a maximum speed with a minimum number of tests, and timely apply the quarantine measures in order to prevent spreading of the disease. In regions with disease incidents over 50 cases per 1,000 tests, the authors suggest using other methods of group replication, or testing without replication. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: Julius Zilinskas et al, Pooled testing with replication as a mass testing strategy for the COVID-19 pandemics, Scientific Reports (2021). Journal information: Scientific Reports Julius Zilinskas et al, Pooled testing with replication as a mass testing strategy for the COVID-19 pandemics,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83104-4 Provided by National Research University Higher School of Economics U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told his German counterpart Heiko Maas that Washington opposed implementation of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project, the U.S. Department of States press service said. Blinken met briefly with the German foreign minister on Tuesday evening in Brussels, on the margins of the NATO Foreign Ministerial. "Secretary Blinken underscored the U.S. commitment to work with Allies and partners to counter Russian efforts to undermine our collective security and, in that vein, emphasized U.S. opposition to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline," the Department of State said. The two states top diplomats also discussed Afghanistan and agreed to continue close coordination in that matter. On top of that, they underlined the importance of bilateral and trans-Atlantic cooperation. In turn, a senior Department of State official told reporters that Blinken "repeated our position on Nord Stream 2, as reflected in the statement he put out last week." "This is a bad deal that we oppose and have always opposed it <>. That was really what he laid out in what was a relatively short meeting," the official said. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Miami, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Mar, 2021 ) :Venus Williams crashed out of the Miami Open on Tuesday, losing her first round game in straight sets to Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Diyas advanced to a second round meeting with Swiss 11th seed Belinda Bencic after completing a 6-2, 7-6 (12/10) victory in 1hr 28min on the Hard Rock Stadium's Grandstand court. The round of 128 defeat is the 40-year-old Williams' earliest exit in Miami since she made her debut in the tournament in 1997. After Diyas raced through the first set, Williams fought back in the second, breaking her Kazakh opponent's serve in the 12th game to force a tie break. Williams saved three match points to extend the tie break but handed Diyas a fourth match point with a double fault which she converted to complete victory. "I'm very happy with the win, especially against such a legend as Venus -- I looked up to her when I was little," the 27-year-old from Almaty said. Diyas set up the victory behind an accurate service game, winning 61 percent of her first serve points, and varying play cleverly to pull Williams around the court. Tuesday marked the start of main draw action at this year's tournament, which is being held after the Covid-19 pandemic wiped out the 2020 event. A slew of top Names have withdrawn from Miami in the build-up, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic all pulling out of the men's draw. Britain's Andy Murray became the latest star to withdraw earlier Tuesday after suffering a groin injury. Former world number one Serena Williams meanwhile pulled out of the women's tournament on Sunday. The train travels at a stately speed, taking more than two and a half hours to traverse little more than 150 kilometres (90 miles) of countryside in southern Nigeria. But the fledgling service is developing a fanclub among travellers exhausted by the country's notoriously choked, chaotic and dangerous roads. The $1.6-billion (1.34-billion-euro) Chinese-built link between Nigeria's economic hub Lagos and Ibadan, capital of the southwest region, began partial operations last December. It counts Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka among its supporters. "This is my sixth trip," the playwright told AFP, as the whistle blew for the 156-kilometre (97-mile) journey. He recalled the 1960s and '70s when the train was king. "We grew up to see a working railway in Nigeria," Soyinka said aboard the train / AFP "We grew up to see a working railway in Nigeria," said Soyinka, who won the 1986 Nobel prize for literature, the first Nigerian to be so honoured. In those days, the railway was the main means of moving people and goods around the country until, as elsewhere, it became the country cousin to the car and began to decline. One hour into the journey, the train made a five-minute stop in Abeokuta, where Soyinka has a country home -- the station there is named after him. He and a few other passengers disembarked and a handful of commuters boarded for the rest of the trip to Ibadan. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation of 200 million people, is pushing ahead with reviving its railways, despite years of frustrating delays. In July 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated a 187-kilometre line between the northern city of Kaduna and the capital Abuja. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo flagged off construction of the Lagos-Ibadan line in March 2017 when he was acting president. - Train takes the strain - Carriages are equipped with overhead 10-inch (25-centimetre) television screens and window seats have electric sockets and two USB ports, while the toilets are clean and well-equipped and the crew is attentive. In business class, the cosy train seats are in rows of four split by a spacious aisle, with overhead luggage bins. "The train is comfortable, reliable and safer," said Otonye Ayodele, a university lecturer. "It saves time and prevents one from the agony of going through the notorious Lagos-Ibadan gridlock," she said, pulling a laptop from her bag. Soyinka mused that the new line could also be "pivotal" in easing Nigeria's chronic security problems. Cattle could be moved to pasture by rail as a way to prevent violence between farmers and semi-nomadic herders, which is often sparked when animals trample on crops, he suggested. Lagos banker and first-time rider Adebimpe Kareem enthused: "It's like being on a London or Paris train." Comfort: Experienced travellers have drawn parallels with trains in Europe / AFP Kolawole Akinbola, who had just arrived from Germany, was also full of praise. "This train is spacious, air-conditioned, comfortable. I hope Nigeria will sustain the quality." But many criticise its speed -- just 50 kilometres (30 miles) per hour -- which means it takes two hours, 40 minutes for the trip. However, this compares favourably with the car. Going by road in theory should take a maximum of an hour and a half, but the trip often takes six hours because of gridlock and construction work. Others grouse about the train's high fares in a country where most people live on less than $2 a day, lack of an on-board restaurant and the insufficiency of just a single service per day. - Goal of 160 kph -- "We are still operating skeletal services because of ongoing construction works at the tracks and stations," said Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) official Jerry Oche. When fully operational, he said, the train's frequency will increase -- and its speed will rise to 160 kph. Hostesses arrive onboard the train. The fledgling service currently only operates once a day -- the goal is to increase trains and beef up speed to 160kph / AFP He said the train would continue to limit ridership to far below its capacity of around 600 in view of the Covid pandemic. The first class fare is 6,000 naira ($16 / 13 euros), business class 5,000 naira and economy 2,500 naira -- tariffs that Oche argued were "reasonable and fair." Muda Yusuf, head of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hoped the line, built by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), would boost trade and reduce traffic jams and highway crime. "It will also lead to massive investment in property and real estate around its corridors," he predicted. Locals have already spoken of rising property costs in and around Moniya, the district in Ibadan where the station is located. Yusuf said extending the line to Lagos seaport would help decongest the facility and reduce the cost of haulage. But, he said, rail projects were still facing delays because of lack of funds and insecurity. Pool, Pool / Getty I am certainly not a fan of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but I am quite concerned with the latest turmoil he faces. This nation has recently struggled with several years of severe and incessant criticism of our former president. Now, it appears we are embarking on a similar path with our governor. Politicians cant always satisfy everyone, and criticism of their policies by some of the citizens is a cherished function of a free society. However, attacks with threats of impeachment leveled on our executives present serious distractions and impediments from the necessary activity of governing. Recent comments have suggested Cuomo should resign since he would be tied-up defending himself. Doesnt this provide his political adversaries with a "legitimate" way of undoing his election? I find that type of political manipulation quite scary since it allows others to override the voters will. Also, In the current furor, there are accusations of inappropriate actions by the governor. If true and as egregious as claimed, he should be held accountable. However, I know that I could not serve on a jury reviewing such. Too often, I see a presumption of guilt, judgment and punishment based solely on initial accusations. Peter J. Mancuso HyperGo, a leading brand for on-the-go cleansing wipes, recently announced that all products will now be available on Walmart.com. The retailer reports nearly 220 million customers each week and an annual revenue of $559 billion will further solidify HyperGos place in the global market. We are excited that Walmart.com will now be selling HyperGo wipes as it furthers our expansion into retailers. Walmart is the largest brick and mortar retailer in the world so having the ability to sell our products through their website is huge for us, said Freddy Bunkers, founder and CEO of HyperGo. Walmart.com is a trusted brand and this partnership will allow us access to new customers to see how useful a product like HyperGo is in their lives. HyperGo was founded by Bunkers when he was just in the eighth grade to create a product that offers an all-natural solution for those on the go. Today, at 20 years old, Bunkers, a Gen Z entrepreneur, is leading the company to major success and creating notable deals to further propel the brand as the leading cleansing wipe in the U.S. Additionally, Bunkers has evolved the product over the years and the wipes are 100% biodegradable and carbon neutral so consumers can smell good and stay clean while positively contributing to the environment. Through Walmart.com, HyperGo wipes will be available in various pack sizes and will offer either unscented or refreshing mint. Consumers can also find HyperGo wipes at other major retailers such as GNC and Amazon. To learn more about HyperGo, please visit https://www.hypergo.com/. About HyperGo HyperGo is the leading all-natural body wipe for an on-the-go clean. HyperGo Full Body Wipes are wipes that anyone can use anytime, anywhere. Whether you are a professional athlete, fitness enthusiast, like to bike to work, an avid hiker, or simply someone that could use a freshness boost, HyperGo wipes will work for you. Available in both Refreshing Mint and Unscented, these all-natural full-body cleansing wipes are 100% biodegradable and carbon neutral so you can smell good and stay clean while positively contributing to the environment. U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has made a direct request to the governor to send more doses of the coronavirus vaccine to Hudson County, where the number of vaccinations per 100,00 residents has consistently ranked last in the state. In a letter to Gov. Phil Murphy Monday, Menendez the former mayor of Union City and the most prominent voice thus far to speak up on behalf of residents here also asked state officials to identify why Hudson Countys vaccination rate has been lagging. I am deeply concerned that Hudson County residents do not have equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations, Menendez wrote. The governors deputy press secretary did not comment directly on the senators letter, but basically repeated a statement it has provided any officials who question the distribution process: Vaccine allocation is based on current inventory, throughput at vaccination sites, population density, disease burden, and equitable geographic access, in terms of both sites available and doses allocated. Although allocations to sites may vary each week, the goal is to provide predictability and steady supply, while continuing to balance efficiency with equity in this time of scarcity. Hudson County officials have done little thus far to publicly pressure the Murphy administration to provide it with more doses, although they say they have made their own requests privately. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop made a plea for more doses when the governor made a recent visit to a city vaccination site and a county spokeswoman said officials ask the state for more doses every week. Little has changed though since The Jersey Journal first reported that Hudson County didnt appear to be getting its fair share back in January. As of Tuesday, Hudson County ranked 10th in the state for the number of doses administered despite having the fourth-highest population. And it still ranks dead last when considering the number of shots administered per 100,000 residents. The county, meanwhile, saw the greatest increase in deaths last year out of all 21 counties, with deaths surging by 59.6% over a typical year. The Jersey Journal editorial board has published two pieces urging for change, the most recent calling on officials to stop sitting on their hands and posing for pictures with the governor and start demanding that more doses of the three COVID-19 vaccines get distributed here. In his letter, Menendez noted Hudson County is among the most diverse counties in the state and that the coronavirus has disproportionately harmed communities of color. The pandemics disparate impact on communities of color only increases the importance of equity in vaccine allocations for counties with large populations of historically marginalized groups, Menendez wrote. Dalmia Cement (Bharat) (DCBL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat (DBL or the Company), Dalmia DSP, Murli Industries, Ascension Mercantile and Ascension Multiventures, wholly owned subsidiaries of DCBL (i.e., step-down subsidiaries of the Company), at their respective meeting of Board of Directors held on 23 March 2021 have considered and approved: 1. Scheme of Amalgamation of Dalmia DSP with DCBL (Scheme I) and 2. Composite Scheme of Arrangement and Amalgamation for (a) demerger of Paper and Solvent Extraction Undertakings of Murli Industries to Ascension Mercantile and Ascension Multiventures, respectively, followed by (b) amalgamation of Murli Industries with the Company (Scheme II). Scheme I and Scheme II shall be subject to necessary statutory and regulatory approvals including approval of the shareholders and sanction of the National Company Law Tribunal(s), as may be required under applicable law(s). Pursuant to the proposed restructuring, (a) Murli Industries and Dalmia DSP shall dissolve without winding up; (b) DCBL shall continue to own 100% shares of Ascension Mercantile and Ascension Multiventures; and (c) DBL shall continue to own 100% shares of DCBL. The Board of Directors of DBL on its Board Meeting held on March 23, 2021 has taken note of the proposed Scheme I & Scheme II involving its wholly owned subsidiary & step down subsidiaries, as mentioned above. DBL is neither involved as a transferor company nor as a transferee company in Scheme I & Scheme II. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 2021-03-24 Maeci Italy welcomes Saudi Arabia's announcement of a unilateral ceasefire in Yemen and halt of military operations there. This is an important signal, which gives new impetus to the UN-led negotiations and opens up prospects for improving humanitarian conditions in the country and achieving a lasting peace. Italy reaffirms its full support to the Special Envoy Martin Griffiths and appeals to all parties to reach a sustainable compromise as soon as possible and put an end to the dramatic conflict in Yemen. At least seven people have been arrested in connection with the violent scenes that marred a Kill the Bill protest in Bristol, which saw a police station attacked, officers injured and vehicles set alight. The Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner said many more would be arrested in the coming days as officers examined a large amount of CCTV footage from Sunday nights riot. Twenty police officers were injured, two seriously, when what started as a non-violent demonstration turned violent after hundreds of protesters descended on the New Bridewell police station. Two of these injured were treated in hospital after suffering broken ribs and an arm. Both have since been discharged. Police said between 2,000 and 3,000 people had gathered at College Green on Sunday to protest against the Governments Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which will see the police handed new powers to tackle demonstrations. Andy Marsh, chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, said the demonstration had been hijacked by several hundred extremists. I believe the events of yesterday were hijacked by extremists, people who were determined to commit criminal damage, to generate very negative sentiment about policing and to assault our brave officers, he said. Expand Close Police horses hold back people outside Bridewell police station in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police horses hold back people outside Bridewell police station in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) Officers were very patient. From the initial gathering of around 2,000 to 3,000, which was more than we anticipated, there were about 50 officers engaging with those present and encouraging them to disperse. Many were complying, in fairness. There was a hardcore of serious criminals hidden within those 3,000 people perhaps 400 or 500 people and we certainly didnt trigger this. The officers were incredibly patient, incredibly professional and I pay tribute to them. Mr Marsh said 12 police vehicles were damaged, including two that were set on fire, and significant damage was caused to the New Bridewell police station. Expand Close Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside the police station (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Protesters set fire to a vandalised police van outside the police station (Andrew Matthews/PA) Im incredibly saddened by the dreadful scenes we saw here, he said. Officers were pelted with stones and missiles and fireworks and it was a terrifying situation for them to deal with. We have 20 officers injured, two of them seriously, and I spoke to one of them in hospital. Thankfully both officers have been released from hospital and are with their families. All of those assaulted were incredibly shocked, some of them were beaten around the head with sticks, hit with missiles. Expand Close A protester kicks a smashed Bridewell police station window in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A protester kicks a smashed Bridewell police station window in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) Home Secretary Priti Patel described the scenes as unacceptable and said thuggery and disorder would never be tolerated. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he had major concerns about the Governments Bill, condemned the thuggery but said the disorder would be used to justify the legislation. Sue Mountstevens, police and crime commissioner for Avon and Somerset, said seven people had been arrested so far and there would be many more detained. Its disgraceful and outrageous. Police officers went to work yesterday, and some have returned home via hospital battered and bruised, she said. Expand Close Police outside Bridewell police station in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Police outside Bridewell police station in Bristol (Andrew Matthews/PA) There will be warrants, there will be arrests and police will be checking on the CCTV. There will be further arrests in the next few hours and days. I believe there have been seven arrests so far and there will be many more. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give the police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed too noisy or a nuisance. Those convicted under the proposed legislation could face a fine or jail. Avon and Somerset Police Federation chairman Andy Roebuck condemned the violence as disgusting scenes in Bristol by a mob of animals. John Apter, the national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: This is not about protecting the right to protest, its violent criminality from a hardcore minority who will hijack any situation for their own aims. Darren Jones, the Labour MP for Bristol North West, said: You dont campaign for the right to peaceful protest by setting police vans on fire or graffitiing buildings. Yesterdays National Day of Reflection to mark one year since the first national lockdown was grotesque on every level. A minute of silence was held at midday. Landmarks such as the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall were lit up in yellow light at nightfall. The public were encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8.00pm with phones, candles and torches, to symbolise a beacon of remembrance. Whatever the genuine sentiment in the population for a day of remembrance, this was a display of naked government hypocrisy to conceal political criminality. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock publicly mourned the deaths of more than 147,000 people for which they bear primary responsibility. Prime Minister Boris Johnson inside the Cabinet Room of No 10 Downing Street observing a minute's silence for National Day of Reflection. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street-FlickR) Johnson was marking the anniversary of a lockdown which he delayed for weeks, at the cost of tens of thousands of lives. Warned on March 2, 2020 that the virus was spreading across the UK and that doing nothing would lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths, the government continued to pursue a herd immunity strategy. Johnson told the nation in a televised address on March 12, I must level with you many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time. Only the public exposure of the full scale of this homicidal agenda and a threatened rebellion in the working class as wildcat strikes spread from Italy, Spain and France to the UK forced Johnson to declare a national lockdown on March 23, by which point 100,000 people are estimated to have been contracting the virus every day. Had the country locked down just one week earlier, according to analysis by Imperial College London this December, 21,000 lives would have been saved in the first wave. Later in the year, Johnson oversaw a breakneck reopening of schools and the economy, leading to a renewed surge of the virus. The government even refused to carry out a short two-week circuit breaker in September or October and implemented a farcical one-month partial lockdown in November. With the situation out of control, Johnson still did not declare a full lockdown until the New Yearonce again, only under pressure from the working classby which time one in 50 people in England were infected, according to the Office for National Statistics. More than twice as many people died in the second wave as in the first. The overall impact on human life has been monumental and fallen overwhelmingly on the poorest in society. According to a new analysis by the Health Foundation, 1.5 million years of life have been lost in the UK in the last year. On average, each person killed by COVID-19 lost 10.2 years of life. In the poorest 20 percent of areas in England, there were 35 percent more deaths and 45 percent more years of life lost than in the richest 20 percent. One year into this disaster, what is called for is not a day of national unity, in which the murderers throw a consoling arm around their victims, but a political reckoning. Of all the lessons to be learned from the pandemic, among the most vital is that the working class cannot take a single step in defence of its interests without making a decisive political break with the stranglehold of the Labour Party and the trade unions. Labour has functioned throughout the crisis as a loyal partner of the government. First with Jeremy Corbyn and now with Sir Keir Starmer at the helm, its guiding principle has been to act in the national interesti.e., in support of the Johnson governments pro-business agenda. As the Tory party has rocked from crisis to crisis, Labour has played the key role in keeping this despised cabal of murderers and thieves in power. Moreover, nothing the de-facto Tory-Labour coalition has done could have proceeded without the collusion of the trade unions which policed and suppressed every expression of opposition in the working class. Not a single official strike was waged over the threat of COVID-19, despite numerous wildcat walkouts. In March and April, the unions signed-off on the handing of hundreds of billions of pounds to the corporations and the super-rich, then worked with the government to organise the return to work, with no guarantees of workers safety. They have urged and organised compliance with every catastrophic twist and turn in the governments pandemic response. Yesterdays anniversary provided an occasion for renewed calls for a public inquiry into the UKs handling of the pandemic, championed by the Labour Party. Any such state-orchestrated inquiry would be a sham. Everyone knows from bitter experience that investigations set up by the government are a dead end. Labours Shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves had the nerve to say, We can learn from the Chilcot and Hillsborough inquiries as to how this can be started in this parliament. The Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq War covered up a war crime costing up to a million lives. The Hillsborough inquiry took almost thirty years to find that 96 Liverpool supporters were unlawfully killedfor which no one has been brought to account. The most recent government whitewash is the ongoing inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire, which has allowed corporations that should be in the dock to give evidence without fear of prosecution and in this way gain immunity from future legal action. A public inquiry into the pandemic would fare no differently. The framework being established, to learn the lessons of mistakes and missed opportunities, is designed to exonerate the government and its accomplices. What took place was not a series of unfortunate mistakes, but a conscious conspiracy against the working class, which was made to bear the deadly costs of keeping profits flowing for the major corporations. Labour are backing calls for an inquiry to orchestrate a mutual amnesty, in which both parties can cover for their own criminal roles while nodding sagely about lessons learned. The partys calls for an inquiry are also framed as if the crisis has passed, when in fact the world is moving into a new, extremely dangerous phase of the pandemic. The seven-day average of daily new cases worldwide has increased by 37 percent since February 19. In Europe, the figure has increased by 50 percent since February 17, with vaccination programmes barely begun. The risk of new, vaccine resistant variants of the virus being allowed to develop is serious. Even as he sheds crocodile tears for the victims of his crimes, Johnson is implementing measures he knows will lead to many more deaths, declaring that we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all. Ending what he proclaims as the final lockdown is accompanied by the admission, Sadly, there is a third wave underway of COVID-19 in Europe. Experience has taught us that when a wave hits our friends, it washes up on our shores as well. I expect that we will feel those effects in due course. With millions still unvaccinated and new and more dangerous variants circulating, this is how Johnson acknowledges, only to then dismiss, the warning from the governments scientific advisors that the UK is only weeks away from a similar resurgence of the pandemic. For the working class, the anniversary of the first lockdown must be an occasion for a political realignment. Capitalism has proved itself a vicious system of social murder in pursuit of profits. The Labour Party and the trade unions are policemen for the Tory government, the banks and corporations. To defend workers interests means building new organisations of strugglerank-and-file action committees, independent of the unionsand the leadership of the Socialist Equality Party. *** As this article was being published, reports emerged of statements made by Johnson yesterday which tear to shreds the lie of national unity and collective sacrifice. While striking a pose of humility and remorse in public, behind the scenes the Prime Minister was bullish about what really matters to himbeing and getting filthy rich. Speaking to a meeting of backbench Tory MPs last night, on the same evening that the public were lighting candles to remember the dead, he said, The reason we have the vaccine success is because of capitalism, because of greed my friendsIt was giant corporations that wanted to give good returns to shareholders. This was Johnsons real moment of reflection. After 147,000 deaths, the ruling class is patting itself on the back for a year of greed and profits. WASHINGTON The White House on Wednesday took steps to demonstrate how seriously the Biden administration is taking what the president called serious spikes in the number of migrants heading to the southern border. President Joe Biden held a meeting in the White House with top immigration officials where he announced Vice President Kamala Harris is now in charge of pursuing diplomatic solutions with leaders of Mexico and the Central American countries that residents are fleeing, including El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Meanwhile, Biden dispatched a delegation of senior administration officials and lawmakers to Texas, where they let a TV camera follow them inside shelters set up to house migrant children a first after pressure mounted in recent days for the administration to let reporters document conditions at the facilities. The situation at the border has emerged as the first major political dilemma of Bidens term as Republicans continue to hound the administration to acknowledge a crisis as the number of migrants arriving approaches peaks seen during 2019 and 2014. But White House officials are increasingly pushing back, blaming Trump administration officials for sitting on their hands as border crossings began to rise last year. FIRST LOOK: Photos provide a glimpse inside Texas border facility where migrant children are held NBC News on Wednesday quoted anonymous Biden administration officials who claimed Bidens presidential transition team urged the Trump White House in December to begin opening influx shelters because border crossings were increasing. This new surge that we are seeing now started with the last administration but it is our responsibility to deal with it humanely and to stop what is happening, Biden said in the White House. Republicans have blamed Bidens shift away from the stricter policies of the Trump era for causing the surge. U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas plan to lead a group of at least 18 GOP senators on their own trip to the border later this week as they seek to keep the heat on the president. It is a crisis that was created by the Biden administration, by their own policies, Cruz said on Wednesday. As soon as Joe Biden was sworn in as president, he halted construction of the wall. He reinstituted catch and release and he ended the remain in Mexico policy and this crisis is unfolding and getting worse and worse and worse by the day. Immigration experts, however, have rejected that characterization, saying the current influx of migrants is part of an ebb and flow that has been occurring for years now. Democrats call for intervention in Central America An analysis of border crossing data released this week by Tom Wong, the director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Center at the University of California, San Diego, found no crisis or surge that can be attributed to Biden administration policies. Rather, the current increase in apprehensions fits a predictable pattern of seasonal changes in undocumented immigration combined with a backlog of demand because of 2020s coronavirus border closure, Wong, who worked in the Obama White House, wrote in the Washington Post. The vice presidents role will be to try and stem the tide, administration officials said Wednesday. That will include offering aid to those nations, as well as looking for ways to expand legal avenues for people there hoping to come to the U.S. While we are clear that people should not come to the border now, we also understand that we will enforce the law and that we also because we can chew gum and walk at the same time must address the root causes that cause people to make the trek as the president has described to come here, Harris said. Other Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar of El Paso, have also said more needs to be done to alleviate the corruption, poverty and violence in Central America. Americans must finally acknowledge that the real crisis is not at the border but outside it, and that until we address that crisis, this flow of vulnerable people seeking help at our doorstep will not end anytime soon, Escobar wrote in a New York Times op-ed published Wednesday. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Wednesdays trip to Carrizo Springs, meanwhile, was the latest to the border by senior officials in recent weeks as the administration scrambles to change policies for handling asylum cases in the middle of the surge. That includes an increasing number of unaccompanied children who the administration has begun housing in makeshift facilities across the state as officials work to find sponsors to care for them in the U.S. The administration has in recent weeks moved to open more than 10,000 new beds across the Southwest in convention centers and former oilfield camps. That includes plans to soon house as many as 3,000 children at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, as well. It is also using the Dallas convention center and a facility in Midland. As of Tuesday, 810 children, all boys, were housed at the Carrizo Springs shelters eight buildings, which have the capacity to house 952, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which runs the facility. Since opening last month, the shelter has housed 1,026 children, 216 of whom have been placed with sponsors. Video from the shelter showed teenagers playing soccer, tables with shoes and clothes and lines of children walking outdoors. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, a Houston Democrat who was part of the group that toured the Carrizo Springs site on Wednesday, said it was in the best condition of the more than dozen facilities shes visited over the last several years. Garcia said she visited a classroom where children cited getting an education as their reason for coming to the U.S. That was very revealing to me. And yes it was just one classroom, Garcia said. But thats what its about its about opportunity, its about an education, its about that second shot we all dream about. Garcia said she still wants to visit Border Patrol intake facilities that are more crowded to see the conditions there for herself, but that she is confident the administration has greatly improved conditions at the facilities to which it sends children. I feel good that this is going in the right direction, Garcia said. People need to keep in mind the Biden administration inherited a system that had been dismantled, where staff was not hired, where networks for placement of children were eroded and frankly everything was done not to help. White House grants limited press access The White House has been under increasing pressure to allow the media to document conditions at facilities housing migrants, where it has so far denied access. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Laredo Democrat, earlier this week leaked pictures from inside a crowded U.S. Customs and Border Patrol facility in Donna, near McAllen, showing dozens of people, including small children and teens, packed into makeshift rooms with clear plastic walls, lying on padding on stone floors and covered with silver foil blankets. The administration later gave ABC News footage from inside the Donna facility and another in El Paso. That footage showed similar conditions to the pictures released by Cuellar. Cruz accused the White House of hand-picking a TV crew and cherry-picking which facility it allows media to document as he continued to call for the administration to allow reporters to join the senators at the more crowded Donna facility later this week. The Biden administration says it is working to alleviate the cramped conditions in Border Patrol facilities such as the Donna site by more quickly moving children into the care of the federal refugee resettlement office, which runs facilities such as that in Carrizo Springs. There are plans for a second site in Carrizo Springs, and officials are also exploring housing teenagers at military bases in San Antonio and El Paso. But the U.S. is exhausting capacity almost as quickly as it can add it. A week after opening, the convention center in downtown Dallas is at nearly 2,000 teenagers, just shy of its 2,300-bed capacity. Experts on child welfare say Health and Human Services must release children more quickly, particularly the estimated 40 percent of children in custody who have a parent in the U.S. ready to take them. In some cases, Border Patrol has released families with no criminal records without assigning them court dates because of dwindling space in shelters. Border Patrol reported 100,441 encounters with migrants the vast majority of whom were single adults in February, a 28-percent increase from January. The agency said about 25,000 of those immigrants had been apprehended before. The agency reported 9,457 encounters with unaccompanied children in February alone, a record for that month. That figure, however, was in line with surges in 2014 and 2019, which saw between 7,000 and 9,000 apprehensions of unaccompanied children a month, with peaks above 10,000. This story contains material from the Associated Press. ben.wermund@chron.com Emraan Hashmi has been flying high of late, thanks to the response his latest film, Mumbai Saga is receiving at theatres and multiplexes across the country. Instagram/therealemraan Style-wise as well, the mans on a different level altogether, showing up at promotional events and screenings in some really articulate and well-thought-out outfits. Instagram/therealemraan We especially love the watches that we have been seeing him wear of late, as they really are something special. Viral Bhayani Well, very recently, Emraan was spotted in yet another tastefully-curated outfit. Like most of his ensembles that we have seen recently, this one too was a quintessentially Emraan-ish outfit. Viral Bhayani Emraan was dressed in a very basic black T-shirt from G-stars Raw line up, which was paired with a rather ill-fitting, but dope looking pair of jeans. Along with this, Emraan was also seen wearing a rather dapper looking pair of lace-up boots in black. Viral Bhayani The basic outfit that Emraans got on is actually quite dapper. We like how he sticks to very basic stuff and makes them look blissfully awesome. With that being said, the anti-fit, or ill-fitting jeans is something that we hope he would have reconsidered. Viral Bhayani An anti-fit piece is any piece that is two sizes or more over your actual fit. What started out as a movement for wearing comfortable clothes, mainly as street fashion, took on a whole new meaning when it was adopted as a statement against ridiculously slim clothes that we see on runways. Viral Bhayani It was a great response to the ridiculous body image issues that certain style trends caused. Anti-fit pieces today, though, have become as commercialised as any other fashion commodity, and have moved a considerable distance away from what it was supposed to be. and are the It pieces in streetwear. However, theres a very specific aesthetic about it that makes it click. Viral Bhayani As cool as Emraans jeans are, they do look a bit odd, especially around his knees, and the manner in which they get scrunched up around his ankles. This is why people should get their clothes altered a bit, even when theyre going for anti-fit pieces. Had Emraan gotten the denim jeans shortened a bit, they would have looked phenomenal. Viral Bhayani We also like how Emraan has accessorised his outfit. We see quite a few bracelets and wristbands on his right hand and an Apple smartwatch on his left. Viral Bhayani All in all, Emraans understated sense of style and normcore sensibilities are things that continue to impress us, just like this ensemble. Way to go, Emraan! British Ambassador to Ukraine Melinda Simmons has expressed concern over an increase in ceasefire violations in the area of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in Donbas and reports of casualties among Ukrainian troops. "Deeply concerned by the steady rise in ceasefire violations and tragic reports of Ukrainian military casualties. It is so important commitment to ceasefire is maintained. Russia must stop fuelling the conflict it instigated and ensure its proxies respect the ceasefire in Ukraine," Simmons wrote on Twitter Wednesday. A mall in Atlantic County could lose power if its electric bills arent paid, a utility company said. Atlantic City Electric posted a notice to the doors of Hamilton Mall in Mays Landing on Monday notifying the owners that electric service will be disconnected on April 7 unless overdue bills are paid. Electric service to the Hamilton Mall will be disconnected for non-payment unless the past due balance has been paid in full or an agreement has been made between the Landlord/Owner and ACE. Please make any arrangements and take any and all necessary precautions prior to that date, reads the notice, which circulated on social media. The mall owners, Namdar Realty Group, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Frank Tedesco, a spokesman for Atlantic City Electric, said privacy regulations prevent the utility company from sharing the financial circumstances of any customers but noted that Atlantic City Electric has tried to work with the mall owners. We make every attempt to keep our customers connected. We have worked repeatedly and extensively to avoid this action, but have been unsuccessful in our efforts to date. We do offer payment arrangements to help customers who may have experienced a financial hardship, Tedesco said in a statement. The coronavirus pandemic has hit malls in New Jersey especially hard. The state ordered all malls to be shut down last May to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the shopping centers remained closed until the end of June 2020. However, Hamilton Mall was already under financial distress. The mall lost three anchor stores over the last several years. New York-based real estate company Namdar Realty Group purchased the property in 2019 for $25 million, half of the $50 million assessed property value of the mall. Namdar Realty Group, which is known for buying distressed commercial properties, also owns the now-closed Phillipsburg Mall in Warren County. The owners do not have any outstanding tax bills to the township, according to the Hamilton tax collectors office. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Avalon Zoppo may be reached at azoppo2@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AvalonZoppo. Six Angry Women, a documentary written and directed by Megan Jones, recently aired on TVNZ, the state-owned broadcaster, and was added to its streaming website. The 90-minute film is a deeply unpleasant experience. Based on the reactionary premises of feminist identity politics, it sets out to justify a vicious assault that occurred in Auckland in February 1984 and generated a storm of controversy. Six women, wearing masks, kidnapped and attacked Mervyn Thompson, a prominent playwright and University of Auckland drama lecturer, in retaliation over unsubstantiated accusations of rape. Six Angry Women, directed by Megan Jones. (Source: Facebook) Thompsons attackers ambushed him in his car and drove him to a park. He was blindfolded, stripped to his underwear, punched, kicked, tied to a tree and threatened with castration. Writer Stephanie Johnson, who saw Thompson the next day, recalled in 2016: Mervyn was bruised, ashen, traumatised, glazed with sweat [and] could hardly walk because his assailants had kicked him repeatedly in the balls. He showed us the letters R, A, and a partly formed P, from where they had tried to brand the word rapist into his arm with a burning cigarette. The assault was cut short when a father and son who lived nearby heard Thompsons screams and drove to the park, scaring off the assailants. Eyewitness Adrian Hita, who was 13 at the time, says in the documentary: It looked like a scene out of a horror movie. Thompson was shaking and sobbing, saying he thought he would be killed. Police investigated, but none of the women responsible for the attack was ever identified. In a Listener magazine article, writer and director Jones calls the incident outrageous and a feminist political terrorist attack. She goes on, however, to relativise the crime, calling it a morally complex story that belongs at the apex of a decade of feminist activism and gender politics [and] which drove huge social change. Six Angry Women includes interviews with a few of Thompsons supporters and quotes some of the playwrights own words in his defence. In the end, however, the documentary sides with the angry women who violently assaulted him. Jones, as narrator, says: Mervyn claims hes the innocent victim of a misguided political action, but its hard to believe he would be the target if theres no truth to the allegations. Later she says: To assume guilt in a person whos never convicted of a crime is a dangerous thing. Mervyn Thompson protested his innocence, right up until his death from cancer in 1992. But there were good reasons to believe Mervyn Thompson was sexually violent. Mervyn Thompson in 1977 (Source: National Library) What good reasons? Thompson was never charged with rape. Jones interviewed an unidentified former student of Thompsons, referred to as Jenny, who says that he raped her in December 1983. Police spoke to Jenny while investigating the attack on Thompson, but she did not make a formal complaint. Thompson claimed that they had consensual sex. The documentary also mentions allegations that Thompson behaved inappropriately towards other students, and that he was violent towards another woman. One former student says Thompson once asked her to massage his neck. The other allegations are anonymous and none led to any charges. Thompson is also described as a womaniser and philanderer, who married twice and had a tumultuous affair with a married womanwhich has no relevance to the rape claim, but helps to demonise him. One does not have to approve of Thompsons behaviour in order to defend his basic rights not to be slandered and physically attacked. Six Angry Women adopts the anti-democratic position of the #MeToo campaign that an accusation must be treated as guilt, regardless of the lack of evidence or due process. It ends with comments by an unidentified speaker endorsing the vigilante attack: It was a political action by women for women... Is violence the answer? For women to get some cut-through at that moment, it was. The feminist writer Sandi Hall concurs: [The attack] sparked a conversation in the community, it made things leap forward in terms of examining sexual violence and rape, and thats a very good thing. Hall also declares in the film: If Id been asked to join in, I would have. There are many similarly repugnant comments, which mostly go unchallenged. The documentary provides a revealing picture of the toxic culture in New Zealand campuses and middle-class radical circles in the 1980s, which were dominated by identity politics based on race, gender and sexuality. "All men are rapists": Footage of a feminist march in Auckland, shown in Six Angry Women. Louise Rafkin, editor of the student magazine Craccum in 1983, praises the slogan All men are rapists, as brilliant because thats just how women experience the world. Lee Lee Heah, then a law student, helped put up hundreds of posters around university smearing Thompson as a rapist after he was assaulted. She candidly admits: I did not have evidence that he did in fact rape [but] I chose to believe this woman. Chris Atmore, from Women Against Pornography, is shown defending the assault in a TV interview at the time, saying: The chances of convicting a white middle-class rapist are fairly remote, and I think in that case women have to use the channels that are available to them. A few people speak in defence of Thompson. The playwright Renee, who collaborated with him, criticises her co-workers at the influential feminist magazine Broadsheet for being ecstatic about the assault. The image accompanying Broadsheet's article in May 1984 celebrating the attack on Thompson. The banner says: "Dead men don't rape." Vicki Walker, one of Thompsons students, denounces the vigilante feeling at the university. She says: They were waiting for someone. If it wasnt Mervyn it would have been someone else I dont think it mattered who it was, as long as it was a white middle-class male, to make their point. Walker bluntly states: What they did to Mervyn was violent, was horrible, was disgusting... to kidnap someone, to bash someone Theyre criminals and they should pay. The documentary makes no mention of the principled stand taken by 24 of Thompsons students, all women, including the aforementioned Stephanie Johnson. In a letter published in Craccum on April 10, 1984, they said: [The attackers] continue to hide behind anonymity and vague accusations. We all share a revulsion for violence of any type to anybody. We also know that vigilante groups have made some tragic mistakes in the past. The letter praised Thompsons work as a teacher, saying he was open to discussion on any subject, often to the point of making himself vulnerable. We respected his ability to form a cohesive group from a class of very diverse individuals. We also respected his concern for social justice, which is reflected in his written work. Thompson was widely regarded as one of New Zealands most significant playwrights and directors. Born on the West Coast of the South Island in a working-class family, he first worked as a coal miner before eventually going to university. In 1971, he co-founded Christchurchs Court Theatre, the citys first venue for professional performances. Many of Thompsons plays deal with major historical experiences of the New Zealand working class. They include an adaptation of the novel Children of the Poor, the autobiographical Coaltown Blues, Songs to Uncle Scrim, about the Great Depression, and O! Temperance, about the womens suffrage movement. Thompsons career and his personal life were severely impacted by the assault. His plays were boycotted, cancelled and picketed by feminist groups. Significantly, sections of the trade union bureaucracy joined in the onslaught. In Wellington, the womens sub-committee of the Trades Council and the Unemployed Workers Union joined Women Against Pornography and others to pressure actors to cancel a production of Songs to Uncle Scrim. The Actors Equity union leader Susan Ord also made statements attacking Thompson. [1] Another so-called leftist who viciously demonised Thompson was Vivienne Porzsolt, who was associated with the Maoist Workers Communist League (WCL), and now writes for the pseudo-left Green Left Weekly in Australia. She accused Thompson of exaggeration of the danger he faced, driven by his fear and hatred of women who on this one occasion are stronger than he. She declared that his abduction and beating had to be seen in the context of a male-dominated society, in which he had power as an academic and through his simple existence as a man. [2] The assault on Thompson and the censorship of his work reflected the right-wing degeneration of New Zealands middle-class lefts grouped around the Labour Party and the unions. In 1984, Labour became the government, led by Prime Minister David Lange, and initiated an historic attack on the working class. The government and big business, with the crucial assistance of the union bureaucracy, responded to the globalisation of production by privatising and restructuring entire industries, with tens of thousands of lay-offs in forestry, railways, manufacturing, meat processing and mining, to name just a few. Singing the Blues, Mervyn Thompson's 1991 memoir published just before his death from cancer, records his experiences following the 1984 assault, including the censorship and picketing of his plays. While this was happening, Maori nationalism and feminism became increasingly fashionable among the middle classes. As Thompson noted in his 1991 memoir Singing the Blues, this was accompanied by the insistence that class is merely a sub-species of race and gender. White males are oppressors whatever class they come from. So unless youre a woman or black, your experience doesnt rate. [3] The anti-Marxist WCL exemplified this shift. It decided in January 1990 to change its name to Left Currents because it now rejected the view that the class struggle had primacy over those for Maori self-determination and womens liberation. [4] Left Currents and several former members of the Pabloite Socialist Action League (SAL)along with feminist, environmentalist and Maori nationalist groupsjoined the New Labour Party, an openly capitalist party founded as a splinter from Labour in 1989. Former SAL member Keith Locke, made clear: We arent a party of any certain sector or class, but a party of policies that anyone can support. [5] Meanwhile, Thompson writes, the real division in the countrythat which has always existed between the haves and the have-notswas allowed to widen into an unbridgeable chasm. While everyone else was engaged in hostilities across the barricades of race and genderand in rending their opponents limb from limbthe new technocrats went on quietly destroying the lives and hopes of entire generations of New Zealanders. And did so almost unopposed. [6] Six Angry Women says nothing about the Lange governments social assaults, from which the working class never recovered. The film depicts the 1980s as the start of great progressive advances for middle-class women, helped along by the attack on Thompson. Many of the feminists interviewed by Jones have had successful careers in academia, the media, and the legal profession. It is not accidental that the state-funded documentary appears during another unprecedented economic crisis, triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, and an onslaught against workers living standards. Jacinda Arderns Labour government is funnelling tens of billions of dollars to the rich, while businesses are laying off thousands of workers and the cost of living spirals out of control. To divert the attention of sections of the middle class and young people, various forms of identity politics based on gender, sexuality and race are being promoted internationally. The aim is to deny the centrality of class divisions and prevent a unified fight by the working class against capitalism. At the same time, the right-wing feminists promotion of vigilantism and attacks on the presumption of innocence are paving the way for an intensification of the state assaults on the basic democratic rights of all working people. References: [1] Singing the Blues, Blacktown Press, 17, 35 [2] Broadsheet, June 1984, 12 [3] Singing the Blues, 20 [4] Liquidationism destroys the Workers Communist League, International Review, Internal Bulletin of the Revolutionary Communist League of Britain, Summer 1990 [5] Peoples Voice, 9 September 1991 [6] Singing the Blues, 68 MANCHESTER, England, March 24, 2021 PRNewswire/ -- As businesses begin to plan their transition out of lockdown, the need to manage this change safely and securely is a clear and significant concern for employers. Reopening business premises and returning staff to the workplace carries risk. To help manage and mitigate these risks, BrightHR has built and released its free business support offer VaccTrak Lite to assist employers through this change, ensuring their employees, customers and business are protected throughout and remain safe as we move beyond COVID restrictions. 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Victoria Duncan, Central Business Administrator at Emerging Futures CIC, a non-profit organisation, uses her VaccTrak regularly and said: "The VaccTrak feature has been really useful for us at EF. As a Health & Social Care organisation still working with clients and in the community, it's been useful to be able to use VaccTrak to monitor which areas and teams are still at risk of catching COVID-19, and which are less at risk based on how many people have been vaccinated. "We have been passing the data onto our Central Management Team and Board to help us monitor the overall vaccination percentages in our organisation. We hope for a high percentage of staff to be vaccinated and will use the data from VaccTrak in our reports and on social media." To start protecting your employees and customers with BrightHR's FREE VaccTrak Lite click here About BrightHR https://www.brighthr.com BrightHR is an international HR, employment law and health & safety software and business advice service. Its innovative cloud-based software allows business owners to keep on top of all their health & safety management, so they can protect their people and their business. BrightHR's easy-to-use features let you: Create and manage risk assessments to HSE standards, including COVID-19 risk assessments. It also gives employers a single place to record staff absences, manage annual leave, and make staggered shifts and rotas. BrightHR also offers 24/7 employment law and HR advice, expert health & safety support, a confidential employee wellbeing service, and much more Jane Pearson Jane.Pearson@BrightHR.com +44(0)7966112032 APART from the opportunity to acquire practical skills and on-the-job experience, how much should the youth get as stipends or wages? This and other questions will form part of the national assessments the Wages Commission will make in determining a national minimum wage. The minister of labour, industrial relations and employment appointed the commission that was inaugurated on 18 February 2021. Marius Kudumo, the chairperson of the Wages Commission, last week explained that they have been tasked to investigate all relevant industries, report, and make recommendations to the minister on a proposed national minimum wage for Namibia. He said the minimum wage will apply to all employees, except categories of employees exempted by the minister of labour in a wage order. The convening of the Wages Commission comes at a time when the country is faced with multitudes of challenges in labour and employment across all sectors of the economy and socially, including the impact of Covid-19 on livelihoods. One of them is the Shoprite Group, which labour unions had to pressurise to adhere to the country's labour practices and pay its workers a decent wage. Kudumo said coming up with a minimum wage should be seen as a broader state goal and objective of contributing to poverty alleviation, reducing income inequality, improving individual and household incomes and to a decent standard of living for all, as foreseen in Article 95(i) of the Constitution. The commission defined 'wage' as the amount of money payable to an employee on an hourly, daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis in respect of ordinary hours of work. This amount excludes premium payments for overtime, work on Sundays and public holidays, tips, bonuses, gratuities, housing, transport or other allowances, and in-kind payments. The commission will assess the feasibility of various proposals by asking pertinent questions such as: Should there be a premium minimum rate (for example, a higher hourly minimum wage for part-time employees)? Should the minimum wage be calculated on an hourly, daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly rate, and how will ordinary hours of work be calculated? The assessment will help the commission identify categories of employers or employees where the implementation should be phased in. The same research will help identify categories of employees to be exempted from the right to the national minimum wage or should they be entitled to less than 100% of the national minimum wage. The commission will inquire from industry if it will be possible to require all employers to provide a written contract of employment to every employee. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Labour By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The commission will assess if there is a need for a threshold of number of hours or days above which an employee shall be entitled to a full-time daily, weekly, or monthly wage. They will also ask the employers how many days in advance notice should be given of the date of implementation of the national minimum wage. The country is struggling to adapt to integrated learning by various institutions that require internships. The commission will, therefore, consider the setting up of a stipend for students on apprenticeship or learnership. Moreover, the commission will determine if it will be feasible to have the envisaged minimum wage apply to public works programmes. Given the sluggish country wage, the commission will assess if a provision should be made for automatic annual cost of living increases or other automatic adjustments of minimum wages and conditions. Through national hearings, the commission will compile the most effective measures to enforce the national minimum wage, once it becomes operational. The commission is made up of Gideon Thomas (representing the interests of trade unions), Edwina Hashikutuva (representing the interests of registered employers' organisations), Fritz Nghiishililwa, Nokokure Kariko, and Kudumo. The commission started public hearings in Windhoek yesterday, and will also hold hearings at Gobabis, Keetmanshoop, Aussenkehr, Otjiwarongo, Opuwo, Oshakati, Eenhana, Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Swakopmund. Dates will be announced accordingly. Email: [email protected] .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON Two Democratic senators who said they would not support President Joe Bidens nominations to fill administration posts until the White House better promoted diversity reversed their stances Tuesday after the White House said it would add an Asian American Pacific Islander liaison to its staff. Sens. Tammy of Duckworth of Illinois and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii had lashed out earlier in the day at the lack of Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in Bidens Cabinet. The only senators of Asian American heritage, they said they would withhold their support for his nominees until the diversity issue was addressed. With the announcement of the liaison Tuesday night, Duckworths spokesman said the senator would not stand in the way of qualified nominees which will include more AAPI leaders. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Senator Duckworth appreciates the Biden Administrations assurances that it will do much more to elevate AAPI voices and perspectives at the highest levels of government, including appointing an AAPI senior White House official to represent the community, secure the confirmation of AAPI appointments and advance policy proposals that are relevant and important to the community, spokesperson Ben Garmisa said in a statement. Duckworth had said earlier that she raised the issue with top Biden advisers on Tuesday and afterward called the situation not acceptable. Ive been talking to them for months and theyre still not aggressive, so Im not going to be voting for any nominee from the White House other than diversity nominees, Duckworth told reporters. Ill be a no on everyone until they figure this out. That had prompted Hirono to join her. But Hirono later said in a statement of her own that she too welcomed the appointment of an AAPI White House liaison and was dropping her objections. Based on the private conversation we had, I will continue voting to confirm the historic and highly qualified nominees President Biden has appointed to serve in his administration, Hirono said. The threats to withhold support could have complicated matters for Biden as he moves forward with other high-level administration and judicial appointments that require confirmation in an evenly divided Senate where Vice President Kamala Harris holds a tiebreaking vote. Katherine Tai, who is Taiwanese American, is in the Cabinet as Bidens top trade envoy. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the son of Indian parents, was confirmed Tuesday as surgeon general, a sub-Cabinet position. The President has made it clear that his Administration will reflect the diversity of the country, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. That has always been, and remains our goal. Biden had defended the makeup of his Cabinet to reporters Tuesday evening, saying, We have the most diverse Cabinet in history. He added, We have a lot of Asian Americans that are in the Cabinet and in sub-Cabinet levels. In an interview Wednesday, Harris the first Black and Indian American woman to be vice president noted the historic diversity of Bidens Cabinet while acknowledging the senators concerns. Representation matters, and weve got to address it, she told CBS News. Asian American and Pacific Islander elected officials and activists are hoping that last weeks shootings at spas around Atlanta that killed eight people, six of them women of Asian descent, will prompt the community to demand greater representation in government. Were not just calling for APIs. This is not about pitting one diversity group against them. So Im happy to vote for a Hispanic or Black person and LGBTQ person and AAPI person, Hirono said in joining Duckworth. I just like to see more diversity representation. Duckworth is of Thai descent and was mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick for Biden. Duckworth, who had also been under consideration for a Cabinet role, noted that presidents over the last 20 years have included AAPI people in their Cabinets. Tai, who was confirmed last week, is the first Asian American and first woman of color to serve as U.S. trade representative. Biden also nominated Neera Tanden to serve as director of the Office of Management and Budget, but she withdrew her nomination after it became clear she would have difficulty winning confirmation. Tanden faced opposition from Republicans and Sen. Joe Manchin, a West Virginia Democrat, over insulting tweets aimed at Republican lawmakers that she posted prior to her nomination. Duckworth said administration officials in her initial conversation Tuesday noted the selections of Tai and Tanden, who are both high-level picks but not part of the presidents Cabinet, when she raised her concerns. That didnt sit well with her. To be told that, well, you have Kamala Harris, were very proud of her, you dont need anybody else, is insulting, Duckworth said. ___ AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro 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. President Bidens economic team is finalizing plans to invest between $3 trillion and $4 trillion in spending and tax credits to lift the economy, but one thing is already certain: Tackling climate change and shifting to clean energy will underpin virtually every part of the package. The move represents a major philosophical shift in how Democrats talk about solving global warming. Theyre not treating it like a side element of broader economic stimulus efforts, as in the Obama era. This time, fixing climate change is at the heart of the economic plan. Why it matters: Democrats have struggled to make the case for reducing planet-warming greenhouse gases. The new spending plans show they are coalescing around a clear message, that solving climate change goes hand-in-hand with lifting the economy. Duckworth is of Thai descent and was mentioned as a possible vice presidential pick for Biden before he settled on Harris, the first Black and Indian American woman to hold the vice presidency. Duckworth, who had also been under consideration for a Cabinet role, noted that presidents over the last 20 years have included AAPI people in their Cabinets. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) - Voting 17-2-1, the Senate on Wednesday approved on third and final reading the bill granting Dito Telecommunity a fresh 25-year franchise. House Bill No. 7332 requires Dito to offer at least 30% of its common stocks to Filipino citizens. Moreover, the company must also ensure that at least 60% of its employees will be regularized and that the number of contractual employees shall exceed 40%. The bill also requires Dito to submit an annual report to Congress on its compliance to the terms and conditions of its franchise. Failure to do so will result in a 1 million fine for each day it fails to submit a report. The third telecommunication player owned by Davao businessman Dennis Uy rolled out commercial services in Cebu and Davao on March 8. National security concerns have been raised repeatedly over Ditos operations, as the latter is 40% owned by a Chinese state-run company. Senator Francis Pangilinan said the Chinese government could compel its own telecommunication companies to monitor and investigate foreign individuals through the Chinese National Intelligence Law of 2017 and the Chinese Counter-Espionage Law of 2014. We recognize the crucial role of cheap, fast, and reliable internet and telecommunications services in the daily lives of our citizens, especially during the pandemic, he said. But we cannot close our eyes on the national security issues as well as threats to our sovereignty surrounding this particular bill, added Pangilinan. Despite security concerns, the China-backed company was allowed to establish cell towers within military camps last year. The military defended the move, arguing there is a low risk for security breaches and spying. According to Senator Grace Poe, Dito has so far put up 2,360 cell towers nationwide in a span of one year, although those located in Luzon are not yet operational. Logan, WV (25601) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, mainly cloudy overnight with a few showers. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 70%. 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. 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 24, 2021 Teresa Miller, the Secretary of Pennsylvanias Department of Human Services, has announced her resignation. The Pennsylvania House passed a bill that would help to provide more flexibility for schools in finding substitute teachers. Officials have warned residents to be wary of ticks as the weather warms up. Plus, a landing craft designed by a company in Pittsburgh is being tested by NASA in preparation for its 2023 trip to the moon. 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. Etching of the 1867 flood in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, depicting the Eather family. Credit: Sydney News/author provided Over the past three years, I've been working on the forthcoming report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. I'm a climate scientist who contributed to the chapter on global water cycle changes. It's concerning to think some theoretical impacts described in this report may be coming to lifeyet againin Australia. The recent flooding in New South Wales is consistent with what we might expect as climate change continues. Australia's natural rainfall patterns are highly variable. This means the influence climate change has on any single weather event is difficult to determine; the signal is buried in the background of a lot of climatic "noise." But as our planet warms, the water-holding capacity of the lower atmosphere increases by around 7% for every 1 of warming. This can cause heavier rainfall, which in turn increases flood risk. The oceans are also warming, especially at the surface. This drives up both evaporation rates and the transport of moisture into weather systems. This makes wet seasons and wet events wetter than usual. So while Australia has always experienced floods, disasters like the one unfolding in NSW are likely to become more frequent and intense as climate change continues. Understanding the basics To understand how a warming world is influencing the water cycle, it's helpful to return to the theory. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture which can lead to more extreme rainfall events. Credit: Climate Council From year to year, Australia's climate is subject to natural variability generated by the surrounding Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans. The dominant drivers for a given year set up the background climate conditions that influence rainfall and temperature. It is a combination of these natural climate drivers that makes Australia the land of drought and flooding rains. However, Australia's climate variability is no longer influenced by natural factors alone. Australia's climate has warmed by 1.4 since national records began in 1910, with most of the warming occurring since 1970. Human-caused greenhouse emissions have influenced Australian temperatures in our region since 1950. This warming trend influences the background conditions under which both extremes of the rainfall cycle will operate as the planet continues to warm. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture (higher water vapor content), which can lead to more extreme rainfall events. Since the winter of 2020, Australia has been influenced by the La Nina phase of the El NinoSouthern Oscillation (ENSO). Historically, sustained La Nina conditions, sometimes with the help of a warmer than average Indian Ocean, have set the scene for severe flooding in eastern Australia. During these events, easterly winds intensify and oceans around Australia warm. This is associated with the Walker Circulation a giant seesaw of atmospheric pressure that influences the distribution of warm ocean waters across the Pacific Ocean. Ocean and atmospheric conditions associated with La Nina conditions. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology The last La Nina occurred in 20102012. It led to widespread flooding across eastern Australia, with particularly devastating effects in Queensland. The event caused the wettest two-year period in the Australian rainfall record, ending the 19972009 Millennium Drought. Oceanographers from UNSW studied the exceptional event. They demonstrated how a warmer ocean increased the likelihood of extreme rain during that event, primarily through increased transport of moist air along the coast. Their analysis highlighted how longterm ocean warming can modify rain-producing systems, increasing the probability of extreme rainfall during La Nina events. It is important to point out that changes in large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns are still not as well understood as fundamental changes in thermodynamics. However, because regional rainfall changes will be influenced by both factors, it will take researchers time to tease everything out. So what about climate change? The theoretical changes to the global water cycle are well understood. However, determining the contribution of natural and human influences on climate variability and extremesknown as "attribution"is still an emerging science. NSW rainfall totals for the week ending March 22, 2021. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology More studies are needed to distinguish natural or "background" rainfall variability from recent human-caused changes to the water cycle. This is particularly the case in a country like Australia, which has very high yearly rainfall variability. This contrasts with some regions of the Northern Hemisphere with less variable rainfall, where a clear climate change signal has already emerged. Right now, La Nina conditions are decaying in the Pacific Ocean. As expected, the 20202021 La Nina has brought above-average rainfall to much of eastern Australia. This helped ease the severe drought conditions across eastern Australia since 2017, particularly in NSW. What's interesting about the 20202021 La Nina is that it was weak compared with historical events. The relationship between La Nina and rainfall is generally weaker in coastal NSW than further inland. However, it's concerning that this weak La Nina caused flooding comparable to the iconic floods of the 1950s and 1970s. The rainfall totals for the current floods are yet to be analyzed. However, early figures reveal the enormity of the downpours. For example, over the week to March 23, the town of Comboyne, southwest of Port Macquarie, recorded an extraordinary 935mm of rainfall. This included three successive days with more than 200mm. The NSW coast is no stranger to extreme rainfallthere have been five events in the past decade with daily totals exceeding 400mm. However, the current event is unusual because of its duration and geographic extent. It's also worth noting the current extreme rainfall in NSW was associated with a coastal trough, not an East Coast Low. Many of the region's torrential rainfall events in the past have resulted from East Coast Lows, although their rainfall is normally more localized than has been the case in this widespread event. Remember that as the air warms, its water-holding capacity increases, particularly over the oceans. Current ocean temperatures around eastern and northern Australia are about 1 warmer than the long-term average, and closer to 1.5 warmer than average off the NSW coast. These warmer conditions are likely to be fuelling the systems driving the extreme rainfall and associated flooding in NSW. Sea surface temperature anomalies along the NSW coast. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology A nation exposed Weather and climate are not the only influences on extreme flood events. Others factors include the shape and size of water catchments, the presence of hard surfaces in urban areas (which cant't absorb water), and the density of human settlement in flood-prone areas. The HawkesburyNepean region in Western Sydney, currently experiencing major flooding, is a prime example. Five major tributaries, including the Warragamba and Nepean Rivers, flow into this extensively urbanized valley. Improving our understanding of historical weather data may help improve future climate change risk assessment. For example, past floods in the HawkesburyNepean have been a lot worse than the current disaster. In 1867, the Hawkesbury River at Windsor reached 19.7 meters above normal, and in 1961 peaked at 14.5 meters. This is worse than the 13.12 meters above normal recorded at Freemans Reach on March 23. It's sobering to think the Hawkesbury River once peaked 6 meters higher than what we're seeing right now. Imagine the potential future flooding caused by an East Coast Low during strong La Nina conditions. It will take time before scientists can provide a detailed analysis of the 20202021 La Nina event. But it's crystal clear that Australia is very exposed to damage caused by extreme rainfall. Our theoretical understanding of water cycle changes tells us these events will only become more intense as our planet continues to warm. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has been accused of slut-shaming Brittany Higgins and saying she was 'so disgustingly drunk' she could have slept with a spy. Tasmania Speaker Sue Hickey told state parliament she had a conversation with Senator Abetz on March 1 at a Hobart City Council citizenship ceremony about Ms Higgins' alleged rape at Canberra's Parliament House. The senator has categorically denied making the comments and said in a Defence estimates hearing that Ms Hickey - who has been disendorsed as a Liberal candidate after repeatedly voting against the party - had made 'mischievous assertions'. Recounting the alleged exchange under parliamentary privilege, Ms Hickey said she had asked Senator Abetz if a federal minister recently accused of an alleged rape that occurred around 30 years ago was Christian Porter. Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has been accused of slut-shaming Brittany Higgins by saying she was 'disgustingly drunk' when she was allegedly raped in the office of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds by a male colleague. Ms Higgins is pictured at the March 4 Justice rally on March 15 Pictured is Senator Abetz at Parliament House in 2017. Tasmania Speaker Sue Hickey said he had told her Higgins was so drunk she 'could have slept with one of our spies' 'The senator quickly responded that yes, it was the first law officer of the nation, Christian Porter, but not to worry, the woman is dead and the law will protect him,' she told parliament on Wednesday. 'He then said "as for that Higgins girl, anybody who is so disgustingly drunk who would sleep with anybody could have slept with one of our spies and put the security of our nation at risk".' Ex-Liberal staffer Ms Higgins alleges she was raped by a colleague in the office of Federal Defence Minister Linda Reynolds in 2019. She has since made a complaint to police. 'To suggest that I would make light of a rape allegation is horrendous,' Senator Abetz said. Ms Hickey also told parliament she had asked Senator Abetz why security guards hadn't stepped in, given how drunk Ms Higgins appeared to be when she and the person in question arrived at Parliament House. 'He responded abruptly that if any security member dared to question the validity of access to the parliament by anyone who held a security pass, they would be sacked,' she said. Tasmanian Speaker Ms Hickey (pictured) recounted the exchange with Senator Abetz under parliamentary privilege 'I felt sick, knowing that the last line of protection for this young woman was not able to be provided due to the practices and protocol of that parliament. '(These views) are not endorsed by our wider community who view this judgment as slut-shaming. 'I know there are many good men, not only in our community but also in our Liberal Party, who would also find these comments completely unacceptable and out of touch.' Labor senator Penny Wong said the comments allegedly made by Senator Abetz were a 'deeply distressing thing for anybody to say'. Senator Marise Payne said the government did not agree with that view of the rape allegations. Ms Higgins (pictured) went public last month with the allegation she was raped by a male colleague inside Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office in 2019 Ms Hickey revealed the conversation just days after slamming the Tasmanian state Liberals as 'unable to accommodate strong women' after being told by Premier Peter Gutwein at the weekend she wouldn't be endorsed for the next election. 'I feel like this giant boil has been lanced and all the poison and the pus and the toxicity of the last three years is over,' she said on Monday, describing her decision. Ms Hickey, a first-term MP, sensationally crossed the floor to claim the speakership in 2018, trumping the Liberals' preferred candidate. She has, however, pledged to continue to vote with the government on issues of supply and confidence and hopes to continue as Speaker in the short term. Ms Hickey said she was now 'free' of Liberal Party dogma and said Monday marked the start of her campaign as an independent in the Hobart seat of Clark. After declaring Jesus Christ the vaccine for COVID-19, John Hagees ministry clarifies statement Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Months after John Hagee, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, declared Jesus Christ as the vaccine for COVID-19 after he was hospitalized with the virus, his ministry has clarified that he believes in prayer and medicine and is taking the vaccine. "Pastor Hagee himself is taking the vaccine," Hagee Ministries spokesperson Ari Morgenstern told ABC News in a statement, adding that Hagee's comments, in which he said he had been taken out of context. "Pastor Hagee believes in both the power of prayer and modern medicine. These are not mutually exclusive." Hagees church did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from The Christian Post on Tuesday. As he recovered from a high publicized bout with COVID-19 last November, Hagee revealed to his flock that he spent 15 days in the hospital and credited the healing power of God for his recovery. Im sitting in this chair today to the testimonial of the healing power of Jesus Christ. I spent 15 days in the hospital with double pneumonia, and Im still supposed to be home gasping for air, he said. Im on this platform speaking of the glory of God for the healing power of God. I breathe under the authority of Christ every sickness and every disease and especially the COVID thing thats sweeping this nation. We have a vaccine; the name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. Let Him sweep through this country and heal the righteous who dare to ask for it. Heal our church members. Restore them rapidly. Let the name of Jesus Christ be exalted because He is Lord over all, Hagee declared. According to ABC News, "Doctors say remarks like that make it more difficult to ensure that all communities are protected from the virus." "The challenges that we're seeing from the anti-vaxxer community, from religious communities, are also impacting equitable access to vaccines, which I think is a really important issue particularly in communities of color," Dr. Jay Bhatt, ABC News' medical contributor."The choice we're making is one of health, of one of safety, of one of helping us together do the things we need to get to a COVID-free world." Other religious leaders, including controversial Pastor Tony Spell of the 3,000-member Life Tabernacle Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have encouraged their church members not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. "We're anti-vaccine," Spell told ABC News. "I'm their pastor; I'm willing to stand before God for every decision that I make in people's lives. Every decision. I'm willing to stand before God for them." He added: "How can you trust a government who in 1945 purposefully [conducted] the Tuskegee study?" In the Tuskegee trial conducted from 1932 through 1972, the U.S. Public Health Service studied the effects of untreated syphilis in black men in Macon County, Alabama. Men in the study were offered free medical care and burials, but not penicillin, which became the recommended drug for treatment of syphilis in the 1940s. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 18:29:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Suez Canal Authority officials are seen on the site of a giant cargo container trapped on the Suez Canal of Egypt on March 24, 2021. Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Wednesday it has diverted ships to its old channel after a giant cargo container has blocked the course of the new crossing. (Media for the Suez Canal Head Office/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Egypt's Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said on Wednesday it has diverted ships to its old channel after a giant cargo container has blocked the course of the new crossing. "Eight tug boats were continuing the rescue works of a 400-meters-long, 59-meters-wide container ship which is among the largest in the world, that has turned sideways in the Suez Canal," said the SCA in a statement. The 224,000-tonne Ever Given, a Panama-flagged container ship, coming from China to Rotterdam, was grounded on Tuesday in the new passage after losing the ability to steer amid high winds and a dust storm, the SCA added. "Navigation in the old channel is working regularly now," it said, adding that the authority was sparing no effort to ensure regular navigation through the canal and to serve the world trade movement. The Suez Canal is a major lifeline for global seaborne trade since it allows ships to travel between Europe and South Asia without navigating around Africa, thereby reducing the sea voyage distance between Europe and India by about 7,000 kilometers. Some 12 percent of the world trade volume passes through the man-made canal, which is a major source of hard currency in Egypt. The Canal was expanded with a parallel course in 2015, where the ship was grounded. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Nearly half of the public schools in America are now holding in-person classes, with white children far more likely to be in those classrooms than Black, Hispanic or Asian students, the first federal data on the state of education during the pandemic shows. The survey, released early Wednesday, suggests the nation is moving toward a goal set by President Joe Biden for a reopening of schools, but the country is still a fair distance from a full return to normalcy. Polling from a representative sample of more than 3,500 schools serving fourth- and eighth-graders in 42 states, the report offers the first demographic and regional breakdown of in-person learning. Biden has said he wants a majority of K-8 schools open for full-time, in-person classes by his 100th day in office, at the end of April. The survey, which mostly covered January, suggests he could hit that target. It found 47 percent of schools serving fourth-graders and 46 percent of those serving eighth-graders were open for full in-person instruction, the Washington Post reported. Nevertheless, the survey also found millions of students still don't have full-time school available, while many other families have opted for remote education. Overall, 60 percent of fourth-graders and 68 percent of eighth-graders were still learning at home for at least part of the school week. "We're a long way from normal," Dennis Roche of Burbio, a data firm that has been tracking school reopenings through its own surveys, told the Post. "Offering in-person education is not the only step. It's a major step, but it's not the end. You've got to get students in the classroom taking advantage of it." The prolonged period of remote schooling has taken a significant toll on students' academic and emotional well-being, experts and parents alike fear. Some school districts have been open since last August, but others have struggled for months to craft plans that teachers and parents will accept, the Post said. Perhaps most troubling is the racial divide seen in the results. About half of all White students were attending school in person full-time in January, the survey found. But that was true for just 28 percent of Black students and 33 percent of Hispanic students. Rates were lowest among Asian American students, at just 15 percent. Asian American families have said they worry about elderly parents in cramped, multigenerational households, distrust promises of safety measures and fear their children will face racial harassment at school, the Post reported. Some are also pleased with the online learning. And many live on the coasts, where their districts are less likely to offer full-time options. Black and Hispanic families, who have seen their communities ravaged by the pandemic, have also been more reluctant to return their children to classrooms. "The world told Black and Brown people they were three times more likely to die from coronavirus ... [that] Black and Brown people needed to be more afraid of coronavirus than other people," Krystal Barnett, executive director of Bridge 2 Hope in St. Louis, a parent advocacy group, told the Post. She said many parents concluded, "Of course I'm not bringing my child back, because in my mind, they're still three times more likely to die than their counterparts." Rates of in-person enrollment also varied dramatically by location: More than half of fourth-graders living in rural areas or towns were enrolled in full-time, in-person programs. In the suburbs, it dropped to 36 percent, and in cities, it was just 25 percent, the Post reported. U.S. health officials question AstraZeneca's COVID vaccine data An independent oversight board has accused pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca of using potentially misleading information to determine the effectiveness of the company's coronavirus vaccine. In a two-page letter to AstraZeneca and federal health authorities on Monday, an independent panel of medical experts that was helping oversee the vaccine's U.S. clinical trial in the United States said the company had essentially cherry-picked data that was "most favorable for the study, as opposed to the most recent and most complete," The New York Times reported. Hours earlier, AstraZeneca had issued a news release touting the power of its vaccine, whose low price has made it the leading candidate to vaccinate people worldwide. The company said that, based on its U.S. trial, the vaccine appeared to be 79 percent effective at preventing COVID-19. But the independent oversight board said in its letter that the vaccine's efficacy may have been between 69 percent and 74 percent, the Times reported. The board even reprimanded AstraZeneca for painting too optimistic a picture of the vaccine's efficacy. In a statement released shortly after midnight on Monday, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) urged AstraZeneca to work with the oversight board "to review the efficacy data and ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data be made public as quickly as possible." On Tuesday, AstraZeneca defended the data it released on Monday, saying that the interim results appeared to be "consistent" with more recent data. The company said it would immediately share its latest efficacy data with the monitoring board and reissue fuller results shortly, the Times reported. Dr. Eric Topol, a clinical trials expert at Scripps Research in San Diego, said it was "highly irregular" to see such a public display of friction between an oversight board and a study sponsor. "I've never seen anything like this," he told the Times after the institute's statement was released. "It's so, so troubling." The results announced Monday seemed to boost global confidence in the vaccine, which was shaken earlier this month when more than a dozen countries, mostly in Europe, temporarily suspended the shot's use over worrying reports of rare cases of blood clots. Most of those countries returned to using the AstraZeneca vaccine late last week, after the European Medicines Agency, which regulates drugs in the European Union, analyzed the data and pronounced the vaccine safe and effective. AstraZeneca's relationship with U.S. authorities has been tense since last year, when senior health officials believed the company was not being forthright about the design of its clinical trials, its results and safety issues, the Times reported. That U.S. trial, which involved more than 32,000 participants, was the largest test of its kind for the shot. The company's efforts might not make much difference in the United States, where the vaccine is not yet authorized and is unlikely to become available before May, the Times said. By then, there will be enough vaccine doses for all of the nation's adults from the three vaccines that have already been authorized: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Already approved in more than 70 countries, the AstraZeneca vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide, including more than 17 million in Britain and the European Union, the Times reported. "It's clear more questions have been raised about the AstraZeneca vaccine than about any of the other vaccines which are now authorized in the U.S.," Dr. Arnold Monto, acting chair of the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, which authorizes all vaccines in the United States, told CNN on Monday. "It does feel different, and it felt different even before the whole blood clot kerfuffle," Dr. William Schaffner, a liaison member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told CNN. As for reports on rare clotting issues, "It's hard to unring that bell," Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA advisory committee, told CNN. "Once people are scared, it's hard to unscare them." A global scourge By Wednesday, the U.S. coronavirus case count passed 29.9 million while the death toll passed 543,000, according to a Times tally. On Wednesday, the top five states for coronavirus infections were: California with over 3.6 million cases; Texas with more than 2.7 million cases; Florida with over 2 million cases; New York with nearly 1.8 million cases; and Illinois with over 1.2 million cases. Curbing the spread of the coronavirus in the rest of the world remains challenging. In Brazil, the coronavirus case count was over 12.1 million by Wednesday, with more than 298,000 deaths, a Johns Hopkins University tally showed. India had over 11.7 million cases and 0ver 160,400 deaths as of Wednesday, the Hopkins tally showed. Worldwide, the number of reported infections passed 124.3 million on Wednesday, with over 2.7 million deaths recorded, according to the Hopkins tally. More information: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on the new coronavirus. Copyright 2020 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Keep it moving: How a biomaterial mobility may revolutionize immunomodulation Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) identify biomaterials that can be used to modulate liver immune cell behavior Tokyo, Japan - Biomaterials are substances, natural or manmade, that are used in medicine to interact with the human body for various purposes, such as wound healing and tissue regeneration. Previous work on biomaterials has shown that they can affect cells in many ways, including how they grow, move, and the type of cell they develop into. Scientists have recently begun investigating biomaterials with properties that can be fine-tuned to optimize their use in regenerative medicine. Now, researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) have identified a polymer with tunable mobility properties that can alter the immune activity of specific liver cells. In an article published in Biomaterials Science, the TMDU researchers report how they varied the mobility of specific biomaterials and observed significant effects on mouse Kupffer cells. These are liver cells that form part of the innate immune system--the body's first line of defense against an infection in this organ. The group previously worked with polymer-based biomaterials called polyrotaxane. Other molecules can be weaved within the polymer structure, and their ability to move freely throughout this structure is what the researchers refer to as "molecular mobility." Polyrotaxane mobility can be adjusted by adding more molecules within the polymer, and this could affect the fate and maintenance of cells interacting with the biomaterials. Because of this, the TMDU group became interested in whether the biomaterials could be utilized to manipulate the immune system. "We hypothesized that the polyrotaxane molecular mobility could serve as a sort of mechanical cue to the cells in the surrounding environment," says lead author of the study Yoshinori Arisaka. "Using this property to possibly modulate immune cell activity could revolutionize immunomodulation." The researchers cultured Kupffer cells on a surface coated with polyrotaxane. They treated the cells with lipopolysaccharide, which is a molecule used as an immune activator. They adjusted the molecular mobility of the surface and then examined cell movement and shape, as well as the expression levels of certain inflammation-related genes. Interestingly, they found that the surface mobility significantly affected the movement and gene expression profile of the Kupffer cells. "The surfaces with higher mobility increased expression of pro-inflammatory genes in the cells," explains Nobuhiko Yui, senior author. "This means that the cells were behaving as if they were part of an active immune response." The authors believe that this system may be the groundwork for using biomaterials in humans to balance immune activity. "Our data demonstrate that mechanical cues may play a role in regulating cell behavior," says Arisaka. This work is a critical step forward in biomaterials research. Mechanically regulating immune system activity with novel biomaterials may transform regenerative medicine. ### The article, "Molecular mobility of polyrotaxane-based biointerfaces alters inflammatory responses and polarization in Kupffer cell lines," was published in Biomaterials Science at DOI: 10.1039/D0BM02127J This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) Bohol Governor Arthur Yap is proposing a bubble-to-bubble travel arrangement with other countries to help boost the local economy. Yap urged the national government to consider special bilateral agreements with other countries that would allow foreign travelers to visit a province for a limited period. "Dapat i-support na 'yun [That should be supported], because that is a way to allow now different parts of the country to use tourism as a low-hanging fruit to bring in revenue," Yap said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday. Yap's proposal includes eased consular requirements like visa upon arrival option. He said Bohol being an island-province, is already a confined space. It also has a new international airport that may accommodate up to two million passengers per year. ''That's an advantage of a place like Bohol. It is compact, it is one island in itself, it's 4,000 square kilometers with one international airport and five ports. So bantayan mo lang ang pumapasok at lumalabas doon [So just keep an eye on everyone who comes and goes]," Yap said. Before the pandemic, Yap said Bohol had around 30,000 visitors per day. But in the latest data, they had less than 4,000 visitors from December last year to date. Initially, the governor considered offering special diving packages for divers from Japan, Korea, Taipei, and China. But with the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country, Yap recognized the possible fear of other countries from entering into this agreement. "But Bohol is not the Philippines, Bohol is not the NCR," Yap said, noting that the province currently has 234 active COVID-19 cases, 27 deaths, and more than a thousand recoveries. "So parang maybe, mamili na lang sila, yung DOT and DFA, then contact their counterparts, contact their national agency counterparts for example in Japan, in Taipei, Korea, China, and set up na bilateral, special na lang hindi buong bansa," he added. [Translation: So, maybe they can choose, the DOT and the DFA, then contact their counterparts, contact their national agency counterparts for example in Japan, in Taipei, Korea, China, and a bilateral set ups, a special one that does not involve the whole country.] Other means to churn the economy Yap, who was an Agriculture and Presidential Management Staff secretary during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is also proposing other economic recovery plans to the national government. These include leveraging of funds by national and local governments, improving connectivity, and continuously sending out Filipino workers abroad. "Tingnan mo ang solution sa COVID is always stay at home, stay at home, isolate. If the cure is really to isolate, stay at home, talagang may tatamaan sa economy natin. As you can see right now, eto na nga yun, walang negosyo, walang trabaho, walang taxes,"said the governor. [Translation: The solution they have for COVID is to stay at home and to isolate. If the cure is really to isolate and stay at home, our economy will really get hit. As you can see, this is what's happening, no business, no work, no taxes.] "Sana mas maging open ang mind ng mga officials natin [I hope our officials will have a more open mind] and financing officials natin that together, all our funds we are using up, if we can channel it and spend it as one big bank, malaki talagang tulong [it will be a big help]." But most importantly, Yap stressed the need for the public to continuously practice the minimum health standards to prevent the spread of the virus. Yap has already requested the national government for vaccines good for 100,000 people. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. New Delhi: With the new normal overtaking our lives following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, several existing terms got popularized and neologisms were also invented. As India witnesses its first lockdown anniversary on Wednesday (March 24), here are some of the words that kept us company while we lived in isolation to battle the virus: Pandemic: The pandemic is defined as an epidemic that affects populations globally and leads to widespread transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Social distancing: Social distancing or physical distancing, one of the COVID-19 safety norms, is the act of maintaining physical distance in order to prevent the transmission of infection. At least six feet distance is recommended to avoid catching the virus. Quarantine: Quarantine refers to isolating someone who has been exposed to the deadly virus. As per the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the person who might have come in contact with a COVID-19 positive person should isolate themselves for 14 days to monitor if they exhibit any symptoms. Lockdown: The nation came to a halt when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a lockdown on March 24, 2020. Initially declared for 21 days, the nationwide lockdown lasted for more than two months. Lockdown restricted movement of people leading to shut down of public transport with a few exceptions. Work from home: Work from home has generated diverse feelings and viewpoints in people. As lockdown was implemented throughout the country in the wake of the surge in coronavirus cases, WFH became the new normal. As most of the workplaces have started reopening, missing WFH is becoming a new normal! Infodemic: An amalgamation of information and epidemic, infodemic is defined as an information overload, mainly unverified, which can be harmful. With an overload of information at such a large level, distinguishing between truth and misinformation becomes onerous. We are not just fighting an epidemic; we are fighting an infodemic, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had said underlining the situation. Doomscrolling/Doomsurfing: Coined after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, doomscrolling is the proneness to continue scrolling bad or depressing news. Covidiot: Covidiot is a person who deliberately ignores health advisories issued to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Cambridge dictionary explains this term as, someone who behaves in a stupid way that risks spreading the infectious disease Covid-19. Coronials: Coronial babies are the ones born or conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanitizer: A new normal, sanitizer is your best friend to keep the virus at bay. Regularly washing hands is one of the most effective ways of preventing oneself from contracting the virus. Sanitizers have become a wonted item as water and soap are many times not readily available. Advertisement No right to settle under Priti Priti's asylum blitz Migrants who arrive in the UK illegally will no longer have the right to permanently settle here even if they have a strong asylum claim. Anyone who arrives illegally having passed through a 'safe country' will be deemed 'inadmissible' to the UK asylum system. The Government will seek the 'rapid removal' of 'inadmissible cases' back to the country they travelled to the UK from. Those who cannot be returned to a safe country will be granted 'temporary protection status' for 30 months, with only limited access to benefits and limited family reunion rights. The Government's asylum estate will be expanded with the creation of new reception centres to provide accommodation while claims are processed. Action to improve age assessment measures to safeguard against adults claiming to be children. A new 'one-stop' process for claims which will require people to spell out all protection-related issues in one go to prevent last-minute legal bids to thwart removal of failed asylum seekers. Maximum sentence for people smugglers raised to life, and to five years for foreign criminals who return to the UK in breach of a deportation order. New humanitarian routes for the 'vulnerable' in 'immediate danger'. Advertisement Priti Patel today unveiled a major overhaul of the UK's asylum system as she said illegal migrants 'should and could' make claims in the European countries they pass through on their way to Britain. The Home Secretary warned the current asylum system is 'collapsing' because of the strain placed on it by people smugglers and dangerous Channel crossings as she set out a new plan to slash the privileges of those who come to the UK via an unauthorised route. However, much of Ms Patel's crackdown will be contingent on securing agreement with other countries, particularly France, raising questions about how effectively the measures could be introduced while some illegal migrants will still be able to remain in the UK for potentially as long as 30 months. The proposed changes will mean anyone arriving illegally who has passed through a 'safe country' will be considered 'inadmissible' to the UK's asylum system. The Government will seek the 'rapid removal of inadmissible cases' to the safe country they travelled from or to another safe third country. Meanwhile, Border Force will be given new powers to stop and redirect small boats and those on board away from the UK if they are suspected of trying to enter the country illegally. But this proposal will require agreement from the receiving port or country. In a bid to further deter people smugglers, the maximum sentence for such activity will be raised to life. The Government will also expand its asylum estate with the creation of new reception centres which will provide basic accommodation while cases are processed. This means the use of hotels to accommodate new arrivals who entered the UK illegally will end. Ms Patel said the 'most significant overhaul of our asylum system in decades' is necessary to 'protect lives because we cannot carry on as we are with people dying in the hands of gangsters and smugglers'. She said people who arrive in the UK illegally having travelled through France and Germany are 'not seeking refuge from persecution' but rather 'you are choosing the UK as your preferred destination'. Ms Patel said her new plan to toughen up the system will mark a 'step change in our approach' to asylum which will 'deter illegal entry and the criminals that endanger life by enabling it'. However, the unveiling of the plan immediately prompted concerns of a potential spike in the number of attempted Channel crossings before the crackdown is implemented. The Immigration Services Union (ISU), which represents Border Force staff, said announcing changes to immigration rules 'inevitably' causes a 'surge'. ISU spokeswoman Lucy Moreton told MailOnline: 'It is equally inevitable that the criminals who drive irregular migration such as the small boat migration will use this as a reason to drive up both demand for and the cost of the crossings.' Another well-placed source said: 'I don't think the proposed measures will stop people from crossing. In fact, I think even announcing them will cause even more crossings.' It came as UK Border Force today brought more people ashore as a result of small boat crossings in the Channel, with 800 people estimated to have made the crossing so far this year. The Home Office confirmed that 67 migrants were detained in three small boats today while French authorities prevented three attempted crossings overnight and this morning involving an estimated 114 people. The full details of Ms Patel's new plan were unveiled as: The Home Secretary said this morning that European countries like France and Germany 'are not war zones, they are safe countries' and asylum claims should be made there. Tory MPs asked Ms Patel if she is prepared to be 'really tough in order to be kind' and said 'our European neighbours need to step up'. Charities and human rights groups said the proposals are 'inhumane' as they demanded a rethink. Labour warned the plans will do 'next to nothing' to stop people making Channel crossings. Nigel Farage, the former leader of the Brexit Party, said it was 'yet more tough talk' from Ms Patel as he claimed 'nothing is going to change'. A young family amongst a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by Border Force officers following a small boat incident in the Channel today Priti Patel said changes will help 'create safe and legal routes to give people the chance to resettle and access our asylum' while also combatting people smuggling and dangerous Channel crossings Migrants are helped ashore on the Border Force vessel 'Hunter' as they walk onto Dover Harbour in Kent yesterday Setting out her 'New Plan for Immigration', Ms Patel told the House of Commons this afternoon that 'while people are dying we have a responsibility to act'. She said: 'At the heart of our new plan for immigration is a simple principle: Fairness. 'Access to the UK's asylum system should be based on need, not the ability to pay people smugglers. 'If you enter illegally from a safe country like France where you should and could have claimed asylum, you are not seeking refuge from persecution as is the intended purpose of the asylum system. 'Instead, you are choosing the UK as your preferred destination and you are doing so at the expense of those with no where else to go. 'Our system is collapsing under the pressure of parallel illegal routes to asylum, facilitated by criminal smugglers.' The Home Secretary said the changes will help to deter people from making the perilous journey across the Channel. 'This plan marks a step change in our approach as we toughen our stance to deter illegal entry and the criminals that endanger life by enabling it,' she said. 'Many illegal arrivals have travelled through a safe country like France to get to the UK where they could and should have claimed asylum. 'We must act to reduce the pull factors of our system and disincentivise illegal entry.' Ms Patel said the asylum claim process will be streamlined, telling MPs: 'For too long our justice system has been gamed. 'Almost three quarters of migrants in detention raise last minute new claims, challenges on other issues, with over eight in 10 of these eventually being denied as valid reasons to stay in the UK. 'Enough is enough. Our new plan sets out a one stop process to require all claims to be made upfront.' The plan will mean that people who come to the UK via unauthorised routes such as crossing the Channel in small boats will be given far fewer privileges. The plan states that illegal migrants who have 'passed through safe countries' where they could have claimed asylum 'will be considered inadmissible to the UK's asylum system'. The UK will seek the 'rapid removal of inadmissible cases to the safe country from which they embarked or to another safe third country'. Even if they have a legitimate claim to refugee status, migrants who arrive illegally will be granted permission to stay in the UK only temporarily and for no longer than 30 months. This so-called 'temporary protection status' will also come with 'less generous entitlements' in terms of access to benefits. People whose cases are deemed inadmissible but who cannot be returned to their country of origin or to another safe country will also have limited family reunion rights. The changes will also make it possible for asylum claims to be processed outside the UK and in another country. The plan states that 'this will keep the option open, if required in the future, to develop the capacity for offshore asylum processing'. More than 100 migrants crossed the English Channel yesterday on what is believed to be the record day of the year A map shows the points along the coast where migrants have landed in the UK over the past year after crossing from France The number of asylum applications lodged in the UK in the years ending December 2011 to December last year, dropping after the Covid pandemic was declared The number of people offered protection in the form of resettlement (bottom line), asylum and alternative forms of leave (middle line) totalled 9,936 in 2020. The total number of people granted asylum or some form of protection (top line) fell by more than half that of 2019 Priti Patel mocked over 'OCGs' reference as Twitter users ask if she has been watching Line of Duty Priti Patel was mocked this morning after she referred to 'OCGs' during an interview as Twitter users asked if the Home Secretary had been watching Line of Duty. The TV crime drama is well known for its extensive use of authentic police jargon. One of the terms used on the programme is OCG which stands for organised crime group. Ms Patel told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that people smugglers are 'also part of OCGs, organised criminal gangs, that are responsible for a raft of criminal activity'. The comment prompted ridicule on Twitter as one user said: 'Priti Patel just used the acronym OCG on R4. Line of Duty has real cut through.' Another said: 'Priti Patel's obviously been watching Line of Duty...' Another user added: 'Did Priti Patel really just say OCG on R4? What next? Illegal immigrants spotted at 1A on the matrix??' Advertisement By comparison, successful asylum seekers who applied in advance to come to the UK through legal routes, such as the United Nations' refugee agency, will be rewarded. They will win permission to come to Britain immediately and will be allowed to stay here indefinitely. The proposals contained within the plan will now be subject to a six-week period of consultation followed by the Government bringing forward legislation to put the measures into law. Tory MPs welcomed the overhaul but sought assurances that the measures set out will actually be delivered. Sir Edward Leigh asked Ms Patel: 'Is the Home Secretary prepared to do what Prime Minister Abbott of Australia did? He ensured that because all arrivals were put in a secure location and left there until their claim was processed and they were deported or allowed to stay, there are now no unsafe arrivals in Australia, there are no deaths, there are no criminal gangs, the policy works. Is (Ms Patel) prepared to be really tough in order to be kind?' Ms Patel said the proposed system will be 'fair but firm' because 'we have to be firm'. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Shaun Bailey said: 'The broader issue here is this: our European neighbours need to step up. It's as simple as that.' Refugee charities claim many migrants have no choice but to come to the UK via illegal routes and have slammed the proposals as 'inhumane'. Ms Patel had earlier told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that illegal migrants should make claims in the European countries they travel through on their way to Britain. Told that critics believe it is unfair to differentiate based on method of arrival because many people arriving via unauthorised routes will still have strong asylum claims, Ms Patel said: 'Well, they would also have a perfectly acceptable case to be given asylum in the same countries that they have travelled from, so France, Germany, Italy, Belgium. 'These are not war zones, they are safe countries, and it is important to emphasise that, they are absolutely playing into the hands of the people smugglers, the criminals who not only put their lives at risk by smuggling them into the UK but these criminals are also part of OCGs, organised criminal gangs, that are responsible for a raft of criminal activity - smuggling guns, drugs, people into the country. 'That is not right and it is important that as a country we do much more to stop that from happening and also to protect lives because we cannot carry on as we are with people dying in the hands of gangsters and smugglers and I think until we can actually tackle these issues, inaction is not an option.' The Home Secretary said overnight that under her plan people arriving illegally 'will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay'. 'If, like over 60 per cent of illegal arrivals, they have travelled through a safe country like France to get here, they will not have immediate entry into the asylum system which is what happens today,' she said. 'I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair.' Other elements in the wide-ranging package announced today include streamlining the asylum appeals process, and setting up reception centres to replace hotel accommodation and ex-Army barracks used during the pandemic. It will also be made harder for asylum seekers to make unsubstantiated claims of persecution. An independent body will be set up to determine the true age of applicants suspected to be posing as children, as revealed by the Daily Mail last week. Jail sentences will be increased for people smugglers and foreign criminals who sneak back into the country after being deported. The number of asylum applicants to the top five countries in the EU+ and the UK for the years ending November 2014 to November last year, with Italy receiving the smallest number of applications in 2020. The other EU+ category includes all other countries that are European Union member states, part of the European Economic Area and Switzerland The top 10 nationalities claiming asylum in the UK and the grant rate at initial decision (shown by percentage) in 2019 and 2020. The most applications in both 2019 and 2020 came from Iran, while Eritrea and Syria had the highest grant rates last year A new humanitarian route will be created to make it easier to bring individuals to Britain if they face imminent danger in their homeland as in the case of Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian who spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges before she was acquitted in 2019. Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: 'We agree the asylum system needs reform, but this announcement takes the system backwards not forwards. 'We should not judge how worthy someone is of asylum by how they arrived here. The proposals effectively create an unfair two-tiered system, whereby someone's case and the support they receive is judged on how they entered the country and not on their need for protection. This is inhumane.' The Migrant Voice charity said the proposals would condemn asylum seekers 'to a life in limbo with restricted rights'. Nazek Ramadan, director of the advocacy charity, said: 'People fleeing persecution and death have the right to seek sanctuary. That is the starting point, and no policy should undermine it. 'We are dealing here with human beings: they cannot be treated like commodities.' But Nigel Farage, the former leader of the Brexit Party, said it was 'yet more tough talk' from Ms Patel as he claimed 'nothing is going to change'. Labour shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said he feared the plan 'will do next to nothing to stop people making dangerous crossings and they risk withdrawing support from desperate people'. He added: 'These changes risk making the situation even worse for victims of human trafficking as it would be even harder to access help in the UK, helping criminal gangs escape justice.' Ten people, including a police officer, were shot and killed at a food store in the American state of Colorado Monday night. The attack followed a mass shooting that killed eight people in Georgia last week. Colorado police arrested 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa at the the attack site. Officials said he lives in the nearby town of Arvada. Police said that Alissa used a semi-automatic firearm in the attack, that he bought last week. A shootout with police left Alissa wounded. He received treatment at a hospital and was taken to jail Tuesday. He is expected to face 10 murder charges. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold identified 51-year-old Eric Talley as the officer who was killed in the shooting. The nine other victims were between the ages of 20 to 65, police said. Hundreds of police officers from throughout the Denver area surrounded the store, helping those inside escape the violence. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said police have not established why the shooter attacked. But he promised to secure justice in the case. A law enforcement official said the suspects family told investigators they believe Alissa has mental health problems, including paranoia and delusions. The Associated Press reports the attack was the seventh mass shooting this year in the U.S. On Tuesday, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, released a statement offering prayers for the victims and their families. She also called for immediate action to prevent more shootings, noting two gun control measures passed by House lawmakers earlier this month. The bills concern background checks for gun purchase and are now in the U.S. Senate for consideration. At a Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday on gun violence, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas expressed opposition to such bills. Every time theres a shooting, we play this ridiculous theater where this committee gets together and proposes a bunch of laws that would do nothing to stop these murders, he said. Speaking from the White House, President Joe Biden said Tuesday, "This is not -- it should not be -- a partisan issue. This is an American issue. He added, "I don't need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common sense steps that will save lives in the future." The president called on Congress to ban assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and strengthen the background check system. Biden announced that American flags nationwide will be lowered in honor of the victims in Boulder. The order comes just as the order to lower the flags for those killed in Atlanta is about to end. I'm Caty Weaver. Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on reports from the Associated Press. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________ Words in This Story semi-automatic - adj. having a mechanism for self-loading but not continuous firing. ridiculous - adj. extremely silly or unreasonable The Bishops of Venezuela release a statement in which they voice their concerns regarding growing pressure to legalize abortion, euthanasia and gender ideology in the country. By Lisa Zengarini The bishops of Venezuela are concerned about growing pressure for legalizing abortion, euthanasia and promoting gender ideology in the Country. These concerns have been expressed by the Permanent Commission of the Bishops Conference of Venezuela (CEV) in a statement entitled Great Human Values, which reiterates that all human beings must be respected in their dignity, from which human rights descend, including the most important one: the right to life. In a special way, believers in Christ must defend and promote this right, on the recognition of which every human community and the political community itself are founded, the bishops remark, quoting Pope John Paul IIs Encyclical Evangelium Vitae. The statement notes that in recent years more and more attempts have been made in the world to impose a mentality contrary to this fundamental right and to the traditional family: There are great advertising campaigns by powerful international corporations that invest huge sums of money to impose new pro-abortion, euthanasia and gender ideology legislation based on a false concept of modernity, which creates new human rights in contrast with God's plan, the Permanent Commission writes. Concern for "anti-life" mentality According to the bishops, Venezuela is not immune from this growing antilife mentality, which is now promoted by a number of groups and movements in the Country and unfortunately has gained consensus amongst some local political leaders who are pushing for new laws in this regard. What is most objectionable they remark - is that these leaders are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to push forward this agenda. Reminding that the Venezuelan Constitution protects life "from conception to natural death" and upholds the integrity of the family and marriage as a bond between a man and a woman, the statement stresses the urgent need for Catholics and all people of good will to raise their voices in defence of these great human values against a minority who wants to impose a new legal framework that distorts the meaning of life, extending the culture of death. The Venezuelan bishops also call on legislators to "listen to the voice of their conscience and act consequently by choosing to uphold the traditional family, the dignity and life of every human person in all its phases". Call to raise awareness They finally urge priests, religious, laypeople, pro-life groups, pastoral workers and all ecclesial organizations and bodies to persevere in raising awareness on these issues and in proclaiming the Gospel of life in order to prevent the approval of such laws which, they say, impose a culture of death against the Catholic faith and the human sense of solidarity. The statement concludes reminding that being a Venezuelan should be a synonym of loving life. 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. There is still deadlock over when and how to hold the next national elections. This dispute is between regional politicians and the existing president whose term of office ended in early February 2021. The regional leaders dont trust the current president or each other. Regional leaders of Puntland in the north and Jubaland in the south refused to attend the last national conference called by the president to work out the problems because they insisted, he no longer had the authority to do so because his term had expired. The electoral crisis began in June 2020 when the National Independent Electoral Commission told parliament that it was impossible to hold elections for parliament and a new president as scheduled on November 27. That current presidential term was due to end on February 8th, 2021. The delay was blamed on the usual suspects; political deadlocks, poor security (bandits and Islamic terrorists), bad weather (floods this time) and covid19. To assure a minimum level of legitimacy, the six million eligible Somali voters must be registered biometrically. That requires special equipment which has not yet been obtained because the Electoral Commission does not have enough money and needs at least $70 million to set up 5,000 polling stations and carry out the biometric registration. More time is also required but it is not going to be enough. None of this is a surprise. The first parliamentary elections finally took place in 2016 and the new legislature was installed at the end of 2016. This was supposed to have taken place months earlier but did not because too many of the current politicians regard elections as a threat to their income (from corruption). Some foreign donors correctly saw the delays as a ploy so the interim government could stay in power longer and steal more aid money. This led to threats to halt aid if elections for parliament and president were not held. That worked, sort of, and the electoral process lurches forward, if only to keep the free money coming. The presidential election (or selection, by the parliament) was supposed to take place by the end of January 2017 but took a lot longer. Part of the problem was political, with many of the clans (tribes) maintaining armed militias and refusing to abide by a one man, one vote system. That is, some clans demand more (foreign aid and other resources) than their numbers justify. A compromise was worked out to accommodate that. In effect the new parliament was created by a selection rather than a national election. The national parliament has 275 members who were elected by 14,025 voters selected by 135 clan elders. The 54 members of the upper house of parliament are selected by local (state or regional) assemblies. A Western style election, in which all adult citizens can vote, was not expected until the early 2020s, if ever. The current president was selected by the 2016 parliament, which meant all manner of deals were made in return for support of one candidate or another. The major aid donors quietly made it clear that if the new government did not curb the rampant theft of foreign aid, there will be a lot less of it and thus the new president is expected to be more effective in curbing corruption. The current government did not do much to reduce the corruption and foreign aid declined. Somalia has a hard time pleading poverty because so much foreign aid gets stolen by Somalis before it can reach the people who need it and whose desperate plight caused foreign donors to donate in the first place. The failed, so far, election preparations can be expected to continue failing with or without additional time and money. No one wants to admit that Somalia is a failed state, but fewer and fewer donors want to keep sending aid to Somalia only to find that most, or all of it was stolen. There are many other needy areas where most of the aid gets to those who need it. The elections deadlock is history repeating itself. Once all the colonial powers were gone by 1960, the newly established Somali government began to come apart, a process that was complete by 1991 and no one has been able to get all the clans to submit to a new central government since. To make matters worse most of the educated Somalis fled in the 1990s and few have come back. Meanwhile public education has been absent in most of Somalia for two decades and the literacy rate is under 40 percent (and under 30 percent for women). Public health has been largely missing for two decades and life expectancy is about 52 years. Outside of Somaliland and Puntland its under 50 years. The security situation is better than it was in the 1990s when the infamous Blackhawk Down incident occurred, and most foreign aid was halted because of the unsafe conditions for foreigners and most Somalis. Since the late 1990s conditions have improved because the UN and AU (African Union) agreed to supply Somalia with peacekeepers and the money to pay and sustain them. Back then the plan was for 8,000 peacekeepers who would only be needed for six months. That force did not disappear by the end of 2007 but kept growing and quickly reached 22,000. It made some difference, but in the face of massive corruption in the Somali government and various Somali communities that demanded help from the peacekeepers, the operation proved far more expensive and time-consuming than expected. That peacekeeper force is due to leave because the best it can do is reduce the violence and disunity and UN donors are not willing to waste money on that when there are other disaster zones that can make better use of the foreign aid. March 22, 2021: Turkey flew in another shipment of armored vehicles and weapons for the Gorgor Force. This is technically illegal because of the international arms embargo. The Turks insist the vehicles and weapons are for use by the Turkish personnel administering the training. A growing number of Somalis believe the Turks are more of a threat than a benefit. A month ago, Mogadishu residents who participated in the peaceful demonstrations claimed that one reason the demonstrations turned violent, and left five dead and many more wounded, was because the Turkish trained Gorgor special operations troops led the attack on the demonstrators. Outside the city there is a Turkish military training center compound that is largely left alone by Al Shabaab. The Islamic terrorists are particularly hostile to the Turks because the Turks will not pay protection money to al Shabaab to avoid violence. The Turkish training facility has, since 2017, trained five Somali infantry battalions. The Turks ran separate training programs for officers (over 200 graduates so far) and NCOs (over 300 grads so far). The Turkish military reputation is respected by Somalis and the training is tough, thorough and apparently successful. The Turk trained battalions are visibly more effective against al Shabaab and the Islamic terrorists would like to see these units disbanded. So do many Somalis, who see the Turk trained Somali units, which consist of over 4,000 troops, as an effort by the Turks to exercise control over whoever rules in Somalia. Th Somalis know this is already happening in Syria, Libya and other areas where the Turks offer to help. Most of the Turkish trained troops are stationed in or near Mogadishu and all these battalions have Turkish officers attached as advisors and to keep an eye on how the troops are doing in terms of performance and loyalty to the government and Turkey. A problem with any Somali army is that regional (clan) loyalties tend to supersede national ones. The Turks believe they can change that. March 20, 2021: Once more the UN announced that food aid would be reduced by mid-2021 because more donors were refusing to contribute. The donors were sending their aid elsewhere, where it was less likely to be stolen and more likely to reach the people who needed it. March 15, 2021: The Somali government and al Shabaab leaders believe the new (since January 20) American government has quietly ordered a halt to the American use of UAVs over Somalia to locate, track and sometimes attack (with missiles) al Shabaab personnel. Al Shabaab gunmen are moving around confident that they are not making themselves vulnerable. The previous American government had ordered all U.S. troops out of Somalia and this was completed by January 15th. The 700 U.S. troops who left Somalia were sent to other parts of East Africa. The departing troops who will be missed the most are Special Forces operators training and advising their Somali counterparts. The American troops in Somalia also handled intelligence collection and monitoring things in general. This will continue from a major American special operation base in neighboring Djibouti, as will the use of American UAVs, based in Djibouti, to search for Islamic terrorists and carry out airstrikes when the opportunity presents itself. Since early 2017, when Africom (U.S. Africa Command) increased its use of armed UAVs over Somalia, there have been about 170 UAV airstrikes that have killed nearly a thousand al Shabaab and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) members. In 2020 there were fifty of these UAV airstrikes and 275 in Somalia in the last decade. For 2021 there have been seven UAV airstrikes so far, the last one on January 29th. Attacking Americans in Somalia who support those air operations has long been an al Shabaab goal, but the Islamic terrorists have had little success at that. Most of those attacks were against al Shabaab targets with a few directed at ISIL forces in the north. In 2019 there were 63 UAV attacks in Somalia for the entire year. The 2020 attacks have killed several senior leaders although most of the UAV attack missions are in support of Somali Army operations, especially in southern Somalia where the remaining al Shabaab strongholds are. The United States told the Somali government and military that if Somalia can continue providing accurate information about al Shabaab and ISIL activities the U.S. can continue providing UAV and surveillance and airstrike support. The Somali Special Forces troops complain that without their American advisors there is no way to call in airstrikes by American UAVs or medical evacuation helicopters. Past experience has shown that too many Somalis are willing to take a large enough bribe to abuse the ability to call in airstrikes or medevac missions. This usually means calling in an airstrike against a political rival rather than Islamic terrorists. Medical evacuation helicopters can be misled and called into an ambush situation. This sort of things is another of the reasons why Somalia has been rated the most corrupt nation on the planet for decades. March 13, 2021: In Mogadishu al Shabaab took credit for a roadside bomb attack that killed one person and wounded three others, including an army intel officer who was apparently the target of the attack. March 9, 2021: In the south (Lower Shabelle region) the army carried out a major operation to find and destroy several al Shabaab groups known to be based and operating in the area, mainly building and placing roadside bombs and landmines. During several clashes at least 18 al Shabaab were killed and many more wounded or captured. March 5, 2021: In Mogadishu al Shabaab used a suicide car bomb to destroy a crowded restaurant popular with security personnel and affluent Somalis. The explosion killed twenty and wounded more than 30. March 4, 2021: In the north (Puntland) al Shabaab attacked the main prison in the port of Bosaso to free fellow Islamic terrorists held there. At first the jail break seemed to succeed as several dozen prisoners got away. But several of the attackers were killed or wounded in the operation and police reinforcements recaptured most of the prisoners and killed or captured most of the al Shabaab attackers, who wore army uniforms as a disguise. By the end of the day at least twenty al Shabaab were dead and four captured. Al Shabaab has been much less successful in the autonomous northern regions of Puntland and Somaliland. These two regions have enjoyed relative peace and prosperity in the north. However, all is not perfect in the north. Since the 1990s the two statelets that comprise northern Somalia (Puntland and Somaliland) have been having some internal problems but much less so than in the rest of Somalia. Northern Somalia has been better governed since breaking away in the 1990 to form Puntland (2.5 million people) and Somaliland (3.5 million). The other two-thirds of the Somali population to the south, has been in perpetual chaos since 1990 and the establishment of a lasting central government is still a work-in-progress. The two statelets are willing to rejoin a united Somalia once there the rest of Somalia is united and as safe as Puntland and Somaliland. February 28, 2021: In Mogadishu al Shabaab gunmen killed two agents of NISA (N ational Intelligence Security Agency). NISA have been a frequent target of al Shabaab attacks since the agency was founded in 2013 and has grown to include over 1,500 personnel, including several special operations units as well as dedicated security collection and analyst personnel. February 27, 2021: In the south (Jubaland) Ethiopian peacekeepers have managed to drive al Shabaab gunmen our of several areas they had used for bases from which they raided along the border, in Kenya as well as Somalia. Al Shabaab generally stays out of Ethiopia to the west because the Ethiopians have been fighting Somalis for centuries and generally prevailing. Company Announcement no. 10/2021 Today, March 24, 2021, SimCorp A/S held its annual general meeting, at which the following was adopted: Financial year 2020 and 2021 The companys audited annual report 2020 The amendment of the companys remuneration policy and increase to the remuneration of the Board of Directors for 2021 and until the next annual general meeting The remuneration report 2020 Distribution of profit according to the adopted annual report 2020. The dividend will be DKK 7.50 per share of DKK 1 and the remainder is transferred to next year Elections and Board related matters Re-election of Peter Schutze as Chairman and Morten Hubbe as Vice-chairman of the Board of Directors Re-election of Herve Couturier, Simon Jeffreys, Adam Warby and Joan A. Binstock as members of the Board of Directors New-election of Susan Standiford as member of the Board of Directors Re-election of PricewaterhouseCoopers as the companys auditor Share capital Authorization to the Board of Directors, in the period until 31 December 2022, to purchase own shares of up to 10% of the share capital, inclusive of the companys current holding of own shares. Proposals Amendment of Article 2 of the company's Articles of Association regarding the company's objects as described in the notice of the annual general meeting. However, not enough capital was represented at the general meeting in order to pass the proposal to amend the Articles of Association, and the Board of Directors will therefore convene an extraordinary general meeting for the purpose of adopting the proposal to amend Article 2 at the extraordinary general meeting in accordance with Article 14 of the Articles of Association. Composition of the Board of Directors and its committees After the annual general meeting, the Board of Directors held a board meeting to appoint members of its committees. The Board of Directors, including its committees, are now composed as follows: Peter Schutze (Chairman of the Board and member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee) Morten Hubbe (Vice-chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee) Simon Jeffreys (Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee) Herve Couturier (member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee) Adam Warby (member of the and Risk Audit Committee) Joan A. Binstock (member of the and Risk Audit Committee) Susan Standiford Else Braathen (employee-elected and member of the and Risk Audit Committee) Vera Bergforth (employee-elected and member of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee) Hugues Chabanis (employee-elected) Copenhagen, March 24, 2021 SimCorp A/S On behalf of the board of directors Enquiries regarding this announcement should be addressed to Klaus Holse, Chief Executive Officer, SimCorp A/S (+45 2326 0000) Michael Rosenvold, Chief Financial Officer, SimCorp A/S (+45 5235 0000) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 05:33:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Higher Committee for Health Emergencies on Wednesday warned against increased infection and death cases of COVID-19. The committee on Wednesday held an emergency meeting to discuss the necessary measures to confront the pandemic. "Reports indicate continued increase in the number of infection and death cases of COVID-19, particularly in Khartoum and Gezira States," Omer Al-Najeeb, Sudan's Health Minister, said in a statement. "The situation in Khartoum state is worrying, particularly among school children and teachers," he noted. The Sudanese minister complained about the week capabilities to receive COVID-19 and other cases as well as the lack of oxygen, medicines and other aids. He announced measures including face covering, sterilization and social distancing in all state institutions, schools, public transport and places of gatherings. He further declared increasing the target categories with COVID-19 vaccines to include health workers, elders above 60 years of age, people with chronic disease and workers at vital sectors. Sudan has so far recorded a total of 29,542 COVID-19 cases, including 2,003 deaths. Enditem 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! Yukai Yang was described Wednesday as a brilliant chemistry student with a near-perfect academic record at Lehigh University. But he was also described as lonely, a perfectionistic, overwhelmed and suffering from a schizoid personality disorder. When the 25-year-old Chinese citizen learned his roommate was moving out on him, he snapped, according to testimony in Northampton County Court. So he started slipping the poison thallium into the mouthwash and food of the roommate, Juwan Royal. Yang was sentenced Wednesday to seven to 20 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to attempted first-degree murder. Hell be deported when hes paroled. Judge Stephen Baratta said Yang was under tremendous pressure from his parents and grandparents to succeed. He had no friends, so he clung to Royal to fulfill his need for human contact. The judge was at a loss to explain why Yang would poison his only friend from February through April 2018. Baratta said Royal was the only person (Yang) had affection for and the only person he thinks understands him a little bit. Thats the only thing I can look at to explain, How does this happen? Baratta said. The effects of the poison were devastating. Royal suffered fainting spells, pain in his limbs, vomiting and diarrhea. At its worst it left him unable to care for himself, screaming for days and unable to sleep due to the pain. The shrieks he would make, as though someone were stabbing him with an icepick. I cant get the shrieks out of my head, said his father, Fred Royal. Fred Royal was mentally unshaken after service in the Gulf War but he was emotionally unprepared for what happened to his son. It was so bad I did the cowards thing. I would get up an hour early and go to work because I couldnt stand the sound (of screams). I would be curled up on the floor in the fetal position wondering how this could happen to my son, Fred Royal said. Yang apologized to the Royal family. I cannot undo the damage I have done to your life, Yang said. I wish I could. Im here today to accept the punishment I deserve and to apologize. Yang said he was under tremendous pressure. He tried suicide multiple times. He wrote a bizarre six-page letter Baratta referenced that Yang called his last song. The letter referenced suicide and an imaginary girlfriend. Yang claims he got the thallium to harm himself. His belief was that he put just enough of the chemical into the food to catch (Royals) attention, said psychologist Frank Dattillio, who diagnosed Yang with schizoid personality disorder. He said to me, I know how much I needed to put in there to kill him because I know how much I need to take my own life. Baratta rejected that claim. There are far less painful ways to kill oneself than with heavy metal poisoning, the judge said. The judge asked Juwan Royal whether he felt Yang was dangerous or just disturbed. From what I could gather, it seemed like its a mixture of both, Royal said. He has some serious issues and he is capable of causing serious issues. The latter reason was why Baratta imposed significant prison time. If he could injure his best friend, he could injure anybody. Thats my concern, Baratta said. The sentence fell short of the 20-year minimum asked of by First Deputy District Attorney Richard Pepper. Lets get him mental health treatment and put him in jail for a very long time, Pepper said. Royal said he still suffers pain three years after the poisoning and worries it could plague him for the rest of his life. But Royal and his mother both forgive Yang. Forgiveness is for yourself. I need that to be at peace, said Royals mother. Fred Royal could not forget the summers he hosted Yang at his home and the kindness his family gave Yang. When the truth came out I couldnt believe it, Fred Royal said. He could not forgive Yang. You get no forgiveness from me. Know that, Fred Royal said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. [March 23, 2021] Ankura Expands Global Presence with Key Forensics Hires in Hong Kong Nick Robinson and Marie Gervacio Join Hong Kong Office as Senior Managing Directors HONG KONG, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ankura Consulting, LLC ("Ankura" or the "Company"), a global provider of a broad range of consulting services, announced today that Nick Robinson and Marie Gervacio have joined the Hong Kong office as Senior Managing Directors in the Global Risk, Forensics & Compliance practice. These new hires mark Ankura's ongoing strategic investment in expanding its client offerings in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. "I am delighted to welcome Nick and Marie to our Hong Kong office," said Steven Richards, Senior Managing Director and Risk, Forensics and Compliance (RF&C) Gloal Business Group Leader at Ankura. "Nick and Marie bring broad expertise and leadership talent to our deep bench of experienced professionals, while also strengthening RF&C's financial services and anti-money laundering offering." "As the number of client engagements in this critically important region grows, their skills in risk, compliance and fraud investigation will provide tremendous value to clients and allow us to build upon this increased momentum," said Simon Michaels, Ankura's Chairman of EMEA and APAC. "The addition of Nick and Marie exemplifies RF&C's ongoing commitment to invest in the APAC region." Mr. Robinson is a forensic practitioner with over 30 years' experience helping clients manage a wide range of integrity issues across challenging markets. He has experience in handling both reactive (crisis) and proactive matters for clients across diverse industry sectors, and he has led large, multijurisdictional investigations and regulatory reporting. Mr. Robinson served in the Royal Hong Kong Police for 11 years, where he attained the rank of Detective Senior Inspector with the Commercial Crime Bureau. "I'm excited to join forces with Ankura's widely experienced team," said Mr. Robinson. "The collaborative culture at our firm allows us to build upon our best-in-class risk and compliance capabilities for our clients as we continue to navigate highly complex issues in the industry." Ms. Gervacio has more than 20 years of consulting and audit experience in the financial services industry and has served clients throughout Asia-Pacific, leading several large-scale international banking projects across the region. She primarily focuses on risk and control, governance, fraud and financial crime. Ms. Gervacio has advised and managed regulatory compliance for global financial institutions. She frequently shares her industry insights at events and panels at industry body forums and client workshops in Hong Kong and the surrounding region. "Ankura's robust experience in the market and impressive roster of knowledgeable professionals position us to continue to strategically expand our client offerings and geographic presence in a growing region for the firm," said Ms. Gervacio. "I'm pleased to begin working with my colleagues to provide practical effective solutions to mitigating risk for our clients." About Ankura Ankura Consulting Group, LLC is a global provider of a broad range of consulting services in the areas of disputes and economics, data and technology, risk, forensics and compliance, turnaround and restructuring, strategy and performance and in transactions and operations advisory. We help clients protect, create, and recover value. Ankura has over 1,500 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.ankura.com. SOURCE Ankura [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. The UK has not agreed any plans to vaccinate children against Covid and will only do it 'if necessary', a government adviser insisted today. Professor Adam Finn, a child vaccination expert at Bristol University and member of the JCVI advisory group, said 'no decisions have been made'. Leaked government plans last night suggested ministers want to start getting jabs to millions of under-18s from August to try to achieve herd immunity in the UK. But results from clinical trials involving children haven't been released yet and the effectiveness and side effects of the jabs when given to youngsters are unknown. AstraZeneca and Pfizer are both testing their vaccines on under-18s and expect to announce their findings by the summer. Scientists say that giving Covid jabs to children is morally complicated because they have almost zero short-term risk from the disease, and would only be vaccinated to protect old people. It's still unknown, however, how long Covid might affect them. More than 28million adults in the UK have had their first vaccine dose so far and the NHS is on track to reach all over-18s by the end of July. Professor Adam Finn, a member of government advisory group the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), said he was not aware of any decisions being made on plans to vaccinate children against Covid Vaccinating children could be controversial because it is likely to be focused on protecting older people rather than the children themselves. Other vaccines given to children, such as for measles and meningitis, protect against diseases that are very dangerous and potentially deadly to children, but the same is not true of Covid-19 (stock image) Professor Finn said on Good Morning Britain: 'If it does turn out to be necessary to immunise children, I think it is more likely that we would prioritise teenagers over younger children, simply because the evidence we have at the moment is that transmission of the virus is more likely to occur from and between teenagers who are a little bit more like adults. 'I think what we need to learn before that, what proportion of the population we need to immunise in order to get effective herd immunity and to suppress circulation of the virus. 'In order to do that we need to have a clear understanding of how efficiently the vaccines actually interrupt infection and transmission and that evidence is still on its way at the moment.' VACCINE-MAKERS ARE TRIALLING JABS ON CHILDREN Whether vaccination of children or teenagers goes ahead will depend on the results of ongoing clinical trials of the vaccines. Currently, jabs are only approved for over-18s because younger people weren't included in the early studies. All the main suppliers to the UK Pfizer and BioNTech; Oxford University and AstraZeneca; and Moderna are carrying out trials now to see if the vaccines work on youngsters. OXFORD/ASTRAZENECA Oxford is testing its jab on 300 six to 17-year-olds in England and results are expected by the summer. PFIZER/BIONTECH Pfizer and BioNTech have enrolled 2,259 12- to 15-year-olds in a trial of their vaccine, and plan to do the same tests on five- to 11-year-olds later in 2021. MODERNA And Moderna announced this month that it was testing its vaccine on 6,750 children aged from six months to 11 in the US and Canada as well as a separate trial on 12- to 17-year-olds. These results are also expected later in the year. Advertisement The UK will try to achieve herd immunity in which so many people are protected that the virus can't spread with Covid vaccines. But if the threshold of protection needed is high scientists say it is likely higher than two thirds, and even vaccinating 100 per cent of adults with a 100 per cent effective vaccine, which won't happen, would only offer 75 per cent children may need vaccinating too otherwise the virus will continue spreading among them. Although most won't get sick, the long-term effects of the virus aren't well understood, and more cases means a higher risk that some will get seriously ill or that the virus will make its way into adults for whom the jab hasn't worked. Even vaccinating all adults wouldn't offer total protection because the jabs don't stop 100 per cent of Covid cases. Professor Finn told The Telegraph: 'Children constitute close to quarter of the population, so even if we could achieve 100 per cent uptake of vaccines across the adult population, it only gets you to 75 per cent coverage.' But he denied this morning that there were plans in motion to vaccinate children. He told GMB: 'As far as I know there has been no decision made to immunise children starting in August, or indeed any decision been taken to immunise children at all at this point. 'But its certainly something that we might need to do.' He added: 'We clearly wont want to do that unless its necessary. 'But if it is necessary we will by then know whether the vaccines are entirely safe and effective and were giving the right dose and so on, so that we go forward with that later in the year.' A plan leaked to The Telegraph has suggested that up to 11million under-18s could get jabs by the start of the autumn term, months ahead of schedule. Whether this goes ahead will depend on the results of ongoing clinical trials of the vaccines. All the main suppliers to the UK Pfizer and BioNTech, Oxford University and AstraZeneca, and Moderna are carrying out trials now to see if the vaccines work on youngsters. Oxford is testing its jab on 300 six to 17-year-olds in England and results are expected by the summer. Pfizer and BioNTech have enrolled 2,259 12- to 15-year-olds in a trial of their vaccine, and plan to do the same tests on five- to 11-year-olds later in 2021. And Moderna announced this month that it was testing its vaccine on 6,750 children aged from six months to 11 in the US and Canada as well as a separate trial on 12- to 17-year-olds. These results are also expected later in the year. Vaccination figures show another 329,897 first doses were administered on Monday, taking the total to 28.3million. And a further 82,300 second doses were dished out Department of Health bosses announced 5,379 infections, which was up 1.6 per cent from last Tuesday Another 112 victims were also added to the official toll, a week on-week rise of 1.8 per cent. The overall trend for deaths is, however, still heading downwards Children did NOT play a key role in spreading coronavirus, study finds Children are unlikely to have played a significant role in the spread of coronavirus during the first wave last year, a study has revealed. The German study enrolled parents and children from families in a trial which ran between April and May 2020 - before new variants, which may be better at infecting children, emerged. The research found children were far less likely get infected than their guardians and are also less likely to pass it on to someone in their household. A total of 4,964 people (half parents and half children) were enrolled in the study, published in January in JAMA Paediatrics. The average age of the children was six, but spanned from one to ten years old, and the parental average age was 40. All participants were swabbed and also had blood tests to scour for any sign of antibodies. Just two people - a parent and child from the same family - were currently infected. Blood tests revealed 1.8 per cent of the adults had antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19. The figure for children was just 0.6 per cent, a threefold decrease. The data also showed that there were 56 instances of at least one of the family members having the virus. A previously infected adult and an uninfected child was 4.3 times more common than a previously infected child and an uninfected parent. The researchers from University Childrens Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg and Ulm University Medical Centre wrote: 'It is unlikely that children have boosted the pandemic.' The study published in January was conducted when schools were closed and children were therefore less exposed to the virus, but researchers not involved with the study say this does not mean the findings are irrelevant. Advertisement Vaccinating children could be controversial because it is likely to be focused on protecting older people rather than the children themselves. Other vaccines given to children, such as for measles and meningitis, protect against diseases that are very dangerous and potentially deadly to children, but the same is not true of Covid. Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show the risk of dying from Covid for over-80s is 1,513 per 100,000 people 1.5 per cent of everyone who catches the virus. But for children aged five to nine, this risk of death after catching Covid is just 0.1 per 100,000 one in a million. People who back the child vaccination policy argue that it is important to minimise the risk of infection, despite some academics arguing children do not contribute to the spread of Covid. Israel is the first country in the world to have rolled out vaccines to under-18s, with 16 and 17-year-olds having jabs after the health ministry decided it was safe. If the proposal to jab children goes ahead, this would mean 11million could be vaccinated before the start of the autumn term. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said 'no decisions have been made on whether children should be offered vaccinations.' One source involved in the plan told The Telegraph that vaccines for children 'could begin by late summer,' stating specifically that August was the date. Another source said that this would be the 'earliest' the roll-out for under-18s would begin. Only children who are at a high risk of Covid are currently able to have a vaccine. The proposal to vaccinate children underlines the extent to which the government feels it must drive down cases ahead of next winter. Boris Johnson last night conceded at the Downing Street press briefing that eradicating Covid wasn't on the table. 'I'm not sure that eradication makes sense in a globalised economy for one country alone,' the PM said. Other efforts to increase the coverage of the vaccine programme include proposals to make it mandatory for care home workers to get a jab. Matt Hancock confirmed yesterday that this is being considered by ministers, who are fearful of low uptake rates among the critical staff. The Care Quality Commission, the care home regulator, says more than 41,000 people living in homes in England have died of Covid since the pandemic began. Vaccines can protect people living in the homes, most of whom are very elderly and have dementia or other health problems, but only if uptake is high. Data from NHS England show that only one out of 10,413 care homes in the country had not been visited by a vaccination team and 94 per cent of all residents have had at least one dose of a jab. Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare But the rate is much lower among staff 76 per cent have had a first dose, meaning one in four have not done it in the three months since the rollout began. There are still around 112,000 unvaccinated carers working in homes, the figures show. Pete Calveley, CEO of care provider Barchester Healthcare, said the human rights of people living in care homes were at stake and staff must protect them, and said he hoped vaccination would become a legal requirement. The firm was one of the first to announce that it would not hire any new carers who haven't been vaccinated and all existing staff must get a jab by the end of April. Hesitancy is thought to be high among care staff because many of them are from low income or less educated households or black or ethnic minority communities. All of those groups are known to be more likely to refuse a vaccine. Mr Calveley said the safety of his residents is a higher priority than people's personal choice not to have a jab and that he hoped the government would make it the law. 'In the end, it is a hugely difficult decision,' Mr Calveley told BBC Radio 4. 'We have an overriding responsibility and a statutory duty to keep our residents as safe as possible, and that is in law. 'We also have to understand human rights and we have to understand employment law. 'But we believe that the risk to our residents and the demonstrable increased risk if you have not had a vaccination trumps all of that.' NHS data show that fewer than half of care home staff have been immunised in some areas with uptake worst in London despite jabs being available to them since December He said that all Barchester staff get tested three times per week and only five per cent of them tested positive after being vaccinated, compared to 15 per cent of unvaccinated workers. 'There is three times the risk of bringing it into a care home,' he said. All staff at the homes had been given regular meetings to discuss any concerns about the vaccine and for bosses to encourage them to get the jab. They were shown data proving the jabs were protecting their colleagues as evidence came through that they were testing positive less often, and even invited to seminars with scientists to talk through the vaccines, he said. The development will be located at the old Port of Cork site on Custom House Quay. Redevelopment plans for what will include Irelands tallest building will go ahead after numerous appeals against the project were unsuccessful. An Bord Pleanala have approved the 34-storey complex at Corks Custom House Quays port site after Cork City Council granted permission to the 140m regeneration project last October. The mixed-use development project will include a hotel, retail space and substantial maritime heritage attraction. Read More When built, the 34-storey, 140-metre tower will become Ireland's tallest building - eclipsing the current tallest structure on the island in Belfast, the Obel Tower, which is 88 metres high. An Taisce Corcaigh and the Irish Georgian Society were among those who had launched appeals against the project but An Bord Pleanala has now cleared the way for the major project to begin. Tower Holdings said the project was a vote of confidence in Cork and Ireland's post Covid-19 future. We are delighted with this decision from Cork City Council and look forward to the final grant," a Tower HG spokesperson said. The development design has been hailed as cutting-edge which offers modern, spacious facilities while respecting the history and heritage of the site involved. "We engaged closely with Cork City Council throughout the design process to ensure we satisfied all their requirements, particularly in relation to the conservation and integration approach towards the existing historical buildings. We have to now fully examine all the planning conditions and certain points of detail to establish their effect on the scheme. Brighter times lie ahead for Cork, and this development will lie at the very heart of them. This comes days after the announcement that Cork Docklands will receive 350m investment from the State to boost the local economic and business outlook. LONDON (AP) AstraZenecas release Monday of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could put a troubled rollout behind it. But just hours after its announcement, American officials issued an unusual statement expressing concern the company had included outdated information from its study and that it may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data. Coupled with earlier missteps in reporting data and a recent blood clot scare, experts said the new stumble could cause lasting harm to the shot that is key to global efforts to stop the pandemic and erode vaccine confidence more broadly. I doubt it was (U.S. officials) intention to deliberately undermine trust in the AstraZeneca vaccine, said Dr. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia. But this will likely cause more vaccine hesitancy. AstraZeneca said Tuesday that the results it released a day earlier included information through Feb. 17 but appeared to be consistent with more up-to-date data. It promised an update within 48 hours. Those results showed its shot was about 79% effective in stopping symptomatic COVID-19 and that there were no severe illnesses or hospitalizations among vaccinated volunteers, compared with five such cases in participants who received dummy shots. The back-and-forth over the latest release is not the first time the company has run into problems. Partial results from its first major trial which Britain used to authorize the vaccine were clouded by a manufacturing mistake that researchers didnt immediately acknowledge. Insufficient data about how well the vaccine protected older people led some countries to initially restrict its use to younger populations before reversing course. And U.S. officials suspended an AstraZeneca study for an unusual six weeks while they sought details about problems reported in Britain before deciding the vaccine wasnt to blame. Then last week, more than a dozen countries temporarily halted their use of the AstraZeneca shot after reports of rare blood clots in some people who received it. The European Medicines Agency concluded the shot did not increase the overall incidence of clots, but the unwanted attention appears to have left a mark. In Norway, a top official warned on Monday it might not be able to resume its use of the vaccine because so many people were rejecting it. People clearly say that they do not want the AstraZeneca vaccine, Marte Kvittum Tangen, who heads a Norwegian doctors association, told broadcaster NRK. Last week in Bucharest, Romania, vaccination coordinator Valeriu Gheorghita said 33,000 AstraZeneca immunization appointments had been canceled in 24 hours and that about a third of the 10,000 people scheduled to receive the vaccine did not show up. In Belgrade, Serbia, a sprawling exhibition center set up for people to get the AstraZeneca vaccine was mostly deserted on Monday. This is unfortunately more about perception than it is the science, said Dr. Bharat Pankhania, an infectious diseases specialist at Britains University of Exeter. We have now seen, on several parameters, that the AstraZeneca vaccine provides protection and is safe, he said. But the narrative for the public has not been as clear. France is a prime example of the confusion. French President Emmanuel Macron initially suggested the vaccine wasnt effective for older people, before backtracking. Still, France only authorized AstraZenecas vaccine for use in adults 65 and under, citing a lack of data. Then the government changed its mind, based on new data, and said its fine for all adults. But when there were reports of rare blood clots in some vaccine recipients, the government suspended use of the shot all together. When France restarted AstraZeneca, it banned the shot for anyone under 55. The whiplash-inducing messages come at a time when France like much of continental Europe is struggling to speed up its vaccination drive while also facing a spike in cases that is close to overwhelming its hospitals and prompting threats of new lockdowns. Even if the company clears up the latest misunderstanding, it could have a lasting impact. Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, pointed to the decades-old controversy over the measles vaccine as a cautionary tale. There was absolutely no evidence to prove the (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine caused autism, he said. But despite the retraction of the paper that made that claim, Tang said some people still worry about the vaccine. The tepid support for the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe stands in contrast to governments in the developing world that are desperate for supplies. Because the shot is cheaper and easier to store than those of many rivals, AstraZenecas vaccine is expected to be used widely in the poorer countries. Dr. Bruce Aylward, a senior adviser at the World Health Organization, said the U.N. agency has a long list of countries very keen to get the shot as soon as possible. We simply cannot get enough of it, he said. But some experts have worried that the skepticism in Europe could eventually cast a pall over the vaccine worldwide. They suggested one measure that could reassure a jittery public about the shot: a green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If the U.S. regulator looks at this data and authorizes AstraZeneca, that will carry a lot of weight, said Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. AstraZeneca said it would be submitting its data to the FDA within weeks. Its still possible the vaccine can bury the doubts. At a vaccination center in Lisbon, 68-year-old Rui Manuel Martins dismissed the concerns, saying millions had been immunized with very few ill effects. Theres always some cases of people rejecting any medications, he said before receiving his first dose. Its better to be vaccinated rather than not. Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Angela Charlton in Paris, Stephen McGrath in Bucharest, Romania, Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, Helena Alves in Lisbon, Samuel Petrequin in Brussels and Lauran Neergaard in Washington contributed to this report. About the photo: In this Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 file photo, a health worker holds a vial of the AstraZeneca vaccine to be administered to emergency services personnel during a mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign at Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain. AstraZenecas release of encouraging data about its coronavirus vaccine from its U.S. trial raised hopes that the drug company could bury doubts about the shot and put a troubled rollout behind it. But just hours later, U.S. officials released an unusual statement expressing concerns AstraZeneca had included outdated information from its study and that it may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File) Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Three-quarters of the 160 physician assistants in the Permian Basin are Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center alums. On Tuesday, a groundbreaking for the PA programs expansion took place one that is expected to provide more access to health care for the people of the Permian Basin and West Texas. Physician assistants make great health care possible, state Rep. Tom Craddick said. Joining Craddick for the announcement of the $30 million expansion behind the current facility at Midland College were officials with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Midland College, the Midland Development Corp., the city of Midland, the Permian Strategic Partnership and Scharbauer Foundation. Those in attendance saw more than the ceremonial shovels, but renderings of a 32,500 square-foot facility that will include an anatomy lab, clinical classrooms and training facilities. The labs, it was noted, will be available for nursing students as well as health care professionals throughout the Permian Basin. The anatomy lab is expected to prevent students from having to travel to Lubbock. Craddick said it is expected to be the largest full anatomy lab in West Texas. The expansion will allow PA class size to increase from 60 to 72 students. Project completion is set for summer 2022. This was $20 million put to good use, said Craddick of the money secured during the 2019 Legislative session. It is an investment in the Permian Basin and quality health care. The investment included $20 million from the state, $5 million from the Midland Development Corp., $2.5 million from the Permian Strategic Partnership and $1 million from the Scharbauer Foundation. TTUHSC also reported an additional $1.5 million from other gift funding and TTUHSC institutional funds. We truly value these generous gifts, which will allow us to expand both the infrastructure and student body of our PA program, said TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman in a press release. The support for this expansion also represents a collaborative effort between TTUHSC and those in our campus community who recognize the need for additional health care providers in this region and throughout the state and who trust us to meet those needs. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center reported that its Physician Assistant Program attracts about 28 applicants per available spot, compared to 3.5 applicants per spot nationally. Currently, there are 112 students in the program, according to officials. PA students have consistently maintained a five-year, first-time pass rate on their licensure exams at or above the national average of 95 percent, a press release stated. The PA profession can help expand primary care by partnering with collaborating physicians and serve those in rural and underserved communities, said Christina Robohm-Leavitt, regional dean for the Physician Assistant Program. Expansion of the program is an opportunity for TTUHSC to increase access to health care by doing what we do best educate and train excellent providers. All of our partnerships are critical to the expansion project. We are extremely grateful to Rep. Tom Craddick and the Texas Legislature, the Midland Development Corp., Permian Strategic Partnership, the Scharbauer Foundation for their generous investments, bringing us one step closer to our goal." Dash cam footage captured by a trooper with the Michigan State Police and a private citizen shows the moments just before a stolen Dodge Charger crashed into an SUV and a garbage truck Tuesday afternoon. According to Michigan State Police, the Charger passed the trooper around 12:23 p.m. while she was sitting on the shoulder of northbound I-75 and Holbrook. Police estimate the car passed the trooper in excess of 120 mph. The video from the MSP dash cam starts just as the Charger passes the trooper and moments later, in the distance, the car can be seen losing control and darting across several lanes of traffic. At that point, the trooper drives toward the Charger and comes upon the scene where the three vehicles involved have crashed. Dash cam footage provided by a citizen -- which can be seen further down the Twitter thread from MSP -- shows the Charger speeding by and then losing control right before hitting the other vehicles involved. MSP says no one was injured in the accident. After the crash, the driver of the Charger fled the scene on foot according to police. Troopers searched the car and found an an empty pistol holster. From there, troopers with the MSP, along with members of the Detroit and Hamtramck police departments began searching for the suspect who was eventually found and arrested. Police determined the Charger was reported stolen out of Georgia and a further search of the car with a MSP K9 unit discovered a loaded Glock pistol with a 50-round drum magazine, according to police. MSP says it was advised by Detroit police that a similar orange Dodge Charger had been eluding officers for the past week and they believe this may be the same car theyve been tracking. The suspect is being held in jail until formal charges can be brought against them. READ MORE: Bank robbery suspect fleeing police crashes on U.S. 23, closing freeway HGTV star scammed after buying house in Michigan, made $60K in improvements Jailed Michigan restaurant owner wins freedom Pre-pandemic, the average booking window for domestic travel in the United States was between 45 and 60 days before departure. In 2020, however, that window shrunk down to just six or seven days, according to data from Priceline. Hesitancy over quarantine rules, concerns about sickness and economic uncertainty were all factors for those few who were vacationing. Halee Whiting, the owner of the hotel sales consultancy Hospitality With a Flair, creates pricing strategies and tailored packages for hotel brands. Nearly 70 percent of the web traffic for her clients, she said, is now for travel between July and mid-September. People are itching to get out, but theyre still hesitant, she said. With the vaccine being more prevalent and states starting to loosen their guidelines, this summer will be when they are ready to tiptoe out of their bubble. For hotels and rental cottages, demand is real Indeed, many travel agencies and lodging operators are already seeing numbers that outpace 2019, which was a banner year for the travel industry. Vacasa, the rental home-management site, reports its reservations at large family-style properties are up more than 300 percent over last year. Stand-alone rental cottages were a big draw for vacationers in 2020 thanks to their promise of privacy and this summer travelers are again snapping them up. Take a look at just one of Vacasas properties, the Whispering Pines Lodge in Eagle River, Wis. Bookings at the 11-bedroom lodge are 97.5 percent higher than they were at this point two years ago, with occupancy for the summer already at nearly 100 percent. Hotels, which are still experiencing a year-over-year decrease in occupancy of more than 20 percent, are also welcoming this summer rush. The Minister of Education Prof D. Ansu Sonii says the ministry has added 852 teachers on its payroll to fill in the vacant spaces of teachers in the various counties. Speaking in the Chambers of the Liberian Senate Tuesday, 23 March, Minister Sonii said there will be about three teachers to a school, though he admits that this number is not sufficient for the schools. He explains that those teachers will be placed according to their various categories. Minister Sonii reveals that the 852 teachers will be added to fill in the gap for those schools that do not have teachers. According to the Education Minister, there are funds already available to finance their payment. Speaking on the issue of retirement, Sonii also notes that it wasn't noticed because it was done during the heat of the Coronavirus in the country. He stresses that the teachers in the rural areas should help maintain the school. "If one zinc leaks, it spreads over to the ceiling and rolls down to the walls, that's how the teachers and administration of the school sit there and allow the school to spoil. We all should help to build the country," Minister Sonii says. The Ministry of Education (MOE) boss says he has over three thousands schools under his control, noting that not a zinc that costs US$5 will make him to process an invoice to the Ministry of Finance. He calls on teachers take care of the schools for the benefit of everyone, adding that the building of schools in the country have not been a problem but there are no teachers to take over those schools. Minister Sonii adds that the ministry is working in the various counties and he has been to 13 counties to put in place the District Education Officer (DEO). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. According to him, they are making sure that the DEO of every county should be residing within in the county to be able to know the happening of the various schools. Meanwhile, there have been complaints by some senators saying that in their various counties, the people there do not know their DEOs and CEOs. It can be recalled that the Deputy Education Minister Latin Dathong appeared before the plenary of the Liberian Senate saying that the program which brought out taking teachers names from the payroll was done in the past government. He explained that there was a test given to the teachers and those that failed were asked to be removed from the Ministry of Education's list. He also said that there was a grace period for those teachers that failed to equip themselves by going to school and achieving a degree, noting that some teachers challenged it and they were added to the list of qualified teachers. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 23:42:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Wednesday launched an ambitious plan aimed at increasing electricity generation in the southern African nation. The Integrated Resource Plan will be implemented during a 30-year period with the support of the British government through a grant equivalent to 1.78 million U.S. dollars. Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa, who launched the plan virtually, said the plan will be an approach to national power system that incorporates assessment of available energy resources and opportunities for demand. "This is important in order to meet the country's electricity requirement while upholding national development objectives for social equity and environmental sustainability," he said. The implementation of the plan is expected to, among other things, improve long-term reliability, affordability, efficiency, and security of electricity supply, while keeping pace with the economic growth and development, he said. He added that the implementation of the plan will minimize the short-term and long-term economic costs of delivering electricity services and ascertain the country's investment needs for the medium and long-term and provide a conducive environment for business planning. British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley said the plan will go a long way in the utilization of renewable power technologies, operation of smart grids which will put energy users more in control of their own energy use. He said innovations in the private sector will bring new options to the market which will go a long way in reducing the cost of developing and operating power systems. Enditem A New Program, Established by The Claims Conference and Funded by The German Government, Will Ensure Holocaust Survivors Globally Have the Means to Get To COVID-19 Vaccine Sites NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Gideon Taylor, President of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference) announced the new Holocaust Survivor Vaccine Assistance Program (HSVAP) provided by the German government to support Holocaust survivors in the decision, organization, and vitally important process to get survivors to vaccination locations worldwide. The funds from the HSVAP, $13.5 million, will be deployed by the Claims Conference through an existing network of more than 300 agency partners around the world. Funds will cover costs including, organization of vaccination appointments, transportation to and from appointments, and coordination of follow up care and counseling for survivors before, during and after vaccinations as needed. Gideon Taylor, President of the Claims Conference said, "Many Holocaust survivors are vulnerable and many are homebound. Getting a vaccine can be a scary step for a Holocaust survivor. Often, they need help getting through the process. Sometimes it is about holding their hands - figuratively and also literally. It is about survivors knowing that they are not alone." Currently, there are more than 340,000 Holocaust survivors living around the world. Vaccination distribution varies greatly from location to location, but in many countries, there are ample vaccines but no system that ensures access through transportation, homebound coordination and support, both physical and emotional. The HSVAP is intended to address critical gaps in local programs that do not meet survivor needs, by providing local agencies who support survivors with the funds they need to ensure that Holocaust survivors are not lost amidst local distribution efforts. Claims Conference Special Negotiator Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, who led the negotiations with the German government, stated, "This added support from the German government will expand our efforts to over forty countries in which Holocaust survivors live. Once national governments make vaccines available, we will be there to ensure that every survivor knows their options, has access to vaccines, and does not feel abandoned. We are very appreciative that the German government responded to our request for support for this essential funding in such a positive way." "We have seen how this type of assistance can make the difference in getting this life-saving vaccine, In the case of someone who is homebound it's not just a matter of having the vaccine, we must find a way to get the survivor to the vaccination location" said Claims Conference Executive Vice President Greg Schneider. "In Israel, for example, we are pro-actively calling 18,000 of the most disabled Holocaust survivors and offering ambulance service to vaccine centers. In the U.S. we estimate 45% of Holocaust survivors are not yet vaccinated. We are rolling out a plan in the U.S., Canada, and Europe to ask tens of thousands of survivors we estimate are unvaccinated to see if they need aid in scheduling or transportation for an appointment. As additional countries make vaccines available, we will rollout outreach plans." The HSVAP is a one-time program, existing solely for the purpose of ensuring vaccine access for Holocaust survivors. About the Claims Conference: The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference), a nonprofit organization with offices in New York, Tel Aviv and Berlin secures material compensation for Holocaust survivors around the world. Founded in 1951 by representatives of 23 major international Jewish organizations, the Claims Conference negotiates for and disburses funds to individuals and organizations and seeks the return of Jewish property stolen during the Holocaust. As a result of negotiations with the Claims Conference since 1952, the German government has paid more than $80 billion in indemnification to individuals for suffering and losses resulting from persecution by the Nazis. In 2021, the Claims Conference will distribute approximately $625 million in direct compensation to over 60,000 survivors in 83 countries and allocate approximately $653 million in grants to over 300 social service agencies worldwide that provide vital services for Holocaust survivors, such as homecare, food, and medicine. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Trust Stamp announces the launch of a combined US$5 million Private Offering and Crowdfunding round ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / The Company is considering undertaking an offering under Regulation Crowdfunding, but no Form C has been filed as of the date of this communication. Until such Form C is filed for the Regulation Crowdfunding offering: (1) no money or other consideration is being solicited, and if sent in response, will not be accepted; (2) no offer to buy the securities can be accepted, and no part of the purchase price can be received until the offering statement is filed and only through an intermediary's platform; and (3) a person's indication of interest involves no obligation or commitment of any kind. Trust Stamp (Euronext Growth:AIID ID), a global provider of AI-powered identity services for use in multiple sectors, is pleased to announce the launch of a $5 million round of funding comprised of a private offering under the US SEC Regulation D, priced at $15.31 per share effective immediately, in combination with a US SEC Regulation CF offering planned to commence in early May. The Regulation D (Reg D) offering is restricted to accredited investors and a limited number of non-US investors. A letter to shareholders will shortly be circulated setting out further details in relation to possible participation in the Reg D offering and will be available on the Company's website: Investors | Trust Stamp. The Company currently has $1 million pre-committed by an existing shareholder and expects to close the Reg D offering by 31st May 2021. The participation by FSH Capital, a substantial shareholder in the Company, in the Reg D offering is deemed to be related party transaction pursuant to rule 5.18 of the Euronext Growth Dublin rules. The Directors, having consulted with the Company's Euronext Growth Adviser, confirms the terms of FSH Capital's participation to be fair and reasonable insofar as Shareholders are concerned. The Regulation CF (Reg CF) offering is expected to be launched after the filing of the Company's FY2020 audited full-year results with the SEC and Euronext Dublin, expected on or around 30th April 2021, and will be offered with priority to existing investors. The Company's Board of Directors have determined a minimum Regulation CF offering price of $22.58 per share, but the set price will be evaluated closer to commencement of the offering. The proceeds raised will be used to further strengthen the Company's sales and marketing initiatives and to accelerate productisation of its intellectual property to meet commercial opportunities. Gareth Genner, CEO and Co-Founder of Trust Stamp, commented: "There has been a massive growth in addressable need as a result of changing consumer expectations. The demand for secure identity solutions has accelerated with the rise in online banking, contactless payments, telemedicine, and more. Trust Stamp's core technology has the potential to address pressing cross-industry needs involving digital operations, and the growth capital sought in this round will enable us to further our market penetration." Enquiries Trust Stamp Tel: +356 27112981 Gareth Genner, Chief Executive Officer Nisha Naik, Executive VP of Communications Davy (Euronext Growth Advisor) Tel: +353 1 679 6363 Fergal Meegan / Barry Murphy Powerscourt (Financial Public Relations) Tel: +353 87 236 5973 Eavan Gannon Email: Truststamp@powerscourt-group.com About Trust Stamp Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered identity services for use in multiple sectors, including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organisations with biometric identity solutions that reduce fraud, protect personal data privacy, increase operational efficiency, and reach a broader base of users worldwide through its unique data transformation and comparison capabilities. Located in six countries across North America, Europe, and Asia and listed on Euronext Growth in Dublin, Trust Stamp was founded in 2016 by Gareth Genner and Andrew Gowasack. The company now employs over 60 people with flagship customers, including Mastercard International, Synchrony Financial, and FIS. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: T Stamp Inc View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637248/T-Stamp-Inc-Announces-Regulation-D-Reg-D-offering VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSX-V: PEGA; Frankfurt OQS2, OTC/Pink Sheet symbol SLTFF) (the Company or Pegasus) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option agreement (the Agreement), subject to TSX Venture Exchange(TSXV) approval, whereby it may acquire a 100% interest in the Millionara Property, Nevada (the Property), from National Treasure Corporation (National Treasure). The Property is located 112 kilometres (km) north of Elko, Nevada, and is considered an intermediate stage exploration project within the regional Independence Gold Trend. The Property consists of 33 unpatented federal lode claims covering approximately 630 acres (255 hectares.) Project Highlights: The Property is approximately 25 km northwest of the Jerritt Canyon Gold Mine, which was recently purchased by First Majestic Silver Corp. in a $470 million plus share deal. Jerritt Canyon has produced over 9.5 million ounces of gold since 1981. The majority of the historical exploration on the Property between 1986 and 1991 focussed on exploring the Range Front Structure. It includes the following drill results: Hole M88C-3: 19.8 m of 3.63 g/t Au Hole WILC-4: 21.3 m of 4.05 g/t Au Between 2010 and 2011, Ashburton Ventures Inc. (Ashburton) focussed exploration on the high-grade Upper Vein Area. On the surface, mineralization appears to be associated with highly silicified breccias and sinters along a prominent range front structure in Paleozoic carbonate rocks. Epithermal and Carlin-type deposit styles are being considered on the Project. Shallowly drilled, with potential to find additional mineralization at depth. Several of the drill tested gold mineralized zones are open for expansion and several soil and/or rock anomalies have not yet been drill-tested. Located primarily on BLM-administered land. Excellent road access and nearby power and other amenities. Range Front Target Area: The Range Front target area follows the north-south striking Range Front fault, which is the dominant high-angle fault on the Property. The structure has created the broadest area of mineralization on the Property, with several wide and unconstrained gold-bearing intervals. A review of historical exploration reveals that the structure has not been tested along strike with great detail. Highlights of the target area include: Hole M88C-3: 19.8 m of 3.63 g/t Au Hole WILC-4: 21.3 m of 4.05 g/t Au Hole DC-11-C-5: 73.7 m of 0.46 g/t Au, including 1.2 m of 14.10 g.t Au Hole DC-11-C-28: 68.7m of 0.21 g/t Au Upper Vein Area: The focus of Ashburton in the 2010/11 exploration of the Property was the Upper Vein target area, located 600 metres east of the Range Front target area. Ashburton defined a 640-metre-long trend with high-grade surface samples from a vein that varies between 0.20 and 1.5 metres. Highlights of the target area include: 7 samples of greater than 40 g/t gold were collected from the vein, with a high of 1180 g/t gold. Hole DC-11-C-10: 1.2 m of 1.69 g/t Au, including 4.47 g/t Au Hole DC-11-C-13: 1.2m of 6.94 g/t Au Purchase Consideration and Payments are as follows: Pursuant to the Agreement, Pegasus shall have an option to purchase a 100% interest in the Property for the total purchase price of US$575,000 and 1,500,000 shares of Pegasus payable to National Treasure, over a 36 month period, as follows: US$25,000 Cash Payment on execution of the Agreement dated March 23. 2021 (the Effective Date); Issue 750,000 shares of Pegasus within 5 business days of receipt of TSXV approval of the Agreement; US$25,000 Cash Payment on the six-month anniversary of the Effective Date; US$50,000 Cash Payment on the twelve-month anniversary of the Effective Date; Issue 750,000 shares of Pegasus on the twelve-month anniversary of the Effective Date; US$50,000 Cash Payment on the eighteen-month anniversary of the Effective Date; US$75,000 Cash Payment on the twenty-four-month anniversary of the Effective Date; US$75,000 Cash Payment on the thirty-month anniversary of the Effective Date; US$275,000 Cash Payment on the thirty-six-month anniversary of the Effective Date; Royalty Consolidated Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Waterton Global Resources Management Inc. (Waterton), a Nevada limited liability company has a net smelter returns royalty (the RCC Royalty) of three percent (3%)on all minerals on 4 unpatented claims, known as the CS Claims and the BB Claims. The RCC Royalty provides for the option and right for Pegasus to repurchase 1.0% of the RCC Royalty for US$2,000,000 at any time, thereby reducing the RCC Royalty to two percent (2.0 %). The RCC Royalty has no area of interest. Nevada Select Royalty, Inc, a subsidiary of Ely Gold Royalties Inc. (Ely), a Nevada corporation has a net smelter returns royalty (the Nevada Select Royalty ) of three percent (3%) on all other minerals on 29 unpatented claims, know as the the DC Claims. The Nevada Select Royalty provides for the option and right for Pegasus to repurchase 1.0% of the Nevada Select Royalty for US$1,000,000 at any time, thereby reducing the Nevada Select Royalty to two percent (2.0 %). The Nevada Select Royalty has an area of interest (AOI) of one mile. The Property consists of : CS Claims Two (2) unpatented mineral claims Two (2) unpatented mineral claims BB Claims Two (2) unpatented mineral claims Two (2) unpatented mineral claims DC Claims Twenty-nine (29) unpatented mineral claims Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Neil McCallum B.Sc., P.Geol., and is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101. * The historical mineral resource estimates listed above either use categories that are not compliant with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and cannot be compared to NI 43-101 categories, or are not current estimates as prescribed by NI 43-101, and therefore should not be relied upon. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the estimates as current resources, and the mineral resources on neighbouring properties are Not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the Millionara Property. A Qualified Person has not verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the historical information. Pegasus Resources Inc. has assumed that this historical information is accurate and complete in all material aspects and, while the Company has carefully reviewed all the available information, it cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness. About Pegasus Resources Inc. Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a focus on zinc and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com or contact Charles Desjardins at charles@pegasusresourcesinc.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Charles Desjardins President and Director Pegasus Resources Inc. 700 838 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6 1-604-369-8973 E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Companys 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 Companys 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. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed law No. 1328-ih on amendments to the law of Ukraine on the legal status of foreigners and stateless persons on the submission of biometric data by foreigners and stateless persons for visa applications, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on March 4, 2021. The presidential press service said on Tuesday, the document is aimed at improving visa procedures and introducing biometric Ukrainian visas for foreigners and stateless persons. "According to the law, foreigners and stateless persons are obliged to submit their biometric data in the manner prescribed by the Cabinet of Ministers during visa processing, unless otherwise provided by law. Failure to submit biometric data by a foreigner is defined as an additional ground for refusing to grant him a Ukrainian visa," the press service said. According to it, the law comes into force on the day following the day of its publication, and enacts six months after its entry into force. The Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (I.A.O.), Member of the Hellenic Parliament, Dr. Maximos Charakopoulos, authorized by the I.A.O. International Secretariat, which held a virtual meeting, made the following statement ( https://eiao.org/archives/18440 ) on the protection of Christian monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh): The Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy has repeatedly declared the need to safeguard the monuments of world civilization, in the face of decisions and actions that threaten them with destruction or alteration of their character. Mankind has shown significant progress in highlighting the world cultural heritage, which includes religious monuments and sacred places of worship, which either continue to have this function or not. The modern civilization understands and respects the enormous historical and spiritual value of monuments, through which a fruitful dialogue takes place with the historical past and the high conceptions of the human spirit, a necessary element for further thinking and deepening our common values. In addition, appropriate respect for every religious monument and sacred place of worship contributes to mutual understanding and mutual respect between religious communities, and ultimately contributes to peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, however, incidents that violate these principles continue to this day. There are cases where arbitrary conversions of places of worship take place, often with a long historical presence but also of aesthetic and artistic value, in places of performing irrelevant events towards the monuments of religious events or other services. Thus, recently by decision of Turkeys political leadership the church of Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and despite the fact that this church was built in the 6th century, it is included in the official UNESCO list of protected monuments of the world cultural heritage. Sometimes, again, they are completely destroyed in order not to witness the centuries-old presence of other peoples, religions and cultures in these lands. Such incidents have been recorded in many cases in Kosovo and Metohija, in the occupied parts of the territories of Syria and Iraq and the Turkish-occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus. Based on the aforementioned, being representatives of the parliaments of many countries, we deem it necessary every time to express our categorical disagreement to such practices and to call on international organizations and governments to not allow them to take place. We particularly want to draw everyones attention to the situation that has developed in the aftermath of the bloody war in Nagorno Karabakh. The Tripartite Declaration, signed on November 9, 2020, resulted in extensive territories with cultural treasures of great religious, historical and artistic value for the ecumenical culture, the Armenian people and the Apostolic Christian Church, now under the administration of Azerbaijan. We believe that these monuments need immediate registration and protection from the international community and the competent international bodies. We therefore, call on the UN and UNESCO to contribute to the protection of the cultural wealth and monuments of the Armenian people, now under the administration of Azerbaijan and not to allow changes in their use or destruction. Any dereliction of duty or lack of interest can cause irreparable damage to monuments belonging to all mankind. (Newser) An elderly Chinese woman who captured the nation's attention when she fought back against an attacker is drawing headlines once again. When Xiao Zhen Xie, said to be 75 or 76, was punched by a man last week as she waited to cross a San Francisco street, the grandmother ended up putting him on a stretcher by grabbing a wooden board and pummeling him. Xie didn't escape injury herself, ending up with "two serious black eyes" and a swollen wrist, per a GoFundMe set up by grandson John Chen. He adds that "she has been severely affected mentally, physically, and emotionally." The incident came in the aftermath of the Georgia spa shootings, in which six Asian women were killed, and amid a spike of attacks against Asian Americans overall since the pandemic started. story continues below The nation responded by sending more than $930,000 to Chen's GoFundMe as of Wednesdayan amount that the family now says Xie is donating in full to help fight anti-Asian racism. "She insists on making this decision, saying this issue is bigger than [h]er," Chen says in an update on GoFundMe, per SFGate. "This is my grandma, my grandpa and our family's decision. We hope everyone can understand." Per CBS News, police say the same man who attacked Xie, 39-year-old Steven Jenkins, also assaulted 83-year-old Vietnamese man Ngoc Pham, who has his own GoFundMe. Chen, who says his grandma is "in better spirits" and improving physically and mentally, added that Xie declares "we must not summit to racism" and "must fight to the death if necessary." (Read more Asian-Americans stories.) Marissa is a Woman of Distinction, not only for McKnights, but for all she encounters. Marissa is deliberate and thoughtful in her actions, yet is able to move in a fast-paced field within skilled nursing. Avi Lev, Chief Marketing Officer Villa Healthcare celebrates Marissa Kalama, National Director of Admissions and Villa Referral Management (VRM), on her win for 2021 McKnight's Women of Distinction Rising Star. McKnights Long-Term Care News created the Women of Distinction honors to recognize those who inspire others in the skilled nursing world through their powerful positive influence on residents and colleagues. For the second year, Villa Healthcare has been honored with two winners in the Women of Distinction awards. Marissa is a Woman of Distinction, not only for McKnights, but for all she encounters. Marissa is kind and thoughtful, while encouraging the best from her team and colleagues. Marissa is a teacher and mentor to many. Marissa is deliberate and thoughtful in her actions, yet is able to move in a fast-paced field within skilled nursing. I am proud to work with Marissa, excited about the work shes doing and know there is even more greatness to come. Avi Lev, Chief Marketing Officer Marissa always knew she wanted to work with seniors, but her life experiences have made her the perfect candidate for the Villa Referral Management leader. Her Grandma, whom she fondly refers to as Superwoman, sparked her interest in working with seniors. Marissa received her Bachelors in Health Science from University of Missouri-Columbia with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Sociology. During her undergraduate education, she volunteered in Activities at Lenoir Woods Senior Center, in Columbia, Missouri. Post-graduation, she started working in Accounts Payable at ManorCare in Wilmette, Illinois, then moved to Admissions where she found her passion. Marissa knew from an early age that she wanted to work with seniors but was unsure of in what capacity. The quick pace of Admissions, along with the need for organization and problem-solving skills, were a perfect match for her abilities. Marissa went back to school to get her Masters in Healthcare Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She worked at North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, Illinois as a Case Manager during her graduate program. After graduating from UIC, Marissa worked in Hospital Transitions at Transitional Care of Arlington Heights. When a position at Villa Healthcare (then in Skokie, Illinois) opened in January 2017, Marissa joined the team in Revenue Assurance, then transitioned to Admissions Consultant. Utilizing her experience with Admissions, Social Services and managing transitions in nursing care, Marissa created the Villa Referral Management department in August 2018 and was promoted to Director of Referral Management. In October 2020, Marissa was promoted to National Director of Admissions and Villa Referral Management (VRM). In 2020 Marissa and her team grew VRM to aid expansion to reach all 34 centers affiliated with Villa Healthcare. She supports the VRM department, which consists of a team of three pods with 17 employees to review referrals seven days a week. COVID-19 challenged every department within the skilled nursing facility world, but perhaps referrals and admissions more than most. COVID-19 brought changes in health care coverage from insurance organizations and managed care groups, as well as information needed in patient charts. Villa centers changed their admissions processes, based on bed availability and state isolation requirements. At the same time, there were increases in referrals, authorizations and admissions due to over-crowding in hospitals and long-term clinical care needs for COVID patients. Marissa utilized this time to demonstrate her leadership skills and abilities. Marissas focus was to turn the challenges into positives. For example, when faced with an increasing number of staff illnesses, she created cross-training programs within the team to make sure needs were always met. She credits her success in dealing with a high-stress, ever-changing environment to three main factors: open and honest communication, ongoing and evolving training, and flexibility to meet the changing needs. Marissa is more than a support to her team inside the work environment. She also frequently does check-ins with her team to offer support and guidance outside of work. Marissa and her team will be ready for the challenges of 2021 after weathering (and conquering) 2020. Were Villa, and we make people better. Of course, were focused on quality care and good outcomes. But were here to do so much more. Villas leadership has a vision of rising above the status quoof never settling, and of shattering the old image of this industry. Weve always wanted to be a part of something greater, and were making that a reality. Our commitment to our people, our environment and clinical programs will allow us to fulfill our mission of making people better. For more information, please visit http://www.VillaHC.com. #### Amid the issues concerning the border wall, President Joe Biden is reportedly under probe for allegedly freezing payments worth billions of dollars for the companies contracted to finish the southern border wall initiated by former President Donald Trump. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is now overseeing an investigation that would determine if Biden broke the law by halting the release of the money. It was reported that he could be facing a violation of the budget rules, which are designed to keep cash flow in control of Congress. On his first day as president, Biden ordered to halt the money to be spent on the border wall, which would serve as a barrier between the U.S. and Mexico. Halting of Budget Resulted in Border Crisis In a letter sent to the GAO, 40 Republicans from the Senate stated that operational control of the southern border was compromised when Biden froze funding for the wall's construction. The pause on funding also "directly contributed" to the rise in illegal border crossings, Senate Republicans said in their plea last week for GAO to opine on the issue. The letter also stated that Biden's actions had caused national security and humanitarian crisis. The report of Biden being under investigation comes as the administration struggles to control the crisis in the U.S.- Mexico border. Aside from the Republicans, Biden has also received backlash from the President of Mexico and even his fellow Democrats. According to Politico, if the GAO rules against Biden, it could bolster the Republican's stance that Biden is a rule-breaker and that he is to blame for the sudden increase in the number of migrants and unaccompanied minors coming to the southern border. READ NEXT: IRS Announces Second Wave of $1,400 Stimulus Checks to Arrive This Week, 20 Million Americans to Receive Aid In their request for GAO to intervene on the issue, Senate Republicans maintained that the sudden surge in border crosses is directly connected to the pause of the spending in the construction of the wall. On Tuesday, more than 60 House Republicans also asked for GAO opinion on whether Biden's action violated federal law, Fox News reported. Senate Republican Policy Committee chair, Sen. Roy Blunt, noted that Biden should understand that it is the Congress' job to authorize how the money is spent, and it's the president's job to spend it efficiently. Blunt further noted that Biden spent more than three decades as a Senator, thus, he should know better. However, according to The Daily Wire, even if GAO decides that the halting of the border wall's funding is illegal, Biden is unlikely to face severe punishment. It noted that Biden might not be in as deep trouble as Trump has been when he pressed pause on the Ukrain aid without a "go" from the Congress. It can be recalled that Trump went through impeachment for the act but was acquitted by the Senate. The White House said that Biden's move is different from Trump's decision to cut international aid in several ways. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, a manager at the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight, told Politico that the Biden administration must be cautious in making a decision, "because otherwise they're just going to be doing the exact thing the Trump administration did." Meanwhile, Congressional leaders emphasized that both Trump and Biden's move on funding shows why there is a need for transparency in the federal budget law. READ MORE: U.S. Border Patrol Alarms Officials After Unaccompanied Minors Population Jump WATCH: Sen. Capito Questions Legality of Biden Halting Border Wall Construction - From Fox Business Close on the heels of the DearCry Windows ransomware, that appeared earlier this month and attacked Microsoft Exchange Server flaws, another strain, known as Black Kingdom, has emerged to take advantage of the same vulnerabilities. The global security firm Sophos said in a blog post that it had begun noticing the new Windows ransomware on 18 March as it took aim at Exchange boxes that still had not been patched to fix the ProxyLogon vulnerabilities disclosed by Microsoft on 3 March. Black Kingdom ransomware is by far the worst Ive ever seen. It doesnt exclude exe, dll, or sys files so in cases bricks the system. It doesnt track if its been run previously, so every victim Ive seen has been recursively encrypted at least 4 times. And its coded in python. MalwareTech (@MalwareTechBlog) March 24, 2021 Mark Loman, a director of Engineering for Next-Gen Technologies at Sophos, said the new ransomware did not have the most sophisticated of payloads. "In fact, our early analysis reveals that it is somewhat rudimentary and amateurish in its composition, but it can still cause a great deal of damage," he said. "It may be related to a ransomware of the same name that appeared last year on machines that, at the time, were running a vulnerable version of the Pulse Secure VPN concentrator software." Loman said Sophos researchers had found the origin of Black Kingdom was a remote server geolocated to Germany, while the attacker's IP also came from the same country. But as both addresses belong to a Tor exit node, he said the physical location of the attacker could not be pinpointed. His blog post, to which Sophos' Vikas Singh, Alex Vermaning and Gabor Szappanos also contributed, included detailed technical analysis of how Black Kingdom worked. "It's been three weeks since the release of security patches for the ProxyLogon vulnerabilities, and adversaries are racing against time to target still unpatched Exchange servers," Loman said. BlackKingdom ransomware on my personal servers. It does indeed encrypt files. They exclude c:\windows, however my storage drivers were in a different folder and it encrypted those... meaning the server doesn't boot any more. If you're reading BlackKingdom, exclude *.sys files pic.twitter.com/nUVUJTbcGO Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) March 23, 2021 "As we saw with DearCry ransomware, this can lead to the release of prototype, rushed or poor quality code created by less experienced developers. Today we report on another example of this, perpetrated by the operators behind Black Kingdom ransomware. "The Black Kingdom ransomware targeting unpatched Exchange servers has all the hallmarks of being created by a motivated script-kiddie. The encryption tools and techniques are imperfect but the ransom of $10,000 in bitcoin is low enough to be successful. Every threat should be taken seriously, even seemingly low-quality ones. "Defenders should take urgent steps to install Microsoft's patches to prevent exploitation of their Exchange Server. In addition, the Exchange server should be scanned for web shells that allow attackers run commands on the server. If this is not possible, the server should be disconnected from the internet or closely monitored by a threat response team." Meanwhile, British security boffin Kevin Beaumont posted a tweet showing the ransom note from the new ransomware on one of his personal servers that functions as a honeypot. "Black Kingdom ransomware on my personal servers. It does indeed encrypt files. They exclude c:\windows. However my storage drivers were in a different folder and it encrypted those... meaning the server doesn't boot any more. If you're reading Black Kingdom, exclude *.sys files," he said. Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Tomorrow Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds light and variable. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Papua New Guinea will kick-off its coronavirus vaccination programme by this weekend, helped by 8,000 AstraZeneca doses from neighbouring Australia as it tries to prevent its basic health system being overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 cases. The Pacific Island country of 9 million people is battling a rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak which has claimed 37 lives, including a member of parliament, from more than 3,750 cases. Nobody in the country has been vaccinated so far with Prime Minister James Marape indicating he would be the first to receive the jab to show they were safe for everyone. In a statement, however, Marape said the vaccines were not compulsory. "The government will not force anyone to take the vaccines... but you cannot stop doctors and others if they chose to take this or another vaccine," Marape said in a statement. Marape said Australia was trying to procure another 1 million doses for PNG, urging citizens to not take "this sort of help for granted when globally medical supply is tight." Australia is worried "uncontrolled" outbreak could produce a new variant of the virus that would affect not only PNG but the wider region. Australia's Chief Health Officer Brendan Murphy described the procurement discussions with Europe at a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Wednesday as "very tense." "AstraZeneca are doing everything they can, our diplomatic colleagues are doing everything they can," Murphy said. "If we don't succeed in getting any overseas ones we will certainly be discussing with government about whether we can deploy some more of our local product." Last week, PNG increased mobility restrictions with pubs, clubs and gaming sites ordered shut, bans on large gatherings and face masks made mandatory. (Reporting by Swati Pandey; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) March 24 : Emraan Hashmi is celebrating his 42nd birthday today. Since mid-night, his fans have started pouring in birthday wishes on social media. Emraan has been shooting since the lockdown has been lifted, and 2021 will be a busy year for the actor. A fan wrote on Twitter, Wishing A Very Happy Birthday To A Legendary Actor In Bollywood, Having Purest Form Of Music And Every Person's Favourite Actor. Another fan tweeted, Happy Birthday Versatile Actor. Still another wrote, Happy Birthday to the lover boy of the industry. An overwhelmed Emraan also took to his Twitter handle and thanked his fans. Thank you for all your wishes and blessing ppl .. lots of love, he tweeted. Thank you for all your wishes and blessing ppl .. lots of love Emraan Hashmi (@emraanhashmi) March 24, 2021 Emraan, who made his debut with the 2003 film Footpath, became an overnight sensation with Murder. The actor is recently seen in Sanjay Guptas directorial Mumbai Saga, which also stars John Abraham, Kajal Aggarwal, Amole Gupte, and Mahesh Manjrekar. The film was released in theatres on March 19. Emraan received good reviews for his performance. John-Emraan face-off actually fuels the gangster drama and is pulling crowd in the theatres. The actor is currently gearing up for the release of Rumi Jafrys upcoming directorial film Chehre, where he will share screen space with Amitabh Bachchan and Krystle DSouza. The movie is slated to hit the cinemas on April 9 this year. Emraan has also been roped in to play the antagonist in Salman Khan starrer Tiger 3. In an interview, Emraan said that it was his long time dream to work with Salman Khan and after years, he gets an opportunity to collaborate with Salman on the third installment of Tiger in the action spy franchise. While the actor became famous for his kissing and bold scenes, he had a unique journey in Bollywood. In his initial films, due to his bold scenes, his performances got overlooked. Later, he had given quite a number of hit films like the Dirty Picture in 2012 along with Vidya Balan, Raaz 3 again in 2021, Baadshaho in 2017 and others. With a number of releases in 2021 and 2022, the actor will surely get the opportunity to showcase his acting skills in a variety of roles. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Fresh outrage after 7-year-old girl shot dead in Myanmar WORLD: The fatal shooting of a seven-year-old girl in her own home triggered fresh outrage against the Myanmar military today (Mar 24), with at least 20 children now reported killed since the junta took over last month. Myanmarviolencemilitarydeath By AFP Wednesday 24 March 2021, 02:23PM Myanmars military regime has unleashed a deadly wave of violence as it struggles to quell nationwide protests. Photo: AFP. The regime has unleashed a deadly wave of violence as it struggles to quell nationwide protests against the Feb 1 coup and arrest of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 75-year-old Nobel laureate had a court hearing scheduled today as she faces a series of criminal charges that could see her permanently barred from political office. There was chaos overnight in Mandalay with barricades burning, arrests, homes raided by security forces, beatings and machine guns ringing out over multiple neighbourhoods, local media reported. Three people were killed yesterday including Khin Myo Chit, 7, shot dead at her home in Mandalay, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a local monitoring group. Aid group Save the Children and AAPP both say that at least 20 people aged under 18 have been killed in the crackdown. We are horrified that children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on peaceful protestors, Save the Children said in a statement. The safety of children must be protected under all circumstances and we once again call on security forces to end these deadly attacks against protesters immediately. The charity said it was also extremely worried about hundreds of young people being held in detention. Myanmars junta yesterday defended its seven-week crackdown, insisting it would not tolerate anarchy. AAPP has verified 275 deaths since the coup, but warns the toll could be higher, and says more than 2,800 people have been detained. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun put the death toll lower at 164, and branded the victims violent terrorist people at news conference yesterday in the capital Naypyidaw. Suu Kyi back in court Suu Kyi has another legal hearing in a Naypyidaw court today. But her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said it was not certain to go ahead because of problems with video conferencing caused by a junta-imposed internet shutdown. The hearing may not commence... the court has no wifi, he told AFP. If she can not participate in the video conference there wont be a hearing. He added that this morning there was a large police presence outside the court gates and lawyers were not being allowed into the building. Khin Maung Zaw said he has still not been able to speak to his client privately. Suu Kyi faces several criminal charges, including for owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions by staging a campaign event in 2020. She is also being investigated for corruption allegations. The military junta alleges the detained chief minister of Rangoon confessed to giving Suu Kyi US$600,000 (B18.6 million) in cash, along with more than 11 kilogrammes ($680,000 worth) of gold. The junta has also been targeting the media. Thein Zaw, a photographer for Associated Press, who has been charged with spreading false news is also due to appear in a Rangoon court today. Freight lorries are parked at a truck stop off the M20 - Justin Tallis/AFP Coronavirus Article Bar with counter French hauliers arriving in the UK face Covid tests under plans being considered by ministers to combat the spread of virus variants from across the Channel, according to industry sources. The Government plans to use testing sites around Dover already being used for hauliers leaving the UK to help minimise any risk of the South African variant in France reaching the UK, the sources have told The Telegraph. It will provide the Government with an immediate alert if the variant turns up in any drivers, as ministers consider whether to put France on the travel ban "red" list, which would require other arrivals from the country to quarantine in hotels. Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure from his scientific advisers to introduce tougher border controls, it was reported on Tuesday night. Data presented to ministers shows the South African and Brazilian variants, which are more resistant to vaccines, now account for 40 per cent of new cases in some parts of France. It came as Mr Johnson brought forward his announcement on the UK's plans for resuming foreign travel from April 12 to April 5 as he warned that it was still "too early" to say whether overseas holidays will be allowed. The global travel taskforce is expected to set out the criteria for a "traffic light" system to help ministers, officials and scientists determine which countries should be placed on a "green" list with travel corridors or banned on a "red" list. Travel and aviation industry chiefs fear few if any countries will be on the "green" list by May 17, the earliest date in the Prime Minister's roadmap for restarting foreign travel. On Tuesday, he warned rising cases in Europe meant "things certainly look difficult for the time being. Millions of households in France have been put back into lockdown as the country has been hit by a third wave of coronavirus, partly fuelled by the Kent variant. However, there are also concerns over the South African variant, said to account for up to one in 10 cases in France. Story continues Coronavirus France Spotlight Chart - Cases default Local Kent MPs and councils are anxious that any new testing should avoid repeating the transport chaos at Christmas, when France demanded all hauliers be tested before they left the UK. One option could be to test only those spending more than 48 hours in the UK, according to the industry sources. Rod McKenzie, the Road Haulage Association's policy and public affairs chief, said testing was running smoothly for the 10,000 truck drivers a day crossing the Channel into France and anticipated the test capacity was sufficient to make the addition of inbound drivers "probably not problematic" It is thought unlikely France will be placed on a "red" list this week, but it has been added to a watch list and ministers are expected to review its status next week. Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, on Tuesday played down claims by one of his deputies, Lord Bethell, that European countries could be placed on the list, saying ministers "had no plans to do that". Asked when people could go on holiday abroad, Mr Johnson said: "All I can say is it's just too early to say, and my advice is to everybody to wait for the global travel task force to report. "We've heard already that there are other European countries where the disease is now rising, so things certainly look difficult for the time being, but we will be able to say more we hope in a few days' time, I certainly hope to say more by April 5." Prof Neil Ferguson, whose modelling led to the first UK lockdown last March, suggested that opening the borders should wait until late summer when all adults under 50 had been vaccinated. Authorities in east Alabama are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting after a man allegedly pulled a gun on Cleburne County sheriffs deputies after shooting a man in the chest, according to a report. Cleburne County sheriffs deputies were called to Cleburne County Road 33 and U.S. 78 in Fruithurst around 2:46 p.m. Monday when they found a man shot in the chest, the Anniston Star reported Tuesday. The victim and another witness identified the suspect to sheriffs deputies, who found the suspect in another area of Fruithurst. Thats when the suspect got out of a car and brandished a handgun at sheriffs deputies. The deputies then fired at the suspect, killing him. The Oxford Police Department and the Center for Applied Forensics in Jacksonville are investigating the fatal shooting. (Repeats story from March 23; no changes to text) By Fanny Potkin and Anshuman Daga SINGAPORE, March 23 (Reuters) - In front of an open-air Jakarta restaurant, delivery drivers clad in the orange colours of Southeast Asia tech group Sea Ltd wait for orders next to the green-jacketed riders of market leaders Gojek and Grab, in what has become the latest battleground for tech supremacy in Southeast Asia. The humble noodles eatery signed up for Sea's nascent ShopeeFood service a month ago, but "immediately, there were orders everyday," said manager M.A Rasyid. Riding on the success of a cash-generating gaming business, U.S.-listed Sea has invested heavily in its Shopee e-commerce brand and successfully taken on Alibaba's Lazada and other rivals in recent years. Its share price has risen five-fold over the past year, giving Singapore-based Sea a market value of $111 billion. Now it is muscling into food delivery and financial services in Indonesia, the world's fourth-most-populous country, posing a new threat to regional rivals including ride-hailing and delivery unicorns Grab and GoJek. At stake is a slice of the more than 400 million internet users in Southeast Asia's digital economy, which is estimated to triple to $309 billion by 2025, according to a study by Google, Temasek and Bain & Company. Tech behemoths, including Tencent, a major investor in Sea, Alibaba, Google and Softbank Group Corp, are big backers of regional champions. Sources say Sea's aggressive expansion is one driver of merger discussions between Gojek and e-commerce platform Tokopedia. The Indonesian firms aim to create an $18 billion powerhouse to fight off Sea and regional giant Grab. Meanwhile, Grab and others, including travel app Traveloka and Indonesian e-commerce unicorn Bukalapak, are rushing for public listings, hoping to ride the coattails of Sea's stock rally while defending their turf, according to Reuters interviews with over a dozen people. Story continues "Sea is like Thanos, massive and powerful, and able to take down half of the world, or in this case half the startups," Willson Cuaca, co-founder of East Ventures and an early backer of Tokopedia, joked as he compared Sea to the powerful villain in the Marvel film series. "Like the Avengers, companies need to band together if they want to ensure their survival and to win the war." CASH IS KING Sea's stock rally reflects a scarcity of options for investors seeking exposure to the booming Southeast Asia internet sector. It went public in 2017 and has raised some $7 billion in share and debt sales, with early investor Tencent now holding a stake of about 20%. That investor appetite, combined with a need to raise cash to match Sea's muscle, is forcing rivals to seek listings as quickly as they can, bankers and executives familiar with the matter say. Sources say the Gojek-Tokopedia merger, which is likely to be finalised within weeks, will be followed by a Jakarta listing in the second half of 2021, then a mega IPO in the United States targeted for 2022. Grab and Traveloka, for their part, aim to accelerate the process by merging with special purpose acquisition companies, sources said. Bukalapak is planning the same, after a 2021 Jakarta IPO. "The market is pretty welcoming for tech stocks. It's an opportunity for Grab if they are ready for it," said Jixun Foo, a managing partner at GGV Capital, which has invested in Grab. COLLISION COURSE Sea's success owes much to its online gaming business Garena, whose 2017 title Free Fire became the most downloaded game globally over the past two years. It's using the cash from Garena to repeat its success in e-commerce, food delivery and financial services. Sea's Shopee division started off in 2015 as a platform for local sellers and soon gained traction with merchants regionally. It has now overtaken both Lazada as the top e-commerce player regionally and Tokopedia as the leader in Indonesia, thanks in part to innovations such as adding social features to its service. Both Gojek and Grab, which have pursued on-again, off-again merger talks with each other for years, believe they can ward off Sea's move into food delivery thanks to well-honed logistics networks and early-mover advantages. But they could be hard-pressed to match Sea's subsidies in Indonesia. In Vietnam, Sea-owned food delivery service Now is the market leader, while Grab is No. 2, according to a January report by advisory firm Momentum Works, whose COO Yorlin Ng, said Southeast Asia's food delivery sector grew 183% in 2020. "Now had the advantage of being local and being early," Ng said. "Sea's backing definitely helps." In Indonesia, ShopeeFood is wooing vendors by touting its 80 million-strong user base and promising to subsidise steep discounting. The next showdown will be in financial services. Sea has bought Indonesia's Bank BKE and has hired a veteran of China's peer-to-peer platforms to head its "SeaMoney" banking efforts. "SeaMoney can become the Ant Financial of Southeast Asia," said Daniel Jacobs, managing partner at emerging markets hedge fund Kora, a Sea shareholder. "After payments, they have the vision and will to grow into adjacent areas, from 'buy now, pay later' on the customer side to merchant credit and all sorts of financial services." But Tokopedia and Grab, both of which own part of Indonesian payment app OVO, have similar ambitions. And Sea and Grab are set to square off in Singapore, where both won coveted digital bank licences in December. Grab is backed by investors including SoftBank Group and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. "This is going to be a battle of the titans," said Patrick Walujo, the co-founder of Indonesia-focused private-equity firm Northstar Group and a Gojek investor. (Reporting by Fanny Potkin and Anshuman Daga in Singapore; Additional reporting by Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Jonathan Weber and Kim Coghill) A decision as to when and how the inactive Namibia Rugby Premier League will start is set to be taken at this weekend's meeting of the Namibia Rugby Union (NRU) council members. The council meeting will take place this Saturday in the capital. The return of the rugby premier league has been on the cards for some time now, but there has not been much movement due to the lack of a principle sponsor for the league and also clubs struggling to register themselves for the planned new season. Covid-19 restrictions have also been another thorny issue hindering the NRU to plan for the smooth return of the league. But NRU chief executive officer Theo Grunewald yesterday informed New Era Sport that this weekend's gathering will make a concrete decision on how and when the league will return to action, amidst the rampant Covid-19 pandemic. "The return of the league is on the agenda of this weekend's meeting, that is where the union will decide when the league will return. We will look at possible dates and all other logistics that will help the league return. We have informed all relevant stakeholders to attend this weekend's meeting, so, heading into next week, a decision should be in place," he said. There was high drama on Twitter over the last 24 hours, after Ghananian Dancehall artist Shatta Wale tweeted three screenshots of articles published by Ghananian blogs, which stated that the Unruly Boss Popcaan had begged him for a collab and castigated the bloggers who published them. The news of Popcaans supposed begging had spread like wildfire after Shatta Wale reposted Popcaans tweet in which the star had written: @shattawalegh, Drop a collab or no? @shattawalegh drop a calab or no? Akwaba Popcaan (@PopcaanMusic) March 23, 2021 One outlet, Ghana Music, claimed that the Raving artist had asked for a collaboration with the African whom they described as the Ghananian Dancehall giant. Popcaan had responded almost immediately tagging both the outlet and Shatta Wale demanding that the erroneous statements be withdrawn, which sent the Ayoo artist scrambling to do damage control. @GhanaMusic and @shattawalegh N-gga I didnt request anything get your facts straight, the peeved Jamaican had corrected. Nigga I didn't request anything get your facts straight Popcaan (@PopcaanMusic) March 23, 2021 Just over an hour later, Shatta Wale responded with an apology on his own page in which he also reposted a screenshot of the Ghana Music story headline, as well as another from Celebrities Buzz. So when will we learn Ghana ..How can you say this to a world star .You wont even say Thank you Popcaan for giving shatta wale a chance to shine or someting better for the world to see that another superstar wants to project your own brother ? Sorry unruly boss for all this, he wrote. So when will we learn Ghana ..How can you say this to a world star .You wont even say Thank you Popcaan for giving shatta wale a chance to shine or someting better for the world to see that another superstar wants to project your own brother ? Sorry unruly boss for all this pic.twitter.com/FjY98hHGue SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) March 23, 2021 In a follow up tweet he also wrote: Ibe we nooor deh spoil things for ourselves oh Ghana when will be serious for once smhgrass hopper thinkers However, some followers like God is King, were quick to point out that it was Shatta Wales own fans who were to be blamed for the diminishing of Popcaan, some posting screenshots of the memes which had been circulating. Kwasia. Ur fans started this shit before the bloggers.. Odwan, he wrote. Dual Citizen Kay also concurred, noting; Your fans started that caption and the bloggers too picked it. Nigerian follower Sunnyhiiz agreed and even rubbished Wales musical acumen. But his fans are even trending it already cos they are barely sensible. Popcaan can never beg common shatta wale for a collabo not now not later, never, he wrote, to which readlove lashed back; I no shatta fan, I narrowly dey listen e music but how can you say common shatta wale Popcaan to was a nobody at some point, let the man shine. A few hours later Shatta tweeted an apology to Popcaan. Jah know mi g , wi baan fe greatness long before Guinness Mek !!!!! Ghana a yuh place anytime !!!! Pah Pah Pah Pah @PopcaanMusic to which Popcaan responded: @shattawalegh respect family, haters cant stop greatness. Jah know mi g , wi baan fe greatness long before Guinness Mek !!!!! Ghana a yuh place anytime !!!! Pah Pah Pah Pah @PopcaanMusic https://t.co/Zc0DN346gU SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) March 23, 2021 Other followers like CarfishLazo accused Shatta Wale of genuflecting before Popcaan like a weakling, even though he was just as good or even better than the Numbers Dont Lie artist. Cry, Cry cry, more cry. More Downgrading ur f_kin sef. popcaan is not Bob Marley, he wrote while Sackey Stephen added: Popcaan is not bigger than Shatta Wale. Even Vybz Kartel himself dey feel Shatta Wale. While there were a plethora of fans who took to Shatta Wales Twitter page to blast the news outlets for creating what they said was mounds of mischief, there were others who seemed to delight in his misery and sought to warn Popcaan to do away with any thoughts of a collaboration with the Ghananian. Among them were Retired Sinner who posted a warning to Popcaan not to trust Shatta Wale. Be Careful. Shatta Wale will go on air to say he fed you and gave you a place to stay when you were stranded and Ghanaians will say Shatta blew you with this collabo, he wrote. Another skeptical Twitter user also issued another warning to Popcaan, noting: When the collabo is through, Shatta Wale will go around to tell the media you begged for it on TwitterSame way they did to Beyonce Thats their lifestyle dawq! he wrote. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. ALBANY Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has finally made her appointment to New Yorks ethics commission a move that could end up causing major headaches for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Stewart-Cousins' appointment to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics is Juanita Bing Newton, a former longtime judge on the Court of Claims and an ex-state Supreme Court justice. She recently retired as dean of the New York State Judicial Institute, the educational arm of the court system that provides mandatory education to the judges and attorneys. In a statement, Stewart-Cousins said her appointee brings an impressive amount of knowledge and experience to the commission after a 45-year legal career and a lifetime of civic service. State ethics watchdog no stranger to controversy, criticism Inspector general probed ethics panel's alleged leak to Cuomo: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo was allegedly briefed on the details of a closed-door JCOPE vote around the time the panel voted on whether to investigate Joseph Percoco, a former top aide to the governor. Uncertain future for JCOPE reform push: Cuomo shows little interest in offering proposals to fix ethics watchdog. Editorial: The no-bite watchdog: The state ethics watchdog shows yet again that it's not up to its assignment, the Times Union editorial board writes. With forced vote on Percoco probe looming, JCOPE files appeal: Ethics panel fights court ruling that mandated a vote on whether to investigate the activities of Joe Percoco, a former top aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Ethics panel under fire: A scandal involving lawmaker Vito Lopez and the Assembly's handling of sexual harassment allegations against him appears to be on the verge of undoing the state's newest ethics enforcement panel. Ethics overhaul nearing reality: Cuomo prepares to sign ethics overhaul package into law, starting a 120-day clock for the creation of the new Joint Commission on Public Ethics. The Senate majority is committed to reforming the flawed JCOPE process and I thank Judge Juanita Bing Newton for her willingness to continue her service to New York as an independent monitor to uphold and improve the integrity of our state government, Stewart-Cousins said. In recent months, an unusual dynamic has developed among the commissioners on JCOPE, which regulates government ethics and lobbying in New York. On one side of votes taken at meetings have been the six Cuomo appointees to the panel; on the other side have been the four appointees of Republican leaders in the Legislature, who have joined with the three appointees of Speaker Carl E. Heastie, a Democrat. That has resulted in several motions aimed at the Cuomo administration failing by a margin of 7-6, with the seven legislative appointees in a majority. But because eight votes are needed to pass motions, the commission has in effect been deadlocked. At a meeting on Tuesday, for instance, a motion to subpoena Cuomos office for records went down by that 7-6 margin, with the six Cuomo appointees in opposition. The final, 14th JCOPE commissionership appointed by Stewart-Cousins has long been vacant. At Tuesday's meeting, JCOPE Commissioner Jim Yates called out Stewart-Cousins for not making an appointment, noting that "effectively, the Senate Democrats are voting 'no' on any investigation." But now, if the bipartisan legislative bloc holds at future meetings, Stewart-Cousins appointment could bring the eight votes needed for JCOPE commissioners to pass a wide range of motions opposed by the Cuomo appointees. It remains unlikely that the commissioners will vote to authorize an investigation into the slew of sexual harassment allegations leveled in recent weeks against Cuomo. Under the much-criticized 2011 law creating the commission, two Cuomo-appointed commissioners of his own political party would have to vote in favor of any investigation into the governor. A similar requirement exists for investigating members of the Legislature. On Tuesday, the Senate Ethics Committee advanced a bill sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi that would reform that requirement. Under the bill, a simple eight votes would be needed start an investigation, not the consent of commissioners appointed by the person being investigated. Similarly, Biaggis bill would remove the requirement that legislators and statewide officials can only be found guilty of ethical violations with the consent of their own appointees to the commission. JCOPE is an inherently flawed institution, and so this is a short-term fix, Biaggi told the chamber's Ethics Committee on Tuesday, adding that the longer-term repair was a constitutional amendment proposed by Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger. Stewart-Cousins prior appointee to JCOPE resigned in September 2018, and under state law, Senate Democrats were supposed to make a new appointment within a month. During the more than two-year delay, Senate Democrats have said it was difficult to find someone to serve on the much-maligned panel. They also cited unfairness in the law creating JCOPE, which gave Senate Republicans three appointees to JCOPE and Senate Democrats only one, regardless of which party held the majority. A spokesman for Stewart-Cousins, whose conference resoundingly took the chambers majority in 2018, said Democrats were considering changing the appointments law as well. When sophomore Lloyd Phinney took to the Tate Plaza podium Tuesday evening, he didnt hold back. Reciting a poem he wrote for the occasion, Phinney shared the pain and anger hes felt since the murder of eight people, six of whom were Asian women, at three metro-Atlanta spas, as well as his pain and anger over the past year at increasing rates of anti-Asian hate crimes. For our personality and character, the judgments come solely from the locality of my birth. I am not equal, Phinney said. I'm unable to finesse my quality from the grasp of the idea that I am a virus and am less in comparison. But the virus is not me or my people, but the ideological insensitivity you have to my humanity. From the more than 10 individuals who spoke to the crowd Tuesday evening, one consistent message rang above all others: a desire to be treated with humanity. The vigil, organized by the University of Georgia Vietnamese Student Association, drew a crowd of roughly 90 students, staff, faculty and community members. Attendees included members of the AAPI communities, allies and passersby. Some brought flowers and posters which they laid on the stage. All attendees were given a candle and a slip of paper that included the names and ages of the eight victims of the March 16 shootings, as well as a QR code with resources for ways to help their families. Several of the speakers, including sophomore Jennifer Zhu, spoke of their parents past encounters with racism and how the Atlanta shootings made them worried for their parents safety. In tear-filled pleas, many speakers urged other Asian people in the crowd to resist a perceived cultural default to respect or to be quiet. They urged members of the crowd to speak out and stand up on behalf of their parents, their elders and each other. Jessie Hoang, president of the Vietnamese Student Association, described the Atlanta shootings as a turning point. The shooting that occurred on March 16 in Atlanta was definitely a statement for us to really stand up for ourselves, Hoang said. As Asian Americans, we have parents who don't usually say much about these things, they don't really talk about politics. It's just the Asian mentality. ... But ever since the shooting, that was just that immediate statement of like this now is our time to fight, the time to really talk about it and address the issues. After the scheduled guest speakers had concluded their remarks, members of the Vietnamese Student Association began lighting attendees candles for a moment of silent reflection, illuminating the Tate Plaza on an otherwise gray evening. Those who felt compelled were then invited to address the crowd. Amid calls for action and justice were stories of grief, pain, community and hope. After a final moment of silence and a second reading of the victims names, the socially-distanced crowd dispersed. Wednesday morning, Hoang and the rest of the Vietnamese Student Associations executive board will travel to Atlanta and Acworth to deliver the flowers and posters gathered to the sites of the murders. The company ADASI, a subdivision of EDGE, a cluster of UAE (United Arab Emirates) of defense and security companies, has launched the Scorpio-S, a new multirole small-size UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) fully developed and designed in UAE. The Scorpio-S small UGV Unmanned Ground Vehicle at IDEX 2021, international land defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Picture source Army Recognition) The Scorpio-S is a small UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) that was unveiled by ADASI, a subdivision of EDGE, during the land defense exhibition IDEX in Abu Dhabi, UAE in February 2021. The Scorpio-S is designed to conduct a wide range of missions thanks to the different types of equipment and weapon systems that can be mounted on the UGV. The Scorpio-S is based on a tracked platform that offering a high level of mobility in all-terrain conditions. The UGV has the capacity to reach a top speed of 12.9 km/h on hard surface. It can negotiate a slide slope of 45 and climbs a stair up to 300mm. It has a weight of 195 kg and a payload of 100 kg. The Scorpio-S has been designed to conduct missions as counter-terrorism, reconnaissance in hostage situations, and can be used to provide security across strategic facilities. This UGV can be tailored to be used by military or security forces as well as Special Forces. The Scorpio-S features a wide range of optional functionalities and equipment including a robotic arm capable of lifting 10 kg. In this case, the UGV can be used by EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team for surveillance and neutralization of explosive threats from a safe standoff distance. The surveillance system enables the robot operator to examine suspicious objects with high resolution in real-time. The robotic arm has a weight of 6.8 kg and can be extended to a maximum length of 1.348 m. The grip mounted on the arm can be used to open doors, provides assistance in scaling obstacles, moving debris, inspecting suspicious items, and manipulate EOD threats. The Scorpio-S can be also fitted with a remote weapon station armed with one 5.56mm caliber weapon. The Scorpio-S is controlled by a portable combined remote controller with control panels for the UGV, the RWS (Remote Weapon System), and the PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) system. It has a communication range of 1.5 km in indoor conditions and 3 km in LOS (line of sight) which is an imaginary line that stretches between the operator and the object that could be manipulated. In option the Scorpio-S can be fitted with additional features including integrated communication with other UGVs, multi-visual awareness, mesh communication systems topology, mission planning software, interactive geo-map, and mission set up. 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 Lagos resident, Tunde Abass, who was arrested for filming police officers allegedly harassing a driver has recounted his experience with the police in Lagos. Mr Abass was arrested on Sunday by officers attached to Onipanu Division for filming them in operation. In the video posted on his Facebook account, a police officer was seen harassing the driver of a wine-coloured car. While making the video, Mr Abass was heard telling the police officer not to harass the man because he has provided necessary documents. The incident, however, escalated as the police officer was heard referring to the driver as stupid. Youre trying to intimidate the guy. Theyve burst his tyres. Theyre trying to intimidate the guy, Mr Abass said in the video. Following his intervention in the matter, Mr Abass was arrested by the officers and detained at Onipanu division. Outrage Following his arrest, several activists, friends and acquaintances of Mr Abass took to the social media to condemn his arrest and detention. A Twitter user, @Williamssefe16 wrote: This is Comr Tunde Abass in the cell at Onipanu police station,he has been kept in the cell since yesterday for filming police brutality & was arrested in the process,he will appear in court tomorrow, stand for whats right and unjust in the society!!#EndPoliceBrutality. Another Twitter User @VictorIsrael_ tweeted: This is Comrade Tunde Abass in cell at Onipanu station. His crime is Filming police brutality yesterday the 20th of March 2021. He would appear in court tomorrow. Is it a crime to film police Brutality? He has nobody. Lets lend our voices. Several persons called for the release of Mr Abass, with many calling on the police authority in Lagos to order Francis Ani, the DPO of Onipanu Division, to release the victim. On Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the Lagos police took to Twitter to announce the release of Mr Abass. Mr Adejobi said the man rescued from the police, was also released. Onipanu Issue: Released Tunde Abass in my office about 10 minutes ago, in company of Kabiru Mohammed, the man Tunde rescued from the police, his Dad and other Youth Leaders from Lagos East. Solidarity forever, he tweeted. Victim recounts ordeal Mr Abass through his legal counsels, Ogunlana Adeshina, and Ayo Ademiluyi, has recounted his ordeal in the police cell. In a statement by Mr Ademiluyi, Mr Abass has a traumatising ordeal for two days, Saturday and Sunday, 20th and 21st March, 2021 at the Onipanu Division. ADVERTISEMENT The lawyer said the victim was denied food brought by his friends and beaten black and blue. He was also detained with a mentally deformed detainee who made his midnight sleep a miserable one by kicking him in the sides. He was taken to the Yaba Magistrate Court, where the police officers who brought him from Onipanu Division were not successful in filing trumped up charges against him after same was rejected by Counsel from the Department of Public Relations , who vetted the charges. According to the account, the police officers returned him to the cell at Onipanu Division before taking him to Legal Department of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti and were unsuccessful in getting a charge preferred against him. In frustration, they handed him over to Divisional Police Officer of Pedro Police Station who kept him in a dark and dingy solitary cell, where nobody will have access to him, the lawyer wrote. The lawyer said continuous social media campaign forced the Police Public Relations Officer to begin a damage control public relations which led to the release of Mr Abass. In a tweet on Tuesday night, Mr Abass appreciated everyoneI who fought for his release. Thank to everyone for your solidarity support during my time of detentions until my release I appreciate all your concerns towards me. Deep in my heart I do believe, We Shall Overcome before this victory is won, some will have to get thrown in jail, he tweeted. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 06:20:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 24, 2021. (Photo by Song Boqi/Xinhua) RIYADH, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks on Wednesday with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on boosting bilateral ties and regional cooperation. Noting that China and Saudi Arabia share a comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said the development of the bilateral relations has maintained a sound momentum under the guidance of their heads of state. As major changes are unfolding in the world and in the Middle East, the strategic importance of the China-Saudi Arabia relations has become more prominent, and the two sides need to conduct timely strategic communication, protect the common interests, and contribute to global peace, stability and development, Wang said. He said China supports Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and stability, choosing a development path that fits its national situation, and playing a bigger role in regional and global affairs, while opposing interference in Saudi Arabia's internal affairs under the pretext of ideology and values. Wang said that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's understanding and consistent support for China on the issues related to China's core interests, including Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and other issues of China's major concerns. The sanctions imposed by a few Western countries on China over the Xinjiang-related issues based on elaborately fabricated lies are a blatant interference in China's internal affairs which aims to suppress and contain China. Such acts should be jointly rejected by all other countries, the Chinese diplomat noted. Through safeguarding own sovereignty, national dignity and development rights, China and Saudi Arabia will further boost their strategic trust and pave the way for broader cooperation in all fields, he added. Wang said China stands ready to deepen the synergy between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and make good use of the mechanism of the China-Saudi Arabia High-Level Joint Committee to promote cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure, as well as in the emerging fields including artificial intelligence, 5G and big data. China is willing to help Saudi Arabia in its efforts to diversify its economy and achieve sustainable development, Wang said. The Chinese foreign minister also urged the two countries to work together to make good preparations for the upcoming China-Arab Summit and formulate a roadmap and specific plans for building a China-Arab community with a shared future. Wang stressed that China is happy to see Saudi Arabia, as a major regional power, playing an important role in promoting regional peace and stability, and supports Saudi Arabia's initiative on resolving the Yemen crisis. In light of the new changes in the Middle East, China has proposed a five-point initiative for achieving peace and stability in the region, which is an active response to the requests of the countries in the region and based on the respect for their wills, Wang said. China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to carry forward a data security initiative to make the digital economy more secure, standardized, open, and mutually beneficial, said Wang. Noting that China and the Gulf Cooperation Council have been negotiating on a free trade deal for years, Wang said he hopes that the two sides can reach an agreement at an early date. For his part, Faisal said that the Saudi Arabia-China relations have a long history and grown stronger as time goes by. Saudi Arabia is proud of its friendly relations with China and will make every effort to push forward the relationship for the benefit of the two peoples, he said. The Saudi side believes that all countries have the right to choose their own development path and should devote themselves to serving their own people instead of following the instructions of others, Faisal said, stressing that the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs is a clear principle in international law. Saudi Arabia opposes any form of interference in China's internal affairs and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly safeguard international order and stability, said the Saudi diplomat. He also expressed the willingness to increase high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, and convene the meeting of the China-Saudi Arabia High-Level Joint Committee sooner to expand bilateral cooperation in all fields. He agreed that the two countries will work together to make good preparations for the China-Arab Summit to ensure it will achieve important results. Saudi Arabia welcomes China to play an active role in safeguarding the security in the Middle East, while appreciating China's five-point peace initiative, Faisal said. Saudi Arabia is willing to make joint efforts with China to push forward negotiations on a free trade deal between China and Gulf countries, he added. The two sides also exchanged in-depth views on the Iranian nuclear issue, Yemen, and other international and regional issues of common concern. Enditem President Abdel Fattah El Sisi directed the government to ensure that all architectural designs of the New Administrative Capital's main buildings reflect the richness and greatness of Egypt's history throughout the ages. During a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, Presidential Adviser for Urban Planning Amir Sayed Ahmed and Chairman of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority Ihab el Far, Sisi also asserted the need to give adequate attention to landscaping requirements. The president followed up the construction and engineering progress of some projects undertaken by the authority nationwide, especially those under construction in the new capital, including an Islamic culture center, an international city for Olympic games and an international equestrian city "Marabet", according to a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady. He was also briefed on the details of the architectural drawings related to the new capital's main entry points, as well as those of the premises dedicated to the House of Representatives and the Senate. In addition, the meeting also took up the implementation status of some national construction projects, including an integrated international bus station project north of the Suez Road intersection with the Ring Road opposite of the Cairo International Airport, and Galala City project, the spokesman noted. Sisi also reviewed a raft of proposals to maximize the benefits of investment opportunities nationwide, making use of relevant foreign experts. A host of senior officials from the authorities concerned were also in attendance. Special needs teachers have today withdrawn their services in public schools and resource centers across the country. The teachers want government to establish a vacancy for special needs teachers in the country and promote those that have upgraded their education. This comes after the ministry of education recently announced that the challenges that the teachers are facing will be looked into. Mcferson Chalemera, Chairperson of the concerned teachers said the services will resume, once government creates the vacancy. The teachers comprise those who graduated at Montfort Special Needs Education College who graduated from 2016 to 2020. The 2019/20 Education Sector Performance Report estimates that the number of special education needs learners is 186 422, representing 3.4 percent of all learners in the country and higher than the 3.2 percent reported in 2019. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Federal Department of Justice and Police Bern, 24.03.2021 - On the occasion of a working visit to Algeria, Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter met interior minister Kamel Beldjoud and justice minister Belkacem Zeghmati on 24 March 2021. The delegations of both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on police, migration and judicial matters. The head of the FDJP was also received by the Algerian president Abdelmajid Tebboune. This is the first time a head of the FDJP has visited Algeria in several decades. Migration and security are priority issues for Switzerland and Algeria in their bilateral relations. During a working meeting, the head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police (FDJP), Karin Keller-Sutter, and Algerias interior minister, Kamel Beldjoud, confirmed their mutual interest in strengthening cooperation in these two areas. Improvements to the system of removals The readmission agreement concluded in 2006 between Switzerland and Algeria regulates the procedures pertaining to people in an irregular situation. Although the agreement is being applied correctly, the removal of Algerian nationals who are present in Switzerland unlawfully remains difficult. This is reflected in persistently high numbers of pending removals. The COVID pandemic has exacerbated the situation because all Algerias borders have been closed and international air traffic suspended since March 2020. The two ministers agreed to seek practical solutions to better organise the repatriation of people in an irregular situation. Talks on the technical aspects of implementing these solutions will be held in the near future. Enhanced police cooperation on combating terrorism The meeting with the Algerian interior minister also focused on strengthening police cooperation. The Swiss police attache in Tunis has recently been accredited to Algeria as well. The two ministers expressed their willingness to conclude a memorandum of understanding in order to intensify cooperation in the field of security and police. They will also seek to work more closely together in the fight against terrorism, its funding and money laundering. Mutual legal assistance Ms Keller-Sutter and justice minister Belkacem Zeghmati also discussed ways of cooperating more closely in the field of mutual legal assistance. These discussions are expected to be continued at a technical level. Ms Keller-Sutter also paid a courtesy visit to President Abdelmajid Tebboune. During their meeting, they discussed security and migration cooperation going forward. Algeria: a country facing various migration-related challenges Algeria is an important transit and destination country on the migration routes from sub-Saharan Africa, and so has to deal with large numbers of migrants. As a country of origin of migration, Algeria also sees a considerable number of its citizens leaving for the European continent, often in search of better economic opportunities. Cooperation with Algeria is important for Switzerland not only so that illegal migrants can be returned, but also so that the challenges of migration can be addressed in Algeria itself by introducing concrete measures in the interest of both countries. Against this backdrop, the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) has, for example, supported a project for the reintegration of Algerian returnees from Switzerland as well as projects for the reintegration of migrants who have voluntarily returned to Niger and Mali from Algeria. Address for enquiries Communication FDJP, T +41 58 462 18 18, info@gs-ejpd.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Justice and Police http://www.ejpd.admin.ch State Secretariat for Migration https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/en/home.html Chennai, March 24 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday welcomed suspended DMK leader M. Chinnasamy back to the AIADMK fold. Inducting Chinnasamy at a public function at Karur, Palaniswami said that he would be given all the respect and position he had in the party and will be at home in the AIADMK. The DMK is a political party controlled by a family and true political workers don't have a place in it, he added. Chinnasamy, a former AIADMK MP and three term-MLA, had joined the DMK ten years ago and was currently state Secretary of its farmer's wing. He was suspended from the DMK for "anti-party activity" after issuing a full page advertisement in vernacular daily, stating that his true work with the DMK was not recognised. Chinnasamy was trying to contest from Aruvakurichi constituency but the party ticket was allocated to R. Ilango, son of former MLA Mojanur Ramaswamy, at the insistence of Karur district co-ordinator and former Minister Senthil R. Balaji. Talking to IANS, Chinnasamy said: "Yes I am back home. AIADMK is a party with a lot of freedom and democracy and I was suffocating inside the DMK. DMK leader M.K. Stalin is remote controlled by some forces and I think bygones are bygones... it is a fresh start for me." The AIADMK stands to gain with Chinnasamy's return as he is considered as a grass root leader and a good organiser among farmers. TUNIS - The dance company Oplas/Centro Regionale della Danza Umbria, directed by Luca Bruni and Mario Ferrari, decided to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Dante Alighieri's death by using as setting the desert of Sabryah, near the Tunisian Sahara, with a ballet dedicated to the poet and his Divine Comedy. "Le grand voyage" is the first part of a creative process dedicated to the great oeuvre, Bruni and Ferrari told ANSA. It was presented as part of the EU-funded International Sahara Theater Festival, which was created to bring theater and ballet to the public, on the sand of the desert, and to develop cultural tourism in the governorate of Kebili, in particular the village of Sabryah. Oplas, also stressed Bruni and Ferrari, has always loved this type of unusual setting to bring ballet directly to the public and for this reason it has become well-known around the world. "The performance dedicated to Dante and the choice of the desert as a place to debut could not be more appropriate: inspired by the images of Dante's Inferno, the choreographic story is perfectly inspired by the suggestions of a place crossed by winds and a sand so fine that it gets into the skin's pores, illuminated by the natural light of the sunset", said the company's artists at the end of the performance. "But the true richness of this place - they continued - were surely the eyes and regards of the public: as often occurs in places like this, where the world seems to have stopped in another era, the language of contemporary dance reaches the hearts of the people even without uttering a word, in exchange for a warm applause that seals a momentary union between performers and the public". The performance was enriched by acrobatic exhibitions on stilts that made Oplas famous worldwide, elements added at the last minute, once they reached the location, to surprise a public that rarely sees a European artist perform. "Performing on sand, where the feet go down step by step - said Luca Bruni - has not been simple. We danced with dry throats and the nostrils burned by sand and at the end of the exhibition we felt our lungs burn: but returning to dance under the sky is always very exciting, something we know well after 24 years from our first ballet outside the walls of the theater". "Looking at the horizon, observing that sea of white sand, our thoughts inevitably went to those people who cross it to reach the shores of the Mediterranean, and from there Italy", continued Bruni. "Reaching the doors of the Sahara, against the tide, we have seen at least some evidence of such motivation driving humans to confront such dangers, in a sort of atavistic voyage in perfect Dante style, and we have seen with our eyes how the world can be different, sometimes, from our culture and our everyday lives. With this awareness, and the memory in the heart, we will face every performance of our forthcoming Dante voyage". The performance was organized with the support of the Umbria region, which has been supporting for decades the activity of Oplas, and the Italian culture ministry. The choreographies are by Luca Bruni, while the suggestive costumes are designed and made by Mario Ferrari. Partnership to return up to 200 furloughed WestJetters to work CALGARY, AB, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ - WestJet has partnered with the Government of British Columbia to return approximately 200 furloughed WestJetters to work to assist at mass vaccination clinics in Greater Vancouver. The first confirmed clinic begins March 29, 2021 at the University of British Columbia with Vancouver Coastal Health while planning is underway to open additional clinics in the coming weeks including the Guildford Recreation Centre in Surrey with Fraser Health. "The caring experience that our people provide is not exclusive to travel; it's a mindset that all WestJetters embody," said Mark Porter, WestJet Executive Vice-President People and Culture. "With our operational experience in moving people through airports, WestJetters will help put people at ease and aid in ensuring clinics run smoothly. We are proud to partner with Premier Horgan, Minister Dix, Dr. Henry and Dr. Ballem to bring our people back to work on this critical initiative which will help protect our citizens and get our lives and economies moving again." "British Columbians have risen to many challenges during this past year, with people and businesses finding new and innovative ways to support each other," said Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan. "People who work in the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sector have answered the call to help with B.C.'s immunization plan. This partnership will provide new jobs for people while contributing to B.C.'s already accelerated vaccine rollout." "After having my hours reduced during the pandemic, I was eager to put my hand up when WestJet called for us to assist in the rollout of Canada's vaccination efforts," said Baljinder Sandhu, WestJet Customer Service Agent in Vancouver and WestJet Care Team member. "Getting the opportunity to work at the clinic, alongside many of my colleagues who were furloughed, while seeing this life-changing vaccine being administered is a really special opportunity." Story continues While the care team will not be involved in the medical side of the operation, the team will be conducting arrivals greeting, check-in, data entry, and patient observation after receiving the shot. The clinics will run approximately 12-hours per day, through October 31, 2021 and are expected to vaccinate more than 200,000 eligible residents. Details on vaccine eligibility and location can be found at Gov.bc.ca/COVID. "WestJet has been serving Vancouver for 25 years and assisting in getting the community vaccinated as quickly as possible aligns with our commitment to safety for our guests, our employees and the communities we serve," continued Porter. ADDITIONAL QUOTES "Our immunization program is the largest and most complex in B.C.'s history, with multiple sectors, industries and professions working together to get people immunized as quickly as possible," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "This partnership is another incredible example of what can be accomplished when we work together to protect our communities from COVID-19." "Since day one of our immunization program, we have been committed to tapping into the knowledge and expertise of our community partners," said Dr. Penny Ballem, executive lead, B.C.'s immunization plan rollout. "It takes a whole village to help implement this immunization effort and we are proud to be working with business and industry leaders and community organizations in every sector, along with municipalities to get vaccines to people in B.C. quickly and efficiently. "People in B.C. have made incredible sacrifices to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe during this pandemic," said Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer. "Each of us have something unique to contribute in the fight against COVID-19, and our accelerating immunization program gives us reason to be hopeful about the months that lie ahead." About WestJet In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. Starting with 250 employees, five destinations and three aircraft, by 2019 the airline had grown to 14,000 employees, 180 aircraft and served more than 100 destinations in 23 countries. Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline's Safety Above All hygiene program. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. Connect with WestJet on Facebook at facebook.com/westjet Follow WestJet on Twitter at twitter.com/westjet Follow WestJet on Instagram instagram.com/westjet/ Subscribe to WestJet on YouTube at youtube.com/westjet Read the WestJet blog at blog.westjet.com Recent recognition includes: 2021 Five Star Major Airline (APEX) 2020/2019 Number-One Ranked Canadian Airline Loyalty Program in Member Engagement (Bond Brand Loyalty) 2019/2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines) 2019 Winner Among Mid-Sized Airlines in North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines) 2019/2018 Number-One-Ranked Airline Credit Card in Canada (Rewards Canada) SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2021/24/c7812.html The Charge d'affaires (ambassador's deputy) of Pakistan Aftab Hasan on Tuesday said that "Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighbours (India)." The acting head of Pakistan High Commission, Hasan pointed out that the long-running dispute between his country and India on Jammu and Kashmir can be resolved through talks. "Good relations between India and Pakistan are only possible when talks are conducted with peace, for it to prevail. Issues must be resolved via dialogue especially that of J&K which has been going on for 70 years now," he added. The pact signed by India and Pak for ceasefire in the Valley Hasan's statement comes weeks after the governments of India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on January 25, over the ceasefire violations that have jolted the Valley in the past few years. It has been nearly four weeks since Jura, a small village closest to human vicinity near the Line of Control (LoC) has witnessed silence, as there are no explosions or sounds of rounds fired by the guns of military troops. The armies of India and Pakistan after talks with their respective governments had observed that over 70 people succumbed to ceasefire violations, in the Valley, in 2020. The pact was signed amid appeals made by former J&K chief ministers Farrooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti who urged the Indian government to hold talks with Pakistan, to establish peace in the Valley, further stopping the violence that the ministers said had killed enough Kashmiris to date. The statement An excerpt from the joint statement issued by India and Pakistan read In the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two [Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan] agreed to address each others core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence. Moreover, talks on the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 are underway between India and Pakistan with the latter's delegation who arrived in India on Monday. 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. Amidst the rampant mis-selling of insurance policies to customers, the government says, there were 316 complaints of mis-selling of life insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co had refunded Rs2.93 crore in 254 cases. Further, the insurance company also refunded full amount to a customer who was sold insurance policy instead of a fixed deposit (FD). Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Anurag Thakur, minister of state (MoS) for finance and corporate affairs, says, "The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has reported receipt of 316 complaints from 250 policyholders in the last seven years alleging mis-selling of insurance products by some salespersons of ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential Life. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported receipt of one complaint alleging issue of insurance policy in lieu of fixed deposit (FD)." IRDAI has informed that the complaints were taken up and the ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company has reported resolution of all 316 complaints. "The insurance company has refunded an amount of Rs2,93,62,385 in 254 cases while declining refund in 23 cases. Other actions taken by the insurance company for the resolution of the complaints also included the change of product in remaining cases," the minister says. Binoy Viswam, a member of Parliament (MP) has asked question on complaints of fraud against ICICI Bank and ICICI Prudential for issuing life insurance policies to poor farmers in the garb of FDs. Mr Thakur also informed "RBI has reported regarding the complaint received that the premium amount of Rs2 lakh received from the customer was refunded by ICICI Prudential." Quoting RBI, the minister says, the ;nes are in place to prevent banks from mis-selling insurance products. He says, Para 18(d) of RBIs Master Directions Reserve Bank of India (Financial Services provided by Banks) Directions, 2016 dated 26 May 2016 has laid down conditions that banks need to abide by while undertaking corporate agency of insurance companies departmentally." These conditions stipulate that there should be standardised system for assessment of the need and suitability of products for a customer, prevention of restrictive practices and a robust internal grievance redressal mechanism, with a board approved customer compensation policy for resolving issues related to services offered, the minister added. On mis-selling practices rampant in the insurance sector, the minister says, IRDAI, in a circular on 1 August 2016 had asked all insurers, banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) acting as corporate agents to have in place a system, which will proactively detect and discourage mis-selling practices by sales persons. Scores of Gambian lawmakers on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 received their first dose of COVID-19 Astrazeneca vaccine at the national assembly in Banjul. This, as alluded to by the legislators, would encourage the general populace to go in for voluntary vaccine, as they have conducted series of investigations on the vaccine and realized that it is safe and effective in the fight against the COVID-19 disease. Ousman Sillah, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health, shortly after receiving his vaccine, said the exercise came as a result of his committee's team work with the Office of the Clerk. He said they paired and arranged for the National Assembly Members (NAMs) to take the COVID-19 vaccine at the assembly complex on Tuesday, 23rd March, 2021. He said NAMs and staff of the assembly, including the chairperson and members of the Health Committee as well as the clerk and staff, came forward and took the first dose of the jab. Banjul North lawmaker said by voluntarily taking the vaccine, they will demonstrate to the public that the vaccine is safe and efficacious as confirmed by the health care workers and scientists. He said the move also aims to protect themselves against the disease. "The second dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine taken by the NAMs and Assembly is scheduled for 23 May 2021," he said. Saikouba Jarjue, member for Busumbala, told Foroyaa the trust he has for both the assembly and health committee convinced him to take the vaccine. He also said he made consultations about the efficacy of the vaccine and he was convinced that the vaccine is effective in protecting oneself from the disease. He said during the consultation: "I was also told that countries that have suspended the use of the vaccine are now taking the vaccine and have urged the populace to take the vaccine. I also urge the populace to still continue observing the precautionary measures provided by the WHO and the Health Ministry, so as to protect ourselves against the disease". Suwaibou Touray, member for Wuli East, said the primary factor that motivated him to take the vaccine is because it will help in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. COLUMBIA The South Carolina House refused March 23 to prohibit public employers from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations, after the chamber's GOP leader warned his colleagues they could ultimately end up killing their own family members. During debate on a $10 billion state budget proposal, GOP Rep. Steven Long tried to insert clauses banning schools, colleges, agencies and local governments from crafting any policy making COVID-19 vaccination a condition of employment or services. "It's one thing to recommend and encourage. Its another thing to require," the Inman Republican said. We go down a dangerous road when we mandate vaccines." He argued putting the bans in the state's one-year budget law would give people who are hesitant to get the vaccine time to see how it affects others before deciding whether to get a shot themselves. Those agreeing included Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, who said the decision on whether to get vaccinated should be a personal choice. "Do you believe in personal liberty? How about government control in our lives?" he asked rhetorically, noting he's a co-sponsor of similar legislation backed by 20 other Republicans. It was their caucus leader who put the skids on the idea. House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, countered the budget is no place to put a ban that could have deadly unintended consequences. There's no reason for it, anyway, since no such policy exists, he said. Long argued he wanted the ban enacted before any policies pop up. That may make a good political sound bite, Simrill said, but there are consequences of passing "feel-good pieces of sound and fury." He asked his colleagues whether they really wanted to make it tough for health agencies, such as veterans' nursing homes, to protect the state's most vulnerable by telling the people who take care of them they don't have to get a shot. "Nobody's telling you you've got to take the vaccine, unless you work in an area with vulnerable people with co-morbidities," Simrill said, adding that while he stands for liberty, "I love South Carolina, and I love her people." The person who may end up dying could be your own grandfather, niece, or nephew, Simrill said in wrapping up his second plea from the podium. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! It seemed to change minds. Long's first proposal was killed 66-44. His last was defeated 81-35. The votes could be a preview of what happens to separate bills in the House and Senate barring mandates on COVID-19 vaccinations if they ever advance to either chamber's floor. The state's supply of COVID-19 vaccines still falls far short of demand, more than three months after the rollout began. But public health officials expect that to change in the not-so-distant future, when the vaccines become widely available and the main obstacle to getting back to full pre-pandemic normalcy will become people being hesitant or downright refusing to roll up their sleeve. About 3.7 million South Carolinians are currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine shot, representing the vast majority of adults. As of March 21, nearly 1.1 million South Carolinians had started the vaccination process, and 54 percent of them had completed it. Less than 60 percent of employees in South Carolina's long-term care facilities have gotten a shot from pharmacists that come to the homes through a federal program, according to data from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. The hours-long budget debate ultimately changed none of the spending in the plan advanced earlier this month by the House Ways and Means Committee. The House voted 112-6 to approve the $10 billion package for the fiscal year starting July 1. The proposal puts an additional $500 million into reserves and sends $50 million to a new fund for disaster relief and flood-control efforts. Spending includes pay raises for officers in state law enforcement agencies, $27 million for the state's share of building two new nursing homes for veterans, and $30 million to continue efforts to expand high-speed internet across the state. Perfunctory votes on March 24 will officially send the package to the state Senate. It's more of a rough draft of the state budget than what the House normally passes. Legislative leaders are awaiting updated revenue forecasts from the state's fiscal experts and details on the windfall coming from the federal COVID-19 relief law and how it can be spent. House Ways and Means Chairman Murrell Smith, R-Sumter, promised "we're going to start over" with an entirely different proposal later this year, no matter what the Senate's budget proposal looks like. A GlaxoSmithKline executive who was poached to run the US vaccines programme has been fired by the British company over sexual harassment allegations. Moncef Slaoui, 61, is accused of 'wholly inappropriate' behaviour towards a female employee while at GSK, where he was the research and development boss until 2017 and then chairman of GSK subsidiary Galvani Bioelectronics. He remained in this role even after he was hired to lead former US president Donald Trump's 'Operation Warp Speed' last year. Glaxosmithkline executive Moncef Slaoui, 61, is accused of 'wholly inappropriate' behaviour towards a female employee But GSK has sacked Slaoui from Galvani after a probe by a law firm backed up the harassment claims. It is also reviewing stock options awarded to him that were worth a reported 7million last year. GSK boss Emma Walmsley said: 'Dr Slaoui's behaviours represent an abuse of his position,' adding: 'Protecting the woman who came forward and her privacy has been a critical priority. 'This will continue. I respect and admire her courage and strength. 'We are in an age of progress with a female chief executive, growing ranks of female leaders, new commitments to diverse representation, and a culture that values speaking up. Sexual harassment will not be tolerated.' Slaoui resigned from the US vaccine programme in January, but has recently advised the EU on its jabs rollout. He could not be reached for comment. People take part in a protest against Asian hate in front of the city hall of San Francisco, California, the United States, on March 22, 2021. (Photo by Li Jianguo/Xinhua) BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Continuous social unrest threatens public safety in the United States, according to the Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020, which was released on Wednesday. "The government failed to maintain proper law and order, and shootings and violent crimes, which were already high in incidence, recorded new highs during the COVID-19 pandemic, causing panic among members of the public," said the report issued by the State Council Information Office. Citing date from Gun Violence Archive, the report said more than 41,500 Americans died by gun violence in 2020, an average of more than 110 a day, which is a record. There had been 592 mass shootings nationwide, an average of more than 1.6 a day. The police's unrestrained use of violence in law enforcement triggered waves of protests that swept across the country, the report said. The police had abused their force to suppress protesters, and attacked and arrested journalists on a large scale, further fueling public anger and continuous social unrest, according to the report. COVID-19 lockdowns, anti-racism protests and election strife had led to record gun sales of about 23 million in 2020, a 64 percent increase over 2019 sales, it said, noting that the 2020 numbers include purchases by more than 8 million first-time buyers. 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Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? 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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. Allies of jailed Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny say his health is "deteriorating" and believe his life "in danger" in prison after he complained about severe back pain and leg numbness. They also said that Navalny's current whereabouts are "unknown" and that his lawyers were not allowed to see him on March 24 despite having a scheduled meeting with him at the prison. "The rapid deterioration of his health condition raises our extreme concerns, Maria Pevchikh, head of investigations at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, tweeted on March 24. Navalny has been complaining about severe back pains and numbness in his leg since the end of last week, Pevchikh wrote, adding that the only medication he has received were two ibuprofen pills. Earlier this month, Navalny confirmed for the first time that he had arrived at a prison colony in Pokrov in the Vladimir region, 85 kilometers east of Moscow, one of Russia's most notorious penitentiary facilities with a very strict regime. We suppose that Navalny has possibly been transferred to the prison hospital, and the colony administration are trying to cover it up. We believe that Navalny's life is in danger and demand immediate access to him for his lawyers, she said in a separate tweet. Navalny's lawyer, Olga Mikhailova, said she doesn't know "what's wrong" with her client and that "he should be seen by a proper doctor," according to Pevchikh. Leonid Volkov, the coordinator of Navalny's network of teams, said it was possible he had been moved to the prison hospital and that the facility's administration was trying to hide that fact. "Given all of the circumstances known to us, the sharp deterioration of his health can only cause extreme concern," said Volkov in a posting on Telegram. 'Friendly Concentration Camp' Navalny described the prison, IK-2, as a friendly concentration camp. He said that he hasn't seen even a hint at violence there but faced overwhelming controls that he compared to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four." Navalny, whom prison authorities marked as a flight risk, said he's subject to particularly close oversight that includes a guard waking him up every hour at night and filming him to report that he's in place. Navalny was detained at a Moscow airport in January immediately upon returning from Berlin, where he was recovering from what several Western labs determined was a poisoning attempt using a Novichok-type nerve agent that saw him fall ill on a flight in Siberia in August 2020. Russia has denied involvement but Navalny has said the assassination attempt was ordered by President Vladimir Putin -- an allegation rejected by the Kremlin. A Moscow court in February ruled that, while in Germany, Navalny had violated the terms of parole from an older embezzlement case that is widely considered to be politically motivated. His suspended 3 1/2 year sentence was converted into jail time, though the court reduced that amount to 2 1/2 years for time already served in detention. Navalnys incarceration set off a wave of national protests and a crackdown against his supporters. Canada followed suit on March 24, imposing new sanctions on nine Russian officials over "gross and systematic violations of human rights" in the country. The Foreign Ministry said the sanctions were part of "a concerted diplomatic effort to bring pressure on senior figures in Russias administration involved in the attempted murder of [Navalny], his subsequent prosecution, and the silencing of Russian citizens who protested his treatment with heavy-handed and often violent methods." Canada and its allies will continue to increase pressure on Moscow to release Nalvany and his supporters "who have been unlawfully detained," Foreign Minister Marc Garneau in a statement. "The principle of reciprocity will be observed with regard to Canada," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said after Ottawa's announcement. The new round of Canadas sanctions target the director of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), Aleksandr Bortnikov; federal prisons administrator Aleksandr Kalashnikov; first deputy chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko; Investigative Committee head Igor Krasnov; Aleksei Krivoruchko, deputy defense minister responsible for armaments; Pavel Popov, deputy defense minister responsible for research activities; Andrei Yarin, chief of the Kremlins domestic policy directorate; Viktor Zolotov, director of the National Guard; and Sergei Menyailo, Putins envoy to the Siberian Federal District. Seven of them already faced U.S. sanctions. With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and dpa Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. 1. Roads. The citys roads are a mess. Significant resources are needed to fix them. 2. Public safety. The crime rate is too high. Police pay and resources come first. 3. More city programs. The city must invest more in city programs and services. 4. Comprehensive plan. The city needs to focus on rebuilding and rebranding. 5. Cut city spending. City officials must get serious about trimming the budget. Vote View Results BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At a special meeting of shareholders held on March 19, 2021 (the "Special Meeting"), shareholders of Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Plus Fund (NYSE: EFF) (the "Fund") were asked to approve a new investment advisory agreement for the Fund with Eaton Vance Management ("EVM"), the Fund's investment adviser. A quorum was not present at the Special Meeting. As announced on March 11, 2021, the Fund's Board of Trustees (the "Board"), after considering various options for the Fund, determined to approve a plan of liquidation and termination of the Fund. The liquidation and termination pursuant to the plan will be submitted to Fund shareholders for approval at the Fund's annual meeting of shareholders (the "Annual Meeting"), which is scheduled to be held on May 14, 2021. In light of this announcement, the Special Meeting was not further adjourned and has concluded. EVM was formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp., which was acquired by Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) on March 1, 2021 (the "Transaction"). EVM is now part of Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the asset management division of Morgan Stanley. EVM continues to manage the Fund under an interim investment advisory agreement (the "Interim Agreement") that was approved by the Board. The Interim Agreement took effect upon the closing of the Transaction and may continue for a term of up to 150 days. In connection with the Annual Meeting, the Fund intends to file a definitive proxy statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Shareholders are advised to read the Annual Meeting proxy statement when it is available, because it will contain important information. When filed with the SEC, the proxy statement and other documents filed by the Fund will be available free of charge on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. Copies of the Annual Meeting proxy statement will also be mailed to each Fund shareholder of record as of the Annual Meeting record date, which is March 1, 2021. About the Fund Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from their net asset value. The market price of Fund shares may vary from net asset value based on factors affecting the supply and demand for shares, such as the Fund's distribution rates relative to similar investments, investors' expectations for future distribution changes, the clarity of the Fund's investment strategy and future return expectations, and investors' confidence in the underlying markets in which the Fund invests. Fund shares are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal invested. The Fund is not a complete investment program and you may lose money investing therein. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. Shares of the Fund are not FDIC-insured and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any bank. Before investing, prospective investors should consider carefully the Fund's investment objective, strategies, risks, charges and expenses. This press release is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and does not, constitute an offer to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. Additional information about the Fund, including performance and portfolio characteristic information, is available at eatonvance.com. Statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements, as defined by the U.S. securities laws. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements because they are subject to uncertainties and other factors that may be beyond the Fund's control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. ### SOURCE Eaton Vance Management Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president McHenry Venaani is pleased with the recent budget announcement that sanitary products will be value-added tax (VAT) zero-rated from the 2022/23 financial year onwards. Since 2016, Venaani has been staunchly advocating for affordable and more accessible sanitary products for schoolgirls. This was, however, not well received by some female MPs at the time. "It is a step in the right direction but we must put caveat on the accessibility of youth girls and women to access the products. What's important is to accelerate accessibility. We must address in broad terms the accessibility," he told New Era on enquiry recently. Finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi last Wednesday announced that the supply of sanitary products will be VAT zero-rated to enhance affordability by the girl child and urged suppliers and retailers to pass on this relief to consumers once enacted. These tax policy measures will take effect in the 2022/23 financial year. However, freight tax is already provided for in the tax code and it will be fully enforced forthwith. Venaani added that generally, as a legislature, they are five to six years late to implement these decisions and it needs to be accelerated. "What I am not happy with is we are going to implement this next year as opposed to now," he noted. Deputy ICT minister Emma Theofelus also welcomed the finance minister's announcement to scrap VAT on sanitary products in efforts to enhance affordability. "Now more than ever, stakeholders in government, civil society and pressure groups need to collaborate to see how we can realise free sanitary pads sooner than later," Theofelus told New Era on enquiry last week. Asked about fears that the directive does not address accessibility, Theofelus said the availability will eventually improve, depending on whoever the distributer is. "My view is that accessibility of these sanitary pads will improve whether personally acquired by women and girls or done so by third parties to assist women and girls. That's the progress I would rather see and appreciate and I am under the impression that women and girls from all socio-economic backgrounds feel the same," she commented. For years, Namibians, in their personal capacity and organisations such as the Women's Action for Development (WAD), have advocated for the free distribution of sanitary pads, saying it is unfair that condoms are free and sanitary pads are paid for in Namibia, because intercourse is a choice but menstrual cycles are biological. WAD assistant project manager Shanice Britz recently said the number of women and girls facing period poverty may have risen significantly during the Covid-19, especially because many people have lost their jobs and income. "Some schools were receiving donations of pads from companies and good Samaritans but with the lockdown, a lot of businesses have incurred losses and many are unable to donate pads anymore, which exacerbated the situation for women and young girls, especially in rural areas," she stated. Education ministry deputy executive director Edda Bohn also recently said schools in the country should invest in dignity projects. "Every school is obliged to start a dignity project and invest a certain amount specified per child into this project, where they create a revolving fund of some sort in terms of buying stock for the girl-child - and for the boy-child to get soap and deodorant, and reinstate the dignity of both," Bohn re-iterated. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Many African countries have already made sanitary products free or affordable. In addition to lowering tax on sanitary pads and tampons back in 2004, the Kenyan government is also distributing free sanitary towels to teenage girls in school since 2011. Botswana also passed a motion in 2017 to provide sanitary products to schoolgirls in both state and private schools, while Zambia, in the same year, unveiled a programme to provide free sanitary pads for girls in rural and peri-urban areas. South Africa did so in October 2018, when its minister of finance announced the provision of free sanitary products to schoolgirls in non-fee paying schools. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar hopes that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will actively support the tasks and goals of the Crimean Platform. The diplomat stated this during the interactive dialogue on the situation in Ukraine within the framework of the 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Foreign Ministry's press service. In particular, Dzheppar informed the UN Human Rights Council in detail about the ongoing gross violations of human rights and international law by the Russian occupation administration in Crimea, Russia's militarization of the Ukrainian peninsula and systemic policies to change the demographic composition of its population. The First Deputy Minister spoke about the ongoing reprisals in Crimea, other manifestations of which were the illegal detention of journalist Vladyslav Yesypenko, cases of ethnic and religious discrimination, in particular, against the Crimean Tatar people, and ousting of independent media. "Emine Dzheppar drew the attention of UN member states and OHCHR to the Ukrainian initiative to create the Crimean Platform as a new consultative and coordination format for the de-occupation of the Crimean peninsula. She expressed hope for the active involvement of OHCHR in supporting the tasks and goals of the Platform, the statement reads. The diplomat assured that the Ukrainian side was ready for further active cooperation with OHCHR in order to ensure human rights throughout Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, called on UN human rights mechanisms to strengthen monitoring of Russias violations of human rights in the occupied part of Donbas. ol Fraudsters exploiting lockdown cheated savers out of 135.1million through scams last year. Criminals used the financial impact caused by the pandemic to lure more unsuspecting victims in 2020, according to figures seen by the Mail, as the amount lost through investment scams climbed 42 per cent compared to 2019. Thousands fell prey to bogus investment opportunities, with the number of cases rising by 32 per cent to 8,958, the data from the banking industry body UK Finance showed. Criminals used the financial impact caused by the pandemic to lure in more unsuspecting victims in 2020 as the amount lost through investment scams climbed 42 per cent The average amount lost per case jumped from 14,000 to 15,000. Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said: Investment scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using cloned websites imitating genuine firms, fake online portals or bogus documents to convince victims to part with more of their cash. UK Finance, which is due to release its full fraud report tomorrow, is calling on the Government to include economic crime in the upcoming Online Safety Bill. This would shift the responsibility on to tech giants such as Google to make sure that tricksters are not promoting scams on its site. Worobec said: Its crucial that search engines and social media companies take responsibility for removing fraudulent adverts to stop people losing money to these cruel scams. 's ( ) Tim Livesey and Bob Smeeton talk to Proactive London's Katie Pilbeam about their final results for the year which ended 31 December 2020. Smeeton says despite the challenges of Covid-19 they are in a 'good position coming out of an unprecedented year of uncertainty'. With an operating loss of 0.34 million reported for the year to 31 December 2020, compared to a loss of 1.41 million in the prior year. In Cameroon, the firm is a third of the way through its 3,080 metre drill programme at the Bibemi gold project. Livesey also updates the market on the agreement reached with joint venture partner (IAMGOLD) over funding the exploration work at the Senala gold project in Senegal. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. iStock/Muriel Caldas (BOULDER, CO) -- Colorado is in mourning following a senseless attack on a grocery store on Monday. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold on Tuesday, identified the lives lost in the mass shooting. 10 people, including a police officer, were killed at the King Soopers store. The officer was identified as 51-year-old Eric Talley and his cruiser has since become a memorial that stands outside the police department where the public can pay their respects. The car has since been covered in flowers, balloons, notes and candles. Talley, who was among the first to respond, joined the Boulder police in 2010 and was working on becoming a drone operator to take himself out of the front line. He was a father of seven. The other victims were identified as: Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jody Waters, 65. Families and friends of the victims are working to preserve their memory. Rikki Olds, a 25-year-old who worked at the grocery store, was remembered by her uncle Robert Olds in an interview with ABC News. He called her a "strong, independent" young woman who was "so loved" by many. "She was bubbly. She was the light of the room," he added. "Her giggle, her laugh would just bring you up to her level." Olds says his niece's boyfriend rushed to the supermarket after news broke of the tragedy and waited behind the yellow tape in hopes of good news. Erika Mahoney, daughter of victim Kevin Mahoney, revealed her father was about to become a grandfather -- but he will never be able to hold his grandchild. "I know he wants me to be strong for his granddaughter," she wrote on Twitter. President Joe Biden ordered flags to be flown at half staff at the White House in honor of the victims. Congress is now considering several gun control laws, including the ban on assault weapons, high capacity magazines and closing "loopholes in the background check system," said President Biden. The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, purchased a Ruger AR-556 pistol on March 16, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. He was apprehended alive and has been charged with 10 counts of murder. No motive is known at this 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 Prince of Wales gives a speech at the presidential mansion in Athens (Tim Rooke/PA) The Prince of Wales said he is delighted to be back in Greece, as he paid tribute to the country where his father was born almost 100 years ago. Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were guests at an official state dinner at the presidential mansion in Athens for the countrys Bicentenary Independence Day celebrations. The heir to the throne hailed the strong and vital ties between the UK and Greece, and gave a nod to the 99-year-old Duke of Edinburghs link to the country. Philip was born a prince of Greece and Denmark, allegedly on the kitchen table of his family home, Mon Repos, on the Greek island of Corfu, in 1921. Speaking at the dinner, which had 45 guests in total and was hosted by the President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Charles said: My wife and I could not be more delighted to be back in Greece, which has long held the most special place in my heart. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Athens International Airport (Victoria Jones/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Athens International Airport (Victoria Jones/PA) After all, Greece is the land of my grandfather; and of my fathers birth, nearly one hundred years ago, in the centenary year of Greek Independence. Later, it was in Athens that my dear grandmother, Princess Alice, during the dark years of Nazi occupation, sheltered a Jewish family an act for which in Israel she is counted as Righteous Among The Nations. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Athens International Airport in Greece for a two-day visit (Victoria Jones/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Athens International Airport in Greece for a two-day visit (Victoria Jones/PA) The couples official two-day visit to Greece, at the request of the British Government following an invitation from Greeces prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, comes eight days after Philip left hospital following a month-long stay receiving treatment. The duke, who turns 100 in June, spent 28 nights as an in-patient his longest ever stay. He was initially receiving care for an infection then underwent heart surgery for a pre-existing condition. In his speech, Charles said: In feeling a profound connection to Greece her landscapes, her history and her culture I am hardly alone: there is something of her essence in us all. As the wellspring of Western civilisation, Greeces spirit runs through our societies and our democracies. Without her, our laws, our art, our way of life, would never have flourished as they have. Expand Close The Duke of Edinburgh left King Edward VIIs Hospital, London, on March 16 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duke of Edinburgh left King Edward VIIs Hospital, London, on March 16 (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Charles said that Athens wants to enact his ambitious Terra Carta, or Earth Charter, which has parallels with the Magna Carta. It aims to encourage the private sector to safeguard the planet by adopting sustainability and to invest 10 billion dollars (7.3 billion) in natural capital by 2022. Charles said: As we all work to rebuild our societies and our economies from this year of previously unimaginable upheaval, and to set our world on a more sustainable path, perhaps we can take some inspiration from the courage, determination and ambition of 1821. Once again, the stakes could hardly be higher. The choices we make will determine the fate not only of our nations, but of this singular planet which we all share. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the National Gallery in Athens (Chris Jackson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit the National Gallery in Athens (Chris Jackson/PA) For my part, to support this vital endeavour, I have worked with hundreds of CEOs around the world to develop a road map that places people, planet and nature at the heart of our economic transition. I have called this plan the Terra Carta, and I am deeply touched that Athens wishes to enact the ideas it offers. He concluded by saying: Your Excellency today, as in 1821, Greece can count on her friends in the United Kingdom. The ties between us are strong and vital, and make a profound difference to our shared prosperity and security. Just as our histories are closely bound together, so too are our futures. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall with Greeces prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki (Chris Jackson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall with Greeces prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki (Chris Jackson/PA) Camilla wore a blue silk evening gown by Anna Valentine to the dinner after disembarking the plane wearing a blue and white dress by Fiona Clare topped with an Anna Valentine cape. Earlier on Wednesday evening, Charles and Camilla were at the official ceremony celebrating the opening of the National Gallery, and were shown around by Mr Mitsotakis and his wife Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotaki. They viewed the paintings of British artists Thomas Gordon and Frank Abney Hastings. With hand-shaking still ruled out due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Charles greeted people with a namaste welcome, clasping his hands together and bowing his head. On Thursday, the couple will attend a wreath laying at the Memorial of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Independence Day Military Parade which marks Greeces uprising against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Expand Close The Duchess of Cornwall in the National Gallery in Athens (Chris Jackson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Cornwall in the National Gallery in Athens (Chris Jackson/PA) In previous years, thousands of people waving Greek flags have lined the main streets of central Athens to watch the March 25 parade. The brief tour will be Charles third official visit to Greece following his first in 1998 and a further trip in 2018 with Camilla, her first official visit to the country. The couple have already travelled overseas during the pandemic, visiting Germany in November for a brief two-day trip to attend commemorations marking the countrys National Day of Mourning. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 14:35:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) on Tuesday disclosed that it is facing a funding shortfall to meet humanitarian needs in the northern Tigray regional state of Ethiopia. UNOCHA appealed to humanitarian partners to cover the rest 562.3 million U.S. dollars required to meet the humanitarian needs of around 2.3 million people in the region. According to UNOCHA, 62,032 Ethiopian refugees living in Sudan are also included in the latest humanitarian aid appeal. Ethiopia's federal government has been undertaking military operations in the region since last November against the Tigray People's Liberation Front, which used to rule the place. Months of fighting have reportedly left thousands of people dead, hundreds of thousands of others displaced, and millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. 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. Children in Britain will start receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as early as August under provisional government plans to push for maximum national immunity from the coronavirus, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday. That timeline would be months earlier than expected, the newspaper said, citing two sources involved in the plans. Government officials are waiting on the findings from a child vaccine study being run by Oxford University on the vaccine it has developed with AstraZeneca Plc before making a final decision on the rollout. The Telegraph report said safety data from the study of 300 volunteers aged between 6 and 17 was expected shortly, with conclusions due in June or July. Oxford University did not give a date for the completion of the study at the time of its launch last month. The UK Department Of Health and Oxford University did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment outside office hours on Tuesday. Also read: Hong Kong, Macau temporarily halts Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines over defective packaging "Screw up, move up" is standard operating procedure in corporate and government bureaucracies. But in American journalism, the system goes far beyond rewarding incompetence. It sanctifies bias. It promotes dishonesty. It incentivizes malice. Want to get ahead in the liberal media? Just follow this credo: "Spew lies, climb high." Take the case of professional character assassin Talia Lavin. This week, she published a high-profile feature at MSNBC.com as an official "MSNBC Opinion Columnist." The hit piece targets a new upstart group of young college conservatives who have broken away from the establishment College Republican National Committee. The students believe that many College Republican chapters have veered far-left on social issues, foreign policy, and immigration. The split mirrors the widening schism between populists and elites in the D.C. GOP. I know many of the leaders of the new College Republicans United organization personally and spoke to the Arizona State University-CRU chapter last year. They are energetic patriots who embrace "America First" and mean it. To Lavin, this is tantamount to "white supremacy" and "Nazi sympathies." She sounded the alarm that three campuses -- ASU, the University of Arizona, and Iowa State University -- now have CRU chapters. The MSNBC.com headline of her hatchet job blared: "College students are falling in love with white supremacy." Her proof that the kids are "white supremacists"? Their endorsement from me. Yes, really. Lavin reports: "Operating under the innocuous-sounding name 'College Republicans United,' the group claims endorsements by fringe white nationalist figures like Michelle Malkin..." There she goes again! Well, I am indeed an unapologetic nationalist. But newsflash, freaked-out fact-benders: I am brown and the last time I went "fringe" was when I sported bangs (really bad, poofy ones) in 8th grade circa 1984. Labeling everything and everyone she dislikes "white supremacy" and "Nazis" is Lavin's entire schtick. In 2018, she falsely accused Justin Gaertner, a combat-wounded war veteran and computer forensic analyst for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, of sporting a "Nazi" tattoo she claimed was an Iron Cross. It was actually a Maltese Cross, the symbol of double amputee Gaertner's platoon in Afghanistan, Titan 2. He lost both legs during an IED-clearing mission and earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat Valor and the Purple Heart before joining ICE to combat online child exploitation. The Harvard-educated Lavin was forced to issue a fauxpology after losing her job as a "fact-checker" for the once-esteemed New Yorker magazine. But she didn't retract a single bilious word of a diatribe she penned titled, "No, We Don't Have To Be Friends with Trump Supporters," which endorsed hatred and violence against "Nazis" and ICE agents. In it, she brazenly proclaimed: "When they go low, stomp them on the head." Lavin then snagged a job as a lecturer for a New York University undergraduate journalism class (canceled for lack of interest) before serving as an "extremism researcher" for the George Soros-funded disinformation operation Media Matters for America, in 2019. She secured a deal with Hachette Books that resulted in a 2020 book on white supremacy (what else?), recently published a feature op-ed in The Boston Globe on white supremacy (what else?), and was quoted earlier this month in The Forward to bolster the hysterical conspiracy theory that the Conservative Political Action Conference stage was deliberately shaped in the form of a Nazi "runic symbol." While former President Donald Trump and countless thousands of conservatives have been purged from social media for expressing lawful, peaceful and truthful conservative opinions, Lavin wields her blue-check-marked and verified Twitter account to spread even more falsehoods. In 2019, she lied on Twitter about being "chased" from a free speech conference in Philadelphia. The problem, as reporters from the Post Millenial pointed out, is that the conference venue was the highly secure and intensely surveilled Sugarhouse Casino. The director of security confirmed that no foot chases or any incidents occurred: "No one got chased." In 2020, Lavin disseminated a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette photo of an anti-COVID lockdown activist holding a sign that read, "Work sets you free." That's an English translation of the German slogan "Arbeit macht frei," which appears over the entrance of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Lavin juxtaposed the two images with her caption: "this is intentional." Smearing "Reopen America" protesters as Nazis might have worked if not for indie journalist Andy Ngo's eagle eye. He discovered that the photo had been doctored and that the sign actually read: "Free Small Business." Instead of owning up to the deception, Lavin deleted the tweet and has spent the past year attacking Ngo as a "fascist grifter." Spew lies, climb high. At the rate she keeps fabricating upward, Talia Lavin may soon be co-anchoring the news on MSNBC with fellow serial prevaricator Brian "Choppergate" Williams. Media liberalism has its privileges. COPYRIGHT 2021 CREATORS.COM Lawyers acting on behalf of Harry Dunn's family have formally requested a record of all phone calls and text messages sent between his alleged killer and her husband about the fatal road crash. The 19-year-old's parents were given permission to begin the 'discovery' process in their US civil claim against CIA spy Anne Sacoolas yesterday - allowing them to ask for an array of documents ahead of a face-to-face legal battle with the suspect. As part of their disclosure requests, the Dunn family's lawyers have asked for all documents related to the teenager's death, images taken at the scene of the collision and Sacoolas's employment details. Mr Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles and father Tim Dunn's legal team have also demanded all communications sent or received by the suspect from the moment she left RAF Croughton, to her arrival at her temporary Northamptonshire home. The teenage motorcyclist was killed when a car crashed into his motorbike outside the US military base in August 2019. Lawyers acting on behalf of Harry Dunn's family have requested a record of all phone calls and text messages sent between his alleged killer and her husband about the fatal road crash Anne Sacoolas, 43, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US Government and was able to return to her home country 19 days after the collision Sacoolas, 43, had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf by the US Government and was able to return to her home country 19 days after the collision. She was charged with causing death by dangerous driving but the US State Department refused to extradite her - describing the decision as 'final'. Mr Dunn's parents were told on Tuesday they can expect a face-to-face legal showdown with Sacoolas before July 23 during the 'deposition' phase of the civil claim - which will take place out of court. A trial is due to be scheduled for the end of the year. The Dunn family's civil claim has unearthed a great deal of previously unheard material, such as the State Department roles held by both Mr and Mrs Sacoolas. The teenager motorcyclist was killed when a car crashed into his motorbike in August 2019 The Alexandria District Court in the US state of Virginia heard the couple's work in intelligence was a 'factor' in their departure from the UK - with the Sacoolases leaving for 'security reasons'. Judge Thomas Ellis gave the civil claim the go-ahead earlier this month. Explaining the steps taken by the Dunn family's lawyers, spokesman Radd Seiger said: 'This is a legal step taken by the lawyers in the US as they pursue the parents' objectives of getting justice for Harry and answers as to what happened on the night he died. 'After 18 months of feeling like they are coming up against a brick wall they are now feeling like they are making progress, which is always important in a campaign for justice. 'The steps the lawyers have taken, we believe, will shine a light on what happened, which is terribly important for their mental health even after all this time.' Hong Kong-based insurer AIA Group has entered into an agreement to buy the wholly-owned life insurance unit of Bank of East Asia (BEA) and has signed a 15-year distribution partnership with the lender for a total of about $650 million. The acquisition of BEA Life Ltd. is expected to complete by the end of this year, subject to regulatory approvals, AIA said in a statement on Wednesday. BEA, whose main markets are Hong Kong and mainland China, announced plans in September to sell BEA Life after pressure from activist investor Elliott Management for reforms to boost shareholder returns. BEA said it was expected to book a profit of about HK$1 billion ($129 million) from the divestment of the insurance business, and a part of that would be paid to the banks shareholders. ($1 = 7.7688 Hong Kong dollars) (Reporting by Sumeet Chatterjee. Editing by Mark Potter) Topics Mergers Otto Banks says he is Harrisburg to the core, and hes got the drivers license, bank statements, voter registration card and utility bills to prove it. But where does he do his laundry, or wake up in the morning? Those are the kinds of details a Dauphin County court judge is being asked to parse through in a challenge to whether Banks - considered one of the top challengers to incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse and three other rivals for the citys Democratic nomination for mayor - meets the first qualification for the job: Actually living within city limits. Dauphin County records show Banks purchased the home at 1204 S. 19th St. in late August 2020 for $50,000, and moved his address for voter registration purposes there in September. That would appear to put Banks in line to qualify with residency requirements to serve as Harrisburgs mayor - one year of residence as of the date of election. But, residency isnt just an intent in changing your addresses, argued Karen Balaban, attorney for the Democratic voter bringing the challenge, Joseph Wright. You have to establish that, and establishment means more than just moving clothes. I mean, we move clothes every time we go to a hotel. Doesnt make it our residence. Wrights petition claims Banks actually lives in Swatara Township in a home he owns on Hoffman Drive. The Hoffman Drive site, which Banks bought in 2007 for $306,000 with his then-wife, Michele - is also listed on the financial interest statement as the address of one of Banks business interests, the Skyler Group LLC. Banks testified Tuesday he is not at the South 19th Street property day-in, day-out these days. But, he contended, he did spend enough time there late last summer to establish it as his home, and is basically using his Swatara Township home as a way-station now while major renovations are completed at 19th Street, renovations Banks said he wants to accomplish with local, Black-owned businesses to prove that Harrisburg can tap its own talent to address housing and other issues. The improvements were put on hold part-way through this year, Banks said, largely because of a hit that the coronavirus pandemic put on his income as a consultant. That, in turn, has meant that without a working hot water heater at the 19th Street property, for example, he does use his old Swatara Township home for basics like laundry and showers. And, for the moment, sometimes he is sleeping there, too. The only thing Im guilty of is investing in my (Harrisburg) house and raising the property value in the community, Banks said from the stand, noting he does eventually plan to sell the Swatara home after the 19th Street renovations are completed. Making Wrights case, Balaban spent much of the day detailing a marked drop-off in basic utility usage at the South 19th Street home since Banks acquired it at the end of August. She noted, for example, Banks hasnt even used enough water yet to trigger a bill for water usage by Capital Region Water since September. Natural gas service, she said, wasnt activated until Dec. 31. Banks had an additional explanation: Through much of the fall, he was making regular trips to see his current wife, a Venezuelan native who Banks said is living in Colombia while immigration details are being worked out that can allow her to join him in the U.S. Hes also been using the Swatara Township home for his campaign rollout and other video productions. Former City Councilman Otto Banks, seen here in his campaign announcement video, has joined the 2021 race to become mayor of Harrisburg.3Actrical Products LLC Balaban argued the explanations made her point. You cant just change your drivers license and motor vehicle registration and your addresses and declare residency, if you dont have any indicia of being there, and actually using the place, she argued. Saying that theres intent to live there is not enough. Banks lawyer, John Bravacos, argued that past case law does fall Banks way. He pointed to a 1954 ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that held once residence is established by an initial move-in, its never lost unless you do something affirmative to terminate it. Its whats the intent once you get there, Bravacos said, and Otto Banks has said this is where I am, and this is where I will stay. After the hearing, Banks called the case a blatant attempt by political rivals to beat a top contender before the voters get a chance to speak. He pointed to the fact that Wright, the objector in the case, was not present for Tuesdays proceeding. Instead, Harrisburg businessman James Pianka, who is closely aligned with another mayoral candidate, City Council President Wanda Williams, sat at the objectors table with Balaban. Pianka is not a party to the case, but said he was simply assisting Balaban with the case. He declined to take questions after the hearing. PennLive reached out to Williams after the hearing, and she said she does not know Wright and has no involvement in the objection to Banks candidacy. Banks, a city council member from 2002 through 2005 who went on to serve as an assistant deputy secretary for economic development in former President George W. Bushs Housing & Urban Development Department, said his opponents want him out of the way. But the thing is just because you get the person out of the way, that doesnt mean that you can get the truth out of the way. That doesnt mean that the issues in Harrisburg still cant be addressed, like all the young people that are dying in the streets. About the lackluster performance in terms of of our school district. When we look at our housing stock and things that need to be done there. When we look at lack of opportunity, Banks said. These are issues that Im going to continue to fight for in this city regardless of what happens from this court proceeding. Dauphin County Judge Andrew Dowling is expected to make a ruling in the case by the end of the week. The Democratic primary is often decisive in Harrisburg, because of the partys overwhelming voter registration edge in the city, where the current population is estimated at 49,271. Besides Papenfuse, who is seeking a third term as mayor, and Williams, the Democratic ballot also includes businessman Dave Schankweiler and Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center general manager Kevyn Knox. This springs primary is scheduled for May 18. 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. US multinational Intel is to create 1,600 permanent hi-tech jobs at its Leixlip campus, once it has completed the construction of a new chip manufacturing factory. The company has already invested an additional US$7bn in its manufacturing facilities on the site over the past three years. Eamonn Sinnott, Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations and General Manager of Intel Ireland, said: "Since 1989, we have invested $15 billion in current manufacturing capacity in Europe, ensuring that Intel is one of the largest and most advanced semiconductor manufacturing operations in the region," he said. "But we're not stopping there. In an effort to more than double Intel's available manufacturing space in Ireland and Europe, we have invested an additional $7 billion from 2019 to 2021 in an ongoing expansion." Mr Sinnott said the investment will drive economic growth in the region, creating 1,600 permanent high-tech jobs once complete and over 5,000 construction jobs. Intel, which has been in Ireland since 1989, currently employs just under 5,000 people in the country, with 4,500 working in Leixlip and the balance based in offices in Cork and Shannon. IDA Chief Executive Martin Shanahan said the level of Intel's commitment to Ireland and its impact on the Irish economy has been, and will continue to be, enormous. He added: "The scale of the investment and the number and types of jobs being created is a huge vote of confidence in the Leixlip campus and is testament to Intel's continued commitment to Ireland. "Furthermore, the company has signaled that there will be an opportunity for additional investment as it plans to announce another phase of expansions in locations including Europe in the next year." Welcoming the Intel news, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "Intels journey in Ireland has been an extraordinary one and these plans for the next phase of its development will enhance its reputation as a global leader in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing." Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar described the expansion as massive. "Its another huge vote of confidence in Irelands future," he said. "The company has demonstrated not just longevity and resilience in its 32 years in Ireland but an ambition to continuously innovate and develop. That growth has been of enormous benefit to the entire country," he added. Welcoming the announcement, Peter Carey, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said: Kildare County Council very much welcomes todays announcement by Intel and their very clear commitment to expanding their operations in Kildare. As a significant employer in the County, Intel is an integral part of Kildares local economy and the creation of thousands of new, highly skilled jobs in the Leixlip base is vital for future economic development in our county. The hugely positive announcement has also been welcomed by Cllr. Ide Cussen, Chair of the Celbridge Leixlip MD and by Cllr. Mark Stafford, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council. They responded to news by saying We look forward to seeing, over the coming years, the creation of many new jobs for the people of Leixlip and Kildare as a whole, and the contribution this will make to our local economy. County Kildare Chamber chief executive Allan Shine has welcomed Intel's jobs announcement. Mr Shine said that Intel is a key stakeholder in the region and the jobs announcement reinforces the message that Kildare is the location of choice for both existing and potential business enterprise. He noted that Intel Ireland contributes 1.08 billion each year to the Irish economy and supports 6,669 full time equivalent jobs in the economy. "As we are consumed with hourly updates in regards to Covid and also the concerns we face with Brexit ongoing, the Chamber welcomes the job announcement and look forward to the continuing success story of Intel in Kildare," he added. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Subscribe to What Next on Apple odcasts for the full episode. Since Joe Biden was inaugurated, hes announced a bunch of rollbacks of Trump-era immigration policy, including the Migrant Protection Protocols, better known as Remain in Mexico. A few locations along the border have now begun processing the thousands of people seeking asylum in the United States. On the ground, though, many families are still waiting out asylum claims in Mexico. Thats because one thing Biden hasnt rolled back is Title 42, a Trump-era provision that uses the pandemic as a justification for denying entry even to asylum-seekers. This means that even now, many migrants that make it to the U.S. get expelled to Mexican border towns, where theyre vulnerable to extortion, kidnapping, and worse. Meanwhile, more and more desperate parents are opting to send their children into the United States, alone. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas says the number of people crossing the U.S.-Mexico is the highest it has been in 20 years, leading to conservative fearmongering about a supposed surge at the border. But what is actually happening near the Rio Grande, and how is Bidens promise of more humane treatment of immigrants holding up? To find out, I spoke with BuzzFeed News immigration reporter Adolfo Flores on Wednesdays episode of What Next. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Henry Grabar: Most of the immigrants in border towns are waiting to have their day in court. However, once they make it there, they find themselves in makeshift asylum courts, set up in tents along the border, speaking to judges on video. Adolfo Flores: When you sit in the courtroom, you see how unprepared people are to make their case. They didnt understand the process. The first hearing is usually a lot of administrative stuff. People would start talking about their case and the judge would be like, no, this is not the time for that. They would have to fill out this form, get it translated, and then come back. That was devastating because many people thought, I just have to wait three months in this city. Thats really dangerous. But once I get to the court, I can tell the judge what happened to me and then theyll give me asylum. But thats not whats happening. People would have multiple hearings, and it was really hard for people to keep going. Advertisement They dont have lawyers. A lot of them dont, because there are not many attorneys willing to go across the border and work with people. Even if you could afford an attorney, which most people couldnt, who among them would fly down and meet you at the tent courts? Advertisement And, unlike single adults and families, unaccompanied minors are taken in by Customs and Border Protection to start the process of being admitted to the U.S. That was something I first saw back in 2019, where parents were calculating their odds and realizing: Were living in tents, in some cases out in the street. We keep going to these hearings. I see people before me go in and they all appear to lose. So if I lose, were all going to have to go back home. Then they discovered that if they sent their kids across alone, they would be treated as unaccompanied minors. You have to consider the dangers they were in. You had all these factors sort of weighing in on them, but particularly the dangerI would say a lot of parents were just scared of the danger in Mexico and back home. Advertisement The decision to move is more informed by the conditions back homepoverty, violence, or climate changeand the messaging they get from smugglers and their friends and family. When you look at the numbers, they have been increasing since spring of 2020this surge that were seeing has been happening since before Biden took office. Whats different now, and has been different for at least a few months, is that the U.S. is processing unaccompanied minors, and theyre having a hard time keeping up with that demand. You have a lot of kids at the camp that are going into Border Patrol facilities, and they cant move them out fast enough. Advertisement Subscribe to What Next Get more news from Mary Harris and her team every day. Subscribe When an unaccompanied minor crosses the border, they get taken into custody by Customs and Border Protection. Within 72 hours, theyre sent to a shelter run by the Department of Health and Human Services. And then, in an ideal world, a family member applies to be their sponsor, gets vetted, and takes the child in. In reality, its almost always more complicated, and slower. CBPs emergency intake sites are overcrowded and unprepared for long-term stays. Kids arent being transferred to HHS shelters fast enough. And the process of vetting sponsors can drag on for a long time. In the meantime, those CBP shelters keep filling up. Advertisement HHS had decreased their shelter-space capacity to about 50 percent because of the pandemic. So it was really hard for them to build up that bed space again, even after the CDC allowed them open up at a much larger scale. But its not like flipping a switch. It takes a long time to build up this bed space. A senior administration official said it could take months. So thats not really going to help with the current situation. So what is the current situation? What do you hear from the kids? Advertisement We havent been able to directly talk to any of the kids. Thats actually something weve been rtrying to chase down right now. But Ive talked to families who are trying to get kids out, as well as advocates, and theyre all frustrated with how long it takes and the conditions that theyre being held in. In Donna, Texas, theres this big tent facility and its over capacity. These kids are housed in these crowded pods, and a lot of the kids told attorneys who went down there to interview them that they hadnt been able to make a phone callthat they were told you wont make a phone call until youre about to leave, and they dont know when that is. Its really hard for these kids who crossed alone or were separated from a family member, and now theyre just like: How long will I be here? I cant call anyone. I cant go out. And its crowded. Advertisement How long are they there? I heard from one attorney some of the kids they spoke to had been there for about seven or eight days, which is beyond the limit that CBP can hold unaccompanied children. Advertisement Advertisement Do you think that the circumstances for these children have improved since the Trump administration? The Remain in Mexico program was something Biden said he was going to do away with and publicly said was over several weeks ago. But it sounds like its not really over for a lot of people. Some of the people in the program are still in limbo, even though the Biden administration said that he would undo it. He very publicly announced that the program was over, but its still going to take time. Before the U.S. was processing unaccompanied immigrant minors, they were being sent back to Mexico or to their home countries to very dangerous situations. They were almost literally being handed over to cartels in some cases. Ive previously spoken to kids who were kidnapped alongside their parents, who saw their moms get sexually assaulted or beaten. I think its important to note that that was happening before these kids were being processed. Some advocates are taking the Biden administration to task and saying, You need to have a better system for dealing with unaccompanied minors, because this is not the first or the second time that we have seen a spike like this. The U.S. government appears to be caught off guard. There should be better way of sort of processing these children so theyre not stuck in these camps. Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. Newport Beach Harbormaster Sets Sail Into Retirement After 31 years of public service, Newport Beachs harbormaster is setting sail for retirement. It has been a real pleasure to work in a community that values and protects its natural resources, Kurt Borsting told the Epoch Times. Our tidelands encompass an area as big as Central Park and to be responsible for the wellbeing of such an expansive natural element has truly been a privilege. Whoever is lucky enough to be hired for this position will inherit a terrific team and a great community who are committed to the overall success of the harbor. Borsting was hired for the role in December 2018. Prior to joining Newport Beach, he served as the marine operations superintendent for the City of Long Beachs marine bureau. He was previously a long-time administrator on various student-related projects for California State Universitys Fullerton and Pomona campuses. During his tenure, Borsting oversaw the harbor departments annual $1.1 million budget, and was responsible for harbor-related services and programs, harbor safety and maintenance activities, slip and mooring rentals, as well as care of the sprawling Back Bay ecological reserve, a cherished coastal wetland. Borsting also worked closely with the 13 part-time harbor department employees who serve as city ambassadors on the water by conducting daily harbor patrols, welcoming visitors, educating the community and coordinating the use of the city anchorages and mooring fields, and providing customers service for the boating community at-large. A majority of the waterways that make up Newport Harbor are considered tidelands and are owned by California. In 1978, state legislators assigned most of the tidelands to the city, acting as landlord on behalf of the state, to administer state rules such as setting slip and mooring rental rates. Touted as one of the finest small boat harbors in the country, Newport Harbor is home to more than 9,000 recreational and commercials vessels. Located in Upper Newport Bay, the Back Bay ecological reserve is made up of nearly 800 acres and is one of the few remaining estuaries (where fresh and salt water meet) in Southern California. The reserve is home to approximately 200 species of birds and other wildlife. Borstings final day on the job will be April 2, Newport Beachs assistant city manager Carol Jacobs told The Epoch Times. The city is working to recruit a replacement, and hopes to have the position filled by May, she said. Jacobs, who has worked closely with the harbor department since its inception, is staff liaison to the citys harbor commission and will act as the interim harbormaster. Borstings departure is on good terms, and he said he would sorely miss working with city staff, residents, and especially the boating community. It is an honor to make being the harbormaster of Newport Beach the capstone of my career, he said. He and wife, Elizabeth, plan to do a little boating themselves after getting their daughter off to college and visiting their son in Manhattan. Were not leaving SoCal, he said when asked if hes retiring to another state. No, now Ill be visiting the bay as a recreational boater. Scott Morrison is not ruling out dumping Christian Porter as Attorney-General - and the position of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds is also up in the air. The prime minister has received advice from the solicitor-general about what portfolio responsibilities he might need to strip from Mr Porter while he sues the ABC for defamation. Mr Morrison has also sought advice from his department in relation to the attorney-general and ministerial standards. The removal of the pair would potentially pave the way for Peter Dutton to become the new Defence Minister, while Michaelia Cash is tipped to replace Mr Porter as AG. The future of Attorney-General Christian Porter remains up in the air - he is due to return from sick leave on March 31 Prime Minister Scott Morrison reacts during Question Time at Parliament House on March 24 Defence Minister Linda Reynolds could also be shifted to a new ministry when she returns from extended sick leave There is speculation that Mr Porter and Ms Reynolds could be shifted to different portfolios. Mr Morrison has been under intense pressure to move Mr Porter amid growing backlash over his handling of a historical rape claim against the AG. The PM admitted on Tuesday he had to do better for women and expressed a determination to clean up the culture in Federal Parliament, which has been plagued by sex and rape scandals. Labor has asked Mr Morrison whether he is preparing to make Mr Porter a 'part-time minister' or drop him altogether. The prime minister did not rule out either option during Question Time on Wednesday. 'I am considering that advice with my department secretary in terms of the application against the ministerial guidelines,' he told parliament. 'When I have concluded that assessment I will make a determination and I will make an announcement at that time.' Mr Porter has launched legal action against the public broadcaster over a story about rape allegations against a senior minister. The Attorney-General was not named in the story but his lawyers claim Mr Porter was easily identifiable. He later came forward to reveal he was the minister in question. Mr Porter is due to return from stress leave on March 31. Ms Reynolds has also been on extended sick leave for several weeks in the wake of the alleged rape of former media advisor Brittany Higgins by a male colleague in the minister's office HOUSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has been awarded contracts for revamping two ammonia plants by PJSC Acron Group, Novgorod, Russia. KBR will supply the process technology license, basic engineering design package, and proprietary equipment for the ammonia plants to increase production capacity by over 30% to 2300 MTPD each. The original plants were commissioned in the 1970s. The key revamp measures will include KBR's KRES technology, KBR's Horizontal Ammonia Convertor, and other advanced features that enable KBR to increase output and overall energy efficiency as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions per ton of ammonia. The completion of the first revamp project including commissioning and start-up is expected in 2023. "The selection of our ammonia technology shows the trust and confidence leading producers like Acron have in KBR's energy-efficient and sustainable ammonia technology solutions," said Doug Kelly, KBR President, Technology. "KBR's revamp expertise and technology are valued for reducing energy consumption, increasing capacity, and improving reliability of older plants at lower investment." Around 50% of licensed global ammonia capacity uses KBR's ammonia technology. Since the 1960s, KBR has revamped 200 ammonia plants and also licensed, engineered, or constructed 244 grassroots ammonia plants worldwide. About KBR We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 29,000 people worldwide with customers in more than 80 countries and operations in 40 countries. KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver. Visit www.kbr.com Forward Looking Statement The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to respond to the challenges and business disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to realize cost savings and efficiencies relating to the streamlining of its Energy Solutions business; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the company's ability to continue to generate anticipated levels of revenue, profits and cash flow from operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and any resulting economic downturn; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company. KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. SOURCE KBR, Inc. Related Links http://www.kbr.com HNTB's Wendy Taylor recognized by WTS Taylor Wendy Taylor, HNTB Corp. project director and senior vice president, recently received the Woman of the Year award from WTS Puget Sound. The award recognizes a woman who is a leader and a role model in the transportation industry, HNTB said in a press release. Taylor was nominated by one of her team members and fellow WTS member, Diana Giraldo, HNTB project manager and associate vice president. In her nomination Giraldo said, Throughout her career, Wendy has been a role model for so many in the industry. She recognizes and motivates great talent to bring engineering concepts and ideas forward. Her vision allows her staff to set bold goals, and she provides her team with the space and ability to grow and thrive. Taylor joined HNTB in 1993 and has been active in WTS since 1998. She has over 35 years of experience managing and developing transportation facilities. That includes leadership on the Washington State Department of Transportation's I-405 program for the past 19 years. She has supported WTS's Transportation You youth program, serving on the organization's executive advisory board, and as a scholarship committee chair. HNTB, an infrastructure firm, is a Trailblazer Corporate Sponsor on the international level and a Gold Corporate Sponsor for WTS Puget Sound. 03/24/2021 Photo (c) Eugene Mymrin - Getty Images Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 29,928,341 (29,872,398) Total U.S. deaths: 543,933 (543,057) Total global cases: 124,378,693 (123,839,047) Total global deaths: 2,736,980 (2,726,061)\ CDC head sees variants driving most new U.S. cases The increase in cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in a growing number of states is likely the result of more contagious variants of the virus, according to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Rochelle Walensky says steps need to be taken now to head off another surge in cases, and she suggests that some states that have recently loosened restrictions may need to rethink that policy. She said the variants appear to be causing most of the new illnesses. In addition to the variants found in the U.K. and South Africa, the CDC says two variants that appear to be unique to the U.S. have shown up recently -- one in California and one in New York City. Vaccinated Americans ready to get out and spend A growing number of consumers say they are comfortable with the idea of going to restaurants and traveling after being fully vaccinated, but a Harris Poll conducted for USA Today shows that more than a quarter expect to wait until the country reaches herd immunity. The poll cites 33 percent of respondents who said they would feel comfortable eating indoors at a restaurant after their second shot. Twenty-eight percent said they would feel safe taking an airline flight a few weeks after being fully vaccinated. The vaccine is certainly a game-changer for getting back to doing the things we love, said John Gerzema, CEO of The Harris Poll. Money earmarked for school reopenings In addition to getting Americans vaccinated, the Biden administration has prioritized getting public schools back open. To that end, the president will reportedly announce $81 billion in additional money for schools. According to CNN, Biden will use an appearance at a Department of Education event today to announce the release of funding from the $1.9 trillion Covid-19 relief package. Public schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will be eligible for the funds. Taco Bell prepares for the post-pandemic world The fast-food industry adapted very quickly to the realities of the pandemic, stepping up curbside service and at-home delivery to compensate for closed dining rooms. Evidence suggests some of those changes may be long-lasting. For example, Taco Bell is launching a new set of designs for future restaurants with new builds and remodels that the company believes will take modernization to new levels from coast to coast. While the brand will continue building destination restaurants, it will simultaneously prioritize digital elements to maximize efficiency for on-the-go customers. "Prioritizing our development plans continues to be a major focus for 2021, especially as we look towards building our next 1,000 restaurants," said Mike Grams, Taco Bell's president and global COO. "Our restaurant portfolio continues to rapidly evolve, striking a crucial balance between being technology-forward and social-oriented. Poll suggests people are eager to return to stadiums Stadiums have been largely quiet and empty over the last 12 months. But if a new survey is any indication, that will radically change as more Americans get vaccinated. In a survey by Oracle Food and Beverage, 32 percent of people said they plan to return to stadiums for sporting events and concerts immediately. Fifty-four percent say theyll return within the first four months after stadiums reopen. But this enthusiasm comes with caveats. Fifty-six percent of respondents said social distancing measures should remain in place, with stadiums operating at a reduced capacity. Many also want operators to rethink concessions, such as offering in-seat delivery to reduce crowded lines. Responses suggest that some are willing to pay more for that option. Around the nation China in Focus (March 23): UK Sanctions China, Joining US, EU, Canada Tit-for-tat sanctions are straining relations between China and the West. The UK, Canada, and the European Union joined the United States in sanctioning Beijing for human rights abuses. Australia and New Zealand spoke out to applaud their efforts. China retaliates against the European Union, only to face even more pushback. The Chinese ambassador to France was also summoned by Paris lawmakers after the Chinese embassy called a French scholar a mad dog and little thug for supporting Taiwan. Japan turns to its allied nations to bolster defense, amid a growing threat from the Chinese regime. And more Chinese people move to publicly reject the Communist Party. One entrepreneur in New Zealand shares his story on how he made the change. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China. For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter. The curve of coronavirus infections in Spain has just completed a week of gradual rises. After two months of a downward trend, as the third wave of the pandemic subsided, the direction changed last Wednesday and new cases started to rise once more. On January 27, the 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants peaked at 900. In Tuesdays report from the Health Ministry, the incidence came in at 129.55. In the last week, the incidence has risen by just under two points, but the trend is on the rise in 12 of Spains 17 regions. The ministry also reported 5,516 new cases and 201 Covid-19 deaths yesterday, and called for people to be alert ahead of Easter week. Maximum precautions, implored Health Minister Carolina Darias on Monday. The next days will be key to determining whether the upward trend is consolidated or whether this is just a small spike. If we start to have crowds on the streets in Easter week, we will have a new spike Daniel Lopez-Acuna, former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization According to the latest data, only Murcia, Valencia, Galicia, Andalusia and the Balearics are not seeing the incidence rise, although the latter three are seeing minor rises and falls. The North African cities of Melilla and Ceuta have the highest incidence rates in Spain: 514 in the former, and 256 in the latter. We are continuing to see a change in trend and we could end up with a rise in the incidence, said the subdirector of the Coordination Center for Health Alerts (CCAES), Maria Jose Sierra, speaking on Tuesday. We have 11 regions where the seven-day cumulative incidence is 50% above what we have for 14 days. And when this happens this indicates that the trend is rising, that infections are increasing and it is likely that in the coming days, if it is not corrected, we will have clearer rises in the incidence. With all eyes on Easter week, and the double threat of the more-infections strain first identified in England, as well as an increased spread in a lot of Europe, the authorities and health experts are calling on people not to let their guard down in particular during the Easter holidays. The Health Ministry has agreed with the regions to keep curfews in place and implement a perimetral lockdown of the regions in order to limit mobility and journeys, but epidemiologists are calling for greater restrictions within these areas. If we start to have crowds on the streets in Easter week, we will have a new spike, insisted Daniel Lopez-Acuna this week, a former director of emergencies at the World Health Organization. The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by the far-right Vox party against the perimetral lockdown of the Madrid region during Easter week. The Health Ministry reported 5,516 new cases and added 201 Covid-19 deaths to the official toll on Tuesday The countrys hospitals, meanwhile, are still under pressure and a new spike of cases in these circumstances, with intensive care units (ICUs) at around 20% occupation by Covid-19 patients, would ramp up this tension further. There are more than 8,000 people hospitalized with Covid-19 right now, accounting for 6.34% of all normal hospital beds. Sierra warned on Monday that the fall in admissions has now stabilized. Aragon, the Canary Islands, Catalonia, Navarre and Melilla, for example, have more people hospitalized than they did the day before. In the ICUs, the situation continues to improve slightly, although there are still 1,800 Covid patients in a critical condition. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of official victims stands at 73,744, although this total could be much higher given that many people died with Covid-19 during the first wave without being tested. English version by Simon Hunter. Cyber King: Mandatory breach disclosure bill coming soon Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), one of the chairs of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, told reporters on Wednesday he and other lawmakers are drafting legislation that would mandate private sector companies supporting critical infrastructure to notify the government if their network is breached. "The commission will be recommending a breach notification law applying to critical infrastructure shortly, probably within the month," he said. "There are some tricky issues that have to be worked out, proprietary details, confidentiality, liability issuesWe're pretty close. We have legislation drafted and we're continuing to refine it." King added that the commission met two weeks ago to discuss the legislation. Private sector reporting requirements for cybersecurity breaches have taken center stage in the wake of the breach involving SolarWinds Orion. Lawmakers have taken particular issue with the fact it was the cybersecurity firm FireEye -- not the intelligence community or law enforcement -- who ultimately detected the intrusion. The momentum to enact such a law picked up again in February when Microsoft President Brad Smith publicly advocated for it during a Senate hearing. "Yes, I do. I think the time has come to go in that direction. I think Senator [Susan] Collins was either ahead of her time or the rest of us were behind our time," Smith said in response to a question from Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) about whether he'd support a reporting requirement. While speaking to reporters, King also expressed frustration with the fact the White House has not yet nominated anyone to fill the national cyber director position, a role created by the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and recommended by the commission. King said he understood why it will take time to establish the new office but argued the White House could begin the nomination process and continue to set up the office simultaneously. The senator praised Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor who has taken point for the White House on responding to the breach, for her performance so far, but pointed out her position on the National Security Council could be eliminated at any moment. King cited John Bolton's decision in 2018 to eliminate the cyber coordinator position, which was also the move that largely propelled lawmakers to create the national cyber director role. This article first appeared on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site. Photo: Sen. King speaks at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.; credit to U.S. Navy The Gambia Police Force has on Tuesday 23th March 2021 indicated that preliminary assessment of properties damaged revealed that 13 fishing boats, 9 boat engines, 5, 273 fishing nets were burnt and destroyed. The police said cash amount of about 8 million dalasis, one million and five hundred thousand CFA and thirty-four thousand Chinese Renmini (RMB34, 000) is suspected to be looted from the Nessim Fish Meal processing company and from individual residents. A total of four motor vehicles, including two pickups and two mini-trucks were also burnt down. The police stated that the Sanyang Police Station was attacked and the building burnt down including all records, case exhibits, furniture and a taxi car parked at the station was equally damaged. The police said homes of 5 individuals within the village were attacked and their compounds and properties vandalized. And a mobile shop was broken into and items estimated at two hundred and fifty seven thousand dalasis were all looted, they added. A Brazilian rickshaw driver who was ordered to go home or spend a year in prison for dealing ecstasy tablets is believed to still be in Ireland three years later and collecting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment. Bianca Francisco (24) did not appear at the Court of Appeal on Tuesday morning where she was due to appeal her sentence. Her barrister Luigi Rea BL said she lodged the appeal because she wants to stay in Ireland but a solicitor had been unable to contact her and he couldn't explain her failure to appear. He suggested that she may have left the country. Anne Collins, state solicitor acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said gardai believe Francisco is still living in Ireland as she has been collecting Pandemic Unemployment Payments. Mr Justice John Edwards, sitting with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, struck out the appeal. Mr Justice Edwards said: "There is a suspended sentence with conditions and, if the view is that she is in breach of a term of her suspended sentence, its a matter for the director." Under section 99 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 a court can revoke a suspended sentence and send a person to prison if they breach the terms of the suspension. Francisco, with an address at The Forge, Railway Street, Dublin was working as a rickshaw driver when, on May 4, 2017, she was caught with more than 4,000 worth of ecstasy tablets in her flat. The court heard that Francisco, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession for sale or supply of a controlled substance at her home, was on bail at the time awaiting sentence for a previous offence of holding drugs for sale or supply in November 2016. In February 2018 Garda Cian Fleming told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that during the search of Francisco's flat, gardai also seized weighing scales in a handbag and a white purse containing a total of 1,060 in various denominations. Francisco told gardai she was holding the drugs for somebody and said she was not being paid. Gda Fleming said Francisco was the target of the search in 2017 and that her work as a rickshaw driver was what first brought her to garda attention. Luigi Rea BL, defending, said his client came to Ireland in April 2016 to learn English and began working as a cleaner but lost that job. He said she got a job as a rickshaw driver but fell in with bad company. Judge Patrick Quinn accepted Francisco was embarrassed and ashamed by her crimes. He said her involvement probably came out of economic necessity but that was not an excuse. A young person in a strange country who meets up with the wrong people can easily get distracted, he said. He said it was in her best interests to return to the support of her family and suspended a 12-month prison sentence on condition that Francisco leave Ireland within three months. At the Court of Appeal on Tuesday Mr Rea said Francisco had entered a bond to leave the country but then decided to appeal the sentence as she wished to remain in Ireland. (CNN) -- Elon Musk's Tesla has endured a rough couple of months in China. Now he's working overtime to win Beijing back. The Tesla CEO lavished praise on China during an interview with state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), where he pledged that the country would become his electric carmaker's "biggest market" in the long run. He also lauded China's economic and climate goals the country is currently the world's top greenhouse emitter, but has promised to drastically reduce the emissions over the next decade or so. "I'm very confident about Tesla's future in China," Musk told CCTV during the interview, which the broadcaster published online late Tuesday. "The Chinese economy I think can do extremely well over the next decade and will become the biggest economy in the world. And it's also committed to a sustainable energy future." The charm offensive may be pivotal to Tesla's future in China. While the company has enjoyed special treatment from Chinese authorities in the past few years, it has faced an onslaught of criticism in recent weeks. Last month, Tesla was summoned by Chinese officials to face questions about the quality of its Shanghai-made cars. And over the weekend, a handful of media outlets reported that military had banned Tesla vehicles from entering its complexes over concerns that cameras equipped onboard could be used for spying. Musk addressed those spying concerns on Saturday, saying at a Chinese development conference that his company's cars would never be used for such purposes. But his remarks on CCTV went a step further toward lauding Beijing and emphasizing the importance of the market to Tesla. China already accounts for a fifth of Tesla's revenue and is its second largest market after the United States, according to a recent company filing. In the long term, China "will be our biggest market, both where we make the most number of vehicles and where we have the most number of customers," Musk told CCTV. Musk even singled out Beijing's ambitious blueprint for economic dominance over the next five years, and said he was impressed with the country's climate goals. Chinese President Xi Jinping said last September that the country would be carbon neutral by 2060, and the government has detailed some ways it intends to achieve that target, including building more nuclear power stations and clean energy facilities. "These are very aggressive goals. And I think they are great goals. And I wish more countries actually had these goals," Musk said. "I'm very confident that future of China is gonna be great." Even though he does not speak Chinese, Musk is one of the most popular American business leaders in China. A video of him dancing on stage during the debut of the Shanghai-made Model 3 early last year went viral on Weibo. And Premier Li Keqiang once even said he would be happy to give Musk a "China green card" after the American entrepreneur said he "loves China very much." Musk also has some 1.7 million followers on Weibo, a prominent Chinese social media platform more than Apple CEO Tim Cook. He still trails Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who has 4.1 million followers. By Wednesday afternoon, the hashtag about Musk's CCTV interview had already generated more than three million views. CNN's Beijing bureau contributed to this article. It was first published on CNN.com, "Elon Musk is trying to win China back" New Delhi: A few days back, Priyanka Chopra announced the opening of her brand new swanky restaurant in NYC. The eatery called SONA will soon be open to the public and the buzz around it is palpable. Restauranteur Maneesh K Goyal, who is also a close friend of Priyanka Chopra, shared a few inside pictures of a special puja that was organised on Tuesday ahead of the grand opening. Maneesh wrote: This morning at SONA, we conducted a small puja or blessing ceremony. Well be seeing our first guests very soon and it was important to both @priyankachopra and myself that we hold a puja before our doors are officially open. It was so special to gather in this way. Friends & supporters of @sonanewyork from India to London to California joined in. This mornings ceremony was especially poignant since, in September 2019, we did a similar ceremony to bless the space while it was rawbefore we started any construction at all. At that time, we thought wed be open by the Summer of 2020. Of course, we had no idea what 2020 had in store for us. I give that first blessing a lot of credit for seeing us throughand guiding us as we fought to keep our project alive. And now, a year and half after that first puja, SONA is ready. I am so grateful for all the blessings we have received. Here we go! #sonanewyork In the pictures, we can spot Priyanka Chopra Jonas, with her head covered with a white dupatta, her mother and a few others seeking the blessings of the Lord for their new venture. The luxe property is in New York City and will cater to fulfil the Indian tastebuds of people. Shares of Anupam Rasayan will debut on the bourses today, 24 March 2021. The specialty chemicals company raised Rs 760 crore through its public issue. The IPO was subscribed 44 times. The issue was sold in the price band of Rs 553-555 per share. Hero MotoCorp will make an upward revision in the ex-showroom prices of its motorcycles and scooters, with effect from April 1, 2021. The price hike has been necessitated to partially offset the impact of increased commodity costs. The company has accelerated its cost savings program to ensure minimal impact on the customer. The price increase across the range of two-wheelers will be up to Rs. 2500, and the exact quantum of the increase will vary on the basis of the model and the specific market. Separately, Hero MotoCorp launched the new Destini 125 'Platinum' edition. Coming close on the heels of Maestro Edge 125 Stealth and Pleasure+ Platinum, the new scooter further extends the diverse range of offerings in Hero's scooter portfolio. Shares of Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) will be in focus. The Government of India will sell 20,85,02,010 equity shares of Rail Vikas Nigam or 10% of total paid up equity, through offer for sale route on March 24-25. In case of oversubscription, the government will sell additional 10,42,51,005 equity shares or 5% shareholding in the company. The floor price for the offer has been fixed at Rs 27.50 per share. Rossari Biotech announced that its Board of Directors has approved the issuance of up to 30,12,046 equity shares of face value of Rs 2 each, on a preferential basis. The Board of Directors determined a floor price of Rs 996 per equity share or such higher price, aggregating to Rs 300 crore. Bank of Maharashtra said the bank has successfully raised Capital of Rs.100 crore through private placement of BASEL III Compliant Tier II Bonds. Equitas Small Finance Bank has renewed its partnership with Chennai Super Kings for the IPL season 2021. It will be the 'Official Retail Banking Partner' for the team. In line with the brand ethos and the logo positioning at the back of the helmet & cap, it is also going to launch a new campaign titled The Bank Behind Every Champion. Vascon Engineers has emerged as Lowest Bidder for 2 Projects of Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WILLIAMSPORT A man accused of nearly killing another man by hitting him on the head eight times with a hammer on a Williamsport street has been jailed without bail charged with attempted homicide and other counts. Kareem Anthony Hutt, 40, of Clementon, New Jersey, was arrested Monday in Philadelphia by the U.S. Marshals fugitive task force and returned to Williamsport on Tuesday. Surveillance video captured the assault that occurred about 5:40 p.m. on Feb. 6 in the 700 block of West Fourth Street, police said. It showed Hutt getting a hammer from the trunk of a vehicle and then chasing the victim, Bernard Daniels, the arrest affidavit stated. After Daniels fell, Hutt stood over him and hit him eight times in the head with the hammer and then fled, the affidavit says the video showed. Arrest documents do not state a motive for the assault. Daniels suffered a fractured skull and brain bleed that resulted in him being admitted to the intensive care unit of UPMC Williamsport Regional Medical Center. Hew has since been released from the hospital, police said. Besides attempted homicide, Hutt is charged with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of crime and recklessly endangering another person. He said at his arraignment he was released from state prison several months ago. Delaware County and state parole officials have lodged detainers against him. Online court records show Hutt in 2011 in Delaware County was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison followed by six years probation on charges of robbery with intent to inflict bodily harm and conspiracy to commit robbery. The plea and sentence resolved five Delaware County criminal cases and two in New Jersey. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks during a NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting at the Alliance's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 23, 2021. (Yves Herman/Reuters/Pool) US Would Consult NATO Allies on Any Decision to Withdraw Troops From Afghanistan: Blinken U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday at the start of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Foreign Ministers meeting that the United States will consult NATO Allies about the way forward on Afghanistan. Asked about any possible withdrawal from Afghanistan, where the United States has been at war since 2001, Blinken said a U.S. review of options was still underway and he would listen and consult with allies. Citing President Joe Biden, Blinken said that it would be tough to meet the May 1 deadline for a full withdrawal. Whatever the United States ends up doing will be informed by the thinking of our NATO Allies, which Ill take back to me after these conversations and consultation, Blinken said at the NATO ministerial meeting at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg speaks as he chairs a NATO defence ministers meeting via teleconference at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, on June 17, 2020. (Francois Lenoir/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General said at the start of the meeting that all 30 members of the North Atlantic Alliance need to consult and make a decision on the way forward in Afghanistan. After the conclusion of todays NATO Foreign Ministers meeting no final decisions has been made on NATOs military presence in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg announced at a press conference following the meeting. We will continue to consult very closely in the days and weeks to come, and we continue to decide and act together, as Allies, he added. The decision will depend on how the Afghan peace process evolves, Stoltenberg said. The only way to achieve a lasting political solution in Afghanistan is through peace talks that are currently underway, according to Stoltenberg. He added, we need to see a reduction of violence. And Taliban needs to stop supporting international terrorists, including Al Qaeda. NATO troops were sent to Afghanistan when the Alliance invoked the collective defense clause of the North Atlantic Treaty, also known as Article Five, in response to the 9/11 attack on the United States. It was the first and only time when the collective defense was invoked, Stoltenberg said. We need to make sure that we are closely coordinated and that were consulting as we move forward because more than half of the troops in Afghanistan are actually non-US, and soldiers from Canada, from European allies and partner nations, have been there for many, many years in and out, but different allies have participated, Stoltenberg said in a moderated conversation with Blinken. More than 100,000 non-US troops have served there and more than 1000 have paid the ultimate price, Stoltenberg said. At a press conference on Monday, he told reporters that there are about 10,000 troops providing support, training, and capacity building for the Afghan security forces. The Afghan forces have proven over now several years that they are capable, theyre professional, and theyre able to stand up against Taliban and also terrorist attacks, Stoltenberg said. We provide them support some training, some help. But we have to remember that the bulk of the efforts are carried out by the Afghan security forces themselves. He said that NATO will provide financial funding for the Afghan security forces and will continue to support them financially throughout 2024. More than 90 percent of the population of the European Union lives in a NATO country, but only 20 percent of defense spending comes from EU allies, he explained. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas warned against a premature pull-out that would see gains in security, education, infrastructure, and human rights quickly lost. We want a conditions-based withdrawal of all forces from Afghanistan, Maas said. Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu announced at the meeting that Turkey is ready to host the meeting to support to the Afghan peace process, according to Stoltenberg. Reuters contributed to this report. Northern Ireland Air Ambulance at the scene on an incident in East Belfast on March 1st 2021 (Photo by Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph) The Northern Ireland Air Ambulance is to receive an additional 1 million in funding, the Department of Health have announced. The charity, who operate in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. Launched over three and a half years ago, Health Minister Robin Swann described the service as a "critical component" of the NIAS emergency response. The charitys operational helicopter carries a crew compiling pilot, doctor, and paramedic, 365 days of the year operating for twelve hours every day Announcing the additional raft of funding for the charity, Mr Swann added that Northern Ireland has benefitted significantly from the service. Many people who have had life-changing injuries, and whose lives have been at risk following significant trauma, have benefitted from the expertise of skilled clinicians who bring advanced critical care to the scene and rapidly transport their patient directly to the regional trauma centre for ongoing emergency care," said Robin Swann. I am grateful to those individuals and businesses who have continued to support this service through charitable donations. "To date this has proved to be a successful and sustainable model delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, but I also recognise the impact that the pandemic has had on the ability of our charity partner to raise funds in its customary manner. "This 1million payment will assist Air Ambulance NI with the challenges they are currently facing and assure the ongoing success of the funding partnership that delivers this valuable service. Ray Foran, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Chairperson, said the pandemic has seen the charity dealing with a significant uptick in callouts. Air Ambulance NI is delighted to receive a funding package to help us continue to deliver pre-hospital emergency care to those in most need," he explained. "Air Ambulance NI has experienced an increase in taskings by almost 20%. We have continued to operate during these challenging times, supporting the Department of Health and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. "We would like to thank all our supporters for their continued and ongoing contribution. Washington: The UN Security Council has unanimously passed a US-drafted resolution that imposes strongest sanctions ever on North Korea, with measures targeting its last remaining major exports and reducing about 30 percent of oil provided to it. "Today, we are saying the world will never accept a nuclear-armed North Korea. And today, the Security Council is saying that if the North Korean regime does not halt its nuclear program, we will act to stop it ourselves", the US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said as the 15-membered UN body passed the resolution 2375 on North Korea. "We are done trying to prod the regime to do the right thing. We are now acting to stop it from having the ability to continue doing the wrong thing", she said. Haley said the international community is doing that by hitting North Korea's ability to fuel and fund its weapons program. Noting that oil is the lifeblood of North Korea's effort to build and deliver a nuclear weapon, Haley said the resolution reduces almost 30 per cent of oil provided to North Korea by cutting off over 55 per cent of its gas, diesel, and heavy fuel oil. "Further, today's resolution completely bans natural gas and other oil byproducts that could be used as substitutes for the reduced petroleum. This will cut deep", she said. Read more: PM Modi and Japanese PM Abe to lay bullet train foundation on Sept 14 Haley said these are by far the strongest measures ever imposed on North Korea. "They give us a much better chance to halt the regime's ability to fuel and finance its nuclear and missile programs. But we all know these steps only work if all nations implement them completely and aggressively", she said. When these new stronger sanctions are added to those passed last month, over 90 percent of North Korea's publicly reported exports are now fully banned. Moreover, this resolution also puts an end to the regime making money from the 93,000 North Korean citizens it sends overseas to work and heavily taxes, she noted. This ban will eventually starve the regime of an additional USD 500 million or more in annual revenues, she added. Beyond the USD 1.3 billion in annual revenues we will cut from North Korea, new maritime authorities will help us stop them from obtaining funds by smuggling coal and other prohibited materials around the world by ship, the top American diplomat said. The resolution bans all North Korean textile exports. Textile exports North Korea's largest economic sector that the Security Council had not previously restricted earned North Korea an average of USD 760 million in the past three years. The resolution requires the end of all joint ventures with North Korea. This will not only starve the regime of any revenues generated through such arrangements, it will now stop all future foreign investments and technology transfers to help North Korea's nascent and weak commercial industries, a US fact sheet said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Princess Leonor of Spain proved she has inherited her mother's taste for sustainable fashion as she carried out her first engagement without her parents today The royal, 15, presided over the Cervantes Institute's 30th anniversary in Madrid - marking her first working visit without her mother Queen Letizia, 48 and father King Felipe VI, 53. For the occasion, she recycled a dress by Spanish brand Poete which she first donned in October 2020 when attending the Princesa De Asturias' Awards 2020, alongside her parents and sister Princess Sofia, 13. The teen, who is set to study in Wales from September, looked poised and professional throughout the event. Princess Leonor of Spain, 15, attended her first solo engagement in Madrid today to mark the 30th anniversary of the Cervantes Institute Spanish first Deputy Prime Minister, Carmen Calvo, and director of the Cervantes Institute, Luis Garcia Montero, waited to greet Leonor Princess Leonor cut a stylish figure in the white and black polka dot dress, which she coordinated with a pair of suede black heels. Wearing a mask in keeping with coronavirus regulations, the young Princess arrived at the event in a chauffeured car and was greeted by waves from well-wishers who lined the streets to catch a glimpse of her. The royal wore her blonde locks in loose curls which cascaded past her shoulders, and opted for no jewellery. She was welcomed by the Spanish first Deputy Prime Minister, Carmen Calvo, who donned a vibrant pink suit, and the director of the Cervantes Institute, Luis Garcia Montero. Royal fans with balloons reading 'we love you very much, Leonor' and 'the future is Leonor' were impatiently waiting for the royal, pictured, to make an appearance Leonor is the eldest child of King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia, pictured on May 27 2020 with her sister Princess Sofia, 13, right The trio quietly walked to the socially distanced event, where Leonor sat front row, presiding over her first official solo event. The Cervantes Institute is a public institution which was created in 1991 and aims to promote the Spanish language and Latin culture around the world. For 30 years, it has worked hard at encouraging the visibility of the Spanish language through classes and teaching programmes. The Institution counts offices in 90 cities - including London -, in 43 around the world, spanning six continents. Just like her mother Queen Letizia, 48, Leonor banked on a simple and classy look for her first solo engagement Leonor, who wore her blonde locks down and in loose curls, looked excited to attend her first solo engagement While Leonor's face was hidden by a sanitary mask, her joy at taking charge of her first royal engagemnt was palpable. Fans had come along to encourage her in her first solo duties, with some waving balloons really 'we love you very much, Leonor.' A banner hung on barriers keeping royal fans at a safe distance also read 'the future is Leonor.' It was announced in February that Leonor, who turns 16 in October, will study at the renowned UWC Atlantic College, based at the 12th century St Donat's Castle in Wales, from September. The sun shone on the rising star of the Spanish Monarchy as 15-year-old Leonor made her way to the event Carmen Calvo (pictured) opted for a vibrant pink trouser suit with a belted blazer for the occasion today There, she will begin her two-year course at the boarding school this summer, where her parents will personally meet the cost of the 67,000 course. The most recent royal alumna was Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, 19, the daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, who enrolled in 2018 but had to cut her time at the college short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and continued her studies online from home. The school, for students aged 16 to 19, says it seeks to 'inspire changemakers' who want to work for the common good. Leonor waved at royal well-wishers who lined the streets to greet her during her first solo engagement The Princess (pictured) is set to continue her education in Wales from September onward at the renown UWC Atlantic College It looks for students who 'can navigate the complexity of life and (reach) beyond easy answers', the school's website said. The royal household statement noted the school's 'open and critical approach'. The school says it takes in students from around 150 countries. Princess Leonor obtained admission to the school anonymously, taking several tests before being accepted, the royal household said. The United World College Movement includes 18 schools around the world, the website said. Carmen Calvo and Luis Garcia Montero (pictured) looked happy to accompany the young royal on her first solo engagement Leonor, who already speaks five languages, has become her illustrious father 'hand-right girl,' taking to her royal duties with 'enormous eagerness,' according to Felipe. Having grown up in the spotlight since her father inherited the throne from King Juan Carlos in 2014, she's learned to keep calm under pressure and has already adopted the polished style of her royal mother, Queen Letizia. Just like her father, who first spoke publicly as a young prince in 1981, she made her first public speech at just 13 at an event marking the 40th anniversary of the Spanish constitution in 2018. Leonor will study a selection of subjects including core classes such as Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics and Physics. She'll also have a wide selection of optional courses to choose from, including Design Tech, Visual Arts, Film studies, Music and Global Politics among others. Keen Linguist Leonor, who delivered an impressive four-language speech in 2019 at an event in Barcelona in 2019 in her second official outing, will also be able to study foreign languages and literature at leisure. The College's literary options range from English and French Literature to Czech, Russian, Tibetan, Swedish and Urdu Literature as well. A stay at the College of the Atlantic will also help Leonor make international friends and learn of different cultures, as per the institution's motto of promoting 'mutual understanding' among their 350 pupils. Fellow attendees respectfully stood as they waited for the princess to take to her seat ahead of the event The Spanish royal looked relaxed as she sat front and centre of the event at the Cervantes Institute Dubbed the 'Hippie Hogwarts,' the boarding school counts The Queen and Queen Noor of Jordan as its current co-presidents and encourages international cooperation from students of all background. In 2018, The Times reported that pupils were discouraged from showcasing their wealth with expensive gadgets, and were as likely to rub shoulders with 'refugees from west Africa' and 'California hippies.' Founded in 1962 by German educationalist Kurt Hahn, he believed his approach to education, for pupils aged 16-19, could lead to a quicker resolution of international conflict, an ethos that is still carried by the establishment which aims to 'promote mutual understanding'. It has also seen a growing list of international royals sitting on the benches of St Donat's Castle over the years. King Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands, studied at the College from 1983 to 1985 and graduated with an International Baccalaureate before undertaking his military service and moving on to study History at Leiden University from 1987 onwards. Princess Raiyah of Jordan, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor also attended her institution as a teen before studying Japanese as an undergraduate at The University of Edinburgh. King Felip VI also attended an international high school as a teen, though he went to the Lakefield College School in Canada rather than Wales. He then returned to Spain to study law at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, will return to Sebokeng next week to meet with local community representatives affected by sewage blockages that have resulted in the Vaal River pollution. The meeting follows Deputy President David Mabuza's visit to the township on Tuesday to check on progress made in the upgrading of the Sebokeng Regional Sewer Scheme. The Deputy President was accompanied by Sisulu, Gauteng Premier David Makhura, Emfuleni Executive Mayor Gift Moerane and senior officials from Water and Sanitation, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Rand Water. During the oversight visit, the Deputy President and his delegation received a detailed briefing on the progress made in upgrading the dysfunctional system. This was followed by a visit to the plant before he addressed a crowd gathered outside the gates of the plant. Mabuza told the gathering that he was satisfied with the progress made to upgrade the plant, and that recycled and clean water was now flowing to the Vaal River. The next leg of addressing pollution includes the unblocking of all blocked pipes in Sebokeng and surrounding areas. This will also encompass the refurbishment of malfunctioning pump stations. The Deputy President has committed to return in due course with contractors, who will be appointed to carry out the task of unblocking sewage pipes in the township. The appointment of the contractors will invariably lead to the creation of jobs for some local residents. In her meeting with the community next week Monday, Sisulu will give detail of when the work of unblocking the pipes will begin, as well as the rest of the envisaged work. Government has spent millions of rands addressing the pollution of the Vaal River by untreated sewage that flows from the treatment plant, pump stations and blocked pipes in the Vaal area. Low float stocks can be some of the most volatile stocks in the market. If you mix in a short squeeze, the potential short-term gains in a low float stock can be extreme. A stock's float is the number of shares that trade freely on the public market. Because insiders and institutional investors dont typically trade their shares on a daily basis, those shares dont typically contribute to a stock's near-term liquidity. Float is the number of shares that remain after accounting for insider and institutional ownership. Why Is It Important? When a stock gains positive momentum in the market, momentum buyers can rush in all at once. If a stock has a high short interest, short covering can quickly ramp up demand for shares, triggering a short squeeze. Since low float stocks have relatively few shares trading freely, a major imbalance in supply and demand can serve as rocket fuel for share price. Buying a low float stock with high short interest isnt a guarantee of a short squeeze. There still typically needs to be some form of catalyst to get the stock moving in the first place. However, traders can keep an eye on these stocks for any signs of life to try to catch most of a potential big move. Related Link: 3 Short Squeeze Candidates In The Financial Sector Short Squeeze Candidates: Here are three energy sector stocks that have all the ingredients for a major short squeeze. HighPoint Resources Corp (NYSE: HPR) HighPoint Resources is an independent oil & gas company. In the past three years, the stock has collapsed by 97.9%. But as many meme stock traders have realized in 2021, short squeezes are technical market phenomena and dont necessarily have anything to do with the companys underlying business fundamentals or the stocks long-term outlook. With a float of just 2.28 million shares and a short percent of float of 31.8%, HighPoint is one of the best short squeeze candidates in the entire energy sector. Arch Resources Inc (NYSE: ARCH) Arch Resources produces and sells coal. Coal may be a dying industry, but short squeezes can send even the worst stocks soaring in the blink of an eye. Story continues With a float of just 15 million shares and a short percent of float of 22%, Arch Resources has plenty of short squeeze rocket fuel in its tank. Ring Energy Inc (NYSE: REI) Ring Energy is an oil & gas exploration and production company that operates in the Permian Basin, the Central Basin Platform and the Delaware Basin. Ring Energys 57.5 million-share float is not the minuscule float thats ideal for a short squeeze. However, 21.5% of its float is held short. In addition, short squeeze traders have frequently targeted stocks trading under $5 per share this year, and Ring currently trades at just $2.79. See more from Benzinga 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. New Delhi: At least two persons were killed and nine others injured after a huge tree fell on them following heavy rainfall in Thane on Monday night, an official said. The official of the districts disaster control cell said that the victims were standing near an automobile garage in Narpoli area of Bhiwandi township when the tree suddenly fell on them amid the heavy downpour at around 9 pm. Two persons Imran Ansari (28) and Lallan Yadav (54) died on the spot in the mishap. The injured ones were rushed to a government hospital. Six of them were still undergoing treatment, the official said. ALSO READ | Mumbai floods: Body of missing doctor found in a drain at Worli seashore For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A new report by a group of environmentalist organizations has accused the worlds biggest banks of wreaking climate chaos on the world by investing trillions in the oil and gas industry. Titled Banking on Climate Chaos, the report says that the worlds 60 biggest banks have invested $3.8 trillion in fossil fuels in the five years since the Paris Agreement. Runaway funding for fossil fuel extraction and infrastructure fuels climate chaos and threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions, the authors said, noting that the biggest culprit was JP Morgan, which poured $317 billion in the oil and gas industry through lending and debt and equity issue underwriting. Citi was second, with $238 billion in fossil fuel investments over the five years since the Paris Agreement, and Wells Fargo completed the top three with $223 billion. Bank of America and RBC came in fourth and fifth, making the top five wrong investors all-North American. In all fairness, many banks have been in a rush to make environmental commitments recently, possibly thanks to the growth spurt that ESG investments have experienced over the last few years and the growing pressure on all industries to reduce their carbon footprint. JP Morgan, for example, last year launched something called the Center for Carbon Transition as a tool to help its corporate clients reduce their own emissions, which would help the bank reduce the emissions from its business. Citi has set for itself a net-zero emissions target for 2050 earlier this month, noting that it had invested in $164 billion worth of low-carbon solutions and had last year made a commitment to invest or facilitate another $250 billion in environmental transactions over the next five years. Wells Fargo is no exceptionthe bank has committed to reducing its emissions by 45 percent from 2008 levels this year alone, as well as its energy consumption by 40 percent from 2008 levels. Like the rest of the Wall Street giants, Wells this year committed to becoming a net-zero enterprise by 2050. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: In early 2020, Financial Advocates supported its clients through one of the most difficult economic years since the recession by providing IT consulting services, virtual events, and expanded resources via partnerships. Financial Advocates, LLC (FA), a leading provider of superior, concierge-level services to independent advisors, reported it closed out 2020 serving more than $10.8B in brokerage and advisory assets as it helped its network of independent financial advisors navigate the pandemic. The company now celebrates 25 years of business and is on track to increase AUM by 20+ percent by the end of Q1 2021. In early 2020, Financial Advocates supported its clients through one of the most difficult economic years since the recession by providing IT consulting services, virtual events, and expanded resources via partnerships. With businesses shut down and in-person meetings restricted, the company revised its business strategy to bring best-in-class equipment and training so advisors could continue to serve clients virtually. As a result, Financial Advocates added on average 2-3 new advisors each month to its advisor network in 2020. Due to the rapid changes forced on the financial services industry in 2020, we expect to see a significant increase in the number of advisors prioritizing digital marketing tactics to reach millennial investors, said Financial Advocates President and CEO Angela Vlach. Financial Advocates will continue this momentum into 2021 by fortifying the educational resources available to our network and focusing our efforts on providing the quality of service necessary to effectively support these advisors and their businesses. Financial Advocates expanded its leadership team with the addition of Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Elvis Medica. In his role, Medica will drive the firms focus on growth in the areas of Business Consulting, Business Development, Marketing, and Portfolio Management. To aid in this endeavor, FA has partnered with a financial planner and CFP to provide an additional layer of quality control and allow FA advisors to provide comprehensive financial plans to their clients. Financial Advocates received honors last year as a result of their growth. FA was named to Barrons* prestigious list of the top 100 RIA firms in the United States and ranked in the top tier among 379 firms representing Washington states money managers. Additionally, CEO Angela Vlach was named by LPL Financial as a new member of the LPL Advisor Council. Vlach is one of 24 members selected from among more than 17,000 LPL advisors nationwide to serve as a sounding board for LPL Financial. The company plans to continue its two-pronged approach of consulting and recruiting more independent advisors. The company also looks forward to welcoming many more advisors to the Financial Advocates family, including those joining as a result of the recent acquisition of Waddell and Reed by LPL Financial. In the coming year, the firm has plans to provide more than 20 educational events, workshops, and networking opportunities for financial advisors through a hybrid model of in-person and online events. To learn more, visit financialadvocates.com. About Financial Advocates Financial Advocates, LLC (FA) and their Hybrid RIA, Financial Advocates Investment Management (FAIM), provide servant leadership in the financial advice market and serves as a financial advisors primary ally through the transition, growth, and ongoing management of an independent practice. FAs experienced and diverse staff delivers intensive support to advisors as they transition to an Independent Broker-Dealer, a Hybrid RIA, or pure RIA model to achieve greater independence. Advisors then enjoy concierge-level service in business development, regulatory compliance oversight, operations, IT, marketing and investment management. Financial Advocates and Financial Advocates Investment Management provide services to more than 200 independent financial advisors, several banks and credit unions, and more than 100 support staff. Financial Advocates, Financial Advocates Investment Management, and its affiliates have 35 home office employees with office locations in Olympia, WA and Tacoma, WA. For more information, please visit http://www.financialadvocates.com. *The Barrons rankings Formula, based on a detailed questionnaire and other factors, included several new metrics this year, such as technology spending, staff diversity and succession planning. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice and financial planning offered through Financial Advocates Investment Management, a registered investment advisor. Financial Advocates Investment Management, Financial Advocates, and LPL Financial are separate entities. "Medium- and heavy-duty trucks are more challenging to electrify than cars, but the purchase of our first all-electric bucket truck shows the market is real today and it will only accelerate from here," said Con Edison Chief Executive Officer Tim Cawley. "While initially small in scope, this represents an important step in Con Edison's journey toward fleet electrification." "We are all in on electric vehicles," Cawley added, "and that means transitioning our own fleet while making it easier for our customers to charge up their own vehicles." Lion Electric, a leading North American manufacturer of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles, and Posi-Plus are building the truck to Con Edison's specifications, with a Lion8 all-electric chassis and aerial equipment drive. Delivery of the vehicle in early 2022 will be followed by its use in a pilot program. If this initiative is successful, the bucket truck will be integrated as part of Con Edison's fleet of trucks that maintains the overhead electric system in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. The class 8 truck will be capable of putting in a full day's work and traveling an estimated 130 miles on a single charge. When not in service, it will top off its batteries in about eight hours using two Level 2 chargers. As of last year, every new light-duty vehicle that Con Edison buys is a plug-in hybrid or all-electric. The company is exploring a range of technologies to reduce its fossil fuel use in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and it may add more all-electric bucket trucks to its fleet in the future. The Iconic Utility Truck Reimagined Bucket trucks are a critical tool for building and maintaining the electric grid, which is set for major investment and expansion as the country shifts toward cleaner sources of energy. Con Edison owns more than 300 such trucks. While electric vehicles carry higher upfront costs than traditional gas-powered models today, they can already save money on fuel costs, and battery prices are dropping rapidly. Con Edison's all-electric bucket truck will be quieter than models with an internal combustion engine, and the electrified version won't emit any carbon dioxide or other forms of air pollution. Utility trucks are often required to spend significant amounts of time idling as they prepare for and perform work, making them an attractive target for electrification. "Con Edison has proven to be a leading innovator among utilities in the United States, and our all-electric Lion8 bucket truck is another example of the paradigm shift that is happening in heavy-duty transportation," said Marc Bedard, CEO and founder of Lion Electric. "Utility trucks are a prime application for electrification that we identified early on, and by eliminating emissions from long idling sessions, utilities have the added benefit of improving the environment and air quality in their own communities while eliminating noise pollution as well." Con Edison has one of the nation's largest incentive programs to cover costs for bringing electrical service from the grid to electric vehicle chargers, with a goal of 18,500 Level 2 chargers and 450 fast-chargers across its service territory by 2025. In a first for New York State, electricity recently began flowing from batteries inside electric school buses back onto the grid, as part of a demonstration project focused on vehicle-to-grid technology. The vehicle-to-grid capable e-buses for that project were also supplied by Lion Electric. In another pilot project, Con Edison and New York City will soon begin installing 120 curbside charging plugs, making it easier for electric vehicle drivers to charge up away from home. As part of its Clean Energy Commitment, Con Edison is on the path to supplying 100 percent clean electricity by 2040, giving drivers confidence that they will shrink their environmental footprint by choosing an electric vehicle over a gas-powered option. About Con Edison Con Edison is a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. [NYSE:ED], one of the nation's largest investor-owned energy companies, with approximately $12 billion in annual revenues and $63 billion in assets. The utility provides electric, gas and steam service to more than three million customers in New York City and Westchester County, N.Y. About Lion Electric. Co. Lion Electric is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit and mass transit segments. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles all its vehicles' components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies. Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life. Lion Electric, The Bright Move. About Posi-Plus Since 1981, Posi-Plus has been designing and manufacturing distinctive utility and telecommunication equipment to lift lineworkers and equipment into the air for construction, maintenance and repair work. The company also builds cable pulling equipment for underground and tensioning applications. The company's products are recognized for their high standards of security, reliability and performance. SOURCE Consolidated Edison Company of New York Classified intelligence briefings to lawmakers have not detailed any major threats posed against the Capitol and it is time for the National Guard to go home, House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said this week. He added, however, that he backs a proposal for a permanent Guard quick-reaction force for the district. "There is no credible threat, so I'm going to be anxious to see where they land on this issue with the guardsmen for a more long-term solution," Rogers said this week in a call with reporters. "I don't believe there's a need for any guardsmen on the Hill. It's police action." Support for a continued National Guard presence around the Capitol has hit rock bottom, with a bipartisan chorus of lawmakers calling for them to pack up and leave. Read Next: The VA Just Got $17 Billion in COVID Relief Money. Here's How They Plan to Spend It The National Guard is expected to remain at the Capitol at least through May. Capitol Police said threats against lawmakers have nearly doubled since the pro-Trump assault on Jan. 6. But neither law enforcement nor the Pentagon has described any specific threats that warrant a constant armed military presence, drawing key lawmakers' ire. "This isn't supposed to be their job forever," Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., a member of the Armed Services Committee, said earlier this month. "We need a plan to protect the Capitol that ultimately doesn't depend on the Guard." The mission also seemingly has little support from top brass. In a memo obtained by Fox News, Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, suggested withdrawing from D.C., saying states are unwilling to continue the mission. He added that the unclear mission parameters hinder the Guard's ability to juggle its other domestic missions, such as vaccine distribution and deployments abroad. Hokanson reportedly was overruled by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Rogers said he supports the recommendation from a task force charged with coming up with solutions to boost congressional security. That recommendation would establish a permanent Guard quick reaction force, or QRF, for all of D.C., based somewhere away from the Capitol. "One of the things they would like to see is a rapid response National Guard Unit, which I'm fine with, being remote from the campus, and I would support that," Rogers said. "But that's about as close as we need to having guardsmen around the Capitol." A permanent National Guard QRF could be a tall order for the force. Beyond the costs of maintaining this unit, most Guard troops maintain full-time civilian jobs, and the Guard does not provide child-care benefits. However, Rogers doesn't agree with the idea of a permanent military presence at the Capitol itself. The current plan has the remaining contingent of about 2,300 troops returning home in May. About 27,000 guardsmen were at the Capitol during the missions peak immediately following the siege. "Now they believe that there should be a contingent of guardsmen, a much smaller contingent, but nonetheless, a contingent of guardsmen remain for the foreseeable future," Rogers added. "That's where I differ a little bit with them." -- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon. Related: Task Force Calls for Permanent National Guard Force to Protect DC Theaters across the country have been shut down due to the ongoing public health crisis. Now more than ever, arts organizations could use your donations to help sustain themselves for future seasons. If you have money to spare for donations, here are several historic Asian American theaters and companies for you to consider. Mia Katigbak and Alok Tewari as Bessie and Jacob in the NAATCO production of Clifford Odets' Awake and Sing! ( William P. Steele) The National Asian American Theatre Company New York Founded in 1989, NAATCO largely presents classic American and European plays with entirely Asian American casts, adaptations of classics by Asian American dramatists, and world premieres by non-Asian American writers, but performed by an all Asian American company. In doing so, through acclaimed productions like Awake and Sing! by Clifford Odets, William Finn and James Lapine's Falsettoland, and Caryl Churchill's A Number, the company aims to reflect and emphasize "the kinship among disparate cultures," while demonstrating the full breadth of the American experience. Donate here. Theatre Mu Minnesota Founded in 1992, Theater Mu is dedicated to bringing Asian American voices to the Twin Cities theater community. Since its inception, the company has become a leader in the local and national development of Asian American theater, and remains Minnesota's only pan-Asian arts organization. Donate here. Silk Road Rising Illinois Formerly known as Silk Road Theatre Project, Silk Road Rising was created in 2002 as a response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, with a vision to counter the negative images of Middle Eastern and Muslim citizens that had begun to permeate the media. The company expanded its focus to encompass the historic network of trade routes known as the Silk Road, stretching from China to Syria, and now presents live theater, digital media, and arts education that includes Pan-Asian, North African, and Muslim stories. Donate here. Pan Asian Repertory Theatre New York For more than 40 years, Pan Asian Repertory Company has worked to create professional theater opportunities for Asian American artists and create new works that focus on social justice issues, while dispelling cultural stereotypes. Notable alums of the company include David Henry Hwang, Daniel Dae Kim, Lucy Liu, Qui Nguyen, and Lauren Yee. Donate here. A scene from KPOP ( Ben Arons) Ma-Yi Theater Company New York Ma-Yi Theater Company was founded in 1989 as a way to develop new works about the Filipino American experience. In 1998, it expanded its mission to include works by Asian American writers of all origins, with a goal of creating boundary-pushing work. Its past productions include Mike Lew's Teenage Dick, Haruna Lee's Suicide Forest, and the acclaimed musical experience KPOP, with the company itself earning a cumulative 10 Obies, three Lortels, and a special Drama Desk Award for its vast body of work. Donate here. Kumu Kahua Theatre Hawaii Founded in 1971 by a group of grad students at the University of Hawaii, the original goal of Kumu Kahua Theatre was to present experimental works by local writers. Based in Honolulu, the company has developed more than 250 new works and is the only theater solely dedicated to creating theater related to the cultures and geographic region of Hawaii. Donate here. East West Players California East West Players was established in 1965 by nine Asian American artists seeking to create work beyond the stereotypical mainstream Hollywood fare that they had previously been given. The company presents world-class productions, develops artists of color, and provides education programs for young people, all dedicated to raising the visibility of the Asian American experience. The company serves 25,000 people each year through performances in the David Henry Hwang Theater and the Union Center for the Arts in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles. To date, they've premiered 228 plays and musicals, and hosted more than 1,000 readings. Donate here. More than 1,400 tourism and hospitality workers in British Columbia will be temporarily employed by the province to help with mass vaccination efforts in non-clinical roles. Premier John Horgan announced the new partnership with a number of companies on Wednesday. People who work in the hard-hit tourism and hospitality sector have answered the call to help with B.C.s immunization plan," Horgan said. "This partnership will provide new jobs for people while contributing to B.C.s already accelerated vaccine rollout. A dozen companies have begun training some workers who've been laid off during the pandemic, to be able to "help move people through the clinics efficiently and safely." Horgan did not provide details about funding the program, but said the government would be "assisting compensation" for the workers, while some companies will be paying for the salaries themselves. B.C.'s vaccination rollout is moving ahead of schedule for the time being, and the province says every adult British Columbian who's eligible for a vaccine will be able to receive it by July 1. As of Wednesday, everyone over the age of 76 can book their appointment, while the province is reaching out to clinically extremely vulnerable people as well. The companies involved in the new partnership with the government's vaccine rollout plan include: After suspension of the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) is lifted after March 24, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)-related activity is likely to go up. However, experts are of the opinion that there wont be an immediate increase in the number of cases being filed at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). This is because financial creditors are likely to weigh their options carefully before taking a company through the insolvency process. But a surge in filings for CIRP may be seen as NCLT benches move towards regular operations. Also, there may be more activity ... NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The national Latino Jewish Leadership Council (LJLC), convened by American Jewish Committee (AJC), met Monday to discuss policy priorities as the nation and the world continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic. Council members agreed that their focus will continue to be pursuing immigration reform; strengthening the fabric of American pluralism; combating growing hate, including racism, xenophobia and antisemitism; and advancing the well-being and stability of the Western Hemisphere and of Israel and the Middle East. Dr. Julio Frenk, President of the University of Miami, provided opening remarks about the current state of the nation and the importance of Latinos and Jews working together to successfully overcome common challenges and preserve democratic values. League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) CEO Sindy Benavides and AJC CEO David Harris addressed the top priorities in their respective communities. "I've been working with AJC for a long time, and it is great to come together to work on issues that are so important to our respective communities," said Benavides. "Immigration reform is a huge priority for us in the new administration. We know there is a better way." Harris said, "Who are the groups most likely to be on the receiving end of scapegoating and conspiracy theories? Latinos and Jews are among the top candidates. This is all the more reason why it's so important that we come together and act together." Since its establishment in January 2017, the LJLC, composed of dozens of distinguished leaders from both communities, has worked to strengthen Latino-Jewish cooperation by advocating on issues of shared concern and values cherished by both communities. The Council has strenuously advocated for immigration reform, denounced the rise of antisemitic and anti-Latino rhetoric that has too often infected the nation's political discourse, and promoted stronger ties among the U.S., Latin America, and Israel. The full Council statement follows: LATINO JEWISH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL STATEMENT ON 2021 PRIORITIES On March 22, 2021, in the aftermath of a presidential election marred by divisive and hateful rhetoric, revealing deep gaps and polarization in American society, AJC's Belfer Institute for Latino and Latin American Affairs (BILLA) convened the members of the Latino Jewish Leadership Council (LJLC) to discuss priorities and action items under the Biden Administration. Members emerged from that meeting inspired, once again, by the commonalities that bind the Jewish and Latino experiences as diverse immigrant and diaspora communities with strong ties to their ancestral and/or native homelands and as peoples with firsthand knowledge of the consequences of prejudice and discrimination. United by the shared values of freedom, justice, and human rights, and recognizing joint historical and cultural connections, they shared the conviction that this relationship holds great promise as they joined forces to advance the multifaceted domestic and foreign policy interests of the United States. Our country today is facing dire challenges with the COVID pandemic still raging despite the hopeful arrival of several vaccines. The violent assault on the U.S. Congress on January 6 evinced even deeper gaps than in 2017 when the Council was established. Hundreds of members of white supremacist groups who have increased in number in the last four years and who the FBI has deemed domestic terrorists marched on Capitol Hill brandishing confederate flags and antisemitic signs. As the American trust in our electoral process grows increasingly contentious, it is our adherence to free and fair elections that will preserve our democracy now and for future generations. We hope that our elected officials will enact bipartisan solutions to guard the security of our electoral system while ensuring able voters have an equal opportunity to cast their ballot. Today, with prejudice and hate crimes on the rise and entire communities stigmatized and facing dire challenges to their survival, our Council reinforces the notion of shared destiny while underscoring that our nation's strength and resilience derives from its diversity, inclusiveness, and openness. We acknowledge the economic, social, and cultural contributions of minorities to the U.S. We particularly salute the tens of thousands of immigrants who, during the COVID pandemic, have continued to play an essential role as front line workers, keeping this country running and alive. We hope that common sense solutions to our broken immigration system will be shortly implemented to honor them and to reinforce our narrative as a welcoming nation. A stable and prosperous Hemisphere and a peaceful and secure Israel are priorities for our Council. We will continue to advocate for the strategic and mutually beneficial partnership among the U.S., Latin America and Israel based on shared values, historical and cultural affinities and vital interests and based on an attitude of respect and co-responsibility. We will actively seek to heal the current rifts, find common ground, reenergize democratic and pluralistic values, and bring the Latino and Jewish communities closer together to advocate for shared goals. SOURCE American Jewish Committee Related Links http://www.ajc.org The private vendor Massachusetts contracted to run the states COVID-19 vaccine appointment software did not anticipate the website to attract 1 million users the morning of Feb. 18, causing it to crash, Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders said. Testifying before lawmakers Thursday afternoon, Sudders said PrepMods staff assured state officials they had conducted proper testing. The application ran well at 500,000 people but crashed the morning of Feb. 18 just as people ages 65 and up and those with at least two co-morbidities became eligible to schedule a vaccine appointment. Their load balancing, their testing had obviously not been sufficient, Sudders said. It was fine at 500,000 people. It was obviously not successful at a 1 million. PrepMod secured a multi-million-dollar contract with the state after an open bid process in August. Sudders said she worked with the states technology officials, including Chief Information Officer Curtis Wood to make sure that the vendor could implement its software on the states website and handle the traffic. After the website crashed, Sudders said she reached out to Wood and his staff. Wood took over to ensure that all of these companies and their agreements with us lived up to the promise that we expected in Massachusetts. In the month since the website crash, the Baker administration has launched a pre-registration website that has mostly replaced the vaxfinder tool by PrepMod. The state contracted with Google Services to build the pre-registration application because other prospective vendors did not want to adapt to the states requests, Wood told lawmakers. More than 1 million residents have received both doses of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, becoming fully vaccinated, state officials say. Rep. Bill Driscoll, co-chair of the Joint Committee on COVID-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management, said the state had turned the page by launching a pre-registration site. The site connects eligible patients with mass vaccination sites and hospitals offering vaccine appointments, but community health centers and retail pharmacies that arent already using the site need to be a part of the process. The others arent necessarily using a pre-registration system. People still have to call individual numbers to make appointments. They still have to chase availability, and we need to increase the number of sites, the number of doses, that are being accessed by pre-registration. Related Content: Today Partly cloudy with afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 81F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then variable clouds overnight with still a chance of showers. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%. Tomorrow Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 84F. Winds light and variable. Mario Gonzalez and his wife, who died in the Atlanta shootings, were in separate rooms at Youngs Asian Massage (Screengrab/Mundo Hispanico Video) A Latino man who survived the Atlanta spa shootings has described how he was handcuffed at the scene and detained for hours while his wife lay dead. Mario Gonzalez and his wife Delaina Ashley Yaun, 33, were getting massages in separate rooms at Youngs Asian Massage when he heard the gunshots. In an interview with Spanish-language Mundo Hispanico, he described how he was paralysed with fear and took cover in his locked room while hoping that his wife was safe. I did not open the door out of fear, he said. Mr Gonzalez said police arrived soon after the gunman left, after which he says they handcuffed him and kept him detained for four hours. He said police ignored his requests to take him to his wife or inform him about her being alive or dead. He said it was only several hours later that an officer told him his wife had died, while suggesting that his race may have been a reason behind his treatment by the police. Read more: "Maybe because Im Mexican, I dont know. Because the truth is they treated me badly," said Mr Gonzalez, who got married to Yaun last year. His niece, Jessica Gonzalez, told the Daily Mail that "hes very upset and angry about that. He was handcuffed for something he didnt do. I think it was a racial thing. He was the only one left in handcuffs. Alex Acosta, who works next door to the spa, said he came outside after the shooting and saw Mr Gonzalez in handcuffs. Mario looked at me and he told me his wife was still inside. He told me to tell the police. The couple had an eight-month-old daughter. Yaun also had a 13-year-old son from her previous relationship. Mr Gonzalez is now worried about providing for his family, he said. What I need most right now is support. So far, over $125,000 (90,000) has been raised in an appeal for funds to help the family and cover the costs of Yauns funeral. Police have arrested 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long and charged him with killing eight people, including six Asian American women, at three massage parlours in the Atlanta area. The incident sparked outrage across the US and comments from political leaders, including president Joe Biden, about rising hate crimes against the Asian American community. Married At First Sight could be set for another cheating scandal. Despite being paired with teacher Alana Lister, construction worker Jason Engler was spotted getting cosy with Coco Stedman before filming the cast reunion last month. Daily Mail Australia photographed Jason, 35, sharing an intimate conversation with the Pilates studio owner, 30, at their own table separate from the rest of the cast. Something to tell us? Married At First Sight's Coco Stedman (pictured) and Jason Engler were spotted getting flirty with each other before filming the reunion cocktail party last month The unlikely pals appeared to be very comfortable with each other, laughing and chatting as they waited for the shoot to begin. The co-stars chatted about their love of music festivals, according to an onlooker. Coco briefly played Jason a techno song on her iPhone in order to impress him, but he told her he was more into rap music. Who knew they were friends? Daily Mail Australia photographed Jason, 35, sharing an intimate conversation with Coco, 30, at their own table separate from the rest of the cast Close bond: The unlikely pals appeared to be very comfortable with each other, laughing and chatting as they waited for the shoot to begin At one point, Coco was caught peeking at Jason's ripped physique as he lifted up his shirt so a crew member could attach a microphone. 'They were very red-faced afterwards and it was quite cute,' said the eyewitness. While it's unclear if their flirtation will be highlighted on the show, a production insider said the pair were seated together 'at their own request'. Overheard: The co-stars chatted about their love of music festivals, according to an onlooker Eyes up here! At one point, Coco was caught peeking at Jason's ripped physique as he lifted up his shirt so a crew member could attach a microphone Busted: 'They were very red-faced afterwards and it was quite cute,' said the eyewitness Coco was paired with fashion designer Sam Carraro on Married At First Sight, but they broke up after a couple of weeks. Jason is still in the experiment with 'hot teacher' Alana Lister. Married At First Sight continues Wednesday at 7:30pm on Channel Nine Case of the ex: Coco was paired with fashion designer Sam Carraro (left) on Married At First Sight, but they broke up after a couple of weeks Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Photo: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic Ryan Murphy has opened up his actor guidebook and chosen Evan Peters to lead his new limited series Monster, which is not a celebration of the 1994 R.E.M. album but rather an examination of prolific serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. Deadline reports that Niecy Nash and Penelope Ann Miller will also star alongside Peters in the previously announced Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which will be largely told from the point of view of Dahmers victims, and dives deeply into the police incompetence and apathy that allowed the Wisconsin native to go on a multiyear killing spree. The ten-episode series will dramatize at least ten instances where Dahmer was almost apprehended by the police but ultimately not prosecuted, which was due to a mix of white privilege, racism, and homophobia. Deadline also stressed that Monsters approach will be more psychological than previous works about Dahmers life and upbringing, such as 2017s My Friend Dahmer. Lets regroup in a few months to see how this Murphy project will also suffer. Danielle Belton, who led The Root for the last five years, will take over the top job at HuffPost next month, filling a role that has sat empty for more than a year. Ms. Beltons appointment was announced Wednesday by Jonah Peretti, the chief executive of BuzzFeed, which acquired HuffPost in February. I realized that journalism was right for me when I was in J-school at college, and I realized that these are my people. I got the same feeling talking to HuffPost staff, Ms. Belton said in an interview. That these are people who are really passionate about getting people the information they need in order to make the best choices possible about their day-to-day lives. These are people who love informing the world. BuzzFeed began its search for a new top HuffPost editor after it announced the acquisition in November, according to an internal email Mr. Peretti sent the staff on Wednesday. In the email, which was obtained by The New York Times, Mr. Peretti said BuzzFeed had put a priority on finding a leader for HuffPost with a long-term vision who could champion its urgent, compelling and far-reaching journalism. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Monday, March 22 11:05 p.m. -- Officers responded to a report of domestic violence in the 5300 block of Sunset Drive. 8:59 p.m. -- A 31-year-old inmate was had just been arrested told jail staff that they might have been sexually assaulted. The inmate then refused to answer any further questions and refused assistance. 8:15 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Jerome Township location for a fraud complaint. Deputies met with a 52-year-old man who explained he provided a photo copy of his ID over the phone to a person claiming to be the Social Security Administration. Deputies told the man not to provide sensitive information over the phone and to monitor his accounts. 3:24 p.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of North Saginaw Road and West Wheeler Street. 1:43 p.m. -- Officers responded to a suicide attempt in the 3100 block of Michelle Lane. 11 a.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash causing injuries in the area of Illinois Drive and East Patrick Road. 10:46 a.m. -- Officers responded to a report of destruction of property in the 300 block of East Larkin Street. 9:02 a.m. -- Officers performed a warrant arrest in the 5100 block of Eastman Avenue. 2:14 a.m. -- Officers responded to a report of domestic violence in the 1800 block of Wackerly Street. 12:07 a.m. -- A 27-year-old Midland man was arrested for operating while intoxicated following a traffic stop in Greendale Township. Sunday, March 21 9:47 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Lincoln Township area for a reckless driver report. A grey SUV was driving all over the roadway. Deputies located the vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 51-year-old Mills Township man, who was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated and lodged at the Midland County Jail. 9:41 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Warren Township business in reference to a 32-year-old man making threats to a 30-year-old store employee. Deputies made contact with the 32-year-old and informed him he is now prohibited from entering the business. 7:14 p.m. -- Officers responded to a trespassing complaint in the 1200 block of South Saginaw Road. 4:57 p.m. -- Deputies were dispatched to a Jerome Township residence for report of a 15-year-old male assaulting his 40-year-old mother. The teen was placed into custody for domestic assault and transported to the Midland County Juvenile Care Center. The mother had minor injuries, and the teen was treated at the MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland for minor injuries. 11:05 a.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 900 block of Joe Mann Boulevard. 12:24 a.m. -- Deputies responded to a Hope Township residence in reference to a possible domestic assault. A 31-year-old Hope Township woman reported she was strangled and assaulted by her 29-year-old husband. Deputies interviewed both parties involved, and the man was arrested and transported to the Midland County Jail. The woman suffered minor injuries, but refused EMS. 12:13 a.m. -- Officers responded to a vehicle crash causing injuries in the area of Buttles Street and George Street. The Institute, established in 1964, is a private, nonprofit association working to improve California workers' compensation through research, information, education, and representation. CWCI members include 26 insurer groups (comprised of nearly 200 underwriting companies that write and service 81 percent of California statewide workers' compensation premium), as well as 33 of the largest public and private self-insured employers in the state. About CopperPoint Insurance Companies Founded in 1925, CopperPoint Insurance Companies, www.copperpoint.com, is a western-based super regional commercial insurance company and a leading provider of workers' compensation and commercial insurance solutions. With an expanded line of insurance products and a growing 10 state footprint in the western United States, CopperPoint is in a strong position to meet the evolving needs of our brokers, agents and customers. It has $5 billion in total assets and an enterprise surplus of over $1.5 billion. CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Holding Company is the corporate parent of CopperPoint Insurance Companies, Pacific Compensation Insurance Company and Alaska National Insurance Company. All companies are rated A (Excellent) by AM Best. SOURCE CopperPoint Insurance Companies Related Links www.copperpoint.com Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content. The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Refuge Place International (RPI), Dr. Mosoka P. Fallah, will on tomorrow, Wednesday, March 24, 2021 serve as an expert panelist at The Fletcher School, Tuft University at the Global Symposium on the control of infectious diseases. The Global Symposium will be held under the theme: "Controlling Infectious Disease Outbreaks: Conflict, Security and Global Health Diplomacy." At the symposium, the former Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), revealed that he will provide expert knowledge on key specific areas under the sub-theme: "Insecurity and Fragility." In a chat with this paper, the Liberian public health expert disclosed that his cover two critical areas, which include: overcoming lack of trust in government among local populations, and the implications of "securitizing health", such using security forces in the responding to non-state armed actors. Dr. Fallah's presentation at The Fletcher University symposium is triggered by an invitation extended him by the University. In a communication to former NPHIL boss, the Fletcher University indicated that symposium is divided into five sessions, with Sessions II, III and IV, intended to start the discussion with brief presentations by a panel of three experts. "We would be grateful if you would serve as one of the panelists for Session II on March 24, offering introductory remarks of no more than five minutes. Given your experience in Liberia, your insight into sub-bullet points 2 and 3 for Session II on the agenda would be especially useful (lack of trust in the government and the implications of "securitizing health"). However, you should feel free to comment on any issues you believe are pertinent," read the communication. With an inaugural student population of just 21 in 1933, The Fletcher School became first graduate-only school of international affairs in the United States. Nearly a century later, it remains a globally respected trailblazer. Liberia's former Finance Minister Dr. Antoinette Sayeh, who is also a former Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and former Country Director of the World Bank for Benin, Niger, and Togo, is also a luminous graduate, The Fletcher School. The School was born when Dr. Austin Barclay Fletcher, a member of Tufts' Class of 1876, donated US$1M towards establishing a school of law and diplomacy at what was then Tufts College. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Health By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. A corporate lawyer in New York City for most of his career, Dr. Fletcher was a dedicated alumnus of both Tufts College and Boston University Law School, serving as a trustee of both, and as president of the Tufts board from 1913 until his death in 1923. Dr. Fletcher's support is indicative of his lifelong devotion to Tufts, and his deep desire to create a new kind of school - one built "to prepare men for the diplomatic service, and to teach such matters as come within the scope of foreign relations, [which] embraces... a thorough knowledge of the principles of international law upon which diplomacy is founded." Fletcher's vision was realized nearly a decade after his death, in 1933, when Fletcher welcomed its inaugural class. Distinguished by its valuable library, renowned faculty, and aspiration to serve both the United States and nations around the world, the School immediately became an innovator -- a reputation it maintains to this day. Fletcher enrolls an average of 550 students each year, from the United States and more than 40 countries around the world. Fletcher alumni live and work in more than 130 countries, and are engaged in careers within national governments, international organizations, business, banking, journalism, education, international research, and countless other private and public pursuits. 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. Social media has sparked countless food trends, and one that's particularly popular with inventive chefs is turning dishes into cute scenes and characters - particularly to tempt young fussy eaters. But while these elabroate creations might look fabulous on Instagram and Pinterest, some amateur cooks have created plates that look 'creepy and vile' after attempting to style their meals into smiling faces or popular movie characters. Artistic British foodies shared their bizarre creations to Twitter page Rate My Plate, where other food lovers were left horrified by the 'embarrassing' and 'disturbing' dishes. One person ambitiously tried to turn their omelette and toast into Wallace and Gromit, while another recreated Frozen's popular snowman Olaf in mashed potato, which was described as 'embarrassing'. Elsewhere, one person transformed their sausages, mash and beans into a hedgehog while another foodie's avocado on toast bizarrely resembled Star Wars' Jabba the Hutt. Here, FEMAIL shares some of the 'creepy' food creations that were hilariously slammed as 'sinister' and 's**t' on social media. Say cheese steaks! Artistic foodies decided to turn their food into smiling faces or characters, with Harry H transforming his pork tenderloin steaks into a 'creepy' face using cherry tomatoes as the eyes, jalapeno as the smile and country buns with mozzarella as the head One woman, known only as Mary P, proved she wasn't short on time as she recreated movie cartoon characters Wallace and Gromit using bread and an omelette. But the creative meal presentation was immediately slammed as 'nightmarish' and 'deeply disturbing' by horrified social media users And Mary P didn't stop there, returning with a second design, which saw her create Rick and Morty, the titular characters from a popular American adult sci-fi sitcom. Her characters were again deemed to be terrifying, with one person commenting: 'I won't sleep tonight Mary' Another man, known as Daniel B, transformed his sausages, beans and mashed potato into a hedgehog, but people argued that the 'nightmarish' creature looked like it had 'Covid' due to the beans leaking out of its nose May the force be with you! One Star Wars fan, known as Andy K, left people in stitches after shaping his avocado so it resembled Star Wars character Jabba The Hutt. The miniature replica sat on top of a piece of dry toast and Andy hilariously called his invention 'Jabbacado on toast' Harri H presented cheddar pancakes and smoked sausages in a more inventive way, wrapping the sausages in the pancakes, and giving them faces with tongues sticking out. But the bizarre creation was criticised by Twitter users, who hilariously pointed out that the design looked rather phallic and 'condoms with added sausage' But Harri didn't hold back and returned with another bizarre design, cooking pork loin with rosemary, onion and baked potato before giving his pale onion a 'vile' face, again featuring a bizarre tongue. One horrified person said: 'Looks like pubic lice under the microscope...' Bad hair day! Another man, known as Niall, presented his cooked breakfast as a smiling face with curly hair using a double-yolked egg as the eyes, sauce as the mouth and bacon as an impressive mane of curly hair. His cooking techniques were criticised by social media users, who insisted that he should have cooked the pale bacon for longer 'Jurassic Barf!': Nicola D used an unusual mix of ingredients to create a graphic scene showing 'waffle houses' being attacked by 'bloody turkey dinosaurs', while her invention left users divided, as some deemed it to be a 'work of art' while others argued it was 'absolutely awful' While Frankie F went to extraordinary lengths to turn their meal into a car complete with passengers joyriding. Frankie cut a baguette to look like a roofless car, attached cucumber to create four wheels and also made sausage passengers. But the picture was slammed by social media users, with one claiming that it was a lot of effort to go to just to 'make your kids cry' One creative woman, Diana E, got creative after cooking curry and rice, presenting the dish in the shape of a teddy bear. The head, ears, arms and legs were made out of balls of sticky rice, and the creation even featured pink paws and a smiling face. But other Twitter users said the bear looked like 'roadkill' because the stomach was created using the runny curry One man, called Michael W, left people horrified after creating a farm and a lamb - using cooked lamb meat. He transformed his cooked lamb into a fence which had a lamb, made out of mashed potato and vegetables, stood in front of it. But the invention divided social media users, with one praising his design as 'genius' while another insisted it was 'sinister' On March 12, a judge in Colorado blocked the city of Boulder from enforcing its ban on semiautomatic rifles the type of firearm police say was used to kill 10 people at a Boulder supermarket 10 days later. Many types of the weapons, which reload with each pull of the trigger, cannot be sold legally in California. There are also laws against them in six other states, but not in Colorado. On Tuesday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein said the massacre showed the need for Congress to revive a nationwide ban on semiautomatics that she sponsored in 1994. Sadly, Ive watched as assault weapons have become the weapon of choice in mass shootings, the California Democrat said at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, citing the slaughters of 58 people at a Las Vegas nightclub in 2017, 14 at a regional disability center in San Bernardino in 2015, and 26, including 20 children, at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., in 2012. If you give people the ability to easily purchase a weapon that can be devastating to large numbers of people, some of them will use that under stress or for whatever reason, Feinstein said. She said the ban she carried through Congress in 1994 had reduced mass killings by 37% during the 10 years it was in effect. But even after two mass killings in a week the Boulder shootings and the March 16 slayings of eight people, six of them Asian-American women, at three Atlanta-area massage parlors there appears to be little prospect of renewed federal gun-control legislation. Feinsteins nationwide ban on semiautomatic weapons passed the Senate on a 52-48 vote and expired in 2004, when Congress refused to renew it. She sponsored a similar measure in 2013 but it was defeated in a 60-40 vote. A more modest measure this year would require background checks for all purchasers of firearms, a requirement that now applies only to sales by licensed gun dealers and not to gun shows or private sales. The measure, similar to laws in California, Colorado and 11 other states, passed the House this month, with support from eight Republicans, but it faces long odds in the Senate. According to media reports, Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., a self-described member of a gun culture, said Tuesday he opposed mandatory background checks on private gun sales. Manchin has also opposed repeal of filibuster rules that require 60 votes in the 100-member Senate to consider most types of legislation, including the gun measures. At Tuesdays Judiciary Committee hearing on the background check legislation, Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., observed that in most states, new voters are able to obtain a rifle quicker than theyre able to cast their first ballot. He said the accused Atlanta slayer had bought his handgun from a dealer earlier the same day, with no waiting period under Georgia law in contrast to the 10-day waiting period required in California, which has some of the nations strictest gun laws. But Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the background checks would do nothing to stop these murders. Boulder passed its ban on semiautomatic weapons in 2018 in response to the killings of 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Fla. In his March 12 ruling, Boulder County Judge Andrew Hartman said Colorado law prohibits local governments from enacting their own gun-control measures. City officials, who contend Boulder is a self-governing entity exempt from the state restrictions, could appeal the ruling. Feinsteins proposal to renew the federal ban on such weapons was derided Tuesday by Chuck Michel, president of the California Rifle & Pistol Association, an affiliate of the National Rifle Association. The previous ban did nothing ... to prevent tragedies like this, Michel said, disputing Feinsteins assessment. Additional bans and restrictions on law-abiding gun owners only make it more difficult for them to choose how best to protect themselves and their families. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko [March 24, 2021] Vaccinating a Nation: How Digital Workers are Making a Difference NHS Trusts get immediate results as Blue Prism's intelligent automation supports the vaccine rollout across the UK LONDON and AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Prism's digital workers are supporting multiple NHS Trusts in the rapid rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine across the UK. A Blue Prism intelligent automation solution has been built out in less than ten days, offering immediate value for this critical, large-scale healthcare operation. With nearly half the population already receiving the first dose of the vaccine, the UK is rolling out one of the world's most efficient vaccination programs at break-neck speed. By using technology to identify how to create more efficient processes, the NHS has been able to respond to the complex logistical demands of getting jabs in arms. NHS Trusts deal with a number of challenges including the heavy administrative workload that comes with the reporting of first and second round vaccine recipients (which vaccine, which arm, dates etc.). Previously, manual input of this data across multiple systems was necessary to track vaccinations through the National Immunisation Vaccine System (NIVS). This was time intensive and required extra staff hours, some taken from wards and diverted from patient care. In addition, reporting has to be complete before second round doses can be administered; any delay here creates longer wait times. Blue Prism's intelligent automation has been instrumental in helping to relieve some of the most significant issues of manual data handling to speed up the efficiency of the vaccine rollout: Digital workers have been eployed to automate the data entry of vaccine information into the National Immunisation Vaccine System, saving time and increasing accuracy of reporting. Automations automatically scale according to workload allowing 100s of digital workers to automatically swarm to backlogs as they occur, releasing tens of thousands of hours of administrative effort back to front line staff. Speedy data input is ensuring that second round doses are working to schedule and more jabs are in arms faster. NHS staff are now able to focus on other jobs, including critical patient care and administering the vaccine. Chairman & CEO, Blue Prism, Jason Kingdon says: "The fact that Blue Prism's digital robots have been supporting NHS staff during this national effort has been a very proud moment for us. The very real value of the work and the impact they may have had reveals another level at which technology has been used in this global crisis. For us it demonstrates how intelligent automation is here - and that digital workers enable humans to focus on more creative, and in this case more humane work, and we are proud to have played a part." Blue Prism and the NHS are long-time partners and have collaborated on a number of transformative projects. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS has used Blue Prism's digital workers for a number of life-saving healthcare initiatives, including the automation of reporting staff antibody testing, saving thousands of hours for hardworking NHS staff. Alongside the vaccine rollout Blue Prism has been helping organizations and industries across the globe through the COVID-19 Response Program. By donating upwards of 500 licences, Blue Prism software has been used extensively to combat some of the most critical issues faced during the pandemic, including for solutions to help financial institutions keep customers solvent, to assist travel companies dealing with the demand of cancellation and refund requests, to maintain fuel supply chains and to help learning establishments transition to online services. Notes to editors: About Blue Prism Blue Prism is the global leader in intelligent automation for the enterprise, transforming the way work is done. At Blue Prism, we have users in over 170 countries in more than 2,000 businesses, including Fortune 500 and public sector organizations, that are creating value with new ways of working, unlocking efficiencies, and returning millions of hours of work back into their businesses. Our digital workforce is smart, secure, scalable and accessible to all; freeing up humans to re-imagine work. Blue Prism's vision is to provide a digital workforce for every enterprise. To learn more visit www.blueprism.com and follow us on Twitter @blue_prism and on LinkedIn. 2020 Blue Prism Limited. "Blue Prism", the "Blue Prism" logo and Prism device are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Blue Prism Limited and its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472066/Blue_Prism_NHS_vaccine.jpg [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) A Lincoln woman has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for being drunk when she crashed her car, killing her best friend who was a passenger. Myanmar's state TV says 628 people imprisoned for protesting last month's coup have been released. Witnesses outside Insein Prison in Yangon on Wednesday saw busloads of mostly young people, looking happy with some flashing the three-finger gesture of defiance adopted by the protest movement. The prisoners appear to be the hundreds of students detained in early March while demonstrating against the February 1 coup that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. (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.) SPRINGFIELD An online fundraising effort by the John Boyle OReilly Club is seeking $25,000 in donations to help the bar and event venue stay open. The club has been part of the community for 140 years, according to the GoFundMe page created by Katie Dooney, a longtime member. She cited COVID-19 restrictions for clubs and bars as the reason for the clubs financial troubles. Over the years this club has been a huge part of many peoples lives, from weekly gatherings to after work drinks, from weddings to the Saint Patricks Day celebrations. There have been so many memories shared here with those who have immigrated from Ireland to share their stories, met people who have become more than friends, they have become family, Dooney wrote on the fundraising page. Club president Richard Devine said the pandemic restrictions began right before St. Patricks Day in 2020. Those events are huge for us and carry us financially for the year, Devine said. While restrictions for gatherings are not as strict as last year, the cancellation of this years Holyoke St. Patricks Parade meant more canceled bookings for the club at 33 Progress Ave. in Springfield, which is closed most days of the week now. The community has been great and they have tried to support us as much as possible, but people are apprehensive about having events inside and we understand that, he said. The nonprofit club depends on memberships, events in the upstairs hall and revenue from the downstairs bar, which used to be open seven nights a week. The former staff of 15-part timers is now down to a single employee, Devine said. When the weather was nice last year the club drew some business by putting picnic tables outside but when the weather got colder everything shut down except for drive through events, he said. We have special events on the weekends. For example recently we sold corn beef sandwiches and people drove and picked those up, he said. We hosted an Italian night where we sold lasagna and chicken parmesan to go and we have had a lot of support, but its not enough to keep us open in the long term. Recently Devine teamed up with Dooney and fellow club member Kelsey OConnor to create the GoFundMe page. By mid-day Wednesday the fundraiser reached $14,620 of its $25,000 goal. I cant say enough about how much support we have gotten already, but we talked about it and decided we would give this a try. We werent sure if it would work or if people would be able to give, but the generosity has been overwhelming, he said. Devine said the club, which has about 700 members locally and across the country, has gotten support from former members as well. In October we sent out a letter to all of our members explaining the situation and telling them about the real possibility of us having to close down. Surprisingly it motivated some former members to rejoin, he said. The club has been around since 1880. We have families with generations of members who have held all of their special events at the club. This place has been an integral part of so many peoples lives. Devine said he hopes that under the states new Phase 4 reopening regulations, allowing for larger indoor gathering, people will start to book events. In the meantime, the club has used funds from the weekend food drive-through events to spruce up the club. We have been painting everything and rehabbing it so that it looks great when people come back, he said. We were all really feeling like the club was not going to survive this year, but now, with everyones generosity and the change in restrictions I am much more optimistic and hopeful. Related content: Mumbai: Actor Emraan Hashmi will be seen in the upcoming thriller Chehre. On his birthday (March 24), wishing him well, producer Anand Pandit recalled, What a pleasure it has been to work with Emraan. He appears to be a very casual performer but there is a lot of thought, instinct and focus behind what he does before the camera. He is an extremely smart actor and makes everything look easy be it anger, fear or any other emotion. It was great fun to work with him. Anand Pandit also shared, "when Emraan started working on Chehre, it is only then that he told me his grandmother Purnima ji had played Amit jis mother in the 1973 classic, Zanjeer. This was the film that launched the new phase of Amit jis superstardom as an angry-young-man and 48-years later he is still going strong and Emraan is working opposite him in a powerful role. What a rewarding thing to see two actors from different generations bonding and working so well together and connecting on so many levels." Chehre will release in theatres on April 9, 2021. North Korea has fired its first ballistic missiles in a year, Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed - a move likely to increase tensions after it fired its first cruise missiles at the weekend. The two short-range ballistic missiles were launched from North Korea on Wednesday (Thursday, local time) - fired from Wonsan on North Korea's eastern coast facing the Sea of Japan. The Defense Ministry reported the news on Wednesday night in the U.S. and said the missiles were believed to have flown about 155 miles before falling into waters off North Korea's east coast. U.N. Security Council resolutions ban North Korea from engaging in any ballistic activities, but not cruise missile tests. Cruise missiles fly at a lower altitude and slower speed than ballistic missiles, making them easier to intercept, but they are still considered more accurate. Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles on Sunday, just days after the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened the United States and South Korea for holding joint military exercises. Sunday's missile tests were confirmed by two senior Biden administration officials. Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea, is seen on March 23. His country fired a missile Thursday TV screens show news broadcast at the Yongsan electronics market in Seoul on Thursday A mock North Korean Scud-B missile, center right, and South Korean missiles at Seoul museum They come as North Korea has ignored offers from the new administration to resume negotiations, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week pressed China to use its 'tremendous influence' to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The officials, however, sought to downplay the significance of the missile tests, noting that they are not covered by U.N. Security Council resolutions meant to deter North Korea from pursuing a nuclear program. Biden himself told reporters the missile tests were not a provocation. 'There's no new wrinkle in what they did,' he said, and laughed as he walked away. Joe Biden, asked about Sunday's test by North Korea, said it was 'business as usual' CNN's sources reported that Sunday's two cruise missile launches were a 'low end' threat South Korea's military said in a statement on Wednesday that it had detected two suspected cruise missile launches by North Korea on Sunday morning. It said the launches were made off North Korea's west coast and said South Korea is analyzing them. The statement said South Korea is closely monitoring North Korean missile activities in cooperation with the United States, but noted it doesn't publicize all its information about North Korea. South Korean politician Ha Tae-keung said in a Facebook posting that he was told by agency officials from Seoul's spy agency that the North fired two cruise missiles off its western seaport of Nampo around 6:36am Sunday. Ha, an executive secretary of the National Assembly's intelligence committee, which regularly receives closed-door briefings from the spy agency, said he was told that the U.S. and South Korean militaries had detected the launches but had agreed not to publicize them. The Biden administration has been open about its desire to engage the North in negotiations even as the regime has batted away calls for the two nations to talk. In North Korea's first comments directed at the Biden administration, the North Korean leader Kim's powerful sister earlier this month warned the United States to 'refrain from causing a stink' if it wants to 'sleep in peace' for the next four years. Kim Yo Jong's statement was issued as Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia to talk with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. South Korea's Defense Ministry said Sunday's launches were North Korea's first missile firings since April 2020. Relations between the U.S. and North Korea, once hailed as potentially promising after President Donald Trump's three meetings with Kim, have been tense with no substantive contact for more than a year. The last face-to-face talks between senior officials from the two countries were held in Sweden in October 2019 and efforts by the Biden administration to resume a dialogue have been rebuffed since February. Since Trump's first meeting with Kim in Singapore in 2018, the North has not conducted nuclear or long-range missile tests, although analysts believe they have pressed ahead with their programs on both. And, the North has not given up short- and medium range missile testing. North Korean officials have not been in contact with U.S. government officials in more than a year, spanning two administrations, one of the senior administration officials noted. Biden administration officials have been consulting with Trump administration officials who took part in the Singapore talks as well as a second meeting between Kim and Trump in February 2019. Some Trump officials in their talks with the Biden team speculated that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and a broader reconsideration of engagement with the United States could explain the North's radio silence, according to one official. Kim is in the midst of the toughest crisis of his nine-year rule as the already-troubled economy was hit by pandemic-related border closings that have sharply reduced the North's external trade. The North also faced a spate of natural disasters last summer not to mention the persistent U.S.-led sanctions. But a Biden administration officials added that the Biden administration does not view the weekend's missile tests as closing the door to such talks. National security adviser Jake Sullivan is also scheduled to meet next week with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts for talks about the way forward with North Korea. [March 24, 2021] MOBIA Technology Innovations Announces Jessie Flynn as Account Executive TORONTO, March 24, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ - MOBIA, a Canadian Business Technology Integrator, announces Jessie Flynn as the newest addition to the sales team in Ontario. She will work with enterprise and commercials organizations in Canada, supporting their technology and digital transformation initiatives. Flynn brings more than a decade of sales and consulting experience in the IT and services industry, most recently as a National Cloud and Services Specialist at Avaya. She has acquired a deep understanding in Enterprise Cloud Solutions, IT Managed Services and Digital Transformation Projects. Flynn focuses on consulting with clients to adopt innovative technoloies and processes to drive business outcomes. "Joining MOBIA is the perfect fit for me MOBIA has everything I'm looking for to deliver on my client's business needs," said Flynn. "I look forward to using my skills, experience and creativity in complex solutions where technology, time and commercial considerations are at play to help propel businesses into their next phase of digital growth." MOBIA's reputation with partners and existing clients played a large role in Flynn's decision, but it was meeting the MOBIA team that sealed the deal. "I cannot put into words how warm and welcoming every person I have met at MOBIA is each of them have made me feel so comfortable," remarked Flynn. "It is unmistakable that they share the same energy and positive vibe with their clients it's their secret sauce and I'm excited to now be part of it." Flynn's passion for mentoring new grads, particularly women, interested in or entering the field of technology is one example of how her personal approach aligns directly with MOBIA. "We are thrilled to have Jessie join the Ontario team," said Andrew Gnoinski, Director of Sales in Ontario. "Jessie brings creativity and tenacity to the MOBIA team and with her unique perspective she will support our initiatives and engagements across Canada." ABOUT MOBIA MOBIA is a Canadian Business Systems integrator leveraging technology to optimize business transformations in the pillars of people, process, culture and technology. www.mobia.io SOURCE MOBIA Technology Innovations Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] "By shaping curriculum, supporting teacher practice, and furthering arts education and social emotional learning research, ArtsEdSEL will positively impact the entire educational landscape, said Robert Morrison, executive director of The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning. Arts Ed NJ, the unified voice for arts education in New Jersey, has launched The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL.org), a national institution dedicated to illuminating the intersection between arts education and social emotional learning (SEL) to facilitate the application of SEL-informed arts education. The intrinsic connection between arts education and SEL is an emerging area of study and practice that has become a topic of increasing priority in the education sector internationally. It is a process intended to provide students and teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to understand and manage emotions, confront challenges, and make responsible decisions by being self-aware, socially aware, and confident. By their very nature, the arts are both social and emotional and serve to enliven and activate SEL components, which in turn, make arts education a catalyst for students social and emotional development as students engage in the artistic processin essence, preventative mental healthcare, which is particularly relevant during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Harnessing nearly two decades of collective impact work, The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning builds capacity to facilitate arts education enriched by SEL. Informed by the Centers six pillars of work, the institution fosters a new vision for SEL to activate competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making among preK-16 students. In every era, there are moments of tremendous clarity, when forces converge and something new, dynamic, and necessary emerges. Once it arrives, people wonder, why has this not happened before? said Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., professor of Psychology at Rutgers University, and director of the Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab. The arrival of the Center for Arts Education and SEL is just such a moment, and it brings with it the synergy of arts education and SEL. ArtsEdSEL will carry this partnership and mobilize the research, policies, and practices that will encourage all students to be socially-emotionally intelligent arts contributors and consumers. Echoing this sentiment is Dr. Kristi Wilson, president of the AASA, the premier organization for the nations superintendents serving thousands of education leaders throughout the U.S.: As our public school system leaders continue to seek ways to support diverse populations, the intersection between arts education and social emotional learning provides a perfect opportunity to amplify student voice. Arts environments, coupled with social emotional learning infuses the love of learning among learner and adult, ultimately strengthening relationships, improving academic performance and outcomes in public education. This undoubtedly will impact lives forever. Creating the Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning, where the arts and SEL are an essential part of the learning process for all students, is well overdue, added Dr. Pamela Randall-Garner Senior Staff Advisor for CASEL, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. This is such an exciting time, especially now, to have this Center as a beacon of hope. The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL) team is led by noted veterans in the field of arts education and social emotional learning, including Robert Morrison, executive director; Scott N. Edgar, Ph.D., director of Practice & Research; Yorel Lashley, Ph.D., director of Student Empowerment; and Kira Rizzuto, director of Programs & Partnerships. The launch follows the completion and rollout of the Arts Education & Social Emotional Learning Framework in 2020. The Framework is the result of a crosswalk between the social emotional competencies and the artistic process defined in the Visual and Performing Arts Education Standards, designed by the SEL and Arts Education Taskforce, which is comprised of experts in both SEL and Arts Education areas with members drawn from SEL4NJ and Arts Ed NJ. As students prepare to return to our schools, their social emotional learning needs will be a central concern, particularly given the trauma brought on by a year-long pandemic, said Robert Morrison, executive director of The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning. By shaping curriculum, supporting teacher practice, and furthering arts education and social emotional learning research, ArtsEdSEL will positively impact the entire educational landscape. ArtsEdSELs six pillars of work are focused on: Equipping arts educators and educational leaders with practices designed to activate the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making to enrich scholastic arts education environments. Promoting empirically grounded insight that builds capacity for high-quality PreK-16 arts education, informed by culturally relevant and sustaining practices by establishing and enacting a research agenda for arts education and social emotional learning. Assisting with systematic approaches to developing and implementing policies that will lead to embedding SEL into arts education at the local, state, and national levels. Supporting a collaborative space to translate and build upon established artistic SEL work by engaging the broad artistic and SEL communities to achieve complementary objectives. Collaborating with and commission artists in all content areas to create purposefully integrated SEL artistic works. Elevating and amplifying student voices and diverse lived experiences, as a catalyst for artistic growth, social emotional development, and educational equity. By recognizing the implicit role of SEL in artistic works and making this role explicit in arts education, through elevating the lived experience, voices, and cultural assets of PreK-16 students, ArtsEdSEL aims to impact the role of arts education dramatically. Intentional SEL-informed arts education is a powerful vehicle to develop student artists identity, belonging, and agency which propels them toward school and life success. To learn more about ArtsEdSEL, please visit: https://artsedsel.org. For more information about Arts Ed NJ, visit https://www.artsednj.org. ### About the Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning (ArtsEdSEL) is dedicated to illuminating the intersection between arts education and social emotional learning to facilitate the embedded, intentional, and sustained application of SEL-informed arts education. This is accomplished by elevating the lived experience, voices, and cultural assets of PreK-16 students through the development of exemplary arts education practices and approaches, designed to activate the SEL competencies of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through the artistic processes of create, perform, respond, and connect. ArtsEdSEL was made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Arts and Culture Recovery Fund. About Arts Ed NJ Arts Ed NJ is the unified voice for arts education in New Jersey. Its mission is to create the proper conditions for arts learning to take place in New Jersey. Arts Ed NJ was founded in 2007 by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, New Jersey Department of Education and Music for All Foundation. Additional support has been provided by the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, ArtPride New Jersey Foundation and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional information is available at http://www.artsednj.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. San Franciscos elite Lowell High School is likely to see a shift in its racial and ethnic makeup after it suspended merit-based admission for next school year, according to new district data. The data which shows which students were accepted to Lowells ninth-grade class are complicated by the fact that the school admitted nearly 200 fewer students than previous years because of over-enrollment in the past. Still, overall, the Hispanic and Black students were a larger share of the accepted class than the previous year, while the share of white and Asian American students fell. The share of Hispanic students grew by 10 percentage points and Black students by 2.9 percentage points. The percentage of white students shrank by 6.5 percentage points. Overall, the share of students of Asian descent decreased by4.4 percentage points. Wow, said Lowell Alumni Association Executive Director Terry Abad, who expected fewer Black students to want to attend Lowell because of past racist incidents. He found the increase tremendously surprising, but surprising in a very good way. 2 1 of 2 Jessica Christian / The Chronicle 2018 Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Marlena Sloss / Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less I certainly like the fact that the entering class looks like it will more closely approximate the student population in San Francisco. I think thats an excellent thing, he continued. Admission to Lowell is now primarily a lottery that takes into account school preferences by students as well as other factors. While the breakdown of those accepted to Lowell differs from those who accept their placement and attend the academically prestigious public high school, it does give an indication of the interest in the school and likely makeup of future classes. The shift in admissions comes after the school board initially suspended merit-based admissions after more than a century because of the lack of grades and test scores due to the pandemic. Later, the board made this shift permanent, voting 5-2 in February to use the same lottery-based system to assign students to Lowell as other district high schools. The board cited pervasive systemic racism and a lack of diversity at Lowell as primary reasons for the switch. The decision caused backlash from some who argue that the switch is designed to decrease the number of Asian American students at Lowell, who make up more than half the student body. The changes come as the Bay Area, and the rest of the country, are in the midst of a reckoning over race, and the school board has put diversity and equity at the forefront of its agenda. At a Tuesday school board meeting, civil rights leader Amos Brown asked, How do we deal with the real reality that over at Lowell, out of 2,700 students, there are only 45 Blacks? The decision to change Lowells admissions set off a wave of criticism because of the high schools reputation as a springboard for students many of whom are low-income to attend elite colleges. Critics of the change demanded that the board reverse plans in a 14-page letter released Saturday. Attorney Harmeet Dhillon called the plan racist against Asian American students as well as unconstitutional and illegal, threatening to sue on behalf of her clients, if necessary. Dhillon says that Lowell already is diverse, pointing to the fact that Lowells student body is 82% non-white. The Boards problem is not underepresentation, it is a perceived overrepresentation of a community of color the Board disfavors Asian Americans, she wrote. Under the current admissions process, prospective high school students rank their choices with siblings, students at Willie Brown Middle School and those who live in areas of the city with the lowest average test scores given preference in the case of a tie. That means students accepted to Lowell in the lottery had put the school as their top or one of their top ranked choices, reflecting a strong interest in attending the school. However, some students who are accepted to Lowell ultimately wind up attending other schools. While Abad said he thought there was a better way to diversify schools than the switch to the lottery system, he clarified that it would take a lot of work, but that the Alumni Association and others are ready to do it. He said the school had to first make progress on creating a truly welcoming atmosphere for communities of color. PTSA President and parent Tiffany Abuan, whose son is a Lowell junior, said the PTSA and Lowell administrators are excited to welcome the students and families who are going to be part of our community, and we are working on making that community more of one thats a community of belonging for everyone where we celebrate everyone. Lowell is not the only elite public high school facing debates over equity and inclusion. In 2019, only seven Black students were offered admission to Stuyvesant, New York Citys most selective public high school, out of 895 spots. Selective public schools in Chicago have had to modify their admissions processes over the years because of court challenges. Schools in Virginias largest school district opted for a holistic review admissions process after eliminating a rigorous admissions exam and $100 application fee at a prestigious magnet school. And while some decry Lowells move away from merit-based admissions, critics say merit cannot be determined by grades and test scores alone: Students may have other merits not reflected by these metrics. COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California. Some parents remain concerned about the change to admissions. What parents want at Lowell is an academically challenging school which is also an inclusive safe place for all students. These are not mutually competing desires, said parent Joya Pramanik, whose daughter is a sophomore at Lowell. Merit-based admissions does not need to create an unsafe environment. SFUSD citywide data shows there are major diversity issues across all the schools. Many schools are reporting issues with safety and lack of belonging via the student self-surveys. The change to admission at Lowell was among several reasons a group of parents launched a recall effort against three school board members. Recall organizers recently brought to light several racist tweets directed at Asian Americans posted by Board of Education Vice President Alison Collins. Several elected officials, including fellow board members and Mayor London Breed, have called on her to resign. They are joined by almost 3,000 people who have signed a petition demanding that she step down. On Saturday, Collins said her tweets have been taken out of context, saying, For the pain my words may have caused I am sorry, and I apologize unreservedly. One of the recall backers, Siva Raj, said in a statement that Collins tweets suggest that the recent decision to permanently change Lowell High Schools merit based admission system to a lottery system ... was prejudiced by the same animosity. Once students assigned to Lowell accept or turn down their assignments, a more complete picture of the incoming ninth-grade class will be clearer. Abad said the alumni group is ready to support and celebrate every student who comes to Lowell, no matter what process is in place. Were delighted to have them, and were going to support them 100%, he said. Emma Talley is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emmat332 Fast-growing Australian payments business Airwallex says it has knocked back multiple acquisition approaches from US-based blank-cheque investment companies, as it secured a fresh round of funding that values its operations at $US2.6 billion ($3.3 billion). Airwallex co-founder and chief executive Jack Zhang said the Melbourne based start-up was fielding a constant stream of offers from special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), which are also known as blank cheque companies, a relatively new form of investment vehicle that is booming in the United States. SPACs are listed shell vehicles that seek out unlisted companies to buy or merge with. We get contacted by an SPAC almost on a bi-weekly basis and we turn them down, he said. Airwallex co-founder and chief executive Jack Zhang is heading a push into the United States. Credit:Paul Jeffers Airwallex announced it secured $US100 million in fresh funding from US-based fund Greenoaks, ANZ Banks venture arm ANZi and Mike Cannon-Brookes personal fund Grok Ventures in a deal that values the business at $3.3 billion. The start-up already counts Paul Bassats Square Peg Capital and Scott Farquhar and Kim Jacksons Skip Capital among its investors. Mr Zhang said the funding means the company will not pursue an initial public offering in the short-term Its quite easy for us to raise in the private market I dont see any need to go public, he said. SPACs are booming in the United States with over $US87.9 billion raised by the vehicles so far in 2021, already exceeding the total for 2020 according to data from SPAC Research. The ASX has ruled out allowing SPACs in Australia, but at least one US SPAC has made an approach for an Australian company, with Rupert Murdochs News Corp fielding an approach for pay TV company Foxtel last year. [Follow live coverage of the red carpet and more from the 2021 Oscars.] In a normal Oscar season, youd be able to pretty much guess the winning actors by now. Think of last year, when the same foursome of Joaquin Phoenix, Renee Zellweger, Brad Pitt and Laura Dern steamrollered their way through every awards show: The only suspense was whether they could sell us on their surprise as their names were called again and again. There are some acting races this year I already feel confident in calling a posthumous best-actor Oscar for the Ma Raineys Black Bottom star Chadwick Boseman is pretty much a done deal. Im keeping an eye on Carey Mulligan in best actress, and Daniel Kaluuya is coming on strong in the supporting-actor race for his work in Judas and the Black Messiah. But theres still one acting category I cant make heads or tails of. This years supporting-actress race is an eclectic free-for-all where just about anybody could win. Those wacky Golden Globes didnt help narrow the field at all, since voters there gave the supporting-actress award to Jodie Foster for The Mauritanian, a performance the Oscars didnt even bother to nominate. Im not mad, though: Its fun to not know what will happen, and Im impressed that the categorys up-for-grabs chaos has lasted this long. The Screen Actors Guild Awards may clarify matters when theyre presented on April 4, but until that big clue comes, lets parse the contenders and keep scratching our heads. Maria Bakalova, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm Look, lets get real about this: Not a single one of this years nominated performances generated more headlines than Bakalovas. Her hotel-room encounter with Rudolph W. Giuliani gave the Borat sequel its you-gotta-see-it comedic climax, but the fearless Bakalova proved indispensable throughout, picking up on every prankish cue from Sacha Baron Cohen like she was born to play his daughter. You can feel the movie reconfiguring itself around her performance as it continues, and ultimately, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm has a spine and a soul because of what this formerly unknown Bulgarian actress brought to it. Cannon Beach Fat Tire Fest Returns to N. Oregon Coast in April Published 03/21/21 at 11:50 PM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Cannon Beach, Oregon) After cancellation last year due to COVID-19, one of the north Oregon coasts more unique festivals is returning to Cannon Beach in April and May. The Cannon Beach Fat Bike Festival takes participants through various beaches of the area, from in and around Hug Point into the community itself. Organizers say its one of the first big to-dos to return to the Oregon coast, with riders zipping around the sands in the company of plenty of fellow fat bike enthusiasts. Happening April 30 through May 2, it features races, beach games with awesome prizes, delicious local beer and lots of frivolity and screaming for your favorites. All activities will be under current COVID Guidelines and under the Oregon Health Authority Sector Guidance - Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Fitness Establishment Order & follow all CDC Guidelines. Daniella Crowder, Director Oregon Rides & Events, said the event will be a welcome relief and rush of fun. Explore the beauty of Cannon Beach by bike, Crowder said. We will have safely-distanced group fat bike rides from the heart of Cannon Beach to the waterfall at Hug Point. Beach bike games and sunset activities on the beach will be spread out to enjoy while keeping groups small and distanced. Saturday activities will also include a scavenger hunt that is a fun way to explore the town like a local! What is the Cannon Beach Fat Tire Festival? Its all based around a particular type of bike that has extra wide tires so it can ramble around softer, unstable terrain like snow, mud or the sands of the Oregon coast. Its a quickly-growing activity in places like Bandon and Newport and of course Cannon Beach. What makes Oregons Cannon Beach Fat Bike festival so special is that it takes place on one of the most scenic coastlines in the Pacific Northwest. Riders will get to ride their bikes around Hug Point, around the community of Cannon Beach, and to a nearby waterfall. Theres nothing quite like a sunset beach ride, or enjoying good brews around a bonfire, and you wont find a better group of people to enjoy riding with. Schedule of Events: Dates: April 30 May 2, 2021 Friday, April 30th 5-7pm | Packet pick up @ Cannon Beach Chamber ~ Community Hall, 207 N Spruce St, Cannon Beach, OR 7:30-8:30pm | Fat Bike Meet Up - Meet at the Chamber at 7:30pm for a sunset beach ride along Ecola Creek Saturday, May 1st 9:30am -12:30pm | Fat Bike Beach Ride to Waterfall. 2-6pm | Community Scavenger Hunt A fun way to explore the towns best views, locals spots, eats, brews, & shops. 7-9pm | Beach bonfire and Fat Bike games. Meet at Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site (in front of Mos Restaurant) Sunday, May 2nd Participants are encouraged to drive to Klootchy Creek County Park (On HWY 26, approx. 5.5 miles from Cannon Beach) where you can take a self-guided ride of the Klootchy Creek Trails. Due to limited availability, there will not be Fat Bikes to demo this year. You will need to bring your own Fat Bike to join the event. More information, including parking, is at the at the official event website. Presented by the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce. (503) 436-2623. email: chamber@cannonbeach.org. Also see Fat Tire Beach Biking at Bandon A Hot New Thing on S. Oregon Coast MORE PHOTOS BELOW Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW 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 Keywords: Oregon Coast, fat bike festival, Hug Point, Ecola, travel, Florence, Yachats, beaches, Coos Bay, Westport, Long Beach, Ocean Shores, Seaside, Astoria, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Newport, Bandon, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Reedsport, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Brookings Right now we share a quick roundup of Kansas City metro crime news that includes but isn't limited to the aftermath of deadly shooting spree and continued pandemic problems. Naming The Dead Kansas City police identify five people killed in weekend shootings KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City police have identified five victims who were killed in four separate shootings over the weekend. Police say Bruce Baker, 60, was found dead inside his car after 6:30 p.m. Friday after officers were called to the area of 102nd and Oakland for a welfare check. Double Tragedy Mourned These two teens were killed this weekend in KC, police need tips The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is asking for help to generate tips in a weekend shooting that claimed the lives of two teenagers. Police said gunfire broke out around 10 p.m. Saturday near 73rd Street and Norton Avenue.Witnesses told officers that two small groups got into an argument outside a home in the area, and someone started shooting. Rock Chalk Retrial Former KU student convicted of rape released from jail after getting new trial A Wichita, Kansas, man and former KU student originally sentenced to 12 years in prison for rape has been released from prison after being granted a new trial.Douglas County District Court Judge Sally D. Pokorny ordered a new trial for Albert Wilson during a virtual hearing on March 16. Second Hand Legal Fight Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas files lawsuit against Olathe OLATHE, Kan. - Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas is taking city of Olathe to federal court over a city ordinance the nonprofit called discriminatory. The suit, announced Monday, comes after the city denied Goodwill a license to operate at a new location. Meth Town Conspiracy Allegations Rebuked 'Ridiculous': Independence man accused of bank robbery says he was racially profiled INDEPENDENCE, Mo.- An Independence man said he was the subject of racial profiling after being accused of being a get-away driver following a robbery at a local bank. Clarence Gravitt said Independence Police and the FBI came to his home on March 10 and questioned him for hours. Kansas City Metro Still Plagued By Deplorable Crooks Kansas AG warns people to watch out for COVID relief scams TOPEKA, KS (KCTV) -- On Tuesday, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt warned people to exercise caution if they are approached regarding the third round of COVID-19 stimulus checks. As was the case with the previous checks, the AG says people should be wary of scammers who offer to help people get their checks. Courthouse Blogging Kylr Yust is about to go on trial. Meanwhile, David Jungerman sits in jail with a trial date not in sight. One of the Kansas City area's two biggest criminal cases is set to go to trial soon, while the other continues to go nowhere. Here's an update on the murder cases of Kylr Yust in Cass County and David Jungerman in Jackson. Kylr Yust Yust, 32, has been in custody since October 2017, charged in... KCPD REDEMPTION?!?! Call to change police reform process draws objection from urban core minister KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Presbyterian church council's call to remove police Chief Rick Smith is drawing objections from some urban core ministers who said they've been working with police to improve community relations. The Heartland Presbytery called for Smith to be removed last week, saying that the council is "not anti-police, but anti-process." Developing . . . 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 eldest daughter of Melbourne underworld associate Danielle McGuire has been ordered to pay more than $800,000 to a builder following a protracted legal dispute over the construction of a St Kilda hostel. Brittany McGuire, 25, is the director and owner of Punt Road Hostel Pty Ltd, while her mother, who famously travelled to Greece with drug kingpin Tony Mokbel, is the operator of the budget accommodation business near St Kilda junction. Brittany McGuire, daughter of Danielle McGuire, with Abdullah El Nasher. Building company RPA Construction alleged in court documents that it agreed to a cost-plus contract in June 2018, after meeting with Danielle McGuire and an architect in 2017. The builder issued three invoices over a three-month period in 2018 that totalled $616,576, but received just one payment of $137.09, according to the writ. A defamation lawsuit that Louisiana's former Veterans Affairs secretary filed against the state's legislative auditor and inspector general in 2017 can move toward to a trial, the Louisiana Supreme Court has ruled. The high court on Tuesday let stand a state appeals court's earlier refusal to throw out David LaCerte's lawsuit. +3 Ex-Veterans Affairs chief's defamation lawsuit against state can proceed, appeals court says An appeals court has refused to throw out a defamation lawsuit that Louisiana's former Veterans Affairs secretary filed against the state's le Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera and Inspector General Stephen Street conducted a joint investigation and concluded in 2016 that LaCerte had allowed fraudulent behavior in his department. They accused LaCerte, a former U.S. Marine, of mismanaging an agency tasked with caring for the state's veterans and embellishing his own military service credentials. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The state asked that the lawsuit be thrown out, claiming Purpera and Street have constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of speech. But the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal ruled in January that the state defendants cannot, as a matter of law, demonstrate that their speech was constitutionally protected. State seeks dismissal of ex-Vets Affairs secretary's defamation suit Former Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary David LaCerte's defamation lawsuit against the state's legislative auditor and inspector general, LaCerte's attorney, Jill Craft, has said the lawsuit is about restoring his name, reputation and honor. Lawyers for Purpera and Street claim the investigative report's content was not false, defamatory, slanderous or libelous. LaCerte served the VA agency under Gov. Bobby Jindals administration between 2010 and 2015. He resigned his post in fall 2015 amid the probe into his office. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Tom Balmforth and Polina Nikolskaya MOSCOW (Reuters) -Allies of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny said on Wednesday they were concerned by a deterioration in his health and his lawyers said they had not been allowed to visit him in the prison camp holding him. Navalny, 44, was jailed last month for two and a half years on charges he called fabricated. He was arrested as he returned to Russia from Germany in January where he had been recovering from what doctors said was a nerve agent poisoning. Navalny began experiencing serious back pain last week, felt a numbness in his leg and was unable to stand on it, according to close ally Leonid Volkov, who said that Navalny had only been given two pills of Ibuprofen in response. Volkov said that Navalny's lawyers Olga Mikhailova and Vadim Kobzev had tried to visit him for a meeting scheduled at 1000 GMT on Wednesday, but had not been allowed in all day. Kobzev, one of the lawyers, confirmed he had been denied access which he said was unacceptable. Navalny is being held in a prison camp in the Vladimir region around 100 km (62 miles) east of Moscow. Speaking by phone from outside the camp, Kobzev told Reuters that Navalny's lawyers had visited him on a daily basis while he was in custody in the Vladimir region and that Wednesday was the first time they had not been allowed to see him. The federal prison service and the regional one in Vladimir did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Navalny's lawyers said prison officials had told them it was not possible to visit their client due to unspecified security measures. Volkov said it was possible Navalny had been moved to the prison hospital and that the facility's administration was trying to hide that fact. "Given all of the circumstances known to us, the sharp deterioration of his health can only cause extreme concern," said Volkov. Navalny's allies have held protests calling for his release and on Tuesday announced plans to stage what they hope will be the biggest anti-Kremlin street protest in modern Russian history this spring, in a new push to win his freedom. Story continues The authorities say such protests are illegal. The West has demanded Russia release Navalny, something Moscow has called unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. Russian authorities say they have seen no evidence that Navalny was poisoned and have suggested he is a Western puppet sent back to try to destabilise the political situation in Russia. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth, Polina Nikolskaya; editing by Andrew Osborn) Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy skies early then heavy thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a half an inch. University of Cape Town students protesting against the financial exclusion of those who are unable to pay fees or who have historic debt (file photo). analysis Lasting solutions for the ongoing student protests need to be found, Parliament heard on Tuesday. This comes as student protests continue for a second week with no clear end in sight. On Tuesday, 23 March, in Parliament, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Blade Nzimande said student protests, which have become an annual issue, were "like a soapie now - it's like the Bold and the Beautiful". This was as protests on campuses continued for a second week across South Africa. Nzimande, his deputy, Buti Manamela, the South African Union of Students (Saus), Universities South Africa (USAf) and representatives from Wits University briefed Parliament's higher education oversight committee about the protests. The meeting was postponed last week when Nzimande, Manamela and Professor Ahmed Bawa from USAf had to leave at different times due to pre-arranged meetings. On Tuesday, Nzimande said the heart of the issue was that "NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme] students were catered [for]", but the problem was with students who fell into the missing middle category. Nzimande said his department was engaging with universities, who then engaged with student structures to determine who needed financial support. He said a funding model for universities, including for... ILTM Asia Pacific, a major tourism event featuring luxurious travel experiences, will be a virtual event this year, postponing the face-to-face event until 2022 and taking place online from July 20-22. While vaccine rollouts are going in the right direction towards international travels recovery, it appears that July will still be too early for an in-person event of our size in Singapore. For this reason, we have made the decision to postpone ILTM Asia Pacific 2021 as a face-to-face gathering until 2022, and instead hold this year's event as a virtual edition, said Alison Gilmore Portfolio, Director, ILTM Portfolio. The framework for the event will be consistent with the virtual editions delivered by ILTM during 2020 and will provide a sophisticated platform from which to access the top luxury travel agents representing the highest net worth of clients across the Asia Pacific region. Designed to provide international and regional suppliers with new business opportunities and enhance industry and media relationships, ILTM Asia Pacific will deliver one-to-one online meetings, plus direct messaging between buyer or media and suppliers, in addition to opportunities to learn from content and industry insights available throughout the duration of the 3-day event. Asia Pacific is still the fastest-growing wealth region in the world according to research undertaken by Barton, in collaboration with Wealth-X, for ILTM. Home to some of the worlds most prolific travellers, the research also reveals that Asia Pacific has contributed over $363 billion annually to the luxury travel universe. The full report will be made available to all participants of ILTM Asia Pacific. With the financial resource, design and inherent ability to pivot during incredible disruption, APAC travellers should be seen as pioneers of the new luxury travel landscape, providing the much needed economic injection the industry needs and has been waiting for, added Gilmore. TradeArabia News Service Mar. 23DAVIDSON COUNTY A Davidson County Sheriff's Office deputy shot a man barricaded in a house who was threatening law enforcement officers with a bow and arrow Tuesday morning. Kenneth Coble of Decker Road was taken to an area medical facility, the sheriff's office said. No information about the severity or nature of Coble's injuries was released. The stand-off began about 8:15 a.m. after the sheriff's office received a 911 call about a domestic assault at a residence in the 500 block of Decker Road between Thomasville and Lexington. The sheriff's office said that Coble barricaded himself inside the residence and refused to comply with deputies' commands to come out. Coble displayed a bow and arrow, then drew back an arrow and pointed the weapon towards the deputies. The deputies fired at and struck Coble. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist with the investigation, which is protocol for shootings involving an officer. The sheriff's office didn't release names of deputies involved and said no more information would be released at this time. WASHINGTON Urging action by the gridlocked U.S. Senate on a package of gun reforms, President Joe Biden on Tuesday demanded the chamber immediately pass two bills that would tighten federal background check laws and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. The president's call came less than 24 hours after a gunman killed 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colo. "Weve been through too many of these, Biden said in a speech at the White House. "I dont need to wait another minute, let alone an hour, to take common-sense steps that will save lives in the future and to urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to act." In the Senate, the measure would face the hurdle of the filibuster, which could only be ended by 60 votes. On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said for the first time that she'd be willing to scrap the mechanism, which critics have long decried as an excessive brake on majority rule. Congress must act to end the epidemic of mass shootings in this country," Gillibrand said in a statement. "I support eliminating the filibuster to deliver the changes Americans are demanding, particularly as it relates to common-sense gun control policies such as universal background checks, banning assault weapons, closing the gun show loophole and instituting a federal gun trafficking legislation. Biden's press secretary said Tuesday the president is also considering a range of executive actions on gun laws. Those could reportedly include moves to tackle "ghost guns," hard-to-trace weapons that can be assembled at home, and law enforcement notifications when background checks fail. On Capitol Hill, senators held a hearing Tuesday on how to respond to an uptick of gun violence during the pandemic a forum that highlighted the persistent divide between the two parties on firearms in America and the uphill battle to pass reforms. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer repeated Tuesday that he plans to bring House-passed legislation expanding background checks on gun sales to the Senate floor, although Democrats do not appear to have enough votes to approve the bill. Schumer also will meet with U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who has been leading Senate gun negotiations, and other senators this week to decide a path forward on legislation in the chamber. I don't see a lot of need to make changes to a bill that has 90 or 95 percent public support, Murphy said of the House bill, which would require background checks for online firearm sales, at gun shows and in some private transactions. I don't want to be negotiating against myself when there's a proposal that is wildly popular, (and) a political movement behind it that is growing stronger. But Democrats could indeed end up negotiating against themselves: On Tuesday, the moderate Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.V. said he opposed two House bills. He said commercial gun sales should be subject to background checks, but sales between private individuals should not. Schumer also noted that he has not recently discussed a ban on assault weapons with Biden. Democrats have not coalesced around one major proposal to do that, but legislation could block military-style, semiautomatic weapons like those already banned in New York. (Biden helped pass a 10-year federal assault weapons ban as a senator in 1994.) Democrats have pushed to change federal gun laws for years; Biden worked to strike a deal while he was vice president after the Sandy Hook school massacre in 2012. But they've failed to reach compromise with Republicans. Asked if he now had the political capital to get something done, Biden said, "I hope so, and crossed his fingers. I dont know. I havent done any counting yet, he added. The number of mass shootings increased in 2020 during the pandemic as the crisis forced more people home and cost many their work or school. The Capital Region was one of several regions that experienced a sharp uptick in gun violence, with law enforcement citing the health crisis as a challenge for their work trying to head off disputes that can lead to bloodshed. People also bought more guns than ever before in 2020. We cant keep up with it, said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are numb to the numbers. ... That has got to stop. Tuesday's Judiciary Committee hearing on guns exposed the persistent rift between the two parties on federal gun laws. Democrats have championed measures to further regulate gun sales and remove firearms from abusers and people who make threats. Gun violence is an epidemic in its own right, said Blumenthal. We need to end this epidemic with a comprehensive nationwide approach: expanded background checks; extreme-risk laws to prevent suicides, mass shooting and hate crimes; protecting domestic victims; and safe storage standards. These kind of measures are in our reach. Republicans equally vocal about the need to pass legislation backed stronger police forces and prosecution of individuals who illegally purchase guns. They said the push by some progressives to "defund the police" has made people less safe. What happens in this committee after every mass shooting is Democrats propose taking guns away from law-abiding citizens, because thats their political objective, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who repeatedly targeted Blumenthal in his comments. But what they propose, not only does it not reduce crime, it makes it worse. ... When you disarm law-abiding citizens, you make them more likely to be victims. To pass a bill, Democrats will either have to strike a deal on one of the most politically difficult issues they face or eliminate the filibuster in the Senate, a change that would allow Democrats to pass bills with no Republican votes, but could backfire in other ways. The Boulder shooting was the second time in less than a week that the White House ordered flags to fly at half-staff. Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21, is in custody and stands accused of killing the 10 victims, including a police officer. In Atlanta last week, another man shot and killed eight people, including six Asian-American women. Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday said the Colorado shooting was baffling. It's 10 people going about their day living their lives, not bothering anybody, Harris said. A police officer who is performing his duties, and with great courage and heroism. ADVERTISEMENT The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has presented a budget of N299.9 billion for the 2021 fiscal year to the Senate for consideration. The proposal is about 34 per cent higher than the 2020 budget allocated to the territory. Officials of the FCTA made the presentation on Tuesday when they appeared before the Senate Committee on FCT. The FCT minister, Muhammed Bello, who led the delegation from the FCTA, made the presentation. He informed the panel that of the total proposal, N215.9 billion, would be classified as distributable revenue while N84 billion would be the non distributable revenue. He also said 54.6 per cent of the entire budget is proposed for capital expenditure while the other 45.4 per cent which comprises personnel and overhead costs, is for recurrent expenditure. Increase The current proposal when compared to the agencys 2020 budget has an increase of N101 billion translating to 34 per cent. The increase, Mr Bello said, will be achieved through aggressive revenue drive geared towards achieving target results and goals. He informed the panel that given the Expanded Accelerated Area Council Title Re-issuance scheme designed to revolutionise the land administration, the FCTA administration might be compared to return back to Senate for supplementary budget. In his remarks, the chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Kyari (APC, Borno North), said besides the 2021 budget proposal, both parties are to deliberate the performance of 2020 budget to sustain federal governments policy of running the annual budget from January to December. While he pledged that the committee will actively conduct carry out oversight to foster quality service delivery to residents of FCT, the lawmaker said full implementation of the budget will be ensured through these oversights from time to time. This, he said, will help in complementing the efforts of the minister in the fight against corruption and any administrative anomalies such as misapplication of funds. The committee will deliberate upon the proposal presented by the FCTA and present its report to the Senate for consideration and possible approval. The 2021 budget proposal comes three months after the Senate approved a revised budget of N199.2 billion for the FCT for 2020. The review was done to cater for expenditures that were not anticipated when the initial FCT 2020 Statutory Appropriation was considered. More Questions and Answers About COVID-19 Vaccines Interview by Stephanie Desmon | March 24, 2021 Facebook Live Q&A This conversation is excerpted from a March 5 Facebook Live. See More Like This How is it possible that COVID-19 vaccines prevent serious illness and death but may not prevent mild infection? How effective are vaccines at preventing long-haul COVID? How soon might we see flu mRNA vaccines and would those have to go through clinical trials? Josh Sharfstein answers a list of important questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Most COVID vaccine information is focused on how effective they are at preventing serious disease, hospitalization, and death. How is it possible that the vaccine is more effective at preventing serious illness and death than it is preventing a mild infection? Its actually very common for vaccines to be much better at preventing serious illness and death than preventing infection or mild infection. For example, with the flu vaccine, people can still often get the flu, but they are much less likely to get seriously ill or die if they get the flu vaccine. The question is why. It partly depends on how the immune system responds to vaccines. Any infection whatsoever is a certain type of immune response, and very few vaccines give what people call a sterilizing immune response. What vaccines do cause is an immune response that is strong and multifaceted inside your body. So, even if you knew that the virus can replicate a bit for a mild infection, it cant cause that huge overwhelming infection that really puts people at risk. Early on in the pandemic, before we even had vaccines, some vaccine experts were saying the most important thing is going to be [preventing] serious illness and death, and [vaccines will] probably will be much better for that than for mild illness, just like almost every other vaccine out there. Sure enough, that proved to be the case. How effective are vaccines at preventing long-haul COVID? We dont know. Its a good question, because people can get these long-term symptoms from relatively mild infection. There are some studies being set up to assess this, but we dont know for sure. The safe bet would be that the chance of getting a long-haul infection is going to be much lower [for] someone whos vaccinated compared to someone whos not, just because that person is much less likely to get infected at all. Theres also this related question of whether people with long-term symptoms from COVID actually might benefit from getting vaccinated. Somebody who had an infection and has been suffering some of those symptoms like fatigue and brain fogdoes it get better if you get vaccinated? Theres no answer to that; however, at multiple clinical sites, some of the doctors are hearing from their patients that theyre feeling somewhat better. I think that the real answer to that, though, is going to depend on studies that will be completed, to see whether it makes a difference. If I have no symptoms at all after receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, does this indicate that if I had gotten COVID, I would have been asymptomatic or had mild symptoms? I do not think it means that. What determines how sick you are from COVID-19 is a complex set of things that include how much virus your body actually took in. Thats one reason why people who get exposed to lower levels of virus are more likely to have an infection without symptoms, for example. It also relates to different aspects of peoples immune system and probably some other factors we havent figured out, so I would not assume that the response to the vaccine is the same as the response to the actual virus. Is this the first time mRNA technology has been used in a vaccine? It is not, actually. There are several vaccines that are in development with mRNA technology. Theyve completed safety studies for them, and that includes influenzaso there could be an mRNA flu vaccine in the futurecytomegalovirus, Zika virus, and the rabies virus. [These vaccine trials] havent made it all the way to the end [because] those were going through the regular vaccine process where you go one step at a time. Those companies arent going to invest in a big, next trial until theyve really analyzed the data from the previous study. In the case of [COVID-19 vaccines], we had a lot of urgency and all the money was put up, up front. The companies didnt have to find the money for each stagethey were just able to just proceed from the safety study to the effectiveness study very quickly. This let the coronavirus vaccines go to the front of the line because of the urgency. This is a technology thats been well studied, not just for vaccines, but also for therapeutics. Do you think that having successful mRNA COVID vaccines will pave the way for these other vaccines? Its going to be great for peoples comfort level with the vaccine, both at a level of understandinglike, Wow, thats going to be like the coronavirus vaccine, and it was so successful!and also scientifically, I think therell be a greater understanding of mRNA vaccines, and that will help with the development and the review of other mRNA vaccines for different different viruses. Having said that, just because an mRNA vaccine works for coronavirus doesnt mean its necessarily going to work for a rabies or influenza virus. Theyre going to have to do studies to find out. Do we know yet how soon flu vaccines may be made as mRNA vaccines, and will they have to go through clinical trials as a new vaccine? I would expect that they would go to clinical trials but I do know that some studies have already been done, and hopefully this will proceed and well get another great vaccine. One of the long-held goals for flu vaccination is a vaccine that lasts more than one year, and maybe a vaccine that doesnt require a strain change every year. The mRNA vaccines may be a way to get to that goal, but there obviously has to be a lot more research. Why are mRNA vaccines so encouraging for the future? This is a platform that has certain advantages, among them, that you can stand it up so quickly. It doesnt require a lot of different ingredientsits a very, very small number of things that go into the vaccineand it can be updated, very quickly, so if you need to change the strain, its very possible to do that. I think well look back and think that mRNA kind of had its coming out party with coronavirus, but [was] around beforehand, and it will hopefully lead to some other important advances in medicine. How are side effects from COVID-19 vaccines being monitored? Theyre being monitored in multiple ways. One thing that people who have gotten vaccinated know is that you have an opportunity to get texted about the potential side effects youre experiencing. The Centers for Disease Control is looking at that from millions of people who are getting vaccinated to understand the profile of side effects. People also submit reports to the manufacturers and to the FDA about potential side effects, and there are studies that are done in large insurance databases or clinical databases where you can look at the people who got the vaccine compared to people who didnt get the vaccine to see whether theres any difference in case theres a question about whether or not a particular side effect might be caused by the vaccine. On a regular basis, there is a big group that comes together and looks at data from all these different sources to see what the safety profile is and, so far, its been very, very strong. I was just looking at a 60-page document thats posted on the CDC website where they went through all these different sources and they have a huge analysis of allergic reactions. I think the Pfizer vaccine had five serious allergic reactions per million doses given, and per 2.8 million for the Moderna vaccine. Almost always, those allergic reactions are in the first dose. Not always, but almost always. It also talks about the evidence of the mild side effects people get. Seventy percent of the people get a sore arm; I think about a third got a headache, a third got fatigue, but then of course they feel better in just a couple of days. Theyve been even doing studies in these insurance databases to compare people who are vaccinated and people who arent vaccinated just for things that people think Well, maybe, could it possibly relate to this [vaccine]? and they have not found any serious red flags coming up. So, theres a lot of analysis of safety data and there will continue to be. Its a very important part of vaccination and the vaccination program to look at safety and not just in one way, but in multiple ways. Does someone who recovered from COVID and then gets vaccinated have a higher immunity than someone who hasnt had COVID and also gets vaccinated? In general, people who have had COVID have some immune reaction to COVID when they recover. But its variablesome people may have a pretty mild immune reaction, and some people may have a very protective immune reactionand right now, we dont have an easy way to tell the difference between them. Thats why vaccination is recommended for everyone, even if youve had COVID before. There will be studies of different types of people, their vaccination status and when they got vaccinated, and hopefully well get a picture and some markers like a blood test that you could take to find out how protected you are. We have that for certain infectious diseases. You can, for example, for hepatitis B, see whether you have antibodies. One of the things well learn from some of these studies is, is there a way to test people for their ability to withstand a coronavirus infection? When we have that, I think that might be more important than these general questions because probably it will depend on the individual and having some way to test to figure that out over time is what will be helpful to people. If Ive had COVID, how long should I wait to get vaccinated? Is it okay to get my first dose if I no longer have symptoms? The basic standard requirements are that if you are in that period where youre sick and could be spreading COVID to stay home until you get better, which I think is around 10 days and no symptomsthen its fine to get vaccinated. [Some] people have said youre probably relatively protected from another infection for a couple months after that infection and, if you want to wait a couple of months to get vaccinated, you can do that. But theres no requirement to do that. Its perfectly fine to get vaccinated. There are people who may get COVID right after their first shot, before theres any protection, and they could get vaccinated for their second shot on time if they want, with one exception: If theyve been treated for that COVID infection with antibody treatment, then theres a recommendation to wait 90 days so that that antibody treatment doesnt interfere with the vaccination. What will happen if everyone gets vaccinated? Wont the variants get tougher as their source of food gets eliminated? The virus is constantly mutating and every time that it replicates, theres a chance that you could develop a variant. If the virus cant replicate, the virus cant develop a variant. If the virus is replicating a lot, then youre more likely to get variants. The goal of a vaccination campaign now is to reduce the spread of the virus, which reduces the replication of the virus, which will reduce the chance that there will be more variants. With less virus, fewer people are dying. And with less virus, fewer variants. The CDC recently released guidance for what vaccinated people can do safely. What do you think of this? One important principle is that vaccination is important to people both directly and indirectly. Directly, its important if youre protected, and there may be some things that are different, like you can meet up in small groups with people who are vaccinated. Theres also the indirect benefit, which is the more people get vaccinated, the less coronavirus is spreading out there. The less coronavirus spreading out there, the easier it is to open things up again. Thats the indirect benefit, and that may not happen the day you get vaccinated or the day youre protected from your vaccine. But, the more people in your community get vaccinated, the more likely the benefit is going to come help you. This is exciting because we can see what the end of the pandemic might look like, but we just have to get there. We cant trip on our way running too fast to the end of the pandemic. Meanwhile, states like Texas and Mississippi have both rescinded their mask mandates. Is this getting a little too far ahead? We have to push COVID as far into the end zone as it can go through good mask wearing, social distancing, and vaccination until we really are able to open things with competence. The risk of doing it too soon is that the virus keeps spreading, you get mutations, you get potential variants spreading, and we wind up taking a step back. That takes longer, in the end, to get to the place that we all want to go. Im also concerned about the mixed messaging. Mask wearing really does reduce infection, and we still have a lot of infections in the United States, even though it has come down. Just to hear from one level of government Do this, and another level of government Do that, it just stirs the pot again and makes it harder for people just to stick with the program long enough to put coronavirus back in a box, which I think is within reach. Now, will what the governors do really upend that? We dont know. But will it increase the risk of a problem? It might, and I think thats why you hear so many people saying, Were headed toward the end zone, dont blow it. Joshua Sharfstein, MD, is the vice dean for Public Health Practice and Community Engagement and a professor in Health Policy and Management. He is also the director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative and a host of the Public Health On Call podcast. Stephanie Desmon is the co-host of the Public Health On Call podcast. She is the director of public relations and marketing for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, the largest center at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. A customer examines a luxurious watch at a Audemars Piguet store in Ho Chi Minh City on September 30, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Vien Thong. Luxury auto and fashion brands are increasingly enamored of Vietnam as they eye its young population and burgeoning middle class. The first Porsche Studio in Vietnam and second in Southeast Asia opened earlier this month in Hanoi. The vibrant young population in Hanoi is the inspiration for the store, especially since Vietnam is one of the German brands fastest growing markets in the region, Arthur Willmann, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific, said. In December, U.K. auto brand Rolls-Royce found a new distributor in Vietnam two months after ending its partnership with the previous one. Paul Harris, director of Roll-Royce Asia Pacific, had spoken to VnExpress at the time about Vietnams strong growth in recent years and great potential. Vietnam has the youngest demographic among Rolls-Royces markets, he said. Luxury brands remain extremely hopeful despite the blip caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of ultra-high net worth individuals, or those with a net worth of at least US$30 million, in Vietnam fell by 4 percent last year to 390, according to U.K. property consultant Knight Frank. The number with a net worth of $1-30 million was down 6 percent to 19,491. Porsche Studio in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Porsche. Swiss watch brand Audemars Piguet last September introduced a new collection in the country after having opened a store in Ho Chi Minh City in October 2019. The 140-year-old brand, whose products cost up to VND4.5 billion ($194,400), continues to be well patronized despite Covid. DAFC, which distributes over 60 international brands including Rolex, said sales rose by 35 percent last year. Tien Nguyen, its deputy director in charge of luxury fashion brands, said demand from middle-class and wealthy clientele remained strong last year. She pointed out that Vietnam was the only Southeast Asian country whose economy grew last year. "The Vietnam market is at an ideal time for the entry of global luxury brands." A major factor in keeping demand for luxury goods strong was the restriction on travel, which prevented people from shopping internationally and also meant they had a bigger disposable income. Italian luxury accessories brand Bvlgari last month returned to Vietnam with a store in HCMCs District 1. Like Porsche and Rolls-Royce, Bvlgari also sees young Vietnamese driving demand for its products. The countrys luxury goods market is set to grow to $1.14 billion this year and grow at an average of 7.17 percent a year in 2021-25, according to German statistics portal Statista. Knight Frank forecast the number of people with a net worth of $1-30 million to rise by 32 percent to over 25,800 by 2025, among the fastest rates in the world, thanks to the governments success in controlling the pandemic. Adorable video captured the moment a group of dolphins were spotted brightening up the murky waters of New York City's East River. The video was filmed by Cailin Doran, a 26-year-old performer who noticed the trio of dolphins on Tuesday while she was walking through Transmitter Park in Greenpoint. 'They just wanted to see the view,' Doran captioned her clip of the playful creatures gliding away from the park toward Manhattan. Adorable video captured the moment a group of dolphins were spotted brightening up the murky waters of New York City's East River on Tuesday The video was filmed by Cailin Doran, a 26-year-old performer who noticed the trio of dolphins on Tuesday while she was walking through Transmitter Park in Greenpoint 'It was a combination of strange and inspiring,' Doran told the New York Post. 'I lived in California for many years, so I'm used to seeing dolphins, but definitely not used to seeing them with the NYC skyline in the background.' The dolphins apparently made a whole day out of their trip to the East River, according to a second video posted online by Adam Figman, the chief content officer for SLAM magazine. 'I was walking my dog on the pier and this guy was, like: "Check that out I can't figure out if they're dolphins or sharks,"' Figman told the post. 'He was very excited, though. He then decided probably dolphins.' 'They just wanted to see the view,' Doran captioned her clip of the playful creatures gliding away from the park toward Manhattan Doran said she took the sighting as a good omen for the city that's been crushed by months of lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic. 'I just thought it was such a beautiful and majestic sight to see, especially after spending so much of this past year indoors,' she said. 'It felt very hopeful in a way it's a beautiful spring day and dolphins are in the East River! There are still good things happening in the world, even if it's a little odd.' Dolphin sightings in the East River are exceedingly rare and always make a splash when they occur. The last known sighting was in 2013, when a solo swimmer was seen peaking above the waves. One of Australias most respected anti-corruption lawyers says Attorney-General Christian Porter should not have responsibility for establishing a Commonwealth Integrity Commission while he is facing an unresolved rape allegation. Former Queensland Criminal Justice Commission director Mark Le Grand said the flaws inherent in the proposed Commonwealth anti-corruption body, particularly the special protections it offers politicians, created a conflict for Mr Porter, who is challenging historical rape allegations against him in a defamation proceeding against the ABC. Attorney-General Christian Porter has been on leave since identifying himself three weeks ago as the cabinet minister at the centre of historical rape allegations, which he denies. Credit:Trevor Collens Isnt it a matter of public perception, public faith in the process that the person who is sponsoring this legislation through the Parliament is beyond reproach and doesnt have an interest in the provisions of the legislation? Mr Le Grand said. A person who is the subject of serious allegations which are the subject of litigation in the Federal Court muddies the waters and brings into question whether he is truly an independent agent in taking this legislation through Parliament. Tower Holdings Group has welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanala to uphold planning permission for the proposed mixed-use development at the old Port of Cork site on Custom House Quay. The scheme includes plans for a five-star hotel, new food and beverage outlets and a new maritime culture and heritage offering. Cork City Council had granted conditional planning permission for the development back in October, but this was appealed by the Irish Georgian Society, by An Taisce Corcaigh, and by Cobh resident John Adams. However, in supporting Cork City Council's decision, An Bord Pleanala stated that subject to compliance with the conditions set out by the council, the proposed development would "assist in the redevelopment and rejuvenation" of the city centre and would be "in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area". An Bord Pleanala also stated that the proposed development would "make a positive contribution to the urban character of the area" and that it would "enhance the skyline of the City Harbour Interchange Area of the city centre". Kevin OSullivan, CEO of Tower Holdings Group said they are delighted with the decision from An Bord Pleanala to uphold the previous permission from Cork City Council. "We assembled one of the best design teams in the world, all of whom worked tirelessly to get this scheme right and I would like to sincerely thank them for all their efforts. "The mixed use and cultural aspect of the scheme was extremely important to us and the city council alike, ensuring extensive public realm space and a maritime visitor attraction. "Another key aspect in making the scheme a commercial success is the continuation of maritime activities on the river, ensuring the quays and jetties remain fully accessible and utilised by passenger cruise vessels, water-based transport/tourism and leisure craft to access the site and the city centre by river," he said. "I believe this project will add great value to the city and boost the docklands regeneration. "I have always believed in a strong future for Cork and we are proud to be part of this future as the world recovers from the pandemic," he continued. Marco Gamini, Lead Architect for the project for Gensler said the project will act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the docklands district. "Gensler and the wider project design team are delighted by An Bord Pleanalas decision to grant planning permission for the Custom House Quay scheme. "The restoration and transformation of this magnificent site at the heart of the citys future will be a catalyst for further regeneration of the docklands district. "The slender sculpted tower will form a contemporary new piece to complement the much loved historic composition, bringing new purpose and dynamism to the River Lee, as well as provide the city with a beacon to the future. "We look forward to delivering this tremendous project in collaboration with the whole team." Conor Lee, Director of Operations for Tower Holdings in Ireland, said a start date for the project has yet to be determined. "We fully engaged with the planning authorities along every step of the way in this lengthy process to ensure the preservation of existing structures, respecting the heritage and maritime history of the site while sensitively blending the old with the new. "The scheme is in line with the Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework which includes a specific focus on the regeneration of Corks brownfield docklands area. "We have yet to fully examine all the planning conditions and certain points of detail to establish their effect on the scheme before commencing future engagement with potential occupiers, which in turn will dictate a start date for the project," he said. Commenting on the news that the development has been given the green light, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said the decision is "a positive move for the city". "The plans for multi-purpose use of the site will harness this prime location, overlooking the river and standing proudly at the head of the citys island are a statement of how our city can celebrate its heritage while delivering spaces designed for a modern progressive city. "The redevelopment of the bonded warehouses will open to the public for the first time, allowing access to this beautiful and historic building," he said. The news of An Bord Pleanala's decision follows last weeks Government announcement of extensive infrastructure funding for Cork, including a heavy concentration of a 353m allocation for public infrastructure works to enable regeneration and development of the docklands area. "The approval of this planning for the Custom House site, coupled with last weeks Urban Regeneration Development Funding announcement for the Docklands show truly inspired ambition for our city region which will enhance Corks reputation," Mr Healy said. Slovakia may be unable to vaccinate half of its population by the summer Only Bulgaria and Croatia are expected to vaccinate fewer people, according to the recent changes to the distribution key. 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. Slovakia may be one of three EU countries that will have the fewest vaccinated people by the summer. This is according to a document obtained by the Czech daily Hospodarske Noviny and the Euractive website. This is due to a change in the distribution key, according to which vaccine manufactures will deliver more vaccines to the EU member states that have ordered greater numbers of doses. As a result, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Latvia, Czechia and Estonia will be unable to vaccinate half of their populations by June, according to Euractiv. Data shows that Malta could have enough jabs to vaccinate 92 percent of its population by the end of June, followed by Denmark (79 percent), the Netherlands (64 percent), Cyprus (62 percent), Sweden, and Germany (both 60 percent). Has Slovakia failed to order millions of available Pfizer vaccines? Health Ministry refutes claim Read more On the other hand, Bulgaria and Croatia will only receive enough doses for 36 percent of their population, while Slovakia should have enough vaccines for 39 percent of its population, Latvia for 42 percent, Czechia for 44 percent, and Estonia for 48 percent. Several EU country leaders have already asked the European Commission to change the distribution key again and return to the pro-rata-based system. Bratislava reportedly ordered less than 71 percent of the vaccines it was entitled to. Altogether 564,458 people have received their first jab as of March 24 in Slovakia, and 246,884 have been vaccinated with the second shot. To achieve herd immunity, about 3.3 million people should be fully vaccinated. Read more about the coronavirus development in Slovakia: 24. Mar 2021 at 17:47 | Compiled by Spectator staff Shares of slipped 5 per cent to Rs 1,056.80 on the BSE in intra-day trade on Wednesday on profit booking after the company board gave a go-ahead to issue equity shares aggregating to Rs 300 crore on a preferential basis. The company is a manufacturer, providing intelligent and sustainable solutions for customers across industries. In the past four trading days, the stock has rallied 14 per cent. The company said its board of directors approved the issuance of up to 3.01 million equity shares on a preferential basis and determined a floor price of Rs 996 per equity share or such a higher price, aggregating to Rs 300 crore. This preferential issue is subject to necessary approvals, including from the companys shareholders, it said. The proposed issue will bring onboard high-quality and marquee shareholders of scale and repute. The funds from this issue, if approved, will further strengthen the companys balance sheet profile and will also augment the financial flexibility to address medium-to-long-term growth prospects. The proposed investors include SBI Mutual Fund (through various schemes), Malabar Select Fund, Malabar India Fund, India Acorn Fund, Ramesh Siyani and Arpit Khandelwal. Rossari proposes to utilise the net proceeds to evaluate and invest in inorganic growth opportunities, within its core chemistries, with a view to diversify its product portfolio, expand the geographical reach and augment end-user industry applications. This will further enable the company to build a strong upcoming pipeline of new products, with impetus on sustainability and environment-friendliness, it said. Axis Capital Limited and Axcelus Finserv are advising the company on this fund raise. Texas has finally arrived where Midland County has been as far as all adults being eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. But Midland Health officials arent satisfied that more than 64,000 doses have been delivered inside Midland County, according to their count. No, they offered a message of increased accessibility and wanting to get more shots in arms. We're beginning to see a pretty significant decline in demand, Midland Health CEO Russell Meyers said Tuesday during a press conference from the Midland Unified Command team. So, we hope to do some more things to make vaccine accessible to people in the coming days. That message included a video that showed local African American medical officers urging people of color to receive the vaccine. The message also included comments about how the lower numbers around the community confirmed cases, positivity rate, number of COVID patients in the hospital has to do with the number of people receiving vaccinations as well as those who have already been infected with the virus (just less than 17,000 as of Tuesday morning). More than anything else to remind people of its availability and of its safety profile, which is excellent, Meyers said. For those people who have been hesitant -- who've waited for whatever reason -- there really is no longer any reason to wait to get your vaccine. And we want to continue to deliver that message in every possible venue. Midland Health has been responsible in the administration or delivery of more than 70,000 doses of vaccine in and around Midland County. Dr. Larry Wilson, Midland Healths vice president of Medical Affairs, said Tuesday that more than 30,000 people in Midland County have been fully vaccinated and still there has not been a single significant reaction that's been documented at all. You can look at the numbers from across the country, you can look at the numbers, specifically in Midland County, Wilson said. I don't think there's an argument for saying that this is not a safe vaccine. And the opportunity for successfully opening up with complete relaxation only exists if we reach that point of herd immunity. So we're cautiously optimistic about where we stand today. But I really encourage everybody to please go out and get vaccinated, it's safe, it's the right thing to do for the community. Meyers said if a person is 16 years of age or older, he or she can receive a vaccine. He recommend that they go to the Midland Health website midlandhealth.org/vaccine or call 432-221-4VAX. Either way, we'll get you an appointment, probably within a day or so, Meyers said. We can make it very, very simple for you. So, please get vaccinated if you haven't yet. Meyers about those coming in from Mexico for vaccines: The state's been very clear on this. We've asked them the question several times. There are no geographic restrictions to getting vaccinations at any site in Texas. So if you can produce some form of ID, and you're willing to tell us about yourself, including where you live, then we will put a shot in your arm even if you're from Mexico, and there are a handful (less than 20 people) with Mexico addresses who have been vaccinated so far. There are two or three other countries represented -- people who were in Midland for one reason or another and we didn't let their home country prevent us from giving a vaccine. There have been probably five or six other states represented among the people we've given vaccines to, so we're not discriminating. If you're here and you're eligible, we'll give you a vaccine. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 00:02:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA -- Philippine troops have killed at least 16 suspected terrorists in a weeklong offensive in the south Philippines' Maguindanao province, the military said on Wednesday. The military said three soldiers were also wounded in the clashes that broke out on March 17 in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town. (Philippines-Terrorists) - - - - HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's financial system has been operating smoothly despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other global uncertainties, an official of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Wednesday. When introducing Hong Kong's financial strengths to Indonesian businesses at an online seminar, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury, said the financial hub has demonstrated resilience and robust performance over the past year, especially in fund-raising through initial public offerings and the stock trading volume. (Hong Kong-Finance) - - - - PHNOM PENH -- Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Wednesday called on the six Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) countries to continue showing solidarity to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In a message celebrating the annual LMC Week 2021, Sokhonn said 2020 had been overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching impact on public health safety, the mobility of people and the flow of global supply chains. (Cambodia-LMC cooperation) - - - - KUNDUZ, Afghanistan -- At least 22 Taliban militants and two security forces members were killed in separate incidents in northern Afghanistan, authorities said Wednesday. In Kunduz province, two soldiers and six militants were killed as Afghan security forces repelled a Taliban attack on security checkpoints in Imam Sahib district early Wednesday, provincial government spokesman Esmatullah Muradi told Xinhua. (Afghanistan-Clashes) Enditem New Delhi, 24 March : While debating the Finance Bill 2021 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Sushil Modi explained the reason behind not bringing petrol and diesel prices under the GST. He said for the next eight to 10 years at least, petrol and diesel cannot be brought under the GST. The Bihar BJP leader alleged that opposition leaders strongly oppose GST on the streets but when the GST Council meeting takes place, not a single Chief Minister or Finance Minister has ever opposed the GST structure? "If the income generated from diesel and petrol is being spent in the development of the country, then what is the problem?" asked Modi. Modi said if the petrol or diesel costs Rs 100, a tax of Rs 60 is levied. Of this Rs 35 is received by the Central government and Rs 25 by the states. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Modi said, "One thing which repeatedly comes up is that petrol and diesel prices be brought under the GST slab. If petroleum products are brought under GST, where will the states go to compensate for the loss of more than Rs 2 lakh crore to Rs 2.5 lakh crore every year? The Centre and the states get nearly 60 per cent of the revenue from petrol and diesel and receive Rs five lakh crore per year." He said the highest tariff under the GST is 28 per cent, while at present 60 per cent tax is being levied on petrol and diesel. In such a situation, if petrol and diesel were brought under the GST, then from where will Rs 2 to 2.5 lakh crore be compensated? Modi further said,"Whether it is the Congress or the BJP , no government is willing to compensate for a loss of Rs 2.5 lakh crore. It is not possible that in the incoming 8-10 years, petrol and diesel can be brought under the GST." Modi also targeted the opposition parties for opposing the GST. He said,"Some people ridicule GST as 'Gabbar Singh Tax'. If you have the courage, then oppose it in the GST Council meeting where leaders from all states are present. So far no Chief Minister and Finance Minister has opposed the GST structure in the GST Council meeting." Higlighting the benefits of the GST, Sushil Modi said in the Rajya Sabha that there are no check posts on the borders today which has helped in saving a lot of time. During the implementation of GST, the opposition parties had staunchly opposed it. Citing the example of Canada, one of the opposition parties had said that there was a lot of opposition to the introduction of GST in 1992 there and the ruling party lost when elections were held. It was said that the Narendra Modi government would have to suffer the same fate. But during the state Assembly elections held after GST implementation, the Modi government was re-elected to power with a massive majority. In Surat, where GST was opposed the most, the Congress could not win even a single seat during the Gujarat Assembly elections. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text KORE Mining announces 2021 Exploration Plan at The Long Valley Gold-Silver Project Posted by Publisher Internet KORE Mining Ltd. (TSXV: KORE | OTCQX: KOREF) (?KORE? or the ?Company?) is pleased to announce the 2021 exploration plan for the Long Valley gold and silver project (?Project?).? The plan includes drill testing the highest priority shallow oxide resource growth targets and the underlying sulphide feeder structure targets. ?In addition, KORE?s exploration strategy will be expanded to the newly staked 14,104 acre district scale claim area and supplemented with a new satellite survey. HIGHLIGHTS: Drill test highest priority shallow oxide resource expansion and untested underlying sulphide \feeder structures\ targets minimum 5,000 meter program Potential to expand drilling to 15,000 meters, if warranted Drill program permitting in progress with drilling expected to start late in Q2 2021 Complete in Q2 2021 a satellite multispectral survey to identify alteration, associated with gold mineralization, on entire 15,965 acres of claims Expand ground geophysics surveys to generate and refine additional oxide and deeper structural targets Further mapping and geochemical sampling on new structural targets KORE?s CEO Scott Trebilcock stated: ?Our 2021 exploration plans will extend our successful exploration strategy onto our new district-scale 14,105 acres of claims at Long Valley, opening the potential for discovery of new oxide gold deposits.? At the main deposit, we remain on track to drill our exciting resource expansion and underlying feeder zone targets in mid-2021.? Figure 1 shows the project claims with outlines of the current Long Valley resource.? The Company has identified opportunities to expand the shallow oxide mineralization in all directions, further grow by making new discoveries along separate parallel structures and further yet on additional yet unrecognized mineralized structures on the district-scale claims.? Additional mineralization could extend mine life, reduce capital intensity and generate higher project economic returns than the 1.2 million ounces of Indicated gold and 0.5 million ounces of Inferred gold from 64 million tonnes of 0.58 grams per tonne and 22 million tonnes of 0.65 grams per tonne, respectively, modelled in the preliminary economic assessment (?PEA?) announced October 27, 2020.? Additionally, as a fully intact epithermal deposit with a large at surface footprint, Long Valley has the potential for high-grade sulphides and discrete vein zones in the underlying feeder structures.? The discovery of high-grade, sulphide dominant gold (?Au?)-silver (?Ag?) mineralization in addition to near-surface oxide Au-Ag mineralization would open up additional development pathways for the Project, such as underground mining and milling of mineralization.? Figure 2 shows a plan of controlling fault structures, drill target areas, drill hole location in permitting and locates cross sections.? Figures 3 and 4 layout the highest priority drill targets in section.? Drill holes are designed to test both near surface oxide expansion and deeper structures extending below the known resource with multiple holes planned from each pad. Additional details of the Long Valley exploration targets are in KORE news releases dated January 30, 2020 and March 24, 2020.? About Long Valley Gold Deposit The Long Valley deposit is an intact low sulphidation epithermal Au-Ag deposit with a large 2.5 km by 2 km oxide footprint, hosted within a melange of fine to coarse volcanogenic sedimentary lithologies.? Mineralization at Long Valley has developed due to a combination of deep-rooted fault structures and a resurgence of rhyolite within an active caldera.? The Hilton Creek Fault structure transects and served as a fluid conduit for interaction with the underlying hydrothermal system, while the rhyolite resurgence caused brittle fracturing of sediments and created voids or traps for mineralization and gold deposition.? The combination of these factors yields strongly altered kaolin and quartz-hematite zones that are the primary host for gold mineralization.? The Hilton Creek Fault remains underexplored on-strike north and south and several parallel structures have been defined using geophysics, the eastern one hosting some of the current mineral resource and the western one being unexplored.? Long Valley is therefore open to potential new oxide discoveries in all directions.? More details on the deposit geology and exploration potential can be found in KORE?s January 30, 2020 and March 24, 2020 news releases.? About Long Valley Gold Project Long Valley is 100% owned epithermal gold and silver project located in Mono County, California. Figure 1 shows the claims and mineralized area.? The 15,965 acre land package is district in scale and covers all deep-rooted fault structures of similar genesis to the Hilton Creek fault, the primary ?conduit? for the current Long Valley deposit.? A total of 896 holes have been drilled on the Project, the majority being completed by reverse circulation with lesser core, rotary and air track.? The current mineral resource estimate is 1,217,000 ounces of Indicated gold and 456,000 ounces of Inferred gold from 63.7 million tonnes of 0.58 grams per tonne and 22.0 million tonnes of 0.65 grams per tonne, respectively.? The mineral resource consists of oxide, transition and sulphides.? The estimate was prepared Neil Prenn, P.E. of Mine Development Associates with an effective date of September 15, 2020.? A Preliminary Economic Assessment for a shallow, low-strip heap leach Au-Ag project was filed October 27, 2020 with the following highlights: US $273 million NPV5% post-tax with IRR of 48% at US$ 1,600 per ounce gold ; Significant leverage to gold: US$ 395 million NPV5% at spot US$ 1,900 per ounce gold; 102,000 ounces gold per year over 7 years mine life; Technically simple: shallow open pit, heap leach with nearby infrastructure; Unmodelled silver potential from metallurgical test-work; and Shallow oxide and sulphide feeder exploration potential to further enhance project. More information is available in the technical report filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on KORE?s website at www.koremining.com. Technical information with respect to the Long Valley 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: the actual timing and implementation of the 2021 exploration plan and strategy for the Long Valley Project, the actual timing of completion of the 2021 exploration plan for the Long Valley Project, the opportunities of expansion at the Long Valley Project, the results of the PEA, including future Project opportunities, the projected NPV, permit timelines, the current mineral resource estimate, 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. KORE is 100% owner of the Imperial and Long Valley gold projects assets in California. Both projects have positive economic assessments that put KORE on the path to produce up to 350,000 ounces of gold production per year. 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 Long Valley 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. In other words, this device can block the most common pollutants using a new-gen approach that starts with a 12-channel cyclone system thats supposed to block some 90 percent of PM 2.5 particles.Furthermore, the device offers UVA and UVC air purification and a molecular sieve to remove odors.Purus Air V is the worlds first portable air purifier with both UVA+UVC sterilization. Through the specially designed light diffraction structures, the UV light spreads out evenly, effectively sterilizing the filtered air rising through the 12-channel cyclone cleaning system, the parent company explains.With Purus Air V, killing harmful germs and bacteria is guaranteed. Our ultraviolet light has a 254nm wavelength, falling within the range in which MicroDNA has peak sensitivity to UV light, allowing Purus Air V to further safeguard and sterilize the air more efficiently.Purus Air V doesnt require you to change the filters , and cleaning takes just a few seconds. It can also be cleaned with freshwater, the manufacturer guarantees.No battery is included, so you need to connect it to a power supply using a USB-C cable . But according to the official specs, a 12,000 mAh power bank is enough to keep the device up and running for no less than 30 hours, as the maker has specifically optimized it for reduced power usage.Purus Air V is currently listed on Indiegogo for crowdfunding, and the good news is that the device is already fully funded. If you want to get the air purifier, you can stick with the early bird perk, which can be yours for just $125. The shipping is projected to start in August this year, as the campaign still has some 55 days left to go. Miya Ponsetto, the infamous 'SoHo Karen' who falsely accused a black teen of stealing her cell phone from a New York City hotel, is being sued by his family. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the family of Keyon Harrold Jr., 15, lists Ponsetto as a defendant, as well as Arlo Soho hotel, its owner company Quadrum Hospitality Group, hotel manager Chad Nathan and others. The lawsuit alleges violation of New York City Human Rights Law and New York State Human Rights Law, and also accuses her of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, negligence, and loss of service. The hotel and its management group are also accused of negligent hiring, with the lawsuit claiming Nathan 'had a history of racially prejudiced behavior and misconduct.' Scroll down for video Keyon Harrold Sr., right, is joined by attorney Ben Crump, center, and Katty Rodriguez as he speaks to reporters during a news conference to announce the filing of a lawsuit against Arlo Hotels and Miya Ponsetto Miya Ponsetto (pictured the infamous 'SoHo Karen' who falsely accused a black teen of stealing her cell phone from a New York City hotel, is being sued by his family for violating his human rights Keyon Harrold Jr., 15, (left, with his dad) was attacked by Ponsetto last December after she accused him of stealing her phone The lawsuit comes months after an incident at the Arlo Soho Hotel, when Ponsetto accused Harrold Jr. of stealing her cell phone on December 26. She then attacked Harrold Jr. before fleeing the hotel. Ultimately, the hotel was found to have the phone and returned it to Ponsetto. Security video later released by the NYPD shows Ponsetto frantically grabbing at Harrold Jr. as he tried to get away from her through the hotel's front door. She's seen clutching him from behind before both tumble to the ground. Ponsetto was later arrested in California and charged with third-degree attempted robbery, grand larceny, attempted assault, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. According to Law & Crime, the next court date in the criminal case is set for March 29. Ponsetto allegedly attacked Keyon Harrold Jr., who was 14 at the time, at the Arlo Soho Hotel The new civil suit dives into the altercation from the vantage point of the Harrold family. 'On the day after Christmas, Keyon Harrold and Keyon Harrold, Jr. headed to a restaurant in the lobby of the Arlo Soho Hotel, where they had been staying, in order to have brunch. As soon as they entered the lobby, they were suddenly confronted and racially profiled by defendants Chad Nathan and Miya Ponsetto.' Ponsetto was later arrested in California and charged with third-degree attempted robbery, grand larceny, attempted assault, and acting in a manner injurious to a child The lawsuit then accuses Ponsetto of chasing and tackling Harrold Jr. after she 'disregarded all of the other non-African American individuals in the lobby.' Nathan allegedly helped detain Harrold Jr. while hotel security guards stood idly by. After the attack, Harrold, a Grammy-winning musician, called the police to report what had just occurred. 'As a result of defendants actions, Plaintiffs have suffered loss and injury, including but not limited to physical and emotional pain and suffering, great mental distress, shock, fright, economic loss, humiliation, embarrassment, emotional distress, feelings of racial stigmatization, an increased sense of vulnerability, and unlawful deprivation of their protected rights to exercise and enjoy equal treatment....' The lawsuit is seeking damages, as well as attorney's fees and costs, but does not list a desired dollar amount. Attorney Ben Crump, Attorney Paul Napoli along with the Keyon Harrolds father Keyon Harrold Sr and mother Katty Rodrigeuz announce the filing of a law suit against the Arlo Hotel The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the family of Keyon Harrold Jr., 15, lists Ponsetto as a defendant, as well as Arlo Soho hotel, its owner company Quadrum Hospitality Group, hotel manager Chad Nathan and others. The boy's mother Katty Rodrigeuz announce the filing of the law suit The lawsuit alleges violation of New York City Human Rights Law and New York State Human Rights Law, and also accuses her of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false imprisonment, negligence, and loss of service Attorney Ben Crump flashes the family's lawsuit at the press during the announcement on Wednesday Famed civil rights attorney Ben Crump is part of the plaintiffs' legal team, which is being led by Craig Phemister, Esq. DailyMail.com has reached out to Phemister's law firm, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, for comment. Paul D'Emilia, who is representing Ponsetto in her criminal case, did respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. 'My office, together with the Manhattan DA's Office, are diligently working towards a resolution of this case,' D'Emilia said of the criminal matter. 'Our goal remains to handle this matter through the proper judicial channels and not through various media outlets. Ponsetto has been charged with third-degree attempted robbery, grand larceny, attempted assault, and acting in a manner injurious to a child 'Ms. Ponsetto remains at her home in California and has not been informed of any pending civil lawsuit in which she has been named.' After the incident, Ponsetto denied being racist and apologized to the teen for 'making him feel inferior' during a rambling interview with CBS This Morning's Gayle King. 'I admit, yes, I could have approached the situation differently or maybe not yelled at him like that and made him feel, you know, maybe some sort of uh inferior way, making him feel as if I was like hurting his feelings, because thats not my intention,' Ponsetto said. In January, a California judge dropped a misdemeanor count of public intoxication against Ponsetto, related to a February 2020 arrest. Her mother, Nicole Ponsetto, pleaded no contest to battery on a police officer and public intoxication in the same incident. She was sentenced to to 100 hours of community service and entered a 12-month diversion program. They were both arrested after a drunken incident at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Starco Group ("Starco"), a leading provider of liquid and aerosol products, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Chase Products Company ("Chase") based in Broadview, Illinois. Founded in 1927, Chase is a highly diversified mid-west aerosol producer and was one of the first aerosol manufacturers in North America. Chase is regarded as one of the nation's most competent spray paint manufacturers and has a deep portfolio of household cleaning, personal care and EPA registered disinfectants and insecticides. Ross Sklar, Chairman and CEO of Starco, commented, "We can't be more thrilled and honored to welcome everyone at Chase into the Starco family. Together, with Starco's household, DIY/hardware, personal care, pharmaceutical, food, beverage and spirits facilities across the country, adding Chase's capacity, products and expertise with core competencies in paints, household, disinfectants and personal care, provides tremendous synergy and allows us to support more brands and retailers across almost every aisle in the store." Judy Albazi, President of Chase, added, "The amalgamation of the specific companies within The Starco Group brings a new level of value, opportunity, and capability to each other, our supply chain, and more importantly to our customers. Chase Products Co. sees many consumer product possibilities today and into the future." The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. For more information contact Mireya Espinoza at [email protected]. About The Starco Group Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, The Starco Group is a leading manufacturer of aerosol, liquid fill and bulk chemicals across the DIY/hardware, household, personal care, pharma, food and beverage sectors. With over 10 facilities across the US, Starco Group serves customers in multiple channels primarily serving brands and retailers. For more information visit www.thestarcogroup.com . About Chase Products Co.A Chase Products Co. is a diversified mid-west aerosol producer. Chase was one of the first aerosol manufacturers in North America that started in 1927. Chase is regarded as one of the nation's most competent aerosol manufacturers and has a deep portfolio in paint and coatings, household cleaning and personal care aerosol products. For more information, visit www.chaseproducts.com. SOURCE The Starco Group The Honor Band 6 was unveiled back in November 2020 in China. The company was having a turbulent time in the winter as it completed its separation from Huawei and while the wearable was introduced to the global audience in January, today we can announce it will finally arrive for sale. The Honor Band 6 is a pretty nifty device - it has a 1.47 AMOLED touchscreen and a sporty look with a huge HONOR logo on the side. There is an SpO2 monitor and a heart rate sensor, and the Band can also track sleep and stress through the integrated sensors. The battery capacity is 180 mAh, which is enough to provide between 10 and 14 days of life on a single charge. Software-wise, the Honor Band 6 supports 10 workout modes, swimming efficiency evaluation and calculates personal heart rate zones, and it also can automatically detect an activity if, for some reason, the user forgot to turn it on. Honor Band 6 in Meteorite Black, Sandstone Gray, and Coral Pink The Honor Band 6 will be available in Meteorite Black, Sandstone Gray, or Coral Pink colors. The price is 49.90, and it will arrive first at AliExpress with global shipping options this Sunday, March 28. Local HiHonor online stores will also get it, with availability scheduled for April. Farmers in Isiolo have been asked to plant fast-maturing crops because the March-April-May rains will only last a month. The latest weather forecast shows that the county will receive between 80mm and 100mm of rainfall, which is less than the 250mm that it usually receives. Ngaremara, Wabera, Bulapesa, Kinna, Burat and parts of Oldonyiro ward will get near-normal rainfall while Cherab, Chari, Sericho and parts of Garbatulla will experience depressed rainfall. Isiolo County Meteorological Director John Nguyo asked farmers to plant fast-maturing crops to avoid crop failure and losses due to inadequate rainfall. Mr Nguyo further asked the county government to be on high alert over potential floods on the lower parts of Iresaboru as the enhanced rainfall expected in neighbouring Meru and Laikipia counties will cause swelling of River Ewaso Nyiro. Relocate to higher grounds Residents in the low-lying areas have been asked to relocate to higher grounds to avoid being submerged in their houses by floodwaters. "The county and disaster management team should be on the lookout to assist people at the lower parts who are likely to be affected by floods," said Mr Nguyo. The health department has been asked to stock drugs to deal with any outbreak of water-borne diseases. Pastoralists have appealed to Governor Mohamed Kuti's administration to vaccinate their livestock so that they are not affected in the event of floods. "We want the livestock department to assist us to vaccinate our animals against several diseases so that we do not incur losses," said Adan Guyo from Kinna ward. Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 18:55:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection (CHP) reported 10 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking its total tally to 11,419. The new cases included four local infections, of which one was untraceable, according to the CHP. With one more infection found, the number of cases related to an outbreak in a fitness center in Western District rose to 151. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Wednesday suspended the vaccination of Fosun Pharma/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine due to problems with their vial caps. Some 403,000 Hong Kong residents have taken the first vaccine shot, with 150,200 of them given the Fosun Pharma/BioNTech vaccine. The HKSAR government made the decision on receiving a written notice from Fosun Pharma, saying the packaging problem of the vaccines of batch number 210102 has been noticed. German drug manufacturer BioNTech and Fosun Pharma are the developers of the vaccine. BioNTech and Fosun Pharma said no safety risk was found in the product, but they called for an immediate suspension of the vaccination in the interest of prudence until an investigation is completed. The HKSAR government said that all community vaccination centers will suspend the vaccination of the vaccine until further notice. Enditem TOKYO - Japanese automakers Toyota, Isuzu and Hino said Wednesday they are setting up a partnership in commercial vehicles to work together in electric, hydrogen, connected and autonomous driving technologies. FILE - In this May 11, 2017, file photo, a man walks past the Isuzu logo during the launch of Isuzu MU-X SUV in New Delhi, India. Japanese automakers Toyota, Isuzu and Hino said Wednesday, March 24, 2021 they are setting up a partnership in commercial vehicles to work together in electric, hydrogen, connected and autonomous driving technologies. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal, File) TOKYO - Japanese automakers Toyota, Isuzu and Hino said Wednesday they are setting up a partnership in commercial vehicles to work together in electric, hydrogen, connected and autonomous driving technologies. Under the deal, Toyota Motor Corp., Japans top automaker, and truckmaker Isuzu Motors will each take a 4.6% stake in each other, the three companies said in a joint statement. Hino Motors is Toyotas truck division and had been Isuzus rival. The 39 million shares of Isuzu common stock that Toyota is acquiring are worth 42.8 billion yen, or about $400 million. Isuzu will acquire Toyota shares worth the same value, they said. The three companies combined control 80% of the Japanese truck market. Toyota, which makes the Camry sedan, Prius hybrid and Lexus luxury models, sold off in 2018 a 5.9% stake in Isuzu that it had bought in 2006. Earlier, Isuzu had a capital tie-up with U.S. automaker General Motors Co. From left, Hino Motors President Yoshio Shimo, Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda and Isuzu Motors President Masanori Katayama pose for a photo in Tokyo Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Japanese automakers Toyota, Isuzu and Hino said Wednesday they are setting up a partnership in commercial vehicles to work together in electric, hydrogen, connected and autonomous driving technologies. (Kyodo News via AP) The co-operation among Toyota, Isuzu and Hino is designed to reduce emissions by building hydrogen infrastructure, and to help solve the nations shortage of drivers by sharing information online and making deliveries more efficient. These days, it is hard to discern what is the correct way, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said in a news conference that streamed online. And so we just have to give it a try, and then try again. It is through that process of repetition Toyota has achieved what it has. The three companies plan to develop electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, autonomous driving and electronic platforms for trucks, allowing them to cut costs, promote ecological infrastructure and boost traffic safety. Companies must take up innovation if we hope to build a better society, said Isuzu President Masanori Katayama. Apart from their mutual stake holdings, Isuzu, Hino, and Toyota are jointly setting up a company called Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corp. in Tokyo, to promote their partnership and plan technology and services, the company presidents said, appearing together at an online news conference. Capitalized at 10 million yen ($93,000), the new company will be 80% owned by Toyota, 10% each by Isuzu and Hino. This new framework is a certain step toward helping solve societys challenges, said Yoshio Shimo, Hino president. A key project in the Toyota-Isuzu-Hino tie-up is introducing fuel cell trucks in a hydrogen-based society model being developed in Fukushima Prefecture, which was hit by the tsunami, earthquake, nuclear disasters of March 2011. Toyoda said that every March since then, he has gone to northeastern Japan to commemorate the triple disasters. This year, he visited the town of Namie in Fukushima, still contaminated by radiation, where he hopes the hydrogen society efforts will contribute to rebuilding the region. We want to make the work of people transporting things easier, Toyoda said. In Tokyo trading on Wednesday, Toyota's shares fell 2.2% while Isuzu's stock jumped 5.4%. Shares in Hino slipped nearly 1.0%, while the benchmark Nikkei 225 finished 2% lower. Yuri Kageyama is on Twitter https://twitter.com/yurikageyama This was supposed to be the year the Toronto Blue Jays finally break through in the American League East. After all, the club signed former Houston Astros center fielder George Springer and ex-Oakland As shortstop Marcus Semien this winter, adding to a lineup stocked with studs, including Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio. On the mound, the Blue Jays fortified their pitching staff with Steven Matz and Kirby Yates. However the Blue Jays now face the prospect of heading into the 2021 season without their newly-signed closer. Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers Toronto general manager Ross Atkins announced Tuesday that Yates is most likely headed for Tommy John surgery for the second of his career. Per MLB.com: Yates was originally diagnosed with a flexor strain following his most recent Grapefruit League outing, but has already received a second opinion on the injury. This would keep Yates out for the entirety of the 2021 season after the Blue Jays presumed closer signed a one-year deal with the club this past offseason. This presents the Blue Jays with a much greater challenge than covering the multiple weeks Yates was originally expected to miss. The Blue Jays have a deep group of options led by Jordan Romano, as well as Rafael Dolis, David Phelps, Tyler Chatwood and others, but it was Yates regaining his elite 2019 form that would have taken this group in theory from good to great. The Blue Jays signed Yates in January to a one-year contract. He was an All-Star in 2019 for the San Diego Padres but missed most of the 2020 season because of bone chips in his right elbow. With or without Yates, the Blue Jays open the 2021 MLB regular season in eight days when they visit the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Normal includes mass shootings. Take that in. Mass shootings are normal. With normality comes a body count. Thats not political cant. Thats brutal truth. In America we pretty much expect periodic blood baths, and the dearth of them in the year before Atlanta has been chalked up to an atypical lull born of a once-in-a-generation pandemic. But are we going to keep surrendering to this macabre status quo? Most of us have now lived through enough of these shootings to know the script and be ready for these scenes: There will be a call among sensible Americans for more stringent firearm restrictions, not just the modest ones that were recently passed by the House and will probably be stymied in the Senate but also bolder measures. That call will meet resistance from less sensible Americans. There will be an ever intensifying examination of how and where the perpetrators of these recent shootings acquired their firearms and an argument from gun enthusiasts that tougher restrictions wouldnt have made a difference. The Second Amendment will be bandied about. But heres what that argument misses: Theres no separating these shootings in aggregate from a culture that celebrates guns, fetishizes them and scatters them in such ridiculous bounty across such ludicrously broad swaths of American life. That culture makes ownership of a gun for reasons other than sport utterly unremarkable, and it turns guns, with their special deadliness, into weapons of choice when anger swells and sanity ebbs. Minister of Military Production Minister Mohammed Ahmed Morsi praised historic relations binding Egypt and Pakistan and their endeavor to boost joint cooperation in the various fields especially combating terrorism and extremism. The minister's remarks were made during his meeting earlier in the day with a Pakistani high-level delegation led by Chairman of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Lt. General Ali Amir Awan and in the presence of Pakistani Ambassador in Cairo Sajid Bilal, Deputy Chairman of the National Authority of Military Production Mohamed Salehddin Mostafa and a number of ministry officials. During the meeting, Morsi reviewed the technological and manufacturing potentials of the production ministry, highlighting the role of the ministry in meeting the various needs of the Armed Forces from arms, ammunition and equipment. He extended an invitation to Pakistani companies to take part in the international defense fair, also known as Egypt Defence Expo - EDEX 2021, due to be held in Cairo later this year. The Pakistani official, for his part, said his country is deeply interested in cooperating with the Military Production Ministry and its affiliate companies to exchange their expertise in the technological, manufacturing, research and technical fields. He also highlighted the resolve of the Pakistani military authority (POF) to enhance partnership with the Egyptian companies in the various fields. On Beth Moore and Leaving Church Beth Moore left the Southern Baptist Convention, the denomination she has served for her entire adult life. Here is a good summary of why she left. https://baptistnews.com/article/why-beth-moores-departure-from-the-sbc-really-matters/#.YFam17RKi1s As a woman serving in church ministry for the past fifteen years, I have been asked some version of these questions more times than I can count. How do you stay? or How do you know when its time to go? In my context, people are mostly asking me how I stayed, as an egalitarian, in a complementarian church for so long? Many of us have stayed for far too long in toxic church cultures because of our love, loyalty or history with a denomination or local assembly of our up-bringing. Many of us can tell stories about our naive belief that our presence would inspire change in that particular organization. So we stay year after year. We dont say this out loud of course. But this belief is the undercurrent of our reality, silently giving us the strength to stay. This kind of coasting along within a church that we dont agree with all the way was possible, permissible and perhaps even necessary until the landscape within churches changed drastically with the election of 2016. With their ardent support of former President Donald Trump, the Southern Baptist Convention (of which Moore was a part) showed their true colors. One of the largest Christian organizations in the country publicly and un-apologetically aligned themselves with a man who (among other things) was openly racist and who bragged about his sexual misconduct with women. For Beth Moore, this continual alignment was the straw that broke the camels back). And this, ultimately, is why Beth Moore left after so many years. She could tolerate the hierarchy that prohibited her (and other women) from being called pastors and preachers, even though she and many other women both pastor and preach and have been doing so for centuries (within the SBC and beyond). For a time, she even referred to herself as a soft complementarian, insisting that her husband was the spiritual leader in their family (a conversation I would love to have with her one day). Moore could tolerate the misogyny and sexism of being told publicly to go home by John MacArthur and being told she could not preach on a Sunday morning from prominent leaders in the SBC. She found a way to stay in the face of the racism and ignorance of the SBCs public discounting of Critical Race Theory. She even tolerated the political alignment with the Republican party until March 5th when she made her announcement that she was leaving the SBC and therefore Lifeway, the publishing house for her books and bible studies. Beth Moores story is at the same time sad and joyful. For a watching world, she has demonstrated both bravery for leaving and complicity in staying too far long. For the latter, we wonder, how could she, a woman who has sold out stadium after stadium with her charismatic teaching style and authoritative voice really believe that women are not permitted to be preachers? How could she, a woman who has studied the scriptures extensively and even trained alongside great scholars believe in the hierarchy that complementarian theology touts?. For the former, they applaud her as she walks away. This finally gives them the courage they need to do the same.. For all of us who have left a church, whether that be the church of our up-bringing or one we have attended for decades, or the institutional Church overall, we leave for our own unique reasons. But most of us have a straw that broke the camels back moment. We come to a point of no return, where what we have seen we cannot un-see. We learn the truth over and over again as we discern what is right and while we do, the organization shows its true colors. For some of us, its the racism that is so blatantly exposed when a Lead Pastor refuses to preach on the systemic sin of racism after another murder of a person of color. Or the fear that leadership allows to take precedence when eight Asian Americans are killed and the leaders refuse to include this during the pastoral prayer section of the service. It happens when we are told that church is not the place for that. We are warned about who we will make angry or which big tither will cease to give. And we can never un-see this type of hypocrisy. For others, its sexism or the unashamed alignment with a political party. Whatever it is, we reach a breaking point where we realize that what we always suspected was in fact true. And then we know, its time to leave. This is abundantly true in my own story. I wanted what I knew in my heart to be true to not be true about the church of my up-bringing. I wanted to stay. The straw that broke the camels back had to do with people being censured and other inconsistencies at the same time. It wasnt even ultimately about egalitarian vs complementarian. Once I let myself believe what I always knew, there was no going back. It wasnt that the organization had changed. It was that I had changed. And the point of no return was found when I saw that who I was becoming was not going to fit with who they were. So I left. And I imagine Beth Moores story to be not so different than this. There is no perfect church. My advice is dont leave the church where you are in search of a perfect church. There is no theology you will agree with perfectly. No worship style that will capture you every single time. No pastor that will preach your favorite sermon each week. How do you know when its time to leave a church? Is the church you attend a place you belong as you are becoming all of who God intended you to be? If not, Id say its time to follow Beth Moores lead and be brave enough to leave. Dog is a very good dog. So, good, in fact, that the former street stray is now in the running to become the Texas Department of Public Safetys newest K-9 state trooper. The aptly and simplistically named pup was found wandering the streets and brought to the Katy Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan. More from Claire Goodman: Katy police apprehend alleged mail thief Dog did have a microchip, which shelter workers used to attempt to contact his owners, Katy city council member Chris Harris said, but Dogs owners didnt come claim him. While at the shelter, Katy Police Department Chief Noe Diaz met Dog and immediately saw a potential fellow cop. Diaz, a former Texas Ranger, used his connections to contact the Texas DPS, and state troopers immediately expressed interest. Dog is now being tested to see if he has what it takes to serve the people of Texas as a K-9 officer. According to Diaz, all state trooper K-9s are used for drug detection. The DPS has a phenomenal K-9 program- the best in the state, Diaz said. If Dog has the ability to locate drugs, hell be joining the best program there is. State trooper Corey Robinson came out to Katy to meet Dog, and so far, Dog has displayed all the qualities of a good cop. Robinson has already tested Dog to make sure he has the right temperament for the job, and according to Harris, Dog aced the test. He really is just the friendliest, smartest dog, Harris said. Hes a big dog, too, and very strong. PETS OF THE WEEK: Meet Mollie, a black lab found abandoned on a Houston driveway, and others that need homes Unlike most K-9 officers, which tend to be herding class breeds like German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds and Belgian Malinoises, Dog is a pooch of indeterminate breeding. Harris said that Dog appears to be a black Labrador Retriever, but his pedigree isnt certain or relevant. He has all the traits of a great K-9 cop, and as long as he passes his tests, it really doesnt matter what breed he is, Harris said. Craig Cummings, public information officer for the Texas DPS, said the next step for Dog is special evaluation and training in Austin. This truly is an amazing story, Cummings said. For a dog that was unloved, wandering the streets, to become a state trooper and live out his days in a loving family where he has the best trainers and an important job- thats a really moving and beautiful thing. One thing is for certain: whether or not Dog is chosen to become a state trooper, his story will have a happy ending. If Dog isnt selected, Harris said, Dog will be adopted out to a loving family. This dog will be loved from here on out, regardless of whether or not he joins the DPS, Diaz added. Were going to make sure he finds a loving home no matter what the outcome. claire.goodman@chron.com Over the last several years, we have allowed President Trump to use our platform consistent with our own rules, at times removing content or labeling his posts when they violate our policies, Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook page on Jan. 7, explaining the companys decision to suspend Trump. We did this because we believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech. Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701) Today Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Cloudy with showers. Low 64F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. Advertisement The supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87 has been photographed in polarised light, revealing the magnetic field and its interactions at the edge of this massive stellar phenomenon for the first time. This black hole was the first to be directly imaged by astronomers in 2019, and the new photos reveal more details about the dense object, including the powerful jets of energy bursting from its centre. Sitting 55 million light-years from Earth, the supermassive black hole at the centre of galaxy Messier 87 is estimated to be about 6.5 billion times the mass of our sun and spewing intense jets of energy. Using the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), an international team of astronomers measured the polarisation - a signature of magnetic fields - close to the edge of the black hole for the first time. This discovery will allow future astronomers to understand the process involved in producing the energetic jets from its core, with some suggesting it could be down to interactions with the magnetic field itself. The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, who produced the first ever image of a black hole released in 2019, has today a new view of the massive object at the centre of the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy: how it looks in polarised light This artist's impression depicts the black hole at the heart of the enormous elliptical galaxy Messier 87 (M87). This black hole was chosen as the object of paradigm-shifting observations by the Event Horizon Telescope BLACK HOLES HAVE A GRAVITATIONAL PULL SO STRONG NOT EVEN LIGHT CAN ESCAPE Black holes are so dense and their gravitational pull is so strong that no form of radiation can escape them - not even light. They act as intense sources of gravity which hoover up dust and gas around them. Their intense gravitational pull is thought to be what stars in galaxies orbit around. How they are formed is still poorly understood. Astronomers believe they may form when a large cloud of gas up to 100,000 times bigger than the sun, collapses into a black hole. Many of these black hole seeds then merge to form much larger supermassive black holes, which are found at the centre of every known massive galaxy. Alternatively, a supermassive black hole seed could come from a giant star, about 100 times the sun's mass, that ultimately forms into a black hole after it runs out of fuel and collapses. When these giant stars die, they also go 'supernova', a huge explosion that expels the matter from the outer layers of the star into deep space. Advertisement On April 10, 2019, scientists released the first ever image of the black hole, revealing a bright ring-like structure with a dark central region which was the black hole's shadow, matching what was predicted. Since then, the EHT team has delved deeper into the data collected that was used to reveal the first image - discovering a significant fraction of light around the black hole is polarised and more about its magnetic field. Dr Ziri Younsi, study co-author, from University College London, told MailOnline that the first study looked at visible light and its intensity, but this time they looked at the polarisation of that light. Light becomes polarised when it goes through certain filters, like the lenses of polarised sunglasses, or when it is emitted in hot regions of space where magnetic fields are present. In the same way that polarised sunglasses help us see better by reducing reflections and glare from bright surfaces, astronomers can sharpen their view of the region around the black hole by looking at how the light originating from it is polarised. Specifically, polarisation allows astronomers to map the magnetic field lines present at the inner edge of the black hole, as can be seen in the new image, across the bottom of the disc. 'The newly published polarised images are key to understanding how the magnetic field allows the black hole to 'eat' matter and launch powerful jets,' says Andrew Chael, a NASA Hubble Fellow at Princeton. The bright jets of energy and matter that emerge from M87's core and extend at least 5,000 light-years from its centre are one of the galaxy's most mysterious and energetic features. Most matter lying close to the edge of a black hole falls in. However, some of the surrounding particles escape moments before capture and are blown far out into space in the form of jets. This image shows a view of the jet in the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy in polarised light. The lines mark the orientation of polarisation, which is related to the magnetic field in the region imaged Astronomers have relied on different models of how matter behaves near the black hole to better understand this process. But they still don't know exactly how jets larger than the galaxy are launched from its central region, which is comparable in size to the Solar System, nor how exactly matter falls into the black hole. With the new EHT image of the black hole and its shadow in polarised light, astronomers managed for the first time to look into the region just outside the black hole where this interplay between matter flowing in and being ejected out is happening. The observations provide new information about the structure of the magnetic fields just outside the black hole. 'We looked at how that light is composed, it can be described in terms of four components, like when you wear sunglasses, it has a polarising filter to filter out the stronger intensity components of the light, and those different components give you information on how light is produced and the source itself that produced it, ' said Younsi. 'Depending on whether more of the light is linearity polarised, more of the intensity is focused to the line of sight, is more circularly, or more diffuse, you can get a lot more information about the black hole itself.' The left hand image shows a reconstruction of the black hole image using the full array of the Event Horizon Telescope (including ALMA and APEX); the right-hand image shows what the reconstruction would look like without data from ALMA and APEX. The difference clearly shows the crucial role that ALMA and APEX played in the observations This composite image shows three views of the central region of the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy in polarised light and one view, in the visible wavelength, taken with the Hubble Space Telescope HOW DOES THE EVENT HORIZON TELESCOPE WORK? Using a 'virtual telescope' built eight radio observatories positioned at different points on the globe, the team behind the Event Horizon Telescope has spent the last few years probing Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way, and another target in the Virgo cluster of galaxies. The observations relies on a network of widely spaced radio antennas. These are all over the world - in the South Pole, Hawaii, Europe and America. These radios mimics the aperture of a telescope that can produce the resolution needed to capture Sagittarius A. At each of the radio stations there are large hard drives which will store the data. These hard drives are then processed at the MIT Haystack Observatory just outside Boston, Massachusetts. The effort is essentially working to capture a silhouette of a black hole, also commonly referred to as the black hole's shadow. This would be 'its dark shape on a bright background of light coming from the surrounding matter, deformed by a strong spacetime curvature,' the ETH team explains. Advertisement One of the biggest discoveries was information on how the magnetic field surrounding the black hole is structured, and the fact it is responsible for tapping the rotational energy of the black hole and powering these spinning jets coming from the centre of the stellar object. The jets are 'collimated', maintaining a consistent and coherent shape over vast distances, being launched from the very heart of galaxies and are powered by black holes. 'The jets are coupled to the black hole and the magnetic field controls how the matter flows,' Younsi explained in an interview for MailOnline, adding you can see the matter being locked in on the event horizon. 'Before we had no idea, it was very speculative, but now we have very strong evidence to indicate how the magnetic field is organised, and it is very organised, very structured which is surprising,' he said. 'We are starting to get a much better picture of how black holes feed energy back into the universe, we always think of them as objects that suck, but they do play a role in feeding back energy,' Younsi told MailOnline. 'The observations suggest that the magnetic fields at the black hole's edge are strong enough to push back on the hot gas and help it resist gravity's pull. Only the gas that slips through the field can spiral inwards to the event horizon,' explains Jason Dexter, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. An observation like this required the work of multiple telescopes from around the world, including the Atacama Large Millimeter/submilimeter Array (ALMA) and the Atacama Pathfinder EXperiment (APEX). Combined together, as part of the EHT, it creates a virtual Earth-sized telescope with the resolution equivalent to that needed to measure the length of a credit card on the surface of the moon. The EHT setup allowed the team to directly observe the black hole shadow and the ring of light around it, with the new polarised-light image clearly showing that the ring is magnetised. The swirly lines across the bottom of the image give a sense of how everything is rotating, giving an indication that it is rotating in an anti-clockwise direct, with Younsi saying it tells us matter is spinning around the black hole. If you were to visit M87, you'd see light produced by matter in its death throws as it crosses over the event horizon, radiating light in all directions. Not all of it reaches an observer, some falls in and some goes into orbit around the black hole and appears as a series of rings surrounding the black hole, Younsi told MailOnline. This composite image shows three views of the central region of the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy in polarised light. The galaxy has a supermassive black hole at its centre and is famous for its jets, that extend far beyond the galaxy This chart shows the position of giant galaxy Messier 87 in the constellation of Virgo (The Virgin). The map shows most of the stars visible to the unaided eye under good conditions. 'If you were near the edge of the event horizon and had a light source shining on you from all directions you would see an image of yourself and the back of your head as the gravitational field warps the light,' he said. The next big project for the Event Horizon Telescope team is to publish an image of the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy - Sagittarius A* - which is 1,000 times closer and 1,000 smaller than M87. It is very difficult as you have an 'interstellar scattering' of stars and light sources between the Earth and the black hole that move at different rates, making it harder to directly image the black hole. 'The other trickier issue is that the black whole is 1,000 smaller than M87 and 1,000 closer, so on the plane it is about the same size as seen from Earth, but it is also much quicker.' he told MailOnline. Messier 87 (M87) is an enormous elliptical galaxy located about 55 million light years from Earth, visible in the constellation Virgo. It was discovered by Charles Messier in 1781, but not identified as a galaxy until 20th Century In the case of the black hole in M87 things change and move on a time scale of days and weeks, whereas the much smaller black hole in our galaxy sees changes on a scale of seconds. 'What you see is matter reconfiguring itself so quickly that it is like taking a photograph of a fast moving car, so you have to create techniques to interpolate between multiple photographs of the same image.' They hope to be able to release the first images of Sagittarius A* by the end of this year. They already have the data but have to work to 'clean up' the image and make sense of the data in a way that can be visualised. The results are published in two separate papers in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 23, 2021) - Hemptown Organics Corp. (the "Company" or "Hemptown"), a privately held British Columbia company, is providing an update, further to its news releases of September 9, 2020, October 2, 2020 and October 13, 2020 on the proposed acquisition of Hemptown by Spectre Capital Corp. ("Spectre"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") (the "Transaction"). The Transaction, once complete, is expected to result in the reverse takeover of Spectre (thereafter, referred to as the "Resulting Issuer") and will constitute Spectre's Qualifying Transaction under Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the Exchange (the "CPC Policy"). Directors and Officers The Company is also pleased to announce changes to the proposed leadership team of the Resulting Issuer. Specifically, Ken Z. Cai will no longer be appointed as a director of the Resulting Issuer and Michael Townsend will no longer be appointed as President of the Resulting Issuer. Instead, Zayn Kalyan will be appointed as a director and as President of the Resulting Issuer. Additional information with respect to Mr. Kalyan is provided below, and further information with respect to all director and officer nominees of the Resulting Issuer will be provided in the filing statement to be filed with the Exchange in connection with the Transaction. Zayn Kalyan - President and Director of the Resulting Issuer Zayn Kalyan is an experienced investment banker and business development executive with Altus Capital, and has served as the VP of Corporate Finance for Hemptown since late 2018. Starting his career as a software engineer, his background in the "ground-up" development of start-up technology companies serves as his foundation in finance. Since joining Altus, Mr. Kalyan has played an instrumental role in the origination of over $50 million in financing. Mr. Kalyan has served in upper management and on the boards of multiple public companies since 2014. He has hands-on experience in the day-to-day management of small and medium size organizations. Other Matters The Company and Spectre are continuing to negotiate the terms of the definitive agreement with respect to the Transaction, and the parties expect the Transaction to be consummated by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia). The Company has also sent materials to its debenture holders seeking a written resolution of such holders to approve, among other things, the extension of the maturity date of the debentures and the automatic conversion of the debentures into equity immediately prior to completion of the Transaction. A filing statement respecting the Resulting Issuer and the Transaction will be prepared and filed in accordance with the policies of the Exchange. Trading in Spectre's common shares has been halted in compliance with the policies of the Exchange, and will remain halted pending the review of the Transaction by the Exchange and satisfaction of the conditions of the Exchange for resumption of trading. It is likely that trading in Spectre's common shares will not resume prior to the closing of the Transaction. Spectre has supplied all information contained in this news release with respect to Spectre and the Company and its directors and officers have relied on Spectre for any such information. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities described in this press release 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 or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) absent registration or an exemption from registration. 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 the securities in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable pursuant to Exchange Requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. About Spectre Spectre is a capital pool company governed by the policies of the Exchange. Spectre's principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Transaction. About Hemptown Hemptown is a diversified cannabinoid company delivering a wide product offering across the value chain, and in multiple sales channels, to meet the growing global demand for cannabinoid-based products. State-of-the-art cultivation in Oregon's Rogue Valley, FDA-licensed and cGMP certified product manufacturing, and a strong leadership team with Fortune 500 experience are the pillars for Hemptown's growth model as it pushes into the consumer-packaged goods sectors with top quality white label and branded product lines for the consumer market. For more information, visit www.hemptownusa.com. For further information, please contact: Hemptown Investor Relations John Martin jmartin@hemptownusa.com 1-833-436-7896 Hemptown Sales and General Inquires info@hemptownusa.com 1-888-224-6691 This news release contains statements that are "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "intends", "anticipates", "expects", "believes", "plans", "likely", or similar words. Specifically, this news release includes forward-looking statements regarding the potential Transaction, the proposed directors and officers of the Resulting Issuer, the negotiation of a definitive agreement for the Transaction, amendments to the terms of the Company's debentures, the closing of the Transaction and the timing for those events. The forward-looking statements reflect the Company and Spectre's respective management's expectations, estimates, or projections concerning future results or events, based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by management at the date the statements are made. Although the Company and Spectre believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, as unknown or unpredictable factors could cause actual results to be materially different from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially: whether the parties are successful in negotiating and entering a definitive agreement for the Transaction, whether they are able to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals for the Transaction and whether they are able to satisfy the listing conditions for the listing of the common shares of the Resulting Issuer on the Exchange; whether they are able to complete any necessary financing; and whether they are able to obtain all shareholder and third party consents necessary to complete the Transaction. The forward-looking statements may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and Spectre, including those described in Spectre's amended and restated final prospectus dated February 12, 2020, filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Alberta Securities Commission and the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan and available on www.sedar.com. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78366 Amelia Gray Hamlin has become a name on everyone's lips after stepping out as Scott Disick's girlfriend, and it seems things are getting serious. The 19-year-old up and coming model shared snaps from a beachy photoshoot on Tuesday where she looked ethereal in a white linen dress before stripping down to a black bikini. Looking towards warmer weather, her photos come as a source told ET that she and the reality star, 37, are planning a move to Miami together. Her makeup for the shoot was natural and her brown hair was styled straight with just a bit of body. In the bikini snap she rested her arm against a wall with the ocean in the background as she looked up to the sky. In a second snap Amelia hugged her frame prudishly in a whimsical linen dress while standing on a picnic blanket at the beach. Her caption was a play on a classic tongue twister as she wrote 'sally sells sea shells by the sea shore.' Miami mindset: It was reported to ET on Tuesday that Amelia and her much older boyfriend are planning a temporary move to Miami after spending time there over Valentine's Day; pictured March 2 Looking at places? The pair were seen getting lovey dovey on more than one occasion throughout the course of their Miami trip and even were seen touring properties; pictured February 14 Yesterday she and the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star, 37, were seen shopping for furniture in West Hollywood, after touring places in Miami together just after Valentine's Day. The pair became Instagram official ahead of the holiday and spent extended time in South Beach with his kids afterwards, with a source sharing on March 23 that they are planning a temporary move together down south. 'Scott's planning to move to Miami temporarily for a change of scenery [and] pace and he will split his time between there and LA so he can see his kids and the rest of the family. Mr. Miami: The reality star frequently visits South Beach and boasts loads of famous friends who call the place home including nightlife king Dave Grutman and artist pal Alec Monopoly; pictured with Alec January 17 Getting serious: The model has been spending increased amounts of time with Disick as they shacked up together down south for a few weeks and she has started staying at his Hidden Hills mansion more; pictured March 2 'Amelia is planning on moving in with him. Scott was lonely when he and Sofia [Richie] broke up, which is one of the reasons he and Amelia got together so quickly. They've been getting a bit more serious for now. Scott has been having a good time with Amelia,' the insider shared. She has publicly gushed about her affection towards Scott, even calling him her 'dream man' in a dinner snap. They have been spending lots of time together, Amelia frequently sharing stripped down underwear selfies from his bathroom. His bathroom: They have been ramping up the sleepovers, Amelia frequently taking to Instagram with snaps from his bathroom; pictured February 26 Loved up: Now that their relationship is out in the open, the model has taken to sharing snaps from some of their intimate moments Despite things seeming to be all good with the age gap pair, he admitted on last week's premiere episode of KUWTK that part of the reason he and Richie didn't work out was because Kourtney Kardashian is still a 'priority' to him. Disick said that ultimately Sofia, 22, gave him an ultimatum to pick between the ladies to which he said he would never give up the relationship with Kourtney and their co-parenting. 'I truly believe if the right person were to come along in Kourtney's life or my life, us having children and having this amazing relationship would only be a plus to the outsider,' he shared in a confessional. Ultimatum: On last week's episode he revealed that Richie gave him an ultimatum, asking him to choose between her and Kourtney which led to their demise; pictured 2017 Perhaps Amelia being just that person, it seems she has seamlessly integrated herself into his family life since they became an item in November, a source sharing that his famous family likes her. 'The Kardashian-Jenner family is super supportive of Scott and Amelia's relationship. They really like the two of them together and think Amelia is a great influence on Scott,' a source told Us Weekly in January. On the flipside, Amelia's parents Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin were reportedly 'skeptical' about their relationship but have warmed up the idea on account of seeing how happy she is. At this time, it is unclear how they would feel about her moving to Miami with him, however. Kochi, March 24 : The Customs Department on Wednesday issued summons for the third time to Vinodhini Balakrishnan, the wife of CPI-M's former Kerala state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, for questioning in relation to the "present" of a iPhone by a Life Mission project beneficiary. She has been asked to appear before them at their office here on March 30. The Customs Department had first issued notice to her asking her to appear on March 10 but she did not turn up. A second notice summoning her on Tuesday also went unheeded. The Customs officials are taking her attitude seriously and are likely to approach the court for appropriate action if she fails to turn up on March 30. Vinodhini was asked to appear before them in connection with the infamous missing iPhone, which was allegedly given by Santhosh Eapen, who heads Unitac Builders that received the contract for the Life Mission flats project at Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district. The Customs have traced the iPhone to Vinodhini, who was found to have allegedly used it till the infamous Kerala gold smuggling case surfaced in July 2020. In an affidavit filed before the High Court, Eapen is seeking the quashing of the FIR registered against him which had mentioned that Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the gold smuggling case, had asked him to buy five iPhones to be given to VIP guests invited to participate in the UAE National Day celebrations held here in December 2019. Trouble began after rumours started that Leader of the Opposition and senior Congress leader, Ramesh Chennithala, was given one of the iPhones but he denied it and threatened legal action against those who were trying to malign him. At that time, the owner of the most expensive iPhone could not be identified. But the Customs has now managed to locate its owner and it has been found that Vinodhini was using the iPhone worth Rs 1.13 lakh. Balakrishnan was forced to step down as the state Secretary in 2020 after his younger son Bineesh Kodiyeri was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in Bengaluru, following his close friend's arrest by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Even, now he continues to be in jail there. The CPI-M leader's elder son Binoy Kodiyeri is also entangled in a case where a Bihar woman has approached a Mumbai court, saying that her child is the son of Binoy, who is already married and has a family. Balakrishnan last week told the media that whatever he has heard about his wife being asked to appear before the Customs is from media reports, adding that his wife has not been served any notice nor does she know Eapen. Quick reassurance from MSM about the local plague as locals, thankfully, aren't dropping like flies and local news is forced to feign excitement of slight dips and spikes in numbers that are dramatically lower overall. Read more . . . 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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 * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! GEORGETOWN COUNTY Terry Reed, Dedric Bonds and Tranis Parker are all residents of Spring Gully, a unincorporated community just outside Georgetown city limits. At Tuesday night's Georgetown County Council meeting, the three men spoke emotionally during public comment about the flooding, drainage and road issues in their community. Their stories were not all that different from one another they said homes are flooding with any amount of rain, floor boards are needing replaced from water damage and roads are not being tended to properly. Even though later in the meeting, council voted unanimously for a surplus tax that specifically gave $300,000 to infrastructural improvements in Spring Gully, the men's sentiments remained consistent: While they are grateful for the funding, $300,000 is not enough to fix all the community's issues. "The question the community has is why? Why the loyalty still to the library when you have this community that has so many needs to be addressed?" Reed said. A Capital Project Surplus Tax from 2014 left the county with an extra $12.5 million, and as part of a plan to distribute that, each county councilmember got $1 million to spend on capital projects in their district. Spring Gully resides in District 4, and its councilperson Lillie Johnson originally allocated her entire $1 million for library improvements, until nearly a dozen residents like Bonds strongly opposed the plan at a Feb. 23 council meeting forcing the vote back a month and demanding funding go towards infrastructure issues in Spring Gully. Bonds, one of many residents who spoke Feb. 23, showed several pairs of his family's worn and muddy boots. The wear on the boots was not from everyday leisure, or because he and his family are avid fisherman or particular fans of water. These boots represent what it takes to navigate the swamp that becomes my yard after any degree of rain, Bonds said, citing the continued drainage and flooding issues residents say they have been dealing with for years. 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! After two meetings between Johnson and her constituents this month, Johnson proposed $300,000 of her allocated $1 million go towards Spring Gully specifically, with the rest of the $700,000 going towards library improvements. After feeling ignored for so long already, Reed, one of the leaders of the Spring Gully Community Action Group, said this news was disappointing. Even after hearing the needs of her district we thought that she would decide to give that whole million to her district, to the needs of her people. And she decided to not even give us half of it, Reed said. In total, $869,425 of the surplus will now go towards the library, with another library improvement allocation outside Johnson's already in place in the original surplus tax allocation. All three men gave appreciation to Johnson and council for the $300,000, but all agreed it would not be sufficient funding on its own in the long run. "(Johnson's) change of heart was promising, it was good, it showed us that we are moving in the right direction to get our needs addressed in our community, so we do appreciate that," Reed said. "But we need more than $300,000 out of a million." Parker told council during his public comment that until more money was given to Spring Gully, he would be at every county council meeting, making sure they know that the community will not rest until their needs are met. "I want to introduce myself as the newest council member, there's eight of us now, because until I get what's needed in my community ... God willing, I am going to be at every single meeting," Parker said. "You guys are going to hear my voice until you're sick and tired of it." DALLAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tall Oak Midstream ("Tall Oak"), a full suite midstream provider serving customers in the Mid-Continent, today announced that it has acquired Redcliff Midstream ("Redcliff" or the "Company"), a provider of gas gathering, treating and processing services to producers in Oklahoma's STACK play. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2017 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Canyon Midstream Partners II, LLC ("Canyon Midstream"), Redcliff Midstream provides gas gathering, treating and processing services throughout the northern region of the STACK play. Today, the Company's infrastructure system comprises more than 200 miles of gathering pipeline, a network of five field compression stations across Woodward, Dewey, Blaine and Canadian counties and a 240 MMcf/day cryogenic gas processing plant in Woodward County. Redcliff will complement Tall Oak II's existing asset base which includes more than 750 miles of low- and high-pressure gathering lines across seven Oklahoma counties and expand its infrastructure footprint in the Northern STACK Extension region. In January 2021, Tall Oak was acquired by Tailwater Capital, a private equity firm based in Dallas. The transaction closed in February 2021. "Redcliff Midstream's complementary network of high-quality assets and its diverse customer base are a perfect fit for Tall Oak as we continue to grow our footprint and service offerings in the region," said Max Myers, Chief Financial Officer of Tall Oak. "We are thrilled with how quickly our partnership with the Tailwater team has presented new opportunities, and we look forward to continuing to work together to grow our business while maintaining best-in-class service for our customers." "Redcliff brings an attractive asset base with newly-built pipelines and high-quality compression and processing facilities that augment Tall Oak's existing capabilities and grow the existing platform," said Jason Downie, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Tailwater Capital. "The Northern STACK Extension encompasses a robust inventory of economic undeveloped drilling locations and underutilized midstream infrastructure that Tall Oak is actively evaluating as it searches for accretive bolt-on opportunities to expand its regional footprint. Ryan, Carlos, Max, Lindel and the rest of the exceptional Tall Oak management team are uniquely suited to execute on this consolidation strategy given their deep knowledge of the basin and extensive relationships with nearby customers and competitors alike." Locke Lord served as legal counsel to Tall Oak. Simmons Energy | A Division of Piper Sandler served as financial advisor and DLA Piper, Porter Hedges and Vinson & Elkins all served as legal counsel to the sellers. About Tall Oak Midstream, LLC Based in Oklahoma City, the Tall Oak companies are dedicated to bringing a fresh perspective to serving oil and gas producers with a full suite of midstream services. Core capabilities include natural gas gathering, compression, treating and processing; crude oil gathering and transportation; condensate and water handling; and product marketing solutions. Tall Oak was founded in 2014 by Ryan Lewellyn, Carlos Evans, Max Myers and Lindel Larison who brought diverse and complementary background across the midstream and upstream sectors. Please visit www.talloakmidstream.com for more information. About Tailwater Capital, LLC Dallas-based Tailwater Capital is a growth-oriented private equity firm with a well-established track record of working constructively with proven management teams to deliver value-added solutions across the energy value chain. Since its inception in 2013, Tailwater has managed over $3.7 billion in committed capital and the team has executed more than 100 energy transactions in the upstream and midstream sectors representing over $22 billion in transaction value. For more information, please visit www.tailwatercapital.com. Contacts Tall Oak Midstream: Anthony Triana [email protected] 405-818-0791 Tailwater Capital: Jonathan Keehner / Julie Hamilton Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 212-355-4449 SOURCE Tall Oak Midstream President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted the Strategy for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. Decree No. 117/2021 of March 24 on enactment of the relevant decision of the National Security and Defense Council was published on the website of the Head of State, Ukrinform reports. "To approve the Strategy for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol," the document reads. As noted, the strategy defines a set of diplomatic, military, economic, informational, humanitarian and other measures aimed at restoring the territorial integrity, state sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders through the de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea. The document also identifies priorities for the state to protect human rights and freedoms violated as a result of the temporary occupation of the Crimean Peninsula, as well as the main areas of relevant economic, social, humanitarian, environmental, information, defense and security policy. In addition, as the Presidents Office underscores, the strategy sends a clear signal to the international community that Ukraine is consistent in its actions to restore territorial integrity, violated by the Russian Federation's neglect of its international obligations. The Cabinet of Ministers is instructed to develop an action plan for the implementation of the strategy, on the basis of which the relevant government bodies will prepare and implement measures to ensure the de-occupation and reintegration of the peninsula. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine approved the Strategy for De-occupation and Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol on March 11. ol A dream come true was granted for six-year-old Maelin-Kate by Make-A-Wish Alabama on Tuesday at James Clemens High School. Maelin-Kate was diagnosed with a rare genetic blood disease at five years old and had to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Maelin-Kate Maelin-Kate James Clemens High School raised money last year for Make-A-Wish Alabama through the Kids For Wish Kids program. Student Government Association president Jackson Quarles said they're able to do a Make-A-Wish reveal every two years. In preparation for this event, we raised money last year, $10,000, and she was supposed to get her wish last year, but since COVID, we weren't able to do that. So, we already had the money left over. We just had to figure out what her wish was, Quarles said. Maelin-Kate's wish of a puppy was granted, and she named it Penny. Students at the high school were able to take part in the parade around the school to celebrate Maelin-Kate. Mumbai, March 24 : In a major development in the SUV case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has slapped charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against the arrested-suspended Mumbai Police Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze, officials said on Wednesday. "The agency has added the sections of the UAPA against Vaze, who was arrested on March 13 in connection with Scorpio SUV with 20 gelatin sticks and a threat note, parked near Antilia, the home of industrialist Mukesh Ambani," an NIA official linked with the probe told IANS. Billed as a prime accused, Vaze, a former 'encounter specialist', was arrested for his role in the case and sent to NIA custody till March 25. The NIA had taken over the SUV case probe on March 3 after notification from the Central government. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), which is probing the businessman Mansukh Hiran's death in the same case, was planning to seek Vaze's custody on Thursday. Earlier this week, the ATS had announced that it had cracked the Hiran case with the arrest of two persons and was in the process of winding up the probe into the mystery death of Hiran, whose body was recovered from the Thane Creek wetlands on March 5. However, at a hearing this afternoon, Thane Chief Judicial Magistrate P.P. Ingale directed the ATS to hand over to the NIA all the case papers pertaining to the Hiran death case, as per the Centre's directives. After hearing all sides, the CJM said in her order: "In the present case, the police officers of ATS shall not proceed with the investigation in this crime and transmit all relevant documents and records to the concerned NIA officer without delay." The NIA was represented by Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh who submitted to the Court that the Union Home Ministry had directed the Central agency to take over the case from the ATS on March 20. Representing the ATS, Additional Public Prosecutor Anita R. Supare-Deotale argued that the Maharashtra government has not issued any directions on the transfer of the probe to the NIA so far. The ASG, however, contended that the Centre had sent a letter on March 22 to the state Director General of Police who, in turn, informed the state government on March 23 about the transfer of the ATS case to the NIA, which was also confirmed by the ATS Investigating Officer. In a significant advance toward the future redefinition of the international unit of time, the second, a research team led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has compared three of the world's leading atomic clocks with record accuracy over both air and optical fiber links. Described in the March 25 issue of Nature, the NIST-led work is the first to compare three clocks, based on different atoms, and the first to link the most advanced atomic clocks in different locations over the air. These atomic clock comparisons place the scientific community one step closer to meeting the guidelines for redefinition of the second. "These comparisons are really defining the state of the art for both fiber-based and free-space measurements--they are all close to 10 times more accurate than any clock comparisons using different atoms performed so far," NIST physicist David Hume said. The new measurements were challenging because the three types of atoms involved "tick" at vastly different frequencies, because all the many network components had to operate with extreme accuracy, and because the wireless link required cutting-edge laser technology and design. The study compared the aluminum-ion clock and ytterbium lattice clock, located in different laboratories at NIST Boulder, with the strontium lattice clock located 1.5 kilometers away at JILA, a joint institute of NIST and the University of Colorado Boulder. The team's measurements were so accurate that uncertainties were only 6 to 8 parts in 1018--that is, errors never exceeded 0.000000000000000008--for both fiber and wireless links. NIST researchers previously described how they transferred time signals over the air link between two of the clocks, the NIST ytterbium and JILA strontium clocks, and found the process worked as well as the fiber-based method and 1,000 times more precisely than conventional wireless transfer schemes. This work shows how the best atomic clocks might be synchronized across remote sites on Earth and, as time signals are transferred over longer distances, even between spacecraft. The key to the air link was the use of optical frequency combs, which enable accurate comparisons of widely different frequencies. NIST researchers developed two-way transfer methods to precisely compare optical clocks over the air, even in conditions of atmospheric turbulence and laboratory vibrations. The comb-based signal transfer technique had been demonstrated previously but the latest work was the first to compare state-of-the-art atomic clocks. Since 1967, the second has been defined based on the cesium atom, which ticks at a microwave frequency. The atomic clocks used in the new comparisons tick at much higher optical frequencies, which divide time into smaller units and thus offer greater precision. Comparisons are crucial to the international community's selection of one or more atoms as the next time standard. The new NIST results reported in Nature also set other important records. Frequency is the most accurately measured single quantity in science. The NIST team measured frequency ratios, the quantitative relationships between the frequencies of the atoms as measured in three pairs (ytterbium-strontium, ytterbium-aluminum, aluminum-strontium). The results are the three most accurate measurements ever made of natural constants. Frequency ratios are considered constants and are used in some international standards and tests of fundamental physics theories. Frequency ratios offer an important advantage as a metric for evaluating optical atomic clocks. A direct measurement of an optical clock frequency in the usual units of Hertz is limited by the accuracy of the current international standard, the cesium microwave clock. Frequency ratios overcome this limitation because they are not expressed in any units. Frequency ratios are usually measured over long distances by use of fiber networks, which are few and far between, or in some cases with microwave data transferred over satellite links, which tend to be unstable. Guidelines for redefinition of the second recommend the demonstration and verification of multiple frequency ratio measurements with uncertainties approaching the best optical clock performance. All three types of clocks in the new study offer superlative performance now and promise further improvements. NIST's ytterbium clocks, for example, represent the natural frequency of the atoms (a value known as systematic uncertainty) to within a possible error of just 1.4 parts in 1018--about one billionth of a billionth. NIST's new frequency ratio measurements, while record-setting, are not quite that good yet. But the research team is working on improving measurement stability and clock performance, Hume said. Beyond their role in the next generation of international standards, optical atomic clocks can be used as sensitive probes for new physics, such as the "dark matter" believed to constitute most of the stuff in the universe. Technological applications for optical clocks include improved timing and navigation systems and measuring Earth's gravitational shape (geodesy). ### This work was supported in part by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, NASA Fundamental Physics, and Department of Energy. Paper: Boulder Area Clock Optical Network (BACON) Collaboration, K. Beloy, M.I. Bodine, T. Bothwell, S. Brewer, S.L. Bromley, J.-S. Chen, J.-D. Deschenes, S. Diddams, R. Fasano, T.M. Fortier, D. Hume, D. Kedar, C.J. Kennedy, I. Khader, A. Koepke, D.R. Leibrandt, H. Leopardi, A. Ludlow, W. McGrew, W. Milner, N. R. Newbury, D. Nicolodi, E. Oelker, T.E. Parker, J.M. Robinson, S. Romisch, J. Sherman, L.C. Sinclair, L. Sonderhouse, W.C. Swann, J. Yao, J. Ye, and X. Zhang. Frequency Ratio Measurements with 18-Digit Accuracy Using an Optical Clock Network. Nature. March 25 issue, posted online March 24. A message for Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Commissioner Jeff Dunn. I accept your offer inviting critics to tour a current prison and see the safety improvements in the prison building plans. As one of many Alabamians who believes the plan to lease new privately-owned mega-prisons is a terrible idea, I was astonished and delighted to hear Dunn issue this invitation during a March 12 interview for the Montgomery-based public television program Capitol Journal when the host asked him to respond to the valid argument that new buildings wont address the violence that prompted the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to sue the state over unconstitutional prison conditions. I would invite those critics to come tour one of our facilities and let me or my staff point out to them all the challenges these facilities place on our staff with respect to violence, Dunn said. And then show them the concepts and the ideas that we are putting into these new facilities that across the country have proven to create safer environments. Well then, we accept your invitation, Commissioner Dunn, and since you put it out there on television, perhaps I can bring some of my comrades along for this tour and information-sharing summit. It turns out, there is a growing and diverse group of citizens that oppose relying on prison profiteers like CoreCivic to get the DOJ off Alabamas back. We fail to see the logic or wisdom in Governor Kay Iveys decision to rent yet-to-be-constructed mega-prisons at a cost of God-knows-how-much over 30 years. $2 billion? $3 billion? The numbers attached to this plan keep changing, and so far, no citizens have been allowed to see the specific cost savings you claim will pay the landlords of these mega-prisons. Since you invited us, how about I charter a bus and fill it with activist groups that oppose this gluttonous plan, like Alabama Students Against Prisons and Black Lives Matter? I can also bring other critical watchdog reporters like Kyle Whitmire and Eddie Burkhalter, and public interest lawyers who are suing your agency over wrongful deaths and medical neglect and excessive force. Then maybe you can show us the specific measures in the new building plans that improve prison healthcare, eliminate corrupt staff and stop officers from beating people to death? The truth is Dunns invitation for a tour and an information sharing session amounts to nothing more than empty lip service. Because of COVID, no one has entered Alabama prisons in the last year except essential staff. Also, under Dunns leadership, ADOC has increasingly engaged in tactics to slow walk journalists who ask unflattering questions. Ive done a lot of critical reporting recently on the appalling number of homicides, suicides and overdoses inside Alabama prisons, and now the agencys public information employees no longer respond to my emails or return my calls. Maybe the agency decided to ignore my requests for information because I continue to call out untruths. Dunn repeated another false narrative during the Capitol Journal interview when he referred to the states current prison facilities as built in the 1950s and 60s. The truth is, only three prisons slated for possible closure were built back then- Fountain, Holman and Kilby. The remaining 10 prisons for men opened between 1978-1997, so to characterize our prison system as one of antiquated construction from a bygone era is simply not true. Of course, that sounds better when youre trying to justify spending billions of taxpayer dollars on new buildings. Dunn appeared on the program with Cam Ward, the former state senator who Governor Ivey recently appointed to direct the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. I am glad these two men say their agencies will now work together, a refreshing change, initiated by Ward, who replaced churlish Charlie Graddick. Lock-em-up Charlie began his divisive term leading the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles in 2019 by arrogantly distancing the parole agency from Alabamas prison crisis. Their job is not to create space in Alabamas prison system, he said about Alabamas 3-member parole board, which went on to deny release to 80 percent of people eligible for parole, at a time when deaths from prison violence were at an all-time high. The truth is, parole remains one of the only mechanisms that allows men and women to exit our hellish penal system, but the politically appointed parole board has instituted what appears to be a moratorium on paroling anyone with a conviction defined as violent no matter how much time theyve served in prison, how many programs theyve completed or even what the boards own guidelines recommend. My investigative reporting for ACLUs Campaign for Smart Justice last year revealed the parole board was mostly going rogue, tossing out evidence-based practices and refusing to follow its own internal guidelines in more than half of its parole decisions. Dunn said he wants the new prisons to give incarcerated people a better chance to make a good impression on the parole board, so when they look at the inmate, they can say, this individual has served their time, theyve paid their debt and theyre ready to enter society in a safe and productive manner. But he knows good and well that could already be happening, that plenty of people who should have been released on parole are being denied relief based exclusively on their past convictions. New buildings wont change that mindset. Dunn makes it sound like the new buildings will magically provide free programs to improve outcomes, but educational, therapeutic and vocational programs cost a lot of money. In the last decade, participation in ADOC programs has plummeted. Between 2011-2020, the number of people earning a GED in Alabama prisons fell 62 percent, ADOC drug treatment programs dropped 70 percent, according to ADOC statistical reports. The decrease in programs isnt because theres no classroom space in the current prisons or a lack of willing participants, its because ADOC hasnt made programming a priority. As one incarcerated man told me, The problems in our prisons have nothing to do with buildings. The staff needs a change of heart. Right now, they just dont care. If you are skeptical about Mr. Dunns claims that cost savings from closing some prisons will pay for the mega-leases on the new mega-prisons, then I invite you to join me in accepting his invitation. He should consider this an RSVP on behalf of all concerned citizens who want to hear and see the numbers and specifics of how this extravagant plan will solve the problems carefully and clearly laid out by the DOJ: overcrowding, understaffing and runaway violence. Were waiting for your answer, Commissioner Dunn, but I dont really expect a call. Why would you start telling the truth now? (Beth Shelburne is an investigative reporter/writer for the ACLU of Alabama Campaign for Smart Justice) As investigation progresses in the bomb scare case in Mumbai, billionaire Mukesh Ambani's family has been dragged into another controversy in Assam as they acquired two rare black panthers from the state zoo in Guwahati in February, in exchange for four zebras from Israel. Ambanis are setting up one of the world's largest zoos at Jamnagar, the location of Reliance's refinery. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in her election rallies in Assam has repeatedly alleged that the BJP governments in Assam and at the Centre have been transferring assets of Assam to their close friends. "They have not even left the animals in your zoo which they gave to the sons of their billionaire friends for keeping them in their personal zoos. They have sent two black panthers... Why? Who owned it?" she said in her speech in Hindi at a public rally in Nagaon on Monday. Reliance did not respond to Gandhi's allegation in a Business Today questionnaire on the issue. The Assam State Zoo clarified that no law was broken in the transfer of black panthers to Reliance's park that Ambanis are building in Jamnagar, where Reliance's refineries and petrochemical complexes are located. Zoo authorities added that it was part of an exchange programme under which the Assam zoo will get zebras from Israel with the help of Reliance. Guwahati zoo officials also said the Reliance park as well as the transfer of panthers were approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). According to a retired senior official, the exchange of animals is permitted between CZA recognised zoos. "Reliance's zoo has also been approved by the CZA. Besides, they would have got the permission for exchanging the animals. Only sale of animals is not permitted," he added. In her three recent election rallies in central Assam, Priyanka alleged that the Assam state and central governments are looking to sell ONGC, airports and other public assets to their friends in business. In January, Adani Enterprises signed a concession agreement with Airports Authority of India (AAI) for operating and maintaining Guwahati airport. In February, the opposition Congress in Assam had condemned the transfer of black panthers from the state zoo to Reliance's zoo. Activists of Chiriakhana Suraksha Mancha in Guwahati had also protested in front of the zoo. It is not for the first time that the Gandhis are indirectly attacking the Ambanis and Adanis. Earlier, Rahul Gandhi campaigned against roping in Anil Ambani group in the Rafale jets acquisition from France. Gandhi in February took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for renaming of the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad as Narendra Modi Stadium and the bowling ends as "Reliance" and "Adani". Reliance's zoo, a pet project of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, will house different species of animals, birds, and reptiles from across the world. It is planned to be set up on a 280 acre land at Moti Khavdi near Jamnagar. Sources say that the zoo will also include a captive rehabilitation center for elephants. Separately, in the bomb scare incident, an explosion ingredient gelatin-laden Scorpio was found 500 metres away from Antilia, the residence of Ambanis, on February 25. National Investigation Agency is now investigating the case, in which they suspect extortion. The incident has already shaken the coalition government led by Uddhav Thackeray in Maharashtra. Also read: Priyanka Gandhi posts PM Modi photos in shorts after Uttarakhand CM's 'ripped jeans' comment Also read: Women capable of creating future with formidable grace, don't let anyone stop you: Rahul Gandhi A crematorium has been slammed for telling the family of a 96-year-old WWII veteran they can't drape a Union Flag over his coffin because of 'Covid rules'. Major Frank Clark's family were devastated when Southend Crematorium, Essex, said they wouldn't be allowed to include the flag in the service - as is customary for members of the Armed forces. The crematorium said this was due to 'Covid rules' and they couldn't change protocol, even if whoever drapes the flag wears gloves and PPE. Major Clark's step-daughter Corinne, 65, said she was 'absolutely appalled' when the crematorium refused to lay the flag on his coffin. She said it is a 'soldier's right' and has demanded an apology for her and 'all the other military families they have refused'. Major Clark's funeral will instead held at Basildon and District Crematorium, where permission for a Union Flag has been granted. Southend Council has insisted it is in full support of having Union Flag at funerals - but said funeral directors can make their own rules as 'private companies'. Major Frank Clark's (left, while serving, and right) family were devastated when Southend Crematorium, Essex, said they wouldn't be allowed to put the flag over his coffin - as is customary for members of the Armed forces Corinne - who declined to provide a last name - said: 'It is a soldier's right to have the Union Flag over their coffin. 'He put his own life on the line for us and I can't put a flag on his coffin? I was absolutely appalled. 'That simple act, that means so much to military people. It is the symbol of it all. 'It has made us wonder how many other military families they have impacted by this.' She has called on the crematorium to apologise 'to us and to to all the other military families they have refused'. Decorated veteran Major Clark was a member of the 2nd battalion of the Grenadier Guards - which he joined in 1942, aged just 18. He served as a tank driver in the Second World War, and his first taste of action was just after D-Day when he was badly injured in a blast. His tank was hit by an 88mm gun after German soldiers forced their crews - who were meant to be staving off aircraft - to fire into the tanks. He was the only survivor. He also heroically fought in Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in 1944. The operation sought to force troops into Nazi territory over the River Rhine creating an allied invasion route into Germany. Major Clark was one of the lead tanks in the assault, fighting a furious battle to protect the flanks throughout the operation - which saw almost 20,000 casualties. He also stood on the frontline of the Battle of the Bulge, which went on between 1944 and 1945. During the last days of the war, Major Clark's tank ran over a mine and he was badly injured. But he went on to serve in the Royal Army Ordinance Corps and then the Intelligence Corps. He was deployed to north-west Europe, Malaya, Northern Ireland and Hong Kong in his 37-year long military career, before spending his retirement writing history books. He got a degree in military history at the age of 94, his family said. Local councillor Stephen Aylen - who is also Corinne's partner - said: 'It's an insult not to have a flag. They've served, particularly a person who's a hero. A serving soldier. 'To not allow him to have a flag, I was seriously confused.' Mr Aylen was informed that funeral directors had been ordered by crematorium staff that flags were no longer permitted to be draped over veterans' coffins. He called the crematorium to query the policy. The crematorium (pictured) said this was due to 'Covid rules' and they couldn't change protocol, even if whoever drapes the flag wears gloves and PPE Mr Aylen added: 'I said "Captain Tom had a flag" but he was adamant and would not back down under Covid rules.' Mr Aylen suggested the person who drapes the flag wear gloves and PPE - but the crematorium wouldn't budge. The family instead opted for the funeral to take place at Basildon and District Crematorium, who were happy to drape a flag over Major Clark's coffin. Mr Aylen said he was concerned the vulnerable, elderly and grieving family members subjected to the rules. The councillor added: 'What really hurt me was that servicemen had gone through Southend Crematorium who hadn't been allowed flags. 'Can you imagine a wife phoning up who's 90-odd, or even anyone who has just been bereaved and being treated like that? 'You'd just say "Oh, okay" because you're in a state of shock. It's just unacceptable.' A Southend Council spokesperson said: 'Southend-on-Sea Borough Council are fully supportive of the use of flags at funeral services and there are no restrictions on flags in place. 'We are contacting funeral directors who are authorised to use our services to ensure they are aware of our stance on items on coffins. 'As private companies, funeral directors will have their own processes in place which could limit the use of flags but this is down to the funeral director and not the council. We have also reminded relevant teams within the council. 'Although we did not have direct contact with the family, we are sorry that they received contradictory advice to this.' GREENVILLE The call for a moratorium on new development that could affect thousands of acres of land in the city came as a surprise to developers and real estate professionals. The measure's eventual delay was a surprise to a few City Council members who were prepared to enact it. After pointed criticism from real estate representatives, the council voted March 22 to delay for a month a proposal to halt development near single-family home for six months. The first public notice that the proposal was on the table was Friday afternoon, March 19. The idea of a moratorium wasn't in the public realm during council meetings over the past few months, including a two-day retreat, though members before Monday's vote expressed separate understandings of what was to happen. We all had conversations," said Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming, who was one of two council members to vote against delaying the moratorium until April 26. "So, Im just saying, nobody called me. I started seeing emails all of a sudden, etc. I think if theres a lesson learned on this particular item, its a lack of transparency, said Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe, who voted for the delay to hear from developers and others who weren't aware of the proposal. We all have a hand in that. Thats not the way we do business at the city. The sternest rebuke came from real estate stakeholders who spoke just before the vote. Frank Hammond, a commercial real estate broker and member of the Greenville County Planning Commission, said that if the moratorium were to pass, it would be done without the input of people with millions of dollars at stake and with the city's investor-friendly reputation on the line. "You changed the rules, you changed them overnight, you didn't tell anybody," said Hammond, referring to a potential moratorium as a measure "failed governments enact when they fail to plan and implement properly." The notion of planning, however, is exactly the reason for a moratorium, said Councilman Ken Gibson, who voted alongside Flemming to vote against postponement. The city is fresh off approving a comprehensive plan that maps out growth for the next 20 years. The plan took more than a year to create, and one of the first requirements is an overhaul of the city's land management ordinances. That overhaul will take months as the city solicits consultants to undertake the task. Gibson, who said he believes a flood of building permits will inundate the city without a mandatory halt to construction, was at odds with colleagues who said they felt a moratorium was too strict. The compromise was to table the vote until April 26 but also in the meantime engage stakeholders including neighborhoods, the comprehensive plan creators and the real estate community and report back to the council on April 12. "If the desire is not there to do this, then we know the desire is not there to do this," Gibson said. "But let's not kid ourselves that if we do nothing that there's something else that we can do in any short matter of time that will stem this tide." Councilman Wil Brasington, who represents the affluent Augusta Road area communities, said he wanted to see what other options there are other than a moratorium and pushed for an April 12 report back before determining if more-stringent measures need to be taken. "I think it's the wrong prescription at the wrong time," Brasington said. "There's a number of ways to skin this cat and approach it." The root of the call for a halt in development comes as established neighborhoods increasingly collide with creeping commercial development. This is particularly true in the districts that Flemming and Gibson represent, where commercial development encroaches the boundaries of established neighborhoods and millions of dollars are being poured into renovating and flipping homes. Prior to the council meeting, the citys communication department released a memo describing the moratoriums specifics and making a case for its purpose. About 2,800 acres would have been subject to the provisions of the proposed moratorium, which would limit development of multifamily housing and commercial, service and industrial uses directly next single-family housing. Projects already in the pipeline and those not located next to single-family homes would not be affected. Certain zoning districts like the central business district, planned development and the area around the future Unity Park would be exempt. In all, about 6,150 acres would be open for development during the moratorium. Chris Bailey, Greater Greenville Association of Realtors director of government affairs, said the 3,000 members of the trade group oppose moratoriums on principle. "We've seen in other areas that once you do a moratorium, they become easier and easier to do," he said. Mayor Knox White said he was concerned about the lack of advance notice for those with a stake in the issue. I do want to say to the folks who were concerned about the timing of this or they felt like they heard about it on Friday, thats my biggest concern," White said after the vote. There is precedence in South Carolina for limiting construction in areas seeing a tidal wave of growth. The state's fourth-largest city, Charleston suburb Mount Pleasant, has had a limit on new permits for residential construction for two years now. The rules, in response to an imbalance between the amount of new housing and the lack of commercial development to pay the taxes to support it, have cut residential construction by one-third compared to previous recent years. The city of Greenville is racing to overhaul its land regulations to fit the vision of the comprehensive plan. "I think we all agree that the zoning we have is not the zoning code we need for the future, but if nothing else we've seen there are multiple stakeholders on this change," said Councilwoman Dorothy Dowe, who voted for a delay but only with a date certain to report back. The plan envisions a course of development that clusters new growth into "nodes." Those are areas designated in the planning phase for concentrations of development, where developers will be allowed to build more units on smaller pieces of land to increase density, with mixed uses included and buildings four- to six-stories high. The idea is to concentrate growth in a way that makes services, jobs and travel more compact. Also, the plan envision nodes as opening avenues for more affordable housing to be incorporated and more open space on land that otherwise would have been developed. Nodes would be placed along identified corridors, such as Laurens Road and Wade Hampton Boulevard. The plan specifically calls for the city to "rethink current ordinance requirements and allowances outside of single-family residential districts to support the channeling of new demand towards nodes and corridors." The design, according to the plan, would accommodate 20,000 more housing units over the next few decades. During that time, the current $275 million taxable value of the land envisioned for nodes would increase to between $3 billion to $4.25 billion. David Slade contributed to this story from Charleston. In this Sept. 14, 2012 file photo, the haul of Red Snapper and Triggerfish from the fishing boat Waterproof hang on the rack at the Critter Fleet in Ponce Inlet, Fla. A new study estimates there are three times the number of red snapper previously thought to swim in the Gulf of Mexico. Congress appropriated $9.5 million for the study in 2016, as arguments grew heated between recreational anglers and federal regulators. (David Massey/The Daytona Beach News-Journal via AP) There are about three times as many red snapper as previously estimated in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a study released Wednesday about the popular game and table fish over which recreational anglers and federal regulators have fought for years. The $12 million Great Red Snapper Count estimated that the Gulf holds about 110 million adult red snapperthose at least 2 years old. A 2018 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration marine fisheries' estimate was about 36 million. "This new information should translate into greater access and longer fishing seasons for families," Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said in a news release Wednesday. Clay Porch, director of NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center Director in Miami, said peer reviewers will be going over the science for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council, which is likely to consider revising quotas in April, Porch said Tuesday. For various reasons, the quotas are unlikely to be tripled, he said. The increased population estimate is almost entirely because federal scientists previously have relied on information from a fishery concentrated on natural and artificial reefs, while the new study also looks at the immense spaces in between, Porch said. More than 60% of the red snapper were in areas that previously had not been checked, according to the study by 20 scientists from 14 universities and NOAA. "Sand and mud makes up the vastness of the Gulf of Mexico," but it is dotted with remnant oyster reefs, salt domes, holes scoured out by currents, shipwrecks, fallen shipping containers and other bottom features that would attract red snapper, lead researcher Greg Stunz of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi said Monday. Suspended sediment makes the area west of the Mississippi River so murky that researchers designed new acoustic equipment for the project, Stunz said. The report estimated that about 48 million adult red snapper swim off Florida, 29 million off Louisiana, 23 million off Texas and 10 million off Mississippi and Alabama. That included about 31 million in previously unchecked areas off Florida. An estimated 17 million live in such areas off Louisiana, 16 million off Texas and 4 million off Mississippi and Alabama. That means "we have a reserve that is not directly targeted" for fishing, Stunz said. Will White, a fisheries population expert at Oregon State University, said that although he hadn't been able to study the report in depth, "it uses standard methods and takes appropriate precautions with the data." Porch said the population estimate increase wasn't surprising. "Some of the highliner commercial fishermen have been telling us for years there are fish `out on the mud,'" he said. He noted that the red snapper count received twice as much funding as all of the studies he oversees at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. Congress appropriated $9.5 million for the study, and 14 universities provided about $2.5 million in matching funds. Congress voted for the study in 2016, as red snapper recreational seasons got shorter and shorter while anglers kept seeing more and bigger fish. Anglers contended the government was seriously undercounting the species. In 2017, NOAA Fisheries set the recreational season in the Gulf at three days. The Trump administration added 39 days. Under an experimental plan, the five Gulf states were allowed to regulate recreational fishing seasons, and they ramped up their checks on the numbers caught. That arrangement became permanent in 2019. Each state manages its quota differently. Meredith Moore, director of fish conservation at the Ocean Conservancy, said she believes that is allowing overfishing because their statistics aren't directly comparable. States could fix that with available tools, she said. The federal government still regulates commercial and charter boat catches; this year's charter boat season will run from June 1 until Aug. 3. The new estimate doesn't replace the NOAA's 2018 assessment but will supplement and enhance continuing analyses, the report said. Because an overestimate might damage the fishery, researchers took a conservative approach that likely underestimates the total, the report said. "That is the choice you want to make in precautionary fishery managementjust like in your personal finances, it's better to actually have more money than you think you do in your bank account, rather than having less than you think you do," said Oregon State's White. Explore further Gulf Coast anglers plan protest against fishing limits 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A gunman riding on the back of a scooter opened fire on a group in a Bronx playground earlier this month, police said. In shocking footage of the drive-by shooting, two men are seen on the electric vehicle before the man on the back aims a handgun and fires at the group. The shooting occurred in daylight at the Magenta Playground in the Allerton area of the Bronx around 5:30 p.m. March 12. The shooter and his driver, seen wearing a bright yellow hoodie, pulled up on the scooter. In surveillance footage from multiple angles shared by police, the suspect is then seen firing several rounds from a handgun across the playground, as he and the driver roll by. The video appears to show a number of children in the playground close to a swing set as the pair drive past. They then sped off, cops said, according to the New York Post. While no one was injured, officials said three parked cars were damaged by the slugs fired. 'It could be my child. It could be anybody's child. That's not cool that you're firing shots into a park where there is kids,' Olinville resident Elizabeth Carreras said, according to CBS New York. 'They don't care. They're not thinking. It's just sad,' resident Jhenar Thomas said. 'That's extremely alarming. I just moved here a year ago, and that's crazy,' Noel Watson added, the network reported. The shooting occurred in broad daylight at the Magenta Playground in the Allerton area of the Bronx at around 5:30 p.m. on March 12 The video appears to show a number of children in the playground close to a swing set as the pair drive past, and as the shooter releases the shots While no one was injured in the daylight shooting, officials said that three parked cars were damaged by the slugs that were fired The NYPD is now searching for the two suspects involved in the shooting, who were both seen wearing hooded sweatshirts, black masks and jeans. Posting on his Twitter account, NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea shared the surveillance footage, requesting help identifying the pair. 'Help @NYPDDetectives identify the 2 individuals that drove by & shot into a crowd inside a #Bronx PLAYGROUND,' he wrote on March 23. 'The incident occurred on 3/12, around 5:30 PM, at the Magenta Playground on Olinville Ave & Rosewood St.' According to police data, 10 people have been shot since January in the 47th Precinct, compared to four at this point last year. Officers also made 49 gun-related arrests, compared with 18 in 2020. 'This is a testament to the fact that we, as a society, have a problem with guns,' resident Jason Gonzalez said to CBS NY. 'We have to take our best step forward and see what we can do to remove guns off of the streets. They just end up in the hands of the wrong people.' Police have said that the two suspects will face reckless endangerment charges. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 17:54:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Workers operate at a construction site in Cikampek, West Java Province, Indonesia, March 24, 2021. China's Sinohydro Bureau 7 Co., Ltd. on Wednesday completed the precasting work of 15,390 reinforced concrete rail track slabs for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway (HSR), the railway's operator said. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain) JAKARTA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Sinohydro Bureau 7 Co., Ltd. on Wednesday completed the precasting work of 15,390 reinforced concrete rail track slabs for the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway (HSR), the railway's operator said. A statement released by KCIC, a joint venture consortium between Chinese and Indonesian state-owned firms that runs the 142.3-km HSR, said the completion of the precasting work created a solid foundation for the laying of track slabs on the entire line of the railway. KCIC said the precasting of rail track slabs undertaken by Sinohydro Bureau 7 Co., Ltd., accounting for 51 percent of the total slab precasting works, will be handed over to Indonesian state-owned company PT Wijaya Karya, a member of the venture consortium. KCIC said that the first track slab was produced in January last year in Sinohydro's slab yard before the launching of mass production, adding that all the slab transported out reached a qualified rate of 100 percent. With a speed of 350 km per hour, the high-speed railway built with the Chinese technology will cut the journey between Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of West Java province, from more than three hours to around 40 minutes. Enditem EMA Directors across North Alabama are preparing for the severe weather headed this way. The Morgan, Limestone and Lauderdale County EMA Directors all stressed the same thing: making sure you have a plan in place now before the storms roll in. That plan is two-fold, they say. The first part is knowing where you need to be in case of high winds or a tornado. Find out where your closest storm shelter is and how long it takes to get there. Bring plenty of supplies with you, including charged electronics. And remember, you need to get to these shelters ahead of time. "I think the biggest mistake people make during a severe potential storm outbreak is waiting to the last minute to try and get to shelter, especially if they're in a mobile home. They need to take precautions ahead of time. Have that safety plan in place, discuss that with their family, make sure everyone knows where to go inside the house or wherever that safe zone is. But just don't wait to the last minute. Unfortunately if you get the word that it's on the ground, headed towards you, it's too late to do anything at that point," said Joe Holmes with Decatur Utilities. The second part of the plan you need to have is for the back-end of the storm. What happens if you lose power? Holmes says to have things like: - Bottled water - Canned food - Manual can opener - Non-perishable foods - Charged devices - Weather radio EMA Directors are stressing they are using Wednesday to prepare and you should, too. Mutare Recalled Mutasa South legislator, Regai Tsunga has vowed to continue serving his constituency until the lapse of his five year term. In an exclusive interview with 263Chat following his recall from Parliament, Tsunga who was elected in the 2018 parliamentary elections under the Movement of Democratic Change (MDC Alliance) banner said he is open to contesting in a by-election to retain his seat if the electorate want him to finish his term. "After the recall I will continue to work with people of Mutasa South constituency as I have always been doing. "What has changed is that I won't be going to parliament and contributing to debate but in terms of working with the people on the ground that will not stop because it's now part of my DNA. "I will continue representing people into other forums. So the recall to me is just academic than practical," said Tsunga. On participating in the Mutasa South by-election, Tsunga said he will be guided by his constituency as they gave him the initial mandate to represent them. "I have a five year mandate from the people and I believe that has not lapsed because of this recall, what I might do is to establish from the people if I should contest the by election to finish the remainder of the term. "If people think otherwise I will also be guided by that. It's people which give mandate to represent them," said Tsunga. Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer Utoile Silaigwana has said they will lift suspension on voter registration and some field work on the 1st of April. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Zimbabwe Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) would like to announce that following the relaxation of lockdown measures of the Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 on March 2021, the Commission will lift the suspension of voter registration and some field work it announced on January 08 2021. The resumption of suspended activities will come into effect on 01 April 2021," read part of the press statement. Despite not explicitly opening up for by elections, the ZEC announcement gives opportunity for democracy to continue as critics have been on government's back for suspending fundamental rights due to the lockdown. Tsunga however said the opposition will not be caught napping in the next elections as widely claimed by the ruling party insisting that they are actively pushing for electoral reforms. "In regard to the confusion surrounding recall, I think by the time we get to the next elections proper in 2023 those things will have been streamlined to ensure that there is no repetition of this kind of fiasco. "There is a lot of work going on in the background, for The MDC Alliance we have a framework that if perhaps we had continued in Parliament we are going to be pushing for its adoption," he said. Former Chairman and Election 2016/2020 campaign manager for the New Patriotic Party, Peter Mac Manu is all praise for the Supreme Court of Ghana, saying its adjudication of the 2020 Presidential Election Petition, particularly in bringing finality to the dispute was excellent. According to Mac Manu, for any demand for a re-run of presidential elections to succeed, the errors complained of must have mathematical effects on the overall tally of the votes. Administrative errors, insufficiencies and arithmetic faux pas, without more, cannot annul presidential elections, he said, and added that the Supreme Court per its judgment on the 2020 presidential election petition, gave official approval to the declaration by the Electoral Commission on 9th December 2020. Why the Supreme Court dismissed Mahama's 2020 presidential election petition (FULL JUDGMENT) Mr. Mac Manu stated the position while contributing to the 6th Leadership Dialogue Series organized by the Centre for Social Justice. It was on the topic, 2020 Election Petition Judgment; Political, Electoral and Legal Ramifications. On the legal ramifications of the decision of the court, Mr. Mac Manu said societies are held together by laws, without which no society will thrive because chaos and anarchy have never built any society. He said the election petition and its outcome strengthens the confidence reposed in the Supreme Court the more because In years to come, one can be rest assured that, once an election petition is brought before the Supreme Court, it would be dealt with in a fair, transparent and timeous manner. He argued that In the 2012/2013 petition hearing, both the then opposition leader and the president-elect had confidence in the legal systems. The NDC didnt have a problem filing their petition in 2020 because they knew, they would receive justice just as they did in 2012. The Supreme Court apart from its adjudication functions also serves as a forum for policy formulation. The Supreme Court could issue directives for the Electoral Commission to undertake certain important actions. Hence the use of court processes enables the Supreme Court to validate the existing electoral laws, identify gaps if any and call for reforms where necessary. Ghanas 2020 Elections Legal framework emanated from different authorities including domestic and international (ECOWAS/AU) as well as from the constitution. Indeed the 1992 Constitution in Article 51 states that The Electoral Commission shall, by constitutional instrument, make regulations for the effective performance of its functions under this Constitution or any other law, and in particular, for the registration of voters, the conduct of public elections and referenda, including provision for voting by proxy. In light of this the Public Election Regulations 2020, (C.I 127) was gazetted on 2nd July 2020 to regulate the December 7, 2020 elections. It took its root from article 51 of the constitution and received approval from parliament. These were affirmed by the Supreme Court as valid. In order to invoke the remedy of judicial annulment of the presidential election there must be clear constitutional and statutory violations of laws governing the elections. The Petitioner must adduce sufficient evidence to build a strong case in order to invoke reliefs that the petitioner himself seeks without relying on the evidence of respondents to advance his case, he argued. How Akufo-Addo reacted to Supreme Court judgment He concluded that the Supreme Court did an excellent job in bringing finality to the election dispute, and that what the country needs to do now is to unite behind its leader and push the country forward in pursing the Ghana Agenda. He said the Court is even now more than ever strengthened to handle disputes of such nature. This is the second landmark election petition case that has been successfully resolved. In the end all we need is peace to enjoy the democracy that has been strongly built by us all. Major stakeholders in the electoral process need to continuously engage each other. The terms of the peace accord which is signed by the major parties before the elections must be strictly adhered to though it is voluntary. It is therefore incumbent on all Political Party Leaders, National Peace Council, Traditional Rulers, Religious Bodies, Civil Society Organizations and the Media to continue to play their significant roles in educating and promoting peace in Ghana before, during and after elections. 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 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 Peruvian judge on Thursday rejected preventative detention for ex-president Martin Vizcarra, who is being investigated for alleged corruption while he was governor of the country's southern region of Moquegua. The request for 18 months of detention was declared "unfounded" by Judge Maria de los Angeles Alvarez during a virtual hearing, who added that Vizcarra was not a flight risk. Prosecutor German Juarez had requested Vizcarra's detention, claiming he could try to leave the country or obstruct the investigation, which began in October 2020. Under Alvarez's order, the former president has to pay a security deposit of $27,000, stay in Lima and not speak to the press about the case without court permission. "I would like to thank the millions of Peruvians who believe in me and have supported me," Vizcarra told reporters the decision. He pledged to turn his attention to the upcoming April 11 general election, in which he is running as a legislator. The prosecutor has said he will appeal Thursday's decision. - 'I have not committed any crime' - During a videoconference hearing earlier in the day, Vizcarra insisted he was innocent of allegations that he received bribes while governor of the Moquegua department from 2011 to 2014, and promised not to leave the country. "I will not abandon the country, I am not going to seek political asylum. I am here to respond, to clarify without fear, because I have not committed any crime," said the 57-year-old said. Vizcarra could face a long jail term if found guilty on charges that he received bribes in exchange for public works contracts as governor. Vizcarra was president from 2018 to November last year, when he was impeached and removed from office on charges that he was "morally incompetent." Earlier this year, it emerged that Vizcarra and his wife had sought and received coronavirus vaccines out of turn last year -- shortly before his departure -- and doctors denied his claims that they were participating in a drug trial. It was then reported that others, too, had received vaccines out of turn due to their status and connections, including members of the sitting government. Two ministers stepped down within days. Peruvian media said the attorney general had opened a preliminary investigation against Vizcarra and others over the vaccine queue-jumping claims. Political and defense consultations of authorized representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ukraine and Turkey national coordinators of the format of bilateral interaction Quadriga were held in Ankara on March 24, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine said on Wednesday. From the Ukrainian side, the consultations were attended by Director of the Second Territorial Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vasyl Zvarych, and Director of the Strategic Planning Department of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine Yuriy Punda. The Turkish side was represented by Director General of the Department of Bilateral Political Relations with the Eurasian Countries Yonet Can Tezel, and Assistant Director General of the Security and Defence Directorate of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense Ozgur Ozcan Altunbulak. "National coordinators discussed ways to deepen cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the field of security and defense to restore stability and security in the Black Sea region, and to further develop cooperation in the defense industry. A separate topic of the consultations was the current situation on the Crimean peninsula temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation and the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions [...] The participants in the consultations exchanged views on the prospects for resolving conflicts in the regions of the Middle East, North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus," the statement said. Representatives of Turkey confirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, non-recognition of the attempt to annex Crimea, the Foreign Ministry said. As part of his visit to Ankara, Zvarych held a separate meeting with Tezel to discuss the preparation of the ninth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council chaired by the Presidents of Ukraine and Turkey in 2021, interaction within international organizations, and an increase in trade and investment. During the meeting, the Turkish diplomat confirmed his country's readiness to take part in the work of the Crimean Platform, which will serve as a platform for consolidating international efforts to de-occupy Crimea. As reported, the first Quadriga meeting in the framework of a comprehensive bilateral dialogue with the participation of the foreign and defense ministers of Ukraine and Turkey was held on December 18 in Kyiv. KANSAS CITY, Mo. and MONTREAL, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: NGA), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company ("Northern Genesis"), and Lion Electric, an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles, announced today that Lion Electric's registration statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-251847), relating to the previously announced business combination, has been declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Northern Genesis has commenced mailing of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Special Meeting of the Stockholders of Northern Genesis (the "Special Meeting"). The Special Meeting to approve the pending business combination is scheduled to be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time. The Special Meeting will be completely virtual and conducted via live webcast. Holders of Northern Genesis' shares of Common Stock at the close of business on the record date of March 18, 2021 are entitled to notice of the virtual Special Meeting and to vote at the virtual Special Meeting. If the proposals at the Special Meeting are approved, the parties anticipate that the business combination will close shortly thereafter, subject to the satisfaction or waiver (as applicable) of all other closing conditions. Northern Genesis stockholders who need assistance voting or have questions regarding the Special Meeting may contact Northern Genesis' proxy solicitor, D.F. King & Co., Inc., by telephone at (888) 605-1958 or by email [email protected] For assistance in French, stockholders may call (866) 822-1243 or email [email protected]. About Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: NGA) is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock exchange, acquisition, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Northern Genesis management team brings a unique entrepreneurial owner-operator mindset and a proven history of creating shareholder value across the sustainable power and energy value chain. Northern Genesis is committed to helping the next great public company find its path to success; a path which will most certainly recognize the growing sensitivity of customers, employees and investors to alignment with the principles underlying sustainability. About The Lion Electric Company The Lion Electric Company is an innovative manufacturer of zero-emission vehicles. The company creates, designs and manufactures all-electric class 5 to class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit and mass transit segments. Lion is a North American leader in electric transportation and designs, builds and assembles all its vehicle components, including chassis, battery packs, truck cabins and bus bodies. Always actively seeking new and reliable technologies, Lion vehicles have unique features that are specifically adapted to its users and their everyday needs. Lion believes that transitioning to all-electric vehicles will lead to major improvements in our society, environment and overall quality of life. Important Information and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed business combination, Lion Electric filed a registration statement on Form F-4 with the SEC that was declared effective on March 24, 2021 (the "Registration Statement"), which includes a proxy statement of Northern Genesis and a prospectus of Lion Electric. The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the SEC and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been mailed out to Northern Genesis' stockholders. Investors and security holders of Northern Genesis and other interested parties are urged to read the Registration Statement and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus"), any amendments to the foregoing, and any other documents filed with the SEC, when available, because they will contain important information about Lion Electric, Northern Genesis and the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders of Northern Genesis may obtain free copies of the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC by Northern Genesis and Lion Electric through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp., 4801 Main Street, Suite 1000, Kansas City, MO 64112 or (816) 514-0324. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, the websites referenced in this press release is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. Participants in the Solicitation Northern Genesis and its directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitations of proxies from Northern Genesis' stockholders in respect of the proposed business combination. Lion Electric and its officers and directors may also be deemed participants in such solicitation. Information regarding Northern Genesis' directors and executive officers is available under the heading "Directors and Executive Officers" in its Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the SEC on March 9, 2021. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, which may, in some cases, be different than those of their stockholders generally, are contained in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and will be contained in other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed business combination when they become available. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or constitute a solicitation of any vote or approval. No offer of securities, other than with respect to the concurrent private placement of Lion shares as described in the Registration Statement, shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. Forward-Looking Statements All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" (which shall include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws) within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "may," "will," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "could," "plan," "project," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the transaction, including with respect to timing and closing thereof and the ability to consummate the transaction. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Lion Electric's and Northern Genesis' management and are not predictions of actual performance. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Lion Electric and Northern Genesis, and are based on a number of assumptions, as well as other factors that Lion Electric and Northern Genesis believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct or that the Lion Electric's vision, business, objectives, plans and strategies will be achieved. Many risks and uncertainties could cause Lion Electric's actual results, performance or achievements or future events or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those factors discussed in the Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other documents filed or to be filed by Lion Electric or Northern Genesis in accordance with applicable securities laws. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Northern Genesis or Lion Electric, and there may be additional risks that neither Northern Genesis nor Lion Electric presently know or that Northern Genesis and Lion Electric currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Northern Genesis' and Lion Electric's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Northern Genesis and Lion Electric anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their respective assessments to change. However, while Northern Genesis and Lion Electric may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Northern Genesis and Lion Electric have no intention and undertake no obligation to do so except as required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Northern Genesis' and Lion Electric's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. SOURCE The Lion Electric Co. Related Links thelionelectric.com A project worth VND4.8 trillion ($207 million) has been approved to have the national grid reach Con Dao Islands off Vietnam's southern coast. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will work with the authorities of Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province that administers Con Dao to draw up a specific plan, as approved in principle by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Power will be provided by a station in the coastal Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang via a cable line stretching three kilometers on land and 15 kilometers under the shallow sea off Soc Trang before being transferred via a submarine cable of 78 kilometers to Con Dao. The project will include a 110 kV substation. Thus far, Con Dao Archipelago, a top tourist attraction in southern Vietnam, has been using electricity generated by a diesel generator, which has failed to meet actual demand. Before the PM gives the green light, Ba Ria-Vung Tau has suggested the government allocate state funds for the project as part of its medium-term public investment plan for the 2021-2025 period. Con Dao comprises 16 islands that spread across 76 square kilometers with a population of 10,500. Con Son, the biggest island, is the only one inhabited. The archipelago is considered to lie at a crucial and strategic position in terms of socio-economic development and national defense and security. According to a master development plan, Con Dao is set to become a modern economic and tourist zone of regional and international scale. The archipelago is expected to receive 300,000 visitors by 2030, but had already lured 400,000 in 2019, up 37 percent compared to 2018. Visitors can either fly from HCMC, Da Nang and Hanoi or travel by high-speed boat from Soc Trang and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. A power development plan approved by the industry ministry for Con Dao in 2016 set the electricity demand for the islands at 21MW by 2024, 33.3 MW by 2030 and 46.4 MW five years later. Yet till now, annual power supply in Con Dao has never exceeded 11.8 MW. Wunderman Thompson, University of Melbourne and Pollfish collaborated with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to conduct and launch Social Media & COVID-19: A Global Study of Digital Crisis Interaction among Gen Z and Millennials. The international study surveyed 23,500 citizens in 24 countries (aged 18 to 40) between Oct 24 2020, and Jan 7 2021, and investigates where Gen Z and Millennials in pandemic hotspots are getting their COVID-19 information, who they trust as sources, what are their concerns as a result of the pandemic and their awareness of false news. It also looks at the size of their social media networks, how likely they are to share unverified information and how they build their own crisis narratives. Insights from this study will be relevant to governments, health organizations, educators, media and businesses to help sharpen their health communications. Based on initial findings, 6 key insights were developed and are shown below. And an in-depth report will be available at the end of April, 2021. The 6 key insights Key Insight 1: Mainstream media is still tops, although Gen Z and Millennials rely on multiple sources for their COVID-19 information. Friends and family ranked lower in terms of sources of information. Top sources of information include: 43.6% national news media 36.2% search platforms 35.2% international news media 34.2% social media content from traditional media Key Insight 2: Science content is seen as shareworthy What Gen Z and Millennials are most likely to share on social media : 43.9% scientific content 36.7% information relevant to themselves 28.5% information that is concerning. Key Insight 3: Awareness of false news is high, but so is apathy 59.1% of respondents were very aware that COVID-19 information on social media and messaging platforms could be false 35.% of respondents ignore content that they find out to be false Key Insight 4: Gen Z and Millennials have multiple worries beyond getting sick Top concerns included: 55.5% risk of friends and family contracting COVID-19 53.8% economy crashing 39.8% employment uncertainty Crashing economy is the top concern of respondents in half of 24 countries surveyed. Key Insight 5: Interest in vaccines is soaring 55.0% are interested in information regarding a COVID-19 vaccine 41.9% state that social media content by the WHO would be their first source of vaccine information Key Insight 6: So much information, yet not the full picture 58.3% are overwhelmed by information 52.0% have stopped paying attention to COVID-19 news 59.3% feel the media is not telling them everything 57.1% feel that their government is not giving the full picture on the pandemic The research was conducted and led by Wunderman Thompsons APAC Chief Data Officer Thomas Brauch, APAC Intelligence Director Chen May Yee and the University of Melbournes Professor of Digital Communication and Globalization (Faculty of Arts), Ingrid Volkmer. The 24-country survey was conducted by Pollfish. Commenting on the partnership, methodology and insights generated, Sarah Hess, Technical Officer, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization said, Young people today are globally connected sharing, co-creating and interacting with information on digital platforms daily. They have had to navigate the proliferation of misinformation that has accompanied the pandemic misinformation that causes confusion, damages trust and threatens the public health response to COVID-19. This groundbreaking research provides insights on young peoples concerns during the pandemic and how they are interacting with their digital world to seek COVID-19 information. These outcomes are key to ensuring WHOs communication strategies are relevant, responsive and reach young people, so everyone can have timely access to accurate information in order to make health protective decisions. WHO would like to acknowledge the fantastic collaboration with Wunderman Thompson, University of Melbourne and Pollfish in conducting this critical research as the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. Justin Peyton, Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer APAC, Wunderman Thompson said, With COVID vaccines now being made available in different regions, it feels more important than ever that people get information that is both true and trusted. The research here has given us great insight into how trust can be impacted depending on who is delivering the message as well as other factors. I believe and I hope that the significance and scale of this research helps us to find the best ways to connect as the world continues to need trusted voices from partners like the WHO. Thomas Brauch, Chief Data Officer APAC, Wunderman Thompson said, We continue to learn more about the prevalence and negative impact of misinformation on communities and citizens to effectively address global challenges like COVID. This research, covering 24 countries, adds to our understanding of how average people think about misinformation, ways they try to avoid or counter the effect, and provides guidance on addressing and overcoming a growing sense of scepticism people have in finding truthful and reliable sources. Ingrid Volkmer, Professor of Digital Communication and Globalization, University of Melbourne said, As todays Gen Z and Millenials are not only digital natives but also globalized natives as they naturally communicate with peers anywhere in the world through social media platforms, transnational research is needed to assess these spheres of borderless digital interaction. Our study produces not only insight into these digital practices in 24 countries on all continents but our research was conducted at the height of a health crisis in these regions. In this sense, our data set constitutes a unique snapshot of these crisis interactions of 18-24 year olds in countries across the world. John Papadakis, CEO, Pollfish said, Pollfish is extremely proud to be part of this partnership that is researching such a key dimension of the pandemic that has gripped our world. Our organic research methodology and easy-to-use platform meant that the partnership was able to get global data at unparalleled speed and quality. Our partners were able to easily and quickly reach Gen Z and millennials around the world on Pollfish, even though these audiences can be challenging to connect with, because of our unique methodology and platform. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila at the plenary yesterday, accepted the petition of the Tiv people from Benue State resident in the United States of America, which was earlier rejected by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase. Wase who sat in for Gbajabiamila had rejected the petition. The petition, which was presented by Hon. Mark Gbillah (PDP, Benue) accused the federal government of non-chalance towards the perils facing those who have been displaced as a result of herdsmen activities. Wase, while responding, argued that Nigerians abroad have no rights to file a petition on the crisis. The rejection had however attracted widespread condemnations from Nigerians all over the world. But when presented again by Gbillah at yesterday's plenary, Gbajabiamila who presided over the session accepted the petition. He said that the House of Representatives cannot discriminate against any Nigerian wherever they may be in any part of the world. Gbajabiamila said, "I believe this is the same petition that has been causing a lot of misunderstanding. The misunderstanding came from the issue of signature. Having cleared that misunderstanding, please, go ahead and lay your petition to be given proper attention. Thanks, Hon. Mark Gbillah; thank you for your patience." Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Gbillah while commending the Speaker for his intervention, appealed to Nigerians in diaspora to sheathe their swords and rescind their earlier threat to withhold diaspora remittances in the light of the acceptance of the petition. The lawmaker also appealed to Wase to apologise for his statement. He said, "I would also like to first all commend Nigerians in diaspora for rising up to defend their constitutional rights. It is their privilege to do so. I appreciate their rallying around us, the Tiv people and the Tiv Association in America who brought up this petition in the first place. I don't want us to lose focus on the crux of the petition itself. "I want to appeal to them in the light of the final submission of the petition and Mr. Speaker's confirmation of the commitment of the House in the furtherance of the issue of our people in diaspora to sheathe their swords and rescind their earlier ultimatum with regards to remittances. DPP slammed for denying 1992 Consensus, misleading public Xinhua) 08:50, March 24, 2021 BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Tuesday slammed Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority for denying the 1992 Consensus and attempting to mislead the public. If the DPP authority does respect the "existing facts and political foundation," it should return to the common political foundation of the 1992 Consensus, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Zhu made the remarks in response to a DPP official's so-called propositions for maintaining peace, stability and development across the Taiwan Strait. The DPP authority continues to deliberately avoid the 1992 Consensus, thereby denying that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same China. "This is nothing but a two-sided trick to divert focus, mislead the public and deceive the world," Zhu said. Noting that the 1992 Consensus is the greatest common denominator for the improvement and growth of cross-Strait relations, Zhu said differences in systems are not an obstacle to reunification. Over recent years, the DPP authority has been colluding with external forces to seek "Taiwan independence." Some politicians on the island have been recklessly smearing the mainland, inciting hostility, making "Taiwan independence" remarks and increasing tensions across the Strait, which is the root cause of the instability gripping cross-Strait relations, Zhu added. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) No evidence: The National Crime Agency has ditched its probe into alleged fraud at HBOS Reading The National Crime Agency (NCA) has ditched its probe into alleged fraud at HBOS Reading, more than two years after it was due to complete. The law enforcement office was looking into wider suspected criminality at the Reading branch of HBOS, following the successful Operation Hornet conducted by Thames Valley Police, which led to the conviction of six corrupt bankers and advisers in 2017. A judge in that case ruled that HBOS bankers had loaded small business customers with too much debt, and referred them to corrupt advisers who milked them for fees. In 2018 Thames Valley Police asked the NCA to examine further allegations which were outside the scope of its initial Operation Hornet. That review was supposed to take six months to complete. But the NCA said last night that its probe did not identify any clear evidence of criminal offending, and concluded that there is very limited likelihood of achieving the required level of evidence to support a prosecution. It added that it had decided not to open a criminal investigation into this matter. The announcement will come as a relief to Lloyds Bank, which bought HBOS in 2008 and is still trying to compensate victims of the proven frauds at HBOS Reading. But small business owners who had been HBOS Reading customers, and claimed they were victims of fraud, were left furious last night. Anthony Stansfeld, the police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, said: Im disappointed by the NCAs decision. Many of the HBOS Reading victims have still not been compensated. A spokesman for Lloyds Banking Group said: We assisted all NCA requests for information made to us as part of their review. 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. Business leaders from nearly 200 companies sent an open letter to Congress on Tuesday issuing a public call for inclusion and passage of a national paid family and medical leave policy in the next legislative recovery package. Signers include many prominent founders and CEOs of both growing and established companies, including Pinterest, Levi Strauss & Co, Spotify, Patagonia, Eventbrite, Rent the Runway, Stitch Fix, Rebecca Minkoff, Rothy's, Calm, Lightspeed Ventures, ThirdLove, Zola, Honest Company, Goop, and more. Not only would having a national paid-leave policy go far in addressing some of the key failings in the U.S. health care system that were uncovered by the Covid-19 pandemic, it would help more women keep their jobs, say the business leaders. "We joined this push for federal legislation on paid leave because we believe that national action is key to stemming the tide of women leaving the workforce in the wake of the coronavirus crisis," said Jenn Hyman, CEO of Rent the Runway in a statement. If women in particular had the security to leave and come back--as a national policy would allow--her thesis follows: women wouldn't be leaving the workforce in droves. Further, she adds: "it's the right thing to do--period." The letter comes at a critical moment. Not only is March 24 Equal Pay Day in the U.S., the day set aside to acknowledge the gender pay gap in America, the Biden administration is gearing up to release more details regarding its next recovery package. While Biden favors a broad and permanent paid-leave policy, it's an open question whether it'll make it into the final version of the next legislation. It is worth noting that an extension and expansion of the existing paid leave policy, dubbed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, or FFCRA, was indeed included in the last relief legislation: the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act. But it's only temporary. The measure, which mandates that all companies offer paid sick leave to employees affected by Covid-19, now ends on September 6, 2021. Previously, companies with more than 500 or fewer than 50 employees were exempted from participating. While all companies now must participate, only smaller businesses--those with fewer than 500 employees--utilizing the program may recoup their paid-leave costs during the pandemic via a payroll tax credit. Companies with more than 500 employees are required to offer leave and pay for it themselves. That's a good step, but it's not enough, says Alexis Ohanian, an investor and Reddit co-founder, who also signed on to the letter. "The pandemic has cast a harsh light on so many of the inequities in our society, and families should no longer be subjected to the added pressure of choosing between their job or caring for a child or loved one," he said in the same statement. What's more, the business leaders argue: paid leave is critical for economic recovery, even as the vaccination rate increases nationwide. Giving people the space to convalesce without fearing for their jobs could help stem the spread of the coronavirus. The arapaima is one of the earth's biggest freshwater fish. The decaying corpse of a dead Amazon "river monster" lately washed ashore in Florida, bringing up questions about whether this massive killer fish has entered the Sunshine State's ever-increasing catalog of invasive animals. The Arapaima Although it may grow in Florida's warm waters, this fish, called the arapaima (Arapaima Gigas - a creature quite big that can develop to be 3 meters (10 feet) long and up to 200 kilograms (440 lbs) according to a 2019 research. In PLOS One 2019 journal - the possibilities are piled against it, for now, explained Louisiana's Nicholls State University aquatic ecologist Solomon David who was not included in the new arapaima discovery. That's because these fish have several very specific quirks: They procreate only in certain places, consuming precious energy and time looking after their offspring, and don't attain sexual maturity until they're at least 3 to 5 years old and are around 1.5 m (5 feet) long, Solomon explained. Read More: Scientist Predicts the Future of Fishing Industry as Artisanal, Leaving Behind Large Industrial Fishing Fleets Durable Population in Florida However, It would take many individuals to keep a durable population in Florida, and just one deceased arapaima has been discovered so far. The arapaima in this case was possibly an exotic pet in someone's aquarium that either got extremely large for its tank and was not properly discharged into the wild or died in captivity and was thrown into the river. David explained to Live Science that "they can't even tell if the fish was alive when it was left in there." The Florida Fish, and Wildlife Conservation Commission explained that: The corpse of the arapaima was in Cape Coral's Jaycee Park on the ramps of the Caloosahatchee River, which pours into the Gulf of Mexico in western Florida, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recorded in early March. The Greenish Fish The usually greenish fish, which have a reddish tail, had already turned pale from rotting, Images indicate. But it was not the entire 10 feet long, it was an arapaima. This arapaima also called paiche or pirarucu, used to be abundant in parts of the Amazon River, but the species is now endangered in several areas along with its indigenous habitat, Solomon explained. This fish is part of the bony tongue faction, a slew of huge-bodied tropical river fish whose tongues are braced with teeth and whose trunks are wrapped with wide, mosaic-like plates that are tough, like armors, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Solomon explained these plates are so hard that it's even impossible for piranhas to bite through them - though that's only luck, since the arapaima grew long before piranhas came into existence. The Arapaima is Valued for Its Meat The arapaima is treasured for its meat, and not just in rural areas close to the river, where the fish has considerably boneless meat, when salted, can be preserved without the use of a refrigerator. An entire foods market sold commercially grown arapaima, the food store chain disclosed in a 2016 blog post. Though wild arapaimas are endangered mainly due to overfishing, and it not encouraging that the species, one of the biggest freshwater fish on earth, is very easy to spot. Related Article: Some Popular Fish and Invertebrate Seafood Species Rapidly Declining Worldwide For more news, update about river monsters and simar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News! TANAISTE Leo Varadkar has said some of the public have already moved out of Level 5 - but warned of a deteriorating Covid-19 situation that could worsen if restrictions are eased next month. Mr Varadkar told the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting on Wednesday that case numbers went up 9pc last week, will go up again this week, and that the Government is very worried about the situation. The Fine Gael leader said a number of metrics were going in the wrong direction, including the 14-day incidence rate, GP Covid test referral rate and the test positivity rate. He said the R number - the reproductive rate of the virus - is now probably above 1. Sources at the meeting said the Tanaiste pointed out the country is in a worse situation than it was at the end of November when restrictions were eased for three weeks before Christmas. Read More Ahead of an announcement on public health restrictions next week, Mr Varadkar said the Government would like to ease them to keep people on board because of fears that not doing so would see people making their own decisions. But he said ministers were equally concerned that easing restrictions would result in people doing more than they are allowed to do. Mr Varadkar agreed with a point made by Limerick TD Kieran ODonnell who said the public had already moved out of Level 5. The Tanaiste said it was the case that a portion of the public had moved out of Level 5, but said the dilemma was whether relaxing restrictions would make the situation worse. He said that the Government would have to make a judgment call based on Nphet advice. The Fine Gael leader said the Governments highest priority was keeping schools open and the full return of secondary schools. He said the second highest priority was peoples mental health and giving them some relief and a little bit of extra freedom. Mr Varadkar faced calls from a number of TDs to ease the lockdown with calls for loosening restrictions on outdoor gatherings, underage sports, construction, and click and collect services. However, some senators, including Martin Conway, Micheal Carrigy and Mary Seery Kearney urged the Government to be more cautious ahead of next weeks announcement. Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan, backbenchers John Paul Phelan and David Stanton, and senator Jerry Buttimer were among a number of attendees who called for the 5km travel limit to be scrapped. Former housing minister Eoghan Murphy queried whether restrictions could be loosened on a regional basis. Mr Murphy also said there was evidence people were already breaking the restrictions in small ways. OPW Minister Patrick ODonovan said something needed to be done to lift the morale of the country. Mr Varadkar said the advice from deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn was that no county in Ireland could move to looser restriction at this time. In response to queries on vaccine bonuses, Mr Varadkar said it made sense to allow people over 70 who have been vaccinated more freedoms, but that at present there were too few people being vaccinated. He said the Government was monitoring the impact of loosening restrictions for vaccinated people in Denmark and Israel. He said that even with vaccinating all of the elderly and vulnerable there would be 35 hospitalisations for every 1,000 positive cases which would not be sustainable. On the forthcoming Seanad by-elections, Mr Varadkar said that the decision of Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu to run as an unofficial Green Party candidate had created difficulty. He said the Green Party had agreed to back Fine Gaels Maria Byrne for the agriculture panel and Fianna Fails Gerry Horkan for the industrial and commercial panel given Green Senator Pippa Hackett was not opposed in a 2019 by-election and on the understanding that the two larger coalition parties would back a Green candidate in a future by-election. But he said there were indications Ms Chu would be supported by Sinn Fein for the commercial panel and that Sinn Fein would back unionist Ian Marshall for the agriculture panel. He urged colleagues to canvass Fianna Fail and Green Party Oireachtas members to support Ms Byrne. The party also backed a motion calling on Fianna Fails Housing Minister Darragh OBrien to address the parliamentary party in the coming weeks. This is the frightening moment school children were huddled in a hallway but instructed to social distance while gangs were involved in a shootout outside the school in Brazil. A teacher at Sobral Pinto Municipal School in the Rio de Janeiro neighborhood of Praca Seca recorded the video that showed at least four children sitting in the middle of the corridor last Friday. Several staff members stood at the end of the corridor and appeared as if they were looking through a window from a distance as multiple shots rang out. The students covered their ears and appeared to be composed as the concerned instructor kept them calm during the tense moments. A boy (left) covers his ears while he and his classmates were moved to a hallway at Sobral Pinto Municipal School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, while shots were being fired by rival gangs outside last Friday. A teacher filmed the incident and instructed the students to remember to keep their distance because of the coronavirus pandemic Children and staff at the Sobral Pinto Municipal School in Rio de Janeiro were captured on video seeking refuge in a school corridor while rival gangs were involved in a shootout last Friday 'What is happening is very dangerous. Come here. Please. You are not supposed to be together because of the coronavirus,' the teacher warned after one of the boys moved from where he had been sitting. 'Unfortunately, we have to stay in these conditions. Sitting in the school corridor having to keep distance and at the same time having to protect themselves from the constant shots every afternoon here in Rua Barao.' A child who was near the teacher then asked her, 'aunt, how are we going to know where the shots are?' 'We don't know, the shots are everywhere,' she said. The video was posted Monday on social media by local activist Rene Silva and drew over 2 million views. 'Can you understand the complexity of living in a slum?' Silva wrote in a tweet. 'Children in the corridor to protect themselves from gunshots. The teacher worried about distancing because of Covid ... That's it, the reality of social inequality!!!' Children at Sobral Pinto Municipal School in the Rio de Janeiro favela or slum of Praca Seca remain seated on a corridor floor while they were shielded by their teachers from gunfire outside the facility Rio de Janeiro's secretary of education, Renan Ferreirinha, slammed the state's policy in combating crime. 'In addition to the great educational challenges, we have the chronic problem of violence in Rio,' Ferreirinha tweeted. 'There is no point in insisting on an inefficient public security policy, of confrontation by confrontation, which harms the poorest and is not integrated with other areas, especially education.' The Rio de Janeiro Military Police attributed the shooting to rival criminal groups fighting for control of the Praca Seca, favela or slum. 'The 18th BPM command clarifies that it has not received a complaint from a school that has been closed or threatened by gunfire in the past week,' the Military Police said in a statement. 'On Friday it was reported that there were shots (exchanged) between rival groups at the top of the hill, without reflections in the lower part of the community. Overt policing continues to be strengthened in the region.' A journalist working for state-owned newspaper Al Wehda was detained for the second time in six months on 7 March, in an alleged defamation case. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) calls for his immediate release. Two days before being arrested by the cybercrime police in the Syrian capital, Damascus, journalist Kenan Wakkaf posted a message on his Facebook account stating: "By the time you read this post I will be in detention. If you don't ask for your right, who will? If it is not now, when? His detention came a week after he posted a story on Facebook about a Syrian conscript soldier who was held as a hostage after being assigned to guard the house of a governor. According to the story, the governor's son had asked the soldiers father to pay 15 million Syrian pounds to release him. He claimed that the soldier had stolen money and jewellery from the governors house. This is Wakkafs second arrest in six months. In September 2020, he was detained for two days following a report in Al Wehda newspaper on corruption in the General Electricity Company of Tartous, the second largest port in Syria. According to his findings, the company was allegedly involved in questionable photoelectric station deals with an influential businessman. At the time, he was sued for defamation but was released following the publication of his report. Syrian media law prohibits the jailing of journalists for their work. However, a story published on Facebook is not considered as journalism in Syria and Wakkaf was charged under the criminal code. IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, said: Our colleague Kenan Wakkaf has been detained twice in six months for doing his job. We demand his immediate release. We also call on the Syrian authorities to decriminalise journalism in all its national laws". Staff at a shop on the Shankill Road area of Belfast were threatened with a hammer during an armed robbery on Wednesday morning. The incident is believed to have happened at around 10am. Police said a man entered the shop, before demanding staff opened the till. The man escaped with a sum of money, before fleeing the scene in a taxi. The police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward. Detective Sergeant Fairfield said: It was reported that at approximately 10am, a man armed with a hammer entered the premises, threatened staff and demanded they open the till. The robber, who was wearing a light grey hoodie, blue jeans, made off with a sum of money. "Its believed he then got into a taxi at Agnes Street. Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone who has any information to call detectives on 101, quoting reference number 423 of 24/03/21. Published on 2021/03/23 | Source Actor Kim Soo-hyun gave off an unrivaled aura through a new pictorial. A sensuous pictorial with Kim Soo-hyun and fashion magazine Vogue Korea was released on the 22nd. Kim Soo-hyun, who has shown various aspects through various media in the past 14 years since his debut, has made a strong impression with his new visual once again. In this pictorial, Kim Soo-hyun covered various concepts such as sexiness, charisma, and modernity, showing an irreplaceable charm with his own eyes and mood. "So far, I have tried to enjoy adventures in a stable environment", Kim Soo-hyun said in an interview with the photo shoot. "I will try to be more adventurous from now on", he said. "You can't always get good results. So far, I've made good choices and good results have followed. I hope it continues in the future, but I still want to get out of the cycle a little bit. As I learned how to give up my greed and give way, my perspective widened". Kim Soo-hyun is preparing for the new drama "One Day - Drama". It is a fierce story of two men surrounding a woman's murder case, and is based on the British BBC drama "Criminal Justice". Kim Soo-hyun introduced the work, "This genre of drama usually focuses on the process of tracking the real culprit, but this drama captures the relationship between the main character and the people around him". As for Kim Hyun-soo, an ordinary college student in the drama, "Powerful people with power such as judges, prosecutors, and lawyers gather around Kim Hyeon-soo, who is powerless. Everyone has different voices and pushes hard, but he doesn't have much chance to speak out. It is both frustrating and sad. So there is something that I agree with emotionally". Marilyn Mansons former partner will join friends of Jennifer Dulos, survivors and national experts voicing support Wednesday for Jennifers Law, a bill that would expand the definition of domestic violence to include coercive control. The measure was proposed by state Sen. Alex Kasser, D-Greenwich, who represents New Canaan where Jennifer Dulos lived when she disappeared on May 24, 2019 amid a divorce with her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos. Kasser said she has worked for months gathering best practices from around the world in the field of domestic violence to make court proceedings safer for victims. A hearing will be held Wednesday before the legislatures judiciary committee. What this definition does is that it gives parameters, Kasser said. It explains that coercive control is a pattern of behavior that makes someone scared or prevents them from doing what they want to do. The name of the law was originally inspired by Jennifer Dulos but has now been changed to Jennifers Law, encompassing all victims of domestic violence no matter their name, or socioeconomic or ethnic background, Kasser said. Actress and activist Evan Rachel Wood who recently made allegations of abuse on her former partner, musician Marilyn Manson, will also testify in support of the bill. Manson denied the allegations on social media. In written testimony, Wood contends during the relationship Manson chipped away at her freedoms and began sabotaging her relationships with family and friends. He would monitor when she slept and ate, and there were certain things I wasnt allowed to wear, she said in her testimony. If I had been educated about coercive control, I may have been able to spot the signs, Wood said. I would have been more aware of my civil liberties slowly being stripped away. People who exert this kind of control over someone are masterful at it. Isolation and control are how people who harm clear the pathway for violence because they know it makes it increasingly more difficult for a victim to escape. Carrie Luft, a close friend of Jennifer Dulos and the spokesperson for Jennifer Dulos family, will also be among those testifying on Wednesday. Intimate partner violence affects all genders and cuts across the socioeconomic spectrum. This bill is a critical step toward a larger shift, Luft said in her written testimony submitted before the hearing. By changing the language of domestic violence to include coercive control, we can change the law. By changing language we can also change the discussion, and, I hope, change the story. Jennifer Farber Dulos would have wanted to do everything in her power to help others in abusive situations to live free from fear. As her friend I urge the Connecticut state legislature to pass this bill. Jennifer Dulos sought a restraining order and emergency custody of her five children when she left her husband in 2017, but was denied since she was unable to show that he had physically harmed her, according to court records. Fotis had threatened to take their five children away and engaged in other controlling behaviors including trying to use intimidation to get her to sign a custody agreement, court records show. Jennifer Dulos is presumed dead after she disappeared on May 24, 2019, during a nearly two-year acrimonious divorce and custody battle with Fotis Dulos. Fotis Dulos died in early 2020 from an apparent suicide as he faced murder and other charges in connection with Jennifer Dulos disappearance and death. Kasser has spent the months since the disappearance researching how to prevent similar tragedies by allowing victims get the help they need up front. The bill would expand the definition of domestic violence, domestic abuse and family violence in all court proceedings to include coercive control, a set of behaviors that abusers often employ when trying to instill fear in order to maintain control of their victims. The behaviors that would be considered coercive control under the proposed law include isolating victims from family and support networks; attempts to restrict resources needed for independence including money, housing, transportation and health care; intimidation or threats of physical violence; stalking and cyberstalking including monitoring someones movements; and attempts to obstruct a persons right to end a marriage or intimate partner relationship. Connecticuts Judicial Branch voiced concerns with the legislation in written testimony submitted to the committee. While they supported extending temporary restraining orders to include instances of coercive control, they are concerned about the removal of the requirement that the actions which the application arises out of be a continuous, present threat. The bill is a modified version of draft legislation that Kasser had been working on as the legislative session moved forward. The legislation would also require the court to prioritize child safety first by before looking at other factors in determining the best interests of the child. It doesnt just create a standard for coercive control, it applies it in the forum where it plays out - in custody proceedings, Kasser said. An earlier version of the bill died last year when the legislature was forced to halt the 2020 session due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill would have to be voted out of committee and receive the approval of the House and Senate before it became law. A U.S. executive order that took effect Jan. 11 bans U.S. persons from trading the securities of Chinese companies on a list of firms deemed to have ties to Chinas military. Photo: VCG As the U.S. government imposes sanctions on companies that it says are linked to the Chinese military, the impact of the policy is rippling well beyond the countrys borders. A U.S. executive order that took effect Jan. 11 bans U.S. persons from trading the securities of Chinese companies on a list of firms deemed to have ties to Chinas military. The order also requires that U.S. persons sell these securities within 365 days of the date that a company gets put on the list. U.S. persons include not just U.S. citizens, but also any permanent resident, any person in the United States, and any entity organized under U.S. laws, according to the order. Because of the order, some Chinese companies have been delisted or face delisting from the U.S. stock market. After the order took effect, some companies suffered sell-offs of their Hong Kong-listed shares as U.S. investors rushed to dump their holdings by the trading ban deadline, market participants said. Thats because the ban doesnt just apply to the U.S. market, but any market worldwide. Violators face a fine ranging from $1,000 to $250,000, depending on the size of the illicit transaction, or even a criminal charge, according to U.S. government rules. Currently, there are 44 Chinese companies on the list. Earlier this month, one of the companies, China Telecom Corp. Ltd., said that the order had led to big fluctuations in its American depositary receipts (ADRs) and Hong Kong shares, as well as a significant reduction in U.S. investors in its stock. Chinas two other major telecom operators, China Mobile and China Unicom, are also on the list. The New York Stock Exchange has delisted all the three companies ADRs. The securities subject to the sanctions include exchange-traded stocks and securities traded on over-the-counter markets, as well as derivatives and mutual funds. While U.S. investors sold off the companies stocks in Hong Kong, some Chinese mainland investors were buying in. Since U.S. investors are prohibited from buying, many mainland investors looking for a bargain bought these stocks through the stock connect program that links Hong Kong and the mainland, an investment banker at a brokerage told Caixin. Contact reporter Guo Yingzhe (yingzheguo@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) 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. Advertisement The race to unblock the Suez Canal took a bizarre turn today as eagle-eyed observers noticed that the cargo ship obstructing the canal had steered a rudely-shaped course into the waterway. The MV Ever Given's ill fortune began in the early hours of Tuesday when it left a phallic tracking pattern described as 'innocent, but terrible luck' on its approach to the canal. The unfortunately-shaped pattern was picked up on marine traffic websites tracking the Panama-flagged vessel on its journey from China to Rotterdam. But matters took a more serious turn on Tuesday afternoon when the Ever Given veered off course in a sandstorm and blocked the entire Suez Canal, which handles 30 per cent of global container ship traffic a day. Dr Sal Mercogliano - a maritime historian and former merchant mariner - previously warned of 'catastrophic delays' to supplies of vital goods, from food to fuel and even vaccines for every moment the canal remains closed. Workers racing to free the ship have today managed to partially refloat the vessel, but have been unable to say how quickly they will be able to fully remove the Ever Given or clear a backlog of roughly 100 ships. Port authority GAC, which controls traffic through the canal, said the 1,312ft-long, 175ft-wide, 200,000-ton MV Ever Given is now being moved alongside the bank. Analysts revealed today that 10 tankers carrying 13 million barrels of crude oil are already stuck, causing oil prices to spike 2 per cent over fears of a shortage. It is not clear what cargo the Ever Given is carrying. The only alternative to going through the canal is for vessels to sail around the Horn of Africa and approach the Mediterranean from the west, adding 14 days and 5,000 nautical miles to the journey. It still is not clear exactly how the accident happened - GAC said the ship suffered a 'blackout', meaning it lost power and steering before becoming stuck; but a spokesman for the canal authority said a sandstorm had blocked the captain's view and blown the ship off course before it got jammed and lost power. Unfortunate: The MV Ever Given's bad luck began before it even entered the canal as it left a rudely-shaped holding pattern in the night from Monday to Tuesday, before blocking the Suez Canal after veering off course in a sandstorm The MV Ever Given - a 1,312ft long, 175ft wide, 200,000 ton cargo ship owned by shipping firm Evergreen - has drifted sideways and become stuck across the width of the Suez Canal, blocking one of the world's busiest shipping lanes The MV Ever Given lodged sideways in the Suez Canal on Wednesday after a sandstorm caused it to veer off course a day ago The Ever Given is now aground with its bow lodged in the eastern wall of the canal. Workers are attempting to dig the bow free while tugboats try to shove it back into the waterway The rescue operation involves diggers trying to excavate the boat's dolphin-nose bow from the eastern bank of the canal where it has become embedded, while tugboats attempt to shift the grounded stern. Meanwhile, a huge amount of sea traffic is building up on either side of the blockage Ship tracking data reveals the extent of the vessels building up on either side of the stuck ship, with 100 of them thought to have been caught up so far - and 50 more arriving per day Satellite images show the vessel lodged in the canal. Because the boat is longer than the waterway is wide, options for moving it are limited Options are therefore limited. Because the boat is wider than the canal itself, it has to come out the exact way it went in. Except that both ends are out of the water, meaning it has no steering. Virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been sent to try and pull or push her off the wall of the canal, while workers are trying to dig out the canal walls and refloat her, bringing her steering back online. Efforts have been underway for almost a day, but have so far proved fruitless. The task resumed on Wednesday morning, with no estimate as to how long it will take. If tugboats and diggers aren't enough to free the vessel, then they only other option is to starting removing weight - either by dumping fuel or unloading cargo, piece by piece. Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Dr Mercogliano, who is based in North Carolina, warned that the vessel is in 'a very precarious position'. 'With both ends of the vessel up on the beach there's a tendency for her to sag in the middle, so they have to be very careful in trying to get her off [the wall],' he said. 'If they can't get her up off that position with the tugs they're going to have to start getting fuel out of her, and then containers. 'But the difficulty with getting containers off her is that she's so high, so tall, that it will be very difficult to get the correct size crane in there.' Underlining the importance of the canal to global trade, he added: 'The world economy, with Covid, you know how much things have slowed down with getting goods around. 'Now all of a sudden you add this to that, you're going to have delays with getting goods to market, we're talking vaccines, we're talking manufacturing goods, food, everything, fuel too, it's potential catastrophic delays.' Data from Marine Traffic shows several tugs attending to the stricken vessel, though they have failed to pull it clear. The vessel is carrying cargo from Yantain, China to Rotterdam, Netherlands. Workers are using diggers and heavy machinery to try and dig away the wall of the canal in the hopes of refloating the vessel, meaning its steering should become operational again The Ever Given was part of a 20-ship convoy heading north through the canal, from Suez Gulf into the Mediterranean, and since becoming stuck has caused a 100-ship tailback Virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been drafted in and are trying to push or pull the huge container ship off the canal walls, but their efforts have so-far proved fruitless Egyptian officials overseeing the rescue operation discuss their options from on board a tugboat, as the stricken Ever Given is seen through the window The ship, built in 2018 with a length of nearly 400 meters (a quarter mile) and a width of 59 meters (193 feet), is among the largest cargo ships in the world. It can carry some 20,000 containers at a time. Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal provides a crucial link for oil, natural gas and cargo being shipping from East to West. Around 10 per cent of the world's trade flows through the waterway and it remains one of Egypt's top foreign currency earners. In 2015, the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi completed a major expansion of the canal, allowing it to accommodate the world's largest vessels. However, the Ever Given ran aground before that new portion of the canal. The incident Tuesday marks just the latest to affect mariners amid the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have been stuck aboard vessels due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, demands on shipping have increased, adding to the pressure on tired sailors, Mercogliano said. 'It's because of the breakneck pace of global shipping right now and shipping is on a very tight schedule,' he said. 'Add to it that mariners have not been able to get on and off vessels because of COVID restrictions.' The Suez canal was first opened to marine traffic in 1869, and last year almost 19,000 ships passed through it carrying more than one billion tonnes of cargo, according to the Suez Canal Authority. The canal was closed for several months after the 1956 Suez crisis and again in 1967 for eight years following the Six- Day war. In February 2019 the Suez Canal Authority announced 75 massive cargo vessels transited the waterway carrying 5.8 million ton on a single day. Officials on February 6, were able to guide 40 vessels from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean while 35 ships went south. The Ever Given became stuck around 7.40am Tuesday, local time, and remains across the canal this morning. Tracking data shows virtually every tugboat in Egypt has been diverted to help the rescue effort The Suez Canal is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, connecting Europe with the Far East AllAfrica publishes around 900 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us. The Centre, on Tuesday, March 23, eased the age limit on COVID-19 vaccination, a big leg up to India's vaccine drive. The home ministry allowed people above 45 years of age to get inoculated from April 1. The vaccination stages have so far covered all those aged 60 years or above, people above 45 with comorbidities, healthcare, and frontline workers. Tuesday's decision is expected to be a shot in the arm for the government's nationwide mass vaccination drive that kickstarted on January 16, notably amidst a sharp spike in daily COVID-19 cases in some states. In another major development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday, March 23, announced a new set of guidelines to curb the spread of coronavirus, asking states to widen the scope of RT-PCR tests, stringently enforce the 'test-track-treat' protocol and expedite the pace of immunisation to cover all priority groups. Also Read: COVID-19 vaccination: At current rate, India will take 10.8 years to vaccinate 70% population Meanwhile, Delhi and Gujarat registered a record surge in coronavirus cases on Tuesday. Where Delhi logged 1,101 fresh cases, its highest since December 19 last year, Gujarat, with 1,730 new cases, registered its highest single spike since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Here's all the latest in India's fight against Coronavirus Total COVID-19 cases today in India India logged 40,715 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, taking the countrywide infection tally to 1,16,86,796, whereas the active caseload at 3,45,377 recorded a jump for the 13th day in a row, the health ministry said. The active COVID-19 caseload now constitutes 2.96 per cent of the total infections, whereas the recovery rate has further dipped to 95.67 per cent, according to the ministry data updated at 8 am. India's coronavirus death toll jumped to 1,60,166 with 199 new casualties on Tuesday. The data further revealed that the number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 increased to 1,11,81,253, while the death rate has fallen to 1.37 per cent. India to inoculate all above 45 from April 1 The Centre opened the coronavirus vaccination for everyone above the age of 45 years. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar told the media on Tuesday. "After April 1, anyone who is over 45 years will get the vaccination," Javadekar said during a press briefing in New Delhi. As things stand, everyone above 60 years of age and those above 45 with comorbidities were being inoculated, apart from healthcare and frontline workers. From April 1, all those above the age of 45 will not require a comorbidity certificate to be vaccinated, the minister added. Javadekar stated that there was no paucity of coronavirus vaccine doses in India and appealed to all eligible people to register immediately and get inoculated. MHA issues new guidelines The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday issued a new set of guidelines instructing all states and Union Territories (UTs) to 'test-track-treat' to check the further spread of COVID-19 in the country. The MHA has asked all states and UTs to widen the scope of the RT-PCR tests, stringently enforce the 'test-track-treat' protocol and expedite the pace of inoculation to cover all priority groups. The new guidelines issued by the ministry will be effective from April 1 till April 30. Also Read: MHA issues fresh COVID-19 guidelines; tells states to step up vaccination, follow 'Test-Track-Treat' protocol DGCA suspends international commercial flights till April 30 In the wake of the prevalent coronavirus situation in India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flights till April 30. These curbs will, however, not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights, particularly approved by the DGCA. Besides this, the DGCA stated that international scheduled flights "may be allowed on selected routes" on a case-to-case basis. Celebrating Womens History Month is especially meaningful this year for the congregants of Beth El Temple, Harrisburg, as they prepare to celebrate Passover under the leadership of the first woman rabbi in the synagogues long history. Ariana Capptauber reported for the job last July, at the height of the pandemic. I was so happy to be here, but it was an interesting start, she said. My husband, Baruch, and I arrived in the middle of the pandemic, I was pregnant with our first child, and we were moving into a new house. My biggest challenge, however, was not being able to meet in-person with the synagogues 300 families due to COVID-19 restrictions. As a way to introduce herself, the rabbi began small Zoom chats, about 20 people per chat, to meet members. That at least gave me an opening, she said. Once a little more settled, I used Zoom to begin teaching classes and designing the types of services Im interested in. To give the congregation a more personal view of their new rabbi, Capptauber started creating videos from her home with various themes and information to be sent to congregants on Fridays before the beginning of the Sabbath. The idea behind this is for people to get to know me, hear about my interests and see me in a different setting, not just from the shoulders up on Zoom. Capptauber admitted being the first woman rabbi at Beth El is a cultural change. There are small adjustments, she said with a laugh. For example, I sing in a different key than a man, but I knew Beth El would be a good fit when I interviewed because its an egalitarian synagogue where men and women participate equally. Everyone has been welcoming. As Passover begins at sunset on Saturday, coinciding near the end of Womens History Month, Capptauber said she is reminded of the role women played in the Passover story from midwives who refused to follow Pharaohs decree to kill male Jewish babies, to Moses mother, Yocheved, and sister, Miriam, who put Moses in a river basket to save him, to Pharaohs daughter who rescued Moses, and back to Miriam who led the Jewish people through the Red Sea with songs. These were strong brave women, she said. She also pointed out similarities between the exodus from slavery in Egypt and current times. At the Seder meal we eat bitter herbs, to remind us of the bitterness of slavery, the rabbi explained, and we dip green vegetables into saltwater to remind us of the tears shed by the Israelites. In a normal year, these symbols serve as reminders of ancient times. With the pandemic, were not just telling a story, were actually living a parallel experience: disease, loss, and the longing for freedom to move about, to see family, to practice our traditions as we used to. In the Passover story, she said, there are the ten plagues God inflicts on Pharoah and his people. Its almost fantastical frogs, blood, lice and so on. And, here we are today, experiencing a real-life plague. It puts us directly into the Passover story. Capptauber pointed out a line in the Haggadah, the prayer book used at Seder: in every generation a person must see themselves as though they themselves left Egypt, meaning were supposed to experience the loss, not just talk about it. How true that is today, she said. In her youth, Capptauber had Seders with her paternal and maternal grandparents. Those Seders were a little more serious, she says. The men sat at the head of the table and led the service while the women had authority over the table and the food. After my mother took over those responsibilities, I came to realize how the Seder is influenced by who is hosting and how personal it can be, from the service to the food. As a teenager, for example, I wrote musical plays that told the story of Passover for my cousins and me to perform at my parents Seder, giving us a slight change in tradition, but also keeping us engaged. This year, Capptauber, her husband and their seven-month-old son, Yonah, will travel to the rabbis hometown in Maryland for Seder with her family. Well all be in the kitchen helping, but its my mother who prepares most of the food. And, she says, maybe well be bringing back one of my plays. On her return to Harrisburg, Rabbi Capptauber will host, through Beth El, the ninth annual Freedom Seder, via Zoom on March 30 with co-hosts, the Interdenominational Ministers Conference, PA Council of Churches, Market Square Presbyterian Church, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Chisuk Emuna Congregation. The Freedom Seder commemorates the journey from slavery to freedom for Jews in ancient Egypt, for African Americans in the United States, and how freedom can be assured for all. Registration is free and open to the community. For further information call Beth El Temple at 717-232-0556 or email patty@bethelhbg.org. Susan Cohen is a longtime food and lifestyle contributor to The Patriot-News/PennLive. She is a member of Beth El Temple, Harrisburg. The company recently signed an MoU with a Korean province authorities for its proposed Korean Metals Plant, which will initially produce high-purity neodymium-iron-boron powder and titanium powder. The halt will remain in place until March 26 or when an announcement is released to the market. ( ) has been granted a trading halt by the ASX with an announcement pending in regard to a proposed material capital raising. The halt will be in place until the start of regular trading on Wednesday, March 24, or when an announcement is released to the market, whichever occurs earliest. MoU for Korean Metals plant ASM recently signed a key MoU with the Chungcheongbuk-do (Chungbuk) Provincial Government and Cheongju-si City Government to locate its Korean Metals Plant (KMP) within the Ochang Foreign Investment Zone in South Korea. The Chungbuk Provincial Government MoU covers the supply of utilities, administrative licences and permit procedures, including the Korean Standard Industrial Classification code for rare metals and rare earth metals. This MoU covers the company's first metals plant and also includes a government grant, in accordance with Foreign Investment Promotion Act. The Korean Metals Plant will initially produce high-purity neodymium-iron-boron powder and titanium powder. The 50th Anniversary of the Whitbread Around-The-World Regatta Highlights Translated's Commitment to the Human Spirit Behind All Great Technology and Achievement ROME, ITALY / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Translated, a company founded by Marco Trombetti and Isabelle Andrieu that uses a powerful combination of human creativity and machine intelligence to craft quality translations at speed, announced today it is taking part in the Ocean Globe Race 2023, an inspiring, around-the-world regatta in which sailors pilot vintage ships without the benefit of modern technology or equipment. The 2023 race celebrates the 50th anniversary of the epic competition previously known as the Whitbread Round the World Race, which was first held in 1973. The 2023 race mirrors the original Whitbread in both its route and reliance on the courage and skill required to take a small craft across vast oceans. "Translated is thrilled to be taking part in the Ocean Globe Race 2023," said Marco Trombetti, co-founder and CEO of Translated, which features Airbnb and Google among its key clients. "The race perfectly captures our company's spirit: While we are leaders in machine intelligence, we believe that humans--and the human spirit--can never be replaced by machines or technology, be it in sailing or translation". The crew will be comprised of both experts and amateur enthusiasts, essentially people seeking an adventure of a lifetime: Translated is making the adventure open to everyone. These amateurs will have a chance to train off the coast of San Francisco under the guidance of legendary captain Paul Cayard, at a date to be announced. Translated will participate in the race in the Flyer Class, with the Translated 9. The vessel, originally the ADC Accutrac, was captained by Claire Francis, the first woman to lead a boat in this ocean race, to a fifth-place finish in 1977. No modern navigation, communication equipment or weather-forecasting software is allowed; the emphasis will be placed on the crew, which will use celestial navigation equipment, such as sextants, barometer readings and other time-tested methods to guide the Translated 9 though its seven-month, 27,000-mile journey. Even mobile phones are prohibited. Along certain legs of the race, crews may go up to 50 days without stopping at a port. The race begins in Europe in late 2023 and spans four continents: sailing first to South Africa, stopping in both Australia and New Zealand, and after rounding Cape Horn, heads to South America before returning to Europe in spring 2024. ### Chiara Sansoni PR Manager chiara.sansoni@translated.com mobile Italy +39 338 484172 mobile UK +44 7793 002606 Elaine Underwood Here and Now Public Relations Elaine@hereandnowpr.com mobile US +01 201 306-6062 About Translated: Founded in 1999 by computer scientist Marco Trombetti and linguist Isabelle Andrieu, Translated has pioneered the powerful combination of human creativity and machine intelligence to craft consistent quality translations at speed. Today, it is one of the most successful online translation companies in the world, with 180,000 clients, offering translation in 177 languages in 40 areas of expertise. SOURCE: Translated View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637181/Translated-the-Worlds-Leading-Translation-Company-to-Participate-in-Ocean-Globe-Race-2023 On social media, Connecticut residents had mixed reactions to proposed legislation that would require employers to reimburse workers for at-home work expenses. I would think that there are way too many variables that any bill would address this fairly, said Greg St. Martin. It makes sense that additional expenses directly attributable to ones work would be reimbursed by the employer, but other things not so direct would be iffy for me, electricity being one of them. Robin Lee said she doesnt agree with passing this cost to the employer. If you were lucky enough to work from home during Covid, then lots of personal expenses went down gas, mileage, car service costs, clothing, lunch money, extra time needed to drive to/from the office, etc, Lee said. I would rather pay for my office supplies then go into the office during the pandemic. House Bill 6536 was raised out of the General Assemblys Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees on Tuesday. The legislation now goes to the states House of Representatives for review. The proposed legislation, which was sponsored by state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven and Rep. Phil Young of Stratford, would require employers who have employees working from home to reimburse what are termed as necessary expenditures. Items to reimburse as defined in the legislation include computers, printers and cellular phones; internet services; and employment-related supplies, such as paper and printer ink and toner. Eric Gjede, vice president of government affairs for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), said Tuesday that his organization is not completely opposed to some of what the legislation is trying to do. Its really worth the conversation of what to do when employees exceed data caps on their internet service because they are working from home for when employyes exceed data caps, Gjede said. But 6536 goes well beyond that. There are a lot of questions out there regarding how this would be enforced. The legislation requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to investigate any dispute that might arise between employees and employers if the legislation were passed, according to Kurt Westby, the states Labor Commissioner. Due to the number of potential complaints from the 1.8 million employees of the 150,000-plus employers ... there will likely be a significant fiscal impact to the Department, Westby said during a public hearing held earlier this month. If an employer is found not to have reimbursed an employee for items or services covered under the proposed legislation, the company could be fined up to $1,000 per violation. Employers could appeal a Dept. of Labor ruling to Connecticut Superior Court, according to the proposed legislation. Also opposing the bill are Torrington-based Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Water Works Association, which represents the states municipal, private and regional water companies. Several labor unions from around the state and the Connecticut Working Families party are supporting the bill. Carlos Moreno, state director of the Working Families Party, said the COVID-19 pandemic has forced unnecessary expenses for thousands of people who have been working from home in Connecticut. Usage rates have gone up for heating and electricity as faster internet connections and increases in bandwidth have become necessary to keep up with demands for employee productivity in a remote working environment, Moreno said in testimony given during the public hearing on the bill. Many folks have had to purchase new computer equipment, printers, software and/or modems in order to fulfill their job responsibilities. Nearly one in three workers have had to purchase equipment to help with remote work, according to a national survey. Moreno said that under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must reimburse employees for expenses if the costs result in the employees hourly wage rate dropping below minimum wage. HB6536 is about simple fairness for dedicated employees who have kept businesses operating during the pandemic Moreno said. Sal Luciano, president of Connecticut AFL-CIO, said workers have been hurt by the Trump administrations decision to remove a federal tax deduction for employees who work from home. In some states, including California, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Montana and New Hampshire, employers are required to reimburse employees for necessary job expenses, Luciano said. Executives likely have company credit cards and expense accounts to pay for these added costs, while the majority of employees must pay for work-related expenses with their own money before they can request a reimbursement. Currently, there is no legal requirement that employers provide those reimbursements. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com Scott Morrison has dug himself a deeper hole after admitting 'blokes don't get it right all the time' following backlash over his response to the treatment of women and Brittany Higgins' alleged sexual assault at Parliament House. The prime minister tried to apologise for his failings over the past month and commit to doing better for women during a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday. The speech was in response to Liberal Party staff sharing lewd photos of sexual acts inside Parliament House, just weeks after Brittany Higgins claimed she had been raped by a fellow staffer. During the nationally televised press conference, he claimed News Corp was handling a complaint about a woman being harassed in a female toilet. Mr Morrison then attempted to explain himself further during a 20-minute long interview with Ray Hadley on Wednesday - which only garnered more criticism. 'Blokes don't get it right all the time - we all know that - but what matters is that we are desperately trying to and that's what I am trying to do,' he told 2GB radio. Ironically, the prime minister said he was not 'pointing any fingers' at others over the treatment of women, just 24 hours after doing just that. Scott Morrison has dug himself a deeper hole after admitting 'blokes' don't always 'get it right' following backlash over workplace behaviour and the treatment of women at Parliament House Mr Morrison then attempted to explain himself further during a 20-minute long interview with 2GB's Ray Hadley on Wednesday The interview then turned from social justice issues to rugby league when Mr Morrison expressed his relief that the NRL season has started for the year. Pictured at a Sharks v Manly game in 2019 'It's been a pretty intense year and from time to time, that shows. That's just human and I think people understand that,' Mr Morrison said. 'This is a societal challenge. One of the things you learn pretty quickly in government is that government can't solve all these problems. 'We can certainly do our bit, but we've all got a role to play here. And if everyone sits back and says 'well, the government's going to fix this', well, it won't get fixed.' The wide-ranging interview then turned from social justice issues to rugby league when Mr Morrison expressed his relief that the 2021 NRL season had started. 'I'm just glad the footy's back on. It helps everybody,' he laughed. Some Australians have blasted the prime minister's bumbling radio interview as an 'absolute disgrace'. 'Hard to think of anything more disrespectful than this comment from Scott Morrison as if the issues here were light and can be easily laughed off as boys being boys,' one Twitter user wrote. 'Is it any wonder the culture in his government is what it is?' 'Is this idiot actually our leader? Blokes don't get it right? they know exactly what they are doing,' wrote another. 'DO NOT include me in with your 'blokes' statement as you try and justify your screw up. I take ownership of my own actions and do not need an idiot like you projection your inadequacies on to me,' wrote one man. 'I'm a man and I am sick of this s**t. Imagine how women feel. I'm sick of these conservative, cruel men who think this way, who talk this way, and who act this way. Our taxes are funding these f**king misogynists! He needs to be fired immediately,' another comment read. The backlash comes a day after Mr Morrison falsely accused a media organisation of harassment within its own office. News Corp came out swinging after the prime minister made the claims, saying no such complaint existed. Chairman Michael Miller suggested Mr Morrison had conflated a report about a verbal exchange between two employees with the broader national debate about the harassment of women. Scott Morrison copped backlash over his response to Brittany Higgins' alleged sexual assault at Parliament House in 2019 Some Australians have blasted the prime minister's bumbling radio interview as an 'absolute disgrace'. Pictured with his wife Jenny Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison choked back tears as he spoke about his wife Jenny and daughters Abbey and Lily (pictured) Mr Miller said the comments undermined the principle that people must be able to raise issues safely and in confidence. The prime minister said he accepted News Corp's account, he was wrong to raise the issue, and the emotion of the moment was no excuse. 'I especially wish to apologise to the individual at the centre of the incident and others directly impacted,' he said. 'I had no right to raise this issue and especially without their permission.' Greens leader Adam Bandt said his apology was not good enough. 'The PM must explain to parliament today how this lie came into being and why he told the public something that wasn't true,' he said. 'If he's prepared to say something like this that appears simply made up, what else has he told the public that isn't true?' Labor has accused the prime minister of weaponising the confected harassment claim. Assisted suicide, we are told, poses no threat to people with disabilities thanks to statutory safeguards: There is no record of abuse in states where assisted suicide is legal because there is none to be found. We are told that these straightforward laws have narrow eligibility for the terminally ill and are merely codifying the personal choice to end ones terminal suffering. These are the facts, or so we are told. But the verifiable facts undermine the narrative. Connecticuts assisted suicide bill has its roots in fundamentally abusive legal antecedents. Oregon is the model for assisted suicide legalization and would be the benchmark should Connecticut pass its bill into law. The fact is, the Oregon Health Divisions 22 years of assisted suicide reports show that people with non-terminal disabilities receive lethal prescriptions every year and that pain is not even a top-five reason. Rather, a loss of autonomy and feeling like an emotional and/or physical burden to ones family, consistently rank among the top reasons. Accordingly, those who access lethal prescriptions include those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gastrointestinal diseases, liver disease, and Parkinsons disease, among many other non-terminal medical conditions. The fact is, many assisted suicide bills such as HB 6425 define terminal as incurable and irreversible, which greatly expands the eligible population. Would my little daughter Rose, who has Down syndrome, meet the genetic profile that some physicians would deem incurable and irreversible? As we at the National Council on Disability an independent federal agency that advises the president and Congress outlined in our recent report, terminal in assisted suicide laws doesnt mean with treatment. Therefore, people with perfectly treatable disabilities die by assisted suicide every year. The fact is, despite claims of enhancing autonomy, assisted suicide laws diminish its realization. Under HB 6425, the patients long-term doctor does not need to verify a lack of coercion, and the two witnesses required on the written request do not need to know the patient and can be an heir. Nothing in the bill can prevent an outside organization, friend, relative, or heir from encouraging a person to make the request, signing as a witness, picking up the prescription, and even administering the drug with or without consent. And, because no objective witness is required at death, who would even know? The fact is, assisted suicide laws often foreclose rather than expand choice by creating perverse incentives for profit-driven health insurance providers to deny care to patients and to offer assisted suicide instead. Some of those providers are state-funded Medicaid programs, which in states that have legalized assisted suicide have denied coverage for curative treatments while paying for cheaper suicide drugs. In Oregons most recent annual assisted suicide report, people dying by assisted suicide who receive state-funded health care increased to an alarming 75 percent. Not being able to pay for expensive curative treatments out of pocket means suicide may be one of the only treatments to which one may have equal access. When financial pressures reduce life-giving options, personal autonomy is diminished. As we at NCD can attest to, persons with disabilities are still fighting for equal access to basic health care, and yet assisted suicide bills could give them one lethal choice while precluding others. Since suicide is a societal and personal tragedy, and never a good, legalizing assisted suicide forces lawmakers to draw arbitrary distinctions between which suicides are rational and which should be prevented at all costs. State and federal governments invest heavily into efforts and programs to lower suicide rates among veterans, teenagers, first responders, and clinicians. And yet, just 10 years after the practice became legal in Oregon, the suicide rate was 41 percent higher than the national average. The line between who gets suicide prevention and who gets suicide assistance will always delineate some subset of people with disabilities if the practice becomes more acceptable. If law is the teacher, then this bill perversely devalues the lives of those with disabilities. Most assisted suicide laws refer to dignity, but suicide does not confer dignity, it undermines it. When assisted suicide becomes legal, lives are ended without consent through mistakes, abuse, societal pressure, and the unjust lack of better options. We should not make policies which see illness, disability, or age as something to be cured by death. Instead, millions of Americans with significant physical and developmental disabilities, like my daughter Rose, ought to be protected and loved for the inherent dignity they already possess. These facts should persuade the Connecticut legislature to vote no to HB 6425. Greenwich resident Daniel C. Schreck is a trained bioethicist and a Council Member of the National Council on Disability, an independent federal agency charged with advising the president, Congress, and other federal agencies regarding policies, programs, practices, and procedures that affect people with disabilities. Washington, March 24 : US President Joe Biden has said he does not consider North Korea's launch of short-range missiles as a provocation. The launch is the first since Biden took office. Biden said defence officials called it "business as usual", the BBC reported on Wednesday. North Korea is said to have fired non-ballistic cruise missiles, which do not flout UN Security Council resolutions, over the weekend. The incident happened after Pyongyang criticised the US and South Korea for conducting joint military exercises. It also comes as Biden's administration continues to attempt to establish diplomatic relations with North Korea. The launch, originally reported by US media, has since been confirmed by US officials and the South Korean defence ministry. South Korea said two cruise missiles were fired into the Yellow Sea early on Sunday from Onchon in North Korea. Responding to reporters' questions on Tuesday night, Biden said: "We have learned that nothing has changed." When asked if he considered the test as a provocation, he said: "No, according to the Defence Department, it's business as usual. There's no new wrinkle in what they did." UN Security Council resolutions, which have resulted in strict sanctions on North Korea, have only banned Pyongyang from firing threatening weapons such as ballistic missiles. This is no "fire and fury" from North Korea. It's true that every test of a missile by Pyongyang helps improve its military capabilities and that is always a concern to the international community. But cruise missile tests are not a breach of UN Security Council sanctions and North Korea has bigger weapons in its arsenal if it really wanted to challenge the Biden administration. The current focus of the new White House team and its allies is the impending review on North Korea policy. Decades of sanctions and three summits between former US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have failed to prevent Pyongyang from developing a larger and more deadly nuclear arsenal. So President Biden is most likely shrugging off this latest missile test for good reason - there's a much bigger challenge ahead. Senior US officials have separately said they considered the action as "most normal military activity by the North". They added they were in the "final stages" of their North Korea policy review and planned to host Japan and South Korea's national security advisers for a discussion soon. The US government had previously said it had been trying for weeks to make diplomatic contact with North Korea. Pyongyang has yet to acknowledge that President Biden is now in office, and the two countries remain at loggerheads over the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. During Biden's election campaign, he called Kim "a thug" and said North Korean nuclear disarmament had to happen before US and UN economic sanctions could be relaxed. About 1,000 Illinois prison inmates nearing the end of their sentences could soon be released under a settlement announced Tuesday in a federal lawsuit filed as the COVID-19 pandemic was creating a health crisis in state lockups. The lawsuit filed in April alleged prison settings pose a particular risk of spreading the COVID-19, with catastrophic consequences not just to the prisoners and staff, but also to their communities and the hospitals that serve them. A consortium of Chicago civil rights attorneys and community activists who filed the suit initially sought the release of as many as 13,000 at-risk prisoners because of the virus. In denying emergency relief last year, U.S. District Judge Robert Dow said there was no convincing reason for a federal court to intrude on the effort by other stakeholders to contain the problem. The settlement reached Tuesday called for the release of low- to medium-risk inmates who are within nine months of their release date and are eligible for certain good-time credits, court records show. The Illinois Department of Corrections agreed to use its best efforts to process the awards within the next month. In addition, the state agreed that IDOC will continue to identify and evaluate medically vulnerable prisoners for release through legally available mechanisms, according to the terms of the settlement. Northwestern University law professor Sheila Bedi, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs, said about 1,000 prisoners could soon be released because of the settlement. She said that while the number of prisoners who will be released was significant, there are thousands more who have a legal mechanism to seek release and should get it. It remains a public health crisis, she said. It is still very much a real issue. Jennifer Sobol, executive director of the Illinois Prison Project, which also represented the plaintiffs in the suit, said the IDOC also is working on new policies regarding electronic detention, discretionary sentencing credits and others that will help thousands of other inmates as well. A spokesperson for Pritzker was not immediately available for comment. The lawsuit was one of two filed in the early days of the pandemic alleging that Gov. J.B. Pritzker and IDOC had dragged their feet on identifying vulnerable prisoners eligible for early release, putting detainees, prison staff and the general public at greater risk of severe illness and death. In his 48-page opinion last year, Dow acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, but said Pritzker and other stakeholders had taken steps at that point to contain the spread of the virus that plainly pass constitutional muster, even if it was not exactly what the plaintiffs were seeking. The release of inmates requires a process that gives close attention to detail, for the safety of each inmate, his or her family, and the community at large demands a sensible and individualized release plan especially during a pandemic, Dow wrote. And the record here shows that the authorities in this state are doing just that, with constantly evolving procedures increasing the number of inmates released on a daily basis. The pandemic hit Illinois prison system hard last spring, with cases mushrooming and fatalities reported at more than a dozen facilities before cases leveled off late in the year. As of Monday, more than 10,800 state inmates and 4,200 staff members had tested positive for the virus, according to IDOC statistics posted online. Currently, only 57 inmates and 90 employees were COVID-19 positive, the records show. The most recent numbers provided by IDOC show that 87 prisoners and one staff member have died of COVID-19-related causes since the beginning of the pandemic. The rate of deaths slowed down tremendously after IDOC started universal testing and voluntary vaccinations of staff and inmates. Bedi, though, said there are reports that a significant number of correctional officers are refusing vaccines, which continues to pose a risk to those in congregate settings. . Total cases in west-central Illinois counties as of Tuesday, according to individual county health departments, and vaccination rates, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, were: Brown County 678 total, 667 recovered, seven deaths Two new cases. Fully vaccinated: 15.76%; 65 or older: 64.40% Cass County 1,912 total, 1,870 recovered, 33 deaths One new case. Fully vaccinated: 21.15%; 65 or older: 64.35% Greene County 1,372 total, 1,319 recovered, 47 deaths Fully vaccinated: 18.51%; 65 or older: 51.94% Jersey County 2,525 total, 2,464 recovered, 48 deaths Fully vaccinated: 19.41%; 65 or older: 70.49% Macoupin County 4,616 total, 4,270 recovered, 108 deaths Four new cases. Fully vaccinated: 16.04%; 65 or older: 67.71% Morgan County 3,747 total, 3,619 released from restrictions, 101 deaths Three new cases. Fully vaccinated: 20.01%; 65 or older: 71.83% Pike County 1,710 total, 1,653 recovered, 47 deaths Fully vaccinated: 17.58%; 65 or older: 60.68% Sangamon County 16,682 total, 227 deaths 43 new cases. Fully vaccinated: 20.54%; 65 or older: 74.64% Schuyler County 662 total, 644 recovered, 16 deaths One new case. Fully vaccinated: 21.50%; 65 or older: 62.52% Scott County 455 total, 452 recovered, one death Two new cases since March 15. Fully vaccinated: 18.94%; 65 or older: 57.61% Statewide, 1,832 new cases of coronavirus disease and 13 deaths were reported Tuesday, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There have been 1,224,915 cases and 21,116 deaths in Illinois. Event Outline Since antiquity, the Kansai region of Japan has been a focal point of the country's flourishing politics, commerce, and culture. Even today, remnants of these historical sites and traditions remain. The diverse lifestyles and cultures found within the region were largely shaped by the surrounding geography it's mountains, rivers, seas, and more. The jagged San-in coastline, created when the Japanese archipelago separated from mainland Asia millions of years ago, resulted in a number of natural harbors. Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, supplied fresh water to the entire Hokuriku region. The islands of Awaji island and Tokushima are home to some of Japan's oldest creation myths. And the historical areas of Ise and Nara in the Kii Peninsula, with is bizarre rock formations, virgin forests, and local craft culture, are the setting for some of the country's most enduring legends. The natural geography and resources of each area greatly influenced the development of regional culture, each with their own unique distinctions. For this exhibition, eight areas in and around the Kansai region have been reinterpreted as "eight roads" coexisting with nature. Eight manga artists with personal connections to each area have produced works depicting the nature, culture, and people of each of these "roads". Date : Opening on March 20, 2021 : Opening on Location : Kansai Airport Terminal 1, 2F Atrium, Canyon Bridge : Kansai Airport Terminal 1, 2F Atrium, Canyon Bridge Entrance : Free : Free Theme : LIFE : LIFE Artists: In alphabetical order below "The Cape Route" Sanin Coast IGARASHI Daisuke A manga artist. He was born in Saitama Prefecture, and graduated from the Department of Painting at Tama Art University. Through a unique worldview, he expresses the connection between nature and humans, the world of traditions and mythology, and the origins of life and ecosystems. In 2004, he won the Excellence Award in the 8th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division for his manga, "Witches" (Shogakukan Inc.). In 2009, he won the Excellence Award in both the 38th Japan Cartoonists Association Award and the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division for his manga, "Children of the Sea" (Shogakukan Inc.). Other representative works are "Little Forest" and "Designs" (Kodansha Ltd.), "SARU" (Shogakukan Inc.), and "The Adventures of Kabocha" (Takeshobo Co., Ltd.). He has also created numerous picture books and book cover designs. "Little Forest" was made into a live-action film in Japan and Korea in 2014 and 2018, respectively. "Children of the Sea" was made into an animated movie in Japan in 2019. "The Fruitful Route" Tamba KARI Sumako She was born in Fukuoka Prefecture. After debuting in 1994 with "SWAYIN' IN THE AIR" ("Ranmaru" published by Ohta Publishing Co.), she has been active in a wide range of genres, including comics on Boys' Love (love relationships between young men), girls' comics, and youth comics. Her manga are characterized by stories woven with a unique humor and sensitive psychological descriptions, and distinctive characters. She has earned a strong following from readers. Her outstanding works include "Kayo-chan no Nimotsu" (Takeshobo Co., Ltd.), "Ibara Ra Lullaby" (Kodansha Ltd.), "Nohara Nohara no" (Taiyotosho Co.), and "Ikuhyaku Seiso" (Ohta Publishing Co.). In 2006, "Family Restaurant" (Ohta Publishing Co.) was made into a movie. In 2020, she won the Excellence Award in the 23rd Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division for her manga, "Ashita Shinuniha (If I Might Die Tomorrow)" (Ohta Publishing Co.). "The Sea Route" Awaji Island and Tokushima SATONAKA Machiko She was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1948. In her second year of high school, she won the 1st Kodansha New Faces Award with "Portrait of Pia" and later became a professional manga artist. Many of her works deal with history. She completed "Celestial Rainbow", which features Empress Jito as the main character, after 32 years. Her representative works include "Tomorrow Will Shine", "Ladies of Aries", "Aurora of the Ocean", "Cypress Hill", "Constellation of the Hunter", and "Kojiki: Manga Koten Bungaku". In 2006, she was awarded the Japanese Ministry of Culture and Science Achievement Certificate for Lifetime Works and Cultural Activities. She has won many other awards, such as the Commendation of the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs (2010), the Kojiki Publishing Grand Prize's Ono Yasumaro Award for "Kojiki: Manga Koten Bungaku" (2013), and the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation (2014). In addition to being a manga artist, she is also involved in a range of activities related to popularizing manga and culture. These include being a professor at Osaka University of Arts, being the director of the Japan Cartoonists Association, and the representative of the NPO Asian Manga Summit Administering Authority Japan. "The Water Route" Lake Biwa and Hokuriku SEKINE Yuki An illustrator and manga artist. She was born in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture and lives in Isumi, Chiba Prefecture. She graduated from the Department of International and Cultural Studies at Tsuda University. Her work is characterized by warm water-painting colors gained from ideas based on day-to-day life, and expressions that leave blank spaces and suggestiveness. Sekine won the Excellence Award in the 9th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division for her first picture book, "a continuous day" (Shinpusha). Her illustrations include "Sora no Teppen Giniro no Kaze" (Komine Shoten/assigned reading book for the 51st National Youth Book Report Contest), "Saigo no Jugyo" (Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd.), "Yasashii Oto" (Komine Shoten/winner of the 28th Niimi Nankichi Children's Literature Award), "Asu no Konai Kuni" (serialized novel, Asahi Shogakusei Shimbun). Her works as a manga artist include "Yuruyuru Makurobi Seikatsu Kantan Genmai Saishoku Comic Essay" (Kadokawa Co.). "The Pilgrimage Route" Kii Peninsula URUSHIBARA Yuki She was born in Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1974. Her manga series, "Mushishi" (Book title: "The Light of the Eyelid") won the Grand Prix in the Afternoon Four Seasons Award in 1998 and debuted in commercial publications. "Mushishi" was turned into an anime in 2005 and a movie in 2007. Her works are distinguished by a nostalgic and in some respects painful world, and a lyrical style that doesn't sway from mundanely and delicately depicting the inexplicable in that setting. "Mushishi" won the Excellence Award in the 7th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division and the 30th Kodansha Manga Award in the General Division. Her outstanding works include "Mushishi" (Kodansha Ltd.), "Suiiki" (Kodansha Ltd.), and "Neko ga Nishimukya" (Kodansha Ltd.). "The Crafts Route" Fukui, east Lake Biwa, and Mie YAMADA Yoshihiro He was born in Niigata Prefecture in 1968. In 1987, he debuted as a manga artist while in university in the then-titled weekly publication, "Comic Morning" with the manga, "Taisho Yaro", which was awarded the Chiba Tetsuya Prize by Kodansha Ltd. To this day, he continues to consistently pursue portraying "the Japanese people". His distinctive characters that possess a strong destiny and stories of highly original dramatic nature have garnered solid support that exceeds genres. His representative works include "Decathlon" (Shogakukan Inc.), "Dokyo-Boshi" (Shogakukan Inc. and Kodansha Ltd.), "Giant" (Kodansha Ltd.), and "Hyouge Mono" (Kodansha Ltd.). He won the Excellence Award in the 13th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division in 2009 and the Grand Prize in the 14th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for his manga, "Hyouge Mono". Currently, his serialized work "Bokyo Taro" (from 2019) is appearing in the weekly publication, "Morning". "The Mythology Route" Ise and Nara YASUHIKO Yoshikazu He was born in Hokkaido in 1947 and has worked as an animator since 1970. YASUHIKO was involved in works such as "Space Battleship Yamato" (1974), "Brave Raideen" (1976), and "Invincible Super Man Zambot 3" (1977). In "Mobile Suit Gundam" (1979), he played a central role in creating the animation, serving as the animation director and taking charge of character design. Later, he began working full-time as a manga artist from 1989. He has been involved in many projects with an historical theme, from works based on Japan's ancient history and mythology to works based on Japan's modern history. He won the Excellence Award in the 19th Japan Cartoonists Association Award for "Namuji", and the Excellence Award in the 4th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division for "Oudo no Inu". "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin" won the 43rd Seiun Award (Best Comic). "The Artisans' Route" Harima YOKOYAMA Yuichi An artist and manga artist. He was born in Miyazaki Prefecture in 1967. YOKOYAMA graduated from the Department of Painting at Musashino Art University. He debuted in 2004 with the book, "New Engineering". YOKOYAMA's manga, called neo-manga, do not contain clear story development. Depictions of actions that are unfriendly and devoid of understood aims are carried out by several characters, and mysterious objects move and morph to express the pure passage of time. His representative works include "Travel", "NIWA", "Baby Boom", and "World Map Room". He is also an artist who has held many private exhibitions in Japan and abroad. His manga, "Baby Boom" earned a Jury Selection in the 14th Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division. About CULTURE GATE to JAPAN Beginning in February of 2021, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan will launch an innovative cultural promotion project called "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN". Held at seven airports across Japan as well as the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, artists and creators active in the field of Media Arts will exhibit artworks inspired by the unique culture of each area with the goal of communicating the broader appeal of Japanese culture. The global effects of the novel coronavirus have made it difficult to meet new people and experience new cultures in person. However, that should not interrupt the exchange of art, ideas, and culture. Through this project, we hope to continue providing people around the world with the same sense of wonder and joy felt when encountering a new culture. Organizer: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan Official Website: https://culture-gate.jp/ The "CULTURE GATE to JAPAN" PR is managed by wondertrunk & co. Inc. SOURCE Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan CULTURE GATE to JAPAN Initiative Related Links https://culture-gate.jp/ There was a video presentation at the virtual Chinook School Division board meeting on March 8 about Ecole Centennial School's initiative to keep their school community connected. Replacing an old couch with a new one free of flame retardants reduces harmful exposures in the home A new study shows that when people replace their old couch with a new one that has no added flame retardants, levels of the harmful chemicals in household dust drop significantly. Replacing the foam inside the couch cushions is also just as effective. The findings confirm that choosing healthier furniture without flame retardants can make a big difference in people's--especially children's--everyday exposures to these toxic chemicals. "We've long suspected that couches are a major source of toxic chemicals in dust. Now, for the first time, we have evidence demonstrating the positive impacts of replacing old furniture containing flame retardants," says lead author Kathryn Rodgers, a research scientist at Silent Spring Institute. The findings appear in the journal Environment International. Flame retardants can migrate out of furniture into air and dust, and end up in people's bodies. Exposure to the chemicals has been associated with cancer, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, lower IQ, and other harmful health effects. Infants and young children are particularly at risk since they crawl and play on the floor, where contaminated dust settles, and frequently put their hands in their mouths. Until recently, the use of flame retardants in upholstered furniture across the United States and Canada was driven by a California flammability standard called TB117. Amid a public outcry over the toxicity of these chemicals and their lack of fire safety benefits, California updated TB117 to a new standard called TB117-2013. The new standard is designed to stop smoldering fires in the furniture's fabric before they reach the flammable foam inside, eliminating the need to add flame retardants to the foam. It went into effect in 2014 and allows manufacturers to make furniture without flame retardants. A Healthy Exchange To evaluate the impact of the new standard, Rodgers teamed up with researchers at the University of California, Davis; Environmental Working Group; the California Department of Toxic Substances Control; and Green Science Policy Institute. The researchers recruited participants from 33 homes in Northern California who were willing to swap out their old furniture for flame retardant-free options. About two-thirds of the participants replaced their entire upholstered couch. The rest replaced their couch's foam. The team collected dust samples from each home before the swap out, and then several times afterward over a period of 18 months. Concentrations of flame retardants dropped significantly after the first six months, and most remained lower a year after the furniture was replaced. The same drops were also seen in homes that replaced just the foam. Of the seven types of flame retardants the researchers tested for in dust, two in particular--PBDEs and TPHP--decreased the most. The drop in PBDE levels was not unexpected due to their widespread use in furniture that met the old standard, says Rodgers. The researchers also observed decreases in a group of flame retardants called chlorinated OPFRs. However, the declines were not as sustained over time likely because the chemicals are used in other products including textiles, plastics, adhesives, and rubber. Up to Standard "For decades, our population has been needlessly exposed to harmful flame retardants from their furniture as a result of an outdated flammability standard that provided no fire safety benefit," says co-author Arlene Blum, executive director of Green Science Policy Institute. "This study confirms that the new standard reduces exposure to toxic flame retardants in our homes. This is a win-win for public health and also fire safety." Beginning June 25, under a new federal bill recently signed into law, all upholstered furniture imported or sold in the United States will have to comply with California's TB117-2013 flammability standard for upholstered furniture. "With the new national flammability standard, manufacturers are now assured they can continue to make furniture that is fire-safe without the need for toxic flame retardants," says Andy Counts, CEO of American Home Furnishing Alliance. "This is good for our business, and even more important, for the health of our workers and the public." Despite recent successes at removing flame retardants from furniture, the global market for flame retardants continues to grow as the chemicals are increasingly used in other types of consumer products. "The findings from the new study should spur state and federal policymakers to reduce other harmful and ineffective uses of flame retardants in other items such as television cases and building insulation," says Blum. What Can Consumers Do? Because furniture can last a long time, many homes still have furniture that meets the old standard and contains flame retardants. "Replacing old furniture can be costly and may not be an option for everyone," says Rodgers. "The good news is our study shows that replacing your couch's foam can be just as effective." People can replace the foam in their couch by contacting a local foam supplier and asking for new foam that does not contain added flame retardants. It's also important to keep dust levels low, says Rodgers, since the chemicals like to hang out in dust. She recommends vacuuming using a strong vacuum with a motorized brush and HEPA filter and wiping surfaces with a wet cloth or mop. Fixing rips in the furniture's fabric to make sure the foam is not exposed and washing hands regularly are also important, she says. For more tips on keeping harmful chemicals out of the home, download Silent Spring's Detox Me app. ### Funding for this project was provided by Healthy Babies Bright Futures; JPB Foundation; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-G2013-STAR-K1); UC Davis Superfund Research Center, National Institutes of Health, NIEHS award (P42-ES004699); UC Davis Environmental Health Center, NIEHS award (P30ES023513); and charitable donations to Silent Spring Institute. Reference: Rodgers, KM, D Bennett, R Moran, K Knox, T Stoiber, R Gill, TM Young, A Blum, RE Dodson. 2021. Do flame retardant concentrations change in dust after older upholstered furniture is replaced? Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106513 About Silent Spring Institute: Crown Resorts does not accept that it deliberately or wilfully facilitated money laundering, the head of Victorias royal commission into the gaming giant has said during the inquirys first hearing. Commissioner Ray Finkelstein, QC, said on Wednesday that he wrote to the James Packer-backed group asking whether it accepted the key findings of the damning NSW Bergin Inquiry, which ruled it unfit to hold a licence for its new $2.2 billion casino. The Royal Commission will examine Crowns Melbourne casino licence. Credit:Chris Hopkins The NSW inquiry found Crown facilitated money laundering through two company bank accounts; went into business with figures linked to powerful Asian crime syndicates; and disregarded the safety of its staff in China before 19 were arrested and jailed there in 2016. Mr Finkelstein said Crowns response was a little equivocal. Crowns objections were over whether the failures by the company were deliberate or willful and the disagreement may not be material to the commissions work. Chandigarh, March 24 : Strongly opposing the direct bank transfer scheme for farmers, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Wednesday that he had written to the Prime Minister seeking early resolution of the matter in view of the upcoming Rabi season. The Chief Minister, who has also sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a meeting on the issue, sought his personal indulgence to issue appropriate directions to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to defer the implementation of the scheme for at least one year. The 'ahrtiyas', or commission agents, and the farmers have long-standing relations, he pointed out, questioning the need to change the system when it is working very well. Around 50 per cent farmers give their land on contract, so how will those who till the land get their money under direct bank transfer scheme, the Chief Minister said at a media event. In his letter, Amarinder Singh drew the Prime Minister's attention to the ministry's directions, asking the Punjab government to ensure direct payment to farmers along with online submission of the details of land owners and cultivators. Pointing to the age-old relationship that exists in Punjab between the commission agents, who are licencees under the Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act of 1961, and farmers, he noted that for the past many decades, the state's procurement agencies and the FCI have been procuring foodgrains for the Central pool. The farmers have never complained of non-receipt of payment of minimum support price (MSP), and the state government is ensuring online payment to the farmers, albeit through these 'arhtiyas', the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister further said that the land ownership and tenancy issues may give rise to various avoidable legal complications, especially during the ongoing farmers' agitation. This, he said, "may also cause avoidable unrest and anguish among the farmers". He noted that bringing the software in line with the proposed directions shall take considerable time. BrandsEye and Deloitte Africas South African Telco Sentiment Index shows that MTN is the best mobile network while Rain is the worst. The study analysed consumer social media conversations by tracking over two million social media posts about Cell C, MTN, Rain, Telkom, and Vodacom in 2020. Each post received a sentiment rating positive, neutral, or negative which was then used to calculate a Net Sentiment ranking for each mobile operator. The study focussed on three major aspects of mobile offerings pricing, network quality, and customer service. In 2020, all five network providers saw considerably more negative than positive conversations on social media. Some, however, did significantly worse in Net Sentiment than others. MTN ranked first thanks to its exceptional network quality. Subscribers were particularly satisfied with the speed and coverage they received. MTN also saw a considerably better Net Sentiment than the other operators during load-shedding, suggesting their users were the least affected by power outages. On the other end of the scale Rain performed particularly poorly 20% below the industry average. Rain started the year off well following its aggressively priced unlimited data deals and 5G offerings. This increased its Net Sentiment in January and February 2020. In April, when the lockdown hit, Rains support and network quality plummeted which resulted in its largest ever month-on-month Net Sentiment decline. Customers reported delays in service turnaround, a lack of response from the network provider, and poor network quality. These issues continued to drive negative sentiment for the remainder of the year. Rain received the highest proportion of complaints, suggesting their affordability approach came at the expense of customer experience. Telkom was the second-worst operator because of data complaints related to the operators data prices. Another problem highlighted by users is that they could often not use their data due to network issues. The chart below shows the Net Sentiment ranking of South Africas five mobile operators. Pricing remained a big theme last year which was partly driven by the Competition Commissions inquiry into mobile data prices. Pricing complaints were at their highest in the first quarter of 2020 which was largely the result of the Competition Commissions inquiry. The Commissions findings fuelled consumer discontent with data prices in South Africa. In the second quarter, MTN and Vodacom implemented significant price cuts on data, coinciding with a steep drop in pricing complaints. During the second and third quarters pricing complaints remained stable, but started to pick up again in the last quarter of the year. This was mainly driven by dissatisfaction with MTN prices in South Africa, when compared to other African countries, which led to a call to boycott the telco. It is interesting to note that despite slashing data prices by up to 40%, Vodacom still saw the most negativity around pricing. Cell C recorded the highest positive and least negative pricing sentiment, ranking them first in this regard. The chart below shows the Pricing Net Sentiment ranking for Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom, and Rain. Now read: Big South African ISP showdown in 2021 Lois Henry is the CEO and editor of SJV Water, a nonprofit, independent online news publication dedicated to covering water issues in the San Joaquin Valley. She can be reached at lois.henry@sjvwater.org. The website is sjvwater.org. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A $7.4 billion budget plan awaiting final approval on Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams desk isnt just a spending blueprint for state dollars. It also appropriates more than $1 billion from a just-approved federal stimulus plan for various state programs a largely depleted state unemployment fund, a popular college scholarship program, road repairs and an economic development fund used to offset the costs of business expansion and relocation. Although the governor recently said she plans to scrutinize the budget, the earmarks could set up a tug of war between the governor and the Legislature. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ During a news conference after the 60-day legislative session ended Saturday, Lujan Griaham said there was broad agreement between lawmakers and her office that federal funds should be spent on infrastructure, broadband, education and aid for small business. But she expressed misgivings about at least some of the proposed earmarks and could use her line-item veto authority to strike them down. We want to make sure we absolutely agree the priorities are right in the budget package, the governor told reporters. Its premature to tell you what well do, Lujan Grisham said later. In all, roughly $9 billion could be flowing into New Mexico under the federal American Rescue Plan aimed at helping solidify and bolster the nations economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But most of that money will flow directly to tribal governments, school districts and New Mexico residents, who are receiving $1,400 stimulus payments. New Mexicos state government is getting $1.6 billion and slightly more than $1 billion of that amount would be earmarked for specific causes under the budget bill awaiting the governors approval. The remaining federal funds would likely stay in a state savings account until they are appropriated by the Legislature, though its possible Lujan Grisham could access the money through an emergency declaration. As part of New Mexicos pandemic response, lawmakers and the Governors Office have at times disagreed about control over federal dollars. In June 2020, Lujan Grisham used her line-item veto authority to strike down some legislative budget language on federal pandemic relief spending, arguing that it was the executive branchs job not the Legislatures to direct the spending of such funds. But some lawmakers have insisted its the Legislatures job to make spending decisions, and lawmakers did reallocate some federal funds from a previous stimulus package during a special session in the fall. Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said the $1 billion-plus in federal funding earmarks were added to the state spending bill late in this years 60-day session after President Joe Biden signed the federal stimulus plan on March 11. He said the earmarks were largely intended to ensure the money was not spent on new initiatives or programs that could go unfunded in future years, if revenue levels decline. What were concerned about is, how do you make money last? Munoz said Monday. He also said there was agreement among Senate Democrats on the ultimate spending targets. Specifically, the federal stimulus fund appropriations in the state budget bill include: $600 million for the states unemployment fund, whichwas depleted last year due to a spike in state jobless claims. $200 million for road repairs over the next three years, in addition to $300 million in state funds for road repairs and construction. $100 million for a state closing fund used to catalyze economic development in cooperation with local governments. $100 million for a state lottery scholarship fund that pays tuition expenses for qualifying higher education students. In addition, the budget bill would authorize that federal funding supplant nearly $85 million in proposed state spending on broadband infrastructure and planning efforts. Lujan Grisham has until April 9 to act on the budget bill, along with other legislation passed during the final days of this years session. ChiragBasu Newbie Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Kolkata/Pune Posts: 19 Thanked: 59 Times Kolkata - Purulia: Searching for Palash trees in a brand new Tata Nexon This post is about our journey to Purulia in West Bengal, apparently to look for the Palash flowers, which blossom in the short Indian spring and are quite a sight to see. However just as much (if not more :P) importantly, it was an excuse to take a moderately long drive to stretch the legs of our new car - a 2020 Petrol Nexon XZ+(O), christened Gabbar by me. Please excuse the plebian naming choice. xD I apologise beforehand for the paucity of pictures, I was having too much fun driving to click pictures haha. Day 1 (8th March): The distance between my home till the resort (an ambitious title, as I shall explain later) was ~350 kilometres or about 8 hours of continuous driving. Since this trip was also to double up as a father-son road trip, the plan was to split the driving equally. We had three routes as options- 1. Via Bardhaman 2. Via Kharagpur 3. Via Arambagh The first route was undoubtedly the quickest. The last one while undoubtedly the most scenic, was also the slowest, as a major part of it was through really narrow and under-construction roads. We, therefore, chose the second route which seemed to strike a healthy balance between the two despite it being the longest distance wise. We left at 9 AM sharp in the morning, after a light and perfunctory breakfast. It took us roughly 40 minutes to exit the city through Kona Expressway onto NH16. While we did get the expected traffic bottleneck near Santragachi railway station, it was smooth sailing after that. After getting onto the highway, we stopped at a petrol pump to tank up on fuel, and reset the trip meter. On setting off, the onboard average fuel efficiency display opened its account at 12 kmpl, which went up to approximately 17.5 by the time we were done with our highway run. As many BHP-ians have testified before, the Nexon's 1.2 Turbo Revotron isn't a rev-happy engine, neither is it likely to get any podium finishes at the drag strip. However, it is an effortless highway cruiser and munches miles like nobody's business. On this trip, the user-selectable engine maps came as an absolute boon. The Nexon when put in Eco mode feels somewhat like a lethargic, slumbering beast. It takes its sweet time to build up revs and feels almost reluctant to move from traffic signals. This mode is truly best reserved when the fuel meter is pointing in the wrong direction. While City mode sharpens up response marginally and moving from standstill becomes slightly easier, it too feels like someone has his foot on the engine's throat leaving it gasping for breath. The differences between Eco and City are minute and only intelligible to the most observant. Putting it into Sport mode, however, is like injecting life into the engine. Throttle responses sharpen immediately, and the car feels agile and lithe. Putting it into Sport mode also ended up improving my highway fuel efficiency, mostly because I didn't have to constantly downshift to effect overtakes. Technicalities aside, it was a relaxed if uneventful drive till around 12:30, which is when our rumbling stomachs informed us it was time to stop for lunch. The breakfast was clearly a little too perfunctory. :P We stopped at a seemingly up and running dhaba called Mannat Dhaba, which can be spotted on the left almost immediately after crossing Pochakhali. We didn't want to take too long a break, so we ordered seemingly simple things that could be brought quickly - Roti and tadka. These seemingly simple things must have been incredibly complicated for the kitchen hands because it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring it to us! Anyway, with our stomachs full and about half an hour behind schedule, we set off again - this time with me at the wheel. A particularly beautiful stretch on NH16 We continued on the main highway for roughly half an hour until we reached the Galudi-Ghatshila crossing, from where we took a right onto NH116B, which would take us to Purulia, sometimes crossing state boundaries into Jharkhand. This is the point from where the roads stopped being butter smooth and started becoming narrow. While some stretches had construction work going on, some times the road disappeared altogether! Those situations had us relying on the Nexon's ground clearance to go over rocks and boulders to get back on tarmac! A little less than half the journey was on this road. While one would think that this would make for irritating driving, it was actually very engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed putting the car through its paces, and working the gears to ensure that it stayed in its optimum rev range for me to do quick overtakes on single-lane "highways". To me, this road was where I started discovering my car, so to speak. I'm sure many bhp-ians will know this feeling of "discovery" that I am talking about. About an hour into this road, we began to start spotting Palash trees left, right, and centre. With the sunroof open, this stretch of the drive was undoubtedly my favourite. Gabbar among the Palash trees Roughly around 5:30, after crossing Balarampur and the Matha forest, Google Maps told us we needed to make a right. Assuming it to be a crossing, I continued at the speed I was at, thinking I'd surely spot the right turn when I came to it. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when Maps told me after 5 minutes to take a u-turn! After doing so, I started driving slowly with my dad keeping an eye on the left for the turn. When we finally came to it, we saw it was a lane so narrow, it was hardly a surprise I'd missed it. I was a little worried about the car fitting into the lane, since the Nexon is a fairly wide car, especially considering the segment it is from. However, it fit just fine, with roughly 5 cms as a gap on either side. Going through this lane, we found that after a 1-minute drive in this lane, the road widens up into...a forest! Believe me, gentlemen - the road just stops. One has to make their way through the trees, almost as if this is an advertisement for an SUV! We did this for around 5 minutes until we reached our destination - Moonrise "Resort". As a place of lodging, it is decent enough for two nights and two men I thought. Rooms are basic, bordering on spartan. But the bed was big, the fan was working, the bathroom was clean, and the room was hygienic. As such it wouldn't be a problem for my father and me, for we have stayed in a whole gamut of accommodations - from 5-star hotels to less than ideal lodgings. Still, it would be a stretch to call it a resort. On top of this, given that tariffs are 1800 a night for rooms that do not have AC, I would refrain from recommending it to anyone just yet. However, the place is in the process of adding AC rooms, after which I believe it would become slightly more habitable. Even then, the tariff is steep in my opinion. On reaching, we met up with my father's college friend, and one of his friends. They had taken the train the previous night and had reached in the morning. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. We sat around, chatted, saw the sun go down the side of the Kuka-Bura hill, had some country chicken for dinner, yada yada yada. It was decided that the next morning, we'd have breakfast and then drive out to do some "tourist-y" things. Day 2: After a hearty breakfast, we decided we'd drive out to the top of the Ajodhya hill via the Lower Dam and Upper Dam, and stop by a waterfall on the way. A lot of this road, as one would expect, was on hilly ghat roads - a great opportunity to test the dynamics of the car, as well as its torque. Needless to say, it was on Sport mode the whole time. I must say, I was absolutely floored by the ease with which Gabbar tackled those roads. With hardly any body roll, the chassis is fantastic and gives a great sense of confidence when chucking the front tires around the next corner. The steering while not the best in the business, weighs up nicely and provides good road feedback. It is sufficiently direct. Coming from a Toyota Etios Liva with its infamous lifeless steering, the Nexon steering felt almost as good as a previous-gen Ford! After stopping at a number of places to click some pictures and have some chikki, we reached the top of the hill. Given that we were in no hurry, we stopped there for quite some time - drank some tea, talked to some locals about the upcoming Bengal elections, played with some dogs etc. After an hour, we decided to get back to the "resort" for lunch. My father wanted to take the wheel on the way down - he must have gotten intrigued at my gleeful reaction to the way the car behaved on the way up! :P View of the city from the hill At the Upper Dam ft. yours truly trying to figure out the onboard What3Words navigation system. :P On coming back, we had an incredibly heavy lunch. After that, an afternoon siesta was unavoidable. The parking lot of our car had a tree nearby, under which there were some khatiyas. The four of us went over promptly to the khatiyas and became completely horizontal on them. xD Parking lot with aforementioned khatiyas in the background After a deeply satisfying nap, we woke up after an hour or so. Over a cup of tea and some pakoras, we decided to visit a village nearby called Mukhosh Gram - or Mask Village. The masks in question are the ones used in the famous Chhau dance which is famous in the Purulia and Bankura region. A folk dance form, these performances involve dancers telling the story of the Ramayana through their dance, with colourful masks on them to depict various characters. These masks are known as Chhau masks. For Bollywood buffs, I am attaching a scene from the movie Barfi! which showed a Chhau mask. The village was about half an hour's drive away - no sweat at all. Before leaving, I decided to hose down Gabbar with some water to give her a quick bath. The famous red soil of Purulia had lodged itself all over, which was giving me a headache. After finishing this, we went over to the village, went to the local museum, bought a small mask as a memento for back home, and were back by around 6:00-ish. The agenda of the evening was to partake in a local *ahem* delicacy *ahem*. My father's friend was deeply invested in trying out Mahua - a liquor made by fermenting spirit distilled from the Mahua flower. It has historically been a cultural heritage of the Santhal tribe, and is therefore a common fixture in Santhal paraganas like Purulia. Frankly we thought it tasted beautiful, mildly sweet, a little pungent, but very nice on the whole. After this, we sat around and chatted some more till dinner was served - mutton curry and paratha. Aah! If heaven exists, it must be like that evening! With our plates clean, we decided to turn in at around 11:30-ish, as we had a long drive back to Kolkata the next day. Day 3: There is nothing much to report about this day. We had our customary breakfast of Luchi (a puri made of maida, which is SO MUCH better than Puri) and Alu, and drove back to Kolkata. We went back the same route by which we came, so we knew what to expect. We stopped at Kolaghat to have lunch, apart from 2 stops for some chai-sutta. It took us a little longer on this leg of the trip, presumably because we got heavier traffic while entering Kolkata than we had faced while exiting the city. Epilogue: Attaching a last picture of Gabbar, as a parting shot. I intend to write an Initial Ownership Review soon, after I recover from the embarrassment of this post. :P Greetings all! I have for long, been a window shopper at team-bhp of sorts. What that means is that I compulsively read practically everything on here, and have been doing so for years now. Never applied for membership because I didn't know how much I'd be able to contribute to the collective knowledge base of this community. It was only a couple of years back that I scratched that itch and finally became a BHP-ian. This being my first proper post, despite being a member it still took me some time to actually pen down something.This post is about our journey to Purulia in West Bengal, apparently to look for the Palash flowers, which blossom in the short Indian spring and are quite a sight to see. However just as much (if not more :P) importantly, it was an excuse to take a moderately long drive to stretch the legs of our new car - a 2020 Petrol Nexon XZ+(O), christened Gabbar by me. Please excuse the plebian naming choice. xDI apologise beforehand for the paucity of pictures, I was having too much fun driving to click pictures haha.Day 1 (8th March):The distance between my home till the resort (an ambitious title, as I shall explain later) was ~350 kilometres or about 8 hours of continuous driving. Since this trip was also to double up as a father-son road trip, the plan was to split the driving equally. We had three routes as options-1. Via Bardhaman2. Via Kharagpur3. Via ArambaghThe first route was undoubtedly the quickest. The last one while undoubtedly the most scenic, was also the slowest, as a major part of it was through really narrow and under-construction roads. We, therefore, chose the second route which seemed to strike a healthy balance between the two despite it being the longest distance wise.We left at 9 AM sharp in the morning, after a light and perfunctory breakfast. It took us roughly 40 minutes to exit the city through Kona Expressway onto NH16. While we did get the expected traffic bottleneck near Santragachi railway station, it was smooth sailing after that. After getting onto the highway, we stopped at a petrol pump to tank up on fuel, and reset the trip meter. On setting off, the onboard average fuel efficiency display opened its account at 12 kmpl, which went up to approximately 17.5 by the time we were done with our highway run. As many BHP-ians have testified before, the Nexon's 1.2 Turbo Revotron isn't a rev-happy engine, neither is it likely to get any podium finishes at the drag strip. However, it is an effortless highway cruiser and munches miles like nobody's business. On this trip, the user-selectable engine maps came as an absolute boon. The Nexon when put in Eco mode feels somewhat like a lethargic, slumbering beast. It takes its sweet time to build up revs and feels almost reluctant to move from traffic signals. This mode is truly best reserved when the fuel meter is pointing in the wrong direction. While City mode sharpens up response marginally and moving from standstill becomes slightly easier, it too feels like someone has his foot on the engine's throat leaving it gasping for breath. The differences between Eco and City are minute and only intelligible to the most observant. Putting it into Sport mode, however, is like injecting life into the engine. Throttle responses sharpen immediately, and the car feels agile and lithe. Putting it into Sport mode also ended up improving my highway fuel efficiency, mostly because I didn't have to constantly downshift to effect overtakes.Technicalities aside, it was a relaxed if uneventful drive till around 12:30, which is when our rumbling stomachs informed us it was time to stop for lunch. The breakfast was clearly a little too perfunctory. :P We stopped at a seemingly up and running dhaba called Mannat Dhaba, which can be spotted on the left almost immediately after crossing Pochakhali. We didn't want to take too long a break, so we ordered seemingly simple things that could be brought quickly - Roti and tadka. These seemingly simple things must have been incredibly complicated for the kitchen hands because it took them nearly 45 minutes to bring it to us! Anyway, with our stomachs full and about half an hour behind schedule, we set off again - this time with me at the wheel.A particularly beautiful stretch on NH16We continued on the main highway for roughly half an hour until we reached the Galudi-Ghatshila crossing, from where we took a right onto NH116B, which would take us to Purulia, sometimes crossing state boundaries into Jharkhand. This is the point from where the roads stopped being butter smooth and started becoming narrow. While some stretches had construction work going on, some times the road disappeared altogether! Those situations had us relying on the Nexon's ground clearance to go over rocks and boulders to get back on tarmac! A little less than half the journey was on this road. While one would think that this would make for irritating driving, it was actually very engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed putting the car through its paces, and working the gears to ensure that it stayed in its optimum rev range for me to do quick overtakes on single-lane "highways". To me, this road was where I started discovering my car, so to speak. I'm sure many bhp-ians will know this feeling of "discovery" that I am talking about. About an hour into this road, we began to start spotting Palash trees left, right, and centre. With the sunroof open, this stretch of the drive was undoubtedly my favourite.Gabbar among the Palash treesRoughly around 5:30, after crossing Balarampur and the Matha forest, Google Maps told us we needed to make a right. Assuming it to be a crossing, I continued at the speed I was at, thinking I'd surely spot the right turn when I came to it. Imagine my surprise, therefore, when Maps told me after 5 minutes to take a u-turn! After doing so, I started driving slowly with my dad keeping an eye on the left for the turn. When we finally came to it, we saw it was a lane so narrow, it was hardly a surprise I'd missed it. I was a little worried about the car fitting into the lane, since the Nexon is a fairly wide car, especially considering the segment it is from. However, it fit just fine, with roughly 5 cms as a gap on either side. Going through this lane, we found that after a 1-minute drive in this lane, the road widens up into...a forest! Believe me, gentlemen - the road just stops. One has to make their way through the trees, almost as if this is an advertisement for an SUV! We did this for around 5 minutes until we reached our destination - Moonrise "Resort".As a place of lodging, it is decent enough for two nights and two men I thought. Rooms are basic, bordering on spartan. But the bed was big, the fan was working, the bathroom was clean, and the room was hygienic. As such it wouldn't be a problem for my father and me, for we have stayed in a whole gamut of accommodations - from 5-star hotels to less than ideal lodgings. Still, it would be a stretch to call it a resort. On top of this, given that tariffs are 1800 a night for rooms that do not have AC, I would refrain from recommending it to anyone just yet. However, the place is in the process of adding AC rooms, after which I believe it would become slightly more habitable. Even then, the tariff is steep in my opinion.On reaching, we met up with my father's college friend, and one of his friends. They had taken the train the previous night and had reached in the morning. The rest of the day was fairly uneventful. We sat around, chatted, saw the sun go down the side of the Kuka-Bura hill, had some country chicken for dinner, yada yada yada. It was decided that the next morning, we'd have breakfast and then drive out to do some "tourist-y" things.Day 2:After a hearty breakfast, we decided we'd drive out to the top of the Ajodhya hill via the Lower Dam and Upper Dam, and stop by a waterfall on the way. A lot of this road, as one would expect, was on hilly ghat roads - a great opportunity to test the dynamics of the car, as well as its torque. Needless to say, it was on Sport mode the whole time. I must say, I was absolutely floored by the ease with which Gabbar tackled those roads. With hardly any body roll, the chassis is fantastic and gives a great sense of confidence when chucking the front tires around the next corner. The steering while not the best in the business, weighs up nicely and provides good road feedback. It is sufficiently direct. Coming from a Toyota Etios Liva with its infamous lifeless steering, the Nexon steering felt almost as good as a previous-gen Ford! After stopping at a number of places to click some pictures and have some chikki, we reached the top of the hill. Given that we were in no hurry, we stopped there for quite some time - drank some tea, talked to some locals about the upcoming Bengal elections, played with some dogs etc. After an hour, we decided to get back to the "resort" for lunch. My father wanted to take the wheel on the way down - he must have gotten intrigued at my gleeful reaction to the way the car behaved on the way up! :PView of the city from the hillAt the Upper Dam ft. yours truly trying to figure out the onboard What3Words navigation system. :POn coming back, we had an incredibly heavy lunch. After that, an afternoon siesta was unavoidable. The parking lot of our car had a tree nearby, under which there were some khatiyas. The four of us went over promptly to the khatiyas and became completely horizontal on them. xDParking lot with aforementioned khatiyas in the backgroundAfter a deeply satisfying nap, we woke up after an hour or so. Over a cup of tea and some pakoras, we decided to visit a village nearby called Mukhosh Gram - or Mask Village. The masks in question are the ones used in the famous Chhau dance which is famous in the Purulia and Bankura region. A folk dance form, these performances involve dancers telling the story of the Ramayana through their dance, with colourful masks on them to depict various characters. These masks are known as Chhau masks. For Bollywood buffs, I am attaching a scene from the movie Barfi! which showed a Chhau mask.The village was about half an hour's drive away - no sweat at all. Before leaving, I decided to hose down Gabbar with some water to give her a quick bath. The famous red soil of Purulia had lodged itself all over, which was giving me a headache. After finishing this, we went over to the village, went to the local museum, bought a small mask as a memento for back home, and were back by around 6:00-ish. The agenda of the evening was to partake in a local *ahem* delicacy *ahem*. My father's friend was deeply invested in trying out Mahua - a liquor made by fermenting spirit distilled from the Mahua flower. It has historically been a cultural heritage of the Santhal tribe, and is therefore a common fixture in Santhal paraganas like Purulia. Frankly we thought it tasted beautiful, mildly sweet, a little pungent, but very nice on the whole. After this, we sat around and chatted some more till dinner was served - mutton curry and paratha. Aah! If heaven exists, it must be like that evening! With our plates clean, we decided to turn in at around 11:30-ish, as we had a long drive back to Kolkata the next day.Day 3:There is nothing much to report about this day. We had our customary breakfast of Luchi (a puri made of maida, which is SO MUCH better than Puri) and Alu, and drove back to Kolkata. We went back the same route by which we came, so we knew what to expect. We stopped at Kolaghat to have lunch, apart from 2 stops for some chai-sutta. It took us a little longer on this leg of the trip, presumably because we got heavier traffic while entering Kolkata than we had faced while exiting the city.Epilogue:Attaching a last picture of Gabbar, as a parting shot. I intend to write an Initial Ownership Review soon, after I recover from the embarrassment of this post. :P Last edited by ChiragBasu : 23rd March 2021 at 11:19 . (Left to right:) Regina Barzilay is the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor for AI and Health and faculty co-lead of AI for the MIT Jameel Clinic. Collin Stultz is a professor of electrical engineering and computer science and a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Fotini Christia is a professor of political science and director of the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology The potential of artificial intelligence to bring equity in health care has spurred significant research efforts. Racial, gender, and socioeconomic disparities have traditionally afflicted health care systems in ways that are difficult to detect and quantify. New AI technologies, however, are providing a platform for change. Regina Barzilay, the School of Engineering Distinguished Professor of AI and Health and faculty co-lead of AI for the MIT Jameel Clinic; Fotini Christia, professor of political science and director of the MIT Sociotechnical Systems Research Center; and Collin Stultz, professor of electrical engineering and computer science and a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospitaldiscuss here the role of AI in equitable health care, current solutions, and policy implications. The three are co-chairs of the AI for Healthcare Equity Conference, taking place April 12. Q: How can AI help address racial, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in health-care systems? Stultz: Many factors contribute to economic disparities in health care systems. For one, there is little doubt that inherent human bias contributes to disparate health outcomes in marginalized populations. Although bias is an inescapable part of the human psyche, it is insidious, pervasive, and hard to detect. Individuals, in fact, are notoriously poor at detecting preexisting bias in their own perception of the worlda fact that has driven the development of implicit association tests that allow one to understand how underlying bias can affect decision-making. AI provides a platform for the development of methods that can make personalized medicine a reality, thereby ensuring that clinical decisions are made objectively with the goal of minimizing adverse outcomes across different populations. Machine learning, in particular, describes a set of methods that help computers learn from data. In principle, these methods can offer unbiased predictions that are based only on objective analyses of the underlying data. Unfortunately, however, bias not only affects how individuals perceive the world around them, it also influences the datasets we use to build models. Observational datasets that store patient features and outcomes often reflect the underlying bias of health care providers; e.g., certain treatments may be preferentially offered to those who have high socioeconomic status. In short, algorithms can inherit our own biases. Making personalized medicine a reality is therefore predicated on our ability to develop and deploy unbiased tools that learn the patient-specific decisions from observational clinical data. Central to the success of this endeavor is the development of methods that can identify algorithmic bias and suggest mitigation strategies when bias is identified. Informed, objective, and patient-specific clinical decisions are the future of modern clinical care. Machine learning will go a long way to making this a realityachieving data-driven clinical insights devoid of implicit prejudice that can influence health-care decisions. Q: What are some current AI solutions being developed in this space? Barzilay: In most cases, biased predictions can be attributed to distributional properties of the training data. For instance, when some population is underrepresented in the training data, the resulting classifier is likely to underperform on this group. By default, models are optimized for the overall performance, thus inadvertently preferring to fit the majority class, at the expense of the rest. If we are aware of such minority groups in the data, we have multiple means to steer our learning algorithm towards fair behavior. For example, we can modify the learning objective where we enforce consistent accuracy across different groups, or reweigh the significance of training examples, amplifying "the voice" of the minority group. Another common source of bias relates to "nuisance variations" where classification labels exhibit idiosyncratic correlations with some input features which are dataset-specific and are unlikely to generalize. In one infamous dataset with such property, health status of patients with the same medical history depended on their race. This bias was an unfortunate artifact of the way training data was constructed, but it resulted in systematic discrimination of Black patients. If such biases are known beforehand, we can mitigate their effect by forcing the model to reduce the effect of such attributes. In many cases though, biases of our training data are unknown. It is safe to assume that the environment in which the model will be applied is likely to exhibit some distributional divergence from the training data. To improve a model's tolerance to such shifts, a number of approaches (like invariant risk minimization) explicitly train the model to robustly generalize to new environments. However, we should be aware that algorithms are not magic wands that can correct all wrongs in messy, real-world training data. This is especially true when we are not aware of the peculiarity of a specific dataset. The latter scenario is unfortunately common in the health care domain where data curation and machine learning are often performed by different teams. These "hidden" biases have already resulted in deployed AI tools that systematically err on certain populations (like the model described above). In such cases, it is essential to provide physicians with tools that enable them to understand the rationale behind model predictions and detect biased predictions as soon as possible. A large body of work in machine learning is dedicated today to developing transparent models that can communicate their internal reasoning to users. At this point, our understanding of what types of rationales are particularly useful for doctors is limited, since AI tools are not yet part of routine medical practice. Therefore, one of the key goals of MIT's Jameel Clinic is to deploy clinical AI algorithms in hospitals around the world and empirically study their performance in different populations and clinical settings. This data will inform the development of the next generation of self-explainable and fair AI tools. Q: What are the policy implications for government agencies and the industry of more equitable AI for health care? Christia: The use of AI in health care is now a reality and for government agencies and the industry to reap the benefits of a more equitable AI for health care, they need to create an AI ecosystem. They have to work together closely and engage with clinicians and patients to prioritize the quality of the AI tools that get employed in this space, making sure they are safe and ready for prime-time. This means that AI tools that get deployed have to be well-tested and to lead to improvements in both clinician capacity and patient experience. To that effect, government and industry players need to think about educational campaigns that inform health practitioners of the importance of specific AI interventions in complementing and augmenting their work to address equity. Beyond clinicians, there also has to be a focus on building confidence with minority patients that the introduction of these AI tools will result in overall better and more equitable care. It is particularly important to also be transparent about what the use of AI in health means for the individual patient, as well as assuage data privacy concerns of patients from minority populations who often lack trust in a "well-intentioned" health care system, given historical transgressions against them. In the regulatory realm, government agencies would need to put together a framework that would allow them to have clarity over AI funding and liability with the industry and health care professionals so the highest-quality AI tools get deployed while also minimizing the associated risks for clinicians and patients using them. Regulations would need to make clear that the clinicians are not fully outsourcing their responsibility to the machine and outline the levels of professional accountability for their patients' health. Working closely with the industry, clinicians and patients, government agencies would also have to monitor through data and patient experience the actual effectiveness of AI tools in addressing health care disparities on the ground, and be attuned to improving them. Explore further Most implicit bias training in health care lacks proper foundation, research finds This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching. Former President Barack Obama said that 'disaffection, racism and misogyny' help fuel mass shootings and argued the COVID-19 pandemic can't be the only thing that slows the rate of gun violence in the U.S. Obama sent out a statement Tuesday on the heels of the country's latest massacre, after 10 were killed Monday at a Boulder, Colorado supermarket. The Colorado shooting comes less than a week after eight were killed at three spas in Atlanta, Georgia. Six of the victims were Asian-American women. 'A once-in-a-century pandemic cannot be the only thing that slows mass shootings in this country,' Obama said, backing new gun control actions. Former President Barack Obama responded to the shooting Monday in Boulder, Colorado. He argued 'disaffection, racism and misogyny' often motivates gun violence, while also saying a 'once-in-a-century pandemic' cannot be the only thing that slows the rate of shootings Obama sent out a statement Tuesday saying while it will take time to 'root out the disaffection, racism and misogyny' that he said fuels so many mass shootings, 'we can make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war' Police units stand in front of King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado where a 21-year-old gunman shot and killed 10 people Monday, less than a week after a gunman shot up three Atlanta spas 'It will take time to root out the disaffection, racism and misogyny that fuels so many of these senseless acts of violence. But we can make it harder for those with hate in their hearts to buy weapons of war,' the former president said. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden said he wanted Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He asked the Senate to pass two bills that passed the House earlier this month that plug up background check loopholes for gun buyers. The White House said Biden was open to using executive action. Obama used executive action on guns during his time in office, as Congress was in the deadlock it remains in today. Despite Democrats having control of the Senate, the gun bills aren't likely to get the 60 votes needed to override an expected GOP filibuster. 'We can overcome opposition by cowardly politicans and the pressure of a gun lobby that opposes any limit on the ability of anyone to assemble an arsenal,' Obama said. 'We can, and we must.' Obama saluted the actions of Officer Eric Talley, who responded to the shooting and was killed in action, writing that he hoped the officer's death wasn't in vain. 'Because in addition to grief, we are also feeling a deep, familiar outrage that we as a nation continue to tolerate these kinds of random, senseless acts day in and day out without taking any significant action - an outrage that people in Colorado have known far too often over the years.' The 1999 massacre of 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado set the table for hundreds of school shootings in the decades following. In 2012, 12 were killed and 58 were injured when a shooter massacred people at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater as they watched the newest Batman film. The Boulder, Colorado shooter was identified as 21-year-old Ahmad Alissa, a Syrian-born U.S. immigrant. Alissa's motivations haven't been confirmed, but his brother said the shooting was 'not at all a political statement, it's mental illness.' He described Alissa as being 'paranoid' and 'very anti-social.' An investigation is also ongoing into last week's Atlanta shootings. The 21-year-old shooter, Robert Long, blamed his behavior on a 'sex addiction,' though it was Asian-American spas that were targeted, as hate crimes have dramatically increased against members of the community since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. Previous mass shootings have been clearly linked to the shooter's racist, homophobic or anti-Semitic views. The Charleston shooter, Dylann Roof, was a white supremacist who killed black Americans in a historically black church in 2015. In 2018, an anti-Semite gunman attacked a Squirrel Hill synagogue in Pittsburgh, shooting worshippers. The Pulse nightclub was targeted in Orlando, Florida in 2016 for its LGBTQ patrons. The shooter, Omar Mateen, had pledged allegiance to ISIS Flash Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night claimed victory in the country's fourth elections in two years. The announcement came fewer than two hours after exit polls on Israel's main three TV channels indicated no immediate winner in the unprecedented elections amid a prolonged political deadlock. "A huge victory to the right-wing and the Likud (party) under my leadership," Netanyahu wrote on Twitter. He said his right-wing Likud party is "by far" the largest party in Israel, after the polls suggested it won about 31 seats. "It is obvious that a clear majority of the citizens of Israel are right-wing and they want a stable and strong right-wing government that will take care of Israel's economy and security," Netanyahu added. In a bid to form a government coalition, Netanyahu talked over the phone with leaders of three right-wing parties that already vowed to join a coalition under his leadership. Exit polls projected that they have won some 53-54 seats together. Naftali Bennet, leader of the pro-settler Yamina party, said he also held a talk over the phone with Netanyahu. Polls projected Yamina won about seven seats. If Bennet, a former close ally of Netanyahu, will decide to join the longtime leader's coalition, they could form a coalition of 61 seats in the 120-seat parliament. Reg A approval, PPP updates, and more financial updates from BZWR Tempe, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Business Warrior Corporation (OTC Pink: BZWR), the source for small businesses in America to get more customers, today announced that it has added over 1,000 new paid subscribers to its Scout product and has commenced its Regulation A offering positioning it to expand its team, enhance its software and ramp up sales operations to increase revenues. Watch the full release video with BZWR CEO, Rhett Doolittle, here. Major Milestones To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7087/78439_dbb3a904949f1935_002full.jpg Financial Momentum "We had some great success with our friends and family offering of restricted stock, which is propelling us to the next stage of growth. I'm optimistic that this is a great group of core investors who will stick with us for a long time. They're evangelists of BZWR and share our mission to help small businesses," said Rhett Doolittle, CEO and Chairman of Business Warrior Corporation. Regulation A+ Offering Qualified BZWR's Tier 1 Regulation A offering to raise up to five million dollars over the next 12 months was recently qualified. The Company has selected Keystone Capital (https://keystone-cp.com/) as the lead investment group to fund this offering. Business Warrior will be utilizing the Reg A funding to continue growing the company, completing a financial audit to become a fully reporting issuer with the SEC and expanding its advertising to reach hundreds of thousands of small businesses in the United States. Keystone Capital Partners Business Warrior chose Keystone Capital Partners to be its lead investment partner for the Reg A. Keystone was founded in 2019 by veteran investors Fredric Zaino and Daniel Wainstein. Keystone Capital Partners provides capital solutions to help overlooked and underfunded companies reach their goals by providing a stable and equitable source of capital through creative investment structures. BZWR's CEO, Rhett Doolittle, commented on their new relationship, "Keystone's leadership team has a track record of building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships that help both parties reach and exceed their business objectives. From the first moment we spoke, I knew that this was the group that was going to help us reach our goals and become a long-term partner." PPP Update The second round of the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) has resulted in a huge positive economic impact for the small business community. Through a few key business partnerships, Business Warrior has been able to help facilitate about 3,000 funded loans since January, which represents over $28 million in funding to small businesses. Business Warrior is helping get relief funds to the businesses and people that need it the most, while also developing a trusting relationship with each business to introduce their software and help improve their business. Business Warrior is set to implement their Scout product with about 1,000 qualified small businesses from the 3,000 it has helped get loans. Q2 Shareholder Call: April 22nd Business Warrior has announced that they will be holding a shareholder call for Quarter 2 results on Tuesday, April 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM PST/4:00 PM EST. Reserve your spot for the shareholder call by registering here. Regulation A Offering Disclaimer The United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not pass upon the merits of or give its approval to any securities offered or the terms of any offering, nor does it pass upon the accuracy or completeness of any offering statement or other solicitation materials. Qualification of Business Warriors Regulation Offering Circular does not imply that the SEC nor any state securities commission or any other regulatory body has approved or disapproved the offering or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the statements contained in the offering circular. This is neither an offer nor a solicitation to purchase the securities of Business Warrior Corporation. About Business Warrior Business Warrior is the source for small businesses in America to enhance their brand and boost marketing results. The Business Warrior software takes a holistic view of a business's online reputation, listings, website search results and social media. Predictive algorithms are utilized to recommend the most imperative actions needed to drive new customers, positively impact daily operations and improve profitability. For more information, please visit businesswarrior.com. Forward Looking Statements: This press release and the offering materials may contain forward-looking statements and information relating to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. They are based on the current beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to the company's management regarding the future of the company's business, future plans and strategies, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. When used in the offering materials, the words "aim," "estimate," "project," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "future," "goal," "hope," "likely," "may," "plan," "potential," "seek," "should," "strategy," "will" and similar references to future periods are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which constitute forward looking statements. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict (many of which are outside of the company's control) and could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the company, the offering or other matters, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investor Relations: investors@businesswarrior.com (855) 884-5805 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78439 The Huawei Mate X2 just flew in our office. The third generation foldable phone by the Chinese manufacturer switches the formula entirely - the X2 moves from the outward fold of the original Mate X and the Mate Xs to an inward fold, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2. The retail box contains a rapid 66W charger, USB-C earphones, charging cable and a protective case that acts as a kickstand as well - certainly better retail package than its Samsung cometitor. The Huawei Mate X2 also comes with a pre-applied protector on the external screen, while the internal has no such thing. The entire phone is wedge shaped with a pretty large camera bump on the thicker half. Another area where the Mate X2 is well superior of the Fold2 is the folding - it actually leaves no gap between both sides, thanks to the new Falcon Wing design that Huawei developed. There is one downside, though - unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 2, this foldable cannot stay in so-called laptop mode. Even if you manage to keep it bent at 90 degrees, the UI does not recognize it, and you can't use the Mate X2 as its own tripod. Here might be the place to talk about the cameras of the Mate X2. There are four cameras, three of them borrowed from the mighty Mate 40 Pro+. The main shooter has a 50MP 1/1.28 sensor, there is an 8MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, another 12MP telephoto snapper with 3x optical zoom for portraits, and a 16MP ultrawide-angle shooter. That kind of setup is clearly superior on paper to what the Samsung foldable has and knowing Huawei's track record we have little doubt it will have the processing to match the mighty hardware. Still we'll take nothing for granted and we'll reserve the final verdict for when the full review is done. Another impressive bit about the Mate X2 is the internal screen has a far less prominent crease than both its predecessors and the Galaxy Fold2. It can hardly be felt with a finger and is even invisible under certain lighting. Normally, talking about a Huawei smartphone in 2021, we'd have to touch on the lack of GMS and the progress of its own HMS ecosystem, but that doesn't really apply to the Mate X2. The gorgeous foldable will sadly remain exclusive to China, where phones don't have GMS anyway. The Huawei Mate X2 looks very likely to become the best foldable at least until the Fold3 arrives in the summer and we can't wait to put it through its paces. Stay tuned for the full review! China summons British ambassador to lodge protest over Xinjiang-related sanctions Xinhua) 10:46, March 24, 2021 BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Qin Gang on Tuesday summoned British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson to lodge solemn protest against sanctions imposed by the British side over Xinjiang-related affairs. The vice minister, on behalf of the Chinese government, expressed strong condemnation of the unilateral sanctions imposed by the British side under the pretext of so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang. He stressed that the Chinese government is unswerving in its determination to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, and will make a necessary and legitimate response to Britain's erroneous act. (Web editor: Meng Bin, Liang Jun) 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. Driving without insurance should be avoided. The legal and financial penalties uninsured drivers can face are tremendous, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com has launched a new blog post that explains why drivers should obtain online car insurance quotes before dropping coverage. For more info and free quotes, visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com/why-getting-quotes-is-the-smart-thing-to-do-before-dropping-coverage/ Persons driving without insurance or without sufficient coverage are being exposed to various legal and financial penalties. Also, drivers caught driving without insurance will have to handle bigger problems in the long term. For example, uninsured drivers will likely have their insurance applications rejected by the standard, cheaper insurance carriers. Before dropping coverage, the best thing to do is to get online quotes and check if there are any better insurance deals from other providers. Uninsured drivers can face the following penalties: License suspension. Drivers caught driving without insurance will have their drivers license suspended in 44 states. The duration of this penalty depends on the number of subsequent traffic violations and the states law. Drivers risk having their vehicles impounders and their registrations revoked. Usually, this happens when an uninsured driver is causing an accident. A court will likely order for the vehicle to be impounded and the registration to be revoked. Also, the court will order the uninsured driver to carry an SR-22 form for a period that is no longer than 3 years, as a condition to drive again. Fines. Depending on each states traffic laws, the fines for driving without insurance can be as low as $25 to as high as $5,000. Fortunately, drivers can get their tickets canceled if they can show proof of insurance in a reasonable time. However, this is only available for drivers that can prove they were actually insured at the time they were stopped and they just simply didnt carry proof of insurance with them. Drivers will need to pay the costs to get back their driving privileges. Drivers will need to pay all the fees associated with the suspension. To get their registration back, drivers will have to show proof of at least 6 months of liability coverage and pay for the registration reinstatement fees. Expensive insurance premiums. Drivers who got caught driving without insurance are considered high-risk. For this reason, insurance companies will charge extra on their premiums. For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com/ Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com 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. 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. Kim Janey was sworn in Wednesday Bostons acting mayor, following Marty Walshs confirmation as U.S. labor secretary. Janey, who was elected to City Council and served as council president, is Bostons first woman, first Black mayor. Read her inaugural speech below. Good afternoon. Let me begin by expressing my deepest appreciation to Chief Justice Kimberly Budd and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley. Both Chief Justice Budd and Congresswoman Pressley, are part of a long line of Black women in our city who have broken down barriers. Women called to lead, whether activism, like Melnea Cass, journalism like Sarah Ann Shaw and Liz Walker, or public service like Doris Bunte, Jean McGuire, and District Attorney Rachael Rollins. I stand on their shoulders today. Chief Justice Budd, it is such an honor to have you administer the oath of office on this historic day. Throughout your career, you have been a pioneer and a steward of justice for all. You have been a role model to me and so many, making history as the first Black woman to lead the supreme judicial court. Chief Justice Budd, thank you for your integrity, your excellence, and your service to our Commonwealth. And I owe a debt of gratitude to my sister in-service, U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley. You are not only a friend, but you are MY congresswoman. I would not be here today, standing as mayor of the great City of Boston, if it were not for the glass ceilings that you have shattered not only as the first Black woman elected to the Boston City Council, but as the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress. From your years of service on the city council to your historic term in Congress, you have always been our representative. Your advocacy is powerful and unapologetic. Your leadership is fierce and fearless. Congresswoman Pressley, thank you for being here today. To think, my teenage grandsons were born at a time when there had never even been a Black woman on our city council. Today, my six year old granddaughter Rosie, and other little girls, can see themselves represented in Massachusetts highest court, the halls of congress and now in the 55th Mayor of Boston. Today is a new day. I stand before you as the first woman and the first Black mayor of Boston, the city that I love. I come to this day with a life experience that is different from the men who came before me. I was born into a family with deep roots in the South End and six generations in Roxbury, the center of our great city. I come from a long line of proud educators, entrepreneurs, artists and advocates. I am grateful for my parents who raised me, my daughter who inspired me, my grandparents who prayed for me, my siblings who supported me, and my aunties, uncles and cousins who have always rooted for me. Thank you, all. As a girl growing up in Boston, I was nurtured by a family who believed in me and surrounded by good neighbors who knew my name. It was my village. But, when I was just 11 years old, school busing rolled into my life. I was forced onto the front lines of the 1970s battle to desegregate Boston Public Schools. I had rocks and racial slurs thrown at my bus, for simply attending school while Black. And just yesterday on my first full day as mayor, I visited my childhood alma mater. I saw students happy to be back in school with their teachers and friends, instead of the pain and trauma that I had experienced in middle school. I grew up quickly, becoming a mother in high school. I cleaned bathrooms to afford Smith College and give my daughter everything she needed to succeed. As I juggled it all, like so many others, I felt my first call to give back to this city I love. I volunteered for Mel Kings historic, grassroots campaign for mayor of Boston. Now, here I am. Making history of my own. My early experiences with community organizing inspired me as a young single mother to start working on behalf of all children, because I understood my own daughters experiences were interconnected with those of every other child across the city. As part of Massachusetts Advocates for Children, I led efforts to make lasting policy reforms that promote equity and excellence in education for students in BPS. Working together with parents, students, educators, and administrators, we pushed to close opportunity and achievement gaps, so all children can thrive. That work led me to the Boston City Council in 2018, when I became the first woman to represent District 7 - the heart of our city. I continued my fight for economic justice and civil rights and was elected by my peers to serve as City Council President. And that, in turn, led to me taking the oath of office today as the 55th Mayor of the City of Boston. To paraphrase Vice President Kamala Harris, (who I spoke with last night and discussed the two things we have in common - breaking barriers and a love of Converse sneakers,) every little girl watching today can see that Boston is a city of possibilities. Today is truly a new day. Sadly, today is a day many Bostonians didnt live to see. Our hearts break for the lives that have been lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. We grieve with the loved ones left behind. As I assume the responsibilities of Mayor of Boston, I promise to give you bold, courageous leadership. Starting with an unrelenting focus to address the impacts of COVID-19. We must do a better job of making vaccines accessible, especially communities hardest hit. As Mayor, I will partner with federal, state, and local community leaders to support increased testing and vaccinations across our city. I will fight to make it happen. Our recovery must include working together on behalf of our children. That means safely reopening our schools and vaccinating our teachers. That also means investing in a summer of opportunities. I will partner with the superintendent to rally the business community, neighborhood groups and faith-based organizations to help our children recover academically and emotionally. This issue is personal to me. As a young mother, I fought hard to ensure my daughter had access to a quality public education. Ive worked for over 20 years to increase equity and excellence in education for all students in Boston Public Schools. Too many of our kids are hurt by an opportunity and achievement gap that limits their true potential. The isolation that many students experienced during this pandemic has only made things worse. We must do everything in our power to support our teachers and ensure every student succeeds. Lets be clear - the problems laid bare by the pandemic were here well before COVID-19. The issues of affordable housing, fair wages, public transportation, and climate change are not new. Whats different is that these problems now impact even more of us. But, I believe these challenges create an opportunity an opportunity to come together, to heal and build a better, more equitable city. I am humbled, and passionate about the possibilities for Boston, the city I love. Our nation and our city are built on a promise that achieving your dreams is possible -- regardless of race, religion, immigration status, income, gender identity, or who you love but we have so much work to do to make those dreams real for everyone. And we have to start by calling out the challenges facing our city openly, honestly and transparently. Today in the City of Boston, we have an enormous wealth gap. The median net worth for Black families is just $8. $8 is not an accident. Its the product of discriminatory policies that we have all inherited. We need to call it out. And we need to implement new policies to address it. Unemployment rates for residents of color spiked higher at the start of the pandemic. They continue to trend above other groups. Over the past year, the same communities hardest hit by the public health crisis have experienced the highest rates of housing and food insecurity. I will address these economic disparities with new urgency to reopen Bostons economy with equity. A recent disparity study showed the enormous inequality in our city contracts. Entrepreneurs of color who deserve a fair shot at doing business with the city are being shut out. This is unacceptable. As Mayor, I will take action to solve this problem with new creative solutions to boost city contracts with minority business enterprises and new strategies to hold ourselves accountable. The time for action is now. Dismantling systemic racism also includes reforming how we police our city. As City Council President, I advocated to address racial profiling, end excessive use of force, and ban the use of facial recognition software. As Mayor, I will continue to be an advocate and lead the implementation of these reforms. Together, working with our police department, I am determined to bring safety, healing and justice to all of our neighborhoods. So, while today is a new day, while Boston has come so far, we also must acknowledge that we have so much more work to do. That work starts now. As we begin my administration, I want to pause and thank my incredible transition committee and staff for all youve done on behalf of the people of Boston. I also want to congratulate the new U.S. Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh, on a much-deserved confirmation. Thank you for 7 years of service as Mayor of Boston. As a son of Dorchester, your achievement makes us all proud. Working people across our country could not have a more passionate advocate in Washington. And to my cabinet and colleagues, all the talented and dedicated city employees who helped make this transition a success, you have my eternal thanks. I look forward to working together with you. It cannot be said enough, but the public servants who wake up every single day to make Boston work especially during these challenging times are owed a great debt of gratitude from all of us. As we turn to the future, I am ready to lead our city toward recovery, reopening, and renewal. That means leading the way to a citywide economic recovery that is equitable especially for the residents and small businesses hardest hit. Today, I am calling on business leaders, nonprofits, community groups, and those who have felt left out to join us in reopening and renewing every part of our city. To the people of Boston I say, YOU have a stake in our citys future YOU are the essential part of this recovery. Lets not be afraid to tackle the longer-term challenges that we face, together from racial justice to environmental justice, from affordable housing to our transit system, from our public schools to public safety. We cant go back. Our only option is to go better. Today is a new day for the City of Boston. As mayor, I promise to bring my life experiences and my passion for making this city better for everyone, every day. I promise to bring urgency to this job, and to strive to make positive change happen in every neighborhood in our city. In my administration, there will always be a place for those who have felt left out of power, and I will also welcome those who have held power to join us in building a better future. I will work each day so that all residents have opportunities to learn, earn and thrive. I vow to be a mayor for the entire city for every neighborhood, and for YOU. If we all work together, there is nothing Boston cant accomplish. Today is our new day. For my Rosie, and every little girl and little boy watching, lets make it count. Thank you and God bless the City of Boston! Related Content: Last week, Ohios attorney general filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department challenging the landmark recovery legislation just passed by Congress, the American Rescue Plan, or ARP. The lawsuit is somewhat technical, focusing on a provision that prevents states receiving direct funds from the bill from reducing their net tax revenues over the next three years. This essentially means that the federal government intends to provide funds to share the burden of pandemic revenue loss, rather than give states free money for tax cuts. The day before Ohio filed its suit, 21 other GOP attorneys general sent a letter to Secretary Janet Yellen threatening to sue if the provision on tax revenues was not narrowed. Republicans are honing in on this as a part of the bill that they might be able to attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In defense of the provision, the Treasury Department has argued that such reasonable conditions are used all the time, and pointed out that the law does not in fact prohibit tax cuts. Rather, it requires that states not use the appropriated money to offset revenue losses from tax cuts. Substantively, the Treasury Department is rightthe bill deploys the spending power, which has long been considered Congress least restricted power. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court limited this power when it struck down the mandatory Medicaid expansion in the Affordable Care Act, and it could take the same aggressive approach here. In other words, this lawsuit raises issues that an opportunistic conservative judiciary could use to limit the power of the federal government, a difficulty the Biden administration is likely to face again and again. Advertisement To understand the lawsuit, its worth considering the relevant conditions attached to the appropriation. First, states can only use the funds in certain ways, like filling fiscal shortfalls, investing in infrastructure, or aiding those affected by the pandemic. A state must also certify that it requires the funds to carry out these activities. And second, states receiving funds cannot reduce their net tax revenue for three years. The logic between these conditions should be clearif a state cant fill these gaps with its own revenue, surely it cant afford to reduce revenue either. Advertisement But that is basically what the GOP governors are requestingthat states be allowed to use federal funds to pay for tax cuts. And their legal arguments are tailor-made for a judiciary hostile to the federal government. Advertisement Both the Ohio suit and the attorneys generals letter make three basic arguments. The first is that the tax provision is too ambiguous. In Pennhurst, the Supreme Court held that federal grants to states are in the nature of a contract, and so the conditions must be unambiguous to give clear notice. Here, the conditions state that funds cannot be used to either directly or indirectly offset a reduction in the net tax revenue of such State or territory. The GOP argument suggests there is a lack of clarity in what it means to indirectly offset a net tax revenue reduction, making this condition hopelessly ambiguous. But with the presence of both directly and indirectly, the statute can be read to prohibit using the funds to offset any net decrease in tax revenue. And the GOPs second argument concedes this exact point, relying on the assumption that the legislation is plain in its intention to prevent states from reducing net tax revenue. They suggest that the provision would amount to an unprecedented and unconstitutional federal usurpation of essentially one half of the States fiscal ledgers by limiting the states ability to lower taxes. They argue that the provision would create a system that would eliminate the democratic accountability that federalism serves to protect by prohibiting governors from enacting any tax cuts. In their view, this amounts to a violation of the 10th Amendment. Advertisement Advertisement But this is just not true. The bill doesnt prohibit tax cuts. Instead, it requiresas a condition for choosing to accept aidthat states do not affirmatively choose to decrease net tax revenues. Governors still have policy control over the tax side of their balance sheet: Any number of tax cuts could be passed so long as they were balanced out by increased revenue elsewhere. Finally, the GOP argues that the statute is unduly coercive, claiming states have no choice but to accept these funds during a pandemic. While the Supreme Court has not identified a clear, bright-line rule to determine what constitutes undue coercion, the Court did strike down mandatory Medicaid expansion in NFIB v. Sebelius. But this provision should be distinguishable from Medicaid expansion, given that the ARP funding is a temporary measure and affects policy for just three years. And while failing to adhere to the Medicaid conditionality would have resulted in a total loss of federal Medicaid funding for the state, the ARP conditionality does not threaten existing funding that states rely on. Essentially, the condition provides important protection to the federal governmentthat a contractual agreement to share burdens arising from revenue loss remain shared. Advertisement Advertisement Although the GOP arguments dont hold up to serious scrutiny, a judiciary inclined to diminish the federal governments power to enact progressive change may still support them. If this lawsuit were vigorously litigated by both parties, a 63 conservative majority on the Supreme Court could build on NFIB and further limit the ability of the federal government to enact policy change through the spending power. Therefore, in responding to this suit, Yellen faces a precarious choice. To fight the claim that the condition is unambiguous, the government would likely have to argue that the law unambiguously states that any tax policy change that creates a net revenue loss would need to be offset with a revenue increase. But such a broad provision could be seen as heavy-handed and push a conservative judiciary to find a violation of the anti-commandeering doctrine. Advertisement Alternatively, the Treasury Department could provide clarity on the tax provision through rulemaking. Per the Chevron doctrine, which makes commonsense regulation easier, courts would defer to an agencys clarification of an ambiguous statute. But this could create a doctrinal conflict, as the Supreme Court has not considered whether a statute subject to the Pennhurst clear-notice rule can be clarified with agency regulation through Chevron deference. Until now this conflict between Pennhurst and Chevron has been the subject of scholarly work, and a few lower court cases, but this lawsuit could put the issue before the Supreme Court for the first time. If that happens, the current conservative-dominated Supreme Court, which is hostile to regulation, could respond by narrowing Chevron deference (if only slightly) while simultaneously weakening the federal spending power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the GOP shut out of the presidency and both houses of Congress, it will turn to the branch of government where it still exerts firm control: the judiciary. How can Democrats respond? The statute gives Yellen broad authority to issue necessary regulations. She could provide guidance to determine how the contract set forth in the ARP is to be executed, further rooting it in a clear burden-sharing agreement. First, the secretary could specify what particular fiscal effects qualify for this funding, such as revenue shortfalls, infrastructure gaps exposed by the pandemic, or inadequate revenue to restore services and rehire state employees let go earlier in the pandemic. Next, the Secretary could align that guidance with the certification process. Per the statute, states must provide certification that they require the payment or transfer to carry out the activities specified. A rigorous certification process would further strengthen the contractual nature of the appropriation. The secretary could add further guidance that the funding must be used to fill the gap between insufficient expected revenues and the stated intended use. These actions could strengthen the legal case that this statute is a contractual agreement. Of course, states are free to cut tax revenues if they so desire, but because this appropriation is a contractual agreement to burden-share, states shouldnt be allowed to release their share of the burden after getting the money. Advertisement Advertisement Its possible that this lawsuit goes nowhere and the substantial costs of litigation for both sides deter further action. But regardless of what happens, the GOP will surely launch more legal attacks on the federal spending power. With the GOP shut out of the presidency and both houses of Congress, it will turn to the branch of government where it still exerts firm control: the judiciary. This case symbolizes a core challenge for the Biden administration: designing policy that can withstand a conservative legal onslaught. That battle will require legal argumentation and the use of regulatory power described above. But perhaps most importantly, it demands a unique level of care and attention during the legislative process. Democrats must ensure they dont provide easy bait for conservatives to further limit the federal governments power. Justice John Roberts has already reinvented 10th Amendment federalism jurisprudence to gut not just the Medicaid expansion but also the Voting Rights Act. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas, and Brett Kavanaugh stand ready to destroy the federal governments ability to regulate to further progressive goals. At times, this may require sacrificing short-term progressive victories to ensure future ones can endure. Advertisement Democrats are looking to pass a possibly $4 trillion infrastructure package next. Much of it would be routed through state and local governments in similar ways as ARP. The Biden administration is committed to ensuring these funds are used to address racial and gender inequality, as well as climate change. Achieving these goals will require some use of conditional funding, the very kind at stake in the Ohio lawsuit. After years of conservative dominance, cemented by the Trump administrations singular focus on seating judges, the federal judiciary has weakened unions, environmental regulations and the general ability of the federal government to enact progressive change. The Biden administration and Congress must make extra effort to ensure their agenda doesnt fall into legal traps that give conservative courts the opportunity to weaken it further. Just hours after AstraZeneca said late-stage trials of its COVID-19 vaccine prove it has "100% efficacy against severe or critical disease and hospitalization," a key U.S. government oversight group expressed concern about the drugmaker's information. The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), an advisory arm of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, issued a statement early Tuesday that the British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant "may have included outdated information" from the late-stage clinical trial, "which may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data." AstraZeneca said Monday that its analysis of the safety and efficacy of its vaccine, developed jointly with Britain's University of Oxford, was based on more than 30,000 participants in U.S. trials. Researchers at Oxford also said the vaccine is 79-percent effective against preventing symptomatic coronavirus. The DSMB urged AstraZeneca to work with it to review the data and "ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data be made public as quickly as possible." The statement from the independent board of experts is the latest setback for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which has had a troubled rollout. Several European countries recently stopped its use because of reports that it was associated with blood clots in recipients. And South Africa stopped using the shot due to concerns about its efficacy against a local variant of the coronavirus. The country sold at least a million doses of its AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to the African Union. But the European Medicines Agency, the drug approval body for the European Union, said the vaccine is safe and does not raise the overall risk of blood clots. The World Health Organization has subsequently recommended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine against variants of the coronavirus, and that it considers its benefits to outweigh its risks. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been the leading choice among the developing world because of its low cost and simple storage requirements. South Korean President Moon Jae-in was inoculated with the vaccine on Tuesday. Much better news about a COVID-19 treatment came Tuesday from Britain. A study by the NHS (National Health Service) England says that the steroid Dexamethasone has saved the lives of an estimated one million people around the world, including 22,000 in Britain. Researchers found that the inexpensive and widely available drug reduced the risk of death by a third for coronavirus patients on ventilators, while deaths fell nearly a fifth for those on oxygen, according to the results of a clinical trial dubbed Recovery. Owners of second homes who benefit from lucrative tax breaks by falsely claiming they are holiday lets face a clampdown from the taxman, the Treasury said yesterday. At present owners can declare they are renting out second properties meaning they are charged business rates rather than council tax, which is higher. A total of 60,000 properties are registered in this way. But the Treasury is concerned that many owners are getting away with paying business rates while making little or no effort to rent their properties. Owners of second homes who benefit from lucrative tax breaks by falsely claiming they are holiday lets face a clampdown from the taxman. Picture: Stock Now HMRC tax chiefs will tighten the rules to force holiday landlords to prove they have let properties out for at least 140 days per year. HMRC said 96 per cent of those who have registered their property to avoid paying council tax 57,000 have declared a rateable value of 12,000 or less. That means they are also exempt from business rates under a Covid scheme designed to help small firms. In effect, they are getting their rubbish collected and other council services for free. Officials also believe some owners may have claimed coronavirus support grants of up to 9,000 each to replace lost income which they suspect they would never have achieved because they had no intention of letting properties out. A Treasury source said: At the moment, the criteria says that all you need to do is say that a property will be rented out for 140 days per year but someone can say that and not actually be letting the property out. Clearly, some will also have claimed coronavirus support, but we dont know how many. We are going to force people to account for the claims they make. Chris Etherington, a partner at tax experts RSM, said: It seems some taxpayers have been taking advantage of the Governments generosity to date. The announcements made today help to ensure that relief from council tax and business rates are targeted at the appropriate recipients namely those with furnished holiday lets who are genuinely trying to be entrepreneurial and run a business. Its a sensible step to try to stop a small minority claiming relief when they shouldnt and welcome news for local authorities who will have a boost to their revenues. HMRC tax chiefs will tighten the rules to force holiday landlords to prove they have let properties out for at least 140 days per year. Picture: Stock Paul Turner-Mitchell, of property tax advisers Altus Group, said: If youve got a second home in Cornwall, really you should be paying council tax on it. Councils like Cornwall and Devon were getting really hacked off. John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, said: I welcome the Governments move to close this loophole. Its never made sense and the pandemic has shone a spotlight on how second home owners have been able to benefit from the anomaly. I hope the Government will now move swiftly to shut this down. Meanwhile, the Treasury is stepping up efforts to close the UKs 31billion tax gap the difference between taxes owed and what is collected. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has made closing the gap one of his top priorities. He plans to do so by digitalising the tax system. The Treasury has pledged to end the era of the tax return by investing 95million into a fully digital system. It could mean millions of people and small companies having to pay income and corporate tax bills earlier than normal. Jon Richardson, of accountancy firm PwC, said: It would cut out the tax agent and the mistakes made on tax returns. This will reduce the tax gap and make tax collection more efficient. But others are worried it could be a backdoor way for the Government to collect extra data on the population which the Treasury denies. Yesterday was the Treasurys tax day when officials released a series of consultations about possible changes. Iconic fried chicken brand to open hundreds of restaurants over the coming years NOIDA, India, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Today, the Popeyes brand and Jubilant Foodworks Limited ("JFL") announced exciting new plans to develop and open hundreds of Popeyes restaurants across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years. "We're excited to introduce our iconic Louisiana-style chicken to a new population in the world that already celebrates and loves bold and delicious flavours," said David Shear, President RBI International, parent company of Popeyes. "At Popeyes, we believe that the best food takes time, we marinate our chicken for 12 hours in bold Louisiana seasonings, then hand batter and slowly cook it to make it the juiciest and crispiest chicken that I think our guests will ever have." Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has more than 45 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring the iconic chicken sandwich, spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. Popeyes uses proprietary seasonings and techniques developed by an in-house culinary team of chefs that makes its fried chicken a point of reference for Michelin Chefs and celebrities. The brand's passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavourful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world's largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 3,400 restaurants in over 25 countries around the world. Mr. Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman and Mr. Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman, Jubilant Foodworks Limited said, "We are happy to announce the signing of a multi-country agreement to acquire the exclusive rights to operate and sub-license the iconic Popeyes brand in India and neighbouring countries. Chicken is one of the largest and fastest growing categories in India and is expected to grow rapidly in years to come. Popeyes will be an exciting addition to the JFL portfolio and is expected to become one of the key drivers of growth for us in the coming years." Today's announcement reflects the global appeal of Popeyes and contributes to the aggressive brand expansion plan globally. Popeyes will enter the United Kingdom in the coming years and build its presence in Mexico starting in 2021, with plans to open several hundreds of restaurants across both countries. Other successful international expansions over the past years include Spain, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. About Restaurant Brands International Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $31 billion in annual system-wide sales and 27,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and U.S. territories. RBI owns three of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands - TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, and POPEYES. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for over 45 years. About Popeyes Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes has more than 45 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. The chain's passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes to become one of the world's largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 3,400 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. About Jubilant Foodworks Limited. Jubilant Foodworks Limited is part of the Jubilant Bhartia Group and is one of India's largest food service companies. The company holds the master franchise rights for two international brands, Domino's Pizza and Dunkin' Donuts, and operates its homegrown brands Hong's Kitchen, Chef Boss and Ekdum! in India. The company currently operates more than 1,300 outlets and has more than 30,000 brand ambassadors committed to deliver value to its customers. To learn more about JFL, please visit the company's website at www.jubilantfoodworks.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements include statements about RBI's expectations and belief about the number of Popeyes restaurants that JFL will open across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan in the coming years. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from RBI's expectations and beliefs are detailed in filings of RBI with the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities, such as its annual and quarterly reports and include the following risks: risks related to RBI's ability to successfully implement its domestic and international growth strategy and risks related to its international operations; risks related to RBI's ability to compete domestically and internationally in an intensely competitive industry; and risks related to RBI's ability to successfully accelerate international development with strategic partners and joint ventures. Other than as required under U.S. federal securities laws or Canadian securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, change in expectations or otherwise. SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc. THE ISSUE: The governor appears to be insinuating his administration into an investigation of sexual harassment allegations. THE STAKES: The interference threatens to taint the process and the outcome. ---- Over the course of a deepening sexual harassment scandal, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly asked that New Yorkers wait to form an opinion until Attorney General Letitia James concludes her investigation. On the surface, the request sounds like a reasonable call for patience and due process. But behind the scenes, the administration may be attempting to impede Ms. James work. As the Times Unions Brendan J. Lyons reports, the Executive Chamber has referred the matter to the Governors Office of Employee Relations to conduct a parallel investigation that in the best light seems duplicative. A less generous view would be that the governor is keeping tabs on what possible witnesses against him are saying. His office has also decided to provide an attorney for any staff member questioned by investigators. The attorney might also meet with staffers ahead of the interviews. That has unsettled some Executive Chamber employees, who are understandably worried about having an attorney working for the governors office listening to what they say. Will the lawyers presence have a chilling effect on testimony? Will people be wondering, How will my answer affect my job? That isnt the only concern. The lawyers could also try to coordinate testimony, which would limit the possibility for unpleasant surprises and provide Mr. Cuomo with some semblance of control. That Mr. Cuomo might try to influence the investigation is hardly surprising. This was the same governor, after all, who appointed a Moreland Commission on Public Corruption and declared it could investigate even him only to have him steer the commission away from his office and organizations close to him. When sexual harassment allegations first surfaced, Mr. Cuomo likewise resisted a truly independent investigation and acquiesced only under tremendous political pressure. Having his future in another politicians hands is no doubt unsettling for a governor who famously wants to control even the small details. But at this point, at least eight women have accused the governor of varying levels of harassment, including an employee who alleges that Mr. Cuomo groped her in the governors mansion after she was called there to help him with his phone. These are serious allegations, and they must be investigated without manipulation. Weve been clear in our opinion that for the good of New York, it would be best for Mr. Cuomo to resign now. After deceiving the public and the Legislature on data related to the deaths of nursing home residents, he no longer has the trust needed to govern, even among many of his fellow Democrats. The sexual harassment allegations have further eroded his ability to effectively lead. But if he is going to stick around, while citing the investigation by Ms. James as a reason he shouldnt go, the least the governor can do is allow the attorney general to proceed in her quest for the truth without games or meddling. If New Yorkers must be patient, so must Mr. Cuomo. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday reiterated she has no plans to run for a higher government post in 2022, citing personal and family reasons. Binay told CNN Philippines The Source she does not want her family and children to go through the same pain brought by mudslinging during the campaign period. Alam mo naman yung pinagdaanan ko from 2013 when I ran for my first term, diba? And then noong 2016, na talagang grabe yung ginawang paninira sa pamilya ko, Binay explained. [Translation: You do know what I went through from 2013 when I ran for my first term, right? And then in 2016, when my family was criticized.] Ako, kaya ko (I can take it), but I dont know if my kids can go through the same pain, she added. Running for a higher office means my family will have to go through the same bad way of campaigning, and I dont want to subject them to that. Binay, 47, is among the officials being eyed by the new coalition 1Sambayan as a possible candidate for next years polls. 1Sambayan is a broad coalition of pro-democracy groups launched last week by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario. RELATED: 'United opposition' to challenge Duterte admin bets in 2022 elections While she is not keen on giving a higher office a shot, Binay said she is open to work with the coalition if doing so would help the Filipinos in the long run. Kung yung pagsasasama-sama namin would lead doon sa pagkapanalo na sa tingin namin makakatulong sa ating lahat, I am okay with that, the senator said. [Translation: If our unity would lead to the victory of the leaders we think can help us all, I am okay with that.] In the 2019 elections, Binay clinched another term in the Senate, which will last until 2025. Her father, Jejomar Binay, served as the 13th vice president of the country under President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. (Natural News) Mandatory face masks, physical distancing, business capacity limits, and other authoritarian Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions could soon become permanent fixtures in Oregon if a proposed new rule gets enacted in the state. The Oregon Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) wants to replace the temporary Chinese virus rule, which is set to expire on May 4, with a permanent one that can only be repealed by OSHA once it is no longer needed to address the coronavirus pandemic. The public health emergency triggered by COVID-19 remains a significant concern in Oregon as we know, we have not yet defeated this disease and we clearly will not have done so by the time the temporary rule expires, stated Michael Wood, Oregons OSHA administrator. As a result, it is critically important that we carry forward measures that we know are effective at combating the spread of this disease and reducing risks in the workplace. Wood further added that failing to enact permanent Wuhan flu restrictions in Oregon will, in his opinion, undoubtedly leave workers far less protected and leave employers with far less clarity and certainty in terms of what is expected of them. The temporary rule, which took effect on Nov. 16, 2020, requires that people in Oregon stand far apart from one another, wear face coverings, regularly sanitize their hands, and perform other requirements. Should the new rule pass, it would make the temporary rule permanent. (Related: Oregon doctor loses medical license after refusing to push face masks.) The permanent rule would also add new restrictions that include the following: Requiring employers to consider alternatives to transporting multiple people in the same vehicle, although such transportation would not be off-limits. Slightly modifying ventilation measures so employers with more than 10 employees would have to certify in writing that they are running their systems in alignment with the rules. This would apply to employers with existing ventilation systems, though it would not require employers to purchase or install new ones. Requiring employers to provide written notice to their employees about their right to return to work post-quarantine. Requiring employers to cooperate with public health authorities that request to administer Wuhan flu vaccines in the workplace. Requiring health care employers to provide respirators to employees working with people who are known or suspected to have tested positive for the Chinese virus unless they demonstrate a genuine shortage they are working to resolve. Oregon wants people to stop wearing face shields and mask up with fabric Another thing the proposed OSHA rule would do is discourage people in Oregon from wearing plastic face shields. The language was inserted into the new rule encouraging people to wear a mask or facial covering instead because they are supposedly more effective at mitigating the spread of Chinese germs. Bullet point four from the above list deserves specific attention because it deals with Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) injections. Based on how it is worded, employers in Oregon, should the rule pass, will be forced to assist with employee vaccinations if they are asked to do so by public health authorities. An employer would be required to document any instances of employees who refuse to take the vaccine, writes Logan Washburn for The RF Angle. Oregons government can insist all it wants that this proposed permanent rule will be rescinded the moment the Chinese virus is no longer an issue. The problem is that we were already told this last year around this time with all the two weeks to flatten the curve rhetoric, and here we are a year later. Under the light of history and recent policy proposals, one quickly comes to find that these measures are not temporary, but permanent usurpations of power under the guise of safety, Washburn warns. More of the latest news about the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) can be found at Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: OSHA.Oregon.gov RFangle.com Operator Ooredoo Maldives has announced the launch of the countrys first ever tier-III-ready data centre, providing connectivity, storage, security and support systems for IT-based services and operations for a wide range of customers. Located in the emerging smart city of Hulhumale, a reclaimed island in the south of North Male Atoll, Ooredoo Maldives Data Centre (OMDC) is described as a world-class data centre which will bolster a transition to new technologies supporting Maldivian and regional businesses from the government, corporate and hospitality sectors. OMDC is a tier-III certification-ready data centre, offering a wide portfolio of services, large amounts of storage space, 24/7 physical and network security, disaster management capabilities, superior power backup, and high-end heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The facility also provides a rack space of medium and high density, with a capability of supporting offshore hosting requests, which means businesses outside the country can host their servers in the Maldives. The infrastructure of this new data centre is designed to provide customers the safest possible environment, including flood resistance of up to seven metres along with state-of-the-art fire detection systems. The facility is housed with critical electrical diesel power generators which can sustain an uninterrupted backup power that can seamlessly operate for 14 days without human intervention. The centre features modern environmental monitoring and control systems, a water leakage detection system and a round-the-clock digital and physical monitoring system. OMDC also offers a demo room where visitors can hear about the wide range of products designed by the company for enterprise customers. 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 PIAfrica, the only dedicated Pension Funds and Alternative Investment Show in Africa is, this year, happening online, during the full month of March. Virtual events, masterclass training sessions, webinars and many more. The Conference, developed under the theme The developmental impact of pension funds allocating capital in a broad-based economy brought you the following topics: 11 MARCH Webinar The importance of impact investing, managing debt sustainability and foreigner reserves during times of crisis 16 MARCH Webinar The developmental impact of pension funds investing in alternative investment capital abroad based economy 17 MARCH Webinar Mauritius as an international finance centre rethinking strategies 18 & 19 MARCH Leading Virtual Conference 23 MARCH virtual masterclass training session Aladdin risk whole portfolio exposure, risk & performance analytics for pension funds 25 MARCH Virtual Event the use of technology in alternative investments & Virtual Master class training session by Blackrock 30 MARCH Virtual Event African fixed income local or hard currency? diversification benefit for African pension funds Whilst the Leading Virtual Conference of the 18th & 19th March 2021 is over, we invite you to stay connected for more webinars during the full month of March 2021. REGISTRATION LINK = https://ametrade.org/event/pi-africa-2021/ The participants registering for the 4th PIAfrica Virtual Conference, will be automatically enrolled in all the virtual events happening during the full month of March. The Registrations are still open via https://ametrade.org/event/pi-africa-2021/ or alternatively via email at piafrica@ametrade.org . PIAfrica 2021 is marked by the special participation of savvy speakers, such as Bronwyn Knight, Chief Executive Officer at Grit Real Estate Income Group; Vikram Bhandari, Portfolio Manager in the Alternative Solutions Group, BlackRock; Michael Mgwaba, Head ETP Business, Markets ABSA CIB; Admassu Tadesse, President and Group MD, Trade and Development Bank; Craig Stanley, Partner, Enko Capital Management LLP; Svenja Becker, Managing Partner, Moravia Investments; Heleen Goussard, Head of Alternative Investment Services, Riscura; Shamin Sookia, Managing Director, Perigeum Capital; Yann Robbiola, President Partner, LS Advisors SAS; Tanya Van Lill, Chief Executive Officer at Capital and Private Equity Association; George Asante, Managing Principal, Head of Global Market at ABSA Group;and many others. The Key Strategic Partners of Pensions Funds and Alternative Investments Africa Virtual Conference 2021 are Grit Real Estate Income, BlackRock, ABSA, DBSA (Development Bank of Southern Africa), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), TDB (Trade & Development Bank), ENKO capital, Africinvest, Moravia Capital Investments, RisCura, LS Advisors, Perigeum Capital, BADEA. Supporting institutions include African Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, Association of Pension Administrators of Kenya, Moroccan Private Equity Association (AMIC), Actuarial Society of South Africa, SAVCA, PENOP and Global Finance Mauritius. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn 404 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 24, 2021] Puppet Announces Puppetize Digital 2021 PORTLAND, Ore., March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Puppet, the industry standard for infrastructure automation, today announced Puppetize Digital 2021 , the virtual version of its annual community and user conference, will be held September 29 & 30. Puppetize Digital is an opportunity to share practical knowledge, network with industry experts, and learn about the latest innovations to automate infrastructure securely and at scale. This years virtual conference will feature industry insights from our CEO Yvonne Wassenaar, CTOs Abby Kearns and Deepak Giridharagopal, and Field CTO Nigel Kersten. Puppetize Digital is the key conference to attend if you want to understand the DevOps approach to automation in a hybrid cloud world. Its an opportunity for our community and customers to share and discuss the evolving skills necessary to succeed in delivering software and services today, despite the massive shifts happening in infrastructure, said Nigel Kersten, Field CTO of Puppet. Puppet has seen it all, supports it all, and is deeply aware that the challenges are not just technological but cultural. Join the conversation to learn and share how your teams are working to manage the infrastructure needs required to deliver proucts and services more quickly and at scale, and how to do it safely, securely and within the lens of compliance and regulatory demands. Building on last years model, Puppetize Digital will remain a series of free online events spanning three regions Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas with an additional day of content designed to give attendees more opportunities for education, networking, and collaboration. In addition to technical sessions, Puppetize Digital will feature networking activities, topical breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, training, and other opportunities for engagement. More speakers and presenters will be announced later in the year. To learn more about Puppetize Digital and to sign up to be notified when registration is live, please visit puppet.com/puppetize . Additional Resources Learn more about Puppet Follow Puppet on Twitter and LinkedIn Read our blog About Puppet Puppet makes infrastructure actionable, scalable and intelligent. From the data center to the cloud, Puppet helps enterprises modernize and manage their infrastructure to deliver innovation and efficiency through continuous automation. More than 40,000 organizations including more than 80 percent of the Global 5000 have benefited from Puppets open source and commercial solutions to ensure business continuity, optimize costs, boost compliance and ensure security all while accelerating the adoption of DevOps practices and delivery of self-service. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Puppet is a privately held company with offices in London, Belfast, Singapore and Sydney. Learn more at puppet.com. Media Contact Devin Davis VP of Corporate Marketing and Communications @ Puppet pr@puppet.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A Canadian father jailed for contempt of court after voicing objections to his teenage daughter being prescribed testosterone as part of an experimental gender transition was denied bail and isn't expected to be released until next month. Sources close to the situation told The Christian Post that Robert Hoogland of British Columbia was denied bail during court proceedings Friday, where his attorney asked that the arrest warrant be voided and that he be released because the detention is unlawful. The warrant was issued earlier this month and Hoogland was arrested last Tuesday for publicly revealing his identity. Hoogland, who is referred to as "CD" in court documents, has long objected to his daughter undergoing a medicalized gender-transition, which includes taking cross-sex hormones. According to reports, his daughter has suffered from several complex issues, all of which were attributed to gender confusion. She was referred to an endocrinology unit at a local hospital at the recommendation of psychologist Wallace Wong, a known proponent of transgender affirmation. The court reportedly chastised Hoogland for breaching an order that required his identity to remain concealed from the public. The father's name appears on a GoGetFunding crowdfunding page, which breached the court order. Hoogland was warned that if his name wasn't removed from the page before his upcoming trial, then it would "not go well for him," a source told CP. However, the court denied Hoogland's request to be released for two days so that he could remove his name from the crowdfunding page and other sites by using his home computer. A five-day trial for Hoogland on a similar but separate contempt of court charge is scheduled to begin on April 12. During that trial, Hoogland is expected to be allowed to share his side of the story unrestrained by orders restricting his freedom of speech, according to sources. While he doesn't want to be incarcerated, Hoogland was aware that because of his efforts to protect his daughter's welfare, it was unavoidable, say those close to the matter. In a January court decision in Hoogland's case, the presiding justices wrote that his refusal to go along with his child's "gender identity" was "troublesome, and that it had caused significant pain that has resulted in a rupture of what both parties refer to as an otherwise loving parent-child relationship." Source:The Christian Post One Cherokee family says they can't use their home now because floodwaters refuse to go down. Tiffany Christopher lives off of Moody Lane in Cherokee where her home is still surrounded by water even though there hasn't been any rain the last several days. Now, more rain is moving into the area and that has her terrified she could lose her home. "I'm afraid I'm not even going to be able to get into my home eventually," said Christopher. Christopher said this water hasn't gone down, and now, she and her son can't stay at their Moody Lane home. "I just feel like my home is destroyed. I've got my dogs there, so I am in and out taking care of my dogs. Me and my son can't physically stay there. We have no air and no heat, because our central unit is halfway underwater," said Christopher. Christopher said in the past, they've had very minor flooding, but the waters have never come up this high and stayed despite the rain moving out of the area. She and her family believe the solar farm that backs up to their property is causing their flooding issues. She's tried contacting the company, Orsted, that owns the solar farm but isn't getting anywhere. "It's beyond frustrating. I feel like my wheels are spinning and I'm getting nowhere, but I'm still sitting in water," said Christopher. WAAY 31 reached out to Orsted and a spokesperson for the company said, "Orsted is aware of the concerns raised by certain Muscle Shoals neighbors brought on by the unseasonably heavy rains, which also caused flooding in other parts of the county. We are working diligently to learn more about the situation, including commissioning a third party engineering firm to complete a full analysis of the affected area. We will take appropriate actions to address the situation according to the firms independent findings." "My biggest frustration is not being able to live in my home is not being addressed. I feel like I'm getting put on the back burner. They say they are assessing the situation, but how long does it take to get someone to come out here and see that there is an issue?" said Christopher. As the rain comes down, Christopher is just praying her home won't flood and the water will go down. Christopher said everywhere she's turned to for help has told her to get a lawyer, but she said that's expensive and right now, it isn't an option. The bill seeks to repeal and re-enact the NIPOST Act 2004. The Senate has commenced moves to unbundle the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) with the consideration of a bill to repeal and re-enact the Nigerian Postal Service Act 2004. A ststement by the Senate Media Office said the bill which scaled second reading on Tuesday was sponsored by Oluremi Tinubu (APC, Lagos Central). Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Mrs Tinubu said the piece of legislation seeks a reform of the Postal Industry and to make Comprehensive Provisions for the Development and Regulation of Postal Services in Nigeria. According to the lawmaker, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) which dates as far back as 1852, evolved from an exigency of the colonial administration to a Collection Office of the United Kingdom and eventually, to the NIPOST. She recalled that as at 1st of October, 1960, when Nigeria gained independence from colonial rule, there existed one hundred and seventy-six (176) Post Offices, 10 Sub-Post Offices and 1000 Postal Agencies. Mrs Tinubu, however, noted that the agency currently has over nine hundred and fifty five (955) post offices and more than three thousand (3,000) Postal Agencies in the thirty-six States of the Federation. The lawmaker observed that in view of existing realities, it had become imperative for the NIPOST Act to be reviewed to guarantee improved efficiency and service. "NIPOST has been touted as having so much potential not only for revenue generation but also for impacting the lives of ordinary Nigerians. "However, the Agency's struggles are well known. With its apparent inefficiencies, advancement in technology and the introduction of electronic mail there has been a decline in demand for traditional postal services, thus necessitating a reform in the Agency mode of operation. "The Global Postal Industry and indeed, every facet of human life has continued to evolve, thus requiring the Nigerian Postal Industry to rise to the demands of existing realities. "Consequently, the subsisting Act which has been in place since 2004 has been overtaken by events and is not reflective of the times we are in. "To set NIPOST back on track, we need innovation, integration and inclusion in keeping up with current trends, and introducing ICT to ensure quicker and more effective service delivery. "To do this however, it is important to take a look at, and reengineer the Agency's establishment Act, its powers and its functions," the lawmaker said. According to her, the Bill covers implementation of a National Postal Policy, encourages local and foreign investment in the postal industry, ensures the protection of rights and interests of service providers in the sector, makes provision for postal services to areas and towns that were erstwhile not sustainable, and promotes small and medium enterprises in the sector, amongst others. Mrs Tinubu disclosed that the Bill also provides for the establishment of the Nigerian Postal Service and designates it as Public Postal Operator (PPO), a corporate body with a common seal whose responsibility includes the provision of Universal Postal Services in Nigeria. "The clear delineation of roles will make NIPOST more commercially viable, while ensuring more efficient service delivery", she said. "The Bill goes further to establish the Nigerian Postal Commission, another corporate body with its own common seal, which shall have the sole responsibility of regulating and supervising the Postal Sector. "Mr. President and my Distinguished colleagues, this Bill, if passed will successfully unbundle the Nigerian Postal Service from the huge monstrosity that it currently is. "The Bill splits up the roles of policy maker, independent regulator and industry Operator which NIPOST is currently saddled with. "In addition, as NIPOST is currently a dominant operator in the courier and logistics services market, it is imperative, in the interest of our anti-trust and competition laws, and in a bid to ensure an even playing field for all, to separate NIPOST the postal operator from the Regulator," Mrs Tinubu said. She further disclosed that the bill, while providing for Administration and planning of a National Postcode System, in line with global addressing standards, for efficient mail delivery, seeks to establish a Universal Postal Service Fund to be funded through appropriation from the National Assembly. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "By passing this Bill, we will not only be ensuring that our Postal services are carried out in line with international best practices, we will also be sending a signal to would be investors that we are an investment haven. "This bill will serve as catalyst for local and foreign postal investment while attracting skilled personnel in the field," she said. The bill, after scaling second reading, was referred by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, to the Committee on Communications. The Committee was given four (4) weeks to report back to the upper chamber. Signed: Ezrel TABIOWO, MBSC, Fsca Special Assistant (Press) to President of the Senate Tuesday, 23rd March, 2021 Globalist paranoia dates back to the 1960s and is built upon anti-Semitic ideas that go back centuries. The web of conspiracies gained popularity in the 1990s after then-President George H.W. Bush used new world order in a speech about the fall of Soviet communism, fueling anxiety about government overreach, a loss of liberty and gun rights. Where once conspiracy theorists looked to Russia as the enemy, they were suddenly left without a malefactor. They filled that void with an evil global cabal, Levin said. Ryanair passengers could be forced to wear face masks into next year, its boss today revealed. The budget airline has ramped up its summer flight schedule with 2,300 flights set to run every day, chief executive Michael O'Leary said. It will run at about 80 per cent of its usual capacity to keep up with demand from Britons desperate to get back to European beaches. However, beachgoers will need to remember to pack their face masks alongside their swimwear, Mr O'Leary warned. The company has taken a massive hit over the last year, carrying only around 33 million passengers in the year to February, compared to 154 million in the same period a year earlier. Last month the Irish low-cost carrier announced expected losses of 800million across 2021. Ryanair has ramped up its summer flight schedule with 2,300 flights set to run every day, chief executive Michael O'Leary (pictured) said The company has taken a massive hit over the last year, carrying only around 33 million passengers in the year to February, compared to 154 million in the same period a year earlier Ryanair expects to lose 800million this year With Covid continuing to 'wreak havoc across the industry', Ryanair bosses are 'cautiously guiding' a net loss of between 750million and 838million. However, the airline said it would be in a position where it could 'capitalise on the many growth opportunities' after the pandemic, 'especially where competitor airlines have substantially cut capacity or failed'. Last month the company announced third-quarter losses of 270million on Monday. Bosses added that in the three months to December, 8.1 million passengers used Ryanair, compared to 35.9 million in the same quarter in 2019. The loss for the quarter contrasts with an 78 million profit after tax in the same period a year before. The company said: 'FY21 will continue to be the most challenging year in Ryanair's 35 year history. 'Recently announced Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions across the EU & UK will reduce forecast FY21 traffic to between 26m and 30m (previously 'up to 35m'), with more risk towards the lower end of the range. 'While Q4 visibility remains limited due to uncertain and constantly changing Covid-19 travel restrictions, European government lockdowns, the timing of the rollout of vaccines across the EU and a very close-in booking curve, we are cautiously guiding an FY21 net loss (pre-exceptional items) of between 850m euros (750m) and 950m euros (838m).' Advertisement Mr O'Leary said: 'I would imagine at this point in time, we're planning to continue to require mandatory face mask wearing on board our aircraft through the remainder of this summer schedule and next winter's schedule.' He added that the use of masks could continue until the spring of next year, unless there are new guidelines from European authorities. Mr O'Leary is keen to get his planes back in the air so Ryanair can start making money and selling tickets again. Airlines are now hoping that vaccination efforts can allow a return to fairly normal holiday plans this summer, with European destinations primarily back on the cards. 'Families will be travelling to and from the UK, to and from Europe, going to the beaches of Europe on summer holidays that are richly deserved after the very fraught last 12 months,' Mr O'Leary said. 'I'm pleased to report that we've had a recent surge in bookings, as the UK began to open up restrictions also, two weeks ago when Germany eased their restrictions on travel ... we've seen a significant surge in bookings,' he said. Mr O'Leary added that the airline could survive another lost summer of travel - but he didn't see any reason for this to happen. He said: 'If you're fully vaccinated, frankly, I would be very surprised if there was any legal basis for the UK Government preventing people travelling on holidays to other European countries, which will have caught up with the UK vaccine rollout programme by the end of May or the end of June.' Ryanair currently asks all passengers to wear a face mask on board and threatens those who refuse with removal from the aircraft. A note on its website reads: 'We may refuse to carry you or your baggage on any flights operated by an airline of the Ryanair Group, if carrying you or your baggage may affect the safety, health or acceptable comfort of other passengers or crew members. 'In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, this is especially the case if you refuse to undergo temperature checks at the airport or if you refuse to wear a face mask during boarding or on-board our aircraft. Holidaymakers are pictured enjoying a day at the Nord Beach in Gandia, near Valencia, on July 1 last summer 'Some countries require passengers to wear surgical face masks at the airport and on-board the aircraft. 'It is each passengers responsibility to check local requirements before travelling. Ryanair's rules for wearing masks on-board its planes Ryanair asks all passengers to wear a face mask on board - and threatens those who refuse with removal from the aircraft. A note on its website reads: 'We may refuse to carry you or your baggage on any flights operated by an airline of the Ryanair Group, if carrying you or your baggage may affect the safety, health or acceptable comfort of other passengers or crew members. 'In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, this is especially the case if you refuse to undergo temperature checks at the airport or if you refuse to wear a face mask during boarding or on-board our aircraft. 'Some countries require passengers to wear surgical face masks at the airport and on-board the aircraft. 'It is each passengers responsibility to check local requirements before travelling. 'Children under 12 do not need to wear face masks. If you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face mask you are exempted from the face mask obligation on provision of a medical certificate attesting your condition.' Source: Ryanair Advertisement 'Children under 12 do not need to wear face masks. If you suffer from a medical condition that prevents you from wearing a face mask you are exempted from the face mask obligation on provision of a medical certificate attesting your condition.' It comes as leading scientific adviser Neil Ferguson, dubbed Professor Lockdown after warning ministers to close the country last March, warned Britons could face another summer at home as coronavirus variants rip across Europe. The Imperial College London epidemiologist said 'travel may be one of the later things to be relaxed'. He said he believes life will not be back to normal by summer 'but by the autumn it will feel a lot more normal'. He said he was concerned over the South African variant of the virus on the Bloc, which reduces the effect of vaccines. That and the Brazilian variant reportedly make up 40 per cent of infections in several French regions. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson faces growing calls from his top scientists to insulate Britain from the new strains by strengthening border controls. England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty and his deputy Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are said to be pushing for the red list of high-risk countries to be expanded. Professor Ferguson said today that depending what happens in other countries, 'travel may be one of the later things to be relaxed'. He told BBC Breakfast: 'I think we... whilst not everything will be back to normal by the summer, certainly by the autumn, it will feel a lot more normal.' He said he believes the UK's reopening road map is still on track despite concerns over the third wave in Europe. He said the surge there has 'already happened to us and we're through to the other side'. He continued: 'But the real concern is things like the South African variant, where the vaccination programme we're currently using, whilst it would still give some protection against that (variant), the protection would be reduced'. Priti Patel this morning did not rule out tightening measures at the border, including keeping controls in place over the summer in a fresh blow for foreign holidays (Ibiza pictured) The UK has 'rolled out vaccination very fast and so we are in a very different position from most European countries', he added. 'We have vaccinated more than twice the proportion of the population than any other European country has done, so we're in a better place from that point of view. 'I don't think, just because cases are rising in Europe, that necessarily throws our timetable into doubt. 'What it may do is affect planning around restrictions on international travel, how much we try and screen people coming into the country.' On keeping to the road map, he added the UK has a 'very good chance of both being able to relax measures and not needing to tighten up'. Boris Johnson is facing growing calls from his top scientists to insulate Britain from emerging variants by strengthening border controls (Heathrow pictured) France is of particular concern because it has a lot of mutant strains but the majority crossing the Channel, such as lorry drivers, are exempt from quarantine. Government scientists have reportedly told ministers South African and Brazilian variants make up 40 per cent of infections in several French regions. These variants are driving a third wave across Europe and causing leaders to plunge populations back into lockdowns. While scientists are confident these mutations will still be somewhat susceptible to vaccines, they could be more resistant and also drive up cases. Priti Patel this morning did not rule out tightening measures at the border, including keeping controls in place over the summer in a fresh blow for foreign holidays. Some increasingly view forfeiting summer holidays as a sacrifice to plough ahead with the roadmap to lifting lockdown. The Home Secretary said: 'We rule nothing out in terms of the approach we take when it comes to infection control and the safety and security of our public from this virus.' Her comments came after Prof Van-Tam held a briefing with MPs last night about the pandemic. An MP on the call told The Times: 'Anyone on that call would understand that he thinks the red list needs expanding.' The Home Secretary said: 'We rule nothing out in terms of the approach we take when it comes to infection control and the safety and security of our public from this virus' England's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty (pictured) and his deputy Prof Jonathan Van-Tam are said to be pushing for the red list of high-risk countries to be expanded Despairing Britons blast BA and easyJet as airlines axe flights this summer Hopes for summer foreign holidays have been dealt a fresh blow after British Airways and easyJet scrapped more flights. Would-be passengers were left dismayed by the latest round of cancellations - that included trips booked for after May 17, when breaks abroad were scheduled to resume. Some have even had flights for September axed. Bradley Crouch, 33, bought flights to Mykonos on May 23 for a post-pandemic getaway with his extended family, confident it would go ahead after of Boris Johnson announced the roadmap to exit lockdown. 'It's that needed trip we've all been waiting for for so long,' the gutted business owner from Kent told MailOnline after easyJet cancelled his flights last week. Bradley Crouch on a family holiday to Tenerife in 2018 with his wife Katerina and daughter Iliana. His trip to Mykonos in May has been cancelled Ministers announced that from Monday rule-breakers in England travelling overseas illegally will face a 5,000 fine. Critics railed against the 'draconian measure' and argued it would inflict further pain on the hard-hit travel sector. The Health Secretary suggested the tough rules could be eased on May 17 - but cautioned it was still too early to give summer holidays the green light. British Airways insists its cancellations were not due to the evolving situation on the Continent but a routine review of flights to reflect the view of IATA, the airline trade body, that foreign travel will not resume to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. The pared-back routes include fewer flights to Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden, and extend as far into the future as August. Sources played down the flight cuts as 'business as usual' - and suggested more could be added in the future if there is scope. Yet would-be holidaymakers were exasperated that flights they had booked for after lockdown were being axed. One said: 'I'm getting welcome back emails so booked flights in good faith having had my first vaccine dose. 'Yesterday two were cancelled for mid July. Today, another cancelled for mid August. This is absolutely ridiculous, you either want passengers back or you don't!' Nick Murrell tweeted: 'Book with confidence you tell us British Airways. Budapest and Milan flights in September cancelled in 24 hours. What's the point in booking with you?' British Airways said: 'We are sorry that, like other airlines, due to the current coronavirus pandemic and global travel restrictions we are operating a reduced and dynamic schedule.' EasyJet also stressed they have not cancelled flights for fear of a European third wave but that the flight schedule is reviewed 'on an ongoing basis to align our flying programme with customer demand and government travel restrictions'. Advertisement They added that France was the main cause for concern, but Germany was also setting alarm bells ringing. The red list - currently numbering 35 countries - is a travel ban except for British nationals who must undergo 10 days mandatory isolation in a hotel. Arrivals from non red-list countries, such as France, are also required to quarantine but can do so from home. However, around 68 per cent of French arrivals are hauliers who are exempt. Tory MPs are also concerned the border is too permeable, with one backbencher telling MailOnline measures should be toughened to prevent infection spreading. This morning Ms Patel said: 'It's not for me to speculate what will happen in the summer. 'We have a roadmap, we have a plan and we are sticking to that plan and rightly so, because we want to ensure that we safeguard the rollout of the vaccine programme. 'As I've said the advice right now is not to travel, and we have to see how other variants are developing. 'We will take all measures basically to protect our country and our citizens from new variants.' She also told The Sun: 'Of course I haven't booked a summer holiday' told Britons to hold off making plans just yet. Holidaymakers were dismayed yesterday when airlines including BA and easyJet scrapped more flights this summer. The Government will publish a review into the viability of international travel next month, but last night the Prime Minister appeared doubtful of summer holidays. He told the No10 press briefing: 'We've heard already that there are other European countries where the disease is now rising so things certainly look difficult for the time being.' Just over 10 per cent of adults have received their first vaccine dose across the EU, compared to the UK's figure exceeding 53 per cent. The rapid build of infections on the Continent has spurred leaders to reimpose strict lockdown. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that all non-essential shops will be closed over the Easter period with church services moved online and public gatherings banned as infections rise 'exponentially'. France's hospital federation chief warned that case figures are 'exploding' and the health system is heading for an 'unprecedented violent shock' in about three weeks unless strong action is taken. Prime Minister Jean Castex imposed tough measures on 16 French regions including the cities of Paris, Lille and Nice last week. And in Spain, experts have begun warning of a fourth wave of Covid after deaths from the virus rose to 633 on Monday compared to 298 a week ago. From Monday people in England caught travelling overseas without an acceptable excuse, such as essential work, face a 5,000 fine. Professor Neil Ferguson, whose modelling prompted the first national lockdown a year ago today, urged Britons to book holidays in the UK. He told BBC Radio 4's World at One yesterday: 'I certainly am in favour of relaxing border measures at a slower rate than we relax controls within the country and doing all we can to reduce the risk of importation of variants, which might undermine our vaccination programme. 'I think we should be planning on summer holidays in the UK, not overseas.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: 'We have strong measures in place at the border and the vast majority of people coming into this country must quarantine and take two mandatory PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 of their 10-day isolation period, as well as proving they have tested negative before travel. 'Specific and limited exemptions are only in place where necessary, for example to allow for food, medicines and other products to be delivered into the UK. 'We are carefully monitoring the increase in cases in Europe and will keep all measures under review as we cautiously remove restrictions.' Exclusive: Communist Chinas Diplomacy TrapFormer Pompeo Advisor Miles Yu on the US-China Alaska Meeting During recent high-level talks in Alaska, Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi spotlighted deep-seated human rights issues in the United States, propped up Chinese-style democracy and criticized the United States for interference in Chinas internal affairs. Its a carefully laid trap, says Miles Yu, a senior China policy advisor to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. How does Chinese communist propaganda exploit American sensitivities around race? And how is the Chinese Communist Party now using the horrific massage parlor shootings in Atlanta to advance its agenda? In this episode, we sit down with Miles Yu, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and longtime professor at the United States Naval Academy, to discuss how the Biden administration should approach its relationship with China. Jan Jekielek: Miles Yu, such a pleasure to have you back on American Thought Leaders. Miles Yu: Nice to be back with you again, Jan. Mr. Jekielek: So Miles, lets talk about this recent meeting in Alaska. Tell me what are your thoughts? Mr. Yu: First of all, overall, even though theres a lot of squabbles, a lot of confrontational remarks on both sides, actually, in a very interesting way, its probably a good thing to have happened, because it truly reflects the nature of U.S.-China relationshipsthat is, both sides should really state your true intentions, what you think of each other, instead of all this smooth, sugary diplomatic talk that was very deceptive in the past. We now know what the Chinese think of America and their ultimate understanding of American democracy. [Soundbite] Chinese State Councillor, Yang Jiechi: We believe that it is important for the United States to change its own image and to stop advancing its own democracy in the rest of the world. Many people within the United States actually have little confidence in the democracy of the United States. According to opinion polls, the leaders of China have the wide support of the Chinese people. Mr. Yu: Theyre here to basically try to discredit American democracy, try to score a cheap shot. That actually is very educational to the rest of the world, to see how Chinese diplomats truly function. I think its also very important to know that the Chinese begged [for] this meeting to happen, and it did happen, but it happened in a way thats not what we wanted to happen, because the new administration, it seems to me, wanted to basically extend some kind of olive branch to the Chinese side: Hey listen, lets sit down [and] talk about real issues. Were not going to shy away from your human rights issues, from the regional tension issues, from your military and economic expansion. In the meantime, we are seeking areas of cooperation. The Chinese side completely blew the American side away. Instead, it launched into a diatribe against the American system and a critique of America, to say America is not qualified even to be an equal partner with China in talking about issues like human rights. That shows to me that there is a lack of sincerity on the Chinese side. They came to Alaska not to solve problems, but score cheap propaganda to promote its own political agenda in Alaska. Thats both unfortunate and also a farce in a way, because this is a very important opportunity [that] China missed. On the other hand, I also quite understand why China took the stance it did. The Chinese State Councillor, Yang Jiechi and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi came here at a very unique time when China is unprecedentedly isolated internationally. So they try to blame America, try to shift its international isolation to focus on America, as if the U.S. is the only country that really makes China suffer, the U.S. is the only confrontational country that puts China in a position where it is now. Thats not the case. The U.S. has enjoyed a much broader international consensus that took place during the Trump administration; the new administration continues that. China knows its isolation and China knows its a pariah state in the international arena. Therefore, they come here to vent. They come here to basically shift the focus of the real issue of the day, which is the global challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Its also a big lesson for the new administration to learn from. That is: you have to deal with China with candor, with strengthwith unapologetic strengthand self-confidence in our own democratic system. Do not let Chinese propagandists take advantage of you. Mr. Jekielek: You mentioned that theres an opportunity that the Chinese side missed. What is that? Mr. Yu: The Chinese side blames the Trump administration for the deterioration of the bilateral relationship, which is completely unrealistic and untrue. Its Chinese behavior that forced the Trump administration to face reality, so we responded with sound and practical and realistic, yet principled, policies. The Chinese tried to play the new administration against the previous administration, tried to drive a wedge between the Trump administration and the Biden administration, particularly on China policy, and they realized days before, that was a mistake, because thats not going to happen. They became very frustrated and irate. So they came to Alaska with a major motive to vent, to basically hyperventilate, and that explains the hyperbole, the extreme harsh tone uttered by the two Chinese top diplomats. They missed an opportunity, because I believe the Biden team really wants to find the common area to work with China, on climate, on North Korea, as did we in the Trump administration. They really missed the opportunity. Mr. Jekielek: With respect to this harsh tone, it seems to be a breaking of diplomatic protocol, perhaps. What do you make of that? Mr. Yu: In the truest sense, Chinese diplomats are not really diplomats per se. They are the agents of the will of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. To be more precise, its the voice of Xi Jinping himself, the generalissimo, the chairman of everything in China. Yang Jiechi has been known as a gentleman, as a man of political skill, and thats why he was chosen to be the major interactor with the major countries of the West. When General Secretary Xi Jinping wants him to behave like a bully, like a wolf warrior, he will. He has no choice. So this shows a lack of individuality in the Chinese diplomats. Of course, diplomats all have some function of that sort, but in the Chinese case, its so pronounced and its so obvious that it created endless comedy among internet [users]. You can see [this] from even many of the netizens [comments] in the Chinese cyberspace. They mock him, and so this is basically typical Chinese politics. Mr. Jekielek: There were indeed a lot of people, as you said, mocking the top Chinese diplomats. At the same time, there were a lot of criticisms of the way the U.S. administration handled it. You mentioned that one of the lessons was that the administration should act from a position of strength. Whats the next step in your mind? What would be the advice you would offer as the next step after this encounter? Mr. Yu: I would point out immediately the hypocrisy and the irony of the Chinese diplomats, top diplomats, who lectured America on the virtue of democracy. Were talking about the regime that systematically wipes out entire ethnic groups solely [for their] cultural and religious identity. Were talking about the regime that has starved or killed tens of millions of people, and that policy still continues. Were talking about a country that systematically conducts organ harvesting. Were talking about a country that systematically conducts suppression of the most extreme kind in modern history against dissidents, against religious groups such as Falun Gong, such as underground Christian church, such as Muslims in China. I also have to point out the spin, the post-Alaska summit spin, was also very telling because the Chinese government doesnt even have the guts to print out the complete transcripts of both sides. The only print out the Chinese side, which is well-prepared and full of propaganda high pitches, and they didnt really show the Americans response, and I think thats probably the high point of hypocrisy and also cowardice. So for a country of that nature to criticize America as unworthy of a democratic system is absolutely crazy. Its also ridiculous. It actually shows the supreme hypocrisy of the Chinese Communist Party. We Americans criticize our system because we wish our system to be better. When the Chinese Communist Party criticizes the American system, it doesnt wish us well. They challenge the foundation of American democracy. It basically tries to destroy and discredit the entire system of freedom and democracy. They are completely different. When we deal with countries like China, we have to keep this perspective in mind. Otherwise, well just be taken advantage of. Mr. Jekielek: Youre saying, internally, have the discussions, have the criticisms, have the debates, but externally, stand up for the American values and what America represents. Mr. Yu: America is a country of the free and we do have a very robust market of ideas, a free exchange of ideas in this country. [If] you have different kinds of political views, you can vent, you can express, and you can basically find your voice or venue, even though sometimes with difficulty. Nevertheless, the fundamental system endorses and guarantees such free exchange of ideas. When you deal with China, its different. [When you] deal with China, you have to keep in mind: China is a country that demands unanimity of opinions. It will force you to be compliant with its own party line. If we dont have sufficient vigilance against the Chinese Communist Partys innate urge to propagandize, to spin, you will lose your battle. Its a battle of ideology, battle of ideas. Mr. Jekielek: In your view, after this encounter, what does the scorecard say? Who won, who lost? Mr. Yu: I think the Chinese lost. The Chinese lost not only [because it showed] its true nature, but also Chinese lost because it showed the Chinese weakness in a very fundamental way, because it has completely misjudged the power balance of international politics. Prevalent in China is the thinking that somehow Western democracy is weakening, were in rapid decline, the Chinese model of authoritarian rule is on the rise and going to become dominant. Thats why Xi Jinping is saying, dong sheng xi jiang []the east is rising while the West is in decline. Mao Zedong had a similar saying back in the 1960s and 1970s when there was a lot of domestic turmoil in the West, particularly in the United States: the anti-war movement, civil rights protests, and racial violence. That misled Mao to think socialist triumph was imminent. That encouraged them all to completely misjudge the global power balance. Thats what made him very dangerously aggressive and increased his involvement in Vietnam, and almost brought China and Soviet Union into a nuclear war. This is basically another major strategic judgment. Democracy is not in decline; America is not in decline. Were still the dominant power of the world. And the appeal of the American political model, American values, and American sheer real power, sharp powereconomy, militarywere still number one, so theres no decline. For Xi Jinping to think that way is really, really ridiculous. Mr. Jekielek: Fascinating. Are you suggesting that Xi Jinping has a similar mentality, perhaps, to Mao? Theres been a lot of saber rattling around Taiwan, increased presence of ships, this merchant marine that they have, the overflights, military maneuvers. What do you make about this? Mr. Yu: You just say its a maneuver. Maneuver has many meanings. One of them is basically a ploy, another one is really a military exercise. I think the battle across the Strait of Taiwan is no longer just military, its no longer just economic. Its a battle of values, a battle of ideas. Taiwan has made great strides in recent decades toward democracy. Taiwan is probably the freest country in Asia. Taiwan is probably the most vibrant democracy in the entire region and it has [made] enormous, enormous progress, socially, economically, and the military also made a lot of progress too. Americas commitment to defending Taiwan has been rock solid and we have been doing this since the 1970s. There is no chance for America to break away from that commitment. Most importantly, Taiwan does not only have American support, Taiwan [also] has the support of many allies, because American prestige in the world actually is built upon, to a larger degree, the alliance systemwe have our allies too. The defense of Taiwan is actually a defense of something much larger: the defense of what we are and what we represent. Mr. Jekielek: To your point, I saw Japan taking the official position, basically saying: Well stand with America to defend Taiwan. I thought it was incredible to see such a strong official statement. Mr. Yu: Its just the beginning. In the last several years, also partly because of the Trump administrations effort, we have systematically exposed the nature of China and the degree to which China was aggressive, and it was destablizing the global peace and global system. I think we have persuaded a large number of countries to be on our side. I think you see this continuation [in] the Biden administration and we are even in a more solid ground right now on major issues, not just on Taiwan, [but] on global commons, [and on the] South China Sea. So its a whole slew of issues where China has posed a threat. Mr. Jekielek: Recently, weve witnessed the erosion of rights, what a lot of people describe as the destruction of this once free and open city of Hong Kong. People are concerned that this will actually happen to Taiwan, that this same model ofwhatever you want to call itpacification, takeover, putting into effect this national security law and essentially, the Chinese Communist Party ideology into a once free city, that the same model will be applied to Taiwan. What are your thoughts? Mr. Yu: China basically is a country of authoritarian rule. [The Chinese Communist Party] ruled China for decades with extreme repression. Now, China is beginning to expand the perimeter of its rule beyond Chinas border. First, in Hong Kong, and Hong Kongs fall is actually a logical corollary to that kind of system, and then itll go to Taiwan. Obviously, Taiwan is resisting this. They saw the true nature of the One country, two systems formula, which is based on hypocrisy, an empty promise. Theres no credibility left for the Chinese government to lecture the Taiwanese on the virtue of One country, two systems because thats not going to happen. So I think the Hong Kong governments despicable submission to Chinese authoritarian rule is also another tragedy, because Hong Kong is based upon a high degree of autonomy as promised by the Chinese Communist Party in 1984that didnt happen. For this large number of Hong Kong officials to openly applaud the Chinese Communist Partys takeover of Hong Kong, the destruction of Hong Kongs autonomy, is really, truly, truly, unspeakably sad. Mr. Jekielek: In fact, China, under the Chinese Communist Party of course, is actually lecturing the world from its seat at the UN Human Rights Council. I was just watching this video [Soundbite] Chinese official at the UN Human Rights Council: The implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong has put an end to disorder and leads to better enjoyment of human rights by the Hong Kong people. The decision by the NPC [National Peoples Congress] to improve the electoral system in Hong Kong will provide institutional underpinning to the full implementation of the principle of Hong Kong being governed by patriots in the long term interests of stability, in line with the principle of One country, two systems. Mr. Jekielek: Seems like a very different message [from what] youre telling me. Mr. Yu: I watched the video partially, I couldnt swallow the whole thing, because its just total nonsense. What this Chinese official at the UN Human Rights Council was saying was that Hong Kong is more stable. By which, they basically mean theres no dissent. He is not 100 percent right. The most stable society as defined by him will be North Korea. Theres absolutely no dissent, because to do otherwise is very dangerous. I think the kind of stability that hes talking about is basically the silencing of all fresh ideas and innovativeness under an authoritarian regime. I dont think anybody in the world with a decent understanding of [what] human rights [is] really all about should buy that kind of rhetoric. Mr. Jekielek: I want to jump back to the discussion of how the U.S. should approach China and the Chinese Communist Party. There was a recent op-ed that I readand frankly, I found it shockingin The New York Times. It was by Ian Johnson, someone whos a very seasoned China hand, been in China for 20 years, did some of the best reporting, I remember 20 years ago, about the persecution of Falun Gong. I think he won a Pulitzer for it. He had a very surprising message, to me. He suggested that the U.S. should reduce sanctions of Chinese officials, should avoid calling Taiwan a country, restart Peace Corps and the Fulbright scholarship programs, stop attacking Confucius Institutes, lift restrictions on visas for some Chinese Communist Party members, a whole slew of recommendations. Tell me about what you think of this? Mr. Yu: First of all, Im very glad he was not in charge of any U.S. government policy toward China. Otherwise, it would have been a disaster. Secondly, I do understand where he comes from. For people who are stationed in China for work, particularly as a journalist, you very likely will develop a very deep love for Chinese culture, Chinese people. As a result, many people really, really want to have a smooth exchange program set up with China, engaging Chinese people in a non-governmental fashion. They will spend a lot of time in China with many Chinese friends, and they themselves have gone native, so to speak. I understand theres a tremendous affection for that part of the cultural aspect. On the other hand, what people often forget is the Chinese Communist Party exercises total control of access to foreigners to those Chinese organizations, Chinese people, Chinese cultural events. The Chinese Communist Party uses that leverage of state control shamelessly to force Western compliance to its party line. If you dont comply, or if you show any sign of disagreement, no visa for you, no procedural cooperation for your going to China, and that will be a disaster for a lot of people whose career is [related to] China. So facing this kind of dilemma, in the past several decades, there are three possible solutions. One, you remain silent. You dont do anything. Hopefully, the passage of time will continue your engaging with the Chinese. The majority of the people do this. They exercise an extraordinary amount of self-censorship; dont do anything. Two, you behave bravely, stand up to Chinese bullying and you dont sacrifice your principals, like professor Perry Link of U of C [University of California,] Riverside. Or you become a useful idiot. You blame America for all the problems caused by the Chinese Communist Party, and you send a strong signal that it is the United States that is the driver in going back to the same old policy where Chinese government conducted egregious human rights violations, conducted egregious restriction on American citizens and American companies. We dont say anything, we dont do anything. That error was ended by the Trump administration. We think we did the right thing. Normally, some people in that category also know this. If youre in the West, youre part of the free market ideas and you have no political personal consequences when you are critical of the U.S. government. And you would have severe consequences if you utter any sign of disagreement or criticism of the Chinese government. So in a way, opinions like this, to me, are an act of cowardice and hypocrisy. I dont think this is an isolated case. There are a lot of cases like this. I think that we as Americans should really stand firm to our principles. Mr. Jekielek: Fascinating. I guess it goes back to what you were saying earlier that internally, of course, theres a lot of discussion to be had about how work should be done, whats the best way to approach things, but externally, your suggestion is that America should be unified in its position. Mr. Yu: The whole world should unify. We had a good example: the world was unified during the Cold War against Soviet Union. You never see a Western intellectualwith one or two exceptions from The New York Times reportersdefend the Soviet system and blame the Western government for Soviet repression of its domestic dissent. People in the West during the Cold War did not believe that it was the Western policies that caused the breakdown or meltdownwhatever you call itof relationship between the Soviet Union and the rest of the free world. China somehow is different. Again, the Chinese government is much more sophisticated. They have many, many ways to force the world to do its bidding. A lot of times, the bidding was done not by Chinese government directly, but by people who are held hostage, who are basically bullied into doing so. We have Western scholars, we have prominent scholars from Canada and Europe who are defending Chinese policies, who blame everything that goes wrong between the Chinese relationship with the Western world on the rest of the world, instead of [going] to the source of the problemwhich is the Chinese Communist Party. Thats very unfortunate. Mr. Jekielek: One of the recommendations was to reopen the consulate in Houston. Another one that I mentioned already, to basically stop attacking Confucius Institutes. Does this make any sense to you? Mr. Yu: No, it doesnt make any sense to me because this seems to be is totally tone deaf to the nature of those Communist Party actions. Tell me the reason why we have to reopen the Houston consulate? Tell me why the Confucius Institute is compliant with Western academic standards? There are many reasons we listed over there. So how does the Chinese government function? Opinions like this serve one purpose, one purpose only. Its not about changing U.S.-China policy. Its about the legitimization of the Chinese government and its behaviors, and that seems to me is completely misguided. Mr. Jekielek: Theres a lot of discussion in America right now of anti-Asian racism, and this, of course, is something that the Chinese Communist Party has become very interested in, and as youve seen, has taken to lecturing America about its problems. I want to give you a chance to speak to that. Mr. Yu: Racism, particularly racism against Asian Americans has been a very controversial topic. I think in the Chinese diaspora, you have very different kinds of reactions, basically broken into two groups. For the first generation of Asian Americans overall, they are overwhelmingly supportive of the idea that somehow theres no systemic racism against Asian Americans, because they have come from countries that often conduct systemic discriminations. For Chinese Americans, you come from a country where the state policies were instituted to conduct wholesale discrimination against people of different gender, different geographical location, your residential registration system, your job opportunities. And of course, ethnic minorities: a Uyghur and a Han will have very different experiences in communist China. Thats systemic; thats institutionalized. So for most Chinese Americans who migrate to this country after having lived in a different system where institutional discrimination is rampant, they do not regard the attacks on Asian Americans, on Chinese Americans in some cities as systemic. Rather, they tend to treat them as isolated incidents. For Chinese Americans, for Asian Americans who were born and conceived in liberty, and grew up in this country, they are much more sensitive to incidents that were viewed as isolated by the first generation immigrantsas something reflective of a systemic problemdifferent perspectives. Absolutely, we should pay attention to these kinds of egregious acts against Asian Americans like we saw in Atlanta last week. We should definitely exercise the legal and judicial prosecutorial rights to hold these criminals to justice. On the other hand, we should not go over the top to use these incidents as evidence to prove that America is fundamentally a country thats racist and discriminatory. The founding principle of this country is: All men are created equal. Thats a promise. The promise has to be struggled for its full realization. For the last 200 years, thats precisely what Americans have been doing. In todays America, there are no systemic institutionalized policies or laws to discriminate [against] the whole set of ethnic, religious, or even immigrant groups. Obviously, there are a lot of bad guys who are racist, who are discriminating against different people of different identities. But to me, theyre not the mainstream American system. They are the isolated incidents that should be treated seriously, but we should not overreact. I know its very difficult to talk about this issue. This issue also has been dragged into the American debate of Left versus Right. The ironic thing is, in my view, if theres any institutional discrimination against Asian Americans, its the liberal college and university admissions policies, because you have a large number of Asian Americans whose children were discriminated against, in very extremely liberal institutions, universities, [and] colleges. We should focus on that much, much more, instead of on some of the tragic incidents that seems to me are very isolated. Most Asian American [immigrants] would find this country very welcoming. Otherwise, they would not have gone through all this trouble to come to this country. America is the most welcoming country in the world because we accept the most immigrants each year from all parts of the world. I know we should not be bragging about this, but thats a simple fact. If we trust the human condition, the human condition is that nobody would willingly come to a country knowing that he will be discriminated against. Mr. Jekielek: What do you make of the Chinese Communist Party wading into this issue? Mr. Yu: Chinese Communist Party is almost entirely immune to sarcasm and irony. This is a country that conducts a wholesale genocide against the Uyghurs. This country that has killed tens of millions of ordinary Chinese for political reasons, has starved to death almost 40 million people. This is one of the most brutal regimes in human history, deeply racist with some extreme ideologies that categorise the whole nation into different groups, and some of them were completely deprived of basic rights. So for a regime of this nature to criticize America as being racist is just the height of hypocrisy. This is just a CCP [Chinese Communist Party] cynical ploy to delegitimize the American model of governance, to discredit American democratic virtues, and we should never fall for that. I think in another area of oversensibility, which I totally understand, is the issue of our political leaders using, for example, Chinese geographical locations to identify a particular problem, [such as] the China virus or Wuhan virus. Again, there is a difference between the first generation Asian Americans and the people who are born here. For many first generation Americans, this is not a problem because many of them will say Wuhan virus or China virus. Even today, the entire population of Taiwan, over 26 million people, still use Wuhan pneumonia to identify the scourge that broke out in Wuhan in 2019. So are they all racist? No, or they would all be racist against themselves. For the longest time, probably half of the Chinese population used Wuhan virus, [Wuhan yiqing ]. As a matter of fact, its a designation of a location where it first occurred. Its nothing to do with race. People with common sense understand that this is not racially motivated. But when its spoken by Western leaders, many people became very sensitive, and overly sensitive, perhaps. I dont know where it came from, but I dont think its entirely justified to say that if somebody says, Wuhan virus, its therefore racist. Thats too simple. I think we should be vigilant about any racist remarks, but we should never, again, as I said before, overreact. Otherwise, well just render the Chinese Communist Party another tool of propaganda, another opportunity, to promote its own party line. Mr. Jekielek: To kind of avoid this issue to some extent, at The Epoch Times, we call it CCP virus or Chinese Communist Party virus. Mr. Yu: I dont dispute that. For me, its Wuhan virus, because it doesnt really mean that the Chinese people should bear the stigma of that virus. It simply means this virus started in Wuhan. This is indisputable fact. If we dispute that, then we fall into the Chinese cynical attempt to deny the fact that this whole virus started in Wuhan. The Chinese government is spending enormous amount of money and energy worldwide to find another possible point of outbreak of this virus, outside of China, which is ludicrous. This is the political-geographical implication of avoiding the use of Wuhan virus. For the Chinese Communist Party, it has a particular point, a point of propaganda, a point of policy management, so this is something that we should be very aware of. Mr. Jekielek: Because they never want to accept responsibility for anything. Mr. Yu: In the eyes of the Chinese Communist Party, the party itself is infallible. You cannot say the Chinese Communist Party did this wrong or did that right. When the Wuhan virus broke out in Wuhan, the first thing the Chinese Communist Party was thinking of was not how to prevent it, how to be transparent, how to tell the world the danger of this. The first thing was to make sure that the Chinese Communist Partys image would not be stained. So Xi Jinpings very first talk about this was about how to showcase the Chinese Communist Partys overall greatness in combating this virus, and he wanted to promote what he called, zheng nengliang, []the positive energywhich means that all reporting, all truth-telling journalists, doctors, and scientists should not say anything negative about this virus. That is absolutely dangerous, and it has done the world a great harm. This is the ultimate culpability of the Chinese Communist Party in creating and causing this global catastrophe. Mr. Jekielek: Any final thoughts before we finish up? Mr. Yu: God bless America. God bless the people of China and the United States. Mr. Jekielek: Its such a pleasure to have you on. Mr. Yu: Glad to be with you. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. American Thought Leaders is an Epoch Times show available on YouTube, Rumble, Youmaker, and The Epoch Times website. It also airs on cable on NTD America. Find out where you can watch us on TV. First hitting news stands in Kerry in 1904 The Kerryman has for 117 years strived to inform and entertain the people of Kerry while covering all the news of interest to every man, woman and child in the county, without fear or favour. That was the charter for the paper set out by its founders - cousins Tom and Daniel Nolan and Maurice Griffin - in August 1904 and the trio's statement of intent remains the guiding light for the paper to this day. They never expressly set out why they chose to call the paper The Kerryman but they were always clear in their intent for it. It may have taken an ardently Republican line but The Kerryman would do all in its power to protect and serve the interests of all the people of Kerry, no matter their background, creed or indeed their gender. The Kerryman was seen as a strong, eye-catching title that would reflect it's readers' sense of Kerry identity (be they men or women) and pride in their county. There was also a far more mundane reason for choosing title. Expand Close The Kerryman offices in the early 20th century / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Kerryman offices in the early 20th century Kerry had a thriving newspaper industry - clearly Kerry people back then had the same thirst for news that they do now - and there were already scores of papers serving the county. When The Kerryman was founded there were already at least eight other papers being printed in Kerry every week while a dozen more, many in existence for decades, had gone out of circulation only shortly beforehand. As a result most of the more typical newspaper titles such as the Kerry Examiner, Kerry Post, Kerry Sentinel, Kerry News, Kerry Independent, Kerry Star and Kerry Reporter had already been taken. Last week Minister Madigan suggested that The Kerryman should be re-branded as the Kerry People, that title too had been taken. The Kerry People was founded in 1902, two years before The Kerryman first appeared, and it survived until 1928. The Kerryman has no intention of re-branding but were we to do so - which, to be absolutely clear, we are not - we certainly wouldn't steal the name of another paper that once proudly served our county. The Kerryman was founded in an Ireland very different to the Republic in which we live today. We were still part of the British Empire; abject poverty was a reality for much of the population; the Catholic Church held absolute dominion over peoples' lives and women were essentially second class citizens, denied most of the rights the men of the time took for granted. It would be another 14 years before Irish women were given the right to vote and in 1904 politics, business and the press were almost exclusively male preserves. Even so, and from the very beginning, The Kerryman strove to cover women's issues and their role in Irish life. The first full edition of The Kerryman, published on August 27, 1904, contained a story on the appalling treatment of a Kerry woman by a drunken husband who had subjected her to years of abuse. The unnamed writer didn't hold back and in a piece headlined "A Melancholy Case" they laid out how the "coward and cur" had regularly beaten his wife who had endured years of mistreatment. It wasn't called domestic abuse back then but it was an issue The Kerryman would return to frequently in its early days, regularly calling for greater protections to be afforded to women who were abused by their husbands. Many prominent Kerry women of the day were also regular contributors. Perhaps the most famous being Caherdaniel's Gobnait Ni Bhruadair - who may be better known to some as Albina Broderick - a leading nationalist voice and a tireless advocate for women's rights; aid for the poor; the reform of health care and the promotion of the Irish Language. Ni Bhruadair wrote numerous articles for The Kerryman beginning soon after the paper was founded and continuing until her death in 1955. Since its foundation the stories of countless other inspirational women have been front page news in The Kerryman. In 1945 we were on hand to report on the election of Kerry's first female TD Honor Crowley. In 1956 we covered the election of 21-year-old Kathleen O'Connor, the fourth youngest TD ever, in north Kerry. In 1970 The Kerryman carried reports from Islamabad when Tarmons-born Jennifer Musa was elected to Pakistan's first parliament. In the early 1980's we were at the heart of reporting on the Kerry Babies scandal and the appalling treatment of Joanne Hayes and her family first by the gardai and later at the infamous Kerry Babies Tribunal. It is a sad indictment of our State that 40 years later we are still covering that same shocking story. Times may have changed but our dedication to serving, informing, entertaining and protecting the people of Kerry has not. That's what the name The Kerryman has always, and will always, stand for. * The people have their say ... and it's unanimous. Read public reaction in the March 24th issue of The Kerryman Springfield DH Dual Hazard FR Fabric This paper is intended to educate the reader about Springfields new, inherently flame-resistant (FR) fabric. Springfield DH is engineered to provide permanent protection against flash fires and electrical arc flashes. It is important that a flame-resistant (FR) garment provide an expected degree of protection to the wearer. This paper will address key expectations to consider when making a decision on which fabric provides the optimum protection, comfort, and durability. Fire is Unpredictable, Nomex is not. Let's face it, you can never know with certainty when a fire will spark, how hot it will burn, where it will spread or how long youll be in danger. Because fire is such a wild card, DuPont Nomex becomes the best bet. Nomex fiber is proven, predictable and yes, safe. The Times investigation found Mr. Rivera had used the nonprofit for his personal financial gain. He mingled the nonprofits finances with for-profit housing companies he owned, steered lucrative contracts to friends and provided jobs to several members of his family, the investigation found. Victor Rivera sought to leverage his position as the C.E.O. of a nonprofit into a very much for-profit situation for himself, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Audrey Strauss, said in a statement. Federal prosecutors conducted the investigation jointly with the city Department of Investigation. At an initial court appearance on Wednesday, Mr. Rivera pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, honest services wire fraud and money laundering and was released on bond. The prosecutor, David Abramowicz, said that Mr. Riveras lawyer said his client wanted to try to cooperate with the government in its investigation and prosecution of others. He offered no additional details about an ongoing inquiry or what information Mr. Rivera could provide. Mr. Riveras lawyer, Harlan J. Protass, declined to comment. A spokesman for the Bronx Parent Housing Network did not respond to a request for comment. As homelessness has soared in New York City in recent years, the city has entered into contracts with dozens of nonprofit organizations that run shelters and provide services. But officials have struggled to eliminate conflicts of interest and self-dealing in many of those groups. Ten of the citys 70 nonprofit operators have been flagged for serious management or financial improprieties, but all of them continue to receive funding. City investigators have examined one of the citys largest providers, Acacia Network, which was found to have steered millions of dollars to a security company tied to top nonprofit officials. The city sued another shelter provider, Childrens Community Services, last year after accusing executives of fraud, bid-rigging and other financial misdeeds. Federal prosecutors and city investigators have investigated that organization. After The Times disclosed allegations about Mr. Riveras behavior, Mayor Bill de Blasio said in early February that the city would hire an outside auditing firm to conduct a sweeping review of the nonprofit organizations providing services for the homeless. Advertisement Southern parts of France have yet to be battered by the South African or Brazilian coronavirus variants, raising the prospect that summer holidays to the Riviera could be possible. Official figures show about 10 per cent of all France's new infections are caused by the mutant strains, which are believed to make vaccines less effective, but there are hotspot areas where they account for up to 40 per cent. Boris Johnson today confirmed he is considering imposing tougher restrictions on travel from the country to prevent troublesome variants being imported, adding that the Government was prepared to take action 'no matter how tough'. But data from Sante Publique France, the nation's equivalent of Public Health England, showed holiday destinations along the Mediterranean coast are yet to see a spike in cases of either variant, with just one infection being detected in Corsica, a mountainous island off the coast of Italy. The promising figures offer a glimmer of hope for foreign travel to the Riviera. Ministers are yet to approve holidays abroad this summer, with hopes hanging in the balance amid Europe's third wave. Scientists advising No10 are particularly concerned about green-lighting travel to places with dangerous variants that could undermine the UK's jab rollout. The Government which will allow international travel from May 17 if the lockdown-easing roadmap goes to plan will bring in 5,000 fines for anyone travelling abroad from Monday without good reason. Currently people are only allowed to leave the country for business or emergencies. And Professor Neil Ferguson, the Imperial College London researcher whose scary deaths projections spooked ministers into the first lockdown, has also urged Britons to settle on staycations. Dr Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, told MailOnline there will always be a risk that travellers will spread variants and suggested the Government's stance on new strains of the disease was overly-cautious. 'People need a break, they need some sort of mental relaxation,' he added. Moselle on the German border had the highest positivity rate for the South African or Brazilian variant (36 per cent or almost 1,000 cases in a week), but the rates were far lower along the Mediterranean coastline loved by Britons Boris Johnson has warned Britons not to start booking holidays and that they still look 'difficult for some time'. French President Emmanuel Macron has plunged whole sections of France into lockdown to curb the spread of the virus US/UK TRAVEL ROUTE 'BY JUNE', EXPERTS SAY Britain could bring in a US travel corridor from June as it begins to open up to countries with 'advanced vaccine programmes', an expert has claimed. London and Washington are discussing piloting a bilateral safe travel scheme after May, the CEO of The PC Agency Paul Charles said. He said the plans are 'proceeding positively' and said there were others in place for 'like-minded countries' which are ahead in dishing out Covid jabs. Government sources also indicated talks are taking place with the US - but nothing is confirmed and the timescales are unclear. The ray of hope for a summer trip comes after Boris Johnson last night said holidays abroad 'look difficult for the time being'. The PM warned Britons the government could even impose tougher border controls over fears of new variants being brought into the country. But Mr Charles told MailOnline: 'The UK/US governments are in negotiations at the moment which are proceeding positively, about a possible pilot bilateral corridor scheme to enable safe travel between the two countries after the end of May. 'One of the (eight) Global Travel Taskforce workstreams is called 'Engaging with other like-minded countries' these are countries such as the US which have advanced vaccine rollout programmes and are focused on reducing infection and variant rates. 'The Biden Administration has also been consulting in the US about opening up borders in advance of American Independence Day in July.' Advertisement Dr Tang said troublesome variants will emerge in Britain on their own, adding: 'I think that at some point we have to live with this virus. If we allow trips abroad there will always be this risk of bringing back variants but if you want to keep travel economies going then it is what you have to do. 'If ministers say no to holidays people may still go anyway, then everybody will have to live with the consequences of that if they import some sort of new variant.' The South African and Brazilian variants are already in Britain with 366 and 13 cases detected, respectively. They have both sparked surge testing in dozens of postcodes in an attempt to flush them out. France publishes daily updates on the spread of Covid variants, with data revealing that southern coastal areas are recording far fewer cases compared to northern areas. But experts say French authorities are also checking fewer than a fifth of positive tests for variants amid spiralling cases, which suggests the actual number is far higher. MailOnline revealed this week that Britain, on the other hand, is now sequencing half of all positive tests, painting a much clearer picture about the constantly-evolving virus. France identified more than 5,000 infections with the Brazilian and South African variants in the seven day period to last Sunday, although these were largely focused in the North. Figures broken down by region show the Moselle home to the city of Metz was hit the worst, with 36 per cent of positive tests found to be either one of the mutant strains (948 cases). It was followed by the neighbouring area Meurthe-et-Moselle (16.7 per cent/263), and Vosges at (16.1 per cent/46 cases). But the levels along the Mediterranean coast were far lower, plunging to just 0.5 per cent (nine cases) in Herault and 0.3 per cent in Pyrenees-Orientales (two) which borders Spain. In Nice the rate was 2.3 per cent (58 cases) and in Marseille it was 4.3 per cent (192 cases). Downing St is expected to add more countries to its quarantine 'red list' on March 29, which is expected to now include France, and is planning to announce more information on foreign travel on April 5. Amid uncertainty about foreign travel this year, ministers are considering deploying a 'traffic light' system to permit travel to any destination that has successfully suppressed their Covid outbreaks and kept variants under control. This could mean holidays to low risk countries would be on the cards but those to 'red' nations would remain banned. Professor Ferguson said that travel 'may be one of the later things to be relaxed', and that he believes life will not be back to normal until at least the autumn this year. He told BBC Breakfast: 'I think we... while not everything will be back to normal by the summer, certainly by the autumn, it will feel a lot more like normal.' Priti Patel this morning did not rule out tightening measures at the border, including keeping controls in place over the summer in a fresh blow for foreign holidays (Ibiza pictured) Boris Johnson warns new border restrictions with France could come in 'very soon' despite fears it could lead to delays to food and medical supplies Boris Johnson has confirmed he is considering imposing tougher restrictions on travel from France to prevent the importation of coronavirus variants despite the risks to cross-Channel trade. The Prime Minister said a balance had to be struck between the need to protect public health and the major disruption that would be caused to the flow of goods including food and medicine. Mr Johnson said the Government will 'take a decision, no matter how tough' and that measures may be needed 'very soon'. His comments to MPs came amid concerns about the spread of the South African and Brazilian variants of coronavirus. Boris Johnson has confirmed he is considering imposing tougher restrictions on travel from France to prevent the importation of coronavirus variants Mr Johnson was grilled on the subject during an appearance in front of the Liaison Committee this afternoon. Home Affairs Committee chairwoman Yvette Cooper said France had 2-3,000 cases of the variants and questioned why it was not on the 'red list' of countries from which travel is effectively banned. She acknowledged that the need for trade would mean quarantine was not appropriate for hauliers but questioned why they were not being tested for coronavirus. Mr Johnson said putting France on the 'red list' was 'something that we will have to look at' due to concerns about the effectiveness of the vaccines against new variants. The PM said 'we have to look at the situation at the Channel' and 'we can't rule out tougher measures and we will put them in if necessary'. When France required the testing of hauliers crossing the channel in December it led to thousands of lorries being stranded in Kent while the arrangements were put in place. Mr Johnson said: 'There is a balance to be struck and what we don't know is the exact state of the efficacy of the vaccines against the new variants and we have to balance that against the very serious disruption that is entailed by curtailing cross-channel trade. When France required the testing of hauliers crossing the channel in December it led to thousands of lorries being stranded in Kent while the arrangements were put in place 'This country depends very largely for the food in our shops, for the medicines that we need on that trade flowing smoothly. 'We will take a decision, no matter how tough, to interrupt that trade, to interrupt those flows, if we think that it is necessary to protect public health and to stop new variants coming in. 'It may be that we have to do that very soon.' His comments followed reports that Mr Johnson is under pressure from England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and his deputy Jonathan Van-Tam to implement tougher border controls. The Securities Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance is proud to sponsor the 2021 EVERFI Financial Literacy Bee - a financial capability challenge and scholarship available for high school students to participate in from April 1-15, 2021. Taking place during Financial Literacy Month, this challenge not only allows Tennessee students the opportunity to increase their financial literacy, it provides students throughout the state a chance to compete for one of three scholarships totaling $20,000. EVERFI, the creator of the Financial Literacy Bee, is an international technology company driving change through education to address some of the most challenging issues affecting our society. This financial challenge and scholarship also aligns with Governor Lees priority of providing economic opportunity and prosperity for all Tennesseans including those in distressed counties. The unique virtual program promotes increased access and remote learning during the ongoing pandemic. As many families across the country are struggling financially in the wake of COVID-19 from unemployment and career shifts to potential reductions in income this financial challenge provides a chance for students to learn the vital importance of saving and budgeting for short-term and long-term financial goals while also competing for a scholarship that can be applied to their future education. Speaking of future education, investor education is an important focus for us here in the Securities Division. Not only do want Tennessee students to have scholarship opportunities we also want to educate them on the importance of investing early, investing wisely and investing often. The pandemic has shown us how important it is to be financially prepared for the unexpected and strong financial habits started at an early age can be key for a solid financial foundation. With national surveys reporting that many Americans are unprepared for even a small financial disruption 40 percent of consumers report they had trouble paying at least one expense in 2020, and 43 percent of student loan borrowers are currently not able to make payments at all it further solidifies that it is never too late, or too early, to start financial planning. So how do students compete to win a scholarship during the Financial Literacy Bee? All they have to do is visit https://tennessee.everfi-next.net/welcome/financial-bee-2021 and complete the brief online interactive lessons. Each lesson is approximately 10 minutes and teaches students how to save, set financial goals, budget and invest. Once the lessons are completed, students can then submit a short, capstone essay sharing a savings goal and how he or she plans to achieve that goal. If all activities are completed by April 15, the student will be entered into the scholarship contest. The first place scholarship totals $10,000, the second place scholarship is $6,000 and the third place scholarship is $4,000! If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please visit: https://tennessee.everfi-next.net/welcome/financial-bee-2021. The financial courses are available starting April 1. For more information and official contest rules and regulations, visit tn.gov/securities or https://tennessee.everfi-next.net/welcome/financial-bee-2021. For questions or for more information on how you can participate by sharing this program with your students, neighbors or other parents in the Volunteer State, please email me at Rachel.Carden@tn.gov. Good luck, Tennessee, and Happy Financial Literacy Month! Rachel Carden serves as the Director of Investor Education for the Securities Division of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. ### External cladding on the Brisbane Square building in George Street, similar to panels on Londons fire-razed Grenfell Tower, is being removed because it contains a combustible central core and could be considered a potential fire risk. Brisbane City Council and Suncorp are the two major tenants of the 38-storey concrete-framed Brisbane Square. Fire-risk wall cladding is starting to be removed from George Streets Brisbane Square building. Credit:Tony Moore Brisbane Square is one of hundreds of buildings in Queensland still clad by aluminium composite panels, the same panelling that accelerated the fire in Grenfell Tower in 2017, from which 72 people died. Since the 2017 fire, authorities throughout the world have tightened controls over building materials. Athens, GA (30605) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 6, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/Reuters) Democratic Senators Backtrack After Threatening to Oppose Biden Nominees Over Lack of Asian Representation Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) backtracked after saying that they would vote no for President Joe Bidens future nominees, except for diversity nominees, because of the lack of Asian American representation in the cabinet. The two senators dropped their threats to veto on Biden picks after the White House promised a senior-level Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) liason. Duckworths spokesman said in a statement obtained by NBC News that the senator appreciates the Biden administrations assurances that it will do much more to elevate AAPI voices and perspectives at the highest levels of government. Accordingly, she will not stand in the way of President Bidens qualified nomineeswhich will include more AAPI leaders, the statement reads. Hirono on Twitter announced, I welcome the appointment of a senior level White House liaison to the AAPI community to further strengthen our voice. She added, I had a productive conversation with the White House today to make clear my perspective about the importance of diversity in the Presidents cabinet. According to a CNN reporter, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that the White House will add a senior AAPI liaison who will ensure the communitys voice is further represented and heard. The President has made it clear that his Administration will reflect the diversity of the country, Psaki said, according to CNN. Earlier on Tuesday before backtracking on her threat to oppose Biden nominees, Duckworth, a Thai-American, told reporters that it was not acceptable that there was no AAPI representation in the cabinet. Theres not a single AAPI in the cabinet position, she repeated. President Biden will be the first President in 20 years without a cabinet secretary who is AAPI, Duckworth added. However, Duckworth acknowledged that Katherine Tsai, the recently confirmed U.S. Trade Representative, is at cabinet-level because she sit[s] around the table. Sen. Hirono, a Japanese-born American, had earlier expressed agreement with Duckworths position. She told a reporter on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Im joining Tammy in her position that wed like the see the White House make a commitment to more diversity representation in the Cabinet as well as senior White House positions. And until that commitment comes, we will not be voting for any non-diverse nominees. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) arrives at the US Capitol on Feb. 13, 2021.(Stefani Reynolds/Pool/AFP via Getty Images) This is not about pitting one diversity group against another by the way. So I am happy to vote for Hispanics, Blacks, LGBTQ, AAPI, and not pushing for particular candidate, she said, later adding, One of the things that [Biden] did say though is that he made a commitment to have as diverse a Cabinet as possible. And I would like him to live up to that. Currently, Duckworth and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) are the only two Asian Americans in the Senate. In an equally split Senate (50-50), their votes could be critical. Duckworth described it as incredibly insulting and the trigger when Jen OMalley Dillon, the White House deputy chief of staff, mentioned Vice President Kamala Harriss Asian American heritage. That is not something you would say to the Black Caucus: Well, you have Kamalawere not going to put any more African Americans in the Cabinet because you have Kamala. Why would you say it to AAPI? she asked. At this point, they can call me and tell me what the proposal is, Duckworth continued. But until then, I am a no vote on the floor, on all non-diversity nominees. She suggested that Biden could nominate Asian Americans to head Federal Communications Committee or OBM, or they could make a commitment for a future cabinet secretary, an actual cabinet secretary. Bidens initial nominee for Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director, Neera Tanden, is an Indian American. Her nomination fell apart when key senators announced they wouldnt support her due to her past provocative attacks on Republican Senators on Twitter. Neera Tanden, the nominee for Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 9, 2021. (Leigh Vogel/Pool/Getty Images) Duckworth, like Hirono, clarified that diversity nominees are an exceptionshe would vote for racial minorities and LGBTQ nominees, but not anybody else. More than 1,000 positionsmainly heads of agencies and a lot of deputiesrequire Senate confirmation. President Joe Biden speaks to the press before boarding Air Force One in Columbus, Ohio on March 23, 2021. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) When asked about the matter late Tuesday, prior to the two senators backtracking on their stance, Biden said that the administration has the most diverse Cabinet in history. We have a lot of Asian Americans who are in the Cabinet and sub-Cabinet levels. Our Cabinet is formed, he told reporters before boarding Air Force One in Columbus, Ohio. Mimi Nguyen Ly contributed to this report. Reaffirming its commitment towards endorsing Omans socio-economic activities, Sohar International has sponsored a documentary series that seeks to uncover the Sultanates diversified wildlife, thereby boosting tourism and conservation activities in the country in line with Oman Vison 2040. The epic exploration project initiated by Oman in Focus under the title Not Discovered Yet will cover 12 landmark tourist destinations and encompasses a one-hour documentary The Shoreline of Oman and a blue chip two-part documentary series called Wild Oman, that will capture the essence of Omans beaches, rare land and marine wildlife, carrying the audience on an extraordinary exploration of all corners of our fascinating country, from the top of the desolate escarpment to the bottom of some of worlds richest seas. Elaborating on Sohar Internationals commitment to the nation, Mohammed Mahfoudh Al Ardhi, Chairman, Sohar International, said: As a socially responsible bank, it is well within our strategic outlook to sponsor initiatives such as Not Discovered Yet initiative that highlights and places this beautiful nation on the international world map for wild life tourism and conservative efforts. With international expertise and a local flavour, the potential outcome of this initiative will not only highlight the diversified abundant wild life Oman has to offer, but will also provide an avenue for young Omanis to pursue their passions in exploration, film-making, conservation, and beyond providing economic impetus to the country. In the one-hour, high quality, documentary The Shoreline of Oman the InFocus team will explore the wonders of the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, its islands and shores, and reveal the story of iconic marine life turtles, whales, dolphins and sharks. The two-part Wild Oman series, a first-ever showcase of the Sultanates natural beauty, will be packed with Omans impressive habitats and wildlife unique and vitally important regions, home to hundreds of thousands of marine and terrestrial creatures. The documentaries will be shot in full Range, 4K filming with specialized low light, long-lens and underwater equipment, factually verified through research and expert consultations on every subject. The documentaries are expected to air on two international channels mid of year 2022. Commenting on the project and association with Sohar International, Maisa Al Hooti, Managing Director, Oman InFocus, said: In collaboration with well-known international channels and support of Government and private institutions such as Sohar International, Oman InFocus has embarked on a journey to unravel the diversified beauty of Oman, exploring various local marine life including whales, dolphins, turtles, corals, natural reserves as they are considered natural treasures that deserve conservation and awareness. The journey will also take us through Omans range of mountains to learn more on the unique wild life they host including fascinating caves, all the way to breath-taking vast white desert sand. This sponsorship reflects Sohar Internationals goal of becoming an Omani service institution implementing global best practices not just in its service operations, but also in the work that they do for the community and its people. TradeArabia News Service ROME, MAR 24 - Premier Mario Draghi said Wednesday that his government is aiming to administer half a million COVID-19 vaccine doses a day in the near future. "We are working to compensate for the delays of recent months," Draghi told the Senate as he reported to parliament before this week's EU summit. "An acceleration of the vaccination campaign can already be seen in the figures. "In the first three weeks of March the average number of doses administered was 170,000 a day, more than double the average of the two previous months. "Our aim is to get the pace up to half a million a day. "A year after (the start of the pandemic) we must do everything possible to solve the crisis," he added. "We know that we have four safe, effective vaccines to do this and in April we will have the Johnson & Johnson.one too. "The aim is to vaccinate as many people as possible in the shortest possible time". The nation's vaccine rollout has not yet fully taken off, largely because of a shortage of doses. But the vaccination campaign has also been held back by the poor performance of some regions. There have also been differences between regions over which groups of people were being given priority. Draghi said the differences between regions were "difficult to accept" and that the regional governments must "follow the priorities of the national plan". "While some regions follow the instructions of the health ministry, others neglect their elderly in favour of other groups, probably on the basis of their bargaining power," he said.. "We have to be united in exiting the pandemic like we were in suffering together in previous months". He said it was important to achieve "strategic vaccine autonomy". "We have to construct a supply chain that is not vulnerable to shocks and decisions made abroad," the premier continued. "We have already started to establish partnership agreements with international companies for production in Italy". He added that it was necessary to "reinforce the credibility of the EU with regards to the vaccination campaign". Draghi added that his government hopes to start reopening schools after Easter. "It is good to plan openings while we are vaccinating people," Draghi said. "We are carefully looking at the contagion data, but, if the epidemiological situation allows it, schools will open first, including in (high-contagion-risk) red zones. "We'll start by reopening primary and nursery schools". Around eight in 10 pupils in Italy currently doing lessons via distance learning. The government has ordered all schools to switch to distance learning in red zones. It also recently changed the criteria to make it easier for regions to be classed as red zones. This, coupled with the recent surge in infections, mean that half of the country is current a red zone. Furthermore, the government has also given local authorities the power to close schools in specific areas of high contagion, even if the region as a whole is not a red zone. Draghi told the House later Wednesday that his pragmatism on vaccines was "positive" and that the prime way forward on the issue was via the EU. (ANSA). CABI has led the first study to explore the income and food security effects of the fall armyworm invasion on a country -- revealing that in Zimbabwe smallholder maize-growing households blighted by the pest are 12% more likely to experience hunger CABI has led the first study to explore the income and food security effects of the fall armyworm invasion on a country - revealing that in Zimbabwe smallholder maize-growing households blighted by the pest are 12% more likely to experience hunger. Dr Justice Tambo, lead researcher of the study published in Food and Energy Security, sought to investigate the impact of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on household income and food security as well as the extent to which a control strategy can help mitigate the negative impacts of the pest. He, along with CABI colleagues from its centres in Kenya and Zambia as well as in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Settlement, also found that severe level of infestation reduced per capita household income by 44% and increased a household's likelihood of experiencing hunger by 17%. Indeed, the research - which looked at survey data obtained from 350 smallholder maize-growing households in six provinces across Zimbabwe - showed that households affected by fall armyworm were 11% more likely to experience food shortage, and their members had a 13% higher probability of going to bed hungry or going a whole day without eating because of household food insufficiency. The scientists also discovered that the fall armyworm-affected households who failed to implement a control strategy had a 50% lower per capita household income, while their counterparts that implemented a control strategy did not suffer a significant income loss. Around 30% of 185 households who reported fall armyworm infestation in their farms did not implement any intervention. Those who did manage to control the pest typically used synthetic pesticides and handpicking of egg masses and larvae. Other methods included pouring ash or sand into maize whorls, rogueing and burning of infested plants, and the application of detergents. Fall armyworm was reported for the first time in Zimbabwe during the 2016/2017 cropping season and has continued to spread and cause damage to crops in the following seasons. Rwomushana et al. (2018) argues that the pest has the potential to cause an annual reduction in maize production in Zimbabwe of about 264,000 tonnes, translating into revenue loss of US$ 83 million. Dr Tambo, who is based at CABI's Swiss Centre in Delemont, said, "Our results suggest that while fall armyworm cannot be eradicated, taking actions to at least prevent severe level of infestation can significantly reduce welfare losses in terms of income and food security. "Further studies are, however, needed to determine the threshold level of infestation that does not lead to significant welfare losses, as the present study applied a simple binary disaggregation of fall armyworm infestation into minor and severe infestation based on farmers' self-reported information. "More importantly, it would be useful to investigate which of the control measures can achieve the most positive outcomes that are cost-effective, safe and environmentally sustainable." ### Additional information Full paper reference Justice A. Tambo, Monica K. Kansiime, Ivan Rwomushana, Idah Mugambi, Winnie Nunda, Catherine Mloza Banda, Shingirayi Nyamutukwa, Fernadis Makale, Roger Day, 'Impact of fall armyworm invasion on household income and food security in Zimbabwe', 15 March 2021, Food and Energy Security, DOI: 10.1002/fes3.281 ALPENA COUNTY, MI A Northern Michigan woman is accused of stealing more than $200,000 from her employer over a period of eight years. Gena Carstens, 58, of Spruce, is charged with one count of embezzlement of over $100,000, a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to 3 times the value of the embezzlement, Michigan State Police said in a news release. The owners of Ossineke Building Supply contacted the MSP Alpena Post in September 2018 to report suspected embezzlement by an employee. A lengthy investigation followed; it included multiple interviews, warrants for bank records, and an audit of seven years of the companys financial records, police said. MSP found that embezzlement began in 2010 and continued until 2018. More than $200,000 was pilfered. MSP issued an arrest warrant for Carstens on Feb. 22. She turned herself in on March 1. Her bond was set at $50,000/10% cash surety, which she posted and was released, police said. Carsten and her attorney waived her arraignment this week in the 88th District Court in Alpena, police said. Her next court appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 8. READ MORE: HGTV star scammed after buying house in Michigan, made $60K in improvements Michigan timber harvester allegedly lied about wood taken from clients property to save money Driver in stolen car passes trooper on Michigan freeway at 120 mph, crashes into garbage truck Police searching for armed man in Whitmore Lake A devastated mother who lost her home to New South Wale's extreme floods found one of her most prized possessions with the help of her community via social media. Melissa Murray had mere minutes to rescue her four-year-old son over the weekend when floodwaters hit Beechwood on the mid-north coast and tore her family home from its foundations. Ms Murray explained she has nothing left except for two cars, after her family watched helplessly as all their belongs were swept away in the rough waters. Melissa Murray (pictured with her son) had mere minutes to rescue her four-year-old over the weekend when floodwaters hit Beechwood With the help of the local community and social media, Ms Murray was reunited with her 21st birthday bear that washed up on Shelly Beach (pictured) To her amazement, a prized teddy bear she received on her 21st birthday miraculously washed up unscathed on a nearby beach. 'This little bear, believe it or not, floated down Moretons Creek, down the Hastings River and proceeded to end up on Shelly Beach,' Ms Murray told the Today Show. 'A lady actually found it and hung it on a fence and put it on social media.' Ms Murray said her sister and her son spotted the bear online and brought the teddy back home. 'I want to thank everyone and social media for giving us some little bit of hope,' she said. Dressed in clothes her community had loaned her, Ms Murray said she was 'holding it together for her son', who wants to go back home every day. Thousands of residents are fleeing their homes, schools are shut, and scores of people have been rescued as NSW is hit by once-in-a-generation flooding (pictured, a flooded street in Kempsey on Tuesday) More than 15,000 mid-north coast residents have been evacuated from their homes as some areas received more than 800mm of torrential rain (pictured, Kemsey on Monday) The devastated mother said the family are finding some of their possessions as they wash up on the river. The family is now focused on organising their personal documents for their disaster relief application, but Ms Murray said at least 'we're safe, that's the main thing'. More than 15,000 mid-north coast residents have been evacuated from their homes as some areas received more than 800mm of torrential rain and flash flooding since Thursday. 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. Polly 'PJ' Harding broke down as she announced on air on Wednesday morning that she resigned from her co-hosting role on KIIS 101.1 Melbourne's breakfast show with Jase Hawkins. And according to Mediaweek, Channel Nine's Weekend Today weather presenter Lauren Phillips is the front runner to take over the coveted radio gig. The 34-year-old recently proved herself to be the perfect candidate for the role, having co-hosted KIIS's Summer Breakfast with Ryan Jon. Taking over breakfast? Weekend Today weather presenter Lauren Phillips is set to replace Polly 'PJ' Harding after the popular radio host announced her resignation from KIIS's Melbourne breakfast show The publication reported that there was 'no announcement yet of a replacement' for PJ's job, but also noted that there was another candidate in the running. 3pm Pick Up host Kate Langbroek was also mentioned as a potential top contender for the breakfast radio gig. Radio Today also reported that Lauren and Kate were 'in the mix'. Tried and tested: The 34-year-old recently proved herself to be the perfect candidate for the radio gig, having co-hosted KIIS's Summer Breakfast with Ryan Jon Daily Mail Australia has contacted both Lauren and Kate's management for comment. Earlier on Wednesday, PJ broke down as she told listeners she resigned from her co-hosting KIIS 101.1 Melbourne breakfast show, Jase & PJ. She explained that it was 'one of the hardest decisions' she'd ever made. Also in the running: 3pm Pick Up host Kate Langbroek was also mentioned as a potential contender for the breakfast radio job PJ is returning to her native New Zealand after a 'challenging' year which saw her 'priorities change' after getting engaged to her longtime, known only as 'Beej'. She will be finishing up in June. Her co-host for the past six years, Jason Hawkins, is not leaving the program. PJ explained that being separated from her family and fiance in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic last year had taken a toll. Leaving: Earlier on Wednesday, PJ broke down as she told listeners she resigned from her co-hosting KIIS 101.1 Melbourne breakfast show, Jase & PJ. She explained that it was 'one of the hardest decisions' she'd ever made after a 'challenging' year which saw her 'priorities change' She got engaged in December to her long-term partner, known only as 'Beej', but hasn't been living with him because she works in Melbourne. In addition to the pressure of a long-distance relationship, she lost her father in 2019. 'It's not been an easy decision to make but I know for me it's the right one and will kickstart a brand new chapter,' she said. 'I will miss Jase and the whole team so much, but rest assured we will definitely stay in contact as Jase is adamant to be my head bridesmaid.' Friends for life: PJ is returning to her native New Zealand. She told listeners: 'I will miss Jase and the whole team so much, but rest assured we will definitely stay in contact as Jase is adamant to be my head bridesmaid'. Pictured is PJ and Jase Jason revealed it had been distressing watching PJ struggle behind the scenes over the last 12 months, saying she would often be in tears during ad breaks. 'There were mornings where we'd be in an ad break and you're in tears and you looked at me like, "I'm only staying here at the moment for you,'" he said. PJ agreed she was reluctant to resign because she felt like she'd be letting Jason down, but ultimately she had to focus on her own happiness. (TNS) California's embattled labor agency acknowledged Monday that "an intermittent issue" has surfaced with the computer system its workers use to process claims for unemployment benefits.The state Employment Development Department has told staffers for multiple state lawmakers that the computer system for handling jobless benefits is experiencing outages and glitches."We're trying to catch up with our IT folks," said Loree Levy, a spokesperson for the state EDD. "It appears there was an intermittent issue."The EDD told state legislative staffers it is working to fix the problem. "My staff reached out to the EDD, which informed us they are aware of the problem and are working to resolve it," state Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, said in comments emailed to this news organization. "They did not provide an ETA" to get the site working consistently again.The "Is It Down Right Now" website checker began reporting Sunday that the EDD unemployment benefits site "is having problems." "The technology at the EDD continues to fail," state Assemblymember Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, stated in comments emailed to this news organization. "Instead of coming clean and telling us what's actually going on, they continue to mislead us and the people of California who are relying on them."Thousands of people identifying themselves as individuals attempting to certify to receive jobless benefits posted complaints about the EDD problems on the "Is It Down Right Now" site. The workers said they were having trouble getting through to the EDD site or difficulties in transacting any requests."Some customers are experiencing issues using these services," was the message one worker received while on the EDD unemployment benefits site, according to a post on the down detector site. "We're working to restore service as soon as possible. Please check back later."Severe difficulties at the EDD are nothing new for the agency, which has been under fire from state lawmakers and the public for the better part of a year.Starting in March 2020, the EDD was buried in an avalanche of unemployment claims it has since struggled to pay on a timely basis. The results have been uneven at best.Unemployment claims skyrocketed after California workers lost their jobs in record numbers because of business shutdowns ordered by state and local government agencies to curb the coronavirus' spread.California workers seeking government assistance have encountered a bureaucratic maze of obstacles including a broken phone center, glitch-hobbled computer system, suspended benefit payments and fraud.To worsen matters, the EDD backlog of unpaid claims remains stuck above 1 million and is actually increasing. As of March 17, the unemployment claims of 1.06 million workers were trapped in the EDD's logjam, a slight increase of 500 claims from the week before, the official EDD dashboard reported.The EDD-reported backlog of 1.06 million consists of 933,100 initial unemployment claims and 122,200 continuing claims. A claim, according to the EDD's official explanation, becomes part of the backlog if more than 21 days have passed without a timely payment to the worker or a final decision by the EDD on the claim's status. The EDD says it is working on a more accurate method to determine the size of the backlog.Ominously, in a separate problem for California workers, the EDD has warned that unemployed workers might have to wait until April 10 or even April 30 to receive the extra $300 in weekly benefits that the federal government approved recently. The additional $300 in weekly benefits is slated to expire on Labor Day.Sen. Becker said the EDD needs to do a better job of keeping people informed about what is happening on the website. Becker said he took his concerns directly to EDD director Rita Saenz."EDD needs to improve its public reporting of key performance metrics," Becker said. "I strongly urge EDD to include uptime and downtime in those metrics. I'm in conversations with the director on this topic."One California worker said that even after finally getting through to an EDD employee on the telephone, that person said it wouldn't be possible to immediately provide assistance on Monday."I just finally was able to get ahold of someone after 100 calls, but they said they weren't able to help me because their system was down," the worker, Tierra Zachman, stated in a message sent to a state legislative staffer on Monday. Prosecutors on Tuesday seized former President Park Geun-hye's house after she failed to pay W21.5 billion in fines after her appeals were exhausted (US$1=W1,131). The house in southern Seoul has been entrusted to the Korea Asset Management Corporation. The Supreme Court in January sentenced Park to 20 years in prison for corruption, abuse of office and racketeering and slapped her with a W18 billion fine and W3.5 billion in additional penalties. Prosecutors sent her a notice of payment, but Park failed to pay the money by the Feb. 22 deadline. press release The Russian Direct Investment Fund informed the Ministry of Health and Wellness that the Russian Government is willing to supply some 1,25 million doses of the Sputnik vaccine, produced by the Gamaleya National Centre of Epidemiology and Microbiology from Russia and which has been found to be efficient to around 91%. A first consignment of 250 000 doses could reach Mauritius in about two to three weeks. The President of the National Covid Vaccination Committee, Dr Zouberr Joomaye, made this announcement, this evening, at the daily press briefing of the National Communication Committee on COVID-19, at the Treasury Building in Port Louis. Dr Catherine Gaud was also present. Since 28 January 2021 to date, 116 027 persons have received their first dose of either AstraZeneca or COVAXIN vaccine. Today, some 7 260 persons were vaccinated with COVAXIN and Government's objective aims at 750 000 persons being vaccinated, to reach herd immunity at the earliest. The vaccination strategy following the vaccination deployment plan is as follows: since 26 January 2021, vaccination started for frontliners and since the beginning of March 2021, the elderly and those with health problems were also targeted as they are more vulnerable. However, since a lockdown was announced on 09 March 2021, Government's strategy had to be reviewed as the safest way to protect the population was for everyone to stay at home. As soon as the sanitary situation is under control, vaccination will resume for the elderly and those more vulnerable. Speaking about a person who died at the SSRN Hospital following vaccination, Dr Joomaye clarified that the person already had a brain aneurysm and died of a cerebral haemorrhage, and not following the administration of the vaccine. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mauritius Governance Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. For her part, Dr Gaud dwelt on the state of positive patients and gave details about the procedure undertaken when a person is tested positive to COVID-19. She underlined that the medical staff monitors their situation constantly and that a PCR test is done on the 7th and 10th day of quarantine. If the two tests are negative, the patient is allowed to return home. She highlighted that a clinical-biological meeting is held every evening so as to ensure that each patient receives the best treatment possible. Persons who having been in contact or think to have been in contact with someone positive to COVID-19 are urged to go to a testing centre at the earliest. Local active cases reach 219 In last 24 hours, 18 new cases, of which four were already announced yesterday, were registered. Some 797 PCR tests have been done today, which revealed three positive cases. As at date, the positive cases have been identified as follows: 174 cases through the contact tracing exercise and COVID testing centres; 32 in quarantine centres; and 13 through random testing (nine at Canot and four at Dubreuil). Credit: CC0 Public Domain Nuclear power is likely to be key to the clean energy transition, but the problem of what to do with nuclear waste represents a major hurdle to new nuclear energy projects in the United States. In order to meet its ambitious climate goals, the Biden administration will need to solve this thorny issue, according to several Stanford University experts. When Biden took office, he inherited some 83,000 metric tons and counting of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel scattered at above-ground sites around the countrymore than three times the weight of the Statue of Liberty including its concrete foundation. Biden also inherited a stalemate on U.S. nuclear waste strategy. After more than four decades and $13 billion, there is still no widely accepted strategy for dealing with nuclear waste and no active plan for its long-term storage. "Nuclear power might not be needed everywhere, but in some parts of the country it might be the best and maybe even only reliable low-carbon option," said Sally Benson, the Precourt Family Professor and a professor of energy resources engineering. "But it's hard to make the case that we should move ahead with nuclear power until we have a solution on nuclear waste." Even if nuclear power may not be the answer in the long run, it's too early to take it off the table, said retired Adm. James Ellis, the Annenberg Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution and former Navy commander. He sees nuclear energy as an important source of clean, reliable power, especially until we address grid-scale storage and reliability issues with renewables. "There's an old saying in the Navy that you never let go of one rope until you get a firm grip on the other," he said. Breaking the stalemate The United States is advanced in terms of nuclear knowledge and technology, but our nuclear waste program is plagued by a complex web of factors, according to Rodney Ewing, the Frank Stanton Professor in Nuclear Security and foremost nuclear waste expert at Stanford. "We've spent more money than anyone else on this subject. We have more reactors than any other country in the world. And yet our nuclear waste strategy is at a standstill while other countries are making greater progress," he said. What can the Biden administration do to move the United States past its nuclear impasse? Over the last decade, several studies have taken a comprehensive look at the nuclear waste issue. One of these was the Obama administration's Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, which produced a report in 2012. Similarly, Ewing led a three-year effort to better understand why the U.S. nuclear waste program is not successful and to recommend a way forward. This effort culminated in the 2018 Reset of America's Nuclear Waste Management Strategy and Policy report. The two reports share some significant recommendations, including a consent-based repository selection process and the creation of a new organization to oversee nuclear waste disposal. Benson says it's time for a new site-selection process for a geologic repository in the United States. Over the last few decades, much of U.S. nuclear waste strategy has focused on the proposed Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste repository in Nevada, the development of which was halted by the Obama administration in 2011 in the face of local and state opposition after $12 billion in costs. This time, the process should be voluntary, Benson said, giving communities more say in whether to build a repository nearby. This kind of consent-based approach has worked in other countries, according to Ewing. For example, in Sweden, communities can essentially veto a nuclear waste project. This dynamic increases the level and sincerity of public engagement, Ewing said, and can lead to a more successful outcome. Ewing and Ellis would also like to see the creation of a new organization with sole responsibility for nuclear waste management that would implement and coordinate nuclear waste strategy. "When we look around the world at successful nuclear waste programs, this is what works," Ewing said. Currently, no one group, institution or governmental organization has ultimate ownership of the waste issue, meaning there is little incentive to find a solution. Recognizing that the creation of a new organization is a heavy lift, Ewing also recommends that the United States undertake a comprehensive analysis of the risks and costs associated with keeping nuclear waste in above-ground sites for 200 years. "At this stage I couldn't tell you whether nuclear waste disposal is a pressing issue or something that can wait," he said. "If there is no harm to doing nothing for 200 years, then that's very valuable information. If there is harm, then that could become the motivating force that's absent today." A matter of trust Whatever actions the Biden administration decides to take on nuclear waste, trust and credibility need to be at their center, the Stanford scholars say. "You can't use force. That has been tried and it has failed," said Ewing. "Unless we mobilize people in a constructive way that really gives voice to everyone's concerns, I think we will continue to fail." Whether it's a new nuclear waste organization, a new consent-based siting process, a comprehensive analysis of the status quo or some other approach, U.S. nuclear waste strategy should be a collective effort that brings together communities, tribes and states, according to Ewing. "My greatest concern is that in 30 years we will be in the exact same position as we are now. The only difference would be that instead of having 80,000 metric tons of spent fuel scattered around the country, we would probably have 140,000 metric tons," Ewing said. "That's unconscionable." Comal County added 19 recoveries and 14 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday morning as the regional hospitalization rate from the virus fell to 4%. Of the new cases, eight are confirmed and six are probable. That leaves the county with 178 active cases of COVID-19 with five of those patients hospitalized. There have been 305 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic arrived locally last March. Comal County hospitals reported caring for 10 virus patients with three in intensive care and two on ventilators. That's down from Tuesday's 13 patients with one less patient in ICU. Local facilities are caring for a mix of both local patients and those from outside the area. +5 New Braunfels medical workers find challenges, inspiration in pandemic Its been just over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic started in the United States. Hospital use for COVID-19 patients in the 22-county region which includes both Comal and Guadalupe counties was at 4% down from Tuesday's 4.13%. The seven-day positivity rate for the county moved higher on Wednesday, with the widespread and quick antigen test up almost 10% from Monday's 2.94%. The molecular rate was 40.09% almost double Monday's 20.15%. Both of those jumps come on very small testing numbers, with the county's health department only reporting fewer than 100 test results received between Monday and Wednesday. Vaccinations The countys COVID-19 Vaccination Standby List is open and registering residents who meet the criteria. Registration is available through the county website, www.co.comal.tx.us; those without computer access or need assistance can call 830-620-5575. Those available for vaccination now include front-line health workers, teachers and child care workers, people 50 and older, and those 18 and older who have an underlying medical condition. Next week the vaccination eligibility will open to all people over the age of 16, regardless of health condition. County officials said its standby list would change to allow all of of those to register on Monday, but the county has been administering the Moderna vaccine which is only cleared for those 18 and older. Those with younger teens will need to find a site offering the Pfizer vaccine. The state is also launching a website next week for people to sign up for vaccines at public health centers and state-run clinics. The Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler will alert participants to upcoming events and available appointments. For those who do not have access to the internet, the state will also be creating a hotline for appointments by phone, officials said. County health officials have also urged people to look at other vaccination options, including those offered by pharmacies, hospitals and stores. H-E-B, Walmart, Sams Club, CVS, Walgreens and Christus are all offering vaccination opportunities, with details available online or by calling the location. KYODO NEWS - Mar 23, 2021 - 17:47 | All, Japan, Coronavirus The average price of land in Japan fell for the first time in six years due to declining demand for urban commercial land spurred by the novel coronavirus pandemic, the government said Tuesday. Land in all categories, including residential and industrial, fell 0.5 percent from a year earlier as of Jan. 1., compared with a 1.4 percent rise a year earlier. All-category land prices in the three largest metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya slipped 0.7 percent from the previous year, while rural land prices dipped 0.3 percent. The land ministry said the effects of the pandemic on land prices were "relatively small" in rural areas. Of Japan's 47 prefectures, 39 saw commercial land prices decline, while residential land prices dropped in 38 prefectures, according to the annual government survey covering some 26,000 locations. A recovery was seen in land prices in the second half of 2020 when the spread of the virus in Japan subsided. But a full-scale recovery is unlikely in the near future as Tokyo and some other areas were under a second pandemic-necessitated state of emergency from early January to Sunday. Commercial land prices nationwide fell 0.8 percent for the first decline in seven years as demand suffered with hotels and stores in tourist destinations seeing profits plunge as people refrained from going out. The three major metropolitan areas were hit harder, with a 1.3 percent drop in commercial land prices, while rural areas saw a 0.5 percent dip. Eight out of the 10 largest declines nationwide in individual pieces of commercial land were logged in Osaka's Chuo district, led by a 28.0 percent plunge at one site in the Dotombori district, a popular tourist spot known for its huge neon signs and nightlife. Although rural areas saw the first decline in average commercial land prices in four years, some populous districts saw rises and there were no significant changes in price trends in locations that were already declining steadily due to their decreasing populations. The big regional cities of Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, meanwhile, logged a 3.1 percent rise in commercial land prices, supported by redevelopment projects. Residential land prices across the country dropped 0.4 percent, falling for the first time in five years as people avoided purchasing lots at expensive locations amid deteriorating employment conditions. They fell 0.6 percent in the three largest metropolitan areas, although locations near convenient transportation hubs rose. Regional residential land prices decreased 0.3 percent, while those in some prefectural capitals increased. Sapporo, Sendai, Hiroshima and Fukuoka saw a 2.7 percent rise supported by firm demand for land within walking distance of train stations. Meanwhile, a residential land lot in the city of Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, which was battered by torrential rains last July, saw the biggest decline of 14.6 percent across Japan. Industrial land prices in the country rose 0.8 percent buoyed by increasing demand for logistics facilities required to service the boom in online shopping. By site, the town of Kutchan on the northernmost island of Hokkaido, a popular ski resort, led the nation in both commercial and residential land price jumps. The main branch of Yamano Music Co. in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district logged the highest land price among surveyed locations across the country for the 15th straight year at 53.6 million yen ($490,000) per square meter, down 4.1 million yen from the previous year. Related coverage: Japan land prices post 1st rise in 27 years on tourism boom In his speech at the launch of Peru's 2020 Export Results, the President remarked that the country's exports exceeded US$39.310 billion last year, of which US$12.892 were non-traditional exports. "Despite an unprecedented situation in international trade, due to the health emergency, the agricultural sector has achieved a record level of exports, especially non-traditional ones, which grew more than 8% in 2020," he said. The Head of State emphasized that the country has maintained its position as the top exporter of blueberries and quinoa, as well as the second largest exporter of tangerines, fresh asparagus, canned food, avocados, and Brazil nuts. All in all, the Andean nation remains among the world's top ten exporters of frozen products, ginger, mangoes, trout fillet, cacao beans, and canned olives. The President noted that Peruvian exports have good prospects for the future, and he expects textile, fishing, clothing, and diverse manufacturing sectors which have experienced positive growth rates in 2019 to achieve a record level of exports in 2021 as well. According to Mr. Sagasti, although the pandemic has redefined the global landscape and has introduced a high degree of uncertainty, Peruvian companies has managed to export more than 4,000 value-added products, which reached 174 markets. "This shows the country's potential to continue supporting foreign trade as an engine of growth and development, which contributes to the economic recovery and the creation of quality employment. This will be possible if public and private sectors continue working in an articulated manner," he added. (END) FHG/CVC/RMB Around this time last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Indians were given four hours notice before the order took effect. From 12 midnight tonight, the entire country will go under a complete lockdown, Mr Modi said. To save India and every Indian, there will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes. The initial clampdown was for 21 days. A year on, where are we? That question is the big story in our lives. Many of us have lost loved ones, jobs, watched our savings evaporate, been sick ourselves. Most of us have no choice but to tap our inner strengths as we cope with everyday challenges in the time of a pandemic. It is not a totally bleak picture. Vaccines are available now and we are likely to see a huge scale-up in the governments immunisation drive in the coming weeks. But alongside, worryingly, we are also seeing a big surge in Covid-19 cases in many parts of the country and a disconcerting general disregard for safety protocols. Indias new Covid-19 cases had peaked at nearly 100,000 a day in September and had been declining steadily until late last month. Two recent surveys give us a sense of just how bad the economic situation is. The first one relates to the situation in New Delhi, the nations capital. According to a recent survey by the Delhi government, the unemployment rate in Delhi was 11.1 per cent before the onset of the pandemic and it shot up to 28.5 per cent during October-November 2020, an increase of 17.4 per cent. The male unemployment rate was 8.7 per cent before the pandemic; it increased to 23.2 per cent, an increase of 14.5 per cent. The female unemployment rate was 25.6 per cent before the pandemic and went up to 54.7 per cent, an increase of 29.1 per cent, in the same period. The average monthly income of employed persons in the city before the pandemic was Rs 16,511. It dipped to Rs 15,383, a reduction of 6.8 per cent in the average monthly income during October-November last year. In the past year, on the whole, the worst-affected sectors have been construction, food and beverages, service activities, education, wholesale and retail trade, services to buildings and landscape activities, information service activities, land transport, security and investigation activities, human health activities and wearing apparel manufacturing. The survey was conducted last year, and arguably things have improved since then. But here is the catch, signs of economic activity do not necessarily mean that workers are getting their due wages. From my personal conversations with scores of people in the informal service sector, I know that many are still getting a fraction of their former wages and many who are without work. In January this year, I met Naresh Kumar, 55, in one of the pagoda style temporary refuges in winter in the Bangla Sahib shelter run by an NGO. Mr Kumar told me he used to earn his living as a waiter, mostly at weddings. For the last one and half months, he had been at the shelter. He had no work for the past year. He was picked up by a rescue van and brought to the shelter. He had no identity documents. Naresh Kumar feared going back to sleeping in the streets once the temporary shelter closed down. I wonder where he is today. Even in tony South Delhi enclaves, it is not uncommon to find people in the beauty, wellness and hospitality industry complaining of getting less than their salary. They cant quit their jobs because there are few new opportunities in the market. Though the unemployment rate is gradually decreasing in the city, the implementation of a job guarantee scheme is very much needed to revive the national capitals economy scarred by the coronavirus pandemic. The survey tells us that people at the bottom of the income hierarchy were among the worst affected. Those with no or minimal education lost jobs in far greater numbers than those with a simple diploma. This is not just in Delhi or Indias big cities. Across the country, not only have the number of the poor increased, leading to a sharp spike in the global increase in poverty, a new Pew Research Centre analysis talks about the retreat of Indias middle class in 2020. The middle class in India is estimated to have shrunk by 32 million last year as a direct fallout of the economic downturn, compared with the number it may have reached without the pandemic, it says. Understandably, people are tired and craving for normalcy and economic recovery. But lets face it -- we are in the middle of two crises -- the coronavirus pandemic and the one impacting the economy. Both intersect. We have the vaccine. But as scientists keep reminding us, the vaccine doesnt herald a full stop to the pandemic just yet. Nicholas Christakis, a physician, epidemiologist, and sociologist at Yale University, says the coronavirus pandemic will continue to affect our lives through 2021 and beyond. He talks about it in detail his new book Apollos Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live. When the virus is surrounded by people who are vaccinated, it has nowhere to go and thus outbreaks are suppressed, he says. Until such a state of herd immunity is reached, mask-wearing, hand washing with soap and social distancing will have to necessarily remain. A lot has changed since 2020. For many, hugging a loved one is a fantasy with restrictions on mobility still in place. New protocols for health safety have drastically changed our everyday lives in the past year. No one knows just how long it will take us to bounce back psychologically, socially and economically in the long term. There are still many uncertainties about the virus and variants are popping up. But we know that a spike in coronavirus cases in India would dent the green shoots of the economic recovery as fresh curbs will kick in to prevent a new wave from gaining momentum. We must do everything we can to ensure that does not happen. We must beat the virus, but that can happen only if everyone sees it as a shared interest and shared fate. If we become complacent, and drop our guard, infections can rise. That affects us all. POLICE hope to speak with a taxi driver who may have information about a fatal stabbing in Caversham. Yannick Cupido, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene in Managua Close at around 12.55am on February 14. He was originally from South Africa and was born in Cape Town, but he came to join his family in England two and a half years ago. A post-mortem examination found he died from a stab wound to the left lung and pulmonary artery. Detective inspector Mike Roddy, senior investigating officer, said: Officers are continuing to investigate this incident and we are keen to speak to a taxi driver who we believe collected two black men in dark clothing from the vicinity of Reading railway station before travelling to Amersham Road, Caversham. This would have occurred between 8.30am and 10.30am on February 14. If this was you, or if you believe you know who it could be, please contact Thames Valley Police. Anyone with information should call the non-emergency number (101) quoting the reference 43210062322. ONeal Joseph, 28, of Amersham Road, Caversham, was arrested on suspicion of murder and later charged by Thames Valley Police in connection with his death. A plea and pre-trial preparation hearing has been set for May 14 at Reading Crown Court, with the trial currently listed for October 11. A second man, aged 22, was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and released under investigation. Concerned Shareholders differentiate fact from fiction with respect to Fancamp Exploration Ltd. press release dated March 18, 2021 Concerned Shareholders question Fancamp's disparaging remarks made about Dr. Peter H. Smith's corporate behaviour, technical record and personal character Concerned Shareholders demand that Fancamp stop stonewalling and call the long overdue AGM immediately and obtain shareholder approval for the ScoZinc Transaction at the AGM Concerned Shareholders wish to thank shareholders who have contacted us to provide continued support Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Incumbent director of Fancamp, Dr. Peter H. Smith, who, together with joint actors, holds directly and indirectly an aggregate of 15,854,097 shares, representing approximately 9.55% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares of Fancamp Exploration Ltd. ("Fancamp" or the "Company") (the "Concerned Shareholders"), regards the Company's press release dated March 18, 2021 as an attempt to misdirect the true owners of Fancamp from focusing on the events that are occurring here and now. Fancamp's press release does nothing more than propagate falsehoods and tries to twist the narrative in favour the entrenched board and management to justify their actions in a manner which is disengenuious, misleading and insulting to Fancamp shareholders. The Concerned Shareholders wish to address a few statements made by Fancamp to provide examples of Fancamp's unwillingness to accurately state the facts, poor governance, and lack of transparency. False/misleading statement #1: "Mr Smith has a self-serving agenda to take over the Company and destroy shareholder value. The unnecessary and expensive proxy fight he is forcing on the Company is simply about advancing his own agenda that would enable him to install a Board of handpicked friends and associates, and to continue treating Fancamp's finances as his own." The Concerned Shareholders, in particular Dr. Peter H. Smith does not have a self-serving agenda to take over the Company and destroy shareholder value. Dr. Smith and the Concerned Shareholders want what is right for all shareholders of Fancamp which is: (1) to have the ability to determine who should be the stewards of the Company for the next twelve month period and (2) to allow the true owners of Fancamp to have a say on a transaction that is not arms-length and is highly dilutive. The Concerned Shareholders have lost faith in the incumbent board members and management due to their poor governance track record and is tired of watching them act in the best interests of themselves. Interestingly, at the March 4, 2020 webinar interim CEO, Mr. Sharma stated that the share price "has suffered a set back because of the acts and activities of Activist Shareholders". The logic of this statement is dubious and intentionally misleading. Many shareholders other than the Concerned Shareholders are dissatisfied and have become vocal precisely because the entrenched board and management consistently refuse to set a date for the long overdue 2020 annual general meeting ("AGM"), while hiding behind the guise that a delay is justified due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, ScoZinc is holding their meeting to approve the transaction on April 12, 2021. The Concerned Shareholders wonder how is it that ScoZinc can hold their meeting and Fancamp cannot, or should we say, WILL NOT. Mr. Sharma's words are especially provocative considering that the Concerned Shareholders and other dissatisfied shareholders own a significant percentage of Company shares that have been largely purchased in the open market. In contrast, the incumbent directors and management hold in aggregate only 1.9 million shares or 1.2% of Fancamp's basic share capital. False/misleading statement #2: The Activists falsely assert that Messrs. Mark Haywood (President and CEO of ScoZinc) and Chris Hopkins (director at ScoZinc) will control the Board once the Transaction closes. As stated in the Transaction agreement available on SEDAR, Messrs. Haywood and Hopkins "shall be duly recommended for election by the Fancamp Board of Directors at Fancamp's next Annual General Meeting." This statement is very inaccurate. The Concerned Shareholders have stated that it is very clear that due to the dilution that will result from the proposed transaction, and what has been disclosed in the Fancamp's February 18, 2021 press release where they state that Mr. Haywood and Mr Hopkins will join the board of Fancamp, that the Company's board following the completion of the ScoZinc transaction will not be comprised of independent directors, but of directors that are interlocked. Furthermore, as a result of the Fancamp shares these incoming directors are due to receive under the transaction, the newly constituted board will be in a position to do whatever they wish to do with the Company as they will have sufficient shares (that were not purchased on the open market) to win a shareholder vote to achieve any goal they deem desirable, regardless of whether it is desirable for Fancamp's current, pre-transaction, investor base. Notably as well, the Company ignores, in its March 18, 2021 news release the statement, in its February 18, 2021 news release that Mr. Haywood and Simon Candrea will be invited to join management on closing of the Transaction. False/misleading statement #3: Fancamp is Eager to Hold its AGM; ScoZinc Shareholders to Vote on Transaction April 12, 2021. As indicated in a press release on March 10, 2021, despite the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and certain associated limitations, the Corporation is eager to move forward with its annual general meeting ("AGM") in a timely fashion. Consistent with the extension provided by the B.C. Registries and Online Services, the Corporation intends to hold its AGM by June 30, 2021 and looks forward to starting a new, value-creating chapter in the Corporation's history. While the Activists have demanded that the Corporation incur additional expenses by conducting an unnecessary shareholder vote on the Transaction or hold its AGM prior to completing the Transaction, under applicable securities legislation, the Transaction is an arm's length transaction. The March 18th press release falsely claims that activist shareholders "have demanded that the Corporation incur additional expenses by conducting an unnecessary shareholder vote on the Transaction or hold its AGM prior to completing the Transaction". Many shareholders have been demanding an AGM ever since the Company announced that it had received an extension from the B.C. Registries and Online Services of the time within which it is required to hold its AGM for the year 2020 (Fancamp Press Release November 20, 2020). This extension, which Dr. Smith neither knew about nor approved of, was obtained under the false pretext of " the health implications and constraints associated with the COVID-19 pandemic". The November 20th press release also stated, "The Corporation expects to hold its AGM during the first quarter of 2021." This has not happened. Holding a timely AGM to which shareholders are legally entitled to is not an additional expense; whereas a requisition to hold a special meeting, as the entrenched directors and management condescendingly suggest is an option to shareholders, is in fact an additional expense especially when matters therein can and should be settled at an AGM held in the timely normal course of business. It has been almost 17 months since the last AGM. The current Board does not have a mandate to approve the highly dilutive, non arms-length ScoZinc transaction or any other transaction that involves an excessive equity issue without shareholder approval. The Concerned Shareholders wish to highlight to shareholders that Mr. Mehra is a director and insider of ScoZinc and Mr. Billings was a director of ScoZinc at the time negotiations occurred with respect to the transaction. There is no doubt that this is not an "arm's length transaction" as asserted by Fancamp. Furthermore, the costs associated with holding an AGM within the time periods prescribed under applicable corporate law are an obligation that the Company already shoulders. Dr. Smith and the Concerned Shareholders are not demanding anything that the Company is not already obligated to do. Instead, what Fancamp is concerned about is the costs associated with a proxy fight in connection with an AGM, in which the incumbent board may risk losing their board positions. However what Fancamp is counting on is that as a result of the dilutive nature of the proposed ScoZinc transaction, if the AGM is held after the transaction closes, current shareholders may not hold a sufficient percentage of the then outstanding shares to effectively vote the newly entrenched board out. What Fancamp is counting on is that, if they are able to close the ScoZinc transaction prior to calling an AGM, Fancamp will not be burdened with a proxy fight, and the additional costs associated therewith. By delaying the AGM, Fancamp can both ensure that the dilutive, non-arm's length ScoZinc transaction, that shareholders should be given the right to vote on will occur and also to entrench their own board positions. False/misleading statement #4: Mr. Smith's Business Judgment Cannot Be Trusted; His Interests are Not Shareholder Interests. Mr. Smith was asked to step down as President and CEO in response to several actions he undertook, which were not in the best interest of Fancamp or its shareholders; rather, they were self-serving. He repeatedly disregarded the Board's guidance on several issues of importance. Dr. Smith stands by his record. He co-founded the Company in 1986 and acted as its CEO from that time until he was forced to step down from that position in August 2020. During that period, hundreds perhaps thousands of other junior mineral exploration companies have come and gone. Remarkably, after almost 35 years as a publicly traded company, Fancamp has only 166.0 million shares issued and outstanding and has gone through only one consolidation. With Dr. Smith at the helm, the Company made numerous timely acquisitions, generated several significant discoveries and completed some lucrative transactions. Most notably, it was Dr. Smith's early iron-ore acquisitions in the Fermont area of Quebec and subsequent agreements with Champion Iron Ltd. ("Champion") that resulted in the acquisition of the large number of Champion shares that underlie the Company's current strong balance sheet and that have for years funded exploration and administration activities of the Company with little or no dilution to shareholders. In contrast, the entrenched board and management intends to issue 84.5 million shares and significantly dilute Fancamp shareholders. Dr. Smith and his team have spent and would continue to spend money on tangible geophysical surveys, drilling projects and assay results. What is interesting is that no where in their March 18, 2021 press release do they acknowledge all the good Dr. Smith has done for Fancamp and their shareholders. We note that the Company also stated in its August 13, 2020 news release that Dr. Smith had resigned due to "person reasons" but would remain as both a consultant and a director. If the Company was so concerned about Dr. Smith's actions, why would it retain Dr. Smith as a consultant? The statement that Dr. Smith committed exploration expenditures and negotiated with third parties, recklessly, sold Champion shares and incurred excessive, value-destroying expenses without the knowledge and approval of the Board is unjustified. If these accusations were true, then directors Mr. Billings, Mr. Mehra, and Mr. Ankcorn, all of whom have been in their position for more than five years, would equally culpable as directors of the Company, who have an obligation to oversee the actions of management. Dr. Smith's actions have always been in the interest of the Company and its shareholders. Despite the absence of value creation by the entrenched board and management since Dr. Smith's departure, it was announced in the Fancamp press release dated March 15, 2021, that the board has granted two million stock options to certain directors and officers and consultants and excluded Dr. Smith (who is still a board member). These stock options were granted under Fancamp's rolling stock option plan which must be approved each year by the shareholders at the Company's AGM, which the Company has refused to hold. Fancamp also stated that the Board has reached out to Dr. Smith to address his grievances within the forum of a Board meeting and each time Dr. Smith has declined to engage in any meaningful dialogue. In response to these requests, Dr. Smith has repeatedly stated that shareholders should be able to vote on the ScoZinc transaction. In response, Dr. Smith has been met with threats rather than a meaningful dialogue as to how to address shareholders' rights. False/misleading statement #5: Favourable Fairness Opinion Received. Shareholders should be aware Fancamp was not required to obtain a fairness opinion - but in an abundance of caution, out of a commitment to good governance and a focus on shareholder value - the Corporation chose to do so with Ernst & Young LLP, a leading and independent financial advisor. The financial advisor opined that the consideration to be paid in connection with the Transaction is fair. The Concerned Shareholders question the validity of that statement. It seems that the entrenched board and management feel that they can say that they received a Fairness Opinion and throw out the names of Ernst & Young LLP and believe that they should receive immediate credibility but they fail to disclose any details about the opinion other than a conclusory statement. If the incumbent board and management, feel so strongly about the results of the Fairness Opinion then why not make it public for all shareholders of Fancamp to review and come to their own conclusion? In keeping with good corporate governance, Fancamp must share the results with the public shareholders and earn shareholder trust. The most transparent way to mitigate the issues existing with respect to the ScoZinc transaction is to hold a shareholder vote based on an information circular with the required disclosure including any technical reviews, fairness opinions and discussion regarding related party issues. The Concerned Shareholders also wish to thank the other shareholders of Fancamp that have emailed, issued press releases and contacted our toll-free number to express their support, provide insight of and colour of their interactions with Mr. Mehra and Mr. Billings. The support has been overwhelming and validates why it is important to speak out about the manner in which the board and management of Fancamp are behaving and trying to eliminate shareholder democracy to fulfill their own self interests. Advisors The Concerned Shareholders have retained Gryphon Advisors Inc. as its strategic shareholder services advisor. Farris LLP is acting as legal counsel to Dr. Smith. For more information regarding the Concerned Shareholders' position please contact: Gryphon Advisors Inc. Tel: 1-833-461-3651 Email: inquiries@gryphonadvisors.ca Information in Support of Public Broadcast Solicitation The information contained in this press release does not and is not meant to constitute a solicitation of a proxy within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Although the Concerned Shareholders have approached several nominees for election to the Company's board of directors at the company's next general meeting of shareholders, there is currently no record or meeting date set and shareholders are not being asked at this time to execute a proxy in favour of any matter. In connection with the meeting, the Concerned Shareholders may file a dissident information circular in due course in compliance with applicable securities laws. The information contained herein, and any solicitation made by the Concerned Shareholders in advance of any general meeting of shareholders, or will be, as applicable, made by the Concerned Shareholders and not by or on behalf of the management of Fancamp. All costs incurred for any solicitation will be borne by the Concerned Shareholders, provided that, subject to applicable law, the Concerned Shareholders may seek reimbursement from Fancamp of the Concerned Shareholders' out-of-pocket expenses, including proxy solicitation expenses and legal fees, incurred in connection with a successful reconstitution of the Company's board of directors. The Concerned Shareholders are not soliciting proxies in connection with a general meeting of shareholders of the Company at this time. The Concerned Shareholders may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist in soliciting proxies on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders. Any proxies solicited by or on behalf of the Concerned Shareholders, including by any other agent retained by the Concerned Shareholders, may be solicited pursuant to a dissident information circular or by way of public broadcast, including through press releases, speeches, or publications and by any other manner permitted under Canadian corporate and securities laws. Any such proxies may be revoked by instrument in writing executed by a shareholder or by his or her attorney authorized in writing or, if the shareholder is a body corporate, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized or by any other manner permitted by law. The registered address of Fancamp is located at 3200 - 650 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4P7. The mailing and head office address of Fancamp is 7290 Gray Avenue, Burnaby, British Columbia V5J 3Z2. A copy of this press release may be obtained on Fancamp's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78425 A green grandmother is deliberately causing supermarket chaos by stripping her shopping from its packaging while still in store - dumping a mountain of plastic waste behind. Jackie Hopkinson visited her local Aldi, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, on a mission to tackle 'excessive use of plastic' in supermarkets. Armed with scissors and containers, the grandmother-of-three began taking vegetables, herbs and even milk out of their plastic holders. The 75-year-old claims other shoppers looked at her as if she'd 'gone mad' - but she vowed to continue her plastic-tackling stunt in other supermarkets in the future as she worries about the world her 16-month-old grandson will grow up in. Above the pile she left behind, Jackie stuck a notice that reads 'dear Aldi manager, I am leaving my plastic packaging today as I object to the excessive use in your store and the lack of alternatives'. The retired milk lady, who is a member of North East Derbyshire Climate Action Group, is urging everyone to follow suit to avoid plastic 'gradually killing us'. Grandmother Jackie Hopkinson (pictured) took scissors and containers to Aldi and removed all the 'excessive' plastic from her shopping, leaving it behind her with a note to the manager Jackie, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, said: 'People were looking and didn't say anything, but they were aware of what we'd been doing and wondering if we'd gone mad. 'I shop like everyone else and bring all my plastic home, wondering what to do with the damn stuff. 'The amount of plastic I'm taking home that I don't want is horrible. It's made from oil which a lot of people don't understand, and it's gradually killing us. 'I've got a little grandson, who's 16 months old, and I wonder what kind of world I'm going to leave behind for him. 'This isn't a local issue - it's a global issue. It's all the supermarkets.' Jackie was approached by the Aldi store manager as she quietly packed her food into her own bag and claims he vowed to take pictures of the mess left behind and let his own boss know. Her sign above the rubbish added: 'Plastic pollution is a major risk to the health of the earth and all living creatures. 'Please contact your head office and request a radical rethink on packaging policy and a review of alternatives. Jackie Hopkinson (left) left a note to the managers at Aldi (right) urging them to ask head office to use less plastic packaging with their products to help tackle the problem of plastic pollution 'From member of Climate Action NE Derbyshire.' Over the last two weeks, Jackie has visited other supermarkets and claims she will continue leaving all plastic behind 'from now on'. Jackie said: 'I got so annoyed that day. I went in and thought 'I'm not taking this home'. 'I took my containers with me and my scissors and packed everything up then left the plastic there. 'I want people to wake up to the fact they don't have to take the plastic home. If they don't want to [leave] it in the shop, do it in the car park, or take it home and bring it back. '[Shops] need to be aware of the damage they are doing with all this plastic. 'I said [to the Aldi manager] 'we're not just picking on you - I shop here regularly. You're my store'. 'I felt angry about it which is why I did it, and will keep doing it, from now on when I go shopping. I won't bring any plastic home.' Pictured: pile of plastic packaging left behind by Jackie Hopkinson at Aldi earlier this month The climate activist is now urging others to use her methods to 'make a difference' - claiming it is 'about time something was done' by ordinary people too. Jackie said: 'People need to wake up to leaving their plastic behind and telling the supermarkets 'we do not want your plastic'. 'I think it's time something was done. Ordinary people can do such a lot if they want to move forward. We've come for [their] food - not their plastic.. It just winds me up. 'Leave the plastic at the supermarkets. It's such a simple way for people to make a difference.' Aldi have vowed to halve their plastic packaging footprint over the next four years and claim they have already taken steps to reduce waste. A spokesperson for Aldi said: 'At Aldi we are committed to further reducing plastic throughout our stores and have pledged to halve our plastic packaging footprint by 2025. 'We have already removed over 7,400 tonnes of plastic from across our range, including banning single-use plastic bags for loose fruit and veg, removing plastic lids from yoghurt and cream pots and removing all shrink-wrapping from own-label multipack soft drinks.' President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky put into effect the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine decision on the application, cancellation and amendment of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions), dated March 23, 2021, according to the presidential website. By the NSDC decision, a number of amendments and additions were made to the lists of persons in respect of whom sanctions were previously imposed. ALBANY Mayor Kathy Sheehan introduced a package of legislation designed to protect tenants, reduce blight and overhaul the city's rental registry. The four pieces of legislation include a proposed "good cause" eviction law, which would ban landlords from evicting tenants unless they met specific conditions. If common council passes it, the legislation would be the first good cause eviction law passed in the state. The other legislation updates the rules around the city's rental occupancy permits and gives the city building department greater power to address buildings with code issues. The legislation is the result of work and outreach paid for by the city's Cities RISE program, which is funded by a $1 million grant from the state attorney general's office. The city spent months surveying landlords and tenants and researching what other cities had done to reduce blight as part of its efforts to develop these proposals, Sheehan said at a news conference Tuesday. "They create transformative fair housing rules designed to further stabilize city neighborhoods by providing landlords, tenants, and the city the tools they need to secure and provide housing in New York's capital city," she said. The most substantial proposal is the good cause eviction law, which would create 10 possible "good causes" landlords would have to meet when they file eviction papers in court, such as non-payment of rent, denying landlords reasonable access to the property and if a landlord decides to sell a property. Landlords would only have to meet one of the standards under the proposal for a successful eviction. The proposed law would not apply to owner-occupied properties with four units or less. Councilman Alfredo Balarin, the legislation's sponsor and a landlord himself, said good landlords who follow the city's rules and respect their properties have nothing to worry about. Balarin said absentee landlords are a drag on others who try to maintain their properties. "This is good legislation that is going to hold people accountable," he said. "If you want to invest in our city, great. We welcome you but you're going to do it in a way that respects our community, that respects the tenants you serve." There is similar good cause eviction legislation in committee in the state legislature. Rebecca Garrard, the campaigns manager for housing justice for Citizen Action New York said the city's proposal would help prevent no-fault evictions in cases where tenants advocate for repairs and in neighborhoods that see gentrification. "I really can not overstate how important today is. For too long in Albany, low-income, Black and brown tenants have suffered at the hands of landlords who did not honor their responsibility but instead manipulated the power dynamic that puts tenants at a disadvantage," she said. Maria Markovics, co-chair of Housing for All, said the bills are proposals that would benefit city neighborhoods through stronger code enforcement. The new rental occupancy permit rules would require landlords to renew their permits every two years and post the permits in their building, along with code enforcement and tenant advocacy information. It also gives the city's chief building officer the ability to revoke the permit under some circumstances, including threats to public health and safety. The other two pieces of legislation would give the city greater power to deal with property owners that willfully ignore code violations. The city building department would be granted the ability to make repairs to properties in cases where landlords have ignored code violations and then bill those property owners for the costs of the repairs. The legislation would also increase the penalties in cases of "wanton disregard" of safety issues, including fines and possible imprisonment. The four separate pieces of legislation will likely be discussed by the Albany Common Council at its next meeting. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. A year of protests over racial justice, and an early administration focus on racial equity, has energized liberal lawmakers to move aggressively to close racial opportunity gaps in the economy. And across party lines in Washington, warnings over increased federal deficits have quieted, as lawmakers voted repeatedly over the past year to spend trillions of dollars to sustain the economy through crisis. Still, Mr. Bidens next economic task will be much more difficult than his relief bill, which sailed through the House and Senate with only Democratic votes. Moderate Democrats are more insistent this time that the process engage Republicans, and that at least some of the spending be paid for with tax increases that could add up to trillions of dollars. Conservatives have already lined up to reject Mr. Bidens plans to force corporations and the rich to pay more to fund the programs. In navigating those obstacles, Mr. Biden faces a strategic dilemma: how to pass as much of his potentially transformative agenda, as quickly as possible, through the narrow window afforded him by Democrats thin margins in the House and Senate. Mr. Bidens team has recommended that he split his efforts between two bills, totaling $3 trillion in new spending and up to $1 trillion more in tax breaks, seeing that as a way to ensure that at least part of his agenda makes it through Congress. Some allies wonder whether the president is willing to compromise the human half of his spending priorities his plans to invest in educational access and programs to lift women in the work force, including help with care for children and aging parents to secure what would be the most expensive federal investment ever in roads, bridges, public power and the building blocks of a low-carbon energy economy. The adoption of UNHRC resolution 46/1 with minimal opposition is an encouraging sign to promote human rights and accountability in Sri Lanka The following statement issued by the Global Tamil Forum The Global Tamil Forum (GTF) wholeheartedly welcomes the adoption of resolution 46/1 at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The Government of Sri Lanka rejected this resolution, however even all the neighbouring countries did not support that position. It is significant that the majority of the Latin American countries and all of the European countries voted in favour of the resolution. Majority of the African countries, the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) and the Asian countries did not support the position taken by the Government of Sri Lanka. It is particularly pleasing that the countries voted in favour cover all regions across the globe and several countries who would have traditionally voted against such a resolution recognised the criticality of the situation in Sri Lanka and decided to abstain. It is indeed encouraging for victims of human rights abuses across the world that UNHRC continues to offer hope, even if the process of seeking justice is painstaking and arduous. The current process towards this important outcome commenced with the report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, which powerfully articulated that Sri Lanka is on an alarming path towards recurrence of human rights violations and called for urgent action from the international community. The High Commissioners call was ably converted into resolution 46/1 by the core group of countries under the leadership of the UK, which in fact is a pragmatic outcome balancing the highly concerning developments in Sri Lanka with challenging geopolitical reality. Strengthening OHCHRs capacity to collect, consolidate, analyse, and preserve information and evidence, and to develop possible strategies for future accountability processes, with sufficient budgetary and manpower support is a critical and welcoming new dimension in this resolution. Tamils are grateful to the US Administration that initiated the original process of promoting reconciliation and accountability in Sri Lanka in 2012. GTF would like to express its appreciation and gratitude to all progressive forces that made this current outcome possible the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights, the core group of countries, all countries who voted for and/or co-sponsored the resolution, the countries that abstained without voting against the resolution, eminent persons and dedicated human rights organisations who championed the cause, and more importantly the victims of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka who despite the time elapsed and the risks involved, continue to provide inspiration by bravely fighting for human rights and accountability. Tamils are grateful to the Government of India for supporting an escalation of the Tamil demand for equality, justice (accountability), dignity and peace at a multilateral international forum like the UNHRC. By specifying Indias support to the international community calling on the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil its commitments to devolve political power to the Tamils and to allow those devolved powers to be operationalised effectively according to the 13th amendment of the constitution is very significant. By making a public statement before the vote and by abstaining, India has clearly shown its displeasure with the lack of progress on addressing the alleged violations of human rights and international laws and the non-implementation of Sri Lankas numerous public commitments of the past in addressing the grievances of the Tamil people. Tamils are grateful to the Tamil Nadu political parties particularly the DMK president M.K. Stalin for the recent statement calling on the Government of India not to support the Government of Sri Lanka by voting against the resolution. Unlike in the previous years when the outcome at the UNHRC was eagerly sought by the Tamil community, the interests and expectations this year were much more widespread. The Muslim community, which was openly victimised through forced burials and expected burqa ban; the Christian community which is highly disappointed with the dishonest approach towards Easter bombing investigations, and indeed the majority community which is increasingly becoming unsettled with the authoritarian and militarised trajectory the country is adopting. GTF believes this convergence of concerns, fears and apprehensions offer hope for all the people of Sri Lanka to come together as equal citizens and communities. Such progress is possible only when all communities stop living a lie based on denial but come to terms with the truth based on evidence. The UNHRC resolution just passed provides a useful framework to work towards such an outcome. We call upon people from all communities, important stakeholders of the country including the leaders of the government and opposition, to stop using the UNHRC initiative for short term political gains, but rather listen to the coherent and powerful voice of the international community, and adopt the parameters of this resolution willingly for the betterment of the country and its people. Government of Sri Lanka, by rejecting this resolution, is undoubtedly isolating itself from the international community. Boko Haram fighters targeted women and girls with rape and other sexual violence, amounting to war crimes, during recent raids in northeast Nigeria, new research by Amnesty International has revealed. In February and March 2021, Amnesty International interviewed 22 people in a cluster of villages in northern Borno State that Boko Haram has repeatedly attacked since late 2019. During violent raids, Boko Haram fighters killed people trying to flee and looted livestock, money, and other valuables. As Boko Haram continue their relentless cycle of killings, abductions and looting, they are also subjecting women and girls to rape and other sexual violence during their attacks. These atrocities are war crimes, said Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. The targeted communities have been abandoned by the forces that are supposed to protect them, and are struggling to gain any recognition or response to the horrors theyve suffered. The Nigerian authorities must urgently address this issue. The International Criminal Court must immediately open a full investigation into the atrocities committed by all sides, and ensure those responsible are held accountable, including for crimes against women and girls. After repeated displacement, the affected communities have mostly moved to military-controlled areas, but many have yet to receive any humanitarian assistance. Rape and other sexual violence Survivors and witnesses described attacks involving sexual violence in at least five villages in the Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State. During raids, usually at night, Boko Haram fighters raped women and girls who were caught at home or trying to flee. One woman was physically assaulted by Boko Haram fighters as she fled from an attack in late 2020. She crawled to a home and hid there with her children, and saw fighters return and enter a nearby home. She said: In the next house, I started hearing some women were shouting and screaming and crying. I was very afraid. After some minutes, maybe 30 minutes, I saw the men come out of the house. There were five or six of them with their guns. Then afterwards, the women were confused. Their dresses were not normal. Amnesty International interviewed three other witnesses who similarly described the same attack, including hearing womens screams and seeing them extremely distressed after Boko Haram left. A traditional healer said she cared for several women following the attack who had been raped. The same healer had previously treated two other survivors, including one who was under 18 years old, after a Boko Haram attack on another village. She said: I could see the pain on their faces. [The first survivor] told me what happened. I saw her private parts. They were very swollen. So I understood it was more than one or two people who had raped her. She was suffering. Another woman told Amnesty International that during the same attack, fighters shot people who were running away, then came to her house and sexually assaulted her. She said: The men entered my room. I asked what they wanted. They took my jewellery and belongings. Then they fell on me. Some witnesses also described Boko Haram abducting women during several attacks, taking them away on motorbikes. The women were returned to their village days later, showing clear signs of trauma. Rape and other forms of sexual violence constitute war crimes in the context of the conflict, as defined under the Rome Statute. No survivors Amnesty International interviewed appear to have accessed formal health services. Stigma and fear of repercussions mean such incidents are significantly underreported, even within affected communities. At least one of the survivors continues to suffer health complications some months later. Access to abortion is illegal in Nigeria, except when life is at risk, which means survivors of rape do not have access to safe and legal abortion. Killings and looting During raids, Boko Haram fighters stole almost everything they could find. Witnesses consistently described fighters arriving on motorbikes and on foot, before firing into the air. In several attacks, Boko Haram targeted and murdered civilians as they fled; in one attack, several older people who were unable to flee were killed inside their homes. ADVERTISEMENT Fighters often went house-to-house, rounding up livestock and stealing valuables including money, mobile phones, jewellery, and clothes. Witnesses described fighters loading the looted property onto their motorbikes, or on donkeys from the village. To steal livestock, fighters often forced young men to herd the animals into the forest. A 40-year-old man whose village was raided told Amnesty International: Before, if you came to our house, youd see we had cows and goats. I didnt have many, just a few, but with that I was content. Now, we have nothing They took everything from us. Some fighters wore Nigerian military uniforms, while others wore traditional dress of the region. Witnesses said they knew the perpetrators belonged to Boko Haram, and not the Nigerian military, for several reasons. They could hear the fighters speaking languages common among Boko Haram members; the fighters came on motorbikes, not military vehicles; and the fighters dressed in a combination of attire. Even those fighters wearing stolen Nigerian military uniforms often wore sandals or had bare feet, instead of military boots. Many witnesses also reported that some children, aged between 15 and 17, were among the attackers, along with men in their 20s. Urgent response needed After repeated attacks in recent months, communities from this cluster of villages fled to areas within the Nigerian militarys established perimeters. Many people settled less than a kilometre from an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp outside Maiduguri. Some tried to move into the camp, but were told it was full. Officials from the nearby IDP camp visited and took peoples names, reportedly around two months ago, but no-one had returned since, according to everyone displaced to that location whom Amnesty International interviewed. Many women remain frustrated that no-one from the government or the humanitarian community has spoken with them to understand the targeting of women during attacks, and what support is needed now. Many added they wished the government would acknowledge and apologize for what happened, and bring the perpetrators to justice. Months after settling near the IDP camp, the communities have still not received any assistance, including food, shelter, or health care. In early March, a young child died, and her family told Amnesty International she was malnourished and that they believed that factor contributed to her death. Everyone displaced near the camp described widespread hunger. One woman told Amnesty International: We need food assistance. All around us are malnourished children. Some of the women go to the camp, [but theyre] told to go away. Some are begging. Some [of us] are selling our things. This is a humanitarian crisis that is getting worse day-by-day. The Nigerian authorities and partners must act now to support those most in need, and ensure this horrendous situation doesnt continue to deteriorate, said Osai Ojigho. Background The conflict in northeast Nigeria has created a humanitarian crisis, with more than 2,000,000 people now displaced. Boko Haram has also frequently targeted aid workers trying to respond to the crisis. Amnesty International has repeatedly documented crimes under international law and other serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in northeast Nigeria. The Nigerian authorities have not taken any genuine steps towards investigating and prosecuting crimes by Boko Haram or the Nigerian security forces, including crimes of sexual violence. Last December, the chief prosecutor of the ICC announced that her office had concluded a decade-long preliminary examination into the situation in Nigeria, saying that it had found sufficient evidence of crimes to open a full investigation. No formal investigation has yet been opened. The conflict continues to have a dire impact on civilians, as documented in Amnesty International reports on the experience of women, children and older people. Colorado baker Jack Phillips back in court after refusing to make gender transition cake Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Colorado baker Jack Phillips was back in court Monday in a lawsuit brought by a transgender activist attorney who alleges Phillips violated state law by refusing to make a cake celebrating a gender transition. Filed in state court, a transgender-identified male named Autumn Scardina attempted to order a birthday cake celebrating a gender transition on the same day in 2017 that the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Phillips previous case, a dispute litigated in federal court which centered around his refusal to bake a custom cake for a same-sex couple in 2012. Phillips eventually won his case at the Supreme Court in a 7-2 victory on narrow grounds in 2018 in Masterpiece Cakeshop, LTD et al. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. During virtual opening arguments Monday, Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Sean Gates said the baker's refusal to make Scardinas cake was about the content of the message, not about Scardina, according to The Associated Press. Scardina reportedly told the court that the call was placed to Masterpiece Cakeshop after hearing Phillips say that he opposed making the cake because it involved a gay wedding but would sell any other product. Scardinas lawyer Paula Greisen asked if the call was a setup. Scardina denied that notion. It was more of calling someones bluff, Scardina was quoted as saying. In the 2018 ruling, the justices held that the state government agency did not show religious neutrality toward Phillips under the states anti-discrimination statute, stating that the CCRC had shown clear and impermissible hostility. The high court did not rule, however, on the larger issue of whether businesses and other places of public accommodation can invoke religious objections to refuse services to LGBT-identifying people. ADF has represented Phillips since his legal battles began. Gates argued his client could not create a cake containing a message he felt violated his religious convictions. The message would be that he agrees that a gender transition is something to be celebrated, Gates stressed, subsequently noting that the Colorado bakery owner had also declined to make other items he objects to, such as Halloween-themed products. Before filing a lawsuit, Scardina filed a complaint with the CCRC. The state commission found probable cause to continue the matter as state law protects from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In response, Phillips filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Colorado, arguing that the state government is on a crusade to crush him. Both cases were dropped in March 2019 under a settlement that permitted Scardina to file a case as an individual. The Alliance Defending Freedom said this week that Colorado has created a hostile environment for people like Phillips. Eight years is a long time to live under the weight of constant litigation that threatens the business you built and the people you love. During his first case, Jack lost a big part of his business and more than half of his employees, ADF noted Monday in a blog post about his latest legal battle. Over the years, he and his family have also endured hate mail, nasty phone calls, and even death threats. This most recent lawsuit is a blatant attempt to punish Jack, banish him from the marketplace, and intimidate him out of business just for living according to his beliefs. Commenting on the case Tuesday on his Facebook page, evangelist Franklin Graham urged people to pray for Phillips. "Jack is a humble, kind, and caring guy and as a Christian, he also believes he has the right to live by his strongly held religious beliefs...His lawyer is right 'Today it's Jack. Tomorrow it could be you.' Think about that America," he wrote. City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved Troy Finners appointment as Houstons next police chief. Finner, currently an executive assistant chief, will begin leading the department April 5. Mayor Sylvester Turner announced he would pick Finner at a press conference last week. The mayor praised Finner as someone who knows this city inside and out, and said he would be tasked with tackling a rise in crime and implementing reform measures. Finner succeeds Art Acevedo, who surprised city leaders early last week when he announced he was leaving Houston to become chief of the smaller Miami, Fla., police department. Acevedo had been chief since 2016. I never knew I had so much support in this city, and I don't take it lightly, Finner told cthe ouncil. The trust that Ive built up, were going to harness that and move our agency forward, working with everybody. It has to be a message and work of unity. We got a lot of problems ahead of us, crime just like every other city, but were going to do it together and Im so excited about it. Councilmembers offered effusive praise for the pick, commending his community engagement and knowledge of Houston. He will answer the call Hes at just about every event in the public that I go to where the police are needed, At-Large Councilmember Michael Kubosh said. Hes been in the community for so long, he not only knows the wrongdoers are, but he knows their parents and their grandparents, and he knows where they live. District B Councilmember Tarsha Jackson, a criminal justice advocate, said she used to see Finner at events. Ive watched him as I marched the streets in my advocacy days, and he always made us feel welcome and safe, Jackson said. Finner thanked councilmembers for their support. Just a few months ago when everybody was talking about defunding the police, this great council stood up and said no, we are against bad policing but we are going to support our police officers, so I thank you for that, Finner said. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com Human bones found near pond in Srisoonthorn PHUKET: Police are investigating human skeletal remains found in long grass beside a pond in Baan Manik, Srisoonthorn, this morning (Mar 24). deathpolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Wednesday 24 March 2021, 05:43PM Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police was notified of the remains at about 11am. Police together with rescue workers from Srisoonthorn Municipality and Kusoldharm Foundation arrived at the scene to be directed to the bones by local resident Thong Sanwong, 66. Nearby the bones were a sport shirt and shorts as well as two large plastic bottles of water joined by a length of rope. Mr Thong told police that he, his wife and two neighbors had come to the pond to fish yesterday. After a good days catch yesterday, the four returned to the pond this morning. Mr Thong said he found the remains while cutting long grass to clear a path to the pond to make the journey to the pond easier. Mr Thongs neighbor, Boonyong Soonsaelor, 57, explained, We were all using our knives to cut the glass to walk to the area, which is about 500 metres from the main road. [After finding the remains] We all were shocked and ran away. Then we called the police to come and examine them, she said. I will never ever come to this pond again, Mrs Boonyong added. After inspecting the scene, police gathered the bones and had them taken to Thalang Hospital. From there they will be forwarded to the Central Institute of Forensic Science (CIFS), Capt Kraisorn said. Thalang Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Krissana Channit, who also inspected the scene, said that he believed the person whose remains were found died at least months ago. We believe that the person drowned in the pond. The body would have resurfaced and was likely dragged back to shore by a flesh-eating animal, Lt Col Krissana said. Type address separated by commas Your Email: Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation was recognized with a top Member Achievement Award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE), a global network of market-leading independent real estate firms, during a special awards ceremony held virtually March 1. Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation won the Momentum Club award and was named to the Momentum Club in recognition of achieving notable improvement in their broker-to-broker referral production in 2020. When presented with the Momentum Club award, Carl Stratton, the Managing Broker of Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation, said, We appreciate the strong, dynamic network that the Leading RE team has constructed. The benefits that it offers to both clients and real estate agents are tremendous in assisting with relocation efforts worldwide. We are delighted to celebrate our members who went above and beyond serving the needs of relocating home buyers and sellers during a truly unprecedented year, said LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma. The evolving needs of homeowners resulted in increased activity for our network, whether relating to the demand for more space, the appeal of a change of scenery, the ability to work from anywhere or the desire to be closer to family. He added, While we normally present these awards during our annual Conference Week, which has been postponed until the end of May, we didnt want to delay the opportunity to acknowledge their success. Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation is the West Central Florida representative of LeadingRE (http://www.LeadingRE.com). With a membership that spans six continents, LeadingRE connects more than 550 firms and 135,000 sales associates who produce over 1.1 million real estate transactions each year. As a member of LeadingRE, Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation combines authentic local market leadership with top-ranked resources and relationships with other premier real estate firms across the country and around the world. Established in 1973, Dennis Realty is a leading real estate company serving West Central Florida. Our professional family of REALTORS proudly serves the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Hernando and beyond. At Dennis Realty, we believe that our business is more than selling housesit is about fulfilling dreams, creating investment opportunities, assisting, and building communities and maintaining lasting relationships. Dennis Realty delivers quality service, expert knowledge, decades of experience, and proven results. For more information about Dennis Realty & Investment Corporation, please visit https://www.dennisrealty.com/ SRAL celebrating its 100th anniversary OH Boy! The Amateur Radio League of Finland (SRAL) is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Finland is a small, modern Republic of 5 million inhabitants located on the very northern frontier of Europe. Finns live life between the East and the West, belonging to the alliance of the European Union. SRAL's strength lies in having one of the highest membership percentages among the IARU R1 membership societies. So, this is all of us OHs welcoming you to our centennial year activity. EARN THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION FROM YOUR OH FRIENDS -- Just contact 100 (one hundred) of your OH friends during 2021 and 10 (ten) specially featured Finnish stations to earn the OH Northern Light 100-year certificate (OH-NL-100) and the featured story, explaining the magic of the OH-land and the Northern Lights: Your 100 contact should include 50 OH stations and 50 OF stations, a total of 100. A special OF prefix will be launched to all OH stations on September 15th, 2021. Your maximum point value can be 100. The number of your OF/OH contacts. TEN SPECIAL ACTIVITY MULTIPLIERS -- SRAL and its members are active in a wide range of Amateur Radio activities and each of the ten multipliers represent some of those activities. The multiplying stations are: OH100SRAL, OH2A, OH0W, OJ0C, OF2HQ, OH2YOTA, OG2B, OH6SRAL, OI3AX and OF9X. Multiplying your QSO points (maximum 100) by your multiplier value (max 10) will give you your score - maximum of 1000 points. OH Boy! All who score 1000 points and the top-ten continental highest scorers will receive their OH-NL-100 certificate signed by Santa Claus. A special lottery will feature additional special prizes that will be announced later. Your log extract should be sent to the Santa Claus offices at (of9x@sral.fi) during January 2022. The same address will answer all questions relating to this centennial activity. WHAT IS THE STORY ON THESE TEN MULTIPLIERS? OH100SRAL: This is the official SRAL centennial jubilee station which is circulating all year throughout Finland and is activated by SRAL's member societies (120) and special activity groups. OH2A: This is the SRAL HQ station in our capital, Helsinki. It is rarely active internationally but to honor this special year you can catch it occasionally. Surely A is first in the alphabets. OF2HQ: With the country-wide unified SRAL-team it is expected that all of Finland will be active in IARU radio sport, July 10-11th, one way or another. Mid-summer is the time when all OHs smile. OH boy! OH0W: Aland Islands is Finland's share in the DXCC program. But also, the most beautiful archipelago to visit and enjoy. It is home to three HF superstations and the historical battlefield of all OH contesters for once winning the world -- CQWW at OH0W 1982. OJ0C: Market Reef is a rare one with adventure and challenges on right on its doorstep. So many from far and near have experienced DXotica over the barren rock in the midst of stormy seas. It is a dream for landlubbers not to see anything in the horizon. OH2YOTA: The Finnish youth are the movers and shakers in the YOTA movement and hosted one of the early ones in Finland. At the core of SRAL activities the theme in Finland is that only youth can communicate with youth. OH Boy! Also, only youth would know what makes them tick!! OG2B: The IARU/NCDXF beacon network has been supported by the SRAL and its dedicated members for almost 40 years. While OH2B is busy at work, the alternative OG2B will be its substitute during this centennial jubilee. Surely you have used the network: www.ncdxf.org.beacon/ OI3AX: Amateur Radio activity in the Finnish Signal Corps (OI prefix) have a brilliant history of cooperation with SRAL. Many well-known OHs have caught the bug while doing their service to their country. OI3AX will represent the country-wide network of 35 OI-locations. OH6SRAL: Every Saturday at 3 PM SRAL transmits its radio news to its entire membership. OH6 is in the middle of the country and has a long history of such transmissions. The chief, Heikki, OH6ZS has done those transmissions for more than 40 years and his dedication to this duty continues. OF9X: Old-Father-Nine-Xmas, has excited the little radio operators and their families for many years from the land of Christmas. Once Santa Claus was pushed to the North Pole but these Santa transmissions from Finland have finally proved that Finland is the same as the North Pole. Thank You, OH Boy! You are most welcome to join the party as you have now made yourself familiar with Finland and SRAL, now celebrating its centennial. Just jump into the sleigh of Santa and go for 1000 points... and greet your fellow OHs along the way. Good luck and see you on our way to Cycle 25! Martti, OH2BH OPDX Worth Social is excited to work with VirExit Technologies to shine a brighter light on how we can not only prevent the spread of disease, but also live more health-conscious lives. Poverty Dignified, Inc. dba VirExit Technologies, Inc. (OTCMKTS PINK: PVDG) has selected Worth Social, Ltd as its digital marketing agency of record. Worth Social, Ltd has over a decade of experience in digital marketing. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, VirExit Technologies, Inc. is a fast-growing public company focused on providing solutions for safer living in uncertain times. With a mission to make the world a safer place with innovative and effective technologies, VirExit Technologies, Inc. looks to screen, vet, and sell stellar technologies that provide both the business-to-business and the business-to-consumer markets with products that enhance our health and physical safety. VirExit Technologies, Inc. is at the forefront of the prevention of the transmission of disease and bacteria," said Jamey Charapp, Founder, Worth Social, Ltd. Even though we have always been globally aware of how to reduce the spread of illness and germs, COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated how we need to be more proactive about it at all times. Worth Social is excited to work with VirExit Technologies to shine a brighter light on how we can not only prevent the spread of disease, but also live more health-conscious lives. We are thrilled to be working with Worth Social, Ltd on our digital marketing and social media efforts, said James C. Katzaroff, President and CEO, Poverty Dignified, Inc. By emphasizing how important and easy it is to reduce the spread of infection and illness, we can return to a better normal sooner, without creating additional unnecessary risks for our families, friends, co-workers, and others. Our health and technology team vets every product offered in our marketplace to ensure they meet our stringent safety requirements. Worth Social will be working with us get the word out in new, exciting, and creative ways across the digital landscape. Worth Social, Ltd has over a decade of experience working with companies such as Poverty Dignified, Inc. Their team of experts understand the complexities of working with a public company that is highly focused on reaching a variety of B2B and B2C verticals. NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements that include the words believes, expects, anticipate or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition, description of anyones past success is no guarantee of future success. This news release speaks as of the date first set forth above and the company assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. About Poverty Dignified, Inc. Poverty Dignified, Inc. (PVDG) is a diversified company with ownership of Sun Ovens, Inc., a company that decades ago, pioneered solar oven technology and produces, markets, and sells solar ovens and accessories. In 2020, PVDG acquired the registered brand, VirExit Technologies, Inc., along with other related intellectual property owned and developed by Patrick Netter. The VirExit brand pioneers innovative, effective, ethical, and safe products within the antiviral space. Also, during 2020, PVDG purchased Safer Place Technologies, LLC, whose purpose is to create a primary sales and marketing platform as a vertical online marketplace. This new acquisition seeks to provide a single source for buyers and sellers of protective products and services which resonate with the VirExit mission statement: Making the world a safer place with innovative, ethical and effective technologies. PVDG is anticipating a name change to VirExit Technologies, Inc. in the near future. For investor relations information please contact investorrelations@virexit.com. About Worth Social, Ltd Worth Social, Ltd is a digital marketing agency focused on the business-to-business and business-to-consumer vertical markets. The company has extensive experience working with organizations of all sizes, across all social media and digital platforms. For more information on Worth Social, please visit http://www.worthsocial.net. From time to time, whether motivated by politics or articulating a misinformed position, commentators will seek to claim Trinidad and Tobago is a failing state. I take serious umbrage to that because when one understands what a failing state or economy looks like, it is clear we are very far from that. In fact, by independent measures, we are closer to the opposite side of that spectrum. Lavrov and Wang Counter Geopolitical Games of the West March 23 , 2021 (EIRNS)Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his host Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, struck out against U.S. policy against their countries, including its sanctions and geopolitical games, in a joint press conference in Guilin, Guangxi, during Lavrovs official March 22-23 visit to China. We reject zero-sum geopolitical games and reject unilateral illegitimate sanctions that our Western colleagues resort to more and more often, Lavrov said in the joint press conference with Wang Yi today. We noted the destructive nature of the United States intentions to undermine the UN-centered international legal architecture relying on military-political alliances of the Cold War era, and creating new closed alliances in the same vein. Russia and China, however, will ensure that their bilateral relations are safe and are not threatened by those states, which are unfriendly towards our countries. He denounced the Wests claims that Russia and China are carrying out vaccine diplomacy. Our partners in the West are trying to portray Russia and China as some kind of adventurers in the field of so-called vaccine diplomacy. This is absolutely not true, he said. He informed the media that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on all countries that their vaccine policies must be guided solely by considerations of humanity and the interests of saving lives. It is absolutely necessary for everyone, including our partners in the West, to remember that. Lavrov also declared Russian relations with the European Union are nonexistent: There are no relations with the European Union as an organization. The entire infrastructure of these relations has been destroyed by unilateral decisions made by Brussels. He pointed out that There are only a few European partner countries that have a desire to act based on their national interests. And therefore, Objectively, this led to cooperation between Russia and China developing faster than what is left of relations with the European countries. For his part, Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi also minced no words for the EU for imposing sanctions on China over alleged human rights violations in Xinjiang. They [sanctions] will not receive the support of the international community, especially the so-called sanctions imposed on the basis of lies. I believe that all countries should oppose this, Wang Yi said. [Western powers] should know that the days when they can arbitrarily interfere in Chinas internal affairs by making up stories and lies are long gone. Russia and China will work for the protection of the world order based on international law, Wang affirmed. We should act as guarantors of justice in international affairs. China is ready to promote the international system established by the United Nations, protect the world order based on international law, and abide by universal values such as peace, development, justice, democracy, equality and freedom. New Delhi: Popular Bollywood actress Amrita Rao and hubby RJ Anmol were blessed with a baby boy Veer on November 1, 2020. The couple welcomed their first child together and shared the good news with fans on social media. Ever since the new mommy and daddy have been sharing little updates about their life after the new addition into the family. RJ Anmol recently dropped an adorable picture post of Amrita Rao breastfeeding their child Veer, and the doting husband called it 'the most beautiful sight for me'. He captioned the post: Amrita Feeding Veer is the Most Beautiful Sight for Me Every Day...its so Surreal, So Magical... almost Godly! Its the Toughest Duty - All Night, All Day & She does it with a Smile on her face... to see Mother & Baby bond in a different way... I Salute You, I Salute My Mother & EVERY MOTHER on this Planet ...Why wait for Mothers Day, I Say Amrita and Anmol got married in 2016 after dating each other for nearly 7 years. The pictures of Amrita flaunting her baby bump flooded the internet and finally the news of her expecting came out. The couple keeps their personal life under wraps. Several fan clubs shared the image and congratulated the actress. On the work front, Amrita Rao was last seen in 'Thackeray' where she played Meena Tai Thackeray and received all the love from fans. Just blocks away from the scene of the arrest, Nick Radice, manager at Palos Oil & Lube, said he was inside his shop with several customers when he looked outside and saw a car with two doors open, then someone jumping the fence behind his shop. A handful of police officers followed. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 23, 2021) - Graph Blockchain Inc. (CSE: GBLC) ("Graph" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors to issue in a private placement 76,190,477 common shares ("Common Shares") and warrants to purchase up to 76,190,477 Common Shares ("Warrants"), at a purchase price of CAD$0.13125 per Common Share and associated Warrant, for gross proceeds to Graph of approximately CAD$10 million (the "Private Placement"). The Warrants have an exercise price of CAD$0.175 per Common Share and may be exercised at any time prior to the five-year anniversary of the issuance date. H.C. Wainwright & Co. is acting as the exclusive placement agent for the Private Placement. The Private Placement is expected to close on or about March 26, 2021, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). It is anticipated that the net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by the Company for working capital and general corporate purposes, including, without limitation, acquisitions of assets used in the Company's business and strategic transactions and/or acquisitions. H.C. Wainwright & Co. will be paid a cash commission of 8% of the gross proceeds raised in the Private Placement and issued warrants (the "Broker Warrants") to purchase up to an aggregate of 8% of the number of Common Shares placed in the Private Placement. Each Broker Warrant will have an exercise price of CAD$0.16406 per Common Share and may be exercised at any time prior to the five-year anniversary of the issuance date. The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this release. No securities were or are being offered or sold to Canadian residents in connection with the Private Placement. The securities issued under the Private Placement will be subject to resale restrictions in the United States under applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws with no resale restrictions in Canada. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This news release does not and shall not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities covered being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under U.S. federal and state securities laws or an applicable exemption from such U.S. registration requirements. About Graph Blockchain Inc. The Company is a blockchain development company that provides high performance blockchain solutions that include graphic data analysis and consulting services, implementation of data mining analysis through the use of graph databases and speed enhancements of blockchain control systems for businesses and government. This includes Babbage Mining Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, which will focus on Altcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies to Bitcoin. By mining Altcoins through Proof of Stake, Babbage is able to give its investors exposure to the vast emerging market of cryptocurrencies with the significant technological disruption and potential gains that Altcoins represent. Additional Information on the Company is available at www.graphblockchain.com and www.babbagemining.com. For further information, please contact: Jamie Hyland Phone: +1-604-442-2425 Email: jamie@graphblockchain.com Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the closing of the Private Placement and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions, and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation, market and other conditions, risks that the conditions to closing the Private Placement are not satisfied or that the Private Placement is not otherwise completed, risks relating to the application of proceeds from the Private Placement and other risks described in the Company' filings on SEDAR. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties, and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Such statements may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Company's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events, or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISSEMINATION, 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/78401 Washington: Rallying behind President Joe Biden's Quad Security Dialogue initiative involving leaders from Australia, India and Japan, a top US admiral and influential Senators described it as a significant effort to address the challenge posed by China and ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is an important venue for four Indo-Pacific democracies with common values to address shared interests, Admiral John C. Aquilino told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during a confirmation hearing for the commander, US Indo-Pacific Command. Addressing political, economic, and development opportunities will inform security priorities and increase the likelihood for more collaborative military-to-military activity among the four nations. Challenges to the Quad could come in information-space activity by any nation threatened by its objectives, he said. Quad countries the US, India, Australia and Japan held their first virtual summit on March 12 during which President Joe Biden told leaders of the coalition that a "free and open" Indo-Pacific is essential to their countries and that his country was committed to working with its partners and allies in the region to achieve stability. Replying to a question, Aquilino said Australia's relationship with China has been strained due to various reasons. These include Australia's opposition to China's illegal and unfounded territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea, its crackdown in Hong Kong and Australia's call for an investigation into the origin of COVID-19. China, he said, has exacted economic retribution against Australia. Australia has articulated its belief in the importance of transparency, the maintenance of a rules-based international order, and adherence to international norms. Strains in Australia's economic, trade, and diplomatic relations with China are unlikely to affect Australia's close and longstanding relationship with the US, he added. Aquilino said the Indo-Pacific is the most consequential region for the future of the US and remains its priority theatre with China as the Chinese Communist Party actively seeks to displace the established rules-based international order. "Residing here are four of the five priority security challenges identified by the DoD (Department of Defence): China, Russia, North Korea, as well as violent extremist organisations. The Indo-Pacific region also experiences frequent natural and man-made disasters, the negative impacts of climate change, rapid population growth, drug and human trafficking, and disease and pandemic," he said. Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, highlighted the importance of partnerships for the Biden administration while referring to the first Quad summit. Senator Mazie Hirono, Democratic Senator from Hawaii, also commended the steps taken to engage with partners and allies, especially Japan, Australia and India, in the context of the Quad summit and called for steps to strengthen partnerships with the Quad nations. Senator Josh Hawley in his remarks spoke about the Quad being a regional coalition to stand up to Chinese aggression. Senator Tim Kaine welcomed the Quad vaccine initiative and vaccine development in India that could be used for supply to other countries in the region. Senator Jeanne Shaheen spoke about the need to balance getting along with allies and partners, and dealing with Russia. Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results New Delhi: India and Pakistan held the annual meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), where the two sides discussed the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday (March 24, 2021). The Indian side held that these projects are fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty and provided technical data in support of its position. The meeting, held in a 'cordial manner', took place on Tuesday and Wednesday in New Delhi, between the Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan. "Discussions continued on designs of two Indian projects, namely, Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW). Indian side held that these projects are fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty and provided technical data in support of its position," the MEA said in an official statement. The statement further read, "Pakistan side requested India for sharing of information on design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned to be developed. Indian side assured that the information will be supplied as and when required to be supplied under the provisions of the Treaty." The MEA informed that both the Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to interact more frequently in an attempt to resolve the issues by bilateral discussions under the Treaty. "It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the PIC in Pakistan on mutually convenient dates," the MEA said. This is to be noted that under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, the two Commissioners are required to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan. However, the meeting could not be held in 2020 due to restrictions induced by the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic situation. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Boston has gone through 54 mayors, all white men, in its nearly four-century history. Kim Janey, who took office upon Marty Walshs confirmation as U.S. labor secretary, makes history as the citys first woman and first Black mayor. Janey gets sworn in around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at City Hall. The ceremony is available in the video above or on YouTube. Shell be in the company of other history-making officials. Supreme Judicial Chief Justice Kimberly Budd, the first Black woman to lead the states highest court, will administer the oath of office. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, the first woman of color to serve on the Boston City Council, will preside over the ceremony. The Rev. Willie Bodrick, II, a senior pastor at the Twelfth Baptist Church, will deliver the invocation. Janey, a Roxbury native, was elected in November 2016 to the City Council. She was named City Council president in 2020. She was the first woman councilor to represent District 7. As councilor, Janey pushed for the creation of the Boston Cannabis Board so an independent board could review license applications from marijuana companies, instead of leaving the decision up to the mayor. The City Council approved the historic ordinance in 2019 after months of negotiations between Janey and Walsh, the Boston Globe reported. Janey supports holding elections for members of the Boston Public Schools committee. Currently, the members are appointed by the mayor. She was one of five councilors who voted against Walshs budget in June. The mayor said his plan would cut 20% of the police overtime budget. But the plan cut roughly 3% of the budget overall, less than the 10% activists called for in the wake of George Floyds killing at the hands of Minneapolis police. HOLYOKE The City Councils Ordinance Committee on Tuesday proposed raising the salaries of city workers and elected officials. The committee continued an ongoing discussion on improving salaries and benefits for nonunion workers, many of whom have gone without raises for years or earn below state minimum wage. Councilor at Large Rebecca Lisi, who chairs the Ordinance Committee, said the proposal calls for reclassifying job titles and adopting new salary and classification schedules for employees. The changes are based on a 2014 salary study conducted by an outside consultant. In February, the committee took up the issue of Holyoke Public Library staff who earned below the states posted minimum wage of $13.50 per hour, nearly $2 less. Outgoing Personnel Director Hector Carrasquillo, who met with an outside labor attorney, recommended eliminating an assistant library cataloguer position. Before, the job paid $22,630 yearly, or less than minimum wage. Carrasquillo said the salary study was based on job duties and comparable salaries in Massachusetts. The formula used was still produced an hourly rate below the minimum wage for the assistant cataloguer. Even with a bump in salary, Carrasquillo said Maria Pagan, the librarys director, would still have difficulty filling the position, which remains vacant. He worried the focus on the position would cause a trickle-down effect on existing salaries at the library. We thought it best to eliminate that position and slide the responsibilities into an existing position within the salary study, Carrasquillo said. Pagan confirmed library staffers are already performing the duties. Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon questioned if the proposed salary increases would improve productivity and lower costs. Thats the bigger perspective that Im coming from, she said. Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy agreed with Vacon. Tuesdays agenda also recommended a $125,000 annual salary for the mayor, $90,000 for the city clerk, $85,000 for the treasurer, $12,500 for city councilors and $1,000 extra for the City Council president. The city of Holyokes website lists the salaries of elected officials and Holyoke Public Schools employees. Ward 6 Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos proposed a $95,000 annual salary for the mayor and $85,000 for the clerk. For now, the treasurer position is vacant, and Mayor Alex B. Morse is slated to resign Friday at 4:30 p.m., exiting to become the town manager of Provincetown. City Council President Todd McGee will assume the role of acting mayor. The City Council must approve an ordinance that boosts employees salaries and benefits affected by the proposed changes. The council also wants to remove the residency requirement to fill Carrasquillos post, opening the search process to more applicants. [March 24, 2021] Nippon Express USA Completes Construction of Chicago Logistics Center TOKYO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Nippon Express USA, Inc. (hereinafter, "NEUSA"), a local subsidiary of Nippon Express Co., Ltd., has finished construction of the Chicago Logistics Center in Wood Dale, Illinois, and the company held a ceremony on Friday, March 5, to celebrate completion of the new facility. Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202103192529-O3-FTAXODYc Photo1: Exterior of new warehouse https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202103192529/_prw_PI1fl_8QUYP0pA.jpg Photo2: Interior of new warehouse https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M103866/202103192529/_prw_PI2fl_L8pR8319.jpg The environs of Chicago, Illinois, constitute a key logistics junction encompassing Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a gateway for air cargo in the U.S., as well as the Port of Chicago, a major collection center for ocean cargo containers. The automobile industry has built up a concentration of facilitiesin nearby states such as Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee and, with companies from various sectors of the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industry also setting up operations in this same area, warehouse demand is expected to rise. The newly opened Wood Dale location will be capable of meeting the diverse needs of automotive-related customers, including incidental operations such as repacking and inspections as well as cross-docking. NEUSA is looking to pair this new location with another large-scale Nippon Express facility already operating near O'Hare International Airport to strengthen the logistics functions and expand the business of its most important hub in the Midwest. Coinciding with the start date for operations, NEUSA's head office will be relocated from New York to the new facility with the intent of enhancing the speed and efficiency of operations by integrating head office, sales and operational functions into a single location and thereby improving Nippon Express' operations across the U.S. NEUSA will be devoting particular efforts to upgrading its nationwide logistics functions to serve the automotive and pharmaceutical industries, positioned as priority industries in the Nippon Express Group's Corporate Strategy, and further contributing to its customers' business activities. Description of business: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202103192529-O1-L96O21jR.pdf Profile of new warehouse: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/attach/202103192529-O2-2vfsF62V.pdf Nippon Express website: http://www.nipponexpress.com/ Official LinkedIn Account: NIPPON EXPRESS GROUP https://www.linkedin.com/company/nippon-express-group/ View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nippon-express-usa-completes-construction-of-chicago-logistics-center-301254542.html SOURCE Nippon Express Co., Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Many children of low-income families across the country do not have access to quality health care. Lack of health care can have a domino effect, affecting educational outcomes in the classroom. School-based telehealth could offer a sustainable and effective solution, according to a new report in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners by Kathryn King Cristaldi, M.D., the medical director of the school-based telehealth program, and Kelli Garber, the lead advanced practice provider and clinical integration specialist for the program. The program through the MUSC Health Center for Telehealth has effectively served over 70 schools across the state of South Carolina. Evaluating a child at school via telehealth is a time-efficient process that removes the geographic and transportation barriers many families face when accessing health care for their children. "When a family wants their child to have a visit, the school nurse requests a visit from the telehealth provider group," said Garber. "Our goal is to ensure a connection between the school nurse and the provider group in 15 minutes, but our average time is three to six minutes. Using the telehealth equipment in the nurse's office, we evaluate the child, and then most of the time, we return the child to class and send any prescriptions to the local pharmacy." The school-based telehealth program is particularly effective for children with asthma. "I think that's where telehealth really shines," said Cristaldi. "A typical in-office provider visit for a patient with asthma would involve ordering a controller inhaler and seeing the patient in three months. Through telehealth, there are more touch points with a patient. If a child has exacerbated asthma, we could start steroids today and see them tomorrow to ensure treatment is working." Additionally, school nurses are on hand to administer daily medication to children. "We really thought a lot about one thing we could change to reduce the number of emergency room visits for children with asthma, and that one thing was using their controller medication every single day," said Cristaldi. "Getting the school nurse involved with daily medication has been a game changer." Thanks to the program, underserved communities across South Carolina, including those in some of the poorest and most rural parts of the state, now have access to care. "Children in Williamsburg County, Sumter County and Cherokee County now have access to care," said Cristaldi. "We are making incremental changes in the health care structure for children in South Carolina and supporting providers across the state who are, one by one, making profound differences." When kids' health improves, they do better in school. This was shown when underserved children were provided with health care at school-based health centers across the US. Their academic performances improved, and they were less likely to be absent from school. Children with asthma also required fewer Emergency Department visits. Unfortunately, funding for these centers has been inconsistent. School-based telehealth offers a more sustainable alternative to these programs while providing many of the same benefits. The report by Cristaldi, Garber and colleagues provides a roadmap for other institutions considering a school-based telehealth program. It gives a detailed overview of the school-based telehealth workflow and tips for circumventing challenges, ranging from school nurse and provider availability to missed class time for students, which are unique to delivering health care in an educational environment. However, each region has its own needs and challenges, and Cristaldi and Garber encourage people to reach out to their regional telehealth centers for more information about school-based telehealth implementation in their local areas. More information on regional telehealth centers can be found at https:/ / telehealthresourcecenter. org/ . ### About the Medical University of South Carolina Founded in 1824 in Charleston, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is the oldest medical school in the South as well as the state's only integrated academic health sciences center with a unique charge to serve the state through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and nearly 800 residents in six colleges: Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. The state's leader in obtaining biomedical research funds, in fiscal year 2019, MUSC set a new high, bringing in more than $284 million. For information on academic programs, visit musc.edu. As the clinical health system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest quality patient care available while training generations of competent, compassionate health care providers to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. Comprising some 1,600 beds, more than 100 outreach sites, the MUSC College of Medicine, the physicians' practice plan and nearly 325 telehealth locations, MUSC Health owns and operates eight hospitals situated in Charleston, Chester, Florence, Lancaster and Marion counties. In 2020, for the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org. MUSC and its affiliates have collective annual budgets of $3.2 billion. The more than 17,000 MUSC team members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers and scientists who deliver groundbreaking education, research, technology and patient care. Lindsey Kennedy, 43, who was rescued from a storm drain in Florida on Tuesday, told police she had been trapped in the sewage system for 20 days after deciding to explore a tunnel when she went for a swim in a canal A naked woman who was rescued from a storm drain in Florida told police she had been trapped for 20 days after deciding to explore a tunnel when she went for a swim in a canal. Firefighters pulled 43-year-old Lyndsey Kennedy out of the eight-foot-deep drain under a sidewalk in Delray Beach on Tuesday after a pedestrian heard cries for help. Kennedy later told police that she had been trapped in the sewer system since March 3, when she went for a swim in a canal near her boyfriend's house, according to a police report. She explained that she'd spotted a tunnel in the canal and went to check it out before quickly realizing she was lost. She said she had been walking around the sewer system for about three weeks before she saw some light in the storm drain and settled there because she could see people walking above her. Kennedy's mother reportedly told investigators that her daughter had a history of mental illness and drug use. 'She also stated that Kennedy has a history of doing odd things and making bad decisions when she is high on drugs,' the report stated. Firefighters are seen pulling Kennedy out of the eight-foot-deep drain under a sidewalk in Delray Beach on Tuesday after a pedestrian heard cries for help It's unclear whether investigators have confirmed Kennedy's story but they said that she had been reported missing by to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on March 3. Delray Beach Police spokesman Ted White on Tuesday said the initial investigation showed no signs of foul play. 'It doesn't feel like she was taken against her will. It appears this was done by her own free will,' he said. Delray Beach Fire and Rescue posted photos of firefighters lifting Kennedy out of the drain using a harness and ladder. The photos showed Kennedy, who was mostly covered by white sheets due to her lack of clothing, was dirty, had leaves in her hair and was too weak to stand up. She was taken to Delray Medical Center for treatment of minor cuts and bruises. Kennedy also underwent a mental health evaluation after her mother told police about her history of mental illness. The police report - which described Kennedy as 'very lucid' when she was found - said she was not taken into protective custody because she did not meet the criteria under Florida's Baker Act. The report also stated that Kennedy is a methadone patient and had her last dose on March 2, the day before she went missing. Methadone is a prescription opioid used to treat addiction to heroin and other narcotic painkillers. Kennedy said she had been walking around the sewer system for about three weeks before she saw some light in the storm drain (pictured) and settled there because she could see people walking above her Delray Beach Fire and Rescue posted photos of firefighters lifting Kennedy out of the drain using a harness and ladder Delray Beach Fire Rescue spokeswoman Dani Moschella expressed shock at the incident, saying Kennedy was lucky to be alive. 'I don't know how much longer she would have been okay down there,' Moschella told the Sun Sentinel. 'The idea that somebody might be down there for any length of time is disturbing. It's dirty, dangerous, there's snakes, rats, garbage, dirt and leaves, anything that's on the street that washes into a sewer, and it smells terrible.' Moschella noted that the drain opening was likely too small for Kennedy to have squeezed into from the sidewalk. 'Firefighters go to storm drain calls a lot,' Moschella said. 'We rescue ducklings and kittens and puppies, and this is the first time anybody can remember actually seeing a person down there.' Cops confirmed that she was reported missing from Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on March 3, but it's not clear when she went into the drain or why she was naked Mumbai, March 24 : Veteran actress Soni Razdan on Wednesday tweeted that people belonging to the age group of 16 to 40 should get vaccinated for Covid-19 first, because they are the ones going out for work and other purposes. "When it's really the 16 to 40 age group that's 'socialising' going out to work, bars, nightclubs etc (the last 2 without masks mostly) just can't understand why they aren't getting the vaccine first @uddhavthackeray @AUThackeray," Razdan wrote. Her tweet comes at a time when senior citizens in India are being given the vaccine on priority. Earlier this week, Razdan tweeted sharing her thoughts on the coronavirus. "I'm getting the feeling we are never going to be rid of this thing. We somehow need to manage to live with it without it overwhelming our lives. Even after the vaccine it's going to mutate. I'm told to a milder version like flu. I sincerely hope so," she wrote. The Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt sees an urgent need to open Ukrainian consulates in the resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh given the record increase in the flow of Ukrainian tourists. As Ambassador of Ukraine to Egypt Yevhen Mykytenko said in a comment to Ukrinform, a record number of Ukrainian tourists 1 million 500 thousand people were on holiday in Egypt in pre-COVID year 2019, being second only to tourists from Germany. In 2020, when Egypt reopened its resorts on July 1 after the restrictions imposed in March, Ukraine ranked first for the number of tourists in this country as 727,100 Ukrainians took rest there. "Speaking about this year, about 10,000 Ukrainian tourists come to Egypt every week, according to our data, and local tour operators predict a further increase in the flow of tourists from Ukraine. There are two main resort towns where our tourists rest: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. We have already asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish a consulate of Ukraine in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. It seems to me that opening Ukrainian consulates in these two resort towns is an urgent need," Mykytenko said. He added that this would require a "small sum of money" but the presence of a Ukrainian consul, given the constant stay of a large number of Ukrainians in Egypt almost equaling the population of a small town, would allow for closer contacts with the airport, hospitals and police. "It is very important for us to have our official there because, unfortunately, the institute of honorary consulate in Egypt is not very developed I hope that we will be able to open at least one consulate of Ukraine this year, starting with Hurghada because it "covers" many resorts El Gouna and Marsa Alam which are very popular among Ukrainians," the ambassador said. ol She recently moved to London to be closer to her girlfriend of two months, TOWIE star Demi Sims. And Francesca Farago proved she's adjusting well to life in the UK as she uploaded a lingerie image from her apartment in the English city to Instagram on Tuesday. The Too Hot To Handle star, 27, sent temperatures soaring as she slipped into a dark blue bodysuit by Lounge Underwear. Wow-factor: Francesca Farago proved she's adjusting well to life in the UK as she uploaded a lingerie image from her apartment in the English city to Instagram on Tuesday Showcasing her incredible figure, the bombshell teamed her barely-there one-piece with a thong and a garter belt. The reality star ensured focus remained on her barely-there outfit as she opted for minimal accessories. With her tresses worn in a wavy fashion, the influencer complemented her beauty with neutral-toned make-up. The media personality and her partner, 24, have been going strong ever since meeting each other in Mexico. Smitten: The Too Hot To Handle star, 27, recently moved to London to be closer to her girlfriend of two months, TOWIE star Demi Sims Meanwhile, her partner Demi and her sister have been suspended from filming with co-star Harry Derbidge after flouting lockdown rules. The three reality stars were all seen chatting in an Instagram video as they stood next to a dining table at what appeared to be a party, reports OK!. Frankie's girlfriend and Too Hot To Handle star Francesca Farago was also seen in the clip originally posted to Instagram by Harry's fiance Dean Rowland. Uh oh: Meanwhile, her partner Demi, 24, and her sister Frankie, 25 (pictured together), have been suspended from filming with co-star Harry Derbidge after flouting lockdown rules A spokesperson for TOWIE confirmed the suspension and told MailOnline: 'Several cast members have been temporarily suspended from filming TOWIE. 'The safety of our cast and crew is of paramount importance and we expect them to abide by the protocols put in place in line with government guidelines to ensure they keep themselves and those around them safe.' Harry, Frankie and Demi's representatives have also been contacted for a comment by MailOnline. Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper may remain in hospital until December as his slow recovery from Covid was documented on her documentary Finding Derek. The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, filmed every step of Derek's year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the fly-on-the-wall programme aired on Tuesday. During the end of the documentary, it offered viewers an update in Derek's recovery and shared a sweet video of the former lobbyist declaring his love for his wife. Recovery: Kate Garraway's husband Derek Draper may remain in hospital until December as his slow recovery from Covid was documented on her documentary Finding Derek Releasing new information at the end of the programme, it was revealed that Derek's rehabilitation is 'continuing' and that 'doctors have extended the option of keeping him in hospital until December 2021.' In an emotional ending, it showed a recent FaceTime between Derek and Kate where he said: 'Thank you, I love you forever and a day.' To which an emotional Kate replied: 'Oh darling, I love you.' The documentary, filmed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on Derek's plight after falling gravely ill with the virus and Kate's desperate battle to care for her husband while planning for an uncertain future. Update: During the end of the documentary, it offered viewers an update in Derek's recovery and shared a sweet video of the former lobbyist, 53, pictured, declaring his love for his wife Doctors: Releasing new information at the end of the programme, it was revealed that Derek's rehabilitation is continuing and that 'doctors have extended the option of keeping him in hospital until December 2021.' During the emotional documentary, Kate admitted that she might have to 'fall in love again' with Derek while she later comforted her sobbing husband who said he wanted to 'die' in a heartbreaking moment. In one emotional scene, Kate looked towards an uncertain future with Derek as she admitted: 'There's been times where I've thought: "Am I actually grieving for the person I'm married to or am I fighting to hold onto that person?"' In heartbreaking footage filmed from November 2020, Kate was asked whether she would be okay if her husband is 'not her Derek' anymore once he is out of hospital. To which the presenter admitted: 'Well, he is still Derek, he is still him he is still that person that you love, but he will behave differently and will be physically different. 'Will I be okay? I wont be delighted because I wouldn't wish that on him, very tough on us both, but he is for better or worse' Sweet: In an emotional ending, it showed a recent FaceTime between Derek and Kate where he said: 'Thank you, I love you forever and a day.' (pictured during their 2005 wedding) Reflecting on their future, Kate continued: 'It might be a rather beautiful thing, trying to look at it as a rather beautiful thing. I feel as though we might have to fall in love again find out who each other are now a little bit.' Kate then met with a clinical psychologist who works in intensive care units as they discussed what the future could look like for Derek and what he might go through as he adapts to life back home. The medical professional noted that from a 'psychological perspective', a quarter of patients have trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low moods and anxiety, as well as memory, attention and concentration difficulties. Kate admitted that she was trying to 'piece together' the life they had before but it was 'quite complicated' to which the psychologist noted there is no 'straight answer' during recovery. Reflecting on the challenging time, Kate said: 'There's been times where I've thought: "Am I actually grieving for the person I'm married to or am I fighting to hold onto that person?" 'Should I be trying to fight to hold onto that person or should I be trying to adjust?' To which the psychologist noted that loved ones are in a 'powerless position' as they are looking for things they recognise in patients to 'give them hope'. Emotional: During the emotional documentary, Kate admitted that she might have to 'fall in love again' with Derek while she later comforted her sobbing husband who said he wanted to 'die' in a heartbreaking moment Battle: The Good Morning Britain presenter filmed every step of Derek's, pictured, year long battle with COVID-19 following his hospitalisation with the respiratory illness in March 2020 with the fly-on-the-wall programme aired on Tuesday Later during the documentary, a heartbreaking moment filmed in November saw Kate speak to husband Derek over FaceTime where he broke down in tears and said he wanted to 'die'. Kate said: 'In many ways Derek is showing signs of improvement, but his mental state is worryingly unpredictable.' During a video call, the former lobbyist and political advisor said: 'There's no way out...' to which Kate replied: 'What do you mean, there's no way out of what?' Derek added: 'I'm at the point, f**k it, just f**k it' with Kate asking: 'As in die? No, no' to which her husband emotionally admitted: 'Yes.' With Derek adding: 'I don't know how to cope, I don't know how to cope.' Reflective: In one emotional scene, Kate looked towards an uncertain future with Derek as she admitted: 'There's been times where I've thought: "Am I actually grieving for the person I'm married to or am I fighting to hold onto that person?"' (pictured in 2005) Comforting her husband, the presenter continued: 'You don't know how to cope with it? Okay... I know you feel like you're trapped in your head and it must be terrifying. 'But you're coming home, you're coming back to your life and you will be the person even better than you were before. You will be. 'I will find a way to make it better, okay? I promised you I will save you and I'm going to save you. I will find a way but you just have to hang in there, okay?' Talking after the emotional moment, Kate said: 'You'll have a step forward, two steps back, you'll have what seems like a huge breakthrough, and then the next minute, he sort of mouths: "Sorry, goodbye." Heartbreaking: The documentary, filmed at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on Derek's plight after falling gravely ill with the virus and Kate's desperate battle to care for her husband while planning for an uncertain future 'I'm saying: "You're not going to die, you're not going to die, you're not going to die." We've just got to get through it.' Prior to this, Kate had shown footage of Derek following his return to consciousness in July, four months after his admission to intensive care, where he had mouthed the word 'pain - his first verbal communication since being stricken with coronavirus. In a different part during the documentary, Kate also showed a video of Derek crying as he 'responded' to his wife to which she said of the milestone: 'We've got him back!' During the fly-on-the-wall documentary, Kate and Derek's children Darcey, 15, and Billy, 11, also spoke about their father's recovery as it showed emotional footage of them FaceTiming their dad in hospital. In footage filmed over the summer, Darcey admitted that she has not 'thought the worse' during her father's recovery while Billy noted that they don't know whether their dad will 'get better or not'. Darcey said: 'I've not really thought the worse, Ive always said he's going to get better, hes going to get back all of this stuff. Children: During the fly-on-the-wall documentary, Kate and Derek's children Darcey, 15, pictured, and Billy, 11, also spoke about their father's recovery as it showed emotional footage of them FaceTiming their dad in hospital 'They say that we've heard rumours he will get back, hopefully, before the end of next year but we really don't know at all.' Billy then showed off his Lego collection from his birthday, he said: 'Dad usually does Lego with me the most but since dad is not here... I've started to do it myself.' Billy joked that Derek is a 'big kid', he added: 'I really want him back but we don't know if he's going to get better or not. So...' Darcey was then asked whether they expected their father to return home for Christmas. Later during the documentary, the family were able to visit Derek over the festive period, it was the first time they had all seen him since he was hospitalised. The teenager said: 'I hope so... it's hard, he might still be hooked up to things he needs to help him survive.' 'I really want him back': In footage filmed over the summer, Darcey admitted that she has not 'thought the worse' during her father's recovery while Billy, pictured, noted that they don't know whether their dad will 'get better or not' Darcey was also asked by the interviewer whether it was 'scary' seeing her father in hospital, to which she said: 'I mean it's not really scary, it looks scary. It's just scary in the way of thinking we might lose him.' While Kate added: 'Derek is probably the cleverest person I've ever met with a kind of incredible ability of precise thinking, analysis, humour and everything. You just think... is that gone? 'Is he going to be able to come back or will he be alive but no longer the person he was?' Later in the documentary, in scenes filmed in February, Kate reflected on their Christmas time together, she said: 'We were very lucky that Darcey and Billy and I got to spend time with Derek. 'Really good, we played Frustration [game] and he remembered the rules. He remembered the rules of Frustration, you played it with him [Billy]. Quite unbelievable, Bill didnt let him win! 'It was really lovely, lots of things we used to do with him that can still be done, but its also a reminder of how far there is to go.' 'Lucky': Later in the documentary, in scenes filmed in February, Kate reflected on their Christmas time together, she said: ' We were very lucky that Darcey and Billy and I got to spend time with Derek.' Elsewhere during the documentary, it showed footage filmed in August 2020 when Kate first returned back to work at Good Morning Britain amid Derek's battle. Kate was reunited with her co-host Ben Shephard as he praised her for her 'positivity' but admitted he was scared that she could 'crash' at some point in the future. Ben, 46, said: 'Our relationship goes back 20 years when we first started working together at GMTV and we have been through everything together. He continued: 'Kate is brilliant at sharing what she is going through, she has always been really aware that people could very easily think she's looking for sympathy, that she's looking for support, she's not at all. 'It's not just her going through this. But if her voice can represent some of those families that can't be heard like she can be heard, hopefully it can make a huge difference down the line. Return to work: Elsewhere during the documentary, it showed footage filmed in August 2020 when Kate first returned back to work at Good Morning Britain amid Derek's battle 'It's testament to who she is, her strength of character, positivity, her brilliance she has got this far and managed it so well. 'I just keep thinking at some point there's going to be a huge crash, that at some point, maybe, hopefully... we have a big move in how Derek is with his recovery or Derek comes home. It's going to hit her, what she has been through.' Later in the documentary, it showed footage of Derek breaking down in tears and mouthing the word 'pain' in October after waking from his coma with Kate left crying over the milestone. In scenes filmed in November, Kate met with an occupational therapist as they discussed the layout of their home and prepared it for Derek's return. The footage showed the presenter making their North London property wheelchair accessible and installed a hospital bed in the lounge as the virus has damaged the former lobbyist's muscles. Praise: Kate was reunited with her co-host Ben Shephard as he praised her for her 'positivity' but admitted he was scared that she could 'crash' at some point in the future The broadcaster transformed the ground floor of their house last year as she hoped the author would have recovered before the third lockdown, but sadly, his condition hasn't improved. Talking about the works at their home, Kate said: 'If I have to give up work to care for him, then best to do it now while I'm earning money. 'If he needs 24hr care, I will be the primary carer, I have a fear of the reality of that life it's a completely different dynamic to our relationship.' However it's understood that the presenter has no plans to step down from her role at Good Morning Britain as Derek continues his slow recovery. A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Kate will not be giving up her role on GMB, in fact, her job has been something of a lifeline and really kept her spirits up over this past year and she has no plans to change that.' During the end of the documentary, Kate was surprised with a phone call from Elton John as he sent love to the presenter's family and Derek. Milestones: Later in the documentary, it showed footage of Derek breaking down in tears and mouthing the word 'pain' after waking from his coma with Kate left crying over the milestone Elton, 73, said: 'I pray for him every night. He's in my prayers and you, your family. He's an amazing man, please give him my love.' Kate revealed that her son Billy has picked Elton's 1972 hit Rocket Man as a 'really good' song for Derek's recovery as the family resonate with the lyrics. Elsewhere, in further footage from February, Kate admitted that she has to be 'forcefully positive' towards Derek, she said: 'Ive never loved Derek more or feared losing him more.' She added: 'I say to him, you believe you'll get better don't you, because you will, very forcefully positive and he says: "Yes." 'So I say: "What is it then?" and he says: "It's the how, it's the how." I know completely what he means by that, he has a sense he's in there, he has Derek in his head but how to get it out. How to go back to the life.' Emotional: Derek was overcome with emotion after Kate video-called him following his return to consciousness in July, four months after his admission to intensive care At the end of the documentary, it offered viewers an update in Derek's recovery with the former lobbyist's rehabilitation continuing and doctors extending 'the option of keeping him in hospital until December 2021.' In an emotional ending, it showed a sweet recent FaceTime between Derek and Kate where he said: 'Thank you, I love you forever and a day,' to which Kate replied: 'Oh darling, I love you.' Earlier on Tuesday, Kate discussed her new documentary on Good Morning Britain ahead of its airing, where she admitted it was important for her to remain upbeat for the sake of her husband. She said: 'The footage you see was recorded by me personally. After six months we got an iPad into the hospital with the idea of bringing him out so I could talk to him while he was in the coma and have some sort of voice recognition. 'It was so emotional for me. It was all I could do not to fall apart, and give him a positive energy, not a sad energy.' Preparations: In November, Kate met with an occupational therapist as they discussed the layout of their home and prepared it for Derek's return She added: 'The moments you see are the moments where he is getting more conscious and can react. 'Also Derek has devoted his life to mental health since leaving politics because he's a psychotherapist, so I feel that he would want his journey to be told. He would like to be here telling it with me. ' Reflecting on her decision to film the documentary, Kate admitted she wanted to use her platform as a presenter to help those who have been most affected by the virus, which has so far killed 126, 172 people across the United Kingdom. She said: 'First of all I do have a job that puts me on the TV and radio and there were many months where I was locked in that bubble that we all have been in because of COVID restrictions and that was a very private time. 'When I got back to work I was moved by people's reactions. I was contacted by people who said youre talking about what Im going through and it's so great to hear. Support: During the end of the documentary, Kate was surprised with a phone call from Elton John, pictured right in 2019, as he sent love to the presenter's family and Derek 'Not just with COVID but with other long term situations that they are facing with potentially a life loss at the end of it. So this story, I thought I have a chance to tell it where they don't.' The presenter also reiterated that she will not walk away from her day job in order to provide round the clock care for Derek when he is released from hospital. She said: 'I'm not going anywhere! In fact the reality is, is that ITV and Global and Smooth radio, everybody has been so supportive and to be honest being here has kept me sane. 'Not just because you're all amazing supporters but people at home are so supportive and it's a slice of normal, it's a slice of life before. 'The truth is as much as I like to think I have all the answers sometimes, Derek doesn't need me, I'm not the person to care for him. I will obviously be there completely, 100% if that would make a difference. Update: At the end of the documentary, it offered viewers an update in Derek's recovery with the former lobbyist's rehabilitation continuing and doctors extending 'the option of keeping him in hospital until December 2021.' 'But actually what Derek needs is specialist, professional, medical support ongoing because there is a good chance he can improve but we need to make sure that support is there now for that to happen. 'Whether that be remaining in hospital or whether that be something else - I would like to be home - but it is not just a case of you know I would want to sit there and hold his hand but people in this situation need expertise and I'm not an expert.' Despite radical changes to his physical appearance, Kate admitted those who know Lancashire born Derek will be able to see that his personality is still very much present. She said: 'There are moments where I think people who know Derek will know he's there, and for a while that was part of the horror... is he still there? 'Theres even some Chorley in there. Even COVID cant take Chorley out of the man!' Speaking out: Earlier on Tuesday, Kate discussed her new documentary on Good Morning Britain ahead of its airing, where she admitted it was important for her to remain upbeat for the sake of her husband Kate also praised the couple's children for their ability to cope with the unexpected and abrupt change to their home-life over the last 12 months. 'They are fundamentally extraordinary,' she said. 'They have coped tremendously well. They cope with it in their different ways. 'They've both seen the documentary. I was comforted by the fact that they've seen a lot of things that may be a shock to others as they've spoken to him on FaceTime. 'They watched it back, and Billy said ''I can't believe they got me on the trampoline before I mastered a backflip!'' When he said that, I realised we were OK. It's a compliment to Derek as he's instilled so much confidence in them.' She added: 'This time yesterday last year, terrible things happened. It's affected everyone in different ways. We've all been through something, so hopefully we can stick together. Please realise we are still smiling. Love to all of you, and love to Derek.' Sad: Kate who shares Darcey, 15, and William, 11, (pictured in 2019) with her husband of 15 years admitted it is 'shocking' to see his current state, including his eight stone weight loss The presenter first invited a film crew into her home last September with the hope that the film would end with Derek returning home. But seven months later, the documentary instead focused on Derek's year in hospital as well as the many months of recovery that are left. Derek has lost eight stone amid his health battle with Kate revealing the children have not seen him in person at all this year. She added the kids did visit Derek over Christmas and described it as a 'shock' to see the physical change in him. Derek is considered to be the longest surviving COVID-19 patient in the country. On more than one occasion his heart stopped beating, he battled bacterial pneumonia and fought multiple infections which punctured holes in his lungs. Kate Garraway: Finding Derek aired on ITV on Tuesday at 9pm. Health battle: While Covid is no longer in Derek's system, the virus left him battling kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure and damage to his pancreas Amid a pandemic that has led to higher rates of depression and anxiety among students, the Virginia Beach school district has launched a mental health task force, aimed at ramping up the systems resources and filling in gaps. Mental health concerns have become a focus of both administrators and parents throughout the debate of how best to reopen public schools. In his push to reopen schools this winter, Superintendent Aaron Spence cited local physicians who said school closures led many more students to seek mental health support. Obviously, we have heard over and over again during this pandemic, the increasing nature of the crisis of mental health and we were well aware of that and talking about it pre-pandemic, Spence said during the task forces Monday meeting. We know we have much work to do to support our families and students. In the meeting, members discussed the barriers students and staff face in trying to get help, including the stigma around mental health, inaccessibility to services and identifying students in crisis too late. These have long been issues, but the pandemic has exacerbated them because existing resources are being strained, local experts have said. Students learning remotely are largely cut off from their peers, and those who have returned to their school building have been greeted by a host of changes such as mandatory masks and plexiglass barriers. We are getting anywhere from 150, 160 to 220 referrals each and every week right now for kids needing mental health services, Stephanie Osler, director of the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters Mental Health service line, said at the meeting. We simply cannot keep up with the pace. These problems are not unique to Virginia Beach. And the pandemic has also had an impact on the school systems ability to fund some of these resources. Budget cuts last year led to Virginia Beach being unable to hire additional guidance counselors and mental health professionals in schools, though this years budget will create an additional 16 counselor positions in elementary and middle schools. Story continues The task force whose members include Spence, Chief Academic Officer Kipp Rogers and board members Carolyn Weems and Jessica Owens, as well as medical professionals, teachers and students will meet monthly. The group will bring recommendations before the School Board. Members discussed how hospitals and schools could be more collaborative, trying to cut down on the time students spend on wait-lists and getting them help sooner. Some mentioned the need for each student to feel safe and comfortable with being vulnerable to get help. But there also were specific ideas: Teaching students more about mental health in school. Have different mental health care providers come to schools and share what kind of resources are available, so students arent left wondering. Draft more clear guidelines for how best to refer students for extra help. Some pointed to teachers needing help, too, likening them to airplane passengers putting on their own oxygen masks before helping someone next to them. The problem can be overwhelming for parents who are trying to get help for their kids, too, Weems said. Robert Jamison, the coordinator of school counseling services and leader of the Monday task force meeting, said these are big problems that will require big thinking. Its not as simple as just moving a bus over 45 yards so students dont have to cross the street. But that type of big-picture thinking is the goal of the group, he said. They are not just trying to come up with quick fixes. The division has a strong division of resources and ample community partnerships in place, he said, which means it is in a position to tackle systemic problems. Were in this together, Jamison said. As they say, how to eat an elephant one bite at a time. Were going to take our time. Peter Coutu, 757-222-5124, peter.coutu@pilotonline.com Believes All Shareholders Including Large Domestic Institutions in South Korea Should Take LG's Apparent Resistance to Transparency Into Account When Making a Determination Regarding the Proposed Spin-Off Reiterates Intent to Vote AGAINST the Spin-Off, Which Whitebox Believes is Poorly-Conceived and Weakens LG Reminds Shareholders That ISS and Glass Lewis Recommend Voting AGAINST the Proposed Spin-Off Whitebox Advisors LLC (together with its affiliates, "Whitebox" or "we"), a long-term shareholder of LG Corporation (KRX: 003550) ("LG" or the "Company"), today expressed its disappointment with the Company's refusal to commit to promptly releasing the voting results from its General Meeting of Shareholders scheduled to be held on March 26, 2021 (the "General Meeting") in response to a request made by Whitebox. As a reminder, Whitebox previously announced its intent to vote AGAINST the proposed spin-off of a newly created holding company comprised of LG's direct and indirect holdings in LG Hausys, LG MMA, Silicon Works, LG International and Pantos (the "Spin-Off") at the Company's General Meeting. Whitebox's opposition to the ill-conceived transaction and its various concerns related to the Company's lagging corporate governance have been validated by leading independent proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. ("ISS") and Glass, Lewis Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis"). Both ISS and Glass Lewis recommend that shareholders vote AGAINST the Spin-Off. Simon Waxley, Head of Equity at Whitebox, commented: "Given the potential for an extremely close vote on the Spin-Off at LG's General Meeting, we are deeply dismayed by the Board of Directors' unwillingness to commit to promptly disclosing voting results beyond whether a proposal passed or not. This type of intransigence is persisting despite Whitebox's thoughtful and well-reasoned request that the General Meeting's voting results be made public in a prompt manner in accordance with acceptable corporate governance practices. Yet again, it seems that there is a large gap between LG's public statements and its actions when it comes to corporate governance and its treatment of minority shareholders. We believe withholding information that is frequently provided by other international companies, such as Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., completely contradicts LG's recent claims of wanting to improve shareholder communication and enhance its environmental, social and governance efforts. We hope shareholders particularly large domestic institutions take LG's seeming resistance to transparency into account when making determinations regarding the Spin-Off and other questionable actions taken by the Company. To be clear, Whitebox wants to see LG transform into a stronger, well-governed conglomerate that delivers enduring value for all shareholders and stakeholders. We believe that in order for this to occur, LG must begin prioritizing better corporate governance, honest investor communication and the implementation of a credible, transparent capital management policy that can help bridge the Company's staggering trading price discount to net asset value. We hope the rejection of what we view as a self-serving and value-destructive Spin-Off is the first step in this direction." As a reminder, shareholders can visit www.ABetterLG.com for more information. About Whitebox Whitebox is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager that seeks to generate optimal risk-adjusted returns for a diversified base of public institutions, private entities and qualified individuals. Founded in 1999, Whitebox invests across asset classes, geographies, and markets through the funds, vehicles and institutional accounts we advise. The firm manages approximately $5.5 billion in assets and maintains offices in Minneapolis, Austin, New York, London and Sydney. Disclaimer This communication should not be construed as asking or soliciting shareholders of the Company to authorize Whitebox or any third party to exercise their voting rights on their behalf with respect to the proposals to be presented to shareholders of the Company at the 2021 General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting"). Whitebox is by no means soliciting or requesting other shareholders to grant or deliver their proxies to Whitebox for the Meeting. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005913/en/ Contacts: For Investors: Georgeson Cas Sydorowitz Nicholas Laugier, +44 (0) 207 019 7002 cas.sydorowitz@georgeson.com nicholas.laugier1@georgeson.com For Media: Profile Greg Marose Charlotte Kiaie Bela Kirpalani, 347-343-2999 whitebox@profileadvisors.com BELLEVUE, Wash., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Merna Elaggar is being recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Top Broker for her exemplary contributions in the real estate industry and her professional excellence at Merna Elaggar & Windermere Real Estate. Having led impressive careers in architecture and interior design, Mrs. Elaggar demonstrates an innate ability to help you truly make a house a home. She readily draws up designs to help buyers make their visions a reality and to help sellers attract the right audience of potential buyers. Additionally, she guides you through the market and will counsel you through the process of design, like paint colors or furniture arrangements, to help you maximize your new investment. Mrs. Elagger is truly passionate about helping clients achieve their goals and is determined to do so at Windermere Real Estate in Bellevue. She specializes in the Medina, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, and Maple Valley areas. In light of her academic achievements, Mrs. Elaggar received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design in 2010. She then became a Certified Negotiation Expert and a Luxury Marketing Specialist by the National Association of Realtors. As a testament to her professional excellence, Mrs. Elaggar's commitment to client satisfaction has led her to receive numerous industry awards and accolades. She was honored with the Rising Star Real Estate Agent Award by 5 Star Professional in 2018 and 2019. She was named 10 Best Real Estate Agents in Washington State in 2019 by the American Institute of Real Estate Professionals. She is also listed as Top 15 Bellevue Real Estate Broker on Social Media in 2017 and in Who's Who in America in 2019. Mrs. Elaggar was also named by Home Snap Top 15% of Production in the Nation. Born and raised in Egypt, Mrs. Elaggar speaks three languages. She enjoys traveling in her free time and is always on the lookout for the world's best roller coaster. Mrs. Elaggar dedicates this honorable recognition to her husband Mina Abouseif, of 14 years. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Sammamish. To learn more, please visit www.mernarealestate.com. Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com Demonstrators shout slogans while carrying a sign calling for a recall on California Gov. Gavin Newsom during a protest against a stay-at-home order amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Nov. 21, 2020. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo) Newsom Recall Shows States Can Do More to Protect Constitutional Rights: Cordie Williams It's a 'shot across the bow' at politicians who would restrict civic freedoms, Williams said Cordie Williams, dubbed the Megaphone Marine for his activism and military background, said the campaign to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom can serve as a template and inspire other states to push back against the actions of politicians who he said curtail constitutional freedoms. Williams, who founded 1776 Forever Free, an organization that advocates for constitutional rights, told NTDs Focus Talk program that the recall campaign has amassed more than 2.1 million signatures, more than enough to place an election on the ballot and potentially force Newsom from office. This is a shot across the bow that folks arent going to take tyranny anymore, Williams said, arguing that Newsom acted like an authoritarian in enforcing COVID-19 lockdown policies that Williams said were discriminatory and encroached on peoples constitutional rights. The moment the government starts to cross that line, thats when patriots and Americans, and Californians, needed to push back. California is one of 20 states that have provisions that allow voters to recall elected officials and repeal or pass laws by placing them on the ballot. While recall attempts are not uncommon in the state, they rarely win enough support to get on the ballot, and even fewer succeed. In 2003, unpopular Democratic Gov. Gray Davis was recalled and replaced with Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. But a year of whipsaw pandemic lockdowns, crushing job losses from business closures, shuttered schools, and the disruption of daily life has soured Californians. People have many grievancesfrom Californias wallet-sapping taxes to a raging homelessness crisis that continues unabated despite billions in spending. Newsom, given his role as governor, has become the target of that resentment. This has been further exacerbated by the fallout from a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal at the state unemployment agency, and Newsom weathering a public shaming for dining out with friends and lobbyists at an exclusive Napa, California, restaurant last fall while telling residents to stay home for safety. You look at Newsoms [administration], the only thing you can think is that its not only socialist, its not only communist, but its not leadership at all, Williams said. Recall organizers said theyve collected more than 2.1 million signatures and, as of March 22, officials had verified 1,188,073. County election officials have until April 29 to complete signature verification, with just under 1.5 million petition signatures required to authorize the election. As final confirmation of the signature count is pending, Newsom has kicked off his campaign to defeat the recall last week, acknowledging the election was all but inevitable. In an interview on ABCs The View on March 16, Newsom said hes worried about the recall and characterized the initiative as an attack on Californias progressive policies. If you look at the list of grievances from the proponents of this campaign, it goes to our values, its less about me, its more about California and our values, Democratic Party values, Newsom told the outlet, labeling organizers of the recall effort as political extremists, calling them folks that quite literally enthusiastically support QAnon conspiracies. While the recall is backed by state and national Republicans, organizers argue that they have a broad-based coalition, including many independents and Democrats. But framing the recall campaign as a partisan exercise may only work if Democrats dont place an alternative to Newsom on the ballot and so add to its credibility. Hell no, we dont want a Democrat on the replacement line. Weve seen this movie before, and we know how it turns out, said Garry South, a former adviser to Davis, in remarks to the Los Angeles Times. Davis was ousted by Schwarzenegger after Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante initially said he wouldnt run, but later changed his mind. Bustamante reneged and got into the race, South said. And it gave credibility to the recall. Voters will face two questions on the ballotwhether they want to recall Newsom and, if so, who should replace him. So far, three Republicans have thrown their hats in the ringformer San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, former Rep. Doug Ose, and businessman John Cox. Americans want their freedom, Williams said. Americans want choice, and I think youre starting to see that in the cities where governors are getting a little bit too tyrannical. People are starting to push back, Williams said, and thats the American way. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In an era of heightened partisan divide, it is heartening to see our Democratic president and our Republican governor in alignment on whether it is essential that children be tested this spring to measure the pandemics impact on students academic performance. The Biden administration recently announced that state education departments would have flexibility surrounding standardized testing this year but would not have the authority to cancel them altogether. This is consistent with the Baker administrations plan to administer a modified version of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests this spring. Both also agree that these tests should not be used to rate school or district performance. The logistics of administering a statewide test need to be determined, but the fact remains we need reliable data from a common, objective assessment to measure whether or not students are on track and on grade level. Without diagnostic data, how will parents, teachers, schools, and districts craft effective strategies to help students recover from the pandemics effects? Information from MCAS is also vital to understanding the extent to which pandemic-induced learning loss has disproportionately affected students by race, socio-economic status, and disability. Despite the urgency, longtime opponents to standardized testing are trying to exploit the chaos of the past year to halt the administration of the MCAS this spring. Once again, numerous bills have been filed on Beacon Hill that would establish a temporary moratorium on statewide standardized assessments, with the real intention of upending the states accountability system. Thankfully, President Biden has halted this misguided effort to leverage the pandemic to achieve aims that are harmful to children Annual standardized statewide assessments provide comparable, reliable data about student learning that ensures all students especially underserved students have access to a high-quality education consistent with the states academic standards. It is imperative that we measure how much wider the achievement gap has grown since March 2020. Data from MCAS are the only consistent and objective source of information we have about disparities in educational outcomes and form the factual basis for actions that lead to greater equity in resource allocation to schools. Without this data, Massachusetts could easily return to the days where historically underserved students were pushed aside and forgotten. Before learning standards and MCAS were established as part of the 1993 Education Reform Act, every district set its own expectations, with some setting them high and others setting them too low. This led to gross inequities in opportunity and wide gaps in student achievement. Low-income students and students of color in particular were graduating high school unprepared for college or to enter the workforce. To remedy this inequality, the state sets academic standards that students are expected to meet, and MCAS is used as a common measure of academic achievement. This ensures that the same bar for learning is set for every student, in every school across the state. Initial studies have already shown that long-standing opportunity gaps for students of color, students from low-income families, English learners, students with disabilities, and other historically underserved students have been widened by the pandemic. Statewide MCAS data from 2019 show that Black and Latino students were already far behind their white peers before the pandemic. For example, the assessment shows only 33% of Black-Latino children in Grades 3 through 8 were performing at grade level in English compared to 59% among white kids and only 29% in math, compared to 56% among white kids. Among 10th graders, only 38% were performing at grade level in English compared to 69% of white kids and 34% in Math compared to 67% of white kids. This achievement gap in Springfield was even wider: 28% of Black-Latino children in Grades 3 through 8 performed at grade level in English and only 23% in Math. Only 28% of Black and Latino students in Grade 10 were performing at grade level in English and just 21% in math. A pandemic is the wrong time to discard these crucial assessments. In fact, the pandemic makes them more important than ever. Information from the MCAS will not only be critical to parents as they work to support their childrens academic recovery, but it will also play an important role in advancing educational equity in the upcoming school year. Henry M. Thomas III is the president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield and was a longtime member and chairman of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees. Related content: [March 24, 2021] Volery Capital Welcomes Two New Senior Advisors Volery Capital, a private equity firm focused on growth investments ??in ??the financial services industry that benefit people and the planet, today announced the addition of two new Senior Advisors, Michael Arougheti, Co-Founder, Director, Chief Executive Officer and President of Ares Management Corporation, and Renee Beaumont, a leading impact investing advisor and former Partner at Generation Investment Management. They join Robert Rosen, the Founder and former CEO of National Financial Planners, a Board member of Ares Capital Corporation and Founder or CEO of four other companies in the financial services sector, as Senior Advisors to Volery. "The experts on our Advisory Board are a critical part of the fabric of our firm and an important sounding board for strategic issues, from corporate strategy to impact considerations, product development and market insights," said Volery Capital Managing Partner Emanuel Citron. "Financial services infrastructure has to take hold in impact investing in order to scale solutions to challenges like climate change and economic inequality. Our avisors will assist Volery in bridging the gap between institutional capital and impact investing to help drive innovations and solutions to these significant systemic problems." Michael Arougheti, Ares Management Corporation Mike Arougheti is Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer and President, as well as a Director of Ares Management Corporation. He additionally serves as Co-Chairman of Ares Capital Corporation (ARCC) and as a director of Ares Commercial Real Estate. Previously, Mr. Arougheti served as Chief Executive Officer of ARCC from May 2013 to July 2014 and President of the company from May 2004 to May 2013. Prior to joining Ares in 2004, Mr. Arougheti was Managing Partner of the Principal Finance Group of RBC Capital Partners and served as a Principal at Indosuez Capital. He serves on the Board of Directors of Operation HOPE, and is a member of the PATH Organization Leadership Council. Mr. Arougheti received a B.A. in Ethics, Politics and Economics, cum laude, from Yale University. Renee Beaumont, Impact Investing Advisor and Investor Renee Beaumont is an impact investing advisor, investor and a former Partner at Generation Investment Management, a firm that focuses on sustainable capitalism. Prior to joining Generation in 2015, Ms. Beaumont served as Managing Director and Global Head of Business Development at Providence Equity Partners (News - Alert) LLC. Ms. Beaumont joined Providence from Goldman, Sachs & Co. where she was a Managing Director in the Merchant Banking Division. She is a Senior Advisor to Blue Haven Initiative, Firework Ventures and to ReGen Ventures. She also sits on the advisory boards of NYU Stern's Business and Human Rights center and BrainTrust. "We are thrilled to have Mike and Renee join Rob as advisors to Volery," said Citron. "We will continue to broaden our Advisory Board to include members with different professional backgrounds, perspectives and expertise - a group that is representative of our evolving industry and that can help to guide Volery's strategic trajectory." About Volery Capital Partners Volery Capital is an impact private equity firm focused on financial services. The firm makes growth-oriented investments in leading asset managers and other financial services businesses that generate measurable positive impact alongside market-rate financial returns. Volery is a value-added partner to its portfolio companies, including providing strategic support across capital raising, corporate development, and impact measurement and management. For more information, visit www.volerycapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005314/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Great Migration spanned the 1910s to the 1970s and ultimately drew more than 500,000 Black Americans to Chicago. But after World War II, Bronzeville began an era of decline that has been attributed to myriad factors, such as residents moving away following a landmark 1948 U.S. Supreme Court case that struck down restrictive covenants or the Chicago Housing Authority constructing and then demolishing public housing high-rise towers in the neighborhood. Others have said the Dan Ryan Expressway, which opened in 1962, cut Bronzeville off from the rest of the city, or that the neighborhood suffered insufficient public transportation and other government neglect. If the United States were to hold a national referendum tomorrow, a number of gun control measures would probably pass: universal background checks and bans on high-capacity magazines and even on assault-style weapons all of these proposals have the support of at least 50 percent of the electorate. So why dont we have stricter gun control? According to The Washington Posts Robert Gebelhoff, Americans simply dont care about it enough. Rarely do Americans who support gun control make it their top priority and this is especially true of people without strong party affiliation, he writes. By contrast, Americans who oppose gun control are intensely focused; so much so that for some of them, its a core part of their political identity. In a primary-driven electoral system such as ours, the latter group wins out every time. [Read More: How Democrats Got Gun Control Polling Wrong] The tyranny of the minority There are other reasons policy doesnt follow public opinion, and some of them are inherent in the very structure of American government. The Senate, for example, by giving equal representation to every state, militates against majority rule. As Harry L. Wilson writes in The Conversation, California and New York, the first and fourth largest states and ones that favor stricter gun laws, comprise about 18 percent of the population of the United States but only 4 percent of the senators. Already a counter-majoritarian institution, the Senate was made even more so by the rise of the modern filibuster in the 20th century, which allows a minority to block majority-supported legislation. That means most substantive legislation must get 60 votes in the Senate to pass often an exceedingly difficult threshold to reach. Drew Hill, of the 2300 block of South Kostner Avenue, is accused of taking a vehicle from a 36-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman on Dec. 5 in the 0-100 block of North Kilbourn Avenue, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood, police said. (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Wednesday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Experian PLC - London-based credit-checking firm - Appoints Jonathan Howell as independent non-executive director from May 1. Howell is currently chief financial officer of Sage Group PLC, where he helped to transform the software business into a cloud, data and artificial intelligence business. "Jonathan is a highly regarded FTSE 100 CFO, and brings a wealth of financial, strategic, technology and regulatory expertise, encompassing both business-to-business and business-to-consumer, which will be of huge benefit to Experian. He has considerable executive and non-executive UK-listed boardroom experience, and this will further enhance the strength, depth and effectiveness of the board," says Experian Chair Mike Rogers. Marks & Spencer Group PLC - FTSE 250-listed grocer - Announces Non-Executive Director Pip McCrostie will retire from the board with immediate effect. McCrostie was appointed to the role back in 2018. "Pip has been an active, committed board member throughout her tenure at M&S. She has brought candour, insight and challenge to the board delivered with a human touch and is held in deep affection by board colleagues and the management team," says Chair Archie Norman. Clinigen Group PLC - Staffordshire-based pharmaceuticals and services provider - Appoints Sharon Curran as independent non-executive director from April 27. Curran is currently non-executive director for Circassia Group PLC. "She has worked for multinational companies in the US and Europe, both in active executive positions as well as senior advisory on ethics and compliance, portfolio strategy and global crisis management. She has gone on to develop a broad portfolio of non-executive director roles with a variety of European companies. She is a welcome addition to the Clinigen board," says Chair Peter Allen. N Brown Group PLC - Manchester-based online retailer - Says Lesley Jones will step down from the board on March 31 following her appointment as J Sainsbury PLC Bank chair back in December 2020. TClarke PLC - London-based building services company - Announces Senior Independent Director Mike Robson will step down from the role after the company's annual general meeting on May 5. He was appointed to the position in 2015. Applied Graphene Materials PLC - graphene materials maker with headquarters in Redcar, Cleveland - Announces Non-Executive Director Mike Townend will resign from the role as of Thursday. Townend was shareholder IP Group PLC's representative on the Applied Graphene Materials board, who will not replace him with a new representative. Frenkel Topping Group PLC - Manchester-based asset manager - Appoints Dominic Regan as director of training & insight. Regan will lead the company's training division, The KnowledgeHub, to deliver training and development to legal practitioners across the country. Frenkel says Regan's appointment follows a "surge" in interest in its KnowledgeHub courses in 2020, as companies looked to virtual training to continue their CPD hours during the UK lockdowns. Titon Holdings PLC - Colchester, Essex-based ventilation systems and window & door hardware supplier - Appoints Matthew Norris as chief executive officer to replace David Ruffell, who steps down on April 30. Executive Chair Keith Ritchie will assume CEO responsibilities on an interim basis until Norris joins on May 1, and officially starts in the role on July 12. Norris is currently operations director for Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home, a manufacturer of high-end lighting and home furnishings products based in Suffolk. "Following an extensive search and a thorough evaluation of candidates, we are confident that Mat has the skills and experience to lead Titon in the next stage of the group's development and to introduce innovation to drive growth in all of our businesses," says Executive Chair Keith Ritchie. Armadale Capital PLC - investment company focused on natural resource projects in Africa - Says Amne Suedi will resign from the board as of March 31 in order to focus on other business opportunities. Armadale says Suedi has offered to make herself available for consultation with the company over the next few months for an orderly transition. By Zoe Wickens; zoewickens@alliancenews.com Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 25) The United States was joined by Japan, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in expressing strong support to the Philippines' filing of diplomatic protest over the deployment of suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea. The U.S. State Department affirmed its commitment to stand with Manila after over 200 militia boats were spotted on March 7 at the Julian Felipe Reef, located within the country's Exclusive Economic Zone as provided in the historic 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling. As of Monday, 183 vessels suspected to be Chinese maritime militia remained station in Philippine waters despite formal protests. "We call on Beijing to stop using its maritime militia to intimidate and provoke others, which undermines peace and security," U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a tweet. The U.S. Embassy in Manila earlier backed the Philippines in its diplomatic protest, with its filing confirmed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin Jr. last Sunday. "The [People's Republic of China] uses maritime militia to intimidate, provoke, and threaten other nations, which undermines peace and security in the region," Embassy spokesperson Heather Fabrikant said in a statement. "We stand with the Philippines, our oldest treaty ally in Asia." Australia voiced out its concern on brewing tensions in the West Philippine Sea as those actions can provoke escalation on both sides. "Australia supports an Indo-Pacific region which is secure open and inclusive. The South China Sea a crucial international waterway is governed by international rules and norms, particularly UNCLOS," said Ambassador Steve Robinson, Australian envoy to the Philippines. Canada also slammed the latest action of China that threatens regional stability, according to a statement from Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Peter MacArthur. Canada opposes recent Chinese actions in the South China Sea, including off the coast of the Philippines, that escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the rules-based international order," the statement read. United Kingdom Foreign Minister Nigel Adams said he talked to Locsin on their shared concerns in the status quo at the West Philippine Sea. "The Philippines is an important partner for the UK and Indo-Pacific," Adams said in his tweet. Meanwhile, Japan emphasized the enforcement of the rule of law in the West Philippine Sea to have a "free, open, and peaceful" situation in the disputed waters. "The South China Sea issues are directly related to peace and stability and a concern for all," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said. The Chinese Embassy in Manila fired back on their Japanese counterparts, asserting it promotes peace and stability in the region by managing differences through bilateral talks with other countries. "Within our region tensions are rising because some external countries are bent on playing fusty geopolitical games," the Chinese Embassy said in it stweet. "It is a pity that some Asian country, which has disputes with China in the East China Sea and is driven by the selfish aim to check China's revitalization, willingly stoops to acting as a strategic vassal of the U.S." The Chinese Embassy also denied that the spotted boats are militia vessels, arguing those are merely fishing vessels which took shelter near the area due to rough sea conditions. It said the reef is part of China's Nansha Qundao, also known as Spratly Islands - a hotly contested archipelago in the South China Sea. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is deploying additional Navy ships to beef up the conduct of maritime sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea. The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative in December 2020 warned that China may have "increased the frequency" of its patrols in the South China Sea during the COVID-19 pandemic, including areas Manila claims as part of the West Philippine Sea. In the same report, the U.S. think tank flagged that Chinese forces conducted patrols at Scarborough Shoals, also known as Panatag, for a total of 287 days from Dec. 1, 2019. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command, on Wednesday, said it lost an officer in a boat mishap on Monday. The Public Relations Officer, Idaho Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos. He said the incident occurred at about 6:10 p.m. on March 22, while operatives of the command, Akere Surveillance/Monitoring team under Idiroko Outstation, were acting on credible information along Vawhe-Isalu creeks. Mr Sulaiman said the team, led by Inspector of Customs (IC) Ajayi A.S., had the mishap while trying to intercept a boat suspected to be carrying smuggled items. The accident resulted in the death of Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) Aliyu AA by drowning. The body of the deceased was found underneath the river with the assistance of villagers around the axis. The body was taken to General Hospital Badagry and later deposited at the mortuary, having been certified dead by the doctor on call. The corpse was transported by air on-board MAX air airline to Kano on March 23, on the request of the family of the deceased, he said. He said the deceased, who hailed from Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina, was born on July 10, 1987. According to him, Mr Aliyu joined the NCS on Oct. 17, 2013, as Customs Assistant II (CAII) and got promoted to the rank of AIC on Jan. 1, 2019. At these trying times, the Customs Area Controller, on behalf of the officers/men of the WMC, commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray for the repose of his soul and also for God to grant the deceased eternal rest, he said. (NAN) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. US infectious disease chief Dr Anthony Fauci has said it is in everyones interest, including Irelands, to ensure that poorer countries are not left behind when it comes to Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Fauci said: Its important not only because it is our responsibility, you know, as an interconnected world but it also is almost enlightened self-interest. "Because if you suppress the outbreak in Ireland and we suppressed it in the United States and there is a raging infection in lower- and middle-income countries, sooner or later a variant is going to come back to our country and obviate the vaccines we are using. So its to our advantage and to everyone elses advantage to make sure this is truly a global response. Dr Fauci made his remarks when he was presented with an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) yesterday. H e predicted the Covid-19 vaccines would provide light at the end of the pandemic tunnel for Ireland, but warned the current plateau in cases of the virus requires caution. In conversation with RCPI president Professor Mary Horgan, he said: Although we need to continue to be cautious because this virus has surprised us continually with various surges over the last year to 14 months... there is light at the end of the tunnel, particularly now that we have vaccines that have been proven to be highly efficacious and safe. To me this is going to be, as we call it, a real game-changer in what weve done. "Were starting to see in countries that have just even begun to implement the distribution and implementation of vaccine programmes that there is clearly a diminution in hospitalisations and deaths. However, Dr Fauci said caution is needed. As weve seen in the United States, the curve very sharply goes down, but for the last couple of weeks it has kind of plateaued a bit. Read More "I dont think that that should cause us to despair, but that it should cause us to be cautious that as we continue to vaccinate more and more people, which will ultimately give us control of the outbreak, weve got to remember we cant just completely turn off all public health measures. The only time we can do that is when we have the virus very much under control at a very, very low case positivity. An Honorary Fellowship is the colleges highest award and is reserved for world leaders in medical science and those who have made an exceptional contribution to society. Following Dr Faucis appointment as director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in 1984, he spearheaded the battle against the HIV/Aids pandemic through research and advocacy. He also led the research response to infections such as tuberculosis, malaria, Zika and Ebola and has latterly been a prominent member of the White House coronavirus taskforce. He has advised seven US presidents including Donald Trump and is now chief medical adviser to Joe Biden. During yesterdays interview, he revealed how he has never seen a virus that kills so many people that has so many people without symptoms at all. I mean, usually a devastating infection that can kill half a million people in one country makes most people at least a little bit sick. The pandemic has caused some destruction that is now irreversible, he added referring to the impact it has had on other untreated illnesses, lost schooling, mental health, child abuse and the economy. He first heard about the virus, described as something very strange on New Years Eve 2019. We went from thinking we had something that would not be explosive to something that was devastatingly explosive. Ms Horgan, a specialist in infectious diseases, said it was a huge privilege to welcome Dr Fauci to the RCPI. Dr Fauci has long been a highly inspirational figure for medical professionals and scientists around the world, and for me personally, both during my time in the US, and here in Ireland. Having trained and worked in the US as an infectious disease specialist myself from 1990-1997, I witnessed Dr Faucis outstanding work in overseeing the development of a research portfolio that transformed another pandemic, the HIV/Aids pandemic, from an inevitably fatal infection to one where infected individuals can, with appropriate treatment, have a normal life expectancy, she added. She paid tribute to his strong, calm leadership and evidence-based approach to the pandemic. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 00:35:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- "The people of China believe in the leadership of the CPC, and the belief of the people then encourages the party to do more," which is one reason why the CPC can always maintain its vitality, Nyazee said. -- In Nyazee's eyes, the CPC considers not only China's own development, but common development with other countries. by Li Hao, Misbah Saba Malik ISLAMABAD, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Only those selfless ones would dedicate themselves to improving people's living standards, and every country across the world needs a leader of the kind, a Pakistani politician has said. Quoting remarks from Chinese President Xi Jinping that "For the good of my people, I will put aside my own well-being," Saifullah Khan Nyazee, chief organizer of Pakistan's ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), said Friday that "I think what he means is that he will work for the well-being of his people selflessly, where he himself doesn't matter." "Dedicating his life to the people to bring up their well-being, that can only be done by a selfless man. He's a selfless man who has worked for his nation. We need such leaders all across the world," Nyazee said, noting that Xi has always put the people front and center. Nyazee joined the Pakistani party shortly after it was founded in 1996. In March 2019, he was appointed as the party's chief organizer, taking over responsibilities including building up party organizations, formulating its policies, and improving the party constitution. It is, to a large extent, the ruling party of a country that "can either pull the country together and walk towards prosperity, or drag the country in a terrifying condition," he told Xinhua. Nyazee said the Communist Party of China (CPC), with its "historic 100 years of excellence," has been following a strict code of conduct, taking root among the people to get a better understanding of their need, and sticking to its fundamental principle of wholeheartedly serving the people. "Seeing all these things, the people of China believe in the leadership of the CPC, and the belief of the people then encourages the party to do more," which is one reason why the CPC can always maintain its vitality, he said. The final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents in China living under the current poverty line have been lifted out of poverty. In Nyazee's eyes, this remarkable achievement the CPC has led the Chinese people to achieve is admirable, and the determination shown by the CPC to keep its promise is even more praiseworthy. Saifullah Khan Nyazee, chief organizer of Pakistan's ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), speaks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) He said all countries in the world, rich or poor, got severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and Western developed countries also suffered a huge setback in development. Though China, home to a population of more than 1.4 billion, was under great pressure to contain the epidemic and save lives, Nyazee said, "China performed exemplary and created a benchmark for everyone and countries across the globe by helping not only its own citizens but also humanity across the globe." Facing the challenges posed by COVID-19, the CPC still led China to a complete victory in the fight against poverty, he said, adding, "We also witnessed that this pandemic, being so harsh and cruel, could not stop China's poverty eradication promise made by the Chinese leadership to its people." He said he had had lots of exchanges with CPC officials and Chinese government officials, among whom many have visited Pakistan. "The stories that they told us of how they brought about the changes in China are remarkable," he added. "We all need to learn from those. But it's not the same as going and visiting China and seeing things for yourself. And I look forward to visiting China actually." Nyazee expressed the belief that the CPC considers not only China's own development, but common development with other countries. In working to fight a pandemic like COVID-19 and other adversities, the idea of "building a community with a shared future for mankind" can bring unity among various countries, with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative as a form of concrete implementation of the idea, he said. The initiative has been enhancing interconnectivity between different parts of the world, he said. Nyazee said his party and the CPC enjoys a time-tested relationship featuring mutual trust and companionship, and the two parties have always shared ideas and promoted platforms that can contribute to the well-being of the two peoples and countries. Both parties are the ruling ones of their countries, and the PTI has a lot to learn from the CPC's experience in governance, he said. "Our chairman Imran Khan has mentioned it categorically on several occasions, more than a dozen occasions, that whenever it comes to the poverty alleviation, human development, and other institutional reforms which he wishes to bring in Pakistan, he always mentions that the Chinese model should be followed," he added. Nyazee said the PTI is conducting a systematic study of the CPC's mechanism and has decided to learn from the CPC to enhance the training of cadres at all levels to improve party building, adding that the PTI is building its first-ever party school. Pakistan and China are "iron brothers," Nyazee said, and the Pakistani government has really been focusing on promoting the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as it is beneficial not only to the future of Pakistan, but to Pakistan-China relations. "We should work together for the prosperity and development of our people and explore more and more opportunities further to strengthen the bilateral relations of our two countries," he concluded. (Video reporters: Jiang Chao, Li Hao, Tariq Hameed, Ali Jaswal; video editors: Luo Hui, Wang Yulu, Shi Peng, Mi Ligong) Acting Foreign Minister Hon. Henry B. Fahnbulleh has commended the Government and people of the Republic of India for the bilateral and humanitarian assistance India continues to render the Government and people of Liberia. Minister Fahnbulleh spoke on Monday, March 22, 2021 when the Indian Ambassador accredited to Liberia, H.E. Y.K. Sailas Thangal, with residence in Cote d'Ivoire paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Receiving the Indian Ambassador, the Acting Minister expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to the people of India for the excellent cooperation with Liberia, and applauded the Indian government for its support toward the country's development drive. He added that with the opening of diplomatic mission near Monrovia, with a resident ambassador in the country, India and Liberia will now deepen their cooperation in other productive areas of engagement. The acting Foreign Minister assured the Indian Envoy of the Foreign Ministry's unflinching support that will facilitate and enhance the reopening of Indian embassy in Monrovia, adding that he look forward to the coming of the new ambassador to help accelerate the new level of engagement. "With your level of engagement with our development agenda, we are very pleased with our relations with India", Acting Minister Fahnbulleh noted. Minister Fahnbulleh particularly hailed India for its support toward the country's fight against COVID-19 pandemic stating "we know you been very supportive in the area against COVID-19". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Asia, Australia, and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He also commended the former Honorary Consul General of India to Liberia, Mr. Upjit S. Sachdeva (Jetty) for the pivotal role he played in cementing the cooperation between Liberia and India which led to various development assistance by India to Liberia. He said Mr. Upjit S. Sachdeva, (Jetty) has been in Liberia working to ensure that the two countries interests are protected. "We are grateful to him and want to say on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that our new level of partnership with the new embassy will be strengthened", Acting Minister Fahnbulleh said. Earlier, the Indian Ambassador H.E. Y.K. Sailas Thangal thanked Acting Minister Fahnbulleh and the government of Liberia for the warm reception accorded him and hailed the excellent relations and cooperation subsisting between Liberia and his Country. He added that the request by Liberia to open embassy in Monrovia has been granted and his country is prepared for an ambassador to be resident near Monrovia. He expressed confidence that when his country's new resident ambassador arrives in Liberia, the relations between Liberian and India will be cordial and mutually rewarding. "I am very happy for the Liberia-India relations because, the resident ambassador is going to be only after Liberia and Indian relations; I am very sure that the ambassador will be able to fully cultivate our engagements in time", H.E. Y.K. Sailas Thangal intoned. The Indian envoy was accompanied by Mr. Upjit S. Sachdeva (Jetty), the former Honorary Consul General of India to Liberia. The meeting took place in the Minister's conference room on the four floor of the Foreign Ministry on Capitol Hill. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. A former nurse in Idaho who admitted to helping a Colorado rancher cover up the killing of his fiancee Kelsey Berreth was released on parole after receiving a reduced sentence. Krystal Jean Kenney, 34, was released Tuesday from Denver Womens Correctional Facility after being resentenced to 18 months in prison for evidence tampering in the 2018 death of Berreth, The Gazette reported. Teller County District Judge Scott Sells said during the resentencing that Frazee solicited her three times to try to kill Berreth, and that she had opportunities to warn Berreth. Kenney was originally sentenced to three years in prison, but the Colorado Court of Appeals overturned that sentence last month, ruling Sells erred by sentencing Kenney in the aggravated range and not the lower presumptive range. Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Annie Skinner said on Tuesday that Kenney was past her mandatory release date based on the new sentence and was released. Kenney was the main witness to testify against Teller County rancher Patrick Frazee, with whom she had a yearslong, on-and-off relationship and who was convicted of first-degree murder in Berreths death. Berreth was last seen in 2018. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Frazee was sentenced to life without parole plus 156 years. He is serving his sentence at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility. Kenney declined to make a statement during her hearing. Her attorney, Dru Nielson, previously said the new penalty would leave Kenney eligible for automatic parole, given credit for time served and good behavior. It is unclear where Kenney will be under supervised release. Nielson did not respond to requests seeking comment. Prosecutor Jennifer Viehman told the court on Tuesday that while she believed that Sells made the appropriate ruling in imposing his original sentence, she acknowledged that he would be forced to reduce her penalty. Berreths relatives did not speak at the hearing. The Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard police blotter of arrests from police agencies around Central New York has been updated today. Most of the new arrests are from the last couple weeks. The police blotter is searchable by name, charge, date and agency. You can search current dates or find arrests made in the past. Our database contains arrests from the current year and two years back. Among the 128 new arrests are: 15 people facing drug-related charges 1 person charged with making graffiti 5 people charged with grand larceny 1 person charged with gaming fraud Correction: The police blotter recently contained an error. Shane Myers of Fulton was not arrested or charged by State Police. You can search the blotter here: Information in the police blotter is provided by the arresting agencies. Arrests are also published in the Neighbors pages of The Post-Standard and is available in the ePost-Standard. Contact Brenda Duncan anytime: 315-470-2265 | Email | Twitter Vaccinating health care workers resulted in an immediate and notable reduction of positive COVID-19 cases among employees, reducing the number of required isolations and quarantines by more than 90 percent, according to data at UT Southwestern Medical Center published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Health care workers were among the first groups to be eligible for vaccination. Real-world experience with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at UT Southwestern demonstrated a marked reduction in the incidence of infections among our employees, preserving the workforce when it was most needed." Daniel K Podolsky, M.D, Study Senior Author and President of UT Southwestern Medical Center During the first 31 days of vaccinations becoming available, UT Southwestern provided a first dose to 59 percent of roughly 23,000 employees, while 30 percent were able to be fully vaccinated in that time frame. Among the findings: 1.5 percent became infected. Infection rates were highest - 2.6 percent - among nonvaccinated employees. Infection rates were lowest - .05 percent - among those fully vaccinated. "Our ability to quickly vaccinate a majority of our workforce in the midst of what became the largest surge to date in the region made a critical difference in ensuring we were able to continue providing top-flight care while health systems were strained," says John Warner, M.D., executive vice president for health system affairs at UT Southwestern. Researchers also saw advantages among partially vaccinated individuals, and from Jan. 9, the actual number of positive tests among all UT Southwestern employees was consistently lower than the number projected. The data also show continued need to address vaccine hesitancy, with UT Southwestern now approaching 70 percent immunization among its workforce. "In light of this real-world experience clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of immunization, further understanding of the reticence of some individuals to take advantage of vaccination bears even greater importance," says first author William Daniel, M.D., vice president and chief quality officer at UT Southwestern. UT Southwestern has provided educational outreach to community groups and businesses, developed extensive online resources including Q&As and blogs, and is preparing to launch a multilingual public service announcement campaign to help educate diverse communities about vaccination and address issues of hesitancy. "It is important to reach out across multiple platforms to effectively address people's questions so that we can continue to make progress on vaccine hesitancy," says Marc Nivet, Ed.D., executive vice president for institutional advancement at UT Southwestern. [March 24, 2021] Avast Appoints Trudy Cooke as General Counsel and Company Secretary PRAGUE, Czech Republic and LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Avast (LSE: AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy, today announced the appointment of Trudy Cooke to the role of General Counsel and Company Secretary, following approval by the Board. Trudy will be the principal source of legal advice to the Board and Management for the company. Trudy has extensive experience spanning over two decades, first as a corporate lawyer and then as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer for several London-based companies in the telecommunications and financial services industries. Trudy brings extensive international legal, strategic leadership and M&A experience. She joins Avast from her role as Group General Counsel at Inmarsat, formerly a public company, listed on the London Stock Exchange. Trudy was a central member of the Executive Team, who helped take the company private in 2019, working with a group of international private equity owned investors. At Inmarsat, Trudy looked after the Legal, Strategy, Government Affairs and Regulatory teams. Prior to Inmarsat, Trudy was a director of Terra Firma's London Board and its Chief Operating Officer. She joined Terra Firma in 2004 as part of the Legal, Tax and Structuring team, before going on to serve as its General Counsel and then Chief Operating Officer. Before Terra Firma, Trudy worked in the Private Equity team at Lovells (now Hogan Lovells). Ondrej Vlcek, CEO, Avast, said of the appointment, "We are delighted to have Trudy join the Avast team. She is an important addition to our leadership team and her knowledge and experience will be of vital importance to our company's goals. She will play a pivotal role in helping us deliver safer online experiences to enable digital citizens around the world to be free to enjoy a private and protected online life." Trudy Cooke said, "I'm excited to join Avast at a pivotal point in the company's growth. This is an exciting time for the company as it continues its growth as a leading global tech company. Avast has a passionate team and I'm looking forward to working with them on unlocking this potential." About Avast: Avast (LSE: AVST), a FTSE 100 company, is a global leader in digital security and privacy products. With over 435 million users online, Avast offers products under the Avast and AVG brands that protect people from threats on the internet and the evolving IoT threat landscape. The company's threat detection network is among the most advanced in the world, using machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to detect and stop threats in real time. Avast digital security products for Mobile, PC or Mac are top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Visit: www.avast.com. Keep in touch with Avast: Follow us on Twitter: @Avast_antivirus For security and privacy insights, visit the Avast blog: https://blog.avast.com/ Join our LinkedIn community: https://www.linkedin.com/avast Visit our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/avast Media contact pr@avast.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/avast-appoints-trudy-cooke-as-general-counsel-and-company-secretary-301254332.html SOURCE Avast [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In the early hours of March 15, when the Academy Award nominations were about to be announced, Aaron Sorkin, who wrote and directed the raucous legal drama The Trial of the Chicago 7, was leaving nothing to chance. Instead, he engaged in a ritual that began back when he learned he was up for an adapted screenplay Oscar for The Social Network, which he ultimately won. He put on the same watch and tucked into his pockets the items that had been there on that long-ago nominations morning in 2011, including a chain with a locket that was given to him the first time he was nominated for an Emmy in 1999 for Sports Night. A woman accused of torturing a slave to the point of collapse has delayed her Supreme Court of Victoria trial amid claims she is sick. The woman, who cannot be named due to a court imposed gag order, is accused alongside her husband of holding an elderly woman captive as a slave for eight years. On Wednesday, jurors watched on as the accused slaver grabbed at her right ear and appeared unsteady from her position in the makeshift prison dock in Melbourne. The husband and wife, whose home she was found at, are accused of intentionally possessing the woman as a slave between July 2007 and July 2015 The trial, which has been going for more than a month, had been expected to draw to its conclusion early next week. Justice John Champion told the jurors they had been concerned both the woman and her partner had contracted COVID-19 after reporting symptoms of the deadly virus. Both were tested last weekend and had come-up negative, the jury was informed. 'However it was evident earlier in the week that she appeared to be unwell and there was coughing and so on going on. But it's reached a point today where it appears to me that she is unwell,' Justice Champion said. The woman was expected to see a doctor this afternoon in the hope the trial could recommence as early as Thursday morning. The couple has been accused of committing 'crimes against humanity' by keeping the woman captive and working her near to death. The jury has heard allegations their slave had 'hot curries' poured over her head as punishment. The elderly woman was found by paramedics in 2015 in a pool of her own urine and weighing just 40kg. A woman accused of being a slave driver would slash her servant with a knife if she was not satisfied with her work, a jury has heard A man accused of being a slaver enters the Supreme Court of Victoria. He has been accused of sitting back and allowing his wife to torment their elderly slave Speaking to a federal agent, the alleged victim outlined the allegations in six recorded interviews. 'Shell be drinking hot coffee and then she will just, you know, pour it on my face ... and then she will be grab the gravy and pour it on my head,' the woman said. 'She will say 'curries not nice' and then she will just throw it on me.' As the trial continues, more shocking allegations about the woman's years of torment have been put on display for the jury. 'Whatever I have told you about, three quarter of it I didnt tell you. So I have just hidden all that and told you only a few things,' she warned the agent. The jury heard the woman, speaking through a Tamil interpreter, explain how she was routinely 'tortured' by her female captor while her husband and children watched on. The jury has heard accusations the female slaver would cut her alleged slave with a knife when she was displeased with her work. 'Yes, here, like, she will be there when Im doing the work, and then if she has a knife she will just cut here, the blood will pour down. If she has got a stick, she will beat me,' the woman said. The woman twice came to Melbourne from her home in Tamil Nadu, in southern India, to care for the couple's three children (pictured), then disappeared for eight years, the court heard 'She would charge at me, hit me with hands, even my earrings would break, used to hit me like that, with the plate she would [hit/bang] on head repeatedly, take knife and cut (indistinct) then will pick up a stick and beat on the arms and legs, I can't bear it, blood will pour down ... I can't catch a bus and go away or just [walk/run] away, brought me here, committing all this (injustice), torture.' In another act of alleged cruelty, the woman, who was aged in her 60s and spoke no English, claimed she was forced to go out grocery shopping in the early hours of the morning by her female captor. 'Fifty dollars she gave me, and she said to go and buy the yoghurt. But how would I go there? I dont know, I dont know how to talk to anyone, and she said to go and get it,' the woman said. Cold and frightened, the woman claimed she was made to sit outside alone in the dark for hours outside the couple's Glen Waverley home before she was savagely beaten. 'She pulled me in again, and then she put me in the computer room, and then she started stamping on me and she was kicking me,' she said. Not even the woman's husband, himself an accused slaver, could stop the beatings, the jury heard. The female slaver has been accused of throwing things when unhappy with her alleged slave An alleged slaver leaves court in 2017. She faces years behind bars if convicted of the 'crime against humanity' The husband and wife have pleaded not guilty to intentionally keeping the woman as a slave between July 2007 and July 2015. The woman was discovered after she collapsed inside the couple's home and they called her an ambulance. Traumatised and with serious medical conditions, she spent more than two months in hospital recovering - and for much of that time nobody knew her real identity. The female accused's barrister, Dr Gideon Boas, had earlier told the jury his client was innocent of the alleged crime. He claimed the only crime his client had committed was harbouring the woman after her one-month travel visa had expired. 'There is very much another side to the story,' Dr Boas said. [March 23, 2021] Cosmoprof Presents WeCosmoprof International HONG KONG, March 23, 2021 //PRNewswire/ -- WeCosmoprof International, the new digital event under the Cosmoprof brand designed to enrich the virtual event space, with its first edition will take place from 7 to 18 June 2021. An eco-system without borders using cutting-edge technology, WeCosmoprof International brings together the entire cosmetic industry in complete safety. Encompassing the entire community of the Cosmoprof family's international network thanks to the synergy between its platforms, WeCosmoprof International incorporates Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, Cosmoprof Asia, Cosmoprof North America, Cosmoprof India and Cosmoprof CBE Asean. Stakeholders from all continents will participate, starting with Asia, the market that first returned to a growth economy after the pause in activity due to the pandemic, and moving on to Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. "International presence and inclusivity in all major world markets are the main features that make the Cosmoprof network a unique and essential business partner for the global cosmetics industry. Today, with the launch of the first edition of WeCosmoprof International, these elements become the fundamental characteristics of our first-ever digital event aimed at a growing pool of global operators," declares the President of BolognaFiere, Gianpiero Calzolari. "This synergy comes from the increasingly close collaboration with Informa Markets group, our international partner, and the institutions ITA - Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Cosmetica Italia Personal Care Association. While waiting to return to events with in-person attendance, the best way for us to support the cosmetics sector in such uncertain times is by continuing to work together." "Thanks to the synergy with our partners, WeCosmoprof International will involve companies and operators in all the main markets, multiplying business opportunities through new channels specific for each geographical area," underlines Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof. "The promotion and its initiatives will involve the entire user database of our Cosmoprof-branded events, making the most of the potential of our global platform." WeCosmoprof International will bring together the whole cosmetics industry by nurturing the networking opportunities between players worldwide, thanks to the innovative digital tools of Cosmoprof My Match. The significantly upgraded matching software seamlessly connects customers, and includes enhanced accessibility for industry players in China, which will facilitate relationships between stakeholders in Asian markets. Virtal meetings through live chats and other interactive systems will be joined by new functions that monitor progress with the analysis of visitor data and chat results. In addition, the download of potential business contacts will facilitate business relationships even after the event, offering new networking opportunities to companies and operators. The event will feature specific content thanks to Cosmotalks - The Virtual Series, with insights into new trends and the evolution of crucial markets for the industry, and Cosmo Virtual Stage, with contributions dedicated to the professional channel. "In these times of disconnection, we continue to focus on collaboration within the global beauty community. To make the most of WeCosmoprof International's global reach and networking synergy we have upgraded optimisation for the Chinese market, offer innovative virtual support, state-of-the-art digital tools and enhanced business opportunities to our community around the world. While we are already planning a second edition, we look forward to welcoming you all to WeCosmoprof International, and witnessing new and exceptional growth across the industry," says David Bondi, Senior Vice President Asia of Informa Markets and Director of Cosmoprof Asia Ltd. WeCosmoprof International is organised by Cosmoprof Asia Ltd, a joint venture between BolognaFiere and Informa Markets. During 2020, the digital events of the Cosmoprof network registered the participation of over 50,000 operators from 120 countries, and more than 10,000 users followed the webinars and video contributions. For further information, please go to www.wecosmoprof.com ABOUT THE ORGANISERS: Cosmoprof Asia is organised by Cosmoprof Asia Ltd, a joint-venture company between BolognaFiere Group and Informa Markets Asia Ltd. ABOUT BOLOGNAFIERE GROUP (www.bolognafiere.it) BolognaFiere Group is the world's leading trade show organiser in cosmetics, fashion, architecture, building, art and culture. The Group has more than 80 international exhibitions within its portfolio, notably Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the most important meeting point in the world for beauty professionals, established in 1967 and held in Bologna, Italy. For the 2019 edition, Cosmoprof registered more than 265.000 attendees from 150 countries in the world, with an increase by 10% of foreign professionals, and 3,033 exhibitors from 70 countries. The Cosmoprof platform extends throughout the entire world, with its events in Bologna, Las Vegas, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, China (with Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, Cosmoprof North America, Cosmoprof India, and Cosmoprof Asia). Recently the fifth exhibition of the network has been announced: Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN, in Thailand, will focus on the cosmetic industry in South-East Asia. In 2020, South China Beauty Expo, a new show in Shenzhen, China was held in July. The Cosmoprof platform will reinforce its influence in Europe with the Beauty Forum format, thanks to the acquisition of the German group Health and Beauty, in South America, thanks to the collaboration with Beauty Fair -Feira Internacional De Beleza Profissional, and in Asia. ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS (www.informamarkets.com) Informa Markets Beauty has an extensive network powered by B2B events across 11 cities in Asia (Bangkok, Chengdu, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo), the world's fastest growing markets. By further expanding its strength, the Beauty Portfolio now includes a new B2B event in Miami 2022 will serve THE AMERICAS, North, South America and Caribbean Islands Region. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cosmoprof-presents-wecosmoprof-international-301254496.html SOURCE Cosmoprof Asia [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Adam Borowski Hate is a virus spreading around the world. The growing anti-Asian racism is the latest example of how fast the virus of hate infects the minds of millions. The three 'I's strategy invest, interact, intervene is the only way to radically reduce racist attitudes. We need to invest in education and intervene when we witness hate-motivated incidents. Most importantly, we must learn to interact with one another. The interaction needs to be honest, even when it's painful at times. As part of the "honest interaction'' strategy, I'd like to offer a different perspective on racial issues by describing how working in China made me realize I have white privilege. It's no secret that many millions of people around the world are obsessed with light skin. If you have fair skin, you're rich enough not to work. A century or so ago, the West was going through its own phase of obsessing over fair skin. At first I thought the "white is beautiful'' mentality was a result of European colonization, but it seems the obsession with fair skin goes back to ancient times. When I landed in Beijing, I quickly started feeling like an outsider, a minority. It was a humbling experience. Except, my white skin was also a source of privilege. I couldn't change the local culture; all I could do was embrace my status as a ''light-skinned foreigner'' and use that status to help others who weren't as privileged as me. How was I benefiting from white privilege? I didn't get an entry card to an apartment complex where I lived but security guards let me in anyway. I doubt the same would've happened had my skin been darker. The locals, in general, were polite and eager to help. When two police officers stopped me on the street, all sorts of unpleasant scenarios flashed through my mind. Luckily, they just wrote down my name. When I spoke with some of the locals, they often assumed English was the official language of Poland. Then again, the majority of locals associated whiteness with Americanness or Britishness. Clearly, a remnant of Anglo-American colonialism. My Chinese manager said that whites are a "smart, philosophical and egotistical race.'' In a bizarre metaphysical twist, she even talked about souls having racial preferences. It was a profoundly perplexing statement to hear in an atheist country. It was also disturbing to hear her nonchalantly label dark-skinned people as unattractive and unintelligent. I don't believe she was intentionally trying to be racist the warped worldview was perfectly logical to her. I challenged her vile views, sadly, to no avail. A Black man I worked with summed up the local mindset by saying, "In China, white is right. My professional competencies get belittled, my voice gets ignored. White is international.'' I was saddened to hear that he had been called ''coal-black'' by strangers on a bus. I also spoke with white South Africans about their experiences and they felt much safer in China than in their own country. My time spent in China made me more sensitive to racial issues. I believe we all would benefit from experiencing what it feels like to be a minority. Racism isn't a sign of strength; rather, it's a sign of a deep-rooted inferiority complex masquerading as strength. Adam Borowski (adam.borowski1985@gmail.com) is a technical Polish-English translator, a newly minted K-drama fan and international relations enthusiast. By Tim Kelly and Joyce Lee TOKYO/SEOUL (Reuters) - Japan has called on equipment makers to help one of its biggest chipmakers restore production, the latest government move aimed at easing a semiconductor shortage that has hit production at car companies and is now pressuring makers of electronic devices. A chip plant owned by Renesas Electronics Corp was hit by fire last week and replacing damaged machines could take several months. The company accounts for 30% of the global market for microcontroller units used in cars. Underscoring the severity of the crisis, Hyundai Motor Co, until recently one of the automakers least affected due to prudent stockpiling, is facing curbs to production from April, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing a person with direct knowledge of the situation. Renesas is one of the South Korean automaker's chip suppliers. A Hyundai representative said the company is closely monitoring the situation and will optimise production in line with supply conditions. A union official said the automaker had enough chips for its popular models but would be making fewer of models like the Sonata sedan which do not sell as well. Shares in Hyundai ended down 2.4%. Japanese bureaucrats have contacted companies at home and overseas to request they provide parts and machinery to Renesas, a trade ministry official told Reuters on Wednesday. In a further sign that chip woes are spilling beyond the auto industry, Intel Corp on Tuesday forecast lower-than expected annual profit, reflecting what it said was an industry-wide shortage of components such as substrates. The company's processors power personal computers and servers. Earlier this month, sources also told Reuters that Qualcomm Inc was struggling to keep up with demand for its processor chips used in smartphones, including those made by Samsung Electronics. In addition to Japan, Germany and the United States have also ramped up efforts to resolve the shortage, caused by a pandemic-driven surge in demand for consumer electronics and exacerbated by panic buying to shore up chip stockpiles. Story continues The White House has held meetings with automakers and suppliers to identify chokepoints and is liaising with international allies. Berlin asked Taiwan in January to persuade its chip foundries to increase supply to German car makers. Governments and companies are also positioning themselves for long-term survival in the highly competitive semiconductor industry which has often been a flashpoint for trade tensions. Intel announced on Tuesday that it plans to spend as much as $20 billion to build two factories in Arizona, challenging Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and TSMC, the two other companies that make the most advanced chips. The move suggests that the United States is keen to shift some technological balance of power back home, as it is concerned about the risks of having too much chipmaking concentrated in Taiwan given tensions with China. In Japan, Canon Inc, Tokyo Electron Ltd and Screen Semiconductor Electron will join a government funded 42 billion yen ($385 million) programme that will cooperate with overseas foundries including TSMC to develop advanced 2 nanometre chips, demand for which will be driven by the introduction of 5G technology. Japan wants to ensure it is able to build advanced semiconductors in the future and aims to build a test line near Tokyo with help from TSMC which plans to establish a research and development facility there, a trade ministry official said. ($1 = 108.6900 yen) (Reporting by Tim Kelly in Tokyo, and Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang in Seoul; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) CALIFORNIA - Six counties including Trinity and Lassen moved to the orange tier of the states COVID-19 restrictions, state health officials announced Tuesday. Counties that are moving tiers on Tuesday can loosen their guidelines for businesses and activities starting Wednesday, according to state health officials. The counties moving from purple to the red tier include Kern, Nevada, and Stanislaus counties. Lassen, Trinity, Marin, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and Yolo counties are moving from the red tier to the orange tier. Health officials also said Sierra County is moving into the least restrictive yellow tier. This shift to the orange tier allows more businesses to reopen and some that are already open to increase capacity. The orange tier will allow for Bars, breweries, and distilleries may open outdoors with modifications. Offices to be open indoors with modifications, but still, encourage telework. Cardrooms and Satellite Wagering can open indoors with modification, max 25% capacity The data requirements to qualify for the orange tier include a case rate of 1-3.9 cases per 100,000 residents with a test positivity rate of 2 4.9% or less and 2.2 5.2% health equity metric. Kamala Harris said Wednesday President Joe Biden is hesitant to take executive action on gun control because the White House wants Congress to unite and act in a more 'permanent' capacity after two mass shootings rocked the nation in the matter of a week. She also insisted Republicans are presenting some sort of false choice that any legislative action on firearms would strip Americans of their 2nd Amendment rights. The vice president said the White House prefers if Congress would act in a more 'permanent' capacity after two mass shootings rocked the nation in the matter of a week. 'We should first expect the United States Congress to act,' Harris told CBS 'This Morning' during a live, but remote, interview Wednesday morning when asked if Biden is prepared to take executive action. 'I'm not willing to give up on what we must do to appeal to the hearts and minds and the reason of the members of the United States Senate,' the vice president continued. 'I served in that body, and I believe that it is possible, it has to be possible that people agree that these slaughters have to stop.' The House has already passed legislation that would stricken background checks, but it appears Senate Democrats do not have the votes needed to get that bill through the upper chamber. Harris' comments come after Biden announced Tuesday that he is open to executive orders related to gun control like banning so-called assault weapons. She also denounced Republicans for claiming gun control legislation would end the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms. 'Stop pushing the false choice that this means we are coming to take your guns,' Harris said. 'That is not what this is about.' At another point she asserted: 'This is not about getting rid of the 2nd Amendment. It's simply about saying we need reasonable gun safety laws.' 'There's no reason why we have assault weapons on the streets of a civil society they are weapons of war, they are designed to kill a lot of people quickly,' Harris added. Vice President Kamala Harris refused to say during a live interview Wednesday morning if the Atlanta shooting that killed six Asian American women was a 'hate crime' A shooter traveled to three different Asian-owned massage parlors in the Atlanta area last week, killing eight people Harris signaled that President Joe Biden is hesitant to take executive action on gun control because the White House wants Congress to make it 'permanent' through legislation The vice president was also asked whether the shooting in Atlanta last week at three massage parlors killing six women of Asian descent should be called a 'hate crime.' 'Many are frustrated about the shooting in Atlanta because it has not been called a hate crime. Should it be?' CBS host Gayle King asked Harris. 'Listen, I mean, Gayle, look, you've got six Asian American women in Asian American businesses, and you know, just when you look at it, you have to ask this question which is: 'What is going on?' Harris deflected. While she did address 'hate crime' against the Asian American Pacific Islander community, she did not directly link this shooting to that classification despite calls for the administration to do so. 'The seriousness of AAPI hate crime, especially over the course of the last year, is profound,' the vice president said. 'People are being assaulted, people are being cursed out, people are being treated people are being denied service because they are Asian American. And look, I think we have to be clear that we have a history in America that we need to deal with.' She added: 'We have this rise in hate crimes.' Harris, the first female vice president, is of Indian and Jamaican descent. Harris' interview with Gayle King and Anthony Mason on Wednesday was live Biden has yet to do a live interview with the press and his first-ever news conference with the media is scheduled for Thursday. Biden is renewing calls for assault weapons and high-capacity magazine bans in the aftermath of the massacres in Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado. In Atlanta last week, a gunman traveled to three different Atlanta-area massage parlors where he killed a total of eight people six of Asian American descent. He said he committed the crime to help prevent temptation. Not even a week later, a gunman opened fire in a Boulder grocery store, killing 10. 'We can ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in this country once again,' Biden said Tuesday. He also encouraged lawmakers to act, saying: 'This should not be a partisan issue. It's an American issue. It will save lives. American lives. We have to act.' The president told senators that they should pass two gun control bills, one bolstering background check loopholes for gun buyers, which already passed the House earlier this month. Asked during his trip to Columbus, Ohio if he had the political capital to get something done, Biden replied, 'I hope so. I don't know. I haven't done any counting yet.' 'We need to take action,' Harris said in her Wednesday interview. 'Let's be clear about this there is the piece about executive action, but if we pass legislation, it's permanent. If we if the Congress acts, then it becomes law. And that is what we have lacked. That is what has been missing.' 'We need universal background checks,' she added, insisting that 'people will move from one state to another depending on what the law is.' 'We need to have a federal standard. That is going to be accomplished by the way we have structured our democracy, when the United States Congress acts. The House has acted. Now it's in the hands of the Senate,' Harris said. Less than one week after the Atlanta shooting, another gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, killing 10 people Biden ordered flags at the White House lowered to half-staff on Tuesday in honor of the 10 victims of a mass shooting in Colorado, as pressure grows on the president to address gun violence. Harris, on Tuesday, told reporters after swearing in CIA Director William Burns that the shootings 'tragic' and 'absolutely baffling' 'It's tragic. Absolutely tragic,' she said. 'It's absolutely baffling, it's 10 people going about their day living their lives, not bothering anybody. A police officer who is performing his duties, and with great courage and heroism.' She didn't answer a question on whether the administration would make gun control a priority in the wake of Monday's shooting in Colorado and last week's violence in Atlanta. Meanwhile, a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was taking place Tuesday on reducing gun violence. At the hearing, Texas Senator Ted Cruz lashed out at his Democratic colleagues for the 'ridiculous theater' of pushing gun control measures he said only punished 'law abiding citizens.' Harris brushed off Cruz's comment on Wednesday, claiming: 'Everytime there is a slaughter, a mass shooting, someone who does not want to be accountable for what we need to do says, 'Well that wouldn't have prevented this thing.' 'You know, arguably, if you take that approach to any law, you would argue that we shouldn't pass any laws that are designed to protect the health and wellbeing of the American people,' she said. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form OK, Pennsylvania isnt Arizona, the nations sunniest state and home to the nations sunniest city Yuma, where the sun is unobstructed for 90% of daylight hours. Pennsylvania isnt even among the top 10 sunniest states, basking in solar splendor just 179 days a year compared to the national average of 205 days. Yet, due to a sound initiative announced Monday by Gov. Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania is on track to lead all state governments in using power from solar generation for its own operations. In 2023, all of the power used by 16 state agencies, 50% of all the power consumed by the state government, will be generated by solar farms to be constructed over the next 18 months on up to 6,000 acres of farmland in Columbia, Juniata, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and York counties. Farmers who own the land have signed 30-year leases for the initiative to be known as PULSE the Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy. The solar arrays will be built and owned by Lightsource BP, the largest solar developer in Europe, which has offices in Philadelphia. The state government will make little or no initial contribution with tax money, but Wolf has signed a 15-year contract to buy the power. Wolf did not disclose the contracts price-per-megawatt-hour, but Lightsource CEO Kevin Smith said it is a cost savings over current prices and will remain flat for 15 years. The administration quickly should disclose that price. PULSE is a major step toward fulfilling Wolfs goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050, compared with 2005 levels. According to the administration, PULSE alone will reduce the states overall carbon dioxide emissions by 157,800 metric tons per year. Solar generation accounts for only about 1% of Pennsylvanias power generation, which is mostly fueled by Marcellus Shale natural gas. But such a major product is likely to produce more solar development by the state which also has 16 solar arrays and 18 more planned to power 4,700 buildings in state forests and parks local governments, school districts and the private sector. PULSE is an illuminated step into the future that is good for the state environment and economy. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Infinite Ore Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV:ILI)(OTCQB:ARXRF) is pleased to announce that it has commenced a magnetic survey on the Jackpot Lithium project. Novatem Airborne Geophysics is on site and flying the survey this week with results expected in the coming weeks. The goal of the survey is to identify structures on the property that would assist in locating high priority lithium targets for future drilling in order to add to the existing historical resources. The property contains known pegmatite showings, including two that contain historical resources of 2 million tons at 1.09% Li2O and 750,000 tons at 1.38% Li2O*. In addition, Infinite is pleased to be attending the Mines and Money Online Connect conference this week. https://minesandmoney.com/online/ The company will be meeting with various institutional and private investors. J.C. St-Amour, President of Infinite Ore commented, "This high-resolution mag survey, flying at a 25m line spacing, is expected to assist us in identifying additional pegmatite dikes, focusing our exploration efforts on high priority targets within our large land package. This survey will provide valuable data that adds immediate value to the property and is money well spent in advance of additional exploration." The Company's 100% owned Jackpot project is located in close proximity to the Georgia Lake lithium deposit, for which Rock Tech Lithium Inc. recently announced its intent to develop a lithium sulphate production facility located in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Figure 1: Location of Jackpot Project relative to Rock Tech's Georgia Lake Project. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release was approved by Michel Boily, PhD, P.Geo, an Independent Qualified Person as defined by the National Instrument 43-101. * The estimates presented above are treated as historic information and have not been verified or relied upon for economic evaluation by the Company. These historical mineral resources do not refer to any category of sections 1.2 and 1.3 of the NI-43-101 Instrument such as mineral resources or mineral reserves as stated in the 2010 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The explanation lies in the inability by the Company to verify the data acquired by the various historical drilling campaigns. The Company as not done sufficient work yet to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. About Infinite Ore Corp. Infinite Ore is a junior mining exploration company focused on seeking and acquiring world-class mineral projects. The company is earning into a large land package with the potential for VMS and gold mineralization in the Confederation Lake assemblage belt near Red Lake, Ont. The company also holds the Jackpot lithium property located near Nipigon, Ont. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "J.C. St-Amour" J.C. St-Amour, President FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 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 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. Investors 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. These forward -looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at WWW.SEDAR.COM). SOURCE: Infinite Ore Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637139/Infinite-Ore-Conducts-High-Resolution-Mag-Survey-on-Jackpot-Lithium-Project-and-Attends-Mines-and-Money-Conference Lyfebulb and CSL Behring's mission within the Challenge is to identify new ways and meaningful solutions to help organ transplant recipients, donors, and family members better manage their numerous daily challenges and improve overall quality of life. The eleven finalists selected to compete at the Challenge were chosen based on the potential of their innovative ventures to address these issues, as well as their personal story sparking the launch of their company. "Improving the transplantation process and empowering patients and their family members to succeed in their complex journeys is our ultimate goal within this initiative and partnership with CSL Behring," said Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD, Founder & CEO, Lyfebulb. "We see great potential in the solutions put forth by this diverse set of finalists to make a lasting impact on the transplant community and look forward to accelerating their development through this initiative and beyond." The finalists will pitch their companies' solutions to an expert panel of judges comprised of healthcare industry, medical, and patient leaders on May 13, 2021. The jury will ultimately select one winner to be awarded a $25,000 monetary grant to further the growth of their company. The judging panel will include: Lloyd Ratner , MD, MPH, FACS, Professor of Surgery, Director, Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation at Columbia University Medical Center , MD, MPH, FACS, Professor of Surgery, Director, Renal and Pancreatic Transplantation at Medical Center Jeff Hoffman , Partner, Chief Development Officer at Havas Health & You , Partner, Chief Development Officer at Havas Health & You Lara Abounayan , Heart Transplant Patient Ambassador, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate at Healing the Hurt Consulting , Heart Transplant Patient Ambassador, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate at Healing the Hurt Consulting Stephen Squinto , PhD, Executive Partner at OrbiMed Advisors , PhD, Executive Partner at OrbiMed Advisors Alex Tulchinsky , Chief Technology Officer at United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) "The range of ideas represented by these finalists is inspiring and demonstrates exactly why we partnered with Lyfebulb on this unique initiative," said Kevin Kovaleski, Vice President, Global Commercial Development, Transplant, CSL Behring. "We look forward to these great concepts evolving into meaningful innovation for the transplant community and are proud to support this challenge that so closely aligns with CSL Behring's longstanding commitment to innovation." Beyond the pitch competition, the Challenge will provide opportunities for the finalists and participating guests to exchange ideas and insights about how to further advance patient innovation in the transplant community and impact change. To learn more about the Challenge, please visit: https://lyfebulb.com/innovation-challenges/challenges/lyfebulb-csl-innovation-challenge About Lyfebulb Lyfebulb is an innovation accelerator that bridges the gap between patient communities and the healthcare industry by working directly with patients and care partners to generate insights and build new solutions to reduce the burden of living with chronic disease. Lyfebulb operates across 11 disease states and counting. See Lyfebulb.com, TransplantLyfe.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Karin Hehenberger LinkedIn. About CSL Behring CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by its promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients' needs by using the latest technologies, we develop and deliver innovative therapies that are used to treat coagulation disorders, primary immune deficiencies, hereditary angioedema, respiratory disease, and neurological disorders. The company's products are also used in cardiac surgery, burn treatment and to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn. CSL Behring operates one of the world's largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. The parent company, CSL Limited (ASX:CSL;USOTC:CSLLY), headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs more than 27,000 people, and delivers its life-saving therapies to people in more than 100 countries. For inspiring stories about the promise of biotechnology, visit Vita CSLBehring.com/vita and follow us on Twitter.com/CSLBehring For more information: Lyfebulb Contact: Karin Hehenberger, MD, PhD CEO & Founder, Lyfebulb Phone: + 1 917-575-0210 Email: [email protected] CSL Behring Contact: Jennifer Purdue External Communications Manager, CSL Behring Phone: +1 610-306-9355 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Lyfebulb Related Links lyfebulb.com Ranchi, March 24 : A large number of migrant workers, who returned to other states by flight after the lockdown was eased, have complained to the Jharkhand government that the air freight is being deducted from their salaries. "A large number of migrant workers working in Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other parts of the country have lodged complaints regarding salary deduction with the state Labour Department's helpline numbers," Jonshon Topno, nodal officer of the Jharkhand Labour department, told mediapersons. He said, "Such acts by the companies are in violation of the Wages Act of 1936. The migrant workers had returned during the lockdown through different modes. They also returned back to their work via flights provided by the companies. Now the flight ticket costs are being deducted from their salaries, which is an inhuman and irresponsible behaviour." The state government has written to the Central government to take action against the companies which are deducting air ticket costs from the salaries of the migrant workers. The official said the migrant workers returned to work as companies provided them air tickets. They had returned to Jharkhand by foot, on bicycles, buses and special trains during the lockdown. Some of the migrant workers working in difficult terrains were rescued and brought back to Jharkhand by the state government with the help of the people of Jharkhand living in other states. As per the complaint of the migrant workers, the air ticket cost is being deducted in two to three EMIs from their salaries. At some places, the full ticket cost is deducted from the monthly salary. As per the state Labour Department data, nearly nine lakh migrant workers had returned to Jharkhand during the lockdown. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JPCA) is a bait-and-switch attempt that claims to help conservative news sources but would instead purge them from the marketplace of ideas. Congress should reject it for the freedom-killer it is. JCPA would give media companies broadcast and print an exemption from federal antitrust laws, so they can operate in a coordinated fashion to negotiate prices that social media companies like Facebook would have to pay them to carry their content. It would ensure that these tech billionaires would have to direct some of their riches into content providers. But that's a Big Boys' game, where the major players could decide whom to let into their club. Smaller outlets would be left out in the cold, and the market would suffer. This is because almost all of the Big Boys are liberal. For print, there are the New York Times and the Washington Post. For video content providers, you have the networks, CNN, and MSNBC. The twin star performers owned by News Corp Fox News Channel and the Wall Street Journal are some of the only ones to the right of the 50-yard line. The bill's supporters say it would help small, conservative outlets like the one you're reading now. No chance. I talk almost daily with friends on Capitol Hill, and I heard from them the names of a couple of hard-charging right-wing outlets who were supposed to be the beneficiaries of this legislation. But then I talked with the CEO of one of those companies and found out that no one had approached him on this bill before it was rolled out. (For that matter, he opposes it.) Aside from having done thousands of interviews over the past half-century, I used to be part owner of some radio stations and know how the media industry works. The reality is this: media companies prefer cartels and monopolies, just like many other businesses. This provides them a chance to have one without the lean and hungry conservative happy warriors. Offer a bill with the sales pitch that it will protect those citizen-journalists, then have the big dogs circle the wagons on terms that the social giants must meet for huge corporations, and then keep those citizen-journalists outside the circle. That's what this is a classic bait and switch. News Corp would be fine under the JCPA and with it all of that company's conservative voices. But there are as many moderates at Fox News and the Wall Street Journal as there are conservatives and more than a few liberals. Facebook couldn't turn those outlets away, but that company might be the only right-of-center media company at that level. It would effectively give Fox and the Journal a monopoly on news that is not hard-left, which means that "conservative" would be whatever the Murdoch family says it means. People who get all their news from social media and there's an increasingly high number of those would never hear voices like the ones they are accustomed to reading at this outlet. So JCPA would allow the liberal big media company to have a cartel with only one non-liberal company. All the plucky, intrepid conservative outlets could form their own cartel, but it would make up such a small slice of the media pie that social media could ignore them altogether. If Facebook has to negotiate on a rate to carry news from outlets that are stridently conservative, it would just let the conservative outlets name a price any price agree to that price per piece, then rarely or never take any of their pieces. In theory, everything is okay because they have an agreement, but the Big Tech titans would just never pick up any content under the agreement. Ken Blackwell is a Senior Fellow at the Family Research Council and a member of the BoD of the Public Interest Legal Foundation. Introduction You should not travel to Ireland unless you have an essential reason for your travel. Mandatory hotel quarantining has been introduced for some travellers arriving into Ireland to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Who has to quarantine in a hotel? You must quarantine in a hotel if you arrive into Ireland: From a country on the designated country list see list below From any country if you do not have a negative or not detected RT- PCR test taken within 72 hours You also have to quarantine in a hotel if you transited through a designated country in the 14 days before your arrival, even if you did not leave the port or airport. Other people travelling into Ireland need to quarantine in their home or place of residence while in Ireland. Countries on the 'designated country' list are identified as high risk countries because a COVID-19 variant of concern is circulating. The arrival of people to Ireland from these countries is a significant public health risk. This list may change at short notice. Designated countries Africa Angola Botswana Burundi Cape Verde Democratic Republic of the Congo Eswatini Ethiopia Kenya Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Namibia Rwanda Seychelles Somalia South Africa Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Bahrain Bangladesh India Maldives Nepal Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar United Arab Emirates Europe Turkey South America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador French Guiana Guyana Panama Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela North America Anguilla Canada Costa Rica You must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility generally called a quarantine hotel. This period can be extended if you test positive and are still symptomatic at the end of the 14-day period. You may leave after 10 days if you get a negative RT- PCR test. You will get a letter of completion at the end of your quarantine period. If you come to Ireland without a negative or not detected RT- PCR test, you must complete mandatory quarantine in a hotel until a not detected result from a COVID-19 PCR test is returned. You are then free to leave the mandatory hotel quarantine facility. Summary of quarantine measures if you are travelling to Ireland If I am? Where do I need to quarantine? Travelling from a designated country You must quarantine in a designated hotel. You may leave after 10 days if you get a negative or not detected RT- PCR test. Arriving into Ireland without a negative or 'not detected' RT-PCR test You must quarantine in a designated hotel. You may leave once you get negative or not detected RT- PCR test. You must then follow same rules as a person if arriving from any country not on the designated list (see box below) and quarantine at home for either 14 days or until you have a negative or not-detected result from a RT-PCR test taken 5 days after arrival. Arriving into Ireland from any other country (not on designated country list) You must quarantine at home or in your place of residence. You may stop quarantining after 5 days if you get a negative or not-detected RT-PCR test. Fully vaccinated You must quarantine at home or in your place of residence. You may stop quarantining after 5 days if you get a negative or not-detected RT-PCR test. Is anyone exempt from hotel quarantining? You do not have to complete mandatory quarantine in some situations. Fully vaccinated If you have been fully vaccinated and you have the documents to prove this, you do not have to quarantine at a designated hotel. This also applies to dependents who are travelling with you, including: Children under 18 Adults who have a mental or physical disability to such an extent that they cannot look after themselves fully You can quarantine at home or at the place of residence stated on your passenger locator form. You still must have a negative pre-departure PCR test. Spouses and partners of fully vaccinated people are not exempt from hotel quarantine, unless they are dependents because of a physical or mental disability. Essential medical travel If you have travelled abroad for imperative and time-sensitive medical reasons, you do not have to quarantine at a hotel when you return to Ireland. You must have a certificate from your doctor. This exemption also applies to: Carers, children or other dependants who are travelling with you Parents or siblings of a child who has travelled abroad for medical reasons Other exemptions Other exceptions are: People travelling to Ireland for urgent medical reasons People arriving who have a mandatory legal obligation, for example, an arrest warrant or an extradition order Gardai or defence forces carrying out their duties Diplomats or elected representatives carrying out essential functions International transport workers who hold Annex 3 certificate and are carrying out their duties as drivers of a heavy goods vehicle Airline pilots or aircrew, maritime master or maritime crew carrying out their duties Members of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) or the European Parliament carrying out their duties People who have travelled in circumstances where it was impossible for you to secure a RT-PCR test result before travelling and you are in possession of written confirmation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs that you have an urgent humanitarian reason for so travelling Additional exemptions are: Transit passengers who do not leave the port or airport before leaving the State People travelling to the State to compete in a Sports Ireland certified sports event A child who was not born in the State and has never previously been in Ireland, travelling for the purpose of becoming ordinarily resident in Ireland (and any adult resident and dependant person accompanying that child) People travelling to Ireland to provide essential services which have been certified by a state body How does hotel quarantining work? You need to pre-book and pre-pay your hotel quarantine stay before your arrival. Tifco Hotel Group is the service provider. You can make your booking on quarantinehotelsireland.ie. Meals are provided and delivered to your hotel room door. Transport from the airport or port to the hotel is provided by the Tifco hotel group. The Irish Defence Forces oversees this process. During your period of quarantine, you must stay in your room except for pre-arranged short fresh air breaks outdoors. You must book these breaks and you will be escorted by a hotel security employee. These rules are set out in Irish law and you will commit an offence if you do not follow these laws. You can be fined up to 2,000 or get a prison sentence of up to 1 month, or both. The Irish police, An Garda Siochana, will enforce compliance. You can get more information on hotel bookings and your hotel stay from gov.ie and in the Guide to completing Mandatory Hotel Quarantine in Ireland (pdf). The mandatory hotel quarantine information line is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Please call +353 1 613 1744. How much does hotel quarantine cost? You must pre- pay for your stay in your designated quarantine hotel. If you are unable to pay, a deferral of charges can be provided by Irish embassies and consulates. This is available in exceptional or hardship circumstances. You should contact your nearest embassy or consulate. An exemption from charges may be sought after you arrive in Ireland from the Minister for Health on financial grounds. For Erasmus + students who are due to come back to Ireland: You should contact your home institution (the college you are attending in Ireland). The home institution can book your place in the quarantine hotel. You will not be charged for your hotel stay. Cost for hotel stay per traveller. Rate (for standard package of 12 nights inclusive of all services) Day rate (for people entering Ireland from non-designated States with no pre-departure PCR Test) Rate for 1 adult in 1 room 1875 150 Additional rate for 1 adult sharing (or child over 12) 625 55 Additional rate for a child sharing aged 4-12 360 30 Rate for infant (0-3) 0 0 In some situations, you may be entitled to a refund. You can find out more on gov.ie. James Huntsman, the brother of former ambassador, presidential candidate, and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and a member of a wealthy and influential family, filed a federal lawsuit against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Tuesday. He alleged that the church, widely known as the Mormon church, had defrauded him of millions of dollars in donations by misleading him into thinking his money would be spent on charitable causes. Why is a member of one of Utahs most prominent families accusing the church of fraud? Advertisement It has to do with the idea of tithes and the ways a giant institution like the Mormon church handles its wealth. Mormons, as they were formerly known (they are Latter-day Saints, under a new directive from church president Russell M. Nelson), are some of the most generous people in the country. According to a 2020 study, Utah led the nation in the percentage of people who donate money and the percentage of income that people donate. This is in large part because the church encourages its members to give 10 percent of their income in tithes. 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. Tithes are a fairly common concept among religious institutions; the Mormon church just seems better at encouraging its members to pay their share, and better at keeping track. Around the end of the year, church members are meant to declare to the church whether they are tithe-paying or only a partial or nonpayer. Those who arent tithe payers are not given access to the temples, where the more secretive and sacred religious events happen. The money from the tithes, the faithful are told, goes to the churchs operating costs, as well as missionary work, charity, educational institutions, and the building of temples. Advertisement In 2019, the Washington Post (which also was the first to report on the lawsuit) reported that the church had not spent as much on these religious causes as many members assumed: $100 billion was sitting, unused, in accounts marked for charitable aims. Many of the faithful were disturbed to hear that the church had amassed such wealth from donations, sometimes from people who gave despite experiencing personal financial discomfort. Others were upset by the secretive nature of the churchs finances and felt betrayed by the sense they were misled. (Religious institutions do not have to report their income and assets, as other nonprofits do.) Still others wondered if the church was in violation of federal tax laws. Advertisement The churchs nonprofit investment divisions president justified the stockpiling of such a vast fortune by arguing that they would be used in the event of the second coming of Christ, according to a complaint reported on by the Post. Sen. Mitt Romney at the time quipped that he was happy that the church had saved money for a rainy decade. Advertisement Huntsmans lawsuit, however, has to do with more than just the big chunk of change: According to the Posts 2019 report, the church was accused of using some of its tax-exempt donations improperly in support of a church-run insurance company and a shopping mall jointly run by the church and a real estate company. Huntsmans lawsuit refers back to that report, accusing the church of lying about the use of his donations and secretly lin[ing] its own pockets by using the funds to develop a multibillion-dollar commercial real estate and insurance empire that had nothing to do with charity. (The church has said that no tithing funds were used to buy or develop the mall property or to help with the insurance company.) Advertisement The suit seeks to have the church return Huntsmans donations. But it also, likely, comes as a statement. As with many religious institutions in the U.S., the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is losing actively engaged young people; some of those young people, the church knows, are being pushed away by the conservative culture and the churchs handling of LGBTQ issues. Huntsman, the 50-year-old owner of a film distribution firm in Southern California, said he hoped to give his refunded donations to organizations and communities whose members have been marginalized by the Churchs teachings and doctrines, including by donating to charities supporting LGBTQ, African-American, and womens rights. Advertisement Concerns about secrecy and trust predate the Post report on the churchs finances. In December, the church was slapped with several lawsuits accusing it of covering up decades of sexual abuse among Boy Scout troops. (The church historically has had a close connection to the Boy Scouts; it cut ties in 2018 after the Scouts announced they would allow girls to participate.) Advertisement Many ex-Mormons, as they call themselves, include the vastness of the churchs wealth when discussing their reasons for leaving. To such critics, the institution fell victim to greed and then lied for years to its members. The church is a major player when it comes to national and international charity. Just recently, it announced it was donating $20 million to UNICEFs global mass vaccination efforts. And theres no evidence that church leaders are living lives of extravagant luxury. Instead, it seems, many Mormons feel betrayed by the idea of a church that kept its adherents financially accountable, but was unwilling to do the same for itself. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a visit to a COVID-19 vaccination site at State University of New York in Old Westbury, N.Y., on March 15, 2021. (Mark Lennihan/Pool/Getty Images Cuomo Impeachment Probe Expected to Take Months: Top Democrat The New York legislatures probe of Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to take months, a top Democrat said Tuesday. State Assemblyman Charles Levine, a Democrat who chairs the bodys Judiciary Committee and was named as the head of the panel conducting the impeachment investigation, said during a hearing that we have been tasked with determining whether evidence exists to support a finding that the governor has engaged in conduct which merits impeachment under the New York State Constitution. Among the matters being probed: Whether Cuomo sexually assaulted or harassed women who were working for him, whether he directed staff to illegally withhold or mispresent information regarding the number of COVID-19 nursing home resident deaths, and whether he directed or had knowledge of executive personnel withholding information regarding safety concerns with bridges in the state. Eight women, including both current and former aides, have in recent weeks accused Cuomo of sexually harassing or assaulting them. Just before the accusers began coming forward, Cuomos office acknowledged withholding information on COVID-19 deaths from state legislators. Levine opted to hire the law firm of Davis Polk to represent the committee in the probe, praising them for their past experience investigating high-profile allegations like the ones the Democrat governor is facing. The chairman said it wasnt possible at this time to say how long the probe would take. Given the breadth and seriousness of the issues under investigation, we expect that the timing will be in terms of months rather than weeks, he said. We have asked Davis Polk to prioritize the investigation and to work expediently and they will. Demonstrators hold signs as they gather outside the New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos office calling for his resignation, in the Manhattan borough of New York on March 2, 2021. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters) Over 100 state lawmakers, including members of both parties, have called on Cuomo to step down amid the twin scandals. But the third-term governor has refused, urging New Yorkers to refrain from judging him until investigations conclude. A separate probe is taking place under the aegis of the states attorney general, Democrat Letitia James. Lawyers Joon Kim and Anne Clark are leading that investigation, which has no defined timeline. James has said that Kim and Clarks team will produce a report after theyre done, and the report will be made public. Levine said during Tuesdays hearing that due process is at the heart of our American democracy. Republican Assemblyman Michael Montesano, the committees ranking member, said that everything is on the table and recommended the panel meet in person to avoid having remote hearings hacked, or information leaked. I implore this law firm to thoroughly investigate the executives intentional manipulation of nursing home data, and provide this committee with a summary of the actions that this government took to cover up deaths in nursing homes, he said. I also ask you to provide a thorough report on the parameters of the contract and royalties from the governors book, which he authored mid-pandemic before the details of the grave conditions facing our nursing home residents were brought to light. The organiser of a vigil for Sarah Everard blasted 'obstructive' senior officers from Scotland Yard today over violent scenes, and suggested male officers were deliberately drafted in from other parts of London to arrest women. Anna Birley, of Reclaim These Streets, accused the Metropolitan Police of having an illegal 'blanket ban' on protests as she gave evidence to MPs about the March 13 event. Reclaim These Streets had cancelled the event after Scotland Yard rejected their proposals for making it Covid secure, and a High Court judge refused to intervene in a legal battle launched by the organisers. But a crowd of around 1,500 people gathered on Clapham Common anyway, and scuffles broke out as police moved in to arrest speakers. Ms Birley told the Home Affairs Committee that the organisers had a good relationship with local officers in Lambeth before the event. But she added: 'What changed was when it clearly went up a rung in the hierarchy of the Met Police and officers from New Scotland Yard said that they would not be willing to allow a vigil to take place. 'They were very obstructive despite the fact that we proactively reached out to them.' Patsy Stevenson is pinned to the the floor by police at the Sarah Everard vigil, where scuffles broke out as police surrounded a bandstand covered in flowers left in tribute. Anna Birley, of Reclaim These Streets, gave evidence to MPs about the clashes between Metropolitan Police officers on Clapham Common on March 13 that provoked a furious outcry. Mourners wearing facemasks went to the common throughout the day on March 13, including the Duchess of Cambridge who paid a private visit to the makeshift shrine. Labour councillor whose legal vigil attempt was thwarted by the courts Anna Birley is a Labour councillor in Lambeth, the borough of London where Sarah Everard disappeared. She is also part of Reclaim These Streets, the organisation which attempted to organise an official vigil on Clapham Common on March 13 after the disappearance of Sarah Everard. She was one of four women who went to the High Court to overturn the Metropolitan Police's decision to block the event using Covid regulations. But the High Court ruled in favour of the police, and the official event was called off. However hundreds of women attended Clapham Common for an ad-hoc event. Ms Birley told MPs today she had not attended the event because she would have faced being hit with a 10,000 fine as the organiser of a prohibited event under emergency Covid laws banning mass gatherings. As well as being a Labour councillor in the Tulse Hill area of Lambeth since 2015, she also works for its allied Co-operative Party as a policy officer. Advertisement Ms Everard disappeared on March 3 after leaving a friend's home. Her body was found in Kent woodland on March 10. Mourners wearing facemasks went to the common throughout the day on March 13, including the Duchess of Cambridge who paid a private visit to the makeshift shrine. But the vigil on Saturday night in Ms Everard's memory descended into violence, culminating in police officers pinning protesters to the ground in images that appalled the nation. Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick, 60, appears to have clung onto her job despite criticism of how her force policed the vigil. Dame Cressida has said her officers were right to break up the event, which saw thousands of people - mainly women - gather on Clapham Common in south London, near to where Ms Everard was abducted. But Ms Birley said that before pulling the plug on the official vigil her organisation they had offered to take extra steps to be Covid secure, including staggered start times. However, she told MPs today that police believed 'that essentially any form of gathering ... would be unlawful, so a blanket ban'. She added: 'We had asked in advance that it be policed locally, that local police who understood the frustrations were feeling were policing it, and we also asked that they try and ensure as many female officers on site as possible. 'Not having been there I cannot confirm the number of female officers but it is very stark that the arrests seemed to be made by male officers and my understanding is that non of the arresting officers were Lambeth officers, they were New Scotland Yard officers that came from elsewhere, so I don't know whether that might have contributed.' Peaceful protests will be explicitly allowed under a tweak to coronavirus rules that will come into force from Monday amid fury at the handling of the Sarah Everard vigil. Updated public health regulations will contain a specific exemption for political demonstrations as of March 29. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 contains an exemption to laws prohibiting mass public gatherings for demonstrations, as long as 'it has been organised by a business, a charitable, benevolent or philanthropic institution, a public body or a political body, and ... the gathering organiser takes the required precautions in relation to the gathering'. The law has yet to be passed by MPs, with a hardcore of lockdown rebels threatening to vote against it. But with Labour set to back it, it is almost certainly to become law. Police across England and Wales are currently reviewing their preparedness for protests and ability to provide mutual aid to neighbouring forces. The unrest in Bristol in recent days saw Avon and Somerset police joined by officers from British Transport Police, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed-Powys, Gloucestershire, Gwent and Wiltshire. National Police Chiefs' Council lead for public order and public safety, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, said: 'In light of the recent protests that have taken place across the country in recent weeks, as well as the forthcoming changes to the regulations, we believe it is sensible for forces to review their protest policing plans. 'We want to ensure that all forces have the capability to respond quickly and appropriately to any future protests, whether lawful or unlawful. 'As such, the public may see more police presence in some areas, though this isn't something to be alarmed about. 'It isn't based on any immediate danger or threat, but so we can be as prepared as possible. 'Where lawful, we will seek to facilitate peaceful protests, but any violence will not be tolerated.' The rich abundance of seafood and fish in south Louisiana makes the 40 days of Lent not particularly burdensome, as many have observed. Friday fish fries at local Catholic churches and, this year, at more restaurants, make it easy to give up meat for one day. If youre giving up, say, fried food for 40 days, here are some ways to use shrimp and crawfish that may be new. (Note: Im not knocking fried fish here. I will always maintain that this part of the country has a huge percentage of the best deep-fry artisans in the world.) The eggplant and crawfish casserole here is one of my new favorites. I plan to add it to my repertoire of company dishes. The deep, rich umami flavor of eggplant blends perfectly with the crawfish and trinity vegetables. Shrimp could be used instead of crawfish. Shrimp stock takes this dish to a whole other level. Cobb salads have always been a favorite, especially if you like to make a salad pretty. This one with shrimp instead of chicken and bacon is lighter, and enlivened by a dressing of lemon juice and cilantro. Made with romaine, the salad is sturdy enough to last a couple of days in the refrigerator. The corn can be fresh or frozen. Mine was frozen roasted corn, briefly cooked and well drained. This riff on the classic Cobb, named after creator Bob Cobb in 1932 at the Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, does not contain the usual hard-cooked eggs. Add them if you wish, or substitute for the shrimp. It really doesnt need the traditional cheese. Grilled honey garlic shrimp is another light alternative. The supermarket nearest me had head-on shrimp almost as large as my hand, perfect for the grill. The original recipe on sallysbakingaddiction.com is cooked on the stovetop. Half of the marinade is boiled to become a sticky, lovely sauce, perfect with the shrimp, cooked rice and steamed broccoli. Because I purchased two pounds of raw head-on shrimp to make sure I had a whole pound after peeling, I used all the sauce for marinade, discarding the leftover. Adjust the recipe as you wish. Eggplant and Crawfish Casserole This recipe will knock your socks off. Its pretty easy compared to stuffed eggplant, which it resembles. If you cant make it in an ovenproof pan on the stovetop, spoon the mixture into a casserole dish. Makes 6-8 servings. Recipe is adapted from emerils.com. 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound), peeled, cut in 1-inch cubes 1 teaspoons salt teaspoon cayenne teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 large onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 pound crawfish, peeled (drained if watery) teaspoon dried thyme teaspoon dried oregano 2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 cups shrimp stock or seafood stock, or water 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1 cup dried fine breadcrumbs or panko cup grated Parmesan cheese 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, salt, cayenne and black pepper. Saute 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Add onions, bell peppers and celery; saute 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. 3. Add crawfish, thyme, oregano and garlic. Stir and cook about 1 minute. Add water or stock and parsley; cook about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Mix well. 4. Bake about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until edges start to turn golden brown and casserole is bubbly. Serve hot. Honey Garlic Shrimp Kabobs Instead of the grill, you can cook the shrimp in a skillet in a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Theyre also very good cooked briefly in the air fryer. Just be sure to oil the basket well, as the honey is quite sticky. Makes 6-8 servings. Recipe is adapted from sallysbakingaddiction.com. 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 cup honey cup soy sauce (low sodium is fine) 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 teaspoons minced fresh ginger 2 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined Garnish: Chopped green onion (optional) 1. Combine honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger in a large measuring cup. Whisk well to combine. Pour over shrimp to marinate at least 15 minutes, or up to half a day, refrigerated. Soak wooden skewers if using. 2. When ready to cook, heat grill to medium-hot. Oil lightly. Thread shrimp on skewers, not too tightly so they will cook evenly. 3. Grill kabobs 1-2 minutes per side, until they are opaque and develop light grill marks. 4. Serve hot, with chopped green onion to garnish if desired. Shrimp Cobb Salad Makes 4-6 servings. Recipes is adapted from natashaskitchen.com. 1 pound medium 31-40 shrimp, peeled 1 teaspoon Cajun spice seasoning mix (I used Chef Paul Prudhomme's Seafood Seasoning) Pinch salt 1 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium head romaine, torn or chopped (about 6 cups) 2 medium Roma tomatoes, chopped red onion, chopped English cucumber, halved, chopped 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, diced 1 cup corn kernels, from 2 freshly cooked cobs, or cooked from frozen CILANTRO-LEMON DRESSING: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice cup minced cilantro (or parsley) 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil teaspoon salt teaspoon black pepper 1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel. In a bowl, mix shrimp with Cajun spice and pinch of salt until well coated. 2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer. Saute 2 minutes per side, or until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. 3. Add romaine to a large serving bowl. Arrange on the top the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, avocado, corn and shrimp. 4. Dressing: In a shaker or small jar, combine lemon juice, cilantro, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Shake well to combine. 5. Toss salad with dressing to serve. 6. Note: If prepping salad ahead of time, drizzle a few drops of lemon juice over diced avocado before arranging on the salad. Cover and refrigerate. Female Military Member Dies After COVID-19 Vaccine, Showed No Side Effects: Officials Ukraines health agency has reported that a female military member died after receiving AstraZenecas CoviShield CCP virus vaccine, but stressed that the public shouldnt jump to conclusions. The agency said the woman didnt complain of any side effects before her death. She died about two days after receiving the shot, officials said on the health ministrys website, reported Reuters. The woman had underlying heart problems and other underlying health conditions. Her cause of death is being investigated, the health ministry said. The same batch of vaccine was used to administer shots to nine other people without any problems, officials said, as reported by Reuters. Ukraines army also confirmed on March 23 that the servicewoman had died. According to Reuters, its the first death reported since Ukraine started vaccination in February after getting the CoviShield vaccine. Earlier this month, the AstraZeneca vaccine was suspended in Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and some other European countries after reports of blood clots and deaths. Later, the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization stated that the data available doesnt suggest that the vaccine caused their deaths. However, some health officials in other countries, including the United States, raised concerns on March 23 that positive trial results released by AstraZeneca earlier this week for its vaccine may have used incomplete data. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) said in a statement that it and other agencies are concerned by information released by AstraZeneca on initial data from its COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. The DSMB [Data and Safety Monitoring Board] expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information from that trial, which may have provided an incomplete view of the efficacy data, the NIH said. We urge the company to work with the DSMB to review the efficacy data and ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data be made public as quickly as possible. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in an interview with STAT: The Data and Safety Monitoring Board were concerned that the data that went into the press release by [AstraZeneca] was not the most accurate and up-to-date data. That is what the DSMB communicated to AZ in a rather harsh note. Having seen that letter, we could not just let it go unanswered. The AstraZeneca vaccine has not yet been approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company has said it plans to file an application with the FDA in the coming weeks. The vaccine is used widely in the UK, across the European continent, as well as in other countries including India and Thailand. The Epoch Times has contacted the company for comment. Somalia's key political leaders are headed for another tense meeting in Mogadishu on Wednesday, under pressure from donors to reach an electoral agreement for polls. And it seems all eyes seem to be fixed on the 'big tent,' a structure inside the perimeter of Mogadishu's Aden Abdulle International Airport, the city's most guarded zone. Somali leaders are expected to meet in the big tent and find a way forward on the delayed elections. Somalia was to have an election to choose legislators for both its Upper and Lower Houses of its parliament in November and December 2020, but the process was delayed due to squabbles between some of the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and some of the presidents of the Federal Member States (FMS). The leaders had agreed on September 17, 2020 on a framework to hold an indirect election in Somalia, enabling the Somali clans to elect their legislators to the Lower House through 101 delegates while each FMS parliament was to elect an allocated number of senators for the Upper House (the senate). In 2021, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has, three times, called for meetings of the National Leadership Forum that comprises of President Farmaajo, the presidents of the five FMS and the Mayor of Mogadishu. However, the meetings failed because Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe and Puntland's Said Abdullahi Deni rejected the meetings. Though Wednesday's meeting was called by President Farmaajo, it is fully endorsed by Somalia's international partners including the USA and the UN. In a letter released on Sunday, the international partners welcomed the arrival of the delegates and the readiness of the federal government in taking part in the crucial meeting. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Somalia Governance Peacekeeping By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We urge them (the meeting participants) to convene quickly and to show leadership by building on the Baidoa Technical Committee proposals of 16 February 2021 to implement the 17 September 2020 electoral model and proceed to elections without delay," the letter stated. The signatories of the letter include African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, European Union (EU), Finland, France and Germany. Others were Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), Ireland, Italy, League of Arab States (LAS), Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, and the United Nations. Additional Report A pre-Summit meeting was held at the venue by President Farmaajo, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi Qoorqoor, Hirshabelle President Ali Hussein Gudlawe, South West President Abdiaziz Hassal Laftagareen and the Mayor of Mogadishu Omar Mohamed Filish. The notable absentees were Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland State President Ahmed Madobe. Somalia Information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe told the media that the first phase of the meeting was over, hinting that he did not know why Jubbaland and Puntland presidents did not show up. "President Farmaajo was the first to come to the venue in respect of the critical meeting that guarantees an election for Somalis," said Minister Dubbe. Somalia's international partners are doing their best to ensure that the meeting ends successfully by, among others, urging all parties to participate. 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. Relatives of Martin Quispe, who died of COVID-19, carried his coffin through a dusty path of the Martires 19 de Julio Cemetery in Comas, on the outskirts of Lima, on Tuesday. His loved ones said the 80-year-old spent his last days at home because local hospitals didn't have available beds. This scene has become a common scenario in Peru, the Latin American country that first applied the most restrictive quarantine to combat surging COVID-19. With a population of 32 million, Peru was quick to declare lockdown measures in March 2020 as the pandemic spread in Europe. A year after these measures and before the arrival of the second wave, the quarantine was applied for the second time. This time, it was focused on several regions of the country. Despite these efforts, Peru is in the throws of one of the world's most lethal coronavirus outbreaks. The Andean nation has tallied more than 1.47 million cases of coronavirus and 50,339 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University in the United States. The uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus in Peru has been partly driven by the informal labor force's need to go to work every day. The second wave of cases currently sweeping through has pushed hospitals to the brink, with intensive care units reaching capacity. According to Health Ministry data there are a total of 14,965 hospitalized patients, of whom a total of 2,243 are on ventilators. Meanwhile, the nation's vaccination campaign continues. On Monday, Health Minister Oscar Ugarte supervised the vaccination of 8.630 seniors 80 years and older who live in San Juan de Lurigancho, one of the districts of the capital most populous and poorest. In the cemeteries of Lima, which are closed to the general public to avoid infections, multiple hearses could be seen. Quispe's loved ones were able to find side entrances into the cemetery so their larger group could enter. They threw flower petals on the coffin of Quispe and bid him their goodbyes before placing the coffin in the tomb. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Rita Ebel, nicknamed "Lego grandma," builds a wheelchair ramp from donated Lego bricks in the living room of her flat in Hanau, Germany, on Feb. 17, 2020. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters) EU Court Backs Lego in German Design Rights Case BRUSSELSDanish toymaker Lego on Wednesday won the backing of Europes second-highest court in its fight to secure design rights for its colorful snap-together plastic building bricks familiar to millions of children worldwide. The Luxembourg-based General Court threw out a 2019 decision by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) that sided with German toy and hardware maker Delta Sport Handelskontor which had sought to declare Legos design invalid. Lego challenged that ruling at the court, which on Wednesday disagreed with the trademark agencys assessment. EUIPO erroneously declared invalid a design of a brick of a LEGO toy building set, judges said. EUIPO failed to examine the relevance of the application of the exception relied on by Lego and failed to take into consideration all the features of appearance of the brick, they said. The trademark agency in its decision two years ago said the design of Lego bricks were solely dictated by their technical function, which is to allow assembly with, and disassembly from, the rest of the bricks of the set. The courts decision can be appealed to the EU Court of Justice, Europes highest. The case is T-515/19 Lego A/S v EUIPO and Delta Sport Handelskontor GmbH. By Foo Yun Chee China has announced a complete victory over the extreme poverty that the country was facing and fighting for the past many decades. Chinese President Xi Jinping in his address declared this much awaited victory to an important gathering at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the country's triumph. The gathering was arranged to honor the hardworking and courageous people who had joined in the fight against poverty in the country. During the ceremony President Xi presented certificates, medals, awards and commemorations to these outstanding heroes. There were government officials, party workers, villagers, civil society leaders, academicians and economists in the ceremony. This was a unique event meant to celebrate the country's resilience and commitment to help people of the country enjoy the fruits of prosperity. President Xi himself has presided over seven symposiums to address the poverty alleviation drive over the past eight years since his inception as President of the People's Republic of China. During this period, he has also made more than 50 research tours across China in the 14 hard and impoverished areas in the country to support the great cause of poverty alleviation. The miraculous journey of fight against poverty has not only been recognized at the national level but the world is mesmerized by the resilience and hard work by the Chinese leadership, officials, people of the country and how well they came out stronger and powerful against the odds. Under the guidance and leadership of President Xi, China's fight against poverty is yet to be seen anywhere in the world as nearly 99 million people living under rural circumstances and below the poverty line have been lifted out of those challenging living conditions. China has also met that goal in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ahead of time which is another remarkable achievement no one has ever achieved so far. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has also acknowledged the fact that China's anti-poverty drive has helped reduce 70% global poverty over the years. China's fight against poverty is a story of making impossible possible. It's a story of remarkable achievement that will go down in the history of mankind as an outstanding contribution to building a world full of equality, justice and prosperity. Chinese leadership while realizing the essence of poverty, developed its theoretical and practical understanding to implement an action plan with Chinese characteristics and resolve the economic deprivation of the people. Party leadership, governments at different levels and every individual in the Chinese society and government played its constructive role in poverty alleviation efforts. With consistent, honest and hard efforts this could not have been possible. The relief work was led by a visionary, unified, focused and honest leadership of Communist Party of China with 90 million members across the country. At all levels, from villages to the cities and then to the top level, party leadership reflected their utmost commitment to reach targets. Funds were allocated, duties were assigned to help people by providing them with assistance in job allocation, encouragement to use business models, investment plans, effective and optimum use of the new technologies were deployed to help eradicate poverty and rebuild lives in remote villages. Access to health care, education and basic needs were met through wide range of reforms and support system that was managed and channeled through the large network of leadership of CPC. To stop corruption, CPC always remained on its toes to build the justice system and strengthen it at all levels. Poverty reduction and empowering people for economic prosperity has remained the top priority of Communist Party of China since the party took power in 1949. The objective has been achieved but this is not something that will make the Chinese people rest rather there is a strong resolve amongst the leadership and people to continue the efforts in the right direction. This is a beginning of the new life and to keep this sustained for a longer period of time, there is no rest till the consolidation of all efforts towards one goal. The leadership has made resolve to initiate a drive of "rural vitalization" an important step towards modernization of economy. This plan was revealed in the two sessions for the year 2021-2025. Discussions have been made on the prevention from relapsing of poverty, focusing on agriculture, rural areas development, engaging farmer and prioritizing the focus on not to leave anyone behind in this common prosperity drive. Another important document that was released recently was the report by New China Research think tank under Xinhua News Agency entitled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economic Perspective". This report has in-depth discussions and views from foreign experts on Chinese poverty alleviation drive. The report suggests that the miraculous methods and techniques that China has used to fight poverty should be considered as a separate field of studies for the world to not only get inspired but also use them to help humanity to fight the menace. The report highlighting and summarizing the last eight years' achievements and lessons focused on the rationale behind this study has been discussed at length the global implications of such efforts. This important document is worth studying and understanding as it not only contributes to overall intellectual and theoretical understanding for academicians and researchers alike but also helps in taking important actions in the right direction. One important lesson apart from others is that the main principle was to focus on building pro-poor market, policies wherein government and society worked together to emancipate the poor and help them contribute to the society. China is not only a learner but a leader and innovator too in the fight against poverty. Code of China's poverty alleviation drive can be deciphered as mainly five Ds, which were the keys to this entire process: determined leadership, development oriented, decentralized delivery, data-based governance and detailed blueprint.These principles helped to achieve the miracle that we are witnessing today. As a result of the pandemic globally, poverty increased to manifold across the world and China was no exception. However, this huge challenge could not stop the Chinese resolve to solve this issue. Due to commitment of the leadership and people's resolve, China delivered the promise and set as an example for the developing countries, including Pakistan, on how to fight back the odds and come out stronger and positive. With grace and kindness full of compassion, society and Chinese leadership embraced the challenge and helped their people to live with dignity and prosperity that is shared, equal and inclusive. The example that was set forth by this greatest nation's men and women is remarkable. This is not only to study and engage to know more but this will go down in the history of the world as how a nation transformed itself to set an example that others will continue to follow and learn. The author is a researcher and Founder President Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan. In a jungle in the borderlands of Myanmar, the troops sweated through basic training. They learned how to load a rifle, pull the pin of a hand grenade and assemble a firebomb. These cadets are not members of Myanmars military, which seized power last month and quickly imposed a battlefield brutality on the countrys populace. Instead, they are an eclectic corps of students, activists and ordinary office workers who believe that fighting back is the only way to defeat one of the worlds most ruthless armed forces. I see the military as wild animals who cant think and are brutal with their weapons, said a woman from Yangon, Myanmars biggest city, who was now in the forest for a week of boot camp. Like others who have joined the armed struggle, she did not want her name published for fear that the Tatmadaw, as the Myanmar military is known, would target her. SANTA ANA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Allied Universal, a leading security and facility services company in North America, recently hired Tim Brandt as the company's Global CFO. Brandt will lead the financial operations of the company, and will focus on the upcoming acquisition and integration of G4S, and the eventual IPO of the newly consolidated company. Allied Universal hires Tim Brandt as the company's Global CFO. Prior to joining Allied Universal, Brandt worked for 30 years with Deloitte and was the Managing Partner of the Orange County practice for the last four years of his career. He specialized in mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings and public debt offerings. Additionally, Brandt has international experience having worked in Deloitte's Osaka, Japan office. "Tim brings more than 30 years of leadership with a proven track record in corporate and operational finance," said Steve Jones, Chairman & CEO of Allied Universal. "He complements our strong performance-oriented culture, and we believe his impressive reputation for execution and achieving results makes him the right choice to lead our finance and accounting operations. We welcome Tim to our team and look forward to his contributions as we embark on our global growth through our recent acquisition of G4S." Brandt is joining Allied Universal at an exciting and critical time in the company's history and is looking forward to the challenge. "I'm honored to join the exceptional team at Allied Universal," said Brandt. "I'm looking forward to working with such a dynamic, acquisitive company and am truly impressed by the team's dedication to achieving remarkable results. My goal is to build upon the company's history of success and capitalize on opportunities to continue to grow the business." About Allied Universal Allied Universal, a leading security and facility services company with more than 265,000 employees and revenues over $9.5 billion, provides unparalleled security services and technology solutions. With offices located throughout the nation as well as internationally (Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom), Allied Universal is responsible for protecting more than 50,000 client sites covering multiple specialty sectors such as higher education, healthcare, retail, commercial real estate, government and corporate campuses, etc. Supported by vast experience gained from being in business for over 60 years, Allied Universal provides proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver evolving, tailored solutions that allow clients to focus on their core business. Through world-class customer service, highly advanced systems and cohesive technology solutionsAllied Universal is There for you. For more information, please visit www.aus.com. CONTACT: Vanessa Showalter Allied Universal/PR Manager Phone: 714-619-9744 Email: Vanessa.Showalter@aus.com Nancy Thompson Vorticom Public Relations Phone: 212-532-2208 Email: nancyt@vorticom.com SOURCE: Allied Universal View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637157/Allied-UniversalR-Hires-Financial-Veteran-as-Global-CFO ADVERTISEMENT A former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Salamatu Suleiman, has been named chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by President Muhammadu Buhari. Mrs Suleiman served as a minister of women affairs and also minister of state for foreign affairs in the administration of late President Umaru YarAdua. She also served as commissioner in charge of political affairs, peace and security at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission from 2012 to 2016. The president also appointed 14 other members of the board of the NHRC. This was made known in a letter he wrote to the Senate seeking its consideration and possible confirmation of the nominees. Letter In the letter which was read out by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, at the start of plenary on Tuesday, the president said the appointment is pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rigthts Commission Act as amended. Other nominees include Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Umar Salisu, Dafe Adesida, Joseph Mmamel, and Ahmad Fingilla. Others are Kemi Asiwaju-Okeyonda, Abubakar Muhammed, Femi Okeowo, Sunny Daniel and Agabaidu Jideani. Also appointed are Nella Andem-Rabana, Azubuike Nwakwenta, Jamila Isah, CDD director, Hassan Idayat and former chairman Anthony Ojukwu as secretary. The letter will be transmitted to the appropriate committee for screening after which a report will be presented to the Senate recommending the confirmation or rejection of the appointees. The NHRC was established in 1995 to serve as an extra-judicial mechanism aimed at promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights. 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! Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, that U.S. sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline are a real possibility. Blinken, speaking in Brussels on March 24 after private talks with Maas the previous day, reiterated U.S. President Joe Biden's concerns about the pipeline from Russia to Germany. He said he told Maas that companies involved in the project risked U.S. sanctions. U.S. officials argue that the pipeline, which would transport 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually directly from Russia to Germany across the Baltic Sea, will make Europe too dependent on Russian energy supplies. It will also bypass Ukraine, a Western ally, potentially depriving it of valuable transit fees. Blinken declined to give more details about his meeting with Maas but said the United States was closely monitoring construction on the pipeline under the Baltic Sea, which is about 95 percent completed, and could be finished by September, according to experts. Germany is pushing for the pipeline's completion despite sustained U.S. opposition over more than a decade. So far, Washington has only imposed sanctions on the Russian company KVT-RUS, which operates the pipe-laying vessel Fortuna. These measures were announced by the administration of U.S. president Donald Trump shortly before the end of his term in January. Blinken last week denounced the pipeline as a "Russian geopolitical project intended to divide Europe and weaken European energy security." Supporters of the pipeline have long accused the United States of undermining the project in order to increase sales of its liquefied gas in Europe. Based on reporting by AFP, AP, Reuters, and dpa Panaji, March 24 : In a bid to boost international tourist footfalls, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday in his budget speech, proposed subsidising of charter flight parking and landing fees at Goa's Dabolim international airport. Sawant also announced a proposal to provide an interest grant on working capital loans to B, C and D category hotels registered with the Department of Tourism in order to support tourism industry stakeholders amid the pandemic. "In order to promote and encourage entry of more international chartered tourists in the State, I propose to reduce the burden on chartered flights by bearing a part of parking and landing fees at Dabolim International Airport. For this purpose, I have made a provision of Rs. 5 crores for this year," Sawant said. "In order to support the tourism industry, which has been adversely affected due to the pandemic, I propose to introduce the "Tourism Trade Support Scheme" wherein all registered B,C and D category hotels/accommodations and travel and tour operators with Department of Tourism, will be provided with a interest subvention on working capital loans upto Rs. 25 lakhs," Sawant said. He added that he had allotted a sum of Rs. 5 crore as corpus for the initiative, which is expected to benefit around "more than 2000 hotels/accommodations and more than 1000 tour and travel operators". The Chief Minister also said that the government was keen on developing villages for tourism purposes by promoting homestays, backwater tourism, experiential tours and the rich heritage. "Model villages would be developed on unique themes such as tribal, agro, crafts, heritage and other such concepts, which would allow tourists to visit the offbeat locations in the State instead of concentrating only on the coastal belt," said the chief minister. Goa is regarded as one of the best beach and nightlife tourism destinations in the country. Amid calls for his resignation in light of former Commissioner Param Bir Singh's corruption allegations against him, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday met Chief Minister at the latter's residence 'Varsha' here. On March 20, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis had demanded Deshmukh's resignation over Param Bir Singh's allegations against Deshmukh. Singh had, on Saturday, written a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging that Deshmukh had indulged in "malpractices" and asked suspended Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze to collect Rs 100 crore every month. The allegations made by Singh had come a day after Deshmukh had said that Singh was moved out as Commissioner so that cases pertaining to Waze were probed without obstruction. Cabinet is scheduled to hold a meeting on Wednesday in Mumbai and is likely to discuss the ongoing issues related to the police department, Singh's challenge to his transfer to the Home Guards department in the Supreme Court, and DG State Security Corporation (MSSC)'s leave after expressing unhappiness over Maharashtra DGP Rajnish Sheth's appointment to his post. Normally, the meeting takes place every week, but due to some reasons it was not convened last weekThis will be the first Cabinet meeting after the Maharashtra Budget session concluded on March 10. Also, this meeting holds particular importance because it will also be the first meeting after the Sachin Waze episode came to light. (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.) How many times do we have to go through the cycle of a mass shooting and sending our thoughts and prayers and resolving to do something, before we actually take action? Last week, a young man went to a store and bought a gun. On that very day, he leaves a path of destruction through the Asian-American community in Atlanta. Before we have time to process that event, a man takes an assault rifle into a grocery store in Boulder, Co. and leaves 10 people (including a responding police officer) dead. Gun violence and mass shootings have become so routine in our society that they barely register in the headlines for more than a couple of days before the news moves on to something else. Each time, there is call for taking steps to address the easy access to guns by taking reasonable steps to prevent future tragedies. Steps such as requiring background checks for all gun purchases, a waiting period following the purchase before a person can take the gun, a requirement for licensing and training before a person can lawfully carry the weapon in public and a ban on high performance military grade weapons for civilian purchase. But these steps are vigorously opposed by the gun lobby, the NRA and those who support them on the false premise that such regulations would violate the Second Amendment and would prevent the personal ownership of appropriate civilian weapons. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a means of placing appropriate controls on gun ownership that would improve public safety without denying a citizen the right to own guns for personal safety and sporting activities such as hunting. If we think of gun ownership like we think of car ownership, we could fashion a system that would allow responsible gun ownership in a way that would enhance public safety and reduce the unnecessary and tragic loss of innocent life that we witness far too often. Under such a system, a person would only be allowed to carry a weapon in public after they have received appropriate training and are licensed and properly insured. Nothing about this process would prevent a person from having a gun in their home. There should also be a restriction on the access to certain weapons. No one challenges the law that prohibits the personal ownership of a cannon, a tank, a bazooka or a machine gun. Everyone understands the danger of those weapons. Similarly, military style assault rifles and high capacity ammo clips should be restricted to use by active duty military personnel. These are steps that can be taken that would go a long way to reducing the tragic loss of life that we are seeing all to often. We must work to elect leaders who are willing to fight the gun lobby and the NRA and to work for the safety of their constituents first. We must expect our elected representatives to actually work in a meaningful way to reduce the toll of innocent lives being lost every year. If they don't, we need to replace them with leaders who will work for a reduction in gun violence at the next election. Rodney Strong Chair, Hamilton County Democratic Party * * * Interestingly enough, the Democrat party has long sought to restrict the ownership of firearms but has yet to actually enforce the laws currently on the books. Instead of addressing the lack of enforcement the Democrat party wants to take away the rights of millions of American citizens by banning certain firearms. They want to criminalize the current ownership of millions of American gun owners. As usual, not only is the terminology incorrect when referring to these certain firearms but the (high capacity clips) mentioned arent even a thing. There is an ammunition clip (stripper clip) and then there is an ammunition magazine. Get to know what you are talking about before spouting off. Instead of jumping on the gun control bandwagon why not actually deal with the real issues of gun violence. Rodney, you could have done just that at a local level when you were with the District Attorneys office. Unfortunately we see a constant revolving door of criminals in our court system with repeat offenses for gun crimes. Over and over those charges are plead down which leads to those same people committing crimes again. Take a look at the city of Chicago and convince me that gun control works. Chicago is a Democrat run city with the strictest gun laws in the country and yet they had nearly 4,000 people shot in 2020. You Democrats seem to forget this inconvenient little tidbit of information. If you add up the last two decades of mass shootings victims you come nowhere near the number of victims shot in a single year in Chicago. Remember that Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the U.S. and is run by Democrats. So in usual fashion the Democrat party, after the latest mass shooting, has not failed to capitalize on a tragedy in an attempt to push their liberal and yet uneducated agenda. Please stop with the liberal rhetoric. Mike Cox * * * As a firearms safety instructor and gun enthusiast, whenever I hear about a mass shooting it makes me sick to my stomach. I truly feel for the families of these innocent victims. I also say enough is enough. The only problem, I'm a realist and I know bad things happen whether it be with guns, knives, hammers, explosives, cars, whatever. You know the saying goes with the Muslim people, just because a few of them are bad and did horrible things, you can't punish and hold responsible all the Muslims for the acts of a few. The AR15 (Armalite rifle) is probably one of the most popular rifles in existence. It is not a military rifle, as you must pull the trigger for each shot. It's fun to shoot, has virtually no recoil, and is used at most sporting competitions and all types of sporting events. Most women prefer to shoot it over other rifles. I think a lot of the mass shootings should have been avoided if the proper checks were done and followed up. Some of those individuals had red flags and should have never been allowed to purchase a gun. Somewhere the background checks slipped through the crack. Our system of background checks needs to be updated and shared among all law enforcement agencies and maintained properly. Anyone that can commit a mass shooting has to be mentally ill. No one in their sane mind could even think about doing a deed like this. I think we need to ensure all background checks on gun purchases are looked at carefully and followed up if something is not right and do our best to make sure anyone with mental problems does not have access to any type of weapon and gets the help they need.. Jim Rosenbloom * * * Rodney, To answer your question "how many times until it's too many"..... sadly, the answer is one. The solution of gun control you propose will not solve this problem....in fact, it may be unsolvable. But, a good defense is a good offense. #1. Evil people do evil things. Laws will not and do not deter evil. As an example, felons in possession of a firearm in Tennessee can get up to 10 years in prison. If said felon has two violent convictions, it's 15 years minimum. Yet, you can do a search of "felons in possession" on the Tennessee Court of Appeals website and you will see a lot of appeals from the felons that were caught. One can only guess how many that haven't been caught. Jail time doesn't seem to deter felons from guns. #2. Contrary to your statements, background checks for buying a firearm are already in place. In 2017, 25.6 million nationwide background checks resulted in 1 percent denied, about 181,000. Failing a background check does not keep an evil person from getting a gun through other means. #3. Contrary to your statements, Tennessee already has two provisions for licensing to carry a handgun concealed/unconcealed or concealed. It is called a Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit or Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit. Each permit has it own training requirements, fees and what is allowed to carry your handgun. #4. Contrary to your statements, there are already restrictions to certain classes of firearms...such as fully automatic weapons. Fully automatic weapons are legal, but you have many restrictive hoops to jump through to buy one, plus you will needs lots of money. #5. No matter what laws you propose to limit the gun style you dislike or the magazine capacity that you think is too much....the evil ones don't care about laws and will do whatever is necessary to get to their end point. The only people that will suffer the Democrat Politik is the law-abiding citizen. Search for "mass shooters who passed background checks": Cruz, Parkland FL. 17 dead. Cruz legally purchased S&W M&P 15 rifle from a licensed gun store. Devin Kelley, Sutherland Springs Texas. 25 dead. Kelley was legally barred from buying guns due to history of domestic abuse, but did so anyway because info of his crimes were never entered into the federal database. Stephen Paddock, Las Vegas, NV. 58 dead. Amassed an arsenal of guns of 49 guns. He passed all background checks on 33 weapons he bought Oct 2016 to Sept 2017. Omar Mateen, Orlando, FL. 49 dead. Purchased AR-15 style rifle and handgun a week before the shooting in 2016. He passed all background checks. FBI investigated him in 2013 and 2014 when his co-workers told of his talking about ties to terrorist groups. Tashfeen Malik & Syed Farook, San Bernadino, CA. 14 dead. Weapons used were bought legally by their neighbor, Enrique Marquez, from a licensed gun dealer. Christoper Harper-Mercer, Roseburg, OR. 10 dead. Christopher and family members legally purchased from a licensed gun dealer, a rifle and handgun used in the shooting. Dylann Roof, Charleston, SC. 9 dead. Dylann had been arrested for drugs, which should have kept him from purchasing a firearm. A record keeping error and a background check delay allowed the purchase to go through. Aaron Alexis, Washington, DC. 12 dead. Passed state and federal background checks. He had mental health issues and run-ins with the law, but nothing that would have stopped him from buying a gun. Adam Lanza, Newtown, CT. 26 dead. Adam used his mother's AR-15 in the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. James Holmes. Aurora, CO. 12 dead. Passed background check while receiving psychiatric treatment. Treatment does not stop one from buying a firearm. Phil Snider * * * To Party Chairman Strong, leaders of your party say It is easier to buy a gun than to vote. (State Senator Michelle Au , D-GA, March 21, 2021, CBS News; Senator Alex Padilla, D-CA, March 23, 2021). Progressives like Jake Sherman of something called Punchbowl News and a contributor to MSNBC echoed that statement two days ago in the news media. Chairman Strong, nobody has sent me an AR-15 or a Glock-19 in the mail. I do know of individuals receiving ballots, some unsolicited, in the mail. I believe that was your party that strongly pushed for that to happen. Progressives thrive in a common sense desert bending and spinning their stories to fit the latest crisis (Rahm Emanuel, D-IL). Until that changes, its nearly impossible to have a productive dialogue that respects responsible gun ownership as outlined in law and the constitution. Ralph Miller * * * Rodney, why do the Democrats never allow a tragedy to be just that, rather than use that tragedy to push their agenda? In this case, its your party's desire to unarm our citizenry, just as the Nazi did in Germany. Im not sure how you feel about that piece of history but I abhor it. Now I know you went to one of those lawyer schools, Cumberland School of Law, and I believe they taught you about the Constitution. You would have even been tested on it. So let me make this clear; the Second Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, aka The Bill of Rights, makes absolutely no reference to ownership of appropriate civilian weapons. Neither appropriate nor weapons are mentioned. All of us share the grief of any mass shooting or any tragedy where lives are needlessly taken for any reason. However, as was the case right here in Chattanooga, the shootings in Boulder, Co. were done by an Islamic terrorist, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa. CNN confirmed that it was not about his Islamic radicalism, rather white morality, so I guess they want you to believe it was my fault. In 2018, this same terrorist, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, attacked a fellow classmate by slipping up behind him in class and hitting him in the head, knocking him out of his desk. He then jumped on top of his victim and continued the beating until he was stopped. Witnesses said it was unprovoked. The weapon was hit hands. His hands got the job done in this case. Do me a favor, Rodney, because we are all against mass murder. Change sides and fight for the rights of the yet to be born people. Over 64,000,000 lives in the USA have needlessly been taken since Roe vs Wade and somehow this is okay with you? All in the name of womens reproductive health rights? What a twist of the truth. If you want a cause worth fighting for, stand up and defend the defenseless unborn babies who should be protected by this same Constitution I hold so dear. J. Pat Williams * * * I see Mr. Strong hit all the DNC talking points including the ludicrous and laughable bazooka argument. And the "clip" reference, also. At least educate yourself as to what you are talking about. Why don't you just come out and say your ultimate goal is the outright ban and confiscation of all privately held firearms? You fool no one with your we need "common sense" gun laws. Just how many existing gun laws did this latest deranged person violate? As Mr. Cox correctly notes, look at the Democrat run city of Chicago with some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. How's that working out? And military style assault weapons? I get it. It's a black gun and it's just so scary looking. You still have to pull the trigger once for each round fired. Educate yourself some more and look at a Ruger Mini 14. Doesn't look at all like one of those scary black assault weapons, does it? Do you know it fires the exact same round at the exact same rate of fire as your scary looking black gun? And it can also be fitted with a 30 round magazine. Nobody's calling for a ban on them. I do not have an answer but I do know that more restrictions on firearms will do nothing but further erode our basic freedoms. I have the inalienable right to defend myself. That right comes from God in addition to the Constitution. My right to defend myself and the manner in which I choose to do so will not be trampled on by power hungry Democrat politicians. As Charlton Heston so famously said, "From my cold, dead hands." Dennis Wooden Exclusive: China's Didi leans towards New York for IPO, eyes valuation of at least $100 billion - sources FILE PHOTO: Didi headquarters in Beijing By Julie Zhu and Kane Wu HONG KONG (Reuters) - China's top ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing is leaning toward picking New York over Hong Kong for its initial public offering (IPO), eyeing a valuation of at least $100 billion via the float, two people with direct knowledge of the matter said. Didi has also discussed the option of listing via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), multiple sources told Reuters, which would involve merging with a blank-check firm that raises capital through a U.S. IPO. But they said the SPAC option was seen by Didi as less viable given its valuation target. At that valuation target, Didi could raise about $10 billion if it sells 10% of its shares, in what would be the biggest Chinese IPO in the United States since Alibaba's $25 billion float in 2014. A fifth person close to Didi said the company is also considering a second listing in Hong Kong if its U.S. IPO takes place. Beijing-based Didi said it doesn't have a definite plan regarding its listing destination or timeline. The sources declined to be identified as the information is confidential. Two of them said the preference for New York as a listing venue partly reflects concerns that a Hong Kong IPO application could run into tighter regulatory scrutiny over Didi's business practices, including the use of unlicensed vehicles and part-time drivers. Shanghai authorities fined Didi for using unlicensed vehicles multiple times in 2019. Back then, Didi responded by launching a campaign to improve safety for passengers. Another advantage Didi sees in a New York IPO is a more predictable listing pace and a deeper pool of capital, a sixth source said, adding that the IPO could happen as soon as the second quarter. Hong Kong stock exchange operator HKEX declined to comment on the possibility of a Didi listing on its platform. In a sign of challenges for ride-hailing firms to list in Hong Kong, Didi's smaller domestic rival Dida Inc filed for an IPO in the city last October and has been fielding several queries from the exchange, said a seventh source. Story continues The queries were mainly linked to matters including business compliance and the company has yet to clear a hearing with the bourse, said the person with knowledge of the matter. Dida and HKEX declined to comment. Didi's planned listing in the United States will add to the strong momentum of Chinese companies tapping investors in that market in the last couple of years despite heightened tensions between the world's two-largest economies. Last year, Chinese companies raised $12 billion in U.S. listings, more than triple the fundraising amount in 2019, according to Refinitiv data. Nine-year-old Didi was valued at $56 billion https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-didi-idUSKBN1KR0IG in a 2017 fundraising and its valuation exceeded $60 billion https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tech-downrounds-analysis-idUSKCN1PO1AR a year later, sources have said. However, some of its shares had been sold at a valuation below $50 billion before the Chinese New Year last month in private trades, one of the first two people and an eighth source said. One of the sources said Didi is also considering buying back some shares from existing shareholders and company executives at a valuation of $80 billion prior to the IPO. But Didi said it had no such plans, when contacted by Reuters. (Reporting by Julie Zhu and Kane Wu in Hong Kong, and Yilei Sun in Beijing; Additional reporting by Scott Murdoch; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee, Kenneth Maxwell and Ana Nicolaci da Costa) MURRELLS INLET Stacy Mims has always had a knack for running restaurants, he just took a short detour along the way. Already the proprietor of established restaurants in Scranton and Florence, Mims is bringing barbecue back to the building that housed Prosser's Barbecue in Murrells Inlet. Long before that, Mims started in the restaurant profession by accepting a job in management at Waffle House after graduating college, but soon found that he needed something else to do with his time. I was young and was like, 'Man this every weekend and holiday aint good,' so I quit, Mims said. Mims left the restaurant business entirely by getting into banking a successful career that lasted for 12 years, but he ultimately decided he wanted to do his own thing. A broker, who was a customer of his from the bank, told him about an opportunity in Scranton to own a well-established restaurant open since 1994 Schoolhouse Bar-B-Que. Mims bought the location in April 2009 and has owned it since. He told me about it, and I had been looking for years, he said. It was a good opportunity, and I took the chance. It has worked extremely well for me. Once again, a tip from a friend has resulted in the upcoming Murrells Inlet location, simply named Inlet Bar-B-Que. Mims explained that a mutual friend of his, the Prosser family and the buildings owners were all put in contact with each other a few weeks before the former restaurant shut down. Prosser's Barbecue closed on Jan. 1 after nearly 30 years in business. Prossers had a well-established business, Mims said. They had a great reputation, everything I had ever heard was good. Unfortunately, the pandemic and different things put them in a bind, and they had to close down. I think everyone knew what was happening and he put us in contact with each other. Mims said that the new location was simply a good opportunity that he could not pass up. The building was already being remodeled, so he basically walked into a turn-key operation. According to him, he only had to buy a few pieces of equipment. Hopefully, we just will just be able to build off of what Prossers had established, he said. Mims explained that many of Prossers customers will get a sense of familiarity when they enter the new restaurant. Its just good, homecooked, country food, very similar to what Prossers had, he said. Our menu is very similar. Im sure our BBQ sauce is a little different, however. Customers will also see familiar faces when they sit down Mims hired some of Prossers employees. While Mims said that he would love to open immediately, the more realistic goal is either the first or second week of April, but they are getting close. Mims will be a busy man, alternating between Murrells Inlet and his Florence business Bazens Family Restaurant. His brother runs the Scranton location now. We kind of know the ropes so hopefully it will fit in perfectly, and people will like what we do. Environmental activists have attacked ANZ for financing fossil fuels despite recently launching an ambitious climate policy that prevents it from writing loans to new thermal coal plants. A group of six green activist organisations including Rainforest Action Network (RAN), BankTrack and Reclaim Finance has trawled through Bloomberg terminals and open source data to determine which global banks are financing fossil fuels around the world. The report found ANZ has written $15.2 billion in loans to 57 high-emitting companies over the past five years, including $2.9 billion last year alone to oil and gas producers such as Santos, Vitol, Thai Oil, United Petroleum and mining giants such as Glencore. That compares to $6.5 billion worth of exposure to fossil fuels at Westpac, $6.2 billion at the Commonwealth Bank and $3.6 billion at the National Australia Bank over a five-year period, the report said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... As Albuquerque embarks on a two-pronged system of policing a chief to focus on fighting violent crime on one hand and a superintendent to ensure the department is on track with constitutional reforms on the other the resounding cry from readers is to just stop thugs from taking our stuff. After an UpFront column on Feb. 22 focused on auto burglars hitting several members of our Editorial Board, the email bag has been overflowing with similar stories. Heres just a sample: What do you want? One reader said that after his car was burglarized: I spotted the same guy on a neighbors property. He ran when I confronted him. I began to contact APD via the non-emergency line over the course of the next three weeks, each time I observed this same person in our neighborhood. On one call, as I observed this individual attempting to remove a screen on the side of a house, the person on the other end of the APD line actually said, Leave him alone and go home. I am not paraphrasing here. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ So, I took it upon myself to find out more about this individual. One time, I actually approached him he was happy to give me his name and, more importantly, where he was living. I began calling the non-emergency line to APD, demanding that something be done. After another week of this, I finally got THE call. An APD officer was on the other end of the line. He informed me he was standing face to face with my burglar. He confirmed his name and the fact that he lived there. Then came what I have found to be a question that typifies APDs response to property crime. He asked me, What do you want me to do? 23 stolen tonight I had my car stolen out of my garage, along with hiking and camping gear, and landscaping tools. I had heard the perps about 4 a.m. and I walked in on them they darted out of the garage in my car right before my eyes. I immediately called 911 and an officer showed up an hour and half after my call. The perps left behind their backpack filled with heroin and their drivers licenses. APD misplaced the evidence and no one was ever caught. The response I got from the 911 operator: Sir, your car is the 23rd car stolen tonight. Please relax, were on our way. Thefts on camera From Nob Hill, I was installing our security cams one evening, and as I came back into the house to check the camera alignment and recording process, I saw on the screen a thief had come up the driveway right behind me and try to open our car doors. My first view on the cam was that. Another time, we had a yard sale going on and my wifes cellphone went missing. I ran the cam back and we saw a woman walk behind my wife and pick up her phone where she had set it down. We tracked (the phone) to a motel and, later, to the Downs casino, which is state property. We called the State Police, they descended on the casino en masse. The thief saw all the police arrive, and walked over and turned it in to security, saying she found it. Victimized 5 times The facility I currently work at has been victim to property crimes at least five times this year. As a retired police officer, it is disheartening to see the once-great APD fall to its knees with the Department of Justice and anti-police rhetoric in our county. The police profession is at a breaking point and its no wonder officers arent proactive Tech replaces cops A member of law enforcement shares that agencies rely too heavily on technology to handle crime victimization reporting. All too often, police departments are forgoing fundamental law enforcement investigative practices of face-to-face interactions and canvassing a neighborhood. Heavy reliance on telephone reporting and online reporting serves to discourage victims from coming forward, resulting in offenders getting away with crimes. The technology barrier is real. APD ignores crimes During my 10-plus years in EMS on the streets of Albuquerque, I had occasion to be on many, many scenes with APD. A very large number of these folks are fine public servants. However, too many are steeped in self-pity. Too many are only there for the retirement. Cops have given up From a local attorney, The mayoral election will hinge on crime who in their right mind wants to move to a city where the crime rate is out of control and the police have given up? Confronted thieves Our cars are always in the garage. It eliminates a lot of problems on a street where virtually every neighbor has had their car broken into and a couple have been stolen, (but) it looks like no one was home. A few years back, some kids assumed that, ringing the doorbell just to be sure. I answered. I very unwisely gently confronted them. I could have been shot and killed like (homeowner and robbery victim) Steven Gerecke, who lived only a couple of miles away. It was very foolish of me; I learned, and will never do that sort of thing again. Downward spiral We are in a downward spiral when, as a society, we cant have a nice car in the driveway or be secure in the home. How can we live in fear as we do today? Is this what we want for our kids? A common question from readers has been other than locking my car doors, what do we do???? And it bears noting that virtually every letter ends with something along the lines of: Thanks for the article, and understand we are all frustrated. Is City Hall getting that? UpFront is a daily front-page news and opinion column. Karla Bielanski places flowers on the car of Officer Eric Talley, who was killed yesterday during a mass shooting in King Soopers grocery store, at Boulder Police Department, in Boulder, Colo., on March 23, 2021. (Alyson McClaran/Reuters) Police Officer Who Lost His Life in Boulder Mass Shooting Celebrated as Hero The police officer who was killed when responding to a mass shooting in Colorado this week is being celebrated as a hero. Officer Eric Talley, 51, who started on the force in 2010, was the first responder to the scene. I can tell you that hes a very kind man, and he didnt have to go into policing. He had a profession before this, but he felt a higher calling. And he loved this community. And hes everything that policing deserves and needs, Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold told reporters on Tuesday. He cared about this community. He cared about Boulder Police Department. He cared about his family. And he was willing to die to protect others. And that gets lost in translation. Talley leaves behind a wife and seven children. The officer was in the IT field before making a career change at age 40, according to his father, Homer Talley. Police officer Eric Talley, who was among 10 people who perished in Mondays mass shooting at King Soopers grocery in Boulder, Colorado, is seen in a file photograph. (Boulder Police Department via Reuters) Homer Talley described his son to Fox 31 as a man of heart who loved his job. Talley and other officers were dispatched to the scene of the shooting, a King Soopers grocery store, at approximately 2:40 p.m. on March 22. They immediately entered the store and exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was shot and shortly after taken into custody. The suspect was identified as Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, 21. He was treated at a hospital before being transferred to jail as he faces 10 counts of murder. Boulder Mayor Sam Weaver called Talley a truly heroic public servant. The officer was gunned down as he valiantly protected those who are in mortal danger, Weaver told reporters. He died charging into the line of fire to save people who were simply trying to live their lives and go food shopping. And the man who gunned them down will be held fully responsible, added Michael Doherty, the district attorney for Boulder County. Law enforcement personnel salute as the motorcade carrying fallen Boulder Police officer Eric Talley exits the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colo., on March 22, 2021. (Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images) Talley is the 79th law enforcement officer to die in 2021, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. That includes 45 whose deaths involved COVID-19 and 13 who died by gunfire. Edwin Hurwitz, a defense and immigration attorney, recalled meeting Talley years ago and going on a ride along with him. Hurwitz said he was skeptical of police officers but saw how patient and understanding Talley was when dealing with calls for help. Here was somebody who really believed in the mission that he had to keep people safe, and to keep the community safe, to protect us and to serve us, the lawyer told CBS. He was someone who, because he came into it earlier in life had really considered everything about what it means to be a police officer. President Joe Biden hailed Talley during remarks from the White House on Tuesday. You know when he pinned on that badge yesterday morning, he didnt know what the day would bring, Biden said. He thought hed be coming home to his family and his seven children. When the moment to act came, officer Talley did not hesitate in his duty, making the ultimate sacrifice in his effort to save lives. Thats the definition of an American hero. The FTSE is poised for its biggest company float in a decade next week, as Deliveroo joins the stock exchange. Depending on the final share price, the restaurant takeaway delivery giant could be valued at as much as 9 billion. Its debut will be a big moment for the London Stock Exchange, which has been starved of tech talent in recent years. Landmark float: Depending on the final share price, the restaurant takeaway delivery giant Deliveroo could be valued at as much as 9 billion It will mean a significant windfall, too, for the company's founder, Will Shu, a 41-year-old London-based American former banker. He worked as Deliveroo's first delivery driver to ensure he knew exactly what people wanted from his company, and now stands to make more than 300 million when it goes public. Meanwhile, his friends and family who invested in Deliveroo in 2013 could make a 60,000 per cent return. Yet for all the excitement about Deliveroo, the fact remains that the company has yet to turn a profit - even during lockdown. That hasn't stopped private money from pouring in, however, with the company raising more than 1 billion in recent years. But should retail investors follow the big money in betting on Deliveroo? And what do you need to know first? Here's your guide to help you decide whether you should jump on this two-wheeled tech bandwagon... Graft: Deliveroo founder Will Shu worked as the company's first delivery driver to ensure he knew exactly what people wanted from his company Growing appetite for ordering in As one of the best-known takeaway apps in Britain, Deliveroo has thrived throughout the pandemic. It will be hoping our growing appetite for restaurant takeaway will hold up - even when we can finally dine out again. Even so, some analysts have raised their eyebrows at the sky-high valuation. 'The expected share price is very much towards the upper end of expectations,' says Susannah Streeter, a senior analyst with investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown. She points out that in January, during the company's most recent fundraising round, its valuation was estimated at 5 billion. Last month, Deliveroo reported a doubling of sales based on figures from a year ago, but is that enough to justify such a boost? As is often the case for so-called 'growth' stocks, investors are essentially betting that the company's market share will continue to expand. This has certainly been the pattern to date, as Deliveroo has expanded to 11 other countries throughout Europe and Asia. But the lockdown winner faces stiff competition, both at home and abroad. On home turf, it must hold its own against U.S.-owned Uber Eats and global market-leader Just Eat. Further afield, its competitors include European offering Delivery Hero, China's Meituan Waimai and even Amazon's rapidly evolving food services. Meanwhile, Deliveroo's IPO (Initial Public Offering) comes during a period of soul-searching for the gig economy. Like many similar companies, Deliveroo operates an ultra-flexible model through which self-employed workers are paid per drop-off, rather than for the time they are actually available to work. Whatever the merits of this model, there's no doubt that it's coming under increased scrutiny. Just last month, the UK Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling that Uber's taxi-drivers should be classed as 'workers', with entitlement to minimum wage and holiday pay. And although this doesn't affect Deliveroo (or Uber Eats), things may change in the future -and quickly. 'If Deliveroo is forced to change the way it classifies its riders in the future, this is likely to puncture its profits prospects,' says Ms Streeter. Deliveroo will be hoping our growing appetite for restaurant takeaway will hold up - even when we can finally dine out again No guarantee of success Debates over its value aside, there is at least one area in which Deliveroo represents good news for retail investors. Unlike with many IPOs, its founder has ensured ordinary investors are given the chance to purchase pre-market shares. Existing customers have been invited to express their interest in the IPO through the Deliveroo app. They can then look to buy shares worth thousands of pounds at a price likely to be between 3.90 and 4.60 each. Of course, anyone looking to invest in Deliveroo - either through the IPO or when it joins the markets - needs to do their homework. It's worth bearing in mind that an IPO isn't a guaranteed golden ticket to profit. Shares in Aston Martin Lagonda have famously fallen 80 per cent since the firm joined the London Stock Exchange in 2018. Meanwhile, early investors in Uber (which listed in New York in 2019) had to wait 18 months to make a profit, after the value of its shares dropped 30 per cent within months of listing. 'Unicorn' boost for FTSE future Another way retail investors can look to profit from successful companies such as Deliveroo is through investment funds. Unlike some private companies, Deliveroo hasn't sold shares to mainstream investment companies to raise money meaning that you won't find it in any retail funds just yet. The company may make an appearance in UK or globally focused value funds before long, though, particularly if its shares perform well. But what does the IPO mean for the wider FTSE? Deliveroo's size would ordinarily be enough for the company to join the FTSE 100. However, the company's slightly complex legal structure means that Deliveroo will be excluded from the index. Like many technology companies, it is opting for 'dual-class' shares, which means that later investors will have fewer voting rights. This is perfectly above board, but it does prohibit companies from joining the FTSE 100 or 250. This may well change in future a Government-backed review has recently called for this. But for now it means that investors holding tracker funds won't benefit from Deliveroo's inclusion. Even so, the arrival of a true British 'unicorn' - a privately held start-up so successful it's like a mythical beast - bodes well for the FTSE's future, even if not all investors feel the benefit just yet. Sky's new subsidiary Sky Connect will offer broadband to small businesses Telecoms giant Sky has launched a business offering broadband to small businesses as it steps up its battle with BT. Sky Connect will seek to offer 'best-in-class' service, including a guarantee not to hike prices during a contract. It will build on the company's home broadband arm, which has grown to have more than 6m UK customers. Sky said small businesses were the 'growth engine of the economy' and that its service will help firms that have shifted online during the coronavirus crisis to build on this. The division has already led to the creation of 200 jobs, including more than 100 in its Leeds call centre. Stephen van Rooyen, the firm's UK and Europe boss, said: 'We're launching Sky Connect now, and plan to create up to 1,000 jobs across the UK, because we know British businesses will come out fighting and we want to be there to help.' 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. Facebook Sued in France Over Hate Speech, False Information Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Tuesday it is suing Facebook in France for allegedly violating the European nations consumer code with deceptive promises to fight hate speech and false information. In a press release, the Paris-based free press watchdog alleged that the U.S. social media giant has broken its own terms of services to allow disinformation and hate speech to flourish on the platform, including hatred against journalists and significant disinformation about COVID-19. The RSF cited two reports as evidence of Facebooks alleged tolerance of hate speech against journalists. One details dozens of user comments containing insults, threats, and calls for violence against the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo and its journalists in September 2019, when a high-profile trial was underway of 14 people accused of helping two jihadists carry out the 2015 massacre at the magazines office. The other report concerns the hate messages and threats against journalists working on the French TV program Quotidien, which were posted on public Facebook pages, and comments threatening the French regional newspaper LUnion, whose 65-year-old photographer was attacked and seriously injured this February while covering youth violence. In addition, the lawsuit alleged that Facebook has failed to label disinformation about COVID-19 as such. For example, Facebook posts of the 2020 French documentary-style film Hold-up, which spreads what the RSF describes as a conspiracy theory about the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic, remained visible and were viewed more than 4.5 million times in two months. The RSF said it chose to file the lawsuit in France because French commercial law is especially well suited to deal with the issue, and that Facebook has 38 million overall French users, including 24 million daily active users. Under French consumer code, according to the RSF, a commercial practice is considered deceptive if it is based on false claims, statements or representations or is likely to mislead. The offense is punishable by a fine of up to 10 percent of annual turnover. Facebook said in a statement on Tuesday that it has zero tolerance for any harmful content on our platforms and were investing heavily to tackle hate speech and misinformation. Our enforcement will never be perfect, but while nobody can eliminate misinformation and hate speech from the internet entirely, we continue using research, experts, and technologies to tackle them in the most comprehensive and effective way possible, the company said. In the United States, Facebook is also facing questions over its handling of what some deemed as false information. Mark Zuckerberg, the companys CEO, is scheduled to appear at yet another congressional hearing this Thursday over the role social media played in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. About a year after the coronavirus pandemic afflicted the world, Lake Houston area business leaders discussed the ways they adapted to the new normal and, in some cases, continued to experience growth despite a myriad of challenges. Partnership Lake Houston held their annual State of the Lake Houston area luncheon virtually on March 23. Partnership CEO Mark Mitchell moderated a panel composed of McAlpine Interests broker Adam McAlpine, City of Humble manager Jason Stuebe and John Flournoy, director of sales and leasing for McCord Development. While McAlpin Interests is a commercial real estate firm with several properties in the area, McCord is the developer behind Summerwood and Generation Park. LOCAL: Maintaining Masks: Experts say face coverings help keep Humble ISD students safe Stuebe said Humble saw the impacts of the coronavirus as early as February in sales tax receipts. From March to May, the city was collectively down 17 percent on sales tax collections, which was as high as 24 percent in April during lockdowns. He said they also had COVID-19 cases in various departments, highlighting the first responders that responded during the initial outbreak. Thats a significant amount of money for a small town like ours that relies so much on retail and business activity, Stuebe said. So that was the lost revenue for us and certainly the lost revenue for businesses. Outside of that, really, there was limited impact to COVID as it related to municipal operations because were geared toward being operational 24/7 and we have to be thats the nature of our business. McAlpine said this was the first time he has seen all parties working together from tenants to landlords to lenders. Chapter 11 and 13 bankruptcies were possibilities for commercial tenants in the situations brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, so everyone worked together. People prepare for a couple of locations to do poorly here and there, but to have just across the board 60 percent or more revenue cut immediately, hardly anyones preparing for that, McAlpine said. So there did have to be a lot of creativity just between three major parties the tenants, the landlords and the lenders to try and make it through these times. One sector that increased during the coronavirus pandemic was online sales, e-commerce and curbside pick up, moving from about 13 percent of total sales prior to the pandemic to 16 to 17 percent, according to Flournoy. Obviously online purchasing has increased substantially as a result of COVID, Flournoy said. ...Even (though) that just seems like (a) small little fraction, its a substantial need for warehousing as a result of that. Amazon, for example, theyve grown their real estate footprint alone in 2020, or really the second half of 2020, by 50 percent and theres no signs of slowing down. STATE: Texas' winter storm could prompt a bumper crop of spring wildflowers Additionally, Flournoy was happy that McCord was able to give back to the community despite the challenging year. Generation Park staff created a coordinated food distribution through a partnership with a government program that was part of the stimulus package called Farmers to Families. They held three food drives, served over 2,200 families with 45,000 pounds of produce and 6,600 gallons of milk, according to Flournoy. What was cool was seeing all the volunteer support, Flournoy said. When we went and looked at other food drives happening across the city, the main concern was getting volunteer support. But in our community that was like the one concern we didnt have. Every food drive was oversubscribed in terms of volunteers. We had anywhere from 30 to 50 in every single food drive and were just struggling to find things for people to do which is a good position to be in and it was telling for our community that they came out in droves to support. Everyone was looking to help. However, the future is still mostly uncertain as these local leaders looked forward. Im shaking my magic 8 ball, and its telling me too soon to tell, Stuebe said. Just because were getting so used to having these curve balls thrown at us, I dont want to be too optimistic I think were gearing up for a pretty successful year, and I know its cliche but yeah, theres light at the end of the tunnel finally. I think that thats improving the confidence of the consumer. savannah.mehrtens@chron.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. SAT-7 Wins NRB Award for 'Innovative Outreach' in Middle East, North Africa Broadcaster's unique local programming engages culture, makes 'God's love visible' SAT-7 WINS NRB AWARD FOR 'GOSPEL EFFECTIVENESS' IN MIDDLE EAST: SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) -- a one-of-a-kind Christian broadcaster that reaches 25 million people in the Middle East and North Africa -- has won a major award from National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the world's largest association of Christian communicators. It comes as SAT-7 ramps up its satellite programs and online services in the troubled region, where it's experiencing record numbers of viewer responses. NEWS PROVIDED BY SAT-7 March 24, 2021 EASTON, Md., March 24, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- SAT-7 -- a one-of-a-kind Christian broadcaster that reaches 25 million people in the Middle East and North Africa -- has won a major award from National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), the world's largest association of Christian communicators. SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) received the NRB's International Media Award for 2021 -- one of the coveted annual Media and Special Service Awards presented to Christian organizations that excel in their field and spread the gospel with the greatest effect. "This is God's season for the Middle East and North Africa," said SAT-7 CEO Rita El-Mounayer, a native of Lebanon, who heads the network's unique programming, with up to 80% produced in the Middle East, and using local presenters speaking Arabic, Turkish and Farsi, the region's three main languages. "People across the region are intrigued to see that God really does care about them," said El-Mounayer. "They're asking: 'Who is this Jesus?' and our local Christian presenters and their guests make God's love visible to them in ways they respond to." Encouraging Those in 'Believers' Vacuum' A hallmark of the network -- marking its 25th year broadcasting from its studios in the Middle East -- is to encourage isolated Christians in places like Iran and Algeria, where believers are not allowed to attend church, many don't have a Bible, and some have never met another Christian in person. "SAT-7 is the church for the thousands of isolated believers across the Middle East and North Africa who have to worship alone in secret in their homes," El-Mounayer said. "One viewer in Iran told us, 'when you pray on the screen, I pray with you; when you worship on the screen, I worship with you. One day I will pray and worship with you in person. And not just that -- when I see you, I will kneel down and wash your feet and say thank you for what you did for the church in Iran.'" Viewers Eager to Experience Jesus During the pandemic, the network -- which anyone can watch free-of-charge -- has seen a surge in responses from viewers in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Algeria, Tunisia and other nations in the volatile region. Its live programs -- often focusing on social issues, family life and health -- and its social media channels attract viewers from different religious and cultural backgrounds. Viewers can ask the SAT-7 team questions on the phone or through online chat. "When they see and hear local Christians in their own language describe how Jesus has given them peace, hope and love for others, many viewers are calling us and chatting with our team on social media, saying: 'I want to experience that, too,'" said El-Mounayer, who began her career as a SAT-7 children's presenter in the 1990s. SAT-7 will be presented with the NRB's International Media Award at the NRB convention in Grapevine, Texas, in June. Launched in 1996, SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) -- with its international headquarters in Cyprus -- broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television programs to more than 25 million people in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian) and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels and online services. SOURCE SAT-7 CONTACT: Matti Stevenson, 719-360-0586, mstevenson@inchristcommunications.com Related Links www.sat7usa.org Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday assured strong action against those who allegedly harassed nuns belonging to a Kerala-based congregation during their train journey via Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. Noting that UP was ruled by BJP government, Shah, while addressing a poll rally here, said, 'I want to assure the people of Kerala that the culprits behind this incident will be brought to justice at the earliest'. Amit Shah The issue was raised before Shah by party's Kanjirappally assembly candidate for April 6 polls, K J Alphonse, who is his former ministerial colleague in the union cabinet. Two nuns and two postulants were taken off an express train and detained for questioning by railway police in UP's Jhansi on March 19. Amit ShahThe Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) had expressed concern over the matter. The Congress and BJP took up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, respectively. Rome marks the 77th anniversary of the Fosse Ardeatine massacre on 24 March 1944. On this day 77 years ago, the Nazi forces then occupying Rome carried out one of the most horrific atrocities against civilians during the second world war in Italy. The Fosse Ardeatine, a former quarry near Via Appia Antica, was chosen as the site for the mass killing of 335 people, in retaliation for a partisan attack on a column of marching German military police the day before. Via Rasella In a strike against the German forces occupying the city, Italian resistance fighters detonated a homemade bomb in a municipal rubbish cart on Via Rasella, near Piazza Barberini, targeting a column of the Bozen military police attached to the SS on its way from Piazza del Popolo to its quarters in the Viminale, just off Via Nazionale. The bomb was ignited when the patrol turned into the narrow, steep street that runs parallel to Via del Tritone between the Traforo and Palazzo Barberini, just a short walk from the Trevi fountain. Out of the 156 men in the German unit, 28 were killed instantly, rising to 32 the next day and subsequently to 42. Hitler The SS command in Rome under Herbert Kappler immediately recommended reprisals, which were swiftly approved by the military authorities all the way up to Hitler. Within 24 hours the German command ordered the Ardeatine massacre. The response was rapid and brutal, without the usual posting of notices offering to forgo reprisals if the bombers should give themselves up. Innocent victims Hundreds of innocent victims were rounded up immediately from Regina Coeli prison, from their homes and off the street in an attempt to reach a ten to one ratio for every German killed in the Via Rasella bombing. The innocent victims were a cross section of those living in Rome at the time: about 100 civilians and professionals, military men, factory workers, a Catholic priest and several students, 75 of them Jews. They were of all ages from 15 to 70, and all political persuasions, from monarchist army officers to ultra-left wing communists. Some of them came from outside Rome. On 24 March the 335 victims were taken in lorries outside the city by SS officers Erich Preibke and Karl Hass, divided into groups of five and shot in the back of the head. When the officers discovered that, by mistake, five too many hostages had been rounded up, they decided to kill them anyway so that word of the massacre should not spread too soon. The Fosse Ardeatine caves were then dynamited to seal them off and the bodies left to decay. It was not until more than a year later, after the Allied Liberation of Rome on 4 June 1944, that the caves were reopened and the bodies found. Horrible sacrifice After the war the site of the massacre was transformed into a museum, national mausoleum and sanctuary dedicated to the martyrs. A plaque on the wall of the cave reads: Here we were brutally killed, victims of a horrible sacrifice. May from our sacrifice rise a better homeland and lasting peace among people. Numerous personal items belonging to the Fosse Ardeatine victims can be found in Rome's Liberation Museum (currently closed) on Via Tasso, a former Gestapo headquarters where Jews and resistance figures were tortured during the Nazi occupation of Rome from 1943-1944. This year, due to Italy's covid-19 restrictions banning people from gathering, there will be none of the usual public ceremonies or marches in honour of the victims. However President Mattarella is expected to lay a wreath at their tombs in the Fosse Ardeatine mausoleum this morning at 11.00. Erich Priebke Erich Priebke, the SS officer and Nazi war criminal, died in Rome aged 100 in October 2013. Following his extradition from Argentina, Priebke had been jailed for life in 1998 for his role in the Fosse Ardeatine massacre. However, due to his advanced age and ill health, his life sentence was reduced to house arrest which he served in Rome's Balduina district. Priebke's death sparked a heated debate over what to do with his body, with the Vatican taking "unprecedented action" to block his funeral from being celebrated by any Catholic church in Rome. The then mayor of the capital Ignazio Marino also vetoed a public burial in Rome, a city he described as "profoundly anti-fascist." In the end Priebke's funeral was held by the Society of Saint Pius X - an ultraconservative Catholic splinter group, some of whose members have in the past faced criticism over anti-Semitic leanings - at Albano Laziale, a town in the Castelli Romani about 25 km south of Rome. During the service, police prevented clashes from breaking out between fascist sympathisers and anti-fascist protesters. Due to the protests Priebke's relatives were allegedly unable to access the church to attend the ceremony. Afterwards the coffin containing Priebke's body was seized by the Italian authorities and taken to a military base near Rome before being buried "in a secret location." 3.52 p.m. 23 March 1944. Rosario Bentivegna (photo) is standing next to a street cleaner's handcart in via Rasella, central Rome, nervously smoking a pipe. The handcart contains a powerful rudimentary bomb & he is about to set in motion a series of terrible events [Thread] >> 1 pic.twitter.com/aqYe7tuqdd Nicholas Whithorn (@NickWhithorn) March 23, 2021 $4M Raised to Propel Mt Stirling Drill Campaign Through 2021 Perth, Mar 24, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Torian Resources Ltd ( ASX:TNR ) is pleased to advise that it has received binding commitments for a placement to raise $4.0 million to local and international sophisticated investors and long-term shareholders through the issue of approximately 72.7 million fully paid ordinary shares together with a 1-for-3 attaching option (Placement). Funds raised will ensure that drilling will continue unabated at the Mt Stirling Gold Project throughout 2021.Torian's Executive Director Mr Peretz Schapiro said "It has been very encouraging to see the strong support we received over the last few days from existing shareholders and new investors alike. It is quite clear that the market has been taking notice of our progress, our strategy, and our commitment to deliver value for shareholders.Whilst we had exceptionally strong demand, we took the view to try and minimise shareholder dilution as much as possible, whilst at the same time ensuring that we had enough funding in place to see us through to the anticipated TNRO option conversion in February 2022. This will allow us to plan and fund an extensive AV, RC, and Diamond drilling campaign for the remainder of 2021 and beyond.This extensive program will not only help us continue growing our Mt Stirling resource estimate through extensional and infill drilling, it will also fund further drilling at the Stirling Well resource, systematically explore more than 50 high priority targets on the Stirling Block, and allow for extensive follow up drilling throughout our prospective Diorite Block. We now intend for there to be at least one drill bit spinning at our Mt Stirling Gold Project for the next 12 months, providing the company with strong and active growth news flow for the foreseeable future.The Mt Stirling gold system now extends over ~800m of strike and with each batch of results received, it becomes clearer and clearer to us that we may be sitting on something quite substantial. We have demonstrated that we are 'on the system', with our immediate task being to define the actual footprint of Mt Stirling, as it continues to remain open along strike and depth.These results continue to fill us with confidence that when our interim resource estimate is completed, it may result in a significant update to our tonnage and gold ounces at Mt Stirling.The interim resource estimate will provide the Company with a strong fundamental backing as we continue our journey to develop Mt Stirling into a Gold Camp.Should results confirm our interpretation of a shear-hosted gold system that continues at depth, for considerable down-dip depth, it would mean that Mt Stirling's multiple gold structures continue to have the potential to depth and resemble that of regional operating gold mines e.g St Barbara's ( ASX:SBM ) 4.8Moz Gwalia Mine and Saracen's ( ASX:SAR ) 3.8Moz Thunderbox Mine, given it remains open in all directions.Mt Stirling Gold Project Exploration UpdateMt Stirling Regional targeting has identified numerous Priority 1 and 2 targets (Figure 2) along four key structural corridors for immediate follow-up exploration including drilling:- Viserion Shear (3.4km);- Wonambi Shear (2.2km);- Ursus Fault (2.5km); and- Blue Jacket (2.2km).These 4 structural corridors provide in excess of 10km of prospective host stratigraphy and structural setting, and are immediately adjacent to known Mt Stirling mineralisation.Conceptual, geochemical and structural targets will be tested in the coming months with the objective to extend and confirm multiple regional targets, to vector on anomalism and mineralisation for the next generation of gold resource(s).Programmes of Works (POWs) are being prepared for all Mt Stirling priority target areas, in order to systematically explore interpreted structures through pXRF and geological mapping, for anomalous trends to be Auger vacuum drilled, with proven vectoring to mineralisation targets for immediate RC drill testing.Preliminary pXRF field data continues to define geochemical anomalism that supports Mt Stirling Gold System further NW extensions.Mt Stirling mineralisation remains open, and the potential for further strike extension is evident.Multiple anomalous zones are also systematically being followed-up, which is also vectoring towards easterly and westerly anomalous and mineralised potential, with significant implications towards continued increase to Project tonnage and global resource estimate.Mt Stirling Well Phase 2 extensional drilling (35 RC holes) is scheduled to commence imminently. Particular focus will be on testing the structural model of multiple stacked gold horizons at the prospect, and the systematic screening of sub-vertical to horizontal links between Mt Stirling and Mt Stirling Well gold systems, nearby both sub-parallel to Viserion Shear Zone and Nexus Fault Zone.Mt Stirling Gold Project - Results UpdateThe most significant recent results received from MSRC104 on 2080N expand the interpreted strike of Mt Stirling Gold system to >800m, with intercepts on this section also confirming and implying continuity of mineralisation further NW beyond the Nexus Fault position.Mt Stirling Gold Project Interim Resource Estimate UpdatesAs has been previously announced, Torian has prioritised processing the results from the Mt Stirling program as it has engaged resource estimate consultants BMGS to conduct an interim JORC resource estimate upgrade, with the intention of expanding the current inferred resource estimate of 33.9koz at Mt Stirling and the 16.4koz inferred resource at Mt Stirling Well.The Mt Stirling combined Phase 1 / Phase 2 (NW) / Phase 3 diamond holes (x5) provide an additional 55 drill holes, combined with a further 4 historical drill holes that were outside of the maiden Resource Estimate, for a combined 85 drill holes to be included in the Resource Estimate upgrade.Samples are being analysed by Photon method, and technical issues have caused some critical delays at the lab, which Chrysos has rectified, yet resulting in delays of results across the board. This has resulted in the remainder of Phase 1 results to be received this week, with outstanding Phase 2 results due within 2 weeks. The Company would rather include these holes in the resource estimate, then deliver the resource earlier without these important holes being a part of it.The Company continues to compile and validate drill data so as to handover within the next two weeks, for a resource estimate update that will incorporate the maximum available assays.The Mt Stirling maiden Inferred Resource Estimate (BMGS Dec 2018) included 26 historical shallow drill holes for a combined 727,021t @ 1.45 g/t Au for 33,893oz.Mt Stirling interpretation of mineralised domains model is progressing in-house. Atlas Geophysics was contracted to undertake improved imagery and DTM, with data acquisition complete.Downhole density has been carried out by ABIMS and will be calibrated against SG data obtained from drill core.Reference lab sample assays have been received from Nagrom Laboratory, and statistical analysis is being compiled to incorporate into Resource Estimate upgrade.The Mt Stirling interim JORC Resource Estimate update is expected to be reported by the third week of April.Capital Raising TermsThe Placement will comprise the issue of approximately 72,727,263 new shares to raise up to $4 million before costs at an issue price of $0.055 per share to sophisticated and professional investors (Placement Shares).The Placement will include an attaching listed option exercisable at $0.02 expiring on 7 February 2022 on the basis of one option for every three Placement shares issued (Placement Options).This issue price is at a 5.17% discount to the last traded share price of $0.058. The Placement Shares will be issued pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1A and the Placement Options will be issued pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1. It is anticipated that settlement will occur in one tranche on the same date. Once issued, the Placement Shares will rank equally alongside existing fully paid ordinary shares currently on issue.Torian has agreed to pay a 6% broker fee. In addition, the Company will issue 3 million Placement Options to advisors to be issued pursuant to Listing Rule 7.1.In addition Torian Executive Directors Peretz Schapiro and Paul Summers have agreed, subject to shareholder approval, to subscribe for a combined $50,000 on the same terms as the Placement.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Torian Resources Limited Torian Resources Ltd (ASX:TNR) is a gold exploration and development company with an extensive and strategic land holding comprising eight projects and over 400km2 of tenure in the Goldfields Region of Western Australia. Torian's flagship project, Zuleika, is located along the world-class Zuleika Shear. The Zuleika Shear is the fourth largest gold producing region in Australia and consistently produces some of the country's highest grade and lowest cost gold mines. Torian's Zuleika project lies north and partly along strike of several major gold deposits including Northern Star's (ASX:NST) 7.0Moz East Kundana Joint Venture and Evolutions (ASX:EVN) 1.8Moz Frogs Legs and White Foil deposits. Torian's other projects include the strategically located Mt Stirling and Malcolm Projects in the Leonora region (near Red 5's King of the Hills Project), where it recently completed updated Mineral Resource Estimates and preliminary scoping studies, and a suite of other projects in the Kalgoorlie region including Credo Well JV Zuleika JV, Bonnie Vale, Gibraltar and Mount Monger/Wombola. Genie Irish, Founder of Costa Modern Properties To make the buying or selling process exciting yet effortless, we rely on not only our fierce market knowledge but also cutting-edge tools, such as those that Side provides, to ensure our clients receive maximum return on their investments. Costa Modern Properties today announced its partnership with Side, the only real estate brokerage that exclusively partners with high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages to transform them into boutique brands and businesses. The alliance ensures that Costa Modern Properties, a firm that delivers out-of-the-box real estate solutions for todays competitive marketplace, is powered by the most advanced platform in the industry. Costa Modern Properties was founded by Genie Irish, a true San Diego local. Since starting her career in the industry in 2003, Irish has been a part of the changing real estate market through the highs and lows. With a well-respected reputation as an industry expert, Irish and her team provide value-added real estate services to help families cultivate generational wealth through smart property investments. Irishs extensive knowledge of the vibrant communities comprising San Diego makes her an expert at searching for and finding that perfect home in the right neighborhood. Partnering with Side will ensure Costa Modern Properties remains on the cutting edge of the evolving real estate market while allowing its agents to continue delivering premium services to their clients. Costa Modern Properties agents are fully supported by a one-of-a-kind premium brokerage platform, which provides transaction management, property marketing, lead generation, business growth opportunities, vendor management, and infrastructure solutions. Costa Modern Properties takes great pride in partnering with our clients to make their real estate goals and dreams come true in the community we love, said Irish. To make the buying or selling process exciting yet effortless, we rely on not only our fierce market knowledge but also cutting-edge tools, such as those that Side provides, to ensure our clients receive maximum return on their investments. Side is led by experienced industry professionals and world-class engineers who develop technology designed to improve agent productivity and enhance the client experience. Based on its belief that homeownership is a fundamental human right, Side is on a mission to improve the public good by providing top-performing real estate agents, teams, and indie brokerages with the best system, support, service, experience, and results. About Costa Modern Properties Costa Modern Properties brings to life the dreams of homeownership, helping people build wealth for future generations. Using its deep experience and expertise, Costa Modern Properties provides brilliant buying and selling solutions to maximize property investments. The firm helps a range of San Diego County clients, from first-time and VA buyers to luxury sellers. To learn more, visit costamodernproperties.com. About Side Side transforms high-performing agents, teams, and independent brokerages into successful businesses and boutique brands that are 100% agent-owned. Side exclusively partners with the best agents, empowering them with proprietary technology and a premier support team so they can be more productive, grow their business, and focus on serving their clients. Side is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://www.sideinc.com. New Delhi: A group of farmers on Monday staged blockage in Sikar district of Rajasthan. They were demanding implementation of recommendation of Swaminathan committee and crop loan waiver. Later, the farmers withdrew it after getting invitation for talks with a group of ministers in Jaipur. President of Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Sabha and former MLA, Amra Ram said, We have received an invitation for talks to discuss the issues with a group of ministers on Tuesday. A delegation will be visiting Jaipur. The farmers had been protesting for past 10 day,demanding implementation of Swaminathan Commission recommendations and crop loan waiver. On Sunday, the farmers had called for a blockade and 'gherao' of district collectorate after talks with the state government failed to resolve their issues. Also Read: Tamil Nadu farmers consume their own 'excreta' during protest at Jantar Mantar For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Help India! The resolution proposed by the Chicago City Council and introduced by Maria Hadden, a council member and alderperson for the citys 49th ward, classifies CAA passed in December 2019 by the BJP-led Indian government as discriminatory because it uses religion-based criteria to grant citizenship. By Staff Reporter, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles Chicago: On Tuesday, US-based advocacy organization, Hindus for Human Rights (HHR) expressed its support to the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) resolution proposed by the Chicago City Council. The Council is the legislative branch of the government of the City of Chicago in the Illinois state of United States. The resolution R2020-583 proposed by the Chicago City Council and introduced by Maria Hadden, a council member and alderperson for the citys 49th ward, classifies CAA passed in December 2019 by the BJP-led Indian government as discriminatory because it uses religion-based criteria to grant citizenship. HHR, whose stated goal is to promote the ideals of multi-religious pluralism in the United States and South Asia, has expressed its support through a letter its co-founder Raju Rajagopal wrote to the Alderperson of Chicago City Council urging them to vote Yes on the resolution and speak for your its Muslim constituents. The resolution to due for voting on Wednesday, March 24. Please speak up for the Worlds largest democracy, which is slipping rapidly into a majoritarian state where non-Hindus would become second-class citizens, Rajagopal wrote. Referring to the former President Trumps Muslim Ban as fundamentally discriminatory and unconstitutional that was opposed across the US, Rajagopal drew its parallel with the Indian citizenship law and called it infinitely worse. It (CAA) applies a religious litmus test to its own residents, not just to people coming into the country. To wit, if you are an undocumented Hindu, you are IN; but if you are an undocumented Muslim, you are OUT. This runs counter to Indias secular constitution and puts it on a dangerous path, Rajagopal wrote. Rajagopal wrote that the Indian state operates several detention camps and is planning many more to intern those deemed stateless, once the CAA is applied to the proposed National Population Register (NPR). As per the new laws, only Muslims would be destined to such camps, with the prospect of living out the rest of their lives and dying in such camps (as is already happening in the State of Assam), he said. Rajagopal said that one of the narratives being pushed hard by the Indian state is that the CAA is merely a humanitarian law to allow persecuted Hindu minorities from neighboring states to seek asylum in India. If that were truly the primary intent, we must ask how it is that millions of undocumented Hindus in the state of Assam who claim that they are long term residents of India are also being told that CAA is their path to citizenship?, he asked. He said that Indian states claim that NPR has nothing to do with the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a fraudulent claim, adding, this has been proven by their own words in the parliament and elsewhere. Rajagopal said that events in India affects Indian Muslims residing in the United States and especially in Chicago, which he called as one of the most diverse places in the US and home to hundreds of thousands of Muslims hailing from India. Whats happening in India is deeply personal to them (Indian Muslims) and affects their families and friends, he said. Appealing to the Chicago City Council Alderperson that there are many Indian Muslims in your own constituency, Rajagopal urged the Alderperson to speak up in solidarity with them. Rajagopal expressed concern with reports in the last few years of Muslims in India being lynched on rumors of storing beef, bans on inter-faith weddings, police brutality against Muslims protesters, anti-conversion laws, etc. Genocide Watch is warning us of a potential for a genocide in some parts of India, he said. Rajagopal said that it would be unconscionable for us to ignore such warnings and accept the narratives of certain Hindu groups that the Chicago India Resolution puts India in a bad light! After all, they are not the ones being affected by the horrific events in India. However, the proposed resolution has run into roadblocks, as the resolution is gutted in negotiations so as to appease the Consulate of India in Chicago and other defenders of Modi and the BJP, as one writer wrote in Chicago Sun Times. Maria Hadden, who introduced the resolution has said that Indian govt was allowed too much input and hinted at interference from the Indian Consulate in Chicago. Calling it a watered-down resolution, the writer further writes, the resolution now consists of a single paragraph lifted from President Joe Bidens website and a portion of a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. The edited resolution has left out the Indian Home Minister Amit Shahs description of undocumented Muslim immigrants as termites and infiltrators. The revised resolution urges India to restore the rights of people living in Muslim-majority Kashmir, and condemn religiously motivated violence and prosecute those who attack protesters and journalists. Despite the opposition by the Consulate of India in Chicago, the resolution has found many supporters in the Indian American community in the US and from US Congressmen. Expressing his support to the resolution, Congressmen Chuy Garcia wrote on Twitter, Proud to support the #ChicagoIndiaResolution honoring Indias independence & condemning attacks on its ethnic & religious minorities, incl. Muslims. Chicago is a sanctuary city that aspires to be inclusive & this reflects our commitment to human rights. Congresswoman Marie Newman also joined Garcia in supporting the resolution, and took to Twitter writing, I applaud the Indian-American community here in Chicago working to pass the #ChicagoIndiaResolution. We MUST condemn violence and discrimination against Muslims and ethnic minorities in India. This resolution reflects who we are as a city and people. A group of ethnic minorities is praising the Biden administration and United States allies for placing sanctions on top Chinese officials in response to human rights abuses in Xinjiang province, which Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said amounts to "genocide." The State Department announced the new sanctions Monday, four days after Blinken met with top Chinese government officials in Anchorage, Alaska. "Today, the United States, in unity with our partners, is imposing sanctions against Wang Junzheng, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and Chen Mingguo, Director of the Xinjiang Public Safety Bureau," Blinken said in a statement. "We are doing so in response to serious human rights abuse against members of ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang." Blinken said that the U.S. issued the sanctions in solidarity with its allies in United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union. Source:The Christian Post CLEVELAND, Ohio -- President Biden in his visit to Columbus, Ohio Tuesday to promote his American Rescue Plan, was greeted by Governor Mike DeWine and preceded by Attorney General Dave Yosts lawsuit against strings attached to the plans aid to states. President Biden spoke at Ohio State Universitys James Cancer Research and Treatment Center. He hyped the relief plan; delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations, including 2.8 million to Ohioans so far; boosts to Affordable Care Act subsidies, the ACAs 11th Anniversary and the $100 million ACA grant the OSU hospital had received in 2010. With the American Rescue Plan and the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans will be able to sleep a little more soundly at night because they wont have to worry about losing everything if they get sick, said President Biden. The President also spoke of his efforts to support finding a cancer cure and losing his losing his son Beau to cancer in 2015. It was Bidens first visit to Ohio since winning the Presidency, but not Ohio, in the 2020 election. The American Rescue Plan is providing $350 billion in state and local aid. Ohio is receiving $5.4 billion. Cleveland will get $541 million. Help Is Here is the administrations mantra for the plan. For President Biden, a buckeye poke in the eye was here in Ohio in the form of Yosts lawsuit. Ohios attorney general has sued over a string attached to the plan preventing states from using the aid to indirectly or directly offset a reduction in the net tax revenue. Directly that means it cant be used for new tax cuts. Yost and other Republican attorney generals threatening to sue over the restriction, claim its unconstitutional, the U.S. Treasury department spokesperson argues its not. It is well established that Congress may establish reasonable conditions on how states should use federal funding that the states are provided. Those sorts of reasonable funding conditions are used all the time - and they are constitutional " States are free to make policy decisions to cut taxes --they just cannot use the pandemic relief funds to pay for those tax cuts. If a state does cut taxes without replacing that revenue in some other way, then the state must pay back to the federal government pandemic relief funds up to the amount of the lost revenue. Yost filed his suit in the U.S. Southern District of Ohio asking only that the tax cut limit provision be struct out and the rest of the plan remain intact. This gets right into the nitty gritty. Its the United States of America, not the federal government of America, said Yost, Andrew Tobias reported for Cleveland.com Ohios suit states: Money is fungible, so any revenue lost from a tax credit, deduction, rebate, delay, or decrease that Ohio legislators or executive officers may implement would be indirectly offset by the $5.5 billion the State expects to receive. Ohio currently has no plan to cut taxes. However one of the stated fears is that the plan would prevent the State from even offering tax cut incentives to lure businesses into the State or to remain in it, without reimbursing the federal government. As an example, state officials previously approved $20 million in tax credits for the startup of Lordstown Motors Corp, in Lordstown Ohio. The company purchased the closed GM plant to produce electric fleet trucks and was recently targeted by a negative report from a short seller hoping to profit from its failure. What Democrats who composed the rescue plan didnt want is to see states whose tax revenue had recovered or was rebounding, use it for new tax cuts, which is not the intent of the relief plan. Governor DeWine joined his former Republican U.S. Senate colleagues in not supporting the relief plan, but will not turn down the aid to Ohio, even if he could, expressing interest in possibly using it to expand broadband. Maybe he and other governors can use some of the money to also fight the mass shooting virus plaguing the nation. It has been 51 years since Elmer Cartwright and a handful of other leaders in Baytowns Black community first wrote to their school board in 1970. The district had begun integrating schools several years prior, and Black students, including Cartwrights daughter Karrie, came home with stories of inequitable treatment and racism they faced. They said it was even baked into the name of the school his daughter was transferred to: Robert E. Lee High School. They asked the board to change it, but trustees refused. Last September, Cartwrights grandson Kevin Craven asked the board to do the same and remove the name of the Confederate general. Again, it refused. I never thought I would be carrying this mantle, said Craven, who now lives in Pearland. Theres a certain level of irony that here it is, 50-plus years later and were still having that same conversation about renaming a school that ultimately is offensive. The Goose Creek CISD board voted 4-3 against changing the name of Lee High in September, opting instead to create a committee to study the idea. On March 1, the group issued its final recommendation: take no action. GCCISD Board President Jessica Woods said the board has not yet decided if it will put a proposed name change on a future agenda. Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Baytowns Robert E. Lee High School is one of only three campuses left in Texas named after the Confederate general, according to a Houston Chronicle review of Texas Education Agency records and published news stories. There had been 13 campuses named after Lee in June 2019, but a dozen of those changed their names following protests and conversations sparked by the May 2020 killing of George Floyd. Debates about whether to change or replace symbols of the Confederacy have been ongoing since the Civil War ended in 1865, said Karen Cox, a professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and author of the forthcoming book No Common Ground: Confederate Monuments and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice. However, she said nationwide momentum for removing Confederate icons began to change in 2015, after a white man killed nine people at a historically Black church in Charleston, S.C. Whats happened since the Charleston massacre is, you have an awful tragedy involving racial violence, people will get upset, people will discuss it and some (Confederate symbols) will be removed, Cox said. But there is no common ground between the people who defend these things and those who want to have them removed. Those in favor of keeping the Robert E. Lee name in Baytown say the cost of changing it would be better spent addressing more pressing student needs. Changing the name, they say, will toss tradition aside for the sake of appeasing folks from out of town, and will create more instability for students already dealing with the lack of normalcy caused by COVID-19 disruptions. "It felt like I was volunteering myself to be insulted by racist comments." Kim Caustic, who has six children in the district, including two at Lee, pointed to a Facilities Names Committee survey: 52 percent of 3,421 high school students polled said they wanted to keep the name and 30 percent said they did not care if it changed. Lets get back to the business of the stuff we really need to do, that truly does affect our children, Caustic said. The majority are asking you not to change it, so how about we stop taking away what little stability they have and listen to the kids. Others, like Craven, say the name honors a man best known for fighting to keep Black people enslaved. They say it serves as a painful reminder to Black students and alumni of slavery and Jim Crow and segregation, and casts the town in a negative light. Courtney Childs, a 17-year-old junior, said she feels a pang of embarrassment each time announcers say the full name of her school when she performs at regional dance competitions. He wouldnt want me to attend a school thats named after him, said Childs, who is Black. Heated debate Robert E. Lee High is the oldest school in Baytown, founded in 1928. Black students did not attend the school for another 40 years, until integration. Today, more than 71 percent of Robert E. Lee High School students are Hispanic, while more than 14 percent are Black and about 12 percent are white. Students who spoke to the Chronicle said they had heard people talking about changing the name when the school year began, but little since. I dont really care, said 17-year-old Nyjae Roberson, who is Black. Its had the name for so long, I dont really see a problem. Adults in the community have been more passionate on the issue. In June, arguments began to rage on social media platforms and in restaurants and cafes. Sparring Facebook groups emerged, and community pages focused on Baytown and Highlands quickly turned into virtual shouting matches. At one school board meeting, board members heard about eight hours of comment from hundreds of speakers; at another, proponents of keeping the Lee name filed grievances against trustees Shae Cottar and Agustin Loredo III, who had voiced support for renaming in social media posts and media interviews. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Those complaints were dismissed, but Loredo, who works as a teacher in Pasadena ISD, said people began calling his principal and districts school board to complain about his views. He is up for reelection in May, and for the first time in his 15-year tenure as a trustee, he has an opponent. If people decide Im not the candidate of choice because of this decision, thats OK, Loredo said. Im going to keep working for my community. Sarah Graham, who teaches at Lee High and sat on the name study committee, said some neighbors lambasted her for attending a rally where some decried the efforts to change the name of the school. They said I cant believe you participated in the rally, how do you think your minority students view you? Graham said. I hope they view me like they always have as someone who stands up for them and applauds them for doing right and helps them when theyre doing something wrong. Closed committee The debate did not just get heated in Baytown. After Midland ISDs board voted 6-1 to change the name of its Robert E. Lee High School, a group who wanted to keep the name filed lawsuits to recall five of the trustees for gross incompetence, said Rick Davis, who was board president at the time. A judge dismissed all five suits in January. It was a transparent attempt to seek to remove us for that name change vote, Davis said. It was definitely the most hotly debated topic in terms of communications I received as a board member, or have received on any topic both for and against. And it was in person, by phone, email and text. In Baytown, the most recent conversations about changing the name happened behind closed doors among the 40-person Facilities Names Committee. The public was not allowed to attend the meetings, and members names were kept private until the committee released its final report. Audio of a Jan. 5 meeting obtained by the Chronicle recorded a handful of people crying as they spoke about what the school meant to them and about their own experiences. Some Black alumni spoke about the sting of racist incidents that happened at the school, while others spoke about how their time at the school shaped their lives for the better. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Brenda Clem, who is married to GCCISD Trustee Richard Clem, spoke about how she was looked down upon after being raised by a single parent and that she was able to persevere thanks in part to Goose Creeks schools. However, her comments took a turn when she seemed to address someone in the room, telling them that what she was about to say was not directed toward them. If the Blacks dont want to be looked down upon, then raise yourselves up, she said. Quit being the ones on television shooting policemen. Neither Clem nor her husband returned requests for comment, but several committee members who spoke to the Chronicle said she resigned from the committee shortly afterward. Several members of the committee who support changing the name said the outburst vocalized an undertow of racism they felt throughout the process. It felt like I was volunteering myself to be insulted by racist comments, said LaToya Washington, who estimated that she was one of about 10 Black people on the committee. Others said Clems comment should not taint the research, tough conversations and work people put into the committee over the course of five months. Im very frustrated that one womans comments are taking over all of the talk about what we did, Graham said. Board decision The final decision on whether to rename Robert E. Lee High rests with the board, but the composition of the governing body could change in the next few months. Board elections are scheduled to be held in May, and two of the trustees who voted to change the name are up for reelection and face opponents. One is Loredo, and the other is Howard Sampson, the lone Black trustee. Loredo is being challenged by Mercedes Renteria III, a former city councilman who supports keeping the name. For a lot of people, their whole families were raised in Baytown and a lot of people went to Robert E. Lee, said Renteria, who graduated in 1982. For them its a tradition, and they dont see a need to change the name. For Sampson, the debate brings back memories of the early days of integration, and how Black residents whispered about wanting to change the name but were too afraid to make those thoughts public. Its going to be a topic of discussion as long as Im on the board, Sampson said. The priority for any school district is students, to make sure they go and feel comfortable at whatever school they go to. Were just trying to make headway going forward. shelby.webb@chron.com Pedestrians walk in front of the European Union's flag in the EU headquarters district, in Brussels, on Feb. 23, 2021. (John Thys/AFP via Getty Images) 9 Countries Summon Chinese Envoys Over Xinjiang Row Nine U.S. allies in Europe have summoned Chinas ambassadors in protest after Beijing slapped sanctions on a dozen European officials, researchers, and institutions that have been vocal about the regimes human rights abuses. The sanctioning of members of Parliament and scientists is absolutely incomprehensible, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a March 23 statement after meeting with the Chinese ambassador in Berlin. While we sanction abuses of human rights, Beijing sanctions democracy. We cannot accept this. At least eight other countries, including France, Denmark, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy, have also called in the Chinese envoys to register their complaints during the past two days. The Chinese measure came on the heels of coordinated Western sanctions on March 22 from the United States, the UK, Canada, and the European Union to punish Beijings repressive policy in Xinjiang. It marked the first of its kind that the EU imposed on China in three decades. In apparent retaliation, the Chinese foreign ministry singled out 10 individuals and four entities for sanctions, accusing them of maliciously spread[ing] lies and disinformation and harming Chinese sovereignty. The ban would block the individuals and their familiesamong them eight European politicians and two scholars, two subcommittees under the European Parliament and the EUfrom entering China and restrict associated entities from doing business with the country. The aggressive response from Beijing has prompted an outpouring of support toward the targeted individuals and entities, with Daniel Twining of the U.S. nonprofit International Republican Institutewho got on Beijings blacklist last year for supporting Hong Kongcalling it a badge of honor. Ann Linde, the foreign minister for Sweden, called the Chinese sanctions unacceptable. Swedens support for human rights remains unchanged, which was communicated by State Secretary Rydberg to Chinas ambassador today, she said in a March 23 tweet. In France, Chinese ambassador Lu Shaye also drew fire for the embassys inflammatory comments defending the regimes policies. He called the Paris-based researcher Antoine Bondaz mad hyena and little thug after China imposed sanctions on him and others. Lu, upon being summoned, initially cited scheduling issues for a delay in talks. Neither France nor Europe is a doormat, Europe Minister Clement Beaune told France Info radio. When you are summoned as an ambassador, you pay a visit to the foreign ministry. In our relations with China, there is no room for insults and attempts at intimidation against elected officials of the Republic and researchers, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said. We stand up for those who embody freedom of expression and democracy. Always and everywhere. Adrian Zenz, a German scholar known for his studies on the Xinjiang concentration camps, expressed concerns that Beijing might be fundamentally shifting its strategy. Instead of flat denial of evidence on its human rights violations, they now feel untouchable about it all, he wrote in a March 24 tweet. Beijings strategy is to simply crush and silence any global opposition to its atrocity by inflicting crushingly punitive measures on anyone who speaks out. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after a meeting with NATO allies in Brussels that the Chinese aggressive action has heightened the importance of a strong international alliance. The sanctions make it all the more important that we stand firm and stand together, or else risk sending the message that bullying works, he said in a speech on March 24. The strained ties between the EU and China could jeopardize a bilateral investment deal that the EU is set to vote on early this year, which comes after seven years in the making. Bondaz, who has since added the insulting terms to his Twitter bio, described the countries speaking up as a symbol of solidarity in the 28-country European Union bloc to counter Beijings threats. United wills form a fortress, he said, quoting a Chinese idiom. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday repeated the call for Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to step down from his post, saying the latter may not be the best person to handle the current pandemic problem in the country. I still believe na baka (that perhaps) Secretary Duque is not the best person to handle our COVID problem, lalo na ngayon (especially now), Binay told CNN Philippines The Source. Binay specifically pointed out an instance when Duque personally went on the ground to distribute face shields to residents a video of which has gone viral on social media, drawing flak from netizens. Duque, in the clip, was seen reminding citizens to follow the minimum health protocols. The senator said she was bothered by the fact that the countrys top health official had to do this job when there are a lot of better ways to address the pandemic. Nakakalungkot at nakaka-bother na yung Secretary of Health natin ay ang ginagawa, namimigay ng face shield, diba? Binay argued. The solution is a lot bigger than distributing face shields or going out in public reminding them to wear their face masks. She added there are a lot of government staff that could have done this kind of on-site activity. As early as April last year, majority of the senators appealed for the immediate resignation of Duque for what they said was his inefficient response to the coronavirus crisis. The calls, however, were rejected by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has repeatedly expressed his confidence in the health chief. RELATED: Lacson to Duterte: What amulet, magic potion does Duque have for staying in office? Steps behind in pandemic response Meanwhile, Binay said she also agrees with some officials observation that the country seems to be falling ten steps behind in the COVID-19 pandemic response with cases surging by the day. She also echoed her colleagues call for the abolition of the Inter-Agency Task Force, citing the need for major changes when it comes to the countrys policy makers. They had one year to fix the problem, but nasaan na tayo ngayon (where are we now)? We are worst off, di ba? Binay said. IATF and Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque meanwhile rejected this appeal. COVID-19 cases nationwide reached 677,653, with 5,867 new virus infections reported on Tuesday. Jaipur, March 24 : The fortunes of villagers, artisans and folk artists in the desert state are set to change as the ailing tourism industry, fighting the Covid crisis, has decided to go rural. Hoping to cash in on the big domestic market, the industry has worked upon interesting proposals and has forwarded them to the government, confident that they shall be passed soon. "We, as the industry, have urged officials to list attractions and handicrafts famous in the villages on all district web sites. Also, the hoardings and milestones should carry names of such villages and famous attractions which will boost economic prospects in the local region," Rajendra Singh Pachar, Secretary, HRAR told IANS. "Also, new hotels in village circuits must come up so that tourists can experience the feel of rural Rajasthan. We have requested the government to provide a three-phase connection to these hoteliers without extra charge. Also, bar fees, which are same in rural and tehsil areas, shall be proposed so that new hotels coming in rural rajasthan will get a breather." Randhir Vikram Singh, president, HRAR and RATO said, "For next two years, few foreign travellers will be coming to India. UK has already barred foreign travel. In such a scenario, we have big hopes from experiential tourism which can be best experienced in rural Rajasthan. Hence, we are banking on developing newer tourism products for domestic travellers. Places such as Banswara, which are quite beautiful, will also be developed as tourist attractions." "Basically, we plan to showcase rural Rajasthan which has stories of art, craft, history, nature, lakes, mountains and what not. This will help our village population earn a sustainable livelihood, he said. However, when asked if Rajasthan will be able to accommodate tourists coming from all over India in terms of its infrastructure and inventory, Randhir Vikram Singh said, "Rajasthan has the best infrastructure and with a mammoth amount allotted by state government, we are planning to boost it further." It needs to be mentioned here that state government has announced Rs 500 crore for tourism industry which is the highest amount in the history of independent India. While Rs 300 crore will be spent on developing infrastructure, Rs 200 crore will be spent on marketing, officials confirmed to IANS. Sanjay Kaushik, secretary, Association of Domestic Tourism of India said, "Initially, we are aiming at tourist numbers to go higher. Then, we shall work out to strengthen our infrastructure and inventory," he added. Ashish Anand, Secretary, RATO said, "We have the best infrastructure as of now. Also, if we get surging numbers, we have plans to promote rural circuits so that tourists can feel many experiences at one go while travelling from place to another.a Officials confirmed IANS that industry proposals are being worked out to ensure Rajasthan Tourism becomes the market leader and leads the nation. Today the Northeast News offers Kansas City a stunning glimpse at the future of neighborhood reporting. To wit . . . THE BLANK FRONT PAGE OF NORTHEAST NEWS WARNS KANSAS CITY RESIDENTS THAT NEIGHBORHOOD JOURNALISM IS QUICKLY VANISHING!!! Social media isn't picking up the slack and hyper-partisan blogs aren't interested in any topic they can't spin for talking points to keep donors armed with political fodder. Here's the reasoning behind today's front page protest that we believe will be a part of Kansas City's history . . . "Given the state of local community news in America, we wanted to send the message of what a Community would be like devoid of any community news. News like fish frys and neighborhood clean up events. So, to that end, we won't be covering anything in order to send that message on how much a locally owned and produced community journalism outlet improves the quality of life in that community, wherever that community might be located." Check further explanation . . . Publisher Michael Bushnell: The Walmart-ing of Community News is why locally owned community newspapers are struggling. That's a PERFECT analogy and the scenario seems tragically familiar. Even better, this column reports the situation in no uncertain terms . . . You decide: The Future of Northeast News Here's the money line that really matters . . . "The truth is, we have a 60 day lifespan if something doesnt change. The Northeast News is produced every week on a shoestring budget. Weve been desperate before. Many will remember in 2017 when we thought our doors would close. Since then, weve done everything in our power to continue our mission of providing community centered news to the Northeast." Accordingly . . . We hope TKC readers take a good look at the situation confronting Northeast News because their proud history shouldn't be casually dismissed. Without the community newspaper there is no tested, reliable and objective way to advocate for the issues & concerns of Kansas City's neighborhoods. The blank page should warn locals that social media tech, economic reality and political gamesmanship conspire so that almost every story which doesn't serve their interests, slowly vanishes. Developing . . . This article is written in partnership with Yelp to promote Yelp's Women In Business Summit, a free, two-day event which begins today. (Entrepreneur is a media partner.) Answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. When Ali Kriegsman started Bulletin with co-founder Alana Branston in 2015, the company started as a shoppable newsletter, evolved into pop-up markets around Brooklyn, and eventually put down roots in the form of brick-and-mortar stores. But after six years, a couple of stints with startup accelerator Y Combinator and $10 million raised in venture capital funding, Bulletin has pivoted to the online world. Now Bulletin aspires to become a leading wholesale platform for retailers to discover and buy products from independent brands. The pandemic has accelerated the company's growth, and Bulletin is now looking to grow beyond its team of 19 people by building upon its product and engineering teams. We spoke with Kriegsman about her journey in the entrepreneurial space, from starting her business to writing her book How to Build a Goddamn Empire, along with her advice for women interested in entrepreneurship. Tell us a little bit about your company. What is it and what does your company do for its clients? Behind the curtain, retailers all around the world, have to source inventory from somewhere. Bulletin is one of those somewheres. Independent retailers use Bulletin to discover new brands, products and inventory for their locations, so that they can sell it to their end customer. Without Bulletin, brands usually have to pay upwards of $30,000 to showcase at a trade show. We allow brands to increase their distribution with these brick and mortar retailers, or even online retailers, without having to go through those crazy expensive, convoluted and time-consuming traditional channels. Bulletin started out as a shoppable, ecommerce newsletter spotlighting the coolest emerging designers. We then layered in pop-up markets that we did every weekend in Brooklyn throughout 2016. Then we decided to go indoors and open our own retail locations around New York. In total we've opened five stores in New York. We don't run our stores anymore, because we have fully invested in the wholesale marketplace. But having that experience as a retailer and feeling like the discovery experience for finding great brands was really disjointed was why we decided to launch the marketplace. What is your role and what are your day-to-day responsibilities? I am the COO at Bulletin. What that means in practice is I keep a lot of different trains on the track. I pretty much oversee growth, marketing communications, positioning, PR for the business. And my day-to-day looks like strategy conversations with my co-founder and our CEO Alana [Branston], one-on-ones with our director of growth or our director of marketing and merchandising, checking in with our growth analyst to see where we're at to goal for signups for the month or what our conversion rate on emails are looking like. Then I work collaboratively with Alana to make a better user experience for our customer. Related: If Running Your Business Feels Hard, You're Doing it Right. Here's Why Talk a little bit about your journey into entrepreneurship. Alana and I met at a Contently, which is a content marketing software startup in New York. I wrote for Contently's book club and I wrote my own personal blog. Alana was interested in launching this e-commerce newsletter, and just kind of approached me and was like "Do you want to be my editor in chief?" [Bulletin] started out as a way to supplement my sales job. It was never making me crazy money. It was like a bootstrap side hustle. But the more that we worked on it, the more that I kind of asked myself, "Well, why not me?" Bulletin ended up getting a $20,000 grant at the beginning of 2016. I just decided to kind of close my eyes and jump off the cliff and see what happened. I really wasn't one of these people who always knew I wanted to build or start a business. If anything, I was really against it, but I think actually doing it and getting in the weeds with it, and then having this once-in-a-lifetime offer to get some cash, to build the business full-time, and having a lot of support and belief in my abilities was what converted me and started helping me feel a little more open to the idea. What kind of challenges did you have along the way, and when did you know when to pivot? Alana and I wanted to build a big business. We wanted it to serve not just a couple of hundred small businesses. We want it to serve thousands. And when we were running our retail stores, We were only able to work with 120 brands at a given time because we had square footage limitations. We had like a 3,500 brand waitlist that we just couldn't do anything with, because it would be too expensive to open 30 stores to serve them all. So that was a big challenge, realizing that in 2018 and being like "We want to do more than just run three stores at once." We don't really have the unit economics or the capital to go open more stores and tap into this waitlist. That was part of why we decided to build our own wholesale marketplace. We launched it in September of 2019, and it just started working right away. We obviously had to make changes to the team, changes to our policies and changes to our value system. We turned into a completely different business within less than a year, so that was a lot to juggle. I definitely made mistakes. I know Alana feels the same way. Learning how to manage and managing [others] at the same time is very interesting and definitely challenging because you're constantly second-guessing yourself. You're constantly worrying about how your team perceives you. I think that's something very unique to women, especially. Related: The 5 Greatest Obstacles to Success and How to Crush Them You talk a little bit about your struggles in your upcoming book, How to Build a Goddamn Empire. You also talked about how you want it to help founders and especially women redefine the word success with every chapter. When did you first feel like you were successful? I still don't feel that way. I think that's the problem. I think that a lot of what writing the book was a process of trying to find my sense of success in putting pen to paper. It's not like I got this book deal, felt successful, and felt so accomplished with Bulletin. Day to day, I don't wake up feeling like I've made it or I'm the best or I'm super successful. So I guess I need to take my own advice. I do really feel like the experience of writing the book was like "Wow. I've had a lot of tough conversations with employees. I've come a long way as a manager. Alana and my relationship has come a long way as co-founders. We raised $10 million in venture financing when only 2% of women even get venture financing I'm in the 2% of something." It's not just about hitting a certain revenue number, a certain number of Instagram followers, getting verified on Instagram, working with a certain influencer or getting a certain piece of press. Those things are great, but building something from nothing should be just as much about the journey and the learning experience and the growth that you go through as a person, as it is about the business growing and hitting certain metrics. How do you build a goddamn empire? When I say "How to build a goddamn empire," what I really mean is if you have that itch to launch a side hustle, pursue an interesting project, or just build something for yourself, that's your empire right there. The ingredients for building an empire, however, big or small, require a lot of grit. Things are gonna go wrong. You're going to make mistakes. You're going to run into roadblocks. The second ingredient is a really great support system. I personally experienced going from a six figure salary as a sales executive to the following year, drawing no salary and running outdoor pop-up markets on a shoestring budget in Williamsburg with decrepit port-a-potties and tents falling apart. It was really hard for me to look around and see that a lot of my friends were leveling up in their careers. They were getting new titles. They were starting to save money. And I felt like I was going backwards. But I felt like I was going backwards because I didn't really have a sisterhood of other builders and hustlers and people using that grit to just keep going around me the time. Those are just a few key ingredients. The most important ones would be grit and resilience, a great support system and product market fit. For women who do want to get into entrepreneurship, but may be intimidated by the space, what advice would you have? Take the pressure off. When I think back on my and Alana's journey, the reason I agreed to be her editor in chief for the ecommerce newsletter was not because I was like "Oh my god, how am I going to build like a multi-million dollar business in a few years?" I just thought, "Is this going to be fun for me? Will I learn something? Do I want to work with this person? Will I learn from her?" If you're thinking about starting a side hustle or becoming an entrepreneur or becoming small business owner, there are things to feel stressed and pressure about. There's a responsible and a resourceful way to do it. But if you're experiencing a psychological block that is intimidating you out of it or telling you that you don't have what it takes, that's where I think women especially need to relieve the pressure. This doesn't need to be something that gets written on your grave when you die. If you have the hunch and the inclination and the itch to do it, take a few baby steps and see how you feel. Don't feel like it needs to be this magnum opus, because that pressure is going to prevent you from taking those initial baby steps and just getting started. Related: Entrepreneurship Is All About Overcoming Obstacles Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved NHS Trusts get immediate results as Blue Prism's intelligent automation supports the vaccine rollout across the UK LONDON and AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Prism's digital workers are supporting multiple NHS Trusts in the rapid rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine across the UK. A Blue Prism intelligent automation solution has been built out in less than ten days, offering immediate value for this critical, large-scale healthcare operation. With nearly half the population already receiving the first dose of the vaccine, the UK is rolling out one of the world's most efficient vaccination programs at break-neck speed. By using technology to identify how to create more efficient processes, the NHS has been able to respond to the complex logistical demands of getting jabs in arms. NHS Trusts deal with a number of challenges including the heavy administrative workload that comes with the reporting of first and second round vaccine recipients (which vaccine, which arm, dates etc.). Previously, manual input of this data across multiple systems was necessary to track vaccinations through the National Immunisation Vaccine System (NIVS). This was time intensive and required extra staff hours, some taken from wards and diverted from patient care. In addition, reporting has to be complete before second round doses can be administered; any delay here creates longer wait times. Blue Prism's intelligent automation has been instrumental in helping to relieve some of the most significant issues of manual data handling to speed up the efficiency of the vaccine rollout: Digital workers have been deployed to automate the data entry of vaccine information into the National Immunisation Vaccine System, saving time and increasing accuracy of reporting. Automations automatically scale according to workload allowing 100s of digital workers to automatically swarm to backlogs as they occur, releasing tens of thousands of hours of administrative effort back to front line staff. Speedy data input is ensuring that second round doses are working to schedule and more jabs are in arms faster. NHS staff are now able to focus on other jobs, including critical patient care and administering the vaccine. Chairman & CEO, Blue Prism, Jason Kingdon says: "The fact that Blue Prism's digital robots have been supporting NHS staff during this national effort has been a very proud moment for us. The very real value of the work and the impact they may have had reveals another level at which technology has been used in this global crisis. For us it demonstrates how intelligent automation is here - and that digital workers enable humans to focus on more creative, and in this case more humane work, and we are proud to have played a part." Blue Prism and the NHS are long-time partners and have collaborated on a number of transformative projects. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHS has used Blue Prism's digital workers for a number of life-saving healthcare initiatives, including the automation of reporting staff antibody testing, saving thousands of hours for hardworking NHS staff. Alongside the vaccine rollout Blue Prism has been helping organizations and industries across the globe through the COVID-19 Response Program. By donating upwards of 500 licences, Blue Prism software has been used extensively to combat some of the most critical issues faced during the pandemic, including for solutions to help financial institutions keep customers solvent, to assist travel companies dealing with the demand of cancellation and refund requests, to maintain fuel supply chains and to help learning establishments transition to online services. Notes to editors: About Blue Prism Blue Prism is the global leader in intelligent automation for the enterprise, transforming the way work is done. At Blue Prism, we have users in over 170 countries in more than 2,000 businesses, including Fortune 500 and public sector organizations, that are creating value with new ways of working, unlocking efficiencies, and returning millions of hours of work back into their businesses. Our digital workforce is smart, secure, scalable and accessible to all; freeing up humans to re-imagine work. Blue Prism's vision is to provide a digital workforce for every enterprise. To learn more visit www.blueprism.com and follow us on Twitter @blue_prism and on LinkedIn. 2020 Blue Prism Limited. "Blue Prism", the "Blue Prism" logo and Prism device are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Blue Prism Limited and its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472066/Blue_Prism_NHS_vaccine.jpg Twitter founder and CEO Jack Dorsey has sold a digital certificate connected to his first ever tweet for over 2m. The digital certificate was purchased in an auction by Sina Estavi, a Malaysia-based entrepreneur. The tweet, posted by Jack Dorsey on March 21, 2006, reads: "just setting up my twttr" Buyer, Mr Estavi said: "This is not just a tweet!" He added that "years later people will realise the true value of this tweet, like the Mona Lisa painting". Jack Dorsey said the funds raised from the sale of his first ever tweet are being donated to a charity supporting the coronavirus response in Africa, minus a 5% processing fee going to the auctioning platform. Mr Estavi said he was glad the money was being donated to charity. 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 Nigerians Criticize US Ambassador as Slayings of Christians Continue Two weeks after the U.S. ambassador to Nigerias controversial visit to a Muslim cleric, the nations lawless central states have been roiled by violence, including several attacks on Christian farmers, sparking concern among activists about the direction of U.S. policy in Nigeria. In the most notable among the incidents, a band of alleged Muslim militants attempted on March 20 to gun down the governor of Benue state as he was departing his farm in south-central Nigeria by automobile. This past weekend, the Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, was attacked and barely escaped death, Kyle Abts, co-founder of the International Committee on Nigeria, told The Epoch Times. Since he made his assault public, declaring the attack was clearly by Fulani militants, he has been harassed by the Fulani National Movement (FUNAM) claiming responsibility, saying We shall assassinate you soon. Meanwhile, on March 5, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, was hosting the Muslim Fulani leader of Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Bambado in Lago. No one opposes diplomacy, but how does a discussion with a leader from the south-west of Nigeria promote peace and development in a volatile area far removed from his influence? The diplomats outreach was called a gaffe by some Nigerian media. The visit by the U.S. Mission Nigeria was seen by many as a right step, but in the wrong direction, according to the Nigerian website Opera News, owing to the fact that Lagos State has a Royal HighnessOba Rilwan Akinlolu, the traditional ruler in Lagos who exercises traditional authority over everybody living in Lagos, compared to the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos, Alh. [Dr.] Mohammad Abubakar Bambado II that only controls a minority tribe in Lagos. The U.S. Mission said in a tweet: The U.S. firmly believes that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Mission Leadership appreciated the discussion with the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos on how to promote inter-ethnic dialogue and understanding. The U.S. firmly believes that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. Mission Leadership appreciated the discussion with the Sarkin Fulani of Lagos on how to promote inter-ethnic dialogue and understanding. #USinNigeria #Partners4Prosperity pic.twitter.com/qrHaiSnnO0 U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) March 5, 2021 Tilt Toward Muslims? Some Nigerian activists from the killing fields of Kaduna state in north-central Nigeria, where thousands of Christian farmers have been slain by Fulani ethnic bandits or terrorists, say the visit was objectionable. We all saw this in the news. It was an outrage. And understandably so, Vincent Bodam, 51, a businessman in Lagos, told The Epoch Times in an email. This was the first time for such a visit to an unknown Fulani chief by any U.S. ambassador. We were not even told of the reason for the visit nor the outcome. The only time in my recollection this happened was when the then-U.S. secretary of state, John Kerry, snubbed the then-President Goodluck Jonathan and went straight to see the Sultan of Sokoto in 2014. Bodam, who is also a politician from southern Kaduna state, viewed the visit as a return of the Obama administrations Muslim-friendly policy toward Nigeria. Ever since Jonathan declined support for same-sex marriage in Nigeria, Obama refused to sell arms to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram. He tacitly supported [President Muhammadu] Buhari and never stepped his foot in Nigeria, he said. Abts said: The U.S. Embassy exists because it has a diplomatic relationship with the Nigerian government, which should allow for mutual criticism and advisement. As the United States promotes its values and beliefs, it has a vital role to promote democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. Visits with the U.S. Ambassador and the U.S. Mission should be with the actual leaders and victims who have suffered and endured at the hands of violent Fulani militants. Razed houses in Kizachi, Kaduna state, Nigeria, on March 18, 2021. (Lawrence Zongo) Sectarian Violence Northeast of Lagos, in the badlands of Kaduna state, sectarian killings forced an evacuation of 800 farmers in the Kauru Local Governance area over the weekend. Suspected Fulani militants killed 12 unarmed Christian farmers and left some elderly victims to die in their burning houses on March 18, according to Lawrence Zongo, founder of a crisis website called RuralWatch.news. The rural village of Kizachi, near Kamaru in the Kauru Local Governance Area, approximately 45 miles east of Kaduna city, has been the scene of numerous terror attacks, Zongo said. Three others were killed in a terrorist ambush on March 21, Zongo told The Epoch Times in an email. The community faced a series of attacks by the Fulani gunmen since the beginning of this year, Sunday Williams, chief of the Kizachi community, said. Since January 1, we have lost 23 people to Fulani attacks. No government assistance has come to protect my people from being killed by Fulani from January to March. Ibrahim Simon, an eyewitness from Kizachi, said: I heard a loud shout Allahu Akbar [God is great!] in a Fulani voice. Within a minute were rapid gunshots. I narrowly escaped that night. The weather was cold, we slept very early that day, the attackers came around 10:45 p.m., and the attack lasted for more than an hour. The attackers were many, more than 150. The Nigerian army arrived at about 12:45 a.m., an hour after the attack ended, Zongo told The Epoch Times. He said that a Nigerian army officer who accompanied him to the scene said that everyone should protect themselves [because] the Nigeria army cant be everywhere. The officer advised the villagers to stop killing each other and to protect themselves, Zongo said. On March 21, suspected Fulani tribesmen killed three young men from the community in an ambush, with one other wounded by gunfire, according to Paul Musa, the leader of the young adult community of Kizachi. The Fulani have been attacking our community to take over the land for grazing, David Ishaya, an elder of the Kizachi, said. The Fulani want to displace us and take over our land. They killed our people, burned our houses and clothes; our food also burned, we dont have access to our land, and many may soon die of hunger. Ishaya said: We want the American government to assist, because we are Christians. The Nigeria government cant help us. Due to strictly enforced gun control laws in Nigeria, most rural farmers are unarmed, although the cattle-herding Fulani people carry assault rifles on a regular basis. The people in Kizachi dont have arms like the Fulani, Zongo said. Only a few people with hunting skills have locally made single shell shotguns for shooting monkeys. One hunter in Kizachi told me, This is a genocide to our people. Christians should be trained to use AK-47 like Fulani. We cant be burying our people daily. Douglas Burton is a former U.S. State Department official who was stationed in Kirkuk, Iraq. He writes news and commentary from Washington, D.C. He can be contacted at burtonnewsandviews@gmail.com. IT Modernization Dems press on federal role in UI tech modernization Democrats in the House and Senate are urging the federal government to take an active role in modernizing the fragmented, outmoded technology used by states to deliver unemployment benefits. That tech foundation has been tested over the past year as applicants flock to the system during the economic upheaval caused by the pandemic. At the same time, state benefit agencies have seen massive increases in fraudulent claimants, delivering billions to potentially fraudulent claims between March and October last year. The American Rescue Plan appropriated $2 billion to the Labor Department for administrative costs related to fraud prevention, equitable access and timely payments of unemployment benefits. 30 Democrat senators and members of Congress have thoughts about how the agency should use it, which they laid out in a letter sent to newly confirmed Labor Secretary Marty Walsh on Tuesday. The lawmakers are asking that the Labor Department use a recently introduced bill, the Unemployment Insurance Technology Modernization Act, as a blueprint to their efforts related unemployment IT modernization. The bill, introduced by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), would put the Labor Department at the center of a national effort to modernize unemployment tech by developing and maintaining a set of modular technology pieces for states to piece together in their modernization efforts as they see fit. Likewise, any unemployment technology modernization efforts the Labor Department pursues with their new funds should center on developing federal technology for unemployment administration, they wrote. "This past year has proven that individual states attempting to modernize their system in isolation hasn't yielded results. That failure has contributed to unconscionable delays for millions of workers," the group wrote. "A cohesive federal approach would not only ensure that every state has access to modern, efficient technology to meet their needs, but would also be far more cost effective than investing in 53 separate systems." If the department were to follow the bill's plan, it would also create a digital services team to help states and agencies with their tech needs. The bill also emphasizes the centering of customer experience in the development process and the use of best practices in terms of cybersecurity and procurement. Burma Myanmar Military Junta Releases 628 Protest-Related Detainees A citizen released on March 24 from Insein Prison in Yangon after being detained during a crackdown on anti-regime protests in Yangon on March 3. Four charity staff who were violently beaten by Myanmars security forces before being taken into custody and a detained photojournalist are among the 628 detainees released from Insein Prison in Yangon on Wednesday morning. Four volunteers of the Mon Myat Sate Htar charity, who assisted protesters and residents injured by the security forces in North Okkalapa Township, were detained on March 3. Video of the arrest showed the police kicking the crew in the head and beating them with rifle butts. Their ambulance was also destroyed by the police. The charitys chairman confirmed their release to The Irrawaddy. He said the staff are in good health after 21 days behind bars. Associated Press photojournalist Ko Thein Zaw, who was detained on Feb. 27 while covering an anti-regime protest, was also released after incitement charges against him were dropped. He was detained for nearly a month. However, around 20 other detained journalists remain behind bars, of whom nine have been charged under Article 505(a) of the Penal Code. The majority of Yangons streets were deserted on Wednesday as part of the nationwide silent strike against the regime but Insein attracted crowds as parents, relatives and friends waited for the releases, mostly of university students. One of the released students told The Irrawaddy that the around 50 to 70 students in their group were put into halls in a separate building inside the prison. She and around 400 student protesters were detained during heavy crackdowns in Tamwe Township on March 3, which saw nationwide violence against protests. She said they were given a few hours notice before their release. The students were told that only the group detained on March 3 were being released, of whom more than 30 students remain in custody. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which tracks detentions, said of those detained on March 3, at least 31 student protesters were charged under Article 505(a), which outlaws attempts to cause disobedience or disloyalty among government employees. It carries up to three years imprisonment. The student called for the release of the remaining detainees. A mother said: I am happy as my daughter is released. But at the same time, I feel sorrow for other students in detention. They have done nothing wrong, just expressed their opinions freely. More detentions were made on Wednesday. In Yankin Township, Yangon, around 17 young activists, including a Grade 5 pupil, were violently dragged from their accommodation and detained, Daw Zin Mar Aung, the townships MP, posted on Facebook. U Tin Win, the chairman of the National League for Democracys legal support team in South Dagon Township, was also violently beaten as he was taken from his home at noon on Wednesday. Since the Feb. 1 coup, more than 260 people have been killed and at least 2,800 detained, charged or sentenced by the regime. You may also like these stories: China and Russia Express Deep Concern as Myanmars Protest Death Toll Mounts Myanmar Energy and Electricity Staff Pressured to End Strike Food for Myanmar Regime Soldiers Taken Away After Karen Rebels Block Delivery [March 24, 2021] Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company Acquires Gaming Center Next to California State University, Fullerton Campus Cal State Fullerton had student enrollment of 41,408 for the 2020 Fall Semester. Boca Raton, Florida, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company ( OTCQB:WINR ) (Simplicity Esports), announced that it has acquired the assets of an esports gaming center across the street from California State University, Fullerton campus. The location is in a mixed use building with street level being commercial space and the above floors as rental apartment housing for students. Roman Franklin, President of Simplicity Esports, stated, I am thrilled to announce the acquisition of our 13th corporate owned esports gaming center. This location will serve the student body and surrounding neighborhood of Cal State Fullerton. As the state of California continues to increase vaccinations and relax restrictions, I believe these gaming centers will be some of our strongest performing gaming centers in the country. In 2019, Fullerton combined with the other previously announced acquisitions generated over $2.7 million in revenue. This location is the third corporate owned gaming center in California for Simplicity Esports. The other two locations were allowed to reopen their gaming stations this week, for the first time since COVID-19 rstrictions were enacted almost a year ago. The Fullerton location is expected to reopen in April. About Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company: Simplicity Esports and Gaming Company (WINR) is an established brand within the esports industry, competing and streaming in popular games across different genres, including Apex Legends, PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, League of Legends, and various EA Sports titles. Simplicity Esports is also in the process of designing, minting, and selling non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for the esports and gaming industries. Simplicity Esports also owns and operates 12 and is the franchisor for more than 20 Esports Gaming Centers providing the public an opportunity to experience gaming and esports in a social setting, regardless of skill or experience. Simplicity Esports also organizes and hosts various in-person events and play from home, online tournaments. Simplicity Esports also owns a Riot Games League of Legends franchise and top Brazilian esports organization, Flamengo Esports. Apex Legends, PUBG Mobile, Overwatch, League of Legends, Fortnite, EA Sports and Free Fire are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond Simplicity Esports control, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of Simplicity Esports Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) on August 31, 2020 and our subsequent SEC filings, as amended or updated from time to time. Copies of Simplicity Esports filings with the SEC are available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov . Simplicity Esports undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Simplicity Esports Contact: Roman Franklin President Roman@SimplicityEsports.com 561-819-8586 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] While virtual learning and teaching have come with a plethora of challenges , some K-12 educators are more confident than ever about their remote capabilities after more than a year of virtual schooling during COVID-19 school closures. According to a February survey by the RAND Corporation American School District Panel, about 20 percent of schools now plan to establish and expand online courses for the handful of families whove welcomed the change of pace and flexibility of virtual learning.Education officials from coast to coast say theyre bracing for an unprecedented increase in demand for online learning options in the years to come. And plans are underway to help meet that demand via the establishment of new virtual academies and the expansion of existing programs.In Utahs Jordan School District, officials are gearing up to offer the systems newly established Jordan Virtual Learning Academy for students next fall. The new school, announced in December, is projected to serve at least 1,200 of the districts current 3,000 virtual students through virtual core curriculum courses found elsewhere in the district, including math, reading and the sciences.Principal Spencer Campbell said most of the new academys elementary students will attend virtual classes together in the morning, while others can choose to complete coursework asynchronously, meaning they can view lectures and finish coursework according to their schedules. Students can also choose to take a handful of hands-on art courses at in-person district campuses.Theres a little more flexibility as you move up through the [grade] levels, he noted.Campbell, a former virtual learning trainer, said educators feel more prepared to teach virtual classes after nearly a year of facilitating remote learning. He noted that 40 to 50 teachers from within the district have already applied to work with the new academy, made up of Kings Peak High School, Kelsey Peak Virtual Middle School, and Rocky Peak Virtual Elementary School.We had a lot of interest. Some of our positions had five, six, seven applicants that were within the district, he said. We also hired special ed teachers as well to work with our special needs students.Since most of the schools staff come from within Jordan, officials expect the academy to be a cost-effective solution funded mainly through the district. However, administrators had not determined the exact cost of the school as of Wednesday. Campbell explained that while Utahs schools are funded according to enrollment, some students may elect to take a couple classes virtually and others in-person. Because of this, he said, administrators are still exploring funding mechanisms.If were talking any student taking an online course, it will probably be about 2,000, 2,200. A lot of those will come from the high school level just taking one or two classes, he said. Full-time students, I would imagine, will be about 800 or 1,000.Butterfield Canyon Elementary School fifth-grade instructor Kasey Chambers said educators and administrators in the district had been discussing a new virtual academy since before the pandemic put the need at the forefront and put teachers virtual capabilities to the test. Though many were initially reluctant about going virtual, Chambers said shes now looking forward to being part of something new in Jordan next semester.The challenge is that nobody has done this before for the majority of the time. We were all kind of thrust into it and doing the best we can with our expertise. As the year has progressed, weve gotten pretty good at it, she said. When the school opens, were really going to up our game.California Virtual Academies ( CAVA ) recently hired over 100 teachers to help facilitate enrollment growth, which has reached its brim with more than 15,000 students during the 2020-21 school year. Over the course of the pandemic, the K-12 charter academy system has witnessed growth not seen since its founding nearly 20 years ago.April Warren, CAVAs head of schools, said the school expects to retain many of these new students who enrolled for the first time during the 2020-21 school year, though projections for the fall still remain largely speculative. While many of those new students are new to full-time virtual learning, Warren thinks CAVA is up to the task of meeting the growing demand for online classes.We are hopeful many of those students will stay with us for the upcoming school year, she said. It is [still] too early to tell at this time what the enrollment for the upcoming school year will look like.Through the help of state funding , Warren said CAVA students can access comprehensive courses found in most brick-and-mortar schools, including world language courses. The school also offers Advanced Placement, career technical education and dual enrollment options that allow high school students to take college courses for both college and high school credits. The school also tailors instruction for some special needs students Similar to other online schools offering asynchronous learning options, Warren said CAVA gives students and teachers more flexibility throughout the school year compared to other traditional in-person public schools.While some traditional school experiences are not available in our setting for example, competitive sports students have more flexibility and support to develop other interests, such as afterschool jobs, community service or travel experiences, she said. "For educators, theyre a part of a school designed to meet the individual needs of students ... The model allows them to work with students individually or in small groups in ways the traditional school model struggles to provide. NC Virtual , a tuition-free supplemental online school in North Carolina, offers about 130 different courses and employs nearly 750 part-time and full-time instructors who now teach tens of thousands of students.Executive Director Eliz Colbert said online learning at NC Virtual has been gaining popularity over the years since the school was established in 2007, but the pandemic boosted enrollment in the spring of 2020 and the 2020-21 school year.For the last several years, NC Virtual has averaged enrollment numbers of around 50,000 students in full-course credit classes. This year, we are on pace to exceed 60,000. I say full-credit courses because some online schools count course enrollments by half credits. That is an important distinction to note, she said in an email. If we counted half credits, we would be exceeding 100,000."According to Colbert, the school is now planning to expand its course catalog, which currently includes foreign language classes and career courses, as well as K-12 core classes found in other public schools."We have 11 different world languages, a group of career technical education courses, and about 16 Advanced Placement courses," she said, adding that courses sometimes vary by semester. "We are also growing our middle school course offerings."The school operates under a state enrollment-based funding formula similar to California, which works through a three-year rolling projection model so schools can budget ahead of each year, with reserve funds for drastic changes in enrollment.If a student enrolls for one class with us and the other six at their local [in-person] school, NC Virtual gets the money for the percentage of the one course through the average daily membership (ADM) formula for that particular district, Colbert explained.While learning loss has been a major concern for schools not used to full-time remote learning, Colbert noted that the schools state test scores and AP scores generally match up well when compared with scores from the states in-person public school students, though state testing data has been limited during the pandemic.Colbert said other schools often look to NC Virtual for help facilitating remote learning through programs like its Partnership Courses program. Colbert said programs such as this have "taken off" faster than expected during the pandemic as teachers and administrators throughout North Carolina continue navigating the challenges of virtual learning.Many districts in North Carolina want local virtual academies, but building a standards-aligned course catalog is most difficult," she said. The next general elections are likely to be held in September or October 2022 while by elections in five vacant constituencies are set for July and August this year. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)'s public relations officer, Tuoe Hantsi, this week said the electoral body was now seized with preparations for both the national polls and the by elections after the recent appointment of IEC commissioners. "There are three major issues that the (IEC) commission is working on and these are national elections, by-elections and demarcation of constituencies," Mr Hantsi said. "The 2022 national elections are likely to be in September or October next year. "The budget for the last national elections, held in 2017, was M248 million. For now, we cannot say what the budget for the 2022 elections will be because we are still in the preparatory stages. We have started preparing for elections and we are gradually getting everything in place." Mr Hantsi said the established convention was that parliament is dissolved five years to the day it held its first sitting. Thereafter, His Majesty King Letsie III will call for elections to be held 90 days from that date. In the case of the current parliament, it held its first sitting in July 2017 following the 3 June 2017 elections which ushered in a Thomas Thabane-led governing coalition. However, Mr Thabane was replaced as prime minister by his own All Basotho Convention (ABC)'s Thetsane constituency legislator, Moeketsi Majoro, on 20 May 2020. Mr Thabane's was replaced without parliament being dissolved. This means that its term ends in July 2022 and elections can therefore be held 90 days later at the end of September or October 2022, Mr Hantsi said. He also said by-elections were now overdue in the five constituencies of Makhoroana, Maliepetsane, Thupa Kubu, Mohale's Hoek and Kolo. The constituencies are currently without representation following the deaths of their legislators between 2019 and 2021. Four of the deceased legislators Lefu Hlomelang (Makhoroana), Michael Molefe (Maliepetsane), Afrika Makakane (Thupa Kubu) and Sentje Lebona (Mohale's Hoek) were all from the main ruling All Basotho Convention (ABC). The late Kolo constituency MP, Putsoane Leeto, was a member of Deputy Prime Minister Mathibeli Mokhothu's Democratic Congress (DC). The constitution stipulates that by-elections to choose new MPs must be held within the 90 days of the deaths of the incumbents. However, the IEC had been unable to organise the by-elections in the absence of commissioners. Asked how the by-elections would conducted during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic which spreads faster when there are large gatherings such as those which usually occur when political parties hold campaign rallies and when people queue up to vote, Mr Hantsi said all stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and the National COVID-19 Secretariat (NACOSEC) had been engaged in the planning process. "All the measures in terms of the public health regulations will be adhered to. public Stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and NACOSEC are part of the planning process. They will advise on the Covid-19. Countries like the United States of America, Malawi and Uganda still held elections during the Covid-19 period. It's all about putting the (health) guidelines in place," Mr Hantsi said. Public health protocols prescribe that there must not large gatherings of more than 50 people, there must be social distancing, people must avoid unnecessary movements and must always wash their hands with approved sanitisers. IEC operations had been crippled by the absence of commissioners from January 2019 until last December when new commissioners were appointed. Current IEC chairperson Mphasa Mokhochane and fellow commissioners, Karabo Mokobocho and Tsoeu Petlane, were appointed by King Letsie III on the advice of the Council of State. Their appointments brought to a close the long wait for IEC commissioners after numerous court battles had delayed the replacement of the previous commissioners whose contracts expired in January 2019. Former IEC chairperson, Justice Mahapela Lehohla, 'Mamosebi Pholo and Makase Nyaphisi's contracts expired on 7 January 2019 and the previous Thomas Thabane-led government refused to renew them. But the process of appointing new commissioners was delayed by several court applications including the trio's Constitutional Court application to try to cling to their posts. It was dismissed in October 2019. Despite this, the appointment of new commissioners could not be done due to a constitutional application by the Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) and two others demanding a broad based, public, transparent process for the appointment of IEC commissioners. The TRC's co-applicants were one Maieane Khaketla, who was seeking to be appointed IEC commissioner, and the African Ark political party. The Constitutional Court dismissed the TRC and its co-applicant's application on 11 August 2020 on the grounds that the applicants lacked the legal standing to stop political parties from recruiting new IEC commissioners. The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeal on 12 October 2020 thus paving way for December 2020 appointment of the current IEC commissioners. Now that the dust has settled, Mr Hantsi said preparations had started in earnest for the holding of by-elections to fill vacant parliamentary seats. He said the by-elections would be held simultaneously with the local government elections in 30 councils. "Preparations for the by-elections and other IEC business could not take place without the commissioners. "Now that they are in office, their duty is to ensure that there is a programme towards the holding of by-elections and general elections (next year). "We are in a process of drawing this programme of activities which will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance for the allocation of funds. Then the programme will be submitted to the Council of State to advise the King (Letsie III) to call for elections. "The programme for local government elections will be submitted to the prime minister who will then call for them to be held. The plan is to hold the by-elections and local government elections simultaneously between July and August this year." The prolonged absence of the IEC commissioners also affected plans to appoint a new director of elections. The post has been vacant since the July 2020 expiry of the contract of former incumbent, Letholetseng Ntsike. Mr Hantsi said they were yet to advertise the vacancy and the IEC's Chief Legal Officer, Lehlohonolo Suping, would continue acting in that capacity until the appointment of a substantive director of elections. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Lesotho Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The lengthy absence of the commissioners also delayed the delimitation of electoral constituencies. The constitution requires that the electoral constituencies are redrawn every 10 years. This has to be done now as the delimitation exercise was last done in 2010. "The redrawing of constituencies was also halted by the absence of commissioners. A consultant had been engaged to study the current state of constituencies and he is in a process of reporting to the (IEC) commission. "The commission will then engage stakeholders to discuss the findings. The challenges revealed by the findings will determine the timeframe for the delimitation of electoral constituencies," Mr Hantsi said. He said they would also clean up the voters' roll in preparation for the polls. The clean-up is necessary to remove the names of people who have either passed on since the last elections or moved to other constituencies. He said the commission always strove to maintain its reputation for delivering credible elections which were accepted by all political parties, voters as well as the international community. "The Commission operates in a spirit of openness, working together with all stakeholders from the first stage until the moment when a winner in each constituency is announced. The stakeholders include political parties, politicians, international observers, non-governmental organisations, the media and the international community to ensure transparency," Mr Hantsi said. (@FahadShabbir) TBILISI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2021) Almost 30,000 doses of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccines are expected to be supplied to Georgia on March 24, Health Minister Yekaterina Tikaradze told reporters. "The promised 29,500 doses of Pfizer will be provided to Georgia tomorrow ... after which they will be delivered to the National Center for Disease Control, and then, using the appropriate transport, the medicines will be distributed to those clinics where the immunization process will take place," Tikaradze told reporters. According to her, there is more trust in Pfizer among the population of the country than in other vaccines, but the complications of all vaccines may be the same. Tikaradze became the second official from the leadership of the republic to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. She was immunized at a clinic in Sachkhere on Tuesday. Earlier, President Salome Zurabishvili got vaccinated. The orders are applicable to all educational institutions in private and government sectors including hostels and government-run gurukulam schools (residential schools) barring medical colleges. DC file photo Hyderabad: The state government has announced closure of all educational institutions in Telangana from March 24, Wednesday, in view of the fresh spurt in corona cases in the state. However, the online classes will continue as usual. Minister for education P Sabitha Indra Reddy made a statement to this effect in the assembly on Tuesday. The government issued orders declaring closure of all educational institutions soon after. The orders are applicable to all educational institutions in private and government sectors including hostels and government-run gurukulam schools (residential schools) barring medical colleges. Sabitha said the Covid-19 cases were on the rise across the country as well as in neighbouring states. There were sporadic incidents of Covid-19 cases being reported from educational institutions across Telangana. "Due to mass congregation of students, there is a possibility of the virus spread. States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh have already closed educational institutions. There is also an increasing number of requests from parents who are concerned about the health of their children. Keeping in view the parents requests and the safety of students and teachers, it has been decided to declare closure of all educational institutions including government and private educational institutions along with hostels from Wednesday as a precautionary measure. Online classes will be continued, she said. The minister held a meeting with Chief Minister Chandrashekar Rao on the corona cases in educational institutions before she made the statement. The CM asked her to close educational institutions as a precautionary measure. SEOUL North Korea issued warnings for more than a week. It swore that the Biden administration would pay a price, accused it of raising a stink on the Korean Peninsula and called Washingtons effort to open a channel of communication a trick, vowing to deal with the United States power for power. Now, it appears that North Korea is done talking. On Thursday it delivered its latest warning by launching two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast the first such test by the country in a year and its first significant provocation against the United States under President Biden. North Korea confirmed the test on Friday, saying that its military hit a target 373 miles away with a newly developed tactical guided missile that used solid fuel and could perform gliding and pull-up maneuvers in low-altitude flight. It indicated that the new missile was a modified version of one of the three solid-fuel ballistic missiles that it has tested since 2019. The new solid-fuel missiles, which are on mobile launchers, are easier to transport and hide, take less time to prepare to launch and are harder to intercept because of their maneuverability, missile experts said. The North said its new missile would be a potent deterrent to South Korean and American troops. A drunken mother-of-two has punched her Uber driver in the head in a car travelling over 100mk/h after he refused to spend the night with her, a court has heard. Emma Louise Cope was being taken to her Queensland home in September, 2020 when she climbed from the back into the front seat to proposition the ride share driver. When the man declined the 42-year-old punched him in the head, before he pulled over and was taken to hospital. A drunken mother-of-two has punched her Uber driver in the head in a car travelling over 100mk/h after he refused to spend the night with her The incident occurred on September 16, 2020 near Glenview when Ms Cope was riding in an Uber on the Bruce Highway, which links Brisbane to far north Queensland. The pair were driving in a 110km/h zone when the assault occurred, which police prosecutor Rebecca Lambert said was 'good luck' that there weren't 'more severe consequences'. 'He was driving in a 110km/h zone, close to the roadworks area on the Bruce Highway, and in my submission it was good luck rather than good management that it hasn't resulted in more severe consequences,' she told Maroochydore Magistrates Court. 'The defendant was intoxicated at the time of the incident and she stated to police that she couldn't recall the incident.' The court heard Ms Cope struggles with alcohol problems and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of a childhood trauma The car experienced damages amounting to $6,335 which was paid by an insurance company. The court heard Ms Cope struggles with alcohol problems and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of a childhood trauma. Ms Cope has alcohol-related offences in her past and has been sentenced before for dangerously operated a vehicle and causing a four-car crash in Maroochydore. Her lawyer said that Ms Cope has been ostracised by her family and argued she had no history of 'a like nature' in asking for reduced fines. The court found her guilty of drunken assault and sentenced Ms Cope to 200 hours of community service and $1,200 in compensation to the driver on top of the insurance payout. No conviction was recorded but the judge did say she would likely see a conviction if she faced court again. Nairobi Bank borrowers in the country will soon need to regularize their repayment procedures after the Central Bank of Kenya announced the expiry of emergency measures on the restructuring of loans. In a statement, CBK borrowers whose loans were performing before March 2, 2020, but were restructured and subsequently went into arrears, will have three months - up to June 3, 2021, to regularize their loans. This is therefore an extension from the original expiry date, which was March 3, 2021. Restructuring of loans was among the emergency measures that the CBK announced on March 18 and 24 2020,to mitigate the adverse economic effects on bank borrowers from the coronavirus pandemic. Banks were directed to restructure loans for a period of up to one year of the loans that were performing as at March 2, 2020. Other measures included the provision of regulatory flexibility to banks by CBK. CBK Governor Patrick Njoroge in a statement termed the year-long measures as 'highly effective'. "Borrowers were provided with various restructuring options including an extension of the repayment period, a moratorium on principal or interest and waivers on interest or fees. These measures have provided space to borrowers to ride through the pandemic, mitigate job losses and pivot their business models to the new normal," he said. The governor announced that since March 2020, cumulatively, loans amounting to Sh1.7 trillion were restructured by end February 2021 accounting for 57 percent of the banking sector's gross loans. Consequently, the resumption of repayments and some payoffs, the outstanding restructured loans as at end February amounted to Sh569.3 billion, or 19 percent of the total gross loans. Over 95 percent of the outstanding restructured loans are being repaid in accordance with the restructured terms. [March 24, 2021] FUSmobile Graduates from Tech Alpharetta Tech Alpharetta, the nonprofit organization helping the City of Alpharetta to lead in innovation, announces the newest graduate from its Innovation Center, FUSmobile, (www.fusmobile.com). Led by Arik Hananel, M.D., CEO and co-founder, and Ron Aginsky, President and co-founder, FUSmobile becomes the 16th graduate from Tech Alpharetta's startup incubator, which opened in the City of Alpharetta in 2015. FUSmobile is a medical device startup that joined Tech Alpharetta's incubator in June 2018. The company advances non-invasive solutions for interventional pain management treatment. FUSMobile's solutions aim to improve the patient's experience and clinical outcomes, while reducing costs for payers and healthcare providers. FUSmobile has grown from two to seven employees during its time at Tech Alpharetta's startup incubator and has now headquartered in commercial office space in the City of Alpharetta, where it will continue to expand its team. "We've received tremendous support as members of Tech Alpharetta's startup incubator, through its programs and introductions," states Dr. Hananel. "FUSmobile's graduation is bittersweet because we'll miss being part of the Innovation Center's entrepreneurial community on a day-to-day basis. But, we're excited to headquarter in the City of Alpharetta, where we'll join a robust population of established and growing tech, healthcare and medical device companies." Tech Alpharetta's Innovation Center is a thriving tech startup incubator in Alpharetta that provides education, mentoring and other resources to its startup members to help them to grow and succeed. "We congratulate FUSmobile on its graduation from Tech Alpharetta's incubator, and we look forward to celebrating FUSmobile's continued innovation, growth and success here in the Technology City of the South," notes Alpharetta's Acting Director of Economic Development Kathi Cook. About Tech Alpharetta Tech Alpharetta (previously the Alpharetta Technology Commission), the first organization of its kind in Georgia, was established in 2012 by the City of Alpharetta and is an independent, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization today. The organization, whose mission is to help grow technology and innovation in Alpharetta, includes a strategic advisory board of Alpharetta's leading technology companies, a technology events for area tech executives, and the Tech Alpharetta Innovation Center, a flourishing tech startup incubator that is home to nearly 50 tech startups. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005178/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Golden Independence (CSE: IGLD) (OTCQB: GIDMF) (FSE: 6NN) (the "Company" or "IGLD") is pleased to announce a proposed non-brokered private placement financing (the "Private Placement") of up to 8,620,690 units ("Units") at a price of $0.29 per Unit to raise gross proceeds of approximately $2,500,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Common Share") and one-half of a common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle to the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.45 for 24 months following the date of issuance. The Company also retains the option to increase the size of the Private Placement to 13,793,104 Units, which would result in total gross proceeds of approximately $4,000,000. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for exploration work on its Independence Property and for working capital. The Company may pay fees to certain finders equal to 6% of the gross proceeds and issue warrants ("Finder's Warrants") equal to 6% of the Units placed. The terms of the Finder's Warrants will be identical to the Warrant terms. All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance. Completion of the Private Placement is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Golden Independence Mining Corp. Golden Independence Mining Corp. is an exploration company currently focused on exploring the advanced-stage Independence Property located in the Battle Mountain-Cortez Trend, Nevada and the Champ precious metal property near Castlegar, British Columbia. The Independence Property benefits from over US$25 million in past exploration, including over 200 holes drilled, and is located adjacent to Nevada Gold Mines' Phoenix-Fortitude mining operations in the Battle Mountain-Cortez trend of Nevada. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Christos Doulis, Chief Executive Officer Telephone: 1.647.924.1083 Email: christos@goldenindependence.co Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, statements regarding completion of the Private Placement. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) the risk that the Canadian Securities Exchange will not accept the terms of the Private Placement; (ii) the risk that the Company will not be able to locate suitable purchasers for the Private Placement; and (iii) management's discretion regarding the use of proceeds. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION INTO THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78429 Residents cut-off by 12.9 metre high floodwaters in Sydney's west have had essential supplies delivered to them by police boats as roads are rendered impassable. Officers delivered bulk packs of toilet paper, cartons of Coca-Cola and containers of fresh water on Wednesday. The police and hundreds of defence personnel have been checking in on settlements along Australia's east coast which has been hit by record flooding, as well as performing rescues and evacuations. Police deliver fresh water to locals cut-off by 12.9m high floodwaters in North Richmond, New South Wales (pictured) Police are seen loading toilet paper supplies delivered by Coles onto a boat intended to reach stranded locals in the Windsor region on Wednesday (pictured) 'Marine Area Command vessels are supporting isolated Hawkesbury communities with deliveries of food, medical supplies and other essentials,' NSW Police said. They added they would also be patrolling waters for any illegal activity or looting of properties and they would not hesitate to prosecute offenders. On Wednesday, the defence force launched Operation NSW Flood Assist to help emergency services with up to 700 soldiers to be deployed, including 400 from Queensland. 'When the immediate crisis has subsided, ADF capabilities and muscle will be key in helping communities recover,' Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud said. Toilet paper was among the essential items delivered in bulk to North Richmond residents by water police on Wednesday (pictured) Cops can be seen with a boat loaded with Coca-Cola on its way to be delivered to locals in Western Sydney (pictured) After days of torrential rain, large swathes of NSW are soaked and flooded with rivers such as the Hawkesbury and Nepean in Sydney expected to continue rising for days despite blue skies across much of the state on Wednesday. The ADF said helicopters are supplementing state search and rescue capabilities, including winch recovery operations from both Bega and Nowra. Additional aircraft are being moved from Queensland to NSW to sustain the support and civilian aircraft have been given access to the Richmond base on the outskirts of Sydney to help with evacuation of the Colo River region. Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne said this support of RAAF Richmond personnel enabled the safe evacuation of anyone requiring immediate medical treatment, such as dialysis, over four separate flights. She said the ADF will also help with the clean-up and restoration of essential services such as electricity and water once the flooding has passed. Police are suing boats to traverse streets which have been plunged underwater (pictured) Around 170 Army personnel are on 24-hours notice to assist with the recovery operation and a second support force of around 290 ADF is also being prepared to deploy. Specialist engineers from Holsworthy barracks are also standing by. More than 8200 ADF members participated in Operation Bushfire Assist that ended a year ago. In the past 12 months, more than 15,000 Defence personnel in Operation COVID Assist have been deployed across Australia, peaking at nearly 3000 last September to support state and territory governments im combating the virus. Over 1000 are still deployed, including 652 on hotel quarantine duties, around 70 supporting the rollout of the vaccine in aged care and disability settings and a further 20 providing logistics support to the federal health department. U.S.-bound Central American migrants arriving on the Mexican side of the Usumacinta River, which separates Mexico from Guatemala. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) A steady stream of boats packed with Central American migrants navigates a river that delineates the international boundary. Adults carrying babies and holding the hands of young children alight from the craft. Guides bearing cellphones point the way into a new country. Why am I here?" asked Norma Rodriguez, a U.S.-bound Honduran who was traveling with her children, ages 16, 11 and 3. To find a better life for my family. Is this the Rio Grande, dividing Mexico and the United States? No, this is the Usumacinta River, which forms the border between Mexico and Guatemala in the Lacandon Jungle of Mexicos southern Chiapas state. The Usumacinta where howler monkeys screech from overhanging trees, crocodiles lounge on sandbanks and jaguars prowl adjacent rainforest is more than 1,000 miles from the mostly arid environs of the Rio Grande. But many of the migrants in the groups now arriving in southern Texas first entered Mexico via the Usumacinta and other jungle sites where there are no authorities present. This vast, densely forested region has turned into a key human-smuggling corridor and an imposing challenge for Mexican and U.S. authorities as they attempt to crack down on illicit migration. The Usumacinta River has become a major people-smuggling corridor. Many of the migrants arriving at the U.S. border entered Mexico on the river from Guatemala. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) The Biden administration, facing blowback from Republicans and others on its efforts to modify the Trump administration's hard-line policies, on Monday dispatched to Mexico and Guatemala a high-level delegation including a pair of top aides: Roberta Jacobson, President Bidens special assistant for border issues and a former ambassador to Mexico, and Juan S. Gonzalez, the National Security Councils top Latin America official. The envoys are seeking help from Mexico and Guatemala in stemming the migrant flow. Under U.S. pressure, Mexican authorities last week unveiled a series of measures, including closing Mexico's border with Guatemala to all but essential traffic, such as international cargo. Though Mexican officials cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the move was widely viewed as a bow to a new U.S. administration worried about the expanding numbers of Central American migrants arriving at the southern border. Story continues In addition, Mexico said it was bolstering law enforcement personnel at its border with Guatemala, a key entry point for U.S.-bound Central Americans. Much of the new deployment of law enforcement officers appeared to be focused on the Suchiate River, which forms the far western flank of Guatemala's 600-mile border with Mexico. Trump-era pressure on Mexico had already focused considerable resources on the Suchiate region, pushing many migrants farther west often deep into the jungle, where there is little official presence on either side of the border. "The [Mexico-Guatemala] border is very porous," said Erubiel Tirado, a security expert at the Iberoamerican University in Mexico City. "The points of access, supposedly controlled, don't have the minimum infrastructure to operate." During the Trump administration, Mexican authorities stationed thousands of national guard troops along major northbound highways leading from the Guatemalan border. Mexican authorities regularly intercept smuggling trucks and trailers ferrying hundreds of northbound Central American migrants, including unaccompanied children. But officials acknowledge that many migrants go undetected, especially those arriving via the dense brush of the Lacandon Jungle, deep in the Maya heartland, where the border is largely unmonitored. Poor roads, ample hiding places and a highly developed network of smuggling transport and safe houses can make detection difficult. The jungle area is also notorious for northbound drug-trafficking. U.S.-bound Central American migrants arrive on the Mexican side of the Usumacinta River. (Liliana Nieto del Rio / For The Times) In recent days, hundreds of migrants, many from Honduras, walked on the single paved road leading from the Usumacinta River to Palenque in Mexico, site of iconic Maya ruins and a key smuggling juncture. The only evidence of law enforcement along the two-lane road past verdant pastures, dense forests and mountains was an occasional police car, whose occupants paid little mind to the passing migrants. Many migrants said in interviews that they traced their decision to emigrate to their poverty and Honduras notoriously corrupt political class, led by President Juan Orlando Hernandez, a longtime Washington ally whom U.S. prosecutors now call an accomplice to international drug smugglers. The Honduran president denies the charges. The politics in Honduras is rotten, said Alberto Gomez Pinera, 56, a farmer from Honduras western Lempira region, who spoke as he walked along the road in a group of eight, including Cintia Mariela Guzman, 19; her son, 3; and an in-law, Clara Caballero, 17. Everything in Honduras is for the haves. Nothing for we who have nothing. Like the other migrants, they had crossed the Usumacinta River on launches from Guatemala. The boats normally take ecotourists to Maya ruins, such as the spectacular site of Yaxchilan in Mexico, an hours boat ride from Frontera Corozal, a small river settlement. But the pandemic has wiped out the tourist trade. The revived migrant traffic has been a boon. The boats bringing migrants arrive at a steady pace, some carrying only a few, some as many as two dozen or more. Most passengers are men, but many women and children make the journey too. Luis Arcos, a municipal representative, downplayed the migrant traffic. Its normal, Arcos said after arriving at the boat slip with a group of security officials to check on a group of journalists who were making inquiries and taking photos at the remote spot. "This is a tourist site. We have a lot of people passing through." Once the migrants arrive on the sandy Mexican banks of the Usumacinta, a group of waiting taxis and cars provide northbound transport. Many migrants travel with guides, or smugglers, who help arrange the rides, dialing prearranged contacts on their cellphones. It is a swift process. Within about 15 minutes, the 25 migrant occupants of a boat that arrived at the port on a recent afternoon had left the area, heading north. Many are first ferried to safe houses along the route, where they stage with others until transportation is available to take them farther north. Some immediately take long-distance rides, having made arrangements with smugglers to whisk them away. Others, the poorest, decamp on foot. It is a long haul. It can take four days to reach the Chiapas city of Palenque, some 100 miles from the Guatemalan border. The majority appear to arrive in Mexico nearly broke, having paid off bribes to police in Guatemala along the route. Those stuck at a shelter in Palenque all said they couldnt afford smugglers, who may charge $5,000 a person or more to move migrants to the U.S. border along the Rio Grande in Texas. Many of them planned to try to hitch a ride on a network of northbound freight trains, collectively known as La Bestia (the Beast), but the trains are not currently running in the area, as the tracks are being renovated for the Maya Train, a pet tourist project of Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Many migrants planned to try to move north into Veracruz state, where the freight train was still operating. Were stuck here for now, but we plan to keep trying, said Jairo Joel Quintanilla, 33, from the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula, also at the shelter. He was traveling with his partner, Nora Leticia Castellanos, 33, and three children, ages 1, 8 and 13. In Honduras, Quintanilla said, one heard all the time from friends, on social media, from relatives that this was a good moment to make a break for the United States, as long as one traveled with children. Erlin Valle and a dozen relatives, mostly women and children, had set off a week earlier from the Honduran capital, Tegucigalpa, en route to the United States. They felt it was the right time. Wed heard, with the change of government in the United States, that it was easier now to get in if you brought children, Valle, 40, said as she sat at a communal table at a migrant shelter in Palenque. This seemed like an opportunity. Valle's traveling group comprised four women, one man and eight children. Valle and two younger sisters, all with children, were the core of the group. They were headed to North Carolina, where another Valle sister resides. Valle, a mother of four, brought her two youngest children along; the others remained in Honduras. This seemed typical of families interviewed in the shelter they often brought the younger kids and left the older ones at home. It appears to be both a logistical and a humanitarian decision the younger children need additional care, and the older ones can be left with relatives back home in extended family support networks. We felt wed have a better chance for our kids future in the north, said Jessica Valle, 36, Erlin Valle's sister, who was holding her 1-year-old daughter as shelter staff served a meal of rice, beans and pasta. People ate the food joylessly. Some kids put their heads down on the long table to nap, having little else to do at the overcrowded Catholic refuge. Everyone knows that its supposed to be easier with kids now to cross the border into the United States, Jessica Valle said. At least thats what everyone is saying. Special correspondents Liliana Nieto del Rio in Frontera Corozal and Cecilia Sanchez in Mexico City contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Auburn, IN (46706) Today Considerable clouds this morning. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. UW, University of Arizona Study Identifies Jaguar Presence at U.S.-Mexico Border This photo captured an image of a jaguar that identifies that there is a jaguar presence at the U.S.-Mexico border. The discovery is part of a research project by UW and the University of Arizona. (Ganesh Marin Photo) The recent image of a jaguar near the United States-Mexico border by a University of Arizona graduate student with ties to the University of Wyoming suggests that habitat connectivity might remain between the southwestern U.S. and the northernmost jaguar subpopulation in Sonora, Mexico -- more than 100 miles south of the border. Ganesh Marin, a doctoral student in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona and a National Geographic Early Career Explorer, made the discovery recently while reviewing footage from wildlife cameras deployed as part of a research project studying mammal diversity and movements in the borderlands region. In addition to jaguar, the area is rich in biodiversity and provides habitat for many other species, including ocelots, beavers and the Mexican gray wolf. John Koprowski, Marins graduate adviser and professor emeritus at the University of Arizona who joined UW as dean of the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources last September, leads the project. This is an exciting discovery that highlights the importance of finding ways to sustain connectivity of our landscapes so that we can maintain wild and working lands in functional ecosystems today and for future generations, Koprowski says. The University of Wyoming and the state have a long history of working to facilitate animal movements and migration, and this new discovery, as part of a joint project by the University of Wyoming and the University of Arizona, adds to our leadership in wildlife conservation. Jaguars are the largest species of big cats native to the Americas and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Historically, the animals occupied a continuous range extending from central Argentina to the southwestern U.S. states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. However, since 1900, that range has decreased due primarily to human disturbance and habitat loss, and is now believed to span an area from northern Argentina to northwestern Mexico. By 1990, jaguars were thought to have been eliminated from the United States. Although individual cats have been observed in areas of southern Arizona and New Mexico in recent years, the jaguar observed in the project by Marin and Koprowski -- dubbed El Bonito -- is almost certainly from the Mexican Pacific subpopulation located in the Mexican state of Sonora and is the most northern jaguar reported for Mexico. The finding indicates the need to maintain and conserve habitat connectivity and water resources on which the animals rely. The research project is a joint effort of UW and the University of Arizona in collaboration with the Cuenca Los Ojos Foundation and members from Santa Lucia Conservancy, Phoenix Zoo, Arizona State University and National Autonomous University of Mexico. National Geographic writer Douglas Main will feature the discovery in an upcoming story that can be found here. Footage of Marins discovery is available to view at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQhOffmPNro. About the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources UWs Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources advances the understanding and resolution of complex environmental and natural resource challenges in the West and around the world through educational programming, applied research, outreach and collaborative problem-solving approaches. For more information, visit www.uwyo.edu/haub. I dont see how some of these people are getting the vaccine for COVID-19. My wife and I are in our 70s and we have been on the phone now for three weeks trying to get through. They put you on hold, then when you finally get connected there are no appointments available. Its a shame the way this is set up. Pottsville All landlords in Schuylkill County need to band together regarding non-paying tenants who are able to get away without having to pay their rent even as we still have to provide their heat, utilities, pay taxes, pay insurance. Where is our aid? If we went before a district justice, would he take away any of the above expenses? Cressona In regards to the vaccination, what about the old people who dont have cars and cant get out or are disabled or something? They cant get their shots. Ringtown Sixty-plus degrees. The racetrack is open, no admission fee. Ashland I see Mr. Biden signed the Americans Care Act. My biggest questions are, how much of the money is going to foreign countries? Two, how many states are going to benefit from it? Is it every state or just certain states? Three, I have no problem with the stimulus package or the special programs the Democrats have but how are we going to pay for this? Pine Grove Dan Meuser, stop telling lies. When you said people in prison for murder will get $1,400 checks my stomach turned knowing how untrue that was. All I can think is how low will this guy keep going. It was bad enough that you signed on to that Texas letter claiming the election was stolen. You are one of the lowest Pennsylvania politicians we have. You are as bad as Ted Cruz saying illegals will get a check. Thankfully, he was corrected firmly for that lie. Mahanoy City I see in todays paper that Dan Meuser, of course, is complaining about the COVID relief bill. He is nothing more than a Republican stooge. He consistently voted against anything the Democrats suggest but offers nothing of his own ideas. He needs to be replaced in 2022. Llewellyn Is there anyone who knows a place where you can take old computers or TV screens to get rid of? Hegins Why did President Biden not address the immigration problem at the border? As someone said a nation without borders will not survive. Why did he cancel all the pipeline jobs? Oh, for the days of Mr. Trump again. Pottsville To the person who called about the dry ice at Cabelas, thank you. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. Minersville I think Pottsville should be running that street sweeper 16 hours a day, seven days a week for the next three weeks to pick up all the cinders and dirt and garbage around after the snow melted. Remember, Centre Street is not the only part of Pottsville that deserves the street sweeper to be running around on a regular basis. We want our neighborhoods cleaned, too. We are paying taxes for all this. Pottsville Here we go again. Two more steps into socialism. First step, throwing money around that we do not have. Second, complete open borders. All backed by the Democratic Party. Auburn I would like to thank President Biden for dividing this country more than anybody did during the Civil War. I didnt know the Democrats were that hard up for votes that they have to leave all these people in from other countries. Girardville I would like to compliment Rep. Joe Kerwin for his nice article in the paper today. He hit it point on. As a young conservative, these are the people we need in office on both sides of the aisle. I think it is time to get rid of the dinosaurs like Biden, Pelosi and Schumer. They are all millionaires and they are all taking from the taxpayer to benefit their own personal programs and their own agenda for their friends and political contributions. Pottsville Thank you, Mr. Trump, for your energy and ingenuity, organizing, early last year, the development and the eventual military distribution to our states of the vaccine. Millions vaccinated early this year are now contributing to herd immunity. Thank you, Mr. Trump. Orwigsburg To all of you Republicans who call into Thunder-Enlightning making nasty remarks about the Democrats, they are the ones who passed the latest stimulus bill. Not one of your Republican congressmen or senators voted for it. Since none of your elected officials voted for the package, you should not receive any of that money you think you are entitled to because those officials dont think you need it. Auburn I think Pfizer should come up with a vaccine for people with Trump Derangement Syndrome. If enough haters take it, we will have enough herd immunity to appreciate the good job president-elect Trump and his administration will do in 2024. Summit Station I am calling about the new columnist Paul Muschick. He wrote that everyone should have a vaccine to enter businesses and if you dont have a vaccine card, no entry. I think that is discrimination against people who either cant have the vaccine or are afraid of the vaccine. Please remove this gentleman from the paper. Saint Clair Meghan Markle and Prince Harry looked like a couple of whiny, snotty brats, crying about their richness to a billionaire. How silly was that? I dont think anyone feels for these people. She knew what she was getting herself into and I highly doubt any of that was said about her babys skin color. Minersville Emilio CoochieMegan Thee Stallion is set to headline the U.K. music festival ParkLife this fall. The popular festival is set to return with performances from UK rapper Dave, Koffee, Princess Nokia, Burna Boy, Skepta and more after skipping last year due to the pandemic. Artists will perform throughout eight stages each day from Sept. 11-12, with additional performances from Megan's "Don't Stop" partner Young Thug and Megan's frequent collaborator, DaBaby. Fans can also look forward to a performance from artist and producer Kaytranada, the first Black man to win a Grammy in the category for Best Dance/Electronic Album, for 2019's BUBBA. There will also be street food vendors, a bulls eye bar, and a fun house with games and other festive activities. According to the festival's Instagram page, there will be no general admission tickets available due to the fact that tickets had already sold out by Wednesday afternoon. "We wanted to send our thanks, the support has been incredible. Roll Out September," reads the caption. By Rachel George Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Saying the measure doesnt violate the state constitution, a Commonwealth Court panel Wednesday refused to overturn a controversial law that cut off the General Assistance Programs cash benefits to nearly 12,000 of Pennsylvanias poorest residents. While that decision can still be appealed to the state Supreme Court, it should be noted that the high court already rejected an earlier similar bid aimed at restoring those monthly cash payments, which ranged from $174 to $215 depending on the recipients county of residence. The Legislatures axing of the program in 2019 affected roughly 700 recipients in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and Disability Rights Pennsylvania have been waging the legal battle against the benefit cut-off. In the new Commonwealth Court ruling, Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt found that Act 12 of 2019, the measure that triggered the cut-off, did not violate the single-subject rule under the state constitution. That rule forbids bills from covering multiple, unrelated issues. Advocates for the poor argued that Act 12 violated the single-subject mandate because it also covered revenue raising amendments that expanded the Medicaid nursing facility incentive payments for fiscal year 2019-2020; revised definitions for the Statewide Quality Care Assessment to impose a statewide tax on hospitals, and reauthorized the municipal hospital assessment for cities of the first class. Leavitt found that Act 12 covered a single subject the provision of General Assistance to low-income individuals and therefore was constitutionally permissible. The measure also complied with the constitutions single purpose requirement because all of its contents and amendments involved changes to the states Human Services Code, under which the General Assistance program operates, Leavitt concluded. Each amendment, even the elimination of the General Assistance cash benefit program, pertained to the provision of medical assistance to medically needy persons, she wrote. The title of Act 12 wasnt deceptive, either, Leavitt ruled. Wednesdays decision marks at least the third defeat in the attempt revive the cash assistance program. In August 2019, Leavitts court denied a request for a preliminary injunction to at least temporarily block the cut-off of the cash payments. That Commonwealth Court decision was upheld by the Supreme Court. By PATTY NIEBERG, THOMAS PEIPERT and COLLEEN SLEVIN, The Associated Press BOULDER, Colo. (AP) Police on Tuesday identified a 21-year-old man as the suspect who opened fire inside a crowded Colorado supermarket, and court documents showed that he purchased an assault rifle less than a week before the attack that killed 10 people, including a police officer. Supermarket employees told investigators that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa shot an elderly man multiple times Monday outside the Boulder grocery store before going inside, according to the documents. Another person was found shot in a vehicle next to a car registered to suspects brother. Authorities said Alissa was from the Denver suburb of Arvada and that he engaged in a shootout with police inside the store. The suspect was being treated at a hospital and was expected to be booked into the county jail later in the day on murder charges. Investigators have not established a motive, but authorities believe he was the only shooter, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. In Washington, President Joe Biden called on Congress to tighten the nations gun laws. Ten lives have been lost, and more families have been shattered by gun violence in the state of Colorado, Biden said at the White House. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed to bring forward two House-passed bills to require expanded background checks for gun buyers. Biden supports the measures, but they face a tougher route to passage in a closely divided Senate with a slim Democratic majority. The suspect purchased the assault weapon just six days before the shooting, on March 16, according to the arrest affidavit released Tuesday. It was not immediately known where the gun was purchased. The shooting came 10 days after a judge blocked a ban on assault rifles passed by the city of Boulder in 2018. That ordinance and another banning large-capacity magazines came after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead. A lawsuit challenging the bans was filed quickly, backed by the National Rifle Association. The judge struck down the ordinance under a Colorado law that blocks cities from making their own rules about guns. A law enforcement official briefed on the shooting said the suspects family told investigators they believed Alissa was suffering some type of mental illness, including delusions. Relatives described times when Alissa told them people were following or chasing him, which they said may have contributed to the violence, the official said. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The attack sent terrorized shoppers and employees scrambling for cover. It was the nations deadliest mass shooting since a 2019 assault on a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, where a gunman killed 22 people in a rampage that police said targeted Mexicans. SWAT officers carrying ballistic shields slowly approached the King Soopers store while others escorted frightened people away from the building, which had some of its windows shattered. Customers and employees fled through a back loading dock to safety. Others took refuge in nearby shops. Multiple 911 calls paint a picture of a chaotic, terrifying scene, according to the affidavit. One caller said the suspect opened fire out the window of his vehicle. Others called to say they were hiding inside the store as the gunman fired on customers. Witnesses described the shooter as having a black AR-15-style gun and wearing blue jeans and maybe body armor. By the time he was in custody, Alissa had been struck by a bullet that passed through his leg, the affidavit said. He had removed most of his clothing and was dressed only in shorts. Inside the store, he had left the gun, a tactical vest, a semiautomatic handgun and his bloodied clothing, the affidavit said. After the shooting, detectives went to Alissas home and found his sister-in-law, who told them that he had been playing around with a weapon she thought looked like a machine gun, about two days earlier, the document said. A tapestry and a pillow blocked a narrow window next to the front door at the Arvada home believed to be owned by the suspects father. No one answered the door after several knocks, but young children occasionally pulled the pillow aside and peered out of the window. The two-story home with a three-car garage sits in a relatively new middle- and upper-class neighborhood. Alissa graduated in 2018 from Arvada West High School, where he was on the wrestling team in his junior and senior years, and he enrolled at Metropolitan State University in Denver, according to a Facebook page since taken down. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold identified the slain officer as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with the force since 2010. He was the first to arrive after responding to a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said. Homer Talley, 74, described his son as a devoted father who knew the Lord. He had seven children, ages 7 to 20. We know where he is, his father told The Associated Press from his ranch in central Texas. He loved his family more than anything. He wasnt afraid of dying. He was afraid of putting them through it. The other dead ranged in age from 20 to 65. They were identified as Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jodi Waters, 65. The attack in Boulder, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, stunned a state that has seen several mass shootings, including the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting. Mondays attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University. It follows a lull in mass killings during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in eight years, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter. Biden announced that flags nationwide would be lowered in memory of the victims an order that comes just as a previous flag-lowering proclamation expired for those killed in the Atlanta-area shootings. Together the two orders mean near-continuous national mourning for almost two weeks. Slevin reported from Denver. Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo in Washington and Jim Anderson in Denver contributed to this report. Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Republican politicians are blaming President Joe Biden for a deluge of migrants at the Southwestern border. They think his conciliatory policiessuspending deportations, allowing unaccompanied migrant children to stay in the United States, and advocating an eventual path to citizenshiphave encouraged thousands of people to pour into the country. Biden has publicly urged asylum-seekers not to come right now, but Republicans say thats not enough. The only thing migrants will listen to, they argue, is firm prohibition backed by force. Advertisement Theres a good case to be made for that kind of firmness. Sometimes, when governments relax policies or enforcement, their pleas for voluntary compliance are ignored. But Republicans dont apply that argument to their own supporters. The same governors who deride Bidens border policies are lifting COVID mask mandates in their own states. They insist that in the case of masks, people can be trusted to do the right thing even when the government tells them they no longer have to. At worst, that double standard is political or ethnic. At best, its naive. 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. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas has led the Republican attack on Biden. At a press conference last Wednesday, he accused the president of enticing child migrants by signaling, through soft border policies, that if you are an unaccompanied child, you will be allowed to come into the United States. Abbott connected the border issue to COVID, warning that migrants might bring new variants of the virus into the country. Advertisement Abbott shows no such concern, however, about the simplest COVID precaution: wearing masks. Three weeks ago, he lifted his states mask mandate, arguing that voluntary compliance would suffice. We do still recommend that people do wear a mask, he suggested, but because everybody knows that, we dont need a state mandate for it. In another interview, he said Texans dont need government telling them what to do, since everyone has made up their own mind about what theyre going to do. On Friday, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona joined the attack on Biden. In a press conference at the border, he decried the influx of migrants, portrayed them as COVID spreaders, and blamed the administration. The presidents lax enforcement policies created a perception that our borders are open, said Ducey. He demanded that Biden deter further migration by stating firmly that our borders are not open, and the amnesty law has not changed. Advertisement Advertisement On COVID, however, Ducey shies away from deterrence. In November, as the virus overwhelmed Arizonas hospitals, he refused to impose a statewide mask mandate. I want people to wear masks, he said, but what I want to avoid is some of the division and politics that have happened around this issue. Instead, he proposed an education campaign to ask people to wear masks. In January, as the COVID death count rose, he again refused to impose a mandate. Wearing a mask was the polite thing to do, he conceded, but this isnt about mandates. Its about personal responsibility. In this case, the actions of Republican politicians show that their rhetoric about the border is unserious. Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas agrees with the criticism of Bidens border management. Youve got to have a stricter border policy, or its going to be a humanitarian crisis, he warned a week ago on Face the Nation. But in the same interview, Hutchinson defended his own plan to lift the mask mandate in Arkansas. The time in this pandemic for heavy-handed restrictions and mandates [is] going by the wayside, so people can make good judgments, he argued. On Sunday, Hutchinson told CNN, People understand the importance of the mask. And I expect, even though we take the mask mandate away, that people will continue to use the mask. Common sense is going to replace mandates. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans in Congress apply the same double standard. On Monday, in a Fox News interview, Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas encouraged more states to lift their mask mandates. Its springtime, he noted, outlining his justifications for the move. But in the same conversation, he accused Biden of triggering mass migration by sending a signal to Latin America that our border is wide open. Actions speak louder than words, said Cotton. Actions do speak louder than words. In this case, the actions of Republican politicians show that their rhetoric about the border is unserious. They apply one philosophy to migrantsclear signals and strict enforcementand the opposite philosophy to their own supporters. When the debate turns to masks, suddenly theyre the party of good judgment and personal responsibility. Advertisement This faith in voluntary mask compliance is demonstrably unwarranted. Two weeks ago, a Politico/Morning Consult poll asked voters how they would respond if there were no statewide COVID-19 health precautions (e.g., social distancing, mask mandates) where you lived. Thirty-eight percent of Republicans said they would still fully adhere to COVID-19 health precautions, but 31 percent said they would only somewhat honor the precautions, and another 20 percent said they would ditch them. These answers probably overstate real-world compliance, since poll respondents often give the virtuous answer, not the honest one. Even so, the survey indicated that if mask mandates and other orders were removed, admitted noncompliance among Republicans would jump from 6 percent to at least 26 percent. Advertisement You could argue that enforcement is more essential at the border, because unauthorized migrants have shown theyre willing to evade the law, and they arent entitled to the same consideration as American citizens. But many people who refuse to wear masks are as defiant as any border crosser. And theyre far more dangerous. COVID has killed more than 47,000 people in Texas, more than 16,000 in Arizona, and more than 5,000 in Arkansas. Last fall, forecasters at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimated that from September to February, near-universal use of masks could have saved more than 9,000 lives in those three states, plus 120,000 more in the rest of the country. In many respects, Republicans are right about the situation at the border. Its a mess. Humane aspirations arent enough; we need firm rules and clear signals. But we need that kind of clarity even more to fight a virus that has killed more than half a million Americans. If youre serious about saving lives and protecting this country, get serious about masks. A MAN from the Wuhan province in China who came to Ireland in December 2019 has been fined 300 for an immigration offence. Tullamore District Court was told that 52-year-old Hongwei Bao was a passenger in a car stopped at a Covid-19 garda checkpoint in Tullamore on February 28 last by Garda David Harney. Sergeant James O'Sullivan said that when his details were being confirmed it was learned that he had come to Ireland from Britain on a tourist visa but had overstayed and then failed to register his status with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. He was arrested and charged with failing to register under Section 9 of the 2004 Immigration Act. Mr Bao's solicitor, Donal Farrelly, said the accused was from the Wuhan province in China and arrived in Ireland in December 2019. While it was his intention to go back there from Ireland, his home region, where he was the owner of a company, had gone into total lockdown because the Covid-19 pandemic had just begun there and he could not do so. When he tried to purchase flight tickets again at a later date he had difficulties doing so because the prices had gone enormously high. Since he was stopped by the gardai in Tullamore he had engaged with the Immigration Bureau and had been told that he had until April to get a ticket home. Asked by Judge Catherine Staines why he was in Tullamore on February 28 and not at his address at 18 Belgard Green, Tallaght, Dublin, a friend of Mr Bao, who acted as an interpreter in court, said another friend had offered him the opportunity to travel with him to Offaly to get out of the house for the day for fresh air. Judge Staines said Mr Bao should have stayed at home like everybody else. A plea to failing to register in accordance with the Immigration Act was entered. He had no previous convictions and was not prosecuted for breaching the Covid-19 travel regulations. Mr Farrelly told the court his client had 300 with him and Judge Staines told him to pay a fine for that amount forthwith, noting that he was regularising matters with the immigration authorities. The maximum penalty for the offence is 3,000 or 12 months in prison. He'll need to pay a fine today because if he's living outside the jurisdiction there's no other way of enforcing it, she said. 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. Our women have a crucial role to play in Nigerias tech industry as we mark this 2021 International Day of Women, and the diversity they bring can only serve as a massive boost to the tech ecosystem, and the digital economy. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on digital technology and computer systems, under-served/unserved communities still lack access to technology. Because there is no access, many people in developing countries cannot experience the transformational impact of digital technology. Nigeria is Africas biggest technology market. In December 2020, the country had 24 per cent or more than 203 million of the continents internet users, followed by Egypt with 54.7 million users. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report on the Nigerian GDP shows that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector recorded the highest growth rate of all the sectors of the Nigerian economy, not only in the last quarter of 2020, but all through the entire year. In fact, the ICT sector grew by 14.70 per cent in the last quarter of 2020 and also posted a 12.90 per cent growth rate in the overall period of assessment. It is currently rated as the only sector to have grown by double digits. Several tech startups abound in the agricultural, educational, healthcare, banking and finance, e-commerce, and transportation sectors of Nigerias economy. They are utilising digital technologies and innovation to deliver creative solutions to different problems in communities. But, the tech ecosystem is mainly dominated by men, and only a very few girls and women are actively involved in the sector. The gender disparity in the technology sector in Nigeria is a reflection of the African and global realities. Despite the rapid growth in Nigerias technology sector, only very few women have the opportunity to participate as founders/owners or employees of tech businesses. As such, bridging the gap between male and female participation in the technology sector remains a huge challenge for the stakeholders. Regardless of the disparity in accessing opportunities, women are creating innovations and spearheading change through technology in their immediate environments. Gradually, things are changing as younger women are showing interest in the sector. While women creators of technology or innovators are very minimal, the gender is eager to partner the men folk in shaping the development of technology in Nigeria. Going by recent events, women are announcing their active participation as co-creators of technology and innovation. One of Nigerias new generation tech amazons is Saadat Aliyu, who successfully designed and launched an android application for reporting cases of sexual abuse. The Mobile App called HELPIO provides a safe space for children and adults to report any form of abuse. Though outnumbered in the tech sector, a host of young and enthusiastic women are working silently to impact the industry with a new wave of creativity, innovation and leadership. They are creating technologies and innovation to help solve problems peculiar to their gender, and the entire society. Although there is no reliable estimate of female tech creators/innovators, there are some notable women pioneers in the Nigeria tech industry. They include Funke Okpeke, Florence Seriki, Omobola Johnson, Dr. Olayinka David West, and Nkemdilim Begho, just to mention a few. Banke Alawaye, Jejumade Afonja, Hamdalah Adetunji, Monini Ufelu are among the new generation of women contributing within the technology space. Through their efforts, many tech startups are developing innovative platforms that provide solutions to everyday problems. One of Nigerias new generation tech amazons is Saadat Aliyu, who successfully designed and launched an android application for reporting cases of sexual abuse. The Mobile App called HELPIO provides a safe space for children and adults to report any form of abuse. The app, in partnership with civil society groups, has a multi-disciplinary response team comprising counselors, lawyers, medics, and advocates, which will facilitate more successful prosecution of abusers/offenders. Aliyu, popularly known as Soosy Ammora, is the founder and CEO of Shamrock Innovations, a Kano-based tech innovation hub, which provides support for female and young entrepreneurs in the tech ecosystem. She is following on the heels of the five Anambra school girls who developed an application in 2018 called FD Detector to check the fake pharmaceutical products in Nigeria. Promise Nnalue, Jessica Osita, Nwabuaku Ossai, Adaeze Onuigbo and Vivian Okoye, all students of Regina Pacies Secondary School student, Onitsha, went on to win the gold medal at the 2018 technovation world pitch in the U.S. after defeating representatives from leading tech countries. ADVERTISEMENT The young tech innovator, a graduate of Computer Science, said she learnt IT skills from her brother while in junior secondary school and later became a self-taught developer. In order to encourage more female tech creators/techpreneurs, NITDA and its supervisory Ministry should revive the nationwide girls tech clubs in partnership with ICT-focused NGOs and female-led tech startups/companies. That another female tech enthusiast has been able to create an application that helps to solve a serious problem facing the women folk, is a worthy recognition for those women who blazed the trail for the new crop of female tech enthusiasts. In recognition of this feat, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to provide all the support necessary to ensure that Nigerian women in rural areas have access to the HELPIO App. Consequently, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa declared the agencys preparedness to promote the HELPIO app on its social media platforms and traditional media programmes, while also promising to assist the hub with other logistics to enhance seamless integration. Kashifu also assured the hub that the agency would provide it with all support, mentoring and monitoring of their progress, in line with standards and guidelines governing the tech sector in Nigeria. For women in Nigerian tech space, NITDAs support to a fellow creator is a huge step towards closing the gender gap in the sector. It would spur more women to come up with creative ways of advocating and developing solutions that impact on peoples lives. In order to encourage more female tech creators/techpreneurs, NITDA and its supervisory Ministry should revive the nationwide girls tech clubs in partnership with ICT-focused NGOs and female-led tech startups/companies. To celebrate women tech entrepreneurs/innovators, it is imperative for NITDA to create a special platform with exclusive focus on providing incentives to stimulate the inventive capacity of our women and young girls within the nooks and crannies of the country. Our women have a crucial role to play in Nigerias tech industry as we mark this 2021 International Day of Women, and the diversity they bring can only serve as a massive boost to the tech ecosystem, and the digital economy. Inyene Ibanga writes from Wuye District, Abuja. As an employee of an accredited news organization, I am obligated to endorse the holding of presidential news conferences, lest I be banned from the profession for life. And they can be useful to gauge the presidents grasp of issues and to force him to address unpleasant matters he might prefer to avoid. In Bidens case, the event will also let him affirm his appreciation for the legitimate role of the news media, in contrast with his abusive predecessor. [March 23, 2021] DigitalOcean Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering DigitalOcean, the cloud for developers, startups and SMBs, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 16,500,000 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $47.00 per share. The shares are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "DOCN" on March 24, 2021, and the offering is expected to close on March 26, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan are acting as lead book-running managers for the proposed offering. BofA Securities, Barclays and KeyBanc Capital Markets are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Canaccord Genuity, JMP Securities (News - Alert) and Stifel are acting as co-managers for the proposed offering. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attn: Prospectus Department; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, ew York, New York 10282, Attn: Prospectus Department, Telephone: 866-471-2526, Email: prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 1-866-803-9204, or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmorganchase.com. A registration statement relating to the sale of these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About DigitalOcean DigitalOcean simplifies cloud computing so developers and businesses can spend more time building software that changes the world. With its mission-critical infrastructure and fully managed offerings, DigitalOcean helps developers, startups and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) rapidly build, deploy and scale applications to accelerate innovation and increase productivity and agility. DigitalOcean combines the power of simplicity, community, open source and customer support, so customers can spend less time managing their infrastructure and more time building innovative applications that drive business growth. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323006090/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 24, 2021] Tauriga Sciences Inc. Expands its Pet Treats Product Offerings to 3 SKUs (Branded as: Tauri-Pet) Commercial Launch of Tauri-Pet Product Line is Anticipated: April 20, 2021 NEW YORK, NY, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, with a proprietary line of CBD & CBG infused Supplement chewing gums (Flavors: Pomegranate, Blood Orange, Peach-Lemon, Pear Bellini, Mint, Black Currant), additional product offerings, as well as an ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative, today announced that it has expanded its pet treats product offerings to 3 distinct Stock-Keeping Units (SKUs). These SKUs are as follows: Peanut Butter Flavor dog treats / infused with 5mg CBD (MSRP: $24.99 per bag), Apple Flavor dog treats / all-natural flavor (MSRP: $14.99 per bag), and Butternut Squash Flavor dog treats / fortified with calcium (MSRP: $14.99 per bag). Each bag of Tauri-Pet dog treats contains 30 treats (net weight: 4 oz.). Tauri-Pet Product Link(s): A. Peanut Butter Flavor (Please See Below Link): https://taurigum.com/products/peanut-butter-cbd-dog-treats B. Apple Flavor (Please See Below Link:): https://taurigum.com/products/apple-dog-treats C. Butternut Squash Flavor (Please See Below Link): https://taurigum.com/products/butternut-squash-dog-treats This expansion is the result of substantial levels of interest in this product line, exhibited by a number of prospective customers. The Company believes that the pet treat segment represents a potentially lucrative niche market opportunity. And the Company is confident that the commercial launch of its Tauri-Pet product line will help drive revenue growth for the remainder of calendar year 221 and beyond. Lastly the Company is in the process of registering Trademark(s) for its Tauri-Pet product line, with both the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant) & (Vitamin C + Zinc Immune Booster Flavor: Pear Bellini). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 18, 2020, the Company announced that it had filed a provisional U.S. patent application covering its pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts. The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates two full time E-Commerce fulfillment centers: one located in Montgomery, Texas and the other in Brooklyn, New York. DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other periodic filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 4 Nancy Court, Suite 4 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 Company Instagram: @taurigum Personal Instagram: @sethsms47 Twitter: @SethMShaw Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com Attachment 03_24 PR Image [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Hong Kong: BioNTech vaccination suspended The Government today announced that it immediately suspended COVID-19 vaccinations concerning BioNTech after deviations in the vial seal were found in one batch of the vaccine. It explained that it received written notification this morning from Fosun Industrial Co. about the deviations that involve batch 210102. The Government noted that while BioNTech and Fosun Pharma have no reason to believe there is a risk to product safety, for the sake of prudence, vaccination of the batch concerned should be suspended pending an investigation. It added that batch 210104 of the BioNTech vaccine should also be put on hold and not be administered as a precautionary measure to ensure vaccine safety. The Government stated that people who have made appointments to receive BioNTech vaccination from today onwards need not go to the community vaccination centres for vaccination. The Department of Health will hold an urgent meeting with Fosun Industrial Co. to obtain further details of the incident and discuss follow-up measures. This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. MEDFORD, Ore. Jackson County Public Health said on Wednesday that it is investigating a pair of workplace coronavirus outbreaks in the area, alongside an apparent surge in daily cases. The agency said that it began investigating a potential outbreak at Knife River Material on March 9. As of Wednesday, there were six cases linked to the outbreak. Another outbreak investigation began at Black Bird Shopping Center on March 17, also consisting of six cases as of the report. Public health officials reported 45 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, an apparent uptick in daily cases. Jackson County is currently in High Risk status under Oregon's COVID-19 restriction framework, which requires that the county see less than 200 cases per 100,000 people over a two-week period. According to Oregon Health Authority data from Wednesday, only one county in the state had more new cases Multnomah, with 63. Jackson County outstripped the more populous Marion, Clackamas, and Washington counties. Over the previous two weeks, Jackson County remained comfortably within the High Risk case rate requirements after going through a two-week "caution" period. As of March 23, a total of 44,383 people had received doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in Jackson County. Of those individuals, 26,390 are considered fully vaccinated. Eligibility for Jackson County residents is expected to grow on March 29 with the addition of Pase 1b, Group 6, which includes adults 45 and older with underlying health conditions and a number of other groups. [March 24, 2021] ADT Security Australia Launches Essence SmartCare Solution for Senior Care Johnson Controls' Leading Security Solutions Provider Adopts Essence SmartCare's Care@Home Solution to Introduce New Range of Services for Australian Senior Care Market HERZLIYA, Israel, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence SmartCare, part of global IoT solutions provider Essence Group, today announced that ADT Security Australia, a leading provider of security monitoring services, has selected its Care@Home Enhanced Telecare Services Platform to expand ADT's Health and Wellness services offering in Australia. ADT Security Australia is part of Johnson Controls, the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. This partnership was facilitated in conjunction with HSC Technology Group. It will enable ADT to enhance its senior care offerings in Australia by providing a new range of assistive services through Essence's Care@Home solution, under the banner of ADT Home Assure. The rollout of Essence's technologies will allow ADT Security Australia to offer breakthrough telecare services to seniors using state of the art technology and utilizing the LTE network. This announcement comes as the senior population is set to grow rapidly in Australia with the proportion of seniors who are over the age of 75 to grow from 33% to 55% in the next 30 years, and an annual revenue for home-based care and services of around $4.5 billion AUD (source). "We are honored to be joining forces with ADT Security Australia, one of the largest security and safety solutions providers, to enable them to provide the bst care and protection to Australian seniors," said Barak Katz, General Manager for Essence SmartCare. "Our unified telehealth and care platform enables monitoring at any level and through any type of caring device for a wide range of health conditions, both at home or on-the-go all through one connected Care@Home smart platform." Essence SmartCare's award-winning Care@Home platform is an aging-in-place product suite, providing seamless health monitoring solutions that enable seniors to live independent lives while providing their families with peace of mind. Leveraging a variety of advanced technologies, including deep AI capabilities, to ensure the safety of seniors, the platform comprises an integrated suite of services, including continuous monitoring of daily activities, advanced fall detection, and voice-activated alerts to facilitate real-time communication with caregivers and emergency services providers. "At ADT Asia Pacific, our mission is to protect the lives of our customers and their assets across the region by providing the highest quality solutions and services leveraging best in class partners," said David Kirubi, Vice President, ADT Asia Pacific. "Essence's Care@Home solution presents a substantive and unique industry value proposition in enabling this mission, for the benefit of our customers while ensuring peace of mind for their loved ones and carers." About Essence SmartCare Essence SmartCare, part of the Essence Group, develops pioneering Health & Care platforms for market-leading healthcare and senior care providers, enabling smart preventive care and emergency response so seniors can live life to the fullest with total peace of mind. Partnering with Essence SmartCare helps position companies as progressive, forward-thinking and in touch with the need to enable elderly and vulnerable people to lead more independent and safer lives. www.essencesmartcare.com About Johnson Controls: At Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. With a history of more than 135 years of innovation, Johnson Controls delivers the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its comprehensive digital offering OpenBlue. With a global team of 100,000 experts in more than 150 countries, Johnson Controls offers the world's largest portfolio of building technology, software as well as service solutions with some of the most trusted names in the industry. For more information, visit www.johnsoncontrols.com or follow us @johnsoncontrols on Twitter. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472930/ADT.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472931/Essence_Smartcare.jpg Media Contact: Finn Partners for Essence Group Danny Sudwarts danny.sudwarts@finnpartners.com (+1) 469-297-2515 Johnson Controls/ADT Security Australia Jessica Monk Jessica.Monk@jci.com +61 429 429 441 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. TULSA, Okla., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Victory of Greenwood, a new book by Carlos Moreno, invites readers to learn more about the full history of the Greenwood community, aka "Black Wall Street," through the lives of some of its most prominent figures such as, John & Loula Williams, B.C. Franklin, and Rev. Ben H. Hill. This new collection of 20 historical biographies dispels myths and inaccuracies about the events leading up to the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 via newly discovered primary sources, and shows Greenwood's local and national significance after its rebuilding, to today. Pre-sales for signed copies of the book are available now on the book's website. The Victory of Greenwood On June 2nd, 1921, the Red Cross began a relief effort from Booker T. Washington High School campus, the only buildings left undamaged by the attack on Greenwood. Meanwhile, residents started working on rebuilding their homes and entrepreneurs such as Loula Williams set about re-establishing their businesses. Attorney B. C. Franklin successfully sued the City of Tulsa, leading to Greenwood's revival, which lasted well into the late 1960s. People from the Greenwood area had a continuing impact on the world of music, the Civil Rights Movement, medical technology, and computer technology through the 1940s to the present day. The Victory of Greenwood , a project of Spark Collaborative, LLC , will be published by All Souls ' book imprint, Jenkin Lloyd Jones Press, in late May of 2021, coinciding with the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The author learned about the history of Greenwood from the staff of Oklahoma's longest-running Black newspapers, The Oklahoma Eagle, while doing freelance design work for a 2002 special issue about the Massacre and its aftermath. Moreno says, "This work transcends the Massacre and the upcoming centennial. I wanted to write about the incredibly positive impact that Greenwood had, and still has, on the world, even after all attempts to destroy it." Senior Minister Marlin Lavanhar, of All Souls, says, "This partnership is, in a very real sense, part of reconciling with our difficult and complex past and provides Tulsa and the nation with a more complete narrative of the history of Greenwood." "The painstakingly documented nature of this work is one of the things that makes it so strong." Tim Madigan, author of The Burning: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 About Carlos Moreno: Carlos Moreno is a graphic designer at CAP Tulsa, Oklahoma's largest anti-poverty nonprofit organization and a national leader in early childhood education. Carlos earned a Bachelor of Arts in Administrative Leadership in 2017 and a Master of Public Administration degree in 2020 from the University of Oklahoma. He currently serves on the board of the Urban Coders Guild, the Advisory Board for the City of Tulsa's Office of Performance Strategy and Innovation, the Gilcrease Museum Community Advisory Council, and the University of Central Oklahoma MPA Advisory Board. To interview Mr. Moreno please contact Meg Sutherland: [email protected] / 918.760.2716 Social Media: facebook.com/thevictoryofgreenwood , twitter.com/Greenwood1922 , instagram.com/victoryofgreenwood Digital Media Kit + Sample Chapter: https://thevictoryofgreenwood.com/contact-us/media/ SOURCE Carlos Moreno Related Links https://thevictoryofgreenwood.com/ SpaceX says that it has deployed 60 Starlink satellites above the earth. The satellites will manuever into position and provide additional support for the company's internet satellite constellation system. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, Florida early Wednesday morning. The rocket's first stage successfully landed on a drone ship at sea. applicable to their Territory. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) In Texas, back in November, Miguel Guzman of Mariachi Los Galleros de San Antonio had to put his violin and music aside when he tested positive for the coronavirus. Just days before, he was masked and inside the home of a friend who was a reliable instrument dealer, buying a violin for a student. The friend later died of the virus. Guzman fell very ill, too, and spent a month in the hospital. The virus winded him. He needed a constant stream of oxygen to breathe with his damaged lungs; he dropped 40 pounds and lost all his muscle; he needed physical therapy just to walk again. At home, his fingers were numb when he repeatedly tried picking up his violin, but it was the promise of playing in the band with his sons again and writing a composition for his wife that kept him motivated to recover. This past month, Guzman finally returned to the band and played at another round of funerals and burials. His first day back was at the funeral of a friends father-in-law. The week after, it was a funeral for one of his longtime clients, a tire-shop owner who had died of coronavirus-related complications. Close to the coffin at that funeral, he stood with the band playing Te Vas Angel Mio or Youre Leaving, Angel of Mine. He could hear the crying, yes, but he also could hear his violin, carrying life forward for those who grieved, and for him. Music is the medicine, because when Im playing, I forget about not being able to breathe, Guzman 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. Two people were killed and two others seriously injured in gunfire at a west Alabama home. An Aliceville police officer had responded to an unrelated medical call about 10 p.m. Tuesday when he heard numerous shots ring out nearby, said Pickens County Sheriff Todd Hall. The officer followed the sound of gunfire to a house at First Street S.W. and 15th Street. When officers arrived, they found two people dead and two others wounded. The surviving victims were taken to two different hospitals. Hall said authorities are not yet identifying the victims out of respect for family. He said some were male and some female but declined to say whether they all were adults or members of the same family. Investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the crime scene. We dont have a motive at this time,' Hall said. No suspects are in custody, and authorities are asking that anyone with information come forward. This is very tragic for our community,' Hall said. 'We hope we can get the community to reach out to us with any information. Anyone with information is asked to call Aliceville police at 205-373-6631 or the Pickens County Sheriffs Office at 205-367-2000. A DUP MLA who has been reported to the Assembly's Standards Commissioner by a Sinn Fein politician for engaging with a loyalist paramilitary group to resolve a flags issue has insisted the move "smacks of double standards". Trevor Clarke defended his disclosure after Sinn Fein MLA Liz Kimmins branded it "very concerning" that he had spoken publicly about working with a loyalist paramilitary group. Mr Clarke spoke of his engagement with loyalists during an Assembly debate on a proposal tabled by Alliance calling for leadership on issues around flags, identity and culture. Highlighting community leadership, the South Antrim assembly member said: "In my area, I worked with a loyalist paramilitary organisation to remove its flags and to put up more respectful Union Jacks for the marching season. "It was welcomed by those who lived in the community and did not want to see signs of paramilitarism but were content for the flag of our country to fly for the marching season. "It is examples like that that show leadership." Ms Kimmins said Mr Clarke's comments were "extremely shocking" and she had referred the matter to the Standards Commissioner, the PSNI and Policing Board. "This is shocking given that armed loyalist criminal gangs are still actively involved in a litany of crimes including murder, drug dealing, racketeering, intimidation and ongoing threats against journalists, public representatives and other workers," she said. Ms Kimmins said his remarks had come after DUP leader Arlene Foster and other party representatives had met with the Loyalist Communities Council, which has since withdrawn its support for the Good Friday Agreement amid the Irish Sea border row. "The DUP should be working to end loyalist paramilitarism, not working with them," added Ms Kimmins. Mr Clarke last night hit back at the Newry and Armagh MLA's comments, saying his engagement with the loyalist group was a number of years ago, insisting that Ms Kimmins should instead focus on her own party. "Given Sinn Fein's own links to republicanism this smacks of double standards," he insisted. "I make no apology for the opportunity to work with loyalist or republican groups to remove paramilitary flags for the betterment of all our communities going forward." The Standards Commissioner could not be reached for comment last night. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 March 24, 2021 - With heavy workloads and high professional and personal demands, medical residents in training - and those in urology residency programs - face a high risk of burnout. At one urology department, a wellness program designed by and for residents produced meaningful reductions in burnout risks, reports a study in Urology Practice, an Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. The Resident Wellness Curriculum (RWC) in the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, led to significant improvements in key aspects of burnout, according to the new research by Jennifer M. Taylor, MD, and colleagues. "We found a purposeful approach to promoting residents' well-being can improve their perceptions of the training program's organizational culture - leading to measurable improvement in some of the defining characteristics of burnout," Dr. Taylor comments. Proactive approach to addressing high risk of burnout in urology residents "The RWC grew out of a purposeful programmatic effort to effect true positive culture change in our urology residency program in the domains of wellness and burnout," comments Program Director and co-author Dr. Wesley Mayer. "We began by facilitating open and honest dialogue with our residents in flipped classroom sessions, leading to a detailed needs assessment. We then executed on resident feedback and suggestions, which helped build a culture of trust between the residents and program leadership." The program includes resident-faculty social groups, seeking to bolster relationships and build rapport outside the work environment; structured mentorships, with time set aside for formal mentoring meetings between residents and faculty; resident social outings, for trainees to interact and socialize outside of work; and wellness education, including education and information on physician wellness. It also includes an annually restocked Wellness Fund, which gives the residents a mechanism to request an event or a resource that they have chosen as a group. Developed in collaboration between urology faculty, residents and department leadership, the RWC was entirely funded by donations from program faculty. "We were fortunate to have 100 percent participation from faculty members," said urology resident Dr. James Anaissie, lead author of the study. "It really affirmed our department's commitment to resident wellness, and led to improvements in residents' perceptions of the program's culture." The researchers performed before-and-after surveys to evaluate how the program affected residents' burnout risks and well-being. A standard assessment (the Maslach Burnout Index) was used to assess the RWC's effects on the three defining characteristics of burnout, resulting in: Scores for depersonalization decreasing by 28 percent. On average, the residents moved from high to moderate depersonalization scores from before to after the RWC. decreasing by 28 percent. On average, the residents moved from high to moderate depersonalization scores from before to after the RWC. Scores for emotional exhaustion decreasing by 20 percent. Again, the average score improved from the high to the moderate range. decreasing by 20 percent. Again, the average score improved from the high to the moderate range. Scores for personal accomplishment showing no significant change and remaining in the moderate range. Scores on a rating of physicians' wellness (the Mayo Clinic Well-Being Index) improved by more than 50 percent, indicating decreased levels of distress. Of all initiatives included in the RWC, the resident social outings were rated most meaningful by the residents. The promising results have encouraged the authors to continue to improve the program's culture in innovative ways. They continue periodic de-identified surveys of the residents and evaluate the responses. Most recently, a resident-designated ombudsman role was created, providing a structured and trusted mechanism for residents to anonymously bring up topics regarding wellness and program improvement with their program leadership. "Our experience adds to studies from other training programs in showing proactive and comprehensive identification of the potential causes of burnout can enhance residents' well-being, including significant reductions in some of the key aspects of burnout," says Dr. Taylor. "Making systematic changes to our department culture, with input from residents and full support from faculty, helped to promote trainees' professional growth in a demanding specialty while supporting their mental health and well-being." ### Click here to read "Innovative Approaches to Battling Resident Burnout in a Urology Residency Program." DOI: 10.1097/UPJ.0000000000000215 The Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA), and the most widely read and highly cited journal in the field, The Journal of Urology brings solid coverage of the clinically relevant content needed to stay at the forefront of the dynamic field of urology. This premier journal presents investigative studies on critical areas of research and practice, survey articles providing brief editorial comments on the best and most important urology literature worldwide and practice-oriented reports on significant clinical observations. The Journal of Urology covers the wide scope of urology, including pediatric urology, urologic cancers, renal transplantation, male infertility, urinary tract stones, female urology and neurourology. About the American Urological Association Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has nearly 24,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health care policy. To learn more about the AUA visit: http://www. auanet. org About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (WKL) is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the clinicians, nurses, accountants, lawyers, and tax, finance, audit, risk, compliance, and regulatory sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with advanced technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2019 annual revenues of 4.6 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer provides trusted clinical technology and evidence-based solutions that engage clinicians, patients, researchers and students with advanced clinical decision support, learning and research and clinical intelligence. For more information about our solutions, visit https:/ / www. wolterskluwer. com/ en/ health and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @WKHealth. A government-backed investment deal is designed to support North Sea jobs. The British government has backed the North Sea by choosing to impose climate compatibility checks on new projects instead of an outright ban on new drilling. Westminster has cut a deal with the North Sea industry which commits to cutting its emissions by 50% by the end of this decade, according to reports. At the same time, a joint investment deal worth US$16bn is to support some 40,000 jobs in the North Sea. It is described by the government as a landmark deal. The UKs business and energy secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, claimed the deal sends a clear message that the UK is a nation of clean energy, and, it wont leave oil and gas workers behind. Greenpeace, meanwhile, called the development a colossal failure in climate leadership. Instead of finding ways to prop up this volatile and polluting sector, a better proposition for workers and communities would be for the government to confirm a ban on new licences, and put all its energies into a nationwide programme of retraining, reskilling and investment in renewables and green infrastructure, said Greenpeace UK spokesperson Mel Evans. The Regatta Point Yachting Center has installed a new amenity in Deltaville. Now boaters and tourists can charge their electric cars at two new SemaConnect charging stations installed outside the Regatta Point Clubhouse. The new SemaConnect charging stations are the first EV charging stations in Virginias Middle Peninsula. The two SemaConnect Series 6 charging stations at Regatta Point feature the universal J1772 plug and are compatible with all plug-in electric cars in North America. Designed for the elements, the stations feature a rugged design, interactive LED lights, and smart technology to put Deltaville on the map. 4G connectivity to the SemaConnect Network means that station managers can manage access, customize pricing, and generate usage reports. EV drivers can view live station status online, manage payment methods, and get directions to Regatta Point. Located an hour north of Newport News, on the tip of Middlesex County, Deltaville is known for its beautiful views and water activities. The Regatta Point Yachting Center is a family-owned yachting center that has welcomed boaters and wedding parties every year since its establishment in 2004. Purchased by Don Pringle in 2019, Regatta Point offers slip rentals, yacht brokerage services, and spaces for weddings and events. The new EV charging stations are just two of Regatta Points off-season property upgrades that will serve boaters this spring. Last year, we started to see more slip holders and boaters visiting the yachting center with their Teslas, said Jimmy Mackey, general manager at Regatta Point Yachting Center. Some of our slip holders drive from as far as New Jersey, so were excited to welcome them back with our new SemaConnect stations. We look forward to serving the Deltaville community and invite new visitors to recharge body and soul with us at the Regatta Point Yachting Center. The Regatta Point Yachting Center is leading a new trend for recreational facilities, resorts, and event spaces in Virginia, said Joseph Inglisa, vice president of business development at SemaConnect. With its new SemaConnect stations, Regatta Point provides an essential amenity for EV drivers visiting the Chesapeake Bay. Were honored to support the Regatta Point team and EV drivers in Virginia. The two SemaConnect charging stations at Regatta Point Yachting Center are open to the public and ready to charge. To start charging, drivers can download the SemaConnect mobile app, use a SemaConnect Pass, visit the online portal at network.semaconnect.com, dial 1-800-663-5633, or Pay with PlugShare. Charging fees include $1.75 per plug-in hour and $0.20 per kilowatt hour. More information on pricing, location, and station status can be found on the SemaConnect app. About Regatta Point Yachting Center: Regatta Point Yachting Center was born out of a necessity for discerning boaters to have a place where they could wind down and relax. Since our establishment in 2004, Regatta Point Yachting Center has grown to be the most beautiful and exclusive Yachting Center in Deltaville. A combination of gorgeous facilities and an accommodating staff make Regatta Point Yachting Center a warm and inviting haven nestled in the perfect location. For more information, visit https://www.regattapointyc.com/. About SemaConnect: SemaConnect is a leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure solutions to the North American commercial, residential and fleet market. A complete EV support partner, SemaConnect delivers a truly modern property experience through innovative, elegantly designed charging stations and a robust and open network platform. The company has helped maximize property value and appeal through thousands of successful charging station deployments at Class A properties since its founding in 2008, for companies like CBRE, JLL, Hines, Greystar, Cisco Systems and Standard Parking. SemaConnect remains the preferred charging solutions partner to municipal, parking, multifamily, hotel, office, retail and commercial fleet customers across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit http://www.semaconnect.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. India has reported 47,262 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day rise in 2021 so far. With this, the country's COVID-19 tally has reached over 1.17 crore. Active COVID-19 cases in India rose for the 14th consecutive day and peaked to over 3.68 lakh whereas the national recovery rate further tumbled to 95.48 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry's COVID-19 dashboard. Maharashtra continues to remain the worst affected state. India's richest state has more than 25.33 lakh COVID-19 cases as of March 24, 2021. Out of these, more than 22.47 lakh people have been cured whereas 53,589 people have succumbed to the contagion. Maharashtra has over 2.31 lakh active COVID-19 cases. Also read: Coronavirus in India: 47,262 fresh cases in 24 hrs, highest single-day rise so far this year Meanwhile, state health minister Rajesh Tope has claimed that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray believes that lockdown is likely to be necessary in some cities if the case count continues to go up, adding people must follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to avoid another lockdown. Tope said, "He (Uddhav Thackeray) told me that if the number of daily cases in the state remains in the range of 25,000-30,000 for the next some days, then we will have to take some stringent steps. He is of the opinion that if the numbers continue to increase, we will have to impose lockdown in some cities." List of cities in Maharashtra that have imposed lockdown or night curfew WEEK-LONG LOCKDOWN IN PARBHANI Parbhani district administration has announced a week-long lockdown from March 24 to March 31 to combat the spread of coronavirus. WEEK-LONG LOCKDOWN IN BEED Complete lockdown will be imposed in Marathwada's Beed district to stem the coronavirus spread from March 26 to April 4. 11-DAY LOCKDOWN IN NANDED Nanded district administration has decided to impose an 11 day-long lockdown beginning from March 24. All places of worship shall remain shut till March 31. NIGHT CURFEW IN NASHIK Nashik district administration has imposed a 12 hour-long night curfew from 07:00 pm to 07:00 am. Hotels and restaurants can remain open till 09:00 pm with 50 per cent capacity. Nashik residents can invite only 25-30 people at weddings or other such event. NIGHT CURFEW IN PUNE The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has imposed a night curfew to contain COVID-19 spread. Schools and colleges in the district will remain shut till March 31 while hotels and bars will remain closed between 11:00 pm to 06:00 am. Pune residents cannot invite more than 50 people to events like weddings, funerals and other ceremonies. 'PARTIAL LOCKDOWN' IN AURANGABAD Aurangabad district administration has imposed a partial lockdown from March 11 to April 4. Malls, cinema halls and markets will remain shut during the weekend under this lockdown. Tourist spots like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves will remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays while function halls won't be allowed to organise weddings during the entire lockdown period. Restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity till 9 pm and people can order food till 11pm. Also read: COVID-19 in Delhi: Cinema halls, malls, metros labelled 'super spreader' areas, no public gatherings on festivals Here are some other districts that have imposed similar measures to combat COVID-19 transmission NIGHT CURFEW IN MALKANGIRI District administration in Odisha's Malkangiri announced night curfew between 09:00 pm to 06:00 am from March 23 to March 31. Malkangiri district collector Yeddula Vijay said all public gatherings on Dola Yatra and Holi on March 28 and 29 will be prohibited in the district. SECTION 144 MAY BE IMPOSED IN RANCHI Ranchi district administration may impose Section 144 of IPC ahead of festivals amid the rise in COVID-19 cases. No public congregation will be allowed on Sarhul and Holi. LOCKDOWN IN BHOPAL, INDORE AND JABALPUR Madhya Pradesh government imposed a lockdown in Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur on March 21. Educational institutions like schools and colleges will remain shut in these three cities till March 31. Public celebrations of Holi are banned in the state. RAJASTHAN LOCKDOWN State government has decided to impose night curfew in 8 cities of the state. Markets will not be allowed to stay open after 10:00 pm. The government has also decided to make coronavirus test mandatory for all travellers coming from outside Rajasthan. Travellers will have to get the test done 72 hours before their departure and this rule will be applicable to people coming from all states. Also read: UK, Brazilian, South African: All Covid-19 variants have spread in India The Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye as part of his working tour, has visited various drainage sites in Accra to assess drainage works being undertaken by the Ministry. The sites included the Odaw- Onyasia confluence at Caprice, Kwame Nkrumah circle project, Upper and Lower Korle lagoons. Messrs Dredge Masters is currently undertaking the dredging of the Odaw drain from Caprice to the outfall including the Lower and Upper Lagoons. Other sites toured by the Minister included the Santa Maria Drainage Project site and Apenkwa Drainage Project site among others. Following the surge in flood cases, especially in the capital, the government has in the past four (4) years committed a significant amount of resources into dredging works and drainage provision which has led to massive reduction in flooding. While assuring the public that government will continue to implement programmes to mitigate the effects of flooding in the country, Mr. Asenso-Boakye also entreated Ghanaians to adhere to proper solid waste disposal practices, which is one of the main causes of flooding in the country. I am impressed with the work done so far by Dredge Masters and the other contractors. It is my expectation that we, as citizens will give them the needed support by engaging in proper sanitation practices to end the perennial flooding especially Accra, he said. The Minister also charged various Assemblies to strictly enforce planning laws and building regulations and see to it that structures are not built on water ways. He assured of the Ministrys continued collaboration with the Ministries of Sanitation and Water Resources and the Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development to deepen education on solid waste management. He also urged the media to also use its platform to educate and sensitize the people not to throw solid waste into our drainage channels, but rather adopt proper solid waste disposal measures to support the efforts of government. 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 Virgis Lithuania Virgis was born and raised in a small town in Lithuania under the communist regime. In this context of poverty and hypocrisy, Virgis realized from an early age the importance of having real moral and spiritual values. Intelligence, culture and belief constitute a defence against the regime for his mother who sent him to art school when he was 12 years old. This was his first experience with art. There he discovered the culture and the arts of the free countries of the West: his vocation as an artist was born. Naturally he turned to study art at the University, and after graduation he became an art teacher at a secondary school. The Gorbachev regime somewhat freed society and Virgis could finally indulge in its creation. In the 90s, he began offering his work in various local exhibitions. At the time, the artwork of Marc Chagall was the inspiration of a great majority of his work. The meeting with two French artists, Anne de Beaufort and Michele Volsy, was a milestone in his artistic life, and Virgis instinctively changed the nature of his work and devoted himself to abstract painting. He uses oil paint on canvas to express emotions and feelings: fear, grief, joy or worry. For Virgis, these feelings are as abstract as real as life. Today, artists like Stanley F. Kline, Robert Motherwell, Pierre Soulages and Dubuffet are references for Virgis. He is a professor of painting and graphic art in an art school in Lithuania. Virgis finds inspiration in his environment and what it conveys. His painting is sometimes sweet, sometimes bitter. Through his abstract work he speaks of the uncertainty of life. The difficult context in which his vocation as an artist was born determines all his work and gives it its strength and depth. New York, March 24 : A Syrian immigrant has been charged with shooting dead ten people, including a police officer, in Boulder in Colorado state a" the second mass killing in the US within a week. Boulder Police Chief Maris Herold identified the shooter as Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, a 21-year-old man and said that he has been charged with ten murders. At a news conference on Tuesday, she said that one of those killed was Eric Talley, the police officer who was the first to respond to the shooting on Monday at a grocery shop. She did not give a motive for the shooting which took place people while people were also being given vaccines for Covid-19 at the shop. Addressing the nation about the attack, President Joe Biden said, "There's still a great deal we don't know about the killer and the motivation of the killer in Boulder, Colorado, and other critical aspects of this mass shooting." Alissa said on his Facebook page that he was born in Syria and came to the US when he was three years old. On the page that has been shut down, he opposed former President Donald Trump, but also criticised gay marriage and abortion rights that Democrats support. The Daily Beast quoted his brother Ali Aliwi Alissa as saying that the shooting is "not at all a political statement" but the result of "mental illness". He told the internet publication that his brother was paranoid and had been bullied in school. FOX31 TV reported that he had been arrested in 2017 for knocking out a classmate and court records said that he did it because he had "called him racial names weeks earlier". TV clips showed Alissa being led away from the shop after the shooting, stripped down to his underwear. DenverChannel TV station said that according to court papers, he laid down a tactical vest, a rifle that was a "possible AR-15" semiautomatic handgun before surrendering to the police inside the shop and asking for his mother. According to court papers, he had bought a Ruger AR-556 pistol on March 16 and his sister-in-law told police that she had seen him play with what looked like a machine gun, it said. A Colorado state judge had struck down earlier this month a ban on assault weapons imposed by Boulder city saying it clashed with the state's jurisdiction. Gun ownership is governed mostly by a patchwork of state and local regulations in the absence of comprehensive stringent national laws because of opposition to it mostly from Republicans backed by the powerful gun owners' organisation, the National Rifle Association. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 19,380 people were shot dead last year, an increase of more than 25 per cent over the previous year's deaths. Monday's massacre followed a shooting by a White man in the Atlanta region last Tuesday that killed eight people, six of them Asian women, at three massage parlours raising fears of racial violence against Asians. According to officials the alleged killer, also 21 years old, told them he had a sex addiction and shot the massage places to root out the source of temptation for him. Democrats blamed Trump for those killings accusing him of contributing to anti-Asian bias by calling COVID-19 China virus and Wuhan virus and using flippant terms like "Kungflu". "President Trump clearly stoked the flames of xenophobia against AAPIs (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) with his rhetoric," Judy Chu, a member of the House of Representatives. Biden's Spokesperson Jen Psaki also blamed Trump's rhetoric for those killings. Vice President Kamala Harris and Biden visited Atlanta to denounce anti-Asian violence. There Biden called for "standing together against hate, against racism, the ugly poison that's long haunted and plagued our nation". Both of them as well as other Democrats now face the task of framing their rhetoric in the Colorado case differently since the alleged killer is not a White person, but the member of a minority community who can't be linked to Trump. Biden skirted the race or religion issue saying, "Understandably, you're going to ask me to speculate on what happened, why it happened. And I'm not going to do that now because we don't have all the information -- not until I have all the facts." But the Colorado shooting opens an opportunity to approach gun violence in a post-Trump era as an issue that is not somehow connected to him. But it may not temper Republican opposition to gun control as it is an ideological issue. "This is not and should not be a partisan issue, it is an American issue," Biden said of gun violence and measures to fight it. He said, "We can ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines in this country once again." The law passed in 1994 lapsed in 2004 and efforts to renew it have met with Republican opposition. He said that the Senate should immediately pass two bills approved by the House of Representatives to tighten background checks for those buying guns. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a previously scheduled hearing on "Constitutional and Common Sense Steps to Reduce Gun Violence" on Tuesday, which brought out the political differences between the Democrats and Republicans on guns. "We face a pandemic of coronavirus. We have another epidemic in America called guns," said Committee Chair Dick Durbin, a Democrat. He asked, "What are we doing, other than reflecting and praying," as several Democrats called for stricter gun control. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said that Congress was complicit in the killings because of its inaction and added, "We need to end this epidemic with a comprehensive nationwide approach." Republicans take an absolutist view of the Constitution's Second Amendment giving the people the "right to bear arms" to justify their opposition to gun control. Chuck Grassley, the Republican leader on the committee said, "Like many Americans, I cherish my right to bear arms." Republican Senator Ted Cruz expressed his party's scepticism over laws to restrict gun ownership saying, "Every time there's a shooting we play this ridiculous theatre where this committee gets together and proposes a bunch of laws that would do nothing to stop these murders." (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) The clinical trial of the domestically-made Nanocovax vaccine is going smoothly, and by the end of September, Vietnam will have its first Covid-19 vaccine. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam chairs the latest meeting of the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control. Photo: Dinh Nam At the meeting of the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on March 22, Mr. Nguyen Ngo Quang, Deputy head of the Department of Science, Technology and Training under the Ministry of Health, said there are four agencies involved in the research and development of Covid-19 vaccine. Nanocovax vaccine of Nanogen is now in trial of phase 2. The trial of phase 1 showed that 100% of vaccinated people were safe and produced antibodies at high concentrations, with good protective effects, and tested effectively for new variants of virus SARS-CoV-2 like the strains discovered in the UK. Trial in phase 2 is halfway through now but has very optimistic prospects. It is expected that by the end of April, the research team will release results of the phase 2 clinical trial. It is expected that in early May, Nanocovax vaccine will enter phase 3 of clinical trial. The trial will be completed by the end of March, three months shorter compared to the initial plan. For the Covivac vaccine of the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC), although only six volunteers were tested in the first phase of trial, the initial results have been good. In particular, the expected cost of this vaccine is very inexpensive. Volunteers participate in the second phase trial of Nanocovax vaccine. Photo: Thuy Hanh Based on experience learned from the clinical trial of Nanocovax vaccine, the process of clinical trials of phase 1 and 2 of Covivac vaccine will be faster. Regarding the Vabiotech vaccine, the results in the lab are very optimistic, and clinical trials in phase one are expected to begin in early April. The advantage of this vaccine is that when it is successfully developed, it can be adjusted very quickly when there is a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mr. Quang emphasized that vaccine research and development activities in Vietnam fully comply with procedures and standards. During the research process, Vietnamese vaccine developers have been closely cooperating and exchanging directly with reputable vaccine research and production agencies in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) will have official guidance on vaccine testing on the principle of comparison with vaccines that have been licensed for official use. This will create more favorable conditions for the phase 3 vaccine trial in Vietnam, especially when they are compared with the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being used in Vietnam. Vietnam has made great strides in vaccine research and development, experts said. "It is hoped that by the end of the third quarter, Vietnam will have the first vaccine to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic," Quang said. Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also affirmed that they will closely coordinate and support local vaccine producers to conduct the clinical trial of phase 3 overseas. Thuy Hanh Fr Michael Commane: I read about them saying how important a person's name is in the Nigerian culture. I always think a person's name is intimate and important and when people respect our names you get an idea they are respectful people." I'm a fan of The Tommy Tiernan Show on RTE One on Saturday evenings. I make it a must to watch it every week and every week I pick up at least one gem. On Saturday, March 13 it was a quiet enough show until two young Irish Nigerian women walked on to the stage, sat down and within seconds I found myself glued to the television. Longford's Felicia Olusanya aka FeliSpeaks and Tullamore's Tolu Makay sat down to be interviewed by Tommy. The two women are friends since their teens. Tolu Makay sings and FeliSpeaks is a poet. While I gather they are well known in the country, to my shame I had never heard of them before. They attribute TikTok as one of the social platforms that is making black Irish identity really popular. Tolu Makay, accompanied by the RTE Concert Orchestra sang on New Year's Eve the famous Saw Doctors' N17. I've been listening to her singing it many times since the Tommy Tiernan Show. It really is haunting. She is spectacularly brilliant and I'm finding myself trying to sing those words as she did: 'And as we turned left at Claregalway/I could feel a lump in my throat ' It's simply magic to hear this young Nigerian woman sing that song. And as Tolu Makay says while they are Nigerian born, Ireland has formed a lot of their personality. And they are so funny too. Makay says they are the first of their own and have no problem at all switching from the Nigerian to the Irish accent. FeliSpeaks read her poem 'For Our Mothers' on the show. Her poem is on the English Leaving Certificate curriculum 2021 - 2023. It's about Nigerian culture and how women share their secrets behind closed doors about womanhood and what is expected of women. It's powerful and listening to it, all I can say is that I can imagine there is a universal tone to it. She was so self-deprecating explaining how it is on the Leaving Cert when she told Tommy that: 'Yeats is right under her name'. They are so funny. I found myself roaring laughing watching and listening to them. And there was something else that resonated with me. I read about them saying how important a person's name is in the Nigerian culture. I always think a person's name is intimate and important and when people respect our names you get an idea they are respectful people. Some weeks ago I was on a zoom meeting with Dermot Farrell, the new Archbishop of Dublin. Whatever way he called me by my name I felt he was taking me seriously. How fortunate Ireland is that these two women landed with their families on our shores. I strongly recommend you make it your business to listen to them singing and reciting their poetry. You can find it all on YouTube. And guess what, I think there were times during the show when Tommy was so mesmerised by the two women that he was stuck for words and that certainly was a first for me to see. Thank you Tolu Makay and FeliSpeaks. You are brilliant. And how you made me laugh too. Photo: Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images While Sundays Last Week Tonight focused largely on the depressing truth about the plastics industry, host John Oliver kicked off the episode with a segment about last weeks Atlanta spa shootings, tackling anti-Asian racism and hate crimes against the Asian and Asian American community in the United States. Following the tragedy, in which eight people were murdered, six of whom were Asian women, many people posted the hashtag #StopAsianHate to their social media, including The Views own Meghan McCain. Which Oliver thought was pretty rich, considering McCain had publicly defended former President Trump over his insistence on calling COVID-19 the China virus, the Wuhan flu, or any number of variations thereof. On Monday, McCain tweeted an apology for her defense of Trumps anti-Asian bombast, acknowledging that there is no doubt Donald Trumps racist rhetoric fueled many of these attacks. I condemn the reprehensible violence and vitriol that has been targeted towards the Asian-American community, The View co-host wrote on Twitter. There is no doubt Donald Trumps racist rhetoric fueled many of these attacks, and I apologize for any past comments that aided that agenda. I think if the left wants to focus on PC labeling this virus, it is a great way to get Trump reelected, said McCain in the clip of The View that aired on Last Week Tonight. I dont have a problem with people calling it whatever they want. Its a deadly virus that did originate in Wuhan. The View co-host concluded, I dont have a problem with it, and I think China, had they acted right away, and we had more access to information, maybe it wouldnt have gotten to the place that it is. Oh good, Meghan McCain doesnt have a problem with it, the Last Week Tonight host declared in mock gratitude. Listen not to the scores of Asian Americans telling everyone that the term is dangerous and offensive. Instead, gather around, and take the word of a wealthy white woman whos dressed like shes about to lay off 47 people over Zoom There has to be an understanding that saying, I dont have a problem with the China virus, is very much giving space for that hate to grow. Polly 'PJ' Harding's replacement on KIIS 101.1 Melbourne breakfast show Jase & PJ has been revealed. Weekend Today presenter Lauren Phillips was offered the job this week, a well-placed source told Daily Mail Australia. Lauren, 34, already has experience on the airwaves as she presents Jase & PJ's summer fill-in show with Ryan Jon. Moving on: Polly 'PJ' Harding's replacement on KIIS 101.1 Melbourne breakfast show Jase & PJ has been revealed KIIS FM executives had a wish list of candidates to replace PJ, all of whom are known radio talents. They considered Kate Langbroek, who hosts the 3pm Pick-Up, and Yvie Jones, who hosted a Hit Network summer show with Grant Denyer in 2019. The radio network is yet to announce Lauren's new role, which likely won't affect her commitments at Channel Nine. Industry website Radio Today reported on Wednesday that 'two familiar voices were in the mix' to replace PJ, naming Kate and Lauren specifically. Stepping in: Weekend Today presenter Lauren Phillips was offered the job this week, a well-placed source told Daily Mail Australia The job offer was made to Lauren on Wednesday. She will start work in June. PJ's co-host, Jason 'Jase' Hawkins, is believed to have already done test recordings with Lauren in recent weeks. An ARN spokesperson said: 'ARN haven't confirmed a new co-host for Jase Hawkins and PJ will still be on air until June. 'We are looking forward to announcing the new KIIS 101.1 Breakfast team soon.' It comes after PJ broke down in tears on air on Wednesday as she told listeners that resigning was 'one of the hardest decisions' she'd ever made. She is returning to her native New Zealand after a 'challenging' year which saw her 'priorities change' after getting engaged. Resigning: It comes after PJ broke down in tears on air on Wednesday as she told listeners that resigning was 'one of the hardest decisions' she'd ever made She will be finishing up in June. Jase is not leaving the program. PJ explained that being separated from her family and fiance in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic last year had taken a toll. She got engaged in December to her long-term partner, known only as 'Beej', but hasn't been living with him because she works in Melbourne. Staying: PJ's co-host for the past six years, Jason Hawkins (pictured), is not leaving the show In addition to the pressure of a long-distance relationship, she lost her father in 2019. 'It's not been an easy decision to make but I know for me it's the right one and will kickstart a brand new chapter,' she said. 'I will miss Jase and the whole team so much, but rest assured we will definitely stay in contact as Jase is adamant to be my head bridesmaid.' Jase revealed it had been distressing watching PJ struggle behind the scenes over the last 12 months, saying she would often be in tears during ad breaks. Teamwork: The Jase and PJ partnership began six-and-a-half years ago when they joined forces to host a drive show in New Zealand 'There were mornings where we'd be in an ad break and you're in tears and you looked at me like, "I'm only staying here at the moment for you,'" he said. PJ agreed she was reluctant to resign because she felt like she'd be letting Jase down, but ultimately she had to focus on her own happiness. Her exit comes after a string of staff departures at the Jase & PJ show. Kiwi imports: They moved to Australia in late 2017 to host KIIS 101.1's breakfast slot, replacing axed duo Matt Tilley and Meshel Laurie Imaging producers Toni Lodge and Jaxson McLennan quit this month, senior content producer Rami Mustafa left last year, and former executive producer Alex Perigo moved back to New Zealand in February. The Jase and PJ partnership began six-and-a-half years ago when they joined forces to host a drive show in New Zealand. They moved to Australia in late 2017 to host KIIS 101.1's breakfast slot, replacing axed duo Matt Tilley and Meshel Laurie. Engagement: PJ explained that being separated from her family and fiance (left) in New Zealand during the Covid-19 pandemic last year had taken a toll Despite being a strong program, Jase & PJ has been unable to fully break into the competitive Melbourne breakfast market. Duncan Campbell, the content boss of Australian Radio Network, said in November he was frustrated with the show's ratings. 'Very few people criticise Jase & PJ and the content they do. And yet it just can't seem to get the traction we want,' Mr Campbell told Radio Today. 'And every time we think we're getting signs that "Yes, we're going to get some traction here and some momentum", then it doesn't deliver.' Jase & PJ's best result came in survey five last year, when it jumped to a 7.2 per cent audience share. However, this fell to 4.4 per cent by the end of 2020. Minister Nawab Malik on Tuesday raised the question of why the top cop met Sachin Vaze before his arrest in the Mansukh Hiran death case. Fadnavis in his Press Conference was referring to NCP chief Sharad Pawars statements on Monday that had implied that Deshmukh was in Nagpur between February 5 and February 27 after he tested Covid-19 positive. Jaijeet Singh, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief told the media persons in a press briefing on Tuesday that arrested Sachin Vaze had lied to them when he was interrogated regarding the murder of Mansukh Hiren. He shared crucial details related to the cases and said that there was enough evidence to prove Vazes motive in the case. NIA sources state that Vaze had booked the Mumbai hotel room between February 16- 20 and was spotted carrying five bags into the hotel in the CCTV footage of the hotel. Minister Nawab Malik on Tuesday raised the question of why the top cop met Sachin Vaze before his arrest in the Mansukh Hiran death case. He asked about what Param Bir Singh had to discuss with Sachin Vaze for three hours before the arrest. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have been engaged in a war of words over former Mumbai Police commissioner Param Bir Singhs corruption charges against Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh. Fadnavis in his Press Conference was referring to NCP chief Sharad Pawars statements on Monday that had implied that Deshmukh was in Nagpur between February 5 and February 27 after he tested Covid-19 positive. It is also believed that Anil Deshmukh had made a statement whereby he stated that false reports have been doing rounds in media which claimed he was hospitalized from Feb 5-15 after testing COVID-19 positive on February 5. Also Read: ISRO makes breakthrough demonstration of Indias first free-space quantum communication over 300 metres Also Read: Assembly Election 2021 Highlights: Politics intensifies over votes in both WB & TN However, in a video message earlier in the day the state home minister said he flew to Mumbai for home quarantine from February 15 onwards. These questions have risen amidst the backdrop of a letter by Param Bir Singh to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray alleging Deshmukh met Vaze in February regarding the extortion of 100 crore a month from Mumbais restaurants and bars. Singh was recently removed from his post and Vaze has been suspended after his arrest. In addition, the Mumbai Police has transferred 86 policemen, including 65 officers from various crime branches. This must be perceived as an action to restore its image. Assistant police inspectors (API) Riyazuddin Kazi and Prakash Howald who are subordinates of Vaze in te Crime Intelligence Unit have also been transferred. In addition, a diary has also been recovered from Sachin Wazes office. NIA has been suspecting that this could be linked to the alleged extortion as alleged by Param Bir Singh. Now, NIA is expected to approach the ED to look into the money laundering aspect. Param Bir Singh has even moved the Supreme Court seeking direction for an unbiased, uninfluenced, impartial and fair CBI probe into alleged corrupt malpractices of Maharashtra Home Minister. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut called has even labelled Singh as the most important weapon for the opposition. The dairy has also recorded some entries in Wazes diary related to accounts and financial transactions. Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in his letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had alleged that Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had directed Waze and other police officers to collect at least Rs 100 crore from city bars, hotels, and other establishments every month. In Lok Sabha, Shiv Sena member Vinayak Raut has claimed that the BJP has been hatching a conspiracy to defame the Shiv Sena-Congress-NCP dispensation for the last 14 months. The aim of this action has been to install a BJP government there. Kirit Somayas tweet has also attacked Sachin Vaze stating that the case must be investigated by the NIA. Also Read: Mansukh Hiren death: Ruckus in Lok Sabha over Parambir letter; ATS to brief media During Winter Storm Uri, approximately 1,270 price gouging complaints rolled into the Harris County's Atorrney's Office, and 2,000 reports were filed statewide. In just a matter of two weeks, the office received reports of price gouging related to selling water, gas price hikes, high prices for food, steep plumbing charges and excessive prices for repairs and construction, the Attorney's Office told Chron. $7 MILLION SCHEME: Former Citgo exec pleads guilty in $7 million international bribery, money laundering scheme "We had 1,270 complaints in Harris County, which was a very high number," Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said. "We saw a lot of gas stations now fuel at an increased price but also selling water at a higher price. The egregious violations included water being sold for $20 a pack, where we went out and asked people to change the price on it." According to Menefee, the Texas Attorney General's Office received more than 2,000 complaints of price gouging throughout the state during the winter blast. Some of the price gouging complaints that Texas received included $13 for a dozen eggs, $22 for a gallon of milk and $7 for a loaf of bread, KHOU's Jeremy Rogalski reports. In a breakdown of the complaints, nearly 35 percent of the price-gouging reports centered on power and electricity problems, many involving Griddy, the Texas-based energy provider. Another 107 complaints were filed against plumbing contractors. Menefee explained that he took his fight to hold price gougers accountable to state lawmakers, in order that Harris County attorneys have more ability to penalize the worst offenders of price gouging in the Houston area. "The problem is locally we're only able to bring an action to ask the court to make the price gougers stop gouging. In order for us to bring action to seek money for what the price gougers did, the Texas Attorney General's Office has to be involved," Menefee said. "So, what I asked the state legislature for was to give Harris County the authority to go after price gougers for penalty." Menefee added that it's untenable to prey upon Houston's most vulnerable during disasters. "Treat your neighbor the way you would want to be treated," Menefee said. "We will all find ourselves at some time in vulnerable situations especially during a winter freeze. We should be banding together to try to make it out on the other side, and not going after the vulnerable people in our community. Justice will be adhered to." Some Houstonians are still grappling with repairs, although the reports of price gouging have significantly dropped, Menefee said. If you see a case of price gouging, report it immediately. File your price gouging complaint here. 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! Zvishavane based platinum miner and Implats subsidiary, Mimosa Mining Company, has handed over state-of-the-art training and research equipment worth US$130 000 to the Midlands State University Faculty of Engineering and Geo-sciences. The donation is in line with the company's "Invest Beyond Mining" drive, comprising wi-fi enabled microscopes, one of which has an in-built camera, a wi-fi router and a 7th generation iPad. The equipment is the latest microscope technology and only the MSU and one other university in South Africa have that state-of-the-art equipment in the region. Speaking during the hand-over ceremony at the MSU Zvishavane Campus last week, Mimosa general manager, Engineer Stephen Ndiyamba said the donation was motivated by the company's guiding philosophy to nurture partnerships and"invest beyond mining". "We realise the value of education and we have made this sector one of the critical areas of our intervention in the quest to improve academic excellence in the nation," said Engineer Ndiyamba. The new philosophy has seen the mining concern supporting MSU and other academic institutions in the country through infrastructure development, provision of equipment, learning aids and scholarships. "We believe that in making such investments, Mimosa will be investing in Zimbabwe's future. It is this quest to provide the equipment needed for students to excel that has motivated us as Mimosa to partner with the Midlands State University in the provision of training and research equipment in the form of microscopes. Speaking while receiving the equipment, MSU pro vice-chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs Professor Alois Chiromo said it would assist in capacitating the institution to improve quality of education. "Your contribution is a most welcome development, that will see the Midlands State University realise its goals. As Mimosa Mining Company you have made a huge investment in your human resources. The students that we are teaching here, will become your human resources. So, by investing in us, you will be investing in your future human resources," he said. Mimosa Mining Company has a long relationship with the Midlands State University which has seen many of its employees enrolling for various capacity building programmes at the institution of higher learning. -- New Ziana Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lamar Institute of Technology is being recognized as the top community college in Texas, and one of the top 50 best community colleges out of nearly 1,000 nationwide by AcademicInfluence.com. The ranking was featured in the March 7 issue of Forbes magazine. The system uses artificial intelligence technology to search massive databases and measure the impact of work by individuals whove been affiliated with colleges and universities throughout the world, Forbes contributor Michael Nietzel said in the magazine. Its approach is based on the premise that the people affiliated with a school determine its quality. Leadership at LIT welcomed the recognition, which is the latest in a growing list of accolades. Related: LIT lands on list of top state community colleges This news is beyond phenomenal, LIT President Lonnie L. Howard said in a statement. The fact that Forbes magazine recognized this honor and that Academic Influence used these specific metrics solidifies what we as an institution have always believed and upheld the importance of the people here faculty, staff and students. We are proud of our LIT family and this latest accomplishment. The website that provided the ranking also highlighted the need for strong community colleges. The top-rated community colleges offer a broad selection of associates degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelors degree programs, the organization is quoted as saying in the LIT press release. The website said it generates rankings by scanning the web and maps, noting the impact of a schools thought leadership across various disciplines. Criteria for the schools in this ranking include a minimum of 1,000 enrolled students, full accreditation and exclusively two-year, or associate, degree programs. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes As it promised earlier this year, Tesla now accepts payment in Bitcoin, according to Tesla's website and a tweet from CEO Elon Musk. In a subsequent tweet, Musk said that "Bitcoin paid to Tesla will be retained as Bitcoin, not converted to Fiat currency," and noted that the company uses internal, open source software and operates Bitcoin nodes directly. He added that "pay by Bitcoin capability [will be] available outside [the] US later this year." You can now buy a Tesla with Bitcoin Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 24, 2021 According to a support page, you'll pay by Bitcoin from your wallet, either by scanning the QR code or copying and pasting the Bitcoin address and exact Bitcoin amount into your wallet. Tesla really wants you to send the exact amount of Bitcoin in a single payment, or your order may be cancelled. It will be confirmed by email within six hours, so don't try to resend it, even if the page doesn't refresh. Tesla only accepts Bitcoin and no other cryptocurrencies. Tesla went into Bitcoin in a big way last month, purchasing $1.5 billion worth to "diversify and maximize" its investment. That decision was met with some surprise, given the volatility of Bitcoin prices and the fact that the amount represented a significant portion of Tesla's cash. The company also warned investors about potential "malicious attacks and "technological obsolescence that doesnt exist with fiat currencies. The price of a Bitcoin is now $55,880 (as of March 24, 2021 at 4:16 AM ET) and while Tesla never confirmed what it paid, the price was likely between $30,000 and 35,000. If you decide to buy a Tesla with Bitcoin, bear in mind that it takes a staggering amount of electricity to mine a single Bitcoin something that could heavily offset the environmental benefits of an EV. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. The 21-year-old who murdered ten people at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado has been identified as Ahmad Al Issa. He is a refugee from Syria who came to the U.S. as a child. Based on what has emerged so far, Al Issa had anger issues and a paranoid streak. He might have been a paranoid schizophrenic, but so far nothing has emerged that suggests he was insane in a legal sense. Al Issas social media accounts have now been deleted (by whom?). But based on screen shots that were taken before they disappeared, he was a virulent Trump-hater who swallowed the Lefts racism narrative: Ahmad al-Issa, the suspect in the #Boulder, Colo. mass shooting, has had his social media removed. What posts some manage to see & screenshot show he identified as a Muslim & had grievances against Trump, US refugee settlement & Islamophobia. https://t.co/Xa5omrbRY2 Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) March 23, 2021 More: There has been some suggestion that Al Issa may have been on the FBIs radar as a potential terrorist or associate of terrorist sympathizers. More will likely emerge about this in the weeks to come: NYT: The suspects identity was previously known to the F.B.I. because he was linked to another individual under investigation by the bureau, according to law enforcement officials. https://t.co/oI6hJVN1cs Kerry Picket (@KerryPicket) March 23, 2021 Now that the white supremacist angle hasnt worked out, liberals will use the Boulder murders to justify more gun laws. Al Issa apparently bought the rifle that he used in the shootings a matter of days before the murders. It is not surprising that he was able to buy a firearm, since as far as we know he had no felonies on his record and had not been judged incompetent or confined for mental illness. As usual, the refrain of expanded background checks proves pointless. Joe Biden has already called for a ban on assault rifles, presumably because the one that was enacted in the 1990s worked so well. An assault rifle is semi-automatic, like many rifles sold nowadays, and like the large majority of pistols. Those classified as assault weapons are usually relatively low-power rifles and are distinguished by features that people who know nothing about firearms consider scary, like barrel shrouds. According to FBI data, rifles remain among the most unpopular of all murder weapons, ranking well below knives, blunt objects and bare hands. Nevertheless, we are in for another tiresome round of fruitless assault rifle hysteria. Three days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered the Investigative Agency to take over the Mansukh Hiren death case, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is yet to hand over relevant documents, the informed the Special Court on Tuesday. Hiren, the owner of the vehicle that was found containing explosives materials outside the house of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, was found dead on March 5 in Thane. Investigation into his death was being probed by ATS, till the MHA on Saturday handed over the probe to the Sachin Waze, Assistant Police Inspector in the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) who was in charge of the Hiren case, has been sent to NIA custody till March 25, for his alleged role and involvement in placing the explosives-laden vehicle outside the residence of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Jaijeet Singh informed that a Volvo Car had been seized from Daman in connection with the Hiren's death. The car has been sent for analysis by the Forensic Science Laboratory in Mumbai. The Maharashtra late on Saturday also arrested two persons who were previously detained in connection with the case and has recorded the statements of at least 25 people. The arrested have been identified as a Mumbai Police constable Vinayak Shinde and a bookie Naresh Dhare. (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 Ece Toksabay and Mert Ozkan ANKARA (Reuters) - Beaten by her former boyfriend, Yagmur Denli found healing in her work treating animals and safety in the protection offered by an international treaty on women, once championed by Turkey and now abruptly abandoned by its president. Denli went to the police with pictures of her bruises and won a two-month restraining order against her abuser. "The level of violence had increased, evolving into torture. It wasn't easy to break up, with all the threats and insults, so I took legal action," the 33-year-old veterinarian told Reuters. While prosecutors looked into Denli's case, she said the restraining order was automatically renewed under the terms of a European convention on preventing violence against women and domestic abuse, known as the Istanbul Convention after the Turkish city where it was drafted in 2011. In the early hours of Saturday, President Tayyip Erdogan stunned European allies with an unscheduled overnight announcement that Turkey was withdrawing from the convention which it had been the first nation to sign. "The convention was greatly useful to me as it helped me get over this very quickly. Both the restraining order... and the swift legal process," Denli said. "I felt safer, I felt protected. Today, we are all hanging in the balance." World Health Organization data shows 38% of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared to 25% in Europe. Femicide rates, for which there are no official figures, roughly tripled in Turkey over the last 10 years according to a monitoring group. So far this year 78 women have been murdered by men or died under suspicious circumstances, it said. LIVING IN FEAR The convention seeks to prevent violence against women, including domestic violence, and bring an end to legal impunity for perpetrators. But conservatives in Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party say the text, which stresses gender equality and forbids discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, undermines family structures and encourages violence. Story continues Officials said this week domestic law would protect Turkish women, not foreign treaties. "Those who object to the Istanbul Convention do not want the kinds of protection that are provided by the state when women face domestic violence," Feride Acar, an academic who helped draft the Istanbul Convention, told Reuters. "They think it interferes with the free acts of men who claim an entitlement over women." When she woke on Saturday to hear about Turkey's decision, Acar said she felt traumatised. "This is very upsetting, and it makes me very very unhappy, fearful of the future and very hopeless," she said. Her concerns were echoed by Ankara's Western allies, who denounced what they described as a baffling and unwarranted decision which risked undermining the rights of Turkish women. Istanbul-based lawyer Rezan Epozdemir, who has represented relatives of femicide victims, said Turkey was heading in a "very shocking direction" by leaving the treaty. "I find it very unfortunate, and legally wrong, that Turkey withdrew its signature," he told Reuters. Denli said violence against women and children was increasing in Turkey and in her case, the treaty had provided security which ensured she was swiftly protected from her ex-partner. "I don't know if it will be replaced, or what will replace it, but I live in fear." (Additional reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun in Istanbul, Editing by Dominic Evans and Alexandra Hudson) NEWAYGO, MI The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is set to begin its annual effort to collect walleye eggs from the Muskegon River this week. Anglers below the Croton Dam are asked to avoid areas where electrofishing boats are collecting eggs beginning on Thursday and concluding on April 16. Anyone wading nearby when boats approach will be asked to exit the water to ensure everyones safety, according to the DNR. The public should also refrain from gathering at egg collection sites to ensure social distancing can be maintained. The annual Muskegon River egg take is a critical operation for statewide walleye management, said Jim Dexter, DNR Fisheries Division chief. Were planning to collect about 32 million walleye eggs during this effort. That collective egg take will result in fish that have just hatched being transferred to rearing ponds and plants throughout the Lower Peninsula. Walleye fry transferred to ponds will be raised to fingerling size (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches) and stocked in late spring or early summer in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Lake Michigan and many inland lake walleye populations in the Lower Peninsula depend on the fingerlings produced from Muskegon River eggs. The size of the walleye spawning run in the Muskegon River is about 40,000 to 50,000 fish each year, according to the DNR. DNR crews will strip milt (sperm) and eggs from approximately 500 adult fish, which will be returned to the river except for 60, which will be sent to Michigan State University for fish health testing. This adult population consists of mostly stocked fish, said Ed Pearce, DNR fisheries technician supervisor who coordinates the egg take. The Muskegon River has the largest run of walleye in the Lake Michigan watershed south of Green Bay. Three to four days of fish collections are planned this spring. The date those collections will begin depends on water temperatures and the presence of ripe fish. It is anticipated most work will be completed from the last week of March through the second week of April, the DNR said. Walleye collection usually begins at Croton Dam each day about 8:30 a.m. and proceeds downstream to the Pine Street access site. If more eggs are needed, additional collections may occur downstream to the Thornapple Street access site. Illegal immigrants, most from Honduras, walk toward a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico near Mission, Texas, on March 23, 2021. (John Moore/Getty Images) Biden Administration Opens yet Another Facility to Hold Surging Numbers of Immigrant Children A second temporary facility will be opened for unaccompanied migrant minors crossing the border in Texas, officials announced Tuesday. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will reopen a temporary facility called Carizzo Springs II ICF capable of holding 500 unaccompanied migrant minors in hard-sided structures with the ability to expand to soft-sided structures if needed, a spokesperson for the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) said Tuesday. While ORR has worked to build up its licensed bed capacity to about 13,500 beds, additional capacity is urgently needed to manage both enhanced COVID-19 mitigation strategies and the increasing numbers of UC referrals from DHS, the ORR spokesperson said in a statement. 2 months in, Biden admin. is on track to open 6 emergency / influx housing facilities for migrant children: 1. Carrizo Springs TX 2. Midland TX 3. Dallas convention center 4. Pecos TX (has not opened) 5. San Diego (has not opened) 6: 2nd Carrizo Springs facility (has not opened) https://t.co/6VxjukELdS Camilo Montoya-Galvez (@camiloreports) March 23, 2021 Temporary Influx Care Facilities are used to hold minors until they are able to move to ORR shelters, according to an ORR spokesperson. ORR is increasing facilities capacity, reducing the time it takes to locate sponsors, establishing emergency intake sits to prevent overcrowding and using influx care facilities to keep minors from spending time in Customs and Border Protection facilities. HHS will utilize all available options to safely care for the children. These options include both short-term and long-term solutions, an ORR spokesperson said in a statement. When border agents detain unaccompanied migrant minors, they are transferred to HHS custody until they are matched with a sponsor in the U.S., according to an ORR spokesperson. The first Carrizo Springs facility was opened and privately operated during the Trump administration in June 2019, the Daily Caller News Foundation reported. The facility was criticized for its treatment of children in 2019 and HHS declined to answer how conditions would differ under the new administration. CBP encountered over 100,000 migrants at the Southern border in February including more than 9,000 unaccompanied minors, according to the agency. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the U.S. is on track to encounter more people at the southern border than in the last 20 years, the DCNF reported. By Kaylee Greenlee From The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Opinion Columnist Elizabeth Groening is an opinion columnist and a journalism graduate student at the University of Oregon. She specializes in lifestyle, covering everything from fashion trends to K-pop. Check out more of her work at elizabethgroening.com. New Delhi: Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput's sister Shweta Singh Kirti is an avid social media user, who often shares updates related to her brother with fans. Recently, she took to social media and dropped pictures of Sushant's Point in Australia. Basically, she shared photos of benches in Australia with Sushant Singh Rajput's name engraved on it. She wrote: He lives on... his name lives on... his essence lives on! That is the impact of a pure soul! You are Gods own child my baby... you will always live on...Red heart #ForeverSushant He lives on... his name lives on... his essence lives on! That is the impact of a pure soul! You are Gods own child my baby... you will always live on... #ForeverSushant pic.twitter.com/ea8HNW7iBH Shweta Singh Kirti (@shwetasinghkirt) March 23, 2021 Earlier, when National Film Awards were announced on March 22, 2021, Sushant's last release 'Chhichhore' bagged the Best Hindi Film award. Upon this feat, which came posthumously, Sushant's sister Shweta Singh Kirti shared an article link on Twitter. "Chhichhore' wins National Film Award. Bhai, I know you are watching, but I wish you were there to receive the award. Not a single day passes when I dont feel proud of you. Folded hands #ChhichhoreBagsNationalAward #SushantOurHero" Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead at his Bandra residence on June 14, 2020. His case is being investigated by three premiere agencies - the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probing multiple angles. 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. Strong winds uprooted a number of lighting poles in several Libyan cities and towns, and caused sandstorms on vital roads in the south of the country. Most shops were closed, people stayed indoors, and traffic was paralyzed on main roads as drivers suffered a lack of visibility. In some southern areas, such as the Wahat region, the severe storm and dust-laden winds lasted for two days, causing electricity wires to fall and power cuts in the region's towns and villages. Residents from the oasis town of Jalu, Ali Al-Kilani, said that the region's security directorate had issued a warning to citizens not to travel. Jalu Weather Station forecaster Hassan Gilgaf meanwhile said the storm has even caused air traffic to halt, after airstrips suffered from a lack of visibility. Gilgaf added that people in this region are accustomed to this type of medium-strength wind which comes every year during the spring months, but because of the very small size of dust particles in the southern regions dust is kicked up easier causing low visibility. The National Center of Meteorology has issued a possible forecast of light and sporadic rain in the northern regions of the country. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Migrant families and children climb the banks of the Rio Grande River into the United States as smugglers on rafts prepare to return to Mexico in Penitas, Texas, on March 5, 2021. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) Texas Governor Says Bidens Border Policies Emboldening Human Traffickers Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday asserted that recent decisions made by the Biden administration on the U.S.-Mexico border are emboldening human traffickers to ramp up their criminal operations. In a letter (pdf) to the White House on Tuesday, the governor called on President Joe Bidens administration to investigate every unaccompanied minor crossing the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a wider effort to crack down on human trafficking. He asked that all unaccompanied minors crossing the border be interviewed to determine whether they have been preyed on, exploited, or abused by human traffickers. Recent decisions by your administration are emboldening dangerous cartels, smugglers, and human traffickers to ramp up their criminal operations, the governor asserted. In many cases, these criminals entice unaccompanied minors into inhumane conditions and expose them to abuse and terror. Describing the situation at the border an escalating humanitarian crisis, Abbott noted that so far this year, 11,000 minors have been apprehended crossing the border into the state of Texas. The number of minors crossing the southern border rose by 60 percent from January and February, he said, with 9,400 children apprehended last month alone. Unaccompanied minors hold hands amid adult migrants from Central America as they await transport after crossing the Rio Grande river into the United States from Mexico on a raft in Penitas, Texas, on March 12, 2021. (Adrees Latif/Reuters) Those numbers continue to increase in March, with no end in sight, Abbott wrote. The Biden administration should interview every unaccompanied minor coming across the border to determine if any child has been harmed, groomed, or victimized by human traffickers in any way. Abbott called on the administration to make clear what they are doing to prosecute human traffickers and address the surge in border crossings. Abbott on March 17 expanded his Operation Lone Star to include combating human trafficking efforts at high threat areas along the southern border. The Texas governors letter comes as photos released this week by Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) of an overflow tent facility in Donna, Texas, show extremely crowded conditions and children sleeping on the floors along with makeshift beds. A temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, as seen in a photo released by Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (CBP) A temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, as seen in a photo released by Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (CBP) Cuellar, whose office first shared the photos with Axios, told the news outlet that one pod held more than 400 unaccompanied male minors. The pods are supposed to hold a maximum of 260 people, he said. We have a duty to investigate these border crossings so we can protect the victims of human trafficking that have already crossed our borders, crack down on the perpetrators of this heinous crime, and ensure federal policies do not allowor even incentivizesuch behavior, Abbott wrote in his letter. We must send a clear message to these criminals that human trafficking will not be tolerated in America, and that we will use every available resource to stop this abuse of basic human rights. The letter includes a list of questions from Abbott to Biden. Texas Gov Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference about migrant children detentions in Dallas, Texas, on March 17, 2021. (LM Otero/AP Photo) Some of the questions include: How are these children coming across the border and who is helping them get here? Were these children abused or harmed in any way on their journeys? How many victims of physical abuse, sexual assault, or trafficking has the administration identified? Are you using effective DNA tests to confirm familial relations? How else are you ensuring that these children are being released to safe, trustworthy adults? The thought of any child suffering at the hands of human traffickers is unacceptable and irreconcilable with our values as Americans, Abbott said. I implore you and your administration to take swift action to crack down on this heinous crime and to protect more children from trafficking and abuse. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment by The Epoch Times. Abbott last week suggested in a statement that Bidens border policies are what turned the humanitarian crisis along the southern border into a complete disaster. The Biden Admin. has turned a humanitarian crisis into a complete disaster, Abbott said on Twitter, singling out a drinking-water problem at a site used to house illegal immigrants in Midland and a massive COVID-19 outbreak at a facility in Carrizo Springs. They were unprepared for open border policies, he added. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 30 giorni fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The wireless mesh network market is anticipated to reach around $119.2 billion by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the smart cities and warehouses segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. North America is expected to be the leading contributor to the global wireless mesh network market revenue during the forecast period. The growing need for efficient and stable network performance, along with the ability of wireless mesh network to flexibly expand and increase performance has boosted growth of the wireless mesh network market. Furthermore, the rising penetration of mobile devices, and rising adoption of mobile-connected devices further support the growth of this market. Additionally, the increasing demand of wireless mesh network from small and medium enterprises has supported market growth over the years. Increasing investments by vendors in technological advancements, growing demand for wireless broadband services, and declining costs of connected devices would accelerate the growth wireless mesh network market during the forecast period. However, data privacy and security concerns are expected to hinder market growth. Growing demand from emerging economies, increasing adoption of IoT and smart grid applications are expected to provide numerous growth opportunities in the coming years. Get Sample Copy : https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/wireless-mesh-network-market/request-for-sample Wireless mesh networks are increasingly being used for environmental monitoring and precision agriculture. The farming industry is using automation and technology to increase profitability and reduce operating costs and the use of sensors in fields, tractors and vineyards for monitoring and management of farm operations has resulted in increased crop production and less resource wastage has also supported the wireless mesh network market growth in the recent past. Low frequency wireless mesh networks using sensor networks are deployed for environmental conditional monitoring, whereas high frequency wireless mesh networks are being used for tractor automation and precision agriculture and has increased the demand for wireless mesh network. North America generated the highest revenue in the market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global wireless mesh network market throughout the forecast period. The presence of established telecom and cloud infrastructure in this region, and growing trend of IoT drive the wireless mesh network market growth in the North America. The growing demand of mobile devices, and technological advancements further support market growth in the region. The use of smart technologies in energy and utilities, industrial automation, and intelligent buildings is expected to support market growth in this region during the forecast period. Get Offer : https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/wireless-mesh-network-market/request-for-discount-pricing The major players operating in wireless mesh network market include Ruckus Wireless, Cisco Systems, Aruba Networks, Tropos Networks, Strix Wireless Systems Pvt Ltd, Firetide, Inc., Cambium Networks, Qualcomm, Rajant Corporation, Synapse Wireless. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Facebook, which in 2019 paid advertisers a $40 million settlement over inflated video-viewing metrics and is fighting a lawsuit over its "reach" to users, is now taking flak over its revelation this week that it took down 1.3 billion fake accounts during just three months last year. "How much money was spent advertising to these fake accounts?" said Angelo Carusone, CEO of progressive watchdog group Media Matters for America. Facebook did not respond to a request for comment. Carusone noted that U.S. taxpayers bankroll ads on Facebook via government agencies including U.S. Health and Human Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. Advertising analysis firm Pathmatics reported that the Census Bureau in the first six months of last year put more than $51 million, or 61% of its digital-advertising budget, into Facebook. Neither of the federal agencies immediately answered questions about the fake-accounts issue. Facebook is facing intense scrutiny in Congress over its digital-advertising dominance and was sued by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission late last year in an anti-trust action. The firm has been in hot water before over the numbers it puts out for users and user activitymetrics advertisers rely on to guide spending. In 2019, without admitting wrongdoing, it paid the $40 million settlement after advertisers accused it of inflating video-viewing metrics by up to 900%. According to market-research firm eMarketer, Facebook is on track this year to earn nearly $100 billion in digital-ads revenue and controls almost 25% of the global digital-advertising market. The company is still in federal court in San Francisco battling a 2018 class-action lawsuit accusing it of overstating to advertisers the number of people their ads could reach, despite senior executives allegedly knowing for years about the exaggeration and a manager describing the issue in an internal communication as "a lawsuit waiting to happen." Facebook has described the lawsuit as without merit. The Menlo Park social media titan this week touted the disabling of the 1.3 billion accounts. "We take a hard line against this activity and block millions of fake accounts each day, most of them at the time of creation," the company said in a news release that noted the company is under Congressional investigation over online misinformation. "Tackling misinformation actually requires addressing several challenges including fake accounts, deceptive behavior, and misleading and harmful content," the firm said. What the news release didn't include, and what Facebook does not reveal, are how many fake accounts were not caught at the time of creation, how many were served ads, and to what extent fake accounts may be included in the company's user numbers, such as the 2.8 billion "monthly active users" it claimed for 2020, Carusone noted. Facebook's "Community Standards" ban multiple personal accounts and misrepresented identities, and if advertisers have been deceived, they should receive refunds, Carusone said. "When you're an advertiser, the guarantee that Facebook is inferring at minimum is, 'Hey we will not allow our platform to be consumed by artificial accounts,'" Carusone said. Facebook in February said it had disabled 3.3 billion fake accounts in 2018, 6.5 billion in 2019, and 4.5 billion in the first nine months of last year. "Their countermeasures are not strong," Carusone said. Facebook in 2019 sued four affiliated Chinese companies and three individuals from China, alleging they worked together to sell fake Facebook accounts, but so far Facebook has only been able to serve the lawsuit on one of the companies, which did not respond further to the legal action. In the lawsuit, filed in Oakland U.S. District Court, Facebook said fake accounts can be used for spam, phishing campaigns, spreading misinformation, running marketing scams, perpetrating advertising fraud "and other fraud schemes which are profitable at scale." The company added that "bulk quantities" of fake accounts are sold on illicit online marketplaces. The Chinese companies and individuals offered fake Facebook accounts for sale via six websites, the company alleged. Explore further Facebook touts war on misinformation ahead of US hearing 2021 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The federal Treasury and the Reserve Bank have very different views about the state of the economy - and their disagreement could have real world ramifications for millions of Australians. Evidence from Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy on Wednesday confirmed the nations two key arms of economic policy, fiscal and monetary, are on a collision course that could undermine how well they have dealt with the coronavirus recession. Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy says unemployment between 4.5 per cent and 5 per cent will hit the nations economic sweet spot. But the Reserve Bank believes it has to be much lower. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen At the heart of the division is the concept known as the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU). NAIRU is the lowest level of unemployment before an economy starts to run hot, generating inflation and sharp wages growth. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... On Dec. 9, 2020, in this very inestimable periodical, I prophesied that with the 2021 legislative session we would get legalized recreational marijuana in New Mexico. I joyously prophesied wrong for now. I know legalization advocates would correct me and say things like it didnt fail, we just ran out of time to complete the framework, or we just have a couple of small details to complete, like the percentage of childrens lives the law will permit to be destroyed, multiplied by the cosine of the number of baby boomers who want to be constantly high, squared. The bottom line is that another legislative session has come and gone, and the governor has no pot bill to sign. So, in response, the governor has decided to use a special session to waste the few tax dollars we have left to try to ram legalized marijuana down the throats of New Mexicans who obviously dont want it. Turns out it takes more than 60 days to figure out how to make a stupid idea work. Gov. Michele Lujan Grisham was elected in 2018 and has had a marijuana working group since July of 2019. The legalization lobby has numerous examples of successful pro-pot legislation throughout the country to reference. The N.M. Legislature has addressed legalized recreational marijuana for years. All that and a 60-day session, and they still couldnt get it done? It only took the Good Lord six days to create the entire universe and he/she had nothing to base it on. I am grateful there were enough leaders in the Legislature to see what the governor and the advocates of legalization cannot see. Legalized recreational marijuana is wrong for New Mexico. Until we get our act together; improving the states economic condition, improving our public schools and taking better care of our children, legalizing pot will remain a bad idea. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The governor has framed the marijuana industry as something that could bring high-paying jobs and a bounty of tax revenues without any negative consequences. To suggest the marijuana industry is the equivalent of moving Silicon Valley to New Mexico, or attracting some consequence-free, highly profitable industry to the state, is misleading. We have medical marijuana to take care of medicinal needs. If someone is really jonesing for a fatty or some chocolate cherry-covered cannabis infused cupcakes, Colorado is just a three-hour car ride away. If New Mexico did well while stoned, we would be Colorado. But were not. We are a much bigger mess than Colorado. Lets not have a special session just to make that mess bigger. I am reaching out to the citizens of New Mexico to join me in asking Gov. Lujan Grisham to reverse the decision she made Saturday and drop the special session. I cant imagine a special session of the Legislature is cheap. Is trying to come up with laws so people can get stoned really a good use of our precious tax dollars? I think not. If you agree, I encourage you to go to the governors website and drop her a line, or the link from this letter: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/contact-the-governor/ A Nairobi court has ordered a mental assessment of a woman who was arrested for allegedly assaulting her former employer's children. The suspect, Gladys Naliaka Nalianya, is facing charges of attempted murder. Makadara Law Courts chief magistrate Angelo Kithinji directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to table the suspect's psychiatrist report before him on March 29. Naliaka injured the children aged eleven and five on the head after she stormed into their house in Donholm Greenfields estate while armed with a knife and a machete on March 11. Naliaka was arrested in Eldoret on March 13 after fleeing from Nairobi. She will remain in custody at the Buruburu police station pending the mental test. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. NATO allies have disagreements regarding the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 project, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said, noting that the alliance could become a platform to discuss this issue. "We mentioned Nord Stream 2, over which there is disagreement. I think that NATO is the platform where we can discuss these issues," he said after a two-day meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers at NATO Headquarters, RIA Novosti reported. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We may not know immediately next Tuesday the result of the union vote at Amazons Bessemer fulfillment center. Thats because even after votes are counted, both Amazon and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union can contest some ballots. But even after ballots are counted, both sides may file objections over the result within a week. And those objections could swing the election. For example, Reuters is reporting that at least 19 people Amazon listed to receive a ballot for the election received one, even though they now no longer work at the company. At least two of them already voted. One was identified as Denean Plott, 56, who left Amazon this month because of the physical demands of the job, which she said were a bit too exhausting for my body. During February, I went ahead and voted early, she said, adding she was on leave after testing positive for COVID-19 at the time. I voted pro-union. Election terms stipulate that workers who quit or are discharged for cause after a payroll period ending Jan. 9 are ineligible to vote. Its unclear how many of those workers received ballots. Ballots went out to approximately 5,800 workers at the center in early February, with a deadline of next Monday to return the ballots. Workers will decide whether they will be represented by the RWDSU. Its the largest vote of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic started a year ago. Here is full coverage of the Alabama Amazon unionization effort The National Labor Relations Board offers a roadmap for how the vote count will be conducted on its website. According to the NLRB website, the election will be decided by a simple majority. Observers representing the company and the union will be present as ballots are counted, and either can object to any ballot within seven days. Challenged ballots will be placed apart from uncontested ones. Disputes will be decided by the NLRB regional director, and those decisions can be appealed to the board in Washington, D.C. Even then, election results can be set aside if conduct by either Amazon or the union created an atmosphere of confusion or fear of reprisals and thus interfered with the employees freedom of choice, the NLRB says. Its unclear as yet whether a revote would again take place by mail, or in person. Amazon pushed for an four-day in-person vote back in January, which was rejected by the NLRB because of the spread of COVID-19 in Jefferson County at the time. According to Law360, mail-in elections traditionally has been favored by unions on the theory that employees will feel less intimidated. However, the percentage of elections won by unions has actually gone down during the pandemic by as much as 10%. Between June 1 and Sept. 11, 2020, there were 335 elections and 221 results favoring unions, a win rate of 65%. The average union win rate over the prior three years was 72.96%, 8% greater than the pandemic mail-in ballot average. The pandemic has also had an effect on how many employees send in their ballots. According to the NLRB, the employee participation rate is 20 to 30% lower than the participation rate for in-person voting. The closer the count, the more important become ballots cast out due to voter error. In all elections between Aug. 21 and Sept. 11 of last year, about 8% of ballots cast were thrown out. If the union receives a majority of the votes cast, it will be certified as the employees bargaining representative and is entitled to be recognized by the employer as the exclusive bargaining agent for its members at the center. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden has tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the White House effort to tackle the migration challenge at the U.S. southern border and work with Central American nations to address root causes of the problem. Biden made the announcement as he and Harris met at the White House on Wednesday with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandra Mayorkas and other immigration advisers to discuss the increase in migrants, including many unaccompanied minors, arriving at the border in recent weeks. In delegating the matter to Harris, Biden is seeking to replicate a dynamic that played out when he served as President Barack Obamas vice president. Obama turned to Biden in his first term to lead the White House effort to draw down U.S. troops in the intractable war in Iraq and oversee implementation of the American Recovery Act in response to the Great Recession. When she speaks, she speaks for me, Biden said, noting her past work as Californias attorney general makes her specially equipped to lead the administrations response. Biden, who has faced stiff criticism from Republicans over the increased flow of migrants since he took office in January, is hoping to show Americans hes taking the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border seriously. He also wants to prevent the growing humanitarian and political challenge from overshadowing his administrations ambitious legislative agenda. But the high-profile assignment for Harris, who ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020 and is expected to run for the White House again in the future, could be politically fraught. To that end, Biden teased in his comments that he was saddling her with a tough job. Needless to say, the work will not be easy, Harris said about her new assignment. But it is important work. Harris is tasked with overseeing diplomatic efforts to deal with issues spurring migration in the Northern Triangle countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, as well as pressing them to strengthen enforcement on their own borders, administration officials said. More broadly, though, shes tasked with implementing a long-term strategy that gets at the root causes of migration from those countries. Biden suggested former President Donald Trumps decision to cut funding in 2019 to the region was partly to blame for the situation. Trump announced in April 2019 he was cutting $450 million in aid to the three countries because they werent doing enough to stem the flow of migrants. Among the other reasons for the current increase: the thousands of Central American migrants already stuck at the border for months and the persistent scourge of gang violence afflicting the Northern Triangle countries. Still, the numbers of both unaccompanied minors and families encountered at the border are lower than they were at various points during the Trump administration, including in spring 2019. For Harris, the assignment gives her the first big opportunity to step to the front of the stage on a matter of enormous consequence for the administration. As the first Black woman elected vice president, Harris arrived on the job as a trailblazer. It has remained opaque how Biden would utilize her. The move echoes not only Obamas decision to deputize Biden but also Trump naming Vice President Mike Pence to lead his coronavirus task force and President Bill Clinton handing Vice President Al Gore environmental and technology portfolios early in his presidency. Its been a mixed bag for vice presidents in recent history who have been made the point person on delicate matters, said Joel Goldstein, the author of The White House Vice Presidency: The Path to Significance, Mondale to Biden. Pences efforts on the coronavirus were stymied by Trumps hijacking of the task forces daily briefings early in the pandemic. Dick Cheney, who had been charged with leading George W. Bushs search for a vice president only to take the spot himself, carved out what was seen by many critics as a shadow presidency in which he had an outsized influence on shaping Bushs national security policies. And Gore faced headwinds from Republicans in Congress who were reluctant to give him a win ahead of his unsuccessful 2000 run for the White House. Some of the risk versus reward depends to some extent on the vice presidents relationship with the president, Goldstein said. Whether or not the president had their back. Whether the presidents going to allow you to be in a position to accomplish things and be perceived to accomplish things. Biden made the announcement as a delegation of White House officials and members of Congress was traveling to the southern border on Wednesday to tour a facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, where more than 750 migrant teenagers are being held. The Biden administration has in recent weeks moved to open more than 10,000 new beds across the Southwest in convention centers and former oilfield camps. It notified Congress on Wednesday that it will open a new 3,000-person facility in San Antonio and a 1,400-person site at the San Diego convention center. HHS is also opening a second site in Carrizo Springs and exploring housing teenagers at military bases in San Antonio and El Paso, Texas. But the U.S. is exhausting capacity almost as quickly as it can add it. A week after opening, the convention center in downtown Dallas is at nearly 2,000 teenagers, just shy of its 2,300-bed capacity. Experts on child welfare say HHS must release children more quickly, particularly the estimated 40% of children in custody who have a parent in the U.S. ready to take them. The White House was limiting media access on Wednesdays tour, keeping it to just one TV crew. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who is leading a separate delegation of GOP senators to the border later this week, decried what he said was a crisis at the border and the lack of press access as a muzzling of the media by the Democratic administration. Joe Biden doesnt want you to see, Cruz told reporters at the Capitol. --The Associated Press Dominic Raab has called on Nato to stand up to Russia's growing military threat and 'destablisiing' cyber attacks and urged members to allow nations facing aggression from the country to join the alliance. The Foreign Secretary will urge Nato allies to ensure Vladimir Putin's government faces consequences for actions including state-backed cyber attacks and the spreading of disinformation about coronavirus. At a session on Russia during a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Brussels on Wednesday, Mr Raab will back a policy of offering a route to membership of the alliance for countries facing Russian aggression such as Ukraine and Georgia. Mr Raab's stance comes after the Government's sweeping review of foreign policy identified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security'. The Government's Defence Review, set out on Monday, announced investment in cyber security, but also revealed cuts to troop and equipment numbers. Dominic Raab has warned democracies around the world are 'under threat from authoritarian powers and non-state actors who use cyber threats and malicious new technology to sabotage the rules-based order' Ahead of Wednesday's summit session, Mr Raab said: 'This is an important opportunity for Nato allies to gather together and discuss the value of our alliance in a world where democracies are under threat from authoritarian powers and non-state actors who use cyber threats and malicious new technology to sabotage the rules-based order. 'The UK, as a leading defence and diplomatic power, fully backs Nato as a strong military deterrent to the threats from Russia but also as a strong, united, political bulwark against Moscow's destabilising activities.' Nato's secretary general Jens Stoltenberg has previously accused Russia and China of attempting to blame the pandemic on members of the transatlantic alliance. Russia has also been accused by Nato of using state-controlled media to spread news stories 'that contain both true and false elements, which bypass people's natural filters for detecting disinformation' and using social media accounts to spread disinformation. British officials are concerned about the impact of disinformation on the uptake of vital vaccine programmes potentially costing lives. Around 400 websites publishing misinformation about Covid-19 have been identified in the US, UK and across Europe, with officials believing many are the result of malign activity by hostile states. Mr Raab will use the meeting to set out how Russia deploys new and disruptive technology to threaten democracies and open societies around the world. As well as military assets such as cutting-edge missile systems built to evade conventional defences, Moscow is believed to be behind efforts to undermine elections. A US intelligence report released this month found Mr Putin 'authorised, and a range of Russian government organisations conducted' operations to help Donald Trump in last November's presidential election. The @NATO alliance helps to keep over 1 billion people safe. Today @dominicraab meets with other NATO foreign ministers to work on our shared goals of promoting peace, defending our collective security, and creating a better world. pic.twitter.com/yxvWh5Rr35 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) March 23, 2021 Joe Biden won the bitterly fought election which saw violence flare at the Capitol in January as Mr Trump tried to challenge the result. The Russian plan was aimed at 'denigrating' Mr Biden's candidacy, 'undermining public confidence in the electoral process' and 'exacerbating sociopolitical divisions in the US', the intelligence assessment said. A US intelligence report released this month found Vladimir Putin 'authorised, and a range of Russian government organisations conducted' operations to help Donald Trump in last November's presidential election The UK's own Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy published this month promised action to 'fund initiatives to understand and expose the disinformation threat' from Moscow and to support independent media, especially in Russia's 'near abroad'. In recent years the UK has taken action against Moscow including calling out Russian cyber activity in co-ordination with the US and Canada and expelling 23 Russian intelligence officers who were posing as diplomats following the nerve agent attack in Salisbury. Deputy President David Mabuza has called on South African men to be counted in the nation's efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) by getting tested. "Unless men heed this call, the wellbeing of South Africans will forever hang in the balance," he said. Speaking during World TB Day in Mpumalanga on Wednesday, the Deputy President cited the results of the latest TB Prevalence Survey Report, which found that the infectious bacterial disease was 1.6 times higher in men compared to women in the country. "Men must be encouraged to test for TB so that they get treated early before they spread the disease within their families and the entire community," he said. The Deputy President, who is also the chairperson of the South African National Aids Council (SANAC), acknowledged that today's commemoration was like no other, as the world grapples with the impact of COVID-19. He said the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of national health systems continue to be strained by waves of infections, hospitalisations and deaths. The national lockdown and movement restrictions, the Deputy President said, also contributed to the disruption of access to health services. This has led to a reduction in the number of TB detections, as patient contact and tracing services became difficult during the lockdown. "This pandemic has the capacity to erode the achievements and progress achieved to date in the fight against the spread of TB," said Mabuza. He acknowledged that the diversion of financial resources to fund the response to COVID-19 has posed a risks to the consolidation of global efforts to end TB. "The deepening levels of poverty, malnutrition and unequal access to TB treatment and care may undermine efforts to meet global targets to end TB." According to the Deputy President, time is of the essence, as South Africa is counted among the 30 countries with a high burden of TB. He has since called on citizens to rally behind national efforts to end TB and scale the national response by urgently finding, initiating and retaining TB patients in treatment and care. "We should also work hard to regain those who have fallen by the wayside. Each one of us has a role to play in the fight to end TB." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, he said government is still determined to fulfil the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs. In terms of this plan, Mabuza said government is targeting to diagnose at least 90% of all people infected with TB, while treating 100% of those who have tested positive, and decrease TB deaths by at least 30%. "This year, the National Strategic Plan is nearing the finish line, yet the numbers, in terms of targets we had set for HIV, TB and STIs, remain stubbornly high." However, he told delegates that government is working tirelessly to reduce new infections from 450 000 to 315 000 per year. Mabuza raised concern about the latest finding, which shows that 390 000 people became infected with the virus in 2018 in South Africa, while only 60% of them were diagnosed. "This suggests that there is a large number of people who are walking around with the infection but are not on treatment. That is dangerous, considering that one person infected with TB could potentially infect a further 15 people." Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize said almost 50 000 people have succumbed to TB annually for the past three years. The Minister said COVID-19 has disrupted not only people's normal lives but also service delivery, and admitted that government is falling behind its treatment interventions. Mkhize said government is working hard to improve communication around TB, civil society engagement, integrating TB, COVID-19 and HIV services, strengthening airborne infection control processes and exploring innovative ways to ensure treatment adherence. A woman in Florida is facing up to 60 days in jail after she pleaded guilty to deliberately coughing on and threatening a cancer patient inside a Jacksonville store last year amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to reports. Debra Jo Hunter, of Nassau County, was charged with misdemeanour assault over the incident in a Pier 1 store on June 25, 2020, in which she was filmed not wearing a mask and coughing on another customer. The 52-year-old's guilty plea comes after more than nine months of court hearings and three struck-down plea details. Hoping to avoid jail time and a possible $500 fine, Hunter wrote to the judge detailing the abuse she has since received online, saying that while she deserves the backlash, her children do not. Debra Jo Hunter (pictured left in a video of the incident and right in a mug shot), of Nassau County, was charged with misdemeanour assault over the incident in a Pier 1 store on June 25, 2020, in which she was filmed not wearing a mask and coughing on another customer According to the victim, Heather Sprague - who also filmed the incident - Hunter was berating employees at the store as she was attempting to return an item she did not have in her possession at the time. As she watched on, Sprague took out her phone and began to film the woman. In her video, which quickly went viral, Hunter is seen responding with obscene gestures towards the camera. 'I think I'll get really close to you and cough on you then,' Hunter can then be heard saying in the video clip. 'How's that?' Hunter is then seen marching up to Sprague and coughing at her over the phone, before she storms out of the store with her children. Sprague, who told news outlets she is a brain tumour patient, was wearing a mask at the time, and filed a police report four days after the incident. Hunter was booked into Duval County jail, before being released the same day after posting bond, according to News4Jax. According to the victim, Heather Sprague (pictured) - who also filmed the incident - Hunter was berating employees at the store as she was attempting to return an item she did not have in her possession at the time. When she saw Sprague was filming, she coughed on her Yesterday I learned firsthand the power of conscientious bystanders. It took 30 seconds to end 15 minutes of aggressive... Posted by Heather Reed Sprague on Thursday, June 25, 2020 She entered a guilty plea on Monday after County Judge James Ruth told her that if she wasn't ready to enter a plea, he was prepared to pick a jury for the case. Before Monday, she had agreed to plead guilty on two previous hearings, but the judge rejected them because it would not have involved jail time. With her sentencing hearing set for Wednesday, she now faces the possibility of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of $500. Hunter is expected to call on several different witnesses to testify on her behalf, and her attorney also sent a packet of evidence to the judge. Speaking of the backlash she received over the incident in a letter to the judge, she said: 'I deserve it. My children do not.' Hunter said that she was not seeking 'mercy', but instead wanted him to understand what led up to the incident and the intensity of the backlash she and her family faced after the video went viral. The months leading up to the cough, she said that her family were involved in a near fatal boat accident and a house fire that destroyed their home and most of their belongings. Debra Jo Hunter, seen in the video, entered a guilty plea on Monday after County Judge James Ruth told her that if she wasn't ready to enter a plea, he was prepared to pick a jury for the case 'My daughter was alarmed when she noticed a stranger recording the three of us with her phone. Admittedly I was immediately infuriated and demanded this customer to stop filming my kids,' she wrote, according to First Coast News. 'In the heat of the moment, I over reacted in an over protective manner which ultimately led to my retaliation on this stranger, the victim. And that highly regrettable, split second, knee jerk reaction has cost my family dearly.' She also submitted 23 pages of messages she received online, containing a series of vitriolic abuse from people all over the world. Before the incident, her family home was a gathering place for neighborhood children, she said. But after the video went viral, that way of life stopped. 'That semi idyllic life came to a screeching halt,' she wrote. 'We no longer take family bike rides around the neighborhood. We no long wave at neighbors passing by.' She compared her new-found reputation to wearing a Scarlett Letter, saying that she went from 'that mom' to 'that woman'. 'I realize this all may sound like a bad movie script,' she continued. 'I assure you, I never thought I would be playing a starring role in a social media feeding frenzy.' She added, 'I often wonder what it would be like if every one of us, as the flawed human beings we are, had their worst moments reduced to a short video for all the world to see and judge.' Hunter also submitted three letters of support from women who defended her character. One said the video did not show the full story, while another said that her friend ''had reached a level of negativity and drama that would be characterized as toxic.' She add, 'It was only a matter of time before something happened.' Four laboratory staff members at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital have appeared in court for allegedly issuing out 48 fake Covid-19 certificates to different clients. The quartet, Kudzai Chishaya (41), Gumisai Chiroodza (31), Nelson Mashanga (51) and Wedzerai Manyere (39) was remanded in custody to 1 April 2021. Magistrate Gladmore Mushowe denied them bail arguing they were facing serious charges of abuse of duty as public officers. The state led by Tendai Tapi is alleging during the period extending from 3 August 2020 to 2 November last year, the four, in connivance with one Mercy Banguza who is still at large, each or more of them issued counterfeit Covid-19 certificates to 48 different individuals. The alleged offences were committed at a time the testing for Covid-19 had been suspended at the hospital as the GeneXpert machine used in the processing of swab samples did not have a functional cartridge. Evidence adduced by investigators includes names of people tested for the respiratory disease that were retrieved from the laboratory's information management system bearing the accused persons' passwords as creators, analysts or verifiers. Also, according to the state, some of the fake documents were recovered. The State is expected to lead evidence from three witnesses. Lawyer Tungamirai Chamutsa is representing the accused persons. (Newser) Minnesota's largest school district will pay $300,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit with a transgender student who was barred from using the boys' locker room, school officials and supporters of the student said Tuesday. The Anoka-Hennepin School District also agreed to make several policy changes, including a rule that allows every student to use all facilities consistent with their gender identity, along with a complaint procedure and prohibition on reprisals, the AP reports. Training on the policies will be provided for school board members, staff, and students. The student swam for Coon Rapids High School in 2015-16 and had used the boys locker room for much of that season, his attorneys said. story continues below That February, the school board stepped in and told the student he would be disciplined if he continued to use the locker room. The move led to bullying and threats against the student and his family, the lawsuit said. The student attended the high school for two years until he and his family made the decision to switch school districts. The complaint was filed in 2019. The district said in a statement that the state Court of Appeals provided clarity on the matter when it affirmed a district-court decision that kept the suit alive. "All legal issues have been resolved, the release said. (KARE11 reported last month that a non-profit surveyed residents on whether to rename the city of Coon Rapids; 38% of those polled were in favor of doing so.) AMHERST, Mass. - An international team of astronomers, including University of Massachusetts Amherst professors Gopal Narayanan and Peter Schloerb, has just revealed a new view of the massive black hole at the center of a galaxy located 55 million light-years away, known as the M87 galaxy. This new image, captured by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) collaboration, shows how M87 looks in polarized light, and is published today in two papers appearing in The Astrophysical Journal (links here and here). It is the first time astronomers have been able to measure polarization, a signature of magnetic fields, this close to the edge of a black hole. The observations are key to explaining how the M87 galaxy is able to launch energetic jets from its core. "There is a super-massive black hole at the center of almost every galaxy," Narayanan explains. These black holes power the galactic nuclei, which often launches high energy jets from the central parts of the galaxy. Understanding the physics connecting super-massive black holes and galactic jets has been difficult. That is where light polarization comes in. Light becomes polarized when it goes through certain filters, like the lenses of polarized sunglasses, or when it is emitted in hot regions of space that are magnetized. In the same way polarized sunglasses help us see better by reducing reflections and glare from bright surfaces, astronomers can sharpen their vision of the region around the black hole by looking at how the light originating from there is polarized. Specifically, polarization allows astronomers to map the magnetic field lines present at the inner edge of the black hole. "Magnetic fields and jets have previously been mapped," says Narayanan, "but at lower resolution. Now we can zoom in to the energetic launching regions of these jets with incredible resolution and map the jets in a way that has never been done before." "We are now seeing the next crucial piece of evidence to understand how magnetic fields behave around black holes, and how activity in this very compact region of space can drive powerful jets that extend far beyond the galaxy," says Monika Mo?cibrodzka, coordinator of the EHT Polarimetry Working Group and assistant professor at Radboud Universiteit in the Netherlands Astronomers have relied on different models of how matter behaves near the black hole to better understand this process. But they still don't know exactly how jets larger than the galaxy are launched from its central region, nor how exactly matter falls into the black hole. With the new EHT image of the black hole and its shadow in polarized light, astronomers managed for the first time to look into the region just outside the black hole where the interplay between matter flowing in and being ejected out happens. "What's particularly notable about this observation," says Schloerb, "is that by measuring polarization you're really getting at the properties of the magnetic field, which is so important because it helps us understand the basic physics of how galaxies evolve." To observe the heart of the M87 galaxy, the collaboration linked eight telescopes around the world, including the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), jointly operated by UMass and the country of Mexico, and the largest of its kind. Narayanan, who leads UMass's EHT team, built the radio-astronomical receiver for the LMT that helped to gather the data on the M87's black hole. The impressive resolution obtained with the EHT is equivalent to that needed to measure the length of a credit card on the surface of the Moon. This setup allowed the team to directly observe the black hole shadow and the ring of light around it, with the new polarized-light image clearly showing that the ring is magnetized. The results are published today in two separate papers in The Astrophysical Journal Letters by the EHT collaboration. The research involved over 300 researchers from multiple organizations and universities worldwide. "Unveiling this new polarized-light image required years of work due to the complex techniques involved in obtaining and analyzing the data," says Ivan Marti-Vidal, coordinator of the EHT Polarimetry Working Group and GenT Distinguished Researcher at the Universitat de Valencia, Spain. "The thing I'm most fascinated about is the follow-up," says Narayanan. "We have even more sensitive receivers now, and with more sensitive instruments we can pull out more details in the magnetic fields. There's even more exciting data and analysis ahead." ### Contacts: Gopal Narayanan, gopal@astro.umass.edu Peter Schloerb, schloerb@umass.edu Daegan Miller, drmiller@umass.edu She's ditched her reality TV career to become a real estate mogul. And Yazmin Oukhellou certainly seemed to be enjoying the perks of her new life in Dubai, as she flaunted her tanned physique in a racy white bikini on Tuesday. The former TOWIE star, 26, slipped into the plunging two-piece to promote a fake tan brand for the post shared from her bathroom. Amazing: Yazmin Oukhellou, 26, flaunted her tanned physique in a racy white bikini as she posed for a sizzling snap in her bathroom in Dubai on Tuesday Yazmin displayed every inch of her incredible physique in the busty white bikini top and matching bottoms with a chunky gold chain trim. The star's ensemble offered the perfect glimpse of her svelte physique as she eagerly promoted her tanning range with the sultry snap. It comes after Yazmin has embarked on a new career in Dubai, following the breakdown of her relationship with ex James Lock in February. Moving on up! It comes after the star embarked on a new career in the UAE, following the breakdown of her relationship with ex James Lock in February She has turned her back on the new series of The Only Way Is Essex because she 'wants to pursue a career in real estate in the United Arab Emirates'. A spokesperson for TOWIE told The Sun: 'Yaz has decided to stay in Dubai to pursue a career in real estate so she wont be starting this series of The Only Way is Essex. 'We support this decision and wish her well in this new venture. As with other cast, the door remains open should she return to Essex.' Looking good: She has turned her back on the new series of The Only Way Is Essex because she 'wants to pursue a career in real estate in the United Arab Emirates' Yazmin has since posted a number of Instagram posts of her new job, working for real estate brokers Property Hawk, in the office and out on viewings with clients. Dubai is on the UK's red list of countries, meaning if Yazmin had decided to return home to star in the next series, she would have to pay 1,750 for a mandatory, 10-day quarantine at a government-mandated hotel. It appears Yaz wants a fresh start after the start of her trip to Dubai was marred by the breakdown of her relationship with co-star James. The TOWIE couple mutually agreed to cut ties after their relationship turned toxic, with James planning to fly home while Yazmin stays in the UAE. A source previously revealed to MailOnline: 'James and Yazmin haven't been in a good place for a while now and living together in Dubai only put further strain on their relationship. Editors Note: This is the fourth story in a series about the anniversary of the border closure. The border shutdowns impact on Mexican tourists and shoppers has certainly affected the entire state of Texas. And locally, the downtown area has been particularly hard. Both local officials and downtown businesses have stated how bad the shutdown has been for the area, with Laredos Rep. Henry Cuellar previously stating up to 70% of businesses had closed. This has of course been particularly difficult for many to experience, as those ranging from business owners to the mayor of the city have expressed their frustrations. It has been devastating, especially to those business owners that have had to close permanently, City of Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz said. Just driving downtown and seeing closed shops gives you a non-empirical picture as to the negative economic impact. The overall city-wide direct and indirect losses attributable to border closure have yet to be determined. According to the mayor, the City of Laredos government has lost revenue in the millions in multiple sectors of the economy. This includes bridge toll revenues over $12 million, sales tax revenues of around $4.57 million, hotel and motel tax revenues of around $2.80 million, utility and solid waste fees of around $32.68 million, and other various revenue from other city departments totaling around $31.41 million. And yet, those are all still estimates with more potential losses being suffered by business owners around the community. The losses for the downtown business sector have even been worse as there was a point back in late 2020 in which 80-90% of downtown businesses reported significant financial losses and/or temporary or permanent closure because of the border being closed. Local business owners that continue to operate in the area express distress and alarm for the high number of closures they are seeing in the downtown area sector and the lack of business they are seeing in their own businesses for the continued border closure. The pandemic did affect all businesses a lot, and we depend a lot on Mexican buyers, said Elizabeth Sandoval, owner of Daisys Boutique. It is really sad to see so many businesses closed due to lack of sales. Even restaurants in the area that used to service mainly Mexican citizens who traveled to the downtown area of the city have reported losses as they continue to wait for when the border will finally reopen fully. It affected us, and it continues to affect us, said Ivonne Lopez, the owner of the Spanish eatery Casa Lopez Tapas Bar in downtown Laredo. Our clients not only from the border but from other cities in the interior of Mexico keep asking us when we think they will reopen the borders to book their visits. Downtown Laredo is devastated. The few businesses that remained have been displaced. New businesses, small hotels and Airbnbs are barely surviving, and the lack of commercial traffic has the center of Laredo in a coma. We do not know when or how it will wake up. Business owners also hope that the federal and state government continue to help businesses in these border areas with the needs they have. This could be through loans or any other form of assistance, so they can continue operating or at least be able to return once things go back to normal. I would ask the federal government if they continue to offer help to businesses, and that everyone receives the help they offer to be able to survive this strong blow to the economy, Sandoval said. And the local government, well, they can help local businesses as well. The Daisys Boutique owner further adds that if the local government really wants to revive the downtown area, it will have to work as a team with the owners to lower the rents in exchange for discounts on taxes, thus encouraging more people to invest in reopening more stores. Only then would it be the same again, Sandoval said. The truth is I don't see any other option. Meanwhile, the Casa Lopez Tapas Bar owner believes that the government entities should support downtown by renovating spaces, promoting traffic to the area with activities or events, and providing incentives for new investments as part of the revitalization of the district. Even after recovering from the ravages of the pandemic, it would be necessary to reform the downtown area for the city to be willing to invest in its infrastructure, rehabilitation, promotion and, above all, support for small businesses to be able to revive at least the base of the downtown businesses, Lopez said. We still have a long way to go to see the same center of Laredo as before, but what we would really like to see is a new downtown area, at the level of other cities in the country where the downtown sector is the heart of the history and commerce of the city. Despite the fact that the border closure was something that affected them deeply, both business owners agree that the border closure was necessary at the time because there were still many unknowns about the virus, and also its spread was contained to some extent thanks to the policy. Nevertheless, both simply hope that the restrictions soon ease so people can finally flow back into the country and allowing the downtown area to come back to life. Sandoval hopes that this happens before the end of the year as more Mexican citizens get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Sandoval hopes that any people who are already going out shopping as there seems to be more traffic in recent days as the mask mandate was lifted and businesses were allowed to open at 100% continue practicing safety protocols to make sure case counts remain low. Even though the time frame for the reopening of the border is still uncertain, Saenz does think it is time to reconsider what is essential and what is not, as he believes that many of the businesses in the downtown area are indeed essential as they continue to provide food for many and jobs to others. He hopes that the situation soon improves to provide more steady income and clientele for these businesses. Anyone that is willing to risk time and investment in a capital venture that creates jobs and economic vitality in our community is truly essential in my opinion, Saenz said. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com New Jersey has now confirmed nearly 500 cases of the coronavirus from seven different variants, with the vast majority from the more-contagious strain first identified in the United Kingdom, officials said Wednesday. In samplings of positive tests, the state has found 401 cases of the U.K. variant, 7 cases of two California strains, 6 cases of two Brazilian strains, and 1 case of the South African strain, according to the state Department of Health. Those are considered variants of concern by the federal Centers for Disease Control, showing evidence of increased transmissibility and more severe disease. There are also 80 cases of the New York variant, which is considered of interest by the CDC. Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, medical advisor to the New Jersey COVID-19 response team and chairman of the states COVID Professional Advisory Committee, said Wednesday that four strains are of particular concern: the U.K, South African, and two Brazilian. And the U.K. strain, he said, is the most concerning across America. Yes, its true that its increased transmissibility, but it doesnt seem to be the vaccines dont have efficacy against hat variant, as well, Bresnitz said during the states latest coronavirus briefing in Trenton. But Bresnitz also stressed while there is increased transmissibility among the variants, they dont appear to reduce the efficacy of vaccines. Asked Monday how the state is tracking the variants, state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said: We cant trust this virus to act in any way thats predictable, so we have not let our guard down at all. We are acting as if a surge is happening tomorrow, and we will be ready, Persichilli added. Officials have suggested that the spread of variants are contributing to a recent rise in cases in New Jersey. The state on Wednesday reported another 3,227 confirmed cases of and 28 additional confirmed deaths, while the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state was above 2,000 for the second straight day. The states seven-day average for new confirmed cases is now 3,339, up 6% from a week ago and 35% from a month ago. Gov. Phil Murphy has said the increase in variant cases is one of the reasons hes held back on additional reopening steps, though New Jersey increased indoor capacity for dining and other businesses to 50% last week. We need to slow the spread and to ensure our hospitals will not get anywhere near the danger zone before we can take any further steps in our reopening, Murphy said Wednesday. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Meanwhile, New Jersey health facilities and vaccine centers have now administered about 3.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine including about 1.29 million people considered fully-vaccinated, according to state data. The states goal is to vaccinate 70% of its eligible adults about 4.7 million people by the end of May. More than 18% of the adult population is fully vaccinated and more than half of adults have been administered at least one shot. Murphy said Wednesday the states vaccine supply is set to increase about 19% next week, to nearly half a million doses. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. By Frank Pingue (Reuters) - Former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu said she was trying to dispel any doubt about herself as she prepared to make another return from injury this week at the Miami Open. "There is some doubt always in the back of my head but I am trying my best to get rid of that. It's not easy as a process but I am working a lot on that," said the Canadian, who, as the eighth seed, has a bye into the second round of the two-week Miami tournament. "Just feeling good out there, I think that's that main thing that's going to help me get rid of that." Andreescu, who suffered a torn meniscus in her left knee in October 2019, returned to action after a 15-month injury layoff at last month's Australian Open but her comeback ended abruptly when she fell to Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei in the second round. The 20-year-old followed her early exit from the year's first Grand Slam with a semi-final run at a follow-up event in Melbourne before withdrawing from tournaments in Adelaide, Doha and Dubai with a leg issue. "I am a professional athlete that's wearing and tearing her body so it's normal to have pains here and there and it's not like I am the only one that's retiring from tournaments and stuff like that," Andreescu said on Tuesday. "There's so many players that do the same. But I am feeling confident going into the tournament and trying always my hardest." Andreescu enjoyed a breakout 2019 campaign when she won the prestigious Indian Wells tournament and her home event in Toronto before going to the U.S. Open where she beat Serena Williams in the final to become Canada's first Grand Slam singles champion. But Andreescu suffered a knee injury in the 2019 season-ending WTA Finals in Shenzhen and while that campaign brought with it sky-high expectations, she is now taking to the court with a different mindset. "I am the type of person to always set high expectations for myself," said Andreescu. "But now my main goal is to just be happy out there and just enjoy myself as much as I can. "Even if my tennis feels off I just want to take it as something I can push through and feel fulfilled after the match." (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; editing by Clare Fallon) Our goal is to ensure the family can return home without mounting rent or mortgage payments, and were excited to add the Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt to the list of communities we support, shared Josh Moffitt, founder of Silverton Mortgage and The Silverton Foundation. Silverton Mortgage, a leading direct residential mortgage lender, announced its foundation, The Silverton Foundation, has partnered with Monroe Carell, Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn. The Silverton Foundation provides mortgage and rent payment assistance to families with sick children who have been hospitalized or who are receiving ongoing chronic or critical care treatments. When your child has a severe medical condition or illness, priorities shift to doing whatever it takes to care for them. Those costs can add up quickly and stretch a familys resources, said Josh Moffitt, founder of Silverton Mortgage and The Silverton Foundation. Our goal is to ensure the family can return home without mounting rent or mortgage payments, and were excited to add the Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt to the list of communities we support. A spokesperson for the Pediatric Social Work Department, Monroe Carell Jr, Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt stated, The Silverton Foundation has been instrumental in providing financial relief to many of our families during a time of immense hardship. Life does not stop when a child is hospitalized, causing overwhelming stress for families in their attempt to be present while also tending to needs back home. Being able to address the financial needs of our families helps to take away some of the burdens experienced. We greatly appreciate all of the rent/mortgage assistance the Silverton Foundation has offered our families! The Silverton Mortgage Foundation has deep ties to many partners in the Nashville area. Goodall Homes, one of the largest home builders in middle Tennessee, was one of the reasons we chose to partner with the childrens hospital at Vanderbilt, shared Moffitt. Additionally, SMACKSongs, a Nashville-based music publishing, management and artist development powerhouse, is one of largest donors to The Silverton Foundation. That connection is special, says Moffitt. Michael McAnally Baum, one of SMACKSongs founders, is a former Silverton Mortgage employee and became passionate about the Foundation before he made his way to the music industry. Last year alone, The Silverton Foundation provided mortgage and rent payment assistance to more than 100 families around the Southeast. To learn more, please visit http://www.thesilvertonfoundation.org About Silverton Mortgage Founded in 1998, Silverton Mortgage is a recognized industry leader within the mortgage community. Our Team Members recognize that home loans are as diverse as the people who seek them and work closely with borrowers to find the right program to fit their unique needs. We are guided by the strong belief that communication is key, which is why we take pride in helping you through the entire loan process, from application to closing, managing all aspects in-house. This way, loans close faster, and you know what's going on every step of the way. We count our success one loan, one happy customer, one family in a home at a time. All loans are subject to credit approval. Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., dba Silverton Mortgage, 1201 Peachtree St NE, Ste 2050, Atlanta, Georgia 30361, 855-815-0291, NMLS #1561, (https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act license, Georgia Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking, Rhode Island Licensed Lender. All information is believed accurate and is subject to change without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Christian's Five-Year Prison Sentence for Facebook Post Upheld in Algeria Share Tweet TIZI-OUZOU, Algeria, March 23, 2021 (Morning Star News) A judge in Oran, Algeria on Monday (March 22) upheld a five-year prison sentence for a Christian convicted of reposting a cartoon of Islams prophet on his Facebook account three years ago, sources said. Farid Khemisti, attorney for Hamid (surname withheld for security reasons), said the 43-year-old father of four young children appeared to have received the heavy sentence because he was a Christian. The Oran City Court of Justice also upheld his fine of 100,000 dinars (US$750). I really hoped for a reduction in the sentence I expected at the worst, six months in prison, Khemisti told Morning Star News. That is the maximum that a fair judgment would have given, but I dont think my clients being a Christian made it any easier. Khemisti said the judge and prosecutor were visibly upset when he suggested to them that they were handing down a heavy sentence because Hamid was a Christian. I said to them, If its because my client is a Christian that you condemn him so heavily, say it honestly, Khemisti told Morning Star News. Of course, they didnt like it; their faces changed color as I told them that. He noted that Hamid was not the creator of the cartoon that he had received and reposted in 2018. I pleaded for his release, because it is clear that my client does not deserve such a heavy sanction he is not the source of this post, Khemisti said. The author of the publication in question is abroad. The investigating security services could not find anything else in my clients Facebook account other than this cartoon. Khemisti said he asked the judge what the sentence would be if Hamid were the author of the cartoon, and that he said it would be the same, as Article 144 of Algerias penal code stipulates that five years is the maximum penalty for insulting Muhammad. Article 144 has been condemned by numerous human rights organizations as a violation of international law. In its report, Policing Belief, pro-democracy group Freedom House said the article was commonly used to persecute Christians and allowed police officials and judges to impose their own religious perspectives on society, and to give at least one version of Islamic practice the force of law. Hamid was accused by an Islamic extremist with whom he had done business, Khemisti said. Hamid was a client of a honey seller, an extremist Islamist, who is at the origin of a complaint filed in December 2020 against Hamid, he said. This is how the security services became aware of this publication. Appearing shaken by the ruling, Khemisti said that he would not have defended Hamid if he were not convinced of his innocence. Hamid assured me that he had never intended to harm Islam or anyone, and that he did not know how he had become trapped in receiving this post, he said. If I was not sure of the innocence of my client, I would not have agreed to defend him, because I will never defend someone who infringes on the freedom of others, on the religion or faith of anyone. Khemisti said that after consulting with Hamids family, he would decide whether to appeal to a court of cassation, which would not re-examine facts but has latitude to interpret them differently. He could also appeal to the supreme court. Hamid is a poultry farmer in El-Aiyaida, near the city of Oran, some 250 miles west of Algiers on the Mediterranean coast. His children are ages 6, 4, 3 and 3 months. He had not heard from authorities until they showed up at his door on Jan. 20, and the next day he was sentenced to five years in prison by a court in Arzew, a costal city in Oran Province. Algerian activist Yacine Mebarki, sentenced to 10 years in prison for insulting the precepts of Islam and other offenses, on Nov. 25 had his sentenced reduced to one year with support from the Algiers-based Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights, other advocates and the media. Two Christians from a Muslim background from Algeria's Kabylie area were recently convicted of blasphemy, receiving sentences of six months and three years respectively, according to advocacy group Middle East Concern (MEC). Also, in mid-February, authorities permitted the reopening of places of worship, which had been closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, MEC reported on Tuesday (March 23). However, Protestant churches were not included in the order and must remain closed. Algeria ranked 24th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2021 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. Islam is the state religion in the 99-percent Muslim country. Since 2000, thousands of Algerian Muslims have put their faith in Christ. Algerian officials estimate the number of Christians at 50,000, but others say it could be twice that number. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews.org/resources/aid-agencies/ for a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/donate/? Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Vatekor Scranton clerical union employees will contribute more toward their health care but enjoy climbing wages under a new three-year contract. City council introduced legislation Tuesday authorizing the contract Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognettis administration negotiated with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 2462, which Business Administrator Carl Deeley said represents about 74 city clerical workers. The prior contract expired at the end of 2020. The new agreement awards 2% annual wage hikes in four steps: 1% April 1; 1% July 1 retroactive to the beginning of 2021; and 2% in both 2022 and 2023. It also achieves a historic, critically important rebalance of the citys health insurance program, Deeley wrote in a memo to council. Among other changes, union members share of insurance premium costs will increase in 2022 and 2023. A single persons premium share will increase from $1,148.16 in 2021 to $1,260 next year and $1,560 the year following. For a family, the premium share would climb from $1,506.96 this year to $1,800 in 2022 and $2,280 in 2023. Deeleys memo notes the contract reduces over-the-top and growing burdensome costs. It cuts the number of annual sick days for new hires from 14 to eight and makes sick pay a function of time worked by those employees, as opposed to an annual allocation. It also prohibits union members from maintaining insurance with the city if their spouse also works for and has coverage with Scranton, and reduces the amount paid to clerical employees who waive health insurance coverage to $100 per month regardless of tenure. Formerly, employees already receiving city health insurance through a family member were also receiving hundreds of dollars a month to not take coverage they already had, Deeley wrote. The change, the memo continues, reduces the citys financial exposure for health care obligations, which has unquestionably contributed to our long-suffered financial plight. Also under the new contract, Scranton will introduce cross-training equipping clerical workers to do multiple jobs to mitigate workflow interruptions. Officials plan to introduce a performance bonus program with proposed funding starting in the 2022 budget, Deeley said. Council President Bill Gaughan seeks more information on the contracts total cost and projected savings, but said hes happy the two sides reached an agreement. Efforts to reach union leaders were unsuccessful. Contracts with the citys police, fire and department of public works unions expire at the end of 2021. Jordan Peterson became world-famous in 2016 because he stood up to Canada's human rights law, which made it a crime to "misgender" someone. Since then, Canada has slid even farther into gender totalitarianism. The latest example is a Canadian man who was sent to prison for refusing to adopt his teenage daughter's new masculine pronouns. The father and mother were not raising the child together, so it was only when his daughter was 13 that the father learned that the girl's public school and his ex-wife had been working with the child to turn her into a boy. This included pushing the child to take hormones to mimic male sexual attributes such as facial hair and a deep voice. The father (who cannot be identified under Canadian law because doing so would also identify his daughter) went to court, saying he needed to give parental consent before his child was permanently mutilated. Not only did a British Columbia court rule against him, saying the father's consent wasn't necessary, but the appellate judges also lectured him to understand gender dysphoria better. While the father could do nothing to stop the permanent changes wrought on his daughter via hormone treatments, he steadfastly refused to refer to his daughter by masculine pronouns. In today's Canada, under the same "human rights" laws that Peterson opposed, that is a criminal matter. Last week, the Canadian government sent him to prison for "misgendering" his daughter: There is a man in Canada who can only be alluded to as He Who Shall Not Be Named, the father to a child who is undergoing gender transition. For the sake of natural justice, it is important to speak this man's name. He is now the Canadian state's prisoner of conscience. The warrant was issued by a judge for the arrest of a father after calling his biological female child his "daughter," and referring to her with the pronouns "she" and "her." The father was found to be in contempt of court. The father is a father to a gender non-conforming biological female 16-year-old who identifies as transgender and prefers the use of male pronouns. The father has repeatedly called this person his daughter, though the court has forbade it. The transition has been underway for more than two years. On Tuesday at 10 am Vancouver time, the father surrendered himself to the court in response to the Attorney General of British Columbia's warrant his arrest for contempt. He was the arrested and jailed. The warrant was issued by Judge Tammen on March 4, 2021. You should read the entire article at The Post Millennial to appreciate the dystopian nightmare taking place north of us. Rather than continuing to recount this long, depressing tale, I have two separate points to make. First, there is no science whatsoever to support pediatric transgenderism. This 2016 Harvard University article is a perfect example of the doubletalk masking this fact. If you drill down into the pediatric literature, you quickly discover that the medical community has simply accepted transgenderism as a real thing and wrapped "treatments" around this assumption. You can confirm this by checking the "transgender" articles at the American Academy of Pediatrics, the pre-eminent pediatric medical association in America. None of the articles questions transgenderism. Instead, they encourage surgical and hormonal interventions. Second, you may not be surprised to learn that the girl's mother is both a psychologist and an endocrinologist. In other words, it's likely that she pathologized the child as part of her own issues and expertise. In 1991, when transgenderism was still treated as a mental illness, not a political matter, a study comparing mothers of boys who claimed they were transgender with mothers of boys who did not discovered something fascinating: "[f]ifty-three percent of the mothers of boys with GID compared with only 6% of controls met the diagnosis for Borderline Personality Disorder on the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines or had symptoms of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory." Although the plural of anecdote is not data, the above finding is consistent with family dynamics seen in Jeffrey Younger's fight against his ex-wife, who was determined to turn their son into a girl. Once again, it was a situation involving a mother acting without the father's input. Additionally, as conservative commentator Matt Walsh observed after watching HBO's documentary about allegedly transgender kids, crazy moms and weak or absent dads seem to lie at the center of many of these stories. Don't point and laugh at the crazy Canadians. This is where Democrats are pushing America, and it won't be funny at all when you find yourself in a cell with a big guy named Bruno because you called your son "he" or your daughter "she." Image: Postbreast mutilation surgery by Aiden Craver on Unsplash (cropped and labeled). Muslim leaders have hailed President Uhuru Kenyatta for respecting Adhan, an Islamic call to prayers, during the requiem mass of the late President John Magufuli in Dodoma, Tanzania. While eulogising the departed Head of State, Mr Kenyatta temporarily stopped his speech for two minutes from 12:53 pm to about 12:55 pm when he heard the Adhan. Adhan is normally recited by muezzin at a mosque five times a day summoning faithful for obligatory prayers. A muadhin is a man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque. He leads the call (adhan) five times a day. The leaders, led by the East Africa Community Cabinet Secretary Aden Mohammed, who accompanied President Kenyatta to Tanzania, praised the Head of State for pausing his speech during the call to prayer. "President Kenyatta paused his speech during a call to prayer "Adhan" from a neighbouring mosque at the Dodoma stadium during the late President Magufuli funeral function. He received a standing ovation for the respect from the crowd," said CS Mohammed on his Twitter handle. Respect Religious leaders led by Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya Organising Secretary Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said the Head of State showed utmost respect to the Muslim faithful by pausing his speech when he heard the call for Islamic prayers from the nearby mosque in Dodoma. "We thank President Kenyatta for representing Kenya in Tanzania. He has shown the East Africa Community chairmanship, love, unity and support. He does not discriminate. He has shown his respect for Muslims. It is a fact Mr Kenyatta knows God and he respects all denominations. He cares about Muslims and the faithful. He has shown respect to the religion," said Sheikh Khalifa. He said the President showed the utmost respect to Muslims worldwide by pausing during his speech. "He showed the world what Kenya stands for in terms of religion. Kenya is a God-fearing nation that respects all denominations and this is led by none other than our President," added Sheikh Khalifa. "Mr Kenyatta, a Christian honoured Adhaan an Islamic call to prayer a very important gesture," he added. Sheikh Khalifa said Mr Kenyatta has shown the world what religious tolerance entails. "He has shown the world what Kenya ascribes to; we are one country, one nation and as we approach the Holy Month of Ramadhan as Muslims in Kenya, want to thank him for the love and respect. We will pray for him to steer the EAC chairmanship in the right direction," he added. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Religion Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Other Kenyans took to social media to praise the Head of State for respecting the Adhan. "Respect to my President. Pausing his speech to let the Islamic call to prayer finish. That is beautiful to see. The Adhan is powerful. Hats off sir (sic)," said Ahmed Mohamed on Twitter. Hotelier Mohammed Hersi said Mr Kenyatta showed tremendous respect for Islam. "This is the sort of stuff that happens and only people who understand would make such a move. True tolerance. Ubarikiwe Mheshimiwa Rais State House Kenya," said Mr Hersi. Mr Taib Ali Taib Bajaber described Mr Kenyatta's gesture as beautiful. "How beautiful, for President Kenyatta of Kenya to have paused his speech during the late John Pombe Magufuli's memorial service at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma, Tanzania, in respect of the Muslim community's call for prayers known as Adhan. Heshima sio utumwa. That's our President," he said. On the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, Comcast today announced it will invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to further close the digital divide. This announcement coincides with the release of a 10-year progress report showing that, since 2011, the company has worked with its network of thousands of nonprofit partners to connect more than 10 million people in America to broadband Internet at home. An overwhelming majority of them were not connected prior to signing up. Comcasts commitment includes: Additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021. New laptop and computer donations. Grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship. Continued investment in the companys Internet Essentials program. The company estimates these commitments will affect as many as 50 million people over the next decade. In 2021 alone, Comcast said that students will be able to complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address what it called the homework gap at Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon. It said that it aims to have more than 1,000 community centers nationally connected with free WiFi by the end of the year. Among the Lift Zones across Pennsylvania are nine in the Reading area, which have been started through organizations such as Mifflin YMCA, Sinking Spring YMCA, United Community Services for Working Families, and Calvary United Church of Christ. Comcast said it has one opened in Dauphin County, at the YMCA on North 6th Street in Harrisburg, with several more locations being considered, the company said. Others are active in the Williamsport/Lock Haven area and in Pittsburgh. It noted that Lifetime Connects is being used by 290,000 households in Pennsylvania, the fourth-highest statewide total in the country. Among those, 11,000 are in Dauphin County, including 8,600 in Harrisburg, the company said. In addition to the connections it has provided through its Internet Essentials program, the 10-year progress report also highlights other key metrics about the program, including increasing the programs internet speed, developing an employee network of Internet Essentials ambassadors and offering 60 days of free Internet service to any new Internet Essentials customer who needed to get online during the pandemic. it also hs developed an Internet Essentials Partnership Program (IEPP) that has signed up hundreds of schools, school districts, and other organizations to help provide access to students during the pandemic. Those include the Harrisburg School District, Reading School District, Steinman Foundation in Lancaster, York City School District and the York Housing Authority, the company said. The company said it will continue to offer 60 days of free Internet service to new Internet Essentials customers who sign up before June 30. The fear, anxiety and stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on mental health. But a new study suggests these symptoms may be alleviated through safe and convenient online mindfulness practices. The study, which was recently published in the journal Global Advances in Health and Medicine, shows that an online mindfulness intervention may reduce momentary stress, anxiety and COVID-19 concern. At the onset of the pandemic, Rebecca Erwin Wells, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of neurology at Wake Forest School of Medicine, part of Wake Forest Baptist Health, and principal investigator for this study, recognized the tremendous impact of this pandemic on emotional health and wanted to evaluate how a safe, online mindfulness meditation strategy might help. In creating this study, Wells was inspired by Mindfulness for Milan, a program created by co-author Licia Grazzi, M.D., an Italian physician who led free daily mindfulness sessions to help the public manage stress and anxiety during lockdown. Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment, non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surrounding environment. We are all born with the capacity for mindfulness. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, and mindfulness meditation practice can help enhance this ability." Rebecca Erwin Wells, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine There were 233 participants from across the world in this non-randomized clinical trial, which included a pre-session survey, a single 15-minute online mindfulness meditation session and a post-session survey. The study ran from March to August 2020. Pre- and post-session surveys evaluated momentary stress, anxiety and COVID-19 concern. Most of the participants (63%) had never practiced mindfulness before, and 89% of participants said the session was helpful, and that the online platform was effective for practicing mindfulness. 76% of participants reported decreased anxiety, 80% reported decreased stress, and 55% had decreased COVID-19 concern. Of note, 21% of participants were retired, suggesting that age did not prevent accessibility. Participants were also surveyed on how they were helping others during the pandemic. Responses varied with common themes including following public health guidelines, conducting acts of service and connection such as reaching out to elderly neighbors, and self-care activities such as staying positive and calm. Investigators also assessed online mindfulness resources across time during the pandemic and found a 52% increase in search results of "Mindfulness + COVID" from May to August 2020. "People are searching for ways to help target the stress and anxiety of the pandemic," Wells said. "Mindfulness teachers and programs have expanded offerings, eliminated fees, and converted offerings to online to meet this huge need." According to Wells, the study shows that a virtual platform can be effective for practicing mindfulness. "We found that online mindfulness interventions may improve psychological health at a time of uncertainty. We were also encouraged by the survey responses, which showed a sense of connectedness and a desire to help others," Wells said. "Helping others during the pandemic demonstrates the beautiful capacity of the human spirit to find positivity despite the extraordinary negative circumstances." Wells said that additional research is needed to evaluate the pandemic's effects on post-traumatic growth, the positive psychological change experienced following a challenging life circumstance. 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 [March 24, 2021] Boone County Fiscal Court, Cincinnati Bell Partner to Offer County-Wide High-Speed Internet The Boone County Fiscal Court approved a partnership with Cincinnati Bell (News - Alert) Inc. on March 23, 2021, that will result in the development of a one gigabit high-speed broadband fiber network available to every address in the county. This robust fiber network will be deployed within an accelerated 24-36 month time frame. As access to reliable high speed internet has become an essential public service for residents and businesses to address work-from-home, virtual learning, telemedicine and many other essential daily activities, this partnership will ensure no areas of our county are left behind and will improve the quality of life for Boone County citizens now and into the future. The Boone County Fiscal Court's commitment of $13.6 million will leverage a Cincinnati Bell investment of more than $30 million to implement the project. The broadband expansion will place Boone County at the technological forefront as one of the very first county governments in the nation to deliver access to one gigabit high-speed broadband service to every address in its jurisdiction. A distinctive element of this project will include a last-mile, complete fiber build-out, capable of delivering speeds of one gigabyte. This access will be delivered via a state-of-the-art "Fiber to the Premise" network (FTTP). "Delivering access for every address in the County to high-speed service is critical in creating a high quality of life environment and positioning our county as a community of choice for residents and businesses," said Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore. "The partnership with Cincinnati Bell will leverage significant private capital investment that would not have been made without the commitment of the Fiscal Court, solidifying our position at the forefront of economic development, innovation and focusing on the needs of our citizens." Under erms of the partnership: Cincinnati Bell will expand its fiber network and offer one gigabit Internet service to every address in the county, expanding to more than 40,000 currently unserved and underserved business and consumer addresses. These consumer addresses will include both single-family residents as well as multi-dwelling units. The service will be delivered under a "Fiber First" strategy that is committed to utilizing a "Fiber to the Premise" network design, ostensibly installing fiber optic cable along every mile of road right-of way within Boone County. The fiber backbone will be designed to ensure capacity that will serve all future development, and technology upgrades. Cincinnati Bell will offer a Boone County Affinity Internet Package to every Boone County resident. UniCity, Cincinnati Bell's Smart City organization, will fund $500,000 worth of improvements to Boone County's public Wi-Fi infrastructure. UniCity works with communities to leverage technology applications that support business district vibrancy, neighborhood-based enhancements and public safety. Qualified K-12 students in Boone County will have access to discounted pricing programs for home-based internet as well as other subsidized broadband programs based on availability. Cincinnati Bell has a long history and progressive experience in providing and managing large and complex wireline and wireless projects. As the leading supplier of fiber-based services in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati Bell has invested more than $1 billion since 2010 into building a fiber network across the region. The Boone County initiative furthers the company's goal to find creative solutions toward providing high-quality fiber connections to all, particularly with respect to those who are unserved and under-served. "Internet connectivity is mission-critical to access jobs, educational opportunities, and health-care resources," said Tom Simpson, Chief Operating Officer of Cincinnati Bell. "We are excited about this partnership with Boone County, and appreciate the Fiscal Court's leadership in support of digital equity and equal access to high-speed broadband Internet." About Cincinnati Bell Inc. With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYSE: CBB) delivers integrated communications solutions to residential and business customers over its fiber-optic and copper networks including high-speed internet, video, voice and data. Cincinnati Bell provides service in areas of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Hawaii. In addition, enterprise customers across the United States and Canada rely on CBTS and OnX, wholly-owned subsidiaries, for efficient, scalable office communications systems and end-to-end IT solutions. For more information, please visit www.cincinnatibell.com. The information on the Company's website is not incorporated by reference in this press release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005849/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The latest season 4 episode of The Good Doctor, 'Teeny Blue Eyes,' contained a major twist for Shaun and Lea. On Monday, the medical drama series returned with a new episode, discovering that Paige Spara's character, Lea, is pregnant. Lea informed her boyfriend, Dr. Shaun Murphy, played by Freddie Highmore. Lea had previously informed the surgeon that she was expecting his child, with the show then delving into how they came to their decision. Lea confided in Claire after they talked their problems together, and Shaun spoke with Doctor Glassman. After reuniting and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of starting a family, Lea confessed that she had a lot of doubts and that the decision had been made. However, she later decided at the clinic that she couldn't go through with the abortion due to a last-minute change of heart. Paige Spara told TVLine that she was thrilled to see how Lea and Shaun would react to such sudden news. "Becoming pregnant has so many levels of emotions one goes through with themself and with their partner. To dive into something so deeply personal and life-changing." "In true Lea-and-Shaun form, we will be covering the experience true to the foundation of their relationship, which is [with] complete honesty," she said of future episodes for the couple. Read Also: 'Grey's Anatomy' Major Character Death Explained; Is DeLuca Returning On the Show? Spara also praised the storyline's handling by actor Highmore and executive producer David Shore. She explained that she wanted to make sure she was referring to all of Lea's feelings. "I feel that's important to convey - that all of these emotions can exist at the same time. [Lea] is genuinely trying to process not only her emotions, but what's best for the baby and Shaun's life as well." Season 4 of The Good Doctor premieres on ABC in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the show is broadcast on Sky Witness and NOW. Also Read: 'NCIS' Season 18: Special Episodes to Be Aired Amid Mark Harmon Leaving the Show Rumors See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 cleaning company has defended its decision to charge $18,000 to scrub an elderly hoarder's home filled with human faeces, dead rodents and 10-year-old rotting food. Crime Scene Cleaners was last month called in to scour a Palmerston North property, 143km north of Wellington, after the man who lived there died. The reclusive resident had left the home's floors covered in mounds of debris, surfaces caked in dirt and grime, and dishware soiled with food remnants. Three cleaners were sent from Auckland and Wellington to complete the heavy-duty three-day job of clearing rubbish and scrubbing down surfaces. A woman is disputing the cleaning bill for her father's Palmerston North home (pictured) after years of hoarding left the property covered in rubbish and soiled by rotting food and dead rats 'There was human excrement and urine, rodent droppings and carcasses, rotten food, food boxes that were more than 10 years old,' Crime Scene Cleaners Managing Director Carl Loader told the NZ Herald. But the man's daughter is disputing the bill after initial estimates placed the total cost of the job between $15,525 to $17,250. After receiving the $18,637 invoice, she discovered the price included $7750 for labour, $1245 for accommodation, $903 for PPE and $800 for meal allowances. In the estimate email, the cleaning company stated the fee would include all technician labour, travel expenses, skip hire, rubbish disposal, PPE, chemicals and disposable cleaning equipment. Although the woman understood workers would need to travel, she was blindsided by the cost of staff expenses and for waterblasting, which she asked to be included after the initial estimate had been issued. She said the bill also included a $500 'call out fee' that she was never told about and the price escalation felt like 'taking advantage of the situation'. Crime Scene Cleaners Managing Director Carl Loader explained the woman requested waterblasting after she had received the initial cost estimate. Pictured: The house after being scrubbed down 'He's not completely upfront - this is what you'll pay for and this is what it will cost,' the woman, who wished to remain anonymous to protect her father's reputation, said. 'When you are in that type of business, you need a certain amount of empathy and understanding and you need to be clear with people.' The complaint comes after another woman who used the same company to clean a car where her son had taken his life spoke out after being slapped with a $6300 bill. Maree Tinsley was charged $150 an hour for 27 hours, compared to the woman's $125 rate for 62 hours, and also received a call out fee of $250. Mr Loader has justified the cost in both circumstances, arguing he pays his cleaners well as they work hard and the job is emotionally and physically taxing. He said one staff member spent six days in Palmerston North, while his other two workers were there for two, with the away allowances including $80 a day for meals and other costs. The woman said she was blindsided by staff expenses on the bill (pictured) although she was aware workers would need to travel from out of town Several sets of PPE were also necessary, he said, due to the smell and risk of infection. As for Ms Tinsely, Loader said the car had been left sitting for days after his body was removed and there was a strong smell and bodily fluids. Crime Scene Cleaners, which operates in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch, was the company used by police to help clean the Al Noor Mosque after the Christchurch massacre in 2019. Graeme Stephens, the owner of Auckland Steam 'n' Dry which also cleans hoarders homes, said $10,000 plus GST was the highest price he had ever charged for a large two-storey home. However, he said it was a local job and did not include travel and accommodation costs. Audio Attachment: Listen to Allotey Jacobs Former Central Regional Chairman of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Allotey Jacobs has hurled javelin at the leadership of the party following their press statement that they have dismissed him from the party. About two weeks ago, Allotey Jacobs announced to Ghanaians that he has dismissed himself from the party, although not officially informing the party national executives. I no longer belong to the NDC . . . I know I have been suspended but I've dismissed myself. Im not going to join the NPP; I will never be an NPP member but I'm no longer with the NDC...", he said. Allotey's self-dismisssal came with mixed feelings since he was already suspended by the party for what the party termed as "anti-party conduct". NDC Sacks Allotey On Tuesday, March 24, 2021, the National Democratic Congress, in a press statement signed by its General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia stated that it has sacked Allotey Jacobs from the party. At our meeting on Wednesday 17th March 2021, the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC considered the report and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee on the case or misconduct and anti-party behaviour brought against you Mr. Allotey Jacobs pursuant to articles 48(I) (b) and 8 (b) of the NDC Constitution. The Committees report which is herein attached for your attention found you guilty of the said allegations of misconduct, anti-party conduct and recommended among other things your immediate expulsion from the party. The Functional Executive Committee acting in compliance of Article 48(1) of the NDC Constitution has unanimously adopted the report and accepts fully its recommendation for your expulsion from the party. You are therefore by the decision of FEC, expelled from the National Democratic Congress and for that matter no more recognized as a member of the party and cannot carry yourself as such," the statement read. The party also directed him to return any party property in his possession. You are by this letter and pursuant to Article 48(10) directed to return any party properties that may be in your custody and shall forfeit any money, dues or subscription fees made to the Party. NDC Mafias Exposing Themselves Responding to the party's statement, Allotey Jacobs described the leaders as 'gangalees' and further added that their decision smacks of mischief. "This is to expose themselves as 'ganglees'. They're exposing themselves. It's just to play a mischief. Because I announced on your noble platform that I have dismissed myself or sacked myself from the NDC, it was all over, newspapers, radio stations; a whole lot of interviews. That was two weeks ago; then, in their release, to the press or the media houses, they say they met on the 17th of March . . . so when they took a decision, made a recommendation to sack Allotey Jacob, it has taken them almost one week (to make it public)? You see there's mischief somewhere. It is all to stem the tide that is building up in the NDC. It is to stem the tide to assure their fanatic supporters around them that we have power," he fumed. On whether the party's decision has lowered his spirit, Allotey Jacobs energitically said, "I'm not perturbed because the Founder of the NDC has passed away and his wife, who helped designed the logo or emblem of the NDC, they have maltreated her and she has left the party. So, who am I, Allotey Jacobs? I'm nobody. I'm just an ordinary man walking on the streets.''He disclosed the mischief behind the NDC dismissing him even though he had already sacked himself from the party weeks ago before the party arriving at their decision."They gave me a chance to write a letter and I said I won't. The whole accusation is based on me saying that we have a mature President in this country and then, we have good leader in the person of Nana Akufo-Addo, and also that I keep on praising Bawumia," he revealed. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Quantgene, Inc. and CureMatch, Inc. are partnering to improve precisiontreatments and outcomes for patients diagnosed with cancer. Tweet this The CureMatch Decision Support System provides actionable intelligence to oncologists. CureMatch supports the doctor with therapy options matched specifically to a patient's unique molecular tumor profile. The clinical decision support system leverages proprietary algorithms, as well as curated clinical and scientific knowledge, and provides a matching score to help doctors identify combination and monotherapies for optimal cancer treatment. By combining both technologies, patients and oncologists can now get access to a turnkey solution that requires just a simple blood draw to match them to appropriate cancer therapies. Cancer patients can get results in as little as 3 weeks from a blood draw, to a Quantgene test result1 to a CureMatch report that informs their precision treatment. In addition to ensuring a successful combination of these two products, the companies will collaborate more closely on advancing Genomics and AI-guided oncology solutions. Jo Bhakdi, founder and CEO of Quantgene said of the partnership: "Deep Genomics and AI can be a game-changer for cancer patients. New combination treatments can significantly improve outcomes. But sadly until now, the majority of patients didn't have access to the genomics and AI technologies required to get there. Together with CureMatch, we can make precision treatment insights available to everyone through a simple blood draw." Navid Alipour, CEO of CureMatch added, "We are honored and excited to integrate with Quantene's innovations. Their ability to unlock the human genome and further inform our decision support system for oncology, complements the CureMatch precision medicine solution and supports our mission of helping to extend and save lives." To Learn more, please visit Quantgene.com and CureMatch.com . About Quantgene Quantgene, a Los Angeles, CA and Berlin, Germany based biotech startup, is building the future of medicine by combining Deep Genomics, Cloud and AI to deliver the next level of precision preventative medicine. With $20MM in capital raised, Quantgene has achieved cash flow positivity and rapid growth in record time. Its genomics platforms and business model innovations continue to redefine the possibilities for precision medicine and set new industry standards. By delivering the world's most advanced genomics, cloud and AI technologies, Quantgene is moving closer to its goal: To extend the healthy human lifespan by 10 years within the next 10 years. Quantgene.com About CureMatch CureMatch, a San Diego, CA company, is a leader in precision medicine digital solutions. Created to empower oncologists with world-class research, the CureMatch Decision Support System supports the doctor with therapeutic options that are personalized for individual patients based on the molecular profile of their tumor. www.CureMatch.com Note: Liquid Biopsy is a Laboratory Developed Tests that has not undergone FDA premarket review. SOURCE Quantgene Related Links quantgene.com Franz Stefan Gady, who used to date Stajnfeld and was living in Stockholm at the time, said within days she had provided him with an account of having been sexually assaulted by the older guy in the play. Stajnfeld said she told police and prosecutors last week the same details of her encounters with Lecic in the dressing room and at the house. But she had not gone to the authorities at the time, she said, because she feared her story would be leaked to the press and her career ruined. Instead, she booked a ticket to the United States where, in New York, she began to unravel. She had panic attacks and later considered suicide, but with the help of therapy and victim support groups, she became determined to overcome the trauma. She began interviewing and filming survivors, and what started as a 10-minute short ended up growing, over the course of three-and-a-half years, into her first feature-length film as a director. Stajnfeld said she never intended to insert her own story into her film, but after seeing the rough cut, she knew she had to include her experience too. For the sake of justice, for the sake of my healing, for the sake of other victims in the region, Im speaking out now, she said in the interview with The Times. The film is scheduled to screen at the Martovski film festival in Belgrade later this spring, she said, followed by a U.S. release. After the premiere of Stajnfelds film last summer, media commentators said she should be ashamed, that she had slept with a man to get a role, that she should name him or else be prosecuted, that she dishonored women who had really been raped, and that she looked too happy in a recent televised interview to have been a victim. [March 24, 2021] FourKites Secures $100M Series D Funding from Thomas H. Lee Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, Volvo Group Venture Capital and Zebra Technologies to Infuse Global Supply Chains with Real-Time Visibility CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FourKites , the #1 real-time supply chain visibility platform, today announced a new $100 million Series D financing round. The growth financing is led by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. (THL), with participation from Qualcomm Ventures, LLC , Volvo Group Venture Capital AB and Zebra Technologies , as well as existing investors August Capital , CEAS Investments , Hyde Park Angels , Hyde Park Venture Partners and Bain Capital Ventures , bringing total capital raised to over $200 million. The funding heralds the advent of a new era in supply chain management, where automated, interconnected and collaborative global supply chains spanning transportation, warehouses, stores, trucks and more are powered and optimized by real-time visibility data and machine learning. As the market leader, FourKites is operating at significant scale, and has the worlds biggest brands as loyal and growing customers, said THL Managing Director Mike Kaczmarek, who will join the FourKites Board of Directors. FourKites will continue to benefit from secular mega-trends, such as automation penetration and increased supply chain complexity. We are thrilled to lead this funding round as part of our vision to invest in companies that will steer the future of supply chain automation. FourKites pioneered real-time supply chain visibility in 2014 and has since built the worlds largest platform that helps leading brands track their shipments across every mode of transportation (road, rail, ocean, air) and uses machine learning to predict exact times of arrival. This helps organizations lower operating costs, improve on-time performance and create better customer relationships. The FourKites network boasts: 500+ of the worlds biggest brands, including 9 of the top-10 CPG companies and 18 of the top-20 F&B companies, and industry giants such as Walmart Canada, The Dow Chemical Company, Eastman, Meijer, PetSmart, The Michaels Companies, Land OLakes, Coca-Cola, AB InBev, Constellation Brands and 3M 1 million+ sipments tracked daily, with over 120% YoY growth 6.4 million connected facilities, with 70% YoY growth 140% YoY increase in tracking ocean and rail shipments 450,000 connected carriers in 176 countries across road, rail, ocean, air, and courier Together with its new investors, FourKites is now ready to fuel a broader vision for the future of digital supply chains one that connects the physical and digital worlds of warehouses, stores and transportation with real-time data and machine learning. Recent supply chain disruptions precipitated by the pandemic have accelerated the move to real-time transportation visibility platforms (RTTVPs) , prompting Gartner to predict that 50% of leading global enterprises will have invested in real-time transportation visibility solutions by 2023.1 The increasing adoption of IoT solutions is ushering in a new breed of valuable logistics management tools that deliver real-time end-to-end visibility, said Carlos Kokron, Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Managing Director at Qualcomm Ventures. FourKites has become a leader in real-time supply chain visibility by improving inventory management and reducing shipping costs to deliver better customer service. Were excited to invest in FourKites to innovate chip-to-cloud solutions for the supply chain industry. "Real-time visibility will be a cornerstone for supply chains in the future, said Dan Tram, Investment Director of Volvo Group Venture Capital. Were excited to invest in FourKites as part of our vision to bring new solutions to market, improve sustainable transportation, and build the next-generation ecosystem of connected trucks and shippers. There is tremendous customer and vision alignment between FourKites and Zebra, said Tony Palcheck, managing director of Zebra Ventures, Zebra Technologies. Our collective customers want real-time visibility into their goods and assets throughout the journey from the manufacturing facility to the end location. Investing in a proven solution provider such as FourKites extends Zebra Technologies capability to help our customers achieve asset visibility, and unlock new levels of performance and customer service. Tracking items in the warehouse or distribution center, as well as over the air, sea or road, and analyzing the options to determine best next actions, will empower our customers to better serve their customers. In 2020 alone, FourKites delivered more than 120 new products and features , including a number of industry-firsts such as multimodal end-to-end purchase order tracking ; Appointment Manager SM , an automated appointment scheduling platform for facilities, shippers and carriers; and a new software category Dynamic Yard that extends visibility into warehouses and yards. And in a recent assessment of more than 250 companies by leading research and consulting firm Everest Group, FourKites was the only supply chain visibility provider among 30 AI Trailblazers transforming business processes with artificial intelligence, recognized for its advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that predict shipment ETAs and anticipate supply chain congestion based on billions of data points. This latest funding round, following a year of record growth for FourKites, validates our vision of breaking down the barriers across todays supply chains between transportation, warehouses, stores and siloed technology systems, said Mathew Elenjickal, founder and CEO of FourKites. We look forward to partnering with our investors to enable true end-to-end visibility and unlocking tremendous value for the entire ecosystem. About FourKites FourKites is the #1 supply chain visibility platform in the world, extending visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and beyond. Tracking more than 1 million shipments daily across road, rail, ocean, air, parcel and courier, and reaching 176 countries, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitize their end-to-end supply chains. More than 500 of the worlds most recognized brands including 9 of the top-10 CPG and 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies trust FourKites to transform their business and create more agile, efficient and sustainable supply chains. To learn more about FourKites, visit https://www.fourkites.com . Media Contact: Marianna Vyridi Big Valley Marketing for FourKites (650) 468-3263 mvyridi@bigvalley.co __________________________ 1 Gartner, Market Guide for Real-Time Transportation Visibility Platforms, Bart De Muynck, 25 February 2020. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd4a8420-84a1-4f61-91ec-35330b1cd97b Australias east-coast gas exporters have failed to meet a deadline to make progress on a voluntary code of conduct aimed at stamping out poor selling practices and bringing down energy prices for gas-intensive manufacturers. In its push for a gas-fired economic recovery from COVID-19, the Morrison government had set a February deadline for gas giants to agree on a new set of rules that gives more bargaining power to buyers and addresses long-held complaints that their domestic customers are being charged more than their customers overseas. Australia is the worlds biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas. Credit:Glenn Campbell Amazingly, we are now at the end of March and users have yet to see a copy of the code, said Rod Sims, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). This is an unacceptable outcome and, I would have thought, completely at odds with the governments expectation. 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. Simon Bourke: "This is the world we live in now, where common sense is at a premium and debate isnt permitted." Some will say we've had it our own way for too long, that this prolonged day of reckoning is long overdue. For generations, centuries, millennia, ages, it's been a man's world - albeit one which wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl - and now our time is up. Society has awoken and declared it's had enough of our shite, enough of us strutting round with lust in our loins, hunger in our eyes, and privilege oozing out of our orifices. And it is right to do so. Women have been objectified, pigeon-holed, mistreated, and, in many instances, abused, bullied, and silenced by men since the dawn of time. This awakening reached new, compelling heights with the #MeToo movement as a slew of sexual predators were exposed, publicly shamed and hung out to dry. Weinstein, Cosby, Epstein, Nassar, monsters who used their position of authority to prey on the vulnerable, got what was coming to them and, in a role reversal, their victims, once cowed and contrite, became the all-powerful, the almighty. They faced down their tormentors and saw them for what they really were: miserable, pathetic weasels. It wasn't just the rich and famous either, everywhere you looked men were being called out, forced to rethink their attitudes, reassess their behaviour. Even those of us who believed we were absolute gents, an absolute pleasure and delight, had to take a look inside our souls and ask whether we had always behaved appropriately towards the no-longer fairer sex. And then it got silly. Having spawned the #MeToo movement and brought about real, significant change, the Internet did what is always does and went too far. It asked that we no longer be men, that we purge ourselves of testosterone and frolic through the fields, hand-in-hand, daisy-chains in our hair, toenails painted pink, singing Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want To Have Fun. Refusal to do so would see us labelled as toxic and result in a life of bitter, sexless solitude. That was how it felt anyway. The apogee came when with the creation of the word 'womxn', an alternative to the traditional, and now outdated, 'woman' - because any word which contained 'man' was innately patriarchal. Knowing better than to argue with the womxn, we held our counsel, refused to get drawn on debates about the gender neutrality of the Potato Head family, remembered not to manspread in public places, and kept our eyes and thoughts to ourselves. And we'd still be there, sat on the fence (cross-legged of course) were it not for one of the Healy-Raes. But before we discuss Michael's heroic intervention let us examine the source material. It came courtesy of Minister of State, Josepha Madigan, TD, who, in her column for The Irish Mirror, suggested The Kerryman change its name to The Kerry Person. Firstly, why is one of our politicians writing an opinion column in a national tabloid? Is the pulpit in Dail Eireann not big enough? Secondly, in her piece she states, rather presumptuously, that she is 'sure the great many Kerry women who read the paper would appreciate a change.' Would they? Anyone who's ever met a Kerry woman will be well aware of their ability to speak for themselves, if ever a time comes when they're unhappy with The Kerryman, or indeed anything, they won't be long about letting everyone know. Thankfully Micheal Healy-Rae cut through the nonsense, describing Minister Madigan's argument as 'political correctness gone mad' and 'absolute balderdash of the worst type'; allowing the rest of us to breath a collective sigh of relief. Because if he hadn't spoken on behalf of all sane people who would have? Probably no-one. Instead the Minister's comments would have gained traction online, a petition would have been set up (by people living thousands of miles away) and before you knew it there'd be an angry mob threatening to boycott The Kerryman, despite not actually knowing what is was or having any means of purchasing it. This is the world we live in now, where common sense is at a premium and debate isn't permitted. It may no longer be a man's world, but at least one man has survived. Panaji, March 24 : Digging beneath the glossy veneer of Goa, depicted through tourism brochures and social media influencer posts, 'Kaajro', the National Award winning Konkani film, highlights the less discussed issue of caste discrimination in the coastal state often billed as a coastal paradise. According to Dr. Prakash S. Parienkar, a Konkani writer, whose story the award winning film is based on, caste discrimination is very much a reality in Goa, but added that the film is a universal commentary on discrimination on the basis of caste and class. 'Kaajro' is a story of Tilgya, who is born to an untouchable caste. While his village is celebrating the annual festival of Dassehra, marking the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana i.e. good over bad, Tilgya's ailing wife, Gokula, dies. But Tilgya is not allowed to perform his traditional role of playing a dholuk (a local drum) during the ritual and procession, and he is forced to leave the village with his wife's dead body and burn the corpse under the shade of a tree called 'Kaajro', also called a 'Bitter Tree'. While Goa rests in the upper echelons of social indices ranking vis-a-vis health, education, etc, among Indian states, the coastal state's hinterland often throws up ugly instances of caste discrimination, whether it is cremation of Dalits in villages or access to water bodies or public wells to members of the Scheduled Caste communities. In 2002, a Hindu priest was also driven out of Khazane village in North Goa, by members of a temple committee at Khazane village, for officiating the wedding of a Dalit couple. "I was born and brought up in the rural area of Sattari, in Goa. I have seen and observed so many such incidents right from my childhood. I have also faced minor instances of discrimination when I was studying in school," Parienkar, an associate professor of Konkani at the Goa University states. "One such incident occurred in Pernem sub district 12 years back. It was a big issue in the state of Goa then," he said. The film, Parienkar however says, was aimed at making a broader statement on the issue of social discrimination and not just limited to the geographical confines of Goa. "The issue of caste discrimination is not only prevalent in Goa, you will find it across the country in different forms. It occurs all over the world. We even have class discrimination in advanced countries like USA, Africa and Europe," Parienkar said. "You will find this type of discrimination at all levels of life. We cannot pinpoint one particular community or class. There are social, religious, economical and political inequalities among us too," he also said. She is the self-professed gangsters' moll who married a mobster and then wound up in prison for life for the murder of her hard-man lover. But Linda Calvey has turned her own experiences in the underworld into the basis for her new career - and as she launches her debut novel she insists that is thrilled to be finally making an honest living out of crime. Calvey, who has been nicknamed the 'Black Widow', once led an armed robbery gang and was the only woman to be imprisoned for gangland murder - but she says she now lives a quiet life as a doting granny. In an interview on the Crime World podcast, Calvey tells all about her extraordinary life amongst some of London's most high-profile gangsters and reveals how she refused marriage proposals from a host of well-known criminals. And she says that she is now putting her own experiences to good use by creating fictional characters for her new novel The Locksmith about a woman who makes her way up the ranks of organised crime. "Nowadays I just look back and think 'was that a real person?' All my characters are loosely based on people that I have met or know. Even the horrible ones, the people I have met through time, and each person in my book is based on an actual person. Maybe 20 per cent is that person and the other 80 per cent is fiction around them, so it's a bit of a mix," she says. "Unfortunately in a lot of ways I have the life experience to go back on. I was a gangsters' moll and I'm not any more. I'm now a legitimate author and I live a quiet life with my family. I see my son and daughter and my grandchildren regularly and my brothers and my sisters. "And all my family have stayed very close to me and at times I wonder why. I'm sure over the years they felt like pulling their hair out but they have all stayed really close to me and they all love me and I love them dearly. And now they are very proud to say that Linda has done a book." Now in her seventies, Linda Calvey has certainly had a life less ordinary. Convicted of murder, jailed with Myra Hindley and Rose West she is no ordinary pensioner. She was just a young child when she remembers being first tempted by the lure of money. "I saw a lady sitting with a fur coat in a Rolls Royce. I looked at her and I thought 'one day I'm gonna have a fur coat and a car like that.' Ironically, it wasn't until I met my last husband that I got the 'roller' and he collected me from prison, but I had plenty of furs before that." Linda's first husband, armed robber Mickey Calvey, was the love of her life. He was shot dead by police during a botched raid, leaving her a young widow with two small kids. She says that was the catalyst to turn her into a criminal as she knew she would have to provide for her children the way her husband once had. It was during underworld fundraisers to support her after his death that she met her second partner. Ronnie Cook was a friend of Ronnie and Reggie Kray and an associate of Freddie Foreman. He was charming but he was also a violent psychopath who took what he wanted and that included women. Read More "People were telling me to be careful but he was persistent. He made it clear that I was his girlfriend. He showered me with gifts. He put a diamond ring on my finger and said that it meant I belonged to him," she says. In her previous book Meet the Black Widow about her life in crime she describes Cook as being a psychopath who was often violent to her. After 18 months together he was jailed but expected her to wait for him as he served a 16-year jail term for a Brinks robbery. Linda says she turned to armed robbery herself to make ends meet and found out she was pretty good at it. She ran a gang of criminals and partook in more than 20 major robberies but she wound up getting her first prison sentence while her boyfriend was also behind bars. The seven years she was given was the longest sentence in Holloway at the time. Expand Close Linda married Daniel Reese in prison. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Linda married Daniel Reese in prison. In her interview Linda says she did the time without complaint as she had 'done the crime'. After her release, Cook began enjoying parole days and during one of those he was shot dead in the kitchen of her home. She claims the hitman, Daniel Reese, killed Cook to save her son from harm and later married the killer in prison as they both served life sentences for the murder. Although she insists she didn't know he was going to kill Cook and had nothing to do with the murder, she spent a total of 18 years in prisons in the UK for the crime. In jail she became child killer Myra Hindley's hairdresser but tells Crime World how she hated her fellow lag. Behind bars she received marriage proposals from jailed Ronnie Kray and the notorious Charles Manson. She married and divorced her co-accused Daniel Reece, a convicted sex attacker, and just before her release caught the eye of one last man -the only one not involved in criminality. Millionaire businessman George Caesar drove a Rolls Royce and fell for Linda the first time he saw her while she was on day release in 2008. When she got out of jail the pair married and, she says, had a loving relationship until he died in 2015 - leaving her a widow once again. She recounts her incredible life story on this week's Crime World with Nicola Tallant. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Members of the National Guard walk through U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington on Feb. 13, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Marine Corps Officer Warns Congress Against Classifying Christians in Military as Religious Extremists A slide used in a Department of Defense (DOD) training manual identifies Catholics and evangelical Christians as religious extremists, along with members of the Ku Klux Klan, al-Qaeda, and Hamas, according to a Marine Corps officer. First Liberty also obtained a screenshot of an unclassified slide from a U.S. Army training manual. The slide is entitled Religious Extremism and it purports to identify religious extremists, Michael Berry told the House Armed Services Committee, during a hearing on March 24 titled Extremism in the Military. Berry is general counsel to the First Liberty Institute (FLI), a Plano, Texas-based public interest law firm that specializes in First Amendment and religious freedom cases. Berry is also an officer in the Marine Corps Reserves, although he presented his testimony in his capacity as a civilian. Included among those listed are al-Qaeda, Hamas, and the Ku Klux Klan as groups that use or advocate violence to accomplish their objectives and are therefore rightly classified as extremists, Berry told the committee. But also included are Evangelical Christianity and Catholicism, who most assuredly do not advocate violence. Surely, the fact that Evangelical Christians and Catholics hold fast to millennia-old views on marriage and human sexuality does not make them extremists who are unfit to serve. At a time of turmoil and instability, during which our nation faces many external threats, [this] message is inappropriate and offensive to our service members and those they defend. The training manual that Berry referred to is used in Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austins recently ordered stand-down to identify and root out extremists in the U.S. military. Austins order came in the wake of the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol, in which some of the participants were military veterans. Austin said, in a DOD video explaining his reasons for the stand-down that all military members in each of the branches are required to view, that there is not a single doubt in my mind that you take seriously your oath to the Constitution and that you serve this country with honor and dignity and character. Even so, according to Austin in the video, the stand-down is needed because of extremism and extremist ideology, views, and conduct that runs counter to everything that we believe in. Austin claimed in the video that the presence of extremist views is not new to our country and, sadly, its not new to our military. He didnt provide in the video any examples of such individuals. The training materials used in Austins stand-down and presented by Berry during the hearing purported to present credible descriptions of extremist ideologies, conduct, reasoning, and identifying characteristics. Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) told the hearing in his opening statement: If you serve in the military, you pledge an oath to the U.S. Constitution and to the laws of this country. If you disagree with that Constitution and you disagree with the laws of this country so strongly that you no longer think our government is legitimate, then you have no business serving in the U.S. military and you should get out now. Two issues were particularly prominent in witness testimony and committee members comments, the lack of credible data about the extent of any extremism in the ranks, and the lack of what constitutes impermissible expression of views and actions on behalf of those views. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the panels top Republican, told the hearing at the outset that it is important to point out that we lack any concrete evidence that violent extremism is as rife in the military as some commentators claim. Rogers said extremism was a factor in the separation of only nine soldiers from the U.S. Army in 2020, and he noted that since 2018, 17 Marines have been separated for extremism, gang or separatist activities. Thats 17 out of 200,000. While I agree that this number ought to be zero, this is far from the largest military justice issue facing our armed services, Rogers said. Earlier this year, 151 overwhelmingly liberal organizations, including Human Rights Watch, the ACLU, and SPLC Action [Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund], urged Congress not to expand domestic terrorism charges. The organizations said, We urge you to oppose any new domestic terrorism charge, the creation of a list of designated domestic terrorist organizations, or other expansion of existing terrorism-related authorities. The committee heard from only two other witnesses, Audrey Kurth Cronin, an American University professor of international security, and Lecia Brooks, chief of staff for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a liberal advocacy group often criticized by conservatives for defining extremism so broadly as to include conventional political groups that clearly are not. The newest Republican member of the committee, Rep. Pat Fallon of Texas, pointed out that recently the Washington Post, the New York Times, Politico, NPR, and the New Yorker magazine, just to name a few, skewered the SPLC for, among other things, corruption, harassment, racism, and a widening credibility gap. Fallon also noted that Cronin claimed 37 of those arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol were either U.S. military veterans or reservists. There are 18 million U.S. military veterans. Thirty-four were rioters. This means that 17,999,966 of us were not. Thats one out of 529,000, Fallon said. Smith rejected Fallons comments, however, as logically absurd because veterans arrested during or after the Jan. 6 riot dont represent the full scope of the problem. We dont know how large a problem this is. Thats why were having this hearing, Smith said. Cronin told the committee in response to a question from Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) that recruitment efforts by extremist groups targeting active and retired military individuals is indeed becoming an increasing problem. Asked by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) for his view on the use of lists of prohibited organizations, Berry said: They can be dangerous. Labeling evangelical Christians and Catholics as extremists is opening Pandoras box. Rep. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) expressed concern that a DOD effort against extremism will play into the hands of Chinese Communist Party efforts to damage the U.S.s image overseas. There is an active propaganda campaign being prosecuted by the Chinese Communist Party right now attempting to portray our country as an evil racist hellscape with no authority to lecture them on human rights. I worry that we may be playing into our adversarys hands, and I do worry it will undermine our ability to fight and win wars in the future, Waltz said. Smith concluded the hearing by saying there are demagogues on both sides and that he is very concerned about over-reactions. If we are targeting people and shutting them off from jobs and everything for something they said 20 years ago. Theres no reference point, no structure to that and it becomes just this excuse to shove your point of view down somebodys throat, he said. 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. A Wegmans location in Upstate New York has reopened after closing Tuesday due to a large number of protesters marking the anniversary of Daniel Prudes fatal encounter with police. Hundreds of activists marked Daniels Day to demand justice for Prude, a Black man who was unarmed and naked when Rochester police officers handcuffed him, put a hood over his head and then pressed his body against the pavement until he stopped breathing March 23, 2020. Prude was taken off life support a week later, and outrage ensued six months later when body camera video showed the full incident. The Democrat & Chronicle reports community members and groups like Free The People Roc, The Arc of Justice, and the Community Justice Initiative, joined together Tuesday to demand justice for Prudes death. They marched in the streets, shutting down traffic, and then spent hours outside a Wegmans store located on East Ave. in Rochester; the store closed its doors around 11 a.m. with customers still inside before allowing them to leave. Our East Ave. store in Rochester, NY is currently closed due to protest activity taking place outside of the store, Wegmans said in a statement early Tuesday afternoon. At this time, no customers remain in the store, and the doors will remain closed. Our number one priority is the safety of our employees and customers. The Wegmans store did not reopen until 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Rochester-based grocery store chain. Prudes death had no connection to Wegmans, but Free the People Rochester leader Ashley Gantt said they targeted the store for a demonstration because uniformed Rochester Police Department officers are used as security in some stores. Wegmans is a system that upholds white supremacy, Gantt said, according to the D&C. Anthony Hall, a youth gang intervention specialist whos running for Rochester City Council, told the newspaper that they also intended to stop commerce and inconvenience people. Wegmans is a large business in Monroe County, Hall said. This is the only Wegmans in the city limits, but its not accessible to the city residents. Hopefully, (Wegmans CEO) Danny Wegman talks with the Mayor and City Council because this affected him today. We want people to be inconvenienced because Daniel Prudes family has suffered a great loss. Justin Morris, president of the Rochester chapter of the Arc of Justice, told the Democrat & Chronicle that Wegmans exemplifies whats wrong in our community, blaming the popular supermarket chain for closing smaller stores in inner cities, including four in Rochester since 1995. The East Avenue store is the only location still operating within Rochesters city limits. Put your stores back in urban communities, Morris said. Commit to bringing something nutritious into the community that isnt supplied by Foodlink or some secondary food supply. Unrest has continued since New York Attorney General Letitia James announced last month that the Rochester cops involved in Prudes death will not face charges. James said her office presented the strongest case possible to the grand jury, but couldnt persuade it that the officers had committed a crime. She said Prudes family and the Rochester community are rightfully disappointed by the outcome and condemned a system that she said had frustrated efforts to hold law enforcement officers accountable for the unjustified killing of African Americans. Rochester Police Department officers Troy Taladay, Paul Ricotta, Francisco Santiago, Andrew Specksgoor, Josiah Harris and Mark Vaughn, along with Sgt. Michael Magri, were suspended after Prudes death became public in September. The officers remain on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. An outside investigation, completed earlier this month, blamed Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and former police chief LaRon Singletary for keeping critical details of the case secret for months and lying to the public about what they knew. The report, commissioned by Rochesters city council, said Warren knew officers used physical restraint on the day of the incident, and that she, Singletary and others knew Prude had died of homicide, caused by complications of asphyxia in the setting of physical restraint, in April. Our East Ave. Wegmans will reopen tomorrow 3/24 at 6 am. Wegmans Food Markets (@Wegmans) March 23, 2021 The group is eating pizza and listening to music. Leaders say they picked Wegman's because uniformed RPD officers are used as security in stores, and in order to disrupt commerce. Everyone in the store has been cleared out. pic.twitter.com/S4qlDZK0mV Atyia Collins (@Atyia_Collins) March 23, 2021 Heres some raw video of protesters trying to make their way in the Wegmans. This is the entrance near the pharmacy. East Ave Wegmans. #roc pic.twitter.com/tamFWUfkYc scott barstow (@barstow_scott) March 23, 2021 NOW IN ROCHESTER: More than 200 people have walked more than 2 miles with plans to disrupt. Theyre approaching East Ave Wegmans. #DanielPrude pic.twitter.com/3e45DRfU7e Michael_Schwartz (@MSchwartzWHAM) March 23, 2021 Nairobi Health experts in Kenya are reporting a jump in confirmed cases of COVID-19, with hospitals struggling to find enough beds for patients needing treatment. Kenyan authorities are calling on people to protect against the virus as a third wave hits the nation. Kenya has recorded more than 14,000 COVID-19 positive cases since March 1, including more than 1,100 cases and 25 deaths on Tuesday. That's 14% of all infections since authorities announced the first case just over a year ago. Thirty-four-year-old Gaston Wabomba's mother tested positive for COVID-19 last week. It took him 12 hours to secure a bed for his mother, who is short of breath and had to part with $1,000 before she was admitted to a hospital in Nairobi. "We are on a 24/7 oxygen supply every single day. We are supposed to pay 24,000 for oxygen alone," Wabomba said. "They charge 1,000 shillings every hour and other medical bills. So our total comes to about 100,000-115,000 on average every single day since Tuesday last week. So she is not stable as yet. Today she's been moved to a ventilator, but you can only hope for the best, we can only hope." Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Chief Administrative Secretary at the health ministry Rashid Aman called out health centers charging a lot of money to treat COVID-19 patients. "This is not only unethical and callous but also unacceptable. I wish to remind our healthcare providers, both private and public, that we are in a pandemic and this being the case it's not the time to punish our people through some self-seeking money minting opportunistic escapade," Aman said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Some Kenyan medical workers spoke of being overwhelmed with people seeking treatment in their facilities and urged people to follow health protocols to limit the virus's spread. Kenya recently began vaccination the population. The country has received 1.1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine but only 40,000 people have received jabs. Chibanzi Mwachonda is the secretary-general of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union. He worries the vaccination drive is going too slow. "There has been vaccine hesitancy and low uptake, and this is because there was no involvement of the health workers union associations before the rollout and also lack of adequate communication sensitization and awareness on the COVID vaccine," Mwachonda said. "In as much as healthcare workers understand the vaccine, let us also remember that we have had a long period of vaccine misconception, so it's important that we engage the health workers even as we continue with the vaccination." Meanwhile, Kenya has eased COVID-19 restrictions, schools are open, businesses are open, and worshipers are allowed in the places of worship. Dr. David Sang, an epidemiologist, says people returning to normalcy is to blame for the increased cases. "And also because of the numbers, the numbers also matter because you expect some increased mortality," he said. Overall, Kenya has seen 123,000 positive cases and more than 2,000 deaths since the pandemic began a year ago. Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 50 Master's in Higher Education Degree Programs for 2021. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 207 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 207 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 Higher Education Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-higher-education-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Higher Education Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Andrews University Angelo State University Appalachian State University Bay Path University Capella University Central Washington University Colorado State University Dakota Wesleyan University Dallas Baptist University Drexel University Endicott College Fort Hays State University Georgia Southern University Grace College and Seminary Harvard University Hofstra University Indiana State University Indiana University Bloomington Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Messiah College Michigan State University Mississippi College Morgan State University National University North Park University Northcentral University Northern Arizona University Ohio State University Pennsylvania State University Post University Purdue University Global Sam Houston State University Southern New Hampshire University State University of New York, Stony Brook Texas A&M University, Commerce Texas Tech University Tiffin University University of California, Los Angeles University of Central Florida University Of Florida University of Houston University of Louisville University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of Nebraska, Lincoln University of Rochester University of Wisconsin, La Crosse Walden 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/. A man accused of threatening to shoot Brisbane paramedics will face court on Thursday charged with serious assault. Police allege a man was being treated by paramedics on Waterford Road, Ellen Grove, south-west of Brisbane about 2pm Wednesday, when he became aggressive and threatened to shoot the paramedics. The man returned to his car parked nearby and retrieved a weapon, causing the paramedics to withdraw to safety, police said. The man was taken into custody after police responded to the incident, with officers finding a loaded speargun in the mans car. The 52-year-old Silkstone man was charged with five counts of serious assault of an ambulance officer. Avon and Somerset police chief constable Andy Marsh has stated individuals involved in violence at the "Kill the Bill" demonstration in Bristol could expect severe consequences as he revealed five arrests had been made so far. He remarked it would not have been practical or probable to have made more on the night given the number of people involved. 'Kill the Bill' Protest According to Marsh, "it wouldn't have been practical or possible to have made more on the night given the volume of people involved. Rest assured, by the end of today we will be releasing pictures of some of the people we want. There will be a huge investigation. I do expect very serious consequences for those involved," reported Cotswold Journal. Rioters who attempted to set fire to a Bristol police van while officers were still inside could be filed attempted murder charges once they are identified. Detectives are observing hundreds of hours of video footage from the Sunday evening disturbances that left the 21 injured. Eight people have already been taken into custody. Six were arrested for violent disorder, and two were arrested for possession of an offensive weapon. According to Avon and Somerset Police, the probing could result in the largest number of photos for wanted suspects in the force's history. Over one hundred police officers and civilian staff are now working on probing into the brutal events in Bristol. The injuries were provoked after a few hundred people gathered outside Bridewell Police Station after the conclusion of the "Kill the Bill" protest, reported B24/7. The Government's Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was voted through by MPs. This resulted in a disruption in Parliament in the wake of the Met Police crackdown on a Sarah Everard vigil. The Labor Party had initially planned to abstain from the legislation but voted against it. It contended that a number of its measures to provide police powers to handle demonstrators could be applied to similar vigils and peaceful events in the future. This threatens the right to protest, reported Telegraph. Tearful Pelosi: Congress Members Who Were Accomplices to Capitol Siege May Be Prosecuted "Kill the Bill" is the chorus that has echoed through the United Kingdom's streets in recent weeks. This is as demonstrators demand a rethinking of a sweeping crime bill that would provide the police more power to deal with non-violent protests. Violent events tarnished the Bristol demonstration that saw a police station attacked, officers injured, and vehicles set alight. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has denounced the scenes as "unacceptable." According to Home Secretary Priti Patel, thuggery and chaos would never be tolerated. A police officer experienced a collapsed lung after being stamped on by protesters. Another one had his arm broken. Police vans were set alight, and the police station came under attack, with the glass windows being shattered by masked protesters who failed to gain entry. What started out quietly on Sunday afternoon turned ugly after hundreds of protesters marched from College Green to the New Bridewell police station. The Major Crime Investigation Team is leading the inquiry to trace those accountable for the violence and damage. Man Who Posed for Photos in Nancy Pelosi's Office Arrested @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. CHESHIRE, Ore.-- The family of Stephen Bream, a murder victim in Cheshire, is speaking out after he was found dead in his girlfriend's home Tuesday. He is referred to by his loved ones as "Perry." "He was always willing to extend himself to everyone. He was probably one of the most open, friendliest, giving people that I know," his nephew, Richard Bethune said. Photo by The News-Review Photo by The News-Review Bethune also a accounted an instance where Bream assisted his family on a sailing trip in which treacherous waters nearly capsized the boat, and placed the family's life at risk. "He was the main reason we made it back alive," Bethune said. Perry also dedicated his spare time to activism. Fighting for the causes he felt were right. "He took on a lot of causes related to equality, democracy, being very much aligned to his progressive values," Bethune said. Bream's niece wrote on Twitter that her uncle had his faults but didn't deserve to be killed. Wednesday, KEZI obtained a restraining order Bream filed against the suspect Travis Crum. In his own hand, Bream described the terrifying scene: His girlfriend's son had stormed into his bedroom in the middle of the night, threatening to throw the 73-year-old out the window. Bream wrote about meth, violence, and physical abuse. In his application for a restraining order, Bream said Crum had lived in the home since May 2019. When asked on the form when and where the alleged abuse took place, he simply wrote: "[F]or many weeks at home." Crum's mother and a second man also filed a similar order, saying they, too, were afraid of Crum. Lane County Judge Jay McAlpin signed the order and it was apparently served on March 17. Crum was ordered to stay at least 150 feet from the residence in the 25000 block of Hall Road. Six days later, Bream was dead. Now Crum, 52, sits in the Lane County jail, charged with second-degree murder in Bream's death. He was arrested Tuesday night after residents reported a man matching Crums description throwing sticks at passing vehicles on Highway 36 near milepost 18. "Travis Crum killed his mother's boyfriend," Lt. DJ Mann of the Lane County sheriff's department, said. "That was the connection." But that wasn't Crum's first interaction with Lane County deputies. According to Bream's application for a restraining order, Crum was arrested on the property on March 13 after striking another man, who was 74. Crum was taken to the hospital where drugs were allegedly discovered in his system. Meanwhile, the residents of the small community of Cheshire say they're in disbelief. "Violence like that hardly ever happens in a community like this," Darren Hanauska said. Sheriff's deputies are still looking for a 2004 dark gold Dodge Caravan with Oregon license plate 975 ESN. The van may have blue painters tape on the hood and fenders. Anyone who spots the van is asked to call 541-682-4150. If you or someone you know is being abused. Call 1-855-503-7233 to reach the hotline for Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse. If it's an emergency, call 911. Lucknow, March 24 : The Islamic Centre of India has issued an advisory for the upcoming Shab-e-Baraat festival which falls on March 28, the same day as Holi. Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, head of the Islamic Centre of India, in a nine-point advisory, has asked Muslims to be vigilant and respectful as the festival of Holi coincides with Shab-e-Baraat. The advisory also calls for following Covid norms at all cemeteries and places of worship to be visited on Shab-e-Baraat and be careful not to create unwanted situations as 'Holika Dahan' will be celebrated the same evening. "Those visiting cemeteries to pray for their dead family members should do so early in the evening and return as soon as possible. We have to keep in mind that with Holika Dahan people will also start playing with colours and it is best to avoid getting caught in an unpleasant situation as both the festivals are important to both the communities," said Maulana Khalid Rashid. The advisory further stated that people above 60 years and children below 10 years should refrain from going out of their homes and to cemeteries owing to rising cases of Covid-19. "Not more than four people should be together at any point of time. Covid-19 protocols like wearing masks, applying sanitisers and maintaining social distancing should be strictly followed. One should offer special prayers for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and help the poor," the Maulana said. New Delhi [India], March 24 (ANI/SRV Media): The world of education is ever-evolving to fit into the dynamics of the fast-changing learning environment and the Medugare Institute of Management and Technology aims at matching the requirements with its new courses and learning programs in India. With the aim of providing quality distance education to less fortunate students, the Institute was set up in 2010 in Calicut, Kerala to further the vision of providing educational consultancy and guidance for students wanting to study abroad. The institute has spread its areas of concern in the decade and is introducing new programs every day in order to educate more students and work towards a literate India. The Institute understands the vision and dreams of their students and introduced their B-Tech credit transfer program which is one of a kind facility in the nation. Along with various Management and Technological courses like a Bachelors's and a PG in Engineering, the credit transfer program has worked wonders. This made way for the provision for students to transfer from one university to another in the same course to finish their education. With the credit transfer program, any student with any reason to change can apply to a different university, fulfill required eligibility criteria, submit a nominal fee, and easily get admission, in a different city without wasting any time. The B-Tech credit transfer facility by the Medugare Institute is a tool to prevent students from dropping out of the university for various issues. It also gives an opportunity to students with lesser grades or failed results to finish their education by transferring into a lower grade requirement university. On one hand, where the credit facility provides aid to the students to finish their education, it also provides a chance for better-performing students to absorb different environments in universities with better faculty and education standards. B-Tech credit transfer is easily available in the state of Kerala in Calicut and its surrounding districts like Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, Thrissur, and Palakkad. According to the Institute, the most important requirement for a credit transfer is the completion of about 50 per cent of the course in the previous or ongoing university. If a student has completed 50 per cent of their course from any UGC-approved university and has a copy of their transcripts or results, they can apply for the credit transfer facility. Additionally, the students require their secondary education and higher secondary education results and certificates along with their Aadhar Card. Provided all the documents are in place, students are eligible to apply to any UGC-approved university for a credit transfer. Medugare Institute also has a very simplified process for credit transfer for fast and efficient work. All a student needs to do is check his eligibility and have the above documents ready. After contacting the institute, students will be assisted with the process of selecting a university and connecting with them till the student restarts their education in a new university. Medugare Institute and its services like B-Tech credit transfer is an aid to the vision of educating every citizen. Through programs like these, the institute solves problems of various students who drop out of university due to lack of resources, distance from their hometowns, grades, and other common reasons. The institute's goals are visionary and will stand as a revolution in the Indian education system. To know more, visit (http://medugare.in) Medugare Institute of Management and Technology This story is provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV Media) DISCLAIMER (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 17:57:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, March 24 (Xinhua) -- African leaders and finance ministers have called on global leaders and financial institutions to support the continent's recovery measures from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They made the urgent call during the Conference of African Finance Ministers (COM), which was hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) on Tuesday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed told the ministerial gathering that Africa demonstrated that it is not only capable of facing the crisis in the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also ready to formulate and implement solutions. Ahmed, however, stressed that African countries must focus on digital transformation, climate-smart economy and the institutional framework for implementation and accountability as the continent responds and races to recover from the pandemic. He called on global leaders and institutions to support measures to ease the impact of COVID-19 on Africa's citizens and economies. Ahmed urged African countries to invest more in the digital economy, a source of growth and a key competitive enabler of other productive sectors. The ministerial conference was held in a hybrid format, under the theme "Africa's Sustainable Industrialization and Diversification in the Digital Era in the Context of COVID-19." UNECA Executive Secretary Vera Songwe, on her part, said there has been a decoupling of the world's response between the advanced and developing countries, as advanced economies reacted swiftly to shore up their economies, providing trillion of dollars in liquidity. Africa is not out of the response phase yet, as the continent needs liquidity to move from response to recovery and an extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to the end of the year, she said. "As the developed world transitions from response to recovery, Africa should not be left behind," Songwe stressed, noting that the continent's recovery must be focused on job creation and green jobs. Ghana's Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta told the conference that Africa more than ever needs to prioritize building resilience, finding new financing models to support sustained recovery, stimulating domestic manufacturing capabilities to create jobs and mitigate the risks of the global supply chain. He emphasized the need to leverage Africa's integration and regional value chains to fast track the continental recovery measures. "Our approach to beating this pandemic will make the difference between a lost decade and a rapid recovery that puts us on a sustainable growth trajectory," Ofori-Atta said. Enditem After the Germans occupied the area, Erdely, her parents and three siblings were forced from their home to a ghetto by the Nazis, and then taken by cattle wagon to Auschwitz, she said in the Shoah Foundation interview. She remembered the confusion of arriving there on May 29, 1944. It was the last time she saw her parents. She and her two sisters were separated from her father and brother. Her mother was taken directly to the gas chamber. SHANGHAI, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Haier Smart Home ("Haier", Shanghai: 600690), the world's leading home appliance brand and smart home ecosystem builder, is ushering in a new era of healthy food storage with the launch of the first Internet of Food-empowered Smart Refrigerator at AWE 2021 in Shanghai. The appliance is the first smart refrigerator to be fully compliant with 22 Chinese national industry standards as well as the global IEC Standards ("the standard"), which were developed in partnership with Haier to ensure refrigeration systems meet certain safety, efficiency, and environmental protection requirements. The standard, that has now been transferred and adopted by over 20 countries in UK, EU, and South American countries, provides the scale-setting reference for global refrigerator manufacturing. In China, the standard breakdown has three levels with the highest grade marked Level One Health Preservation. Haier's refrigerator achieved the Level One Health Preservation grade due to its "full-space preservation technology". At the AWE 2021, Haier's refrigerator held three freshness challenges to showcase its preservation performance in terms of color, nutrition and cleanliness through experiments of protein detection and the sterilization rate of an apple. Full-space preservation technology proved to be not only able to keep the ingredients fresh, but also to keep them nutritious and healthy. Haier's smart refrigerator harnesses innovative technologies to meet best-in-class refrigeration standards with an intuitive scenario-based system. The result is a smart fridge that always ensures healthy food preservation, provides ample storage volume and offers connected services powered by an IoT ecosystem. The smart fridge has a low freezing temperature fluctuation of less than 0.2C, while the middle shelves enable users to switch between six storage modes depending on their needs. The appliance is also capable of detecting the location of different foods, regulating their freshness and quality and recommending recipes based on the ingredients available. Ideal for preserving the full spectrum of food categories, Haier's smart fridge delivers first-class cooling for kitchen and dining rooms with temperatures ranging from 10C to 40C. Inside the fridge, users enjoy an abundance of storage with 780 liters of volume, independent food compartments, a door-to-door design that maximizes space and an extra-large temperature-adjustable crisper with a unique compartment design. Users can also modify the temperature in dedicated compartments for special ingredients such as fruit, drinks, red wine, and health products; and freeze meat, seafood and poultry to temperatures as low as -70C. A truly connected and intuitive solution, the fridge is also the world's first smart food platform that harnesses the power of 5G to deliver services via an IoT ecosystem. Haier's smart refrigerator provides a number of services to improve the food storage experience, ranging from seamless user identification to automatic food management, ordering and wireless payment. The fridge intelligently identifies family members using facial, voice, and image recognition, as well as RFID, and delivers personalized services based on their user profile and historical usage data. The platform also uses RFID to deliver intelligent management after storing items in the fridge - enabling users to trace the source of an ingredient, link the fridge to other smart appliances such as the oven, identify the freshest and most healthy foods, and set a reminder to automatically replenish supplies when low. Budding cooks can also enjoy seamless livestream broadcasts over the 5G platform, where they can learn to cook with a chef and become a culinary master. For more information, please visit http://www.haier.net/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472859/Haier_Smart_Home_Unveils_World_s_First__Internet_Food__Smart_Refrigerator.jpg Chennai, March 24 : The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, K. Palaniswami, said on Wednesday that the advice and tips provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had helped him govern and develop Tamil Nadu in a better manner. Campaigning for the BJP candidate from Aravakurichi, K. Annamalai, Palaniswami said that the whole-hearted support of the Prime Minister had helped him wade through tough times in his four-year stint as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK leader said that the PM's tips had helped him formulate policies and programmes for the benefit of the people of the state. "The Prime Minister had told me to always act for the development and welfare of the rural areas of the state, and I have implemented a lot of schemes and programmes for the people of the villages of Tamil Nadu which had transformed their lives," Palaniswami said. Countering DMK leader M.K. Stalin's allegation that the AIADMK-led government had become a slave of the BJP government at the Centre, the Chief Minister said, "Development projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore have been executed in the state which became possible because of the cordial relations we share with the Centre. We have entered into an electoral understanding with the BJP for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu." Palaniswami also said that the AIADMK has promised several welfare schemes for the people of the state, which will be possible only if the state government shares a cordial relationship with the Centre. The Nagol is Back! VTOs guide to this years Nagol, plus where to stay and play in south, central and north Pentecost. Ban the booze Serving alcohol in workplaces has been out of order and far from the norm for decades. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate should seriously consider restricting alcohol in their dining rooms and cafeterias before 3pm or later. Ban the bonk and the booze. Sally Mizrahi, Hawthorn National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line: 1800 737 732. Crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14 and lifeline.org.au), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467 and suicidecallbackservice.org.au) and beyondblue (1300 22 4636 and beyondblue.org.au). THE FORUM Dumping ground Nick OMalleys article on vehicle emissions and Volkswagen (Local rules stall cheap EV imports, 24/3) quotes a response from the office of the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction that is a childish attack all too common in politics. The Morrison government would not be lectured about vehicles emissions by a car manufacturer that has a track record of deceiving motorists and violating clean-air laws. While Volkswagen has a chequered history, it is now moving forward and its clear that the lack of choice and progress in our vehicle market lies with the federal government. More importantly, the Morrison government has made our car market a dumping ground for polluting vehicles and is doing nothing to encourage better internal combustion vehicles, let alone electric vehicles. Surely it is not difficult to implement world class emission standards and have a real policy on electric vehicles that will smooth the transition away from fossil fuels. After all, many countries and major vehicle manufacturers plan to cease sales of any new internal combustion vehicles in the next five to 15 years. Paul OShea, Fitzroy North Double whammy Volkswagens Australian managing director Michael Bartsch cannot convince VWs head office to make its mid-range electric vehicles available here because of Australias embarrassing lack of laws relating to carbon dioxide emissions. How embarrassed should we in Victoria feel with a government seeking to be the worlds first in making electric vehicles even more expensive by applying a discriminatory road user tax on the owners, who already pay far more tax than the owners of internal combustion engine cars because the only EVs they can buy here are the high-priced luxury models? Helen Moss, Croydon Systemic failures Your correspondent (Letters, 24/3) asks What will it take to make changes? Why is this country so stymied when it comes to climate action? I think the answer is state capture, which is ... a type of systemic political corruption in which private interests significantly influence a states decision-making processes to their own advantage, as defined in Wikipedia. Until there is reform of federal donation laws, a federal ICAC with teeth and an end to the revolving door of staffers, MPs and lobbyists in and out of the fossil fuel industry, I dont think we will see real change and Australia will suffer the opportunity cost of failing to transition in an orderly and sensible fashion. Sadly, I think both major parties have little appetite to make the break. Lynn Frankes, Kew Gimmickry isnt art Dark Mofos decision to cancel its plan to soak the Union Jack in the blood of Indigenous Australians (The Age, 24/3) is seriously damaging PR for the organisers. Notably, the backlash highlights how little the public will stomach wacky gimmickry as so-called art. It also calls into question the festivals artistic integrity. When Christians were offended at giant upside-down crosses in 2018, we were told it was all fair game. The double standards will leave the public wondering what Dark Mofo really stands for and represents any more. Kirk Weeden, Frankston My mask stays on The decision by acting Premier James Merlino to allow masks to be removed in shops and at venues is ridiculous. With winter coming on, masks are even more important to guard against the effects of the flu and colds. We have seen what happens overseas if mask-wearing is not enforced. In Asia, mask-wearing has been normal in winter for decades. I will continue to wear my mask when out and I encourage everyone to wear a mask at the shops and in crowded venues. Adrian Jackson, Middle Park Clear rules protect all Too many men, and in fairness some women, are sleazy and inappropriate at work (Senator Thorpe tells of harassment by MPs, The Age, 24/3). Whats needed in every workplace is an avenue for colleagues to report such behaviour, and a clearly understood, graded series of sanctions: from a slap on the wrist and weve made a note on your file warning, through to sacking and reporting to the police. Everybody needs to know how to go about making a complaint as part of their induction into a workplace, and everyone needs to be clear about the consequences of inappropriate behaviour. A culture of minor harassment can make life miserable for the targets, and its a breeding ground for major assault. Too often, people who have been harassed have two options: to keep quiet, with perhaps a bit of private whingeing to trusted fellow workers, or to go public, with unpredictable consequences. Many of us over the years have decided it is best to keep quiet. We need a cultural shift in the workplace. No more unwanted arms around shoulders, no more comments on peoples bodies, no more persistent invitations after a clear refusal. I could go on. A clear code of workplace behaviour protects everyone even the aggressors, who can hopefully learn to behave themselves early on in their working lives. Caroline Williamson, Brunswick Go well, Wendy It was with sadness but understanding that I read Wendy Squires final column (These events are seared on my heart, Saturday Age, 20/3). After years of following her views and many times shouting yes! while reading her statements, I too am feeling let down by the lack of progress on the issue of equal pay and respect for women in our society. After attending the March 4 Justice and speaking to many women about the collective outrage on womens issues, I have been astounded by the response, including conservative womens voices, that excuse the alleged travesty meted out to Brittany Higgins because she was drunk. More than a century after the establishment of the suffragette movement, women have not been heard, change is too slow and unfortunately the rancour is among our ranks. But we must continue to rally against this inequality and disrespect for as long as it takes. Thank you for your work, Wendy. Maria Irminger, Mt Waverley Pure science has limits Richard Marles argues that Australia needs a much greater emphasis on STEM subjects if we are to be a centre of innovation (Push over life beyond Earth, The Age, 24/3). In this I think we mostly all agree, as did George Orwell (see for example his 1945 article What is Science?) He did so with a warning: scientific education is good in so far as it encourages a rational, sceptical, experimental habit of mind. He also noted that science seemed to have offered little deterrence to a virulent nationalism among many scientists in various countries in the previous few years except perhaps those with some kind of general cultural background, some acquaintance with history or literature or the arts in short, people whose interests were not, in the current sense of the word, purely scientific. Should we perhaps expect our future scientists to have a little of the humanities in their training as well? Robert Attrill, Balwyn North Life beyond Earth Marles does not need to discover life beyond Earth. The proof that other intelligent life exists in the universe is the fact that they are too intelligent to show themselves to us. Les Aisen, Elsternwick Regenerate dead space The Victorian government is to be congratulated on its ambition to create 6500 hectares of parkland across Melbourne. (Councils priced out of parkland, The Age, 23/3). This is important for recreation and essential for the survival of our city in an era of climate change. The City of Yarra where I live and the City of Melbourne both have urban forest strategies and are making great progress in planting trees and reducing the heat radiated from roads and buildings. Both councils told the hearing of the Inquiry into Environmental Infrastructure for Growing Populations that there are substantial shortfalls of open space in their areas. But they already have 43 hectares on their doorsteps! The Melbourne General Cemetery, which is inside the City of Melbourne boundary and abuts the City of Yarra, is barren over large areas owing to excessive spraying, has less tree canopy cover than the abutting Princes Hill and North Carlton, and is a heat island on sunny days. It is a neglected space that could become a beautiful, green environment. Unlike elsewhere in the Cities of Melbourne and Yarra, there is no active plan for tree planting or providing canopy. An imaginative approach to planting the cemetery with trees and smaller plants would help with a climate change response and provide a pleasant area for residents to walk. As it sits on Crown land and is managed by a trust, it escapes the influence of local councils. What can be done? Jane Miller, North Carlton Birds of a feather Your correspondent (Letters, 24/3) is absolutely right to deplore the common or Indian myna. However, its native namesake far outdoes it in terms of aggression against other birds, a point made by the biologist Tim Low in his books. Naturally, it was European settlement and radical changes in land use that allowed both species to begin their respective reigns of terror. Matthew Frost, Armadale Bears repeating Shaun Carney writes that the aged care royal commission was not necessary (Morrison needs more than spin, The Age, 24/3) because those involved in aged care already knew the extent of the problems. French critic Andre Gide wrote that things that have already been said need to be repeated because no one listens. This aged care royal commission did get more people listening. For reform to be implemented by the federal government, more people than just those who have direct experience of the sector need to take interest. Ruth Farr, Blackburn South Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: AND ANOTHER THING... Canberra Scott Morrison wants more Liberal women MPs. What for? A human shield? Linelle Gibson, Williamstown Has Morrison finally seen the light and listened or is it just another example of political pragmatism? Peter Heffernan, Balaclava I have no doubt that Morrison is sincere when he says his wife, daughters and mother are the centre of his life. However, if he wants to legislate on behalf of Australian women he really needs to consult more widely. Stewart King, Carnegie It is white male privilege to pull the family is important to me card. Im sure the PM cares greatly about his family, but when women discuss their children at work they are generally considered unfocussed and unable to perform. Robyn Stonehouse, Camberwell It appears that the PM is reluctant to tread on the so-called big swinging dicks whose opposition to Julie Bishops prime ministerial tilt paved the way for his rise. Dick Noble, Lucknow I am surely not the only voter wanting to know which Liberals are current or past members of the big swinging dicks club? Peter Thomas, Pascoe Vale How long before Peter Dutton throws a friendly arm around Morrisons shoulder and says This is my leader and Im ambitious for him. Annie Wilson, Inverloch Woe betide an Australian PM who takes on News Corp. You would think Morrison would know this rule. David Fry, Moonee Ponds Hong Kong Now Has Its Own Political Prisoners A harsh National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing in mid-2020 brought with it the feared Chinese Communist Party tradition of jailing political prisoners. With more than 200 of the once-freewheeling city's pro-democracy figures in some form of custody, a local media outlet offered basic how-to advice on writing to Hong Kong inmates, including guidance on finding prisoners of conscience and a warning not to include glitter, gifts or "contents which mention illegal activities." Not long ago, Hong Kong's pro-democracy community ran annual Christmas card writing campaigns to cheer up imprisoned Chinese dissidents and human rights lawyers. A well-respected California college employee and her older brother have been identified as the two people who were stabbed to death in a brutal attack on Monday, which police say was carried out by the woman's grown son and was witnessed by her colleague live on a Zoom call. The double homicide took place at around 2.45pm in the Altadena neighborhood, with Dr Carol Brown, 67, and her brother, 69-year-old Kenneth Preston, being pronounced dead at the scene and their car reported missing. Brown's son, Robert Cotton, 32, was arrested by police an hour later when he returned to the scene of the crime in his family's Lexus SUV. Scroll down for video Dr Carol Brown, 67 (left), a veteran educator, was fatally stabbed inside her Altadena, California, home along with her brother. Her eldest son, Robert Cotton, 32 (right), was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of murder Cotton was taken into custody after he returned to the scene of the crime in his family's stolen Lexus SUV Brown, who worked as a coordinator of Pasadena City College's Black STEM Program, was on a Zoom call when the attack started, and her frantic colleague dialed 911 thinking that a kidnapping was happening when the woman was dragged off the screen. 'The lady was still talking on the Zoom when the male was dragged out of the house,' Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Lt. Barry Hall told KCAL. 'That alerted her and then the suspect went inside and attacked her.' When deputies arrived at the scene in the 3100 block of North Marengo Avenue, they found Preston dead from multiple stab wounds in the driveway. His sister was discovered suffering from stab wounds inside the house and was pronounced dead. Police believe Cotton first attacked his uncle while his mother was on the Zoom call, then stabbed Brown. The woman's co-worker saw her being dragged away by a man but did not witness the stabbing, according to police. A knife that may have been used during the attack was recovered at the scene. Police arrested Cotton after he arrived at the residence in the Lexus SUV belonging to one of the victims, an hour after deputies were called. A photo on Brown's Facebook page shows her two sons and daughter (center). It's not clear which brother is Robert Cotton Brown was attacked at her home on Marengo Avenue during a Zoom call with her colleague Cotton, who identified himself as a resident of the home, was charged with two counts of murder and ordered held in the county jail on $2million bail. He was scheduled to be arraigned in Pasadena Superior Court on Thursday. 'We just cant believe it,' neighbor Darlene Thomas told KCAL. 'We cannot believe it. We are in total shock.' The motive for the murders remains unknown. In a Facebook post, Pasadena City College President and Superintendent Erika Endrijonas described Brown's death as a 'terrible loss.' Brown, a mother of three grown children, had worked at Pasadena City College for about two decades in various capacities, including starting a shelter for homeless students and offering assistance to students who had gone through the foster care system, reported Pasadena Star News. 'So many memories about Carol and the amazing work that she did with so many of our students and the incredible spirit she had that was so positive, uplifting and helpful,' Dr. Cynthia Olivo, vice president of student services, told KCAL. This is not the first time someone has been attacked or killed while on a Zoom call since the pandemic began. Deputies responded to a report of a potential 'kidnapping in progress' after Brown's colleague saw her being dragged off screen during a Zoom call No motive has been given for the attack, which started with Preston's stabbing and was followed by his sister's killing Brown, had worked at Pasadena City College for about two decades in various capacities, most recently as coordinator of the Black STEM Program In May, 72-year-old Dwight Powers of Amityville, New York was on a Zoom call for Alcoholics Anonymous when he was allegedly stabbed to death by his son, Thomas Scully-Powers. Scully-Powers appeared naked on the Zoom feed after the slaying and evaded cops after fleeing through a window before they caught up to him. Other people on the Zoom did not realize something was off until Powers fell during the feed, WABC reports. Scully-Powers was charged with 2nd-degree murder. The winner of Cadbury's annual Easter Bunny hunt was Betty, a tree frog from Florida. (Courtesy of The Hershey Co.) Huntington Beach Dog Loses Job to Frog in Florida And this years winner of the Cadbury Bunny Tryouts is a frog? The Stuart, Florida amphibian was hailed the victor of the 2021 Cadbury Easter Bunny Campaign March 23, defeating a tail-wagging finalist from Huntington Beach, Calif. Betty, an Australian white tree frog, was the first of her species to claim the title. Fletcher, a two-year-old Golden Retriever from Huntington Beach, is a finalist in a nationwide search for the next Cadbury bunny. (Courtesy of Ellen Kuhnert) She was among 10 finalists named for the gig, as was an Orange County golden retriever named Fletcher. In his submission photo, Fletcher sported pink bunny ears and a sense of humor. He was the only finalist from California in a campaign that received more than 12,000 entries nationwide. Nearly 30,000 votes were cast in the contest. As the winner, Betty is set to star in a Cadbury Clucking Bunny commercial this spring. Her owner, Kaitlyn V., will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Other contenders included a rabbit, an alpaca, a miniature horse, a goat, a donkey, a cat, and two dogs. There hasnt yet been a Cadbury Bunny of the bunny species. Previous years winners include: a pig, a duck, a mouse, a miniature horse, a llama, and last years winnerLieutenant Dan the treeing walker coonhound. Senator Tim Scott defended himself on Wednesday against criticism of his comments that woke supremacy was as bad as white supremacy, saying that he has been the target of racial slurs from liberals for being a token Republican. I am proud to be both a black man and a Republican, Scott said on Tuesday. Because of those aspects of my identity, many critics have ignored things I have actually done. Scott, the South Carolina senator who became the first African-American since Reconstruction to represent a Southern state in the US Senate, said that woke supremacy - like white supremacy - is rooted in racism or discrimination. While acknowledging that white supremacy has a longer and deadlier history in the United States than woke supremacy, Scott nonetheless accused liberals of showing intolerance for dissent. That is woke supremacy, Scott wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post on Tuesday. It is the tolerant lefts intolerance for dissent. It is a progressive conception of diversity that does not include diversity of thought. Senator Tim Scott, a Republican from South Carolina, hit out at critics who have called him a 'token', saying: I am proud to be both a black man and a Republican It is discrimination falsely marketed as inclusion. Scotts op-ed was in response to a piece by Post columnist Jonathan Capehart, who published commentary on March 13 defending MSNBC host Joy Reid. Reid caused a stir on her March 1 broadcast when she referred to Scott as a Republican prop. Reid claimed that Republicans are just using Scott to show a 'patina of diversity' within the party and has repeatedly pleaded for the South Carolina senator not to succumb to that role. She also has a history of smearing black conservatives. '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,' Reid said during a segment on her show with progressive Representative Pramila Jayapal. A week later, Scott appeared on Fox News with his former Congressional colleague and fellow South Carolinean Trey Gowdy. When she calls a United States senator who's a subject matter expert a prop, a token, or a superficial covering, that's personal and that's wrong and she should be held to account,' Gowdy, who hosts a show on Fox News, said when speaking with Scott on March 8. 'Woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy,' Scott told Gowdy. We need to take that seriously. Scott responded to the comments by saying people need to read the Bible verse Matthew 5:44, which urges people to love their enemies. Earlier this month, Scott caused a stir when he responded to MSNBC host Joy Reid's comments by saying: 'Woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy.' On March 1, Reid sparked controversy when she said Scott was a Republican prop A week after Reid's comments, Scott (right) appeared on Fox News with host Trey Gowdy (left) and said: 'Woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy. We need to take that seriously' Days after Scotts appearance on Fox News, Capehart, who is also black, accused the senator of complicity in maintaining silence that allows a dominant culture to continue to deny dignity to those who rise up and demand it in defiance. Woke supremacy is not real, Capehart writes. But white supremacy is very real. Capehart writes that Scott should ask the families of those murdered by Dylann Roof, a white gunman in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, whether something as ridiculous as woke supremacy is as bad as white supremacy. Roof, 26, killed nine black parishioners at a chuch and wounded one with a Glock 41 .45-caliber handgun. He was convicted and sentenced to death. Scott responded to Capehart on Wednesday, saying that he was not comparing the long history of racial hate to the very short history of wokeism. That would be ludicrous, Scott writes. I am painfully aware that four centuries of racism, bigotry and killings does not compare to the nascent woke movement. As a country, we continue to pay a heavy price for our original sin. He added: My comments were a sound-bite-length reaction to yet another media figure accusing me of being a token for Republicans. Unfortunately, this isnt the first time Ive heard that type of slur. Scott said that he has been targeted by the woke folk who have called him a member of the coon squad for speaking at the Republican National Convention in 2020. He also said he has been labeled as a ventriloquest puppet by a former leader of the NAACP in North Carolina, the Rev. William Barber. Ive been called an Uncle Tom and a house n-----, among thousands of other insults, Scott said. He defended his record, saying that as a lawmaker he has achieved much for African Americans, including securing more funding for historically black colleges and universities as well as passing legislation to help those stricken with sickle cell anemia. Jonathan Capehart, a columnist for The Washington Post, defended Reid and hit out at Scott last week, saying that he bore complicity in maintaining silence that allows a dominant culture to continue to deny dignity to those who rise up and demand it in defiance Critics discount these accomplishments for the black community because it conflicts with the caricature theyve created of what it means to be black and to be a Republican, Scott writes. The senator also accuses progressives of making death threats against Senator Kyrsten Sinema, a centrist Democrat from Arizona, after she voted against a federally mandated $15 minimum wage. Scott also hit out at woke culture for encouraging ideological and literal segregation. He cited plans by students at Columbia University in New York to host separate graduation celebrations for students based on ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Scott also cited autonomous zones that sprang up in several cities during the riots that followed in the wake of the death of George Floyd last year. Carving out public spaces for people of only one race or mind-set? Since when is separate but equal back in vogue? Scott writes. Two wrongs dont make a right. In 2013, Scott was appointed by then South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to take retiring Senator Jim DeMint's seat when he stepped aside to become president of conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation. He retained his seat officially after winning a special election in 2014 and won his first full term election in 2016. He is up for reelection in 2022. Kate Garraway: Finding Derek Rating: The Detectives: Fighting Organised Crime Rating: Somethings got to give. As Frank Sinatra used to sing, when an irresistible force meets an immovable object, then well find out, just as sure as we live . . . Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway is the irresistible force. She describes herself as forcefully positive, which is a bit like calling Princess Margaret decidedly posh or Priti Patel fairly bossy. Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway (pictured) is the irresistible force. She describes herself as forcefully positive, which is a bit like calling Princess Margaret decidedly posh or Priti Patel fairly bossy Kate attacks lifes problems with a whirlwind fervour, certain that there is always a way to attain her aims. Even when shes exhausted, which she often was in her diary documentary, Finding Derek (ITV), she looks unstoppable. But the immovable object is Covid. Her husband, former political lobbyist Derek Draper, was stricken with the coronavirus last March, and spent months in a vegetative coma, unable to move or open his eyes. Thanks to months of intensive nursing, he is now at least able to speak a few words but doctors offer little hope that he will be well enough to return home this year. That leaves Kates furies of optimism to spend themselves wildly, like waves beating against a cliff. I promise that I will save you, she tells Derek tearfully. Ive got so much to be grateful for, so much to hope for. She tries to see her husbands faltering steps to recovery as beautiful. Meanwhile, all her furniture is covered with plastic dustsheets, as a crew of builders tear off the back of her house and install wheelchair ramps. She needs to get the work done now, she says, because she wont be able to afford it when Derek is home and shes caring for him full time. Kate's husband, former political lobbyist Derek Draper (pictured), was stricken with the coronavirus last March, and spent months in a vegetative coma, unable to move or open his eyes The account was piecemeal, filmed in snatches and hurried fragments over a year. There was much we werent told, about both Dereks medical condition and how Kate coped with other problems in lockdown, such as home schooling for her two adolescent children. But it was a candid look at a brave woman who is barely beginning to come to terms with her grief who doesnt yet know exactly what she has lost or what disabilities her husband faces in the years ahead. Stories like this are sadly not so uncommon. It doesnt have to be Covid: a stroke, a car crash, motor neurone disease and other conditions can inflict similar horrors. MATCHMAKERS OF THE NIGHT Strangers Making Babies (C4) showcased some of the 70,000 people who sign up online to have children together. What with this, Married At First Sight, First Dates and Naked Attraction, C4 does have odd ideas about pairing people off. Advertisement Television rarely touches on them, perhaps because they are too complex to be summed up easily. Friends offer support: Kate was buoyed to receive a call from Elton John, who said he remembered the couple in his prayers each night. But for all her positivity, theres no happy resolution and little that can be said except how unutterably awful it must be for that poor family. There was some resolution, at least, in the complex story of Manchester polices war on drugs, in The Detectives: Fighting Organised Crime (BBC2). After a long investigation, the squad managed to arrest several members of a gang that was terrorising city streets with kidnappings and beatings. Most were convicted and jailed. The superintendent in charge claimed gangs like these were the biggest threat to UK security. Mostly, though, the thugs seemed to seize and torture each other for ransom money. It was good to see that, whatever Line Of Duty would have us believe, real coppers dont spout garbled streams of letters and numbers like computer code. They talk in English. And the macho outrage of small-time crooks brought to justice by a female detective, DS Julie Connor, was quite satisfying. I dont think they like it one little bit, she said cheerfully. BEIJING, Mar. 24 -- Peng Shilu, the first chief designer of the first Chinese nuclear submarine, nuclear power expert, and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), died in Beijing at the age of 96 at noon on March 22. Peng Shilus father was Chinas revolutionary martyr, Peng Pai. On November 18, 1925, Peng Shilu was born in Haifeng County, southeast Chinas Guangdong Province. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Chemical Engineering in 1956 and later went on to study nuclear power at the Moscow Power Institute. Completing the courses there, he returned home in 1958. Since then, he had been appointed Deputy Minister and Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Shipbuilding Industry, Deputy Minister and Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Water Resources of the Peoples Republic of China, and the first chief designer of Chinas first nuclear submarine. As one of the pioneers and founders in Chinas nuclear power industry, he had been engaged in nuclear power researches for a long time. In the 1960s, Peng presided over the whole-process development of submarine nuclear power plant, including the demonstration, design, testing, and operation, and participated in the debugging and sea trial of the first nuclear submarine. He also got involved in and successfully organized the development of the main pump that is fully sealed and high temperature, high pressure resistant, which was among technologies globally advanced at that time. In the early 1980s, Peng sorted out three controlling elements, namely, investment, schedule and quality, for the construction of Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant. Besides, in the second-phase project of Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, he proposed the principle of China taking the initiative while cooperating with foreign countries and put forward the plan to independently design and construct two power-generating units of 600,000-kW. He personally calculated the main parameters, and outlined the schedule and investment, providing a reliable scientific basis for constructing the second-phase project at Qinshan. Peng was awarded the National Science Conference Award in 1978, the grand prize for National Science and Technology Progress Award in 1985, the Certificate for Making Outstanding Contributions to National Defense Science and Technology Cause as an Outstanding Chief Designer by the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense of the PRC in 1988, the Science and Technology Progress Award of Ho Leung Ho Lee (HLHL) Foundation in 1996, and the Science and Technology Achievement Award of HLHL Foundation in 2017. Researchers have succeeded in revealing the arsenal used by protozoans of the genus Leishmania in human cells to make leishmaniasis more severe, especially in cases of the mucocutaneous variety of the disease, which can cause deformations in patients. The discovery points the way to a search for novel treatments for the disease as well as casting light on a key mechanism involved in other diseases. The mechanism involves Leishmania, macrophages and a virus that lives endosymbiotically in the parasite and is known as the Leishmania RNA virus (LRV). According to a study published in the journal iScience, the parasite inhibits activation of caspase-11 via LRV-induced autophagy. Caspases are a family of enzymes that play essential roles in programmed cell death and the innate immune system. LRV, therefore, prevents defense cells from blocking progression of the disease. Infectious and not contagious, leishmaniasis is considered endemic to some regions of Brazil. The mucocutaneous form of the disease, caused in the Neotropics by species such as L. guyanensis and L. braziliensis, is characterized by skin lesions that affect the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. In severe cases, it can lead to cartilage and bone erosion and cause deformations. Some 20,000 cases of tegumental leishmaniasis, which includes the cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms, are reported each year in Brazil. The study showing how LRV blocks caspase-11 via autophagy was part of the Ph.D. research of Renan V. H. de Carvalho, with Dario Zamboni as thesis advisor. Zamboni is a professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents at the University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Preto Medical School (FMRP-USP) in Brazil. Using macrophages and mice, we discovered that LRV inhibits activation of caspase-11 by Leishmania, and this extends our understanding of the mechanisms used by the virus to exacerbate the disease." Dario Zamboni, Professor in Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents University of Sao Paulo's Ribeirao Preto Medical School The study, which belongs to a series already published by the group, innovated by showing the link between caspase-11 and diseases caused by parasites. Hitherto the enzyme was thought to be involved only in diseases caused by bacteria. An article by the group published in 2019 in Nature Communications showed that the most severe cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis are caused by the LRV-infected parasite. Both studies were supported by FAPESP and conducted under the aegis of the Center for Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CRID), a Research, Innovation and Dissemination Center (RIDC) funded by FAPESP and hosted by FMRP-USP. Almost all immune cells contain a protein complex called the inflammasome, Zamboni explained. When one of the proteins, such as a caspase, detects a threat to the organism, the defense system is activated. "We had already shown that LRV exacerbates the disease by subverting innate immunity via inhibition of the TLR3-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome. In this latest report, we showed that autophagy blocked the inflammasome via caspase-11." For Carvalho, currently a researcher at the Rockefeller University's Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics in New York, "the iScience article solidifies our understanding that caspase-11 is extremely important to the pathogenesis of leishmaniasis". This had not yet been described, he told Agencia FAPESP. Scenario Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is transmitted by sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus, which feed on blood. Prevention, therefore, depends mainly on combating the insect, just as Aedes aegypti must be combated to prevent the spread of dengue fever. Both leishmaniasis and dengue are classed as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Some 1.5 billion people are thought to be affected by NTDs in over 150 countries, particularly in regions with insufficient potable water, basic sanitation, and primary healthcare services. On the other hand, less than 2% of the world's drug development resources are devoted to combating these diseases, according to the nonprofit organization Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi). There are no vaccines for some NTDs, and many of the available treatments focus on drug repositioning, which entails the use of medications originally developed for other applications, a strategy that heightens the risk of severe adverse side-effects for patients. To try to improve the situation, in February the World Health Organization (WHO) issued Ending the neglect to attain the sustainable development goals: A road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, proposing actions and programs to prevent and control 20 NTDs, including leishmaniasis. "Everything we've shown about this system involving Leishmania, viruses and macrophages can have an impact on the fight against other diseases," Carvalho said. "Hence the importance of basic science. Understanding biology serves as a foundation for the rapid future development of new therapies for diseases that already exist or could emerge in the future." He went on to cite the current example of COVID-19 vaccines. "A key factor in having vaccines ready so quickly was the work done by research groups around the world to study the spike protein in other coronaviruses that hitherto haven't infected people," he said. "This basic science helped us develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 soon after it was detected." This link between previous discoveries and the advances brought by new studies is the focus of a FAPESP-funded Thematic Project, for which Zamboni is the principal investigator. The work on Leishmania was done under its aegis, as was a more recent research project on COVID-19. The latter was reported in Journal of Experimental Medicine at end-2020. The authors showed for the first time that in COVID-19 patients the inflammasome participates in activation of the inflammatory process that can damage several organs and even lead to death . 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! Human remains found last year in south Alabamas Conecuh National Forest have been identified as a 53-year-old woman missing for nearly five years, and her ex-husband is now charged in her murder. Kimberly Starr Mulder, 53, was last seen July 11, 2016 when she was believed to have been picked up by someone at her residence that day and supposedly en route to Birmingham but was never seen again. Mulder was living with her ex-husband Thomas Whitehurst on Redland Road at the time of her disappearance. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin on Tuesday said Whitehurst, now 65, has been a significant person of interest since Mulder vanished. The couple married in 2007 and then divorced in 2013, with Whitehurst filing for the divorce. Still, the couple lived together off and on, and were living in the Wildwood subdivision when Mulder disappeared. We had served search warrants up there and there was damning evidence that was found that pretty much any sane man or woman would think he was involved, Franklin said. Investigators had found Mulders blood in a vehicle belonging to Whitehurst and in the garage of the Redland Road home. He could not explain that away,' the sheriff said of Whitehurst. After conferring with the District Attorneys Office, Franklin said, they decided that though the evidence was strong, the lack of a body would be an obstacle should the case go to trial. The DA wanted to err on the side of caution, and we hoped something would turn up, the sheriff said. Fast forward to March 2020. Forest rangers doing a controlled burn in the Conecuh National Forest in the southern tip of Covington County came across the human remains. They appeared to have been dumped there and were not buried or concealed in any way. Franklin said to say they were deep in the forest would be an understatement and that additionally they were about 75 yards off a trail. The rangers called in the Covington County Sheriffs Office. They did an excellent job collecting and marking everything they could, Franklin said. The remains were sent off to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in hopes of identifying them. Last week, Elmore County investigators learned the remains were those of Mulder. Franklin said the skull had a single gunshot wound to the forehead, between and just above the eyes. The wound was from a small caliber weapon. The sheriff said their investigation showed that Whitehurst had tangible ties to Covington County during the 1980s and 1990. Detectives began surveilling Whitehurst on Monday while they secured a warrant to arrest him on a murder charge. They also obtained warrants to search both his home and his place of employment. He works for a manufacturer in Montgomery. Earlier Tuesday, investigators were waiting for Whitehurst when he left his Elmore County home. We didnt want to have an incident inside of the house, Franklin said. They stopped him just before he entered into Montgomery County and placed him under arrest. Whitehurst was taken back to the sheriffs office where Franklin and lead Investigator Bill Wilson read him his rights. He immediately said he didnt have anything to say and lawyered up, Franklin said. The sheriff described Whitehursts reaction to his arrest as defeated. He knew he was the significant part of the puzzle the first go-round and he had been told by the investigator that the next time we came to see him, wed probably have an arrest warrant for murder, Franklin said, and thats exactly what happened. Whitehurst is being held in the Elmore County Jail on $1 million bond. The case will be presented to a grand jury for indictment consideration as early as June or July. Franklin said they met Tuesday morning with Mulders sister and brother-in-law and spoke with Mulders daughter who lives out of state. He said he thinks theyre relieved that they now know for sure what happened to her, though they still have a long road ahead navigating through the judicial process. Im glad for the family, Franklin said. I know its not what Mr. Whitehurst expected today. OPPO seems to understand the needs of Indian smartphone buyers quite well. The companys long running F-Series of devices have usually offered a good deal for those looking for a good mix of camera,design and performance for its price. This vision was quite evident with the first F-Series smartphone in India, the OPPO F1, that was launched nearly five years ago. With each new iteration, OPPO has been fine-tuning its formula and perfecting its vision of what an F-Series smartphone should offer. With the new OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G, it seems like the company has created the best version of the F-Series yet. With the brand new OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G, the company aims to offer its buyers more of what they have come to expect from OPPOs F-Series of devices. Weve had the phone with us for a while now and heres a detailed look at some of the key features of the device. Quad-camera with Ultra Night Video The OPPO F-Series of smartphones tends to offer pretty impressive camera hardware. Thankfully, it looks like the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G is continuing that tradition. The phone offers a one-piece quad-rear camera setup. This includes a 48MP primary camera, a 2MP mono camera, an 8MP wide-angle camera, and a 2MP macro camera. This means that users have the flexibility to take the type of photo they want. Also these four cameras are well-guarded behind a single piece of Gorilla Glass 5. With a tagline like Flaunt Your Nights, one would assume that the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G would be able to take good videos in low-light conditions. In order to ensure thats the case, the phone comes with OPPOs AI Highlight Portrait Video. This feature uses algorithms to improve video quality in low-lit environments. Case in point being the Ultra Night Video feature that will automatically apply special algorithms that aim to not only brighten the image, but also improve dynamic range and colour. In fact, OPPO notes that the new phone offers a 26% increase in brightness and 35% increase in saturation as compared to the OPPO F17 Pro. As if that wasnt enough, the phone also comes with a special HDR Video mode that helps ensure an evenly lit video when shooting against very bright lights. At night, the phone can even combine both the aforementioned modes to offer HDR videos in low-light settings. All charged up with 50W Flash Charge The OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G packs a 4310mAh battery. In order to ensure that users dont spend ages trying to charge the phone back up, OPPO has equipped the phone with its 50W Flash Charge technology. With this technology in place, the company notes that with just a five minute charge, the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G can offer five hours of talktime or 1.5 hours of Instagram. In order to ensure maximum efficiency, the smartphone comes with a special super low-power mode. This mode is designed to be used when the phone isnt in operation, such as overnight, When turned on, OPPO notes that the battery consumption is greatly reduced and the phone will only use 1.78% battery over eight hours. Step ahead with Smart 5G connectivity As the name would suggest, the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G supports Smart 5G connectivity. In fact the phone supports Dual 5G SIM. This means that users have the freedom to place two 5G SIM cards in their smartphones, once the technology is made available in India. OPPO has also designed the smartphone in such a way so as to ensure a smooth user experience. A key feature in any smartphone when it comes to network connectivity is the antenna. The OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G comes with 360-degree Antenna 3.0. This should ensure good connectivity regardless of the way the phone is held by the user. As if that wasnt enough, the phone also comes with OPPOs Dual Network Channel technology. This is designed to allow smartphones to combine mobile and Wi-Fi connections. This should allow for smoother network experience. Octa-core performance with MediaTek Dimensity 800U The OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 800U SoC. This octa-core chipset features two ARM Cortex A76 cores and is capable of clock speeds of up to 2.4GHz. It also features six power-efficient Cortex-A55 cores when not performing resource-intensive tasks. It also comes with a Mali G57 GPU. MediaTek themselves note that this chipset allows it to load some top games up to 1.4 seconds faster than the Dimensity 700 series. As if that wasnt enough, it also notes benchmark scores that are 11% faster in CPU, and 28% faster in GPU performance. However, the chipset also supports 5G connectivity, which neatly brings us to the next point. Combination of form and function Design has always been a key factor for OPPO when it comes to its F-Series of smartphones and the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G is no different. Even with so much tech inside it, the smartphone measures 7.8mm in thickness and weighs 173gm. The one-piece quad-camera design is specifically designed to look elegant and classy, thereby drawing the users eye. It also uses a special etching technology that uses a silk screen printing method to add a sense of depth to the printed text, making them stand out better. OPPOs focus on design goes deeper than just looks. The companys engineers have designed a phone to optimize heat dissipation. As you may know, excess heating doesnt just make a phone uncomfortable to hold, it also has an adverse effect on the internal components. To avoid heating, the device features three layers of graphite plates as well as aluminum and copper tubes. OPPO also notes that it has used a new battery heat dissipation method to increase the motherboards surface area. This will also help in improving heat dissipation. That was a detailed look at some of the key features of the brand new OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G. As one can see, the new smartphone lives up to the F-Series badge by offering more of what users have come to expect from the range. In fact, OPPO has taken all that it has learned over to years to offer the best F-Series smartphone yet. The phone is up for sale at a price of Rs 25,990 and is available across all mainline retailers, Amazon, Flipkart and other leading e-commerce platforms. For those looking for a greater bang for their buck, OPPO is offering a special bundle deal that will allow F19 Pro+ 5G or F19 Pro buyers to buy the OPPO Enco W11 earbuds for Rs 999. They can also pick up the OPPO Band Style fitness tracker for Rs 2,499. There are also a range of discounts and cashback offers for buyers of the OPPO F19 Pro+ 5G. Customers with HDFC, ICICI, Kotak, Bank of Baroda, and Federal Bank credit cards can enjoy a 7.5% flat cashback. For Paytm users, there is 11% instant cashback and one EMI cashback with IDFC FIrst Bank. HomeCredit and HDB Financial Services are offering a zero down payment option, Bajaj Finserv, ICICI Bank and IDFC First Bank have a triple zero scheme. Further, existing OPPO customers can avail an additional one-time screen replacement offer that is valid for 365 days. Buyers can also get extended warranty for 180 days along with Rs 1,500 upgrade bonus. These offers can be redeemed via the OPPO AI WhatsApp chatbot. [Brand Story] She has recently joined the cast of the ITV soap as Jenny Connor's manipulative step-daughter Daisy Midgeley. And Coronation Street newcomer Charlotte Jordan has told how she thinks her character has the potential to be as wicked as Tracy Barlow, played by Kate Ford. Speaking in a new interview, the actress, 25, discussed the development of her character, stating: 'Id love her to be an iconic bad girl', while noting she has a 'dangerous' side to her. Villain in the making? Coronation Street newcomer Charlotte Jordan has told how she thinks her character Daisy Midgeley has the potential to be as wicked as Tracy Barlow Since first arriving on the cobbles back in October last year, viewers have seen Daisy's hatred of jailbird Johnny Connor grow, while she recently manipulated Sean Tully into handing over a share of his make-up profits. And Charlotte told how her alter ego may only get worse as she'll do whatever it takes to get her own way, making her 'quite dangerous'. She told The Mirror: 'Id love her to be an iconic bad girl, why not? I dont know what the long-term plans are, but shes somebody who will do whatever needs to be done to protect herself. That makes her quite dangerous, so I actually think potentially she could be as bad as Tracy Barlow. The new Tracy? 'Shes somebody who will do whatever needs to be done to protect herself. That makes her quite dangerous, so I actually think potentially she could be as bad as Tracy Barlow' 'Its great to come in and cause some mischief and raise eyebrows. People like that are much more fun to play. I tend not to play nice characters. I dont know what that says about me. Maybe its my face, or maybe its that I revel in playing characters that are so different to me.' Though Daisy appears intent on stirring up trouble on the street, she'll have a long-way to go to match Tracey's dastardly deeds over the years. Despite the man-eater having mellowed in recent years, her reputation is well known as she's lied and cheated throughout her time on the cobbles. Character: Speaking in a new interview, the actress, 25, discussed the development of her character, stating: 'Id love her to be an iconic bad girl', while noting she has a 'dangerous' side to her (pictured as Daisy alongside Sally Ann Matthews as Jenny Connor) Huge storylines have seen the character drug and 'sleep with' Roy Cropper and pretend she was pregnant with his child, only for the baby (Amy) to be Steve McDonald's. She also ruined Steve's marriage to Karen as she barged into the wedding to announce she'd slept with him and that he was the father of her child. Most notoriously, she ended up in jail after plotting the murder of her then-boyfriend Charlie Stubbs after learning he'd had an affair with hairdresser Maria Sutherland. And judging my Charlotte's comments, her character Daisy is already showing some similarities to Tracy. Trouble: Though Daisy appears intent on stirring up trouble on the street, she'll have a long-way to go to match Tracey's dastardly deeds over the years Banged up: Most notoriously, she ended up in jail after plotting the murder of her then-boyfriend Charlie Stubbs after learning he'd had an affair with hairdresser Maria Sutherland She said: 'Shell step over everyone else to get where she needs to get. Shes out for herself and has questionable morals. But she is loyal to those she loves.' She added that Daisy is a 'work in progress as a human', adding that in real life she could 'never do or say' the things her character does. Despite her character looking set to go down a dark path, Charlotte's boyfriend Paul's family were delighted she bagged a role in the soap as they are 'colossal Corrie fans'. She remarked that they were keen for her to get them autographs from their favourites stars including Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) and Roy Cropper (David Nielson), but she's found it difficult due to Covid restrictions. Law Offices of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP For more information about the class action lawsuit against Santa Fe Mercados, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a complaint alleging that Santa Fe Mercados, Inc. violated various California labor laws. The lawsuit against Santa Fe Mercados, Inc., Case No. 21CV000222, is currently pending in the Monterey County Superior Court of the State of California. To read a copy of the Complaint, click here. According to the lawsuit filed, Santa Fe Mercados, Inc. allegedly required PLAINTIFFS and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members to work while being clocked out. This allegedly resulted in a loss of both minimum and overtime wages. The applicable California Wage Order requires employers to provide employees with off-duty rest periods, which the California Supreme Court defined as time during which an employee is relieved from all work related duties and free from employer control. Additionally, Cal. Lab. Code 2808 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties..." During employment, PLAINTIFFS and other CALIFORNIA CLASS Members were allegedly required to download and use an application, for scheduling purposes, on their personal cellular phones. As a result, they allegedly incurred unreimbursed business expenses. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Santa Fe Mercados, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. ***THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT*** Working Peoples Charter (WPC) Network Statement Lest We Forget: One Year After the Labour and Migration Crisis A statement on the condition of Indias migrant workforce one year after the COVID-19 lockdowns 24 March marks the anniversary of Indias harsh nationwide COVID 19 lockdown when we witnessed an unparalleled impact on the countrys poor, particularly internal migrants who comprise a 140 million-strong workforce. In 2020, India saw the largest urban-rural exodus in its history, with millions of workers arduously trying to get to their homes on foot or remaining in hostile conditions on construction sites, factory floors, head loading markets, hotels and dhabas, and brick kilns, in shared rooms or makeshift homes in the open. They did this while battling decimated savings, homelessness, starvation, and the fear of contracting a virus about which little was known at the time. One of the most heart wrenching and shameful events that continue to haunt us was the death of 16 workers near Aurangabad, as they were en route home following a rail track. The fact that Indias migrant workers had to bear the most severe brunt of the unplanned and ill-executed lockdowns needs no further belabouring. Neither does the fact that the worker crisis unfolded due to problems that have been long-standing and unaddressed across the country, including a steady devaluation of labour over decades, inadequate housing and provisioning for urban poor groups, the lack of any policy framework on migration, among others. One year on, the vulnerabilities of migrant workers continue to persist in multiple ways. Those in rural areas struggle to survive amidst a lack of employment opportunities and a perpetually defunct rural welfare system. These systemic failures disproportionately affect Dalit and Adivasi workers, who often have only subsistence landholdings and comprise the majority of rural-urban migrant workers. In urban areas, workers are bearing the burden of economic recovery through poverty wages, normalised 12-hour workdays, and a continued lack of social security. At both the rural and urban ends of migration corridors, work and living conditions continue to be exploitative and undignified. In response to the unprecedented nature of the labour and migration crisesas well as the attention, the issue receivedthe state has responded in limited ways. The governments of Chattisgarh and Telangana, for instance, formulated policies which are yet be enforced. Other efforts, including the One Nation, One Ration Card, while possibly introduced with good intent, have serious conceptual and implementation flaws, and vulnerable groups have not been able to access these entitlements yet. While these efforts are a step in the right direction, it is deeply concerning that India does not have a central, formidable policy or law to safeguard its migrant workforce despite the horrors of last year. In memory of the workers who lost their lives or were stranded in hostile cities and towns, we demand that the state urgently conceptualise and implement an overarching, nationwide policy to help migrant workers across the country. As many activists have reiterated, this includes an urban employment guarantee, universal access to food, shelter, and related provisioning irrespective of migration corridor, strong grievance redressal mechanisms and legal aid, as well as better facilitation of social security and entitlements. Importantly, the state must strictly regulate the industry, particularly principal employers who extract the most value from migrant workers, to ensure workers are protected from wage theft and occupational accidents and harassment. Furthermore, it is imperative for the government to carefully review/notify the recent labour codes; Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and the Code on Social Security, 2020. It is evident from recent developments that we are witnessing the second wave of the pandemic in India. Some state governments have already seen partial lockdowns and night curfews introduced a second time, were a strict lockdown to commence again, its impact on informal workers is likely to be a lot more severe. In the interest of the safety of Indias most vulnerable citizens, central and state governments must act swiftly and work together across party lines and differences. The march of thousands of migrants should open the eyes of the powers that be. Informal workers must to be guaranteed livelihood, coverage under ESIC, decent housing, including affordable rental housing for migrants. They deserve a life of dignity where people have a choice of occupation, opportunities to dream of a better life for their children, and the possibility to work in their home states or anywhere they may find a better livelihood. On the 23rd of March, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, was executed at 23 years of age. He fought for a free India based on justice for all. So today is an occasion to remember his sacrifice in the background of the sacrifices made by thousands of migrants workers who are still struggling for justice and equality in independent India. Working Peoples Charter (WPC) Network Email: workerscharterprocess[at]gmail.com Facebook: @IndiaWpc Twitter: @IndiaWpc Contact no: +91-9717891696, 9899823256 Australian mom convicted of killing 4 children loses appeal View Photo CANBERRA, Australia (AP) A woman convicted of smothering her four children over a decade lost an appeal in a Sydney court on Wednesday against an inquirys conclusion that her victims had not died of natural causes. A growing number of scientists say Kathleen Folbigg is the victim of a miscarriage of justice, though many others consider the series of deaths too tragic to be bad luck alone. The New South Wales state Court of Appeal dismissed her application for a review of a judges ruling that makes her guilt of these offenses even more certain. Her last hope of early release now lies with a petition for a pardon lodged this month with the state governor. Folbiggs convictions would still stand, but she would be released. The petition carried the signatures of 91 scientists, medical practitioners and related professionals including two Nobel laureates. Folbigg, now 53, was convicted in 2003 of murdering three of her children and the manslaughter of a fourth. She has consistently denied guilt. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison with a minimum of 25 years to be served before she could be considered for parole. She raised her eyes toward the ceiling on Wednesday as she watched the three judges hand down their decision via video from prison. Todays decision and the pardon petition have got many more people looking at this important case than ever before, and many people are starting to ask valuable questions about how we got here, Tracy Chapman said in a statement written in consultation with Folbigg, her friend. Many international eyes are now on this case and therere many more Australians rightly asking why Kaths still in prison after 18 years when theres mounting scientific evidence relating to her innocence, the statement added. Her lawyers said in a statement the court loss should not impact the pardon application. None of Folbiggs children survived to a second birthday. Her first child Caleb was born in 1989 and died 19 days later in what a court determined to be the lesser crime of manslaughter. Her second child Patrick was 8 months old when he died in 1991. Two years later, Sarah died aged 10 months. In 1999, Folbiggs fourth child Laura died at 19 months old. Folbigg was the first on the scene of each tragedy. An autopsy found Laura had myocarditis, an inflammation of heart muscle that can be fatal. But given the deaths of her three siblings, a pathologist listed the cause of her death as undetermined. Patrick suffered epilepsy and his death had been attributed to an airway obstruction due to a seizure. The other two were recorded as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. At her trial, Folbiggs lawyers told the jury there were medical explanations for each death. Caleb had a floppy larynx and Sarah had a congested uvula that could have obstructed their airways. Folbigg did not testify at her trial, but she testified for almost three days at the 2019 judicial review of her convictions based on a pathologists findings that the children likely died of natural causes with no sign of smothering. The judge hearing the review also heard expert testimony that both girls had an inherited genetic mutation linked to abnormal heartbeats and sudden death in children and suggesting their deaths may have been triggered by infections they had at the time. Last year, the findings of 27 scientists describing the genetic mutation in the Folbigg girls and its functional validation were published by Oxford University Press in the peer-reviewed cardiology journal Europace. The case against Folbigg was circumstantial and relied on interpretations of vague entries she had made in personal diaries, one of which her estranged husband Craig Folbigg reported to police. The entries included: Obviously, I am my fathers daughter, a reference to her father stabbing her mother to death in 1968 when Folbigg was 18 months old. The three appeal court judges found there was ample evidence for the 2019 inquiry to conclude Folbigg was guilty. This was not a case in which the conclusion was at odds with scientific evidence, the judges wrote of the 2019 findings. But signatories of the petition for a pardon disagreed. It is deeply concerning that there is not a mechanism to appropriately weigh up all medical and scientific evidence in a case of this nature, Australian Academy of Science president John Shine said. There is now an alternative explanation for the death of the Folbigg children that does not rely on circumstantial evidence, Shine added. By ROD McGUIRK Associated Press Recently, Robert Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister, told the House of Commons that Canada is considering creating a registry of foreign agents, along the lines of Australias Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act and the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act. Opinion Recently, Robert Oliphant, parliamentary secretary to the foreign affairs minister, told the House of Commons that Canada is considering creating a registry of foreign agents, along the lines of Australias Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act and the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act. It seems like a no-brainer to expect transparency whenever someone takes a foreign states money in expectation that they will commensurately serve the interest of the funder. But please excuse any skepticism that Canada will, any time soon, legislate a registry for former politicians, civil servants, scholars and other opinion influencers who receive benefits from China. Beijing incentivizes these people with lucrative board memberships and other associations with the Chinese party-state, as unregistered lobbyists to put in a quiet word with their former government colleagues. The message: Canadian companies will lose out on lucrative contracts if our federal government implements policies inflicting anything more than verbal condemnation on Chinas human rights violations, espionage, acquisition of key Canadian natural resources and infrastructure, and flouting of the international rules-based order in diplomacy and trade by hostage-taking and economic coercion. These influencers represent China as proxies in public statements in Canadian newspapers and through reports from think-tanks that have accepted PRC-associated funding. They attempt to dampen Canadians outrage over Chinas state behaviour, or over authorizing Huawei 5G despite stark warnings from Canadian and international security experts. They urge that we accept the myth of Chinas inevitable global supremacy in the wake Americas decline, that Canada should compromise our commitment to our security, sovereignty and Canadian values of fairness, justice and reciprocity in relations between nations, lest we become bystanders to the "greatest changes in global history." Canadians should demand that their government stop with the lip service and follow through with this now. Even though opinion polls indicate nearly nine in 10 Canadians want their government to be much more "proactive" in relations with China, the prime minister and cabinet are apparently listening to other voices, who may be rewarded by the PRC regime, saying we should be "sophisticated and mature" in our relations with China, abiding by Chinas urging that we "set aside differences and seek common ground." In the recent House of Commons resolution recognizing Chinas suppression of Turkic Muslims as a violation of the UN Genocide Convention, MPs across party lines voted 226-0 to pass the motion, but the prime minister instructed his cabinet to abstain, with no clear reason given. The message to Beijing is that the Trudeau government will ignore the horror taking place in Chinas Uyghur region, showing contempt for Canadas parliamentary democracy but pleasing the Chinese Embassy. Chinas manipulation activities go far beyond rewarding Canadian influencers. Politicians, the RCMP and CSIS all acknowledge that for years Chinese agents have harassed and coerced people of Chinese origin within Canada, including Canadian Uyghurs, Tibetans, Hong Kongers, PRC students and dissidents. But none of the large cohort of Chinese agents in Canada has been made accountable by being charged in court, or, if they are Chinese diplomats, by being declared persona non grata and sent packing. There is also alarming evidence Canadian dual-use military technologies and other classified data are being illegally transferred to Chinas party-state-military-security-industrial complex, by Canadian and Chinese researchers and spies. Not a single person has been arrested and charged in Canada, in part because co-opted pro-China voices in Ottawa counsel that we not offend the PRC by arresting any of their spies. This latest statement by MP Oliphant, that the government is "actively considering" creating a registry of foreign agents, follows a familiar pattern. To appease or distract public opinion, the Trudeau government dangles a series of hollow promises, then just kicks the can down the road. Canadians should demand their government stop with the lip service and follow through with this now. As the old Lerner and Loewe show tune puts it, "Sing me no song, read me no rhyme, please dont explain. Show me!" Charles Burton is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute in Ottawa, and non-resident senior fellow of the European Values Center for Security Policy in Prague. Troy Media Manchester Center, VT (05254) Today Thunderstorms likely. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 71F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low near 60F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. VANCOUVER, Wash. - Most people rely on family members to help them learn how to open a bank account, find a job or create a budget, but that's often not an option for youth in foster care, according to a recent study in Child & Family Social Work. "Foster kids have distinctive challenges," said Amy Salazar, lead author on the study and an assistant professor at Washington State University Vancouver. "They need more support in several areas, and financial capability is one of them, especially when they're transitioning out of the foster care system and into adulthood." For the study, Salazar and her co-authors surveyed 97 foster care youths aged 14 to 20. They found that those who were age 18 and over had more advanced financial capability than younger kids, but still had not achieved key skills such as opening a checking account, building up savings or establishing a credit history. The paper recommends enhancements to the foster care system, such as financial literacy courses and more financial training for case workers, to fully prepare youth for independence. Adult support and mentorship are key factors for financial capability in foster children, but for most of the study participants, that support came from their case workers or an independent living worker. "That's concerning because those are people who will disappear when these youths age out of foster care," said Salazar, who is part of WSU's Department of Human Development. "Some respondents said foster parents were helpful, but not all youth have good relationships with their foster parents. They need more support." Another reason these young people need more support is that they are at a much higher risk of identity fraud given the number of people who have access to their confidential records during their time in the child welfare system. Offering foster care youth training in how to read credit reports and access their own credit reports are potential solutions to this issue. The foster care system has been evolving over the last two decades or so to include additional services for those who traditionally would have aged out at 18. Teens can now enroll in independent living programs and make use of other supports that extend as far as age 21, for example. In the past, and as is still the case in some states, as soon as someone in the foster system turns 18, even if they're in the middle of high school, they're cut from the foster system and completely on their own. "We know the brain is still developing at 18," Salazar said. "For foster kids who may have experienced trauma, that may take even longer. Continuing services in areas like financial capability just makes sense beyond that arbitrary cutoff." This new study is vital because very little data has been collected about supporting foster youth with financial literacy skills. "We had no idea how these youth are doing," Salazar said. "We need to know if they're doing well or if there's a lot of work needed. Using our findings, hopefully more targeted support can come about as well as showing stakeholders the benefits of filling the knowledge gaps." ### Boris Johnson gives evidence to the Commons Liaison Committee in the House of Commons (PA Video) The Prime Minister has told senior MPs that the UK should not be run like a mini-EU as he looked to crush further talk of a Scottish independence referendum. Boris Johnson, as part of a hearing on a wide range of issues, faced questions at the Liaison Committee on Wednesday about his role in keeping the United Kingdom together. Stephen Crabb, a former cabinet minister and chairman of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, pressed Mr Johnson on whether it had been the right call to have Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove manage the relationship with the devolved administration leaders during the coronavirus pandemic. I dont think we want to turn our deliberations into a kind of mini-EU Prime Minister Boris Johnson Mr Johnson said he was sorry to hear that Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford had complained about having little contact with the Downing Street incumbent and that he would look to rectify the situation. But the Prime Minister said, while he held regular conversations with the devolved leaders, he did not want to adopt a more federal model for managing the country. In an interview in 2015, however, Mr Johnson, then mayor of London, said the country may have to think about a federal structure for the UK in response to growing support for the SNP. Addressing the Liaison Committee, Mr Johnson said: Im very much in favour of the Council of the Isles, for instance, where we come together, represented across the whole of the British Isles, to talk about issues that matter to us. On the other hand, I dont think we want to turn our deliberations into a kind of mini-EU, if I may say so. Obviously I need a good relationship with everybody and Ive talked many times to (devolved leaders) Nicola (Sturgeon), Mark (Drakeford), Michelle (ONeill) and Arlene (Foster) and continue to do so thats the way it should be. What I dont think would necessarily be right is to have a sort of permanent council, as it were, of the kind that is taking place tomorrow in Brussels. I dont think that is the model we are after. Expand Close Boris Johnson clashed with SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil during the Liaison Committee session (PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boris Johnson clashed with SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil during the Liaison Committee session (PA) Mr Johnson clashed with SNP MP Angus Brendan MacNeil over Scottish independence as he reiterated his assertion that the 2014 vote was a once in a generation event. Responding to Mr MacNeils question about whether the Prime Minister would respect a future vote in favour of independence in Scotland or Wales, he said: When you ask people to vote on a highly controversial and divisive issue, an issue that breaks up family relationships, that is extremely toxic and divisive, and you tell them this is going to happen only once in a generation, I think you should stick to it. Taking questions on a host of topics, Mr Johnson said: No decision had been taken on the Office for Veterans Affairs budget after reports suggested it would see its spending cut from 5 million to 3 million. It was news to me about claims that former prime minister David Cameron had lobbied a No 10 special adviser over a bailout for a financial firm he was advising. The Government was lobbying on a bilateral basis to ensure musicians and others in the cultural sectors could tour and work in Europe, with the coronavirus pandemic providing time to sort out visa issues following the signing of the UK-EU trade deal. He was prepared to look at sending troops into Yemen but stressed the situation would have to look very different to how it currently does in the war-torn country. He could confirm the Government was involved at all levels in doing the deal for the 400 million UK investment to buy the satellite company OneWeb. A student picks up her diploma during a graduation ceremony at Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School on May 6, 2020, in Bradley, Ill. The high school diploma is frequently seen as the doorway to other opportunities, including college and a job. (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images) Orange County Universities to Host In-Person Graduation Ceremonies California State UniversityFullerton (CSUF) and University of CaliforniaIrvine have announced that theyll be holding limited in-person commencements for the classes of 2020 and 2021. The announcement for CSUF came in an email from provost Carolyn Thomas, who told students and faculty on March 22 that the June ceremonies would be limited to graduates only, meaning friends and family could only watch their student cross the stage via live-stream. We know that crossing the stage is an important part of commencement, so we are excited to invite back to campus graduates for an in-person, graduate-only walk across the commencement stage, Thomas said. The university allowed the change after the state issued new advisories for public ceremonies, allowing outdoor events related to graduations. Exact dates for different CSUF majors will be announced in April; ceremonies will begin June 12, beginning with the class of 2020. Prior to holding the in-person ceremonies, the university will be holding a virtual all-university commencement June 11, where graduating students will be invited to watch speeches from campus leadership and the conferring of degrees. Afterward, each college within CSUF will hold virtual, program-specific cerebrations. Thomas noted that if public health conditions worsen, its possible the commencement could be modified or canceled. As we have experienced during the past year, the pandemic is still a very fluid situation, and all plans are subject to change based on restrictions and guidance from the state of California, she said. UCIrvine will hold a graduate-only ceremony for students, similar to that of CSUF. The university will allow graduates to cross the stage and have a photo opportunity, but no guests will be allowed to accompany students. The event will be live-streamed for guests to watch. No date has been announced yet. Prior to its stage-only commencement, UCIrvine will hold a virtual campus-wide commencement June 12 featuring speeches from university officials. Meanwhile, Saddleback College will be offering a drive-thru option for students looking for an in-person experience. Students will be able to come to campus and get their photos taken and see their professors, but it wont be a ceremony like we would do in a typical year, college spokesperson Jennie McCue told The Epoch Times. We look forward to 2022, when we will have an in-person commencement ceremony again. Some public school districts, including Saddleback Valley Unified School District, have said they hope to host in-person ceremonies for graduating seniors as well. A court in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong has handed down a two-year, nine-month prison sentence to a rights activist who held up a placard in public to show her opposition to a draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Zhang Wuzhou was handed the sentence by the Qingcheng District People's Court in the provincial capital Guangzhou, which found her guilty of "obstructing public officials" and "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble." As well as her public opposition to the National Security Law for Hong Kong, the indictment against Zhang also mentioned her use of slogans to mark the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre in Guangzhou's Baiyun Mountain Park in June 2020, and her public support for rights attorney Sun Shihua after she was beaten up by police. It said that when police notified Zhang Wuzhou that she was under criminal detention. Zhang Wuzhou refused to sign the documents and tore up the warrant. She allegedly also "assaulted" a police officer during her detention. Zhang has yet to decide whether or not to appeal the verdict and sentence. Zhang's son Xu Hongbo said his mother had kept repeating "This isn't the truth" and "I was framed" after she heard the sentence. "She's in a poor way, not in a good state mentally or physically," Xu said. He said he and the rest of the family are very concerned for Zhang's well-being, after reporting that she was tortured in detention last year. "The police hurt her while she was in the police station, leaving her fingers bent out of shape and deformed," Xu said. "She also has problems in her abdomen, her uterus." "But every time she goes to the doctor they just prod her and send her back again," he said. "It would be better if they got an MRI." 'She won't back down' Fellow rights activist Liang Yiming said he is also very worried about Zhang. "Given the kind of person she is, it is no exaggeration to say that she may not get out alive," Liang said. "She will not compromise on anything." "She won't back down if she is sure that she is in the right." Zhang, who has already served time in prison for "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble," made headlines in 2015 alongside her sister Zhang Weichu after their brother Zhang Liumao died in police custody. Zhang Liumao died inside the Guangzhou No. 3 Detention Center on Nov. 4, 2015, with his family reporting that his body showed multiple signs of severe physical assault. Relatives and a lawyer who viewed Zhang's body said there were marks on it consistent with torture. Zhang Weichu, an experienced gynecologist, has lost her job and been evicted from her home along with her young son since taking up her brother's case with the authorities. She has been unable to secure another job as a doctor since being fired from the Vanke Hospital in Guangdong's Qingyuan city on Aug. 31, 2018. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. TORONTO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Canada Ltd. ("Invesco") today announced proposed changes to its mutual fund product line. These changes are intended to simplify Invesco's product lineup for advisors and investors. Effective June 18, 2021, Invesco plans to terminate Invesco Global Dividend Income Fund and Invesco Global Monthly Income Fund. On or about March 25, 2021, these funds will be closed to new investors. Existing investors may continue to purchase securities until June 16, 2021. Impacted investors will receive a 60-day notice outlining their options, which will be mailed at the end of March 2021. Please contact Invesco at 1.800.874.6275. You can also connect with Invesco on Twitter (@InvescoCanada), LinkedIn, Facebook, or through the Invesco Canada blog. About Invesco Ltd. Invesco Ltd. (Ticker NYSE: IVZ) is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. Our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. With offices in more than 20 countries, Invesco managed US$1.35 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide as of December 31, 2020. For more information, visit invesco.com. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may all be associated with mutual fund investments. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Please read the simplified prospectus before investing. Copies are available from your advisor or from Invesco Canada Ltd. Invesco and all associated trademarks are trademarks of Invesco Holding Company Limited, used under licence. Invesco Canada Ltd., 2021 Contact: Matt Chisum, Invesco Media Relations (212) 652-4368 SOURCE Invesco Ltd. KALISPELL, Mont., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ClassOne Technology, global provider of advanced semiconductor plating tools, announced the sale of a second Solstice S8 system to i3 Microsystems (i3M), a wholly-owned subsidiary of defense industry supplier i3 Electronics headquartered in Binghamton, NY. The eight-chambered Solstice S8 configuration includes ClassOne's proprietary CopperMax chamber for advanced copper plating. The announcement was made jointly by ClassOne CEO, Byron Exarcos, and i3 VP/General Manager, Robert Nead. Solstice S8 Semiconductor Electroplating System from ClassOne "We brought in the first Solstice S8 to replace our wet benches and automate our plating processes," said Nead. "And the tool's high performance and flexibility have served us extremely well. With eight chambers, the Solstice is able to handle both plating and surface preparation processes. We're now adding solvent strip and UBM etch capabilities to our first Solstice, and we are configuring our second Solstice to match. Bottom line, we've been very pleased with the Solstice and also with ClassOne's customer service, both of which are strongly supporting our ongoing growth." "A key feature of i3M's Solstice S8 configuration is that it includes our proprietary CopperMax electroplating chamber," said Exarcos. "This unique chamber is designed to deliver class-leading copper plating quality while at the same time reducing plating consumables costs. It gives users the ability to routinely achieve exceptional levels of copper plating feature quality and also cut copper chemistry additives costs by as much as 95%. Solstice presently serves many of the world's leading defense contractors and is emerging as the electroplating and wafer surface preparation system of choice for meeting the exacting requirements of the defense and aerospace industries. The ClassOne Solstice S8 is an eight-chambered system for high-performance, fully-automated electroplating and surface preparation. The Solstice platform also includes the S4, which provides up to four processing chambers, and the LT, with up to three chambers. In addition to electroplating, the tool's unique Plating-Plus capability also enables it to handle many surface preparation functions, including wafer cleaning, high-pressure metal lift-off, resist strip, UBM etch and more. This multi-processing flexibility serves to streamline process production and can reduce the number of different tools a user needs to purchase. About ClassOne ClassOne Technology (classone.com) is a global provider of advanced and innovative wet-chemical wafer processing solutions, including electroplaters, spin-rinse-dryers, spray solvent tools and more. Headquartered in Kalispell, MT, the company focuses on making advanced processing technology available to users of 200mm substrates such as compound semiconductor and many emerging markets, who traditionally have been underserved by the larger equipment manufacturers. ClassOne Technology is built upon decades of experience from industry veterans creating high-performance semiconductor equipment. ClassOne Technology is a sister company to ClassOne Equipment (classoneequipment.com), long respected as the industry's premier provider of refurbished name-brand processing tools, with over 2,500 systems installed worldwide. About i3 Microsystems i3 Microsystems (i3M) with corporate headquarters in Binghamton, NY, is a world-class vertically-integrated provider of leading-edge microelectronic packaging solutions, including integrated Ultra High Density (iUHD)/System-in-Package (SiP)/Fan-out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP). i3M provides advanced assembly, design and layout, modeling, signal integrity, reliability and environmental testing and physical analysis. The company has developed System-in-Package technology to achieve important reductions in size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) for numerous advanced devices, to increase the mobility, operational life, and overall viability of many products in defense and aerospace, high-performance computing, and industrial applications. For more information, contact: Byron Exarcos ClassOne Technology 109 Cooperative Way Kalispell, MT 59901 tel: +1 (678) 772-9086 email: [email protected] Solstice, CopperMax, and Plating-Plus are trademarks of ClassOne Technology. SOURCE ClassOne Technology Related Links http://www.classone.com In an exclusive conversation with NewsX as part of NewsX India A-List, Aprameya Radhakrishna, Founder & CEO of Koo, said that more than 90% people were not comfortable in English. This is the reason they decided to build a platform giving equal recognition to local languages so that people can search for information, connect and communicate with each other easily. Aprameya Radhakrishna, CEO and Founder of Koo, recently joined NewsXs special series NewsX India A-List for an exclusive conversation. As Koo expands its network across the length and breadth of the country, Aprameya spoke to us about his journey, taking the big leap from the corporate world to establishing his own venture Koo. Sharing insights from his journey, Aprameya said, After graduating from IIM Ahmedabad, I started working understanding how a business works. With that understanding, I started thinking about what businesses I could run. The first problem that we solved was the cab hailing problem. Before Vocal and Koo, I founded Taxi for Sure, which was the second largest player in cab hailing market in 2015. We sold it Ola for 200 million dollars and that was my first entrepreneurial state. Post that, we started thinking about what would be the next big wave. We saw that people were getting access to phones and the Internet. The one thing that would stop them from using the Internet was that every app was in English. More than 90% of people in India are not comfortable in English. That is when we started thinking about building something in local languages so that people can search for information, connect and communicate with each other, express oneself and that is how our product got formed. Speaking about the necessity of microblogging in India, he expressed, Vocal is a question and answer app. Although some of our community, which were answering questions, had a need to express themselves without answering questions. This made us curious as to why they needed a separate app even although there are other apps. When we deep dived, we saw that all the major options were in English and if you have to give a comfortable environment for people to express themselves on what is on their mind, it has to be in their own language. If you go in any community, you go inside, the app converts it into their language and you can find people from the same community who are speaking the language. You will be able to create content in that language very easily and the hashtags and you will talk about things that are important to that community. That was not existing and so to bring the voices of India, irrespective of language, you know was a new problem to solve. Connecting India deeper is a problem we are solving, whereas the existing options connect India to the English-speaking India to the rest of the world. The experience we have given for local languages and allowed users to express in those languages is the core philosophy of KOO. Nobody has built an app around microblogging and expression of thoughts and opinions ever before in local languages and that is what we have focused on. Emphasising that technology-building has undergone different stages in India, Aprameya said, We have had the resources to built them. Internet access and technology access define who we built the technology for. Companies like Infosys and Wipro built technologies for companies outside because that is where it was needed. Next came, the English-speaking Indian where most cases was about booking tickets, searching for jobs, booking movie tickets, cabs and buying things online. Now, is when majority of Indians are getting access to internet and technology. There is no better person than an Indian to build technology for Indians to use them in their own language. Once we build this, we will know how to build apps for non-English audiences. We take this technology to the globe, which have a majority of non-English population, who will face the same kind of issues that India faces or Indian users face. We will take our technology to the world. When asked about the policy challenges, Mr. Radhakrishna spoke about how the guidelines introduced by the Indian Government are rather flexible. Most of the users on social media are behaving very well. Few are trouble-seekers or mischief-makers. Because of this small percentage, the community faces problems. The idea is to make sure that you behave like you would behave offline. While you have the responsibility while exercising freedom of speech, I think it is good enough. What you say should not harm other peoples lives. Abiding by the laws of the land is very important. As an Indian company, we respect that. The immediate priority for Mr, Aprameya is to build the team and get young talent to join us in this mission. He says, Building and hiring especially in engineering is important. Our user-base has grown, we are close to 5 million downloads in India across various languages. That will grow to a 100 million users in a year or so. That is our primary objective. On a concluding note, the entrepreneur advised young entrepreneurs, Make sure you solve a real problem and you do not have to worry about users coming. Advertisement Britain today recorded another 5,605 coronavirus cases and 98 deaths, with both figures down on this time last week. Positive Covid tests fell by 2.7 per cent from the 5,758 infections posted last Wednesday, while fatalities plunged 30.5 per cent from 141. The positive news was accompanied by a record number of second vaccine doses being dished out by the NHS, with 170,000 people getting their top-up jab yesterday. Covid cases have yet to spike, despite millions of extra tests being carried out because of schools reopening in England on March 8. If the promising trend continues, it means ministers will remain on track to relax restrictions further on April 12. Today's good vaccine news is tinged with concern, however, as supply issues loom larger and Europe doubles down on its threat to throttle exports. Despite anxiety in many member states about undermining legal contracts, vice-president Valdis Dombrovkis complained at a press conference this afternoon that the EU had exported 43million doses to 33 countries since January including 10million to the UK. He said exports could be restricted to destination countries that limit their own exports of jabs or raw materials whether by law or through other means. In other coronavirus news: A study has found seven out of 10 people hospitalised with Covid still have symptoms five months later; India claims it has spotted a new mutated strain of coronavirus that could escape immunity and spread faster but scientists in the UK insist it is not a threat here; The Serum Institute of India has written to the country's government to ask for permission to send five million doses of AstraZeneca's jab to the UK 'immediately' amid confusion about the supply chain; Rapid Covid tests may miss up to 40 per cent of coronavirus cases among people with no symptoms, researchers say. The export controls backed by France and Germany were today branded as 'mind-blowingly stupid vaccine nationalism' by Tory MPs. And health committee chair Jeremy Hunt warned that the EU was being 'idiotic' and 'destroying the possibility of a long-term partnership and friendship with its closest neighbour'. The measures were also condemned by Bernd Lange, chairman of the European Parliament's international trade committee, who said the bloc had 'brought out the shotgun' but risked 'shooting itself in the foot'. And asked about the controversial move as he was grilled by the powerful Liaison Committee this evening, Boris Johnson cautioned that there would be 'long term damage' from such a move. The Prime Minister said the 'partnership' with the EU was 'very important' and he wanted to 'continue to work with them'. SEVEN IN 10 HOSPITAL PATIENTS STILL HAVE SYMPTOMS 5 MONTHS LATER Seven in 10 patients hospitalised by coronavirus still suffer debilitating 'long Covid' symptoms five months after being discharged, scientists say. Research laying bare the toll of the condition revealed survivors were plagued with problems including breathlessness, fatigue and muscle pain. University of Leicester experts, who quizzed 1,077 long-haulers, found two in five had reduced their workload or were off sick because of their persistent symptoms. They also found evidence of organ damage in sufferers, and that those who required mechanical ventilation took longer to recover from long Covid. Separate data from Glasgow University released today further highlighted the plight of long Covid victims, saying women under-50 were worst affected. Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, claimed the studies added to knowledge of long Covid, which is still surrounded in mystery. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was 'determined' to improve care for Britons suffering the 'lasting and debilitating' impacts of Covid which is estimated to have infected around 15million people in the UK. Estimates suggest long Covid strikes up to one in ten infected people, leaving them battling fatigue and brain fog for months. NHS England has put aside more than 20million to treat the condition and set up a network of 72 sites across the nation to assist patients complaining of symptoms. Advertisement 'Vaccines as you know are the product of international cooperation,' the premier said. 'I don't think that blockades either on vaccines or medicines, or ingredient for vaccines are sensible. The long term damage done by blockades can be very considerable.' He went on: 'I would just gently point out to anybody considering a blockade or an interruption of supply chains, that companies may look at such actions and draw conclusions about whether or not it is sensible to make future investment in countries where arbitrary blockades are imposed.' The row came amid extraordinary reports today that 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are being held at a plant in Italy after a raid by police. Initially, briefings to European papers including La Stampa suggested the huge stocks were earmarked for the UK, but discovered by the authorities after a tip-off from Brussels. However, AstraZeneca later insisted that none of the supplies are for Britain, and government sources said the reports were 'not true'. Sixteen million of the doses are due to be delivered to the European, while 13million are due to be delivered to developing countries, Astrazeneca said. Meanwhile, in a major boost for the British drive the Serum Institute in India has indicated it could hand over another five million AstraZeneca doses that had been delayed and urged the India government to release the doses for export. The wrangling comes amid mounting panic in Brussels at its shambolic rollout, with French officials swiping that Europe must not be a 'useful idiot' in the battle against the virus. The EU is trying to maximise leverage on AstraZeneca to a bigger share of supplies, even though the UK has a stronger contractual position as it funded the initial development. In a sign of the chaos, hundreds of people from the Republic are said to have been trying to book jabs in Northern Ireland, where availability is far better. Mr Johnson risked fuelling the row last night by suggesting to Tory MPs that 'greed' was responsible for the UK being so far ahead - although he quickly tried to retract the comment, realising it might cause anger. The UK currently gets the bulk of its vaccine supply from two AstraZeneca plants in England that produce approximately two million doses a week. Ministers say that the country has enough doses on stream to cover second doses. However, there have been hopes of additional doses from an Astrazeneca plant in the Netherlands, while Pfizer doses are imported from Belgium. Both could be affected by an EU export ban, with some estimates suggesting a ban could delay Britain's vaccine drive by two months and affect supply by 20 per cent. The walrus resting on rocks just off Glanleam beach on Valentia island last Sunday (14th). Photo by: Alan Houlihan It seems the surprise visitor to Valentia last weekend is covering ground and has now turned up in Wales where he was spotted last weekend - just seven days after coming onto land on Valentia island. The rare sight of an Arctic Walrus in this part of the world put Valentia in the spotlight and more-so five-year old Muireann Houlihan who was the first to spot the rare mammal. Her father Alan immediately filmed the large creature and this video footage and photos of the animal have made headlines across the world given the unique arrival of a walrus to this region. "It was huge. It was the size of a bull or even bigger," Alan told The Kerryman. Marine experts said that it was extremely rare to witness a walrus on our shores. To date there has been 11 sightings overall but not all would have the evidence as captured by Alan while out walking with this daughter in the woods near Glanleam beach on Valentia island on Sunday morning. Expand Close 5-year old Muireann Houlihan who spotted the walrus on Valentia / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp 5-year old Muireann Houlihan who spotted the walrus on Valentia Seal Rescue Ireland and Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) both say they believe the walrus, who was seen in South Pembrokeshire, at the weekend, is the same animal which made a brief appearance at Valentia Island last Sunday, based on the size of his tusks. The walrus also did not stay long in Wales either. He was seen resting for a few hours before returning to the water and is likely to be making his way to more native waters. Experts believe he is quite young and underweight but given that he has made it to Wales in just seven days he appears to be in good condition overall. Romanian drug manufacturer Antibiotice Iasi last year doubled its investments in the research of new products, quality assurance equipment, the modernization of manufacturing technologies and digital activities, the company said in a release on Wednesday, according to AGERPRES. Thus, whereas in 2019 investments in equipment amounted to about 7 million lei, in 2020 Antibiotice doubled the figure to over 14 million lei. "Doubling turnover in the next period is a priority target, and international expansion is definitely the most important step of the company's shareholders. Of course, our goal is to increase business profitability. We achieve this growth primarily by regularly investing profits in product development, applied research, sustainable partnerships, all the more so during this extremely difficult period for the entire business community all over the world," said Antibiotice Iasi CEO Ioan Nani. The company has set itself as target doubling the turnover and exports by 2028, as well as obtaining a profit 2.5 times higher. On the domestic market, Antibiotice Iasi is a leader in the production of anti-infective drugs. Antibiotice Iasi posted a pre-tax profit of 28.33 million lei last year, 16 percent higher compared to the value from the revised Revenue and Expenditure Budget, according to the preliminary financial results sent to the Bucharest Stock Exchange. The company reported total revenues of 380.39 million lei and total expenses of 352.06 million lei in 2020. The value of sales on international markets in 2020 was 158.27 million lei, 4 percent higher from 2019. The share of exports in the company's turnover increased to 46.60 percent in 2020 from 39 percent in 2019. AP journalist Thein Zaw stands outside Insein prison after his release Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Thein Zaw, a journalist for The Associated Press who was arrested last month while covering a protest against the coup in Myanmar, was released from detention on Wednesday. (AP) YANGON: Myanmar freed more than 600 coup detainees on Wednesday, including an Associated Press photographer arrested while covering rallies, following fresh outrage over brutal crackdowns on protesters. The regime has unleashed a deadly wave of violence as it struggles to quell nationwide protests against the February 1 ouster and arrest of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 75-year-old was due to have a court hearing on Wednesday in Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, on criminal charges that could see her permanently barred from political office. But her lawyer Khin Maung Zaw said the hearing was adjourned until April 1 because of problems with video conferencing caused by a junta-imposed internet shutdown. In commercial hub Yangon, AP photographer Thein Zaw, 32 -- who was arrested last month while covering a protest -- was freed from Insein prison. "I'm now on my way back home to meet with my mum. I'm in good health," Thein Zaw told AFP. "The police officer who sued me withdrew his charge -- that's why they released me unconditionally." He had been charged with "spreading false news", along with five other journalists who were arrested the same day. They are from Myanmar Now, Myanmar Photo Agency, 7Day News, Zee Kwet Online news and a freelancer. It remains unclear if their charges have been dropped as well. Freeing up the prison Thein Zaw's release came hours after more than 600 people held for protesting against the coup were freed from the same jail. "We released 360 men and 268 women from Insein prison today," a senior prison official told AFP on condition of anonymity, before the AP photographer's release. Lawyer Khin Maung Myint, who was at Insein prison for the hearing of two other clients, said 16 busloads of people left the jail at 10 am local time (0400 GMT). "Some clients called me (after) informing me of their release," he told AFP. Local media showed images of the prisoners on the buses flashing the three-fingered salute -- a sign of resistance for the anti-coup movement -- as people waiting outside the prison waved at them and returned the gesture. Activists called for a nationwide "Silent Strike" on Wednesday, and streets were bare in the cities of Yangon and Naypyidaw. In the southern city of Myeik, rows of dolls were set up along roads, holding up tiny signs reading "We need democracy" and "We wish for Mother Suu to be healthy". At least 20 children killed There was chaos overnight in Mandalay with barricades burning, arrests, homes raided by security forces, beatings and machine guns ringing out over multiple neighbourhoods, local media reported. Three people were killed on Tuesday including seven-year-old girl Khin Myo Chit, shot dead at her home in Mandalay, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a local monitoring group. AFP has yet to independently verify the girl's death. Aid group Save the Children and AAPP both say that at least 20 people aged under 18 have been killed in the crackdown. "We are horrified that children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on peaceful protesters," Save the Children said in a statement. "We once again call on security forces to end these deadly attacks against protesters immediately." Myanmar's junta on Tuesday defended its seven-week crackdown, insisting it would not tolerate "anarchy". AAPP has verified 275 deaths since the coup, but warns the toll could be higher, and says more than 2,800 people have been detained. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun put the death toll lower at 164, and branded the victims "violent terrorist people" at a Tuesday news conference in Naypyidaw. Suu Kyi graft claims Suu Kyi faces several criminal charges, including for owning unlicensed walkie-talkies and violating coronavirus restrictions by staging a campaign event last year. She is also being investigated for corruption allegations. Her lawyer says he has still not been able to speak to her privately. The junta alleges the detained chief minister of Yangon confessed to giving Suu Kyi $600,000 in cash, along with more than 11 kilograms ($680,000 worth) of gold. The Nobel laureate -- who is widely beloved across the country -- has not been publicly seen since she was detained. Honeybees play a scent-driven game of telephone to guide members of a colony back to their queen, according to a new study led by University of Colorado Boulder. The research, published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights how insects with limited cognitive abilities can achieve complex feats when they work together--even creating what looks like a miniature and buzzing version of a telecommunications network. The findings also serve as a testament to a honeybee's love for its queen. These matriarchs are the most important members of any hive: They're the only females able to reproduce. Queens, like other members of a colony, can also communicate using pheromones, or small and odorous molecules that bees produce through special glands. "It's very important for the bees to know where the queen is and to stay close to her," said study author Orit Peleg, an assistant professor in the BioFrontiers Institute and Department of Computer Science at CU Boulder. Pheromones, which are too small for scientists to observe directly, can only travel so far before they dissipate into the air. So bees get creative to pass the messages along. Drawing on experiments with live bees and computer simulations, or models, Peleg and her colleagues discovered that when a queen starts sending out pheromones, nearby insects take note. They stop what they're doing, start making their own pheromones, then transmit those scents to friendly bees that are farther away. Peleg added that the results could one day help engineers to design more efficient telecommunications networks--for humans. "There are many examples of animals, like ants, who lay pheromones in their environments," Peleg said. "But those pheromones just disperse passively by the laws of physics. Here, the bees are actively directing that signal." Shake it That conclusion, she added, came about from a chance observation. During a previous study, Peleg and her colleagues were tracking how honeybees form giant swarms--or undulating blobs made up of thousands to as many as 100,000 bees. In the process, the researchers spotted something strange. As the honeybees in their experiments gathered around a queen to build a swarm, large numbers of them began to engage in what scientists call the "scenting" behavior. They stuck their hind ends into the air and beat their wings furiously. "When they fan their wings, they're drawing air over their pheromone glands, blowing those molecules away," Peleg said. She and her team wanted to know what was behind this insect version of twerking. To do that, the group set up a video camera in an arena and recorded bees in the process of forming a swarm. The researchers then analyzed that footage using machine learning tools that automatically tracked the locations and orientations of the bees in a colony. The team discovered the bees didn't seem to spread their scent randomly. "The signal is broadcasted in a particular direction, and that direction tends to be away from the queen," Peleg said. Phoning home Picture an insect phone tree: The bees closest to the queen catch whiff of her smell molecules, then blow their own pheromones to the bees behind them. That next layer of bees passes the message on in turn, and the chain continues until every bee in the colony is in on the secret. "It almost resembles a telecommunications network where you have antennas that are talking to each other and amplifying the signal so that it can reach farther away," Peleg said. Dieu My Nguyen, lead author of the study, noted that at the height of this communication frenzy, a hive's messenger bees mostly spaced themselves evenly across an arena. "The distances between the scenting bees were very uniform," said Nguyen, a graduate student in computer science at CU Boulder. "That suggests that there is some sort of concentration threshold over which pheromones are detectable, and that the bees were responding to that." Peleg, Nguyen, and their colleagues say that there is still a lot that they don't know about how these communications networks work. Do only some bees, for example, transmit messages for the queen, or can all members of a hive sniff and fan when it suits them? For now, the team is happy to get a new whiff of the social lives of these curious insects. "We got a few bee stings," Nguyen said. "But it was worth it for those nice movies." ### Other coauthors on the new study include CU Boulder graduate student Michael Iuzzolino and undergraduate student Aaron Mankel. Katarzyna Bozek of the Cologne University Hospital and Greg Stephens of the Okinawa Institute of Technology and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam also contributed to this research. Good morning, Bay Area. Its Wednesday, March 24, and the State Water Board is warning that drought is here. Heres what you need to know to start your day. With the Bay Area facing rising poverty and inequality in the wake of the pandemic, Oakland is launching a new experiment: giving money directly to residents no strings attached. "Our vision is an Oakland that has closed the racial wealth gap and where all families thrive," said Mayor Libby Schaaf, whose city will give 600 families $500 a month for at least 18 months starting this spring. Oakland's pilot program is set to be one of the largest in the country and is different from other guaranteed income experiments: Its focused on families of color. Read more about how the program will work and how its funded. Study: Stockton's $500 monthly income program led to better jobs and lives. $1,000 per month: The promise and open questions of universal basic income. Coronavirus updates Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle With a steep drop in coronavirus cases, San Francisco moved Tuesday to fewer restrictions, with a relic of pre-pandemic life finally allowed to reopen: the office. Downtown is going to start to come alive again, Mayor London Breed said Tuesday. But even with a green light to reopen at 25% capacity, its unclear how many companies will immediately bring back employees. Latest key S.F. dates to know. Why experts still warn against indoor dining, even as S.F. advances to orange tier. Mayor Breed also said shes talking with the Warriors about hosting spectators for home games at Chase Center. Only 85% of Muni service returning by 2022 as agency struggles to restore lines. Around the Bay Nick Otto / Special to The Chronicle Catching crabs, not whales: New, ropeless Dungeness crab fishing gear designed to protect whales creates controversy in local fleet. Drought warning: The State Water Board began sending notices to Californias 40,000 water users, from small farms to big cities like San Francisco, telling them to brace for cuts. 6% of the streets, 60% of the deaths: Oakland traffic deaths jumped by 22% in 2020, even amid lower pandemic traffic. First-time employee: Prince Harry starts new job at S.F. startup GoFundMe: After raising nearly $900,000, woman attacked in S.F. to donate back to Asian American community. In wake of shootings: Sen. Feinstein revives talks of nationwide ban on semiautomatic weapons. My dad represents all things love: Monterey woman's father among those slain in Boulder. Visual stories, local lives Sarahbeth Maney / The Chronicle Sophia Tupuola was pregnant with her first child when COVID-19 arrived in San Francisco. Her biggest concern was delivering a healthy baby. Over the next months, she navigated housing insecurity and marches for racial justice and prepared for birth. Photojournalist Sarabeth Maney followed her through the experience, sharing one womans story across a year of personal and global change. See the visual essay here. Bay Briefing is written by Taylor Kate Brown, Anna Buchmann and Kellie Hwang and sent to readers email inboxes on weekday mornings. Sign up for the newsletter here, and contact the writers at taylor.brown@sfchronicle.com, anna.buchmann@sfchronicle.com, and kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com. THE national treasury has indicated that the Namibian government expects to receive over N$603 million in dividends in the current fiscal year. This is, however, expected to be sourced from only four entities - despite the state having a stake in or full ownership of 28 commercial entities. The 2021/22 national budget documents provide a glimpse of what the government collects, and also what it projects to collect in the future. The documents still show that the usual entities who bail out the state are expected to continue doing so, even this year. Seriously flawed revenue collection methods also seem to be prevalent. In one instance, the ministry of agriculture only expected an inflow of N$100 in auction fees. As an alleged cash cow for the state, the Namibia Post and Telecommunications Ltd (mainly MTC) is expected to distribute N$320 million this year. It is normally the only state-owned entity which declares massive dividends. Namdeb, another entity in which the state has a 50% stake, is expected to dash treasury N$203 million, while the Bank of Namibia is projected to distribute N$68 million. The other entity is the Namibia Reinsurance Corporation, which is expected to give the state a N$10 million share. The four entities make up the N$603 million expected inflow. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Business By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Tabling the national budget last week, minister of finance Iipumbu Shiimi said government revenue is nosediving while expenditure continues to rise. When government revenue drops, it pushes up public debt and the government relies on entities that could fill that gap by operating at a profit and could therefore reduce the burden on the state's coffers. State revenue for the 2021/22 fiscal year is estimated to be a mere N$52 billion. This is N$6 billion less than the N$58 billion collected a year ago. Shiimi said the drop in revenue was largely due to the expected contraction in Southern African Customs Union receipts, as well as reduced economic activity in the country, which in turn reduces the amount of taxes that could be collected. However, state-owned companies that could also add some muscle to state coffers mostly remain unprofitable. For the 2019/20 fiscal year, over N$1,2 billion was received in dividends from the four public entities and about N$756 million in the last fiscal year. It is unclear why the treasury expects such a small amount this year. Of the N$52 billion in revenue inflow, N$48 billion is expected to flow from taxes and N$3,4 billion from non-tax revenue. Reacting to the budget presentation this year, PSG Namibia's head of research, Eloise du Plessis, said the much-delayed Namibia Revenue Agency, NamRA, stands a chance to help the government meet its revenue targets. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @Lasarus_A HONG KONG, March 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Forest Hills Partners Hong Kong Limited (also known as Forest Hills Lab) is ready to file an Investigative New Drug (IND) application with the US FDA in April 2021 to assess tolerability and efficacy with one of its drug candidates, namely FHL-301 in a phase 2 clinical study for patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Logo Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders among aging population worldwide and currently there is no approved drug to slow down or reverse the progression of this devastating disease. The drug candidate to be tested in the upcoming trial has shown promising signs in an animal model study whereby glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene is upregulated to protect striatal neurons and neurotransmitters, potentially providing significant therapeutic effects to PD patients. Forest Hills Lab is also developing several other drug candidates to initially target PD with strong scientific backgrounds. These drugs have clearly demonstrated a number of promising mechanisms of action to effectively treat disease-induced animals, such as anti-inflammatory, lysosome biogenesis, enhanced PD-related gene expression, neurotrophic protection, etc. Alex Yang, a Chair of the Board at Forest Hills Lab states that, "we are very pleased with our proactive approach to hopefully bring an effective treatment for one of the most challenging neurodegenerative diseases affecting a huge number of aging population whereby not just one drug but a multiple set of promising drugs would be tested in a controlled environment based on a precision-medicine approach tailored for specific PD patients." He further added that, "Forest Hills Lab is very unique and unmatched in the market to strategically apply such patient-specific approach to design and implement clinical protocols for a number of drug candidates all at the same time. Story continues Forest Hills Lab has worked closely with one of the most prominent research institutions in the US, Rush University Medical Center to commercialize these promising drug candidates for highly unmet CNS disorders. Dr. Hahn-Jun Lee, M.Sc., Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, has also commented that "scientific rationale for FHL-301 to treat Parkinson's disease has been demonstrated with the animal disease model. It is very exciting to explore the efficacy of FH-301 with PD patients in upcoming phase 2 clinical study because FHL-301 has a unique mechanism of action which is not overlapped with other drugs, FHL-301 may be one of excellent alternative options for the treatment of Parkinson's disease". Forest Hills Lab also believes in cooperation and partnering for the development of drugs particularly affecting a huge number of people all over the world. David Han, Chief Executive Officer, also states that, "we are very proactive in working closely with our partners in both of our cosmeceutical and therapeutic drug business lines and we also plan to raise funds through private placements and initial public offering to continue to build our platform". About Forest Hills Lab Forest Hills Lab is a company incorporated in Hong Kong (the "Company") with the corporate vision of creating healthy living for both young and elderly. The company has the cosmeceutical and medical device line of its business segment with HA dermal fillers and other related cosmetic products designed and manufactured from Korea. In particular, its HA dermal fillers are considered the highest quality with several new versions among its peers as recommended by many clinicians and doctors. Currently, the company manufactures and sells these products worldwide and is expanding its footprint in various target regions through close cooperation with local partners. The Company is also developing a number of drug candidates in both new chemical entities and repurposed drugs as disease-modifying treatment for the neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with lewy bodies, etc. The company plans to line up several of these drug compounds ready for phase 2 clinical trials initially focused on Parkinson's disease. Forward-looking Statement Certain information set forth in this presentation contains "forward-looking information", including but not limited to (i) the expected development of the Company's business, projects, and joint ventures; (ii) execution of the Company's vision and growth strategy, including with respect to future M&A activity and global growth; and (iii) sources and availability of third-party financing for the Company's projects. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow potential investors the opportunity to understand management's beliefs and opinions in respect of the future so that they may use such beliefs and opinions as one factor in evaluating an investment. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Media Contact: Alex Yang alexyang@foresthillslab.com SOURCE Forest Hills Partners ATLANTA, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta-based Panoramic Ventures today announced the expansion of its leadership team, including the promotion of a new General Partner and the addition of a Vice President of Marketing and a Vice President on the investment team. Last month, the VC firm announced its formation through a partnership between Paul Judge and BIP Capital, one of the most active venture capital firms in the Southeast with more than $550 million in assets under management across five fund families. Panoramic's mission is to take a "wider-view" approach to investing in order to fund companies in emerging tech ecosystems and give more entrepreneurs access to capital to build leading tech companies. In addition to seeking out investments in non-traditional geographies such as the Southeast and Midwest, racial and gender diversity of founders and teams is a focus. The new fund will also pursue innovative companies founded within colleges and universities. Panoramic's vision is to "help founders everywhere accelerate farther and faster." Flickinger Promoted to General Partner Mark Flickinger, previously COO at BIP Capital where he helped to raise and invest Funds III and IV, has been promoted to General Partner and COO of Panoramic Ventures. In addition to C-level and General Partner responsibilities, Flickinger also continues to work with portfolio companies, focusing on post-investment talent acquisition and scaling efficiently. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for portfolio companies AchieveIt and VoApps, while working closely with many others. McQueen Joins to Head Marketing Tami McQueen joins Panoramic as Vice President of Marketing. Previously, she was the first marketing hire at SalesLoft, one of the fastest-growing B2B SaaS startups that is now recognized as a "unicorn." As an entrepreneur, McQueen co-founded creative marketing agency 31south, now known as Summit House. She has worked with some of software's most innovative brands, including ActionIQ, Agility Recovery, Digital Hands, Keyfactor, SaaStr, Tricentis, and Women Who Code. McQueen will lead the firm's marketing efforts while also working closely with portfolio companies as a part of Panoramic's Founder Success Program. Harris Joins Investment Team Chad Harris joins Panoramic as a Vice President on the investment team, where he focuses on early-stage investments. Harris comes to Panoramic from Truist Securities, where he was a VP in Equity Capital Markets and an Associate in TMT industry coverage. He was also a Manager in the Strategy and Corporate Development Group at MTV Networks. Harris began his career at Morgan Stanley as an Associate in Equity Research covering the cable & satellite industry. "Mark highly deserves the promotion to General Partner as he has been key to our growth and success," said Mark Buffington, Managing Partner of Panoramic, a role he shares with entrepreneur and investor Paul Judge. "We're also excited to have Tami and Chad join our team, as they both offer significant experience in areas important for our ongoing momentum. We look forward to their contributions as we enter our next chapter of growth." The addition of McQueen and Harris brings the Panoramic team to 26 members who offer decades of experience, both as founders and investors, and collectively have invested in over 200 startups and achieved billions in exit proceeds. About Panoramic Ventures Panoramic Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta that takes a "wider-view" approach to investing by targeting the Southeast and Midwest and placing a focus on diverse founders and university startups. Panoramic opens new doors for overlooked founders, giving more entrepreneurs access to capital to build leading tech companies. For more information, visit www.panoramic.vc or follow Panoramic Ventures on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter @panoramicvc. Media Contact: Kathy Berardi [email protected] 678.644.4122 SOURCE Panoramic Ventures Related Links https://panoramic.vc Flash China on Tuesday strongly condemned the sanctions imposed by the United States, Canada, Britain and the European Union (EU) on Chinese individuals and entities over Xinjiang-related issues, warning "they will have to pay a price for their ignorance and arrogance." Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said the sanctions were based on nothing but lies and false information under the pretext of so-called human rights issues. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has summoned the EU and British ambassadors to China respectively to lodge solemn representations. China has also lodged solemn representations with the United States and Canada, Hua said. China on Monday announced sanctions against 10 individuals and four entities on the EU side. At a press briefing on Tuesday, Hua said people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Uyghurs, enjoy each and every constitutional and lawful right, as well as stability, security, development and progress, which is "one of the most successful human rights stories." However, some politicians in the United States, Britain, Canada and the EU are obviously unwilling to acknowledge this fact. They are only interested with the so-called "evidence" maliciously fabricated by some anti-China politicians and scholars on the basis of false information, even distortion and misinterpretation of official data released by China, Hua said. Such a practice only proves that they care about neither human rights nor the truth, she said. "Such politicians are unwilling to see China's success and development, so they interfere in China's internal affairs under the pretext of human rights and use various excuses to contain China's development," Hua said. Their slanderous actions harm the reputation and dignity of the Chinese people, flagrantly interfere in China's internal affairs, and seriously violate China's sovereignty and security interests, she added. These self-styled "judges" of human rights are keen to lecture others, but they have an ignoble record on human rights. They are not in the position to criticize China, much less to shift blames to China for what they have committed, Hua said. "These countries show no repentance over the turmoil they created in other countries, and even go further to impose unilateral sanctions on others in the name of human rights, severely jeopardizing the rights to life, health and development of people in relevant countries," she said. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, these above-mentioned most developed countries have turned a blind eye to their people's rights to life and health, leading to losses of tens of hundreds of lives. In pursuit of "vaccine nationalism" , they have hoarded vaccines far in excess of their population's needs, leaving developing countries struggling with insufficient vaccines. "We can't help but asking: how could people have any right if they lost their lives? The United States and the West have been trumpeting protecting human rights, but who and what right on earth are they protecting? In what way are they respecting and protecting human rights? Shouldn't they feel shameful?" "The days when foreign powers could force China to open its doors with cannons are long gone; also gone are the days when several so-called scholars and media could unscrupulously malign China in collusion without being punished," Hua said. "We urge them not to underestimate Chinese people's firm determination to defend national interests and dignity. It's a courtesy to reciprocate what we receive," she said. "They will have to pay a price for their ignorance and arrogance." 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. Williamstown Sets Interim Town Manager Interviews March 29 WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Select Board plans to interview two candidates for the interim town manager position on Monday with hopes of picking a temporary occupant of the corner office on April 5. At Monday's meeting, Andrew Hogeland informed his colleagues that the town had received about a dozen applications for the short-term position. He said six seemed very well qualified, and from that smaller group, two dropped out before the initial interview. Hogeland and Hugh Daley interviewed four candidates and chose two to have sit downs with senior members of the Town Hall staff late last week. Hogeland did not identify the two finalists but suggested that the board schedule public interviews with each on Monday, March 29. The board is scheduling a meeting one week later to make a decision. The hope is to have the interim town manager in place by the end of April, when Town Manager Jason Hoch intends to step down. Hoch reminded the board on Monday that he will be available during May to help with the transition period. Given the expedited nature of the search in the wake of Hoch's Feb. 19 announcement , the members of the select board agreed to manage the search process on their own. Two other ongoing searches, for a permanent town manager and interim police chief, will involve search committees drawn from the wider community; the latter search group held two meetings last week. Hogeland said Monday that a half-dozen residents had submitted questions they would like to see asked during the interim town manager interviews, and that the members of the board will have those questions in advance of Monday's interview. The one-week break between interviews and decision is intended to give time for the public to provide feedback to the interviews via phone calls or emails, Hogeland said. Elsewhere on the candidate search front, the board decided that Daley and Jane Patton will serve as co-chairs on the search committee for the town manager, which will be facilitated by the recruiting firm HrGov. Anne O'Connor, who is chairing the advisory group reviewing interim police chief candidates, said that panel hopes to start reviewing candidates on April 5. "The committee has met twice in its first week," O'Connor said. "The first was to get the lay of the land and discuss the process for an accelerated search as distinct from the full-time chief search. The second meeting was to get input on the job posting and finalize it. The advertisement for the posting is going out today and tomorrow. "I would say the wealth of suggestions and thoughts already shared by the committee is going to be really useful for this work now. I think it will also be a great product to hand off to the permanent chief search committee. My impression is that the hiring process for a chief has typically been a fairly closed process. This is an opportunity for community input. And in this process, our efforts to include diverse voices is robust. It's not just a committee of recruited members; it is a broad-based group of qualified volunteers from the community. And the committee has a shared goal of finding the best interim chief for Williamstown. They also represent and are trusted by different stakeholders in the community." Much of the focus of Monday's meeting was on the most recent controversy arising from the Williamstown Police Department and a report from acting Chief Michael Ziemba about his efforts to address the misconduct of WPD personnel. In other business on Monday, the Select Board received from and referred back to the Planning Board three zoning bylaw amendments that the planners are proposing for the annual town meeting warrant. Two would reclassify small areas of town from their current zoning to more accurately reflect their historic use; one is the result of more than a year of conversation in town about the production of cannabis. Monday's vote by the Select Board, largely a ceremonial action required by state law, allows the Planning Board to hold an official public hearing on all its proposals on Tuesday, April 13. Planning Board Chair Stephanie Boyd presented the planned articles to the Select Board and reminded all residents of the FAQ document the planners created to explain the cannabis bylaw and the ability to provide direct feedback by emailing planningboard@williamstownma.gov The Select Board also heard a request from Norman Quinn, the owner of Countryside Landscaping to amend the by-right land uses in the town's Limited Industrial zoning district to include self-storage units and "cultivation and processing of retail and wholesale aggregate, soil and nursery stock." Town Planner Andrew Groff told the Select Board that he thinks Quinn's request is in line with the intentions of the Limited Business district. All four zoning proposals were merely referred back to the Planning Board for public hearings and final preparation for the town meeting warrant. The Select Board will have the opportunity to make advisory votes on the proposals at a later date prior to the annual town meeting. Hoch announced Monday that the town meeting is officially scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at Williams College's Weston Field, the second straight outdoor annual town meeting for the town. That means, among other things, that Monday, April 19 (50 days before the meeting) is the deadline to submit warrant articles by citizens' petition, Hoch said. He hopes to have the warrant finished and ready for the Select Board's consideration by its meeting on Monday, April 26, and before his departure from town hall. "If the wheels come off the wagon, your actual notice requirement is something shockingly close to the meeting," Hoch said. "I think it's a week ahead of time. April 26 is a soft deadline." The annual town election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, at Williamstown Elementary School, Hoch said, which falls within the commonwealth's extension of no-excuse vote by mail provisions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoch said applications for a vote-by-mail ballot are available on the town's website; those ballots should be available in late April to send out to voters who request them. The ballot dropoff box used last year remains in front of Town Hall for voters. "We're not looking at in-person early voting," Hoch said. "[Town Clerk Nicole Pedercini] notes that turnout for September's primary was low for early voting. Right now the building is not open to the public. It seems like the value of going through that exercise was small given the other options [for voters]." In person voting on May 11 will be at Williamstown Elementary School. A man accused of taking part in a gathering of up to 60 masked men in east Belfast must remain in custody, a High Court judge has ruled. Former Attorney General John Larkin QC argued that David Matthews should be granted bail amid "evidential and doctrinal frailties" in the case. But Mr Justice McFarland refused to release the 34-year-old to stay at the home of a man said to have an extensive criminal record. "I do not believe this address is suitable," he said. Matthews, of Millreagh in Dundonald, faces charges of unlawful assembly and affray in connection with the high-profile incident at Pitt Park last month. His 58-year-old father, Stephen Matthews, of Pansy Street in Belfast, and Derek Lammey, 56, from Spring Place in the city, are also in custody accused of the same offences. With the case based on disputed identification evidence from police at the scene, the three accused deny involvement Previous courts were told the gathering of between 50 and 60 men in the area on February 2 was linked to a suspected UVF show of strength. Eleven members of the public fled to the nearby Ballymac Community Centre and remained there for up to eight days under a constant police presence, the prosecution contended. But defence lawyers claim new information calls into question the suggestion that residents were forced to take shelter. They have also stressed that none of the three defendants are charged with membership of a proscribed organisation. David Matthews mounted a renewed bid to be allowed to stay at accommodation more than 20 miles from Belfast. Bail was opposed, however, due to the identity of a man currently living at the property in Co Down. Based on the unidentified individuals past convictions, prosecution counsel described him as "thoroughly dishonest". Mr Larkin countered that the mans record involved no "cross-fertilisation" of offences similar to those his client is charged with. Dealing with the alleged events at Pitt Park, the barrister questioned whether they met the legal definition for the charges. "The paradigm of affray is unlawful fighting, such as would put a hypothetical bystander in fear," he told the court. "One doesnt have to delve pretty deeply into the facts of this case, as presented at this stage, to realise we are an enormous distance from the classic core of the common law offence of affray." Raising further issues with the alleged identification, Mr Larkin contended: "It is a case with not merely an obviously evidential frailty but, more importantly, a fundamental doctrinal frailty." But the judge confirmed bail was being denied due to the convictions of the man living at the proposed address. He pointed out: "It is occupied by a gentleman who I regard as not appropriate for someone to reside with Mr Matthews." Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 24 : India needs to significantly raise its social sector expenditure to improve on the social indicators and also meet the surging demand, said a recent report. The 'India Philanthropy Report 2021' prepared by Dasra and Bain & Company also noted that philanthropy in India continues to grow. In fiscal year 2020, private-sector funding totalled about Rs 64,000 crore, nearly 23 per cent more than in fiscal year 2019. Private-sector funding stems from four sources -- foreign, corporate, retail, and high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) or families. Foreign contributions account for a quarter of all funding. Domestic corporation donations-also known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding-account for 28 per cent of funding. Retail investors (lower than Rs 5 crore donations each) account for another 28 per cent. Dasra, a strategic philanthropy foundation, recently organised the 12th (India) and the 1st Global Edition of its Dasra Philanthropy Week, the role of philanthropy in driving social impact in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Commenting during the event, Neera Nundy, Co-founder, Dasra, said: "Dasra's focus is on working with vulnerable communities that face disproportionate risk and are trapped in a socio-economic system that has deemed them largely invisible. To help uplift these communities and realise the potential of over a billion Indians, the first step is to champion diversity and build resilience." "But to achieve this, family philanthropists, NGOs, foundations, corporates and governments will need to work together to regularly exchange knowledge and learnings, align on a shared vision, build a collective voice, and combine resources to invest in scalable, inclusive and sustainable solutions. Only then can we say, with our hand on our heart, that we are India, a nation of 'A Billion Thriving'." analysis The killing of Dulcie September has remained shrouded in secrecy for decades, and though a new documentary about it does not reveal her killers, it might help piece together the puzzle. On the morning of 29 March 1988, Dulcie September, the 52-year-old representative of the ANC for France, Luxembourg and Switzerland, was killed by five bullets fired at point blank range from a .22-calibre pistol fitted with a silencer. She died outside the door of the ANC offices on the fourth floor of the building located at 28 Rue des Petites-Ecuries in Paris. September's death sparked international outrage, particularly in France, where tens of thousands of people lined the streets of the capital for her funeral on 9 April 1988. Almost immediately following what would prove to be the most high-profile assassination of an ANC representative on foreign soil in the apartheid era, rumours began to circulate that it was the work of agents of the South African state. Over the past three decades, many investigations by French and South African authorities, journalists and authors have created a fog of mystery and conspiracy theories that continue to surround her death. These investigations have helped to turn the woman at their centre more into a name and symbol of the struggle than a human being who may have asked the wrong questions at the wrong time, and paid the ultimate price for it. As the 33rd anniversary of her murder approaches, a new documentary titled Murder in Paris tries to pull together many of the complicated and frustratingly inconclusive searches for a smoking gun in the mystery of who killed September, while also reminding audiences of who she was and where she came from. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Enver Samuel, who made a documentary about the long quest for justice of Ahmed Timol's family and the historic reopening of the inquest into his death in 2018, this film is very much a work of activism. It seeks not only to restart a conversation about September's murder, but also to inspire a recommitment to her legacy as a fighter for democratic rights and the rights of women in a South Africa she never lived to see realised. Lawyers for the September family in France have already included Murder in Paris in evidence they submitted to the French government in February as part of a petition to reopen the investigation into her murder. A life of activism September was born in Gleemore in Athlone on the Cape Flats in 1935. While training as a teacher, she became politically active and founded the Yu Chi Chan Club, a militant reading group that included Kenneth Abrahams and Neville Alexander. In 1963, the club became the National Liberation Front, an anti-apartheid organisation ideologically committed to armed resistance against the apartheid government. September was arrested in 1963 and charged, along with nine others, with conspiracy to commit sabotage against the state. She was imprisoned in 1964, serving five years, and upon her release was slapped with a five-year banning order. In 1973, she applied for and was granted a one-way permit to leave South Africa. She went to Europe, where she became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and joined the ANC in 1976. Working for the ANC and its women's league in various capacities both in London and Lusaka, she took up her position in France in 1983. In the decades since her death, the theory that September was murdered by agents of the apartheid regime has been probed with varying degrees of success. For his 1997 book, Into the Heart of Darkness, the now controversial journalist Jacques Pauw interviewed playboy arms dealer and self-confessed apartheid spy Dirk Stoffberg, who claimed that he had been part of a state-sanctioned plan to kill September. His task had been to hire French assassins. Stoffberg was murdered with his wife at their Hartbeespoort home in 1994, taking his secrets with him. A French government investigation into September's killing did not name her assassins, but it placed her killing within the context of a broader plan by the apartheid state to eliminate senior ANC figures in Europe. An investigation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1997 also proved inconclusive in terms of who was responsible for pulling the trigger of the pistol that killed her. In his book Apartheid Guns and Money, published in 2017, author Hennie van Vuuren revealed that newly obtained archive documents showed that at the time of her killing, September may have been asking too many questions about the relationship between Armscor and French arms dealers. This would have made her a target for "two probable instigators: South African security services and French intelligence", Van Vuuren wrote. September had discovered that the top floor of the South African embassy in Paris was home to more than 30 Armscor officials who were engaged in significant sanctions-busting deals with European arms companies. This was a closely guarded secret for over three decades and the theory was expanded upon in a 2019 podcast series, They Killed Dulcie, which was produced by Sound Africa in collaboration with Van Vuuren and the non-profit organisation Open Secrets, of which he is the director. Basis for documentary In 2018, Dutch investigative journalist and former anti-apartheid activist Evelyn Groenink published her book Incorruptible, in which she concluded that September had also been close to exposing evidence of top-secret nuclear weapons cooperation between the French government and the apartheid regime. This had probably earmarked her for assassination, wrote Groenink, whose decades-long investigation into the murder serves as the major vehicle for the documentary's examination of the mystery. Delivering the 2009 Ruth First Memorial Lecture, Maggie Davey, the head of Jacana Media publishers, told the story of what happened to her and her staff when they attempted unsuccessfully to publish Groenink's book in the early 2000s. They were threatened with physical violence, legal action and the potential destruction of the business. Despite winning a court case and facing off the threats, ultimately the publisher felt that "the entire project soaked up more money and resources than a small publisher could afford. We decided not to go ahead with the publication... It was a painful and disquieting decision to take," said Davey. Groenink finally managed to publish her book privately. Samuel says that prior to being approached by members of the September family in 2017 to make a film about her, his knowledge of September "was pretty weak... I knew about [her] and the killing, but I didn't know much. It was vague in my memory about the assassination but I didn't know much about her." After immersing himself in the mountains of articles, books and reports about investigations into September's death, Samuel interviewed Groenink and "got her buy-in, [which] helped the film to become something that not only told Dulcie's story, [but also] told the story of Evelyn's quest to find out who the killers were... The pairing of Evelyn and Dulcie was very strategic and I thought it would be interesting to tell it through Evelyn's point of view in terms of unfolding the mystery." Jumping in While working on a reality television series in 2018, Samuel heard that there would be a week-long programme of events to commemorate the 30th anniversary of September's death. Like much of the memorialisation of the former ANC activist, these celebrations did not take place in her native South Africa but on the streets of the city where she was murdered. Samuel quit his contract with the reality show, borrowed money against his home loan and funded himself and a skeleton crew to cover the events in Paris. Samuel says that "those are the sacrifices you have to make if you really care about the story. I don't regret it, because going there gave me access to the person who was at the mortuary who identified her body, the person who was her French translator - stuff like that. I think that if you hold fast and your conviction is there [then you have to make these decisions], so I just did it. I didn't think, I didn't blink." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Legal Affairs Europe and Africa By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Perhaps it is simply a matter of a film's capacity as a medium to deliver information in a compact, more easily digestible manner than the time-consuming effort of reading that makes Murder in Paris succeed where books like Van Vuuren's and Groenink's have failed. Despite its inability to cover in detail all the many theories, red herrings and dead ends surrounding September's death, the film's inclusion in the French lawyers' current campaign to reopen the case is testament to its value. Samuel says the news is "huge for us, because we didn't want to simply make a documentary and you watch it and that's it. We wanted to have a big impact campaign and rollout, and part of that campaign is to roll the film out to schools and communities and [have] Q&As [with a view to] getting the case reopened for the family." Murder in Paris, which is being screened in two parts on SABC3, may not find a smoking gun or a definitive answer to the mystery of who fired the five fatal shots, but it might have more success than any other previous attempts to set the wheels in motion for a thorough investigation by French authorities. And it is to be hoped that will help the September family's decades-long quest for answers. Even if it doesn't manage to do that, it should at the very least, as Samuel hopes, ignite a realisation in audiences that first and foremost, before she was a tragic victim of the struggle against apartheid, "Dulcie September [was a] remarkable woman... [and the ANC] was not just populated by all these male figures that we know about today. There were some really hard-hitting women in power who were trying to make inroads into the patriarchy." The second part of Murder In Paris will be broadcast on SABC3 on 28 March at 7.30pm. With food-and-beverage workers in South Carolina now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the heretofore separate social media spheres of vaccine selfie and Instagram food are starting to converge. Its happening slowly, since vaccination appointments remain frustratingly scant, but an increasing number of people who care deeply about what they eat and drink are posting pictures of their celebratory meals. When health care workers received their vaccines, they shared images of their bandaged arms on Twitter. After older adults got their shots, they circulated their redacted vaccination cards on Facebook. For hospitality professionals who have spent close to a year fending off customers demands that they take down their masks, neither a flexed muscle nor paperwork can adequately capture post-vax jubilation. The occasion calls for something wonderful. Perhaps a rare porterhouse steak or bottle of first-growth Bordeaux. At least those are fine choices for dinner. But if a vaccine seeker is lucky enough to score a shot, the dose is more likely to be delivered by day. So how should Charlestonians rejoice at lunch? Like all medical matters, the choice is deeply personal, but any one of these dozen dishes from across the tri-county area could work. These are dishes that, on an average day, might be dismissed as too messy. Too heavy. Too rich. In other words, theyre perfect for marking a #milestone. (And dont be shy about sharing happy pictures of them. Public health experts say social media can help fight vaccine hesitancy). Smothered pork chops, Hannibals Kitchen Its easy to fall into a chicken or fish rut when seeking something deep-fried, but Hannibals magnificent pork chop ought to shake anyone out of old habits. Its possible to order the pork chop plain, but ascetics miss out on oniony gravy settling into the chops featherlight crust, fostering the ideal union of white meat and black pepper. 16 Blake St., downtown Charleston, 843-722-2256, hannibalkitchen.com Beef n cheddar, Lewis Barbecue John Lewis revenge sandwich, designed to shame Arbys for driving up brisket prices by putting the cut on its national menu, is only sold on Fridays. Every other day, customers make do with top-notch brisket sandwiches and a side of mesmerizing queso. If your schedule allows, smoked and sliced prime rib smeared with horseradish-enhanced Dukes mayonnaise is very special indeed. 464 N. Nassau St., downtown Charleston, 843-805-9500, lewisbarbecue.com Pulled pork nachos, Home Team BBQ Second in popularity only to Home Teams legendary white-sauced wings, the restaurants nachos are perhaps closer in spirit to founder Aaron Siegels cheffy intentions. Every item on the plate is the beneficiary of a second or third step, such as chips seasoned with dry rub and pickled jalapenos. The three salsas, including one built around smoked corn, vault the nachos into superlative territory. Multiple locations, hometeambbq.com Chili cheeseburger, Matts Burgers When I spent two days eating everywhere in Summerville, Matt's mutant (said with love!) easily claimed the title of best dish in town. As I then wrote, Summerville has no greater gift to give than a Matts cheeseburger swamped with chili so it sits at the center of the plate like a shimmering beef-filled crouton. Its a dish to devour with a fork and knife, and its exceptional. True words. 102 S. Cedar St. #B, Summerville, 843-821-1911, no website. Sign up for our food & dining newsletter. We publish our free Food & Dining newsletter every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to keep you informed on everything happening in the Charleston culinary scene. Sign up today! Email Sign Up! Hot chicken, KinFolk Joe and Kevin Nierstedt have been making regular work trips to downtown Charleston for a ramen residency at The Daily, but with those soup sessions ending March 25, its again time for discerning eaters to trek to Kiawahs outskirts for the brothers stupendous crisped chicken, with Nashville-style cayenne pepper woven into the crust. 4430 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, 843-768-0006, kinfolkchs.com The BLT Bowl, The Grit Counter My dream restaurant is a sweet potato bar, where customers would get a split, steaming Garnet and their pick of toppings. (Feel free to steal this idea: I have neither the capital nor resilience to pull it off). But The Grit Counter makes an excellent case for bedding down carefully-prepared and recognizably Southern ingredients in a bowlful of plush Adluh stone ground grits, enriched by pimento cheese for its signature BLT Bowl. 320 Wingo Way #101, Mount Pleasant, 843-352-9736, gracegrit.com/counter Sichuan Hot Karaage Rice Bowl, Jackrabbit Filly If you cant decide between the two foregoing dishes, Jackrabbit Filly gives patrons a chance to have their fried chicken and eat it bowl-style, too. The Japanese-inspired chicken, featuring the full-spectrum flavors of schmaltz and soy locked in place by a graceful crust, is a holdover from the Short Grain food truck days. Still, it perfectly encapsulates the sit-down restaurants playful attitude. 4628 Spruill Ave., North Charleston, 843-460-0037, jackrabbitfilly.com 9-ounce ribeye, Brecks Steakhouse For eaters who maintain that steak alone is synonymous with celebration, Brecks is home to the best midday deal around. On Saturdays, the North Charleston institution (which now also has a Moncks Corner branch) serves a hand-cut rib eye for $10. During the week, a 9-ounce rib eye costs $14.99, but the price includes a vegetable and potato. Smart customers will start with a salad dressed in Brecks homemade blue cheese and finish with a slice of cake. 8510 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, 843-572-1631, breckssteakhouse.com Fried shrimp platter, Acme Lowcountry Kitchen There are seven different shrimp-and-grits preparations on the dinner menu at Acme Lowcountry Kitchen. But one good reason for eaters not to get distracted by truffles, tasso gravy and fried green tomatoes is that Acme is the proud owner of a freezer big enough to keep the Isle of Palms restaurant stocked year-round with local shrimp. And with so many crustaceans in the cooler, its cooks are practiced at frying them. 31 J C Long Blvd., Isle of Palms, 843-886-3474, acmelowcountrykitchen.com Acharuli khachapuri, Euro Foods American pizza chains for years have been trying to figure out how to make cheese pizza even cheesier, piling more cheese on top and concealing backup caches in the crust. But pizza wizards will never come up with anything to match khachapuri, a deep-bottomed cheese boat from Georgia. Euro Foods is responsible for a terrific version of the eggy, melty dish. The kitchen crew has lately taken to garnishing it with smoked ham. 1664 Old Towne Road, 843-571-1451, eurofoodsbakeryandcafe.com Shrimp roll, LowLife The consistently impressive LowLife serves Champagne and caviar at all open hours, along with tater tots. But if you dont book the $75 Goat Table in advance, theres nearly as much luxury to be found in the Folly Beach bars modest-appearing shrimp roll. Centered on delicately poached shrimp, the sandwich is completed in classic fashion with cold, tangy remoulade and crisp shredded lettuce. 106 E. Hudson Ave., Folly Beach, 843-633-0460, lowlifebar.com The Feast, Garlic Crab on Wheels No longer on wheels, Garlic Crab on Wheels hasnt let its sauce quality slip since settling into a permanent location in North Charleston. The buttery sauce is compelling enough to make fans rhapsodize about eating pencils and shoes coated in it. The feast includes blue crabs in addition to the standard snow crab legs, shrimp, sausage, potatoes and an egg. You wont regret adding a side of red rice. 5101 Ashley Phosphate Road, Suite 118, North Charleston, 843-297-4689, facebook.com/GarlicCrabsOnWheels [March 24, 2021] JFF Awarded $10 Million Grant to Scale High-Quality Training for IT Careers in Five Major Workforce Hubs BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JFF, a national nonprofit driving transformation in the American workforce and education systems, announced today that it has received $10 million in U.S. Department of Labor funding to expand access to in-demand information technology roles through employer-validated credentials. In collaboration with Google and CompTIA , the nonprofit association for the IT industry and workforce, the Rapid IT Training and Employment Initiative will provide up to 1,800 people in Dallas, Denver, Omaha, Philadelphia, and San Francisco with high-quality training designed to prepare them for middle- and high-skill IT positions. "This will bring together the combined expertise... to rapidly reskill workers for fast-growing tech jobs." "Millions of displaced workersdisproportionately low-income heads of family, women, and men of colorare still facing the daunting task of reinventing themselves for new and, in many ways, unfamiliar jobs and industries. This moment is testing our resolve to not only rebuild our labor market, but to build something significantly better," said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF. "This initiative will bring together the combined expertise, capacity, and resources of technology, industry, and organized labor to rapidly reskill workers for fast-growing tech jobsand ultimately support a more equitable and inclusive economic recovery." Despite broader economic headwinds and declining labor force participation , employers report strong demand for IT professionals and tech talent. Domestic tech-related emloyment continued to grow in February, as technology companies added 7,700 workers, IT occupations in all sectors of the economy expanded by 178,000 , and help-wanted ads for IT openings reached a 12-month high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that IT occupations will continue growing for nearly a decadeat a rate of 11 percent through 2029significantly faster than average industry growth. At the same time, the workforce faces notable disparities: women make up just over one quarter of the computing workforce and women of color make up only 4 percent. To expand access to IT career paths, the initiative will focus on upskilling and reskilling workers without prior IT experience or a bachelor's degree, providing them with opportunities to earn industry-validated credentials and gain experience through rigorous work-based learning. Workers in all five major metropolitan areas will receive access to the in-demand CompTIA A+ certification, one of Google's five career certificates, or both credentials. "Employment opportunities in IT are present in many industries and regions across the country," said Mark Plunkett, the vice president of education services and business development at CompTIA Tech Career Academy. "With its mix of instruction, mentoring, paid work-based learning, and professional certification, this collaborative effort led by JFF is the right solution to prepare hundreds of individuals eager for new career opportunities in IT." "Employer-backed credentials like the Google Career Certificates provide a meaningful alternative for underserved communities where traditional education is not a viable option," said Hector Mujica, economic opportunity lead at Google.org. "We have been collaborating with JFF for years to advance the sector in the deployment of credentials and wraparound support, and are proud they will continue to leverage their learnings and Google content to provide many more people with pathways to the digital economy." To design and scale the new initiative, JFF has assembled a diverse network of corporate, labor, education, and nonprofit organizations. In addition to Google and CompTIA, these include the National Association of Workforce Boards, the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute, the Colorado Community College System (Denver), JEVS Human Services (Philadelphia), Metropolitan Community College (Omaha), Redemption Bridge (South Dallas), and TechSF (San Francisco). Each local site will help identify potential candidates, provide case management and support services, and engage with regional employers to place participants in tech jobs with established career pathways. JFF will tap into its deep expertise in the IT sector and tech workforce planning and development, providing insight on best practices, support for research and evaluation, implementation of work-based learning opportunities, and sharing of results with other experts and practitioners in workforce development nationwide. About JFF: JFF is a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems. For more than 35 years, JFF has led the way in designing innovative and scalable solutions that create access to economic advancement for all. www.jff.org For more information, please contact JFF's Communications team at media@jff.org. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jff-awarded-10-million-grant-to-scale-high-quality-training-for-it-careers-in-five-major-workforce-hubs-301254461.html SOURCE JFF [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Silvio Berlusconi has been in hospital since Monday, his lawyer revealed today as the former Italian Prime Minister went on trial for corruption. Federico Cecconi told a judge in Milan the 84-year-old is suffering from 'health problems that I will not go into' as he justified his absence from the courtroom. He added that Berlusconi is currently at San Raffaele hospital on the outskirts of the city, while a source from his Forza Italia party said he will need to rest 'for a while'. Silvio Berlusconi, 84, has been in hospital for the last three days suffering from 'health problems' and will need to rest 'for a while', his lawyer said today No further details about Berlusconi's health problems were disclosed, but news he has been hospitalised comes six months after he was diagnosed with Covid. While most coronavirus patients recover from the infection within a few days, some are left with symptoms lasting month - often referred to as 'long Covid'. Berlusconi has also suffered heart problems - undergoing major surgery in 2016 and landing in hospital in January last year. He also revealed in 2000 that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer three years previously, but had been cured. At the time he described his cancer battle as 'a nightmare lasting months'. The former Italian Prime Minister is currently at San Raffaele Hospital on the outskirts of Milan (pictured), his lawyer said, without giving further details Berluscnoi's trial has been delayed multiple times due to health issues, with one delay coming in January after the former PM was taken to hospital. The death of lawyer Mauro Ruffini, who had been involved in prosecuting the case, also held up the trial while he was replaced, Repubblica reported. And evidence due to be given today by former prime minister Giuseppe Spinelli was delayed after he filed an 'impediment request' and asked to come back to court at a later date. Berlusconi is on trial alongside 28 other defendents over money he is alleged to have paid to host 'bunga bunga' parties. The former Prime Minister is accused of paying 6million to an underage prostitute dubbed 'Ruby the heart-stealer'. 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 Mr Abass was arrested on Sunday by officers attached to Onipanu Division for filming them in operation. A Lagos resident, Tunde Abass, who was arrested for filming police officers allegedly harassing a driver has recounted his experience with the police in Lagos. Mr Abass was arrested on Sunday by officers attached to Onipanu Division for filming them in operation. In the video posted on his Facebook account, a police officer was seen harassing the driver of a wine-coloured car. While making the video, Mr Abass was heard telling the police officer not to harass the man because he has provided necessary documents. The incident, however, escalated as the police officer was heard referring to the driver as "stupid". "You're trying to intimidate the guy. They've burst his tyres. They're trying to intimidate the guy," Mr Abass said in the video. Following his intervention in the matter, Mr Abass was arrested by the officers and detained at Onipanu division. Outrage Following his arrest, several activists, friends and acquaintances of Mr Abass took to the social media to condemn his arrest and detention. A Twitter user, @Williamssefe16 wrote: "This is Comr Tunde Abass in the cell at Onipanu police station,he has been kept in the cell since yesterday for filming police brutality & was arrested in the process,he will appear in court tomorrow, stand for what's right and unjust in the society!!#EndPoliceBrutality." Another Twitter User @VictorIsrael_ tweeted: "This is Comrade Tunde Abass in cell at Onipanu station. His crime is Filming police brutality yesterday the 20th of March 2021. He would appear in court tomorrow. Is it a crime to film police Brutality? He has nobody. Let's lend our voices." Several persons called for the release of Mr Abass, with many calling on the police authority in Lagos to order Francis Ani, the DPO of Onipanu Division, to release the victim. On Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson of the Lagos police took to Twitter to announce the release of Mr Abass. Mr Adejobi said the man "rescued from the police", was also released. "Onipanu Issue: Released Tunde Abass in my office about 10 minutes ago, in company of Kabiru Mohammed, the man Tunde rescued from the police, his Dad and other Youth Leaders from Lagos East. Solidarity forever," he tweeted. Victim recounts ordeal Mr Abass through his legal counsels, Ogunlana Adeshina, and Ayo Ademiluyi, has recounted his ordeal in the police cell. In a statement by Mr Ademiluyi, Mr Abass has a "traumatising ordeal for two days, Saturday and Sunday, 20th and 21st March, 2021 at the Onipanu Division." The lawyer said the victim was denied food brought by his friends and "beaten black and blue". "He was also detained with a mentally deformed detainee who made his midnight sleep a miserable one by kicking him in the sides. "He was taken to the Yaba Magistrate Court, where the police officers who brought him from Onipanu Division were not successful in filing trumped up charges against him after same was rejected by Counsel from the Department of Public Relations , who vetted the charges." According to the account, the police officers returned him to the cell at Onipanu Division before taking him to Legal Department of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti "and were unsuccessful in getting a charge preferred against him". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Legal Affairs Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "In frustration, they handed him over to Divisional Police Officer of Pedro Police Station who kept him in a dark and dingy solitary cell, where nobody will have access to him," the lawyer wrote. The lawyer said continuous social media campaign forced the Police Public Relations Officer to begin a "damage control public relations " which led to the release of Mr Abass. In a tweet on Tuesday night, Mr Abass appreciated everyoneI who fought for his release. "Thank to everyone for your solidarity support during my time of detentions until my release I appreciate all your concerns towards me. Deep in my heart I do believe, We Shall Overcome before this victory is won, some will have to get thrown in jail," he tweeted. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Pakistani national Ayaz Younas was on his first day of a new contracting job when his Toyota Camry became trapped in floodwaters An engineering student spent a desperate 39 minutes on the phone with emergency services before drowning in his car in New South Wales floodwaters. Pakistani national Ayaz Younas was on his first day of a new contracting job when his Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts. The inside of the 25-year-old's car was badly damaged, indicating to police that he frantically battled to save his life and escape as waters rose around him. NSW Police Detective Inspector Chris Laird said Mr Younas called Triple-Zero at 6.25am on Wednesday and remained on the line with the operator until about 7am. 'Had he not rung us, we never would have found him. Not until the water receded anyway,' Det Insp Laird said. 'But we can only speculate that given what I have seen and the damage to the vehicle that it could very well be that the electrics totally failed, and he was simply unable to escape from the car which is an absolute tragedy. 'You can only just imagine somebody fighting for their life to get out of the car that's what the inside damage of the vehicle looked like.' Det Insp Laird said Mr Younas 'clearly couldn't get out' of the car as there were no broken windows. He said the roads had multiple signs and closure warnings, yet the car was located 30m into floodwaters and 6m under water. Pakistani national Ayaz Younas' Toyota Camry became trapped in the flood on Cattai Ridge Road in Glenorie on Sydney's northern outskirts Mr Younas called Triple-Zero at 6.25am on Wednesday and remained on the line with the operator until about 7am Emergency crews were called to Cattai Ridge Road, near Hidden Valley Lane in Glenorie at about 6.30am on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters Emergency crews recovered Mr Younas' body at 1pm after locating his submerged car. Det Insp Laird suggested there would be investigations into why Mr Younas was in the area. 'The remote location of the area, (we'll ask) questions about what he was doing up there. He may not have known the area as locals would,' he said. There was also a padlocked gate blocking off the road, but it was submerged. The Pakistani Community of Australia said it had spoken to Mr Younas' father. Community leader Farhat Jaffri said Mr Younas' heartbroken family requested that his body be sent back to Karachi in southern Pakistan. Mr Younas, who has two elder brothers and one younger sister, was from Malir Cantt in Karachi and studied software engineering. Shazbaz Muhammad said Mr Younas was a 'dear friend'. 'Please pray for the departed soul,' Mr Muhammad said. Det Insp Laird said the 25-year-old had strong roots in western Sydney, and that his friends in Australia were devastated by the news. 'From the police force, all emergency services, here is the very reason why you should not make any attempt to drive through swollen rivers,' he said. Emergency Services Minister David Elliott offered his condolences, saying it would send ripples through the northwest Sydney community. The car with the man's body inside was found in Cattai Creek (pictured) at about 1pm following a NSW Police and SES Flood Rescue search. The man has not yet been formally identified Police divers are seen searching Cattai Creek on Wednesday, following reports a car was submerged in floodwaters A police officer is seen in Glenorie after a man's body was discovered in a car in Sydney's north-west In Queensland a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast Hinterland on Wednesday afternoon 'The human cost of these floods has been brought into sharp focus in the most tragic of circumstances and I urge communities to continue to be cautious in the face of continued and imminent threats to life,' Mr Elliott said. Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese also made statements in federal parliament about the tragedy. Mr Morrison labelled Wednesday a 'terribly sad day', saying he knew the area well from childhood camping trips and felt for the man's family. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was still extreme danger in flood-hit areas despite the clear weather in Sydney on Wednesday. 'Whilst the sun is out conditions remain extremely dangerous, rivers are still rising,' she said. A police car and tape blocks the crime scene off to the community in Glenorie on Wednesday Police boats head out on to floodwaters to deliver basic supplies donated by Coles to stranded locals in the Windsor region on Wednesday 'We ask everybody, especially if they are in vehicles to be extra cautious. 'Some would suggest it is even more dangerous now as rivers continue to rise and catchments fill up with water.' In Queensland, a desperate search for David Hornman, 38, ended when his body was found inside his ute in the Gold Coast hinterland on Wednesday afternoon. The 38-year-old father was last seen on Monday and had not contacted his family since heading to a job in the Tamborine area, where torrential rain caused flash flooding this week. His ute was spotted earlier in the day in the flooded Canungra Creek. Mr Hornman's desperate wife had been active on social media, appealing for help from anyone who saw him. 'He didn't turn up to work and hasn't been able to be reached since. His phone is turned off,' Angela Hornman posted on Facebook on Tuesday. 'I just have to know he's ok. Please tell him no matter what I LOVE HIM.' SES volunteers and NSW Police begin delivering food, medicine and essential items and inspecting properties inundated but floodwaters around Windsor in the north west of Sydney The Windsor Bridge is seen submerged under rising floodwaters along the Hawkesbury River on Thursday Meanwhile, residents in one part of the NSW Mid North Coast have been allowed to return home as emergency services warn some of the state's rivers will remain swollen into the weekend and flooding is still a risk. The areas of continued concern include Moree in the NSW northwest, the Upper Hunter around Singleton, Grafton, parts of the Central Coast and the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment northwest of Sydney. Seventeen flood evacuation orders remain in place affecting people living in low-lying areas of Ulmarra, Brushgrove and on Wednesday night another evacuation order was issued for Cowper on the Clarence River in northern NSW. Major flooding was occurring at Grafton, Ulmarra and Maclean on Thursday morning. There is still major flooding along the Hawkesbury River and authorities said it was likely to continue at North Richmond and Windsor until the end of the week. Helicopters are being used to deliver emergency supplies to isolated communities around the Hawkesbury River. Almost 24,000 people in NSW have been evacuated and despite the clear weather, about 60,000 people have been told by the SES to be ready to evacuate with major flood warnings still in place for the Macintyre, Gwydir, Clarence and Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo rivers. There have been 11,000 calls for help to the SES so far, and 950 flood rescues. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - A new research by human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has revealed that Boko Haram fighters targeted women and girls with rape and other sexual violence, amounting to war crimes, during recent raids in northeast Nigeria The global biometrics trends review The global biometrics market has been recently developing rapidly, and this trend will continue shortly. If in 2018 its volume was estimated at $23.4 billion, according to the forecast of the analytical company BCC Research, the market size may increase to $71.6 billion with an average annual growth rate of 23.2 % by 2024. Fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, iris, vein, and voice technologies are expected to be implemented at the fastest pace. The analysis is based on the revenue indicators of key players depending on segments, including hardware, software, and integration. Biometric electronic documents Another analytical Agency, Acuity Research, estimates that the number of biometric electronic IDs will increase by about 3.5 billion electronic documents in the world. Moreover, more than half of the UN member States issue biometric passports. Government and private contracts of Canada, the United States, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Lithuania, Hungary, Bangladesh, Senegal, and other countries are examples of implementation of programs for the transition to biometric electronic documents. Government organisations in various countries believe that biometrics is one of the most effective ways to identify refugees and those who cross the border. Now there are a lot of projects which are based on biometric technology. Biometric identification system Perhaps one of the most ambitious is the Aadhaar project being implemented in India Perhaps one of the most ambitious is the Aadhaar project being implemented in India. It is a biometric identification system that contains the data of more than a billion people. The database contains about 10 billion fingerprint templates, two billion iris templates, and a billion photos. There is another ambitious project at the Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where RecFaces company has implemented a passenger facial identification ready-made solution, that helps the security guards to receive notifications about airport visitors in just a few seconds and increase the efficiency of security services at least by 30%. The introduction of biometric identification of passengers aimed at increasing the level of airport security, as well as quickly obtaining information about the detection of wanted persons, stored in the long-term archive. Automated control gates As another example, face match is used at border checks to compare the portrait on a digitised biometric passport with the holder's face. In 2017, Thales company was responsible for supplying the new automated control gates for the system of Automated Fast Track Crossing at External Borders at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. This solution has been devised to facilitate evolution from fingerprint recognition to facial recognition This solution has been devised to facilitate evolution from fingerprint recognition to facial recognition during. Governmental systems, SmartCity, airports projects using identification technologies day by day become our reality and influence the growth of the biometrics market globally. Countries are studying the experience of each other and adopting it. Paperless payment technologies The global market of biometrics will shift all industries, starting from the transportation facilities especially airports, where a transition from traditional VMS and ACS to paperless biometric self-Boarding systems will be carried out. Sports facilities will see the development of paperless payment technologies at cash desks, and the banking sector the payment systems with remote customer identification. HoReCa will transfer from staff time tracking systems to biometric payment systems, biometric checkin systems and the use of biometric identifiers. To sum up there are two most significant drivers of this growth are surveillance in the public sector and numerous other applications in diverse market segments. First Milk has announced a 'net zero by 2040' pledge along with new regenerative action plans for all of its suppliers' farms. The British dairy-cooperative has also unveiled today (24 March) a commitment to soil carbon sequestration and the decarbonisation of its milk transport and processing activities. The plans are part of its First4Milk sustainability plan, which will see the company make significant environmental changes. These include the net zero carbon emissions by 2040 goal, with a target to reduce carbon footprint at farm level by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero in milk transport and processing by 2035. The co-op has a new target to sequester 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum on farms by 2025, and to boost milk from forage by 10% by 2025 to reduce farmers' reliance on imported feeds. All transport and processing activity will use renewable fuel sources by 2030, and antibiotic use will be reduced by a further 10 percent by 2025. First Milk said the commitments will be achieved by driving carbon efficiency throughout its logistics and manufacturing operations. Farmers will also work with the company on the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices to enhance and quantify soil carbon sequestration. Shelagh Hancock, First Milk chief executive said: "Dairy farming and food manufacturing are seen as carbon-intensive activities and we know that this is coming under increasing scrutiny across the food chain. "These commitments set out the shape of our journey towards net zero, with the ambition of becoming a zero-carbon business as soon as we can or at the latest by 2040. "By leading in this area, we will directly benefit our customers, supporting them in de-carbonising their agri-food supply chains. Mark Brooking, the co-operative's sustainability director, added that farmers had already committed to grazing their cows. "We will build on this by becoming the champion for regenerative agriculture in dairy production, working with our members using climate-friendly farming practices," he added. Making these commitments will help us safeguard the future for our dairy farmer owners. The counterintelligence service of the Security Service of Ukraine on the territory of Volyn region exposed and stopped intelligence activities of a citizen of Belarus to the detriment of the state security of Ukraine. According to the SBU press center, it was established that the agent was recruited by the KGB of the Republic of Belarus and purposefully sent to the territory of Ukraine to carry out intelligence tasks and organize other illegal activities. So, it is documented that the employees of the foreign special services worked out the tasks for the agent to collect up-to-date information about the situation in the border area; the state of protection of the state border of Ukraine; the order of its protection; technical equipment, the number of personnel involved in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine; compromising data on border guards and customs officers, etc. "To this end, the agent of the KGB of Belarus tried to involve the servicemen of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in confidential cooperation [...] In addition to receiving intelligence information, the curators demanded that the agent establish channels for the transfer of weapons and dual-use goods across the state border," the message said. In addition, the agent's goal was to organize provocations and create information reasons for accusing Ukraine of allegedly supplying weapons to destabilize the internal political situation in the Republic of Belarus. Now the citizen of Belarus has been announced on suspicion of committing a crime under Part 1. Article 114 (espionage) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. 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. Subscriber content preview PORTLAND (AP) Three students have filed class-action lawsuits against Oregon's two largest colleges saying they were charged full-price for online classes of poorer quality than in-person classes. When the University of Oregon and Oregon State University closed their campuses because of the coronavirus pandemic, they didn't offer to refund students' tuition bills, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. . . . If you wake up Wednesday morning having a "Groundhog Day" moment, sorry. It's a new day but the same forecast as Tuesday: heavy rainfall, perhaps strong to severe thunderstorms and the possibility of damaging winds, hail and a few tornadoes. Blame a stubborn cold front that's basically stalled over southeast Louisiana and south Mississippi for the liquid distress. And while Thursday promises a bit less rain, the Slidell office of the National Weather Service predicts even more aggressive thunderstorms with a greater chance of tornadoes. Rainfall totals through Thursday Because 1 to 3 inches of rain fell over much of the region on Tuesday, soils will be saturated, increasing the chance of flash flooding on Wed By 5 p.m., Tuesday's rainfall at Louis Armstrong International Airport had reached a record high of 3.08 inches for the date, eclipsing the 1958 mark of 2.39 inches. A typical March 23 rainfall total at the airport is only 0.14 inches. New Orleans and parts of Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Bernard, St. Tammany and Terrebonne parishes were under flash flood warnings or flood advisories for several hours. The heaviest rains fell in Plaquemines Parish about six miles from Jean Lafitte, with 5.72 inches, followed by Gretna with 4.47 inches and Terrytown with 4.3 inches. In New Orleans, totals of up to 3.6 inches were recorded. Totals of 6.43 inches were measured near Mathews and 5.86 inches near Raceland. An additional 3 to 6 inches of rain is possible through Friday, but forecasters warn again that isolated higher amounts are likely and could cause another round of the flash flood warnings that hit numerous locations on Tuesday. A flash flood watch remains in effect through Thursday at midnight. The heavy rains also are swelling local streams and bayous, and minor to moderate river flooding is likely in both southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. 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 Some parking restrictions are waived in New Orleans through Thursday, including the normal ban on parking on neutral grounds, as long as vehicles don't block access points or streetcar tracks. Sewerage & Water Board officials continued warning of the potential for problems with electric supply for both water and drainage because of the agency's subcapacity generating units. Computer estimates of rainfall totals for the three days include 3 to 4 inches in New Orleans and Boothville, 2 to 3 inches in Houma and 1 to 2 inches in Covington. On Wednesday, expect a marginal chance of isolated severe thunderstorms, with some packing 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, with the highest chances for the storms in the afternoon. On Thursday, there will be a slight chance of scattered severe storms, again accompanied by 60 mph winds and hail and a repeated threat of tornadoes. The highest chance for storms is in the afternoon. Regulatory News: Gecina (Paris:GFC): In the context of the Covid-19 epidemic, and in accordance with the restrictions in force1, Gecina's General Meeting will exceptionally be held as a closed session2, without shareholders attending in person. The General Meeting to be held at the Company's registered office will be streamed live and in full on the Company's website: www.gecina.fr. This broadcast will then be available on this same site for deferred access. The new General Meeting participation and voting conditions will be detailed in the meeting notice documents that will be distributed to shareholders by April 7, 2021. The agenda and resolutions remain unchanged and were presented in the meeting notice published in BALO no.28 on March 5, 2021. Shareholders are reminded that as it will not be possible to attend the meeting in person,no admission cards will be issuedShareholders are invited, prior to the General Meeting, to vote by post or online with the secure voting platform VOTACCESS, or to appoint the Chairman of the General Meeting or a third party to represent them. Where possible, shareholders are also encouraged to send all requests and documents by email to titres&bourse@gecina.fr. As the General Meeting will be held as a closed session, no new resolutions or proposed amendments will be able to be added to the agenda during the session. However, Gecina is currently looking into various possibilities to enable its shareholders to submit questions to the General Meeting office during the session. The potential arrangements retained will be presented in the General Meeting invitation documents and on the Company's website: www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings. You are invited to regularly consult the dedicated General Meeting section on the Company's website www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings, which could be updated to provide further information on the definitive arrangements for participation in this General Meeting, depending on the health and/or legal requirements in force or their lifting. ? Postal voting or voting by proxy Voting by post For registered shareholders: The Company will send out postal voting forms directly to all registered shareholders. For bearer shareholders: bearer shareholders will need to request a postal voting form from the authorized intermediary that manages their securities account. This voting form will need to be accompanied by a shareholding certificate issued by the financial intermediary. The voting form will also be available on the Company's website at: www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings. In both cases, postal votes will only be taken into account if the duly completed and signed forms reach Gecina's registered office, located at the abovementioned address, at least three days before the General Meeting, i.e. by Monday April 19, 2021 at the latest. Voting by proxy Shareholders who would like to be represented will need to take the following actions: For registered shareholders: return the proxy voting form sent out to them with their invitation to attend to the Company under the conditions set out below. For bearer shareholders: request a proxy voting form from the authorized intermediary that manages their securities account. This proxy voting form will also be available on the Company's website at: www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings In accordance with Article R.22-10-24 of the French Commercial Code, notice of the appointment and dismissal of a representative may be given electronically, under the following conditions: Shareholders will send an email to titres&bourse@gecina.fr attaching a scanned copy of their signed proxy voting form, indicating their surname, first name, address and personal identifier, or their shareholding certificate for bearer shareholders, as well as the surname and first name of their representatives who are being appointed or dismissed. Scanned copies of proxy voting forms that have not been signed will not be taken into account. Only notices for the appointment or dismissal of representatives may be sent to the abovementioned email address. To be taken into account, requests submitted electronically to appoint or dismiss representatives will need to be received at least one day before the General Meeting, i.e. by 3pm (Paris time) on Wednesday April 21, 2021. Paper proxy forms, duly completed and signed, must reach Gecina's registered office at the address indicated above by April 21, 2021 at the latest. In the current health context, we encourage you to preferably communicate by email. To dismiss their representatives, shareholders will need to follow the same process as for their appointment, in writing or electronically, as relevant. The form will need to include the statement "Changement de mandataire" (Change of representative) and reach the Company by 3pm (Paris time) on Wednesday April 21, 2021.In the current health context, we encourage you to preferably communicate by email. If shareholders have already voted by post or online or sent in proxy forms, they will no longer be able to choose another method for participating in the General Meeting. Proxies appointed for the General Meeting will be authorized to attend successive General Meetings convened with the same agenda. Participation in the General Meeting using the internet VOTACCESS platform To encourage participation in this General Meeting, shareholders also have the option to submit their voting instructions and appoint or dismiss a representative online before the General Meeting with the VOTACCESS platform, under the conditions set out below: To access the General Meeting's dedicated site, holders of shares on a direct registered or intermediary registered basis who would like to vote or appoint dismiss a representative will need to sign in to the OLIS-Actionnaire site at https://www.nomi.olisnet.com using the internet login details indicated on their voting form. Once they are on the site's homepage, they will need to click on "First-time log in" then follow the instructions to generate a password. Once they have signed in, they will need to select the "Online Voting" module and they will be redirected to the secure VOTACCESS platform. Bearer shareholders will need to contact their custodian to determine whether or not it is connected to the Votaccess site and, if applicable, if this access is subject to any specific conditions for use. If the bearer shareholder's custodian is connected to the Votaccess site, the shareholder will need to identify themselves on their custodian's online portal with their usual access codes. The shareholder will then need to click on the icon shown on the line corresponding to their Gecina shares and follow the instructions on screen to access the Votaccess site and vote or appoint dismiss a representative. The VOTACCESS site will be open from 10am on April 7, 2021 to 3pm (Paris time) on April 21, 2021, the day before the General Meeting. It is recommended that shareholders with their access codes should not wait until the final few days to indicate how they would like to take part in the General Meeting in order to avoid potential bottlenecks on the website. Requests for proposed resolutions or points to be included on the agenda Shareholders or shareholder associations representing a fraction of the share capital determined in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions in force may ask for proposed resolutions or points to be included on the agenda for the General Meeting; in accordance with Article R.225-73 II of the French Commercial Code, such requests must reach the Company at least 25 days before the General Meeting date, and may not be submitted more than 20 days after the date of the meeting notice, i.e. by March 25, 2021 at the latest. Requests to include proposed resolutions or points on the agenda must be sent recorded delivery to Gecina's registered office, marked for the attention of the Securities and Stock Market Department, at 16 rue des Capucines, 75084 Paris Cedex 02, France, or emailed to titres&bourse@gecina.fr. Requests will need to be accompanied by: (i) The points to be included on the agenda and their reasons; or - (ii) The texts for the proposed resolutions and, if applicable, a brief presentation of their reasons; and - (iii) An account registration certificate to provide proof of ownership or representation, on the date of the request, for the fraction of the capital required by the regulations in force, either in the registered securities accounts held by the Company, or in the bearer securities accounts held by an authorized intermediary. When the request to include a proposed resolution concerns the nomination of a candidate for the Board of Directors, it must be accompanied by the information required by Article R.225-83 5 of the French Commercial Code. The authors of such requests will need to provide the Company with a new certificate confirming that their shares are registered in the abovementioned accounts by the second working day before the General Meeting, i.e. midnight (Paris time) on April 20, 2021. The list of points added to the agenda and the texts for the proposed resolutions, submitted by shareholders, will be published on the Company's website www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings, in accordance with Article R.22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code. Possibility to submit written questions Any shareholder may submit questions to the Board of Directors in writing from the publication of the meeting notice, i.e. March 5, 2021, until two working days before the General Meeting, i.e. April 20, 2021 inclusive. These questions must be sent recorded delivery to Gecina, 16 rue des Capucines, 75084 Paris Cedex 02, France, marked for the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or emailed to titres&bourse@gecina.fr, and accompanied, for registered shareholders, by an account registration certificate, and for bearer shareholders, by a certificate confirming registration in the bearer securities accounts held by an intermediary referred to in article L.211-3 of the French Monetary and Financial Code (Code monetaire et financier). In the current health context, we encourage you to preferably communicate by email. In accordance with the regulations, a common response may be provided for these questions when they concern the same content. Answers to written questions may be published directly on the Company's website: www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings. In accordance with Article L.225-108 of the French Commercial Code, answers to written questions will be considered to have been given when they have been published on the Company's website in a dedicated questions and answers section. Shareholder rights to information All of the documents and information covered by Article R.225-73-1 of the French Commercial Code that are intended to be presented at the General Meeting have been made available to shareholders on the Company's website at: www.gecina.fr, in the Investors section General Meetings. Shareholders may ask to be provided with documents that may not be available on Gecina's website by sending a request to titres&bourse@gecina.fr. About Gecina As a specialist for centrality and uses, Gecina operates innovative and sustainable living spaces. The Group owns, manages and develops Europe's leading office portfolio, with nearly 97% located in the Paris Region, and a portfolio of residential assets and student residences, with over 9,000 apartments. These portfolios are valued at 19.7 billion euros at end-2020. Gecina has firmly established its focus on innovation and its human approach at the heart of its strategy to create value and deliver on its purpose: "Empowering shared human experiences at the heart of our sustainable spaces". For our 100,000 clients, this ambition is supported by our client-centric brand YouFirst. It is also positioned at the heart of UtilesEnsemble, our program setting out our solidarity-based commitments to the environment, to people and to the quality of life in cities. Gecina is a French real estate investment trust (SIIC) listed on Euronext Paris, and is part of the SBF 120, CAC Next 20, CAC Large 60 and Euronext 100 indices. Gecina is also recognized as one of the top-performing companies in its industry by leading sustainability benchmarks and rankings (GRESB, Sustainalytics, MSCI, ISS ESG and CDP). www.gecina.fr 1 Gatherings, meetings or activities on public highways or in venues open to the public attended simultaneously by more than six people are forbidden (Decree no.2020-1310 of October 29, 2020 setting out the general measures required to respond to the Covid-19 epidemic in connection with the health state of emergency, Article 3 III). The holding of general meetings for listed companies does not satisfy the exception whereby professional gatherings, meetings and activities are not subject to this restriction. 2 In accordance with Order no.2020-321 of March 25, 2020 (amended) and Decree no.2020-418 of April 10, 2020 (amended), whose terms were extended by Decree no.2021-255 of March 9, 2021. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005449/en/ Contacts: GECINA CONTACTS Financial communications Samuel Henry-Diesbach Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 52 22 samuelhenry-diesbach@gecina.fr Virginie Sterling Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 62 48 virginiesterling@gecina.fr Press relations Julien Landfried Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 65 74 julienlandfried@gecina.fr Armelle Miclo Tel: +33 (0)1 40 40 51 98 armellemiclo@gecina.fr Staff at six further education colleges are going ahead with strike action today in a dispute over pay and working conditions. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) will take part in an online rally over Zoom at 10.45am. The dispute centres on what UCU says is a failure by the Department for the Economy to increase funding to the colleges so employers can pay staff fairly. Employers advised UCU the most they could offer from within existing budgets was 7% over a four-year period. They acknowledged the offer was insufficient, both in terms of properly rewarding staff and problems of recruitment and retention. UCU said the offer fails to adequately compensate for years when lecturers received no cost of living increases at all. The union also rubbished claims by DfE that its decisions had no bearing on the negotiations. Strike action will be immediately followed by continuous action short of a strike unless Economy Minister Diane Dodds secures more funding for colleges and a proper pay rise for lecturers. This additional industrial action will involve a work to rule by UCU members. Union official Katharine Clarke said UCU members were going on strike today because they had only received a paltry 3.8% increase since 2013/14. "School teachers have received 11.25% over the same period," she said. "The offer of 7% over four years in the context of the previous capped awards equates to 1.2% per year over a nine-year period. "No other workforce in the public sector has been subject to such a derisory increase. "The department's contention that it has nothing to do with this dispute is misleading. "The department determines the level of funding allocated to colleges, and as such is clearly responsible for the stagnating pay." Mrs Dodds said she had "no legal authority to intervene in these matters and therefore have no direct role in this dispute". She added: "It is only when agreement has been reached between the employers and the unions through that process that a business case is submitted to my deepartment for appraisal. "Should the business case be considered to be sufficiently robust, my department may approve it and give consideration to bringing forward proposals to meet any additional resource requirements." U.S. Department of Justice lawyers have asked Portland police to produce a plan on how they will properly report, analyze and investigate officers use of force, but the city has refused. The city contends such a correction plan isnt required under its 2014 court-approved settlement agreement on police reforms with the Justice Department. Weeks of behind-the-scenes wrangling among federal lawyers, police administrators and city attorneys over the issue boiled over in a public meeting Tuesday night. Having failed the system for investigation of force at the front end, you starve the accountability system on the back end, said Jonas Geissler, a senior trial attorney with the Justice Department. Federal overseers are eager to see how the city will meet requirements of the settlement -- with a roadmap, data and evidence. Absent such data, I dont know where we go yet from here, Geissler said. Well have to see. The stalemate could prompt the Justice Department to issue a formal notice of non-compliance to the city, a step not taken in the seven years since U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon approved the agreement. It could bring both sides back before the federal judge. The settlement followed a federal investigation that found Portland officers used excessive force against people with mental illness. It called for widespread changes to Portland police force and Taser policies, training, supervision and oversight, a restructuring of police crisis intervention services and quicker investigations into alleged police misconduct. Last month, the Justice Department found the Police Bureau failed to meet four key reforms under the settlement. The department cited the Police Bureaus inappropriate use and management of force during social justice protests last year, inadequate training, subpar police oversight and a failure to adequately share an annual Police Bureau report with the public as required. Police used force during last years mass protests that violated bureau policy, with officers not distinguishing between active versus passive resistance before firing rubber bullets and other impact munitions, federal lawyers said. Police supervisors frequently failed to investigate or analyze use of force by officers, gave blanket approval to use force with no real analysis and often cut-and-pasted identical or similar language into their reviews, the report said. Geissler was addressing the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing, a citizen oversight group tapped to review whether police are following the settlements provisions. Mary Claire Buckley, a civilian employee who oversees the Police Bureaus Office of Inspector General, pushed back on the Justice Departments concerns. She said the city has never had to write up our plan in the past and cant give the Justice Department a specific date or time that the Police Bureau will get back on track. The city received the recent federal report only about six weeks ago, she noted. We have committed to doing additional training for the members on crowd control, she said. The Police Bureau has every intention of having a training and addressing the points that the DOJ has raised on the content of police force reports, analysis by supervisors and the timeliness of their reviews, she said. Jared Hager, an assistant U.S. attorney, said its not just a problem of a lapse in training. It would be one thing if the deficiencies occurred in the early years of the settlement, but its particularly distressing that theyre happening now, he said. Over the summer it was revealed to us and for the city, the community and to the world really, that there is a systemic failure to implement some of the terms of the settlement agreement, Hager said. From May 29 through Nov. 15, during the height of the protests in Portland, Portland police used force more than 6,000 times, according to the Justice Departments February report. Officers sometimes targeted people who attended protests but werent involved in any violence through guilt by association or focused on people simply because they were slow in walking away when ordered to disperse, the report said. Officers are supposed to fill out a data collection report when they use force, noting what they did and why. The report should be done at the end of their shift. That rarely occurred, the report said. Supervisors are supposed to complete an after-action report that reviews each use of force within 72 hours. That also rarely occurred. Buckley urged federal lawyers to consider the circumstances that led to a breakdown in the process. We were overwhelmed by the unprecedented protest activity, she said. No other city in this country had 171 straight days of protest activity. The bureau typically would get about 40 use-of-force reports in a month, she said. In June, there were 3,000, she said. It was impossible for three police use-of-force analysts to keep up with that number, Buckley said. It was not that the bureau didnt have a system. Its not that we deliberately didnt do the work, she said. It was just that there was so much of it that we couldnt keep up. The settlement unfortunately has rigid time frames, with no exception, she said. Hager said the inability to track and promptly review uses of force is a significant concern. Holding officers to account, if use of force is not in policy or not constitutional, thats an important aspect of the settlement agreement, he said. Its really at the core of the settlement agreement. The bureau system isnt set up to handle that, he said. Thats something that needs to be addressed.' The Justice Department lawyers also signaled that any changes to the citys police oversight system as proposed under a ballot measure approved by Portland voters in November will have to get a green light from the federal government. The Independent Police Review office under the city auditor currently isnt meeting the settlements 180-day span required to investigate misconduct complaints against officers. Though the ballot measure calls for creating a new citizen oversight board that could investigate and discipline police, the makeup and structure of the board hasnt been determined. The City Council is forming a commission that will spend 18 months to come up with the parameters for a future board. In the meantime, Geissler said hes concerned that the Independent Police Review investigators could decide to look for other jobs, further delaying police misconduct inquiries. That would be problematic, he said. He said any future oversight system should remain independent, not be under any one commissioner. Geissler added that its unclear to the Justice Department what the exact plan is for the future civilian oversight board. The Justice Department lawyers also said the Police Bureau must release its next annual report on time and meet its obligation to hold community meetings at each of its three precincts. The bureau issued its 2019 report last year and didnt hold a meeting at one of its precincts. The 2020 annual report hasnt come out yet. The federal lawyers said they dont have the power under the settlement to demand enforcement of its provisions. But they noted the agreement says the United States reserves its right to seek enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement if it determines that PPB or the City have failed to fully comply with any provision of this Agreement. The Justice Department would provide a formal notice to the city and allow for a response in 30 days. Mediation would follow if a resolution couldnt be reached. If mediation fails, the Justice Department could ask a judge to enforce compliance. Ultimately, we cant force the city to do anything. Only the judge can, Hager said. If the rubber hits the road, thats ultimately what the department can do. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian New York, March 24 : A team of researchers has examined why the UK and South African variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, are more infectious and, in many cases, more deadly. The study indicated that the UK variant, also known as B.1.1.7, has many mutations in the spike glycoprotein, but most important is one mutation, N501Y, in the receptor binding domain that interacts with the ACE2 receptor. "This N501Y mutation provides a much higher efficiency of binding, which in turn makes the virus more infectious," said Victor Padilla-Sanchez, a research scientist at The Catholic University of America. The UK variant was first detected in September 2020, and is now causing 98 per cent of all Covid-19 cases in the UK. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the UK variant is one of several variants of concern along with others that have emerged in South Africa and Brazil. The South Africa variant emerged in October 2020, and has more important changes in the spike protein, making it more dangerous than the UK variant. According to the researchers, it involves a key mutation -- called E484K -- that helps the virus evade antibodies and parts of the immune system that can fight coronavirus based on experience from prior infection or a vaccine. Since the variant escapes immunity the body will not be able to fight the virus, the team said. All three variants have undergone changes to their spike protein -- the part of the virus which attaches to human cells. As a result, they are better at infecting cells and spreading them. In the study, published in the journal Research Ideas and Outcomes, the team presented a computational analysis of the structure of the spike glycoprotein bound to the ACE2 receptor where the mutations have been introduced. "I've been analysing a recently published structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike bound to the ACE2 receptor and found why the new variants are more transmissible," Padilla-Sanchez said. "These findings have been obtained using the University of California - San Francisco Chimera software and molecular dynamics simulations using the Frontera supercomputer of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC)," Padilla-Sanchez added. The researchers also performed structural analysis, which studied the virus's crystal structure; and molecular dynamics to obtain these findings. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) A person walks down the empty tracks leading away from the Cable Car Turnaround at Powell and Market streets for people to take pictures of it in San Francisco, Calif. Thursday, February 18, 2021. SFMTA says they are unsure if cable cars will be put back into service following the COVID-19 pandemic due to budget constraints. Jessica Christian/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images An elderly Asian woman fought back against an attacker in San Francisco last week. A GoFundMe page made to support her raised close to $1 million. Now, Xiao Zhen Xie says she's donating all of it to help support the Asian community. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. An elderly Asian woman who fought back against an attacker in San Francisco last week is now donating the nearly $1 million raised on her behalf to the Asian community. Xiao Zhen Xie, 76, was attacked on San Francisco's Market Street while waiting to cross at a traffic light. Xie picked up a piece of wood from the side of the street and defended herself against the 39-year-old man that punched her in the face, police said. Footage from after the incident showed Xie holding an ice pack to her face and the man handcuffed to a stretcher while bleeding from the mouth. Her family started a GoFundMe campaign that was meant to help her pay medical bills. But on Monday she announced that she would instead be donating the more than $919,000 raised to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. "First of all, I would like to thank everyone that has donated and supported my family. Hate crimes towards Asians is nothing new. It has happened since the first Asian immigrants arrived in America. But during the pandemic, hate crimes towards the AAPI community have accelerated in an alarming rate," Xie's grandson John Chen wrote in an update in the campaign. There has been a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans since the coronavirus pandemic started. Stop AAPI Hate, a reporting center that has been tracking cases from March to December of last year, said they received "over 2,808 firsthand accounts of anti-Asian hate" crimes. "The AAPI community is bleeding from this violence and hatred. We as a community cannot stay silent nor be silenced anymore. That is why our family plans to donate ALL funds generated in this GoFundMe to help the AAPI community recover, and combat racism," Chen wrote. Read the original article on Insider American culture is a grand mix of the old and the not so old, as we all know. As is true in other cultures, including the island culture here Read more The U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Antony Blinken (C) and flanked by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (R), face their Chinese counterparts at the opening session of U.S.-China talks at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, on March 18, 2021. (Frederic J. Brown/Pool via Reuters) The Thriller in the Chiller Commentary It is hard to explain what happened in Anchorage, Alaska between the Americans and the communist Chinese during the meetings held March 18 and 19. One description, Im serious and not making this up, said, Tony Blinken and America Get Pantsed by Communist Chinese Official at Alaska Summit. If this was not such a serious subject, it would be comical and funny, but this is a serious matter. I do have to admit a vision of Neville Chamberlain getting Pantsed by the German Leader during their meetings in 19371938 did flash through my mind. Clearly this is not how previous grand and historical meetings between Great Powers have normally been described (and there were other descriptions even more sophomoric than the one I cited). But these are not normal times. In response to that previous media reference to the outcome of the meeting, I do offer one from the great philosopher Ron Burgundy who said, That escalated quickly! in response to the debacle of the opening session in the series of meetings. The meeting spun out of control from almost the word go. The Communist Chinese showed up to Alaska ready to rumble, the Americans showed up with virtue signaling, finger wagging, and aggressive lecturing. In short, Anchorage was a belly flop for the West. It was a green light to the CCP that the United States was befuddled with domestic social engineering, abstract diplomatic concepts of world norms of behavior, and had weak-kneed resolve in front of the full-throated Wolf Warrior approach of China. Bad things, very bad things happen when totalitarians see an opening and a greenlight such as what the Chinese saw in Alaska. How Did We Fumble? I was and still am cautiously optimistic for the Blinken Team. In many ways they appear to be President Trump and Dr. Peter Navarro with the sharp edges sanded down, or so thats the way in which they have presented themselves. I also concur with Gordon Changs assessment, The policies of the Biden administration will not be those of Sec. Blinken. Chang is pointing out a significant conundrum. We have what appears to be a mostly right-minded policy leader in Secretary Blinken. Unfortunately, he appears to be orthogonally aligned with his boss. These are normally not good situations. In the end, only one position can stand and its often the Presidents. What went wrong in the preparation and execution of the event? I think its clear that the overall American Delegation was unprepared for the full scale, high energy frontal assault of the CCP Wolf Warrior modus operandi. The American Delegation should have had their diplomacy spears deployed forward in phalanx formation and been ready for the CCP frontal assault. Phalanxes do not work well against flanking actions but work well against frontal assaults. All indicators in advance of the meeting pointed to a no compromise stance frontal assault from the CCP. Shame on us for not being in phalanx formation for this one. Ive said it a number of times and I dont know how more clearly to explain this. The CCP apparatus including the Ministry of State Security, Peoples Liberation Army, and all extensions of the Civil Military fusion of the CCP read and analyze everything, I repeat everything we publish and say in public. They analyze it ad nauseum for every possible nuance, indicator, and double triple Clausewitzean/Sun Tzu fake out trickery. Ive been cornered by CCP operatives at the end of public speaking presentations and the relentless questions, attempting to follow every possible vein of meaning are fatiguing and approaching ridiculous. But thats what they do, and we dont. Unfortunately, our delegations are very busy, inwardly focused on American legacy media talking heads, and so confident of our talking points and positions that we routinely fail to even glance at what the CCP is communicating publicly in advance. Its not that difficult to read and listen to what the Chinese publicly say in preparation for major bi-lateral meetings; this is a simple concept. But as Clausewitz essentially said, the simple is often impossible. The center of gravity of the CCP demands and agenda is simplethey need access to capital, and they need it now. The expectation of the CCP was that President Biden would relent immediately on tariff, trade, entity list, and other matterswhich has not happened. Chang made this connection, saying the CCP window of opportunity is rapidly closing. My interpretation: the CCP is in a corner at home and internationally, they are out of liquidity, and they have already begun to execute their railway timetables on the pathway to emboldened confrontation and conflict. The Japanese realized by 1940 that their window was closing with America and started their railway timetables to a showdown with the Western Powers, mainly the United States. A similar situation is occurring in front of our eyes in current times. How Do We Recover? What happened in Anchorage was a debacle. We need to be honest. Secretary Blinken did magnificent work to attempt to stand his ground, but it was not enough. The entire Biden Team however needs to regroup and learn from this beat down. The keys to staring down the CCP aggressiveness are resolve, preparation, and deterrence. The key to these keys is the public messaging and presentation style. This is what Secretary Pompeo was masterfully doing and in many ways Secretary Blinken had telegraphed he would continue, but with perhaps a different demeanor. The Biden Team needs to not only fully embrace the Trump policies but also the Trump demeanor, as difficult as that is to swallow. The CCP despises weakness and the overly nuanced, over sophisticated, and overly abstract policy references of the Biden Team. This behavior and communication style of the Biden Team needs to be replaced with clear, unambiguous communication. Out with the Chamberlainisms and John F. Kerryisms. In with the Trumpisms. From this point forward, the Blinken Team (as the direct representative of the president on these matters) needs to fully take off the gloves and accelerate aggressively all elements of resolve, preparation, and deterrence. The messaging needs to be clear that the United States will fully use financial and trade matters as a big stick toward the CCP. The United States still dominates the worlds financial scene, we need to start (or re-start) acting like it, in an unashamed manner. We need to fully withhold access to the capital markets and aggressively pursue and block any devious end arounds by China, enabled by their Wall Street allies, to escape and evade the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm establishment of the Quad (India, Japan, Australia, and the United States) as a political, economic, and military alliance needs to be officially codified, with alacrity. Demonstrative military flights and naval maneuvers need to press and demonstrate a rejection of Chinese claims of airspace and territory. The Indo-Pacific Command Commander needs a great increase in the Indo-Pacific Deterrence Initiative, currently at approximately $4.7 billion for Fiscal Year 2021, it needs to be expanded two or three times this amount, immediately. And we need an unambiguous announcement, from the President, Taiwan will be defended, asymmetric warfare by China will be met in kind, and the CCP is a trans-national criminal organization that will be blocked at every attempted move. Only by this can we disrupt the pathway to conflict that the CCP has already initiated. 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. Months after John Hagee, senior pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, declared Jesus Christ as the vaccine for COVID-19 after he was hospitalized with the virus, his ministry has clarified that he believes in prayer and medicine and is taking the vaccine. "Pastor Hagee himself is taking the vaccine," Hagee Ministries spokesperson Ari Morgenstern told ABC News in a statement, adding that Hagee's comments, in which he said he had been taken out of context. "Pastor Hagee believes in both the power of prayer and modern medicine. These are not mutually exclusive." Hagees church did not immediately respond to a request for further comment from The Christian Post on Tuesday. As he recovered from a high publicized bout with COVID-19 last November, Hagee revealed to his flock that he spent 15 days in the hospital and credited the healing power of God for his recovery. Source:The Christian Post When his parents first learned that Vishal Baveja, a 27-year-old doctor of forensic medicine, had invested some of his savings in Indian equity mutual funds, they were worried about the risk. Those fears abated when they saw the income those investments produced. Then, as the coronavirus pandemic took hold last year, they supported his decision to start buying individual blue-chip stocks. The tables have turned, says Baveja, a native of Bhopal who works in neighboring Indore. The stock market now always comes up in my daily phone conversations with my mother. Millions of young Indians such as Baveja have taken to stock trading during the pandemic, raising hopes that the appetite for equities in the worlds second-most-populated nation is finally growing. Active investor accounts rose by a record 10.4 million in 2020, according to the data from the countrys two main depositories. Retail ownership in more than 1,500 companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India jumped to 9 per cent in the third quarter of 2020, the highest since March 2018. Angel Broking, a securities firm established in 1987, says 72 per cent of the 510,000 customers it added from October to December had never traded stocks before. Of Indias 1.36 billion people, only about 3.7 per cent invest in equities, compared with about 12.7 per cent in China, according to stock depository data on the number of investment accounts (and assuming one account per person). In the US, by contrast, a poll found about 55 per cent of the population owns stocks either individually or through a mutual fund. In terms of retail investor participation, China is probably a model of what you can expect will happen in India, says Mark Mobius, the veteran emerging-market investor. India could easily equal Chinas market cap in the next 5 to 10 years because going forward, growth in Indias market will probably be faster. China, because of its size, will probably grow more slowly. As in other parts of the world, Indias retail trading boom has been fueled by pandemic-driven restrictions and job losses that left millions of people at home with little to do. The relentless stock market rally since March 2020 has drawn in more investors. And technology, including the rise of cheap trading apps and social mediaYouTube influencers, Twitter, and Telegram stock-tipping chat groupshas attracted hordes of day traders into discount brokers such as Zerodha Broking But unlike during previous retail investing booms, many of the new entrants live outside of Mumbai and New Delhi, the biggest cities. More than half of Angel Brokings new customers in the quarter that ended in December were from smaller cities and towns, the firm says. The adoption of internet and online access is going deeper into the country, says Peeyush Mittal, a co-manager of the Matthews India Fund in San Francisco. What we hear from companies in the brokerage space is tier 2 and tier 3 city investors are more long term in their view of the market. Whenever the are down, they tend to put in more money compared to people in the biggest cities. Baveja, the doctor from Indore, says he started with about Rs 10,000 ($138) in February 2020, then piled further into Indian stocks after the market plunged in March. My investments rose to a healthy six-figure mark by April, he says, adding that he plans to be a long-term investor. Even as many of the pandemic restrictions that India imposed in March were lifted, the retail investing fervor continued. Central Depository Services (India) opened a record 1.47 million accounts in January, up more than threefold from the same month in 2020, and 1.36 million in February. Indias mutual fund industry has targeted small towns through television, social media, and billboard advertising. Investments by individuals in equity funds jumped 16 per cent in February from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India. The moves are part of a broader shift away from traditional physical assets, such as real estate and gold, as well as bank deposits. Rural farmers and the urban working class have traditionally relied on gold as both an insurance policy and a retirement plan in a country that lacks robust social welfare systems or widespread access to formal credit. But Indian are more inclined to take risks in the market. Apoorv, a 30-year-old director at a nongovernmental organization who declined to provide his last name for privacy reasons, is among them. He says he took to trading stocks after realizing how easy it was to do on Zerodha and other platforms. HESPERIA, Calif. (AP) A Southern California sheriffs deputy was shot Tuesday in the parking lot of a shopping center and the gunman was arrested after he was wounded during a shootout, authorities said. The deputy initially responded to reports of an unwanted subject at a storage facility in Hesperia, said San Bernardino County sheriffs spokeswoman Cindy Bachman. The man left the area and the deputy found his car at the nearby parking lot of Mojave Plaza, where the shooting occurred, according to Bachman. We are not sure exactly what happened, but the deputy was shot in the arm, she said. The deputy was airlifted to a hospital for surgery and is expected to survive. He was not identified. When responding deputies located the suspects car a few miles away, the man got out and began firing at them, Bachman said. The deputies fired back and the suspect was shot, she said. He was hospitalized with unknown injuries, the Daily Press reported. No deputies were injured in the shootout in the city of about 95,000 residents on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert. Maputo Although the 2021 school year should have started on Monday, almost 150 primary schools are not yet open in the central Mozambican province of Manica, the spokesperson of the Provincial Directorate of Education, Joao Tricano, said on Monday. The schools had been closed for a year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this was certainly time enough for school managements to have prepared properly for the reopening. Yet 147 schools out of the 952 schools in Manica, are yet to open to the pupils, despite the efforts to ensure their return to face-to-face classes, after the green light recently given by President Filipe Nyusi. Most of these schools are in a deplorable state. Some are overgrown with grass, with desks in the classrooms completely ruined. Much worse, they lack running water, and their toilets are filthy and broken. At the "25 de Setembro" primary school in Chimoio, the provincial capital, activities are at a complete standstill. The school has a deficit of 13 classrooms, a situation that may lead some pupils to have classes under the trees. Furthermore, there is not yet any running water for students to wash their hands, a basic requirement to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Two school service providers walk nearly a kilometre to fetch water in 20 litre jerry-cans. This is grossly inadequate for the school's almost 1,000 students. "It is a very difficult situation for us. As the school lacks running water we do not even have taps. We will fill buckets for the whole school. Besides the hygiene of the pupils, we also need water to clean the classrooms. We have no toilets either for teachers or for students," said one of the service providers, pointing out that the situation poses a great hazard to public health. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. From his point of view, face-to-face classes should never resume before the right conditions have been put in place. "When it rains, there are no classes as the rain pours in from every side. The pupils are sent back home. If it rains the whole week there are no classes here. We have seen this in the past," said the school service provider. At the "1 de Maio" primary school, the situation is even worse. The classrooms are completely filthy with a wide range of building material stored in some of the classrooms. Some teachers are not even wearing face masks, which greatly annoyed the Provincial Governor, Francisca Tomas, as she made surprise visits on Monday to some of the schools. "Out of all the schools I visited, this is the worst", she said. "You have done pretty well nothing. See for yourself the dirty classrooms and desks. You do not have even a bucket of water for the pupils to wash their hands." The "1 de Maio" school, Tomas said, offered no conditions for classes to resume safely, and she demanded immediate action to correct the situation. The leadership of this school, Tomas said, is totally unfit and is damaging the government. "We have come to see how you are working. Your reports are very beautiful, but the reality leaves a lot to be desired. It is very sad what we have seen in these two schools. You must solve these problems very urgently," she demanded. [March 24, 2021] THL Automation Fund Leads $100 Million Series D Investment for FourKites Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. ("THL"), a premier private equity firm, today announced that it has closed on a transaction to lead a $100 million investment round in FourKites, Inc. ("FourKites" or the "Company"), a market leading real-time supply chain visibility software platform. THL is joined by strategic investors Zebra Technologies, Volvo Group Venture Capital, and Qualcomm Ventures (News - Alert) , LLC, in partnering with FourKites' CEO and founder, Mathew Elenjickal to drive the Company's next phase of growth. Mike Kaczmarek, THL Managing Director, will join the FourKites Board of Directors as part of the transaction. This marks the third investment for THL's Automation Fund, the industry's first fund dedicated to investing in automation related businesses. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, FourKites enables the world's largest companies to better manage their supply chains by automating the collection of complex and disparate data and turning that information into real-time, predictive insights. By leveraging FourKites' proprietary software platform and data algorithms, customers are able to reduce operating costs, increase on-time shipping performance, and improve customer service levels. Trusted by over 500 of the world's biggest brands, including Walmart Canada, Dow, Eastman Chemical, Meijer, PetSmart, and The Michaels Companies, FourKites is a leader in the rapidly growing market for real-time visibility solutions with over 400,000 connected carriers across 176 countries. "We are thrilled about the opportunity to partner with Matt and the FourKites team," said Mike Kaczmarek, Managing Director at THL. "FourKites is a leader in the supply chain visibility sector and drives significant, immediate return on investment for their customers. We expect continued strng growth in this market fueled by accelerating market penetration and FourKites' leading software solutions." "THL has a long track record of successfully partnering with and scaling visionary technology companies," said Mathew Elenjickal, Founder and CEO of FourKites. "Their expansive network and deep level of domain expertise made them an obvious partner of choice for FourKites as we continue to expand the scope of visibility and seek out new opportunities for innovation in the digital supply chain." The Series D round will provide growth capital for FourKites to continue building its leading software solutions platform, accelerate new product innovation for its customers, and execute on broader organic and inorganic growth objectives. DC Advisory acted as financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor, and RSM acted as accounting and tax advisor to THL. About Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. ("THL") is a premier private equity firm investing in middle market growth companies exclusively in three sectors: Financial Services, Healthcare and Technology & Business Solutions. We couple our deep sector expertise with dedicated internal operating resources to transform and build great companies of lasting value in partnership with management. Our domain expertise and resources help to build great companies with an aim to accelerate growth, improve operations and drive long-term sustainable value. Since 1974, we have raised more than $25 billion of equity capital, invested in over 150 companies and completed more than 400 add-on acquisitions representing an aggregate enterprise value at acquisition of over $200 billion. For more information on THL, please visit THL.com. About FourKites FourKites is the #1 supply chain visibility platform in the world, extending visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and beyond. Tracking more than 1 million shipments daily across road, rail, ocean, air, parcel and courier, and reaching 176 countries, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitize their end-to-end supply chains. More than 500 of the world's most recognized brands - including 9 of the top-10 CPG and 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies - trust FourKites to transform their business and create more agile, efficient and sustainable supply chains. To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005318/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Fast-growing global insurance brokerage Acrisure announced it has closed on two transactions representing a significant capital raise of $3.45 billion. BDT Capital Partners, a merchant bank, led a $3 billion investment through its affiliated investment funds into Acrisures senior preferred stock. In addition, a consortium of investors Acrisure says were attracted by its tech-enabled partnership model and its July acquisition artificial intelligence (AI) firm Tulcos insurance business, has invested $454 million of new capital in junior preferred stock. Michigan-based Acrisure said these new investments will support the companys long-term objectives. These transactions are a clear reflection of how the market is valuing both the strength of our existing insurance brokerage business and, importantly, our vision for accelerating our technology initiatives going forward, said Greg Williams, co-founder, president and CEO of Acrisure. These investments enable us to pursue strategic initiatives with aligned capital that will provide greater value for all shareholders. This announcement comes as Acrisure continues to expand its agency partnership model. In 2020, Acrisure was able to maintain its industry-leading acquisition pace, acquiring 110 agencies, while also reducing its net debt leverage. Insurance Agency M&A Deals Surged 20% in Year of Pandemic: OPTIS Acrisures agencies provide property/casualty commercial and personal lines insurance and employee benefits. The company reports it has grown to more than $2 billion in revenue, compared to $650 million in 2017. In 2016, Williams led a Acrisure completed a $2.9 billion management-led buyout of Acrisure along with a group of minority investors. Blackstone and Partners Group were part of the initial group of investors supporting the MBO. The firm is majority-owned by employees and has locations across six countries. At the time of the Tulco acquisition, Acrisure said it planned to utilize AI to innovate in product development and insurance sales and marketing. The Tulco deal, which Bloomberg said was valued at $400 million, was transacted as a stock-for-stock trade resulting in Tulco becoming a significant minority shareholder in Acrisure. Founder and CEO Williams sees more growth ahead. Based on our data, AI foundation and global distribution capabilities, we will accelerate our growth in the insurance brokerage industry and into adjacent opportunities, said Williams. A portion of the proceeds from these new investments was used to repurchase in full Acrisures existing senior preferred stock and certain warrants. Topics Agencies Funding AllAfrica publishes around 900 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us. [March 24, 2021] No COVID slump as majority of Australians satisfied with healthcare system new Australian Healthcare Index reports MELBOURNE and PERTH, Australia, March 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a once-in-a-century pandemic still lingering one year on, Australians have given a vote of confidence to the Australian healthcare system with 65.5% rating it a score of 8 or above out of 10 in a new report, produced by the Australian Patients Association and HealthEngine, capturing the mood of Australian patients. The first Australian Healthcare Index report seeks to elevate patient perspectives and experiences on overall healthcare in Australia, based on responses from over 8000 adults. Produced by the Australian Patients Association and HealthEngine, the report captures learnings from patients on the public and private healthcare ecosystem including primary care, private health insurance (PHI), emergency departments, elective surgery, prescription medicine and more. Designed to provide a pulse check on healthcare in Australia, key findings include: Patients rated Australian Healthcare 7.8 out of 10 Patients are ore likely to recommend their GPs than their dentist to friends and colleagues While 55.1% of respondents have Private Health Insurance, the majority are not recommending their PHI and many feel it costs too much 36.6% think prescription medicine is too expensive Nearly 95% embrace the intersection of healthcare and tech with the use of and interest in telehealth, health apps, online booking, e-scripts and more Marcus Tan says the report is testament to the robustness of the healthcare system. "The fact a majority of Australians have a favourable opinion of the healthcare system after COVID-19 caused disruption, is a credit to the thousands of healthcare professionals with a commitment to patient-centred care.'' said Dr Tan. "With the release of the Australian Healthcare Index, we can identify, share and champion people's perspectives on healthcare, as well as provide a baseline of learnings to establish a report that will come out twice a year." Stephen Mason, CEO of the Australian Patients Association hopes the report will help strengthen patient-centred care in the healthcare system. "As we advocate for improved patient care and health outcomes, the Australian Healthcare Index is an important pulse check on the patient experience for organisations like ours as well as the greater healthcare community, peak bodies and government at all levels, who are contributing to and leading public and private healthcare in Australia," said Mason. "The APA became involved with the Australian Healthcare Index to hear the patient's voice. Although we are comforted by the knowledge that our healthcare system has coped well during the pandemic, we are concerned about dental care and the cost of medicines." "As for the perceived lack of value from PHI, we are working closely with Private Healthcare Australia and its members to address this concern and in particular to prevent excessive out of pocket costs. "We hope the report's findings make a positive contribution to shaping national healthcare policy, on behalf of patients across the country." View or download the Australian Healthcare Index at AustralianHealthcareIndex.com.au. An interactive dashboard is available to explore the national survey results and view data at a state level or other demographics. About HealthEngine HealthEngine is Australia's largest consumer healthcare network and the #1 go-to for healthcare bookings. Founded in 2006, HealthEngine is on a mission to transform Australia's healthcare by making it easier for people to connect with their healthcare providers online and for health practitioners to deliver a great patient experience through technology. More than 9 million people across Australia have made more than 47 million bookings on the platform. About the Australian Patients Association The Australian Patients Association is an independent not-for-profit organisation established to promote and protect the rights and interests of patients, and improve overall patient outcomes. We will address important health issues impacting on patient care in the public and private healthcare system. We will research and develop sensible remedies to benefit all our supporters and the broader community. The Australian Patients Association also seeks to educate patients about their rights and choices, as well as supporting patients in need. SOURCE HealthEngine [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. TEL AVIV, Israel and MEXICO CITY, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fondeadora, Mexico's fastest-growing challenger bank, today announced that it has selected AU10TIX, the global leader in identity verification, to boost the speed and security of its customer onboarding and ongoing due diligence processes. The partnership combines the simplicity of Fondeadora's digital banking app with AU10TIX's deep experience in automating ID authentication and KYC flows for the financial sector, enabling a safer, more accessible financial service option for millions of Mexicans. "As Fondeadora's demand grows, we've been looking across all systems to ensure our offering is resilient and ready to scaleparticularly at that first touchpoint with a potential account holder, which is so critical in establishing confidence. We needed an identity verification partner that was fully automated, accurate, responsive and customizable, and AU10TIX's technology and team met all those demands," explained Miguel Gutierrez, Chief Business Development Officer, Fondeadora. The Mexican fintech industry is operating in a highly regulated environment that requires strict compliance to local KYC/AML regulations; it's also the second biggest in Latin America and one of the fastest growing in the world, given about 65 million users who are still using cash for most of their transactions. For this reason, automatic KYC and digital onboarding processes are critical for challenger banks opening in Mexico. As Fondeadora looks to serve its local community, verifying and protecting the identities of its user base will be critical in promoting collaboration, transparency and access in the new system. The company's search for a partner in identity verification was driven by its mission is to improve the banking experience for Mexicans and to allow consumers to open an account without physically visiting a branchand this will be possible with AU10TIX. Fondeadora is using AU10TIX's automated solution for Mexican identity document verification, liveness detection, and face biometric authentication to enable identity verification results in less than 8-10 seconds during customer onboarding and account log ins. Fondeadora also opted into INSTINCT, AU10TIX's collaborative platform for synthetic fraud detection. "AU10TIX is excited to join Fondeadora on its mission to provide financial access to all of Mexico through technology," said Carey O'Connor Kolaja, CEO, AU10TIX. "Together, we can build a trusted digital payments ecosystem, one in which Fondeadora can confidently link the physical and digital identity attributes of its account holders necessary to not only comply with local regulations but also exceed consumer expectations for speedy, seamless access." About AU10TIX AU10TIX, an identity management company headquartered in Israel, is on a mission to obliterate fraud and further a more secure and inclusive world. The company provides critical, modular solutions to verify and link physical and digital identities so businesses and their customers can confidently connect. Over the past decade, AU10TIX has become the preferred partner of major global brands for customer onboarding and customer verification automationand continues to work on the edge of what's next for identity's role in society. AU10TIX's proprietary technology provides results in less than 8 seconds, enabling businesses to onboard customers faster while preventing fraud, meeting compliance mandates and, importantly, promoting trust and safety. AU10TIX's most recent investment is $80M from TPG and Oak HC/FT to fuel growth and innovation. AU10TIX is a subsidiary of ICTS International N.V. (OTCQB: ICTSF). For more information, visit AU10TIX.com. Media Contact Joseph Giumarra [email protected] 201-741-8293 SOURCE AU10TIX PDP president on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter to his Pakistani counterpart was a step in the right direction, and expressed hope that it would lead to a process of dialogue and reconciliation. PM Modi reaching out to his Pakistani counterpart is a step in the right direction. As Vajpayee ji famously said, one can change his friends but not neighbours. I hope this leads to a process of dialogue & reconciliation. Kashmir needs healing, she said on Twitter. Modi had on Tuesday written to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said in the letter. (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 US delegation discussed immigration and regional development in a series of meetings in Mexico at a time when rising numbers of migrants arriving at their shared border have raised concerns in both countries. The administration of President Joe Biden is worried about the number of migrant families and especially, unaccompanied children, arriving at the US-Mexico border in recent months. Former U.S. ambassador Roberta Jacobson, the White House's lead adviser on the border, and Juan Gonzlez, the National Security Council's senior director for the Western Hemisphere, were accompanied by Ricardo Ziga, the newly named Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle. The new US administration has started to dismantle Trump-era policies that made it more difficult for asylum seekers, but have maintained some like the pandemic-related policy invoked by Trump that allowed it to continue to return the majority of border crossers to Mexico. In a meeting with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard on Tuesday, the two delegations discussed "humanitarian actions to spur, in the short term, an inclusive economic development in northern Central America," according to a statement released by the Mexican government. The so-called Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have been the largest source of migrants arriving at the US southern border in recent years. Plagued by endemic corruption and violence, and more recently devastated by two major hurricanes in November and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants continue to stream out of those countries. Confusion and misinformation over Biden's seemingly more humane approach to immigrants and asylum seekers has been a contributing factor. Many migrants, sensing a change in attitude from the heavy-handed Trump policies, set out during the first months of the year to try their luck. Meanwhile, Mexico finds itself once again under pressure to slow the movement of migrants across its territory. Last week, the government announced it was imposing new measures at its southern border that would permit only essential crossings due to pandemic concerns. But coming a year after the start of the pandemic many observers saw it only as a cover for more immigration enforcement. At the same time, Mexico deployed more immigration agents to the south and said it would focus on intercepting unaccompanied children and families with children trying to reach the northern border. That announcement was criticised for coming on the same day that the US agreed to send COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico. In 2019, Mexico deployed its newly created National Guard to bolster immigration enforcement under pressure from the Trump administration, which had threatened crippling tariffs on all Mexican imports. The Biden administration is taking a more diplomatic approach, but similarly needs Mexico's cooperation. Mexico has faced criticism for essentially extending the US immigration policy to its own southern border. In return, Mexico has pushed the US government to support more development projects in the region. Biden has spoken of sending USD 4 billion in development aid. Both sides said they were focused on protecting the human rights of migrants, but ensuring a safe and orderly migration. Ultimately, they want to reduce the push factors driving migrants from their countries. The focus has been on economic factors, but yet to be seen is how the new US administration will address touchier subjects like corruption in the region. In another meeting on Tuesday, the US delegation discussed those aid efforts with representatives of Mexico's development agency and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. In a final meeting with Mexico's National Immigration Institute, the two sides talked about "the challenges of designing a migration model that protects human rights, as well as the necessity of implementing incentives to reach the shared objective of an orderly, safe and regular migration," the statement said. Part of the US delegation was scheduled to hold meetings in Guatemala on Wednesday. (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.) AUSTIN, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Zenoss Inc., the leader in AI-driven full-stack monitoring, today announced the addition of world-renowned experts from Gartner and SparkCognition to its GalaxZ21 agenda. The one-day conference, which will be held on April 22, will offer attendees a fully immersive interactive experience with free access to all keynotes, track sessions and networking opportunities. The conference will feature keynotes from AI expert Amir Husain, the founder and CEO of SparkCognition, and industry-leading IT analyst and author George Spafford of Gartner. GalaxZ21 | April 22, 2021 Amir Husain is a serial entrepreneur, inventor, technologist and author based in Austin, Texas. He has been named Austin's Top Technology Entrepreneur of the Year, listed as an Onalytica Top 100 Artificial Intelligence Influencer, and received the Austin Under 40 Technology and Science Award, among several other accolades recognizing his work in artificial intelligence. George Spafford is a vice president analyst for Gartner, covering DevOps, DevSecOps, site reliability engineering (SRE), technical change and release management. His publications include hundreds of articles and numerous books on IT management, as well as co-authorship of "The Phoenix Project," "The Visible Ops Handbook," and "Visible Ops Security." "We are honored to have some of the sharpest minds in the world be a part of our speaker lineup," said Greg Stock, chairman and CEO of Zenoss. "Amir and George are brilliant and engaging, and we look forward to having them share their insights and predictions for IT organizations and the industry." Designed for newcomers as well as the most advanced professionals, GalaxZ21 will facilitate attendee collaboration to address the increasing challenges of modern IT environments and showcase customers who have developed elegant solutions that solve complex problems. Here is a preview of what attendees will experience at the virtual GalaxZ21: Expert sessions with cloud and infrastructure leaders, practitioners and industry experts Strategies for optimizing application health in complex hybrid IT environments The latest how-tos and best practices from Zenoss subject matter experts One-on-one meetings with Zenoss technical experts, solution strategists and executives Z Awards that recognize exceptional innovation, leadership and collaboration Networking opportunities throughout the event Sponsors of GalaxZ21 are DRYiCE by HCL Technologies, Google Cloud, SOPRIS Technologies and LayerX. For more information about GalaxZ21 and to register for free, visit https://galaxz.zenoss.com. About Zenoss Zenoss works with the world's largest organizations to ensure their IT services and applications are always on. Delivering full-stack monitoring combined with AIOps, Zenoss uniquely collects all types of machine data, including metrics, dependency data, events, streaming data and logs, to build real-time IT service models that train machine learning algorithms to deliver robust AIOps analytics capabilities. This enables IT Ops and DevOps teams to optimize application performance, predict and eliminate outages, and reduce IT spend in modern hybrid IT environments. Zenoss is recognized in the 2019 Gartner Market Guide for AIOps Platforms . For more information about Zenoss, please visit https://www.zenoss.com . Zenoss Media Contact Jill Ford [email protected] SOURCE Zenoss Inc. Related Links http://www.zenoss.com Celebriffy is the Newest and Hottest Social Media Platform for content creators and professionals to monetize Tweet this Celebriffy believes that 'content is king' and creators deserve the lion's share of revenue generated from their art. From a sane perspective, why should the platforms earn the hundreds of Billions of dollars generated and only pay the tiniest percentage for the content that drives them? Celebriffy reverses the pay and power ratio between platform revenues and talent revenues. The internet should be a medium to provide real freedom of sharing content, allowing groups to gather around shared interest. Celebriffy honors the content makers and creatives that give joy, education, and value to the world by empowering earnings to justify continued art creation and sharing. The Celebriffy platform gives full freedom and control of content, allowing maximum artistic expression, and its fan interaction features allow for massive live and recorded broadcast with full interaction as well as one-on-one private contact, immediately, upon using the app. All the features of the app are designed to allow talent to build and maintain the strongest fan base, with total independent freedom of choice, down to monetizing control over each individual fan relationship, in unprecedented ways. Used as a point-source broadcast platform, Celebriffy shifts monetization power to creators, placing full management power into each content creator's hands. Standard subscription also includes a full suite of content business management tools as easy-to-use as cashapp, promoting individuals to instant media powerhouse moguls, with all the money that should come with the fame! Unlike other platforms, Celebriffy offers real fan boosting features to rapidly grow audiences on talent's terms, not on oppressive, politically driven, social media platforms' terms. However, Celebriffy published content easily flows into all the other social media platforms, allowing additional income, like royalties. Fan reach through social media is beneficial to publishers but Celebriffied talent knows the value of their content with instant access to tools to go 'Rockstar status', regardless of expertise level or number of fans to start. Celebriffy is changing content careers of rock stars and movie stars too! Celebrities earning fame in the old method are joining Celebriffy because they earn way more with the same content, with less stress, and can boost their fame to legendary and immortal. World famous Latin Rockstar Noelia, with multiple #1 hits like "Tu" joined Celebriffy which gave her instant income boost and the control that allows her to concentrate on her art. Her experience with the old labels and social media cartel, left her frustrated with content publishing and disrupted her career for years. Now she is back with Celebriffy power that gives her a platform for her art and peace of mind to enjoy her success. She wants all content creators to experience the benefits of creating art without the struggles she has overcome, citing 'they were simply unnecessary'. Noelia has quickly monetized several projects with the app simultaneously. Noelia said "I love this app. This platform is the best for all content creators that want to enrich fan relationships, get the most value for their art, and really enjoy life with fame." Join Noelia and many other content creators at Celebriffy and get paid like a Rockstar! The Celebriffy App is free. Your Content is not! Get paid like a Rockstar! Trending: Get early access to the Celebriffy app here and join the content monetization revolution! ABOUT CELEBRIFFY Celebriffy is a powerful content publishing and monetization platform with a user-friendly app, empowering content creators to full control content value, fan engagement and freedom of expression. MEDIA CONTACT: Lori Ripstein [email protected] COMPANY CONTACT: Raphael Gonzalez [email protected] CORPORATE CONTACT: www.celebriffy.com CELEBRIFFY APP Celebriffy at Google Play Store SOURCE Celebbriffy Related Links https://www.celebriffy.com .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A man is in the hospital and not expected to survive Tuesday evening after being shot off East Central. Daren DeAguero, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said the shooting occurred in the 7400 block of Central NE, near Wyoming and Central. He said homicide detectives are investigating but gave no other details. Officers cordoned off the entrance to the American Inn and Suites as investigators moved to and from a mobile crime lab in the parking lot. Its the second scene homicide detectives responded to on Tuesday. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Sometime before 1:15 a.m. officers responded to a domestic dispute at a home near 94th and Tower SW, and found a man dead. A police spokesman said the 911 caller had a restraining order against the man and officers also found a 15-year-old with a hand injury at the home. DUBLIN, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "3D Printed Drugs Market Research Report by Technology, by End User - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global 3D Printed Drugs Market is expected to grow from USD 301.03 Million in 2020 to USD 392.11 Million by the end of 2025. Market Segmentation & Coverage: This research report categorizes the 3D Printed Drugs to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets: Based on Technology, the 3D Printed Drugs Market is examined across Direct-Write, Fused Deposition Modelling, Inkjet Printing, Powder Bed Printing, Stereolithography, and Zip Dose. Based on Application, the 3D Printed Drugs Market is examined across Dental, Hearing & Audibility Aid, Medical Implants, Neurology, and Orthopedic. Based on End User, the 3D Printed Drugs Market is examined across Clinics & Hospitals and Research Laboratories. Based on Geography, the 3D Printed Drugs Market is examined 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 . Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market including 3D Systems Corporation, Anatomics Pty Ltd, Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, LLC, BioDuro, LLC, Biomedical Modeling Inc., EnvisionTEC GmbH, FabRx Ltd., General Electric Company, Materialise NV, Merck KGaA, Nanalyze, Organovo Holdings, Inc., Pharma Excipients International AG, PreScouter, Inc., Prodways Group SA, Renishaw PLC, Siemens AG, SLM Solutions Group AG, Stratasys Ltd., Yissum, and Zortrax. 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. The ongoing research amplifies the 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. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the 3D Printed Drugs 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. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The 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 3D Printed Drugs Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global 3D Printed Drugs Market? Key Topics Covered: 1. Preface 1.1. Objectives of the Study 1.2. Market Segmentation & Coverage 1.3. Years Considered for the Study 1.4. Currency & Pricing 1.5. Language 1.6. Limitations 1.7. Stakeholders 2. Research Methodology 2.1. Research Process 2.1.1. Define: Research Objective 2.1.2. Determine: Research Design 2.1.3. Prepare: Research Instrument 2.1.4. Collect: Data Source 2.1.5. Analyze: Data Interpretation 2.1.6. Formulate: Data Verification 2.1.7. Publish: Research Report 2.1.8. Repeat: Report Update 2.2. Research Execution 2.2.1. Initiation: Research Process 2.2.2. Planning: Develop Research Plan 2.2.3. Execution: Conduct Research 2.2.4. Verification: Finding & Analysis 2.2.5. Publication: Research Report 2.3. Research Outcome 3. Executive Summary 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Market Outlook 3.3. Technology Outlook 3.4. Application Outlook 3.5. End User Outlook 3.6. Geography Outlook 3.7. Competitor Outlook 4. Market Overview 4.1. Introduction 4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 5. Market Insights 5.1. Market Dynamics 5.1.1. Drivers 5.1.1.1. Surge in demand for instantaneous soluble drugs 5.1.1.2. Increasing usage of 3D printing technique in the medical & healthcare industries 5.1.1.3. Growing adoption of personalized drugs, and production of the combination medicine 5.1.1.4. Increasing adoption of 3D printing technology 5.1.2. Restraints 5.1.2.1. Antagonistic effects related to these drugs 5.1.2.2. Usage of 3D printing to develop illegal drugs 5.1.3. Opportunities 5.1.3.1. Constant technological developments in 3D printing technique 5.1.3.2. Growth potential in developing countries with the introduction of 3D printed drugs 5.1.3.3. Rise in health care investment in emerging countries 5.1.4. Challenges 5.1.4.1. Lack of government regulations for 3D printed products 5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants 5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes 5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers 5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers 5.2.5. Industry Rivalry 6. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By Technology 6.1. Introduction 6.2. Direct-Write 6.3. Fused Deposition Modelling 6.4. Inkjet Printing 6.5. Powder Bed Printing 6.6. Stereolithography 6.7. Zip Dose 7. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By Application 7.1. Introduction 7.2. Dental 7.3. Hearing & Audibility Aid 7.4. Medical Implants 7.5. Neurology 7.6. Orthopedic 8. Global 3D Printed Drugs Market, By End User 8.1. Introduction 8.2. Clinics & Hospitals 8.3. Research Laboratories 9. Americas 3D Printed Drugs Market 9.1. Introduction 9.2. Argentina 9.3. Brazil 9.4. Canada 9.5. Mexico 9.6. United States 10. Asia-Pacific 3D Printed Drugs Market 10.1. Introduction 10.2. Australia 10.3. China 10.4. India 10.5. Indonesia 10.6. Japan 10.7. Malaysia 10.8. Philippines 10.9. South Korea 10.10. Thailand 11. Europe, Middle East & Africa 3D Printed Drugs Market 11.1. Introduction 11.2. France 11.3. Germany 11.4. Italy 11.5. Netherlands 11.6. Qatar 11.7. Russia 11.8. Saudi Arabia 11.9. South Africa 11.10. Spain 11.11. United Arab Emirates 11.12. United Kingdom 12. Competitive Landscape 12.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix 12.1.1. Quadrants 12.1.2. Business Strategy 12.1.3. Product Satisfaction 12.2. Market Ranking Analysis 12.3. Market Share Analysis 12.4. Competitor SWOT Analysis 12.5. Competitive Scenario 12.5.1. Merger & Acquisition 12.5.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership 12.5.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement 12.5.4. Investment & Funding 12.5.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion 13. Company Usability Profiles 13.1. 3D Systems Corporation 13.2. Anatomics Pty Ltd 13.3. Aprecia Pharmaceuticals, LLC 13.4. BioDuro, LLC 13.5. Biomedical Modeling Inc. 13.6. EnvisionTEC GmbH 13.7. FabRx Ltd. 13.8. General Electric Company 13.9. Materialise NV 13.10. Merck KGaA 13.11. Nanalyze 13.12. Organovo Holdings, Inc. 13.13. Pharma Excipients International AG 13.14. PreScouter, Inc. 13.15. Prodways Group SA 13.16. Renishaw PLC 13.17. Siemens AG 13.18. SLM Solutions Group AG 13.19. Stratasys Ltd. 13.20. Yissum 13.21. Zortrax 14. Appendix 14.1. Discussion Guide For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fsyv2o 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 meeting, which was broadcast live, saw the presence of Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister of Laos, Minister of Defence, General Chansamone Chanyalath; Politburo member, Minister of Laos Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamphong; Former Politburo Member, Former Deputy Prime Minister, Former Minister of Public Security Asang Laoly; Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung; and Major General Hoang Quang Huong, Chief Representative of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in Laos. Minister of Laos Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamphong reviewed the historical background and the beginning of the Vietnamese public security experts presence in Laos, affirming that generations of Vietnamese experts have not been afraid of many difficulties and hardships to help the Lao Public Security force grow and develop. The formation and development of the Vietnamese public security experts in Laos was associated with the cause of national liberation and defence of the Lao revolution, as well as the maturity and development of the Lao Public Security forces, Senior Lieutenant General Vilay Lakhamphong stated. He noted that the Party, State and people of Laos always remember the valuable support and devotion of the Party, State and people of Vietnam. Minister Vilay Lakhamphong also expressed the sincere gratitude to the leaders of the Party, State and people of Vietnam, especially the leaders of the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security and Vietnamese police working in Laos. He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Laos in general and the Lao police force in particular will always uphold the special relations and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam and will do their best to preserve and nurture this relationship. Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung expressed his thanks to the Party, Government and people of Laos for always supporting Vietnamese policing experts so that the two police forces can together overcome difficulties and fulfill the task of protecting security, social order and the safety of the two countries, for the peace and happiness of the two peoples. On this occasion, the Party and State of Laos presented the Lao Freedom Order (Itsala), second class to the Representative Office of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in Laos and Itsala Order, third class to Major General Hoang Quang Huong, Chief Representative of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam in Laos, in recognition of their great contributions to maintaining order and security as well as to consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. [March 24, 2021] Air Lease Corporation Announces Lease Placement of Airbus A320-200 Aircraft with HiSky Moldova Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced a long-term lease placement for one used Airbus A320-200 aircraft with HiSky Moldova. Scheduled to deliver in April 2021, this is ALC's third Airbus A320 family aircraft placement with the Moldovan startup airline. "We are pleased to announce this agreement to deliver our third Airbus A320 family aircraft to HiSky," said David Beker, Senior Vice President of Air Lease Corporation. "This young A320 will be joining HiSky's all-ALC leased fleet of A319/A320 aircraft. Our team is honored that the leadership of HiSky has chosen to collaborate exclusively with ALC to launch their airline this year under challenging circumstances and we believe HiSky is well positioned for long-term growth and success." "We are happy with the progress of our operations and the response that we got from our core markets. We launched the sales and flights from our base in Chisinau, Moldova and now we are one week away from starting flight operations in our second base: Cluj, Romania. We are grateful to Air Lease Corporation, our trustful partner, that has appropriate solutions and expertise to sustain our growth," said Iulian Scorpan, Chief Executive Officer of HiSky Moldova. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such sttements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the "Investors" section of ALC's website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC's website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release. About HiSky Moldova HiSky was certified as a Moldovan air operator in January 2021 (AOC number MD-025) and as a Romanian air operator in December 2020 (AOC number RO-074). Between February and March 2021, the airline announced scheduled flights from four airports: Cluj, Satu Mare, Iasi and Chisinau and charter flights from Cluj, Targu Mures, Baia Mare and Oradea. On March 5, 2021, the Company executed its first commercial flight. The HiSky team consists of people with decades of experience in aviation. Additional information about HiSky can be found on the website www.hisky.aero. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005977/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [March 24, 2021] eGlass Shatters Distance Learning Barrier - Now Accepting Pre-orders SAN DIEGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The distance learning barrier was just shattered. eGlass by Pathway - first unveiled at ISTE 2021 - is available for immediate pre-order with initial shipments planned for April. By integrating a transparent, glowing writing surface with embedded camera and software, eGlass brings education not just into the 21st century but into the future. eGlass, created in collaboration with San Diego State University physics professor Matt Anderson, solves an age-old problem for teachers and professors: maintaining engagement with learners as they must turn their back to students while writing on a traditional whiteboard or chalkboard. "Engagement goes through the roof as soon as students are introduced to eGlass," said Marcia Kish, a well known blended learning specialist, and founder of DSD Professional Development. "When we get them engaged, we get better test scores and kids want to come to class. Hybrid teaching is not going away - eGlass bridges the gap so teachers can interact with both their virtual and on-site students. This is truly a game changer." Studies have shown that the resulting loss of nonverbal cues and eye contact has a catastrophic impact on retention of information. (Source: Psychology Today) "I'm proud to report that the chalkboard and whiteboard are now officially obsolete," explained Ji Shen, CEO and founder of Pathway, the company behind both eGlass and the wildly successful HoverCam line of edtech products. "The problem is simple, but creating the solution wasn't. Teachers have told us that they need a simple way to engage with their students while writing on a board. After a long and arduous engineering process, we know eGlass delivers, and the initial response has surpassed our expectations - we can't build them fast enough. We look forward to providing eGlass to everyone who is ready to bring learning into the modern era." How it works eGlass is an all-in-one, transparent writing surface with built-in camera and adjustable lighting that engages students while the teacher writes - making it ideal for remote, hybrid, blended and traditional classrooms. With teachers looking toward the camera, students benefit from seeing facial expressions and gestures, as if they are right in front of the teacher. As the instructor writes on the glass, eGlass's built-in software automaticaly flips the image so the writing reads left to right for students. The surface's embedded LEDs intensify the pen ink with an eye-catching glow that is highly visible on-screen and in person. Available in 35-inch and 50-inch models, eGlass is easy to set up and use. Instructors simply plug it into a PC, Mac, or Chromebook via USB cable. Bundled intuitive software is fully compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet and more. Already a Hit with Educators While eGlass will begin accepting orders from the general public today, it previously manufactured a limited run of 2,000 units after the device was unveiled in January - which sold out almost immediately. In addition, feedback from both educators and learners who have already tried out eGlass has been unanimously positive. For example: "As soon as I showed my kids eGlass, they all turned their cameras on. The kids were excited and engaged through the power of the eGlass system. When my principal saw it, he said every teacher needs to have this!" - Andrea Jahnke , art teacher from West Geauga High School in Chesterland, OH . , art teacher from West Geauga High School in . "eGlass is SO COOL. I totally blew my kids' minds today!" - Delia Bush , 5th Grade teacher, Kenowa Hills Online Learning Academy, Grand Rapids, MI , 5th Grade teacher, Kenowa Hills Online Learning Academy, "The new eGlass lightboard is amazing! Game changer for hybrid/remote learning AND Deaf Education" - Natasha Rausch , teacher at The Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, MA Available Now in Multiple Sizes eGlass is available in two sizes - 35" and 50". MSRP is $2,198 for the 35" and $3,298 for the 50" model. Special pricing for the education sector is available which brings the cost of the 35" model below $1,999 for school districts. To request a quote or to book a demonstration, call 858-750-3499 or email sales@hovercam.com. View the eGlass media kit here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zeq6l60w40d0yoj/AADD0dO4SrYn5ICfUmuqRKTUa?dl=0 About Pathway Innovations and Technologies, Inc. Based in San Diego, CA, Pathway Innovations and Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2009 by EdTech entrepreneur and inventor, Ji Shen. Pathway is a technology leader in the education market focused on setting the standard for the 21st century classroom. Working closely with the education and technology communities, Pathway's portfolio of collaborative products, all powered by the company's social learning interface, include eGlass, a revolutionary transparent writing glass for instructors; and the award winning HoverCam line of document cameras and teaching stations. To date, Pathway's solutions have been integrated into approximately 400,000 classrooms worldwide. For more information visit www.eglass.io. Follow us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Contact: Joseph Milholland Lightspeed PR/M joseph@lightspeedpr.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eglass-shatters-distance-learning-barrier---now-accepting-pre-orders-301254454.html SOURCE eGlass by Pathway Innovations [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: The situation in Kashmir Valley has improved significantly over the past year and some green shoots of peace are visible, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday as he expressed willingness to meet every stakeholder to resolve long-standing issues. Singh, who is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, told reporters that the tree of peace in Kashmir has not dried up and that a permanent solution to Kashmir issue is based on five 'C'scompassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building and consistency. "After meeting the delegations and holding meetings here, I understand that the situation in Kashmir has greatly improved. I don't want to claim that everything is completely fine but things are improving, this I can say with firm belief," Singh said. He said during his visit he has interacted with police and CRPF personnel and he will also meet the army personnel. "I am willing to meet anyone who wants to help us in resolving problems of Kashmir. There is no question of a formal or informal invitation. Those who want to talk should come forward. I always come here with an open mind," Singh said when asked if the government was ready to hold talks with separatists. "If need be, I will visit Kashmir 50 times in a year. We will continue our efforts to bring peace here and this is our firm conviction," Rajnath said. He said the government does not want to leave out any of the stakeholders with whom dialogue should be held. The Home minister asked Pakistan to stop infiltrating militants in the state so that peace with dignity can be restored. "While paying tributes to ASI Abdul Rasheed, I again saw the picture of his daughter Zohra. I cannot forget her face. We want smile and happiness on the face of every youth of Kashmir and we will continue our efforts in this regard," he said. Rasheed was shot at and injured by militants in Anantnag district. He later died at a hospital. The government, he said, had made sincere efforts for improving relations with all neighbouring countries including Pakistan right from the day it took office in May 2014. "The Prime Minister invited premiers of all neighbouring countries to the oath ceremony. The intent was clear that we invited them not for shaking hands but for heart to heart relations. The Prime Minister broke all protocol and went there to attend a function. We made all out efforts. On the legal challenge to Article 35A of the Constitution, which bars people from outside Jammu and Kashmir to acquire immoveable property in the state, Singh said the Centre has neither initiated any action nor gone to the court in this regard. "There is no reason for doubt or speculation on this issue. Unnecessarily an issue is being made out. Central government has not initiated any process on this issue, we have not gone to the court. I want to assure that I am not talking about only Article 35A, whatever our government does, we will not do anything against the sentiments of the people here. We will continue to respect that. Singh said he has reviewed the Rs 80,000 crore Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) for Jammu and Kashmir and work is going on the projects under this programme. He said the Centre will launch a special promotional drive to promote tourism in Kashmir. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. International mining and metals company Rio Tinto and renewable energy technology company Heliogen today announced an agreement to explore the deployment of Heliogen's breakthrough solar technology at Rio Tinto's borates mine in Boron, California. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005297/en/ Under a Memorandum of Understanding, Heliogen will deploy its proprietary, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered technology at the Boron operation, where it will use heat from the sun to generate and store carbon-free energy to power the mine's industrial processes. The two companies will begin detailed planning and securing government permits for the project, with the aim of starting operations from 2022. The companies will also use the Boron installation to begin exploring the potential for deployments of Heliogen's technology at Rio Tinto's other operations around the world to supply process heat, which accounted for 14 per cent of Scope 1 2 emissions from the Group's managed operations in 2020. Heliogen's high-temperature solar technology is designed to cost-effectively replace fossil fuels with sunlight for a range of industrial processes, including those used in mining. At Rio Tinto's Boron mine, the company's proprietary technology will use AI to control a network of mirrors that concentrate sunlight to capture energy used to make steam. Heliogen's system will also store the captured energy in the form of heat, allowing it to power nighttime operations and providing the same uninterrupted energy stream offered by legacy fuels. The Boron operation mines and refines borates into products ranging from fertilizers to construction materials and is producing lithium carbonate from a demonstration plant. The site currently generates steam using a natural gas cogeneration plant and natural gas fired boilers. Heliogen's installation will supplement these energy sources by generating up to 35,000 pounds per hour of steam to power operations, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions at the Boron site by around 7 per cent equivalent to taking more than 5,000 cars off the road. Rio Tinto will also be assessing the potential for larger scale use of the Heliogen technology at Boron to reduce the site's carbon footprint by up to 24 per cent. Heliogen's mission of slashing global carbon emissions by replacing fossil fuels with sunlight, as well as its focus on industrial sectors, made them an ideal partner for Rio Tinto, which is committed to decarbonizing its global operations. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "This partnership with Heliogen has the potential to significantly reduce our emissions at Boron by using this groundbreaking solar technology, and we look forward to exploring opportunities across our global portfolio. "Addressing climate change effectively will require businesses, governments and society to work together through partnerships like this one, to explore innovative new solutions throughout the entire value chain. Our work with Heliogen is part of Rio Tinto's commitment to spend approximately $1 billion on emissions reduction initiatives through to 2025 and our commitment to work with world-leading technology providers to achieve this goal." Heliogen CEO and Founder Bill Gross said: "Since its founding, Heliogen has been laser-focused on decarbonizing industrial sectors, including mining. As a result, this agreement with Rio Tinto is incredibly gratifying. We're pleased to find a partner committed to cutting its contributions to climate change. We're also pleased that Rio Tinto is exploring our technology to play an important role in helping reach its sustainability goals while dramatically reducing its energy costs. More broadly, we're excited to take this important step as we pursue Heliogen's goal of avoiding more than 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions 5 per cent of the world's annual total from the global economy by turning sunlight into an industrial energy source." About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto produces high-quality iron ore, copper, aluminium and minerals that have an essential role in enabling the low-carbon transition. We divested the last of our coal businesses in 2018 and no longer extract fossil fuels. We have publicly acknowledged the reality of climate change for over two decades and have reduced our emissions footprint by over 30 per cent in the decade to 2020. We have set 2030 targets to reduce our absolute emissions by 15% and our emissions intensity by 30% relative to our 2018 baseline. These targets are consistent with a 45% reduction in absolute emissions, relative to 2010 levels, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) pathways to 1.5C. They are supported by our commitment to spend approximately $1 billion on emissions reduction initiatives over the first five years of the ten-year target period. In 2020 we set new Scope 3 emissions reduction goals to guide our partnership approach across our value chain. Read more about Our Approach to Climate Change here: www.riotinto.com/invest/reports/climate-change-report About Heliogen Heliogen is a renewable energy technology company focused on eliminating the need for fossil fuels in all sectors of the economy and empowering a sustainable future. The company's proprietary technology cost-effectively delivers near 24/7 carbon-free energy in the form of heat, electricity, and green hydrogen fuel at scale for the first time in history. Heliogen was created at Idealab, the leading technology incubator founded by Bill Gross in 1996. In November 2020, TIME included Heliogen's HelioHeat technology on its Best Inventions of 2020 list. In April 2020, Fast Company selected Heliogen as a recipient of a 2020 World Changing Ideas Award for its technology. The company won the Energy category. For more information about Heliogen, please visit Heliogen.com or @HeliogenInc. Heliogen Press Kit Download Boron Images Download View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005297/en/ Contacts: media.enquiries@riotinto.com riotinto.com Follow @RioTinto on Twitter Rio Tinto Media Relations Matthew Klar Matthew.klar@riotinto.com +1 514 608 4429 Heliogen Media Relations Leo Traub, Antenna Group for Heliogen heliogen@antennagroup.com + 1 646 883 3562 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 Category: Boron Cloud How milCloud 2.0 makes DOD cloud migrations easier The Defense Departments milCloud 2.0 celebrated its third anniversary last month by adding VMware and Amazon Web Services, meeting both fit-for-purpose and general-purpose cloud needs. The new offerings should help accelerate cloud adoption among defense organizations -- an undertaking that has been slow. A 2018 memo required defense agencies and DOD field activities to migrate all appropriate workloads to milCloud 2.0 by the end of fiscal 2020, but research by MeriTalk found that only one in five were doing so. There are three reasons why this will help speed adoption, said Jim Matney, vice president and general manager of the Defense Information Systems Agency and Enterprise Services sector within the defense division at General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), which owns and operates the technology stack for milCloud 2.0. They are ease of use, security and cost. We have seen a significant amount of interest in mission partners leveraging AWS and the milCloud offering, the on-premise offering, via the milCloud 2.0 contract, Matney said. This has really put milCloud 2.0 on the map. Some of the delays in cloud adoption have been associated with the acquisition process, but because the milCloud 2.0 contract has already been awarded, no additional acquisition is required. Instead, customers can go to a portal, create an account, deposit funds and have cloud services running within 48 hours, Matney said. He likens it to buying an E-ZPass and spending down the account as services are consumed. Whats more, before defense organizations migrate their applications to milCloud 2.0, they must ensure they are cloud-ready, which requires refactoring or other prep work. Because milCloud 2.0 now uses the VMware virtualization platform that many customers already have in their data centers, they can move applications without the heavy lifting. Migrating applications into milCloud 2.0, takes less of an upskill environment, Matney said. Its going from a like to like environment, so it should expedite and enhance their abilities in being able to migrate to the cloud even faster. DODs many cybersecurity requirements can also stall cloud migrations. MilCloud 2.0 provides a commercial cloud service built on-premises inside the DOD Information Network (DODIN), which provides an additional layer of security for applications that need it, Matney said. Moving to the cloud can help defense organizations reduce their attack surfaces. By closing data centers and centralizing applications in an enterprise cloud, agencies give hackers fewer potential points of entry. By migrating their applications to the cloud thats already in the DODIN, that would reduce that landscape, he said. You minimize the number of threat vectors a hacker can target. The third factor is cost. Because milCloud 2.0 is built on DODIN, it doesnt come with the additional transaction and bandwidth fees that many cloud providers charge. The cloud that GDIT has historically provided is an on-premise, infrastructure-as-a-service, fit-for-purpose cloud. That aligns with the DOD Cloud Strategy that calls for both types. Released in 2018, the strategy states that where a general-purpose cloud solution, such as AWS, cannot support mission needs, DOD may use a fit-for-purpose commercial or on-premises cloud solution. With milCloud 2.0s new setup, customers can get both in one place. Previously, a defense agency that wanted to use on-premise service would use milCloud 2.0, but it would have to use another contract vehicle for a general purpose cloud. Now, under the single umbrella of milCloud 2.0, we offer the customers the ability to have a choice about where to put [fit-for-purpose or general-purpose] under one contract, Matney said. MilCloud 2.0 is the only enterprise cloud that provides IaaS across DOD, and with AWS, its the only one that provides on- and off-premise and fit-for-purpose and general-purpose clouds. The number of workloads that have migrated to milCloud 2.0 doubled in 2020, compared to 2019, indicating that progress is already happening. For the contracts fourth anniversary, Matney expects to discuss IL-6 authorization, which will support Secret Internet Protocol Router Network, or classified, workloads. He said that should be operational and available this summer. Two other major DOD cloud efforts are the Defense Enterprise Office Solution and the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure programs. GDIT won the $4.4 billion contract to handle DEOS in October 2020. The contracts goal is to streamline the department use of cloud email and collaboration tools by migrating existing Microsoft Office 365 tenants to DEOS. The much-beleaguered JEDI, however, continues to be in a holding pattern. Although DOD affirmed its contract award of the program to Microsoft last September, AWS filed a lawsuit against the decision in December 2020. An information paper from the DOD CIO to Congress on the litigation suggests that DOD wants to move on: Regardless of the JEDI Cloud litigation outcome, the Department continues to have an urgent, unmet requirement. Specifically, the Departments need for enterprise-wide, commercial cloud services for all three classification levels, extending from the homefront to the tactical edge, at scale. We remain fully committed to meeting this requirement -- we hope through JEDI -- but this requirement transcends any one procurement, and we will be prepared to ensure it is met one way or another. Matney said he could not speculate on what will come of JEDI or what its dissolution would mean for milCloud 2.0. This article first appeared on GCN, a Defense Systems partner site. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Deputy Opposition Leader Richard Marles in the House of Representatives at Parliament House on September 18, 2019, in Canberra, Australia. (Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) Labor Plans for Innovation to Create Future Jobs The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is putting the commercialisation of science and research at the centre of the political partys future job-making policy, which it intends to take to the next election. Announcing the policy platform in an address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles said Australias manufacturing sectors viability relies on an Australian government creating a supportive environment for skill creation, research and innovation. Australia needs public policy to support the skills, research and innovation that will build manufacturing capability, Marles said in his speech. We need to reinvigorate research and the commercialisation of public research. Comparing Australia to other OECD nations like South Korea and Israel, Marles reportedly noted that Australian research and development (R&D) funding has continued to trend downwards to its current level of 1.8 percent of GDP. In comparison, R&D funding in both South Korea and Israel are nearly at 5 percent of GDP. While the ALP has yet to decide on what tax policies it will take to the next election, Marles said it is the governments role to nurture an environment where Australians can chase opportunities. Our values havent changed, but our values must now apply to a new vision for a new world, Marles said, according to The Australian. And I do believe this is fundamentally a mission for the modern Labor Partyto provide security and certainty for Australian families and opportunity for their future. He pointed to Cicada Innovations as a model for the future. The company is jointly owned by four Australian universities: the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, and the University of Technology Sydney. In total, it has helped more than 300 companies to raise more than $450 million, file more than 500 patents and trademarks, launch more than 700 deep tech innovations globally, and in the process helped create hundreds of jobs, Marles said. Cicada shows that there are examples of clever commercialisation of science happening in Australia. He also emphasised that while commercialising science will be vital to the future, it will also require the country to encourage more students to pursue studies in the STEM fields to support the expansion of research and development. The speech illustrated Labors vision for creating wealth, which contrasts with its traditional policies of wealth re-distribution. A woman convicted of the manslaughter of her six children in a horrific house fire has been spotted enjoying a shopping trip. Mairead Philpott needed help stuffing a grey Peugeot full of items - including wrapping paper - as she left a bail hostel in the south of England. The 39-year-old was sporting a new darker hair colour following her release from prison in November after half her 17-year sentence. She was jailed over a 2012 fire in Allenton, Derby, that killed Duwayne Philpott, 13, his sister Jade, 10, and brothers Jack, nine, John, eight, Jesse, six and Jayden, five. Her husband Mick led her and their friend Mosely in a scheme to get a bigger council house by burning down the home and framing ex-lover Lisa Willis. His intention was to rescue the sleeping children through an upstairs window but it went disastrously wrong and the youngsters all died from smoke inhalation. Mairead Philpott left the facility where she has been staying since her release from prison in January She was helped by staff to stuff shopping bags into her car and was sporting a new, darker hair colour The 39-year-old has to keep her ankle tag on while she is on licence Last month it emerged the killer jailed alongside the couple for the manslaughter of his six children was set to be released from prison halfway through his sentence. Pictured: Mairead today The couple's six children - Duwayne, 13, Jade, 10, John, nine, Jack, seven, Jesse, six, and Jayden, five - died from smoke inhalation as a result of the blaze Philpott, along with husband Mick and friend Paul Mosley, burnt down the family's three-bedroom council house in 2012 in a bid to get a bigger home Pictures taken today show Mairead still has a tattoo to Jayden, who she called 'miracle baby' during her trial because he came six weeks premature. Two of her friends helped her as she left the hostel - which is said to offer yoga and arts classes - in boots, leopard-style trousers and an oversized t-shirt. She covered her face with a blue mask but her new hair was on show and struck a stark change from her former red locks. A source told the Sun: 'She is being eased back into life in the community. 'If she continues to comply with her probation requirements she will be able to slip back into life somewhere largely undetected. She's very much hoping for a fresh start.' Mairead was said to be 'delighted' at being given her earliest possible release date from HMP Send in Surrey in November. She was due to stay at the hostel for three months before being freed under a new name. She had a 7pm to 7am curfew. Pictures taken today show Mairead still has a tattoo to Jayden, who she called 'miracle baby' during her trial because he came six weeks early Two of her friends helped her as she left the hostel in boots, leopard-style trousers and an oversized t-shirt She covered her face with a blue mask but her new hair was on show and struck a stark change from her former red locks Duwayne Philpott, 13, died in a special burns unit in Birmingham. Family liaison officers had to persuade Mick to go visit his dying son From left to right: Jade, ten, John, nine and Jack Philpott all died in the fire from smoke inhalation Jess Philpott, six, left, and Jayden Philpott, five, were the two youngest of the Philpott children to die in the fire News of her release was slammed by the Centre For Crime Prevention think-tank, which said in November: 'This is not justice.' The taxpayer covered the thousands of pounds worth of costs for her to stay in the hostel with a new identity. Initially the couple received an outpouring of sympathy, and wept at a press conference as they appealed for help to find the culprits. But their behaviour later aroused suspicions and the pair were subsequently charged alongside Mosely. At Mick's sentencing, the judge described the plot as 'a wicked and dangerous plan' that was 'outside the comprehension of any right-thinking person'. News of her release was slammed by the Centre For Crime Prevention think-tank, which said: 'This is not justice.' She is pictured today A new Channel 5 documentary looks into the five mistakes that led to the arrest of Mairead and Mick Philpott. Mick was sentenced to life in prison and Mairead got 17 years, along with accomplice Paul Mosley after the sick trio set fire to the couple's Derby house where their six children, aged 13 to five, were sleeping. Five children died of smoke inhalation at the scene, and one died in hospital from the injuries he sustained in the blaze Mairead and Mick roused the suspicions of journalists and investigators with their 'crocodile tears during a press conference about the blaze in May 2012 Paul Mosley, 54, was jailed for 17 years in 2013 for the manslaughter of six innocent children The horrific scene inside the property where the fire was started and killed six children She said there was 'no precedent' for the case, describing it as a 'uniquely grave set of offences'. The Philpotts and Mosely were found guilty of manslaughter. Mick was sentenced to life in prison and Mairead and Mosely to 17 years. The killer couple later divorced. The father-of-seventeen, who married Mairead in 2003, used his children to rake in an astonishing 60,000 a year in benefits. Mick, who had previously been jailed for stabbing his schoolgirl lover 27 times, wove a web of lies trying to get away with the crime. He even plotted to 'get rich quick' off generous donations from the local community meant to pay for the funerals of his children. David Spencer at the Centre for Crime Prevention said in November: 'It makes an absolute mockery of the UK's criminal justice system. 'She has served barely more than a year for each of the six innocent lives she callously took away.' Advertisement There will be relief for millions of Australians from Wednesday as forecasters reveal heavy rainfall is not predicted for a week - but many have been warned flood risks are unlikely to abate. Floods not seen since the 1961 disaster have devoured hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate between Sydney and Byron Bay after five days of torrential rain. Rains will finally ease on Wednesday and Thursday in Sydney, offering a short respite for millions and the chance to hit the beach with temperatures soaring to 30C with clear skies and sunshine. But the pain for those in the city's west and along the Hawkesbury River is far from over, with major flooding occurring early on Wednesday morning northwest of Sydney at North Richmond, Windsor and on the Colo River. 'We do wake up to sunshine today in most parts of New South Wales which is a positive thing,' Premier Gladys Berejiklian said. This image of a submerged home was shared by the NSW SES Ryde Unit who spent Tuesday evacuating residents at the Colo and Hawkesbury Rivers Rains will finally ease on Wednesday and Thursday in Greater Sydney, offering a short respite for millions and the chance to hit the beach with temperatures soaring to 30C with clear skies and sunshine. Pictured: A couple hit Bondi Beach People are seen on a jet-sky in a street affected by the flood in Windsor, western Sydney, on Tuesday The Australian national flag pokes out of the swollen Hawkesbury River as the state of New South Wales experiences severe flooding The premier said the Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting no further major rainfall for at least the next week, which she described as 'very positive'. 'But what we still have to be aware of is the fact that thousands and thousands of people are still on evacuation warnings, that the rivers will continue to swell, that catchments will continue to experience flows of water not seen in 50 years and in some places 100 years,' she said. 'And that is what is our primary concern. But the easing of weather conditions does mean that rescue operations will be somewhat easier.' There was also major flooding on the Nepean River which peaked at 12.85m in Menangle, southwest of Sydney, about 10pm on Tuesday. The State Emergency Service said the Nepean River at Penrith was likely to peak near 7.70m about 7am on Wednesday, with minor flooding. Ms Berejiklian said an additional 6,000 people were evacuated over the past 24 hours. Two horses are seen in standing floodwater on the New South Wales coast as an SES crew member attempts to help A couple walk along Bondi Beach. Sydneysiders are expected to enjoy the sunshine on Wednesday after relentless rain A man on a kayak makes the most of a bad situation by knocking back a beer as he paddles through floodwaters in Windsor While rain will finally stop on Wednesday, the NSW State Emergency Service said the danger of flood could remain for weeks or months to come in many areas, stranding thousands out of their homes. The disaster recovery body said the near-record floods were as bad as they were - and will take so long to recede - not only because of the immense rain but of how wet 2020 was. 'Because NSW had so much rain consistently for months, the soil is saturated which means it cannot take any more water in and that is why we have such a big flood event,' the SES told Daily Mail Australia. It said flooding of sewerage pumping stations in the area had resulted in raw sewerage being discharged into floodwaters. About 18,000 NSW residents were told to move from their homes since last week, with warnings the flood clean-up could stretch beyond Easter. Ms Berejiklian on Tuesday said there were several weather fronts, 'catastrophic' in their dimensions, impacting large swathes of the state. 'This is a weather incident beyond anything we could have comprehended,' Ms Berejiklian said in parliament. The premier has asked her deputy, John Barilaro, to lead the state's recovery, as he did after the Black Summer bushfires. More than 10,000 requests for help have been made around NSW since Thursday, with emergency services performing about 900 flood rescues A car is seen stuck in floodwaters after heavy rain lashed the New South Wales coast Rain will finally stop today, but the NSW State Emergency Service said the danger of flood could remain for weeks or months to come in many areas, stranding thousands out of their homes Alicia Pitt and son Travis are evacuated by a rescue boat after getting trapped by floodwaters on the Hawkesbury River on Tuesday People northwest of Sydney have been ordered to evacuate homes amid the downpour as a surge of water flows into catchments, causing rivers to rise. Major flooding is occurring along the Colo River. The SES ordered about 500 people in 200 homes to get out on Tuesday with boats and helicopters deployed to help them leave. A family fleeing flooding on the river needed to be rescued twice after the boat evacuating them capsized on Tuesday afternoon. Three SES crews were also on board when the boat overturned as it approached the Sackville Ferry Wharf. People in caravans along a stretch of the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Wiseman's Ferry have been told to prepare to leave, as have those in the Picton CBD due to rising levels at Stonequarry Creek. More than 10,000 requests for help have been made around NSW since Thursday, with emergency services performing about 900 flood rescues. A man is standing on a paddle board in Richmond Sydney. Evacuation warnings are in place for parts of Western Sydney as floodwaters continue to rise Bridges, homes, and entire towns are underwater and huge rivers burst their banks to flood great swathes of NSW because so much rain fell in the past year - and the danger will stay for months Floods not seen since the 1961 disaster have devoured hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate between Sydney and Byron Bay after five days of torrential rain An inland weather system coming across from the Northern Territory is also blighting rural communities such as Grafton and Lismore. Evacuation warnings persist at Kempsey on the state's mid north coast, while the Hunter, the Central Tablelands and the south coast are in for a drenching. A major flood warning is in place for the Orara River at Glenreagh and Coutts Crossing. Warnings of moderate flooding along the Nepean River at Penrith are in place and floodwaters are expected to affect the upper Nepean. Rain started to ease in coastal areas on Tuesday evening, but the BOM says conditions will remain severe for inland NSW. Sunnier skies in coastal NSW will not end flood risks, with rain catchments continuing to flow into bursting rivers. It will also likely continue to rain on the state's south coast. 'It is very important to remember that even though we'll have blue sky and sunshine returning, flooding will continue and the flood risk will continue,' bureau meteorologist Agata Imielska told reporters on Tuesday. A family and dog rescued by a State Emergency Service crew make it to safety after being trapped by rising floodwaters, as the state of NSW experiences widespread flooding and severe weather, in the suburb of Sackville North in Sydney Ms Berejiklian also warned the rivers would keep rising after the rain stopped. 'If you have been asked to be on alert for evacuation, please get together your precious belongings, make sure you are safe and make sure you're ready to leave at very short notice,' Ms Berejiklian told reporters. About 280 NSW schools were closed on Tuesday due to the rainfall, with a similar number expected to be shut on Wednesday. 'The soil cannot take any more water so the water needs to travel somewhere. In the case of the Hawkesbury-Nepean, it will travel out to sea,' the SES said. 'Which is why we are now starting to see evacuation warnings now for places like Wiseman's Ferry - because the water is starting to travel down that catchment. 'Water travels in wonderfully mysterious ways. It builds then travels through a river system it does not only flood in the area where the rain fell.' 'For this floodwater to completely subside, even if does not rain, it would take weeks in some areas and months in others.' Members of the State Emergency Service transport medical supplies and relief goods to flood-affected residents during rescue operations in Windsor in northwestern Sydney Kids on canoes in front of home affected by the flood in Windsor Sydney. Evacuation warnings are in place for parts of Western Sydney as floodwaters continue to rise Eight months worth of rain fell on some parts of NSW in just the past seven days with some towns getting a full metre of water and some batters by four times their monthly average in just a day. After so much rain the burst the banks of rivers from Parramatta in Sydney to the Hastings River near Port Macquarie on the mid-north coast that immense flooding will continue for days or weeks. Ms Imielska said many low-lying inland areas were still under serious threat with rain falling on already flooded areas. 'With that those dangerous conditions that flood risk is very much with us and it is very important for the communities to stay across the current flood and severe weather warnings,' she said. 'We're not out of the woods yet.' Members of the State Emergency Service prepare medical supplies and relief goods to take to flood-affected residents during rescue operations in Windsor in northwestern Sydney People are evacuated by a rescue boat after getting trapped by floodwaters on the Hawkesbury River Comboyne (1,034mm) and Mount Seaview (1,083mm), both on the mid-north coast, were among the areas to get more than a metre of rain. The Hunter River is expected to reach 11.5m on Wednesday prompting evacuation orders for low-lying areas downstream of Singleton. The south coast of NSW is now under threat as well, with the weather system that drenched Sydney and the north of the state moving south. 'When that low pressure system comes through later today, we will see heavy rainfall and flood risk on the south coast as well,' Ms Imielska said. A family of four, including two young children were plucked from raging floodwaters in the Hawkesbury on Tuesday after the SES rescue boat capsized A young girl from North Richmond is transported across the floodwater by SES to visit her sister in hospital with her family in the suburb of Richmond Farther north, more heavy rain and flooding is expected to create further chaos and mass evacuations in Southeast Queensland, as an emerging risk develops for eastern Victoria and eastern Tasmania. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said properties in Beaudesert were under threat as the Logan River was bursting after heavy rain. 'Residents in the area have been asked to secure their belongings, warn their neighbours and move to higher ground,' it said. The Bureau of Meteorology warns the extreme weather battering all mainland states and territories bar Western Australia is far from over. 'After days of heavy rain we're finally seeing it start to ease,' the bureau tweeted on Tuesday night. 'While it's some good news for hard-hit communities, it's not the end of the story. Many areas are still facing significant flood risk, and in some communities waters are yet to peak.' People are seen in a street affected by the flood in Windsor Sydney. Evacuation warnings are in place for parts of Western Sydney as floodwaters continue to rise Ahouse is surrounded by flood waters in Londonderry on the outskirts of Sydney. Hundreds of people have been rescued from floodwaters that have isolated dozens of towns A farmer paddles his kayak through a field near Kempsey on the NSW mid north coast on Tuesday Sydney's north-west isn't out of the woods just yet with major flood warning still in place. Pictured is Windsor inundated with water on Tuesday A Swift Water Rescue team from the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services rescued two men from their car in floodwaters at Beaudesert near Brisbane on Tuesday Rapid coronavirus tests may miss four in 10 asymptomatic people, a major review has concluded. Researchers who analysed 64 studies of the effectiveness of lateral flow kits found they failed to detect 42 per cent of cases who didn't show signs of illness. The gold-standard Cochrane review found the tests, which give results in as little as 30 minutes, were better at catching symptomatic cases (78 per cent). The findings have caused concern among some scientists because it's thought that at least half of Covid transmission comes from patients who seem well. Children are even less likely to fall ill with coronavirus but can still act as spreaders of the disease. Hundreds of thousands of lateral flow tests are being used each day on teachers and pupils in a bid to keep schools open and Covid-free. They are also deployed in care homes, hospitals, and across businesses. Professor Jon Deeks, a biostatistician at Birmingham University and co-author of the report, said ministers may have rushed lateral flow tests out in schools 'without any supporting real-world evidence'. The review also found lateral flow tests were prone to giving false positives, when a test says someone is infected but they aren't. Dr Ann Van den Bruel, associate professor of primary care at KU Leuven in Belgium, and an author of the review, said: 'The risk of the false positives in the screening setting is very high... 'You may end up having the opposite effect of what you want to achieve and you may have to close more workplaces, more classes...' The review found one of the kits being used in the UK failed to meet international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Rapid lateral flow Covid tests in use in schools across the UK could miss more than half the cases in a population of people without symptoms, a review has concluded. Pictured: A student takes a lateral flow test at Weaverham High School in Cheshire on March 9 The studies reviewed by researchers were mostly from Europe and the US and looked at the accuracy of rapid antigen tests. Only three of the 64 studies looked exclusively at people without symptoms. The review found, on average, LFDs only correctly identified 58 per cent of those who were infected with Covid but did not have symptoms. For comparison, they were accurate in identifying Covid in 78 per cent of those who had developed symptoms. One of the poorest performing tests was made by US company Innova. That test is currently being used in Britain. The WHO's minimum standards for testing is 80 per cent correct detection in people who have Covid. Writing in the review, the researchers said: 'In a population of 1,000 people with symptoms where there are 50 people with Covid, we would expect that about 40 people would be correctly identified as having Covid by rapid tests, and between six and 12 cases of Covid would be missed. 'Between five and nine positive test results would turn out to be false positives. The true number of cases of Covid is likely to be lower in mass testing of people without symptoms. 'In a population of 10,000 people with no symptoms, where 50 people really had Covid, between 24 and 35 people would be correctly identified as having Covid, and between 15 and 26 cases would be missed. 'We would expect the tests to return between 125 and 213 positive results and between 90 and 189 of those positive results would be false positives.' Dr Jac Dinnes, an epidemiologist at the University of Birmingham and author of the review, said bluntly: 'These tests do not appear to perform as well in people who don't have symptoms of Covid.' He added: 'Our review shows that some antigen tests may be useful in healthcare settings where Covid is suspected in people with symptoms. 'These tests do not appear to perform as well in people who don't have symptoms of Covid. 'Confirming a positive result from a rapid test with a RT-PCR test, particularly where cases of Covid are low, may help avoid unnecessary quarantine. 'All antigen tests will miss some people with infection, so it is important to inform people who receive a negative test result that they may still be infected. 'There is some emerging evidence that the accuracy of the test is affected by who is doing it.' Professor Deeks added: 'It is good to have found evidence that some test brands do meet the minimum 'acceptable' performance standards set by WHO for testing people with symptoms. 'However, they represent only a very small proportion of the commercially available tests. 'The situation is different for testing people without symptoms, particularly for the use of repeated rapid antigen tests to screen for SARS-CoV-2 infection in school pupils and staff, and hospital and care home workers. 'We didn't find any data or studies evaluating the accuracy of these tests when used in repeated screening of people with no known exposure to SARS-CoV-2. 'These testing policies have been implemented without any supporting real-world evidence.' The full cochrane report is published online. 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. Dhaka, March 24 : Three people were killed in an explosion in the house of a supporter of the banned militant outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha. A top official of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) said on the condition of anonymity that it could be a part of militant activity as it was the residence of a JMB supporter named Borhanuddin (35), who died on the spot while his neighbour Wahidul Islam (32) died on the way to the hospital. The third deceased couldn't be identified. "The incident occurred at Noapara village of the Upazila around 3.30 p.m.," station officer of Gobindaganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, Arif Anowar told IANS. The police have cordoned off the area. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of Rangpur Range Devdas Bhattacharya said, "We are checking the profiles of the deceased. Wife of one of the deceased was detained and is being interrogated." Rahmatullah Chowdhury, in-charge of the bomb disposal unit at the CTTC, said that on the basis of the injuries, it seems to be a strong explosion. Superintendent of Gaibandha Police said that a bag containing white stones and an extension plug has been recovered from the house. "Initially, we thought it was a gas cylinder explosion but no gas cylinder was found at the spot," a fire service official said, adding that experts have been informed and they will carry out further investigation. Loading The MCGs capacity has been increased to 75,000 but the attendance is likely to fall considerably short of that figure when Carlton and Collingwood meet on Thursday night. The fact that both the Blues and Magpies lost in round one have hurt the chances of reaching the new threshold - announced on Tuesday - with industry sources instead expecting a crowd of between 55,000 and 60,000 for the clash between the traditional rivals in what is a Carlton home game. Back to the G: The Bulldogs run onto the turf last week. Credit:Getty Images A crowd above 50,000 would still exceed the round one capacity of the venue, with the state government having given the green light for Victorian stadia to move from 50 per cent full to 75 per cent full at a time in which there are no active cases of COVID-19 in the state. But should the crowd fall into the anticipated bracket it would fall short of the world record attendance since the start of the pandemic, which was reached when two Twenty20 matches between England and India in Ahmedabad drew crowds of 67,200 and 66,352 earlier in March. Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. New Team Expands the Firms West Coast Presence into Orange County, CA Orange County, CA, March 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blank Rome LLP is pleased to welcome three new attorneys to the firms Corporate, M&A, and Securities group, notably enhancing the firms Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice: partners Sharon R. Klein, who will serve as chair of the Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice, and Alex C. Nisenbaum, as well as associate Karen H. Shin. The prominent team will also establish a new office for Blank Rome in Orange County, California. They join Blank Rome from Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP where Sharon led compliance for the Cybersecurity, Information Governance and Privacy practice group. We are thrilled to welcome Sharon, Alex, and Karen to our firm as part of our strategic plan to grow our Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice, a critical area of focus for our firm as the data privacy landscape continues to rapidly evolve on a global scale, said Grant S. Palmer, Blank Romes Managing Partner and CEO. Across numerous industries, many businesses will need to carefully review and revise their privacy compliance plans, beyond just a litigation or regulatory focus. Sharon and Alex are nationally recognized for their work in this space, and the teams collective high-level privacy and cybersecurity experience will be not only essential to our clients, but also to our attorneys across many practice areas who will be able to draw on their legal talent to provide enhanced client service offerings. In addition to growing our Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice, we are also excited to further expand Blank Romes presence on the West Coast with a new Orange County officean important region for our clients and in alignment with our firms strategic growth plans. Sharon, Alex, and Karen will significantly expand our Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice capabilities and are the perfect team to lead the continued buildout of Blank Romes privacy and data security service offerings, said Jennifer J. Daniels, a partner in the firms Corporate, M&A, and Securities group and a lead attorney in the Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice. This area of law has become increasingly important for our clients due to a trend of state legislatures introducing comprehensive consumer privacy and biometric privacy bills, as well as the momentum toward a European standard of privacy and increased pressure on Congress to pass a federal privacy law. With Sharon at the helm of our practice, we are excited to offer our clients added depth and experience to our service offerings and capabilities. The team collectively advises clients on state, federal, and international data privacy and information security laws, regulations, and rules, including compliance with HIPAA/HITECH, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, and the California Consumer Privacy Act. They have significant experience assessing and mitigating risks related to the privacy and security of personal data; data ownership and commercialization of data; artificial intelligence; planning, auditing, drafting, and implementing privacy, security, and data protection policies and best practices; and breach response, crisis management, and investigation strategies for non-compliance. They are also well-versed in negotiating and drafting complex technology and cloud transactions, licensing, and strategic IT and commercial agreements. Their clients span a variety of industries, such as healthcare, consumer goods, e-commerce, FinTech, pharmaceutical, medical device, financial services, education, automotive, and manufacturing. Sharon and Alex are also both certified as information privacy professionals by the International Association of Privacy Professionals. Blank Rome has a strong team of experienced cybersecurity and data privacy attorneys, and we are eager to bring our practices together and form a robust, collaborative platform that will greatly benefit our clients evolving needs in this critical space, said Klein. In addition to expanding the team and practice offerings, we are excited to help launch the firms new Orange County office and we look forward to growing both the office and our presence in the region with leading talent. Nisenbaum continued, We are committed to ensuring that our clients understand and mitigate the risks involved with use of data in their businesses. Our goal is to enable them to comply with regulations while still positioning themselves to leverage the value of that data. We look forward to working with our new Blank Rome colleagues to expand cybersecurity and data privacy offerings for clients, and to working with the firms experienced industry teams to further support our clients across a spectrum of legal needs. Sharon brings more than 40 years experience to Blank Rome and is a known thought leader in data privacy, cybersecurity, and complex technology transactions. Her acumen in data privacy stems not only from her significant experience executing outsourcing and technology contracts, but also from the 12 years she spent as associate general counsel at Siemens Medical Solutions USA where she notably focused on operationalizing healthcare and life science regulations, including HIPAA/HITECH and the Common Rule. Sharon is active in many organizations, serving as a board member of the Girl Scouts of Orange County; a member of HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society); a commissioner of the Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission; and a member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services task force working to promote national cybersecurity standards. Sharon earned her J.D. from Temple University School of Law and her B.A., summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from Syracuse University. Alex synthesizes the patchwork of state and federal legal requirements to assist clients in bringing innovative products to market and develop compliance programs that are in line with their business goals. He notably advises consumers and vendors of information technology products and services on commercial technology agreements involving cloud services and software licensing, software and mobile application development, information technology and business process outsourcing, hardware acquisition, telecommunications, data licensing, and professional services. Alex earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law and his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles. Karen focuses on a diverse range of data privacy and information security matters, including compliance with various privacy laws and regulations. She also assists clients in developing and implementing internal and external privacy policies as well as drafts various technology-related agreements and performs due diligence reviews. She is a member of the Orange County Korean American Bar Association. Karen earned her J.D. from the University of California, Irvine School of Law, and her B.A. from New York University. About Blank Rome Blank Rome is an Am Law 100 firm with 14 offices and more than 600 attorneys and principals who provide comprehensive legal and advocacy services to clients operating in the United States and around the world. Our professionals have built a reputation for their leading knowledge and experience across a spectrum of industries and are recognized for their commitment to pro bono work in their communities. Since our inception in 1946, Blank Romes culture has been dedicated to providing top-level service to all of our clients and has been rooted in the strength of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. For more information, please visit blankrome.com. ### Attachment OSLO, Norway, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Borr Drilling Limited (the "Company") (NYSE: BORR) (OSE: BORR) is pleased to announce that it has entered into agreements potentially adding a total of USD 48 million over approximately 590 days to the backlog. For the rig "Natt" we have received a letter of intent with an undisclosed new operator in Nigeria to commence operations in April 2021 for an estimated duration of 150 days, in direct continuation of its previous contract. The previously announced LOI for the rig "Prospector 1" has been converted into a contact for four wells plus options for operations with Neptune. In addition, the Prospector 1 has secured a three-well plus option contract with Tulip for operations in the Netherlands. As a result, the "Prospector 1" will be fully utilised in 2021 on the Dutch Continental Shelf with its emission reducing SCR system, and the Company sees good opportunities for keeping the rig working into the third quarter of 2022 if all options are exercised. The rig "Gunnlod" has secured an extension from PTTEP for eight additional wells in Malaysia, which is expected to keep the rig operating up to September 2021. The rig has one further optional period still to be confirmed which could keep the rig active for the remainder of the year. Forward looking statements: This press release includes forward looking statements, which do not reflect historical facts and may be identified by words such as "potentially", "expected" and "will" and similar expressions and include statements relating to the commencement of contracts of rigs, expected backlog and other non-historical matters. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements included herein and other factors described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our prospectuses and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release. We do not undertake to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Media Contact: Magnus Vaaler [email protected] Phone: +47 22 48 30 0 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/borr-drilling-limited/r/borr-drilling-limited---securing-additional-activity,c3312938 SOURCE Borr Drilling Limited Graves County Head-on Collision Injures Three By West Kentucky Star Staff GRAVES COUNTY - A head-on collision in Graves County Tuesday sent three people to the hospital and left one person facing charges.Graves County deputies were dispatched to Herman Road, where they found 57-year-old James Carroll Jr. of Mayfield trapped in his vehicle. Carroll said he believed his leg was broken and he had several other visible injuries.Carroll was airlifted to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville for treatment. Carroll's passenger, 60-year-old Matthew Babb, also of Mayfield, was flown to Jackson Purchase Medical Center.The driver of the other vehicle, 54-year-old Helen Hopkins of Paducah, said she had never driven on that road before. As she was approaching a curve, she was reportedly in the middle of the roadway.Hopkins was taken to Mercy Health in Paducah, then later transported to Vanderbilt in Nashville.A search of Hopkins' vehicle reportedly uncovered several prescription containers and two marijuana pipes.Authorities said charges will be filed against Hopkins. Children could receive covid vaccines from August as the government pushes for maximum immunity, sources have revealed. The plan leaked to The Telegraph means that up to 11 million under 18s could have jabs by the start of the autumn term, months ahead of when inoculations had been expected for children. The government awaits data from a major child vaccine study by Oxford University, with conclusions due in June or July, which will dictate the final decision on jabs for children. The proposal is bound to be controversial because the virus poses only a minuscule risk to children and there is constantly evolving data on vaccine safety. The government awaits data from a major child vaccine study by Oxford University with conclusions due in June or July which will dictate the final decision on jabs for children (stock image) Vaccination figures also show another 329,897 first doses were administered today, taking the total to 28.3million. And a further 82,300 second doses were dished out, as the UK approaches its deadline for handing them out en masse Department of Health bosses posted 5,379 infections, which is up 1.6 per cent from last Tuesday. Cases have remained steady over the past few days, but this has been put down to the number of tests being done almost doubling Another 112 victims were also added to the official toll, a week on-week rise of 1.8 per cent. The overall trend for deaths is, however, still heading downwards Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show the risk of dying from covid if infected is 1,513 per 100,000 people for over-80s, but for children aged five to nine, this is just 0.1 per 100,000. People who back the policy argue that it is important to minimise the risk of infection, despite academics who argue children do not contribute to the spread of covid. Israel is the first country in the world to have rolled out vaccines to children, with 16 and 17-year-olds having jabs after the health ministry decided it was safe. Britain's vaccine drive, like Israel's, has been immensely successful - with around three million first doses administered each week. If the proposal to jab children goes ahead, this would mean 11 million kids could be vaccinated before the start of the autumn term. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said 'no decisions have been made on whether children should be offered vaccinations.' One source involved in the plan told The Telegraph that vaccines for children 'could begin by late summer,' stating specifically that August was the date. Another source said that this would be the 'earliest' the roll-out for under-18s would begin. Only children who are at a high risk of covid are currently able to have a vaccine. The Oxford trial which the Department of Health is looking to involves 300 children aged six to 17 who are receiving AstraZeneca jabs. There are likely to be exemptions if the vaccine is granted approval for children, and it is expected that parents would have the final say so in any case. Prof. Adam Finn, a paediatrician on the government's jabs committee, told the Telegraph: 'Children constitute close to quarter of the population, so even if we could achieve 100 per cent uptake of vaccines across the adult population, it only gets you to 75 per cent coverage.' Children did NOT play a key role in spreading coronavirus, study finds Children are unlikely to have played a significant role in the spread of coronavirus during the first wave last year, a study has revealed. The German study enrolled parents and children from families in a trial which ran between April and May 2020 - before new variants, which may be better at infecting children, emerged. The research found children were far less likely get infected than their guardians and are also less likely to pass it on to someone in their household. A total of 4,964 people (half parents and half children) were enrolled in the study, published in January in JAMA Paediatrics. The average age of the children was six, but spanned from one to ten years old, and the parental average age was 40. All participants were swabbed and also had blood tests to scour for any sign of antibodies. Just two people - a parent and child from the same family - were currently infected. Blood tests revealed 1.8 per cent of the adults had antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes Covid-19. The figure for children was just 0.6 per cent, a threefold decrease. The data also showed that there were 56 instances of at least one of the family members having the virus. A previously infected adult and an uninfected child was 4.3 times more common than a previously infected child and an uninfected parent. The researchers from University Childrens Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld in Heidelberg and Ulm University Medical Centre wrote: 'In this cross-sectional study, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection during a period of lockdown in southwest Germany was particularly low in children aged 1 to 10 years. 'Accordingly, it is unlikely that children have boosted the pandemic.' The study published in January was conducted when schools were closed and children were therefore less exposed to the virus, but researchers not involved with the study say this does not mean the findings are irrelevant. Advertisement The proposal to vaccinate children underlines the extent to which the government feels it must drive down cases ahead of next winter. Boris Johnson on Tuesday conceded at the Downing Street press briefing that eradicating covid wasn't on the table. 'I'm not sure that eradication makes sense in a globalised economy for one country alone,' the PM said. Mr Johnson struck a sombre tone on Tuesday as Britain remembered its 126,000 covid dead on the first anniversary of lockdown. He offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones' as he reflected on a 'a very dark and difficult year.' But he has warned recently of another wave 'washing up on our shores' amid rising cases in Europe and said on Tuesday it was 'too early to say' whether overseas holidays would be possible. One way in which they might be feasible is through vaccinations, and in more inoculation news, it was revealed in a leak dossier yesterday that care home workers will be made to have the jab. Mr Johnson and Matt Hancock are believed to have pushed for the move amid alarm over the low take-up of jabs among care home staff. Figures show that only around a quarter of care homes in London and around half in other parts of England have reached 'safe' levels of vaccination of staff. A paper was submitted to the Covid-19 Operations Cabinet sub- committee last week to make jabs compulsory for care home staff, according to the Daily Telegraph. If the measures are voted through then England's 1.5 million workers in social care could become legally required to get a coronavirus jab. It presents a major departure from the government's previous insistence the jab would not be made mandatory. It is also expected to raise anger among staff, with the paper itself warning that the policy could trigger an exodus of staff and even a string of human rights lawsuits. The paper was drafted by the Department of Health and Social Care and is titled 'Vaccination as a condition of deployment in adult social care and health setting'. The key section for care workers reads: 'The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State [for Health] have discussed on several occasions the progress that is being made to vaccinate social care workers against Covid-19 and have agreed in order to reach a position of much greater safety for care recipients to put in place legislation to require vaccinations among the workforce.' The paper also revealed how the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), set a benchmark of 80 per cent vaccination among staff and 90 per cent vaccination among residents for a care home to be deemed safe. The move to make jabs compulsory for all care home staff is driven by Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock However, even in the best performing areas, only around half of homes have done so. The issue of care home workers not getting the jab has been a long-running one. In December, Nadra Ahmed, chairman of the National Care Association, said as many as 40% of carers could choose not to get the vaccine. Earlier this month, it was revealed that as many as 200,000 NHS and care employees have refused the offer of a jab so far, despite working in close proximity to the vulnerable. 'It is extraordinary that so many people in the health sector appear to have turned down the vaccine,' a Cabinet source told the Mail. 'It seems incredible that anyone working in that environment could give any credence to the rubbish put out by the anti-vaxxers. But we do need to get those people vaccinated.' Britain's vaccine roll-out has offered a light at the end of the tunnel, with nearly 28 million first doses administered to date. You are here Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) The Michigan Cyber Civilian Corps (MiC3) is a group of trained, civilian technical experts who individually volunteer to provide rapid response assistance to the State of Michigan in the event of a critical cyber incident. The MISSION of MiC3 is to provide mutual aid to all levels of government, education, and business organizations in the State of Michigan in the event of a critical cyber incident. MiC3 is seeking Michigan residents who are certified information security experts and can commit (with permission of their employer) up to 10 days per year for training and exercises as well as pass a background check. This is a mutual opportunity for MiC3 and its members to create a safer cyber environment for organizations in Michigan while refining members skills and expanding their professional network. A Mutually Beneficial Relationship By signing up for MiC3, cybersecurity experts receive many benefits: Significant training and certification opportunities. Networking and collaboration opportunities with other IT security professionals. Participation in an innovative response team that is the first of its kind in the U.S. Opportunities to perform a civic duty by aiding the State in a time of crisis. Opportunities to raise the security culture throughout the state. Employers benefit by supporting employee participation in the MiC3. Each MiC3 member: Receives significant training and certification opportunities. Networks and receives informal information sharing and development of best practices. Connects to a public-private partnership which will provide mutual aid in times of emergency. Provides a nexus of information security awareness and training to the business. Requirements for Membership Membership is open to applicants who meet the following requirements: Must be a resident of the state of Michigan. Must have at least two years of direct involvement with information security, preferably security operations, incident response and/or digital or network forensics. Must possess a basic security certification. ANSI-certified/DOD 8570 compliant certifications such as Security+, C|EH, CISSP, or GIAC certifications are strongly preferred. Must be able to pass a series of tests to demonstrate basic knowledge of networking and security concepts, as well as basic IR and forensics skills. Must commit to up to 10 days/year for training and exercises. Must provide evidence of employer support. Must pass a background screening and sign a confidential disclosure agreement. Please click the link below to apply or contact us at MiCyberCorps@michigan.gov. Apply for membership in the MiC3 today! Related Images Seth Hubert is a fourth generation Alabama farmer, and he never wanted to be anything else. When his father came to his Hazel Green elementary school on career day, Seth was proud to know hed grow up to work the family fields like his dad. But then his father died of a heart attack when he was just 12 and his brother was 18. They had to stop the farm work for awhile, but eventually Seth got a degree in agriculture from Alabama A&M University, just so hed have more knowledge and something to fall back on. He became a farmer again. He never imagined his experience and education would lead him to grow tulips, colorful flowers whose bulbs came from Holland where they nestled in the soil of that chilly country before being transplanted to a field in Madison County, Alabama. They are growing right now, attracting visitors who want to pick bouquets to put in a favorite vase or give to a sweetheart. More than that, visitors can wander the rows with their children and have what Hubert calls a hands-on experience, one that lets visitors get their hands dirty when they pick flowers from the four acres of blooms. You can go to a grocery store to buy flowers for your table, Hubert says, but you can choose what you want when you wander through the rows at Hubert Family Farms at 432 Narrow Lane in New Market. Theyll even teach you how to pull the flowers from the dirt. Hubert and his wife Kaylee, high school sweethearts, married in 2017. They run the farm, take care of two young children Addie Iva, age 2, and Atlas Walker, age 1, and juggle duties while Kaylee works from home as a radiographer, routing computer images of CT scans and mammograms to doctors. Once day when Seth Hubert was watching his daughter play, he saw her delight in picking flowers and weeds, anything that grew in the yard. He figured other people might like to pick their own flowers, too, and the idea of growing tulips came to him. He took a long, hard look in the mirror and made a decision to offer more than the usual farm crops if he wanted to have a farm to pass on. He knew how to plant corn, wheat, and soybeans on his 180-acre family farm, but hed have to learn the flower business, the tulip business in particular. So he did. He and Kaylee visited Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon, and came back home to do more research. Theyd already ordered their bulbs, dug raised beds, and prepared to be tulip farmers. When the bulbs came,15 friends and family members helped with the planting, irrigating, and weeding. Some were skeptical about the tulip venture, but Seth Hubert pushed on. If you tell me I cant do something, he says, I just say, Watch me. They planted the bulbs back in November and now the flowers are standing in the fields. For a fee of $5, visitors can come to the farm, pick their tulips, and eat lunch at one of the food trucks. Some people just want to walk the rows, taking in the beauty of the place. Toward the end of the growing season, the Huberts plan to take some tulips to nursing home residents to brighten their day. Its been a hard year for them, Hubert says. Wed like to help. There are plans for an Easter egg hunt and a sunflower maze and other events. The Huberts hope people will visit their website at hubertfamilyfarms.com. They are cultivating beauty and refinement in the Heart of Dixie. Dallas, TX , March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today announced that Attorney Mick Mickelsen obtained a new trial for a client serving a life sentence for the murder of his aunt. Mr. Mickelsen fought long and hard on the clients behalf, obtaining a new trial for the client. This is a significant victory for our client, says Mr. Mickelsen, Texas criminal defense attorney at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP. Despite setbacks, we never stopped fighting. Now, that perseverance has paid off. We couldnt be more pleased about the Texas decision of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and were confident justice will prevail in this case. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals granted a writ of habeas corpus for the client, giving him a new trial based on new scientific evidence. The client was initially prosecuted in San Antonio for the murder of his aunt, for which he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. After his conviction, the client hired Mr. Mickelsen to handle his appeal. On appeal, the San Antonio Court of Appeals reversed the conviction. However, the State of Texas appealed the case to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin, which reversed the decision of the San Antonio Court of Appeals. Mr. Mickelsen presented a writ of habeas corpus to the Texas Court of Appeals on behalf of the client. After a lengthy court battle, the court denied the first writ of habeas corpus application. Several years later and upon the discovery of new scientific evidence, Mr. Mickelsen brought a new writ of habeas corpus application. After another long court battle, the Texas Court of Appeals granted the writ of habeas corpus, which means the clients case will be retried. To learn more about the work Texas criminal defense attorneys Broden & Mickelsen are doing on behalf of their clients, click here. About Broden & Mickelsen, LLP: Dallas Criminal Appeal Lawyers at Broden & Mickelsen provide aggressive and ethical representation to individuals and businesses charged with criminal offenses. Both former Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Clint Broden and Mick Mickelsen have defended thousands of clients facing criminal prosecution. Mick Mickelsen is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and has been designated a Texas Super Lawyer every year since 2004. Broden Mickelsen https://www.brodenmickelsen.com/ 214-720-9552 Media Contact: Az@kisspr.com -- KISS PR Brand Story https://kisspr.com/ Attachment In late December Patently Apple posted a report titled "A Report from China claims that BOE has Officially Passed Apple's Certification and is set to begin OLED shipments in early 2021." With Apple giving BOE the green light, Samsung has decided to use flexible OLED displays for their Galaxy M-Series smartphones. Samsung's Galaxy M-Series smartphones are competitively priced and designed to sell on mass online retailers like Amazon. It's not really about "cheap" as the phone simply lacks some features that a segment of the market don't care about. Features like Samsung Pay, Bixby digital assistant, Knox Security and so forth. The quality of the display is even better that those on their Galaxy A-Series phones. It offers a 1080 x 2340 pixel Super AMOLED 6.4" screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. In order to keep the Galaxy M-Series competitive, Samsung has reportedly made a deal with China's BOE. Korea's ETNews reports that BOE, the biggest display manufacturer in China, is preparing to supply its OLED displays for Samsung Electronics smartphones for the first time. Particularly, the companys OLEDs will be "flexible OLEDs" that are one of major products of South Korean display manufacturers. BOEs supply of OLED displays is expected to have a significant impact on South Koreas display industry as the industry is seeing a rapid growth of Chinas display industry and as Samsung Electronics has chosen OLED panels from BOE that is the biggest competitor to South Koreas display industry. According to the industry on March 21, it is reported that Samsung Electronics plans to use BOEs flexible OLEDs for part of the Galaxy M series models that are expected to be released in the second half this year. It is almost certain that Samsung Electronics will use BOEs flexible OLEDs as the specific standard has been set for displays that will be used for the models and Samsung Electronics also selected relevant components such as driver IC and touch IC. Schedule for production has also been set for July. Flexible OLED indicates an OLED that is based on a flexible substrate. Instead of a rigid glass substrate, it uses a plastic material (polyimide) which allows the display to be bent. Flexible OLED is categorized as a premium product. Due to its light weight, thinness, and degree of freedom in design, it can be used for edge smartphones that have the edges bent or foldable smartphones that can have the screens folded and unfolded. South Korean display manufacturers have been the leaders in flexible OLED. Samsung Display became the first in the industry to develop flexible OLED and commercialized it for the first time through Samsung Electronics smartphone 'Galaxy Round in 2013. LG Display also succeeded in mass-production of flexible OLEDs in 2017 which allowed the company and Samsung Display to be the leaders in the global market for small and medium-sized OLEDs. Samsung Electronics accepting BOEs products indicates that BOEs technical skills, quality, and price have met Samsung Electronics standards. This could open the door for more transactions between the two companies in the future. BOE needed to fill the production gap that was caused by Huawei's crash in sales due to U.S. sanctions. Reportedly BOE made Samsung a deal that they couldn't refuse to keep their small OLED display production humming. YEREVAN -- Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has said his parliamentary bloc plans to pass amendments that would switch the electoral system to a fully proportional one before snap parliamentary elections scheduled for June. During a question-and-answer session in parliament on March 24, Pashinian called for simple changes to the electoral laws under which the next parliament will be elected. The prime minister, whose My Step faction dominates the National Assembly, said the main proposed change should concern the mixed electoral system under which parliament members are picked through party lists and individual races. Representatives of the opposition Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties have recently said they did not favor changes to the electoral code before the June 20 elections. However, they have indicated that their parties would participate in the polls in any case. Pashinian and opposition factions agreed to hold early general elections in an effort to defuse a political crisis sparked by the war with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. Hathras : , March 24 (IANS) Family members of the Hathras gang rape and murder victim will not appear for hearing in the case at the district court here on Wednesday. According to Seema Kushwaha, counsel for the victim's family, "Family members of the victim and I have decided to not attend court proceedings on Wednesday due to security concerns. On my behalf, an application will be submitted in the court informing it about the decision." Khushwaha travels to Hathras from Delhi for court proceedings on every hearing. On March 5, a group of people allegedly threatened the victim's family and their counsel in the court room after which the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court ordered the Hathras district judge to submit a report on the incident. During the last hearing in Lucknow (on March 19), the CBI had submitted an application in the court seeking transfer of the case from Hathras to any other court in the state. "Now, the high court will decide what to do in the next hearing," Seema said. A Dalit woman was gang raped by four men in Hathras district on September 14. She died early on September 29 and a national outrage followed after her body was hurriedly cremated by the local administration in the dead of the night, without her family's consent. Palestinian political officials on Wednesday said that no matter the election outcome, Israel would continue to expand settlements and entrench its occupation of war-won territories. "This is what Netanyahu had persuaded the Israelis to support him for", said Nabil Shaath, the Palestinian President's adviser for international affairs. Uncertainty is hovering over the outcome of Israel's parliamentary election. Both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sworn political rivals determined to depose him are lacking a clear path to building a governing coalition. "The identity of any incoming Israeli government will not change the nature of conflict with this occupation", said Fawzi Barhoum, a Hamas spokesman in Gaza. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted well-concealed and unaccompanied parcels of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and cannabis sativa being shipped to the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Australia, Maldives and New Zealand. A statement issued by the director, media and advocacy, Femi Babafemi said a notorious trafficker, Sikiru Owolabi, who is behind at least two of the parcels has been traced and arrested after days of thorough and systematic surveillance by NDLEA operatives. Undercover narcotic agents attached to two international courier companies in Lagos made the seizures. Sikiru Owolabi, who has made useful confessions during interrogations, was tracked after 1kilogramme of cocaine concealed in cream containers and meant for Dublin in Northern Ireland was intercepted at one of the courier firms in Lagos. This was also followed by the discovery of another 200grammes of cocaine meant for London, United Kingdom in the same courier company. In another undercover operation, 320grammes of heroin concealed in earrings coming from Congo and going to Australia was seized at a different courier firm in Lagos, just as another 390 grammes of cocaine hidden in men's clothing and going to Northern Ireland was intercepted in the same company. While 500grammes of cannabis sativa concealed in automobile parts going to New Zealand was seized at one of the courier companies, 200 grammes of methamphetamine hidden inside an award plaque and going to New Zealand, with another 200 grammes of methamphetamine concealed in a book and going to Maldives, were equally intercepted in another firm. Beside the arrest of Owolabi, efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other traffickers behind the other unaccompanied illicit drugs packaged as parcels for shipment to Europe. Joe Biden may have broken the law by halting construction of the border wall, it emerged on Tuesday, as the Government Accountability Office launched an inquiry. The president campaigned on the promise of immediately ending the building work along the U.S.-Mexico border, and once in office he kept his promise. On Tuesday Charles Young, public affairs officer for the GAO, confirmed that they were investigating whether Biden was legally allowed to end the construction, because the funding had already been approved. Congress approved nearly $1.4 billion in border wall funding in December 2020 for fiscal year 2021 as part of former a $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package. 'He was in the Congress a long time,' said Roy Blunt, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. He told Politico: 'He knows it's the Congress' job to authorize how the money is spent and the president's job to spend it efficiently.' Biden halted construction of the wall (seen unfinished in Progreso, Texas) when he took office Parts of the border wall lie unused in La Joya, Texas, on March 13 Congress approved nearly $1.4 billion in border wall funding in December 2020 Their investigation comes after a group of 40 Republican senators, led by Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, wrote to the GAO saying the order to stop construction had contributed to a 'humanitarian and national security crisis' at the border. The president's actions 'are also a blatant violation of federal law and infringe on Congress' constitutional power of the purse,' they wrote. 'We write regarding these actions. We believe they violated the Impoundment Control Act (ICA) as interpreted by your office, and we request your legal opinion on the matter.' They argue that the ICA requires that Biden transmit a message to Congress 'that includes the amount of budget authority proposed for deferral or rescission and the reason for the proposal.' On Tuesday, a group of more than 60 Republican members of the House and four more senators added their names to Moore Capito's bid to get an answer from the Government Accountability Office on whether Biden's move to suspend border wall construction was in violation of federal law. The letter is led by Reps. John Katko, Kay Granger and Jason Smith - the ranking members of the House Homeland Security Committee, Appropriations Committee and Budget Committee respectively. Its signers include House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise, along with Senators Mike Lee of Utah, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Dan Sullivan of Alaska and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. 'The Biden administration has to be really careful about doing stuff like this, because otherwise they're just going to be doing the exact thing the Trump administration did just at the other end of the policy spectrum,' said Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette, a manager at the watchdog group Project on Government Oversight, in conversation with Politico. White House officials add that Biden's end to border wall construction has been formal and public, with plenty of time left to legally spend that cash and clear instructions that federal agencies must follow spending law. Even if GAO decides Biden has illegally halted border wall funding, he is unlikely to face any formal punishment The news of the GAO investigation came amid an escalating crisis on the border, where migrant arrivals are surging and the Biden administration is struggling to cope. Representative Paul Gosar (second left) of Arizona watches on Tuesday as migrants arrive Asylum-seeking migrants are seen being deported back to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Tuesday Migrants from Central America are detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents as they turn themselves in to request asylum, after crossing into El Paso Joe Biden ceased construction of the border wall as soon as he took office Donald Trump made the border wall one of the signature policies of his administration Earlier on Tuesday US Customs and Border Protection was been shamed into releasing its own photos from inside crowded migrant facilities, after a Texas Democrat leapfrogged the agency and shared images of the 'terrible conditions for children' at the border. The agency finally released photos on Tuesday where children are seen packed inside pens and forced to sleep on the floors in foil blankets - but has still banned the press from entering the facilities. The CBP has repeatedly used COVID-19 precautions as an excuse to deny the media all access to its detention centers and the White House has kept the public in the dark for weeks. Officials say they want to 'balance the need for public transparency and accountability' - while still telling 'external visitors' not to visit the facilities to see the conditions for themselves. First, Biden administration officials toyed with the idea that they would allow media visits but then downgraded this to say they would only share some photos with the press, before walking back on granting any insight altogether. On Monday, White House Press Secretary said journalists will eventually be able to tour the detention centers after Rep. Henry Cuellar released photos of the temporary facility in Donna, Texas, and slammed the situation a 'humanitarian crisis.' No timeline for media trips was given and the Biden administration continues to push the official line that there is 'no crisis'. Around 15,000 children are being held in US government facilities along the border, with hundreds held in the CBP detention centers designed for adults for triple the duration legally allowed under US law after thousands upon thousands of migrants have crossed the border from Mexico into the US in recent weeks. A leaked memo sent Monday revealed the Department of Health and Human Services' refugee agency is now directing its shelters to fast-track the release of children to parents or guardians in the US to free up beds to take more children from the CBP detention centers. One image shows children lying packed in like sardines side by side on mattresses on the floors inside a makeshift facility in Donna Another image is taken from the outside of a transparent tent looking in on the dozens of people packed inside Migrant children stand in line inside a temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, to get access to essentials while other children held in cage-like tents look on and wait their turn A children's play area is seen inside the temporary processing facility in Donna. The play area has a handful of toys and appears to be in a storage room or waiting area Video taken inside the facility in El Paso, Texas, shows migrants lying on mattresses on the floor with foil blankets Inside the Donna facility. The CBP has repeatedly used COVID-19 precautions as an excuse to deny the media all access to its detention centers After keeping a tight lid on what is going on inside the facilities for weeks, a collection of images and video has finally been released by the CBP claiming to give a glimpse into what life is like inside the temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, and the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas. Inside the Donna facility, children are seen lying packed in like sardines side by side on mattresses on the floors inside a transparent tent facility. The children are wrapped in foil blankets for warmth and are wearing face masks, but there is clearly no room for social distancing in the small confined space. Migrant children are also seen standing in line to get access to essential items and food while other children held in cage-like tents look on and wait their turn. Numbered transparent tent-like pens are seen set up on both sides of a room each packed with migrants who are awaiting processing to enter America. An image taken from the outside of one of the tent looks in on the dozens of people packed inside with pieces of foil blankets scattered around. There is also a children's play area set up in what appears to be a storage room or waiting area, with a handful of toys for young kids. Meanwhile, footage taken inside the El Paso facility appears to paint a fun atmosphere with children seen sitting around watching television in a room and later screaming and shouting as they enjoy group exercise outdoors. It's all a far cry from reports that have emerged in recent weeks - not to mention curiously somewhat less overcrowded in appearance than Cueller's images of the very same facility in Donna shared just 24 hours earlier. Neha Desai, a lawyer for the National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) which represents migrant youth in government custody, told CBS about the harrowing conditions she saw at the Donna facility. She said the tent was so overcrowded that migrant children had to take turns sleeping on the floor and could only shower once a week. Many children also said they were being denied phone calls with their family members and hadn't been outside in days. One of them shared that he could only see the sun when he showered, because you can see the sun through the window,' Desai said. Migrants stand in line inside a temporary processing facility in Donna as the CBP said it was sharing the images in an effort to 'balance the need for public transparency and accountability' A migrant is embraced by a child inside the Donna facility. The CBP finally released photos Tuesday after denying media requests for access CBP personnel at work inside the Donna facility. Photos released Tuesday give a glimpse of what life is like inside the temporary processing facility in Donna, Texas, and the Central Processing Center in El Paso, Texas US Customs and Border Protection has been shamed into releasing its own photos from inside crowded migrant facilities The agency finally released photos Tuesday as it claimed it wants to 'balance the need for public transparency and accountability' Yet despite claiming a want to be transparent, the CBP still told 'external visitors' not to visit the facilities to see the conditions for themselves In the Donna facility, migrants wait to be processed so they can enter the US after crossing the southern border The White House has kept the public in the dark for weeks about the conditions inside the overcrowded facilities HHS's refugee agency directs shelters to fast-track release of migrant children into the US The Department of Health and Human Services' refugee agency has directed its shelters to fast-track the release of migrant children to parents or guardians in the US in order to free up beds to take more children from the CBP detention centers, according to a leaked memo. An internal email from the Office of Refugee Resettlement Monday, obtained by CBS, issued new guidance shelters to expedite the release of 'category 1' minors - children with parents or legal guardians in the US willing to house them. The fast-track process means caseworkers will partly fill out applications for the release of children on behalf of the parent and guardian sponsors and post them out to them, rather than wait for them to complete them. Sponsors will also be able to text or email proof of ID and a public records check will only be carried out on them and not all adults in the household the child will be released to. The guidance cited exceptions to the rule including where the children are 'especially vulnerable'; if their cases require a legally-mandated home study; or if there are red flags about their parents or legal guardians. The memo also granted shelters the authority to pay for parents' travel costs to collect the children. It is hoped this will speed up the process of releasing children into the US and free up beds for the agency to take in children from the CBP detention centers. Children must legally be transferred from CBP detention centers to the HHS shelters within 72 hours of their arrival. But due to the influx in migrants, there are too few beds to take in all the children and a backlog in the arrivals being processed. As of Saturday 2,226 children had been held in custody for more than five days and 823 for more than 10 days. Advertisement The CBP said it was sharing the images this week in an effort to 'balance the need for public transparency and accountability' in the wake of a backlash. 'CBP continues to transfer unaccompanied minors to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as quickly and efficiently as possible after they are apprehended on the Southwest Border,' it said in a statement Tuesday. Yet, the agency continued to insist people do not visit the site. 'In order to protect the health and safety of our workforce and those in our care we continue to discourage external visitors in our facilities; however, CBP is working to balance the need for public transparency and accountability.' This comes one day after Texas Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar shared images from inside the Donna facility taken over the weekend as he said 400 unaccompanied male minors are being held in 'terrible conditions' in a space meant to hold a maximum of 260 people. Cuellar said he did not take the images but said they offer an insight into the 'terrible conditions for the children' at the border, where he has recently toured a different shelter for children. He said he was releasing them in part because the Biden administration has refused to do so and has refused access to the press. 'We ought to take care of those kids like they're our own kids,' Cuellar said. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday Cuellar's images proved what the Biden administration has said all along that the border facilities are no place for children. 'These photos show what we've long been saying, which is that these border patrol facilities are not places made for children,' she said in her press briefing on Monday. 'They are not places that we want children to be staying for an extended period of time. 'Our alternative is to send children back on this treacherous journey that is not, in our view, the right choice to make.' Still refusing to call the situation at the US southern border a crisis, Psaki added: 'Children, presenting at our border, who are fleeing violence, who are fleeing prosecution, who are fleeing terrible situations is not a crisis. 'We feel that it is our responsibility to humanely approach this circumstance, and make sure they are treated and put in conditions that are safe.' Psaki said Monday the Biden administration was 'working to finalize details' on allowing the press to tour the facilities but said she didn't know when this will be. The Biden administration has so far banned media access to the facilities amid a growing humanitarian and political crisis at the US southern border. Lawyers and lawmakers have been given tours. At the Donna facility, agency workers hand out food to migrant children being held there after crossing the border Children line up for food with many young people seen carrying toddlers and younger children A child plays in a makeshift play pen inside the Donna facility in Texas where some children have been held for 10 days The CBP finally released images of the temporary processing facilities after being shamed into doing so 'We are working to finalize details and I hope to have an update in the coming days,' Psaki said after admitting 'putting in place more effective and efficient processing at the border... is going to take some time'. Psaki had previously said there would be organized trips for press to gain access to detention facilities but later walked back on those comments, instead promising photos to show conditions. Then last Thursday, Psaki said the White House would not be releasing to the media photos that advisors had shared with President Biden to brief him on conditions on facilities housing childhood migrants on the border. This week, reports surfaced that lawmakers are also now being denied access. On Monday, Republican Senator Ted Cruz wrote to Biden after he said access was refused to both the press and fourteen other senators who visited the border. 'The American people are beginning to understand the gravity of the situation,' Cruz wrote. 'But it is not enough for members of the Senate to see what is happening the American people must see. That is why I requested that members of the media be allowed to join us. 'But your administration clearly and emphatically refused to offer press access. 'This is outrageous and hypocritical,' he said as he accused Psaki of reneging on the administration's vow of 'transparency'. 'Denying the press the ability to observe, film, and report on the conditions at the border is not openness or transparency - it is hiding the truth from the American people,' added Cruz. 'The press and the American people deserve more than denials and excuses from a podium.' Psaki said Monday that children at the facilities have been tested for COVID-19 and those who needed to be quarantined were separated out from the rest of the population. She didn't have a timeline on when the president might go to the border after Biden said on Sunday he would make a trip at some point. A total of 823 unaccompanied children were held at US-Mexico border facilities for more than 10 days - more than a fourfold increase over the last week, according to an internal Department of Homeland Security document leaked to Axios Sunday. Footage released by the CBP showing migrants being processed at the El Paso, Texas, facility on March 19 The footage and photos comes after the Biden administration has kept the public in the dark for weeks about the centers Footage taken inside the El Paso facility appears to paint a fun atmosphere with children screaming and shouting as they enjoy exercise outdoors The children take part in an outdoor exercise class at the El Paso site in Texas while they await processing Footage taken inside the El Paso facility shows children sitting around watching television in a room 'Biden wanted this to happen': Tucker Carlson blasts president for border chaos Tucker Carlson has blasted Joe Biden over the chaos at the border saying that the president 'wanted this to happen' because of previous comments he made. Carlson said on Fox News Monday, he hit out at the president for telling refugees during the 2020 campaign that 'you should come'. 'The people streaming across the border want better lives for their families, and no one can hate them for that, least of all us,' Carlson said. 'The people to blame are the reckless ideologues who caused this disaster. Joe Biden tops that list. Biden wanted this to happen. He said so out loud at a Democratic debate.' Carlson played a clip from the September 2019 Democratic debate in which Biden was asked why Latino voters should trust him after deportations had taken place during the Obama-Biden years. Biden said: 'I would in fact make sure that... we immediately surge to the border all those people who are seeking asylum. 'They deserve to be heard, that's who we are. We're a nation that says, if you want to flee and you're fleeing oppression, you should come'. Advertisement Children are not supposed to be held in CBP for more than three days, by which point they should have been transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services' shelters. But due to the influx in migrants, there are too few beds to take in all the children and there is a backlog in the arrivals being processed. Around 5,000 unaccompanied minors were held this weekend in the CBP centers. As of Saturday 2,226 children had been held in custody for more than five days and 823 for more than 10 days. The HHS's refugee agency has more than 11,100 unaccompanied children in its care, including 1,500 teenage boys in a makeshift shelter in a Dallas convention center. Four makeshift shelters have been opened in recent weeks with a fifth set to open at a convention center in San Diego. The HHS has directed its shelters to fast-track the release of migrant children to parents or guardians in the US in order to free up beds to take more children from the CBP detention centers, according to a leaked memo. An internal email from the Office of Refugee Resettlement Monday, obtained by CBS, issued new guidance shelters to expedite the release of 'category 1' minors - children with parents or legal guardians in the US willing to house them. The fast-track process means caseworkers will partly fill out applications for the release of children on behalf of the parent and guardian sponsors and post them out to them, rather than wait for them to complete them. Sponsors will also be able to text or email proof of ID and a public records check will only be carried out on them and not all adults in the household the child will be released to. The guidance cited exceptions to the rule including where the children are 'especially vulnerable'; if their cases require a legally-mandated home study; or if there are red flags about their parents or legal guardians. The memo also granted shelters the authority to pay for parents' travel costs to collect the children. It is hoped this will speed up the process of releasing children into the US and free up beds for the agency to take in children from the CBP detention centers. Earlier this month, the Biden administration rolled back a Trump-era policy that allowed undocumented immigrants to be arrested when they came to pick up unaccompanied children. In the spring of 2018, the Trump administration tightened up the screening process - including getting ICE involved - for adults who stepped forward to sponsor children who traveled into the United States alone. This led to a much smaller number of children being released from Health and Human Services custody to a family member or sponsor, amid fears from adults they would also be deported. The Biden administration ended this rule in the hope it would no longer deter adults providing sponsorship to unaccompanied children. Congressman Henry Cuellar released the images; he confirmed they were taken over this weekend The pictures show inside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporary overflow facility in Donna Rep. Cuellar said they offer an insight into the 'terrible conditions for the children' at the border White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had said there would be organized trips for press to gain access to detention facilities; later, she walked back on those comments and refused to share images from the facilities Cuellar said that as of Sunday 400 unaccompanied male minors were being kept in a tent meant to hold 260 White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday that the disturbing images of the cramped conditions inside a migrant 'overflow' tent in Texas showed what the Biden administration has said all along the border facilities are not the place for children In total, the number of unaccompanied migrant kids in US custody surpassed 15,000 as of Saturday as the Biden administration announced that they 'would not expel young, vulnerable children.' This is a reverse of Trump administration policy, which was to generally expel all people who tried to illegally cross the border, regardless of age. Since Biden's inauguration on January 20, the US has seen a dramatic spike in the number of people encountered by border officials. There were 18,945 family members and 9,297 unaccompanied children encountered in February - an increase of 168 per cent and 63 per cent, respectively, from the month before, according to the Pew Research Center. On average, around 523 unaccompanied minors have been apprehended along the border each day over the last three weeks. After taking office, Biden lifted the Remain in Mexico policy, which kept migrants south of the border while waiting for their hearings, effectively allowing migrants who have applied for asylum to cross into the UD and begin their legal proceedings. He also narrowed the ICE's criteria for arrests and deportations and stopped the building of Trump's border wall. These moves have led thousands upon thousands of migrants pouring into America leaving the border's children's centers so full that kids are being forced to spend up to 10 days in cramped detention centers meant for adults and sparking a backlog and logistical nightmare in processing the new entrants. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 18 Police arrested 38-year-old Juan Gustavo Salazar-Perez on March 18 at the 2100 block of Kokomo. The individual was arrested and charged with multiple out-of-county warrants, including some felony charges. Warrants include one for possession of a controlled substance out of Bexar County; three misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear twice for deadly conduct and once for possession of a controlled substance out of Wharton County; and four felony warrants out of El Campo for two or more violations of a protective order, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a government record with intent to defraud/harm. Officers were called to the 2000 block of W. 4th St. on March 18 in reference to fraud. A person reportedly used a debit/credit card illegal. Officers reported to the 1100 block of Thunderbird on March 18 in reference to someone making silent or abusive 9-1-1 calls. A theft was reported at the 1100 block of Holiday St. on March 18. An unknown suspect posed as an Apple care worker and prompted the victim to purchase multiple gift cards valued to more than $2,500 but less than $30,000. Police arrested 37-year-old Jessie Martinez, Jr. on March 18 at the 2000 block of Galveston St. for an out-of-county felony warrant. Martinez had two felonies out of Lamb County for theft of a firearm and for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He also had a warrant from the U.S. Marshal Service for weapon trafficking and probation violation. Darin Lee Turner, 53, was arrested on March 18 at the 1600 block of Lexington St. during a traffic stop. The individual was identified and confirmed to have a county and a municipal warrant. Turner was arrested and transported to the Hale County Jail where jail staff located a baggie of white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. March 19 A crash was reported at the 600 block of W. 10th St. on March 19. Vehicle damage was reported. Police arrested a 39-year-old man at the 2000 block of SW 3rd St. The individual was charged with a misdemeanor warrant from the Sheriffs Office. Officers arrested 28-year-old Christopher Michael Kiff on March 19 for out-of-county felony warrants at the 500 block of E. 34th St. The individual had active warrants for fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. The individual was also found to be in possession of four debit cards. Officers responded to the 900 block of W. 10th St. on March 19 in reference to damaged property. An unknown person threw eggs at a vehicle causing paint damage. A burglary of a habitation was reported at the 500 block of Nassau on March 19. A crash resulting in vehicle damage was reported at the 3700 block of Olton Road on March 19. Theft was reported at the 900 block of Ash St. on March 19. March 20, Saturday Damaged property was reported at the 2400 block of Kermit St. on Saturday. A suspect is believed to have entered a home and damaged property. Officers responded to a traffic hazard at the 100 block of the east frontage road of Interstate 27 on Saturday. A stolen vehicle was reported at the 4200 block of Dimmit Road on Saturday. A burglary of a habitation was reported at the 500 block of Nassau St. on Saturday Another burglary of a habitation was reported at the 1300 block of Nassau St. on Saturday. Officers responded to an incident classified as miscellaneous at the 1500 block of W. 5th St. on Saturday. Police arrested 45-year-old Joe Louis Alcozer at the 1100 block of W. 8th St. on Saturday for an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Officers arrested 28-year-old Roman Carlos Casares on Saturday at the 1300 block of W. 11th St. during a traffic stop. The driver failed to use a turn signal and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and amphetamine. Casares was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, which is a felony. March 21, Sunday Police arrested 19-year-old Blayke Montana Sistrunk at the 1500 block of N. Interstate 27 on Sunday. Sistrunk was identified as having multiple county warrants. He was placed under arrest and his vehicle was inventoried. Officers found a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine in a black Beats bag prompting a search of the vehicle. Police found more of the substance in a flashlight. Sistrunk was charged with possession of a controlled substance and with an active warrant. Police responded to the 1200 block of W. 7th St. on Sunday in reference to an assault. An assault with a weapon was reported at the 1200 block of W. 7th St. on Sunday. Damaged property and damage to a vehicle was reported at the 300 block of SE 4th St. on Sunday. A crash resulting in injury and a citation to the driver was reported at the 900 block of Cedar St. on Sunday. Officers issued a citation to a driver operating an open-bed pickup with a child younger than 18 years old in the bed of the truck. The occupants fell out of the bed of the truck causing bodily injury. Police arrested 44-year-old man at the 3300 block of N. Columbia St. on Sunday. The man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and with a felony warrant for the same. The driver was believed to be intoxicated while driving a vehicle and allegedly caused a crash at the 3300 block of N. Columbia. Theft from a vehicle was reported at the 2100 block of W. 9th St. on Sunday after the victim left the vehicle unlocked with a spare key inside. A burglar removed the key between about 6:40-10:30 p.m. The key is estimated to be worth $200 to replace since it has a chip specifically for the vehicle. The case remains under investigation. Rashmi Samant is the first Indian woman known to have been elected as the President of the Oxford Student Union (SU). The Oxford India Society, Oxford South Asia Society and the Oxford University Hindu society have issued a statement stating that Samants insensitive remarks about other minority groups have led to her resignation. The Oxford Hindu Society demanded that Abhijit Sarkar must resign from his position as a member of this Universitys faculty. Rashmi Samant is the first Indian woman known to have been elected as the President of the Oxford Student Union (SU). However, it is alleged that she had resigned from the post in a few days due to the emerging controversy surrounding some of her past remarks which were termed as insensitive. The United Kingdom Police and Oxford University have begun investigations into the alleged cyberbullying of Indian student Rashmi Samant following her resignation. This has sparked a storm and many questions have been raised regarding cyberbullying. The Oxford India Society, Oxford South Asia Society and the Oxford University Hindu society have issued a statement stating that Samants insensitive remarks about other minority groups have led to her resignation. The resignation did not have anything to do with the fact that she is an Indian, Hindu or a woman, highlighted the statement. However, other students have been defending her, with one even commenting that this episode are rather smacks of liberals virtue signalling. Samant has been pursuing one-year masters remotely from India despite having paid 24,000 in fees and commented that she does not feel safe going back to Oxford. It is alleged that Abhijit Sarkar had posted a photograph of Samants family on Instagram. Not only that, he had made direct references to the students religion as well as labelling her home state of Karnataka as a stronghold of Islamophobic forces. An University spokesperson espoused that Oxford has been committed towards creating an environment where people of all backgrounds, including Hindu students and staff feel welcome. Also Read: India, Pak FMs to meet at Heart of Asia conference in Tajikistan: Trimurthi confirms Indias participation in Afghans peace process Also Read: Intimidated by Quad, China and Russia propose new security bloc; block USs proposal for rule-based order The Oxford Hindu Society criticized the science student Samant for failing to take responsibility for her actions and stated that action be taken against the university scholar for commenting on her parents beliefs and asked him to apologise to Ms Samant. The Society demanded that Abhijit Sarkar must resign from his position as a member of this Universitys faculty. She added that no concrete actions have been taken by the University. She feels that the statement made by the faculty member has given impetus to other students, who have been engaging in making defamatory statements. Samant is the first child in her family to go to university. The case had also reached the doors of Rajya Sabha on 15 March when BJP MP Ashwini Vaishnaw discussed this issue and termed it as a serious case of racism and felt that a colonial attitude was endorsed. Also Read: ISRO Makes Breakthrough With First Quantum Space Communication; New Chapter in Indian Space Decades of radiation-based scientific theory disproven by Ben-Gurion University US-based study BEER-SHEVA, Israel...March 24, 2021 - Surprisingly, exposure to a high background radiation might actually lead to clear beneficial health effects in humans, according to Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Nuclear Research Center Negev (NRCN) scientists. This is the first large-scale study which examines the two major sources of background radiation (terrestrial radiation and cosmic radiation), covering the entire U.S. population. The study's findings were recently published in Biogerontology. Background radiation is an ionizing radiation that exists in the environment because of natural sources. In their study, BGU researchers show that life expectancy is approximately 2.5 years longer among people living in areas with a relatively high vs. low background radiation. Background radiation includes radiation emanating from space, and radiation from terrestrial sources. Since the 1960s, there has been a linear no-threshold hypothesis guiding policy that any radiation level carries some risk. Hundreds of billions of dollars are spent around the world to reduce radiation levels as much as possible. "Decades of scientific theory are potentially being disproven by the remarkable researchers at BGU," says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer, American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "These findings might even provide a sense of relief for those who reside in areas in the U.S. with higher-than-average background radiation." According to BGU Professors Vadim Fraifeld and Marina Wolfson, along with Dr. Elroei David of the Nuclear Research Center Negev, lower levels of several types of cancers were found when the radiation levels were on the higher end of the spectrum rather than on the lower end. Among both men and women, there was a significant decrease in lung, pancreatic, colon and rectal cancers. Among men, there were additional decreases in brain and bladder cancers. There was no decrease in cervix, breast or prostate cancers or leukemia. Using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's radiation dose calculator, the researchers retrieved data about background radiation from all 3,129 U.S. counties. The study's data regarding cancer rates was retrieved from the United States Cancer Statistics. Life expectancy data was retrieved from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington Medical Center. "It is reasonable to suggest that a radiation threshold does exist, yet it is higher than the upper limit of the natural background radiation levels in the US (227 mrem/year)," the researchers write. "These findings provide clear indications for re-considering the linear no-threshold paradigm, at least within the natural range of low-dose radiation." ### Prof. Vadim Fraifeld and Prof. Marina Wolfson are members of the BGU Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics in the Faculty of Health Sciences and members of the Center for Multidisciplinary Research on Aging. Dr. Elroei David is a BGU graduate and now is a senior scientist at the Nuclear Research Center Negev. About American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (AABGU) plays a vital role in sustaining David Ben-Gurion's vision: creating a world-class institution of education and research in the Israeli desert, nurturing the Negev community and sharing the University's expertise locally and around the globe. Activities include showcasing BGU's academic excellence and cutting-edge research through educational programs, events and informative communications. AABGU's main purpose is to support Ben-Gurion's vision and the university that bears his name by creating a community of Americans committed to improving the world tomorrow from the heart of the Israeli desert today. For more information visit http://www. aabgu. org . This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (Newser) Louisiana spent six years trying to defend a restrictive abortion law in federal courtsand it may now have to pay almost $9 million to the lawyers who defended abortion clinics. The Center for Reproductive Rights has filed a request for $8,407,418.83 in attorneys fees and $246,929.35 in "nontaxable expenses," reports CBS News. As the prevailing party, the group is allowed to recover expenses under federal civil rights law, it said in a filing Monday, per Bloomberg. The Louisiana law, which required doctors who performed abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2020four years after a near-identical Texas law was also declared unconstitutional. story continues below "Louisiana has spent immense resources and taxpayer money on this six-year court battle," says Center for Reproductive Rights attorney Julie Rikelman. "This time and money should be spent on real issues in Louisiana, like addressing the state's maternal mortality crisis or the impacts of the COVID pandemic." Adding to the expense, the Advocate notes that records show state attorney general Jeff Landry spent about $2.5 million on outside law firms hired to deal with the bulk of the case. "Theres no reason to have to hire outside counsel for these cases, at all," says New Orleans lawyer Ellie Schilling, an expert on reproductive rights law. "They could handle these cases in-house. And if they did it that way, then we as taxpayers would have already paid the salaries of the people working on these cases." (Read more Louisiana stories.) YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan assured that the issue of Constitutional amendments remains on the agenda of the Government, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan said during parliament-Cabinet Q&A session, answering the question of independent MP Arman Babajanyan. Babajanyan noted that the PM and the President had disccused issues related to improving the Constitutional and ligislative fields, and asked the PM to make some clarifications. ''I said that based on the analysis of the situation and conditioned by the well-known factors, the issue of Constitutional amendments remain on our agenda, but its necessary to discuss its parameters and content and try to reach an agreement, the PM said. New Arizona State Law Provides Civil Remedies for Human Trafficking Victims Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on March 23 signed into law a bill that will provide civil remedies for victims of human trafficking. The legislation, H.B. 2116, is backed by state Attorney General Mark Brnovich and state Rep. Shawnna Bolick, and received unanimous legislative support. It will allow human and sex trafficking victims to take civil action against their perpetrators and anyone else who contributes to their abuse. Human and sex trafficking victims can now seek civil remedies against their perpetrators as a result of legislation we worked with [Bolick] to enact. Proud to help survivors obtain justice and help rebuild their lives, Brnovich said in a Twitter post. Society needs to do everything we can to assist victims of this horrific crime and help them rebuild their lives, he said in a separate statement. Our office will continue to be at the forefront of obtaining justice for victims of trafficking, and this law provides an additional resource for survivors to hold their traffickers accountable for the lives theyve thrown into chaos. Previously in the state, human and sex trafficking victims were only addressed in criminal statutes and werent permitted to take civil action against the perpetrators. The attorney generals office said that it has, since 2015, prosecuted or is currently prosecuting 282 cases involving 330 defendants that are connected to sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, or illegal enterprises and money laundering in the trafficking arena, such as massage parlors. Many massage parlors are known to illegally offer sexual services and are commonly staffed by those who have fallen victim to human trafficking rings. The forced labor and human trafficking industry is estimated to be worth $150 billion worldwide, according to the U.N.s International Labour Organization. Republican lawmaker Bolick praised Duceys decision to enact the legislation, saying it has been an honor to work with the attorney general and his staff to combat human and sex trafficking in the state. Justice for trafficking victims doesnt end when perpetrators are sentenced for their crimes. This new law allows victims to recover the economic losses they suffered during the time their perpetrators were committing the crime, but more importantly, it addresses the host of related physical and mental damages that occur as a result of being trafficked, she said in a statement. Separately on March 23, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that recent decisions made by the Biden administration on the U.S.Mexico border are emboldening human traffickers to ramp up their criminal operations. Recent decisions by your administration are emboldening dangerous cartels, smugglers, and human traffickers to ramp up their criminal operations, the governor said in a letter (pdf) to the White House. In many cases, these criminals entice unaccompanied minors into inhumane conditions and expose them to abuse and terror. Scientists at Berkeley Labs predecessor, the UC Radiation Laboratory, discovered berkelium in 1949, and californium in 1950. Today, Berkeley Lab scientists are using state-of-the-art instruments at the Molecular Foundry to better understand how actinides like berkelium and californium could serve to accelerate new applications in medicine, energy, and security. Credit: Shutterstock/konstantinks Heavy elements known as the actinides are important materials for medicine, energy, and national defense. But even though the first actinides were discovered by scientists at Berkeley Lab more than 50 years ago, we still don't know much about their chemical properties because only small amounts of these highly radioactive elements (or isotopes) are produced every year; they're expensive; and their radioactivity makes them challenging to handle and store safely. But those massive hurdles to actinide research may one day be a thing of the past. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and UC Berkeley have demonstrated how a world-leading electron microscope can image actinide samples as small as a single nanogram (a billionth of a gram)a quantity that is several orders of magnitude less than required by conventional approaches. Their findings were recently reported in Nature Communications, and are especially significant for co-senior author Rebecca Abergel (abergel.lbl.gov/), whose work on chelatorsmetal-binding moleculeshas resulted in new advances in cancer therapies, medical imaging, and medical countermeasures against nuclear threats, among others. Abergel is a faculty scientist who leads the Heavy Element Chemistry program in the Chemical Sciences Division at Berkeley Lab, and assistant professor in nuclear engineering at UC Berkeley. "There are still so many unanswered questions with regards to chemical bonding in the actinide series. With such state-of-the art instrumentation, we are finally able to probe the electronic structure of actinide compounds, and this will allow us to refine molecular design principles for various systems with applications in medicine, energy, and security," Abergel said. "We demonstrated that you can work with less materiala nanogramand get the same if not better data without having to invest in dedicated instruments for radioactive materials," said co-senior author Andy Minor, facility director of the National Center for Electron Microscopy at Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, and professor of materials science and engineering at UC Berkeley. Allowing researchers to work with just a nanogram of an actinide sample will significantly reduce the high costs of experiments conducted using previous methods. One gram of the actinide berkelium can cost a jaw-dropping $27 million, for example. An actinide sample that is only a nanogram also reduces radiation exposure and contamination risks, Minor added. Top: (left) Droplet of solution containing californium on a transmission electron microscopy grid; (right) scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image of individual californium nanoparticles. Bottom: (left) STEM images of crystal structures of (left) Cf2O3 - blue schematic outlines californium columns; and (right) BkO2 - blue schematic illustrates berkelium lattice. Credit: Andy Minor and Rebecca Abergel/Berkeley Lab In one set of experiments at TEAM 0.5 (Transmission Electron Aberration-corrected Microscope), an atomic-resolution electron microscope at the Molecular Foundry, the researchers imaged single atoms of berkelium and californium to demonstrate how much less actinide material is needed with their approach. In another set of experiments using EELS (electron energy loss spectroscopy), a technique for probing a material's electronic structure, the researchers were surprised to observe in berkelium a weak "spin-orbit coupling," a phenomenon that can influence how a metal atom binds to molecules. "This had never been reported before," said co-author Peter Ercius, a staff scientist at the Molecular Foundry who oversees the TEAM 0.5 microscope. "It's like finding a needle in a haystack. It's amazing what we could see." Co-lead author Alexander Muller credits Berkeley Lab's interdisciplinary "team science" approach for bringing together the world's best experts in electron microscopy, heavy element chemistry, nuclear engineering, and materials science for the study. "Because Berkeley Lab attracts amazing researchers from all fields of science, such interdisciplinary collaborative work comes naturally here," he said. "I personally found that aspect very rewarding for this project. And now that we have established this approach, we can pursue many new directions in actinide research." Muller was a postdoctoral scholar in Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry and UC Berkeley's Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the time of the study. He is now an associate at the Munich, Germany, office of Kearney, an international management consulting firm. Safety protocols in place for the research involved sample preparation in dedicated laboratories and careful surveying of work areas. Since samples were prepared with miniscule amounts (1-10 nanograms) of each isotope, the contamination hazards to the equipment were also minimized, the researchers said. The researchers hope to apply their approach to the investigation of other actinides, including actinium, einsteinium, and fermium. "The more information we get from these minute amounts of radioactive elements, the better equipped we'll be to advance new materials for radiation cancer therapy and other useful applications," Minor said. Co-authors on the paper include former Berkeley Lab postdoctoral scholar Gauthier Deblonde (co-lead author), now a research scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Steven Zeltmann, a graduate student in UC Berkeley's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Explore further Discoveries at the edge of the periodic table: First ever measurements of einsteinium More information: Alexander Muller et al, Probing electronic structure in berkelium and californium via an electron microscopy nanosampling approach, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Alexander Muller et al, Probing electronic structure in berkelium and californium via an electron microscopy nanosampling approach,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21189-1 Vaccine hesitancy could lead to 20,000 extra coronavirus deaths over the next two years, a study has suggested. Researchers warned that if a significant number of people turn the jab down, it may allow the virus to spread in high numbers when lockdowns are eased, posing a constant threat to the elderly and ill. The gloomy modelling by Imperial College London predicted 305 extra Covid deaths per million people by 2023, the equivalent of 20,130 people in the UK. Other more pessimistic calculations projected even more deaths. Experts warned vaccine hesitancy will lead to flare-ups in cases and hospitalisations which could see lockdown restrictions in place for longer. The study did not specify what constituted as high vaccine hesitancy. But Imperial has been repeatedly criticised for its pessimistic Covid models, which predicted 250,000 deaths in the first wave without further action. So far, uptake in Britain has been far higher than expected, with more than 90 per cent of Britons over the age of 60 having accepted their jab. But officials expect that, as the programme moves to younger, less-vulnerable groups, the turnout rate will drop because young people don't see the virus as a threat. Government-funded surveys have indicated up to a fifth of people under-30 will turn the vaccines down. The effect of vaccine hesitancy on the Covid deaths: The Imperial team modelled ideal (black), optimistic (orange), neutral (purple) and pessimistic (blue) vaccine efficacy rates. To come to the 305 extra Covid deaths per million people number it assumed vaccines cut transmission by 60 per cent and hospitalisations and deaths by 85 per cent A breakdown of predicted death ratios when there is high vaccine hesitancy (left) compared to 98 per cent uptake in the UK, Germany and France Indian factory making AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine urges Delhi to let it ship UK's 5million doses 'immediately' The Indian factory churning out AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine has reportedly asked the country's government for permission to 'immediately' ship millions of doses to the UK. Indian media reports that the Serum Institute has written to ministers for consent to export a batch of 5million jabs. New Delhi has temporarily blocked all major exports of vaccines. Health Secretary Matt Hancock last week confirmed delays to a 'scheduled' delivery from the Institute would slow Britain's roll-out in April, meaning millions of over-40s may have to wait until May to get vaccinated. The Serum Institute initially denied that a timescale for the delivery had been set, but one of its top executives has now written to India's government to push forward with the plans or risk stalling the UK's roll-out, the New Indian Express reported. Director of regulatory affairs at the company, Prakash Kumar Singh, reportedly said its agreement with AstraZeneca gave the British company priority access to anything it makes and it had recently 'reminded' the Institute of this obligation. He said representatives from both No10 and the drug giant warned that the UK may have to 'halt' its vaccination drive unless the doses were supplied immediately. Boris Johnson this week sent two officials on a mission to India to smooth tensions over the supply chain. Lord Lister and international trade adviser David Quarrey were asked to visit to the Serum Institute to negotiate letting the shipment through. Indian Government insiders today claimed that Narendra Modi's administration had blocked exports to meet domestic demand, in the face of rising infections. Advertisement The Imperial model worked off the assumption that the vaccines cut transmission by 60 per cent and hospitalisations and deaths by 85 per cent. That is about the same effectiveness as the Government found in its latest real-world analysis of the Covid vaccines on the UK epidemic. Writing in the paper, the Imperial team said: 'For a vaccine of moderate efficacy, in an optimistic vaccine hesitancy scenario, the cumulative impact of vaccine hesitancy is projected to lead to 305 extra deaths per million population over this period.' Lead author Professor Azra Ghani, an epidemiologist at Imperial, said: 'Our work demonstrates the importance of achieving high levels of vaccine coverage if we are to return to a normal way of life. 'Vaccine hesitancy has declined in the UK in recent months but uptake remains unequal. 'It is important to understand the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy so that those that remain uncertain about getting vaccinated can have their concerns addressed.' Co-author Daniela Olivera Mesa, a researcher at the university, added: 'Getting vaccinated is an individual choice, however this choice has social consequences. 'Our work demonstrated that vaccine hesitancy can have a substantial health impact that affects both the vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. 'Building trust in vaccines is an important public health priority to control Covid-19.' It comes after a report earlier this month found nearly half of black people in the UK are still hesitant about receiving a coronavirus vaccine. The Office for National Statistics found that the people most worried about the jabs are ethnic minorities, under-30s and people on low incomes. While 44 per cent of black or black British people in the survey were worried about vaccines, the rate was between 16 and 18 per cent for other ethnic minority groups and just eight per cent for white communities The most common reasons for being hesitant towards vaccines, the ONS said, were that people were worried about side effects, possible long-term effects of the jab, or about how well it actually 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. 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. After every mass shooting in America, there are four distinct stages of grief: horror and revulsion, compassion for the families of the victims, anger that these tragedies keep happening and, finally, despair that Washington will do anything to stop this unending carnage. When 20 first-graders were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012, many Americans thought, now is the time for Congress to finally pass gun control legislation. But nothing happened. After Charleston, Orlando, San Bernardino, Las Vegas, Parkland, El Paso and so many other mass shootings, the cycle continued. But after the killings last week in the Atlanta area and Monday in Boulder, Colorado, this time can and must be different. America needs action not more despair. The House passed two gun bills earlier this month. One would expand and strengthen federal background checks on all gun purchases. The other would close the "Charleston loophole," which allowed the gunman who massacred nine people at a Black church in South Carolina to purchase a firearm. Democrats must take charge on guns This has near-universal popular backing. Ninety-two percent of Americans support requiring background checks for all gun sales. Only 7% oppose it, which is less than the number of Americans who believe that the moon landing was faked. In an era of intense polarization, this is close as America gets to unanimity on any single policy issue. Yet, as these bills move through the Senate, because of the 60-vote requirement of the Senate filibuster, they could die without ever being voted on. This is precisely what happened in 2013, when a majority of senators, including four Republicans, voted in support of background checks. Their 54 votes were not enough, however, to overcome a filibuster. Boulder mass shooting: Another gunman used an AR-15-style rifle to kill. Why are they still legal? It does not have to be this way. With the Congress and White House controlled by a Democratic Party that is fully supporting gun control efforts, now is the time for the Senate to have an up-and-down vote on gun laws that could actually save lives. Story continues Background checks are not a panacea for stopping the daily carnage of gun violence in America, which takes about 40,000 lives year. But as Shannon Watts, the founder of the gun safety group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, told me, "Background checks are the most effective way to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people and, ultimately, to decrease gun violence. They're the foundation of a holistic gun safety system." A makeshift memorial outside the King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, on March 23, 2021, a day after 10 people were killed there. The record on state background check laws shows that they decrease gun-related homicides and suicides (though some studies have questioned their effectiveness). Other research has found that background checks are even more effective when combined with other gun safety legislation, like licensing requirements and minimum age restrictions. In an ideal world, Congress would enact a package of measures, including a ban on assault weapons (which President Joe Biden endorsed on Tuesday) or waiting periods to purchase guns. But this is no time to make perfection the enemy of the good and it's certainly no time to accept more foot-dragging from Washington. Gabby Giffords on Boulder: Listen to Biden. Pass new laws to stop gun violence. It's not too late to change America. Both President Biden and West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the main opponent of filibuster reform in the Democratic caucus, have called for the Senate to return to a talking filibuster and require senators to actually debate legislation. Requiring Republican senators to explain why they oppose a policy supported by 9 out of 10 Americans would be a good starting point for that reform. Manchin, of all senators, should be supportive. He and Pennsylvania Republican Pat Toomey were co-sponsors of the background check bill that was killed by the filibuster in 2013. Is Manchin going to again allow a minority of senators to block his own legislation? Save lives, not the filibuster But an issue as important as this cannot rely on the decisions of one senator. Americans need to be the catalysts for change. Reach out to your members of Congress. Call your senators. Demand that they let this debate go forward and the will of the majority be heard. For too long, we have become inured to senseless and preventable gun violence. We've learned to live with our children being forced to participate in traumatizing active shooter drills and have accepted that randomly being killed while shopping at the grocery store, attending a concert or going to a holiday party is the price we pay for living in America. The horrific has become normalized. Too many of our fellow citizens have died in vain from the scourge of gun violence. Its long overdue that we demand our political leaders do something about it. Michael A. Cohen writes the newsletter Truth and Consequences. A former columnist for The Boston Globe, he is co-author of "Clear and Present Safety: The World Has Never Been Better and Why That Matters to Americans" and author of American Maelstrom: The 1968 Election and the Politics of Division. Follow him on Twitter: @speechboy71 You can read diverse opinions from our Board of Contributors and other writers on the Opinion front page, on Twitter @usatodayopinion and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Boulder shooting: Pass new gun laws and save lives, not the filibuster Loading the player... Coronavirus vaccination: People above 45 years can take COVID-19 vaccine from April 1 Starting from April 1, people above 45 years of age (with/without co-morbidities) will be able to take vaccine against coronavirus, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar informed on Tuesday. He requested people entitled to get themselves registered to take the COVID19 shot. Beware! Cyber security attacks in India grew 194% in 2020India saw an exponential rise in the cyber security incidents amid the coronavirus pandemic. Cyber security incidents jumped from 3,94,499 in 2019 to 11,58,208 in 2020, according to the data shared by the government.Cyber security threats are becoming an emerging factor in an ever-expanding and technology-driven market. A PwC report shows that the software industry has been the topmost targeted sector for the last three months, followed by IT services. Government extends international passenger flights suspension till April 30 The government announced on Tuesday that it has extended the suspension of international commercial passenger flights till April 30, 2021. International commercial passenger flights were suspended on March 23, 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic. International flights have remained suspended since then. The circular has clarified that the suspension is not applicable on international all-cargo flights and on those flight operations which were specifically approved by the DGCA. 94% Indian CEOs want employees to return to office only after COVID-19 vaccination: KPMG About 94 per cent CEOs of major Indian companies plan to ask their employees to return to office only after getting vaccinated, while 76 per cent CEOs will wait for more than 50 per cent of population to be vaccinated before returning to the office, a survey by accounting firm KPMG has found. Significantly, 45 per cent of global CEOs don't expect to return to normalcy in 2021, while only one-third (31 per cent) are anticipating a return to normal in 2021. Vladimir Putin vaccinated against COVID-19 out of public sight Russian President Vladimir Putin was vaccinated against COVID-19 Tuesday out of sight of the cameras, his spokesman said, prompting questions about whether the gesture will boost comparatively low immunisation rates in Russia. The Kremlin spokesman refused to reveal which of the three vaccines authorised for use in Russia Putin received, saying only that all three are absolutely good, reliable, effective. Indian Railways launches drive against smoking; to initiate legal action from March 31 Indian Railways (IR) has launched a massive drive against smoking and carriage of inflammable material through the railway network and will soon start taking legal action against violators. IR has launched this drive in view of several recent incidents of fire in various Zonal Railways. The ministry will start taking legal action against violators from March 31, 2021. According to Railway Ministry, the drive is expected to continue till April 30, 2021. Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has singled out Chinas blatant economic coercion of Australia as an example of the urgent threats democratic nations around the world face from increasingly assertive authoritarian regimes. In a major speech on Americas alliances, Blinken said the Biden administration will not force countries into an us or them choice with China. But he called for democratic nations to work closer together to counter the rising superpowers aggressive actions and technological advancements. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said economic coercion by China was one of the major threats to global stability. Credit:Bloomberg Blinken, who clashed spectacularly with Chinese diplomats at a meeting in Alaska last week, said he would particularly like to see democratic nations join forces to develop an global alternative to Chinas 5G technology. Theres no question that Beijings coercive behaviour threatens our collective security and prosperity, and that it is actively working to undercut the rules of the international system and the values we and our allies share, Blinken said in a speech at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. Regal Cinemas, the second largest movie theater chain in the U.S., will reopen beginning April 2, according to The Associated Press. Parent company Cineworld Group closed 549 Regal theaters, including two in Alabama, last October. The movie chain, which has locations in Trussville and Mobile, temporarily suspended operations two months after reopening them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another 127 theaters in the United Kingdom also closed at the time. Doors will open early next month with attendance limited to 25% to 50% capacity in about 500 locations, according to AP. The two Alabama theaters are not among the Regal cinemas reopening April 2, according to the Regal website. The company says additional theater openings will be added daily. Regal says on its website as they re-open theaters, they remain committed to the safety of their patrons and employees, sharing additional information on the steps they are taking to stay safe from spread of COVID-19. Guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times while in the theater lobby and auditoriums, per the Regal website. This includes face shields with masks or appropriate nose and mouth coverings (i.e. Gaiter), the site says. We will provide masks to guests who arrive at the theatre without one. Masks can be removed only while eating and drinking while seated in an auditorium. Employees monitor auditoriums throughout each performance as a standard practice. Where socially unacceptable behavior is observed, including the non-wearing of a mask, this will be addressed with the patron. Learn more. Cineworld also agreed to a new multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Beginning next year, the studios releases will have a 45-day exclusive window at Regal cinemas, which AP reports slices in half the traditional period. But Warner releases are streaming simultaneously on HBO Max when they open in theaters. The reopening coincides with the release of Warner Bros. Godzilla vs. Kong. Read the full AP report. The pandemic caused cinemas nationwide to struggle financially during the pandemic, with audiences reluctant to return to indoor theaters and studios pushing back the release dates of major films like No Time to Die (the new James Bond film), Black Widow (Marvel) and Top Gun: Maverick. Without these new releases, Cineworld cannot provide customers in both the U.S. and U.K. the companys primary markets with the breadth of strong commercial films necessary fo them to consider coming back to theaters against the backdrop of COVID-19, Cineworld said in a press release last October. Regal Cinemas in Trussville (5895 Trussville Crossings Parkway) and Mobile (1250 Satchell Paige Drive) were impacted by the decision. Regal Hollywood Stadium 18 movie theater in Huntsville closed in 2020 after 26 years in business. The theater formerly located at 3312 S Memorial Pkwy was demolished in January. March 24 : Ever since The White Tiger was released on an OTT platform, Adarsh Gourav, the breakout star of the film, has been in the news. While the actor is gathering immense international accolades, he has been nominated for in the lead category of BAFTA and Film Independent Spirit Awards. Now, the young actor has won the prestigious Rising Star Award by the Asian World Film Festival. This year, the Asian World Film Festival has taken place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. Its panel of the jury included Oscar-nominated producer Gil Netter, award-winning director Jean Marc Vallee, Oscar-winning screenwriter David Seidler, director Lulu Wang, Actress Lucy Liu, director Tabrez Noorani and others. About the honour, an elated Adarsh confirmed to a news portal about his winning the prestigious international award. He thanked the Asian World Film Festival and the jury for finding his work worthy enough to be selected for the award. He also expressed his gratitude towards the filmmakers for giving him the opportunity to work on this film and play such an incredible role. Directed by Ramin Bahrani, The White Tiger stars Adarsh Gourav, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Rajkummar Rao. Produced by Mukul Deora and Ramin Bahrani, and executive produced by Priyanka Chopra, Prem Akkaraju and Ava DuVernay, the film is an adaptation of Aravind Adiga's 2008 novel of the same name. Adarsh plays a driver-cum-servant who is a victim of the age-old system of slavery that was followed in India, too. The film revolves around how he breaks free from slavery to become a successful businessman. The film was listed in the Netflix top 10 lists in 64 countries and was viewed by about 27 million households across the world. The film has also received an Oscar nomination. Prime Minister Florin Citu called on Wednesday for the representatives of the local authorities to continue to be involved in the firm application of the current health protection measures, emphasizing that the strict observance of the current rules, in parallel with the running of the vaccination process would be sufficient to avoid other restrictive measures or zonal quarantine, according to AGERPRES. "Yesterday we continued the talks with the representatives of the local authorities - mayors of the municipalities and presidents of the County Councils. We are all keen to protect the health and life of the citizens, to keep the economy open. These are common objectives, responsibly and decisively assumed, regardless of political formations. We called on the representatives of the local authorities to continue to be involved in the firm implementation of the current health protection measures, in the running of the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 and in the correct information of the people. The strict observance of the current measures would be enough - the wearing of a sanitary mask in public spaces, distancing oneself, avoiding congestion - in parallel with the sustained vaccination process, so as to avoid other restrictive decisions or zonal quarantine to limit the spread of the virus," Florin Citu wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. The prime minister adds that solutions were analyzed in the discussions with the mayors and presidents of the County Councils so that on the street, in the means of public transport, in shops or markets, in schools or at work, all citizens should protect their health and do not endanger those around them. "A handful of people who violate health rules and the law are not allowed to endanger the lives and health of the majority of citizens. Representatives of state institutions - police, gendarmes - will be among the people and will check that the law is respected. We do not compromise, we do not make exceptions. Nobody is above the law," pointed out Citu. The prime minister states that, in parallel, the vaccination capacity will be increased, up to 100,000 doses per day, in mid-April, including in hard-to-reach regions. ARANDIS has launched the single largest housing development in the town to provide housing to about half the 800 people on its waiting list. The development is a joint venture between the town council and South Haven Investments, and will include service infrastructure, as well as houses. Servicing alone will cost N$25 million and the project will see the construction of 319 houses over a period of two years and almost half the people on the housing waiting list in a town of about 6 000 residents will have a place to call home. It will also increase the town's houses by 30%. "This is a historic moment in our efforts to cut the housing backlog, not only at Arandis, but in Namibia as well," said Arandis mayor Erastus Kandenge at the groundbreaking ceremony last Friday. Urban and rural development deputy minister Derek Klazen said the challenge of housing provision can only be successfully achieved through partnerships between local authorities and the private sector. He said the project should also aim at utilising the town's resources, such as labour to reduce unemployment while also boosting the local economy through community cash flow. "We must also remain sensitive to the fact that, as towns grow and become successful, they attract more people, consequently creating a demand and putting pressure on land prices and forcing workers to live further away from town centres and commute longer distances," he said. He expressed hope that workers from nearby mines such as Rossing and Husab, would also buy houses at Arandis, instead of commuting to and from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Nick Mwanandimayi of South Haven Investment, assured that "hundreds of people" will be employed in the development. "Over the next 24 months we will see the landscape of this town change as tens of millions will flow into this town through this initiative," he said. Arandis was initially developed and managed by Rossing Uranium mine for its workers until it was handed over to the Arandis Town Council. Lack of funds and a bleak outlook for Rossing over the years resulted in many people losing jobs and leaving the town. This all culminated in a struggling economy that saw little development. In the decade since the Coalition took power in NSW, some of its most bitter battles have been fought over the relentless transformation of Sydneys urban landscape. Successive premiers and planning ministers have pushed ahead with the redevelopment of unused industrial sites and low-rise suburban areas such as Barangaroo, Macquarie Park and Waterloo, often in the face of protests from locals who complain high density towers of concrete and glass are destroying the citys character. The results have certainly not satisfied everyone but Planning Minister Rob Stokes is now promising that the next big redevelopment in his sights, the White Bay site on Blackwattle Bay just a kilometre from the CBD, will mark a test case for a new philosophy. He has just released a draft strategy for the site which he insists will deliver both economic value and also a desirable place for people to live, work and visit with lots of green space, fewer cars, more bicycles and pedestrians and a human feel. The Herald believes it is a good time to start planning for this site, which has been a hole in the centre of the city for four decades ever since the hulking power station at its heart was decommissioned in 1984. The United Arab Emirates foreign minister called for international cooperation with the government of Syrias President Bashar al-Assad after years of isolation imposed as a result of Damascus conduct in the countrys decadelong civil war. Speaking alongside Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Dubai today, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan called for joint action with Syrias government and private sector, as well as Syrias restoration to the Arab League, in order to help the war-wracked country return to normal. Nahyan further said the continuing United States-led campaign to isolate the Assad regime, in particular new sanctions under the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, make the matter difficult. We have expressed our opinion frankly to the US, he said. Why it matters: The foreign ministers remarks go against the grain of an international effort led by the United States to economically and politically isolate the Assad regime. The campaign of US sanctions has been built on well-documented and extensive war crimes committed by the Assad regime against the Syrian people over the last decade. Militarily backed by Russia and Iran, Assad has retaken control of roughly two-thirds of Syria from rebel factions and Islamist jihadists. But thanks to the war and the continuing US-led international pressure campaign, Assad has inherited a shell of a state in which some 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. US officials rallied their partners and allies in 2017 to withhold reconstruction aid for Syria destined for areas under Assads control. Despite close ties with the United States, the United Arab Emirates has emerged in recent years as a reluctant participant in Washingtons policy toward Assad. Abu Dhabi reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018 for the first time since the Arab League suspended Syria in 2011. US officials have threatened sanctions on those who do business with the Syrian government, which is controlled by Assads family and inner circle. Officials in Washington have insisted that sanctions on Syria will not be relieved until the Assad dictatorship agrees to free and fair elections as called for by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Former US Syria envoy James Jeffrey has described the policy in strategic terms, saying it was his job to ensure Russias gambit on the Mediterranean turns into a quagmire. Whats next: The UAE and Russia see the US policy as a dead end and are keen to invest in rebuilding Syria. But the threat of sanctions looms large for the Gulf state, which is counting on the Biden administration to unfreeze an unprecedented proposed sale of 50 highly advanced F-35 fighter jets and armed drones offered by the Trump administration. Lavrov was also set to discuss Libya, Yemen and Israel, as well as a wide range of economic sectors, such as power generation, industry, agriculture, infrastructure and peaceful use of space with Emirati officials, according to state-run Tass News Agency. The Russian foreign minister heads to Saudi Arabia and Qatar later this week. Know more: Sebastian Castelier argues that even amid progress toward detente with Qatar, economic competition within the Gulf Cooperation Council is heating up as the COVID-19 pandemic has set back Gulf economies. The woman who threw a racist tirade inside a Manhattan bakery on Sunday is a Queens resident who supports Donald Trump, opposes mask-wearing, claims African ancestry, and sued Mayor Bill de Blasio over school closures. Stephanie Denaro, 38, of Rosedale defended herself for calling a black bakery employee a b**** a** n****r after she was refused service for not wearing a mask inside Davidovich Bakery at Essex Market on the Lower East Side on Sunday. Denaro appeared to claim to be a New York City public school teacher after posting messages critical of de Blasio's school closures, but a spokesperson for the Department of Education said that she is not an employee of the agency. All of you hating on me for no reason! News flash!!!! I AM BLACK!!!!! Denaro posted on Instagram on Tuesday, hours after video of the incident went viral. My skin color does not look dark but my ancestry results came back as me being black! So do not be mad at me no more. Leave me alone!!! As a young black woman I love all of you!! The post included a statement declaring that the black and African-American race is the only race allowed to use the n-word. Stephanie Denaro, 38, of Rosedale, Queens defended herself for calling a black bakery employee a b**** a** n****r after she was refused service for not wearing a mask inside Davidovich Bakery at Essex Market on the Lower East Side of Manhattan on Sunday Denaro (right) who was waiting on line with her four children to pay for bagels at a New York City bakery referred to a black cashier as a b**** a** n****r because she was refused for service for not wearing a mask She also attached a graphic showing an ethnicity estimate which claims that she is 39 per cent Nigerian. Denaro claims that 12 per cent of her heritage is from the African nation of Mali; 8 per cent is from the Africa Southeastern Bantu region; 4 per cent is from the Ivory Coast and Ghana; 4 per cent is from Senegal; and 2 per cent is from Cameroon and Congo. But the graphic and statistics about her DNA breakdown were plagiarized by Denaro, who lifted them from an October 2017 article by Tech Crunch writer Megan Rose Dickey. In the story, Dickey describes sending her DNA to Ancestry and comparing those results with the findings that she received from 23andMe. On Wednesday, Denaro posted another selfie. 'Good morning triggered libs!!!' she wrote in the caption on Wednesday, adding a sun emoji. 'New day, new life as a young black woman!!!! Nothing you can do to stop me.' In another post from Wednesday, she wrote: I will always love who I am. Sticks and stones may break my bones by words will never break me!! For all of you that get mad over words!!! Learn how to move on with life! Saying 1 word during a verbal fight is not the end of the world! I love all races. I love you all!!!! My kids are not the same color as me so stop painting me as something I am not. Regardless what you miserable people say I will always love myself! The caption was attached to an image showing Denaro hugging a tree. After the video went viral, it sparked outrage on social media where users online have called for her to lose her job as well as her four children. In other Instagram post, she is seen holding one of her children. The caption reads: Cant be racist if I have black children. Video of Sunday's incident, which is said to have taken place at Davidovich Bakery in the Essex Market on Manhattans Lower East Side, was circulated on the internet on Tuesday 'Ma'am, he's not going to serve you so please leave,' the security guard tells Denaro, who continues to stand in line, refusing to move after she is refused service. 'Why? Cause he's a b**** a** n****r?' Denaro said Denaro finally leaves with her four children after the security guard notified the New York Police Department A spokesperson for Essex Market (seen above on Manhattan's Lower East Side) told DailyMail.com that management 'strongly denounces the racist incident that occurred in our facility on Sunday' The caption goes on: Jealous libs. Oh yeah! #women4trump. Denaro is seen in the photo wearing a pink Women for Trump t-shirt while holding one of her children. In another post, she writes: 'Ok stop with the dms. Let people have there opinions. I know you all have gotten into a argument and said bad things. 'I was just having a bad day. I didnt want to put a mask on because I have Asthma and Bronchitis. No one understood me so I got mad. 'I tried my best to keep my composure and not scream at anyone. All I just wanted to do is purchase my stuff and leave and they all were verbally assaulting me. 'Please spread love guys.... please forgive me!!! God wouldnt want to do this!!' Her social media accounts show that she has posted several videos of being confronted on city buses and stores about her refusal to cover her face. Denaro on Tuesday confirmed that she was the woman filmed uttering the racial slur. She said it is a term she uses often and that she has no qualms about uttering the slur due to the fact that her four children are bi-racial. I said, Youre a b**** a** n****r, a term they use, she told the New York Daily News. Denaro on Wednesday morning posted the above image on her Instagram account 'Good morning triggered libs!!!' she wrote in the caption on Wednesday, adding a sun emoji. 'New day, new life as a young black woman!!!! Nothing you can do to stop me' On her Instagram account, she posted an image on Tuesday showing her with one of her bi-racial children The caption reads: Cant be racist if I have black children. Jealous libs. Oh yeah! #women4trump. All of my children have a black father. Thats a term Ive heard them use all my life. When asked if she was worried about being outed as a racist Karen, she said she welcomed the opportunity to call attention to a pro-Trump conspiracy theory. Its actually great, because theyre forcing people in New York City to wear masks, Denaro told the Daily News. Its political theater. I dont believe in COVID-19. Its a hoax to convince people to use absentee ballots to steal the election from Donald Trump. The cashier who was the target of Denaros racial slurs, a 30-year-old worker who declined to be identified, told the Daily News: She was two customers behind the lady I was already serving. She had five kids and she was wearing no mask. He said he told Denaro: Maam, you may have forgotten to wear your mask. You must wear a mask. She replied Why should I? Denaro also bizarrely claimed that she is of African ancestry She also attached a graphic showing an ethnicity estimate which claims that she is 39 per cent Nigerian. Denaro claims that 12 per cent of her heritage is from the African nation of Mali; 8 per cent is from the Africa Southeastern Bantu region; 4 per cent is from the Ivory Coast and Ghana; 4 per cent is from Senegal; and 2 per cent is from Cameroon and Congo I replied, With those answers I will not be able to serve you. Then she said, You are a b**** a** n*****r. She said it a lot. Denaro clashed with the black cashier in Davidovich Bakery at Essex Market on the Lower East Side around 3pm Sunday. She went to the bakery to buy bagels but was denied service because she was not wearing a mask. She stood on line for several minutes with her four small children during which the cashier told her that he would not be providing service to her. I cant wear a mask, sir, Denaro is heard saying in video footage. A security guard nearby tells the cashier that he is not required to provide service to someone who isnt wearing a mask. The guard mentions that the woman does not wear a mask due to a medical problem. She apparently takes issue with a comment from the cashier who did not like how she was looking at him. Denaro's social media account includes several images showing her taking part in pro-Trump and anti-lockdown demonstrations and protests On Januay 20, she posted a video showing her being thrown off a New York City public bus because she refused to wear a mask 'Another day, another bus we get thrown off of by a bolshevik,' Denaro wrote You cant even see how Im looking at you. I have sunglasses on, the woman is heard telling the cashier. A security guard standing nearby tries to intervene, urging the woman to leave the store. I just want to order some bagels, she responds. Maam, hes not going to serve you so please leave, the security guard tells Denaro, who continues to stand in line, refusing to move. Why? Cause hes a b**** a** n****r? Denaro says. After the video of her encounter at Davidovich Bakery went viral on Tuesday, Denaro posted several defiant messages on her Instagram She also claimed to be receiving death and rape threats from trolls online Denaro also claimed that she was having a 'bad day' and that she didn't wear a mask because of asthma and bronchitis She defiantly vowed 'never to back down tot he libs' over her support for Trump Thats what he is! Thats what he is! she added as nearby shoppers gasped at hearing the racial slur, which she then repeated. B**** a*** n****r...I just said it, Denaro said. The security guard says she is going to call the police. Denaro continued to argue with the cashier, saying: It doesnt affect me that youre not going to serve me. When the security guard asked the woman if she called him by a racial slur, the woman responded: I can call him whatever I want. Denaros social media includes images in which she declares her support for Trump. Images show her speaking at pro-Trump rallies. Several posts also include anti-masking and anti-vaxxer messages. Her Instagram includes notices asking people to attend a protest against COVID-19 vaccinations. She also posted a video that was filmed with her own cell phone showing her being thrown off a New York City bus for not wearing a mask. DailyMail.com has made several attempts to contact Denaro Denaro claims to be a school teacher in the New York City public school system. DailyMail.com has sought comment from the city's Department of Education Denaro's social media also includes video of several encounters with police after customers in stores complained she was not wearing a mask Another day, another bus we get thrown off of by a bolshevik, the posts caption read. The video was apparently posted on January 20. You dont want to do your job, Denaro is heard in the video telling the bus driver, who apparently emptied the bus and refused to drive as long as she declined to wear a mask. This is not a law. A law is passed by a legislative body, she says in the clip. A law is not passed by [New York Governor] Andrew Cuomo. She added: You just dont want to drive the bus. And you want to cause all this trauma for all these people for no reason. You just want to pick on a woman with four children trying to get home because this makes you feel like a man. And youre taking all these people off the bus for no reason when you could just as easily drive the bus. Another video from that same day shows a New York City bus driver that was occupied by several passengers being delayed for at least 15 minutes because Denaro refused to wear a mask. Denaro has posted several messages indicating her support for conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 lockdowns as well as anti-vaccine propaganda Two days earlier, she posted a video showing her arguing with two New York Police Department officers who were called to a store where she apparently refused to wear a mask and was seen spitting at other customers. Officers, I am allowed to shop here, and I have a disability, Denaro is heard telling the two NYPD officers. Im not going to be harassed in every single store I go to because I need to get food for my children. Denaro then told the officers that the people who claimed she spit at them were making false allegations. DailyMail.com has made repeated attempts to reach Denaro. According to voter registration records, Denaro was once a registered voter for the far-left Working Families Party. Her social media also shows images from 2016 showing her wearing shirts that declare her support for Senator Bernie Sanders. Records indicate that she then switched her party registration to Republican. In January, she announced on Instagram that she was one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit that was filed against de Blasio over school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In January, she was among several plaintiffs who filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Bill de Blasio. The lawsuit aimed to force the de Blasio administration to reopen New York City public schools to in-person learning. It was thrown out in federal court So happy I'm part of this amazing lawsuit about how dumb Mayor Deblasio is, Denaro posted on her Instagram account on January 22. Complete idiots are running nyc. The federal lawsuit was aimed at forcing the de Blasio administration to reopen all city schools for in-person learning. US District Court Judge Paul G. Gardephe of the Southern District of New York rejected the lawsuit earlier this month. The Supreme Court of Brazil has ruled that former federal judge Sergio Moro passed a biased verdict in the 2017 corruption trial of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with the case now being subject to revision, media reporte MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2021) The Supreme Court of Brazil has ruled that former Federal judge Sergio Moro passed a biased verdict in the 2017 corruption trial of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with the case now being subject to revision, media reported. Earlier in March, a federal supreme court judge overturned all criminal convictions against Lula on the grounds that the ex-leader was tried in a court without proper jurisdiction, making it possible for the leftist politician to run in the next presidential election in 2022. According to the G1 news portal, which broadcast the trial on Tuesday, the Supreme Court reversed the earlier decision in a 3-2 vote in favor of Lula. In 2018, the former president, who was in office from 2003-2011, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on disputed corruption charges. The verdict was handed down by controversial judge Sergio Moro, who led the anti-corruption operation "car Wash." Although Lula was released from prison in November 2019, he remained stripped of his political rights until early March. (ANSA) - ROME, MAR 24 - "Italy reiterates its unmoveable position on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms and expresses solidarity to the European parliamentarians, academics, think tanks and officials hit by Chinese sanctions" - that was the message that Deputy Foreign Minister Marina Sereni gave on Wednesday to Chinese Ambassador Li Junhua, who was summoned to the foreign ministry in Rome. "Italy confirms its support for the measures adopted by the EU and rejects the Chinese sanctions as unacceptable," a foreign ministry statement said. (ANSA). HONG KONG, March 23, 2021 //PRNewswire/ -- WeCosmoprof International, the new digital event under the Cosmoprof brand designed to enrich the virtual event space, with its first edition will take place from 7 to 18 June 2021. An eco-system without borders using cutting-edge technology, WeCosmoprof International brings together the entire cosmetic industry in complete safety. Encompassing the entire community of the Cosmoprof family's international network thanks to the synergy between its platforms, WeCosmoprof International incorporates Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, Cosmoprof Asia, Cosmoprof North America, Cosmoprof India and Cosmoprof CBE Asean. Stakeholders from all continents will participate, starting with Asia, the market that first returned to a growth economy after the pause in activity due to the pandemic, and moving on to Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. "International presence and inclusivity in all major world markets are the main features that make the Cosmoprof network a unique and essential business partner for the global cosmetics industry. Today, with the launch of the first edition of WeCosmoprof International, these elements become the fundamental characteristics of our first-ever digital event aimed at a growing pool of global operators," declares the President of BolognaFiere, Gianpiero Calzolari. "This synergy comes from the increasingly close collaboration with Informa Markets group, our international partner, and the institutions ITA - Italian Trade Agency, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Cosmetica Italia Personal Care Association. While waiting to return to events with in-person attendance, the best way for us to support the cosmetics sector in such uncertain times is by continuing to work together." "Thanks to the synergy with our partners, WeCosmoprof International will involve companies and operators in all the main markets, multiplying business opportunities through new channels specific for each geographical area," underlines Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof. "The promotion and its initiatives will involve the entire user database of our Cosmoprof-branded events, making the most of the potential of our global platform." WeCosmoprof International will bring together the whole cosmetics industry by nurturing the networking opportunities between players worldwide, thanks to the innovative digital tools of Cosmoprof My Match. The significantly upgraded matching software seamlessly connects customers, and includes enhanced accessibility for industry players in China, which will facilitate relationships between stakeholders in Asian markets. Virtual meetings through live chats and other interactive systems will be joined by new functions that monitor progress with the analysis of visitor data and chat results. In addition, the download of potential business contacts will facilitate business relationships even after the event, offering new networking opportunities to companies and operators. The event will feature specific content thanks to Cosmotalks - The Virtual Series, with insights into new trends and the evolution of crucial markets for the industry, and Cosmo Virtual Stage, with contributions dedicated to the professional channel. "In these times of disconnection, we continue to focus on collaboration within the global beauty community. To make the most of WeCosmoprof International's global reach and networking synergy we have upgraded optimisation for the Chinese market, offer innovative virtual support, state-of-the-art digital tools and enhanced business opportunities to our community around the world. While we are already planning a second edition, we look forward to welcoming you all to WeCosmoprof International, and witnessing new and exceptional growth across the industry," says David Bondi, Senior Vice President Asia of Informa Markets and Director of Cosmoprof Asia Ltd. WeCosmoprof International is organised by Cosmoprof Asia Ltd, a joint venture between BolognaFiere and Informa Markets. During 2020, the digital events of the Cosmoprof network registered the participation of over 50,000 operators from 120 countries, and more than 10,000 users followed the webinars and video contributions. For further information, please go to www.wecosmoprof.com ABOUT THE ORGANISERS: Cosmoprof Asia is organised by Cosmoprof Asia Ltd, a joint-venture company between BolognaFiere Group and Informa Markets Asia Ltd. ABOUT BOLOGNAFIERE GROUP (www.bolognafiere.it) BolognaFiere Group is the world's leading trade show organiser in cosmetics, fashion, architecture, building, art and culture. The Group has more than 80 international exhibitions within its portfolio, notably Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the most important meeting point in the world for beauty professionals, established in 1967 and held in Bologna, Italy. For the 2019 edition, Cosmoprof registered more than 265.000 attendees from 150 countries in the world, with an increase by 10% of foreign professionals, and 3,033 exhibitors from 70 countries. The Cosmoprof platform extends throughout the entire world, with its events in Bologna, Las Vegas, Mumbai, and Hong Kong, China (with Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, Cosmoprof North America, Cosmoprof India, and Cosmoprof Asia). Recently the fifth exhibition of the network has been announced: Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN, in Thailand, will focus on the cosmetic industry in South-East Asia. In 2020, South China Beauty Expo, a new show in Shenzhen, China was held in July. The Cosmoprof platform will reinforce its influence in Europe with the Beauty Forum format, thanks to the acquisition of the German group Health and Beauty, in South America, thanks to the collaboration with Beauty Fair -Feira Internacional De Beleza Profissional, and in Asia. ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS (www.informamarkets.com) Informa Markets Beauty has an extensive network powered by B2B events across 11 cities in Asia (Bangkok, Chengdu, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Mumbai, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tokyo), the world's fastest growing markets. By further expanding its strength, the Beauty Portfolio now includes a new B2B event in Miami 2022 will serve THE AMERICAS, North, South America and Caribbean Islands Region. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. SOURCE Cosmoprof Asia Related Links http://www.wecosmoprof.com On businessinsider.com it says "Most Americans were in denial," Keenan told Business Insider. "Who would believe the abhorrent reality that children were being sexually abused for profit on such a mass scale?" The article goes into how a lot of wealthy players were involved in this operation. The crazy thing is their is very little information on this man and this case. I googled searched it and found little to nothing. There isnt even a Wikipedia page on this man Francis Shelden very interesting and disturbing. Business insider is the only information I found about this man and this case. Most information about him and this island is SCRUBBED from the internet. https://www.businessinsider.com/jeffrey-epstein-north-fox-island-francis-shelden-2019-8 Francis Sheldon was charged and convicted of this crime and disappeared. Apparently he was found dead in Amsterdam of unknown causes. They even did a autopsy and the cause of death is still unknown. Murdered by the cabal mafia and their advanced suicide weapons I would say. Only other information I found on this guy Francis Sheldon is here. https://wikitia.com/wiki/Francis_Duffield_Shelden A massive container ship turned sideways across Egypt's Suez Canal, blocking one of the world's busiest trade routes and causing a major traffic jam of shipping vessels at both ends, BBC reported. Those blue blobs are all the ships waiting in vain to cross the Suez Canal pic.twitter.com/46skeOUlt4 Dani Burger (@daniburgz) March 24, 2021 The Ever Given is a 400m-long, 59m-wide vessel and was built in 2018. According to Vessel Finder, the 2,20,000 tonne ship was bound for the port city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands from China before it ran aground and was stuck sideways across the waterway earlier today at around 11AM IST. NEW The Suez Canal, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world, is blocked with no ships, vessels able to pass it because someone accidentally got stuck with their giant Evergreen container ship pic.twitter.com/f934KjlZkT Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 24, 2021 Taiwanese transport company Evergreen Marine, which operates the vessel, said that the ship was "suspected of being hit by a sudden strong wind, causing the hull to deviate... and accidentally hit the bottom and run aground". Vessel Finder According to AFP, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) said it was working to refloat the giant ship, using rescue and tug units. To ease the marine traffic caused by the incident, the authorities also reopened an older section of the canal. Check the Playback of the vast containership that has run aground in the canal, and look at the tugboats that have moved into place trying to free the Ever Given. #Suez #EVERGIVEN pic.twitter.com/zaO4NNFY6X MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) March 24, 2021 The operation is said to take a couple of days. Live data from Vessel Finder, a tracking website, at 7 PM IST showed that the efforts were on to re-float the giant ship with the help of at least eight tug boats. Vessel Finder The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and provides the shortest sea link between Asia and Europe. About 10 per cent of global trade passes through the Suez Canal and under normal circumstances, around 50 ships pass through the 190 Km long canal. Meanwhile, Twitter, like always, saw the funny side of the story. If you think youre having a bad day, spare a thought for the helmsman who somehow managed to stick his giantass ship sideways into the goddamn Suez Canal & blocked it into literal gridlock & is currently costing every seafaring nation of Earth like millions of dollars every hour pic.twitter.com/DIWAxwctXa Shiv Ramdas (@nameshiv) March 24, 2021 Its 2021 and the world economy is frozen, watching a container ship in the Suez Canal do the Austin Powers for 3 days #Evergreen #EverGiven pic.twitter.com/GQUaEnLA8D Derek Fox (@partialobs) March 24, 2021 You may have had a bad day today but have you blocked the Suez Canal today level of bad day? pic.twitter.com/U9VqaKk7zc One Shot Loggie (@JohnBuc08179594) March 23, 2021 You just know theres at least one lad on that boat stuck in the Suez Canal who is giving it this right now pic.twitter.com/XaW0A0JHYV Anthony O'Connor (@Antcon7062) March 24, 2021 problem with the suez canal thing is everyone is thinking in merely two dimensions. i would simply rotate the ship along the z-axis matt (@Lubchansky) March 24, 2021 emotionally i am the shipping container stuck sideways in the suez canal but more importantly physically i am the shipping container blocking all traffic through the suez canal Shoshana (@spacemutineers) March 24, 2021 This reminds me of projects I've worked on. Project manager - I need a 200,000 tonne ship moved by the end of the day Me - can I have adequate resourcing? Project Manager - you can have two workers and a tiny digger and I'm not paying overtime!#SuezCanal pic.twitter.com/FUYKr1Nw6a Iain Maciver Todd (@iainmacivertodd) March 24, 2021 I felt like we could all relate to that excavator #suezcanal #suezcanalmemes pic.twitter.com/5FWYymOf5K Emily Janet (@EmilyJanet6) March 24, 2021 What's happening right now? If you want to track the live location of the Ever Given container ship blocking the Suez Canal, you can see it right here: EVER GIVEN Current position (Container Ship, IMO 9811000) - VesselFinder. At 7 PM IST, the vessel is still stuck in the Suez Canal, as tug ships are trying to pull it out. The effect of the Suez Canal blockade is quite huge, as 10% of all seaborne oil trade flows through the Suez Canal, and although temporary it has definitely caused a minor spike in global crude oil price index, according to an Al Jazeera report. Reubens Brews and Metier Brewing Co. join forces to form the Mosaic State Brewers Collective Seattle, WA --News Direct-- Reuben's Brews As a well-known African proverb says, If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The newly formed Mosaic State Brewers Collective, a collaboration between Reubens Brews and Metier Brewing Company to develop diverse leadership for the brewing industry, was inspired by that proverb when defining the programs empowering motto: Go Far, Go Together. The Mosaic State Brewers Collective is a dynamic new mentorship program launching this summer to develop future leaders in the brewing industry who are reflective of our nations diversity. According to a 2019 report from the Brewers Association, 88% of the people who own craft breweries are white while only 4% are American Indian or Alaska Native, 2% are Asian, 2% are Hispanic, and just 1% are Black. Driven by Reubens Co-Founder and Director of the Reubens Brews Foundation Grace Robbings and Metier Brewing Company General Manager Dreux Dillingham, the ambitious program offers an insightful curriculum, practical experience, and authentic mentorship that will open opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, ultimately enriching the culture and broadening the perspective of the brewing industry to better represent the diverse communities of which it is an essential part. Informal mentorship has long played an important role in the craft brewing industry, said Dr. J Jackson-Beckham (she/her/Dr.), the Equity & Inclusion Partner for the Brewers Association and Principal of Crafted For all. Formalizing mentoring relationships will help us to strategically remove barriers to access and advancement and extend opportunities to underrepresented and marginalized groups. " Beginning in June and limited to 10 participants, the program will take place over the course of three distinct levels: Do I have a place in this industry? Where is my place in this industry? How can I become a leader in this industry? In addition to Grace and Dreux, participants will receive invaluable guidance from an inspiring group of mentors selected from each sector of the beer community and adjacent retail and manufacturing businesses. Mentors include Brewmaster and Pink Books Society Leader Annie Johnson, Reubens Co-Founder Adam Robbings, Stoup Brewing Founder Robyn Schumacher, Georgetown Brewing Co-Founder Manny Chao, and Metier Brewing CEO Rodney Hines among several other industry leaders. The curriculum is also rich with hands-on experience covering everything from recipe design to brewing, cellaring, packaging, marketing, and sales. The final level focuses on business planning and management skills in partnership with the Consulting & Business Development Center at University of Washington's Foster School of Business. Complete details on the curriculum and mentors can be found here. Story continues "Seeing yourself reflected in the work you choose to do and having peers or mentors to lean on in order to grow is an important part of being successful, said Dillingham. It's something I didn't have early on in my own career and being able to provide that opportunity as an entry point for the future leaders of this industry is what we are passionate about. MBC is proud to collaborate with Reubens to create a more inclusive craft beer community for all." To raise awareness and essential funds for this vital new program, Reubens and Metier are together releasing Ombili IPA, a citrusy West Coast IPA that bounces with bright aromas of tangerine and a layered hop profile featuring Citra, Sabro, and Azacca hops. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Ombili IPA will support the Mosaic State Brewers Collective, and the production of the beer was made possible by generous donations from Gambrinus Malting, Skagit Valley Malting, Haas, Roy Farms, and the Kennedy Group. Ombili IPA will be available starting Thursday March 25th at the Reubens Taproom and Metiers Beer Hall, then will make its way into distribution around the Pacific Northwest the following week. The artwork adorning the Ombili (pronounced ohm-bee-lee) IPA cans was inspired by the vibrant fabrics used by the people of Namibia, where Grace served with the Peace Corps as a volunteer teacher. In the local Oshiwambo dialect of the area of northern Namibia where I lived and worked, Ombili means peace, harmony and all good things, said Robbings. It was so imbued in all interactions that the word came to be used in greetings and farewells, similar to how Aloha is used. Dreux and I chose this name because the power of peace and reconciliation is a driving force of the work were doing through the Mosaic State Brewers Collective. Reubens and Metier invite everyone who is interested to visit the program website to find complete details about the program and to submit an application to get started. About Reubens Brews Adam and Grace Robbings opened Reubens Brews in 2012, after an award-winning homebrewing career, naming the brewery after their first child, Reuben. At their employee-owned family brewery they brew from the glass backwards: designing each beer with intention, unbound by constraints. They know that making that extra effort is worth it. From their everyday favorite beers to innovative new releases, they help you grow your love of beer. Reubens Brews. Beer Unbound. The Reubens Taproom (5010 14th Ave NW in Ballard) is open daily 12pm-9pm. The space has been updated for the times, featuring an expanded outdoor seating area and To-Go Store. They strictly adhere to all current state and local health precautions to keep their customers and team safe. Customers are invited to order online for contactless pickup at reubensbrews.com/shop or stop by for walk-up purchase. The Brewtap (800 NW 46th St. in Ballard) is closed until further notice. Visit reubensbrews.com for details, and follow @reubensbrews on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates. About Metier Brewing Company Metier means ones calling, and at Metier Brewing Company our calling is brewing damn good beer and building stronger communities to inspire bigger dreams for all. We experiment with brews that are innovative and accessible. With commitment to craft in mind, we brew with intention and integrity, and never compromise. Our belief is that great beer paired with dialogue can lead to community building and strengthening. As one of the few black-owned breweries in the country, we know representation matters, so we strive to provide an environment where all can feel welcome. Our kid-pet-and- event-friendly taproom in Woodinvilles Artisan Hill District features our award-winning beers, local cider and wine, our own in-house nitro brewed coffee, and freshly made Hop Tonic. MBCs taproom is open Thursday-Sunday, and currently adheres to all COVID protocols, including limited capacity. Weve implemented a reservation system at so you can secure your spot in our warehouse or heated patio area. You can also order online for pick up at if youre not quite ready to hang out in public. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @metierbrewing to stay updated on our beer releases, food truck schedule, and all things MBC! metierbrewing.com Contact Details Joe Mattson Bivalve +1 206-940-8225 JOE@BIVALVEAGENCY.COM Company Website https://reubensbrews.com/foundation/msbc/ View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/developing-diverse-leadership-for-the-brewing-industry-363013516 US POLICE have identified the 21-year-old suspect accused of killing 10 people - including a policeman - in a hail of bullets at a Colorado supermarket, marking the United States' second mass shooting in a week. The suspect, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa of Arvada, Colorado, stormed the King Soopers outlet in Boulder armed with an AR-style semi-automatic rifle and a handgun and wearing a tactical vest, all of which were recovered after Monday's shooting, according to an arrest affidavit filed by police. Law enforcement databases show Alissa purchased a Ruger AR-556 pistol, a weapon that resembles a semi-automatic rifle and has a 30-round capacity, on March 16, six days before the shooting. Expand Close A woman is consoled after a shooting at the grocery store in Boulder. Photo: Reuters / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman is consoled after a shooting at the grocery store in Boulder. Photo: Reuters Read More Alissa was released from a hospital, where he was treated for a leg wound suffered in an exchange of gunfire with responding police, and transported to county jail to await an initial court appearance on murder and other charges. His criminal history shows a single charge for third-degree assault in 2018. Authorities said they were confident he acted alone, though they did not offer any details on what might have motivated him to open fire at the store, about 28 miles northwest of Denver. "It would be premature for us to draw any conclusions at this time," Michael Schneider, the agent in charge of the FBI's field office in Denver, said at a news briefing. The 10 victims range in age from 20 to 65 and include Eric Talley, an 11-year veteran of the Boulder police force. Talley, 51, was the father of seven children and had recently been looking for a less dangerous job, according to a statement released by his father. Police identified the nine other victims as Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Teri Leiker, 51; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; and Jody Waters, 65. Monday's attack, which began around 2.40pm, drew hundreds of police officers to the scene and sent terrified shoppers and employees fleeing for safety amid the sound of gunfire. Colorado has been the site of some of the most shocking episodes of gun violence in US history, including the 2012 mass shooting at a movie theater in Aurora and the 1999 rampage at Columbine High School near Littleton. Expand Close Law enforcement officers in tactical gear are seen at the site of a shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Law enforcement officers in tactical gear are seen at the site of a shooting at a King Soopers grocery store in Boulder, Colorado REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt The latest bloodshed came only six days after a gunman went on a killing spree on March 16 in the Atlanta area, fatally shooting eight people at three day spas before he was arrested. "My heart aches today," Colorado Governor Jared Polis said yesterday. "Flags had barely been raised back to full-mast after the tragic shooting in Atlanta that claimed eight lives, and now a tragedy here close to home at a grocery store that could be any of our neighbourhood grocery stores." The two mass shootings are likely to intensify pressure on Democratic President Joe Biden to fulfill his campaign pledge to enact tougher gun limits. But legislation to ban assault-style weapons and tighten background checks have stalled amid Republican opposition in Congress. "I don't need to wait another minute, let alone another hour, to take common-sense steps that will save lives in the future," Biden said at the White House on Tuesday. "This is not and should not be a partisan issue." One of Australias most respected anti-corruption lawyers says Attorney-General Christian Porter should not have responsibility for establishing a Commonwealth Integrity Commission while he is facing an unresolved rape allegation. Former Queensland Criminal Justice Commission director Mark Le Grand said the flaws inherent in the proposed Commonwealth anti-corruption body, particularly the special protections it offers politicians, created a conflict for Mr Porter, who is challenging historical rape allegations against him in a defamation proceeding against the ABC. Attorney-General Christian Porter has been on leave since identifying himself three weeks ago as the cabinet minister at the centre of historical rape allegations, which he denies. Credit:Trevor Collens Isnt it a matter of public perception, public faith in the process that the person who is sponsoring this legislation through the Parliament is beyond reproach and doesnt have an interest in the provisions of the legislation? Mr Le Grand said. A person who is the subject of serious allegations which are the subject of litigation in the Federal Court muddies the waters and brings into question whether he is truly an independent agent in taking this legislation through Parliament. YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Parliament is holding a regular session. The bills debated yesterday, including the oppositions bill on lifting the martial law, will be put up to voting. Thereafter, the lawmakers will debate the election of judge of the Court of Cassation. The MPs will also debate a number of other bills during todays session. Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan Indias most economical Remdesivir brand now made more affordable for patients In a significant move Ahmedabad based Zydus has made its brand of Remdesivir, Remdac more affordable at Rs. 899 for a 100 mg lyophilized injection. Remdac which was launched in August 2020 at Rs. 2800, continues to be Indias most economical brand of Remdesivir and a critical drug in the treatment of COVID-19. This move to further revise the prices will go a long way in helping patients during these critical times. Speaking on the development Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Cadila Healthcare Limited said, Through the course of this pandemic, our efforts have been focused on making therapies accessible and affordable to people. RemdacTM has been one of the critical drugs in the disease management on COVID and we hope that this price cut will enable people from every strata of the society to access this critical drug. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - The Very Good Food Company Inc. (TSXV: VERY) (OTCQB: VRYYF) (FSE: 0SI) ("VERY" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a newly formed board of strategic advisors that will help guide the Company in its next stage of expansion. These food industry veterans have extensive experience in brand development, purpose-driven marketing programs and international sales. The formation of the strategic advisory board is timely as VERY embarks on expansion sales plans in the US and Europe, new product development programs and key opportunities. Mitchell Scott, CEO commented: "We are extremely fortunate to have such a seasoned team with diverse backgrounds in the CPG food space join us to help strategically grow and add value to both our consumers and VERY overall." VERY's Advisory Board Members Justin Steinbach is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods ("CPG") and Foodservice industry with more than 18 years of experience in developing sales and marketing strategies for prominent food production companies. He is adept at future-proofing businesses by focusing on sustainability and high quality, nutritious foods that meet customer and consumer needs. Justin has been based in Europe for the last 10 years and has been working with leading food brands, Danone and Barilla, where he currently serves as Global Vice-President of Foodservice for the Barilla Group, the world leader in pasta. Prior to joining Barilla, he previously led global sales development & marketing for Danone's Foodservice division and was responsible for building strategic global partnerships with Starbucks, McDonald's and Subway. Jason Doolan has extensive experience in marketing CPG companies. He has established a reputation for being a business innovator over his 25-year career and was voted the overall winner in Strategy Magazine's 2015 Marketer of the Year. While at General Mills Canada, Jason delivered transformational results on brands like Cheerios, Pillsbury and Nature Valley. His approach to purpose-driven marketing helped stimulate a new conversation in which brands align themselves with their customers through shared values and beliefs, rather than strictly product attributes. Jason believes a purpose-driven business can energize a community, unlock growth and help brands stand out from the crowd. Niki Sahf has spent over a decade in the CPG industry starting her career at General Mills USA before discovering her passion for helping natural start-ups succeed. After leaving General Mills, Niki worked for Enjoy Life Foods where she played an integral part in their acquisition by Mondelez; held a senior role at Califia Farms; and is currently the VP of Sales for Koia. She is a seasoned sales leader who helps companies become disruptors in their space, particularly those in the plant-based food industry. Her experience launching and expanding brands in both the United States and Canada make her an ideal partner. Koreann Webster has over 15 years in the natural and health food industry and currently serves as a strategic sales leader with a passion for mission-based brands. Koreann spent over 10 years with Vega, a premium plant-based food brand, where she held various sales focused roles. Recently, Koreann held the position of Director of Sales at Smart Sweets, an innovative company that develops sugar free candy without the use of artificial sweeteners. About The Very Good Food Company The Very Good Food Company Inc. is an emerging plant-based food technology company. Our mission is to use progressive food technology to create plant-based meat and other food products that are delicious while maintaining a wholesome nutritional profile. To date we have developed a core product line under The Very Good Butchers brand. For further information, please contact: Mitchell Scott Chief Executive Officer and Director Investor Relations: Edge Communications Group Invest@verygoodbutchers.com 1-855-472-9841 The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents 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 news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "proposed", "expects", "intends", "may", "will", and similar expressions. Forward looking information contained or referred to in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the benefits VERY expects to derive from the advisory board and VERY's plans for the expansion of sales in the US and Europe and new product development . Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to successfully leverage the experience and knowledge of the advisory board members. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: negative cash flow and future financing requirements to sustain operations, dilution, limited history of operations and revenues and no history of earnings or dividends, competition, economic changes and the impact of and risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The forward looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78412 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Birmingham construction firm Robins & Morton turns 75 this year but isnt stopping long to celebrate as it continues to tackle several ongoing projects. You cant be successful just because you hang your shingle up, Ben Leaver, the companys CFO said. Its interesting to reflect on the fingerprints of that legacy. Not in a way that makes the company feel old, but in a way that keeps us grounded to those tried and true practices that helped us get to where we are. Founded in 1946 by Todd Robins as Robins Engineering, the company made a name for itself in steel plant construction. By the mid-seventies, it had moved into healthcare. In 1992, CEO Barry Mortons name was added to the name. Robins & Morton is a privately-held construction company with other offices in Huntsville, Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, Nashville, Orlando and San Antonio. Over the years, the company has been involved in Regions Field, Auburn Arena, Huntsville Hospital. Recent Alabama projects include Longleaf at Liberty Park and Huntsvilles Times Plaza. In the past ten years alone, the company has completed nearly $10 billion in projects throughout the U.S. This year, the company completed the Valley Hotel in Homewood, and is leading renovations on Trades Tower at Five Points in Birmingham. The company was the original contractor on the project back in 1970. In addition in 2021, Robins & Morton and Novant Health broke ground on its $154 million Ballantyne Medical Center project in Charlotte. Work also began on an expansion of the Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville, Texas. This month, the company took home three 2020 National Excellence in Construction Awards in healthcare and institutional categories from the Associated Builders and Contractors. And workers are enjoying the firms new renovated headquarters off Shades Creek Parkway in Birmingham. A three-story parking garage with 72 spaces was added in 2019. Work continued on the project during 2020, adding almost 10,000 square feet to the complex, expanding its corporate training area, adding more desk space, collaborative and community areas, and renovating the existing offices. For the anniversary, Robins & Morton updated its branding for a refreshed look. But all that activity came during one of the most challenging years of the business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Leaver said a lot of people in the construction business were fearful of what might happen in a recession even prior to the events of March 2020. I remember sitting around in peer groups talking about how and when the next recession would happen, and no one would have thought of a global pandemic, he said. However, Robins & Morton, which specializes in healthcare construction, was pressed into immediate action. The company completed a 450-bed alternate care hospital in the Miami Beach Convention Center, to deal with the COVID-19 surge in area hospitals. The project was completed in just under two weeks. In the midst of that job, the company had to deal with logistic challenges, as well as the demands of keeping workers safe while work continued. From a pure business standpoint, we were extremely fortunate that we didnt have a huge impact financially, but we did have our fair share of jobs that either had to shut down or were postponed, Leaver said. When you operate for clients that are primarily hospitals, their focus quickly shifted from capital projects to keeping everyone on their campuses safe. In a way, we had to stand aside and let them figure it out first. There were a few months of high uncertainty. However, by late summer and early fall, he said, most of the projects that had been postponed or suspended were back on track. As far as 2021 is concerned, Leaver said the company maintains an air of cautious optimism. The ultimate impact of last years COVID recession may not be felt in construction for up to a year or 18 months, and the continuing work going on may allow the company to avoid the expected whipsaw effect. We have as many opportunities as weve had in a long time, he said. Its interesting in that were going from projects being cancelled to seeing opportunities coming in faster than previously anticipated. That swing happened in six or nine months time. One complication from COVID - all the collaborative and training space at the renovated headquarters hasnt gotten used quite in the way the company expected before the pandemic. But Leaver said, once COVID restrictions are lifted, there will still be a need for daily, face-to-face interactions between employees and with clients. Celebrating an anniversary, in the midst of work and challenges, has also recommitted the company to its core values, Leaver said. Weve talked a lot about our mission, which is to exceed the expectations of our client, he said. Seventy-five years of history would tell you that. Wed like to think were doing that. The proof is in that history. Thiruvananthapuram, March 24 : Continuing his tirades against the Congress and the BJP, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday slammed them for spreading canards against his government's flagship programme KIIFB. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is a government-owned financial institution formed to mobilise funds for infrastructure development from outside the state revenue. Numerous projects in the state have been assigned funds from the KIIFB. "On Tuesday in Parliament, three Congress-led UDF MPs had asked a question with regards to KIIFB and the Centre gave a reply that the 'Masala bonds' issued by KIIFB had the approval and concurrence of the Reserve Bank of India. With these answers the canards being spread jointly by the Congress and the BJP against KIIFB has fallen flat," said Vijayan in his interaction with the media at Thiruvalla. He pointed out that KIIFB so far has cleared 850 projects worth over Rs 43,000 crore in various sectors. "In the next five years there is going to be a massive change in the infrastructure sector. We will see good quality roads, hugely improved health infrastructure and also in the education sector and not to mention the K-Phone project. This is what the Congress and the BJP are opposing because they want to see that Kerala does not progress. We all saw how the various probe agencies are also targeting the KIIFB," added Vijayan. He also slammed the opposition and accused the Congress and BJP of even asking people not to contribute to a public cause when the state was trying to recover from the worst ever floods in 2018 and 19. "The people here are now aware of the new 'Kerala model' of cooperation between the Congress and the BJP and here again it is only the Left which is strongly batting for secularism. We will never ever join hands with those who try to create communal unrest, unlike the Congress and the BJP which are hand in glove. In certain constituencies they have taken a give and take policy. The Left does not wish to have any support from any communal forces," added Vijayan. Kerala goes to the polls on April 6 to elect 140 MLAs and the Vijayan government is expecting to retain power, while the Congress-led UDF is certain that history will repeat when votes are counted on May 2. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Via Teleconference Washington D.C. March 22 11:02 A.M. EDT Good morning. Thank you for joining us. We're now two months into our national strategy to defeat COVID-19. At the heart of our plan are a number of critical activities.Vaccinations: We've had to significantly ramp up vaccine production to a level more than double when we arrived, acquired enough vaccines to vaccinate the population, and have set up a deadline May 1st by which all Americans should be eligible to get a vaccine.We've done this not only by increasing vaccine production, but also adding thousands more vaccinators and thousands of additional locations to get vaccinated.We are now vaccinating about 2.5 million people per day, up from 900,000 when we arrived. This weekend was the first time that the U.S. reported vaccinating more than 3 million people on consecutive days.There are now a total of 81 million people or nearly 1 in 3 adults with at least one vaccine dose in the U.S., and 44 million who are fully vaccinated. Nearly 69 percent of seniors have now received their first vaccination, and 42 percent are fully vaccinated.A second core element of our plan is to get schools open and open safely. This has meant following the science, dramatically increasing testing, and making it a priority to vaccinate teachers. With $10 billion committed to testing so far, schools have enough resources to properly test their students and staff.Today, we're taking another step in building an equitable and efficient response. The state of Washington will receive its first federally federal community vaccination site. The Yakima County CVC will be able to offer up to 1,200 shots per day. Local residents will be able to drive through the Central Washington State Fair Park and get a shot.Now, this is the 22nd federally run vaccination site we've opened. And as you can see from some of the tweets on the screen here, these sites get great reviews as a place to get vaccinated. Combined, they deliver nearly 100,000 shots per day.All of the sites are in areas defined by the CDC as having a high social vulnerability rating. In fact, against the backdrop of inequity in vaccine distribution generally, and the severe toll taken by the virus on people of color, in federal vaccination centers, over 60 percent of the shots have gone to people of color.For example, Yakima County has been particularly hard hit throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with disproportionately high infection and hospitalization rates as compared to the rest of the state.The President has set a goal of doubling the number of community vaccination centers run by FEMA and the U.S. military to ensure that we reach the hardest-hit communities in this historic effort.We have much more work to do, but further progress was made this weekend.With that, I'm going to turn this over to Dr. Walensky and then to Dr. Fauci for some important updates.Thank you, Andy. I'm delighted to be back with you all today. Let's start with an overview on the state of the pandemic. The most recent seven-day average is about 53,800 cases per day, which is a slight increase from the previous seven-day period. And over the past two weeks, cases have continued to fluctuate somewhere between 50,000 and 60,000 daily cases.The most recent seven-day average for new hospital admissions is just over 4,500 per day. Like COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions have been relatively stable over the last two weeks, hovering around 4,500 to 5,000 admissions per day.Deaths continue to decline a lagging indicator with the most recent seven-day average of deaths slightly over [sic] 1,000 per day. Slightly under sorry 1,000 per day.The apparent leveling off of cases and hospital admissions after the consistent declines we saw in these outcomes in early January through the end of February I consider to be very concerning.In addition, while deaths continue to drop, they remain at elevated levels. And in the past week, the rate of decline of deaths has slowed.We also know that the trajectory of the pandemic varies across the United States, with some states and regions of the country, such as the Northeast and the Upper Midwest, are beginning to again see a significant rise in cases.Taken together, these statistics should serve as a warning sign for the American people. As I've stated before, the continued relaxation of prevention measures while cases are still high, and while concerning variants are spreading rapidly throughout the United States, is a serious threat to the progress we have made as a nation.Increasingly, states are seeing a growing proportion of their COVID-19 cases attributed to variants. The newly identified variant, B1427/B1429, is estimated to account for 52 percent of cases in California, 41 percent in Nevada, and 25 percent in Arizona. And the B117 variant is estimated to be responsible for 9 percent of cases in New Jersey and 8 percent in Florida.Believe me, I get it we all want to return to our everyday activities and spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones. But we must find the fortitude to hang in there for just a little bit longer. We are at a critical point in this pandemic, a fork in the road, where we as a country must decide which path we are going to take. We must act now. And I am worried that if we don't take the right actions now, we will have another avoidable surge, just as we are seeing in Europe right now and just as we are so aggressively scaling up vaccination.Nearly 25 percent of the American population have received at least one dose, and over 44 million people about 13 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. And we have more vaccine supply on the way.Until then, we must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the proliferation of variants while we get more people vaccinated.We now have 69 percent of adults over the age of 65 who have received at least one vaccine dose and 42 percent who are fully vaccinated. And we have seen that the vaccines are working. With increasing numbers of those over 65 now fully vaccinated, we're seeing the benefit. For the first time since last summer, the percent of those over 65 presenting to our emergency departments because of COVID-19 is lower than those age 26 to 45 in the United States.These vaccines work. We're seeing it in the data. There are positive kinks in our curves. And we need to remain vigilant as we quickly get the rest of the American people fully vaccinated.I'm calling the American people to action, whether vaccinated or not, to recommit to doing the right thing. Take the steps we know work to stop COVID-19: Wear a well-fitted mask, socially distant, avoid crowds and travel, and be ready to roll up your sleeve to get vaccinated when the vaccine is available to you.Thank you. I'll now turn things over to Dr. Fauci. DR. FAUCI: You can visit a collection of all White House posts by clicking HERE. Contact: White House White House Press Office Thank you very much, Dr. Walensky. We have some good news today in the field of vaccine, and that has to do with the results that were announced yesterday from the AstraZeneca trial.As shown on this slide, there are three platforms that have six companies involved. For the discussion over the next couple of minutes, we're going to be looking at the chimp adeno vector that is used by AstraZeneca, which yesterday revealed the results of their phase three trial.Next slide.Just to refresh your memory, the vector that is used in this platform is a chimp adenovirus in which the SAR-CoV spike protein DNA was inserted. That non-replication-competent harmless adenovirus is injected into the muscle of an individual. The DNA then codes for RNA, which then essentially codes for the spike protein which the body makes the immune response against. That is the fundamental mechanism of this platform. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 23:12:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOSCOW, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should deal with urgent problems that its member countries are facing, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday, after the bloc accused Moscow of "aggressive actions." "They (these problems) require urgent attention: vaccination, the crisis, human rights issues in NATO countries. Once you manage to solve these issues, we will consider your experience," the ministry's spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, told reporters. NATO foreign ministers issued a statement on Tuesday following their meeting in Brussels, saying that "Russia's aggressive actions constitute a threat to Euro-Atlantic security." Ahead of the meeting, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said "we have seen a pattern of more assertive behavior by Russia over the last years, including aggressive actions against nations." Enditem ANU based startup Quantum Brilliance will install the world's first diamond quantum accelerator at Perth's Pawsey Supercomputing Centre. Quantum Brilliance makes commercially available quantum accelerators that use synthetic diamonds to avoid the need for near absolute zero temperatures. The world's first commercial room temperature diamond quantum accelerator was designed at The Australian National University in Canberra, with support from ANU and the Australian Government. The installation of a Quantum Brilliance accelerator will make Pawsey one of the first supercomputing centres in the world with a universal quantum computer. Pawsey and Quantum Brilliance will work with practitioners and researchers to develop cutting-edge quantum applications in machine learning, logistics, defence, aerospace, quantum finance and quantum research. "I am delighted to see active industry and researcher engagement with quantum computing," said Pawsey executive director Mark Stickells. "We are excited to explore the potential of this technology for Australian researchers to further accelerate their scientific workflows using the potential of quantum computing within the advanced infrastructure of a national research supercomputing centre." ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said "The university's goal to create a billion-dollar company in the next five years will happen by supporting research commercialisation for spin-outs like Quantum Brilliance. Quantum Brilliance is a company in its early days. But while it is early days, backing it now could lead to huge payoffs for all of us." Quantum Brilliance aims to develop quantum computing in a form that can be deployed at scale in data centres, hospitals, mines and space even in laptops. "It has been a privilege working towards this goal with the fantastic team at Pawsey. We are only starting to see how quantum accelerators can transform industries in Australia and around the world." said Quantum Brilliance CEO Andrew Horsley. "Because of our unique diamond-based technology, customers can run our quantum computers themselves, and we provide them a full set of tools to explore how quantum can help create new capabilities. We are one of a very small handful of companies with the capability to deliver quantum computing hardware directly to customers." Quantum Brilliance and Pawsey technicians expect to complete the installation in June. Delores of the Vermont Family Networks Puppets in Education program discussed kindness during a recent Zoom presentation at Lanesborough Elementary School. WASHINGTON The man who led former President Donald Trumps effort to produce Covid-19 vaccines, Moncef Slaoui, has been fired from a bioelectronics companys board of directors over sexual harassment allegations. Slaoui, who was in charge of Trumps Operation Warp Speed, was fired as chair of the board of directors for Galvani Bioelectronics, the company's majority shareholder, pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, announced Wednesday. The termination follows the receipt of a letter containing allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct towards an employee of GSK by Dr. Slaoui, which occurred several years ago when he was an employee of GSK, GlaxoSmithKline said in a press release. Slaoui had previously served as the companys chairman for vaccines. He did not respond to NBC News' request for comment on the allegations or his firing. Later Wednesday, he issued a statement in which he acknowledged his termination and said, "I would like to apologize unreservedly to the employee concerned and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused." "I have the utmost respect for my colleagues and feel terrible that my actions have put a former colleague in an uncomfortable situation," Slaoui said. He added: "I will work hard to redeem myself with all those that this situation has impacted. I am taking a leave of absence from my current professional responsibilities effective immediately, to focus on my family." GlaxoSmithKlines board launched an investigation with a law firm to look into the allegations in the letter, the company release said. The investigation of Dr. Slaouis conduct substantiated the allegations and is ongoing, it said. Dr. Slaouis behaviors are wholly unacceptable. They represent an abuse of his leadership position, violate company policies, and are contrary to the strong values that define GSKs culture. GlaxoSmithKline said that, Sexual harassment and any abuse of leadership position are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Story continues The company did not disclose details about the allegations, including whom they came from or when the alleged harassment took place. As head of Operation Warp Speed, Slaoui had overseen the development and production of Covid-19 vaccines over the last year. At the request of President Joe Bidens transition team, however, Slaoui resigned just days before the Jan. 20 inauguration. COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. -- A decades-old tradition is poised to return to Cottage Grove this summer, if restrictions allow. Organizers of the Bohemia Mining Days Festival announced Wednesday they are planning to hold a slightly shorter festival on July 16-17. The two-day event will depend on whether restrictions in the state will allow for large gatherings. The 62-year-old festival celebrates the history of Cottage Grove and features music, parades and different vendors. After everybodys been in lockdown and quarantine and social distancing, I think were going to have a huge celebration this year for folks that just want to get out and get life back to normal, said Cindy Weeldreyer, a festival organizer. Cottage Grove Mayor Jeff Gowing said it also could help prop up local businesses hit hard by a pandemic. Anything we can do to draw people into town. They're going to be eating at our restaurants. Some will be traveling, spending the nights in hotels, walking up and down Main Street, Gowing said. The festival was canceled last year because of COVID-19, and organizers said they now have a funding deficit. The festival needs to raise an addition $10,000 before the event can be held. Weeldreyer said to help raise the money, theyre looking at several options, including reviving a 19th century feud that once split the town in two, to see which side can raise the most money. We need Slabtowners and Lematis to come alongside of us, and we need to raise $10,000 if we're going to do a two-day festival, Weeldreyer said. Leaders expect to make a more concrete decision about the future of the festival in early May. You can find more information here. Theres little dispute over the need for Pennsylvania to find new ways of funding transportation projects but how to do it is where division ensues, including the proposed tolling of bridges to pay for their reconstruction. That became apparent on Wednesday during the House Transportation Committees hearing on a proposed bridge tolling plan that the state Department of Transportation is pursuing. This discussion came on the eve of Thursdays inaugural meeting of Gov. Tom Wolfs Transportation Revenue Options Commission. The panel was formed to come up with funding alternatives that would allow the state to phase out its 53-cent-a-gallon gas tax, the second-highest in the nation. The commission is tasked with reporting out recommendations by Aug. 1. The gas tax is the predominant revenue source of the states Motor License Fund used to pay for road and bridge improvements in the state. With the increase in fuel efficient and electric-powered vehicles and reduced travel due to the pandemic, gas sales have dropped and tax revenues have fallen off. PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian, who will chair the revenue options commission, said last July the department saw how gas tax revenue was dropping off and realized if new funding options werent pursued, this agency is going to be in a very dire situation. Out of that was born an office in PennDOT focused on alternative funding ideas and the bridge tolling concept that was presented and approved by the Public-Private Partnership Transportation Board in November. The department has identified nine interstate bridges nearing the end of their serviceable life as candidates for tolling to cover the more than $2 billion estimated cost of their reconstruction. Failure to move forward with replacement or rehabilitation work would result in more frequent repairs and traffic congestion, according to PennDOT. Among them is the I-83 South Bridge in Harrisburg that has 125,000 vehicles, on average, crossing it every day. The cost of replacing it with a new 10-lane bridge, with five lanes going in each direction, to accommodate future traffic needs has been estimated in the $600 million range. Other bridge candidates for tolling include: PennDOT is proposing using public-private partnerships to finance these bridge projects and pay for its maintenance for a 30-year period, using tolls initially set in the $1 to $2 range to cover the bill. The tolls would be collected via EZPass or drivers plates would be photographed and motorists would receive bills in the mail. Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne County, who serves on the P3 transportation board, admits the board wasnt eager to support the idea but the financial realities we face in this commonwealth with respect to our transportation network demand action. Robert Latham, executive vice president of Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, which represents companies engaged in highway and bridge construction companies, said instead of tolling, the General Assembly could move the $700 million it pulls from the Motor License Fund to support the state police into the general fund, freeing up that money to finance the bridge projects. He also said his organization sees tolling as a viable option but suggested PennDOT consider a different way to finance them. He maintains that bringing in a private entity in a public-private partnership to arrange for financing the work unnecessarily can add to the cost. Latham said PennDOT has the capability to do what the private entity can do in-house. We think public-private partnerships have been sold as a low-cost funding, Latham said. Quite frankly, its a very costly financing mechanism. Gramian disagreed with that assertion. She said private entities have access to a low-interest money through a federal program to keep the cost down. Besides that, Gramian said the department lacks the authority to borrow money. Carroll said his experience in the General Assembly has shown lawmakers have a reluctance to granting PennDOT or any agency borrowing authority. While he felt Lathams idea has merit, he said itd be a challenge to get legislative buy-in to get it into law. Rebecca Oyler, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, representing 37,000 trucking companies across the state, said her industry supports well-funded transportation infrastructure, calling the roads their workplace. However, they stand opposed to the bridge tolling plan PennDOT has put forward. Pennsylvania already is the third most expensive state in the country to operate a truck, she said. Oyler pointed out it costs more than $7,400 to operate a single tractor-trailer today than it did in 2012 when the last transportation funding law was passed. Add a $10 truck toll on that for the average member of her association who owns six trucks, she said that will add over $31,000 to their cost of doing business. For a small business, this is crushing, Oyler said. Other representatives from the trucking industry said they wouldnt have a problem paying a toll for new infrastructure that would allow them to move through traffic more efficiently. But otherwise, they would look for alternative routes to avoid the toll which could increase the wear and tear on those roads. Gramian said that is one of the considerations that PennDOT will consider in deciding whether to go forward with tolling any of the nine bridges. Further, she reiterated that the reason the bridge tolling is being pursued is to free up PennDOTs money to make improvements to other parts of the states highway and bridge systems. She said, This is really important to us. This should be extremely important to the trucking industry. Your livelihood depends on the safety and the condition of the roadways. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy. The Taliban has flatly rejected a proposal by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to hold snap elections within six months or a year right after a peace deal is signed with the militant group. Ghani will unveil details of his proposal at an international peace conference in Turkey in April, according to a senior Afghan government official who spoke to RFE/RLs Radio Free Afghanistan on March 23. Under Ghanis proposed plan, the Afghan official told RFE/RL, a presidential election could be held in six months or a year under the auspices of the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, if the Taliban agree on a cease-fire. The official said that the Afghan president had submitted the plan to U.S. officials, who are still deliberating. Ghani's current administration would remain in place until the vote is conducted, but Taliban members could join the government as well as Afghan security and defense forces. The source added that in order to remove possible suspicions of vote rigging and Taliban concerns, Ghani and his two vice presidents, Amrullah Saleh and Sarwar Danish, are ready to decline running in the elections. The Taliban immediately rejected the proposal. "Such processes (elections) have pushed the country to the verge of crisis in the past," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in reaction to Ghani's reported plan. "They are now talking about a process that has always been scandalous," Mujahid told AFP. "We will never support it," he said, adding that any decision on the country's future must be agreed in the current negotiations between the militants and the government that are currently under way in Qatar. Under a deal reached by Washington with the Taliban last year, the U.S. troops would withdraw by May 1, although President Joe Biden said earlier this month the deadline would be "tough" to meet. The Taliban's reaction to Ghani's proposal comes after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NATO on March 23 that Washington is still weighing up whether to withdraw its troops by the May 1 deadline. Ghani was sworn in as president for a second five-year term in March 2020 after a disputed presidential election. With reporting by AFP Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Downtown Charleston residents were caught off guard March 24 when two White House helicopters typically used to transport the president and vice president landed at The Citadel. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were not on board, but the military was doing a training exercise to test out the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin VH-92A, used as Marine One or Marine Two, as well as the MV-22B Osprey. Citadel spokesman Zach Watson said the helicopters landed at Summerall Field, the yard in the middle of campus, and cadets were allowed to tour the inside of the helicopters. The aircraft landed for a brief training exercise at noon on March 23 and arrived for a longer landing at noon on March 24. Capt. Andrew Wood, a spokesman for the Navy, said the helicopters were there to "conduct operational testing of the presidential replacement helicopter." At least two helicopters used as Marine One and Marine Two and three Ospreys were used for the training mission. When a helicopter is carrying the president it is given the call sign "Marine One." When it is transporting the vice president, it is given the call sign "Marine Two." 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! Wood said the helicopters took off from Joint Base Charleston and then landed at Summerall Field. Few details were provided by the military about the purpose of the training mission and the Navy said the exercise would be happening "throughout the week." The appearance of the helicopters caused quite a stir in some Charleston neighborhoods. John McCollum, a Westside resident, said he couldn't believe how low the choppers were flying and caught a glimpse of them coming in for a landing. "It's always monumental to see symbols of our nation up close and personal," McCollum said. "We get so much air traffic, the sound of freedom regularly buzzes Charleston. But it's always exciting to see those iconic vehicles." Marine One and Marine Two are often the preferred alternative to motorcades because of the planning and road closures involved with travel. The Osprey is a tiltrotor military aircraft that was introduced into service in 2007 and is used as a transport and support helicopter by the Marines, Air Force and Navy. Transaction Marks Company's Transition to Being a Cannabis Industry Operator Accretive Transaction Adds High-Margin Revenues and Award-Winning Brands Foundational Asset in AUSA's Multi-State Footprint Expansion LAS VEGAS, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Australis Capital Inc. (CSE: AUSA) (OTC: AUSAF) ("AUSA" or the "Company") today announced that, further to the Company's press releases of January 5, 2021, and March 12, 2021, it has completed the first stage of the transaction to acquire Green Therapeutics LLC ("GT"). The transaction is being completed in two parts, the first, which has now closed, being the acquisition of a subsidiary of GT (the "Subsidiary") containing a number of unregulated assets including the GT brands and certain ancillary agreements including brand licensing and management agreements. Subsequently, subject to regulatory approval, the Company will complete the acquisition of GT itself (the "Subsequent Closing"). In conjunction with the completion of the acquisition of the Subsidiary (the "Initial Closing"), the parties have settled a previously announced legal dispute. Completion of the transaction marks the Company's entry into the U.S. cannabis space as an operator, transitioning away from its previously identity as an investor. Management believes that by being an active industry participant, executing on its novel expansion strategy, AUSA will be able to significantly accelerate growth, become a highly competitive leader in the sector and deliver outsized shareholder value, in line with the promise made to shareholders by the new leadership team. Green Therapeutics GT is an award-winning, Nevada-based cannabis company with a strong brand portfolio of high-end dried flower and designer/luxury derivative products. The team's extensive cannabis cultivation skill and operational medical experience ensures high quality products, safety and a consistent user experience. GT currently operates three brands: Tsunami: For the aficionado with discerning tastes looking to experience the best, Tsunami's team of world-class extraction artists combines exotic strains with high-quality processes to deliver products unmatched in potency, quality, and flavor. Provisions The Provisions line of products is distilled from high-quality extracts, free from undesirable contaminants, packed with long lasting flavors, and finished with a potent THC profile. Whether a first-time consumer or a long-time veteran, Provisions line of edibles, tinctures, vapes, and hardware offer a reliable experience that is both safe and consumer friendly. GT Flowers High-end flower products for those looking for a connoisseur experience. Expressing exceptional potency and terpene profiles, GT Flowers products address the needs and wishes of discerning medical and adult use consumers. Access to high-quality, low-cost biomass plays a key role in the execution of AUSA's growth strategy. The Company looks to achieve this through its deep industry connections and its majority ownership of ALPS. Executing on a novel low-cost, capital-light model, AUSA intends to scale-up the GT brands across the U.S. and beyond. Looking Ahead Going forward, AUSA plans to execute on a number of initiatives set in motion by the highly accomplished GT team, including: Completing the process of effecting market entry into new jurisdictions. Leveraging the Company's deep understanding of the market, consumer segments and GMP manufacturing practices, the GT team is in the process of developing new products for the high-end consumer market The GT team is rapidly progressing negotiations on initiatives aimed at accelerating growth. Discussions are held with potential partners to provide the Company with access to additional biomass, white label manufacturing capacity and retail distribution. In line with the above, GT's track record in developing and launching high-end designer products has attracted the attention of various operators who are looking to GT to establish operations out of their existing facilities. Similar to the AUSA/ALPS strategy outlined in earlier press releases, this would provide GT with access to high-quality biomass at advantageous rates and would create new revenue streams. The Company is in the process of acquiring a 23-acre plot of land in Nevada, which the Company plans to develop into a high-tech nexus for the cannabis industry servicing the Las Vegas area and beyond. In addition, the Company will integrate the GT team with its other operations, including the ALPS sales and marketing team, to capitalize on synergies and execute on its unique capital-light expansion strategy. Commentary "We continue to execute at a high pace and will be accelerating our growth now that the first stage of the GT transaction is closed," said Terry Booth, CEO. "This transaction marks our official entry as a participant in the U.S. cannabis sector as an operator, a commitment we made to our shareholders that resulted in overwhelming support at the Annual and Special Meeting held in November. The GT team brings productive and valuable cannabis operations and assets, very deep connections in the Nevada cannabis industry and elsewhere, and access to a host of potential partnerships and transactions. The credibility that GT has built in the Nevada market and beyond is of great value as we continue to build a new type of MSO. Leveraging our majority ownership of ALPS creates other unique opportunities to scale the GT brands, and positions us exceptionally well to capitalize on the enormous opportunity in the US cannabis space." Duke Fu, co-founder of GT and AUSA COO, added, "Since taking over in late November, the new leadership team at AUSA has accomplished a lot and has made incredible progress. However, this is just the beginning of our journey, and I look forward to working with Terry, Thomas and the entire AUSA team to execute on our expansion strategy and provide consumers across the U.S. and beyond with access to our award-winning products." Transaction Highlights Accretive: This transaction is immediately accretive to AUSA results. While Nevada state regulations require prior approval of any transfer of an interest in a cannabis establishment or license, the timing of which the Company has no control over, AUSA anticipates recognizing high-margin revenue through aforementioned brand licensing and management agreements. Further revenue acceleration is expected upon the full transfer of the interest in the Nevada licenses. This transaction is immediately accretive to AUSA results. While state regulations require prior approval of any transfer of an interest in a cannabis establishment or license, the timing of which the Company has no control over, AUSA anticipates recognizing high-margin revenue through aforementioned brand licensing and management agreements. Further revenue acceleration is expected upon the full transfer of the interest in the licenses. Foundation for MSO expansion : GT, through its products, brands and multi state operations will be a foundational element in AUSA's expansion strategy aimed at scaling up its footprint across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. : GT, through its products, brands and multi state operations will be a foundational element in AUSA's expansion strategy aimed at scaling up its footprint across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. Cultivation & manufacturing : With the proposed acquisition comes an 8,000 sqft cultivation and manufacturing facility, as well as a management and brand licensing agreement with an entity in Oklahoma owned by Dr. Duke Fu and licensed for extraction and processing, and a brand licensing agreement with an entity in Missouri owned in part by Dr. Duke Fu , which is completing a process to obtain a license for extraction and processing. The Company will also have the right to acquire an interest in the Oklahoma entity when permitted at law. Once the license is granted for the Missouri entity, the Company will work with Duke to secure an equity interest subject to regulatory approval. : With the proposed acquisition comes an 8,000 sqft cultivation and manufacturing facility, as well as a management and brand licensing agreement with an entity in owned by Dr. and licensed for extraction and processing, and a brand licensing agreement with an entity in owned in part by Dr. , which is completing a process to obtain a license for extraction and processing. The Company will also have the right to acquire an interest in the entity when permitted at law. Once the license is granted for the entity, the Company will work with Duke to secure an equity interest subject to regulatory approval. Award winning brands & genetics : : The GT brand/product portfolio has won multiple highly coveted industry awards, including the High Times Cup, Patient Choice and the Jack Herer Cup. High-end genetics with multiple +30% THC, High THC-V, and CBG cultivars, achieving premium pricing. ALPS Synergies: With the support of ALPS, GT will be, management believes, in a position to scale up its brands across multiple jurisdictions by virtue of novel streaming agreements with ALPS customers. With the support of ALPS, GT will be, management believes, in a position to scale up its brands across multiple jurisdictions by virtue of novel streaming agreements with ALPS customers. Multi-State assets: It is anticipated that drop-ship cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing capabilities will allow for capital-light expansion in Oklahoma and Missouri as well as in other markets into which AUSA intends to expand. It is anticipated that drop-ship cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing capabilities will allow for capital-light expansion in and as well as in other markets into which AUSA intends to expand. High-velocity sell-through: The quality and popularity of GT products has resulted in strong market penetration with GT brands currently being carried by 52% of Nevada dispensaries. dispensaries. All that is produced is sold; revenue growth is capacity limited, not demand constrained. By expanding the GT supply chain in Nevada as well as multiple other jurisdictions, AUSA anticipates further accelerating profitable growth. as well as multiple other jurisdictions, AUSA anticipates further accelerating profitable growth. Pharma-grade operations: GT's operations team with a deep background in the production of GMP certified, pharmaceutical-grade products, has successfully launched innovative product offerings with appeal across a broad range of consumer segments. GT's operations team with a deep background in the production of GMP certified, pharmaceutical-grade products, has successfully launched innovative product offerings with appeal across a broad range of consumer segments. Attractive home market : GT has an established footprint in Nevada , a market with a regulatory framework that is highly favorable for operators in the cannabis industry. : GT has an established footprint in , a market with a regulatory framework that is highly favorable for operators in the cannabis industry. Capped licensing regime reduces competitive pressure. Nevada boasts some of the highest wholesale prices for cannabis in North America (USD $5.33 - $7.91 / gram 1 ). boasts some of the highest wholesale prices for cannabis in (USD - / gram ). Nevada attracts over 45 million visitors annually (pre-COVID-19). attracts over 45 million visitors annually (pre-COVID-19). Public company/international ownership permitted. No restrictions on number of verticals. Innovation : Laboratory, pharmaceutical and manufacturing expertise focused on innovative R&D with short-time-to-market commercial applications, such as novel extraction methods, accurate dosing forms and custom compounding. : Laboratory, pharmaceutical and manufacturing expertise focused on innovative R&D with short-time-to-market commercial applications, such as novel extraction methods, accurate dosing forms and custom compounding. Accelerating growth : : Nevada : : GT currently holds a provisional dispensary license in South Lake Tahoe ( Douglas County ), the location of world class ski resorts and multiple casinos with a large and captive audience. ), the location of world class ski resorts and multiple casinos with a large and captive audience. Missouri : : Missouri has capped the number of cannabis licenses, making these very valuable in a state with approximately 6.2 million people. The Company is assisting Duke in an effort to operationalize a medical cannabis processing and extraction facility in the state, where the license grant is subject to final inspection. The 8,727 sq ft manufacturing facility is largely complete with minimal additional investment required. The Company is pursuing an agreement to launch the Company's brands in Missouri . has capped the number of cannabis licenses, making these very valuable in a state with approximately 6.2 million people. The Company is assisting Duke in an effort to operationalize a medical cannabis processing and extraction facility in the state, where the license grant is subject to final inspection. The 8,727 sq ft manufacturing facility is largely complete with minimal additional investment required. The Company is pursuing an agreement to launch the Company's brands in . GT is also in advanced discussions with a number of high-end, commercially successful out-of-state brands to serve as their white label producer for entry into the Missouri market. market. Oklahoma : : Manufacturing license expected to be operationalized in late 2021. GT is negotiating the acquisition of a 23-acre plot of land in Clark County, Nevada , for development into a multi-company cannabis campus in Las Vegas . , for development into a multi-company cannabis campus in . Attractive valuation : This transaction has been structured such that the selling principals are very closely aligned with the future success of AUSA, with an attractive initial valuation that leaves considerable upside based on current assets, operations, and future initiatives. : This transaction has been structured such that the selling principals are very closely aligned with the future success of AUSA, with an attractive initial valuation that leaves considerable upside based on current assets, operations, and future initiatives. Balance sheet strengthening: the closing of the proposed land sale is anticipated to strengthen the Company's cash position by close to $2 million . Transaction Terms The Company will pay to the holders of the GT membership interests between C$8 million and C$10 million for 100% of the outstanding membership interests of both GT and the Subsidiary. The consideration will be paid as set out below. (i) C$7,500,000 has been paid through the issuance of units ("Buyer Units") of GT Acquisition LLC ("Buyer"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Australis formed for the acquisition, at a deemed price of C$0.20 per Buyer Unit. Each Buyer Unit will be exchangeable on a one-for-one basis into common shares of the Company at the option of the holder; (ii) C$500,000 as an Indemnity Holdback, which will be payable on the day that is the later of the Subsequent Closing or 18 months after the Initial Closing and such amount shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the amount of any indemnity claim made by AUSA; (iii) C$2,000,000 (the "Contingent Payment"), which will be payable in two (2) equal installments payable on the later of the Subsequent Closing or the first and second anniversary of Initial Closing respectively, provided that Dr. Fu continues to be employed by the Company on each such applicable payment date. The Indemnity Holdback and the Contingent Payments may be paid in either cash, the issuance of Buyer Units, or both, at the election of the Company, with any Buyer Units so issued at a deemed price per Buyer Unit equal to the greater of (i) the VWAP of the common shares of the Company on the CSE for the 10 trading days immediately prior to the payment date of such payment; and (ii) $0.14625. GT and its affiliates have also dismissed their legal action against AUSA with prejudice, and has returned for cancellation all AUSA stock issued to them in May 2019, being 11,417,376 AUSA shares. In addition, AUSA has returned all of the assets it purchased from GT in May 2019, and the GT Members will retain certain redundant licenses not required by AUSA including a non-operational grow and processing licenses. Furthermore, land in North Las Vegas purchased from an affiliate company of GT ("Meridian") will be sold and the proceeds will be divided between Meridian and AUSA whereby USD $2.93 million will be paid to Meridian, USD $1.02 million will be paid to AUSA, and any remaining proceeds will be split 55% for AUSA and 45% for Meridian. AUSA anticipates total proceeds from this land transaction to be approximately $2.0 million. The acquisition of GT is contingent on approval by the State of Nevada's Cannabis Control Board and subsequent local approval by Clark County Department of Business License. The timing of Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board review and approval is beyond the control of the Company. If such conditions are not satisfied it is possible that the proposed transactions will not be completed on the terms set forth herein or at all. This transaction was negotiated by the independent Special Committee formed by the board of the Company to settle outstanding litigation with GT. As Dr. Fu is the Chief Operating Officer of AUSA as well as a principal of GT the transaction with GT constitutes a "related party transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company will rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101, in respect of the Proposed Acquisition set forth in Section 5.5(b) (Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets) and Section 5.7(a) (Fair Market Value Not More Than 25% of Market Capitalization) of MI 61-101, respectively. About Australis Capital Inc. AUSA is implementing a capital light growth strategy towards establishing a highly competitive and profitable MSO in the U.S. and global cannabis markets. AUSA's business lines and assets include a 51% ownership interest in ALPS with an option to acquire the remaining 49%, along with investments in Cocoon, Body and Mind Inc., Quality Green, land assets in Washington, and a joint venture partnership with 3 Rivers Biotech. AUSA has also completed the first stage of the transaction to acquire Green Therapeutics LLC, an award-winning MSO with operations in Nevada, and is taking steps to operationalize related assets in Oklahoma and Missouri. The Company's common shares trade on the CSE under the symbol "AUSA" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "AUSAF". "Terry Booth" ________________________________ Terry Booth Chief Executive Officer Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein is forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budgets", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the timing and ability to close the proposed transaction; the anticipated development of the GT business and its ability to grow revenues; the proposed transaction being immediately accretive to the Company's financial position; the ability of the Company to scale up the GT assets across multiple jurisdictions; the ability for the Company to be able to execute on its plans for expansion in Oklahoma, Missouri and other markets; the impact of the changes to U.S. federal and state developments with respect to the cannabis industry and the opportunities this may present for the Company; and the Company's current liquidity. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to successfully satisfy the conditions to closing the Subsequent Closing; the ability of the Company to successfully execute on its plans for the Company and GT; legal changes relating to the cannabis industry proceeding as anticipated; and the Company's continued response and ability to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic being consistent with, or better than, its ability and response to date. 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 to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; the actual results of the Company's future operations; competition; changes in legislation affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals; risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, service disruptions, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and a deterioration of financial markets that could limit the Company's ability to obtain external financing. A description of additional risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Australis Capital Inc. Related Links www.ausa-corp.com Although there is a greater emphasis on mental health nowadays, many of us with long standing mental illnesses are struggling throughout the latest lockdown. I have bipolar disorder. It is a mood disorder which means that it can be a struggle to stay balanced between depression and mania. The pandemic has had a massive impact on me and people like me. Imagine you suffer from stress and anxiety anyway and you thrive on routine. Now imagine youve lost your job as a result of the pandemic. Part of you is relieved at first to get away from the stresses of work and take some time to yourself. But that time quickly becomes your enemy. That time becomes time to think. And think and think. There are daily, endless reminders that a deadly virus is out there in the community right now and even if you are really careful and do all the right things you might catch it. Or a loved one might catch it. And so your mind enjoys ruminating on Covid and how far its tentacles might reach. This is what Covid and the pandemic does to someone like me. The stress and pressure of lockdown. The monotony and the complete lack of control over the situation forces the mind of someone with a pre-existing mental illness to extremes. I have noticed over the last number of weeks that members of my family and friends have started to feel symptoms of depression and anxiety. Not just feeling worried or fed up, actual depression and anxiety for the first time in their lives. And they are frightened by these feelings. And they dont know what to do with them. I feel sorry for them. I do my best to comfort them. The Governments website healthyireland.ie has lots of good, practical advice on how to stay well during this time. I practice all the suggestions they have: Go to bed early, eat well, exercise, etc. But for someone like me the only way to stay fully well is to at least see the end of lockdown in sight. Im exhausted from trying to stay well when you cant go further than 5km and cant work. I dont expect the Government to open things up too soon but to catch a glimpse of the end in sight would give us all some hope. Sarah McCarthy Macroom Co Cork Sinn Fein uphold democratic rights I wish to express my reservations about some of the content of Daniel McConnells article Hypocrisy in SFs mixed messages (March 20). Much of Mr McConnells article related to An Garda Siochanas investigation into Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, regarding a confidential document he admitted leaking to an associate, and the consequential response from the leader of Sinn Fein, Mary Lou McDonald, who called on the Tanaiste to resign or be sacked. Mr McConnell surprisingly directed most of his ire and criticism at the leader of Sinn Fein and never addressed the serious nature of a serving Tanaiste being investigated by gardai on a criminal matter. To the best of my knowledge, a criminal investigation of a serving Tanaiste never before happened in the history of the State. In a country like Ireland, it is easy to take democracy for granted and dismiss the fundamental role that opposition parties play in preserving democracy. Of course, opposition parties, especially Sinn Fein, tend to overplay their hand to gain political advantage over the parties in government. However, at a time when democracy in many parts the world is under threat, this is a small price to pay to preserve the fundamental principles of Irish democracy. Regardless of our views on Sinn Fein as a party, or the eventual outcome of the investigation, it would be concerning, from a democratic perspective, if the leader of the main opposition party failed to respond to the gravity of an unprecedented criminal investigation relating to the second highest member of government. Diarmuid Cohalan Ballinhassig Co Cork Investigating Leo is a pointless exercise I am very unlikely to vote for Fine Gael. That is an understatement. But I am baffled by the Garda investigation into An Tanaiste Leo Varadkar. He did wrong. He said so himself. When all is said and done, he delivered a copy of the general practitioners contract to a very ambitious general practitioner. If that is a crime, the Garda Technical Bureau would struggle to find the victim. e are a highly literate race of people. We love drama. Our dramatists have conquered the literary world. Most of our most significant problems are not dramatic. The revolving door between high ministerial office in this country and our various lobbying agencies is staring us in the face. Hiding in plain sight. Hardly hiding at all. Our politicians are very well paid. I have no problem with that. But surely, the other side of that well-upholstered coin is simple legislation prohibiting a former minister from turning around five minutes later to become a lobbyist? We need to attend to the basics. Michael Deasy Carrigart Co Donegal A drive-in solution: have outdoor Mass Since people are understandably upset they cant attend Church couldnt the priests arrange an outdoor Mass like a drive-in movie? Communion could be delivered to their cars and they could roll down the window just long enough to take the host, say on a plastic spoon and the recipient would keep the spoon. John Williams Clonmel Priests defy Vatican for same-sex unions Those Irish priests who already have said that they will continue to bless same sex unions in defiance of the Vaticans prohibition should be commended as it is they rather than the Vatican who are acting as true followers of Jesus. Hopefully, more and more Irish priests and dare I hope, some Irish Bishops, will demand the total retraction of this pernicious doctrine by the Vatican. Brendan Butler Malahide Co Dublin Preserve beautiful core of Cork City The proposed dockland development for Cork loses sight of the historic decay at the heart of the city. Cork city needs to preserve and protect those beautiful old buildings at its core that define our place. First, lets respect what weve got. Hoping for a small touch of wise leadership. JP Long The Lough Ring remains in the highest regard Regarding Jim McKeowns letter of March 23: I would like to reassure Jim, and all Cork GAA fans, that the statue commissioned by Cork Airport many years ago to honour the late, great Christy Ring, continues to sit proudly on the plaza in front of the terminal building. Contrary to the opinion given, it has not been dumped in a field by Cork Airport. Staff and management of Cork Airport, who commissioned and paid for this bronze statue in his honour, hold the memory of the great Cloyne hurler in too high a regard for that to ever happen. Kevin Cullinane Head of Communications Cork Airport Credit unions need a level playing field The shareholder model of business ownership has been broken for quite some time. We need to change that. We only have to look at the banking sector to see why. We now have a shareholder bank, namely Ulster Bank leaving Ireland. Ulster Bank was making money but not enough for its parent company and shareholders. Fortunately, we have a co-operative bank in Ireland the credit union. It is embedded in many communities and its cooperative structures allow it to look more long term and act in the public interest. Shareholder businesses are in practice precluded from doing this. They are first and foremost answerable to their shareholders for short-term profits. We need to change banking in Ireland. I call on the Government to set about removing the unfair obstacles credit unions face. Credit Unions need a level playing field when being asked to compete with the private interest banks. Colette Finn Glasheen Road Cork Thriving arts culture Arts and culture are often our greatest source of pride and achievement. Irish arts, be it music, literature, fine art, drama, poetry, dance, or theatre, have kept so many in society going through dark times. Read More Limerick snapper captures the beauty and power of active Icelandic volcano I hope when this pandemic reaches an end that society can ensure Irish arts not only survive, but begin to thrive again. Gavin Brennan Jervis Street Dublin 1 The Nigerian army says it will arrest soldiers who post unauthorised pictures and videos on social media. Lawrence Fejokwu, 81 divisio... The Nigerian army says it will arrest soldiers who post unauthorised pictures and videos on social media. Lawrence Fejokwu, 81 divisions general officer commanding (GOC), spoke through Nsikak Edet, his chief of staff, during a workshop organised to educate officers on human rights and humanitarian laws. Fejokwu said the training would help support the vision of the chief of army staff (COAS), which is to build a Nigerian army repositioned to professionally defeat all adversity in a joint environment. For instance, the case of EndSARS which we handled as a division brought about a lot of issues bothering on proper management of social media space, he said. So, this lecture will instill high quality character on how officers should comport themselves when on duties. People are watching, taking videos and recording and this can be used against such an officer in a negative form. The GOC said the army would be educated on how to ensure that their troops do not take and send unauthorised videos, recordings, or pictures to the wrong set of people. He added that soldiers who are caught doing so will be arrested and investigated. So many photographs that are not supposed to be on the social media space are there and some of them were taken by our own troops, he said. So, it is necessary to ensure that when conducting operations, officers should not be allowed to do the things that can jeopardise the instinct of the strategic directive of the command. Such an officer will be arrested, investigated and court-martialed when caught. Fejokwu added that the soldiers must learn how to use force and the degree of force to be applied at every point in time. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Straightup Resources Inc. (CSE: ST) ("Straightup" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has acquired an option from Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd. and Perry English to acquire a 100% interest in certain unpatented mining claims consisting of 17 claims comprising 354 cells and encompassing 6,600 hectares, which are situated near Red Lake, Ontario (the "Ferdinand Gold Property"). In order to exercise the option, the Company is required to pay cash payments of C$148,000 over a term of four years, and issue an aggregate of 750,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.15 per share. Upon exercise of the Option, the Company has agreed to grant to the optionors a 1.5% net smelter return (the "NSR"), which NSR shall be subject to the Company's right to repurchase 0.5% of the NSR for a payment of C$500,000. The Ferdinand Gold Property is 13 km northwest of the town of Slate Falls. Access is currently by logging roads with forestry logging operations scheduled for expansion into the property. It is located within the eastern extension of the Confederation-Uchi greenstone belt, one of the best metal endowed greenstone belts in the world. Crustal scale structural features such as the Fry-Bamaji deformation zone traverse the length of the property. Total magnetic intensity of the Ferdinand Gold Property display folded stratigraphy along D2 structures. These are important structural features that are important for gold-bearing hydrothermal fluids and traps. The Ferdinand Gold Property is situated within the prolific Uchi Subprovince, which is one of the most metal endowed greenstone belts in the world by square kilometer. In addition, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Brezer to the Board of Directors and the appointment of Donna Moroney as Corporate Secretary. John Hiner has resigned as a director of the Company, effective March 22, 2021. The Board wishes to thank Mr. Hiner for his valuable contributions to the Company during his tenure with the Company. Mr. Mark Brezer is a successful businessman and holds a geography/geology degree from the University of Arizona. During his studies, emphasis was placed on remote sensing, GIS, glaciation and climate change. Mr. Brezer has worked as a Project Manager and has overseen quality control, environmental monitoring and safety programs as related to road construction. Strong communication skills also led to roles in media relations and marketing. Mr. Brezer's family has been passionate about mining and construction for decades and he has been actively involved in the research and investment of junior mining companies for over 25 years. Time in the field and personal interest led Mr. Brezer to extensive first aid training and he certified as a paramedic and firefighter. Donna Moroney has over 30 years of extensive experience in regulatory and corporate compliance in both Canada and the United States, and as a senior officer for various public companies, and has instructed and provided training in regulatory compliance. As President and owner of Wiklow Corporate Services Inc. since 2008, she assists companies in the resource, financial and technology sectors in maintaining the securities and exchange demands on public companies, as well as keeping them up-to-date on relevant issues, policies and working practices. Ms. Moroney also assists companies reporting in the U.S. in preparing registration statements, quarterly and annual financial filings and other various facets of meeting U.S. securities requirements. About Straightup Resources Straightup is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets in Canada. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit. In addition to exploration of its Red Lake Division properties, Straightup intends to conduct exploration on the Hi-Mars Property and the Ferdinand Gold Property. The Hi-Mars Property consists of 11 contiguous mineral titles covering an area of 1,788 hectares located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of the City of Powell River in southwest British Columbia, Canada, within the Vancouver Mining Division. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Matthew Coltura Chief Executive Officer, President and Director For further information, please contact: Matthew Coltura Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (778) 886-6200 Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release). To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78380 AstraZenecas latest stumble In a two-page letter, federal health officials and an independent panel of medical experts accused AstraZeneca of cherry-picking data about the effectiveness of its Covid-19 vaccine. The company had said that based on its U.S. trial, the vaccine appeared to be 79 percent effective at preventing Covid-19. But the panel said its efficacy might have been between 69 percent and 74 percent, and it reprimanded AstraZeneca for an overly rosy description of the trial data. AstraZeneca defended the data it had released on Monday and said that the interim results appeared to be consistent with more recent data collected during the trial. The company said it would reissue fuller results within 48 hours. The results throw a wrench into the efforts of elected leaders elsewhere to rebuild trust in the shot. Faith in the vaccine had already plunged across Europe after recent reports that a very small number of recipients had developed unusual blood clots. ADVERTISEMENT A bill that seeks to establish an agricultural development fund scaled third and final reading at the Senate on Tuesday. The bill titled A Bill for an Act to establish the National Agricultural Development Fund and matters connected therewith, 2020, is sponsored by Senator Abdullahi Adamu (APC, Nasarawa West). Passage of the bill was a sequel to the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Agricultural and Rural Development. The bill The legislation was first introduced to the Senate in November 2019 and was read for the second time in March 2020. The bill seeks to establish the fund for the purposes of providing sustainable funding for agricultural development in Nigeria taking to address food production, food security, economic diversification, job creation and international competitiveness of the agricultural sector in Nigeria. The fund, according to the sponsor, would provide an emergency support fund for agricultural control rural access to financing of a transboundary animal disease outbreak; support service through microfinance and collaborate with development partners to support food security and agricultural modernisation and competitiveness. The proposed also Fund will also address key binding constraints to a complete transition from subsistence farming to modern agriculture capable of generating inclusive growth and true economic diversification. Section 11 of the Bill stipulates that the Funds shall include take-off grants provided by the Federal Government: 0.5 per cent of the Natural Resources Development Fund, five per cent of profit after tax of each commercial bank in Nigeria, five per cent of the Petroleum Profit Tax and 50 per cent of the duty levied on imported rice, wheat, sugar and milk (and could include Fruits, Poultry, Fish). Other sources include concessional loans, borrowing from international capital markets and sovereign borrowing. Some objectives of the Bill include to improve institutional capacity for enhanced agricultural productivity, income, employment, accessibility to quality inputs and outputs markets through research, innovation, technology upgrading and extension. It is also aimed at developing human and natural resources for sustainable production and value addition and promoting the evolution of commodity markets, commodity exchange and market-driven aggregation centre for effective link with the industrial and international markets. The passage Presenting the report, Mr Adamu, who doubles as the chairperson of the committee, said the Bill is apt as it comes at a time when the federal government is making effort to diversify the economy. The bill, when passed into law, will create employment for our teeming youths, he said. A few lawmakers took turns to make their contributions supporting the bill. In the committee of the whole, the senators considered the bill clause-by-clause. The bill was ,thereafter, read for the third time and passed. It will be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence and thereafter transmitted to the president for possible assent. Further reforms could ease cumbersome administrative procedures and entice more foreign investors Nguyen Van Duong, representative of a Chinese-invested auto-making company in a northern province, has spent nearly two years and additional unofficial costs to local authorities to fulfil all necessary construction-related procedures before putting the project into operation. All procedures remain complicated and I have had to pay unofficial costs to get my project done, Duong said, declining to name his company and the province. It has taken us four months just to obtain a fire prevention certificate from authorised agencies. In another case, Do Thi Xuan, vice director of Japanese-invested plastics maker Ikehara Mitsu JSC, said it took her company about six months to complete construction-related procedures. Businesses are tired of such procedures. They are too complicated and cumbersome, not to mention having to pay extra costs, Xuan lamented. Such difficulties faced by these companies have been generally reflected in the Administrative Procedures Compliance Costs Index (APCI) 2020 report released last week in Hanoi by the Government Office and United States Agency for International Development. The APCI quantifies the cost that individuals and businesses must bear to comply with administrative procedures as per current regulations. To quantify the cost, nearly 3,000 businesses were surveyed in 63 cities and provinces. The survey covered eight groups of key procedures including cross-border trading transactions, business registration, license and work permits, and taxes. Of these groups, the APCI 2020 index for investment-related procedures hit 76.5 out of the maximum 100 points. With the total average compliance cost being VND9.15 million ($400), the group of investment-related procedures remains high, said Government Office Chairman Mai Tien Dung, who is also Chairman of the Prime Ministers Advisory Council for Administrative Procedure Reform. Based on region, the largest sum VND10.9 million ($475) on average is from enterprises not located in the nations key economic regions. Regarding direct cost, on average, each business must pay VND1.8 million ($78) for each procedure. Furthermore, each business has had to spend over 36 hours to process each of these procedures. The northern province of Bac Ninh ranked first (7.8 hours), while localities in the southern key economic region performed the worst (32 hours). According to the APCI 2020 report, investment-related policies remain inconsistent, making it difficult for enterprises to process administrative procedures. The report cited many businesses as saying that appraisal of dossiers is subject to many ministries, which are different in implementing procedures. Each unit has its own requirements, lengthening the time for dossier preparation, but not satisfying requirements of all units, the report said. Investment policies of localities have changed so much, but failed to be published, causing difficulties for dossier preparations. As for unofficial costs, 7 per cent of surveyed enterprises said they have had to pay extra so that their investment-related procedures can be processed smoothly. This cost often appears during site visits and meetings for dossier appraisal. These costs range from hundreds to thousands of US dollars, Dung said. If we fail to remove hurdles for enterprises, they will not be able to develop strongly and Vietnam will not have a strong economy, and be unable to attract more investment. Also under the APCI 2020, enterprises had to spend VND63.3 million ($2,752) worth of time cost and direct costs performing environmental procedures in 2020, up from VND45.4 ($1,973) million in 2019. Dung added, Cumbersome procedures and unofficial costs not only increase compliance costs, but also upset the domestic business environment, discouraging foreign investors and firms wanting to do business in Vietnam on an equal basis. There were at least 1,441 bias incidents reported by New Jersey law enforcement agencies last year a 45 percent increase over 2019, according to preliminary data released by the New Jersey State Police on Tuesday. As we were starkly reminded by the horrific shootings last week in Atlanta, our country has a hate problem, Gov. Phil Murphy said during a roundtable on anti-Asian racism and violence. And the data we just released in New Jersey shows that we are not immune to it. Attacks against Black New Jerseyans, which make up the largest overall share of incidents in New Jersey, rose sharply, up 84 percent over the previous year, the data shows. Bias incidents targeted at Asians also rose 74 percent last year, up from 39 in 2019 to 68 in 2020. Spike in bias crimes targeted against Asians have been reported around the country over the last year, with many attributing the rise to anti-Chinese rhetoric related to the coronavirus. Murphy was joined Tuesday by advocates from the Asian and Jewish communities as well as New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim and state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, both the first Asian men to hold their respective posts in public office. Both shared personal stories of racism during the roundtable. Kim, who is Korean-American, shared that one of his own children had what may have been his first brush with ignorance when another student kept calling him Chinese boy. My five-year-old had no idea what was going on. He told him, Im a New Jersey boy, Kim said. How innocent and beautiful is that? But it broke my heart as a father. Grewal, an Indian-American Sikh who was born in New Jersey, said not a day went by in my childhood that I wasnt singled out or harassed because of my appearance or for the color of my skin, that I wasnt told to go back where I came from. Bias crime data has historically been flawed, and its unclear how much of the spike can be attributed to better reporting practices in New Jersey, where local departments report statistics regularly to the State Police and the Attorney Generals Office, which produces an annual report analyzing trends. Experts who study bias crimes, however, say poor reporting practices and fear of law enforcement by marginalized communities contribute to a likely undercount. The new data, breaking down reported bias incidents across 34 categories, shows anti-Hispanic bias incidents increased 113 percent, from 48 in 2019 to 102 in 2020. Anti-semitic incidents, which make up more than a third of all reported crimes in the state, fell 15 percent, from 345 in 2019 to 298 in 2020. Grewal said Thursday that his office would begin releasing bias incident statistics, which are generally released annually, on a monthly basis starting in April. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 research will be led by Professor Ryan Donnelly, a world leader in the research of microneedle delivery technologies. Most recently, Professor Donnelly's lab successfully completed research and published a paper titled Hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays as a therapeutic option for transdermal esketamine delivery . His research validates the delivery of esketamine, the S (+) enantiomer of ketamine, in a novel microneedle patch which may overcome the drawbacks associated with ketamine administration in an intravenous or nasal spray format. 1 The proposed ketamine and KETABET MN patch offer a potential game-changing therapeutic solution for various unmet medical needs. Ketamine is becoming an emerging treatment option for major depressive disorder2, bipolar depression3, depression with suicidal ideation4 and post-traumatic stress disorder5. Despite its potential, ketamine has the potential for abuse and misuseleading to problems such as dissociative, hallucinogenic and amnesic effects6. These risks have led to its limited clinical use and discontinuation. KETABET has shown in clinical research to enhance the antidepressant effect while having the potential to significantly reduce the known negative side effects of ketamine.7 PharmaTher's patented MN technology consists of hydrogel-forming microneedle arrays and accompanying reservoir (Figure #1) which will overcome any limitations by the quantity of drug that can be loaded into the needles or onto the needle surfaces. As such, the MN technology can greatly increase the amount of drug that can permeate through the microneedle array and into the skin8. As a result, PharmaTher's KETABET MN patch aims to empower patients to dose their medication remotely, safely and conveniently rather than being under supervision by a healthcare provider at a certified medical office. KETABET MN patch has the potential for enabling continuous delivery of KETABET (without pain) with minimal formulation manipulation into systemic circulation while maintaining constant plasma levels for more than 24 hours that will improve efficacy and compliance for patients.1,8 Also, PharmaTher's KETABET MN patch will incorporate anti-tampering and anti-abuse features. The combined presence of ketamine and betaine and the delivery format of the product would parallel the approach used by tamper-resistant transdermal fentanyl patches. Ketamine was approved by the FDA in 1970 and is clinically used for analgesia, sedation, and anesthetic induction. The FDA granted Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy designations for SPRAVATO (esketamine) nasal spray and in March 2019 approved SPRAVATO, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for treatment-resistant depression to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. SPRAVATO requires numerous administration sessions in a certified medical office under medical supervision by a health care provider.9 An equity analyst predicted that SPRAVATO could generate $3 billion in peak sales.10 "The potential for ketamine is significant and we are leading the way to develop a better ketamine solution to treat these unmet medical needs," said Fabio Chianelli, CEO of PharmaTher. "We believe that ketamine and our proprietary ketamine formulation, KETABET, delivered in the patented microneedle patch could potentially change the ways that mental health, neurodegenerative and pain disorders are treated. We are pursuing the clinical development of KETABET MN patch to overcome the current limitations of ketamine and to unlock the known potential therapeutic value of ketamine as a prescription for regulatory approval worldwide. We look forward to working with Professor Donnelly in delivering the next generation ketamine solution." Professor Ryan Donnelly commented, "Our lab has successfully delivered esketamine using our patented microneedle technology, which shows the potential of an alternative delivery method that can overcome the limitations of current ketamine delivery options without comprising the safety and compliance of patients. We are excited to work with PharmaTher in their quest to develop a next generation ketamine solution that could help the millions of people who suffer from mental health worldwide." PharmaTher will focus on developing a microneedle patch for FDA approval to better deliver psychedelics that may overcome the potential drawbacks of oral administration, subcutaneous injections, topical and nasal delivery systems. About PharmaTher Inc. PharmaTher Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newscope Capital Corporation (CSE: PHRM) (OTCQB: PHRRF), is a specialty life sciences company focused on the research and development of psychedelic pharmaceuticals for FDA approval to treat neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and pain disorders. Learn more at: PharmaTher.com and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement This press release contains 'forward-looking information' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "potential", "aim" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Newscope Capital Corporation's (the "Company") current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company at the date of the information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof, and Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Company's management's discussion and analysis for the period of November 30, 2020 ("MD&A"), dated January 27, 2021, which is available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com . This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any state, province, territory or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state, province, territory or jurisdiction. References: SOURCE Newscope Capital Corporation Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 21:47:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A healthcare worker collects a swab from a man for a COVID-19 test at a marketplace in Chennai, India, on March 24, 2021. India's COVID-19 tally reached 11,734,058 on Wednesday even as 47,262 new cases were reported from across the country, according to the latest figures released by federal health ministry. (Str/Xinhua) by Pankaj Yadav NEW DELHI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- It has been a year since lockdown was first imposed in India in a bid to contain the COVID-19 spread, bringing most economic activities to a grinding halt. The first was a 21-day lockdown, which was extended four times and ended after a total of 68 days. It was followed by several stages of unlock, as restrictions were lifted sector-wise. With the announcement of lockdown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evening March 24, 2020, life in this south Asian country almost stopped with strict measures imposed to check anyone wandering out in public. On this day India had over 550 COVID-19 cases while 12 people had died of the deadly virus. Focus was on maintaining social distancing in order to break the chain spread of the deadly virus. Up to today India has had a total of 11,734,058 pandemic cases and 160,441 deaths, with 47,262 new cases and 275 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours. Within a couple of days of lockdown, panic-stricken labourers and daily wage workers began to return to their homes. With no transport facilities available, they walked hundreds of miles carrying essential belongings on their head. With uncertainty staring at their faces, the poor labourers saw it best to reach their native places. Even now at least 30 percent of those workers and labourers have not returned to their work places yet. While many found work to earn their daily bread near their native places, others are waiting for a call from their work places as businesses haven't reached their pre-lockdown capacity. Overall demand continues to remain low despite a seeming return to normal conditions. R.K. Gupta, a business man in Delhi's Mayapuri area, was quoted as saying by English daily The Times of India that many labourers or daily wage workers are no longer required at their old work places because the factories they worked in are not producing the same quantum of products as earlier. Less than 20 percent of employees have been allowed access to their offices, as in the corporate world, banking sector, multi-national companies (MNCs), and Information Technology (IT) sector related offices, most employees continue to work from home (WFH). As a fallout of a lesser number of employees returning to work and work-from-home culture gaining popularity, the housing sector has been hit hard. The owners of apartments, hotels, guest-houses, and studio-apartments which used to cater to the accommodation needs of the employees who are now working from home, are a dejected lot as their incomes have fallen manifolds. Subhash Yadav, a resident of Gurugram, a city adjoining Delhi, and owner of a multi-storey building having as many as 40 one-room apartments, said that prior to the lockdown he used to earn around 450,000 Indian Rupees (6,195 U.S. dollars) per month. "But over the last one year my monthly rental income from this building has fallen to below 100,000 Indian Rupees (1,377 U.S. dollars). People like me who built infrastructure offering accommodation facilities for employees working in Gurugram are suffering huge losses every month. I am told that the IT firms and MNCs will carry on allowing their employees to work from home till mid-2021," added Yadav. Yashwant Raj, an IT professional in India's southern state of Telangana, told Xinhua over phone that his company has extended the work-from-home till the end of July this year. Sandeep Kumar Makthala, the global president of Telangana Information Technology Association (TITA), said that there are nearly 4.6 million IT professionals in Telangana state alone, and that most of them continue to work from home. "The work from home culture is suiting the industry, especially in cases where both husband and wife are in the IT profession. Earlier, long working hours at office and different shifts used to take a toll on personal lives of the employees. But, for the past one year they are working at ease and getting to spending more time together," added Sandeep. According to him, a recent survey conducted by TITA found a higher degree of satisfaction among IT sector employees. The survey, done a month ago and took 500 samples in 150 projects, also found about 57 percent of them are not keen on an onsite opportunity at this point due to the fear of the COVID-19 virus. Nearly 90 percent of the companies have extended the work from home post-lockdown, while about 82 percent of the respondents said they would like it if the facility is further extended. About 62 percent said they had no work pressure while working from home. The survey, however, said that about 48 percent were putting in 8-10 hours work and about 29 percent said they were putting in 10-12 hours of work at home. The survey found that 45 percent of those surveyed used their bedroom as workplace, and about 24 percent had a dedicated work pod while about 22 percent used the main hall to work. Washington, March 24 : US President Joe Biden is considering an increase in the corporate income tax rate, as one of the tax proposals to offset the cost of the upcoming long-term investment plans, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said. "I think a package that consists of investment in people, investments in infrastructure, will help to create the jobs in the American economy and changes to the tax structure will help to pay for those programs," Yellen said at a hearing before the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. The treasury secretary noted that the 1.9-trillion-dollar Covid-19 relief package recently rolled out has been deficit-funded. "The stimulus package, the American Rescue Plan was not funded with any increase in taxes," she said, adding that a longer-term plan probably would be accompanied with some revenue increases. The current crisis is due to the pandemic, Yellen said. "But, once the economy is strong again, we are beyond the pandemic, President Biden is likely to propose that we engage in long-term plans to address long-standing investment shortfalls in our economy." She noted that investments in infrastructure, climate change, people, research and development, as well as manufacturing will make US economy more productive. "This will be spending over a 10-year horizon and would require some additional funding," she told lawmakers. One of the tax proposals Biden would consider is to increase corporate income tax rate back to 28 per cent, Yellen said, noting that the current US corporate income tax is among the lowest in developed countries. An increase in corporate income tax, if enacted, would mark a reversal of policy from the Donald Trump administration. In late 2017, the Republican-controlled Congress passed a President Trump-advocated tax reform bill, which slashed the corporate income tax from 35 per cent to 21 per cent. At the congressional hearing, some Republican lawmakers, including Representative Ann Wagner from Missouri, cautioned against raising taxes. "We know that raising the corporate tax rates results in higher costs for small businesses, schools and American households," Wagner said. "Why is this country beginning to reopen and recover economically with the Biden administration preparing tax policy which would in the end hurt the American family and millions of struggling small businesses?" she continued. Yellen, however, told lawmakers that the impact of the changes in corporate taxes have been studied for a long time, and the impact on prices and on consumers are "very unclear" from existing studies. A massive container ship got stuck in the Suez Canal and blocked all traffic in the important waterway for more than a day. The Suez Canal Authority said the 400-meter-long ship, called Ever Given, got stuck Tuesday morning after facing high winds and a dust storm. Experts said that had never happened before in the canals 150-year history. By mid-afternoon on Wednesday, Reuters reported that officials were still working to free the ship. The news agency got the information from GAC, a Dubai-based shipping services company. Pictures published on social media appeared to show the ship positioned across the full width of the canal. Others from the canal authority showed digging equipment on the shore removing dirt and rock that blocked the ships path. The Panama-registered ship transports goods between Asia and Europe. Evergreen Marine Corporation is a major Taiwan-based shipping company that operates the ship. It said in a statement that Ever Given had been hit by strong winds as it entered the canal from the Red Sea, but none of its containers had sunk. The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. About 30 percent of the worlds container ship traffic passes through the waterway each day. GAC said in a message on its website that shipping traffic was expected to restart as soon as Ever Given can be moved to another position. About 30 ships waited at Egypt's Great Bitter Lake midway on the canal, The Associated Press reported. The report was based on information from canal service provider Leth Agencies. In addition, about 40 waited in the Mediterranean near Port Said, while another 30 at were stopped at Suez on the Red Sea. Among the ships were at least seven carrying around 5 million barrels of crude oil, financial data company Refinitiv said. The company that manages the ship, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, said it is investigating the incident. It added that all 20 crew members were safe and it had "no reports of injuries or pollution. The company also said the ship never lost power. Each day, an average of 50 ships pass through the canal, said Salvatore Mercogliano, a professor of history at North Carolinas Campbell University. "Every day the canal is closed ... container ships and tankers are not delivering food, fuel and manufactured goods to Europe, he told the AP. And goods are not being exported from Europe to the Far East. Security experts also warned that ships stuck in the Red Sea could be targets after a series of attacks against shipping in the Mideast as tensions rose between the United States and Iran. Shipping data company Dryad Global warned that all ships should consider establishing a higher alert level if forced to remain in the area for an extended period. Oil prices rose more than 2 percent Wednesday as news of the blockage led to concerns over supply. Industry experts said the effects of the incident on oil and gas flows will depend on how long it takes to reopen the canal. Im Bryan Lynn. Reuters and The Associated Press reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story manage v. to have control of something, such as a business, department, organization, etc. alert n. a warning about a possibly dangerous situation The videos are remarkably soothing: the dulcet tones of a man narrating his day-to-day as a carpet repairman, all the while repairing a piece of rug besmirched by stains or torn up by a kitty bored with its scratching post. At first glance, this probably sounds a bit drab, watching some guy chronicle his work servicing homes and businesses across the Bay Area. Carpet Repair Guys, a Santa Clara-based carpet repair shop, has more than 540,000 followers on TikTok and 13 million likes across all his videos. Many of owner Josh Nolan's videos are tagged #oddlysatisfying, the honorific given to videos of slime being plopped on a table or random folks scooping ice cream or paint from buckets. In one recent video, he goes meta: Carpet TikTok. I know, theres more exciting places to be, but since youre here, why not relax and watch some semblance of order, he says. But its more than the novelty of satisfaction. Nolans carpet fixes are a small act of magic the modern-day equivalent of a blacksmith mastering the elements to forge a tool. And he has dad jokes and impressions galore. Nolan's on FaceTime from his company truck, chatting in between house calls on a weekday. He's every bit as gregarious as his videos appear, still marvelling at his journey to becoming the king of carpet TikTok. The way he tells it, he started his TikTok account the same way many other brilliant things begin: diving down a YouTube rabbit hole. Nolan had just started an Instagram account for his business and wanted to bolster the Carpet Repair Guys gram game. One man on YouTube suggested that he make a TikTok and link back to the Instagram to drive followers. So he got to work, posting his first video in February. But the goal wasnt to go viral; he just wanted more exposure to the before-and-after slideshows he posted on Instagram and Facebook. It kind of worked; he's got 4,600 followers on Instagram, still nowhere near his success on TikTok. The whole timing and doing all of this couldn't have worked at a better time with the shutdown because I had more time on my hands, especially in March and April, to really concentrate on my social media, which was something I always pushed off to the side, he said. And while he initially began his time cross-posting old videos from his Instagram, he started venturing out into making videos documenting his repairs buoyed by the surprise popularity of his clips. Among his weirdest fixes: repairing charred carpet from an exploding iPhone, getting out bleach stains from multiple hallways and coming to the rescue after a child's DIY TikTok carpet cleaner ended up worse than the stain itself. Nolan's videos follow a familiar structure: Hell visit homes across the bay, hopping from Mountain View to San Francisco to Milpitas, and sharing how he did the repairs, which often feature grabbing spare carpet from a closet for the perfect match. (For interested parties, his service covers a 40-mile radius from Santa Clara, but he tries not to make too many trips far from home base.) People started putting FYP [in the comments], he said, and I was noticing like hundreds of views on some of these videos that I threw up. He joked: Like a fool, I thought it meant fix your page or fix something. I thought, oh man, they must not like it. For reference, FYP is an acronym for TikToks homepage, the For You Page. When another user comments FYP on a video, it purportedly boosts views. Soon, he started gaining a small following, even among the so-called carpet haters who crowd his comments section. I remember opening my phone and seeing all of these notifications, he said, One after another, people commenting crazy things like, this is therapeutic, or, you know, it's satisfying. I don't have carpet, in fact, I hate carpet, but I love watching your carpet repair videos. And he started making his videos a bit zanier. Nolan narrates his videos with a voiceover that sometimes veers on silly. Hell voice over customers Corgis, who feature frequently in his videos. Hell jokingly rail against folks with carpeted bathrooms, seemingly a bridge too far even for the guy whose life's work is in carpets. In one video, he blasts Better off Alone, the late-'90s Eurodance song currently experiencing a renaissance, while speaking in a cartoonish German accent. Thats one of his most well-liked videos, with 500,000 likes and 2 million views alone (and this writer's personal favorite). In his 18 years of doing carpet repairs and installations, Nolan never would have guessed that the app geared to Gen Zers and dances set to Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj would become his small claim to fame. And in the process, his page transformed into that of a carpet repairman-slash-jokester. He attributes his comedic instincts to his teenage years, making goofy videos with his buddies for no one in particular to see. I try not to take myself too serious when I'm doing this, and so many guys do, like it's their whole world, he said. I do love this so much, I love what I get to do and being authentic, being yourself, I think goes a long way. (His most popular video doesnt even have any jokes. In it, he speaks about the virtues of word-of-mouth referrals for his business; boosted by TikToks cryptic algorithm, it has 16 million views.) The exposure from these videos has helped drive business to his store even as the pandemic has hit small businesses in other sectors. It helps that his service, he says, is considerably cheaper than a full-on carpet replacement, which can cost thousands for a single bedroom. It probably also helps that people have been stuck at home for the greater part of a year, leaving more possibility for stains and other carpet damage. Before Nolan started his TikTok, most of his clientele found him through Yelp or Google. But now, every other day, he said, a customer will tell him that they've seen his TikToks. I definitely am counting my lucky stars there and am very fortunate to have that happen, he said. But Nolan's also benefited from the small spoils of internet success. Hes landed a small sponsorship with a reusable water bottle company. He recalled recently grabbing coffee at a Dunkin in Yuba City and being recognized by a worker because of his trademark white polo shirt. He starts getting his associates, like, 'Do you know that guy?' And all of a sudden I'm watching as the manager comes while everyone was walking up like some famous movie star is at the window getting coffee." "So many other people ... come rushing in to look at who this guy is and, like, 'what, who's this guy? A contractor?'" Nolan said. He's trying not to let his small brush with fame get to his head. At the end of the day, Josh Nolan, in his own words, is a carpet repairman who found a very fun, very satisfying niche on TikTok to occupy; nothing more, nothing less. He gets his kicks from his TikToks, sure, but he's just happy to brighten up his customers' days. It's nice to be complimented and it's nice to have videos go viral, he said. But then I go on TikTok, and there's some nine-year-old who messed up the carpet whos got 30 million views. So I'm gonna take my success with a bit of a grain of salt. The Democratic attorneys general for 12 states have demanded Facebook and Twitter 'take immediate steps' to stop the spread of what they say is false information about COVID-19 vaccines on the social media sites. In a letter to Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, the attorneys general said on Wednesday that 'anti-vaxxers' lacking medical expertise and often motivated by financial gain have used the platforms to downplay the danger of COVID-19 and exaggerate the risks of vaccination. They accused the social media giants of doing too little to stop people from using their platforms to spread the false information that coronavirus vaccines are unsafe. They called on both companies to enforce their own community guidelines by removing or flagging vaccine misinformation. In a letter to Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter's Jack Dorsey, the attorneys general demanded on Wednesday that the companies crack down on anti-vaccine posts The Democratic attorneys general for 12 states, including Connecticut's William Tong, have demanded Facebook and Twitter 'take immediate steps' to stop the spread of what they say is false information about COVID-19 vaccines The letter quotes figures from the Center for Countering Digital Hate that claims there are 59 million subscribers to anti-vaccine accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. The letter also adds claims from digital research groups estimating that 12 accounts are responsible for 65 percent of anti-vaccine content on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It also said some misinformation targets black communities and others of color where vaccination rates are lagging. 'Given anti-vaxxers' reliance on your platforms, you are uniquely positioned to prevent the spread of misinformation about coronavirus vaccines that poses a direct threat to the health and safety of millions of Americans in our states and that will prolong our road to recovery,' the letter said. The letter was signed by the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia. Facebook spokeswoman Dani Lever said the company has removed millions of pieces of COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation and tries to combat 'vaccine hesitancy' by regularly directing users to reliable information from health authorities. Facebook spokeswoman Dani Lever said the company has removed millions of pieces of COVID-19 and vaccine misinformation and tries to combat 'vaccine hesitancy' by regularly directing users to reliable information from health authorities (an example is pictured above) Twitter said it has removed more than 22,400 tweets in connection with its policy toward COVID-19 posts and prioritizes removing content that could cause 'real-world' harm. It comes as Zuckerman, Dorsey and Google's chief executive Sundar Pichai are scheduled to testify on Thursday before a congressional hearing about combating online disinformation. In testimony prepared for the hearing, Zuckerberg laid out steps for 'thoughtful reform' for the key internet law called Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. He acknowledged calls from lawmakers for changes to the law, which currently gives companies like Facebook immunity from liability over content posted by users. Zuckerberg said companies should have to follow best practices for removing damaging material from their platforms and demonstrate they have systems in place for identifying it. But he said that online services still shouldn't be held liable for 'if a particular piece of content evades its detection' because he argued that it wasn't feasible for platforms like Facebook, which has billions of posts per day. Zuckerberg said the requirements should be 'proportionate to platform size and set by a third-party' so that the biggest services don't have an advantage over new startups. He said best practices should not include encryption or privacy changes, which he said were 'unrelated issues' because they 'deserve a full debate in their own right'. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. He wasnt a licensed pharmacist, yet the owner of a South Beach drug store used his position to illegally peddle tens of thousands of potentially addictive oxycodone pills and line his pockets with cash, said authorities. Now, comes the payback for Michael Paulsen. Paulsen could face up to 14 years behind bars after pleading guilty on Tuesday in Manhattan federal court to narcotics conspiracy. Manhattan federal prosecutors said Paulsen, who owned Regal Remedies on Olympia Boulevard, headed an oxycodone distribution ring between March 2016 and September 2019. During those three and a half years, the Tottenville resident ordered more than 170,000 oxycodone pills from pharmaceutical suppliers, officials said. However, Paulsen only dispensed about 62,000 of those pills slightly more than one-third with a prescription, an indictment said. Paulsen doled out large quantities of the drug to customers, including co-conspirators, who either didnt have a prescription, had bogus scripts or had no legitimate medical need for the oxycodone, said the indictment. In exchange, the defendant, who is in his early 40s, received thousands of dollars, officials said. Paulsen is not a registered pharmacist and is not authorized to distribute substances such as oxycodone in New York, officials said. Authorities said Paulsen sold large quantities of the oxycodone to individuals who didnt have scripts but told him they needed the pills to pay off their mortgages or other debts. A 30-mg. oxycodone pill, popular among street-level drug dealers, has a street value of about $30 each, said the indictment. Paulsen also bilked the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs, alleged authorities. He told customers to order products that were medically unnecessary. He then billed Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance providers for reimbursements, officials said. Paulsen kicked back some of that money to customers, said authorities. Regal Remedies has been shuttered, said defense lawyer Joseph Sorrentino. Besides narcotics conspiracy, Paulsen was charged with health care fraud and violating the anti-kickback statute. His plea to narcotics conspiracy satisfies all charges against him. Paulens sentencing guideline range is between 135 and 168 months behind bars, said Sorrentino. That calculates to 11 and a quarter to 14 years in prison. Sorrentino said the defense will seek a sentence outside the guideline range. Federal judges are not bound by the sentencing guidelines; they can go above or below them. In imposing sentence, judges can consider a number of factors, including the nature and circumstances of the offense and the defendants history and characteristics, as well as the need for just punishment and to provide adequate deterrence. You want to ask the judge to look at the defendants background, lack of a criminal record and history of good deeds up to the commission of the crime, said Sorrentino, referring to the defendant. The attorney said Paulsen is a first-time offender. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Did you have a particular writing process as you worked on it? When I was really close on it, I took two films in New York and every day off, I went to Knopf and I sat in an office and wrote. Id take some food or order some food up and spend five, eight, 12, 15 hours and just write. Were you concerned about getting recognized in their offices? It was sleeting and snowing in the worst of winter. Id slog down there in my hat and my down coat with my computer and my stuff. Nobody gave a [expletive] about me. You reveal a lot of intensely personal information in the book about your family and your childhood, including details of how you and your sister, Kelly, were sexually abused by a grandfather. Did you discuss any of this with your surviving relatives before publishing the book? My sister and I made this decision together. We spoke to my mother and at first she was very stoic and wrote me a letter about how disconcerting all this information was. The whole pious, horrified, I-dont-really-want-to-talk-about-it-directly kind of thing. Then my sister got loaded when my mom was staying with her and really went for it with my mom. And my mom had a major breakthrough. When I finished the book, I read it to my mother over a three-day period. And I had the flu at the time. I was in bed and she got in bed with me as I finished the book, and then I recorded an hour and a half of her talking. And then I rewrote a lot of the book. Thats when I dedicated the book to her. Are you apprehensive about people learning these things about you when the book is published? If you dont, people will make it all up for you. Theres been pretty much an adult lifetime of people making up my life for me. Ive had quite a bit of tummy trouble waiting for this book to come. Now Im going to go out in the most menacing, disruptive, psychologically aggressive period that our world has been in since the 60s and be vulnerable and open. I understand that Ill be met with a certain amount of that. But I dont want to gird my loins. I dont want to be defensive. I want to prepare to be open and present. Because thats the purpose of my journey. There are some violent scenes in the book a neck injury you received in a horseback riding accident as a teenager; the demise of an uncle who slipped and froze to death which you find wryly humorous ways to write about. Where does that come from? I have a little bit of the dark comedy personality. I really do think that were meant to meet life with a certain amount of grace, and humor helps that happen. I mean, I have had a unique opportunity in my career to play the bad guy. When I was in school, my acting teacher made me study with this guy who taught you to explore your shadow self. And I was pretty surprised when I got a real good look at myself I was like, thats it? Youre not so bad. Im not afraid of my shadow self. Once you get to know the depth and breadth of your dark side [Her phone begins to play the ringtone Happy by Pharrell Williams. She dismisses the call and, after some laughter, resumes her answer.] Anyone moving to Illinois from more temperate climes may puzzle over those structures that look like rounded pyramids along interstates and tollways, with no identifying signage or outward clue to their purpose. Natives, of course, know them as part of our arsenal against the perils of winter. They are salt domes, housing the stuff needed to make roads less treacherous after a snowfall. In the winter of 2019-20, the Illinois Department of Transportation used nearly 860 million tons of it. This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it weekdays. The talking and texting app Discord is popular with video gamers who use it to plot strategy for blowing up virtual enemies. But Mieke Gottsche and Bianca Visagie, avid readers from South Africa, use Discord for hosting thoughtful book club discussions. I spoke with Gottsche and Visagie to better understand the appeal of Discord and why it has been in deal talks with Microsoft for a transaction that could top $10 billion. Talking through how their book club uses the app helped me to better understand what the fuss is about. They said that they had considered hosting book discussions on Zoom and tried Instagram group gatherings, but Discord was the ideal combination of flexible, collaborative and relatively easy to use. People living in areas where there are high cases of Covid-19 will be able to get tested in walk-in centres. The public does not need to get a GP referral and all tests will be free under the new initiative starting on Thursday. Four walk-in centres will be based in Dublin and a fifth in Co Offaly. The confirmed centres include Tallaght Stadium, Blanchardstown National Aquatic Centre, Irishtown stadium, Phoenix Care Centre car park and Aura Leisure Centre in Tullamore. If you get an appointment for the AstraZeneca #CovidVaccine, please go to it. The vaccine is safe and effective. You can read or download the AstraZeneca information leaflet and aftercare leaflet on our website: https://t.co/VcO9uN1yD7 #HoldFirm pic.twitter.com/L8ggMq5ScY HSE Ireland (@HSELive) March 24, 2021 The mobile units are being set up to actively look for cases in areas where there are high rates of community transmission. People allowed to attend are those living within 5km of the testing location. They will start at 11am and run for a week to allow health authorities to assess take-up in the area. The mobile units can be based in different areas of the country, depending on community transmission rates. It comes as a senior Government official warned that there has been a stagnation of Covid-19 cases in recent days. Liz Canavan, assistant secretary at the Department of the Taoiseach, said: We know that there have been days over the last week or two where weve all groaned at daily numbers, seemingly stuck around 500 or higher. This can be very disheartening for so many of us who continue to abide by the public health guidance and do the right thing. Expand Close The mobile units are being set up in areas to actively look for cases in areas where there is high rates of community transmission (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The mobile units are being set up in areas to actively look for cases in areas where there is high rates of community transmission (PA) However, we have to remember how far we have come, and how much we have achieved. Most of us are doing the right thing. The new and now predominant variant is much harder to control and much harder to stop reading. What is concerning is that there has been a 9% increase week-on-week in case numbers. The first increase since the peak of wave three. Thirteen counties have a community positivity rate of more than 10%. Rates are higher now compared to where we were just before Christmas. She said the walk-in centres will help health officials understand how and why the virus is spreading quicker in certain areas. Around one in five people have Covid-19 without having any symptoms, testing people with those symptoms will help us find positive cases earlier and allow these people to take the necessary action to protect others, Ms Canavan added. This will help us break chains of transmission. She said that gardai are continuing to see people gathering at peoples homes. More than 15,350 fines have been issued for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions, with over 2,300 fines issued to people for organising and attending house parties. Thirteen counties have a community positivity rate of more than 10%. Liz Canavan Government-led research has revealed that there is an increase in the number of people making social visits to peoples homes and people receiving visitors to their homes. We are not necessarily talking about house parties, we are talking about some home visits that are lasting an hour or more, where masks are not being worn, Ms Canavan added. It may may be a cup of coffee with extended family or lunch. With the new variant this is a lot risker than people may think. She urged people to think again before making indoor social visits. To date, the Government has vaccinated 492,000 people, with 184,000 people fully vaccinated with two doses. Close to 11,000 vaccinators are trained, while recruitment for vaccinators at 38 centres is under way. The aim is to have four in five adults to have received at least one dose by the end of June. Ms Canavan added: We have come a long way but we arent yet where we need to be. Trust in public health advice and think twice before venturing outside 5k. We will get the dividends for our efforts as more and more of us are vaccinated. There are better days ahead. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 24) The second batch of Sinovac vaccines donated by China arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday. The 400,000 CoronaVac doses arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 7:17 a.m. via Philippine Airlines flight PR361, according to the government's Vaccination Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic team. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian were seen personally welcoming the arrival of the vaccines. We are grateful for the arrival of additional donated vaccines. The arrival of these vaccines could not have occurred at a more opportune time considering the continued rise in cases, which in turn increases the need to inoculate more high-risk individuals as soon as possible, Duque said in a statement. "Today, we are happy to have the second batch of the China-donated vaccines of 400,000 here in Manila.," Xilian told reporters. "We hope we will contribute to speeding up the mass vaccination in the country so that you will win over the war against the virus and recover the economy at an early date." The Philippines previously received 600,000 donated Sinovac vaccines and 525,600 doses from British-Swedish manufacturer AstraZeneca through the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility. Between March 24 and March 26, over 979,200 more AstraZeneca doses via COVAX will be shipped to the country, officials said. One million more Sinovac doses purchased by the Philippine government are also expected to arrive on March 29. At least 408,995 Filipinos mostly healthcare workers received their COVID-19 shots to date, according to vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, said he is grateful to God for allowing him to go to prison and come back. Mr Kalu stated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Tuesday, adding that going to prison was a good experience for him. The statement, issued by Mr Kalus media aide, Peter Eze, said the senator made the remark at a campaign rally for of his younger brother, Mascot Kalu, who is the All Progressives Congress candidate for the March 27 Aba North/South Federal Constituency poll. Mr Kalu was sentenced to Kuje Correctional Centre for 12 years on December 5, 2019 for allegedly misappropriating about N7.1 billion, while serving as Abia governor between 1999 and 2007. The Supreme Court, however, on May 8, 2020 upturned his trial and conviction by Muhammed Idris of the Federal High Court, Lagos. The apex court had said that the judge, Mr Idris, lacked the jurisdiction to try the matter, having been elevated to the Court of Appeal. Mr Kalu said some prominent Abia politicians, who were vexed by his criticism against the Abia State Government, accused him of still suffering from his prison experience. The statement quoted the senator to have said that his detractors were little-minded to think he is ashamed of his prison experience. My conspirators thought I would be president in 2023, so they decided to cut my journey short at all cost. But you see, these people are not God. They think I am ashamed to have gone to prison. I am not and I dont blame them because they dont know my relationship with God. Joseph went to prison, even former President Olusegun Obasanjo went to prison. My going to prison is part of my life script and I am thankful God allowed it. They are little minds and wicked people, who have refused to do any project for their own people. Mr Kalu recently criticised the state government for failing to address the huge infrastructure deficit in Abia. He said the ongoing road repairs in Aba were funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission and federal government and not Governor Okezie Ikpeazus administration. He further criticised the administration for failing to regularly pay workers salaries as and when due. The Commissioner for Information in the state, John Kalu, in a response, said the state government secured N27.4 billion World Bank facility to fund road projects in Aba. The commissioner refuted the allegation that the projects were being executed by the federal government, saying that the federal government does not build internal roads in states. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT A relevant bill presented by the opposition Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia factions was supported by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians majority alliance. The vote taken in parliament went 118 to 1 in favor of the bill, with one lawmaker abstaining from voting. Pashinian signed a trilateral statement with the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9 to put an end to six-week hostilities on November 9, but the martial law regime was maintained in Armenia that got hundreds of kilometers of new borders with Azerbaijan as a result of the defeat suffered by Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan refused to lift martial law even after Baku did so in December, but it still removed some restrictions affecting freedom of speech and assembly as well as international travel. The two opposition factions in the Armenian parliament twice sought to have martial law abolished, but their initiatives were thwarted by the parliament majority represented by the Pashinian-led My Step bloc. Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia, as well as extra-parliamentary parties and groups have accused the government of maintaining martial law for political reasons. In particular, they have claimed that the prime minister needs martial law to prevent the opposition from impeaching him over mishandling the war. The government has rejected the accusations as groundless. This time around, however, My Step indicated that it would not oppose the oppositions move to abolish martial law. It also explained it by the consensus achieved by the parliaments majority and minority factions about the need to hold early elections soon, which will require abolishing martial law first. Prime Minister Pashinian said last week that early parliamentary elections in Armenia will be held on June 20. Parliament Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, who represents My Step, said on Tuesday that it would be better if the government had initiated the bill, but still called on the parliament majority to vote in favor of lifting martial law out of solidarity with the opposition. This is at least a way to resolve the situation, restore political stability in one way or another. Taking into account all these factors, I suggest granting the initiative of the parliamentary opposition and voting for this bill to abolish martial law perhaps five or seven days earlier than it would make sense, Mirzoyan said. Under Armenias law, the parliament speaker signs and publishes a bill on abolishing martial law immediately after its passage. DGAP-News: ADM Energy PLC / Key word(s): Miscellaneous ADM Energy PLC: Result of Oversubscribed Fundraising 24.03.2021 / 08:30 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF EU REGULATION 596/2014 (WHICH FORMS PART OF DOMESTIC UK LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018). UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. 24 March 2021 ADM Energy PLC ("ADM" or the "Company") Result of Oversubscribed Fundraising Further to its announcement at 07.00 a.m. on 23 March 2021 ("the Announcement"), ADM Energy PLC (AIM: ADME; BER and FSE: P4JC), a natural resources investing company, is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Fundraising which has now closed oversubscribed. The offer was enlarged to accommodate additional investor interest from both new and existing investors. The Placing and Subscription Offer has raised approximately 1,220,000 (before commission and expenses) through the placing and subscription of 28,710,250 new Ordinary Shares at an Issue Price of 4.25 pence per share. Certain directors, PDMRs and other investors participated in the Subscription. As previously disclosed, the purpose of the Subscription and Placing is, inter alia, to fund the acquisition of a 51% interest in Karra Oil Noble Hill, and through that a controlling interest in a Risk Sharing Agreement for the development of the large-scale Barracuda Field in OML 141, an existing discovery and near-term production asset in swamp/shallow waters offshore Nigeria. Osamede Okhomina, CEO of ADM Energy plc, said: "We are delighted to successfully conclude this oversubscribed fundraise which demonstrates the strength of investor interest and confidence in ADM. I would like to welcome all our new investors and thank existing shareholders for their ongoing support and commitment to our strategy to build a portfolio of assets with attractive rewards, with a view to minimising risks where possible. "As part of that strategy, today we announced a significant agreement for ADM, acquiring a controlling interest in a Risk Sharing Agreement for the development of the Barracuda Field, which gives the Company access to another high-quality asset in Nigeria. With plans to drill a new well in Q4 2021, and multiple additional wells thereafter, the Barracuda Field has the potential to come on stream later this year and bring significant increases in production volumes and cashflows to the Company thereafter." Director/PDMR Dealing Pursuant to the Fundraising, the Company's Non-Executive Chairman Peter Francis, CEO Osamede (Osa) Okhomina, COO Richard Carter, and Non-executive Director Dr Stefan Liebing, being Directors of the Company, and PDMRs, CFO Lionel Therond, Head of Corporate Communications & New Ventures Thato Mngomezulu and Financial Controller Lewis Boddy, subscribed for new Ordinary Shares as follows: Name Title Number of Ordinary Shares purchased Resulting shareholding on Admission Percentage of issued share capital on Admission Peter Francis Non-executive Chairman 1,176,471 3,122,683 2.06% Osa Okhomina Chief Executive Officer 1,176,471 2,192,380 1.45% Richard Carter Chief Operating Officer 470,588 1,098,163 0.72% Dr Stefan Liebing Non-executive Director 352,941 489,305 0.32% Lionel Therond Chief Financial Officer 117,647 117,647 0.08% Thato Mngomezulu Head of Corporate Communications & New Ventures 235,294 235,294 0.16% Lewis Boddy Financial Controller 117,647 117,647 0.08% The subscriptions by each of Peter Francis, Osa Okhomina, Richard Carter and Dr Stefan Liebing, as Directors of the Company, all of whom are classified as related parties under the AIM Rules for Companies, constitute a related party transaction. The Directors (save for Peter Francis, Osa Okhomina, Richard Carter and Dr Stefan Liebing) consider, having consulted with the Company's Nominated Adviser, that the terms of the director participation in the Subscription are fair and reasonable insofar as its shareholders are concerned. Issue of Warrants In connection with the Fundraise, the Company has issued 502,941 warrants to its lead broker to the transaction, Hybridan LLP ("Broker Warrants") to subscribe for Ordinary Shares at an exercise price equal to the Issue Price. Hybridan LLP now holds 622,941 warrants in total. Amendment of Warrants Further, as announced on 25 August 2020, the Company had agreed to rebase certain existing warrants with a new exercise price equal to the Issue Price ("Amended Warrants"). The total number of Amended Warrants is 4,705,882. The remainder of the terms of each Amended Warrant is unchanged, including their vesting period and expiry dates. The Company after this Transaction will have 28,229,182 warrants outstanding. Admission to AIM and Total Voting Rights Application will be made to the London Stock Exchange for the New Ordinary Shares, which will rank pari passu with the Company's existing Ordinary Shares, to be admitted to trading on AIM. Dealings in the New Ordinary Shares are expected to commence at 8.00 a.m. on or around 30 March 2021. Following the issue of the New Ordinary Shares, the Company will have 151,479,323 ordinary shares of 1p each in issue. There are no ordinary shares are held in treasury. The figure of 151,479,323 may be used by the Company's shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. Capitalised terms in this announcement shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Announcement at 07.00 a.m. on 23 March 2021. Enquiries: ADM Energy plc +44 20 7459 4718 Osamede Okhomina, CEO www.admenergyplc.com Cairn Financial Advisers LLP +44 20 7213 0880 (Nominated Adviser) Jo Turner, James Caithie Arden Partners plc +44 20 7614 5900 (Lead Broker) Paul Shackleton, Dan Gee-Summons Hybridan LLP +44 20 3764 2341 (Joint Broker) Claire Louise Noyce Oddo Seydler Bank AG +49 69 920540 (Designated Sponsor) Michael B. Thiriot Luther Pendragon +44 20 7618 9100 (Financial PR) Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Joe Quinlan About ADM Energy PLC ADM Energy PLC (AIM: ADME; BER and FSE: P4JC) is a natural resources investing company with an existing asset base in Nigeria. ADM Energy holds a 9.2% profit interest in the Aje Field, part of OML 113, which covers an area of 835km offshore Nigeria. Aje has multiple oil, gas, and gas condensate reservoirs in the Turonian, Cenomanian and Albian sandstones with five wells drilled to date. ADM Energy is seeking to build on its existing asset base in Nigeria and target other investment opportunities across the West African region in the oil and gas sector with attractive risk reward profiles such as proven nature of reserves, level of historic investment, established infrastructure and route to early cash flow. Notification and public disclosure of transactions by persons discharging managerial responsibilities ("PDMR") and persons closely associated with them ("PCA") in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulations 1. Details of the person discharging managerial responsibilities/person closely associated a) Name Company directors/officers: 1. Peter Francis 2. Osa Okhomina 3. Richard Carter 4. Dr Stefan Liebing 5. Lionel Therond 6. Thato Mngomezulu 7. Lewis Boddy Non-Executive Chairman CEO COO Non-executive Director CFO Head of Corporate Communications & New Ventures Financial Controller 2. Reason for the notification a) Position/status See 1(a) above for all positions - all classified as PDMRs of the Company b) Initial notification/Amendment Initial Notification 3. Details of the issuer, emission allowance market participant, auction platform, auctioneer or auction monitor a) Name ADM Energy plc b) LEI 213800DY7G8EEJCCOL47 4. Details of the transaction(s): section to be repeated for (i) each type of instrument; (ii) each type of transaction; (iii) each date; and (iv) each place where transactions have been conducted a) Description of the financial instrument Ordinary Shares of 1 pence each b) Identification code GB00BJFDXW97 c) Nature of the transactions Amount Price 1. 1,176,471 2. 1,176,471 3. 470,588 4. 352,941 5. 117,647 6. 235,294 7. 117,647 1. 4.25p 2. 4.25p 3. 4.25p 4. 4.25p 5. 4.25p 6. 4.25p 7. 4.25p d) Price(s) and volume(s) e) Aggregated information - Aggregated volume - Price N/A (single transaction) f) Date of the transactions 24 March 2021 f) Place of the transactions London Stock Exchange, AIM Market This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. Press Release March 24, 2021 Sponsorship Speech at the Commission on Appointments by Senator Panfilo M. Lacson March 24, 2021 More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/03/24/sponsorship-speech-for-5-ambassadors-51-senior-dfa-officers-at-the-commission-on-appointments/ Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of the Commission on Appointments, this Representation as Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, presided over a public hearing this morning to deliberate on the nominations of five (5) Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The Committee likewise deliberated on the ad interim appointments of fifty-one (51) Senior Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs consisting of six (6) Senior Officials who are promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I; ten (10) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II; ten (10) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Career Minister; and, twenty-five (25) Senior Officials promoted to the rank of Foreign Service Officer, Class I. Your Committee, after deliberating on their qualifications and fitness during the public hearing, determined that they are fit and qualified to be in the posts where they are nominated and appointed, and therefore ruled to recommend to the plenary their appointments for the consent and approval of this body. Mr. Chairman, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Generoso Calonge as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Iraq with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. Ambassador Calonge was an Army Officer who has held the rank of Major (Inactive Reserve) since 1998. He was later appointed as Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary Executive Squadron in January 2020. He is also a member of the Philippine Bar, a topnotch of the Career Minister Examinations in 1997, and third in rank in the Foreign Service Examinations in 1981. In 2004, he was lauded as then Consul General in Dubai for having completed the rescue mission for the kidnapped Filipino diplomat and his three (3) companions in Afghanistan. As the Assistant Secretary for the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, he also successfully revived the Philippines-Japan Dialogue on Maritime and Ocean Affairs, reportedly the first maritime dialogue in six (6) years. In 2020, he was conferred with a Felipe Agoncillo Lifetime Service Award by the DFA for his substantial contribution to the advancement of Philippine interests in the global community. Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Generoso Calonge as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Iraq with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. I so move, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, it is my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. Our subject nominee, dubbed as an "accidental diplomat," only took the Foreign Service Officers' (FSO) examinations to fulfill a promise to her elders but ended up topping the overall exams in 1994, and even ranked third in her Career Minister Examinations in 2007. She has served key roles in the DFA, including her post as the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration, and as the concurrent Chairperson of the Board of Foreign Service Administration from May 2018 to April 2019. As the Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, she was credited for the successful conclusion of a long-awaited major bilateral economic initiative, that is, the establishment of a Philippines-Germany Joint Economic Committee (JEC) in August 2020. Ambassador De Vega has rightfully earned her laurels including the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Dakilang Kasugo (Gold Distinction) in 2016, and the Medal of Civic Merit by the Government of the Kingdom of Spain in 2007. Nonetheless, of the many feathers in her cap here and abroad, her best distinction remains to be as an outstanding diplomat who has helped forge and strengthen important bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Hong Kong, and Germany. Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. I so move, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, it is my honor and privilege to recommend that the Commission give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Maria Lumen Banzon Isleta as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Sweden with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Finland with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. Our nominee started her public service career as an Economic Development Researcher and later, as a Senior Development Specialist at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). She joined the DFA in 1988 as the Director of the Economic Division and since then, climbed up the ladder to represent the Department in various important capacities. Ambassador Isleta has been distinctively known for her overseas diplomatic representations at the Philippine Embassies in Stockholm, Sweden; Vienna, Austria; Laos, and Indonesia, until her designation as the Assistant Secretary for American Affairs. Among her honorable merits is her advocacy for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. As the Gender and Development (GAD) Secretariat in the DFA, her office has been on overdrive to push the concerns of women to the forefront. She has also actively participated in the drafting of Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, and the drawing up of its Implementing Rules and Regulations. In the international forum, she also actively participated in the meetings of the United Nations Committee on the Status of Women. Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Maria Lumen Banzon Isleta as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Sweden with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Finland, with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class I. I so move, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, it is also my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Maria Elena Palo Algabre as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey with concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II. Ambassador Algabre, an economist by profession, started her career in the Department in 1994 as an Executive Assistant at the Office of the Secretary. Only a year later, she ranked first in the FSO Examinations, topping both its written and oral components. She rose from the ranks and served diplomatic postings in the Kingdom of Belgium, the Republic of Austria, and the Kingdom of Norway until her recent nomination. Under her leadership as the Minister Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway, the Embassy was named one of the best organizations of the Department in 2018. Ambassador Algabre is highly regarded for her active promotion of Philippine art and culture in her foreign postings as exemplified by her key projects such as the 2015 Ballet Performance Tour in China that forged cultural exchange and the 2016 performance of the Leyte Dance Theater in Berne, Geneva, Prague, Vienna and Warsaw in appreciation of the foreign assistance of the countries in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. She has been entrusted with various sensitive positions in the DFA, particularly acknowledged for her effective monitoring and analysis of European Union policies and developments affecting the country. For her outstanding service as a diplomat, she was conferred with the prestigious Gawad Mabini-Dakilang Kasugo Award in 2007. Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Maria Elena Palo Algabre as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Turkey with concurrent jurisdiction over Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II. I so move, Mr. Chairman. Finally, Mr. Chairman, it is likewise my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Alan Lazaro Deniega as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of Bangladesh with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II. Our nominee held diplomatic postings in Tokyo, Japan; Singapore; and Brussels, Belgium until his current function in Ottawa, Canada. Throughout his overseas postings, he has gained recognition for his worthwhile gains in foreign relations. As the Consul General and Minister to the Philippine Embassy in Singapore from 2011 to 2014, he was cited for improving consular services through the utilization of IT systems and overseeing various administrative concerns. He was also recognized as the Director of the Office of ASEAN Affairs from 2014 to 2015 for promoting a better understanding of the ASEAN community and economic integration. In his short stint as the Director of the Office of European Affairs, he ably supervised three divisions, which dealt with numerous member-countries. As the Charge d'Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels from 2016 to 2019, he was credited for successfully managing and heading the post despite the absence of a Philippine envoy since 2016. Finally, in his current post as Consul General in Ottawa, he has served the interests of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians by efficiently managing the Embassy's consular section. To this end, Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, it is my privilege and honor to recommend that this body give its consent to the nomination of Ambassador Alan Lazaro Deniega as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People's Republic of Bangladesh with concurrent jurisdiction over the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives with the rank and emoluments of a Chief of Mission, Class II. I so move, Mr. Chairman. At this point, Mr. Chairman, I would also like to recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following officials to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class I. 1. MR. VICENTE VIVENCIO TEJAMO BANDILLO 2. MR. MEDARDO ANTONIO GONZALES MACARAIG 3. MR. EDUARDO RAMOS MENEZ 4. MS. IMELDA MACAPUNDAG PANOLONG 5. MR. RALY LOFAMIA TEJADA 6. MR. ALFONSO AGBAYANI VER I so move, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would also like to recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following officials to the rank of Chief of Mission, Class II. 1. MS. GRACE T. CRUZ-FABELLA 2. MR. ROBERTO GUTIERREZ MANALO 3. MR. SENEN TIEMSIN MANGALILE 4. MS. FLERIDA ANN CAMILLE PUZON MAYO 5. MS. AILEEN S. MENDIOLA-RAU 6. MS. EVANGELINE T. ONG JIMENEZ-DUCROCQ 7. MS. JESUSA SUSANA VILLAR PAEZ 8. MS. MARIA ANGELA ABRERA PONCE 9. MR. ERIC GERARDO ESCARRILLA TAMAYO 10. MR. PAUL VINCENT LUNA UY I so move, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I likewise recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the following senior officials to the rank of Career Ministers: 1. MR. REGINALD SANGLE BERNABE 2. MR. ROBERT ERIC ALABADO BORJE 3. MS. LENNA EILLEEN C. DE DIOS-SISON 4. MR. CHRISTIAN LUNA DE JESUS 5. MS. MARIA ALNEE ARUGAY GAMBLE 6. MR. ROUSSEL REMO REYES 7. MR. JIM TITO BALGOS SAN AGUSTIN 8. MR. HANS MOHAIMIN LIM SIRIBAN 9. MR. ARMAN RACHO TALBO 10. MR. KERWIN ORVILLE CASANO TATE I so move, Mr. Chairman. Finally, Mr. Chairman, I recommend to the Commission the confirmation of the ad interim appointments of the following senior officials to the rank of Foreign Service Officers, Class I: 1. MR. RALPH VINCENT CLAR DE JESUS ABARQUEZ 2. MS. RAPUNZEL AGLIPAY ACOP 3. MR. NOMER BLEVENS ADO II 4. MR. JAY FRANCIS GALINO ALCANTARA 5. MS. MA. THERESA MILALLOS ALDERS 6. MR. MELVIN CORDENILLO ALMONGUERA 7. MS. JOHANN VERONICA MADULID ANDAL 8. MR. DEAN JASON NEPOMUCENO ARRIOLA 9. MS. THERESE RODRIGUEZ CANTADA 10. MR. OLIVER CUTAMORA DELFIN 11. MS. HELEN ANNE SAYO GAN 12. MS. RIA EUGENIO GOROSPE 13. MR. JOHN FRANCIS SOLANO HERRERA 14. MS. IRISH KAY L. KALAW-ADO 15. MS. KRISTINE MARGRET MENDIOLA MALANG 16. MR. JIM GABRILLO MINGLANA 17. MS. CARLYN ANDRINO MONASTRIAL 18. MR. NORMAN ESCUETA PADALHIN 19. MS. ANALYN DE LEON RATONEL 20. MR. ROMMEL ARIMAN ROMATO 21. MS. JOYLEEN ESPINOSA SANTOS 22. MR. RODNEY JONAS LUCIDO SUMAGUE 23. MR. MAURICE ARCAMO TIEMPO 24. MR. ERIC PETALLANA VALENZUELA 25. MR. DUKE APALISOK VILLANUEVA I so move, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. State health officials failure to adequately prepare for the pandemic likely contributed to some senior care home coronavirus deaths early in the pandemic, state auditors said in a critical, wide-ranging report released Wednesday. The two state agencies responsible for responding to the pandemic wasted valuable time in the first few months after Oregons first case as they tried to figure out how to work together, the Secretary of State Oregon Audits Division found. More than 90 people eventually died in outbreaks that began while state agencies were building a new bureaucracy virtually from the ground up. The Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority did not plan basic elements for responding together, the auditors office wrote. These elements were developed after the response began, delaying actions that may have prevented illness and death among long-term care residents and staff. The Secretary of States conclusions are a striking repudiation of health officials efforts to contain outbreaks in March and April of last year. About half of all COVID-19 deaths in Oregon were long-term care residents, auditors said, compared to just over a third nationally. As of March 14, 1,210 people in congregate care had died. The report made special note of what to this day has been the deadliest long-term care outbreak in Oregon, at the Southeast Portland nursing home Healthcare at Foster Creek. The outbreak was developing even as the state was putting together a team to respond to outbreaks, auditors wrote, then waited three weeks to take strict action against the facility even after learning of life-threatening problems at the facility. The delay is an indication of the lack of advance preparation for the pandemic and a hesitancy to take proactive actions in a crucial case, auditors wrote. The Oregonian/OregonLive found last year that the Department of Human Services feared the Foster Creek outbreak could become devastating, yet delayed action until it was virtually too late. The facility is now connected to 36 deaths, most or all of them residents. Soon after the outbreak was publicly revealed, the Department of Human Services Director Fariborz Pakseresht declined to consider whether quicker action could have saved lives. Pakseresht at the time said he was hesitant to get into what could have, should have been done, and that the agency did not want to see one more fatality. By the time all residents were evacuated from the facility, its outbreak accounted for one in four coronavirus fatalities in Oregon. READ THE FULL REPORT The Secretary of States findings, outlined in an advisory report that did not have to face the same rigors as a full-scale audit, address a broad range of issues beyond the states apparent failure to prepare for how a pandemic could affect senior care facilities. The office did acknowledge Oregons successes, citing the low coronavirus infection and death rates in long-term care as compared to rates in other states. By the end of October, Oregon ranked 40th in cases and 43rd in deaths as a percent of the senior care population, the office wrote. Since the surge in late 2020, deaths have dropped, coinciding with vaccinations in long-term care, the auditors office wrote. However, throughout the pandemic, new outbreaks continued despite substantial steps taken by the state. Auditors listed a number of suggestions. Going forward, the state should track how many workers get vaccinated and find a way to potentially make that data public, citing troubling trends showing that health care workers have been declining to get shots. The state should also do better to involve Oregons top advocate for seniors, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. And, auditors wrote, health officials could visit facilities more often to ensure they are complying with infection control rules. In their response to the findings, the directors of the health authority and human services provided an extensive list of steps theyve taken to curb the pandemics toll on long-term care over the past year and going forward. Those include opening seven COVID-19 recovery units, enacting a statewide mandate that senior care staff get tested at least monthly, and preemptive inspections to check that facilities were following infection-control practices. Throughout the pandemic, Oregon has steadily redirected resources to expand focus on prevention and outbreak management in long-term care facilities, Pakseresht and health authority Director Patrick Allen wrote in their response. And, while they believe collaboration between facilities and state and local health agencies are working, we can always do better and are continuously looking for improvements. The agencies said they believe their proactive and responsive measures helped reduce case and death rates, and credited what they said was the agencies openness to change for keeping case rates among the lowest in the country. Asked if the agency agreed with auditors assessment that the state could have prevented some coronavirus cases and deaths, the Department of Human Services referred to the 11-page response letter. We are also thankful for the commitment of residents, their families, and facility staff who followed infection control guidance, and we continue to grieve, along with them, for lives lost, spokeswoman Elisa Williams said in an email. The personal sacrifices required during the pandemic cannot be overstated. -- Fedor Zarkhin fzarkhin@oregonian.com; 971-373-2905 Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Sorry! This content is not available in your region A childcare worker has been charged with allegedly raping a young child twice and making sexual abuse videos of minors. Bronte John Ciracovitch, 30, was the only male working at a childcare centre in the northern suburbs of Adelaide when he was arrested in September last year. However, more than 180 families whose children he looked after are only just finding out about his alleged crimes, six months later. This is despite some of that material that was allegedly found on his phone and relating to the childcare centre he worked at. Bronte John Ciracovitch, 30, was the only male working at a childcare centre in the northern suburbs of Adelaide when he was arrested in September last year Adelaide Magistrates Court heard he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a child including two rapes between December 31, 2019 and September 21, 2020. Police alleged the father-of-three produced the abuse videos in that same time, and was in possession of other such material he got form elsewhere. The charges were aggravated as the child is under 14. On Wednesday, the court revoked a suppression order originally handed down at the time of his first court appearance last September. South Australian Police will send out letters to 180 families related to the childcare centre in an attempt to inform them about the charges and gain more leads. 'My stomach just dropped... I was just like no it can't be,' one parent told Seven News about the moment he found out about Ciracovitch's arrst. Adelaide Magistrates Court heard he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a child including two rapes between December 31, 2019 and September 21, 2020 A parent at the childcare centre expresses his dismay at Ciracovitch's arrest and being kept in the dark for so long 'I felt utterly sick, I felt betrayed... I will never, ever trust again. [My son] attended the centre when he turned one and he left as soon as I found out about what happened and the arrest.' The letters played a large factor in the revoking of Ciracovitch's suppression order on Wednesday. Lawyers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said detectives wanted to send out the letters to alert the families about the allegations against Ciracovitch. Ciracovitch attended Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide (pictured) in September last year when he was arrested They argued if the suppression order was to remain the police should be granted an exemption to send their letters. Ciracovitch's lawyer said the revoking of the suppression order 'appalling' as the police were planning to 'name and shame' the defendant to collect evidence. The revoking of the suppression order came after a legal change from last March that scrapped automatic anonymity for alleged sex offenders. Ciracovitch was charged with one count of maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a minor, aggravated counts of producing and possessing child exploitation material. He was remanded in custody where he will remain until he attends court in May. Midlands Bureau CBZ Bank has availed inputs to cover over 70 000 hectares of winter wheat against a national target of 85 000 hectares of the crop. Speaking after a tour of Wanu Farm on the outskirts of Gweru to assess the winter wheat preparations, CBZ agro yield managing director, Mr Walter Chigodora, said the inputs were now available and farmers under Command Agriculture across the country could now visit the bank for their allocations. "Everything is in order. We have since availed the inputs and farmers should just visit the bank and register. "It's now the second year running and we had challenges last time but now we know and we expect to have an improved yield. This is why we have already availed the inputs," he said. Mr Chigodora said the farmers should all have accessed their inputs by May. He said the bank, through its agri-unit, was also assisting farmers with farm implements as the country sought to produce enough wheat and cut on the import bill. "Apart from the farm implements which we are giving the farmers, we are also funding the rehabilitation of irrigation schemes in the country so that we maximise production on our irrigation. "The idea is to produce enough for the country, we want to maximise on the good rains to produce enough produce for the country," he said. Midlands provincial crop and Agritex officer, Mrs Madeline Magwenzi said the province was seeking to more than double its winter wheat hectares from last year's 4 500 hectares to about 11 000 hectares. She urged farmers to take advantage of the availability of the inputs to plant in time. "We are still negotiating on the actual hectares with the aim to double what we had as the province last year. "We intend to have about 8 000 to 11 000 hectares from last year's 4 500 hectares," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 23:07:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The 46th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) came to a close on Wednesday. What the world has witnessed during the four-week conference was a record of the repeated double standards of the United States and some other Western countries. The beacon of human rights, as they would like to call themselves, has failed to shed light upon its own weaknesses. While they tried in vain to boast their human rights superiority, China's position and achievements on human rights have won the support and recognition of many developing countries. During the session, representatives from 116 countries and international organizations reviewed the human rights situation in the United States and made 347 recommendations on human rights improvement, covering such issues as minority oppression, life and health deprivations and gun violence. Some representatives pointed out that the United States, in pursuit of "vaccine nationalism," has hoarded vaccines far in excess of its population's needs in the pandemic, and refused to share them with other countries, including its allies. Moreover, the United States has carried out numerous military interventions that have resulted in mass civilian casualties. The country also imposed coercive and unilateral sanctions that have seriously violated international law on developing countries, causing grave human rights and humanitarian crises. During the session, a long list of countries urged the United States, Australia, Canada and the European Union to address issues including racism, discrimination, police violence and hate crimes targeted at ethnic minorities. A representative from the United States admitted that some Americans, especially those in black communities, have lost confidence in the country's judicial system as a result of the irresponsibility of some U.S. police officers. Ironically, some Western countries, the United States in particular, played down or totally dismissed their own human rights violations while launching groundless attacks against China over issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong under the guise of democracy and human rights. Such blatant double standards are astonishing and outrageous. China has responded to the ill-founded accusations with sufficient facts and reason. Addressing a high-level meeting at the session, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Xinjiang-related issues are in essence about countering violent terrorism and separatism, adding that there has never been so-called "genocide," "forced labor" or "religious oppression" in Xinjiang. The legislation on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, Wang said, has plugged the long-existing legal loopholes in Hong Kong. Around three million Hong Kong residents have expressed their support for national security legislation in signature campaigns. The drama of smearing China orchestrated by a few Western countries has to come to an end. Gone are the days when they managed to meddle in China's internal affairs with a few made-up stories and rampant lies. On March 12, Cuba delivered a joint statement on behalf of 64 countries, commending the people-centered philosophy that the Chinese government pursues and achievements that have been made in China's human rights cause, and reiterating that Xinjiang is an inseparable part of China. On March 5, Belarus delivered a joint speech on behalf of 71 countries at the 46th UNHRC session, emphasizing that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and should not be interfered in by external forces. Also in recent days, a number of countries have expressed their firm support for China on Xinjiang-related and Hong Kong-related issues in their individual statements delivered at the session. The manipulation of a few Western countries simply cannot represent the international community. Over the years, China has adhered to a people-centered concept of human rights and blazed a path of human rights development that suits China's national conditions and needs. Just as Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva has said, the 1.4 billion Chinese people, as masters of their country, are living a safe and happy life, enjoying equity, justice, development and prosperity. "This is both the greatest human rights practice and the greatest human rights achievement," he said. The international community has a fair judgement of who is violating human rights and who is upholding them. Human rights are not the exclusive rights of some countries, and China's human rights achievements have to be recognized. It is time that those countries abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect the path of human rights development chosen by others, stop smearing other countries, and take their own problems seriously. It is hoped that all countries can join efforts to enhance the exchange and cooperation on human rights based on equality and mutual respect, so as to work together for the healthy development of human rights in the world. Enditem 2020 has been a devastating year, said Joe DAlessandro, President and CEO of San Francisco Travel. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We hope to see consistent improvement going forward during a multi-year recovery until we get back to 2019 levels. The San Francisco Travel Association released tourism figures for 2020 today at San Francisco Travels first all virtual Marketing Conference. San Francisco Travel is reporting a total of 10.2 million visitors to the city in 2020, down 61.0 percent from a record high of 26.2 million in 2019. Total spending by visitors was $2.3 billion, down 77.7 percent from a record high of $10.3 billion in 2019, including spending on meetings and conventions. After ten consecutive years of record-breaking outcomes for San Franciscos tourism industry, 2020 has been a devastating year, said Joe DAlessandro, President and CEO of San Francisco Travel. The 2020 results are disappointing, he continued. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our market research shows that there is huge pent-up demand for travel all over the world. We expect demand in the domestic market to pick up first, followed by individual overseas markets. Countries like the United Kingdom who move quickly with vaccinations and provide a perspective for lifting travel restrictions do already see a significant increase in vacation bookings. 2021 will be another challenging year for our industry. We hope to see consistent improvement going forward during a multi-year recovery until we get back to 2019 levels. San Francisco International Airport San Francisco International Airport (SFO) served a total of 16.4 million passengers, down 71.4 percent from 57.5 million in 2019. International traffic fell 78.7 percent from 2019 to 2020. Hotel Occupancy Room nights consumed by delegates attending Moscone Center conventions totaled 121,000, down 87.5 percent from prior year, DAlessandro said. Bringing the conventions business back into the city is one of our top priorities for the coming year. Average hotel occupancy using pre-COVID room night supply, was 27.2 percent, down 67.2 percent from 2019, while average daily rate was $206.11, down 24.5 percent. International Visitor Volume International visitors comprised 20.2 percent of overnight visitor volume, down from 28.3 percent a year earlier, and 52.3 percent of all overnight visitor spending in 2020. San Francisco welcomed 570,000 international visitors in 2020, down 80.7 percent from 2.9 million in 2019. The top five markets for visitor volume in 2020 were Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, China and India. International Visitor Spending International visitors spent $829 million, down 83.8 percent from $5.1 billion in 2019. The top five markets for visitor spending in 2020 were Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom and Canada. Far Reaching Economic Impact Daily visitor spending equated to $5.8 million, down 77.9 percent from $26.2 million in 2019. The average visitor spent $207.91 per day, down 43.0 percent from $364.94 in 2019. Convention attendees spent an average of $182.26 per day, down 68.8 percent from $584.32 in 2019. The number of jobs supported by tourism in San Francisco fell to 20,880 from 86,111 in 2019, a decline of 75.8 percent. There was an average of 27,911 visitors in San Francisco each day, down 61.1 percent from 71,805 in 2019. The tourism industry generated $273.4 million in taxes and fees for the City of San Francisco in 2020, down 66.6 percent from $819.7 million in 2019. Major contributors to that figure include hotel tax (43.6 percent) and property tax (33.1 percent). On a per capita basis, visitors spent $2,359.00 per San Francisco resident, compared to $10,820 in 2019. In 2020, visitors generated $732.00 in taxes per San Francisco household, down from $2,198 in the previous year. As a result of the pandemic, visitor spending in San Francisco dropped 80% in 2020, and City revenue generated by tourism dropped by 67%, which has been devastating for our local economy, said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. Tourism has been an economic powerhouse of our city for years, delivering a critical source of tax revenue for our community. These dollars allow us to secure jobs, and to fund vital local services teachers, firefighters, support for vulnerable populations, health and safety, and much more. Now as our Covid numbers improve and we are rapidly vaccinating thousands of people every day, we need to continue our efforts to reopen businesses, put residents back to work and start welcoming visitors. This is critical for our economic recovery and the future of our city. Outlook in the future San Francisco Travel expects that the situation will gradually improve moving forward. Overall visitation to the city is forecast to reach 15.3 million in 2021. Overall visitor spending is expected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2020 to $3.5 billion in 2021. Total visitation is anticipated to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. Spending will not be back to 2019 levels before 2025 due to a slower recovery of international visitors and average rate in the city. The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the metropolitan areas in the U.S. that has consistently kept Covid-19 largely under control. The COVID-19 Prevention & Enhanced Cleaning Guidelines put forth by the Hotel Council of San Francisco, ensure that our hospitality businesses are adhering to the most elaborate cleaning and safety protocols. San Francisco Travel invites all visitors who are planning to come in 2021 to contribute their part to a safe and enjoyable experience by taking our Safe Travel Pledge. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit http://www.sftravel.com. For more about San Francisco, follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Please use hashtags #sftravel and #AlwaysSF. About San Francisco International Airport San Francisco International Airport (SFO) wants you to Travel Well. SFO works with local, state and federal health officials to protect against COVID-19. Measures include enhanced cleaning protocols, hundreds of hand sanitizer stations, physical barriers, face coverings for everyone and physical distancing. To learn more visit flysfo.com/travel-well. SFO offers nonstop service to Asia, South Pacific, Europe, Canada, Mexico and across the United States. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit http://www.flysfo.com. Follow us on http://www.twitter.com/flysfo and http://www.facebook.com/flysfo. United Airlines is the preferred airline of the San Francisco Travel Association. Note to editors: A Russian free-diver has set his 20th world record by swimming 262 feet beneath a frozen lake's surface. Alexey Molchanov, whose mother died six years ago while free-diving, fearlessly plunged through a hole cut into icy Lake Baikal in Siberia. The 34-year-old donned a wet suit seven times thicker than normal to brave the cold and was clipped onto a rope to guide him through the inky waters. He reached a depth of 262 feet in just two minutes where he grabbed hold of an illuminated plate before rising to the surface to claim the world record for the deepest free dive under ice with fins. Alexey Molchanov, whose mother died six years ago while free-diving, fearlessly plunged through a hole in cut into icy Lake Baikal in Siberia to claim the new world record last Tuesday Russian free-diver Alexei Molchanov dives 262 feet under the ice of Lake Baikal to set a new Guinness world record Russian freediver Alexei Molchanov attempts to set a new Guinness World Record for plunging 80 metres in the icy waters of Lake Baikal on March 16 Russian free-diver Alexei Molchanov is seen after claiming the new world record for an under ice free dive Russian free-diver Alexei Molchanov poses for a photograph on Lake Baikal 'It's dark at this depth,' diving judge Alexey Serov told RT. 'Alexey says he couldn't see anything at 65 meters.' His mother Natalia Molchanov is a legend of the sport and Alexey has followed in her footsteps. He is currently the most decorated free-diver in the world. Last Tuesday's dive was his deepest under ice, but his deepest ever was at 426 feet in the Bahamas in 2018 for the warm water world record. As an experienced free-diver, Molchanov can hold his breath for close to nine minutes. 'For me, freediving is not just a job or hobby, but a life's work, and I am glad to have this new opportunity to share this amazing sport with as large an audience as possible,' Molchanov said after his dive. 'This is not even just a sport, but a way to learn how to manage your psychological state.' Russian freediver Alexei Molchanov attempts to set a new Guinness World Record for plunging 80 metres in the icy waters of Lake Baikal on March 16 Russian free-diver Alexei Molchanov is pictured in an ice hole in Lake Baikal Russian free-diver Alexei Molchanov is pictured in an ice hole in Lake Baikal ahead of his world record attempt in Siberia last Tuesday He deployed his mother's technique of 'deconcentration' where, instead of becoming overwhelmed by the place, he detached from it visually and psychologically. Molchanov dedicated his new record to Lake Baikal, calling it 'a unique natural phenomenon and a living organism that is important to preserve for future generations.' Outside of the water he is a conservationist and dedicates much of his time to promoting environmental issues, including clean water. He is an ambassador for the Lake Baikal Foundation, a charity and research group which aims to preserve the beauty of the lake. Laredo Morning Times file A woman tried to use her sisters birth certificate to smuggle an immigrant who had crossed the border illegally, according to an arrest affidavit. Cinia Esmeralda Hernandez and her passenger arrived in a gray Chevrolet Malibu at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 35 on March 20. Hernandez stated that she was a U.S. citizen. Her passenger was identified as Maria Gabriela Aguinaga-Luna. A man was shot near the corner of Harvey Avenue and Burtch Road in Kelowna on Monday afternoon. A vehicle suspected of being driven by the shooter was later found ablaze. Doses of the COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in Texas in mid-December, marking a significant milestone in the battle against the virus. The vaccines were only eligible for a few groups at the beginning of 2021, but all Texas adults will be eligible as of March 29. As of March 21, 9.3 million doses of the vaccine had been administered across Texas and more than 6.3 million people had received at least one dose, according to state data. In total, about 11% of the Texas population had been fully vaccinated. VACCINES FOR ALL: All Texas adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas? All adults are eligible for the vaccine in Texas beginning March 29. State officials say they are asking providers to prioritize Texans who are 80 and older. The vaccines are not limited to Texas residents, and citizenship is not a requirement for the vaccine. Before March 29, the state prioritized vaccines for front-line health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff as part of Phase 1A. Phase 1B prioritized Texans who are 65 years and older, and people who are at least 16 and have qualifying health conditions that put them at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, some of these conditions are: Cancer. Chronic kidney disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy. Solid organ transplantation. Obesity and severe obesity. Pregnancy. Sickle cell disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. As of March 3, all school staff, Head Start program staff, and child care staff could receive a vaccine in Texas. The notice came after the Biden administration urged all states to prioritize vaccinating teachers and school staff. Texans age 50 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 15 the news came on the same day Texas' mask mandate ended. DOCTOR CLEARED: Texas Medical Board clears Houston-area doctor accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccine Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Check with your health care provider. The vaccine will be available at a range of health care providers like health clinics and hospitals but most people will likely get vaccinated at their doctors office or a pharmacy. Some providers are also requiring Texans to register for an appointment to get the vaccine to minimize traffic flow. Weve heard from a number of Texans who have been unable to make an appointment to get a vaccine in their areas. Keep trying in the weeks to come. The vaccine is still in short supply as the announcement makes about 22 million people eligible on Monday. The state has been allocated more than 14 million doses since distribution began in December far short of the supply needed to fully vaccinate everyone right away. The state is also launching a website next week for people to sign up for vaccines at public health centers and state-run clinics. The Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler will alert participants to upcoming events and available appointments. For those who do not have access to the internet, the state will also be creating a hotline for appointments by phone, officials said. Some counties, including Brazoria and Galveston, responded by immediately inviting anyone 16 and older who wants the shot to sign up on local waiting lists now. Vaccines are also available at local providers like pharmacies. Texans can use this map to find vaccines near them. Gov. Greg Abbott said in December that more than 7,200 providers across the state had enrolled to administer vaccine doses as they become available. Among these are state designated vaccination hubs capable of vaccinating up to 100,000 people helping streamline distribution as the number of eligible Texans grows. Contact information for the hubs can be found here. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency management officials are also running mass vaccination sites aimed at underserved communities in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The sites are NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Fair Park in Dallas. Residents need a reservation before showing up to these sites. FEMA is getting the names of Texans eligible to receive their vaccinations at these sites from those already signed up with the counties, according to NBC DFW. The governor has also said some 1,100 members of the Texas National Guard will administer vaccines to older people in their homes in rural and isolated areas of the state. The renewed effort to reach older Texans who are unable to leave or have difficulty leaving their homes, an effort dubbed Save Our Seniors, launched Feb. 22. The state will work with organizations like Meals On Wheels and nursing groups to identify homebound older Texans who have volunteer to be vaccinated. The Lone Star State is prepared to swiftly distribute the #COVID19 vaccine within 24-48 hours of arrival to those who voluntarily choose to be immunized. A Texas-sized thank you to Operation Warp Speed for making this historic distribution possible. https://t.co/L17rt9H5ku Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) December 8, 2020 Why is my provider saying they dont have a vaccine available? As thousands of Texans have come to discover in recent weeks, doses of the coronavirus vaccine have remained in short supply. Shipments of the vaccine first began arriving at Texas hospitals on Dec. 14. Under Phase 1A of the states rollout, the limited supply was reserved for front-line health care workers, as well as residents and staff members of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, which have been decimated by the virus. The second group authorized to get a vaccine in Texas, referred to as 1B, consists of Texans 65 and older, and people who are at least 16 with certain medical conditions. The state has dealt with with a short supply of doses, poor messaging from state officials, technical errors and logistical delays. The winter storm in February also caused vaccination delays. How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires that vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars be given at no cost. But providers are allowed to charge an administration fee, which can be reimbursed through insurance. People without insurance will not be charged, according to DSHS. For people covered under Medicare or Medicaid, the federal government will cover the cost of the vaccine and any fees. Texas COVID-19 vaccination plan requires providers to administer the vaccine regardless of the vaccine recipients ability to pay COVID-19 vaccine administration fees. STILL THINKING ABOUT IT?: If you're still skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccine, this is for you Im a veteran. What do I need to know about getting the vaccine? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is working with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. It is currently offering vaccine doses to two groups: veterans living in the VAs long-term care facilities and VA health care personnel. If youre eligible to get the vaccine through the VA, you do not need to reserve a dose or go to a facility to request one your VA health care team should contact you. When more doses are available, the VA will determine when it can provide them through its community provider network. After the first two groups, it will begin to offer vaccine doses to more veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The VA plans to offer a free COVID-19 dose to all veterans receiving VA health care who want one once there are enough doses available. How many shots of the vaccine do I need? Two of the coronavirus vaccines Moderna and Pfizer authorized in the United States need two shots to be effective, according to the CDC. A third, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, only requires one dose. Once youve received all of the required doses of the vaccine you were given, health experts still recommend wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you're outside of your home. Will I be notified when to receive the second dose? Will I be required to schedule an appointment? According to DSHS, when you get the vaccine, you will receive information about what kind of vaccine you got and if you need to go back for a second dose. You can also register for the V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker to receive health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, along with reminders to get your second dose if you need one. Only two of the current three vaccines authorized in the United States require two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose. How long after the second shot does it take before the vaccine reaches maximum immunity? For the vaccines that require two doses, you will usually develop full protection one to two weeks after getting your second dose. At this time, experts do not know how long that protection will last or whether a booster shot will be necessary after the initial recommended vaccine dose(s). The CDC says it wont know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until it has more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. The CDC and DSHS will keep the public informed as they learn more. Can I gather with other people once I get both doses of the vaccine? People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing, according to the CDC. But they recommend to keep those gatherings small. Officials also say that fully vaccinated people can gather in the same way with people considered at low-risk for severe disease, such as vaccinated grandparents visiting visiting healthy children and grandchildren, as long as the unvaccinated people are from the same low-risk household. Health officials say a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. The new guidance does not mention anything related to travel, and visiting restaurants or other places, even as several states have begun loosening COVID-19 restrictions on businesses. The guidance also doesn't mention anything about people who've gained some level of immunity from having been infected and recovered from the virus. Fully vaccinated people should still follow steps to protect themselves and others like wearing a mask and social distance when out in public, gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household and visiting with an high-risk unvaccinated people or people who live with them. How is Texas keeping track of whos gotten the first dose? The Texas Department of State Health Services has a map that tracks where doses of the coronavirus vaccines are going and how many people are receiving them. The states dashboard has so far separated the numbers by the phase. But the states numbers could lag up to two days behind what's happening on the ground. Providers have 24 hours to report their vaccination statistics to the agency, which updates its numbers each afternoon with data reported by midnight the day before. How will I know when to get my second dose of the vaccine? Texans should receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card when they get their first dose of the vaccine. This card will include: the date of their first dose; the dose manufacturers name and the lot number of the vaccine; the health care professional or clinic site; and the date to return for their second dose, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texans who receive a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can also book their second dose during their appointment for the first one. If they dont, they can make the appointment later. The provider may also contact them proactively to schedule the follow-up dose. The health department recommends people get their second dose at the same location they got their first so each provider has an opportunity to order a matching number of second doses to arrive at the appropriate time. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose. Are there different reactions to the vaccine depending on the manufacturer? There are three manufacturers whose vaccines are currently approved for use in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the most common side effect reported for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is a headache. Fatigue or chills were the next most frequent symptoms reported by people whove received the vaccine. Texas has seen similar symptoms reported compared to the national symptoms reported by the manufacturers. Side effects related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine include pain at injection site, headache, feeling very tired, muscle aches, nausea and fever, according to the manufacturer. If my first dose is by one manufacturer, can I receive a dose from the other for the second? The second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be from the same manufacturer. This is why the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends returning to the same location as the first dose for the second one. Who decides who is eligible to receive doses of the vaccine? Decisions on how doses of the vaccine are allocated are made by a state panel of advisers including lawmakers, state and local health officials, and medical experts and researchers. The group, known as the Expert Vaccine Advisory Panel, provides recommendations for final approval by Hellerstedt. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Yes. Health experts and public officials widely agree that the vaccine is safe. The three currently approved vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson reported their vaccines are 95%, 94% and 72% effective, respectively, at protecting people from serious illness. While no vaccine is without side effects, clinical trials for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson show serious reactions are rare. Abbott received his first dose of the vaccine last month, telling reporters, I will never ask a Texan to do something Im not willing to do myself. Should I still get the vaccine if Ive had COVID-19? Yes. Medical experts recommend that people who have had COVID-19 should still get the vaccine. Research has shown that people can be reinfected with the virus, and the vaccine adds an extra layer of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If someones treatment included monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, they should talk to their doctor before scheduling a vaccine appointment. The CDC recommends that people who received those treatments should wait 90 days before getting the vaccine. Should I still wear a mask after I get the vaccine? Yes. Texans should continue to engage in safer practices like social distancing, wearing a mask whenever theyre around people outside of their immediate household and washing their hands frequently, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Wearing a mask lessens the chances of contracting the virus. Health experts estimate 75% to 90% of Texans would need to achieve immunity to COVID-19 for the state to reach herd immunity. It's also currently unknown if getting a COVID-19 vaccine prevents people from spreading the virus, according to the CDC. When will Texas get more COVID-19 vaccine doses? New doses of the vaccine will continue to arrive in Texas over the coming months. Public health experts estimate it will take between six and nine months for the vaccine to be widely available to everyone who wants it. Health officials have also said more vaccination hubs capable of helping thousands of Texans will be announced as weekly shipments get bigger. The Texas Department of State Health Services said the hubs will be required to set up registration phone numbers and websites and to focus on the most vulnerable communities in their regions. Contact information for the hubs can be found here. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state emergency management officials have also begun running mass vaccination sites aimed at underserved communities in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The sites are NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Fair Park in Dallas. Residents need a reservation before showing up to these sites. How will Texans in rural areas without reliable transportation get the vaccine? For older Texans who need help accessing the vaccine, there are several initiatives happening at both the state and local levels, says Douglas Loveday, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Local chapters of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging have helped identify and set appointments for locals to be vaccinated. Loveday also said several councils of governments across the state have been helping people in more rural areas by pairing older Texans with smaller, local providers including pharmacies to help ease the vaccine process for them. These services are also available to people of any age who qualify for the vaccine because of other conditions. For example, the Rio Grande Council of Governments is contacting Texans in those seven counties and the The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo who are part of phase 1B to help them schedule appointments or provide them with information to get them vaccinated. Texans can find useful contacts for their council in this directory. Loveday also said some local health departments will move older Texans or those who cannot stand for long time to the front of the queue at vaccine sites. And some parts of the state have opened drive-thru vaccine sites, including Dallas, Fort Bend and Brazoria. Ive tried everything to get a vaccine. I cant get one or get my question answered. Who do I contact at the state level? If you have questions or concerns, or you would like more information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution, you can email coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov or call 211 and choose Option 6. To reach an elected official, you can find who represents you in Congress and in the Texas Legislature and their contact information by typing your address into the Tribunes Elected Officials Directory. Disclosure: H-E-B has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Three Dozen Major Groups & Individuals Caution U.S. Supreme Court Against Rolling Back Investor Rights and Unleashing Corporate Misconduct New concerns are being expressed today by a wide-ranging group of organizations and experts who are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the rights and protection of investors against corporate misconduct. In a sign-on statement from 38 groups and individuals the authors (signed therein) warn the pending case "has potentially far-reaching and devastating implications" for investors and market integrity. The concern centers on Arkansas Teacher Retirement System v. Goldman Sachs Group Inc., which is scheduled to be taken up by the Supreme Court for oral arguments on March 29th. The case dates back to the 2008 financial crisis in which the shareholders held shares in Goldman Sachs stock, which dropped sharply when it became apparent that the financial giant had engaged in conflict-of-interest financial trades. During this time when Goldman was profiting from playing one set of customers off against another, it continued to issue solemn public assurances that it had "extensive procedures and controls that are designed to identify and address conflicts of interest" and that "[o]ur clients' interests always come first." When the news of Goldman's practices finally surfaced, the price of the company's stock plummeted, and those investors who had placed their trust in Goldman's assurances about its high standards suffered heavy financial losses. The statement on the case pending before the Supreme Court is signed by: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Family Voices, The Committee for the Fiduciary Standard, Consumer Action (News - Alert) , Consumer Federation of America, Fund Democracy, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Service mployees International Union (SEIU), U.S. PIRG, Virginia Citizens Consumer Council. Individual signers of the statement include: Phyllis Borzi, Former Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, James D. Cox (News - Alert) , Professor of Law, Duke University School of Law, Erik F. Gerding, Professor of Law, University of Colorado Law School, and Michael Greenberger, Professor of Law, University of Maryland Carey School of Law. As the statement notes: " as Goldman continues to try and evade accountability by fighting against the class action moving forward, the issue before the Supreme Court is not whether the investors should ultimately prevail, but simply whether the investors will even be allowed the opportunity to have their arguments heard." "We believe that no company should be able to hide behind procedural issues to avoid accountability for clear misconduct. For over ten years, Goldman Sachs has done just that; fighting to prevent the case from moving forward to a discussion on the merits. Second, no company should be able to claim that the public statements they make about their high standards of conduct are meaningless. Indeed, the statements Goldman Sachs made about managing conflicts and acting in customers' best interest carry specific regulatory meaning and thus cannot be dismissed as mere 'puffery.' Lastly, we believe that investors' right to hold corporations accountable in court for securities fraud is critical to both deterring fraud and recouping investor losses. Together with strong government enforcement, private securities litigation helps to deter fraud and ensure the integrity and stability of the US capital markets." "Millions of Americans today are deeply disillusioned about the integrity of our markets, convinced that the markets are rigged against them. With this critical case, the Supreme Court has the opportunity to help restore their faith by showing that no company is too big or too powerful to be held accountable. Our hope is that, by allowing defrauded investors the right to seek accountability, the Court will make it clear that words do matter and companies have a responsibility to speak truthfully." In a news conference on March 18th, leading pension, consumer, and legal experts outlined the stakes at play when the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on March 29th in the Goldman Sachs case. To see that news event in its entirety, please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk04klp8Cvo. On March 3rd, six former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission commissioners - including SEC Chairs William H. Donaldson and Arthur Levitt, Jr. - were among those cautioning the Supreme Court in an amicus brief about the peril of allowing Goldman Sachs to avoid facing an investor lawsuit related to false and misleading claims that the investment world giant admits that it made. Amicus briefs in opposition to Goldman Sachs also were filed by state securities regulators, investor advocates, pension funds, and others. This news release was supported on an unrestricted basis by American Association for Justice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005894/en/ The Police have pressed four criminal charges against twenty-two youths from Sanyang following last week's violent protest which led to the burning of a police station and a fishmeal factory. The accused persons appeared before Principal Magistrate Isatou Darboe of the Brikama Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 23th March 2021. Police Commissioner Abdoulie Sanneh, Superintendent Almameh S. Manga, Superintendent M. Jarju and Superintendent M. Camara appeared for the Inspector General of Police ( IGP ) whille the Defence team was headed by Lawyer Lamin S. Camara. The four counts were read to the accused persons and interpreted in the Mandinka Language. They all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The accused persons were Lamin Tijan Jabang, Abdou Kunta Fofana, Sainey Badjie, Arfang Sanneh, Modou Lamin Marong, Lamin Manneh, Suwaibou Bojang Mbye Darboe, Mbye Sanyang, Ousman Dumbuya, Abdoulie Bayo, Sulayman Sanyang, Bubacarr Darboe, Yerro Jallow, Ebrima Manneh, amadou Joof, Lamin Saidy, Samsidy Sanneh, Bakary Kanteh, Yaya Gaye, Ba Saikou Sanyang and Ebrima Bojang. On count one, they were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 368 of the Criminal Code. According to particulars of the offence, the 22 accused persons, on or about 15th day of March 2021, at Sanyang Village, Kombo South in West Coast Region conspired among themselves to commit a felony to wit arson. On the second count, they were all charged with arson contrary to section 305(a) of the Criminal Code. The particulars of offence alleged that the 22 accused persons, on or about the 15th day of March 2021 at Sanyang Village, Kombo South District West Coast Region, willfully and unlawfully set fire on the Sanyang Police Station. On count three, the 22 were charged with Unlawful Assembly contrary to section 70 of the Criminal Code. According to the particulars of the offence, the accused persons on or about 15th day of March 2021 at Sanyang village Kombo South District West Coast Region jointly took part in an unlawful assembly thereby committed an offence. On count four which is the final count, the 22 accused persons were charged with rioters demolishing structures contrary to section 76 of the Criminal Code. According to particulars of the offence, the 22 accused persons, on or about the 15th day of March 2021, at Sanyang village, Kombo South District in West Coast Region riotously assembled together and unlawfully destroyed the Sanyang Police Station thereby committed an Offence After taking their plea, Superintendent A. S. Manga applied for the case to be transferred to the Special Criminal Division of the High Banjul High Court relying on section 62 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) and Legal Notice Number 3 of 2009. Prosecutor Manga also relied on section 208 of the CPC to have accused persons remanded in prison pending their arraignment before the High Court. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Gambia Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Lawyer Camara for the Defence objected to the prosecution's application saying the Court has the jurisdiction to try the matter. He submitted that the establishment of the Special Criminal Division of the High Court does not in any way oust the Court's jurisdiction to hear the case as he relied on section 5 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He said the Legal Notice does not take away the Court's jurisdiction to hear the case. He said bail is at the discretion of the Court, adding bail was granted to charges on arson and manslaughter by the Supreme Court. "It is therefore wrong to say that bail cannot be granted for an offence that attracted life imprisonment," Camara said. He submitted that the accused persons are not at risk to abscond and are ready to defend their case. Sulayman Sanyang complained of serious pain in his body and requested medical attention. Sulayman Sanyang alleged that he was beaten seriously by the police while his hands were put on handcuff. Principal Magistrate Isatou Darboe ordered that Sanyang should be provided with medical attention. However, she adjourned the case to Wednesday, 24th March 2021 for ruling. Who are you? This sounds like a simple question, but really it's just about the hardest question there is. Philosophers have wrestled with it for millennia, and have still not settled on a definitive answer... A young woman on Tuesday pleaded guilty to theft charges and claimed that she stole her lover's mobile phones to hold it for ransom after he refused to give her fare. Nelius Wangui Maina was charged at Makadara law courts with stealing two mobile phones belonging to Eric Basweti but she alleged that the complainant was her boyfriend. Ms Maina claimed she travelled from Nakuru to visit Basweti in Nairobi but he declined to give her fare to return home. She was accused of stealing Basweti's two phones worth Sh37,500 and Sh40,300 at his house in South B estate in Makadara sub county on March 18. The complainant was in the bathroom when the suspect took off with the mobile phones and later allegedly transferred Sh40,300 from his M-PESA to other mobile phone numbers. Ms Maina was arrested after a boda boda rider she had hired reported her to police and Basweti was contacted. She admitted to the charges before chief magistrate Angelo Kithinji and was released on a cash bail of Sh50,000. The case will be mentioned on April 6. Retail alcohol sales have plunged for the first time in a year since COVID-19 broke out across the United States as states start to lift restrictions on restaurants and bars. According to a newly released report from NielsenIQ, total retail alcohol sales fell 1.9 per cent for the week ending March 13. Experts are blaming this decrease on the reopening of bars and restaurants throughout the US. Retail alcohol sales have plunged for the first time in a year since COVID-19 broke out across the United States as states start to lift restrictions on restaurants and bars (pictured in Miami) Many Americans turned to stocking up on alcohol, sending sales up as much as 55 per cent in March 2020 (depicted). But according to a newly released report from NielsenIQ, total retail alcohol sales fell 1.9 per cent for the week ending March 13 As COVID-19 rapidly spread across the US, governors had to enforce curfews, capacity limits on bars and restaurants and other restrictions. Thus, many Americans turned to stocking up on alcohol, sending sales up as much as 55 per cent in March 2020. During that time, spirits, wine and beer were among the top sellers. Speaking on the change, Danelle Kosmal, vice president of beverage alcohol at NielsenIQ, told CNN: 'We have officially surpassed one year of drastic shifts in consumer and shopper behaviors resulting from the pandemic in the United States. 'At this time last year, alcohol volume experienced massive shifts from the on-premise to off-premise.' In addition, wine sales fell 8 per cent for the week ending March 13. According to a newly released report from NielsenIQ, total sales fell 1.9 per cent for the week ending March 13. Experts are blaming this decrease on the reopening of bars and restaurants throughout the US. Revelers are seen in Miami Beach on Sunday Total alcohol sales for the week would have fallen 3 per cent if not for hard seltzers as several new seltzers hit the market. Despite the declines, retail sales of spirits, wine and beer are still roughly 20 per cent to 30 per cent higher this month compared to March 2019. And according to the industry group IWSR, the value of alcohol e-commerce is expected to increase by 42 per cent this year, across 10 core markets, to reach $24billion in the US. In comparison, alcohol e-commerce value in those markets grew by 11 per cent in 2019. 'Consumers' increasing proclivity for online purchasing has been driven by necessity in recent months, but these purchasing behaviors are here to stay,' Guy Wolfe, Strategic Insights Manager at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, said. Wolfe added: 'This year, there has been a huge increase in awareness of alcohol e-commerce among US consumers, while some states have relaxed legislation to facilitate online sales and home deliveries. 'IWSR consumer research data shows that in the US, 44 per cent of alcohol e-shoppers only started buying alcohol online in 2020, compared to 19 per cent in 2019.' He's starring in the new movie being directed by his pal George Clooney. And on Monday, Ben Affleck was seen back at work on the location set of The Tender Bar in suburban Boston. Affleck, who is also a successful director and producer, was in character as 'Uncle Charlie', the owner of the bar in the drama adapted from J.R. Moehringer's best-selling memoir. Filming: He's starring in the new movie being directed by pal George Clooney. And on Monday, Ben Affleck was seen back at work on the location set of The Tender Bar in suburban Boston Affleck, 48, was dressed in a vintage shirt from the late 1970s and blue flared jeans. He had a wig and sported a pair of aviator sunglasses. Clooney, wearing a mask like the rest of the crew, was seen giving his leading man some directions as they prepared to film a street scene with a metallic blue convertible. Back in time: Affleck, 48, was dressed in a vintage shirt from the late 1970s and blue flared jeans for his character 'Uncle Charlie', the owner of the bar in the drama adapted from J.R. Moehringer's best-selling memoir Action: Clooney, wearing a mask like the rest of the crew, was seen giving his leading man some directions as they prepared to film a street scene with a metallic blue convertible Filming on the project has been taking place throughout the North Shore and the Boston area for several weeks and is set to continue until mid-April. Based on the memoir by Pulitzer-winning author J.R. Moehringer, the drama tells the story of a young boy growing up on New York's Long Island who seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle's bar. Tye Sheridan, 24, is Moehringer and the cast also includes Lily Rabe. Reunited: Affleck and Clooney were co-producers on the Oscar-winning movie Argo, which Affleck also directed and starred in Hit: Argo told the true story of the escape of six Americans from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis orchestrated by CIA operative Tony Mendez The Tender Bar is being made for Amazon Studios which no doubt has high hopes for the collaboration between the two A-listers. Affleck and Clooney were co-producers on the Oscar-winning movie Argo, which Affleck also directed and starred in. Once he's completed work on The Tender Bar, Affleck is set to direct himself in the World War Two drama Ghost Army which is currently in pre-production. Meanwhile, the current project marks Clooney's ninth directorial feature, following on from Netflix's The Midnight Sky in which he also starred. The former ER star made his directorial debut with 2002's Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. His credits also include Good Night, And Good Luck, Leatherheads, The ides of March, The Monuments Men and Suburbicon. Busy: Once he's completed work on The Tender Bar, Affleck is set to direct himself in the World War Two drama Ghost Army which is currently in pre-production The Louisiana Department of Health reported 220 more confirmed coronavirus cases and seven more confirmed deaths in its noon update Wednesday. There are now 3,692 more COVID-19 patients listed as "presumed recovered" on the Department of Health data dashboard. That number is updated weekly. The number of hospitalizations increased by nine, and the number of patients in need of ventilators increased by one. These are another few key statewide statistics as of Wednesday: Total confirmed cases: 378,231 Total "probable" cases: 63,983 Total confirmed deaths: 9,238 Total "probable" deaths: 818 Currently hospitalized: 413 Currently on ventilators: 75 Vaccine series initiated: 1.055,911 (updated twice weekly) Vaccine series completed: 611,494 Presumed recovered: 429,935 as of March 22 (updated weekly) Note: The Advocate and The Times-Picayune staff calculates daily case count and confirmed death increases based on the difference between today's total and yesterday's total of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The Louisiana Department of Health releases a daily case count on its dashboard that includes probable cases as indicated by a positive antigen test. That case count can be different than the one listed here. Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Wednesday report: 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 East Baton Rouge: 38 Lafayette: 37 Jefferson: 24 Caddo: 22 St. Tammany: 19 Orleans: 12 Can't see chart below? Click here. Can't see chart below? Click here. Louisiana began reopening for Phase 1 on May 15-16 then moved to Phase 2 on June 5. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards extended Louisiana's Phase 2 restrictions twice in August before moving the state to Phase 3 on Sept. 11. The governor then moved the state back to a modified Phase 2 near the end of November before putting Louisiana back in a modified Phase 3 on March 2, 2021. This is a developing story. More details and analysis to come. A North Korean money launderer who was extradited from Malaysia to the U.S. worked for the North's spy agency. Mun Chol-myong (55) made his first appearance by video link in a federal district court in Washington on Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release. Mun is charged with laundering over US$1.5 million in violation of international sanctions against the North while living in Malaysia since 2008. He has requested a public defender. The Justice Department told the court that Mun worked for North's General Bureau of Reconnaissance. "He is the first North Korean intelligence operative -- and the second ever foreign intelligence operative -- to have been extradited to the United States for violation of our laws," Assistant Attorney General John Demers said. The first was Xu Yanjun, a Chinese Ministry of State Security operative who had been arrested in Belgium. Mun is being charged with conspiring to defraud U.S. banks as part of his money laundering activities between April 2013 and November 2018. He "was affiliated with [North Korea's] primary intelligence organization, the Reconnaissance General Bureau, which is the subject of U.S. and UN sanctions," according to the press release. "Mun and his conspirators went to great lengths to avoid detection of their sanctions-busting operation. They used a web of front companies and bank accounts registered to false names and removed references to [North Korea] from international wire transfer and transactional documents." U.S. authorities also indicted others in the case, including Chinese companies and individuals whose names were redacted. It would have been easy to retreat with their leader in prison, his deputies under house arrest and their offices being attacked with smoke grenades. But allies of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny have vowed to continue their campaign to evict Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin, calling for a new round of street protests. Maria Pevchikh, the head of investigations at Mr Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, Leonid Volkov, his political chief of staff, and Ivan Zhdanov, his lawyer, jointly launched an online petition yesterday demanding his release. The trio said in a video that they would call nationwide street demonstrations as soon as the petition reached 500,000 signatures. Navalny is the biggest problem of Putins regime. And anyone who is opposed to the regime should be making the same demand: freedom for Alexei Navalny, they said. The threat to mobilise so many people is a key test of the resilience of the small but effective political machine that Mr Navalny has built up over the past decade. Can team Navalny continue to operate as a political force while its charismatic leader is in jail? And can it survive what many believe is a Kremlin decision to finally shut them down for good? It is the biggest crackdown we have ever faced, and they are pushing on every front at once, said Ms Pevchikh, a London School of Economics graduate. The Kremlin wants us to shut down. They have an assumption that we are not capable of running our organisation without Alexei. This assumption is wrong, she added. Since Mr Navalny was arrested on his return to Russia in January, 10 opposition figures have been placed under house arrest pending investigations into allegations that they broke the law by urging Muscovites to violate coronavirus measures at unsanctioned rallies. They include Lyubov Sobol, an anti-corruption lawyer considered to be the movements most electable politician after Mr Navalny. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] In parallel with the ARRV Lev, Lviv AVF has made an upgrade on the armored vehicle Bison, particularly by adding a KT-7.62 machinegun produced by Mayak Factory of Kyiv. CEO of Lviv AVF, a company incorporated with the Ukroboronprom state-controlled defense industries group, has briefed ArmyInfo on how his company is proceeding with the orders it had received under the Government Defense Procurement Contract 2021. Last year, our company in partnership with the Armed Forces Central Directorate for Armored Hardware upgraded this armored truck vehicle to BREM-1/Lev capability, Viktor Androshchuk told ArmyInfo, the Defense Express online media outlet reports. We have mounted it with a telescope crane manipulator, a front bulldozing blade, and an auxiliary winch and added an electric welder. We will have to deliver around a dozen of these truck vehicles to the Ministry of Defense within this years timeframe, he said. Beside this, the company continued with its upgrading of the BTS-4 armored truck vehicle (which was derived from the T-54 MBT) to Bison ARRV capability. The upgrade features a more powerful engine and an additional turret for the commander, armed with Mayak Factorys KT-7.62 machinegun. Lviv AVF has over UAH 300M worth of MoD contracts for repair, overhaul and upgrading of armored hardware for 2021, the company CEO has said. As noted, Lviv AVF delivered one Bison ARRV to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in November 2020. In the previous year, the company completed deliveries of some 15 these vehicles to an undisclosed international customer. Built on the T-72 MBT chassis, the Lev ARRV was unveiled at the 2018 Arms and Security Expo, but there have been no reports since about it being delivered to military users in Ukraine. Maputo The Mozambican government and the French oil and gas company Total have announced that construction work will soon resume on natural gas liquefaction plants on the Afungi Peninsula, in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, thanks to additional security measures now being taken in that area. Work on the "Mozambique LNG" project, run by a consortium headed by Total, was interrupted at the end of December 2020, due to security threats in the immediate vicinity. The worst incident was a clash between the police and terrorist infiltrators on 1 January in the resettlement town of Quitunda. This is a new town built to house people resettled from the areas of the Afungi Peninsula where the two planned gas liquefaction plants will be built. "The terrorists tried to introduce their informants into Palma district, in order to create an attack situation", the local police commander told reporters. "The police became aware that they were in three houses in Quitunda. The police organised their teams to deal with the situation, and when they reached the place, they were received with gunshots. The police felt obliged to open fire, and a supposed terrorist informant was killed". This exchange of gunfire occurred about three kilometres from Total's Afungi camp. Because of security fears, Total evacuated many of its staff from Afungi. Some were flown to the provincial capital, Pemba, while others were withdrawn to Palma town. Since then the government and Total have been working to draw up a plan of action to strengthen security around the site including the neighbouring villages. "The Government has declared the area of the Mozambique LNG Project as a special security zone", said a press release from the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy. "A road map has been drawn up with measures and actions seeking to restore and strengthen security". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Mozambique Governance Company By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. These measures include increasing the size of the contingent of the Mozambican defence and security forces stationed at Afungi. They will allow the gradual return of the workers who had been evacuated, and the resumption of construction activities. Control over the Afungi special security area "continues to be guaranteed exclusively by the public security forces under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the government and Total", said the release. The special security area covers the zone within a 25 kilometre perimeter around the LNG project. "The Government of Mozambique is committed that the personnel assigned to the protection of Mozambique LNG shall act according to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) and international human rights standards", said a Total statement on the resumption of activities, insisting that the project itself "does not use the services of any armed private security suppliers". Total added that "Mozambique LNG has satisfied all the conditions precedent and complied with all relevant statutory requirements for the first debt drawdown of the project financing signed on 15th July 2020 with eight export credit agencies, 19 commercial banks and the African Development Bank. This first drawdown will take place at the beginning of April 2021". Total remains optimistic that the project will be able to deliver its first shipment of LNG in 2024. Total operates the project with a shareholding of 26.5 per cent. The other partners in the consortium are the Japanese company Mitsui (20 per cent), Mozambique's own National Hydrocarbon Company, ENH (15 per cent), PTTEP of Thailand (8.5 per cent), and the three Indian companies, ONGC Videsh, Beas Rovuma energy and BRPL Ventures (10 per cent each). Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 it's playing music or working in the family business, Lucas Kindy has done well in following in his family members' footsteps. The Bullock Creek High School senior plays percussion in the school marching band and concert band, just as did his sister, Rebekah, who's now a student at Eastern Michigan University. And after graduation, Kindy will continue working for his father Kevin's business, Kindy Tree Service, which specializes in tree removal, tree trimming and stump grinding. Kindy actually has two older sisters to look to as musical examples. His oldest sister, Kayleen, plays the saxophone. Kindy has played snare drum in the marching band. He also plays the drumset and the bass guitar, which he picked up during his freshman year. "I also play in the worship band at my church, Floyd Church of God, on the drumset and bass guitar," he said. Kindy said some of his favorite memories of band are attending band camp each summer in Traverse City and marching in the Cherry Festival parade there, a tradition that the Bullock Creek band has done more many years. "Just hanging out and making memories," he said. Even before he got to high school, Kindy was selected as an eighth-grader to travel to Disney World in Florida to march with the Bullock Creek High School band there. "It was awesome," Kindy said. "It was a big parade, marching down through the middle of Disney." In addition to all his other pursuits, Kindy has been involved in martial arts for six years and has earned black belts in both mixed martial arts and combative martial arts from instructor Craig Sira at The Academy Martial Arts and Fitness. Bullock Creek band director Josephine Bossenberger said Kindy has always been ready to take on new roles as a musician. "Lucas has been a member of our band for the last seven years, playing percussion in concert band/marching band and bass in our jazz band," Bossenberger said. "Lucas is a very rounded person and is also accomplished in martial arts. Lucas has taken on extra performance opportunities at solo and ensemble and performing at church and family friends' weddings as well." You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Many gifted South Africans have made it big in Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk, Roelof Botha, and Paul Maritz. Christiaan Kuun, a rising star at Cisco Investments, is following in their footsteps. Kuun is well-known in South African broadband circles thanks to his work at the South African National Research Network (SANReN). Between 2007 and 2012, he was the SANReN programme manager where he oversaw the construction of a national telecommunications network to interconnect South Africas research and tertiary education institutions. He later served as the strategic projects and stakeholder engagement manager at SANReN to ensure the smooth operation of the project. In 2014, Kuun left South Africa to do an MBA at International Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland. After completing his MBA, Kuun joined Cisco in Europe where he helped to find startups that developed innovative technologies that would complement Ciscos corporate and innovation strategies. His team helped to foster partnerships with these startups to create and execute go-to-market strategies. This experience was perfectly suited for the work Cisco was doing in Silicon Valley and Kuun was given an opportunity to join Cisco Investments in San Jose. He is now a senior portfolio development manager at Cisco Investments where he brings portfolio companies and Ciscos business entities together to leverage the value and scale that Cisco offers. MyBroadband asked Kuun about his work in Silicon Valley and what makes it such a unique location for tech startups. Why did you decide to move to Silicon Valley? Cisco Investments Ciscos Corporate Venturing arm was starting to double-down on what we call Portfolio Development meaning services that Cisco would provide to companies that Cisco has invested in. I started running into this team through the work that I did in Europe. After getting to know the Cisco Investment team, they offered me the opportunity to join them, given that there was so much overlap between what they were doing and what I was doing at the time. The whole concept of Portfolio Development is fascinating and worth expanding on. Essentially, in Silicon Valley, there is a plethora of capital available to invest in startups, and those companies can pick and choose which investors they would like to bring on board. Thus, creating a competitive dynamic between VC funds to get into a funding round. One of the ways that VCs use to differentiate themselves is by starting Portfolio Services/Portfolio Development arms these are teams of people who do nothing else than drive value to the startups that their funds have invested in. A good portfolio development team can bring much value to a startup, and promising founders take this into account when deciding which funds to take investment from. In your experience, how is Silicon Valley different from other tech hubs globally? When comparing Silicon Valley to other tech hubs, several differentiating factors that stand out to me: Access to talent The depth of talent in Silicon Valley is nearly impossible to re-create elsewhere. If you want to start a company and need to find highly specialized/talented developers, chances are youll be able to find enough of them here in Silicon Valley to build a company around them. The same can be said for all other categories of people you run into whether it be marketing, business development, finance, and more. There is talent across the planet, but there are only a few other hubs like Silicon Valley. That being said, Im very interested to see how important this factor will be in a post-covid world. Access to capital Venture funds in Silicon Valley are forward-leaning to the point of being aggressive this comes from a recognition that building successful businesses is challenging, competitive, and one needs to capture the opportunity as fast as possible. The amount of money VCs in Silicon Valley are willing to invest is extraordinarily high compared to almost anywhere else. Also, the services, networks, and experience these VCs can bring to companies are genuinely world-class you are just set up for success here. Mindset The one thing I love and miss about South Africa is the positive outlook and can do attitude of South Africans. Silicon Valley (and California in general) embodies a very similar mindset. People here get excited about your ideas nothing seems impossible. New ideas are encouraged, and failed ideas are celebrated. When you combine this culture with access to funding and brilliant people, well, the results speak for themselves. Ecosystem Silicon Valley remains the leading global ecosystem when it comes to value creation and exit value for startups. This again speaks to the amount of capital available in the valley and the appetite from the industry to acquire businesses that represent new innovation. What does Cisco look for in a startup for an investment? Hence, what makes a startup attractive for investment? As a strategic investor, Cisco typically looks for startups that are highly complementary to our technology and business goals. We invest across the board, from silicon/semiconductors to software-only companies, but they always meet the goal of supporting our core business. If there is a sweet spot for investment, it would be a series B round, where product-market fit has been achieved, and the company is getting ready to scale up thats also when we can add value as a strategic investor and partner. A lot of the value we add is by helping our portfolio companies scale. We do this by supporting their go-to-market processes and by building out joint solutions together with Cisco products. Typically, it is the more mature companies that are able to take full advantage of these benefits and this is a critical point of differentiation for Cisco from traditional VCs. Which deals have you been involved in? Which one stands out for you? I support our Enterprise Networking, Cloud & Compute, and IoT investments, a key innovation area for Cisco with many great investments. However, one investment stands out as a crucial learning moment for me, and that is Cohesity. I started working with them when they were around 70 employees and were beginning to scale out globally. Today, they have more than 2,000 employees and are well into the unicorn territory. On the Cisco side, we built a partnership with Cohesity, which now spans across the globe. Our global sales team can directly sell their product (including in South Africa) to our thousands of international customers. The partnership continues to drive immense value for both companies. Working together with Cohesity, Ciscos Business Units, and Sales teams have been an incredible learning opportunity in what it takes to build out a global business. I have many lessons to share but that will fill up an entire article by itself! What are some of the main lessons you have learnt as a South African working abroad, and how would you translate them to South Africa? One of the key things that struck me when I started working in the USA was how aggressive startups were in planning to tackle big markets from day one. That thinking translates into the amount of funding raised, the way their products are developed, and the kinds of people being hired. Ive definitely become more aware of the opportunities that are out there and how big many of those markets are. This hyper-growth-oriented mindset is hugely influential. As another example, look at a country like Israel. Its punching far above its weight when it comes to building out successful global technology businesses one of the key reasons are because Israeli startups think global from day one. Another insight has been how uniquely creative people in South Africa are it sounds like a cliche but I never really understood it until we lived in other countries. There are many constraints to life in South Africa, those constraints seem to force people to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions. Where in the USA a problem is often solved by throwing more resources at it, in South Africa, youll see way more creative and elegant solutions. What is next for you? And do you see yourself staying in Silicon Valley for a long time? From a longer-term perspective, the career and learning opportunities in a place like Silicon Valley are unique. I dont foresee moving back to South Africa anytime soon as there is still much for me to do and learn over here. That being said, I cant stress enough how much I miss South Africa! I miss the people, their sincerity, their genuine expressions of care for others, their hope for the future, their ability to deal with setbacks its the people that make the country beautiful. I remain incredibly optimistic about the role South Africa can play as Africa continues to develop. Who knows? Maybe one of those opportunities will bring us back. Now read: Cisco appoints new country manager for South Africa Irans crude oil exports are rising this month compared to February and March last year, tanker tracker Petro-Logistics told Reuters on Tuesday. Last week, Geneva-based Petro-Logistics said that Iranian oil exports were up so far in March, following very low exports in February. Yet, Irans oil exports in the first half of March were below the 21-month high seen in January, according to Petro-Logistics estimates. Iranian exports have remained at elevated levels compared to last year, the tanker-tracking firm told Reuters. For the first 18 days of this month, Iranian oil exports are tracking at below 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), which is lower than the January export estimate of nearly 800,000 bpd of crude oil exports, which was the highest export volume since April 2019, according to Petro-Logistics. Irans oil exports in February were estimated down by 250,000 bpd from January, Petro-Logistics said last month. In recent weeks, various reports have suggested that China has been considerably boosting its crude oil imports from Iran to the point that the ports in the Shandong province, where most independent refiners are based, are experiencing tanker traffic congestions. Increased buying from China has provided more incentive for Iranian oil exports. According to some estimates, China has been taking in some 856,000 bpd of Iranian crude this montha 129-percent surge compared to February. China has never actually stopped buying crude oil from the Islamic Republic, even after the Trump Administration slapped sanctions on Irans oil sales in 2018, warning buyers to stay away from Iranian crude or risk being sanctioned and cut off from the U.S. banking system. The Biden Administration warned China earlier this month that it would not turn a blind eye to rising Iranian oil exports to Chinese ports, the Financial Times reported, citing a senior Biden administration official. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A hacker accessed personal identifying information of up to about 9,000 people in California last week, according to the State Controller's Office. The breach came after an employee in the office's Unclaimed Property Division was targeted by a "spear phishing" attack Thursday, said Jennifer Hanson, a spokeswoman for the office. The division safeguards about $10 billion worth of lost or forgotten properties, including money in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, never-cashed checks, insurance benefits, wages and safe deposit box contents. The office is notifying 9,192 people with unclaimed property whose information might have been accessed, and has contacted about 9,000 people in the employees' contacts list, some of whom received emails from the account during the time it was hacked, Hanson said. "The unauthorized user did have access to information that could help someone submit a claim for unclaimed property," Hanson said in an email. "However, in most cases it would not be enough information for them to complete a claim." The office has put in place additional security measures to protect the property of the people who were affected by the breach, she said. Cabinet ministers could be dumped in a drastic move by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to lift the government out of a political crisis over the treatment of women while he prepares imminent policies to counter sexual assault. Mr Morrison is considering a significant reshuffle to move Attorney-General Christian Porter out of the job over a conflict of interest while Mr Porter sues the ABC over its reporting of accusations of rape, which he strongly denies. Prime Minister Scott Morrison (left) is considering whether to remove Attorney-General Christian Porter from his role. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The reshuffle could also shift Defence Minister Linda Reynolds to a new job after she took leave over a long-running heart condition, clearing the way for other women to be elevated to positions of influence. The changes are on the agenda as part of a wider plan to announce a series of measures to counter workplace sexual assault and harassment, violence against women and discrimination. Si les actions chocs de Greenpeace ont souvent frappe les esprits, ces operations coup de poing ne representent que la partie emergee de l'iceberg, assure Antonin Vuillet. Le jeune militant, salarie de l'ONG internationale... SUV Squatch vs FX4 pic.twitter.com/yX6icWA5KZ Mike Levine (@mrlevine) March 23, 2021 For now, the carmaker adopts a rather cautious approach, even though some Bronco aficionados have already reported the news after receiving invitations for the event taking place between March 30th and April 3rd.Apparently, as with the 2021 King of Hammers earlier this year, Ford will have both the big Bronco and Bronco Sport models available for trail rides and test drives, while the companys exploratory booth will be the designated venue for some special announcements.Before anyone jumps out screaming Warthog , may we remind you that Ford previously outed motorsport-related novelties during the aforementioned King of Hammers, so we shouldnt get our hopes up too much on this occasion either.Meanwhile, Mike Levine, the PR head honcho for North America has seemingly deserted (pun intended) his corner office for a bit of 2-Door Area 51 Bronco freedom. Never mind the alien reference (theres a telling night-time picture in the gallery, just for fun) because Levine also entices fans with a side-by-side comparison between the Bronco and its T6 architecture sibling, the Ford Ranger.Although its no Tremor, the Ranger does come out to play in FX4 guise, but it somehow still gets dwarfed by the 2-Door Area 51 Bronco thanks to the's extremely popular Sasquatch package.By the way, the latter can be had for $4,995 starting from the base 2-Door Bronco that goes for just $28,500. As one moves up the trim ladder, the Sasquatch becomes cheaper: $4,495 on the Black Diamond, $4,200 on the Outer Banks, $2,495 on the Badlands, and so on. Actually, it's standard equipment on the Wildtrack and the sold-out First Edition LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Latin-jazz-classical ensemble The Red Quartet has set a March 31 release for its first album, an evocative blend of European and South American traditions and sounds performed by four virtuosos who play here as one. Featuring the rich soprano voice of Marissa Steingold, the fiery guitar of Kenton Youngstrom, Philip Vaiman's elegant and vibrant violin, and Maksim Velichkin's deeply sonorous cello, The Red Quartet presents a departure from the usual string quartet lineup (first violin, second violin, viola, cello). Each Red Quartet member is a virtuoso in chamber, symphonic, and jazz, with vastly different musical influences, education, and experience. Yet as seasoned professionals they blend their exceptional musicianship and experiences to create a fluid, sensuous, passionate ensemble sound. "Red to us is associated with life, vibrancy, and excitement," said Vaiman, who founded and leads the Quartet. Known for its eclectic repertoire in live performances, The Red Quartet debuts on record with reimagined adaptations of jazz favorites "Three Preludes" by George Gershwin; J.S. Bach's timeless "Trio Sonata"; the Brazilian art song "Aria" from "Bachianas Brasilieras" by Villa-Lobos; and three playfully sensuous selections from Jobim and Gilberto's bossa nova standards. Vaiman produced the sessions for "The Red Quartet" at Watersound Studios in Sherman Oaks, California, working with recording engineers Carlos Castro and Marco Gamboa. Gavin Salmon provided additional percussion on the bossa nova tracks. The production's bright, warm intimacy puts the listener right in the studio with the musicians. Mastered by Alan Yoshida, the album is being released on the independent Talia Records label. The Red Quartet's members are all first-call session players in Los Angeles recording and film studios and have appeared at prestigious venues worldwide. They have recorded for and performed with artists including Sting, Dave Matthews, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, Taylor Swift, Goo-Goo Dolls, Rod Stewart, Shakira, Pearl Jam, Guns N' Roses, Andrea Bocelli, Placido Domingo, Stevie Wonder, Josh Groban, John Legend, and KISS. The group has performed in Southern California for several years at venues including the Clark Library and the Bruman Chamber Music Festival at UCLA, the Summer Sounds Classical and Jazz Series in West Hollywood, and the Colburn School's Zipper Hall. For more information, visit https://theredquartet.hearnow.com/ or email Vaiman at [email protected]. SOURCE The Red Quartet [March 24, 2021] Torstar names Irene Gentle new VP, Inclusion & Strategic Partnerships Anne Marie Owens appointed Editor, Toronto Star TORONTO, March 24, 2021 /CNW/ - Torstar Corporation announced today that Irene Gentle, currently Editor of the Toronto Star, has been appointed Vice President, Inclusion and Strategic Partnerships, effective April 26, 2021. In this new position, she will review and evaluate new strategic media opportunities as well as overseeing the development of inclusion and diversity initiatives for the company. She will report directly to Jordan Bitove, co-owner of Torstar and Publisher of the Toronto Star. Ms Gentle will be succeeded as Editor of the Toronto Star by Anne Marie Owens, former Editor-in-Chief of the National Post who comes to the Star from McMaster University where she is Executive Advisor, Strategic Communications. "Irene has contributed immeasurably in the nearly three years she has been at the helm of the Star newsroom," Bitove said. "Under her excellent leadership, we launched and developed our successful digital subscription strategy, producing innovative and ward-winning news stories and features on multiple platforms, including during the current pandemic that has forced our newsroom to operate remotely. Just last week under her leadership Star journalists were nominated for eight National Newspaper Awards. "Irene also has been at the forefront of developing new initiatives relating to diversity and inclusiveness in our newsrooms," Bitove added. "I look forward to working with her in this important and transformative new position. Her proven passion, leadership and track record will be invaluable in accelerating our plans to be a leading news organization in these critical areas." Ms Gentle has served as Editor of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newspapers since June 21, 2018. She is the first woman in the Star's 129-year history to be named to this important position. She has had a distinguished career as a senior editor at several Torstar publications, including the Toronto Star and The Hamilton Spectator. She first joined the Star in 2011 as Business Editor and was appointed City Editor in 2012 and Managing Editor in 2016. Ms Owens joins the Toronto Star after serving as a strategic communications advisor since 2019 at McMaster University in Hamilton. She previously served for nearly five years as the top editor at the National Post, overseeing a national newsroom of 75 employees and leading the newsroom through two major reorganizations in building a more digitally focused operation. She initially joined the National Post as a reporter in 1998 and held a series of top editing positions before moving to Maclean's magazine in 2011 as Deputy Editor. She returned to the National Post as Editor-in-Chief in 2014. She started her journalism career at the St. Catharines Standard, where she spent 10 years as a reporter. "We are excited to have both Irene Gentle in this important new role and Anne Marie Owens as the new leader of the Toronto Star's newsroom," said Paul Rivett, Chairman of Torstar. "Ms Owens has a distinguished record of producing forward-looking, high-quality journalism with experience transforming newsrooms into the digital future. We look forward to her joining the Toronto Star." About Torstar: Torstar's businesses include digital and print news organizations, including the Toronto Star, Canada's largest daily newspaper, six regional daily newspapers in Ontario, including The Hamilton Spectator, and more than 70 weekly community newspapers in Ontario; and related businesses such as iPolitics, Metroland Parcel Delivery services as well as an interest in Sing Tao, one of Canada's leading Chinese-language media companies. Torstar also holds a number of digital investments, including a majority interest in VerticalScope, a North American vertically-focused digital media company, and LeaseBusters, Canada's leading car lease re-negotiation business. SOURCE Torstar Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Late night snacking news that's a just a bit more unqiue than typical taco Tuesday coverage. Check-it: Spicy, sweet and sour, chamoy gummies hit on all cylinders, and a new company is bringing a taste of the trendy treat to Kansas City. This past fall, Michael Ho decided the time was right to launch Chamoy Boi, a business he had been mulling over in his head for a while. During a question-and-answer session in parliament on Wednesday the head of the Armenian government said that the primary change should concern the system of representation under which the next parliament will be elected. According to the current laws, candidates are elected to parliament both on party lists and in individual races. The pro-Pashinian majority faction in parliament, My Step, suggests that the current system be replaced with an all-proportional ballot. Pashinian said that holding early elections under the current or new electoral code was not part of the political agreement reached with the parliamentary opposition. But during all our discussions I asked our colleagues, including in parliament, about what they think about the voting system, in other words, whether they think that the rating system should remain or should be scrapped. During our discussions we registered that both the Prosperous Armenia party and the Bright Armenia party leave this matter to the discretion of the parliamentary majority, Pashinian said. They [Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia] said they would not vote for the changes because they dont want to share political responsibility with us, but they said that if we want to change it, they have no problem with it. The prime minister added that as a result of discussions with extra-parliamentary parties and representatives of civil society as well as taking into account the governments earlier commitments My Step decided that simple changes to the electoral code are needed. So, the elections will be held under an all-proportional system, i.e. without a rating system, Pashinian said. In their recent public statements representatives of the Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties said they did not find it advisable that changes be made in the electoral code before the June 20 elections. They indicated, however, that their political parties will participate in the elections in any case. In this regard Pashinian joked that political agreements have nuances and sometimes the weather also influences them. But we will live up to our commitments, he concluded. The Railways suffered a loss of Rs 38,017 crore in the passenger segment in the last fiscal due to the coronavirus crisis, but some of what it lost was compensated by the goodwill it earned by running Shramik Special trains, ferrying essentials and through innovation in freight movement which helped surpass last years' revenues. While regular train services are yet to resume, the focus of the Railways has been to ensure that its freight revenues hold steady. The Railways managed to surpass the freight revenues of last year by Rs 1868 crore or two percent as of March 22 -- paltry gains, but a huge boost, given the problems that came with the coronavirus lockdown. As far as the passenger segment is concerned, while it netted Rs 53525.57 last year as revenue, this year it could earn only Rs 15507.68, 71.03 per cent less. The total passenger revenue between the period April 2020 to February 2021 is Rs 12,409.49 crores as against the Rs 48,809.40 crore for the corresponding period the previous year. Even as it faced restrictions in moving passengers, on May 1 railways began to ferry migrant workers home. Between May 1 and August 30, the Railways ferried 63.15 lakh such workers home across 23 states in over 4,000 Shramik Special trains. What earned the Railways immense goodwill through the lockdown was its drastic changes in freight movement, introducing parcel services, carrying essentials like milk, medicines and even ventilators. The innovation was to realise that if the Railways could not move passengers freely, it could move freight instead. Applauds galore were received from across the country -- from mothers who received medicines for their ailing children, some who received specialised products like camel milk thanked the railways through social media posts. However, identifying opportunities and building on them with innovations are set to hold the national transporter in good stead in the coming fiscal. To make the most of it, Business Development Units (BDUs) have been set up at Railway Board, Zonal Railway and Divisional levels. These multi-disciplinary teams have reached out to customers to attract new business. It has also introduced time-tabled parcel services to provide reliable services to courier services, e-commerce companies. According to data provided by the Railways as of March 22, its freight loading for the year stood at 1191.76 MT as compared to 1185.99 MT during the same period last year, showing a growth of around 0.5 MT The highest growth in non traditional commodities, according to rail ministry data has been led by chemical salt (439 per cent), sand (274 per cent), cotton (266 per cent), onion (234 per cent) and automobiles (84 per cent). Railways' increase in loading of farm produce can be attributed to the Kisan Rails that were introduced in July 2020 with a 50 per cent subsidy for transportation costs of fruits and vegetables on these rails. Keeping in mind the increasing requirement of freight locomotives in the coming future, the Railways in January this year instructed Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) to upgrade 200 of the existing 6000 HP freight locomotives to 9000 HP locomotives. Since then, CLW has turned out three such locos, two of which have been commissioned after successful trials. However, it's not just in loading that the freight segment has benefited during the corona crisis. The average speed of goods trains has doubled from the previous 23.71 kmph to around 45.36 kmph. The struggle will be to keep them going at this speed when passenger trains start plying. Currently, the Railways is operating 8634 special trains, which includes 2402 mail/express trains, 5381 suburban trains and 851 passenger trains. While it has restored 75 per cent of its mail/express trains, only 18 per cent of its passenger trains have been restored. With 7377 trains running per day, overall, the Railways so far has restored 65 per cent of its pre-COVID tally of 11,319 trains. While the Railways has restored these services, the trains are running as "specials" with a slightly higher fare, which the national transporter said was to discourage unnecessary travel. To discourage such travel, the Railways has also hiked platform tickets in some areas, stopped providing linen as well as food to passengers and completely withdrawn concessions in fares except in a handful of categories. It has also made masks mandatory while travelling. While it is not clear when regular train services are set to resume, the coronavirus pandemic has ensured that not just the rules of travelling, but even the norms of ferrying goods have seen a 360 degree change. Also read: India reports new 'double mutant' strain, multiple Covid-19 variants THE Ministry of Finance says the Cabinet has approved a plan to merge the Namibia Press Agency (Nampa) and the New Era Publication Corporation (NEPC). Ministry spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu confirmed this on Monday. Shidhudhu said the decision was taken to avoid possible duplication of government activities and unnecessary spending. "The decision was taken by Cabinet recently after budget consultation, following a proposal by the finance ministry to merge the two media houses and close down Southern Times," Shidhudhu said. Minister of information and communication technology Peya Mushelenga, however, claimed not to have any knowledge of the impending merger, which was rubber-stamped by the Cabinet. "I remember the discussion, but I will have to consult the records to really get what was resolved on this matter. Maybe I did not listen properly," Mushelenga yesterday said. He requested more time to consult Cabinet documents on the final decision. Mushelenga last week said he was aware of the decision taken to transform Southern Times newspaper into a regional newspaper "as decided at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in 2019". The minister said he is yet to engage the finance minister to gain more clarity on the matter. He said decisions affecting other ministries are usually communicated through the Cabinet secretariat via an action letter, which he has not received yet. Budget documents show that the two state-controlled news entities received a combined subsidy of about N$80 million from the national budget over the past three years. This includes N$49 million allocated to Nampa and N$30 million to New Era. The latest national budget tabled in the National Assembly by finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi shows that Nampa can expect a N$14 million subsidy this year. New Era will receive N$10 million. Nampa was established in 1991 as a government news agency responsible for the distribution of local and international news. New Era, on the other hand, was established as a result of an act of parliament in 1992. Currently, Nampa employs 30 people permanently and has about six contract workers. New Era employs about 75 staff members. The Namibian understands that Nampa's annual salary budget amounts to about N$30 million for the 30 employees. Nampa operates four offices, including its headquarters in Windhoek. The agency splashed about N$40 million on the construction of its headquarters situated across the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Its other offices are situated in the Erongo, Otjozondjupa, and Kavango East regions. The company has more than 10 vehicles that are assigned to reporters and contract workers. Nampa's organisational structure has been criticised for being top-heavy. At the moment the company structure includes seven managerial positions. Four managerial positions, including that of the chief executive officer, the finance manager, editorial manager and IT manager are currently occupied. Over the past five years, at least 10 journalists left Nampa and were never replaced. The arranged 'marriage' between Nampa and New Era comes despite the government-owned newspaper having received negative audit opinions for the past few years. The company has over the years been failing to maintain proper financial records of government funds allocated to it over that period. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Governance Media By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nampa and New Era are not the only government-owned news entities that have been accused of squandering money. In contrast, the government spent close to N$700 million on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation over the past three years. A further N$16 million was also spent on the operations of Southern Times, which is a joint venture between the governments of Namibia and Zimbabwe. Southern Times was reportedly on the brink of closing in 2019. At the time, the executive director of information and communication technology, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana, was quoted saying the newspaper was just turning into a news bureau for the Southern African Development Community (SADC). New Era chief executive officer Christof Maletsky told The Namibian yesterday this issue is handled at a ministerial level and that he is not at liberty to comment. Efforts to get comments from Nampa proved unsuccessful at the time of going to print. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 16:08:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The United States recklessly trampled on international rules amid COVID-19, becoming the biggest troublemaker to global security and stability, according to the Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020, which was released on Wednesday. The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization in July 2020 despite the opposition of the international community, said the report issued by the State Council Information Office. Noting that the United States should bear the greatest share of emission reduction based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, the report said that the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement was politically short-sighted, unscientific, and morally irresponsible. By imposing sanctions against International Criminal Court staff and bullying other countries, the United States escaped from international probes into possible war crimes in other countries and police violence to its citizens, said the report. The unilateral sanctions imposed by the U.S. government on countries including Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, made it difficult for the countries to obtain needed anti-pandemic medical supplies in a timely manner, said the report. Asylum seekers were treated cruelly in the United States, said the report, noting that a huge number of migrant children were stranded in custody for the long haul and dozens of women claimed that they were subjected to unnecessary gynecological surgeries without their consent, including uterus removal in some cases. The report also said the U.S. government had expelled at least 8,800 unaccompanied immigrant children despite serious protection risks during the COVID-19 outbreak. The then U.S. President's pardon of Blackwater contractors convicted of war crimes in Iraq violated U.S. obligations under international law and had the effect of emboldening others to commit such crimes in the future, the report added. Enditem Jung Kim went to pick up wigs that customers knocked to the ground at her familys north Houston beauty supply shop. Her son, Sungjun Lee, said his mother told the women, Dont worry about it. Ill fix it. But the women cursed at the Korean business owner, Lee said, saying that Asian people should not be selling wigs to Black people and accusing the business of stealing their money. Kim asked the group to leave, but the encounter escalated when two women physically assaulted the owners of Uptown Beauty Salon. Houston police are now investigating the March 17 incident as a possible hate crime in light of a national surge in violence targeting the Asian American community. Now Playing: Video: Houston Chronicle Seconds after leaving, the customers returned and knocked over more displays. One woman hit Kim several times, breaking her nose. She scratched Lee in the face when he and his brother intervened to protect their mother. As the attackers fled, the driver attempted to plow into several members of the owners family with her car before peeling out of the parking lot. A week later, the family still feels traumatized and unsafe in their store following what they believe was a racially-motivated attack, Lee said. Im pretty sure they came to the store with a purpose, the 29-year-old said Wednesday. The Harris County District Attorneys Office charged Keaundra Young, 24, with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the attempt to hit the store owners with her car, court records show. Young was released from jail on $40,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court in June. A second woman, 22-year-old Daquiesha Rachel Williams, was charged with assault, accusing of striking one of the family members with her hand, court records show. She also made bond and is no longer in custody. Our work continues, as prosecutors review all the evidence; Texas law provides for heftier sentencing for hate crimes, which unleash fear in an entire community, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said in a statement. On Wednesday afternoon, Houston police hate crime investigators decided to look into the reported assault because of the atmosphere of concern surrounding a national rise in anti-Asian American violence, said Jodi Silva, the agencys public information officer. At first, the case was not being investigated as a hate crime, she said. Patrol officers did not make note of any racial slurs used during the attack in their offense report, which Silva acknowledged may have been an oversight. Lee said he told the responding police officers about the attackers racial language during an interview. The family said they believe the assault was racially motivated because of the words and actions of the assailants, Lee said. They think the attackers targeted Kim because she is older, small in stature and Asian, Lee said. Whenever the one girl beat up my mom, she said You little young Asian girl, Lee said. They say a lot of racial words like, Fing Asians, fing b Asians to my mom and to us. Hate incidents and crimes targeting the Asian American population have surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but local authorities said last week that Harris County and Houston have recorded no uptick. The day before Lees family was assaulted in their store, a gunman walked into three salons in the Atlanta area and opened fire, killing eight people six of them Asian women. The Korean family opened the store two years ago after more than a decade in the beauty supply business. The attack was surprising because they have a good relationship with customers, Lee said. He was touched when regulars reached out and visited the store to check on the family following the assault. Most of their clientele and employees are black, he said. We never thought this (would) happen to us, Lee said. The family members sought treatment at a hospital following the attack and a doctor said Kim will require surgery. Lees face still hurts from the scratches, he said. Kim was traumatized by the attack and did not return to the store until Tuesday, Lee said. The other family members returned to work the day after the assault because they cannot afford to close the shop. The attack was so frightening that they hired a security guard to protect the store during business hours. Were not in a dangerous field, but we dont feel safe anymore. Its really sad, Lee said. anna.bauman@chron.com Some of the offences that led to closure of the schools are dirty teaching environment, unqualified teachers, non renewal of licenses and operating without a licence The Osun State government on Monday sealed off 23 private schools it said were "substandard" across the state. The seal off according to the state's commissioner for education, Folorunso Oladoyin, is to perfect the efforts of the government to sanitise education sector in the state for better results. Mr Oladoyin, in a statement seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, said authorities "will not relent in its efforts to give quality education to Osun students because they are the future of the state." He urged the school supervisors in Osun to "continue to keep its eyes wide open to fish out more mushroom and substandard private schools. "The state government is determined to produce critical thinkers who can be globally competitive," he said. "The government will not condone any act that can sabotage it's resolve to give Osun students the best." Mr Oladoyin also said in the statement that private schools who are not properly registered with the state's Ministry of Education should do so as soon as possible. Some of the offences that led to closure of the schools are dirty teaching environment, unqualified teachers, non renewal of licenses and operating without a license The affected schools include Hephzibah Kiddies, Ejigbo; Najeemdeen Model Schools, Ejigbo; Favour of God secondary school, Okinni; Omolara Nursery And Primary School, Iwo, among others This is the second time the state government under Governor Gboyega Oyetola's watch will be carrying out the sealing off of schools. Some schools were sealed in the state in September 2020 for similar offences. We are really pleased to see how excited the market is about our unique approach to early detection and remediation. The addition of our expert team of defenders through the Cybereason MDR offering acts as a force multiplier for organizations of every size, said Lior Div, CEO and co-founder. Cybereason, the leader in future-ready attack protection, today announced that the Cybereason Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service offering has been named a Strong Performer in the Forrester Wave: Managed Detection and Response, Q1 2021 report. Cybereason MDR was one of 15 solutions included in this report from Forrester, which we believe is a testament to the superior threat hunting, multi-layer prevention and correlated behavior-based detections. Cybereason MDR reliably identifies complex threats earlier in the attack sequence - long before an attack can escalate to the level of a serious breach event. Cybereason MDR provides deep contextual detections to deliver multi-stage visualizations of every stage of every Malop (malicious operation) from root cause across every fixed or mobile device, every user identity, and all platforms whether on-prem or in the cloud. In its vendor profile, the Forrester MDR Wave states: Cybereason has long made malicious operations, malops, in its terms, a core part of its messaging and approach to service delivery. This emphasis is reflected in its strong threat hunting capability along with its outstanding service delivery personnel. Extensive use of the MITRE ATT&CK framework throughout the entirety of its service allows clients to understand incidents and events in a common, relevant external framework. This helps clients improve their approach to detection engineering in their security programs. Cybereason MDR leverages the power of the Cybereason Defense Platform in combination with expert global SOC teams to deliver a fully hosted solution. Organizations can implement Cybereason MDR as a standalone managed security service or as added layers of protection to augment an existing security program. Cybereason MDR offers two tailored options for managed prevention based on your organization;s needs: MDR Essentials and MDR Complete - each providing a flexible and scalable solution for enterprises of all sizes. Cybereason MDR is fully managed by seasoned experts who are world class threat hunters because they understand the nature of complex offensive operations and apply that knowledge to stopping even the most stealthy and sophisticated threats. We are really pleased to see how excited the market is about our unique approach to early detection and remediation, said Lior Div, CEO and co-founder. Inclusion in the Forrester MDR Wave, in our opinion, further validates our mission to reverse the adversary advantage by demonstrating how the addition of our expert team of defenders through the Cybereason MDR offering acts as a force multiplier for organizations of every size. Key Cybereason MDR Capabilities: A fully scalable solution that can be quickly deployed for immediate protection Continuous threat hunting to detect and prevent attacks 24x7x365 Detailed analysis of malicious operations from root cause with the Cybereason Malop Automated or guided remediation options based on your organizations needs Mobile MDR to secure the expanded network perimeter Remote Incident Response (IR) retainer options to further reduce response times The Cybereason MDR solution provides organizations with a fully managed security solution to prevent even the most complex attacks. Download the Forrester Wave: Managed Detection and Response, Q1 2021 here, and for more details on the Cybereason MDR advantage and how Cybereason MDR can protect your organization, read our Service Brief or reach out to a Cybereason defender to learn how Cybereason MDR can accelerate your organization's security program. 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. Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/ Media contact: Bill Keeler Senior Director, Global Public Relations Cybereason bill.keeler@cybereason.com +1 (929) 259-3261 Yes, no matter what Yes, but it depends on variety No, for medical reasons, uncertainty No, principle Vote View Results [March 24, 2021] Grovara Raises $5.5 Million Seed Round to Transform Global Commerce with First B2B Global Marketplace for U.S. Healthy Brands Grovara, the largest B2B global marketplace for U.S. natural and organic brands, announced today the closing of a $5.5 million seed round financing to transform global commerce. David Pottruck led the round and was named Executive Chairman, and he was joined by SPINS, Bluestein Ventures, Spiral Sun Ventures, Siddhi Capital, CEAS Investments, and E and A Venture Capital LLC. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005746/en/ Grovara Co-Founders Abu Kamara, CEO (left), and Peter Groverman, CIO. (Photo by Brand Bridge Ltd.) The new investment will be used to expand sales and support resources in key regions worldwide and appoint leadership for brands, sales, and business development. Grovara will also invest in additional supply chain team members, roll out marketing initiatives, develop global partnerships, and continue with product enhancements to its first-to-market technology platform. "We are happy to be joined by new investors and continue with some long-term partners who have helped us get to this point," says Grovara Co-Founder and now CEO Abu Kamara, who previously served as Grovara's President. "Grovara is transforming global commerce for U.S. consumer brands with the first B2B global marketplace for U.S. natural and organic brands. When you lower barriers and simplify exporting to a marketplace, you create tremendous opportunities for brands and retailers to grow their business. It's a game-changer." The bridge round comes at a time when the natural and organic food and beverage market and B2B ecommerce are surging. The global natural & organic products market is worth $327B with U.S. brands accounting for $110B, while a recent study of global B2B buyers found 87% of them are purchasing from online marketplaces. "For as challenging as the last year has been, it has greatly accelerated wellness and digital transformation. Our online B2B global marketplace is positioned perfectly to shepherd this growth and put the healthiest, highest-quality products in front of more retailers who previously did not have access," says Grovara Co-Founder Peter Groverman, who stepped away from hs CEO role to fill the newly created Chief Innovation Officer position. "With this funding round, we can accelerate the onboarding of brands and buyers in our ecosystem to discover, connect and grow their international business." In 2020, Grovara launched its technology platform and despite the disruption related to the coronavirus pandemic, continued to grow its portfolio. In 2021, the company anticipates onboarding 200 new brands and 350 additional retailers. Grovara's platform, built on a decade of exporting experience, brings access, visibility, and transparency to both brands and buyers via pricing, brand and market insights, and a modern B2C user experience for B2B business. Nine out of 10 U.S. wellness brands do not export their products, primarily due to the complexities and risks of international business. Grovara's technology platform is built to manage the export lifecycle and provide wellness-focused, insights-driven data that accelerates growth and scale. Grovara connects major U.S. natural and organic brands like GT's Living Foods, Wholesome Sweeteners, Honey Stinger, True Citrus, and That's It with key global retailers like Walmart Mexico, Cencosud, Whole Foods U.K., and Costco Taiwan. "My career has been focused on transformational technology and how consumers and businesses use it to create better outcomes," says Pottruck, former CEO of Charles Schwab. "It's easy to see how Grovara is well-positioned for this moment with the best technology, the most authority, and industry-leading partners." Grovara was recently named a finalist for the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technology (PACT) Enterprise Awards, to be held on June 28, in the Technology Startup category. ABOUT GROVARA: Grovara is the first B2B global marketplace for natural and organic brands. Grovara increases access to wellness products for global consumers with its proprietary technology platform that connects the most promising U.S. healthy consumer brands with vetted global retailers. With only 1 in 10 wellness brands selling overseas, Grovara enables exporting with visibility, transparency and an intuitive user experience, creating a pathway for dynamic growth potential for American manufacturers and added value for worldwide retailers. More information on Grovara's market-leading processes and partners can be found at www.grovara.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005746/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Private hospitals are demanding deposits of up to Sh600,000 before admitting Covid-19 patients amid a scramble by the critically ill for limited Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds. Inquiries by Nation in various top private and public hospitals exposed the frustrations families are undergoing to have their sick relatives admitted as the third wave of the deadly contagion sweeps across the country. Following a call to one city hospital to find out how much it would cost to be admitted in the ICU and if there were any available beds, staff transferred us to various departments but at one point we overheard response that there were only two beds available. At Nairobi Hospital, which has a 35-bed facility, a nurse said a deposit of Sh600, 000 was needed before admission to the Covid-19 ICU or the hospital's main ICU. At Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), one would have to part with Sh200, 000 to access the ICU facility. At Mater Hospital, a Sh600, 000 deposit is needed to admit a Covid-19 patient to the ICU of. For other patients, the amount for high dependence unit and ICU is Sh150, 000 and Sh200, 000, respectively. But the cost of setting up an ICU is also quite high. A standard ICU room costs between Sh7 million and Sh8 million to set up. Before the pandemic struck, the country's health system was already limping. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe at the height of the first Covid-19 wave had announced that the ministry was planning to set up 1,000-bed ICU facilities. The ministry at one point suspended surgeries that required hospitalisation in the ICU to free up beds for critically ill Covid-19 patients. Yesterday, the CS admitted that Nairobi and Machakos counties were getting overwhelmed, with 120 patients in different ICUs. Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union acting secretary general Chibanzi Mwachonda said it was a shame that ,a year later, the country was still struggling to expand its healthcare capacity. Makurdi Benue State Government has disclosed that the State has fall in the category of States in Nigeria with very high burden of Tuberculosis (TB), ranking 6th nationally and First in North Central Zone of the Country. This is even as the Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr Joseph Ngbea informed that from inception of the State TB programme 18 years ago, a total of 67,793 have being identified and enrolled for treatment, out of which 56,946 treated successfully. Dr Ngbea made this known during the State Media briefing preparatory to the 2021 World Tuberculosis Day tomorrow, held at the new Banquet Hall Government House Makurdi, lamented the inability of the Benue people to avail themselves for testing and treatment of TB which he said is free of charge. The Commissioner who was represented by the Director of Public Health Dr Terna Kur said out of the 67,793 identified TB cases 3,958 died of complications, even as he disclosed that the most affected persons are those within the economically productive age of 25 to 44 years. While lamenting on the growing rate of undiagnosed and Drug resistance TB in the State, Dr Ngbea, also informed that about 418,000 Nigerians are affected with Tuberculosis every year among whom 41,800 are Children. "TB remained one of the top Ten causes of death globally, however it is a Disease of poverty, Economic, distress, vulnerability, stigma and discrimination as seen in most developing Countries" "TB causes the death of nearly One and half Million People each year and is indeed the number one cause of death from single infectious agents. Sadly TB deaths mostly occur in developing Countries and Nigeria is among the 30 Countries in the World with the highest TB burden Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Tuberculosis By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He decried a situation where the outbreak of COVID-19 in the last one year has made the fight to end TB more difficult and as well threaten the gains so far achieved in TB control, adding, available evidence indicated that people with persistent cough are resorting to self treatment for fear of being diagnosed of COVID-19, because the Pandemic has similar symptoms with TB. Earlier, the wife of the Benue State Governor Dr Eunice Ortom who urged all Benue indigenes to ensure that they are being tested whenever they have persistence cough commended the implementing partners for their contribution to eradicate TB in the State. While assuring that her office through her pet project Eunice Spring Of Life Foundation (ESLF) with take the campaign of TB to the hunter land to create more awareness, Dr Ortom appealed to all and Sundry to also carry the message to the nooks and crannies of the State and also encourage those with persistent cough to go for testing and treatment which she said is free of charge. In a Time of Division, 'Catholic Social Teaching Collection' Spotlights the 'Both/And' of the Church's Social Doctrine NEWS PROVIDED BYMarch 23, 2021IRVING, Texas, March 23, 2021 / Standard Newswire / -- How can the Catholic Church simultaneously advocate against abortion and assisted suicide but for immigration reform and attention to the poor? How can it stand against the abuse of the environment and for free market principles, against the death penalty and for the family?The "Catholic Social Teaching Collection," a unique new addition to the Word on Fire Classics series produced by Bishop Robert Barron's apostolate, aims to bring the both/and of the Church's social teaching into sharp relief. The collection covers fourteen of the Church's most important magisterial social documents, including the full texts of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum and Pope St. John Paul II's Centesimus Annus, and excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI's Caritas in Veritate and Pope Francis' Laudato Si'. Unlike other anthologies, however, which only include encyclicals, this volume also features excerpts from the Old and New Testaments, the Didache, Church Fathers such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great, and various saints and scholars, including St. Thomas Aquinas, Bartolome de las Casas, Servant of God Dorothy Day, St. Teresa of Kolkata, and St. Oscar Romero. Yet its purpose is not just to reveal the ethical and historical breadth of Catholic social teaching; it is to reveal the metaphysical heart around which the Church's positions fall into harmonynamely, God."Catholic social teaching is, necessarily, very deep and broad," Bishop Barron writes in the foreword. "This collection is not intended as an exhaustive academic treatment of that tradition but as a prolegomenon for further studyand action. God is a God of justice, and my hope is that this collection will inspire peopleespecially young people who may have wandered away from the faithand draw them into the Church's fight for justice."Word on Fire Catholic Ministries ( wordonfire.org ) exists to draw people into the Body of Christ, which is the Church, and thereby give them access to all the gifts that Jesus wants his people to enjoy. To be most effective in this mission, Word on Fire places an emphasis and urgency on the use of contemporary forms of media and innovative communication technologies."Catholic Social Teaching Collection"Foreword by Bishop Robert BarronMarch 22, 2021Hardcover | 480 pagesWord on Fire ClassicsSOURCE Word on Fire Catholic MinistriesCONTACT: Will Sipling, Communications Director, 866-928-1237, communications@wordonfire.org Related Links Reuters Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar, angry at living conditions on a remote Bangladeshi island, suffered baton injuries as they protested against the lack of access to a visiting U.N. team, two of the refugees said. The Rohingya, who fled violence in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, cannot move off the flood-prone island of Bhasan Char, several hours away from the mainland by sea. A two-member delegation from the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) was joined by Bangladesh foreign ministry officials on Monday on the visit to Bhasan Char, where Bangladesh wants to transfer 100,000 of the more than a million refugees who fled violence and persecution in Myanmar. LOS ANGELESJust days after saying that requiring anti-porn filters on all smartphones sold in the state would send an important message and empower parents, Utahs Republican governor has signed a controversial bill that would do just that. Whether Governor Spencer Cox would sign the bill had been the subject of considerable speculation, as Cox (pictured above) had refused to express an opinion on the legislation until his comments of late last week. Even then, he did not commit to approving the measure. But in Tuesday, according to an Associated Press report, Cox ended all suspense and inked the bill into law. But the bills provisions will not immediately impact buyers and sellers of internet-connected devices in Utah. The law requires at least five other states to adopt a similar measure before taking effect in Utah. Currently, no other states are known to have porn-blocking laws under consideration. The bill set a deadline of 2031 for five more states to pass such laws before the Utah law would expire. But Utah has been a leader in the crusade against adult material, becoming in 2016 the first state to pass a resolution declaring porn a public health crisis. Since then, at least 14 other states have passed anti-porn health crisis measures. Cox signed the bill without public comment, but has previously said that he is unconcerned about Constitutional questions the law raises, and which the American Civil Liberties Union has highlighted. The ACLU has said that the bill infringes on the general publics First Amendment rights to access the internet. Adult performer and activist Cherie DeVille also publicly objected to the law last week, when she published an op-ed in The Daily Beast. The First Amendment means protecting speech for everyone, especially those holding views you oppose, DeVille wrote. [The bill] would create more than a slippery slope for free speechit would form a deadly slope that would send Utah residents civil liberties off a hill. All the while, it would do nothing to protect children. DeVille noted that anti-porn filters already exist and may be used on a voluntary basis, to give parents control over whether their children may access adult content on their phones and tablets. If your kid still manages to watch porn, heres an idea: Take away their phone, DeVille wrote. Why does any child need a cellphone anyway? They certainly dont need the state to parent them. Not to be an asshole, but parents need to parent. But the author of the bill signed by Cox, Republican state representative Susan Pulsipher, responded that the requirement that smartphones and tablets come with pre-activated filters installed would make it easier for parents who are not well versed in technology to shield their children from adult material. Pulsipher also said that because parents are free to deactivate the filters if they choose, the law would pass a Constitutional test, in her opinion Photo By Ben P L / Wikimedia Commons OTTAWA - The Conservatives are calling on the Liberal government to stop funding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank given the ongoing detention and secret trials of two Canadians in China. Conservative MP Michael Chong rises during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang OTTAWA - The Conservatives are calling on the Liberal government to stop funding the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank given the ongoing detention and secret trials of two Canadians in China. In a letter Tuesday to Justin Trudeau, Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole urged the prime minister to cancel a US$40 million payment to the China-led agency. "When the AIIB was first proposed it was criticized by the Obama administration as a political tool that the Chinese government would use to expand its influence throughout Asia," O'Toole wrote. "Furthermore, concerns about the AIIB's environmental records, labour standards, and overall commitment to human rights continue to this day." O'Toole said Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig "have been held hostage" by China for more than two years, arbitrarily detained in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest of a top Huawei executive on the request of the United States. The are now being tried secretly in Chinese courts that "are not based on the rule of law," he said. O'Toole said China's human rights violations against the Uyghur Muslims and protesters in Hong Kong are further reasons to stop payments to the bank. Conservative foreign-affairs critic Michael Chong said it's unacceptable that Canada would support the bank when China is conducting secret trials of Spavor and Kovrig. Chong said the Liberal government should use all of the tools at its disposal, including withholding the payment, to put pressure on Chinese authorities to stop the trials and release the two Michaels. "We should also be looking at using other tools at our disposal to put pressure on Chinese authorities, such as withdrawing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank ... banning Huawei from the build-out of Canada's telecommunications network, and a range of other measures," Chong said in an interview. "The fact that the government is not using these tools at its disposal indicates that they don't have a plan to respond to China's threats, it indicates that they're naive and equivocating." Global Affairs Canada and Finance Canada have not responded to several requests for information on whether the payment that's due this month has been made or whether Ottawa will withhold the payment to put pressure on China. The government committed to contribute $256 million to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2017 and has made payments of nearly US$40 million in March in each of the last three years. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last week said Canada will make its final two payments to the bank in March 2021 and March 2022 to complete its commitment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship. ARCHIVED - Spanish health authority increases AstraZeneca use for up to 65 years of age The proposal was approved by the Consejo Interterritorial on Monday evening On Wednesday the AstraZeneca vaccine campaign in Spain will resume following the decision of the Consejo Interterritorial, which comprises representatives from the health authorities of each of the regional governments of Spain as well as the Spanish Health Ministry, to continue administering the AstraZeneca vaccine. The vaccination campaign was suspended for two weeks following concerns about links to cases of blood clots in several European countries. Last Thursday the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 is "safe and effective" and has not found evidence that it is related to a risk of thrombosis after a brief investigation, although it will continue to examine the more unusual cases. The managing director of the EMA, Emer Cooke, said in a press conference that the conclusions reached by the organisation provide the member states of the European Union with the necessary information to make decisions about the innoculation of this vaccine. "The committee has reached a clear scientific conclusion: this is a safe and effective vaccine. Its benefits in protecting people from Covid-19 with the associated risks of death and hospitalization outweigh the possible risks," said Cooke. "The vaccine is not associated with an increased risk of thrombi in those who receive it." The EMA investigation has also concluded that "there is no evidence of any problems related to specific batches of the vaccine or specific places of manufacture", as had been speculated in recent days. On Monday evening the Consejo Interterritorial debatet increasing the groups allocated to receive the vaccine to include those aged up to 65, instead of limiting the use of the vaccine to the under 55s, following complaints from bodies such as the teachers and police who are unhappy that only serving officers or teachers for example, aged under 55 are being vaccinated, and not those who are still exposed to the same risks but are aged over 55. The regions of Madrid and Cataluna both requested that the use of the vaccine be extended for those aged over 65, but for the moment the Health Ministry refuses to debate this possibility, preferring to wait for the results of further manufacturer trials on older patients. . U.S. refiners have turned to Russian oil and petroleum products to fill the gap that sanctioned Venezuelan crude and drastically reduced OPEC shipments have left in U.S. imports, despite the energy standoff between the United States and Russia. In 2020, the U.S. imported more oil and refined products from Russian than from Saudi Arabia, with Russias share of American oil exports at a record-high 7 percent, Bloomberg News has estimated based on customs and EIA data. Russia mostly displaced the market previously held by Venezuelanow unable to sell its heavy oil to U.S. refiners because of the American sanctions on Nicolas Maduros regime. U.S. oil imports from Russia exceeded last year even the imports from OPECs top producer and de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, whichafter briefly flooding the U.S. market with its crude in April 2020drastically cut shipments to the most transparent market to help inventory drawdowns amid collapsing fuel demand globally. As per Bloomberg calculations, the United States imported on average 538,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil and oil products from Russia last year. This was higher than the average American imports of oil from Saudi Arabia, which is estimated to have shipped on average 522,000 bpd to the United States. Russia thus became the third-biggest oil supplier to America in 2020, according to Bloombergs estimates. In 2019, the top five sources of U.S. total petroleum, including crude oil, imports were: Canada, with 49 percent share of imports, Mexico with 7 percent, Saudi Arabia with 6 percent, Russia also with 6 percent, and Colombia with a 4-percent share. Related: Kazakhstan Is Eager To Abandon The OPEC+ Deal Valero and ExxonMobil were the biggest buyers of Russian oil and oil products last year, according to customs data cited by Bloomberg. Most of the oil that U.S. refiners buy from Russia is not crude oil, but fuel oil they use to produce gasoline in the absence of Venezuelan heavy oil supply to complement the imports of heavy Canadian crude from the oil sands. Energy consultants and analysts told Bloomberg that they havent seen any concern in the White House about the rising imports of oil from Russia, while the new U.S. Administration continues to threaten sanctions on partners of the Russia-led Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project in Europe. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Prime Minister Scott Morrison broke down in a press conference on Tuesday in reaction to the treatment of women in Parliament House. The Prime Minister spoke after Ten News reported that a group of Coalition government staffers exchanged pictures and videos of sex acts performed in Parliament House, including one that depicted a man performing a lewd act on the desk of a female MP. Morrison acknowledged the Liberal Partys refusal to adopt gender quotas was not working in its efforts to recruit more women into Parliament and flagged that hes now very open to the idea of introducing quotas. In this episode, Tory Maguire and political reporter Katina Curtis discuss the mood in Canberra and the continued harassment of women in Parliament. 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 Two fishermen were rescued from a capsizing boat three miles off of Grand Isle by the U.S. Coast Guard. At around 2 a.m. Wednesday, the Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a tip there was a boat that was sinking with two people on it, according to a news release by the U.S. Coast Guard District Heartland. They sent the Coast Guard Station Grand Isle 45-foot Response Boat-Medium (RB-M) boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to help. The fishermen, who were both wearing life jackets when they jumped into the water, were rescued by the boat crew. The fishermen were brought safely ashore. There were no reported injuries. No other information was immediately available. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 79F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Clear skies this evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies overnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. In fact, this digital build seems to cater to the needs of a very specific audience since not only does it boost Godzilla's cabin space, but it also introduces a flamboyant widebody approach.The usability transformation seems to come from a redefined greenhouse, with the rear passengers now enjoying superior accommodation. And while we can't see the machine's rear end, at least for the time being, it's clear that the change has a dramatic effect on its appearance.However, with the trunk line still clearly visible, this isn't exactly a wagon , hence the quotes accompanying the nickname we introduced in the title.Digital artist Arturo Thomas, who is responsible for the pixel portrait, joined forces with fellow pixel master Tim Lee for the project, with the latter providing the widebody approach.And, as aftermarket aficionados with a taste for JDM goodies will tell you, this is Japanese developer Liberty Walk's LB-Silhouette Works GT 35GT-RR kit. For the record, out there in the real world, such a WB package can cost as much as a brand new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sedan when ordered in carbon.The connection to the road was redefined, with this involving two elements. The machine comes with multi-piece Work Wheels while featuring air suspension, which explains why the thing now sits further from the sky than it used to.Looking past the vehicle itself, Arturo has also added caustics to the workthe light and color patterns formed when light is reflected or refracted from a surface. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Federal agents have arrested four men in a scheme to smuggle migrants from Cuba to the Florida Keys, authorities said. Alberto Garcia, Manuel Fonseca, Yudier Panaque and Yosniel Fuentes made their first appearance Monday in Key West federal court, the Miami Herald reported. They each face a charge of knowingly and willfully conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to enter the United States. Agents with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations arrested Garcia, Fonseca and Panaque on Sunday at a marina in Tavernier as they worked to bring in their latest group of migrants, officials said. Fuentes was arrested later after agents executed a search warrant at a house in Homestead, southwest of Miami. A criminal complaint said Garcia and Fonseca asked someone who really was an undercover agent if they could borrow a boat earlier this month to smuggle people from Cuba into the U.S. Garcia told the agent the boat would be stored at a Key Largo home, which operated as a staging area and a place to hold migrants until their smuggling fees were paid, officials said. The group charged $10,000 for each migrant brought to the U.S., according to authorities. During the group's most recent trip last week, they picked up 20 people from Pinar Del Rio, Cuba, the agents said. Online court records didn't list attorneys for Garcia, Fonseca, Panaque and Fuentes. The arrests come as U.S. Coast Guard officials report an increase in Cuban migrants being intercepted at sea as conditions on the island continue to deteriorate. Crews have stopped 107 Cubans since October, already more than the entire previous fiscal year. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.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. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 - Planned transaction provides Cboe with a single point of entry into Australia and Japan, two of the world's largest securities markets - Ownership of Chi-X Asia Pacific helps enable Cboe to expand its global equities business, including bringing industry-leading block platform, BIDS Trading, to the Asia Pacific region - Transaction positions Cboe to further execute on its strategy to build one of the world's largest global equities and derivatives trading networks, expanding its global market data offering and access to its proprietary products - Deal is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, pending regulatory review CHICAGO, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (Cboe: CBOE), a market operator and global trading solutions provider, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. (Chi-X Asia Pacific), an alternative market operator and provider of innovative market solutions, from J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC. This acquisition will provide Cboe with a single point of entry into two key capital markets - Australia and Japan - to help enable it to expand its global equities business into Asia Pacific, bring other products and services to the region, and further expand access to its unique proprietary product suite in the region. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Ed Tilly, Chairman, President and CEO at Cboe Global Markets, said: "With the planned acquisition of Chi-X Asia Pacific, we continue to execute on our growth strategy by broadening our geographic and asset class presence, while enabling the further extension of our product offerings to our global network of customers. This is an exciting investment in attractive, growing markets that will complement our North American and European operations and provide a foothold in the key Asia Pacific region, positioning us to become a truly global marketplace for our customers. In a short number of years, the Chi-X Asia Pacific team has built their business into one of the largest market operators in Asia Pacific. We look forward to working with them to accelerate the company's further growth, building on our shared cultures of innovation and customer-first approach as we aim to bring greater choice to investors in Asia Pacific." Chi-X Asia Pacific is one of the most successful alternative market operators in Asia Pacific, with core operations in Australia and Japan. Chi-X Australia (CXA), the country's second largest securities exchange achieving an 18.4 percent total market share[1], offers trading in all Australian-listed securities, as well as the exclusive trading of CXA quoted warrants and ETFs. Chi-X Japan (CXJ), a leading proprietary trading system for Japanese equities and third largest equities venue in the country with a 2.7 percent lit market share[2], offers four trading books including both displayed and non-displayed mechanisms. David Howson, currently President of Cboe's European operations will lead the company's business expansion into the region and has been promoted to President, Europe and Asia Pacific. Mr. Howson will work closely with the global Cboe team and with the Chi-X Asia Pacific local management teams led by Vic Jokovic, Chief Executive Officer at Chi-X Australia and Toru Irokawa, Representative Director and President at Chi-X Japan, who will continue to lead their businesses. Cboe plans to leverage Chi-X Asia Pacific's expansive presence in Asia Pacific and bring to the region BIDS Trading's industry-leading block trading capabilities. With BIDS' current network covering major North American and European equities markets, the addition of Asia Pacific equities is expected to create a global block trading platform to serve a broader base of customers. Cboe also expects to enhance investor access to other products and services. In particular, Chi-X Asia Pacific is expected to provide an expanded distribution network enabling Cboe to further offer its unique proprietary products to clients in Australia and Japan. This deal also creates an opportunity for Cboe to become the global leader in equities market data, offering comprehensive data from most major markets around the world including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Japan and 15 European countries. The planned acquisition builds on Cboe's newly created Data and Access Solutions business, which combines Cboe Information Solutions with its global market data and access services into one holistic offering, enabling customers around the world greater access to all of Cboe's expanded data and analytics capabilities through a unified offering. Mr. Jokovic said: "Over the past decade, Chi-X Australia has built an enviable reputation as an innovative market operator with superior market expertise, customer service and a pioneering spirit that strongly aligns with Cboe's legacy of product and market innovation. We are excited to draw upon Cboe's core strengths as a leading global exchange operator to further enhance the competitive landscape in the Australian markets with new innovation and market solutions to better meet customer needs." Mr. Irokawa said: "Chi-X Japan is currently the only broker-neutral proprietary trading system in Japan, and remains committed to delivering best execution and significant cost-savings for both retail and institutional investors through our superior services and rich set of trading solutions. With Cboe's investment in Chi-X Japan, we look forward to enhancing our capabilities and bringing vital competition to help strengthen the efficiency and resiliency of the entire Japanese equities market." Australia is the world's 9th largest global economy, representing approximately $2.2 trillion in market capitalization and averaging 4.6 billion shares traded a day in its equities market[3]. Japan ranks as the 4th largest global economy, representing $6.2 trillion in market capitalization with over $5.1 trillion total value traded annually in its equities market[4]. Cboe plans to fund the transaction with cash on hand, supplemented by existing credit agreements, if needed. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2021, subject to regulatory review and other customary closing conditions. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, however the company noted that the purchase price is not material from a financial perspective and is expected to be nominally accretive to the company's adjusted earnings in 2021. Chi-X Asia Pacific generated approximately $26 million in net revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, reflecting a 26 percent growth rate compared to the prior year, with non-transactional revenue comprising 67 percent of the overall net revenue. For additional background information on Chi-X Asia Pacific, see the slide deck available under events and presentations on Cboe's Investor Relations website at http://ir.cboe.com/events-and-presentations. Legal advisors to Cboe Global Markets on the transaction are Sidley Austin LLP (U.S. and Hong Kong), King & Wood Mallesons (Australia), Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu (Japan) and SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan (Philippines), with BofA Securities serving as financial advisor. About Cboe Global Markets, Inc. Cboe Global Markets (Cboe: CBOE) provides cutting-edge trading and investment solutions to market participants around the world. The company is committed to defining markets through product innovation, leading edge technology and seamless trading solutions. The company offers trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies, including options, futures, U.S., Canadian and European equities, exchange-traded products (ETPs), global foreign exchange (FX) and volatility products based on the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX Index), recognized as the world's premier gauge of U.S. equity market volatility. Cboe's subsidiaries include the largest options exchange and the third largest stock exchange operator in the U.S. In addition, the company operates one of the largest stock exchanges by value traded in Europe, and owns EuroCCP, a leading pan-European equities clearing house. Cboe also is a leading market globally for ETP listings and trading. The company is headquartered in Chicago with a network of domestic and global offices across the Americas, Europe and Asia, including main hubs in New York, London, Kansas City and Amsterdam. For more information, visit www.cboe.com. About Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. ("Chi-X Asia Pacific") is a leader in driving marketplace innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. For over a decade the business has been operating trading venues and generating pioneering products and services for the benefit of financial markets and the global trading community. The company believes that modern competition from technology-driven markets increases overall market volumes and improves investor performance, providing benefits to all participants. As an alternative market operator, Chi-X Asia Pacific operates market centers two of the Asia-Pacific region's key securities trading centers in Australia and Japan, while its Chi-TechTM technology services units provide technology to its business. Chi-X Asia Pacific was acquired from its former global parent in 2016 by funds advised by JC Flowers & Co. LLC and has grown rapidly in the ensuing years. Chi-X Australia, as the second largest securities exchange in Australia, is transforming the Australian investment market through its focus on customers and innovation. Chi-X Australia delivers easy, cost-effective access to local and global investment opportunities, including a full suite of services for exchange traded investment products and cash equities as well as an investment products platform including Warrants, Indices (CXA 200), innovative Transferable Custody Receipts and ETFs/QMFs. Chi-X Japan, as a leading proprietary trading system in Japan, operates four equity trading venues, including both lit and dark, to provide solutions to evolving needs of market participants and provide members and investors with better trading opportunities at lower cost under highly transparent rules. Chi-Tech provides the trading technology platform and support services that keep the Chi-X Asia Pacific market centers at the forefront of the industry in performance and reliability. The company maintains offices in Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Manila. For more information, visit www.chi-x.com. Media Contacts Analyst Contact Angela Tu +1-646-856-8734 atu@cboe.com Tim Cave +44 (0) 7593-506-719 tcave@cboe.com Debbie Koopman +1-312-786-7136 koopman@cboe.com CBOE-C CBOE-OE Cboe, Cboe Global Markets, Cboe Volatility Index, and VIX are registered trademarks of Cboe Exchange, Inc. Chi-X Asia Pacific, Chi-X Australia and Chi-X Japan are registered trademarks of Chi-X Asia Pacific Holdings, Ltd. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue," and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. All statements that reflect our expectations, assumptions or projections about the future other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risks and uncertainties, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the proposed transaction, including, without limitation, the receipt of regulatory approvals on the terms desired or anticipated; the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, including changes to trading behavior broadly in the market; the loss of our right to exclusively list and trade certain index options and futures products; economic, political and market conditions; compliance with legal and regulatory obligations; price competition and consolidation in our industry; decreases in trading or clearing volumes, market data fees or a shift in the mix of products traded on our exchanges; legislative or regulatory changes; our ability to protect our systems and communication networks from security risks, cybersecurity risks, insider threats and unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; increasing competition by foreign and domestic entities; our dependence on and exposure to risk from third parties; fluctuations to currency exchange rates; our index providers' ability to maintain the quality and integrity of their indices and to perform under our agreements; our ability to operate our business without violating the intellectual property rights of others and the costs associated with protecting our intellectual property rights; our ability to attract and retain skilled management and other personnel; our ability to minimize the risks, including our credit and default risks, associated with operating a European clearinghouse; our ability to accommodate trading and clearing volume and transaction traffic, including significant increases, without failure or degradation of performance of our systems; misconduct by those who use our markets or our products or for whom we clear transactions; challenges to our use of open source software code; our ability to meet our compliance obligations, including managing potential conflicts between our regulatory responsibilities and our for-profit status; our ability to maintain BIDS Trading as an independently managed and operated trading venue, separate from and not integrated with our registered national securities exchanges; damage to our reputation; the ability of our compliance and risk management methods to effectively monitor and manage our risks; our ability to manage our growth and strategic acquisitions or alliances effectively; restrictions imposed by our debt obligations and our ability to make payments on or refinance our debt obligations; our ability to maintain an investment grade credit rating; impairment of our goodwill, long-lived assets, investments or intangible assets; and the accuracy of our estimates and expectations. More detailed information about factors that may affect our actual results to differ may be found in our filings with the SEC, including in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and other filings made from time to time with the SEC. We do not undertake, and we expressly disclaim, any duty to update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. 1Source: Australian Securities and Investments Commission equity market data. Based on average daily value traded 2021 YTD through February 2Based on lit market volume 2021 YTD through February 3Source: Chi-X Asia Pacific 4World Federation of Exchanges, as of year-end 2019 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/622233/Cboe_Logo.jpg ROCHESTER, Minn. A not guilty plea is entered in a two-vehicle crash that killed an 18-year-old. Sterling Royce Haukom, 34 of Rochester, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to criminal vehicular homicide and DWI. Rochester police say Haukom was driving north on 8th Avenue SE on February 23 when he collided with the vehicle driven by Erika Cruz, 18 of Rochester. The crash sent both vehicles across the intersection with 12th Street SE and into a fence at Lincoln School. Cruz died as a result of her injuries. Investigators say Haukom was going faster than the speed limit and was responsible for the collision. No trial date has been set. OTTAWA - Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne sees a future for Canada as a leader in biomanufacturing, including vaccines but not soon. Francois-Philippe Champagne responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne sees a future for Canada as a leader in biomanufacturing, including vaccines but not soon. In a speech Wednesday at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Champagne said he hopes a COVID-19 vaccine can be produced at home in the "medium term" as a federal investment strategy begins to bear fruit. Multiple COVID-19 vaccine-makers sought domestic partners last year to help pump out their products, but Canada's biomanufacturing industry has shrunk considerably in the last half-century. "If we look at the level of biomanufacturing, were in the middle, I would say, of reversing a decline that has lasted for four decades, since the '80s," Champagne said in French. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced last month that Canada has a new contract with Maryland-based Novavax to eventually churn out doses of its vaccine at a new National Research Council facility going up in Montreal. But construction won't wrap up until the summer and production will likely begin in late fall at the earliest, long after Canada expects to import enough doses to vaccinate the entire population. Conservative health critic Michelle Rempel Garner said the federal government has failed to engage domestic pharmaceutical firms on potential production, displaying a lack of "political will" early on. "It is low-hanging fruit, and baffling to me that the federal government has not reached out to companies, for example, like Providence Pharmaceuticals in Alberta to find out, What can we do to help?'" Rempel Garner said at a press conference. "Capacity to manufacture a critical product like vaccines at home is critical to securing Canadas future." Within a month of the World Health Organization's declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, Ottawa made $792 million available through its Strategic Innovation Fund to fuel clinical trials and manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic drugs to fight the virus. The government spent a further $126 million to upgrade the National Research Council plant on Montreal's Royalmount Avenue. However, several vaccine makers have said a lack of federal funding early in the pandemic kept homegrown vaccines from developing as quickly as international versions. Canada is buying at least 238 million doses of seven different vaccines, but only one is from a Canadian company Medicago and, at least at first, none will be produced in Canada. Medicago received $173 million from the strategic innovation fund in October and began Phase 3 trials last week typically the last phase before seeking regulatory approval. It hopes to report results by the summer and get approval in time to have doses ready for arms by the fall. "We are rebuilding the ecosystem one investment at a time," Champagne said. Developments abroad Wednesday underscored the advantages of homegrown manufacturing, and the anxieties that trail a reliance international production pipelines. To protect its own supplies, the European Union, a major vaccine supplier to Canada, put in place export measures to mitigate domestic supply problems amid a surge in new cases. Trudeau played down any immediate threat to shipments expected in the coming weeks, telling the House of Commons his government would press the European Commission at the "highest levels" to ensure supplies would keep flowing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. 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. Rwanda could soon see a rise in investments from Japan, largely in the tech and agribusiness industries, officials have said. This follows a virtual meeting organised by the Embassy of Japan on Wednesday, March 17 to discuss shared business opportunities between the two countries. The meeting presided over by Imai Masahiro, the Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, was attended by other high-ranking officials including Clare Akamanzi, the CEO Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Geraldine Mukeshimana, Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, among others. According to Amb. Imai, this webinar aimed at showing Japan's engagement in Africa as an investing country and Rwanda's potential field for further attracting investments from Japan as well as at presenting Rwanda as a promising investment destination. Why Japan? Hirano Kastumi, Executive Senior Research Fellow at Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO), keynote speaker, pointed out in his keynote speech, that Japan became the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) provider in 2018 and 2019 in the world. He emphasized that Japan can still increase its FDI, saying that the proportion of FDI to its GDP, 30% is lower than the average of other developed country, 40%. Japanese private companies should hence actively seek investment opportunities in Africa, he said. According to Sugano Masafumi, Japan's Chief Representative of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Africa, Japanese firms are actively investing in start-up companies. "Japanese companies see actually money in Africa. They see the African startup market as a potential area and also as a gap that state-owned huge investment doesn't cover. Therefore, there is still room for Japanese venture capitals." He also explained diversification of Japan-Africa relations introducing that certain Japanese companies are run by African executives and there are growing numbers of African community in Japan. This makes Japan and Africa closer, he said. Public private sector partnership Otani Toshikazu, Chief Executive for Africa at ITOCHU Corporation, highlighted the usefulness of the public private sector partnership (PPP) during his presentation on a successful investment case of his company in Sierra Leone. "There were many challenges to overcome to launch the investment project and these are sometimes unpredictable and uncontrollable", he said, "PPP with different institutions from the Government of Japan and UN families enabled his company to manage different risks". Hayahida Shuichi and Diagne Cheikh, from the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), underpinned this idea presenting that its insurance product can strengthen investors' trust on hosting country, which is essential element for the promotion of the investment. They showed the availability of MIGA's insurance products in Rwanda giving the examples of Kigali Balk Water Supply Project and Off-grid Solar Projects. "It is easy to encourage investors but we also have to think about how to protect the investment and how to make the investment more profitable. To give this realistic perspective, I invited these panelists," said Amb. Imai. Japan-Rwanda robust cooperation Akamanzi commended the Embassy's efforts for promoting interactive opportunities for businesses in Rwanda and Japan. Rwanda and Japan, she said, co-operate on a range of opportunities that are mutually beneficial for both countries. "In fact, from a business angle, we have attracted a number of investments from Japan and we believe that through organisations, such as the ones participating in this webinar, we can do more between our countries." She added, "The value of investments registered directly by Japanese companies is just under US$ 20 million from 30 different companies." "Many of these companies are driving innovation and bringing new ways of doing business in Rwanda." Akamanzi reiterated the country's vision of building an economy that is dynamic, innovative and private sector-led. "This approach enables an economy that is competitive in international markets and supports strong domestic linkages for job creation and sustained economic growth." Potential field for investment: Agribusiness, ICT, Start-up Hirano explained, in his keynote speech, that agribusiness is Rwanda's comparative advantage thanks to its fertile land. He also emphasized that Rwanda can take the maximum advantage of its landlocked location for enjoying the benefits of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in food trading. Japan-Rwanda potential area for further investment is thus agribusiness, according to him. Akamanzi said "Agriculture remains a very important sector for the livelihood of our people and has massive investment opportunities. The sector contributes nearly 24% of our GDP and employs over half of the active population." Mukeshimana showed Rwanda's readiness to work with private investors in Agriculture introducing Rwanda's projects on Gabiro Agribusiness Hub, Kigali Wholesale Market and Gako Meat Company. She reiterated Rwanda's intention to not only develop its agriculture sector but also create returns on investment for the private sector. In response to Japanese companies' interest in ICT, Akamanzi presented Rwandan engagements in this field. The Kigali Innovation City is, she said, a major project that Rwanda initiated to drive its ambitions of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The project currently features a complete eco-system of innovation and knowledge consisting of world-class learning institutions like Carnegie Mellon University that set up its Africa campus within Kigali Innovation City. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Rwanda Asia, Australia, and Africa Investment By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In a bid to attract more investors, Akamanzi said that the Kigali Innovation City project has a component of a Rwanda Innovation Fund, a privately managed US$100 million fund for the development of world-class technologies with the private sector invited to join in. In terms of start-up companies, in which, according to Hirano and Sugano, Japanese venture capitals and huge companies are intereseted, Rwanda's proof of concept country policy might be an answer. Akamanzi introduced a successful case of Zipline's drone transport test project that was conducted in Rwanda and is now expanding to Ghana. Rwanda's strong determination for investment promotion "Today, as you might be aware, Rwanda has had decades of investing in a very attractive business environment," Akamanzi said. "We have come from being the 150th to top 50 easiest places to do business in the world and rank the 2nd best in Africa after Mauritius. I believe this is testament of the work Rwanda does in continuing to make the country an attractive place to do business." "I wish to reiterate the shared values of our countries. Rwanda and Japan share a deep commitment to excellence - and I believe these are the values that have served our working relationship in the past and will continue to do so in the future" Akamanzi said. [March 24, 2021] Spring Sales March Expo Lets Buyers Meet Chinese Suppliers In Real-Time Without Travel NANJING, China, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Made-in-China.com, China's leading comprehensive third-party B2B e-commerce platform, is hosting a massive virtual sourcing event, the Spring Sales, from March 1 to March 31, 2021 accessible via its website and mobile app. With global travel still restricted, the Spring Sales provides buyers worldwide the timely opportunity to meet 50,000 registered suppliers in real-time. During the free month-long event, registered members of Made-in-China.com are offered special filter functions, live showroom tours and exclusive discounts. Orders can be placed both on the platform and directly with suppliers. No matter your product offering, chances are you'll find them this month on Made-in-China.com. You can choose from 300,000 new products, covering almost every category, including consumer electronics, tools and machinery, clothing, accessories, jewelry, home decor and other specialty merchandise. Rest assured regarding the quality of products with over 15,000 free samples available before placing an order. Moreover, there are moe than 22,000 Rapid Dispatch products available shipped within 15 workdays after placing your order. Newly integrated smart "Tags" make filtering through the products easier than ever. Every product is tagged with various labels such as 'Special Discount', 'Free Samples', 'Sold 10000+' and others. The grand expo, China International Export Fair, will also be held from March 15 to March 24 alongside the Spring Sales. Multiple advanced technologies of VR, 360 virtual tour, face-to-face online meetings, real-time language translation, and AR special features will provide a reassuringly real participation experience and support negotiations with suppliers. Spring Sales is more than just deals, important as that is. It is a month of discovery giving you access to more than 600 selected showrooms round-the-clock livestreams. Attendees will witness more than 200 new product launches, visit more than 100 factories, and watch more than 300 out-of-box reviews. Made-in-China.com will also showcase how leading factories cooperate with the world's leading companies and also equip you with free professional trend analysis on the machinery industry. So, before you jump in, please create a plan of action. What products are you looking for? What industry news do you want to get? Do you sell seasonal goods to take advantage of the Rapid Dispatch Tag? Planning what you need ahead of time will make the ordering process much quicker, smoother and more efficient. Please visit: website: https://sourcing.made-in-china.com/2021-spring-sales/?utm_source=overnews&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=PR mobile version: https://m.made-in-china.com/buyer/pf/index?utm_source=overnews&utm_medium=free&utm_campaign=PR SOURCE Made-in-China.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] US Navy warships stationed off the coast of Los Angeles encountered swarms of mysterious drones, which pursued them at high speed in low visibility - prompting a high level investigation and some head scratching among top military brass. The series of encounters with suspected UAVs, or unmanned aerial vehicles, in July 2019, saw as many as six mystery aircraft swarm several US Navy warships close to a sensitive training area at the Channel Islands, according to The Drive. Based on deck log data from four US destroyers targeted in the series of encounters, The Drive worked out that the drones flew at speeds of up to 45 miles an hour and traveled at least 100 nautical miles - far exceeding the capabilities of any commercially-available unmanned aircraft. The incident was brought to the attention of the Chief of Naval Operations and the FBI, and at one point the Navy began investigating itself as the potential source of the 'mystery' drone operators. However before conclusive answers could be uncovered, the Navy classified all communications about their investigation. USS destroyers on patrol in July 2019 were suddenly swarmed by flashing, tic-toc shaped drones, which were able to travel long distance at high speeds The USS Kidd, pictured above in 2011, was one of four Navy destroyers swarmed by sophisticated drones traveling at high speeds during a bizarre incident in 2019. The origin of the drones is unknown The USS Gonzalez, a guided-missile destroyer, is in the same class as the naval ships targeted by drones in a brazen attack off the coast of California in 2019. They use an onboard intelligence team known as a SNOOPIE to track unknown flying objects The bridge of the USS Porter, which is the same Arleigh Burke-class destroyer as those targeted in the July 2019 drone skirmish The Drive, which investigates military weaponry and tactics, using ship logbooks and internal emails released by the Navy under the Freedom of Information Act, were able to reconstruct the bizarre series of events. Their account shows the drama began on the night of July 14 2019. Deck logs from the USS Kidd show that just before 10pm that night two drones were spotted. An onboard intelligence crew responsible for documenting and investigating contact with unknown vessels - known as the Ship Nautical Or Otherwise Photographic Interpretation and Exploitation team - or SNOOPIE - was engaged to figure out who, or what, the mystery flying objects were. Within a few minutes of the sighting, reports show the USS Kidd moved into quiet mode, minimizing communications as it sought to work what the threat level was. It contacted a nearby warship also on patrol, the USS Rafael Peralta, who also engaged their onboard photo intelligence team, or SNOOPIE. Several other US Navy destroyers on patrol nearby began noticing strange lights. The USS John Finn also reported UAV activity, and noticed a 'red flashing light' at 10:03pm, according to its logbook. Just over an hour later at 11:23pm, the USS Rafael Peralta spotted a white light hovering over the flight deck. The drone was able to remain hovering above the destroyer's helicopter landing pad while traveling at speeds of 16 knots and in low visibility. The nearly 90-minute encounter was well beyond the capability of commercially-available drones. The next night, the drones returned, this time as the warships were patrolling closer to the Californian mainland. US warships have state-of-the-art detection systems, but were unable to discover the origin of these drones The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter shows off its high-tech weaponry Filmmaker and UFO enthusiast Dave Beaty was the first to bring the drone encounter to light, revealing it was in the same area as the 2004 Nimitz Encounter He said the drones were 'tic-tac shaped', similar to previous reported UFO sightings They were first spotted by the USS Rafael Peralta and the ship's SNOOPIE team was engaged at 8:39pm. At 8:56pm, logs show the USS Kidd had also come into contact with drones. 'The drones seem to have pursued the ships, even as they continued to maneuver throughout the incident,' The Drive reported. Logbooks onboard the USS Russell show drones were swarming all over it, dipping in elevation from 1000 to 700 feet and seemingly able to move in any direction. The USS Russell had separate contact with drones nine occasions in less than an hour. Then at 9:20pm that night, the USS Kidd noticed 'multiple UAVs' around the ship. The USS Rafael Peralta was also swarmed by as many as four drones. It was contacted by a passing cruise ship, the Carnival Imagination, to say they too had spotted up to six drones. The three-hour frenzy of activity continued until close to midnight, with none of the warships able to say with certainty where the drones had come from. The Navy's top commanders including the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and commander of the Pacific Fleet were notified. The Los Angeles bureau of the FBI was also brought in to look at the incident. The subsequent investigation found that just a handful of civilian ships were in the area at the time that could have been used as landing pads for the drones. Investigators suspected the drones may have been launched from the ORV Alguita, a catamaran in the area. And while the Alguita did have drones onboard, it was soon established its aircraft were not capable of such aeronautical feats. Naval intelligence was brought in on the investigation and it was soon turning its glare inwards. The area is home to a large US Naval Base on Sam Clemente Island, where sensitive training operations are often undertaken. Soon afterward, the Navy classified the investigation, preventing further information from being released to The Drive. There were further drone sightings later in July 2019, with SNOOPIE teams aborad the destroyers again being called on to identify the drones and work out where they were coming from. The bizarre incident was first noticed by filmmaker Dave Beaty, a UFO researcher who UFOs. In June 2020, he Tweeted: 'Did the navy ship #USSKidd #DDG100 encounter a UAP in July 2019 in So Cal OPAREA Trying to find out more. The ship logs indicate a "Snoopy Team" was deployed - an intel section that tries to visually ID objects. DM if you know more. Near San Clemente island.' Later, relaying information he'd received from a Navy source, Beaty said a crew member on board 'could see them with the naked eye and they were almost eye level with the bridge hovering'. 'They were the same tic-tac shaped objects.' Beaty said the sightings occurred in the same areas as another infamous UFO sighting in 2004 which became known as the 'Nimitz Encounters'. The Drive said there remained 'baffling' questions about how the drones had been able to fly with such breathtaking skill, speed and maneuverability. 'If the drones were not operated by the American military, these incidents represent a highly significant security breach,' it reported. Just a few days ago, the former Director of National Intelligence revealed the US has evidence of UFOs breaking the sound barrier without a sonic boom and making maneuvers impossible with known technology. John Ratcliffe, who served as Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence, said that many of the incidents still have no easy explanation. 'There are a lot more sightings than have been made public,' Ratcliffe told Fox News. 'Some of those have been declassified.' A longstanding proposal to establish nonstop routes between Bradley International Airport and Jamaica could finally take off in the near future, with state legislators and other supporters renewing the push to launch direct service to the island. Proponents outlined their arguments for the plan in an online forum hosted Monday night by state Rep. Bobby Gibson, D-Windsor, and the Caribbean Trade Council. Gibson has introduced a bill calling on Windsor Locks-based Bradley to offer direct flights to the Jamaican capital of Kingston, while airport officials are also bullish about the scenario despite the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic. Its a financial gain and success for our state not only in terms of vacations and trips and visitations but also in terms of cargo, Gibson said during the forum. This is also a social justice issue. For Connecticut to have one of the largest populations of Jamaicans in the Jamaican diaspora in the United States its an injustice not to have a direct flight. Widespread support For years, officials in Connecticut and Jamaica have sought to establish nonstop flights linking the state with the Caribbean nation, which has a population of about 3 million. Those talks reflect the states large Jamaican-American community. Among the approximately 520,000 foreign-born state residents in 2018, seven percent were originally from Jamaica, according to the nonprofit and nonpartisan American Immigration Council. Only India accounted for more of the states immigrant population, with a nine percent share. This bill is incredibly important for the continued economic development of the state of Connecticut and Jamaica as it pertains to cargo and it also addresses the needs of our community in relation to direct flights from Bradley to Jamaica, Andrew Lawrence, president of the Caribbean Trade Council, said in a statement. Direct flights will benefit Connecticut residents, business and medical professionals in terms of reducing wait times for connected flights and travel times to other airports, particularly for our disabled citizens and their limitations." The nearest airports for Connecticut residents who want to fly nonstop to Jamaica to either Kingston or the northwestern city of Montego Bay have to depart from either John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International or Boston Logan International. Those flying from Bradley have to stop over at another airport such as Miami International to catch a connecting flight to the island. U.S. airlines that fly to Jamaica include JetBlue, Delta, United, American and Spirit. The Bradley catchment area is generating about 94,000 Jamaica trips annually, according to Kevin Dillon, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, which owns and operates Bradley. From that total, about 35,000 involve Bradley on a connecting basis, with some 28,000 flying to Montego Bay and the other 7,000 going to Kingston. We are very interested in developing this service We do have a couple of target carriers, meaning carriers that we think are more likely to provide the service than others, and we continue to work with them, Dillon said during the forum. The airline needs to make that decision But it is a matter of us convincing an airline that its going to be a profitable route for them. Dillon declined to identify those two target carriers because this is a very competitive environment. We dont want other airports in the region to understand who were talking to about what particular routes. To encourage carriers to establish nonstop flights to Jamaica, Dillon said the CAA would be willing to offer an incentives package that could include the waiving of two years worth of rates and charges, meaning the airline can operate here at Bradley [for] two years at no cost on that particular route. Dillon also cited the possibility of up to half-a-million dollars worth of marketing assistance to promote the availability of the route. Jamaica recorded about 4.2 million visitor arrivals in 2019, down 2 percent from 2018, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board. We have been looking to expand our visitor numbers, expand our air traffic not just in Kingston, but Montego Bay, said Francine Carter Henry, manager of tour operators and airlines for the Jamaica Tourist Board. We do rely very heavily on the [Jamaican] diaspora traffic for the Kingston arrivals, more so than Montego Bay. But in recent years we have been expanding our push for more-tourism related activity in the Kingston capital. Next steps The legislation introduced by Gibson, House Bill 6075, outlines in its statement of purpose that it would require Bradley to offer direct flights to Kingston. But the state legislatures Transportation Committee will not be proceeding with a public hearing on HB 6075 or with the bill as written, according to state Rep. Roland Lemar, D-New Haven, the committees chairman. In screening, we determined that given the airline industrys current global challenges, it made very little sense to statutorily mandate CAA offer specific flights to specific locations, Lemar told Hearst Connecticut Media on Tuesday. That being said, Rep. Gibson has done extraordinary work building the case and proving the economics of such an offering, and I will be working with him and CAA directly to see what we need in order to make this flight a reality in the near future. And I look forward to revisiting this conversation in the coming year as the domestic and international travel recovers. In any case, Bradley would not need any legislation to start nonstop flights to Jamaica, according to CAA officials. Developing new routes can take years, but Dillon said launching nonstop service to Jamaica within the next year would be possible. I would anticipate that you would probably, if we were successful, have an announcement in the fall timeframe, with an early winter start, Dillon said. That would be the most lucrative timeframe from a leisure standpoint. But again, this is an ongoing effort. Gibson and other supporters of his legislation acknowledge the aviation industrys struggles during the pandemic, but see nonstop service to Jamaica as viable in the long-term. They are also looking to build support through a public survey about the proposal. We see Bradley International Airport as a hub and something that will promote Connecticut being an economic center in the region, said state Treasurer Shawn Wooden, who is also a CAA board member. I think its a win-win. pschott@stamfordadvocate.com; twitter: @paulschott [March 24, 2021] Noble Announces Acquisition of TSSi to Expand and Enhance Products and Services for U.S. Military and Government Customers BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Noble Supply & Logistics, an industry leader in Global Supply Chain Management, Logistics, DoD Mission Support, and Technology, announces the acquisition of Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc. (TSSi). TSSi, a decades-long provider of Special Operations Equipment (SOE), brings a specialized supply chain, an experienced team, and tailored logistics solutions to Noble's growing SOE support to Military and other Government customers. "I am thrilled to join forces with TSSi and expand our product offering to our customers," said Tom Noble, Co-Founder, and CEO of Noble. "This acquisition brings together two companies that are razor-focused on ensuring that our warfighters and government customers have the supplies, gear, and equipment they need to complete their missions. Both companies complement each other extremely well, and we are looking forward to working together to add value to the DOD supply chain." The Noble-TSSi partnership expands the companies' capabilities in meeting customers' requirements for competitive pricing on a broad range of SOE equipmen, dedicated customer service, and product expertise, along with established vendor relationships and agreements to serve Military and Government customers better. Since 2003, Noble has worked with Military and Government customers to find better products, prices, transportation, and services at worldwide locations. This new partnership with TSSi means that our customers can expeditiously procure both MRO and SOE products from one company. "No question that Noble is the right home for TSSi," said Bill Strang, TSSi's Founder and CEO. "After more than 40 years of supporting those who serve and defend this country, it is important that our mission continue to grow and provide our customers with the best operational support equipment and services available. This partnership will provide our customers with more choices, better prices, and consistently reliable delivery." About Noble Boston-based Noble Supply & Logistics is a leading provider of supply chain management, logistics, mission support, and technology/e-commerce solutions for the U.S. Military, Federal, state, and local governments. Noble is in business to ensure that those who serve our Nation have all the supplies, gear, and equipment they need to complete their missions. From Special Operations Equipment and MRO products for the U.S. Military to hurricane relief aid, PPE, and supplies to fight COVID-19, Noble provides the materials and equipment the U.S. Government needs to face today's challenges. Noble's global footprint includes operation centers, distribution centers, and consolidation points positioned to expedite deliveries and enhance product availability. A distributor for more than 11,000 manufacturers, the company stocks over one million items in warehouses across the United States and throughout CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, and INDOPACOM. Noble maintains a contract portfolio with a ceiling value of $40B. For more information, visit https://www.noble.com/ About TSSi Tactical & Survival Specialties, Inc. (TSSi), located in Harrisonburg, Virginia, was founded in 1980 by Bill Strang. For more than 40 years, TSSi has provided the highest quality equipment and solutions for Military, law enforcement, and disaster response professionals worldwide. TSSi is a recognized leader in providing tactical and specialized operational equipment to the U.S. Special Operations community and federal, state, and local law enforcement and disaster recovery professionals. The company maintains 100,000 best-selling items in inventory, a warehouse facility located on a major shipping route, established partnerships with the industry's leading suppliers, and is known for having the highest standards of professionalism and uncompromising integrity. For more information, visit https://www.tssi-ops.com/ Contact: Cela Libeskind 781-285-7608 clibeskind@noble.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noble-announces-acquisition-of-tssi-to-expand-and-enhance-products-and-services-for-us-military-and-government-customers-301255197.html SOURCE Noble Supply & Logistics [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Sextillions of snowflakes fell from the sky this winter. Thats billions of trillions of them, now mostly melted away as spring approaches. Few people looked at them closely, one by one. Kenneth Libbrecht, a professor of physics at the California Institute of Technology, has spent a quarter-century trying to understand how such a simple substance water could freeze into a multitude of shapes. How do snowflakes form? Libbrecht said during an online talk Feb. 23 that was hosted by the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut. And how do these structures appear and just, as I like to say, literally out of thin air? One of the people intrigued by Libbrechts snowflake research and photography was Nathan Myhrvold, a former chief technology officer at Microsoft who has since pursued projects in myriad scientific disciplines, including paleontology, cooking and astronomy. Myhrvold, an avid photographer, first met Libbrecht more than a decade ago, and in the spring of 2018, he decided he wanted to take pictures of the intricate frozen crystals himself. He recalled thinking, Oh, well just throw something together, and well be ready for the winter. But, as with many of his projects, things were not as simple as Myhrvold planned. It turned out to be massively more complicated than I thought, Myhrvold said. So it took 18 months to build the damn thing. The damn thing was the camera system for photographing snowflakes. He wanted to use the best digital sensors, ones that captured 1 million pixels. The real snowflake is very, very fragile, he said. Its super intricate. So you want high resolution. But that kind of sensor is much larger in area than the images generally produced by the lenses of microscopes, a result of decisions that microscope manufacturers made close to a century ago. That meant he needed to find a way to stretch the microscope image to fill the sensor. In his tinkering, I came up with a custom optical path that will actually allow it to work, he said. Then there is the housing for the optics. That is typically made of metal, but metal expands when warm and shrinks when cold. Moving the apparatus from the warm indoors to a frigid balcony where he would collect the snowflakes would screw up the whole microscope, Myhrvold said, making it impossible to keep everything in focus. Instead of metal, he used carbon fiber, which does not appreciably expand or shrink. Myhrvold also found a special LED, manufactured by a company in Japan for industrial uses, that would emit bursts of light 1/1,000th as long as a typical camera flash. This minimizes heat emitted from the flash, which might melt the snowflake a bit. To look at something under a microscope, a specimen is typically placed on a glass slide. But glass retains heat. That also melts the snowflakes. So he switched from glass to sapphire, a material that cools more readily. By February 2020, he was ready. But where to find the most beautiful snowflakes to photograph? At first, he thought he could just head to a ski resort town perhaps Aspen or Vail in Colorado or Whistler in British Columbia. But these places were not cold enough. Powder snow that a skier might like to ski through is, in fact, pretty much powder, Myhrvold said. Theres not a lot of beauty in those things. Indeed, the snowflakes that fall on most people most of the time are rarely what people think of as snowflake-shaped. Water is a simple molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen. When temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the molecules start sticking to one another that is, they freeze. A snowflake is born in a cloud when a water droplet freezes into a tiny ice crystal. The shape of the water molecules causes them to stack together in a hexagonal pattern. That is why the archetypical snowflake has six arms. Then the crystal grows, absorbing water vapor from the air, and other droplets nearby evaporate to replenish the vapor. It takes maybe 100,000 water droplets evaporating to make one snow crystal, Libbrecht said. But how the crystal grows depends on the temperature and the humidity. In the 1930s, a Japanese physicist, Ukichiro Nakaya, was the first to grow artificial snowflakes in his laboratory, and by varying the conditions, he was able to catalog which types form under most conditions. When temperatures are just below freezing, the snowflakes are generally simple hexagon plates. At about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the prevalent shape is hexagonal columns. It is between 15 degrees and minus-5 degrees Fahrenheit that the archetypically beautiful snowflakes usually form. At these temperatures, the points of the hexagon grow into branches. The branches then spawn other branches and smaller hexagonal plates. Slight variations in the temperature and humidity affect the growing pattern, and the conditions are constantly changing as the snowflake falls toward the ground. Because it has this complicated path through the clouds, it gives a complicated shape, Libbrecht said. Theyre all following different paths, and so each one looks a little different, depending on the path. Thus, to find the beautiful snowflakes, Myhrvold went north, much farther north. He and a couple of assistants lugged about 1,000 pounds of equipment to Fairbanks, Alaska; Yellowknife, the largest community in the Canadian Northwest Territories; and Timmins, Ontario, about 150 miles north of Lake Huron. Myhrvold was able to take what he calls the highest-resolution images of snowflakes ever. That claim has irked others in the snowflake world, including Don Komarechka, a Canadian photographer who takes a decidedly lower-tech approach. He uses a store-bought digital camera with a high-power macro lens. He does not even use a tripod he just holds the camera while the snowflakes sit on a black mitten that his grandmother gave him. Incredibly simplistic, Komarechka said. Its so approachable for anybody with any camera. He said of Myhrvolds custom-built system: I think its a little over-engineered. Komarechka also takes a different approach to illumination, using light reflected off a snowflake, while Myhrvolds images capture light passing through. You get to see surface texture and sometimes beautiful rainbow colors in the center of a snowflake, Komarechka said. The rainbow effect is the same as what you see in soap film, but the colors are often much more solidly displayed than you would see in a soap film or anything else, he said. Its almost psychedelic colors, almost looking like a tie-dye T-shirt. To counter Myhrvolds claims, Komarechka took an image that he says was even higher resolution. Myhrvold responded with a lengthy rebuttal explaining why his images were, nonetheless, more detailed. In practical terms, Myhrvolds images are sharper when printed on paper at expansive sizes. They are available for purchase at sizes up to 2 meters by 1.5 meters. In that very narrow sense, yep, thats what Nathan is claiming, and hes not wrong, Komarechka said. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Stunning properties abound within driving distance of the Capital Region. Hotel stays are always an options but Airbnbs are a growing trend for people seeking stays that are immersed in nature, with unique amenities that make the property itself a destination and not necessarily just a place to crash. Among those are treehouses. They offer a wonderful mix of amenities such as hot tubs and TVs, sprinkled with childhood nostalgia. Nontraditional accommodations have grown in popularity in the last year. A spokesman for Airbnb said a recent survey shows searches for treehouses increased 80 percent since March 2020, part of the trend theyre seeing in people looking for places to stay that are as much a destination as the place theyre visiting. New England Glamping, a company associated with Airbnb that acts as a directory for regional accommodations, has about 250 listings, including more than two dozen treehouses. Coming to an inbox near you Places & Spaces newsletter: Leigh Hornbeck provides a look inside unique homes, real estate news and design trends. Sign up here. Click here for a complete list of newsletter offerings. The novelty factor of treehouses has caused these short-term rentals to go viral on social media over the past few years, said the companys co-founders, Marissa Downes, Elizabeth Jeffery and Amber Perry. It is not surprising at all that these unique stays have drawn so much attention as many millennials and gen-Zers are constantly looking for the next Instagrammable experience to capture. Several regional accommodations include Whispering Wind Treehouse in Argyle, The Magical Treehouse near Higley Flow State Park, Treehouse in the Woods in Hardwick, Vt., and the Vermont Tree Cabin on Walker Pond in Coventry, Vt. Andrew and Marilou Kozak, owners of the Vermont Tree Cabin on Walker Pond, fill the calendar quickly. With amenities that include a cedar hot tub overlooking the water, a giant bed, Belgian waffle ingredients and Vermont maple syrup, they know how to be welcoming hosts. Andrew built this luxury treehouse, including the hot tub, from the ground up. Hes always wanted a cabin or some kind of space surrounded by nature, Marilou Kozak said. His techniques are self-taught and he seeks out shows, researches and reads a lot of books about building. Hes been building since he was a teenager and now hes in his 50s. The first property they hosted on Airbnb, the Osprey Cabin at Walker Pond was also built by Andrew Kozak. It was a temporary home for us. We didnt know what to do with our cabin once we were done living in it. It sat on the property for a year or so before we decided on Airbnb, which was fairly new at the time. That was nearly nine years ago. When the tree cabin was a success, they decided to build a second property; the two-story treehouse with the hot tub. We couldnt expand on our property because we have a two-acre property, so we looked for land in Vermont, Marilou Kozak said. Thats when they found the property near Walker Pond. They Kozaks have always been busy, opening six months of booking at a time. Despite the pandemic and worries brought on by a mandatory shutdown in the spring of 2020 for a few months, business is still booming since reopening in June. Were very grateful and lucky, Marilou Kozak said. The treehouse and the tree cabin are normally very popular anyway, but the pandemic did help the Airbnb hosts in a way. Now that people cant travel as much, long distances and overseas, more people are looking for a place where its not a shared space, especially in nature, surrounded by woods, she said. I really do think people like treehouses anyway, regardless of the pandemic. Its always been fascinating to people because its cool and different. Jessica Kelly is a food and travel writer originally from Buffalo. @adventures.are.waiting Abuja Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) yesterday observed that the effective deployment of the provisions of Plea Bargain will among others enhance the recovery of the country's stolen assets by public office holders. Malami made the observation while speaking at a virtual roundtable for the review of the draft guidelines on Plea Bargaining for federal prosecutors. Plea Bargain according to section 494(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, is, "the process in criminal proceedings whereby the defendant and the prosecution work out a mutually acceptable disposition of the case, including the plea of the defendant to a lesser offence than that charged in the complaint or information and in conformity with other conditions imposed by the prosecution, in return for a lighter sentence than that of the higher charge subject to the court's approval." Malami stated that the country's justice system "is presently fraught with a lot of challenges which prolong adjudication time and most times frustrate parties". He argued that, if well implemented, Plea Bargain will help improve on the nation's justice sector. Represented by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), the minister said, "The effective deployment of Plea Bargain provisions will therefore, reduce the financial cost of prosecutions, hasten trial process, eliminate uncertainty of trials, enhance the quick return of stolen assets, and generally enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system". Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Legal Affairs Corruption By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. While describing the development of the Draft Guidelines as one of the strategic interventions by the Federal Ministry of Justice towards ensuring lasting reforms in the Criminal Justice Sector in Nigeria, he enjoined participants to come up with useful recommendations that would enhance the capabilities of federal prosecutors in the area of Plea Bargain. "The purpose of the Draft Guidelines is to promote standardisation and consistency in Plea Bargain (including compounding of offences) by Federal Prosecutors as well as ensure that the principles of accountability, equity, integrity, and transparency are observed in reaching plea bargain agreements across board. "The Draft provides further support to the existing Code of Conduct and Prosecutorial Guidelines for Federal Prosecutors which generally regulate the conducts and actions of Federal Prosecutors in the exercise of their prosecutorial discretion. "I am informed that the purpose of this roundtable is to obtain the input of stakeholders, particularly with regard to foreseeable challenges in the implementation of the Draft Guidelines, for my consideration in finalising the document. "This is indeed, a welcome development and a step towards fostering a healthy synergy amongst Federal Prosecutors for the overall benefit of the Criminal Justice System", he said. The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday adjourned until May 19 for the continuation of the trial of former speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, charged with alleged N338.8 million money laundering. Mr Ikuforiji is arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside his former Personal Assistant, Oyebode Atoyebi, on 54 counts of money laundering. They had each pleaded not guilty before the judge, Mohammed Liman, and were allowed to continue on an earlier bail granted to them in 2012 when they were first arraigned. At the last adjourned date on March 17, the EFCC closed its case after calling the second witness for the prosecution, Adewale Olatunji, a former Clerk of the house. Prosecution called two witnesses in support of its case. The case ,which was scheduled for Wednesday for the defence to open its case, could not proceed as defence counsel, Dele Adesina, wrote a letter requesting an adjournment. In the letter, Mr Adesina, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, wrote that he would be away attending the burial of a deceased colleague, Olusegun Odubela. Trial will now resume on May 19. At the last adjourned date, Mr Olatunji concluded his testimony after he was led in evidence in chief by prosecution, and was also cross examined by defence counsel. NAN reports that the defendants were first arraigned on March 1, 2012 before Okechukwu Okeke on a 20-count charge bordering on misappropriation and money laundering. They had each pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bails. The defendants were, however, subsequently re-arraigned before another judge, Ibrahim Buba, following a re-assignment of the case. Mr Buba had granted them bail in the sum of N500 million each with sureties in like sum. On Sept. 26, 2014, Mr Buba discharged Mr Ikuforiji and his aide of the charges, after upholding a no case submission of the defendants. Mr Buba had held that the EFCC failed to establish a prima-facie case against them. Dissatisfied with the ruling, the EFCC through its counsel, Godwin Obla (SAN), filed the Notice of Appeal dated Sept. 30, 2014 challenging the decision of the trial court. Mr Obla had argued that the trial court erred in law when it held that the counts were incompetent because they were filed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 which was repealed by an Act of 2011. The EFCC further argued that the lower court erred in law when it held that the provisions of Section 1 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2004 and 2011, only applied to natural persons and corporate bodies other than the government. ADVERTISEMENT The commission had also submitted that the trial judge erred in law when he held and concluded that the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses supported the innocence of the respondents. In its judgement, the Lagos Division of the Appeal Court, in November 2016, agreed with the prosecution and ordered a fresh trial of the defendants before another judge. Following the decision of the Appeal Court, the defendants headed to the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the ruling of the appellate court. Again, in its verdict, the apex court also upheld the decision of the appellate court and ordered that the case be sent back to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to another judge. According to the charge, EFCC alleged that the defendants accepted cash payments above the threshold set by the Money Laundering Act, without going through a financial institution. The commission accused the defendants of conspiring to commit an illegal act of accepting cash payments in the aggregate sum of N338.8 million from the House of Assembly without going through a financial institution. Mr Ikuforiji was also accused of using his position to misappropriate funds belonging to the Assembly. The EFCC said the defendants committed the offences between April 2010 and July 2011. The offences, according to the EFCC, contravene the provisions of Sections 15 (1d), 16(1d) and 18 of Money Laundering Act, 2004 and 2011. (NAN) Aerial photo taken on March 19, 2021 shows tourists visiting the ancient Houliu Township in Shiquan County of Ankang City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Shiquan County has boosted tourism to promote rural vitalization and develop the local economy. (Xinhua/Shao Rui) 9 1 [ Editor: JYZ ] A Delhi court Wednesday issued summons to former Union minister and his son Karti in the INX Media money-laundering case on taking cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against them. Special Judge M K Nagpal issued summons against the senior Congress leader, his son and others directing them to appear before court on April 7. Besides the Chidambarams, the charge sheet names Karti's chartered accountant S S Bhaskararaman among others. Chidambaram was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the INX Media corruption case on August 21, 2019. On October 16, 2019, the ED arrested him in a related money-laundering case. Six days later, on October 22, the apex court granted bail to Chidambaram in the case lodged by the CBI. In the ED case, he got bail on December 4, 2019. The CBI had registered its case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Subsequently, the ED had lodged the money-laundering case. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) of the Cabinet has denied news about a decline in Egypt's shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the start of the coronavirus pandemic. News that shipments went down to only two is baseless, the IDSC affirmed Tuesday, referring to verified information from the Petroleum Ministry. Egypt's LNG exports have not been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the Petroleum Ministry assured. To the contrary, exports did increase to a total of 1.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas equivalent (NGE), carried on about 17 shipments during the last quarter of 2020 - up from just six shipments during the first quarter of the same year- the Ministry explained. The Damietta Liquefaction Plant has already been re-operated and this, according to the Petroleum Ministry, would contribute to making Egypt a major LNG export country. The factory is expected to produce about 4.5 million tons of gas annually, thus pushing up exports to some 12.5 million tons. Egypt's LNG exports have reached about nine shipments per month since the beginning of 2021. The Petroleum Ministry urged all media outlets to make sure news is verified from parties concerned before publishing it. The ministry said it receives queries and complaints on its website: Now more than ever, companies need faster access to their money. Our merchants will have full access to their funds in minutes -- and we don't charge a percentage on the transaction. From the merchant perspective, thats a real game changer. MerchantE, a leading end-to-end digital commerce platform, announces Same Day Funding. Available for pre-qualified customers, the new product enables merchants to receive daily card transaction funds within one hour of closing a batch. The funds will be issued directly to the debit card account of the merchants choice, available immediately to spend. Last year, MerchantE announced its new Money In(TM), Money Out(TM) and Money Max(TM) services, a suite of features specifically designed around how money comes into a business, how it goes out and the necessary analytics to maximize financial decisions. Its newest addition enables merchants to take control of their money quickly and securely. MerchantEs Same Day Funding service offers: Merchants access to their money the same calendar day for batches submitted before 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time even on weekends. The full amount (up to $100K/day). No percentage charge on the batch of transactions; just a flat per batch fee. Now more than ever, companies need faster access to their money, says Sandra Blair, Chief Product Officer at MerchantE. Many companies offer same-day funding options in theory, but what differentiates our offering is the practicality of the service. Our merchants will have full access to their funds in minutesand we dont charge a percentage on the transaction. From the merchant perspective, thats a real game changer. To learn more and apply, visit MerchantE.com. About MerchantE MerchantE provides a financial technology platform that drives digital commerce and supports the money management needs of growing businesses. Its customers gain a competitive advantage with their services to revolutionize the way they bring money in, move money out, and make money decisions. MerchantE helps their partners by offering tools and revenue streams to integrate, self-brand, refer, or resell their products and services. MerchantE has 300+ employees and is located in Alpharetta, Georgia. For more information please visit MerchantE.com. Savills will support WWF-Vietnam in raising public awareness and calling for action at about 100 projects under the management of Savills in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as promoting campaign activities digitally through their media channels. Savills Vietnam and the WWF-Vietnam signed an MOU to enter into a partnership for the Earth Hour 2021 campaign Earth Hour is an annual global initiative organised by WWF to draw public attention to nature loss and the climate crisis with a symbolic action turning off non-essential lights for one hour on the last Saturday of March. Since its launch in Sydney back in 2007 when the Sydney Opera House was dimmed for an hour, Earth Hour has been well-received worldwide and expanded to over 180 countries. In Vietnam, Earth Hour was first organised in 2009 and has become the biggest environmental movement with all cities and provinces participating. Many popular landmarks and private buildings turn off their lights to support the event. For Earth Hour 2021, with consideration for the ongoing health concerns, WWF has developed a 30-Day Challenge which will be hosted digitally to raise public awareness and to encourage everyone to make simple yet impactful actions. Recognising the potential to assist WWF in raising public awareness digitally for their Earth Hour Campaign, Savills Vietnam look forward to this partnership with WWF-Vietnam to extend their reach and boost engagement for the event. Savills provides unique opportunities to promote the Earth Hour 2021 campaign effectively through popular social media channels Accordingly, Savills will provide unique opportunities to promote the event effectively through popular social media channels with more than 45,000 followers and a diverse portfolio of around 100 managed properties, more than 300,000 residents, and a potential reach of over 1 million. Some of Savills notable managed properties in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City include office buildings like Friendship Tower and Leadvisor Tower, popular commercial buildings such as Crescent Mall, residential buildings such as King Palace and Masteri Thao Dien, as well as its head offices. Specifically, Savills will fully utilise media capabilities, including existing social media channels, to share WWFs content and graphics. Savills is able to notify residents and tenants at managed projects through newsletters and the Property Cube app for residents, and display video content provided by WWF on its LED display screens located at each managed site. The programme began on March 22 and is anticipated to end on April 30. As an industry leader, Savills strives to adapt to the latest trends and industry practices. Recognising the rising importance of a greener economy and the drive towards net-zero carbon emissions, Savills adopted the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) to make strategic improvements and follow the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) to stay aligned with and achieve high sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials. Tran Minh Ai, senior director, Property Management of Savills Vietnam shared that the exciting partnership with WWF-Vietnam displays the company's commitment to protect the living environment and to develop sustainably. Our hope is that the Earth Day 2021 campaign will be able to reach as many people as possible and stimulate positive change to be more environmentally friendly, Ai said. Commenting about the cooperation with Savills Vietnam as a communications partner, Van Ngoc Thinh, country director of WWF-Vietnam said that from growing the movement of Earth Hour to telling the world about it, WWFs dedicated communications corporate partners have played a major role in making each Earth Hour campaign always bigger and better than the last. For Earth Hour 2021, there has never been a stronger sense of urgency for support and action in our community, especially among businesses. We are more than happy to have Savills come on board with us this year and proud of the difference we together are able to make at a scale that matters, Thinh said. WWF-Vietnam is one of the first international non-government organisations to operate in Vietnam. Since the 1980s, WWF began working on a national conservation strategy and since then has worked closely with the Vietnamese government and local partners on a diverse range of environmental issues, implementing numerous field activities across the country. The corporate business is of key strategic importance to Volkswagen India. So much so, that it contributes to nearly 50 per cent of its overall business. The company revealed that corporate customers are looking for safe, reliable, well-built, and convenient mobility solutions; traits that form the core foundation of Volkswagens product portfolio. To strengthen the corporate partnership further, Volkswagen India has tied up with Lease Plan India to deliver over 150 Polo cars to Hilti India. The Volkswagen Polo will be used by Hilti India employees, giving them access to premium engineering with a fun-to-drive experience. In 2019, VW fulfilled its first agreement with Hilti India by delivering 105 units of its Polo. With the second batch, the continued association is a testament to Volkswagens customised mobility solutions that suit the customers dynamically changing lifestyles and needs. Vehicle leasing has been gaining traction among customers in India due to the affordability and personal safety aspects. This is why Volkswagen India aims to plug this growing demand by providing leasing mobility solutions to corporates and individuals to help reduce financial strain and offer safety and convenience to customers. Volkswagen Polo 6.21 Lakh Onwards Volkswagen | Polo | Volkswagen Polo Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak says he has the backing of top state Republicans for the partys nomination to the vacant 22nd state Senate District seat. Republicans from Lackawanna, Luzerne and Monroe counties will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center in Scranton to choose a nominee for the special election May 18. The winner will face state Rep. Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton, to fill a seat vacated when Sen. John Blake, a Democrat, resigned March 8 to work as U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwrights district director. Democrats chose Flynn as their nominee March 13. Chermak and Scranton attorney Dominic Mastri confirmed they will appear at the meeting. Former county First Assistant District Attorney Gene Talerico and wounded Afghanistan war veteran Earl Granville said Tuesday they will not seek the nomination. Insurance agency owner Joe Albert, one of the 61 conferees and a rumored candidate, said hes backing Chermak. County party chairman Lance Stange Jr. said he knew of no other announced candidates. Chermak said he had dinner Monday with state Sen. David Argall, R-29, Schuylkill County, the chairman of the Senate Republican Campaign Committee; Krystjan Callahan, the chief of staff to state Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman; his campaign chairman, Keith Eckel, and Stange. I just finally committed last night, Chermak said Tuesday. They drafted me. They really pushed and pushed. This was not something I was looking to do. With their blessing and support, Im going to give it a shot. Chermak said hes looking forward to doing some good things for this region as a senator. Right now, my hands are tied, he said. Even though we get along, Im a minority commissioner. (In Harrisburg), Ill be a majority senator. Democrats Jerry Notarianni and Debi Domenick have the majority on the county board of commissioners. Republicans control the state 50-seat Senate because 27 senators are Republicans, 20 are Democrats and one is an independent with two vacancies. The last Republican to win the 22nd seat, based in heavily Democratic Lackawanna County, was former Scranton city treasurer Arthur Piasecki in the 1966 election. Chermak said he held off for weeks on committing, partly because he wanted guarantees of financial and other support from state party officials. He said Red Maverick Media, a Harrisburg-based political consulting firm, will handle his campaign. I will be well funded to run a very powerful campaign, he said. Mastri, who had not heard Chermak officially joined the contest, said he will show up at the meeting anyway. Im in it to win it, he said. The 22nd Senate District includes all of Lackawanna County, Avoca, Dupont and Duryea boroughs and Pittston Twp. in Luzerne County and Barrett, Coolbaugh and Price townships in Monroe County. Lackawanna, the largest part of the district, has 52 conferees; Monroe, five; and Luzerne, four, Stange said. Two Upstate manufacturers of fiber and paper products are expanding. Fibertex Nonwovens, Inc. is adding to its Laurens County manufacturing facility to create "a second spunlace production line for rolled nonwoven fiber products," according to a coordinated news release from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and numerous other agencies. The material produced in Laurens is primarily used for wipes. Fibertex will also purchase an additional 84 acres of adjacent land. The $49.5 million in improvements will yield an additional 39 jobs. The expansion, which should be finished in 2023, also drew a $100,000 Rural Infrastructure Grant for Laurens County from the Coordinating Council for Economic Development. The facility is located at 100 Iso Parkway in Gray Court. Spunlace is made using entangled fibers, which are combined under pressure rather than woven in a traditional fashion. The process results in a strong, flexible and durable material. In Anderson County, First Quality Tissue is expanding. A new paper machine will add 70,000 tons of capacity annually, according to a news release from Anderson County Economic Development and the Upstate SC Alliance. The international company, which was founded in Pennsylvania, specializes in hygiene and paper products. The Anderson facility makes "ultra-premium towel and tissue products," according to the release. On the move Greenville County Schools will hold a job fair on March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Golden Strip Career Center, 1120 East Butler Road in Mauldin. The positions are for bus drivers, bus aides, custodians and food service personnel. Pay ranges from $10.43 to $19.06 per hour. Information is available at greenville.k12.sc.us or by calling 864-355-3100. Juniper, a new bar and restaurant located on the rooftop of the recently opened AC Hotel Greenville Downtown at Camperdown Plaza, hired Will Ruwer as lifestyle ambassador. The 16,000 square foot space at 315 S. Main Street is opening soon. Straight from the release Sign up for our Greenville development newsletter. Get all the latest updates on the Upstate real estate market, more openings and closings, exclusive development news and more in your inbox each week. Email Sign Up! "The Duke Endowment approved $1.5 million to support South Carolinians impacted by the coronavirus crisis. This is the second gift from The Duke Endowment to the One SC Fund: COVID-19 Response, a fund housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation, bringing their total contributions to $2.75 million. The gift from The Duke Endowment is the single largest gift the One SC Fund has ever received." The fund serves all 46 counties in the state, according to the release. "Bob Jones University earned a bronze level designation from the Exercise is Medicine On Campus program. BJU is one of only 153 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine for its efforts to promote campus health." "United Way of Greenville County celebrated and recognized the generosity and impact of its donors and volunteers during the organizations 2021 Stronger United Community Awards Celebration, held virtually on March 18 from the Peace Center." The rundown 7-figure home sales Recent million dollar real estate transactions in the Upstate. Back for more next week. Email your tips, releases and newsy bits to rgilchrest@postandcourier.com and amitchell@postandcourier.com. A former municipal tax collector for three Warren County townships has admitted stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in residents payments. In exchange for her guilty plea on Wednesday, Rachellyn Mosher, 50, of Lopatcong Township, now faces jail time, almost $1 million in restitution and loss of her state pension, the Warren County Prosecutors Office announced Wednesday. Municipal officials had already moved to fire Mosher in 2018 before she was arrested by New Jersey State Police that fall. A grand jury in neighboring Hunterdon County then spent two years investigating the thefts, resulting in an indictment on March 11. Mosher worked for Lopatcong, Harmony and White townships. Between 2013 and 18, instead of depositing residents cash payments into the townships bank accounts, Mosher would keep the money then tamper with the subsequent entries into the municipal computer systems, according to the indictment. Forensic audits by each township revealed Mosher misappropriated approximately $124,000 in Harmony, $166,000 in White and $534,000 from Lopatcong, though it may have been more thats just what the county thought it could prove beyond a reasonable doubt, Warren County Prosecutor James Pfeiffer told lehighvalleylive.com after the indictment. Mosher was charged with first-degree corruption of public resources; six counts of second-degree official misconduct; second-degree official misconduct; second-degree pattern of official misconduct; three second-degree counts of computer theft; and three third-degree counts of tampering with public records or information. The first-degree count alone carried a maximum possible penalty of 20 years in state prison. Under the agreement with prosecutors, Mosher pleaded to one count of official misconduct, which covered the thefts from all three towns, the prosecutors office said. In exchange, she faces up to five years in state prison, with four years before the possibility of parole. She must give up her entire state pension it was unclear how much that is as she had already been removed from a state pension database; her salary was at least $55,000 in her last year of municipal employment. Mosher must also pay back what was stolen plus expenses, about $925,000. And she will be barred from ever holding public employment again. She is due to be sentenced on May 14. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Collaboration agreement between Grenada and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) allows for the initial distribution of 1 million doses of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) region. Moscow, Russia, March 24, 2021 -- The Government of Grenada represented by the Ministry of Health and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russias sovereign wealth fund, have announced a cooperation agreement designed to facilitate the registration and distribution DevOps and engineering teams can automate documentation to boost productivity and build reliable software BONN, Germany and BOSTON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LeanIX , a platform that enables Corporate IT and Product IT teams to plan and manage their Continuous Transformation journeys, today announced Microservice Intelligence, the latest addition to the LeanIX Continuous Transformation Platform. Microservice Intelligence automatically creates a microservices catalog that integrates with DevOps toolchains to provide 360-degree transparency of all cloud-native applications, ownership and dependencies. Knowing where microservices are deployed, who is responsible and how they support the business enable engineering teams to control complexity, boost developer productivity and build reliable software. The LeanIX platform promotes continuous transformation and enables internal IT and DevOps teams to establish superior governance while efficiently organizing, planning, and managing IT landscapes. LeanIX follows a collaborative and data-driven approach, focusing on speed and control in cloud environments and enabling companies to make sound and fast decisions based on comprehensive data. (PRNewsfoto/LeanIX) "Running microservices at scale requires IT organizations to adopt cloud-native application development and bring data from disconnected sources, like CI/CD pipelines and Kubernetes, together," said Andre Christ, co-founder and CEO of LeanIX. "To effectively break down information silos, developers and engineering managers must establish shared objectives to get applications from design to production efficiently. Microservice Intelligence provides the transparency to assess and optimize the growing number of microservices, dependencies and owners across the software delivery lifecycle." Today every organization needs to be a software company, and success requires building digital services quickly and with high quality. Agile practices, microservices and cloud-native development are rapidly adopted and used to decompose large monolithic architectures. However, as scale and complexity increase, it isn't easy to understand the totality and context of all that is happening and where responsibility lies. Microservice Intelligence automatically catalogs an organization's microservice landscape by surfacing and correlating metadata from disconnected toolchains, pipelines and Kubernetes clusters. It provides a 360-degree view to help engineering leaders establish transparency across all microservices and their dependencies. By monitoring critical deployment KPIs such as deployment frequency, mean-time-to-recovery (MTTR) or failure rates, engineering leaders can help increase development efficiency and make software decisions based on data and insights. Story continues Here is how Microservice Intelligence helps DevOps teams: Increase Visibility : Documentation is fully automated by discovering services built via CI/CD pipelines and deployed to Kubernetes. It creates a knowledge base of ownership and dependencies for development teams. This open and accessible understanding of product service availability and context of responsibilities shortens incident response times. Resource Allocation : With Microservice Intelligence, teams can easily monitor development frequency, MTTR and failure rates of all software services. Having these insights helps balance resource allocation for application improvement or new feature investments. Improve Trust : Microservice Intelligence helps de-risk microservices and quickly establish trust across the entire portfolio. It automatically maps libraries and their versions to microservices to identify and prioritize patches and reduce open-source library vulnerabilities. It helps ensure compliance by detecting and removing copyleft licenses. LeanIX Microservice Intelligence comes with out-of-the-box connectors for Kubernetes, Jenkins, GitHub Actions and Openshift. It also integrates with the LeanIX Enterprise Architecture Suite to provide Product and Corporate IT teams with shared data and visibility into how microservices support business capabilities. The task of managing technology risk and obsolete software is greatly simplified and more thorough. "Continuous transformation does not stop by migrating to the cloud," said Christ. "Virtually every company is now a tech company and increasingly is delivering in-house software. Microservice Intelligence helps customers navigate the microservice landscape and reduce the complexity that occurs when decomposing the monolith into more loosely coupled services." For more information about Microservice Intelligence and LeanIX, please visit www.leanix.net . About LeanIX The LeanIX platform promotes continuous transformation and enables Corporate IT and Product IT teams to establish superior governance while efficiently organizing, planning, and managing IT landscapes. LeanIX follows a collaborative and data-driven approach, focusing on speed and control in cloud environments and enabling companies to make sound and fast decisions based on comprehensive data. More than 400 enterprises including adidas, DHL, Volkswagen and numerous well-known technology companies such as Atlassian, Dropbox and Workday trust in LeanIX. More than 40 certified partners such as Deloitte and PwC rely on the dynamically growing IT company co-founded in 2012 by CEO Andre Christ. With EA Connect Days, LeanIX has been regularly organizing one of the world's most important industry events in the field of Enterprise Architecture since 2014. The company is headquartered in Bonn, Germany with additional offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Munich, Germany; Utrecht, Netherlands; and Hyderabad, India. It has more than 300 employees worldwide. Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leanix-launches-microservice-intelligence-to-help-manage-the-growing-complexity-of-scaling-microservices-301254534.html SOURCE LeanIX The Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria has asked the Turkish side to resume operation of two checkpoints in the Idlib de-escalation zone and a checkpoint in the Aleppo governorate from March 25 because of the difficult humanitarian situation, the Centers deputy chief, Alexander Karpov, said. "Due to the difficult humanitarian situation in Syrian territories controlled by the Turkish armed forces, the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties has referred to the Turkish side proposals on resuming operation of the Saraqib and Miznas checkpoints in the Idlib de-escalation zone and the Abu Zeydin checkpoint near the settlement of Aleppo," he said, adding that it is planned to organize humanitarian deliveries and refugee exit from March 25. According to Karpov, no shelling attacks by Turkey-controlled illegal armed groups were reported during the past day. "Nevertheless, twenty-five shelling attacks from the positions of the Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group (outlawed in Russia) were registered in the Idlib de-escalation zone, including 19 such attacks, according to the Syrian side," TASS cited him as saying. The Russian reconciliation center continues to fulfill assigned tasks after the completion of the military campaign in Syria. The centers officers regularly travel around the country's liberated areas to assess the humanitarian situation. The main efforts of the Russian military are now focused on assistance to the refugees returning to their homes and evacuation of civilians from de-escalation zones. Eric Gay /Associated Press In an effort to deal with the influx of minors crossing the southern U.S. border, the Pentagon announced Tuesday that unaccompanied migrant children and teens will likely be moved to two U.S. military bases in San Antonio. More than 500 immigrants under the age of 18 are crossing the Texas border daily, as reported by Sig Christenson of the Express-News, a number that's shattering records as illegal immigration rises during the Biden administration. Guest Column Southeast Asia Trapped Amid US-China Friction US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (2nd R) speaks while facing top Chinese foreign affairs official Yang Jiechi (2nd L), at the opening session of US-China talks in Anchorage, Alaska on March 18, 2021. / via Bangkok Post The outcome of the Alaska tit-for-tat sessions indicates a further freezing of US-China relations. Its a trend that leaves Southeast Asian countries to face the coming storm by themselves. Any attempt by regional nations to use the heat generated by the superpowers friction derived from domestically driven core interests could further shatter the whole regions strategic landscape. Washington and Beijing have made clear the issues that trouble them and these are both domestically and externally driven. Under the Biden administration, the US criticisms have focused on Chinas internal situation related to policies on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. Beijing, meanwhile, has zeroed in on counter narratives and key bilateral issues. As Washington is still formulating its China policy, it is still too early to predict the future trajectory and whether the US frustrations with China on a wide range of issues could be replicated by Southeast Asian countries. Referring to Southeast Asia, without the Asean headband, also means a salad bowl with all sorts of policy implications. Since the independence of Southeast Asian nations in the mid-20th century, the exception being non-colonial Thailand, each has had to struggle in building up their nation states for their own survival and well-being, adopting different ideologies and economic systems that are still prevalent today. There are three pivotal challenges the US has to articulate and reach a middle ground in Southeast Asia: the liberal values and norms, the future of the Mekong region and the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The regions biggest challenge is how the Biden administrations preponderance for supporting liberal democratic values and human rights will play out in Southeast Asia. Here the dual aspects of American norms and values must be discerned. The first has to do with the liberal values and human rights issues within the bilateral frameworks that the US has with the region and the world. If the annual global human rights report produced by the US State Department since 1979 is any indication, no country in Southeast Asia has a satisfactory record. From the 1980s to 2000s, the report was a key determinant in fixing the level of foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement. Under the Trump administration, the human rights reports were largely ignored. Other countries have their own human rights assessments and some are more serious than others. For example, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand have established national human rights bodies. Thailands annual human rights report is more detailed and, in many cases, its evaluation of the rights condition inside the country is more severe. With Biden, more serious thought will be given to the human rights reports by all concerned countries. It remains to be seen how this report, as well as other similar annual reports covering, for example, trafficking and international religious freedom, will impact the US engagement with the countries that have rights problems. The second aspect has to do with the key human rights issues the Biden administration has used to attack China, which could have ripple effects, and could even be contagious, should Washington plan to pressure its allies and friends in this part of the world to follow suit. For the time being, these sensitive issues, considered by China as interference in its internal affairs, have not yet featured in US bilateral ties with Southeast Asia, apart from violations of human rights and democratic norms. During the Trump administration, tangible efforts were made to pressure those Southeast Asian nations with ties with North Korea to cease all contact due to human rights violations and its intercontinental missiles programme. Backed by the UN Security Councils resolutions and coupled with US naming and shaming and a stronger strategy to isolate North Korea, most of the regional countries obliged. Today, the diplomatic contacts with North Korea with key Southeast Asian countries are marginal. Bilateral trade is near zero. In the past year, the situations related to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang have become a transnational campaign within the region. Of late, the youth movements have been linking domestic political discontent with broader regional issues. Cases in point are the long-standing protests in Bangkok and recent ones in Yangon and Mandalay which have messages showing solidarity with Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. These phenomena are new and made infectious through the effective use of social media. If the Biden administration pushes its signature policy of promoting liberal values and norms a priority, it would be tantamount to Trumps transactional, trade-policy approach. The region could be further divided at its core. For instance, all Southeast Asian countries could follow the one-China policy without any exception. Interestingly, in the absence of US pressure, some countries are smarter in successfully pursuing stronger ties with Taiwan under the one-China policy without upsetting Beijing. In a similar vein, Muslim nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia have long developed their own policies in dealing with many Muslim-related issues in Myanmar, China and southern Thailand. But the trouble in Xinjiang, especially that related to Uighur asylum seekers could prove explosive if the US wants more support. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have come under threat from terrorist attacks due to their policies toward Uighur asylum seekers. In August 2015, Bangkok suffered a serious attack that killed 20 after Thailand deported asylum seekers to China. For the past five decades, the Mekong region has been left to handle the health of the worlds sixth-longest international river on its own. Although numerous international consortia are involved in providing assistance and know-how to the Mekong region, progress has been slow due to overlapping programmes and bureaucracy. Since 2015, the Mekong region has undergone a major facelift with growing strategic significance, thanks to Chinas initiative, known as the Lancang Mekong Cooperation (LMC) framework. For the past five years, the LMC has promoted cooperation with the five countries on the lower Mekong in a way never before seen. The LMC leaders have met three times along with annual ministerial conferences and launched more than 300 projects costing over US$300 million (423 billion kyats). Chinas intense engagement with the Mekong region has attracted both praise and criticism. Most importantly, it has changed the dynamics and attitude of all foreign partners, who are part of the Mekongs development consortium. Now they are more engaged with the region to counter-balance Chinas growing influence. Since the Mekong region is now a bone of strategic contention between China and the US, they all want an early start. Through its newly updated framework, the Mekong-US Partnership, Washington has produced a long wish list, which can only be implemented through sufficient and sustained funding and assistance from US allies which have more experience in the Mekong region. Finally, the Biden administrations enthusiasm to push forward the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) could suffer a serious backlash if it undermines the AOIP. The bloc has been wary of Washingtons approach, perceiving the AOIP as an extension of the FOIP. The US efforts to solidify the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) could yield negative outcomes, especially if it focuses on militarisation as Bidens predecessor intended to do. To add more Quad members, especially those coming from Asean and other dialogue partners could weaken proposed cooperation with the AOIP. In just over 60 days of the Biden presidency, Washington has moved quickly to forge closer relations with allies and friends in the region. Biden has sent a clear signal that America is back. But it must not be a pushover. One caveat is in order: the new US administration must not sow the seeds of discontent in the region using its bilateral problems with China. Kavi Chongkittavorn is a veteran journalist on regional affairs and the story first appears in Bangkok Post. You may also like these stories: French Energy Giant Halts Myanmar Hydropower Project Over Human Rights Concerns Myanmar Protest Death Toll Climbs As Regimes Troops Keep Shooting Villagers Flee Their Homes as Myanmar Military Regime Vows Action OMUSATI governor Erginus Endjala says more than 7 000 illegal Angolan immigrants are currently camping at various sites in the region due to food insecurity in their country. Endjala told The Namibian yesterday that the Angolan and Namibian governments are currently in talks to ease travel restrictions between the two countries to allow Angolan nationals to enter Namibia without constraints as part of the solution. The governor told The Namibian that Namibia and Angola are also looking into other solutions to the humanitarian crisis to avoid the further loss of life due to severe hunger and thirst. The governor met with Jovelina Costa, Angola's ambassador to Namibia, last week when she undertook a visit to the common borders, including the Oshikango and Omahenene border posts, to acquaint herself with the procedures and challenges faced by Angolan immigrants. "The two governments are looking at opening up all the common borders that we share with Angola to allow Angolan nationals who are seeking humanitarian assistance in Namibia to enter the country through legal means . . . "Angolan nationals are flocking to Namibia because of hunger, and as such we should not turn them away or close borders on them . . . we need to assist them where we can," he says. Endjala says the Angolan government is also planning to transport all illegal immigrants back to their country, but this can only be done once the Angolan government has remedies in place to ensure food security for these individuals. The spike in the number of illegal, hungry Angolan immigrants flocking to Namibia comes amid the Covid-19 pandemic ravaging Namibia's economy. The Office of the Prime Minister has donated a total of 500 bags of maize meal and 2 000 cans of tinned fish to the illegal immigrants in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Angola Climate Namibia By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "Our government is trying by all means to assist these people, but you must remember as countries we are also busy fighting the Covid-19 pandemic . . . We will try to assist them with the little we have. "The Angolan government has also promised to provide them with food and shelter," Endjala says. He says Namibian nationals recruiting illegal Angolan immigrants as either domestic workers or cattle herders must first obtain a greencard from the Angolan consulate at Oshakati to avoid being prosecuted for human trafficking. He says the greencard identifies employers and allows Angolan nationals to stay in the country without being arrested or deported. "We must also remember these people are in the country due to a humanitarian crisis. We must not take advantage of them, because some of them are minors. We must assist them, but we must not take advantage of their current situation," Endjala says. Widespread hunger as a result of persistent drought is pushing Angolans to Namibia in search of greener pastures. Angolans have been entering the country through unauthorised points along the Mahenene and Oshikango border posts in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions in search of food, water, medical supplies and employment opportunities. A number of good Samaritans in Namibia have been coming to their aid, donating food and other perishable items to the hunger-stricken immigrants. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? 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Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? 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Lahiri was earlier pulled out of the Alipurduar seat in north Bengal after local party workers held protests against his candidature. The replaced him with Suman Kanjilal, general secretary of its Alipurduar district committee. Many in the see Lahiri as a potential finance minister of the state if the party rides to power, while others speculate that his Bengal stint is a precursor to higher positions at the Centre. The party continued with its strategy of fielding personalities from different walks of life as it nominated former Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen (retd) Subrata Saha from the Rashbehari seat in South Kolkata. The saffron party also fielded new candidates from Chowranghee and Kashipur-Belgachia seats, after its earlier nominees had refused to contest. Nominations were earlier given to Sikha Mitra, wife of former state Congress president the late Somen Mitra, from Chowranghee, and Tarun Saha, husband of TMC MLA Mala Saha, from Kashipur-Belgachia. In an embarrassment for the BJP, both Sikha Mitra and Tarun Saha refused their tickets and said they did not join the saffron party. The party now nominated Debrabrata Majhi and Shivaji Singha Roy, the BJP's central Kolkata district president, from Chowranghee and Kashipur-Belgachia respectively. The BJP has been facing protests and resignations as many of its aspiring old-timers did not find their names in the list of candidates. Despite protests over new recruits getting more importance than old-timers in the candidates' list, the party gave nomination to Biswajit Das, who was a TMC MLA from Bongaon (Uttar) and joined the BJP some time back. He will contest from the Bagda constituency. Subrata Thakur, brother of BJP MP Santanu Thakur, was nominated for Gaighata. Subrata in 2015 had unsuccessfully contested from Bongaon Lok Sabha seat during a bypoll. The BJP list also includes candidates from the three hill constituencies of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong. Darjeeling's sitting MLA and Gorkha National Liberation Front leader Neraj Zimba is the partys candidate for the seat. The BJP nominated Subha Pradhan and Bishnu Prasad Sharma from Kalimpong and Kurseong. The BJP had earlier announced a list of 279 candidates out of the 294 seats in the state. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bomi-President George Weah at the start of his second leg of his nationwide tour which took him to Klay Bomi County, told citizens that all will be well despite distractions from opposition politicians. He said his government would do everything possible to ensure that the people of Klay have access to a good health facility. His statement was also in reference to series of appeals from citizens for the construction of a health center in their district. Klay Township, which lies at a major crossroads between the border town of Bo waterside and the city of Monrovia, has yet to benefit from a health center. For decades now, Klay district has had to rely on the former B.F. Goodrich rubber plantation that was later leased to Sime Derby palm plantation straddling the Lofa River which forms the boundary between Bomi and Grand Cape Mount Counties for public health services. President Weah said, Liberia being the oldest independent country in Africa, cannot afford to leave Klay district without a health center. In addition to the construction of the health center he assured the people of the construction of market building and the lighting of the main streets in Tubmanburg the Bomi County capital. He added, "We will make sure you have good market building. I want to decentralize development." "This should be a city. This city should have good guest houses. The same benefits people in Monrovia enjoy,, you people here should be able to benefit it too" the President stressed. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) expected former President John Dramani Mahama to congratulate President Nana Akufo-Addo for emerging victorious in the 2020 presidential election, as affirmed by the Supreme Court of Ghana. According to Mr. Peter Mac Manu, former NPP chairman and 2016/2020 campaign manager of the party, the expectation is also in tune with the gesture extended to the former president after the 2013 election petition and subsequent decision of the Supreme Court. However, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Benjamin Kunbuor disagreed on the circumstances of the two petitions, arguing that while the processes leading to the final decision of the court in the 2013 petition were transparent, settled all issues and therefore cleared all doubts which made it acceptable by all, the same cannot be said of the 2020 election petition hearing. He said the Supreme Court sacrificed a number of legal steps in the 2020 case, and for a party still dissatisfied with not only the outcome but also the conduct of the petition and licking its wounds from that loss, the context cannot be said to be the same. Dr. Kunbuor said knowing the statesman that Mahama is, it is more likely he will congratulate President Akufo-Addo but his failure to do so thus far, cannot be attributed to an unwillingness or intransigence. Mac Manu and Kunbuor were contributing via zoom to the Centre for Social Justices 6th Leadership Dialogue Series on the topic, 2020 Election Petition Judgment; Political, Electoral and Legal Ramifications. According to Mac Manu, in a democracy such as pertains in Ghana, the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to independently resolve all election disputes. Why the Supreme Court dismissed Mahama's 2020 presidential election petition (FULL JUDGMENT) The issues, he said, are dealt with in a transparent manner such that all parties are given a very fair hearing. This puts to rest all doubts in the minds of the people. He said Ghanas first election petition case was the one resulting from the 2012 election. The supporters of the then opposition leader, now president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo were highly dissatisfied and agitated based on the declared results but were calmed by the Candidate and party. A decision was taken to revert to the Courts for redress. After 8 longs months of trial, finality was brought to the matter. The then leader, accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court and urged his supporters to accept it as well. He telephoned to congratulate President John Mahama after the Courts judgment. He further urged Ghanaians to rally behind its elected leader and help in developing the country. The country moved on from there and there have been two successful general elections after that. Equally we expected the former President John Dramani Mahama to congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa after the judgment on 4th March 2020. But according Benjamin Kunbuor, while the recent 2020 election petition judgment may have achieved speed in terms of the limiting the duration of the hearing, it sacrificed effective justice and left a number of issues outstanding. Also related: Mahama: I disagree with Supreme Court verdict Supreme Court fixes March 4 as judgement day for 2020 election petition Speed can lead to a form of justice but effective?, he quipped. Pointing to the failure of Electoral Commission Chairperson and Returning Officer for the 2020 presidential election to mount the witness box, Kunbuor said for instance, even if the letter of any law prohibits a duty bearer from accountability, the spirit of the law should override any considerations to motivate the returning officer in the election to rise to the occasion and account to the people. He said while the respondents in the petition made extended use of cross examination, same was not afforded the petitioner, and in his estimation the tool of cross examination cannot automatically avail lawyers anymore, given the conclusions that the Supreme Court came to. When you come to the particular interpretation whether anybody actually crossed the threshold of fifty-plus-one, there is a challenge there. Lets be very clear, the petitioners had made the assertion that they do not think that was the case and the evidence that they gave was to the effect that there was a first announcement or declaration of the results. It is still highly contested whether there was the first procedural step that was taken collation in the presence of the agents before the declaration was made. That issue still remains open. Now, immediately you collate the results and announce it, youve given legal validity by the constitutional instrument and that constitutional instrument was CI 127. It is that constitutional instrument that gives legitimacy to declaration of results. Then the next day, knowing the procedure too well, you come to say you made a mistake and the mistake was corrected, this time not by amending the constitutional instrument 127 but actually through a press statement. This is not a mere irregularity. In the constitution there is a constitutional procedure for how valid results are declared and that that procedure involves subsidiary legislation, a press release, unsigned as it is, cannot be a substitute for a constitutional instrument. That is the crux of that matter. So yes, even assuming without conceding that the correction was actually made, was that correction declared as required by the constitution? What you needed to handed was actually an amendment of CI 127, which was not done. So the only valid results that were declared by the constitutionally required procedure was what was attached to CI 127, which even the respondents themselves admitted the figures were wrong and that was what gave legitimacy, actually to the petitioners to say that by the declaration, they didnt say by the press statement, they said by the declaration in CI 127, and the figures in that declaration showed that nobody crossed that threshold Be as it may, still remember that there was a third correction again that was made, and that third correction led to the absurd situation in which if you put all the results together, if you cancel out as amended, you had a situation that those figures led to a 103 percent and there was no explanation. Then comes the figure that the court actually relied on, and we are wondering, those figures that the court relied on for the decision, where did they come from? Through cross examination was the cross examination the one that declared the results? Should you take questions people answer in a cross examination as the equivalent of actually declaring results and through a constitutional instrument? These are for me very, very bleeding issues that we need to look at in relation to this election petition. 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 Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/24/2021 -- 24Kay, the artist from Lithonia, Georgia, is setting the world of hip-hop on fire with his inimitable style and beats that have already made their mark with fans. Born as Kendrick Fludd Jr. the artist always believed that music is the soul that unifies the world. His journey on the scene began in sixth grade as he started writing his own rhymes. His step-uncle, a professional musician, was his inspiration in the early stages, which further developed his passion. Magic happened when he got together with his childhood friend 24Demar and started working on music. In fact, on the very first day they created their first song. Leaving his hometown and venturing into the world of music without much support, would turn out to be the best decision the artist could have made for himself. Over the course of years, 24Kay has made a strong impact with his music. In all, he has released 14 EPs, which are thoroughly enjoyable for listeners. Songs like Poet Knows It, Da Galxy, A Different Step; some of his new releases have cemented his position as the hip-hop artist to watch out for in the near future. Undoubtedly, he has proven himself as the shining new star in the music world, and this might just be the beginning for 24Kay. American music distribution company UnitedMasters has joined forces with the artist to distribute his music on various platforms. Today, his songs are available on Spotify, Google Play, YouTube Music and more. Talking about his song 'Something you smoke to', 24Kay recently said, "The hook is really catchy and the beat is amazing." That seems to the trademark of his music, which has won over his fans. About 24Kay The hip-hop music artist from Lithonia, Georgia has earned himself a tremendous fan following based on refreshing beats that are redefining the genre. Media Contact Email: fludd.kendrick@gmail.com URL: https://unitedmasters.com/24kay On social media, Connecticut residents had mixed reactions to proposed legislation that would require employers to reimburse workers for at-home work expenses. I would think that there are way too many variables that any bill would address this fairly, said Greg St. Martin. It makes sense that additional expenses directly attributable to ones work would be reimbursed by the employer, but other things not so direct would be iffy for me, electricity being one of them. Robin Lee said she doesnt agree with passing this cost to the employer. If you were lucky enough to work from home during Covid, then lots of personal expenses went down gas, mileage, car service costs, clothing, lunch money, extra time needed to drive to/from the office, etc, Lee said. I would rather pay for my office supplies then go into the office during the pandemic. House Bill 6536 was raised out of the General Assemblys Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees on Tuesday. The legislation now goes to the states House of Representatives for review. The proposed legislation, which was sponsored by state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven and Rep. Phil Young of Stratford, would require employers who have employees working from home to reimburse what are termed as necessary expenditures. Items to reimburse as defined in the legislation include computers, printers and cellular phones; internet services; and employment-related supplies, such as paper and printer ink and toner. Eric Gjede, vice president of government affairs for the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), said Tuesday that his organization is not completely opposed to some of what the legislation is trying to do. Its really worth the conversation of what to do when employees exceed data caps on their internet service because they are working from home for when employyes exceed data caps, Gjede said. But 6536 goes well beyond that. There are a lot of questions out there regarding how this would be enforced. The legislation requires the Connecticut Department of Labor to investigate any dispute that might arise between employees and employers if the legislation were passed, according to Kurt Westby, the states Labor Commissioner. Due to the number of potential complaints from the 1.8 million employees of the 150,000-plus employers ... there will likely be a significant fiscal impact to the Department, Westby said during a public hearing held earlier this month. If an employer is found not to have reimbursed an employee for items or services covered under the proposed legislation, the company could be fined up to $1,000 per violation. Employers could appeal a Dept. of Labor ruling to Connecticut Superior Court, according to the proposed legislation. Also opposing the bill are Torrington-based Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Water Works Association, which represents the states municipal, private and regional water companies. Several labor unions from around the state and the Connecticut Working Families party are supporting the bill. Carlos Moreno, state director of the Working Families Party, said the COVID-19 pandemic has forced unnecessary expenses for thousands of people who have been working from home in Connecticut. Usage rates have gone up for heating and electricity as faster internet connections and increases in bandwidth have become necessary to keep up with demands for employee productivity in a remote working environment, Moreno said in testimony given during the public hearing on the bill. Many folks have had to purchase new computer equipment, printers, software and/or modems in order to fulfill their job responsibilities. Nearly one in three workers have had to purchase equipment to help with remote work, according to a national survey. Moreno said that under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must reimburse employees for expenses if the costs result in the employees hourly wage rate dropping below minimum wage. HB6536 is about simple fairness for dedicated employees who have kept businesses operating during the pandemic Moreno said. Sal Luciano, president of Connecticut AFL-CIO, said workers have been hurt by the Trump administrations decision to remove a federal tax deduction for employees who work from home. In some states, including California, Illinois, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Montana and New Hampshire, employers are required to reimburse employees for necessary job expenses, Luciano said. Executives likely have company credit cards and expense accounts to pay for these added costs, while the majority of employees must pay for work-related expenses with their own money before they can request a reimbursement. Currently, there is no legal requirement that employers provide those reimbursements. luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com Reactive power compensation plant based on SVC PLUS technology Project execution time of only 16 months Enables smooth integration of large amounts of wind and solar power into the grid Siemens Energy will supply a reactive power compensation plant to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). The plant will enhance operations at Barren Ridge Switching Station, LADWP's renewable energy transmission facility in Kern County, California, about 80 miles north of Los Angeles. The plant will be based on Siemens Energy's SVC PLUS technology that combines the benefits of static synchronous compensation (STATCOM) and modular multilevel converter (MMC) technology. The fast response of the STATCOM stabilizes the transmission system when the amount of power generated by solar, wind or hydro generation changes. The MMC technology allows the implementation of this complex technology in a very small footprint compared to traditional solutions. The new 200 megavolt ampere (MVAr) SVC PLUS will provide the necessary voltage support needed in the area, where LADWP has significantly increased renewable energy generation." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005046/en/ Siemens Energy SVC PLUS is an advanced STATCOM, a solution for voltage regulation in the power grid. Voltage fluctuations can arise due to different factors, such as the volatile infeed of energy from renewable sources or the connection and disconnection of energy-intensive industrial plants. Many large power plants, which used to provide the necessary reactive power to compensate these fluctuations, are leaving the grid as a result of global decarbonization. Grid operators around the world are responding by building STATCOM systems. (Photo: Business Wire) "Constantly increasing the share of CO2-free, climate-neutral electricity in our grid is one of our most important challenges," said Reiko Kerr, Senior Assistant General Manager, Power System Engineering and Technical Services at LADWP. "In addition to building new wind and solar power plants, targeted investments in our electricity transmission infrastructure are crucial to achieving our renewable energy goals. Barren Ridge will provide long-term grid stability for our customers while supporting increasing amounts of renewable energy in our portfolio." "The great advantage of our SVC PLUS technology is that it is even faster than conventional solutions," said Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy. "In addition, it offers high flexibility regarding design and layout of converters and substations. Its modularity and low number of system components also reduce commissioning time compared to complex conventional SVC systems. This enables a short execution time of only 16 months for the Barren Ridge project so that the reactive power compensation is ready in time to prevent voltage collapses or even blackouts." The heart of the SVC PLUS will be two three-phase step-down transformers with 230-kilovolt (kV) and 200-MVA capacity and an industrial-class insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) based converter. This important installation supports LADWP's ongoing network enhancement by the application of robust technology that continues to prove its value in more than 120 installations worldwide. In addition to the plant, Siemens Energy will provide extended warranty that will maximize availability and operating flexibility for LADWP. Commissioning of the plant is planned for summer 2022 after an execution time of only 16 months. This press release and a press picture are available at www.siemens-energy.com/press For further information on Siemens Energy Transmission, please see https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/offerings/power-transmission.html For further information on Siemens Energy SVC PLUS please see https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/offerings/power-transmission/facts/portfolio/svcplus.html Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/siemens_energy Siemens Energy is one of the world's leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain from power generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology, such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers. More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs more than 90,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around 27.5 billion in fiscal year 2020. www.siemens-energy.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005046/en/ Contacts: Contact for journalists Christina Hummer Phone: +49 152 07158923 E-mail: Christina.Huemmer@siemens-energy.com COLUMBIA A Gilbert man linked to the riots at the U.S. Capitol in January is expected to plead guilty to making threatening phone calls to a former federal prosecutor over information released on the leader of the alt-right group Proud Boys. During a Feb. 3 search of the man's Lexington County residence, FBI agents found multiple items, including a U.S. Capitol Police shield, which federal law enforcement said in court documents showed "probable cause" that James Giannakos Jr. participated in the mob that overran the Capitol. The riots were an effort to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. The FBI also confiscated a "riot bag" that contained a map of the District of Columbia's Metro system, eye protection, a bike helmet, a tactical vest with hard plates, baton, flashlight, masks and gloves, according to a search warrant filed in federal court. The event, which followed a rally held by then-President Donald Trump, resulted in the deaths of five people a Capitol Police officer and four protesters as well as more than 100 injuries. No reason was given in court records why federal authorities have not charged Giannakos for his alleged involvement in the riot. The U.S. Attorney's office in South Carolina declined comment, with spokesman Michael Mule' saying, if any charges are filed, they will come from the office for the District of Columbia. A call to Giannakos' attorney was not returned. This month, however, Giannakos signed a plea deal for threatening a former federal prosecutor in Florida and her employer. The caller was upset over the release of news that Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was an FBI informant. A change of plea hearing to finalize the agreement will be held at a later date, according to Mule'. "If anything happens to Mr. Enrique Tarrio, the same thing will happen to you and your family," read a transcript of a voicemail from a phone number linked to Giannakos' residence that was included in court documents. The man in the voicemail, who introduced himself as James, was angered over the release of information about a confidential informant who was reportedly Tarrio, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. "If anything happens to him, I promise you and your associates will pay for it. You will be held responsible," the voicemail continued. Messages left on the voicemails of other employees at the former prosecutor's law firm demanded the attorney be prosecuted, telling one employee that the federal lawyer's "family is in danger and so are you," according to the transcript included in an affidavit. Giannakos pleaded guilty to the crime of making an interstate threat and faces up to five years incarceration and a $250,000 fine. But federal prosecutors will lobby for a lower sentence in exchange for his cooperation in identifying and testifying against others involved in crimes of which he has knowledge, which could include other Capitol riot participants. At least four other South Carolinians have been arrested for their roles in the Capitol breach to date. William Robert Norwood III, 37, of Greer faces charges including theft of government property for allegedly stealing an officers helmet and tactical vest, which an FBI agent said were later found in a storage trailer in Greenville. Andrew Hatley was charged with breaking into the U.S. Capitol after an investigation that relied on GPS data and a selfie the man allegedly took while inside the building. And two 19-year-olds from the Fort Mill area Elias Irizarry, a Citadel cadet, and Elliot Bishai, a U.S. Army recruit were each charged with three federal misdemeanors for entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Gardai are hunting for two masked men who viciously attacked a woman in Co Donegal. The woman was punched in the stomach and the head as she walked down Rosemount Lane in Letterkenny in broad daylight. The men, who were both wearing masks or balaclavas, walked past the woman and suddenly set upon her. The men then fled in the direction of Pearse Road. The terrifying incident happened between 4.30pm and 5.15pm on Tuesday, March 16th. The victim managed to make her way home and the Gardai were contacted. The woman later received medical treatment for her injuries and shock. Gardai are now trawling through CCTV around the centre of the town where the attack happened in a bid to identify the attackers. A spokesperson said: This was a cowardly and horrific attack on an innocent woman simply walking down the town. She received minor injuries but she was very traumatised by the nature of the attack. We would appeal to anybody who was in the area at the time and remember this was the day before Saint Patricks Day to contact us. We are going through extensive CCTV footage from the area in a bid to identify these two men. Electoral officials in the Republic of Congo say results from the central African nation's presidential election could be announced within days. Early results Monday indicate President Denis Sassou Nguesso is on pace to clinch a fourth term, winning 100 percent of the vote in some districts. The vote counting continues although Sassou Nguesso's main rival died suddenly as people were going to the polls Sunday to choose the Congo's next leader. A spokesman for Guy-Brice Parfait Kolelas' campaign said the 61-year-old died of COVID-19 as he was being evacuated from Brazzaville to France for treatment. Congolese Presidential Opposition Candidate Dies of COVID-19 Campaign spokesman says Guy Brice Parfait Kolelas died on Election Day as he was being evacuated to France for treatment Kolelas supporter Edgar Masomba said he was very sad and disappointed because his candidate was someone everybody loved because he was kind and had the charisma that could bring change to the country. Kolelas was challenging Sassou Nuguesso for a second time in Sunday's election, finishing second to the country's longtime leader in 2016. Sassou Nguesso first took office in 1979 and served until 1992. He has served uninterrupted since winning the presidency again in 1997. The full results of his latest contest are likely to be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to the electoral commission, Agence France Presse, the French news agency reported. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Suarez envisions a network that would connect several major Miami destinations. Robyn Beck/Pool via REUTERS Miami's mayor wants federal funding for an Elon Musk-built tunnel, he told Bloomberg on Tuesday. Francis Suarez also hopes Musk's Boring Company will pay for the project and charge fees to use it. He told Bloomberg he envisions a system that could cut a 40-minute trip to five minutes. See more stories on Insider's business page. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez wants the federal government to help pay for Elon Musk's Boring Company to build a congestion-reducing tunnel under his city, he told Bloomberg on Tuesday. Suarez is aiming for Musk's firm to bankroll a tunnel project and charge a fee for people to use it, but he also plans to ask US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the potential for federal funding, Bloomberg reported. "It would be wonderful if the federal government would involve itself in this project," Suarez said during a Bloomberg Radio interview. Musk first expressed interest in tunneling under Miami in a January tweet, saying "Cars & trucks stuck in traffic generate megatons of toxic gases & particulate, but @boringcompany road tunnels under Miami would solve traffic & be an example to the world." Since then, Suarez has spoken with Musk, toured The Boring Company's Las Vegas tunnel project, and met with company representatives. Read more: Elon Musk's mastery of memes proves Tesla will never have to pay for traditional marketing The initial plan centered around a traffic-curbing tunnel under the Miami River, which Musk said would cost $30 million and take six months to build, Suarez said previously. Miami-Dade County transit officials said in 2018 that the project would cost nearly $1 billion and span four years, according to The Miami Herald. Now, Suarez is considering a more ambitious system that mirrors what The Boring Company is developing in Las Vegas, Bloomberg reported. He told the outlet that he envisions a network of tunnels that would connect several key destinations and potentially slash a 40-minute trip to five minutes. Story continues Suarez also told Bloomberg he hopes Musk will move the headquarters of The Boring Company, Tesla, and SpaceX to Miami. The Boring Company aims to build underground roadways where people could hail a self-driving Tesla vehicle and get out at a designated stop. The firm's critics say all Musk has done is reinvent public transit, but with vehicles that can carry fewer passengers. Read the original article on Business Insider SuehnMecca-President George Weah has told citizens of SuehnMecca district that he will do all in his power to effect developments in the place despite the failure of former past officials. Speaking in a town hall meeting in Suehnmecca district, Bomi county, president Weah said it was sad that residents in the area did not have good roads and other social services. SuehMecca is a district where president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president who ruled Liberia for 12 years hails from. The roads to the place are in a deplorable conditions. The citizens said they do not have mobile network in the district. "There is no secret call in SuehnMecca due to the poor network connection in our respective communities", Adam Johnson Koroma, acting youth chairman in the area said. He added due to the lack of network , it is affecting the operations in the district. He said it was impossible for their children to carry any research work in the absence of internet. "Our children are good like those in Monrovia but the necessary things to help improve their learning is lacking as such, we call on you to assist us", he appealed. The poor network connectivity was experienced by president Weah when he visited the farm of Senator Edwin Snowe when he wanted to make urgent call. There was no network. "I wanted to make an important call but I was unable to do so due to poor or unavailable network", this is embarrassing as such there is a need for said issue to be addressed, President Weah added. He said, his government would do all in its power to fix things and help the people of Bomi. Bomi is noted for producing top government officials over the past years. For instance, during the regime of former president, Samuel K. Doe, the speaker of the house of Reprehensive Hon. Samuel Hills came from Bomi. Also, former speaker Alex Tyler during the regime of president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf hails from Bomi. Not only that, but also, some of Charles Taylor's relatives come from Bomi county. The former president of Liberia and Africa's first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf comes from Bomi. Her farm is within SuehnMecca district. But the county lacks road connectivity, drinking water, poor health center among others. After his speech, many residents in the district commended the president for his developmental ideas. The Sirleaf family later honored president Weah for his good level of work and also appointing the minister of Internal Affairs, Varney Sirleaf, who is related to former president Sirleaf. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "For us here today, we want to thank the president for telling us he will fix our road and see about network here. We are happy," Oldman Kemokai said. With all these, president Weah said, he would do all in his power to ensure that citizens have good roads and internet access. Prior to going to SuehnMecca, president Weah planted a tree at the Forestry Training Institute and opened the newly constructed building of National Social Security and Welfare Corporation regional office in Tubmanburg in which he thanked the NASCORP family for putting up such development . Tuesday's tour was his second day tour of his second leg of his nationwide tour which he started over a month ago but had to rest for few days. Police escort suspected militants upon their arrival at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, March 18, 2021. Indonesian police said Wednesday they had arrested five more members of the Jemaah Islamiyah militant network as part of a dragnet that has snared nearly 50 suspects from the al-Qaeda-linked group in recent weeks, a spokesman said. One of the suspects arrested on Wednesday and who authorities identified only by his initials was picked up in Tangerang, near the capital Jakarta, while the four others were caught in North Sumatra province, national police spokesman Brig. Gen. Rusdi Hartono said. A.M. was in charge of fundraising and was also tasked with conducting entrepreneurship training for all JI members, Rusdi said in a statement. The 54-year-old suspect is believed to have taught other members business skills so they could contribute money to Jemaah Islamiyah, Rusdi said. Indonesian authorities blame JI for the countrys deadliest terror attacks twin bombings that killed 202 people in Bali in October 2002. The police spokesman did not provide details about the suspects arrested in North Sumatra, but said officers had seized 31 donation boxes from the men. Earlier this week, the anti-terror police unit Densus 88 announced it had nabbed 22 other suspects in raids in Jakarta and Sumatra. With the latest arrests, police have rounded up at least 49 JI suspects since late February. Police said most of them were linked to an East Java cell led by a militant named Fahim, a senior JI figure who was arrested on Feb. 26. Alms collecting organizations The seizure of donation boxes underscored recent police findings that JI was raising funds using publicly placed charity boxes. Late last year, police said JI had used cash from more than 20,000 charity boxes set up at restaurants and convenience stores in seven provinces. They placed most of the boxes in conventional food stalls because they do not need special permits. They only need to ask permission from stall owners, national police spokesman Argo Yuwono said in December. JI members contributed between 5 and 10 percent of their monthly income to the organization, according to the Center for Radicalism and Deradicalization Studies (PAKAR), a private Indonesian think-tank. JI spent 2.4 billion rupiah (U.S. $166,000) to send members to Syria to undergo military training from 2013 to 2018, PAKAR estimated. On Monday, House of Representatives member Rudi Hartono Bangun called on the government to monitor organizations that collect alms, or zakat, from Muslims, because of fears that such money could be used to fund terrorism. We must not allow terrorists to get operational funds from zakat paid by citizens, he told a parliamentary hearing with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the Indonesian Islamic Endowment Board (BWI). Only 11 percent of funds raised by charities affiliated with militant groups was used for social and religious activities, according to Garnadi Walanda Dharmaputra, a researcher at the International Association for Counter-terrorism & Security Professionals, who cited a study by this group. JI in Sabah Police in Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo, meanwhile had arrested more than 80 Jemaah Islamiyah suspects from 2014 to 2020, including foreigners, state police commissioner Hazani Ghazali told BenarNews on Wednesday. Among the foreigners arrested were suspects from Indonesia and the Philippines, Hazani told a local newspaper Daily Express last month. He said Sabah could see attacks similar to the Bali bombings of 2002 and the attack on the J.W. Marriott hotel in Jakarta a year later, if law enforcement did not monitor and halt JI activities. In Indonesia, police have stepped up arrests of suspected JI members since late last year. Last November and December, police announced the arrest of Aris Sumarsono (also known as Zulkarnaen), JIs military commander during the 2002 Bali bombings, and Upik Lawanga, who police said was an expert bomb maker. Aris had been on the run from the authorities for 18 years. Upik was allegedly involved in several attacks in Central Sulawesi province between 2004 and 2006. JIs overall leader, Para Wijayanto, was sentenced to seven years in prison last July. Although Indonesia banned Jemaah Islamiyah in 2008, the government gave it space and autonomy to engage in social welfare, charitable, educational and religious activities, as long as its members eschewed violence, counter-terrorism analysts had said. Indeed, in 2018, some Indonesian officials naively saw JI as a potential off-ramp for members of Islamic State and sought JIs assistance in de-radicalization programs in exchange for a green light to operate, scholars Zachary Abuza and Alif Satria said in a column for BenarNews last December. JI has also used the Indonesian governments lenience to rebuild its core foundations systematically, and has set up palm-oil plantations in Sumatra and Kalimantan to fund its leaders and expansion, they wrote. Amy Chew in Kuala Lumpur contributed to this report. The 34-year-old North Carolina man accused of shooting a disabled Slate Belt, Pennsylvania taxidermist in the leg during a home invasion will spend up to 13 years in state prison. Kevin Campbell, of Greenville, North Carolina, was in Northampton County, Pennsylvania Court on Wednesday morning before Judge Jennifer Sletvold, having plead guilty to robbery, aggravated assault, conspiracy and person not to possess a firearm, all first-degree felonies. Campbell was sentenced to between 6 and 13 years for the robbery, aggravated assault and illegal firearm charges and another 5 to 13 years for the conspiracy charge. These sentences will run concurrently and Campbell will receive credit for time served. On Aug. 7, 2019, Campbell and another man, Hezekiah Moore, knocked on the door of a Plainfield Township home along rural Delabole Road. Richard Fischer, who was 66 at the time, had just finished dinner with his girlfriend and opened the door to find two men he did not recognize. Fischer said one his two Jack Russell terriers bit one of the men, which he took as a sign about the wrongness of the encounter. One of the men told Fischer that he was the brother of someone who knew Campbell through his taxidermy work. He let the men inside and shortly after one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at him. When I turned back, the [man] was pointing a gun at me, Fischer said during an interview shortly after the crime. This had never happened to me before in my life. The gunman, later identified as Campbell, motioned for Fischer to walk down the hallway to his bedroom while Moore went to the kitchen to keep Fischers girlfriend there. In the bedroom Campbell twice shot Fischer in the leg. The first bullet grazed his calf, but the second punctured his thigh. Guess he didnt want me arguing with him, Fischer said. The New Jersey native said he believed it was a small miracle that he did not die from the shooting, which he said could have easily struck his femoral artery. He was already an amputee, having lost his left leg after a 1988 car crash in Alabama. Then he asked me where I keep the money. I said, Dont shoot me again, Im bleeding. He said, I know that, wheres the money? I pointed to the safe on my bedroom dresser and said, Take what you want. Campbell made off with a safe containing about $1,600, a birth certificate and other personal documents. Fischer said he waited for several seconds after the men left before calling out for his girlfriend and trying to crawl to her. She had managed to escape down the road to call for help. Two days later, Campbell was picked up in North Carolina. Moore remains in Northampton County Jail on charges related to the August home invasion. Morning Call reporter Sarah M. Wojcik can be reached at 610-778-2283 or swojcik@mcall.com. ___ (c)2021 The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) Visit The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.) at www.mcall.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. 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. California foster parents are being asked to care for a staggering 26 or more unaccompanied migrant children per household, DailyMail.com can reveal. On March 12, foster parents Travis, 45, and Sharla Kall received a voicemail amid the crisis at the Mexico border. 'This is an emergency message, please respond to this urgent message from the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD),' the voicemail obtained by DailyMail.com said. 'CCLD would like to know how many available beds you have to serve additional youth.' CCLD is a division of California's Department of Social Services that oversees foster home and care licensing. The couple received an email with the same urgent message, containing links for them to communicate how many available beds they have - ranging from zero to '26 +.' Foster parents Travis and Sharla Kall received a voicemail from the Community Care Licensing Division asking how many available beds they have for youth Disturbing images have shown the cramped conditions inside a migrant 'overflow' tent in Texas where one lawmaker says 400 unaccompanied male minors are being held in 'terrible conditions' in a space meant for half as many 'Usually the maximum amount of children you are allowed to foster at any one time is six,' said Travis, who currently fosters two four-month-old twins with his wife, while also caring for their biological twins, aged six. 'We called our case worker and she told us that everyone was calling her because they had got that same call,' said the small automotive business owner from Orange, California. 'She said there was a big influx of children coming in, but she didn't know where from,' he added. The couple reached out to a friend who is fostering through a different agency and were told that she had received the same call. The friend also told them her agency confirmed via email that the children were coming from the border. 'As many of you are already aware, CCLD has been sending automated emails and phone calls asking you about available beds to serve additional youth,' the email read. 'They are trying to address the needs of a record number of unaccompanied children who are arriving from Central America who are escaping impossible situations such as poverty, violence and natural disasters,' it adds. The couple were shocked that the request was being made. 'At any given point in time there are 30,000 plus children in the L.A. County foster care system alone,' Sharla said. 'So to ask us already certified foster parents to take on children from another country when we can barely take care of our own foster crisis doesn't seem beneficial to either side because either way someone loses a bed,' she added. Travis, who along with his wife runs a non-profit fighting against human trafficking, believes this is just the tip of a sinister iceberg. 'I consider it human trafficking,' he said. 'It's not the burden of taking kids in because we have the heart for it, but these are kids that were taken from the border for a money scheme and now they're going to use us resource parents to take care of them.' The CCLD said in an email they are 'trying to address the needs of a record number of unaccompanied children who are arriving from Central America' On March 12, the Kalls received a voicemail from an unknown number and then this email asking if parents have bed capacity for 26 or more DailyMail.com reported this week that cartels are using President Biden's lax border policies to run multi-million dollar human trafficking schemes. 'The cartels have realized that under Biden there is serious money to be made from people trafficking without any of the distribution issues you face with narcotics,' a source said. 'People are the new dope.' In a request for comment, the California Department of Social Service said: 'In the case of unaccompanied minor children who cross the border, responsibility for their care falls under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 'Should any unaccompanied minors in this situation be placed by the federal government in licensed children's residential facilities or homes in California, our role at CDSS is to ensure licensed facilities meet California's health and safety standards. 'In response to a request from HHS for an expedited effort to determine which licensed facilities may be willing to assist, CDSS sent out a survey to licensed homes.' The pictures, released by Congressman Henry Cuellar, show inside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporary overflow facility in Donna over the weekend Red Cross volunteers watch over each individual trailer of the young men 24-hours a day, while federal police patrol the outside of the detention facility in Texas U.S. officials have rushed to open new sites to hold teenagers and children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border to try to clear packed Border Patrol facilities currently holding thousands of youths - many claiming to be in their late teens, but whose exact ages are difficult to verify. Biden has kept intact an emergency measure enacted by the Trump administration during the pandemic that allows the government to quickly expel them to Mexico, though adults who bring young children are generally allowed to enter through South Texas. The Biden administration is not expelling immigrant children unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Several hundred a day are crossing the border, going first to often packed Border Patrol stations while they await placement in the HHS system. The number of unaccompanied minors crossing the border illegally has surged. CBP Chief Gloria Chavez of the El Paso Sector said that illegal crossings by unaccompanied minors were up 96 percent in the sector for January and February compared to the same period last year. A similar surge occurred in 2014, following executive action from the Obama administration protecting so-called 'DREAMers' who arrived in the country illegally as children. Congress is now considering a bill granting citizenship to DREAMers. UNAIDS estimates that between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of all new HIV infections may occur between individuals in key populations. The Nigerian government on Tuesday launched a national consolidated service delivery guideline on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) for key populations within the country. The guideline outlines public health response to HIV and STI for people that fall within this category, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Gambo Aliyu, said at the launch. Key populations are people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender persons, sex workers and prisoners. Around the world, key populations face much higher rates of HIV and AIDS than the general population and are most at risk for contracting HIV, the joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) said. UNAIDS estimates that between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of all new HIV infections may occur between individuals in key populations and their immediate partner. Underreporting is also common within key populations due to fears of stigma, backlash and discrimination, according to the UNAIDS. In Nigeria, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs, make up only 3.4 per cent of the population, yet they account for about 32 per cent of new infections. The Nigerian government in 2014 increased the punishment for homosexuality to 14 years in jail. "Criminalising laws such as these have made it harder to work with LGBT communities and have pushed men who have sex with men underground, making them more vulnerable to HIV," Walter Ugwocha, executive secretary of Civil Society for HIV/AIDs in Nigeria (CISHAN), told PREMIUM TIMES Last December. New guidelines Mr Aliyu said the agency engaged the services of the Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) to develop a document that will define the implementation of programmes and services for key populations and their children. He said the document will provide guidance packages of HIV and STI services and performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation of these services across the country. Mr Aliyu explained that the Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) showed that the national HIV prevalence is higher among key populations. "HIV services for key populations and children of key populations remain largely inadequate, and so, the HIV incidence within this group of persons continue to increase," he said. "These guidelines will increase awareness of the needs of key populations; improve access and coverage; establish standardized package of services; facilitate uptake of responsive and acceptable services; and catalyze greater national commitment and resourcing to sustain services." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines AIDS Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. He said the guidelines will also support efforts towards strengthening HIV and AIDS prevention, care and treatment programmes while addressing stigma, violence, and mental health. In her remarks, Country Director, U.S. Department of Defence, Laura Chittenden, said the launch marks an exciting milestone in improving the quality of care for those affected and infected by HIV. She noted that key populations case management is important to ensure a client-centred approach. "Yet globally, ensuring that HIV service packages include the goods and services specific to those most vulnerable to the disease remains a challenge." She noted that general service delivery package of a country may not adequately address the barriers to services presented to key populations. "These barriers-particularly stigma, discrimination, or violence - prohibit those who choose to seek testing, care and treatment from doing so," she said. The Director, Community Prevention Care and Support Services, NACA, Alex Ogundipe, said the guideline is neither to encourage nor discourage the activities of the key population but to have a valid document to address HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. An organization founded more than 40 years ago to combat arson as a method of insurance fraud decided that its mission has been accomplished and folded up shop last month. All of the resources of the Insurance Committee for Arson Control were passed along to the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, which will use remaining funds to fund scholarships for students pursuing college fire science degrees. NAMIC will also provide access to ICACs online training and education tools for arson investigators. Statistics show that commercial arson losses in the US declined by about half from 2009 to 2018, the latest year for which statistics are available. However, 2020 may have brought an unprecedented amount of arson damage due to rioting associated with the police killing of George Floyd. Verisks Property Claim Services estimated civil unrest in the US caused some $2 billion in damages last summer, although that estimate includes damages caused by looting, vandalism and other acts of destruction. Gregg Dykstra, a former board member for ICAC and chief operating officer for NAMIC, explained in an email that ICAC focused on arson as a means of insurance fraud, not fires provoked by social unrest or catastrophic wildfires that are sometimes set intentionally. The ICAC Board was confident that insurance-related arson had been sufficiently addressed through the work of the ICAC that a dissolution of the organization was warranted, he said. There are pieces of incendiary fire/arson information that help substantiate that judgment, but objective and hard data specifically addressing arson as an insurance fraud issue is hard to come by directly and fully. Dykstra said ICAC was born during the 1970s while the insurance industry lobbied for passage of immunity laws to protect persons who report arson from civil actions. Those praiseworthy efforts and accomplishment were well before our involvement at ICAC, he said. The FBIs Unified Crime Reports, which note the number of crimes reported to participating local law enforcement agencies, shows a steady decline of reported arsons. There were 41,376 in US in 2015 but only 32,358 in 2019. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, the frequency of intentional non-residential structure fires remained relatively flat from 2009 to 2018, ranging from 8,500 in 2010 to 10,900 in 2017. Total dollar losses, however, dropped from $363 million to $163 million during that period. NFPA data shows the number of intentional fires to residential buildings declined from 16,200 in 2009 to 15,900 in 2018. Losses declined from $688 million to $557 million annually during that year, but spiked in 2017 at $757 million. An NFPA research paper explains that intentional does not necessarily mean arson, which requires criminal intent. Some jurisdictions have a minimum age below which a person cannot be charged with arson. Also, in some jurisdictions, a person can legally set a fire to destroy his or her own property. The ICACs latest available tax form, filed in 2019, shows the organization had modest resources. The Form 990-EZ shows the committee collected $40,903 in revenue for 2018, primary from membership dues. It reported a $26,230 deficit that year, but still held $120,683 in net assets. The ICACs primary activity was educational webinars. The tax form says 361 people registered for its webinars in 2018 and 46 attended its annual national seminar. About the photo: This photo provided by Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden shows a fire at the Mason County Courthouse, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021, in Mason, Texas. An official says a suspect has been taken into custody following the massive fire. (Mason County Judge Jerry Bearden via AP) LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the exciting announcement of their new Signature Series, legendary global media brand SPIN is thrilled to announce a partnership with Wizard World. With SPIN partnering in the promotion of Wizard World's Signature Series, the two companies are poised to thrive in the growing digitized streaming landscape. Pivoting to virtual events as a necessity when live events shut down last year, Wizard World has proved the viability of live-stream events as an interactive destination for talent, superfans and casual audiences alike. "We're excited to drive users to Wizard World's unique interactive events online," said Jimmy Hutcheson, SPIN's CEO. "Wizard World has a long history of creating one-of-a-kind experiences with franchises that fans care about deeply. SPIN is proud to be a marketing partner and looks forward to the collaboration." The Signature Series is a key element of Wizard World's evolution into a technology company that builds online communities through live interactive events, ecommerce and streaming across a wide breadth of shared interest groups. Wizard World ( www.wizardworld.com ) created the Signature Series as a way for affinity groups to interact more closely with their favorite talent and influencers. Through Q&A during live-streams, one-on-one chats and coveted memorabilia offerings, Wizard World has created a one-stop immersive experience for talent and their fans. Kicking off the new subscription model, the Wizard World Signature Series debuted the Horror Series on March 20, with a live Q&A with Sleepaway Camp stars Felissa Rose, Jonathan Tierstan, Katherine Kamhi and Karen Fields. Wizard World has a strong foundation in the Horror genre, and over the next few months the company will stream weekly events on consecutive Saturdays. Fans can purchase a single event in the series for $3.99, any five for $11.99, all 10 for $19.99, or all 10 plus a set of bonus items for $29.99. Other events in the Wizard Horror Signature Series include stars from the A Nightmare On Elm Street , Stephen King's It, The Hunters vs. the Hunted, Rob Zombie, Terrifier and "What We do in the Shadows" star Harvey Guillen, with others to be added soon. "Fans across the world have responded to our streamed events in a big way, and we're excited to be offering new ways to interact with leaders in an even broader array of categories moving forward," said Scott Kaufman, Wizard Brands CEO. "The Signature Series expands and streamlines these events -- we believe the possibilities are vast." With endless opportunities available for users, Wizard World's Signature Series hopes to disrupt and expand the way audiences interact with live stream events. SOURCE SPIN Flash General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, on his election as the country's president. Xi noted in the message that the world today is facing profound changes unseen in a century, and China-Laos relations are in a crucial stage that inherits the past and sets a course for the future. He added that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Laos relations and is willing to work with Thongloun to further consolidate and expand the two countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation, promote the well-being and friendship of their people, and lift the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future to new heights. Noting that China and Laos are friendly neighbors linked by mountains and rivers, Xi said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 60 years ago, the relations between the two parties and between the two countries have braved the waves and grown stronger as time goes by. In recent years, Xi said, the traditional friendship between China and Laos has achieved new development, strategic mutual trust has made new progress, practical cooperation has taken new steps, and bilateral relations have entered a new era of building a community with a shared future. Xi said that since last year, China and Laos have joined hands in the fight of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has vividly demonstrated the spirit of the China-Laos community with a shared future, and consolidated and deepened the brotherly friendship between the two sides. On the same day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to Phankham Viphavanh on the latter's election as Laos' prime minister. Li said he is ready to make joint efforts with Phankham to continuously enrich the connotation of their countries' comprehensive strategic cooperation, and make new progress in the cause of building the China-Laos community with a shared future. PHOENIX, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2021 financial results on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, after the market closes, and will host an investor conference call at 5 p.m. ET. A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed by logging onto the Company's Investor Relations page on republicservices.com, or listeners may access the call by dialing 844-890-1789 or 412-717-9598, passcode "Republic Services." The Company encourages participants who will be dialing in to pre-register for the conference call using the following link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10153480/e54b081700. Callers who pre-register will be given a conference passcode and PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator on the day of the call. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. A replay of the call will be available one hour after the end of the conference through May 12, 2021, by calling 877-344-7529 or 412-317-0088, passcode 10153481. The conference call will also be archived on the Company's website at republicservices.com. About Republic Services Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the U.S. environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides superior customer experience while fostering a sustainable Blue Planet for future generations to enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier world. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com, or follow us at Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter or Republic Services on LinkedIn. The Company participates in investor presentations and conferences throughout the year. Interested parties can find a schedule of these conferences at republicservices.com. SOURCE Republic Services, Inc. Related Links http://www.republicservices.com India and Austria held sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations. According to the reports by ANI, both the countries discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, which included political, economic, commercial ties as well as cultural and academic linkages. As per the Ministry of External Affairs Ministry (MEA), the 6th Foreign Office Consultations were held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic on March 18. The Indian side was led by Additional Secretary (Europe and COVID-19), and the Austrian side was led by Ambassador Gregor Koessler, Director General for Political Affairs in the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said, India and Austria have warm and cordial relations which are based on shared values of democracy, freedom, rule of law and equality. Our bilateral relations are marked by strong linkages across institutions, academia, culture, and people-to-people ties. The talks were mostly focussed on bilateral relations. The topic of discussions also included various political, economic, and commercial ties and cultural and academic linkages. The ministry further stated that the two sides also shared their views on the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccines. Topics like developments in the Indo-Pacific, neighbourhood policy, terrorism, and India-EU relations were also discussed. Calling for greater transparency In another significant development, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz called for greater transparency in coronavirus vaccines. Kurz hosted his Czech, Bulgarian and Slovenian counterparts in Vienna with the Latvian and Croatian leaders joining by videoconference. During the meeting, he said that some member of countries may be able to vaccinate their population by mid-May but others may take up to 10 weeks longer. The Austrian leader added, "that will lead to tension within the European Union and wouldn't be understood by Europeans. He also said that countries are in good contact with the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, and hope for a solution. (Image Credits: Twitter/ANI) U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Turkey to abandon Russia's S-400 missile defense system, the U.S. State Department said in a statement issued after Blinken met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Brussels. "Secretary Blinken urged Turkey not to retain the Russian S-400 air defense system," the statement said. The two NATO allies have long been at odds over the S-400. Washington suspended Turkey from its F-35 stealth fighter jet program last year after its purchase of the missile defense system. Ankara signed the S-400 deal with Moscow in 2017, pointing to its security needs for purchasing the Russian system. Blinken and Cavusoglu also touched upon efforts to improve tense relations between alliance members Turkey and Greece. "The secretary voiced support for ongoing exploratory talks between NATO allies Turkey and Greece," it said. Blinken "expressed concern over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence, and emphasized the importance of democratic institutions and respect for human rights," the statement said. It added that the two also discussed shared interests in Syria and Afghanistan. For his part, Cavusoglu said his talks with Blinken were held in a constructive atmosphere and that they agreed to hold a more comprehensive meeting in Turkey or the United States. But Cavusoglu added that he told Blinken that Ankara's purchase of S-400 systems was "a done deal." Turkish officials have said the systems will not be integrated into NATO's defense infrastructure. Deliveries of the first four missile batteries began in July 2019. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Yerong, whose real name is Ko Ye-sung, draws cartoons about the realities of racial discrimination that foreigners in Korea experience in their daily lives. Courtesy of Ko Ye-sung By Lee Hyo-jin Yerong, whose real name is Ko Ye-sung, draws cartoons about the realities of racial discrimination that foreign nationals in Korea encounter in their daily lives. The 29-year-old cartoonist's minimal drawings black and white with only minimum details are mainly uploaded on her social media channels. And they are quite popular among foreign residents here who find the stories totally relatable. Cartoonist Yerong, whose real name is Ko Ye-sung / Courtesy of Ko Ye-sung "I began to draw cartoons in 2018, when I first encountered racial discrimination in the country during my relationship with a Black man from Ghana. I felt the stares in the streets and came across some uncomfortable experiences," Ko told The Korea Times. After realizing the seriousness of racism that foreigners face here, Ko began to upload the "doodles" based on her own experiences, with a hope that they might bring positive changes. Her works soon began to win big support from readers in and outside the country. A collection of Ko's cartoons was published into a book titled "A Black person sitting next to you on the subway" in 2019. Topics of Ko's recent cartoons are not limited only to racism. She now tries to cover discrimination against all socially subordinated groups disabled people, sexual minorities, women and so on. She also gets invited to give lectures using her cartoons at schools and education institutions. And her works are used as educational materials for K-pop trainees, as more and more K-pop agencies are realizing the need for such education. "I don't use color in my cartoons and make the lines as simple as possible, because doodles tend to deliver my messages more effectively than colorful drawings or long words," she said. Ko viewed that rampant discrimination in Korea based on skin color and country of origin happen mostly due to Koreans' low awareness on racism. While Koreans take great pride in the export of their culture as hallyu, or the Korean wave, they are not used to taking in the cultures of other countries, she said. She recalled an incident where several high school students wore blackface as Ghanaian pallbearers for their senior yearbook photo last year, which clearly showed a lack of education and awareness on racism. "Many people didn't even know the meaning of the term blackface. They didn't know why it was wrong, saying that it should not be taken as a big deal as long as the students did not have ill intent," she said, adding that public education needs more lessons on cross-cultural understanding. Ko Ye-sung's cartoon is being used as an educational material during a lecture on cultural appropriation to K-pop trainees in their office in September 2020. Courtesy of Ko Ye-sung By targeting an enzyme that plays a key role in head and neck cancer cells, researchers from the UCLA School of Dentistry were able to significantly slow the growth and spread of tumors in mice and enhance the effectiveness of an immunotherapy to which these types of cancers often become resistant. Their findings, published online in the journal Molecular Cell, could help researchers develop more refined approaches to combatting highly invasive head and neck squamous cell cancers, which primarily affect the mouth, nose and throat. Immunotherapy, which is used as a clinical treatment for various cancers, harnesses the body's natural defenses to combat disease. Yet some cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, don't respond as well to the therapy as others do. The prognosis for these head and neck cancers is poor, with a high five-year mortality rate, and there is an urgent need for effective treatments. The UCLA research team, led by distinguished professor Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, chair of oral biology at the dentistry school, demonstrated that by targeting a vulnerability in the cellular process of tumor duplication and immunity, they could affect tumor cells' response to immunotherapy. The enzyme they focused on, KDM4A, is what is known as an epigenetic factor -- a molecule that regulates gene expression, silencing some genes in cells and activating others. In squamous cell head and neck cancers, overexpression of KDM4A promotes gene expression associated with cancer cell replication and spread. It is well known that tumor cells can spread undetected by the immune system and, without surveillance, can metastasize to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. In this instance, tumor cells that develop in the epithelial layer that lines the structures of the head and neck can turn into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma when unchecked. Cancer cell replication occurs through the abnormal spread and activation of signaling pathways for cancer cells, and the researchers asked the question: If we can disrupt these processes and identify a vulnerability, can we change the body's response to fighting cancer cells and its response to outside immunotherapy? We know that the KDM4A gene plays a critical role in cancer cell replication and spread, so we focused our study on removing this gene to see if we would get an opposite response." Dr Cun-Yu Wang, Study Corresponding Author and Member of Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California - Los Angeles By removing the KDM4A gene in their mouse models, the researchers witnessed a notable decrease in squamous cell carcinomas and far less metastasis of cancer to the lymph nodes -- a precursor to the spread of the disease throughout the body. Surprisingly, they also discovered that the KDM4A's removal also led to the recruitment and activation of the body's infection-fighting T cells, which killed cancer cells and stimulated inherent tumor immunity. They then sought to uncover why the squamous carcinoma cells had such a poor response to immunotherapy treatment. In another set of mouse models, they again removed KDM4A and introduced a PD-1 blockade, which signals immunotherapy drugs to attack cancer cells. The combination of immunotherapy and KDM4A removal further decreased squamous cell cancer growth and lymph node metastasis. Next, the researchers tested whether a small-molecule inhibitor of KDM4A could improve the efficacy of the original PD-1 blockade-based immunotherapy. They found that the inhibitor also significantly helped remove cancer stem cells, which are associated with cancer relapse. The findings hold promise for the development of more specific inhibitors for KDM4A and more effective cancer immunotherapies. "I am continuously impressed by Dr. Cun-Yu Wang and his team for breaking through barriers in our understanding of cancer-causing cellular processes," said Dr. Paul Krebsbach, dean and professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. "The results of this study have major implications for the development of more effective, life-saving cancer therapies." TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) said it plans to implement changes to the executive structure, effective on the day of Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting. Shigeki Terashiv will resign as a member of the Board of Directors. Kenta Kon, operating officer, will join as a Member of the Board. The newly appointed members of the Board include: Takeshi Uchiyamada as Chairman of the Board; Shigeru Hayakawa as Vice Chairman of the Board; and Akio Toyoda as President, Member of the Board. The company noted that there are no scheduled changes to the audit and supervisory board members. 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. ADVERTISEMENT The Senate has confirmed Haliru Nababa as the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS). The confirmation is coming about a month after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him for the position. It was sequel to the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Interior, which screened the nominee. The Chairman of the committee, Kashim Shettima (APC, Borno Central), who presented the report, told the Senate that the panel found Mr Nababa suitable for the position and no petition was received against him. The nominee possesses the educational qualification for the position and is a person of integrity, he said. Mr Shettima also added that the nominee is not affiliated to any part and is within the age bracket for the recommendation. He thereafter recommended that the Senate confirms the nominee, which was done. ALSO READ: Buhari appoints new Comptroller General for Nigeria Correctional Service Mr Nababa has headed many formations, including Officer in-Charge of the Wurno Satellite Custodial Centre, Sokoto State; Nguru Custodial Centre, Yobe State; Mubi Custodial Centre, Adamawa State, and Sokoto Central Custodial Centre, Sokoto State from 2016 to 2019. He joined the correctional service, formerly known as Nigerian Prisons Service, (NPS) in 1990 as an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons and rose through the ranks to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections in 2018. Until his new appointment, Mr Nababa was the Head of the Directorate of Finance and Accounts. CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio Identity theft: High Street A man received mail concerning unemployment benefits applied for in his deceased wifes name. He contacted police March 11 and was advised to notify the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Identity theft: Various streets Someone used a Falls Road mans information to file for unemployment benefits. The man, who is not unemployed, contacted police March 8 and notified the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. A Bradley Street woman, 39, had to tell her employer and the ODJFS that someone had filed for unemployment benefits in her name March 9. An elderly man on Hamlet Hills Drive reported a similar scam March 11. Also during the week, residents on Elm Court and Bell Street learned that their information had been stolen in attempts to scam the unemployment system. Found property: South Franklin Street Someone found a womans drivers license and turned it in to to police. When contacted March 8, she had already applied for a replacement and asked police to destroy the found one. Fraud: Nob Hill A woman, 70, contacted police March 9 after a scammer convinced her to reveal her Social Security number. He said he was from the U.S. Department of Justice and that there were warrants for her arrest. An officer helped the woman contact the Social Security Administration and credit reporting bureaus to report the fraud. Found property: North Franklin Street A Moreland Hills woman found money March 12 while visiting the village. The owner of the currency can identify and claim it at the police station. Identity theft: North Main Street A business owner gave police information pertaining to an identity theft March 12. The information will help police in an ongoing investigation. Further information was not available. Theft from auto: May Court A man, 62, left his vehicle unlocked in his driveway overnight March 14 and someone stole his golf equipment. The value of the items stolen was not yet known. Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 Keetmanshoop The municipality of Keetmanshoop is racing against time to collect an amount of N$3.5 million to meet a demand from NamWater for partial payment of an outstanding debt of N$14 million owed to the water utility. NamWater has threatened to disconnect the water supply to the town if the demanded payment is not made. Mayor Maree Smit, during a recent community meeting, pleaded with residents to settle their outstanding water bills to assist the municipality to pay NamWater for services rendered. "It is both the responsibility of the municipality and you, as consumers of water supplied, to join hands and tackle this challenge," she added. The mayor continued that the final date for payment was supposed to be 19 March 2021 but that they are fortunate to have water supply to the town up to now. Smit explained to those present that the municipality is not getting water for free from NamWater and are furthermore reselling water to ratepayers, charging only a small amount on top of NamWater's price for the cost of maintaining the water infrastructure in the town. She also said that after council approached the relevant line ministry (urban and rural development), they were informed that it is impossible in light of the current economic climate of the country to bail them out or let the debt be written off. She continued that council is hoping to get a positive response from residents in terms of paying off their current and outstanding debts, as they are now fully aware of the consequences if not complying accordingly for the whole town. "We also had meetings with corporates, ministries, officials and agencies in town to come up with suggestions and actions on how we, as council, together with them, can address this life-threatening crisis," she said. Smit also warned residents that although the municipality has been humane and patient thus far, it will be left with no other option but to disconnect the water supply of those residents who did not make any payment on their accounts by the end of March 2021. In his contribution, management committee chairperson Easter Isaak attributed the debt to a previous central government instruction not to disconnect resident's water supply and opened all closed water meters as well as part of the debt inherited from the previous regime. "Be as it may, we as the new council now have the responsibility to ensure the continuation of water supply to the town but can only achieve this if joining hands with you and coming up with strategical interventions," he said. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Namibia Water By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Meanwhile, most residents, including pensioners, raised the concern that the outstanding amounts owed to the municipality are largely due to wrong, estimated water meter readings from the council's side. "We timeously paid these estimated accounts but are now billed amounts ranging in thousands of dollars for these erroneous, underestimated readings, which we feel is not fair," said Mark Gertze, who also attended the meeting. Another resident felt council should take full responsibility for failing to charge water consumption accurately instead of demanding N$25 000 from an 80-year-old pensioner only receiving a monthly social grant of N$1 300 from government. On a request to council to install pre-paid water meters for residents to make water affordable, they were informed that this suggestion is in the pipeline. "It is something we must first assess the feasibility and viability before implementing it," Isaak explained. [March 23, 2021] Computershare to Acquire Assets of Wells Fargo's US Corporate Trust Business Computershare Limited (ASX:CPU) has recently announced that it has agreed to acquire the assets of Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Corporate Trust Services ("CTS"), subject to regulatory approvals. CTS provides a wide variety of trust and agency services in connection with debt securities issued by public and private corporations, government entities, and the banking and securities industries. Approximately 2,000 CTS (News - Alert) employees based across the U.S. are expected to transfer to Computershare as part of the acquisition, which is expected to close later this year. Wells Fargo's CTS division is annually ranked among the top service providers in most league tables by deal count and dollars serviced and has a best-in-class reputation built on its high-touch approach to client service. The team serves more than 14,000 clients and has significant market and product-level expertise that has been built over 85 years of U.S. corporate trust experience. Computershare brings a long-term commitment to Wells Fargo's Corporate Trust business, along with a market-leading client services approach. With many decades of experience in the industry and 2,300 clients across North America in a variety of industries, Computershare is the largest Title Custodian service provider in the Canadian Mortgage-Backed Securities industry. Frank Madonna, Integration CEO, will lead the transition of the CTS business to Computershare. He said, "We're excited to welcome these new employees to the Computershare family. We're confident that as our businesses come together, our client proposition will be market-leading in North America." "Computershare's similar service-oriented approach and robust product suite will benefit both our clients and employees," said David Marks, head of Wells Fargo Commercial Capital. "Our corporate trust team will be well-positioned to continue supporting clients' needs for specialized products and services." /p> Notes For high resolution images of spokespeople, visit http://cpu.vg/spokespeople. About Computershare Computershare (ASX: CPU) is a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, mortgage servicing, proxy solicitation and stakeholder communications. We also specialise in corporate trust, bankruptcy, class action and a range of other diversified financial and governance services. Founded in 1978, Computershare is renowned for its expertise in high integrity data management, high volume transaction processing and reconciliations, payments and stakeholder engagement. Many of the world's leading organisations use us to streamline and maximise the value of relationships with their investors, employees, creditors and customers. Computershare is represented in all major financial markets and has over 12,000 employees worldwide. For more information, visit www.computershare.com About Wells Fargo Wells Fargo & Company is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets and proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of all middle market companies in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 30 on Fortune's 2020 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health and a low-carbon economy. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter (News - Alert) : @WellsFargo View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210323006088/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 22:12:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- Following the U.S. government's reckless COVID-19 response, the virus spread beyond control in the United States and became a human tragedy that has claimed more than 500,000 American lives, according to the report. -- Ethnic minority groups have suffered "systematic racial discrimination" in the United States, the report read. -- At a time when global unity is needed to fight the pandemic, the United States persists in pursuing an "America First" agenda, isolationism and unilateralism, wantonly imposing sanctions, bullying and threatening international organizations, and treating asylum seekers with cruelty. BEIJING, March 24 (Xinhua) -- The hypocrisy and double standards of the United States, which has long masqueraded as a defender of human rights, have been laid bare in a new report on human rights violations in the country. A protester breaking into the U.S. Capitol building is captured on a screenshot in a video feed from NBC news seen in Arlington, Virginia, the United States, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The Report on Human Rights Violations in the United States in 2020, released on Wednesday by China's State Council Information Office, cited among many examples the tragic outcomes of America's out-of-control COVID-19 situation, hate politics, systemic racial discrimination, and soaring numbers of shootings. "The U.S. government, instead of introspecting on its own terrible human rights record, kept making irresponsible remarks on the human rights situation in other countries, exposing its double standards and hypocrisy on human rights," the report read. It urged the U.S. side to drop its hypocrisy, bullying, big stick diplomacy and double standards and work with the international community to build a community with a shared future for humanity. HUMAN TRAGEDY Refrigerated trailers are seen at a temporary morgue in Brooklyn of New York, the United States, on May 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) Following the U.S. government's reckless COVID-19 response, the virus spread beyond control in the United States and became a human tragedy that has claimed more than 500,000 American lives, according to the report. Home to less than 5 percent of the world's population, the U.S. accounts for more than a quarter of the world's confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly one-fifth of global deaths from the virus. The then U.S. leaders ignored warnings from experts, downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic, and released misleading signals to the public, read the report. The United States was too slow in locking down cities and limiting social contact, and too hasty to restart its economy due to political concerns, it added, citing epidemiologist and former head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) William Foege who called the pandemic "a slaughter" for the country. Photo taken on Feb. 22, 2021 shows the front page of that day's USA Today, which reports the United States has reached the grim milestone of half a million coronavirus deaths. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) The report drew attention to the disorder of U.S. democratic institutions, which has led to political chaos, further tearing the fabric of the country's society apart. Money-tainted politics is turning U.S. elections into a "one-man show" for the wealthy, and people's confidence in the American democratic system has hit a 20-year low, it said. Amid increasing political polarization, hate politics evolved into a national plague and the Capitol was stormed during post-election riots, which shocked the world. "The scenes (the U.S. Capitol building violence) we have seen are the result of lies and more lies, of division and contempt for democracy, of hatred and rabble-rousing -- even from the very highest levels," said German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the report noted. "I CAN'T BREATHE" A protester holds a sign near the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on June 8, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Ethnic minority groups have suffered "systematic racial discrimination" in the United States, the report read. African Americans are "three times" as likely as whites to be killed by police and "one in four" young Asian Americans have been targets of racial bullying, it added. The report noted that the death of African American George Floyd, who called out "I can't breathe" as a police officer kneeled on his neck, has sparked a national outcry. Ensuing protests for racial justice erupted in 50 states. The U.S. government suppressed demonstrators by force, and more than 10,000 people were arrested, it noted. Demonstrators are arrested during a protest against the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the United States, May 31, 2020. (Photo by Angus Alexander/Xinhua) The report also touched on other topics such as the record-breaking gun trade and shooting incidents in the U.S. "More than 41,500 people were killed in shooting incidents across the United States in the year, an average of more than 110 a day, and there were 592 mass shootings nationwide, an average of more than 1.6 a day," it read. Concerning the growing polarization between the rich and the poor in the United States, the report noted, "The richest 1 percent of Americans have a combined net worth that is 16.4 times that of the poorest 50 percent." TROUBLEMAKER FOR GLOBAL SECURITY Homeless people are seen near a subway station in New York, the United States, April 27, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) At a time when global unity is needed to fight the pandemic, the United States persists in pursuing an "America First" agenda, isolationism and unilateralism, wantonly imposing sanctions, bullying and threatening international organizations, and treating asylum seekers with cruelty. In doing so, the U.S. is becoming the "biggest troublemaker" for global security and stability, the report said. By imposing sanctions against International Criminal Court staff and bullying other countries, the United States has escaped international probes into possible war crimes in other countries and police violence targeting its own citizens, it said. It continued to comment on the unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington on countries including Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Syria, noting that the sanctions made it difficult for the countries to obtain necessary anti-pandemic medical supplies in a timely manner. Asylum seekers have been treated cruelly in the United States, it added, noting that the U.S. government had expelled at least 8,800 unaccompanied immigrant children despite serious protection risks during the COVID-19 outbreak. People wait to receive food at a food distribution site in the Brooklyn borough of New York, the United States, May 14, 2020. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) The then U.S. president's pardon of Blackwater contractors convicted of war crimes in Iraq violated U.S. obligations under international law and had the effect of emboldening others to commit such crimes in the future, it said. Experts say the report, mainly based on widely circulated surveys, analysis reports and media reports, came in sharp contrast to reports from the U.S. State Department, which were released in the name of "human rights" and fabricated groundless charges against China. The report from China "is not meant to interfere in another country's internal affairs, but to faithfully reveal the true human rights situation in the U.S.," said Chang Jian, director of the human rights study center at Nankai University. "We welcome fact-based constructive criticism from others, rather than attacks on China's human rights situation with trumped-up accusations based on lies, distortions and ideological biases, as the United States has done in its annual report," said Li Xiaojun, an official with the State Council Information Office, at a briefing on the report on Wednesday. (Video reporters: Jiang Chao, Yang Yi; video editor: Hong Ling) Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is calling on French authorities to protect an exiled Azerbaijani video blogger who was stabbed more than 10 times in an attack in France 10 days ago and later received a threatening text message on his phone. A refugee in France since 2016, Mahammad Mirzali was beaten and stabbed on March 14 by a group of men while walking in the western city of Nantes -- the latest incident targeting the blogger or his family in what the Paris-based media freedom watchdog on March 24 called attempts to silence the blogger. Mirzali had to undergo an operation that lasted more than six hours, Jeanne Cavelier, the head of RSFs Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk, said in a statement, adding that the Azerbaijani regime is exporting its persecution of freedom of expression to France and to Europe. French police have not commented on their investigation. This is the last warning, said the text in Azerbaijani that the blogger received on March 21, RSF said. We can kill you without any problem. Youve seen that were not afraid of anyone.... If you continue to insult our sisters, well have you killed with a bullet to the head fired by a sniper, read the text, which was signed Andres Gragmel. YouTube Channel According to RSF, Mirzali is often targeted because of the videos he posts on his YouTube channel, Made In Azerbaijan, in which he criticizes Azerbaijans authoritarian President Ilham Aliyev, his wife, Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, and other members of their family. In October 2020, several shots were fired at the blogger in Nantes. His father and brother-in-law were detained in 2017. Police reportedly told the two men to pressure Mirzali to stop his criticism of the government. The regime also resorted to sex-tape blackmail, RSF said, sending intimate images of one of his sisters to the entire family in early March and then circulating them via a Telegram channel. Azerbaijan is ranked 168th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index. Most critical media outlets have been silenced or have had to relocate abroad, the main independent websites are blocked, and at least two journalists are currently in prison, RSF said. Vietnams 14th National Assembly (NA) commenced its 11th sitting, which is also the last meeting of the tenure, in Hanoi on Wednesday morning. Prior to the opening ceremony, leaders of the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front, and NA deputies paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi. The preparatory session began at 8:00 am and the 11th sitting officially kicked off at 9:00 am. Following the opening remarks by NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, a report on the meetings agenda was presented by NA Secretary General and head of the NA Office Nguyen Hanh Phuc. Apart from law building and decision making on the countrys major matters, the legislators will review the performance of state, NA, and government agencies over the past tenure. Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan speaks at the opening session of the National Assemblys 11th sitting in Hanoi, March 24, 2021. Photo: Vietnam News Agency Deputies will spend four and a half days looking at a draft report on the 14th NAs operation, along with working reports of the state president, government, NA Standing Committee, Council for Ethnic Affairs and committees of the legislature, Supreme Peoples Court, Supreme Peoples Procuracy, and State Audit during 2016-21. Notably, seven days of the session will be spent on deciding top leadership positions of the country, including state president, prime minister, and NA chairperson, for the 2021-25 tenure. The 11th sitting is scheduled to conclude on April 8. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A new economic corridor aimed at strengthening ties between Northern Ireland and the Republic has the opportunity to create thousands of better jobs, its been claimed. The link, connecting Belfast and Dublin, along with a number of other councils close to the border, aims to tackle the challenges the region faces as it comes to terms with the impact of the UKs exit from the EU along with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The plans were unveiled today following the publications of a joint report by Ulster University and Dublin City University. The report sets out the potential of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor to link north and south, its universities and business clusters, as well as having the ability to collaborate on a growth plan which will benefit the whole region. Belfast City Council is very much committed to working with the other partners to realise the full potential and opportunities that exist for the benefit of the entire region, Belfast City Council chief executive, Suzanne Wylie, said. The most successful future economies will be those which focus on increasing productivity, which are more resilient to shocks and which are inclusive, addressing current inequalities. This corridor, anchored by two cities that are leading the way on innovation and smart districts, will have the scale and level of opportunity to create thousands of better jobs and at the same time work to solve our climate crisis as well as labour, skills and housing shortages and infrastructural underinvestment. The report says that the region has a population in excess of two million people and is younger and more diverse than any other part of Ireland with 15% born off the island. It also has the best educated workforce with 34% of the population holding third level qualifications thereby creating an excellent pipeline for concentrations of jobs requiring graduates. Councillor Christina Black, chair of Belfast City Councils strategic policy and resources committee said: Driven by the two largest cities in Ireland, along with the cities along the corridor that joins them, this renewed and ambitious collaboration has huge potential to drive our future economic development, and its encouraging to see us taking this step forward as we look ahead to our recovery from Covid. The eight councils involved are Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Louth County Council, Meath County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Former Parler CEO John Matze has filed a lawsuit against the social media site claiming his 40% stake in the company was stolen and accusing its leadership of bullying him. Matze, 27, co-founded the micro-blogging site but was ousted as CEO in January and has now sued Parler for $3million claiming punitive and compensatory damages. In the lawsuit, Matze reiterated comments he has previously made that Rebekah Mercer, who bankrolled Parler's start up, resisted his efforts to moderate QAnon and neo-Nazis in the wake of the January 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. After the Capitol riot, Parler faced shutting down when other tech companies - including Amazon, Apple, and Google - moved to stop providing the 'free speech' platform with web hosting and other services. 'Rather than protect Parler, its other owner, Rebekah Mercer, sought to co-opt it as a symbol or as the 'tip of the spear' for her brand of conservatism, and plotted to force Matze out,' the lawsuit reads. The 19-page suit, which was filed in Nevada, named as defendants: Parler, Mercer, Jeffrey Wernick, Mark Meckler and Dan Bongino - among other entities. Former Parler CEO John Matze, left, has filed a lawsuit against Parler and its leadership, including Rebekah Mercer, right, who ousted him from the company in January After the Capitol riot, Parler faced shutting down when other tech companies stopped providing the platform with web hosting and other services Matze claimed that he was compensated 'a mere $3' for his 40% ownership, which he described as an 'arrogant theft.' In the suit, Matze also claimed Mercer's ownership in Parler was intended to be secret 'at her direction' and her investment was hidden behind NDMASCENDANT LLC. 'Mercer herself believed that her involvement would serve as a distraction and would be potentially toxic to Parler's business objectives,' the lawsuit reads. According to the suit, the parties signed an Operating Agreement for Parler that gave Mercer 60% ownership of all voting shares and Matze 40% ownership. According to Matze, Mercer seemed to lose interest in Parler and providing additional funding in the fall of 2019. Matze was then introduced to Wernick, a 63-year-old investor who he claims was 'an active participant in the conspiracy to oust Matze from Parler, defame him, and steal his property.' 'Wernick was never an officer nor an owner of Parler, although he was allowed to portray himself as Chief Operating Officer. In actuality, he was not,' the lawsuit reads. 'Instead, Wernick was a third-party consultant who ultimately was affiliated with entities that entered into convertible debt agreements with Parler.' Former Parler CEO John Matze has filed a 19-page lawsuit against the social media site Wernick allegedly urged Matze and Mercer to give political commentator Dan Bongino a stake in the company in exchange for his 'media presence' and appearances promoting Parler. According to the suit, it remains unclear if Bongino received an ownership stake despite Matze professing that he was an investor. However, 'Matze believes that Mercer avoided executing any of the ownership documents to allow her to later dispute that Bongino has any such interest,' according to the suit. Matze alleged that Mercer renewed her interest in Parler when it started to gain popularity last summer ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Wernick and Bongino allegedly insisted that President Donald Trump would join Parler after the inauguration. A post from Rebekah Mercer on Parler in November revealed she funded the company's start up, which was included in the lawsuit Matze said he proposed three options for future business operations to investors, one of which was to continue to rely on 'big tech' providers like Amazon for its services to sufficiently scale up the app as it grew in popularity. 'Everyone agreed that the growth option was preferable, despite the required continued reliance upon companies like Amazon as the hosting platform,' the lawsuit reads. Mercer's involvement in Parler became public in November as she allegedly sought to increase funding into the company. 'Matze and Mercer began to have disagreements concerning the dilutive effect of new funds inserted into Parler,' the lawsuit reads. He also began to realize that money Mercer allegedly characterized as a loan was being claimed as both an equity stake and debt. 'While Mercer's NDM entity was listed as owning 60% of Parler, there is no evidence that NDM actually put anything into Parler,' Matze claims in the lawsuit. 'Rather, the funds that Mercer and/or her family provided were later characterized as personal loans that must be repaid by Parler.' Matze and Mercer's relationship continued to derail as she allegedly claimed his 40% ownership stake 'should be subject to dilution' while her '60% should be preserved.' In the wake of the Capitol riot, Apple suspended Parler's app from the App Store on January 9 and Amazon web services suspended service to Parler on January 11. Matze claims he then proposed implementing 'industry-wide satisfactory moderation policies and procedures' to prevent posts from inciting violence and acts of domestic terrorism. His proposal 'was met with dead silence, which he took to be a rejection of his proposal,' the lawsuit reads. Matze claims he became alarmed during a marketing meeting when Meckler, a political activist, 'suddenly made an appearance for the first time.' 'Simply put, Parler was now being hijacked to advance the personal political interests and personal advantages of Defendants rather than serve as the free expression platform as originally conceived,' the lawsuit reads. The lawsuit continues: 'Matze became concerned Mercer and her allies would begin to strong-arm him out of the company because of Matze's competing vision of the company's direction including, in part, due to his objections to allowing violent extremists to abuse Parler's platform.' Matze claims Wernick contacted him on January 28 and threatened him with financial ruin if he did not immediately sign a release of claims and resign. 'Wernick threatened Matze that he would be buried under an avalanche of legal claims and expenses if he dared defy Mercer,' the lawsuit reads. Matze ultimately contacted his lawyer and did not resign, but was fired the next day, according to the suit. 'Through Matze's firing, Defendants financially benefited in their personal capacities, including dividing up the spoils of their theft of Matze's 40% ownership,' the lawsuit reads. Bongino was then allegedly enlisted 'to lead the attack on Matze's personal and professional reputation' and published 'an unhinged rant' that accused Matze of lying 'and further insinuating that Matze's ouster was warranted,' the suit reads. Matze claims the allegations of 'misconduct and dishonesty' were 'false and defamatory.' The UN Human Rights Council voiced alarm Wednesday at the disproportionate use of force in Myanmar since last months coup and pushed for a UN rights office in the country. The Councils 47 members adopted a resolution reiterating the call for Myanmars military to restore civilian rule following its February 1 coup and immediately release deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi. More than 260 people are confirmed dead in protests that have rocked the country since the coup, according to tolls compiled by NGOs, and thousands have been arrested. International condemnation from Washington, Brussels and the UN has so far failed to halt the bloodshed. Myanmars junta this week insisted it had no choice but to crack down on the anarchy. The resolution, adopted without a vote, criticised the disproportionate use of force, including the indiscriminate use of lethal force, by the Myanmar armed forces and police. Myanmar hit back at the text, proposed by the European Union, calling it politicised, one-sided, (with a) lack of impartiality, independence and credibility. Myanmars deputy foreign minister Kyaw Myo Htut told the council by video link that elements of the resolution were intrusive and factually incorrect. He took particular issue with a reference to possible action by the International Criminal Court, which he said could be seen as a threat and a direct challenge to our sovereignty. Unmonitored access The text largely echoed a resolution passed last month following a special council session on the crisis, once again condemning the coup and calling for the release of detainees. Journalists, rights defenders, religious leaders, medical staff, and activists held on political grounds should be released, it said, and allowed to return to work without fear of reprisals, intimidation or attack. The resolution also stressed the need for the international community to get a better overview of the situation on the ground. It called for immediate, full, unrestricted and unmonitored access for independent observers, experts, diplomats, journalists and UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet, urging her to establish an office in the country. One of the experts that should be granted access to the country, it said, was the UNs top expert on the rights situation in Myanmar, Thomas Andrews. Earlier this month, Andrews told the council that Myanmar was currently being controlled by a murderous, illegal regime. He warned that the military junta was likely committing crimes against humanity, including acts of murder, enforced disappearance, persecution, torture. Wednesdays text called for the establishment of a UN rights office in the country, and encouraged Bachelet to strengthen her teams work to monitor and document the rights situation in Myanmar with a focus on ensuring accountability for human rights violations and abuses. Wednesdays text went further than last months resolution, also addressing long-running concern over the treatment of some ethnic and religious minorities. It highlighted Rohingya Muslims, more than 740,000 of whom fled to Bangladesh in the face of a military crackdown in 2017 that UN investigators concluded was executed with genocidal intent. The resolution pointed out that a decades-old law had in effect made the Rohingya stateless, demanding that their full citizenship be restored. Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, has expressed concern about a video that has gone viral on social media, where a teacher is forcefully combing the hair of learners at a school in Gauteng. "While the incident is unfortunate, it is critical to ensure that the School's Code of Conduct, as specified in the South African Schools Act, is adhered to at all times, but also that teachers do not inadvertently mistreat learners," the Ministry of Basic Education said on Tuesday. The Department of Basic Education has clear guidelines regarding Schools Code of Conduct for both teachers and learners. "In terms of the South African Schools Act, Section 8 (4), every school has a binding Code of Conduct for both learners and teachers and therefore, it is a correct step for the Gauteng Education MEC to have started a prompt investigation into the matter recorded on video. "The School Governing Body of this particular school, as our trusted stakeholder representing parents, will take part in dealing with the matter. We await the outcomes of the investigations by the Gauteng MEC of Education regarding this matter," the Ministry said. Prime Minister on Tuesday said there has been significant progress in over the last five years and asserted that the now wants to scale newer heights of progress. He also said the manifesto for the assembly polls showcases the vision for the state's growth. "Our Party is honoured to have got the opportunity to serve Assam," Modi tweeted. "There has been significant progress in the state over the last five years. Building on that, we want to scale newer heights of progress. Our manifesto showcases the vision for Assam's growth," the prime minister said. The in its manifesto, released by party president J P Nadda on Tuesday, has made "ten commitments" for an 'Atmanirbhar Assam' which includes initiation of process of correction and reconciliation of the entries under the Supreme Court mandated National Register of Citizens to "protect genuine Indian citizens and exclude all illegal immigrants". The BJP has also pledged to protect the political rights of the people of the state through a delimitation exercise. The party promised that Assam will be made free from the vagaries of flood by launching "Mission Brahmaputra" with a multi-pronged strategy involving the dredging of the river and building reservoirs to store excess water from Brahmaputra and its tributaries. The ruling BJP is seeking re-election and is facing the grand alliance led by the Congress in the state. Polling will be held in 47 seats in Assam on March 27 in the first phase, while 39 and 40 constituencies will go to polls on April 1 and April 6, 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.) A body found washed up on a beach in Yanchep is believed to be that of a man in his 60s who has been missing for about 30 hours. A search and rescue mission resumed on Thursday morning to try and find the 68-year-old man from Perths northern suburbs after his boat, with his dog on board, was found circling off the coast of Alkimos on Wednesday. Water police and surf life saving club members on jetskis found the body on Thursday morning. Police were called just before 2pm after a beach fisherman spotted the small boat through binoculars driving in circles about 5 nautical miles off the coast of Alkimos with no sign of people on board. Vadodara, India, 03/24/2021 / Veer Ahir / Vikramsinh Parmar is a 28-year-old rising entrepreneur and founder of LawTally??The lawyer directory website founded in NY. In an interview with Vikramsinh Parmar, he shares with us his journey and dealing with digital technology. He throws some spotlight on his latest venture LawTally. And how long-standing dreams become a reality after a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and determination. Born on 27th February 1993, in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India, Mr. Parmar currently works from his real estate office based in Vadodara. But do not make the mistake of considering him someone only into real estate. When he starts to speak about his journey, you come to know how his departure was meant to lead somewhere else, a better path. Did you start working in the same industry that you are currently working? My professional journey started at a very young age. Whether it was fortunately unfortunate or unfortunately fortunate, I leave it on the people to decide. After completing my higher secondary, I joined the university to get an engineering degree. Six months into it, I realized that my family did not have the financial set up to pay for my degree. After a short period of sorrow, I started searching for options that would allow me, an inexperienced wanderer, to work and earn. The search led me to something that I had only heard of till then, i.e., an SEO expert. Researching about the work more headed me to the benefits of being an SEO expert, freelancing work. All of it was lucrative and addictive. Struggling for months, I finally managed to crack the first client that offered me contract-based work that not only lasted long but also paid me a considerable amount. My drowning ship got repaired and set its sail. This client gave me a good amount of experience in SEO work. He also introduced me to freelancer.com. I found the platform highly beneficial for anyone who wished to make out the most of every opportunity. The fact that the project uploader and project doer could connect so easily looked like a dream to me. These were the days when I realized the actual power of digital technology. And I fixed my mind to work related to or inside the domain of digital technology. And after that, thered been no looking back. What attracts you the most about digital technology? All the mental stress brought in by previous technologies is simply taken away by digital technology. It enables humans to sit at his or her desk all day long and earn a living. The amount of digital flexibility technology brings to ones table is immense, and its going to increase as IoT, machine learning, and AI advances. Your venture LawTally is based on the same technologies. Is it because you foresee those technologies having a brighter future? LawTally is an online lawyers directory. Its based out in New York, USA. Works on a unique verification process that takes all the ache away from the users head and lets them complete their work related to the law industry in a shorter time. Currently, it is meant for lawyers who wish to connect with their clients and clients looking for the right lawyer in New York, USA. However, we plan to expand to India, Canada, and the Middle East, seeing the response that we are getting. LawTally platform is very dynamic. At the same time, its user-friendliness is not something you would like to neglect. Each user of this platform can view the details of lawyers registered on it and reach out to the lawyer for appropriate concerns. And the sparklies in the fact that before its launch, the website is tested using a prototype. Of course, my dream project is based on a solid prediction about the technologies currently winning everybodys trust. And if you look carefully, even the worlds top 10 wealthiest people have termed them as the coming age technologies. So, it does make sense. Tell a bit of your office based in Vadodara and how you met real estate in your journey So, after my initial success with SEO work, I did head a team of 25 people. We started working under a roof. And I wanted to take the next step forward. For that, I was researching various industries and trying to sort of juggle up to find a safe niche. Thats when real estate did fit in. I come from geography, where people are a lot concerned about their ROI. And in terms of business, I am no different. I was doing my research and was almost ready with a plan when I met Sandip Lakhani, my partner. Mr. Lakhani has more than 18 years of experience in the field of real estate. He has seen its crests and troughs. After meeting Mr. Lakhani, I did not dare start a wealthy project that is now half complete. Apart from this project, me and Mr. Lakhani are also together in bidding for government tenders related to western railway projects. Weve had a very successful period together as a real estate team and currently have twelve real estate properties that generate praiseworthy ROIs. Apart from my ROIs in real estate, I am even more proud about Avik Overseas, my venture that I started by partnering with Avi Patel. Avik Overseas guide Indian students, not only in getting abroad but also in settling over there. Your portfolio must seem daunting to anyone who has just started or is willing to start fresh. Any sort of advice for them? Establishing a business would also mean knowing youd get uncertainties and willingly signing up for it. So, if you do not have the habit of viewing uncertainties as opportunities, you are signing up for a lifelong struggle. In recent times, when the lockdown was announced because of the pandemic, uncertainty did strike our business. And we were prepared in all other terms, but the scale of uncertainty was massive enough, even for a company running at a larger scale than ours was. So, it did hit us hard. But somewhere or the other, I was prepared to face the situation because I had seen worse during my past times. We went from office culture to online culture, the task that requires years of preparation within months. And I would not boast by saying we have completely recovered, but the signs of completely recovering soon are visible. So, the advice is: Do not confuse between your beliefs on your plans and overconfidence. We believed that we are prepared for any uncertainty in businesses. But to not take nature into account was our overconfidence. The difference is thin. Media Details Name Veer Ahir Email [email protected] City Vadodara Country India Source: SubmitMyPR Release ID: 17473 Media Contact Website: [KISS PR Brand Story PressWire] Email: [email protected] Content Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from the above press release is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the websites selling as mentioned in the above as source. The content publisher and its downstream distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about. It's only fair to share... Pinterest Linkedin email Print Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blamed President Joe Biden for the border turmoil, explaining at a news conference Tuesday that the Democrat set 'expectations' that migrants would be treated better. 'And this has caused Central American migrants, and also from our country, wanting to cross the border thinking that it is easier to do so,' Lopez Obrador said. 'People don't go to the United States for fun, they go out of necessity.' Lopez Obrador's comments came after meetings Tuesday between U.S. officials and their Mexican counterparts, as they discussed immigration and regional development. Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blamed President Joe Biden for setting 'expectations' migrants would be treated better. 'And this has caused Central American migrants, and also from our country, wanting to cross the border thinking that it is easier to do so' President Joe Biden sent Amb. Roberta Jacobson, the White House's lead on the border, Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council's senior director for the Western Hemisphere and Ricardo Zuniga, the Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle to Mexico Tuesday for talks The so-called Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have been the largest source of migrants arriving at the U.S. southern border in recent years. These migrants from Honduras walk toward a U.S. border checkpoint after crossing the Rio Grande Former U.S. ambassador Roberta Jacobson, the White House's lead adviser on the border, and Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Council's senior director for the Western Hemisphere, were accompanied by Ricardo Zuniga, the newly named Special Envoy for the Northern Triangle. The Biden administration has started to dismantle Trump-era policies that made it more difficult for asylum seekers, but have maintained some like the pandemic-related policy invoked by Trump that allowed it to continue to return the majority of border crossers to Mexico. In a meeting with Mexico Foreign Affairs Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, the two delegations discussed 'humanitarian actions to spur, in the short term, an inclusive economic development in northern Central America,' according to a statement released by the Mexican government. Ebrard later emphasized the shared goal of development in the region to address migration. 'If we persevere and act together ... we can achieve that these countries and southern Mexico have a different future, have other possibilities,' he said. 'That no one has to migrate due to poverty, insecurity, desperation.' The so-called Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have been the largest source of migrants arriving at the U.S. southern border in recent years. Plagued by endemic corruption and violence, and more recently devastated by two major hurricanes in November and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants continue to stream out of those countries. Confusion and misinformation over Biden's seemingly more humane approach to immigrants and asylum seekers has been a contributing factor. Many migrants sensing a change in attitude from the heavy-handed Trump policies set out during the first months of the year to try their luck. Jacobson took the opportunity to again try to send a clear message to those thinking about migrating to the U.S. 'Dont come to the border. The border is closed,' Jacobson said in Spanish in a message released by the U.S. embassy in Mexico. She noted the danger of migrant smugglers and of traveling during the pandemic. 'Stay at home, stay safe and wait for more information about the asylum process.' Mexico finds itself once again under pressure to slow the movement of migrants across its territory. Last week, the government announced it was imposing new measures at its southern border that would permit only essential crossings due to pandemic concerns. But coming a year after the start of the pandemic many observers saw it only as a cover for more immigration enforcement. At the same time, Mexico deployed more immigration agents to the south and said it would focus on intercepting unaccompanied children and families with children trying to reach the northern border. That announcement was criticized for coming on the same day that the U.S. agreed to send COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico. In 2019, Mexico deployed its newly created National Guard to bolster immigration enforcement under pressure from the Trump administration, which had threatened crippling tariffs on all Mexican imports. The Biden administration is taking a more diplomatic approach, but similarly needs Mexicos cooperation. Mexico has faced criticism for essentially extending U.S. immigration policy to its own southern border. In return, Mexico has pushed the U.S. government to support more development projects in the region. Biden has spoken of sending $4 billion in development aid. Both sides they were focused on protecting the human rights of migrants, but ensuring a safe and orderly migration. Ultimately, they want to reduce the push factors driving migrants from their countries. The focus has been on economic factors, but yet to be seen is how the new U.S. administration will address touchier subjects like corruption in the region. Gladys McCormick, an associate professor in history at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, said that while the Biden administration was employing a more diplomatic approach than Trump did, the U.S. delegation came in wanting 'to have the Mexicans do some of their dirty work, which is yet again to stop the flow of people coming in on the southern border.' The situation is also an opportunity for Lopez Obrador to extract more from the United States, she said. More help in facing the pandemic is one thing Lopez Obrador already said he asked of Biden. Additional resources to help Mexico deal with the migrants gathering at their shared border could be another, McCormick said. It is also a welcome distraction for Lopez Obrador, McCormick said, noting that organized crime and the economic havoc caused by the pandemic weren't mentioned in Mexico's statement. '[Lopez Obrador] needs this as a way sort of to deflect attention from whats going on in Mexico now, especially in the lead up to the mid-term elections this summer,' she said. Part of the U.S. delegation was scheduled to hold meetings in Guatemala Wednesday. There was a 'lighter' showdown in Parliament on Tuesday when the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin intimated to his long time friend and the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu that he was only a leader of government business in the House. But he [Bagbin], when it comes to Parliament, was the topmost official and was also the third in line [hierarchy] as President of Ghana in the absence of the President. Mr Bagbin had referred a petition by the former Chief Executive Officer of the UT Bank and the founder of uniBank Ghana Limited over the revocation of the licenses of the two banks by the Bank of Ghana in 2018 to a yet to be formed seven member Parliamentary committee to look into it and present a motion to the House for debate and the way forward. Read also: Parliamentary committee to probe collapse of uniBank and UT Bank The petition which was laid by the NDC Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga was challenged by Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. The Speaker then overruled his assertion which resulted in a back and forth between the two. Speaker's position Responding to the petition, the Speaker said by the rules of Parliament when a citizen had a concern and was to petition Parliament, he did so through a Member of Parliament, who had two options to present such motion. He said the member could come through the direction of the Speaker to lay the petition or, after the admission of the Speaker, to go through the process of motion. Pre Order Ghana Year Book 2021 With Parliaments rules being scanty on how the House must handle such petition processes, Mr Bagbin said the House must work out on processes and procedure on how to handle petitions in the new Standing Orders which is being prepared. It is not for the Speaker to be a jury and a judge at the same time. The Speaker does not take the decisions of the House but it is the House that takes the decisions, he said. According to him, due to the nature of the petition, the petitioners and others would have to appear before the committee, a practice that pertained in other Parliaments. He explained that what he had done was to admit the petition, saying that by reason of the Constitution and Standing Orders, I do not have powers to be disallowing petitions. Petitions are not necessarily directed at government or members of government; they are concerns raised by concerned citizens on issues that they feel they must get some relief and one of the sources is to go through their MPs to the House, he said. Speaker has no powers to admit petitions - Majority Leaders challenge In a reaction, the Majority Leader, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu (OKMB), said he strongly disagreed with the position the Speaker wanted to take. You have made a statement to the effect that the petition must be referred to a committee to make some proposals, but perhaps we will leave it like that. But I disagree with the position that you have taken, he said. He indicated the House was already inundated with several petitions. Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu had argued that whilst Mr Bagbin was the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, he had insisted members should speak from their seats so that he will be able to identify them. But argued that Mr Bagbin was relaxing the rules when he is now the substantive Speaker and therefore encouraged Mr Bagbin to be consistent. Lighter exchanges It was at the point that Mr Bagbin said: "Honourable Majority Leader, the business of government is led by you [OKMB] in this House, you don't lead Parliament, you lead the business of the House, you lead the Majority, and you lead government business." "As to the role of the Speaker, you haven't reached there yet, when you get there, you do so." "Please, you've been my [Bagbin] very good friend for all these years, until I became Speaker and everybody in Ghana is doubting whether you are really my friend." "I've received a lot of calls about that, and I said you are my friend, and you are still my friend but people are doubting it." "Please don't give credence to that doubt," Mr Bagbin said. Mr Kyei Mensah then responded: "Mr Speaker, respectfully, I have not been your friend until you became the Speaker. You and I know that we are still friends but we agree to disagree..., Mr Speaker, Majority Leaders don't always act as leaders of the majority caucus and also when their party is in power as leaders of government business, but a majority leader is a leader of the House," he said. But, Mr Bagbin rebutted, and said he stated that Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu was the leader of the House. "But you are not the leader of the Speaker, you know the mood in which you disagree with me, is what is giving credence to whether you are still my friend." "It looks like you are my former friend now, because I hear you always on air disagreeing with me and so vehement that people are doubting, is this really my friend, so I'm just drawing your attention, if you want to continue to be my friend, then you know the proper thing to do," he said amidst laughter from the floor. Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu interjected and said it is not for him to want to continue to be a friend of the Speaker. He said that it was a mutual move to be friends but Mr Bagbin said, "you have to be my friend not [for] me to be your friend, at least I have a position in Ghana, 'Number 3' what is your number? Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said the 'Number 3' for the Speaker is not in government, "Mr Speaker, your Number 3 is not in government." Bagbin: "No, I didn't say in government, I said in the country [Ghana]. What is your position in the country? number [what]?" But amidst giggling, Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said his position is a versatile utility player, which may have much more significance than yours." At that point, Mr Bagbin sarcastically continued to ask him to state the number of his position amidst loud laughs from the floor. 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 The Taoiseach said it would be useful to have an alignment between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland on its mandatory hotel quarantining system. Micheal Martin also said it would be important to have people travelling through Northern Ireland into the Republic subject to the same legal framework. From Friday, all passengers arriving into Ireland from one of the 33 countries flagged as high-risk by the Government will have to quarantine for 12 days at a hotel. They are now required to pre-book accommodation in a designated quarantine facility and to pre-pay for their stay. Expand Close The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry near Dublin Airport which will be used as a Covid-19 quarantine hotel for air travellers arriving into Ireland. Picture date: Tuesday March 23, 2021 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry near Dublin Airport which will be used as a Covid-19 quarantine hotel for air travellers arriving into Ireland. Picture date: Tuesday March 23, 2021 There is no such system in place in Northern Ireland, prompting concerns that travellers could use the region as a back door into the Republic. Mr Martin told the Dail on Wednesday that the Northern Ireland Executive may introduce similar plans, but this was not confirmed. The Taoiseach said current restrictions in the Republic and Northern Ireland have been aligned up to now and will remain so until April 5, when lockdown laws will be reviewed. Indeed, that alignment may extend because, notwithstanding the progress that Northern Ireland has made on the vaccination programme, there may be a phased approach to the easing of restrictions there, Mr Martin added. I would make the point that, in essence, Northern Ireland has been part of the UK vaccination programme and we have been part of the EU-wide vaccination programme. That is well known. There has not been an all-Ireland approach on vaccinations for obvious reasons in terms of the source of the supply. Ideally, it would be great, but we are not in that ideal situation. What would be useful is if we had alignment on mandatory quarantining. I understand the Northern Ireland Executive might have said it has plans in this regard but I am not too sure where those plans are or how concrete they are in terms of realisation. There has not been an all-Ireland approach on vaccinations for obvious reasons in terms of the source of the supply Micheal Martin Obviously, it would be very important if there was alignment in terms of the mandatory hotel quarantining, and people coming through the North will be subject to that legal framework if they come into the Republic. Mr Martin said there has been good co-operation between both regions, particularly in the engagement between the councils in the north west of the country. In phase two, both local authorities, Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, issued localised leaflets to make the public in that region aware of the restrictions locally, the Fianna Fail leader added. That is the type of practical co-operation on the ground that we should encourage around restrictions and encouraging people to adhere to the guidelines that generally apply to the prevention of Covid-19. We will continue to work and engage, particularly through the group of officials I mentioned, which meets on a regular basis, in consort with the Northern Ireland authorities, to iron out any potential issues or difficulties that may arise. The owner of one of Australia's most famous art galleries has admitted he approved a project featuring Union Jack soaked with blood donated by Indigenous people because he thought it would 'appeal to lefties'. David Walsh, who founded Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) apologised on Wednesday for his decision to approve Spanish artist Santiago Sierra's controversial piece for Tasmania's Dark Mofo arts festival. The artwork, called 'Union Flag', was pulled from the exhibition list on Tuesday amid widespread outcry after organisers made a social media appeal calling for Aboriginal Australians to donate their blood for the artwork. The controversy has sparked calls for a boycott of the festival, which run from June 16 to 22, with outraged critics slamming the project as 'abusive shock jock art'. David Walsh, the owner of Hobart's Museum of New and Old Art, has issued an apology for approving an artwork which would have seen a British flag soaked in Indigenous people's blood Senior curator for Museums Victoria's south-eastern Aboriginal collections Kimberley Moulton called the project 'insulting and abhorrent' A maverick gallery owner has admitted he approved a controversial 'anti-colonial' artwork featuring a Union Jack soaked with blood donated by Indigenous people because he thought it would 'appeal to lefties' In a long apology posted on his website Mr Walsh said he was 'naive' by approving the project, and said he thought it would appeal to the 'usual leftie demographic'. He added that he was initially briefed about the project two years ago and 'didn't think much about it at the time'. 'I thought the work, as proposed, was undisciplined and undernourished and, perhaps, treading well-trodden ground,' he wrote. 'The work, then, proposed collecting blood from colonial subjects. This year, it proposed collecting blood from First Nations people. I barely noticed the difference. 'Naively, perhaps incredibly, I thought it would appeal to the usual leftie demographic. I approved it without much thought as has become obvious.' Among those to slam the project was Indigenous rapper Briggs, who replied to Dark Mofo's Instagram post with: 'We already gave enough blood.' Senior curator for Museums Victoria's south-eastern Aboriginal collections Kimberley Moulton called the project 'insulting and abhorrent' in a reply to the Dark Mofo post. 'This is not "de-colonising" it's not provocative or ground breaking conceptual practice it's absolute bullshit boring af shock jock art,' she wrote. 'In Australia rivers ran red with the blood of First Peoples from frontier violence.' Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael hit back at early criticism with a statement on Facebook standing by Sierra's work. David Walsh, who founded Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art apologised on Wednesday for his decision to allow Spanish artist Santiago Sierra (pictured) to proceed with the controversial project Among those to slam the project was Indigenous rapper Briggs, who replied to Dark Mofo's Instagram post with: 'We already gave enough blood.' 'Self-expression is a fundamental human right, and we support artists to make and present work regardless of their nationality or cultural background,' he wrote. 'The range of perspectives reflects the conversations we had with Tasmanian Aboriginal people prior to announcing the project. 'It's not surprising that the atrocities committed as a result of colonising nations continue to haunt us.' But Mr Carmichael then backtracked and apologised, announcing the cancellation of the project. 'We've heard the community's response to Santiago Sierra's Union Flag. In the end the hurt that will be caused by proceeding isn't worth it,' he wrote. 'We made a mistake, and take full responsibility.' MONA curator Pippa Mott was another to criticise the artwork, describing it as an 'abomination'. 'This is not a "colonial critique". This is not cutting edge. This is bad art and an abuse of the platform that Dark Mofo could and should be using to do meaningful, challenging and illuminating work,' she wrote. Mr Walsh said one of MONA's curators sent him a letter denouncing the project, which had been co-signed by a 'bunch of other staff'. They said the work was ' tone-deaf to the current fights for a treaty, equality, for Aboriginal-led conversations, and ultimately reconciliation.' MONA curator Pippa Mott was another to criticise the artwork, describing it as an 'abomination' Mr Walsh said he spoke to a few workers whose names were not on the letter who told him they supported it despite not signing. After listening to their views, Mr Walsh was still hesitant to withdraw his approval because art is 'deeply subjective' and he has always believed it has the right to be displayed independent of public opinion. 'I should not sway at the whim of criticism. But neither should I be impervious to it. I'm here, trying to learn,' he said. 'Had all this gone swimmingly: blood collected, naff anti-colonial point made, feedback positive, who would have benefited? Not First Nations people. They already know they've been f***ed over by colonialism. Who then? MONA? Me. 'It's no wonder everyone is disgusted. I'm sorry.' Mr Walsh built the acclaimed museum a decade ago, which has hosted an array of controversial works since it opened in 2011. Last year, MONA came under fire over an art exhibition that showed a 'deconstructed' rabbit torn to pieces and laid out on a table. Mr Sierra is no stranger to controversy either, with previous works including one were visitors in gas masks walked through a former synagogue in Germany filled with carbon monoxide, a project which angered Jewish groups. At the time of writing, the helicopter still remains attached to the underbelly of the Perseverance rover, as NASA showed us not long ago. The six-wheeled machine is presently slowly crawling to the site chosen for the takeoff. Once at its destination, the 30-day window for Ingenuity to conduct its test flights will commence.NASA feels particularly anxious about the mission, given both the fact this was never attempted before and the challenges posed by Mars. The Red Planet has about one-third the gravity of Earth and an atmosphere that is just one percent as dense as that on our home planet. Both these traits will significantly impact the agencys attempt at a controlled flight.To circumvent these challenges, NASA decided to make the helicopter particularly small. The thing weighs just four pounds (1.8 kg), as it's made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber, flight-grade aluminum, silicon, copper, foil, and foam.Ingenuity will have to be deposited smack in the middle of the 33-by-33-foot (10-by-10-meter) area of Mars chosen for the mission, in order to avoid potential hazards. This type of deployment is also a first, and it makes scientists nervous: it will take Perseverance six Martian days (a bit more in Earth days) to deploy the Ingenuity through a series of well-planned and carefully coordinated maneuvers.First, the bolt-breaking device will be engaged, releasing the locking mechanism that holds the helicopter glued to the rover. A cable-cutting pyrotechnic device will then detonate, allowing the arm that holds the machinery to rotate it out of its horizontal position.Ingenuity will extend two of its four landing legs, and this step will be followed by the unlatching of the machine and it becoming vertical. The final two legs will then snap into position, 5 inches (13 centimeters) over the Martian surface. The helicopter will then get its last dose of charging from the rover and drop to the ground.Once all these steps have been concluded, the actual mission can start. Perseverance will be used as a relay for the instructions sent to the helicopter from Earth, and, at least in theory, things should work out just fine.Spinning its rotors at 2,537 rpm, Ingenuity should climb at a rate of about 3 feet per second (1 meter per second) until it reaches a height of 10 feet (3 meters). A successful mission would mean it can stay there for up to 30 seconds before gently coming back down.If all goes well, the flight should open new opportunities to explore the alien world, as humanity will no longer depend on distant, orbiting satellites or slow-crawling machines on the surface. A facility believed to be a so-called re-education camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained, north of Kashgar in China's Xinjiang region, on June 2, 2019. (Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images) US Senators Push Solar Lobby to Detail Firms Links to Forced Labor in China WASHINGTONTwo U.S. senators have asked the leading solar energy lobbying group to clarify U.S. dependence on solar products linked to forced labor in Chinas Xinjiang, part of a push in Congress to address what Western countries say are rights abuses by Beijing. Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Jeff Merkley sent a letter on Tuesday asking the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) to detail measures it or member companies have taken to ensure that solar products sourced from Xinjiang, including polysilicon, are not made using forced labor. The senators asked SEIA for information on the extent to which the U.S. solar supply chain is currently dependent on polysilicon and solar ingots/wafers made in Xinjiang, according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters. Polysilicon is the key raw material used to produce solar panels that generate electricity from sunlight. In the letter, the senators said that reliance on a China-based supply chain fails to protect consumers from inadvertently contributing to human rights abuses abroad. Multiple homes with solar panels are shown in Scripps Ranch, San Diego, Calif., on Oct. 5, 2016. (Mike Blake/Reuters) Dan Whitten, SEIAs vice president of public affairs, said the group shared the senators concerns. We have called on American solar companies to completely leave the Xinjiang region by June and are working hard to develop a supply chain traceability protocol that can be used as a compliance tool to ensure the products they use are free of forced labor, Whitten said. Rubio and Merkley partnered earlier this year to reintroduce legislation that would ban all products from Xinjiang without specific approvals. While such legislation has had strong bipartisan support, congressional aides say it has been the target of lobbying by firms with supply-chain links to Xinjiang. U.N. experts and rights groups estimate over a million people, mainly Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities, have been detained in a vast system of camps in Chinas western Xinjiang region in recent years. Many former inmates have said they were subject to ideological training and abuse in the camps. The U.S. State Department has made a determination that Chinese officials are perpetrating genocide there. China denies all accusations of abuse. The United States and other Western countries have argued that China, the worlds biggest manufacturer of photovoltaic products, has undercut global solar companies with government subsidies for the Chinese industry. By Michael Martina and Nichola Groom ATLANTA, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- White Cap Supply Canada, Inc. ("White Cap") has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding shares of National Concrete Accessories Canada Inc. ("NCA"), an Alberta corporation. Upon the completion of the deal, NCA will combine with White Cap Supply Canada, which is comprised of Brafasco and Brock White Canada ("BWC"), to form a single Canadian business. This combined business, which is intended to mirror the long-term success of White Cap in the United States, will be led by Vasken Altounian as Business Unit President and Neil Fast as Regional Vice President, and will report into Alan Sollenberger, President of White Cap. This transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and financial terms were not disclosed. "We are looking forward to expanding our presence and offerings in Canada thanks to the many strengths of the NCA team," said John Stegeman, Chief Executive Officer of White Cap. "The depth of products, services, and knowledge that NCA brings in concrete forming and accessories complements Brafasco's specialty in fasteners, tools, and safety products, and BWC's portfolio of building envelope, concrete accessories, masonry, and geotechnical products." "Our intended combination will enable an unparalleled level of streamlined service, depth of inventory, and a significant breadth of products for customers across Canada, coast-to-coast. All three teams across Brafasco, BWC and NCA share a strong commitment to exceptional customer service with customer-centric cultures and operating models," said Vasken Altounian, Business Unit President of White Cap Supply Canada. This acquisition is the first for White Cap since becoming an independent company in October 2020. About White Cap White Cap Supply Holdings, LLC. ("White Cap") serves as a one-stop shop providing concrete accessories and chemicals, tools and equipment, building materials and fasteners, erosion and waterproofing and safety products to professional contractors by meeting their distinct and customized supply needs in non-residential, residential and infrastructure end markets. White Cap operates under multiple brands including Brafasco, Contractors' Warehouse and a number of brands that fall under Construction Supply Group. White Cap operates 400 branches across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 7,500 employees and offers more than 460,000 SKUs to 265,000 customers. For more information, visit www.whitecap.com. About White Cap Supply Canada White Cap Supply Canada, Inc. is comprised of Brafasco and Brock White Canada. Brafasco offers specialty fasteners, safety supplies, and tools to manufacturing, construction and trade customers, and Brock White Canada (BWC) is a professional-grade building and construction materials distributor. White Cap Supply Canada has approximately 60 locations spanning eight Canadian provinces, coast-to-coast. The integration of BWC and Brafasco in Canada is ongoing. For more information, visit www.brafasco.com. SOURCE White Cap Supply Holdings LLC Related Links http://www.whitecap.com Principal Magistrate S. Jobarteh of the Banjul Magistrate's Court has on Tuesday, 23rd March issued a bench warrant for the arrest of two non-Nigerians, who are accused of hacking the NAWEC's Qpower Account. Godwin Ojukun and Frederick Felix Chainacherem are charged with two criminal offences relating to their alleged involvement in the hacking of the Qpower account. They are charged with conspiracy to commit felony and money laundering. Chief Inspector E Sarr for the Inspector General of Police said the two are currently apprehended in Guinea Bissau awaiting extradition. He explained that the Interpol office in Banjul have requested for their extradition, but their counterparts in Bissau are requesting for a bench warrant of arrest from a court of law. Sarr, when making the application for the issuance of bench warrant for the arrest of the two accused persons, pleaded with the court to grant the application in order to extradite the two. The Principal Magistrate said she was satisfied with the application, adding it has merit. On this regard, she granted the application and issued a bench warrant of arrest against the two accused persons. On the first count, they were charged with conspiracy to commit felony. According to the particulars of offence, the two accused persons, in the year 2021 in Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, conspired among themselves and jointly hacked the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) Qpower bank account number 003101010102011137 at Agib Bank, knowing same to have been proceed of a crime, for the purpose of concealing the illicit origin of the funds to evade traces. On the second and final count, the two were charged with money laundering contrary to section 22 (a) and (b) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act Combatting Terroristm Finance Act 2012. According to the particulars of the offence, the two accused persons, in the year 2021 in Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, jointly hacked the NAWEC Qpower bank account at Agib Bank, knowing same to have been the proceed of a crime, for the purpose of concealing the illicit origin of the funds to evade traces. The case was adjourned to the 26th April 2021 at 10 am for mention and for further hearing. LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) A Lincoln woman has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for being drunk when she crashed her car, killing her best friend who was a passenger. Batavia, NY (14020) Today Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 69F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 59F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. NEW YORK Boston Scientific Corp. agreed to pay $188.7 million to settle claims by most U.S. states that it deceptively marketed its surgical mesh devices to consumers. The settlement with 47 states and Washington, D.C. was announced on Tuesday by several state attorneys general. Boston Scientific also agreed to describe more accurately to consumers the safety and risks of using mesh. Johnson & Johnson and its Ethicon unit reached a similar $117 million multistate settlement over the devices in 2019, while Becton Dickinson and Co and its CR Bard unit reached a $60 million accord last September. The devices have also been the subject of widespread litigation by women against manufacturers. Lawyers for some of the plaintiffs have estimated that settlements between the industry and more than 100,000 women may reach $11 billion. Pelvic mesh devices, also called transvaginal mesh devices, were intended to be implanted in the pelvic floor to treat the common conditions of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, where organs shift from their normal positions. The states accused Boston Scientific of concealing potential serious risks of using the devices, including chronic pain, urinary dysfunction and a new onset of incontinence. While Boston Scientific was putting income before the health of people in need of care, women were put in danger, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. Boston Scientific said the settlement was not an admission of misconduct or liability, and was in shareholders best interest. The payment is covered by the Marlborough, Massachusetts-based companys existing reserves. In April 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ordered Boston Scientific and the Danish company Coloplast A/S , the two remaining makers of transvaginal surgical mesh implants for pelvic order prolapse, to halt sales. It said neither company demonstrated a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for their devices. SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HashiCorp, the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software, today announced it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Cisco, in which Cisco will sell HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business alongside the Cisco Intersight platform. The agreement will help customers achieve a hybrid cloud operating model using Terraforms infrastructure as code for infrastructure provisioning and management of private datacenters with Cisco Intersight. HashiCorp is delighted to expand our commercial agreement with Cisco, a critical provider of compute infrastructure, networking, and security solutions in private datacenters. Together, we are working to help solve the challenges that large organizations face when running both public cloud and private datacenter environments, said Brandon Sweeney, chief revenue officer at HashiCorp. Through this agreement, we are excited to deliver proven solutions to accelerate the delivery of a cloud operating model for our joint customers. Organizations adopt Terraform infrastructure as code because they are challenged by inconsistent, error-prone provisioning practices across multiple environments. Offered as a service, Terraform Cloud allows teams and organizations to provision multi-cloud infrastructure, and manage risks for security, compliance, and operational constraints. Organizations are looking to extend these capabilities to their private environments as well. The Cisco Intersight platform delivers intelligent visualization, optimization, and orchestration for applications and infrastructure in hybrid and on-premises environments via a consistent, SaaS-delivered cloud operations platform. The Cisco Intersight Service for Terraform will offer a bridge to easily and securely integrate on-premises environments with Terraform Cloud Business, and enable IT Ops and DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using infrastructure as code across hybrid cloud. "HashiCorp Terraform enables Riot's Esports team to simplify management of our infrastructure by enabling reliable deployment of changes across our global footprint, said Scott Adametz, senior manager, infrastructure engineering at Riot Games. Working in concert with continuous innovation/continuous delivery pipelines, the Cisco Intersight cloud operations platform is enabling us to provision networking and compute infrastructure across multiple environments with the simplicity of a git merge. With Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform, we will have the opportunity to simplify and secure our operations further to ensure consistent infrastructure automation and improve DevOps agility. "DevOps and application teams, as well as the infrastructure and operations teams are under pressure to provide the resource flexibility their development team requires," said Kaustubh Das, vice president and general manager of cloud and compute at Cisco. "Through our strategic agreement, Cisco and HashiCorp are opening a fast lane for organizations to accelerate application innovation across hybrid cloud. Our jointly-developed solution enables organizations to simplify the challenge of securely exposing their on-premises environments via the Cisco Intersight platform to Terraform Cloud Business and easily integrate with their IaC strategies. Availability & SupportThe Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform provides enterprise capabilities for organizations of all sizes, including policy, SSO, and audit logging for productivity across the organizations while managing risk. The Cisco Intersight Service for HashiCorp Terraform will be generally available in April. As part of the multi-year commercial agreement Cisco will include HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business on the Cisco global price list under the Cisco DevNet SolutionsPlus program. Cisco will also offer centralized support across customers Intersight and HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Business environments under the Cisco Solution Support program. To learn more about The Cisco Intersight Service for Terraform, attend the Cisco Live iTalk session Accelerate Cloud Adoption with Hybrid Cloud Operations, Tuesday, March 30. For session details and to register: https://hashi.co/2P0aPFR Supporting Materials HashiCorp Learn: Get Started with Terraform Cloud: https://hashi.co/2tLiX24 HashiCorp Terraform Cloud Overview: https://hashi.co/3tLvNqN Cisco blog: Cisco and HashiCorp Join Forces to Deliver Infrastructure as Code Automation Across Hybrid Cloud: https://hashi.co/2NFiXuI Cisco DevNet Infrastructure as Code Developer Center: https://hashi.co/397ootT Cisco Intersight Services web page: https://hashi.co/396Burs About HashiCorpHashiCorp is the leader in multi-cloud infrastructure automation software. The HashiCorp software suite enables organizations to adopt consistent workflows to provision, secure, connect, and run any infrastructure for any application. HashiCorps open source tools Vagrant, Packer, Terraform, Vault, Consul, Nomad, Boundary, and Waypoint are downloaded tens of millions of times each year and are broadly adopted by the Global 2000. Enterprise and managed service versions of these products enhance the open source tools with features that promote collaboration, operations, governance, and multi-datacenter functionality. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, though 85 percent of HashiCorp employees work remotely, strategically distributed around the globe. HashiCorp is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Franklin Templeton, Geodesic Capital, GGV Capital, IVP, Mayfield, Redpoint Ventures, T. Rowe Price funds and accounts, and True Ventures. For more information, visit hashicorp.com or follow HashiCorp on Twitter @HashiCorp. All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Media & Analyst ContactKate Lehmanmedia@hashicorp.com Source: HashiCorp, Inc. Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - AllStar Health Brands Inc. (OTC Pink: ALST) ("AllStar Health" or the "Company"), a specialty pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements company, is pleased to update current and prospective shareholders on the status of the Company's COVID-19 testing project in Jamaica, as well as its outlook for testing volume at major Jamaican testing sites. "Together with our partner, TPT Medtech, we are successfully onboarding the 'QuikPASS' and 'QuikLAB' systems at Jamaica's two main international airports: Montego Bay and Kingston," noted Dr. Daniel Bagi, CEO of AllStar Health. "As our operations in Jamaica ramp up, we expect to test up to 3,000-5,000 travellers per day, amounting to a potential several million tests annually at these locations." The CDC recently mandated that all travellers coming back into the US, UK, or Canada from the Caribbean, Mexico, or Latin America must be tested before arrival. Moreover, all travellers must obtain PCR test results for travel to the UK or Canada. To gain clearance to travel, travellers from Jamaica heading to destinations within the UK, US, Canada, or other countries may utilize "QuikPASS" (or other available COVID-19 passport apps) or get tested at any approved facility and show a negative COVID-19 laboratory test result at the airport in the form of written documentation (electronic or printed). Dr. Bagi added, "We are very pleased to be able to install these systems with our partner TPT MedTech. This will enable us to help provide an advanced system for testing and reporting of COVID-19 diagnostic status, which we expect will be a factor in restoring the tourism industry in a country where tourism makes a critical contribution to overall GDP." About AllStar Health Brands AllStar Health Brands Inc. is a Nevada Corporation established in 2017, and headquartered in Miami, Florida. AllStar is a specialty HealthCare Products Company dedicated to improving health and quality of life by offering select, nutritional supplements, over the counter remedies, and medicines all across the Americas and Europe. AllStar's goal is to bring additional products to the market and provide new, innovative options for better health and wellbeing. For more information, please contact Investor Relations at (305) 423 7028. Safe Harbor Statement Statements about the Company's future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. The above information contains information relating to the Company that is based on the beliefs of the Company and/or its management, as well as assumptions made by any information currently available to the Company or its management. When used in this document, the words "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plans," "projects," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current view of the Company regarding future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties noted. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or projected. In each instance, forward-looking information should be considered in light of the accompanying meaningful cautionary statements herein. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, the impact of competitive services and pricing and general economic risks and uncertainties. SOURCE: AllStar Health Brands Inc. Public Relations EDM Media, LLC https://edm.media (800) 301-7883 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78328 Press Release March 24, 2021 STATEMENT OF SENATOR RICHARD J. GORDON, RENEWING HIS CALL FOR AN END TO THE KILLINGS, ESPECIALLY OF JUDGES, LAWYERS, PROSECUTORS I have long been a voice in the wilderness, strongly condemning and calling for an end to the culture of killings with impunity that, I fear, had woven itself into the fabric of our society. I have been resolute in coming up with measures to take a bite out of crime, killings in particular. I couldn't be more vocal and quick on the draw when it comes to killings, especially when a justice, a judge, a prosecutor or a lawyer was the victim because an attack on the very people who dispense justice or work for the speedy disposition of justice is a slap on the face of Lady Justice. During my first term, I stood up to condemn the killing of Judge Voltaire Rosales in 2004 and called on to then PNP Chief Edgardo Aglipay to relentlessly pursue the case. Over the years, I have also stood up for other slain judges and justices such as Judge Ma. Theresa Abadilla and retired CA Justice Normandie Pizarro. I have also gave privilege speeches when lawyers and prosecutors had been killed, such as Atty. Fredric Santos of the National Bilibid Prisons; Madonna Joy Tanyag, an assistant special prosecutor at the Office of the Ombudsman; Atty. Bayani Dalangin; Atty. Joey Luis Wee; and Atty. Winston Intong, to name a few. I have also conducted investigations in the Blue Ribbon Committee and the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, as part of efforts to help solve the killings. To help ensure their protection and put a stop to these killings, I have sought the support of my colleagues for my bills such as the Senate Bill No. 1947 or the "Judiciary Marshals Act, Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act and SBN 1828 or the Police Courts Act of 202o, among others. The killings, especially of judges, lawyers and prosecutors over the years, most of which have remained unsolved, manifest our failure as a country to protect our magistrates and to fully enforce the rule of law, which could incite our citizens into taking the law into their own hands and throw our society back into the age of anarchy. If our judges and lawyers are not safe and cannot get justice for themselves, sino pa ang susunod sa batas? There is no rule of law. Thus, I commend and support the Supreme Court for making a stand to protect the members of the Bar and the Bench, at the same time issuing words of encouragement for the entire Judiciary and all members of the legal profession to remain strong and unwavering in the duties they swore an oath to fulfil. Remaining undaunted, in the face of threats, to enforce the law and uphold the supremacy of the Constitution is indeed courageous and dignified. People aged 45 and above account for about 88 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in India making them the most vulnerable section, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday, a day after the government opened up vaccinations for all those in the age bracket from April 1. Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the case fatality rate in the age group is 2.85 per cent as against an overall national average of 1.37 per cent. "About 88 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in the country are taking place in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable group that needs to be protected," he said, adding that this is the reason behind allowing their vaccination from April 1. Speaking about the new SARS-CoV-2 variants, National Centre for Disease Control Director S K Singh said 771 variants of concern (VOCs) have been detected in 18 states and union territories, which include 736 samples that were positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. Till now, no linkage has been established to show that the surge being witnessed in some states is directly because of only virus mutants. There are various reasons behind a surge. States having a larger pool of susceptible population are prone to witness rise in cases. Whenever the susceptible population will lower their guard and not follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour, they will get the infection, be it the normal virus or the mutants, he said. There are only three variants of concern, detected in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. In addition to these, some other variants of interest have also been found in some states, including Maharashtra and Delhi, which need to be further analysed and investigated, he added. Bhushan said there are roughly three per cent active cases of COVID-19 and these active cases are concentrated mainly in 10 districts -- nine in Maharashtra and one in Karnataka. These districts are Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nanded, Jalgaon, Akola, and Bengaluru Urban. "Two states are of grave concern which showed recent surge in cases. First is Maharashtra which reported over 28,000 cases. The top five districts are Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane and Nashik," he said. Bhushan said Punjab is another state of grave concern because, considering its population, a very high number of cases are being reported there. Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Hoshiarpur in Punjab are reporting high number of cases, he said. "We had a meeting with health officials of Maharashtra and Punjab to talk about refinement in their strategy to tackle the surge," he said. Bhushan said there are a few other states too which are a matter of serious concern. These are Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnatak, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Chandigarh which have recorded a surge in COVID-19 cases. In Gujarat, about 1,700 cases are being reported everyday, while about 1,500 cases are being reported in Madhya Pradesh daily. Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar in Gujarat are recording high number of cases, while Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Betul in Madhya Pradesh are witnessing a surge in infections. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have also recorded recent surges. Karnataka is reporting about 2,000 cases per day, while Tamil Nadu is recording about 1,400 new daily cases. On vaccination, Bhushan said 5,08,41,286 coronavirus vaccine doses were administered till 10 am Wednesday, which include 2,64,52,366 doses given to those aged above 60 and those aged 45-60 years with comorbidities. He said 20 states and union territories, including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgath, Rajasthan and Bihar, have administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to more than 92 per cent of healthcare workers, and 14 states and UTs have given the second dose to more than 85 per cent of eligible healthcare workers. Bhushan said Telangana, Chandigarh, Nagaland and Punjab have low vaccination coverage of healthcare workers. "These states have been asked to follow suit of other states that have high vaccination coverage," he said. Bhushan said Telangana, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram and Chandigarh have low vaccination coverage of frontline workers. The government had announced on Tuesday that from April 1, all people above 45 years of age will be eligible to get COVID-19 vaccines. The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated and vaccination of the frontline workers started from February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. On the recommendation to give the second dose of Covishield after a gap of 4-8 weeks from the first dose, Bhushan said the protection against the virus is enhanced if the second dose is administered between six and eight weeks, but not later than the stipulated period of eight weeks. He further said the revised time gap between two doses is applicable only to Covishield, and not to Covaxin. Also Read: After just 38% sale in telecom auctions, 5G spectrum prices likely to be reduced Also Read: Hiring activity picks up pace; IT sector leads the pack Also Read: A year after crash- Investor wealth doubles WASHINGTON The U.S. Armys multidomain task force might have started out as an experimental unit, but a new plan to operationalize it puts the unit front and center in competition, crisis and conflict against adversaries. The move is detailed in an Army whitepaper released March 23, in which the service acknowledges it must transform now to meet future challenges. Although our Army still maintains overmatch, it is fleeting, the service wrote. By 2040, China and Russia will have weaponized all instruments of national power to undermine the collective wills of the United States, Allies and partners, while simultaneously cultivating their own security partnerships. This will lead to an unstructured international environment where the line between conflict and peace is blurred, the whitepaper added. As China and Russia continue to modernize their militaries, the Joint Force will find it increasingly difficult to deter their illicit and aggressive actions. The Army identifies China as the country that poses the most enduring strategic challenge and is likely to reach military parity with the U.S. military by 2040. The first multidomain task force was stood up at Joint Base Lewis-McChord several years ago to participate in Indo-Pacific Command theater exercises to help inform the Armys Multi-Domain Operations war-fighting concept as it evolves into doctrine. This unit, which is aligned to U.S. Army Pacific, represents the first of these units to bring multi-domain capabilities to combatant commanders, the paper noted. The MDTFs All-Domain Operations Center, or ADOC, is currently under construction and will enable 24/7 oversight of adversary contact in all domains. The MDTF is expected to be the centerpiece of Project Convergence 2021, an annual campaign of learning that examines how the Army and the joint force will conduct multidomain operations. How two-man US Army crews in Oceania will shape Defender Pacific 2021 Story continues The Army has previously discussed plans to add a second MDTF assigned to the Pacific as well as another for Europe, and the service recently unveiled plans to have one located in the Arctic. But the whitepaper makes it clear the Army wants to build five of these units, with one that is aligned for global response, the paper stated. The document also noted the MDTF in the Arctic will be tailored to deal with multiple threats. MDTFs represent agile development embodied in an organization, the paper stated. While the conventional force generation mans, trains and equips organizations and then provides them to combatant commanders, MDTFs break this mold. Each MDTF will be designed and tailored to operate at the required echelon in order to meet the needs of the supported Joint Force commander, the paper read. From inception, each MDTF will be assigned or aligned to a Combatant Command, then built, trained, and exercised within the context of the Combatant Commanders requirements. The units will be scalable from operational to the strategic theater level. The hope is this design will result in more capable forces to operate in areas where access is denied by the opposing force. The MDTFs will also serve as an organizational centerpiece for modernization, according to the document, because they will accelerate change through experimentation and testing during all-domain maneuver. They are also expected to help develop new ways to fight and will inform the Joint All-Domain Operations architecture and strategy. The units, acting as theater-level maneuver elements, will synchronize precision effects and precision fires in all domains against adversary [anti-access, area denial] networks in all domains, enabling joint forces to execute their [operational plan]-directed roles, the paper described. The Armys war-fighting concept identifies multidomain operational phases as competition, crisis and conflict, and the paper put the MDTFs roles front and center in managing these phases. In the competition phase, which is below the level of conflict, the Army plans to maintain forward presence while building and maintaining relationships with allies and partners around the world. MDTFs would serve as the tool to gain and maintain contact with our adversaries to support the rapid transition to crisis or conflict, according to the paper. With requisite authorities, maneuver in all domains allows MDTFs to identify and secure positions of relative advantage from which they deny, delay, degrade, and disrupt the adversary. In the crisis phase, the Army would hold adversaries interests at risk and impose costs on their actions. MDTFs would play a critical role in deescalating crises and bring them back to competition on favorable terms by delivering non-kinetic and kinetic maneuver to demonstrate friendly resolve, impose costs and alter behaviors, the paper explained. MDTFs would neutralize adversarial networks used to deny territorial access in order to give the joint force the ability to maneuver by employing synchronized combinations of non-kinetic and kinetic effects to disrupt, defeat and destroy A2/AD capabilities, according to the document. A plan for how the Army will operate in the competition phase of Multi-Domain Operations is expected to be released shortly, Army Chief Gen. James McConville said last week at the Association of the U.S. Armys Global Force virtual conference. A motion of no confidence in Green Party chairperson Hazel Chu has been deferred at tonights parliamentary party meeting. Three senators Minister of State Pippa Hackett and Senators Pauline OReilly and Roisin Garvey tabled three motions, including one expressing no confidence in the Chair. The motions come after Cllr Chu, who is the Lord Mayor of Dublin, launched her official bid to run as an independent candidate for a Seanad seat on the Commercial and Industrial panel. Green Party leader in the Seanad Senator Pauline OReilly said that it is reasonable to ask how someone can run as an independent while a Chair of the party. It's not a comfortable question to ask but we are all entitled to our opinions and mine is that the members of the Party should either have been given the opportunity to run for selection or we back the government candidate, she said. Bypassing a democratic process is questionable at the very least". Cllr Chu launched her bid after failing to secure the backing of her party, with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan saying on Tuesday that he will back the Government candidates. It is understood that as Cllr Chu is a Chairperson of the party, even if a motion of no confidence passed, it will be up to the executive and membership to decide if she should be removed. The first motion focused on confidence in Cllr Chu as Chair; the second reasserting that all parliamentary party members will be voting for Government candidates and the third that it is not compatible to run as an independent candidate while remaining Chair of the party. It is understood that the three Senators agreed to defer voting on the motions to allow people time to digest and consider which way they will vote. The motions will be considered in a future parliamentary party meeting, although it is understood that no date was agreed. Some sources feel that Cllr Chu running as an independent, despite the executive and parliamentary party previously agreeing not to run a candidate, is a distraction to the much-awaited Climate Action Bill, published by leader Eamon Ryan this week. The motions seek to open a conversation if her actions to run as an unofficial candidate were correct, according to a source. Ms Chu claims there was no pact in place for Seanad seats between her party and the other parties in Government. It comes after Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he will not be voting for her as he has already suggested the party should instead back Government candidates those of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. Ms Chu decided to run for the Seanad as an independent and said today her reason was that there should be female and minority representation on the ballot. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had agreed to stand just one candidate in the upcoming Seanad by-elections, which would ensure support for former senators Gerry Horkan and Maria Byrne. Read More However, speaking today, Ms Chu said there was no pact in place with her party. If I was told there was a pact within the coalition, I wouldnt have gone against it, she said I was told, as were other people in a meeting, that there was no pact. I know Minister Donohoe is saying there was a deal, but I certainly was told that there was not, she said, speaking on Today with Claire Byrne. She said the details were discussed in a private meeting that there was no pact in place. There was a motion for a selection convention within the executive of the Green Party and that motion fell due to time constraints, a coalition government, and a possibility of not winning, she said. She said the motion didnt stop anyone from running for the Seanad and it was absolutely fine that the party leader is not supporting her run. Mr Ryan said previously he didnt know if Ms Chu should be the chair of the party and that he would not vote for her in the Seanad by-election. Ms Chu also said a report, which indicated that 10 out of the 16 Green Party TDs and senators opposed her candidacy, is "inaccurate". "That was a vote that didn't pass a two-third majority to stop anyone from running it didn't pass," she said. She said shes happy to have the opportunity to be on a ballot where no woman or no member from a minority background is on the ballot. For me its really important that there is someone on the ballot that is a woman and a woman from a minority background, she said. Ms Chu also said Mr Ryan did not answer two of her phone calls this week. She told the party executive in a meeting on Monday of her intention to run and then tried calling him twice before formally launching her campaign today. I did try calling Eamon twice. He was really busy so I left him a message and I did tell my executive and tell the parliamentary party and the wider membership, she said. A spokesperson for Minister Ryan said that the Minister tried to ring Ms Chu this morning but did not get a response. Ms Chu said she waited until the Government published the revised Climate Action Bill yesterday to make a formal announcement. She said the Minister for Transport has been really really busy with the launch of the Bill. The man is up to his eyes so I don't think I will be speaking to him until later on this week, she said. Ms Chu said despite running as an independent, she will represent the Green Party if elected if she is still a member. I made it very clear for 18 months, and especially the last 12 months, that there needs to be people of all backgrounds on the ballot and I made that very clear to my leadership and my executive, Ms Chu said. Any discussion or unhappiness, Im hoping members will bring to me. She said it is up to the members if she remains as chair of the party. My role is put there by the members, its up to them to decide whether they want me still there or not as chair. While Cllr Chu said that she absolutely has confidence in Mr Ryan remaining as party leader, she indicated that he should not lead the party into the next election. I think that 15 years at that stage will be a very long time for going into another leadership with the same person. She backed deputy leader Catherine Martin in her unsuccessful leadership bid last year and Minister Martin nominated Ms Chu as a candidate for her Seanad race. Independent.ie has contacted a spokesperson for the Minister for comment. The retail industry is getting back on its feet from the lows of lockdown a year ago to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. In an interview, Shashwat Goenka, sector head - Retail and FMCG of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka group, tells Ishita Ayan Dutt that consumer confidence is picking up incrementally and the company is charting out growth plans. Edited excerpts: What kind of recovery have you seen quarter-on-quarter? We have seen recovery through the pandemic. More people are coming back to the stores, more people are stepping out, people are buying more. Its increasing incrementally, which is a good sign. Between Q2 and Q3, we saw almost a 10 per cent increase in sales. As a country, we have done a good job of controlling the pandemic and boosting consumer confidence at the right time. When do you see a recovery to the levels of 2018-2019? No one had accounted for a pandemic. But when we look at micro data daily, weekly and monthly sales we are seeing the trend that consumers are now coming back and confidence is picking up. We will recover and bounce back very quickly post the pandemic. With vaccinations going up, the end is near. Are mini containment zones and restrictions in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases impacting business? The mini containment zones are mostly in Maharashtra, but in places where Natures Basket does not operate. What we are not seeing this time is panic purchase. Now, consumers know that things are available. Consumer confidence with regard to access to food is not a question anymore. What would be the focus for FY22 growth or profitability? We will focus on both. Natures Basket has turned profitable (at EBITDA-level) and will continue to be profitable. We are looking to expand it. In January, we opened a store in Kolkata and we are now looking to go into Delhi and the NCR (national capital region) in the middle of April. As for Spencers, around 8 Spencers stores were opened during the pandemic. Next year, the plan is to open between 22 and 24 stores. So, the focus is profitable growth, like I have always said. What are you doing to ensure profitability? We want to ensure that the new stores we open become profitable from the first year itself and add to the bottomline. Otherwise, new stores traditionally take many years to mature and start making profits. Thats the new thing we have taken on. Retail is a tight ship with low margins. So we are always looking at the cost side and working on it every year. On the margin front, we are pushing apparel and home, which are high margin categories; home as a category has recovered and apparel is just about showing initial signs of recovery. For the whole of last year, we were not able to sell in that segment. But thats a category that can come up significantly as people start reinvesting in it. So its a combination of sales and margin increase, and cost control that we are looking at to ensure profitability is maintained. Are acquisitions part of your growth plan? We are looking at acquisitions in the offline space; online is not on the wish list right now. Is it in the food and grocery segment? Currently, we are looking at the food and grocery space. You are also looking at selling stake in Spencers and Natures Basket, will you be offloading to a strategic player or private equity? We are always open to partnership and discussions are on. These are minor stakes and it would be strategic. What kind of growth have you seen in e-commerce? We went from zero to 100 per cent last year in March. Then, it stabilised to about 40 per cent for a few months. But we feel, e-commerce will be about 4-5 per cent, which is much larger than its always been for us; it used to be 0.5 per cent. Its a healthy and steady growth and that is here to stay. How did the pandemic pan out for the groups FMCG business? It was a start-up when the pandemic happened and everything was new. It took us a while to get our factories up and running and then we mobilized the sales team. The first couple of months were slow unlike retail, which went into an overdrive overnight with panic buying. But then it picked up. We used this time to draw up a blueprint for our larger FMCG strategy and put a lot of those moving parts into action. Reporter Heather Bellow, a member of the investigations team, joined The Eagle in 2017. She is based in the South Berkshire County bureau in Great Barrington. Her work has appeared in newspapers across the U.S. "The UN's world leaders meet to discuss the future, but the future belongs to us," said Dicte . Christensen, 13 years old, from Billund. "With the Children's Assembly, we will now have the opportunity to be at the table and offer our ideas and solutions of how to better this world." Dicte . Christensen invites children everywhere to take a stand for their future by joining this Assembly. See video here. Children from across the globe with different nationalities, gender and economic status, ages 10-17, are called to sign up at capitalofchildren.com/children-s-general-assembly by April 7, 2021, to participate in the Children's General Assembly. Those who sign up after the deadline can still view and comment on the Assembly meeting in September. Participation An estimated 80 children from 40 different nations will participate in three online workshops in April and May to tackle issues of their choice such as climate change, access to the world's resources, education, gender equality, and more. Only a few children from each country will be selected to ensure diversity. The children will then be put into groups based on their interest on particular issues. A spokesperson from each group will present their ideas in one virtual workshop in June. Those children will be chosen based on diversity and their interest in creating the final proposal for the UN. All workshops will be facilitated by educators from Billund, dedicated to encouraging children to think critically and globally. The selected group of 8-16 children and their parents will meet at the Children's Assembly in Billund in September, joined by children around the world virtually, to offer speeches on global challenges and solutions. They will submit their ideas and recommendations to the UN General Assembly in New York on September 21. Billund, Capital of Children "Children all over the world try to get the attention of the world's leaders, but here in Billund, we take great pleasure in listening to the children," said Ib Kristensen, Mayor of Billund. "At the Children's General Assembly, we will take the children seriously and give them the opportunity to meet on their own terms and create new solutions together." Billund, the city in Denmark also known as the Capital of Children, is the perfect location to hold this assembly. For almost a century, Billund its politicians, schools and nonprofit foundations has had a special focus on children and on the development of children's competencies. In 2020, the city was recognized by UNICEF as a Child-Friendly City and Municipality due to an extraordinary effort for children and children's rights. Children have a Voice Sren Brandi, chairman of the board in Capital of Children, adds: "We believe the world's leaders can learn just as much from children as children learn from adults, and that the ideas which result from this assembly will inspire world leaders in the same way that we are inspired by children in Billund." Children's right to co-determination is a central point of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. By bringing children from different backgrounds to the Children's General Assembly, the stage is set for developing the youngest generation as creative world citizens, encouraging their democratic skills and helping them draw the attention of today's leaders. Children will have the opportunity to collaborate, communicate, and think both critically and creatively to help solve global challenges. The assembly is a non-profit initiative developed in collaboration with children from Billund, Capital of Children organization, Billund Municipality, International School of Billund, LEGO Foundation, local schools, companies and non-profit organizations, who all have the common belief that children's competencies and opinions are meaningful and should be taken seriously. For additional information and to sign up for the Children's General Assembly, visit capitalofchildren.com/children-s-general-assembly. About Children's General Assembly: The Children's General Assembly is developed in collaboration with the Capital of Children Panel, local organizations, and the organization Capital of Children. All children between 10-17 years old can attend the assembly regardless of gender, nationality, religion and disability. At the meeting, children of the world work together to create a manifesto to today's global problems, which they will subsequently deliver to the world leaders at the UN General Assembly in New York. The Children's General Assembly will take place in Billund, Denmark, between September 19-21, 2021. About Capital of Children: For almost a century, Billund has had a special focus on children and on the development of children's competencies. For a number of years, politicians, schools and nonprofit foundations have worked together with Billund's children to make Billund a city at child height. In 2020, Billund was recognized by UNICEF as Child-Friendly City and Municipality due to an extraordinary effort for children and children's rights. The ambition was - and is - to create the world's best place for children. And for the world. SOURCE Capital of Children Related Links https://capitalofchildren.com/ The Prime Minister says that Corpus Christi, also known as the "Day of Wreaths", is set aside on the Christian calendar to honour the Holy Eucharist which was observed at the last supper before Christ was crucified. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. San Francisco school board members gathered for the first time, since the rediscovery of racist tweets posted by one of their own, in a meeting attended by more than 1,000 community members looking to weigh in on the scandal. President Gabriela Lopez set aside time for each board member to address the issue of Vice President Alison Collinss social media posts against Asian Americans, and then allotted 50 minutes for the public to speak as well. Two school board members, Jenny Lam and Faauuga Moliga have called for Collins resignation as have dozens of public officials and community groups. In the tweets posted in 2016, Collins said Asian Americans had used white supremacist thinking to assimilate and get ahead. Where are the vocal Asians speaking up against Trump? Dont Asian Americans know theyre on his list as well? Collins had tweeted. Using asterisks in references to the racial epithet, Collins continued, Do they think they wont be deported? profiled? beaten? Being a house n****r is still being a n****r. Youre still considered the help. Collins, who is Black, said she wanted to again express her sincere and heartfelt apologies, although she didnt specify further. In a previous statement Saturday, she apologized for the hurt caused by the tweets, which Lam called a non-apology. The tweets remained online Tuesday evening. Board members Matt Alexander, Kevine Boggess, Mark Sanchez and Lopez condemned the tweets, but did not call for Collins to resign. Instead, they said they supported a restorative process. I understand the real pain, the real fears, the real hurt people are feeling, Lopez said. We are all victims of the racism that plagues our country. Lam, however, said restorative justice begins with an acknowledgment of harm, which she said she did not believe Collins had done, adding words matter. Being silent in moments of injustice allows injustice to persist, Lam said. Weve been silenced by ignorant comments like this for far too long, she said. I do not have confidence in Commissioner Collins to govern. Without a resignation, Lam said that she and Moliga would introduce measures at the next school board meeting to strip Collins of committee assignments and her role as vice president on the board. Against the wishes of Lam and Moliga, Lopez limited public comment to 50 minutes, with 20 minutes each for those supporting and opposing Collins. Lam said she believed this presented a false equivalence when many of the 1,000 people came to call on Collins to resign, including parent Thomas Kim. How would I explain this to my children? Kim said of the tweets. I do want us to find a way to move on. I dont know how to proceed, Vice President Collins, with you as a leader in this district. Please take leadership and resign so we can all move on. Speakers supporting Collins said the unearthing of the tweets was connected to a political agenda and is opportunistic targeting. The San Francisco Berniecrats oppose those calling for Collins resignation, said Brandee Marckmann, co-chair of the group. We are deeply saddened and disappointed that people in our community are using this issue as a wedge for political gain, she said. Divide and conquer techniques cannot help San Francisco heal. District officials also updated the board on plans for reopening during the meeting, saying the timeline for reopening remained in place, dependent on how many students and teachers opt to return. City health officials have inspected and approved 11 schools for reopening, district officials said, with another 35 schools inspected, but pending approval. In addition, the district has requested inspections at an additional 38 sites. The first students are scheduled to return on Apr. 12, with additional school sites phased in through April. Families returning to in-person learning should receive an information packet with placement information 10 days prior to their first day back in classrooms. A district survey of more than 14,000 students in grades or demographics prioritized to return first show a majority of families want to return to in-person learning including: 58% of preschool families; 67% of transitional kindergarten through second grade; 79% of third through fifth grade; and 53% of high needs middle and high school students. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker The force said he was wearing a red waistcoat or vest and light coloured trousers Met Police have now released e-fit image of man, thought to be aged around 50 The woman claims she told police nearby but male officer refused to offer help eorgina, 27, said a man exposed himself as she walked home from vigil Police have released an e-fit image of the 'flasher' who is said to have exposed himself to a woman near Sarah Everard's vigil. Georgina, 27, attended the vigil which was held in memory of the murdered 33-year-old on March 13 at Clapham Common. But when Georgina was walking to her home nearby at around 8pm, she says she was confronted by a man who flashed his genitals at her. Now the Met Police has appealed for help to identify the suspect, who is believed to be aged around 50, approximately 5ft6in tall and with grey hair. The force said he was wearing a bright red waistcoat or vest over a shirt and light coloured trousers. The Met Police has released an e-fit image (above) of the 'flasher' who is said to have exposed himself to a woman near Sarah Everard's vigil at around 8pm on March 13 Georgina (pictured above), 27, was walking to her home nearby after the vigil, and says she was confronted by a man who flashed his genitals at her The incident is said to have happened on the Common's southside close to the junction with Windmill Drive. A crowd of around 1,500 people had gathered at the Common's bandstand to remember Ms Everard, who disappeared nearby, but scuffles broke out as police moved in to disperse the crowd. Previously speaking about the incident, Georgina told Good Morning Britain: 'I was told by a couple of police officers to leave [the vigil], which is what I did, abide by what they asked. 'As I headed home there was a man who was quite incoherent, unfortunately he had his genitalia out as I tried to walk past him. I felt really uncomfortable. 'This isn't the first time this has happened to me, I know that this has happened to many, many women but a lot of times we haven't really had an opportunity to talk to police right at the moment. 'And as I was walking there were police just a couple of moments away, so I felt it was appropriate to go and tell them what had happened. A crowd of around 1,500 people had gathered at the Common's bandstand to remember Sarah Everard (pictured above) 'At the very least even if I had been walked to a safer, better lit area I would have accepted that. The female officer said they'd go and check it out but the male officer did interject.' Georgina also said she had approached a group of 'about five or six police officers' to ask them for help. She earlier told the BBC: 'The female officer said "ok, fine, we'll go" and she was about to go when a male colleague said "we're not dealing with this anymore, no, we've had enough with the rioters tonight, we're not dealing with it".' The 27-year-old added that she had previously been a victim of indecent exposure on Clapham Common when a man had been 'touching himself' while 'passed out'. Detective Constable Luke Flood, from the Central South Command Unit which polices Lambeth, said: 'I am appealing to anyone who was in the area or who can help identify this man involved to contact police. 'Clapham Common was extremely busy on that Saturday evening with people attending a vigil. 'Many people would have been filming or taking pictures and I would ask them to check any material they captured to see if they can identify the man described.' Police officers pictured forming a cordon as people turned on their phone torches while they gathered at a band-stand at the vigil in honour of Ms Everard People gather to lay flowers and pay their respects at a vigil on Clapham Common, where floral tributes were placed for Ms Everard on March 13 He added: 'We also cannot discount that there may have been other incidents of this nature in and around the Clapham Common area. I would urge anyone who has any information to get in contact. 'An incident of indecent exposure can be an extremely distressing offence for those who witness it and it is one police take very seriously. 'Officers have spoken to the victim in this case to offer her support and ensure she is kept updated with the progress of the investigation.' Anyone who can assist police is asked to contact 101 and quote CAD117/14MAR or, alternatively, provide information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. He is still recovering after breaking his back in an electric bike accident last year. And Simon Cowell made sure his health was a priority as he sported a protective face mask while out with partner Lauren Silverman and their son Eric amid the Covid pandemic. The music mogul, 61, kept his look casual and sported a navy round-neck jumper as he enjoyed a day with his family in Malibu on Tuesday. Happy family: Simon Cowell made sure his health was a priority as he sported a protective face mask while out with partner Lauren Silverman and their son Eric in Malibu on Tuesday He opted for comfort in a pair of black trainers and added white knee-length shorts to his ensemble as he held his son's hand. Lauren, 43, also cut a laid-back figure as she sported a V-neck brown top and skinny jeans. Opting for beige accessories, she paired some sandals with a Yves Saint Laurent bag that she draped over her shoulder. Laid back: The music mogul, 61, kept his look casual and sported a navy round-neck jumper as he stepped out with his family Like father, like son: He opted for comfort in a pair of black trainers and added white knee-length shorts while his son Eric, seven, also sported running shoes The couple held hands with their seven-year-old son, who donned a bold blue T-shirt with the word 'dude' across it. He sported a bright blue mask and wore trainers like his father which he paired with grey joggers. Last week, it was reported that Britain's Got Talent judge Simon walks over 40 miles a week to help him recover from breaking his back in an electric bike accident last year. In August, Simon was rushed to hospital to undergo six hours of surgery after injuring himself in the accident, forcing him to cancel all his planned TV work for the rest of the year. Casual: Lauren, 43, also cut a laid-back figure as she sported a V-neck brown top and skinny jeans and added a touch of glam with a beige Yves Saint Laurent bag Close: The couple held hands with their son, who donned a bold blue T-shirt with the word 'dude' across it in pink But now the record executive is determined to do everything he can to ensure he makes a full recovery, including walking for several hours a day and holding business meetings at 9AM so that he no longer lives like a 'vampire'. Of his new fitness regime, a source told MailOnline: 'Simon said how he hasn't worn trainers as much as this in 20 years. 'He feels fitter than ever before and is keeping to a normal routine rather than being on the phone until into the early hours of the morning.' The source also added that Simon would return to America's Got Talent at the end of March to film the new series. Adding to this, The Sun also reported that Simon was set to start filming the reality competition show as a source said he was excited to be back. The insider told the publication: 'Simon cant wait to get back to doing what he loves. Hes been focused on his return for months.' Last year, reports claimed Simon was considering legal action against the manufacturers of his electric bike after breaking his back. The TV mogul and his team were said to be 'weighing up' legal options and have been 'pressing' the manufacturers, Swindon Powertrain. One lawyer claimed that a successful lawsuit could see Simon get up to 10million for medical bills and loss of earnings, The Sun reported once more. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, had on Tuesday a meeting with Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau, on the participating in the Foreign Ministers reunion of NATO member states in Brussells, context in which the two dignitaries discussed about the preparation stage of the joint government session of this year. According to a press release sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) to AGERPRES, the two officials decided to intensify their actions, including in elaborating a new Action Plan of the bilateral Strategic Partnership. Furthermore, they discussed about marking the centennial since the conclusion of the Romanian-Polish defensive alliance of 1921. The two dignitaries also addressed the perspectives of dialogue within the Romania-Poland-Turkey informal trilateral reunions on security. In this context, Bogdan Aurescu and Zbigniew Rau have agreed on thoroughness of discussions for the future trilateral reunion of foreign ministers, which will be held in April, in Bucharest, when the two ministers will also have bilateral consultations. Furthermore, they agreed to tightly cooperate for the adequate preparation of the Eastern Partnership Summit of this year. The two high dignitaries have reviewed the stage and cooperation perspectives in a regional format, such as the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) and the Bucharest 9 Format (B9), including in the perspective of the level reunions of this year. Minister Bogdan Aurescu and his Polish counterpart discussed about the most important strategic projects of regional interconnection within the Three Seas Initiative, namely the Rail2Sea and ViaCarpathia projects. Furthermore, they had a swap of opinions regarding the functionality of the 3SI Investment Fund. The two chief diplomats appreciated the added value of the Bucharest Format (B9), launched by Romania and Poland in 2019, for deepening dialogue and coordination between the Eastern Flank allies and NATO. Regarding the NATO agenda, the two ministers highlighted the importance of the foreign ministerial reunion for the preparation of the allied Summit of this year and the advancement of the security agenda in order to adapt the North-Atlantic Alliance to the current challenges and threats to the international security. The two ministers reaffirmed, in context, the strong support of the two countries to strengthen the trans-Atlantic relation. In equal measure, the preparation of the Polish presidency of OSCE of 2022 was addressed, as well as a series of other aspects of interest regarding the regional and global agenda. TRIPOLI (Reuters) - Gunmen assassinated an eastern Libyan commander wanted for war crimes on Wednesday, medics said, underscoring the risks of violent escalation on the ground that poses the biggest challenge to Libya's new unity government. Mahmoud al-Werfalli was shot from a car outside a hospital in Benghazi alongside two of his bodyguards, military sources said, amid growing friction between rival factions in eastern Libya. Werfalli was a commander in an elite unit attached to Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), a coalition of forces that has dominated eastern Libya in recent years. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has indicted Werfalli twice for the suspected killing of more than 40 captives, including in a 2018 incident in which photographs appeared to show him shooting 10 blindfolded prisoners. This month he was shown in a widely circulated video raiding a car showroom in Benghazi alongside his uniformed men, smashing up furniture and computers as they brandished weapons. Friction between rival factions in eastern Libya has been escalating for some time and could further degenerate into a series of retaliatory attacks, said Tarek Megerisi of the European Council on Foreign Relations. "I think this is going to be the first major challenge for the (Government of National Unity) GNU," he said. The GNU was sworn into office this month, taking over from the two rival administrations in east and west that have run Libya for years, as part of a U.N.-facilitated peace effort. The eastern administration, backed for years by the LNA, handed over its powers to the GNU on Tuesday at a ceremony in Benghazi. Besides the challenge of merging Libya's divided state institutions and preparing for elections in December, the GNU needs also to tackle a dire security situation with power held by myriad factions. On Wednesday, U.N. Special Envoy Jan Kubis told the Security Council: "Various armed groups continue to operate without hindrance, human rights violations continue with almost total impunity." Last week, GNU Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibeh said his government would open an investigation after the discovery of bodies in Benghazi. (Reporting by Reuters Libya Newsroom, writing by Angus McDowall, editing by Nick Macfie) Aaron Booths first day of sophomore year was overwhelming. It was 2018. Booth, who was rather reserved at the time, had just transferred into Early College High School and found himself faced with a group of strangers and a schedule of college-level courses. None of it was his doing. He spent his freshman year at James Island Charter High where he struggled to thrive academically and socially. At the end of the year, Booth said his mother signed him up to enroll in Early College High School through the Charleston County School Districts school choice program. Just a few hours into that first day, Principal Vanessa Denney found Booth sitting with his head in his hands, questioning his mothers decision. You were like I should just go back, Denney said to Booth during an interview with The Post and Courier. Because I definitely felt like a fish out of water, Booth replied. When it comes to whats better off in the long run, I think my mom made the right choice when she signed me up to go here." Three years later, Booth and 70 other students are preparing to celebrate as the first graduating class of the high school, founded in 2017 as an opportunity to provide high school students with a college-level education. The school, located on Trident Technical Colleges Palmer Campus in Charleston, offers a variety of dual-credit college courses taught by Trident professors. All students in the graduating class will leave the school with some college credit. Almost half will leave with their associate degree. Another option Early College High School was initially founded as a way to give students who might not have the opportunity to attend a four-year university the chance to leave high school with a degree. The school prioritizes students who are among the first generation of their family to attend a college and gives them the resources and the small learning environment they need to achieve that goal. Denney has been with the school since its inception. She was brought on in 2017 to create the structure, outline course work and recruit students until she eventually took on the role as principal. At the time, Denney and the rest of her staff werent sure how the program would go. After the first year, the school struggled to keep students. Around 100 freshmen entered the halls on the first day. By the end of the year around 20 percent transferred out. Denney chalks it up to miscommunication over what the school was really about. They didnt realize that this wasnt a traditional high school, she said. They werent going to have those experiences: the slamming lockers in the hallways, the cafeteria, the big gym, that dont exist on the college campus. In the beginning, the school didnt offer electives. Student days were filled with English, social studies, math and science and little reprieve. Denney recognizes the model doesnt work for everyone. Thats really dense if youre a freshman and youre taking a math, a science, a social studies and an English class every single semester with no elective, she said. School administration quickly realized they needed to be more clear about what students and parents should expect out of the school and reorganized their recruitment efforts to be more transparent. In the years since, the school has seen minimal transfers, Denney said. The students began to excel as well, outpacing other early college programs in a number of data points. Nationally, an average of about 30 percent of students graduate from early college programs with an associate degree, Denney said. In June, 45 percent of the high schools class will have their associate degree in hand. Each and every time we measured where we were against national averages, our students were outpacing national averages for early colleges, she said. I had no idea that that was going to happen. Denney credits the success to the students, teachers and faculty that have remained committed to their goals. But if you ask the students, their success comes from the schools commitment to relationships. Finding a family When senior William Lupton walks the halls of the Palmer Campus, nearly everyone knows his name. Lupton, an outgoing athlete, will be the first to admit he tends to draw attention to himself, but he isnt so sure he would have the same connection with teachers if he went to Wando High School, which has around 4,000 students and is where he would have gone had his mother not signed him up for Early College. If I was at Wando, that would be almost impossible, he said. I could be walking down the hallway and I can guarantee that they know my name and my face and what I do as a hobby. ... Its a more personal connection with the teachers. Lupton isnt alone in that feeling. Because it was a new program, the class of 2021 went into their high school experience not knowing what it was going to be like. Smaller class sizes and the sense that they were a part of something new created a tight bond among now seniors. "No one really knew what we were getting into," Alexis Pinckney said. "By the end of August, I pretty much knew everybody. We were such a tight-knit group. I'm sure we've built lifelong relationships." Being surrounded by peers who had similar goals and having access to teachers who cared about their well-being also helped keep students out of trouble. Both Booth and his classmate Jordan McCrae said they doubt they would be where they are today if it werent for the people at the school. Honestly, Im thankful that I got to go to this school and have the opportunity, McCrae said. Moving on While not all Early College High Schools Class of 2021 will leave with an associate degree, they will all leave with the confidence that they can succeed in college because theyve already done it. In his interview for The Citadel, Lupton remembers the recruiter being shocked by the number of college credits he has under his belt. When I told him I already had 40 or 50, he was like, Wow, the most I usually get is nine, he said. It opens up multiple doors for you. Even those with the associate degree were able to secure scholarships and save money for the future knowing that they will only have to pay for two years of undergrad. Most of all, however, the school showed the students that they are capable of excelling in a high-paced, high-level environment. Because of the pandemic, theyve taken college courses in a number of forms, in person, online and everything in between. It has really cemented what a college class looks like, feels like, said Eric Center, who will be among the graduates to receive his associate degree. From entering the military to becoming lawyers and studying physics, the students are using their newfound confidence to accomplish impressive goals. Booth, who admires the teachers and faculty at the school, plans to study education and eventually become a history teacher. While hes excited about his new chapter, Booth said the experience is bittersweet. I dont want to lose these friends and make new friends in college, because, one, Im lazy and, two, Im kind of attached to these people, he said. Its definitely sad to walk away from the regularity Ive been accustomed to and the people I enjoy seeing every day. The students will participate in a graduation celebration June 18 at the District 4 Regional Stadium in North Charleston. They will also have the opportunity to walk in a traditional graduation ceremony at the schools they would have attended had they not gone to Early College High School. POTTSVILLE A Lackawanna County man will spend more time behind state prison bars after admitting Monday to a Schuylkill County judge that he stole merchandise in April 2019 from a Rush Township store. Joseph Kinney Jr., 54, of Scranton, must spend six to 24 months in a state correctional institution consecutive to the sentence he already is serving, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ruled. Im sorry about all this, Kinney told Dolbin. I agree with everything. I accept your apology, Dolbin told Kinney. Good luck to you. Kinney pleaded guilty to retail theft, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of conspiracy. Rush Township police alleged he stole $159.10 worth of merchandise on April 19, 2019, from the Walmart Supercenter in Hometown. In addition to the prison term, Dolbin sentenced Kinney to pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $159.10 restitution, undergo a mental health/mental retardation evaluation and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Kinney already is an inmate at SCI/Forest, and Dolbin conducted the hearing by videoconference. Also on Monday, Dolbin found Saudia K. Gordon, 51, of Philadelphia, guilty in a nonjury trial of driving under the influence, driving unregistered vehicle, operating vehicle without valid inspection and improper display of plate or card, and not guilty of careless driving and operating vehicle without required financial responsibility. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana. Dolbin ordered preparation of a presentence investigation and said he would schedule sentencing at a later date. State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Gordon, who did not appear for her trial, was driving under the influence of marijuana at 11:23 a.m. Sept. 16, 2019, northbound on Route 61 at Seven Stars Road in North Manheim Township. I smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, Trooper Nicholas J. Reese, the prosecuting officer, testified. I do not think Ms. Gordon was capable of operating her vehicle safely. Betsy McBride, a phlebotomist with Lehigh Valley Health Network, testified Gordon consented to a blood test, while forensic toxicologist Michael Lamb with NMS Labs testified that blood had traces of marijuana. In another Monday case, President Judge William E. Baldwin sentenced Shawna Zandarski, 29, of Girardville, to serve 15 days to 23 months in prison and pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $50 CJEA payment. Zandarski pleaded guilty on Jan. 20 to possession of a controlled substance, with prosecutors withdrawing charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. State police at Frackville alleged Zandarski possessed drugs on Dec. 30, 2019, in Girardville. Zandarski already is an inmate at the county prison, and Baldwin conducted the hearing by videoconference. Also on Monday, Baldwin revoked the parole of Michelle L. Murphy, 48, of Pottsville, recommitted her to prison and ordered her to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation. Murphy, who admitted violating her probation and parole by failing to report to her supervising officer and not making payments on her court-ordered costs and fees, originally pleaded guilty on Aug. 12, 2020, to criminal trespass. At that time, Baldwin sentenced her to serve 75 days to 23 months in prison, pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Pottsville police charged Murphy with breaking into a building on Oct. 20, 2019, in the city. Murphy already is an inmate at the county prison, and Baldwin conducted the hearing by videoconference. AUBAGNE, France, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- At today's virtual combined Annual General Shareholders' Meeting of Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A., shareholders passed the resolution to pay a dividend of 0.68 euros per share for fiscal 2020. The total profit distributed will be 62.7 million euros. The previous year's dividend was 0.34 euros per share. The Annual General Shareholders' Meeting granted discharge to all directors by a large majority. This press release contains statements about the future development of the Sartorius Stedim Biotech Group. We cannot guarantee that the content of these statements will actually apply because these statements are based upon assumptions and estimates that harbor certain risks and uncertainties. ASM documents https://www.sartorius.com/en/company/investor-relations/sartorius-stedim-biotech-sa-investor-relations/shareholders-meeting Press images https://www.sartorius.com/en/company/newsroom/downloads-publications Financial calendar April 21, 2021: Publication of first-quarter figures (January to March 2021) July 21, 2021: Publication of first-half figures (January to June 2021) October 20, 2021: Publication of nine-month figures (January to September 2021) A profile of Sartorius Stedim Biotech Sartorius Stedim Biotech is a leading international partner of the biopharmaceutical industry. As a total solutions provider, the company helps its customers to manufacture biotech medications safely, rapidly and economically. Headquartered in Aubagne, France, Sartorius Stedim Biotech is quoted on the Eurolist of Euronext Paris. With its own manufacturing and R&D sites in Europe, North America and Asia and an international network of sales companies, Sartorius Stedim Biotech has a global reach. The Group has been annually growing by double digits on average and has been regularly expanding its portfolio by acquisitions of complementary technologies. In 2020, the company employed more than 7,500 people, and earned sales revenue of 1,910 million euros. Follow Sartorius on Twitter @Sartorius_Group and on LinkedIn. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472792/Sartorius_Logo.jpg Contact: Petra Kirchhoff Head of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations +49 (0)551.308.1686 [email protected] www.sartorius.com SOURCE Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A. Related Links https://www.sartorius.com 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 Police officers conduct a search within the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Photo: PA Media. Police have arrested a man after a bomb disposal team attended a report of a suspicious item in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Queen Elizabeths official residence in Edinburgh. Police Scotland said they were called to the palace at around 8.50pm on Tuesday. A Police Scotland spokesman said: We were called to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Abbey Strand, Edinburgh, around 8.50pm on Tuesday March 23, following a report of a suspicious item. "Following examination by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), it was made safe. A 39-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. There was no threat to the public and inquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances." More to follow "Our posture's gonna be that we're posted outside of DC, awaiting the president's orders. We hope he will give us the orders. We want him to declare an insurrection, and to call us up as the militia." Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, in November, looking ahead to Jan. 6 Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. By Shim Jae-yun With the smell of gunpowder in the air, the Alaska meeting between the United States and China last week was terrifying. Visibly emotional, the top officials from the two superpowers exchanged acrimonious barbs against each other on highly sensitive issues. TV footage of the meeting suggested that they were engaging in real war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken provoked his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi by raising the issue of China's aggressive behavior and reportedly extreme human rights violations in regions like Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as in Taiwan. For China, these ethnic and territorial issues are all the more grave as they are closely related to the survival of the nation itself. Yang hit back fiercely, condemning the U.S. for meddling in China's domestic affairs. He even recalled the U.S.' "dirty" history of slaughtering Black Americans. For China, which considers itself composed of 56 races, the possible separation of even one minority group will inevitably produce a domino effect, threatening the sustainability of the "One China" regime. The aforementioned territories, in particular, have been the weakest links for China in this regard. Blinken also maintains similar standards in dealing with North Korea. He once cynically described North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as "one of the world's worst tyrants." Blinken has been regarded as the "alter ego" of U.S. President Joe Biden, in that they have been emphasizing the role of U.S. leadership based on firm principles and values-oriented diplomacy. In addition to the Biden administration's priority on human rights and other value-intensive policies, Blinken's personal convictions and experience seem to be significant factors. His behaviors in Seoul and Alaska have been more radical than expected, especially for his first "diplomatic" encounters with his Asian counterparts. Blinken's stepfather is Samuel Pisar, a Polish-born Jew and Holocaust survivor who escaped from the horrific Auschwitz concentration camp in southern Poland during World War II. He was the only survivor of the approximately 900 students at his Polish school. Afterward, as a lawyer and author, he dedicated himself to commemorating the Holocaust and boosting human rights until he passed away in 2015. He greatly influenced his stepson, Blinken. As indicated by the Thucydides Trap theory when an emerging power threatening to displace an existing great power produces a tendency towards war the current confrontation between the U.S. and China has been a fait accompli for some time now. What matters is whether the two countries will engage in a real war, beyond the current clash on the economic and diplomatic fronts. This situation may push Seoul into a further dilemma. The latest thorny issue may be the launch of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising the U.S., Japan, India and Australia. Possible pressures from the U.S. and China to have South Korea stand by their side will likely grow. South Korea has been maintaining "strategic ambiguity," especially regarding China. But this approach might not be the right answer any longer, given the apparent shift of policy by the U.S. and the rapidly changing security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Ambiguity may generate distrust, and growing distrust will weaken South Korea's stance. Seoul officials need to be more self-confident and explain the country's position in a more transparent and honest manner to their dialogue partners. For instance, they will need to explain the inevitability of the South Korea-U.S. alliance in light of the division between South and North Korea to China, and conversely, the importance of China as the nation's largest trading partner to the U.S. For the U.S., it is not desirable to stick to the "Complete, Verifiable, and Irreversible Dismantlement" (CVID) of North Korea's nuclear program, as such an unconditional requirement has already proven to be ineffective, despite strenuous pursuit of North Korea's denuclearization over the past 30 years. Further, North Korea is currently facing very serious difficulties due to intensifying international sanctions, economic failure and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic. Given this reality, it is totally inappropriate to expect the recalcitrant North to give up the nuclear card first, which it regards as its last and only tool for the survival of its regime. Blinken's convictions about human rights are understandable in many senses. Yet, touching on such human rights issues at this time is not feasible as well as not helpful in finding a solution. Doing so will only make the matter more complicated and, worse still, it can prompt Pyongyang to resort to further provocative acts like the test-firing of ballistic missiles, following Sunday's firing of short-range ones. Setting aside the CVID, it is time for Seoul and Washington to turn their eyes to the 2018 Singapore agreement and find a breakthrough to the nuclear issue from a broader perspective. Though the Biden administration has been pushing for "anything but Trump" policies, such a stance should be changed, at least in dealing with security issues North Korea in particular. The U.S. needs to help the Moon Jae-in administration so that it can gain further momentum in pursuing the "peace process" on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea, for its part, should be more assertive and bold in pushing for its initiatives toward the peace process. It needs to play a leading role in the promotion of regional peace. In this vein, "strategic clarity" will be far more effective than "strategic ambiguity." Shim Jae-yun is an editorial writer for The Korea Times. 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 Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller said Tuesday she is resigning to pursue an opportunity outside of the state. Her resignation will take effect April 30. Miller oversees the state agencies offering assistance to individuals and families with low incomes, seniors and those with disabilities, among others. Gov. Tom Wolf said Tuesday he is nominating Meg Snead to serve as the next secretary of human services. My time in Pennsylvania has afforded me opportunities to work on issues that are deeply close to my heart, and for that I am extremely honored and grateful, Miller said in a statement. Through all of this, the people of Pennsylvania have been at the forefront of this work and have driven our commitment to constant improvement and innovation in service delivery, and I know this focus and work will continue to grow, allowing DHS and our partners to help people in new ways. Wolf praised Millers service in his administration. I want to thank Teresa for devoting her career in the commonwealth to its people, Wolf said in a statement. During her tenure, she was instrumental in ensuring Pennsylvanians had access to health care, designing programs to break generational poverty, and redesigned Pennsylvanias employment and training programs for people who use public assistance. Miller took over as the director of the Human Services Department in 2017. Prior to that, she served as the states insurance commissioner, beginning in January 2015. Recently, Miller has been focused on improving state programs that aid low-income families in putting them in better position to find meaningful work. The department has also worked to expand programs and services to individuals with disabilities and seniors to allow them to continue to live in their own communities. Miller has recently been leading efforts to improve equity across the human service departments programs, including offering better opportunities to help people from minority groups advance within the agency. Shes leaving to take over as president and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation, an organization focused on health care equity. Snead has been serving as the governors secretary of policy and planning and has helped in setting priorities for the COVID-19 response and expanding access to health and human services programs, the Wolfs office said. In a statement, Wolfs office touted Sneads experience in affordable housing, homelessness, and health care policy, having spent 10 years working in the nonprofit industry in the Denver area. Meg Snead is an exceptional public servant whose background includes extensive experience in policy development for Pennsylvanias most vulnerable citizens, Wolf said in a statement. Miller is the latest of a number of key officials to leave the Wolf administration in recent months, a common occurrence as governors move toward the latter part of their time in office. Wolf has less than two years left remaining in his second and final term; governors in Pennsylvania are limited to two terms. In January, then-Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine left when President Joe Biden named her as the nominee for the U.S. assistant health secretary. Wolf nominated Alison Beam to serve as the states acting health secretary. In August, Education Secretary Pedro Rivera left his post to become president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster. He was succeeded by Noe Ortega. Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar resigned in February. She stepped down after the Wolf administration disclosed it failed to properly advertise a constitutional amendment that would give child sex abuse victims a window to file court claims even though they were well beyond the statutes of limitations. Blobs of rock lurking deep inside the planet could be the last remaining pieces of Theia, an early world that collided with Earth billions of years ago, a new study claims. The moon is thought to have formed from a 'giant impact' early in the evolution of the solar system when a Mars-sized planet called Theia collided with the Earth. Deep within the Earth are a number of strange, huge blobs of dense rock called large low-shear-velocity provinces (LLSVPs) and a team from Arizona State University believe these massive regions may be parts of that long-destroyed proto-world. One of these LLSVPs is buried under Africa and another deep below the Pacific Ocean, both so large they are involved with the weakening of Earth's magnetic field. Qian Yuan, author of this theory, suggests the blobs, which 'straddle the Earth's core like headphones' are denser and chemically different to the rock surrounding them. This artist's concept shows a celestial body about the size of our moon slamming into a body the size of Mercury in a scenario that could be similar to Theia colliding with Earth ASU scientists believe Theia and the proto-Earth came together to form not just the moon but also a new, larger core, with Theia leaving 'blobs' of rocks in the Earth's mantle LARGE LOW-SHEAR-VELOCITY PROVINCES 'STRADDLE THE CORE' Large low-shear-velocity provinces are large regions of the Earth's mantle that straddle the core 'like headphones'. They have only been detected by seismic waves, but are believed to be denser than the surrounding rock. They stretch up to 600 miles high into the 1,800 mile deep mantle, spreading thousands of miles across on either side of the world. One sits deep below the Pacific ocean, the other buried under Africa. The mantle itself makes up 84% of the total volume of the Earth, with these regions combined making up 8% of the volume of the mantle. Recent theories suggest that they are the remnants of the proto-planet Theia that is thought to have collided with the Earth 4.45 billion years ago. It had a denser core and mantle, which sank to the bottom of Earth's mantle. Some theories suggest other remnants of ancient proto-planets also sit within the mantle, shown as pockets of denser rock. Advertisement Yuan said Theia's mantle was denser than that of the Earth, and so when the world's collided parts of the smaller planet sank deep inside the mantle of our world. The mantle is a mostly-solid 1,800 mile thick interior of the Earth that lies between the core and the crust. It makes up 84 per cent of the total volume of the Earth. The 'Great Impact' theory aligns well with some of the physical aspects of the Earth-moon system, according to the team, but no proof of Theia has been found. This event happened between 20 and a 100 million years after the solar system itself first began to form around the Sun - about 4.5 billion years ago. Some supporters of the theory have suggested that the cores of the two primordial worlds 'fused into one', possibly releasing chemicals needed to support life. The latest theory by Yuan, a PhD student at Arizona State, draws in the LLSVP blobs to the Earth/Theia merger concept - suggesting they are evidence of the collision. These blobs are up to 620 miles tall and thousands of miles wide, making up the 'largest single thing' inside the mantle of the Earth, Yuan explained. Several theories try to explain their existence, including the idea they crystallised out of the depths of Earth's early magma ocean, or actual parts of the mantle from proto-planet Theia that collided with the Earth, as Yuan and his colleagues suggest. Yuan suggests that the blobs are ancient fragments of Theia's iron-rich and highly dense mantle which sank into Earth's own mantle when they came together. 'We demonstrate that Theia's mantle may be several percent denser than Earth's mantle,' he said in a presentation to the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. His modelling revealed that Theia's rocks would be up to 3.5 per cent denser than those found in the Earth's mantle, allowing them to sink through the viscous rock. Adding that this 'enables the Theia mantle materials to sink to the Earth's lowermost mantle and accumulate into thermochemical piles that may cause the seismically-observed LLSVPs.' Over time these rocks would end up as piles near the Earth's core, which matches with the location of LLSVPs, he said, adding that only an impactor the size of the Theia could deliver rocks the size of the ones near the core. Previous research has shown that the chemical signatures coming from the LLSVPs are 'at least as primitive' as the Theia impact - dating to early in the solar system. Qian Yuan, author of this theory, suggests the blobs, which 'straddle the Earth's core like headphones' are denser and chemically different to the rock surrounding them The moon is thought to have formed from a 'giant impact' early in the evolution of the solar system when a Mars-sized planet called Theia collided with the Earth THE LAYERS OF PLANET EARTH Crust: To a depth of up to 70km, this is the outermost layer of the Earth, covering both ocean and land areas. Mantle: Going down to 2,890km with the lower mantle, this is the planet's thickest layer and made of silicate rocks richer in iron and magnesium than the crust overhead. Outer core: Running from a depth of 2,890- 5,150km, this region is made of liquid iron and nickel with trace lighter elements. Inner core: Going down to a depth of 6,370km at the very centre of planet Earth, this region is thought to be made of solid iron and nickel. Advertisement 'Therefore, the primitive materials may be from the LLSVPs, which is well explained if the LLSVPs preserve Theia mantle materials that are older than the Giant Impact,' Yuan explained in the presentation. The early solar system was a chaotic and violent place. Debris would slam into growing planets, smaller planetesimals were just forming and coming together from smaller rocks and sometimes these would completely destroy forming worlds. In the case of Theia, it appears to have combined with Earth, possibly created a cloud of debris that went on to form our moon. The LLSVPs have only been detected through monitoring seismic waves, which allows scientists to get a picture of their size and density. This allows them to also predict the type of material that would be contained within the rock, with scientists finding a number of small, dense pockets of rock within the mantle that don't match the surrounding material. This suggests if Theia really is at the bottom of the mantle, it may not be alone, with remnants of other proto-planets that once hit the young Earth buried alongside it. 'Theia, in fact, might be just one grave in a planetary cemetery,' said Jennifer Jenkins, a seismologist at Durham University, speaking to Science. Yuan and colleagues presented their findings to the 52nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. 1. Shah Rukh Khan Becomes Highest Paid Indian Actor After Charging Rs 100 Cr For Pathan BREAKING NEWS : Officially King Khan #ShahRukhKhan is the " Highest Paid Actor " in India now. He charged whopping " 100 cr " for #Pathan. pic.twitter.com/oGz5bI8yGH Umair Sandhu (@UmairSandu) March 21, 2021 Since millions of his fans are eagerly awaiting to watch his comeback film, SRK is making the most by charging an astounding fee. As per the tweet by Umair Sandhu, Film Critic, SRK has become the highest-paid actor in India after his remuneration for Pathan. 2. Adarsh Gourav Wins Rising Star Award At Asian World Film Festival For The White Tiger After securing the best actor nomination at BAFTA and the Film Independent Awards, Adarsh Gourav has won the Rising Star Award at the Asian World Film Festival! 3. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Interview With Oprah To Air In India, Get All The Details Here Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opposite Oprah / CBS The intimate conversation that got the world talking about the British Royal Family will air on Sunday, 28 March at 8 pm on Colors Infinity; and will also be available to watch on Colors Infinity TV on Voot Select. 4. Kangana Ranaut Has No Intentions Of Joining Politics, Says She Reacts Like An Ordinary Citizen Kangana Ranaut / Twitter During the trailer launch for her upcoming film Thalaivi in Mumbai, Kangana Ranaut clearly put forward why she isn't interested in politics. 5. Abhishek Bachchan Roasts The Troll Who Said He Has A "Beautiful Wife He Doesn't Deserve" Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is one of those hand-picked celebrities who has always won over the Internet with grace, humility, and dignity. We are glad to report that Abhishek has done this again while replying to a troll who called him "you are good for nothing buddy". New Delhi, March 24 : A total of 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10,787 positive samples shared by the states and union territories, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage, 34 samples of the South African (B.1.351) lineage and one sample of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. "Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states," the Health Ministry said. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 states, the Ministry said. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), a grouping of 10 National Laboratories, has been carrying out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating Covid-19 viruses, and correlating epidemiological trends with genomic variants. Genomic variants of various viruses are a natural phenomenon and are found in almost all countries, the Ministry added. Genome sequencing and analysis have been carried out on samples from arriving international travellers, contacts of those positive for VOC and community samples from most of the states at INSACOG partner laboratories which are 10 in number. The analysis of samples from Maharashtra has revealed that compared to December 2020, there has been an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations. Such mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity. These mutations have been found in about 15-20 per cent of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs. From Kerala, 2,032 samples (from all 14 districts) have been sequenced. The N440K variant that is associated with immune escape has been found in 123 samples from 11 districts. This variant was earlier found in 33 per cent of samples from Andhra Pradesh, and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana. This variant has also been reported from 16 other countries including the UK, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Australia. As of now these can be at best said to be variants under investigation. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text EDWARDSVILLE Felony charges filed March 23 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include: Vincent A. Crossland, 34, of Florissant, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated fleeing or eluding a police officer, and unlawful possession of controlled substances, both Class 4 felonies. The case was presented by the Brooklyn Police Department. According to court documents, on March 3 Crossland, who has a conviction for possession of a controlled substance out of St. Louis County in 2010, allegedly was found to be in possession of a 9 mm Mossberg handgun; had attempted to flee a Brooklyn police officer, reaching speeds of more than 21 miles above the posted speed limit; and was in possession of less than 15 grams of cocaine. Bail was set at $75,000. Byron A. Puckett, 31, of St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. On March 21 Puckett allegedly was found to be carrying a loaded Taurus PT738 handgun in his vehicle, and did not possess a valid concealed carry license. Bail was set at $40,000. David A. Sproull, 25, of Godfrey, was charged with criminal damage to government supported property, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On March 5 Sproull allegedly damaged the door of a Madison County Sheriffs Department squad car. Bail was set at $15,000. Roderick J. Lewis III, 23, of St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois. On March 21 Lewis allegedly was found to be in possession of Psilocybin, with intent to deliver. He was also carrying a Glock 45 9 mm handgun while violating the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. Bail was set at $20,000. Amy L. Warden-Hansen, 45, of Troy, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois. On March 22 Warden-Hansen allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Mikki R. Dearing, 48, of Fieldon, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On Sept. 11 Dearing allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Holly A. Messerly, 34, of Bunker Hill, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony. The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department. On Dec. 10 Messerly allegedly was found to be in possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $15,000. Aaron B. Stepp, 35, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Alton Police Department. On March 22 Stepp allegedly was found to be in possession of less than 15 grams of Alprazolam. Bail was set at $15,000. Northampton County will have its first mass-vaccination clinic this weekend, the latest Lehigh Valley Health Network site set up to get the COVID-19 vaccine to thousands of people at a time. Saturdays drive-through clinic at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township is expected to provide 3,000 people with their initial dose of the two-shot Moderna vaccine. Appointments for this clinic have already been filled, LVHN said in a news release Wednesday morning. Vaccine recipients have to qualify under Pennsylvanias Phase 1A, which prioritizes medical workers, seniors and people with high-risk health conditions. Between 4 million and 5 million Pennsylvanians are estimated to fall under that category. LVHN has previously held large-scale clinics at Dorney Park including one expected to reach 4,000 people on Wednesday and Pocono Raceway. The Dorney Park site alone will have provided more than 15,000 shots after Wednesdays clinic, LVHN says. At least 187,000 people in the Lehigh Valley are now either partially or fully vaccinated, according to state health department data for Lehigh and Northampton counties. Shots are available for qualified patients from the mass clinics, regular appointments at LVHN and St. Lukes University Health Network, community health bureaus and through a federal partnership with pharmacies. (Cant see the Pennsylvania DOH vaccine provider map? Click here.) The Pennsylvania Department of Health has set a goal of having a vaccination appointment for everyone who wants one in Phase 1A at least scheduled by March 31. After that, officials will discuss moving into Phase 1B and 1C, which each open eligibility to a wider range of ages and essential occupations. Meanwhile, with statewide restrictions scheduled to ease April 4, Pennsylvanias COVID-19 case count has started to rise again. As of Tuesday, the state averaged a little over 3,000 new cases a day, up 23% from two weeks ago. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Digital marketing specialist, Incubeta, has been appointed as a global digital media partner to South African Tourism (SAT) after an extensive tender process. The three-year deal, worth R6,3m, will see Incubeta help maximise technology investment across all 27 of South African Tourism's operating regions. Using digital marketing to secure the survival of SA's travel industry As South Africa settles into lockdown level 2, many businesses in the hospitality and travel sectors are struggling to differentiate themselves as they compete for the limited spend of a still wary public. Incubeta specialists look at practical digital tips to help local venues attract customers... The new partnership includes licensing of the full enterprise suite of Google Marketing Platform products as well as implementation, consulting and enablement services to ensure the technology investment is maximised throughout all 11 of South African Tourisms offices, servicing their 27 operating territories."The synergy is clear in SA Tourisms desire to not only centralise, streamline and maximise their digital marketing technology investment but to also ensure that their operations are best in class and in line with the latest digital marketing best practices across the world," comments Roan Mackintosh, managing director at Incubeta Group - MEA.As the tourism marketing arm of the South African government, South African Tourism is tasked with promoting the country domestically and internationally for leisure, business and event tourism."Digital marketing is important to us right now and will remain a key practice. The more we are able to learn about the different audiences, the more sophisticated we can get in providing relevant information to those looking to travel to and within South Africa," explains Candice Machado, digital channels senior manager at South African Tourism."We hope to develop a solid online measurement and go-to-market framework for the tourism sector and SAT worldwide, as well as to continuously provide important information that informs communication efforts and tourism product development initiatives," she adds.With a wealth of travel industry experience across clients such as Bookings.com, Amadeus, Air France/KLM, edreams, Accor Hotels and Club Med, the Incubeta team will be using their global insight to help deliver on SATs objectives."In a vertical as competitive and global as the travel industry, making sure your message is truly relevant, targeted and personalised, as well as timeous and automated against behavioural buying queues, is the competitive advantage that every company is striving for."As a global services and technology business, with a proven track record in delivering multi-market travel solutions, Incubeta is the perfect partner to help South African Tourism gain just that competitive advantage in the travel space," concludes Mackintosh. Alex Nauman, top right, Dave Mehta, left, and another good samaritan pull Kirk Cyborowski and his wife out of the deep snow in the meridian between the east and westbound lanes of U.S. Highway 24 near Woodland Park Monday, March 15, 2021. Cyborowski, who lives in Lake George, was driving his wife, who has cancer, to the hospital when he hit the deep slush on the roadway and spun into the snow bank. ( The Gazette, Christian Murdock) Closer integration with Unreal Engine via the new plugin gives our iPi Mocap customers live feedback for viewing animation changes for creating more immersive experiences. Pavel Sorokin, iPi Soft, CEO. iPi Soft, LLC, developers of the markerless motion capture technology iPi Motion Capture, announced a series of new enhancements supporting Unreal Engine suite of development tools for real time content creation. These iPi Motion Capture enhancements include a new plug-in that affords real-time motion tracking, motion transfer to 3D character and animation streaming into Unreal Engine. Pavel Sorokin, iPi Softs recently named CEO, explains that closer integration with Unreal Engine via the new plug-in gives motion capture users the ability to stream tracking results to Unreal in both the live feedback and offline tracking mode, thus allowing creators to see how motion will look on their character in Unreal Engine and in their particular 3D setting. Additionally, users can have both iPi Mocap Studio and the Unreal Engine editor open simultaneously for viewing animation changes in real-time. We are excited about the creative possibilities the new plug-in will deliver to our customers already working with Unreal Engine, Sorokin says. Users can now preview captured motion in an actual game scene inside the Unreal Engine editor and integrate the animation stream from iPi Mocap Studio into Unreal Engine for a more seamless and immersive experience. Sorokin noted that previously iPi Mocap users working in Unreal Engine would have to export animation from iPi Studio to FBX or BVH files, then import assets to Unreal. The tighter integration into Unreal is a huge benefit that will provide iPi Mocap content creators increased flexibility to create game, virtual production and other projects quickly and with more accurate results without the need to create custom code. Beta Results Prove Positive: New Discovery, a full-service digital agency based in Mexico and the US, took part in the iPi Soft beta-testing program of the closer integration of iPi Mocap and Unreal Engine for a VR documentary entitled, Northern Route, Border Identity.'' Funded by the Secretary of Cultural Affairs of the State of Chihuahua, Mexico, the project takes an empathetic look at the refugee experience that has slowly become part of the border region's social-economic fabric. We were incredibly impressed with the fidelity of the iPi Mocap data, Jonalex Herrera, CEO and co-founder of New Discovery, says. Even with two Kinect Azure sensors, the results were amazing. Best of all, we were able to push animation streams directly into Unreal to realistically share details of the refugees journey in search of a better future. Pricing and Availability: iPi Motion Capture Version 4 is available as a perpetual license or subscription-based model. Prices range from $165 to $1995 depending on the version of the software (Express, Basic, Pro) and duration of the subscription. Additional information on iPi Soft pricing is available here. About iPi Soft: Moscow-based developer, iPi Soft, LLC, develops powerful markerless motion capture software technology that uses sophisticated image processing and computer vision algorithms to recognize and track the human body. The companys software is used by creative professionals and prosumers around the world to digitize the movement of a human skeleton, rendering it expressive in 3D characters for video games, computer-generated films, as well as for medical, military and other applications. For additional information, on iPi Soft, product pricing, configurations or a 30-day free trial please visit http://www.ipisoft.com. All trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. iPi Soft Resources Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Gaensel Energy Group, Inc., (OTC Pink: GEGR) ("Gaensel" or the "Company"), a diversified holding company with assets in software/gaming and VR, health and wellness, CRM & data, as well as general contracting and patented building supplies, is pleased to announce the completion of the agreement to acquire the Italian joint stock company "ISCOM Spa." Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/78437_fa6aaebe44170b95_001full.jpg ISCOM - Riverclack Technologies To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7475/78437_fa6aaebe44170b95_002full.jpg Founded by Mr. Fabio Menegoli in 1964, ISCOM Spa has grown and developed following precise principles of moral and industrial ethics, incessant research, diversification and the obsession to achieve excellence in multiple industry sectors. ISCOM, with an annual turnover in 2020 of over $28,000,000 USD, an EBITDA of over $3.8 Million USD, has solid and motivated prospects for revenue growth and profits. The management team has the strength and the know-how to continue to develop and expand successfully the activities. ISCOM - RIVERCLACK TECHNOLOGIES ( www.riverclack.com ) The underlying company, Riverclack Technologies, has been the foundation of the ISCOM Holding Company. Riverclack has always been a pioneer in metal roofing. Riverclack is the standing seam metal roofing system for many construction modules. Its flexibility and high performance make it the ideal solution for schools, airports, warehouses and stadiums. Riverclack was conceived in Italy, in Verona, and in 30 years, thanks to its unique qualities, it has developed into a system known and appreciated all over the world. The quest for a roofing system that would solve the problems inherent to traditional metal roofing led the Company in 1987 to the creation of the Riverclack system, a revolution in roofing technology. Thanks to its unique features, Riverclack quickly established itself on the market as "the flat metal roofing system." Today, ISCOM and Riverclack are in rapid international expansion and countless airports and commercial buildings across the world enjoy the protection and beauty of Riverclack systems. In the past ten years, projects have included Colombia's Simon Bolivar International Airport - the Caribbean Port, Turkey's Ankara Esenboga Airport, Russia's Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport, Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Intl Airport, France's Aquasport Center, Saudi Arabia's KSU Stadium, Italy's Technogym Village, Italy's Agririva Winery & Oil Mill, and Italy's Diesel Offices. http://www.riverclack.com/es/news_6.html ISCOM asset base includes CBD marijuana research, cultivation, production and end user sales under its subsidiary companies. ISCOM and Gaensel management are currently negotiating agreements on the sales and joint venture development of its CBD and renewable energy assets. Gaensel President Claudio Pezzulla states "ISCOM is an important partner is our renewable energy division with its extensive experience and contracts in the European market. We were able to complete this acquisition as we have the previous transactions with a combination of investments and funding from our partner group. ISCOM brings proven strength to our renewable energy division." ISCOM SPA Via Belvedere 78 - 37026 Pescantina, - Italy T +39 045 773 21 77 F +39 045 773 29 70 https://www.iscomspa.com/ About Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. (OTC Pink: GEGR) Gaensel Energy Group asset base currently consists of proven companies in biotech, commodities, apparel - fashion, green and renewable energy, and technology. The management teams for each of these divisions are actively seeking similar partners in each space for expansion and additional acquisitions. The Company has been listed on the United States OTC Markets since 2002 and the Company is current. Gaensel Energy Group, Inc. 57 West 200 South Suite 300 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 admin@gegrgroup.com Phone: +1 518-567-3649 https://www.gegrgroup.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements and factors that may cause such differences include, without limitation inability to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to the proposed transaction or to complete the transactions contemplated by the non-binding term sheet, matters discovered by the parties as they complete their respective due diligence investigation of the other. Other factors include the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close, including due to the failure to receive required security holder approvals, or the failure of other closing conditions. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Gaensel Energy Group Website: http://www.gegrgroup.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78437 Loud music, dancing groups, and choice meals are regular features at funeral ceremonies, especially in the southern part of Nigeria. A lavish funeral is a status symbol of sorts and families of the bereaved particularly the affluent try to go the extra mile to organise elaborate ceremonies for their departed. But the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria, in February 2020, resulting in restriction of movements, religious and public gatherings, as well as the use of face masks and observance of other protocols, has shown that burial ceremonies do not have to be luxurious. In 2019, the Kogi State government came under fire after the governor, Yahaya Bello, appropriated, for himself and his deputy, N14 million for staging burial ceremonies in that fiscal year. Next door, in Anambra, however, the state assembly passed a bill seeking to reduce the cost of burial in the state. Nigerians react Nigerians, from different economic, social, ethnic and religious backgrounds, differed on the propriety or otherwise of organising lavish and elaborate burial ceremonies, following the loss of loved ones. According to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the South-West zone, while some respondents condemned the practice, saying it would lead to committing humongous expenses, others, however, said there was nothing wrong with it. The latter group further argued that elaborate and lavish burials were unnecessary, especially given the fact that more than 80 per cent of Nigerians were living below the poverty line. In an interview with NAN, the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Toyin Taiwo, frowned at the practice of organising elaborate burial ceremonies in some Nigerian cultures. Mr Taiwo described such practice as frivolous, contending that although it was inherited, it was no longer in tune with the current economic realities in Nigeria. If a particular norm is not serving any useful purpose, it should be discontinued, no matter how long it might have been in existence. Another reason it has continued is because of the foolish and erroneous belief in some cultures that the dead would be angry and not sleep in peace if not celebrated flamboyantly. We should, however, realise that culture is not a destination but a journey of discovery, and when you discover that a particular way of life no longer serves any useful purpose, you stop it, rather than pass it on. Also contributing, Debo Jegede, a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, identified the Yoruba and Igbo as two cultures that are fond of celebrating the dead flamboyantly in Nigeria. According to him, most people of Northern extraction do not believe in much ceremony after death. The lecturer described the practice as wasteful, adding that it does not have any positive economic impact on the society. An Abeokuta-based businesswoman, Oyeronke Adebiyi, wondered why people spend lavishly on burial ceremonies since such practice does not mean that the deceased will automatically rest in peace. Oftentimes in Yoruba land, you see people going the extra mile to bury someone they claim to love; they incur debts just to satisfy guests and be respected for being sociable. But you discover that when the deceased was alive, hardly was he cared for by the same people as a way of demonstrating their so-called love for him. ADVERTISEMENT It is wrong and absurd to spend lavishly on burials of someone you will never see again, she said. However, Sunday Bamidele, a sociologist, said celebrating the dead is culturally acceptable. He explained that the acceptability would depend on the culture to which the dead person belonged while alive. It is oftentimes peculiar to each culture and tradition. For example, the Hausa bury their dead almost immediately or on the day of death. The Yoruba, on the other hand, usually postpone the burial ceremony in order to prepare for full celebration. Concerning the religious aspect, most Muslims bury their dead the same day, while Christians sometimes shift the burial date forward, regardless of their ethnic affiliations. A clergyman, Akintunde Idowu, said Christians had a strong belief in the afterlife, stressing that much of their lives should be lived with the aim of achieving eternal peace in heaven. Mr Idowu, however, said that Christians usually held funeral services to pray for the repose of the soul of the departed and offer comfort and support to the bereaved. As Christians, we follow the Bible which recognises life after death. So when a Christian dies, it is seen as the end of his earthly sojourn. Everyone must, therefore, strive to attain a place in heaven, as a believer in Jesus Christ. Funerals are held for family members, friends and associates of the deceased to celebrate and give thanks for the life and times of the departed. It is also a period used to help the family come to terms with the reality of the loss of their loved ones and bring some form of support, he said. Support for the bereaved For Omotunde Olaniyi, a mental health physician, while some people always give attention to funerals rather than medical costs in the event that the deceased was ill, funerals help to provide relief and social support to the bereaved. According to her, a funeral ceremony is an avenue for social support so that the person doesnt slide into depression after losing a loved one. Grief can weaken a bereaved persons physical and mental health, thus holding funeral rites is a symbolic way of bringing relief and comfort to the bereaved. Funerals may help to ameliorate grief, assuage guilt and also provide social support for the bereaved. Funeral ceremony brings home the reality of death, encourages the expression of grief and offers hope to the living. I dont believe it should be abolished but it should be done in moderation, she said. Adesola Olaiya, a 72-year-old woman, said that burying the dead used to be a family affair in the olden days. While we were young, anytime a person died, which usually happened at home, it was their family that would wash and prepare him for burial. The body would be laid out in a room and people would come and pay their last respects. You didnt have to spend money to keep the body in the morgue and pay for expensive coffins. All these have, however, changed now, as civilisation now dictates burial practices. Burial is no longer a family affair; its like a competition nowadays and this should be discouraged. Young people should be encouraged to take care of their parents while they are still alive, spend that money on arranging for vacations for them and have modest burial when they die, she said. Also, Yahya Oyewole-Imam, Research Manager, University of Ilorin, said that incurring huge expenses in the name of giving the dead a befitting burial was alien to Islam. Mr Oyewole-Imam, a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the university, described death as a permanent termination of life-sustaining processes in an organism. This is when all biological systems of a human being cease to operate. Death occurs at any stage in ones life and for whatever cause, he said. According to him, death is a necessary end of everybody, whether young, old, male, female, rich or poor. There are recommended practices that must be done. These include washing the dead, shrouding and burying him/her if the condition of the death allows that. While charity and charitable deeds can be made on behalf of the deceased so that he/she can receive the mercy of Allah, all other expenses involving wining and dining are forbidden in Islam, he said. Not a bad idea On his part, Thomas Babajide of Christ Disciples Church, Offa Garage, Ilorin, said spending fortunes on burial was not a bad idea. I dont see anything bad in celebrating our old ones or parents when they are dead. It is not a waste to invite friends to bid the departed parents, family members or friends goodbye. It is a sign of showing love and there is nothing bad in that. If we have played our role well while they were alive, I dont see where it is stated in the Bible that it is a sin to celebrate them when they are gone. If you, as children, have the capacity, you can organise a party to honour your parents and plan their burial big. Lets stop criticising those who spend on burials. It is normal, he said. The cleric, however, called on people to always try and take care of their parents and family members, and should not wait till they die before throwing a party for them. Mathew Odudu, an Ado Ekiti-based casket dealer, attributed the huge amount being incurred in burying the dead to the fierce competition among service providers in the undertaking business. According to him, some even go the extra mile of embarking on a massive renovation of their family houses, all in the name of giving the dead a befitting burial and satisfy the tradition. Mr Odudu said it might be difficult to regulate such practice since no section of the nations constitution stipulated a specific amount to be expended on funerals. A Public Affairs Analyst, Moses Abayomi, who also spoke on the issue, lamented that most families usually spent huge sums of money on burials, possibly to show off or follow the dictates of tradition. A situation where the extended family of the deceased, including those from their maternal homes, slams all manner of bills on the immediate family of the dead cannot be said to be normal. Apart from engaging the services of undertakers, caterers and live bands, expensive gift items are equally served attendees. All these help in sky-rocketing the cost of funerals, he said. Contributing, Busari Ajiboye of Hopeland Christian Ministry, said the culture of caring for the dead more than the living is a practice capable of impoverishing the bereaved families. It is a bad culture that brings colossal loss to the bereaved family and this should be condemned by all and sundry. Sad enough, this is done at the expense of caring for the sick, especially the aged. Bose Adebayo, a Consultant Physicist, said spending fortunes to embalm corpses might be unnecessary. The truth is embalming isnt required at all. No law requires anybody to be embalmed and, most times, refrigeration is enough to keep a body in good condition, pending burial, she said. 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. George Segal, a Golden Globe winner who was equally adept at serious drama and lighthearted comedy, died on Tuesday at age 87. Segals wife Sonia announced his death, according to Variety, saying: The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery. The actor was best known to contemporary TV viewers as Albert Pops Solomon, the eccentric grandpa on ABCs long-running sitcom The Goldbergs. But Segals resume also included a tour de force role in the 1966 film version of Edward Albees Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? In the movie directed by Mike Nichols, Segal portrayed a naive college professor caught up in the tangled relationship of a furiously battling couple who release their emotional demons during a booze-soaked gathering at their home. Segals nuanced performance in the movie -- holding his own with stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton -- earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor. Segal received two Golden Globes during his lifetime, in 1965 as New Star of the Year for The New Interns, and in 1974 as Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, for A Touch of Class. The actor, a native of Great Neck, New York, appeared in more than 60 movies that included Blume in Love, Wheres Poppa?, The Owl and the Pussycat, California Split, Fun With Dick and Jane, The Hot Rock, The Mirror Has Two Faces and The Terminal Man. His co-stars included Robert Redford, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand, Goldie Hawn, Rod Steiger, Henry Fonda, Jason Robards and more. Segal was nearly as prolific on television, performing in TV films and series that ranged from Of Mice and Men and Death of a Salesman to Entourage and Just Shoot Me! He was an accomplished musician, as well, playing the banjo on at least three albums, and performing jazz, pop and standards on late-night talk shows. In 2017, Segal was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Friends, fans and colleagues have responded to Segals death on social media, posting memories, tributes and appreciations of his talent. Heres a sampling: Aww man, not George. I grew up watching him, total old school charm, effortless comedic timing. Doing scenes with him was one of the highlights of my life, but getting to know him a little and making the legend laugh was even cooler. Ill miss you, sir. RIP George Segal. pic.twitter.com/JRtOirWThl Brian Posehn (@thebrianposehn) March 24, 2021 Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segals amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all... pic.twitter.com/D1aNZuT20e Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) March 24, 2021 George Segal has gone now. A career that kept going for 50+ because he loved it and he was great at it. RIP Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) March 24, 2021 So sorry to hear of the passing of the wonderful George Segal! We did The Zany Adventures of Robin Hood together & I guested on Just Shoot Me. One of a kind and always a joy! #RIPGeorge #RIPGeorgeSegal pic.twitter.com/fEZpQSUkBU Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) March 24, 2021 Shocked and saddened to hear of #GeorgeSegal passing away! From being on set of #JustShootMe to directing him on #Goldbergs, he was a true gem and great man. He will be missed! https://t.co/1SvToqUEGH Melissa Joan Hart (@MelissaJoanHart) March 24, 2021 So sad to hear that George Segal passed. He starred with Robert Redford in one of my all time favorite underrated heist films, The Hot Rock. If you havent seen it before (well, even if you have!) and are looking for a George Segal movie to watch tonight, I highly recommend it. pic.twitter.com/MouFm6Aj76 Kate Gabrielle (@kategabrielle) March 24, 2021 If you only know George Segal from his years on The Goldbergs, you might be surprised to know that he was a handsome leading man who was groomed for stardom from the early 1960s (here he is in King Rat). pic.twitter.com/qqEsSBrcqS Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) March 24, 2021 Aw! Rip #GeorgeSegal. I used to play poker with him at Norby Walters weekly game. Just a great vibrant man with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. https://t.co/np1B7egQrJ Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) March 24, 2021 So sad to hear or #georgesegal passing. I loved working with him on #CarolineintheCity and directed him recently on @TheGoldbergsABC he was class talent and a gift to us all #rip friend. pic.twitter.com/8z7u6FsXt1 Lea Thompson (@LeaKThompson) March 24, 2021 Rest in Peace to the great George Segal. What a career & a long career -- so gifted at comedy and drama -- so open and poignant & hilarious & brave in his movies. And so many great ones (one of my personal faves: California Split). He was one of the best. What a loss. pic.twitter.com/NxWPrkmG5W Kim Morgan (@SunsetGunShot) March 24, 2021 George Segal was in so many memorable movies and roles, too many to list. But one of my favorites was 1977s ROLLERCOASTER, its an overlooked gem. #GeorgeSegalRIP pic.twitter.com/KGlzpkIVLF Michael Kronenberg (@MWKronenberg) March 24, 2021 My personal favorite George Segal movie is The Hot Rock. What a career. What a nice man, what an iconic cool funny 70s movie star. #RIP Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) March 24, 2021 George Segal's performance in King Rat should have swept the Oscar's away in 1965. Most will remember the dry, sharp comedian, and they are right. I'll remember the gritty dramatic actor. RIP Sir. pic.twitter.com/fDk70Hr0ol Robert Fritts (@RobertFritts14) March 24, 2021 George Segal made some great films - Virginia WoolfCalifornia Split Born To Win... but tonight in his honor Im digging out my 35mm print of his rarely screened The Black Bird - 1975s forgotten comedy homage to The Maltese Falcon pic.twitter.com/36vcPbmlSQ Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) March 24, 2021 Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain AstraZeneca has said it is standing by its coronavirus vaccine after a US agency raised concerns about trial results that showed the shot to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19. As immunization programs gather pace around the world, another vaccine ran into trouble on Wednesday when Hong Kong and Macau suspended the Pfizer-BioNTech jab over what authorities said were packaging problems. The uncertainties are a blow to scientists' hopes for a quick rollout of what they say is the best hope of ending a pandemic that has killed more than 2.7 million people. AstraZeneca had published results from its US trials on Monday, showing the vaccine to be 79 percent effective in preventing COVID-19, but the US National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Diseases raised concerns that the results were outdated. The firm backed its shot on Tuesday, saying a review found the interim results it had announced were "consistent", and that it would release new analysis and data "within 48 hours". The AstraZeneca shot had been hailed as a potential game-changer in the fight against the pandemic, as it is cheaper and easier to store and transport than many of its rivals. But public confidence in the drug has tumbled after more than a dozen countries temporarily suspended its rollout because of isolated cases of blood clotseven though the World Health Organization and regulators have found no link with the shot. AstraZeneca has also struggled for months with production and supply chains, delivering only 30 percent of the doses it promised the European Union for the first quarter and sparking fury in Brussels. The European Commission on Wednesday will revise trade rules to strengthen its hand when it comes to preventing exports of vaccines produced in the bloc. The already stumbling vaccination programmes in Hong Kong and Macau also ran into trouble on Wednesday, as authorities temporarily stopped giving Pfizer-BioNTech shots over concerns about the packaging of vials. Health officials did not explain what exactly was wrong with them, but insisted there were no safety issues. 'It was like a war' Despite these issues, rich nations have accelerated their drives but fears are growing about supplies for the rest of the world. "I am deeply concerned that many low-income countries have not yet received a single #COVID19 vaccine dose," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted Wednesday. "Vaccines must be a global public good. The world must unite to make this a reality." The pandemic has taken a turn for the worse in many nations, with known infections worldwide approaching 124 million. Hard-hit Brazil's daily death toll crossed 3,000 for the first time, as the South American nation's healthcare infrastructure was pushed to the brink by an explosion of cases. Supplies of medical oxygen for COVID-19 patients have fallen to "worrying" levels in six of Brazil's 27 states, officials said Tuesday. The warning raised fears of a repeat of horrific scenes in the northern city of Manaus in January, when oxygen shortages left dozens of COVID-19 patients to suffocate to death. "You have no idea what it is to see families running around to find oxygen canisters, the fights outside places selling oxygen," Manaus-based doctor Adele Benzaken told AFP. "It was like a warthe chaos of a bombing, when people are running around desperately without knowing what to do." 'We have a new virus' The surges have forced governments to reimpose unpopular and economically punishing restrictions, including lockdowns, despite the availability of vaccines. German chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a nationwide shutdown for five days starting April 1 to fight a spike fuelled by the variant first detected in Britain. "Essentially, we have a new virus," she said. "It is much deadlier, much more infectious and infectious for much longer." The Netherlands extended coronavirus restrictions until April 20, while Norway will ban alcohol sales at bars and restaurants as part of new anti-virus rules starting Thursday. The Belgian government was to hold an emergency meeting Wednesday to decide how to fight a worrying spike in cases. Those on the pandemic frontlines in hard-hit Britain, under immense strain throughout the crisis, got a boost Tuesday when a painting by street artist Banksy sold for a record 16.75 million pounds ($23.1 million) in an auction by Christie's to raise money for health workers. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 AFP North Korean leader Kim Jong-un / Yonhap North Korea fired short-range missiles this past weekend, just days after the sister of Kim Jong Un threatened the United States and South Korea for holding joint military exercises. The missile tests were confirmed by two senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity. They come as North Korea has ignored offers from the new administration to resume negotiations, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week pressed China to use its ''tremendous influence'' to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. The officials, however, sought to downplay the significance of the missile tests, noting that they are not covered by U.N. Security Council resolutions meant to deter North Korea from pursuing a nuclear program. Biden himself told reporters the missile tests were not a provocation. ''There's no new wrinkle in what they did,'' he said. The Biden administration has been open about its desire to engage the North in negotiations even as the regime has batted away calls for the two nations to talk. In North Korea's first comments directed at the Biden administration, the North Korean leader Kim's powerful sister earlier this month warned the United States to '' refrain from causing a stink'' if it wants to ''sleep in peace'' for the next four years. This footage, aired by the (North) Korean Central Television on July 26, 2019, shows a short-range missile being fired from a transporter erector launcher on the Hodo Peninsula near the eastern coastal town of Wonsan the previous day. Yonhap ROMULUS, MI Prosecutors claim a group of men accused of killing Egypt Covington almost four years ago did so while trying to steal marijuana from a medical care giver and went to the wrong home. The preliminary examination of Timothy Eugene Moore, Shandon Ray Groom and Shane Lamar Evans began Monday, March 22, with prosecutors presenting evidence that each man was involved in the slaying of Covington during what appeared to be a case of plotting to steal drugs and entering one duplex apartment when they meant to enter the other. The three men are facing felony murder and home invasion charges in the killing of Covington, 27, who was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head about 7:15 p.m. June 23, 2017, in her home in the 45000 block of Hull Road in Van Buren Township. Third suspect arraigned on murder charge in Egypt Covington homicide Covington was found with her hands bound with Christmas lights and shot in the head at close range. Police testified they found a couch cushion with a bullet hole in it believed to have been used to muffle the sound of the gunshot. Investigators said early in the case they did not believe the shooting was random, and that Covington likely knew her killer. Witness testimony broadcast online during the two-day examination indicated she likely did not personally know any of the three suspects, except for perhaps Evans who worked for a lawn care company that provided regular services at her duplex. Prosecutors played an audio recording of Evans police interrogation where he said his friend, Groom, was looking to get some marijuana but didnt have any money. Evans told officers he knew Covingtons neighbor at the duplex was a medical marijuana care giver, had marijuana in the home and was going to be out of town attending the Electric Forest music festival, according to the recording. He gave the other two men the location of the Hull Road home. Later that evening, he got a text from them saying oops wrong house, according to the recording. Evans told investigators he didnt know what that meant and did not want to know. While prosecutors argue Covington was killed as a result of a poorly planned robbery, Moores attorney Kristina Joseph argued Covingtons ex-boyfriend could also be a suspect in the slaying. The ex-boyfriend was identified as a suspect early in the case, but never charged. Witnesses testified he and Covington fought on several occasions and, a week prior to her death, had gotten into an argument with her publicly at the Strawberry Festival in Bellville. The argument allegedly was about him being upset to find out her new boyfriend was moving in with her. The preliminary examination is expected to conclude with bind over arguments Thursday morning before Wayne County 34th District Judge Tina Green. All three men are being held in the Wayne County Jail without bond. Family seeks justice for angelic slain Belleville area woman Covington was known locally in Ann Arbor for her singing, as well as her previous employment at Frasers Pub in Ann Arbor. Arbor Brewing Company released a seasonal beer, A Girl Named Egypt, in her honor with a portion of sales being donated to a foundation in her name to support charities related to music scholarship, animal welfare and victims of domestic abuse. More from MLive: Police searching for armed man in Whitmore Lake Envision Green gives Lansing Community College students a pathway to transfer to MSU Ann Arbor seeking volunteers to help research history of citys 160-plus parks Good morning, North State. Here's what you need to know to start your day on Wednesday, March 24. Chico police investigating double drive-by shooting Police are searching for information in a double drive-by shooting in Chico. Officers said the first report came just before 7 p.m. Tuesday on the 700 block of West East Avenue. The second, nearly 2 hours later at the same location. Officers said when they arrived, both times, they found no witnesses and nobody with injuries. Judge mulls requiring PG&E to turn off power more frequently Power safety shutoffs could soon increase for some local counties. The district judge overseeing PG&E's criminal probation outlined a plan for increased shutoffs in areas with large trees. Outages could triple in Trinity County and double in Shasta, Tehama, and Butte counties. California power regulators are opposing the plan saying it would impose an undue hardship on customers. Woman severely burned in structure fire at Redding's Sundial Lodge A woman is in the hospital with severe burns this morning after Redding firefighters pulled her from a burning hotel room. Crews said the fire started at a room on the second story of the Sundial Lodge on Market Street. The Fire Chief said CPR was performed on the woman while on the way to the hospital. Crews managed to contain the flames to one room. The cause is still under investigation. Food distribution happening every Wednesday for month of March in Oroville Today, there will be a free food distribution for those in need at the Southside Oroville Community Center, and OQuinn Outreach Ministry is set to host a food giveaway at the center on lower Wyandotte Road. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or until they run out. Interstate 5 to be down lanes for bridge construction A major bridge replacement project on Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir will begin today at the Crag View Drive exit. Drivers should watch for shifting lanes in the construction area where traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction until the end of June. Caltrans said drivers should also prepare for reduced speed limits in the construction zone. Oroville man returns to court in murder of his father An Oroville man accused of murdering his father is scheduled to return to court to enter a plea today. Butte County Sheriff's deputies arrested Tyler Anderson last Thursday at a home on Ve Avenue, after his mother called 911. Investigators said he hit his father on the head with a sledgehammer. Anderson was arraigned Monday and assigned an attorney. FORT WORTH, Texas, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP (NYSE: KRP) ("Kimbell"), a leading owner of oil and natural gas mineral and royalty interests in more than 97,000 gross wells across 28 states, today announced that it will release its first quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, May 6, 2021, before the market opens. In conjunction with the release, Kimbell has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live over the Internet the same day at 10:00 a.m. Central (11:00 a.m. Eastern). By Phone: Dial 201-389-0869 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through May 13th by dialing 201-612-7415 and using the conference ID: 13717951#. By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Events and Presentations page of Kimbell's Investor Relations website at http://kimbellrp.investorroom.com/. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call. Additionally, Kimbell today announced its participation in the UBS Global Oil and Gas Virtual Conference on Friday, March 26, 2021, and the World Oilman's Mineral and Royalty Conference on Monday and Tuesday, April 19-20, 2021. About Kimbell Royalty Partners Kimbell (NYSE: KRP) is a leading oil and natural gas mineral and royalty company based in Fort Worth, Texas. Kimbell owns mineral and royalty interests in over 13 million gross acres in 28 states and in every major onshore basin in the continental United States, including ownership in more than 97,000 gross wells with over 41,000 wells in the Permian Basin. To learn more, visit http://www.kimbellrp.com. Contact: Rick Black Dennard Lascar Investor Relations [email protected] (713) 529-6600 SOURCE Kimbell Royalty Partners, LP Related Links http://www.kimbellrp.com A false fire and depressurization alarm on the International Space Station (ISS) was caused by the incorrect operation of the software of Crew Dragon spaceship developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to the negotiations of the astronauts with Earth, broadcast by NASA MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th March, 2021) A false fire and depressurization alarm on the International Space Station (ISS) was caused by the incorrect operation of the software of Crew Dragon spaceship developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, according to the negotiations of the astronauts with Earth, broadcast by NASA. Earlier in the day, the ISS crew reported about a fire and depressurization alarm. The astronauts checked the leak integrity of the ISS modules and made sure that there was no air leak and fire. Specialists on the ground started to investigate the cause of the false alarm. A source in the rocket and space industry later told Sputnik that the false signal came from the US segment of the ISS. A specialist of the NASA mission control center in Houston speaking with US astronaut Shannon Walker said that according to preliminary analysis a problem with Crew Dragon spaceship software could have caused the false alarm. The Crew Dragon spacecraft brought the astronauts to the ISS in November 2020 and is expected to return to Earth in late April or early May. 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. CLARION, Iowa A Wright County motorcycle gang case has ended with five dismissals and one federal prosecution. Five men identified as members of the Sons of Silence Motorcycle Club or a support club known as Sworn Silence were charged with criminal gang participation for an incident in April 2020. Authorities say the men allegedly forced another motorcycle rider to pull over and threatened him with violence if he did not hand over his jacket or the patch on his jacket identifying him as belonging to a different motorcycle club. Charges of criminal gang participation were filed against: Anthony Jacob Kelley, 37 of Belmond. Chad Robert Simmons, 41 of Latimer. Justin Anthony Carlson, 37 of Sheffield. Daniel Robert Carolus, 43 of Belmond. Cory Dale Woods, 41 of Waverly. Those charges have now been dismissed. Court documents say charges were dropped against Kelley, Simmons, Carolus, and Woods due to insufficient evidence. The state charge was dismissed against Carlson because he had been indicted in U.S. Federal Court in Cedar Rapids for possession of a firearm by a felon. Authorities say Carlson was convicted of a felony in Hancock County in February 2008 and was found in possession of a handgun and shotgun in June 2020. Carlson has pleaded guilty to that crime. No sentencing date has been set. (Newser) The suspect in Monday's mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado, bought a long gun less than a week earlier, according to court documents. An arrest warrant affidavit states that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa carried a handgun and a Ruger AR-556 long gun that he had bought six days before the attack, the Denver Post reports. The 21-year-old was charged Tuesday with 10 counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said Tuesday that the investigation is still in its early stages and police haven't determined a motive, reports the Boulder Daily Camera. The 10 people killed in and around a King Soopers grocery store include a police officer with seven children and at least two store employees. story continues below The affidavit states that Alissa, who had been shot in the leg, put down his gear, including a "possible AR-15" and "removed all of his clothing and was dressed only in shorts" before he was taken into custody. It states that he refused to answer many of investigators' questions but asked for his mother. The suspect's brother, Ali Aliwi Alissa, tells CNN that the family moved to the US from Syria in 2002 and has lived in Arvada, between Boulder and Denver, since 2014. He says his brother was "paranoid" and may have been mentally ill, though he never seemed particularly political or religious. According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's database, Alissa was sentenced to probation and community service for third-degree assault in 2018. (Read more Boulder shooting stories.) Senior Arts Reporter Veteran gospel musician Machanic Manyeruke has said artistes, especially the upcoming ones, should not only rely on music as a source of income, but must have projects that sustain their livelihood. Manyeruke, who opened up about his new projects, a new house and music, was optimistic that artistes can achieve many things in the industry. But first things first, Manyeruke says his first name has been misspelt for a long time. "My first name is Machanic not Mechanic,.It has an 'a' not an 'e' as is often written by some people. Please correct that and this is my real name -- Machanic Joseph Manyeruke. You know, names are important wherever you go and to avoid confusion people should always write the correct spelling." The award-winning musician said in an interview that the house that he is building in his rural home in Chiwundura, Midlands province, was almost complete. "The young artistes should know that no matter how hard we try to entertain the fans, we should also have a house and some projects that can sustain us. Look how our sector has been affected by Covid-19, and it is us the artistes who suffer the most. "I know it is a difficult sector, but you should try to have something. I decided to build my four-bedroom house in my rural home. This is where I can rest and chill, the Harare house will be for business." The "Makorokoto" hit-maker said he will not be building a studio in the rural area. "Many people have been questioning my music career if I am relocating to Chiwundura. There shall come a time I need to rest from all of this and this is the correct place to do that. The house in Chiwundura, I call it 'my little Harare' because it has everything and very soon I will be hosting a house-warming party." Although he was busy with the construction of the house during the Covid-19 lockdown since last year, Manyeruke said he found time to go back to the studio for his 26th album. "I am a farmer and during the lockdown I was busy with the construction of the house and I had to go back in the studio to work on my latest offering which is currently playing on airwaves," he said. "The new album is called 'Mwari Taurai'. It has eight songs which features Jonathan Mgazi and his wife Melinda." Manyeruke said the album might herald his come-back, considering that it has an inspirational song, the title track "Mwari Taurai", which has been dedicated to Covid-19. "As always, I am inspired by societal settings and these have made me to survive in the sector, singing the truth. 'Mwari Taurai' is a song we say God should speak as we have hope and faith that this shall come to pass. "It is a fun-loving, happy song during the crisis that left so many saddened, especially by the deaths caused by Covid-19. Somehow, I felt that many people needed a reason to have hope, laugh, dance and sing again." Produced by Mgazi, Manyeruke said a video to the album was coming soon. "I have noticed that times have changed and we as old artistes should embrace the new norm in order to stay relevant. I am working on a new video and I am glad some friends in the United Kingdom bought us a camera and equipment. "The cameras are currently in Chegutu and ready for collection. I want to revive my video production and quality to meet the current trends." Manyeruke said he has forgiven and forgotten about Pride Africa Network director Sheppard Sirewu who in 2014 had promised him a Jaguar XF car. The promise came after the musician was honoured for his contribution to the music industry. "Well, I have forgiven and forgotten about that music promoter dealer. He was someone trying to raise his bar by honouring musicians, but unfortunately it did not happen. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Music Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We met and spoke about it. I never pursued the issue again because this was a promise and you know they can be broken. But I urge and encourage music promoters, or business people who would want to work with us to honour promises they would have put on the table and finish everything first, rather than to have glory and fame for things that are not there. That will be abuse of the sector." Manyeruke said he was grateful as some well-wishers had been coming on board to assist him considering that the music sector has been hard-hit by Covid-19. "My last performance was in December last year in Bulawayo. I miss the stage, but for now there is nothing we can do. I am happy that Mikayi from Voice of Mbare managed to drill a borehole at my rural house. I was surprised by the gesture. "He didn't want that to be publicised that time, but it is worth mentioning," said Manyeruke. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Two workers fell about 30 feet off the roof of a duplex under construction in Massachusetts early Friday and were flown to hospitals, authorities said The Mashpee Fire Department responded to the call around 8:30 a.m., Chief Thomas Rullo told the Cape Cod Times. The roof was icy after rain and snow overnight, and there were high winds at the time, he said. One worker slipped and fell, and the other tried to help and also fell, he said. Both men were conscious when first responders arrived. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also went to the scene, police said. The duplex was part of the Willowbend development. Willowbend is thankful for the quick response by the Mashpee Fire Department following an accident involving a subcontractor this morning at the site of one of our construction projects, Willowbend General Manager Craig Fleming said in a statement. `Our thoughts are with the two injured workers, along with their families, and we are working to provide all necessary support. There have been at least two other major construction accidents in Massachusetts in the past month. One worker died and another was critically injured while working at a Cambridge parking garage this month, while two workers doing sewer work in downtown Boston died late last month after getting struck by a construction vehicle. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Workers' Compensation Massachusetts Numbers press release Launched in April 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO), European Commission, France and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the ACT Accelerator is a partnership of leading public health agencies with equity at its heart. In under a year, the ACT Accelerator has driven real progress to accelerate the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has accelerated the development of COVID-19 tests, treatments, vaccines and health systems and transformed the ability to tackle COVID-19 on a global scale, but only if the world can ensure the equitable distribution of these vital tools. However, the world continues to face an unprecedented and rapidly evolving threat from COVID-19. Three major shifts in the pandemic and the operating environment for the ACT Accelerator have necessitated a refresh of ACT Accelerator priorities, financing requirements, and investment case. First, COVID-19 vaccines are now available, but face acute supply constraints. Second, virus variants are emerging with increasingly concerning characteristics. Third, despite valuable support from governments, regulators, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, there has been insufficient investment in global solutions to scale COVID-19 tools. The ACT-Accelerator is well positioned to respond to these challenges. In 2020, a substantial focus was on developing and evaluating a sound product portfolio by investing in R&D, product assessment, and market shaping, while laying the groundwork for large-scale procurement and in-country delivery. Now that an initial set of effective and affordable COVID-19 tools is available, resources are increasingly focused on optimizing their public health impact. In 2021, ACT Accelerator aims to fully leverage these existing tools and available volumes, then expand manufacturing, while continuing to invest in further R&D and product optimization. The original ACT-Accelerator investment case published in September 2020 outlined a total requirement of US$ 38.1 billion to fully fund its work. Based on the refreshed strategic priorities outlined above, the Pillars have adjusted their resource needs. Despite generous donor contributions amounting to US$ 11.0 billion to date, ACT Accelerator continues to require an additional US$ 22.1 billion in 2021 to deliver on its full promise, and fund its vital work to deliver over 2 billion doses of vaccines, 900 million tests and up to 100 million of new treatment courses. The publication of a more detailed Strategy and Budget outlines the detail behind these numbers. Tackling COVID-19 requires substantial financial investments, but the financial and economic ramifications of inaction are far greater. In January 2021, a study commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce demonstrated that even with strong COVID-19 vaccine coverage in high-income countries, inequitable access to COVID-19 tools elsewhere would cost high-income economies an additional US$ 2.4 trillion in 2021 alone. Investing in ACT Accelerator dwarfs the potential multiplier benefits of domestic fiscal support investments. If COVID-19 transmission is uncontrolled anywhere in the world, it remains a threat to everyone everywhere in the world. Commenting on today's release of the Strategy and Budget, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, said: "The ACT Accelerator has made strong progress. But new viral variants, limited vaccine supply, and underinvestment have resulted in the need to refresh the strategy and budget that chart the roadmap out of the pandemic. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the ACT Accelerator, we call on all nations to come together in global solidarity. It isn't just the right thing to do, it is also the fastest and most effective way to save lives, protect health systems and restore economies." Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: "In recent weeks COVAX has begun to turn the tide on the early inequity of the global vaccine rollout. However, with the increased spread of COVID-19 variants, we have entered a new and less predictable phase of the pandemic. It is crucial that the vaccines we have developed are shared globally, as a matter of the greatest urgency, to reduce the prevalence of disease, slow down viral mutation, and bring the pandemic to an end. And in parallel, we must redouble our R&D efforts so we have the tools we need to tackle emerging variants of the virus." Emma Hannay, Chief Access Officer & ACT-Accelerator Lead for FIND, said: "In less than a year, the ACT-Accelerator partnership has spurred the development and delivery of affordable, reliable rapid tests, scaled up manufacturing, and reserved important volumes for LMICs. But while we are moving quickly, so is the virus: the emergence of new variants across the globe underscores the ongoing need for equitable access to testing and strong surveillance systems so that we are not flying blind as the pandemic evolves. Detection of flare-ups and hotspot is key to stop case numbers from rebounding during vaccine roll out." Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, said: "Thanks to the US$6 billion committed by its donors to date, the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment has been able to begin protecting at-risk groups in lower-income countries with life-saving COVID-19 vaccines. While our work is only just beginning, we can now see the benefits of a multilateral solution to this pandemic. I encourage countries and others to continue to support the ACT Accelerator's critical mission across all pillars," said Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance." Peter Sands, Executive Director of The Global Fund, said: "The ACT-Accelerator partnership has achieved major progress in less than a year, including the procurement of over 50 million COVID-19 tests for low- and middle-income countries. However, we now face a tough battle as new variants emerge, taking us into unknown terrain. Reducing inequities in testing is a critical, if we are to succeed in containing the spread of the virus and monitoring the emergence of new variants. We must continue to scale up the availability and deployment of rapid and affordable tests to support countries in their response to a fast-evolving pandemic." Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, said: "As the production and availability of the COVID-19 vaccines ramp up, the revised strategy will ensure that countries have the resources and support they need to administer them equitably. As UNICEF supports this historic initiative, we will also continue focusing on other essential maternal and child health services, including immunization, which are critical to saving lives while we work to turn the tide on the pandemic." Dr Philippe Duneton, Unitaid Executive Director, said: "This new strategy reflects the epidemiological reality we are all now facing - a mutating virus that doesn't respect national borders, which threatens the effectiveness of the tools we have to fight this pandemic. Now is the moment to push ahead with a firm commitment to equitable access for all to the treatments and tests we need to defeat COVID-19, alongside the roll-out of vaccines. Research and development, country-preparedness and the procurement of proven treatments, including medical oxygen, will all be vital in the months to come." We must ACT now, and ACT together, to end the acute phase of the pandemic. Notes to Editors The Access to COVID-19 Tools ACT-Accelerator, is the proven, up-and-running global collaboration to accelerate the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines. It was set up in response to a call from G20 leaders in March and launched by the WHO, European Commission, France and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in April 2020. The ACT-Accelerator is not a decision-making body or a new organization but works to speed up collaborative efforts among existing organizations to end the pandemic. It is a framework for collaboration that has been designed to bring key players around the table with the goal of ending the pandemic as quickly as possible through the accelerated development, equitable allocation, and scaled up delivery of tests, treatments and vaccines, thereby protecting health systems and restoring societies and economies in the near term. It draws on the experience of leading global health organizations which are tackling the world's toughest health challenges, and who, by working together, are able to unlock new and more ambitious results against COVID-19. Its members share a commitment to ensure all people have access to all the tools needed to defeat COVID-19 and to work with unprecedented levels of partnership to achieve it. The ACT-Accelerator comprises four pillars: diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and health system strengthening. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Africa International Organisations By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The diagnostics pillar co-convened by the Global Fund and FIND is focused on ensuring equitable access to new and existing tests, supporting country uptake and deployment and strengthening the diagnostic portfolio with R&D investments in low-cost, easy-to-use and quality tests. In 2021, it is focused on procuring and distributing at least 900 million molecular and AG-RDTs to LMICs. The therapeutics pillar is led by Unitaid and Wellcome. Therapeutics can play a role in all stages of COVID-19 disease: to prevent infection; suppress symptoms and spread of infection to others; treat or prevent symptoms; as a life-saving treatment for severe symptoms; and as a treatment that can speed up recovery. The aim in the next 12 months is to develop, manufacture and distribute millions of treatment doses, helping COVID-19 sufferers to recover from the disease. The vaccines pillar, convened by CEPI, Gavi and WHO, is speeding up the search for an effective vaccine for all countries. At the same time, it is supporting the building of manufacturing capabilities, and buying supply, ahead of time so that at least 2 billion doses can be fairly distributed to the most high risk and highly exposed populations globally by the end of 2021. The health systems connector pillar, led by the World Bank, the Global Fund and WHO, is working to ensure that these tools can reach the people who need them. Cross-cutting all of these is the workstream on Access & Allocation, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Since April 2020, the ACT-Accelerator has supported the fastest, most coordinated, and successful global effort in history to develop tools to fight a disease. With significant advances in research and development by academia, private sector and government initiatives, the ACT-Accelerator has advanced our understanding of what works to fight the disease. It has transformed our ability to tackle COVID-19 on a global scale: vaccines are poised to roll-out worldwide, low-cost high-performing antigen rapid diagnostic tests can now detect transmission anywhere, affordable therapy for severe disease can save lives in any setting, and health systems are being prepared for the roll out of tools. Find out more: https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator Regulatory News: Air Liquide's (Paris:AI) Combined General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. (Paris time), on first calling, at Paris Innovation Campus, 1, Chemin de la porte des loges, Les Loges-en-Josas (78), France. In order to protect the health and safety of its employees and shareholders, Air Liquide's Combined General Meeting will be held behind closed doors. On the date of the Notice of meeting, there are indeed administrative measures which restrict movements and gatherings for public health reasons and which prevent shareholders from attending this Meeting in person, notably in light of the number of persons who usually attend such Meetings. The draft resolutions, approved by Air Liquide's Board of Directors on February 9, 2021 and to be submitted to the General Meeting, as well as all the information concerning the Meeting are available on the Company's website, Shareholders section. The Notice of meeting published on March 24, 2021 in the French legal gazette (Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires) is available on the Company's website, in the 2021 General Meeting section. The invitation to the Meeting will be sent to all shareholders of the Company, by mail or electronicallyfor those having opted for the electronic invitation. These documents include the voting form, the agenda of the Meeting, the resolutions which will be submitted to the vote of shareholders with a presentation of the objectives of each resolution and practical information for attending, voting and exercising shareholder rights. Shareholders are informed that adaptations of the voting conditions will be necessary. Considering that the Meeting will be held behind closed doors, no admission cards will be issued and proxies to third parties shall be processed according to the conditions described on the Company's website. Votes on the resolutions and proxies to the Chairman shall be managed as usual. Voting can be carried out by post mail or by Internet (given the situation, we strongly recommend shareholders to vote by Internet in order to facilitate processing). The voting website will be open from Tuesday, March 30 until Monday, May 3 at 3 p.m., Paris time Pursuant to article 8 of Decree No 2020-418 of April 10, 2020, the Board of Directors has appointed two scrutineers from among the shareholders that, to the Company's knowledge on the date of the Notice of meeting, hold the largest number of voting rights, are able to attend the General Meeting, and accept this role. They are the following two companies: Amundi and BNP Paribas. For the most up-to-date information, shareholders are invited to regularly consult the General Meeting page which will be updated whenever necessary, since the modalities described above may be modified. The agenda, along with the various documents relating to this Meeting, may also be consulted on this page. Air Liquide share ownership (as at December 31, 2020) 33% of the capital held by individual shareholders of the capital held by individual shareholders 51% of the capital held by non-French institutional investors of the capital held by non-French institutional investors 16% of the capital held by French institutional investors Agenda of the Combined General Meeting of May 4, 2021 Ordinary General Meeting Approval of the Company financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 Approval of the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 Appropriation of 2020 earnings; setting of the dividend Authorization granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 18 months to allow the Company to trade in its own shares Renewal of the term of office of Mr Xavier Huillard as Director Appointment of Mr Pierre Breber as Company Director Appointment of Mr Aiman Ezzat as Company Director Appointment of Mr Bertrand Dumazy as Company Director Statutory Auditors' Special Report on agreements covered by the articles L. 225-38 et seq. of the French Commercial Code Approval of the elements of remuneration paid during or awarded in respect of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 to Mr Benoit Potier Approval of information relating to the remuneration of corporate officers stated in article L. 22-10-9 I of the French Commercial Code Approval of the remuneration policy applicable to Executive Officers Approval of the remuneration policy applicable to Directors Extraordinary General Meeting Authorization granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 24 months to reduce the share capital by cancellation of treasury shares Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 26 months in order to increase the share capital via the issuance of ordinary shares or marketable securities conferring entitlement, immediately and/or in the future, to the Company's share capital, with retention of shareholder preferential share subscription rights for a maximum par value amount of 470 million euros Authorization granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 26 months to increase the issuance amount of equity securities or marketable securities in the event of over-subscription Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 26 months to perform share capital increases, with cancellation of preferential subscription rights, reserved for members of a company or Group Savings Plan Delegation of authority granted to the Board of Directors for a period of 18 months to perform share capital increases, with cancellation of preferential subscription rights, reserved for a category of beneficiaries Ordinary General Meeting Powers for formalities. Shareholder Services www.airliquide.com/shareholders/contact-us UPCOMING DATES First quarter 2021 revenue: Friday, April 23, 2021 Combined General Meeting: Tuesday, May 4, 2021 Dividend ex date*: Monday, May 17, 2021 Dividend payment date*: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 subject to the necessary approvals at the Combined Shareholders' Meeting scheduled for 4 May 2021 A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 million customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air Liquide's scientific territory and have been at the core of the company's activities since its creation in 1902. Air Liquide's ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company's customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders. Air Liquide's revenue amounted to more than 20 billion euros in 2020. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005882/en/ Contacts: Media Relations media@airliquide.com Investor Relations IRTeam@airliquide.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. COLUMBIA An S.C. Senate committee chose a preference for a standardized state flag design, but it will ultimately be up to the General Assembly as a whole to determine if the design should stick. A March 24 vote by the Senate Family and Veterans' Services Committee picked an image that depicts a palmetto tree which was adopted in 1910 on the second official state flag. But amendments that would alter that look are certain to come during floor deliberations. Committee chairwoman Katrina Shealy said forwarding a single option to the S.C. Senate may cut down on debate time. "Lord knows we don't need to give them too many options with 46 people," the Lexington Republican said. "This is the one we will send. If someone wants to look into it further and strike and amend and have an upside down flag, they can do that." The committee's pick includes a symmetrical tree design with robust fronds and a trunk with grass at its base, using elements originally sketched by A.S. Salley, who was the S.C. Historical Commission's first secretary. The banner retains an indigo hue that harkens back to a shade of uniforms worn by Col. William Moultries 2nd South Carolina regiment during the Revolutionary War. Indigo dye was also produced from that namesake plant in the Lowcountry during Moultries lifetime, and indigo became the states official color in 2008. A Senate subcommittee, which held the initial hearing March 16 on giving the state flag a standard design for the first time in 80 years, wanted to offer lawmakers options after the backlash about an initial proposed design with a thin palmetto that was ridiculed on social media for resembling a toilet brush, among other colorful descriptions. A panel of experts, who worked for two years on a design, then suggested two choices with more substantial trees. If the Senate supports the design moved out of committee, it will then head to the House. Representatives could choose the design that was not picked by the Senate. "It doesn't matter what the Senate does or the House does, it's not going to please everybody," state Sen. Ronnie Cromer, a Prosperity Republican and lead sponsor on the flag design bill, said during the committee hearing March 24. During a legislative session crowded with seemingly more pressing issues, Cromer said taking time to make sure South Carolina has its first standardized flag design since 1940 is a worthy pursuit. "People are saying, 'We don't need to be wasting time on this, we need to be do other things that are more important.' Well, to some people, the history of our state is very important also," Cromer said. Historians have sought a standardized state design after noticing different manufacturers' interpretation of the flag. Nothing in state law has spelled out what the flag should look like with its three elements a palmetto tree with a crescent on a blue background. While the crescent and blue background were usually uniform, the tree varied in appearance depending on who made the flag. And it may well look different again if senators move on any amendments to alter its appearance. State Sen. Thomas McElveen, D-Sumter, plans to offer at least one. He doesn't like the grass that grows underneath the palmetto on the flag option the committee settled on March 24. "At some point, we've got to have something we can call ours here in Columbia," he said. "We have one of the most recognizable brands, and we need to capitalize on that." Ally L. Colvin, of Auburn, has joined Syracuse law firm Hancock Estabrook as an associate. The company said in a news release that Colvin will practice in the firms corporate and real estate practice areas. She represents a broad range of clients in corporate matters including drafting and negotiating corporate documents, investor agreements, operating/shareholder agreements, independent contractor agreements, and stock/asset purchase agreements. She also has broad experience with the New York State Liquor Authority, representing restaurants in applying for and obtaining liquor licenses and with authority violations. Prior to joining Hancock Estabrook, the company said, Colvin practiced in Auburn, where she assisted clients with corporate, real estate, state Liquor Authority and administrative matters. She began her career at Helbraun & Levey LLP in Manhattan, where she was an associate and then partner, working with hospitality clients on commercial leases, corporate documents, and licensures issues including obtaining and maintaining liquor licenses, sidewalk cafe permits and food permits and related administrative hearings. Windfall Pensionbee founder and chief exec Romi Savova A retirement savings app is the latest technology firm to unveil plans for a London float, in a deal that could land its 35-year-old boss 135million. Pension Bee said it has hired advisers to help with the potential listing, which is expected to happen in the spring. The firm is behind a smartphone app that lets people consolidate their pension savings into one pot and manage them digitally, with more than 400,000 customers signed up. Its decision to list follows similar moves by other tech firms this year, including food delivery app Deliveroo, reviews website Trustpilot and online greeting cards retailer Moonpig. Trustpilot made its stock market debut yesterday with its shares listing at 265p each, giving it a value of 1.1billion. Pension Bee is reportedly aiming for a valuation of at least 300million a figure that would make chief executive Romi Savova a multi-millionaire overnight. She owns a 45 per cent stake that would be worth about 135million at that valuation. Jonathan Parsons, her co-founder and the firms technology chief, owns a 7 per cent stake, potentially worth 21million. They are not the only ones to make a fortune from the boom in tech floats, with Hut Group boss Matt Mouldings stake worth more than 500million after his companys float, and Deliveroo boss Will Shu in line for almost 600million. Savova was born in Bulgaria and raised in South Africa. After stints at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley banks, she had the idea for the business after struggling to move her own pension pot when switching jobs. I discovered it is actually a really tricky nightmare, she said. The average person switches jobs around 11 times and so they leave a lot of their pension pots behind and sometimes the paperwork can go unopened for years, or they lose track of it. So we decided to build a platform that would let people view their pension from the palm of their hand. She went on to found Pension Bee with Parsons in 2014 and it now manages 1.5billion worth of assets. While running the company, she has also given birth to two children and has written about the difficulties female entrepreneurs face. Pension Bee believes some 40m pension pots could benefit from consolidation. It plans to use money raised from the float to fund its expansion. The firms chairman is former Prudential UK boss Mark Wood, with former Pensions Advisory Service chief Michelle Cracknell also on the board. INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi has joined other leaders in the world in mourning the demise of President Dr John Magufuli. He has expressed his deep sorrow on the loss of his valued friend. President John Magufuli died last Wednesday of a heart illness medically known as chronic atrial fibrillation at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam. In his letter he wrote on Wednesday President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged that the late President Magufuli was as an exemplary leader who lived his life to serve his people. He also described how satisfied he was when he travelled to Tanzania in 2016 and accorded a warm reception. "I am deeply saddened by the news of the untimely death of President John Pombe Magufuli," he said. He added: "I fondly remember the warm hospitality extended by His Excellency during my visit to Tanzania in July, 2016 and a pleasant conversation with him over phone a few months ago. In his passing, I have lost a close and valued friend." In the telephone conversation, the two leaders also spoke on issues related to the good bilateral relations, trade, friendship and historical relations between Tanzania and India. Mr Modi further said that President Magufuli will be remembered for his strong commitment in nation building and for his steadfast devotion to the welfare of the people of Tanzania. The India Premier in his letter assured President Samia Suluhu Hassan that his government and nation will continue to support Tanzania in the growth of a prosperous Tanzania. "As you assume the leadership of the country at this difficult hour of national grief, please be assured of our continued support and all possible assistance for the growth and prosperity of Tanzania." He also issued condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of India to the people and Government of Tanzania and the family of late President Magufuli. "On behalf of the Government and the people of India, I offer my deepest condolences to your Excellency and to the people and Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, as well as to the bereaved family for their profound loss." PJs Coffee of New Orleans today restated it plans to expand into several Southern states, including Alabama. The franchise, which has two Alabama locations currently, said it already has commitments from franchisees to introduce a total of 28 additional coffeehouses across Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi in the next two-to-three years. PJs opened a Spanish Fort location last year, and has one on University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa. Back before the pandemic, the franchise announced it planned an aggressive growth spurt of 45 locations in Alabama over the next through 2026, with multiple locations planned for Mobile, Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville and Tuscaloosa. While those plans may have scaled back, PJs Coffee estimates it will add 60 to 75 new jobs in Alabama over the next three years. We are just scratching the surface regarding development within these states and therefore, there is a great opportunity to continue our expansion into this region, Ryan Stansbury, vice president of franchise development for PJs Coffee, said. Expansion into these four states will not only improve market share and brand awareness but also contribute to the success of each franchised location through improved supply chain and cooperative marketing strategies. More information about franchising can be found at the companys website. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) data leaked to Axios indicates the Biden administration utilized Title 42 to deport approximately 13 percent of the more than 13,000 migrants attempting to cross the USMexico border as a family between March 14 and March 21. According to the data, 42 percent of families were expelled to Mexico last month, down from 64 percent in January and 91 percent in October. The fall in the share of families being deported comes as the number of migrants, including unaccompanied children, crossing and being detained at the USMexico border has risen sharply. In addition to US immigration detention centers being overcrowded, Mexico has been unable to take in more families expelled from the US. A group of migrants rest on a gazebo at a park after they were expelled from the U.S. and pushed by Mexican authorities off an area where they had been staying, Saturday, March 20, 2021, in Reynosa, Mexico. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) However, the Axios report made clear that the Biden administration is working to ramp up deportations. A DHS spokesman told the website that the US is working with our partners in Mexico to increase their capacity. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at her regular press briefing Monday that there had been a delay in deportations in recent weeks since it takes a minute to ensure there is proper transportation and steps in place to do that. Psaki insisted that there are only narrow, narrow circumstances in which families cant be expelled. Title 42 is a provision of federal law allowing the US government to deny migrants right to apply for asylum on American soil. Citing health concerns over COVID-19, the Biden administration deported more than 70,000 migrants under the law in February. At the time, this accounted for 70 percent of migrants detained that month. Families that have not been immediately kicked back to Mexico face an uncertain future. They will be allowed to remain in the US as they go through immigration proceedings. However, there is no guarantee the migrants will be granted asylum. Because immigration proceedings can take years, families could make a new home in America, only to be forcibly removed some time later. Despite the increase in migrants being allowed into the US, the Biden administration has declared that migrants who are caught crossing the border outside official ports of entry will eventually be sent back to Mexico. Our policy remains that families are expelled, and in situations where expulsion is not possible due to Mexicos inability to receive the families, they are placed into removal proceedings, a DHS spokesperson told Axios . US immigration agencies are ramping up bed space in detention centers, and in some cases releasing detainees, to deal with the influx of migrants. Camps throughout the region are overwhelmed and unable to accommodate more immigrants. Although officials in the region were supposed to limit the number of migrants in custody to 700, more than 5,000 were in detention as of Sunday. The Biden administration recently rented hotels near the border to house migrants with a $86 million contract. Axios reported a source familiar with the border patrol indicated officers have been told they can release migrants at their own discretion. Border patrol agents told Fox News officers in the Texas Rio Grande Valley released 150 migrants without giving them a court date. Often, families are dropped off at bus stops or local nongovernmental organizations. Local officials in San Diego have opened the citys convention center to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to temporarily house unaccompanied migrant children. The HHS announced the facility will be used for about three months, with each child staying for an average of 30 to 35 days. The Biden administration has been pressuring the Mexican government to slow the number of migrants reaching the border. Although both governments deny it was quid pro quo, the US has recently agreed to give 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccines to Mexico. Biden dispatched senior White House officials over the weekend to visit Mexico and Guatemala in a bid to get the two countries to take more aggressive immigration measures. Roberta Jacobson, former ambassador to Mexico in the Obama administration who now serves on Bidens National Security Council, and Juan Gonzalez, the National Security Councils senior director for the region, have traveled to Mexico. Jacobson and Gonzalez will meet with Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and other officials from Mexicos Foreign Ministry. Officials from Mexicos National Institute of Migration will join the discussions as well. White House officials announced the delegation will discuss a joint development strategy along southern Mexico and in the Northern Triangle to explore areas where the United States and Mexico can work together to address the root causes of migration. Gonzalez will then travel to Guatemala, accompanied by State Department official Ricardo Zuniga, to meet with President Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei and Foreign Minister Pedro Brolo. There they will discuss promoting job creation in Guatemala with representatives of the private sector and other economic and security officials. Biden announced a $4 billion, four-year program to back efforts in the region. What is happening at the southern border is shameful, Luz Lopez, a lawyer with the Southern Poverty Law Center, told Democracy Now! Tuesday. We as a country should remain vigilant and hold any administration accountable, regardless of political party, with respect to our treatment of children seeking refuge, who are fleeing countries that are in turmoil, largely because of our geopolitical policies over the past several decades. The vast majority of migrants from Central America come from the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The largest number come from Honduras, where President Juan Orlando Hernandez is being investigated by US federal police as a drug kingpin. El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, is similarly involved with drug gangs and regularly utilizes authoritarian measures against social opposition. The social breakdown and gang violence driving millions to flee the region is the direct result of US imperialist intervention. The corrupt governments in the Northern Triangle countries all have origins in dictatorships sponsored by the US to crush local opposition to corporate pillaging. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. analysis With the recent signing of a military pact between Egypt and Sudan, rising tension between the alliance and Ethiopia risks escalating into a full-blown armed conflict. Central to the tension is Ethiopia's damming of the Blue Nile, and territorial disputes between Ethiopia and Sudan. But regional and global geopolitics are also at play, and the AU needs to step in. The recurrent geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa are underscored by the colonial or "historic" scramble for the sub-region between the colonial powers - Britain, France and Italy - and Ethiopia. The modern-day implications of that scramble have been disputes over borders, resource allocation of shared water resources and a growing migration/refugee problem owing to cultural conflicts. Recently, the tripartite of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan has been at the centre of the flare-ups in the sub-region. As tension runs high between these states, the possibility of an open military standoff is imminent. Without immediate intervention, an escalation to full-blown conflict would be to the detriment of regional peace and security both in the sub-region and in Africa at large. This would undermine/set back the African Union's development plan embodied in Agenda 2063, and have implications on the global refugee/migration... Genome sequencing by INSACOG showed variants of concern and a novel variant in India, said government on Wednesday. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) is a grouping of 10 laboratories that was established by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India on December 25, 2020. INSACOG has since then been carrying out genomic sequencing and analysis of circulating Covid-19 viruses, and correlating epidemiological trends with genomic variants. "Genomic variants of various viruses are a natural phenomenon and are found in almost all countries," said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a statement. Since INSACOG initiated its work, 771 variants of concerns (VOCs) have been detected in a total of 10,787 positive samples shared by states/UTs. These include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. 34 samples were found positive for viruses of the South African (B.1.351) lineage. 1 sample was found positive for viruses of the Brazilian (P.1) lineage. The samples with these VOCs have been identified in 18 states of the country. Genome sequencing and analysis have been carried out on samples from arriving international travelers, contacts of those positive for VOC and community samples from most of the states at INSACOG partner laboratories, which are 10 in number. "The analysis of samples from Maharashtra has revealed that compared to December 2020, there has been an increase in the fraction of samples with the E484Q and L452R mutations. Such mutations confer immune escape and increased infectivity. These mutations have been found in about 15-20% of samples and do not match any previously catalogued VOCs. These have been categorized as VOCs but require the same epidemiological and public health response of increased testing, comprehensive tracking of close contacts, prompt isolation of positive cases & contacts as well as treatment as per Treatment Protocol by the States/UTs," the ministry said. From Kerala 2032 samples (from all 14 districts) have been sequenced. The N440K variant that is associated with immune escape has been found in 123 samples from 11 districts. This variant was earlier found in 33% of samples from Andhra Pradesh, and in 53 of 104 samples from Telangana. This variant has also been reported from 16 other countries including UK, Denmark, Singapore, Japan and Australia. As of now these can be at best said to be variant under investigation. "Though VOCs and a new double mutant variant have been found in India, these have not been detected in numbers sufficient to either establish or direct relationship or explain the rapid increase in cases in some states. Genomic sequencing and epidemiological studies are continuing to further analyze the situation," the ministry further said. India reported 47,262 new COVID-19 cases, 23,907 recoveries and 275 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. With this, the total cases in the country mounted to 1,17,34,058 including 3,68,457 active cases and 1,12,05,160 recoveries. The death toll has gone up to 1,60,441. With 2,31,942 active cases, Maharashtra continues to remain the most affected state. 22,47,495 recovered from the disease while 53,589 people died in the state. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 10,25,628 samples were tested on March 23. A total of 23,64,38,861 samples had been tested up to March 23. A total of 5,08,41,286 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered so far. Left: Human platelets are destroyed by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (circles). Right: With the addition of blood thinner ticagrelor, human platelets (larger blobs) are protected from injury by Staphylococcus aureus (smaller circles). Credit: UC San Diego Health Sciences Despite continued improvements in antibiotics and hospital intensive care, staph sepsisa bloodstream infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteriastill causes severe illness or death in 20 to 30 percent of patients who contract it. Rather than continue to throw more antibiotics at the problem, University of California San Diego researchers want to boost the other side of the equation: the patient's own immune system. The team recently discovered a battle that occurs between staph bacteria and plateletsblood cells known better for their role in clotting than in immune defense. In some sepsis cases, they found, the bacteria win out and platelet levels plummet. Patients with fewer platelets were more likely to die of staph sepsis than patients with higher platelet counts. The researchers also determined that two currently available prescription medications, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for other uses, protect platelets and improve survival in mouse models of staph sepsis. The two repurposed drugs were ticagrelor (Brilinta), a blood thinner commonly prescribed to prevent heart attack recurrence, and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), prescribed to treat the flu. The study publishes March 24, 2021 in Science Translational Medicine. "In many cases, the antibiotics we give these patients should be able to kill the bacteria, based on lab tests, yet a significant number of patients are not pulling through," said senior author Victor Nizet, MD, Distinguished Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. "If we can reduce mortality in staph sepsis by 10 or 20 percent by arming or protecting the immune system, we can likely save more lives than discovering an additional new antibiotic that may still not cure the sickest patients." The study started with a group of 49 University of Wisconsin patients with staph sepsis. The team collected the patients' blood, bacteria samples, and demographic and health information. To their surprise, it wasn't white blood cell counts (immune cells) that correlated with patient outcomesit was the platelet count. Low platelet counts, defined in this case as fewer than 100,000 per mm3 blood, were associated with increased risk of death from staph sepsis. Approximately 31 percent of patients with low platelet counts died from the infection, compared to less than 6 percent of patients with platelets above the threshold. Schematic illustration of the proposed toxin-platelet-AMR pathway exploited by Staphylococcus aureus in the pathogenesis of bloodstream infection and sepsis. Our clinical data revealed that low platelet counts were associated with higher mortality in patients with S. aureus bloodstream infection. We then observed in the laboratory that normal human platelets actually killed S. aureus bacteria more efficiently than did normal human neutrophils. Credit: Josh Sun, PhD and Victor Nizet, MD In laboratory experiments, the researchers worked out what's likely happening: Platelets secrete antimicrobial peptides that help the immune system destroy staph bacteria. At the same time, staph release an alpha-toxin that's detrimental to platelets. In addition to poking holes in platelets, the bacteria's alpha-toxin convinces the blood cells to produce an enzyme that trims off sugar molecules that decorate their own surfaces. The platelet's new look is recognized by another molecule in the liver called the Ashwell-Morell receptor, which pulls "bald" platelets out of circulation. Once Nizet and team had an idea of what might be happening in the patients who are less likely to survive staph sepsis, they turned to mouse models of the disease to find ways to tip the balance of what they call the "toxin-platelet-receptor" axis back in favor of the human patient. The researchers tested several classes of drugs known to be safe in humans and known to act on platelets. Most drugs they tested had no effect, but two drugs made a big difference. Ticagrelor blocks staph's alpha-toxin so it can't injure platelets or stimulate its sugar-removing enzyme. Oseltamivir inhibits the platelet sugar-removing enzyme so the cells don't go bald and aren't cleared by the liver, even when staph's alpha-toxin is around. Mice with staph sepsis and treated with either ticagrelor or oseltamivir maintained more platelets and had less bacteria in their blood. Ultimately, approximately 60 percent of treated mice survived 10 days following infection, compared to 20 percent of untreated mice. Side effects of these medications may include nausea, diarrhea and nosebleeds, and ticagrelor may cause uncontrollable bleeding. While new clinical trials specifically designed to test the drugs' safety and efficacy for patients with staph sepsis would be ideal, Nizet said there's little financial incentive for pharmaceutical companies to do so with an already profitable drug. Still, repurposing commercially available drugs has many advantages. "Discovering a new drug is tremendously expensive and takes many, many years," said Nizet, who is also faculty lead for the Collaborative to Halt Antibiotic-Resistant Microbes (CHARM) at UC San Diego. "But if we look around at what we already have, what we already know to be safe, we may find many opportunities to improve patient outcomes." Sepsis can be caused by several types of bacteria in addition to staph, including Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year at least 1.7 million adults in the U.S. develop sepsis and nearly 270,000 die as a result. One in three patients who die in a hospital has sepsis. And it's one of the costliest of all diseasesin 2013, for example, the Department of Health and Human Services reported that sepsis management added up to more than $24 billion in hospital expenses, or 13 percent of total U.S. hospital costs. Explore further Researchers discover why sepsis from a staph infection causes organ failure More information: J. Sun el al., "Repurposed drugs block toxin-driven platelet clearance by the hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor to clear Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia," Science Translational Medicine (2021). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine J. Sun el al., "Repurposed drugs block toxin-driven platelet clearance by the hepatic Ashwell-Morell receptor to clear Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia,"(2021). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/ scitranslmed.abd6737 Following the recent debut of "Joseon Exorcist," the much-awaited SBS drama was welcomed by a series of controversies. During its premiere on March 22, the period drama series drew flak as some viewers accused them of distorting South Korean culture. In a recent report, Sungshin Women University's professor Seo Kyung Duk, pointed out the confusion that the show has created, particularly in China's ongoing historical imperialism. In a letter, the well-known professor blasted "Joseon Exorcist" and accused them of "fueling" historical inaccuracy raised by China. "As you all know, Korean drama series have many viewers all over the globe. We have limited time to apprise the world of our culture, let alone the distorted Korean history," the professor said. In the end, professor Seo Kyung Duk stressed that Koreans should "protect" and preserve their "own culture and history." Brands Drop Sponsorship amid "Joseon Exorcist" Controversy Unfortunately, the allegations have greatly affected the show and faced alarming news amid distortion of historical culture. In a new report, brands and companies have been pulling off their support for the SBS drama. This comes after the viewers called out brands to boycott their sponsorship for "Joseon Exorcist." LG Household & Health Care, a major South Korean consumer goods company, announced that they would terminate their sponsorship. The same goes with the wellness technology brand, Cozyma, who mentioned that they also pull out its promotions soon. "Joseon Exorcist" Episode 2 Receives Low Ratings Following Allegations about Cultural Distortion Aside from halted sponsorships, the controversial drama faced low ratings in its succeeding episode. "Joseon Exorcist" Episode 2 reportedly dropped its ratings with a recorded average of nationwide ratings of 4.5 and 6.9 percent, according to Nielsen Korea. This is a slight letdown from its debut that earned an average rating of 5.7 and 8.9 percent, which is said to be a good start for "Joseon Exorcist." To recall, the first episode showed a dining scene where Prince Chungnyung, portrayed by Jang Dong Yoon, visited a place in Joseon alongside the exorcist priest, Yohan, portrayed by Darcy Paquet. Unfortunately, eagle-eyed fans spotted that the props being used belonged in the Chinese culture - this includes Chinese-style dumplings and mooncakes, Chinese pidan or their century eggs, and liquor bottles with Chinese characters. With this, the show caused dismay as some viewers pointed out that the series highlighted the cultural feud between the two countries. SBS Address Controversy Surrounding "Joseon Exorcist" On the other hand, SBS released a statement and shared the remark given by the production team. In the press release, the team explained that the location of the series was in Uiju County and is said to be on Ming Dynasty's border. "It was a location in which the western exorcist's party could rest after traveling through the Ming Dynasty and just entering Joseon, and since it is a region that's close to the border with the Ming Dynasty, we prepared the props while using our imagination that there would be frequent traffic of Chinese people," the statement reads. They concluded their statement by apologizing for causing "discomfort" among their audience and vowed to "pay close attention" to their future broadcasts. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills On March 24, Ankara hosted political and security consultations between the authorized representatives of the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry of Ukraine and Turkey, the national coordinators of the quadriga bilateral cooperation format. Regular contacts between the quadriga coordinators are envisaged by the agreements reached by the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, who held an inaugural meeting in a new format in Kyiv on December 18, 2020, the press service of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reports. During the consultations, the national coordinators discussed ways to deepen security and defense cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey to restore stability and security in the Black Sea region and further develop interaction in the field of defense industry. Separately, the parties discussed the current situation in Crimea, as well as in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. Turkeys representatives reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their non-recognition of the attempted annexation of Crimea. The Turkish side also stressed its support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic course and aspirations towards full membership in NATO. In the end, the participants exchanged views on the prospects for resolving conflicts in the Middle East, North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus. As a reminder, an agreement on the creation of a new format of political and security consultations quadriga (2+2) with the participation of foreign ministers and defense ministers of Ukraine and Turkey was reached following a working visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Republic of Turkey on October 16, 2020. On December 18, 2020, the inaugural meeting in a new format took place in Kyiv. The purpose of the quadriga format, which will be held annually, is to discuss the most pressing issues in the field of politics and regional security, coordinate joint actions and develop new projects in the political, security, economic and defense sectors. ish For most of his political career, Ron Nirenberg has maintained an adversarial relationship with the San Antonio Police Officers Association. In 2016, he was one of only two council members to vote against a mediator-brokered collective-bargaining agreement between the city and the police union. When Nirenberg successfully ran for mayor in 2017 and 2019, SAPOA endorsed his main opponents. In 2017, SAPOAs then-President Mike Helle described Nirenbergs public-safety platform as myopic. A 2019 SAPOA mailer featured an image of a $3 million check made out to Nirenberg and paid by City Hall Insiders. The ad deceptively conflated funds donated to a 2018 Nirenberg-supported effort to block three fire-union ballot propositions with money contributed to his campaign coffers. Last year, Helle made the wild suggestion that when Nirenberg used the word goddamn during a downtown Black Lives Matter rally, it was comparable to using the N-word. Given this ugly history, Nirenbergs friendly sit-down meeting with SAPOA leadership on Monday afternoon felt vaguely akin to Anwar Sadat visiting Israel in 1977. There wasnt much to the meeting. According to new SAPOA President Danny Diaz, it was a simple meet and greet that lasted no more than 30 minutes. Diaz said Nirenberg did not ask for an endorsement or request that the union stay out of the mayors race. The union boss added that Nirenberg did not discuss the current state of bargaining talks between the city and the union or the mayors stance on a ballot proposition from activist group Fix SAPD that would repeal collective bargaining for San Antonio police officers. But the meeting itself was the message. It signaled a new detente between two previously warring forces, at a time when both sides have a lot at stake. Nirenberg cemented that detente by telling Diaz he supports collective bargaining for the union, the closest he has come to overtly taking a side on Fix SAPDs proposition. The timing of the meeting also was hard to overlook. SAPOAs lead negotiator Ron DeLord stated last week that the union hoped to wrap up negotiations this Tuesday, in order to lock in contract terms before the May 1 election. Nirenbergs meeting with the union came only a few hours before the bargaining session DeLord cited. Diaz insisted, however, that the timing was purely coincidental. When I got elected, my intent was to meet with the mayor, the city manager, the (police) chief and the DA, Diaz said. I wasnt able to get with the mayor. Hes been stuck with (the) COVID (pandemic) and weve got our fight. The meeting we had for an (endorsement) interview, he couldnt make it. The next one was during the snowstorm and we had to cancel it. Diaz said the purpose of Mondays meeting was to let Nirenberg know that SAPOA wants to put all the old rancor behind it. The past is the past, Diaz said. I couldnt control that and were not going in that direction. Were coming to work with everybody. Diaz said the union is staying out of the mayors race for now, but that could change. Brockhouse has a deep relationship with the union rank-and-file, given his past work as a consultant for SAPOA. The memberships on my back, Diaz said. They want a certain candidate and I dont know if thats the right choice. Were going to talk about it at our next board meeting and go from there. Neutrality from the union would qualify as a victory of sorts for Nirenberg, in part because it would deny Brockhouses campaign a much-needed infusion of cash. For his part, Brockhouse said he entered the campaign aware that the Fix SAPD proposition would consume SAPOAs political energy and financial resources this year. I knew they were in the fight of their lives, Brockhouse said. Theyre going to have to defeat a ballot amendment that takes every penny they have. Theyve got a bigger fight than whos mayor. If Im them, I make the same decision. I make sure I can take care of my union family first. Brockhouse reserves his frustration for Nirenberg, who not only refuses to participate in any mayoral debates, but who also has avoided taking a stand on Fix SAPDs proposition, one of the most impactful ballot items to come before local voters in recent years. I dont know what Rons up to, because its an odd position for him to try to thread the needle and take no position on, Brockhouse said. Hes not taking a position on much of anything, because hes trying to run out the clock until election day. Without a doubt, a low-energy, low-conflict campaign that attracts scant public attention is beneficial to Nirenberg. Calming the waters with SAPOA serves that strategy. ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Cotonou, Benin (PANA) The 53rd Conference of African Finance, Planning and Economic Development ministers ended on Tuesday with a call for the reexamination of the present support system for less-advanced countries Before he had even reached the age of 30, Orlando Bloom was a star of two of the worlds biggest ever film trilogies. The Kent-born actor was only days out of drama school when he was cast as Legolas in The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring his first film. And, he says, the studio sold me as a heartthrob. The immortal elf did indeed go on to become a pin-up type character, and Blooms fame soared. Along came his role in The Pirates Of The Caribbean, and a period when he was just going from a movie to press conference, for year after year. I was so young, and I had the energy and the optimism, says the now-44-year old, who's been getting plenty internet attention over the past few days for an interview he did with the Sunday Times. I have an insatiable appetite and energy; thats who I am. But, if somebody says to me now, Theres this and this, Im like, Well, hows that going to stack up and hows that going to look in my life? I have a family, I have other responsibilities. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom. Because of the Hollywood success in his twenties, the father-of-two (he has Flynn, 10, with ex-wife, model Miranda Kerr, and baby Daisy Dove with his fiancee, popstar Katy Perry) missed out on what many young actors experience in their early career: making low-budget films. Reflecting on his latest role, in indie offering Retaliation, he says: It was me attempting to try and be a part of a film community that I guess, in many ways, I just circumvented, through the career path that unfolded for me, that wasnt even really chosen. It just so happened. I mean, Im grateful for it, but it just was like suddenly I was doing other things and I really wasnt in the UK. Retaliation, which is written by Geoff Thompson and directed by brothers Ludwig Shammasian and Paul Shammasian, explores what Bloom calls a critical subject matter. He plays Malky, a demolition worker whose latest assignment is to tear down the church where he was molested by a priest as a young boy. When a fragile Malky meets the now elderly priest at a local pub, the past rears its ugly head, and he is sent into an emotional tailspin. Its up to him to decide whether to seek revenge against this priest or find another path. Its a tough watch at times (there are some hauntingly graphic scenes) but many critics are calling it a career-best performance for Bloom and rightfully so. To be honest, Id given up on whether this movie was ever going to see the light of day, admits the charismatic and talkative star (it premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival back in 2017 but is only getting a general release now). It is lightning in a bottle getting movies made, and this one was made for around 1 million, and it wasnt an easy thing to get done. There were complications across the board but, thankfully, it seems everything was resolved in one form or another. He was taking meetings in the UK for different projects some years back Id flown over and met people, BBC, Channel 4 or whatever, just to say, Look, Im up for something when his agent sent him the script. I got to page 20 or something, and it was like this very brutal moment that Malky goes through, which is one of the more intense moments of the film, and I was spun out. And I thought, Oh maybe I cant do this, whats this? Then came a series of conversations with Thompson, who Bloom notes has written really beautifully, compassionately and courageously about his own experience with abuse that he suffered as a boy. The arc of Malkys character is true to Geoffs own story although it wasnt a priest he was subjected to. Geoff was a really charismatic and really powerful communicator and I think you can see it in his writing; theres no fluff, theres no bells and whistles, its just presented very powerfully. And I just knew I had to do it. To help Bloom understand certain scenes in the film, he called an organisation called 1in6 the name represents the statistic that at least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse or assault, according to leading research. And they explained to him how some of the actions and behaviour we see displayed by Malky is a way of reclaiming a moment that was taken from them. Unsurprisingly, the role was pretty challenging and a brutal experience for Bloom. Malkys vulnerability was what felt different from other roles, he suggests, noting the shame his character experiences from the trauma he suffered. And there was nothing to hide behind during filming: There was nowhere like, Oh, theres going to be an explosion over here or, Theres a clever camera angle and were going to edit it like this. I mean, in the last sequence, I had an 8-minute monologue. Id finished my takes and I was like Are you going to shoot the priest now? and theyre like, No, were going to play it all on you. That was really shocking. He continues, thoughtfully: Listen, I think it pays off. But its really polarising and its uncomfortable, and you sit and watch this movie and you go, Wow, you know? And I think thats something that certainly the organisation 1in6 said: Look, even if it doesnt see the light of day, we would be so grateful because youre looking at the destroyed inner workings of a man who is unhealed. Referencing how the film was actually shot four years ago, he adds: I think its crazy that it didnt come out for so long but its interesting that it came out during Covid. People are consuming just about anything and everything because theres so much time. I feel so lucky because I was ready to give a performance and just leave everything on the field and wring myself out. That was my intention, and so its great Im talking about it, is all I can say. Blooms next challenge is more work behind the scenes; he has a production deal with Amazon, and hes developing ideas. Im actually talking to Geoff [Thompson] about something else, he reveals. And Im now thinking and dreaming of characters, things that I would like to do, and taking that into my own hands. Frances foreign ministry on March 22 condemned unacceptable comments from the Chinese ambassador in Paris that included alleged insults and threats toward lawmakers and a researcher. According to AP, the French ministry also denounced the sanctions imposed by China against ten Europeans, including five EU Parliament members, in response to Western sanctions against Chinese officials over alleged rights violations against the countrys Uyghur minority. Further, the Chinese ambassador, Lu Shaye, has been summoned to the ministry over his recent comments. In a series of tweets, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said, The words of the Chinese Embassy in France and the actions against elected officials, researchers and European diplomats are inadmissible. I asked that the Chinese Ambassador be summoned to remind him firmly of these messages. France protests sanctions imposed by China The Chinese embassy in France had called a Paris-based researcher, Antoine Bondaz, a thug after he denounced Chinas pressure on French lawmakers over an upcoming visit to Taiwan. Following his comments, Chinas Shayes decried Bondaz as a small-time hoodlum, a crazed hyena and an ideological troll with anti-Chinese stances. In response to Shaye, French Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhl said that the embassy is required to strictly respect the rules for diplomatic relations. The French foreign ministry also protested Chinas decision to sanction several European nationals, including a French member of the EU Parliament, Raphael Glucksmann. It is worth mentioning that China had said that sanctions were in retaliation for sanctions the EU imposed on senior Chinese officials over human rights abuses in Chinas far-western Xinjiang region. The French ministry, on the other hand, said that it is not be attacking academic freedom, freedom of expression and fundamental democratic freedoms that China will respond to the legitimate concerns of the EU. (Image: AP) Ligori and Ligori is honored to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Our firm has sponsored and attended Walk Like MADD for over ten years. We feel strongly about helping our community and saving lives. Dont drink and drive! This is a cause we truly care about, says Keith Ligori Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, a highly respected personal injury law firm in Tampa, FL, is proud to be a Road Guardian Sponsor of the 2021 Walk Like MADD & 5K Dash event, taking place on May 29, 2021. The event is dedicated to the memory of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Brian LaVigne and Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Deputy Mike Magli were both killed in the line of duty by a suspected impaired driver. As a Walk Like MADD sponsor, Ligori & Ligori is taking the opportunity to show that they are committed to raising awareness for this important cause. Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is the nations largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. The law firms participation and activation in the 2021 Walk Like MADD event plays a vital role in the effort to eliminate these types of preventable deaths and injuries. With every step taken and each dollar raised, walkers are supporting MADDs lifesaving mission to keep families and communities safe. Ligori and Ligori is honored to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Our firm has sponsored and attended Walk Like MADD for over ten years. At Ligori and Ligori we feel strongly about helping our community and saving lives. Dont drink and drive! This is a cause we truly care about," says Keith Ligori. Link to the event- https://www.walklikemadd.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1191 More about Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law: Ligori & Ligori has offices in Tampa, Lakeland and Ocala, Florida, serving clients needing legal assistance in acquiring compensation for their injuries. Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law handles a wide variety of personal injury lawsuits, including those involving auto accidents, property damage, wrongful death, negligence and more. The practice was established with a mission to provide personalized, attentive legal representation for personal injury clients while leveraging resources and experience to help them obtain fair compensation for their loss. For more information about how to support the upcoming Walk Like MADD event or the legal services offered at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, please visit, or call the Tampa office directly at (813) 254-7119. Shade uses offensive attack to take down Shanksville in D5-A semis DOUALA (Reuters) - Two transgender women facing charges of "attempted homosexuality" in Cameroon were denied bail on Wednesday after a judge adjourned their case and sent them back to jail, their lawyer said. Mildred Loic, a local social media celebrity, and Moute Rolland were arrested while eating in a restaurant in the country's largest city, Douala, on Feb. 8. They were arrested for wearing women's clothes and taken to prison two days later, said their lawyer, Richard Tamfu. Loic, who has built an online reputation as a cosmetician and has more than 100,000 followers on Facebook, and Rolland also face charges of public indecency and not carrying identification. They have pled not guilty. Rights groups have documented a series of actions against the LGBT community by Cameroonian authorities this year and last, leading to the arrest of dozens of people. "We have observed a resurgence in homophobic attacks this year," said Ilaria Allegrozzi, researcher at Human Rights Watch. "It is common for people to be abused in detention." Homosexuality is illegal in most African countries and punishable by prison time in about half of them. In Cameroon, a guilty verdict can carry a sentence of up to five years. Loic and Rolland's case was expected to be heard on Wednesday but was pushed back to April 5 while the prosecution builds its case, Tamfu said. State prosecutors could not be immediately reached for comment. "They were hoping that today everything would come to an end," Tamfu said. "The prosecution has not established concrete evidence... We think they should be released." He said the defendants were "very depressed" and staying in overcrowded prison cells where also they risked contracting COVID-19. (Reporting By Edward McAllister; editing by John Stonestreet) Program Aims to Help Eliminate Barriers to College Credit, Invest in Teacher Development Nashville, TNToday, the Tennessee Department of Education announced a request for applications from vendors to develop and support a new Advanced Placement (AP) Access for All program designed to help more students have the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. The AP Access for All program will help open access to students across the state by providing AP courses virtually, allowing them to enroll in AP courses not currently offered at their home high school, and reducing financial barriers to taking AP exams. Further, the program will provide training and professional development to support both current and prospective AP teachers. For many students, AP courses are a pathway to earn college credit, but earning college credits while in high school is an opportunity that should be available to all students, said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. This new grant will provide more low income and rural Tennessee students with access to AP courses while eliminating financial barriers to taking the AP exam, and will invest in our teachers to deepen their content knowledge and help them promote the benefits of postsecondary readiness to their students. The grant award to develop this program is secured through federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funding. One grantee will be selected through the competitive application process to manage the AP Access for All program. Additionally, the grantee will support the development of the course curriculum for AP course expansion as well as manage the test registration and administration process with students home high school staff. Responses to the request for applications are due April 9. The application and additional information can be found here. For additional information about Tennessees advanced placement courses, click here. For Tennessee Department of Education media inquiries, contact Edu.MediaInquiries@tn.gov. ### All Vietnam Airlines employees would be vaccinated against Covid-19 for free, according to a representative of the national carrier. The airline is conducting talks with the Ministry of Health and relevant entities to buy Covid-19 vaccines for all its employees and their families as soon as possible, Vietnam News Agency cited the representative as saying. Only the health ministry reserves the right to collaborate with relevant authorities to buy, import, receive, sponsor and administer Covid-19 vaccines, according to a governmental resolution. If Vietnam Airlines were to secure Covid-19 jabs, it would also need to be distributed by the ministry itself. The vaccines would be provided for free to employees of Vietnam Airlines Group, which includes Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines and Vasco. Their family members would be supported regarding procedures to get vaccine jabs at the same time. Since airline staff stand a higher chance of contracting the coronavirus, the decision would help protect them and their customers, allowing for peace of mind on the job, the representative said. With over 22,000 employees, the national carrier expects to receive hundreds of thousands of Covid-19 vaccine shots. Vietnam began its mass Covid-19 vaccination program earlier this month, starting with frontline workers in the Covid-19 fight. As of Wednesday, over 38,000 Vietnamese have received their first Covid-19 vaccine jab produced by British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca. The country aims to secure around 150 million vaccine doses to cover 70 percent of its population this year. 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! Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. BOISE - The Idaho Superintendent of Public Instructions office is administering the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools (EANS) program to provide emergency services or assistance related to COVID-19 to non-public schools. In order to participate in the program, non-public elementary and secondary school must meet the following requirements: Is a non-profit; Is registered with the Idaho Secretary of State; Was in existence prior to March 13, 2020; Did not and will not apply for and receive a loan under the Small Business Administrations Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) on or after December 27, 2020. Eligible non-public schools are required to submit an EANS application to the superintendents office. The application form, frequently asked questions and more information are available at https://www.sde.idaho.gov/federal-programs/crrsa-act/. Applications are due March 31, 2021. The allocation for each school will be based on the information submitted in the application, including the COVID-19 impact/need, number/percent of economically disadvantaged students, overall student population, and total funding requests. The Superintendent of Public Instructions office will be the fiscal agent and work with the non-public schools to provide the services or assistance. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 requires the state to prioritize services or assistance to non-public schools that enroll low-income students and are most impacted by the qualifying emergency. 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. 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. Steven Yeun nabbed a best actor Oscar nomination this year for his role in Minari, about a small family of Korean immigrants mom, dad, their two young kids and, eventually, grandma who uproot to rural Arkansas and try to make a go at farming. Writer-director Lee Isaac Chung is telling his own story here. The rough outlines and even some of the specific details are autobiographical and filtered through his memories of childhood. But hes also considering these themes from his perspective now as an adult with a child of his own especially what it means when a parents preoccupations become a family affair and he straddles the two sides of this line so well, with wit and nuance, but also with such cutting precision. Read the full review. Nina Metz Growth dynamics from EV sector create momentum in Europe for UHMW-PE production Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global chemical and specialty materials company, today announces its intent to expand its GUR ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) production capacity in Europe. In addition to the recently announced Bishop, Texas, GUR expansion of approximately 15KT per year coming online beginning in 2022, Celanese intends to invest in additional capacity for GUR in Europe. The expansion in Europe is expected to be online beginning in 2024 with an annual nameplate capacity of approximately 34KT. Site selection for this new European facility is underway, and Celanese is considering both existing and greenfield locations for a GUR production unit. The addition of a new UHMW-PE production facility in Europe will support the significant growth in the company's high-value GUR engineered materials portfolio. With this investment, Celanese will be able to support the double-digit growth for LIBS (Lithium Ion Battery Separators) in the electric vehicle (EV) market. The new facility will also have the option to produce medical grade GUR. "EV demand is expected to have a compounded annual growth rate of greater than 25 percent through 2025, resulting in strong demand for Celanese GUR for LIBS," said Tom Kelly, Celanese Senior Vice President, Engineered Materials. "We see separator manufacturers and battery producers investing in the European region and looking for local supply. European demand in that sector for UHMWE-PE is forecasted to outperform demand in Asia, and Celanese is well positioned as the world's premier GUR manufacturer to support this demand requirement." Customers look to Celanese for a reliable supply of GUR that meets very stringent quality standards, and the recently announced capacity expansions at the company's Bishop, Texas integrated chemical complex will enable Celanese to continue to support a growing and diverse customer base and respond to the increasing need for specialty materials such as UHMW-PE. Furthermore, the expansion of GUR capacity completed in June of 2019 at the company's Nanjing, China, integrated chemical complex, continues to position Celanese as the only truly global producer of UHMWE-PE, giving Celanese the unique ability to work closely with its customers in all regions of the world. Financial details of this GUR expansion are not being disclosed at this time. Additional project details will be announced as further developments are available. About Celanese Celanese Corporation is a global chemical leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use the full breadth of Celanese's global chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation. Based in Dallas, Celanese employs approximately 7,700 employees worldwide and had 2020 net sales of $5.7 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com Forward-Looking Statements: This release may contain "forward-looking statements," which include information concerning the company's plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words "outlook," "forecast," "estimates," "expects," "anticipates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "believes," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the Company or its customers will realize these benefits or that these expectations will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Other risk factors include those that are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005873/en/ Contacts: Celanese Contacts: Investor Relations Brandon Ayache +1 972 443 8509 brandon.ayache@celanese.com Media Relations Global W. Travis Jacobsen +1 972 443 3750 william.jacobsen@celanese.com Media Relations Europe (Germany) Petra Czugler +49 69 45009 1206 petra.czugler@celanese.com Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday digitally ordered mass general transfers of school teachers through the online portal of Education Department, in line with the Teachers Transfer Policy-2019. With the touch of a button, the Chief Minister cleared the transfer of 10,099 teachers and volunteers to the station of their choice purely on merit basis. Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla was also present on the occasion. Captain Amarinder Singh A total of 35,386 online applications were received from aspiring teachers and volunteers, of which 15,481 were found ineligible as they were found short of the prescribed parameters of the policy. The remaining 19,905 were found eligible for transfer. For the first time, Computer Teachers and various categories of Education Volunteers were brought into the ambit of the Teachers Transfer Policy. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the unique teachers transfer policy has been instrumental in successfully achieving the goal of quality education through filling of vacant posts. This has helped in ensuring uninterrupted academic session, besides giving enormous job satisfaction to the teachers to work at the places of their choice exclusively on merit. He disclosed that the state Government would soon enact the Teachers Transfer Act for transfer of teachers, in place of the existing system of notification issued by the School Education Department. The Chief Minister lauded various projects of the School Education Department for sprucing up infrastructure and improving the quality of education in government schools. Punjab, he pointed out, has pioneered several path-breaking initiatives to bring in qualitative improvement in school education. The Teachers Transfer Policy-2019 was also a major step in that direction. Vijay Inder Singla Under the online system, so far over 50 percent transfer applications have been approved with utmost transparency. As many as 10099 teachers, including 4405 masters, 3748 primary teachers and 718 lecturers, as well as adequate number of Computer teachers working under Punjab ICT Education Society (PICTES), have availed the benefit of the policy, apart from different categories of Education Volunteers and Education Providers working under Smagra Sikhiya Abhiyan. Detailing the process, an official spokesperson said the teachers aspiring for transfers need to apply on the departments portal. Employees who are suffering from Cancer, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Sickle cell Anaemia, Thalassemia or on Dialysis, besides handicapped to the extent of 60 percent, divorcees, having differently abled or mentally challenged children, are exempted from submitting online transfer requests. Similarly, War widows, Widows of Martyrs, where death of the spouse makes it necessary for the serving employee to relocate to another place immediately and having children below 15 years of age or teachers who are spouses of armed force personnel posted in difficult areas, also need not submit their transfer request online. The orders in such cases would be issued with the approval of Chief Minister on merit. Gong Yoo gets candid as he shares the details with his latest project, "Seobok," alongside Park Bo Gum. Directed and written by Lee Yong Joo, whose notable projects include "Possessed" and "Architecture 101," the upcoming film is set to debut this April 15. Moreover, it is said to be the first-ever Korean sci-fi film about a human clone. Gong Yoo Spoke about His Rapport with Park Bo Gum With this, the "Coffee Prince" actor spills the tea as he graces Esquire Korea's cover for their April issue. In the interview, the 41-year-old A-lister looked dapper in his all-white ensemble. During the chat, Gong Yoo talked about his working relationship with Park Bo Gum. The "Goblin" star shares how the 27-year-old actor reminds him of his younger self. "Although it's our first time meeting and collaborating, I think about that age range that I've experienced and think, 'What kind of thoughts does Bo Gum have now and what kind of mindset does he have as an actor?' which creates a special kind of bond," he shared. As for the "Record of Youth" star's attitude towards work, Gong Yoo lauded the young actor and said that "he is extremely responsible, bright, and always smiling." However, the A-list celebrity thinks that Park Bo Gum still has inhibitions and "certain worries he has on the inside." In the movie, Gong Yoo portrays the role of a former intelligence agent Gi-heon. For his final mission, he was tasked to secure the safe transfer of the first human clone ever named Seok Bok, played by Park Bo Gum. The genetically mutated human clone is said to be the key to uncover the secret of eternal life. Unfortunately, the duo faced struggles and was caught up in dangerous circumstances due to several forces who wanted to take Seo Bok. IN CASE YOU MISSED: Check Out Gong Yoo and Park Bogum's Newly Released Photos for Their Upcoming Movie 'Seobok' Gong Yoo on his Future Project "Wonderland" Aside from his movie "Seobok," Gong Yoo mentioned that he is about to finish his special appearance with "Wonderland." With this, he shared that he is looking forward for his recent projects to be released, adding, "I'm not confident, but I'll soon be able to greet you through good projects." The upcoming sci-fi drama film is helmed by director Kim Tae Yong and is scheduled to be released in April 2021. The movie follows the story of a simulated universe where people can reunite with their loved ones that they can no longer interact in the real world. Aside from Gong Yoo, "Wonderland" stars a powerhouse cast including Park Bo Gum, Bae Suzy, Choi Woo Shik, Jung Yu Mi, and Chinese actress Rebecca Tang. Gong Yoo's Growing Fascination with Fishing The "Train to Busan" star shares more of his personal life, including his current addiction, which is fishing. During his downtime, the most sought-after actor says that he enjoys fishing and sees it as a form of exercise. Furthermore, he says that he hasn't caught a "big one" yet, but he is looking forward to this. KDramastars owns this article. Written by Geca Wills The European Commission will today extend EU powers to potentially block Covid-19 vaccine exports to Britain and other areas with much higher vaccination rates, and to cover instances of companies backloading contracted supplies, EU officials said. The regulation is aimed at making vaccine trade reciprocal and proportional so that other vaccine-making countries sell to Europe and the EU does not export much more than it imports, one EU official said. With no numerical targets, the change is unlikely to trigger mass export bans of EU-made vaccines, the official with insight into the announcement said. "I just really, really don't see that happening because we have our international obligations and we want to keep supply chains going and the global system moving and flowing," the official said. Read More The regulation will be the basis for the EU's 27 governments to decide whether to block vaccine exports or not. "In practice, all this is, is a piece of paper that says please take this stuff into consideration when you're looking at approving export authorisations," the official said. The move, which EU officials said could hit AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, are designed to avoid even limited delivery shortfalls to a region whose inoculation programme has been beset by delays and supply issues. Shipments abroad could also be withheld if vaccine-producing countries, such as Britain and the United States, disallow exports to the EU, officials said, confirming comments by commission head Ursula von der Leyen last week. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain did not believe in imposing vaccine blockades. "I'm encouraged by some of the things I've heard from the continent in the same sense," he told a news briefing. The Federal Government on Tuesday said that the National Labour Advisory Committee could not hold meeting in the past seven years because of paucity of funds. This is as the government has assured the Nigerian workforce that it was committed to stemming the current negative effects of the global financial and economic crisis on employment by strengthening the machinery of tripartism and social dialogue in the world of work. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige in his inaugural address at the meeting of the National Labour Advisory Council, NLAC, in Owerri on Tuesday, noted with dismay the series of industrial unrest in the country in the last decade with its attendant negative consequences on sectoral and national productivity levels, including social and economic crisis in the world of work. According to him, "As you may be aware, no meeting of this Council has been convened since 2014 following the expiration of the tenure of the last Council inaugurated in 2011. "This gap can be attributed to a lot of factors including but not limited to paucity of funds and other administrative issues that could not be avoided. "Although the Council has been inactive, the ministry in the spirit of tripartism has ensured and maintained a sound tripartite relationship with the social partners. "On this note, I therefore wish to inform you that this government is committed to stemming the current negative effects of the global financial and economic crisis on employment by strengthening the machinery of tripartism and social dialogue in the world of work. "The NLAC has a critical role in promoting and ensuring best practice of Labour Administration in line with international standards. It is hoped that with the passage of the Labour Institutions Bill in the not too distant future, the status of the Council will be enhanced and repositioned to effectively discharge its responsibilities. "When enacted, the Bill will widen the scope, functions and nomenclature of the existing Council. It is my belief that these functions and responsibilities if well executed will result in better industrial relations practice which is key to national growth and development." On the plan by the National Assembly to remove the National Minimum Wage from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List, the Minister said the government was on the side of the labour. He said,"This is what the Nigerian government stood for by adopting the ILO convention 144 and domesticating it in 1970 from which the National minimum Wage Act was enacted. I am with you 100 percent on the matter but I don't want you to go on strike because of it." The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Yerima Tarfa said that the meeting was part of" government's strategy of strengthening collaboration between social partners and governments both federal and state in order to achieve appropriate solutions at all levels to ensure lasting industrial harmony, social and economic development as well as national growth. " He said that Labour Administration in the country was faced with several challenges which include sectoral industrial unrest particularly in the education and health sectors. In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba warned against the plan to remove the National Minimum wage from the Legislative List to Concurrent List. He said, "As we all know, the National Labour Advisory Council just as the National Minimum Wage that is currently but unfortunately under attack by misinformed and mischievous persons, is a global standard established through Convention 144 and Recommendation 152 of the International Labour Organization (ILO). "Nigeria ratified this convention which is in full force since 3rd May 1994. In demonstration of how important Convention 144 is, more than two thirds of the ILO member states have ratified this Convention. "Convention 144 is listed as one of the ILO's governance instruments. Promoting the ratification of Convention 144 is therefore of utmost priority to the ILO. The ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation, adopted unanimously at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in 2008, identified Convention No. 144 as one of the four most significant instruments from the viewpoint of governance. "Partners-in-progress, I must re-echo one major pain that is tormenting the eyes of workers in Nigeria. It is the issue of the National Minimum Wage. As we all know, the national minimum wage is the product of Nigerian workers for the past forty years. "It is also a collective dividend of the commitment of both government and employers in the private sector. Right before our eyes, this very great milestone in the industrial milieu of our country and worthy product of social partnership is being vandalized by the Pharaoh who never knew Joseph. "Our eyes have cried. Now, we exepect the head to ache and the nose to bleed. "The National Minimum Wage has been in operation in Nigeria for the past forty years and has always been mutually reviewed by the social partners. We consider it as an act of great irresponsibility for a state Governor to impugn on this long-standing instrument of the law for narrow and self-conceited objectives. "As we all know, the National Minimum Wage is implemented in more than 90 per cent of ILO member states. Many of the countries that implement it judiciously, twenty-six in number, including the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany (the biggest economy in Europe) practice federalism, some for more than two hundred years. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Labour Governance Nigeria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "We cannot claim to be more catholic than Pope. In the United States of America, the social partners adopted an hourly national minimum wage of $7.25 preserved in the federal laws of the United States. The different federating states can pay higher than the national minimum of $7.25 but no State pays lower. "Germany also sets her National Minimum Wage on hourly rate, which currently stands at 9.35 Euro. The regional governments ensure that wages in their domains do not fall lower than the National Minimum Wage benchmark. The Federal Republic of Germany increased its National Minimum Wage from 8.84 Euros (2017 rate) to the current 9.35 Euros in 2020 despite the coronavirus pandemic outbreak! "| do not want to sound as if | am singing to the choir, but it is important to reiterate the fact that any move to transfer the national minimum wage as an item from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List would be viewed by labour as an attempt to visit collective genocide on the working people of Nigeria. "The National Minimum Wage apart from being the outcome of collective negotiation and agreement among the social partners using empirical economic variables, is also a wedge between absolute poverty and survival." Vanguard News Nigeria HARRISBURG, Pa., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council's officers and vice presidents, representing more than 700,000 working people across the Commonwealth, issued its primary candidate endorsements for Pennsylvania's Supreme, Superior, and Commonwealth Courts. Endorsed candidates must receive a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Council. The endorsed primary candidates for 2021's Appellate Court seats are: Maria McLaughlin for PA Supreme Court Justice; for PA Supreme Court Justice; Timika Lane for PA Superior Court Judge; for PA Superior Court Judge; Amanda Green Hawkins for Commonwealth Court Judge; and, for Commonwealth Court Judge; and, David Lee Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court Judge. President Rick Bloomingdale and Secretary-Treasurer Frank Snyder issued the following joint statement on the primary election endorsements: "In this election year, working people have the opportunity to elect the justices and judges who make decisions impacting the lives of all Pennsylvanians, and that is reflected in one of the most diverse endorsements of any organization. The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO proudly endorses these pro-worker candidates who will protect people's rights on the job and in the community. All elections have consequences, and therefore we can never neglect our duty to participate in the democratic process." SOURCE Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Credit: CC0 Public Domain You're scrolling through your Gmail inbox and see an email with a strange subject line: A string of numbers followed by "Notification from Google." It may seem like a phishing scam or an update to Gmail's terms of service. But it could be the only chance you'll have to stop Google from sharing your personal information with authorities. Tech companies, which have treasure troves of personal information, have become natural targets for law enforcement and government requests. The industry's biggest names, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, receive data requestsfrom subpoenas to National Security Lettersto assist in, among other efforts, criminal and non-criminal investigations as well as lawsuits. An email like this one is a rare chance for users to discover when government agencies are seeking their data. In Google's case, the company typically lets users know which agency is seeking their information. In one email The Times reviewed, Google notified the recipient that the company received a request from the Department of Homeland Security to turn over information related to their Google account. (The recipient shared the email on the condition of anonymity due to concern about immigration enforcement). That account may be attached to Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos, Google Pay, Google Calendar and other services and apps. The email, sent from Google's Legal Investigations Support team, notified the recipient that Google may hand over personal information to DHS unless it receives within seven days a copy of a court-stamped motion to quash the request. That's a high bar to clear in a short amount of time, said Paromita Shah, co-founder and executive director of immigration rights law firm Just Futures. "What Google expects you to do is to quash the subpoena and that would require you to go to federal court," Shah said. "I'd like to know how many people are gonna have the resources and the understanding that they have only seven days to hire an attorney to quash an ICE subpoena in federal court." The email from Google did not include a copy of the legal request. Upon requesting it, the recipient learned it was an administrative subpoena from the U.S. Immigrations and Customers Enforcement agency. ICE was looking for the names, email addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, street addresses, length of service such as start date, and means of sources of payment linked in any way to the Google account. Such requests are not uncommon for Google. From January 2020 to June 2020, Google received nearly 40,000 requests for user information from law enforcement agenciesmore than 15,500 were subpoenas, according to an annual transparency report. Of the subpoenas, Google provided "some data" in 83% of cases. For that same period, Facebook received more than 60,000 requests, producing some data in 88% of cases. Twitter received a little more than 3,000 requests and said it had a 59% compliance rate. Although companies may feel limited in their ability to fight off warrants and court-ordered subpoenas, Shah and immigration advocates argue the tech industry has much more leeway to withhold user information in response to legal requests that did not receive judicial authorization. In a statement, Google spokesperson Alex Krasov said the company "vigorously" protects users' privacy "while supporting the important work of law enforcement." "We have a well-established process for managing requests from law enforcement for data about our users: when we receive a request, we notify users that their information has been requested, push back on overly broad requests to protect users' privacy, and provide transparency around such requests in our transparency report," the statement read. Subpoenas are one of a handful of legal processes law enforcement agencies deploy to obtain user information, at times in connection with an ongoing criminal or other investigation. Many of these requests come with gag orders, leaving users in the dark until at least a year after the request was issued. Others give users little time or information with which to protect their data. Law enforcement agencies can gain user information in other ways. Some companies sell user information to data brokers, which in turn sell information to law enforcement agencies, for instance. They're all part of a system that has become available to law enforcement as a byproduct of tech companies' reliance on a business model of collecting, storing and selling personal information, as well as users' often unconditional willingness to hand over their data. Administrative subpoenas, such as the one received by the Google user, differ from warrants or court-ordered subpoenas in the type of information they seek and in their enforcement. An administrative subpoena is not self-enforcingmeaning it is simply a legal request and can typically only be enforced by ICE or another issuing agency by going to court if the recipient does not comply. It also has not been signed by a judge and the agency was not required to show probable cause. Unlike a warrant, an administrative subpoena only allows authorities to seek basic subscriber information such as the IP address and how long an account has been active. Some civil rights and legal groups worry that federal agencies such as ICE could use legal processes such as administrative subpoenas to gain access to user info to expand surveillance on U.S. residents. In a freedom of information request, a coalition of groups are asking ICE how many of these requests it has sent to Google, Facebook, and Twitter, pointing out these platforms "contain large amounts of personal data about their users including real-time location, address, and communication data." "ICE administrative subpoena requests to technology companies for such information would invade the most intimate and personal information about our daily lives, such as location, address and communication," the request, filed by Boston University School of Law Immigrants' Rights and Human Trafficking Program, Just Futures Law, and the Mijente Support Committee, says. An ICE official said the agency does not routinely send administrative subpoenas to tech companies for noncriminal, civil immigration purposes. The agency also pointed to previous uses of administrative subpoenas to compel the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervisionin a city whose sanctuary laws prohibit agencies from assisting in federal deportation efforts to provide ICE with information on several people. In a press release about the use of administrative subpoenas, ICE said it uses "statutorily-authorized immigration subpoenas to obtain information as part of investigations regarding potential removable aliens." Critics say they are concerned about how hard it is for users whose information is the subject of administrative subpoenas to stop companies such as Google from sharing it, Shah says. "Google is making it harder to opt out because they put the burden on the person to file a motion to quash," she said. "And that's very typical of corporations. It's really hard for users to opt out of anything, unless you take extra steps or go to special portals to opt out." In a letter to Google's Chief Legal Officer Kent Walker, a coalition of immigrant rights groups argued the company should not turn over any information unless the ICE request is accompanied by a judicial order and to reconsider its policy so that "the subscriber has an opportunity to be heard." Google did not respond to specific questions about whether the company will reconsider its policy. "Providing location data to ICE can cause irreparable harm because ICE uses such information to conduct home raids, incarcerate noncitizens, deport individuals and their families, and tear apart communities," the letter from Immigrant Legal Rights, Mijente, Just Futures Law, and several university immigrant rights clinics says. While ICE's use of this nonjudicial process has become a concern for those who believe it's been used to "install confusion" about the legal weight it carries, administrative subpoenas are actually one of the more transparent ways law enforcement can request user information from tech companies. That's partly because such requests don't unilaterally come with gag orders. The agency would have to go to court to get a gag order, a move that could expose the administrative subpoenawhich is a low-cost tool because it doesn't require going to courtto challenges, said Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Andrew Crocker. (Authorities can request in their administrative subpoenasas ICE did in this casethat a company not share the information with the user, but it's simply a request.) Other law enforcement requests, including warrants and National Security Letters, on the other hand, often come with gag orders because notifying the user could interfere with investigations. In those cases, a user would not be notified. National Security Lettersa type of administrative subpoena issued primarily by the FBIcome with a default gag order that is required to be revisited twice in the course of an investigation, Crocker said. Examples published by Google show one National Security Letter sent to the company in July 2016 that was only disclosed last month, and another that was issued in March 2020 and released in February. In both cases, the subscriber whose information would be requested would have no idea it was handed over until it was disclosed. Because of this, it's important for providers such as Google to act as a check on law enforcement, Crocker said. "Otherwise you just don't know what the process is that's been used to get a hold of private stuff," he said. "When you compare that to the way it happens in the real world, if the police want to search your house, they have to get a warrant to do that and then they break your door down or knock. But you know that they're in your house and then they're actually required to give you a list of everything they take." Explore further Reddit reveals bids for user data by outside agencies 2021 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Hadrian via Shutterstock Few industries have suffered more disruption from the internet than the news media. Over two decades or more, journalism has been hit by a perfect storm due to the loss of geographical monopolies that national and regional news organisations once enjoyed as well as the emergence of amateur content producers such as bloggers. Perhaps what is the most disruptive element of this assault on news organisations is the unbundling of content production and content aggregation or, in laypersons terms, the fact that most people arent getting their news directly from news sites but via social media or other places on the internet. This has led to more than a decade of argument between media companies and news aggregators such as Apple News, Google and Facebook. News aggregators tend to post headlines and short extracts of articles, linking through to the site on which they were originally published. Every click brings additional traffic to the news producers site and the all-important advertising revenue. Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has been particularly outspoken on news aggregators, referring to them as parasites. His company News Corporation and other media organisations have accused them of preventing readers from going to their sites stealing advertising revenues by free riding on their content. More than 11 years ago, in an interview with Sky News Australia, the news mogul said he would consider removing the content from his news sites from Googles search index. It never happened. In February, the Australian government passed legislation, the first of its kind in the world aiming to make the likes of Apple, Google and Facebook pay for news content. After a short stand-off between Facebook and Australian news organisations, during which Facebook refused to post any Australian news content on subscribers newsfeeds, a deal was struck, setting up a bargaining code for publishers and aggregators. Symbiotic relationship Story continues A central debate on news aggregators is whether they are harmful to news producers by raking off advertising revenues or beneficial by reducing search time and costs for consumers. Our research examined whether news producers and aggregators can have a beneficial symbiotic relationship. We developed news aggregator apps for the iPhone and iPad and carried out our own field experiments. The apps aggregated news from 13 major news publishers in Switzerland (with their permission) and were available for download by anyone in that country. The two-week field experiment with the iPhone app involved more than 2,000 users who viewed extracts of almost 5,000 articles a total of more than 32,000 times. The iPad app ran for 16 weeks, during which we had close to 1,400 users viewing extracts of almost 30,000 articles more than 65,000 times. We varied the amount of text in the extracts, and experimented by accompanying some extracts with an image. We also looked at whether it made a difference if there were a number of other competing articles on the same issue. What we wanted to find out was how likely readers were in various different scenarios to click through to read the full article at the news publishers site. How the app works The default length of the snippet of text in our experiment is 245 characters which we found was the average number of characters of the snippets in Google News. We then reduced or increased the number of characters in increments of 20%. The longest snippet we used was 343 characters (+40%) because of the constraint of our copyright agreements with the news providers. The shortest snippet on our iPhone app is 98 characters (-60%). In our iPad app, we sometimes show no snippet at all (only the headline and corresponding image). We found that as the extracts grew longer, people were less likely to click through to the article on its original site. It appeared that an articles headline could often provide all the information the audience needed. Any additional information provided by the aggregator, in the form of snippets of text or images, actually decreased click-through rates. There is massive difference in click-through from iPhone and iPad. The iPad has a richer interface and is the closest to a web browser which means the limitations of the mobile phone interface may increase the click-through rate. Nevertheless, decline in click-through rates is consistent across both platforms. Interestingly, the opposite happens when the snippets of several related articles of the same story compete for readers attention. Aggregators tend to group these snippets together, which creates direct competition for readers. We found that in cases like this, 30% of readers do not click through to any article and 66% of readers click through to only one article paradoxically, its the snippet with longer text and accompanying images that gets the clicks. The results of this experiment present a dilemma for news publishers. On the one hand they know that the more information they allow an aggregator to reproduce in terms of text and images, the less likely readers are to visit their site. On the other hand, by limiting the amount of text or images that an aggregator is allowed to reproduce they risk losing out to their competitors who might not follow the same strategy. Our research leaves us with two insights: one is that news organisations will need to keep experimenting with ways to get people to their sites. The other is that the news industry as a whole needs to negotiate with news aggregators to ensure fair treatment for all. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Conversation Juliana Sutanto does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Nigeria is also the country with the least death toll among the top five Africa countries affected by COVID-19. Exactly one year ago today, Suleiman Achimugu became the first Nigerian to die from COVID-19. About 12 months later, the virus has claimed over 2,000 lives in Africa's most populous country. Nigeria, like most African countries, has not suffered from the worst effect of the pandemic, unlike its European and American counterparts. The 2,030 deaths so far in Nigeria as of Tuesday morning is small when compared to the over 2.7 million fatalities worldwide or the over 555,000 lives lost already in the U.S. Nigeria is also the country with the least death toll among the top five Africa countries affected by COVID-19. While Nigeria's success in managing the disease reflects in the country's relatively low death tally and high recovery rate, the government has made some blunders and faced some challenges in managing the virus. PREMIUM TIMES highlighted five of those challenges when the country marked one year of COVID-19 outbreak on February 27. Memory lane About 24 days after Nigeria's index case of coronavirus, an Italian national, was confirmed on February 27, 2020, the West African country recorded its first fatality from the virus. The victim, a former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Mr Achimugu, died on March 23 after showing symptoms of the virus following his return to the country from the United Kingdom, his family said. The death which was reported widely on local media sparked fears resulting in panic buying of cleaning products and eventually the lockdown of Abuja and Lagos a week later on March 30, for 14 days initially. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the victim had underlying medical conditions - multiple myeloma and diabetes - and was undergoing chemotherapy before returning to Nigeria. Thus far, Nigeria has recorded 161, 737 infections resulting in over 2,030 deaths. The victims have included health workers, politicians, businessmen, public workers and others. On April 17, The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, died at 69, becoming the most popular COVID-19 fatality in West Africa as of then. His burial the following day at the military cemetery in Gudu in Abuja drew immediate backlash from Nigerians because senior government officials who attended the event did not adhere to health advisories and safety protocols against COVID-19. Other prominent people who died from the disease include Abiola Ajimobi, a two-term governor in Nigeria's southwestern Oyo State who died from underlying health conditions after contracting coronavirus. He passed away in Lagos at the age of 70 on June 25. The Ondo State commissioner for health, Wahab Adegbenro, died on July 2 at the state's infectious disease hospital. Beyond numbers Many Nigerians have questioned the transparency in NCDC's reporting of COVID-19 death victims. They say many fatalities have remained unannounced beyond the daily statistics on the NCDC dashboard. However, it is more than just numbers on the NCDC dashboard for the families of the deceased. For them, life, as it were, will never be the same. The crude reality has been a mix of tears and unforgettable memories of their lost ones. PREMIUM TIMES understands that putting faces to those who died from COVID-19 would raise the consciousness of everyone that the daily cases and fatalities are more than mere statistics. Last July, we started a series - Beyond Numbers - aimed at profiling, as many as possible, Nigerians who died from coronavirus complications. In the maiden part of the series, prominent Nigerians killed by the disease were profiled. In the second part, Nigerians who died helping other countries fight the virus were remembered. They were first responders and medical staff - who worked diligently and selflessly to stem the tide of the infection and care for the sick. Meanwhile, NCDC recent data suggests that Africa's most populous nation may be past the worst phase of the virus as daily infections and deaths declined in recent weeks. Nigeria on Sunday recorded no new death from COVID-19, the fourth day in the past one week that nobody died from the disease. Also, in continuation of a steady run of low infection figures, the country recorded the lowest daily infections in five months with 86 new cases recorded on Sunday. Health experts, however, warned it might be too early to celebrate as there are indications of under-reporting of cases and deaths due to an acute lack of testing. Vaccination Authorities on Monday announced that about 122,410 Nigerians have received jabs of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that were shipped to the country earlier this month by the Vaccines Global Access facility - COVAX. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Nigeria is also expecting 41 million doses through the African Union. The west African nation aims to vaccinate approximately 109 million people against the COVID-19 virus over a period of two years. Only eligible population from 18 years and above, including pregnant women, will be vaccinated. To achieve this, authorities said the vaccine roll-out will be in phases, starting with health workers, frontline workers, COVID-19 rapid response team, laboratory attendants, police officers, petrol station workers and strategic leaders. The COVAX arrangement also recommends that countries put the elderly and those with co-morbidities - underlying health conditions such as cancer and diabetes - at the front of the queue. Also, apart from those being prioritised, other interested Nigerians are registering in the portal and getting vaccinated. Meanwhile, the news that there were side effects among a few people receiving the Oxford jabs in other countries may escalate the already existing skepticism about the vaccines. However, Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), while speaking at the weekly briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 Monday said Nigeria has not recorded any serious adverse reaction following the administration of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. The reward for information to find missing woman Leah Croucher has doubled to 20,000 more than two years after her disappearance. Leah, 19 at the time she went missing, was last seen shortly after leaving her house in Emerson Valley, Bucks., on her way to work at 8.16am on February 15, 2019. It comes after police revealed there has been 'no significant lead' two years after Leah's disappearance in Milton Keynes - and said that the young woman is potentially 'no longer alive'. In the months that followed Leah's disappearance, two anonymous donors approached the investigation team from Buckinghamshire Police, offering a combined 10,000 reward for information in the search for Leah. And now, a month after the two-year anniversary of Leah's disappearance, police have confirmed that further offers of financial support have been made - bringing the reward total to 20,000. Leah Croucher, 19, was last seen in Furzton, Milton Keynes just after 8.15am on February 15, 2019, (right). Her family last saw her at around 10pm the evening before John and Claire Croucher are pictured speaking to media at Milton Keynes Police Station, as they plead for information after Leah's disappearance Leah was last seen on CCTV down Buzzacott Lane in Furzton, Buckinghamshire while on her way to work before she 'effectively vanished into thin air'. Despite a wide-scale investigation in which police visited 4,000 properties and reviewed 1,200 hours of CCTV, no trace of her has been found and no one has been arrested in connection with the case. Police called the case 'bewildering and frustrating', and said they retained an 'open mind' but 'the potential that Leah is no longer alive has to increase'. Leading the investigation for Thames Valley Police, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard said 'we've had no confirmed sightings of Leah' since February 15, 2019. He said police had received 'in the region of 600 pieces of information - be that information about what's possibly happened to Leah or reported potential sightings'. 'However, none of them have provided a significant lead to allow us to establish what's happened to Leah,' he told the BBC. Mrs Croucher and her husband John believe Leah (pictured) could have been deceiving them when she told her family that she had stopped seeing an engaged man Leah (pictured) disappeared the day after Valentine's Day on February 15 and despite a widespread public appeal to find her, nobody has come forward with information 'After all of this time with no contact, no positive sightings, no financial transactions, no social media and no phone activity, the potential that Leah is no longer alive has to increase. 'Mystery really is the word. It's bewildering and frustrating.' Detective Chief Inspector Howard also said that friends had spoken to police about anxiety issues Leah was having at the time. He suggested it is 'possible that Leah has made a conscious decision and she's acting of her own accord', but refused to 'preclude the role of a third party being involved in Leah's disappearance'. The night before she went missing, Leah left her home in Milton Keynes between 6pm and 7.15pm, telling her mother Claire Croucher she was seeing a friend. Miss Croucher's parents John and Claire Croucher held an emotional press conference in February 2019 appealing for information The police found out she never saw the friend and they do not know where she went or who she was with - or whether she met anyone that night. Her parents last saw her when she went to bed, with her mother Claire previously saying it was 'the last time I got to say goodnight'. As the reward was doubled, Leah's family said: 'We are extremely grateful to the local businesses that have donated towards the reward for the safe return of our beautiful daughter, Leah. 'The kindness of strangers, willing to offer their own money to help us find the answers we desperately need, is humbling beyond words. 'Thank you is not strong enough to convey our gratitude. Officers searched the Blue Lagoon lake in Milton Keynes in their investigation into her disappearance 'We can only hope that the doubling of the reward amount will yield results and finally lead to information allowing us to find what happened to Leah that fateful day. 'There are still so many questions and barely any answers. 'We are asking you to please share this information far and wide, so that everyone is aware of the increase to 20,000. 'During these times of COVID crisis, we hope that the person or persons who have the information we need will now finally come forward and inform the police.' Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Howard, said: 'I can confirm that the reward for information that directly leads us to locating Leah has increased to 20,000. 'I am incredibly grateful, as I know Leah's family are, and would like to thank all the donors for their contributions in offering this reward. 'We hope [this] will encourage anyone with the right piece of information to come forward and speak to us. 'Since Leah went missing on 15th February 2019 there has been a fantastic response from the public, and particularly the local community in Milton Keynes. 'These donations show how committed the local community are to helping find Leah and providing the answers that her family need and deserve. 'Hopefully this is the incentive that somebody out there needs to come forward. 'Our investigation into Leah's disappearance remains open, and we are committed to finding her and bringing her back safely to her family. Anyone who has information on this case is asked to contact 101 quoting reference number 43190049929, or Operation Dawlish. Haydon, the brother of missing teenager Leah Croucher (pictured together), killed himself after telling a therapist he was finding it difficult to cope His mother Tracey Furness has revealed that Haydon 'felt so alone, so lost, so broken that he felt he had no other choice other than to take his own life' Leah's family are more determined than ever to find out what happened to their beloved daughter, with a statement from the family last month saying: 'It's now been two years since our beautiful, wonderful daughter Leah, left for work and vanished without a trace. Missing. Gone. 'To say they have been a hard two years is an understatement. They have been the longest and toughest two years of our lives.' Her family have since revealed they believed she was in a relationship with a man who was engaged at the time of her disappearance. However, police have since spoken to him and say they have no suspicions about him because it is thought he has an alibi for the time that Leah went missing. Last year Claire and her husband John Croucher said they feared someone may have taken Leah as they questioned why she would 'just disappear'. Haydon with his sister Leah, with whom he was very close, before she went missing in 2019 The search for Leah has seen officers visit more than 4,000 homes in Milton Keynes, while officers have deployed specialist search teams, drones and helicopters. Marine units and dive teams have conducted searches of lakes across the town but police say they have found no items relating to the missing woman. A 10,000 reward 'for information that leads to Leah being located' remains in place, and her family is still being supported by officers. The statement from the family continued: 'Leah, you have never left our thoughts for a moment. It may seem that at times to people that we are not thinking about you, but that is not true. 'We still have those awful questions screaming in our brains -where are you? What happened? We still dream about you. Dream that we find you or that you come home, out of the blue. 'That the police knock at the door to say they have found you, sometimes in the dream you are alive, sometimes you are not. 'You are still the last thing we think about at night and the first thing we think about in the morning.' Claire and John have also had to grapple with the death of their 24-year-old son Haydon Croucher, who committed suicide in his flat in Bletchley six months after Leah went missing. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. Cereal is a staple of the American breakfast table, consumed by millions of people every day and tied, for many, with memories of childhood. So when a story began circulating this week about a disturbing discovery in a box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, consumers were horrified. None more so than Jensen Karp. On Monday morning, he ate a bowl of his favorite cinnamon sugar-striped cereal. As he began filling a second bowl, something plopped out of the box, he said in an interview. I picked it up, and I was like, This is clearly a shrimp tail. He looked in the bag and saw what appeared to be another tail. Both were encrusted with sugar. I get really grossed out, and Im medicated for O.C.D., so this is a total nightmare for me, he said. Mr. Karp, a 41-year-old comedian and writer in Los Angeles, took a picture of the contents and sent it to his wife, Danielle Fishel Karp, who played Topanga Lawrence-Matthews on Boy Meets World. WASHINGTON With Congress unlikely to move quickly on gun legislation, the White House is pressing ahead with plans for a series of executive orders that President Biden expects to roll out in the coming weeks as a way of keeping up pressure on the issue. A day after Mr. Biden called on the Senate to pass a ban on assault weapons and strengthen background checks in response to a pair of mass shootings in the past week that left 18 people dead, White House officials said on Wednesday that while moving legislation on gun safety remained a goal, it would take time, given the vehement opposition from Republicans. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that legislation was necessary to make permanent changes. But she also suggested that the executive actions under consideration could be a realistic starting place. Theres lots of leverage you can take, obviously, as president and vice president, she said. For now, administration officials have been reaching out to Democrats in the Senate to consult with them about three executive actions. One would classify as firearms so-called ghost guns kits that allow a gun to be assembled from pieces. Another would fund community violence intervention programs, and the third would strengthen the background checks system, according to congressional aides familiar with the conversations. The daily statistics from Spain's Ministry of Health appear to confirm the fear that the country could be on the threshold of a fourth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. This Wednesday, 24 March, 7,026 new infections were recorded, the highest daily figure so far this month. After days of small fluctuations the national cumulative incidence rate for the disease jumped from the 129.55 registered on Tuesday to 132.22 - an increase that has not been seen since January when Spain was heading to the peak of the third wave. There were only two regions (Andalucia and Aragon) and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla) that saw their incidence rate decrease in the last 24 hours. A police officer tasked with escorting KCPE exam papers to a school in Embu County refused to board a bus causing a delay of up to 40 minutes. Police Constable John Murithi had been assigned to provide security for the Science KCPE exam to Kandomba Primary School in Mbeere Sub-County on Tuesday, March 23. Police said the officer refused to board the bus ferrying the tests for no apparent reason. This resulted in the exam being taken to the neighbouring exam centre, Mukororia Primary School, where they were stored until the arrival of Murithis replacement, read a police report. After a replacement was found, the exam which was scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m kicked off at 9:30 a.m. Curiously, constable Murithi resurfaced at the school when the tests were almost starting. Disciplinary action will be taken against the said police officer, the report said. DETROIT A male suspect has been charged with several crimes related to the stabbing of five people at a Detroit hookah lounge early Sunday, March 21, WXYZ Detroit reports. Taha Shitawi, 34, of Dearborn, allegedly got into an argument with several people while inside the lounge, the report said. Around 3:30 a.m., the altercation moved outside where Shitawi is accused of stabbing four men and a woman, and then fleeing the scene, FOX 2 reports. Shitawi was arrested on Monday, March 22, WXYZ reports. He is charged with five counts of assault with intent to murder, five counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, and five counts of felonious assault. RELATED: Man stabs 8 during fight at Michigan hookah bar, police say Initial reports said that eight people were stabbed during the incident. The case remains under investigation. READ MORE: Driver in stolen car passes trooper on Michigan freeway at 120 mph, crashes into garbage truck Barricaded gunman situation reported in Washtenaw County Driver may have intentionally crashed into historic Jackson building, police say Marilyn and Nick Mosby are Baltimores leading power couple. She is the States Attorney in Baltimore the one who indicted but failed to convict half a dozen police officers in the Freddy Gray matter. Hes the City Council President. Together, they are now the subject of a federal grand jury investigation. The Washington Post reports: The U.S. attorneys office and the FBI requested a range of financial records related to the power couple: tax returns, bank statements, credit card statements, loan documents and canceled checks. They subpoenaed Mosbys campaign treasurer and requested records tracing back to 2014, some related to the Mosbys private travel and consulting businesses. In addition, Union Baptist Church received a federal grand jury subpoena seeking information about whether Nick Mosby had made contributions there, the churchs attorney, Robert Dashiell, confirmed. The pastor of another major church, Bethel AME, also said he received a subpoena, though the Rev. Patrick Clayborn said he did not know details of what it was seeking. . . . Of the subpoena sent to Union Baptist Church, Dashiell said he reviewed its records and found that Nick Mosby had made a negligible donation. I spend more at Starbucks, Dashiell said. As I discussed here, last year the IRS found that the Mosby couple failed for three years to pay a significant amount of the federal income tax they owe. After multiple attempts to obtain payment, the IRS placed a tax lien for nearly $50,000 against them. In addition, Marilyn Mosby has been embroiled in a dispute with the citys inspector general. According to the Post: Mosby faced growing questions last summer about her trips abroad to criminal justice conferences and her private travel businesses. . .Inspector General Isabel Mercedes Cumming [found that] Mosby spent 144 days away in 2018 and 2019. . .Cumming faulted Mosby for not requesting approval from the citys spending panel for more than a dozen trips in 2018 and 2019. Kenya, Scotland and Portugal were among her destination. Considering Marilyn Mosbys record, the city is probably better off when shes far away. Attorneys for the couple responded to news of the investigation with this: My clients are progressive change agents, making them unfair targets of unnecessary scrutiny by federal investigators. Nevertheless, I can assure you and the people of Baltimore, they have done nothing illegal, inappropriate or unlawful. It may be worth noting that the Inspector General with whom Marilyn Mosby has been embroiled is the first woman and first Latina to serve in that role. She may consider herself a progressive change agent. So too, I suspect, does the minister who found scant evidence of contributions by Nick Mosby to his church. I would also note that the progressive changes Marilyn and Nick Mosby promote have helped turn Baltimore into a much more violent, much less safe city. This doesnt mean they are crooks. But they arent exempt from scrutiny just because they are leftists. It seems beyond dispute that the couple hasnt paid taxes they owe. And its clear they can afford to. Marilyn Mosby has purchased nearly $1 million in Florida property. As for any other violations of the law, we should withhold judgment until the criminal law process runs its course. The Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army escorts the national flag for a flag-raising ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, Nov 17, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] The Chinese military will hold a series of activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, according to a senior officer at the Central Military Commission. However, there is no arrangement for a military parade, Major General Li Jun, assistant director of the Political Work Department of the CMC, said at a news conference on Tuesday morning. The CPC was established in July 1921. Six years after its founding, the Party formed its own armed forces, which later became the People's Liberation Army. Events marking the Party's centenary will include theoretical seminars and themed forums, as well as a massive exhibition at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, Li said, adding that books about the military's links with the Party will be published. Historical exhibition sites such as the Chinese Navy Museum in Qingdao and the PLA Hong Kong Garrison's Exhibition Center will start receiving visitors soon, according to Li. Moreover, the Central Military Commission will confer awards to distinguished officers and soldiers who are Party members and to outstanding Party organizations inside the armed forces. The military will also produce and release several movies to mark the centenary, Li added. All activities will display the military's love of the Party, the nation and the people, according to Li. He said that the celebrations will encourage troops to better prepare themselves to respond to any challenges and difficulties and to accomplish missions set by the Party and the people. Since Xi Jinping became commander-in-chief of the armed forces in late 2012, the Chinese military has embraced a new chapter in its history. Its headquarters, regional command systems and individual branches have been overhauled to create a more modern, streamlined force. President Xi, who also is general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has repeatedly urged the PLA to boost its joint operational capabilities, combat readiness and technological innovation. Due to the relentless efforts in training and hardware procurement, the PLA now has many cutting-edge weapons including stealth fighter jets and hypersonic missiles. Pfizer Inc has started early-stage human trials of a new oral drug that could be administered to patients as soon as they show symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Pfizer started trials for COVID-19 pill According to the drugmaker, the antiviral candidate manifested 'potent' efficacy against the coronavirus in lab trials, which developed the first approved COVID-19 vaccine in the US with Germany's BioNTech SE. Pfizer's candidate, known as PF-07321332, which belongs to the protease inhibitor family of drugs. The COVID-19 pill will prevent the virus from replicating itself within human cells by inhibiting an enzyme used by the virus, as per Daily Mail. According to the firm, protease inhibitors have been useful in treating other viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis C virus, both individually and in combination with other antivirals. Since currently marketed therapeutics that function along the same lines has not identified any safety issues, Pfizer claims this class of molecules could provide well-tolerated treatments against COVID-19. In a statement, Pfizer's chief scientific officer, Mikael Dolsten, said, "Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic involves both prevention through vaccination and targeted medication for those who contract the virus." He added that given how SARS-CoV-2 is mutating and COVID-19's global effects, it appears possible that access to therapeutic solutions will be crucial both now and after the pandemic. People Who Had Common Cold Could be Protected Against COVID-19 Study Suggests The Phase I trial is a randomized, double-blind study in which certain volunteers will receive the COVID-19 pill and others will receive a placebo, with neither the researchers nor the volunteers know which pill they will take. The company will go on to Phase II and recruit many patients if the findings indicate the drug is safe and successful. It's still unknown how long the drug would last or how many days people would take the pill every day or week. In an early-stage experiment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the firm also tests an intravenously administered antiviral candidate. Pfizer's candidate is in the same state of development as two other oral antiviral drugs in mid-stage trials: one from Merck & Co and Ridgeback Bio, and the other from Roche Holding and Atea Pharmaceuticals. Remdesivir, a drug developed by Gilead Sciences, is officially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for COVID-19 treatment. However, the FDA has approved two combination drugs, one from Eli Lilly and the other from Regeneron, for emergency use. Pfizer plans to use the mRNA technologies that contributed to its COVID-19 shot to develop new vaccines, says the company's statement regarding the pill. Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla told The Wall Street Journal, "There is a technology that has shown significant impact and dramatic potential. Because of our size and experience, we are the most positioned firm right now to move it to the next level." Pfizer, AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccines Effective Against Brazilian Variant, Weaker to South African Variant Pfizer uses the same technology common in treating HIV Pfizer, the manufacturer of the most commonly used COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, is researching a new COVID-19 pill-based treatment using the same class of drug used to treat HIV, Newsweek reported. In test-tube tests, the drug showed efficacy against the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as other forms of coronaviruses, increasing the likelihood of "potential use to counter possible coronavirus risks," according to the company. Dolsten praised both the oral drug and the company's recently developed experimental protease inhibitor therapy, which is now in phase 1b trials and is expected to be given intravenously to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Two separate methods, Dolsten said, have the ability to develop an end-to-end treatment paradigm that enhances vaccination in situations where disease persists. Although none of the vaccines have 100% defense against the virus, they have been shown to decrease infections and avoid hospitalizations and death. While both Pfizer and Moderna are researching booster shots or alternative versions of vaccines to tackle emerging strains, treatment alternatives could help reduce questions raised by the fact that some of the mutations now circulating the world have demonstrated a small degree of resistance to the vaccines. AstraZeneca Vaccines: Safe To Use, Canada Claims @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Minister for Energy, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed the desire of the NPP government to nurture and sustain a long-term partnership with Tullow Oil Ltd. Dr Prempeh, who is popularly known as NAPO and is the MP for Manhyia South, made this point during a virtual meeting with the Chief Executive of Tullow Oil, Mr Rahul Dhir. In attendance were the Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Ltd, Mr Wissam Al-Monthiry and other leading executives of the company in Ghana. The purpose of the meeting was to enable the company to formally welcome the Minister to the energy sector and to formally brief him on their operations in Ghana, their strategic direction for 2021 and beyond and a number of legal and other challenges. In his remarks, Dr Prempeh stressed that the NPP believes in the right of individuals and entities to invest and enjoy their profits and noted that at a time when oil prospects in Ghana were considered bleak, companies like Tullow and Kosmos were prepared to undertake exploration in this country because they believed it was worth it. He recognized the companys support for the education sector, particularly with respect to infrastructure and STEM education. We want to have Tullow as a long-term partner and I am happy you want to keep investing in Ghana, he stressed. He noted further that in respect of various challenges the company had raised, he recognized the duty that they owed to their shareholders. However, he made the point that as Minister for Energy, he owed an ultimate obligation to the people of Ghana and that he had the job of protecting their interests. Ultimately, though, honesty and openness with each other should shorten the path to the resolution of conflicts Dr Prempeh stated. Tullow Oil has been in Ghana since 2006 and has invested over $19bn in its operations here since then. In the period the company has paid over $6bn to the Government of Ghana through taxes and entitlements and plans to invest $4bn in its operations over the next 10 years. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/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 The federal government yesterday started the procurement process for the concession of 12 major roads under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), covering all the six geopolitical zones of the country. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), stated at the ceremony in Abuja that the aggregate total of 1,963 kilometres, which is 5.6 per cent of the 35,000-kilometre federal road network, would be affected by the development. He said the 12 roads were chosen to ensure the coverage of each of the six geo-political zones, adding that the initial capital investments would be about N1.134 trillion. He listed the highways to include Benin-Asaba, Abuja-Lokoja, Kano-Katsina, Onitsha-Owerri, Sagamu-Benin, Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga and Kano-Maiduguri which fall into lot one. The second lot comprises Potiskum-Damaturu, Lokoja-Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ilorin-Jebba, Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and Lagos-Badagry federal highways. According to him, the project could create 50,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect employments. "Currently, the government is executing over 700 different contracts, which aggregate to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 13,000 km of roads and bridges across all the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory," he stated. Fashola added that due to the size of the roads in the country, there is an increasing and unsatisfied demand for funding to finance the projects to completion and to maintain them. He explained that there's also the need to finance other complementary services like weighbridges, rest houses, towing vehicles and road furniture, which seem better suited for the commercial initiative of the private sector. "In the interim, the government is constrained to borrow, offer tax credit, and increase her revenue mobilisation capacities in order to sustain this massive infrastructure renaissance. "This is the background to the HDMI, which is another effort to mobilise private capacity, resources and entrepreneurship into the Nigerian highway sector; and hopefully convert roads from just social assets into assets of commercial opportunities and enterprise," the minister stated. He explained that the HDMI is made up of two categories: Value-added Concessions (VAC) and the Unbundled Assets Approvals (UAA). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Infrastructure Construction By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The UAA is expected to provide the opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are available along the Right of Way (RoW) while under the VAC, the road pavement and entire right of way is given out for development and management by the concessionaire. Fashola stated that not only has the right of way of the 12 roads been fully gazetted, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), as a regulatory body for concessions of nature, has also issued the Certificate of Compliance for the Outline Business Case that is necessary to commence the process. In order to ensure competitiveness and to guarantee transparency, the minister said a procurement portal had been developed to serve as the interface with the public and to manage the HDMI from procurement to implementation, to maintain the integrity of the process and to keep the playing field level. He said the HDMI portal would open on March 29, 2021 and all transactions would be done through the portal. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Hussein Babangida, had said the programme was meant to leverage private sector investment to improve facilities and operations on the selected routes. According to him, it will also help maximise the revenue-generating potential of the routes, reiterate the government's role in infrastructural development as facilitator and enabler of investment; and ensure international best practices in the development and management of highways, amongst others. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. vivo Malaysia has officially announced that the vivo X60 series which consists of the vivo X60, as well as the vivo X60 Pro, at the price of RM2699 and RM3299 respectively. If youre interested in getting the aforementioned smartphones, you can pre-order them starting from 22 March until 26 March 2021 at all vivo concept stores located across the nation. In addition to that, depending on the device you pre-ordered, youll be eligible for a bunch of free goodies such as a 1-year extended warranty + 1-year screen crack protection, luggage, case, and more thats valued up to RM359. But thats not all, theres a promo happening from 27 March until 4 April 2021 where you can get the X60 premium gift box which includes a case and thumb drive worth RM159. Also, the first 50 customers to purchase the vivo X60 or the vivo X60 Pro from vivos official store on Shopee or Lazada will be eligible for either a free X8 smartwatch, 18-inch luggage, RM100 HealthLand Gift Card or RM110 Aurum GSC Ticket. If you want to find out more information, head over to vivos official website. In terms of the tech specs, the vivo X60 comes equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 chipset, up to 12GB RAM, up to 256GB ROM, 6.56-inch FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display, and a 4300mAh internal battery with 33W fast charging. Camera-wise, the phone has a 48MP + 13MP + 13MP rear camera equipped with ZEISS Optics while the front has a 32MP selfie camera. The X60 Pro, on the other hand, comes with largely the same specs except for an additional 8MP periscope camera at the back as well as a slightly smaller 4200mAh internal battery. Not only that, but it also comes equipped with the Gimbal Stabilization 2.0 which ensures that the pictures taken are not blurry. That all being said, would you be interested in pre-ordering the vivo X60 or X60 Pro as soon as it is available? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com. Nkange The Institute of Health Sciences (IHS), Francistown students studying midwifery have donated groceries and clothing to a mother of 17 in Nkange. Speaking at an event to hand over the donation in Nkange on Friday, Francistown IHS head of midwifery, Ms Tsholofelo Radimo said students got to know Ms Chendzimu Phele aged 39 when she was a client at Nyangabgwe hospital during which time she had come to deliver baby number 17. She said they were touched by her circumstances and wanted to help. Ms Radimo noted that their midwifery programme entailed caring for mothers, babies and the family unit. She acknowledged that they might not be able to meet all her needs, but that they believed the donation would encourage others to do likewise. Nkange Clinic nursing in charge, Mr Kebinang Lazarus said the clinic, serviced by three midwives and five general nurses among other staff members, registered more than 100 antenatal care annually with about 90 delivered at the clinic. He said it was overwhelming given the staff compliment. Mr Lazarus also complained about expectant mothers who failed to register for antenatal care and only showed up when already in labour. "Most do not know their HIV status and those who know are usually reluctant to enroll for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission programme," Mr Lazarus said, adding that it caused clashes between health workers and clients with the latter at times opting for home delivery. He, however, said they encouraged proper customer care so that clients could end up making proper decisions. Source : BOPA Together, Brain Canada and the Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery (CPSR) are awarding $1.9 million to this initiative over three and a half years through the Brain Canada Platform Support Grant (PSG) program. Co-led by Dr. Alexander Thiel, a clinical neurologist at the JGH and Senior Investigator at the Lady Davis Institute, along with neuroscientists Dr. Jodi Edwards of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) and Dr. Numa Dancause of the Universite de Montreal, CanStim is the first platform of its kind in the world. It draws on the collaborative efforts of pre-clinical and clinical researchers working together to accelerate discovery and move new research into clinical practice. CanStim features a unique translational approach towards stroke rehabilitation and recovery research by integrating pre-clinical and clinical research from the project inception. The platform will provide the necessary research capacity in non-invasive brain stimulation methods, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), to develop and optimize novel approaches for people living with stroke disabilities and other neurological disorders. Additionally, CanStim will provide opportunities to trainees across Canada to explore new interdisciplinary approaches to studying stroke recovery. "CanStim will bring developed devices to the patient faster by accelerating clinical trials and it will offer our expertise in pre-clinical research to develop new tools with industry partners," said Dr. Thiel, a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University. CanStim's integrated design will encourage rapid advances in optimizing the protocols for using TMS in the clinic for stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Thiel has been studying the use of TMS to optimize how the brain selects recuperative pathways to regain lost functionality following a stroke. These techniques seem to be most effective in the first days and weeks following the stroke, while the brain is still in the process of reorganizing itself to compensate for the loss of function. As soon as the patient undergoes TMS, they are given physio- or speech therapy to facilitate this reorganization process. Thus far, the results of Dr. Thiel's work have been promising. He has shown in clinical studies that patients given TMS within four weeks of a stroke event, in conjunction with traditional speech and language therapy, exhibited three times better recovery from aphasia than did those treated with speech and language therapy alone. However, to move these techniques into daily clinical practice as approved therapies, the effectiveness of brain stimulation needs to be demonstrated in larger clinical trials. With CanStim, Dr. Thiel has initiated a platform to enable such multicenter clinical trials in Canada and to accelerate the transition of these new techniques into everyday rehabilitation for the benefit of stroke patients. Stroke recovery is a huge public health issue in Canada. According to a 2015 study published in the journal Stroke, there are more than 405,000 Canadians living with long-term disability from stroke - and the number is expected to almost double by 2038. "New technologies like brain stimulation hold so much promise for people recovering from stroke," says Katie Lafferty, CEO of the CPSR. "It's very exciting to have a national effort of this scale focused on this new approach." ### Brain Canada's Platform Support Grants are awarded to teams that are creating and/or enhancing centralized shared resources to increase access to equipment, expertise, data and protocols across research networks. "By investing in platforms that will allow research resources to be shared, we are not only fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, but also enabling science to move at a much quicker pace," says Dr. Viviane Poupon, Brain Canada President and CEO. The CanStim team involves leading stroke recovery researchers from Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Kingston, Vancouver, Calgary and St. John's. This Project has been made possible with the financial support of Health Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund, an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada, and Heart & Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery (CPSR) and Le Reseau Provincial de Recherche en Adaptation-Readaptation (REPAR). Denton Peterson Dunn Mesa litigation attorney, Scott Gibson Awarded Master of Laws Degree at Baylor Law Gibson continues to excel in this area by bringing his unique experience to the team at Denton Peterson Dunn, PLLC. Scott F. Gibson, a partner with Denton Peterson Dunn, PLLC, was awarded a Master of Laws in Litigation Management during the February 8, 2020 commencement ceremonies at Baylor University. In addition to successfully completing the LL.M. program, during his time in the program, Gibson performed specialized research into changing the way lawyers think about legal dilemmas to help clients avoid those problems before they arise. As a local business lawyer in Arizona, Gibson continues to excel in this area by bringing his unique experience to the team at Denton Peterson Dunn, PLLC. This is Gibsons second advanced legal degree. In 2007, he graduated as part of the inaugural LL.M. class in Biotechnology and Genomics from the Sandra Day OConnor College of Law at Arizona State University. Since 2008, he has been an adjunct professor of law at Arizona State University, teaching a course of Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants. The Executive LL.M. program at Baylor Law is the first Master of Laws program in the country designed exclusively for lawyers who direct litigation strategy, to teach a concrete and practical framework to create and execute a successful, value-based litigation management game plan for high-volume and high-stakes dockets. Additional information about the Executive LL.M. Program at Baylor University can be found here: https://llm.baylor.edu/. Denton Peterson Dunn, PLLC. 1930 N. Arboleda, Suite 200 Mesa, AZ 85213 Office: 480-325-9900 Email: service@dentonpeterson.com Website: http://arizonabusinesslawyeraz.com ABOUT BAYLOR LAW Established in 1857, Baylor Law was one of the first law schools in Texas and one of the first west of the Mississippi River. Today, the school has more than 7,600 living alumni. Accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools, Baylor Law has a record of producing outstanding lawyers, many of whom decide upon a career in public service. Baylor Law boasts among its notable alumni two governors, members or former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, two former directors of the FBI, U.S. ambassadors, federal judges, justices of the Texas Supreme Court and members of the Texas Legislature. In its law specialties rankings, U.S. News & World Report ranked Baylor Laws trial advocacy program as among the best in the nation at No. 2. Baylor Law School also is ranked No. 48 in the magazines 2020 edition of Americas Best Graduate Schools. The National Jurist ranks Baylor Law as one of the Best School for Practical Training and No. 4 in the nation in its most recent Best Law School Facilities listing. Business Insider places Baylor Law among the top 50 law schools in the nation. Baylor Law School received the 2015 American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award, making it only the third law school in the nation to be honored with the award since its inception in 1984. Learn more at http://www.baylor.edu/law. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor Law Sheila & Walter Umphrey Law Center 1114 South University Parks Drive One Bear Place #97288 Waco, Texas 76798 MEDIA CONTACT: Ed Nelson, Director of Marketing & Communications EMAIL: Ed_Nelson@Baylor.edu PHONE: 254-710-6681 Inc chief said on Wednesday the company's electric vehicles can now be bought using and the option will be available outside the United States later this year. "You can now buy a with bitcoin," he tweeted https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1374617643446063105 on Wednesday, adding that paid to will not be converted into conventional currency. The electric-car maker had last month said it bought $1.5 billion of and would soon accept it as a form of payment for cars, sending the price of the world's most popular cryptocurrency soaring. Musk, who has been promoting cryptocurrencies through his Twitter account, had last month criticized conventional cash, saying when it "has negative real interest, only a fool wouldn't look elsewhere." He had said that the difference with cash made it "adventurous enough" for the S&P 500 company to hold the cryptocurrency. Following Tesla's investment in bitcoin, several companies, including Uber Technologies Inc and Twitter Inc had shared their views on the cryptocurrency. https://reut.rs/3cg9gMP Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi said the ride-hailing company discussed and "quickly dismissed" the idea of investing in bitcoin. However, he added that Uber could potentially accept the cryptocurrency as payment. Twitter had said earlier it was still undecided in holding bitcoin, while General Motors Co said it will evaluate whether bitcoin can be accepted as payment for its vehicles. Tesla recently added "Technoking of Tesla" to Musk's list of official titles. In a bid to reduce the hazardous impacts of global warming, a private donor-funded project, of which Bill Gates is a part, has been approved for this week which will send a gigantic balloon soaring into the atmosphere to spray tons of chalk dust. The geoengineering experiment will be done above the Swedish town of Kiruna. Implementing Gates controversial experiment of deflecting the sun by blocking its rays, authorities in the arctic town will try to lower the Earths temperature. The balloon will be tasked with spreading the ubiquitous compound calcium carbonate all around the stratosphere to minimize greenhouse pollution and obstruct the sun's energy. The Stratospheric Controlled Perturbation Experiment (SCoPEx) is being spearheaded by Harvard University scientists, majorly supporters of the theory that the sun reflecting aerosol CaCo3 might counteract the increasing temperature of the habitable blue planet. According to the sources of the UKs The Times, Gates experiment has sparked arguments, debates, and an increase in speculations from politicians, who noted that a project of such a kind as solar geoengineering will cause delay or totally stall plans of cutting emissions of greenhouse gases worldwide. Prof Keutsch, a researcher for Harvards Engineering and Atmospheric Science told the newspaper that the experiment to spew tonnes and tonnes of dust about 12 miles above Earths surface sounds terrifying. Besides, the dust is expected to form a blanket that will go on to act as sunshades bouncing the essential-for-all-lifeforms solar energy back into space. Its deeply unfair that the people who contribute the least to climate change will suffer the worst from its effects: https://t.co/XciR3lIVzs pic.twitter.com/Y2do5GhsGx Bill Gates (@BillGates) March 18, 2021 Risks of 'chemical chain reactions' The engineers have also lined up a separate implementation of Bill Gates proposed experiment to throw 2kg of calcium carbonate dust from the ballon about the size of a flour bag from the skies above the New Mexico desert, several local reports confirmed. This has triggered researchers worldwide, who have argued that Gates bizarre SCoPEx scheme might cause disastrous chemical chain reactions in the atmosphere, and trigger hurricanes and drought. Separately, in a statement to The National, Harvard scientist Prof David Keith said that the solar geo-engineering which will be conducted to test how dust particles will react to the CaCo3 will not be deemed as an alternative or substitute to cutting emissions. Talladega Nights star Houston Tumlin has passed away at the age of 28. The actor, who was aged just 13 when he appeared in the 2006 Will Ferrell film, died by suicide on Tuesday afternoon at his home in Pelham, Alabama. Shelby County coroner Lina Evans told TMZ that Tumlin was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot to the head around 4:30pm. Sources told TMZ that Tumlin's girlfriend was in the house at the time. A note has not been found. Houston was a standout in Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby, in which he played foul-mouthed Walker Bobby, Will Ferrell's character's son. The smash-hit movie grossed $163 million at the box office and became one of the highest-earning comedies of the 2000s. It also starred John C. Reilly, Sacha Baron Cohen, Amy Adams and Jane Lynch. The movie was Tumlin's only professional film credit, and he went on to join the Army after graduating from high school in 2011. Most recently, he worked repairing telegraph lines across Alabama. Talladega Nights star Houston Tumlin has passed away at the age of 28. The actor died by suicide on Tuesday afternoon at his home in Pelham, Alabama Tumlin is pictured with his Talladega Nights co-star, Will Ferrell, at a premiere back in 2006 Ferrell and Tumlin are pictured in 2006. Tumlin happily recalled his time on the set of the Hollywood comedy, frequently sharing throwback photos on his Instagram Tumlin (left) is pictured with Ferrell in a scene from the 2006 film. The film was one of the highest grossing Hollywood comedies of the 2000s Tumlin's Instagram betrayed no sign of his internal turmoil, and was instead filled with happy snaps of his family and beloved dog, Allie. And, according to Facebook, Tumlin only officially began dating his girlfriend, Charity Robertson, earlier this month. Robertson took to social media to share her sadness at her partner's suicide on Tuesday night, writing: 'I've never experienced a hurt like this before. I feel numb, I feel defeated, I feel lost. I feel empty. 'My heart is absolutely shattered. My sweet, sweet baby... Our time together was one of the best experiences of my life.' She continued: 'I just still feel like this is a really bad dream that I can't wake up from. 'One thing is for sure though, I have the absolute best guardian angel a girl could ever wish for.' According to Facebook, Tumlin only officially began dating his girlfriend, Charity Robertson, earlier this month Girlfrien Charity Robertson yook to Facebook to share her sadness at her partner's suicide It's unclear whether Tumlin attempted to pursue a career as a child star in Hollywood following the unexpected success of Talladega Nights. However, he returned to his home state of Alabama, where he graduated from Victory Christian High School in 2011. Afterward, Tumlin served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, located along the Kentucky-Tennessee border. He was briefly married to a woman who also served the military. According to TMZ, he recently dabbled in other work, including repairing telephone lines. Tumlin served in the Army's 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell along the Kentucky-Tennessee border. He is pictured in a 2017 selfie Tumlin is seen in uniform in a photo posted to his Instagram page back in 2019 Tumlin was reported to be close to his family. Just last month he shared a photo to Instagram which showed him smiling alongside his mom. Meanwhile, Tumlin's sister, Hayden, took to social media Wednesday morning to pay tribute to her late brother. 'I lost my brother yesterday. This doesn't feel real or right to be without him. He was so special to us. I will love you forever, bubba,' she wrote. Will Ferrell has not yet made public comment on the death of his comedy co-star. Tumlin appeared to fondly remember his time on the set of the film, sharing several throwback snaps with Ferrell on his Instagram account. Tumlin's Instagram betrayed no sign of his internal turmoil, and was instead filled with happy snaps of his family and beloved dog, Allie. A photo uploaded just last month showed him smiling alongside him mom Tumlin's sister, Hayden, took to social media Wednesday morning to pay tribute to her late brother Tumlin is pictured at right on the red carpet at the Hollywood premiere of Talladega Nights in July 2006 Tumlin was a standout in Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby as the foul-mouthed character Walker Bobby (pictured) Elsewhere, several men who served with Tumlin in the Army have taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness at his death. 'Sgt. Houston Tumlin came to me as Pvt. Tumlin. He showed a lot of spirit, promise, positive energy and was (hands down) one of the best Soldiers in my company. Came ready to work,' one wrote. 'Please check on each other. Get help if you need it. We need you.' Another paid tribute to Tumlin by describing him as 'one of the funniest guys I've ever met'. 'He recently passed, and words can't describe how hard this is. RIP buddy,' the Army colleague wrote. US READERS: If you or someone you know is struggling, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is a free, 24/7 confidential service that can provide people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, or those around them, with support, information and local resources. UK READERS: For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123. Patients who walk into referral hospitals without referral letters will soon be denied access, the government has announced. This comes after the Health ministry announced that the 24 hospitals built in informal settlements in Nairobi will operate on a 24-hour basis. Speaking while opening the Lang'ata Health Centre in Otiende, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the move will ease access to healthcare and help de-congest referral hospitals. "Consequently, in three months' time, when round-the-clock services are available at these facilities, it will no longer be possible to serve walk-in patients at any of the designated referral facilities," he said. He cited the Nairobi Regeneration Report that showed that 47 per cent of patients who seek treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) are people who walk in, a majority of whom visit the facility at night. "KNH is supposed to be a referral facility, taking care of cases that require specialised treatment from across the country, which is why it's national. The hospital is supposed to support other lower facilities whenever they need advanced care support. Unfortunately, this has not been the case," he said. He said the same scenario was at other referral hospitals such as Mama Lucy, Mbagathi and Kenyatta University. The hospitals, which will have close to 1,000-bed capacity, will offer consultation, laboratory, maternity and imaging. Of the 24 facilities, 19 are being built from scratch while the rest are being rehabilitated. The head of the nations biggest superannuation lobby group has asked Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to scrutinise House Economics Committee chair Tim Wilson, warning he is using the role for personal political campaigning purposes and risks undermining confidence. Industry Super Australia chief executive Bernie Dean sent Mr Frydenberg a letter on Wednesday requesting the Treasurer consider the appropriateness of Mr Wilsons handling of an ongoing review into the banks and financial institutions. Industry Super Australia says Tim Wilson is using his role as chair of the House Economics Committee for personal political campaigning purposes. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer The letter was sent after the sector received a series of written questions from the chair about the housing market, the value of property investment assets held by individual funds and the proportion of members who are homeowners. Mr Wilson recently launched a new campaign, Home First Super Second, in a bid to allow first-home buyers to access their retirement funds early to get onto the property ladder. The idea has the backing of a group of Coalition MPs but is opposed by Labor, the super funds and the unions who warn it would undermine the super system. Recently, Mr Wilson put about a dozen written questions to funds directly relevant to the issues associated with his personal campaign but under the original Terms of Reference, Mr Dean said in the letter seen by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A fugitive fighting extradition to Hungary over allegations that he scammed pensioners in a 3m scam fears he might not get his second Covid vaccine there, a court heard. Erno Horvath, 41, and his wife Marina Horvath, 33, allegedly tricked elderly people into handing over their cash by telling them their relatives had been in a car crash. It is said that 220 victims aged between 70 and 96 were convinced that their loved ones needed help paying damages or had been injured. The couple, who are living in Sheffield, were allegedly 'at the top' of a fraud ring, calling pensioners and hiring recruits to wait outside their homes and demand money once the conversation ended. They are fighting extradition to Hungary where they would face up to a decade behind bars if convicted of the alleged con which took place between January and July 2019. Erno Horvath, 41, (left) and his wife Marina Horvath, 33, (right) allegedly tricked elderly people into handing over their cash by telling them their relatives had been in a car crash Their lawyers are arguing they would face prejudice at trial in the eastern European state because of their Roma ethnicity, Westminster Magistrates' Court has heard. Erno has a string of health problems including pancreatitis that left him hospitalised, all of which would be complicated by his return to Hungary. He has already had one coronavirus jab in the UK but claims his chances of full vaccination against the bug might be dashed if he is extradited. But the alleged fugitive, who is accused of masterminding the scam while he was wanted for four unrelated convictions, refused to give evidence at the extradition hearing today. Erno fled Hungary and was sentenced in his absence for the crimes with a total of seven years and eight months in jail time that he has yet to serve, prosecutors claim. Westminster Magistrates Court (stock image), where the court heard Erno's lawyers claim his chances of getting second Covid jab will be dashed if he's extradited He was blasted for lacking the 'courage' to answer questions from the prosecution as the court heard there is no medical record of the 'pancreatitis' he claims to suffer from. Erno appeared in the dock today wearing a grey prison tracksuit as the court heard he 'doesn't have the courage' to accept he is wanted for a string of convictions. Prosecutor Amanda Bostock told District Judge Michael Fanning: 'There is evidence from the judicial authority to say that he is a fugitive. He denies being a fugitive. He is not willing to answer those questions so I say his evidence is dismissed. 'He claimed to have had a hospital admission for pancreatitis. What's quite clear is he's told the prison he suffered from that but they couldn't find any records about that to confirm his account because he had used an alias. 'The documents go on to explain they took his blood and found some pancreatic insufficiency and gallstones, and that is the extent of it. Marina's sister Maria Lakatos, 41, (right) and her partner Csaba Nemeth, 42, (left) are also wanted in Hungary for their alleged involvement in the con 'I do not accept the extent of the medical issues he alleges and in fact nor do the prison doctors. 'When he says he was hospitalised and put in intensive care, that has not been confirmed by anybody apart from in his own account. 'I ask you to disregard any speculation about whether he will or won't be given his second Covid vaccine if he returns to Hungary. 'We have someone here who is a fugitive. 'He accepted that to his doctors at Wandsworth, even though he did not have the courage I would submit to accept it before this court.' Malcolm Hawkes, defending Erno, claimed today that prison transport conditions in Hungary would also violate the husband's human rights. 'With this issue of transporting prisoners, shackling prisoners and leading them with a leash sometimes in front of the media, it's textbook degrading treatment', Mr Hawkes said. Erno, of Headford Mews, Sheffield, face 32 counts of fraud, while Marina, of the same address, faces 12 counts of fraud and one count of money laundering. Marina's sister Maria Lakatos, 41, and her partner Csaba Nemeth, 42, are also wanted in Hungary for their alleged involvement in the con. The extradition hearing continues. Jerusalem, March 24 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast his vote in the nation's fourth election in two years, in which he runs for another term while facing corruption charges. Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, voted at a polling station in a Jerusalem high school. He called on all citizens to vote. "This is a festival of democracy. This is a happy country. Israel is a country where people are smiling," he told reporters on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported. Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist Yesh Atid party and Netanyahu's main rival, cast his vote in Tel Aviv. He said that the current elections, which are widely perceived in Israel as a referendum on Netanyahu's ability to rule while facing a criminal trial, "are a moment of truth for the State of Israel." President Reuven Rivlin urged Israelis to vote. "Four elections in two years erode public trust in the democratic process, but only you can influence," he said in a statement after casting his ballot. "There is no other way," he said, referring to four consecutive parliamentary elections held in Israel amidst a lingering political deadlock and inconclusive election results. Voting started at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) Tuesday in 13,685 polling stations across the country, which is due to end at 10 p.m. (2000 GMT). According to the Central Election Committee, the body which oversees the elections in Israel, some 6,578,084 Israeli citizens are eligible to vote. Some 38 parties are running in the elections. Exit polls will be published at 10 p.m. and the initial official results are expected early on Wednesday morning. PlantXReset is a five-day, plant-based meal initiative which will feature meals inspired by Thorntons Reset program Thornton is a former Food Network host who is a classically trained chef and sustainability expert PlantX Life Inc ( ) (OTCQB:PLXTF) (FRA:WNT1) has announced it is launching a new meal program based on plant-based chef Anne Thorntons Reset food initiative. PlantXReset, as the initiative is known, is a five-day, plant-based meal initiative will feature meals inspired by Thorntons Reset program. The meals will be available for delivery and distribution in Canada and later in the US through Vancouver-based PlantXs e-commerce platforms. Thornton is a former Food Network host who is a classically trained chef and sustainability expert. She helmed the kitchen at organic vegan restaurant Little Pine and NueuHose, a private workspace, both in Los Angeles. The Plant Reset program includes nutrient-dense, superfood-laden, adaptogen-laced, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, low-fat meals. Each Reset subscription currently includes 15 meals, snacks and juices and an added donation of 15 organic plant-based meals to LAs homeless population. As part of the PlantXReset program, Thornton will include her own Reset recipes and design to the meals already available on the PlantX platform through UpMeals, the company's meal delivery partner. "I am so excited about this collaboration with PlantX," Thornton said in a statement. "I have so much respect for the team and their mission to bring delicious plant-based food to everyone, easily and efficiently. I am thrilled that people all over North America will have the opportunity to take part in this delicious, enlivening, healing and energizing protocol." PlantX founder Sean Dolligner called Thornton a legend in the culinary industry. (We) are so excited to start our collaboration with her," Dollinger told investors. "Her incredible expertise and dedication to human and planetary health are fully aligned with PlantX's values, and together we hope to help our plant-based community thrive and reach new levels of health and wellness. PlantX offers customers across North America more than 10,000 plant-based products. Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas 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. Your support helps Excelsio to keep delivering open content. A small contribution is so valuable for us. Athens, GA (30605) Today Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 87F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening with a few showers possible late. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%. DETROIT A Marquette city park is closing a portion of its lone road for a month to help out some local residents: blue-spotted salamanders. The salamanders spend the cold, snowy winters underground in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Then every spring, almost in unison, they make their way to nearby pools, where they mate and lay eggs. But at Presque Isle Park, that means crossing a solitary roadway looping through the popular 323-acre, forested park on a peninsula jutting into Lake Superior. Eli Bieri, a biology student at nearby Northern Michigan University, studied the blue-spotted salamanders as part of his research, going out nights with student volunteers in the spring to count and tag the amphibians. A blue spotted salamander makes its way across Peter White Drive in Presque Isle Park in Marquette, MI, in this April 4, 2020 photo. Hundreds of the salamanders were being killed every spring by cars as they emerged from underground and made their way to nearby breeding pools, until the city agreed to close the relevant portion of the road in the spring while the salamanders migrate. "We would see thousands and thousands of salamanders crossing the street in just one night," he said. "It was really amazing until we see cars zip by and squish salamanders. That really troubled me it kept me awake at night." Bieri counted the road-killed salamanders on that stretch of Peter White Drive in the spring of 2019, and found 429 carcasses. "And their carcasses are popular food for seagulls, foxes and raccoons, so we probably missed a few," he said. That's 10% to 20% of the park's blue-spotted salamander population, according to Bieri's research an alarming number that risks permanently depleting the park's population, he said. He enlisted the help of the Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Conservancy, a local nonprofit organization involved in conservation and public education projects. "Blue-spotted salamanders are not an endangered species, but their range is so small," said Tyler Penrod, a program manager with Superior Watershed Partnership. Penrod reached out to Marquette city officials, and last spring got the relevant stretch of road within the park temporarily closed to evening and overnight vehicular traffic when the emerging salamanders are on the move. The result: only three road-killed salamanders were counted. "Those were probably from bicycles or people inadvertently stepping on them," Bieri said. Story continues With that success demonstrated, city officials are doing the same this year. From March 15 to April 15, the park's road in the stretch where the salamanders cross will again be closed to motorized vehicle traffic overnight. Blue-spotted salamanders are native to North America, with habitat ranging from the Atlantic Coast to the Great Lakes and up into parts of Canada. Adults reach from 4 to 5.5 inches, with bluish-black skin and distinctive bluish-white spots on their bodies. The salamanders play an important role in Midwest ecosystems. As amphibians, starting out life living in and breathing water before developing lungs and moving to land as adults, they're a staple food source for fish, small mammals, birds and reptiles. Closing Peter White Drive to vehicle traffic for the month means park-goers have to trek by foot or bicycle about a quarter-mile to popular Sunset Point on Lake Superior. A few patrons grumbled, but most have been very supportive, Penrod said. "We've demonstrated this is successful in preventing hundreds of unnecessary deaths of these salamanders," he said. Now, area residents are coming out on cold, rainy spring nights, wearing raincoats and headlamps or carrying flashlights, to take in the blue-spotted salamander parade (look but don't touch, Bieri said). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan park road where salamanders died closes for animal safety Princess Eugenie has shared another glimpse of her adorable one-month-old son August as she thanked well-wishers following her birthday. After celebrating her 31st birthday yesterday, the new mum took to Instagram to share two cute snaps of baby August, who was born on February 9, alongside a caption which read: 'Thank you for the birthday love yesterday..I got the best present I could ask for!!' In the first photograph, the Queen's granddaughter can be seen beaming as she cradles August - who is wearing a personalised baby grow with his name emblazoned in blue on the back - while a smiling husband Jack Brooksbank, 34, gazes lovingly into her eyes. A second snap shows the baby boy nuzzling into his father's shoulder, with just his eyes and star-print white hat peeping out from over the top. Princess Eugenie has shared another glimpse of her adorable one-month-old son August as she thanked well-wishers following her birthday (pictured) After celebrating her 31st birthday yesterday, the new mum took to Instagram to share adorable snaps of baby August, who was born on February 9 - before referring to him as 'the best present she could ask for' Royal fans were quick to comment on the pictures - with many congratulating the couple on their 'beautiful' baby boy. 'Oh my goodness. You look great and he is sooooo cute,' wrote one, while a second penned: 'He's beautiful.' A third added:'So lovely, congratulations to you both,' while a fourth commented: 'So sweet! Happy belated birthday.' Another wrote: 'So happy for you and your family!' The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson welcomed her first child, who is 11th in line to the throne, with Jack on February 9 at London's Portland Hospital. The couple were pictured leaving the hospital three days later on February 12. Alongside the photographs, the caption read: 'Thank you for the birthday love yesterday..I got the best present I could ask for!!' (pictured) Royal fans were quick to comment on the pictures - with many congratulating the couple on their 'beautiful' baby boy (pictured) Last month, the new mother revealed the name and shared her first family picture with her son - the Queen's ninth great grandchild - which is thought to have been taken in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage, where the couple are currently living. Posting a series of photographs on Instagram, Princess Eugenie wrote: 'Thank you for so many wonderful messages. Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can't express. We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.' Eugenie went on to reveal the name was a touching tribute to Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert, whose birth name was Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel, and Prince Philip, who is currently in hospital, writing: 'On his grandfather's birthday weekend, thinking of my grandfather, we are introducing our little boy. Princess Eugenie recently said she wants her baby son August (pictured together with husband Jack Brooksbank) to grow up in a world where he knows he can 'make a big difference' Eugenie revealed last month that her son's name is a touching tribute to Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert, whose birth name was Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel, and Prince Philip, who is currently in hospital He is named after his great grandfather and both of his 5x great grandfathers.' The new mum shared another look at her newborn while celebrating Mother's Day on Instagram earlier this month, with a sweet picture of her baby lying among some daffodils. Although his head is turned away from the camera, the young royal can be seen donning a patterned babygrow adorned with whales, a knitted white cardigan, matching hat and fluffy rabbit slippers. Princess Eugenie also paid tribute to her mother Sarah Ferguson, 61, in a throwback snap where Fergie can be seen holding her as a baby back in 1990. Alongside the touching tributes, the Queen's granddaughter penned: 'I'm so excited to be August's mum and as you can see I'm enjoying my first Mothers Day.' 'I'm also celebrating my beautiful Mumma with this picture of us from March 1990. Youve taught me so much. Happy Mothers Day to all.' Princess Eugenie shared a snap of her one-month-old son August to mark her first Mother's Day as a new mum (pictured) Alongside the image, the royal said she was 'so excited' to be August's mum and was enjoying her first Mother's Day JACKSON, MI A proposed change in how the federal government defines a metropolitan area is causing concern among city of Jackson officials. The federal Office of Management and Budget has recommended changing the minimum size of a metropolitan statistical area from 50,000 to 100,000 residents in an designated geographic area a move that could change the metropolitan area status of 142 cities and their surrounding communities, including Jackson. Census estimates from 2019 put the city at about 33,000 residents and the county at about 158,500 residents. The recommended OMB change lists Jackson as one of the communities that could lose its metro area status if the proposal is adopted. This would be the first change to the designation since it began in 1950, according to the recommendation from former President Donald Trump administrations last full day, Jan. 19. While OMB officials said it should be changed for statistical purposes only, Jackson officials fear it could affect the way the city gets federal funding. Thats because federal Community Development Block Grants and HOME funds use metropolitan statuses in their grant funding formulas. City Spokesman Aaron Dimick said Jackson uses grant funding for a variety of city improvements. That would mean wed be able to do a lot less for our low-income residents, and a lot of the projects that we fund through CDBG funding like road projects and park improvements and home rehabs, Dimick said. Were concerned that would mean that funding would dry up. In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the city received $1.3 million in CDBG funds and $314,129 in HOMES funds. That mirrors similar numbers in the previous three years. City officials arent the only ones concerned with the change. Twenty-two senators, including U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, signed a letter urging the office to reconsider the change because of its potential impact to small communities funding. Five members of the Michigan delegation of the U.S. House of Representatives, including U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, who represents Jackson, signed a similar letter. A public comment period on the proposed changes ended Friday, March 19. Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies submitted a letter pointing out the proposals effects. He said the city now awaits what will happen next. In the meantime, leaders work with federal elected officials to ensure those funding methods are still available to Jackson, Dobies said. Our job is to fight for the resources that we need and what were talking about isnt just about population, its about helping those that are underserved and have low to moderate income, Dobies said. While other cities may be expanding in terms of population, those CDBG and HOME funds are intended to go toward populations and census tracts that are low- to moderate-income, and we have a city where one and three live under the federal poverty level. MORE JACKSON NEWS: Jackson High moves back to virtual learning after COVID-19 cases on basketball teams Tens of millions in coronavirus relief aid expected for Jackson County communities Former Jackson principal makes birdhouses as a retirement hobby. Their sales fund veteran projects New ordinance limiting industrial land use being recommended in Rives Township Huawei held its online Industrial Digital Transformation Conference, themed New Value Together. Nearly 50 customers and partners from more than 10 countries and regions shared their industrial practices and jointly explored the new value of digital transformation in the post-pandemic era. In his speech, Mr. Ken Hu, Huaweis Rotating Chairman, pointed out that digital transformation is speeding up across industries, and full cloud adoption will happen 1 to 3 years earlier than expected. Going digital is no longer just for internet companies. Its expanding to traditional industries, and from the office to the production floor. Well keep innovating in technology and scenario-based solutions to help all industries take advantage of this opportunity. So far, Huawei has built 13 Open Labs around the world to support joint innovation. In places like Munich and Dubai, the company is working with almost 900 ecosystem partners to incubate different solutions for industrial scenarios. To date, it has successfully verified more than 60 solutions in areas ranging from smart retail to smart manufacturing. On the technology side, Huawei is innovating in areas like smart campuses, deterministic networks, hyper-integrated data centers, smart clouds, and green energy to lay the foundation for an intelligent future. A Value-Driven Model for Industrial Digitalization: Create New Value Through Continuous Improvement Based on Business and Scenarios Ideas and models must be tested in real situations. After years of practice, Huawei has proposed a value-driven model for industrial digitalization. Huawei maintains that digital transformation should be focused on actual business use and scenarios, which can then be used to create value for customers through continuous improvement. In his keynote speech, Mr. Peng Zhongyang, Board Member, President of Enterprise BG, Huawei, stressed that three basic principles must be followed during digital transformation. First, companies must continue to be customer-centric, which is the starting point of digital transformation. Secondly, they must seize two key factors: the convergence of technologies and scenarios is the key to digitalization, while cloud is critical to continuous optimization and value creation in the digital era. Thirdly, businesses should focus on customer requirements to build a symbiotic and shared digital ecosystem from three dimensions: scenario exploration, capacity building, and a cooperation model to jointly create new value for industries. New challenges and uncertainty will emerge in the post-pandemic era. Huawei will be more open and continue to work with our 30,000 global partners to complement each others strengths and help overcome new challenges. Cooperating with Customers to Create New Value in the Industry Huawei is committed to working with customers and partners to integrate core business scenarios with ICT technologies, and accelerate industrial digitalization and upgrade through scenario-specific, innovative solutions. This is also the key to the digitalization of the industry. In the finance sector, through joint innovation with partners, Huawei has provided NCBA Bank Kenya, the largest commercial bank in the East African sub region, with a new digital core system. The system provides inclusive financial services for more than 18 million users in Kenya and neighboring countries, empowering the real economy and promoting sustainable social development. Eric Muriuki Njagi, Director of NCBA Digital Services, said: Our cooperation with Huawei aims to solve current problems as well as grasp new opportunities brought by future services. In the transportation sector, Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Research Director Intelligent Infrastructure, Networks, Mobility & Logistics; Deputy Director Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) of Center for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), took Europe as an example and shared the situation of digital transformation of port construction. European Union (EU) ports offer services to a global maritime fleet (Greece, for example is ranked first with a share of 17% of the world fleet in 2020). Seaports and the shipping industry are an important nexus of the EU economy, but are facing challenges such as structural performance gaps, lack of high-quality infrastructure at ports and other low-performing services. To address this, the EU has formulated a strategic agenda for the European ports, focusing on maritime infrastructure as part of raising EUs global competitiveness. In this context, the Green Port Proposal has been developed in collaboration between CERTH and Huawei. Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou said: The Green Port project is deeply involved in the transformation process of the ports ecosystems: the users of the ports together with the ports authorities, the cities try to solve problems of accessibility, efficiency, operation optimization and environmental impact. Ports of the future are sustainable, smart, multimodal and interconnected. Technology solutions from partners like Huawei will contribute to efficiently meeting various challenges. In the education sector, Soochow University partnered with Huawei to jointly build a Cloud-based Soochow University that is digital and intelligent. With this project, all people, environments, objects, as well as academic and cultural activities in the campus are digitalized and mirrored on the cloud, allowing for digital integrations in teaching, scientific research, and management. Xiong Sidong, President of the Soochow Iniversity, remarked in his keynote speech: Soochow University and Huawei have applied cutting-edge technologies such as AI, big data, cloud computing, and IoT in the planning and construction of a cloud-based campus for information exchange and data sharing. Our aim is to shape a new form of university that is built with future technology and integrates reality and virtual interactions. In the energy industry, Gao Kunlun, CIGRE Study Committee D2 Regular Member, and Vice President of the Global Energy Interconnection Research Institute, pointed out that in recent years, AI is gradually being applied in many fields, such as equipment maintenance, power grid operation, and customer service. Whilst this effectively improves the efficiency and benefits of the power grid it also reveals technical limitations. With the development of AI theories and technologies, AI-powered electric power systems are now capable of knowledge learning and independent decision-making optimization in complex environments, playing a crucial part in key services such as autonomous power generation and autonomous scheduling of power grids. Drilling continues to expand resources at its Serra Alta deposit with many areas above previous resource grade Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSXV: CERT) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") is very pleased to announce assay results from a further six drill holes from its ongoing 17,000-metre Phase 1 definition drilling program at the Serra Alta deposit, at its Monte do Carmo ("MDC") gold Project located in Tocantins State, Brazil. The drill results highlighted in this release are from drill holes, FSA 100, FSA107, FSA108, and FSA110, FSA 112 and FSA 114. See press releases dated December 16, 2020 and February 24, 2021 for previous drill results released to date. Additional drill results will be announced as assays are made available over the coming months. Drill Hole Highlights (All Composites Reported as True Thickness): FSA108 6.84m at 1.93g/t Au, from 167.61m FSA110 24.16m at 2.45g/t Au, from 122.47m Including 9.54m at 5.22g/t Au from 130.25m And 6.83m at 5.56g/t Au from 197.62m And 7.26m at 5.57g/t Au from 249.92m FSA112 9.31m at 3.50g/t Au, from 123.58m Including 4.73m at 5.98g/t Au from 128.16m. FSA114 15.25m at 1.79g/t Au, from 69.50m Including 4.25m at 3.90g/t Au from 69.50m. Mark Brennan, CEO and Co-Chairman commented, "The new results received from the current drill program at Serra Alta continue to add further confidence in our ability to significantly expand and potentially improve the overall grade of the existing resource at Serra Alta. The results from the Phase 1 drill program, which is expected to be completed imminently, are expected to achieve the Company's aggressive target to grow the resource to 1.5MM ounces. An updated 43-101 resource will be published shortly after all assay results have been received. We will start our Phase 2 drill program immediately upon completion of drilling the Phase 1 program, which is targeted to grow the resource base to between 2.0-2.5MM ounces by year end." The drill results reported in this press release were received up until March 19th, 2021 and represent complete results for FSA 100, FSA 107, FSA108, FSA 110, and partial results for FSA 112 and FSA114. The results indicate that the drill holes have been successful in confirming and expanding the mineralization. As of Friday March 19th, 2021, Cerrado has completed 15,900 metres of its ongoing phase I drill program targeting 17,000-metres and is on track to complete the program by the end of March 2021. Subsequent to the completion of this Phase 1 drill program, the Company plans to commence a further 14,000 metre Phase 2 drill program looking at further resource expansion at Serra Alta and includes drilling several satellite targets with the aim to further expand the resource potential on the greater Monte Do Carmo property. The current drill holes intersected broad zones of hydrothermal alteration with abundant points of visible gold. The alteration is typical for the Serra Alta deposit, including the abundance of quartz veinlets, potassic, chloritic and sulphides (py, spl, and gal) with visible gold. To date, the drill results reported fall within the open pit boundary as outlined in the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") of the current resources defined at the Serra Alta deposit at its Monte Do Carmo gold project in Tocantins State, Brazil. The PEA, titled "Independent Technical Report - Preliminary Economic Assessment for Serra Alta Deposit, Monte do Carmo Project, Tocantins State, Brazil" and dated October 14, 2020 with an effective date of December 5, 2018, was prepared by Porfirio Cabaleiro Rodriguez, B. Terrence Hennessey, Bernardo Horta de Cerqueira Viana and Paulo Roberto Bergmann. Drill Hole Location Map To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7487/78390_cerradofig1enhanced.jpg Drilling The first phase of the current drill program at Serra Alta, which began at the end of September 2020, follows the success of the 2018 drill program which resulted in a maiden NI43-101 compliant resource estimate with an effective date of December 5, 2018 of an Inferred resource totaling 813,000 oz of gold contained within 13,639,000 tonnes grading 1.85 g/t Au. This new Phase 1 program is expected to consist of approximately 17,000 metres of drilling; mainly step-out and downdip to define additional ounces and a modest amount of infill drilling to upgrade a portion of the resource base to the Measured and Indicated resource categories focusing on the known Serra Alta deposit. The Serra Alta deposit is 1.5 kilometres long, 400m wide, and remains open along strike and at depth and represents only the first of 4 known additional targets which are targeted to grow the resource on the overall Monte Do Carmo project land package. The drilling and supporting assay results will build upon the success of Cerrado's earlier drilling program. Cerrado is targeting to define a resource between 1.2 million and 1.6 million ounces at an average grade of between 1.5 g Au/t to 2.0 g Au/t. Cerrado expects this program to be completed by end of March 2021. Investors are cautioned that this resource target is conceptual in nature at this time and there has been insufficient exploration to define a new mineral resource. A new PEA shall follow the new resource and is expected to be completed by the end of June. The PEA is preliminary in nature, includes Inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the PEA will be realized. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. For further details, including key assumptions, parameters, methods used to estimate the Inferred mineral resources at the MDC project and risks of determination associated with the foregoing, see the PEA available on SEDAR. Tables 1 summarizes the drill hole information. Table 2 summarizes the significant assay results. Table 1. Drill hole information Hole_ID Easting Northing Elevation DEPTH (m) dip () Azimuth FSA-100 820,866.84 8,810,768.57 659.70 536.43 -65.32 110 FSA-107 820,135.17 8,809,687.07 414.64 286.89 -51.56 110 FSA-108 820,670.83 8,810,545.06 661.31 505.27 -41.98 95 FSA-110 820,534.41 8,810,303.90 540.60 480.80 -37.95 105 FSA-112 820,606.68 8,810,338.90 582.30 567.65 -34.34 95 FSA-114 820,444.18 8,810,043.79 468.49 414.39 -31.03 108 Table 2. Drill Hole Composites To view an enhanced version of Table 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7487/78390_4de76eb594492b42_005full.jpg Quality Assurance and Quality Control Analytical work was carried out by ALS international lab (ALS). The facilities of the prep lab are located in Goiania, Brazil 835 km from the MDC project and alternatively in Belo Horizonte, Brazil 1,110 Km from the MDC project. MDC sends out samples to ALS international labs (ALS) with the prep lab located in Goiania or alternatively in Belo Horizonte. ALS lab sends the prepared aliquots for analytical assay to their lab in Lima, Peru where the prepared samples are systematically analyzed for gold (ppm) by fire assay (Au-AA24) or gold (ppm) by metallic screen (Au-SCR24)). Randomly the ICP (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is done for trace elements in 4 acids (hydrofluoric, perchloric, nitric and hydrochloric) digestion (ME-MS-61). ALS has routine quality control procedures which ensure that every batch of samples includes three sample repeats and at least two commercial standards and two blanks. Cerrado used standard QA/QC procedures, when inserting reference standards and blanks, for the drilling program. The Reference materials used are from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. and ITAK (Instituto de Tecnologia August Kekule Ltda.) Brazilian supplier included in the batches following MDC internal protocols. Review of Technical Information The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Robert Campbell, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cerrado Gold Inc., who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. For further information please contact Mark Brennan CEO and Co Chairman Tel: +1-647-796-0023 mbrennan@cerradogold.com Nicholas Campbell, CFA Director, Corporate Development Tel.: +1-905-630-0148 ncampbell@cerradogold.com About Cerrado Gold Cerrado Gold is a private gold production and exploration company with gold production derived from its 100% owned Minera Don Nicolas mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. The company is also undertaking exploration at its 100% owned Monte Do Carmo project located in Tocantins, Brazil. For more information about Cerrado Gold please visit our website at www.cerradogold.com. Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78390 Golden Globe nominee Jessica Alba toted a $3,550 Celine 'Triomphe' calfskin bag to the Santa Monica headquarters of her Honest Company on Tuesday. The Pomona-born 39-year-old coordinated her expensive burgundy purse with a matching blazer and oxblood boots. Jessica made sure to protect herself and others from the coronavirus by wearing a green cloth face mask. HBIC: Golden Globe nominee Jessica Alba toted a $3,550 Celine 'Triomphe' calfskin bag to the Santa Monica headquarters of her Honest Company on Tuesday Masked up! The Pomona-born 39-year-old coordinated her expensive burgundy purse with a matching blazer and oxblood boots As of Tuesday, there have been 1.2M confirmed COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles leading to 22,815 deaths - according to Johns Hopkins University. Since 2011, Alba has kept busy leading her 190 employees at The Honest Company, which does a reported $350M in annual sales. The Mexican-American mompreneur will next turn the big 4-0 on April 28 followed by her 13th wedding anniversary with husband Cash Warren on May 19. Two celebrations ahead! Jessica will next turn the big 4-0 on April 28 followed by her 13th wedding anniversary with husband Cash Warren on May 19 (pictured February 28) Christmas family portrait: Alba and the 42-year-old Pair of Thieves sock designer are proud parents of daughter Honor, 12; daughter Haven, 9; and son Hayes, 3 The biracial couple originally met in 2004 on the set of Fantastic Four, which starred Jessica and was produced by Cash. Alba and the 42-year-old Pair of Thieves sock designer are proud parents of 12-year-old daughter Honor, nine-year-old daughter Haven, and three-year-old son Hayes. The wealthy family-of-five share a $10M seven-bedroom home in Beverly Hills' Oak Pass estate. 'Super excited to share part two!' Last week, the Mexican-American mompreneur invited podcaster Diana Martinez on her Getting Honest vlog Next gig! Jessica will soon begin production on a Disney+ travel docuseries based on Christine Gross-Loh's 2014 book, Parenting Without Borders Last week, Jessica - who boasts 44.5M social media followers - invited podcaster Diana Martinez to her Getting Honest vlog where they got sixties glam. Alba will soon begin production on a Disney+ travel docuseries based on Christine Gross-Loh's 2014 book, Parenting Without Borders. The Sin City alum's Spectrum series L.A.'s Finest co-starring Gabrielle Union was canceled on October 14 after two seasons. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 report released Tuesday examining Baylor Universitys connections to slavery and racism is recommending the university relocate some statues and change building names honoring former slaveowners. But the commission tasked with examining these issues in the wake of the racial reckoning that swept the country after the death of George Floyd gave a pass to the schools founder Judge R.E.B. Baylor who also owned slaves. Some students this summer had raised issues with the statue of the founder because of his history as a slaveowner and recently they pushed for it to be removed from campus. 'NO RACIST INTENT': Report finds 'no racist intent' behind UT's 'The Eyes of Texas' Judge Baylor was not a perfect man, Mark Rountree, chair of the Baylor Board of Regents, wrote in a letter to the university community Tuesday. With our university, Judge Baylor established the foundation for hundreds of thousands of students which now include all races and creeds to receive a unique educational experience that combines academic excellence and a Christian commitment. We will continue to recognize Judge Baylor for the founding of Baylor University, just as we commit to presenting a more complete history of the university. The reports authors said, however, they were concerned by the phrase on Baylors statue, that he exemplified in his life the motto of Baylor University Pro Ecclesia/Pro Texana would imply acceptance of his past as a slaveholder. The committee suggested that statement be removed or further explained. Sam Onilenla, a junior at Baylor who has pushed for racial equality measures on campus, said he was disappointed to see that there was no recommendation to remove the Baylor statue, but was overall impressed with the report. "At the end of the day, they're all recommendations," he said in an interview. "It's about implementing those recommendations that we're going to have to see." RELATED: Texas' oldest Black university was built on a former plantation Lexy Bogney, another student leader who served on the commission, said the student demands to remove the Baylor statue grew louder in recent months, after the commission had already compiled its report. While she said this report is a step in the right direction, it doesn't mean there shouldn't be the final group to discuss these issues on campus. The board of regents commissioned the report last June when it passed a unanimous resolution acknowledging Baylors connection to slavery and the Confederacy as universities across the country were forced to consider the legacy of racism on campus. Students on campus and across Texas demanded university leaders address Confederate symbols and make changes to improve diversity and inclusion. At Baylor, where Black students make up just 6% of the student body, university leaders in July launched a new scholarship program aimed at recruiting more diverse students. They also created a new diversity training video, though it was largely panned by students and the Baylor Lariat student newspaper's editorial board as "missing the mark." The board of regents accepted the commission report at its meeting last month and charged university leaders with developing an action plan based on the suggestions. The commission recommended the university make other changes to two other statues on campus representing William Milton Tryon and James Huckins, who also helped start the university. The report noted the text on those monuments dont disclose that the men owned slaves or that Huckins served as a chaplain with the rank of captain in the Confederate army. The commission suggests moving the statues of the two men closer together to make room for an additional monument dedicated to the unknown enslaved people who were owned by these founders and helped build the university. NO TEST: UT-Austin won't require SAT or ACT scores for 2022 applications due to COVID-19 Given that these monuments were placed on Baylors campus in the 1930s and 1940s to celebrate Texas history and Baylors origins, it should be noted that they are not Confederate monuments, the report states. Collectively speaking, however, the monuments commemorate a white Baylor, the white slave-owning leaders of Baylor Universitys early years and those leaders contributions in the context of a culture of white superiority. One of the most substantial recommended changes made by the commission is to rename Burleson Quadrangle to Baylor Family Quadrangle and relocate a statue of former Baylor University President Rufus Burleson to a less prominent location. Burleson not only owned slaves and served in the Confederate Army as a chaplain, but promoted an idea known as the Lost Cause theory that said slavery was justified and moral, and honored antebellum whiteness. The report argues the quad, the traditional center of campus, should be renamed to create a more inclusive campus where new traditions and additional plaques can be established, including placards celebrating the first Baylor graduates from different racial groups, prominent women and Black athletes and alumni, among others. The university also announced Tuesday it will erect new statues of Rev. Robert Gilbert and Barbara Walker, two of Baylors first Black graduates who helped to integrate the school. The report also recommends relocating university bells, which were used to note the work day of enslaved people. It also recommends that the university consider retiring the University Mace, which is a gold-handled sword and two walking canes that's brought out during commencement as universitys ceremonial symbol of authority." Pieces of the mace were owned by multiple slaveholders. Because the Mace is composed of objects with connections to slavery, its use as a symbol of the university can be seen as incongruent with such a statement, the report states. The group suggests the university commission a new mace that can be used at future Baylor graduation ceremonies. They also said the university should consider renaming Carroll Library, which was named after another slaveholder. In addition to changing placards on statues, the commission also suggests adding quick response codes to all historic representations on campus so people can scan the codes on their smartphones and learn a more balanced story about the people celebrated throughout campus. Bogney said overall, she's proud of the report and hopes people will consider it with "an open heart and open mind." "Don't look at it in a sense that we're taking away or to try to change Baylor, but look at it in an additive sense and that we're trying to improve Baylor," she said. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/03/23/baylor-university-statues-slavery/. Local residents in Kuqa, China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, pose for pictures in a peach orchard, Feb. 24, 2021. [Photo by Wu Le/People's Daily Online] People from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region who choose to work outside the region are mainly influenced by high-paying job opportunities, their families and friends, and the social environment, according to a new research report. Also, unlike the claims made by certain Western think tanks, they are entirely able to decide on the place and period of their work by their own free will, according to a report published on Tuesday by the Institute for Communication and Borderland Governance of Jinan University in Guangdong province. The allegations that minorities in Xinjiang are subject to "forced labor" and the workers are "closely monitored, live in guarded dormitories and have their freedom of movement restricted" prompted the investigative research, in which 70 people from the Uygur, Kazak, Kyrgyz and Tajik ethnic groups who have been working for five companies in Guangdong province were interviewed. The report said 36 percent of the interviewees were attracted by higher incomes while 24 percent were introduced to the jobs by family and friends. In addition, 13 percent of them chose to work outside Xinjiang so their children would have better educational resources, the report said. The after-tax monthly income of 474 workers from Xinjiang in the five companies ranged from 4,500 yuan to 5,500 yuan ($691-$845).Their average annual income was about 60,120 yuan in 2020, while the average annual disposable income of Xinjiang's urban residents in 2020 was 34,838 yuan, and that of rural residents was 14,056 yuan. So it's not difficult to see that the annual income of the Xinjiang workers in Guangdong was much higher than people in their hometowns, the report said. Also, Xinjiang workers are free to leave their workplaces after work to meet with friends and go shopping and traveling. Their employers have no connection with "restriction of movement" or "surveillance" in any form. The workers also said they were able to change their employer according to their own needs and preferences, the report added. During the interviews, the workers from Xinjiang also talked about their plans for the future. Though there were differences in their plans, the decisions of all were significantly influenced by their experiences of working away from Xinjiang. The report said 45 percent of the workers hoped to continue working for their current employers in order to earn more money, while 31 percent planned to use their savings to start a business in their hometown in Xinjiang, and about 23 percent planned to permanently live in Guangdong, the report said. Unfortunately, in the name of protecting human rights, the "forced labor" accusations and sanctions imposed on companies that employ Xinjiang workers have threatened the labor rights of Xinjiang people, the report added. Bolivia's former interim president Jeanine Anez will be allowed to transfer from prison to a hospital following poor health, a panel of judges said Friday, less than a week after her arrest on charges linked to the ousting of her predecessor Evo Morales. Three judges from a court in La Paz have accepted her release "for medical examinations by cardiology specialists and tests in order to protect her life and health," they said. Anez's transfer will be under police "escort" the judges added, and comes after the conservative politician's lawyers filed a request for release earlier in the day. Authorities arrested and detained Anez, 53, last weekend on charges of leading a coup d'etat against her socialist predecessor, Morales, and charged her with terrorism, sedition and conspiracy alongside her former justice and energy ministers. According to the documents requesting Anez's release, which were obtained by AFP, the lawmaker was suffering from a "hypertension crisis" and was able to provide copies of medical records. Anez, who had been sentenced to four months pre-trial detention, was being held in the women's prison in La Paz. The United States expressed "concern" about Anez's arrest, while the Organization of American States (OAS) called for the release of "all those detained in this context," while questioning the impartiality of Bolivia's courts. "The Bolivian judicial system is not in a position to provide the minimum guarantees of a fair trial," the office of OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said in a statement. Bolivia is currently led by Luis Arce, a member of Morales's Movement for Socialism (MAS) party that romped to victory in November's general election, winning back the presidency and consolidating its control of Congress. Morales and Arce both accused Anez of leading what they call a coup, with MAS losing the presidency for a year. Anez came to power in November 2019 after Morales and several senior MAS allies resigned following weeks of protest at his controversial reelection to an unconstitutional fourth term. As Morales fled into exile, Anez was the most senior parliamentarian left and was sworn in by Congress as the interim president despite the lack of a quorum, with many MAS legislators boycotting the session. Arrest warrants have been issued for another three ex-ministers as well as former military and police chiefs and even some civilians accused of leading the protests against Morales's reelection. In a relief to ED officials, a single-judge bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the state police to not take coercive action against them until March 30. This came on a plea filed by the Deputy Director of the ED assailing the FIR filed by the Crime Branch on March 17. Filed under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 167 (public servant framing an incorrect document with intent to cause injury), 192 (fabricating false evidence), 195-A (threatening any person to give false evidence) among others of the IPC, it accused ED officials of "forcing" gold smuggling scam accused Swapna Suresh to give statements against CM Pinarayi Vijayan. The ED officials who questioned Suresh on August 12 and 13 last year have been accused of fabricating evidence. The police filed this case in pursuance of the investigation into her voice clip which circulated a few months ago. Appearing for the Central agency, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta termed the allegations in the FIR baseless and argued that Suresh had not retracted these statements made before a Magistrate. While observing that he has counters for all the arguments made by the Defence, senior government pleader Suman Chakravarthy informed Justice VG Arun that he needed more time to seek instructions. In the meantime, he assured that the ED officials will not be arrested. The arguments will now continue on next Tuesday. Kerala HC has instructed Kerala govt that no coercive action to be taken against Enforcement Directorate officials by Crime Branch until Tuesday In its FIR, Crime Branch alleged ED officials coerced Kerala Gold Smuggling case accused,Swapna Suresh to implicate Kerala CM ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021 Gold smuggling scam probe The Vijayan-led government in Kerala has also been facing heat in the gold smuggling scam ahead with the opposition seeking the CM's ouster. On July 5, 2020, Customs officials seized 30 kg of gold worth Rs.15 crore at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport from a diplomatic cargo addressed to a person in the UAE Consulate. Sarith PS who worked at the UAE Consulate was apprehended in this regard. Subsequently, Swapna Suresh, an ex-Consulate employee working as the manager of the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited and M Sivasankar, the ex-Principal Secretary to Kerala CM were also arrested in this case. In January 2020, the NIA filed a chargesheet before the Special Court. Claiming that the conspiracy started in June 2019, the agency alleged that the aforesaid persons raised funds and smuggled 167 kg of gold between November 2019 and June 2020 through the import cargo addressed to diplomats at the Consulate General of UAE in Thiruvananthapuram. Moreover, it added that the main accused had planned to smuggle more gold from countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. Holding them responsible for threatening the "economic security of India", the agency revealed that the probe against absconding persons and others who facilitated the crime is underway. An air of joyful pride wafted aboard the cargo ship Jeremiah OBrien as two tugboats pulled the historic World War II cargo vessel back home after months away to Pier 45. The 7,600-ton, 441-foot floating museum had been docked at Pier 35 since May, when a fire destroyed a fish processing and storage warehouse just inches away from its longtime home at Pier 45. The 77-year-old ship which was part of the D-Day armada at Normandy, and is only one of two surviving liberty ships was saved with only minor damage. This is living history, said Randy Quezada, communications director for the Port of San Francisco as he watched the tugboats gently pull the ship into the San Francisco Bay. Its a shot in the arm. Nearly everyone onboard the ship Tuesday, including representatives from the port, the fire department and some of the ships longstanding volunteers who came to support its return, emphasized the docking at Pier 45 symbolized a step toward normalcy, not just for the museum ship but for the Fishermans Wharf as a whole. Its a surreal moment, especially for the fire department, said Lt. Jonathan Baxter, who was onboard Tuesday morning. This vessel highlights what community is. Because of the pandemic, Fishermans Wharf, usually among the most popular destinations for the millions of tourists who ordinarily visit San Francisco every year, had already suffered financial blows from the decrease in foot traffic and shutdowns before the fire. The blaze destroyed an estimated $9 million of processing equipment and crab traps. Now Playing: Video: Stephen Lam But recently, it seems, things are picking back up: More restaurants are opening, and attractions like Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay and Alcatraz tours are resuming, Quezada said. Fishermans Wharf is the birth of San Francisco and so I personally believe this is where the resurgence is going to come from, said Crezia Tano-Lee, manager of business strategy for the Port of San Francisco, who added that work still needs to be done to reconstruct a facility in place of Shed C, which burned in the fire. The ship was able to return to Pier 45 in large part because much of the cleanup work had been completed. Back at home, the ship needs repairs before an anticipated June reopening, said Matt Lasher, executive director of the National Liberty Ship Memorial, which supports the preservation of the Jeremiah OBrien. Lasher said $180,000 has been spent on repairs and the total cost would approach $500,000, a hefty amount considering the ships revenue through tours had all but stopped for the better part of the year. The museum ship which doesnt receive any money from government agencies is self-funded and has had fewer volunteers each year, as many of them are getting older. Weve had to do an awful lot of fundraising, Lasher said. As the ship made its way around the wharf, it was escorted by one of the fire departments boats, which shot water into the air as a salute to the vessel returning to the pier that has been its home since the late 1990s. At the dock, a small group awaited the ships return. Two people held up an American flag-themed sign that said: Welcome home. Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - Commerzbank AG (CRZBY.PK) said it expects income to fall slightly in 2021 as a result of the restructuring and a stronger focus on making more efficient use of equity capital. Commerzbank is expecting a CET1 ratio of over 12% at year-end. 'Our aim is to complete the majority of the headcount reduction by the end of 2023 and then achieve all our targets in full by the end of 2024. We are targeting a return on equity of around 7% in 2024. It is important to stress here that despite the restructuring, the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio will consistently be at least 200 to 250 basis points above the minimum regulatory requirements over the coming years,' said . Manfred Knof, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors. Fiscal 2020 operating loss was 233 million euros compared to profit of 1.235 billion euros, previous year. Operating loss per share was 0.19 euros compared to profit of 1.00 euros. 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. LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- London, UK based Software development business Uboss have announced the launch of a full API management link to the newly launching Cisco Webex for Broadworks Service Providers. This will allow on-demand deployment of any of the Webex services and soft client devices by either the Service Provider or Customer in seconds. Uboss has become established as a key partner to many Broadworks Platform owners across the globe offering a Multi-Level, Multi-Vendor, Multi-product cloud services management platform. Webex has now been added to the application portfolio which already included Broadworks, Akixi, Mondago, Kakapo and Uboss In-house developed solutions including Call Recording, Tickets, NOC Tools and Fraud protection. Speaking about the launch of this additional capability VP, Sales Iain Sinnott said, 'For Cisco Broadsoft this is a massively important time as our market has pivoted from a dial tone centric feature set to a meetings, productivity and remote worker feature set. We are delighted to be able to deliver automation of this expansive Webex product suite from day one as well as managing the automated migration of older applications like UC-One across to Webex.' As customers look to explore new applications and services it is vital that they find the onboarding process simple and pain free. Uboss offers real-time, on-demand deployment of the Webex services including the automatic creation of the underlying devices, enabling an easy route to service adoption. In common with all other Broadworks service provisioning Uboss links commercial and contract rules to the Webex products to allow customer self-service via their customer level portal access, making the SP back-office cost zero as this cloud market matures. Uboss CEO Dave Dadds added, 'the market is moving faster than ever but success is not just about having a great product, it is about delivering a great customer experience, meeting the customers' expectations, and still retaining a healthy profit. That expectation now includes real-time, on-demand service deployment and that is the cornerstone of the Uboss Platform. If you want to find out more, please request a virtual meeting with one of the team. Contact: Iain Sinnott, VP of Sales, +44-(0)20-7186-0030, [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1472180/Uboss_Logo.jpg SOURCE Uboss Students in DOWEN district, Bomi County, have appealed to President George Weah to help their schools with educational materials as well as with voluntary teachers to be employed at the schools.. Well dressed in their respective uniforms, the students said they were happy to see the president and want him to assist them in their quest for schools in the area. "We are very happy to see our president here today. It is our first time to see him. We want him to help build library, laboratories and a student center for us, Leela Korboi of Hayes said.. a 4th grade student. Hawa Dukuly of the same school said" we want him to help us get chairs and toilets." Aisha Dagoseh says, "I am happy to see our president. We really want him to help is with our schools. We want our schools to be up to standard." Similar appeal was made by Marvee Harris of Jenneh public school who emphasized their predicament, saying" we want our president to see the urgent need to help us. We have volunteer teachers who are not on payroll. We want them to be employed." President Weah is on his first leg of his second nationwide tour. He stopped over in Dorwen district where a colorful program was held in his honor. The Board of Supervisors delayed a vote to spend $15 million on free summer programming for public school students Tuesday over concerns about the involvement of a private organization. The Mayors office and Supervisors previously agreed to spend the money on the Summer Together Initiative to provide free summer camps and learning hubs for all San Francisco public school students. The program was made possible by a $25 million donation from the philanthropic Crankstart Foundation. Separately, Crankstart funds private organization TogetherSF, which is helping the city score donated space and money from local companies. One example is a partnership with Google to use tech buses to shuttle public school students to its Embarcadero office, which is being used as a learning hub. Crankstart funded TogetherSF prior to Summer Together and isnt giving the organization more money for its part in the project. But Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who proposed delaying the vote during Tuesdays board meeting, is suspicious. She criticized scarce details in a press release from the Mayors Office earlier this month about TogetherSFs role. She was quoted in the same press release in support, but said Tuesday she didnt notice the organizations role at the time. TogetherSF was founded in March 2020, with seed funding from Crankstart, to coordinate volunteer, community and civic advocacy efforts. TogetherSFs umbrella organization is Civic Action Labs, a 504(c)(4) social welfare organization - a tax designation commonly used by lobbyists. Neither organization is registered with the city as a lobbyist. Civic Action Labs also runs news outlet Here/Say Media, which came under scrutiny by Mission Local for not disclosing its donors. Supervisors voted 10-1 to push the vote to the April 6 meeting, with Supervisor Catherine Stefani dissenting. Supervisors stressed that city funding to support kids over the summer wasnt in jeopardy, but wanted to investigate the role of the private organization. When there are public-private partnerships, transparency is that much more important...we need to make sure that isnt utilized and politicized to meet an agenda that has nothing to do with the wellbeing of our kids, Ronen said. I am hellbent at making up for this hellish year of distance learning and the social emotional and academic loss that has come with it, but I am also hellbent at doing that in a way that doesnt push anybodys political agenda but is 100% focused on the kids. In response to criticism, TogetherSF co-founder Griffin Gaffney said in a statement that he started the organization to bring San Franciscans together to help neighbors in need during the pandemic. Thats why we stepped up to partner with the city to get our students back to in-person learning this summer, Gaffney said. Were building a coalition of partners and volunteers to support Summer Together so that our public partners can focus on what they do best: educating our children. Ronen raised concerns about TogetherSFs motivation. The group shares articles and hosts forums about city government issues, including a town hall Wednesday about the charter amendment to switch from an election to an appointment system for Board of Education members, featuring an advocate in support of the initiative. The organization said the webinar was informational only. TogetherSF said it is in the process of transitioning to a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization because it is not doing advocacy or supporting candidates or campaigns. TogetherSF became involved in the Summer Together program through Crankstart. A press release from the Mayors office on March 10 said that TogetherSF would be providing administrative and operational support. Maria Su, executive director of the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, which is helping to run the summer program, said TogetherSF is not receiving public funds. Mallory Moench is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mallory.moench@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@mallorymoench Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 07:25:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 23 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack by unidentified gunmen against civilians in the Tahoua region of the Republic of Niger on Sunday, reportedly killing at least 137 people. Through a statement attributable to his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq, the UN chief expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved families and the government of Niger and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. "The secretary-general calls on the Nigerien authorities to spare no effort in identifying and swiftly bringing the perpetrators to justice and enhancing the protection of civilians," said the statement. "The secretary-general reaffirms the solidarity and support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Niger in their efforts to prevent and combat terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime," it added. The UN chief urged countries in the Sahel to continue their efforts, in close collaboration with regional organizations and international partners, to address these serious threats to security and stability in the sub-region and beyond. Armed attackers riding motorcycles killed 137 people in coordinated raids on villages in southwestern Niger on Sunday, the government said, making it one of the deadliest days in recent memory in a country ravaged by violence. Enditem The government has taken aim at property speculators with investment houses bought from this Saturday, subject to tough new tax rules. However, the two main changes the government will progress are designed to hit investors' back pocket and discourage investors buying multiple properties and flicking them off for a healthy profit. The first is doubling the bright-line test from five to 10 years, the second removes the ability to claim against mortgage interest as a deduction. Finance Minister Grant Robertson disregarded the advice of Treasury, that wanted the bright-line test to go to 20 years. They're part of a whole bag of policies as well as the tax changes, there's nearly $4 billion for roads and pipes for new developments, a push for more public housing and apprentices, and new rules for people to access more money for deposits through government schemes. Under the old bright-line test rules, there were some exemptions for the family home - but they have been changed. From Saturday, if the family home is not used as the primary residence for longer than a year, it's subject to the test, and the tax, calculated on the time it was not being used as a family home. Another change means "short stay accommodation", where it's not the owner's main home, can't be excluded from the bright-line test on the basis it's a business premise. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone. The jury's still out on how much impact the whole package will have - the general consensus is it should start to bring prices back in the medium term but don't expect to see any immediate change. There's been an outcry from property investors who say the only result will be fewer rental properties, in turn making it harder for first-home buyers, who'll end up paying higher rents while trying to save a deposit. Housing Minister Megan Woods yesterday spoke to Checkpoint about how the package would help mitigate those risks of rent hikes. Robertson said during last year's election campaign, there would be no extension to the bright-line test, so the National Party says the tax changes are based on lies and broken promises. "The Labour Party has lied to New Zealanders, they promised to build 100,000 homes under KiwiBuild ... they told New Zealanders there would not be a capital gains tax under their watch, they also told New Zealanders there would be no increase to the bright line test - they have lied on both counts," said leader Judith Collins. Robertson admitted he'd been "too definitive" when ruling out any extension, but denied misleading the public. "We were in an environment last September where we were being advised house prices were going to drop, the opposite has happened, in the interview you're referring to I didn't get that right in terms of Labour's policy, but in terms of the situation we find New Zealand in today, we need to act," he told reporters. Capital gains tax or not? Capital gains tax has always been a sensitive issue for Labour - so sensitive the prime minister has staked her leadership on never introducing one. The bright-line test was introduced by the National Party in 2015 - it's a tax on capital gains made from the sale of houses - other than the family home - bought and sold within a certain period. They insisted - like Labour is now - it is not a capital gains tax, both parties doing so for reasons of political expendiency. ACT Party leader David Seymour said the government should just be upfront: "It's a capital gains tax by stealth because they don't have the honesty to come out and say it". Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone. Jacinda Ardern rejected that, saying the government was "silent on bright-line ... nor did we believe that we would be in a position where a year ago we were talking about a 10 percent decrease in prices, to now being in this situation where we've had a 20 percent increase". Parliament's gone into urgency to get the bright-line test law change through before the weekend. Legislation for other changes, including removing the ability to offset interest expenses against rental income, will be passed at a later date. Those changes will also apply to eligible houses bought after this Saturday, but the tax changes won't actually take effect until 1 October. There will be a four-year transition period for people with existing investment properties; they will be able to claim less as each year passes until 2025. -RNZ/Jane Patterson. New Delhi, March 24 : As the assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry inch closer, Twitter on Wednesday said it is implementing significant product, policy, and enforcement updates to keep the service safe from attempts to manipulate the platform. While a global cross-functional team with local, cultural, and language expertise will run the election integrity work, Twitter said it is taking proactive measures to prevent prohibited political advertising through comprehensive and nuanced enforcement mechanisms. "These include identifying and blocking ads from referenced candidates, parties, and other election-related content," the company said in a statement. Twitter said it will label synthetic and manipulated media and link it to a Twitter Moment to give people additional context and surface-related conversations "so they can make more informed decisions on the content they want to engage with or amplify". When people attempt to retweet tweets with a synthetic and manipulated media label, they will see a prompt pointing them to credible information. "These Tweets won't be algorithmically recommended by Twitter, which further reduces the visibility of misleading information," the company announced. Twitter will also launch an events page dedicated to the assembly elections on voting days and for the election results day. The page will include a timeline of Tweets from credible accounts to provide the latest information on the days of voting and election results. "These will be visible to account holders in India in the Explore Tab, and will provide continuous updates and context throughout the election period with multiple language videos from a variety of news partners in the carousel," the company informed. "We are taking extra steps to ensure people have context to what's trending for them and will include a representative Tweet, Twitter Moment or description to the top trends". Once again, the British can be credited with creating a military tradition. All salutes are signals for voluntary submission. Prior to the invention of firearms early use of the salute was first employed by ships that were coming to shore and wanted to show that they meant no harm by discharging their cannon seven times. After this warning practice caught on cannons on land would return the salute by firing three shots for every shot the ships discharged. Another custom involving the gun salute originated from the European Dynastic Wars (1688-1748) in which the fighting would be partially stopped so that the dead and wounded could be removed from the field of battle. After that was accomplished three shots were fired into the air to signal that the fighting could resume. Sometime between 1688 and 1730 the British Royal Navy regulated the number of guns to be used in saluting different ranks. For the Prime Minister 19 guns should be used but for royalty or heads of state the salute should be done with 21 guns. (Same for Donald Trump or Joe Biden.) In America military and police funerals, an Honor Guard of seven members of the rifle party will fire blank cartridges into the air three times from a safe distance. Ironically Irish Republicans also fire a three-volley salute at the funerals of IRA (Irish Republican Army) and INCA (Irish National Libertarian Army) Volunteers! (Excerpts from The Little Book of Answers Author Doug Lennox (2003) MJF Books New York, NY 1001.) has called on equipment makers to help one of its biggest chipmakers restore production, the latest government move aimed at easing a semiconductor shortage that has hit production at car companies and is now pressuring makers of electronic devices. A chip plant owned by Renesas Electronics Corp was hit by fire last week and replacing damaged machines could take several months. The company accounts for 30% of the global market for microcontroller units used in cars. Underscoring the severity of the crisis, Hyundai Motor Co, until recently one of the automakers least affected due to prudent stockpiling, is facing curbs to production from April, the Financial Times reported https://www.ft.com/content/8f48ea84-ec31-479a-a3c0-f4a231299ce2 on Wednesday, citing a person with direct knowledge of the situation. Renesas is one of the South Korean automaker's chip suppliers. A Hyundai representative said the company is closely monitoring the situation and will optimise production in line with supply conditions. A union official said the automaker had enough chips for its popular models but would be making fewer of models like the Sonata sedan which do not sell as well. Shares in Hyundai ended down 2.4%. Japanese bureaucrats have contacted companies at home and overseas to request they provide parts and machinery to Renesas, a trade ministry official told Reuters on Wednesday. In a further sign that chip woes are spilling beyond the auto industry, Intel Corp on Tuesday forecast lower-than expected annual profit, reflecting what it said was an industry-wide shortage of components such as substrates. The company's processors power personal computers and servers. Earlier this month, sources also told Reuters that Qualcomm Inc was struggling to keep up with demand for its processor chips used in smartphones, including those made by Samsung Electronics. In addition to Japan, Germany and the United States have also ramped up efforts to resolve the shortage, caused by a pandemic-driven surge in demand for consumer electronics and exacerbated by panic buying to shore up chip stockpiles. The White House has held meetings with automakers and suppliers to identify chokepoints and is liaising with allies. Berlin asked Taiwan in January to persuade its chip foundries to increase supply to German car makers. Governments and companies are also positioning themselves for long-term survival in the highly competitive semiconductor industry which has often been a flashpoint for trade tensions. Intel announced on Tuesday that it plans to spend as much as $20 billion to build two factories in Arizona, challenging Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and TSMC, the two other companies that make the most advanced chips. The move suggests that the United States is keen to shift some technological balance of power back home, as it is concerned about the risks of having too much chipmaking concentrated in Taiwan given tensions with China. In Japan, Canon Inc, Tokyo Electron Ltd and Screen Semiconductor Electron will join a government funded 42 billion yen ($385 million) programme that will cooperate with overseas foundries including TSMC to develop advanced 2 nanometre chips, demand for which will be driven by the introduction of 5G technology. wants to ensure it is able to build advanced semiconductors in the future and aims to build a test line near Tokyo with help from TSMC which plans to establish a research and development facility there, a trade ministry official said. ($1 = 108.6900 yen) (Reporting by Tim Kelly in Tokyo, and Joyce Lee and Heekyong Yang in Seoul; Writing by Sayantani Ghosh; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) New Delhi: In his regular column in al-Qalam under the pen-name Saadi, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar warned his followers to get prepared for action in Myanmar. We have to do something, and do it urgently, he said in his article. The entire Muslim ummah [nation] is feeling the pain of the Muslim nation, Azhar wrote in al-Qalam. For the first time, any leader of a South Asian jihadist group has come forward and substantially called for an action. It is because of the sacrifices of the Myanmar Muslims that the ummah is waking up and we are seeing this new awakening among the Muslims of the world. All of us must do whatever we can for the Myanmar Muslims. Just say your prayers, and get up to help them. You dont need to show off what you are doing: just do it, and never stop, he further added. Azhars article was published on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary. ALSO READ | Rohingya crisis: Myanmar rejects temporary ceasefire declared by Muslim Rohingya insurgents For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government is considering imposing a lockdown on Sundays in two to three cities in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases across the state and elsewhere in the country. This was announced by states Home Minister Narottam Mishra on Tuesday. While talking to the reporters, Mishra also urged people with `folded hands` to follow COVID-19 guidelines prescribed by the government to prevent the spread of the virus. "Around 300 to 400 COVID-19 cases are being reported in Indore and Bhopal daily. If cases increase at this pace, we will soon return to the situation that prevailed earlier. With folded hands, I urge people to follow all guidelines," he said. The government is mulling to imposed lockdown on Sundays in 2-3 cities, he added. The state government has already imposed lockdowns in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur in the wake of rising cases. On Tuesday, Indore registered 477 COVID-19 cases. Coronavirus cases have increased drastically in India in the last few weeks, with 40,715 new cases and 199 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday. There are currently 8,592 active COVID-19 cases in the state. As many as 2,64,575 patients have recovered from the disease so far, while 3,908 fatalities have been reported, the Ministry said. Live TV The face of King Tutankhamun's father has been seen some 12,000 years after death. Scientists used a skull discovered in the Valley of the Kings nearly 100 years ago to piece together the look of Pharaoh Akhenaten who ruled from 1353BC to 1335 BC. The digital image shows a man in his early 20s with a long jaw and piercing eyes, along with a skull shape and a pointy nose that looks similar to that of King Tut. Akhenaten married one of his sisters who gave birth to their son, but as a result of the incestuous relationship, Tutankhamen was born with numerous health issues that experts believe led to an early death. Scroll down for video The digital image of Pharaoh Akhenaten (right) shows a man in his early 20s with a long jaw and piercing eyes, along with a skull shape and a pointy nose that looks similar to that of King Tutankhamen (left) The digital image of the Akhenaten was created by the Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology, Bioarchaeology Research Center (FAPAB) in Sicily, which used a skull from a mummy discovered in 1907. The remains, known as KV 55, were found in a tomb just a few feet away where Tutankhamen was laid to rest, which led researchers at the time to believe it was the famous Pharaohs father. Thanks to modern technology, a DNA analysis was performed about a century after KV 55 was found that suggested it was Tuts biological father. However, some of the genetic results were criticized by palaeomolecular experts in 2010. Scientists used a skull discovered in the Valley of the Kings nearly 100 years ago to piece together the look of Pharaoh Akhenaten who ruled from 1353BC to 1335 BC The facial reconstruction took months to complete, but unlike previous images of KV 55 the team did not include hair, jewelry or other adornments to only focus on the facial traits of this individual The facial reconstruction took months to complete, but unlike previous images of KV 55 the team did not include hair, jewelry or other adornments to only focus on the facial traits of this individual, reads a Facebook post sharing the announcement. Scientists used a process called the Manchester method for this project, which considers both soft tissue thickness and facial muscles when reconstructing a face. The shape and size of various muscles are determined on the basis of the underlying hard tissues. Francesco Galassi, director and co-founder of the FAPAB Research Center, told Live Science: facial muscles and ligaments are modeled on the skull model according to the rules of anatomy. The skin is placed on top of this, and the tissue thicknesses are average values that have been scientifically determined. When Akhenaten came into power he abandoned Egypts traditional of worshiping many deities to monotheism and only pay homage to a sun disc called Aten. The shift was not widely accepted in ancient Egypt. When Akhenaten died, the people dismantled his statues Pictured is the entrance of Akhenaten's in the Valley of the Kings The team also pulled a massive amount of data about the mysterious mummy such as earlier physical examinations of the skull, measurements and X-rays, Galassi said. This facial reconstruction brings back to life, in a metaphorical way, one of the most controversial and important mummies in the history of the world, potentially attributable to Akhenaton himself, although further confirmation of this identification could be wanted, the team shared in the study published on Academia. Not only is the mummy said to be controversial, Akhenaten himself was surrounded by controversy when he ruled Egypt. When Akhenaten came into power he abandoned Egypts traditional of worshiping many deities to monotheism and only pay homage to a sun disc called Aten. The shift was not widely accepted in ancient Egypt, as their entire culture was focused around many gods. When Akhenaten died, the people dismantled and hid monuments of the late Pharaoh and his name was erased from the list of rulers. However, the previous polytheistic religion was reestablished once Akhenatens son, Tutankhamen took over the throne. Tut began his reign at the age of eight or nine and ruled for about nine years. However, the young king was plagued with health issues due to his parents being brother and sister. Scientists used a process called the Manchester method for this project, which considers both soft tissue thickness and facial muscles when reconstructing a face And a reconstruction of his face and body showed the world a glimpse of what ailments he may have endured. King Tut had buck teeth, a club foot and girlish hips, according to the most detailed examination ever of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs remains. And rather than being a boy king with a love of chariot racing, Tut relied on walking sticks to get around during his rule in the 14th century BC, researchers said. A virtual autopsy, composed of more than 2,000 computer scans, was carried out in tandem with a genetic analysis of Tutankhamuns family, which supports evidence that his parents were brother and sister. Both Akhenaten and Tutankhamun were discovered in tombs located in the Valley of the Kings. Their tombs were constructed just feet apart from each other Akhenaten married one of his sisters who gave birth to their son, but as a result of the incestuous relationship, Tutankhamen was born with numerous health issues that experts believe led to an early death The scientists believe that this left him with physical impairments triggered by hormonal imbalances. And his family history could also have led to his premature death in his late teens. Various myths suggest he was murdered or was involved in a chariot crash after fractures were found in his skull and other parts of his skeleton. Now scientists believe he may have died of an inherited illness because only one of the breaks occurred before he died, while his club foot would have made chariot racing impossible. Pictured is the iconic mask found on King Tutankhamun's mummy In 1907, Lord Carnarvon George Herbert asked English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter to supervise excavations in the Valley of the Kings. On 4 November 1922, Carter's group found steps that led to Tutankhamun's tomb and spent several months cataloguing the antechamber. Hutan Ashrafian, a lecturer in surgery at Imperial College London, said that several members of the family appeared to have suffered from ailments which can be explained by hormonal imbalances. He said: A lot of his family predecessors lived to a ripe old age. Only his immediate line were dying early, and they were dying earlier each generation. Egyptian radiologist Ashraf Selim: The virtual autopsy shows the toes are divergent in laymans terms its club foot. He would have been heavily limping. There is only one site where we can say a fracture happened before he died and that is the knee. Evidence of King Tuts physical limitations were also backed up by 130 used walking canes found in his tomb. Researchers speculate that Tutankhamun broke his leg and died from the infection that followed shortly after. The small size of Tutankhamun's burial chamber, given his standing in the Egyptian history, has baffled experts for years The tomb is one of the most lavish to be discovered in history, filled with precious objects to aid the young Pharaoh on his voyage to the afterlife. The trove of grave goods included 5,000 items including solid gold funeral shoes, statues, games and strange animals In 1907, Lord Carnarvon George Herbert asked English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter to supervise excavations in the Valley of the Kings. On 4 November 1922, Carter's group found steps that led to Tutankhamun's tomb and spent several months cataloguing the antechamber. They opened the burial chamber and discovered the the sarcophagus in February the following year. The tomb is one of the most lavish to be discovered in history, filled with precious objects to aid the young Pharaoh on his voyage to the afterlife. Pictured are King Tutankhamun's funeral shoes that were discovered in the tomb The trove of grave goods included 5,000 items including solid gold funeral shoes, statues, games and strange animals. The small size of Tutankhamun's burial chamber, given his standing in the Egyptian history, has baffled experts for years. Tutankhamun's burial chamber is the same size as an antechamber, rather than a tomb fit for an Egyptian King, for example. British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves said the richness of the furnishings crammed into Tutankhamun's four small chambers as 'overwhelming'. Andrew Yang is somewhat ambivalent about being known as the tech guy. Once a presidential longshot and now the frontrunner in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, Yang has spent his short political career being characterized as a tech entrepreneur or the Silicon Valley candidate. This characterization stems from the fact that Yang founded a short-lived tech startup in the early 2000s and then a nonprofit that sent hundreds of college graduates to work at tech startups around the country. His interest in the labor market problems potentially posed by automation and artificial intelligence also help explain the label. But Yang is not actually a product of Silicon Valley, nor is he someone whose career is defined by the creation of a successful app or website. A good chunk of Yangs professional life was spent leading a test prep company that he said tried to use technology in an innovative way, but was an educational company at heart. I get characterized as a tech guy in a way that probably is something of an oversimplification of my background, Yang told City & State recently. Yangs background is the subject of intense focus as he continues to lead polls in the crowded mayoral primary despite never having worked in local politics, policy or social services in any capacity. Though hes lived in New York City for over two decades, he hasnt voted in any of the past four mayoral elections. So what does his professional record consist of, and how would it prepare him for City Hall? In interviews with over a dozen of Yangs former coworkers, business partners and fellows at his nonprofit, Venture for America, nearly all praised Yangs plainspokenness, self-deprecating humor and impassioned talk about creating a better future. But while many agreed that Yang the candidate is a lot like Yang the CEO, and some said that positioned him well to lead New York City, several of the people City & State spoke to suggested that echoes of some of the criticisms Yang has received during the mayoral campaign including that hes taken a hands-off approach to getting involved in city politics can be found in the work he did before he set his sights on elected office. Two former fellows with Venture for America said that while the nonprofit under Yangs leadership was well-intentioned and provided them with valuable experiences in startups, it was not always an organization that had equity or the most vulnerable people in mind. Founded by Yang in 2011, Venture for America is a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains recent college graduates to work at startups, many of them technology-focused, in struggling cities across the country. The nonprofit raises money from rich donors including Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and other companies and foundations, which fund a startup accelerator and investment fund to help those fellows start their own companies. At its outset, part of Venture for Americas mission was to revitalize those struggling cities by sending graduates of elite colleges and universities to work at and build startups there. But with largely white and male classes in its early years and little importance placed on fellows becoming civically engaged in the cities they were joining, some said the organization parachuted in to create companies and jobs in cities it didnt know well. Some said that Yangs mayoral run is emblematic of his approach to revitalizing cities through Venture for America. If he was someone who did believe that constant active civic engagement was really critical, and that those things are part of the fabric of the city, then the structure of what revitalization, quote-unquote, might have looked like as part of the VFA program would probably have looked different, said a former fellow who asked not to be named in order to speak freely about their experience. Getting to know the city council and attending community meetings in the cities whose economies fellows were meant to help revitalize, for example, were not activities that were emphasized, the former fellow said. However, that fellow and others complimented the nonprofit for moving beyond that mission in recent years and focusing on diversifying its classes; more than half of the 2020 fellow class identified as a racial or ethnic minority. Spokespeople for Yang did not respond directly to the claim that the nonprofit was not closely involved in the cities it operated in. Andrew built VFA from the ground up by investing in American entrepreneurs from every corner of the country to build businesses in cities eager for innovation and investment, said Alex Sommer, a vice president at Tusk Strategies, which is working on Yangs campaign. Since Andrew founded the organization, VFA has welcomed over 1,000 fellows who have helped generate $115 million in investment capital, and created jobs and developed companies in cities across America. Venture for America did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this or other criticisms of the nonprofit under Yangs leadership. As the entry in Yangs resume whose mission most closely relates to his political and policy priorities, Venture for America is an important part of Yangs story to consider in judging his mayoral run. But Yangs story starts with a far more conventional job: as an associate at a big Manhattan law firm. After graduating from Columbia Law School in 1999, Yang followed the Big Law pipeline to Davis Polk & Wardwell, an international firm with nearly 1,000 attorneys today. Yang lasted five months before quitting out of boredom. A self-described serial entrepreneur, Yang headed for riskier pastures, founding a startup in 2000 called Stargiving, a website that allowed fans to donate to the charitable causes championed by their favorite celebrities. Brian Yang (no relation), one of Stargivings first employees, said that many of the strengths the candidate exhibits on the campaign trail fundraising, galvanizing audiences and being both a big thinker and effective at working out the minutiae were on display at his first business venture. But Stargiving failed to catch on and folded amid the dot-com bubble burst in 2002. Today, Yang takes a more positive view of his first startup failure, which is something like a rite of passage in tech, after all. I think most anyone with any common sense would think that if you start a business and it doesn't work out thats the kind of experience that would really help inform you about both success and failure, and how tough it is for small businesses, he told City & State. Following Stargiving, Yang worked in executive roles at a content management company and a medical records software company, but his next big job was at Manhattan Prep, then a startup known as Manhattan GMAT. Yang joined in 2006 and quickly took over as chief executive officer. Under his leadership, the company expanded to offer not just preparation for the business school admissions standardized test prep, but courses for other tests as well. In 2009, the company was acquired by the test prep giant Kaplan a sign of the success Yang had turned the company into. One former employee said that in addition to other qualities that make a good leader a hands-on approach and inspiring employees to be invested in the companys success Yang also took on an open-minded approach to hiring at a time when the company was growing, taking chances on candidates who resumes may not have lined up perfectly with the job but who were smart and showed promise. It was in 2011, after Kaplans acquisition of Manhattan Prep, that Yang launched Venture for America. Yang first conceived of it as a way to direct top-tier talent from colleges and universities to work at and create startups in cities that dont typically attract that talent cities like Detroit rather than San Francisco. While Venture for America was headquartered in New York City, the nonprofit didnt send fellows there. In his 2018 book, The War on Normal People, Yang describes thinking up Venture for America as an engine of job creation in cities that needed economic stimulus. I arrived at a vision, an army of smart, enterprising graduates building businesses in Detroit, New Orleans, Providence, Baltimore, Cleveland, St. Louis, and other communities that could use a boost, he writes. After a starting class of just a few dozen fellows, Venture for America has grown into an organization that sends classes of over 100 fellows to 13 cities across the country every year. College graduates selected to participate attend about a month-long training camp with Venture for America staff, where they bond with their classes and attend lectures with guest speakers, business leaders and Yang himself. Then, they set off for their cities, where theyve lined up either on their own or with the organizations help a full-time job at a company. While many of the fellows City & State spoke to said that the organization has had a positive impact on their own life and career, the nonprofits effect on the communities it works in is less clear. Initially, Yang set a goal of creating 100,000 jobs through the program by 2025, but as the technology outlet Recode reported during the presidential race, the organization has claimed credit for creating only a few thousand jobs in its cities, generously measuring their impact by the number of jobs a company creates after employing a Venture for America fellow. Yang has said more recently that the goal was unrealistic. In order for organizations to have a very high ceiling, you need to set the goal very, very aggressively, he told Recode in 2019. Recode reported that as of 2019, 52% of fellows remained in the cities theyd worked in during the program. An organizations impact cant be measured in statistics alone, of course. Many of the former fellows City & State spoke to praise the nonprofit for creating a stable on-ramp to the volatile world of startups and entrepreneurship. Startups are very risky, and I dont come from a family with a wealthy background, said Chisom Uche, a fellow from 2014 to 2016 who worked in St. Louis. A two-year program that gave fellows built-in networks in their cities and offered some support in finding a new job if a fellows company were to fold, took some of that risk away, Uche said. Former employees at Venture for America said that Yang led the organization with the same kind of charisma and passion that won him supporters on the campaign trail. He went out there and basically went door-to-door at colleges and universities, doing all the recruiting, all the conversations, all the pitching himself, said Mike Tarullo, the former senior vice president of corporate development at Venture for America, of Yangs work in the early days of the nonprofit. Former fellows even those with criticism of Yangs leadership praised Venture for America today for evolving to have more diverse classes of fellows, by race, gender and socioeconomic background, and for focusing more on creating a path to entrepreneurship for communities historically excluded from the startup world, including women and people of color. Venture for America now hires community directors in each of its cities in an effort to have an on-the-ground presence and help fellows become more engaged with the communities theyre joining. But some fellows said that those changes only started happening after Yang left in 2017. Two former fellows said that during their time at Venture for America, Yang expressed an interest in increasing diversity but said that he didnt want to lower the organizations standards, suggesting it couldnt have one without the other. Spokespeople for Yang did not comment on whether these changes started happening after he stepped down, or on whether Yang remembered ever saying or suggesting this. Even fellows who had overwhelmingly positive things to say about Yang and their time at Venture for America said that diversity was an issue. VFA wasnt a very diverse organization back when I was doing it, Uche said. But Uche said that the organization took some steps right away to address critiques about diversity when he started as a fellow in 2014, when Yang still led the nonprofit, suggesting that it was an issue that Yang took seriously then. Uche started an affinity group with several other fellows to offer support to people of color, primarily African American fellows. VFA, they took that very seriously the first time we approached them with it, and gave us the resources that we needed to put together a group. They let us go out to events like Black Tech Week in Florida and they subsidized that trip, Uche said. Yang has acknowledged that in the early years of the program, the classes of fellows were predominantly white and male. I was one of the first people to say that we needed to broaden the types of graduates we were recruiting in multiple ways, Yang told City & State. So if someone looks at our early years and says, Hey, we should head in this direction, like, I would agree with you. And I agreed at the time. Criticisms of Yangs lack of a local voting record in New York City prior to his political career are not unrelated to the issues that some fellows raised with Yangs leadership of Venture for America and the nonprofits original mission of revitalizing struggling cities. Comments that recently surfaced in which Yang said he wasnt involved in New York City politics because it was so blue that there isnt that much to be engaged with, politically, made their way around group chats with fellows. It strikes me as typically Andrew, where he has an idea as to how to help and support a place, but he doesn't do that with any on-the-ground understanding of that place, said one former fellow, who asked not to be named in order to speak candidly about their experience. He was structuring VFA where you have fellows across 11 different cities, and each of those cities is notably different geographically, economically, in terms of the diversity of the city so many things and he was doing that without any on-the-ground knowledge of what each community or place was actually like. So it was an incredibly hands-off, dismissive approach. Spokespeople for Yang did not respond with a comment on this claim. Three months away from the primary election that will in all likelihood decide the next mayor of New York City, Yang does not hesitate to acknowledge that despite living in New York for over two decades, he has not often been politically or civically engaged in the city. I'd be the first to admit that I was not as heavily involved in local politics, the last number of years, as I could have been, he said, before adding that there are different ways that people can contribute to a community, citing his work founding Venture for America. The nonprofit may not have had the impact on cities that Yang once envisioned, but that may not matter to voters enamored with a political outsider with big ideas and a can-do attitude. This article is part of our For The Record series, examining the leading mayoral contenders' professional records. You can read the rest of the series here. press release Minister Mchunu at the Sir Henry Elliot Hospital in the Eastern Cape: COVID-19 Vaccination Roll-out Programme The Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Mr Senzo Mchunu, visited the Sir Henry Elliot Hospital in Mthata, following upon the decision by the Inter-Ministerial Committee for provincial site visits to be conducted as part of the vaccination roll-out programme. The purpose of the visit was to monitor the vaccine roll-out programme and to determine the state of readiness for mass roll-out. As part of the national phased-in plan, healthcare and related workers are to be vaccinated in phase 1, followed by essential workers. In respect of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and the O.R Tambo District Municipality, the targeted number of healthcare and related workers is 14 102; the administration of the vaccine commenced on the 17th of February 2021 and to date, over 3 000 healthcare and related workers have been vaccinated. The hospital management team, led by Dr Mdledle, the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, presented on the progress of the vaccine roll-out, mentioning the challenges they had encountered during this initial phase, the disruption of water and insufficient supply of water being amongst those. Owing to capacity constraints, the storage and administration of the vaccine are currently being facilitated at the Sir Henry Elliot Hospital. During the walk-about of the storage facility run by the Nelson Mandela Academic Clinical Research Unit under the direction of Dr Pamela Mda, the Minister noted the storage conditions and was advised of the capacity. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Governance Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The storage facility is said to be able to take about 15 000 units, with ideal storage conditions at 20 degrees Celsius for long term storage and at 2-8 degrees Celsius for stock to be used within 1 month. The walkabout was concluded with the Minister being led to witness the actual inoculations, affording the Minister an opportunity to engage with the frontline workers. In summarising his engagements, the Minister commended the Research Unit for their professional service and further appreciated the hospital staff for their dedication and service: "What I have witnessed today is a professional public service; the very one which we are striving towards. The professionalism displayed in the execution of duties is commendable! To the healthcare workers, thank you for your bravery and thank you for being of service to the citizens of our country!". Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: A 13-year-old boy told police he was attacked by other juveniles about 6:10 p.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of East Morton Avenue. Police are investigating. A 51-year-old man found bleeding at 6:02 p.m. Tuesday in the 1000 block of East Morton Avenue told police he had been beaten during an altercation. He was treated at Passavant Area Hospital. Nahum Barron, 21, of La Fayette was arrested at 10:29 a.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended. Perrys Joint: Sandwiches Crafted with Love for the Community Perry Bennett wanted his entrepreneurial business to be the example of what is possible, he envisioned a relaxing environment in the community and created Perrys Joint; a Black-owned eatery that represents the culture. Bennett wanted to make sure that this facility ignited other young minds to create their own business too. Perrys Joint specializes in artisan sandwiches the storefront symbolizes the growth Bennet looks to see within the community. Bennett painted his background setting vividly, he grew up in the rough exterior of the inner city of San Francisco, CA. Bennett strived for the better, his vision became a reality in 1993. He recalls seeing a few Black-owned businesses during that time, but Bennett felt that the community can strive for better, Perrys Joint was designed, utilizing the tourist attraction of San Francisco, Bennett set out to create an eatery that represents the African-American experience. My idea was to open a business that could not only represent our experienceI wanted young people to see a different avenue besides selling drugs, Bennet explained. He used himself as an example, to look at entrepreneurship to be a viable outlet for success. Bennett described the combination of inspiring and representing the Black community, is how Perrys Joint started. He credited his entrepreneurial spirit to his upbringing; since he was 13, Bennet worked in his parents Ice cream shop, hot dog stand, and food truck business. This gave Bennett the grit needed to open his own eatery; in the midst of earning a degree in psychology at San Francisco City College straight from high school, Bennett had officially opened his business by age 23. ADVERTISEMENT Bennett reflected on the most challenging part of operating a business, he said, The most challenging thing isand I can speak specifically to being an African American entrepreneur in the restaurant business, is really just lack of resources. He explained that lack of resources refers to everything from having knowledge on how to run the business, to having access to people who can give you the information in operating that said business. The Perrys Joint owner outlined that lack of resources is the biggest milestone found in building a business in the African American community, when it comes to being a Black entrepreneur, he emphasized that the collective community has to start from below the average starting point. Bennett recounted a phrase he heard from a professor at the University of Southern California (USC), Being an entrepreneur is like jumping off a cliff and building an airplane on the way down, Bennett added the hardship of being a Black business owner by stating, Being an African American entrepreneur is jumping off the cliff and never getting the resources to build an airplane on the way down, hitting the ground, and hoping you dont die, and then getting up and trying to start a business. Bennett encouraged the way around those obstacles is to have a spirit of endurance, passion to overcome, and an unwavering focus. He said, For me, I had a focus, and the focus was however I can do it, stay open this month and make it to the next month He emphasized after years of growing and constantly providing the best service to his customers, Bennett created a respectable business. Initially, Perrys Joint was known for hotdogs, ice cream, and candy, and then it evolved into the finely crafted environment that it is today. It was in the fall season of 2004, when Perrys relocated to Southern California, Bennett planted his flag minutes away from the Iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA, found on 2051 Lincoln Avenue. Perrys Joint represents the mission of having an abundance, the artisan crafted sandwiches are made with the freshest ingredients, the portions are colossal, and every plate is rich with flavor. When biting into one of Perrys Joint signature pile high sandwiches, one can hear the crunch that comes from the fresh produce being held together between two crisp bread slices and thick helpings of meat tucked into every bite. ADVERTISEMENT Specialty dishes from Perrys includes the Hip Bird Sandwich made with fresh slabs of Turkey, mustard, mayo, crispy lettuce, tomato, creamy avocado, and cheese. The Guru sandwich consists of hot pastrami, turkey, fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, crunchy pickles, pepperoncini, mayo, and mustard. In addition to those house favorites, the Hey Joe sandwich is made of hot roast beef, pastrami, toasted hotlink, melted cheese, onion, diced peppers, mayo, and mustard. Bennett expressed his pride in the design of his sandwiches, highlighting the Hey Joe and the Guru, he stated, Those two sandwiches I really brag on, because those sandwiches you cant get anywhere in the world, but right here in Perrys Joint and people love them. Theyre just delicious and I am proud of that because its a one-of-a-kind sandwich, that came directly from the consciousness of me. The Perrys Joint has withstood the rise and fall of two decades; however, COVID-19 has been the first global pandemic that Bennetts establishment has ever encountered. The business owner explained that his business has been doing really well, Bennett said, fortunately I was already 55 percent take-out anyway, so what COVID did wasa lot of people had to work from home and when they started working from home, they still had to eat lunch; they wanted a good lunch and fortunately I am a good place. The take-out business for Perrys Joint increased and the overall rate of business increased during this global pandemic. Additionally, the rise in consciousness that happened after the death of George Floyd also raised the awareness of Bennetts business. The Perrys Joint owner said, I been fortunate when it comes to COVID and my business has done very well in the midst of the pandemic. Bennett created an environment of rest, when the community is operating indoors again, Perrys Joint will uphold the carefully cultivated spirit that always surrounded this establishment. The official website states this promise, Whether its a few high school kids stopping by to grab an after-school snack, a city worker having lunch, or a couple enjoying Tuesday evening jazz, you can always count on Perry to leave your palette satisfied. Grooming his business for expansion, Bennett has planned for Perrys joint to grow, he said, I feel like I can grow as big as anyone This September Bennett is slated to open Perrys Joint number two, another location in Pasadena and in five years from this date, the Perrys Joint owner envisions at least 10-20 locations. Bennetts entrepreneurial spirit is coupled with his personal goal of giving back to the community; the best success is pulling people up as one climb. With a heavy focus on the education of the youth in his community, Perrys Joint has dedicated days of business where 100 percent of the proceeds are set to uplift a high school student, providing collegiate scholarships to a number of graduates from John Muir High School. Bennett said, A lot of those kids reminded me of a lot of myself and a lot of my friends when I was growing up; I really wanted to connect and be an example for them. Bennett built his business on this philosophy, I was born, bred, and programmed to be a part of my community. Enjoy Perrys Joint signature sandwiches from the comfort of the couch, by ordering delivery from Postmates or by calling (626) 798-4700. Operating hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. 4 p.m., visit the Perrys Joint website, for the full menu. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned health facilities found administering Covid-19 vaccines to those not on the priority list that their practicing licenses will be revoked. The CS issued the warning on Monday when he gave the daily update on the Coronavirus pandemic in the country. Kagwe said the ongoing vaccination exercise, which is voluntary, is only available to eligible members at selected public and private hospitals as well as faith-based organisations. "So long as a facility has been designated as a vaccination site, it should administer vaccines to all qualifying members of society without discrimination. But we must not administer to those not prioritized as vaccines are not yet available for all. Should we receive information to the contrary, we may have no alternative but to consider punishing such facilities to the extent allowable in law, including suspending or revoking practice licences," he said. In Kenya, the government hopes to have 16 million people inoculated over the next two years with the priority being health workers, the elderly and the vulnerable. Kenya is offering the Covid-19 vaccine shots for free to its citizens while meeting the Sh845.80 per shot as negotiated under the Covax facility. The CS warned that action will also be taken against facilities designated as vaccination sites that will turn away those qualified to receive the jab which he maintained is free. "Vaccination is available to eligible members of our society at all our referral and select facilities in the counties. These facilities include those owned and managed privately, as well as those that belong to faith-based organisations. For the avoidance of doubt, any eligible officer can turn up for vaccination at any facility designated as a vaccination site and get their jab for free. I have noted with concern that some facilities, especially private ones, have been turning away officers not working for them. Please take note that this is not acceptable" he said. He said 530,000 doses of AstraZeneca had already been distributed to various regional centres and 40,359 frontline workers were vaccinated against the virus countrywide. The country in early March received 1.02 million doses, enough for slightly more than 500,000 people requiring two doses eight to 12 weeks apart. This would cover health and home-care workers, teachers as well as security personnel. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Kenya By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The second phase will involve 9.7 million people, comprising people aged above 50 and those aged above 18 with underlying medical conditions, between July year and June 2022. The third phase, to unfold concurrently with the second, will be aimed at 4.9 million people, including those living in congested areas and seen as particularly vulnerable. Among hospitals to get the jabs are Kenyatta National Hospital, Mathari Hospital, Memorial Hospital, Moi Airbase Hospital, National Spinal Injury Hospital and Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital. Some of the private and faith-based health facilities selected include Aga Khan Hospital, St. Francis Community Hospital, Jamaa Mission Hospital, Coptic Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, Ruaraka Uhai Neema Hospital and Mater Hospital. The announcement comes in the backdrop of warnings that the health care system in the country is under strain from the rising Covid-19 cases occasioned by the third wave. As of Monday, Kenya had recorded a total of 122,040 cases after 1,130 people tested positive from a sample size of 5,119. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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: Composer Vishal Dadlani on Wednesday (March 24) took to social media to once again express solidarity with the ongoing farmers' protest. Dadlani shared a photograph of organic tomatoes grown by him on Instagram, and captioned: "Respect what you eat, and the Farmers who grow it. If you ever till the Earth yourself, you'll know how much work it is, and how much love and patience it takes. (This is just a small patch of tomatoes and it's taught me a lot!) #FarmerProtests #FarmersProtest #JaiKisaan #IStandWithFarmers." The composer has expressed solidarity with the protesting farmers earlier, too. On January 26, after a section of the protesting farmers were reported to have turned violent, Dadlani had tweeted: "Does it make sense to you? Farmers who protested peacefully for so many months, even in the face of police violence, suddenly turned violent today? Why? Just doesn't compute. Plus, we've seen those in power do this before. Typical play: Send violent stooges, discredit movement." Bollywood celebrities who have extended support to the ongoing farmers' protest include Dharmendra, Priyanka Chopra, Taapsee Pannu, Abhay Deol, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Sunny Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Diljit Dosanjh, Preity Zinta, Gul Panag, Riteish Deshmukh, Ammy Virk, Swara Bhasker, Vir Das, Onir and Sushant Singh among others. Namibia Broadcasting Corporation on Monday evening premiered a four-episode documentary called Glamorous Namibia on its prime national television channel in a move to promote Namibia and enhance bilateral relations between China and Namibia. The documentary features Namibia's history, customs, socio-economic progression, cultural diversity, tourism, landscape, people of Namibia and the Chinese people's experiences in Namibia. It also includes a synopsis of China-Namibia relations; providing history and context of the bilateral relations and China-Namibia cooperation milestones since as early as the 1960s. Stanley Similo, director-general of Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, said that the documentary's airing aims to celebrate Namibia's 31st independence celebration held on March 21. The premiere also coincided with the 31st anniversary of the establishment of Chinese-Namibia diplomatic relations on March 22. With enthusiasm, locals tuned in and watched the show when it aired for the first time in Namibia. Laina Nelago from Tsumeb, a town in the northern part of Namibia, said that she watched the show as she has a keen interest in China-Namibia cooperation. Nelago said he also ended up learning more about her country, especially about the wildlife, and other conservation efforts by government and other bodies or non-governmental organisations. She is not the only one. Prosper Absalom, based in the capital Windhoek said he learned a lot about the Namibian history narrated by Josiah Matengu, an official in the National Museum of Namibia featured in the documentary. Furthermore, about the history related to cooperation between China and Namibia. "The documentary is rich in information and I gained new insight into my country. I was also happy to view the part of the Chinese photographer on the documentary who has travelled across Africa, including Namibia, to capture its rich diversity," Absalom said. Other achievements captured in the documentary included such as the Confucius Institute and the 40-hectare Chinese-built port terminal at Namport constructed by state-owned China Harbour Engineering Company, among others. Meanwhile, according to Similo, the cooperation with the Chinese embassy in Namibia publicizing the show enhances China-Namibia relations which are not only rooted in mutual trust and respect but also embedded in solid diplomatic understanding. "We commend China, as a friend of Namibia, for stepping in to assist and ensure that such programmes come to the shores of Namibia," Similo said. Meanwhile, the documentary, which was publicized in China in Dec. 2020, also hopes to attract and draw Chinese tourists to Namibia, said Yang Jun, the Chinese embassy political counselor in Namibia. "We also believe that the broadcast of the documentary in Namibia will further strengthen the people-to-people bond between our two countries and we hope to increase the number of tourists after the broadcast," he said. According to Yang, before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20,000 Chinese tourists visited Namibia annually, while thousands of Chinese people are residing and conducting business in Namibia. The owner of a gun shop stands behind the counter in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., on Oct. 20, 2018. (Michael Mathes/AFP via Getty Images) West Virginia Republicans Advance Bills Aimed at Protecting Gun Rights Four pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the rights of gun owners are advancing in West Virginias Republican-controlled state legislature, as Democrats in Washington renew their push for gun control. West Virginias Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday discussed and approved one proposed amendment to the state Constitution, two bills that would relax state laws on gun sales, and one resolution calling on leaders in Washington to not infringe on the Second Amendment. The Tuesday meeting was mostly focused on the Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would specify in the state Constitution that local governments cant adopt gun laws or regulations that are more restrictive than state law. As a joint resolution, the proposal would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the state legislature before it can be approved by the citizens on a referendum vote at a general election. In addition, the committee passed Senate Bill 458, which would prevent the suspension or limitation of gun sales during a state of emergency declared by the federal or state government. The bill specifically prohibits any limits on the operating hours of stores selling guns or ammunition, unless such restriction is equally applied to all forms of commerce in the affected area. Also passed was Senate Bill 419, which redefines the term firearm to match the definition in federal code. That would allow antique guns, replicas of actual guns, or muzzleloaders to be possessed by those who are otherwise not permitted to possess a firearm. The committee also passed a resolution, urging President Joe Biden and Congress to refrain from the enactment of any law or laws that would infringe upon the rights to keep and bear arms. In their first major move to push for gun control since President Joe Biden took office, congressional Democrats passed two gun bills in the House this month. One of the bills would establish background check requirements for gun sales between private parties, making it illegal for anyone who is not a licensed dealer to trade guns with another person, with few exceptions. The other would increase the amount of time sellers must wait to receive a completed background check before transferring a gun to an unlicensed buyer from three days to 10 days. Biden, in his brief remarks following the deadly shooting in Boulder, Colorado, called on the Senate to immediately pass the two gun bills. The United States SenateI hope some are listeningshould immediately pass the two House-passed bills that close loopholes in the background check system, he said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... More than three months into the U.S. vaccination drive, many of the numbers paint an increasingly encouraging picture, with 70% of Americans 65 and older receiving at least one dose of the vaccine and COVID-19 deaths dipping below 1,000 a day on average for the first time since November. Also, dozens of states have thrown open vaccinations to all adults or are planning to do so in a matter of weeks. And the White House said 27 million doses of both the one-shot and two-shot vaccines will be distributed next week, more than three times the number when President Joe Biden took office two months ago. Still, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday he isnt ready to declare victory. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Im often asked, are we turning the corner? Fauci said at a White House briefing. My response is really more like we are at the corner. Whether or not were going to be turning that corner still remains to be seen. Whats giving Fauci pause, he said, is that new cases remain at a stubbornly high level, at more than 50,000 per day. The U.S. on Wednesday surpassed 30 million confirmed cases, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University. The number of deaths now stands at more than 545,000. Nonetheless, the outlook in the U.S. stands in stark contrast to the deteriorating situation in places like Brazil, which reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in a single day for the first time Tuesday, and across Europe, where another wave of infections is leading to new lockdowns. The gloom in Europe is compounded because the vaccine rollout on the continent has been slowed by production delays and questions about the safety and effectiveness of AstraZenecas shot. Public health experts in the U.S. are taking every opportunity to warn that relaxing social distancing and other preventive measures could easily lead to another surge. Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, sees red flags in states lifting mask mandates, air travel roaring back and spring break crowds partying out of control in Florida. Were getting closer to the exit ramp, Topol said. All were doing by having reopenings is jeopardizing our shot to get, finally, for the first time in the American pandemic, containment of the virus. Across the country are unmistakable signs of progress. More than 43% of Americans 65 and older the most vulnerable age group, accounting for an outsize share of the nations more than 540,000 coronavirus deaths have been fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. The number of older adults showing up in emergency rooms with COVID-19 is down significantly. Vaccinations overall have ramped up to 2.5 million to 3 million shots per day. Deaths per day in the U.S. from COVID-19 have dropped to an average of 940, down from an all-time high of over 3,400 in mid-January. Minnesota health officials on Monday reported no new deaths from COVID-19 for the first time in nearly a year. And in New Orleans, the Touro Infirmary hospital was not treating a single case for the first time since March 2020. And Fauci cited two recent studies that show negligible levels of coronavirus infections among fully vaccinated health care workers in Texas and California. I emphasize how we need to hang in there for just a little while longer, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday. Thats because the early data are really encouraging. Nationwide, new cases and the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have plummeted over the past two months, though Walensky remains concerned that such progress seemed to stall in the past couple of weeks. New cases are running at more than 53,000 a day on average, down from a peak of a quarter-million in early January. Thats uncomfortably close to levels seen during the COVID-19 wave of last summer. Biden has pushed for states to make all adults eligible to be vaccinated by May 1. A least a half-dozen states, including Texas, Arizona and Georgia, are opening up vaccinations to everyone over 16. At least 20 other states have pledged to do so in the next few weeks. Microsoft, which employs more than 50,000 people at its global headquarters in suburban Seattle, has said it will start bringing back workers on March 29 and reopen installations that have been closed for nearly a year. New York Citys 80,000 municipal employees, who have been working remotely during the pandemic, will return to their offices starting May 3. Still, experts see reason to worry as more Americans start traveling and socializing again. The number of daily travelers at U.S. airports has consistently topped 1 million over the past week and a half amid spring break at many colleges. Also, states such as Michigan and New Jersey are seeing rising cases. National numbers are an imperfect indicator. The favorable downward trend in some states can conceal an increase in case numbers in others, particularly smaller ones, said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. And the more contagious variant that originated in Britain has now been identified in nearly every state, he said. ___ AP journalists Terry Tang and Suman Naishadham contributed from Phoenix. Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar contributed from Washington. 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 BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have started talks on border delimitation, a major bone of contention in bilateral ties since 1991, when they gained independence from the Soviet Union. The talks in the Uzbek capital on March 24 are being held by a Kyrgyz delegation led by the chief of the State Committee for National Security, Kamchybek Tashiev, and a group of Uzbek officials led by Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, the Kyrgyz government website said. While many border areas in Central Asia's former Soviet republics have been disputed, the situation is particularly complicated near the numerous exclaves in the volatile Ferghana Valley, where the borders of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan meet. In recent years there have been numerous incidents along the border which in some cases involved deadly gunfire. The situation began to improve following the 2016 death of Uzbekistan's longtime authoritarian president, Islam Karimov. His successor, Shavkat Mirziyoev, has said that improving ties with Uzbekistan's neighbors is a major priority of his foreign policy. Border sections still have an undefined status around the Uzbek exclaves of Sokh and Shahimardan in Kyrgyzstan, as well as around the Kyrgyz exclave of Barak in Uzbekistan. Farmers are being urged to help create a more accurate national picture of resistance to rodenticides in rats and mice. The call from the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK (CRRU) comes in response to the surprising and troubling spread of resistance to rodenticides found by its latest surveillance. It found not only that three-quarters of rats analysed carried a resistance gene but one-in-five had two different genes, known as hybrid-resistance. This poses potentially unknown difficulties for rodent control, according to CRRU chairman Dr Alan Buckle. A critical practicality is that, where resistant rodents are present, farmers could be using products that are ineffective," he said. "And where resistance genes are still absent, others may be using resistance-breaking products unnecessarily." The appeal involves collecting 2-3cm tail ends from freshly deceased rats or mice and sending by post in free packaging kits. These are available with detailed instructions from CRRU's website, and in return, producers will get a free indication of their farms status. Resistance testing is a formal component of the CRRU-operated UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime. Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Phuket officials, tourism leaders in united push for mass vaccinations, July 1 reopening PHUKET: Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew and leading tourism business figures today called on people to register to be vaccinated for COVID-19 in a united push to welcome foreign tourists from July 1. tourismeconomicsCOVID-19Coronavirushealth By The Phuket News Wednesday 24 March 2021, 04:48PM Phuket tourism, hospitality and industry leaders this morning joined the united call for people across Phuket to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Screenshot: PR Phuket Phuket tourism, hospitality and industry leaders this morning joined the united call for people across Phuket to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Screenshot: PR Phuket Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew this morning (Mar 24) led a united call for people across Phuket to be vaccinated for COVID-19 so that the island could receive foreign tourists from July 1. Screenshot: PR Phuket The Ministry of Public Health has approved the required number of vaccination doses to be provided to make the July 1 reopening possible, Governor Narong explained in a live broadcast this morning (Mar 24) Joining the broadcast press conference were Vice Governor Pichet Panapong along with Phuket Tourist Association President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam and a host of leading Phuket tourism, hospitality and industry leaders. Mr Bhummikitti repeated his opinion from his meeting with national health and tourism officials in Bangkok last Friday that Thailand had been calling foreign tourists to visit the country, but making it very difficult for them to do so. That has been changed by the vaccine, he said. We had a meeting with tour operators from Europe. They explained that their customers were willing to do everything, such as swab testing at the airport and installing the tracking app, but they were not okay for vaccinated people to have to face quarantine, he said. In the past, we have to accept that quarantine was necessary, but today if most people are vaccinated we do not have anything to be worried about, he added. Mr Bhummikitti today also recognised a lower number of people in Phuket needing to be vaccinated than previously indicated, with his view now in line with projections already explained by Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Kusak Kukiattikoon earlier this month. I want to explain that from the civil registration [database], Phuket has about 417,000 registered residents, and of those we have 106,000 people younger than 18 years old who will not be vaccinated, he said. So, we will have about 310,000 people, or about 70% [of the registered population] to be vaccinated. We will vaccinate them all, he added. You will be vaccinated for sure, but as for when and where, the provincial government and the PPHO will work on it, Mr Bhummikitti assured. We will receive 100,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine, which is the most in the country [any province will receive]. The 100,000 doses will come from the 800,000 doses delivered last week, he said. Mr Bhummitti played down any concerns about severe side-effects from COVID vaccines. In this world, we have vaccines from some famous companies. Lets start with Pfizer. It was well reported that 11 people of one million [who had been given the vaccine] had severe side-effects and had to be in ICU. For the Moderna vaccine, four in a million people had severe side-effects, he said. Phuket will vaccinate less than a million people, so the side-effects will not happen to our people for sure, he claimed. I have spoken with many members of the central government, They challenged that if we can vaccinate our people within the time frame, we can ask for everything we want, Mr Bhummikitti said. They did so because so far the vaccination plan [or rollout] in other provinces has not been successful, he added. We have to unite and show our power to the central government that vaccines will be the solution for Phuket, and the country, he concluded. On behalf of Phuket hotel operators, Thailand Hotels Association Southern chapter President Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, said, For our brothers and sisters in the hotel industry, I believe that we altogether want to be vaccinated and reopen our hotels as soon as possible. We have tried hard to adapt, but it is too hard for us when we have only 3,000 people coming each day when we used to have about 30,000 tourists per day, he said. Be patient. We have now seen the light at the end of the tunnel. To pass this crisis, we all have to work together, he added. Federation of Phuket Industries President Chernporn Karnjanasaya said that she believed the July 1 deadline was more likely to mark a soft opening of tourism for the island. I think the opening in July will be like a soft-opening to encourage us to work on preparation. We may need to start by setting sealed areas, so we can review the strength and the weakness of our plan, Ms Chernporn said. We are concerned about both economic recovery and the safety of our people. COVID-19 is like a cancer. We know its existence, but we must be able to live with it, she said. Ms Chernporn also played down the risks of receiving a vaccine, compared with the benefits of the island overall being vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered around the world have had a good effect, about 99.98%, while the negative side-effects that have occurred in some people have been because of pre-existing conditions, she said. The negative effects on the human body and the economy are very different. As Phuket has income only from tourism, our people have to work together to be vaccinated, she added. Phuket Tourism Industry Council President Sarayuth Mallam also explained that the July 1 reopening does not mean receiving tourists openly from all parts of the world. We will not welcome all foreign tourists, but the first groups must be tourists who come from low-risk countries and even then only those who have been vaccinated, Mr Sarayuth said. Tourists who have not been vaccinated still need to face quarantine, he said plainly. This requirement comes from our concern for the safety of our people. If our people are vaccinated and the coming tourists are also vaccinated, the possible infection rate will be only 1% [of the population], he added. Mr Sarayuth called on all eligible people to register to be vaccinated so that preparations could be made for when the vaccine doses arrive. We all have to be ready to be vaccinated when the vaccines arrive. You dont need to fight over the vaccination, as we have already made plans for where and when to vaccinate people in each area, he said. Please register through the online form for vaccination. Those who are older than 59 years old do not have to be vaccinated in the first month, as you have to wait for AstraZeneca vaccine, he added. By the way, even after you are vaccinated, you must still wear a face mask and maintain social distancing, he said. Governor Narong also recognised fear among the public in being vaccinated. The problem is that our people are afraid to be vaccinated. I want to tell you all that vaccination is not dangerous. I had my second injection yesterday. I have not had any side-effects, though I do not have much time for sleep, he joked. It will be very embarrassing if we receive the vaccine doses, but our people are afraid and do not go to get vaccinated, he said. We need to have foreign tourists coming, otherwise we cannot live, Governor Narong said. Senior Business Reporter Australia Stock Exchange (ASX) listed and Zimbabwe focused oil and gas exploration junior, Invictus Energy, has requested a suspension of trading in its shares ahead of an update this week relating to a capital raising programme. Invictus Energy managing director Scott Macmillan, said in accordance with the requirements of Listing Rule 17,1, the company had requested a trading halt of the company's securities. "The company will be providing an update in relation to a capital raising. The company is expecting to announce an update to the market on or prior to the commencement of trading on March 24, 2021," Mr Macmillan said. The company, whose main asset is the expansive oil and gas exploration prospect in the Cahora Bassa region, which encompasses the Muzarabani prospect, has not indicated how much it seeks to raise or how the funds will be spent. However, the company is on record saying it has spent about US$3,5 million on the Cahora Bassa/Muzarabni project and may require between US$16 million to $20 million to undertake drilling of test wells later this year. Trading in the company's shares will be suspended until tomorrow or when the information on the capital raise programme has been released to the market. Its stock lasted traded at 14 Australian cents a share on Friday last week. "The securities of Invictus Energy Limited will be placed in trading halt at the request of IVZ (Invictus Energy Limited), pending releasing an announcement," said Daniel Nicholson, ASX advisor listing and compliance (Perth). Invictus' share price jumped from AU$0,088 to AU$0,145 per share on Wednesday, March 10, prompting regulatory authorities to ask the exploration firm to indicate if it was aware of information driving the frenzied interest and spike in the price. The Cahora Bassa , which includes the Muzarabani Prospect, is according to the company potentially the largest undrilled seismically defined structure onshore Africa. It has been a big year so far for the Australian listed firm's share price, which has doubled since the beginning of 2021. Just three trading days before the ASX closed for 2020, Invictus Energy announced it had received a non-binding farm-in offer to Geo Associates', Invictus 80 percent shareholder, Cahora Bassa (Muzarabani) project. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Company Zimbabwe By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Invictus has since undertaken detailed traversing and mapping across the area, identifying the optimal acquisition routes. In December last year, the company announced that a review of the Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Agreement (PEDPA) had been completed by the inter-ministerial committee of the Government of Zimbabwe and has been approved. The PEDPA provides the framework for progression of the Cahora Bassa Project through the exploration, appraisal, development and production phases and the obligations and rights of each party over the project lifecycle. It has also stated plans to carry out more testing at the end of the rainy season (October to April). The company has also announced plans to begin drilling on the Cahora Bassa/Muzarabani prospect in October this year. Invictus Energy Limited last year received a license from the environmental management authority, meaning that it can start working on the prospective site in Muzarabani. Further, the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency approved the extension of the firm's investment licence by another three years, which will allow the company to progress its investigation for oil and gas. Irelands rising Covid-19 case numbers are a definite cause for concern, Leo Varadkar has told his party. A meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party on Wednesday night heard that the Government will have to take this into account before any decision on easing restrictions, due on April 5. Case numbers, hospital admissions, intensive care unit numbers and the progress of the vaccination programme will all be considered before any decision is made, TDs and Senators heard. The Fine Gael leader said more than 700,000 vaccines have been administered nationwide and more than 10% of the population have received one vaccine. Statement from the National Public Health Emergency Team The Health Protection Surveillance Centre @hpscireland has today been notified of 18 additional deaths related to #COVID19. Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 24, 2021 On plans for lifting restrictions, Mr Varadkar said schools staying open and peoples mental health with some extra freedoms were the current focus, according to sources present at the meeting. Mr Varadkar said the introduction of mandatory hotel quarantine, beginning this week, will mean Ireland has the strictest travel rules in the European Union. The Fine Gael leader also said he was concerned about any potential international vaccine export ban. He warned such a move could leave everyone worse off and he will be discussing this at Thursdays online EPP summit with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. The party meeting also passed a motion calling Housing Minister Darragh OBrien to provide them with an update on his Affordable Housing Scheme. The scheme has faced criticism from the ESRI and Central Bank among others. A motion brought to the meeting by TD Charles Flanagan, which read That this PP receive an oral update & detailed briefing from the Minister for Housing on plans by the government to develop & increase availability of affordable housing across the State, was agreed unanimously. The San Francisco school board is meeting now to discuss progress on school reopening, among other agenda items. It is the boards first meeting since critics rediscovered Vice President Alison Collins' racist tweets against Asian Americans. Chronicle education reporter Jill Tucker is listening in and covering the meeting live. Here are the latest updates: 7:53 p.m. Lots of questions: The school board reviewed a wide range of topics regarding a return to in-person learning, including about transportation, spacing between desks and whether the district could qualify for state funding connected to reopening across all elementary grades and one middle or high school grade. Currently, the district does not have a specific plan to reopen any middle and high schools to students beyond those with high needs. Board members appeared confused about the district's plan, which the superintendent has been outlining at every board meeting. The state approved the funding and the requirements to get it in early March. 5:52 p.m. Who wants to return? A district survey of more than 14,000 students in grades or demographics prioritized to return first show a majority of families want to return to in-person learning including: 58% of preschool families; 67% of transitional kindergarten through second grade; 79% of third through fifth grade; and 53% of high-needs middle and high school students. 5:42 p.m. Reopening update: City health officials have inspected and approved 11 schools for reopening, with another 35 schools inspected, but pending approval. In addition, the district has requested inspections at an additional 38 sites. The district is still on track to reopen the first schools on Apr. 12, with additional school sites phased in by Apr. 19. Superintendent Vince Matthews said, however, the dates are dependent on the number of students returning, the number of staff returning and space in schools. Families will be receiving a placement packet with information at least 10 days prior to their first day back to in-person learning. 5:34 p.m. Return to in-person learning: The return to in-person learning conversation tonight includes a review of the timeline, ongoing preparation to reopen as well as transportation issues. Later in the meeting, board member Jenny Lam will introduce on first reading a resolution committing the district to fully reopening in the fall as long as its allowed by public health officials. There will be no vote or board comment until the measure is before the board on second reading. 4:50 p.m. Public comment continues: San Francisco teacher Rori Abernethy said the calls for Collins resignation are tantamount to "a public lynching and that Black people have disproportionately been tried and held guilty without due process. "When Black people see that people of color are not allowed the same justice, there will be no peace," she said. "If you railroad without the due process... there will be no peace in San Francisco." 4:43 p.m. Collins' "supporters" speaking: Speakers supporting Collins say the unearthing of her tweets, which were posted in 2016, is connected to a "political agenda and is "opportunistic targeting." The San Francisco Berniecrats oppose those calling for Collins' resignation, said Brandee Marckmann. co-chair of the group. "We know that the timing of the release of the 5-year-old tweets was politically motivated. Furthermore, we are deeply saddened and disappointed that people in our community are using this issue as a wedge for political gain. Divide-and-conquer techniques cannot help San Francisco heal." 4:30 p.m. Collins' tweets: More than 90 minutes into the school board meeting, the community is commenting on Collins' tweets. Among those speaking, there was nearly universal condemnation of her language, whether or not people were in support of her resignation. The tweet thread from 2016 remains online here. You can read more about the fallout from the resurfacing of the tweets here. 4:28 p.m. Public comment "opposed" to Collins: "How would I explain this to my children?" said parent Thomas Kim. "I don't know how to explain this to them. It really broke my heart. I do want us to find a way to move on. I don't know how to proceed, Vice President Collins, with you as a leader in this district. Please take leadership and resign so we can all move on." 4:15 p.m. Board limiting public comment: President Gabriela Lopez has limited public comment to 50 minutes, separating people into those who oppose Collins and those who support Collins. Board member Faauuga Moliga criticized the plan, saying it divides the community and does now allow people to speak freely, even if they are neutral. This is an unusual approach, but one guided by legal counsel to give a range of people the opportunity to speak. About 1,000 people are attending the virtual meeting. 3:55 p.m. Board comments continued: "Being silent in moments of injustice allows injustice to persist," said Jenny Lam, who has called for Collins to resign. "We've been silenced by ignorant comments like this for far too long," she said. "I do not have confidence in Commission Collins to govern." Board member Faauuga Moliga read a statement he previously published, which included calling for Collins resignation. Mark Sanchez, Matt Alexander and Kevine Boggess said they did not support calls for Collins' resignation. "I still have hope Commissioner Collins will take responsibility and make amends," Alexander said. 3:50 p.m. Board members speak: Each board members offered a statement on the anti-Asian tweets posted by Vice President Collins. Collins said she appreciated the opportunity to be part of "a restorative and transformative dialogue going forward." She again expressed her "sincere and heartfelt apologies." 3:10 p.m. Board president calls for "restorative process": Lopez has called for a restorative process in the wake of rediscovery of racist tweets posted by Vice President Alison Collins in 2016. She announced she will set aside time for board members and the public to address the issue during the meeting. "I understand the real pain, the real fears, the real hurt people are feeling," she said. "We are all victims of the racism that plagues our country." The time for this is moved toward the top of the agenda. 3:00 p.m. S.F. school board meets in wake of tweet scandal: The board is expected to hear updates on school reopening and decide a process on a superintendent. Public comment will likely include references to the tweets. San Franciscos top elected officials, including the mayor, state legislators and nearly all supervisors, called Saturday for Collins, elected in 2018, to resign over the 2016 tweets, in which she said Asian Americans used white supremacist thinking to assimilate and get ahead. Collins explained in the tweet thread that she was seeking to combat anti-black racism in the Asian community and at my daughters mostly Asian Am school. The school board is split over whether Collins should resign. Two members, Jenny Lam and Faauuga Moliga have called for her resignation. Meanwhile, the board also faces several lawsuits, a departing superintendent, a recall effort, a massive budget deficit, a dip in kindergarten applications and families angry over the slow reopening of classrooms. More reading on the S.F. school board and reopening: What split on S.F. school board over racist tweets means for district: 'Crisis of governance' Bay Area parents worry that classrooms won't reopen full time in the fall. When will normal return? Lowell High supporters threaten to sue the S.F. school board over plans to end merit-based admissions SFUSD faces lawsuit over controversial renaming of 44 schools Hundreds of people wrote to us about school reopening in the Bay Area. Here are their stories San Francisco's school board is wasting time on ridiculous debates as students remain home An emergency alert over rising flood levels in the Scenic Rim has been triggered as the south-east region is hit hard by flash flooding, road closures and heavy rainfall. Three evacuation centres were prepared nearby on the Gold Coast as residents braced for another 100 millimetres of rain expected by Wednesday morning. Police were assisting with road closures around south-east Queensland. Pic: Queensland Police Media Credit:Police Media An emergency alert for Beaudesert residents in the Scenic Rim was issued just before 7pm as the Logan River reached the major flood level due to heavy rainfall. Properties in the area may experience flooding. Residents in the area have been asked to secure their belongings, warn their neighbours and move to higher ground, an alert said. MUMBAI: Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Wednesday met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and demanded a thorough probe into the allegations of corruption levelled against states Home Minister Anil Deshmukh by former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh. A delegation of BJP leaders led by Devendra Fadnavis also listed 100-points on which the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government allegedly failed to discharge its constitutional duties and urged the Governor to seek a report from Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. "We have submitted a list of 100-points. The CM remains silent, he does not speak so we have urged the Governor to seek a report from the government," Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis told mediapersons after emerging from the Raj Bhavan. This Govt is not bothered about the COVID-19 situation in the state. The way in which cases are increasing here, it has become the epicentre. I don't understand what has this government done to control it? It is time to act & not give lectures: Devendra Fadnavis, BJP Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/8s7ekIroNx ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2021 The BJP leader said that former Mumbai Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh has accused Home Minister Anil Deshmukh of corruption with a massive racket of police transfers and promotions also surfacing. However, the Chief Minister has chosen to keep mum on the issue, and Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar was defending his party, he added. Describing the MVA as `maha vasooli aghadi`, Fadnavis alleged that the ruling allies - Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress -- are involved in the mess and corruption. He further said that in the last one year, the MVA government has miserably failed in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and cases keep increasing only in Maharashtra. All this came shortly after the Supreme Court observed that there was no doubt that the issues raised by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh in his plea against Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh were "quite serious". The court, however, allowed Singh to withdraw his plea seeking direction for an "impartial and fair" CBI probe into alleged corrupt malpractices of Deshmukh. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and R S Reddy granted liberty to Singh to approach the Bombay High Court with his grievances. The top court said there is no doubt that the matter is quite serious but the petitioner should first approach the Bombay High Court. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Singh, said they would file a petition in the high court today itself. At the outset, the bench told Rohatgi that there are two preliminary questions - one is why Article 32 petition has been filed in the top court and the petitioner has not approached the high court under Article 226 and the other one is why Singh has not impleaded the state home minister as a party in his plea. Rohatgi said that he will implead Deshmukh as a party in the matter and the application in this regard is ready. He said that this is a serious matter which has affected the administration of the state. The bench said that the court is of the view that the petitioner should approach the high court and if he wants an investigation by an independent agency, the high court can deal with this. Rohatgi said he will approach the high court today itself and the apex court can say that the high court should take it up tomorrow. He submitted that there is evidence in the form of CCTV which is in the possession of ATS and that has not been handed over to the NIA. The National Investigating Agency (NIA) is probing a case related to the February 25 incident in which a car with explosives was found outside the house of businessman Mukesh Ambani leading to a bomb scare. Singh, a 1988 batch IPS officer, has also sought quashing of the order transferring him from the post of Mumbai CP alleging it to be arbitrary and illegal. As an interim relief, he has sought a stay of the operation of his transfer order and direction to state government, the Centre and CBI to immediately take in its custody the CCTV footage from the residence of Deshmukh. The petitioner has invoked writ jurisdiction of this court to seek unbiased, uninfluenced, impartial and fair investigation in the corrupt malpractices of Anil Deshmukh, the Home Minister of Government of Maharashtra before the evidence are destroyed, he has said in his plea. Deshmukh had been holding meetings in February 2021 at his residence with police officers including Sachin Vaze of Crime Intelligence Unit, Mumbai and Sanjay Patil, ACP Social Service Branch, Mumbai, bypassing their seniors and had instructed them that he had a target to accumulate Rs 100 crore every month and had directed to collect money from various establishments and other sources, Singh has alleged. Live TV (Newser) The headmaster of a Catholic school on Long Island has been placed on leave after reportedly telling a Black boy to kneel in apology, calling it "the African way." Trisha Paul's 11-year-old son, Trayson, told her that he'd been taken to the headmaster's office at St. Martin de Porres Marianist School in Uniondale, where John Holian forced him to kneel before his teacher in apology, on Feb. 25 for working on an assignment during reading time. When Paul confronted Holian, who's white, she says he told her about a Nigerian father who did a similar thing with his son, a former student, per the Washington Post. He referred to the kneeling apology as "the African way" and "Nigerian way," Paul tells the outlet. But "my child is not Nigerian," adds Paul, who is of Haitian descent. "You're assuming that because my child is Black that he must kneel down as well." story continues below Paul says Holian admitted that he asked Trayson to kneel, saying "if he apologized standing up it wouldn't have been genuine." She adds he "wasnt remorseful or apologetic" and seemed not to understand her dismay. He was placed on leave after Paul spoke to local media. "I want to assure you that St. Martins neither condones nor accepts the actions of our headmaster," James Conway, the acting headmaster, wrote in an email to parents last week, adding that an internal review has been launched. But Paul is hoping Holian will step down over the "racist act." "I do believe that had my son not told me about this incident, it would have been brushed under the rug," she tells CNN. "I want my child to be that person who makes a difference." Paul, who pays $15,000 annual tuition to the school, adds her "hurt and humiliated" sixth grader is now attending remote classes, per the Post. (Read more New York stories.) Production of the Audi Q4 e-tron has finally started in Zwickau. The fully electric compact model is the first electric SUV to be produced by Audi in Germany. The Q4 e-tron features a Volkswagen-made modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a highly versatile and variable platform that is suitable for numerous fully electric models and offers considerable scope for leveraging synergies. At the multi-brand plant in Zwickau, the Audi Q4 e-tron will be rolling off the same production line as the Volkswagen ID.4 and, in the future, another Volkswagen model. Here, 1,400 assembly line employees of Volkswagen Saxony are also producing the compact electric SUV, which, due to the MEB interior architecture, offers spaciousness on a par with the full-size class. Working alongside their colleagues from Volkswagen, more than one hundred Audi employees prepared for the start of productionfrom production planning and technical development through to quality assurance. The press tools for producing the body parts all come from Audis own toolmaking shop. With its expressive design, the Audi Q4 e-tron poses enormous challenges when it comes to precision and surface perfection. Audi toolmakers from Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm were involved right from the initial development stages. The process of trying out the press tools, which weigh many tons, also took place in Audi plants. Zwickau and the Audi brand enjoy a long tradition: The Audi car plants were established here in 1909. The Volkswagen plant there has been converted to an all-electric plant and is now an integral part of the Groups electric offensive. In November 2020, more than 200 Audi employeesmainly junior employees who have successfully completed their vocational trainingwere temporarily deployed to Volkswagen Saxony in Zwickau for a twelve-month stint. As part of a human resources hub, they will be given the opportunity to boost their skills and expertise in the pioneering field of electric mobility. The Audi Q4 e-tron will be unveiled to a global audience in the middle of April and launched on the European markets in the summer of 2021. By 2025, Audi plans to launch more than 20 fully electric models and expand its PHEV offering. The two main Audi plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm are also set to manufacture fully electric vehicles. Beginning in 2022, the first electric model based on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE)developed jointly with Porschewill roll off the Ingolstadt assembly line. 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 Asian-American woman has been subjected to a tirade of racist abuse after asking a man to wear a face mask while traveling on a Miami bus. The victim, who has only identified herself as Lai, recorded a portion of the incident as it occurred on March 9. The footage, which she shared with The Miami New Times on Tuesday, begins after Lai asks the man to cover his mouth and nose amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Mind your goddamn business, Chinese lady. Ugly-ass ch*nk,' the unidentified man responds after ignoring her request. An Asian-American woman has been subjected to a tirade of racist abuse after asking a man to wear a face mask while traveling on a Miami bus When Lai tells the man that he 'does not need to be racist', he snaps back: 'F**k you!' Later in the clip, he splutters: 'I don't care about you peoples, man. Go to hell, dog. This America, Jap!' 'I'm from America! I was born here!' Lai can then be heard responding, appearing to make the man more enraged. He then proceeds to put his middle finger up to the camera and states: 'Smile for this ch*nk!' The encounter did not turn violent - something that Lai says she is thankful for, despite being subject to racial slurs and abuse. 'I'm glad and lucky that it was only verbal harassment because a lot of things have happened to more vulnerable people,' she stated. According to The Miami New Times, the man is unlikely to face any charges even if he is identified. Florida does not have standalone charges for hate crimes. According to The Miami New Times, the man is unlikely to face any charges even if he is identified. Florida does not have standalone charges for hate crimes In a separate interview, Lai told NBC6 that she decided to share the video to show the abuse that Asian-American people can be subjected amid an uptick in hate crimes. 'It's demoralizing. It's like they view you as subhuman. Like you don't belong, but I do belong,' Lai stated. 'Diversity is what makes this country so strong, so for someone to say something like that it's honestly heartbreaking.' Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many US cities have seen an increase in instances of anti-Asian violence and abuse. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many US cities have seen an increase in instances of anti-Asian violence and abuse. A woman is seen at a #StopAsianHate march in New York last week Demonstrators are seen at an anti-racism march in Philadelphia last week Many believe that the attacks have been fueled by the fact that the coronavirus originated in China, prompting perpetrators to target random Asian-Americans as scapegoats. In New York, the NYPD reported 28 arrests for hate crimes targeting Asians in 2020, up from three in 2019. In San Francisco, police have increased patrols following a violent attack on an Asian-American grandmother last week. In Atlanta, police are investigating whether last week's spa shootings - in which six Asian women were shot dead - were racially motivated. Meanwhile, back in Miami, county mayor Daniella Levine Cava has firmly denounced the racist incident on board the city bus. 'Hate speech has no place in our community, period. We must stand together to condemn all forms of bigotry and hatred, as we confront the rise of violence against Asian Americans,' she told NBC6. The Goldbergs star George Segal has died at the age of 87, his wife said (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) The Goldbergs star George Segal has died at the age of 87, his wife said. Segal, who was Oscar-nominated for 1966 black comedy-drama Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, died on Tuesday in Santa Rosa, California. Sonia Segal said: The family is devastated to announce that this morning George Segal passed away due to complications from bypass surgery. Since 2013 Segal, also an accomplished banjo player, had played Albert Pops Solomon on TV comedy The Goldbergs. He starred as magazine publisher Jack Gallo in the US sitcom Just Shoot Me from 1997 to 2003. Segals portrayal of Nick in the Mike Nichols-directed Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? earned him a best supporting actor nomination at the Oscars. His co-stars Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Sandy Dennis were also nominated, with both women winning. Wendi McLendon-Covey, Segals The Goldbergs co-star, was among those to pay tribute online. Alongside a picture of her with the late actor, she wrote: Grateful. NOOOOOOO. Oh my God he was such a sweetie. And totally happy to dish with an annoying film nerd about CALIFORNIA SPLIT, BLUME IN LOVE, and everything. RIP king. https://t.co/t3ix3YuTxY Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) March 24, 2021 Patton Oswalt, another star of the show, said: NOOOOOOO. Oh my God he was such a sweetie. And totally happy to dish with an annoying film nerd about CALIFORNIA SPLIT, BLUME IN LOVE, and everything. RIP king. The Goldbergs creator, Adam F Goldberg, described Segal as a legend. Today we lost a legend. It was a true honor being a small part of George Segalas amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. I think these memories say it all... pic.twitter.com/D1aNZuT20e Adam F. Goldberg (@adamfgoldberg) March 24, 2021 He said: It was a true honour being a small part of George Segals amazing legacy. By pure fate, I ended up casting the perfect person to play Pops. Just like my grandfather, George was a kid at heart with a magical spark. Melissa Joan Hart, titular star of Sabrina The Teenage Witch, directed Segal in an episode of The Goldbergs. In her tribute, she said: Shocked and saddened to hear of #GeorgeSegal passing away! From being on set of #JustShootMe to directing him on #Goldbergs, he was a true gem and great man. He will be missed! Segals manager, Abe Hoch, said: I am saddened by the fact that my close friend and client of many years has passed away. I will miss his warmth, humour, camaraderie and friendship. He was a wonderful human. Segal, who often played genial, everyman characters, also starred in films Bye Bye Braverman, A Touch Of Class, The Hot Rock and Fun With Dick And Jane. Segal was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in 2017. It is understood Segals last episode on The Goldbergs will be broadcast in early April. A spokesman for ABC Entertainment said: For eight years, George Segal made us laugh as Pops on The Goldbergs, but his legacy in the entertainment world spans decades. His talent has left an indelible mark and were grateful for the laughter and joy he has given us all. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his wife, Sonia, and his family during this difficult time. The robotic arm lays out the "knitting pattern." Empa researchers are investigating different patterns in a number of test series. Credit: Empa A robotic arm lays out a string in a mandala-like pattern on a bed of gravel. What appears to be a contemporary art performance is basic research that explores new ways in road construction. On the one hand, robot-assisted construction techniques for road building are being tested that have so far only been used in structural engineering. On the other hand, a new type of mechanical reinforcement is intended to change the typical structure of the road surface and thus to help save valuable resources in future or even to recycle road surfaces altogether. An idea from structural engineering The idea originates from a project of the Gramazio Kohler Research lab at ETH Zurich. Here the project was actually raised as an art and research project. Pillars piled up purely from strings and gravel demonstrated that outstanding stability can be achieved by simply interlocking the gravel with a threadwithout any cement as a binder! Laboratory tests showed that gravel pillars with a height of 80 cm and a diameter of 33 cm can withstand a pressure of 200 kN, which corresponds to a load of 20 tons. Asphalt also consists of rocks of various sizes and a binder, bitumen. Thus Martin Arraigada and Saeed Abbasion from Empa's "Concrete & Asphalt" lab transferred this concept to road construction: "We want to find out how a recyclable pavement could be produced in the future. To do this, we are using digitalized construction methods in road construction for the first time," explains Arraigada. A string-reinforced road surface that does not require bitumen promises a number of advantages. Since bitumen is extracted from crude oil, air pollutants are released during production and also later during use. What's more, it makes asphalt susceptible to cracking and deformation and, on top of that, impermeable to rainwaterthis too could be overcome. For the researchers, it is also conceivable that rock could be used that is otherwise not suitable for road construction, but is less rare. Last but not least, the process allows for a rollable and recyclable pavement. A string and loose gravel The two Empa researchers are using various experimental setups to test solutions for the above-mentioned aspects. The robotic arm plays a central role. It places the string in a programmed pattern on the layers of gravel stacked on top of each other. For the mechanical tests, five of these layers of gravel and thread are placed on top of each other in a test box, with the floor of the box covered with a rubber mat that fixes the whole package to the ground. It simulates the deformable bed, to which the pavement is applied. The fact that the string is exactly the same as the one used by every Swiss citizen for bundling waste paper shows that Empa researchers are breaking completely new (and cost-effective) ground here. Mechanical tests and computer modeling The gravel-thread package is then loaded with a rotating plate and with pressure. This load test demonstrated that entangling the individual gravel stones with the thread, the package can withstand a pressure of 5 kNhalf a tonwithout displacing the stones. Normally, the binder bitumen performs this task in asphalt. Dynamic load tests with rolling pressure, similar to the extreme conditions road pavements have to withstand, are soon to be carried out. In parallel to their lab experiments, the researchers model everything in 3D on the computer using the Discrete Element Method (DEM). This should reveal the displacement of individual stones and the tensile forces acting on the threadsomething that cannot be investigated in the lab. In addition, different patterns and mesh widths and their effects on the stability of the pavement will also be examined in more detail. The research of Martin Arraigada and Saeed Abbasion has not yet resulted in a final product that is ready to be used in road construction. However, their research provides a lot of innovative potential to get closer to a recyclable and possibly rollable road pavement with simple means. Explore further Hand scanner measures bitumen quality As Texas prepares to expand eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine to all adults next week, San Antonio health officials implored newly eligible residents Tuesday to hold off on seeking appointments for now and announced new measures to prioritize those who were previously eligible but still havent gotten a COVID-19 shot. Residents who are age 80 and older can show up next week at the citys mass vaccination site at the Alamodome without an appointment and get vaccinated, officials said Tuesday. The city plans to open three weeks worth of appointments Thursday at the Alamodome to those who are 50 years old or older or those over the age of 16 who have underlying health conditions. Metro Healths community health workers who have showed up in-person to lower-income neighborhoods where rates of illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease are higher to sign people up for appointments will only schedule appointments for people ages 50 years and older. Assistant City Manager Colleen Bridger, the citys coronavirus czar, had a message for younger people who are in good health: Try not to schedule an appointment for at least a month to make room for those who are more vulnerable to the virus. If newly eligible residents must try to get vaccinated, they should try to do so through a private provider and not one of the citys four mass vaccination sites, Bridger said. If you can hold off, please hold off, Bridger said at the daily city-county coronavirus briefing. Roughly 15 percent of Bexar Countys 1.6 million adults more than 233,000 people have been completely vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Since the vaccine rollout began in December, frustrated residents have had to navigate clogged phone lines and crashing websites to try to schedule appointments. Officials predicted that frustration will accelerate on Monday and reminded the public that just because more people are eligible doesnt mean that there are enough doses to match. Im afraid whats going to happen Monday is everybodys going to be calling for an appointment and everybodys going to get mad again, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said. COVID-19 numbers Officials said Tuesday that the virus continues to be on the wane. Health officials reported 133 new cases of the virus Tuesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the pandemic began last March to 202,849. Two more people have died of COVID-19 a Black woman in her 40s and a Hispanic man in his 60s. The confirmed local death toll from the virus has reached 3,073. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases The seven-day average of new cases dipped to 168. For the past two weeks, that average has hovered below 200. As the disease pummeled the San Antonio region during a winter surge two months ago, the average occasionally surpassed 2,000. The number of COVID-19 patients in Bexar County hospitals continued a steady decline Tuesday. Local hospitals were treating 182 coronavirus patients compared with 639 on Feb. 16 and 1,394 patients on Jan. 16, days before the record number of 1,520 patients on Jan. 18. Hospitals admitted 29 new coronavirus patients within the last 24 hours. Seventy-two patients were in intensive care units for treatment of the virus Tuesday, and 40 were hooked up to ventilators to help them breathe. [March 24, 2021] Kebotix Announces Investment by SIT Capital Kebotix, a Cambridge-based technology platform company for new chemicals and materials, announced SIT Capital as a major investor in its Series A funding. The $11.4 million round, announced last spring, was led by Denmark-based Novo Holdings, a leading international life science investor. "The strength of SIT Capital's expertise and network of relevant experts add tangible value to Kebotix's robotics-powered platform that discovers and bring to market new materials faster and more affordably," said SIT Founder Dr. Serguei Beloussov, also chairman of the board, CEO and founder of Acronis (News - Alert) , a Swiss-based software and services company. "Driven by robotics, chemistry and physics, Kebotix is an ideal fit for the interdisciplinarity of SIT." The SIT ecosystem links research, education and business in a close-knit, self-sustainable cycle. The SIT community, which includes the international research-led university Schaffhausen Institute of Technology, develops industry projects, startups, spin-offs and technology licensing. "Kebotix is thrilled to join SIT Capital's portfolio of techstartups rooted in quantum technology, living materials, life sciences and information technology," said Kebotix Founder and CEO Dr. Jill S. Becker. "An investment by SIT Capital is more than financial; like Kebotix, SIT Capital is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to global challenges. This brings even more pride to Kebotix being part of a unique ecosystem built on the expertise of top international minds in chemistry, computer science and business." SIT Capital joins a list of investors that includes One Way Ventures, ArcTern Ventures, Flybridge Ventures, Baidu Ventures, Embark Ventures and Propagator Ventures, in addition to Novo Holdings. About Kebotix Kebotix partners with the private and public sector in harnessing the power of its breakthrough platform that combines artificial intelligence and robotic automation to discover chemicals and materials significantly faster and more affordably. Kebotix is backed by a growing, talented and dedicated team led by world-class scientists and serial entrepreneurs - plus the world's first self-driving lab for materials discovery - to develop AI/machine learning roadmaps and define problems and solution properties for its partners, and solve the world's most urgent problems for everyone else. Kebotix provides its partners technology access to its digital R&D solutions and complete end-to-end materials innovation programs to stay ahead of competition in the digital revolution. For more information, visit www.kebotix.com. About SIT Capital SIT Capital is an international venture capital firm built by the world's leading entrepreneurs to support early-stage digital startups around the world. SIT Capital members are science-based investors with vast startup and technology transfer expertise who have built several global tech companies, including Acronis, Parallels and Acumatica, and use this entrepreneurial experience to help both startups and investors. The SIT Capital partner network includes several venture investors, specializing in tech projects, scientific research, and digital transformation activities. Together with the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology, SIT Capital drives transformative advances in science, research, and technology. For more information, visit www.sit.capital. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005362/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Last week, the world was shocked by a mass shooting which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, which primarily targeted Asian people. The shooter, now in custody, killed eight people, six of whom were Asian, sparking concern about a record surge in anti-Asian hate crimes across the United States. The rise in racism has been directly linked to the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who scapegoated China for the COVID-19 pandemic and repeatedly brandished the terms "China virus" and "Kung Flu." He weaponized a political blame game in order to deflect attention away from his poor handling of the situation, as well as to provide cover for a more hostile foreign policy direction towards China. This tragedy reveals the bitter and shameful consequences of such decision making. Some have claimed that China is attempting to "politicize" these hate-crimes in a bid to defend its policies, yet this distracts from the broader truth that actions indeed have consequences, and that the previous administration turned America into a treacherous place for people of Asian descent. This was not just done through blaming the COVID-19 pandemic on Asian people, but also through inciting grand-scale paranoia, suspicion of Chinese people in general and the framing of the country as a political adversary. This is the end result, and it must be confronted rather than denied. The berating of Chinese students as technology thieves, infiltrators and spies was a common theme of the Trump administration as well as its prominent supporters such as Senator Tom Cotton, and it began before last year too. It was just one of many areas in which the administration incited a society wide hatred of Chinese people and utilized McCarthyism in pursuit of its foreign policy goals. What was being said was objectively false and unfair, yet the fear it incited was real. The former U.S. administration repeatedly blamed China for many things. China was scapegoated for the decline of American jobs and industry, the decline in America's standing in the world and the failures of America's past leaders. This was not just a benign set of grievances with China's government, it was an assault on the country as a whole, which was only amplified with COVID-19, wherein racist and xenophobic sentiment was whipped up to attack China on cultural and ideological grounds. Talk was widespread as to how Beijing ought to be "held accountable" and "pay" for the mass death toll it had apparently inflicted upon the United States. Even now after leaving office, Trump and Pompeo are still pushing this narrative. In this case, the rise in Asian hate crimes across the country is not a coincidence; it is directly affiliated with the all-embracing climate of hatred and fear created by this administration, for political purposes. Those who are refusing to accept this, or trying to dismiss it as propaganda, are intellectually dishonest. Their goal is to project the anti-China narrative more so than anything else, regardless of the fact that this has produced a climate of racism and paranoia. Foreign policies, especially those of a nationalist nature, have real human consequences and especially when it involves the projection of grievances onto another group. Therefore, the United States must come to terms with the human consequences of its actions that have inflamed anti-Asian racism in the pursuit of antagonism towards China. The Biden administration is not as abrasive or reckless when it comes to race relations, and has sought to offer solidarity to the affected groups in Atlanta, but one must ask what will fundamentally change? Hostility towards China is not going to go away, and the same political figures responsible continue call for it even now. America's vaccine drive and economic recovery will soften social tensions, but this does not scratch the surface of the broader problem. All it takes is another geopolitical disruption for U.S. politicians to whip up deflection and blame games against China. As unrealistic as the possibility may be, it's time the U.S. steps back and takes a hard look at itself. Tom Fowdy is a British political and international relations analyst and a graduate of Durham and Oxford universities. He writes on topics pertaining to China, the DPRK, Britain and the U.S. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/TomFowdy.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? 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The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Thank you for your support! Sinn Fein have selected Conor Heaney to replace the outgoing Foyleside councillor Mickey Cooper on Derry City and Strabane District Council. Mr Heaney was selected by party members last night to be co-opted on to the council. He previously ran for election to the council in the Faughan ward in the 2019 local government elections but was unsuccessful. Speaking after his selection last night, Mr Heaney thanked his predecessor and all those who had supported him. I want to pay tribute to the fantastic work that Mickey Cooper has done in this area, he said. I look forward to picking up where he left off safe in the knowledge that he will still be very much part of the Sinn Fein project in Derry. I also want to thank Sinn Fein for giving me this opportunity and all those who supported me. It is an honour to represent this area and this party. Mr Heaney, who is a qualified social worker and previously worked as an adviser to a number of Sinn Fein ministers at Stormont, spoke about his priorities. Creating jobs and opportunities in Derry has always been central to my work, he said. As an advisor in the Agriculture Department, I worked closely on the successful project to decentralise an entire government department out of Belfast and into Ballykelly, just outside Derry. Nothing on that scale had ever been attempted before let alone achieved. While working with Martin McGuinness, we were determined to deliver on key strategic projects for Derry such as the A6 road, Ebrington and the NW Transport Hub so it is great to see all of them now coming to fruition. 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 year after Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, CEOs are increasingly confident in global economic recovery 72% of business leaders in the Middle East and 76% globally believe that economic growth will improve in 2021. As mass vaccination programmes offer an assured exit from the pandemic, Middle East CEOs are also more optimistic about their organisations growth prospects. Some 52% of those polled said they are very confident about revenue growth over the next 3 years, compared to 47% globally. Hani Ashkar, PwC Middle East Senior Partner, said: After successfully navigating the uncertainty brought about as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, companies have emerged more resilient and agile than ever before. Middle East CEOs are cautious but optimistic. Its clear that in order to continue to thrive, companies will need to embed lessons learnt as a result of the pandemic to transform their operations, continue to drive investments and secure the wellbeing of their people. The survey findings reveal that organic growth is high on the agenda for many CEOs, with 35% saying that they are planning to enter a new market in the next year, more than any other region surveyed. Others are looking at forming new strategic alliances or joint ventures in the next 12 months 41% are planning to do so compared to 36% last year. M&A will also remain an important tool with 26% indicating they plan to pursue it. The survey findings reveal that Middle East CEOs are drawing on their experience of withstanding the dual shock of Covid-19 and the drop in oil prices to build smarter, more resilient organisations. Two lessons in particular are highlighted in the results. Firstly, the abrupt mass shift to remote working in 2020 amid worldwide economic upheaval has pushed employee welfare up corporate agendas, with 50% respondents agreeing that improving the health and well-being of employees should be a business priority, up from 43% in 2016. Secondly, Covid-19s social and economic impact has prompted 76% of CEOs across the region, in line with their peers worldwide, to reassess and overhaul business and operating models, as well as corporate transformation programmes, that were conceived and developed before the pandemic in order to drive growth. TRANSFORMING OUT OF THE CRISIS Today, 59% of those surveyed in the Middle East, compared with 49% globally aim to increase their investments in digital transformation by 10% or more over the next three years, as a direct response to the impact of Covid-19. In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, in 2010, only 11% of Middle East CEOs planned to substantially increase their digital investments. Stephen Anderson, Middle East Strategy and Markets Leader, said: Our CEOs realise that they need to transform their organisations and invest to emerge stronger from the pandemic. Planned digital investments, however, will only realise their full potential if organisations ensure that employees are upskilled to utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning and other new technologies. CEOs are already citing a lack of available skills as a key constraint and as a region we are going to have to be able to develop our own talent to compete. In the current survey, 70% of Middle East CEOs, more than any other region, believe a skilled, educated and adaptable workforce is a top business priority. 46% of the respondents, compared with only 6% in 2016, are prioritising automation and new technology to increase productivity and competitiveness the steepest rise of any region globally during the same five-year period. Looking ahead, potential business risks remain high on CEO agendas in the Middle East, with 41% of those surveyed stating that they are extremely concerned about cybersecurity. Overall, 74% regard cyberattacks and leaks as worrying threats to growth in 2021, compared with 68% in 2020; and 52% say that cyber threats feature in their organisations risk management. This growing anxiety about cyber threats across the region is an inevitable by-product of fast and increasing digitisation by organisations as they implement new technologies and upskill their workforces. A growing number of CEOs have started to bolster resilience against external and internal cyber threats by utilising technologies that prevent attacks before they begin. The urgency of this is demonstrated by the fact that 43% of Middle East CEOs plan to increase investment in cybersecurity and data privacy by 10% or more over the next three years, well ahead of the global average of 31%. In addition, 41% think their organisation should be doing more to measure cybersecurity. PwC surveyed 5,050 CEOs in 100 countries and territories in January and February 2021. Conducting fieldwork at the start of 2021 represents a shift from our historic approach. Typically, PwC surveys chief executives for its CEO Survey between September and November, and then releases its report in January of the following year. Given global complexities in the fall of 2020, including pandemic surges, late-stage vaccine trails, and several disruptive geopolitical events, we moved the fieldwork in an effort to create a data set that is meaningful and enduring.-- Tradearabia News Service We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - BluMetric Environmental Inc. (TSXV: BLM), a full-service environmental consulting and engineering (cleantech) firm, announces the election of its board of directors at its fiscal 2020 annual general meeting held on March 24, 2021. The following five individuals were re-elected to BluMetric's Board: Geoff Simonett, Jeffrey W. Talley, Ian Murray Macdonald, Ian Mor Macdonald, and Scott MacFabe. Pursuant to the Company's Board compensation policy, BluMetric has granted options of 20,000 common shares to Mr. Geoff Simonett, who is entering his sixth year of service. These options are granted effective March 24, 2021, vest over one year and are exercisable into common shares of BluMetric at a price of $0.47 per share for five years. About BluMetric Environmental Inc. BluMetric Environmental Inc. is a publicly traded environmental consulting and engineering company with expertise across professional and trade disciplines and technologies that allow for the design, fabrication and delivery of sustainable solutions to environmental and water challenges. BluMetric has over 150 employees operating in ten offices and over 40 years of expertise. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, BluMetric's team of industry experts serves Commercial, Industrial, Military, Mining and Government clients in Canada and the United States. For more information, visit www.blumetric.ca or please contact: Scott MacFabe, CEO BluMetric Environmental Inc. Tel: 613.839.3053 Email: smacfabe@blumetric.ca Vivian Karaiskos, CFO BluMetric Environmental Inc. Tel: 613.839.3053 Email: vkaraiskos@blumetric.ca Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release, including those relating to the Company's future products, opportunities and cost initiatives, strategies, and other statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this presentation or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78502 ALBANY, N.Y. The New York State Assembly may already have enough votes to impeach Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Just not the right kind of votes. There is no question that Mr. Cuomo is facing the biggest political crisis of his career, with calls for his resignation or impeachment following the disclosure of sexual harassment accusations against him and a controversy over his handling of nursing homes during the pandemic. There are two parallel investigations into both his personal behavior and professional performance. One is overseen by state attorney general Letitia James, who has deputized two independent attorneys; the second is led by the Judiciary Committee of the State Assembly, which hired an outside law firm and held its first meeting on the issue on Tuesday. The governor, who denies touching anyone inappropriately, has said he has no intention of resigning. He has also vociferously defended his administrations Covid-19 response. Entrepreneur, writer and TV producer Sibulele Siko-Shosha tells us that what's really behind her mask is Rouge Dior 999 Matte. Figuratively speaking though, a cocktail of optimism and fear. "I have been doing this long enough to want to focus on leaving a legacy that makes sense. I do not know what that looks like right now, but I want to actively work towards it. As an entrepreneur I have made all the mistakes and stupid decisions to give me the perfect insight on how I can best move forward with the legacy I want to leave. So, I am constantly trying to connect with that emotionally and through the work that I choose to do. My mind is currently on a constant churn trying to link those pieces." Sibulele Siko-Shosha So, Sibulele, tell us what it is do exactly on a day-to-day basis; tell us more about your various roles and how you juggle them all. What motivated you to start your own company, Dumile Brand Boutique? Tell us more about the agency and some of the challenges or barriers you had to overcome to get it to where it is today. Perhaps youd like to share some highlights, over the years or any recent wins. How has the pandemic and subsequent national lockdowns affected your work? Growing up, what did you want to be? You studied Radio Broadcasting and did a BA in International Relations, Politics and Media Studies. Where did you expect your career to take you and how does this measure up to your current reality? What is your secret to success? What do you love most about the creative industry? What's your typical workday routine? When you're not busy working, what do you do? How do you socialise these days? What are you reading/listening to/watching at the moment? Whats the first thing you plan to do when things go back to normal? 2021 is here and were already well into March! Any new years resolutions or plans for the year? Honestly, I dont know how I juggle it all, but things move. Isnt that the art of being woman? Lol. For now, we dont have any active TV productions so I am busy with the ideation stages of the various concepts I am planning on presenting and pitching to broadcasters.My day-to-day is currently comprised of managing clients under Dumile Brand Boutique. Im also in the process of developing the business and brand positioning. I am busy growing a phenomenal team who are helping me focus on what matters, but most importantly where the business strengths lie, which is in ideation, creating and writing.Due to Covid, we meet in the office on Mondays and the rest of the week the team works remotely from home. My job in all my different roles is to create the ideas and plan which direction we are going to take with them. The rest is up to my great team comprised of awesome full-time staff, consultants and freelancers.In between all of that I need to make sure that I am available for my 11-year-old son Uzile for his after-school activities. All of this leaves me with so little time for taking selfies ;)Owning a business was a plan that my late father, Dumile Siko and I had for after I graduated. Unfortunately, he passed away while I was still in university so he was not able to see that come into fruition. There are three reasons that motivated me to start my business.Firstly, it was my passion for storytelling and wanting to do work that can change how the South African creative industry is viewed and embrace transformation and diversity.Secondly, honouring my father.Thirdly, was my desire to be responsible for my own time while having the freedom to flex my creative muscle as much as I can.Dumile Brand Boutique is multifaceted and has seen growth and development since we started in 2008. I started my business when I was 23 years old. I am now 35. The only thing I knew then was that I wanted to contribute towards change and diversity within the industry. That has evolved into me being settled into who I am as an entrepreneur and what my business function is within this ecosystem.Dumile Group is a creative group of companies with its pulse centred on creative authentic stories for brands and people. We do this through The Narrators Africa; the production arm of the business that produces content for broadcasters.Dumile Brand Boutique is the advertising arm of the business that provides through-the-line creative services. Our focus as a business if to ideate and execute brand narratives with no guessed culture, but rather insight and lived experiences.The first challenge I can say we had was defining ourselves articulately. When I started out, my view of the creative economy was different to my experience trying to navigate it as a business person. In such a saturated industry, uniqueness is very difficult, but what I have learnt over the years is that trouble shooting your way to knowing who you are as a business is the best way to learn and fail forward.Our first commissioning by Multichoice for the production of our drama serieswas a great win for us. It helped us get into an industry which we struggled to get to. The work we did for MTN powered APPs MusicTime and Ayoba was also great because it gave our work exposure of and to the African market, which we are still excited about. Lastly, being chosen to be a part of the Sanlam Enterprise Development Programme. This changed how I view my business and role within it greatly. We have now shifted from being survivalist to growth focused.The pandemic was scary! We had such great projects lined up including a whole festival which was our own IP, which were all cancelled due to the pandemic. Most of the clients we were building relationships with were within the lifestyle and alcohol markets and the work that we secured was within the experiential marketing space. I have mild anxiety thinking about how much we lost in years of relationship building and pitching, but this caused us to be resilient and pivot as they all say. The waters are still murky, but we move forward.Being an economist was my first option, but what I am right now (a creative entrepreneur) was a close second.Besides wanting to be an economist or where I am now - I always wanted to have my own talk show. In high school I saw myself as the future Given Mkhari (well my dad did, but I agree). Talk radio is a passion I would really like to explore before I hit 40. I firmly believe that I am where I need to be based on the lessons I needed to learn before I get to where I am meant to be. I also plan to pen down a book which I hope will provide enough insights for young entrepreneurs to skip some of the avoidable mistakes I have made on my journey.Allowing myself to fail. I do not come from a family where taking such a leap was viewed as being normal. With that said though I was lucky enough to have a family who support and believe in me regardless. Failure is frowned upon, yet it is the greatest teacher of them all.The magic behind imagining something and seeing it come to life. That feeling is extremely addictive to me. Also, the endless opportunities and possibilities available in the sense of the industry is constantly evolving so as a practitioner within, you are always learning as you are going.I am usually up by 6am latest (I prefer 4:30 as I can meditate and get to emails before the day starts) to get my son ready for school. If I do not have meetings before 10, I go to gym - my active workday usually starts around 10 and ends before 7pm. After my sons bedtime around 8, Im back on finishing what I need to for the day and sleep between 10 and 11 or later - this determines when I wake up the next day. This is also dependent on whether I am in production and what phase of production I am in, but the above is my typical utopian workday routine. I have been wise enough to get an au pair this year who picks up or drops off my son for school. Now I get to sleep in when I have worked late, making me a happier personMy circle is pretty tiny and I have recently quit drinking alcohol so Im adjusting to the kind of life and definition of socialising I would like to live. For now, when I am not working, I am Netflix binging, spending some time with my mom or kids-related activities with friends who have kids. I love cooking, but only really have time to do that on Sundays and I am getting into hikes and more outdoorsy activities.Reading:by Glennon Doyle.Listening to: Look I might be late but Amapiano are pulling at my heart strings. My current jam is Umsebenzi Wethu by Busta 929 & Mpura (Feat. Zuma, Mr. JazziQ, Lady Du and Reece Madlisa).Watching: Loved the Tiger Woods three-part series; andon Netflix is growing on me.on Netflix as well. I am looking forward toon 1Magic. And I need to get into podcasts; my friends love them.Go on a 10-day solocation to New York and Jamaica.2020 taught me that there is no place to play small. This year I am going to shoot my shot with all the brands and broadcasters that I would like my agency to work with. We are currently developing our systems to be in line with the bigger agency. I am actively preparing for growth and award-worthy work. Earlier this week, teams of scientists from Europe said that they already discovered the underlying cause of the blood clot that happens when a recipient receives an AstraZeneca vaccine shot. The Connection of AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine to Blood Clot In a report by NPR, the Germany-based team of researchers from the University of Greifswald stated on Friday, Mar. 19, that the AstraZeneca vaccine triggers the overactivation of the platelets in the recipient's blood. This now results in severe blood clotting after the vaccine shot. Moreover, the team said the scenario was similar to having heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, where an adverse drug reaction occurs following the emergence of the antibodies. Before that, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had investigated this case. On Mar.18, the group announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine's safety and efficacy are still guaranteed. They added that there was only a low risk of acquiring post-vaccine blood clots. Earlier this March, few recipients who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine experienced blood clotting, with some dying as a result. This prompted European leaders to impose a temporary suspension of AstraZeneca vaccine distribution. Another European team of scientists from Oslo University hospital investigated the connection of blood clots to the AstraZeneca vaccine. Professor Pal Andre Holme, one of the leading experts in the team, said that they already identified the antibodies that triggered the immune system to overreact and later caused blood clots. Read Also: Pfizer vs Moderna: Comparing Two COVID-19 Vaccines from Side Effects to Storage Requirements Health Board Expresses Concerns About AstraZeneca's Data On Tuesday, Mar. 23, the Data and Safety Monitoring Board or DSMB, which is under the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said that Oxford-AstraZeneca could be providing a sketchy data set when it comes to the efficiency of its vaccine. This comes after the company announced that it based its efficacy and safety of the vaccine on over 30,000 participants who joined the clinical trials in the United States. The analysis that AstraZeneca conducted covered the participation of the University of Oxford in Britain, United Kingdom. In a report by Voice of America, the vaccine showed 79% efficacy against COVID-19, according to Oxford researchers. However, DSMB requested a data re-assessment to make sure of the accuracy of the results. Also, the data should be updated so people could be aware of its current efficacy against symptomatic coronavirus. The troubled Oxford-AstraZeneca now faces its latest setback, which was the statement that came from the expert boards who evaluated its vaccine efficacy data. The company has also been struggling in distributing its vaccine doses. Anthony S. Fauci, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director, said that the AstraZeneca vaccine shot was "very likely a good vaccine," The Washington Post reported. As a response to this, the company expressed its "immediate engagement" in discussing with the health officials to tackle the efficacy data. Moreover, it stated that it would provide a more detailed analysis regarding the vaccine within two days with the help of Oxford University. Related Article: COVID-19 Herd Immunity Might Not Happen - What Do Experts Say About This? This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. President Joe Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the administration's efforts to stem what he called a 'serious spike' in immigration at the border. The president announced his decision on Wednesday in a meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on the situation at the border. Biden announced he has asked Harris 'to lead our efforts' with Mexico and other nations that need help in 'stemming' immigration. He described her as the most qualified person for the job, pointing to her work as state attorney general of California. It is the first time Biden has put his vice president in charge of a specific issue and, in choosing the person he calls the last in the room, Biden indicated how important an issue the border has become. 'I've asked her, the VP today because she's most qualified person to do it to lead our efforts with Mexico and the northern triangle and the countries that need help in stemming the movement of so many folks stemming migration to our southern border,' he said. 'She's most qualified person to do it to lead our efforts,' he said. President Joe Biden tapped Vice President Kamala Harris to stem 'serious spike' in immigration at the border President Biden and Vice President Harris met with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - along with other officials - on the situation at the border What Vice President Kamala Harris has said on immigration An undocumented immigrant is not a criminal. - April 2017 This issue of how we are treating our immigrants, and in particular our undocumented immigrants, is one of the most critical issues facing our country. We are not going to be achieving who we say we are as a country if we attack our community members, our neighbors, our friends and our colleagues. - Nov. 10, 2016, days after Donald Trump took office While we are clear that people should not come to the border now, we also understand that we will enforce the law and that we alsobecause we can chew gum and walk at the same timemust address the root causes that cause people to make the trek, as the president has described, to come here. - Wednesday At some point, absolutely we will go down to the border and Ive been down to the border and our secretary of the Homeland Security Alex Mayorkas has been down there twice. Senior administration officials have been down there and yes, we will go. -Wednesday A wall will not secure our border and I remain concerned those billions of dollars may also be used to implement this Administration's anti-immigrant agendaone that targets California and its residents. - While voting against 2018 bill with $25 billion in border wall funding. There are a few things more cruel, more inhumane, more fundamentally evil than ripping a child from her parent's arms. The administration claimed that it wouldn't separate families seeking asylum if they arrived at an official port of entry, as opposed to other parts of the border. But that didn't hold true. - In her book, The Truths We Hold Advertisement The administration has been struggling with a surge in migration at the U.S.-Mexico border but refuses to call the situation a 'crisis' even as photos show children being held in crowded conditions in temporary shelters. Biden spoke of 'serious spikes' in people heading to southern border, saying it went back to the Trump administration. 'What happened was we found that there were serious spike in the number of people heading to the southern border,' he said. 'They were coming north and we did nothing to do much about it. There's no surge we're dealing with now started with the last administration. It's our responsibility to deal with it humanely and to stop what's happening. This increase has been consequential but the vice president agreed among other things and I appreciate it,' he said. 'She's leading the effort. The best thing to do is put someone when he or she speaks, they don't have to wonder about is that where the president is. She speaks for me,' he said of his vice president. 'She knows what she's doing.' He told Harris: 'I gave you a tough job and you're smiling. There's no better one to take over try to organize this.' Harris said there is 'no question this is a challenging situation.' 'The work will not be easy,' she noted. 'But it is important work.' She said she will work on diplomatic efforts, including with Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, to help stem the tide of migrants. Harris also spoke of the importance of combating the factors that drove the migration - such as the persistent scourge of gang violence - in the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. 'As the president said, there are many factors to lead these countries and while we are clear that people should not come to the border now, we also understand that we will enforce the law and that we also because we can chew gum and walk at the same time. Let's address the root causes that cause people to make the trek,' she said. In handing over the matter to Harris, Biden is seeking to replicate what he experienced as Barack Obama's vice president. Obama tapped Biden early in his first term to tackle one of the administration's most important issues: the White House effort to draw down U.S. troops in the intractable war in Iraq. More than 16,000 migrant children are currently in U.S. custody amid a surge of border crossings. The administration is on track to open six more emergency shelters to handle the influx. President Joe Biden acknowledged the 'serious spikes' in people heading to southern border Vice President Kamala Harris said there is 'no question this is a challenging situation' Images from the shelters show children lying packed in like sardines side by side on mattresses on the floors inside a makeshift facility in Donna, Texas Republicans have criticized Biden's handling of the situation, blaming his rollback of stricter Trump-era policies for the surge. Biden has said he will visit the border at some point, which Harris echoed in an interview with CBS News on Wednesday morning. 'At some point -- absolutely we will go down to the border,' she said. The Biden administration has blamed the situation - which they refuse to call a crisis - on the previous Trump administration policies. 'There are things that we need to do, especially since there was a system in place previously, before last administration, to allow us to process these kids in their country of origin. That was dismantled. We've to reconstruct it. It's not going to happen overnight,' Harris told CBS' 'This Morning.' 'We are addressing it. We're dealing with it. But it's going to take some time,' she said. 'And are we frustrated? Are you frustrated? Yes. We are.' Harris' new portfolio comes as a delegation of White House officials and members of Congress headed to the border on Wednesday to tour a facility in Carrizo Springs, Texas, being used to house migrant children. More than 750 teenagers are being held at the facility, which is run by the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration is on track to open six more emergency shelters to handle the influx. A group of migrants follows an official through a neighborhood to an intake area after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border A child rests its head on a table as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer processes migrants after they crossed into the U.S., early Wednesday The White House announced that one network pooled camera will be allowed inside during the tour and the footage will be shared once the tour concludes. The administration has faced criticism -from both reporters and Republicans alike - for not letting independent cameras inside the shelters. But the press access will be to one of the shelters ran by the Department of Health and Human Services, not one of the ones being run by U.S. Customs and Border Control. It's the UCP shelters that have had reports of crowded conditions where the HHS ones are more permanent facilities. White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked why the media were being sent to an 'aspirational' facility instead of one of the crowded shelters. 'We're also open to providing access there, and this is just the first step in the process of providing greater access to the media to decision,' she said at her daily press briefing. 'I would say we all agree that that the Border Patrol facilities are not places where children should be, they are children should be moving more quickly through those facilities that is what our policy central focus is right now,' she added. The children are supposed to be held from three days by border patrol and then transferred to more permanent facilities run by DHS. But the overcrowded conditions have delayed transfers with about 5,000 children estimated to be in border patrol custody. Psaki said the administration is working on more press access. 'Our balance is, of course, privacy as you all know. It is also that we are in the middle of a pandemic, and that you know these facilities, of course, can't become forums for media access all day long every day. I think we all agree on that balance but we will continue to look for ways to increase transparency and provide additional access,' she said. Four retired Border Patrol chiefs call situation 'grave' and warn 'criminal organizations are capitalizing on the crisis' as unaccompanied minors and families distract agents from more dangerous crossers Four former Border Patrol chiefs called the situation 'grave' and warned that 'criminal organizations are capitalizing on this crisis' in a first-of-its-kind letter on Wednesday. The retired Chiefs of the United States Border Patrol were joined by five former Chief Patrol Agents in writing a letter to Congress urging them to address the 'broken immigration system.' The letter is reportedly addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. Former chief patrol agent Roy Villareal, who signed the letter, said ''there is a monumental border issue at the border right now' Asylum seekers, most from Honduras, walk towards a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint after crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico on Tuesday People are seen on a raft at the U.S.-Mexico border, early on Wednesday in Roma, Texas 'On behalf of retired Chiefs of the United States Border Patrol, we write with grave concern regarding the current crisis on the southwest border,' reads the letter. 'It is time to address our broken immigration system as well as the push and pull factors encouraging mass migration, and its impacts on border security.' The letter continued: 'The cycle of broken immigration crises must be a priority for Congress. The patchwork system in place continues to fail us all.' 'Criminal organizations are capitalizing on this crisis, exploiting these vulnerable unaccompanied children and their families while at the same time utilizing this distraction to overwhelm front-line Border Patrol agents,' the letter added. The letter was signed by Border Patrol Chiefs: David V. Aguilar, Ronald Vitiello, Ms. Carla Provost, and Michael Fisher. Villareal, who retired in December, told Fox News that 'there is a monumental border issue at the border right now that is going to overwhelm the capabilities of the Border Patrol.' 'It's going to cause our system to shut down because as these populations increase, the unaccompanied children, the family units takes away from the ability to do effective border security,' he said. Karisch told CNN: 'This is a problem we've had for many years.' 'Look back at 2014 with the unaccompanied children crisis. We didn't have the infrastructure then. We definitely were suffering from that same problem under the previous administration,' he said. 'This is something that both sides keep pointing fingers at, but unfortunately it's the agents in the field that are having to deal with a very serious issue but one that also takes them away from their law enforcement responsibilities.' Former Border Patrol leaders wrote an unprecedented letter to Congress urging them to prioritize the border crisis On Sunday, it was revealed that Customs and Border Protection was considering a plan to release migrants who crossed the border illegally without first giving them a court date to reappear. Texas immigration authorities have since been releasing a growing number of migrants from custody into the United States, ABC News reported. The move means that the burden and responsibility of returning for an asylum hearing is placed on the migrants themselves. Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar told the outlet: 'They released about 150 people, families, without even a notice to appear. I've never seen that before.' The news came as Biden officials are blaming the former Trump administration for the border crisis and the number of unaccompanied minors now in custody swelled to more than 15,000 over the weekend. Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Public Integrity Case Former Police Officer Pleads Guilty in Public Integrity Case Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-512-9342 Attorney General March 24, 2021 LANSING -- A former Blackman-Leoni Township Public Safety officer who was previously bound over to circuit court on misconduct and perjury charges following a 2019 incident in Jackson County has pleaded guilty, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today. David Lubahn, 52, pled guilty Tuesday before 22nd Circuit Court Judge Carol Kuhnke to a two-year offense of lying to a peace officer. Kuhnke was appointed to preside over the case. Lubahn was charged in September 2020 with one count of perjury of a record or document, a 15-year felony, and one count of misconduct in office, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. He was bound over in February on both counts. We hold police officers to a high standard and expect them to abide by the law in each and every circumstance, said Nessel. Mr. Lubahn broke the law and must be held accountable. Lubahn was an on-duty Blackman Township-Leoni Township police officer when he conducted an illegal search and seizure. Lubahn subsequently made false statements in his police report and a misrepresentation and omission in the affidavit for a search warrant about his actions. The entire incident was caught on Lubahns body worn camera video. Once charges were filed and announced on September 15, 2020, Lubahn was fired from the Blackman Township-Leoni Township Public Safety Department. As part of the plea agreement reached, Lubahn will forfeit his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) law enforcement license and he must waive his administrative appeal rights. Lubahn will be unable to serve as a police officer in Michigan again. Sentencing is scheduled for May 4 at 1:30 p.m. in the 22nd Circuit Court. Mumbai, March 24 : Film producer Ramesh Taurani has tested positive for Covid-19. The filmmaker shared the news on Instagram on Wednesday, informing that he has tested positive after taking the first dose of the vaccine. "I have tested positive for COVID and have informed BMC. I have been following all the precautions and taking medications to get better. If you have interacted with me in the past 2 weeks please do get tested. I have taken my 1st vaccine dose and hope to recover from this soon. Please wear a mask and stay safe!" Ramesh Taurani shared in an Instagram post. Several Bollywood celebrities have tested positive for the virus recently. On Wednesday, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's team announced that the actor has tested positive for Covid-19 and is living under home quarantine. On Monday, actor Kartik Aaryan had tweeted to inform that he has tested positive. Other Bollywood personalities who recently tested positive include actor Ranbir Kapoor, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, actors Manoj Bajpayee, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Tara Sutaria, and actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. KIMT-TV 3 NEWS Governor Kim Reynolds and Tim Walz have ordered all state flags in Iowa and Minnesota to fly at half-staff in memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado. The move to honor the 10 victims of Mondays violence follows President Joe Bidens proclamation to lower all U.S. flags to half-staff for the same period of time. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to follow this example. The mass shooting in Boulder, Colorado is heartbreaking and devasting to the Boulder community and the rest of our nation, says Governor Walz. We mourn the loss of the victims of this senseless act of violence, and the pain we experience as a nation is only amplified for the friends and families of the victims. Minnesota joins states across the nation to remember and honor the victims whose lives were lost. Brazil's daily Covid-19 death toll soared past 3,000 for the first time Tuesday as the hard-hit country struggles to contain a surge of cases. The health ministry registered a record 3,251 deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing Brazil's overall death toll to nearly 299,000 - second only to the United States. The latest bleak milestone came as President Jair Bolsonaro provoked public anger by saying Brazil would resume 'normal life' very soon thanks to the vaccination campaign that he had earlier criticised. He said: 'I want to reassure the Brazilian people and inform them that the vaccines are guaranteed. 'By the end of the year we will have more than 500 million doses of vaccine to vaccinate the whole population'. Brazil 's daily Covid-19 death toll soared past 3,000 for the first time Tuesday as the hard-hit country struggles to contain a surge of cases Brazil has now registered 12.1 million confirmed Covid-19 infections, the second-highest worldwide, after the United States The latest bleak milestone came as President Jair Bolsonaro provoked public anger by saying Brazil would resume 'normal life' very soon (pictured, a Covid victim is buried in Sao Paulo, Brazil) Bolsonaro said normal life would be able to resume thanks to the vaccination campaign that he had earlier criticised (pictured, freshly dug graves at a cemetery in Brasilia, Brazil) Also on Tuesday, Bolsonaro installed his fourth health minister of the pandemic, facing pressure to change tack after downplaying the virus and flouting expert advice on containing it. Cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga, 55, took over the post from Eduardo Pazuello, an army general with no medical experience whose handling of Covid-19 was widely criticised. Pazuello is notably facing investigation for failing to ensure oxygen supplies to the northern city of Manaus, where there were horrific scenes in January of Covid-19 patients suffocating to death when hospitals ran out. Bolsonaro's first two health ministers, doctors Luiz Henrique Mandetta and Nelson Teich, both fell out with the president over his defiance of expert advice on containing the virus. Also on Tuesday, Bolsonaro installed his fourth health minister of the pandemic, facing pressure to change tack after downplaying the virus and flouting expert advice on containing it Bolsonaro's first two health ministers, doctors Luiz Henrique Mandetta and Nelson Teich, both fell out with the president over his defiance of expert advice on containing the virus Cardiologist Marcelo Queiroga, 55, took over the post of health minister from Eduardo Pazuello, an army general with no medical experience whose handling of Covid-19 was widely criticised Currently some 11.1 million Brazilians, or 5.2 percent of the population, have received at least one dose of vaccine and 3.5 million both doses, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Bolsonaro, who is up for re-election in 2022, has also gone from dismissing the pandemic to expressing solidarity 'with all those who have lost a loved one.' His presentation however was met with a cacophony of pot banging in the country's main cities such as Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia - a traditional sign of protest in Latin America. Brazil's average daily Covid-19 death toll has more than tripled since the start of the year to 2,364, currently the highest worldwide. Experts say the explosion is fuelled by a local variant of the virus that is believed to be more contagious. Currently some 11.1 million Brazilians, or 5.2 percent of the population, have received at least one dose of vaccine and 3.5 million both doses (pictured, healthcare workers transport a suspected Covid case from an ambulance to the hospital in Brasilia, Brazil) In a new warning sign, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday the health ministry had told it that medical oxygen supplies were at 'worrying' levels in six of Brazil's 27 states In a new warning sign, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday the health ministry had told it that medical oxygen supplies were at 'worrying' levels in six of Brazil's 27 states. One of Brazil's main oxygen suppliers, the White Martins company, said it was racing to keep up with an 'exponential increase' in demand of up to 300 percent in some regions, prosecutors said in a statement. On Monday, Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous state and industrial hub, said it would set up an emergency oxygen plant within 10 days in partnership with brewing company Ambev to supply overstretched hospitals. The state, which has a population of 46 million, has been hit hard by the new wave of Covid-19. Globo TV reported last week that at least 135 people had died in Sao Paulo with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus while waiting in line for intensive care unit beds. Brazil's average daily Covid-19 death toll has more than tripled since the start of the year to 2,364, currently the highest worldwide (pictured, military policeman give a guard of honour for a sergeant who died from Covid) Experts say the recent explosion in Covid cases is fuelled by a local variant of the virus that is believed to be more contagious Globo TV reported last week that at least 135 people had died in Sao Paulo with confirmed or suspected cases of the virus while waiting in line for intensive care unit beds In the capital Brasilia, more than 400 people are currently waiting in line for ICU beds. Videos circulating online show bodies piled in hospital corridors awaiting transfer to the capital's overflowing morgues. The six states whose oxygen supplies are the most critical are Acre and Rondonia in the northwest, Mato Grosso in the center-west, Amapa in the north, and Ceara and Rio Grande do Norte in the northeast, prosecutors said. Brazil has now registered 12.1 million confirmed Covid-19 infections, which is also the second-highest worldwide, after the United States. In the capital Brasilia, more than 400 people are currently waiting in line for ICU beds. Videos circulating online show bodies piled in hospital corridors awaiting transfer to the capital's overflowing morgues Inward investment will have to a play a key in supporting the UK economy after Brexit. The ability to secure investment deals will be crucial in determining medium-term trends for the UK economy and Pound Sterling. Abu Dhabi investment fund, Mubadala, has agreed to invest 800m into the UK life sciences sector. According to the UK Department of International trade, the UAE-UK Sovereign Investment Partnership (SIP) will serve as a coordinated investment framework to grow a future-focused relationship between the two nations, driving economic recovery, jobs and growth. Mubadala, one of the UAE's most active funds, stated that it will invest the funds over five years and will be complemented by 200mn from the UK Life Sciences Programme. There is also scope for investment in other sectors and total investment could total 5.0bn, although there were no specific figures released. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Mubadala group chief executive commented: "Mubadala is already a long-term investor in UK innovation and growth, and our new partnership now provides a platform to allocate stable capital to priority sectors as part of a future-focused investment relationship." UK Minister for Investment, Gerry Grimstone, added; "This partnership will enable the UK life sciences sector to develop cutting-edge technologies and research while retaining homegrown innovation and jobs." He added; "It will also leverage the UK and UAE's mutual priorities in building better and stronger economies through investment." The UK will hope that the deal is a springboard for further investment flows from the Gulf States. Investment crucial for the UK performance The UK will push aggressively towards increasing inward investment now it is outside the EU. There will be greater opportunities and increased investment will also be essential to help offset a loss of trade with the EU. The Prime Ministers Offices recently-established UK Office for Investment (OfI) will play a strategic role in the Mubadala partnership and will also have a key role in securing investment flows over the medium term. The move follows recent news that the UK is creating four new regional trade and investment hubs to boost economic growth across the UK. Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss said on Monday that the hubs would be located in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and Darlington. Truss commented on Wednesday; This is a major win for the Office for Investment and shows how the UK is an investment destination of choice. From Liverpool and Edinburgh to Oxford and Nottingham, our world class life sciences clusters and innovative businesses will see the benefits of this partnership. Grimstone also stated that he hopes to secure investment for green energy projects, as Britain prepares to host the UN COP26 climate change summit in November. Chancellor Rishi Sunaks Budget earlier this month prioritised investment in life sciences, tech, green technology and infrastructure. Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton is expected to move portfolios so Scott Morrison can dump embattled Christian Porter and Linda Reynolds from their posts. The prime minister received advice from the solicitor-general that there could be a perceived conflict of interest for Mr Porter as attorney-general. Mr Porter is suing the ABC for defamation after it published a claim he raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988 when he was 17.. Ms Reynolds will likely be dropped as defence minister after she returns from sick leave for calling alleged Parliament House rape victim Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow'. Christian Porter's future as Attorney-General is expected to be cut short - he is due to return from sick leave on March 31 Linda Reynolds will likely be dropped as defence minister after she returns from sick leave for calling alleged Parliament House rape victim Brittany Higgins a 'lying cow'. Both are expected to stay in cabinet, but have less prominent roles, with the reshuffle to be announced as early as Saturday, The Australian reported. Mr Morrison is expected to swap Mr Porter's roles of Attorney-General and Industrial Relations Minister with Employment Minister Michaellia Cash. Senator Cash was political staffer Ms Higgins' boss when she was allegedly raped by a senior colleague in Ms Reynolds' office in 2019. However, she has escaped much of the fallout that befell Ms Reynolds. Mr Dutton is expected to replace Linda Reynolds as the Defence Minister and Mr Porter as leader of the government in the House of Representatives. He has been acting in that position while Mr Porter is on stress leave. Michaelia Cash is expected to be appointed as the new Attorney-General should Christian Porter be dropped Peter Dutton (left) is expected to become the Defence Minister while Stuart Robert (right) would move to the Minister for Home Affairs The falling dominoes could lead to Stuart Robert to leaving his job as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services, to take over Home Affairs. The straight swaps would also allow Mr Morrison to hand Ms Reynolds the government services portfolio. Despite growing calls on a decision on the future of Mr Porter, the prime minister has remained strong on his statement that he is considering the advice received from the solicitor-general. Mr Morrison has been under intense pressure to punish Mr Porter amid growing backlash over his handling of a historical rape claim against the AG. The PM admitted on Tuesday he had to do better for women and expressed a determination to clean up the culture in Federal Parliament, which has been plagued by sex scandals. Prime Minister Scott Morrison reacts during Question Time at Parliament House on March 24 Labor asked Mr Morrison whether he is preparing to make Mr Porter a 'part-time minister' or drop him altogether. The prime minister did not rule out either option during question time on Wednesday. 'I am considering that advice with my department secretary in terms of the application against the ministerial guidelines,' he told parliament. 'When I have concluded that assessment I will make a determination and I will make an announcement at that time.' Mr Porter launched legal action against the ABC over a story about rape allegations against a senior minister. The attorney-general was not named in the story but his lawyers claim Mr Porter was easily identifiable. He later came forward to reveal he was the minister in question. Mr Porter is due to return from stress leave on March 31. Ms Reynolds has also been on extended sick leave for several weeks in the wake of the alleged rape of former media advisor Brittany Higgins by a male colleague in the minister's office. (@fidahassanain) The 56-year old candidate has quarantined himself at home and has left all his activities after he tested positive for Coronavirus. MUMBAI: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-March 24th, 2021) Bollywood superstar Amir Khan contracted COVID-19, the spokesperson said on Wednesday. Aamir Khan who is currently working on remaking of Forrest Gump isolated himself at home and left all his activities. However, the Spokesperson said that the 56-year old actor was doing well and had asked all those who came in contact with him to also get tested. Aamir Khan is following all the protocols and was doing well. The actor will appear in his upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha which is due this year in December. analysis Bain & Company knew Tom Moyane would be appointed SARS commissioner months before it happened, but the consultancy firm's ambitions went beyond profiting from the gutting of the SA Revenue Service, according to former partner Athol Williams. US-based management consultancy firm Bain & Company kicked off proceedings at the State Capture Commission on Tuesday by arguing that it should be able to release its affidavits to the inquiry, or at a summary, as former Bain partner Athol Williams was giving evidence. Representing Bain, Alfred Cockrell SC said the company's application to cross-examine Williams was yet to be heard and cross-examination was not guaranteed, meaning Williams' version would stand in perpetuity while the commission's rules prevented Bain from releasing its submissions. Evidence leader Alistair Franklin SC noted that Bain leaders did not appear willing to subject themselves to questioning at the commission. "That is a case of having one's cake and eating it," he said. "There seems to be nothing special in Bain's circumstances compared to the norm," said Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who will make a ruling on Wednesday as to whether Bain can release its affidavits. Bain had valid reasons for trying to counter Williams' testimony. The company... Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. House GOP Members Demand Explanation From DHS Over Immigrants Released With No Court Dates Fourteen Republican congressmembers are demanding an explanation over troubling reports that illegal immigrants are being released into the United States with no court dates. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) wrote on Tuesday to Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, that the lawmakers are seeking answers to recent troubling reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is releasing aliens who entered the country illegally without the aliens being given Notices to Appear (NTA.) Despite your repeated claims that the border is secure, these reports raise serious questions about DHSs commitment to faithfully enforcing the law, reads the letter, which was obtained by Fox News. The outlet reported that during the weekend, migrants were being processed and released without NTA in the Rio Grande Valley sector. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) testifies at a House hearing in front of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, in Washington on July 12, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) The letter requests specific data from Mayorkas, such as whether aliens are claiming fear of persecution, how many of them are credible claims, how many have been released with and without NTA. It comes as former President Donald Trump said in a recent interview that illegal immigrants would be coming up by the millions. He warned that the situation would deteriorate severely. Its nothing compared to whats going to be in a couple of months, said Trump. As I said before, you have some very bad hombres coming up and were taking them into our country and its insane. Former President Donald Trump embraces the American flag as he arrives on stage to address the Conservative Political Action Conference held in the Hyatt Regency in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) They go into our country. We never find them again; they never come back, a very tiny percentage comes back, Trump said, referring to the Biden administrations return to the Obama-era catch and release policy in which asylum seekers are released into the interior of the country as they await a court hearing, often never to be seen again. The pair will help create new wild-life rich wetlands as part of a wider scheme to turn the site into a haven for nature It's hoped the two beavers will build dams and manage the landscape for wildlife The male and female beaver have been introduced into 15-hectare fenced area in the West Sussex valley A pair of beavers have been released into a large enclosure in a hidden valley on the flanks of the South Downs to build dams and boost wildlife, the National Trust said. The male and female beaver have been introduced into a 15-hectare (37-acre) fenced area in the West Sussex valley, which was gifted to the National Trust in the 1990s after local residents fundraised to buy it for the nation. It is hoped the pair will build dams and manage the landscape to create new, wildlife-rich wetlands as part of a wider scheme to turn the site into a haven for nature. A pair of beavers have been released into a large enclosure in a hidden valley on the flanks of the South Downs to build dams and boost wildlife, the National Trust said. Pictured: The male beaver swimming in a pond after being released The male and female beaver have been introduced into a 15-hectare (37-acre) fenced area in the West Sussex valley, which was gifted to the National Trust in the 1990s after local residents fundraised to buy it for the nation Beavers are a native species, historically found in English rivers where they engineered the landscape to benefit a wide array of species, but were hunted to extinction by the 16th century for their fur, meat and glands. A number of organisations and landowners across England are introducing the aquatic mammals to fenced sites to help boost nature and reduce flooding, while they are now also found wild on a number of rivers in England and Scotland. The latest reintroduction is the first by the Trust in south-east England and its second scheme following a pilot at Holnicote estate on Exmoor, Somerset, last year, where the conservation charity says the animals are thriving. The pair were relocated from wild populations in Scotland, after health screening, and the South Downs programme will be carefully monitored for benefits such as water quality, floodwater management and wildlife, the Trust said. It is hoped the pair will build dams and manage the landscape to create new, wildlife-rich wetlands as part of a wider scheme to turn the site into a haven for nature. Pictured: National Trust Rangers David Elliott and Sarah Frisk releasing a male beaver into a pond The National Trust said they were not disclosing the location of the beaver enclosure, to give them the best chance of establishing themselves in their new home. Pictured: The poind where the beavers were released David Elliott, National Trust lead ranger for the South Downs West, said: 'Beavers are nature's water engineers, they can help bring back the natural processes that have been missing from our environment. 'By creating their dams, the beavers will create new and wildlife-rich wetlands; ponds, rivulets and boggy areas that will, over the next few years, benefit a range of wildlife including amphibians such as frogs and toads, many dragonflies and damselflies and wildflowers such as Devil's-bit scabious that love damp meadows. 'They'll help us create a pyramid of life based on wetlands - including bird and bat species, as their prey increases in abundance.' Beavers are a native species, historically found in English rivers where they engineered the landscape to benefit a wide array of species, but were hunted to extinction by the 16th century for their fur, meat and glands. Pictured: The male beaver swimming It is part of a wider nature-friendly scheme for the valley, which has also involved changing the grazing pattern so it is less intense over a wider area with a small herd of long horn cattle, creating a mosaic of habitats. The National Trust said they were not disclosing the location of the beaver enclosure, to give them the best chance of establishing themselves in their new home. But it is close to the 19th century home of Sir Robert Hunter, one of the three original founders of the National Trust, the charity said. The project has been funded in part by the Black Down and Hindhead Supporters of the National Trust, who fundraised 62,000, helped by local supporters, and 68,866 from Viridor Credits Environmental Company. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-25 02:53:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, March 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lauds the Yemeni government for allowing four fuel ships into Hodeidah port as "a step in the right direction," a UN spokesman said on Wednesday. "Fuel shortages persist across the entire country," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres. The need for cooking gas is particularly in demand during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, beginning in April. "Commercial imports of essential goods, including food, fuel and medical-related items, must be able to enter Yemen in adequate quantities through all ports, and obstacles to domestic distribution removed," Haq said. "Fuel is also essential to transport food, pump drinking water, power the delivery of basic services and run electricity grids." While praising the government's action, the spokesman was critical of the rebel Houthis. "We are alarmed by the reported claim by the Houthis ... of a drone attack yesterday (Tuesday) on Abha Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he told reporters at a regular briefing. "We condemn all attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure." Haq encouraged those involved in the Yemen conflict to refrain from actions that are detrimental to Special Envoy Martin Griffiths' efforts. The spokesman pled for them to advance the political process to reach a negotiated settlement to end the conflict, now in its seventh year. 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. press release Government is working towards the re-opening of additional economic activities as from 31 March 2021, announced the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, during a televised message to the nation, this evening. Prime Minister Jugnauth pointed out that additional Work Access Permits (WAPs) will be issued so that more sectors operate, hence boosting their activities. The objective of Government is to kickstart the economy, get the country back to normalcy and open the borders while taking into consideration the safety of citizens. The Prime Minister recalled that the country is under lockdown since 10th March 2021 while highlighting that Government has implemented several bold measures to contain the virus in the country. The health of the population, he underlined, remains the priority of Government. He called on the population to continue to abide by strict sanitary precautions such as maintaining social distance, sanitising of hands, wearing of masks and staying at home. Speaking on vaccines, he indicated that Government is doing its best to ensuring that all vaccines that will be used in the country are effective. Herd immunity will be achieved when around 60% of the population has been inoculated. He extended his gratitude to countries such as India and China for providing vaccines to the Mauritius. The Prime Minister also commended the contribution of all health workers and frontliners for their efforts in the combat against COVID-19 and expressed optimism that the country will overcome these testing times. Hurricane season 2021 is here: How do storms get their names? Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified Wednesday that Michigan set an example of how voter reforms can result in successful elections during a U.S. Senate hearing on the For the People Act. Passed by the U.S. House on March 3, the bill seeks to boost access to the ballot box, reduce the influence of big money in politics and strengthen ethics rules for public servants, according to Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, chair of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Benson testified alongside three Democratic witnesses and two Republican witnesses on voter reforms and the 2020 presidential election. Benson said there is an immediate need to preserve access to the vote amid attempts from state legislatures across the nation to roll back recent voting rights expansions. According to Klobuchar, since the 2020 presidential election, more than 300 bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country in nearly every state that could suppress the votes of minority and low-income communities. The war on democracy is escalating, and in addition to the ongoing efforts of democracy deniers to spread misinformation, alongside continued attacks and threats against election officials, a new battlefront has emerged in state legislatures all across the country, Benson said. Yet Michigans story demonstrates a different path. Our experience underscores that voters on both sides of the aisle want reforms like those in the For the People Act, and it shows how with sufficient funding, partnerships, leadership and political will, it is entirely possible to efficiently and successfully implement those reforms. In November 2018, Michigan voters passed several voter reforms such as no-reason absentee voting, same-day voter registration, and the creation of an independent citizens redistricting commission. As a result, Benson said the number of people voting absentee in Michigan increased from 1.1 million in November 2016 to 3.3 million last year. My office was charged with working with 1,600 clerks all across our state to implement all of these policies in advance of the 2020 election cycle. And we did, because these policies are not new, and implementing them is not rocket science, Benson said. Many states already have these reforms in place. We conferred with leaders in those states to learn from their experience replicate best practices and modernize our democracy effectively and efficiently. Reforms in the For the People Act include modernizing voter registration, ending gerrymandering, mandating the disclosure of presidential tax returns, restoring the Voting Rights Act, increasing election security, expanding lobbyist disclosure and several ethics reforms. Republican senators on the Committee on Rules and Administration expressed concerns about federal control over redistricting and voting rights. They also questioned the feasibility of implementing the act, given its requirement for uniform voting machines and systems. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, said since the last election was so successful, such federal legislation is unwarranted. According to Blunt, of the 300 bills introduced in state legislatures, only two have been passed. One bill in Arkansas further defines the implementation of photo ID requirements, and the other bill in Utah requires the lieutenant governor to send the Social Security list of deceased recipients to the county clerks so that they can initiate the process of removing the names of dead people from the voter rolls, Blunt said. Blunt is mainly concerned about a federal takeover of the election process. In my view, that would be an unmitigated disaster for our democracy, Blunt said. Im greatly concerned about the idea that somehow, one-size-fits-all regulations from the federal government change a system that has served our country well since the beginning of the country. The diversity of our election system is one of the greatest strengths of our election system. Benson acknowledged that each state would face unique circumstances while incorporating new federal voting laws, but that it is the job of elected officials to meet those challenges. If Michigan can do all of this in one election cycle in the midst of a global pandemic and during one of the most significant and highly scrutinized election cycles in our lifetime, every state in the country, with proper funding and leadership, can do the same, Benson said. Because while states are laboratories of our democracy federal minimum standards ensure equal protection of every citizens right to vote. Read more on MLive: Communications with ex-President Trumps political operatives irrelevant, judge rules in election fraud case Plaintiff in election lawsuit accuses Secretary of State of withholding records Whitmer campaigned on transparency, but Michigan still lags the nation Brasilia, March 24 : Brazil's Federal Supreme Court has ruled that ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was denied a fair trial when convicted of corruption in 2018 and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. In a decision by a 3-2 vote, the judges agreed on Tuesday that then prosecuting judge Sergio Moro failed to show impartiality in trying the case, which arose from an anti-corruption investigation called Operation Car Wash, Xinhua news agency reported. Lula was convicted of accepting a bribe in the form of a luxury apartment from a construction company in exchange for lucrative government contracts, and served one year and seven months behind bars, from April 2018 to November 2019. The conviction derailed his aspiration to run again for the presidency. Moro later resigned from the judiciary to become Minister of Justice and Public Security under the current president, Jair Bolsonaro, but left the office in April last year due to serious differences with the president. Earlier this month, supreme court judge Edson Fachin annulled all the convictions against Lula that had been handed down by the Federal Court of Parana state as part of Operation Car Wash. These developments have restored Lula's right to run for public office, fueling speculation that the leader of Brazil's Workers' Party might compete in general elections slated for October 2022. Parliaments lower house adopts bill on state protection of military personnel RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 15:22 24/03/2021 MOSCOW, March 24 (RAPSI) The lower house of Russian parliament adopted a draft law on the state protection of military personnel in the third and final reading on Wednesday, according to a statement published on the official State Duma website. In particular, the initiative affords state protection to civil servants of the Defense Ministry and military intelligence who participated in combating terrorism or other special operations and employees of the National Guard. The bills authors believe that the proposed changes must set a unified system of protection of federal servants of the State involved in special security operations and events. Currently, the state protection is applied to prosecutors, investigators, officers of institutions and bodies of the penal system, officers of Russias Federal Security Service (FSB), Investigative Committee, enforcement agencies, bodies of state security guards service, customs, tax and antimonopoly bodies, public oversight authority, Federal Service for Financial Monitoring and Audit Chamber. 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. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Therma Bright Inc. (TSXV: THRM) ("Therma" or the "Company"), developer of the AcuVidTM COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Saliva Test and other progressive diagnostic and medical device technologies, announces that it has entered into business agreement with Ridge Global, the consultancy founded by Governor Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security. The agreement focuses on supporting the Company's reach across the United States and Global marketplace business community along with extending policy advisory services in the U.S. "We're excited to add Ridge Global to our growing advisory team," expressed Rob Fia, CEO of Therma Bright. "Governor Ridge will serve as a Senior Advisor and support his team in corporate strategy and business development on behalf of Therma Bright." Therma Bright believes its AcuVidTM COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Saliva Test ideally meets the new March 16 FDA Guidance for test developers seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) of certain tests for screening with serial testing. Serial testing involves testing the same individual multiple times within a few days, and can increase chances of detecting asymptomatic infection that might not always show up with a single test. CDC recommends serial testing at least once per week, along with other mitigation measures, such as masking and social distancing, to reduce disease transmission. In addition, with the recent American Rescue Bill passed by President Biden, there are opportunities to assist the U.S. and its citizens detect, contain and mitigate COVID-19 and its growing variants with Therma Bright's, "Made in the USA", AcuVidTM COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Saliva Test once approved under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. Therma Bright is not making any express or implied claims that its test product has the ability to eliminate or cure COVID-19 or the SARS-CoV-2 virus. About Therma Bright Inc. Therma Bright is a progressive medical device technology company focused on providing consumers and medical professionals with quality medical devices that address their medical and healthcare needs. The Company's initial breakthrough proprietary technology delivers effective, non-invasive and pain-free skincare. Therma Bright received a Class II medical device status from the FDA for its platform technology that is indicated for the relief of the pain, itch, and inflammation of a variety of insect bites or stings. The Company received clearance for the above claims from the US FDA in 1997. Therma Bright Inc. trades on the TSXV: THRM, OTCMARKETS: THRBF, FRA: JNX. For more information visit: www.thermabright.com and www.coldsores.com. For further information, please contact: Therma Bright Inc. Rob Fia, CEO rfia@thermabright.com Follow Therma Bright on Twitter About Ridge Global: A global leader helping organizations mitigate enterprise risk. Working together under the banner of Risk, Readiness, and Resilience, Ridge Global is working to bring comprehensive risk management solutions to market. Founded by Tom Ridge, the first U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and 43rd Governor of Pennsylvania, Ridge Global works with C-suite executives and corporate directors to reduce enterprise risk and to build more resilient organizations through innovative preparedness, protection, response and education capabilities. For further information, please contact: Ridge Global Steve Aaron, SRA Communications m: (717) 554-8614 e: steve@sracommunications.com www.ridgeglobal.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking" statements. These statements relate to future events such as development and commercialization of a rapid COVID-19 viral assay and related instrumentation, regulatory applications and manufacturing scale up as described in the news release. All such statements involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to vary from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, they should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and they will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions on the date of this news release, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities regulations. 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 press release. This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities 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 exemption from registration. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78400 The number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in Massachusetts topped 3 million as of Tuesday, with 1,110,629 people having received either both of the two required Pfizer or Moderna doses or the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine. A total of 1,905,957 people have received at least their first Pfizer or Moderna shot. The number of doses shipped to Massachusetts from the federal government grew by 219,510 from Mondays Department of Public Health report to Tuesdays. Of the 3,455,740 doses that have now arrived here, a total of 3,016,586, or 87.3 percent, have been administered. The Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 1,476 new COVID-19 cases, from 49,100 new tests. The number of hospitalized patients ticked up again slightly in Tuesdays DPH report, rising from 603 to 608. The positive test rate was also up from Mondays report, at 2.2 percent. Public health officials also reported 20 new deaths among people with confirmed cases of COVID-29, bringing the states death toll to 16,578. The fatality count rises to 16,915 when including people with probable cases. Related Content: Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 20:31:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close URUMQI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has planned to invest more than 240 billion yuan (36.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 350 key projects this year, local authorities said Wednesday. The number of projects with an investment of over 1.5 billion yuan reached 205, accounting for 58.6 percent of the total, said Zhang Yongliang, an official with the regional economic planner. Projects in the culture and tourism sector are expected to see investment grow by more than 1.3 times from last year, as the region aims to attract more than 200 million tourists in 2021 and more than 400 million tourists in 2025. Zhang also noted a significant increase in the number of new infrastructure projects from previous years and strong growth in projects in the emerging industries. Xinjiang saw fixed-asset investment grow by 16.2 percent year on year in 2020, 13.6 percentage points above the national average, as the region picked up pace in development, according to official data. Enditem (Bloomberg) The International Monetary Funds board conveyed broad support for drafting a proposal to create $650 billion in additional reserve assets to help developing economies cope with the pandemic, with an eye on considering a formal plan by June. The institutions executive board discussed the case for the reserves informally on Tuesday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a statement after the conclusion of the meeting. Fund staff will develop new measures to enhance transparency and accountability and explore options for members with strong financial positions to reallocate the reserves, known as special drawing rights, to support vulnerable and low-income countries, Georgieva said. If approved, a new allocation of SDRs would add a substantial, direct liquidity boost to countries, without adding to debt burdens, Georgieva said. It would also free up badly needed resources for member countries to help fight the pandemic, including to support vaccination programs and other urgent measures. Momentum has been building for the injection of funds after U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen leaned toward supporting the action, reversing opposition last year under President Donald Trump. Her predecessor, Steven Mnuchin, blocked the move in 2020, saying that because reserves are allocated to all 190 members of the IMF in proportion to their quota, some 70% would go to the Group of 20, with just 3% for the poorest developing nations. While the informal discussion came in advance of the IMFs spring meetings April 5 to April 11, the June target for a formal proposal fits with a requirement that the Treasury Department give Congress 90 days of advance notice before its free to support the reserves creation. The U.S. is the funds biggest shareholder. G-20 finance ministers and central bankers last month called on the fund to formulate a proposal, and Group of Seven countries last week said that they back a sizeable allocation of IMF resources to boost members reserves and provide liquidity to vulnerable countries. More than 200 groups including the Jubilee USA Network, a non-profit organization that advocates for debt relief for developing countries, had called on the G-20 to support the creation of $3 trillion in SDRs. They say the funds are needed to help free up resources for health care and social spending. Some Democrats in Congress had pledged support for a similar-sized move. But an SDR issuance of roughly $650 billion would be about the maximum that the U.S. Treasury can support without needing to get approval from Congress, depending on the exchange rate. This announcement is incredible progress, said Eric LeCompte, the executive director of Jubilee USA Network. Developing countries need these resources to confront the crisis as soon as possible. Representative French Hill, an Arkansas Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, has urged opposition to an issuance, calling it a giveaway to wealthy countries and rogue regimes such as China, Russia and Iran. Asked by Hill on Tuesday during a House Financial Services Committee hearing if Yellen could say that such dictatorships would not receive SDRs, she responded that countries will receive allocations according to their stakes in the IMF. The reserves plan faced fresh pushback on Tuesday from Senator Pat Toomey, a Pennsylvania Republican. Allocating new SDRs without congressional approval is an inappropriate and wasteful use of taxpayer dollars that would end up benefiting repressive regimes and state-sponsors of terrorism, Toomey said. Moreover, the use of SDRs enables foreign countries to partially control the global supply of U.S. dollars. I urge Secretary Yellen to abandon her support for this proposal. Yellen also indicated that countries are working toward an agreement with China on ensuring that the Asian country provides SDRs to poor nations and that funds arent used to repay loans from the Belt and Road Initiative, Yellen said. That refers to Chinas effort to build infrastructure including energy plants and railways in countries from Sri Lanka to Greece. Georgieva, who first advocated for a reserves issuance a year ago, has called for strong action to avoid a scenario where a few emerging markets recover faster but most developing countries are left to languish for years to come. The IMF last issued SDRs during the 2009 global financial crisis, and repeating the move could serve the world well again now, Georgieva said in a blog post last month. Yellen said Tuesday that she supports augmenting the reserves of countries that need it so that at this very difficult time we dont pressure countries to take contractionary, deflationary actions that would make recovery more difficult. Its especially important to channel the worlds resources to poor countries, she said. Contact editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@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. [March 24, 2021] Vocera and Status Solutions Announce New System Integrations Vocera Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCRA), a recognized leader in clinical communication and workflow solutions, announced it is partnering with Status Solutions (News - Alert) to enhance and expand alert management solutions in long-term care facilities across the United States. Status Solutions offers situational awareness technologies for life safety, security, environmental monitoring, and mass notification. Interoperability between Status Solutions' core alerting platform, SARA (Situational Awareness and Response Assistant), and the Vocera (News - Alert) Platform enables actionable notifications from clinical and operational systems to be routed to the right person or group via their hands-free Vocera Badge, smartphone app, or workstation. The relationship empowers intelligent integrations and alarm management with smart beds, resident monitors, fire panels and more. The two companies have partnered to help reduce interruption fatigue, speed up staff response times, and support long-term care customers during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. "Together with Vocera we are empowering clinical care team members with critical and contextual information to quickly mobilize the right people and resources," said Amy Jeffs, Vice President at Status Solutions, which is used in more than 1,200 senior living communities across the country. Elder Care Alliance integrated SARA and the hands-free Vocera Badge in four of its California communities. Alarm notifications from SARA are sent directly to Vocera devices worn by employees in assisted living and memory care centers. Each notification includes the resident's name, location, and event type. Average alarm response times improved by 23% across Elder Care Alliance between 2018 and 2019. Resident satisfaction scores related to staff responsiveness increased 11 percentage points between 2019 and 2020. "The integration between Vocera and SARA sped up our staff response times, helping us improve rsident safety and satisfaction," Carmel Dolcine-Joseph, Vice President of Wellness at Elder Care Alliance said. "It has also helped us standardize communication on a single device. Instead of carrying mobile phones, pagers and larger radios, our employees only need to wear the Vocera Badge to connect and collaborate." "Never more essential, effective communication that provides real-time situational awareness is critical to connecting staff and protecting residents across aged care communities," Brent Lang, Chairman and CEO of Vocera said. "We are proud to partner with Status Solutions and Elder Care Alliance, where the safety and well-being of residents, families and employees are top priorities." About Status Solutions Status Solutions is the pioneering provider of situational awareness technologies with a mission to keep people informed by delivering tools for life safety assurance, security monitoring, environmental awareness and mass notification. Our customized software solutions ensure the right information reaches the right people automatically via various portals and dashboards for faster, more efficient communication. We help organizations better collect, process, interpret and deliver their data to read, see, hear and do therefore managing risk while transforming business operations. Because right now matters most. For more information, visit www.statussolutions.com. About Vocera The mission of Vocera Communications, Inc. is to simplify and improve the lives of healthcare professionals, patients, and families while enabling hospitals to enhance quality of care and operational efficiency and humanize the healthcare experience. In 2000, when the company was founded, we began to forever change the way care teams communicate. Today, Vocera offers the leading platform for improving clinical communication and workflow. More than 2,300 facilities worldwide, including nearly 1,900 hospitals and healthcare facilities, have selected our solutions. Care team members use our solutions to communicate and collaborate with co-workers by securely texting or calling, and to be notified of important alerts and alarms. They can choose the right device for their role or task, including smartphones or our hands-free, wearable Vocera Smartbadge and Vocera Badge. They can create a richer, more human connection for patients and their loved ones before, during, and after care using Vocera Ease applications. Interoperability between the Vocera Platform and more than 150 clinical and operational systems helps reduce alarm fatigue; speed up staff response times; and improve patient care, safety, and experience. In addition to healthcare, Vocera solutions are found in luxury hotels, aged care facilities, retail stores, schools, power facilities, libraries, and more. Vocera solutions make mobile workers safer and more effective by enabling them to connect instantly with other people and access resources or information quickly. Vocera has made the list of Forbes 100 Most Trustworthy Companies in America, and the Vocera Smartbadge was named to TIME's list of the 100 Best Inventions of 2020. Learn more at www.vocera.com, and follow @VoceraComm and @VoceraEase on Twitter (News - Alert) . Vocera and the Vocera logo are trademarks of Vocera Communications, Inc. registered in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other trademarks appearing in this release are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005306/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Incumbent Prime Minister Mark Rutte is projected to have won the March 17 Dutch elections and is set to lead a fourth coalition government after a decade in power in the Netherlands. It was a widely expected victory by default, under conditions where none of the established parties opposed Ruttes policies of austerity and herd immunity on the COVID-19 pandemic. Official election results are to be finalised and announced on March 26. However, exit polls show Ruttes right-wing Peoples Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) won 22 percent of the vote and 36 seats, three more than in 2017, in the 150-seat Tweede Kamer. This slight increase was mainly due to first-time voters and a shift in votes away from the VVDs own former coalition partner, the conservative Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the 50Plus retirees party. Rutte with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House on 18 July 2019 (Photo: The White House) The liberal D66 party, another VVD coalition partner, emerged as the main beneficiary of the 2021 elections, with its highest vote ever since its foundation in 1966. It won 15 percent of the vote and 24 seats, five more than in the previous election, becoming the second-largest party in parliament. While as many as a quarter of D66 voters came from the VVD, many also came from former voters for the ex-Maoist Socialist Party (SP), the Green Left, and the Labour Party (PvdA). The elections have only confirmed that the Dutch political establishment is utterly impervious to the social aspirations and demands of the working class. In the last decade, Rutte has led three coalition governments, imposing draconian austerity and police-state measures, and slashing social spending by 47.4 billion just in the 2011-2016 period. Ruttes herd immunity policies have helped lead to a situation where a country three times smaller than the US state of New York, with a population of 17.4 million, has seen 1.2 million cases and 16,260 dead of COVID-19. The Dutch far right continued to gain ground, winning a total of 29 seats. Geert Wilders Party for Freedom (PVV) performed worse than predicted, however, coming only third with 17 seats, three fewer than in 2017. The Forum for Democracy (FvD) of Thierry Baudet, who received widespread media coverage during the election campaign, is expected to quadruple the number of seats it had, to eight, having obtained 5 percent of the vote. The far right capitalized on riots they organized against the curfews the Rutte government imposed as a token social-distancing measure against the pandemic. It could only do so, however, because no political party spoke for opposition to Rutte in the working class, on his left, calling for a lockdown policy determined by scientists and medical professionals to halt the spread of the virus. This reflects the political bankruptcy of the PvdA, Green Left, and the SP, all of whom essentially accepted Ruttes political agenda. This allowed D66, and thus the Rutte government, to politically profit by posing as the only alternative to the far right. The Brussels-based German think tank, International Politics and Society, wrote that D66 were the loudest opponents of Dutch right-wing populism. And D66 totally overran the left parties. While the PvdA, which has stagnated for years, remained unchanged at nine seats, the SP and the Green Left each lost almost half their seats to finish with respectively nine and seven seats. Its painful, GreenLeft leader Jesse Klaver told Politico-Europe, adding: GreenLeft has gained in many elections in a row, so it takes some getting used to losing now. SP leader Lilian Marijnissen said, wed hoped for more, and perhaps expected more too, and Politico reported that Marijnissens gut feeling was that the coronavirus crisis had dented the partys results. The SPs alignment on Ruttes herd immunity policy not only explains its electoral failure, but also exposes it as a petty-bourgeois party hostile to the workers. The SP ran a campaign based on accepting the European bourgeoisies herd immunity policy, and instead, dividing the working class by relentlessly targeting Muslims and immigrants with calls to step up draconian police-state measures. Marijnissen made clear in public interviews she could join a Rutte government. Campaigning on this right-wing basis, the SP ceded many of its votes either to D66 or to the FvD, 8 percent of whose voters were former SP voters. They played a crucial role in the political calculations of the Rutte government and the entire Dutch bourgeoisie, who organized these elections in an attempt to bury a devastating scandal threatening to bring down the government. Ruttes coalition officially resigned in January following the exposure of the states witch hunt, over a decade, of at least 20,000 beneficiaries of child benefit. Public parliamentary hearings exposed a ruthless and vindictive state apparatus, which falsely alleged benefit fraud and ruined families, primarily of immigrant backgrounds, demanding that they repay years of child benefit. The ruling establishment as a whole was implicated in this fascistic persecution of immigrants and Muslims. The election was designed to present voters with a false choice between the political status quo and neo-fascist reaction. On this basis, despite the Rutte governments murderous and reactionary record, it seems that Rutte was able to hang on to power. The population has clearly been politicized by the pandemic and the deepest social and economic crisis the Netherlands and Europe have seen in decades. An I&O Research and Ipsos-EenVandaag poll found that voter turnout in the Dutch election reached a 30-year record. With 82.6 percent of eligible voters casting their ballots, over 60 percent said health care was the central issue for them in the elections. With the SP and its political satellites working to block a movement to the left among workers, however, there was no alternative for workers to express their opposition to herd immunity policy and to European Union austerity measures. Under these conditions, the vote went either to the dead end of the D66 or of the far right. As one distorted expression of mass discontent towards official parties, three new, smaller parties entered parliament. The Farmer Citizen Movement (BBB) secured one seat. Two middle class parties, the free-market Volt Europe party and the BIJ1 party led by former TV and radio presenter Sylvana Simon, attracted a mostly Amsterdam-based constituency centred on postmodernist identity politics of race and gender. Alluding to entrepreneurs funding Volt Europe, the New York Times ran a piece on the Dutch elections throwing the limelight on Volt, stating, for years, right-wing populists have been a driving force in the Netherlands. But this week a pan-European party called Volt shook things up. The Times speculated that Volt, whose leader in the Netherlands, Laurens Dassen, investigates money laundering for ABN Amro Bank, could join the Rutte government. It also highlighted the BIJ1 party, which it called anti-capitalist. The COVID-19 pandemic provides a particularly devastating exposure of the bankruptcy of such organisations, however, which ignore critical needs of the working class and adapt themselves to the policies of militarism and social austerity dictated by the European financial aristocracy. Half the Dutch population does not have access to affordable housing, with homelessness doubling between 2009 and 2019 to 40,000, a million people live below the official poverty line, and more than 30 percent of the entire workforce subsists on flex-contract jobs. None of these critical issues were seriously addressed in the campaign. The Netherlandsthe last country to start a vaccination programme in Europe, which slashed half its intensive care units under the last three Rutte governmentsbrought him back to power by default. Whatever reactionary coalition government emerges from the talks following this election, it will be viciously hostile to the working class. The way forward to mobilise the working class against the herd immunity, austerity and militarist policies of the capitalist class is to build its own party, sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in the Netherlands and beyond, to fight to build a socialist movement in the working class against austerity, the pandemic and war. George Segal, whose long career began in serious drama but who became one of Americas most reliable and familiar comic actors, first in the movies and later on television, died on Tuesday in Santa Rosa, Calif. He was 87. The cause was complications of bypass surgery, according to his wife, Sonia Segal. Sandy-haired, conventionally if imperfectly handsome, with a grin that could be charming or smug and a brow that could knit with sincerity or a lack of it, Mr. Segal walked a line between leading man and supporting actor. To younger people he was best known for his work in comedy ensembles on prime-time network shows, playing the publisher of a fashion magazine on Just Shoot Me! and a frolicsome grandfather on The Goldbergs, a raucous family show set in the 1980s. But decades earlier, when he was a rising young actor, a handful of dramatic roles placed him on the verge of A-list stardom. eGlass, created in collaboration with San Diego State University physics professor Matt Anderson, solves an age-old problem for teachers and professors: maintaining engagement with learners as they must turn their back to students while writing on a traditional whiteboard or chalkboard. "Engagement goes through the roof as soon as students are introduced to eGlass," said Marcia Kish, a well known blended learning specialist, and founder of DSD Professional Development. "When we get them engaged, we get better test scores and kids want to come to class. Hybrid teaching is not going away - eGlass bridges the gap so teachers can interact with both their virtual and on-site students. This is truly a game changer." Studies have shown that the resulting loss of nonverbal cues and eye contact has a catastrophic impact on retention of information. (Source: Psychology Today) "I'm proud to report that the chalkboard and whiteboard are now officially obsolete," explained Ji Shen, CEO and founder of Pathway, the company behind both eGlass and the wildly successful HoverCam line of edtech products. "The problem is simple, but creating the solution wasn't. Teachers have told us that they need a simple way to engage with their students while writing on a board. After a long and arduous engineering process, we know eGlass delivers, and the initial response has surpassed our expectations - we can't build them fast enough. We look forward to providing eGlass to everyone who is ready to bring learning into the modern era." How it works eGlass is an all-in-one, transparent writing surface with built-in camera and adjustable lighting that engages students while the teacher writes - making it ideal for remote, hybrid, blended and traditional classrooms. With teachers looking toward the camera, students benefit from seeing facial expressions and gestures, as if they are right in front of the teacher. As the instructor writes on the glass, eGlass's built-in software automatically flips the image so the writing reads left to right for students. The surface's embedded LEDs intensify the pen ink with an eye-catching glow that is highly visible on-screen and in person. Available in 35-inch and 50-inch models, eGlass is easy to set up and use. Instructors simply plug it into a PC, Mac, or Chromebook via USB cable. Bundled intuitive software is fully compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Google Meet and more. Already a Hit with Educators While eGlass will begin accepting orders from the general public today, it previously manufactured a limited run of 2,000 units after the device was unveiled in January - which sold out almost immediately. In addition, feedback from both educators and learners who have already tried out eGlass has been unanimously positive. For example: "As soon as I showed my kids eGlass, they all turned their cameras on. The kids were excited and engaged through the power of the eGlass system. When my principal saw it, he said every teacher needs to have this!" - Andrea Jahnke , art teacher from West Geauga High School in Chesterland, OH . , art teacher from West Geauga High School in . "eGlass is SO COOL. I totally blew my kids' minds today!" - Delia Bush , 5th Grade teacher, Kenowa Hills Online Learning Academy, Grand Rapids, MI , 5th Grade teacher, Kenowa Hills Online Learning Academy, "The new eGlass lightboard is amazing! Game changer for hybrid/remote learning AND Deaf Education" - Natasha Rausch , teacher at The Learning Center for the Deaf in Framingham, MA Available Now in Multiple Sizes eGlass is available in two sizes - 35" and 50". MSRP is $2,198 for the 35" and $3,298 for the 50" model. Special pricing for the education sector is available which brings the cost of the 35" model below $1,999 for school districts. To request a quote or to book a demonstration, call 858-750-3499 or email [email protected]. View the eGlass media kit here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zeq6l60w40d0yoj/AADD0dO4SrYn5ICfUmuqRKTUa?dl=0 About Pathway Innovations and Technologies, Inc. Based in San Diego, CA, Pathway Innovations and Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2009 by EdTech entrepreneur and inventor, Ji Shen. Pathway is a technology leader in the education market focused on setting the standard for the 21st century classroom. Working closely with the education and technology communities, Pathway's portfolio of collaborative products, all powered by the company's social learning interface, include eGlass, a revolutionary transparent writing glass for instructors; and the award winning HoverCam line of document cameras and teaching stations. To date, Pathway's solutions have been integrated into approximately 400,000 classrooms worldwide. For more information visit www.eglass.io. Follow us: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Contact: Joseph Milholland Lightspeed PR/M [email protected] SOURCE eGlass by Pathway Innovations Related Links http://www.eglass.io 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. Doses of the COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in Texas in mid-December, marking a significant milestone in the battle against the virus. The vaccines were only eligible for a few groups at the beginning of 2021, but all Texas adults will be eligible as of March 29. As of March 21, 9.3 million doses of the vaccine had been administered across Texas and more than 6.3 million people had received at least one dose, according to state data. In total, about 11% of the Texas population had been fully vaccinated. VACCINES FOR ALL: All Texas adults will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccine Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas? All adults are eligible for the vaccine in Texas beginning March 29. State officials say they are asking providers to prioritize Texans who are 80 and older. The vaccines are not limited to Texas residents, and citizenship is not a requirement for the vaccine. Before March 29, the state prioritized vaccines for front-line health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff as part of Phase 1A. Phase 1B prioritized Texans who are 65 years and older, and people who are at least 16 and have qualifying health conditions that put them at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, some of these conditions are: Cancer. Chronic kidney disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy. Solid organ transplantation. Obesity and severe obesity. Pregnancy. Sickle cell disease. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. As of March 3, all school staff, Head Start program staff, and child care staff could receive a vaccine in Texas. The notice came after the Biden administration urged all states to prioritize vaccinating teachers and school staff. Texans age 50 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 15 the news came on the same day Texas' mask mandate ended. DOCTOR CLEARED: Texas Medical Board clears Houston-area doctor accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccine Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine? Check with your health care provider. The vaccine will be available at a range of health care providers like health clinics and hospitals but most people will likely get vaccinated at their doctors office or a pharmacy. Some providers are also requiring Texans to register for an appointment to get the vaccine to minimize traffic flow. Weve heard from a number of Texans who have been unable to make an appointment to get a vaccine in their areas. Keep trying in the weeks to come. The vaccine is still in short supply as the announcement makes about 22 million people eligible on Monday. The state has been allocated more than 14 million doses since distribution began in December far short of the supply needed to fully vaccinate everyone right away. The state is also launching a website next week for people to sign up for vaccines at public health centers and state-run clinics. The Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler will alert participants to upcoming events and available appointments. For those who do not have access to the internet, the state will also be creating a hotline for appointments by phone, officials said. Some counties, including Brazoria and Galveston, responded by immediately inviting anyone 16 and older who wants the shot to sign up on local waiting lists now. Vaccines are also available at local providers like pharmacies. Texans can use this map to find vaccines near them. Gov. Greg Abbott said in December that more than 7,200 providers across the state had enrolled to administer vaccine doses as they become available. Among these are state designated vaccination hubs capable of vaccinating up to 100,000 people helping streamline distribution as the number of eligible Texans grows. Contact information for the hubs can be found here. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state emergency management officials are also running mass vaccination sites aimed at underserved communities in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The sites are NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Fair Park in Dallas. Residents need a reservation before showing up to these sites. FEMA is getting the names of Texans eligible to receive their vaccinations at these sites from those already signed up with the counties, according to NBC DFW. The governor has also said some 1,100 members of the Texas National Guard will administer vaccines to older people in their homes in rural and isolated areas of the state. The renewed effort to reach older Texans who are unable to leave or have difficulty leaving their homes, an effort dubbed Save Our Seniors, launched Feb. 22. The state will work with organizations like Meals On Wheels and nursing groups to identify homebound older Texans who have volunteer to be vaccinated. The Lone Star State is prepared to swiftly distribute the #COVID19 vaccine within 24-48 hours of arrival to those who voluntarily choose to be immunized. A Texas-sized thank you to Operation Warp Speed for making this historic distribution possible. https://t.co/L17rt9H5ku Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) December 8, 2020 Why is my provider saying they dont have a vaccine available? As thousands of Texans have come to discover in recent weeks, doses of the coronavirus vaccine have remained in short supply. Shipments of the vaccine first began arriving at Texas hospitals on Dec. 14. Under Phase 1A of the states rollout, the limited supply was reserved for front-line health care workers, as well as residents and staff members of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, which have been decimated by the virus. The second group authorized to get a vaccine in Texas, referred to as 1B, consists of Texans 65 and older, and people who are at least 16 with certain medical conditions. The state has dealt with with a short supply of doses, poor messaging from state officials, technical errors and logistical delays. The winter storm in February also caused vaccination delays. How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requires that vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars be given at no cost. But providers are allowed to charge an administration fee, which can be reimbursed through insurance. People without insurance will not be charged, according to DSHS. For people covered under Medicare or Medicaid, the federal government will cover the cost of the vaccine and any fees. Texas COVID-19 vaccination plan requires providers to administer the vaccine regardless of the vaccine recipients ability to pay COVID-19 vaccine administration fees. STILL THINKING ABOUT IT?: If you're still skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccine, this is for you Im a veteran. What do I need to know about getting the vaccine? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is working with the CDC and other federal partners to develop a phased plan. It is currently offering vaccine doses to two groups: veterans living in the VAs long-term care facilities and VA health care personnel. If youre eligible to get the vaccine through the VA, you do not need to reserve a dose or go to a facility to request one your VA health care team should contact you. When more doses are available, the VA will determine when it can provide them through its community provider network. After the first two groups, it will begin to offer vaccine doses to more veterans who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The VA plans to offer a free COVID-19 dose to all veterans receiving VA health care who want one once there are enough doses available. How many shots of the vaccine do I need? Two of the coronavirus vaccines Moderna and Pfizer authorized in the United States need two shots to be effective, according to the CDC. A third, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, only requires one dose. Once youve received all of the required doses of the vaccine you were given, health experts still recommend wearing a mask to cover your nose and mouth when you're outside of your home. Will I be notified when to receive the second dose? Will I be required to schedule an appointment? According to DSHS, when you get the vaccine, you will receive information about what kind of vaccine you got and if you need to go back for a second dose. You can also register for the V-safe After Vaccination Health Checker to receive health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, along with reminders to get your second dose if you need one. Only two of the current three vaccines authorized in the United States require two doses. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose. How long after the second shot does it take before the vaccine reaches maximum immunity? For the vaccines that require two doses, you will usually develop full protection one to two weeks after getting your second dose. At this time, experts do not know how long that protection will last or whether a booster shot will be necessary after the initial recommended vaccine dose(s). The CDC says it wont know how long immunity lasts after vaccination until it has more data on how well COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. The CDC and DSHS will keep the public informed as they learn more. Can I gather with other people once I get both doses of the vaccine? People who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing, according to the CDC. But they recommend to keep those gatherings small. Officials also say that fully vaccinated people can gather in the same way with people considered at low-risk for severe disease, such as vaccinated grandparents visiting visiting healthy children and grandchildren, as long as the unvaccinated people are from the same low-risk household. Health officials say a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. The new guidance does not mention anything related to travel, and visiting restaurants or other places, even as several states have begun loosening COVID-19 restrictions on businesses. The guidance also doesn't mention anything about people who've gained some level of immunity from having been infected and recovered from the virus. Fully vaccinated people should still follow steps to protect themselves and others like wearing a mask and social distance when out in public, gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household and visiting with an high-risk unvaccinated people or people who live with them. How is Texas keeping track of whos gotten the first dose? The Texas Department of State Health Services has a map that tracks where doses of the coronavirus vaccines are going and how many people are receiving them. The states dashboard has so far separated the numbers by the phase. But the states numbers could lag up to two days behind what's happening on the ground. Providers have 24 hours to report their vaccination statistics to the agency, which updates its numbers each afternoon with data reported by midnight the day before. How will I know when to get my second dose of the vaccine? Texans should receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card when they get their first dose of the vaccine. This card will include: the date of their first dose; the dose manufacturers name and the lot number of the vaccine; the health care professional or clinic site; and the date to return for their second dose, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texans who receive a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can also book their second dose during their appointment for the first one. If they dont, they can make the appointment later. The provider may also contact them proactively to schedule the follow-up dose. The health department recommends people get their second dose at the same location they got their first so each provider has an opportunity to order a matching number of second doses to arrive at the appropriate time. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose. Are there different reactions to the vaccine depending on the manufacturer? There are three manufacturers whose vaccines are currently approved for use in the US: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the most common side effect reported for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is a headache. Fatigue or chills were the next most frequent symptoms reported by people whove received the vaccine. Texas has seen similar symptoms reported compared to the national symptoms reported by the manufacturers. Side effects related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine include pain at injection site, headache, feeling very tired, muscle aches, nausea and fever, according to the manufacturer. If my first dose is by one manufacturer, can I receive a dose from the other for the second? The second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be from the same manufacturer. This is why the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends returning to the same location as the first dose for the second one. Who decides who is eligible to receive doses of the vaccine? Decisions on how doses of the vaccine are allocated are made by a state panel of advisers including lawmakers, state and local health officials, and medical experts and researchers. The group, known as the Expert Vaccine Advisory Panel, provides recommendations for final approval by Hellerstedt. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? Yes. Health experts and public officials widely agree that the vaccine is safe. The three currently approved vaccine manufacturers Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson reported their vaccines are 95%, 94% and 72% effective, respectively, at protecting people from serious illness. While no vaccine is without side effects, clinical trials for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson show serious reactions are rare. Abbott received his first dose of the vaccine last month, telling reporters, I will never ask a Texan to do something Im not willing to do myself. Should I still get the vaccine if Ive had COVID-19? Yes. Medical experts recommend that people who have had COVID-19 should still get the vaccine. Research has shown that people can be reinfected with the virus, and the vaccine adds an extra layer of protection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If someones treatment included monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, they should talk to their doctor before scheduling a vaccine appointment. The CDC recommends that people who received those treatments should wait 90 days before getting the vaccine. Should I still wear a mask after I get the vaccine? Yes. Texans should continue to engage in safer practices like social distancing, wearing a mask whenever theyre around people outside of their immediate household and washing their hands frequently, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Wearing a mask lessens the chances of contracting the virus. Health experts estimate 75% to 90% of Texans would need to achieve immunity to COVID-19 for the state to reach herd immunity. It's also currently unknown if getting a COVID-19 vaccine prevents people from spreading the virus, according to the CDC. When will Texas get more COVID-19 vaccine doses? New doses of the vaccine will continue to arrive in Texas over the coming months. Public health experts estimate it will take between six and nine months for the vaccine to be widely available to everyone who wants it. Health officials have also said more vaccination hubs capable of helping thousands of Texans will be announced as weekly shipments get bigger. The Texas Department of State Health Services said the hubs will be required to set up registration phone numbers and websites and to focus on the most vulnerable communities in their regions. Contact information for the hubs can be found here. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and state emergency management officials have also begun running mass vaccination sites aimed at underserved communities in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. The sites are NRG Stadium in Houston, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and Fair Park in Dallas. Residents need a reservation before showing up to these sites. How will Texans in rural areas without reliable transportation get the vaccine? For older Texans who need help accessing the vaccine, there are several initiatives happening at both the state and local levels, says Douglas Loveday, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Local chapters of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging have helped identify and set appointments for locals to be vaccinated. Loveday also said several councils of governments across the state have been helping people in more rural areas by pairing older Texans with smaller, local providers including pharmacies to help ease the vaccine process for them. These services are also available to people of any age who qualify for the vaccine because of other conditions. For example, the Rio Grande Council of Governments is contacting Texans in those seven counties and the The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo who are part of phase 1B to help them schedule appointments or provide them with information to get them vaccinated. Texans can find useful contacts for their council in this directory. Loveday also said some local health departments will move older Texans or those who cannot stand for long time to the front of the queue at vaccine sites. And some parts of the state have opened drive-thru vaccine sites, including Dallas, Fort Bend and Brazoria. Ive tried everything to get a vaccine. I cant get one or get my question answered. Who do I contact at the state level? If you have questions or concerns, or you would like more information about COVID-19 vaccine distribution, you can email coronavirus@dshs.texas.gov or call 211 and choose Option 6. To reach an elected official, you can find who represents you in Congress and in the Texas Legislature and their contact information by typing your address into the Tribunes Elected Officials Directory. Disclosure: H-E-B has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. March 16, 2021 marked the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines. Many Filipinos around the worldcelebrated that day as the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. For some, the status of the Philippines as a bastion of Christianity in Asia is a matter of great pride. However, for me and a number of my Filipino and Filipino-American or -Canadian sisters and brothers, March 16, 2021 was not a day to be celebrated. That is because it was the 500th anniversary of Western efforts to colonize the Philippine islands, a grim reminder of the five centuries of Western violence against Asian peoples. The story of the arrival of Magellan and Christianity in what would came to be called the Philippines cannot be told without reference to Mactan, where one of the Datus resisted the pressure to accept Christianity and would not in any way obey the king of Spain. In response, Magellan attacked Mactan, where he was killed in battle. Magellan was not the first, and certainly not the last Westerner to advance a violent colonial agenda in Asia or against Asian peoples. Nevertheless, this inauspicious day was a poignant reminder to me and to others of the long history of violence against Asian peoples, as well as of the ways that Christianity has been intertwined with that history of violence and has been used to justify or obscure the horrors of that violence. It is a part of the history of this nation as well. More than three hundred years after Magellans arrival in the Philippines, US President William McKinley gave an address to United Methodist pastors meant to justify the US invasion of the Philippines. In that address, McKinley stated that, since Filipinos were unfit for self-government, there was nothing left for us to do but to take them all, and to educate the Filipinos, and uplift and civilize and Christianize them and by God's grace do the very best we could by them, as our fellow men for whom Christ also died. The US invasion of the Philippines and subsequent pacification campaign (1898-1913) resulted in the deaths of over 1 million Filipinos. On March 16, 2021, I was still lamenting and processing the killing of Angelo Quinto, a 30-year old Filipino-American who had been killed by police. They knelt on his neck for almost five minutes. Despite the injustice of his death at the hands of police, the cry for justice for him has not received the attention that it deserves. That day, with AAPI history month coming up in April (observed a month early so that it fits our academic calendar), I spent more than two hours in a meeting with fellow staff and faculty leaders at Wheaton College planning events that would name and address the injustice of his death, and draw attention to broader issues of anti-Asian violence, hatred, and their relationship to the history of colonialism. March 16, 2021 was also the day on which Daoyou Feng, Yong A. Yue, Hyun Jung Grant, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Delaina Yaun, Soon C. Park, and Suncha Kim were killed by Robert Aaron Long, who targeted Asian-owned massage businesses in three shootings in the Atlanta area. Six of the victims were Asian women. According to police, the shooting was not racially motivated. Instead, they claimed that Long was addicted to sex and was trying to eliminate a temptation by targeting Asian massage businesses. It has been confirmed that Long is a Christian and was a member of a Baptist church. This language of temptation is all too familiar to many of us who inhabit evangelical church spaces. Lives were taken, Asian businesses and people were targeted, in order to keep a white man from temptation, to keep him from sinning, as though the state of his soul was more important than the lives of the victims. There are reasons why the Asian communities know that racism was a major factor in the Atlanta shootings. The exoticization and sexual objectification of Asian women has long been understood as a racist trope, one that our communities are very much familiar with because it so frequently impacts and endangers the women in our communities. Moreover, it should be obvious that targeting Asian businesses and killing mostly Asian people indicates without much doubt that racism was a factor in the shootings. A tree is known by its fruit. This crime exists at the intersection of racism, misogyny, and class. There can be and often are multiple elements that inform motivations. We need to reject and resist the idea that anti-Asian hatred and violence are unique to this moment in time or are solely tied to the pandemic. There is history on these shores as well. Our Asian American communities have many different stories that speak to this. To draw examples just from Filipino-American history, the history that I know best, Fred Cordova counts some thirty communities throughout the United States in which Filipinos experienced racial confrontations, agitations, harassments, beatings, rock-throwings, burnings, knifings, shootings, bombings, riots, and killings through the late 1920s and early 1930s. This includes the horrific case of the Watsonville riots of 1930, when mobs of white Americans formed hunting parties and went house to house dragging Filipinos from their homes and beating them, as well as firing guns into homes, and destroying property. 22-year old Fermin Tobera was killed, shot through the heart. In 1927, mobs of white men attacked Japanese and Filipino immigrants in the Yakima Valley, Washington, driving them from their homes with death threats. The words of one angry white man in the valley are a chilling reminder that history is not always so distant: If I had my way, I would declare open season on all Filipinos and there would be no bag limit. Bringing an end to the five centuries of violence requires not only resistance from Asians and Asian-Americans. It also requires our White brothers and sisters to acknowledge the history of violence and colonialism, to repent of it, and to stand in solidarity and in commitment to change. It requires taking anti-Asian violence and racism seriously. It feels very much as though it took Asian-American blood crying out from the ground, not one life, but many, far too many, for our cries from the margins to be heard. We can learn from the biblical example of the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10. Cornelius was not a local man who had joined the Roman military. We can learn much about him from Acts 10:1. Cornelius had a Latin name and was a member of the Italian Cohort (v. 1), a unit raised in the Roman heartland. He was also a centurion and thus a man of high military status. Cornelius was a colonizer and military occupier. He was not a Jew, a Nabatean, or a Phoenician. He was stationed at Caesarea Maritima, a Roman outpost on the Levantine coast. Yet, in this meeting between colonizer and colonized, Cornelius falls at Peters feet (v. 25). It is a symbol of the posture of humility and reversal that peacemaking requires. Then, very specifically and most importantly, Cornelius listened (v. 33). It was while he listened that the Holy Spirit fell upon him (v. 44). If you are reading this as a non-Asian person and want to stand alongside your Asian and Asian-American brothers and sisters, acknowledging the threat and fear that we face and not dismissing the reality and severity of what has been going on would be a good start. Learn from the example of Cornelius and listen. Do not reduce the killing that happened on March 16, 2021 to a one-off act of sin. There is a long history of violence, colonialism, exploitation, and white supremacy stretching back five centuries that needs to be reckoned with. Being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, the crucified king, requires us to take up our crosses and follow him. In so doing, we are called to recognize the things that make for peace (cf. Luke 19:42) and to live into the reality of the weak shaming the strong (1 Cor 1:27). It will mean following a King who declined to call upon legions of angels in violence. It will mean extricating the cross from the sword in our practice, our teaching, our missions, our churches, our preaching. 500 years of violence. 500 years of the intertwining of the cross and the sword. Enough. Dr. Jordan J. Ryan is Assistant Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. [March 24, 2021] Discover Financial Services Announces 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Discover Financial Services will be holding its 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. Central time. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will be hosted entirely online. All shareholders of record of our outstanding shares of common stock at the close of business on March 8, 2021, are entitled to participate and vote at the Annual Meeting. Shareholders can access the meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/220551899. The password to the meeting is DFS2021. For more information on how to register and participate in this year's Annual Meeting of Shareholders, please refer to the Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting section within our 2021 proxy statement, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on Discover's corporate website at https://investorrelations.discover.com. Shareholders will be able to listen live to the Annual Meeting at www.meetingcenter.io/220551899. A replay of the meeting will be available shortly thereafter at https://investorrelations.discover.com. About Discover Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a digital banking and payment services company with one of the most trusted brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance around the world. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005974/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. Neighbor, which operates a self-storage marketplace, announced Wednesday that it has raised $53 million in a Series B round of funding. Fifth Wall led the financing, which notably also included participation from returning backer Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and new investors DoorDash CEO Tony Xu and StockX CEO Scott Cutler. Xu and Cutler will join former Uber CEO Ryan Graves as investors and advisors to the Lehi, Utah-based startup. A16z led Neighbor's $10 million Series A in January of 2020. At a time when the commercial real estate world is struggling, self-storage is an asset class that continues to perform extremely well. Neighbors unique model aims to repurpose under-utilized or vacant space -- whether it be a persons basement or the empty floor of an office building -- and turn it into storage. Colton Gardner, Joseph Woodbury and Preston Alder co-founded Neighbor.com in 2017 with the mission of giving people a more accessible and personal alternative to store their belongings. Image Credits: Neighbor The $40 billion self-storage industry is ripe for a shake-up, considering that most people are used to renting space out of buildings located in not necessarily convenient locations. Neighbor has developed a unique peer-to-peer model, connecting renters in need of storage space with hosts in their neighborhood who are willing to lease storage space in their home, garage or even driveway. The company says it has hosts on the platform making more than $50,000 a year in passive income. We really grew into a national business over the last year and now have active renters in more states than Public Storage, which is a $43 billion publicly traded company, CEO Woodbury said. Neighbor makes money by charging a service fee (a sliding-scale percentage) of each rent. Its algorithms provide suggested rental fees for hosts. COVID has only accelerated Neighbors business, with revenue growing 5x and organic reservations increasing 7x year over year. Story continues If you think about it, fundamentally on the demand side, everyone's moving out of these major metro areas like New York and San Francisco, and are moving to these more rural locations. All that moving activity has created a lot more storage demand, Woodbury told TechCrunch. In addition to that, people are just spending more time at home and cleaning out their homes more. And they no doubt need storage as a result of that. It also doesnt hurt that the company claims the self-storage offered on its marketplace on average is priced about 40% to 50% less than traditional storage facilities. Neighbor also partners with commercial real estate operators to turn their under-utilized or vacant retail, multifamily or office space into self-storage. This provides new revenue streams to landlords hurting from the pandemic keeping so many people at home. And that increased demand led to Neighbors commercial real estate footprint growing 10x in 2020. With its new capital, the company plans to expand its nationwide network of hosts and renters as well as continue to spread awareness of its marketplace. We have tens of millions of square feet of self storage on the platform, Woodbury said. The beauty of that square footage is that it's in every single state. But we want to continue to expand nationally and as we grow and mature, well turn our eyes globally as well. Interestingly, before leading the round for Neighbor, Fifth Wall approached the company about business development opportunities. Partner Dan Wenhold said he offered to introduce the concept to the real estate venture firms LPs, which include more than 65 of the worlds largest owners and operators of real estate from 15 countries. For example, Fifth Wall partners Acadia Realty Trust and Jamestown are already onboarding properties onto Neighbors platform. We are sort of the bridge between the largest owners and operators of physical real estate assets and the most disruptive technologies that are impacting those property managers and landlords, Wenhold said. And Neighbor fits perfectly into that thesis for us. After introducing Neighbor to a short list of Fifth Walls strategic LP partners, the feedback the firm got was fantastic, Wenhold said. A lot of owners in retail, office and even multi-family expressed interest in working with Neighbor to help monetize space, he added. The companys mission also has a sustainable component considering that creating self-storage space out of existing property can help minimize the amount of new construction that takes place. Fifth Wall, Wenhold added, is aware of the waste and the emissions that come from the construction process to build new space and admires Neighbors role in minimizing that. Our firm ardently pursued the opportunity to invest in a transformative proptech business like Neighbor, he said. Kofi Adams, the Member of Parliament(MP) for Buem Constituency in the Oti Region has lashed out at President Akufo-Addo for increasing taxes in the 2021 budget without first creating an avenue for Ghanaians to make more money. According to him, Ghanaians are worse-off now to demand from them to pay extra taxes after enjoying free water and electricity which they believed to be a gift from the government as many have lost their jobs and businesses. The reason why the government provided free water and electricity, it has now become worse for the government to tax the people. Those who were asked to stay home during the early stage of the Covid-19 have now lost their jobs. Some of them may have worked during the partial lockdown but now most people have lost their jobs and the companies are not back on their feet again. You have not created an avenue for the people to make more money before you tax them; even in their struggle to survive as companies and as individuals, asking them to pay more taxes is not reasonable, he chided. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Kofi Adams reminded the government that Ghanaians are still in very difficult times to ask them to pay more taxes. If you go to many countries, this is the time they are giving freebies to their people. They are giving cheques to their people to cushion their lives. This is not the time for the government to tell Ghanaians that the freebies they provided during the partial lockdown, the people should pay taxes on them, he charged. Any other taxes the government has introduced, I dont understand because if you go round to listen to the concerns of business folks and those who dont have any employment, I dont think that this level of taxation will help anybody in the country, he said. He, however, charged the Akufo-Addo government to remove some of the taxes and redirect some of them to profit rather than asking the people to pay more taxes before finding means to make a profit. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Press Release March 24, 2021 EXPLANATION OF VOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 7332 RENEWING THE FRANCHISE OF DITO TELECOMMUNITY CORPORATION Senator Francis N. Pangilinan Mr. President, my dear colleagues: We recognize the crucial role of fast, reliable, accessible, and cheap internet and telecommunications services in the daily lives of our citizens, most especially during this pandemic. Online classes and work from home setups amplify the need for more quality and affordable telecommunications providers. We understand that a third telco or a fourth or a fifth or a sixth telco, these are vital to improve our telco industry, but we should not close our eyes to the national security issues as well as the threats to our sovereignty surrounding this particular telco. In previous committee hearings and the Department of National Defense budget deliberations as early as 2019, we have consistently raised concerns about State-owned China Telecom's forty percent (40%) ownership in Dito. The Chinese Government, through the Chinese National Intelligence Law (CNIL) of 2017 and the Chinese Counter-Espionage Law (CEL) of 2014, has the power to compel China Telecom to monitor and investigate foreign individuals and institutions and conduct espionage activities on them. This is especially concerning because Dito and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have agreed to put up cell sites in our military bases. Precisely because of these national security concerns and concerns on [the] possible infringement on our sovereignty, I requested to have an executive session with Dito and our national security officials during the December 7, 2020 Committee on Public Services hearing. Unfortunately, Senate lockdown, the increase in Covid cases, [have] prevented us from undertaking this executive session. Earlier this month, the Philippine Coast Guard spotted over two hundred (200) Chinese vessels at the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea -- within our country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Chinese are already -- if the Philippines was a home -- the Chinese are already in front of our doorsteps. We cannot allow them to enter. For these reasons, Mr. President, I regret to vote NO to House Bill No. 7332. Maraming salamat. Another porn giant faces class action lawsuit for hosting child sex trafficking videos Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Another leading online pornography company is facing the possibility of a class action lawsuit alleging that it profits from child sexual abuse material and sex trafficking. Filed in the U.S. District Court for Central California, the complaint seeking class action status was filed against XVideos and its parent company, WebGroup Czech Republic, on behalf of a victim identified only as Jane Doe. The lawsuit was filed by the National Center for Sexual Exploitation in consultation with five other survivor-focused and commercial litigation law firms. The court filing contends that Doe is a victim and survivor of childhood sex trafficking featured in videos of childhood sexual abuse sold, published and distributed on websites owned and operated by XVideos. Neither XVideos, nor any other website, owned or operated by WGCZ Defendants undertook any measure to verify Jane Does identity or age, the lawsuit argues. As a result, child sex abuse material (CSAM) depicting Jane Doe was distributed broadly throughout the world on Defendants internet websites. The lawsuit also claims that the company commercially monetized the images, violating the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. XVideos not only violated the law by hosting Jane Does child sexual abuse material, it profited from her abuse given that each image and video of her was monetized, NCOSE Senior Legal Counsel Dani Pinter said in a statement. This cannot be allowed to stand and remain unchallenged. Victims of childhood sexual abuse such as Jane Doe unequivocally deserve justice. The lawsuit says the name Doe extends to represent a class of numerous victims who, as children, had their child sexual abuse images published and monetized by XVideos. The website boasts 200 million daily visitors and 6 billion daily impressions on various websites. The court filing states that Doe was trafficked when she was just 14 and was forced by a sex trafficker to participate in the creation of videos of adults engaging in sex acts with her. As a minor, Jane Does traffickers also sold her for sex and some of the sex acts forced upon Jane Doe were recorded on video and uploaded to the XVideos website, the lawsuit details, noting that she was not paid for her participation in the videos. Videos of adults engaging in sex acts with Jane Doe while she was a minor were uploaded and disseminated through websites owned, operated and/or controlled by Defendants, including, but not limited to XVideos, the filing adds. Videos of these sex acts with the minor Jane Doe continued to turn profits as they were reviewed, downloaded, stored, and disseminated. The complaint argues that XVideos profited financially from the videos through the sale of advertising and by drawing users to their websites to view the videos. Jane Doe knows that her videos have been downloaded, using the easy-to-find Download button that WGCZ placed on its websites, the complaint reads. The lawsuit contends that XVideos not only benefited from a sex trafficking venture and distributed child pornography but also failed to report child sexual abuse material. The Christian Post reached out to XVideos for comment on the complaint. A response is pending. Pinter praised Doe as courageous for sharing her story to help other victims of XVideos. We stand ready to help others who have experienced similar abuse at the hands of XVideos or any other WGCZ entities, Pinter stated. It is time to end this pornography companys abuses and egregious violations of the law. The lawsuit comes as MindGeek, the parent company of several major porn websites, including Pornhub, is under investigation and facing its own lawsuits filed on behalf of child sex abuse survivors. Last month, two unnamed plaintiffs accused Pornhub of hosting and profiting off videos of their abuse uploaded to the popular pornography website. They filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Sex traffickers and the Defendants worked together to earn a profit from commercial sex acts and child pornography involving the Plaintiffs and Class members, states the complaint. MindGeeks platform traditionally made it easy for traffickers, rapists, or would-be criminals to go undetected as account holders or managers who would control and recover any associated compensation. In December, 40 women sued Pornhub. They claim that the company profited from their exploitation as victims of sex trafficking. Last week, more than 70 Canadian lawmakers called for MindGeek to be investigated by police amid the mounting allegations that the company profited from the sexual exploitation of children. Canadian Parliament members from all eight political parties wrote a letter to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police supporting the requests of 104 survivors and 525 nongovernmental organizations from across the globe who have called for a criminal investigation into the Canada-based Pornhub, one of the largest porn sites in the world. ROME, MAR 24 - NAS health police inspected AstraZeneca vaccine batches bound for Belgium at a production plant at Anagni south of Rome at the weekend after the European Commission asked Premier Mario Draghi to do so, sources said Wednesday. Draghi informed Health Minister Roberto Speranz who instructed the Carabinieri hygiene unit to carry out the inspection. All outgoing batches are inspected by the NAS, the sources said. (ANSA). The merger of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre into the UT cadre, among other things, is meant to address the old problem of the acute shortage of IAS officers in the Union territory. The erstwhile J&K cadre had a stipulated strength of 137 IAS officers but currently has merely 58, of which nine are on Central deputation. The result is that practically every IAS officer in the UT is handling several portfolios, which is not exactly great news for good governance. The problem has lingered for several years, with the result that officers of the Kashmir Administrative Service have long been handling posts reserved for IAS officers, without being promoted to the IAS. For instance, the post of district magistrate (DM) can only be filled by an IAS officer, but in Kashmir, nine out of 20 district magistrates are from the state administrative service. Apparently, no state administrative service officer has been inducted into the IAS since 2012, which has only accentuated the problem. While in other parts of the country there is a 37 per cent reserved quota for state service officers, in Kashmir it has become 50 per cent! The cadre merger, the Centre hopes, will allow officers in the AGMUT cadre to be posted in J&K and Ladakh, and vice-versa. Until that happens it is the state service babus who will continue to hold most of the administrative positions in the Union territory. A high-profile exit P.K. Sinha, senior advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, quietly put in his papers but cannot stop tongues from wagging. It is being said that the former Cabinet secretary is being primed for another role by Mr Modi. Among the theories doing the rounds, it is being speculated that Mr Sinha could be the next lieutenant governor of either Delhi or Puducherry. This may not be without precedent. Recall 2019 when Nripendra Misra, the then principal secretary to the PMO, similarly resigned for personal reasons but was soon named chairman of the prestigious Ram temple construction committee. Babus mixed legacy Economic affairs secretary Tarun Bajaj has been given an additional charge of revenue secretary after the retirement of A.B.P. Pandey last month. However, Mr Pandeys exit hasnt been as quiet as he may have expected. As soon as he retired, media reports appeared around the lack of progress in filling more than 400 vacancies of income tax commissioners and others, some of which have been hanging fire since 2019. It was somehow hinted that Mr Pandey did not do enough during his stint as revenue secretary to fill these vacancies. Further, sources say, Mr Pandey drew the ire of Odisha-based IT chief commissioner D.P. Kar, who reportedly wrote to the Prime Minister demanding an inquiry against Pandey. Yet, others point out that the same Mr Pandey was among the few babus who successfully led three crucial institutions of the Modi sarkar department of revenue, goods and services tax network and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). As revenue secretary, Mr Pandey led significant tax reforms undertaken by the government. The detractors waited for the man to retire before raising issues that troubled them during his tenure. Maura Healey crossed Main Street at the intersection of King Street before joining Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. and District 4 City Councilor Sarai Rivera inside a small clothing boutique. The Massachusetts Attorney General made several stops in Worcester on Wednesday from Lincoln Street to help with food donations to picketing with the nurses striking at Saint Vincent Hospital. Before grabbing lunch in the Main South neighborhood, Healey browsed the jewelry, clothing and heels inside Voltage Fashion Boutique. So I have not been wearing heels lately, Healey said, which sparked laughs from the small group inside the store. As Healey bolted to the wall of high-heeled shoes, Augustus said jokingly, Theres nothing in my size up there. Healey moseyed through the small space, and then began to discuss with the owner and Main South Business Association president Laura Perez-Garcia about the struggles and obstacles the pandemic set before businesses like Voltage Fashion Boutique. The last year has been really unexplainable, Perez-Garcia said. There just has been so many ups and downs. Its been very, very challenging and I think thats a word that everyone is very familiar with over the last year. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey visited Worcester on Wednesday and spoke with Voltage Fashion Boutique owner Laura Perez-Garcia. The boutique has been closed for eight of the last 12 months. The store has also dealt with challenges in acquiring merchandise due to shipping delays. Augustus and Perez-Garcia explained to Healey how local funding along with TDI grants from MassDevelopment helped keep Voltage Fashion Boutique open. The grants helped Perez-Garcia pay rent as well as any utility bills on the property. That helped me to at least keep the place, Perez-Garcia said. Everything else we just kind of figured out. Those grants were very, very helpful. With the funding, Perez-Garcia feels optimistic about the future as new COVID-19 cases continue to move in the right direction in the city and vaccines continue to be administered. As she hears of other neighborhoods beginning to bounce back, she hopes the same will occur in Main South. Just because of the stigma of the area, the pandemic didnt help that at all, Perez-Garcia said. Whereas pre-pandemic, the stigma of this area is Oh dont go to Main South, go to another part of the city that is suggested instead. The pandemic then hit and made it worse. Then no one was coming. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura (left) speaks with Laura Perez-Garcia, owner of Voltage Fashion Boutique in Worcester. Its a stigma Perez-Garcia and the Main South Business Association are working to remove. The first steps, Perez-Garcia said, are making visitors feel secure and safe, which takes a community effort from local officials, residents and law enforcement. A sense of frustration lies in the idea that the neighborhood has a stigma, Perez-Garcia said. Stigma can often be a synonym used to mask racial biases and prejudices. It is very frustrating. It just is what it is, Perez-Garcia said. Its decades-long stigmas and what the area has represented for many, many decades to certain parts of the city. Perez-Garcia spoke with Healey about being a woman of color and a small business owner. The pride she feels for her boutique, which she opened four years ago, as well as the community is evident in how she speaks of the neighborhood. Its finding the way to resolve [the stigma] and keep it resolved so we can be as flourishing as any other part of Worcester, Perez-Garcia said. Before departing, Healey purchased several bracelets from the boutique. Its a small purchase but one Perez-Garcia sees as significant. As every small business owner understands, the small purchases add up and coming out of a pandemic can be crucial. There definitely will be hurdles ahead, Perez-Garcia said. Im confident that with the good weather around the corner, and things looking up, because of the vaccine and federal stimulus, that thats going to jumpstart the economy, at least to where consumers are going to be more comfortable. Related Content: Priscilla Beaulieu (eventually, Priscilla Presley) was immediately taken with Elvis Presley when they met in the fall of 1959. She was just 14 years old at the time; he was 24 and serving in the U.S. military in Germany. The attraction between Elvis and Priscilla was intense from the start resulting in an international move for Priscilla, who lived at Graceland for part of her senior year of high school. Eventually, Priscilla and Elvis married in 1967 and had one daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, just nine months later. The couple divorced in 1973. Despite their long-term love story that bloomed over many years, Priscilla and Elvis might not have seemed well-matched at first. In fact, Priscilla revealed in Elvis and the Presleys: Intimate Stories from Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and Other Family Members (edited by David Ritz) that she wouldnt even join Elviss fan club as a young teen. Priscilla Beaulieu with an Elvis Presley record | Bettmann via Getty Images Elvis Presleys future wife first listened to Blue Suede Shoes as a preteen Priscilla was just 12 years old when she first became acquainted with Elviss music in the mid-1950s. His early hits, like Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes (especially the latter), impressed her. Still, she wasnt too acquainted with rock and roll or rockabilly, which were starting to gather steam in the American music scene. Her stepfather, Captain Paul Beaulieu, recalled buying Elviss record for his daughter on a whim on his Air Force base in Austin, Texas. In Elvis by the Presleys, he said it was just something he thought kids of her generation might like to listen to. At the time, Elvis wasnt yet a household name. I liked the music, I loved Blue Suede Shoes, but I was hardly fanatic, Priscilla recalled. Priscilla Beaulieu and Elvis Presley heading off to their honeymoon | Bettmann via Getty Images RELATED: Elvis Presleys Friend Claims Priscilla Presley Wasnt Supposed to Use Elviss Last Name After Their Divorce But She Eventually Did Priscilla Presleys parents didnt allow her to watch Elvis Presley on TV Still, Priscilla wanted to watch Elviss performance on The Ed Sullivan Show. But her parents werent too keen, thinking his shaking hips might be a little too much for their young daughter. We had reservations about Priscilla watching that show, her mother, Ann Beaulieu, said in Elvis by the Presleys. This was 1956, when our world was quite conservative. I cant say I had a high opinion of this rock and roll. Captain Beaulieu wholeheartedly agreed with his wife, adding that they didnt just discourage Priscilla from watching the man who eventually became her husband on TV they forbade her. We sent her to her room, he said. But Priscilla couldnt keep her eyes off the television set completely. Elvis was a thrilling performer by any measure, and she just had to see the show. So she cracked open her bedroom door to watch any part of the performance she could. Forbidden fruit is that much sweeter, Priscilla offered by way of explanation. Priscilla Presley and Elvis Presley in Hawaii, California | Magma Agency/WireImage She thought Elviss fan club was too risque Still, Priscilla was a sheltered and somewhat reserved young girl. The intensity of her classmates fanaticism about Elvis sometimes made her uncomfortable. I was a 12-year-old kid, skinny and shy, who didnt want to be part of the Elvis mania, she said in Elvis by the Presleys. In fact, I refused to join the Elvis fan club admission 25 cents when I learned that one member had asked Elvis to autograph her breast. In my preteen mind, that was too risque. As fate and luck would have it, however, Priscillas stepfather was soon transferred to West Germany. It was there that Elvis and Priscilla would meet in person for the first time and begin their romance of many years. The head of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for increased international support for peace and stability in Sudan, highlighting that investing in the country's youth and women, is investing in the nation's peace and development. Natalia Kanem, who concluded a mission to the African nation last week, commended the democratic transition underway, after the overthrow of longstanding leader, Omar Al-Bashir, in April 2019. "Less than two years after the transition, remarkable progress has been made. We support progress to meet the aspirations of the people of Sudan", Dr. Kanem said. She also applauded the country's women and young people as "powerful allies" and "agents of change" for democracy, peace and human rights for all. "The face of the transition is female and it is young. Investing in women and young people is an investment in the nation, an investment in the future, and a driver for peace and development", Dr. Kanem added. According to UNFPA, Sudan has taken a number of steps to strengthen protection and promotion of human rights of women and girls, including adopting legislation that criminalizes female genital mutilation, repealing so called "morality laws" that restricted women's freedom and movement, and enacting the first national standard operating procedures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and establishing its first helpline. Ensuring access to life-saving services While in Sudan, Dr. Kanem travelled to the Blue Nile state, which suffers from high rates of maternal mortality. She visited a maternity ward where UNFPA is supporting reproductive healthcare including fistula repair procedures, and interacted with midwives, and community leaders and members. She also inaugurated a three-wheeled ambulance, called a tuk-tuk, to save lives of pregnant women about to give birth. The tuk-tuk is the first of 42 that will soon be operating across Sudan, in an effort supported by the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen access to life-saving services. Applauding a change pioneer Dr. Kanem also visited Tutti Island, near capital Khartoum, where she met with Igbal Mohamed Abbas also known as "Mama Igbal", a community leader campaigning against female genital mutilation (FGM or cutting), whose tireless efforts led her community to abandon the abhorrent practice. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines International Organisations Women Sudan By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "When we hear that a family intends to cut their daughters, we pack our coffee cups and go talk to them", Mama Igbal said. Thanks to the tireless efforts by Mama Igbal - who herself suffered the traumas of cutting - and her Association, Tutti Island declared zero tolerance against FGM in 2011. While in country, Executive Director Kanem also met with senior Government officials including Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdock, as well as national and international NGOs, members of the international community, UN agencies and partners. Dr. Kanem also met with a team dedicated to the protection of women and girls from sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment, and discussed priorities, accountability and efforts to make zero tolerance a reality. Pressing humanitarian needs While the political transition in Sudan is moving forward, the country also faces pressing humanitarian challenges compounded by the impact of COVID-19, natural disasters, localized conflict and disease outbreaks. According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), about 13.4 million people - of whom 7.6 million are women and girls - are projected to need humanitarian assistance this year. The influx of refugees, fleeing Ethiopia's Tigray region, into eastern Sudan also continues, placing addition pressure on limited healthcare services and other facilities in those regions. Against this backdrop, UN and humanitarian partners launched a $1.9 billion humanitarian plan to provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable. UNFPA estimates that over $50 million is required to provide reproductive healthcare and women's protection services through the end of 2021. Holidaymakers face higher taxes for long-haul flights in a policy to make the polluter pay, ministers said yesterday. The Treasury said it was considering increasing Air Passenger Duty (APD) for flights to places such as Australia, New Zealand, Peru and Singapore. The increase would help pay for a cut in APD for domestic flights, announced this month by Boris Johnson in a bid to strengthen the Union. Currently there are two tax bands for flights of up to 2,000 miles and for trips of more than 2,000 miles. People on long-haul flights already pay 80 APD. Holidaymakers face higher taxes for long-haul flights in a policy to make the polluter pay. Picture: Stock Domestic flights are charged the short-haul rate of 26 for return travel. The Treasury scheme involves increasing the bands to three or four. A Treasury document said this would reinforce the polluter pays principle by ensuring that those who travel furthest internationally, and consequently have the greatest impact on the environment, incur the most duty. Last night Tim Alderslade, chief executive of trade body Airlines UK, said: APD is not and never has been an environmental tax. It is a tax on UK competitiveness and only serves to hinder route development and connectivity. The Treasury did not say at which levels the new bands would be set, but it did say that the amount raised on international flights would rise to offset a planned reduction in APD for domestic flights. At present, domestic flights are charged at the same rate as all short-haul flights, adding 26 to the cost of return travel in standard class. Regional airline Flybe, which collapsed in March 2020, blamed APD for contributing to its financial struggles. Domestic flights are charged the short-haul rate of 26 for return travel. The Treasury scheme involves increasing the bands to three or four. Picture: Stock aerial image of Heathrow Last night Henry Smith, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, said: It is welcome that the government are looking at reform of Air Passenger Duty, but their guiding focus must be to support our embattled airlines to bounce back from the pandemic rather than potentially add new bands and increase the costs on hard working families. Our sky-high levels of APD have consistently undermined and damaged our long-haul connectivity and any reform must ensure that our world class airlines are not only able to recover from the pandemic but to protect and increase the vital connectivity that we will need for a truly global Britain. Environmental groups have long called for the UK to introduce a frequent flyer levy in a bid to reduce demand for flights. However, the consultation document said the government is opposed to this as it would be significantly more complex to administer than APD, due to the requirement to identify and record every flight taken by an individual from a UK airport. 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 parliamentary committee has raised concerns about the future of land-based education following the closure of Newton Rigg in Cumbria. The agriculture college is set to close for good in July after two last-ditch attempts to keep the 125-year-old institution open failed last month. Owner Askham Bryan College said declining student numbers at the Penrith campus had left it with significant financial losses. Following a one-off evidence session on land-based education provision, MPs on the EFRA Committee will now raise concerns about national delivery of education for agriculture and the environment. In the session, the cross-party group of MPs were left with a 'clear impression' of the need for continued land-based education provision at Newton Rigg in Cumbria, and of the wider issues faced by the sector. MPs heard how a recent decline in the number of land-based graduates, and the lack of incentives to upskill the existing agri workforce could have knock-on effects for delivering the governments targets to improve the environment and the supply of British food. Chair Neil Parish MP said achieving the government's targets to deliver environmentally-friendly farming would be 'impossible' without the right workforce. "The government has ambitious targets to restore woodland and natural habits, and to deliver on its new Environmental Land Management scheme in farming. "This will be impossible without highly skilled land managers and farmers and the institutions to train them," Mr Parish explained. "My committee will be writing to the government to seek answers to the issues raised, not least the strong calls for a national strategy for land-based education raised by our witnesses. The committee will soon write to the government to press it on its national strategy for land-based skills, and how it will support local colleges to deliver it. Gaborone The Ministry of Basic Education has budgeted a total of P111 million for completion of the school digitisation project. Giving an update on the ministry's 2021/22 budget Monday, Minister Fidelis Molao said the project included procurement of computer equipment for 182 junior secondary schools, expansion of Local Area Network for 100 secondary schools and installation of Education Management Information System. The project would ensure that all schools were equipped with the latest technology and connectivity to enhance teaching and learning outcomes, he said. Concerning special education facilities, the minister said the approved funds would go towards the completion of the Centre for Severe and Multiple Disability in Maun. "Upon completion, the facility will provide instructional space and appropriate facilities to cater for learners with profound, severe and multiple disabilities such as those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), deaf-blind and complex behavior problems with a view to improving access to education for this cohort of learners," he said. Mr Molao further said a total amount of P1.6 billion had been allocated for the implementation of development projects which included computerisation, consultancy and special education facilities. With regards to the fight against coronavirus, Mr Molao said the ministry had put in place strategies to ensure that there was learning continuity despite the numerous challenges brought about by the pandemic. The strategies included reduction of class sizes to maximum of 30 learners, revised school calendar to increase contact time and engagement of temporary teachers for additional classes, he said. Minister Molao said the ministry had been allocated around P11 billion 85 per cent of which was for recurrent expenditure and 14.5 per cent for development. He said the largest proportion of the ministry's recurrent budget was for personnel emoluments at 79.60 per cent or approximately P7 billion while the Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) allocation stood at 2.22 per cent. The minister said the remaining budget amount was for other operational costs covering the ministry's departments, regional offices and schools. On another issue, Minister Molao appealed to contractors, especially citizen-owned companies, to ensure that they completed projects timeously. He said the ministry was faced with challenges of projects which were either abandoned or went beyond agreed completion dates. Source : BOPA Mumbai: A delegation of BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, state unit chief Chandrakant Patil, Sudhir Mungantiwar and Ashish Shelar will meet Maharashtra Governor BS Koshyari on Wednesday amid extortion allegations levelled against states Home Minister Anil Deshmukh by former Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh. "The state has been direction-less for quite some time. We want Governor Koshyari to seek a detailed status report from the chief secretary of Maharashtra," a senior BJP leader had said on Tuesday. The meeting is scheduled for 9.30 am, he said. The meeting will take place amid the BJP's attempt to corner the Shiv Sena-led government over police officer Sachin Waze's arrest in the case related to bomb scare near Mukesh Ambani's house, corruption allegations against Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and the intelligence department's report about alleged bribery in police transfers. Fadnavis had on Tuesday met the Union Home Secretary in Delhi and demanded a CBI probe into a purported state intelligence department report on `corruption' in police transfers in Maharashtra. The former Maharashtra chief minister had claimed earlier in the day that he had 6.3 GB data of telephone calls intercepted by then Commissioner of Intelligence Rashmi Shukla in which names of several top police officers figure. "The Union Home Secretary clearly told me that they will verify the documents and evidence and a report will be submitted to the central government. The government will take appropriate action accordingly," he told reporters in the national capital. "It is unfortunate that this (Maharashtra) government inducts police officers suspended for 16 years, they plant bombs, try to extort people. Maharashtra needs to be rescued from such situation," he said, apparently referring to police officer Sachin Waze, an accused in the case related to the bomb scare near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house. Fadnavis claimed that after a detailed report on intercepted phone calls was prepared, the then Maharashtra director general of police had recommended a CID probe. "However, since August 25, 2020, there has been no action taken on the report. We want to know the reasons behind it. Who are those people whom the MVA government is trying to protect," said the BJP leader. On NCP spokesperson and state minister Nawab Malik's claim that Shukla collected this data without due permissions, Fadnavis said there were "enough documents to prove that phone call tapping was officially sanctioned by the government." Asked why he was not sharing it with the media, he said it contained very sensitive information about Maharashtra police and some politicians and he did not want "innocent people to suffer". Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Tuesday said he was "extremely disturbed" by the campaign of slander against him and wanted to set the record straight about his hospitalization last month. Deshmukh is under fire after former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh alleged that the minister had summoned police officer Sachin Waze around mid-February and asked him to help with the 'collection' of money from hotels and bars in Mumbai. The minister, who has denied the allegations, met chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday evening. "I am extremely disturbed by the slander in various forms of media aimed at maligning my and my department's image," Deshmukh said in a video message. Live TV Health Minister Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah. WHO Country Representative Peter Clement and staff of the Ministry of Health and WHO during the donation ceremony (photo credit: WHO) The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated lifesaving medicines and laboratory supplies for testing COVID-19 and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to the government of Liberia through the Ministry of Health. According to the institution, the supplies included Praziquantel tablets to treat nearly 1 million people through community mass drug administration, and assorted laboratory reagents and supplies for testing 10,000 suspected COVID-19 samples and 100 suspected EVD samples. WHO Representative for Liberia, Dr. Peter Clement, officially handed over the medicines and supplies to the Minister of Health. Dr. Clement said, the donation is WHO's contribution to fight schistosomiasis, combat COVID-19 and mitigate the threats of EVD. He urged the Ministry to increase community testing against COVID-19, strengthen preparedness against EVD and ensure affected communities are appropriately treated against Schistosomiasis. This donation is in addition to other items handed over to the Ministry of Health for testing and treatment of COVID-19. The Minister of Health, Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah said that the supplies will help in the prompt diagnosis of COVID-19 cases and boost the mass drug distribution of Praziquantel in Schistosomiasis hotspot counties in Liberia. "We are very happy to receive these medicines and assorted EVD and COVID-19 supplies because we can diagnose cases of COVID-19 faster and continue our community testing through the enhanced surveillance plan. We also say thanks to WHO for providing Praziquantel to prevent our citizens from Schistosomiasis", said Dr. Wilhelmina Jallah. Schistosomiasis is a disease of poverty that leads to chronic ill-health. Infection is acquired when people come into contact with fresh water infested with the larval forms (cercariae) of parasitic blood flukes, known as Schistosomes. The disease affects almost 240 million people worldwide, and more than 700 million people live in endemic areas. The infection is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical areas, in poor communities without potable water and adequate sanitation. Press Release COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindstream Interactive (MI) has been selected to support a variety of key digital programs for JobsOhio, a private nonprofit corporation responsible for economic development in the state of Ohio, charged with attracting business investments and creating jobs. The partnershipresulting from a Request For Proposalis a logical one, uniting an agency that was born digital with an innovative organization looking to adopt a digital-first mindset. Initially, MI will provide enhanced and optimized digital experiences, the day-to-day management of JobsOhio.com, and Search Engine Optimization enhancements. MI brings award-winning experience and thought leadership, having partnered with prominent local clients like Big Lots, One Columbus, Mettler Toledo, and Wexner Center for the Arts. Its industry expertise and local prominence will be leveraged for JobsOhio to attract new business and in-demand talent to Ohio, capitalizing on Ohio's value proposition as a result of the pandemic. Steve Agganis, President of MI, says, "We are honored to have been selected by JobsOhio and thankful for the opportunity to work together to use our digital expertise and extensive experience in the economic development space to support the continued growth of the state we call home. Our team is excited for this partnership to unlock new ways to drive job creation and capital investmentimproving the lives of Ohioans while planning for the future." About Mindstream Interactive Mindstream Interactive is a full-service digital agency focused on customer experience. Founded in 2002, the agency provides services to clients in the United States from coast to coast, with industry specializations in business-to-business, financial services, healthcare, lifestyle brands, retail, travel, and tourism. Capabilities include analytics, customer experience planning, digital experience design and development, customer acquisition, and activations. The agency is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, visit www.mindstreaminteractive.com . Media Contact Alison Trickett, Chief Growth Officer (614) 754-2004 [email protected] SOURCE Mindstream Interactive Related Links https://www.mindstreaminteractive.com/ BURTON-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom and CLEVELAND, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Putnam Consulting Group, a global consultancy led by philanthropy expert Kris Putnam-Walkerly, was named Philanthropy Advisor of the Year by LUXlife Magazine's 2020 Global Excellence Awards . LUXlife Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication that focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry. Winners of the 2020 Global Excellence Awards were selected for their successes, achievements and growth, despite the crippling nature of the global pandemic. Putnam Consulting Group Kris Putnam-Walkerly Philanthropy played a pivotal role in responding to the multiple crises of 2020. Over $22 Billion (U.S.) has been donated globally by high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic alone. Philanthropists want to achieve dramatic impact with their charitable giving, but like all businesses and nonprofits, the constantly changing landscape of 2020 made it difficult for them to plan ahead. Many felt overwhelmed and paralyzed by the sheer magnitude of problems and inequities, and lacked an updated strategy to guide decision-making. "My goal in 2020 was to help philanthropists navigate the unknown with confidence, create a plan they can count on, and increase their impact during the crises," says Kris Putnam-Walkerly , award-winning author of Delusional Altruism . "I'm honored to be recognized by LUXlife Magazine as the 2020 Philanthropy Advisor of the Year." "Kris Putnam-Walkerly's deep knowledge and experience in philanthropy is invaluable," explains Mamie Kanfer Stewart, trustee of the Lippman Kanfer Family Foundation. "Her ability to identify and distill best practices and translate them into actionable approaches is a gift to every funder. Whether it's through her books, articles or speaking, Kris's insights and messages enable philanthropists to increase their impact and find even more joy in their work." The challenges of 2020 allowed Putnam Consulting Group to help foundations, generous families, and corporations increase their agility and pivot with purpose. "Philanthropists have tremendous opportunity to make a positive and lasting difference in people's lives. But it can feel overwhelming to navigate rapidly changing conditions," explains Kris Putnam-Walkerly. "That's why I created a free downloadable guide last year, ' 8 Things Every Philanthropist Can Do To Change The World, Even When The World Keeps Changing ,'" to help grantmakers create a powerful giving plan even in radically uncertain times." "Kris Putnam-Walkerly is one of the world's foremost advisors to leading philanthropists," says, Mitzi Perdue, philanthropist and author of How to be Up in Down Times. "This award is well deserved, and I highly recommend Kris to any donor seeking a trusted guide and confidential sounding board to navigate their philanthropic journey." In 2020 Putnam-Walkerly also published her second book Delusional Altruism: Why Philanthropists Fail To Achieve Change and What They Can Do To Transform Giving (Wiley). Delusional Altruism provides real-world, practical guidance to help funders avoid mistakes that hamstring impact, and offers an insider's guide to creating truly transformational change. Delusional Altruism can be purchased on Amazon, or wherever books are sold. About Kris Putnam-Walkerly and Putnam Consulting Group Kris Putnam-Walkerly, MSW is a global philanthropy advisor and president of Putnam Consulting Group , Inc. For more than 20 years, top global philanthropies have requested Kris Putnam-Walkerly's help to transform their giving and catapult their impact. Since 1999, she has helped Kris has helped hundreds of foundations, Fortune 500 companies and ultra-high-net-worth donors strategically allocate over half a billion dollars in grants and gifts. Putnam Consulting Group's clients include the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, J.M. Smucker Company, Heising Simons-Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation, Avery Dennison, and Fujitsu, and many others. Kris is a regular philanthropy contributor to Forbes.com , Alliance Magazine, CEOWORLD Magazine, ThinkAdvisor, and WealthManagement.com. She provides expert commentary about philanthropy to the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, NPR's Marketplace Morning Report, Variety, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Financial Advisor Magazine, Mujer Hoy, and Ariana Huffington's Thrive Global. Kris was named one of the Top 50 Philanthropy Bloggers & Influencers in 2020 (Feedspot), one of America's Top 25 Philanthropy Speakers for the past three years (Philanthropy Media), and was inducted into the Million Dollar Consulting Hall of Fame. About LUXlife Magazine LUXlife Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication which was founded in 2015 by the publishing company AI Global Media Ltd. Distributed to a circulation of 238,000 globally, LUXlife focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry, featuring articles on; fashion, beauty, fine dining, travel, luxury real estate and much more. Contact Kris Putnam-Walkerly +1 510-388-5231 [email protected] SOURCE Putnam Consulting Group Related Links http://putnam-consulting.com/ Abuja Nigerian authorities should thoroughly investigate the threatening message received by journalist Haruna Mohammed Salisu and ensure his safety, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On March 13, at about 9 a.m., Salisu, owner and reporter at the privately owned WikkiTimes news website, found a note slipped under his office door in the city of Bauchi, the capital of Nigeria's northern Bauchi state, the journalist told CPJ in a phone interview. The note, a copy of which CPJ reviewed, referenced a report Salisu had published in January, and a civil suit that a local hospital filed against him over that report. "[W]e know where to get you, even if we didn't win the case, we know your house, we know your family members and we know all [your] movements," the note said. Salisu told CPJ he was so worried by the note that he suspended a training program for journalists that he was helping to organize and took his family out of Bauchi state for fear of their safety. "Nigerian authorities should ensure the safety of journalist Haruna Mohammed Salisu and thoroughly investigate the source of the note threatening him," said Angela Quintal, CPJ's Africa program coordinator, in New York. "Threats against journalists must be taken seriously, especially since the press in Nigeria routinely face violent reprisal for their work." The note referenced a January 18 report by Salisu, which alleged that the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, a clinic in Bauchi state, had extorted its patients and committed tax fraud. On February 9, the clinic filed a civil defamation suit against Salisu over that article, demanding 1.105 billion naira (US $2.9 million) in damages, according to the journalist and a WikkiTimes report. The threatening note, a copy of which was published by the Nigerian International Center for Investigative Reporting, criticized Salisu for allegedly not seeking to "reach out to us for reconciliation" related to the civil suit. The note is signed "for Makkah Eye Clinic." Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Media Nigeria Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. On March 15, Salisu's lawyers petitioned the police to ensure the journalist's safety following the threat, according to the journalist, a copy of the written petition reviewed by CPJ, and another WikkiTimes report. Salisu told CPJ that police had invited him for questioning in Bauchi, but he was hesitant to attend because he feared for his safety. When CPJ called the general manager of the Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Abdullahi Badamasi, he said he was "very surprised" to learn about the threatening note. He said the note could not have come from any hospital staffer, because the clinic planned to resolve its case in court. CPJ called and texted Bauchi state police spokesperson Ahmed Mohammed, but did not receive any responses. Secretary of State for the Home Department Priti Patel arrives at Downing Street in London, on Sept. 8, 2020. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) UK Toughens Asylum Rules to Tackle Illegal Immigration Britain will carry out the most significant overhaul of its asylum system in decades to address the challenge of illegal immigration, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Wednesday. The governments New Plan for Immigration, described by Patel as fair but firm, will make it more difficult for migrants entering the UK illegally to stay in the country. Our New Plan for Immigration will create a faster and fairer system that supports the most vulnerable in genuine need. pic.twitter.com/zdGF9rP7qi Priti Patel (@pritipatel) March 24, 2021 Because while people are dying, we have a responsibility to act, Patel told the House of Commons. People are dyingat sea, in lorries, and in shipping containershaving put their lives in the hands of criminal gangs that facilitate illegal journeys to the UK. To stop the deaths, we must stop the trade in people that causes them. For the first time, whether people enter the UK legally or illegally will have an impact on how their asylum claim progresses, said Patel. The government will make every effort to remove those who enter the UK illegally having travelled through a safe country first in which they could and should have claimed asylum, she said. People smugglers will face harsher sentences and can now be jailed for life, she said. Patel stressed that Britain has always celebrated those who have come to the UK lawfully and helped build Britain. Since 2015, the UK has resettled nearly 25,000 refugees and welcomed over 29,000 close relatives through refugee family reunion, according to the Home Office. Britain also created a pathway to citizenship for millions of British National (Overseas) status holders after Beijing imposed a draconian national security law on Hong Kong. Nobody can say that the British public are not fair or generous when it comes to helping those in need, said Patel. But the British public also recognise that for too long parts of the immigration system have been open to abuse. Access to the UKs asylum system should be based on need, not the ability to pay people smugglers, she said. Patel said Britains immigration system is collapsing under the pressure of parallel illegal routes to asylum, facilitated by criminal smugglers. She said these illegal routes are deeply unfair, as they advance those with the means to pay smugglers over those in desperate need. And it is not fair to the British people either, whose taxes pay for vital public services and an asylum system which has skyrocketed in costnow costing over 1 billion ($1.37 billion) this year. The main opposition Labour party said the failings of the immigration system has been caused by the Conservative governments lack of compassion and competence. Todays plans will do next to nothing to address criminal gangs and abandons people in danger. Nick Thomas-Symonds, Labours shadow home secretary, said the new plans will do next to nothing to address criminal gangs and abandons people in danger. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. PATASKALA, Ohio A woman who was the leader of a Girl Scouts troop has been charged with grand theft after she was accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the sale of cookies and other fees. Jill Gauthier, 49, has been indicted in Licking County on one fourth-degree felony charge, according to the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Investigators with the attorney generals office and the Pataskala Police Department say Gauthier had been putting money from cookie sales and event fees in her personal bank accounts for about five years. It added up to about $12,500. She was literally caught with her hand in the cookie jar an adult-size jar that should carry an adult-size timeout in a place with locking doors and barred windows, Yost said in a news release. How many boxes of Thin Mints will her troop need to sell to make up for her betrayal? Gauthier is accused of using the money to purchase items for herself. Concerned parents notified authorities. Gauthier is expected back in court on May 4, according to Licking County Court records. She has been released on her own recognizance. Pataskala is located just east of Columbus. More crime-related content on cleveland.com: Mentor native among 10 dead in Boulder, CO, mass shooting Prosecutors dismiss federal charges against Erie, Pennsylvania, men accused of rioting downtown May 30 Man ditched guns used to kill Cleveland police officer, informant, court records say Ex-Cuyahoga County Jail officer took $425 to smuggle weed into jail for inmate to sell, records say An EU politician has accused AstraZeneca of acting with 'dishonesty' and 'arrogance' in a dramatic escalation of the bloc's row over vaccine supplies. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts today launched a blistering attack on the UK-based company, which he said had 'over-promised and under-delivered' on doses. He even appeared to cast doubt on AstraZeneca's data and pointed to 'potential problems' with side-effects - despite the regulator declaring it safe. Brussels has locked horns with AstraZeneca over the terms of its contract, which the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical firm denies breaching. In an extraordinary move to buoy the Continent's sluggish rollout, EU chiefs today thrashed out plans to ban vaccine exports to countries with high inoculation rates. It means the UK - which has vaccinated over half its adult population compared to the EU's 15 per cent - could be hit by the embargo. Belgian MEP Philippe Lamberts today launched a full-frontal attack on the UK-based company, which he said had 'over-promised and under-delivered' on doses The UK - which has vaccinated over half its adult population compared to the EU's 15 per cent - could be hit by the embargo 'The quarrel is not between the European Commission and the British Government,' Mr Lamberts told BBC Radio 4's Today programme earlier this morning. 'It is between the Europeans and one of their suppliers [AstraZeneca] who have performed with a track record of dishonesty. 'Over-promising and under-delivering by massive amounts, we all see that they have bungled up at least twice their test data. So everything points to a company that cannot be relied upon.' AstraZeneca, which manufactures vaccines in the UK and on the Continent, has deals with both the UK and the EU. While there have been hiccups with the production process, the EU accuses the firm of prioritising the British order at the bloc's expense. The UK ordered 100million doses from AstraZeneca three months before Brussels placed its order for 300million. Mr Lamberts, a Green MEP, railed against AstraZeneca for not being 'straightforward' in its dealings with the bloc, in contrast to Pfizer and Moderna, with whom Brussels also has vaccine contracts. 'They commit, they decommit, then they decommit on their new commitments without any warning,' he said. He added the firm had displayed an 'inability to deliver, combined with a form of arrogance towards the EU as a customer'. In an extraordinary move to buoy the Continent's sluggish rollout, EU chiefs (Commission president Ursula von der Leyen pictured) today thrashed out plans to ban vaccine exports to countries with high inoculation rates The EU's insistence it receives more doses has raised eyebrows following reports that European stockpiles were going unused due to low take-up rates. European leaders have poured doubt on the veracity of the AstraZeneca jab, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Mr Lamberts admitted that many member states have a poor track record on their vaccine rollouts. But he added: 'We obviously have also to do our job, but that does not exonerate suppliers of fulfilling their commitments regardless of what the customer does with their wares. 'The right way to deal with that would be for the British Government, the EU Commission and AstraZeneca at the highest levels to get together and try to find a mutually agreeable solution.' Mr Lamberts added the vaccine, developed at Oxford University, has 'potential problems' with side-effects, despite regulators ruling it is safe. This chart shows how the AstraZeneca supply chain looks across Europe Earlier this month multiple EU countries suspended use of the AstraZeneca jab after a handful of recipients - out of millions - experienced blood clotting. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) conducted a review and ruled it was safe, prompting a screeching U-turn by most countries. Speaking to he said: 'The EU Medicines Agency has said, even if there are problems, the advantages of the vaccine outweigh the potential problems that we are seeing.' He made the comments after criticising the pharmaceutical company for allegedly misleading the EU over its ability to deliver on orders, but said some EU politicians have been 'over the top' in their response to concerns about cases of blood clots. But he further accused the UK-based firm of putting out misleading test data. 'My quarrel with AstraZeneca is on test data, and that dates back from the autumn and it has surfaced in the US recently,' he said. Mr Lamberts said he is also angry about AstraZeneca's alleged 'inability to deliver, combined with a form of arrogance towards the EU as a customer'. AstraZeneca declined to comment. Minister of State Brophy announces Irish Aid funding for community organisations Press release Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy TD, today announced 1.48 million in Irish Aid funding to 28 organisations working in communities across Ireland to enable public engagement on global issues, including climate change, hunger and injustice. Announcing the grants, Minister Brophy said: Global challenges such as climate change, inequality and injustice require action at home and abroad if they are to be addressed. Irish Aid works with partners all around the world to respond to the root causes of poverty and conflict. But we must also do more here to play our part in addressing global challenges, whether in relation to climate change or building back better from the pandemic. The organisations that will receive this Irish Aid funding are working with communities here in Ireland to build awareness of how we can each make a difference, whether through individual or collective action. They include a number of organisations working with people from Traveller and other minority ethnic backgrounds. Among the beneficiaries are Galways ARD Family Resource Centre and LYCS, which operates in Dublins North Inner City. They will receive 14,000 and 60,000 respectively in 2021. Minister Brophy praised the groups for their work with young people living in the local community. I was really pleased to see a strong focus on youth in this years applications, Minister Brophy said. Our young people will be most-affected by the big global challenges. Its really important they have the knowledge they need to be able to grapple with the issues and to come up with solutions whether at a community, national or global level. If the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us anything, its that no matter where we are, we can be affected by events elsewhere in the world. We will overcome the pandemic, but the other global challenges will still be out there. This Irish Aid funding will be provided by the Development Education and Global Citizenship programme, which works with community groups and educational institutions all over Ireland. Other groups receiving funding are Tallaght-based an Cosan, the Irish Girl Guides, Scouting Ireland, the Galway One World Centre, and Youth Work Tipperary. Ends Press Office 23 March 2021 Notes to Editors Irish Aid is providing grants totalling 1.48m to 28 organisations under its 2021 development education grants round. The scheme is a competitive process under which grants of between 10,000 and 180,000 for one or two year projects are awarded to Ireland-based organisations and educational institutions. A call for proposals was published on the Irish Aid website in October 2020. All applications were assessed by Irish Aid officials and external consultants. The appraisal process assessed organisational capacity to deliver the proposed projects and intended results Previous Item | Next Item THE People Democratic Movement (PDM) has congratulated its president McHenry Venaani for advocating in the National Assembly in 2016, access to affordable sanitary pads. In a media statement released last Wednesday, PDM youth league spokesperson Maximalliant Katjimune said the party had achieved another milestone through its president's staunch advocacy and believe the country will achieve the vision of free sanitary pads soon. This comes after finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi announced in his budget speech that value-added tax on sanitary pads would be scrapped. The removal of VAT on sanitary pads would, with other tax amendments, however take effect only in the 2022/23 financial year, the minister said. Venaani says it is sweet victory for PDM because he was a lone ranger who did not get much support from other parliamentarians except those from his party. "In terms of reaching a synergy between all the parties, we need to do this because it is very important and regarding the government's position on sanitary pads, it is a step in the right direction but accelerating the accessibility to these products by young girls and women is very important. Although the zero rating will help women and teenage girls better access the sanitary wear, the benefit might be short lived if the prices increase. The question of accessibility and perpetual zero rating of the products must be addressed in broad terms and unambiguously, said Venaani. "We must address the question of accessibility and perpetual zero rating of these products. "I do not have a personal feeling of any kind as long as the people of this country are better served. I am in the duty of doing that humble contribution of making sure that socio economic trajectory of our people is accelerated for the better. Every delay in policy decision that we take always delays service delivery to our people, so what I urge is the acceleration of the implementation of the process," Venaani added. He further said he was not happy that the policy implementation will be next year, as opposed to now because it has been six years since his call and girls have missed class due to menstrual challenges. DBS Group Holdings Ltd . is set to join UBS Group AG and other global banks giving up office space in pricey Hong Hong with so many staff still working from home. DBS is surrendering some floors in Swire Properties Ltd.s One Island East tower in Quarry Bay, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the information is private. The lender will release two of the eight floors it currently occupies, one of the people said. Also Read | Field report: A groundswell of anti-incumbency in Mamatas Bengal A representative for the Singapore-based bank didnt immediately comment. A Swire spokesperson said they dont comment on rumors, adding that One Island East is 100% occupied as of Tuesday. Southeast Asias biggest bank adds to the list of firms paring space in Hong Kong, one of the most expensive office markets in the world. Multinational firms, which are more likely to adopt flexible working arrangements than their local peers, accounted for 75% of the surrendered office stock last year, according to Cushman & Wakefield. BNP Paribas SA and Standard Chartered Plc gave up floors in their Hong Kong headquarters in the past few months, while UBS relinquished a floor in Sheung Wans Li Po Chun Chambers late last year. DBS said in November that employees would be given the flexibility to work remotely for as much as 40% of the time to address the changes brought on by the pandemic. The moves mark another blow to the Hong Kong office market, where rents are expected to fall by 7% in 2021 as tenants look to reduce costs, according to Colliers International. Rental rates in Hong Kong slumped 17% last year, the most since 2009, after the double whammy of anti-government protests and the pandemic, data from Savills show. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. PHILIPSBURG:--- In what Pro Soualiga considers a timely assist, the Dutch Council of State has shot down the COHO draft Kingdom Law. In what internet blog "Dossier Koninkrijksrelaties billed as Kingdom Law COHO in conflict with Kingdom Charter the stillbirth of COHO was announced. The highest advisory body in the Kingdom issued a scathing 20-page analysis of the COHO draft Kingdom Law and advised Mr. Knops not to present the law in its present form to the Second Chamber, nor to the Parliaments of the islands. It's back to the drawing boards for Knops and Co. Pro Soualiga had initiated court action to stop COHO and many of the arguments presented by Pro Soualiga can be found in the Council of State advice. The Law was hastily drafted and amateurish in many ways. The Council of State did not spare it. The islands can now breathe a sigh of relief because one of their major headaches has been resolved. The excessive and needless interference in their autonomous affairs has been roundly criticized by the Council of State and now the Dutch Government is obliged to negotiate with them on a more equal footing. This advice by the Dutch Council of State underlines one of the ways in which the colonial nature of the relationship with the Netherlands is structured. The report of the Council of Advice of Curacao was also highly critical of COHO, but it is only the advice of the Dutch advisory body that matters. The advice was finalized on March 3, 2021, and was not supposed to be made public as yet, but as is the case with those things, someone conveniently leaked a copy to the press, and now, there are no longer any secrets to conceal. This also brings an end to the court action Pro Soualiga was waging to stop COHO. The Dutch Council of advice saw the light and nipped COHO in the bud, albeit for different reasons than Pro Soualiga. Pro Soualigas position is that COHO is invalid because the Kingdom Charter conflicts with the United Nations Charter. Obviously, that finding was a bridge too far for the conservative Council of State. However, one does look a gifted horse in the mouth and, besides, there are many roads that lead to Rome. Pro Soualiga Foundation NEW YORK (March 11, 2021) -- A new special issue of PARKS, the journal of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, published today reveals massive impacts on global conservation efforts seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The special issue dives deep into the long-term ramifications that the global pandemic may have on conservation. Included studies reveal major job losses among protected area rangers, reductions in anti-poaching patrols, and environmental protection rollbacks. Bright spots from around the world however emerged as studies showed Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) with governance power over their lands and waters were in many cases able to continue to steward their resources and protected areas even amid massive economic downturns and significant increases in local reliance on ecosystem resources for food and livelihoods. WCS scientist Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai contributed to two peer-reviewed papers published in the Parks journal. The first, titled "COVID-19, Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Natural Resource Governance," explores the ways in which COVID-19 is affecting communities from 40 countries who manage and conserve their own lands and waters. Findings outline the importance of self-empowerment and recognition of IPLC rights, which allowed those communities to utilize traditional medicines, meet subsistence requirements, help individuals sustain livelihoods, and govern, defend and conserve their territories during lockdowns. The second study, titled "Marine Protected and Conserved Areas in the Time of COVID," presents 15 diverse case studies of marine protected and conserved areas (MPCAs) from around the world as a framework for rethinking the future of conservation. MPCA pre-pandemic statuses are reviewed and compared to current state COVID-19 conditions, focusing on innovative post-pandemic conservation approaches that equally balance both management for conservation and management for sustainable livelihoods. "COVID-19 has impacted people all over the world in many different ways," says Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai, WCS Fiji Country Director. "But, there are many important stories of resilience to inspire us, and to learn from. For example, indigenous peoples and local communities with rights to govern their lands and waters were able to put in place protective measures to isolate themselves and maintain the protection of their natural resources, highlighting their self-sufficiency. Closer to home, indigenous communities from Nakorotubu District in Fiji decided to maintain a large protected area they had established with the tourism sector, despite having no visitors to the Park". The special issue comes at a critical time as vaccine rollouts begin to chart the path toward eventual COVID-19 recovery. We have an opportunity to better incorporate ocean conservation with pandemic response planning, and to rethink the future of marine area-based conservation tools, particularly for marine protected and conserved areas, to enable us to continue safeguarding marine resources. Findings in this PARKS issue give governments and other institutions a timely opportunity to thoughtfully mitigate identified gaps in global conservation efforts and infrastructure and bolster needed financial investments heading into the post-2020 decade of ocean conservation. ### WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) MISSION: WCS saves wildlife and wild places worldwide through science, conservation action, education, and inspiring people to value nature. To achieve our mission, WCS, based at the Bronx Zoo, harnesses the power of its Global Conservation Program in nearly 60 nations and in all the world's oceans and its five wildlife parks in New York City, visited by 4 million people annually. WCS combines its expertise in the field, zoos, and aquarium to achieve its conservation mission. Visit: newsroom.wcs.org Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: 347-840-1242. Spain's Ministry of Health is petitioning the autonomous regions to reach an agreement to close non-essential business at 8pm at Easter. The department, headed by Carolina Darias, hopes that the new measure can be agreed at a virtual meeting of the Interterritorial Council of the national health system this Wednesday, 24 March. Experts say that lowering the shutters at 8pm would noticeably reduce the spread of the disease by social contacts. The tightening of other measures is also likely to be discussed on top of the existing regional and, in the case of Andalucia, provincial mobility restrictions. Official data from the last few days has shown initial signs of a rebound in coronavirus cases and the cumulative incidence rate is rising in more than a dozen regions. press release Lyon INTERPOL and the United Statess Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have joined forces to warn the public against purchasing alleged COVID-19 vaccines and treatments online. With criminal groups producing, distributing, and selling fake vaccines, the risks to the public are clear: these can include buying a product which not only does not protect against COVID-19, but poses a serious health hazard if ingested or injected. Such products are not tested, regulated or safety-checked. Legitimate vaccines are not for sale. They are strictly administered and distributed by national healthcare regulators. Anyone buying these products online also runs the risk of potentially giving their money to organized criminals. CrimewaveFrom the very beginning of the pandemic, criminals have preyed on peoples fears in order to make fast cash. Fake vaccines are the latest in these scams, which is why INTERPOL and HSI are warning the public to be extra vigilant, said INTERPOL Secretary General Jurgen Stock Anyone ordering a vaccine online rather than obtaining it from their national provider will be buying a fake product.The networks behind these crimes have global ambitions. No country or region can fight this type of crime alone. INTERPOL is assisting law enforcement around the world to both identify criminal networks and to dismantle them, added Secretary General Stock. Following a global alert issued by INTERPOL in late 2020 the world police body recently announced the first internationally linked arrests and seizures in connection with fake vaccines after criminal networks were disrupted in China and South Africa. INTERPOL has also been receiving additional information on fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health bodies, including nursing homes.Counterfeit vaccines threaten the health of consumers who are duped by nefarious actors seeking to exploit the pandemic situation for financial gain. HSI and its law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate and seek prosecution for criminals taking advantage of the publics quest for COVID-19 vaccinations and those who endanger the lives of the very people the vaccines are intended to protect, said HSI Assistant Director, and Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, Steve Francis.HSI will continue to work with INTERPOL to coordinate investigations targeting every level of the transnational criminal organizations trafficking in counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines, added Mr. Francis. Online scams An emerging trend has seen cybercriminals set up illicit websites claiming to be legitimate national and/or world organizations offering pre-orders for vaccines against the COVID-19 virus. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Legal Affairs Coronavirus By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. These websites offer payments in Bitcoins and other payment processing methods. Using trademark logos of major pharmaceutical companies producing approved COVID-19 vaccines, the fake websites are suspected of being used to conduct phishing attacks and/or dupe victims into giving charitable donations. In addition to opening up their computer to cyberattacks when attempting to purchase alleged COVID-19 vaccines online, people also run the risk of having their identity stolen. In December 2020, HSI seized two websites purporting to be those of biotechnology companies developing treatments for the COVID-19 virus. Instead, they appeared to have been used to collect the personal information of individuals visiting the sites, in order to use the information for criminal purposes, including fraud, phishing attacks, and/or deployment of malware. Ransomware attacks have also been conducted against hospitals, laboratories, local governments, and other targets, remotely blocking computer systems and demanding a payment to release them. Given the need for a global response against these types of cyber-enabled fraud and financial crime, INTERPOL created the Global Financial Crime Task Force (IGFCTF) in 2020 with member countries in order to enhance international cooperation and innovation with the public and private sector partners. Burma Myanmar Energy and Electricity Staff Pressured to End Strike Ministry of Electricity and Energy staff on strike. / The Irrawaddy Naypyitaw Striking Ministry of Electricity and Energy staff in Naypyitaw say they are being pressured to return to work. Around 150 striking Electric Power Generation Enterprise (EPGE) staff said they had received phone calls threatening suspension and prosecution if they fail to return to work. They said they were also told to leave their government accommodation. However, staff remain in their quarters because the ministry has issued no official notice on their case. If they dismiss us and ask us to leave the staff quarters with an official letter, we will leave. But that still would not comply with rules for civil servants, said a ministry employee. Most of those on strike are junior staff and the phone threats were made by managers who chose to work for the military regime, said a striking EPGE employee. Some ministries have issued official notices but we have received no notifications, only threats from senior officials, said the employee. Most of the ministrys projects have stalled because of the civil disobedience movement against the regime which started in early February. The Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanma Railways and other government departments have dismissed hundreds of striking staff and are evicting them from their accommodation. Government employees went on strike against the military in 1988, after which many were dismissed, demoted or transferred to remote areas. You may also like these stories: Food for Myanmar Regime Soldiers Taken Away After Karen Rebels Block Delivery Australian Economic Adviser Held in Myanmar Faces Two Charges Southeast Asia Trapped Amid US-China Friction Highlights OnePlus 9 Pro is powered by Qualcomm's most powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset. It is available in two storage variants with 8GB RAM and 12GB RAM. The device is IP68-certified for dust and water resistance. OnePlus has launched its latest flagship as the OnePlus 9 Pro, among other smartphones in the OnePlus 9 series in a virtual event on Tuesday. The Chinese tech major revealed the device powered by Qualcomm's most powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and has priced it at Rs 64,999 for the starting variant. As a highlight, the successor to the OnePlus 8 Pro comes with a camera prowess that is backed by OnePlus' new-formed partnership with Swedish optics major Hasselblad. Other features on the top OnePlus offering include a 120 Hz display, a 5-layer cooling system for gaming, and Warp Charging. OnePlus 9 Pro is already up for pre-orders on the OnePlus online store. It is available at a price of Rs 64,999 for the 8GB + 128GB variant and Rs 69,999 for the 12GB + 256GB model. The device is available in Morning Mist, Pine Green, and Stellar Black colour options. But before you head on to book your own OnePlus 9 Pro, here is a look at what it has to offer OnePlus 9 Pro Specifications OnePlus 9 Pro (Image Credit: Ketan Pratap/ India Today) Display: The new OnePlus flagship comes with a 6.7-inch QHD+ Fluid Display 2.0 AMOLED display with a 1440x3216 pixels resolution. Processor: The device is powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 888 SoC, ensuring the best performance enabler on board. The processor can be seen on other flagship smartphones, including Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, Vivo X60 Pro Plus and more. Software: With the processor, the OnePlus 9 Pro runs the latest OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11. Memory: The top-notch processor is coupled with an 8GB or 12GB LPDDR5 RAM along with 128GB and 256GB UFS 3.1 storage options. This storage cannot be expanded through an external microSD. Rear Camera: As for the optics, the OnePlus 9 Pro dons a quad-camera setup at the back that includes a 48-megapixel (f/1.8) Sony IMX789 primary sensor lens. This is paired with a 50-megapixel (f/2.2) Sony IMX766 secondary sensor for ultra-wide-angle shots, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens as well as a 2-megapixel monochrome sensor. Front Camera: At the front, the OnePlus 9 Pro comes with a 16-megapixel (f/2.4) sensor with EIS support. Connectivity: Connectivity options on the device include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS/ A-GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Sensors: Sensors embedded on the device include an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, magnetometer, laser sensor, and proximity sensor. Battery: All this is backed by a 4500mAh battery that supports Warp Charge 65T and Warp Charge 50 Wireless fast charging. OnePlus 9 Pro special features Since OnePlus 9 Pro comes as the flagship device by a company that came into being for producing flagship killers, it is assured to make good on all the aspects of a premium smartphone. This includes a much premium look, through a glass cover on the front and back curves, sandwiching aluminium rail on the edges with no seams across the device. The smartphone dons a seamless and neat design that can easily be spotted as that of a top-notch Android smartphone. Another highlight is the display on the OnePlus 9 Pro that uses low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) technology. The technology enables a Smart 120Hz refresh rate for various activities and optimised power consumption for longer battery life. The Smart 120Hz feature is further complemented by Hyper Touch support that ups the touch response rate to 360Hz when playing mobile games. The feature exclusive to OnePlus currently works on games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, League of Legends and Brawl Stars. There is also an in-display fingerprint sensor. OnePlus bets big on the cameras on its latest flagship, designed in partnership with Hasselblad. The whole quad-camera lens setup offers features like optical image stabilisation (OIS), EIS support and video support of up to 8K 30 or 4K 120. The OnePlus 9 Pro is also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance. The phone measures 163.2x73.6x8.7mm and weighs a total of 197 grams. OnePlus 9 Pro availability and price in India OnePlus 9 Pro price in India starts at Rs 64,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the top-of-the-line model costs Rs 69,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The OnePlus 9 Pro will be available via Amazon India and the company's online store. Regional experts say U.S. officials are using a range of aircraft to make speedy yet thorough checks on Chinas expansion in a disputed Asian sea. The flights, added to the more obvious passages of navy ships through the South China Sea, will further inflame China, analysts say, adding that planes see more than ships and complete their missions faster. Aircraft can handily survey the sea and due to their altitude see a lot of things a vessel cannot from a birds eye view, said Alexander Vuving, a professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii. Planes come and go faster than ships, he added. U.S. warship passages into the South China Sea doubled in 2019. The American planes fly more than 22 kilometers from Chinas shoreline, Vuving said. Whether its intensifying or not is already accepted, even already included, in Chinas strategic calculations, said Eduardo Araral, associate professor at the National University of Singapore's public policy school. Range of aircraft Among the more visible U.S. aircraft are B-52 bombers, which were sighted in 2018 and in July last year when they flew from Guam to join an aircraft carrier exercise. Last month planes took off from U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups that were moving through the sea. Washington regularly sends reconnaissance aircraft to the South China Sea, Chinese sources say. From March to November last year, the U.S. sent three civilian contractor surveillance aircraft to monitor the South China Sea among other waterways, the Chinese government-backed research website South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative says. The civilian planes are backing up eight types of military reconnaissance aircraft, the database says. The U.S. military sent strategic bombers to the South China Sea last year, it adds. Reconnaissance aircraft flew over the South China Sea three times in February, Beijings state-monitored Global Times reported. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command did not answer a request for comment. In 2019, the U.S. Marines Corps sent its F-35B Lightning II aircraft for joint military exercises in the Philippines, marking an increase in military capability committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy says on its website. Chinese reaction Airspace outside a 22 kilometers normally belongs to no single country, but Beijing claims 90% of the South China Sea and cites historical records that indicate Chinese use of the waterway. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam call all or parts of the same 3.5 million-square-kilometer sea their own, causing friction with China. Claimant states look to the warm waters for fish and undersea fuel reserves. The Chinese research website calls U.S. reconnaissance operations frequent and says they have built up strong momentum for battlefield construction and warfighting readiness across the U.S. military. Officials in Beijing say U.S. military units disrupt peace and violate international law. The United States, Chinas former Cold War rival and modern-day superpower rival, makes no claim to the sea. It has stepped in as Beijing takes a military lead in the maritime dispute, threatening a network of pro-U.S. governments such as Taiwan and the Philippines. China, which is backed by a growing military that ranks as the worlds third strongest, would take strong steps if an American plane entered its air space, Araral said. Chinese planes and warships already hold periodic drills in the contested sea. Both powers will probably keep flying until two-way relations improve, said Alexander Huang, strategic studies professor at Taiwans Tamkang University. The two countries stand at odds over trade and technology as well as Chinas military pressure against its neighbors. The real thing is that if the United States-China mil-mil [military ties] is not going back to normal, then we will continue to see this kind of reports (and) complaints, Huang said. Welcomed outside China The five other South China Sea claimants look to Washington for support against Beijings maritime expansion as theyre all militarily weaker than China. They resent Chinas land reclamation on some of the seas tiny islets as well as the circulation of Chinese ships near sensitive natural gas and oil reserves. Military infrastructure occupies some Chinese-held islets today, and Chinese fighter jets have been spotted as recently as July on Woody Island a feature vigorously contested by Vietnam. Southeast Asian claimants hope the U.S. flights will deter China from extending its maritime claims, analysts believe. For the Philippines, when the U.S. does these things, it in a sense demonstrates some sort of a balance of power, said Aaron Rabena, a research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Pathways to Progress Foundation in the Philippines Quezon City. David Neely, a former Managing Editor of the Belfast Telegraph, has died after a short illness. He was 73. He was born and brought up in Londonderry where his father James ran the family undertaking business of R Neely and Company. He attended the Model Primary School and later Foyle College. In those days he was a keen cyclist and was a member of the Londonderry Wheelers. It was a hobby he followed later, on two very different sets of wheels. David chose a career in journalism, and joined the Coleraine Chronicle as a trainee reporter, He then moved to the News Letter in Belfast, and later joined the Belfast Telegraph as a general reporter. He became Assistant News Editor during some of the worst years of the Troubles. He eventually was promoted to Managing Editor where he dealt with the many complex legal issues involving a busy newspaper. In this role he represented the Editor, and handled a constant stream of legal queries. During his time in the Telegraph he was also the paper's authoritative motorbike correspondent and wrote a widely-read weekly column on that subject. He retained his love of motorbikes and he and his wife Anne spent holidays touring widely in Europe on his BMW. He was also a member of a local group of biking enthusiasts who regularly made trips to many parts of Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic as well as to Europe. David also had a love of jazz, and during his News Letter days he shared that passion with their legendary columnist and jazz expert Bud Bossence. He was also a keen bird-watcher and horologist, and he had a fine collection of quality watches, which he often mentioned to his journalist friends. Paying tribute, his younger brother Alastair said: "David was always somebody I looked up to. He was a great brother who helped to guide me through life. He was a very well-known and popular person, and he had a wide circle of friends." Mr Neely is survived by his wife Anne, his daughters Lisa and Fiona, by his grandson Atticus and by his brother Alastair. He was pre-deceased by his first wife Gwen and by his brother Philip, a member of the Merchant Navy who was lost at sea in 1989 in the Gulf of Mexico. Martin Lindsay, a former editor of the Belfast Telegraph, said: "David and Norman Jenkinson and I were on the news desk during some of the worst years of the Troubles. He was a first-rate journalist who entered the profession through traditional roles. "During those difficult years, to say the least, David played a huge role in ensuring that we delivered the best possible service for our readers at a time when the news landscape was changing almost hour by hour, and sometimes as bombs rocked our Royal Avenue building to its core. David was a true professional. "After his heart attack, he kept me abreast of his condition by text from his hospital bed. He always had a 'glass half full approach' to his illness, and he showed a steely determination to get back on his feet and he was determined to return home to his family and friends. "I am so saddened that he did not get the happy ending that he, and all those who knew and loved him, had so desperately hoped for." "With vaccinations underway and restrictions slowly being lifted, New Yorkers appear to see hope at the end of the Covid tunnel with a solid majority of voters believing that NYC will bounce back the same or better than pre-pandemic times," said George Fontas, Founder and CEO of Fontas Advisors, a leading NYC-based government affairs consultancy. "It's not surprising to learn that recovering from the pandemic is the highest priority to voters, though it's extraordinary to see that public education far outpaces other issues, reiterating that a functioning in-person school system is mandatory to return the City to normalcy." "Though the candidates may have been campaigning for several months, our survey shows that voters are only now starting to tune in to the mayor's race," said Adam Rosenblatt, President of Core Decision Analytics (CODA), a non-partisan national public opinion research and analytics firm based in Washington, DC. "With less than one hundred days until the Democratic primary, the majority of likely voters are undecided, unfamiliar with most candidates, and also largely unaware of the new ranked choice process." The full survey results, including complete question wording, all questions asked, as well as demographics and screening criteria, is publicly available at PulseOfThePrimary.com . This second Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the pandemic in NYC, found that voters are cautiously optimistic about the City's post-Covid future. Key findings included: 52% of likely voters said that the City is "headed in the right direction" vs. 34% who believe it is "headed down the wrong track." 14% of voters indicated that they were "not sure." of likely voters said that the City is vs. 34% who believe it is "headed down the wrong track." 14% of voters indicated that they were "not sure." When asked to think ahead to March 2022 , a solid majority of voters (58%) said they think things in NYC will be either "better than things were prior to the pandemic" or "back to the way things were before the pandemic." Only 9% said they think things next year will be "worse than now," while one in four (25%) predicted things may be "about the same as things are today." Building upon insights from the first Fontas/CODA poll conducted in late January, the survey drilled deeper into eleven key issues facing the City that candidates often address on the campaign trail. Unsurprisingly, 91% of likely voters responded that "vaccine distribution and stopping the spread of COVID-19" is "Extremely" or "Very" important, placing it ahead of all other issues. of likely voters responded that is "Extremely" or "Very" important, placing it ahead of all other issues. Interestingly, 88% said that "improving public education" is "Extremely" or "Very" important. said that is "Extremely" or "Very" important. Rounding out the top five issues were "creating new jobs and opportunities" (86% extremely + very important), "homelessness" (85% extremely + very important), and "healthcare, not including COVID-19" (84% extremely + very important). With the race for mayor in mind, the second Fontas/CODA poll asked voters about their awareness of ranked choice voting and their familiarity with eight major candidates. It also assessed the current state of the race ("If the Democratic Primary for mayor were held today"). Key findings include: Awareness of ranked choice voting remains very low: Despite this survey taking place seven weeks after the last Fontas/CODA poll, there is a relatively minimal increase in terms of how many have heard, read, or seen "a lot" about ranked choice voting. While this change is a +3 percentage point increase from January (12% January vs 15% March), there has been a more dramatic rise in those who say they have heard "nothing at all" (34% January vs 41% March). Despite this survey taking place seven weeks after the last Fontas/CODA poll, there is a relatively minimal increase in terms of how many have heard, read, or seen "a lot" about ranked choice voting. While this change is a +3 percentage point increase from January (12% January vs 15% March), there has been a more dramatic rise in those who say they have heard "nothing at all" (34% January vs 41% March). Three candidates still enjoy high awareness, though others are gaining traction: Awareness of Andrew Yang , Scott Stringer , and Eric Adams is virtually identical to what the Fontas/CODA poll observed seven weeks ago. Yang remains the best known of the three, with 85% of likely voters in March saying they have heard of him, while Stringer and Adams are names known by 64% and 62% of likely voters, respectively. Shaun Donovan, Maya Wiley , and Ray McGuire have made noticeable gains since January in terms of awareness among voters: +11 for Donovan (33% Jan -> 44% Mar), +9 for Wiley (33% Jan -> 42% Mar), and +13 for McGuire (25% Jan ->38% Mar). Fewer than one in three voters are familiar with Kathryn Garcia and Dianne Morales . Awareness of , , and is virtually identical to what the Fontas/CODA poll observed seven weeks ago. Yang remains the best known of the three, with 85% of likely voters in March saying they have heard of him, while Stringer and Adams are names known by 64% and 62% of likely voters, respectively. Shaun Donovan, , and have made noticeable gains since January in terms of awareness among voters: +11 for Donovan (33% Jan -> 44% Mar), +9 for Wiley (33% Jan -> 42% Mar), and +13 for McGuire (25% Jan ->38% Mar). Fewer than one in three voters are familiar with and . With less than 100 days until the Democratic primary, half of likely voters are undecided: When presented with the names of the leading eight candidates as well as the option to say someone else, fully 50% of likely voters said they are undecided. Andrew Yang has a lead at 16%, followed by Eric Adams with 10%. Maya Wiley , Scott Stringer , and Ray McGuire have 6%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Shaun Donovan , Kathryn Garcia , and Dianne Morales each have 2%, while 1% said they would vote for someone else. When presented with the names of the leading eight candidates as well as the option to say someone else, fully 50% of likely voters said they are undecided. has a lead at 16%, followed by with 10%. , , and have 6%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. , , and each have 2%, while 1% said they would vote for someone else. A profile of the undecided voters: A demographic examination of the undecided voters reveals they are geographically located throughout all five boroughs. From a traditional demographic standpoint, they encompass a broad mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as age groups. However, the undecided voters are more likely to be female (68%, which is +7 percentage points more than likely voters as a whole). Finally, it is not surprising to see that undecided voters are less aware of the new ranked choice voting process, and, across the board, they are less familiar with all eight candidates assessed. "Undecided voters appear to be spread throughout the City and come from all walks of life," said Rosenblatt. "Undecided voters are less familiar with all the candidates, which may be a consequence of campaigning in the age of Covid. With voter contact and outreach efforts heating up as election day draws nearer, we anticipate our next poll will show awareness increasing, and presumably voters shifting from undecided to preferred candidates." "Our poll shows that the mayor's race is wide open and, although the June primary is right around the corner, recent history has taught us that three months is an eternity in an NYC election," said Fontas. "Given this, it's no surprise that the candidates who have raised the most money have so far spent very little, giving them an extraordinary war chest to address changing dynamics. We expect spending both from the campaigns and from multi-million dollar Super PACs to play an increasingly important role ahead of our next poll." The Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll is a three-part series which will publish poll results and analysis leading up to the NYC Democratic primary. Visit PulseOfThePrimary.com for the latest poll reports, analysis, and to subscribe to receive updates. Methodology On behalf of Fontas Advisors, Core Decision Analytics (CODA) conducted N=800 live telephone interviews (landline and cell) among New York City Democratic primary likely voters from March 15-18, 2021. The overall margin of error is +/-3.46% at the 95% confidence interval. Tracked findings referenced reflect the first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary study conducted online January 20-25 among N=842 New York City Democratic Primary likely voters. The complete poll report, including all survey questions, screening criteria, and demographics, are available at PulseOfThePrimary.com About Fontas Advisors Fontas Advisors is a boutique government affairs consultancy focused on the New York metropolitan area. Leveraging our strong knowledge of city and state administrations combined with our robust network honed over decades of experience, we drive results by serving the next-generation needs of corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. Learn more at fontasadvisors.com About Core Decision Analytics Core Decision Analytics (CODA) provides actionable opinion insights and cutting-edge data analytics programs grounded in trustworthy quantitative, qualitative, and advanced analytics methods. CODA leverages decades of experience in over 20 countries on behalf of governments, campaigns, business organizations, associations, and corporate clients. Learn more at coredecision.com SOURCE Pulse of the Primary Related Links https://pulseoftheprimary.com/ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... LUBBOCK, Texas An Arizona man is accused of forcing off the road a National Guard convoy transporting COVID-19 vaccines in West Texas and then holding 11 guard members at gunpoint. Larry Harris, 66, of Willcox, Arizona, told police that he stopped three vans because he believed people inside them had kidnapped a woman and child, authorities said. None of the National Guard members were injured, and Harris was arrested Tuesday morning when police responded to the scene. Police say Harris followed the three National Guard vans from a gas station and tried multiple times to run them off the roadway before turning his vehicle into oncoming traffic to stop them. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Harris pointed a gun at a National Guard Soldier, identified himself as a detective, and demanded to search the vehicles, according to a statement from Idalou Police Chief Eric C. Williams. He then ordered the guard members out of their vehicles at gunpoint, police said. Idalou police and deputies from the Lubbock County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene. Police say Harris had three loaded guns. Idalou Police Chief Eric Williams said Tuesday that he did not know on what Harris based his kidnapping idea, but that he was talking erratically when he was taken into custody. State law sets out a procedure where a judge, a jail official or a suspects attorney can request a mental health examination, said Lubbock County Assistant District Attorney Ashley Davis. However, Davis did not know if that has been done with Harris. Michelle Daniel, a Lubbock County Detention Center spokeswoman, declined to reveal if a mental examination had been requested. Harris was arrested on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint of 11 National Guard members, unlawful carrying of a weapon, impersonating a public servant, and interference with Texas military forces. He remained jailed Tuesday on $44,000 bond and had a federal hold on his custody. Jail records list no attorney for him. U.S. attorneys office spokeswoman Erin Dooley said she had no details on the matter. ___ This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Willcox, Arizona. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. Scientists have announced 'intriguing' results today that potentially cannot be explained by the current laws of nature. CERN, which operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world near Geneva in Switzerland, has detected 'gaps in our understanding of the universe'. From Large Hadron Collider data, CERN has found particles not behaving how they should according to the guiding theory of particle physics the Standard Model. As the Standard Model goes, particles called 'beauty quarks' should decay into either 'muons' or 'electrons' in equal measure. However, the new findings suggest this may not be happening, which could point to the existence of new particles or interactions not explained by the Standard Model. Scroll down for video New results from CERN have challenged the leading theory in particle physics the Standard Model. The results were produced by the Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment (pictured), one of four huge particle detectors at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) WHAT IS THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER? The LHC started colliding particles in 2010. Inside the 27-km LHC ring, bunches of protons travel at almost the speed of light and collide at four interaction points. These collisions generate new particles, which are measured by detectors surrounding the interaction points. By analyzing these collisions, physicists from all over the world are deepening our understanding of the laws of nature. While the LHC is able to produce up to 1 billion proton-proton collisions per second, the HL-LHC will increase this number, referred to by physicists as 'luminosity', by a factor of between five and seven, allowing about 10 times more data to be accumulated between 2026 and 2036. This means that physicists will be able to investigate rare phenomena and make more accurate measurements. For example, the LHC allowed physicists to unearth the Higgs boson in 2012, thereby making great progress in understanding how particles acquire their mass. Advertisement Physicists from Imperial College London and the universities of Bristol and Cambridge led the analysis of the data to produce this result, with funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the UK government agency. 'We were actually shaking when we first looked at the results, we were that excited,' said Dr Mitesh Patel at Imperial College London, one of the leading physicists behind the measurement. 'Our hearts did beat a bit faster. 'It's too early to say if this genuinely is a deviation from the Standard Model but the potential implications are such that these results are the most exciting thing I've done in 20 years in the field. The Standard Model describes all the known fundamental particles that make up our universe and the forces that they interact with. Over the 20th century, it became established as a well-tested physics theory. However, it cannot explain some of the deepest mysteries in modern physics, including what dark matter is made of and the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the universe. To help solve some of these mysteries, researchers have been searching for particles behaving in different ways than would be expected in the Standard Model. The results were produced by the Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment, one of four huge particle detectors at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The LHC is the world's largest and most powerful particle collider it accelerates subatomic particles to almost the speed of light, before smashing them into each other. Image shows the very rare decay of a beauty meson involving an electron and positron observed at LHCb= SUBATOMIC PHYSICS, IN BRIEF Atoms are usually made of protons, neutrons and electrons. These are made of even smaller elementary particles. Elementary particles, also known as fundamental particles, are the smallest particles we know to exist. They are subdivided into two groups, the first being fermions, which are said to be the particles that make up matter. The second are bosons, the force particles that hold the others together. Within the group of fermions are subatomic particles known as quarks. When quarks combine in threes, they form compound particles known as baryons. Protons are probably the best-known baryons. Sometimes, quarks interact with corresponding anti-particles (such as anti-quarks), which have the same mass but opposite charges. When this happens, they form mesons. Mesons often turn up in the decay of heavy man-made particles, such as those in particle accelerators, nuclear reactors and cosmic rays. Mesons, baryons, and other kinds of particles that take part in interactions like these are called hadrons. Advertisement These collisions produce a burst of new particles, which physicists record and study in order to better understand the basic building blocks of nature. Researchers say the updated measurement questions the laws of nature that treat electrons and their heavier cousins muons identically, except for small differences due to their different masses. The muon is an elementary particle similar to the electron but approximately 200 times heavier. According to the Standard Model, muons and electrons interact with all forces in the same way, so beauty quarks created at LHCb should decay into muons just as often as they do to electrons. However, these new measurements suggest the decays could be happening at different rates, which could indicate never-before-seen particles tipping the scales away from muons. 'The result offers an intriguing hint of a new fundamental particle or force that interacts in a way that the particles currently known to science do not,' said Imperial College London PhD student Daniel Moise, who made the first announcement of the results at the Moriond Electroweak Physics conference. 'If this is confirmed by further measurements, it will have a profound impact on our understanding of nature at the most fundamental level.' In particle physics, the gold standard for discovery is five standard deviations which means there is a one in 3.5 million chance of the result being a fluke. This result is three deviations meaning there is still a 1 in 1,000 chance that the measurement is a statistical coincidence, so it is therefore too soon to make any firm conclusions, the scientists say. 'We know there must be new particles out there to discover because our current understanding of the universe falls short in so many ways,' said Dr Michael McCann at Imperial College London., who also played a leading role. 'We do not know what 95 per cent of the universe is made of, or why there is such a large imbalance between matter and anti-matter, nor do we understand the patterns in the properties of the particles that we do know about. 'While we have to wait for confirmation of these results, I hope that we might one day look back on this as a turning point, where we started to answer to some of these fundamental questions.' The deviation is consistent with a pattern of anomalies measured in similar processes by LHCb and other experiments worldwide over the past decade, according to CERN. The result was announced at the Moriond Electroweak Physics conference and published as a pre-print paper, yet to be peer-reviewed. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 21:32:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUMBAI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has tested COVID-19 positive, a statement released by him said on Wednesday. The actor, who recently turned 56 years old with a film career of over three decades, has self-quarantined himself at his Mumbai residence and has requested everyone who came in his contact in the recent past to get themselves tested as a precautionary measure. The actor, whose films "PK" and "Dangal" were great success in China, is currently working on his film "Laal Singh Chaddha", an official remake of Tom Hanks-starrer "Forrest Gump". Mumbai city has seen a resurgence of the COVID-19 wave with fresh cases daily crossing the 3,000 mark for the past several days. India's financial capital now has 27,672 active cases of COVID-19 with total casualties at 11,600. The city's civic authority BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation has banned citizens from celebrating the colourful spring festival of Holi on Sunday in light of the rising cases of the pandemic. Enditem Taking the contraceptive pill and smoking may have been behind blood clots found in people who had the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, experts believe. European medical regulators are investigating what triggered the handful of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CSVT) cases. But the bloc's health chiefs have yet to make any conclusions. More than a dozen EU nations shunned the vaccine last week after the link emerged, despite assurances from their own safety watchdogs and the World Health Organization that the jab was safe and that blood clots weren't occurring more than usual. Britain's own medicines inspectors are also analysing the link between the vaccine and CSVT. Last week officials announced five inoculated Brits had been struck down by the dangerous condition. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs in Britain, insists the risk of developing the rare brain blood clot after getting vaccinated is tiny occurring once in every million jabs dished out. For comparison, the risk from the contraceptive pill of developing any clot is higher with around one in 1,600 women being affected each year. Smoking is also known to pose a greater risk of blood clots, because it can make platelets in the veins and arteries - which trigger clots - stick together. Emer Cooke, who heads up the European Medicines Agency (EMA), said they were investigating whether the contraceptive pill and smoking were behind the clots More than a dozen European countries were forced into a humiliating U-turn last week after regulators again ruled the AstraZeneca jab was safe and effective to use WHAT IS 'CSVT'? Cerebral sinus vein thrombosis (CVST) occurs when the vein that drains blood from the brain is blocked by a blood clot, resulting in potentially deadly bleeding on the brain. Symptoms can quickly deteriorate from a headache, blurred vision and faintness to complete loss of control over movement and seizures. According to Britain's regulators, CSVT is so rare that experts aren't even sure how common it is in the general population. MHRA chief Dr June Raine said the blood clots in the vaccinated patients could also have been caused by Covid itself, rather than the vaccine. John Hopkins University estimates CSVT affects five in a million people in the US every year, which would suggest 330 patients in Britain suffer from the condition annually. According to the university, it can affect patients with low blood pressure, cancer, vascular diseases and those prone to blood clotting. Head injuries can also trigger the condition. Advertisement If a link between the AstraZeneca vaccines and the clots is ever proven, it is unlikely to mean the vaccine will be suspended because the cases are so rare. Instead, regulators would insist patients are told about the potential side-effect, like they are for other day-to-day drugs such as paracetamol and the Pill. There are no figures on how often the Pill or smoking causes CSVT because it is so rare. Experts say, however, the AstraZeneca vaccine is 'safe and effective', and Britons should not be concerned when they get the jab. European countries including France and Germany were forced into a humiliating U-turn last week when they gave the jab the green light again after the EMA declared it was safe to use. There have been 18 cases of CSVT recorded in Europe out of the more than 20million people vaccinated. Most of these were in women under 55 years old. All of Britain's five cases of CSVT associated with the jab were in men aged between 19 and 59, who had no underlying conditions. EU regulators revealed they would investigate whether the contraceptive pill and smoking were behind the cases at an meeting with the bloc's top health bosses. Its chief executive, Emer Cooke, reiterated the risk of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine was lower than would be expected in the population. She said: 'This is not an unexpected situation. When you vaccinate millions of people its inevitable rare or serious instances of illnesses will be detected after vaccination.' It comes as tensions with the EU rose again today amid reports the bloc is battling with the UK over 29million AstraZeneca doses in Italy with Brussels unveiling plans to block exports. The European Commission is set to defy anxiety over undermining legal contracts and publish new proposals widening the criteria for restricting exports. EU sources suggested Britain will be put squarely in the crosshairs, as the plan will specify that supplies could be affected if they are bound for countries with higher vaccination rates than the bloc. Five people vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK have developed cerebral sinus vein thrombosis. It occurs when the vein that drains blood from the brain (shown) is blocked by a blood clot, resulting in potentially deadly bleeding on the brain There are extraordinary report today that the two sides are battling over 29million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine being held at a plant in Italy. According to Italian paper La Stampa the huge stocks were earmarked for the UK, but discovered by the authorities after a tip-off from Brussels. However, UK government sources insisted the claims are 'not true' and the supply figures being cited are 'insane'. The wrangling comes amid mounting panic in Brussels at its shambolic rollout. Hundreds of people from the Republic are said to have been trying to book jabs in Northern Ireland, where availability is far better. Boris Johnson risked fuelling the row last night by suggesting to Tory MPs that 'greed' was responsible for the UK being so far ahead although he quickly tried to retract the comment, realising it might cause anger. Here's what you need to know: Wednesday March 24 President-elect Joe Biden bumps fists with former President Barack Obama during Biden's inauguration as the 46th President of the United States on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (Jonathan Ernst/ReutersPool) Biden Consults Regularly With Obama on Range of Issues, Psaki Says President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama discuss a range of issues over the phone on a regular basis, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. Well, I will say, having a unique view of this question, they were not just the president and vice president, they are friends, and they consult and talk about a range of issues, Psaki said during a press briefing at the White House on March 22. I would expect that continues through the course of President Bidens presidency. Psaki made the remarks in response to a question from a reporter who asked if Obama had visited the White House, pointing out that the former president was participating in an Affordable Care Act event at around the time Biden was highlighting the legislations 11th anniversary. That can be done over the phone, it turns out, Psaki said, about Bidens communications with Obama. I think if President Obama had been here, you would all know. Hes a recognizable figure. But I expect, given former President Obamas work on the Affordable Care Act, President Bidens commitment to expanding access to health care throughout his presidency, that, you know, its an issue theyll talk about. At the 11th anniversary event, Obama praised Biden for expanding the measure, commonly known as Obamacare, as part of the COVID-19 stimulus package. Weve still got more work to do, Obama said. Even with the American Rescue Plan, there are still millions of people who should be able to get Medicaid but their governors are still resistant, and that expansion still hasnt taken place in some big states with a lot of people. Obama broke an unspoken tradition for former presidents and regularly criticized then-President Donald Trump upon departing the White House in 2017; he campaigned for Biden actively in 2020. Biden has appointed a number of Obama-era officials to senior positions at the White House and federal agencies. Some of Northern Ireland's youngest models are hoping to continue making waves in the fashion world by strutting their stuff at major catwalk events post-lockdown. Trailblazer and rising star Kate Grant (22) from Cookstown, who is the first model in Northern Ireland with Down's syndrome, has long refused to let her disability define her. She first made headlines in 2017 when she worked the catwalk at Belfast Fashion Week, marking the first time a person with Down's syndrome had modelled at the event. Two years later Kate was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Cookstown in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. Earlier that same year, she made headlines when it was announced that she had been selected as a brand ambassador for cosmetic giant Benefit. "I'm really looking forward to continuing with modelling when the pandemic is over. As someone who loves clothes and fashion, I really miss it all so much," Kate told the Belfast Telegraph. "I've always wanted to be treated the same as everybody else. "Nobody is perfect but I want to be able to continue using my voice to fight for equality and change opinions around those like me with Down's syndrome and other disabilities." Expand Close Star power: Paula Reynolds with daughter Hailey-Jane and son Jackson / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Star power: Paula Reynolds with daughter Hailey-Jane and son Jackson Kate says while lockdown has been important to help save lives, it has been a nightmare too because she has missed out on a lot of opportunities. "I've been doing some acting classes over Zoom but modelling is still my first love and it's my dream to work with Kim Kardashian West one day." Her equally determined mum Deirdre (58) added: "I'd like to think that some events will happen again for Kate but there's absolutely nothing in the diary at the moment. "In terms of commercial modelling, Kate's agency had some events based in London but because of lockdown and her vulnerability she wasn't able to avail of them," Deirdre added. Paula Reynolds from Ballyhegan in Co Armagh is equally keen to see her kids back on the catwalk as soon as possible. Last February, just weeks before lockdown, her daughter Hailey-Jane stormed Kids' London Fashion Week. The seven-year-old and her younger brother Jackson (6), pupil at St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School in Loughgall, Co Armagh, are both signed up to several modelling agencies. Hailey-Jane walked in the Mini Mode fashion show as part of Global Kids' Fashion Week. Despite thousands of applicants for the Mini Mode show, Hailey-Jane made it on to the shortlist before waiting five months to find out if she would be walking the runway. That opened up new opportunities for Hailey-Jane, with Jackson and herself both invited by designers to walk in some of the next season's Paris and New York Fashion Week shows. Then along came Covid-19, which put those trips on hold. Paula (32), a mental health support worker, wanted both her children to get into modelling because they love being in front of the camera. "The kids keep asking me when they'll be allowed to go away on a plane again because we were all so used to travelling a lot in the past," she said. "The Mini Mode show was the last time they were away and obviously Paris, New York and Milan never happened because we couldn't travel anywhere. "Those shows were all pushed back until September but then that didn't happen either. "We're hopeful that New York Fashion Week will go ahead this September instead when the kids will be walking for designer Debbie Holden," she added. Joining Hailey-Jane and Jackson will be Paula's younger brother, Michael Knipe (14), who has Down's syndrome, and making his catwalk debut. "It will be the most amazing experience so fingers crossed we'll be back to some sort of normality by then," Paula added. [March 24, 2021] Bank of America Announces Full Redemption of Depositary Shares Representing Interests in Its 6.000% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series EE Bank of America Corporation announced today that it will redeem all outstanding shares of its 6.000% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series EE (the "Series EE Preferred Stock"), and the corresponding depositary shares representing fractional interests in the outstanding shares of the Series EE Preferred Stock (the "Series EE Depositary Shares"), on April 25, 2021. All 36,000,000 Series EE Depositary Shares (NYSE: BAC PrA) (CUSIP No. 060505260), each representing a 1/1,000th interest in one share of the Series EE Preferred Stock, will be redeemed on the upcoming dividend payment date for the Series EE Preferred Stock on April 25, 2021 (the "Redemption Date"), simultaneously with the redemption of the Series EE Preferred Stock, at a redemption price of $25 per depositary share. However, since the Redemption Date is not a business day, the redemption price will be paid on the next succeeding business day, April 26, 2021. Declared dividends of $0.375 per depositary share on the outstanding Series EE Depositary Shares for the full current quarterly dividend period from, and including, January 25, 2021 to, but excluding, April 25, 2021 will be paid separately on April 26, 2021, to holders of record on April 1, 2021, in the customary manner. Accordingly, the redemption price of $25 per depositary share does not include any accrued and unpaid dividends, and dividends on the redeemed depositary shares will cease to accrue on the Redemption Date. The Series EE Depositary Shares are held through The Depository Trust Company (DTC) and will be redeemed in accordance with the procedures of DTC. Payment to DTC for the Series EE Depositary Shares will be made by Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., collectively, as redemption agent, in accordance with the Deposit Agreement governing the Series EE Depositary Shares. The address for the redemption agent is as follows: Computershare Trust Company, N.A. Attn: Corporate Actions 150 Royall St. Canton,MA 02021 Bank of America has received all necessary approvals for this redemption. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 4,300 retail financial centers, including approximately 2,700 lending centers, 2,600 financial centers with a Consumer Investment Financial Solutions Advisor and approximately 2,400 business centers; approximately 17,000 ATMs; and award-winning digital banking with approximately 39 million active users, including approximately 31 million mobile users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 3 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and approximately 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Forward-looking statements Certain information contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions difficult to predict or beyond our control. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement and should consider the uncertainties and risks discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and in any of our other subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statement was made. For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for email news alerts. www.bankofamerica.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005774/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said Wednesday that Eritrean soldiers killed over 100 civilians in a November massacre in war-torn Tigray that may amount to crimes against humanity. The findings by the government-affiliated but independent body corroborate separate investigations by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch into the same killings in the historic town of Axum. Information collected during this preliminary investigation confirm that during the two days of November 28 and November 29, grave violations of human rights were committed and that in Axum, over one hundred residents were killed by Eritrean soldiers, the commission said. As these grave human rights violations may amount to crimes against humanity or war crimes, it underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation into overall human rights situation in Tigray region. The latest report comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed admitted for the first time that Eritrean troops had crossed the border into Tigray, and suggested they may have been involved in abuses against civilians. Addis Ababa and Asmara had for months flatly denied the involvement of Eritrean forces in the conflict, and described reports of their alleged atrocities in the region as misinformation and propaganda. Door to door The EHRC conducted a fact-finding mission to Axum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in late February and early March after earlier attempts to reach the town were impeded by the security situation. The rights commission spoke to dozens of witnesses who said Eritrean troops shot unarmed civilians and fired on those who tried to collect their bodies. Eritrean soldiers went door to door asking women where their husbands or children were telling them to bring their sons out if they have any, the report stated. Corpses were left in the streets for days, some being dismembered by animals, witnesses said. Like Amnesty and HRW which separately reported hundreds butchered in Axum the EHRC could not provide an exact death toll. The commission was still verifying more victims and investigating other alleged atrocities in areas around Axum, it said. Eritrean and Ethiopian troops were also accused of looting hospitals even taking hospital beds and mattresses resulting in crippling medicine and equipment shortages that resulted in patient deaths, the report said. Abiy sent troops into Tigray on November 4 after he blamed the regions ruling party, the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front, for attacks on federal army camps. He declared fighting over in late November with the capture of the regional capital but reports of widespread rape, murder and looting by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces have spurred calls for an investigation. The United Nations, among other members of the international community, have urged Eritrean troops to withdraw from Tigray. by Francis Khoo Thwe The little girl was shot dead while sitting on her father's lap. Two more people killed in Mandalay: in a sort of revenge by the security forces. Today a "silent strike", throughout the country in contrast to the junta which forces state employees and labourers to return to work. Yangon (AsiaNews) - A 7-year-old girl was killed yesterday afternoon during a raid by the security forces in the Chanmyathazi neighborhood in Mandalay. The little girl was shot in the stomach while she was sitting on her fathers lap. According to eye witness accounts collected by Myanmar Now, when they arrived in the neighborhood at 4 pm, the soldiers violently entered the little girl's house, forcing the whole family to sit down. The military asked if all the members were present there. The father said yes, but the soldiers accused him of lying and shot him. The bullet, however, hit the little girl, whose name is Khin Myo Chit. They then started beating one of his sons, a 19-year-old, until he bled, and then took him away, suspecting him of participating in pro-democracy demonstrations. As soon as the soldiers left, the father took his little daughter to the hospital, but there was nothing to be done. In the Aung Pin Le area, also in Mandalay, two other people were killed: Tin Soe Oo, 30, and Chan Thar Htwe, 20. Aung Pin's killings appear to you as a military revenge. Three days ago, the people of the neighbourhood tried to stop the soldiers who wanted to clear the barricades built by the activists. In the scuffles, a street vendor, Tut Kyi, was killed. According to local media, on March 21 in Mandalay, security forces killed at least 9 people. The next day, in a raid, the military killed 8 people, including a 14-year-old boy. The Association for Aid to Political Prisoners says the junta's armed forces have so far killed at least 275 people, including many teenagers. Today a "silent strike" is taking place throughout the country: the population is invited to stay at home to honour all those who have died fighting for freedom. The strike also serves to thwart the junta's attempts to force state employees, shopping centres and shops to reopen to get the economy hit by civil disobedience back into operation. To avoid confrontation with the military, yesterday there were demonstrations and candlelight vigils at night in Yangon and Thahton (Mon State). (Photo : Pexels/Anton) WhatsApp scam Amazon WhatsApp has warned its users to be wary of the ongoing Amazon scam. A message would appear on the platform and ask the users to answer questions in a survey, and they are promised a high-end phone as soon as the survey is done. However, this offer is too good to be true. The WhatsApp scam promises a Huawei Mate 40 Pro 5G to celebrate Amazon's 30th anniversary, but Amazon nor Huawei never released an official announcement about any promotion or prize. Amazon WhatsApp scam This type of scam is not something new. From time to time, these types of messages appear and ask users to share the link with the people in their WhatsApp contacts or asks users to click on a link and fill out the form with their information. The link usually directs the user to a fake page that promises something incredible but is full of malware, and the user may risk contaminating their device or providing their personal information to hackers. Also Read: Signal Vs. Telegram Vs. WhatsApp: Which One is More Secure? Here are Their Security Features Even though this type of modus operandi is not new, there are still many who fall for it, and Rumors.Org even made an article clarifying that the free Amazon gifts for WhatsApp users are a hoax. The story itself is very poorly counted since Amazon is not even turning 30 this year as billionaire Jeff Bezos founded the company in 1994, and it is currently in its 27th year in 2021. The text is also strange, as posted by Gadget Now, as it is filled with grammatical errors. Some sentences even seem to be in translation, which indicates that the scam is created in other countries. Some of the information does not make sense, like the time that was initially one minute, and then it changes to 4 minutes and 7 seconds. After that, a few questions appear on the screen, like the participant's gender and age and then whether they are satisfied with Amazon's service. The WhatsApp scam then goes to a roulette wheel that will allegedly raffle your prize. Participants always end up falling on the tab of the Huawei Mate 40 Pro 5G Full Netcom 8GB + 256GB. After that, the scam will ask the user to share their contacts on WhatsApp so that they can get the alleged Amazon gift. There is no such prize, and in the end. The user will be transferred to a website that is full of malware that can even cause the phone to crash. So it best to be careful and do not share these messages with other people. In a statement, Amazon said that it did not send this message to WhatsApp users, thus confirming that the case is just a scam. The company encourages its users to report this type of thing on its official website. How to keep your WhatsApp account safe According to the tweet of WABetaInfo, users of WhatsApp can protect their accounts through the two-step verification method that WhatsApp offers as soon as the app is installed. Also, be sure to use only the official WhatsApp versions available on the Apple store, Play Store and TestFlight. Related Article: WhatsApp Delays New Privacy Policy Amid Backlash, User Boycott This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sieeka Khan 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If you are the parent of a school-aged child, particularly during these online learning environment times, youve probably heard your fair share about the evils of fossil fuels and the savior that is renewables. Hollywood is also disseminating anti-oil material aimed at young children--or in this particular case, Netflix--drawing the ire of the oil lobby, which is gearing up for war. Educators with limited energy knowledge--often social studies educators--are quick to point out the myriad problems with fossil fuels. They are less quick to point out the problems with renewables, which just so happen to be real. Hollywood, too, is now picking up the mantle against fossil fuels, and they are even less subtle. Case in point, Netflixs movie The Big Foot Family, which has the oil industry up in arms. One Canadian lobbyist group, Candian Energy Centre, has accused the film of brainwashing youngsters and peddling lies. Those are harsh words for a cartoon that struggles to squeeze in complex topics into an animated adventure that aims to entertain youngsters. The movies main character is green-crusader Big Foot, who travels to the Alaskan wilderness to protest against an oil company known as X-TRACT Oil. X-TRACT is touting its clean method of extracting oil that doesnt leave any environmental footprint. The oil company is lying, of course, and instead of sustainable drilling for an unsustainable resource, X-TRACT plans to detonate a bomb to spill oil over the pristine Alaskan wilderness. Related: Oil Slips On Small Crude Inventory Build While Canada might be offended by the insinuation that oil is inherently evil, BP has been silent, even though the X-TRACT oil depicted in the movie looks suspiciously similar to BP: bright, shiny, BP-green, and complete with BPs new greenspeak. Nevertheless, BP likely views this Netflix challenger as beneath it or as an unworthy adversary. BP should not be so quick to dismiss. After all, according to Whitney Houston, and conveniently also according to Canadian Energy Centre, these children are our future. And given the politicization of fossil fuels, these kids will either be for or against fossil fuels. Our children are the key to the future, the Canada oil lobby group said, adding that those kids cant succeed if theyre filled with misinformation. And make no mistake, this film took great pains to explain not just how evil the oil company and its workers were, but how proud the parents were of their childrens anti-oil company activism which included breaking into the oil company grounds to save the town from utter destruction. The Canadian oil lobby group was created just a few years ago and dubbed the energy war room as it started to become clear that fossil fuels were in the crosshairs of advocacy groups, activist investors, Hollywood, and the media. It is, after all, the main revenue source for the oil-rich province of Alberta. They were ready for war then, and they are certainly ready for it now. For too long, the reputation of Albertas energy sector has been damaged by a deceitful campaign to landlock the oilsands. The Canadian Energy Centre will focus on improving perceptions about the oil and gas industry, Albertas Minister of Energy Sonya Savage said in October 2019, a few months after the group was formed. Its strategy? To apply a fact-based approach to counteracting the misinformation about our industry. This is the same group that has accused foreign actors of financing anti-oil coverage in the media and started a million-dollar investigation to get to the bottom of it. According to the groups website, energy is the largest subsector of Canadas economy, accounting for $221 billion of nominal GDP in 2018. Related: Report Accuses Banks Of Creating Climate Chaos As the Canadian Energy Centre suggests, the movie does villainize energy workers. But what it also does is lash out at green energy initiatives that energy companies are taking--at great expense. Big Oil has been repeatedly kicked for doing what the green crusaders have been asking them to do for decades--one can only wonder if any change will truly satisfy climate activists--even ones that are legitimate and not greenwashing. Minister Savage has spoken out in defense of the Canadian Energy Centre over its Big Foot Family comments. Savage said that while she doesnt always agree with the Centres tactics, the government of Canada needs to fight back against misinformation about the oil and gas industry. Of course, all this attention that is being paid to the Big Foot Family after the CECs efforts may have sparked a viewing frenzy on Netflix, as everyone rushed to find out what all the fuss was about. The movie soon landed itself on Netflixs Top 10 list. One could view this as proof that CECs media campaign is influential as intended, or that Big Foot Family won the day by grabbing more viewers than its dubious quality would otherwise warrant. Either way, the war between the fossil fuel and anti-fossil fuel camps is heating up with the divide growing larger by the day. But even as the climate crowd struggles to change the narrative surrounding energy, the worlds largest oil and gas producers, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Qatar, are forging ahead with new fossil fuel projects. But oil and gas companies should remain vigilant if they hope to survive in this new climate. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Northern Irish farmers are being urged to take part in a new network of Technology Demonstration Farms to showcase the use of new and innovative technologies. The aim of the network is to encourage a greater rate of technology adoption on-farm, according to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Research shows that early adopters of innovations and technology play an important role in convincing their peers to take more innovative approaches. The department says the intention is to to appoint two new crop farms, which will be selected under two themes: Efficient Nutrition of Crops and Minimum Tillage Crop. "These will be people who enjoy welcoming other farmers onto their farm and can tell their story of how they have introduced new technologies into their business," DAERA said. "Farmers are eligible to apply for more than one theme but can only be appointed under one theme. "Within each theme there is a list of proven technologies which should currently be used on the farm. "One farm is being sought for each theme with appointments being made on a competitive basis. "Those farmers who meet the eligibility criteria, and are short-listed, will be assessed by a panel during a visit to their farm." Selected farms are expected to host between eight and twelve visits for groups of between five and 25 farmers. Technology Demonstration Farms will also receive a hosting payment of 600 for each visit. Applications will open on Monday 29 March 2021 and close on Friday 23 April 2021. The Chief of the Defense Staff (SMAp), Lieutenant General Daniel Petrescu, is meeting on Wednesday, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense (MApN), with his counterpart from the Kingdom of Spain, Admiral Teodoro Esteban Lopez, who began on Tuesday a four-day official visit to Romania, informs a press release of the relevant ministry sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday. According to the cited source, during the discussions, an assessment will be made of the state of the bilateral military cooperation relations and its development potential, in the context of the Strategic Partnership between Romania and Spain. There will also be discussions on the participation in exercises, the strengthening of the allied multinational command-control structures and on the analysis of missions carried out in theaters of operations, in NATO or EU context The schedule of the Spanish delegation' s visit includes meetings with officials from the Ministry of National Defense and with members of the command teams of the General Staff of the Land Forces, the General Staff of the Air Force and the General Staff of the Naval Forces, as well as the Headquarters Multinational Corps South East and the Headquarters Multinational Division South East. Admiral Teodoro Esteban Lopez Calderon will visit the "Mircea cel Batran" Naval Academy in Constanta and will inspect the Spanish frigate "Cristobal Colon", which participates in the SEA SHIELD 21 exercise of the Romanian Naval Forces. The official agenda also includes a meeting, on Thursday, with the soldiers of the Spanish detachment deployed at the 57th Air Base "Mihail Kogalniceanu" to execute missions of enhanced Air Policing under NATO command. San Diego, CA, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- San Diego, CA Six Mission Bay resorts (Paradise Point Resort, Bahia Resort Hotel, The Dana on Mission Bay, Hyatt Mission Bay, San Diego Mission Bay Resort and the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa) are offering a special spring promotion in partnership with their on-site activity rental providers Action Sport Rentals, Adventure Water Sports, and Mission Bay SportsCenter. When reserving a mid-week stay, guests can enjoy buy-one-get-one on all non-motorized rentals. Non-motorized rentals include kayaks, standup paddleboards, bikes, and surreys. After a day of biking or paddling around the bay guests can relax at one of the resorts, enjoying the picturesque bay views, delicious dining options, or a beachside bonfire. Guests can plan their mid-week adventure escape by using the promo code MBPROMO on any of the partnering hotels websites: Mission Bay is San Diegos 4,600-acre aquatic playground, the largest of its kind in the world. It offers an array of activities for all skill levels and is perfect for socially distanced fun. It is surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline with a variety of waterways, inlets, and islets to explore. Mission Bay is also bordered by several lively beach communities each with their own distinct vibe. Neighboring beach towns include Pacific Beach, known for its rooftop bars and surf culture, and Mission Beach, home to the family-friendly theme park Belmont Park. ### Attachments Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. SPRINGFIELD The Springfield City Council will challenge Palmer Renewable Energys decade-old building permit with the help of the nonprofit Conservation Law Foundation of Boston. At issue is councilors contention that the 2011 permit expired because construction has not begun at the proposed $150 million, 35-megawatt power plant. They say any construction now would require a new special use permit under a 2013 city ordinance. The appeal will be filed this week possibly Wednesday with the Springfield Zoning Board. Whatever side loses at the Zoning Board can appeal to one of several courts after that. The people of Springfield seem largely opposed (to the plant), said Johannes Epke, staff attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. We had a unanimous vote of the city council (Monday) night. If the city council and the people of Springfield cannot make these developers come in for a special permit and explain to the city why this is a beneficial use, there is a real problem in the operation of zoning and building enforcement. Building permits require construction to commence within six months, Epke said. The appeal isnt costing the council, or the city, anything to pursue, Epke said. The Conservation Law Foundation is happy to advocate on the councils behalf, he said. Councilor at Large Kateri Walsh was absent at Monday nights vote. The remaining 12 councilors voted to pursue the appeal. As the primary land use body of the city, the city council has a responsibility to ensure that all laws, rules, and ordinances are followed in the city of Springfield, Councilor at Large Jesse Lederman said in a statement. Under the current zoning ordinance of the City of Springfield this sort of a project requires a Special Permit from the Springfield City Council, a permit the project does not hold. While this projects original permits were issued under an earlier version of the zoning ordinance, it is our opinion that the permits issued at that time were not sufficiently acted upon, Lederman said. As such, we will be asking the zoning board of appeals to review the facts and the determination of the building commissioner. The vote, taken following a closed-door executive session in a special meeting, once again pits the council against the administration of Mayor Domenic Sarno. The council is suing Sarno trying to force him to reinstate a civilian police commission. Council members and community advocates are staunchly opposed to the biomass project, saying it would bring more air pollution into a populated neighborhood where asthma rates are already high. This is the big issue as to whether this building permit is valid or not, said Laura Haight, U.S. policy director for the Partnership for Policy Integrity. She said the partnership between the council and the Conservation Law Foundation is good news for the anti-biomass cause. Its been 20 years since they have represented a public body, Haight said. Palmer Renewable Energy has said through its law firm that construction work has begun at the site and that the building permit did not expire and is still valid. In reliance on our validly issued permits, which were obtained after a comprehensive review and approval process, we are now in active construction and look forward to bringing this green energy project to fruition, the company said Tuesday through a spokesman. In response to questions Tuesday, City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula relayed a city report detailing $11.75 million worth of planned or completed work. The list includes engineering and design work but also site clearing, demolition and materials moving. A contract is signed to build a foundation for the smokestack, according to the document. Epke said none of that matters. They didnt need permits to do any of the things they pointed to as activity at the site, Epke said. They entered into those contracts and spent that money at their own risk. The timing is the crucial factor here. We think the law is pretty clear that preparation for construction doesnt constitute construction. Palmer Renewable Energys fate is also tied to a tangle of state regulatory and legislative changes that appear stalled in Boston. A set of regulations introduced in December by the Baker administration would make the Springfield biomass project eligible for green energy credits. The rules were not acted on by the Legislature and have not been refiled for the current session. Those regulations would grant the Springfield project as much as $13 million a year in green energy subsidies paid for by the states electricity customers through the Renewable Portfolio Standards program. A climate bill now on Bakers desk has a five-year moratorium on municipal utilities ability to count power from wood-burning plants as green energy. While the moratorium would apply Palmer Renewable Energy, and Haight said the company already has deals to sell its power that extend past the five -year time period.. Springfield-area lawmakers led by state Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, have introduced separate legislation to stop the Palmer Renewable Energy plant. U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, both Democrats, sent Republican Gov. Charlie Baker a letter in December asking the state to suspend and reassess the approval it gave the plant. Markey visited the plant site in February to meet with neighbors. Springfield city councilor Jesse Lederman (left) shows Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey the site of a proposed Biomass plant at Page and Cadwell Drive in Springfield on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Related content: (ANSA) - ROME, MAR 24 - Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio confirmed Italy's commitment to the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels on Wednesday, sources said. He also confirmed Italy is willing to keep playing a lead role in Iraq, according to the sources. Di Maio said that NATO should do more to manage instability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area, the sources said. Di Maio and Stoltenberg talked about relations with Russia too, the sources said. (ANSA). London, March 24 : At least 14 people have been arrested following a second "Kill the Bill" protest in Bristol in three days, the police said on Wednesday. The Tuesday protest of about 200 people in Bristol, in the south-west of England, finished after officers "enforced Covid-19 legislation", DPA news agency reported citing the police. "A total of 14 people were arrested for offences including breaches of Covid-19 legislation and obstruction of a highway," the statement said, adding that one of those detained was also arrested in connection to a Sunday demonstration -- also over the new police bill -- that turned violent. A bill currently making its way through British parliament could see the police being given more powers during protests. The proposed law foresees a new offence of "intentionally or recklessly causing public nuisance," which could see people facing jail time or a fine if found guilty. Chief Superintendent Claire Armes said that additional resources from neighbouring forces were brought in to safely end the protest, which was taking place in breach of "legislation in place to protect public health." Aimes said it was "disappointing" that officers had to take action after protesters refused to move on "on a day we should be remembering all those who've lost their lives to Covid-19 over the past year." She said it was "unacceptable" for people to insult efforts made by communities in Bristol to defeat the virus. On Tuesday, Britain marked one year since it entered its first coronavirus lockdown. The UK has recorded over 4.3 million infections and almost 150,000 deaths connected to Covid-19. New Delhi: A Delhi court on Wednesday (March 24) issued summons to former Union minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti in the INX Media money-laundering case. Special Judge M K Nagpal has summoned the duo on April 7, taking cognisance of the charge sheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) against them. The court said there was sufficient material to proceed against the Chidambarams, Karti's chartered accountant S S Bhaslararaman, former CEO of INX Pratim Mukerjea and six firms including INX Media and INX News. "I find sufficient material and grounds for proceeding further in the matter against all the 10 accused persons named in the complaint, out of which six accused are companies, for commission of offence under section 3 read with section 70 of the PMLA, which is punishable under section 4 of the Act," the judge said in his order according to PTI. The charge sheet alleged that the first installment of illegal gratification of Rs 3,08,62,044, in furtherance of criminal conspiracy, was paid by INX Media to M/s Advantage Strategic Consulting Pvt Ltd (ASCPL) and two other shell companies. It said these firms, Kriya FMCG Distributors Pvt Ltd (Kriya) and CBN Placement and Management Centre (CBNPMC), were beneficially owned or controlled by Karti, and the amount was paid during 2007-08 through SpanFibre and Satyam Fibre (India) Pvt Ltd (Satyam Fibre). "These fake invoices/ debit notes are also alleged to have been created as a part of the scheme to camouflage/ layer the illegal gratification as genuine business transactions," the court noted. Chidambaram was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the INX Media corruption case on August 21, 2019. On October 16, 2019, the ED arrested him in a related money-laundering case. Six days later, on October 22, the apex court granted bail to Chidambaram in the case lodged by the CBI. In the ED case, he got bail on December 4, 2019. The CBI had registered its case on May 15, 2017, alleging irregularities in a Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance granted to the INX Media group for receiving overseas funds of Rs 305 crore in 2007, during Chidambaram's tenure as finance minister. Subsequently, the ED had lodged the money-laundering case. Live TV Members of Parliament have scored a major political goal with their resolution to force the Education Minister Lady Mabuza to stop schools from demanding payment of 2020 fees from parents and refund those who had paid, where applicable. In essence, the minister now needs to set up a COVID-19 Relief Fund for schools to cater for 2020 expenses and refunds. A great relief for parents no doubt, but it leaves the minister with a bigger headache than that of getting schools to be COVID-19 safety compliant. There is no denying that the ministry brought this decision upon itself by issuing a directive forcing all parents to pay 2020 fees without ascertaining where it were to be applicable and failing to take into account the impact of COVID-19 on the livelihoods of parents. MPs have responded likewise. This decision warrants a vigorous verification exercise of the 2020 expenses claims by school committees and head teachers as advised by the minister, which could take months for a ministry that is notorious for delaying the release of funds to schools. These delays are bound to cause undesirable consequences, which will most certainly pit teachers against parents. reopening This is not the reopening of schools our children would have wanted after a year without school. Nevertheless, it presents Cabinet with an opportunity to review some of its budget allocations and come up with a supplementary budget for reallocation of funds. Our MPs, who are riding the crest of the popularity wave, could also prove more useful by reviewing some of the budget allocations they have approved without fully applying themselves. They seem to be learning from their mistakes with the recommendation to freeze an allocation to the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel (ICC&FISH) project until they get full accountability, albeit several billions of Emalangeni too late, but they have an opportunity to fix things with the current budget and a good place to start would be a review of the army budget allocation among other non-priority sectors. LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE IS MAY 18, 2021 NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on behalf of investors that purchased Root, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROOT) securities between October 28, 2020 and March 8, 2021, both dates inclusive (the Class Period); and/or Root Class A common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the offering documents issued in connection with the Companys initial public offering conducted on or about October 28, 2020 (the IPO or Offering). All investors who purchased shares of and incurred losses are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action or join the case on our website, www.whafh.com. If you have incurred losses in the shares of Root, Inc., you may, no later than May 18, 2021, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights as an investor in the shares of Root, Inc. CLICK HERE TO JOIN CASE On October 5, 2020, Root filed a registration statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the IPO, which, after several amendments, was declared effective on October 27, 2020 (the Registration Statement). On October 28, 2020, Roots underwriters conducted the IPO, selling 26.8 million shares of the Companys Class A common stock to the public at $27.00 per share for total approximate proceeds of $725 million. On this news, Roots stock price fell $0.18 per share, or 1.46%, to close at $12.17 per share on March 9, 2021, representing a total decline of 54.93% from the Offering price. Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation. Story continues If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com, or visit our website at www.whafh.com. Contact: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP Kevin Cooper, Esq. Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis Email: gstone@whafh.com, kcooper@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774 This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Governor Gordon Orders Flags Be Flown at Half-Staff Statewide Through March 27 in Honor and Remembrance of the Victims of the Tragedy in Boulder, Colorado. Governor Mark Gordon, pursuant to President Joe Biden's Proclamation in honor and remembrance of the victims of the tragedy in Boulder, Colorado., has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags be flown at half-staff statewide until sunset March 27. The Presidential Proclamation follows: As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, March 27, 2021. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR India: Centre invites stakeholders' comments on National Fisheries Policy March 24,2021 | Source: The New Indian Express A 'National Fisheries Policy 2020' has been formulated and placed in the public domain, inviting suggestions from stakeholders, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday. Minister of State for Fisheries Pratab Chandra Sarangi, in his written reply to the Lok Sabha, said the draft policy provides vision and strategies of the government towards overall and sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country for the next ten years. The government has already received comments on the draft policy from about 14 states and Union territories, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Odisha, he said. The minister said that the draft policy has been translated into 11 vernacular languages and states have been asked to circulate it among stakeholders, including fishermen associations in order to obtain their comments. The draft policy provides guiding principles, strategies and a roadmap towards holistic development of the fisheries sector in the country. The minister also said that the government is implementing a flagship scheme "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)" to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore for a period of five years, in effect from the financial year 2020-21. newindianexpress.com 2021 SEN. GRACE POE's MANIFESTATION TRANSCRIPT on Senate Resolution No. 691 March 24, 2021 I rise to join our senator-lawyers in condemning the killings of the members of the legal profession. It was a relief to finally learn that the highest court in the land has acknowledged this issue. As it said in its statement, "To threaten our judges and our lawyers is no less than an assault on the judiciary. To assault the judiciary is to shake the very bedrock on which the rule of law stands. This cannot be allowed in a civilized society like ours. This cannot go undenounced on the Court's watch." Thus, I would like to be made co-author of this resolution. Armed Myanmar riot policemen and soldiers reach a makeshift barricade made by anti-coup protesters in Mandalay, Myanmar, Tuesday, March 23. AP A 7-year-old girl was killed in her home when security forces opened fire in Myanmar's second city Mandalay on Tuesday - the youngest victim so far in a crackdown against opposition to last month's military coup. The ruling junta accused pro-democracy protesters of arson and violence during the weeks of unrest, and said it would use the least force possible to quell the daily demonstrations. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said 164 protesters had been killed in total and he expressed sadness at the deaths. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP) activist group says at least 261 people have been killed in the security forces' crackdown. "They are also our citizens," Zaw Min Tun told a news conference in the capital Naypyitaw, a day after the European Union and the United States imposed more sanctions on groups or individuals linked to the Feb. 1 coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government. Staff at a Mandalay funeral service told Reuters that a 7-year-old girl had died of bullet wounds in Chan Mya Thazi township on Tuesday. Soldiers shot at her father but hit the girl who was sitting on his lap inside their home, her sister told Myanmar Now media outlet. Two men were also killed in the township, it said. The military had no immediate comment on the incident. As night fell, candle-lit vigils were held in the commercial capital Yangon and other cities. The junta has faced international condemnation for staging the coup that halted Myanmar's slow transition to democracy and for its lethal suppression of the protests that followed. It has tried to justify the takeover by saying a Nov. 8 election won by Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) was fraudulent - an accusation the electoral commission has rejected. Military leaders have promised a new election but have not set a date and have declared a state of emergency. The junta's Zaw Min Tun blamed the bloodshed on the protesters and said nine members of the security forces had been also killed. "Can we call these peaceful protesters?" he said, while showing a video of factories on fire. "Which country or organisation would regard this violence as peaceful?" He said strikes and hospitals not fully operating had caused deaths, including from COVID-19, calling them "undutiful and unethical". Fraud claims The spokesman also accused media of "fake news" and fanning unrest and said reporters could be prosecuted if they were in contact with the CRPH, as the remnants of Suu Kyi's government is known. The military has declared the CRPH an illegal organisation and said membership is punishable by death. In the more than three-hour news conference, he gave granular details on how the NLD had created hundreds or even thousands of extra ballots in numerous townships by inventing voters, including in Suu Kyi's own constituency. Videos of people saying they were paid by NLD representatives. The NLD has denied making any attempt to rig the election. Also shown was video testimony of former Yangon chief minister Phyo Min Thein saying he visited Suu Kyi multiple times and gave her money "whenever needed". Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her campaign to bring democratic civilian rule to Myanmar, has been in detention since the coup and faces charges that her lawyer says have been cooked up to discredit her. The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on Monday against individuals involved in the coup and the repression of the demonstrators. The 11 people the EU targeted included General Min Aung Hlaing, the military's commander-in-chief and now the head of the junta. The EU already has an arms embargo on Myanmar and has targeted some senior military officials since 2018. Washington had already sanctioned Min Aung Hlaing and the measures announced on Monday expanded the list. Some of Myanmar's neighbours also spoke out against the violence. "We believe violence against unarmed civilians is inexcusable," Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in Kuala Lumpur after talks with his Malaysian counterpart. He said that although they did not believe in external interference in a country's domestic affairs, "we stand ready to do our best to support the people of Myanmar who in fact deserve so much better in the future." The junta said it is cooperating with five neighbouring countries - Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand - and values and respects their words. As China has major business interests in Myanmar and is a member of the U.N. Security Council, its stance on the crisis is particularly important to the generals. (Reuters) In his debut novel, James Wosochlo Jr. tells the story of a local man who is considered to be Americas first unofficial serial killer. Appalachian: Schaumbochs Tavern, based on true events, is about Matthias Schaumboch, who owned the tavern in Albany Township, Berks County, on Hawk Mountain from 1850 to 1889. On his deathbed, Schaumboch confessed to murdering between 11 and 14 people. There was rumor of mysterious people, travelers and peddlers, that would come and go, north and south of the mountain, and if they stayed at the tavern, some were never seen again, Wosochlo said. It was never proven that anything was happening until his deathbed confession. Wosochlo, who now lives in Colorado, lived in the Orwigsburg and Deer Lake area. He has collected Native American and Colonial artifacts from around Hawk Mountain, and he was president of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, a founding member of Hawk Mountain Archaeology Society and president of the Forks of the Delaware Archaeology Society in Lehigh Valley. Wosochlo said he heard about the story of Matthias Schaumboch from a bartender at the Deer Lake & West Brunswick Fire Company, which Wosochlo was part of until 2019. I couldnt believe, living in the area for long, I had never heard about it before, Wosochlo said. It intrigued me, and because of my big interest in history, I wrote a novel about it. Wosochlo said the story does not have much documentation in local history. It was swept under the rug back in the late 1800s, Wosochlo said. It was like a bad memory that everybody wanted to forget about. Wosochlo said response to the book has been positive so far, and he has even been contacted about making it into a movie. Its doing really well, Wosochlo said. I dont know how to handle it, but its going really well. While ratings and reviews online have been positive, Wosochlo said the book has surprised some of his family members. Its kind of bittersweet, Wosochlo said. Its selling really well, but I have a lot of relatives who are calling me and saying, We never thought you would think of things like this. My wife said she had to sleep with one eye open for three nights after reading the novel. Wosochlo said he has never written a horror story before, but he has taken inspiration from Stephen King books and the movies The Revenant and Silence of the Lambs. I tried to keep the book as much as possible true to history, but there are some things that I had to speculate because there was no record of it, Wosochlo said. The way that Schaumboch carried out the murders was one aspect left to his imagination, Wosochlo said. Additionally, some details about the location, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, were left out to protect what is now private property of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and restricted from trespassing. Wosochlo is now working on another novel, called Unexhumed, a ghost story set in Philadelphia, which is not based on true events. He will be having two book signings, from 1 to 3 p.m. April 7 at the Schuylkill County Historical Society and from 5 to 7 p.m. April 8 at the Orwigsburg Historical Society, where there will be a question-and-answer session at 7. Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 2020 The success of Fanplayr's advanced cookie-free personalization is also equipping companies for post-pandemic recovery and for one of the most serious challenges to online business the end of third-party cookies set to take place in 2022. To build this early success in the UK, Fanplayr has made three key appointments. Andy McNab leads the UK operation, becoming the company's Vice President for EMEA. McNab is an award-winning digital leader who has led teams at Microsoft, AOL, and Rocket Fuel and is now fully focused on developing Fanplayr across EMEA. Joining McNab are Dave Hendry, Regional Sales Director, who has worked in senior positions at JOE Media and Rocket Fuel, and Jessica Biddle, Head of Customer Success, who has previously led and developed teams at MiQ and Centro. "We are excited to welcome Andy McNab and his team to Fanplayr," said Simon Yencken, Fanplayr CEO and Co-founder. "Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and value as an experienced leader in e-commerce and Adtech. We have high expectations for the UK in terms of notable global brands, enterprise customers, and expanded revenue for Fanplayr." In the last month alone, Fanplayr has already acquired four major UK clients and further significant deals are in the pipeline to feed the expected growth. The new UK clients range from high-end fashion retailers to hotels and global software, and also includes several trading agreements with advertising agencies. Says McNab: "UK businesses have gained millions of new customers during the pandemic and they need us to help understand and retain them. Fanplayr's patented solution is perfectly placed to transform revenues without disruption." Expansion in the UK comes as Fanplayr completes strategic agreements with key partners in the Nordics, Dubai and Abu Dhabi that will guarantee the company's advanced capabilities, including its patented "Segmentation-as-a-Service", are available across Europe and beyond. From its global headquarters in Palo Alto, California, Fanplayr has been leading fully integrated online personalization and AI for a decade. The company achieved 100% growth in 2019 prior to the pandemic, with consistent growth of more than 60% annually over the last several years. About Fanplayr Fanplayr is a global leader in e-commerce behavioral data, using machine learning and AI to enable businesses to increase conversion rates and revenue, collect more leads, and retarget visitors with personalized recommendations during and after the shopping experience. Fanplayr is headquartered in Palo Alto, California with offices in New York, Buenos Aires, Brazil, Mexico, Milan, London, Manchester, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Hamburg, Melbourne and Tokyo. https://www.fanplayr.com/ Media Contact: Lacy Talton (252) 467-5220 [email protected] This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE Fanplayr Related Links https://www.fanplayr.com/ Yevgeny Prigozhin (R), with Vladimir Putin in 2010, says he is a 'squeaky clean' person Kremlin-linked businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin has written to the FBI demanding that it remove him from its wanted list, calling it a violation of human rights principles, his company said on Wednesday. The FBI last month offered a $250,000 (210,000-euro) reward for Prigozhin, who was indicted by the United States three years ago for meddling in its 2016 presidential vote. It said Prigozhin, who is nicknamed "Putin's chef" because his company Concord has catered for the Kremlin, was wanted "for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to defraud the United States". In a statement on the social media network Vkontakte Wednesday, Concord said Prigozhin had written to the FBI director and posted a copy of the letter signed by Prigozhin and addressed to Christopher Wray on March 23. "The FBI must immediately cease offering a monetary award to the public for my capture and delivery to the United States as this violates several principles of human rights under international law," Prigozhin wrote. The Concord statement also cited Prigozhin as saying: "Fraudsters are fraudulently trying to accuse me, a squeaky clean person, of fraud." In addition to Concord, Prigozhin is alleged to fund the Internet Research Agency, a so-called troll farm in Saint Petersburg reported to have waged an online campaign in support of then-candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 US election. Prigozhin has also been linked to the Wagner private military group, which has been accused of sending mercenaries to conflicts throughout Africa and the Middle East. In October, the European Union sanctioned Prigozhin on charges of undermining the peace in Libya by supporting the Wagner group. emg/jbr/jxb March 24 : After Kartik Aaryan recently tested positive for Covid-19 and informed all on social media about his health status, his co-stars and the director of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 also underwent Covid-19 tests. Kartiks co-star Kiara Advani who was currently shooting with him for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and director Anees Bazmee took the tests immediately after Kartik contacted the deadly virus. Both Kiara and Anees tested negative for Covid-19. Kartik, who is asymptomatic, was diagnosed with coronavirus during one of the routine tests on the set. Kiara in a recent interview said that she has tested negative for Covid-19 along with Anees Bazmee. Tabu, who is also a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, and shot with Kartik till he was tested positive, also underwent the test. However, Tabus test results are awaited. While Tabu shot with Kartik a day before he was tested positive, Kiara didnt shoot with him, but two days before that she walked the ramp with the actor at the Lakme Fashion Week 2021. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 shoot has been halted till Kartik resumes work. The comedy horror film is produced by Bhushan Kumar. The film is a standalone sequel to Priyadarshan's 2007 hit film Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Bhool Bhulaiyaa went on the floors in October 2019 and while it was filming in Lucknow in March 2020, shooting was stopped as the lockdown was announced. The film is slated to release on November 19, 2021. Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, is seeing record spikes of daily Covid-19 cases for the past few days. On Sunday, the state had reported a record spike of 30,535 new cases. With the sudden spike in coronavirus cases in Mumbai, many Bollywood celebrities have contacted the virus. While mom Neetu Kapoor informed on social media about son Ranbir Kapoor testing positive for Covid-19, actor Siddhant Chaturvedi also revealed being Covid-19 positive through an Instagram post. Sanjay Leela Bansali, who was also quarantined after testing positive with the virus, has now tested negative and will soon resume shoot for Gangubai Kathiawadi. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. [March 24, 2021] ORYZON Publishes Vafidemstat First-in-Human Clinical Trial Manuscript in CNS Drugs Journal Vafidemstat displayed good safety and tolerability in healthy young and elderly volunteers Paper confirms vafidemstat engages LSD1 target in humans and exhibits CNS penetration Vafidemstat is currently in Phase IIb in Borderline Personality Disorder MADRID, Spain and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oryzon Genomics, S.A. (ISIN Code: ES0167733015, ORY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging epigenetics to develop therapies in diseases with strong unmet medical need, announces the publication of a scientific paper in the peer-reviewed international medical journal, CNS Drugs. The article describes the first-in-human clinical trial with vafidemstat (ORY-2001), an LSD1 inhibitor currently in Phase II clinical development for psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. LSD1 (aka KDM1A) is a histone demethylase that has been proposed as a target for treatment of neurodegenerative, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases. The manuscript, entitled "First-in-human randomized trial to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the KDM1A inhibitor vafidemstat reports the results of vafidemstats Phase I clinical trial in healthy young and older adult volunteers to determine safety and tolerability, to characterize pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and to assess CNS exposure of vafidemstat. The trial was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I trial and included single and repeated dose escalation parts and an open label CNS penetration sub-study. In the trial, vafidemstat was well tolerated and did not produce any severe adverse events (SAEs) in either the Single Ascending Dose or Multiple Ascending Dose parts. The pharmacokinetics data indicated that vafidemstat is suitable for daily administration. The trial further confirmed vafidemstats LSD1 target engagement and CNS penetration, and enabled dose selection for subsequent Phase II trials. Following this first-in-human clinical trial, vafidemstat has been tested in multiple Phase IIa clinical trials, and has been proven safe and well-tolerated in approximately 300 treated subjects, some on continuous therapy for up to 18 months. Recent Phase IIa efficacy data support vafidemstat as an emerging therapeutic option for the treatment of agitation-aggression in psychiatric disorders including Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder and in Alzheimers disease. Based on these results, the company has launched a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase IIb trial (PORTICO trial) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vafidemstat in BPD patients and an additional Phase IIb trial to address cognitive impairment and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients (EVOLUTION trial) is planned to launch later this year. LSD1 has emerged as a promising target in personalized medicine in a number of genetically defined neurodevelopmental syndromes and psychiatric disorders. The company is also deploying a precision medicine approach with vafidemstat in these indications. The CNS Drugs paper can be accessed here: https://link.spriger.com/article/10.1007/s40263-021-00797-x About Oryzon Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, Spain, Oryzon (ISIN Code: ES0167733015) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company considered as the European champion in Epigenetics. Oryzon has one of the strongest portfolios in the field. Oryzons LSD1 program has rendered two compounds, vafidemstat and iadademstat, in Phase II clinical trials. In addition, Oryzon has ongoing programs for developing inhibitors against other epigenetic targets. Oryzon has a strong technological platform for biomarker identification and performs biomarker and target validation for a variety of malignant and neurological diseases. Oryzon has offices in Spain and the United States. Oryzon is one of the most liquid biotech stocks in Europe with +90 M shares negotiated in 2020 (ORY:SM / ORY.MC / ORYZF US OTC mkt). For more information, visit www.oryzon.com About Vafidemstat Vafidemstat (ORY-2001) is an oral, CNS optimized LSD1 inhibitor. The molecule acts on several levels: it reduces cognitive impairment, including memory loss and neuroinflammation, and at the same time has neuroprotective effects. In animal studies vafidemstat not only restores memory but reduces the exacerbated aggressiveness of SAMP8 mice, a model for accelerated aging and Alzheimers disease (AD), to normal levels and also reduces social avoidance and enhances sociability in murine models. In addition, vafidemstat exhibits fast, strong and durable efficacy in several preclinical models of multiple sclerosis (MS). Oryzon has performed two Phase IIa clinical trials in aggressiveness in patients with different psychiatric disorders (REIMAGINE) and in aggressive/agitated patients with moderate or severe AD (REIMAGINE-AD), with positive preliminary clinical results reported in both. Additional finalized Phase IIa clinical trials with vafidemstat include the ETHERAL trial in patients with Mild to Moderate AD, where a significant reduction of the inflammatory biomarker YKL40 has been observed after 6 months of treatment, and the pilot, small scale SATEEN trial in Relapse-Remitting and Secondary Progressive MS. A Phase IIb trial in borderline personality disorder (PORTICO) has been recently authorized and the company is preparing a Phase IIb trial in schizophrenia patients (EVOLUTION). Vafidemstat is also being explored in a Phase II in severe Covid-19 patients (ESCAPE) assessing the capability of the drug to prevent ARDS, one of the most severe complications of the viral infection. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This communication contains, or may contain, forward-looking information and statements about Oryzon, including financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, capital expenditures, synergies, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally identified by the words expects, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates and similar expressions. Although Oryzon believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Oryzon shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Oryzon that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the documents sent by Oryzon to the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), which are accessible to the public. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and have not been reviewed by the auditors of Oryzon. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made. All subsequent oral or written forward-looking statements attributable to Oryzon or any of its members, directors, officers, employees or any persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statement above. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to Oryzon on the date hereof. Except as required by applicable law, Oryzon does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Oryzons securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. Any public offering of Oryzons securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Oryzon or the selling security holder, as applicable, that will contain detailed information about Oryzon and management, as well as financial statements. IR, US IR & Media, Europe Spain Oryzon Ashley R. Robinson Mary-Ann Chang Patricia Cobo Emili Torrell LifeSci Advisors, LLC LifeSci Advisors, LLC / Carlos C. Ungria BD Director +1 617 430 7577 +44 7483 284 853 +34 91 564 07 25 +34 93 515 13 13 arr@lifesciadvisors.com mchang@lifesciadvisors.com pcobo@atrevia.com cungria@atrevia.com etorrell@oryzon.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Around the globe, the capitalist class, in country after country, is pushing for the reopening of schools. The aim is to herd parents back into unsafe workplaces, offices, and factories to resume the production of profit, even as the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncontrolled. To date, Philippine K-12 schools remain closed for in-person classes, one of 27 countries with unopened schools. The capitalist drive to resume production and the generation of profits is global. Big business and the political establishment are ramping up their campaign for the reopening of all schools in the Philippines. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Communications Operations Office/Wikipedia) The center of their campaign is the push for the implementation of the Philippine Department of Educations pilot program of reopening 1,000 public schools in areas with low levels of COVID-19 transmission. The objective is to prove that schools can be safely reopened with the bare minimum of health protocols, including hand-washing, masks, and physical distancing. There is, however, no scientific evidence for the safe reopening of schools at any level of transmission. Quite the opposite is the case. A Montreal study concluded school transmissions had fuelled community transmissions in the city. In Michigan, following their own safe reopening, K-12 schools are now the largest source of new COVID-19 outbreaks in the state. The pilot program is an experiment, with no funds allocated for medical expenses for anyone who becomes infected. There are no funds for masks. There are no funds for the additional teachers who will be needed as physical distancing will require dividing up classes. And despite the fact that most COVID-19 infected children are asymptomatic, no mass testing will be conducted. The pilot program is opposed by former military and police officers in President Rodrigo Dutertes cabinet led by ex-Philippine army general and interior department secretary Eduardo Ano. The Philippine Star quoted Ano in November 2020 as stating, Should there be a spike, would you [addressing legislative proponents] be the one treating (those infected)? Would you be the one shouldering the costs? Second, who will be held accountable? Anos reservations do not arise from a concern for the lives and health of workers and the poor. Under the guise of a war on drugs and of counter-terrorism, the military and the police of the fascistic Duterte government have overseen the extrajudicial killing of over 30,000 working poor and youth. There is an immense social anger in the working class and the poor over the governments handling of the COVID-19 pandemic which has prioritized profits over lives. From January to March last year, it refused to prepareit did not even purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or testing machines. The subsequent abrupt shutdown, similar to India, of the national capital region and the island of Luzon left millions without funds or sources of income. The government did not conduct mass testing or carry out adequate contact tracing. Over 12 million people have lost employment due to the pandemic. Government financial support to the poor and unemployed has been limited to a one-time cash handout of less than $US200, amounting in total to $US4 billion. The polling firm Social Weather Station reports that four million families, 16 percent of all families in the country, have gone hungry at least once in the past three months. By contrast, massive funds were channelled to the financial elites amounting to over $US18 billion, including an automatic annual appropriation of nearly $9 billion for interest payments on government debt and $9 billion for quantitative easing. A tax cut for businesses totalling nearly $21 billion over the next ten years is awaiting Dutertes signature. Meanwhile, the government kept workers in Business Processing Outsourcing, mining, construction and banking at work throughout the pandemic, earning business billions more. In recent months, daily new cases reported have climbed from 2,050 in January to 8,000 last week. Reported active cases now total 80,000. Over 656,056 people have now been infected, a figure that is second only to Indonesia in Southeast Asia. More concerning still, the positivity ratethe proportion of tests returning a positive resulthas climbed to 14.6 percent, indicating that transmission is faster than has been tracked. Last month, undoubtedly deeply concerned about a possible explosion of social anger, Duterte again postponed the launching of the pilot school reopening program to August this year. The ruling elites were unanimous in their fury. Philippine Business for Education, an education reform advocacy organization comprised of big businesses and private schools, denounced the postponement as disastrous for the education system and economy. The Senate, despite being dominated by Dutertes allies, approved a resolution calling for the immediate implementation of the pilot program. Vice President Leni Robredo, the opposition leader, demanded the resumption of in-person classes. The establishment media also chimed in, lamenting school closures as diminishing the value of Filipino workers, who would lose out in the international job market, a calamity declared more dire than the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing the same class role as its union counterparts around the world, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), the public schoolteachers union politically aligned with the Stalinist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), also demanded the safe reopening of all schools. It declared the governments blended learning program, a fusion of remote learning and delivery of printed materials for those without internet access and interactive facilities, to be a failure. Undoubtedly, decades of underfunding education and public infrastructure and the capitalist impoverishment of the working class has produced a situation in which millions of youth have limited or no access to education. The solution to this crisis, however, is the confiscation of the wealth of the super-rich to fund the construction of cell sites, the provision of free internet access and interactive facilities, and the hiring of more teachers who will be paid better wages and provided quality educational materials. Using the poverty of millions as a justification, ACT is instead supporting the homicidal drive of the ruling class to send over 27 million children along with hundreds of thousands of teachers and staff back to unsafe schools. Dutertes delay to school reopening is a manoeuvre to buy time. An Anti-Terror law that strips due process and democratic rights from those accused of terroristic acts has already been approved. Challenges to its constitutionality filed at the Supreme Court are almost certain to be dismissed as all but two of the justices are Dutertes appointees. A government red-tagging campaign is being escalated against critics of the Duterte administration, including a beauty pageant winner, a court judge, and actors, all of whom have been publicly labelled as communist terrorists or sympathizers. Two weekends ago, security forces killed nine activists of legal non-government organizations while ostensibly serving search warrants for weapons, in simultaneous raids that became known as Bloody Sunday. Preparations for an authoritarian regime are far advanced. They are being readied for a confrontation with the working class who will not allow themselves and their loved ones to suffer and die in unsafe schools and workplaces. A handwritten letter to an 82-year-old Korean American Seal Beach woman said her husband's recent death "makes it one less Asian to put up with in Leisure World." (Claudia Choi) After running a restaurant in Indiana for 20 years, Byong Choi and his wife retired to Leisure World in Seal Beach. They enjoyed the community's golf course, gyms, movie nights and field trips. As immigrants from South Korea, they never experienced racism at Leisure World until after Byong Choi's recent death. A letter addressed to Choi's widow arrived in the mail on Monday. "Now that Byong is gone makes it one less Asian to put up with in Leisure World," said the letter, written in cursive on yellow notebook paper. "You frickin Asians are taking over our American community!" The Chois' daughter, Sue Choi, opened the letter. She never gave it to her mother, to spare the 82-year-old woman the knowledge that someone, likely a neighbor, despised her for being Asian. On the heels of her husband's death, it would have been too much to bear. Im not sad. No, Im angry and I want to talk about it, said Claudia Choi, 46, another of the Chois' four daughters. I want to tell people that this is happening because I think that people just assume that this doesnt happen in real life. The racist letter to a grieving widow came days after a gunman killed eight people, including six Asian women, at Atlanta-area spas. It came during a coronavirus pandemic when Asian Americans have increasingly become targets of verbal and physical attacks, with some people blaming them for the virus because it first emerged in China. Seal Beach police are investigating the letter as a possible hate crime and are trying to determine who sent it. The letter, which was mailed from a Los Angeles post office on Friday, is being tested for fingerprints and DNA, said Lt. Nick Nicholas, a department spokesman. Investigators will also be analyzing the letter's handwriting, canvasing the neighborhood and reviewing surveillance video, said Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak. Hate directed toward any member of our community is disgusting and will not be tolerated, Gonshak said in a written statement. Across the county, we are seeing more and more violence committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. We will not allow this to happen in Seal Beach. Story continues After expressing satisfaction at Byong Choi's death, the letter continued that Asians' presence at Leisure World "is not resting well with all and everybody who lives here true statement!!! Watch out! Pack your bags and go back to your country where you belong!" In addition to a golf course, the sprawling 542-acre Leisure World campus includes a library, a theater, a community garden and six clubhouses. It is managed by the nonprofit Golden Rain Foundation. A message on Leisure World Seal Beach's website referred to "an anonymous letter of hate and discrimination." The person who sent the letter is believed to be a Leisure World resident, and "all actions will be taken to locate and prosecute the individual," the message said. "Our core purpose is to provide a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community where every resident experiences a true sense of belonging," the message said. "Accordingly, the Golden Rain Foundation states emphatically that acts of hate speech/bias crime will not be tolerated. This malicious and egregious act of hate speech threatens our core values of racial equity and social justice." The Choi sisters are not identifying their mother out of fear of more racist attacks. Sue Choi, 52, wrote on Nextdoor that the letters author must be dealing with something deeply disturbing." But she expressed hope for dialogue and reconciliation. I believe racism is often a mix of ignorance and lack of experience, she wrote. If you, the author of that letter, might want to expand your world and yourself, I am happy to meet you. She also noted that "overt racism is not something new to me and my family. As the only Asian family on their block in an Indianapolis suburb, the Chois were subjected to taunts like "slant eyes" and "pan face." They were told to "go home" and "get out of here," Claudia Choi recalled. Their house was the only one in the neighborhood to be constantly egged. Coincidence? Probably not," said Claudia Choi, an actress. Originally from Busan, South Korea, Byong Choi moved to Indianapolis with his wife in 1970. He "loved being American," Claudia Choi said. One of his proudest moments came in 1976 when he was sworn in as a U.S. citizen. He embraced "cowboy hats and his civic duty," his daughter said, becoming president of the local Lions Club and an active parishioner at Holy Spirit Church. Choi and his wife owned and operated a Chinese restaurant, Choys' Woks. After retiring, the couple moved to Southern California nine years ago to be closer to two of their daughters. A Korean friend recommended Leisure World, saying it was safe. Claudia Choi estimates that about 10% of Leisure World residents are of Asian descent. Her father sometimes hung out with Filipino residents "because he liked their parties better," Choi said. Byong Choi was an avid golfer with a four handicap. He and his wife loved living at Leisure World and never experienced overt racism there, his daughters said. On Feb. 24, Choi died of a rare bone marrow infection after three weeks in intensive care. He was 83. Three days after his March 19 memorial service, Sue Choi opened the envelope addressed to her mother. Despite the racism they had experienced in Indiana, the Chois thought Leisure World was different. Our family had no idea that this could happen in this idyllic community, said the oldest daughter, June Choi. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. remaining of Thank you for reading! 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Diaspora Armenian writer, publicist Toros Toranian dies 2 Armenian soldiers injured in scuffle with Azerbaijan, Armenian POW is hospitalized, Jun. 3 digest EEU member states to finish preparing for negotiations over free trade zone in Iran in late June Armenia Central Bank: Economic downfall in 2020 was due to decline in service and construction sectors Armenia legislature adopts several bills in first reading Armenia President meets with Nursultan Nazarbayev Dejavu: Armenia ruling party distributes money for votes at Yerevan district election office Chief Advisor to Karabakh President sacked Russian MFA: Works are carried out to settle situation around Karabakh every day Armenia opposition MP sounds alarm about Baku fabricating criminal cases against Armenian prisoners Armenia acting health minister: I have apologized, I am not going to resign Helga Schmid meets with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Armenia's deputy foreign ministers resigned or have heavy workload? Dollar goes down in Armenia Armenia Elections Oversight Committee reports Iranian citizenship of ruling party's MP candidate Acting deputy minister: Only 17 of 711 Iran-Armenia power transmission line towers were installed by 2017 Armenia Parliament Council holding session Armenia to host CSTO "Thunder-2021" military exercises NYT: Chinese hackers launch cyberattack on New York city transportation authority Armenia President to Kazakhstan counterpart: I would like to see much deeper cooperation between our countries Armenia citizens shut down Etchmiadzin-Ashtarak road, complaining about lack of irrigation water Armenia independent MP: Foreign minister and his deputies don't want to take part in treacherous acts Armenia to get $11mn loan, 350,000 grant for agriculture WHO worries about worsening mental health worldwide amid pandemic Armenia health ministry on improper handling of Artsakh war victims bodies: There is no justification Armenia bloc election foundation already in operation Russia ambassador to Armenia paying working visit to Syunik Province (PHOTOS) China pledges to step up resistance to foreign interference in Hong Kong Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: There can be no talk of corridor for Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan on incumbent authorities: Wherever they flee, we will bring them by the feet President: Impossible to ensure peace in region or stay in Artsakh without Russia army joint efforts China Daily: Dispatch from Makit: Thriving in the desert Karabakh President: We will never put up with being part of Azerbaijan, it is ruled out Armenia MFA information department chief: All deputy FMs carrying out their duties Ardshinbank invited children to the cinema on International Childrens Day Armenia judiciary to have 10 more judges Armenia acting premier: We had recorded 40% increase in tax revenues according to 2019 results Armenia acting PM on Artsakh war casualties bodies: We have 50 remains in which case DNA was not separated Azerbaijan authorities plan to "squeeze" everything from "terrorist show" related to Armenian captives Ameriabank announces a contest for bank card design 108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Armenia parliament convenes special session Armenia interim government holding Cabinet meeting Catholicos of All Armenians heads for Syunik Province, Artsakh World oil prices going up Iran loses right to vote in UN General Assembly Newspaper: Armenia authorities come up with new way of punishing unwanted characters Newspaper: Russia army Southern Military District deputy commander to arrive in Yerevan Thursday Lebanese Armenian man taken prisoner by Azerbaijan is hospitalized Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Are we getting under the burden? Then lets get under to the end Armenia acting health minister on keeping fallen soldiers bodies in bags: What else should they be kept in? Armenia acting health minister on citizens' demand for her resignation Karabakh's new State Minister Artak Beglaryan on his appointment and future activities Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani representatives hold consultations in Moscow 2 Armenian soldiers receive slight injuries after incident with Azerbaijani servicemen in Armenia's Gegharkunik Armenian boy weighing 5 kg born at Goris Medical Center "Armenia" bloc representative presents purpose of participation in elections and plans Isaac Herzog elected President of Israel Rouhani: Main issues between Tehran, Washington resolved in Vienna Charles Michel calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to resume constructive negotiations US Department of State responds to Pashinyan's proposal to deploy international observers on Armenia-Azerbaijan border Head of Armenia 2nd President's Office: Robert Kocharyan's public meetings are held in warm atmosphere Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representative on photos and videos showing bags of deceased servicemen's bodies Armenia Ombudsman, AGBU President discuss war crimes committed by Azerbaijan during Karabakh war Opposition "Armenia" bloc's representatives to hold briefings three times a week Opposition "Armenia" bloc member: Blood-freezing photos and videos from morgue in Abovyan are authorities' reflection Yerevan mayor receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Health Ministry, Investigative Committee keep info about sending remains of dead soldiers abroad confidential Armenia Prosecutor General's Office launches case regarding leaving sacs of servicemen's bodies/remains in basement Peskov: Putin and Biden to discuss cybersecurity issues Armenia's Pashinyan meets with Belgian PM Alexander De Croo Armenia acting MOD receives Netherlands Ambassador Armenia Police: 3 citizens apprehended during protest demanding acting health minister's resignation NATO warns Minsk about further consequences of Ryanair incident Armenia economic competition protection commission: Experts forecast inflation of butter prices Armenia citizens' protest against acting health minister is over Pashinyan visits France, judicial farce against Armenian POWs kicks off in Baku, Jun. 2 digest Armenian Ambassador, FMO representatives consider opportunities for expansion of cooperation in Armenia Armenia Prosecutor General is on working visit to Russia Armenia acting PM meets with European Council President in Brussels Armenia citizens throw polyethylene bags at Health Ministry building, police apprehend protesters Acting deputy minister: Armenia authorities plan to build 46km section of North-South highway in 2021 Dollar is stable in Armenia Armenia official: Large number of projects being prepared in construction sector Identity of man killed Wednesday morning in downtown Yerevan is found out Armenian lawyer: Azerbaijan poses a threat to security in Europe Deputy economy minister: There are signs of rapid tourism recovery in Armenia Azerbaijan grossly violating 2 Armenian POWs rights, says international law expert Armenia MOD: Azerbaijani defense ministry disseminated disinformation about 40 Armenian soldiers crossing border Armenian Republican Party: It's possible to restore borders of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast with Lachin corridor Missing Armenian soldiers' relatives hand letter to Russia Embassy with request to solve captives' issue Georgia Internal Affairs Ministry reveals international narco crime, narcotic drugs were sent from Armenia Advisor to Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan brought up generation of Armenophobic Azerbaijanis and is proud of this Armenian advocate: Azerbaijan is creepily expanding towards Armenia Armenian acting minister: Armenia has potential to introduce major changes in high technology sector Armenia 2nd President: Authorities put country's future in jeopardy with their actions Man killed in downtown Yerevan is bodyguard of "criminal authority" Construction of Eternity Square launched by Tovmasyan Foundation begins in Armenia Armenia deputy police chief refuses to comment on murder in Yerevan at daytime Acting finance minister: Armenia state employees were paid AMD 22bn in bonuses in 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. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh It is a privilege to deliver the best care and support possible to my patients every day Globally recognized facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh has been named a Top Doctor for 2021 by Castle Connolly, a leading healthcare research and information provider. Dr. Azizzadeh has earned a Top Doctor recognition every year since 2011. The honor highlights Dr. Azizzadeh's ongoing commitment to providing his patients with quality care and support. "It is a privilege to deliver the best care and support possible to my patients every day," Dr. Azizzadeh says. "I am proud that Castle Connolly recognizes my work with patients, and I will continue to do my part to showcase what it means to be a Top Doctor." There are more than 850,000 practicing doctors nationwide. To identify the country's Top Doctors, Castle Connolly uses a rigorous research process. Castle Connolly curates approximately 60,000 board-certified U.S. physicians and requests nominations. It surveys tens of thousands of practicing physicians by email and mail. This ensures that Castle Connolly's Top Doctors list reflects the latest in quality care. After a doctor is nominated for a Top Doctor award, Castle Connolly's physician-led research team screens each nominee. The team confirms whether a doctor meets Castle Connolly's stringent requirements to be named one of the country's best. It evaluates a wide range of criteria, including: Professional qualifications Education Hospital and faculty appointments Research leadership Professional reputation Disciplinary history Castle Connolly includes outcomes data in its research. It asks doctors in its survey to consider the training and clinical skills of physicians they nominate, along with their interpersonal skills. For over two decades, Castle Connolly has been a trusted provider of unbiased healthcare provider information. It offers an online directory that people can use to evaluate healthcare providers in cities and towns across the country. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of the leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the Los Angeles area. He practices at the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, where he helps patients explore safe, effective ways to revitalize their facial appearance. For more on Dr. Azizzadeh and the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, visit http://www.facialplasticsbh.com. About Dr. Babak Azizzadeh and the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery: Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, Chairman and Director of the CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, is one of the leading international experts in facial plastic surgery. His expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery has made him one of the most sought-after physicians. Dr. Azizzadeh's client list includes not only celebrities, executives, physicians and dignitaries from around the world, but also amazing people from all walks of life. He has been featured in The Oprah Winfrey Show, People Magazine, New York Times, Discovery Health, Los Angeles Times, Beverly Hills Courier and numerous other media outlets for his expertise in facial plastic surgery. Dr. Azizzadeh is one of a select group of surgeons who are double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. His plastic surgery colleagues have consistently chosen him as one of the Top Doctors in Beverly Hills, CA. For more information, please visit https://www.facialplasticsbh.com/ Media Contact: Chloe, CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery, 310-657-2203 , chloe@facialplasticsbh.com The research found 43% of the population are experiencing some kind of financial hardship due to the pandemic (PA) A quarter of people are cutting back on food and utilities due to the financial strain of the pandemic, a new study has found. Research carried out by Red C on behalf of St Vincent de Paul found 43% of the population are experiencing some kind of financial hardship due to the pandemic. The survey found 24% are cutting back on food, heat or electricity, 22% are using their savings to meet living expenses and 14% are falling behind on bills such as rent or mortgages. Families in low-income households prior to the pandemic are experiencing the brunt of financial woes, the poll of more than 1,000 people found. Dr Tricia Keilthy, SVP head of social justice, said: These findings point to a divergence in experience during lockdown, with those most vulnerable to financial strain and poverty feeling the brunt of the negative economic consequence of the pandemic. While the Government policy response has mitigated significant income losses through the pandemic, unemployment payment and wage subsidy schemes, this data shows that additional interventions for those most at risk of financial distress are needed to ensure the public health crisis is not followed by a deeper debt, homelessness and poverty crisis. Over a third of one-parent families had to cut back on heating or had fallen behind on bills during the pandemic, and 25% had cut back on food due to increased costs. For people unable to work due to illness or disability, 42% reported going without heating, compared to 18% of people at work. Dr Keilthy said: Lone parents and people with disabilities are the groups most at risk of poverty in Ireland today and Covid-19 has added huge additional pressures to these groups as they navigated the practicalities of self-isolation and increased food and energy bills from being home. The data also shows warning signs of financial distress among tenants, with almost one in 10 renters reporting they have fallen behind on their rent. A quarter stated they were in arrears on other regular payments. Dr Keilthy added: We are concerned that if the eviction ban is lifted, and without a financial mechanism to address rent arrears, many people in the private rental sector will be put at risk of homelessness. The pandemic has heightened and exposed long-term issues for people living on low incomes and in financial precarity Dr Tricia Keilthy, St Vincent de Paul SVP says the current protections for tenants with Covid-related rent arrears are too narrowly defined, difficult to access and can be particularly challenging for vulnerable tenants to navigate. The research found the majority of people surveyed were living comfortably prior to the pandemic. But a third of the population were just about getting by or finding it difficult to manage financially, indicating many people were in a precarious financial position prior to the Covid-19 crisis. Dr Keilthy said: The pandemic has heightened and exposed long-term issues for people living on low incomes and in financial precarity. But there is an opportunity to build back better and bolster the financial resilience of households in Ireland by investing in our social infrastructure and supports. Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has offered foreign scholarship to three indigenes of the State who are recipients of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Presidential Honour Award. He said the state was proud of the selfless and humanitarian service rendered by the three awardees during their NYSC programme. Wike announced the award of foreign scholarship yesterday during a courtesy call on him by the recipients of the presidential honour at the Government House, Port Harcourt. The governor said while the Federal Government deserves commendation for offering the awardees automatic employment, the State government has decided to offer them scholarship for Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in any university of their choice anywhere in the world. He stated that once the awardees present their letter of admission to the Secretary to the State Government, their tuition will be paid in full to prevent them being abandoned by the next administration. Wike said: "I will suggest you further your education, go overseas and do your Masters. I am not saying that job is not good, but education is better." On the contrary, the governor said if they want employment, then the State government will offer them automatic employment in the State civil service. He said his administration will not relent in promoting human capital development in all sphere of human endeavour in the State. Wike declared that the state government has approved funds to the Ministry of Education to pay the tuition of Rivers State indigenes studying medical sciences at the PAMO University. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Nigeria Education By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. The governor said: "In the next few years, Rivers State will not lack doctors. Every year we sponsor not less than 100 Rivers indigenes to read medicine and other related courses like pharmacy, medical laboratory. "Now, that we have Rivers State University and we have a Medical College, in the next ten years, Rivers State will be exporting doctors." Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Chief Chinwendu Chukwu, said the awardees who served in Jigawa, Yobe and Bayelsa States respectively, distinguished themselves by rendering selfless humanitarian service during their national service programme. Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Gilbert Kiaka Goodnews, explained that during his national service, he was able to offer free ICT training to over 200 students in Bayelsa State. He said another recipient of the presidential honour, Miss Worlu Aruchi Rachael, a lawyer, offered free legal services to 22 inmates and secured their release from jail in Yobe State. Goodnews further explained that the third recipient, Jasper Deebari Uchenna during his national service discovered that most streets in the Jigawa State were not named and decided to name them. WALKING down the aisle after getting married, Joan Fitzgerald looked around the church and suddenly realised there were a lot more guests than she had expected. "I was looking around and thinking 'I didn't think you would show up' and 'you said you couldn't come but here you are'," said Joan laughing. Though she had been expecting 90 people to attend, thanks to word of mouth, 130 people showed up to celebrate a wedding that had been planned in just two weeks. Everything worked out fine - the hotel had made extra chicken curry and found more chairs. Read More "The weather was unreal - it was 25C that day. We couldn't have planned it better," said Joan, who lives with husband Gary in Kilcullen, Co Kildare. As a nurse in the cardiac unit in Crumlin children's hospital, she says she was always good at telling everyone else to get their health checked. At the end of July 2014, at the age of 34, she was leaning over a baby's cot one night in work when she suddenly felt dizzy. Concerned, she went to a GP and was diagnosed at St James Hospital with a rare thymoma tumour in her chest. It was large, taking up most of her chest and wrapped around her heart. Surgery wasn't an option and the urgency of the situation meant there was not enough time to freeze her eggs before chemotherapy. "It was devastating," she said. After chemo, she met her surgeon who warned that any operation would be 'extremely high risk' with an 80pc chance she might die. "But I said 'ok, but there's a 20pc chance I might live,'" said Joan. The couple decided they would go marry before the surgery in two weeks time. However the tumour proved inoperable. The surgeon told her she would be 'lucky to see Christmas' and told her to 'go away and enjoy life.' Counselling from the Irish Cancer Society helped at this dark time. "I just couldn't get my head around it. I didn't want to die," Joan said. She wants to get the message out this Daffodil Day not to wait around before having any suspicious symptoms checked out. She has since beaten the odds. Having been told five years ago she might not see Christmas, she celebrated her 40th birthday in January and her fifth wedding anniversary is this summer. Black humour helps, she says, and when she goes home to Limerick, friends say: "Are you still here - we went to your wedding because we thought you were dying'. I love that," said Joan. Read More Friends of missing British woman Sarm Heslop are urging the FBI to investigate her disappearance in the Caribbean amid growing frustration with local detectives. Police on the US Virgin Islands have been foiled in their efforts to search the catamaran where she was last seen on March 7, with her American boyfriend Ryan Bane refusing permission and invoking his constitutional right to silence. Bane is said to fear being wrongly incriminated, but friends of the missing Briton want a thorough 'fingertip' search of the boat and are calling for the assistance of 'any agency that can help', including the FBI. But local police merely say they have asked for 'assistance' from federal agents rather than getting the FBI to lead the investigation, according to The Times. Friends of missing British woman Sarm Heslop (pictured) are urging the FBI to investigate her disappearance in the Caribbean amid growing frustration with local detectives Friends of 41-year-old Heslop said in a Tuesday update that 'we are distraught that we have no concrete news to bring you' more than two weeks after she vanished. They called on the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) to 'prioritise' the investigation, after earlier vowing that 'we will not leave quietly'. Local police said they were taken by surprise when Bane, an American, refused permission to search the 47ft catamaran Siren Song. 'We thought we could just ask Mr Bane to search the boat and he would say yes and he didn't. That is his right,' said police spokesman Toby Derima. 'Getting the search warrant would be the next step, however we are still searching, doing regular inspections of the areas and speaking to potential witnesses.' Derima cast doubt on whether a search warrant could be obtained, explaining that 'this is not yet a criminal case'. Andrew Baldwin, a friend of Heslop, said rescuers wanted the help of 'just whoever can support this investigation'. 'We want whatever resources can be brought to bear to help find Sarm. It's been 15 days now,' he said. He added that Heslop's parents, who live in Hertfordshire, were 'not doing well' as the search goes on for their the former Flybe flight attendant. Heslop's boyfriend, American yachtsman Ryan Bane (pictured), has refused permission to search his catamaran and invoked his constitutional right to silence Baldwin cast doubt on the timeline around when Heslop disappeared, pointing to a nine-hour gap between Bane's calls to the police and the US Coast Guard. 'We know that Mr Bane called the local police at 2.30am and was told to call the Coast Guard,' Baldwin said. 'The Coast Guard was reported as saying that it was alerted to her disappearance by Mr Bane at 11.46am on Monday. This timeline just does not make sense to us. 'We also cannot understand why Mr Bane's lawyer has denied officers' requests to search the boat and exercised his constitutional rights to remain silent. 'We know they had dinner in a local restaurant and left at 10pm. What we don't know is what happened in those intervening hours.' A friend of Bane said he had immediately called police after Heslop vanished and was not responsible for the nine-hour delay before the Coast Guard was informed. Bane was also described by a friend as afraid of being wrongly incriminated in the investigation. The USVI police department said at the weekend: 'Soon after reporting Ms Heslop missing, Mr Bane acquired the services of an attorney. 'Upon his attorney's advice, Mr Bane exercised his constitutional right to remain silent and denied officers' requests to search the vessel.' Frustration is growing with local detectives who have been foiled in their efforts to search the 47ft catamaran Siren Song (pictured) Cori Stevenson, the ex-wife of 44-year-old Bane, has come forward to say that her fellow American previously 'went to jail for kicking my a**'. Court records show he was jailed for 21 days in 2011 after leaving her bloodied and with a chipped tooth following a row. Ryan Bane is seen in his mugshot after he was arrested in 2011 for attacking his ex-wife A police report said: 'She states that Ryan has been becoming increasingly verbally abusive toward her, and that he has been physically abusive one time previously. 'She states that this incident happened about six months ago, that the incident went unreported, and that it caused her to miss multiple days of work with marks to her face.' Heslop's friends say Bane is the owner and operator of the Siren Song, where Heslop was last seen off the island of St John. A group of Heslop's friends also published a statement from her family, who called for assurances that authorities were doing everything possible to locate her. 'We are shocked and distraught that Sarm is missing,' they said. 'We would like assurance that the authorities in the Virgin Islands are doing everything possible to find her and that the investigation into our beautiful and cherished daughter's disappearance includes a comprehensive fingertip search of the boat. 'Our daughter is a UK citizen and we ask for all of the support that the UK authorities have to offer. 'Our thanks go to the local people of St John who continue to search for Sarm. We will never give up looking for Sarm and we still have hope of finding her safe.' Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. PM Lee Hsien Loong (left) and Leong Sze Hian. (PHOTO: AP, leong.hian/Facebook) SINGAPORE The High Court on Wednesday (24 March) awarded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong $133,000 in damages in his libel suit against veteran blogger Leong Sze Hian. The case revolves around a Facebook post by Leong on 7 November 2018, which contained a link to an article alleging that Lee corruptly used his position as prime minister to help former Malaysian PM Najib Razak launder billions from insolvent Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB. In his judgement, Justice Aedit Abdullah noted that while PM Lees counsels argued that Leong had published the defamatory words despite knowing them to be untrue or recklessly not caring, he accepted that there was at least a prima facie case established that Leong knew that the defamatory words were untrue. While the article had referred to a quote from Ms Clare Rewcastle-Brown, whom the defendant believed to be a respected investigative journalist who had played a role in uncovering the 1MDB scandal, that did not ipso facto absolve the defendant from verifying the veracity or otherwise of the article before linking to it in his post. It was, at the very least, reckless disregard of whether the article was true or not for the defendant to have posted it without making any enquiries as to its truth whatsoever. The judge added that he was not helped by the lack of direct evidence as to Leongs state of mind, and was satisfied that Leongs recklessness as to the truth of the article might be inferred. In any event, I am also satisfied that, when seen cumulatively with his refusal to apologise for the defamatory words, malice may be made out on the facts. In determining the quantum of damages, Justice Abdullah took into account the case of blogger Roy Ngerng, who had been sued by PM Lee over a blog post in 2014. A total of $150,000 in damages was awarded to PM Lee then. The judge considered that the Ngerng and Leong's standings were "roughly comparable" as both were "socio-political commentators who did not hold any formal positions of public office, and both had some modicum of following on their websites and online pages". Story continues Justice Abdullah then considered that Ngerng's defamatory material had a further reach, but that Leong's defamatory statement was worse, as it alleged that PM Lee was involved in a cross-border defalcation of the funds belonging to the citizens of another country, in cahoots with the leader of that country. The judge awarded $100,000 in general damages and $33,000 in aggravated damages - about a third of the general damages. In response, Leong's lawyer Lim Tean said he would be discussing and advising Leong on his options following the judgement. Background to the case The article in Leong's post, by Malaysian news site The Coverage, was entitled Breaking News: Singapore Lee Hsien Loong Becomes 1MDBs Key Investigation Target Najib Signed Several Unfair Agreements With Hsien Loong In Exchange For Money Laundering. Leongs post was accompanied by a photo of Lee and Najib smiling for a wefie. The article alleged that Najib signed several unfair agreements with Singapores Lee Hsien Loong like building the Singapore-Malaysia High Speed Rail when the country was in a trillion RM debt and a grossly under-priced water sale agreement, in exchange for Singapore banks assistance in money laundering 1MDBs billions. At the time of Leongs post, criminal charges had already been brought against Najib for criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to 1MDB. The Wall Street Journal reported as early as July 2015 that Malaysian investigators probing 1MDB had traced nearly US$700 million of deposits into what they believed were Najibs personal bank accounts. Following the May 2018 Malaysian general election, in which Najib was ousted from his premiership, the new Malaysian government began investigating him for possible crimes in relation to 1MDB. Leong removed his Facebook post three days later on 10 November 2018, after being told to do so by the Infocomm Media Development Authority. His post had received 22 reactions, 5 comments and 18 shares. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore More Singapore stories: Leong Sze Hian declines to enter witness box in defamation suit by Lee Hsien Loong Blogger Leong Sze Hian fails to reinstate counterclaim against PM Lee Blogger Leong Sze Hian's counterclaim against PM Lee's libel suit struck out Lee Hsien Yang donates towards Leong Sze Hians defence against PM Lees defamation suit Blogger Leong Sze Hian files defence and counterclaim in response to PM Lee Hsien Loong's defamation suit Around 20,000 people in the UK are now holders of a 'cannabis card', which effectively decriminalises the drug for medicinal users. Around three and a half million people with health conditions are eligible for the Cancard under the private scheme, which was introduced in November last year. Those with illnesses such as cancer, depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis are eligible to apply for the 20 card through their GP, even without a prescription for the drug. The card identifies its holder as a 'registered medical cannabis patient', preventing them from being slapped with a fine or five-year prison sentence for buying cannabis for medicinal use. Organisers of the scheme claim that 96 per cent of users stopped by police were able to evade arrest due to the card, without needing a prescription, The Times reports. Patients who have been authorised to use medicinal cannabis for their conditions will not face arrest if they are holders of the Cancard which has the backing of police Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for two years. But due to strict rules, only a handful of people have been given an NHS prescription. Currently, it is believe more than a million people in the UK buy cannabis illegally to self-medicate. The scheme has gained support from The National Police Chiefs Council who say officers have been made aware of the cards, The Times reports. Police chiefs said they are trying to ensure the card is not exploited by organised crime. Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for two years, though only a small number of people have received an NHS prescription for the drug Patients who use cannabis to relieve pain from their medical issues can find themselves being arrested for possession of the drug. Only a small number of people - thought to be less than 100 - have been given an NHS prescription for medicinal cannabis since it was legalised in November 2018. MEDICINAL CANNABIS: WHAT ARE THE RULES IN THE UK? Medical cannabis has been available on prescription in the UK since it was approved by the Government in July 2018. Doctors are able to prescribe medicine derived from marijuana, but the decision to must be made by a specialist doctor not a GP, the Government rules. At the time of law change, the Home Secretary Sajid Javid (2018-2019) said: 'Following advice from two sets of independent advisors, I have taken the decision to reschedule cannabis-derived medicinal products meaning they will be available on prescription. 'This will help patients with an exceptional clinical need.' Mr Javid added it was 'in no way a first step to the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use'. It came after he granted an exceptional licence for Alfie Dingley, then six, and Billy Caldwell, then 12, to use cannabis for their epilepsy. Possession of the class B drug still carries an unlimited fine and up to five years in jail, while dealers face 14 years in prison. Some products that might claim to be medical cannabis, such as CBD oil or hemp oil, are available to buy legally as food supplements from health stores. But there's no guarantee these are of good quality or provide any health benefits. Advertisement Epidiolex, for children and adults with epilepsy, nabilone, for chemotherapy patients, and Sativex, for people with MS-related muscle spasticity, are considered licensed cannabis-based medicines. All other cannabis-based medicines are unlicensed and often referred to as 'specials.' The decision to prescribe the cannabis-derived medicines must be made by a specialist doctor not a GP, the Government rules. The cost of a private consultation has priced many out of the option of legal cannabis. So they turn to illegal suppliers. Last year, a YouGov survey found that almost three per cent of the adult population, 1.4 million people, were using cannabis for a medical condition. A further two million who are not using the drug may be eligible for the card, the research suggested. Those without a prescription and caught in possession of the drug face a five-year prison sentence as well as an unlimited fine. The dealer can face 14 years in prison. The cannabis card, also referred to as CanCard, only requires confirmation from the user's GP of their condition. It gives people who need medical cannabis but cannot afford a prescription support in order to avoid arrest. Carly Barton, 33, a former university lecturer, had the idea for the scheme. She suffered a stroke at 24, triggering nerve damage that left her in constant pain. She was prescribed opiates but they left her sedated. In desperation she tried cannabis and found she was pain free and able to lead a productive life. However, she could not afford the private prescription of 1,000 so decided to grow her own, as many others chose to do. But the police raided her house and confiscated her plants. Ms Barton told The Times that police had been put into a 'difficult situation policing medical use' of Cannabis. She said this had led to 'very vulnerable people living in fear of the very people employed to protect them'. Another user of the Cancard, a young mother who is a wheelchair user, told The Times that she was anxious when she was approached by police while vaping medicinal cannabis. However upon showing the officer the card she said they were 'kind' and said police were 'there to help'. Simon Kempton, of the Police Federation, previously told The Times: 'Our members didn't join the police to lock up these people. Carly Barton, 33, (pictured) a former university lecturer, had the idea for the scheme. She suffered a stroke at 24, triggering nerve damage that left her in constant pain 'This is an initiative that I support, for a number of reasons. Primarily it gives officers information on which to base their decision-making around whether or not to use discretion or to arrest a member of public.' The decision to change the law for cannabis-based medicine in 2018 came partly in response to a rapid evidence review of evidence by the chief medical officer. It concluded that medicinal cannabis products could be effective for some medical conditions, backed by compelling campaigns from families who discussed how the treatment had helped their sick children. A remarkable public campaign was spearheaded by a Northern Irish mother, Charlotte Caldwell, on behalf of her son Billy, who is now 15 years old. MONTREAL - The Port of Halifax said it is monitoring the situation after a skyscraper-sized container ship ran aground in Egypt's Suez Canal, potentially disrupting shipments from Asia to Montreal and Halifax. In this photo released by the Suez Canal Authority, a boat navigates in front of a cargo ship, Ever Given, Wednesday, March 24, 2021, after it become wedged across Egypts Suez Canal and blocked all traffic in the vital waterway. An Egyptian official warned Wednesday it could take at least two days to clear the ship. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Suez Canal Authority via AP MONTREAL - The Port of Halifax said it is monitoring the situation after a skyscraper-sized container ship ran aground in Egypt's Suez Canal, potentially disrupting shipments from Asia to Montreal and Halifax. The Ever Given, a Panama-flagged ship that carries cargo between Asia and Europe, became wedged across the waterway on Tuesday, blocking traffic in one of the world's most vital corridors for international trade. "If it's a short shutdown, it wouldn't be that much different than a major weather event," said Lane Farguson, a spokesman for the Port of Halifax. "The longer the delay, then the more things back up." The port is a major recipient of manufactured goods from Asia that transit through the Suez Canal, Farguson said, but he added that it is still too early to tell what the impact of the shutdown will be on its operations. The Port of Montreal didn't respond to a request for comment. Although the majority of cargo from Asia travels to Canada via the Pacific Ocean, there is a portion that comes through the Suez Canal, said Johanna Stroex, a spokeswoman for Hapag-Lloyd AG, one of the largest operators of container ships. Goods transported to Canada along those routes are mainly retail and consumer goods, Stroex said. Nicolas Poirier-Quesnel, a spokesman for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, which oversees the waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Great Lakes, said wind energy components from Southeast Asia pass through the seaway. Still, the organization expects a minimal impact from the shutdown, since the majority of the cargo passing through the St. Lawrence Seaway originates from Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean and does not pass through the canal, Poirier-Quesnel said. It is unclear when traffic in the Suez Canal will return to normal. An Egyptian official said Tuesday that efforts to refloat the ship stuck in the canal are underway and will take at least two days. Evergreen Marine Corp., the Taiwan-based shipping company that operates the ship, said in a statement that the Ever Given had been overcome by strong winds as it entered the canal from the Red Sea but none of its containers had sunk. The blockage is the latest to affect mariners and travellers amid the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have been stuck aboard vessels quarantined due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, demands on shipping have increased, adding to the pressure on tired sailors, said Salvatore R. Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and associate professor of history at North Carolinas Campbell University. Its because of the breakneck pace of global shipping right now and shipping is on a very tight schedule, he said. Add to it that mariners have not been able to get on and off vessels because of COVID restrictions. A collision between two vessels in July in the Welland Canal, a key shipping route in the Niagara Region, resulted in minimal delays to shipments in Canada, the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation said. The Suez blockage comes as ongoing labour negotiations between longshore workers at the Port of Montreal and their employer threaten to disrupt shipments to the city if the parties don't reach an agreement. The longshore workers' union voted this week to reject the employer's latest offer, but said it does not intend to submit a strike notice for the time being. With files from The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Ahead of the West Bengal elections, Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday has written to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, asking him to immediately stop deployment of State Armed Police (SAP) from BJP rules states like Uttar Pradesh in the poll-bound state. The notice written by TMC read, "It has come to our notice that 30 companies of State Armed Police ("S.A.P") from Uttar Pradesh ("UP") have been directed to be deployed by the Election Commission for the ongoing General Elections to the Assembly Elections of West Bengal." TMC writes to West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Credits- ANI Stating that the party does not object to the deployment of police personnel of S.A.P from any non-BJP ruled states, TMC said that it strongly opposes the deployment of S.A.P from UP, since it is governed by the saffron party and its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a star campaigner for the party. TMC further mentioned in the letter that S.A.P deployment from BJP-ruled states would heavily disturb the level playing field and impartiality of the election machinery. EC to review poll preparedness in Bengal today Election Commission (EC) convoy will be visiting the Amradangi on Wednesday to review its poll-preparedness. In an attempt to ensure safe and secure polling in West Bengal, the Election Commission announced that it will deploy at least 684 companies of CAPF in 10,288 booths spread in about 7,034 premises in five districts in the first phase of polling in West Bengal on March 2. In view of the Maoist activity in the Jhargram district, the EC has decided to deploy 11 paramilitary personnel per booth, the highest in any election in the state so far, an EC official told PTI. The other districts where the election will be held on that day will have an average of six paramilitary personnel per booth. The official said altogether 144 companies of central forces will be deployed in Jhargram for the election. The state force includes 173 inspectors, 2,661 sub-inspectors or assistant sub-inspectors, 4,012 armed constables, 13,970 unarmed constables and 1,276 lady constables. West Bengal elections Meanwhile, the BJP has claimed it will win 200 seats in the elections, while the TMC, via poll strategist Prashant Kishor, has contended that the saffron party won't cross 99. West Bengal assembly with 294 seats will go to polls in April-May 2021, Trinamool holds 222 seats. BJP has made major inroads in the state in the Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats and establishing itself as the major opposition force in the state. Mamata Banerjee has announced that she will contest polls from Nandigram, the place that paved way for her rule in the state, and her ex-aide Suvendu Adhikari - who is now in BJP - has vowed to defeat her. (Image: ANI, PTI) Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto has called on leaders in the country to emulate the life and times of late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Minister and Governor of Lagos state, who passed on more than a month ago. Gov. Tambuwal made the call in Lagos on Tuesday when he, accompanied by Sen. Ahmad Maccido, Hon. Umar Bature, Sokoto State Commissioner for Water Resources and Hon. Akibu Dalhatu, a Special Adviser to the Governor on Sokoto State Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency, (SOSMEDA), joined the family of the deceased and other dignitaries in redemption (Fidau) prayers for the repose of his soul. According to him, if the sterling qualities, credentials and passion for service of the late Jakande are followed the country will not find it difficult surmounting the current challenges of insecurity, economic uncertainties and corruption. He observed that politicians in the country have a lot to learn from late Alhaji Jakande, who "served creditably and passionately" as a Governor in Lagos state and Minister of the Federal Republic, stressing that his role in the politics of the military junta of late Gen. Sani Abacha is a notable lesson. Gov. Tambuwal, who also described the deceased as a visionary leader, recalled that his foresight helped in the transformation of Lagos state to what it is today. He, therefore expressed his condolence and that of the good people of Sokoto State to the family of the deceased, pointing out that "the impact of his years "as the governor of Lagos state and Minister of the Federal Republic," on the lives of the people of the State and country cannot be over-emphasized. He prayed for the repose of the late politician, asking God to grant him Aljanna Firdaus. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A US consumer advocacy group has filed a complaint against food and beverage giant Kraft Heinz Co. for disparaging healthy foods including broccoli, salmon and tofu in its advertisements from recent years. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) said on Wednesday it had filed the complaint to the Childrens Advertising Review Unit of the Better Business Bureau (CARU), a self-regulatory advertising industry agency in the US, alleging the ads violated established guidelines. CARUs guidelines state that advertising of food products should encourage responsible use of the product with a view toward healthy development of the child. It also says that such advertisements should not discourage or disparage healthy lifestyle choices or the consumption of fruits or vegetables. March 22 marked the 125th birth anniversary of Chandigarhs first Chief Architect, the Swiss-Frenchman, Pierre Jeanneret, who was the younger cousin of Le Corbusier, and worked as his deputy in the design, ideation and erection of Chandigarh from 1951 to 1965. On this important occasion, some conscientious citizens of Chandigarh came together to launch The Le Corbusier & Pierre Jeanneret Forum (LC&PJ) at the Chandigarh College of Architecture (CCA) where the Principal Sangeeta Bagga Mehta and Chandigarhs Chief Architect Kapil Setia made presentations. The presentations focused on the phenomenal body of creative work done by Pierre Jeanneret in the 15 years that he was in the city. The UT Administrations Secretary, Technical Education, SS Gill, IAS was also present. The Forums founder, Dr. Sandeep Goyal said that this would be a study-group-cumthink-tank devoted to preserving the brand-goodness of Chandigarh, the foremost modern city that came up post partition with proper urban planning and micro-detailing of its major public buildings, and human dwellings. Says Dr. Goyal, Chandigarh was designed in 1950 as the Punjabs new state capital. Le Corbusier, a global starchitect was tapped to design the new metropolis, employing a grid street pattern, European-style boulevards and raw concrete buildings a distillation of ideas that were revolutionary and avant garde. The result was a spectacular city. But today, nearly seven decades later, a lot of those buildings have taken a lot of wear and tear, and occupants over the years have snipped and changed the originals. Before they get totally changed or altered or demolished, the visual heritage of these buildings needs to be fully preserved and archived. LC&PJs first task is to get that started. LC&PJ will be working with the students and faculty of the CCA to photograph, catalogue and compile the design features of buildings designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret across 14 types of dwelling units in Sectors 11, 15, 16, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 and 27 besides those in the Capitol Complex, the Panjab University, including the Gandhi Bhawan, Fine Arts Museum, University Library and the famous cylindrical Student Centre. In the next stage all government schools designed in the 1950s and 1960s, and unique SCO/SCFs in Sector 22, 17, 16, 11, 21, 20, 27, 19 and others will be brought into the ambit, added Prof. Avanindra Chopra, Honorary Secretary of the Forum. The Forum will also be collaborating with the Pierre Jeanneret Museum in Sector 5. Plans are afoot to create miniature to-size replicas of all the edifices and display them at the Museum with old architectural layouts and possibly soon have CAD-CAM virtual walk-throughs for visitors. The LC&PJ office bearers have already met and opened discussions with Prof. Dipika Gandhi, who is in-charge of the Museum, and also oversees the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19. The city of Chandigarh has a certain design language that has contributed to its unique brand personality that differentiates it from other cities. Brand Chandigarh needs to continue to evolve, says LC&PJ Founder Dr. Goyal. The Forums efforts will add vivacity and value to the city for its residents, its tourists and its many virtual residents who live in distant lands but still call it home. For all of them we need to preserve the design integrity of the city and ensure we continue to invest in the city in a manner that it has always stood for. LC&PJ is a non-profit organization. Membership is by invitation only. 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. Driven by the global pandemic, transactions increased by 65% during 2020 LONDON, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The GSMA has today published its annual 'State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money'. It reveals a dramatic acceleration in mobile transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic as lockdown restrictions limited access to cash and financial institutions. The report found that the number of registered accounts grew by 13 per cent globally in 2020 to more than 1.2 billion double the forecast. The fastest growth was in markets where governments provided significant pandemic relief to their citizens. Providing more opportunities in the formal economy To minimise the economic toll of COVID-19, many national governments distributed monetary support to individuals and businesses. The value of government-to-person payments quadrupled during the pandemic, with the mobile money industry working hand-in-hand with administrations and NGOs to distribute social protection and humanitarian payments quickly, securely, and efficiently to those in need. Facilitating this type of direct income support payments is one example of how mobile money provides a financial lifeline to underserved communities. Mobile money providers have also provided in-kind support, including the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitising gel at agent counters. "We see that mobile money is a powerful tool for expanding the financial inclusion of women in low- and middle-income countries," said John Giusti, the GSMA's Chief Regulatory Officer. "This year's report, however, found that across markets women are still 33 per cent less likely than men to have a mobile money account. The GSMA and its members are committed to closing this gender gap by addressing the barriers that prevent women from accessing and using mobile financial services." Closing the gap requires a collaborative and concerted effort. Many providers have committed to increasing the proportion of female customers. One example of an innovative approach to this is launching micro-entrepreneur products that can be used in markets where women represent the majority of vendors and customers. Increasing global financial equality For the first time, more than $1 billion was sent and received in the form of remittances globally every month via mobile money. Despite early fears that transactions would decline as people worldwide suffered job losses and income cuts during the pandemic, it remains clear that diasporas continue to support family and friends back home. As a result, the total value of transactions increased by 65 per cent to an annual total of $12.7 billion in 2020. In working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the GSMA remains committed to reducing inequalities among countries when sending money internationally. According to GSMA's research, mobile money provides an affordable channel for connecting people to vital financial resources. The mobile money ecosystem has been strengthened by an increasing number of strategic partnerships established between money transfer organisations and mobile money providers. Driving regulatory change As the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted people's lives and weakened economies, regulators responded with a variety of measures aimed at reducing the impact. The research found that the pandemic gave fresh urgency to the need for regulatory change to facilitate greater digitalisation. In many markets, transaction limits were increased to allow more funds to flow through mobile money. Additionally, as demand rose for non-physical payments, some regulators classified mobile money agents and their supply chains as essential services. Over 50 per cent of mobile money agents were continuously active throughout the pandemic, which was crucial for service continuity and maintaining liquidity. While some of the regulatory reforms made in response to the pandemic have been positive for customers and providers, the implementation and extension of fee waivers has had a negative impact on mobile money providers' core revenue stream. Mobile Money providers depend mainly on transactional revenues to sustain their business. Regulators are strongly encouraged to work closely with the industry to ensure sustainability going forward. To find out more, download the 2021 'State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money' here: https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/resources/state-of-the-industry-report-on-mobile-money-2021. Further information on the GSMA's Mobile Money programme is available at: www.gsma.com/mobilemoney. Note to editors The State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money draws on the results of the annual GSMA Global Adoption Survey of Mobile Financial Services and data from the GSMA Mobile Money Deployment Tracker. It provides insights on mobile money performance from the GSMA's engagement with the industry. The report is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. About GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with almost 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Africa, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Thrive Series of regional conferences. For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA. Media Contacts: GSMA Press Office [email protected] SOURCE GSMA Related Links http://www.gsma.com That sort of power could unearth protest planning documents, emails among participants and witness testimony about exactly how the president reacted when he watched the Jan. 6 mob surging through the halls of Congress. Trump would have to raise his right hand and swear to tell the truth about what he knew and when he knew it concerning both the Capitol attack and his false claims of election fraud. Criminal evidence is sometimes turned up in civil discovery. And perjury could get the former president into deeper hot water. 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 group of investors plans to spend $5 million to turn an outdated Best Western in the struggling St. Paul Square on the near East Side into a trendy boutique hotel. In October, if the work goes as planned, the Aiden Hotel will replace the Best Western Plus Sunset Suites Riverwalk. The new property will open with updated and new rooms, and the re-creation of the basement speak-easy that operated in the building during Prohibition from 1920-1933. The COVID-19 pandemic may not be over, but the investors say they believe the good times will be rolling again, at least partially, when the renovation is complete in October. In 1918, they went through the same thing (the flu pandemic) and by 1920, people were partying so much they had to institute Prohibition, said Marc Weinstein, one of three owners of the hotel. San Antonio tourism officials hope the pandemic will have eased significantly by next fall, with leisure travelers coming back in large numbers, even if business travelers and conventions are still staying away. On ExpressNews.com:Texas attorney general sues San Antonio hotel for price gouging Downtown hotels saw their worst year in memory in 2020. Average occupancy for the year fell to 35.8 percent from 70.8 percent in 2019, according to travel data firm STR. Average revenue per available room in downtown hotels dropped to $44.27 last year from $106.25 in 2019. The Best Western-affiliated hotel is staying open during the renovations. Its rates were as high as $170 a night during spring break earlier this month. But most days rooms can be booked for as little as $64 a night due to the lack of demand. The new hotel owners, Weinstein and Tibor Ritter, a retired San Antonio anesthesiologist, and his wife, Daniella, want to fill more rooms and, once the renovations are complete, raise rates north of $100 per night. More leisure travelers would help the Aiden Hotel, but not entirely. Whats going to drive the higher rates is the return of conventions, said Chris Hagee, CEO of Hagee Hospitality, the management firm running the hotel. While most San Antonio conventions have canceled for 2021, Hagee said hes hopeful 2022 will see a return of conventioneers and business travelers. The hotel is only a block from the Convention Center, making it somewhat dependent on convention business. But its also cut off from the facility and the rest of downtown by Interstate 37. Guests must walk underneath the highway on an often-deserted stretch of East Commerce Street. St. Paul Square can also seem like a second choice for a hotel stay. Many of the storefronts near the hotel are vacant, and restaurants have come and gone. Several plans for nearby mixed-use residential and retail projects in the neighborhood have stalled. The hotel consists of two buildings. The revamp will add a fifth floor to the four-story hotel, which was built in 2000, increasing the number of rooms to 79 from 64. The hotels lobby building dates back to 1910 and is a San Antonio historical landmark. The new owners will preserve the brick exterior, but the Western-style interior will be replaced with a more contemporary look. The yet-to-be-named speak-easy, now used as a basement laundry room, will be rebuilt from scratch. The hotel will still be affiliated with Best Western, which is a membership organization of individually owned hotels that offers access to an international reservations system. The Aiden is a Best Western boutique brand that promotes its hotels as individually designed with a cool, laid back personality. However, with only nine Aiden Hotels in the world, the brand isnt as well-known as hotels run by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Marriott International, both of which offer strong customer loyalty programs. That could make promoting the Aiden difficult. Im not aware of many people that are passionate Best Western customers, said Tucker Johnson, an assistant professor at the San Antonio campus of the University of Houstons Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management. On ExpressNews.com:It's been nerve-wracking': Jobs fair sheds light on plight of San Antonio's unemployed hotel workers The hotels owners said they got a better deal staying with Best Western. They give the parent organization 7 percent of gross revenue on rooms, compared with 11 percent for chains such as Hilton and Marriott. Weinstein and the Ritters are depending on local barbecue restaurant owner Stanley Shropshire to help fill rooms, as well as attract locals to the speak-easy and a new lobby bar and coffee shop in the hotel. Shropshire owns the Big Bib BBQ restaurant and the Big Bib Too, a concert and special events venue, in the North Hills Shopping Center on Austin Highway. Weinstein and the Ritters own the shopping center. They asked Shropshire to help run the hotels food and beverage operations. Shropshire grew up on the East Side, nine blocks from the hotel. He said hes disappointed that a lot of the planned development in the St. Paul Square area never happened but that nearby residents have more spending power than they used to. He hopes the hotels nightlife offerings finally help make St. Paul Square a destination for visitors and locals. There is a new spark of life now with new people coming in people with disposable income, he said. Shropshire said the speak-easy will feature barbecue and music, specialty cocktails and a secret code for admission. St. Paul Square has seen recent signs of life. In November, Thomas Hogan and Gerardo De Anda opened a second location of Cuishe Cocina Mexicana, their Stone Oak restaurant, a block from the hotel. They also own a tapas restaurant, Toro Kitchen + Bar, that has operated successfully in St. Paul Square for more than three years. On a recent Saturday night, Toro Kitchen + Bar was packed with customers, with one musical group playing Spanish folk music inside and another playing Latin pop on the patio. Ian Sam, the manager for both restaurants, said the renovated hotel and its speak-easy can only help. It will help make the area become more alive, he said. Weinstein insists that being separated from downtown by the interstate highway isnt a bad thing. We sort of like that separation, he said. The River Walk caters to pure tourism. Its fun to go to, but this is going to be more of an area with live music venues. Kind of like a hip, after-hours area. Weinstein and the Ritters are accidental hotel owners. The couple foreclosed on the hotels previous owner. Hed defaulted on approximately $4 million theyd loaned him. We needed some excitement in our life, Daniella Ritter joked about their decision to renovate and run the hotel. She and her husband then partnered with Weinstein, whose late father, lawyer Richard Weinstein, participated in numerous real estate development deals with the Ritters, such as shopping centers and self-storage facilities. Daniella Ritter believes the Aiden Hotel could raise rates to $200 a night in 2022 if business travelers return in force. randy.dimond@express-news.net Man leads police on 15 mile chase PINE GROVE A Lebanon man was jailed after state police were led on a 15 mile chase that began in Pine Grove Township around 2:35 a.m. Saturday. Police from the Schuylkill Haven station said they saw a gray Subaru Legacy parked outside of the Sunoco gas station at 418 Suedberg Road, a business that was recently burglarized and closed at the time. After seeing the patrol vehicle enter the lot, the driver of the Subaru, later identified as Travis Gorey, 29, quickly left the area. Police said they followed the car and tried to stop it for a registration violation when Gorey failed to pulled over and led police on the 15 mile chase that ended in Branchdale, where the car became disabled along a muddy road. Gorey tried to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief foot chase, police said. A subsequent check of the vehicle identification number determined it was stolen from a Bethel man in a case being investigated by police from the Hamburg station. At the time of his arrest, police said Gorey also had outstanding felony arrest warrants against him. As a result of the chase, police said Gorey was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko on charges of fleeing and eluding police and related offenses. He was then committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $100,000 straight cash bail, police said. Police investigate scattered rubbish PITMAN State police at Schuylkill Haven are investigating an incident of scattering rubbish that happened on a field owned by a Pitman man along Mill Hill Road in Eldred Township between March 7 and 13. Police said the property owner reported he found over 200 empty beer cans on his property. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-754-4600 and refer to incident PA 2021-336349. Woman cited in 2-vehicle crash DEER LAKE State police at Schuylkill Have investigated a two-vehicle crash that happened at Route 61 and Brick Hill Road in West Brunswick Township around 10:30 a.m. Friday. Police said Dorothy Gittleman, 74, of Pottsville, was driving a 2020 Buick Encore south on Route 61 when she failed to stop at a red light and struck a 2020 GMC Sierra driven by Kenneth Brown, 70, of Schuylkill Haven, who was entering the intersection at the jug handle to go straight onto Brick Hill Road. Both drivers and a passenger in the Brown vehicle, Robert Daley, 72, also of Schuylkill Haven, were not hurt but, police said, Gittleman was cited for a traffic control signal violation. Schuylkill EMS and Orwigsburg and Deer Lake & West Brunswick Township firefighters assisted. Man faces counts of harassment TOWER CITY A Tower City man is facing charges of harassment by state police at Schuylkill Haven after an incident on East Grand Avenue between 9:30 and 10 p.m. March 6. Police said the man, 29, who was not identified, and a 24-year-old Tower City woman became involved in an argument that escalated with the man shaking an pushing the woman. Police said the investigation into the incident is continuing. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has approved a resolution to create a team to investigate Belarus's violent crackdown on demonstrators protesting against presidential elections last year that authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka claims to have won. The move came as Amnesty International called for international action to protect the rights of peaceful protesters in Belarus, raising serious concerns that the police response to demonstrations planned for March 25 will yet again be marked by severe violence. UNHRC members in Geneva voted 20 to 7 on March 24 to create the investigative team, with 20 abstentions. Russia, a staunch ally of Belarus, was one of the countries to vote against the measure. "We must show our support to the people of Belarus and hold perpetrators of grave human rights violations accountable to end the vicious cycle of impunity," Portugal's ambassador, Rui Macieira, speaking for the EU, told the Human Rights Council. Portugal currently holds the bloc's rotating presidency and the resolution was put forward by the 27-member group. Lukashenka was declared president for a sixth straight term after the August 9 election despite the opposition's belief that its candidate, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was the rightful winner. Crisis In Belarus Read our coverage as Belarusians continue to demand the resignation of Alyaksandr Lukashenka amid a brutal crackdown on protesters. The West refuses to recognize him as the country's legitimate leader after an August 9 election considered fraudulent. The brutal crackdown on anti-government demonstrations has included tens of thousands of detentions and thousands of criminal cases. About 1,000 cases of torture have been documented by human rights NGOs, 290 people are currently being held as political prisoners, and at least eight protesters have been killed, according to Tsikhanouskaya. The text of the UN resolution approved on March 24 "condemns the ongoing grave violations of human rights in Belarus in connection with the 2020 presidential election, including the systematic denial of human rights and fundamental freedoms". The Belarusian ambassador to the council characterized the resolution as a "destructive signal" and "another example of the manipulation of the UN by Western states in their own political interests." Lukashenka, who is not recognized by many Western governments, has refused to meet with opposition leaders to discuss their demands for his exit and a fresh election. The opposition has said it is looking to reinvigorate the pro-democracy protests on March 25, the anniversary of the Belarusian People's Republic, which existed for less than a year in 1918. In a statement on the eve of the planned demonstrations, Marie Struthers, Amnesty Internationals Eastern Europe and Central Asia director, warned that Belarusian authorities have indicated that they are prepared to turn Freedom Day rallies into yet another scene of appalling violence. The world cannot stand by in the face of these threats, Struthers said, calling on diplomatic representatives in Belarus to monitor the March 25 protests, live-stream events, and use their diplomatic immunity to expose police violence. The London-based human rights organization also called on international businesses to ensure they do not become involved in any future human rights violations by the Belarusian authorities, by taking concrete action to mitigate any risks. If telecom companies are unable to prevent Internet or mobile coverage shutdown, they should mitigate adverse impacts to the extent possible, Struthers said. With reporting by Reuters and AP .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... DHAKA, Bangladesh Shafiqul Islam was studying business at Dhaka College in 1971 when a bloody and brutal war for independence ravaged Bangladesh. After undergoing guerrilla training in India, he returned to fight against Pakistani soldiers. It was a time of total destruction, he said. Our bridges and roads were destroyed, our women were raped, towns were under siege. Thousands of homes and shops were torched. Nine months after it began, the war culminated in the countrys independence. Fifty years on, 67-year-old Islam presides over Arrival Fashion Ltd., a new-generation garment factory spread over 2.5 acres and surrounded by lush paddy fields on the outskirts of the capital, Dhaka. The factory employs nearly 3,000 workers who make jeans for export to Europe and North America. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Islams story in many ways mirrors the rise of Bangladesh, home to 160 million people. On the eve of a half-century of independence this week, Bangladesh has been hailed as a success story for a young nation born out of strife and turbulence. Although it has struggled with famine, poverty, military coups and political violence, its also been celebrated for what experts say is remarkable progress in uplifting the lives of its young population. Millions have risen out of poverty as the country has unexpectedly become one of Asias fastest-growing economies thanks to sectors like its garment industry, which clothes millions around the world. But some fear its success conceals a darker turn, including concerns over its most recent election in 2018 when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth term after clinching 266 out of 300 seats in Parliament. It was a tainted election, as rights groups condemned violence against opponents who alleged manipulated and rigged voting. The most worrying thing in Bangladesh is the decimation of the electoral system, said Ali Riaz, an expert on South Asia who teaches political science at Illinois State University. But it was another fateful election, led by Hasinas father, that spurred Bangladeshs independence, whose origin stretches to 1947 when the Indian subcontinent gained independence from British colonial rule. The land was carved into separate states, with the Muslim-majority regions becoming East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, and West Pakistan, now simply Pakistan. But from the beginning, a strong nationalist movement surged as language became a point of tension; Bengali was widely spoken in the East, while the Wests Urdu-speaking elite rose to power. A watershed moment occurred in 1970 amid strikes and rising hostilities, when East Pakistans Awami League, led by Bengali politician Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, swept the polls in a national election. The government rejected the results, spawning a civil disobedience movement. On March 26, 1971, Bangladesh declared independence, sparking the nine-month war. Pakistan launched a military operation to stop the move to independence, while India joined on the side of what is now Bangladesh. Pakistani forces surrendered on Dec. 16, 1971. Bangladesh says 3 million Bengalis were killed. Millions also fled to India, and historians have said hundreds of thousands of Bengali women were raped. Another casualty of the war was the economy GDP was only $6.2 billion in 1972. This figure has catapulted since, reaching $305 billion in 2019. Some forecasts expect it to double its size by 2030. Central to some of the countrys success is its apparel industry, second-largest globally after China, which rakes in more than $35 billion a year from exports. It employs four million people and the triumph has been felt most by women, who form the majority of factory workers. A job at Islams factory helps Nasima Akhter and her two siblings earn about $411 a month, which supports her and her family. When she was a teenager, her parents struggled to provide them with three meals a day. Now 28, Akhter works eight hours a day, sewing hundreds of jeans. We are doing well now, she said. Per capita income has nearly tripled under Hasina, who first came to power in 1996 and was then reelected in 2008. Experts say the country over the years has invested heavily in the lives of women and girls. Currently, 98% of children have finished primary school, with more girls in secondary than boys. Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 72 years against Pakistans 67 years, and it has also surpassed wealthier India on combating child malnutrition and reproductive health, according to World Bank data. Its been a fascinating journey, said prominent economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad. Its a development model for others in the region. But Bangladesh is also severely vulnerable to the growing effects of climate change, with a third of its population at risk of displacement from rising sea levels. Experts have long warned that a densely populated delta country like Bangladesh, which struggles with severe and frequent flooding, will be one of the hardest hit by climate change. Strikingly, Bangladesh accounts for a mere 0.35% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the IMF. More immediately, the coronavirus pandemic poses challenges in Bangladesh. COVID-19 cases prompted a nationwide lockdown, and major industries and small businesses ground to a halt. The country has reported over 560,000 confirmed cases and around 8,600 deaths so far. Although experts say the full toll may be underreported, Bangladesh remains less affected than many other countries. Still, the garment sector has shown signs of recovery and other economic drivers remittances, agriculture and the service sector are doing well too, pointed out Ahmad, the economist. But not everyone is part of the countrys roaring growth, added Riaz, the professor, citing data that job growth remains low despite high GDP numbers. Poor peoples share in wealth, their income and opportunities are shrinking. The country is failing to create more jobs for young people, said Riaz. Most concerningly, observers say the governments focus on development may be bulldozing its democratic beginnings. Rights groups and nonprofits have raised an alarm over the ruling Awami League. The U.S.-based Freedom House said the party had consolidated political power through sustained harassment of the opposition and those perceived to be allied with it, in its 2020 annual report on democracy. Experts also highlight a controversial digital security law, which they say can be misused to mute free speech. In February, protesters swarmed an intersection in Dhaka over the death in prison of a commentator who was charged under the law for critical statements about the governments handling of the pandemic. Bangladesh is witnessing democratic backsliding over its electoral system, attempts at stifling political opposition, and threats to freedom of expression, Riaz said. It was founded with the promise of an inclusive system, but it may be moving away from these foundational promises, he added. Meanwhile, Hasina has set ambitious targets, including elevating Bangladesh to a higher middle-income country by 2031 and a developed one by 2041. In February, the United Nations Committee for Development Policy recommended that Bangladesh be promoted to a developing country, from least-developed. Islam, the garment factory director who fought in the war, said hes done his part but the country has a lot more to achieve. In 1971, we jumped in and never looked back because we knew independence had to come. Otherwise, this nation wont survive, he said. But that wasnt the end. We still have a way to go but our heart is always with the motherland. ___ Pathi reported from New Delhi. Four teenagers who were arrested by police and members of public after a pedestrian they had robbed in Dandora raised an alarm on Monday pleaded guilty to the robbery with violence charges twice despite warnings that the offence attracts the death sentence. The four suspects aged between 16 and 17 were charged at the Makadara law courts with violent robbery. They admitted the charges before chief magistrate Angelo Kithinji before two of them denied the charges after repeated warnings. The four were jointly charged with robbing Victor Otieno Okwacho of the mobile phone valued at Sh14,300 and cash Sh4,000 while armed with knives and all agreed but later, two of them made a U-turn. The teens, including some who are school-going, threatened to use actual violence during the 6am incident on March 20. They confronted Okwacho along Councilor Opondo road and ordered him to surrender everything. He obeyed and handed over his phone and cash after they brandished knives. He later raised an alarm after the group started walking away, prompting police officers on patrol and members of public to accost them. They were found with Okwacho's phone. They were to be charged with an alternative count of handling stolen property after they were allegedly found with the phone stolen from Okwacho but the same was not read out to them after they admitted the main charge. They were to face accusations of dishonestly retaining the phone, knowing or having reasons to believe it to be a stolen property on the same day. Kithinji granted them a Sh500,000 bond without an alternative of cash bail. The case will be mentioned on April 6. For a quick and easy dinner, an Australian mum-of-four has made fish burgers for her family using patties from Aldi. Mum Georgia prepared the delicious meal using the Ocean Royale fish burger patties, which cost a mere $3.99 per pack. The fish patties (Made in Australia from imported and local ingredients) are a fantastic source of protein and have a high health star rating of four out of five. Each box contains two serves of buttermilk coated Alaskan Pollock that simply need to be heated in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. Mum Georgia prepared the delicious meal using Ocean Royale fish burger patties, which cost a mere $3.99 pet pack The brioche buns, tartar sauce and chips were also purchased from the supermarket giant, but the lettuce was home grown. Eagle-eyed shopper Tammy who runs the Instagram page Aldi Lovers Australia also recommended the fish patties to her 109,000 followers. 'Who loves a fish burger? Fish patties hitting the freezers!' she wrote and shared images of the budget food buy. The patties could also be used to make fish tacos as an alternative budget dinner the entire family will enjoy. Each box contains two serves of buttermilk coated Alaskan Pollock that simply need to be heated in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes 'I'll have to try these, on Aldi's brioche burger buns, which are the best burger buns around,' one woman wrote. 'Brought some of these for my two year old. Haven't tried them yet so good to hear some positive feedback on them,' another said. A third added: 'Haven't tried these either. Will now pick up a box.' The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form President Biden fell three times while climbing the steps to Air Force One. What's most noteworthy about this is that he had a firm grip on the handrail throughout. This should have kept him largely upright despite catching toes on the steps or misjudging their height or being knocked over by a breeze. There's something really wrong where his internal gyroscope resides. And not just physically. His interpersonal relationships seem to be suffering. Joe has a huge team of folks he relies on to prop him up as he stumbles, bumbles, and mumbles through the public aspects of his presidency. Surprisingly, several have been purged now due to the already known and vetted factor of prior self-impairment through drug use. Too bad V.P. Harris wasn't one of them. This president is already reaching new heights of promise-breaking and hypocrisy. We've just witnessed a notably cringe-worthy week from Biden and his administration signing the $1.9-trillion boondoggle bill, then being sued by the State of Ohio; talking smack about Russian President Putin, who then pulled his ambassador back home; being baited by Putin and made to look like a fool when he refused to have a conversation with him; declaring in the face of all opposing evidence that there is no crisis at our southern border; and being threatened by North Korea on Monday only by Thursday to announce that we would be ready to fight them that evening. I hesitate to call it a catastrophe, as most likely the worst is not yet upon us. Coming off the previous week, when he forgot who the secretary of defense was and where he worked, this past week, Biden forgot who is the president of these United States, naming Kamala Harris in that position. For months now, I've been listening to conservative commentators decrying elder abuse and asking, "Why are they doing this to poor old Joe?" Forcing him to run when he's clearly unable, with Dr. Biden right next to him acting as though all is well, or at least normal. And then to serve in a position he simply hasn't the capacity to comprehend, with both Jill and Kamala hovering every moment. It takes Biden a week to carry out a schedule that President Trump could have completed in one day and still been home for supper. Although a plagiarist, mean-spirited, and not a great student, candidate Joe Biden was not ignorant. He would have been smart enough to perceive when his mental acuity began to fade and his memory capacity diminished. We who are aging are all aware that certain dementias can be slowed significantly in their progress if attacked soon enough. A simple web search reveals that 44% of Americans between the ages of 75 and 84 have some form of dementia. Biden's family doctor, or even the White House physician, would have advised that changes in routine and environment, as well as increased stress, can make dementia symptoms worse. Why did he do it? Well, I have a theory: promises made but not yet kept. V.P. Joe was in and out of China. As we know, he took Hunter with him, and they came back $1.5 billion richer. The quid pro quo? He made promises but didn't have enough time left to keep them all. China trusted Joe, but 2016 was not Joe's turn; it was Hers. China trusted Hillary. Hillary let them down by not winning, and Trump's victory slowed the implementation of China's program for unquestioned regional dominance. So, it was up to Joe to run, to win, to serve, and to keep promises made to the Middle Kingdom that would probably terrify us if we knew. And run he did, and win, for all intents and purposes, however fraught with deceit, he did. Now he must serve. What would those promises have been? O'Biden was famous for standing America down. Together their administration stood us down and funded Iranian expansionism and proxy terrorism. Stood us down in confronting nuclear threats and ISIS. Stood us down while Russia resurrected its imperialist designs starting with Crimea and Ukraine. China's increasing military aggressiveness these past couple of years was at war with its need to concede to Trump to keep commerce flowing. Then the WuFlu threw a monkey wrench into their plans. Lately, they've been all over the map behaving badly. What "standing down" would Joe have promised the Chinese? Tibet, Kashmir (the gateway to vast under-utilized Afghan agricultural land), Hong Kong, Taiwan, the South China Sea lanes, strengthening both Iran and Venezuela who look to destabilize the United States in any way possible, continued cyber-attacks, the Uighurs, a still partially slave-based economy? What other horrors was Biden prepared to look away from in exchange for Hunter's position, power, and wealth, as well as Joe's own? It's proper to feel sympathy for those among us who suffer from dementia and their families. Some are my friends. But I don't feel sorry for Joe Biden. He chose this path. Anony Mee is a retired public servant. Image: Joe Biden. Rumble screen grab, edited by Andrea Widburg. SACRAMENTO, Calif. A 36-year-old Yuba City man pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of child pornography, acting U.S. Attorney, Phillip A. Talbert said. On April 11, 2016, Scott Stephen Howard knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, according to court documents. Howard is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on June 29. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine, according to Talbert. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea J. Kenny is prosecuting the case. Huawei has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoU) with Ahlia University in Bahrain to establish Huawei ICT Academy and develop a research group focused on Internet of Things (IoT). The agreements aim to bring smart solutions to the Universitys research centres and strengthen the skills and capabilities of students in the ICT sector by providing quality courses and support services for the university experts and students via the Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy program (HAINA). The MoU was signed by Jason Cao, CEO of Huawei Bahrain, and Professor Abdulla Yusuf Abdulwahab Al Hawaj, Founding President, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ahlia University, in the presence of Lixiangyu (Spacelee), Vice President of Huawei Middle East, Professor Mansoor Ahmed Hasan Al Aali, President of Ahlia University, and other representatives from both parties. Under this partnership, Huawei will establish its ICT Academy at Ahlia University to deliver training programs to instructors and students through HAINA and utilise the companys global expertise in the ICT sector to meet the local students requirements and build their capacities. Huawei will also support the University in building the IoT research group in collaboration with the college of IT and engineering with the aim to empower students in the IoT field and achieve the first pilot project titled Sustainability and Life Quality in Smart Bahrain Cities. The main objective of this strategic partnership is to further build the local ICT talent ecosystem in Bahrain and help achieve the digital transformation vision that the kingdom aspires to. Commenting on this partnership, Cao said: Huawei is committed to building local ICT talents and enable the future generation of leaders in Bahrain that will ultimately support the kingdoms ICT ecosystem and contribute towards the realisation of Bahrains digital transformation journey and the development of its digital economy. We are proud to partner with a Ahlia University to empower and nurture their students and support in upskilling their ICT capabilities through our global expertise and world-class training programmes. From his side, Professor Abdulla Yusuf Abdulwahab Al Hawai, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ahlia University, said: At Ahlia University, our main objective is to continuously provide our students with the necessary tools that will ultimately empower them to contribute towards the Kingdoms digital transformation journey. Partnering with a global technology company like Huawei showcases our commitment to bring the best training available in the ICT sector and develop our students ICT skills to play a role in the nations development journey. Launched in 2013, the Huawei ICT Academy helps universities cultivate ICT talent that meets industry requirements, providing high-quality workforce for the sectors development. As a leading global ICT solutions provider, Huawei advocates for an open, shared, ICT talent ecosystem that benefits all parties. Through this initiative, Huawei builds a talent supply chain covering the entire process of learning, certification, and employmentby deepening the cooperation mechanism between universities and enterprises, aiming to promote industry development, and innovate talent development models based on enterprise requirements. -- Tradearabia News Service " " (From left) U.S. President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, hold a moment of silence and candlelight ceremony in honor of a grim milestone 500,000 American deaths from coronavirus Feb. 22, 2021. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images At some point in our lives at multiple points we all grieve. No matter how much we try to avoid losing the people we love, we can't avoid all of life's pain. And so we grieve. In ways personal and public, in ways silent and loud. These days, though, grieving has taken on a new form. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, we can't yet safely soothe those who have lost loved ones with a hug or an arm around a shoulder. We can't yet for fear of spreading the virus gather safely to say goodbye. We can't be there for others, and others can't be there for us, and experts say being there is one of the most important parts of the grieving process. It's been devastating. But, somehow, through it all, we've persevered. "I think that I would say we're probably, on average, we're probably doing OK," says Katherine Shear, a professor of psychiatry in the Columbia School of Social Work and the founding director of the Center for Complicated Grief at Columbia University. "One of the things we're doing is acknowledging it, which is huge. Often, grief is something that we kind of half-acknowledge." As a nation, Shear says, it took the U.S. some time to face up to the very real impact the pandemic is having. She points to memorials that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris held in Washington, D.C. initially as president- and vice president-elect and later as president and vice president as important, if somewhat belated, first steps. "That kind of thing, we're not doing very well with, and we need to do better, because it's very helpful," she said. "And of course we're not doing well with the disparity issues, either. We're subjecting some of our most vulnerable populations to grief as well as death." But the spotlight on grief, as the pandemic has worn on, has intensified. And that's good. "There's been a massive increase in the interest in understanding grief and helping the public understand it and deal with it," Shear says. "In that way, I think we're doing very, very well. Finally, we are paying attention to something that is always important in our lives. People are so much more aware and respectful of grief than they were a year ago." " " Claire Callender (left holding casket), who is a funeral director and co-founder of The Green Funeral Company, is helped by her partner, Ru Callender, carry the casket of her mother, Rosemary Phillips, to her final resting place in April 2020 in Totnes, United Kingdom. Phillips died of natural causes at 84. Claire never intended to arrange her own mother's funeral, but chose to because of the restrictions on funerals. Lynsey Addario/Getty Images Advertisement Grieving in the Pandemic The sheer amount of grief that has accompanied the pandemic around 543,000 people have died in America alone, and close to 3 million worldwide is staggering in itself. Coupled with the restrictions put on us in grieving, the damage to the living is compounded. Those normal rituals of grieving things like funerals and wakes, family meals, family and friends gathering are extremely important. "They help you feel like you belong. Everyone is joining you. It's something familiar," Shear says. "It sort of brings you into the living world. It acknowledges things have changed for you in a big way. There are so many benefits to those rituals." Without them, especially early in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, people felt lost. They could not grieve properly. "We have to simultaneously accept the death and honor the person who died, and also move forward in our own lives. That's so hard to do when you're all alone and so restricted in your capacity to move around," Shear says. "There is so much because of the pandemic that is not possible," Brielle P. Rassler, a doctoral psychology intern at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, told Penn Medicine News last summer. "Yes, it is really devastating that we can't give each other hugs in person, but I tell people to try not to focus so much on what's not possible, focus on what is possible." As the pandemic has stretched into a second year, people have found alternative ways to grieve. Rassler led a Zoom funeral attended by friends and family members from at least five different states. Support groups have flourished online. Online church services have helped many. Phone calls between and among loved ones have been used with great effectiveness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that family and friends can honor those lost by reciting a poem or a religious verse within their own households. They can be remembered by launching blogs or memory books online, with friends and families contributing. "I think many people are being quite creative in trying to do, contextually, the usual rituals. And I do think that's helpful," Shear says. "It still is not quite the same. So it's a challenge." " " A few members of the Amaya family listen as other family and friends speak via Zoom during a virtual wake for German Amaya in August 2020 in Miami, Florida. Amaya died from the coronavirus. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Advertisement Accepting Grief, Moving Forward Shear's Center for Complicated Grief focuses on several steps in the road toward healing: H onor your loved one and yourself; discover your own interests and values. E ase emotional pain; open yourself to emotions both painful and pleasant ones; trust that you can deal with emotional pain; it doesn't control you. A ccept grief and let it find a place in your life. L earn to live with the reminders of your loss. I ntegrate memories of your loved one; let them enrich your life, and help you learn and grow. N arrate stories of the death for yourself; share them with others. Gather others around you; connect with your community, let people in and let them support you. Not all that has been possible during the pandemic. But with vaccines becoming more widely available, and with virus cases and daily death tolls dropping, the ability to fully grieve may not be too far off. "One of the basic premises that I work with is that we all have a natural adaptive capacity, specifically for adapting to loss. If you think about it, loss is ubiquitous in human experience," Shear says. "If we couldn't do that, if we couldn't adapt, we couldn't have a human race, basically, because when we're grieving intensely, it's very, very debilitating. "When things open up, people will have the opportunity to join with friends and family to honor the person who died. Maybe it won't be a funeral, per se, but we can have a memorial, and that's something we often do later anyway. We'll be able to more easily visit the cemetery and those things. We'll be able to reengage with people." NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Another important step in coping with grief after the loss of a loved one, according to the American Psychological Association: taking care of yourself. Grief can be overwhelming both physically and mentally, and maybe more so during the pandemic. Eating right, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep is critical. Oriental Holdings is hoping for between $60-$70 million for the Queens Road hotel, which is on a huge 7000 square metre landholding. JLL is marketing the now empty, graffitied building. And Kuwati Sheik Mubarak A.M. Al-Sabahs Action Hotels Group is selling a $200 million portfolio, which includes the Novotel South Wharf, the Ibis Glen Waverley and the Ibis Budget at Melbourne Airport. Hotels data group STR shows occupancy rates in Melbourne fell by nearly half last year to 41.6 and revenue per room fell by 57.9 per cent. But hotel sales have held up. The five-star Primus in Sydney recently fetched $132 million and the Travelodge portfolio has reportedly sold for around $600 million. Benz dealer A freehold property, home to the Pro-Star Motors Mercedes Benz dealership in Hawthorn, is for sale for the first time in more than 37 years. Records show luxury car dealer Lasath Algama is selling the 2645 sq m landholding at 135-149 Burwood Road that he amassed since the 1980s. The site covers five properties, which CBRE agents David Minty, Nathan Mufale, Scott Hawthorne and JJ Heng are selling in one-line or individually. Its near the corner of Power Street and next door to the Growthpoint-owned office of paper packaging giant Orora, which is valued at $113 million. Hawthorn railway station is a short walk away. Its expected to fetch north of $17 million. Mr Minty is expecting interest from major developers and landbankers. Fresh leases The Hawthorn office market is expected to be one of the winners in the restructuring of the workplace. Fitzroys agent Stephen Land has negotiated three fresh leases in Hawthorn, including two deals on level one of 104 Burwood Road, and another at 313 Burwood Road. Phoria has doubled its office space in Fitzroy. Credit: A desire to be more centrally located has prompted commercial office cleaners, the Keen to Clean Group to sign up for the 130 sq m suite 1 at 104 Burwood Road on a three-year term with a three-year option. Meanwhile, Stamford Lawyers has taken suite 2 and is moving out of the CBD. They have signed a two-year lease with options on 140 sq m at $30,000 a year. Mr Land said: There were very high levels of enquiry for these offices considering the limited size offering in the area and the affordable rental level. The fluid COVID situation means smaller tenants are committing to shorter-term deals than they previously would have, he said. There are plenty of business-owners seeking a move to city fringe and inner suburban locations to be closer to their homes, making it easier to access the workplace and collaborate with colleagues in-person during a period of more flexible working hours and arrangements, he said. Elsewhere, fuel systems engineers Leighton OBrien has upsized to a 380 sq m office at 313 Burwood Road on a five-year lease with five-year option, paying $218,983 a year in rent. The engineers will move into space previously occupied by Generic Partners, who moved to Cremorne after they were bought out by Arrotex Pharmaceuticals. In Fitzroy, media studio Phoria has doubled its footprint at the old heritage-listed Salvos building at 297 Napier Street and is now its sole tenant. Phoria has taken a six-year lease on level one, paying $66,000 a year. It took the ground floor three years ago. Chunky dips The Heidelberg headquarters of Chunky Dips maker Simply Delish is up for grabs. Simply Delish has been at the Darebin Creek-facing facility at 28-40 Sheehan Road since 2009 and has recently signed a new 12-year lease. Simply Delish has been at 28-40 Sheehan Road since 2009. Credit: The 3800 sq m building has been fitted out for their dip-making operations and includes cool rooms, sealed flooring, in-ground waste disposal, a temperature-controlled production area and freezer rooms. Its on a sprawling 4850 sq m landholding. Records show SDI Groups Emanuel Varagiannis, who also part-owns Simply Delish, sold the building to Matthew Baileys Heidelberg Capital at the end of 2019 for $7.1 million. Stonebridge Property Group agents Rorey James, Dylan Kilner, Kevin Tong and NSL Property Groups Guy Naselli are handling the listing for which they are expecting more than $8 million. Expressions of interest close on April 15. Mr James said: This is a very tightly held pocket of Melbourne, with very little turnover in assets and tenants and this is one of the largest landholdings in Heidelberg West. Barkly square Barkly Square in Mornington, not Brunswick is back on the market. The nine-shop complex at 53-55 Barkly Street has been put up for auction by the propertys mortgagee. The retail centre was last put to the market in 2019 by receivers Cor Cordis but the property was refinanced at the last minute and withdrawn from sale. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the first cabinet meet since reshuffle September 3. A major cabinet reshuffle earlier this month had seen the elevation of four junior ministers -- Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal to the cabinet rank and nine fresh faces inducted as Ministers of State. #We request everyone not create an environment of fear, send children to school: Union Min RS Prasad on death of 7-yr-old at Ryan International School Ahmedabad-Mumbai Bullet Train project will be completed approximately by the end of year 2023: Railway minister Piyush Goyal pic.twitter.com/oncGpSMQw7 ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 #Cabinet clears bill to double tax-free gratuity to Rs 20 lakh The cabinet, chaired by PM Modi, gave its approval to introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017, in Parliament. The amendment will put the maximum limit of gratuity of employees of the private sector as well as public undertakings and autonomous organisations under the government who are not covered under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, at par with central government employees, which is Rs 20 lakh #Cabinet apprised of MoU with Japan for silk sector research The Cabinet was also apprised of an initial pact inked between the Central Silk Board and the Japan-based National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (NIAS) for research in the field of silkworm and silk industries. The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed in November last year, is for initiating a collaborative research for developing prolific bivoltine hybrids of silkworm suitable for the Indian conditions. The move would help domestic textiles and the apparel industry to produce world class silk and its products, it said. #Cabinet approves hiving off about 66,000 mobile towers of BSNL into a separate company: Govt The Cabinet approved hiving off mobile towers of state-run telecom firm BSNL into a separate company. There are around 4,42,000 mobile towers in the country, out of which BSNL owns more than 66,000. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) into a separate company, fully-owned by BSNL, an official statement said. An independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will lead to increasing of external tenancies and consequentially higher revenue for the new company, it added. A tower infrastructure company owns the passive infrastructure asset and leases it to telecom service providers enabling them to minimise duplication of investments and economise on costs of operation and maintenance, leading to improvement in profitability. #Union Cabinet approves implementation of the scheme Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund" #Union Cabinet approves development of six-laning of Narasannapeta-Ranastalam section of NH-16 in Andhra Pradesh #Cabinet approves the release of additional 1% Dearness Allowance to Central Govt employees & Dearness Relief to pensioners w.e.f. 01.07.2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - RT Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RTM) (OTC Pink: RTMFF) (the "Company" or "RT Minerals" or "RTM") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arm's-length agreement with Mr. Ryan Kalt and Calgary-based Kalt Industries Ltd. to acquire all of the outstanding common shares of Catharine Gold Inc. ("Catharine Gold"). Catharine Gold is a privately-held exploration company based in Vancouver, British Columbia which owns the mineral rights to approximately 100 square kilometres (24,536 acres) of mineral properties which commence contiguous to the border of RTM's Link-Catharine property and which extend throughout six townships in northern Ontario, Canada. The mineral properties controlled by Catharine Gold are situated approximately 22 km southeast of Kirkland Lake, Ontario and extend intermittently and generally south, east and northeast immediately from RTM's current Link-Catharine property boundary for up to about 20 km, as well as ranging between 7 km to 21 km south of the Cadillac Larder Lake Break ("CLLB"). The Catharine Gold property holdings are host to a large area covering a southwestern section of the prospective Abitibi greenstone belt south and sub-parallel to the CLLB. At least six known gold and base metal occurrences, local structural features as well as favourable geologic package, known to host gold and base metal mineralization, occurs within licenses controlled by Catharine Gold. From west to east the Catharine Gold property holdings cover portions of the contact-point of the Round Lake Batholith and granodiorite suite extending into mafic and intermediate volcanics to felsic volcanics. Mr. Donald (Dan) M. Clark, Chairman and President of RT Minerals, states: "The combination of the 100 square kilometre favourable geologic package and land position held by Catharine Gold has the potential for RT Minerals to be one of the largest mineral right owners within the Abitibi greenstone belt of northern Ontario and Quebec. This underexplored portion of the belt is an important, immediately-adjacent major expansion to RTM's significant gold discovery in this area on its 100% optioned Link-Catharine property where values of up to 8m at 9.43 g/t Au were encountered in near-surface drilling in late-2020. This drilling intersected an overall area of intermittent gold values of approximately 130m wide by 100m in length and 90m in depth during November and December of 2020 (see RTM news releases dated November 11, 2020 and December 1, 2020). Furthermore, the forward-addition of Mr. Kalt to the board of directors will bring additional financial and mineral management expertise to the Company to further advance RTM and expand our exploration efforts within the 100 square kilometre land package to be controlled by RTM." Figure One: Map of the License Holdings of RT Minerals Corp. and Catharine Gold Inc., respectively. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4882/78384_4b576ca074b55bc7_001full.jpg Particulars of the Transaction To acquire 100% interest in Catharine Gold, the Company will issue 21,000,000 common shares (the "RTM Shares") which will be subject to a multi-year escrow release under a Tier 2 Escrow Surplus Agreement, under which the RTM Shares will be released from Escrow as to 1,050,000 common shares on approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, 1,050,000 common shares 6 months thereafter, 2,100,000 common shares 1 year thereafter, 2,100,000 common shares, 1.5 years thereafter, 3,150,000 common shares 2 years thereafter, 3,150,000 common shares 2.5 years thereafter and 8,400,000 common shares 3 years thereafter. The property held by Catharine Gold is subject to a pre-existing 2% royalty. The proposed transaction is subject to shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approval and if completed will result in a change of control, as that term is defined by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Post-closing, on a direct and indirect basis, Mr. Kalt will control the 21,000,000 common shares to be issued by RT Minerals as described herein, in addition to 2,575,000 common shares (and 500,000 common share purchase warrants) already held by Mr. Kalt on a direct and indirect basis, representing together and in the aggregate, on a fully-diluted and post-issuance basis, a total 37.3% ownership interest in RTM. A shareholders meeting to consider and approve the transaction is expected to be held in late May 2021 or earlier if approved by the consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of RTM. Upon closing of the transaction, Mr. Kalt will be appointed a director of the Company. Mr. Ryan Kalt is an experienced entrepreneur and businessperson who has founded and built a number of significant private and publicly-traded companies. He is presently the Chairman of Kalt Industries Ltd., a diversified investment company based in Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Kalt also currently serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Red Lake Gold Inc. and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dixie Gold Inc. and has served as a director for a significant number of both publicly traded and private corporations. Mr. Kalt is also the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alma Gold Inc., a private reporting issuer, and is a member of the Law Society of Alberta. Additionally, he previously served as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gold Royalties Corp., which was publicly traded until its acquisition by Sandstorm Gold Ltd. Mr. Kalt holds a B.Comm (Honours) from Queen's University, an LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario, an LL.M. in Natural Resources, Energy and Environment Law from the University of Calgary and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Richard Ivey School of Business. Qualified Person Mr. Garry Clark, P.Geo., is the Qualified Person for RTM and he has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release. About RT Minerals Corp. RT Minerals Corp. is a junior exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "RTM" and has 43,122,988 shares outstanding. The Company holds 100% interest in the Norwalk gold property located near Wawa, Ontario. The Company also holds an option to acquire 100% interest in the Link-Catharine RLDZ gold property comprised of 15 unpatented single cell mining claims with a total area of 220 hectares in one claim block located approximately 25 km SSE of the Town of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. For more information on the Company and its properties, please visit the Company's website at www.rtmcorp.com. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald (Dan) M. Clark Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer RT Minerals Corp. Telephone: 604-681-3170 Fax: 604-681-3552 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain 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, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. 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 applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78384 Even 30 years ago, winemaking was an overwhelmingly male profession, as bro as driving a truck or working as a fishing guide. Back then, outstanding winemakers such as Zelma Long and Carol Shelton roamed the winemaking landscape but had very few peers. In the 1990s, the first woman winemaker in the Finger Lakes was a big deal. As top industry posts were still closed to women, the brightest often moved into academia or served the industry as extension agents or in outside laboratories. Today, while the wine industry has far from achieved parity, women in top winemaking positions are not nearly as novel. To commemorate Womens History Month, I recently tried a few wines from large, prominent California wineries whose top winemaking posts are held by women making history now. Maggie Kruse serves as the second winemaker in the nearly 50-year history of Jordan Vineyards and Winery in Sonoma County, a family-owned winery best known for its restaurant fixtures, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Very few people in the wine industry are from California. Very few people in California are from California. Kruse lived in Milwaukee before studying winemaking at University of California Davis. After graduating, she joined the team at Jordan in 2005. Kruse took over winemaking responsibilities in summer 2019 after 14 years at Jordan. Jordan 2017 Alexander Valley Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is an ideal accompaniment to a good meal, one that wont compete for attention. The light-bodied wine dances across the palate and ends with a nice acidity. You can find 2016 and 2015 vintages as a special order in the state stores for about $55, but you are more likely to see them on a wine list. HHHH 1/2 Joy Merrilees, winemaker at Lake County powerhouse Shannon Ridge Vineyard & Winery, is as local as they come. A native of Lake County, just north of Napa County, Merrilees has led winemaking for Shannon Ridge and the other wineries in its fold since 2014. She originally studied plant science and landscape design then winemaking in New Zealand and at UC Davis, and she has experience making wine in both hemispheres. Now at Shannon Ridge, shes working on a vast wine lineup that includes quality value wines. Merrilees was at the helm to oversee production of Shannon Ridge 2019 Lake County High Elevation Chardonnay, a juicy and tropical wine with ripe apple and a touch of coconut and creme fraiche. $14. HHHH Brooke Bobyak, the new head winemaker at Bella Union, part of the renowned Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards, oversees the entire process of making the wine from the grape to harvesting to bottling. In college, Bobyak studied abroad at University of Bordeaux and worked harvests in New Zealand and Tuscany. She switched gears and studied winemaking at UC Davis. A fruit-forward and generous cabernet, Bella Union 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon smells spicy with a velvety, rich texture and cherry and raspberry with hints of chocolate and truffle. You can find this wine online from $50 to $65. HHHH GRADE: Exceptional HHHHH, Above average HHHH, Good HHH, Below average HH, Poor H DAVID FALCHEK, executive director of the American Wine Society, reviews wines each week. Industrial software company honored by 2021 Data Breakthrough Awards program recognizing outstanding data technology products and companies PORTLAND, Maine, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HighByte, an industrial software company, today announced that its HighByte Intelligence Hub has been selected as the winner of the "DataOps Solution of the Year" award in the 2021 Data Breakthrough Awards program conducted by Data Breakthrough , an independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global data technology market today. HighByte was founded in response to a systemic problem observed in the industrial market: lack of data infrastructure. The company is addressing this problem with HighByte Intelligence Hub, the first Industrial DataOps solution designed specifically for operations technology teams and built to serve the unique qualities of industrial data. HighByte's software solution, used by a growing number of large global manufacturers, enables users to securely connect, model, and flow valuable industrial data throughout the enterprise, providing the critical data infrastructure for Industry 4.0. "We believe DataOps is the missing link to unlocking the value of Industry 4.0," said HighByte CEO Tony Paine. "We are incredibly honored to receive this 2021 Data Breakthrough Award in recognition of our breakthrough innovation in the DataOps space." The Data Breakthrough Awards is the premier awards program founded to recognize the data technology innovators, leaders and visionaries from around the world in a range of categories, including Data Analytics, Big Data, Business Intelligence, Data Storage, and many more. The second annual Data Breakthrough Awards program attracted more than 1,450 nominations from across the globe this year. "We are thrilled to award HighByte with DataOps Solution of the Year honors at this year's Data Breakthrough Awards for the company's industry-changing software solutions," said James Johnson, Managing Director, Data Breakthrough. "HighByte's purpose-built solution for industrial data is addressing a critical need in the market, and the company continues to expand features, improve scalability, and support even more sophisticated data models since its original release. We extend our sincere congratulations to the entire team at HighByte for their success and momentum, and this 2021 Data Breakthrough Award serves as a testament to their breakthrough DataOps innovation." Story continues HighByte Intelligence Hub helps users improve data modeling by contextualizing thousands of industrial data points, adding meta data, standardizing data attributes, and normalizing units of measure. The built-in transformation engine enables calculations and logic execution to improve data usability and reduce transmission volume. It also eliminates the need for custom-coded integrations. About HighByte HighByte is an industrial software development company in Portland, Maine building solutions that address the data architecture and integration challenges created by Industry 4.0. We've developed the first DataOps solution purpose-built to meet the unique requirements of industrial assets, products, processes, and systems at the Edge. Learn more at https://highbyte.com. About Data Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for technology innovation and leadership, the Data Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in data technologies, services, companies and products. The Data Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of data companies and solutions in categories including data analytics, management, infrastructure and hardware, storage, Business Intelligence and more. For more information visit DataBreakthroughAwards.com . HighByte is a registered trademark of HighByte, Inc. Media Contact HighByte Torey Penrod-Cambra Chief Marketing Officer +1 844.328.2677 x701 torey.penrod-cambra@highbyte.com HighByte logo. All rights reserved. (PRNewsfoto/HighByte) Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/highbyte-intelligence-hub-named-dataops-solution-of-the-year-301254030.html SOURCE HighByte At their Rizzutos Ristorante in Lakeview, brothers Jack and Phil Rizzuto give Italian flavors an upscale treatment. The latest addition to their hospitality group starts with a few of the same staples from their family tradition in a much more casual setting across the river. Rizzutos Pizzeria in Gretna has the same meatballs and the same red sauce as its more upscale sibling. But here, of course, pizza is the focus for a family-friendly restaurant geared to anytime meals, takeout and delivery. The new pizzeria opened recently in a location that was previously home to Southern Charm Bistreaux, which had opened only a few months before the pandemic. For many years prior, it was OBriens Grille, a standout for steaks and seafood. Phil Rizzuto said he and his brother heard from many customers at their Lakeview restaurant who live on the west bank and urged them to expand across the river. There has long been a separate drive-thru daiquiri shop located next to the Gretna restaurant space, and the Rizzutos have brought that back, too, now revamped as part of their Jester Daiquiris brand, which has locations in the French Quarter. The Rizzuto family ran a pizzeria on Magazine Street for several years called Amici, which used a coal-fired oven. Their new pizzeria goes with a stone-lined rack oven, which turns out pizza in two sizes with bubbly crusts edged with a light char. It tastes like classic pizzeria pizza. 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 The menu has specialty pizzas, like a shrimp scampi version and a pesto pizza, and build-your-own options. The kitchen here also has Italian-style chicken wings with caramelized onions (a dish the Rizzutos brought over from the old Amici), spinach and artichoke dip with shrimp, salads, pastas and sandwiches (including pasta dishes and sandwiches made with the house meatballs). Rizzutos Pizzeria has a full bar. The family has other new restaurant plans in the works, including a different type of pizzeria with a wood-fired oven on Spanish Plaza, slated to open in the fall, and a more upscale steakhouse in the French Quarter, projected to open by the end of the year. Rizzutos Pizzeria 2020 Belle Chasse Highway, Gretna, (504) 766-8081 Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday noon to 8 p.m. +12 Dunbars Creole Cuisine gets a reality TV revamp, and new hope to survive pandemic The gumbo goes back at Dunbars Creole Cuisine. The urgent question now for the family here is how to carry it forward. +7 As vaccinations rise, older customers head back to New Orleans restaurants to celebrate Once she got her second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Debbie Coyle breathed a sigh of relief. Two weeks later, after completing the waiting period Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 49 Master's in Electrical Engineering 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 49 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 Electrical Engineering Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-masters-in-electrical-engineering-degree-programs/ 2021 Master's in Electrical Engineering Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order): Arizona State University Auburn University Clarkson University Clemson University Colorado State University Columbia University Drexel University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Illinois Institute of Technology Iowa State University Johns Hopkins University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michigan Technological University Missouri University of Science and Technology New Jersey Institute of Technology New Mexico State University New York University North Carolina State University Ohio University Oklahoma State University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Rochester Institute of Technology South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Stanford University Stevens Institute of Technology Temple University Texas A & M University, College Station Texas Tech University Tufts University University of Arkansas University of California, Berkeley University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Riverside University of Cincinnati University of Colorado, Boulder University of Idaho University of Michigan, Dearborn University of North Texas University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Texas, Arlington University of Texas, San Antonio University of Wisconsin, Madison Washington State University Western New England University Worcester Polytechnic Institute 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/. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. (Natural News) Two healthcare workers in Denmark developed brain hemorrhages after they received AstraZenecas Wuhan coronavirus vaccine. The two health care workers experienced brain bleeds within 14 days of getting the jab. One of the patients has died as of writing, while the other one remains in critical condition. The brain hemorrhages experienced by both workers came amid the countrys suspension of the jab over reports of blood clots. Reuters said on March 20 that the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) confirmed the receipt of two serious reports. However, the agency did not give further information on the matter. DKMA Acting Director of Pharmacovigilance Tanja Erichsen wrote in a March 20 tweet: We prioritize reports of suspected serious side effects such as these, and examine them thoroughly to assess whether there is a possible link to the vaccine. We are in the process of dealing with the two specific cases. The incidents of brain hemorrhage followed the death of a 60-year-old woman in Denmark on March 11, which led the Nordic country to halt the use of the jab. The DKMA added that aside from the brain bleeding, the woman exhibited unusual symptoms such as a low number of blood platelets and clots in small and large blood vessels. It was an unusual course of illness around the death that made [the agency] react, the Danish regulator commented on March 14. Denmarks Minister of Health and Elderly Affairs Magnus Heunicke confirmed the March 11 suspension of AstraZenecas coronavirus vaccine, set to last for two weeks. In a tweet, Heunicke said that The [Danish] health authorities have, due to precautionary measures, suspended vaccination with AstraZeneca following a signal of a possible serious side effect in the form of fatal blood clots. The minister added that while there is currently no way to see if the symptoms are linked to the jab, the adverse effects merit a more thorough investigation. Research confirms vaccine triggered blood clots While Danish health authorities are investigating whether the AstraZeneca vaccine was linked to the blood clots and thrombosis, German and Norwegian researchers appear to have beat them to the punch. A report by anti-vaccination group Childrens Health Defense said that researchers in Germany and Norway found that antibodies in the AstraZeneca vaccine were responsible for the purported adverse effects. Professor Andreas Greinacher and his team from the Greifswald University Hospital in northern Germany said the British pharmaceutical firms jab may trigger blood platelets to become overly active and form clots. (Related: Germany joins European cohort in halting AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccinations.) Greinacher and his team looked at 13 cases of cerebral blood clots in Germany that occurred within four to 16 days after vaccination. They managed to isolate and identify the specific antibodies that triggered the formation of blood clots in four cases. According to the team, the AstraZeneca vaccine activated a mechanism causing blood clots to form in the brains of some patients in a similar manner with wounds healing. Researchers at the Oslo University Hospital in Norway also arrived at the same conclusion, after their examination of three cases involving healthcare workers younger than 50. Chief Physician Dr. Pal Andre Holme told the Norwegian newspaper VG that he is confident his team had identified antibodies responsible for the blood clots that the vaccine inadvertently triggered. Our theory is that this is a strong immune response that most likely comes after the vaccine, Holme said. The physician continued: Im pretty sure its the antibodies thats the cause [of the clotting], and I see no other reason than that its the vaccine that causes it. (Related: More than 20 countries halt use of AstraZeneca Wuhan coronavirus jab after suspicious deaths from blood clots.) But the findings did not convince the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to stop use of the vaccine in the continent. In a March 19 statement, the European drug regulator said the benefits of getting the AstraZeneca jab still outweigh the risks. It outlined the findings of the EMAs Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee during its special meeting om March 18. The conclusions reached by the committee included the vaccines benefits outweigh its purported risks and getting the jab is not connected to the cases of blood clots earlier reported. The committee also found no evidence of an issue related to specific batches of the vaccine or to particular manufacturing sites. Prior to the statement, EMA Executive Director Emer Cooke defended the vaccine. She said that there is no indication that vaccination has caused these [serious] conditions during a March 16 press conference. A situation like this is not unexpected when you vaccinate millions of people, Cooke continued. Visit VaccineDamage.news to read more reports about adverse effects caused by AstraZenecas COVID-19 jab. Sources include: BigLeaguePolitics.com TheHill.com Reuters.com TheEpochTimes.com ZeroHedge.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org NPR.org EMA.Europa.eu MSN.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 You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian and NZ dollars fell against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Wednesday amid rising risk aversion, as coronavirus lockdowns in Europe and safety worries about a popular coronavirus vaccine dented hopes of global economic recovery. Germany, France and Italy have expanded virus-related curbs amid a third wave of infections. The head of the World Health Organization said recent increases in deaths and cases represent 'truly worrying trends.' A U.S. health agency said that AstraZeneca may have relied on outdated information in its latest coronavirus vaccine study. In economic news, the manufacturing sector in Australia continued to expand in March, and at a slightly faster pace, the latest survey from Markit Economics showed with a manufacturing PMI score of 57.0. That's up from 56.9 in February and it moves further above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction. The aussie dropped to a 1-1/2-month low of 0.7583 against the greenback and more than a 3-week low of 82.29 against the yen, off its early highs of 0.7634 and 82.92, respectively. Next key support for the aussie is likely seen around 0.72 against the greenback and 80.00 against the yen. The aussie fell to near a 3-week low of 1.5608 against the euro and a 3-1/2-month low of 0.9556 against the loonie, from its prior highs of 1.5509 and 0.9605, respectively. The aussie is poised to find support around 1.57 against the euro and 0.94 against the loonie. The kiwi weakened to a 4-month low of 0.6967 against the greenback and more than a 5-week low of 75.63 against the yen, after gaining to 0.7008 and 76.18, respectively in earlier deals. On the downside, 0.68 and 73.00 are possibly seen as its next support levels against the greenback and the yen, respectively. The kiwi declined to near a 2-month low of 1.6984 against the euro and held steady thereafter. At yesterday's close, the pair was valued at 1.6921. The kiwi edged down to 1.0901 versus the aussie from an early high of 1.0861. The kiwi is seen finding support around the 1.12 mark. Looking ahead, PMI reports from major European economies are due in the European session. U.S. durable goods orders for February will be featured in the New York session. At 10:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will testify before the Senate Banking Committee on the CARES Act, along with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, via satellite. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. press release The case in the consideration of the common law right of counter-spoliation by landowners as a legitimate means to repel land invasions, launched as part B of an application by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) litigation against the City of Cape Town (CoCT), recommences this week. In this matter the Western Cape Government (WCG) has intervened so as to make submissions in support of the lawfulness of counter-spoliation as a constitutional means to prevent unlawful land invasions and is to be reheard in the Western Cape High Court, before three new judges. This comes after the completion of a first hearing before 2 judges, which concluded at the end of November last year, after four days of argument by the various Counsel. The two presiding Judges Meer and Allie could not reach an agreement on the terms of their judgement. Despite suggestion that the appointment of a further single judge - so as to break the apparent deadlock between these two judges - would be appropriate, Judge President Hlophe determined to rather appoint three new judges to hear the matter de novo - at considerable cost and time to all concerned. The new judges have called on the parties to file updated heads of arguments, while the National Government has been requested to participate more actively in the upcoming hearing, and which is now due to last at least two days this week. Mandated on behalf of the provincial cabinet, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, said: "Although we are disappointed that a brand new hearing of the matter has been required, we remain confident in our argument that the common law remedy of counter-spoliation, which recognises an owner's right to immediately retake possession of unlawfully seized property, without approaching a court first - is both constitutional and necessary. From our own experience as landowners we can demonstrate to the court the consequences that follow when the tools to prevent large-scale land invasions in a practical and lawful manner are all but removed. Eviction orders take months if not years to obtain, rendering urgent court redress a mythical goal and often a futile exercise for landowners at the end of violent or well-orchestrated landgrabs. The exorbitant amounts currently being spent by government to prevent illegal land grabs and site invasions is sufficient evidence of this reality, but is still insufficient to stem this tide without the common law remedy of counter-spoliation too, as well as a motivated police service and responsive courts." The hearing is set to commence on Thursday 25th at 10am. 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 US & Canada coupled with the high per capita healthcare expenditures of these economies, together drive the regional market growth. Moreover, the 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 world's 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. "Endangering [your] own forces is a criminal offence. The surgeon general should resign immediately" Military health workers have had no vaccinations against Covid-19. Despite assurances that vaccinations would start, a senior official in the SANDF as recently as 17 March refused to allow a health worker in contact with Covid-19 patients to be vaccinated. The South African National Defence Union is threatening to litigate. Health workers in the military have had no vaccinations against Covid-19 since the programme to vaccinate public and private health workers began in mid-February. And the SANDF appears to be in no hurry to change that. In a document dated 17 March, which GroundUp has seen, a military medical worker put in a formal request to be included in the Sisonke program. The person is, according to the document, in direct contact with Covid-19 patients. The request was denied by a very senior officer and it was stated that not a single military medical health worker is permitted to go outside the department of defence for a vaccine. Early in March, the South African National Defence Union (SANDU) threatened legal action if health workers in the military were not included in the Sisonke Vaccination Programme by 8 March. They are now calling for the resignation of the Surgeon-General. The South African Medical Association (SAMA) received numerous queries regarding Covid-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers of the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS). Surgeon General Lieutenant-General Zola Dabula assured SAMA that all health professionals, regardless of whether they are civilian or permanent force members, will be vaccinated through the SAMHS. The union then agreed to withdraw its threat of legal action. The military gave the assurance on 5 March that vaccinations would start mid-March at approved sites and the surgeon general was inspecting these to accredit them. Advocate Pikkie Greeff, SANDU national secretary, told GroundUp on 23 March that it will seek an urgent court order if nothing is forthcoming. "The military authorities are endangering its own forces by failing to vaccinate its health workers. Endangering [your] own forces is a criminal offence. The surgeon general should resign immediately," said Greeff. Griesel Breytenbach attorneys, acting on behalf of SANDU, wrote to the Minister of Defence, the Secretary of Defence, and the Chief of the SANDF on 19 March, stating that the undertakings made by Dabula earlier in March have not materialised and demanding the vaccinations of military health workers proceed. If there is no response the union will approach the High Court in Pretoria for "urgent relief" the attorneys wrote. South African Military Health Service goes it alone Another document seen by GroundUp, dated 23 February, documents the rollout plan of SAMHS. But which vaccine the military wants to give its health workers, where, and how it plans to obtain them is not mentioned. It is clear from the document the SAMHS plans to vaccinate its own staff and handle the process from beginning to end. Senior officers of SAMHS were meant to submit plans to the chairperson of the SAMHS vaccine roll out co-ordinating committee by 1 March. However, when assessing the 14-page document, the aims are there, but not the actual plans. It is a "to do list". According to the document, vaccinations will be carried out in phases, with the focus mainly on three military hospitals, followed by Area Military Health Units in eight provinces. The target populations are: 1 Military hospital: 1,462, including 23 Cuban doctors 2 Military hospital: 416 3 Military hospital: 655, including 176 personnel from Area Military Units Area Health Military Units: Gauteng 713; KwaZulu-Natal 364; Eastern Cape 243; Western Cape 377; Northwest 182; Limpopo 343; Mpumalanga 150; Northern Cape 211. SAMA said it understands the SAMHS is negotiating with Sinopharm, a Chinese company, through the relevant military organisations to bring the vaccines into the country as a second choice, indicating that it has already applied to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Coronavirus Arms and Armies By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. SAMA points out that companies who are authorised to import products must be holders of a Section 22C Licence to do so. But the National Department of Health is the only procurer of vaccines - for both the public and private sector. It has indicated its second choice is the Pfizer vaccine. "We would suggest that SAMHS has a parallel discussion with Dr Anban Pillay from the National Department of Health about how this could be arranged as part of the national phased prioritised rollout, as health workers in SAMHS should be accessing the J&J vaccine now through the [Sisonke study]," notes Dr Angelique Coetzee, Chairperson of SAMA. The SANDF has not responded to our questions. This article will be updated when upon receiving a response. Last year it was revealed the SANDF paid Cuba R200 million for a drug called Heberon Interferon-Alpha-B2, that has been proven ineffective in the treatment of Covid-19. Deeside Rainbow Hospital to close on Friday Mass Vaccination Centre at Leisure Centre will remain until July This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Mar 24th, 2021 Deeside Rainbow Hospital is to be stood down this week as demand for hospital beds in the region reduces. The temporary 250 bed hospital, built within Deeside Leisure Centre at the beginning of the Pandemic, began to admit patients in November as a second wave of Coronavirus infections took hold. It will close on Friday though the Mass Vaccination Centre also within the leisure centre will remain until July. The health board has stressed the closing of the hospital in Deeside, one of three Rainbow sites to be built in North Wales, is not a sign that any of us can let our guard down from COVID-19. The site will be handed back to Aura Leisure, the organisation which runs Deeside Leisure Centre, by July 31st. Yesterday Aura revealed the leisure centre will reopen late summer with a new look gym, redesigned skatepark and the ice rink will open back up to the public. Mark Wilkinson, Executive Director of Planning and Performance, said: Our three Rainbow Hospitals were established at the beginning of the pandemic to ensure that we were able to respond to the worst case scenario of our existing hospitals becoming overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients. All three hospitals have since been utilised as COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Centres, but we have only needed to provide inpatient care at Ysbyty Enfys Deeside. Demand for beds at Deeside has reduced significantly in recent weeks, because of lockdown measures and the continued rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. Because we are confident that we can accommodate demand at our existing sites, the inpatient beds at Ysbyty Enfys Deeside will close this Friday 26 March. This decision should not be taken as a sign that any of us can let our guard down. We are continuing to monitor and forecast demand across North Wales and we remain vigilant to the threat posed by COVID-19. As shown on Anglesey, cases can rise quickly, so its important we all still follow the guidance in place. As we look ahead to offering vaccination to all eligible adults by the end of July, we have agreed with our partners that the Mass Vaccination Centres at Ysbyty Enfys Deeside and Ysbyty Enfys Llandudno will be handed back by 31st July. A gradual decommission of Ysbyty Enfys Bangor will begin in April and will be completed by September. We have plans in place to continue to provide vaccination through our network of Local Vaccination Centres (LVCs) after these dates, and I want to provide an assurance that the speed and safety of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout will not be compromised. We remain extremely grateful for the incredible support of our partners at Flintshire County Council, Conwy County Borough Council and Bangor University. I would also like to say a special thank you to our wonderful staff, who have worked diligently to provide high quality, safe care to patients throughout this challenging period. President Uhuru Kenyatta's sister, Ms Christina Pratt, has denied claims by former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko that she attempted to influence appointment of his deputy last year prior to his impeachment. Ms Pratt has termed as false Mr Sonko's claims that she contacted him seeking to impose Ms Jane Weru as his deputy, instead of Ms Anne Kananu Mwenda. Audio recording While urging court to expunge their names from a case filed by Mr Sonko seeking to recapture his seat, Ms Pratt and Ms Weru said it was as a result of the false claims and non-existent phone conversation that Mr Sonko purported to revoke the appointment of Ms Mwenda. It is their case that Mr Sonko falsified, forged, fabricated and concocted an audio recording and transcript of the alleged telephone conversation with Ms Pratt purported to have taken place prior to his impeachment in December 2020. They also wanted the court to strike out or order the amendment of the petition and Mr Sonko's supporting affidavit by striking out and expunging from the record some paragraphs that make reference to or against them. But the court declined their request, saying it lacked merit. This is because they have admitted that they have been adversely mentioned in the petition and among the orders they seek is an expungement of the portions of the pleadings that refer to them. "How could they have sought that order if they had not been named as interested parties in the first place? Indeed, the prayer for expungement of some portions of the pleadings by itself confirms that they have an interest in the proceedings," ruled a three-judge bench comprising justices Juma Chitembwe, Weldon Korir and Wilfrida Okwany. In their ruling delivered last week, the judges said Mr Sonko had not violated the court's rules - the Mutunga Rules -- by including Ms Pratt and Ms Weru as interested parties at the time of the institution of the petition. Damage reputation The second ground upon which the applicants sought to be struck out of the proceedings was that they have no interest in the outcome of the petition. It was their case that Mr Sonko has averred about a non-existent telephone conversation with Ms Pratt with a view of dragging them into the case for the purpose of embarrassing them and damaging their reputations. However, the court said the applicants were conflicted because they claim not to have an interest in the matter and at the same time seek to have some parts of pleadings in a case they say they have no interest in expunged. "They also say the pleadings injure their reputation. In our view, the applicants' actions provide evidence to the assertion that they have an interest in the outcome of the matter. It will affect them whichever way it will go. They are, therefore, properly before this court as interested parties," said the judges. The court stated that among the issues to be determined in the 10 consolidated petitions is whether Mr Sonko actually withdrew the nomination of Ms Mwenda as the deputy governor. Mr Sonko's case, the court said, is that he withdrew the nomination of Ms Mwenda following his conversation with Ms Pratt. "His averment is, therefore, necessary for the determination of the matter in dispute. Whether the averment is false or not will be determined when the court proceeds to weigh the evidence adduced by all the parties as a whole," the court said. It found that indeed, Mr Sonko's claims may be untrue as alleged by Ms Pratt and Ms Weru, however, the court said, the averments by the former governor must be tested against the averments of Ms Pratt and Ms Weru and other parties at the trial before the court can reach a conclusion as to whether the statements are true or not. "The applicants must hold their horses instead of attempting to mutilate another party's case. The applicants will elect whether to participate in the proceedings or not," ruled the court. No valid proof Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Kenya Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. In their application, Ms Pratt and Ms Weru said the claims made by the former governor against them are not supported by any valid proof or bona fide evidentiary material. They argued that the petition does not raise any genuine grievance or cause of action against them and has only been instituted for personal gain and out of ill motive. Mr Sonko was opposed to the application saying the applicants are necessary and relevant parties for the full and final adjudication by the issues raised in his petition. He argued that the applicants will not suffer any prejudice if they are retained in the matter and their absence from the proceedings will lead to a multiplicity of suits in respect of the context of his revocation of the recommendation for the appointment of Ms Kananu as the deputy governor. He told court that he stood to suffer prejudice if the application got allowed as he will be making reference to parties who are not before the court. Actor Jennifer Garner is set to join First Lady Jill Biden on a tour of a Jasper nonprofit and the Birmingham YWCA on Friday to explain how the recently passed federal stimulus plan will lower child poverty, the White House said Tuesday. Garner and Biden are scheduled to tour the Jasper Area Service Center and the YWCA of Central Alabama on Friday as part of Bidens Help is Here Tour. During the visits to Jasper and Birmingham, Biden and Garner are expected to explain how the $1.9 trillion stimulus plan will cut child poverty by half, according to the White House. Within the package is an allowance for most working and middle-class families to receive an expanded child tax credit worth up to $3,600 for each child under the age of 6, and $3,000 for each child ages 6 through 17. The White House anticipates the changes in the Child Tax Credit to cut child poverty in half. In Alabama, a report released in December shows that children of color experience disproportionately high rates of poverty. The report titled Alabama Kids Count, indicates that children of color will make up the majority of the child population and the majority of the workforce by 2030. At the same time, Black and Hispanic children suffered average poverty rates of 41.9% and 42.6%, respectively, between 2014 and 2018. The rate for white children was 16.5%. Biden is participating in a nationwide tour to promote the American Rescue Plan Act. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are also participating in the Help is Here tour. The mission is to educate Americans on whats inside the COVID-19 relief package. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the state of Ohio that tried to get the U.S. Census Bureau to provide data used for drawing congressional and legislative districts ahead of its planned release. U.S. District Judge Thomas Rose in Dayton, Ohio, rejected the states request for a preliminary injunction that would have forced the Census Bureau to release the redistricting data by March 31. Ohio filed its lawsuit last month after the Census Bureau said the redistricting data wouldnt be available until September, months after the redistricting deadlines for many states. Posing the first challenge to the bureaus revised deadline on redistricting data, the lawsuit said the delay will undermine Ohios process of redrawing districts. Alabama also has filed a lawsuit over the changed deadline. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The bureau has since said the data will be available in an older format in August. In dismissing the lawsuit, the judge said that there was nothing that could be done to fix Ohios redistricting quandary since it was impossible for the Census Bureau to meet the legally mandated March 31 deadline. Bureau officials said last month that they needed more time because of operational delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In order to draw congressional districts, Ohio needs to know how many congressional seats it will get when the apportionment numbers are released and that data arent being released until next month, Rose said. So even if the relief Ohio seeks (redistricting data by March 31) was granted, Ohio would be no closer to drawing congressional districts on April 1, the judge wrote. The judge said Ohio could use other data to draw its districts. The states claim that fights over what alternative data to use would undermine confidence in the redistricting process was speculative, Rose said. Accuracy would seem to be the foundation of confidence, and Ohios redistricting plan foresees the possibility of delays in providing numbers, the judge said. It would seem that the remedy Ohio seeks is more likely to reduce public confidence. Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the state would appeal. We appreciate Judge Roses careful consideration of the matter, but if the State does not have standing to challenge the Census Bureaus decision to arbitrarily ignore a statutory deadline, no one does, Yost said in a statement. Ohio law requires a newly formed commission to finalize state legislative districts by Sept. 1 and to hold three public meetings before doing so. Ohios General Assembly is required to adopt a map for congressional districts by Sept. 30. The redistricting data includes counts of population by race, Hispanic origin, voting age and housing occupancy status at geographic levels as small as neighborhoods. The data are used for drawing voting districts for Congress and state legislatures. Unlike past decades when the data were released to states on a flow basis, the 2020 redistricting data will be made available to the states all at once, according to the Census Bureau. The delay in releasing the redistricting data has sent states scrambling to come up with alternative plans. Many will not get the data until after their legal deadlines for drawing new districts, requiring them to either rewrite laws or ask the courts to allow them a free pass because of the delay. Candidates may not know yet whether they will live in the district they want to run in by the filing deadline. In some cases, if fights over new maps drag into the new year, primary elections may have to be delayed. Associated Press writer Julie Carr Smyth contributed to this report from Columbus, Ohio. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, right, gestures during a meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan that preceded the signing of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Tripartite Project Agreement at State House Entebbe on April 11, 2021. Uganda has suspended the launch of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) in order to mourn the death of the fallen President John Magufuli who played a big role during the conception of the project. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said in a statement the launching project will be resume next month. Authorities hailed Magufuli's leadership that set a strong foundation for the EACOP project. Some of the milestones registered includes the Inter-Governmental Agreement of 2017, and the Tanzania and Uganda Government Agreement of 2020. Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni and President Magufuli signed the agreement on 13th September last year, paving way for the construction work on the 3.5billion US dollars Hoima-Chongoleani pipeline to take off. In Tanzania the pipeline will pass through eight regions, 24 districts and 132 wards. It is projected to affect more than 90,000 people who are to be compensated around 21bn/-. 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. Advertisement Shocking aerial vision of cars stranded on a tiny patch of grass in a sea of water has shown the true scale of the New South Wales floods. The confronting photo was taken from a helicopter in Windsor, north-west of Sydney, during Prime Minister Scott Morrison's tour of flood-affected parts of the state on Wednesday morning. A 4x4 vehicle and two trailers were pictured marooned on the 'island', while a truck and sedan were partially submerged. Windsor has been hit hard by the floods due to its vulnerable position on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, with residents left isolated as the historic town is cut off from neighbouring areas. The NSW State Emergency Service has warned of more major flooding in Windsor on Wednesday as well as other communities along the Hawkesbury River including North Richmond. Scroll down for video A confronting photo taken from a helicopter in Windsor, north-west of Sydney, on Wednesday morning highlights the flood crisis in New South Wales This photo taken above Windsor and the nearby Pitt Town area showed the roof of a property nearly completely submerged A home under construction is pictured partly submerged along the Hawkesbury River. Days of continuous rain have led to dozens of communities being declared disaster zones A flooded plain in the Windsor and Pitt Town area. Rescue crews have used boats and helicopters during the mass evacuations in New South Wales Prime Minister Scott Morrison is pictured during his tour on Wednesday morning of flood-affected parts of NSW Mr Morrison wore heavy-duty overalls and a helmet as he surveyed the extent of the flooding. Other photos of the tour showed streets flooded on Windsor's outskirts, and crops left in ruin from the torrential rain. About 18,000 NSW residents have been evacuated since last week, with warnings the flood clean-up could stretch beyond Easter. Residents northwest of Sydney, including those living near the Colo River, have been ordered to evacuate as a surge of water flows into catchments, causing rivers to rise. The SES ordered about 500 people in 200 homes to get out on Tuesday. Rescue crews used boats and helicopters during the evacuations. Flood-affected areas are seen from a helicopter in the Windsor area on Wednesday. Residents there have been left completely stranded as the historic town is cut off from neighbouring areas Flood affected areas are seen from a helicopter in the Windsor and Pitt Town areas along the Hawkesbury River on Wednesday A family fleeing the flooded Colo River needed to be rescued twice after the rescue boat capsized on Tuesday afternoon. Three SES crews were also on board when the boat overturned as it approached the Sackville Ferry Wharf. People in caravans along a stretch of the Hawkesbury River from Windsor to Wisemans Ferry have been told to prepare to leave, as have those in the Picton CBD, 60km southwest of Sydney, due to rising levels at Stonequarry Creek. Other photos taken from a helicopter on Wednesday morning showed crops left in ruin More than 10,000 requests for help have been made in NSW since Thursday, with emergency services performing about 900 flood rescues. An inland weather system coming across from the Northern Territory is also hitting rural communities such as Grafton and Lismore. Evacuation warnings persist at Kempsey on the state's Mid North Coast, while the Hunter, the Central Tablelands and the south coast are also in for a drenching. A major flood warning is in place for the Orara River at Glenreagh and Coutts Crossing in north-eastern NSW. More than 10,000 requests for help have been made in NSW since last Thursday, with emergency services performing more than 900 flood rescues. Pictured: A flooded home in Londonderry, 60km north-west of Sydney Warnings of moderate flooding along the Nepean River at Penrith are in place and floodwaters are expected to affect the upper Nepean. Rain started to ease in coastal areas on Tuesday evening, but the BOM says conditions will remain severe for inland NSW. Sunnier skies in coastal NSW will not end flood risks, with rain catchments continuing to flow into swollen rivers. Heavy rain is also forecast for the state's south coast. About 18,000 NSW residents have been evacuated from their homes since last week when the rains began in NSW. Pictured: A home along the Colo River Bureau meteorologist Agata Imielska said on Tuesday that it was 'very important to remember that even though we'll have blue sky and sunshine returning, flooding will continue and the flood risk will continue'. Ms Berejiklian also warned the rivers would keep rising after the rain stopped. 'If you have been asked to be on alert for evacuation, please get together your precious belongings, make sure you are safe and make sure you're ready to leave at very short notice,' Ms Berejiklian said on Tuesday. About 280 NSW schools were closed on Tuesday due to the rainfall, with a similar number expected to be shut on Wednesday. Residents look out at the swollen Hawkesbury River from the deck of a partially submerged house as floodwaters rise Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-24 10:06:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BOGOTA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed China's support and goodwill towards the South American country in his video speech to the Colombian people, sending a "very positive" signal on bilateral relations, local communities have said. Xi delivered a video speech to the Colombian people at the invitation of his Colombian counterpart, Ivan Duque, as the third batch of COVID-19 vaccines provided by China arrived here on Saturday. In his speech, Xi said he hopes that the governments and peoples of the two countries will make joint efforts to strengthen friendly cooperation in various fields including the anti-pandemic fight, so as to elevate China-Colombia friendly cooperation to a new level from a new historical starting point and bring more benefits to the two peoples. Xi's message stressed that the most effective way to combat the pandemic and other problems facing the planet is international cooperation, said David Castrillon, professor at the Externado University of Colombia and a member of the Colombia-China Friendship Association. "In his message, President Xi conveyed a central idea: through cooperation, not competition, we will be able to overcome the existential threats we face as a community with shared future," Castrillon told Xinhua. "The main crisis we face today is the coronavirus." Colombia is not the only country that has received Chinese vaccines for its immunization campaign, said Castrillon. According to data released by the China International Development Cooperation Agency last week, China is providing or will provide vaccine aid to some 80 countries and three international organizations around the world. "This is how China is demonstrating real commitment to making COVID-19 vaccines a global public good, so that we can jointly overcome this crisis," he said. Colombian trade leaders are thrilled to see the Asian country's willingness expressed in Xi's speech to strengthen trade ties with Colombia. Jaime Suarez, executive director of the Colombia-China Chamber of Investment and Commerce, said he expects trade ties between the two countries to be strengthened continuously. "President Xi spotlights the bilateral relationship and China as Colombia's second-largest trading partner. As Colombian products have become more popular in the Chinese market, such as coffee, flowers and avocados, hopefully this message will pave the way for new Colombian products to enter the Chinese market, products such as meat, shrimp and lemons," said Suarez. Leaders of the cultural community also welcomed Xi's message, noting that the vaccines from China would help reactivate the cultural industry, one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic-triggered lockdowns. "The vaccine is essential for the economy of our country. We have a very weak economy at the moment due to COVID-19 and ... this support from China for our country is of course very important," said Catalina Valencia, director of Bogota's District Institute of the Arts. Enditem Russia said it's satisfied with the results of Afghanistan peace conference Moscow hosted last week and urged the US to comply with agreements to withdraw its troops from the country by May 1. Speaking during a news conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said the aim of the talks in Moscow between Afghan government representatives and their Taliban adversaries along with international observers accomplished the aim to give a new impulse to the peace process. Kabulov also said an expanded trio of observers including Russia, China, US and Pakistan didn't support Taliban's demand to restore the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. Taliban representatives said during talks they were firm on their demand for an Islamic government, without elaborating on what an Islamic government would look like or whether it would mean a return to their repressive rules that denied girls education and women's rights to work, and imposed harsh punishments. In previous statements, the Taliban have said their vision of an Islamic government would allow girls to attend school, women to work or be in public life, but in every conversation they emphasized the need to follow Islamic injunctions without specifying what that would mean. Kabulov also urged Washington to comply with a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of American and NATO troops from Afghanistan, under an agreement the Taliban group signed with the Trump administration. President Joe Biden's administration says it is reviewing the agreement. Biden said last week that the May 1 deadline "could happen, but it is tough," adding that if the deadline is extended it wouldn't be by "a lot longer." (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) After asking readers of The Atlantic to share stories about their towns that hadnt received national press attention, journalists James and Deborah Fallows began traveling. They spent years visiting towns around the country, talking with local people about how their communities were dealing with challenges. From their reporting, the Fallows wrote Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America, a nonfiction book based on what they saw and heard. In 2018, filmmakers Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan joined forces with the Fallows to go back to eight of the cities included in the bestselling book. The result is Our Towns, a film that airs on HBO on April 13. The documentary visits Bend, Oregon; San Bernardino, California; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Columbus, Mississippi; Eastport, Maine; and Charleston, West Virginia. At a time when so much of the news is distressing, HBO is emphasizing the positive elements that make up Our Towns, including putting a spotlight on local innovations, a sense of community and shared commitment to change as ways to help move forward. In 2019, the Bend Bulletin reported on the documentary, as it was filming in the Bend area. The story quotes James Fallows, who said that he and his wife, Deborah, decided to include the town because of Bends success in carving out a reputation as a tourist destination, following the decline of the timber industry that had long been an economic driver for the region. Deborah Fallows is also quoted, discussing how the authors were motivated to share stories that reflected a more upbeat portrait of the nation and its people than was being widely reported at the time. As the country was having its national challenges, people became more interested in wanting to hear these stories as another view of what was going on in America, Deborah Fallows said in the Bulletin report. It wasnt just going to hell-in-a-hand basket story of America. It was another story of America that was different, but equally true. Our Towns premieres at 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 13 on HBO, and will stream on HBO Max. Subscribe to our free weekly What to Watch newsletter. Email: -- Kristi Turnquist kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist [March 24, 2021] Myovant Sciences and Pfizer Announce Positive Data from Phase 3 LIBERTY Randomized Withdrawal Study of Once-Daily Relugolix Combination Therapy in Women with Uterine Fibroids 78.4% of women who continued on relugolix combination therapy remained responders (menstrual blood loss < 80 mL) through Week 76 compared with 15.1% of women who discontinued treatment at Week 52 (p < 0.0001) 69.8% of women who continued relugolix combination therapy remained responders through Week 104 88.3% of women who discontinued treatment relapsed with heavy menstrual bleeding, on average 5.9 weeks after discontinuation Myovant to host conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time / 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time BASEL, Switzerland and NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myovant Sciences (NYSE: MYOV) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced positive data from the Phase 3 LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study of relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg plus estradiol 1.0 mg and norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) in women with uterine fibroids. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of continued treatment with relugolix combination therapy for up to two years. Since many women with uterine fibroids spend years struggling to manage their symptoms, there is a critical need for non-invasive long-term treatment options, said Ayman Al-Hendy, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago and LIBERTY Program Steering Committee Member. Data from the LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study demonstrate the potential value of continued treatment for women with uterine fibroids, with those receiving relugolix combination therapy in the study experiencing meaningful symptom relief for up to two years. The LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study (N = 229) was a Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled study that enrolled eligible women who completed the LIBERTY long-term extension study. Eligibility criteria included meeting the responder criteria at one year. Responder criteria were defined as a menstrual blood loss volume of less than 80 mL and a 50% or greater reduction from baseline in menstrual blood loss volume during the last 35 days of treatment measured using the alkaline hematin method. Women were randomized at Week 52 to once-daily relugolix combination therapy or placebo for a one-year double-blind treatment period. Women on placebo with relapse of heavy menstrual bleeding during the study were offered re-treatment with open-label relugolix combination therapy. This study, together with the LIBERTY 1, LIBERTY 2, and LIBERTY long-term extension studies, was designed to provide data on the safety and efficacy of treatment with relugolix combination therapy for up to two years. We are pleased to see the positive data from the LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study which support the potential benefit of longer-term treatment with relugolix combination therapy, said Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Myovant Sciences, Inc. We look forward to making the full data available at a future medical congress. Uterine fibroids can affect many women during their lifetime with uncomfortable symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, said James Rusnak, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Chief Development Officer, Internal Medicine and Hospital, Global Product Development at Pfizer. We believe that these study results offer encouraging data in support of longer-term efficacy in women suffering from uterine fibroids. The LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study met its primary endpoint with 78.4% of women who continued on relugolix combination therapy achieving the sustained responder rate (menstrual blood loss < 80 mL) through Week 76 compared with 15.1% of women who discontinued treatment and initiated placebo at Week 52 (p < 0.0001). All three key secondary endpoints in the LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study were also achieved, including sustained responder rate at two years (Week 104), time to relapse of heavy menstrual bleeding, and amenorrhea rate (all p < 0.0001). Through two years, 69.8% of women who continued on relugolix combination therapy remained responders. 88.3% of women who discontinued treatment at Week 52 relapsed with heavy menstrual bleeding, with a median time of return to heavy menstrual bleeding of 5.9 weeks. Bone mineral density was maintained through two years in the subset of women continuously treated with relugolix combination therapy (N = 31). The incidence of adverse events over one additional year of treatment was consistent with those observed in prior studies, with no new safety signals observed. The most commonly reported adverse event in at least 10% of women treated with relugolix combination therapy was nasopharyngitis. Relugolix combination tablet (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1.0 mg, and norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) is under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of women with uterine fibroids, with a decision expected by the June 1, 2021 target action date. Myovant Sciences Conference Call Myovant will hold a webcast and conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time / 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time today, March 24, 2021. Investors and the general public may access a live webcast of the call by visiting the investor relations page of Myovants website at investors.myovant.com . Institutional investors and analysts may also participate in the conference call by dialing 1-800-532-3746 in the U.S. or +1-470-495-9166 from outside the U.S. The webcast will be archived on Myovants Investor Relations website following the call. About the Phase 3 LIBERTY Program in Uterine Fibroids The Phase 3 clinical program for uterine fibroids consisted of two multinational, replicate pivotal clinical studies (LIBERTY 1 and LIBERTY 2) of relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg plus estradiol 1.0 mg and norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids for 24 weeks. Eligible women who completed the LIBERTY 1 or LIBERTY 2 studies were offered the opportunity to enroll in an active treatment extension study in which all women received relugolix combination therapy for an additional 28-week period for a total treatment period of 52 weeks, designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of longer-term treatment. Upon completion of this 52-week total treatment period, eligible women could elect to participate in a second 52-week randomized withdrawal study designed to provide two-year safety and efficacy data on relugolix combination therapy and to evaluate the need for maintenance therapy. Across studies, a response was defined as a menstrual blood loss volume of less than 80 mL and a 50% or greater reduction from baseline in menstrual blood loss volume during the last 35 days of treatment measured using the alkaline hematin method. LIBERTY 1 and 2 met their primary endpoints (p < 0.0001) with 73.4% and 71.2% of women receiving relugolix combination therapy achieving the responder criteria ompared with 18.9% and 14.7% of women receiving placebo at 24 weeks, respectively. On average, women receiving relugolix combination therapy in both studies experienced an 84.3% reduction in menstrual blood loss from baseline at Week 24 (p < 0.0001). Bone mineral density was comparable between the relugolix combination therapy and placebo groups in LIBERTY 1 and 2. The distribution of the change in bone mineral density, including outliers, was similar for the relugolix combination therapy and placebo groups at 24 weeks, as assessed by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The overall incidence of adverse events in the relugolix combination and placebo groups was comparable in both studies. The open-label extension study also met its primary endpoint with relugolix combination therapy demonstrating an 87.7% response rate at one year, showing the durability of the response observed in LIBERTY 1 and 2. In addition, women experienced, on average, an 89.9% reduction in menstrual blood loss from baseline at Week 52. Changes in bone mineral density through one year, as assessed by DXA every three months, were consistent with LIBERTY 1 and 2. The incidence of adverse events over one year was consistent with that observed in LIBERTY 1 and 2, with no new safety signals observed. About Myovant Sciences Myovant Sciences aspires to redefine care for women and for men through purpose-driven science, empowering medicines, and transformative advocacy. We have one FDA-approved medicine, ORGOVYX (relugolix), for adult patients with advanced prostate cancer. Our lead product candidate, relugolix combination tablet (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1.0 mg, and norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg), is under regulatory review in Europe and the U.S. for women with uterine fibroids and is under development for women with endometriosis. We are also developing MVT-602, an oligopeptide kisspeptin-1 receptor agonist, which has completed a Phase 2a study for female infertility as part of assisted reproduction. Sumitovant Biopharma, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., is our majority shareholder. For more information, please visit our website at www.myovant.com. Follow @Myovant on Twitter and LinkedIn. About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients Lives At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer. Myovant Sciences Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this press release, forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, all statements and quotes reflecting Myovant Sciences expectations, including Myovant Sciences aspiration to redefine care for women and for men; Drs. Al-Hendy, Arjona Ferreira and Rusnaks quotes regarding the potential for relugolix combination tablet for uterine fibroids; the expected timing and strength of Myovants regulatory filings; and Myovants vision for a one pill, once-a-day, treatment option suitable for long-term use in uterine fibroids. Myovant Sciences' forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors known and unknown that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to the COVID-19 pandemic; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when the FDA may approve the pending application for relugolix combination tablet for women with uterine fibroids and whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any other applications that may be filed for relugolix combination tablet in any jurisdictions, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the investigational products benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the products efficacy and, if approved, whether relugolix combination tablet will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of relugolix combination tablet; and whether our collaboration with Pfizer will be successful. Myovant Sciences cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Factors that could materially affect Myovant Sciences' operations and future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties listed in Myovant Sciences' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading "Risk Factors" in Myovant Sciences' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on February 11, 2021, as such risk factors may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time. These risks are not exhaustive. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for Myovant Sciences' management to predict all risk factors, nor can Myovant Sciences assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, Myovant Sciences undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. Pfizer Disclosure Notice The information contained in this release is as of March 24, 2021. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments. This release contains forward-looking information about relugolix combination tablet, including a potential indication for women with uterine fibroids, and a collaboration between Pfizer and Myovant Sciences to develop and commercialize relugolix in advanced prostate cancer and womens health, including their potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, uncertainties regarding the commercial success of relugolix; the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical data and further analyses of existing clinical data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from the clinical studies; whether and when any applications may be filed for relugolix for advanced prostate cancer or relugolix combination tablet for women with uterine fibroids in any other jurisdictions or for women with endometriosis or any other potential indications in any jurisdictions; whether and when the FDA may approve the pending application for relugolix combination tablet for women with uterine fibroids and whether and when regulatory authorities may approve any other applications that may be filed for relugolix or relugolix combination tablet in any jurisdictions, which will depend on myriad factors, including making a determination as to whether the products benefits outweigh its known risks and determination of the products efficacy and, if approved, whether relugolix or relugolix combination tablet will be commercially successful; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of relugolix or relugolix combination tablet; whether our collaboration with Myovant Sciences will be successful; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizers business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments. A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizers Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned Risk Factors and Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results, as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com. Myovant Sciences Contacts Ryan Crowe, Investors +1 (650) 781-9106 investors@myovant.com Albert Liao, Media +1 (650) 410-3055 media@myovant.com Pfizer Contacts Media Relations Steve Danehy +1 (212) 733-1538 PfizerMediaRelations@pfizer.com Investor Relations Chuck Triano +1 (212) 733-3901 Charles.E.Triano@Pfizer.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] RTHK: US, EU to set up 'dialogue' on China, Russia The United States and the European Union have agreed to relaunch a bilateral dialogue on China and work together to address Russia's "challenging behaviour," according to a joint statement on Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the EU high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrell, "acknowledged a shared understanding that relations with China are multifaceted, comprising elements of cooperation, competition, and systemic rivalry." They will also cooperate on topics including reciprocity, economic issues, resilience, human rights, security, multilateralism and climate change, the statement said. "Secretary Blinken and High Representative Borrell confirmed that credible multi-party democracy, the protection of human rights and adherence to international law support the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific," the statement said. "Both aim to cooperate to promote secure, sustainable, free and open maritime supply routes and supply chains and look forward to deepening cooperation with like-minded partners where interests and approaches intersect." Blinken and Borrell also said they would address "Russia's challenging behavior, including its ongoing aggression against Ukraine and Georgia; hybrid threats, such as disinformation; interference in electoral processes; malicious cyber activities; and military posturing." During their meeting in Brussels, the two pledged to work together as well on the global distribution of safe and effective coronavirus vaccines, and to ensure they are prepared for future pandemics. Among other issues the two ministers discussed were cooperation on climate action, Iran and Turkey. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This is the adorable moment a rescue parrot meets his owner's new Labrador puppy and tells him: 'I love you'. Wendy Albright, who lives in Boise, Idaho, with her three rescue parrots, one horse, three fish and two dogs, filmed the heartwarming footage at her home on Monday. Sweet Pea the parrot is captured on camera appearing to stroke the newest family member - a tiny black Labrador puppy. Ms Albright asks Sweet Pea, whom she adopted last November, to tell the puppy she loves him and Sweet Pea dutifully squawks: 'I love you.' Wendy Albright, who lives in Boise, Idaho, with her three rescue parrots, one horse, three fish and two dogs, filmed the heartwarming footage at her home on Monday Ms Albright, who is originally from LA, is dubbed 'The Parrot Lady' by her friends She says she hasn't yet named the puppy so will be asking her followers on social media to help her. Ms Albright, who is originally from LA, is dubbed 'The Parrot Lady' by her friends. She believes in always adopting animals before shopping and has a strong belief in the ethical treatment of all animals. She believes in always adopting animals before shopping and has a strong belief in the ethical treatment of all animals Her parrots, Brody, Sweet Pea and Thyme work with many children's outreach programs to teach responsible pet ownership and care. In her free time she rides her horse, Baela, and enjoys constantly documenting the antics of her 'farm' and sharing with the world via social media. Ms Albright also owns a nine-year-old Black Labrador Retriever called Ash, an 18-year-old Congo African Grey parrot called Brody, a four-year-old Sun Conure called Thyme and three fish called Henry, William and Robert. A man has been arrested after a bomb disposal team attended a report of a suspicious item in the grounds of the Queen's official residence in Edinburgh. Police were called to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at around 8.50pm yesterday and a specialist Army bomb disposal team made the item safe. Today investigators said a 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Police Scotland said the device was 'not viable' but that an Army bomb disposal team attended as a precaution. The suspect is believed to be mentally ill. The Queen is currently with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle. She usually spends one week at Holyroodhouse at the beginning of each summer. Police have arrested a man after a bomb disposal team attended a report of a suspicious item in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse Police officers pictured conducting a search outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh today Police officers carrying long sticks were seen methodically combing the forecourt and grass outside the building in Edinburgh today. Others looked down drains and underneath cars and some officers were seen putting items into clear plastic bags. Police vehicles were also stationed outside several entrances to the palace. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'We were called to Holyrood Palace, Abbey Strand, Edinburgh, around 8.50pm on Tuesday, 23 March, following a report of a suspicious item. 'Following examination by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), it was made safe. There was no threat to the public. 'A 39-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, 25 March.' Police were seen carrying long sticks, methodically combing the forecourt and grass outside the building today New Delhi: Sunayana Dumala, the widow of Indian national Srinivas Kuchibhotla killed in Kansas in a hate crime this February, faced deportation from the US after her husbands murder until a Kansas congressman and others helped her get a one-year visa. Sunanya lost her status as US resident after a 51-year-old US Navy veteran Adam Purinton with a semiautomatic pistol gunned down her husband in a crowded bar on February 22. Read more: UN Security Council imposes tough sanctions on North Korea According to the reports, Kevin Yoder, a Republican member of the house of representatives who worked effortlessly to help Dumala in maintaining her residency said, We are not going to deport the widow of the victim of a hate crime. 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. Crew members of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro unloaded tons of cocaine and marijuana in Alameda on Tuesday. A U.S. Coast Guard counter-narcotics operation seized over 17,000 pounds of cocaine and 13,000 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated $330 million from interdictions off the coasts of Mexico, Central and South America recently. On Tuesday morning crew members from the National Security Cutter Munro unloaded an estimated 8,200 pounds of cocaine and 11,450 pounds of marijuana at Coast Guard Island in Alameda. Three Coast Guard boats along with a U.S Navy ship took part in operations that seized drugs from 15 suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A few small mounds of cocaine spilled out on an Alameda dock from black garbage bags as crew members moved pallets of illicit drugs to a staging area in the early morning. Prior to arriving home in Alameda, the crew of the Munro stopped off in San Diego to transfer 12 detainees, and offloaded an estimated 9,200 pounds of cocaine and 2,150 pounds of marijuana before arriving back in the Bay Area. This article is written by Aric Crabb from East Bay Times and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com. A fierce social media 'war' has erupted between pro-Liberation Bangladeshis and the Pakistanis resenting Bangladesh's much vaunted progress and growing relations with India ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the country. Modi will be the Guest of Honour at the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh Independence on March 26, the day in 1971 when Pakistan's brutal army started 'Operation Searchlight', a genocidal campaign to stamp out the Bengali revolt for Independence. Islamist radical groups like Hifazat have threatened to block Modi's entry into Dhaka city from the airport, prompting furious security preparations by Bangladesh security forces. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered tough action against anyone trying to disrupt Modi's visit . Modi's visit is significant because it comes at a time when bilateral relations have peaked, despite occasional hiccups. There is also promise of mutual growth on the horizon with a latest World Bank report suggesting that India and Bangladesh can augment their national incomes by 8 to 10 per cent in a few years if the two neighbours can ensure "seamless transport connectivity". The visit also comes at a time when Bangladesh has achieved 'Developing Nation' status , up from Least Developed Country (LDC) category . The UN citation announcing that upgrade is a testimony to Bangladesh's success in national building through practice of moderate Islam, tolerance of other religions, abiding faith in liberal Bengali culture and its syncretic traditions and focus on economic growth and human development. This is stark contrast to Pakistan's slide in economy and society with analysts across the world suggesting it has all the bearings of a failed state. And all because of the Pakistani state and its powerful army's obsession in using terrorism as an instrument of national policy and its lopsided defence spending at the cost of neglect for infrastructure and social sector investments. The Twitter war has been sparked by some Bangladeshi radicals backing the Hifazat-e-Islam's announcement to stop " Modi from entering Dhaka." Pro-liberation forces who express gratitude to India for its role in Bangladesh's liberation promptly denounced the Hifazat move as an 'evil ploy' by Pakistani intelligence ISI to disrupt not only Modi's visit but also the celebrations of 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence. They also attacked Hifazat-Khilafat leaders as 'powerhungry' and 'traders of religion'. Some tweets and Facebook posts also showcased Bangladesh's economic and human development achievements cited in top global publications like 'Diplomat' and 'Wall Street Journal' and contrasted this with Pakistan's downslide. That provoked a strong riposte from Pakistani Twitterati and Facebookers with some presenting absolute cooked up statistics to show Pakistan was ahead of Bangladesh in many respects. Bangladesh's net warriors shot back immediately asking uncomfortable questions. "Ask your PM Imran, has he paid up the PMO's electricity bills" and "30 rupees for an egg, 1,000 rupees for a kilo of ginger, what do you eat Pakistanis, only dry wheat" are some of the shoot-back posts that escalated into direct allegations of Pakistani funding for Bangladesh's Islamist radicals to disrupt the Modi visit and adversely impact India-Bangladesh relations. Citing a 'Times of India' opinion piece, a tweet said: " India and Bangladesh, Made for Each Other, Destined to Grow Together'. Bangladesh has a passionate and fiercely secular bloggers community who have never hesitated to attack Islamist radical politics. In the aftermath of the 1971 War Crimes Trials, that began after PM Hasina assumed power, scores of bloggers like Rajiv Haider were hacked to death by the fundamentalists along with secular publishers and intellectuals like Faisal Ahmed Dipon and Abhijit Roy. The bloggers were targetted after they demanded death penalty for the Bengali Islamist collaborators of Pakistan army who helped their campaign of massacres and mass rapes, mass conversions of non-Muslims under duress, all well documented in books compiled by Barrister Tureen Afroz, who led the prosecution of the war criminals. But the attacks have not deterred Bangladesh's passionate net warriors to uphold their country's glory and road to recovery after the devastation of the 1971 war and 20 years of debilitating military rule by two Bengali generals Ziaur Rahman and H.M. Ershad, who put back Bangladesh's "Unfinished revolution" by decades through constitutional changes that made the country an Islamic Republic by undermining the secular values of Bengali linguistic nationalism that made possible our Independence over an 'ocean of blood'. What has unnerved Pakistan and his active netizens is the obvious lack of ammunition they have to defend their 'failed state' and the matter has been aggravated after PM Sheikh Hasina's government raised the pitch for UN recognition of the 1971 genocide and demanded a formal apology from Pakistan. At a time when Islamabad faces restive ethnic minorities like the Baloch and the Pashtuns, Sindhis and Baltistanis, the Bangladesh example is an uncomfortable foreboding on the wall for Pakistan's rulers. No wonder, their generals are almost begging India for peace and Imran Khan is confusing Japan as Germany's neighbours. With the Damocles Sword of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) hanging on Pakistan's head, their only saving grace appears to be a peace deal in Afghanistan which gives the Taliban a prepoderant position in running the war-ravaged country. Bangladesh has as much strategic advantage as Pakistan but it is poor -- and a very military-- approach to pitch national policy just on leveraging strategic advantage , neglecting the hard work to develop economic and social infrastructure for stimulating growth in economy and human development. Bangladesh is all that Pakistan is not. Thankfully, our great leader 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led us to independence and abandon the sinking ship called Pakistan at the right time. (Ayesha Zaman Shimu is a senior leader of Mohila League, ruling Awami league's women wing, and a passionate secular blogger. The views expressed are personal.) YEREVAN, 24 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 24 March, USD exchange rate up by 0.20 drams to 528.32 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.77 drams to 625.16 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 6.97 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.99 drams to 725.44 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 157.84 drams to 29321.03 drams. Silver price down by 1.87 drams to 435.18 drams. Platinum price up by 58.56 drams to 20145.25 drams. Name a more iconic couple, as they say online. King Kong and Godzilla first fought it out way back in 1962, under the auspices of Toho, the Japanese studio responsible for the original Godzilla films: the upshot was inconclusive, allowing for a second round in 1967s King Kong Escapes. Now the old rivals are back in the ring, this time with the backing of a Hollywood studio (with funding coming ultimately from Chinese sources). Godzilla vs. Kong follows on directly from the two previous Godzilla films released as part of Warner Bros largely disappointing MonsterVerse product line. That means a relatively straight-faced approach, in contrast to the retro frivolity of the 1970s-set Kong: Skull Island, also part of the MonsterVerse. Overseeing the mayhem is director Adam Wingard, who started out making wittily brutal low-budget horror films before becoming a studio gun for hire. Absolutely no sign of his old personality is evident here, where hes working from a script by any number of hands. As in the Godzilla films, the ensemble cast has been chosen to entice the maximum number of demographics. Millie Bobby Brown returns as Madison Russell, the teenage daughter of scientists working for the Monarch program which monitors the behaviour of titans like Godzilla (Kyle Chandler, really phoning it in, is also back briefly as her dad). The more prominently featured newcomers include Alexander Skarsgard and Rebecca Hall as further scientists, and Brian Tyree Henry as a conspiracy-minded podcaster. His paranoid theories are treated sympathetically, and dont contradict the films implied outlook, which again as in the 2014 Godzilla and its sequel is pro-monster on the whole. Listen to journalist Emilie Eaton explain how this investigation took several months to report and the challenges she faced with her records requests under the Freedom of Information Act. In late June, Fire Chief Charles Hood drove his youngest son to San Antonio International Airport for a flight back to Colorado, where he lives with his mother. During his stay in San Antonio, the 17-year-old had joined his father and one of his older brothers at a Black Lives Matter march. He spoke about the racial justice movement at a news conference celebrating his dads selection as Fire Chief of the Year. At the airport that Friday, Hood and his son exchanged goodbyes, and the teenager headed toward a security checkpoint. It was around dawn. Hours later, Police Chief William McManus called Hood. He had bad news. Hoods son had been arrested at the airport. He was suspected of possessing a fake ID and providing false information to a police officer. McManus, who oversees airport police, was telling Hood about the arrest as a professional courtesy. The incident would rupture the chiefs longtime working relationship and mar their friendship, according to people familiar with the episode who spoke on condition of anonymity. The rift remains so raw that Hood and McManus, the citys two top public safety officials, have barely spoken since. Jerry Lara /Staff photographer Hood came to believe that the arrest of his son was unwarranted and possibly racially motivated. He was upset that his son was held for hours in a city lockup where the coronavirus was circulating all over what Hood saw as a trivial adolescent mistake. McManus thought the arrest was done by the book and backed his officers, going so far as to review the body camera footage himself. Where the fire chief saw heavy-handed treatment of an African American teenager, the police chief saw groundless accusations against a law enforcement officer for doing her job. Over the objections of McManus, the city would hire an outside attorney Danielle Hargrove, a mediation specialist who charged $325 an hour to sort out the facts and assist with promoting reconciliation and resolution. A curtain of secrecy would keep the arrest record, the accusations, the schism and the attorneys work out of the public eye until now. On ExpressNews.com: Secrecy over the city's review of possible bias within airport police 'gnaws' at councilwoman For six months, the city refused to release a copy of the arrest report after the San Antonio Express-News requested it under the state open records law. The city never cited a specific reason, as required under the law, for keeping the record hidden from the public. While the Express-News continued to press for the document, the younger Hoods arrest was expunged, a legal process that erases any record of it. The city now says it has no documents about the arrest. The Express-News independently obtained a copy of the arrest report. Although the report said Hoods son was arrested on suspicion of a Class B misdemeanor and a Class C misdemeanor, police charged him only with the Class C, a lesser offense, according to an attorney for the officer who arrested Hoods son. Under Texas law, a person can have an arrest expunged if, among other reasons, the charges were never filed, the charges were dropped or dismissed, or the person was ultimately acquitted. In a statement to the Express-News, City Attorney Andy Segovia said, Chief Hood made no requests nor received special treatment. The exact conclusions of Hargroves taxpayer-funded review of the incident remain unclear; the city did not ask the attorney to provide a written report. Instead, she reported the results verbally. She charged the city $5,525 for her services. Segovia said Hargrove was retained as a neutral party to gather facts and determine if discriminatory racial bias occurred at an event at the airport. She determined there was no discriminatory racial bias but that the situation could have been handled differently. Graphic by Monte BachExpress-News Jeff Coyle, a city spokesman, declined to elaborate. Asked for an explanation for the delay in providing the records, he said the city handled the requests according to the law. McManus declined to comment. I was concerned In an interview with the Express-News, Hood acknowledged that his son was arrested for possessing a fake ID at the airport and that the police report of the arrest had been expunged. Hood said McManus called him that day to tell him his son had been arrested. When Bill McManus called me, I was concerned, Hood said. I wasnt upset at him. I was upset later in the day. He added: All I wanted to do was make sure my kid was OK. My kid went to the county jail. It was a COVID facility. Bexar County Jail officials struggled to contain outbreaks of the coronavirus throughout the pandemic, including a particularly severe one last spring. The spread in the jail had been contained by the time Hoods son was arrested. Why does my kid go to jail for a fake ID? Hood continued. There could have been something else that was done. Cite and release, something. What else could have been done for a fake ID? Hes got no record. Nothing. Under the states cite-and-release law, a person accused of certain low-level misdemeanors, such as theft, possession of a few ounces of marijuana or driving with an invalid license, can be issued a citation rather than arrested. The procedure is similar to a traffic ticket. But the offenses of which Hoods son was suspected are not eligible for cite and release. Hood said neither he nor his son sought or received special treatment. There was no preferential treatment at all, and I didnt ask for it, he said. If I got preferential treatment, why was my kid shackled? If somebody goes to jail and theyre in jail eight, nine hours, is that preferential treatment? A few days after the arrest, McManus again called Hood to tell him the airport officer had acted properly. In that conversation, Hoods tone was contentious, sources said. In the interview, Hood did not acknowledge the outside review of his sons arrest or the fallout. But he insisted that the incident should have been handled differently. Maybe there wasnt racial bias, but that doesnt mean everything was right, he said. If my kid did something wrong, then so be it. But a 17-year-old for a fake ID to go to jail? What? Asked about the ensuing rift with the police chief, Hood responded by venting frustration over past media coverage. Ive had enough issue with sushi and a narrative that was created, Hood said. I live in a fishbowl. And I got beat up unmercifully for that sushi thing. He was referring to a controversy that erupted last fall when the Express-News reported that Hood had posed for a photo next to a mostly nude woman partially covered in sushi at a firefighters birthday party. Hood again drew attention this month for quietly cursing at an attorney during a public arbitration hearing for a fired firefighter conducted via teleconference. Hood, 61, who became the citys first Black fire chief in 2007, has been praised for improving the departments Insurance Services Office rating. This quantifies the level of fire protection and helps determine property owners insurance rates. Hood was recently recognized as Fire Chief of the Year by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a group of more than 200 fire safety professionals from around the world. Arrested at the airport Tensions around policing and race were high in June, when Hoods son arrived at the airport. A month earlier, George Floyd had died while a white Minneapolis police officer was kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes, sparking protest marches around the world and calls by activists to defund police. The killing prompted Hood to begin speaking publicly about his own experiences with racism. His youngest son spoke out about the Black Lives Matter movement. About 6 a.m. June 26, Hoods son arrived at the Transportation Safety Administration security checkpoint at San Antonio International and told the federal agents that he did not have an ID, according to the police report. (The Express-News is not naming Hoods son because he was 17 at the time.) Immediately, he was pulled aside for a secondary screening, as is customary. In the younger Hoods backpack, TSA Agent Carlos Martin found what appeared to be a Nevada drivers license, the report said. Martin waved down Airport Police officer Nancy Howk and showed her the license. Howk asked Hoods son a series of questions, including his name and date of birth. The teenager told Howk his name, but the date of birth he provided didnt match the license, the report states. Howk searched for a record of the license through Texas and national databases. Several minutes later, (Hoods son) stated he knew he was in possession of the fraudulent drivers license and gave a fake date of birth because his Mom told him to tell the TSA officers that he was 18 to build points on her airline card, Howk wrote in the police report. At one point, the younger Hood asked the officers whether they knew who his father was, one source said. He later told them he was the fire chiefs son. Hoods son was arrested on suspicion of possessing a fake ID, a Class C misdemeanor, and on a charge of providing false information to a police officer, a Class B misdemeanor. It is standard procedure in Bexar County for someone accused of a Class A or B misdemeanor to be arrested, handcuffed, taken to jail and booked. Howk drove the teenager to the Bexar County Jail on North Comal to verify his identity before transferring him to the Frank D. Wing Municipal Court Building on South Frio, where prosecutors decide what charges to file against suspects and a magistrate sets bail. What happened next is unclear, obscured by the expunction of the arrest. Ben Sifuentes, an attorney who represents law enforcement officers in employment matters, said Capt. Paul Bassioli, who directly oversees Airport Police, instructed the airport police officers to reduce the charges against Hoods son later that morning. I understand (Hoods son) was charged with a Class C misdemeanor after the arresting officers consulted with Capt. Bassioli, who was in contact with Chief McManus, said Sifuentes, who was later hired to represent Howk. Bassioli did not return a call requesting comment. Gerald Reamey, a professor at the St. Marys University School of Law, said the police officers likely released Hoods son at that point with a citation. Texas law allows police officers to issue a citation for a Class C misdemeanor, rather than bring a suspect before a judge. They could do it either way, but Id guess theyd write a citation and cut him loose, Reamey said. If Hoods son had been convicted of the Class B misdemeanor, he would have faced a maximum of six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. A Class C misdemeanor carries no jail time; it is punishable by a fine up to $500. Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said he had no knowledge of the arrest. Even if I did, I would be prohibited by law from discussing it, Gonzales said, citing a state law that prohibits government agencies from acknowledging an arrest that has been expunged. Review kept secret Within days of the younger Hoods arrest, Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Provencio hired Hargrove to look into a potential airport bias claim. Hargrove, an arbitrator, had worked with the city before as the chair of the Paid Sick Leave Commission, which was tasked with honing the citys paid sick leave ordinance to help it survive a court challenge. One of her specialties is racial discrimination complaints, according to her resume. Sources said McManus opposed the external review. It didnt follow the usual process. Typically, a member of the public who thinks they were mistreated by police has to make a statement to the departments Internal Affairs Unit, which investigates allegations of misconduct. At that point, an advisory panel reviews the case and makes suggestions on discipline, if appropriate, to the police chief. Coyle, the city spokesman, declined to say whether the city sought the external review at the urging of Hood. He said a parent raised a concern about potential racial bias during an incident at the airport. In a July 4 letter to Provencio verifying the terms of her contract, Hargrove explained that she would facilitate communication and review the facts and circumstances surrounding a recent event at the airport. Graphic by Monte BachExpress-News She also wrote that she would assist in promoting reconciliation with the parties involved, according to a copy of the letter obtained through the state open records law. Asked what parties Hargrove was hired to reconcile, Coyle said she provided a neutral review of the various perspectives of those involved. The scope of the review was never made clear to some of the people involved, leading to some confusion. In emails obtained by the Express-News, Assistant City Attorney Logan Lewis told Sifuentes, who was representing the arresting officers, that Hargrove was reviewing police policy and training. She is not conducting a disciplinary review or any administrative investigation into the officers, Lewis wrote. The city is not pursuing discipline against the officers. Sifuentes questioned why Hargrove was needed to review the matter. He said Bassiolli had already reviewed it and found nothing wrong. Sifuentes also contended that hiring Hargrove could complicate future employment matters, as she is an independent arbitrator who decides disciplinary cases involving police and firefighters. The hiring is questionable and could call into question whether doing so unnecessarily creates potential ethical conflicts, Sifuentes wrote. In an interview, Sifuentes said he advised Howk against speaking to Hargrove. She asked me if she should talk, Sifuentes said. I said not unless youre ordered to. Ask for the official complaint first, like youre entitled to. Hargrove did not respond to a request for comment. Roger Tamez, an airport police officer and president of the Airport Police Association of San Antonio, said rank-and-file officers were not told anything about the outcome of Hargroves review. It would have been nice to put forward any information on what took place during an incident like this so that I could get it out to the membership, Tamez said. Very suspicious On Aug. 3, an Express-News reporter submitted three separate requests by email to the city under the Texas Public Information Act. The requests sought records about the incident, including the preliminary police report, any citation and the contract for the outside review. When the reporter emailed city officials several times asking about the status of the request, city officials acknowledged the emails but didnt provide answers. Typically, police officials release preliminary police reports within a few days. More than four months later, on Dec. 9, Assistant City Attorney James Kopp wrote the state Attorney Generals Office, contending that the police report should not be disclosed. Typically, a governmental body has 10 days to notify a requester that it plans to seek such a ruling from the Attorney Generals Office. Graphic by Monte BachExpress-News In his letter, Kopp said the city was not operating under normal business days during the pandemic. He maintained that the reporters Aug. 3 request was effectively received Nov. 23, when the city resumed normal operations. Thats just nonsense, said Joe Larsen, an attorney in Houston who specializes in freedom of information law. Even with a skeleton crew, a request like that shouldnt take a matter of months. This is the city. It continues to operate. People continue working from home. The government doesnt shut down. Graphic by Monte BachExpress-News In his letter, Kopp argued that the police report was exempt from public release under every section of the Texas Public Information Act but cited no specifics. Kopp also indicated that he would forward the police report to the attorney general for review, along with an explanation as to why the city believed the records should not be disclosed within 15 days, as is required by law. Graphic by Monte BachExpress-News The city never submitted the 15-day letter to the Attorney Generals Office. Three months later, on Feb. 26, city officials told the reporter there were no responsive documents regarding two of her requests. Larsen said the records would likely have been releasable had the city acted promptly. It looks like there was some delay may I say arranged to coincide with the time period it took for the fire chief to get an expungement, Larsen said. Its extremely bizarre. Its very suspicious. Nearly a year after the incident and after the city spent thousands of dollars on an outside review that found no evidence of racial bias Hood seems to have dropped any accusation that his sons arrest was racially motivated. Timeline June 26, 2020: Fire Chief Charles Hoods 17-year-old son is arrested by police at San Antonio International Airport on suspicion of possessing a fake drivers license and providing false information to an officer. Aug. 3: Express-News reporter Emilie Eaton submits three open records requests regarding the arrest: the police report, the citation issued, and the citys contract with an outside attorney to review the actions of the airport police officers, a review initiated by the city after the arrest. August to October 2020: Eaton contacts city spokeswoman Laura Mayes at least two times to ask for details regarding the scope of the external review. Mayes acknowledges the emails but does not provide any update. Oct. 30: Eaton contacts the citys chief spokesman Jeff Coyle to ask when the records would be available and for an explanation of the scope of the review of the incident and its outcome. Oct. 31: Coyle acknowledges receipt of Eatons email and says he will respond Nov. 2. Nov. 4: Coyle says he is checking whether we can provide some update on the case you are asking about. He doesnt follow up. Dec. 9: San Antonio Assistant City Attorney Jim Kopp writes to the Attorney Generals Office, contending that the police report should not be disclosed. He also states that because the city was not operating under normal business days during the pandemic, Eatons request for the police report was in effect received on Nov. 23. Feb. 10, 2021: A lawyer for the Express-News writes to the Attorney Generals Office, stating that the city has not met its obligation under the Texas Public Information Act and arguing that the report should be released. Feb. 26: The city says there are no responsive documents regarding Eatons requests for the police report and the citation. March 2: Hood acknowledges in an interview with the Express-News that his 17-year-old son was arrested in June and that the arrest was later expunged. March 19: The city releases the requested records about the external review of the incident. Im not saying it was about race, he said. Im just saying things could be done differently. And again, weve moved on. He has no record. eeaton@express-news.net | bchasnoff@express-news.net The company has been given until 1 April to appeal against the decision by the Department of Environment Approval for the Watson family's massive Eastern Cape wind farm has been overturned on review. This is an about-turn by the national Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries. Experts say several critically endangered species of eagle will be put at risk by the turbines. The company has until 1 April to appeal against the decision. In an about-turn, Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) has refused environmental authorisation for a controversial wind farm in the mountains near Uitenhage. A review assessment found that the massive wind farm would pose too great a risk to apex bird species in danger of extinction in southern Africa, including the Martial Eagle, Black Harrier and Verreaux's Eagle (previously known as Black Eagle). The application to build the 187.2MW, 47-turbine Inyanda-Roodeplaat Wind Energy Facility in the Groot Winterhoek mountains was submitted by Inyanda Energy Projects (Pty) Ltd, a company established in July 2012 by the well-known Watson family of the Eastern Cape. The directors are Ronald (Ronnie) and Valence Watson, two of the three younger brothers of the late Gavin Watson; Ronnie's daughter, Tandy Snead; and Valence's son, Jared. Ronnie Watson is also the owner of the farms where the wind farm project is planned. Gavin Watson died in as yet publicly unexplained circumstances in a car crash in August 2019 amidst hearings at the State Capture Commission into the dealings of his services company BOSASA. In April 2018, despite strong opposition from conservation and tourism authorities, non-government groups and several neighbouring landowners, DEFF issued an initial environmental authorisation for the wind farm. However, five formal appeals against this authorisation were upheld almost exactly one year later by then Acting Environmental Affairs Minister Lindiwe Zulu. She sent the decision back to the department for further consultation and re-evaluation, to be assisted by independent review specialists. On 18 February 2021, a new decision by DEFF refused environmental authorisation for the wind farm, conveyed in a letter to director Jared Watson. In its reasons for the decision, DEFF cited an "independent expert review" report by the CSIR, dated December 2020, which had considered both the initial environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the wind farm and this EIA's associated specialist bird and ecological studies. The review found that the initial bird specialist study had understated the impact of collisions during wind farm operations on raptor mortalities, and that mitigation measures proposed in the initial study were "untested and inappropriate" in a South African context. DEFF said other review report findings from recent risk modelling for Verreaux's Eagles effectively delineates virtually the entire project area as "high risk" for this species. "Given the high occurrence of raptors on site and the high mortality risks at a local scale, this is considered sufficient grounds from an avifaunal [bird] perspective to avoid using this site for wind energy facility," the report said. DEFF's reversal was welcomed by bird conservation coordinating group BirdLife South Africa as "important" but also "bitter-sweet". "Environmentalists normally embrace renewable energy, but some places are just not well-suited for wind energy infrastructure," said Dr Hanneline Smit-Robinson, BirdLife SA's head of conservation. BirdLife SA noted that the proposed wind farm was located in an almost pristine environment, surrounded by protected areas, and that the application process for the development had been controversial, including allegations that eagle nests had been burned and eagles shot in an attempt to sway the EIA. Samantha Ralston-Paton, the group's birds and renewable energy project manager, noted that DEFF rarely refused environmental authorisation and BirdLife SA rarely appealed approvals of proposed wind energy infrastructure. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Company Energy By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "This is because most reputable developers abandon those really sensitive sites once they become aware of the risks. We prefer to work proactively with industry to find solutions that allow us to protect nature and mitigate climate change at the same time." Inyanda-Roodeplaat is considering filing an appeal against DEFF's latest decision. Any notice of intention to file an appeal should have been submitted within 20 days, which made 10 March the deadline. However, on 1 March, the wind farm company filed a request for an extension, saying it had not yet been provided with all the necessary appeal documentation by DEFF. DEFF spokesperson Albi Modise confirmed that the extension request had been granted, to 1 April. Inyanda-Roodeplaat, through Jared Watson, did not respond to GroundUp. The man alleged to have murdered 10 people at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, was an anti-Trump Muslim immigrant, but Twitter has stated that tweets calling the suspect white and possibly Christian do not violate its misinformation policy. On Tuesday, police named Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, a 21-year-old Syrian Muslim man who had made social media posts critical of former President Donald Trump, as the suspect in the mass shooting. Alissa was arrested and charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder, including the killing of a police officer who responded to the mass shooting at a King Soopers supermarket. A motive is not yet known. Before his social media accounts were taken down, The Daily Beast analyzed them and found that Alissa had posted about Islam, his criticism of Trumps immigration policies as well as his opposition to abortion and gay marriage. Source:The Christian Post Atlanta gunman's church revokes his membership, calls spa shootings rebellion' against God Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The 21-year-old man accused of killing eight people, mostly women of Asian descent, at three Atlanta massage parlors last week has been removed from the membership of his church as the congregations leaders say they can no longer affirm that he is truly a regenerate believer in Jesus Christ. Crabapple First Baptist Church in Fulton County released a statement announcing that it has completed the process of church discipline to remove Robert Aaron Long from membership. We want to be clear that this extreme and wicked act is nothing less than rebellion against our Holy God and His Word, the statement reads. Aarons actions are antithetical to everything that we believe and teach as a church. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn the actions of Aaron Long as well as his stated reasons for carrying out this wicked plan. Seven of the eight people Long killed last Tuesday were women, and six were of Asian descent. Two of the victims were white. Long told law enforcement that he would regularly visit two of the massage parlors he attacked, The Washington Post reported, adding that police had identified the spas as places where sex work and possible sexual exploitation regularly occurred. The suspect told police he saw the people who worked at the spas as temptations he needed to eliminate. After commenters online were quick to criticize the Southern Baptist culture and teachings on sexual immorality, the churchs statement assured that Longs actions are a total repudiation of our faith and practice [A]nd such actions are completely unacceptable and contrary to the gospel, the statement adds. The church also assured that it does not teach that acts of violence are acceptable against certain ethnicities or against women. Additionally, the church rejected the notion that it teaches that women are responsible for mens sexual sin against them. Each person is responsible for his or her own sin, the churchs statement explains. In this case, the shooter is solely responsible for his heinous actions, not the victims who were targeted. The church called murder a heinous evil and grievous sin and denounced any and all forms of hatred or violence against Asians or Asian-Americans. Scripture teaches and we believe that all human beings are created in the image of God. Every person is worthy of respect, the statement details. All people are equal in dignity, value, and worth. We repudiate any and all forms of misogyny and racism. We categorically reject the idea that violence is appropriate, regardless of ones issues or motivations. The church also stated that it does not blame the victims. He alone is responsible for his evil actions and desires, the statement adds. The women that he solicited for sexual acts are not responsible for his perverse sexual desires nor do they bear any blame in these murders. These actions are the result of a sinful heart and depraved mind for which Aaron is completely responsible. Crabapple First Baptist has taken down its website and social media, explaining it feared for the safety of members of our church community. Long has been charged with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Many are demanding that hate crime be added to his charges. However, authorities said last week that they have not yet found enough evidence that clears the high bar for hate crime charges, according to The Associated Press. Crabapple First Baptist says it is cooperating with law enforcement and denied that Longs father ever worked for the church. Victims include 33-year-old Delaina Ashley Yaun, 54-year-old Paul Andre Michels, 44-year-old Daoyou Feng, 49-year-old Xiaojie Tan, 74-year-old Soon Chung Park, 69-year-old Suncha Kim, 63-year-old Yong Ae Yue and 51-year-old Hyun Jung Grant, who was a single mother. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $2.7 million for Grant's two sons 22-year-old Randy Park and his 21-year-old brother, Eric. I have no time to grieve for long, Randy Park wrote on the page. I will need to figure out the living situation for my brother and I for the next few months, possibly year. Parks GoFundMe page is not the only one raising funds for the families of the shooting victims. According to USA Today, as much as $3.5 million has been raised to support victims' families. The GoFundMe page supporting the family of Kim has raised over $150,000. Meanwhile, pages established to support the families of Yaun and Yue have both raised over $100,000. A GoFundMe page for Michels family has raised over $60,000. A page set up to support Tans daughter has raised over $3,000. BRUSSELS The European Union is advancing emergency legislation that will give it broad powers to curb exports for the next six weeks of Covid-19 vaccines manufactured in the bloc, a sharp escalation in its response to supply shortages at home that have created a political maelstrom amid a rising third wave on the continent. The legislation unveiled Wednesday includes new rules that will make it harder for pharmaceutical companies producing Covid-19 vaccines in the European Union to export them and are likely to disrupt supply to Britain. The European Union has been primarily at loggerheads with AstraZeneca since it drastically cut its supply to the bloc, citing production problems in January, and the company is the main target of the new rules. But the legislation, which could block the export of millions of doses from E.U. ports, could also affect the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Britain is by far the biggest beneficiary of E.U. exports and will stand to lose the most by these rules, but they could also be applied to curb exports to other countries like Canada, for example, the second-largest recipient of E.U.-made vaccines, as well as Israel, which gets doses from the bloc but is very advanced in its vaccination campaign and therefore seen as less needy. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GNG ) (OTC Pink: GGTHF) (FSE: GGZ) Golden Goliath continues to drill the large IP anomaly on the north shore of Beauregard Lake called the whale anomaly, with drill hole K21-23 being completed on line 2000E to a depth of 152m. A 3m core length of massive and bedded sulphides was intersected with pyrite, minor chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. This intersection is at the same depth as the sulphide zone in drill hole K21-22 at 120-124m, or 60m below surface. The intercepts are 200m or 660 feet apart on strike and in a zone parallel to the Pakwash Fault. Thin rhyoliite zones have been noted in K21-23 on the south side of the sulphide zone which itself is hosted in basalt. Both sulphide intercepts were guided by the strong metal factor anomaly that resulted from the sharp low resistivity of 10 ohm metres. Figure 1: Red Lake District Properties including the Kwai and SLF properties of Golden Goliath To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/78398_aab910fb943529c7_002full.jpg Whole rock lithochemistry is being performed to search for possible sodium depletion zones that would mark a hot water vent area in a typical VMS setting. Chert-tuffite layers occur next to the massive sulphides which would be a regional marker for a VMS deposit. Other shear zones with disseminated sulphides were intersected in drill hole K21-23 as in in drill hole K21-22 which are being analyzed for gold as well as multi elements. It appears there is a wide zone of volcanics extending east along the north shore of the lake and north of the Pakwash Fault that needs to be explored further. The drill is now turning on drill hole K21-24 on line 1400E, which is 600m west of drill hole K21-23 (Figure 3). This hole will test another strong metal factor anomaly within the "whale" and double IP anomaly along the Pakwash Fault. FIG. 2 Gold Grains Probable Source Area Plot From West Grid To Lake To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/78398_aab910fb943529c7_003full.jpg Figure 3: Drill holes on Beauregard Lake IP anomalies To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/78398_aab910fb943529c7_004full.jpg Photographs of the core will be available on the Company's website soon. (https://goldengoliath.com/properties/canada/kwai/) Fig 4: 2020-2021 Drill Program - Completed Holes to Date with Traces To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4761/78398_aab910fb943529c7_005full.jpg Company CEO Paul Sorbara, PGeo, comments: "We are very pleased with this new development. It seems to me that we have encountered a whole new mineralizing system. It is not the model we are pursuing, and we continue to search for high-grade gold. However, it is what it is and it shows that mineralizing systems were at work here and it is up ice from the gold grains in till found on the West Grid." This news release has been reviewed by Robert S. Middleton P.Eng who is acting as QP for this phase of the exploration under the NI 43-101 requirements. On behalf of the Board of Directors Paul Sorbara, MSc, PGeo CEO, Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements included in this press release that address future events, conditions or results, including in connection with exploration activity, future acquisitions and any financing, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "must", "plan", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "think", "continue", "should", "will", "could", "intend", "anticipate" or "future" or the negative forms thereof or similar variations. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experiences and their perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those mentioned in the Company's continuous disclosure documents, which can be found under its profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Many of such risks and uncertainties are outside the control of the Company and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In making such forward-looking statements, management has relied upon a number of material factors and assumptions, on the basis of currently available information, for which there is no insurance that such information will prove accurate. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. 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 law. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. J. Paul Sorbara, M.Sc., P.Geo President & CEO Phone: +1(604) 682-2950 Email: jps@goldengoliath.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. About Golden Goliath Golden Goliath Resources Ltd. is a junior exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (symbol GNG). The Company is focused on exploring and developing the gold and silver potential of properties in the Red Lake District of Ontario. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Timoteo property, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains of northwestern Mexico, as well as NSR royalties on several other nearby properties. To find out more about Golden Goliath visit our website at www.goldengoliath.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78398 Oil rebounded, following a sell-off on Tuesday, as investors assessed the impact of a blockage in the Suez Canal and European manufacturing data beat expectations. Futures in New York added as much as 3.4% after a ship ran aground, giving the market a reprieve after prices sank to the lowest level since early February. Despite efforts to move the vessel, it could block the route for days, according to people familiar with the situation. Crude was also bolstered by positive economic data as Europe posted a record increase in factory output. That masked fresh concerns across the region about surging coronavirus infections. Oil prices have sunk about 12% in less than two weeks amid softening physical demand and the unwinding of long positions. The prompt timespread for Brent crude has also flipped into a bearish structure for the first time since January. Oils recent plunge may put pressure on OPEC+ to do more to try and stem the slide, with the group meeting next week to decide on production policy for May. Its all about the Suez, as well as people trying to get into oil again after the sell-off, said Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB AB. The situation is still murky in terms of lockdowns, mutations and vaccination rollout delays. The Suez Canal is frequently used by tankers transporting crude from the worlds top exporters in the Middle East to customers across Europe. The 400-meter (1,300-foot) long container ship Ever Givens hull became wedged lengthways across the canal on Tuesday, causing a gridlock of at least 100 vessels. UPDATE 1.09PM: The Government has confirmed strict criteria for early vaccinations for people who need to travel outside of New Zealand on compassionate grounds or for reasons of national significance. Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says two weeks ago, the Government set out the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out plan beginning with those most at risk of getting and spreading Covid-19 and those most at risk of getting seriously sick from it. "The Government has carefully considered circumstances where there is a genuine need for people to be vaccinated urgently in order to travel overseas," says Hipkins. "A high threshold has been set, which will balance compassion with the need to avoid potential queue jumping ahead of at-risk groups, without a strong justification. These provisions will not extend to vaccinations for new arrivals or returnees." Even before people will be considered, they will need to satisfy a series of criteria, including being a New Zealand citizen, resident or visa holder; needing to travel before August 31, 2021; and having already made arrangements for returning to New Zealand. "People should also ensure they will be able to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine prior to their departure." The compassionate grounds that would be considered for travel overseas include: needing to provide critical care and protection for a dependant; accessing critical medical care that is not available in New Zealand; and visiting an immediate family member who is dying. "This does not include reuniting with family, attending a funeral or memorial service, or attending a school or university." National significance overseas travel will include representing New Zealand: in an official capacity; at significant international events; and in an official non-government capacity. "The key yardstick here is people travelling in an official capacity and ensuring their participation is in our national interest. We also expect these requests will need to be made by the appropriate agency or association on behalf of the individual, not by individuals themselves. "It does not include private or recreational travel. "The final consideration is the level of risk travellers will be exposed to Covid-19 in the destination country. "Underlying these decisions is a fundamental recognition that while where there are legitimate urgent reasons to travel overseas, it is also in all our interests to ensure New Zealanders are protected against Covid-19 to the best extent possible when travellers return home." Further information about the new criteria and application process for an advanced vaccine request will be available in the coming week, before applications open March 31. The new, baseline criteria: To have an application considered for early access to vaccines, the following baseline criteria must be met: The applicant must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, or visa holder, or someone who has been unable to leave New Zealand since closure of international borders; and not be able to delay or conduct the proposed activity through any other means (e.g. online video communication); and be required to travel on or before 31 August 2021; and where appropriate, they have made arrangements for returning to New Zealand; be able to be fully vaccinated before departure in accordance with best practice (e.g. at least three weeks between doses for the Pfizer vaccine) where practicable; and be able to provide supporting evidence for all requirements. Factors for consideration based on compassionate grounds include: needing to provide critical care and protection for a dependant, accessing critical medical care that is not available in New Zealand, and visiting an immediate family member who is dying. Factors for consideration based on grounds of national significance may include: protecting the safety and security of New Zealands sovereignty; Government approved humanitarian efforts as part of New Zealands commitments to foreign aid, international disaster responses, or supporting the recovery of Pacific and Realm countries from the COVID-19 pandemic; participation in major international events where travel is necessary to represent New Zealand; and nationally significant trade negotiations. EARLIER: The Minister for Covid-19 Response, Chris Hipkins and Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, are expected to provide a live update on the latest Covid cases in New Zealand this afternoon. The pair will be live from Wellington from 1pm. A livestream will be available above. We will also provide an update throughout the afternoon for those who are not able to tune into the livestream above. It was announced earlier this morning that genome sequencing revealed a cleaner at a managed isolation hotel who tested positive for Covid-19 has the UK variant B117, and their infection is a close match to that of a recent returnee. The cleaner worked at the Grand Millennium managed isolation hotel in Auckland where the returnee stayed from 13 to 15 March. The guest had tested positive on 'day zero-one' testing. Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield says that ruled out the infection having come from the community. It's also before the worker had their their second Covid-19 vaccination on March 16, says Bloomfield. Repeat testing and serology testing of a household member - who initially tested weak positive for the coronavirus - have returned negative results, he says. Read more here. [March 24, 2021] Basilea reports positive interim results from phase 2 study FIDES-01 for derazantinib in FGFR2 gene mutation- or amplification-positive patients with bile duct cancer (iCCA) Disease control rate of 79% with one complete response Consistent safety and tolerability profile Study continues with topline results expected in H1 2022 Basel, Switzerland, March 24, 2021 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today positive results of a pre-planned interim analysis in cohort 2 of the phase 2 study FIDES-01 (Fibroblast growth factor Inhibition with DErazantinib in Solid tumors), which is assessing the anti-tumor efficacy of the orally administered fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, derazantinib, in patients with inoperable or advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), a form of bile duct cancer.1 After cohort 1 of the study provided the clinical proof of concept for derazantinib monotherapy in the treatment of iCCA patients with FGFR2 gene fusions, cohort 2 is enrolling iCCA patients with FGFR2 gene mutations or amplifications.2 The efficacy data obtained in the interim analysis met the pre-specified threshold so that the study will proceed to the next stage as planned. The interim analysis of cohort 2 is based on 14 evaluable patients who had at least one post-baseline tumor assessment. The pre-specified criterion that at least 8 patients met the primary endpoint of obtaining progression-free survival (PFS) of at least 3 months was successfully achieved. The positive interim analysis allows the study to advance to its next stage and enrol a total of 43 patients. As a number of patients are still ongoing with treatment the median PFS was not yet mature at the time of the interim analysis and will be defined at a later time point. The disease control rate (DCR), reflecting the proportion of patients with a complete or partial response or with stable disease, was 79%, including one patient with a confirmed complete response, one patient with an unconfirmed partial response and nine patients with a best response of stable disease at the time when the interim analysis was conducted. The observed safety and tolerability is consistent with the profile reported for cohort 1. Dr. Marc Engelhardt, Chief Medical Officer, said: We are very pleased with the positive interim results for this cohort of iCCA patients with FGFR2 gene mutations or amplifications. The clinical benefit with derazantinib is similar to that reported for iCCA patients with FGFR2 gene fusions earlier this year. This supports the relevance of derazantinib in a group of patients with iCCA where there has been very limited clinical evidence of successful treatment with other FGFR inhibitors and confirms the broad potential of derazantinib as a monotherapy for the treatment of iCCA patients with diverse FGFR2 genetic aberrations. This outcome is very encouraging and further strengthens the evidence for the differentiation of derazantinib versus other FGFR inhibitors both from the efficacy and safety perspective. We are now progressing the study to the next stage and expect topline results for cohort 2 in the first half of 2022. About derazantinib Derazantinib is an investigational orally administered small-molecule FGFR inhibitor with strong activity against FGFR1, 2, and 3.3 FGFR kinases are key drivers of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. FGFR genetic aberrations, e.g. gene fusions, mutations or amplifications, have been identified as potentially important therapeutic targets for various cancers, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), urothelial, breast, gastric and lung cancers.4 In these cancers, FGFR genetic aberrations are found in a range of 5% to 30%.5 Derazantinib also inhibits the colony-stimulating-factor-1-receptor kinase (CSF1R).3, 6 CSF1R-mediated signaling is important for the maintenance of tumor-promoting macrophages and therefore has been identified as a potential target for anti-cancer drugs.7 Pre-clinical data has shown that tumor macrophage depletion through CSF1R blockade renders tumors more responsive to T-cell checkpoint immunotherapy, including approaches targeting PD-L1/PD-1.8, 9 Derazantinib has demonstrated antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile in a previous biomarker-driven phase 1/2 study in iCCA patients,10 and has received U.S. and EU orphan drug designation for iCCA. Basilea is currently conductig three clinical studies with derazantinib. The first study, FIDES-01, is a phase 2 study in patients with inoperable or advanced iCCA. It comprises one cohort of patients with FGFR2 gene fusions and another cohort of patients with mutations or amplifications.1 The second study, FIDES-02, is a phase 1/2 study evaluating derazantinib alone and in combination with Roche's PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab, in patients with advanced urothelial cancer, including metastatic, or recurrent surgically unresectable disease, expressing FGFR genetic aberrations.11 The third study, FIDES-03, is a phase 1/2 study evaluating derazantinib alone and in combination with Lillys anti-VEGFR2 antibody ramucirumab and paclitaxel, or with Roches PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab, in patients with advanced gastric cancer with FGFR genetic aberrations.12 Basilea has in-licensed derazantinib from ArQule Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. About intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a cancer originating from the biliary system. The age-adjusted incidence rate of iCCA in the United States has been increasing over the past decade and is currently estimated to be approximately 1.2 per 100,000.13 Patients are often diagnosed with advanced or metastatic disease that cannot be surgically removed. Current first-line standard of care is the chemotherapy combination of gemcitabine and platinum-derived agents. The prognosis for patients with advanced disease is poor, with a median survival of less than one year.14 About Basilea Basilea is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Switzerland. We are committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative drugs to meet the medical needs of patients with cancer and infectious diseases. We have successfully launched two hospital brands, Cresemba for the treatment of invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for the treatment of severe bacterial infections. We are conducting clinical studies with two targeted drug candidates for the treatment of a range of cancers and have a number of preclinical assets in both cancer and infectious diseases in our portfolio. Basilea is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Please visit basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements, such as "believe", "assume", "expect", "forecast", "project", "may", "could", "might", "will" or similar expressions concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical studies for product candidates. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Derazantinib and its uses are investigational and have not been approved by a regulatory authority for any use. Efficacy and safety have not been established. The information presented should not be construed as a recommendation for use. The relevance of findings in nonclinical/preclinical studies to humans is currently being evaluated. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References FIDES-01: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03230318 Topline results of cohort 1 of the FIDES-01 study were published on February 10, 2021 (see press release) T. G. Hall, Y. Yu, S. Eathiraj et al. Preclinical activity of ARQ 087, a novel inhibitor targeting FGFR dysregulation. PLoS ONE 2016, 11 (9), e0162594 R. Porta, R. Borea, A. Coelho et al. FGFR a promising druggable target in cancer: Molecular biology and new drugs. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology 2017 (113), 256-267 T. Helsten, S. Elkin, E. Arthur et al. The FGFR landscape in cancer: Analysis of 4,853 tumors by next-generation sequencing. Clinical Cancer Research 2016 (22), 259-267 P. McSheehy, F. Bachmann, N. Forster-Gross et al. Derazantinib (DZB): A dual FGFR/CSF1R-inhibitor active in PDX-models of urothelial cancer. Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 2019 (18), 12 supplement, pp. LB-C12 M. A. Cannarile, M. Weisser, W. Jacob et al. Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitors in cancer therapy. Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer 2017, 5:53 Y. Zhu, B. L. Knolhoff, M. A. Meyer et al. CSF1/CSF1R Blockade reprograms tumor-infiltrating macrophages and improves response to T cell checkpoint immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer models. Cancer Research 2014 (74), 5057-5069 E. Peranzoni, J. Lemoine, L. Vimeux et al. Macrophages impede CD8 T cells from reaching tumor cells and limit the efficacy of antiPD-1 treatment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science of the United States of America 2018 (115), E4041-E4050 V. Mazzaferro, B. F. El-Rayes, M. Droz dit Busset et al. Derazantinib (ARQ 087) in advanced or inoperable FGFR2 gene fusion-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. British Journal of Cancer 2019 (120), 165-171. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01752920 FIDES-02: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04045613 FIDES-03: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04604132 S. K. Saha, A. X. Zhu, C. S. Fuchs et al. Forty-year trends in cholangiocarcinoma incidence in the U.S.: intrahepatic disease on the rise. The Oncologist 2016 (21), 594-599 A. Lamarca, D. H. Palmer, H. S. Wasa et al. ABC-06 | A randomised phase III, multi-centre, open-label study of Active Symptom Control (ASC) alone or ASC with oxaliplatin/5-FU chemotherapy (ASC+mFOLFOX) for patients (pts) with locally advanced/metastatic biliary tract cancers (ABC) previously-treated with cisplatin/gemcitabine (CisGem) chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2019 (37), supplement, abstract 4003 Attachment Press release (PDF) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] VANCOUVER, BC, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX: EQX) (NYSE American: EQX) ("Equinox Gold" or the "Company") will hold its annual and special meeting of shareholders ("AGM") on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 commencing at 1:30 pm Vancouver time. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Equinox Gold will hold its AGM in a virtual format via live audiocast. All interested investors are invited to participate in the AGM using the login details below. Registered shareholders or duly appointed proxy holders can submit questions during the live audiocast. AGM commencing at 1:30 pm Vancouver time Login: https://web.lumiagm.com/215049834 Meeting ID: 215049834 Password: equinox2021 Information regarding how to participate in the virtual meeting has been distributed to shareholders and is also available for download on Equinox Gold's website at www.equinoxgold.com/investors/shareholder-meetings. Meeting Materials To further its commitment to environmental sustainability and to reduce its printing and mailing costs, Equinox Gold uses the Notice and Access process for the delivery of meeting materials. Under Notice and Access, instead of receiving printed copies of the meeting materials shareholders receive a Notice and Access Notification containing details of the AGM date and purpose, how to access the live audiocast, and information on how to access the meeting materials electronically. Shareholders with existing instructions on their account to receive printed materials have been mailed a printed copy of the meeting materials. All of the meeting materials can be downloaded from Equinox Gold's website at www.equinoxgold.com/investors/shareholder-meetings and from Equinox Gold's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. Shareholders may request that printed copies of the meeting materials be mailed to them at no cost by contacting the Company at [email protected] or by phone at 1-833-EQX-GOLD (1-833-379-4653) (North America) or +1-604-558-0560 (International). Corporate Update As in previous years, Equinox Gold will host a live conference call and webcast after the AGM commencing at 2:00 pm Vancouver time to discuss the Company's business strategy and objectives and to provide an update on activities underway at the Company's projects. All participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of Equinox Gold's executive team. The webcast will be archived on Equinox Gold's website until August 5, 2021. Corporate update commencing at 2:00 pm Vancouver time Conference call Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-319-4610 International callers: +1 604-638-5340 Webcast www.equinoxgold.com Castle Mountain Technical Report Equinox Gold has filed a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report regarding the feasibility study and updated mineral reserve estimate for the planned Phase 2 expansion of its 100% owned Castle Mountain Gold Mine in California, USA, the results of which were announced on March 22, 2021. The technical report is available for download on SEDAR, on EDGAR and on Equinox Gold's website. Annual Information Form The Company has also filed its Annual Information Form and its Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Annual Information Form is available for download on SEDAR, on EDGAR and on Equinox Gold's website. The Form 40-F is available for download on EDGAR. SOURCE Equinox Gold Corp. Mumbai: Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt on Tuesday received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. The 61-year-old actor took to Twitter where he posted a picture of himself getting the jab at the city's BKC vaccine centre. "Received my first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine today at the BKC vaccine center. I want to congratulate Dr Dhere and his entire team for doing such a wonderful job! I have so much love and respect for them and their hard work. Jai Hind!" Dutt tweeted. Received my first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine today at the BKC vaccine center. I want to congratulate Dr. Dhere and his entire team for doing such a wonderful job! I have so much love & respect for them & their hard work. Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/LcSNoAsf0G Sanjay Dutt (@duttsanjay) March 23, 2021 Last August, the actor was diagnosed with cancer, following which he took a break from work to focus on his medical treatment. In October 2020, Dutt announced he would be "out of this cancer soon". A month later, the actor returned to film sets to shoot for his upcoming "KGF: Chapter 2", his Kannada debut. Other Indian film celebrities who were recently vaccinated include Sharmila Tagore, Dharmendra, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Paresh Rawal, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, Anupam Kher, Satish Shah, Neena Gupta, Rakesh Roshan, and Johnny Lever. SAN RAMON, Calif. (AP) A federal judge overseeing Pacific Gas & Electric's criminal probation is considering requiring the utility to be more aggressive about turning off its electricity lines. The plan outlined Tuesday would add more power shut-offs near tall trees and would at least double the number of power outages in six rural Northern California counties. California power regulators oppose the plan, arguing that it would impose undue hardship for residents of the six mostly rural counties in Northern California. But U.S. District Judge William Alsup indicated he is leaning toward adopting the measures to save lives. PG&E says it shares the goal of preventing wildfires. COLUMBIA Joe Taylor, a former South Carolina commerce chief known as a critic of Columbia's tax and business policies, appears ready to try to address his concerns head-on. Taylor told The Post and Courier on March 24 he is considering running for Columbia City Council but that it's too early for a formal announcement. Taylor said he would seek the District 4 seat currently held by Daniel Rickenmann if he were to run in the Nov 2 election. "I think I am very, very, very keenly interested," Taylor said. Rickenmann has said he will run for mayor after Mayor Steve Benjamin announced plans not to seek a fourth term. That would leave open his seat representing neighborhoods east and northeast of downtown. Taylor, a 62-year-old Columbia developer, is the first known potential candidate to express an interest in Rickenmann's seat. Taylor, who continues to be active in development after running Southland Log Homes, was S.C. Secretary of Commerce for six years under Gov. Mark Sanford and helped land the Boeing jet plant in North Charleston. He has been outspoken in recent years on restrictions he perceives with the city's business climate. He cited the need to address recommendations from a recent economic study supported by Rickenmann that found in part that high combined taxes of school districts and local governments were stifling Columbia's economic and population growth. The study was done by a former state Commerce Department chief economist who worked under Taylor. "There's just steps that we need to take as soon as we can take them to make Columbia competitive, especially as we come out of this COVID situation and companies are re-evaluating their situations and remodeling their business plans," Taylor said. He added, "We just need to make sure Columbia's in a position from a public safety perspective, an education perspective, a permitting perspective, and an appearance perspective that were able to compete for the new investment and opportunities that are going to come down the tubes." More than half of Columbia's seven-member council could be new in 2021. Rickenmann, longtime council member Tameika Isaac Devine and former Benjamin aide Sam Johnson have announced campaigns for mayor. Devine's at-large seat is being sought by Heather Bauer, an IT project manager and business owner; public health researcher Aditi Bussells; and Deitra Matthews, a former educator and environmental lobbyist. Sam Davis, the council's longest-tenured member, is stepping down at the end of the year and leaving open his District 1 seat representing North Columbia. Attorney Tina Herbert, who previously led the city's Office of Business Opportunity, is expected to run for Davis' seat. Bomi County President George Weah has disclosed that his wife, Madam Clar Weah, has an intention to develop the famous Blue Lake in Bomi County into a tourist site. He made the disclosure in Bomi County at the start of second phase of his county tour. President Weah said that Mrs. Weah's intention needs the approval of citizens of Bomi County. "While we await response from the people of Bomi County, we have already done a very good sketch to include lagoon, restaurant. The First lady is ready to develop blue lake but only if the people of Bomi will agree," President George Weah. Blue lake is a key attraction, in Bomi County. Blue Lake is about 300 feet deep. It is suspended midway between the peaks of the surrounding mountains which, with the sun's reflection, give the lake its blue hue. The waters spring from a huge pit dug by the Liberia Mining Company, an American-owned company that ceased operations in the country because of the presumed depletion of iron ore in the area. As of the 2008 census, Tubmanburg has an estimated population of 13,144. Of this, 6,555 were male and 6,559 female. Lawton, OK (73501) Today Sunshine and a few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 83F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 62F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. The Trevor Project, the leading non-profit organization that supports youths aged 25 and below under LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) group in suicide prevention and intervention, has now created Riley, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence useful for simulating a young person who is currently undergoing mental health crisis. According to the official website of the organization, Riley is portrayed to be a genderqueer teen who is presently struggling with mental health problems. Trevor Project's AI Tool Is Useful for Crisis Counselor Training Riley was the subject for Trevor Project's Crisis Contact Simulator. The AI is made possible through the efforts of the Google program and the cooperation of its staff. The Trevor Project provides their volunteer counselors with an in-depth 40-hour blended training, wherein volunteers are instructed regarding LGBTQ competency, the organization's Crisis Support Model, and Active Engagement and Communication, alongside instructor-led roleplays that can help demonstrate the skills they have acquired through their training. Aside from that, the Trevor Project also decided to bring Riley to life to help increase the number of trained counselors and improve flexibility. Furthermore, Riley helps in providing quality training to volunteers, who can then provide their utmost support and help save lives. The first-of-its-kind AI tool could provide counselors with realistic practice conversations, which work a lot like roleplays that represent a variety of scenarios. Oftentimes, Riley helps volunteers before instructor-led roleplays happen, as well as before they are able to take shifts and take calls from real people who are struggling with their mental health, whether monitored with trainers or not. Through the organization's Crisis Contact Simulator, Trevor Project is more confident of their volunteers' competency. "This tool's really powerful because it can help ensure that trainees understand how to engage with LGBTQ youth as a crisis counselor," The Trevor Project data and artificial intelligence product manager Kendra Gaunt stated in a report by Mashable. Gaunt added that the tool would help the trainees to develop their skills through the opportunities given by the tool. According to a spokesperson from Trevor Project, Riley is a new component of the Trevor Project's counselor training for its TrevorChat and TrevorText crisis services. Read Also: Fastfood Drive-Thru Food Chains Now Use AI-Operated Systems To Speed Up Service How Riley Communicates in a Live Demo? The volunteer asked Riley what is going on with its feelings. Riley responded in the demo that it felt both depression and anxiety. Moreover, Riley told the volunteer that it was longing to reveal its true identity as genderqueer to its parents. However, the chatbot said that it only received negative feedback when it said its identity to its friends.The volunteer replied that Riley's situation was indeed hard done, and it deserved to be loved by its friends. Moreover, the volunteer later asked how they reacted when Riley revealed the truth. The chatbot said that the situation only became awful since it acted like a freak in front of its friends. The crisis counselor training demo video lasted for more than several minutes as the volunteer was still assessing Riley's suicidal feelings brought by anxiety and depression. The volunteer then asked Riley to take a walk and utilize TrevorChat if it felt like it was alone in this world. Gaunt said that the simulator helped the counseling for the LGBTQ+ people suffering from mental health issues. Update: Parts of this article has been edited as requested by the Trevor Project for further clarification. Related Article: Microsoft Patent Chatbots to Revive Dead? We Could Now Talk to Our Deceased Loved Ones Soon This article is owned by Tech Times. Written by Joen Coronel 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. More and more Luxembourg vans are "squatting" on the pavements and car parks of French border towns. The mayors of Longwy and Villerupt have expressed their frustration. Turning the French region of Lorraine into a giant car park for Luxembourgers? Two years ago, the Wurst already "reported" on this crazy idea in what was back then a mere parody article. Today / Wurst As it turns out, however, fiction is increasingly becoming reality, at least according to Jean-Marc Fournel, the mayor of Longwy, who says that a question that seriously needs to be considered is whether France should become "the car park for Luxembourg companies". In some ways, it is of course natural to see more and more yellow Luxembourgish number plates in France: border traffic is exploding, as is the exodus of Luxembourg residents in search of more affordable property prices. But what concerns the mayor of Longwy is in fact the worrying accumulation of small vans and similar vehicles on the streets of his town. Fournel explains that while these vans are sometimes used by people who work in Longwy, they more often than not simply bring cross-border workers home. The problem, he adds, is that they remain parked during the week but also at weekends in the border municipalities, from 1 January to 31 December. This in turn reduces the city's parking capacity. Exorbitant parking fees in Luxembourg Not far from Longwy, in Villerupt, mayor Pierrick Spizak also expresses his "frustration" with this phenomenon. In the "working-class towns" in particular, he explains, the streets are already narrow, and each family owns an increasing number of cars. Vans that take the place of two or three cars made the situation simply "unbearable". Even for the inter-municipality lorries, which can no longer get through to collect household waste. In Audun-le-Tiche, Ottange, etc., "it's the same", Spizak laments: There are more and more people from Luxembourg who come to park in cross-border towns because the parking fees in Luxembourg are so expensive. Villerupt's mayor says he understands why the companies then suggest that the workers take the van to go back to France. It is "an advantage", as the employees do not need to take their own car, they have no petrol costs, etc. Many of these vans "squat" on the pavements of French border towns to avoid paying car park fees in Luxembourg, while making life easier for the employees who live on that side of the border... / Romain Van Dyck The question then arises: what can be done to curb this phenomenon? Spizak states that at one point, the municipal council had started to think about banning construction vans altogether. The idea was quickly abandoned as it could easily penalise local craftsman as well. And also because it would be illegal to treat Luxembourgish and French vans differently. Another possibility would be to create a special car park for vans in the town, which would have to be paid for. The problem with this idea is that the town would need to have land at its disposal, which it does not. It would also require the cooperation of van drivers, who often want to "park wherever they feel like parking". A car park... and a dustbin for unconscionable companies The mayor of Villerupt deplores another problem: Not only are the border municipalities becoming car parks for Luxembourg companies, they are also becoming their dustbins. Spizak states that he notices an increase in the amount of waste brought back from Luxembourg. According to the mayor, the drivers of the vans take advantage of their trip to France to transport rubbish bags, which they throw away in France next to public rubbish bins or just in the countryside. The municipality of Longwy made its own experiences with this phenomenon, when it recently fined one of these polluters. Thanks to the vigilance of a citizen, a Luxembourg company that had dumped its waste in town was caught. The company had to pay a fine of 1,500. Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing backlash for claiming there are different 'narratives' for responses to mass shooters based on their race or ethnicity in the wake of the Boulder grocery store massacre. The Minnesota congresswoman tweeted on Tuesday that a gunman's 'race or ethnicity' appeared to be the main focus when the perpetrator was not white. 'The shooter's race or ethnicity seems front and center when they aren't white. Otherwise, it's just a mentally ill young man having a bad day,' Omar said. 'Narratives drive our responses to awful crimes committed against innocent people, pay attention to these responses and who is targeted.' Many on social media had initially believed the gunman responsible for the Boulder massacre that left 10 dead was a white man. The Minnesota congresswoman tweeted on Tuesday that a gunman's 'race or ethnicity' appeared to be the main focus when the perpetrator was not white Rep. Ilhan Omar tweeted on Tuesday that a gunman's 'race or ethnicity' appeared to be the main focus when the perpetrator was not white. The 21-year-old Boulder gunman, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, is of Syrian descendant Critics immediately slammed Omar and referenced one of her tweets (above) from a week earlier where she mentioned how the Atlanta shooting that left eight people dead was carried out by a white man It has since been revealed that the 21-year-old gunman, Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, is of Syrian descendant. Critics immediately slammed Omar and referenced one of her tweets from a week earlier where she mentioned how the Atlanta shooting that left eight people dead was carried out by a white man. Omar had tweeted after the Atlanta massacre: 'It isn't hard to understand why it's so normalized for law enforcement to protect the humanity of white mass murderers and their willingness to continually make excuses them.' Among the backlash - mainly from conservatives - against Omar was from those telling the congresswoman to take her own advice and accusing her of spreading misinformation. 'This literally works both ways, @IlhanMN so take your own advice. Maybe that's how we find justice instead of hyperventilating to blame each other about everything all the time. I invite you - as a leader - to take the first step and then keep walking forward,' RedState editor-at-large Kira Davis tweeted. Pluribus editor Jeryl Bier wrote: 'Based on the coverage I have seen and the tweets I have read, this tweet sounds like it comes from an alternate universe.' Washington Free Beacon executive editor Brent Scher hit back saying the race of the Boulder gunman was the focus when people had assumed he was white. 'This shooter's race and ethnicity was front and center yesterday when we didn't even know what it was and just assumed it was white,' he said. The backlash against Omar came as Vice President Kamala Harris' niece deleted a tweet after she was criticized for assuming the gunman was white because he was taken into custody alive. Meena Harris deleted her tweet shortly after the ethnicity of the gunman was confirmed. 'The Atlanta shooting was not even a week ago. Violent white men are the greatest terrorist threat to our country,' the 36-year-old tweeted in the hours after the massacre. In a follow up tweet, Meena, who is a mother-of-two, lawyer and children's book author, said: 'I deleted a previous tweet about the suspect in the Boulder shooting. 'I made an assumption based on his being taken into custody alive and the fact that the majority of mass shootings in the US are carried out by white men.' Alissa was born in Syria and moved to the US when he was three. He now lives in Arvada, Colorado, around 30 miles from the grocery store he targeted. He was taken into custody at 3.28pm and was transported to the hospital to be treated for a leg wound. He has since been released from the hospital and is now in Boulder County Jail. Police have not yet confirmed his motive. He has been charged with ten counts of murder. In Facebook posts over the last 18 months, he complained about not having a girlfriend, ranted about President Trump and talked about his Islamic faith. Those killed include: Rikki Olds, 25, Teri Leiker, 51, Denny Stong, 20, Neven Stanisic, 23, Tralona Bartkowiak, 49, Suzanne Fountain, 59, Kevin Mahoney, 61, Lynn Murray, 62, and Jody Waters, 65. Boulder Police officer Eric Talley, 51, was also among those killed after he responded to the shooting. The Vice President earlier on Tuesday called the mass shooting 'tragic' and 'absolutely baffling'. 'It's tragic. Absolutely tragic,' Harris told reporters in her ceremonial office after she swore in William Burns as CIA director. 'It's absolutely baffling, it's 10 people going about their day living their lives, not bothering anybody. A police officer who is performing his duties, and with great courage and heroism.' AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine being administered in Malawi developed with Oxford University is is both safe and highly effective, new trial data from the United States shows. Research involving more than 30,000 participants revealed the jab was 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic illness, 100% effective against severe or critical disease and hospitalisation, according to the U.S.-based Phase 3 study. Data showed "no safety concerns related to the vaccine," said AstraZeneca. Malawi health experts said the new study and the seal of approval by World Health Organisation (WHO) on the safety of the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine should encourage all Malawians to receive the vaccine once they get a chance. Society of Medical Doctors in Malawi president Dr Victor Mithi said they have been monitoring some people after getting the vaccine, especially health workers and no reports so far of blood clotting have been reported. He admitted there are still some people in the country who believe the misconceptions about clotting, even though such issues have been cleared. Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Dr Charles Mwansambo said many Malawians were keen to get the jab. He urged all stakeholders, including the media, to rally people and raise awareness on the vaccine by sharing information "about Covid-19 and the vaccine." Mwansambo also said about 100 000 more doses from the African Union will arrive in the country soon while an extra 1.26 million doses from the Covax facility will be in by end of May. Chakwera launched the Covid-19 vaccination on March 11 alongside other leaders, including Vice-President Saulos Chilima, former presidents Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi and other leaders with an appeal to Malawians to get the jab. Five-star hotel brands are ready to receive travelers back to the country with the strong belief that the tourism industry is coming back to life. IHG, the owner of many strong brands, including Six Senses and InterContinental, has announced a plan to develop more hotel and resort projects in Vietnam in the next two years. It now has 13 hotels in Vietnam with the total capacity of 3,700 rooms. IHG also plans to introduce three new brands in the next two years, namely Regent in Phu Quoc, voco Hotels in Da Nang and Hotel Indigo on Ly Tu Trong street, district 1, in HCM City. Crowne Plaza is also planning to increase its presence in large cities, gateway cities and tourism destinations, including Phu Quoc, Binh Duong, Can Tho, Bac Ninh and Vinh Phuc. Its Holiday Inn Resort Ho Tram in Ba Ria Vung Tau is expected to open soon. According to Savills Hotels, foreign investors are paying attention to scaling up their business in Vietnam, leading to the sharp increase in the number of resort projects. A lot of new brands have been introduced in the market in the last three years, including Ozo and X2 Vibe, now present at New Hoi An City project; Double Tree By Hilton in Ha Long, Vung Tau and Hanoi; Four Seasons in Quang Nam and Hanoi; Oakwood and Mai House in HCM City; and Glow in Da Nang. Mandarin Oriental, one of the worlds leading luxury hotel groups, has announced cooperation with Union Square Saigon to develop the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Saigon. Savills Vietnam has noticed the steady increase in number of 4-5-star resorts with international brands year after year. In 2010, there were 33 such resorts only, while the figure rose to 74 in 2019 and it is expected to increase to 160 by 2022. Mauro Gasparrotti of Savills Hotels Asia Pacific said international hotel brands now have high interest in Vietnam. Resort projects have caught higher attention than in previous years thanks to higher quality of products, better design, and higher confidence of international management companies, as well as investors wish to create differentiated products. High hopes for tourism recovery JLLs report on Vietnams tourism market show that the increasingly high number of travelers and growing economy make the Vietnamese hotel and resort market attractive to regional investors. Serena Lim form IGH, in charge of Southeast Asia and South Korea, commented that there are great opportunities to develop tourism in secondary cities, industrial areas and satellite areas around Hanoi and HCM City, and emerging cities such as Binh Duong, Can Tho and Hai Duong. Besides, emerging resort destination points such as Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Phan Thiet and Hoa Binh also deserve investments. Thu Ky Nha Trang and Danang hotel owners sell up Many hotels have been put on sale in Nha Trang and Danang cities due to losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Huntington, WV (25701) Today Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. High 74F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Thunderstorms early, then mainly cloudy after midnight. Areas of patchy fog developing. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pulse of the Primary: 2021 NYC Mayor's Race, presented by Fontas Advisors and Core Decision Analytics (CODA), released its second set of poll results on March 24th. The second in a series of three quantitative voter surveys, this latest iteration of the Fontas/CODA poll drilled down further into the issues and attitudes of likely voters in the June 22nd Democratic primary and reassessed awareness of the leading candidates, including the current state of the races. The telephone poll of N=800 NYC Democratic primary likely voters was conducted from March 15-18, in the wake of the latest campaign finance filing deadline. "With vaccinations underway and restrictions slowly being lifted, New Yorkers appear to see hope at the end of the Covid tunnel with a solid majority of voters believing that NYC will bounce back the same or better than pre-pandemic times," said George Fontas, Founder and CEO of Fontas Advisors, a leading NYC-based government affairs consultancy. "It's not surprising to learn that recovering from the pandemic is the highest priority to voters, though it's extraordinary to see that public education far outpaces other issues, reiterating that a functioning in-person school system is mandatory to return the City to normalcy." "Though the candidates may have been campaigning for several months, our survey shows that voters are only now starting to tune in to the mayor's race," said Adam Rosenblatt, President of Core Decision Analytics (CODA), a non-partisan national public opinion research and analytics firm based in Washington, DC. "With less than one hundred days until the Democratic primary, the majority of likely voters are undecided, unfamiliar with most candidates, and also largely unaware of the new ranked choice process." The full survey results, including complete question wording, all questions asked, as well as demographics and screening criteria, is publicly available at PulseOfThePrimary.com. This second Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll, coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the pandemic in NYC, found that voters are cautiously optimistic about the City's post-Covid future. Key findings included: 52% of likely voters said that the City is "headed in the right direction" vs. 34% who believe it is "headed down the wrong track." 14% of voters indicated that they were "not sure." of likely voters said that the City is vs. 34% who believe it is "headed down the wrong track." 14% of voters indicated that they were "not sure." When asked to think ahead to March 2022, a solid majority of voters (58%) said they think things in NYC will be either "better than things were prior to the pandemic" or "back to the way things were before the pandemic." Only 9% said they think things next year will be "worse than now," while one in four (25%) predicted things may be "about the same as things are today." Building upon insights from the first Fontas/CODA poll conducted in late January, the survey drilled deeper into eleven key issues facing the City that candidates often address on the campaign trail. Unsurprisingly, 91% of likely voters responded that "vaccine distribution and stopping the spread of COVID-19" is "Extremely" or "Very" important, placing it ahead of all other issues. of likely voters responded that is "Extremely" or "Very" important, placing it ahead of all other issues. Interestingly, 88% said that "improving public education" is "Extremely" or "Very" important. said that is "Extremely" or "Very" important. Rounding out the top five issues were "creating new jobs and opportunities" (86% extremely + very important), "homelessness" (85% extremely + very important), and "healthcare, not including COVID-19" (84% extremely + very important). With the race for mayor in mind, the second Fontas/CODA poll asked voters about their awareness of ranked choice voting and their familiarity with eight major candidates. It also assessed the current state of the race ("If the Democratic Primary for mayor were held today"). Key findings include: Awareness of ranked choice voting remains very low: Despite this survey taking place seven weeks after the last Fontas/CODA poll, there is a relatively minimal increase in terms of how many have heard, read, or seen "a lot" about ranked choice voting. While this change is a +3 percentage point increase from January (12% January vs 15% March), there has been a more dramatic rise in those who say they have heard "nothing at all" (34% January vs 41% March). Despite this survey taking place seven weeks after the last Fontas/CODA poll, there is a relatively minimal increase in terms of how many have heard, read, or seen "a lot" about ranked choice voting. While this change is a +3 percentage point increase from January (12% January vs 15% March), there has been a more dramatic rise in those who say they have heard "nothing at all" (34% January vs 41% March). Three candidates still enjoy high awareness, though others are gaining traction: Awareness of Andrew Yang, Scott Stringer, and Eric Adams is virtually identical to what the Fontas/CODA poll observed seven weeks ago. Yang remains the best known of the three, with 85% of likely voters in March saying they have heard of him, while Stringer and Adams are names known by 64% and 62% of likely voters, respectively. Shaun Donovan, Maya Wiley, and Ray McGuire have made noticeable gains since January in terms of awareness among voters: +11 for Donovan (33% Jan -> 44% Mar), +9 for Wiley (33% Jan -> 42% Mar), and +13 for McGuire (25% Jan ->38% Mar). Fewer than one in three voters are familiar with Kathryn Garcia and Dianne Morales. Awareness of Andrew Yang, Scott Stringer, and Eric Adams is virtually identical to what the Fontas/CODA poll observed seven weeks ago. Yang remains the best known of the three, with 85% of likely voters in March saying they have heard of him, while Stringer and Adams are names known by 64% and 62% of likely voters, respectively. Shaun Donovan, Maya Wiley, and Ray McGuire have made noticeable gains since January in terms of awareness among voters: +11 for Donovan (33% Jan -> 44% Mar), +9 for Wiley (33% Jan -> 42% Mar), and +13 for McGuire (25% Jan ->38% Mar). Fewer than one in three voters are familiar with Kathryn Garcia and Dianne Morales. With less than 100 days until the Democratic primary, half of likely voters are undecided: When presented with the names of the leading eight candidates as well as the option to say someone else, fully 50% of likely voters said they are undecided. Andrew Yang has a lead at 16%, followed by Eric Adams with 10%. Maya Wiley, Scott Stringer, and Ray McGuire have 6%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, and Dianne Morales each have 2%, while 1% said they would vote for someone else. When presented with the names of the leading eight candidates as well as the option to say someone else, fully 50% of likely voters said they are undecided. Andrew Yang has a lead at 16%, followed by Eric Adams with 10%. Maya Wiley, Scott Stringer, and Ray McGuire have 6%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Shaun Donovan, Kathryn Garcia, and Dianne Morales each have 2%, while 1% said they would vote for someone else. A profile of the undecided voters: A demographic examination of the undecided voters reveals they are geographically located throughout all five boroughs. From a traditional demographic standpoint, they encompass a broad mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as age groups. However, the undecided voters are more likely to be female (68%, which is +7 percentage points more than likely voters as a whole). Finally, it is not surprising to see that undecided voters are less aware of the new ranked choice voting process, and, across the board, they are less familiar with all eight candidates assessed. "Undecided voters appear to be spread throughout the City and come from all walks of life," said Rosenblatt. "Undecided voters are less familiar with all the candidates, which may be a consequence of campaigning in the age of Covid. With voter contact and outreach efforts heating up as election day draws nearer, we anticipate our next poll will show awareness increasing, and presumably voters shifting from undecided to preferred candidates." "Our poll shows that the mayor's race is wide open and, although the June primary is right around the corner, recent history has taught us that three months is an eternity in an NYC election," said Fontas. "Given this, it's no surprise that the candidates who have raised the most money have so far spent very little, giving them an extraordinary war chest to address changing dynamics. We expect spending both from the campaigns and from multi-million dollar Super PACs to play an increasingly important role ahead of our next poll." The Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary poll is a three-part series which will publish poll results and analysis leading up to the NYC Democratic primary. Visit PulseOfThePrimary.com for the latest poll reports, analysis, and to subscribe to receive updates. Methodology On behalf of Fontas Advisors, Core Decision Analytics (CODA) conducted N=800 live telephone interviews (landline and cell) among New York City Democratic primary likely voters from March 15-18, 2021. The overall margin of error is +/-3.46% at the 95% confidence interval. Tracked findings referenced reflect the first Fontas/CODA Pulse of the Primary study conducted online January 20-25 among N=842 New York City Democratic Primary likely voters. The complete poll report, including all survey questions, screening criteria, and demographics, are available at PulseOfThePrimary.com About Fontas Advisors Fontas Advisors is a boutique government affairs consultancy focused on the New York metropolitan area. Leveraging our strong knowledge of city and state administrations combined with our robust network honed over decades of experience, we drive results by serving the next-generation needs of corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. Learn more at fontasadvisors.com About Core Decision Analytics Core Decision Analytics (CODA) provides actionable opinion insights and cutting-edge data analytics programs grounded in trustworthy quantitative, qualitative, and advanced analytics methods. CODA leverages decades of experience in over 20 countries on behalf of governments, campaigns, business organizations, associations, and corporate clients. Learn more at coredecision.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-poll-finds-voters-cautiously-optimistic-about-citys-future-though-half-are-presently-undecided-in-the-upcoming-race-for-mayor-301254506.html SOURCE Pulse of the Primary NASA is working with commercial companies to make sure there are reliable power sources available on the Moon. As NASA moves forward with its Artemis program, it will need to establish a sustainable power source to support lunar habitat, rovers and future construction systems, according to a media release. SPACE JUNK: Company on a mission to clean up over 9,000 tons of space junk NASA is already working with five companies on designing solar array technologies for the lunar surface. Niki Werkheiser, director of technology maturation in NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), describes why this technology matters. We are thrilled with the proposals received and even more excited to see the designs that result from the base effort, Werkheiser said. Having reliable power sources on the Moon is key to almost anything we do on the surface. By working with five different companies to design these prototype systems, we are effectively mitigating the risk that is inherent to developing such cutting-edge technologies. The five companies NASA partnered with include the following, according to the release: Astrobotic Technology, Pittsburgh ATK Space Systems (Northrop Grumman), Goleta, Calif. Honeybee Robotics, Brooklyn, N.Y. Lockheed Martin, Littleton, Colo. Space Systems Loral (Maxar Technologies), Palo Alto, Calif. The project will include developing solar array technology that can "autonomously deploy up to 32 feet high and retract for relocation if necessary," according to NASA. In addition, the designs will also need to be stable enough to stand on steep terrain and withstand the harsh lunar dust, among other tasks, according to the release. The companies have a 12-month contract valued at up to $700,000 each to provide NASA with the data necessary to complete the project. The space agency then plans to select two companies to build the prototype and conduct environmental testing with an additional $7.5 million funding given to each. Chuck Taylor, who is leading the solar project at NASAs Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., explained why the designs are beneficial. These solar power designs could help enable continuous power for Artemis lunar habitats and operations, even in areas that are shaded by rocky features." According to NASA, the contracts are part of the "Vertical Solar Array Technology (VSAT) project, which aims to support NASAs long-term lunar surface." 2021 has been a busy year for the space agency. Recent groundbreaking exploration on the Red Planet through its Mars Perseverance mission is also unfolding over the next few months. Pedestrians walk along a near empty Khaosan Road in Bangkok (Photo source: Bloomberg) Bangkok The Thai Cabinet on March 24 approved financial support measures worth a total of 350 billion Baht (11.3 billion USD) to assist businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the measures include a plan to provide 250 billion baht of soft loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and a 100-billion-baht programme called Asset Warehousing to support debtors who are unable to repay their loans. The steps to channel more credit to business came a day ahead of a central bank rate decision, with the Bank of Thailand expected to hold its benchmark rate at a record low of 0.5 percent for a seventh straight meeting. The central bank sees tourism, which accounted for about one-fifth of gross domestic product pre-pandemic, as key to returning the economy to growth after it shrank by 6.1 percent last year. The economy is expected to return to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels in the third quarter of next year, with the recovery slow and uneven as tourism remains sluggish. The tourism-reliant economy could take at least four to five years to see the number of foreign tourists return to normal levels, of about 40 million a year, said central bank Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 file photo taken on June 29, 2015, shows China's flag beside the European Union flag during an EU-China Summit at the European Union Commission headquarters in Brussels. AFP France, Germany and other EU nations called in Chinese ambassadors on Tuesday to protest at sanctions imposed by Beijing targeting their citizens, as China and Europe faced off over claims of rights abuses against China's Muslim Uyghur minority. France also rebuked the Chinese envoy for "unacceptable" behaviour after he posted a series of tweets targeting French lawmakers and a researcher. The diplomatic spat erupted after the EU, Britain and Canada on Monday blacklisted four former and current officials in the Xinjiang region, while Washington, which had already sanctioned two of those officials in July 2020, extended them to the two others. The tensions come as the EU seeks to formulate a strategy on China at a time when tensions between Beijing and Washington are emerging as the world's number one geopolitical issue. The European Union and China had in December approved "in principle" a major investment pact that Brussels hopes will open up lucrative opportunities despite concerns on human rights. China has angrily rejected the claims of a crackdown against the Uyghurs, and responded with entry bans on 10 Europeans including five members of the European Parliament as well as two EU bodies and two think-tanks. 'Exceeded the limits' In France, China's ambassador Lu Shaye took aim at French lawmakers hoping to visit Taiwan, which is claimed by Beijing, as well as Antoine Bondaz, a China specialist at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) think-tank. In Twitter posts, Lu derided Bondaz as a "little thug," a "crazed hyena" and "ideological troll" with "anti-Chinese" stances after Bondaz complained about Chinese pressure on French lawmakers hoping to visit Taiwan. "The embassy's methods, and the tone of its public comments, were completely unacceptable and exceeded all the limits commonly accepted by any embassy in the world," a French foreign ministry official, who asked not to be named, said after Lu appeared Tuesday. The summons had been issued Monday, but in a breach of standard diplomatic protocol, it took some time for Lu to comply with the demand. Europe Minister Clement Beaune said earlier Tuesday that Lu had snubbed the initial request for talks, with the Chinese embassy in Paris citing "scheduling issues" in a Twitter post. "Neither France nor Europe is a doormat," Beaune warned on France Info radio. "When you are summoned as an ambassador, you pay a visit to the foreign ministry." Germany, a key EU proponent of strong ties with Beijing, called in China's ambassador Wu Ken for "urgent talks" at the foreign ministry. The envoy was told "that China's sanctions against European MPs, scientists and political institutions as well as non-governmental organisations represent an inappropriate escalation that unnecessarily strains ties between the EU and China," the ministry said. Italy summoned the Chinese ambassador to a meeting on Wednesday, the Italian foreign ministry said. 'Blatant' abuses In Brussels, a Belgian government source said China's ambassador was expected to attend a meeting later Tuesday over the sanctions against lawmaker Samuel Cogolati, who proposed a motion in parliament to describe the crackdown on the Uyghurs as a "genocide". Rights groups believe at least one million Uyghurs and other mostly Muslim minorities have been incarcerated in camps in the northwestern region, where authorities are also accused of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. China has strongly denied allegations of forced labour involving Uyghurs in Xinjiang and says training programs, work schemes and better education have helped stamp out extremism in the region. But Beijing has repeatedly faced accusations of committing genocide from activists, some legislatures and also most notably former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo. Lithuania's foreign ministry also summoned Beijing's envoy since one of its lawmakers was targeted by the sanctions imposed in response to "blatant" abuses. "China was urged to address the human rights violations instead of imposing countermeasures," it said in a statement. And in Copenhagen, China's ambassador Feng Tie was summoned to appear at the foreign ministry after Beijing sanctioned Alliance of Democracies, a non-profit founded by Denmark's former premier and ex-NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen. Similar action was taken in Sweden, with Swedish researcher Bjorn Jerden among those sanctioned. "Unwavering support for human rights remains unchanged, which was communicated by State Secretary Rydberg to China's ambassador today," Foreign Minister Ann Linde wrote on Twitter, calling the sanctions "unacceptable." (AFP) The first lawsuits protesting exorbitant gas prices during Februarys historic deep freeze have begun. CPS Energy, a Texas utility, is suing energy giants including BP Energy, Chevron and Energy Transfer. CPS supplies over 1.1 million customers in the San Antonio area with power and gas, and is disputing charges amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars at a minimum in 13 lawsuits. The aftermath of a declared statewide disaster should not be a jackpot for gas sellers, CPS said in a lawsuit against Energy Transfer obtained by Bloomberg. The deadly cold that battered parts of the U.S. and roiled energy markets last month is expected to result in waves of litigation involving producers and traders of power and natural gas. At the time, ice on wind turbines and frozen pipelines led to sweeping blackouts, and oil and gas wells shut down. Traders and power suppliers struggled to find fuel to meet obligations, causing gas to trade at hundreds of times normal levels. Electricity in Texas surged to $9,000 per megawatt-hour. PRICE STANDS: Texas House rejects bill to reprice electricity sold during storm There have been similar lawsuits filed involving power prices, though not gas. Earlier this month, a unit of Exxon Mobil sued Macquarie Energy after having a declaration of force majeure rejected by the energy trader. On Monday, Spire Missouri, a utility company, filed a lawsuit against Symmetry Energy Solutions over failed natural gas deliveries that allegedly caused over $100 million in losses. Symmetry is also being targeted by CPS. Power suppliers including Vistra, NRG Energy and Exelon have disclosed billions in losses associated with the freeze. CPS Energy said in the Energy Transfer lawsuit that subsidiaries Houston Pipe Line and Oasis Pipeline charged a price for natural gas that was more than 15,000 percent higher than normal during the climate disaster. Thats like paying more than $7,000 to fill a tank with gas that usually costs less than $50, the company said. The utility argues that state laws protect the people of Texas from unconscionable behavior and price gouging during a declared state of natural disaster. The allegedly inflated costs total almost $257 million out of about $309 million in charges associated with gas purchases from Energy Transfer units in February, according to the lawsuit. The utility asked Bexar County District Court for a temporary restraining order to prevent Energy Transfer units from declaring CPS Energy in default or taking any action for non-payment of unlawful prices. Energy Transfer Co-Chief Executive Officer Marshall McCrea said during a conference call last month that the company did exceptionally well during the Texas crisis as gas shortages spurred demand for supplies from the companys storage facilities. The pipeline operator declined to comment. Former National Organizer of the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams has cautioned against complacency based on the report of the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) that the opposition NDC will win the 2024 election with a new Presidential Candidate. According to the Member of Parliament(MP) for Buem constituency in the Oti Region, the opposition NDC should rather see the EIU report about the next election as a guide as the findings can favour either the ruling NPP or the NDC depending on how the report is treated by both parties. I have always said that reports from agencies like the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) are only a guide . . ." Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Kofi Adams reiterated that, those kinds of reports, I read them; they serve as a guide but I will not sing praises because the report favours me or my party. I will not be complacent because a report shows that I will win the next election. He stressed that just as God says mankind should pray and work and not pray alone he encouraged the leadership of his party to rise up and work towards victory as the findings in the report does not mean the victory will come naturally. . . manna does not fall from heaven anymore and so with the findings in the report, victory will not come naturally. I will encourage my party members to rise up and work towards it, he charged. I will encourage my party that we had the chance to win the 2020 election but there will be a clear chance to win the 2024 election if we put structures in place and we speak well, because this government will be done with its 8 years and Ghanaians will be looking for a change because the government would not do anything for them, he encouraged. Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Amid reports of blood clotting that have emerged from some European countries, the government has said that the scientific community has found no issue with Covishield and that it would continue administering the vaccine. While addressing a Health Ministry briefing, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul said, "There were concerns of blood clotting in other nations. We have checked and our own scientific community has not found any issue. We will continue to use Covishield for vaccination in India." Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, is the Indian variant of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. It is one of the two coronavirus vaccines -- along with Bharat Biotech's Covaxin -- to be administered in India's vaccination drive. Health ministry officials told the media that over 5 crore vaccination doses have been administered in the country. The ministry officials said that the next phase that will allow people over 45 years of age to get vaccinated will be crucial because 88 per cent of all coronavirus-related deaths in India has taken place among the age group of 45 years and above. However, the ministry officials said that increase in cases in Maharashtra and Punjab are of grave concern. "Two states are of grave concern that have shown a recent surge in cases are- Maharashtra, that reported more than 28,000 cases in the last 24 hours, and Punjab, that is reporting a huge number of cases in proportion to its population," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The officials also flagged concerns about increase in cases in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chattisgarh, and Chandigarh. Also read: Increase gap between 2 doses of Covishield to up to 8 weeks: Centre tells states Also read: AstraZeneca's Covishield safe, coronavirus vaccination drive to go on full throttle, says govt 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. Business Reporter The Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Postal and Courier Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, says the Covid-19 pandemic has shown that every country needs to develop robust telecommunication infrastructure so that no citizen will ever be left unconnected in times of pandemics. Dr Muswere said access to reliable data and internet services coupled with ICT gadgets such as computers and smart phones should be a prerequisite for every citizen to get by. This comes as the pandemic exposed the digital gaps in Zimbabwe between the haves and the have-nots. As the country and the world over implemented various levels of lockdowns to limit the spread of the pandemic, more people turned to technology at household level, businesses, education, retail and health services. But the unprecedented closure of schools and restrictions to movements allowed a wide digital gap between the affluent schools and the less affluent like those in the rural communities. For corporates, big businesses managed to operate riding on technology while smaller businesses suffered due to inadequate ICT infrastructure and the cost of going digital. For health services, better resourced individuals sought consultation services online while the less resourced remained unattended further showing the digital divide in the country. The same was the case for shopping while religious groups like churches also moved to online services leaving behind multitudes of followers without access to data and internet services. Dr Muswere indicated this was a wakeup call for developing countries such as Zimbabwe and showed the need for more investment into the sector to ensure accessibility by every citizen. "We have learnt many lessons from Covid-19 about the digital divides, irrespective of whether the digital divide is between countries, persons of different economic background, genders, rural and urban populations, or institutions," he said while presenting before the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS). "Covid-19 has made people and businesses rely more on technology. Governments, households, hospitals, businesses and schools, among other institutions, were getting by reasonably well, with little to moderate technology use, until January and February 2020. "Then came Covid-19, and everything changed and so did our concept of the digital divides and their nature. "We have drawn a number of lessons from our experience during Covid-19. Firstly, we learnt that every member of society now needed a computer to lead a semblance of comfortable and normal life. "Secondly, that it had become imperative to bridge the digital divide between the haves and have-not's. Reliable internet infrastructure and service, coupled with appropriate skills being a prerequisite," he said. Dr Muswere added the pandemic also slowed the race towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on eradicating poverty and hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequality and, decent work and economic growth, as everything has become virtual and the world including Zimbabwe, had been caught by surprise highlighting the need to be better prepared. In line with this, the country is extending its broadband infrastructure across the nationwide and has unveiled an e-learning strategy as well as strengthening its e-health delivery systems. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Coronavirus Zimbabwe ICT By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Under this initiative, 13 more telecommunication tower sites are to be constructed as well as expand and optimise the mobile network by setting up 1187 sites for the deployment of 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G services. Additionally, 1 500 schools are set to be equipped with e-learning equipment and connectivity while 1 700 health centres and 20 local authorities are set to be connected. Further, 16 smart agriculture projects are expected to be funded. Dr Muswere further quipped that innovative policy making and a robust broadband plan such as the one developed by Zimbabwe becomes a necessity in order to connect all its people. He said: "Zimbabwe will leave no stone unturned, as it seeks to digitally transform itself and so should other administrations. Let us roll up our sleeves and connect the unconnected." Popular Instagram account Aussie Influencer Opinions is locked in a public feud with Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews. The drama started after Aussie Influencer Opinions publicly defended the Celeb Spellcheck account, which recently scrubbed its page following spats with several prominent influencers. Ruby, 25, then sent Aussie Influencer Opinions a direct message, accusing them of 'encouraging people to bully' her. Drama: Popular Instagram account Aussie Influencer Opinions is in a public feud with Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews (pictured) 'The fact you're even on private shows how much of a coward you are,' she wrote. 'It's a page directed at bullying people, creating gossip and rumours. And encourages other people to bully me, threaten my children,' she continued. 'You insinuate certain things about me that are damaging to my character.' Ruby went on, branding the creator behind the account 'a low person' and accusing them of 'encouraging hate'. Lashing out: Ruby sent Aussie Influencer Opinions a direct message, accusing them of 'encouraging people to bully' her Aussie Influencer Opinions responded with a lengthy reply and adamantly stated that they 'do not ever encourage people to threaten peoples children'. 'I call bulls**t and take your comment on that with a grain of salt,' they added. After some back and forth, Aussie Influencer Opinions agreed to remove the only two posts about Ruby Tuesday Matthews that were on their page. Their feud then escalated further when Aussie Influencer Opinions later accused Ruby of making disparaging accusations about their account during an Instagram Live session. 'It's a page directed at bullying people, creating gossip and rumours. And encourages other people to bully me, threaten my children,' Ruby continued 'Last night [Ruby] asked me to take down previous posts about her. I did so. Yet now she is willing to sit on a live and say that an "opinions" page (clearly this one given last nights discussions) said things about her, that were never actually said?' they wrote. Ruby made nationwide headlines in October when she was due to fly from Byron Bay to Sydney on a 5pm flight, but a technical issue caused the plane's departure to be delayed. The budget airline asked travellers to stay put while waiting for an engineer, and told passengers the new departure time would likely be about 7.30pm. Hitting back: Aussie Influencer Opinions responded with a lengthy reply and adamantly stated that they 'do not ever encourage people to threaten peoples children' But Ruby and her travel companion left the airport to eat oysters at a beachside restaurant, leaving passengers waiting on the tarmac for 30 minutes for them to return. The Byron Bay beauty was heckled by passengers when she eventually boarded the plane. She slammed the airline upon her arrival in Sydney for allowing her to be 'bullied'. Jetstar released a statement saying they had 'kept customers informed' throughout the delay, and asked them 'not to leave the airport should the flight be able to get away ahead of the revised time'. But Ruby claimed there were a number of other passengers who left the airport and arrived after the rescheduled departure time, saying: 'Jetstar made a complete joke of themselves. They let that harassment happen.' UGANDA President Yoweri Museveni has delivered a heartfelt condolence message, as he joined in the morning of departed gallant son of Africa Dr John Magufuli. President Museveni revealed that two weeks ago, he had written to the late President Magufuli a letter that would have seen the two Heads of State meet in Entebbe, to seal the crude oil pipeline deal on March 22nd, a day in which Tanzania held a state funeral for the late leader, who passed on last Wednesday. President Museveni gloomily narrated this at a small gathering of Ugandan government leaders in Kampala, as they paid their respects to the late Tanzanian President Dr Magufuli. "Two weeks ago, I wrote to Magufuli about the oil pipeline. This was because today (March 22nd generation-leaders of his calibre remain rare," he said. He appreciated Zanzibaris from Unguja and Pemba for their huge turnout, a clear indication that Tanzanians remain united and lovely. Dr Mwinyi asked wananchi to use this mourning period to cement national unity as the best way to honour Dr Magufuli who firmly defended the Union and the 1964 Zanzibar revolutions. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, welcoming Dr Mwinyi to address the grief stricken audience, described the untimely death of Dr Magufuli as a big loss to the nation but pleaded with all Tanzanians to remain calm during "this trying moment that the country is passing through." He assured that under President Samia, the country remains in safe hands and all Tanzanians have to do is to accord her cordial cooperation to move forward. Earlier, Zanzibar-based religious leaders-R oman Catholic B ishop Augustine, Anglican B ishop Michael Hafidhi and Deputy Chief Kadhi Hassan Ngwali- prayed for the body of the late Magufuli at the stadium prior to the paying of last respects. Besides Dr Mwinyi, at the stadium were First V ice-President Othman Masoud Othman, Second V ice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, Secretary to R evolutionary Council and Chief Secretary Engineer Zena Ahmed Said and almost all cabinet members. (TNS) State health officials launched a website on Tuesday that will allow Maine residents 16 and older to preregister for vaccination against COVID-19 and eventually schedule appointments.The website is still being developed but will not be the statewide, centralized registration and appointment system envisioned during the early weeks of Maine's vaccination campaign. Instead, the new site appears geared toward smaller or newer vaccination providers that do not already have easy-to-use online platforms for booking vaccination appointments."Right now the goal is to get as many people registered as quickly as possible," said Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. "So this platform ... will not be meant to supplant existing scheduling platforms. It will rather fill in a gap for sites that would like to be doing more vaccination but are dissatisfied with their own existing scheduling platform or for places that would like to come online but have no scheduling (site)."The new website is vaccinateme.maine.gov. While users cannot currently use the site to schedule appointments, Shah said that function will be added in the near future as more vaccine providers opt to use the state-run system. Representatives for the state's two largest health care providers, MaineHealth and Northern Light Health, said their respective organizations plan to continue using their own registration and scheduling platforms for the foreseeable future. Northern Light and MaineHealth operate four high-volume vaccination sites in Portland, Scarborough, Sanford and Bangor as well as smaller clinics throughout the state.MaineHealth spokesman John Porter said information technology staff are working to integrate the two platforms and in the meantime individuals who want to be assured a place on MaineHealth's list should still preregister with that network."Starting in January when vaccinations were opened to those 70 and older, we have been continuously investing in this system to enhance the user experience, adding new features and capabilities, including online scheduling," Porter said in a statement. "The system ties directly into our electronic medical record and has been a critical part of building a vaccination infrastructure that can accommodate up to 36,000 shots, including up to 18,000 first doses, per week significantly more than the current allotment of vaccines available from the state."The state did a "soft launch" of the new website, without any advance publicity, on the same day that Maine residents between 50 and 59 became eligible for vaccination. The expansion means an additional 164,000 Maine residents can now sign up for shots as state officials anticipate larger shipments of vaccine arriving in Maine in the coming weeks.A total of 369,484 people or roughly 27.5 percent of Maine's population of 1.3 million people had received at least one shot of vaccine as of Tuesday morning, while 16.5 percent have received either both of their Pfizer or Moderna shots or the single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.The next phase of Maine's vaccination effort is tentatively slated to begin on April 19, when all residents 16 and over will be eligible.Next week's dose allocations to states were not available as of Tuesday evening, but Shah said federal distributions of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are expected to be less "robust" than hoped for. Maine could could receive a larger, one-time shipment of Pfizer doses, however, and distributions of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine are expected to ramp up significantly in April.The Maine CDC was slated to receive 35,190 initial doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines this week, with second doses sent separately when they are due to be administered. Additionally, pharmacies located in Hannaford, Walgreens and Walmart locations around the state received their own vaccine allocations, which are currently reserved for educators, school staff or child care workers, per federal rules.Asked if Maine is on track to open up eligibility on April 19, Shah said that timeline is still realistic given projections of increased vaccine supplies and the capacity of existing vaccination sites to expand once supplies allow. Additionally, Shah said he has been encouraged by the rate of vaccinations, with roughly two thirds of those 60 and older having received their first dose."I've got confidence around this based on some of those factors," Shah said. "If any of those things change, then we will plug that into the calculator and see where it takes us. But for now, I am very encouraged."Maine ranks among the top 10 states nationally in terms of the percentage of the population that has received at least one dose or have completed their vaccination regimen. Clinic operators say they could offer even more shots daily if they had doses on hand, but supplies remain constrained nationwide.The preregistration and eventually scheduling website launched by the state this week marks another shift in the state's vaccination campaign.Like most states across the country, Maine opted not to use a federal system launched late last year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it lacked full-service features state officials said were needed. In the absence of a statewide, centralized system, however, health care networks were forced to quickly stand up their own registration and appointment systems.The result has been a hodgepodge of systems, with some offering preregistration and waitlists while others only make appointments available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the initial problems reported by users such as telephone wait times measuring in hours, overwhelmed internet servers and a lack of verification have been smoothed out over time.But Mainers must navigate a maze of different systems, with many people opting to register in multiple places in hopes of increasing their odds of snagging an appointment. The state's preregistration system could replace some of those systems, but Shah said some vaccine providers will likely opt to stick with their existing platforms rather than attempt a major information technology changeover."Making those big IT shifts in the middle of a pandemic, when the system is generally working OK, that's fraught," Shah said.The Maine CDC reported 131 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday as well as two additional deaths. The 131 cases is fewest reported by state health officials in nearly a month and reduces Maine's seven-day, rolling average of new confirmed or probable infections to 200.To date, the Maine CDC has tracked 48,773 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 since the coronavirus was first detected in the state last March. The number of Maine residents whose deaths have been linked to COVID-19 stood at 731 on Tuesday with the two additional deaths.There were 79 people hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide as of Tuesday, with 25 of them being treated in critical care units and 13 connected to ventilators. An ammunition round that exploded following its discharge from a Marine Corps F-35B Joint Strike Fighter at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, earlier this month caused damage to the stealth fighter's fuselage, according to the service. The F-35B, capable of short takeoff and vertical landings, was conducting a nighttime close air support mission on March 12 on the Yuma Range Complex when a PGU-32/U Semi-Armor Piercing High Explosive Incendiary-Tracer (SAPHEI-T) 25mm round exploded after leaving the fighter's cannon, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Andrew Wood confirmed to Military.com on Tuesday. The jet was attached to VMX-1, the Marines' Yuma-based test and evaluation squadron, Wood said. Read Next: Guard Troops Ambushed in Texas, Held at Gunpoint While Transporting COVID-19 Vaccines The aircraft landed safely, according to a Naval Safety Center report, which first noted the incident. "The mishap did not result in any injury to personnel, and an investigation of the incident is currently taking place," Wood said in an email. The mishap was initially labeled Class A, the most severe classification, indicating damage of at least $2.5 million or the loss of an aircraft. Wood later said it was determined to be Class C, meaning the incident caused between $60,000 and $600,000 in damage. It was not immediately clear if the round was fired deliberately. Citing the ongoing investigation, Wood did not provide further details. The F-35 uses a GAU-22 Gatling gun. The GAU-22 is mounted in an external gun pod under the jet's fuselage on the Marines' F-35B and Navy's C-variant. The Air Force's A-variant carries the gun internally. The Navy began evaluating its existing PGU-32 semi-armor piercing high explosive incendiary ammunition for the F-35B and F-35C in 2013. Live-fire testing from the gun pod began in 2016, according to The Drive. In 2019, Marines in the Pacific carried out the first-ever at-sea F-35B "hot reloads" there, allowing the aircraft to drop back-to-back, 1,000-pound bombs on a target in the middle of the Solomon Sea. Marines from the amphibious assault ship Wasp brought with them the "killer tomato," a big red inflatable target that floated off the coast of Papua New Guinea. The Joint Strike Fighter jets left the ship armed with the 1,000-pound GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition and a 500-pound GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb. During the same tests -- which marked the first-ever shipboard hot reloads in the Indo-Pacific region -- Marines also tested the SAPHEI-T 25mm round, according to a release. With a capacity of 220 rounds, the 25mm gun pod can fire at a rate of up to 3,300 rounds per minute. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the change to mishap classification. -- Gina Harkins contributed to this report. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Air Force Cuts Back F-35 Demo Performances Due to Engine Shortage Physician: Kids 12-15 know COVID-19 vaccine is 'ticket to freedom' Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week The Grapevine, Texas, company said it has yet to sell any shares via the offering program, but is weighing doing so in order to help pay for a multiyear business transformation plan. GameStop didnt offer any other specifics about the potential timing or size of a stock sale. Spain on Tuesday announced that it is lifting a ban on air and sea arrivals from the United Kingdom that had been in place since December in a bid to contain the spread of a new coronavirus variant first detected in Britain. Restrictions on flights from Brazil and South Africa, introduced for similar reasons, will remain in place until mid-April after the current period expires on March 30. Restrictions on UK travel will not be renewed on that date. Passengers traveling to Spain from the UK will have to show a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before travel. Spain is a safe country that is strictly following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the experts Government spokesperson Maria Jesus Montero The announcement was made by government spokesperson Maria Jesus Montero after the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Spain is a safe country that is strictly following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the experts, said Montero, the Europa Press news agency reported. The change in policy has been adopted as the British government announced fines of 5,000 (around 6,000) for travelers who go abroad for vacationing purposes, starting on Monday. The UK currently bans foreign travel except for health, work and other essential reasons, although the ban is up for review in April. Germany has also expanded its restrictions due to a spike in infections, and is asking Germans to stay at home between April 1 and 5. At the news conference, Spanish government spokesperson Montero ruled out the possibility of Spain introducing a similarly strict confinement over Easter. Spanish authorities have come under criticism from their dual approach to the upcoming Easter break. On one hand, all Spanish regions will be under a perimetral lockdown during the Easter holidays, meaning that nobody can enter or leave their region of residence without a justified reason. But the central government has placed no similar rules on visitors from Europe. The European Commission on Monday called on Spain for coherence with regard to its domestic and international coronavirus travel restrictions within the 27-country bloc. How very disappointing that Joe Biden, the President of the United States, has been so widely mocked after tripping on the steps of Air Force One. The 78-year-old, smart enough to win and work at the most powerful job in the world, has been humiliated for a simple stumble. Its ageism in the extreme. Having a fall as its called, in rather disparaging tones, in reference to anyone whose youthful agility is a thing of the past does not mean the brain or the capacity to do ones job is in any way diminished. How did we get to a point when age and the knowledge, experience and wisdom it brings is so undervalued in comparison with those who know little, but are young and super-fit? When they have an accident they have slipped, tripped or fallen over. They have not had a fall. Language matters and so does ageism. Jenni Murray says being humiliated for a simple stumble is ageism. Pictured: Joe Biden, the President of the United States I know this from experience, as, it appears, does Jeremy Paxman, whos written recently about tripping, falling and breaking ribs as he was out walking his dog. Jeremy and I are the same age, weve followed similar career paths and here we both are railing against the way the elderly are so often treated with contempt, rather than with the respect we deserve. Ageism has not received the attention it should. Its covered in the Equality Act if it affects discrimination in the workplace or healthcare, but I couldnt find it among the list of characteristics protected by the hate crime law disability, sex, race, religion. Last week I popped to a supermarket, completed my purchases, walked out and tripped outside the shops front door. Splat. Down I went, flat on my face. The blood from my bust lips poured into my mask and my chest really hurt. Four kind men rushed to my aid. They walked me to a chemist who disinfected the lips and they all insisted they should call an ambulance. I played the strong, independent woman card and said I was OK to go home. Jenni (pictured) who broke a rib after tripping outside a supermarket last week, believes age needs better respect and consideration One sleepless night of agony, then a friend called. She insisted I go to hospital. She knew someone who had broken her ribs in a similar accident and damaged her spleen, an injury that could have proved fatal without treatment. I fought off my fear of Covid-19, called a taxi and headed for the Royal Free Hospital. I was pleasantly surprised by how much the facilities had improved since my last visit there some years ago.Ten minutes to triage, straight to X-ray, back to the socially distanced, masked waiting area and, within 20 minutes, in to see the consultant, Mr Costello, who was a delight. The Egyptian activist Nawal El Saadawi, who died on Sunday aged 89, was one of the bravest feminists of all time. A life-long campaigner against FGM, domestic violence and the requirement for women to veil themselves, she was imprisoned in 1981 under President Sadat. I met her once and asked her was it any business of Western feminists to interfere in cultures other than our own. She replied: When I was held in a filthy prison cell in the heat and the dark, I felt the support of Western feminists lapping at my feet like the warm waves of the sea. Never fear that you are interfering in a culture not your own . . . this is a global battle for the rights of women. RIP. He checked me all over, didnt treat me like a ditzy, ancient crock and took me through the X-ray, pointing to the broken rib that was causing so much pain. He explained that it will heal itself after a few weeks. We discussed painkillers. Codeine would be best in the acute phase. Mr Costello wrote a prescription for a five-day course. As it was now 7pm the hospital pharmacy was shut. I assumed Id be able to ask a friend to pick them up from my local pharmacy. Afraid not, said Mr Costello. The hospital pharmacy seems to have something of a monopoly. Youll have to bring back the prescription tomorrow. Its crazy and so inconvenient for patients who are suffering. Please write about it. Its wrong. It would have cost me 20 to return the next day as I was not fit to drive. I didnt bother, but I could only think of other patients who might not be mobile enough or couldnt afford a taxi just to pick up medication. Age needs better respect and consideration. We older people must not be patronised or insulted. We thought it wouldnt happen to us, but it did. And it will, inevitably, happen to you too. Sorry Gwynnie, ethical porn just doesnt exist Jenni said a video of a woman being teased by a man on Gwyneth Paltrow's (pictured) website, looks like humiliation Not really surprised that one of the queens of the #MeToo movement, Gwyneth Paltrow, is recommending ethical porn on her Goop website. There must be money to be made from it, as more than a third of 18 to 35- year-old women are said to watch porn at least once a week. (Im really not sure if that is by choice or at the request of a persuasive boyfriend). One of the recommended sites shows a video of a woman with her hands and feet bound, being teased and touched by a man with objects he describes as his tools. What is ethical about that? It looks an awful lot like humiliation to me. Too OAP or not too OAP? Ive been Ian McKellens No 1 fan since I saw him in the theatre as Edward II in 1969. No one has lit up the stage as he has. I didnt see his 1971 Hamlet and I have to say that I very much doubt Ill be queuing up for his next outing as the Prince of Denmark, some 40 years later, at the age of 81. Especially considering Jenny Seagrove, whos only 63, has been cast as his mother! Im all for cross-casting, where people of colour or women are given the chance to play the great white, male roles, but what casting director would suggest an 81- year-old woman as Hamlets doomed love Ophelia? Women rarely get the chance to push the boat out as they age. The Queens new dorgi is a delight Jenni believes you're never too old to enjoy the pleasure and comfort a young dog can bring Im so relieved the Queen has decided against her previous idea of having no more dogs, because she didnt want any of her beloved pets to outlive her. None of us wants to leave a faithful companion bereft, but the Queen has taken on two puppies, Fergus and Muick (pronounced Mick) in defiance of her age at 94. Shes named the first little dorgi after her uncle, Fergus Bowes-Lyon, her mothers oldest brother, who died in World War I. Muick will remind her of one of her favourite beauty spots, Loch Muick on the Balmoral Estate. Youre never too old to enjoy the pleasure and comfort a young dog can bring, especially when times are tough. Her Majesty without a dog is unthinkable. Long live all three of them! 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. NEW YORK, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Phenol market will register an incremental spend of about USD 1.85 Billion, growing at a CAGR of 4.02% during the five-year forecast period. A targeted strategic approach to Phenol sourcing can unlock several opportunities for buyers. This report also offers market impact and new opportunities created due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Download free sample report Phenol Market Procurement Research Report Key Highlights Offered in the Report: 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 Phenol market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Phenol 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 3.00%-5.00%. Identify favorable opportunities in Phenol 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 Phenol suppliers listed in this report: Story continues This Phenol procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies. Royal Dutch Shell Plc INEOS Group Holdings SA Honeywell International Inc. Mitsui Chemicals Inc. Compania Espanola de Petroleos S.A.U. Dow Inc. PTT Global Chemical Public Co. Ltd. Kumho P&B Chemicals Inc. Eni S.p.A. SABIC 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 SpendEdge Logo (PRNewsfoto/SpendEdge) Cision View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-phenol-market-procurement-intelligence-report-with-covid-19-impact-analysis--global-market-forecasts-analysis-2021-2025--spendedge-301254061.html SOURCE SpendEdge Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 boat navigates in front of a massive cargo ship, named the Ever Given, in Egypts Suez Canal, on March 24, 2021. (Suez Canal Authority via AP) Massive Cargo Ship Becomes Wedged, Blocks Egypts Suez Canal DUBAI, United Arab EmiratesA skyscraper-sized container ship has become wedged across Egypts Suez Canal and blocked all traffic in the vital waterway, officials said Wednesday, threatening to disrupt a global shipping system already strained by the coronavirus pandemic. The MV Ever Given, a Panama-flagged ship that carries cargo between Asia and Europe, ran aground Tuesday in the narrow, man-made canal dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula. Images showed the ships bow was touching the eastern wall, while its stern looked lodged against the western wallan extraordinary event that experts said they had never heard of happening before in the canals 150-year history. A cargo ship, named the Ever Given, sits with its bow stuck into the wall in Egypts Suez Canal, on March 24, 2021. (Suez Canal Authority via AP) Tugboats strained Wednesday to try to nudge the obstruction out of the way as ships hoping to enter the waterway began lining up in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. But it remained unclear when the route, through which around 10 percent of world trade flows and which is particularly crucial for the transport of oil, would reopen. One official warned it could take at least two days. In the meantime, there were concerns that idling ships could become targets for attacks. The Suez Canal will not spare any efforts to ensure the restoration of navigation and to serve the movement of global trade, vowed Lt. Gen. Ossama Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority. Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, which manages the Ever Given, said all 20 members of the crew were safe and that there had been no reports of injuries or pollution. It wasnt immediately clear what caused the Ever Given to become wedged on Tuesday morning. GAC, a global shipping and logistics company, said the ship had experienced a blackout without elaborating. This satellite image shows the cargo ship MV Ever Given stuck in the Suez Canal near Suez, Egypt, on March 23, 2021. (Planet Labs Inc. via AP) Bernhard Schulte, however, denied the ship ever lost power. Evergreen Marine Corp., a major Taiwan-based shipping company that operates the ship, said in a statement that the Ever Given had been overcome by strong winds as it entered the canal from the Red Sea but none of its containers had sunk. An Egyptian official, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to brief journalists, similarly blamed a strong wind. Egyptian forecasters said high winds and a sandstorm plagued the area Tuesday, with winds gusting as much as 50 kph (30 mph). However, it remained unclear how winds of that speed alone would have been able to push a fully laden vessel weighing some 220,000 tons. A pilot from Egypts canal authority typically boards a ship to guide it through the waterway, though the ships captain retains ultimate authority over the vessel, said Ranjith Raja, a lead analyst at the data firm Refinitiv. The vessel entered the canal some 45 minutes before it became stuck, moving at 12.8 knots (about 24 kph, 15 mph) just before the crash, he said. An image posted to Instagram by a user on another waiting cargo ship appeared to show the Ever Given wedged across the canal as shown in satellite images and data. A backhoe appeared to be digging into the sandbank under its bow in an effort to free it. The Egyptian official said tugboats hoped to refloat the ship and that the operation would take at least two days. The ship ran aground some 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the southernly mouth of the canal near the city of Suez, an area of the canal thats a single lane. Lt. Gen. Ossama Rabei, head of the Suez Canal Authority, second right, speaks to other staff onboard a boat near the stuck cargo ship MV Ever Given near Suez, Egypt, on March 24, 2021. (Suez Canal Authority via AP) That could have a major knock-on effect for global shipping moving between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, warned Salvatore R. Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and associate professor of history at North Carolinas Campbell University. Every day, 50 vessels on average go through that canal, so the closing of the canal means no vessels are transiting north and south, Mercogliano told the AP. Every day the canal is closed container ships and tankers are not delivering food, fuel, and manufactured goods to Europe and goods are not being exported from Europe to the Far East. Already, some 30 vessels waited at Egypts Great Bitter Lake midway on the canal, while some 40 idled in the Mediterranean near Port Said and another 30 at Suez in the Red Sea, according to canal service provider Leth Agencies. That included seven vessels carrying some 5 million barrels of crude oil, Refinitiv said. In addition to the economic implications, security experts warned that idling ships in the Red Sea could be targets after a series of attacks against shipping in the Mideast amid tensions between Iran and the United States. All vessels should consider adopting a heightened posture of alertness if forced to remain static within the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, warned private marine intelligence firm Dryad Global. The closure also could affect oil and gas shipments to Europe from the Mideast. The price of international benchmark Brent crude jumped nearly 2.9 percent to $62.52 a barrel Wednesday. The MV Ever Given is seen near Hamburg, Germany, on July 29, 2020. (Axel Rutte via AP) The Ever Given, built in 2018 with a length of nearly 400 meters (a quarter mile) and a width of 59 meters (193 feet), is among the largest cargo ships in the world. It can carry some 20,000 containers at a time. It previously had been at ports in China before heading toward Rotterdam in the Netherlands. Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal provides a crucial link for oil, natural gas, and cargo. It also remains one of Egypts top foreign currency earners. In 2015, the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi completed a major expansion of the canal, allowing it to accommodate the worlds largest vessels. However, the Ever Given ran aground south of that new portion of the canal. The stranding Tuesday marks just the latest to affect mariners amid the pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have been stuck aboard vessels due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, demands on shipping have increased, adding to the pressure on tired sailors, Mercogliano said. Its because of the breakneck pace of global shipping right now and shipping is on a very tight schedule, he said. Add to it that mariners have not been able to get on and off vessels because of COVID restrictions. By Jon Gambrell 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. They are known as 'Salmon letters'. Not after the colour of the paper they are written on, but after the law lord who decreed that those whose actions are criticised significantly in an official inquiry should be notified and have a right to respond before the criticisms are published. As far as the independent inquiry into the grisly murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan is concerned, that public reprimand is imminent though it has been a very long time in coming. This month marks the 34th anniversary of the killing of Mr Morgan. He was found one evening in the car park of the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham, South London, with an axe embedded in his head. The married father of two had been struck several times, the final blow so hard that it had severed his brain stem. Two packets of crisps lay on the ground beside him. A large roll of cash was untouched in his pocket. His death has been described as 'Britain's most investigated unsolved murder'. Five police inquiries, with an estimated total cost of 30million, have so far failed to secure justice for the Morgan family. As far as the independent inquiry into the grisly murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan (pictured) is concerned, that public reprimand is imminent though it has been a very long time in coming And behind that failure to convict and the expense to the public purse lies a dark truth at the heart of this story. It has been long accepted and publicly acknowledged by senior officers that police corruption was an important factor in the inability to punish Mr Morgan's killers. There is a strong belief in some quarters that at least one policeman involved in the initial murder investigation had been close to the murder plot itself. The crime has proved unsolvable because corrupt local officers subverted the efforts of their detective colleagues from the beginning. When the fifth and last criminal investigation into the Morgan case collapsed at the pre-trial stage in 2011 there was much acrimony and heartbreak. In May 2013, the then Home Secretary Theresa May announced that an independent inquiry would be set up into how the Metropolitan Police had handled the case. And so the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel was established. Headed by Baroness Nuala O'Loan, its remit is to 'shine a light on the circumstances of Daniel Morgan's murder, its background and the handling of the case over the whole period since March 1987'. This month marks the 34th anniversary of the killing of Mr Morgan. He was found one evening in the car park of the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham, South London, (pictured) with an axe embedded in his head The original terms of reference set out that 'the panel will aim to complete its work within 12 months of the [police and other relevant] documentation being made available'. That was almost eight years ago. Since then, the inquiry has cost the taxpayer at least 16million. The delay has been blamed on the slowness of the police to provide the necessary paper evidence. The police have argued that they have supplied the inquiry with more than a million documents. These excuses are immaterial to the Morgan family the delay only adds a new layer to their suffering. The Mail, which has championed their cause with a number of groundbreaking investigative pieces, has learned from key participants that the Morgan Panel report will be published, finally, within the next few weeks. Sources have suggested that the panel has been under pressure from the Home Office to deliver now because it is costing 2million a year. The Morgan Panel Salmon letters have been sent out and received. One source close to the inquiry said that the list of recipients will read like a Who's Who of policing over the past three decades. Among those said to be in the firing line are at least one of the seven Metropolitan Police Commissioners who have been in post since the Morgan murder. Margaret Harrison (pictured) was the 'petite and attractive' manager of a local estate agency and a married mother of two teenagers. On the day of the murder she attended a lunch party with Rees, then had an early evening drink with Daniel in a local wine bar Another is a former provincial chief constable. Two senior officers who were connected to the Morgan case and gave evidence to the inquiry have likened the criticism dished out by the panel as a 'bloodbath'. An unfortunate turn of phrase in the circumstances. Britain's largest force is already under attack and facing intense new scrutiny over Operation Midland, the disastrous investigation into the VIP sex ring allegations of Carl Beech, aka 'Nick', who was exposed as a paedophile fantasist and jailed for 18 years. The last thing the under-pressure Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick needs is for another shameful episode in the Met's recent history to return to the front pages as a live issue. But that is what is about to happen with the Morgan report, raising fresh questions about the probity, transparency and accountability of her force. Whatever conclusions are reached, it will be too late for Daniel Morgan's mother who 'never stopped fighting' for justice before she died in 2017. The man whom police believed wielded the axe which killed Mr Morgan is also dead, as we shall see. So why was Daniel Morgan killed? In 1984, Daniel, the son of a colonial Army officer, set up a private detective agency called Southern Investigations. His business partner was Jonathan Rees, whose wife Sharon was the sister of South London criminals Glenn and Garry Vian. Rees employed them as security guards and they were not nice people. Nor were their associates, one of whom was a 'heavy' called Jimmy Cook who sometimes also worked for Rees. It became apparent that Rees was at the centre of a web of corruption a 'cesspit' as a Morgan family member once described it involving the local underworld, bent CID detectives and an alleged criminal cadre at the News Of The World newspaper. These various groups worked together for their mutual benefits, Rees acting as conduit and fixer. Three weeks after the killing, Rees, Fillery, Garry and Glenn Vian (pictured), and two other CID officers were arrested on suspicion of murder. All were later released without charge. 'Operation Morgan' had failed and the whole thing stank. Daniel was not a crook and his relationship with Rees they were both outspoken characters grew increasingly fractious. Not least, perhaps, because they were both having an extra-marital affair with the same woman. Margaret Harrison was the 'petite and attractive' manager of a local estate agency and a married mother of two teenagers. On the day of the murder she attended a lunch party with Rees, then had an early evening drink with Daniel in a local wine bar. By 9.40pm that night the 37-year-old private investigator was lying dead in a pool of blood outside the Golden Lion where a short while earlier he had met his business partner Rees for yet another drink. Over the years the 'love triangle' angle has been examined by police as a motive for the killing. Other theories put forward were varied and colourful. Daniel's family believed he was silenced because he was about to blow the whistle on local police corruption; his death was linked to drug traffickers, money launderers or Mafia car thieves; or he had uncovered a fake robbery of the takings from a car auction that had cost their firm thousands and was going to go to the police. Whatever the motive for the murder, the initial police investigation was an utter disgrace. Detective Sergeant Sid Fillery took a first statement of evidence from Rees. This was extraordinary. Fillery was a close friend of Rees and often moonlighted for Southern Investigations. He would later join the firm as a partner. Other theories put forward were varied and colourful. Pictured: Gerry Vian was arrested on suspicion of murder The first investigation team concentrated on the alleged fake robbery as the prime motive. Fillery came to be suspected of playing a role in the robbery's cover-up, although he denied it. Three weeks after the killing, Rees, Fillery, Garry and Glenn Vian, and two other CID officers were arrested on suspicion of murder. All were later released without charge. 'Operation Morgan' had failed and the whole thing stank. An inquest the following April heard allegations of love affairs, a faked robbery and police corruption. At the request of the Police Complaints Authority, an outside force, Hampshire, was brought in to re-examine the case and those involved in the first investigation. Rees was arrested again and charged with murder in February 1989, but the charge was soon dropped for lack of evidence. A decade passed. Southern Investigations changed its name to Law and Commercial. But the leopard had not changed its spots. A new covert police investigation, Operation Two Bridges, was launched. Bugging devices were placed inside the firm's offices after it was alleged to police by a criminal that Daniel's murder had been commissioned by Rees, carried out by Glenn Vian and that Jimmy Cook had driven the getaway car. The surveillance did not yield any progress in the investigation but led to Rees being jailed for seven years for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He had planted cocaine in the car of the estranged wife of a client in order that the client gained custody of their child. His accomplice in the plot, Detective Constable Austin Warnes, got five years. Former Krays enforcer Dave Courtney was found not guilty but told the court that Warnes had helped him sabotage police cases. In October 2001, a cold case review recommended the Met relaunch the Daniel Morgan case. A covert bugging scheme Operation Abelard was aimed at the individuals' homes and workplaces. At the same time a public reinvestigation Operation Morgan 2 and a 50,000 reward for information was launched. The reinvestigation would be launched on BBC1's Crimewatch. Its public face was Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook, an 'old school' CID officer. He was also the then husband of Crimewatch presenter Jacqui Hames. He told viewers that the identity of those who had killed Daniel was 'the worst kept secret in South London'. He said police knew who struck the fatal blow, who was the getaway driver and where the car had been stored. In the summer of 2002 DCS Cook realised their home was under surveillance. They were photographed, followed, their post and rubbish bags opened. It turned out to be the News Of The World. Was this an attempt to derail the new investigation, as some argue? Surveillance had already revealed there were those within the newspaper who were major clients of Rees. DCS Cook felt he was not being protected by his force. That October, Jimmy Cook the heavy who sometimes worked for Rees and the Vian brothers were arrested on suspicion of murder. In December, Rees himself was questioned. In 2003, it was decided by the CPS there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any of them. Sid Fillery did receive a conviction, after police found child porn on his computer. A 2006 report by then Met Assistant Commissioner John Yates stated: 'We now know the identity of those responsible for Daniel Morgan's murder but that the evidence available did not meet the threshold to enable a prosecution to be commenced'. One last desperate attempt Operation Abelard 2 was made to secure conviction. It was catastrophic, relying on the testimony of serious criminals seeking reductions in sentence after being caught for unrelated offences. Abelard 2 collapsed when it reached court in 2011, with Rees and the Vian brothers formally acquitted. Garry Vian was jailed for 14 years in 2005 for drug smuggling. His brother Glenn, the suspected axeman, died last year. In life he referred to the Morgan killing as the 'Golden Wonder murder' because of the crisps found by the body. And he died the richer for it. He, his brother Garry and Rees sued the Met for malicious prosecution and in 2018 Glenn and Rees won 155,000 compensation. Garry Vian got a lesser amount. Despite her protestations in 1987, Margaret Harrison was having a relationship with Rees. In 2014, our investigations proved they were together. They still were last year when they appeared together on a TV series on the Morgan case. Last summer, Channel 4 broadcast drama-documentary Murder In The Car Park. Former Met constable Dean Vian, nephew of Garry and Glenn, tearfully said his mother had told him who killed Morgan and why. 'My mum told me that Glenn had killed him and he was paid by Jonathan Rees to do that,' he said on camera. Asked what motive his mother had given, Dean said: 'Jonathan Rees and Daniel Morgan had a falling out because they were both with the same woman, or seeing the same woman.' The Mail should make clear that Rees, Fillery, Garry Vian and Jimmy Cook have always vigorously denied any part in Daniel Morgan's murder. Rees declined to comment when approached by the Mail last year. His solicitor said the suggestion in the Channel 4 programmes 'that the robbery of Mr Rees (from which he was hospitalised for several days) was a sham, is a disgraceful libel'. In 2014, Mr Rees's same solicitor told us: 'Mr Rees and Mrs Harrison have tried to assist the police, and we have offered the Daniel Morgan Independent Inquiry Panel our assistance. They both lost a friend when Mr Morgan was killed, and Mr Rees lost a valued business partner. 'The original murder investigation has already been the subject of independent examination by Hampshire police, who described the investigation as 'pathetic' but unaffected in any way by police misconduct. You will bear in mind that Mr Rees has always denied any involvement in this murder and has been acquitted.' Among those likely to be criticised by the panel is ex-Assistant Commissioner John Yates, whose proximity to the News Of The World when he was a high-profile figure at Scotland Yard was explored in the 2011-12 Leveson Inquiry into the conduct of the Press. Respected Lord Stevens, the former Met Commissioner who on his retirement had a News Of The World column, is also likely to be slated. Ex-DCS Cook is, too. A former detective who worked on the last Morgan murder investigation, Abelard 2, said: 'The problem with the Morgan case was the historic corruption at the very beginning. The inquiry I worked on under Dave Cook was set up to fail. I think that the higher echelons at the Yard put it in motion just to appease the Morgan family.' Ex-Detective Chief Inspector Paul Settle, who worked on Abelard 2 from 2006 to 2007, told the Mail he was 'astonished' that the panel inquiry team had not contacted him for a statement on the murder investigation, which he said was 'under resourced and lacked direction'. Settle, who blew the whistle on Scotland Yard's OperationMidland inquiry, said: 'I think it is criminal that so much money has been spent on the Daniel Morgan panel inquiry and that it has taken so long. I fail to see what they could have unearthed that we didn't know already. There was undoubtedly police corruption in the original Morgan investigation. The guilt in this case lies not just with those who carried out the murder, but also with any police officer who interfered in the investigation.' Those failings some criminal are about to come back to haunt those at the top at Scotland Yard. by Austin Bay March 23, 2021 In his new book, "The China Nightmare: The Grand Ambitions of a Decaying State," scholar Daniel Blumenthal makes a telling point about the Chinese dictatorship's operational and strategic decisions: "China is not just driven by its own assessment of its strengths and weaknesses; it carefully calculates Washington's power and will before acting." Blumenthal specifically addressed Chinese diplomacy under former President Hu Jintao, current President Xi Jinping's predecessor. However, his point applies to China's communist leaders since the mid-1980s and arguably since 1972, when then-President Richard Nixon met Mao Zedong. Understand that Blumenthal sees communist China as a very vulnerable political entity. I tend to agree, at least as long as a self-assured and militarily adept U.S. has the will to oppose China's dictators and provide classic, inspiring, pro-individual freedom U.S. leadership. (Unashamed plug: See the China chapter of my book "Cocktails From Hell.") Appropriate Shakespeare allusion: Inspirational American will -- that's the rub. March 2021 exposed a serious rub: the well-calculated diplomatic and personal disdain senior Chinese officials displayed for President Biden's administration. The theatrics occurred at last week's high-level U.S.-China talks. The talks -- "face-losing debacle" describes the U.S. experience -- took place on U.S. soil, in Anchorage, Alaska. So dub it the Alaska Ambush, a Chinese diplomatic and information warfare cocktail. Ambush -- isn't that a tactic? A high-ranking Chinese Communist Party foreign policy official surprising a U.S. secretary of state indicates China seeks strategic advantages from the bashfest. Blumenthal's insight helps contextualize the incident. Opening remarks were supposed to be limited to two minutes. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken observed the agreement. Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Director Yang Jiechi launched a 17-minute tirade damning America. The tirade included these choice examples. Yang said, "it is important for the United States to change its own image and to stop advancing its own democracy in the rest of the world." Right -- freedom is predatory. He reprised Cold War communist themes by asserting China opposes using force "to topple other regimes" and accused the U.S. of using violence to "massacre the people of other countries." Remember, China is currently being accused of murdering Turkic Uighurs in western China (yes, a genocide). At one point, Yang mentioned Black Lives Matter and alleged that "many people within the United States actually have little confidence in the democracy of the United States." The fact that Yang's harangue occurred on American soil with no American interruption may have added to the perceived "loss of American face" in some Asian audiences. Yang's rhetorical jabs certainly mocked the Biden administration's fatuous slogan "America Is Back." "Back to what?" is a fair question. The Alaska Ambush nixes any Washington Post tout of a moral high ground, "soft power" Democratic diplomacy that deserves broad bipartisan support. The correct answer: The incident reveals a simultaneously naive and just-plain-dangerous return to Beltway foreign policy conventionalism. Alas, Biden neo-conventionalism is now expressed and personified by Biden administration usual suspects who spent 2020 kowtowing to Black Lives Matter and antifa street violence, insurrection and identity politics cancel culture. They also leveraged Big Lies Told by Big Media, like The New York Times' 1619 Project, which falsely claimed slavery was America's foundational raison d'etre. Perhaps that vile spew of America-hate and reframed Cold War communist disinformation helped defeat former President Donald Trump. However, the Biden neo-conventionalists (yes, the new neo-cons) now occupy positions of power, where, presumably, they have the responsibility of defending America and Americans physically, economically and, yes, institutionally. Recall Blumenthal's point. China's Alaska Ambush demonstrates how the neo-conventionalists' election-year anti-American propaganda created a diplomatic and potentially economic vulnerability that China has decided to exploit. The Russia-collusion hoax -- involving senior FBI and CIA officials as well as senior political operatives of former President Obama's administration -- and Hunter Biden's media-ignored Ukrainian and Chinese business activities also handcuff Biden neo-conventionalists who call for American unity. We don't know if Beijing possesses blackmail leverage over Hunter Biden. That noted, his China-investment scandal haunts American diplomacy. The Alaska Ambush's orchestrated slander and macho theatrics indicate Beijing believes it holds the diplomatic and information initiative. It bets frightened Asian and African nations will notice America's feckless leadership. TAIPEI, Taiwan - Over the past week, Beijing got a taste of President Joe Biden's new China strategy: first came the dressing-down over human rights by Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a meeting in Alaska. Days later, the European Union, Britain, Canada and the United States joined to censure China's abuses in Xinjiang with coordinated sanctions. Australia and New Zealand chimed in with statements of condemnation. Now, Beijing is demonstrating it has friends, too. Two months into the Biden presidency, the administration's strategy of rallying U.S. allies to pressure China is already yielding visible results. But the tactic is pushing Beijing to cement ties with its own partners, which represent some of the most vexing geopolitical regions facing successive U.S. presidents: Russia, North Korea, Iran. Although China has expressed willingness to cooperate with Washington on a range of issues, it signaled this week it retains vast influence among countries outside the Western orbit, which could potentially complicate Biden's international agenda in an increasingly polarized world. The Biden administration is "pursuing containment, even if they don't call it that," Jia Qingguo, a Peking University professor who sits on a Chinese national advisory body on foreign policy, said in an interview. "Whether they intend it or not, the consequence is pushing us into a bifurcated world," Jia said. "In China, more people are thinking we need to form our own closer security relationships with certain countries, and others who worry about this road we may have to take." For China, sanctions announced Monday by the European Union against officials in Xinjiang amounted to a stinging rebuke from a key Western bloc that China believed it had won over last year with an investment treaty. China was outraged by the sanctions and immediately hit back against European politicians and academics by levying its own, throwing the long-sought accord into jeopardy. The war of words escalated spectacularly this week as European governments summoned Chinese ambassadors to express their displeasure - the veteran envoy to France, Lu Shaye, pointedly ignored his summons - while China angrily pointed to Europe's historical record of atrocities, including the Holocaust. Just as China's relations with Europe imploded, Russia stepped in. On Monday, 72 hours after a heated meeting between Blinken, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and their Chinese counterparts, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov landed in China, where he urged China and Russia, two "like-minded countries," to join forces to dismantle the U.S. dollar's grip over the international payments system that enables U.S. sanctions. The United States was "relying on the military-political alliances of the Cold War era," Lavrov told reporters in Guilin, while also taking a swipe at Brussels. China's foreign ministry responded approvingly. "The United States and its 'Five Eyes' allies coordinated this week as if they're starting a gang fight," said the ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying. "Just look at the map and you will know that China has friends all over the world. What would we worry about?" This week was the latest showcase for warming ties between China and Russia, two historically distrusting neighbors. In 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin made pancakes with Xi in Vladivostok as Chinese soldiers joined 300,000 Russian troops for the biggest Russian military drill since the Cold War. In recent years, Russia has grown increasingly enmeshed inside China's economic engine. Russia's gross domestic product is dwarfed by China's, but it plays a crucial role as China's second biggest oil supplier, closely behind Saudi Arabia. Michael McFaul, former ambassador to Moscow under President Barack Obama, said Xi and Putin were driven together by both geopolitical necessity and their autocratic, nationalistic personalities. But beyond the rhetorical bluster of standing together against the West, the picture is more nuanced, said McFaul, a Stanford University historian who is writing a book about the three-way relationship among the United States, Russia and China. "Putin has made up his mind that we're the enemy, our multilateral institutions are the enemy, and he would like China to join him in an illiberal bloc," he said. "I get the sense Chinese haven't made that decision yet. They're uncomfortable with blocs." In the case of Europe, Chinese leaders surveying the landscape after a tumultuous week may feel that relations are salvageable, said Bruno Macaes, a former Portuguese official for European affairs and a fellow at the Hudson Institute. Individual countries can still hammer out unilateral trade deals with China, and trade could still flourish, even if it's highly unlikely that the investment treaty with China will now be ratified by a parliament that includes members who have been freshly sanctioned by Beijing, he said. Macaes noted that China now accounts for about 40% of sales for the three largest German carmakers, Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler. "These sanctions don't mean economic decoupling," he said. In the meantime, China is quickly shoring up support among more reliable allies around the world. On Monday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a message to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailing the relationship between the two historical comrades as a "valuable asset" and promising humanitarian aid. Kim, meanwhile, stressed "unity and cooperation" with China in the face of a "hostile" new U.S. administration, according to North Korean state media. North Korea fired off its first missile test of the Biden administration over the weekend, U.S. officials said. And on Wednesday, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi left for a swing around the Middle East, a divided region that will give him an almost uniformly friendly welcome. Wang's stops include Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran, a U.S.-sanctioned economy that is being propped up in significant part by Chinese oil purchases. Jia, the Chinese government adviser, said China continues to be willing to help on a multilateral efforts to denuclearize North Korea and Iran, or to resume the Paris climate accord, and would not necessarily link cooperation on these issues with areas of friction with Washington. But don't test China's patience, he warned. "China believes it's a stakeholder of the existing international order, but if you take away its stake, you'll see a much different face," he said. "To help Americans while they keep bashing you? I don't think China would do that." 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: AIADMK on Tuesday announced the expulsion of jailed leader VK Sasikala from party and fortified temporary general secretary post. The party passed a resolution in this regard in the general council meeting. While reading out the resolution, state minister and party leader B Udaykumar told that AIADMK to be unified faction and they will retrieve 'two leaves' party symbol. Udaykumar said that all office bearers, who are appointed by Amma (Jayalalithaa) as office bearers, will continue in their capacity. All those appointed by Amma(Jayalalithaa) as office bearers, to continue: RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 All those appointed by Amma(Jayalalithaa) as office bearers, to continue, he said. He said all announcements of TTV Dinakaran are not binding on the party. All announcements of TTV Dinakaran are not binding on the party:RB Udaykumar,TN Min reads out resolution at #AiadmkGeneralCouncil ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 On Monday, the Madras High Court quashed a plea seeking to stay the general council and executive committee meeting called by Chief Minister Palaniswami-led faction of the AIADMK on Tuesday. Justice C V Karthikeyan dismissed the petition filed by P Vetrivel, MLA, a supporter of sidelined AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran, and slapped a fine of Rs one lakh on him for wasting the time of the court. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has kicked off early stage clinical trials of an experimental oral antiviral drug to treat COVID-19. The company announced the phase one trial of the drug, PF-07321332, is currently taking place in the U.S. The treatment is a potent protease inhibitor, the same kind of technology used to treat HIV and hepatitis C. Protease inhibitors bind to a viral enzyme and prevent the virus from replicating in the cell. Pfizer said preclinical studies showed the oral antiviral "demonstrated potent in vitro anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2, as well as activity against other coronaviruses." That means the treatment could be useful against future coronavirus threats. "Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic requires both prevention via vaccine and targeted treatment for those who contract the virus. Given the way that SARS-CoV-2 is mutating and the continued global impact of COVID-19, it appears likely that it will be critical to have access to therapeutic options both now and beyond the pandemic," Mikeal Dolsten, Pfizer chief scientific officer, said in a statement. Dolsten said the oral therapy could be prescribed to a patient at the first sign of infection, without requiring they be hospitalized or in critical care. Pfizer is also studying an intravenous anti-viral therapy to treat COVID-19 that is being used in a clinical trial involving hospitalized patients. Currently, the only FDA-approved anti-viral treatment for COVID-19 is Gileads Remdesivir therapy. Pfizer says it will share pre-clinical data on its experimental pill on April 6, The Hill reported. Gandhinagar, March 24 : Government health care facilities in 18 of Gujarat's 33 districts lack CT Scan and MRI machines, the state Assembly was informed on Wednesday. Making the admission in response to a series of questions by Congress members in regarding availability and functionality of CT Scan and MRI machines in the government run hospitals in districts, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who also holds the Health portfolio, said that 28 government run hospitals do not have CT Scan machines or they are not operational. He said government health facilities in 18 districts do not have the machines, and in the last two years, only one CT Scan machine was purchased in Vadodara. Patel, however, said that in the districts which do not have the machines in the government hospitals, the government has inked MOUs with local private hospitals/ clinics which are providing free services to the government hospital patients, and are later reimbursed by the government. As Jamjodhpur MLA Chirag Kalaria alleged that there is one CT Scan machine in the GG Hospital of Jamnagar but it has never been used, Patel said that there was no technical staff available to operate it. He also said that during Covid-19 pandemic, the government realised that the hospitals were falling short of radiologists, as applicants were far lesser than the number of vacancies. The Congress alleged that there are only 5 MRI machines and 16 CT scan machines available in government clinics or hospitals, and a majority of them are non-functional, forcing poor people to approach private hospitals during times like Covid-19 pandemic when a CT scan is imperative. PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. - An inquiry investigating why Lionel Desmond killed three family members and himself in 2017 heard Wednesday from a health-care professional who said the former soldier required two assessments after he left a residential treatment program in 2016 but they never happened. Lionel Desmond (front row, far right) was part of the 2nd battalion, of the Royal Canadian Regiment, based at CFB Gagetown and shown in this 2007 handout photo taken in Panjwai district in between patrol base Wilson and Masum Ghar in Afghanistan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Facebook-Trev Bungay MANDATORY CREDIT PORT HAWKESBURY, N.S. - An inquiry investigating why Lionel Desmond killed three family members and himself in 2017 heard Wednesday from a health-care professional who said the former soldier required two assessments after he left a residential treatment program in 2016 but they never happened. Occupational therapist Julie Beauchesne, who works at Ste. Anne's hospital in Montreal, testified that the former corporal needed a functional assessment and a neuropsychological assessment. But neither of those tests was conducted during the four months before the killings in rural Nova Scotia, the inquiry heard. Beauchesne said the tests were essential to Desmond's continuity of care, given the fact that he was still suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. She said Desmond was polite and motivated, but he was also struggling with anger, anxiety, irritability, poor self-regulation and bitterness over his medical discharge from the military in 2015. "He was going through a lot," she said, adding that she saw Desmond on a daily basis during his stay at the hospital between May 30, 2016 and Aug. 15, 2016. Desmond served as a combat soldier in Afghanistan in 2007 and was diagnosed with severe PTSD and major depression in 2011. He received more than four years of treatment before he left the Canadian Armed Forces. Beauchesne said she determined through testing that Desmond was also dealing with a mild cognitive impairment, though it was unclear what was causing that problem. She said the functional assessment, which would have been conducted in Desmond's home, was to determine how he was coping as a spouse, father and friend. "The important thing was that there were some people there who could assess what was going on and offer support," she said. "The work was just beginning, in a way." As for the neuropsychological assessment, Beauchesne said it was needed to determine what was causing Desmond's cognitive problems, which included disorganization, a short attention span and a poor memory. "There wasn't any huge fear of his having a catastrophe," Beauchesne told the inquiry, adding that Desmond would not have been released from the hospital if he presented a risk to himself or others. However, she said the two assessments were key to improving his mental health. "It wasn't an emergency, but it was a priority," she said. The provincial fatality inquiry, which started last year, has heard that the former infantryman complained about three separate accidents that may have caused a possible traumatic brain injury. But the Montreal hospital did not have the expertise to assess such a condition. The inquiry also heard that the team working with Desmond at Ste. Anne's had determined something was interfering with his progress, which led to speculation about a possible brain injury. The team recommended the two assessments to Veterans Affairs Canada and Desmond's external treatment team at the provincial Operational Stress Injury (OSI) clinic in Fredericton. But the inquiry has heard evidence that Desmond's case fell through the cracks over the next four months, as he completed a move from Oromocto, N.B., to a new home in Upper Big Tracadie, N.S. "The fact that he was moving to another province made things more complex," Beauchesne said. The inquiry has heard that the staff providing treatment to Desmond at the OSI clinic in Fredericton had reached out to the OSI clinic in Halifax, but there was some miscommunication over Desmond's file. Between August 2016 and January 2017, Desmond's mental health seemed to get worse. Warren Zimmer, the provincial court judge presiding over the inquiry, told Beauchesne that Desmond was complaining of worsening PTSD symptoms when he showed up at a hospital emergency room in Antigonish, N.S., on Oct. 24, 2016. Zimmer read aloud from hospital files showing Desmond was feeling, angry, sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, depressed and paranoid when he spoke to doctors in the emergency ward. As well, he talked about angry outbursts, nightmares, a strained relationship with his wife and his inability to navigate the systems set up by Veterans Affairs Canada. The judge asked Beauchesne if it would be accurate to describe Desmond's condition on that day as a serious degradation of his mental health. The occupational therapist agreed. "It's a fair observation that things went downward," she said. The judge also noted that on Dec. 2, 2016, Desmond met with Dr. Ian Slayter, the hospital's psychiatrist, who would later agree to take Desmond on as a patient, mainly because his symptoms were complex and he appeared to have "fallen through the cracks." Zimmer said Desmond had spoken with a community therapist in Antigonish during that critical time, which was arranged by Veterans Affairs. But the inquiry has determined that he received no actual therapeutic treatment after he left Ste. Anne's. On Jan. 3, 2017, Desmond bought a rifle in Antigonish and later shot his 31-year-old wife, their 10-year-old daughter, Aaliyah, and his 52-year-old mother, Brenda, before turning the gun on himself in their home. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2021. By Michael MacDonald in Halifax The researchers found the dog's bones in a burial site that is one of the earliest monumental tombs identified in Arabia, roughly contemporary with such tombs already dated further north in the Levant. Evidence shows the earliest use of the tomb was circa 4300 BCE and received burials for at least 600 years during the Neolithic-Chalcolithic era an indication that the inhabitants may have had a shared memory of people, places and the connection between them. "What we are finding will revolutionize how we view periods like the Neolithic in the Middle East. To have that kind of memory, that people may have known for hundreds of years where their kin were buried that's unheard of in this period in this region," said Melissa Kennedy, assistant director of the Aerial Archaeology in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (AAKSAU) AlUla project. "AlUla is at a point where we're going to begin to realize how important it was to the development of mankind across the Middle East," said the AAKSAU director, Hugh Thomas. This is the earliest evidence of a domesticated dog in Arabia by a margin of circa 1,000 years. The findings are being published in the Journal of Field Archaeology. The project team, with Saudi and international members, focused its efforts on two above-ground burial sites dating to the 5th and 4th millennia BCE and located 130 kilometres apart, one in volcanic uplands and the other in arid badlands. The sites were above ground, which is unique for that period of Arabian history, and were positioned for maximum visibility. The research team detected the sites by using satellite imagery and then by aerial photography from a helicopter. Ground fieldwork began in late 2018. It was in the volcanic uplands site that 26 fragments of a single dog's bones were found, alongside with bones from 11 humans six adults, an adolescent and four children. The dog's bones showed signs of arthritis, which suggests the animal lived with the humans into its middle or old age. After assembling the bones, the team then had to determine that they were from a dog and not from a similar animal such as a desert wolf. The team's zooarchaeologist, Laura Strolin, was able to show it was indeed a dog by analysing one bone in particular, from the animal's left front leg. The breadth of this bone was 21.0 mm, which is in the range of other ancient Middle Eastern dogs. In comparison, the wolves of that time and place had a breadth of 24.7 to 26 mm for the same bone. The dog's bones were dated to between circa 4200 and 4000 BCE. Rock art found in the region indicates that the Neolithic inhabitants used dogs when hunting ibex, wild asses and other animals. The fieldwork uncovered other noteworthy artefacts, including a leaf-shaped mother-of-pearl pendant at the volcanic uplands site and a carnelian bead found at the arid badlands site. The researchers expect more findings in future as a result of the massive survey from the air and on the ground, and multiple targeted excavations in the AlUla region undertaken by the AAKSAU and other teams, which are operating under the auspices of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU). The AAKSAU team is led by researchers from the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia. The researchers note that AlUla is a largely unexplored area located in a part of the world that has a fertile archaeological heritage of recognized global value. "This article from RCU's work at AlUla establishes benchmarks. There is much more to come as we reveal the depth and breadth of the area's archaeological heritage," said Rebecca Foote, Director of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Research for RCU. Other aspects of the intensive archaeological activity at AlUla will be revealed in the new Discovery Channel show Architects of Ancient Arabia, which debuts on March 31. This reflects the commitment of the Royal Commission for AlUla to highlight the history and heritage of the county, and to transform AlUla into the largest living museum in the world, aligning with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030. About AlUla Located 1,100km from Riyadh in north-west Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km, includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and comprises nearly 100 well-preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut into sandstone outcrops. Current research suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Romans after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE. In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a series of fascinating historical and archaeological sites such as: Ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st-millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient rock art sites and inscriptions; and Hijaz Railway stations. About the Royal Commission for AlUla The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in North-West Saudi Arabia. RCU's long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable, and sensitive approach to urban and economic development, that preserves the area's natural and historic heritage, while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work, and visit. This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment, and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme. Other RCU development work Over the past three years, RCU has conducted other development work with multiple partners around the world. This has included expanding capacity at AlUla airport by 300 percent and building Maraya, the award-winning multi-purpose conference and entertainment venue. The 500-seat Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, has hosted global signature events, such as the Hegra Conference of Nobel Laureates and the Winter at Tantora cultural festival, which featured artists including Andrea Bocelli and Lang Lang. Additionally, previously announced signature hospitality projects include the development of luxury resorts in partnership with Accor, Habitas, Aman and Jean Nouvel. SOURCE Royal Commission for AlUla for Saudi Arabia Highlights Elon Musk on Wednesday announced that people can now buy a Tesla car with Bitcoin. The Tesla CEOs announcement comes over a month after Teslas $1.5 billion investment in the cryptocurrency. Musk also said that Bitcoin paid to Tesla will not be converted to fiat currency and will be retained as bitcoin. Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Wednesday announced that people can now buy a Tesla car with Bitcoin. He further said that Bitcoin paid to Tesla will not be converted to fiat currency and will be retained as bitcoin. Musk on Twitter wrote, "You can now buy a Tesla with Bitcoin." He further noted, "Tesla is using only internal & open source software & operates Bitcoin nodes directly. Bitcoin paid to Tesla will be retained as Bitcoin, not converted to fiat currency." The Tesla CEO's announcement comes over a month after Tesla's $1.5 billion investment in the cryptocurrency. The investment news was confirmed by Tesla's 10-K report with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) . "We invested an aggregate $1.50 billion in bitcoin under this policy and may acquire and hold digital assets from time to time or long-term. Moreover, we expect to begin accepting bitcoin as a form of payment for our products in the near future, subject to applicable laws and initially on a limited basis, which we may or may not liquidate upon receipt," the company had noted in a report. Musk has mentioned cryptocurrencies like Bitccoin and Dogecoin in his tweets several times causing their value to surge in the past. Dogecoin, the meme-based cryptocurrency is now the 13th-largest cryptocurrency with a market cap of around $7.2 billion, according to Bloomberg. Musk in the past has noted that the future Mars economy could be based on cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin. He had also written "Mars economy will run on crypto," in a reply to a tweet. Musk's company SpaceX's Mars program eventually aims to colonise the planet. Meanwhile, the Indian government is looking at imposing a ban on crypto-currency trading, mining and investments in the country. This will include Bitcoin and other popular crypto-currencies. A bill for the same has already been proposed recently. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in the Rajya Sabha that a high-level Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Economic Affairs) to study the issues related to virtual currencies and propose actions through which all private cryptocurrencies, except any virtual currencies issued by state, will be prohibited in India. Recently, 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. He said the RBI's plans to launch its own digital currency remained a "work in progress". A health worker holds a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at Sn Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) The European Union moved Wednesday toward imposing stricter export controls for coronavirus vaccines, seeking to make sure there are more COVID-19 shots to boost the bloc's flagging vaccine campaign as new infections surge. The EU's executive body said on the eve of a summit of the EU's 27 leaders that it has a plan to guarantee that more vaccines produced in the bloc are available for its own citizens even if it comes at the cost of helping nations outside the bloc. The EU move is expected to be a blow to Britain, whose speedy vaccination rollout has been eyed with envy by many EU nations, especially since it came as the U.K. formally completed its Brexit divorce from the bloc. The latest figures show that 45% of British adults have had at least one vaccine shot, compared to less than 14% for the bloc. The EU Commission said it would proceed on a case-by-case basis but attention centered on the U.K. and the Anglo-Swedish company AstraZeneca, which has two vaccine factories in EU territory. "I mention specifically the U.K.," said EU Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis. Since the end of January, "some 10 million doses have been exported from the EU to the U.K. and zero doses have been exported from U.K. to the EU." "So it's clear that we also need to look at those aspects of reciprocity and proportionality," he said. European Council President Charles Michel, second left, talks to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, right on a screen, during a video conference ahead of a EU summit at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. (Stephanie Lecocq, Photo Pool via AP) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU has approved the export of 41 million vaccine doses to 33 countries in the last six weeks and believes that it stands at the forefront of international vaccine-sharing efforts. Under a less stringent export control system in force so far, only one vaccine shipment in 381 has been barred. That was supposed to be sent to Australia, which has a very limited coronavirus outbreak compared to the third surge of infections that many EU nations are now facing. World Health Organization officials say new infections are rising across Europe after previously declining for six weeks. "We have secured more than enough doses for the entire population. But we have to ensure timely and sufficient vaccine deliveries to EU citizens," von der Leyen said. "Every day counts." The EU has been feuding with AstraZeneca for months in a dispute over exactly how many vaccine doses would be delivered by certain dates. Several vaccine producers, including Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca, were hit by production delays over the winter, just as worldwide demands for coronavirus vaccines soared. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has sought to ease the tensions over vaccines, speaking by phone in the past few days to European leaders including von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron. Javier Crespo receives a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, during a mass vaccination campaign at Sn Pedro Hospital, in Logrono, northern Spain, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Spain resumed the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) "We're all fighting the same pandemic across the whole of the European continent," Johnson told a news conference on Tuesday evening. "Vaccines are an international operation," he said, adding that the U.K. would "continue to work with European partners to deliver the vaccine rollout. "We in this country don't believe in blockades of any kind of vaccines or vaccine materials," he said. Still, the EU has been insisting that two AstraZeneca plants in Britain should also be considered part of the EU vaccine deliveries. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. It's the first time that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed Eritrean forces were present during the conflict in Tigray. He also admitted that rape and other atrocities were committed during the fighting. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed on Tuesday that troops from Eritrea were involved in fighting in northern Tigray. It's the first official acknowledgement of neighboring Eritrea's involvement in the conflict, coming after months of denials and reports of human rights abuses. What did Abiy say about Eritrean troops? In a wide-ranging parliamentary address, Abiy said that Eritrean troops crossed the border into northern Tigray after fighting broke out in November last year. The prime minister said Eritrea was concerned it would be attacked by forces loyal to the then-governing party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The party has long been at odds with Eritrea. "Eritrea told us it had national security issues and as a result had seized areas on the border," Abiy said, adding that Eritrea promised to leave once Ethiopian troops were able to secure the border. He also said Eritrea argued that the TPLF had pushed them to enter the battle "by firing rockets" across the border. What did the PM say about rights abuses? Abiy also acknowledged that human rights atrocities had been committed during the conflict, including rape and looting. "Battle is destructive, it hurts many, there is no question about it. There has been damage that happened in the Tigray region, notwithstanding the propaganda and lies, information indicates there have been rapes of women and looting of properties." Abiy did not explicitly name which forces were behind the atrocities, but he appeared to imply that Ethiopian as well as Eritrean forces might have been involved. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Ethiopia Governance Conflict By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. "The Eritrean government has severely condemned alleged abuses and has said it will take measures against any of its soldiers accused of such," he said. Abiy also said any member of Ethiopia's troops "who committed rape and looting against our Tigrayan sisters will be held accountable." However, Tigray's police service told Reuters agency they currently have no ability to investigate the military. Why is this significant? Abiy's remarks on Tuesday come after months of denials from the Ethiopian and Eritrean governments that Eritrea was involved in the conflict. Rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch both released reports documenting brutal attacks on civilians -- including the killings of hundreds civilians in the city of Axum, with rights organizations reporting Eritrean soldiers carried out the killings. What happened in Tigray? A violent conflict erupted in the semi-autonomous region of Tigray in early November last year, after forces loyal to the TPLF attacked several of Ethiopia's federal army camps in the region. Abiy then ordered a counter-offensive to unseat the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's government for decades before Abiy came to power in 2018. Some 60,000 refugees fled from Tigray to neighboring Sudan. An exact death toll in the region remains unknown. The United Nations has sounded the alarm about atrocities committed during the conflict, while the US has described the acts as ethnic cleansing -- which Ethiopia firmly denies. (AFP, Reuters) Nat Moore, 69, formerly of the Miami Dolphins, receives his vaccination card after getting his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center, in Miami, on Dec. 30, 2020. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images) More Businesses Offer Perks for Proof of Vaccination: Free Donuts and Rides, Dine-In Discounts Businesses across the United States are increasingly leaning into the vaccination effort, offering a range of freebies and incentives to customers who show proof of getting a COVID-19 shot. Security experts note, however, that the information on vaccine record cardscurrently the only proof of vaccinationcontains sensitive information that bad actors could exploit; they urge people to be mindful when flashing the cardsand definitely not share photos of them on social media. Three separate vaccines against the CCP virus have been approved in the United States, and a fourth emergency use application is expected soon for AstraZenecas version. Over 128 million doses have been administered as of March 23, with the highest administration rates in New Mexico, Alaska, Connecticut, and the Dakotas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Looking to help the vaccination rollout build more steam, many companiesincluding Amtrak, Dollar General, Instacart, McDonalds, and Targethave offered incentives to their employees to get the vaccine, including paid leave, footing the bill for rides to and from administration sites, and cash payments. Some businesses are now taking that a step further and starting to offer their customers vaccine perks. Krispy Kreme announced on March 22 that it will offer a free Original Glazed doughnut anytime, any day, every day for the rest of the year for customers in the United States who display a vaccine card. Some local food and beverage retailers have launched similar tactics to promote vaccinations. Rumbleseat Bar & Grille, a restaurant in Chicopee, Massachusetts, said in a Facebook post in early February that it will offer a 20 percent discount for dine-in meals to customers with proof of vaccination. Oak and Reel, a Detroit restaurant, offered customers a 50 percent discount on dine-in meals. We want to encourage people to get the vaccine and celebrate those who have, Oak and Reel chef and owner Jared Gadbaw said, according to the Detroit Free Press. Major corporations are also looking to encourage people to get vaccinated, with Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg recently announcing a global campaign to get 50 million people a step closer to getting COVID-19 vaccines, including by expanding the use of chatbots and other tools to encourage people to register for a shot. Others will help people travel, with Lyft and Uber offering to provide free transportation to vaccination centers, according to the Wall Street Journal. Generally, to qualify for the perkslike Krispy Kremes free donutpeople need to show their vaccination cards, which include their name and date of birth and are currently the only proof anyone has that theyve been vaccinated. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned people not to be careless with displaying the cards, urging them in a blog post not to post selfies of themselves holding the document. The self-identifying information on it makes you vulnerable to identity theft and can help scammers create phony versions, the BBB said. Sandra Guile of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus told Good Morning America recently that some unsavory individuals out there will use the information on vaccine cards and will try to open up credit cards, buy cellphones, go shopping. Jake Milstein, a cybersecurity expert and chief marketing officer at CI Security, told NBC5 Chicago that the information on vaccine cards is of value to criminals and urged caution. This is why on the black market and on the dark web, health care records sell for more than identity records, Milstein told the outlet. MIAMI, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- After receiving bids from publishing firms around the world, the Los Cabos Hotel Association (AHLC) has awarded its publishing partnership contract to Havas House, the global custom media, content, and publishing division of Republica Havas and the Havas Creative North America Network. Based in Miami, Florida, and led by seasoned media executive Marisa Beazel as president, Havas House is dedicated to developing exceptional, trend-setting work on behalf of its clients. Havas House The Los Cabos Hotel Association "We look forward to a wonderful working relationship with Marisa and the team," said Lilzi Orci, executive president of the Los Cabos Hotel Association. "With creativity and innovation, Havas House will showcase the best we have to offer, even as the industry itself has experienced dramatic changes in the last 20 years," Orci added. Through its award-winning travel guides, digital publications, and social media, the Havas House team has experience representing the iconic Mexican resort towns that make up Los Cabos and has demonstrated its unflagging sense of responsibility for the region's ongoing success. "We have deep-rooted connections to Los Cabos and its people, and we're thrilled to welcome the Los Cabos Hotel Association to Havas House," said Marisa Beazel, president and publisher of Havas House. "Having them award us their custom publishing contract is an honor and a resounding endorsement of our talented team's work," Beazel added. About Havas House Havas House is a global custom media, content, and publishing company that creates meaningful connections between brands and consumers through innovative, 360-degree marketing solutions. Based in Miami, Florida, Havas House services include custom content, content production, integrated brand campaign development, social media, SEO/SEM, development, and design of digital publishing platforms, digital editions, print magazines, and marketing materials. Havas House is a division of Republica Havas, one of America's leading and fastest-growing creative, media, and communications agencies. For more information, visit havashouseinc.com . About AHLC The Asociacion de Hoteles de Los Cabos (Los Cabos Hotel Association) is tasked with promoting consensus and collaboration among its members, while strengthening alliances with local businesses and government institutions. Established in 1997, the Association is celebrating its 24th anniversary boasting 85 member properties that represent approximately 18,000 rooms, with an additional 3,000 rooms scheduled to become available. The Association's vision is to maintain a resort infrastructure that supports the needs of the local tourism sector by providing and promoting quality of service while adhering to the industry's best practices for sustainable growth, pursuing ever-higher occupancy rates and increasing the number of local jobs created to benefit the Los Cabos economy. MEDIA CONTACT: Ingrid Martinez [email protected] 954-347-8975 SOURCE Havas House (@FahadShabbir) DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 24th Mar, 2021) A massive cargo ship turned sideways in Egypts Suez Canal, blocking traffic in a crucial East-West waterway for global shipping, according to satellite data accessed Wednesday. Traffic on the narrow waterway dividing continental Africa from the Sinai Peninsula stopped Tuesday after the MV Ever Given, a Panama-flagged container ship with an owner listed in Japan, got stuck. It wasnt immediately clear what caused the Ever Given to turn sideways in the canal. GAC, a global shipping and logistics company, described the Ever Given as suffering "a blackout while transiting in a northerly direction," without elaborating. Others blamed high winds for turning the vessel. The Ever Givens bow was touching the canals eastern wall, while its stern looked lodged against its western wall, according to satellite data from MarineTraffic.com. Several tug boats surrounded the ship, likely attempting to push it the right way, the data showed. An image posted to Instagram by a user on another waiting cargo ship showed the Ever Given wedged across the canal. Canal authorities could not be immediately reached early Wednesday. The ship appeared to be stuck some 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) north of the southernly mouth of the canal near the city of Suez. Cargo ships and oil tankers appeared to be lining up at the southern end of the Suez Canal, waiting to be able to pass through the waterway to the Mediterranean Sea, according to Marine Traffic data. A United Nations database listed the Ever Given as being owned by Shoei Kisen KK, a ship-leasing firm based in Imabari, Japan. The firm could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday. The ship had listed its destination as Rotterdam in the Netherlands prior to getting stuck in the canal. Evergreen Marine Corp., a major Taiwan-based shipping company, also listed the Ever Given among ships in its fleet and the ship bears its colour scheme and logo. Evergreen could not immediately be reached for comment, though Taiwans state-run Central news Agency quoted unidentified company sources as saying the ship had been overcome by strong winds as it entered the Suez Canal from the Red Sea but none of its containers had sunk. The Ever Given, built in 2018 with a length of nearly 400 metres (a quarter mile) and a width of 59 metres (193 feet), is among the largest cargo ships in the world. Opened in 1869, the Suez Canal provides a crucial link for oil, natural gas and cargo being shipping from East to West. Around 10 percent of the worlds trade flows through the waterway and it remains one of Egypts top foreign Currency earners. In 2015, the government of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi completed a major expansion of the canal, allowing it to accommodate the worlds largest vessels. The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh to move the Bombay High Court with his petition, where he has unleashed a barrage of allegations against Home Minister Anil Deshmukh. Singh, who was represented by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, urged the top court to direct a fair CBI investigation into the acts of Deshmukh in abuse of his official position. A bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said there seems to be some hunky-dory between the concerned parties going on for a long time, and asked Singh's lawyer why he has not made Deshmukh a party in the case despite levelling allegations against him. Rohatgi said he will make Deshmukh a party in the matter, and urged the top court to hear the matter, as the plea raises very serious issues. The top court noted that Singh has made serious allegations against the home minister in the government. "We have no doubt the matter is serious affecting the administration at large...We say it is a serious issue. We are also noticing it...if you want an independent probe the High Court can also do it. You should move the High Court under Article 226," Justice Kaul told Rohatgi. In a petition in the Supreme Court, Singh has accused Deshmukh of adopting corrupt practices in posting or transfer of police officers to implicating BJP leaders in MP Mohan Delkar's suicide. Singh's lawyer insisted that the top court should direct the High Court to take up the matter on Wednesday, as there is some intrinsic evidence in the nature of CCTV footage in possession of ATS, which they are not handing over to the NIA. Rohatgi said he will move before the Bombay High Court Wednesday afternoon with a plea for an urgent hearing on Thursday. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In March the Jingle Bells Foundation donated to seven local food shelves including this $2000 donation to Alexandria Area High School's "the Shelf". These students, sophomore Destiny Brown and senior Daniel Couillard, accepted a check from Jingle Bells Foundation vice president Joe Korkowski. The students are part of AAHS instructor Chris Kragenbring's REACH class. The students from that class help run the food shelf and participated in the Empty Bowls Project. Tributes have sprung up around the world, following the tragic news of Stephen Lungus passing. Each of these tributes honours Stephens fruitful ministry, and reflects on his beautiful smile and joyous laughter. It was not always this way, though. Born to a young teenage mother in 1942, Stephen was abandoned at the age of 7. Living on the streets, he became a hardened terrorist. Stephens testimony is incredible. He encountered the love of Christ at a Christian tent crusade, where he and his gang had planned to kill all in attendance. Still clutching petrol bombs concealed in paper bags, Stephen wept at the altar. He described how that night, after encountering Christ, he felt indescribable joy and truly laughed for the first time. Since the day he came to Christ, Stephens joy overflowed in passionate evangelism. Leading countless multitudes to Christ, Stephens life echoed the words of the psalmist, Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. (Psalm 51:12-13) Stephen explained that I look at myself as a miracle of Gods grace, so I believe that the power of Jesus Christ to save sinners still exists. If He can change me, He can change anyone. Winning souls for Christ. Its my calling. Its my passion. Its me. Stephen Lungu was laid to rest on the 18th of January. The tears of his beloved wife, Mama Rachael, and their 5 children, mingled with the tears of the countless lives he touched, will one day be wiped away. And until then, we remember the smile of Stephen Lungu. A smile that gave us a glimpse of heaven where his joy is now made complete. EU-based team brings a unique omnichannel optimization platform and digital transformation capabilities to leading life-sciences companies BETHESDA, Md., March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Value & Health, the industry leader for commercialization services for innovative life science companies, today announced that it has acquired Across Health. Across Health is a leading global omnichannel engagement consultancy focused on providing clients an analytical and evidence-based framework for commercial strategy, execution, and resource optimization. The company's solutions are based around its proprietary, market-leading Navigator365 product suite, which more than 40 pharmaceutical companies rely on for omnichannel planning and resource allocation. The Across Health team is already working hand-in-hand with Precision's medical communications, creative, and data sciences teams to offer analytically driven launch and commercialization programs across the product life cycle. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Belgium, Across Health partners with blue-chip life science clients to design, execute, and track omnichannel strategies and digital transformation programs. The foundation of Across Health's solutions is their market-leading Navigator365 product suite, a SaaS-based analytical platform for omnichannel launch planning, campaign strategy formulation, resource allocation, and impact measurement. These innovative products are complemented by decades of deep industry consulting expertise that helps clients develop a measurably effective omnichannel strategy - for launch, and throughout the entire commercialization life cycle. Commenting on the acquisition, Precision Value & Health's EVP, Physician and Patient Engagement, Carolyn Morgan explains "The cultural fit between our teams was immediate and collaboration began almost instinctively. Across Health is built around a family of proprietary products that helps clients optimize their go-to-market strategy and resources using a uniquely actionable analytical framework. Their expertise, plus the Navigator365, allows us to step into a new level of evidence-based omnichannel customer engagement that will drive better decision making, and even greater success, for our clients." Across Health's founder and CEO, Fonny Schenck says, "For years we have honed our pragmatic, evidence-based, end-to-end products and consultative insights to accelerate digital transformation and optimize the omnichannel go-to-market model for leading life science companies. This laser-sharp focus has resulted in broad customer adoption (16 of top 20 biopharma are clients) and excellent customer feedback (2020 NPS = 74). We are excited to team up with Precision Value & Health, so that we can better serve our current and future clients across the globe with a complete range of offerings." Technology Holdings served as the exclusive financial advisor to Across Health. To find out more about Across Health's proprietary end-to-end omnichannel consultancy services and the Navigator365 and Scala365 product suites, please visit the website at https://www.across.health/ About Precision Value & Health Precision Value & Health is engineered to bring specialized expertise to every juncture of the innovation and commercialization continuum. With teams harnessing data-driven evidence and leveraging real-world experience, Precision Value & Health partners with life science companies to establish and communicate the clinical, economic, and humanistic value of innovative therapies. Our commercialization capabilities include PRECISIONadvisors (global pricing and market access strategy), PRECISIONeffect (healthcare communications and marketing), PRECISIONheor (evidence generation and strategy), PRECISIONscientia (medical communications), PRECISIONvalue (managed markets marketing), and PRECISIONxtract (data-driven analytics and insights) Precision Value & Health is shifting the trajectory and accelerating your success. Visit: www.precisionvaluehealth.com Media Contact: Louis Landon, Precision Medicine Group Media Relations 310-984-7707 louis.landon@precisionmedicinegrp.com The car industry is pleading with the federal government to adopt the sectors own ambitious 2030 climate targets and send a message to international manufacturers to prioritise zero and low-emissions technology vehicles for the Australian market. All major car brands have signed up to new industry standards that target annual reductions in carbon emissions for new cars sold. For passenger vehicles and light SUVs theyre targeting 4 per cent reductions each year over the next decade and 3 per cent for new heavy SUVs and light commercial vehicles. All major car brands have signed up to new industry standards that target annual reductions in carbon emissions for new cars sold. Credit:Bloomberg The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries argues the target will be critical in Australias efforts to meet its climate obligations as part of the Paris agreement and will ensure customers have the best choice of vehicle technologies ranging from full electric vehicles, hybrids to efficient internal combustion engines. Greenhouse gas emissions within the transport sector represent almost 20 per cent of Australias annual totals with carbon levels from the automotive sector around half of that figure. Drastically reducing emissions in the sector is viewed as critical if Australia is to achieve a 26 to 28 per cent decrease from 2005 levels by 2030. Britain's unemployment rate, in the three months to January, was estimated at 5.0 percent, 1.1 percentage points higher than a year earlier and 0.1 percentage points higher than the previous quarter, the British Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Tuesday. James Smith, a developed markets economist at financial services firm ING, said the unexpected drop by a 10th of a percentage point to 5 percent despite fresh lockdown policies, signaling "the jobs market remained fairly stable". "After a volatile autumn, the UK jobs market stabilised through the winter, helped of course by the extended furlough scheme," said Smith. Ruth Gregory, an economist at the London-based economic analysis firm Capital Economics, said the decrease of jobless rate highlighted "once again the extent to which the (British) government's job furlough scheme has protected jobs during the pandemic." "We still expect the unemployment rate to rise further to a peak of 6.0 percent by early 2022, but that would be a much better result than most feared only a few months ago," Gregory added. Noting that the unemployment rate was hard to estimate, Smith said "we think the unemployment rate could reach 6-6.5 percent later this year. However unlike previous jobs crises, the peak may not last for long and we'd expect a gradual improvement through 2022." Suren Thiru, head of economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, echoed the prediction of rising jobless rate ahead. "With many firms struggling with the damage done to their cash-flow by a year of COVID restrictions, unemployment is likely to remain on an upward trajectory until well beyond a full reopening of the economy," said Thiru. The ONS data came as Britain on Monday recorded the lowest daily COVID-19 related death toll since late September last year. On Feb. 22, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his long-anticipated "roadmap" exiting the lockdown. The March 8 reopening of schools was first part of the four-step plan which is expected to see all legal restrictions in England being removed by mid-June. Other parts of Britain, including Wales and Norther Ireland, have also unveiled plans to ease the restrictions. Experts have warned Britain is "still not out of the woods" amid concerns over new variants and the risks of the public breaching restriction rules. 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. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu waves to his supporters after the first exit poll results for the Israeli parliamentary elections at his Likud party's headquarters in Jerusalem, on March. 24, 2021. (Ariel Schalit/AP Photo) Israel Vote Deadlock: Netanyahu Appears Short of Majority JERUSALEMUncertainty hovered over the outcome of Israels parliamentary election Wednesday, with both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sworn political rivals determined to depose him apparently lacking a clear path to a governing coalition. Deadlock in the 120-seat parliament was a real possibility a day after the election, which had been dominated by Netanyahus polarizing leadership. With about 90 percent of the vote counted by Wednesday morning, Netanyahus Likud party and its ultra-Orthodox and far-right allies fell short of a 61-seat majorityeven if the Yamina party of Netanyahu ally-turned-critic Naftali Bennett were to join a Netanyahu-led government. Bennett has refused to endorse either side. At the same time, a small Arab party emerged as a potential kingmaker on Wednesday morning after the latest count indicated it would cross the threshold to get into parliament. Like Bennett, the head of the Raam party, Mansour Abbas, has not ruled out joining either camp. Were not in anyones pocket, he told the 103 FM radio station. Were willing to have contact with both of the sides with anyone who is trying to form a government and sees himself as a future prime minister, Abbas added, reflecting the long road of negotiations ahead. If theres an offer we will sit, we will talk. With key players on both sides ruling out an alliance with Abbas, a fifth election also remained a possibility if neither camp can form a coalition. In that case, Netanyahu would remain a caretaker prime minister while facing a corruption trial and possible confrontation with U.S. President Joe Biden over Iran. The final tally of the votes cast at regular polling stations was near complete on Wednesday, Israeli media said. But even then, much could still change. The elections commission was still counting about 450,000 absentee ballots from voters who cast them outside their home polling place. The initial results showed the country as deeply divided as ever, with an array of small sectarian parties dominating the parliament. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara cast their ballots at a polling station as Israelis vote in a general election, in Jerusalem, on March 23, 2021. (Ronen Zvulun/Pool via AP) Israeli politician Naftali Bennett, leader of the right wing New Right party, and his wife Gilat vote in the city of Raanana, Israel, on March 23, 2021. (Tsafrir Abayov/AP Photo) The results also signaled a continuing shift of the Israeli electorate toward the right wing, which supports West Bank settlements and opposes concessions in peace talks with the Palestinians. That trend was highlighted by the strong showing of an ultranationalist anti-Arab religious party. After three previous inconclusive elections, Netanyahu had been hoping for a decisive victory that would allow him to form a government with his traditional ultra-Orthodox and hard-line nationalist allies and seek immunity from corruption charges. In an address to supporters early Wednesday, a subdued Netanyahu boasted of a great achievement but stopped short of declaring victory. Instead, he appeared to reach out to his opponents and called for the formation of a stable government that would avoid another election. We must not under any circumstances drag the state of Israel to new elections, to a fifth election, he said. We must form a stable government now. Bennett could play an outsized role. He shares Netanyahus hard-line nationalist ideology and would seem to be more likely to ultimately join the prime minister. But Bennett has not ruled out joining forces with Netanyahus opponents. During the campaign, Netanyahu emphasized Israels highly successful coronavirus vaccination drive. He moved aggressively to secure enough vaccines for Israels 9.3 million people, and in three months the country has inoculated some 80 percent of its adult population. That has enabled the government to open restaurants, stores, and the airport just in time for election day. He also tried to portray himself as a global statesman, pointing to the four diplomatic accords he reached with Arab countries last year. Those agreements were brokered by his close ally, then-President Donald Trump. Netanyahus opponents say the prime minister bungled many other aspects of the pandemic, particularly by allowing his ultra-Orthodox allies to ignore lockdown rules and fuel a high infection rate for much of the year. Over 6,000 Israelis have died from COVID-19, and the economy continues to struggle with double-digit unemployment. They also point to Netanyahus corruption trial, saying someone who is under indictment for serious crimes is not fit to lead the country. Netanyahu has been charged with fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in a series of scandals that he dismisses as a witch hunt by a hostile media and legal system. The Biden administration has kept its distance, a contrast to Trumps support. Netanyahu has hardly mentioned the new American president, with whom hes clashed over how to rein in Irans nuclear capabilities. After the election results come in, attention will turn to the countrys figurehead president, Reuven Rivlin. He will hold a series of meetings with party leaders and then choose the one he believes has the best chance of forming a government as his prime minister-designate. That could set off weeks of horse-trading. By Laurie Kellman Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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. 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. Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has vetoed legislation requiring the state to refund fines imposed on businesses violating coronavirus safety rules, as the states virus cases and hospitalizations continued to drop. The sponsor of the refund legislation said hed seek an override, which only requires a simple majority of both chambers of the Legislature. The bill would have required the states Alcohol and Beverage Control Division to refund about $38,000 to bars and restaurants for violating the states rules, which included capacity limits. The only message sent by this bill is that the rule of law does not matter, Hutchinson said in a letter to legislative leaders. It is an affront to those citizens who diligently followed health and safety directives to protect themselves and their fellow Arkansans. Hutchinson last month lifted most of the states virus restrictions and over the weekend said he believed the state is on track to end its mask mandate on March 31. The override fight comes as Hutchinson has faced pushback from some fellow Republicans in the Legislature over the states virus rules. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, the refund bills sponsor, filed a lawsuit last year with other GOP legislators challenging the states virus restrictions. That lawsuit was dismissed by a Pulaski County judge and an appeal is pending before the state Supreme Court. This is about the separation of powers and the people who elected us expect us to have a voice in the decisions that are made, Sullivan said. Hutchinson on Tuesday also signed into law a bill that expands the Legislatures power to terminate an emergency declaration. Last week he allowed another measure preventing businesses from being penalized for customers not following virus rules to become law without his signature. The governor in his letter said he disagreed with aspects of those measures, but called them an appropriate exercise of the Legislatures power. Arkansas COVID-19 hospitalizations on Tuesday dropped by eight to 184. Its active cases, meaning ones that dont include people who have recovered or died, dropped by 246 to 2,332. The states overall virus cases rose by 52 to 328,707 total since the pandemic began. The state reported five new COVID-19 deaths, bringing its total to 5,544. The Department of Health said nearly 960,000 of the 1.6 million virus vaccine doses allotted to the state have been given so far. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics COVID-19 Arkansas About 88 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in the country are in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable section that needs to be protected, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the case fatality rate in this age group is 2.85 per cent. "About 88 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in the country are taking place in the age group of 45 years and above, making them the most vulnerable group that needs to be protected," he said, adding that this is the reason behind allowing vaccination for those above 45 years from April 1. Speaking about the new variants, National Centre for Disease Control Director S K Singh said 771 variants of concern (VOCs) have been detected in 18 states and union territories, which include 736 samples positive for viruses of the UK (B.1.1.7) lineage. Till now, no linkage has been established to say that the surge being witnessed in some states is directly because of only mutations. There are various reasons behind a surge. States having a larger pool of susceptible population are prone to witness rise in cases. Whenever the susceptible population will lower their guard and not follow COVID-19-appropriate behaviour, they will get the infection, be it the normal virus or the mutants, he said. There are only three variants of concern, detected in the UK, South Africa and Brazil. In addition to these, some other variants of interest have also been found in some states, including Maharashtra and Delhi, which need to be further analysed and investigated, he added. Bhushan said there are roughly three per cent active cases of COVID-19 and these active cases are concentrated mainly in 10 districts -- nine in Maharashtra and one in Karnataka. "Two states are of grave concern which showed recent surge in cases. First is Maharashtra which reported over 28,000 cases. The top five districts are Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, Thane and Nashik," he said. Bhushan said Punjab is another state of grave concern because, considering its population, a very high number of cases are being reported by it. Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Hoshiarpur in Punjab are reporting high number of cases, he said. [March 24, 2021] Aavishkaar Group dedicates its Group Impact Report 2020 to 55 Million women leaders in its ecosystem MUMBAI, India, March 24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Aavishkaar Group announced the launch of its Group Impact Report 2020 and dedicated the report to the 55 Million Women leaders who are part of its ecosystem. Aavishkaar Group is an Impact Platform with a vision to Bridge the opportunity gap for the emerging 3 Billion across the Global South. Considered a Pioneer in the space of Impact Investing, the group has over last 20 years; through its various initiatives served the need of 100+ million underserved customers in India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and East Africa. On the eve of the Launch, Swati Rai, Co-founder and Director of Aavishkaar Group said, "Our impact report of 2020 is dedicated to the silent humanity of women leaders across Asia and Africa, 55 Million have been part of Aavishkaar Group Impact Journey. I am delighted that our Group Impact report features twelve such bold, resilient women who embraced risks to impact their communities and change lives. As the Sustainable Development Goal seeks a new world in 2030, let us celebrate the march of 50% of us to celebrate equity and inclusion by 2030." Manoj Nambiar, Vice Chair of Group Executive Council, Aavishkaar Group and Managing Director of Arohan added, "Aavishkaar Group Impact Report 2020, showcase our Impact learning, told, through the eyes of 55 million women, whose vision has shaped us and helped us forge our own Impact journey. Women whose stories inspired us to do better, whose resilience helped us steer our mission, and whose invaluable contribution toour impact has humbled us time and again." Vineet Rai, Chairman Aavishkaar Group said, "The idea of Impact cannot be justified without 50% of humanity comprising Women to be on equal footing across all levels with Men. Aavishkaar Group intends to achieve perfect gender balance by 2030 with equal representation of women across our products, services, Board, leadership and employment. We are imperfect today on all aspects and we aspire to boldly challenge the status quo and be fully aligned on the Gender equity by 2030." Some of the key highlights from the report include: 12 powerful stories of bold, resilient women, embracing risks to impact their communities in Asia and Africa and $1.1+ Billion Assets Under Management; 100+ Million Underserved Customers; 10.2 Million People supported with financial services through investments; 2.3 Million micro loans provided; 6.2 Million Farmers supported through investments & engagements; 1.5 Million MT CO 2 emission reduced by the group and through investments; 28 Million People provided with essential services through investments emission reduced by the group and through investments; 28 Million People provided with essential services through investments 55% Underserved Women Customers; over 10 Million Women supported with affordable financial services through investments; 2.2 Million women provided with micro loans; over 1.5 Million Women Farmers supported through investments & engagements; over 13 Million women provided with essential services through investments. Aavishkaar Group actively contributes to 14 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) To download the Aavishkaar Group Impact Report click here: http://www.aavishkaargroup.com/images/Aavishkaar_Impact_Report2020_V1.pdf About the Aavishkaar Group: The Aavishkaar Group are global pioneers in taking an entrepreneurship-based approach towards development. The Group is focused on developing the impact ecosystem in the continents of Asia and Africa. Aavishkaar Group manages assets in excess of USD 1.2 Billion across Equity and Credit, with 7,000+ employees present across India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Kenya. The Group's ecosystems include Aavishkaar Capital - Impact fund manager focused on Global South, Arohan- One of India's largest & most digitally advanced microfinance institution (MFI) targeting low income households, Ashv Finance- Phygital NBFC, offering unique cash flow based business loans to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Intellecap - Global Impact advisory firm providing Consulting, Investment banking and Inclusive networking platform. The Group's shareholders include TIAA-Nuveen, Triodos Bank, Shell Foundation and Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank FMO. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON/KYIV -- When U.S.-based Enerkon Solar International announced on February 23 that the Ukrainian government had awarded it a massive solar-energy power project near Chernobyl and the development of a nationwide next-generation wireless technology network, it should have been big news in a country starved for foreign investment. Combined, Enerkons planned three-gigawatt solar project in the disaster zone around the defunct nuclear power plant -- which is also to produce hydrogen fuel for export when completed -- and a 5G network would require nearly $2 billion in investment, its CEO said. By comparison, the country received total foreign investment of about $3 billion in 2019. Remarkably, the story appeared to receive no coverage in the Ukrainian press. An Enerkon press release on March 5 announcing that its CEO, Benjamin Ballout, had registered under the U.S. Justice Department's Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to lobby for Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleh Uruskiy during the officials upcoming trip to the United States, also received little media attention in Ukraine. In the release, Ballout said he would be organizing a series of business meetings for Uruskiy -- with whom the American businessman had been in touch regarding the two deals. Ballout said the deputy prime minister would meet with such firms as Cisco Systems, Nokia, Erickson, and SpaceX, the rocket company owned by billionaire Elon Musk, in an effort to help advance 5G in the country. The silence that met the blockbuster announcements contrasted with an audible buzz among a raucous group of penny-stock traders who follow Enerkons share price, which has skyrocketed by as much as 3,400 percent since November in part on expectations of a Ukraine deal. You and your crew under big scrutiny now. U cant ever spy on me to a foreign gov and get away with it. While the shares have pulled back from a high of $2.09, as of March 23 they were up almost 900 percent since Enerkon first announced the talks, at $0.59 -- a price that put Ballouts net worth, at least on paper, at nearly $20 million. Some investors on popular online stock discussion sites have voiced suspicion about the deal with Ukraine and claim Enerkon is seeking to inflate the price of its shares with false press releases so that insiders can sell shares at a high price, an illegal practice known as pump and dump. Enerkon bulls -- market players who have expressed optimism about the company and its shares -- accuse the naysayers of seeking to make money the opposite way: by selling shares they dont own and driving down the stock price with negative comments. Such short sellers, as they are called, make money by buying back the shares at a lower price and pocketing the difference. In a phone call with RFE/RL on March 9 and during a webinar with investors on March 15, Ballout reiterated that he had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ukrainian government and denied any stock manipulation. In response to a query, however, Uruskiys office sent RFE/RL a letter signed by the deputy prime minister stating that he had no information about any cooperation between the Ukrainian government and Enerkon. Uruskiy, who oversees strategic industries, said that solar and telecom projects are not part of his mandate. The Energy Ministry also told RFE/RL it had no information about Enerkons solar project, and the Ministry of Digital Transformation said it had held no negotiations with Enerkon concerning 5G projects. Serhiy Kostyuk, head of the state agency responsible for the exclusion zone around Chernobyl, the site of the nuclear disaster in April 1986, told RFE/RL that Enerkons Ukrainian partner Anatoliy Ryazantsev spoke with him only on March 10 -- weeks after the press release of a deal was announced -- to express interest in an alternative energy project in the region. Kostyuk said his office is waiting for the companys presentation. Ambitious Plans As RFE/RL reporters called Ukrainian officials to seek confirmation or comment on the agreements described in the press releases, Ballout began to threaten them, accusing a Washington-based reporter and a Kyiv-based reporter of spying. You and your crew under big scrutiny now. U cant ever spy on me to a foreign gov and get away with it, he texted on March 22. In a March 14 e-mail to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, including Ukrainian police, Ballout asked them to open a criminal investigation into the reporters for spreading Russian disinformation and seeking to damage relations between Washington and Kyiv. Ballout is just the latest U.S.-registered lobbyist for Ukraine in recent years to spark intrigue. Marcus Cohen, an American lawyer, hired Signal Group Consulting in 2019 to lobby on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose administration denied any connection to the effort. A year earlier, a Delaware-registered company hired another Washington-based firm to lobby on behalf of presidential candidate Yulia Tymoshenko, who also denied any connection to the initiative. 'Rather Far-fetched' In his March 5 press release, Ballout said that American Ukraine Green Energy and Telecommunications Holdings -- a joint venture between Enerkon and Ryazantsev, registered in the state of Wyoming -- had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ukrainian government on the solar energy and 5G projects. Our now signed MOU gives us great optimism and motivation towards the final [Engineering, Procurement, and Construction] contract Agreements and engagements," said the statement, which is filled with grammatical errors and erratic punctuation, making the precise meaning of some of its claims difficult to decipher. Ukrainian and foreign business executives expressed bewilderment, saying that the scale and timing of the projects described seemed ambitious or unrealistic. "The announced projects have raised eyebrows and seem rather far-fetched within the current environment," the American Chamber of Commerce in Kyiv told RFE/RL in a statement, pointing out that Ukraine is still focused on developing the older generation of mobile technology known as 4G. No tender for 5G frequencies is expected until December 2021 at the earliest. A significant portion of Ukraine is not yet covered by 4G, and few people in the nation of 44 million can afford 5G phones. Kateryna Pavlova, a former head of the state agency overseeing the Chernobyl disaster zone, said there are substantial technical hurdles to the energy project, which would require a sufficient amount of flat land with existing infrastructure, such as transmission lines and transformers, to handle three-gigawatt output. There is no hope for implementation of the project," she told RFE/RL. World's Largest Solar Plant? Enerkons Chernobyl project would be nearly 40 percent larger than the 2.2 GW solar plant completed last year in Chinas remote Qinghai Province, which is currently the worlds biggest. Players in Ukraines alternative energy industry also said its a terrible time to move ahead with any solar energy project in the country, especially one so large. The Ukrainian government last year reneged on its investment contracts with alternative energy producers and slashed tariffs, causing upheaval. Ballout showed RFE/RL a copy of the February letter he received from Uruskiys office that he claims awarded Enerkon the two deals. WATCH: Enerkon CEO Benjamin Ballout in a YouTube interview in March 2019: While he redacted part of the original letter due to what he said were privacy concerns, it appeared to be nothing more than a polite acknowledgement: Uruskiy thanked the U.S. businessman for his investment proposal, saying it aligns with Ukraines vision of its own economic development. In the official statement to RFE/RL, the deputy prime ministers office said that Ballout had reached out regarding the projects but denied that Uruskiy had signed any memorandums of understanding. The deputy prime ministers office also denied that Ballout would be setting up any meetings in the United States for Uruskiy, a former Ukrainian space agency chief who has headed the Ministry for Strategic Industries since its creation in July 2020. Who Is Benjamin Ballout? Ballouts LinkedIn page describes his main employment over the past decade as managing director of Diplomatic Trade, a multinational corporation represents (sic) government in Trade, Liaisons, and Lobbying with an Executive experience bringing in over Twenty years of experience in various industries. Before this year, Ballout -- who emigrated to the U.S. state of Michigan from Lebanon -- had never registered to represent a foreign government under FARA, and he does not appear on congressional records as a lobbyist for domestic or foreign corporations. Michigan records show that Ballout had registered several businesses in the state in the 2000s prior to launching Diplomatic Trade, including Royal Valet and Fromaggio Pizza. He filed for personal bankruptcy twice, most recently in 2011, when he racked up $300,000 in debt, including business loans. Ballout founded Enerkon in 2016, and two years later announced his company was purchasing a solar-energy asset worth $40 million in a stock transaction. Today, Ballout claims the company has solar projects in several countries, including a 500-megawatt development in Mozambique. Mozambiques current installed solar capacity is about 60 megawatts, according to media reports, which would likely make Enerkons project the African nations largest. It is clear to us that the information being disseminated to the public about Enerkon contains false and misleading information. RFE/RL was unable to find any mention of such a project in media reports and other on-line resources. I dont have any reference of such [a] company, Marcelina Joel, the director of legal affairs at Mozambiques Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, said when contacted by RFE/RL through social media. Enerkon is a penny stock whose shares trade on the over-the-counter market for companies that do not meet the listing requirements to trade on a formal exchange, such as multiple years of audited financial reports. Red Flags Enerkons 2020 annual report shows revenues of $40 million and a cash cushion as of December 31 of $17.5 million. Brenda Hamilton, a Florida-based securities lawyer at Hamilton & Associates Law Group, said that Enerkons financial statements raise many red flags, pointing out that Ballout prepared the earning statements himself, which is not a common practice for a publicly traded company, and that they were not audited by a third party. In his letter to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, Ballout asked law enforcement to arrest and interrogate RFE/RL reporters researching this story. She also pointed out that Enerkon tweeted a version of the FARA filing that differs from the one on the Justice Departments website. The Short Form registration document on the Justice Departments website simply states Ballout will render services for the Ukrainian government. The one he retweeted states the company is the lead contractor and financial manager for a telecommunications project and will be inviting a major U.S. partner into the project. It is clear to us that the information being disseminated to the public about Enerkon contains false and misleading information, Hamilton, who has analyzed the filings of hundreds of penny stocks over the years, told RFE/RL after looking through the companys financial reports and press releases. Some stock investors became suspicious of Enerkon when -- after the companys share price skyrocketed earlier this year amid talk of a Ukraine deal -- they realized it was registered at a modest house in Florida rather than an office building. The company headquarters now has an address on Madison Avenue in New York City. They also found fault with the companys website design and its lack of information about its overseas projects. As the questions mounted, Ballout held webinars to give investors more information. During the March 15 online conference, Ballout was joined by a man he introduced as Dr. Henry King, whom he described as an economist and consultant. King discussed the two projects in Ukraine at length. RFE/RL could not find anyone with that name and profession online. A man with a voice that sounded like Kings had identified himself during a call with RFE/RL days earlier as Richard Cohen, Ballouts legal counsel. Ukraine Connection In his press releases and communications with investors, Ballout described Ryazantsev, his partner in American Ukraine Green Energy and Telecommunications Holdings, as the CEO of Ukrainian Capital Bank as well as the director of UkrDorZvyazok, the state-owned company that services the telecommunications network used by road maintenance crews. When contacted by RFE/RL, Ryazantsev said that he had never been CEO of the bank but had been a shareholder in the past. Ukrainian central bank records show that Ryazantsevs family owned about 10 percent until 2015. Ryazantsev told RFE/RL he would soon be joining UkrDorZvyazok as a deputy director. According to Ballouts March 5 press release, UkrDorZvyazok is the partner of American Ukraine Green Energy and Telecommunications Holdings in the 5G project. However, UkrDorZvyazok director-general, Viktor Bondar, told RFE/RL there were no plans to hire Ryazantsev or to roll out a 5G network. Ryazantsev told RFE/RL he was introduced to Ballout through mutual acquaintances and helped virtually introduce the American businessman to Uruskiy. Uruskiy is expected to travel to the United States in the coming weeks to discuss the nations defense industry, which Washington is pushing Kyiv to reform. The agenda is being organized by the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. An embassy spokesman, Daniel Langenkamp, said that Ballouts companies were not involved. Nonetheless, Enerkon investors were again told during the March 15 call that Ballout is organizing a meeting for Uruskiy with representatives of SpaceX in Washington. Ballout showed RFE/RL a photo of a letter he sent to Patricia Cooper, SpaceX's vice president of government affairs in Washington, as proof he is involved. Neither Cooper nor SpaceXs press department responded to requests for comment. In his letter to U.S. and Ukrainian officials, Ballout asked law enforcement to arrest and interrogate RFE/RL reporters researching this story, alleging -- among other things -- that they are attempting to damage Billion USD Commercial relations between our company and the Government of the Ukraine. Written by Todd Prince in Washington, with additional reporting by Liubomyra Remazhevska and Georgiy Shabaev of RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service in Kyiv Chennai: The Congress party has released another list of 30 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu State Assembly elections. The party's interim chief Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and former Union Minister P Chidambaram are among the star campaigners who will campaign for the Congress party ahead of the Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. The list of campaigners for the state assembly elections consists of 30 leaders that include Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Ashok Gehlot (Rajasthan Chief Minister), Dinesh Gundu Rao, Manish Tiwari and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah among many others. Regional leaders have made it to the list as well, leaders like KS Alagiri (Tamil Nadu Congress president) and MPs A Chellakumar and Manickam Tagore have also been included in the list. Tamil Nadu State Assembly polls will be held in a single phase on April 6, 2021. The counting of the votes will be done on May 2. Polls will be held for 234 seats in the state with the Congress-DMK and BJP-AIADMK alliance being the major groups contesting against each other. Last week, Alagiri had released the Congress manifesto for the Assembly election, promising to close liquor shops, bring in a law to protect inter-caste marriages, and prevent honour killings as well as tax exemption for startups for five years among other things if voted to power. He promised that 500 youths would be trained in every district for government jobs Live TV Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. 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This content is not available in your region 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. I woke up last week to the news that there had been a mass shooting in Atlanta, and the shooter seemed to have a specific target: Asian American women. What I had feared deep down for several months had finally come to pass. The hateful rhetoric and anger toward Asians had reached its full bloom. The fatal attack seemed to be the result of growing animosity and violence toward my people over the year since the pandemic began. Little did I know, there was more to the nightmare. As I scrolled down the newsfeed, I caught a glimpse of the picture of the gunman. For a moment, I thought he looked like someone I knew. Then I saw the name, and my heart sank in a way that I didnt know it could. The murder suspect was a member of the church in Georgia where I served before my current pastoral position in Maryland. Our families are friends. For a moment, I thought it was a terrible dream. When I woke my wife to tell her the news, I couldnt speak. She knew something was wrong and asked, Whats going on? What happened? and I couldnt get the words out of my mouth. Ive spent the past several days trying to process the shooting and figure out how to grieve. The stories of the six Asian American women among the victims reminded me so much of my own mother. She has worked 12-hour days for almost the entirety of the four decades shes lived in the United States. I couldnt stop thinking about Hyun Jung Grant, the 51-year-old single mom who left her two sons orphaned and heartbroken. I grieved for my people. In the midst of my grief, I also felt frustrated by the response. So many people, in their efforts to speak prophetically on social media, began suggesting what led the shooter to a place where he would target Asian American women. Because the media uncovered details about his faith, much of the criticism was directed toward Crabapple First Baptist Church, a congregation whose members I love dearly. Some said it was a crisis in discipleship. Others said it had to do with an unhealthy view of guns. Many pointed to purity culture and a warped view of sexuality. One prominent public theologian posted a picture of the church and stated, [The shooter] was radicalized here. I grieved for friends who were caught up in all this. They were shocked and heartbroken over what had happened, as I was, yet had to endure these accusations and speculation. My heart ached all aroundfor the victims whose lives were cut short by an unspeakable, evil act; for the Asian American community who would now be grappling with an existential threat to their safety; for my current multiethnic congregation; for the shooters family and my former church community, who were on the receiving end of uncharitable public ire. Opportunity for our own reflection Those who know Crabapple First Baptist only as the church that had posted the baptism and testimony of a young man who went on to kill eight people are bound to have a distorted view. Its hard for us to imagine him among a congregation full of generous, caring, Christ-centered people, but thats who I know Crabapple to be. Its members remain my close friends. The day Crabapple First Baptist voted to bring me on staff, the entire church erupted with applause and this overwhelming sense of joy. Any fear that I might have had about my being received in a predominantly white Southern Baptist church vanished. My family thoroughly enjoyed our three years there (20122015), and in hindsight, the Lord used that period to give us much-needed rest and support. As with all churches, Crabapple is not a perfect place. It does have its shortcomings, but not the ones that would lead a young man to go on a murderous rampage. Can people find fault as they comb through sermons and dissect its documents? Of course. I think the churchs current leaders would be the first to admit that. I am not sure that any church in America would go unscathed if put through the same scrutiny. Article continues below While our hot takes and our instincts to place blame may prove unwise, there is an opportunity for Christians to engage in sober reflection. No man is an island, and we are our brothers keeper. As they grieve, Crabapple will be able to carefully consider any blind spots brought to light by this incident, and the rest of us too will have a chance to take a closer look at our own churches, institutions, and hearts. I share in the mounting frustration among minority Christians in our country. I have great angst over the racial animosity that has come to the surface in the last several years and have been dismayed at times by the churchs response. When ethnic minorities accuse or point to a church culture that might have led to a deadly shooting, its because we already have concerns about what we see the church consistently tolerate when it comes to the issue of race. Over a hundred years ago, the African American minister Francis J. Grimke called out the white church for their silence after the Wilmington coup in 1898. He lamented that the white people of the North, to a very large extent, are either indifferent to these wrongs or are in sympathy with them. I want to believe that the times have changed, but the last four years, from the Charlottesville coup to today, have shown otherwise. Reconciliation and rebuilding trust When the country went into lockdown, I was a little nervous about the potential negative response to the geographic origin of the virus, and my concerns were raised as the former president called COVID-19 the China virus and Kung flu. It hurt to hear the crowds cheer when he emphasized the terms at his rallies. Some Christians dismissed the rhetoric as Trump being Trump, but his verbiage ended up correlating with the rise in anti-Asian crimes during the pandemic. In my state of Maryland, Gov. Larry Hoganwho is married to a Korean Americanpointed out that while hate crimes overall were down during the pandemic, incidents against Asians were up, by 149 percent according to one study. The case of a 75-year-old Asian man who was fatally assaulted in Oakland, California, this month is not an anomaly but part of a string of attacks on Asian American seniors. We all fear for ourselves and our elders when innocent people are being hurt in broad daylight. For the first time in my life, I think I am beginning to understand the fear that hangs like a cloud over the African American community. I was outraged by the senseless killings of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, but I did not personally feel a sense of threat until the last several months, as anti-Asian violence continued to rise. I do believe that our shared faith as evangelicals offers us not only a place to mourn the state of our country but also a grounding from which to change our response. Historically, the evangelical movement cared greatly about social issuesactivism is one of the four distinctives in David Bebbingtons famous definition of evangelicalism. Evangelicals believed that the gospel lived out had great social implications for our society. It was Jonathan Edwards posterity who worked tirelessly to abolish slavery in America. In fact, Harriet Beecher Stowe was the daughter of a prominent Edwardsean pastor, Lyman Beecher. We, as evangelicals, stand on the shoulders of gospel-centered activists who believed in true religion: to care for widows and orphans. As evangelical Christians, we need to lead the way with robust gospel proclamation and through the transforming power of that gospel strive toward reconciliation. Article continues below Last year, our Asian American church merged with a predominantly Anglo congregation. We met for one week, and then COVID brought everything to a screeching halt. We are now just beginning to meet regularly, but many of our folks at Christ Community Church still do not know each other very well. In many respects, it has been a strange year. As I shared the news of our familys ties to the shootings in Atlanta, I could sense the shock and disbelief. I wondered how each side would see the other. Would there be suspicion and anger or compassion and empathy? As I write these words, I can see the faces of my church members, and I am hopeful. I am hopeful that the bond of unity shared in the Spirit will allow us to jump over the hurdles that keep us apart. My hope is that the evangelical world will move forward together by embracing and cultivating a true evangelical ethos, working toward a hermeneutic of trust. But I know that the hard work must begin in my own house. Chul Yoo is senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Ashton, Maryland. Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids. People queue up outside a vaccination center for BioNTech in Hong Kong Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Hong Kong suspended vaccinations using Pfizer shots - known as BioNTech shots in the city - on Wednesday after they were informed by its distributor Fosun that one batch had defective bottle lids. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Hong Kong suspended use of the Pfizer vaccine Wednesday after its Chinese distributor informed the city that one batch had defective bottle lids. The city's government said the suspension was immediate while the matter is investigated by distributor Fosun Pharma and BioNTech, the German company that created the vaccine with American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer. BioNTech and Fosun Pharma have not found any reason to believe the product is unsafe, according to the statement. However, vaccinations will be halted as a preventive and safety measure. The defective lids were found on vaccines from batch number 210102. A separate batch of vaccines, 210104, will also be not be administered. People queue up outside a vaccination center for BioNTech in Hong Kong Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Hong Kong suspended vaccinations using Pfizer shots - known as BioNTech shots in the city - on Wednesday after they were informed by its distributor Fosun that one batch had defective bottle lids. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) The semi-autonomous territory of Macao also said Wednesday that its residents will not receive the Pfizer shots from the same batch. The vaccines from the batch comprise a total of 585,000 doses, with the other batch number 210104 holding 758,000 doses, according to Hong Kongs Director of Health Constance Chan. Although about 150,000 doses from the batch 210102 have been administered in the city so far, officials said during a press briefing Wednesday that the vaccines were safe to use despite the packaging defects, and that suspending the vaccination was a precautionary measure. Batch number 210104 remains in the warehouse and has not been used. Chan said that there were over 40 instances when medical personnel found defective packaging, such as cracks on the vaccine bottles or leakages when the vaccine was diluted with saline before being administered. None of these vaccines were given to residents and they were thrown away, officials said. A notice of vaccine suspension is placed outside a vaccination center for BioNTech in Hong Kong Wednesday, March 24, 2021.. Hong Kong suspended vaccinations using Pfizer shots - known as BioNTech shots in the city - on Wednesday after they were informed by its distributor Fosun that one batch had defective bottle lids. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Fosun has promised to carry out an immediate investigation so they are going to approach the manufacturer in Germany to look into their plant, Chan said. "When the vaccines arrive in Hong Kong, they will have a review of the whole logistics chain to see if that's the cause of the current situation." She said that officials are urging manufacturers to give a report as soon as possible to check if the batches of vaccines in Hong Kong can be used, otherwise the manufacturers will have to deliver another batch of shots as soon as possible. Residents who are slated to receive their second Pfizer dose starting on Saturday should get the second shot administered as soon as possible, if new vaccines arrive in Hong Kong after the recommended 19- to 42-day window following the first dose. BioNTech said in a statement that it had launched an investigation to find the root cause of the vaccine packaging issues. It said the investigation would look into the entire supply chain of the vaccines from the time the vials were filled all the way to their handling at vaccination centres. The safety of our vaccinees and patients is of utmost importance to BioNTech," the statement said. At this point, we have no reason to believe there is any safety risk posed to the population. The company also said that no other region aside from Hong Kong and Macao had been supplied with doses from the affected batch. Fosun Pharma said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange that it received notice from BioNTech regarding the packaging defects on Tuesday night and informed Hong Kong and Macao authorities on Wednesday to temporarily suspend the vaccines. The suspension of the Pfizer jab means the only vaccine currently offered to residents is China's Sinovac. The two vaccines are the only ones that were offered to residents in Hong Kong. German expatriate Jannis Partsafas was among a group of people who received the Pfizer shot ahead of the suspension. I got vaccinated this morning at 8.30 a.m. before the news went public about the vaccine suspension, and heard the news when I was on my way home, said 32-year-old Partsafas, who works in the sporting goods industry. I'm not very concerned about the safety, but I am worried that this may mean more people will turn down the option of getting vaccinated in Hong Kong which would impact herd immunity and the lifting of social-distancing measures, he said. Some residents who had appointments to receive the Pfizer shots stood in line outside a community centre in the city's Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood at about 10.30 a.m. They eventually left when it became clear the vaccines would not be administered. As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, 403,000 people had received vaccines in the city, of which 150,200 had received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, compared with 252,800 who had taken the Sinovac jab. RTHK: Outrage as 7-year-old killed in Myanmar crackdown The shooting death of a seven-year-old girl in her own home triggered fresh outrage at Myanmar's military crackdown on Wednesday, with at least 20 children reported killed since the junta took charge last month. The regime has unleashed a deadly wave of violence as it struggles to quell nationwide protests against the February 1 ouster and arrest of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The 75-year-old Nobel laureate has a court hearing scheduled on Wednesday as she faces a series of criminal charges that could see her permanently barred from political office. There was chaos overnight in Mandalay with barricades burning, arrests, homes raided by security forces, beatings and machine guns ringing out over multiple neighbourhoods, local media reported. Three people were killed on Tuesday including Khin Myo Chit, 7, shot dead at her home in Mandalay, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a local monitoring group. The girl's death has not yet been independently verified. Aid group Save the Children and AAPP both say that at least 20 people aged under 18 have been killed in the crackdown. "We are horrified that children continue to be among the targets of these fatal attacks on peaceful protestors," Save the Children said in a statement. "The safety of children must be protected under all circumstances and we once again call on security forces to end these deadly attacks against protesters immediately." The charity said it was also extremely worried about "hundreds of young people" being held in detention. Myanmar's junta on Tuesday defended its seven-week crackdown, insisting it would not tolerate "anarchy". AAPP has verified 275 deaths since the coup, but warns the toll could be higher, and says more than 2,800 people have been detained. Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun put the death toll lower at 164, and branded the victims "violent terrorist people" at a Tuesday news conference in the capital Naypyidaw. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-03-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (Natural News) A senior aide of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was accused of rewriting a report from the states Department of Health (DOH), has worked as a law professor in Manhattan and taught about legal ethics in government. The New York Times reported that Linda Lacewell, who currently serves as the superintendent of the states Department of Financial Services and is an adjunct law professor at New York University School of Law, was one of three high-level administration officials who initially intervened to conceal the nursing home coronavirus death count from the public. The other two officials involved were Cuomos top aide Melissa DeRosa and former advisor Jim Malatras, who returned to help the Cuomo administration with the handling of the coronavirus crisis. Former student learns about ethics professors unethical deed Lacewells alleged involvement in withholding the true number of nursing home deaths caught the attention of former NYU School of Law student Kevin Bell. He tweeted that Lacewell was his law school ethics professor and that her class was called Ethics in Government Investigations. The website Law & Crime reported that the class Bell was referring to was actually called Ethics in Government: Investigation and Enforcement. Before taking over as head of financial services, Lacewell served as chief of staff and counselor to the governor where she oversaw executive chamber operations, as well as ethics and law enforcement matters. The health departments report was actually good for Cuomo as the 33-page report issued in July last year concluded that his policy from the early days of the pandemic was not to blame for the states high nursing home death count. But Cuomos top aides apparently didnt like the 9,250 nursing home coronavirus death total from the report because it was way ahead of the next-highest state New Jersey, which had 6,150 at the time. (Related: Cuomo regime undercounted coronavirus nursing home deaths in New York.) They thought the numbers would attract criticisms to Cuomos order in March 25 last year that directed nursing homes to admit or readmit people recently treated for coronavirus. In response to the allegation, the governors office released a statement that said: The out-of-facility data was omitted after the DOH could not confirm it had been adequately verified. The statement also noted that the additional data did not change the conclusion of the report. Several state lawmakers have called on any Cuomo administration official involved in manipulating the report to resign immediately. Lets be clear: if any State employee knowingly whitewashed an official report to cover up the deaths of New Yorkers, that is unacceptable and unethical, at best, Democrat Sen. Todd Kaminsky of Long Island tweeted on March 5. We need to get answers now, and this whole thing reeks. Fellow Democrats call for Cuomos resignation Democrat Sen. Rachel May of Central New York issued a statement on March 5, saying the New York Times report angered her beyond measure. If true, everyone involved in lying to the public and to the Legislature must resign immediately. And that includes the governor, she said. Even though he is not named in this specific article, it was done in his name. It stemmed from his overweening need to burnish his public image, and it was made possible, if not inevitable, by the culture he created of secrecy and fear of retribution that has been amply documented in recent days. Cuomo had been hearing calls for his resignation in the past few days, albeit for a different reason. The series of sexual harassment allegations thrown against him left the high-profile Democrat fighting for his political survival. He had lost the support of almost the entire 29-member New York congressional delegation and a majority of Democrats in the state legislature. New Yorks two U.S. senators, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, issued a joint statement asking for his resignation. Due to the multiple, credible sexual harassment and misconduct allegations, it is clear that Governor Cuomo has lost the confidence of his governing partners and the people of New York, the Democratic senators wrote. Governor Cuomo should resign. Cuomos critics have increased considerably following the sexual harassment allegations. Among them were the leader of the House Democratic campaign arm, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney; New York City progressive U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; Buffalo-based U.S. Rep. Brian Higgins; and a group of Long Island-based state lawmakers who had been known as Cuomo loyalists before. The victims of sexual assault concern me more than politics or other narrow considerations, and I believe Governor Cuomo must step aside, Maloney said. Ocasio-Cortez, in a joint statement with U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, said she was concerned about the safety and well-being of the governors staff. We believe these women, they said. The escalating political crisis has reached the White House. President Joe Biden, a longtime ally of Cuomo and his father, former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo, has been trying to avoid the topic although its becoming increasingly difficult. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki declined to say whether Biden believes Cuomo should resign, but stressed that every woman who has come forward deserves to have her voice heard, should be treated with respect and should be able to tell her story. A defiant Cuomo insisted he would not step down and condemned his Democratic detractors as reckless and dangerous. I did not do what has been alleged. Period, he said. People know the difference between playing politics, bowing to cancel culture and the truth. Follow GovtSlaves.com for more news and information related to the people running the government. Sources include: LawandCrime.com NYTimes.com USNews.com Head of Youth Solidarity Committee Nguyen Tuong Lam and Head of Organizing Committee Doan Ngo Van Cuong of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union have been elected as the Youth Union Central Committees Secretary of the 11th term. Member of the Party Central Committee, First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, and Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Federation Nguyen Anh Tuan congratulates the two new Secretaries. The two new Secretaries were elected at a meeting of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Unions Central Committee held in Hanoi on March 22. Accordingly, the Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Unions Central Committee currently has the first Secretary Nguyen Anh Tuan, the Permanent Secretary Bui Quang Huy and secretaries Nguyen Ngoc Luong, Nguyen Tuong Lam, Ngo Van Cuong. Mr. Nguyen Tuong Lam, 37, holds a doctoral degree in construction, and used to be Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Unions Commission for Popularisation and Education and Deputy Secretary of Dong Thap Provincial Youth Union. Since July 2019, he has been a member of the Standing Committee, Head of the Solidarity Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, and the Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Federation. Mr. Ngo Van Cuong, 37, holds a master degree of business administration, is a construction engineer, and used to be secretary of the Secretariat of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, Secretary of the First Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee, Deputy Chief of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee Office, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union of Bac Giang province, and Head of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committees Rural Youth Department. From July 2019 to November 2020, he was the Head of the Inspection Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee. Since December 2020 Cuong has been Head of the Organizing Committee of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee. Tran Thuong A Nation has to have values and system of addressing problems that are known and acceptable to its population. Once this is the case the behaviour of citizens becomes predictable. However, if citizens do not share the same values and system of addressing a problem, chaos will be the order of the day as each takes matters into one's hand. If Gambians want a democratic society due process must be the means of addressing any infringement of the law. Disagreement with the policy of a Government would be addressed by supporting another party that stands for a different policy while expressing dissatisfaction to promote change of policy by the existing holders of power. Young people should intensify citizenship education so that youth who should vote will not find their ways in jail and fail to vote. The Ballot and not the bullet is the legitimate road to change. Getting and using voters' cards to effect change is the alternative to using matches to burn buildings and maintain the status quo. Actions that will not earn the support of the majority will never lead to democratic change. Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec. Seoul, March 24 : Xiaomi said it will launch new mid range smartphones in South Korea as the Chinese tech giant tries to beef up its presence amid rumors that the country's homegrown brand LG Electronics Inc. may exit from the mobile business. Xiaomi said the Redmi Note 10 will be released in South Korea on March 30 at 218,000 won (US$190), while the Redmi Note 10 Pro will hit shelves on April 9 at 319,000 won. The Redmi Note 10 Pro comes with a quad rear camera setup that includes a 108-megapixel main shooter. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 732G chipset, it features a 6.67-inch screen supporting 120Hz refresh rate and packs a 5,020mAh battery. The Redmi Note 10 also has four cameras on the back, including a 48MP main sensor, and features a 6.43-inch display. Industry observers said Xiaomi is likely to ramp up its push in South Korea this year to take over market share from LG, which has been considering withdrawing from the smartphone business, reports Yonhap news agency. According to market tracker Counterpoint Research, LG was South Korea's third-largest smartphone vendor last year with a share of 13 per cent. Samsung Electronics Co. was the dominant player on its home turf with a market share of 65 per cent, followed by Apple Inc. with a 20 per cent share. Analysts predicted that Xiaomi will target local consumers with midrange smartphones with high-quality specs. Counterpoint Research data showed smartphones priced $400 or below represented 41 per cent of South Korea's smartphone market in 2020, up from 34 per cent a year earlier. Meanwhile, Xiaomi said it will also release TVs in South Korea. The Mi TV 4S will come in 65- and 55-inch sizes here with price tags of 849,000 won and 649,000 won, respectively. Approaching AIRBalloons/Secretly Distribution Portugal. the Man has announced the official release of the long-archived live-in-studio album, Oregon City Sessions. The set captures a young version of the Alaskan band, long before the release of "Feel It Still." It was recorded in 2008 at a Portland suburb studio, and includes live performances of 15 tracks without any re-takes or overdubs. For longtime PtM fans, Oregon City Sessions is something of a Holy Grail. Shortly after it was recorded, the project was shelved in favor of making the band's next album, 2009's The Satanic Satanist. Still, whispers of Oregon City Sessions' eventual release continued for over a decade, and now you'll finally get to hear it in full via digital outlets on April 16. "The first few years of PtM were whirlwind," says frontman John Gourley. "We didn't have a place to live so we were pretty much either recording or touring. We were so wide-eyed coming out of Alaska that every day was an exciting new adventure. I think you can see it in our playing." For a preview, you can check out the Oregon City Sessions version of the song "The Devil" streaming now on YouTube. Oregon City Sessions will be released on CD and vinyl June 11. Here's the track list: "Church Mouth" "Horse Warming Party" "New Orleans" "Bellies Are Full" "1989" "My Mind" "Lay Me Back Down" "Chicago" "And I" "The Devil" "AKA M80 the Wolf" "Colors" "March with 6" "Tommy" "Helter Skelter" By Josh Johnson Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Elon Musk, Tesla Factory, Fremont (CA, USA) in 2011. Credit: CC BY 2.0 Miami Mayor Francis Suarez believes Elon Musk's Boring Company tunnel-makers could build a new mass transit system in Miami's urban corea considerably larger vision than the original Brickell Avenue tunnel Musk initially proposed. Suarez and other Miami officials visited Musk's tunnel system under Las Vegas last week. In a Monday press conference outside city hall, Suarez said the visit helped clarifyand expandhow exactly the tunnels could be used in Miami. Suarez's new vision involves a pedestrian transportation system connecting commuters from Brickell to as far north as Little Haiti, with multiple stops between. According to Suarez, the system would utilize adapted electric SUVs, like Teslas, that transport up to five passengers each through the tunnel system at high speeds. Private passenger vehicles would not be allowed. Musk also owns car maker Tesla. "You get in a car, and you go through a tunnel," Suarez said. The system, with an estimated price tag of $10 million per mile, could potentially be paid for entirely by Boring Co. and financed by riders on a user-fee model, Suarez said. That is the model Las Vegas has used, and he said Miami could even "piggyback" off of Las Vegas' procurement bid, which came with a guaranteed maximum price. Suarez noted the carrying capacity of Boring's system could be as high as 60,000 per hourhigher than the Metrorail's 50,000 people a day. Further savings stem from Musk's tunnels being narrower than other common municipal tunnels built for handling auto traffic. Musk, who spoke personally by phone with Suarez last month, has seen mixed results getting approval for his tunnel projects. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has dismissed a plan by her predecessor Rahm Emanuel to build a privately financed tunnel system from the commercial Loop district to O'Hare Airport as a "fantasy." But Las Vegas has come to embrace the systems. In addition to a tunnel system that connects guests from one end of that city's sprawling convention center to another at under a mile in distance, local officials have also approved a separate tunnel route connecting the convention center to the Las Vegas Strip. Southern California officials have also approved a four-mile route from a station along its Metrolink to a regional airport. There, cost discussions began at $45 million, but the final proposal submitted by The Boring Co. put cost of construction at $85 million, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. The convention center tunnel was built in a little over one year, and Suarez said a similar timeline could be expected for Miami's systemthough he declined to tie himself to a specific time frame. Addressing whether such a system could be built through Miami's porous limestone bedrock, Suarez said Las Vegas' system is built beneath that city's water table and into subsoil that is much denser. "So it's actually a lot harder to penetrate than it would be here," he said. Asked why this project is a priority for his administration at the moment, Suarez said the proposed system would help meet the city's growth needs going forward, and that the opportunity was too important, and unique, to pass up. Suarez said Boring Co. itself has an interest in building something here as a further endorsement of its technology and proof-of-concept. "After seeing it, I even think it's a better idea to do something even more comprehensive," he said. Suarez said the next steps would be to further digest their takeaways from the visit and eventually make a proposal to the city council. Ideally, he said, Miami-Dade County officials would also get on board. To those who doubt its feasibility, he has a simple response. "Get on a plane and go to Las Vegas and check it out for yourself," he said. "It's there. It's real." Explore further Musk sees people-moving Las Vegas tunnel opening in 2020 2021 Miami Herald. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sudbury, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 24, 2021) - Transition Metals Corp (TSXV: XTM) ("Transition", the "Company") announces that the Company has amended its agreement with Battery Minerals Resources Corp (TSXV: BMR ) ("Battery"). The amendment allows for BMR to focus its earn-in efforts on portions of the property under option from Transition considered to be more favourable for hosting silver and cobalt mineralization while facilitating the return of portions of the property considered more favourable for hosting gold to Transition. Under the amended agreement, the Company has waived the expenditure requirement for the second-year option and removed the requirement for Battery to expend funds on gold exploration going forward. The consideration received by Transition includes a $300,000 cash payment (paid), the return of its Gowganda Gold property totaling 968 hectares with two years of good standing and the assignment of the additional contiguous Battery claims totaling 4,011 hectares with one-year good standing (see Figure 1). The assigned Battery claims include a 1% net smelter return royalty held by Battery. Transition CEO, Scott McLean commented, "We are pleased to achieve a constructive outcome for this project with Battery. We view our Gowganda property to be highly prospective for gold since first acquiring it in 2009. Combined with the addition of the new assigned property, the Company now has a strong foothold for gold exploration in the region. Our intention is to attract a new partner to advance the gold potential of our property, while allowing Battery to continue to focus on exploring the silver and cobalt potential under the current option arrangement." About the Amended Battery Option Agreement To earn a 60% interest on the remaining Transition claims (approximately 3,372 hectares), Battery must provide XTM an additional $250,000 in cash and expend $2,000,000 by March 2, 2022. Battery may increase its interest to 80% by delivering a Feasibility Study within three years of vesting its 60%, subject to certain time extension provisions. About the Gowganda Gold Project The Project is located adjacent to the village of Gowganda, Ontario in Nicol, Haultain, and Van Hise townships, in the Larder Lake Mining District. The project hosts numerous gold occurrences associated with stockwork veins in altered syenite dykes and shears developed in Archean greenstone overlain by Proterozoic sediments of the Cobalt Embayment located south of the Round-Lake Batholith in the south-western part of the prolific Abitibi greenstone belt. Since discovery of the Haultain gold zone by Transition in 2010, programs of Induced Polarization (IP) surveys, soil geoschemical sampling, geological mapping, mechanical stripping, channel sampling, trenching and 37 diamond drill holes totaling 4,656 metres have been completed. Assay values returned from channel samples ranged from nil to 3.5 g/t over multi-metre widths up to 97 g/t Au over 0.4 metres. Drill intercepts include 2.37 g/t over 7.06 metres and up to 82.5 g/t Au over 0.4 metres (see Transition Metals news release of December 1, 2011). Qualified Person The technical elements of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Mr. Greg Collins, P.Geo. (PGO), a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. About Transition Metals Corp. Transition Metals Corp. (TSXV: XTM) is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity project generator that specializes in converting new exploration ideas into Canadian discoveries in Canada. The award-winning team of geoscientists has extensive exploration experience in established, emerging and historic mining camps and actively develops and tests new ideas for discovering mineralization in places that others have not looked, which often allows the Company to acquire properties inexpensively. The team is rigorous in its fieldwork and combines traditional techniques with newer ones to help unearth compelling prospects and drill targets. Transition uses the project generator business model to acquire and advance multiple exploration projects simultaneously, thereby maximizing shareholder exposure to discovery and capital gain. Joint venture partners earn an interest in the projects by funding a portion of higher-risk drilling and exploration, allowing Transition to conserve capital and minimize shareholder's equity dilution. The Company has an expanding portfolio that currently includes more than 25 gold, copper, nickel and platinum group element projects across Canada. About Battery Minerals Resources Corp. Battery is a Canadian-based, multi-commodity resource company. Battery is engaged in the discovery, acquisition and development of battery metals (cobalt, nickel and copper) and precious metals (silver and gold) mining projects in Canada, with additional cobalt, lithium and graphite projects in the United States and South Korea. Battery is the largest mineral claim holder in the historic Gowganda Cobalt-Silver Camp, Canada, with various high-grade primary cobalt silver-nickel-copper targets located in the Cobalt Belt of Ontario and Quebec. In addition, Battery has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera BMR SpA has entered into an agreement with Minera Altos de Punitaqui Limitada ("MAP"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xiana Mining Inc., to acquire the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a copper-gold operation located in the Coquimbo region (Region IV) of Chile. The Punitaqui Mining Complex consists of four copper deposits and a sulphide copper processing facility to produce a marketable copper-gold concentrate for domestic and foreign smelters. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact contained herein, the information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities law. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may", "will" and include without limitation, statements regarding estimated capital and operating costs, expected production timeline, benefits of updated development plans, foreign exchange assumptions and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate; actual results and future events could differ materially from such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, metal prices, competition, risks inherent in the mining industry, and regulatory risks. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 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. Further information is available at www.transitionmetalscorp.com or by contacting: Scott McLean President and CEO Transition Metals Corp. Tel: (705) 669-1777 Figure 1: Location of Property To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2766/78443_dc31548f54491bfd_002full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/78443 Valentin Borshchevskiy, researcher at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, has been awarded the Young Scientist Award by the ESRF User Organisation for his outstanding contribution to the understanding of structure-based functional properties of membrane proteins. A regular user at the ESRF since 2005, he initiated the Beamtime Allocation Group (BAG) for Russia five years ago. He was awarded the prize at the 2021 ESRFs User Meeting, which is taking place online this week, with 900 scientists assisting from 40 different countries. About a third of all human proteins are membrane proteins, and these are targets for more than half of all drugs. They are involved in essential cellular and physiological processes, including signal and energy transduction, transport of ions and nutrients or catalysis of chemical reactions. Borshchevskiy focuses on membrane proteins and started to use the structural biology beamlines at the ESRF already as a master student back in 2005. During PhD years at the Institut de Biologie Structural, in Grenoble, he became a regular user. After his PhD on membrane proteins, he went back to his native Russia to contribute to creation of a lab for protein crystallography from scratch, which has now become a research centre comprising 8 labs. Throughout his career, his visits to the ESRF have never stopped: The ESRF is absolutely crucial for my research, without the ESRF I wouldnt be where I am now, explains Borshchevskiy, who has authored 55 papers, including two in Science. For this, I am really pleased to be awarded the YSA, he adds. Borshchevskiy divides his time in two different projects within membrane proteins: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and retinal proteins. Both of these kind of proteins consist of 7 transmembrane helixes and both are very complicated to crystallise. Retinal proteins are investigated for optogenetic applications (a method to influence cells with the help of light). These proteins can absorb light, and they can either transport a signal through the membrane, like for example in the eyes, or they can transport ions. Borshchevskiy explains how he studies them and the role of the ESRF: We want to know how they work and for that we need to find out how they are organized. So we crystallise them and take them to the ESRFs structural biology beamlines. At the ESRF we collect very valuable data on the basic state but also when they are activated by light. Once we have all this information, we can mutate them and change their properties, efficiency, etc. The medical applications of these proteins are potentially huge and are already being investigated to restore the ear function (as alternative to cochlear implants), to restore vision or for deep brain stimulation in neurodegenerative diseases. GPCRs have a similar topology as retinal proteins but their function is completely different. These are probably the most important proteins in humans because most of the receptors in the body are GPCRs. There are over 800 of them and over 30% of all drugs prescribed today act on GPCRs. Valentin Borshchevskiy in his lab in Moscow. Credits: MIPT press office. Borshchevskiy and his team have investigated two GPCRs which are normally studied for the development of asthma drugs. After finding their structure thanks to their experiments at the ESRF, they realised that when one of these proteins presents a mutation, they are directly responsible for causing a rare and fatal melanoma. The team has found how to inhibit this protein and they are now working for the potential development of treatments. Ive come a long way with both projects, which I started when not many people were working on them and now we can see how they can actually lead to medical applications, explains Borshchevskiy. Throughout, X-ray crystallography has been my method of choice and the ESRF is an essential part of my research, he concludes. Text by Montserrat Capellas Espuny Married At First Sight Australia's Mick Gould has claimed he was prevented from quitting the show by producers' threats to sue him. Taking part in an Instagram Q&A on Wednesday, the farmer, 33, also admitted he faked his emotions when he heard about his then-wife Jessika Power's affair with Dan Webb and branded the show's panel of experts, 'f***ing puppets.' Married At First Sight sees couples marry one another seconds after meeting after being paired together by experts, then they see if they can go the distance. Unable to leave: MAFS' Mick Gould claimed producers 'kept threatening to sue him' when he asked to leave show, admits he faked his tears over Jess and Dan's affair and branded the experts 'f***ing puppets' during an Instagram Q&A on Tuesday Nothing to see here: Mick broke down in tears when he learned about his then-wife Jess's betrayal with Dan - but admitted it was all a bit of an act If things don't work out, they can only leave if both they AND their spouse decide to go their separate ways. During the show, Mick was furious to discover that Jess, 28, kept him in the show for weeks in order to see Dan, 36, behind his back. Asked why he didn't just leave when he wanted to, Mick said: 'Because they kept threatening to sue me, so I couldn't.' Mick famously broke down in tears when he learned about Jess's betrayal and said he hadn't secretly known - but admitted it was all a bit of an act. He said: 'I knew that if I didn't act I would have to do it all again, so you just gotta pretend.' Acting: Mick said he faked his emotions so that he 'didn't have to film scenes again' The ultimate betrayal: Jess had made Mick remain in the competition to get close to Dan, pretending she had wanted to fix her friendship with Mick Don't hold back: Mick also slammed the show's experts, John Aiken, Mel Schilling, (left) and Dr Trisha Stratford (centre), calling them 'f***ing puppets' Mick also slammed the show's experts, John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Dr Trisha Stratford. He said: 'They experts are 'f***ing puppets. They have those hoo-haa things [earpieces] in their ears and that's about all their good for, the bast****.' MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Channel Nine for comment. Strolling around his sprawling Gympie farm in a green flannel shirt and a large sun hat, Mick - who was joined by his girlfriend Kayla Gray, 27, during the Q&A session - also revealed why he signed up for MAFS in the first place. When asked by a fan: 'Did you honestly think a reality show like MAFS was a good idea?' the down-to-earth Aussied replied: 'They sold it that it was gonna be a hell of a lot better than what we did. It was the complete opposite to what actually happened. S**thouse.' [sic] He also dished out his 'best piece of life advice', telling his followers: 'F**k everyone's opinion. Honest: Mick - who was joined by his girlfriend Kayla Gray, 27 - also revealed why he signed up for MAFS in the first place Mick shot to fame during the sixth season of MAFS. The show first aired in Australia in 2019, but only arrived in the UK this year. He met new girlfriend Kayla - who starred on The Bachelor - at an event in 2019, and within five months Kayla had relocated to Mick's Gympie farm. Jess has since moved on with aspiring rapper Filip Poznanovic. It's not the first time this week that Mick has made some surprising MAFS revelations. A day earlier, he took part in another Q&A, saying he would 'rather jump in stinging nettles' than 'waste' another minute with Jess. Scandal: Fans rallied around Mick after 28-year-old Jess (pictured) famously admitted to cheating on her husband with Dan, 36 When asked by a fan: '[Would you] rather jump in stinging nettles or waste another minute with Jess?' Mick who had clearly never heard of the plant, quipped: 'Stinging nettles, whatever the f**k that is.' He also revealed that he had bumped into the blonde bombshell since filming the show. When a fan queried: 'Have you and Jess spoken since not being on MAFs?' the down-to-earth countryman replied: 'Yeah I ran into her at the pub.' PHILADELPHIA (dpa-AFX) - Comcast said it will to invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to connect more low-income Americans to broadband internet. The company noted that its $1 billion commitment will include investments in a number of critical areas, including: additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company's landmark Internet Essentials program. The company said it connected more than 10 million people in America to broadband Internet at home, over the past decade. It is estimated that the new commitments will connect up to 50 million Americans to broadband over the next 10 years. In 2021 alone, Comcast estimates students will be able to complete more than 25 million hours of remote learning lessons to further address the 'homework gap' at the hundreds of Lift Zone locations that have already opened or will open soon. The new commitment comes on the heels of a series of initiatives announced during the COVID-19 pandemic that reinforced the company's commitment to addressing the digital divide and the homework gap by upping speeds to 50 Mbps downstream without changing the program's $9.95/month price. The company also continues to offer 60 days of free Internet service to new Internet Essentials customers who sign up before June 30, 2021. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX COMCAST-Aktie komplett kostenlos handeln - auf Smartbroker.de COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio has a lot riding on the success of Lordstown Motors. Last year, Gov. Mike DeWine declared the electric vehicle startup the future while visiting the plant, the site of a shuttered General Motors assembly plant near Youngstown, about six months before state officials approved it for $20 million in tax credits. Secretary of State Frank LaRose last week was the latest in a procession of state officials who, after touring the plant, lauded the companys promise for the economically beleaguered Youngstown area. JobsOhio, the states private economic-development arm, has pledged $4.5 million in grants to the company. Former President Donald Trump even touted the companys Endurance electric pickup truck prototype at an event at the White House last year in the heat of the presidential campaign. But as Lordstown Motors has been gearing up to produce its first vehicles by September, the politicized company has faced mounting questions about its viability. Its stock plunged on March 12 after a prominent investment firm betting against the companys success released a scathing research report that said the company had misled investors both on its demand and production capabilities. That quickly led to an inquiry from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission followed by a shareholder lawsuit. I would say getting to market with a new product was always going to be a challenge, said Mike Ramsay, an analyst for Gartner Inc. who studies the auto industry. It would have been beforehand, and it is even more so now after that report. There were absolutely some very serious questions about the companys viability long before the Hindenburg Research report, said Sam Abuelsamid, an electric-vehicle industry analyst with Guidehouse Insights. Lordstown Motors CEO Steve Burns has tried to brush off the report, saying the companys heavily promoted pre-order numbers always have been understood to be non-binding. He even quoted Taylor Swift song lyrics while talking to local media during a plant visit earlier this month. Whatever anybody thinks of us in the world, the main thing is we are going to be the first electric pickup truck in the U.S., full-size, and that starts in September and really, for a lot of people, it starts in 12 days, Burns said, according to The Vindicator. There is always haters. I quoted Taylor Swift to somebody the other day, Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate. Youve got to shake it off, he said. Company officials didnt return requests for comment for this story. Elected officials from the Mahoning Valley meanwhile say theyre still expecting Lordstown to help seed a Voltage Valley renaissance. The companys plant is next to a massive, under-construction battery plant thats a joint venture between General Motors and LG Chem, a Korean conglomerate, thats looking to hire 1,000 workers. How can you not be for hope? said state Sen. Michael Rulli, a Republican who represents the area. Seeding the Voltage Valley Lordstown Motors was founded in 2019 after General Motors closed the Lordstown plant, which had been operating since the 1960s, and employed about 4,500 people while manufacturing Chevy Cruzes. The closure was the latest development in the well-documented, decades-long decline of manufacturing in the Mahoning Valley. Amid social media scolding from Trump, GM that year arranged to sell the 6.2 million-square-foot plant to Lordstown Motors, run by Burns, the former co-founder of Workhorse, a Cincinnati-area electric truck startup. Workhorse, which recently lost a bid to provide electric vans to the U.S. Postal Service, retains a stake in Lordstown Motors and licensed its technology that forms the basis of the Endurance truck. At the time the deal was announced, Burns said the new company would begin production in late 2020. It would make an all-electric pickup truck featuring hub motors, turning each wheel independently instead of using a rotating drive shaft like most cars. Were essentially reinventing electric vehicles, Burns said, according to the Associated Press. The wheel is the motor. The only moving parts on this truck are the wheels. Its a super, simple vehicle. Instead of selling its trucks to individual customers, the company planned to sell vehicle fleets to companies, governments and other employers. There is a rising demand for electric work-related vehicles from organizations interested in promoting sustainability and reducing fuel and maintenance costs, said Abuelsamid, the electric-vehicle analyst. There are a lot of challenges associated with it, but the potential benefits of fleets going electric is huge and they recognize that, and theres a lot of interest in going that direction, he said. Lordstown Motors moved the goalposts on its production targets, saying it no longer could begin production in 2020 in part due to the coronavirus pandemic. But the company unveiled the Endurance prototype in June at an event featuring then-Vice President Mike Pence, and as it geared up to lobby the state government for law changes and tax credits, hired Gov. Mike DeWines 22-year-old grandson as an in-house legislative lobbyist. And it announced it in August would become a publicly traded company by merging with whats called a special-purpose acquisition company. SPACs raise money from investors with no specific business plan, instead promising to buy a company within two years. The process offers companies more flexibility in describing their business to investors, and is faster than the normal process of going public, which takes more than a year. The deal gave the company $675 million to work with. Shares hit the market on Sept. 23, the same week Lordstown Motors showed off an Endurance prototype on the lawn of the White House at an event with Trump and Sen. Rob Portman. The next day, Trump traveled to Cleveland to debate then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the first of three debates of the presidential campaign. Shares debuted at $24.40 each, but plunged to $13.07 on Nov. 2, the day before the presidential election. But riding hype from investors looking for the next Tesla, Lordstown Motors peaked at $30.75 a share in February. Lordstown Motors stock already was trending down, and was at $17.71 a share when Hindenburg Research released its report. A prototype inferno Hindenburg Research, named for the famous blimp disaster, is a short seller, which means it places massive bets that pay off when a companys stock goes down. It had made a name for itself within the auto investing industry in September 2020, memorably revealing in an online report that a promotional video for Nikola, another electric-vehicle startup, featured a truck that was rolling downhill since it couldnt move under its own power. That report called Nikola an intricate fraud and contributed to the companys founders resignation. The report on Lordstown Motors alleged that the companys oft-mentioned 100,000 pre-orders were largely fictitious, boosted by marketing companies that were paid to generate non-binding orders, including from some firms that had no obvious way to pay for the trucks. The report quoted anonymous former employees who predicted Lordstown Motors is three to four years away from production, and questioned whether it could manufacture its own battery packs, as the company has said it will do, given that production equipment was months from arriving. The report also included interviews with city officials in Kent and Ravenna, which had been marked down for pre-orders, as well as the leader of Clean Fuels Ohio, an advocacy group that rounded up 500 pre-orders. Sam Spofforth, Clean Fuels Ohios executive director, called the orders promotional and nonbinding. Tyler Fehrman, a lobbyist for Clean Fuels Ohio, said his organization didnt realize it had granted an interview to a researcher for a short-selling firm, and wouldnt have done so had they realized who they were talking to. UPDATE: 3/30/21: An earlier version of this story quoted Fehrman saying a Hindenburg Research representative that spoke with Spafforth had falsely represented their conversation as confidential and said they were working for a research firm. But Nathan Anderson, founder of Hindenburg Research, said their reporter represented themselves to Clean Fuels Ohio as an international freelance journalist, and made no mention of a confidentiality agreement. When cleveland.com interviewed Fehrman, he mistook which conversation led to the material in the Hindenburg report. Among the companys touted 100,000 pre-orders were 15 trucks attributed to Ravenna, a Portage County city with a population 11,000. The purchase would cost around $787,000, with each truck retailing at around $52,000. We would never commit to buying 15 trucks from anywhere, Ravenna Mayor Frank Seman told cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer in an interview. I put the brakes on a snowplow last year because we werent sure about our funding because of COVID. Kent, also in Portage County, was marked down for 15 pre-orders too, according to the Hindenburg report. City Manager Dave Ruller said in an email the citys interest was tentative, and much smaller than 15 trucks. We have a relatively small fleet but we said we were definitely interested to try out a few of the crewcabs when theyre available, but public procurement would require competitive bidding and we could not commit to purchasing anything, he said in an email. We gave them a letter that expressed our interest but was short of committing to purchase anything. A splashier, but perhaps less significant, section of the Hindenburg report detailed an early Endurance prototype that burst into flames minutes into its first road test in January in Michigan. The report cited Youngstown media and police records obtained through records requests. The incident gave the Hindenburg report its partial title: a prototype inferno. Burns addressed the fire during a conference call last week with investors, the companys first as a publicly-traded company. We discovered we had a human error and we corrected it, Burns said. I dont want to dismiss it, but in the business of electric vehicles, it does happen. With thermal, youve really got to be careful. During the call, Burns disclosed the SEC inquiry. He said he wouldnt field questions on the investigation or the Hindenburg report. So one analyst asked about the amount of road testing Endurance prototypes had gone through. Burns said the number was probably 20,000 miles. Thats nothing, Abuelsamid, the electric-vehicle analyst, told cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer. And for other trucks, if you look at Ford 150s, Chevy Silverados, those things get millions of miles of testing on vehicles that arent even radically different from one generation to the next. And were talking about a completely new technology. If I were running a business, I would have a really hard time making a case to invest in a big fleet of trucks in a company I didnt know if theyd be around in a year, Abuelsamid said. Hatchet job U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat who represents the Youngstown area and is considering a U.S. Senate run in 2022, didnt mince words about the short-seller report. He called it bull----. I mean it was just to me, it seemed like a hatchet job for people to make money, he said. And look, I mean theyre threatening the status quo. And a lot of people are going to bet against them, figuratively and literally. It comes with the territory. You dont get to the top of the mountain without a bunch of people trying to drag you down. The progress of Lordstown Motors, said to have hundreds of workers on its campus, is a closely followed topic in the Mahoning Valley. So is the Hindenburg Research report, according to Rulli, the Republican state senator from the area. Its the number-one topic on talk radio, Rulli said. Ive done four or five talk radio interviews. Im knee deep in this topic. Rulli, who has introduced several bills in Columbus aimed at helping the electric-vehicle industry, said hes visited the plant recently. He said hes seen the companys robotic assembly line putting together a series of 57 betas, advanced prototypes that are supposed to be done this month. He said the company is close to conducting crash tests for federal regulators. Based on what hes seen, Rulli said he thinks Lordstown Motors will be producing thousands of Endurance trucks sometime this year or perhaps early next year. Theyre way way way far along, he said. Whoever wrote that article has never been in that plant. That is a fact. Anyone who was in that plant would read that article and think it was garbage. Rick Stockburger, who runs Brite Energy Innovators, a Warren business incubator that helps support start-up companies in the electric vehicle space, was among those who toured the Lordstown Motors plant last Monday. He said his organizations co-working space, which features a hip brewery on the first floor, is regularly home to people from out of town who are waiting for possible interviews with Lordstown Motors or Ultium Cells, the company behind the giant car battery factory thats under construction. He estimated the company has 500 workers. I can say with very good firsthand knowledge that these guys are real, and right now theyre employing a lot of talent in the Mahoning Valley that are coming from all over the country to be part of job creation and e-mobility, he said. Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill said he took the Hindenburg report with a grain of salt. I will tell you that some of the sensationalists around me think its more than what it is right now. Im waiting to see further judgment, Hill said. Hill said hes also toured the plant and been impressed with what hes seen. Im not saying I knew all the orders were not firm orders, they were showing interest, and you read a lot of the media saying they did that to raise funds. They may have. I cant address that. But right now, Im taking a wait and see attitude, and Im still very optimistic, he said. If Lordstown Motors ends up disappointing the region, there is historical precedent. In 1987, the first Avanti rolled off the assembly line in Youngstown. The car was a revival of a luxury model manufactured by Studebaker in the 1960s, according to Vince Guerrieri, an Ohio reporter who grew up in the area. The factory closed four years later. Even the Chevy Cruze, brought to Lordstown under former Gov. Ted Strickland, was a disappointment. But it had been cheered by thousands when the first car rolled off the line, according to a 2010 General Motors press release in which a company official declared the car and Lordstown as marking the rebirth of the U.S. economy. I think this is, people feel like, cautiously optimistic. Because not to be a therapist, but weve been hurt a lot. Weve been burnt, Ryan said. Blimp factories were supposed to come, and Trump was going to open the steel mills again. But I think its becoming more and more real every day. And I feel confident about the whole thing, I really do. At first appearance, Understory, a new restaurant opening Thursday in historic Old Oakland fits in with the neighborhoods eclectic mix of laid-back dining destinations. Tropical, jungle-themed wallpaper lines the space, which is filled with plants. The menu offers uncommon flavor combinations that blend Moroccan, Mexican and Filipino influences. But behind the scenes, Understory is trying to break the mold. The restaurant, bar and commissary kitchen is aiming to redefine what success means in the food industry building upon the East Bays long tradition of food co-ops and social justice movements. As a collective, business decisions, such as wages, paid-time off, safety protocols and other operational policies will be made by workers. The space, which is around the block from food hall Swans Market, will also function as an incubator, providing a kitchen and business training for immigrant, refugee and women of color chefs. This is more than a restaurant, said cook and worker leader Florencio Esquivel, formerly of Hella Vegan Eats. Its a call to action to our intersecting communities to support this vision of advancing worker rights and change the landscape of food to be more inclusive. Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle Although workers of color account for the majority of Californias restaurant workforce, they are concentrated in less visible, lower-wage jobs, and are underrepresented in the highest-paid positions, according to studies from the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United, a national restaurant worker advocacy group. The Bay Area also has the widest gap in earnings in the country between white workers and workers of color in fine-dining. While the East Bays legacy of food co-ops goes back to the 1970s with pioneers like the Cheeseboard, Understory is part of a recent renewal of collectively-run Oakland food businesses centering the economic resilience of BIPOC and queer communities. Like Reems California, which is transitioning into a worker-owned operation, Understory wants to emerge from the pandemic with a new definition of success for restaurants, based on the well-being of its workers and community. Understory was developed in partnership with Oakland Bloom, a nonprofit collective that provides support to refugee, immigrant and women chefs of color. The organization was founded in 2015, but this kitchen will be its first formal home. Chefs will be trained to collectively run a restaurant, and invited to operate pop-ups, add to the menu, power their own businesses from the kitchen and then graduate into Understory as worker-owners. Papo Ricosuave The menu, which is inspired by street markets, will rotate every two weeks based on the cooking of the East Bay cooks who are part of the project. It will start with Jenabi Pareja and Nino Serrano, who are both Filipino. Expect dishes like empanadas with peanut-braised beef stew served with shrimp paste aioli, and desserts such as a young coconut custard hand pie. Next up, the menu will swing toward Morocco, an influence of worker Lily Fahsi-Haskell, who is multiracial with Moroccan roots. Date-glazed lamb chops with grilled eggplant and kabocha squash jazzed up with a chickpea-raisin relish are planned. The Mexican, mostly vegan iteration will follow, offering taco plates with ancestral moles layered over mushrooms, and heavy hitters such as deep-fried chorizo mac and cheese. These offerings come from Esquivel, whose vegan comfort food has grown to include more dishes inspired by their Mexican heritage. Small plates will range from $4 to $8 and entrees will land around $9 to $14. Drinks will have a tropical twist, such as a lemongrass-melon agua fresca and a Dark and Stormy with a sour punch from Filipino citrus calamansi, while other dishes will be cultural mash-ups, like a concha with vegan ube ice cream. The team joined forces after being invited by members of Oakland Bloom to take over the space, which was slated to open as a Southeast Asian-inspired lounge before the pandemic hit. But besides its cooking background, the team also shares a history in social justice. Pereja and Serrano organize Filipino domestic workers, and Fashi-Haskell was once the campaign director for prison abolitionist organization Critical Resistance. I think its bittersweet to open a restaurant when so many restaurants have closed, said Pareja, a former social worker turned chef. So how do we uplift folks at the same time when we are building something new? Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle Thats where a pop-up chef comes into play. On select Sundays, different Oakland Bloom chefs will take over with a special daily menu, and during the week, the regular menu will include a few dishes from a guest chef in the program. Its a way to bring in immigrant chefs who have kitchen expertise from their home countries but face barriers to employment in the United States because their resumes lack traditional restaurant positions, according to Peraja. One Oakland Bloom chef, Kit Lam, would like to find a wider audience for her budding Instagram business, M&D Food, which offers the staples she made for her large family in Hong Kong. But shes needed affordable access to a commercial kitchen and exposure beyond her personal network to grow. Lam now plans to use the Understory kitchen, and hopes to have a Sunday pop-up. My mom has a lot of friends, but it would be great for non-friends to know about us and give us feedback, said Kinki Chung, Lams 19-year-old daughter who interpreted for her. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. Yalonda M. James / The Chronicle By building a model that aims to collectively make decisions prioritizing living wages, health benefits and the needs of workers, the Understory team is hoping to challenge the industry norms that historically put BIPOC workers last. Currently, the four cooks and two Oakland Bloom volunteers are handling the operations of the restaurant and are working with the original investors to assume equity along with Oakland Bloom. As the team grows, there will be a trial period so that workers can find out if they like being part of a collective, and the team can decide if theyre a good fit for ownership. All staff will have a vote on business decisions like scheduling, distribution of tips, partnership opportunities and navigating the pandemic. Theyve purchased group insurance providing full health benefits for full-time workers and partial for part-time, and will offer $22 to $28 per hour. The team is working on sourcing from businesses owned by Black, indigenous or people of color, and making the kitchen available for other social justice-focused food projects. Once the team determines its safe, it plans to open for indoor dining and host community and political events. The challenge of succeeding under the restaurant industrys small margins while attempting to fairly compensate workers, source ethically and keep menu prices accessible is not lost on Serrano. Theres a lot of uncertainty in the midst of this pandemic in terms of what to expect and what to envision, and were trying to lay a strong foundation so we will succeed, he said in Tagolog as Pareja interpreted. But whats so exciting is that we get to spend more time in the kitchen together and as a community breathe new life into the space. Understory. Opening March 25 for takeout and outdoor dining. Open Thursday 4-8 p.m., Friday noon-2 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. and Saturday noon-4 p.m. Check the website for Sunday pop-up hours. 528 Eighth St. Oakland. Understoryoakland.com. Ferron Salniker is an Oakland based writer and event producer. Email: food@sfchronicle.com Pastor murdered in home hours after warning flock devil would try to kill them over witness to Gods power Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hours after warning his flock that the devil would seek to kill and destroy them for being witnesses to God's power in the world, David Charles Evans, a beloved Oklahoma pastor, was shot dead inside his home Monday morning, where his wife was also present. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said in a release that just after 1 a.m., officers from the Ada Police Department responded to a 911 call in the 1400 block of Northcrest in Ada. They found the 50-year-old Evans, who leads the Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, severely wounded. Paramedics would later pronounce him dead at the scene. Agents told News 9 that Evans wife was also in the home. "At this point in time, there are a lot of questions that we are trying to work through," Public Information Officer for the OSBI, Brook Arbeitman, said. It just didnt seem real, just seemed like kind of a bad dream, a close friend of Evans told KFOR. He was such a beloved person. Hes not somebody who has enemies. Hes not somebody who has even people who dislike him as far as we know. Calls made by The Christian Post to Evans home and church went unanswered Wednesday, but the OSBI said in their statement that Evans death is being investigated as a homicide, and anyone who saw or heard anything should contact them immediately at (800) 522-8017 or tips@osbi.ok.gov. At this point in time, our agents are full-on investigative mode, tracking down anything they possibly can to try to figure out what happened to this pastor, Arbeitman told KFOR. Oklahoma Freewill Baptist Churchs Executive Director Mike Wade told KXII that Evans, who was married with three adult children, was a driven pastor who would do anything he could for his ministry and the church. He was always a very outgoing guy, Wade said. He always had a smile on his face, always looking out for the needs of others. In his sermon on Sunday, during which he revealed he had only returned from a mission trip to Mexico last week, Evans preached about the popularity of Christianity from John 12:1-11. He examined the final days of Jesus ministry on Earth, including why the chief priest in the Scripture wanted to kill Lazarus after Jesus had raised him from the dead. This guy cannot catch a break. What an interesting life hes lived here. Youre alive, youre dead. Youre brought to life, youre alive again, now the chief priest wants to kill you. Thats a full life, he told congregants. I mean, ironically. But why? Why kill Lazarus? he posited before pointing to verse, 11 which says, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. He then told congregants that if their life is bearing witness to the power of Jesus, they should get used to being attacked by the devil. Sometimes, I just stop and think. If the devil is not attacking you with everything hes got in trying to destroy and kill you, maybe [its] because youre not the reason anybody is believing in Jesus. And as a pastor and just as a Christian, what a waste, he said. What a thing to try to soak in? They wanted to see this man dead and dead for good because of his life ... his witness. People were leaving the Jewish religion and coming over and being Christians, believers in the Christ, the Messiah. They were believing in Him. "And what a challenge to us because whos coming to Christ because of us? Whos believing in Jesus because of us? And if were doing anything in that direction, expect for the enemy to come to destroy you. So dont be shocked and start whining and crying. Expect it. Be prepared for it. If the devil is not attacking you, there is a reason. If the devil is attacking you there is a reason, he warned. While he said he didnt have the answer for what is currently going on with the popularity of Christianity, he asserted that wed have fewer empty churches if we had fewer Christians who lived empty lives. And that we understood what were getting to be a part of for such a time as this. If youre still worried about this pandemic and youre wondering whats going to happen to the Church, I think the bigger question is, whos on watch? he asked. Were on watch. That means we have a responsibility and we need to start telling people about the miracle in our life and who performed that miracle. Quit getting caught up in every little stinking thing thats going on in the world and keep the main things the main things. And live our lives in such a way that demonstrates that we are no longer dead but born again, he insisted. We can live for eternity with Him, and its time for Christians to live victoriously. Im not defeated. This world can give me the best and the worst theyve got. And I know all about health problems and attacks on the body, attacks on finances, attacks on the spirit, bring it! Bring it! Because I know who fights my battles. A leader of the Oath Keepers militia group said he coordinated with the Proud Boys about members working together during the protests that sparked the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, according to a court filing by prosecutors Tuesday night. Facebook chats made public in the filing by the U.S. Department of Justice show Kelly Meggs of the paramilitary organization Oath Keepers discussing his communications with Proud Boys leadership and how he 'orchestrated a plan' with the fellow right-wing group, CNN reported. Meggs, a resident of Dunnellon Florida, is one of 10 alleged members or associates of the Oath Keepers charged with conspiring to interfere in Congress' certification of the Electoral College count that finalized the election of President Joe Biden. The new claims about Meggs and the Proud Boys are the first time prosecutors have publicly linked alleged violent efforts of the two extremist groups so closely, although the organizations have a history of working and appearing together at right-wing events since the early days of Donald Trump's presidency. Criminal conspiracy cases against the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers are among the most aggressive actions from the Justice Department following the violent pro-Trump riot. The Oath Keepers are known to recruit law enforcement and military operatives and are described by the Justice Department as a 'paramilitary organization.' Oath Keepers leader Kelly Meggs in an undated police photo Oath Keepers leader Kelly Meggs at a rally at the Supreme Court on Jan. 5, a day before the Capitol riot While the messages show communications between members of the groups, prosecutors did not allege an overarching conspiracy before the Capitol attack and Justice Department officials have not indicated there is evidence supporting that conclusion. In a December 22 Facebook message, Meggs discussed the Oath Keepers having 50 to 100 members in Washington, D.C., on January 6. 'Plus we have made contact with PB and they always have a big group. Force multiplier,' Meggs wrote Three days later on Christmas, Meggs messaged again with a person he urged to come to Washington, providing what prosecutors call a 'provisions list' of armor and non-gun weapons to bring. He also described a more detailed attack plan with the Proud Boys, who call themselves a fraternal group promoting 'anti-political correctness' and 'anti-white guilt.' U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on his first day at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on March 11 'You can hang with us we will probably be guarding [redacted] or someone during the day but then at night we have orchestrated a plan with the proud boys,' Meggs wrote, an excerpt from the Facebook messages said. 'I've been communicating with [redacted] the leader. We are going to march with them for awhile then fall back to the back of the crowd and turn off,' Meggs wrote. 'Then we will have the proud boys get in front of them ... we will come in behind antifa and beat the hell out of them.' There were no major conflicts on January 6 between right- and left-wing activists, as there have been at numerous previous events. Proud Boys' leader Enrique Tarrio, left, and Infowars host Alex Jones, center, are seen as Trump supporters gather at Freedom Plaza for the 'Million MAGA March' on November 14, 2020 Proud Boys members Joseph Biggs, left, and Ethan Nordean, right with megaphone, walk toward the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, in support of President Donald Trump. 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 Trump's second impeachment and resulted in the deaths of five people, including a police officer. Several of their leaders, members and associates have become central targets of the Justice Department's investigation By the day after Christmas, however, Meggs appeared to have abandoned all discussion of Antifa and was focused on overturning the results of the election, The New York Times reported. On Dec. 26, the new court papers said, Meggs wrote a message announcing 'Trumps staying in' and expressed plans to use the 'emergency broadcast system on cellphones' to invoke the Insurrection Act, effectively establishing martial law. Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys, said he did not know Meggs and did not believe the reference in the Facebook message was to him. The Justice Department's filing said it also has credit card records of Meggs paying for four hotel rooms in the Washington, D.C., area from January 5 to January 7, along with online meeting records showing him holding planning sessions for the event, CNN reported. Defense attorneys have argued that any discussions their clients had in the weeks leading up to Jan. 6 were about preparations to provide security at the rally before the riot or to protect the pro-Trump crowd from antifa activists they believed might attack them. They have denied that there was any plot to storm the Capitol or obstruct the certification of the Electoral College vote. Authorities have said the Oath Keepers were 'prepared to do whatever was necessary to stop the certification' but have conceded they do not have records in which someone explicitly says the plan was to breach the Capitol. The new information is part of arguments by prosecutors against releasing Meggs, who has pleaded not guilty and seeks to be released as he awaits trial. Meggs' attorney argued in his request for pretrial release that despite the 'inflammatory language' authorities have used, there is no evidence that Meggs committed any acts of violence or damaged government property. Other members of the Oath Keepers could face sedition charges over their alleged role in plotting the Capitol siege. The rare charge is being weighed up by Justice Department officials after several members of the paramilitary group were arrested in the wake of the riot. Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Marie Watkins and Donovan Ray Crowl were indicted on related charges in January. All three were described as military veterans affiliated with the Oath Keepers, while Watkins and Crowl also are said to be members of the Ohio State Regular Militia. Members of the far-right group Proud Boys gather in front of the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to protest against the certification of the 2020 presidential election results by Congress Caldwell, 65, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander who held a security clearance and once worked for the FBI, was released on bail March 12 after a judge noted he did not enter the Capitol building and there was no evidence he was involved in planning the incursion. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta agreed to release from jail another defendant in the Oath Keepers conspiracy, Laura Steele of North Carolina, while she awaits trial. Mehta said there is no evidence Steele destroyed property, assaulted anyone at the Capitol or, unlike other defendants, was involved in recruiting or training ahead of the attack. More than 300 people have been charged in connection with the riot and the Justice Department said the figure could ultimately pass 400. As of Tuesday, CBS News reported it had reviewed court documents for 328 cases that have been unsealed, with at least 133 defendants in those cases already having been indicted by grand juries. FBI Director Christopher Wray said earlier this month that people nationwide sent the FBI more than 270,000 digital media tips. 'With their help, we've identified hundreds of suspects and opened hundreds of investigations in all but one of our 56 field offices,' Wray said. McLean pled guilty and is due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court Chin was given 12-month Community Order and told to pay 175 costs after pleading guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court Both men were tracked down after leaving phone and email address details McLean tried to buy a 1,080 worth of items the next day but both were stopped Two fraudsters tried to go on a shopping spree after getting hold of a Tory minister's bank details, a court has heard. A fraudulent copy was made of health minister Nadine Dorries' card and an attempted transaction carried out in October 2019, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. While the transaction was unsuccessful, a phone number and email address were given, which led defendant Cory Chin to be tracked down. The 24-year-old of Palmerston Road, Walthamstow, east London, had pleaded guilty last month to attempting to use the MP's Lloyds credit card details on October 16 2019 to buy a Canada Goose coat worth 958. Fraudsters Cory Chin, 24, (left) and Korri McLean, 30, (right) have admitted using Tory minister Nadine Dorries' bank details to try and buy designer clothes He was handed a 12-month community order when he was sentenced on Wednesday, requiring him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work. The court heard Chin had not been involved in obtaining the card details, but 'takes full responsibility for his behaviour' in trying to use them and expressed 'sincere remorse'. He was described as a 'well-educated and hardworking young man' and the hearing was told he was a trainee engineer with a large telecoms firm. Chin had 'no idea' who Ms Dorries was and did not specifically target her as an MP, the court was told. Chin's defence said that he had 'no idea' who Ms Dorries (pictured) was and did not specifically target her as an MP, the court was told Sentencing him, District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said: 'This was a deliberate attempt to use the details of a bank card which you knew belonged to someone else to obtain a luxury item for yourself.' She said it was acknowledged that 'no actual financial loss was suffered by the complainant' and that Chin had shown 'genuine remorse' and accepted the 'distress and inconvenience' his actions had caused. He was also ordered to pay 175 in costs within the next 28 days. A second man, Korri McLean, is due to be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on a date not yet set. The 30-year-old, of Rayfield in Epping, was also convicted last month of one count of fraud by false representation in using the MP's card details to buy goods to the value of 1,080. Through Dark Clouds Shines Holy Light!: a captivating novel that sees through the life of one person as she discovers a wonderful journey in a God-centered path. Through Dark Clouds Shines Holy Light! is the creation of published author Nan Heathers, a mother of four, two boys and two girls, and also a grandmother of four and great grandmother of two. Still residing in the Pacific Northwest, she has attended Bethany Pentecostal Church for fifty-three consecutive years. Heathers shares, From humid, bleak cottonfields of Mississippi in the late 1930s, to the Olympic Mountains with the Pacific Ocean crashing against the shores, this story spans over seven decades in the incredible life of one twin. Nan Heathers and her identical twin, Ann, were born in Iuka, Mississippi in 1939. The last two in a large family born of love, from caring, hardworking parents. In this incredible memoir, Nan brings unusual insights into pieces of American history that come alive. She tells of one of the first immigrants (her great-great-great grandfather, William Callicutt) who arrived on the shores of the New World in 1608, aboard Captain John Smiths ship. Together they helped build Jamestown, the first settlement in the new world. After Nan taps our memory of history, she takes us on a journey from the old family farm in the deep south, to her life as a druggie and go-go dancer, to life as a born-again Christian! Nan weaves a tale that is brutally honest, at times downright funny, and definitely heartwarming. This book should be read by everyone. Especially those who think they are not good enough to join the Kings army. He lives within our hearts so that you can! Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Nan Heatherss new book is an inspiring biography for every reader to witness how Christ lives in their hearts and guides them wherever they may find themselves in life. View a synopsis of Through Dark Clouds Shines Holy Light! on YouTube. Consumers can purchase Through Dark Clouds Shines Holy Light! at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about Through Dark Clouds Shines Holy Light!, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. The study focused on a plan to mine open pits across the companys numerous developed Menzies gold resources, with high-grade and medium-grade material mined to be hauled for third-party treatment. The company recently completed extensive infill drilling that facilitated new resource estimates which underpinned the scoping study. ( ) has delivered a positive scoping study for the Menzies Gold Project (MGP) in Western Australia based on open pit mining and third-party toll treatment of resources. The study presents a strong economic case for recommencing open cut mining at Menzies with the total net revenue for the project estimated at $330 million using gold prices of A$2,300 per ounce and 95% recovery. Total costs for the project were estimated as $250.4 million with total operating unit costs of $104/tonne processed and $1,688/ounce produced. Estimated free cash produced is between $95 million and $64 million with the maximum negative cashflow of $13.5 million occurring in month five with the mining lasting 31 months in total. Milestone moment for company The positive results support further work on assessing the potential economic exploitation of the MGP. Kingwest chief executive officer Ed Turner said: This is a milestone moment in the short history of Kingwest. We have now demonstrated the potential economics of the Menzies Gold Project and the near-term production possibilities which have attractive profit margins using the current gold price. This is a culmination of dedicated and focussed exploration over the last 18 months by our small team who will continue to search for further additions to these near-surface resources in order to continue to add value to the project. Third-party processing Around 63% of the proposed mined material is in the measured or indicated JORC category, with the first year of production to include 76% of the material in the indicated category. Total production will be 3.15 million tonnes at 1.7 g/t gold for 174,700 contained ounces gold. Of the total production, the company plans to send high-grade (HG >1.2 g/t) and medium grade (MG 1.2 g/t - 1.0 g/t) material for third-party toll treatment of 2.39 million tonnes at 2.02 g/t for 147,200 recovered ounces. Kingwest has already entered into negotiations with multiple parties in relation to third-party treatment of the ore. Some initial indicative terms have been received which form the cost basis for the processing unit rate in the scoping study. Pre-existing access roads will be used where possible and the mining leases overlap the Goldfields Highway which enables transport of ore to toll treatment facilities. The remaining low-grade (1.0 g/t 0.7 g/t) material is planned to be stockpiled for treatment in the future, possibly via a newly built plant at Menzies. Eight open pits The mine plan consists of mining eight separate open pits across Kingwests numerous Menzies gold resources over 31 months. A Whittle 4D pit optimisation process was used to create designs for eight separate open pits, four of which are new open pit designs (Pericles, Stirling, Bellenger and Warrior) and four are further cut backs to existing open pits (Lady Shenton, Lady Harriet, Yunndaga and Selkirk). The early mine plan focuses on the Pericles and Yunndaga open pits which are both the two largest sources of mined material. Other smaller pits at Lady Harriet, Warrior and Selkirk have been left to mine late in the schedule to provide additional mining areas towards the end of the project life. Mine plan layout showing open pits, access and infrastructure -assuming the toll treatment option. Funding capital works To achieve the outcomes indicated in this study working capital in the order of $20 million is likely to be required for capital works and pre-production working capital. This funding could be available through a variety of debt or equity sources, royalty streaming or joint venture mechanisms. On the basis that Kingwest chooses to progress through a 100%-owned basis, given the nature and size of the operations and the funding required it is anticipated that this would be sourced through a mixture of debt and equity funding from a combination of existing and new equity sources. Given the current project duration as outlined in this scoping study, it is likely that the funding will be dominantly equity-based. Next steps Further exploration and evaluation work and appropriate studies are required before Kingwest will be in a position to estimate any ore reserves or to provide any assurance of an economic development case. The company will now look to undertake a detailed hydrology, geotechnical assessment, and detailed waste dump/ore dump planning which will be incorporated in more detail in the planned follow up pre-feasibility study. VisitScotland Business Events has launched its latest campaign, Journey to Change, which will showcase how business events can drive social and economic transformation. VisitScotland is Scotlands national tourism organisation. The Business Events industry focuses on Scotland as a destination for conferences, conventions, and incentive programmes. Journey to Change is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development goals and demonstrates the impact that business events can have in helping to tackle some of the worlds biggest challenges, including climate change, eradicating poverty and access to renewable energy sources in remote areas, said a statement. The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many of these issues and within the industry there is now a clear shift in event planners key decision-making when selecting a destination. Research undertaken by the VisitScotland Business Events team showed that a destination's reputation for tackling issues like climate change and human rights is increasingly important to organisers, something which the team believes will continue to grow in the future, it said. During the campaign VisitScotland Business Events will work with partners and clients to highlight the innovation, skills and developments taking place within Scotland that have the potential to tackle some of the biggest environmental, economic and societal challenges in the country and other global destinations, it said. Rory Archibald, Associations and Sectors, VisitScotland Business Events, said: The team and I are passionate about Scotland and the business events community being a driver for change. We have some incredible partners and organisations across the country that are researching and creating solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face globally, and we want to shine a light on these projects. We believe business events, by bring people together, to see eye to eye, are a key driver in tackling climate change; they are a voice for human rights; they are a leader in the global journey to change. Journey to Change also supports VisitScotlands Policy Driven Model strategy, which aligns the national pursuit of business events with Scotlands credentials, achievements and ambitions at a city, regional and national level. -TradeArabia News Service The National Pension Service (NPS) Investment Management headquarters in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province / Courtesy of NPS Attention now focused on LG, Hankook & Company By Park Jae-hyuk Investors are paying keen attention to the stance of the National Pension Service (NPS) on shareholder activism against LG and Hankook & Company, after the pension fund has shown a tendency to object to most shareholder proposals raised during the proxy season this year. As of Wednesday 3 p.m., the NPS did not disclose its position on LG's planned spin-off of the group's affiliates, which has faced backlash from U.S. hedge fund Whitebox Advisors and global proxy advisers, including Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis. The state pension service also remained silent about shareholder proposals made by Hankook & Company Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-sik, who has been locked in a dispute with his younger brother, CEO Cho Hyun-bum, over control of the nation's leading tire maker. The NPS is the second-largest shareholder of LG's holding company, LG Corp., with a 7.81 percent stake and holds a 5.21 percent stake in Hankook & Company. It is therefore considered to have casting votes in the forthcoming general shareholders meetings of the two conglomerates. "Because LG Corp.'s largest shareholder and his affiliated people collectively hold a 46 percent stake, the spin-off plan is highly likely to be passed at the shareholders meeting," Yuanta Securities analyst Choi Nam-kon said in a report. "However, most foreign shareholders tend to follow the proxy advisers' recommendations, so if the NPS decides to oppose the spin-off plan, it will be impossible to pass it at the shareholders meeting." The Hankook & Company vice chairman has officially requested the pension fund's support for his governance reform drive and benefits for minority shareholders. "I believe the NPS will fully understand my intention to restrain the management for sustainable growth," he told reporters last week. However, the NPS' latest decision to vote against proposals by Kumho Petrochemical's largest shareholder, Park Chul-wan, and Hanjin Transportation's second-largest shareholder, HYK Partners, indicated that the pension fund may do the same in the general shareholders meetings of LG Corp. this Friday and Hankook & Company on Tuesday next week. It decided to side with Kumho Petrochemical's management regarding the amount of dividends and partial changes to its articles of association. As the second-largest shareholder with an 8.16 percent stake, it will vote for only a single shareholder proposal, regarding the appointment of Park as an executive director. "We made the decision as it does not cause any conflict with the company's board of directors," the NPS said in a statement. "Regarding the decision, however, there were some concerns over possible instability of the company's management." Based on backing from the NPS and ISS, Kumho Petrochemical Chairman Park Chan-koo appears to be more likely to tighten his grip after the shareholders meeting, Friday, despite backlash from several shareholders, including the largest one who is also the chairman's nephew, the California Public Employees' Retirement System, Norges Bank Investment Management, and proxy advisers, including Glass Lewis, Sustinvest and Center for Good Corporate Governance. The NPS holds a 6.2 percent stake in Hanjin Transportation, and the pension fund will disagree with all shareholder proposals by HYK. Its decision is expected to block the private equity firm from joining the board of the Hanjin Group's logistics arm after a shareholders meeting Thursday. Although the pension fund decided to vote against Korean Air's appointment of Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Won-tae as the carrier's executive director and Woori Financial Group's reappointment of its nonexecutive directors, these are irrelevant to any conflict with shareholders of those companies. Regarding CJ Logistics, NH Investment & Securities, Shinhan and KB financial groups, the NPS will agree with all suggestions made by their board of directors. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) on Tuesday announced she will not vote for any of Biden's white nominees unless they're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. "I am a no vote on the floor, on all non diversity nominees," Duckworth said as reported by Fox News' Chad Pergram. "You know, I will vote for racial minorities and I will vote for LGBTQ. But anybody else I'm not voting for." A) From the pool. Dem IL Sen Duckworth on effort to get more diverse nominees: "I am a no vote on the floor, on all non diversity nominees. You know, I will vote for racial minorities and I will vote for LGBTQ. But anybody else I'm not voting for." Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 23, 2021 B) Duckworth: Says the "trigger" was being told by WH "Well you have Kamala, we're not going to put any more African Americans in the Cabinet because you have Kamala." Says that was "insulting." Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) March 23, 2021 Duckworth was joined in her protest by Senator Mazie Hinono (D-HI), both of whom also demanded Biden nominate more Asians. Tammy Duckworth just told me shes voting NO on Biden nominees until President makes commitment/ appoints AAPI picks to key executive branch positions. She said found it insulting that a senior WH aide last night pointed to Harris South Asian roots when asked about AAPI picks Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 Duckworth says Asian-American lawmakers were told the USTR and White House budget director would be Asian-American. But after Neera Tanden's nomination collapsed, she said it appears the White House is going in a different direction. Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 Duckworth praised Biden's comments to the retreat last night about violence against Asian-Americans, but after he got off, things get contentious when White House deputy chief Jen O'Malley Dillon addressed the concerns over lack of AAPI representation. Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 She said until there are AAPI nominees to vacant positions -- such as OMB, FCC or a commitment to a future Cabinet secretaries - she's a no vote. Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 The Senate did just advance Biden's nomination of Vivek Murthy, an Indian-American, to be surgeon general by a 57-43 vote. Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 Hirono is joining Duckworth in this stand. They are indicating that they will vote against non-minority nominees on the floor -- not in committee, which could potentially allow Colin Kahl to advance out of Senate Armed Services tomorrow.https://t.co/5pl7UGGbSi Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 23, 2021 The Biden regime quickly caved and agreed to use their administration as a racial spoils system: including appointing an AAPI senior White House official to represent the community, secure the confirmation of AAPI appointments and advance policy proposals that are relevant and important to the community... Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 24, 2021 Psaki: The President has made it clear that his Administration will reflect the diversity of the country. .. The White House will add a senior level Asian American Pacific Islander liaison, who will ensure the community's voice is further represented and heard." Manu Raju (@mkraju) March 24, 2021 The Biden regime in no way reflects the diversity of America as WASPs are practically non-existent despite being the largest ethnic/religious group in the country. Follow InformationLiberation on Twitter, Facebook, Gab, Minds, Parler and Telegram. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Thunderstorms. High 77F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 24, 2021 / Cielo Waste Solutions (CSE:CMC), (OTCQB:CWSFF), (CNSX:CMC.CN), (WKN:C36) ("Cielo" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its management team as well as changes to the management team of Renewable U Energy Inc. ("RUEI"). RUEI is the company with which Cielo has entered into previously announced memorandums of understanding (the "MOUs") with respect to joint ventures (the "JVs") to be formed to build and operate multiple facilities in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the United States. Cielo is pleased to announce that its director, Lionel Robins, has resigned from his role of CEO with RUEI and will be appointed Chief Operating Officer of Cielo effective April 1, 2021. Cielo is also pleased to announce the appointment of Raphael Bohlmann as Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Bohlmann was the President of RUEI and has resigned from this position and remains only as Director of RUEI. (see attachment) Mr. Robins started his 1st Automotive Dealership in 2006 which have since grown to 6 locations across Northern Alberta. His other business holdings have included oil and gas industry service companies, hotel properties, a professional education and development business, and several commercial real estate holdings. Mr. Robins served 2 terms on the STARS Air Ambulance Board of Directors, and also served as Chair of the 2018 Alberta Summer Games in Grande Prairie, Alberta. His experience in commercial finance and business development will suit him well in this new role. Mr. Bohlmann is a Red Seal Journeyman electrician and has owned several franchise restaurants. Mr. Bohlmann was Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Human Resources for Revolution Auto Group. Here, he developed and implemented a multi-million-dollar rebranding of the company, negotiating the naming rights to the local arena and events center. He also initiated a successful staff and management leadership model which inspired him to develop Motivate U Performance Education in 2015, a company that focused on business training development and leadership at all levels. Mr. Bohlmann gained tremendous knowledge of "Strategic Marketing Management" from attending Stanford University in Palo Alto CA, USA in 2016. Mr. Bohlmann established a marketing company, Brand U Agency, which strategizes company brand development, logo creation, websites, and software development. Don Allan, President and CEO of Cielo, stated, "The appointment of these two gentlemen brings a tremendous amount of experience and passion to our leadership team and reduces my workload so I may focus on the further growth of the company. As well, RUEI has advised Cielo that, as of March 6, 2021, Ryan Jackson has been named new CEO of RUEI and Murray Trollope has been named CFO. Jeff Seymour, principal of Seymour Capital Ltd., which has been acquired by RUEI as previously announced, also joins the board of directors of RUEI. Update on Joint Ventures RUEI has advised Cielo that it is working on the draft agreement(s) to form the JVs with its legal team and will present initial drafts to Cielo in the near term. RUEI also confirms it is funding current engineering costs at the facility in Dunmore, Alberta and will continue to advance funds as required as the parties negotiate the terms of the JVs. Mr. Allan further states "I look forward to working with newly appointed RUEI CEO Ryan Jackson on the JVs and all the facility locations. It is also great news to have Medicine Hat (Dunmore) advancing full speed ahead as planned!" On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. "Don Allan" Don Allan, President / CEO / Director Investor Relations (Canada) Lionel Robins (780) 832-6810 lionelrobins@cielows.com Investor Relations (USA) RB Milestone Group, LL Trevor Brucato, Managing Director New York, NY & Stamford, CT cielo@rbmilestone.com About Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. is a publicly traded company with its shares listed to trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") under the symbol "CMC", the OTC Markets Group, on the OTCQB, under the symbol "CWSFF" and the Frankfurt Securities Exchange under the symbol WKN: C36. Cielo is a waste to renewable fuel company with a game changing technology engineered to help solve the world's garbage crisis. Cielo's technology transforms landfill garbage into renewable high-grade diesel and kerosene (aviation jet and marine fuel). Cielo's proven and patented technology is currently being deployed in the Company's Aldersyde Facility, Alberta, where wood waste is currently being converted into renewable fuels. Cielo is headquartered in Alberta, Canada with plans to build and operate green facilities across North America as well as globally. Cielo has already begun expanding its footprint by signing multiple Memorandums of Understanding pursuant to which third parties are in negotiation with Cielo to build, at no cost to Cielo, Joint Venture Renewable Fuel Facilities in Grande Prairie, Calgary, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge, Alberta, as well as in Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Kamloops B.C., Toronto ON and at a location to be determined in the U.S. Each JV Facility is projected to cost, depending on throughput approximately $50 million to build, commission and place on production. Cielo will be the general contractor and operator of all the proposed JV Facilities. The feedstock that will be used in the Company's green facilities is the world's most available and inexpensive feedstock - garbage; including household, commercial/ construction/demolition garbage, used tires, railway ties and telephone poles as well as all types of plastic that currently cannot be recycled. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements This News Release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should" or similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes. Forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. CIELO is making forward looking statements related to: the MOUs and all matters related thereto, including the joint ventures to be entered into as a result thereof.. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are described herein. Such forward-looking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required by law, neither the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The CSE and the OTCQB have not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News Release. Please view memo Here SOURCE: Cielo Waste Solutions Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/637170/Cielo-Announces-Management-Team-Additions A Birmingham woman has been charged in the weekend shooting death of a man killed in front of his young children. Police on Tuesday said Chelsie Jones, 27, is charged with capital murder. Killed in the slaying was 29-year-old Montrell Holloway. Holloway was found dead shortly after 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the 1600 block of Alameda Avenue. Birmingham police Sgt. Rod Mauldin said West Precinct officers responded to the home on a report of someone shot. They found Holloway unresponsive in a hallway. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene. Mauldin said the killing appears to be domestic in nature. Authorities have not disclosed the relationship between Jones and Holloway but said the children in the home at the time of the fatal shooting were under the age of 12 and were Holloways kids. Detectives presented information gathered on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office for review and obtained a capital murder warrant for Jones. The charge is capital because the children were present when Holloway was killed. Jones will be held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail. Four men are to appear in court charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs as part of a crackdown on paramilitary crime. They were arrested this week as part of a paramilitary crime task force investigation into the organised crime activities of the South East Antrim UDA (SEA UDA). The men will appear before Belfast Laganside Magistrates Court on Thursday. They were among five men arrested on Tuesday by National Crime Agency and Police Service of Northern Ireland officers during a series of raids in the Carrickfergus area. The arrests relate to the seizure of more than one kilo of cocaine found following searches of two parked cars and nearby land in the Greenisland area of County Antrim in November 2020. The fifth man has been released pending a report to the PPS. The arrests this week were described by investigators as a hugely significant operation to disrupt drug dealing by a paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. The suspects, aged between 33 and 43, were all held on suspicion of conspiring to supply class A drugs on Tuesday during raids in the Carrickfergus area. The operation run by the paramilitary crime task force (PCTF) involved more than 80 officers, including from the National Crime Agency and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). It is part of a long-running investigation into alleged organised crime activities by paramilitary group the South East Antrim UDA. To view this content, you'll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here to do so. The group is a breakaway faction of the UDA and is suspected of being heavily involved in criminality including several murders in recent years. NCA deputy director of investigations Craig Naylor said: This operation is hugely significant and we believe it will have substantially disrupted the drug dealing activities of the South East Antrim UDA. The investigation will continue with the evidence we have retrieved. The SEA UDA have long been known to be involved in many forms of organised criminality, doing untold damage to the community and exerting fear in neighbourhoods. Working with our partners in the PCTF we are determined to do all we can to bring that to an end. The arrests related to the discovery of more than one kilogram of cocaine that was found during searches of two cars and land in the Greenisland area of County Antrim in November 2020. Police Service of Northern Irelands head of criminal investigations branch Detective Chief Superintendent John McVea said: Working with our partners in the paramilitary crime task force, we are committed to continuing to target the organised criminality associated with all paramilitary gangs who exploit their local communities to cause harm and create fear. Todays search and arrest operation is a significant milestone in an investigation into the drug dealing activities of the South East Antrim UDA. The harm caused by illegal drugs to individuals and communities is evident. Drugs cause nothing but destruction and distress, not only to the people who take them, but also to their families who deal with the heartbreaking fallout associated with drugs, including death, spiralling debts and intimidation. Criminals who supply illegal drugs dont care who they harm in the process of making money to line their own pockets and fund other paramilitary activities. About 200,000 British Columbians deemed to be "clinically extremely vulnerable" will be able to get their COVID-19 vaccination shot sooner than expected, the provincial government announced Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Likud Party has won the largest number of seats, but without gaining the 61-seat majority needed to form a coalition government. His political opponents, a diverse collection of right-wing and nominally centre, and left-wing parties, are likewise unlikely to be able to form a majority. Naftali Bennetts right-wing Yamina (seven seats) and Mansour Abbass Islamist United Arab List party (six seats) have yet to declare their support, making them potential kingmakers in coalition negotiations. Benjamin Netanyahu [Photo: Office of the Israeli Prime Minister] With some 10 percent of the votethe double-sealed ballots of soldiers, prisoners and COVID patientsstill to be counted in an electoral system that requires parties to achieve at least 3.25 percent of the vote to enter parliament and allocates the number of seats in proportion to the number of votes, the final result is not expected until Thursday evening. It seems likely that Israel is set for weeks of political horse trading, while the possibility of an unprecedented fifth election next autumn cannot be ruled out. The unclear result in Israels fourth election in two years reflects the ongoing fragmentation and stampede to the right of Israeli politics, with the explicitly right-wing and far-right forcesbitterly divided among themselves over their support for or opposition to Netanyahuwinning 72 seats in the 120 seat Knesset. The centrist parties won 25 seats and the nominal lefts, Labour and Meretz, focusing heavily on identity politics, increased their seats to 12. The result testifies to the profound political crisis of the Israeli state and the absence of any means within the political establishment for the working class, Jewish and Arab, to express its social concerns and interests. While the economic circumstances are different, courtesy of its paymaster in Washington, the only democracy in the Middle East is no more able to agree a functioning government than its northern neighbour, Lebanon. Tuesdays election followed the collapse of Netanyahus national emergency coalition with former Israel Defence Forces chief of staff Benny Gantzs Blue and White Party. Gantz had fought three elections opposing Netanyahus continued premiership, who will shortly appear in court to defend himself against numerous corruption charges over attempts to secure favourable media coverage, only to be bought off with Netanyahus promise of a rotating premiership, splitting his own party and political bloc in the process. Such was the distrust between the various coalition members that the cabinet rarely met and had failed to agree the appointment of the state attorney, senior officials at the justice and finance ministries and other positions. But it was the failure to set a two-year budgetIsrael has now been without a budget for more than two yearsas agreed in the coalition agreement, that triggered the election. While 30+ parties, many led by Likud dissidents or politicians who had previously served under Netanyahu, contested the elections, none of themright, left, or centrehad any substantive differences with Netanyahu. The election was therefore a choice between a diverse grouping of right-wing oppositionists or a far-right incumbent in cahoots with outright fascists, religious bigots and Jewish supremacists. Once the count is confirmed, President Reuven Rivlin will meet the leaders of the various parliamentary parties and choose the party leader with the best chance of forming a stable majority coalition. If unable to form a government in 42 days, Rivlin can designate another leader to form a government. If that too fails, yet another election must be held. The turnout, at 67 percent, was the lowest since 2009, with far fewer Arab citizens voting. According to Haaretzs latest figures, Likud has won 30 seats and the religious parties Shas, United Torah Judaism and Religious Zionism have won nine, seven and six seats respectively. Of those opposed to Netanyahu, Yesh Atid has won 17 seats, Blue and White eight, Israel Beiteinu and Labour seven each, New Hope six, Meretz five and the Arab Joint List six. It is a measure of the rightward lurch of official politics and the collapse of what passes for the left that the fascistic Religious Zionism won almost as many seats as Labour, the founding party of the State of Israel that governed the country for 30 years. Religious Zionism is part of Netanyahus far-right alliance that also includes the openly racist Jewish Powerthe political heir of Meir Kahanes Kach party that was banned as a terrorist organizationand the ultra-conservative religious and homophobic Noam. Religious Zionism advocates the expulsion of the Palestinian population, violence against Arabs and the eradication of secularism and intermarriage. Should Netanyahu be able to form a government, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Religious Zionisms number three, will likely be given a ministerial position, alongside the alliances leader, Bezalel Smotrich. A lawyer, Ben Gvir is best known for defending settlers accused of Jewish terror attacks and hate crimes against Palestinians and for representing Lehava, an organization that fights Jewish intermarriage with non-Jews. These are the forces Netanyahu depends on for a majority, in his bid to acquire parliamentary immunity, neuter the judiciary and the Supreme Court and avoid trial and likely imprisonment, as Israel lurches to ever more authoritarian forms of rule. Netanyahu has previously railed against Israels Palestinian citizens, about one fifth of the population, denouncing them for voting in droves and enacting the Jewish Nation-State Law that enshrined their second-class citizen status. But despite his denials this does not fully exclude striking a deal with the United Arab List, which has recently cooperated with the government in the Knesset and split from the Joint Arab List, calling for more policing to prevent crime in Arab towns and villages. Yair Lapid, leader of the nominally centrist and opposition party Yesh Atid, has indicated his willingness to rely on the Joint Arab Lists support in a future coalition, which would be the first time a Palestinian party has ever been part of a governing coalition. Absent from the campaign was any discussion about the long-running conflict with the Palestinians, the creeping de facto annexation of the West Bank, or the economic and social catastrophe facing the working class. Some 17 percent of Israelis were unemployed in February as Netanyahu reopened the economy to ensure a feel good election. According to a recent Israel Democracy Institute survey, only 24 percent of Israelis viewed the governments handling of the public health crisis positively, with even fewer approving its measures to mitigate economic and social fallout. Instead, Netanyahu focused his campaign almost exclusively on a massive vaccine rollout, bought at enormous cost to the taxpayer, in which around 5.2 million Israelis have received their first shot and 4.2 million (46 percent of the population) the second shot. This election, Netanyahu found himself without open political support from the incoming Biden administration in the US, unlike Donald Trumps numerous political gifts. Trumps support included recognizing Israels sovereignty over Syrias Golan Heights captured in 1967, moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, launching the deal of the century that ignored the Palestinians, sanctioning Israels annexation of 30 percent of the West Bank, and the facilitating of the Abraham Accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. Biden supported Israel against the International Criminal Courts announcement that it would open an investigation into war crimes against Gaza and the Palestinians. But the Democrats clearly hoped for a more reliable Middle East partner to emerge out of the election. It took President Biden four weeks from taking office before he finally rang Netanyahu, whose intimate association with Trump is a problem domestically, but by no means an insuperable one. Louisiana will receive more coronavirus vaccine doses than ever next week, according to a spokesperson for the governor. UPDATE: COVID vaccines will be available to all Louisianans 16 and older next week Christina Stephens, a spokesperson for Gov. John Bel Edwards, shared the news on Twitter on Wednesday morning. Edwards is holding a 2:30 p.m. press conference to address the latest news on COVID vaccines and the ongoing response to the pandemic. .@LouisianaGov participated in this call. This is very good news -- Louisiana will see more doses than ever next week. The Governor and @JoeKanter will brief the media at 2:30 p.m. about COVID-19 in Louisiana and how we continue to move forward. Stream: https://t.co/J4JPzDlctT https://t.co/rgCN5QWLlJ Christina Stephens (@CEStephens) March 24, 2021 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 White House COVID-19 Response Team had shared in a tweet Wednesday morning that 27 million vaccine doses will be distributed this week. "That means that in just 62 days, weve more than tripled vaccine output -- going from 8.6 million doses to 27 million doses per week," the tweet read. Louisiana will be one of 9 states where anyone can get a COVID vaccine; here are the others When Louisiana opened eligibility for the coronavirus vaccines to anyone over 16 starting Monday, March 29, it joined a small but growing numb Edwards participated in an early phone call about the dose expansion, Stephens confirmed. "This is very good news -- Louisiana will see more doses than ever next week," Stephens tweeted. Watch the latest on the pandemic response in Louisiana at 2:30 p.m. Can't see the module below? Click here. India and Pakistan: Indus water panel holds meeting by Kallol Bhattacherjee March 24,2021 | Source: The Hindu After a gap of more than two and half years Indian and Pakistani delegations on Monday began the 116th Meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission here. The meeting which coincided with the National Day of Pakistan is being viewed as part of the broader process of normalisation of bilateral ties between the two neighbours. The two-day meeting of the Commission is being led on the Indian side by Indus Water Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena. The Pakistani delegation is led by Pakistan's Commissioner for Indus Waters Syed Mohammad Mehr Ali Shah. The last meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission was held on August 29, 2018. Hours after the conclusion of the first day's meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind greeted Pakistan on the occasion of its National Day which marks the March 23, 1940 Lahore Resolution which paved the way for the creation of Pakistan. At an event to mark the National Day, organised in the Pakistan High Commission, Aftab Hasan Khan, Charge'd Affaires, said, Pakistan wants to have friendly relations with all countries including India. To achieve peace between India and Pakistan both countries shall resolve all outstanding issues. The positive backdrop of the talks between the two delegation has indicated that the interaction is likely supported by the reported back channel talks that are taking place between India and Pakistan. The Hindu has reported earlier that the United Arab Emirates is playing a role in connecting India and Pakistan through back channel negotiations. The issue, however, did not draw a response from the Ministry of External Affairs. The ground of the Temple of Justice took the center stage Tuesday, March 23, 2021 when some citizens of Lofa County under the banner Friends of Samukai ( FOS) stromed the ground and presented US$10.000 (ten thousand united states dollars) check to the court as initial payment of the US$1.5 Million their senator-elect was hooked for by the court. Mr. Samukai, Liberia's longest serving Defense Minister along with Joseph F. Johnson, former Deputy Minister for Administration and J. Nyumah Dorkor, former Comptroller were all found guilty in March 2020, but took an appeal to the Supreme Court, a ruling which was upheld by the nation highest court. Criminal Court 'C' Judge Yamie Gbeisay sentenced Samukai and his deputy to two years imprisonment but with a condition to restitute US$1.3 million over a one-year period or risk jail sentence. The Lofa citizens presented the sum of ten thousands United States dollars to the clerk of Criminal Court "C" as part of their senator-elect 50 percent share of the US$1.4 Million Armed Forces of Liberia personnel fund stolen by he and his three associates. Speaking to Judicial Reporters after the presentation of the money on Tuesday, the former Lofa County superintendent Galapa W. Kortimai said they as citizens of the county have decided to aid the former Defense Minister and Senator-elect of the County restitute his 50 percent share of the money hooked for by the court. According to the report, the former Defense Minister is to pay 50 percent of the amount hooked for by the court totaling US$ 382,00 expected to be restituted by him (Samukai). Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Liberia Governance Legal Affairs By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Kortimai mentioned that as citizens of Lofa County, they will stand by Senator-elect Samukai to ensure he is being certificated by the National Elections Commission and assume office. The former superintendent indicated that the check that was presented to the court was collected from farmers, market Women, Motorcyclists and students from the Lofa county and others Country in solidity with Samukai. He asserted that Lofa is bleeding because their county is not represented at the National Legislature due to the delay of the NEC to certificate Samukai who was massively voted by the citizens to run the affairs of the county for the next nine years. "Some part of last month, we had a rally in which we collected this money that was presented to the court today," he added. He disclosed that similar amount will be paid to the court every week since according to him, they could not get those contributions that were made by partisans of the former ruling establishment that are based in the USA due to the banking issue in the country. Receiving the check from the friends of Samukai, one of Counsel for Brownie Samukai's lawyers Rufus Wiefueh Sayeeh added that his client is willing to pay the money as evidenced by the move of the citizens of the county. Cllr. Sayeeh noted that he's going to present the check to the Court for receipt to that effect. Cllr. Sayeeh said that his client is law abiding. The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (Aemps) has ordered the withdrawal of all units a batch of tablets used to treat heartburn and other conditions from the market. The affected batch is 911064 of Rabeprazole Pensa 20 mg gastro-resistant tablets EFG, manufactured by Specifer SA and marketed by Pensa Pharma SAU, with an expiry date of 09/30/2021 - which is being recalled for being "out of specifications in stability studies." The regulator has asked the autonomous regions to monitor the withdrawal of the tablets. Rabeprazole is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers in the stomach or upper intestine and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. According to the Drug Information Cente (Cima), these tablets belong to a group of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors, which work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. Pioneer Press obtained a copy of the indictment and it alleges that Zimmerman committed both official misconduct and theft during two separate time periods. The first was between Oct. 22, 2019 and Jan. 31, 2020. The second time was between Aug. 7, 2020 and Aug. 28, 2020, according to the five-page court document. [March 24, 2021] Colfondos Selects Charles River to Scale for Growth Charles River Development, a State Street company, today announced that Colfondos S.A. Pensiones y Cesantias (Colfondos), one of Colombia's largest pension funds, has selected the cloud-based Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) to manage their domestic and global equity and fixed income portfolios on a consolidated front and middle office platform. Charles River enables Colfondos to meet the bespoke demands of their investment process and automate support across asset classes for the geographies they invest in. Colfondos will be able to enter new markets in Chile and Peru at enterprise scale, leveraging Charles River's open architecture platform and interoperability with an ecosystem of liquidity, data and regulatory reporting providers. "Charles River's scalability and ability to handle Latin America workflows and asset classes enables us to automate processes and grow assets and accounts under management," said Andres Lozano, Chief Investment Officer, Colfondos. "Charles River's local support teams and expertise in Latin America markets was key to our decision to adopt their platform." "For over 20 years, Charles River has maintained a strong presence in Latin America supporting our growing client base," said Matt Daly, Managing Director, Charles River Development. "Our SaaS-deployed platform, built on Microsoft (News - Alert) Azure, enables firms to expand their regional footprint, service new asset classes and address regulatory data residency requirements." Investment managers, pensions, private banks, wealth managers and insurance companies in Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Panama currently manage over USD$350 billion on Charles River IMS. About Colfondos Colfondos S.A. Pensiones y Cesantias operates as a pension fund manager. The Company manages pension and investment funds with total AUMs of USD 13.2 BN and has close to 3 mm clients. Colfondos is the third largest private pension fund in Colombia. About Charles River, A State Street Company Investment firms, asset owners, wealth managers, hedge funds and insurers in more than 30 countries rely on Charles River's front and middle office investment management platform to manage more than US$30 Trillion (News - Alert) in assets. Together with State Street's middle and back office capabilities, Charles River's cloud-deployed software technology forms the foundation of State Street Alpha?. The Charles River Investment Management Solution (Charles River IMS) is designed to automate and simplify the institutional investment process across asset classes, from portfolio management and risk analytics through trading and post-trade settlement, with integrated compliance and managed data throughout. Charles River's growing partner ecosystem enables clients to seamlessly access external data and analytics, applications and liquidity venues that support the unique demands of their product and asset class mix. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, we serve clients globally with more than 1,000 employees in 11 regional offices. (Statistics as of as of February 2021) About State Street Corporation State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) is one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors including investment servicing, investment management and investment research and trading. With $38.8 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration and $3.5 trillion* in assets under management as of December 31, 2020, State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs approximately 39,000 worldwide. For more information, visit State Street's website at www.statestreet.com. *Assets under management as of December 31, 2020 includes approximately $75 billion of assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Global Advisors are affiliated. 2021 State Street Corporation - All Rights Reserved State Street Corporation, One Lincoln St, Boston MA 02111 3490586.1.1.GBL. Disclaimer: Charles River Development - A State Street Company is a wholly owned business of State Street Corporation (incorporated in Massachusetts). This document and information herein (together, the "Content") is subject to change without notice based on market and other conditions and may not reflect the views of State Street Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ("State Street"). The Content is provided only for general informational, illustrative, and/or marketing purposes, or in connection with exploratory conversations; it does not take into account any client or prospects particular investment or other financial objectives or strategies, nor any client's legal, regulatory, tax or accounting status, nor does it purport to be comprehensive or intended to replace the exercise of a client or prospects own careful independent review regarding any corresponding investment or other financial decision. The Content does not constitute investment research or legal, regulatory, investment, tax or accounting advice and is not an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities or any other product, nor is it intended to constitute any binding contractual arrangement or commitment by State Street of any kind. The Content provided was prepared and obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time of preparation, however it is provided "as-is" and State Street makes no guarantee, representation, or warranty of any kind including, without limitation, as to its accuracy, suitability, timeliness, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights, or otherwise. State Street disclaims all liability, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, for any claims, losses, liabilities, damages (including direct, indirect, special or consequential), expenses or costs arising from or connected with the Content. The Content is not intended for retail clients or for distribution to, and may not be relied upon by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation. The Content provided may contain certain statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements; any such statements or forecasted information are not guarantees or reliable indicators for future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those depicted or projected. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No permission is granted to reprint, sell, copy, distribute, or modify the Content in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of State Street. The offer or sale of any of these products and services in your jurisdiction is subject to the receipt by State Street of such internal and external approvals as it deems necessary in its sole discretion. Please contact your sales representative for further information. State Street may from time to time, as principal or agent, for its own account or for those of its clients, have positions in and/or actively trade in financial instruments or other products identical to or economically related to those discussed in this communication. State Street may have a commercial relationship with issuers of financial instruments or other products discussed in this communication 2021 STATE STREET CORPORATION View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210324005510/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Coronavirus cases among healthcare workers declined dramatically after staff got their first vaccine dose, two new studies have found. In one study of employees at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2.6 percent of all workers who were unvaccinated tested positive for COVID-19 compared to 1.82 percent of those given their first shot, a drop of 31 percent. That same study also found that just 0.05 percent of those who received both doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Modena vaccine were later infected. In another study of frontline workers in California, only 0.13 percent contracted the virus, known as SARS-CoV-2, after being fully immunized. 'Right now, as the weeks go by, we see more and more that not only are these vaccines efficacious but, in the community, they are extremely effective in preventing infection with SARS-CoV-2,' Dr Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said at a press conference on Wednesday. 'It's a real proof-positive of the importance of vaccination.' Just 0.05% of workers at the University of Texas Southwestern who received both doses of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the Modena vaccine later tested positive for COVID-19 Data showed that from January 9 onward (blue line), the number of positive tests among UTSW employees was lower than the number projected without vaccination (black line) For the first study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a team from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), in Dallas, looked at vaccinations among their frontline workers. Data was available for more than 23,300 workers eligible to be immunized between December 15, 2020 and January 28, 2021. A total of 59 percent received at least dose of the Pfizer vaccine during that time period and 30 percent were given both doses. During that month-and-half, 320 of the eligible employees, 1.5 percent, tested positive for coronavirus. About 2.6 percent of the not vaccinated group was infected. This fell to 1.82 percent among the group that received one dose. However, of those who were fully immunized just four out of more than 8,100 were infected, representing just 0.05 percent of the group. What's more, from January 9 onward, the number of positive tests among UTSW employees was lower than the number projected without vaccination. 'The effect of vaccination on the preservation of our workforce has been dramatic. We observed a greater than 90 percent decrease in the number of employees who are either in isolation or quarantine,' the authors wrote. 'Real-world experience with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination at UTSW has shown a marked reduction in the incidence of infections among employees. This decrease has preserved the workforce when it was most needed.' In the second study, also published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a group of researchers in California looked at vaccinated healthcare workers in the state. In a second study, only 0.13% of frontline workers in California who were fully immunized tested positive for coronavirus. Pictured: Frontline medical workers receive the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 at the Virginia Hospital Center, December 2020 So far, 83.9 million Americans - 25.3% of the population - have received at least one dose and 45.5 million - 13.7%- are fully immunized Data was available for employees at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between December 16, 2020 and February 9, 2021. More than 36,600 frontline workers received the first dose either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, and more than 28,184 - 77 percent - received the second dose. Among the vaccinated employees, 379 people tested positive for the virus at least one day after getting their first dose. About 0.9 percent of all people who receive one dose were infected, and most of the infections occurred within the first week, meaning they had likely already contracted the virus before being vaccinated. Thirty-seven people were infected with COVID-19 after the second dose, meaning just 0.13 percent of all people fully inoculated fell ill. What's more, after two weeks, the general amount of time it takes for the virus to build up antibodies, just seven of the fully immunized group tested positive. 'The rarity of positive test results 14 days after administration of the second dose of vaccine is encouraging and suggests that the efficacy of these vaccines is maintained outside the trial setting,' the authors wrote. 'These data underscore the critical importance of continued public health mitigation measures (masking, physical distancing, daily symptom screening, and regular testing), even in environments with a high incidence of vaccination, until herd immunity is reached at large.' So far, 83.9 million Americans - 25.3 percent of the population - have received at least one dose and 45.5 million - 13.7 percent - are fully immunized. New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during his campaign rally on Wednesday (March 24) said that his party AIADMK candidates are "ISI certified" whereas the opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidates are "duplicate". "Our AIADMK candidates are ISI certified but their candidates (DMK) are duplicate. Voters should not believe in duplicate," Palaniswami was quoted as saying by ANI. During his campaigning for AIADMK candidate and state minister MR Vijayabhaskar in Karur, Palaniswami said, "Vijayabhaskar is easily accessible to people. Amma (Jayalalithaa) gave him the post of transport minister. He has been working for the upliftment of people in this constituency. Karur is an AIADMK fort." "Many party leaders lived, died and have been forgotten but our leaders MGR and Jayalalitha still lives in the hearts of people because of their work and schemes," the CM added. Mounting an attack on the DMK leader Senthil Balaji, contesting against Vijayabhaskar in the Karur constituency, Palaniswami claimed that it was because of his "corruption" Amma kicked him out of the party. Senthil Balaji tried to topple our government. History always showed that `Dharma` always wins. Senthil Balaji has switched to 5 parties until now MDMK, AIADMK, DMK, Ammk, now again to DMK," he further said. Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 will take place in a single phase on April 6 for 234 seats while the counting will be on May 2. Congress-DMK and BJP-AIADMK alliance will face each other in the upcoming elections. Live TV Midland Public Schools students will be starting the 2021-22 school year the third week of August and finishing before Memorial Day, if the school board approves the draft calendar agreed upon by the district and the teachers union and released to the public on Tuesday. The school board is expected to vote on the draft calendar at its Monday, April 19 meeting. Under the draft calendar, school would start on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, a week earlier than it started in 2020. The first semester would end on Wednesday, Dec. 22 (the last day before winter break), and the second semester would start when students return from the break on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. Spring break would last from Saturday, March 26, 2022 through Sunday, April 3. The school year would end on Friday, May 27, 2022. MPS Superintendent Michael Sharrow said that future MPS calendars will also be patterned after this one, which is a departure from the past model in which the first semester would always end in mid-January. "There were two rationales on the (changes in the) calendar," Sharrow said. "Both of them revolve around what makes better education sense for the kids. "The vast majority of our kids are back involved in school activities in the first or second week of August," he continued. "So we thought, why not start the education component of (the school year early) as well. Thats been our argument to the state legislature for years. Thats whey theyve given us the flexibility to start school before Labor Day." As for moving the semester transition earlier, the superintendent said it makes more sense to have semester exams right before the long winter break instead of after it. "Ending the semester (before the break) makes sense. Being off for two weeks and then going to school for eight days and then having exams (is not preferable)," Sharrow said. He noted that the first semester will be 83 days and the second semester 97 days for a total of 180 days and 1,098 hours of instruction, which meets the state requirement. "The first semester is a few days shorter, but the second semester is filled with state testing. So it balances out well for the teachers," Sharrow said. The Midland City Education Association approved the 2021-22 draft calendar last week as part of ratifying the new collective bargaining agreement with MPS, Sharrow said. "That's why we were able to release (the calendar) tentatively," he said. Sharrow anticipates that the seven-member school board will approve the draft calendar on April 19. "We think we created a very good calendar, educationally," he said. Graduation details In other MPS news, Sharrow announced in his weekly email communique on Monday the plans for the two high school graduation ceremonies on Thursday, May 27 at Dow Diamond. Midland High's graduation will be at 4:30 p.m., and Dow High's graduation will be at 7:30 p.m. Based on the state's updated COVID-19 guidelines from last week, gatherings in outdoor stadiums are now allowed at up to 20% capacity. Accordingly, each each graduate will be allowed two guest tickets for in-person attendance. MPS releases statement condemning violence against Asian Pacific Americans Also on Monday, Sharrow sent out a special edition communique entitled "Midland Public Schools Statement Regarding Recent Violence Toward Asian Pacific Americans In the United States." The statement reads, in part: "(In) recent reports in the news, and most specifically this past week with the violence in the Atlanta area, we have been learning about reports of increased crimes against Asian Pacific Americans across the United States. Midland Public Schools denounces these racially-charged actions against Asian Pacific Americans." The full statement can be read at this link: Special edition communique Finding Opportunities That Shouldn't Exist March 24, 2021 In his quest to make an impact, Devin Gund has a knack for finding opportunities that shouldnt exist. As a freshman at Carnegie Mellon, he got an internship with Apple the old-fashioned way, talking with a recruiter at a career fair. He became, to his knowledge, the first student to double-major in Electrical and Computer Engineering and International Relations and Politics. He convinced an Air Force Reserve recruiter to give him a shot at becoming an intelligence officer, a challenging path for a civilian. Gund, who graduated in 2018, is now a software engineer at Apple, working in their smart home division, and an Air Force Reserve intelligence officer. His experiences to date have given him a sense of purpose and resolve when times are tough. In the midst of this pandemic and unprecedented attacks on our institutions, through misinformation and now through physical attacks like the tragedy that occurred at the Capitol, I want to inspire others in my generation to become more involved and invested in our country rather than withdrawing, Gund said. Our obligations to ourselves as well as others demand sacrifice and commitment to the public good, and we all have unique skills to contribute. Gund went to high school in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and was 15 when Hurricane Irene hit in 2011. Connecticut doesnt get many hurricanes. The power was out for a week, phone lines were down, and no one knew what was going on. Gund had been teaching himself Objective-C, a programming language for iPhones, and built an app called myRPS that allowed Ridgefield Public Schools to communicate with the community. Gund liked the idea of using coding, a free resource that requires only time and training, to solve problems. He chose Carnegie Mellon because he wanted to further his problem-solving ability by studying computer engineering. I basically want to build things that help other people, he said. Theres a lot of problems out in the world. There always will be. If I can use my problem-solving skills to help those grander problems on the world stage, then Im really interested in doing that. With help from Institute for Politics and Strategy Deputy Director Emily Half, Gund played some Tetris with his Advanced Placement and foreign-language credits and added International Relations and Politics as an additional major. His favorite IRP class was Comparative Politics, which gave him a granular look at countries that he still uses today in his intelligence work. You dont look at a country at a high level, he said. You say, whos in charge of the country? Whos in the cabinet? What are they interested in? What are the people interested in? What does the environment give you in terms of, what can they make, what do they have to import, how do they travel? And that gives you a really, really good idea about how the country works. Gund wanted the experience of working in government, so he participated in the Carnegie Mellon University Washington Semester Program during the fall of his senior year. He interned at the Securities and Exchange Commission and helped revamp their Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) program, through which companies submit their filings to the SEC. It was really neat for me because it was at the intersection of policy we need to consider all these stakeholders within the SEC and outside the SEC and what it should do but also I got to use a little bit of my technical background with cybersecurity and technical design, Gund said. We could tell the leadership at the SEC, I know you want this; heres what can actually be done. Silicon Valleys innovative tech culture enthralled Gund, and he knew he wanted to work at Apple because of their craftsmanship and values. He wasn't sure why he broke through at the career fair, but he thought his history of building apps helped, and he focused on the daunting task of interviewing as a freshman. After two phone interviews did not result in offers, the third one did, with Apples smart home technology division. It ended up being the perfect fit: He spent three summers there and now works in the department full-time, creating Apples smart home ecosystem. It can be more eco-friendly, he said. You can have your thermostat know when you arent home and stop using energy. You can have your lights turn off if you left them on, but left the house. In the future, people will realize that its better for them and its better for the planet, and its really more convenient for everyone. At some point well look back and say, wow, that was crazy that everything was so manual back in the day. Gund loves his job at Apple, but he retained his commitment to public service and missed foreign affairs, so he worked hard to earn a role with the Air Force that fulfilled both. When the recruiter told Gund that commissioning as an officer and working in intelligence would be challenging without prior military experience, Gund said, Well, Im definitely willing to try. He performed well on some tests. Some units saw his Carnegie Mellon degree and thought hed be a good candidate. He had a shot. Gund attended the Air Forces Officer Training School and the Intelligence Officer Course. His courses, projects, and exercises drew from classified, real-world information, and he learned how to research, synthesize, assess, and brief. He now has top secret clearance and works out of Beale Air Force Base, about three hours north of Silicon Valley, one weekend a month. Carnegie Mellon helped open the door for Gund, and he advised others to take advantage of what it has to offer, specifically the Washington Semester Program. When you go to DC, youre going to actually be involved in it, he said. Youre going to be in the middle of it. Youre going to be hearing from people coming in to lecture you that work at Congress, or agencies, or think tanks, or outside institutions, and youll probably have an internship in one of those places, too. Its a great place to apply what youve learned and immerse yourself. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Kathleen Folbigg, jailed for killing her four children, has failed to get dismissed a former senior judge's report that concluded her guilt was 'even more certain' following a special review. Former NSW District Court chief judge Reginald Blanch QC in 2019 found significant investigations had failed to find a reasonable natural explanation for any of the deaths of Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura, who all died before their second birthday in the decade to 1999. Folbigg's own explanations and behaviour in respect of her diaries, which weren't available in any of the mother's criminal appeals, made 'her guilt of these offences even more certain', Mr Blanch concluded. Kathleen Folbigg, jailed for killing her four children, heard her appeal dismissed on Wednesday She was also found guilty of the manslaughter of her first child, Caleb (left), who was 19 days old when he died in Newcastle in 1989. Patrick Folbigg pictured right But the jailed woman challenged the conclusions in the NSW Court of Appeal, claiming Mr Blanch had failed in the obligation to conduct an inquiry about the potential for the deaths to have been natural. The court on Wednesday dismissed her judicial review application and ordered she pay the state's legal costs for February's two-day hearing. Written reasons will be published later in the day. Folbigg moved her eyes towards the ceiling as she watched the court hand down its decision via video link from prison. Her lawyer had told the court in February there was evidence that Caleb potentially died in 1989 of a floppy larynx - undermining Mr Blanch's conclusion that there was no identifiable natural cause of Caleb's death. Folbigg was jailed in 2003 for at least 25 years for murdering her children Patrick, Sarah (right) and Laura (left) - aged from eight months to 19 months - between 1991 and 1999 Folbigg, who has already served 18 of a minimum 25-year jail term, lost three appeals against conviction, including one in the High Court in the mid-2000s Jeremy Morris SC also suggested Folbigg's contemporaneous diaries had only been read from the perspective the mother was guilty. Folbigg, who has already served 18 of a minimum 25-year jail term, lost three appeals against conviction, including one in the High Court in the mid-2000s. Her supporters say Sarah, Laura and their mother share a genetic mutation that has been linked to sudden deaths in young children - a theory Mr Blanch concluded didn't raise reasonable doubt. Three weeks ago, a group of prominent scientists put their name to a petition calling for a pardon and Folbigg's immediate release, saying the genetic data was compelling evidence she did not kill her children. The list of 90 scientists included Australian Academy of Science president John Shine, epidemiologist Professor Fiona Stanley, Nobel laureate Professor Peter Doherty and former chief scientist Professor Ian Chubb. 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Kim Yo Jongs statement was issued as Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Asia for talks with U.S. allies Japan and South Korea about North Korea and other regional issues. Former President Donald Trump, who met with Kim Jong Un three times during his four years in office, was the first U.S. president to set foot on North Korean soil. Pyongyang appears to have not conducted any nuclear or long-range missile tests since 2017. 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.